#sashtraxler

[wildroseofarran]

New Year’s Eve and We’re Clubbing || Sean, Conor, Q, Sash, Tane, & Bretan

Sash: His smile was on the brink of hurting. The pulsating music made verbal talk all but impossible. He resorted to his hands, glowing stamp on his hand somewhat psychedelic as he signed.

'Didn't think you'd show!'

Sean/Conor: 'I wouldn't miss this for the world.' He grins. 'I dragged my brother along too, I hope you don't mind. He's...' where the fuck did he go? Spotting him by the bar Sean points out the man with pastel purple hair ordering a drink.

Sash: 'The more the merrier.' He gave a double take to the one pointed to.

'What is he, a rock star? A model?'

Sean: What? Sean laughs, 'Tattoo artist. That's Conor, the Mute Archer.'

Sash/Q: "Oh." Well, that made sense, then. Of course he was. Look at that hair.

'A deejay, a tattoo artist...' he glanced to Q, lost in his own world with Tane Lukela, '...an entrepreneur.' That's how Q described Ronan Archer.

Sean/Conor: Entrepreneur. Right. Sean grins.

'We have a lawyer in the family too.' He looks over at Conor who had a drink in either hand and was searching for them. Lifting a hand to get his attention, the hybrid starts to walk over to them. He hands Sean his drink and sips his own, looking Sash up and down.

Sash: Conor was given the same treatment as his brother, with a brilliant and honest smile. 'Hey, nice to meet you. I'm Sash.'

Sean/Conor: Conor looks away to Sean, who glares at him. He had told him to be nice on their way there.

'Conor.' He takes another sip and offers his hand for a shake. For the visions, obviously.

Sash: In his past life, Sash had been a poor frozen soul, life drained somewhere in the Atlantic ocean, long after the Titanic had sunk to its watery grave. His new life in its current timeline, cancer would be his robber.

A quick shake, and his attention was back to Sean.

'Dance with me.'

Sean/Conor: Oh. Boring. He wondered what Bo was doing. When Sash turns to Sean and his brother's attention is stolen he makes his way back over to the bar. Might as well sit this one out.

Sean smiles and nods. 'Sign dancing?'

Sash: 'I...I've never done that in front of so many hearing people.'

Sean: 'What people?' Sean moves closer. What do you mean? It's only us.

Sash: Idle hips swayed to a beat of his own based on the vibrations. A hesitant hand was placed on Sean's chest, bunched his shirt...pulled him to the dance floor.

Sean/Conor: Yes. Yes. He licks his lips and gives a glance in Conor's general direction to make sure he's okay. He's a big boy, who looks like he's texting someone.

Sean moves more than willingly in the direction he is pulled, placing a hand on Sash's hip once they come to a stop. He starts to move to the music with a playful smile.

Sash: Sash's hands remained at his side for a beat or two, purposely keeping his hands to himself, biding his time for the perfect moment and touch.

After a moment of absorbing their surroundings, his hips began to roll, arms raised to the air.

Sean: Sean smiles as he sings along to the song, dancing with him and rolling his body. His gaze trails down Sash, but soon returns to his face.

Sash: Sash tried his best to read his lips despite movement and limited light. So enamored with Sean, he didn't notice other men and women watching them.

Soon he was turning around, leaning just enough weight against Sean's just for him to feel it.

Sean: Perfect. Sean can't stop smiling as he sings along and lets every word and beat move through his body. He allows Sasha to guide their movements, but soon leans the upper half of his body to one side of Sash, then the other, and back. He laughs.

Sash/Q: Sash attempted to meet Sean's gaze, but the second time he disappeared to his other shoulder he turned, wrapped his arms around his neck. No trickery this way.

Q leaned his weight against Tane and sighed. Cargos and a sleeveless shirt, his staple, made him better dressed for summer in Florida than dead of winter in Raleigh.

"I'm feeling something light. How about a mimosa with me?"

Tane: Tane's attire was the complete opposite; he was wearing dark jeans and perhaps one of the only sweaters he'd purchased in his entire life. He hadn't even taken off his scarf.

He smiled into Q's hair. "Absolutely. I'll go get us a couple."

Sean/Conor: Sean is still laughing as he straightens, wrapping arms around Sash's waist to bring him close. He's lost his beer somewhere but he doesn't care in the slightest. His body continues to sway, working every inch he can to the music.

Conor is still sat at the bar texting.

Sash/Q/Bo: Sash felt a juxtaposition of awkwardness and jubilance vying for dominance. This was a first. His first dance with a young man that had seen him dance with sign; a man that understood his sexuality; a man that had openly pursued him.

"Are you going to try and kiss me at midnight?" He spoke only because he didn't want to detach.

Q felt naked without Tane's warm body. Since he had a moment to spare for himself, he reached for one of the three necklaces he wore, unscrewing the top of the dark wooden cross for a quick inhale of coke.

{Text from Botan} Are you sitting there scowling? Don't go into another year looking like a menace.

Sean/Conor: Sean licks his lips. "... Yes." He's sure to enunciate, hoping he was lit enough to be seen and have his lips read. "If you will let me. We don't have to. You don't owe me anything."

{Text} I am hardly a menace.

{Text} I am bored.

Tane: Maybe it was because he spent the majority of his time in a crowded bar, but Tane managed to navigate through the mass of people and find his way back to Q in record time.

"Your mimosa," he said, offering a glass to Q.

Sash/Q/Bo: Just something fleeting. A kiss, a dance, whatever else might come; he'll be back in New York before he can regret much.

"I know." He bit his lip. "I will let you," he grinned.

Q smiled. His return was just in time, clutching to his cross as though it meant more than it was.

"Why thank you, sexy."

{Text} So do something.

A photo was sent to Conor, the house decorated in white lights, black and gold balloons strewn about. He smiled subtly into the camera.

Sean/Conor: That fact broke his heart. But he knew he had no right to have a say, or an opinion. So he'll enjoy what he can. He smiles, takes Sash's hands and wiggles him around playfully.

Conor was half way through replying when he receives the picture, he stares at it for a moment before lifting his phone to send one back.

His lips are parted, eyes are hooded, head slightly tilted so his purple hair fell over an eyebrow. With his drink and the bar in the background, he hoped he was proving why he had a right to be bored.

{Text} Everyone here is dancing or making out with someone. Two things I don't do.

Tane: Tane smiled back and pulled Q closed again, burying his face in those curls and kissing them. "You're welcome, gorgeous. Having a good time?"

Sash/Q/Bo: His dance partner laughed, pulled him closer by his hands and sighed contently.

"What's this song?" Something so new he couldn't recognize.

The photo was saved.

{Text} What do you do when you're not brooding, swimming, riding busses, or breaking bones?

"I am, I am. Indeed. What about you?" His arm rested around his date's waist, fingers playfully scratching at his hip.

Sean/Conor: "Ed Sheerhan." He lifts an arm to get Sash to spin for him.

{Text} That's a very big question.

{Text} You tell me. What do you do?

{Text} Also, I don't brood.

Tane: "I'm with you." Tane smiled. "I have a mimosa. You really like how I look in this sweater. And I'm going to kiss the hell out of you at midnight. How could I not be having a good time?"

Sash/Q/Bo: Sash laughed, surprised from being spun, coming back around to press against Sean's chest.

{Text} I work for the police, I read, collect books, converse with demon-reaper hybrids, break the law.

{Text} You very much brood.

{Text} Happy new year

Q smiled against Tane's chest and swayed.

"I agree with all of that. You look sexy as hell if not a little bit on the Dad side, this mimosa is delicious, and I can't wait to taste your tongue."

Sean/Conor: Well, with him like this he can't resist. A hand goes to Sash's waist, the other remaining entwined with the human's. They're going to waltz.

{Text} That's nice for you.

Conor did plenty of things, but he didn't feel like getting into that with Bo.

{Text} Sure. Happy new year.

Tane: Tane laughed. "I can take looking a little on the dad side as long as I'm warm."

He ducked his head, kissing Q's jaw before whispering, "You can taste it right now. There's a heater out on the terrace upstairs."

Sash/Q/Bo: Sash leaned away to look them over, laughing at their stance.

"Waltz is not sexy."

Bo rolled his eyes and set his phone down. There were better things to do than subject himself to that on the last night of the year.

"Mm," Q smiled, leaning into Tane's neck and shoulder. "We should make out on the terrace until midnight, and then keep going."

Sean/Conor: "Oh, you want sexy?" his grin is playful as he starts to move his body slowly, rolling his hips and chest, giving attention to the movement of his ass as he dances in a circle. He drops to his knees at Sash's feet and works the floor, returning to his feet with a hand travelling up Sash's thigh, all up his side. Better?

Any emotion Conor had or wanted to have couldn't be portrayed through text. Bo had the ability to make him smile and laugh, but he didn't know how to have a virtual conversation that carries that message. Emojis are stupid and childish, 'lol' and 'lmao' are idiotic, 'haha' is fake. No matter what he wanted to gain from messaging Bo, he would be unable to articulate it in such a way. He isn't too surprised when he gets no response. He just focuses on his drink and ensuring not to make eye contact with anyone around. Why did Sean bring him here? He knew he hated being around drunk horny people. He wanted to leave.

Tane: "That sounds like an excellent idea. Let's go."

Tane took Q's hand and led him upstairs.

Sash/Q: Sash ended up standing still to watch with absolute humor in his eyes, obvious smile beginning to ache.

'Getting some touches in too, I see.'

He wasn't paying any attention to the drunk a few meters away mimicking his sign.

A glance was given through the crowd to his brother. From the other side of the room, Q didn't notice the asshole, either.

"I want a ride, Big T."

Sean: That smile made Sean feel warm, and he returned it with ease. The hand slips around to Sash's back to draw him in closer with a nod. He didn't notice anyone around them, he didn't care about them. Only they mattered.

Tane: Tane smiled. "Then a ride you shall have. Bridal style or piggy back ride?"

Sash/Q: Hands returned to where they'd wanted to be for some time, in Sean's short hair, idly stroking the back of his head. He loved moments like this. The exploration into the unknown and the discoveries which made meeting new people worth his while. They were by no means a perfect match, but on the dance floor that didn't matter. Here they seemed made for each other, and every sway of his hip felt in sync with his partner.

Q wrapped his arms around Tane's neck from behind and laughed. "You know what I like, babe. Why bother asking?"

Sean: Sean licks his lips, unused to feeling hands on his head like that. He didn't mind it.

He moves to the music though it seems like background noise at this point.

Tane: "It's tradition! Can't knock tradition." Tane finished off his mimosa and bent down so Q could climb on. "Hang on tight, gorgeous."

Sash/Q: Sean would quickly learn Sash's love for touching the back of his head, for feeling his hair and the back of his neck as an affectionate gesture. He was beginning to enjoy the simultaneous sensation of skin and vibrations. He didn't care what song was playing.

Q set aside his empty glass on a passing waitress' tray. He climbed aboard with practiced ease, kissing Tane's ear and promising wild fantasies on their return home.

Sean/Conor: Sean glances away, just to see if he could spot Conor but he was unable. He's sure he's fine.

He starts to mimic the action, running fingers through his hair, adoring the strands with a permanent smile.

Tane: Tane started up the stairs, grinning like a loon while Q whispered those delightfully wicked things into his ear. It was a good thing they were heading somewhere with more privacy; he was starting to have a bit of a.....reaction.

"Behave yourself," he chuckled. "Gonna make me drop you."

Sash/Q: Sash took a moment for himself to absorb the moment, to breathe in what he could of Sean and their nearness. Intentional restraint like this a new concept. That calm before a storm. That tingle between his legs which encouraged him was momentarily humored by a quick and seemingly innocent kiss to Sean's cheek.

"I'm thirsty. Want to get something?"

Q was also grinning, letting his ride feel it against his skin. "I fucking love when you say that. Makes me want to do the opposite. Makes me want to..." he pressed himself in, squeezed his thighs so Tane could feel his arousal, "...do so much to you."

Sean: The brief kiss made Sean laugh. He nods, though doesn't personally want anything. Sash will have to pull away and get them moving, because Sean wasn't going to.

Tane: Feeling Q's grin made Tane's even bigger. He loved that. He loved being able to feel Q's reactions as well as see them. "I know you do, beautiful. Why do you think I say it so often?"

Tane inhaled sharply as Q pressed into him. "Does it now?" Once on the roof, he sought out the most private corner, lowered Q onto the nearest bench, and immediately attacked him with kisses.

Sash/Q: "Think you can sneak me a shot of tequila?" A joke, or was it? His smile was certainly mischievous, but he wasn't pulling Sean with urgency.

Q was laughing into their kisses, pulling Big T on top of him as he fell back, knowing full well eyes would find them, aroused or disgusted or indifferent to the way Q invited Tane closer with demanding hands.

Sean/Conor: "Your brother would kill me." he moves to the bar with a smile, where Conor was doing nothing but trying to avoid being too disgusted by the people around him.

He didn't want to be there anymore, surrounded by drunk people, a sea of sexual tension. He gets up and makes his way out, eyes to the sky. He felt a strange sort of emptiness.

Tane: Any eyes they might attract and the opinions that might come with them were of absolutely no consequence to Tane at the moment. Not when Q's beautiful laugh was echoing in his head and those perfect, soft lips were melding so beautifully with his.

"Behave yourself," he whispered between kisses, shifting so he was leaning back on the bench with Q in his lap. "Don't want to give these fine people too much of a show."

Sash/Q: Sash took a seat at the bar, hands between his legs gripping to the stool. The leather was worn with age and use. He fiddled with a hole his fingers discovered, distracted by his thoughts to realize he was making it worse.

He wondered how his friends were doing, if they too were having fun heading into the new year.

He wanted to get laid, but as much as he enjoyed Sean's company, he didn't see that happening tonight; didn't seem a possibility after their first semi-serious conversation.

Oh well, he smiled when catching Sean's gaze.

Those words were beginning to stir Q's body. Whispered like that? Forget about it; his dick couldn't be more turgid. Later on he would have to reflect, disappointed in his self-control, but for now his face ached with jubilance.

"Who says?" The law. "We should be porn stars so everyone can witness."

Sean/Conor: As far as Sean was concerned, that first meeting had been a missed opportunity, a mistake. That night, all cards were on the table. He wouldn't be regretting anything else. As he took a seat he glanced around the area, looking for Conor but was unable to see him.

'Can you see my brother anywhere?'

The hybrid was already making his way to the docks, where he wanted to sit and look out at the water.

Tane: "The law," Tane chuckled, unknowingly echoing Q's thoughts. That lovely jaw of his was looking very un-kissed. Best fix that while he found a way to rub Q through his cargo pants without their audience noticing.

Maybe they'd eventually be uncomfortable enough to leave them the terrace to themselves. Something to hope for.

"Their imagination's giving them plenty."

Sash/Q: Sash looked around the club and the pulsating sea of faces. No wild hair sans the typical club accoutrements.

'I don't see him. Maybe went outside for air.'

"Yeah?" Q didn't think his smile could be any wider. "For them, maybe. For us? I'm gonna use my high-end camera and make some memories with you as soon as we're alone." By this point, hints of his Chicago upbringing began to surface.

"What's that hand doing?" he whispered.

Sean/Conor: Sean looks around with him, only to nod at Sash's explanation. Yeah. Maybe. Conor can handle himself, he knew. He shouldn't worry. Instead, he ordered them drinks (a weak shot of vodka for Sash) and smiled.

At the docks, Conor was sat looking out at the water and the sky. He takes a picture of the new scenery and debates... before sending it to Bo.

Tane: Tane nipped Q's jaw. "Are you now? And what are you going to do with allllll those memories we're gonna make together?" His affection moved down to Q's neck. "Going to pull them out when you miss me?"

Out of the corner of his eye he saw people starting to make their way inside, probably for more drinks or more dancing or probably just to get away from him and Q. Whatever their reason, Tane was happy.

"What hand?" he whispered back, gently cupping Q's erection.

Sash/Q/Bo: Sash swigged his tiny shot of alcohol as soon as the bartender had his back to them. He wanted more, but beggars couldn't be choosers. Wait, yes they could...

'Q got us a hotel room. Booked it long ago apparently. We got top floor. What are you guys doing?' Something nearby, he hoped.

Bo smiled down at his phone, pursed his lips because it confused him why it would make him happy, and saved the photo.

{Text} It's you

{Text} https://youtu.be/0_gljD6_nTU

Maybe Conor would find it funny. Probably not.

{Text} Don't jump in. I'm not there to save your hair.

A particularly ticklish spot near his collarbone caused Q to laugh. "Yeah. I'll watch us and think of you and cum in your honor." Words. Just words spewing from his lips because he couldn't concentrate past that very masculine hand.

"You're making me want to leave a party early. That's not fair."

He just prayed that Sash didn't come up here looking for them, find them in such a compromising position and that faraway look of drunken romance in his eyes. Tane found subtle ways of swallowing his lust whole.

"We need to leave or we need to find a quieter spot."

Sean/Conor: 'A hotel too.' He licks his lips and sips his drink. 'Are you sharing a room with him?'

Mostly, the video confused him. He's never seen anything like that before in his life.

{Text} Why?

{Text} If I jump maybe you'll definitely have to come to rescue me

Tane: "Am I? I can't imagine why," Tane purred, hand kneading softly into flesh. He placed one more kiss on the ticklish spot and lifted his head to take a look around.

Q was right; they'd need a quieter, more private spot for what he had in mind. And as much as he hated to be a cliché, sometimes you had to do what you had to do.

"We're in luck, gorgeous." Two more kisses and Tane was getting to his feet with Q in his arms. "There's a bathroom right over there."

Sash/Q/Bo: 'We are but not really. He bought a room with two beds before he decided to bring along his not-boyfriend boyfriend. The not-boyfriend has a room but I'm taking it. I'm not stupid.'

Bo had little idea to explain without killing the joke, so he ignored it for now.

{Text} You'll have soggy fingers by the time I get there.

Q got to his feet and led Tane to the rooftop bathroom without any hesitation. This wouldn't be his first time experiencing bathroom sex and dammit it probably wouldn't be his last, but right now he was too overwhelmed by lust to give a shit about propriety and cleanliness.

Tane was pushed forward and the door closed and locked.

Sean/Conor: 'So... he wouldn't notice if you... weren't alone tonight?' ... Eyebrows raise.

{Text} Does that mean you wouldn't be willing to hold my hand?

... That even felt weird to Conor, but it was too late. The message had been sent. He felt like throwing his phone into the water.

Tane: Tane couldn't help but grin. Oh, the lovely things he had in mind for this man. The cleanliness of the bathroom was the absolute last thing on his mind.

He chuckled as Q pushed him inside, taking him into his arms and kissing him with renewed vigor the moment the lock clicked.

Sash/Q/Bo: 'You want that?' He just needed to confirm, given their last face-to-face conversation. Of course he'd love for Sean to join him tonight, to wake up in the morning to a cup of coffee and a gorgeous man looking out from the balcony. It was a fantasy right out of a novel, and fleeting. Unfortunately, he was still laboring under the assumption that this was only temporary.

{Text} If I have to save a reaper I have the right to wear it as a badge of honor.

Bo once more sat his phone down to give Brett Parker his attention.

Demanding and borderline suffocating arms wound around Tane's neck, using his barely-inebriated strength to lift himself onto his toes, pulling him down to level their height difference.

Sean/Conor: Sean nods, 'I want you- I mean... That.' a playful smile accompanied a wink. He did want that, and he did want Sash. Whatever happens will happen, at least they won't spend months wondering what could have been.

Conor scoffs.

{Text} I'll make you one personally.

Back to staring out at the horizon, then.

Tane: "Such impatience," he murmured against Q's lips, obligingly ducking down.

...and down...

...and just a little bit further down....

....until his mouth was level with Q's groin.

Sash/Q/Bo: "I know you want me," he grinned. 'Came to my brother's house because of a photo. I'll never let you forget that.'

Sean's stool was pulled a few inches closer, his hand remained on the edge of his seat. If Sean wanted he could take it.

Bo kissed Brett Parker's cheek, his hand, and glanced down at the ring on his finger again.

{Text} You shouldn't be alone right now.

He'd wanted kisses, but watching Tane dip down his body...he'd forgotten where he initially wanted those lips. The bouncer had better ideas. By all means. Kiss him everywhere. He would help; he would unfasten his jeans and caress and tug Tane's hair.

"Don't stop."

Sean/Conor: Sean's smile is wide. 'It was a good decision.' he adjusts his legs so that one would be outside of Sash's and the other would be between them. The hand is taken. He just wanted the night to go well.

Conor tilted his head at that.

{Text} Why not?

Tane/Brett: Brett smiled softly at the kisses, following the direction of Bo's gaze. "It looks just as perfect on you as I hoped."

Tane gave a chuckle that tapered to a purr as he eased Q's pants down just enough to expose him. "Eager and impatient." A beautiful combination in this man.

Stop? He had no intention of doing such a thing. No, he was going to take this beautiful man into his mouth and caress every last inch of him.

Sash/Q/Bo: As his hand was occupied, there was only one choice for communication. He leaned closer so that Sean could utilize his hearing.

"Do I get a kiss before midnight, or are you going to make me wait?"

Bo leaned his weight against the sheriff's chest and continued his conversation with Conor. If Brett wanted to know, he would tell him. Otherwise he wouldn't mention this mysterious stranger he was texting at eleven at night.

{Text} I just imagine you drowning in a sea of faces, alone yet suffocated.

Quintin was lost in his own little Heaven, gasping Tane's name, giving his lover an awkward private dance for his mouth to feel.

Sean/Conor: Sean bites his lip at the proximity, the question had been one he was wondering himself. He didn't think he could wait until midnight, that felt years away. He didn't want to rush, but, fuck.

Turning his head, he kisses Sash's jaw. "There." He teases with a fairly smug smile.

The hybrid stared at his phone. That assumption... wasn't far off, really...

{Text} Some of us were born to be alone.

He was fine with that. He didn't feel lonely. He didn't feel anything.

At least, that had been true for the past hundred years. What about now? He looked to the sky for the answer.

Tane/Brett: Brett nuzzled his face into Bo's hair, breathing in his shampoo and immediately feeling comforted.

"Are you mocking Peabody for celebrating New Year's at the station with his girlfriend?"

Spurred by Q gasping his name with such abandon, Tane hummed around his shaft, bobbing his head while his hands massaged Q's hips and ass.

He wanted to take his time, to explore and drive Q crazy with need, but there would be plenty of time for that later tonight. Right now his only focus was making Q completely fall apart at his hands.

To that end, he took Q completely to the root without warning.

Sash/Q/Bo: Bo frowned at his phone, but smiled once again at the mention of Peabody.

“No, but I should. I shall after this.” Still no indication of the person on the other end of his texts. A large portion of his being hoped Brett didn’t ask questions. He would be honest, and he didn’t want to frighten the sheriff after what he’d been through. He still couldn’t remember having met Conor Archer, still didn’t know just how dangerous he could be and he didn’t want to underestimate him. Still, he continued.

{Text} That’s such a mawkish answer, but I understand where you’re coming from.

Sash’s mind had fallen somewhere short of paradise by nothing more than a prudish kiss. His smile was a Traxler classic, wide enough to cause deep creases in his cheeks; the same kind of smile Sean would have seen from his bartender for many nights prior.

‘More’ and ‘kiss’ were similar signs, but he was sure Sean would get the gist despite their limited light.

Upstairs, Q felt as though he’d lost his mind. Once more he felt his strict control fly out the window, moaning his lover’s name while desperately fucking his mouth, squeezing his hair with both hands, doing a piss-poor job of keeping quiet.

Sean/Conor: {Text} No, it's true. Some of us are destined for bigger things than falling in love with someone.

That's so trivial. He could do so much more with his life.

That smile made Sean's heart skip a beat, and he could do nothing but obey. Lips press to the same spot they had before, only to trail along his jaw and lower down his neck.

Tane/Brett: Brett laughed softly. Satisfied by Bo's answer, he saw no need to press further. "As much as the two of you snark at each other, I just know you're secretly really good friends."

That's it, thought Tane, redoubling his efforts only to pull away, kissing and nuzzling Q's thighs and scrotum, taking him again.

He'd repeat this random pattern until Q simply couldn't hold off any longer.

Sash/Q/Bo: {Text} What do you think you're destined for that's left you so alone?

"I don't hate Peabody." He couldn't say he cared enough for such a caustic emotion. Few people he loathed, and the deputy was nowhere near that list. No, the man, though a little foolish in his relationship, was harmless.

Such a simplistic kiss, as the one before it, stirred Sash to the point of visible shivers and leaning away. Oh, he was floating away yet anchored by his libido.

"That's good," he grinned.

Tane was bordering on torture, and Q was barely holding himself together. Each time he was denied his orgasm he whimpered, fucked the air and hoped the bouncer would take him back. The fourth time was one too many, and Tane was held in place by his hair.

"Don't move, please, fuck...fuck..."

Sean/Conor: Conor had to wonder why Bo was even still replying to him.

{Text} I play a very big role in this life and the next. The type of role that requires thought, not feeling.

Sean blinked when Sash moved away, his concern was fleeting and easily replaced with a grin.

"Isn't it my turn?" He taps his own cheek.

Tane/Brett: For some reason that made Brett smile. From anyone else, that statement would sound petulant. From Bo, however, it was almost an expression of fondness.

"I'm sure he feels the same. He wears the gloves you gave him every day."

Tane would've smiled if he'd been able. How could anyone resist those sweet, needy little whimpers?

Resolving to get more of them out of Q before the night was out, Tane gave his hips a squeeze, encouraging Q to use him to completion.

Sash/Q/Bo: The answer was simple, and one he would keep to himself. He didn't want Conor to be alone tonight.

"Everyday? Whatever for?"

{Text} I believe that might be the case, though without emotion, I must wonder what is left to live for. Even in the name of intellectual fulfillment one must have passion.

"I've wanted to kiss your forehead since we met," Sash laughed. "And your nose." He wanted both of those. He would start by holding Sean's face steady, pressing his warm lips against his smooth brow.

To completion he would. Q had made a point of saving himself sexually for tonight. His app had been placed on hiatus for the past three days with Tane in mind. It all led to this moment, filling his lover's mouth with his white seed, moaning his name in those needy little whimpers the bouncer loved so much.

Sean/Conor: Conor tilted his head as he read, going back over it two or three times before responding.

{Text} Nobody said anything about having something to live for.

"What?" Sean chuckles. Really? That's interesting. He remains still, trying to keep his grin under control and failing. It was sweet and loving and made his heart skip a beat.

Tane/Brett: "He despises the cold and apparently those gloves are surprisingly warm." At least that was what Peabody claimed. Brett had a sneaking suspicion the reason was far more sentimental.

"Plus he's been out in the woods a lot."

Tane felt himself begin to throb as he swallowed Q down and gently worked him through his orgasm, all those gorgeous little noises going straight to his cock. He'd have to do something about that eventually but for now his only focus was the beautiful man above him.

He would only pull off when he was sure Q was spent, licking him clean and whispering praise as he pressed tiny kisses to Q's thighs and abdomen.

Sash/Q/Bo: {Text} To have role is to have something to live for, or you're just existing because you're used to it.

"Well, that wasn't what I had intended them for. They're utility gloves."

Bo looked up from his phone, forced it aside.

"Does he hunt?" He couldn't think of why else Peabody would be walking around in all of that filth.

The purposeful kiss to Sean's nose was sneaky, closer to his cheek than the supposed intended area. He nuzzled and kissed again, just shy of his mouth. "Are these good?"

Q felt for Tane's hair, squeezed and tugged. He was much too far away, though he did so love the care and affection. It's what set Tane apart from everyone else, save for a certain lawyer.

"I need to kiss you right now," he panted. "And we need a condom or I need to be the one on my knees."

Sean/Conor: {Text} I am an in fieri God. The latter.

Oh, his weak and fragile heart. So susceptible Sean is to such kisses from beautiful, playful boys. Especially ones named Sash.

He clutches his chest. "Go easy on me."

Tane/Brett: "A little," said Brett, nodding. "He's mostly been clearing some of the smaller bridges at the creek and the river and some of the hiking trails. All the snow broke off a lot of dead branches."

Q would be able to feel Tane's smile against his skin as he kissed his way up Q's body until he landed at his lips.

"You're in luck, my beautiful," he said in a low, rumbling whisper in between kisses. "I've got one in my pocket."

And as soon as he got Q's pants all the way down, Tane was going to pick him up and set him on the counter against the wall.

Sash/Q/Bo: Bo frowned, but there was nothing to warrant the expression.

"Is he going to invite us to go hiking? Tell him I'm still sick." His injuries were nearly a year old and well healed, so it was very much a lie. Only a single cramp in his thigh remained, but it wasn't something he'd willingly reveal.

His phone was momentarily forgotten. He couldn't imagine Conor being very interested to begin with.

"Is it midnight yet?" Oh. Oh! Speaking of. Sash suddenly straightened, looked around the club.

'Do you see Q?'

Still tucked away on the roof, Q laid back for his lover's viewing pleasure and access. This wasn't exactly how he'd planned for tonight to go. Neither Tane nor Sean had been part of his original scenario. Overwhelmed by his vociferous libido, he was trapped with tunnel vision.

Sean/Conor: Sean started to shake his head, only to be distracted by the question. He starts to look around in search for Sash's brother. "No, we can go look for him if you want." as much as he enjoyed being semi-alone (they definitely weren't physically alone, but Sean felt mentally alone) with Sash, he understood he'd want to spend this time with his brother. It was why he had come to Edenton after all.

Conor figured he'd stop replying sooner or later anyway, he had better things to do than engage in nihilistic conversations with a demon hybrid. That's fine. He'd go back to staring at the sky.

Tane/Brett: Brett laughed softly and kissed Bo's hair. "He hasn't, but if he ever does I'll be sure to tell him no. Why?" He kissed Bo's hair again, nuzzling against it. "Don't fancy walking through the woods while Peabody complains about Bridget?"

Tane was humming in approval as he took in and lavished every inch of Q in affection. He wanted to get his gorgeous bartender completely naked and devour him whole, but that would mean letting Q's clothing touch the floor.

Much better to simply move all that cumbersome fabric out of his way.

"What do you say, gorgeous?" he asked Q, freeing himself from his jeans with a relieved groan before slipping the condom on. "Are you going to let me take you?"

Sash/Q/Bo: "I don't want to hear him complain like an old bitter husk in a failed marriage. If I have to sweat out in nature being eaten alive by bugs, I'd rather with you." He smiled, clearly about to be rude. "You don't talk nearly as much."

Sash tried not to let his relief shine too brightly. He wanted to see Q, but if it wasn't midnight yet, then that meant he had more time with Sean.

'I'll look when there's ten minutes left. Want to get back to dancing?' he smiled.

Q couldn't contain his smile. Despite coming down from his high, this body was eager. Hunger for another felt cliché, but the reality was just that. Still, he couldn't help himself.

"Two hundred dollars, and you have to sleep in my bed tonight."

Sean: Sean didn't have to be asked twice. He stood, offering a hand. He was excited to have Sash's body move against his again. It made him feel free and happy, and there's nothing more perfect than that.

Tane/Brett: Oh, Brett recognized that smile. It always preceded something that almost always made him want to laugh, especially in an inappropriate setting.

Luckily for him, there was no one around to judge him for laughing.

"Why talk when I could kiss your beautiful face?" he said, eyes full of mirth. "Don't ever let Peabody hear you call him a husk though. He might invite Bridget to the station more often and we'll have to hear her complaints about the décor."

"Just try to keep me out of it," Tane said with a grin, getting rid of his shirt before pulling Q into another kiss. He knew very well how much Q loved touching him, and Tane would be remiss to deny him. "Just wait until we get home. We're going to do a lot of things in your bed, but sleeping isn't one of them."

He pulled out another packet, this one containing lube. Just because they were about to fuck in a bathroom in a club didn't mean he would allow Q to be uncomfortable for even one second. Q would be prepped with loving, relentless fingers, and only taken when he was completely ready.

Sash/Q/Bo: His companion made a face. “Don’t talk like that. You’re the sheriff. Be more masculine,” he laughed. That was too much romance on a night such as this.

“She told me plants have brains and feel pain, so that’s why I should eat a cow. Please don’t let her into the station. Every brain cell is sacred and she’s a murderer of mine when she talks to me.”

Sean’s hand was taken; he was led back to the dance floor with purpose in Sash’s step. As soon as he recognized the vibrations of the new trendy song, he turned his back to press against Sean’s chest. If not for the crowd, he would be concerned (somewhat) for breaking some rule on physical boundaries. For as long as no one tapped their shoulders and told them to stop, he would enjoy Sean’s nearness in a way one might assume was to sexually arouse. It might have been, but who was to say?

“Home?” Q tried to breathe. “First, we’re going to destroy our hotel room, then we can destroy my bed.”

Of course he loved touching the bouncer. One might consider those two hands on his throat to be violent, but they were anything but. He wanted to feel Tane’s jaw move with his kiss. He wanted to possess this man in a way he hadn’t felt in a long time with anyone. For tonight, this was his. He earned him.

“You brought a little packet of lube,” he laughed. “You had this all planned out, didn’t you, baby?” Nevermind being on the bathroom counter. He turned, offered his ass out, chest pressed against where he’d sat.

“Fuck me like you mean it.” He was more than ready.

Sean: Sean hadn't been expecting that, and he has to just take a second for himself to enjoy the view. He leans back an inch, looking down at their bodies together.

With a smile on his face he takes hold of Sash's hips and starts to move along with him. Everyone was practically doing the same thing, and were mostly too drunk to notice or care about them, so he felt confident. His only wish was to be able to see this in third person, it must be incredible.

Tane/Brett: Apparently tonight was going to be one of those nights where the mighty sheriff of Edenton was going to be giggly and carefree and not at all masculine.

"I can't help it." He gave one of those kisses to Botan's cheek. "I need a concrete reason to kick her out, but I promise the next time she comes in I'll protect you. Can't very well have her killing everyone's brain cells."

There was that grin again, saying far more than words ever could. "Neither of them stand a chance."

Tane let Q feel him as much as he wanted, nuzzling and kissing those hands when he could bear to move away from Q's lips. "Not planned," he chuckled. "Just prepared for any eventuality."

What he wasn't prepared for, however, was having all of Q presented to him on a silver platter.

For a moment all he could do was stare, taking in that perfect body and that perfect ass, growling softly as he bent to kiss Q's lower back before easing inside him. Tane would be gentle at first, allowing Q to adjust to him, allowing Q to feel him.

Then that beautiful body was going to be yanked back against Tane's chest as Tane gave Q exactly what he wanted.

Sash/Q: Sash wanted to feel Sean breathe against him, every rise and cave of his chest as his own. There was something sexually appealing in watching someone like Sean Archer pant for breath. He wanted an excuse to see him shirtless, sweating, and out of breath. A gym was an innocent fantasy, the other…made him wonder what Sean’s hotel room looked like.

For now, they were dancing, and so long as they were, he would forget about time, about the crowd of people, and for the time being, about where his brother had gone.

Fingers found their way to Sean’s hands, felt for his wrists and squeezed. He rolled his hips and closed his eyes. He dared to find his dance partner’s fingers and sink his between them.

Something about the combination of growl and affection sent a shiver up Q’s spine, one Tane would have the pleasure to witness. He didn’t care if he knew what he did, how he made the bartender feel. Moments like these, he wanted Tane Lukela to know everything, especially when he entered his body, causing him to scratch at the counter, moan his name in full. Not Big T, not tonight. Tonight, he was Tane, and his name would be uttered many times before he came.

“Ah, fuck me,” he breathed. “Fuck me, yeah.” Oh, the bathroom mirror. His naked form stretched, spine curved to accommodate their position complemented the towering figure behind him.

“L-Look at us.”

Sean: "Careful." Said into Sash's ear, and both their hands lifted to sign it. Sash's fingers held between Sean's while he made the action. He didn't want to let go. He didn't want Sash to think he wanted to let go.

Careful, because you're going to turn me on.

He would feel Sean's breath, hot against his neck. He was tempted to let his mouth explore, but didn't want to push his luck with any of this.

Tane: Pleasure didn't quite do justice to how it felt to see the effect he was having on Q. It was a powerful feeling, knowing you could elicit such a visceral reaction from someone you were attracted to. Someone you were enamored with.

However strange their relationship might seem, in this moment, sheathed inside Q while he moaned Tane's name, there was no mistaking how they felt about each other.

Every sound Q made spurred Tane on, making his hips move harder and deeper and more purposefully. Not faster though. He wasn't going to go faster just yet. He wanted Q to feel each and every thrust, to remember it every time he moved for the next week.

"Look at us?" he murmured, meeting Q's eyes in the mirror. "Look at you." Tane kissed Q's neck and shoulder, never breaking their gaze. "Do you see how beautiful you are?" That shoulder was nipped. "How absolutely fucking perfect?"

Sash/Q: The intimate signing made Sash giddy. His smile was ridiculous, it had to be, but from their position Sean would barely see it. Be brought his hand to his mouth and gave his knuckles a quick and seemingly innocent kiss. That was careful, wasn’t it? What about his wrist, or his forearm? It was as far as he could go with that limb, so he turned to kiss his opposite shoulder. Look how careful he was being!

“I am fucking perfect,” Q laughed. “You’re fucking perfect; you know you are.” He couldn’t decide which to do. He wanted to hold and caress the back of Tane’s head, squeeze and comb his hair, but he also wanted to touch himself, to make himself cum all over the dirty bathroom. He could have both.

“Touch me…stroke me.”

Sean: That was definitely not careful. The electricity he felt coming from Sash's lips shot all the way through his body. It didn't matter where he kissed. It all felt the same - intoxicating and addictive. He suddenly wanted to ask Sash to stay. Don't go. You don't even like your school.

But that was not his place.

He kissed below Sash's ear, just a little bit more than a peck. Then, further down his neck.

Tane: Tane wasn't so sure about that, but he took and enjoyed the compliment all the same. Something about Q made everything he said and did in regards Tane left him feeling satisfied in some way.

"Touch you?" Still keeping eye contact, Tane's right hand snaked down Q's front, wrapping around him and stroking lazily while his lips occupied themselves with Q's shoulder and his other hand with Q's nipple.

"Like this?" he whispered against Q's skin.

Sash/Q: Sash closed his eyes in an attempt to tune out their surroundings. He wanted to feel only sensation itself via vibration and luscious lips. He wanted to remember if they were warm or soft or felt correct to his skin. There was no need for apprehension whether or not their lack of propriety was glaring, but no place so condensed with life was free of antagonists. They still had their unadoring audience.

Sash visibly shivered, laughed at Sean's affections. The sound was bubbly; no need to fear malicious intent.

"Not how I thought I'd spend tonight." He turned himself around, wrapped his arms around Sean's neck, weaved his fingers together.

"When is the wedding? I can go as your date?" If Sean could even hear him over the music.

Q smiled at the mirror. Somehow it was possible for more blood to rush to his cock. Tane would feel an approving throb accompany his soft uneven moan.

"Just like that. Fuck... I'll cum." And he would by the end of Sean and Sash's song. Not long at all, but this was Tane. He couldn't help it. He would spill out all over the floor and his hand, grunting his lover's name and laughing at his peak.

"I need your cum," he purred.

Sean: The laugh filled Sean with warmth. He straightened as Sash turned, moving his hands to Sash's hips. Audience? What audience? This world was theirs, and they would rule as kings; they would rule this world together not with fear, but with... desire.

Of course he could hear Sash. If not, he'd read lips. If he couldn't do that, he'd tap into the vibrations of the universe and locate Sash's unique vibe.

"Every day. You'll jus' have to be my date every single day. They're jus' gettin' married over an' over again for about... fifty years."

Tane: The approving throb and moan were met with a soft growl and more affection, this time to the back of Q's neck. Tane wanted access to those beautiful collar bones more than anything, but for now he contented himself with this. There would be time later tonight.

He rewarded Q's declaration by finally speeding his thrusts, wanting to bring his beautiful bartender to another orgasm that much sooner, to feel his seed coating his hand while Q said his name over and over and over again. And god, that laugh. He was fucking enamored.

Another growl, more kisses. "Where?" he murmured.

Sash/Q: Despite what he normally would have felt over such a committing declaration, Sash laughed and kissed his dance partner’s chin. It had taken him a moment to understand what Sean was saying in their limited light, but putting it together, he had to admit, Sean had a way with words which made him feel warm and desired. He didn’t have to take his flirtations so seriously. It was all just a joke. Wasn’t it?

“They’ll get tired before we will,” he grinned, played along. “I have great stamina.” Maybe he’ll find out later, if Sean wanted such intimacy. For now, he would have to be content with many, many kisses scattered randomly on his face.

Those growls would make him live forever, Q believed. He gasped and tried to collect his thoughts before they flew away.

“Inside me.” He could demand that with confidence while wearing a condom. He wanted Tane to enjoy as much as possible. He wanted to feel those arms around him, their raw strength when he came. He wanted to hold onto his lover the best he could and memorize how they looked in the mirror.

Sean: Of course, Sean was just being playful. It was quite obvious it was a joke, despite the sentiment behind it being... probably accurate. He laughs under all that affection, unconsciously bringing Sash as close as possible.

"I have endless stamina," said with lips pressed against Sash's ear, he may not even be able to hear what he's saying but he'll sure as hell feel Sean's mouth against him. Fuck. Yes. He wanted to see proof of Sash's stamina. He wanted to see his beautiful little body, he wanted - ah, snap out of it, Sean!

He exhaled and pulled back to sign, 'I told you to be careful.' He was about one kiss away from getting hard. This wasn't fair.

Tane: Tane couldn't remember ever being more grateful for a condom in his life. He would've finished anywhere Q had asked him to, but he couldn't deny how glad and relieved he was not to have to leave Q's warmth. He wanted them to be connected like this always, to feel Q clenched around him every moment of every day so he could pleasure and adore him the way his bartender deserved.

Just like he deserved every kiss Tane was placing on his neck and shoulders as he finally focused on his release, every brush against his skin, every light, loving pinch to his nipples. The image Q would see in the mirror was nothing less than Tane trying to devour him whole. And after a few more hard, well-angled thrusts, Tane was squeezing Q tight and dissolving into a mess of moans and groaned curses.

Sash/Q: ‘I am being careful,’ he signed, still pressed against Sean as best he could without crowding his hands. ‘I’m being a very good boy.’ See? Feel these soft kisses against your neck, your jaw? Aren’t these so nice? He wanted to give him more than that, but he reminded himself of their first night. He wanted to respect Sean’s restraint. However, that perfect mouth against his own neck had told a different tale. Maybe something might happen tonight. He would absolutely love that. He wouldn’t demand it, but he would sure appreciate keeping this man close and bask in his warmth. This was going to be a good memory, regardless of sex.

Q made sure those arms were wrapped around him like a belt. Tane’s strength was something to admire. This man could crush him; he was letting go yet withholding. It was as beautiful as he knew it would be despite their surroundings.

The thunder in his veins had abated, as too did his heavy breathing, lulled into a gentle hum of bliss. He wanted to remain in their position for as long as possible. He was filled and he was loved and it was dangerous and it was freedom.

“You feel so good,” he purred. “Perfect man.” My perfect man. Mine tonight.

Sean: Sean wouldn't call this careful, he'd call it the opposite. It was dangerous and naughty and... fucking beautiful.

Sash's face is stilled, cupped gently in Sean's hand. He looks the other over, wanting to understand his thoughts, his hopes. He wished he could know exactly what Sash wanted or needed from him. A thumb moved over his lips gently, signalling, he hoped, that he wanted him but would be gentle and patient if it was required.

Tane: Q needn't have worried; Tane and his arms weren't going anywhere. He was going to keep right on holding Q to his chest as he caught his breath, kissing and nuzzling everywhere he could reach.

He barely even noticed that they were still in the bathroom, and even if he had it would've made little difference. His only focus was the man tucked safely in his arms.

"Mmmm, so do you, my beautiful," he whispered. I'm all yours. Tonight and always. "You're the perfect one. So good and so perfect for me."

Sash/Q: Sash answered his touch with a kiss to Sean's thumb, eyes locked to his. He wanted excitement, treasured memories; he wanted Sean in whatever way he was allowed tonight.

Did his kiss answer his pondering?

"Do we gotta wait for midnight?"

The mirror could only satisfy so much. Q had to turn himself just so to capture that handsome mouth. He wanted to thank someone, something for creating this impressive specimen of man.

Oh, shit.

"We left my brother downstairs with Sean," he laughed, pressed his forehead against his lover. "Fuck, we're terrible."

Sean: Sean doesn't really have to think. In fact, come morning he'd believe he hadn't been thinking at all. There was a buzz in the air, in his hands, in his heart and lips.

He shakes his head, and continues to do so until his mouth presses to Sash's.

He was effortlessly passionate and attentive. So easily did his lips care for the other's. A tongue moves along his bottom lip, only to then gently and faintly taste the inside of his mouth. He wouldn't shove too hard or be too gentle, it was need and want mixed with affection and sweetness.

It was Sash's first time with a man, and this might cause uncertainty or anxiety. He may even just be a curious experiment for the other to explore and deduce his sexuality from. He didn't think that was the case, but he'd let Sash's reaction tell him.

Tane: Tane was only too happy to oblige, loosening his hold just enough to let Q adjust before holding him close again and pouring himself into the kiss. He couldn't wait until they were back at the hotel so he could kiss Q all over.

"We did," he chuckled, nuzzling Q. "He's hanging out with Sean though, he's covered." More kisses. "We'll be down by midnight."

Sash/Q: Sash placed his hands on Sean’s head, ran his fingers over what little hair there was and enjoyed his nearness. Sean was so warm. Despite their crowded sweaty surroundings, it made Sash feel safeguarded. Protected enough to hug his neck, enough to sigh into their kiss and offer his tongue. This felt natural, as though they’d known one another far longer than they had. Right now, that wasn’t an important sensation. Not nearly as significant as pressing himself against him, allowing Sean to feel what he had caused. Firmness which he would know he was responsible for.

Maybe it was the vibrations, the bits of alcohol he’s stolen, the lights, the heat, the intimacy. He was free, but this was a high. He would have to come down eventually.

Q was coming down from his own high, nuzzling the bouncer in return. “They look good together, huh? Hope they can enjoy themselves and keep it realistic.” Realistic, like this? Like pretending for thirty minutes that Tane was his and his alone, that he could belong to this man exclusively? He could not speak of realism.

“We need to clean up.”

Sean: Oh - oh his goodness. He hadn't been expecting that at all. He does consider the atmosphere and the alcohol, almost enough to make him want to push Sash away. No, Sash. Your head is cloudy. You only want this because of where we are, not because of who we are. Could I be anyone else? Am I just the lucky one against your lips tonight?

He didn't want to make the decision for him, he didn't want to demand that Sash isn't thinking right if he is. So he'd let Sash's body do the talking. Pun intended.

Hands focus on the other's hips, bringing him closer and rolling their bodies in time with the music. He pressed more into Sash's crotch, wanting to provide him with teasing friction while they kissed.

Tane: Tane nodded, smiling. "They do. If I were a betting man, I'd say they'll be doing plenty of enjoying before the night ends." And if not by the end of the night, then definitely by the end of the week. You could only resist that kind of attraction so much, and he should know.

"Mmmm, let me help you with that." Q was given three more kisses before Tane (reluctantly) pulled himself away, bending to clean his bartender with lips and tongue before dampening a paper towel with warm water and finishing the job.

Sash/Q: Sean’s advances would be met with youthful firmness, obviously eager and delighted with their dance and with their kiss. He knew Sean would feel it. If he didn’t want to, he would lean away, and Sash wouldn’t make a single complaint. He would have no right to. He watched Sean carefully, leaned away to force eye contact and bit his lip. How would that make him feel?

“I don’t know about that. I’m not interested in anything but knowing that a condom was involved.” Whether Sean arrived with protection was irrelevant. Sash had been provided plenty from his brother.

“Mm, you’re just too perfect.” And the proof was on his skin. Q leaned his weight against the counter and sighed blissfully, watched as Tane cleaned his body of sweat and semen.

“Still like how I taste?”

Sean: When Sash pulls away Sean takes to catching his breath, eyes only on the other. His gaze lowers to Sash's lips, causing him to lick his own, and then travel further south. He wondered if he could see Sash's bulge. He wondered where Sash's brother was, and when he'd come back to find them like this. He wondered where his own brother was, and if he should message him to come back. He wondered how Sash's cum tasted.

He felt himself hardening, and it made him laugh. Such a freeing feeling this was.

He kisses the other's chin, and jaw, and neck. How could he resist? He had felt intrigued by Sash the moment he saw a picture of him, he had found him beautiful and hadn't changed his mind.

Tane: He chuckled softly. "I'm sure it will be." Especially if either Sean or Sash were anything like Tane. One always had to hope (and prepare) for the best.

"Mmmm, of course I do, my beautiful," Tane murmured, kissing just below Q's navel, then straightening to kiss his lips. "I love how you taste. All of you. You're going to go really well with caramel sauce later."

Sash/Q: Seeing Sean laugh, feeling the rhythm with his hands on his chest, made him in love with that moment. In his young opinion, moments were what made life bearable. Moments just like this. Someone somewhere in the world, many people he hoped, were filled with the same sensation of euphoria. Without joy and all its accompanying emotions, life was not worth the arduous repetition.

Sash tilted this way and that to enjoy those giving lips. They were on a dance floor, so, he had to sway his hips, make every movement seem purposeful.

His hand pressed deep over Sean’s heart, pumped as an indication of his own heartbeat. See what you’ve made him do? His pulse was racing.

Q was grinning from ear to ear. Hearing that pet name never got old. Tane made him feel sexy in a way so few clients could. More than an object of relief, but a person of worship. Someone to be admired for just a little more than his ass and cock. Perhaps more than a little.

“If we’re licking each other clean, maybe I need to get on my knees. Hmm?” No, they needed to go. He knew that Tane knew. He knew what Tane would say and he looked forward to it.

“I brought a special cherry oil with you in mind,” he hummed, tapping his fingers over those perfectly full, perfectly aged lips.

Sean: Sean smiled. Fucking hell. How is this really happening? It's too... perfect. Something is going to ruin this, right? It has to. Nothing could possibly go this well.

The hand is taken and brought to his mouth to be innocently and sweetly kissed... and then playfully bitten between the index and the thumb.

Tane: "What happened to needing to get back downstairs, hm?" Tane asked with a grin of his own, kissing Q once, twice. "Not that I don't want to. I wanna spend hours licking each other clean. Adoring every single inch of you."

Cherry oil? He was intrigued. "And just what are you planning to do with that?" he asked, kissing Q's finger.

Sash/Q: "Rude," Sash laughed. He hoped tonight would end on a smooth note, but he wasn't going to hold his breath. The life he'd lived meant enjoying what was available until it was depleted. Sean was going to stay here and he had to go back to school. Enjoy this moment with Sean's sexy smile while it lasted.

"What do you think I'm going to do?" Demonstration, licking Tane's taut neck and down to his chest. He hummed, growled in frustration at his own procrastination.

"Alright, alright." He had to force himself to finish dressing and straightening his clothes.

"Do I look like I just got fucked by Hercules?" Oh well. One more kiss and it was time to head back downstairs.

Sean: Sean tutted and shook his head. "I would never be rude t'you." to prove it, he kisses where was bitten, and trails his lips all up Sash's arm, until finding his neck once again.

Tane: Tane gave a soft, pleased hum, letting his head tilt back as he savored these last moments of precious contact before he had to give Q up and share him with the rest of the world again. And as much as he hated having to do it, he was very much looking forward to having Q to himself for the rest of the weekend.

In all its cherry oil and caramel sauce glory.

He reluctantly followed suit, setting himself to rights and grinning at Q in the mirror. "Yes," he said with no small bit of satisfaction. "To a trained eye."

Sash/Q: Here Sash thought Sean was about to nibble and suck on his finger. He would have been pleased either way. Given the moans Sean had elicited, there would be no doubt how he felt. Unfortunately, big brother Q was coming downstairs to interrupt their escalating flirtations.

"Look at those two," the bartender chuckled. Of all of the men to pursue his baby brother, thank God it was someone like Sean Archer.

Sean: That is far too raunchy. He couldn't possibly do something like that in the middle of somewhere so public... but nibbling his neck a little wasn't out of the question.

Something behind Sash caught his attention and made him ease back. He laughed. "Your brother is back."

Tane: "Very close and cozy," Tane chuckled fondly. He knew exactly how they both felt and it was simultaneously the best and worst feeling in the world.

"Would a certain gorgeous bartender like another drink before the countdown starts?"

Sash/Q: There was no sense in hiding that pout; Sash loved the theater, but his own acting was mediocre at best. Moments like this were meant to feel like a lifetime, instead, it was over as soon as it began.

"Time?" he asked, taking a step back to compose himself.

Q brushed his fingers over Tane's ribs.

"Something with cinnamon? I need a boost and a distraction from you," he grinned.

Sean: Bringing out his phone Sean checked the time, then showed Sash. They had about ten minutes. His phone background was him sat on a stool, singing into a microphone with a guitar on his lap.

"We cheated a little bit," he joked.

Tane: "A distraction, you say? Sounds like a raw deal for me," he chuckled. "I should bring you something that reminds you of me instead."

He stole a quick kiss. "Ever had a cinnamon sparkle?"

Sash/Q: 'The rule wasn't in writing so it doesn't count.' The strobe lights had dimmed. Sash could barely see his own hands, but his attention returned to his brother. He blinked, watching his brother being kissed by the giant. He still couldn't say whether or not he approved of Big T.

"I can tell you I've rarely seen anyone order one." Rum and cognac? "Yes please, I'll have one."

Sean: "Mmm hmm." He happily hummed. His smile faltered when Sash looked away. He followed his gaze and wondered if that bothered him - seeing his brother like that. Was he okay with it? A hand lightly placed on his back, silently supportive.

Tane: "People don't know what they're missing." There wasn't anything not to love about rum, cognac, and peach goodness.

Another kiss. "Two cinnamon sparkles coming right up."

Sash/Q: Sash leaned his weight against his hand and turned, giving Sean a look to prove he was alright. He was just thinking.

Q danced his way through a small crowd of drunks and greeted his brother with an affectionate smack to his shoulder.

'Having a good time?'

'Sean is very good at entertaining,' Sash smiled.

Sean: Sash could say that again.

"Where have you two been?" signed and said.

Tane: The bartender was surprised at Tane's request, echoing what Q had said about it rarely being ordered. Way he saw it, those were often the best drinks; the hidden treasures.

He returned to Q in time to hear Sean's question, trying his best not to look too self-satisfied. "We went up to the roof for a while," he said as he handed Q his glass. "Beautiful view up there." Of Q getting, as he has put it, fucked by Hercules.

Sash/Q: "You guys should go see. Maybe we can see some fireworks from up there. They're going to pop streamers and glitter all of em us at midnight. You choose which you'd prefer."

His drink was sipped, a nod of appreciation given to Big T. "Good call."

Sean: "It must be really packed up there." How did they even manage to find any room to squeeze up on the roof? Surely everyone has the same idea.

Tane: "Kinda, but it's not too bad. The heaters they have up there don't seem to be enough to make many people brave the cold."

Tane smiled. "Told you people don't know what they're missing. Glad you like it."

Sash/Q: 'Do you want to go up there after we get covered in slutty glitter?' Sash was grinning from ear-to-ear. His brother was rolling his eyes.

'You're a bi Emmett Honeycutt. I should have never watched Queer as Folk when you were home.'

He looked to Sean. "He learned how to cuss from the TV shows I watched. Our mother still hasn't forgiven me."

Sash had caught most of that. Enough to retort. 'It's fine. She doesn't understand half of what I say now so I can cuss all I want.'

Sean: What started out as funny, ended up being saddening. His mother didn't even understand him. Just as his own father hadn't taken the time to learn sign language for Conor.

Where is his brother, anyway? He should come enjoy this with people who care about him.

"Don't worry. We'll go up. Let me jus' find my brother."

He brings out his phone and sends a text, asking where he is and if he's okay.

Tane: Tane smiled into his drink. "Reminds me of my and my step-brothers on my mom's side. They cursed in German around me and I ended up repeating everything they said to my mom and my step-dad. They're both still steamed." And it still came up every Christmas.

Sash/Q: 'She's trying. She's been trying for years. Give her better credit.'

Sash waved away Q's scolding. Both frowned.

"I keep forgetting you have brothers," Q said aloud. Sash's eyes darted between them trying to gather as much of the conversation as possible. When his brother realized what he was doing, he reminded himself to sign as he spoke, regardless of his focus.

Sash's fingers gently brushed over Sean's wrist.

'Everything okay?'

Sean: "Hilarious." said sarcastically, and hopefully his expression portrayed this for Sash. He hadn't stopped signing his speech. Aidan would've killed him for that.

Conor lazily checked his phone, and simply responded saying he's fine.

{Text: Con} Come back. It will be midnight soon.

Sean lifts his arm so that Sash's fingers can be brought to his lips. He nodded and smiled reassuringly.

Tane: "Yep," he said with a nod, reminding himself to speak clearly so Sash could read his lips. "Three of them. And three sisters. I'm lousy with siblings."

Sash/Q: Sean was a damn good distraction. He had to force his eyes away.

'Do you have to remember birthdays and wedding anniversaries and niece and nephew birthdays? That's too much. I'd go crazy.'

Q translated for his brother and chuckled. "Same. One of you is enough."

Big brother was weakly shoved.

Sean/Conor: "Hey, I grew up in a house with five siblings and I wouldn't trade it for anything. It was the best." but... he also grew up in a very /large/ house, where they each had their own bedroom and more than enough of their own personal space.

Conor mentally sighed.

{Text: Sean} I don't like it there. It's claustrophobic. Sorry. I'll be in my hotel room. You can video call me if you want to.

Sean bit his lip and read the reply a few times.

Tane: Tane chuckled and nodded. "Yes I do. My calender is a mess of important dates. Got my siblings' birthdays memorized, it's just just the rest of it I need help with."

He smiled at Sean. "Nothing like family chaos."

Sash/Q: Sash was watching Sean with concern. He seemed to be the only one paying any attention to his expression. It was subtle, but noticeable. Enough so to gently rub Sean's lower back and offer an oblivious but comforting smile. He didn't need to know what was being said to know it was putting a nail in his pillow.

Q glanced from Tane to Sash to Sean and back. He arched his brow at the bouncer and sipped his drink.

"Maybe I could have handled more Sashes if I'd lived in a house like Margot's, or anything bigger than a thousand square feet growing up."

Sean: Sean snapped up. Was he being rude? He quickly responded, saying okay, but to come back if he changes his mind. He'll have to stop by Conor's room when they go back.

Putting away his phone he smiled, "Nothin' else is like havin' a siblin'." He moved closer to Sash, appreciating the thoughtful touch.

Tane: He exchanged glances with Q, silently acknowledging the strange vibe but not calling attention to it. He didn't want to put Sean on the spot if he was dealing with something.

"My siblings were spread evenly over two houses so that made it a little easier most of the time. Still had to do the fighting over the bathroom thing.

"You guys do that?" he added to Sean.

Sash/Q: Q smiled to himself, remembering the time a very young Sash tried to use the bathroom stool he stood on to brush his teeth as a barricade to keep him out in the mornings, determined to do everything "all by himself like a big boy".

He began to explain the memory after Sean's response, signing to the best of his abilities as he recollected. It was imperfect, but Sash was grinning.

"I seriously don't remember," he laughed.

Sean: "Uh..." he thought, "nah, we all had our own bathroom." ... How did that make him sound?

He was glad when Q filled the air with his adorable story. Sean's expression matched Sash's.

"Cute." Signed and spoken, like everything else.

Tane: "I would've loved that," Tane said with feeling, recalling mornings spent arguing with his step-sisters before school and every time one of his siblings had barged in when he was showering.

The story made him smile as well. "Very cute. Did you manage to get into the bathroom eventually or did Sash stick to his guns and dominate the morning routine?"

Sash/Q: "It was like a two pound plastic stool. He'd make his bath water like lava! He'd forget the cold knob existed and then whine -"

"I don't like feeling cold," which was why he had no problem whatsoever with the crowded club, with the sweat on his brow, with his jacket forgotten back at the hotel.

Tane: "I feel you, brah." He gave Sash an understanding nod. "I don't like feeling cold either. I never thought it would snow so much when I came here. Q's been teasing me about my Dad sweater," he added with a smile at his bartender.

Sash/Q: "Nothing funnier than a giant of a man in a wool sweater," he smiled right back.

Sash leaned his weight against Sean and nudged his arm with two fingers.

'Aren't they just cute.'

Sean: Sean rolled his eyes with a smile. 'We're cuter.'

Tane: "I'm a Hawaiian giant!" Tane laughed. "I need wool to keep me from turning into an iceberg or a popsicle. I bought a wool scarf too."

Sash/Q: 'You're going to be more cute with glitter all over your body.' Shameless.

Seemed they were already beginning to drift into their own conversations again.

But Q gave the new and possibly temporary couple his attention once more. "You're here with your brother, right? Younger or older?"

Sean: Sean was literally on the verge of leaning down to kiss Sash - because, ah, how fucking delicious - when Q distracted him and made him straighten up.

"Younger. Aidan is the only one older than me. Conor's two years younger, and Ronan's four years younger."

Tane: Tane looked around, trying to spot Conor's hair in the sea of people. "Did he go outside? I don't see him anywhere."

Sash/Q: Sash was back to staring at the man Q had introduced as Big T. He could barely register a word said when the man smiled.

'Do you understand anything I say when I sign?'

Q casually smacked his brother's elbow.

"Guess Conor wants to celebrate differently. To each his own."

Sean: He chose to ignore their little moment. "This isn't really his scene, he came 'cause I made him." Sean shrugged. "I didn't want him t'be alone."

Tane: "Nothing wrong with that." With Conor leaving or with Sean not wanting him to be alone.

"If he comes back in for the countdown we'll get him a drink." He glanced at the brightly lit clock on the wall. "Which is in just a few minutes."

Sash/Q: "If you want, we can go be with him instead," suggested Q. Sash almost pouted, but turned to Sean and nodded in agreement.

Sean: Sean hesitated. He didn't want to ruin their evening, but he didn't want Conor to be alone, either.

"Maybe if we go up to the roof he'll be more comfortable there?"

Tane: Tane smiled and nodded. "I think he would be. It's quieter and less crowded up there. Plus, we'll get a great view of the fireworks."

Sash/Q: "Let's go get him, then."

'We can,' Sash tapped Sean's arm and grinned.

"Well, haven't you guys gotten so cozy."

Sean: It really warmed Sean to know that although they didn't really know Conor they were still willing to care for him and accommodate him. Whether that was for his own benefit or his brother's, he didn't know. It didn't matter. It was so sweet and generous - so rare, that it made him smile and touch his chest.

"Thank you. We could just tell him to meet us up there, if you want?"

He'll let Sash respond to Q's comment.

Tane: "Sure thing." Tane subtly nudged Q and nodded toward the stairs. "Let's go stake out a good spot on the roof." And leave the cozy love birds to have a moment to themselves before the festivities broke out.

Sash/Q: 'As cozy as you two,' Sash replied coolly. Q was ready to respond, but Tane was a well-needed distraction.

'Text him, yeah. Do that because it's cold out,' he laughed.

Sean/Conor: With a nod, out comes his phone.

{Text:} Con, come back! There's somewhere spacious on the roof. Tá grá agam duit xx

Conor smirked and rolled his eyes.

{Text:} Are you drunk?

{Text:} No! Come on.

{Text:} You'd like me to be the fifth wheel?

{Text:} Yeah! See you soon. Xx

"He's on his way."

Tane: Once they were out of sight of Sash and Sean, Tane stole a kiss from Q.

"Ready for the new year, gorgeous?"

Sash/Q: Q smiled, relieved for the kiss. His brother seemed to be in a mood and was getting on his nerves. Not the best way to start the new year.

"Ready as I'm going to be. How are you? Feeling good?"

Sash smiled and nuzzled himself against Sean's shoulder, motioned back to the bar.

“I want what I can't have. I want a Jack and Coke.”

Sean: "Like you said," Sean smiled crookedly, "you can't have it."

Tane: "That's the spirit." Tane kissed him again. "I'm feeling very good. I always do when I'm with you." Maybe just one more kiss. "We're about to celebrate a new year, we're going to have sex all night. Gonna be a good start to the year."

Sash/Q: "Oh yeah?" Q laughed into the extra kisses. "Still watching over Sash, and he might or might not be going with Sean. I can't tell what they want to be."

'Spill some of your Jack into my Coke?' Sash laughed. He wondered if Conor's disappearance had something to do with him, if Conor didn't like the idea of their nearness, if he knew about it at all.

Sean: Sean bit his bottom lip and shook his head. Ah. This much grinning will surely end up harming his face.

"I don't want to be a bad influence."

Tane: "They look like they want to be....." Tane affected his best philosopher face. "In the moment. They seem very in tune with each other."

Sash/Q: "Guess we'll see what happens." In truth, not much stock was going into the idea. Lovely whims, nothing more.

The temperature seemed to have dropped in the space of just minutes. He should have brought a jacket.

Sash was back to pouting, obviously a tease. It didn't matter that much. He could fix himself at the hotel with those adorable little bottles of booze. He'd order himself a soda and keep his plans to himself. For now.

Sean: "Aww. None of that." He kissed the corner of Sash's mouth. "Do you want to go up to the roof now?"

Tane: "Cold?" Tane asked, seeking out the nearest heater and leading them over to it.

And wrapping his arms around Q as soon as he could. Couldn't have him being cold.

Sash/Q: "It's nothing," but still he followed, and still he smiled at Tane's concern and affection. He wondered if this was how Luke Graham felt in his presence. He leaned his weight against him and began to plot their meeting.

"We waiting on your brother?" Sash wrinkled his brow. He was willing to wait if it was what Sean wanted.

Sean: Sean shook his head. "He can meet us up there. It would mean he has to spend less time down here, which I think he'd appreciate." A hand slips into the other's so that he may kiss the back of it.

Tane: Tane smiled to himself, resting his cheek against Q's hair. This right here was exactly how he wanted to start the new year; with the man he loved safe in his arms.

"We should go to Hawaii again this year."

Sash/Q: "We'll go once a year, maybe. Probably. Definitely." For now, he closed his eyes, enjoyed the sound of city life. He missed the clamour.

Sash looked around, seemingly stunned by Sean's little kiss.

'Sir, that is inappropriate behavior,' he laughed. Sean's cheek was given similar treatment, and soon he was being dragged upstairs.

Sean: That only made Sean laugh. Fuck, Sash is so adorable and funny and.... just straight up enticing. He wanted to always be around this vibrant energy. He squeezed Sash's hand as they made their way up the stairs, soon after he was receiving a text from his brother saying that he was about to make his way up to the roof.

Tane: He nodded and kissed the top of Q's head. "Definitely every year. Maybe we could even pop over to Maui or Lanai next time. You'd love both."

Sash/Q: "When Sash gets better settled in college, gets a job, I'll be moving out there. Someplace warm or someplace loud. Hawaii has both, so..." Q turned his head enough to smile. "So you should show me more."

Sash was immediately distracted by city life; seeing his brother's nearness to Tane had him turning his back to them completely.

'Do you have a PS4? Tell me yes. We're going to play together.'

Sean/Conor: Sean laughed, "Nah, Ro does though," he spoke and signed. "I could borrow his."

He then felt a hand on his back, making him turn and grin at his brother, exclaiming his name and giving him a hug.

Tane: "Yes it does. You'd do very well there." Tane firmly believed everyone on earth would do well in Hawaii, and not just because he was biased.

He stole a kiss from that smile. "I'll show you everything, beautiful."

Sash/Q: "Goddamn right you will. I'll do a sweep of every area so we don't get ambushed by a model again." He wondered what Alister was doing this very moment, wondered if she was happy.

'Borrow? I'll buy you one.' He would buy Sean a console with Q's money, so Q will buy him one.

Sash ducked his chin, mentally preparing himself for having to share.

'Hey,' he waved.

Sean/Conor: Sean instantly cringed. No, no. "No way. I can get myself one."

Conor returned the gesture lazily.

"Have a good time, Con?"

'No.'

"Bet you wish Bo was here, huh?" Sean's grin was wide and cheeky. Here, have a middle finger.

'Has Sean been this irritating all night?'

Tane: He laughed softly. He could now, but in that moment with that distinctly irritating woman the encounter hadn't been nearly as amusing. "I doubt we will. Gonna take you to all the nice secluded parts of the islands."

Sash/Q: "So long as we get to skydive next time." Sean's voice had Q turning towards their group. Still couldn't get a read on the brother.

'He won't buy me a real drink. He's not a risk-taker,' he laughed. 'So, is Bo your boyfriend?' Seemed to be what the dots were connecting.

Sean/Conor: Conor shook his head. Not with disgust, no cringe or real rejection of the idea could be seen. He was just correcting an assumption.

'No, a friend, merely.'

"Best friend." A hand goes over Sean's laughing face. Stop that.

'He's being responsible because he cares.'

Tane: "We can go skydiving if you promise not to laugh at me when I scream the whole time."

Sash/Q: "Oh, I'll be recording your ass and I'll be putting it on YouTube. Dont worry, I'll give you all the profits."

Sash smiled at the banter, finding comfort in its similarity to his with the man behind them.

'Will you care less when we get to the hotel?' A not-so-sneaky way of asking their near-future plans.

Sean/Conor: Conor raised an eyebrow while Sean just smirked. "I'll be even more carin' then." His wink made Conor want to gag.

'Disgusting.'

Tane: Tane laughed. "Like hell you are. You're gonna be too busy protecting me from the extreme height."

Sash/Q: Sash simply laughed at the remark. 'So disgusting. He needs to practice better lines.' He simply couldn't tame his smile.

Q's was similar in fashion. "Maybe we'll have to be attached for your first jump. No, actually, no maybe. We will be."

Sean/Conor: It was more the wink that Conor was grossed out by.

'I sometimes feel as though Sean has too much energy for his own good.'

Tane: He had a feeling that even the act of being attached to Q wouldn't curb his fear, but there was no way Tane was jumping without his bartender.

"Yes, we definitely will be. It'll be like when we went swimming together. Remember?"

Sash/Q: 'Too much?' He could think of ways to tire him out. Of course he wouldn't say that in front of Sean's brother. Even he knew that to be in poor taste.

'Has it ever gotten him into trouble?'

"Yes, it'll look hilarious. I'm prepared for comedy. Yeah. I'm gonna purchase a GoPro just for this."

Sean/Conor: 'All the time. Our father caught him-' Sean suddenly caught Conor's hands, stopping his form of communication. Which, obviously, pissed Conor off. His instant reaction was to grab his fingers in return and squeeze, but Sean quickly pulled from his grasp.

"Oi!"

'Don't do that.'

"You're right. I'm sorry." Conor's hand was taken and kissed. "Let's jus' say it's gotten me into a lot of trouble. Like, bein' caught by my brother kissin' a guy before I was out kinda trouble. Breakin' bones kinda trouble."

Tane: Tane laughed and shook his head. "Gonna buy a GoPro just to capture my embarrassment and laugh. Shameful." Q was kissed anyway.

"Gonna show Logan?"

Sash/Q: Sash glanced away as Sean was corrected for silencing his brother. He wasn't going to get involved with that. He returned his eyes seconds later.

'How many bones have you broken?'

"Maybe we can invite her with us when the time comes. That would be the best distraction for her, if you two can get along at that point."

Sean: "My elbow." He'd point to the exact place, by his elbow. "My shoulder." He'd gesture. "My rib. My knee. My ankle." My skull, when a bullet tore through me.

Tane: Tane smiled at the thought. Logan hasn't been to Hawaii since she was still in her mother's belly.

"I hope we can. I want this year to be the one we finally reconnect properly. I want to be in her life."

Sash/Q: 'Were you in a car wreck?' he laughed. 'How the hell...?' Suddenly his broken leg didn't seem like such a war story. His ear, on the other hand...

"We're gonna see about that, okay?" Q whispered in Tane's ear, gave it a quick kiss. "You'll see. I have the magic touch. You two are going to be alright." He hoped.

Sean/Conor: "Not all at the same time!" Sean laughed.

'But almost all due to idiocy. Jumping from a tree, or swing, climbing something he shouldn't be. Taunting people he shouldn't be.'

"What's life without some bruises?" He winked at Sash.

Tane: "You do have the magic touch," he said softly, nuzzling Q. "I wouldn't feel nearly as hopeful about it if you weren't helping me." He'd already proven to himself that his own efforts weren't enough.

Sash/Q: Sash smiled in return, shook his head at Conor's list. "Better than staying indoors all the time where it's safe."

Tane was give a warm squeeze. They could talk more about Logan later, but his confidence in their situation was firm, so long as he remembered his place and patience. Q had to trust him in keeping an appropriate distance from her.

Hearing their conversation, he found a perfect opportunity to tease. Catching Sash's attention.

'You're indoors almost all the time now. What's your favorite video game?'

'It's Fuck You that's what,' they laughed.

"You used to love basketball."

"I still do."

Tane: Tane squeezed him back, sneaking in another kiss to the top of Q's head while he still could. The festivities would be starting any moment.

Though he couldn't understand it, he smiled at Q and Sash's brotherly banter. It made him miss his own brothers.

"When was the last time you played?" Tane asked, lifting his head and turning so Sash could see him properly.

Sash/Q: Sash blinked and processed the big man's sentence. "A month ago."

"See? Practically never," his brother shook his head.

Sean/Conor: "What d'you mean?! That basically makes him a pro!"

Conor slunk back a little, looking out at the sky. Shouldn't it be midnight soon? That was why they had called him back, isn't it? His movement distracted Sean.

Sean nudged him. "C'mon let's send a picture to Bo." He took Conor's phone before he could respond and lifted it, snapping a picture of himself grinning and Conor just staring. It was sent to Bo. "Picture time before midnight!" He waved over the rest of their group. "Tane, you've got the longest arms, right? Take it?"

Tane: Tane smiled to himself. It really was sweet watching Sean and Sash interact. There was definitely something there between them; he hoped they got a chance to explore it.

"That I do," he said, nodding at Sean's question and taking the phone. "Absolutely, I will." He positioned himself right beside Q. "All right, everybody get in here and smile pretty for the camera!"

Sash/Q/Bo: {Text} Was your phone stolen? You seem quite displeased.

The sender was smiling, subtle though it was. He headed for the door, took a photo of the fireworks over the water, and then one of himself, positioning himself to be at the center of the gold and blue explosions.

The positioning couldn't have been better. Conor, Sean, Sash made a point to wedge himself between Sean and his own brother, leaving Tane to take the other end. Tonight, the Traxler brothers were huggers. Sean and Tane were at the center of their affections. Sash pressed his lips to Sean's cheek, and Q smiled widely to the camera.

Sean/Conor: Sean laughed, while Conor resumed looking unamused. He didn't smile. Not the way Sean did, pressing closer to Sash and puckering his lips for the picture. Conor's eyes cut through the darkness, while Sean winked. Conor had noticed the notification of Bo's response and hoped nobody would open the conversation.

They probably seemed like a very mismatched group.

Tane: Mismatched perhaps, but very photogenic.

Tane's smile matched Q's for its brightness, both for the picture and in appreciation that he got to hold his bartender as close as he wanted without anyone batting an eyelash.

"All right, everyone ready?" He took one picture, then a couple more for safety. He'd barely put his arm down when the countdown began.

"It's almost time!"

Sash/Q/Bo: Silence from Conor meant he was either preoccupied or just not interested in replying. Either way, Bo added "happy new year, flame" and called it an evening. There was a sheriff in need of attention.

Q pulled out his phone to text his mother good wishes. He wanted the photo taken to send to her email as well. Sash tapped his shoulder and began to ask, having the exact same thought.

"I'm -" 'Mom.' The one word was enough, and his brother nodded.

Back to Sean. "I'm still kissing you at midnight."

"Get a room."

Sean/Conor: "Good." His own phone is brought out so that he could message his brothers and all of his friends. Meanwhile, Conor had taken his phone back and slipped away. So they're all going to be kissing and Conor will just be... over here.

He sends the picture to Bo and responds, 'Happy new year, Flower.'

Sean counts down with the rest of the crowd, excites and smiling brightly until the time came to offer his lips to Sash.

Tane: There would be no texting family for Tane; his family preferred phone calls. As soon as the countdown ended he'd be fielding calls from two moms, two dads, and many, many siblings. More than likely they'd all be on speaker and shouting at once.

The thought made him smile as he pulled Q back into his arms once he'd finished texting.

"Ready?" he murmured into his bartender's ear, letting the loud, cheerful voices counting down fade into the background and zeroing in on Q's face.

Sash/Q: Sash made himself comfortable against Sean's chest, wanting to feel those arms around his shoulders, trapping him in warmth and momentary security. He was accustomed to the other way around, but tonight was an exception. When the clock struck midnight, he turned just so to capture those lips. He couldn't have asked for a better night.

Q had been ready before the countdown had begun, all too eager to hold Tane's face in both hands and offer his tongue. He did feel a little sympathetic towards Sean's brother, but not enough to stop, or say anything to take away from his own selfish happiness.

Sean/Conor: Sean knew his brother well, he knew that he's happier not being squashed into a group of people, forced to act happy. He knew this, and Conor appreciated not being made to act friendly with people he barely knew.

'You feel like coming back to my room tonight?' he smirked cheekily.

Tane: Tane smiled as he closed the distance between them, holding Q snugly against his chest as he sunk into the taste and feel of him. The fireworks booming overhead were a distant echo, the raucous cheering a faint buzz.

In that perfect moment there was nothing but Q, and though he wouldn't say it aloud, poured every single ounce of love and devotion he felt for this perfect man into their kiss.

"Happy New Year, my beautiful," he murmured.

Sash/Q: Sash was grinning from ear-to-ear. "Is your brother going-" he glanced up at the fireworks. No way Sean could possibly hear him. 'Is your brother going to be upset if I do?'

Tane's nose was attacked with a nip and a kiss. "Another year in our little town at our little bar. Not so bad." Not as boring as it used to be. He could feel...something, but that couldn't possibly be love. It was just alcohol and ecstasy.

"What do you wanna do now?"

Sean: 'We booked separate rooms.' he winked playfully, taking one of those hands to kiss.

Tane: Tane's smile was pure joy. "Not bad at all." He kissed Q again. "Now I wanna whisk you away and make love to you alllll night long."

Sash/Q: 'You want to share a night with me?' His smile faded. 'We don't have to have sex.'

Q was ready to turn and ask his brother if he would be alright, but by the time he faced the budding couple, Sash was already signing.

'You be alright here? I'm going with Sean to his place to chill.'

"Just to chill, huh?" he said and signed.

'Yeah. We'll be fine. I won't be stupid, promise.'

Q looked over to Sean. Please be careful with him, his eyes said.

Sean/Conor: Sean briefly felt confused. He had just been about to tell Sash tbe same thing - no reason to have expectations or pressure.

Conor noticed the conversation from a distance and looked concerned. Sean's knowing nod, you have my word as a big brother, gets interrupted by Conor tugging him aside.

'Are you sure this is a good idea?' signed in BSL so that hopefully Sash doesn't understand. Sean verbally responded in Irish, it will be fine, brother. He won't do anything stupid, he promised.

Conor didn't seem convinced... 'You're hoping to have sex with him, aren't you?' Ew. Ew. Ew. Ew. Ew.

Sean shoved his shoulder gently. Stop. Before returning to Sash's side. Great. Now the hybrid has that image in his head. Kill him.

"You ready, Sash?"

Sash/Q: Sash watched the two of them, and for a moment felt insulted. The offense didn't feel the same as someone might feel being interrupted, or having their mouth covered or signing cut short, but similar. He couldn't complain. One of the reasons Sash had opened himself to signing was because of its uniqueness and privacy.

"Ah, young love," Q laughed, turning from the conversation. He was on Conor's side, he was sure, assuming this was brotherly concern.

'Ready when you are,' Sash smiled. 'He give his blessing?'

Sean/Conor: 'He doesn't have to, I'm older.' Conor gave him a dirty look while Sean just smiled and offered his arm. Take it and he'll guide you through the crowd to his hotel.

{Text: Flower} Maybe I should've brought someo

Ah, no... He deletes that and tucks his phone away, noticing a girl who was watching him. Ew.

Tane: "Goes hand in hand with brotherly concern," Tane said with a smile, wrapping his arm around Q's shoulders. "Come on, let's leave them to it." He kissed his bartender's hair. "I've got plans for you."

Sash/Q: 'Arm in arm?' he laughed. 'What about hand swinging?' He took Sean's hand and swung the same way a parent would a child, just once, before kissing his knuckles. Lead him anywhere. He didn't care.

"You've made plans? Oo, look at you." Q turned back to the fireworks and sighed, content. He wanted a few more minutes of that.

"How's the family?"

Sean/Conor: Well clearly Conor won't be staying here, either. Thanks for bringing me into this super uncomfortable situation, Sean. He made a disgusted face before walking away from them all. He'll just head back to his hotel room, too.

Sean laughed, smiling brightly at the other. Hand swinging is fine if it's with you. He was torn between taking is time and walking briskly. He wanted to kiss Sash without any eyes on them. He wondered if the other felt the same.

Tane: "Oh, yes. We can't let that caramel sauce and cherry oil go to waste. Have to ring the new year in the right way."

Tane pulled his phone out of his pocket, smiling at the veritable flood of texts and voicemails. "In very good spirits. Wanna stay and watch the fireworks for a bit while I reply to some of these texts?"

Sash/Q: Sash didn't mind the eyes, so long as they were without malice. The asshole from before seemed to have left, or was still upstairs. So far so good.

He glanced behind, noticed Sean's brother.

"Coming with us?"

Q looked over to his phone and laughed. "Yeah. You deal with that. I think I'll make a quick video, too. Shouldn't take but five minutes."

Sean/Conor: 'I'm not here.' Conor signed. Sean hadn't realised his brother had left too and looked back in confusion.

"Why'd you leave?"

'Q and Tane were acting like I wasn't even there, so there would've been no point staying. They were too preoccupied with each other's mouths.'

Sean laughed, but his brother was being deadly serious.

"It isn't like you were tryna get involved in any conversation."

Conor just waved at him to stop before turning off to go walk alone. Sean rolled his eyes.

Tane: "Go for it," said Tane, stealing another quick kiss before listening to his voicemails. His very loud, cheerful, and slightly tipsy-sounding voicemails. As he'd suspected, his family was all together and shouting into the phone at the same time.

Sash/Q: Sash watched the both of them, then as Conor walked away, he turned back to Sean, concern in his eyes.

'Is he bothered that I'm coming with you? I don't want some fight because of me.'

Q angled his phone at the most attractive angle, and said his hellos to his fans. He recapped his night, including as he called it, a "spontaneous sexual encounter with a beautiful Australian", and not to worry, he had been safe.

"I hope everyone's had a great fucking night. Life's too short. See you soon!"

The video was then reviewed and posted to his RentMe profile.

Sean/Conor: Sean shook his head, 'He's upset because he's surrounded by...' well, he couldn't exactly say couples... 'people who are pairing off. You and I, Q and Tane. He's alone.'

Alone his ass. Conor had... uh...

Tane: There was no way in hell he'd be able to call his family with all this noise and all the noise they were obviously making, so Tane simply returned as many texts as he could, wishing everyone a happy new year, telling them to be safe, and promising that he would all tomorrow.

As soon as he finished, he looked up to see if Q had as well, holding out a hand in invitation.

Sash/Q: 'Should we do something with him, something where we're not making him uncomfortable?' The one and only time he would ask this. One chance, and he would be back to walking shoulder to shoulder with his...date? Yes, his date.

Tane's hand was taken. An attempt to pull the giant closer miserably failed, and so he carried himself forward on still tipsy feet.

"Let's go home and fuck." Life is short.

Sean: Wait, what?

'I want to be alone with you. You're going home soon, and he'll be fine. Is that selfish of me? Does that make me seem like a bad person?'

Tane: "You read my mind," Tane said with a grin, kissing Q as soon as he was close enough. "Would my beautiful bartender like to be carried to the hotel or would he rather walk?"

Sash/Q: 'I don't know. I want to be selfish, too. Do I get points for trying to be nice?' he quietly laughed. 'I am leaving. I like you. I don't want you to have a fucked up conversation with him next time you two are alone.'

"Well, since you offered, I'd love a piggy back ride back to our room," Q grinned. "I'll never say no to being carried."

Sean: 'I'll give you ten points. Now you're at a thousand Sean Points.' he joked, before shrugging. 'We'll be okay.' we have eternity to patch things up if not. 'Can we just enjoy our time together?' he offered his hand.

Tane: He chuckled. "I know you don't. And I'll never not offer." Tane gave Q another quick kiss and turned. "Hop on, gorgeous." It didn't matter if anyone stared at them; everyone might as well be invisible tonight.

Sash/Q: "But I'm already enjoying it," he laughed again, taking Sean's hand and squeezing it. Despite the commotion he couldn't hear, the buzzing vibrations of emotion and music, the crowds, family, there was only Sean Archer. That was the way he'd wanted it all night. It seemed he and Tane Lukela were of the same mindset.

Q climbed aboard with natural ease, wrapped his arms around his shoulders and settled in, his cheek resting in Tane's hair.

"You smell like shampoo and cigarettes. I blame the bathroom we were in."

Sean: Sash was only released once they reached Sean's hotel room. He opened the door, holding it out for the other to go in ahead of it. A double bed, a bag in the corner, clothes over a chair.

"The light switch is on the right."

Tane: "I do?" He brought the sleeve of his sweater to his nose and inhaled. Yep, that was smoke. Smoke and alcohol and Q.

He grinned.

"In that case, I think we're going to have to add shower sex to our itinerary for the night."

Sash/Q: Sash blinked and squinted, eyes focused on Sean's mouth. Something on the right. He looked and - ah, probably the switch. Maybe when he turned back around Sean would be naked.

"Does your mini fridge have baby bottles of booze?"

"Shower sex, bed sex, against the wall sex, pressed up against the glass doors to the balcony sex, on the bathroom counter sex. Am I missing any?" he laughed.

Sean: Sean definitely won't be naked. At most, he'll shrug off his jacket.

'Not for you.' he smiled, slowly closing the gap between them. A hand gently places on Sash's face, feeling his skin with a thumb. Green eyes look into the other's.

Tane: Tane considered the list very carefully, nodding after each location listed. "Sounds about right," he said seriously, though Q would be able to hear the smile in his voice. "We should get started immediately, starting with shower sex."

Sash/Q: "What?" He frowned. "I get not having a drink at the club, but there's no cameras in here...unless you want there to be." Well, fuck, he leaned into his hand anyway.

"Shower sex sounds so fucking good right now." As soon as they arrived at the hotel Tane was going to lose his shirt, his pants, every-fucking-thing. If the bouncer wanted equal treatment, well, he'd have to wrestle for it.

Sean: An eyebrow raises. What? "A camera?" he smirked. "You're bold, aren't ya?" Sash is brought in for a slow kiss. "I don't want alcohol t'influence any of your actions."

Tane: "Yes, it does." Everything on that list sounded good and he fully intended to get through it all and reduce Q to a very satisfied puddle.

He laughed as Q divested him of every article of clothing, and of course he wanted Q to join him. He would chase, he would grab, and he would wrestle, not resting until his beautiful bartender was naked in his arms and Tane was carrying him to the shower.

Sash/Q: "I'm gonna want you now or if I have a shot of tequila, or ten shots of tequila. You're not taking advantage of me." He would however, take advantage of his nearness, of his inviting mouth, and offer his tongue.

It was a half-hearted wrestling match, one Tane had more muscle and patience to prevail. His prize was plenty content to settle in his arms and squeeze his bicep.

Sean: Sean would be taking no chances. The human is kissed generously. Lips brushed over lips, hands explored as feet took him forward, guiding Sash backwards to encourage him to sit on the bed. He wanted to climb into his lap. He wanted to taste his tongue and let it make his heart sing.

Oh, how freeing this all was.

Much more free than Conor felt, who was staring at his phone, at the pictures they had all taken together. The one Sean had sent to Bo. He was probably doing what everyone else was, kissing their partner and getting nasty in privacy. He exhaled, putting his phone away just as he was approached.

Tane: "Hold on tight, gorgeous," Tane told Q, kissing his hair. "We're gonna try to do this without my having to put you down."

By 'this' he meant freeing one arm turning on the shower, getting it to a comfortable temperature, and stepping inside, all without Q leaving his arms.

Sash/Q/Bo: Closer towards everything is how Sash felt. Sean was drawing nearer and the bed that much closer. He felt the mattress behind his knees and he buckled, taking his lover with him. He didn't want those lips to stray more than an inch. He wanted to see bare skin as though for the first time.

"I wanna see everything. I'll show you mine if you show me yours," he laughed.

Bo had taken a shower alone. There would be no intercourse tonight or any other night. However, there would be spooning. Something about tonight made him feel so miserably lonely, despite Brett hugging him from behind.

That was fine by Q. He was making himself comfortable with his monkey hold, clinging with his legs around Tane's thighs, his arms around his neck. He could maintain this stance for hours, or so he believed. Minutes at best.

"Good job," he praised. "Now tilt your head back." Not at all said to be helpful. He just wanted to kiss his throat.

Sean: Sean licked his lips and grinned. "Everythin', huh?" He chuckled. "Are undressin' ourselves or each other?" Fingers that teased Sash's hem, barely brushed against his skin, showed him which option he preferred.

Tane/Brett: The lack of intercourse mattered very little to Brett, as it always did. While Bo showered, he locked up the house and set their alarm, got a toy and a blanket for a certain sleepy puppy so the fireworks wouldn't scare him.

And once the house was safe he was more than happy to snuggle in beside his boyfriend, to hold him close and kiss his hair and thank God and all the saints in heaven that he'd gotten another year with the man he loved.

Miles away in a hotel bathroom, Tane was giving the same thanks as he did as the precious man in his arms commanded. He hummed softly, holding to Q with both arms again.

"How's the water?" he asked.

Sash/Q: I like the idea of undressing you. A thought which he wouldn't bother to say, as he lifted Sean's shirt in response. The fireworks continued though abating, unheard, but the colors dancing on Sean's skin was something to behold. Sash sat back on his elbows and grinned.

"You look like a painting," he laughed.

Q glanced up, momentarily confused as to what Tane was even talking about. Oh right. Duh.

"Not nearly as boring as taking a shower by myself." He softly nipped at soft, warm skin. Quietly, he marveled at how gracefully and yet how harshly this man had aged. Scars over supple skin, sun kissed yet conditioned. He hoped to age like this. Less battle wounds, but...

Sean: It was so easy to smile. The situation was just... beautiful. It felt almost like a dream. He leaned back and lifted his arms, encouraging the action. Yes. Let's be free together. Let's be generous with ourselves.

The compliment had him chuckling - for that, he'll pose as flamboyantly as possible, fluttering long eyelashes and pretending to flick back long, flowing hair. But now it's Sash's turn. Hands reach for material, to tug and guide it all away to get Sash's chest just as bare as his own.

Tane: "Well I should hope not," Tane chuckled, nuzzling as Q explored him. "Otherwise I'm not doing my job." He liked to think his scars had healed well, and for the most part he didn't mind them. His chest hair either covered them or they were so faded he barely noticed them. There were only a few that brought him shame, however, and they had nothing do with his age. "What's going on in that head of yours, beautiful?"

Sash/Q: Sash held up an invisible camera and snapped a photo, even going so far as to make a click sound. Gotta have that shutter. He then lifted his arms into the air, giving Sean all the aid needed to make them equal. An iridescent star sticker had been placed over his heart sometime in the night. The human glanced to his left arm, covered in 8-bit tattoos. His smile turned sheepish, but still, he twisted his arm this way and that for Sean to see. Pacman chasing Inky, Clyde, Blinky, and Pinky on his forearm; an 8-bit mushroom above his elbow; three little hearts on the other side of his forearm just below his elbow. He gave a thumbs up, revealing a tiny and simple smiley face on his thumb.

"Just that you're great to look at," Q laughed. "And I need to probably get down. My thighs are starting to feel like rubber."

Carefully he climbed down and stretched his arms, twisted his back, and yawned. "Fuck, how am I already tired? It's not even 1 am yet."

Sean: Well, that just made him laugh. "This is what happens when they let hooligans get tattoos." he joked. The only tattoo he had was on his right hand. Cursive writing that said 'Meara'. He showed it and flicked his wrist. "My ma's name."

But that didn't matter. He was going to busy himself with kissing those ridiculous tattoos, even that thumb - which he had noticed multiple times during their signed conversations.

Tane: "Right back at you, gorgeous." Tane kissed Q's temples, keeping Q close in order to steady him should his legs betray him.

"I wore you out." He reached for the shampoo. "I'm about to wear you out more." Very gently and lovingly.

Sash/Q: "Whooo-?" What was that? Whoo - no. Hoola - whatever. He was easily distracted by the name Meara.

'Cute.' How sweet to have a mother worth inking.

Back to marveling at how fucking gorgeous this man was kissing so many inches of his body as though he mattered. He felt handsome; he felt desired. That earned an open mouth kiss from the human, humming faintly.

"Is that a promise?" Q purred. Long fingers combed through Tane's hair, gently tugged just because he could. "Could start now. Get on your knees and put your face right where I need to fuck your mouth."

Sean: Of course Sash was handsome. Of course he was desired. He was that and more. Sean never wanted him to leave. Stay. Stay. Please, please stay. Wait - had he been saying that out loud? At most it had been whispered against Sash's lips, so hopefully it would go unnoticed.

He gently moved to get Sash onto his back, wanting to press his lips to the human's throat and then explore his ear with his tongue and teeth.

Tane: "It's a promise." He grinned as Q tugged on his hair, pouring shampoo into his palm and gently massaging it into his bartender's curls.

"Is that what my beautiful wants?" He stole a kiss. "Patience. We've got all the time in the world for me to drive you absolutely crazy." He was going to work his way down that body more than once tonight.

Sash/Q: There was something in between those kisses, but he couldn't make out what Sean was saying, not with his eyes closed. When he finally opened his eyes, there was a tongue by his ear. He lost his damn mind with laughter.

"Sorry," he giggled, "that fucking tickles."

Tane was much too sweet and generous. If those hands remained in his hair for much longer he was going to get sleepy.

"I gotta undo what you just did. Shitty hotel shampoo is gonna give me Bob Ross hair." Hell, by now the bouncer knew his routine. They'd spent enough nights together, but that meant more pampering.

"Lean down. It's your turn."

Sean: Sean quickly reacted by leaning away. He laughed too, "Yeah?" So what if he did it one more time, will Sash laugh again? Because that was really fucking cute and it caused the reaper to smile like crazy.

Tane: "It's just to get the club smell out. Got something extra powerful to counteract it." Tane nodded toward the counter, where a pretty bottle of fancy looking conditioner waited. Because yes, Tane Lukela had even prepared for that. He might as well be a boy scout tonight. "June got it from the flower shop owner's cousin and it's supposed to be the greatest conditioner known to man. And it smells like coconut."

He obediently leaned down and ducked his head, taking the opportunity to steal another kiss from Q.

Sash/Q: "No!" he nearly screamed. His attempt to push Sean away was limp at best, though his legs were alive with kicks of protest. "God, no! Stop! Haha!"

"You got me a special conditioner?" This man was just looking for brownie points, thought with utter amusement as he began to shampoo his hair.

"Didn't you make a new year’s resolution?"

Sean: Sean laughed against Sash's skin. Soon enough he felt terrible and instead resumed kissing his neck, pressing in between his thighs, holding just above his knee in place to prevent further kicking.

Tane: "Of course I did." As much as he'd love to see what Q looked like with Bob Ross hair. Perhaps another time.

"Yep. To make up with Logan and to spoil you as much as possible," he said with a grin.

Sash/Q: Laughter soon died as he was held in place. He tested Sean's strength, more curious of his commitment to restraining him.

"Think you're so tough," he sighed, quelled by those soft kisses.

"We have a date set for seeing her. Either you'll get some kind of closure or it's gonna go over really well. Just be patient, Tane." He was going to ignore the part about himself.

Sean: Sean's grip tightened, only a fraction to ensure he wasn't shoved away needlessly.

"Yeah. Tough enough to take you on." Purred before offering his tongue to Sash's mouth.

Tane: Tane nodded. "I know, and I will." He had to trust and believe that everything was going to go well. A negative attitude wasn't going to do anyone any favors.

"Still going to spoil you though."

Sash/Q: Despite his grip, Sash wasn't unnerved, not remotely worried about where this would lead. He welcomed Sean's tongue with a playful bite, sucked in apology. Kisses and bare chests was enough to firm between his legs.

"You spoil me enough," said Q in scolding tone, his chest lightly tapped. "Now rinse and give up the conditioner."

While lathered in, he thought. "So, what are you going to say to her?"

Sean: A quiet sound of pleasure accompanies Sean's roaming hand. It slips from thigh to ass. The human wasn't alone in this, his companion was also hardening.

"I love your body."

Tane: I don't spoil you nearly enough, Tane thought as he ducked underneath the spray and blindly reached for the bottle of conditioner sitting on the counter.

When the shampoo was all rinsed out he said, "I'm not sure. Thinking I'll just follow her lead, answer her questions. I don't want her to feel pressured."

Sash/Q: "What?" asked softly. He almost hadn't caught that. He really needed to train his eyes to remain open. People had a tendency to talk to him during these delicate moments. It should have been irritating, but he smiled. "Say it again." Sean would have to repeat while Sash pressed into him, curious to know how their cocks, constrained by clothing, would feel.

"If you look like tight ass that won't help, either. When the time comes, just relax, okay? I'll even give you a massage the night before," he smiled, wet strands of curl hiding his closed eyes. "Maybe! maybe even ride you. Eh? Would you like that?" he laughed.

Sean: It's also Sean's fault, he should know better, but he couldn't help himself. It also reminded him that Sash would be unable to hear any moans or sounds of pleasure if it came to that... which saddened him, quite a bit.

Inhaling sharply he bit his lip. The reaper leaned away to speak again, "I love your body." Which... having now repeated it he felt silly for saying. "Sorry." His smile was sheepish though charming.

Tane: "I'm nervous about looking the opposite. Too eager, too hopeful." Too desperate to connect with Logan.

He was in the middle of taking a deep breath when he chuckled. "Now who's spoiling who? Bring those curls over here." Tane took over lathering the conditioner into Q's hair, treating every strand like a precious object. "Of course I would, gorgeous." He kissed Q's shoulder. "I always do."

Sash/Q: "You love it?" He grinned. "Yours ain't so bad, either. Why don't you show me all of it." He pressed again. He wanted very much to see what he was feeling; he wanted to taste clean hot skin and kiss between his legs and possibly fuck until dawn. It could have been the festivities and the adrenaline, maybe the drink he'd had with a woman when no one was looking. Whatever it was, hadn't thought about it; it didn't matter.

"You always want me to ride you?" he hummed, entranced by Tane's skillful scalp massage. "Fine. No other position for you. Just me dancing on your cock day in and day out."

Nails lightly raked over his stomach, hip, thigh. "Hey..."

Sean: As in, he could really get used to it.

"It would only be fair if you did the same..." Fingers unfasten Sash's trousers, though he doesn't start to pull them down. He was still giving Sash every opportunity to change his mind.

Tane: Tane smiled. "I meant I always love it when you do. But if you want to ride me day in and day out, you will not hear me complaining."

He repaid the affection with another kiss to Q's shoulder, adding one to the corner of his mouth for good measure. "Yes?"

Sash/Q: Sash watched those hands intently. His mouth felt dry enough to moisten. This was going to go somewhere, and just knowing was enough to flutter his stomach with anticipation.

Finally, a breathy command was given. "Don't stop."

Q chewed the corner of his lip in though. After a moment he shook his head. "It's nothing. Lean down." Time to condition his hair as well.

Sean: Sean nodded. Hands got a grip and slowly started to tug them down. His gaze is purposefully only on Sash's face. He has all night to look at his body, but it was important than he ensured Sash was truly comfortable with this. He didn't want this to be a mistake, he didn't want this ruin anything, and he of all people was aware of how damaging sex can be.

If the other was perfectly happy with it Sean would lean away to pull him free of his trousers, any shoes and a single sock coming with it.

Tane: Tane gave Q a quizzical look but leaned down anyway. He didn't want to dampen the spirit of their night and if Q didn't want to talk about what was on his mind, Tane wouldn't push. They could always talk tomorrow.

"How are you liking this conditioner?" he asked instead. "Smells really good."

Sash/Q: Sean was watching Sash's expression, but the human underneath him was focused on his hands. He liked the contrast of their skin tones, of how masculine yet soft they seemed. He wondered if those were the hands a dancer was meant to have. Something to strive for. He didn't bother to ask if the Irishman liked what he saw.

Hands quietly reached out for Sean's jeans. Now it was his turn. This required all of his attention, going so far as to get on his knees.

A few blocks away, Q was smiling.

"Feels good. Not the biggest fan of coconut, but this isn't bad. Reminds me of sunblock, you know?" Reminds me of you.

"So, when are you gonna let me suck your cock, hmm? After I rinse your hair?"

Sean: Sean moved so that Sash could easily undress him. Sash could take whatever he wanted, he wouldn't mind... but as soon as he was free his mouth would go straight for Sash's neck, wanting to adore his throat with kisses and tasting before lowering down his body. He would continue down for as long as he'd be allowed, until coming to a stop at Sash's crotch. A wet tongue would meet the human's bulge over underwear as green eyes raise to focus on his face.

Tane: "I do. I think there's something else mixed in here though." Tane leaned in, inhaled. "Pineapple? Orange? Something sweet."

He grinned to himself. Q said that so matter-of-factly, like they were walking about the weather or going or a stroll. "That sounds just fine to me. Want to suck mine first or want me to suck yours?"

Sash/Q: Sash had no intention of leaving Sean's underwear. Everything must go. He didn't have the patience his host seemed to possess and why bother? At least while he was tasted he could press their bodies together, torment with his cotton barrier of boxer briefs.

Green eyes looked into green. He glanced to himself, to the wet spot which had formed the moment he'd seen Sean's flushed cock.

'Lay back.'

"It's pineapple," he nodded. "I'd rather fuck your mouth, but why not have both?" he grinned. "We've got all night. But," firmly placed hands squeezed on wide shoulders, massaged their way up to his scalp, "get on your knees, T."

Sean: Lay back? He obviously doesn't want a blowjob then. That's fine. He'll raise to lay back on the bed, getting comfortable against a set of pillows.

Tane: "Yes we do," Tane agreed with a smile, pulling Q into a languid kiss before letting his lips wander all the way down his bartender's neck and torso until he reached his groin. Q's cock was given the same loving treatment as the rest of him; it was kissed and nuzzled and tasted at a slow but determined pace, coaxed into full hardness before being taken into Tane's mouth.

Sash/Q: Oh, wow. He hadn't expected the scene to be so perfect. This was a warm body, but somehow Sean made lying back an art. Don't touch the art, dammit, his mother would say at each and every museum and gallery. The rule would be broken tonight.

Sash leaned up, cupped Sean's face with both hands and kissed. He wondered if offering his tongue again would trigger something from his crotch. He reached between his legs to see and feel for himself, breaking their kiss to observe as he squeezed.

Q remained perfectly still, watching with nearly neutral expression as Tane obediently kneeled and filled his mouth. Flickers of warmth in his eyes revealed the truth. He was saving his composure to be broken later in the night. For now, he would pace himself, finger combing the knots from the larger man's hair, and hum.

Sean: Those lips could remain against his for eternity and he'd never tire of the sensation they sent all throughout his body. Such kisses could only be labelled as magical, and so they would be.

The reaper was left breathes and staring. He calmly moved fingertips over Sash's cheek, as if attempting to soothe him and put him to sleep.

"I want you t'know there's no pressure." Said and signed when he felt like it would be noticed. "I won't be disappointed. You should be honest with me about how you feel."

Tane: Ordinarily such seeming neutrality would've made Tane want to work extra hard to crack his partner's composure and delight in it but it was as Q had said. They had all night long. The opportunity to send that neutral expression flying out the window would soon present itself.

Again, Tane thought to himself, resting his hands on Q's hips and relaxing his throat to take him all the way to the hilt, giving a hum of his own. He would follow Q's lead, indulging himself in exploring everywhere he could while his bartender's hands were busy detangling his hair.

Sash/Q: As opposed to a lie, he thought, smiling. Not disappointed, right, he nodded, playing along as though seriously considering those words, all the while stroking from base to tip.

"This feels pretty good," he laughed.

"Jesus," Q whispered, "your mouth feels so fucking good. Stay just like that." All untangled just to trap his fingers again and lightly pull him back. Back and forth. One of his favorite pastimes, and finally they were utterly alone. He could fuck that perfect mouth at his leisure.

Sean: Yes, exactly instead of a lie. Instead of enduring something you aren't enjoying. Sash's nod was enough for Sean to allow himself to enjoy this. He relaxed and exhaled, smiling lazily. A quiet moan was released.

Tane: Q's wish was Tane's command. He was content to let Q maneuver him as he wished, humming and swallowing around that beautiful cock to make sure each slow thrust was as pleasurable as possible while his hands continued to wander.

He massaged Q's hips and thighs and ass, fondled his scrotum, brushed his fingers lightly over his perineum. Q might've been the one fucking his mouth, but Tane Lukela was still making love to him.

Sash/Q: "What does your voice sound like?" asked mid stroke. He had no intention of stopping, ready to eat up Sean's reaction.

All the while, Q couldn't keep quiet if only to save his life. Tilting his head back against the cold tile, his mind was lost in a blissful flood of ecstasy.

"Goddammit, T. Fuck. Ahn, fuck."

Sean: "What?" He laughs, letting out a gentle sigh. He wrapped a hand around Sash's, encouraging a tighter hand. "You tell me." It sounds like a strained purr.

Tane: The only thing keeping Tane from smiling from ear to ear was the fact that his mouth was currently occupied. That was exactly what he'd wanted to hear, what he hoped to hear for the rest of the night.

He continued to massage Q's perineum and scrotum, touch still gentle but far more deliberate, giving his bartender a taste of what Tane's mouth and tongue were going to do later.

Sash/Q: "I've been guessing," he mused, seemingly to himself. His fingers became obediently rigid, teasing the tip of his cock with every stroke. "Warm, deep, breathy right now," he grinned.

Q placed his foot on the edge of the tub. Perhaps an offering, but he wouldn't say. He was obsessed with that mouth and fucking it with gusto. Happy fucking new year.

"I..." Not the L word. How fucking cliché. No. "...love that mouth."

Sean: Teeth dig into a pink lip. "Like that..." He whispered.

"You're definitely takin' my breath away." Fingers caress the human's jaw. He couldn't really answer the question, he didn't know what his voice sounded like well enough to describe it. People always had distorted views of how they sound.

Tane: Well now. What did we have here? It would be incredibly rude of Tane not to take advantage of such an invitation. Damn near criminal, in fact.

He hummed softly in response, never losing an ounce of concentration as he let the fingers of one hand brush over Q's entrance, teasing, exploring. Would it get more of those lovely sounds from Q? Tane just had to find out.

Sash/Q: … breath away. Oh. He'd taken his breath away. That's what he thought he read from those lips. He leaned forward with the intent to silence, offering his tongue for affection, which felt like some distorted promise. Down his body he kissed until he reached his hand. Each hesitant breath warmed the tip of his cock. His mouth was much warmer.

First a gasp, then a laugh. "Ah, what's that hand doing?" asked the bartender. "Deeper, baby. Ahn - Deeper and kiss me." Suddenly, all he wanted was Tane's mouth against his own. He could cover Tane's face in his climax in a minute.

Sean: Sean's breathing stuttered in his throat. Oh. Oh. Sean was still, patient. He was allowing Sash to explore, discover what he wanted and what he liked.

He refused to be a bad experience. He refused to be a bad memory. He'd never forgive himself for hurting the other, for potentially scaring him away with his masculinity. He didn't want Sash to ever feel badly for enjoying his sexuality. That would not be something the reaper would take from him.

Tane: Tane's grin was finally visible as he released Q's erection and kissed his way back up that beautiful body until reaching his lips. If Q wanted a kiss, then Tane was going to kiss the breath out of him.

But not without letting his bartender keep feeling him, not without a finger or two breaching him, searching for his sweet spot.

Sash/Q: Sash could swear he felt that shudder all the way through to his feet. He could see the results of his touch, his breath, and it drove him to suck as much of the older man's cock into his mouth and down his throat as his body would allow without gagging. The taste was unexpectedly simple; skin and a hint of something salty, nothing so disgusting as to spit him out.

Tane would feel every shuddered breath, gasp, and groan. Fuck. Fuck. Why did his body feel so tight suddenly? Why, he wondered, did his stomach feel as though it were lurching up into his throat? Butterflies. Of all the hours, the nights to feel so rejuvenated...it had to be the festivities, the hype of the new year and new resolutions to break. A new man to love and lose.

No, not that word again.

"Your hands are - ah - too slow."

Sean: A low rumble moved through Sean, he tilted his head back and breathed through parted lips. Eyes close and he sighs. "Focáil-" fuck. "go mothaíonn maith." That feels good. "Ná stad." Don't stop. "More."

Tane: "Too slow?" Tane asked, feigning innocence as he tilted his head and deepened their kiss, wanting to take in all those lovely sounds while he sped his pace.

Not too much too quickly of course; steadily, so he could see what each increase did to Q. Would he get more of those lovely whimpers the faster his hands got? As he added a third finger and lovingly and unrelentingly massaged Q's prostate?

Sash/Q: Sash blinked several times, again confused by his lip reading. He could assume it was his awkward angle, or Sean speaking Irish, but quietly it was quite irritating. Being deaf in general was an irritant for him, but he refused to allow his setback to spoil his evening. Sean was enjoying himself, and that in turn was so fucking arousing. So much so that he had to reach between his legs to squeeze himself.

Tane managed to successfully reduce his lover into a whimpering mess, moaning his name with every other breath, warning him of his appending orgasm. The bouncer had him down to a science. He couldn't recall when exactly Tane had mastered his body, but in that moment, chest heaving, cock swollen and tearful, he was a slave to his will.

"T-Tane...I - I'm gonna cum."

Sean: It wasn't being done on purpose. It was automatic. Instinct. He didn't have the headspace to translate. He didn't have the ability to focus enough on English to speak the language.

He reached down to feel Sash's hair, hopefully offering... anything.

Tane: That's it, Tane thought, his smile once again hidden by his busy mouth. That was exactly what he'd been after. He swallowed each and every one of those moans and sweet whimpers, glorying in them, letting them spur him on.

"I've got you, my beautiful," he murmured, placing one final kiss to Q's lips before moving back down his body and taking him into his mouth again, hand never stopping, encouraging his gorgeous bartender to let go.

Sash/Q: Sash tried to create a rhythm between his clumsy self-stroking and sucking up and down his gorgeous lover's cock. This was all still new for him. His jaw felt sore and eager to surrender. He couldn't for the life of him figure out how people could do this on a day-to-day basis.

He had to sit up, allow his mouth a moment to rest. He could use both hands. This ambidextrous feat he could do with ease.

Q had no qualms whatsoever with filling Tane Lukela's mouth with his orgasm. The bouncer wanted it, after all. It would be rude to deny his lover after such splendor.

Both hands squeezed and attempted to tangle his silly dark hair.

"You're so fucking good at that," he panted. "Fuck, baby."

Sean: Sean knew exactly how people could do this daily, and he'd gladly be on the giving and receiving end for as long as Sash was willing.

He exhaled when Sash left his erection wet with saliva and out to be hit by the cold air. Biting down his lip a gently hand encouraged the other to feel his balls, to explore.

"Get on your back." let me show you what I can do.

Tane: Tane hummed softly around Q's erection, mouth and hand both gentling little by little as he worked Q through his climax. Both were removed once his lover had completely spent himself, but Tane couldn't resist kissing all over Q's thighs and abdomen and letting himself enjoy the hands in his hair before returning home to those lips.

"And you did so good," he murmured. "Sounded so beautiful."

Sash/Q: Sash didn't have to be told twice. As he laid back, he took Sean's hand with him, placing it between his legs. If he was going to explore, he wanted his lover to follow his trail. Something about multiple hands admiring his body was so incredibly arousing.

Tane would find eager lips awaiting him; his tired tongue gently asked for entry. "Something about good, yeah," laughed the escort. "Mm, beautiful...that's you. Now you can carry me to bed and put your dick in my mouth. Where it belongs." Wanting an all-nighter wasn't just a sweet nothing promise.

Sean: Fingers feel and press into Sash confidently but carefully, he was confident the actions would feel nice but still wanted to keep on top of Sash's reactions.

His lips press to the human's jaw, coat his neck in kisses, and work their way up to his earlobe and behind it. His tongue very much enjoyed the journey.

Tane: Entry was granted in a far gentler and calmer way than it was a few moments ago. Tane just wanted to savor Q for a bit, to enjoy him in every way possible.

"Whatever my beautiful wants, my beautiful gets." Tane finished washing and rinsing them both off, stepping out of the shower first so he could wrap Q up in a towel and carry him to bed. The urge to hold him and nuzzle and kiss him was just as strong as the desire to make love to him over and over and over again.

He had every intention of doing both before the sun came up.

The moment Q was placed on the bed, Tane was kissing him again.

Sash/Q: Sash watched his hands, caressing his own over and under his fingers. He wished he could hear the noises Sean made before, but his lamenting was short-lived. He could appreciate what was in front of him, what he could experience without interruption.

"Kiss me." He would remember this for the rest of his life, or so he hoped.

Q laughed the moment he was lifted, tucking his knees closer to his chest. He felt so safe in those sizable arms. He knew Tane was aware of how he appreciated and admired his body. How could he not?

The moment his back touched the bed the towel was unraveled, arms wrapped around his neck, and he lost himself in their kiss.

Sean: Sean did as instructed, giving the human lips and tongue, practiced yet spontaneous in its passion. He pressed down closer needing him, wanting him. His hard cock throbbed at the anticipation until he couldn't wait any longer. A hand wasn't enough.

Soon his mouth was back to exploring, it travelled downwards and further down until finding his crotch. Green eyes look up to Sash, both to ensure any form of communication wasn't missed and to show Sash how very sure about this he was. A tongue pushed into the slit. He wanted the familiar taste of precum.

Tane: Oh, Tane was aware. Tane was more than aware. Q's love and admiration of his physique never failed to flatter or make him smile, especially on the days he didn't feel particularly attractive.

He all but draped himself over his bartender, lifting those beautiful legs of his and wrapping them around his waist. He would give Q what he wanted, but Tane just wanted to be completely enveloped by him for a moment, to feel every bit of skin pressed together as he slowly devoured his lover with kisses.

"So beautiful," he murmured. "My beautiful Q."

Sash/Q: Sash could say for a split second he had forgotten about the rest of his body, forgotten everything but the taste of Sean's tongue and how supple his lips felt. The moment was over as soon as it begun, and his lover was moving on. He watched on elbows, stomach softly rising and falling with even breaths.

"Sea - ahn." Whatever he had intended to say was lost.

Tane had succeeded in making his companion laugh, kissing his body as though it were a competition.

"Yours?" he teased. "I mean, I guess I'm yours." That throat needed a mark of claim. "I saw you give that redhead the eye for mentally undressing me."

Sean: The reaper's hand smoothed along the bed, feeling the material, searching for Sash's fingers. He wondered what kind of music would be playing if this was a movie. An instrumental. Piano. Nothing raunchy, nothing to cheapen the moment or make it too average - piano, a harp, the violin. Just beautiful sounds that Sash would hear, too. His mouth lowered, expertly closing around the human as his tongue explored his shaft.

Tane: Tane's grin was all affection and triumph, doubling down on the love to Q's body now that Q had decided to join him. "All mine, gorgeous. Beautifully, perfectly mine." A long, languid kiss was placed to Q's lips.

"Did you now? Well he deserved it. Some random redhead isn't worthy of mentally undressing you. That's my job."

Sash/Q: "Sean," he breathed. "Sean, fuck." Sash was aware of how vocal he could be. Concern just wasn't applicable. He wanted to comb his fingers through his lover's hair, but alas. That didn't stop him from trying and enjoying the prickly sensation. Every little movement was felt, and with such sensitivity, it would be just moments until the human unintentionally released. Sean would have to be very careful.

"Just your job? It's my job to make people want to mentally and physically undress me." His smile widened. "I'm off duty when I'm with you." Really, Tane had nothing to worry about.

He kissed him, softly as was given. "Spread out for me. It's my turn."

Sean: That's okay. That's okay. Sean understood, and he was nothing but a true sport about it. He swallowed with a soft cringe and wiped his mouth. Up onto his hands he went to hover over the lovely human. He had a very proud smile on his face.

Tane: "My job and my pleasure, gorgeous," he said, returning that beautiful smile and kissing it some more. "And you're very good at it." While he wasn't insecure in the least, Tane stood by his statement. That redhead simply wasn't worthy.

Tane obliged with another smile, shifting so he was laying on his back and stretching, knowing exactly how much Q loved it when all his muscles were on display.

Sash/Q: 'I'm sorry,' he signed, silently laughing at his own misgivings. Not nearly as embarrassed as he thought he should have been, he reached out for his partner to hold to his chest.

"You need to cum," he whispered.

Q leaned back to watch and remembered what he had brought for just this occasion. He felt for his backpack and the camera somewhere within.

"Stay like that."

Sean: Sean tutted and shook his head. No need. "It's a compliment." or did it just speak volumes about Sash's inexperience? Whatever the reason, Sean was glad to be the one to have witnessed that, at least he could trust himself to respond respectfully to it.

"You feel like helpin' me or are you about to fall asleep?" he asked before kissing across his jaw.

Tane: "You got it, gorgeous." Tane didn't have to be told twice. He was perfectly comfortable stretching for Q's enjoyment while Q was....

"What are you looking for in there?"

Sash/Q: 'First one then the other?' But before all of that he was going to steal himself a kiss or two.

"My camera. I swear I put it in here." He'd meant to bring it for Sash and capturing the fireworks with him. He had forgotten that Sean and his taciturn brother were going to tag along.

Sean: Oh, a kiss after swallowing his cum? How generous. He smiled softly against the other's lips.

"How are you goin' t'help me cum?"

Tane: Tane chuckled softly. "Ah yes, you want pretty pictures of me for when you miss me. Could always use your phone."

Sash/Q: 'What do you want me to do?' Walk me through your fantasy. I'll see if I can handle it.

"I could, but my camera has better - Here we fucking go."

First experimental picture, Tane as he was, no additional posing. He was going to keep these for a lifetime.

Sean: Wow. He hadn't been expecting that. What does he want Sash to do? Nothing penetrative, he wouldn't ask that of Sash, not yet. That's an entirely different ballgame and nobody had prepared for that.

"How do you feel about dancin' for me?"

Tane: As Tane was meant the photo would show him completely relaxed, stretched out with the languid grace of a cat as he smiled fondly at Q.

"How do I look?"

Sash/Q: 'Are you going to jerk off while I do it?' Obviously he didn't find the notion disgusting, given the wide grin on his face.

"You look like you've done this before." And he wanted to see those photos as well. "Turn around and show me that ass."

Sean: Sean bites his lips and nods. "If you're any good." He teases.

Tane: "Does posing nude for an art class count?" Because he'd definitely done that a few times when he'd needed some extra cash.

Tane turned over onto his stomach, wiggling to make Q laugh.

Sash/Q: Was that a challenge? Accepted. 'Never danced for someone with my clothes off before.' Just a warning in case it was god awful. He got to his feet and stretched with arms high above his head.

"I want the art from the class." He wondered if anyone still admired their work from time to time. How could they not?

The camera was set aside long enough to caress perfect ass in two greedy hands.

"Would you let me fuck you?"

Sean: Sean's smile was going nowhere. He moved towards the edge of the bed to sit up and spread his thighs. Eyes greedily take in every inch of the other... he was more than ready for this.

Tane: Tane smiled to himself. "You can have it all. The professor that taught the class made prints of the best pieces and gave them to me as a thank you. They're back in Hawaii." They could get them the next time they went.

He hummed, delighted at the warmth of Q's hands. "Of course I would. It's you. Been a long time since someone did though so I'm probably rusty." And tight.

Sash/Q: Sash wished he was wearing something for the sake of removing as part of his performance. Maybe next time, if there would be a next time. Watching Sean adjust to the edge of the bed...he hoped. He didn't want this to be labeled, but...that word kept reappearing in thought.

I sure hope to see you again tomorrow.

'No vibrations.' So he'd have to make something up. A slow roll of his hips, arms where they loved to be, over his head.

"Yeah? No one's allowed in your temple?" He would honor his body with a kiss...and a bite. "I'll go nice and slow for you."

Sean: That's fine. Even if they had put music on Sean would not be able to hear it. He watched the way Sash stretched and licked his lips. Yes. Yes. For a few moments he stared - unable to do anything else, dumbfounded by Sash's beauty. It would be clear on his face, how entranced he truly was. Hopefully that didn't make the human stop, if not his hand would eventually find his cock.

Tane: "Not for a long time." The last person didn't even bear thinking about. Q already knew about his asshole ex.

He gave a small grin. "I have no doubt you will. Before or after I make myself at home in your mouth?"

Sash/Q: It damn near did, but only because he'd never seen anyone stare at him the way Sean did. There were lecherous eyes once in a while, yes, but Sean's intensity was surpassed by no one. Those eyes almost seemed to look through him into some place much deeper. Maybe he could. A part of him believed he could.

Ah, but the moment his hand came into contact with his cock, the dancing came to a halt, dropping onto his knees between Sean's legs.

"I want you to cum first...and last," Q grinned. "A whole new session. Earlier today doesn't count. How about I help you cum by fucking you, and then I polish you off with my tongue?"

Sean: His back straightened when Sash lowered. A smile crept up on his lips. As he continued to pump his free hand reached for the human's face, feeling his jaw, his bone structure, all of him with a curious and gentle touch.

Tane: Tane grinned back, shifting so he could pull Q on top of him and into his arms, where he'd be kissed as sweetly as he deserved.

"Sounds like a perfect plan," he murmured.

Sash/Q: Sash leaned his face into Sean's hand. Only for a moment. He wanted the taste of Sean's mouth, graze his lips over his stomach, suck his cock with gusto. His skin flushed with exhilaration. Sean would bear witness to every gentle heave of his chest and every little hum of pleasure.

Tonight he would be submissive, because why not? Tomorrow he could be dominant. It didn't really matter with Sean. He would suck him off until his lover wanted something else. He would lie in bed with him, naked, and talk about anything and everything. If this man wanted to explore him he needn't ask.

The human would refuse to sleep. It was a necessity for the drive home, not for what he thought would be his only night to experience what it would be like to date Sean Archer.

 For Q, there was nothing but a sense of serenity. He was in his element. He had hours of Tane to himself, but he would have the same luxury at any time he chose. His pacing was due to the same mindset of his brother, a rationality to the very thing Sash didn't believe he had. Time.

Kisses, conversations. Fingers slowly circled and invaded. There would not be a moment allowed to register discomfort. Lubrication had been packed in his duffle bag for this very reason. Condoms, poppers, and a pair of handcuffs, if Tane was interested.

Tane: The only things Tane needed to spend the night in pleasure-drenched comfort were Q, plenty of lube, and a bit of patience. The handcuffs were a nice surprise though, and just what he needed to keep his beautiful bartender still while he made use of all that caramel sauce he'd bought for the occasion.

It was the best New Year's he ever could've hoped for. Good company, good music, and of course, a whole day and night of having Q to himself. It almost felt like they were in a bubble, where time stood still and the most pressing matter was where to kiss next, all with the cheerful pop of fireworks in the distance.

After tonight he'd never be able to eat caramel again without thinking of Q.

[anedendarkly]

Despite the confusion in his eyes, Sean smiled wide at Sash. "I love you so much, baby." Arms wrap around Sash's waist and tackle him onto the bed where he could be appropriately hugged and kissed and squeezed. "You're my entire world, you know that. You're everythin' t'me, you sexy fuckin' idiot."

Underneath the heap of reaper was a man wriggling and complaining. All with a smile on his face, of course. He had gotten the first half of that beautiful confession. The love was felt, everyday.

"I only got some of that!" he laughed just the same. "Put it in writing!"

[anedendarkly]

Meeting Friends || Sash + Sean || September, 2021

 Sean: Sean took a deep breath, rubbing his shaven head. He wasn't usually nervous about meeting new people... but he wasn't usually meeting people who thought he had decided to ditch his boyfriend for two years. Big yikes.

The nerves he felt made his palm tingle, made his smile weak. He looked in the mirror and tried to convince himself he looked like a good person, as if it would show in the way his shirt hugged his shoulders.

A sock (clean, promise!) was sent hurtling towards Sash. Attention please. 'How many people are there going to be again?' he signed.

 Sash: Sash looked up from the sink, razor still in hand.

"Like, eight of us." Sean was given a once-over. Still hard to believe he was here. Waking up in the same bed; walking into the kitchen to breakfast. Having someone to come home to. Surreal.

"You alright?"

 Sean: Eight people... That's sixteen fists that could come swinging at him.

'No. Are you going to protect me?'

Surely he's overthinking. Surely he's been through worse than an outing with eight people plus his boyfriend. His heart couldn't tell the difference between this and getting in a car crash, though.

 Sash: "Of course I am! C'mere." Just a patch left to shave and he could face Sean properly.

"It's a beer garden. We're not gonna be clumped together. Promise you're gonna be okay - unless you hate beer."

 Sean: The mighty, practically invincible reaper, found solace in the human's arms, resting chin on shoulder.

He laughed at that, briefly breaking the miserable spell he was under. As if. Hands went to Sash's hips. "Is there anythin' I should know? Anyone hate the Irish?"

 Sash: "Not that I know of?" he laughed. He could feel Sean's stress, understood where it came from, but it felt unwarranted. Not here. "Means somethin' to us, but it's been two years. Only like, Tala will remember."

 Sean: That's a relief at least! Exhaling, he went limp.

"Oh, okay. Tala..." Tala.... 'I'll make sure to sit faaaaaar away from Tala.' Sash's face was held and his nose, kissed.

 Sash: Sash smiled and scrunched his face. "Everything makes her mad, though. Don't take it personally. It's really not."

 Sean: 'Encouraging!' he smiled, at least. 'Are you ready to go, baby?'

 Sash: "Yeah. One sec." Just needed to rinse his face and spray some cologne.

"You gonna be alright?"

 Sean: Damn, just watching Sash do normal things like turn off a tap made Sean realise how much he absolutely adored him. He was gorgeous. The sudden wish that they could stay home and spend the rest of the day kissing and feeling one another quickly stabbed him in the stomach. Ugh. He shook it off.

'I'm probably exaggerating, it will be fine.' He would just need to start devising a plan to ensure nobody finds out what he is...

 Sash: Sash straightened his shoulders and took a breath for show. Something for Sean to remember. Just breathe.

"Wanna drive?" he asked, tossing the keys between his hands.

 Sean: Sash is mirrored gratefully.

"Hmmm..." Sean grinned, snatching the keys and walking backward toward the door, "Do I get a treat on the way?" wink.

 Sash: "If you want all of Chicago seein' my head bob." He motioned with his hand, grinning.

 Sean: Well... "So that's a yes?" Hehe. The door was held open for Sash.

 Sash: "On the way back." When it was dark, and muscles loose from drinking. Sean's ass was given a slap on the way to the elevator.

 Sean: He laughed, "That's a promise!"

He felt a tug as he left the apartment. There was an inkling of fear, as though this time leaving could be his last for years. He lingered in the doorway, looking in, for perhaps a moment too long. Returning to the real world, keys were spun around his finger as he went ahead to press the button.

 Sash: Sash looked back over his shoulder, waiting with patience beyond his usual behavior. Special circumstances. His smile returned as he was joined. A playful elbow in Sean's ribs said more than he was capable in that moment. It's okay. It'll be there when we get back.

 Sean: Sash always knew how to make him feel better. It was like magic, his ability to understand and sway emotions. That elbow was taken and kissed.

Onto the lift they went, immediately Sean wrapped arms around the other and nuzzled into the back of his neck.

 Sash: He wanted to admit how much he missed something as simple and as meaningful as Sean's affection. He was worried doing so would upset Sean somehow. Stupid, probably, but his smile remained, squeezing Sean's arm as they were taken to the underground level of the garage.

"Does my driving still freak you out?"

 Sean: He laughed, holding Sash tighter briefly before signing. 'If you've been fine by now, you're I'm sure you're better than I've ever given you credit for. But driving makes me feel like I'm taking care of you and I like it."

 Sash: "So you're saying you're my personal - what's the word? Show-for?"

 Sean: Close. 'Slave.' Sash's ear was nibbled.

 Sash: "I don't want a sla - ah." Oh, arguing was pointless. This was nice. "Walk and - and that."

 Sean: A hand slipped under Sash's top; the doors could be opening but he wouldn't notice. His eyes were closed as he licked.

 Sash: Someone cleared their throat. An old woman on the other side of the elevator door, surprised and barely humored by the lewd display. Only one could hear the disappointment laced in her tone as she scooted inside.

"'Scuse me," she sighed.

 Sean: Oh damn! He jolted back, embarrassment clear on his reddening face. He laughed and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

"Sorry ma'am. We've been apart for two years. Hehe~~" he took Sash's hand and lead him out of the way.

 Sash: Sash nearly jumped, smiling all teeth as he caught sight of the woman.

"Sorry," he muttered, following behind laughing.

Once in the car, Sash punched in directions for the beer garden. Sean was pulled into one last kiss before they pulled out.

 Sean: Mm. That kiss didn't last long enough. He pulled out carefully, putting a hand on Sash's thigh the second it was safe to do so.

Poke. Look at me. "You excited?"

 Sash: "Yeah," he said out loud. Didn't want Sean to take his eyes off the road. "Want you to have somethin' nice, too."

 Sean: Despite Sash's sweet effort, he would glance at the other regardless.

"Somethin'... nice?"

 Sash: "You know, for yourself. Somethin' outta the house. Friends here, a night out like this. I want this to be good for you."

 Sean: Fingers flex around the wheel. Good for him... He didn't know what to say. He remained silent, lost in his lonely thoughts.

 Sash: He wasn't going to ask what had caused the silence. Not yet, if ever. Just wasn't sure if he should do something. Or could.

The beer garden was awash a contrast of cool and warm tones. In steel beams and honey-painted walls.

Sash's friends were an obvious find; having rearranged furniture to accommodate communication. A sea of arms waved at the sight of them, beaconing them to their section of the room.

A woman barely reaching Sash's chest threw her arms around his waist, knocking him back.

'Hey! This is S-E-A-N. This is T-A-L-A!'

And soon other names followed. All of the fingerspelling and sign names in tow.

As suspected, Sean was scrutinized by the woman in the blue dress.

'How's family?' she asked.

 Sean: Really, Sean had no clue either. The space was appreciated, because he simply had no answer to provide. Everything felt far away yet crushingly close.

Sash's hand would be taken in the small walk from car to entrance. The touch grounded him, and was his way of letting Sash know he had done nothing wrong.

The small girl caught the reaper by surprise, releasing the other and stepping away. He couldn't help but laugh. Tala. Alright. Okay.

He nodded at each person introduced, waving and smiling a little shyly. It was out of character for him.

The question came too suddenly, he hesitated and opted for the British answer. 'Good thanks, you?'

Sash was glanced at.

 Tala: Believing she had the upper hand, Tala began to sign fast and casual. She was good, she said. They were celebrating a combination of two birthdays and their last goodbye to Rebecca before she moved back home to Arizona.

'When did you get here?' she asked. Tala was given a sharp albeit quick look from Sash.

 Sean: He felt a bit out of practice. She was so fast - it was almost like she was doing this on purpose to embarrass him. Sean had to process things for a moment once she was done, rubbing his head while his brain caught up with his eyes.

'How long have you known Rebecca?' He looked over to Sash, semi-asking for help. 'Just now, only a second ago. How about you?'

 Sash: Sash made sure to stand directly in front of Tala, his hands hidden by her body, their conversation between just the three of them.

'You're not doing this here,' like a whisper.

Tala looked between them and sighed.

'Since we were freshmen.'

Sean's hand was taken, gently tugged towards an open seat.

 Sean: Oh. Sean's little smile to Tala was his attempt and keeping things polite between them as he was dragged away. He can't say that he didn't feel like that was deserved. Had it been one of his brothers bringing someone back after two years... well. He understood the desire to protect Sash, and, really, he felt grateful for it. He was now at ease that Sash was well taken care of while he was gone. If he ever gets the chance, he will be sure to thank her.

Sitting down, he acknowledged the others with a nod. 'Want me to get you a drink, Sash?'

 Sash: Sash smiled as soon as they were seated. Just so everyone understood what this was, Sean was given a simple albeit meaningful kiss.

'They bring-' Sash pointed to the two servers, looked like siblings, bringing two trays worth of beer.

'Want a menu? They do special drinks. Pecan stout and stuff.'

 Sean: So some PDA in front of his friends is acceptable. Good to know. He can't promise that he'll keep it to a minimum, but he'll do his best for sure!

Sean glances at the waiters. 'Cool. No, I'll be fine with plain beer. Can they understand sign language?' not because he doubts their ability to communicate without it, he was just curious and wondered why they chose this place in particular.

 Sash: 'One of them is learning.' Sash indicated to his phone. The usual means of communication pretty much anywhere. To think he'd started with pen and paper as a child.

A man Sash's age, wearing a Chicago Cubs cap waved Sean's attention. Dean, Sash's oldest friend. Mostly deaf.

"So, what do you do?" His accent barely carried. He spoke and signed the same as Sash.

 Sean: Nod. That's cool. Conor's life would have been much easier had he been born during these modern times. Attention caught, he smiled at Sash's friend. He tried to recall his name when he signed... there had been a lot of names at once.

'I'm a DJ. I work clubs and hold events. I sometimes take on students too, DJ or other instruments like piano or guitar. Nothing that interesting.' he laughed, 'How about you?'

 Dean: "Oh, you got one of them modest-shy guys," Dean said to Sash.

"Are you?" Sash laughed, smiling at his boyfriend.

"I'm a personal trainer," Dean continued. "Actually work across the street," he pointed.

 Sean: Grinning, he nudged Sash. 'You tell me.' Shy? Perhaps not, but modest, definitely.

The temptation to politely say they should workout sometimes had to be instantly squashed. He'd end up in a test lab if he wasn't careful. 'How much do you bench?'

 Dean: Dean flicked his hand back and forth. "Two-twenty. I like calisthenics."

Sash just shook his head. "Three finger push-ups. Hand stands."

Dean grinned from ear-to-ear. "Can put my shirt on doin' a hand stand. Party favorite." He would have already, if not for the pale hand resting on his knee. Rebecca would not have it tonight.

 Sean: 'Wow, impressive. You can basically fly.' Being a supernatural creature like him and having the ability to do all that easily meant nothing. It took no effort. His strength was gifted to him on a silver platter coated in death. Dean had to work for his - it was not so easy for humans. This was Dean's dedication, something like this would never not amaze Sean. 'How long have you two been together?' he gestured at them both, smiling at the young woman.

 Dean: Dean raised Rebecca's hand, catching her attention. "This? I dunno this woman. I met her today."

Her hand dropped hard to his thigh. Blue nails lightly digging into his jeans, causing a playful squirm.

"Been datin' two years."

'How long have you been together?' Rebecca signed, turning her full attention to the new couple in the group.

 Sean: Sean laughed. They're cute. It was always nice for him to see playful couples; he had never felt the jealousy or bitterness so many do. Instead, he felt warmth.

That was, until that question drained him. He wasn't sure how to answer that - did the two years he was gone count? No, surely not.

'If you ask me, we've been together since I first saw him. His brother showed me a picture and his smile basically kidnapped me.' there, a joke will be sufficient, right? Sash can answer how he prefers.

 Rebecca: 'That smile is dangerous,' she said. Between her tease and Sean's confession, Sash was grinning like an idiot.

"I'll take that. I like dangerous." In this setting, at least.

A second round of beers came to their lounge. Sean's shoulder was given a playful bite.

"Want some finger food?"

 Sean: Yeah. That smile, that one right there! The reaper laughed and brushed a hand over his shaved head. 'Of course you do.' Gosh.

He feigned pain at the bite, holding his shoulder and frowning. 'Why? Are you so hungry you'll eat me?!' he laughed, 'I'm okay, do you want something?' Too nervous to eat, that's for sure.

 Sash: "I'm always hungry!" Which was a yes. Of course he would eat this man, but that wouldn't stave off hunger.

"They've got the best pretzels in town. Gotta try a bite. Everybody else gets the currywurst."

 Sean: An arm looped around Sash's waist and squeezed him close. "Will they bring those over to us, too?"

 Sash: "Yeah! They bring everything." Sash wondered, other than his DJing business, if Sean went out much. A sad thought for someone as lively as Sean to be kept cooped up. Lively. For a second, he'd forgotten Sean was technically dead.

Many conversations were had at once. Small pockets of topics between two and three and then five at once. A man named Paul dropped in to give Rebecca a hug and a going away present. He had to get back to work. Sean was given a handshake. Paul would not make it another month before a vicious car accident.

 Sean: Sean allowed himself to occasionally fade into the background unless he was called to attention or had something worth contributing. He didn't want to take attention away from Rebecca, and he wanted Sash to be able to enjoy this as much as possible.

Everyone seemed so welcoming. He was so glad Sash had such wonderful people around him.

More than ready to meet another friend, Sean grinned as he reached - oh. The flash made his heart drop, but all too used to seeing these visions it would not be obvious to those watching.

Sean was polite and happy. 'Are you two close?' the seemingly innocent question was filled with worry for Sash and the human.

 Sash: Sash had yet noticed the look behind Sean's eyes. The room was full of people and motion and had they been alone he might have caught that.

'Kinda sorta,' he quickly signed. 'Friend of a friend. He's hearing. CODA.'

One wouldn't know by the fluidity of his signing. Better than Sash, in fact.

"I gotta go." More sim-com. Rebecca was given a hug, and a kiss on the cheek for good measure.

 Sean: 'What's CODA?' Sean wasn't so much in the community; he wasn't certain what that meant.

Oh. 'Drive safe,' he signed, hoping that piece of advice would be taken to heart.

A hand fell to Sash's knee and gave a little squeeze.

 Sash: 'Child of deaf adult,' Sash explained. 'Both his parents are deaf; signing was his first language.'

Sean and everyone else were given a wave goodbye.

Only with his departure was Sean given a good long study. That hand had caught his attention.

'You ok?'

 Sean: Wow. He couldn't help but imagine the way his parents might react to... ah. He rubbed his face and waved for a drink to be brought to him.

Saying something would only ruin Sash's night, even if they aren't close.

'It's nothing.' He kissed the other's temple. Sean wondered if Sash would prefer to know. He was limited in what his nature allowed him to say, but there were ways the reaper could hint. Perhaps giving him a heads-up would allow him to say anything he's ever wanted to say, do whatever he's wanted to do with this person. Or maybe it would just be upsetting.

This knowledge felt burdensome.

 Sash: Sean was given a squint. Two years apart, he was having trouble reading that face. It was a romantic idea to believe he could just know by looking, but that was false. He assumed it was false of every relationship. Impossible to know every detail at every moment. He was surprised to find himself wanting.

"Is it?" he said out loud, no signing. In their own way, it was semi-private. At any rate, he smiled, finished the last of his beer. Thank god, the food had arrived!

"Want some?" He offered a bit of pretzel. "Gotta try it with mustard."

 Sean: Sash was given a nod. Yep. It is. For now.

He drank to forget, to distract. He shook his head as if the movement would throw the thoughts out of his head.

The reaper smiled at the offering of food. He would lean over, bite it directly out of Sash's hand and give his wrist a kiss.

"Tastes better when you're touching it."

 Sash: "I think I got that," he laughed. Something with the word better. Lips were both interesting and irritating when occupied by food.

Nearing the end of the get-together, Dean was finally challenged in a push-ups contest. His opposition, a man in clothes two sizes too large, nearly leaped from his chair at the opportunity.

'He used to be big. Big,' Sash emphasized. 'One year and a hundred pounds gone.'

Tala and Rebecca leaned back in their seats with another woman, humored and exhausted by the display. Sash and Sean were given another look by Tala. She still had her interrogation in pocket, waiting for the chance to strike.

 Sean: That made him laugh. Close enough. As long as you felt the kiss, I'm happy.

'Wow, in just one year? That's amazing. How do you know him?' Sean was pretty glad he hadn't gotten roped into the contest, he didn't remember how to fake exhaustion, the relief he felt was palpable. An arm went around Sash, a hand up in his hair. He didn't notice the eyes on him, he was too busy smiling at the boyfriend he had missed so dearly.

 Sash: 'We had the same classes.' Sash just smiled his content little smile. His laugh was so faint he hadn't noticed. He just leaned into Sean a moment, submitted to the reaper's presence before remembering they were amongst people. Should at least be social. Sean's knee was given a pat. Motioned towards the small crowd observing the display of testosterone.

 Sean: Ah, cool. He relished in Sash's touch, not really minding if anyone was watching. If someone had a problem, that would be their problem to have alone. He nodded at Sash's signal, going to stand while offering a hand.

 Sash: When this was over, Sash knew exactly what he was going to do. Something he felt Sean deserved. Something told him Sean had been taxed by this evening. He wished he knew why.

The last goodbye was given to Rebecca. A warm hug and a pat on the back from the star of the evening.

'Don't be a stranger,' she reminded him.

Heading out to the car, arms suddenly wound to Sean's neck. There he hung until legs wrapped around thighs.

"Had a great time with you."

 Sean: Sean smiled, thanking her for extending the invite to include him. She was wished the best of luck and waved goodbye.

The fresh air and quieter surroundings cleansed him, muscles relaxed and - oop!

With a laugh, he held Sash up from beneath his thighs, lifting him higher to get him comfortable around his waist.

"I had a good time with you too, baby. Your friends all seemed nice." The human was carried to their car in this way, but he was not set down once they got to it. "You drunk?"

 Sash: Caught just under a street lamp. Sash was grinning from ear-to-ear. Fingers tried to bury in non-existent hair, instead rubbing over stubble.

"Maybe a little? Maybe a little. A liiiiiiitle bitty bit," he giggled.

 Sean: He leaned in to kiss the other's nose. A little, huh? He wondered what kind of devious things they could get up to with Sash like this...

"You love me?"

 Sash: "Love you so, so, so much!" Sash managed to stretch in Sean's arms. "Are we going home now?"

 Sean: "I love you more!" The precious person is kept safe, steadied and held firmly as he moved. "We don't have to. You wanna do somethin' else?"

 Sash: "What d'you wanna do? What - What do you want? Anything? Tell me what you want."

 Sean: Sash was gently placed down on the hood of the car, held carefully with one hand so that he wouldn't slide or fall. Free fingers went to Sash's jaw, he wanted this. Sean wanted to kiss him. So he did. He wanted to offer tongue, so he did. He wanted to hold him close, so he did.

 Sash: Sash squeezed Sean's shirt in both hands. Leaned with uncontrolled weight into his chest and took what was given with gusto.

"I wanna fuck you," he managed to say. First time mentioning sex since his return.

 Sean: That made the reaper laugh. "Yeah, you're more than a bit drunk. C'mon." Sean moved to help Sash get down, if he was willing.

 Sash: "I gotta be drunk to want you?" How offensive! "You're not gonna disappear when we do." He was willing despite his complaints.

 Sean: Oh. Sean stilled. Of course, he didn't imagine they were perfectly fine and completely recovered since he had left. He knew it was a wound that would take some time to heal. Hearing it so bluntly, though... that was not something easily processed.

"Do you feel... unsafe with me?"

 Sash: "No. Sayin' you won't leave. I don't want you to be afraid of me. I feel you. When you look at me. You're not looking at me. You know? You're looking back or forward. You don't have to, baby."

 Sean: A sad smile was present as he leaned to kiss Sash's forehead. "Okay, beautiful. I'll do better for you, okay?" he ruffled Sash's hair. "Are there any cliffs or anything nearby? We can go look at the stars."

 Sash: "Juuuust water and skyscrapers. Lots and lots of water." Sash leaned into Sean's affection, nearly tipping over.

 Sean: "Hmm..." Kiss to the human's head, 'Let's go to water then? It will look nice in the moonlight. Do you want to?'

 Sash: "Yeah!" Said and signed. "I won't drown!" He laughed at his own promise.

 Sean: 'Even if you do I'll save you.' he laughed too, so enthralled by this man. 'Come on.' he went around to open the passenger door for Sash.

 Sash: Sash thought about what a gentleman this man was. For the first time in years, he wondered what Sean really sounded like. Drunk thoughts. He kept that to himself and climbed into the passenger seat.

 Sean: Sean took his own seat and started up after making sure Sash was safely strapped in.

'Can you show me the way? Point where we need to go?' or maybe they'd be better off using a phone to navigate...

 Sash: Sash pointed around, then stayed in a random direction. "Go east annnnd you'll hit water."

 Sean: Sean grinned. "I'm trusting you." And off they went. He'd follow Sash's directions, driving carefully, more observant than usual.

 Sash: A lake that could be mistaken for an ocean. All along the left side of the road. Hidden behind tall apartment buildings and hotels. Sash pointed in the general direction and gave a thumbs up.

 Sean: The car was brought to a stop. Sean observed and listened out, could he hear anyone, see anything strange? He had to make sure this was somewhere safe before turning off the engine and smiling at Sash. 'Ready?'

 Sash: "You gonna walk on water?" Sash chortled. A different kind of laugh when drunk. Something loose and childlike.

 Sean: Sean laughed with him, more at how cute he is than what he said.

"You first." out he got, around the car to open Sash's door for him.

 Sash: Sash barely caught that, and even then, it was just luck he'd figured the correct statement.

"I can't walk on water. I'm not Jesus Christ."

Sean's hand was taken the moment the door opened. "I don't remember drinking that much."

 Sean: Sean's human was brought to his feet. "That much? Do you feel sick?" A hand went to the other's forehead.

 Sash: Warm, but nothing abnormal for Sash. His cheeks were pink with blush, and there was a slight tint in his eyes.

"I'm okay I'm just drunk," he laughed.

 Sean: He grinned. "Drunk on love?" Cheesy? Yes. True? Better also be yes! He leaned closer, missing the sensation of Sash's lips against his own. He went to seek the sweet feeling.

 Sash: Arms wrapped and trapped Sean by his shoulders. He hadn't been the only one in yearning. It was fun, being around friends, but now he could be himself, which in this moment was just a bit clingy.

 Sean: Hands smoothed around his waist, pulling him in as he offered tongue. Closer. Closer. Remind me that you're real. Let me feel what I've been longing for for two years.

 Sash: "You loooove me. Caught you red-handed lovin' me. Them hands. That face." That face he would pepper with kisses.

 Sean: The reaper laughed, nuzzling in before pulling away to respond. 'Of course I love you. Don't you love me?' sad face!

 Sash: "I love you more than basketball." Which was saying something.

 Sean: "Oh! I didn't know I was in competition!" He's still smiling though.

 Sash: "It's all over the house!" he laughed.

 Sean: "Hmph." 'Go kiss a basketball then!'

 Sash: "You do that for good luck!" Sean was finally freed, hand taken to lead towards the shoreline. Two steps in he paused with an exclaim. "We gotta take our shoes off!"

 Sean: He must admit, when Sash pulled away a part of him was sad. He knew they couldn't be glued together forever, but he sure could try.

He moved forward with his boyfriend and smiled, of course. Whatever Sash wanted. Out he stepped, and off his socks came.

 Sash: Sash motioned for Sean to walk forward, only to place his arms around the reaper's shoulders, wanting himself a piggyback ride. The legs would eventually make their way around his hips and thighs as well, but that took a bit of effort in his state.

 Sean: Oh, Sean was more than happy to help lift his little human up. Holding onto thighs with a large smile.

"Comfy? Don't puke me, okay? I love you but not /that/ much."

 Sash: "I can't hear you! I'm deaf!" An explanation which had him giggling against Sean's ear, nuzzling in as he clung.

 Sean: Oh. He laughed; hands too busy for him to repeat himself properly. He just started walking deeper into the water.

 Sash: "Cold!" He laughed, clinging just a little bit tighter. How deep did Sean plan on going, he wondered.

"Can you even swim?"

 Sean: He paused when the water was at his waist. He nodded, turning in an attempt to let Sash see his mouth.

"Can't you?"

 Sash: "I can doggy paddle! I can swim my ass off in one place!" He giggled again. "I can swim. I can swim. Ish. I can swim ish."

 Sean: "Want me to teach you, baby? I grew up in Italy, y'know. By the beach." Among other, equally awful places with almost equally awful memories attached to them.

 Sash: "I live by a giant lake," he said matter-of-factly. That had to be hurting Sean's neck, reaper or not. "Okay. Sure. Teach me to be better than a dog."

 Sean: Then back to shore so that he can strip Sash down. Can't be swimming in all his clothes! To boxers only!

 Sash: "Are you tryin' to get me naked, mister?"

 Sean: "Duh! As always!" Come on, pesky trousers. "You'll get sick if you swim in clothes."

 Sash: "That's a thing?" Clothes were kicked into a pile with shoes and socks.

 Sean: "Yeah! You'll get cold." Sean's turn. Off came his shirt.

 Sash: Oh! Well, Sash just had to be helpful and work that belt away!

 Sean: He laughed, going to snatch Sash's hands and kiss them.

 Sash: 'Whyyyyy?' he tried to sign during a giggle fit.

 Sean: Well, good luck signing with your fingers in Sean's mouth. He sucked and bit gently as he tried to get his trousers off as elegantly as possible (which wasn't very elegantly at all).

 Sash: Well that stopped Sash in his tracks. Expression dissolving into that of fascination. Hypersensitive skin would do that.

 Sean: Oh? Once trousers are gone that expression took him a bit by surprise. Ah. He smiled around the human's fingers, lowering closer to him, continuing to suck. So badly did he wish he could part ways with his body just briefly to see this from the outside... maybe snap a picture.

 Sash: "Keep doin' that and we're gonna go home." For reasons. Sexy reasons perhaps. They'd yet to do more than heavy petting. Kisses leaving him warm and flushed and wanting. What moment were they waiting for, he wondered. But his fingers in Sean's mouth had taken him by surprise.

And moonlight did well to hide what Sean had done.

 Sean: Sean laughed, allowing the fingers to leave his mouth. 'You're not getting out of this that easily!'

Once free from clothing, aside from boxers, hands reached out to help Sash stand with him. Towards the water he went.

 Sash: That feeling was bedded down once more, Sash smiled to himself and took Sean's hand. He sometimes wondered if public displays of affection ever made Sean nervous, now or in the past.

"Gonna save me if I drown?"

 Sean: Never. Sean would never feel nervous or embarrassed or ever restrain from showing Sash his affection because of prying eyes. He's experienced his fair share of hiding, and it wasn't something he was interested in anymore.

'Of course,' eyes watched Sash as they stepped further into the water, going deeper and deeper. He paused when it was at his waist. 'How do you feel?'

 Sash: "I told you I can doggy paddle! I feel good!" A random wave took him back several feet, snatching Sean's hand again for rescue.

 Sean: The reaper was quick and steady enough to capture his boyfriend. Sash was pulled in against his chest. He smiled. "You feel grand, huh, beautiful?"

 Sash: "Do I feel beautiful, or are you callin' me beautiful?" But with his position he could no longer communicate. This was fine, though, being against that warm chest. He made a show of nuzzling in like a cat.

 Sean: Whatever he was going to reply, he couldn't now, but that's alright. Fingers started to play with Sash's hair, cradling and soothing him.

 Sash: "How deep are we going?" he asked, looking up to catch Sean's response in the moonlight.

 Sean: "We can stop here." Here would be deep enough to swim, but shallow enough to stand. His plan was not to frighten his lover. fearing water would not help him learn. In hopes of soothing, he kissed the other, gentle, sweet, soft and kind.

 Sash: Sash was in such a mood that had him giggling into the kiss. Playfully biting Sean's chin before sinking into the water to float. This he could do. Lay back with his arms out, face mostly submerged. But the waves had other intentions for him, encouraging him back towards the shore.

 Sean: Gosh. Sean couldn't help but laugh with him. Sash was watched carefully, bending at the knees to lower into the water.

Ohhhh no you don't. The human's ankle was caught and pulled back towards him. Stay!

He started to move Sash's arms for him, lifting, turning his wrist by his ear, teaching him how to push with a cupped hand, a calm backstroke.

 Sash: Sash opened his eyes to watch, loving the gentle command Sean delivered via touch. It was unique to the man and it enchanted him.

"Don't they all have names? How you swim."

 Sean: 'This is backstroke' He had released Sash just to sign as he mouthed. 'I'll show you 'doggie' later.' ah, he was just teasing. It was followed by a wink as hands returned to guiding.

 Sash: "Backstroke." He'd just gotten that by sheer will. "I think we should be in a pool," he laughed, this time fighting the next bit of wave attempting to steal him.

 Sean: Ah. There was that familiar feeling, his cheeks practically aching from his grin. He protected his lover from the pesky water as much as possible with his steady back, keeping a hold of his hand.

"It's more excitin' if it's dangerous. Ready for your front?"

 Sash: "But I can see your face like this." Still, he was standing up. At least like this the water would have a proper argument.

"Why you smilin'?"

 Sean: "Mm, I'm that handsome, huh?" He happily brought the other closer by his sides, thumb idly brushing ever so carefully over the right hip piercing. "'cause I love you."

 Sash: Had his senses not been whelmed by all sides, he would have shivered at that touch. No one else was allowed to touch him there.

"What I do?" He couldn't seem to dampen the smile from his face.

 Sean: "You smiled, looked at me. That's all it takes." He didn't want that to overwhelm, Sean leaned forward to kiss Sash's nose, hopefully offering some form of distraction.

 Sash: Sash just smiled, wrapping his arms around Sean's shoulders. In that moment, he was reminded that they hadn't been like this in two years. It didn't feel that way, but it was. When would it happen again? he wondered.

He was just going to attach himself for a moment. Blame it on being drunk.

 Sean: "Yeah... like that." A hand rose to capture Sash's chin, guiding him in for a deep kiss Sean was yearning for.

 Sash: With the aid of restless waters, Sash wrapped his arms around Sean's neck and then wrapped his legs around warm thighs. This was much better than swimming.

 Sean: This would be a kiss Sean will remember for eternity. They were bathed in moonlight, water calmly lapping around them. He lifted the human, one arm tucked beneath him, the other holding to his ribs. Yep. Definitely better than swimming. Tongue was offered with a quiet hum.

 Sash: What was offered was taken with gusto. It was a gift and gifts such as this were taken greedily. He loved this man. Each little kiss and soft playful bite said more than he could manage.

"Can we come back tomorrow?"

 Sean: "Come back?" he laughed, "Aren't you cold, baby?" Regardless. What Sash wants Sash gets, okay?! "'course we can."

 Sash: "I'm freezing!" he laughed. "Or a heated indoor pool. Whatever. I wanna go home and be in pajamas." With you. He left out with you.

 Sean: More laughter came, "I'll look for a heated pool tomorrow, okay?" He kissed that cute nose. "Let's go, baby."

 Sash: "Let's go!" As soon as he climbed Sean's back. His reaper was strong enough to withstand both current and waves.

 Sean: That was certainly true. Sash was held securely as he waded through, returning to where they left their clothes.

"If you're tired you can sleep in the car." They weren't that far from home, but a quick nap might help. He didn't seem tired... but Sash had a talent for falling asleep.

 Sash: "Want my head in your lap kinda sleep?" Sash grinned against Sean's neck, nuzzled in.

 Sean: Sean hummed in pleasure, "Yeah, like that." At the shore he still held on to Sash, not really wanting to put him down yet.

 Sash: Slowly, Sash began to swing his legs like a little child. His way of saying he wanted down. He wasn't trying all that hard. Nothing really, outside of these weak kicks.

 Sean: Sean only laughed. "Magic words?" Plural.

 Sash: "You say something?"

 Sean: Gosh! With a smile he set Sash down, only to then swiftly take his face into hands and bring him in for a deep kiss.

 Sash: "Yay!" His arms out at his sides, caught off guard by the sudden affection. Of course Sean could have his kisses. His shivering boyfriend didn't seem to notice the cold his body complained about. Soon arms made their way around his shoulders.

 Sean: His poor little baby. Hands start to roam around the other, rubbing at his sides and back to help warm him up.

"Home now?"

 Sash: "Yes! Home! With blankets and food and you naked." He wanted to move, dance even. Fighting the tired threatening his eyes. "Let's goooo I wanna give you head."

 Sean: Oh, Gosh. Sean laughed, picking up and wiping down Sash's clothes. He needed to make sure his sweet little human was warm and dry before even thinking about himself. "Arms up." for the top.

 Sash: "I'm not five!" But he was drunk enough to comply, though that wave was coming to a slow ending.

"Seaaaaaan."

Sean: "You're actin' it," he teased, pulling the top down over the other's head. "Yes, baby?" Asked when eyes were free.

Sash: "Kiss me," was all he gave with that pout.

Sean: And so it shall be done. Hands cup Sash's jaw and guide him in, mouth happily and greedily meets the human's halfway.

Sash: Sean was pulled practically on top of him. Legs arguing their way around the reaper's hips. The passenger's seat was leaned prone, giving them a little more room after a quick rattle of gears.

Sean: The reaper laughed, adjusting over the other. He pulled his lips away to kiss Sash's throat, beneath his ear. Hands groped everywhere they could, feeling him desperately as if he might slip away.

Sash: There was an urgency to Sean's hands and lips he'd felt absent since his return. He could hardly contain his surprise and elation. Both hands roamed for non-existent hair, massaging the back of Sean's neck before pulling him back up to taste his lips.

Sean: Of course he obeyed those demanding hands. Lips and tongue were offered with sighs of pleasure.

"Should-" managed between kisses, "should-should we- get home first?"

Sash: Words. He caught that much vibration. He leaned back until his head hit the seat and licked his lips.

"What was that?"

Sean: Ah. Oops. He grinned. "Home?"

Sash: "You wanna go home?" Sean's hand was placed between his legs.

Sean: A shuddering breath escaped him, fingers curling around the other. "You want to do this here, baby?"

Sash: "I want you anywhere." He couldn't be more sincere.

Sean: Sean glanced around them, searching for any signs that they were unsafe, or for anyone around...

It was dark, and there was nobody else nearby.

He inhaled deeply and nodded.

"Okay..." The word came breathlessly. Nervous despite the certainty he felt that he wanted this, too. First, though. He wanted to climb in properly and lock the doors.

Sash: As soon as the door was properly shut, there went their lights. He laughed at his predicament despite it pissing him off.

"Kiss me."

Sean: The lights could be turned on manually, but Sean wasn't thinking about that. If anything, it gave him courage. It meant they weren't so obvious.

Doing what was commanded was easy. He straddled his lover and offered sweet kisses, holding his jaw with as much adoration as lust.

Sash: Sean must have known by now where those hands were going to go. Right to his head, and the back of his neck. They cradled each other in their own way, and Sash loved every second of their kiss. He didn't know what was about to happen. The mystery was just as thrilling as their kiss.

Sean: Sash would learn quickly what was going to happen because a panting, flustered Sean was going to whine and sign for it. "I want you t'cum in my mouth, baby." It's been so long, ridiculously long. He felt courageous enough, he felt motivated enough. He had missed this, the closeness, the sensations. He wanted it all.

Sash: He could just make out Sean's signs in the moonlight, his eyes having adjusted. "Right now?" He laughed breathlessly. Not what he'd expected from Sean. After two years, he wasn't sure what he expected. "Yay! Put your mouth on me."

Sean: Such adorable enthusiasm. Sean laughed just the same, feeling light and giddy and... quite nervous. What if he's bad at it now? What if he's forgotten what to do? What if Sash doesn't like the same things he did before, he doesn't like anything anymore?

He took a deep breath, still smiling and moved off of the other's lap. He kneeled on the other seat and reached to pull Sash free. Despite the nerves and hesitation, he brings Sash to his tongue eagerly.

 Sash: He didn't like Sean being so far away, but such were the constraints of being spontaneous in a car. He held on for as long as he was able, tossing and tugging at clothes between hungry kisses. This was not the ideal environment for someone deaf, but he wasn't really thinking about that at the moment.

Sean: Sean's mouth lowered around Sash's erection, searching to feel him deeper and deeper down his throat. Had he forgotten how to do this? Not quite. Tongue paid extra attention to sensitive tip.

Sash: Sounds Sash couldn't hear but feel came tumbling from his throat in little shudders and broken gasps. With no hair to squeeze, he began massaging Sean's scalp instead. Soft encouragements, rather than demands.

Sean: His lover would be adored with a wet and warm mouth. Passionate, loving, eager. He simply had to trust that Sash would guide him if he wanted something else. He simply had to submit... to give up power. To give up himself.

It was frightening, but, with Sash, it felt right. A free hand reached blindly to fel for Sash's, wanting to tangle their fingers together.

Sash: Though holding hands cut a means of communication, Sash didn't mind. In the dark, signs would be pointless. All he has to go on in this moment was feel. Squeezing Sean's hand and massaging the back of his neck. Giving what he couldn't have with breathy I love yous and sooner than he would have liked, a gasped warning of his nearness.

"Sean, Sean... gonna cum!"

Sean: Sean would ride it through, of course. He would not give up. He was determined and full of lust and admiration and... the flavour of cum had become unfamiliar somewhere over the past 2 years. Unfamiliar and a little unpleasant. It made him cringe, but it didn't matter. The knowledge that this was Sash's cum, the knowledge that this was their first time, since....

He was left, heart pounding, breathless, not sure of what to say or do as he sat back up. Had it always been that intense?

Sash: Sash was riding that high without a single concern. This was, after all, their first time in two years. There had been nights when something exciting had nearly happened, only to revert to cuddles and soft kisses. Baby steps led to this moment, and all he could think to do was blindly pull Sean to his lips. He didn't mind the flavor; it was himself. It was Sean.

Sean: Of course Sean went willingly. He tried to swallow more of the cum in his mouth to save Sash from the flavour as much as possible. He did what he could to protect this precious human from even the smallest inconveniences.

Fingers found the other's hair, a hand holds his shoulder. His own erection was forgotten and frustrated, but he didn't really care about it. The throbbing was drowned out by the kiss that made his heart spin in circles.

Sash: Sean might have forgotten, but Sash was already reaching between his legs, wanting to feel what sucking his cock had done to Sean's body.

"I wanna suck your cock," he breathed. Whether here or at home; the car was only now beginning to feel cramped.

 Sean: Hips pushed into Sash's hand a lazy smile spreading across his lips. He laughed at the other's adorableness. It was a sexy sentence, enough to make his erection twitch, but he couldn't help it. He just adored Sash so much.

"It's all yours." Said and signed. He didn't mind where, either, but first he wanted to kiss his human again, deep and sweet.

Sash: "What?" A word that barely left his lips before Sean took them for his own. He offered his tongue, suddenly feeling submissive. He wanted to do this again, but not in this tiny car. A van, a truck, a limo, anything other than this cramped space.

Sean: Sean chuckled into the kiss, pulling back after a few moments of giving in to pleasure.

'Did you want to go home first, baby?' he signed and said. It was getting difficult to communicate, the closeness made lip reading difficult, and the darkness made signing difficult.

Sash: Ah! He caught some hand movement in the dark. Home was easy enough to catch.

"Yes," he laughed. "Pretty, pretty please."

Sean: Laughter was common between them, evidence of comfort and affection, evidence of love and friendship. There could never be too much laughter, in Sean's opinion.

He'll drive, of course, Sash had drank way too much! Getting properly into his seat he made sure the other had his seatbelt on before starting the engine.

Where were they? He didn't even know... 'Put the GPS on please,' asked by hand and by voice.

Sash: At least with the car on he could finally see - and if anyone was looking, probably see a little too much! Time for everyone to dress from the waist down.

"Kay." A few taps on the touchscreen, and home was nearly fifteen minutes to avoid a traffic jam.

"Fuck." But! It was an opportunity to tease. His hand came to rest on Sean's crotch with a grin.

Sean: "Fuuu- Sash!" ah, his cheeks were starting to hurt from the ache! His cock twitched beneath the other's touch. "Eager fucker." he teased mostly to himself as he drove. Fifteen minutes wasn't long in reality, but it felt like an eternity to go. At least his pretty human was seeking to keep the mood going for the journey there.

Sash: Seeking with great vengeance in the name of lust. He had no intention of removing his hand. He'd much rather torture his boyfriend with massage, leaning over their seats to kiss and nip at his neck and ear.

Sean: That was a dangerous game. Eyes briefly closed for half a second as the caresses melted him. He was quick to sit upright, though. He would definitely NOT be a reason Sash gets hurt!

"You're drivin' me crazy, baby." he laughed.

Sash: "You're crazy? Yeah I think so. When you're horny." Just words to say in the name of teasing. Just to get a reaction, as he so loved. What a word that barely scratched the surface. A word he felt was better expressed in sign language.

Sean: Sean grinned, shaking his head at his /crazy /lover. Coming to a stop sign, he used the moment to kiss Sash's cheek. "Don't lose the feelin', okay? Stay in the mood 'til we get home, baby."

Sash: "Put your hand on my dick and I'll stay hard," he laughed.

Sean: "What part of 'safe drivin'' don't you get, huh? Crazy boy." Said with a grin more to and for himself than Sash.

Sash: "You won't crash with one hand! Are Irish bad drivers?" he giggled.

Sean: "It ain't my one hand I'm worried about, it's my eyes!"

Sash: "Your ass?"

Sean: "My eyes! Wheres your brain at, huh?"

Sash: "Sex! My brain runs on sex!"

Sean: "Hah- maybe you should get that checked out, baby. Sounds like an illness."

Sash: "You. You told me to stay in the mood," he huffed.

Sean: "Hmmmm doesn't sound like me, babe." He grinned, "The illness is spreadin'!"

Sash: "Shut up it's a green light!" he laughed. Green light. It was a STOP SIGN.

[anedendarkly]

Ah. The worst part of it all was that he could not say it wouldn't happen again. He hadn't expected it to happen the first time. If it was up to him, of course, he'd never leave Sash. Of course, he'd stay by his partner's side. He had no control over what worried Sash.

Sean nodded and pulled the other into a tight hug. He didn't know what to say to that, so he just held on, and buried his face in Sash's shoulder.

Sash didn't mind the lack of communication. Didn't mind those arms around him. He buried his face into his chest and just breathed. Water, heat, skin, the rise and fall of breath. He could almost imagine the noise in that bathroom. He wondered if Sean lived with static in his ears. What stress sounded like to him.

"Come on." He breathed deeply. "Let's go shoot some hoops. Breakfast then hoops, okay?"

[anedendarkly]

Eyebrows furrow. He signed as he spoke, "Worried? Why? Did I do something that made you worry about me? I'm sorry, baby."

"You were gone for like, two years. Yeah, shit worries me." He tried to keep his tone light, despite the subject. "I worry it'll happen again. I worry - I worry - I just worry about shit."

[anedendarkly]

Gentle fingers stroked Sash's cheek. "Are you happy, baby? In general and... in our relationship?" He couldn't help but wonder. The way Sash had asked. It felt... like something was on his mind. It made Sean feel a little uneasy. He was transparent enough for the concern to show on his face.

So there would be no doubt, he raised his hands as he spoke. "I'm happy." But he swallowed. "Just... worried about you. Sometimes." Sean was being open with him, it felt only right to return honesty.

[anedendarkly]

Sean laughed a little at the question, "Our happiness is no different to a human's, is it? I'm happy. I haven't been unhappy in a long time." Not including Seth's torment. "My brothers didn't have their problems vanish when they died. It was our human lives that gave us most of our problems." He kissed Sash's nose. "I'm happy. Especially being around you."

As much as he loved Sean, Sash didn't know how to answer that, or if he even should. He couldn't tell what was different; he was still human. Things that existed in the shadows once were, but whether or not they still were... he had mixed feelings. Vampires were monsters. Nothing would shake his belief.

Sean was unquestionably good, but he was a soul stealer.

'New problems make old problems look easy.' He gestured vaguely to his ear.

[anedendarkly]

Sean just smiled gently and ran fingers through Sash's wet hair before signing as he spoke, "Well there's nothin' like that goin' on, baby."

He shook his head and shrugged, "I died before him so I dunno what happened to her after. They never had kids so at least there's that. She was the daughter of someone my dad worked with, it was beneficial for business... I don't think Aidan ever loved her. She was beautiful, though, and really kind t'me even knowin' I'm gay. Aidan jus'... avoided her all the time." He kissed Sash's cheek, "A lot of the time arranged marriages worked out alright, they learnt t'love each other. Jus' didn't happen for Aidan. But he's... fine." Word used loosely.

This was exactly the kind of story that deterred him from commitment. Aidan wasn't the only victim. That nameless woman had no future. No children, no love, no happiness. That was no way to live. And he had no idea how she died.

He didn't want their morning spoiled by overthinking. This was only a reminder of his reluctance.

"Are... reapers really happy? Are you?"