Bar games
So this was meant to be a little bit of healing fluff for Noa and Rory, and it is. But Avery and Adam insisted on tagging along. CW - a little N S F W at the start and end, but pretty blurred.
“I invited Adam to meet us at Five Horses,” Noa called into the bedroom. She adjusted her halter top and examined her reflection critically in the mirror. The shirt definitely looked better without a bra, but they were going to a sports bar popular with law enforcement types and she didn’t want to look trashy. So she snapped a quick selfie and sent it to Logan and a couple of other friends for their opinion just as Rory walked into the bathroom wearing jeans but no shirt.
“That should be amusing.” Rory wrapped his arms around her from behind and rested his chin on her shoulder. “Cause I think Avery’s coming too.” He began nibbling on the side of her neck. “Don’t tell him; it’ll be more fun that way.
“Then you can’t warn Avery either.” Noa took half a step back and pressed herself against her boyfriend. “We need to keep it fair.”
Rory growled, low in her ear. “Assuming we make it out of the house. Cause you look fucking hot.”
Noa took that as all the confirmation she needed that she shouldn’t put on a bra. Rory’s hands were exploring the skin between the bottom of her halter and the top of her jeans, and if her brother hadn’t agreed to meet them at the bar she might have suggested getting there late. Reluctantly, she moved Rory’s hands away.
“Get dressed and let me finish my makeup; I want to be there when Adam and Avery both see each other. With popcorn.”
Rory chuckled. “You’re having an awful lot of fun over the thought of throwing your own twin to the wolves. Or one wolf, at least.” He grabbed the mouthwash and swished some around before spitting into the sink.
“Who said Avery’s the wolf? Maybe it’s Adam,” Noa teased back. “Cause Avery gets just as flustered. He just shows it differently. He tries too hard to play it cool and Adam tries too hard to be important.” She walked her fingers up his bicep. Rory’s mood was more lighthearted than had been for weeks. Months, even, and Noa fully intended to lean into that tonight.
“You’re a brilliant judge of character, you know that?” Rory turned around and gave Noa a kiss. “Jack and I always give Avery a hard time because he’s got no game.” He pulled her flush against him, front to front this time.
Noa sighed contentedly and slotted herself into Rory’s hip. “How about we both have to drink every time we have the urge to tell them to get a room?” she asked with a laugh, resting her hands flat on his chest and then tweaking a nipple. Rory shuddered and his eyes went unfocused for a second. He threaded his fingers through Noa’s hair and tilted her head back to look at her.
“And you’re sure we have to go?”
“Very sure.” Noa sighed. “He’d never admit it, but I think Adam’s a little lonely. He’s been working so hard, getting settled at his new job, and it doesn’t leave much time for being social. And when he does go out, it’s with all of us couples. He needs to find some single friends in Boston.”
“Morrison’s single.” Rory moved his mouth back to the side of Noa’s face. Even though he couldn’t see it, she rolled her eyes.
“Right. I’ll just suggest that the two of them go thrifting or . . . Fuck that feels good.” Rory was tracing tiny, biting kisses along her jaw and Noa almost stopped worrying about her brother. Especially because pulling boyfriend’s head down to her and kissing him him in earnest seemed like a much better idea. Without breaking contact Rory lifted her up and settled Noa on the counter, groaning into her mouth when she wrapped her legs around his waist and tickled her fingers up his bare back. “You. Are. Terrible,” she mumbled whenever she managed to steal a breath. She didn’t try to stop him though so Rory just grinned and kept going for another minute before abruptly pulling back.
Noa had been leaning forward, trying to get as close to Rory as possible, and now she nearly fell off the counter. “What, you’re stopping? Now?” Her entire body was tingling, couldn’t he see that?
Well yes, he could. Rory shrugged nonchalantly, but Noa caught the subtle shift of his body as he swiped his hand down below his belt. “We have to go, remember?” he asked pointedly. He helped Noa off the counter. “Finish your makeup while I put on my shirt.”
“I hate you.” They hadn’t had enough moments like this lately and Noa wanted more. She considered putting her hands somewhere strategic; it would take just a couple of thoughtful touches to get Rory aroused - and then she could be the one to stop. But they were already late, so she just glared at him again and then turned very deliberately around to put on her lipstick. Rory just chuckled.
“Nah, you love me.”
“Hmphf,” she huffed. “Maybe.”
Even with the delays, they made it to Five Horses Tavern before either Adam or Avery. But a few of Rory’s coworkers were already there and had taken over the tables at the back of the bar where it opened up to an outside deck. There were pitchers of beer and margaritas lined up down the center. Rory hummed appreciatively.
“Mmm, I love it when you taste like margarita mix, all spicy.” He started to pour her a glass and then stopped. “You’ve eaten, right? Or do you want to order something here? They have a pretty good menu.”
Noa picked up the laminated card on the table. “I had a late lunch but if you get something I’ll have a few bites.”
Rory rolled his eyes. “Yeah, right. I know how that goes; you’ll say you want just a taste and the next thing I know, my entire burger is gone.” He plucked the menu out of her hand. “I’m getting a large order of fries, a burger for me, and maybe you can have some.”
Noa flicked his ear. “Fine. And a grilled chicken wrap. Are you happy?”
“Very happy, cause I’m with you.” Rory grinned at her over his beer. “And Avery too.” He reached out to clasp hands with his newly arrived partner and pull him down into a seat at their table. “Glad you finally made it.”
“I’m right on time; you’re just early.” Avery poured himself a beer, swallowed most of it, and then refilled. “Although I should have come when you did. Wasted an hour texting with a guy who waited until minute 58 to raise all his red flags.” He grimaced and drank more beer before reaching out to grab Noa’s hand.. “Any time you want to find me that ‘Noa with an H,’ let me know.”
Noa gave his arm a reassuring pat. “I’m looking, Avery, I promise. But . . . I assume you’d be happy with someone with a different name, right? If I found the right person?” She kept her voice deliberately light. And she was pretty sure Avery couldn’t hear Rory’s soft huff of amusement. He frowned at her anyway.
“I know what you’re doing and it won’t work.” Avery jabbed a finger in her direction. “No matter how hot he is.”
Noa filed away the fact that Avery had immediately known who she was talking about and wasn’t shy about admitting it.. Now she shrugged, unrepentant. As far as she was concerned, all she was doing was putting ideas out there. What anyone did - or didn’t - do with them wasn’t up to her. And while it was true she’d rarely seen her brother flustered the way he was whenever Avery Morrison came up, that didn’t mean he was eager to start something that would be wildly out of character for him. But.
Noa was also convinced that both Avery and Adam were not particularly happy right now, even though Adam at least hadn’t quite admitted it. And she knew Avery well enough now that she wasn’t afraid to be blunt.
“I don’t think his hotness is the issue,” she agreed. “I’m just suggesting - and feel free to ignore me if you want - but maybe it’s time you try going for something outside of your usual? Since it doesn’t seem to have worked so far, I mean.”
“Oof, that’s harsh, sweetheart.” Avery gave her a mournful look. “Accurate, but harsh. And maybe I do need to look against my type.” He took another gulp of beer. “But even if you’re right - and I’m not saying you are, but even IF - that doesn’t necessarily mean I’m interested in . . . “ His mouth snapped suddenly shut, and Noa knew why before she even looked up to see her brother standing at their table. It seemed like Adam had made it all the way to their table without realizing who was sitting with them. Now his eyes traveled back and forth between Noa and Avery and she could almost see the wheels turning.
“Here we go.” Rory’s voice was low in her ear. “Wanna watch, or go find a dark corner to make out?” His hand tickled at her waist.
“Stay for now,” Noa muttered back, shivering. “But ask me again in five.” Even if Adam was surprised to see Avery, he hid it well. Only Noa recognized the tight set of his shoulders that suggested he felt a little off-balance. But he quickly masked it with his trademark smile and projected confidence.
“Hey sis; you look great. I really like that top.” Adam hugged Noa and greeted Rory before sitting down at the table and locking eyes with Rory’s partner. “Morrison. Good to see you. And not vomiting.”
Avery grinned back. “Stomach’s fine so far; let’s hope it stays that way. And anyway, by my count, I think it’s your turn to puke.” He raised his beer in Adam’s direction.
“Touche,” Adam responded easily, pouring himself a margarita. “So this is the famous FBI bar I’ve been hearing about, hmm?” He made a show of looking around. “You’ll have to fill me in on anyone interesting I should meet. Unless I’m . . . already familiar with everyone worthwhile, of course.” Adam licked the salt off the rim of his glass before taking a sip.
Noa wasn’t sure whether to groan or cheer at her brother’s behavior. It was actually a little odd, watching him flirt. Normally guys flocked to him. She took a long sip of her drink. Maybe going against type wasn’t a bad thing for Adam either.
Avery inclined his head in agreement. “Let me know if anyone catches your eye and I’ll make an introduction,” he agreed genially.
Rory was still ignoring the banter going on in front of him in favor of teasing his girlfriend. He squeezed Noa’s waist and then leaned forward to refill her margarita. She twisted in her seat to look at him. “Trying to get me drunk? Cause I’ll have you know I’m a sure thing.” Her boyfriend grinned hungrily at her.
“I’m looking forward to it. Unless you wanna find a place to prove it now, of course.” Rory put a lime between his teeth, flesh side out, and raised his eyebrows at her. “Wanna suck it?”
There were twin groans from behind them.
“Haven’t we talked about this before, Landis? No being impossibly cute with your girlfriend while I’m sitting here licking my wounds from my latest Grindr disaster.”
“And that’s my sister you’re talking dirty to,” Adam added. “I may not be as prude about you two as Gabe, but I don’t need it shoved in my face any more than Avery here does.” Avery lifted his beer in agreement and Adam briskly clinked his glass. “So a Grindr disaster, huh? What happened?”
Noa turned back to Rory, eyes wide. She wanted to say something but was afraid of breaking the spell that had Adam and Avery talking together like normal people. Rory’s own lips quirked “I think Jack and Mira just got here; they must have gotten a babysitter after all.” He tugged her out of her seat. “Want to go say hi?”
Mira Yu grabbed Noa’s hand before she’d even sat down at the table. “WHO is that beautiful specimen Avery’s talking to? Any chance he’s into women? Cause I’d leave Jack in a heartbeat for an hour with that.” She peered around her husband to look at the table Noa and Rory had just left. “Half a heartbeat.”
Noa laughed. Mira was a cookbook author and editor; her speciality was writing about how to make ethnic foods accessible to families and children. She was funny and friendly and made balancing motherhood and work look easy. Noa adored her. “Adam’s very gay, I’m sorry,” she assured Mira. Right now, he and Avery seemed to be deep in some sort of conversation and for half a second Noa wished she’d stayed at their table to listen. The other woman followed her gaze.
“Maybe Avery will finally find the Prince Charming he’s looking for then; they certainly seem into each other, don’t they? Unless . . . you think Avery would lend him to me? Just for a bit.” She held up a quarter they’d been using for a drinking game. “Heads I’ll let you have him, tails for me.”
Noa almost spit her drink across the table. “That’s my brother, Meer! Oh my god!” She shuddered while Mira dissolved into hysterics.
“Well then I guess it’s me either way,” she finally gasped. She hiccupped. “Shit, I’m buzzed. I’m going to have to pump and dump later. Can’t feed Lucy tequila laced breastmilk.”
“I’m glad to see you have your priorities straight.” Mira’s husband Jack interjected himself into the conversation. He was Rory and Avery’s third partner and at 29 had established himself as the father figure of the trio even before he and Mira had welcomed Lucy. He handed his wife a cup of water. “You’ll thank me when you have to wake up for the two a.m. feeding.”
“As long as you wake up with me,” Mira said saucily, taking the water. “Thanks, babe.”
Noa lost track of the time after that. She and Rory teamed up for a game of tabletop beer pong and then got into a lively discussion with a couple of his coworkers about whether Mindhunter or Criminal Minds had a more realistic portrayal of the Agency. At one point she looked over to the table where Adam and Avery were, but they were both gone. Interesting. She made a mental note to interrogate her brother tomorrow although truthfully, Avery would be more likely to tell her the truth. But right now she needed to pee.
“I’ll be right back,” she told Rory. “Bathroom.”
Rory was deep into a game of bar trivia. “What’s the name of the boat in Jaws, dammit, I know this,” he muttered, waving that he’d heard her but not taking his eyes off the control screen. Noa leaned down to give him a kiss.
“Orca,” she whispered before turning away towards the restrooms.
The bathroom was hot and stuffy, so after finishing up, Noa wandered out to the outside deck for some air. At the back was a wide wooden staircase that led down to the alley below, and in that alley, partially obscured by the side of the building, were her brother and Avery Morrison. They were wrapped around each other so tightly their bodies might as well have been fused, and Noa choked back a laugh. The number of questions she had for her brother doubled on the spot.
But that was for tomorrow; she certainly wasn’t going to interrupt their fun. Noa turned to walk back up the stairs, her mind on how to tell Rory what she’d seen without broadcasting it to the entire Boston FBI. She wasn’t looking where she was going and tripped on the top rung. A strong hand reached out and caught her, and a strange voice, heavy with booze, laughed.
“Careful sweetheart. I’ll help you walk if you need to. Up, or . . . down.” The hand moved familiarly around Noa’s waist.
She twisted out of the grip and backed away. The guy was blocking her path so she couldn’t keep walking so instead stared him up and down - Rory had taught her to always try to make eye contact. The man was broad but not tall - probably only about 5’9” and definitely not FBI. Noa scowled.
“Let me through please; my boyfriend is waiting.” She moved to the right and the guy shadowed her. Noa gave a frustrated sigh. This type of behavior wasn’t new for her, but it was the first time she’d been hit on so blatantly since Damian Smith had attacked her while she was sleeping and it had been almost impossible to fight back. But she wasn’t sleeping now. And she wasn’t scared. She pushed the guy’s arm, quickly to throw him off balance and so he couldn’t grab her wrist. “I mean it;” she growled. “Get the fuck away from me.” Noa didn’t dare take her eyes off the figure in front of her to look to where Rory was, but she knew it would only take a quick scream to get him here if she really needed him.
The guy gave another drunken snort. “Playing hard to get, are you?” He took a stumbling step forward. “C’mon, give me a chance. I wanna see what’s under that cute little top.” His hand reached out and caught on the strap of her halter.
Noa didn’t hesitate. Her knee made swift and direct contact with the guy’s crotch and she pushed him on the shoulder at the same time, shoving him away from her. He groaned and went down like a brick, panting and retching from the pain.
“Fu-fuck . . . you . . . .Hllurk . . . bitch,” he gasped, doubled over now. He heaved up beer onto the steps. Instead of immediately walking away, Noa stared down at him for an extra minute, satisfied while another figure walked up beside her.
“She told you to stay the fuck away from her; too bad you didn’t listen.” Rory’s voice was mild as he surveyed the writhing figure on the ground. He rested his hand casually on Noa’s back. “That was a great crotch shot, hon. Taser couldn’t have brought him down faster.” Rory’s fingers found the strap of Noa’s shirt. “Can I re-tie this for you? Looks like it’s come a little loose.”
“Yes please,” Noa agreed. She glanced down, where her would-be attacker was still gagging. Tears were streaming out of his eyes as he glared up at Rory and Noa. “Not too tight though; I want you to be able to take it off me at home later.”
“Oh hell yes I will,” Rory growled. He pulled Noa against his chest and turned them both away from the other man. “You good?” he muttered, breath warm on her skin. “I was watching. Everyone thinks you could have a new career as an agent if you wanted.”
Noa laughed. Some of the adrenaline was fading, but instead of feeling stressed or exhausted, she was still energized. “Do you have to do anything about him?” she asked, nodding down towards the ground. “Cause I want to go home with you and show you just how ‘good’ I am.” She climbed up on her tip toes to whisper in Rory’s ear and his pupils blew wide.
“Yeah. Umm . . . yeah,” he stuttered. “Just uhh, need to tell Jack . . . yeah.” Rory grabbed her hand and started to pull her away back into the bar and then stopped. He took her face in hands and gave her a comprehensive kiss, the kind he normally saved for the bedroom and not in public with his coworkers watching. “Okay. Now we can go.” Without another glance backwards he took Noa’s hand.
After they were gone, the man Noa had taken down finally stumbled to his feet and then down the stairs into the alley. No way was he going anywhere near that bar again. When he stopped to bend over and vomit up more beer, the noise was loud enough to startle the two men making out behind a dumpster.
Adam’s shirt was untucked and he’d just opened Avery’s belt and fly when the sound of retching made them stop what they were doing. Avery wondered for half a second if he should go see what the guy’s problem was - not that he was exactly in a position to move. But when the guy lurched off in the other direction and Calder moved his hands back to what he’d been doing, all the beer he’d drunk helped Avery not care anymore. The beer also helped him not care about how wildly out of character this was for him, or the niggling voice at the back of his head that doing anything with Adam Calder was a very bad idea. Damn the guy for knowing how to use his hands and mouth so well.
Avery let himself get caught up again, ignoring the way the alley seemed to be spinning around him whenever he closed his eyes and pushing down the stubborn pocket of air that kept trying to come up. Burping in Adam’s mouth would be uncool, and definitely bring things to a premature halt.
Instead, Adam’s next comment did it instead. His mouth was still busy at Avery’s neck, so the words came out in fits and starts interrupted by kisses. It took a long moment for Avery’s beer soaked brain to catch up.
“How about we . . . head somewhere else?” Adam’s hand swooped down and Avery swore. The other man chuckled. “Your apartment isn’t too far; we could go there if you want . . . finish this properly?”
“What? No.” Avery pulled back abruptly. Adam’s hair was a mess and his lips swollen, and Avery suspected he looked much the same. But his brain was just clear enough to understand what was happening. Again. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
Adam looked at him in confusion. “You want to keep going here?” He gestured around the alley. “Seems a bit . . . tawdry.” He leaned back in, eyes hungry. “And I know your bed is comfortable.”
Avery stepped fully away. “Surprised you remember, since you weren’t there that long last time.” He fumbled with his belt. “Planning to leave before sunrise this time?” He didn’t even bother trying to keep the bitterness out of his voice.
Adam stared at him, surprised. “I thought you understood, sweetheart. I mean, you were the one who agreed to come down here with me.”
“And now I’m realizing that it was a mistake.” Avery allowed up the burp he’d been holding back, careful to turn his head away to blow it out. His stomach churned from more than just all the beer. He couldn’t believe he’d just fallen for Adam’s games again.
For his part, Calder didn’t seem ready to give up. “And why was it a mistake? We’re both adults. We’re having fun, right? I know I was, and you definitely seem to be enjoying yourself.” He glanced down to the spot below Avery’s waist and his smile faltered. “I mean . . . you certainly acted like you wanted it.”
Avery shook his head. “We were having a nice talk in the bar; I let that cloud my . . . urp . . . judgment.” This burp was soft, but wet, and he spit heavy saliva onto the sidewalk. “That and too much beer.” He took a deep breath, feeling at once less drunk and more queasy - a bad combination. “The thing is,” he began, swallowing down his nausea. “The thing is, Adam, I’m not . . . doing this again. Ever.” He had to stop to belch into his fist before continuing. “And if I somehow gave you the wrong idea, I’m sorry. But I’ve got no interest in being fucked and then ghosted and then having to make pleasant conversation the next time Rory and Noa have a dinner party.” Speech over, he let out his breath. His belly whined and rolled and he felt sick, but he kept his back straight and gaze trained on Adam Calder, watching as understanding flashed over his face.
And then his expression shuttered. “Well, I appreciate you making that clear then. Crystal clear, actually.” Adam carefully tucked his shirt back into his khaki pants. “I will not make that mistake again, I assure you.” The man’s lips tightened and for a second Avery thought he was going to say something else. Instead, he glanced up the stairs in the direction of the bar. “Tell my sister I had to leave; that something came up.” A small, sardonic smile crossed his lips. “She’ll understand.”
“Adam, I . . .” Avery began. He wasn’t even sure what he meant to say and anyway, he felt like he needed to puke. Adam held up his hand.
“No; I get it. Don’t worry about it.” Adam’s voice had lost all emotion. He turned away in the direction the earlier drunk had gone. “Have a good night,” he mumbled. At least, that’s what Avery assumed he’d said. Because for a second it sounded like the guy had told him to have a good life.
The figure disappeared around a corner. Avery waited another beat, and then another, before bending forward and bracing his hands on his knees. The burp came up almost immediately, harsh and brassy, and then he retched, vomiting a gush of stale beer onto the cobblestone street. Was there anything lonelier, he wondered as his stomach continued to purge, than throwing up alone in a bar? Avery didn’t think so.
After a final heave, he straightened up and wiped his hand across the back of his mouth. He could go back into the bar, he supposed. Join his friends and make up an excuse why Adam had left. But Noa at least would see right through him. Rory too, probably. And Avery did not have the energy for that right now. He knew he'd done the right thing. Well, tomorrow he'd know he'd done the right thing. So he waited another minute to make sure Adam would have had time to find an Uber and then headed down the alley himself. His bed was comfortable; Adam hadn’t been wrong about that. It just felt very empty right now too.
