Archive of Our Own

Red lipstick.

Zayne found it hidden under loose change and random receipts in the center console while looking for a phone charger. 

His heart drummed violently against his chest as he held it up. It looked used based on the casing and a few dried tint by the base. 

It only meant one thing: someone was here. 

When he saw Sylus stepping out of the convenience store, Zayne almost dropped the lipstick, but he caught it quickly and hid it in his coat pocket. 

Zayne breathed in, trying to calm himself, calm the storm brewing in his heart and mind. Sylus would definitely give him an explanation if he asked, right? 

Right? 

But as Sylus entered the car, Zayne didn't say anything else because, in all honesty, he was scared of what his answer might be.

“My place?” Sylus asked, putting away the stuff he bought in the backseat. 

“Mhmm.” Zayne nodded, fumbling with his seatbelt. His hand trembled, missing the latch.

“You okay, love?” Sylus asked, gently putting his hand over Zayne's and helping him buckle his seatbelt. 

Zayne looked up and then nodded, “Yup, just cold…” He forced a smile, glad that Sylus had somehow not seen his uneasiness. 

Sylus smiled, squeezing his hand before letting go. 

The ride back to Sylus’s house was quiet, the total opposite of the chaos inside Zayne's mind. 

Whose lipstick was that? Has Sylus been driving someone around? He couldn’t recall any female friend bold enough to wear red lipstick, let alone be this messy as to leave their lipstick in Sylus’s car, so who was it? 

Zayne took a small glance at Sylus, his heart slowly breaking. 

During dinner, Zayne could barely appreciate the food in his mouth. He picked at it with his fork, forcing bites down just so Sylus wouldn’t notice. 

But of course, Sylus always paid attention to him. 

“You’re quiet tonight,” Sylus said, sipping his wine. “Long day?”

Zayne nodded, “Four surgeries.” 

Sylus studied him for a moment longer before letting it drop, though Zayne could feel the weight of his gaze long after.

The evening passed by in a blur, and Zayne found himself seated on the bed, his back pressed against the headboard. His eyes were trained on the book he was holding, but his mind was on the lipstick in his nightstand drawer, exhausting Zayne from holding it all in.

Sylus exited the bathroom moments later, wearing nothing but his red robe. The mattress dipped as he climbed next to Zayne, his arms snaking around his waist as he nuzzled his face in the crook of Zayne’s neck. 

“Hey,” Sylus greeted, voice husky. He kissed his neck, then his jaw. Making his way up to his ear. “I missed you, sweetness.” 

Usually, Zayne would immediately abandon his book and allow himself to drown in Sylus’s kisses, but tonight, he couldn’t. 

And when Sylus turned his face to kiss him properly, his body seemed to be too distracted; his lips responded, but his mind was somewhere else. 

Sylus pulled back, red irises looking at him full of worry, “What’s wrong?” 

“Nothing’s wrong.” Zayne hated how fast he responded. 

“You aren’t kissing me back. Everything okay, sweetness?”

“I am kissing you back,” 

“No, you aren’t.” Sylus sat up straight, gently taking the book away from Zayne before cupping his chin with one hand, forcing their eyes to meet. 

“I can tell that your mind is running wild right now. Tell me.”

Zayne looked into Sylus’s eyes - the same kind eyes he had fallen for a year ago. The same eyes that still gazed at him as if he were the most priceless painting Sylus had ever had. He also hated how his tone was commanding and, at the same time, warm. 

“The lipstick,” he began, “in your car. Whose is it, Sylus?”

The room went silent. Zayne’s stomach churned uncomfortably as he ready himself for the inevitable. 

“Lipstick…” 

“Yes, lipstick.” Zayne repeated, annoyed at how clueless Sylus sounded. He pulled back, turning to grab the lipstick from the nightstand and showing it to Sylus. 

“This. Whose this?! I found it in your car.” 

Sylus stared at the lipstick in his hand. 

Silence meant a lot of things, and right now, Zayne’s chest was twisting with the worst possible conclusions. 

And then Sylus let out a small chuckle. 

Zayne’s lips parted in disbelief, his grip on the lipstick tightening. “You think this is some kind of joke?” He threw the lipstick on Sylus’s lap, “If you want to cheat, you should at least be better at covering your tracks.”

“Sweetness, it’s not what you think.” 

Zayne let out a humorless laugh, “You sound like every cliche cheater ever.” 

Sylus sighed, “Zayne.” 

“What is it, Sylus? Because I’m holding a used lipstick and we know well we don’t use one, so whose is it? Who have you been driving around?”

Sylus’s eyes softened, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He picked up the said lipstick on his lap, examining it.

His calmness infuriated Zayne further. 

“You really think I’d cheat on you?” Sylus asked, amused. “And leave a lipstick as evidence in my car? You should know by now how good I am at hiding stuff no one else could find.” 

Zayne’s frown deepened, “That’s not funny, Sylus.” 

Syus leaned back against the headboard, twirling the lipstick between his fingers like he wasn’t holding the weapon that nearly gutted Zayne’s heart. “First of all, I’d never cheat on you. I’ll be the biggest fool if I ever even think of wanting someone else. Second…” His red eyes softened with amusement. “This is Rafayel’s.”

Zayne blinked. “…What?”

Sylus tilted the lipstick toward him. “He’s been experimenting with painting using lipsticks. We bumped into each other when I went to grab some food for you the other week.” His gaze lingered on the tube, a dry sigh escaping him. “He had me drop him off at his studio after, and this must’ve slipped out.”

“It’s Rafayel’s?” Zayne's brows furrowed. 

Sylus made his point by twisting the tube open. The tip of the lipstick was mangled, uneven, as if savaged by a paintbrush. The sight spoke for itself.

“Mm. That man treats his supplies like disposable toys.” Sylus teased, closing the cap and sliding it back to Zayne’s hand.

“I told him he’s wasting a lot of money by buying branded lipstick, but who would’ve known his little experiment nearly cost me my boyfriend’s trust.”

Zayne’s chest tightened; the jealousy and anger in him slipping away, replaced by shame and embarrassment for having unleashed all his emotions on Sylus. He was a composed man, but somehow, Sylus brought out all of him in ways Zayne wasn’t even aware he was capable of - good or bad.

He opened his mouth, but then closed it again. Not really knowing what to say next. 

Sylus arched a brow, clearly enjoying himself now. “Don’t tell me that you’ve spent the entire night jealous of Rafayel’s art supplies? Sweetness, you wound me. Do you truly think so little of me?”

“I—” 

Sylus let out an exaggerated sigh, tilting his head back before smirking at Zayne. He wanted to wipe that teasing grin, but the shame still lingered in him, and all the doctor could do was to press back against the headboard as Sylus decreased the space between them. 

“This thing has been bothering you all evening, hm?” Sylus’s voice was low and thick; his eyes looked into him, into his heart and soul. Zayne couldn’t help but pout lightly, looking down at the lipstick in his hand.  

His lover’s rich chuckle echoed, and Zayne’s gaze went back to Sylus as the other got hold of his chin. 

“Love,” Sylus called out, his thumb brushing over Zayne’s lower lip. “If you ever feel like something isn’t right, or even if it makes you uneasy to the slightest. Tell me. Don’t hide it from me. I’d rather you accuse me right away than not know what’s wrong.”

Sylus’s voice was soft, and so were his eyes.

“I’m sorry…” Zayne finally spoke, closing his eyes as Sylus leaned forward, dropping a chaste kiss on his lips.

“It’s okay, just next time please tell me, okay? The last thing I’d ever want is to hurt you and not even know I’m doing it.”

Zayne nodded, feeling Sylus kiss his nose and then his forehead. 

“Now that we've got that settled, I’m still hurt how you easily think I could cheat on you.” There wasn’t any malice in his voice, only mock offense. Zayne knew by the smirk on his face that he wouldn't escape without some teasing from his lover. 

Zayne gently pushed Sylus’s face away from him, the other laughing, his hands circling Zayne’s waist. 

“I said I was sorry– Sylus!” Zayne yelped as Sylus suddenly pulled him down by the waist and tugged him down onto the mattress. Zayne slid down, his back against the sheets, staring up at Sylus in surprise as his lover swung one leg over until he was straddling Zayne’s lap, hands pinning his wrists above him. 

His lover’s movement caused his robe to slightly open, giving Zayne a glimpse of Sylus’s toned body. Zayne couldn’t help but gulp as Sylus slowly leaned down, his lips ghosting just above Zayne’s. 

“Sweetness, a simple sorry doesn’t quite make up for doubting me.” 

“Sylus…” Zayne whimpered, sounding a bit pathetic as he writhed underneath him. Sylus only smirked, settling his weight comfortably on his thighs before sitting up straight. 

“Watching you squirm gave me an idea.”

Zayne’s hands were no longer restrained, but he remained still - a shiver running up his spine as he silently anticipated what Sylus had for him. 

“Sylus,” Zayne warned. He knew what that meant. Sylus wanted to tease him, bring him to the edge to the point Zayne would beg messily. 

He watched intently as Sylus ignored him, his hand finding purchase on the abandoned lipstick. Sylus removed the cap, twisting it open. 

“Rafayel said he barely used this shade of red due to it being plain boring. But I think it's pretty, especially on your skin.”

Before Zayne could say anything, Sylus pressed the stick to his own lips, dragging it across slowly until his mouth was painted. He rubbed them together, humming in satisfaction as his eyes stayed locked on Zayne.

Something stirred in the pit of Zayne’s stomach at the sight of Sylus’s lips, the red pigment smudging just beyond their outline but still looking so fucking irresistible.

“Now…” Sylus whispered, leaning down until his lips hovered just above Zayne’s throat. “Let’s give justice to this color, hm?” 

The first kiss landed on the side of his neck - warm and heavy on his skin, leaving a perfect red imprint. Zayne groaned, closing his eyes as Sylus kissed his way up to his jaw and under his ear. 

“Cute…” Sylus whispered, breath hot and heavy, which made Zayne bite his lower lip. 

He then felt his lips on his cheek and side of his mouth before moving lower, raining faint kisses down his neck and collarbone. Sylus swiftly but gently removed his shirt, his lips automatically pressed against his chest, leaving messy stains of want and possession.

Zayne’s breath hitched as Sylus kissed the skin below his right pec, his nipple reacting to the touch, causing Sylus to chuckle before running his tongue over it. 

“Sylus!” 

“Look at you,” Sylus began as he kissed his sternum, “So beautiful,” Sylus said in between leaving red marks all over his chest - to his pecs, below his armpit, his sides, and abdomen. He pulled back after, admiring his handiwork. By now, Zayne’s heart drummed violently against his chest, his breathing becoming erratic by the second.

“I could do this all night,” 

“No, don’t.” 

“Hm? You don’t get a say in your punishment.” Sylus smirked, grabbing the lipstick again and applying another layer on his lips messily. 

“Liking the color on me, doc?”

“It’s hot.” It seemed like his brain-to-mouth filter wasn’t working properly with how desirable Sylus looked while putting on lipstick. He quickly shut his mouth, Sylus’s deep laughter echoing, making his skin burn with the need for Sylus to touch and kiss him all over. 

“Caught yourself, did you?” Sylus drawled, his voice low and teasing as he tossed the lipstick somewhere. “Too late. I heard it loud and clear. Maybe this lipstick thing should become our little weekly ritual, hm?”

“No-” Zayne’s breath faltered as Sylus resumed kissing all over Zayne’s lower abdomen. 

“You’re hard with just a few kisses?” Sylus purred, circling Zayne’s belly button with the tip of his tongue. 

“Shut up,” Zayne said without venom, couldn’t do anything but look away as Sylus hooked his fingers in the waistband of his sweats, tugging them low enough to expose his hips but not low enough to free his already aching cock. 

Sylus pressed a kiss against the hollow of his V-line, leaving a crimson mark that stood out against his skin. 

“As I leave kisses all over you, may this be a reminder to you-” Sylus murmured huskily as he kissed dangerously close to where Zayne needed him most. “-that you are a piece of art meant to be adored by me. I’ll be your loyal painter, promising to keep you loved and beautiful.” 

Zayne knew Sylus could be poetic at times, but whenever he was like this, using his words like vows, he had him melting completely at his mercy. His body and heart ached more from the man above him. 

“There’s no one else but you…” Sylus muttered, drawing his pants past his thighs, brushing his lips over Zayne’s hipbone once the sweats pooled at his ankles. He kissed him there again, another blood-red stain pressed against sensitive skin, before looking up with a devilish smirk.

Without waiting for any response, Sylus sat up, discarding the sweats as he took in the sight of Zayne in his naked glory. Zayne wanted to scurry away, always feeling so vulnerable under those mesmerizing carmine eyes, but Sylus grabbed hold and lifted his right leg, kissing his ankle all the way to his calf. 

“Sy…” Zayne felt a jolt of pleasure up his spine, his cock twitching as he watched Sylus kiss his way up to the side of his knee, darting his tongue out to lick a patch of his skin, nipping and gently scraping his teeth before moving to his other leg to do the same. 

Kiss and bite marks littered all over his legs down to his thighs. By the time Zayne had his legs spread with Sylus’s face near his cock, the pigment of the lipstick on his lips thinned, but it didn’t stop Sylus from ghosting it on his inner thigh.  

His hips buckled, only to be pinned down by Sylus’s hands, holding him in place as he pressed torturously sweet kisses along his inner thighs.

“Sylus, love… please,” Zayne whimpered, one hand coming down to grasp Sylus’s hair as the other went for Sylus’s hand - the other immediately intertwining their fingers. 

“So needy,” Sylus hummed low against his thigh, making him squirm. His teeth sank into the tender skin of Zayne’s inner thigh, pulling a strained, pained moan from his lips. Then Sylus’s tongue followed, slow and deliberate, lapping over the mark. 

"Sylus, please- ahh!” Zayne let out a broken gasp, his back arching as Sylus ran his tongue on the underside of his cock, pressing it down on his abdomen before sucking on the tip. His grip on Sylus’s hair tightened, eyes closing shut as the warm, wet cavern of his lover’s mouth finally engulfed him. 

Zayne’s mouth fell open, helpless to the ruthless pace his lover set. Sylus’s tongue felt too good. 

“Love…” Zayne’s thighs trembled as Sylus let go of his hand to caress his inner thigh, urging him to spread his legs wider for better access. And Zayne did, moaning out as the tip of his cock hit the back of Sylus’s throat again. Again and again. 

“Ohh, hnghh,” The doctor’s mouth fell open, heat pooling in his abdomen as he gripped onto Sylus’s hair tighter. He absentmindedly began to fuck his lover’s mouth, loving the slick feel of saliva trickling down his balls mixed with his precome. 

But of course, his lover had to be the biggest tease as he suddenly pulled back, a frustrated groan escaping Zayne’s lips. 

Hazy emerald eyes gazed down at Sylus, his hand on his white locks, urging him to continue. Sylus gave him a smirk, wrapping his hand around Zayne’s cock as he leaned up to claim Zayne’s lips. 

“Mhmm–” Zayne’s lips parted, immediately filled by Sylus’s tongue tangling with his. The kiss was messy and desperate, everything he needed, while Sylus’s hand worked him closer and closer to the edge.

He wrapped his arms around Sylus’s neck, pulling his lover closer. “Sy… I’m close.” He managed to mutter in between their kiss, eyes rolling back as Sylus tightened his grip on his shaft, thumb teasing the tip. 

“Come for me then,” 

With a few more jerks, Zayne’s body arched, thighs trembling as he spilled into Sylus’s hand and his abdomen. 

“Haaa, hnghh,” Zayne gasped, ropes of cum still spilling from his cock as Sylus stroked him mercilessly. Red irises locked onto his face, hungry and unrelenting, catching every twitch, every tremor of Zayne's body.

“Look at me,”

And Zayne did. 

And he watched as Sylus brought his stained hand up to his lips, licking his cum off his fingers.

Sylus smirked, “Never doubt me again, sweetness. You’re the only one I’ll ever want.” He pressed a messy kiss against Zayne’s lips, smearing the remaining lipstick. Zayne hummed, one leg wrapping around Sylus's waist. As their kiss slowly deepened once more, the phone inside Sylus’s room rang, its sound loud and obnoxious. 

The white haired man grunted, ignoring it as Zayne was now helping him remove his robe. It wasn’t until he was on top of Zayne again that the ringing stopped and Rafayel’s voice echoed.

“Sylus! I think one of my lipsticks rolled off in your car. You'd better call me back and tell me if you found it--”

Sylus sighed, getting off of Zayne for a moment to reach down near his nightstand and pull out the wire free, disconnecting the call with a final tug.

Zayne tugged him back on top of him, chuckling. “Poor Rafa. He has no idea what you’re really using his lipstick for.”

“He’ll live. Now, where were we?” Sylus leaned down and kissed him, his robe completely falling off.