Authors Note: Thanks to Gex-1539 for proofing this.

Disclaimer: Halo, Sangheili, Rtas, Thel/Arbiter and other canon characters belong to Bungie Studios/343 Industries. However, Original Characters, like Zeno, belong to me.

Chapter 13: Playtime

Sani walked with a brisk pace as he headed back to the Ambassador suite, eager to get home. Well, technically it wasn't home since he hadn't officially moved in yet, but he stayed there most nights anyway. How could he not? He loved Zeno with all his hearts.

Hard to believe we have only known each other for almost three months, Sani thought with a smile as he reached the suite and typed in the pass code for the door. Zeno had told him earlier in the day that he had something to show him when he arrived and his hearts were hammering with anticipation. He almost didn't even bother to stop by his apartment to change into casual clothing first: he only did so because he knew trying to cuddle in the new full set of armor Zeno had commissioned for him was awkward.

"Ah, just in time, sweet," Zeno's cheerful voice greeted him as he opened the door. "I just finished setting up."

"Just what are you up to?" Sani said as he looked around. He didn't see anything different at first glance in the living room.

"Mmm, you will see soon enough," Zeno said, smiling. "But first, let's eat."

Dinner consisted of a single large plate full of various earthen meats cut into bite-sized pieces in a slightly tangy sauce. That in on itself wasn't too new, as Zeno had ordered it before, but the addition of a table cloth and a pair of tall, lit candles was. Sani couldn't help but chuckle as he sat down: he knew what had to have brought this on.

"Been reading up on human traditions again, love?" he asked. "This time on romance and courtship?"

"Guilty as charged," Zeno said. "Just trying to keep thing interesting for us."

"Am I getting boring for you already?" Sani said in a teasing tone. "My, not even three months yet!"

Zeno laughed heartily. "Certainly not, my sweet! I just like to try things."

"Indeed. Makes me curious as to what else you will experiment with."

"Even I cannot tell you that: a lot of that is usually…spur of the moment."

"Well, in that case, things certainly should not get dull between us anytime soon."

"Indeed."

They took their time eating, wanting to savor the finely cooked meal. There was little chatter, besides some giggling when they fed one another off their own utensils. When they were done, they cuddled for a bit on the balcony, letting their meal digest before heading for bed. It was upon entering the bedroom that Sani saw a major difference.

The two single beds had been removed and replaced by a Sangheilian style double bed. Unlike human beds, it was bowl shaped, with one side lower than the other for ease of entry and exit. The bedding looked to be traditional materials from Sanghelios, though the pillows were human. Still, it was a pleasant surprise overall: no more crowding into a small, human designed bed for them!

"What do you think?" Zeno asked.

"Took you long enough," Sani replied, a slight nagging tone in his voice as he put his hands on his hips, though he was smiling.

"Was not easy getting one of these things shipped here," Zeno admitted. "Been trying on and off since I arrived here. I guess the quartermasters did not think it was a priority item…."

"Well, it is here now," Sani said, giving him a lick on the cheek. "And I am sure we will have lots of time to enjoy it."

"Indeed. Go on ahead and get in, I want to wash up a bit first before joining you."

"One of these days I will bathe with you," Sani said as Zeno walked into the bathroom.

"Yes, indeed…and a part of me cannot wait for when that day comes."

Sani smiled at the thought as he watched the bathroom door close. He then stripped off his clothing and climbed into their new bed, loving the feel of the soft bedding underneath him. As he lay there, he started wondering what mating was truly like: he was not a virgin unfortunately, thanks to Runi, and his past experiences were all negative. He really wanted a positive mating experience and he knew Zeno would give that to him, when they were both ready for it.

His wondering turned to fantasizing, which in turn quickly started becoming erotic. Images of Zeno mounting him and filling his body with pleasure flashed through his mind, causing a reaction with his physical body. He didn't even realize just how his daydreaming was affecting him until Zeno returned.

"Oh my," Zeno's voice cooed, breaking his daydream. "I certainly hope you were thinking about me."

Sani blinked at him, then looked down at himself and his eyed widened to see his erect shaft. "Oh my…," Sani breathed, feeling himself turn purple from embarrassment. "I…I really got myself worked up didn't I?"

"Yes, indeed. Not that there is anything wrong with that of course." Zeno removed the towel that was around his waist and slid into bed next to him.

"I-I think I should go take a quick cold shower before we settle in…," Sani said softly as he started to get out, but Zeno gently coaxed him back down.

"It would be a shame to waste such a beautiful thing….," Zeno said softly, running his fingers lightly down his chest.

Sani shuddered as Zeno's caress went past his chest and over his abdomen, just missing his still erect shaft. He realized quickly that his body was much more sensitive while he was aroused and every touch just made him want more. Zeno seemed willing to finally cross a line neither had wanted to cross before, but was he really ready for it? "I do not know, Zeno…," Sani gasped as Zeno licked his neck. "I-I do want it…but I am…."

"Afraid?" Zeno finished for him, Sani nodding in confirmation. "Do not worry. With your history I know better than to penetrate you on the first round. I know of other ways…to pleasure you…."

Sani was struck nearly speechless by the comment, before remembering that Zeno did have a real partner before him. Of course Zeno would know a lot more about the business of lovemaking and pleasuring someone: the thought made Sani very curious…and longing. "C-can you show me?" he asked, his voice quivering.

"Of course, my sweet," Zeno said with a smile. "I will take it slow and if you feel uncomfortable at anytime, just tell me to stop and I will, OK?"

Sani nodded vigorously in agreement.

Zeno smiled as he lightly stroked Sani's chest and belly, watching as the paler Sangheili trembled at his light touch. He hadn't planned on doing anything this intimate tonight, but when opportunity knocks as they say…provided Sani can handle it of course. Sani was rather receptive to this so far, but there was no telling how far he could comfortably go before things became too much.

So Zeno went slowly, sticking with the caresses for the time being. After a while, he added nuzzling and kissing to the mix, while continuing to caress him without touching his shaft. Sani was quite enjoying this, if his moaning and purring was any indication. He was getting frisky too, as Sani's hands were started to rub his back, hands that seemed to have some skill to them for this kind of foreplay themselves.

Better step it up, Zeno though with a purr. Before I get too distracted. With that thought, he stroked around Sani's shaft, teasingly, before finally caressing the shaft itself.

"Oh! Oooohh…," Sani gasped, followed by a few rapid pants. Zeno held his position, watching Sani's reaction carefully: it was quite obvious Sani had never been handled like this before.

"How does this feel?" Zeno asked him as he rubbed him up and down slowly. Sani only moaned in response, to which Zeno chuckled and licked him passionately. "This is nothing…wait until you feel what comes next."

So Zeno continued to work him: building him up, only to stop when Sani was about to release. He did this several times, each time allowing Sani to come closer to the brink. When he realized Sani could not take much more, he let him release.

Sani cried loudly, his back arching as he released. Zeno stayed with him, holding him close until he was finished and the crash came. He didn't care about the mess as he pulled him even closer, chest to chest, as Sani whimpered and panted, seemingly confused at what just happened. Zeno purred reassuringly, nuzzling and licking Sani's neck as the smaller Sangheili started to recover.

"Well?" Zeno asked when he felt Sani was recovered enough to speak.

"By the Spirits…," Sani panted. "I-I have never felt anything like that before…."

"I felt the same way, the first time it was done to me," Zeno admitted.

"It felt so wonderful…yet…I feel so tired now…."

"That is normal, especially for the first time," Zeno assured him. "Go ahead and sleep, my sweet. It has been a long day."

"But…what about you?" Sani asked, a hint of guilt in his voice. "It would not be fair if you did not…"

Zeno silenced him with a kiss before pulling the covers over them both. "Do not worry about me, sweet," he said softly, feeling sleep start to overcome him. "For tonight at least, that you enjoyed yourself is good enough for me."

The early next morning…

Sani yawned as he opened his eyes and looked at the time. Damn, over an hour early, he thought with a frown. Looking down, he saw that Zeno was still fast asleep and a smile creased his face as he remembered what they did, or more specifically, what Zeno did just before they fell asleep last night. A smile that turned into a frown when he remembered that he didn't get a chance to return the favor. Despite Zeno's assurances, he still felt guilty about it.

Maybe I can return it now, he thought as he glanced at the time again. Normally they woke up about an hour from now, which would give him plenty of time to have some fun. The problem, though, was that Sani felt reluctant to awaken Zeno for this: he looked so cute as he slept. Another problem was that even if he did awaken Zeno, he had no idea what to after that, particularly how to get Zeno aroused in the first place. Well, he did know one way, but he didn't feel like getting wet right now.

One thing at a time, Sani told himself as he leaned down and nuzzled Zeno's neck. Zeno moaned softly, but that was about it, so Sani tried nudging him on the face instead. Success, Zeno stirred and opened a sleepy eye to look at him.

"What is it, Sani?" Zeno asked groggily. "Something happen?"

"Not yet…," Sani said softly, feeling a little guilty about awakening him. "But I am hoping something could happen."

"Oh?" Zeno propped himself up on one elbow. "What would that be?"

Sani lowered his head, feeling the heat of a blush rise to his face. "I…I wanted to return the favor…you know…for what you did to me last night…."

"Now?" Zeno's eyes widened.

"It is only an hour before we normally get up…."

"An hour I usually sleep through…"

Sani winced, the tone of the comment suggesting that Zeno wasn't in the mood for any fun right now. "Forget it…," Sani muttered softly as he turned over so his back was to Zeno. "I…I will ask another time. Sorry for waking you…."

There was a very brief silence before Zeno spoke again. "Sani…I am sorry…that did not come out well at all." Sani felt a hand on his arm. "It is a rare individual that can think clearly when they first wake up and I am not one of those." There was another brief pause before Zeno added. "So…uh…what did you have in mind?"

Sani turned over so he was facing Zeno. "Are you sure, Zeno?" he asked. "I do not want to force you…."

"I denied you the opportunity last night, which was selfish of me. I want to make that up to you."

"A-alright…though I have no idea how to start this off," Sani admitted, blushing slightly.

"Well," Zeno said with a broad smile. "Think back on what I did to you last night."

"Yes, I remember that…but you had the advantage of me already being…um…erect."

"And you are going to let that little detail stop you?"

Sani blinked at him, then smiled. "Of course not."

With a chuckle, Zeno lay down on his back and put his hands behind his head. Sani removed the covers off him, then started to rub Zeno's chest, Zeno purring in approval. Encouraged, Sani started rubbing lower and lower, until he reached Zeno's groin. Now Zeno was moaning and it didn't take long for his shaft to emerge.

Oh my…, Sani thought when he saw the size of it. What am I going to do with this? Just stroking it didn't seem it would be enough to him and he was so worried about this that he stopped rubbing.

"Mmm, do not stop now," Zeno purred. "You are doing great."

Sani muttered an apology as he resumed stroking, only to stop again when he remembered something. Something that gave him an idea. "Zeno, sit up for me please," he said.

Zeno raised an eye ridge at him, but sat up as requested. Sani sat up himself and kissed him, the paler male's hands rubbing his chest again. "Mmm…do not neglect it now," Zeno teased. "It is feeling lonely already…."

Sani giggled faintly. "Do not worry, I will not. Keep your eyes closed for me, alright? And try to stay still…."

"Mmm…what are you plotting, my sweet?" Zeno said as he closed his eyes

"Something I hope will feel really good…." Was the only thing Sani said before Zeno felt his hand upon his shaft once more. A hand that was joined by something else, something wet.

"Oooh…," Zeno moaned, really liking this. "Licking me are you? Have not tried that before…."

Sani was apparently too focused on the task at hand, for he didn't answer. Zeno didn't mind though, as this felt amazing. As time went on though, he became aware that this licking wasn't quite 'normal': Sangheilian tongues cannot extend that far out of their mouths. Against Sani's request, Zeno opened an eye to see what exactly Sani was doing, only to snap both eyes open in shock.

All he saw was the back of Sani's neck and head over where his shaft should be, which meant only one thing. If he remembered right, the term the humans used for it was a 'blowjob', but the problem where was that Sangheili teeth were sharp, very sharp, and the thought of all those sharp teeth so close to his shaft was frightening. He had to fight the reflex to knock Sani away, his logical mind knowing that if he did that, some of those teeth would surely graze his member, at the very least.

You are ruining this for him, he told himself, taking a few deep breaths to calm himself. Sani, despite how frightening it was, was doing a very good job at not pricking him with his teeth and the longer he continued without doing so the more Zeno relaxed and started to enjoy this again. Soon he had his eyes closed again and had pretty much forgotten how Sani was doing this.

"Sa-Sani…I am going to…," Zeno moaned when he was about to hit the peak. He felt Sani stay put for a bit longer before pulling away and letting his hand finish him off. Zeno's release was intense, reminding him of how long it had been since he had done something like this. He felt Sani stay with him, holding him like Zeno held him last night. Finally it was over and Zeno curled up with Sani in his arms. "That…," he breathed, trying to catch his breath. "That was incredible…."

"Yes…but I could tell you peeked at one point," Sani said with a knowing smirk.

"How?"

"You shrank a bit."

Zeno blushed. "I admit I let my curiosity get the better of me."

"And you found out why I told you to keep your eyes closed."

"Heh, yeah…should have guessed it with you telling me that and to stay still and such. Where did you learn that anyway?"

At that Sani tucked his head under Zeno's chin and his tone was a mix of disgust and defiance. "Runi tried to force me to do that to him once, only it did not turn out so well…for him."

Zeno immediately could guess why. "You bit him…."

Sani giggled, only this giggle had a proud, slightly malicious tone. "Aye. It was the only time I resisted and he did not retaliate afterward. Runi never tried that stunt on me again and he actually stayed away from me for a whole week while he healed: it was a very good week for me…."

"Uh huh…mental note: do not have Sani give you a blowjob when he is mad at you."

Sani laughed heartily. "Oh Zeno, you do not have to worry about that. I would never intentionally bite you. Unless…you want me to…."

"Hell no…I am no masochist." They both shared a laugh at that.