Steven didn't get home early. He didn't end up finishing until almost eleven.

He dragged himself out of his chair, accidentally knocking over the photo of Ruby. "Shit" he muttered, picking up the photo. He ran his hand over the glass to make sure it wasn't broken. He sighed, relieved. He walked out of the room and took the elevator down. It was so quiet, but he was used to it. He generally didn't finish a day at work until it was way after closing. He set the security code and locked the doors on his way out.

He breathed in the pleasant night air. It was nice, the opposite of air conditioned air. He wanted to be outside forever, never having to go back inside a building. He walked back home. He wondered if Ruby would be waiting.

He opened the door. Both Riley and Ruby were lying on the lounge fast asleep. Steven smiled, and looked at the TV that was still on. He didn't know the show, he gathered they had fallen asleep way before it. On the table was a note from Ruby.

Pizza in the fridge

Love you,

Ruby

He smiled at the loopy love heart Ruby had scrawled after his name. He set the note down and walked to the fridge. He could see two empty pizza boxes in the bin. He gathered there would be a few slices left, but was surprised when there was a whole pizza. He smiled and grabbed a few slices. He started eating one of the slices, throwing the others onto a plate. He walked into the lounge room and looked at Ruby. He was the most beautiful person I'm the whole world. He sat on the arm of the chair and placed the plate in his lap, his hand wandering to Ruby's face. He stroked Ruby's fringe back from his face, his fingers running over the scar.

Riley stirred and looked around. "Oh, Steven" he smiled. "Welcome home. I thought… that someone was in here." He sat up straight. "I didn't think I could wake up because it's been a while since I slept inside" he chuckled. He stretched his arms up and stood up. "Sorry."

"Don't apologize."

"I just felt like I was ruining a moment between you two."

"It's hardly a moment. Ruby is asleep."

Riley nodded.

"Second door on the right. If you need another blanket there is one in the cupboard."

"Thank you."

"No worries. If you get too hot there is also a fan in the cupboard."

"Thank you Steven. I just want to say Ruby is great company. But I was hoping you could take the day off tomorrow to spend with him. I think it would be good for him."

Steven bit his lip. "I do have a meeting, but I could be home early."

"I just think he really misses you."

Steven nodded. "I miss him so much."

Riley nodded. "I know. I'll probably head off early tomorrow. Is there anything I can do to help out before I go?"

"Don't be ridiculous. It's fine."

"Thank you." He walked down to the bedroom.

Steven looked back at Ruby. The teen was still asleep. He must have been tired. He picked the teen up and carefully carried him back to the bedroom so as to not wake him. He lay him down in bed, taking off his slippers.

Ruby curled into the blankets and pillows. Steven was sure he could hear him mumbling something.

He leaned closer to hear, but nothing more was spoken. He smiled and changed into his pyjamas. He lay in bed next to Ruby and pulled the teen close to him.

Ruby woke up, feeling confused. "Steven?" he mumbled, wondering how he had gotten into the bedroom. He propped himself up on his elbows, yawned, and sat up. He brushed Steven's fringe back from his face and smiled. He was handsome even when he slept.

He climbed out of bed and walked down to the kitchen.

"Oh, good morning" Riley smiled. He set the coffee mug down on the bench. "How did you sleep?"

"Well. You?"

"Really well" he smiled. "It's not often I sleep in a bed" he added, chuckling.

"But don't you live with Byron?"

Riley sighed. "I would really like to. We have our good days. We have been together for… over ten years… but these days it doesn't feel like we are in a relationship at all."

Ruby frowned. "How-?"

"It's hard to explain. After a while we just… started growing apart and now we just spend time together when… it's just up to me. If I initiate it, we will do something. If I say nothing, we don't do anything. Maybe we are just getting to that stage… where we are too old. I mean, Bryon has a son who is several years older than you. He is a gym leader back in Sinnoh. But I think the problem is, we are both getting older… and I think we are just too complacent in our relationship. We have been together so long that we are just happy with the others company."

"Hmm…. I wonder if Steven and I will ever have that…" he felt uncomfortable with the idea. He felt that they were close enough not to have any problems.

"I am sure you won't" smiled Riley.

Ruby nodded. Hopefully…

Riley rinsed the coffee mug out. "Well, thank you for having me. And thank Steven for me, please?"

"Of course."

"Thank you. I hope you and Steven make it to Sinnoh soon. I will be glad to see you when I do." He pulled Ruby into a hug. "It's been nice to spend time with you."

Ruby was surprised by the hug. Riley didn't really seem the 'hugging' type, but Ruby returned the hug.

Riley let go, his hands setting on Ruby's shoulders. "Keep well, okay?"

Ruby nodded. "You too."

Riley smiled. "Good. I will see you around." He walked outside.

Ruby stood still for a few seconds, confused about Riley's sudden… change. He shrugged it off and made a coffee for Steven and walked back to the bedroom.

Steven was propped up by pillows reading something on the company PokéNav. He looked up at Ruby when he entered the room.

Ruby set the coffee down on the bedside table and climbed onto Steven's lap, straddling Steven's thighs. "I love you" he said quietly, nuzzling against his cheek.

Steven smiled, setting the PokéNav aside. "You're awfully affectionate this morning" he chuckled.

Ruby shrugged and kissed him.

Steven ran his hands up Ruby's back. "You look so beautiful."

Ruby smiled and ran his fingers through Steven's hair. "I love you."

"I love you too."

"Steven-"

Steven's PokéNav rang. He sighed and looked at the screen. He groaned. "They are requesting I move my meeting early." He sighed and rubbed his temples. "Well, how about I come home early and we pick up where we left off?" he smiled.

Ruby sat on the bed next to Steven. "Yeah, whatever. Have a good day."

Steven frowned. "I'm sorry."

Ruby nodded. He hated being second to Steven's work, and he knew he was being childish because Steven's job was important. Steven would always make more money than Ruby ever would grooming pokémon…

Steven leaned over and kissed Ruby's cheek. "I am sorry. Soon I will be able to spend as much time with you as I can. Or, as much as you would like" he smiled.

Ruby sighed. He shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "I know. I'll see you when you get back from work."

"Are you sure you're okay?"

He nodded. "Yeah. I love you Steven. I know that work is important. But hopefully we will be in Sinnoh soon."

"Hopefully" Steven agreed.

Ruby got up. "Well, I may as well get some cleaning done today. I will see you later."

Steven got changed.

"Actually, I think I will work on your suit today. I am almost done."

"You are?"

Ruby nodded. "Yeah. I started it in between clients when I was grooming."

"Hand sewn?"

"Well, not exactly, that is what I am going to do today. I just had all the pieces cut out."

"It sounds like a lot of hard work. To make clothes, that is."

"Hm… perhaps, but I don't think it is. I guess I just enjoy every step of the process. I love seeing my clothes from start to finish. Buying material, getting the right colours and textures… and then cutting out the pieces I need and sewing and every part of it is wonderful!"

Steven chuckled. He fixed his tie. "Well, I am off. I'll see you when I get home." He kissed Ruby's cheek.

Ruby kissed him back. "I love you."

Steven smiled. "I love you too." He picked up his bag and walked outside.

Ruby sighed and walked into the spare room where he had set up his sewing machine. He opened the bag where he had stored Steven's suit pieces. It wouldn't take him long to finish it now he had started. He looked at the pieces and double checked the pieces of cloth for any imperfections. Happy with the work he had done, he started up the sewing machine. He pushed his glasses up his nose and started pressing the material through the machine.

After he had finished the jacket he hung it up and looked at it. He smiled. It looked beautiful. He just had to pick the right buttons. He checked all the stitching, and, once happy with it, returned to the machine and started sewing the pants. The machine jammed. "Fuck" he groaned, stopping the machine. He looked at the pants and unpicked the stitching. He looked at the material for any flaws. He saw a small torn hole in the inner seam. He folded the material and saw that it would be inside the seam, which relieved him. He smiled, sighing softly. "Phew."

He started sewing the pants again with no problems. "There we go" he murmured as he sewed the zip onto the pants. His only problem was the lack of buttons he had to finish the items. He hadn't seen any he had liked when he had looked previously, but he thought he may as well take a break and get lunch. He showered, dressed and left the house, Nana happily trotting after him.

"Steel buttons" he said to Nana. "That is what I am looking for." Nana rushed ahead. "Nana!" he scolded. "You can't be running off!" Then he realised that Nana had run all the way to Devon Corp. "You know… where Steven works?"

She walked inside and sat patiently at the doorway.

He followed her in and walked into the reception.

"Ruby" smiled a blonde receptionist. "Steven is in his office, please feel free to visit him."

"Oh… okay." He walked over to the elevator and stepped inside. He pressed the button for the top floor and the doors closed. He breathed in and out loudly as the elevator climbed its way to Steven's office. What would Steven think of him visiting him at work? Would he even want to see him? The doors opened and Ruby made his way across to Steven's office.

He looked in, seeing Steven looking at his computer, and made his way in silently.

Steven looked up and grinned. "Ruby" he smiled. "I always wanted to see you while I was at work" he admitted.

Ruby smiled shyly. "Well… I'm here now" he giggled.

Steven smiled. "C'mere."

Ruby walked over and sat on the desk in front of Steven. "Wow, its' really something seeing you here in this office." He looked at the picture Steven had of him on his desk. He looked back at Steven.

"Ruby-"

Ruby grabbed Steven's tie and pulled him into a kiss. "Steven, let's do it. Before anyone comes up here."

Steven moaned.

Ruby smiled. "Guessing you have been fantasizing about this, huh?"

Steven's cheeks turned pink. "A little, I guess" he admitted.

Ruby kissed him again, unbuttoning Steven's pants and pulling them down. "Are you going to undress me?" he asked coyly.

Steven nodded and pulled Ruby's baggy harem pants down. "I love these pants on you… but I think I like them a little more not on you."

Ruby squealed. "Yeah?"

Steven chuckled. "Yeah."

"Okay." Ruby pulled his singlet up when Steven stopped him. Ruby frowned. "What-?"

"I really, really love that singlet on you. I love that it shows off your collarbone that way."

Ruby smiled. "Okay."

Steven kissed Ruby's neck, causing Ruby to feel his dick harden. He blushed and rubbed his crotch against Steven's leg. "I am so ready" he moaned.

Steven nodded. He ran his hands up Ruby's torso. "Give me a second."

Ruby leaned forward and looked at Steven's cock.

Steven flushed a deep red. "I can get it up."

Ruby blushed. "Oh… I um…"

"I don't have lube here" Steven said bluntly.

Ruby groaned. "I am not having dry sex."

"I don't expect you to. I will go down on you instead."

Ruby felt excited. "Really?" he breathed.

Steven nodded. "Sure will." He kneeled at his desk.

Ruby looked down at him. "I am so excited" he admitted.

Steven chuckled. "Well, I hope I do okay."

Ruby nodded. "You will."

Steven held Ruby's cock and slowly pumped up and down. He kissed the tip softly.

Ruby smiled and ran his hands through Steven's hair. "Mm" he breathed.

Steven had never gone down on anyone before, so he wasn't exactly sure what he was doing. He carefully took Ruby's cock in his mouth, making sure his teeth were out of the way. He found it awkward to get a technique going, so he looked up at Ruby.

Ruby nodded. "You're doing well Steven" he smiled encouragingly, his chest rising and falling quickly.

Ruby watched Steven bob up and down on his cock. He never realised how good it felt to actually receive this. Giving it sucked, literally, but this felt nice. He moaned and ran his fingers through Steven's hair. "Mm… yeah" he smiled. "Steven, I might have to have you do this more often."

Steven took that as a good sign. He started to fondle Ruby's balls, wondering how Ruby managed to keep some sort of rhythm going when he did this.

Ruby leaned his head back, breathing heavily. He wouldn't last much longer. He moaned and come.

Steven immediately pulled back in surprise, ending up receiving a facial. He looked horrified.

"Sorry, that was quicker than I expected" Ruby admitted.

"That's okay. I guess that means I did okay?"

"Sure does" Ruby kissed him. "That was really great."

Steven smiled. "I'm glad."

He grabbed a few tissues and wiped Steven's face. "I don't feel like going down on you, but I will jerk you off. How's that?"

Steven chuckled. "That's fine. I would also like to say sucking dick is actually harder than it looks, so I just want you to know I appreciate every time you've gone down on me and I always enjoyed it."

Ruby chuckled. "Thank you. I like hearing that my dick sucking skills are okay."

Steven rolled his eyes. "Ruby-"

Ruby shushed him and wrapped his slender fingers around Steven's shaft. "I hope I make this feel good" he said softly.

Steven smiled. "You'll be fine."

Ruby was jolted by a loud knock on the door. "Oh" he whispered.

Steven blushed bright red, pushing Ruby under the desk and passing him his pants. "Y-yes?" he stammered, quickly fixing up his own pants.

The door opened. Ruby could feel his heart beat faster and faster. He was so nervous. But he wouldn't get caught.

"Steven, how is everything going?"

Mr. Stone?

"Hi dad" said a flustered sounding Steven. "What brings you here?"

"Just thought I'd come check up on you. Make sure everything is going okay. It is, isn't it?"

"Yeah, everything is fine" he said.

Ruby looked at Steven's crotch. There wasn't a hell of a lot else to look at under the desk, and he noticed that Steven was still hard. Gosh this must be the most unpleasant thing ever.

"How is your boyfriend?" Mr. Stone asked.

Ruby thought that was odd. Did he really think that much about Steven's relationship?

"He is great dad."

Ruby smiled.

"Good. So, he hasn't got sick of you and left?"

"Ruby isn't like that."

"Well, I don't know him that well, but he did seem like a great kid when I interviewed him for you."

"And nothing has changed. Except he isn't a kid."

"Yes, yes, of course Steven. Anyway, I was just hoping you would be able to attend a meeting for Devon. It's in Johto and they asked me to attend, but I told them that you were the President now-"

"Yes, of course I will go" said Steven. This was perfect. He could just stay in Johto, do some caving there as an excuse to get out of work for a while after that meeting. This was excellent! He couldn't wait to tell Ruby. Wait… Ruby was still under the desk. He would have probably guessed by now. Not that that muttered, after they were in Johto, it would be so simple to just say they were going to Sinnoh. Then he could spend time there… even if it was just for a week or two. That would make him feel better than if he had no time to go away.

"Well, you're probably busy Steven, I will leave now, but just call me if there is any troubles, okay?"

"Sure will. Thanks dad."

"Okay. I'll see you later Steven."

"Bye dad."

Footsteps faded and the door closed.

Ruby popped his head up between Steven's legs. "Coast is clear right" he joked, pushing his glasses up his nose.

Steven smiled. "It sure is."

Ruby undid Steve's zipper and pulled his dick out. "I'll go down on you. It will be cleaner."

"Only if you want."

"I am happy too."

Ruby finished sewing the buttons onto Steven's new jacket. He held it up. Every part of it was perfect. The lining, the details and the brand new buttons pulled the whole jacket together. He hung the jacket up next to the finished pants. He was so proud that he had gotten them finished. All he wanted to do was see Steven. Fingers crossed he would be home soon.

He made his way to the kitchen, his stomach rumbling. He threw together a salad and set one aside for Steven. He sat in the lounge, Nana lying next to him, Kiki lying on the adjacent lounge. "You guys are so lazy" he joked, looking at his oh-so-sleepy pokémon. "We will have to start training again." He chuckled, noticing the surprised expressions on their faces.

The door opened and Steven walked in. "Finally home. Good timing too. It just started to rain."

"Is it really?"

Steven nodded.

"Dinner is on the counter."

"Thanks Ruby."

"You're welcome. I have something else for you too."

"What is it?" he asked curiously.

"After dinner."

He raised a brow. "Okay." He walked into the kitchen.

Ruby smiled and set his bowl down. He walked outside. The rain was getting pretty heavy. He shrugged and walked back inside. Not a lot he could about it.

Steven watched him curiously. "What are you doing?"

"I was going to do laundry tomorrow."

"It might dry up for then. Otherwise use the clothes dryer."

Ruby nodded.

Steven finished his salad. "Are you going to finish yours?"

Ruby shook his head. "Not feeling hungry."

"Good. I'm starving." Steven picked up Ruby's salad and ate it too. "Okay, that should do me" he chuckled. "Now, what is it-?"

Ruby chuckled. "This way." He smiled, walking to the sewing room. They walked inside, Ruby grabbed Steven's hand, dragging him to the wardrobe. "I finished your suit!" he grinned.

Steven grinned. "You did?"

Ruby nodded. "I did." He passed the clothes to Steven. "Try them on. Please."

Steven nodded. "Okay." He set the clothes on Ruby's desk and undressed, re-dressing in the suit.

Ruby gasped. "It's too big" he squeaked out.

"No. It's perfect" Steven beamed. "This suit is beautiful Ruby. I will wear it to the Johto conference. By the way, you will be joining me in Johto, right?"

"Yes! I love Johto! It's my home."

Steven smiled. "Excellent." He undressed carefully, hanging the suit back up. "You did a wonderful job."

"Thank you. I am glad you like it."

He hugged him. "I love it." He kissed him. "I love you more though."

Ruby giggled. "I would hope so!" he kissed Steven's cheek. "I'm going to bed now. I'll see you in the morning."

"Okay. Good night."

"You're not joining?"

"I have work emails-"

"Are you fucking kidding me? You just left work."

"I know. I didn't finish everything I was meant to because I wanted to come home and see you."

Ruby sighed. He walked over to Steven and hugged him. "I am sorry. I… I'm sorry I can't help."

Steven kissed him. "Don't worry about it."

"You're working way too much. I hope get to take some time off." He kissed Steven.

"I will plan something nice for both of us one day. I promise."

Ruby smiled. "I know. I love you." He wrapped his Mrs around Steven. "I love you so much. Maybe we can do something exciting in Johto" he smiled.

Steven smiled. "Absolutely. Promise."

Ruby chuckled. "Night Steven."

Steven pulled him close and kissed him. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Ruby nodded. "See you then." He walked down to the bedroom. He didn't feel dejected, he understood that Steven was busy. He was even starting to feel that moving back to Sinnoh wouldn't help. Steven would be busy regardless of where they lived.

He changed into his pyjamas and lay in bed.

What if he was right? What if they did move and Steven was so busy that they didn't spend any more time together than they did now? What if it was the opposite of what they wanted?

He sighed. He couldn't push the thoughts from his mind. He wanted to believe deep down that the changes they made would be for the better. He curled up on his side and closed his eyes.