Archive of Our Own ^beta

Vinnie’s fingers combed through the soft material adorning his torso, his expression a mix of frustration and reluctant contentment. He glanced from side to side, but all he saw was the familiar living room furniture. Good. He held up the collar of the colorful ruana and took a sniff, his eyes rolling backwards. Another sniff, another wave of soothing joy.

“I’m home!”

His eyes widened hearing the Spanish-accent filled voice, his hands shooting to grab the clothing’s hem instead. However, before he could really take it off his eyes met the yellow ones and he let go, letting the fabric fall back down in defeat.

“Uh, hi, Esteban.”

“Hi, Vinnie.”

“I thought you were going to be gone for longer…”

Esteban chuckled and sat down next to Vinnie, his arm reaching out to touch his boyfriend’s arm who flinched away. “Me too, but it seems I’ve been graced with some good fortune because there was not the usual queue in the store. I even managed to find those favorite energy drinks of yours.” 

His attention grabbed Vinnie's eyes sparked. “Really?”

“Mhm, they’re waiting in the bags. I was going to take care of them, but I could not ignore your current outfit. Quite eye-catching.”

“You’re the one who chose such a freaked thing, jackass…” Vinnie grunted and looked off to the side, but this time didn’t lean away when Esteban’s hand ran down his upper arm.

“Yes, but you’re the one choosing to wear it right now.” 

Vinnie stuttered for a second before settling on simply huffing and folding his arms.

“In fact, this is another time I catch you wearing it, you really seem to like it.”

“Yeah, well, it’s comfortable.”

“Well, I for once think you look adorable in it.” Before Vinnie knew it, he was placed on Esteban’s lap, narrowed eyes meeting his boyfriend’s.

“I for once think you should take care of those bags.”

“I will in a second, for now I want to take in the sight of you before you inevitably take my ruana off.” Esteban leaned to kiss Vinnie’s freckled cheek who once again chose to react by rolling his eyes. 

“I mean, it is yours.”

“It is, sí. I still say we should just buy you one, I know where to get good ones.”

“I don’t want a new one,” Vinnie grumbled grumpily.

“But why?” Esteban furrowed his brows. “You keep saying that and I just don’t understand.”

“Yeah, I get that a lot.”

Esteban chuckled. “My poor misunderstood, Vinnie.” He caressed the side of his face making Vinnie flail his hand dramatically. “But I want to understand. I could get you one that looks exactly the same as this one.” He tugged at the ruana. “This one is rather worn out anyway. I mean,” He tugged at the fabric once more causing Vinnie to observe his hands closely, “look at all those scruffs and scratches! Now that I’m looking at it, perhaps it really belongs in a bin already.”

That got a reaction out of Vinnie, and he shifted on Esteban’s lap. “W-Wait, what? There’s no need, it’s not that bad! I mean, I’m wearing it just fine.”

Esteban tilted his head. “Well yes, but really, I have had it for years, it’s high time I bought a new one. And while I’m at it we can get one for you, it’s all working out perfectly!” He beamed but his expression quickly fell when he saw the tension tinting Vinnie’s face. Before he could add anything, a mumble came out of his boyfriend’s lips, just quiet enough he was sure it happened but not loud enough to be able to decipher the words. “What was that?”

This time the mumble was audible, “It’s not perfect at all.”

“Alright, Vinnie, really, what’s going on?” Esteban’s tone was more firm now, and Vinnie could practically sense the confusion on his face even if his gaze was elsewhere. “It’s just an old piece of clothing.”

“But it’s not,” Vinnie grunted, his hands rubbing his arms where he could feel the colorful material. “I want this one, not because it’s new or old or whatever. I like it because it’s… yours,” He admitted begrudgingly.

“You like it because it’s mine?” Esteban blinked as he repeated.

“Ugh, yes.” Vinnie stood up and started walking back and forth behind the coffee table. “I don’t care what it looks like or whatever, what I really like about it is that it belongs to my boyfriend. Even if I’m still not sure how you got in that position.”

“Thanks to my charm and undeniable bravery.” Esteban covered his lips stretching into a smile when Vinnie slouched and gave him a look.

“Don’t push it, Marion.”

“I’m just speaking the truth.”

“Yes, because we both know you’re so good at this.”

“Obviously.” Esteban grinned. “But please, do continue.”

“Whatever. I already said what I wanted. Look, I just like your clothes because they’re yours, okay? This thing has the signs of you using it and it’s warm after you wear it or whatever and-and it smells like you too. I am not letting it go into trash!” Vinnie tugged on the fabric with determination. “I will fight you for this if needed.” 

“Ahaha, there’s no need for that.” Esteban chuckled seeing Vinnie’s hands clenching into small fists. “That explains quite a bit, I must say. But I have to ask, smell?”

“Yeah, well, yeah…” Vinnie’s gaze wandered to the carpet, his foot tapping against the ground. “It does.”

“Huh. What do I smell like then?” Esteban stood up and walked up to lift Vinnie’s chin who blinked at him.

“Like… you. I don’t know how else to describe it, but I just know it smells like you, okay?”

Esteban chuckled at Vinnie’s peevishly determined expression. “Okay. For someone who claims to dislike me you sure do enjoy me and my stuff a lot.”

“Shut up. I can still fight you,” Vinnie growled quietly.

“A ruana isn’t exactly the best fighting outfit but sure.” Esteban pinched both out of Vinnie's cheeks. 

“I can take it off, smartass.”

“But you wouldn’t want to.” That shut Vinnie up and colored his cheeks with slight blush. “Hey, you know what else smells like me?”

“...Your other clothes?”

“That too, yes.” Esteban nodded wisely. “But I meant something else.” 

“Uh, what?”

“Me.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Vinnie turned away from him. “You’re more annoying though so it doesn’t matter.” He waved his hand dismissively and started counting on his fingers. “Contrary to your clothes you also talk too much, and you lie, and you’re not as warm.”

“I beg to differ.” Vinnie felt arms wrapping around him from behind. Warm arms. He pushed his body backwards into them. “Though I actually think the best combo is having both of those things.”

“Whatever, just remember to wear this thing sometimes. It’s of little use to me if there isn’t your smell on it…”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Esteban squeezed the other before letting go despite the small reluctant whine coming from Vinnie. “Come on, I will take care of the grocery, and you will get your energy drink.” Once Vinnie followed him, this time with more bounce in his step, he added, “I still think I will get a new ruana, but don’t worry, this one is staying with us. More with you really, but still.”

“Good.”