Zade

When I get back to Thane’s place there’s a brand new spring in my step. As I step inside I’m honest to god whistling.

“Date went well?” Madden asks with a knowing smile.

“That’s an understatement,” I ruffle Madden’s hair as I pass him and he swats my hand away. I bound up the stairs so I can jump in the shower. My plan is to look at apartments today, and maybe stop by and have lunch with Thane, as long as he’s not out on an emergency call. 

I strip out of my clothes and step under the warm spray of water, letting my mind wander back over my time with Royal as I soap myself up. I’ve never had so much fun on a date in my life. Not that I’ve dated much, mind you. I dated a bit in high school and college. But when I joined the Marines I didn’t feel comfortable being out, and it’s not like there’s much time to date when you’re deployed as it is. I always marveled at the men who managed to have families, but I couldn’t imagine having someone I loved but could hardly ever see.

And then there was the sex. That was next level shit right there. A shiver of excitement runs up my spine and I can’t keep the smile from my face. Now I need to figure the rest of my life out and we’ll be good to go.

First, apartment and a car, then a job. I know that seems like the wrong sequence of events, but I’ve saved every penny I’ve earned over the last ten years in the Marines, so financially I’m not worried. I want to find the right fit, not any old job to pay the bills.

I hop out of the shower and towel off, still humming under my breath.

Once I’m dressed I head downstairs.

“I was thinking of stopping by to see Thane at work, you want to come?” I offer when I spot Madden.

He tenses at the suggestion and forces a smile, like that could hide his reaction. I’m dragged back in time to Julie; always telling me she was fine, promising over and over that she was coping and moving on with her life. And then one day she was gone. Gone. What a benign word. She was dead. Sweet, funny, outgoing Julie dead by her own hand. Dead because the people in place to protect her and offer her justice cast her aside and told her that the worst moment of her life never happened.

“We shouldn’t bother him at work,” Madden argues, his whole body tense to the point of nearly shaking.

“I asked him before and he said that unless they’re out on a call it’s boring. They sit around and wait for stuff to happen. So, you want to come?” I press, more to gage his reaction than anything at this point.

Madden’s pulse flutters rapidly in his neck, his breathing turning shallow and ragged, but he tries to hide it. He smiles more widely and starts to back toward his bedroom like I’m a tiger about to pounce.

“No, thanks,”

Well shit.

 

As predicted, Thane is bored out of his mind at work and glad for the visit.

Thane offers me a drink as we sit in the firehouse kitchen and I can’t shake the memory of Madden back at the house. He isn’t coping well, anyone with eyes can see that. But does Thane, or is he too busy falling head over heels for the guy?

“So, you and Royal?”  Thane asks.

“Mmmm, yeah, Royal.” My mind is happy to replace worries about Thane’s man with images of the sexy, adventurous, crazy fun man I spent the night with.

“That good, huh?” Thane laughs.

“I’m not jinxing anything. New subject.”

“Alright, why don’t you tell me whatever’s on your mind then?” Thane Suggests.

“I invited Madden to stop by and visit, too. He got kind of wiggy.” 

Thane bristles and frowns, clearly gearing up to argue. I put a hand up to stop him, determined to get this out.

“I’ve known guys with PTSD. A lot of guys, in fact. I’m worried about your man.”

“He’s fine. It’s taking him some time to cope with everything that happened. It doesn’t help that he can’t do his art. You know how artists are, if they can’t express themselves they get all twitchy.”

“Are you sure that’s all it is?” I challenge.

“Yes,” Thane snaps.

I know he’s struggling right now with the idea that someone he cares about might be having a hard time. I was there myself once and the last thing I want is for this situation to end the same way.

“Are you willing to bet his life on it?” I press, unwilling to let this drop without Thane knowing the possible outcome.

Thane stills, it’s clear my words are finally sinking in.

“He’s fine,” Thane insists with a lot less vehemence this time.

I bite down on my lower lip but, don’t argue further. I’ve said my peace, this is between Thane and Madden now. I just hope this doesn’t end like Julie.

 

After I leave Thane I punch in the address for the apartment I’m scheduled to look at and head over. I make a mental note that it’s only five minutes from Royal’s house, which I put as a tick in the pro column. Not that I’m rushing into anything.

Now that he’s on my mind, I decide to send him a quick text.

 

Me: I know it’s going to cost me my balls to text you so soon after our date. But, I hope you’re having a good day

Royal: yup, that totally cost you your balls. I’m going to keep them prominently displayed on my mantel for the world to see.

Me: I take it back, you’re a dick and I hope you’re having a shitty day

Royal: <3 <3 don’t be a sore loser

Me: Loser? What did I lose at?!

Royal: you texted me first, so you lost

Me: Damn! It’s been too long since I’ve dated, I forgot that important rule.

Royal: Lol, better luck next time ;) . So what are you up to?

Me: checking out an apartment

Royal: send pics!

 

With a chuckle I lift up my shirt and take a picture of my abs and send it to Royal. He responds with a picture of his nipple ring.

I download the picture to save for later when I can truly appreciate it, and then head up to the apartment to check it out.

The apartment manager seems nice, which is always a plus, and the place looks good. Plus it’s in my price range.

“I’ll take it.”

Once I flash my military I.D. the paperwork becomes a formality, as the manager puts it. And, a half-hour later I’ve got the keys to the place.

I send Royal a picture of the living room with the caption ‘home sweet home’. A minute later my phone rings.

“Hey, that was quick,” Royal says as way of greeting when I answer.

“Yeah, I just went with the first place I looked at,” I admit with a laugh. “It’s a nice place, and it’s a good price, so I figured what the hell?”

“Once you get settled I’d love to come check it out.”

“It came furnished and I’ve only got two bags of clothes over at Thane’s, so I’ll be settled in about an hour. Why don’t you come over tonight and I’ll cook you dinner?”

“A date two nights in a row? My, my, your balls do look nice up on my mantle,” Royal teases.

“Forget it, get fucked instead.”

“Nah, it’s your turn tonight,” Royal purrs into the phone.

“Alright, I’m getting off the phone before you distract me from getting my stuff and planning something for dinner. I’ll text you the address and I’ll see you at seven.”

“Sir, yes, sir.”

I groan and hang up before he can tease me any further.

 

Two hours later I’m back at my new apartment with all my clothes and all the groceries I need, and I make a mental note to get a car this week. The busses aren’t terrible here, but it’s not the most convenient.

At seven on the dot the door buzzer sounds. I buzz Royal in and wait by the door for him to come up. 

“This is super close to my house, did you know that?” Royal asks as he jogs up the steps.

“Oh, is it? I didn’t realize,” I play dumb. I think I’ve showed enough of my hand for one day as it is.

“Whatever, you totally knew, stalker,” Royal teases, pulling me into a kiss when he reaches me.

He tastes like gum and cigarettes. I suck his bottom lip between my teeth and he moans.

“You’ll never be able to prove that,” I say as I pull away and let him inside. We don’t need to give my new neighbors any more of a free show.

“This place is nice,” he says as he looks around the small space.

“Yeah, it’ll work for now,” I agree. “Hope you’re hungry, I made ribs.”

“Smells delicious.”

“Well, I was hoping to impress this guy I kind of like. But, you’re here now so, dig in.”

Royal gives me the finger and we both laugh.

“Did you do anything fun today?” I ask.

“Worked. Had a few tattoos and pierced a girl’s bellybutton. Adam was being kind of weird, like he kept asking me if I’d talked to Nash recently. Obviously I’ve talked to Nash, I talk to Nash constantly. He was being all cryptic, though.”

“Weird,” I say, since I don’t know Adam and can’t make any comments or judgements about his behavior.

“Sorry, I’m doing that thing where someone talks to you about someone you don’t know, as if you know them.”

“It’s okay, I don’t mind hearing about your friends.”

After dinner Royal helps me clean up and then we end up on the couch in the living room.

“You’re fun to hang out with,” Royal says, straddling my lap.

“You too.”

 

Royal’s body covers mine, pressing me into the couch. I’ve lost track of how long we’ve been kissing and groping like teenagers on my couch. Somehow it’s not enough and absolute perfection at the same time. Royal seems to be getting impatient as his hands tear at my clothes and his kisses become more frantic.

“God I want to fuck you,” he says, punctuating the sentiment with a thrust of his erection against mine through our clothes.

“Flip you for it,” I tease.

I have every intention of letting him fuck me, but it’ll be a lot more fun to make him work for it first.

“No fair, you’ve got at least fifty pounds and combat training over me,” Royal complains as he palms my cock through my jeans.

“Are you forfeiting? That means your ass is mine.”

“Hell no, I’m not forfeiting. Let’s go to your bedroom.” Royal strips off the remainder of his clothes and leaves them in a pile next to the couch and I do the same before following him to the bedroom.

When we get there I grab him around the waist from behind and toss him on the bed. He scrambles up and launches himself at me. The surprise of the attack knocks me off kilter and sends me crashing to the floor with Royal atop me. I let out an ‘oomph’ as my back crashes against the carpet.

“I win,” Royal declares.

Grabbing his hips I flip him over so I’m on top and give him a cocky grin as our erections line up and rub together as he tries to wrestle his way out from under me. I pin his arms over his head and enjoy watching him squirm for a minute. Then he stops fighting and starts to roll his hips, grinding our cocks against each other, our pre-cum mixing together to slick the way. My grip on his arms loosens as I get lost in the feeling of his body against mine.

Without warning, Royal’s legs wrap around mine and he flips us again so he’s back on top.

He leans close, his breath tickling my ear as he whispers.

“Tell me I win.”

“Unh, fine, you win.”

“Now say, ‘Royal, I need your cock inside me’,” he instructs.

I growl and try to buck him off me, but admittedly I don’t try as hard as I could because I do want him to fuck me. 

Royal reaches between us takes both our erections in one hand, stroking them together.

“Fuck, okay, fine. Royal, I need your cock inside me.”

“Good boy,” he praises, flicking his tongue against my earlobe before moving away, presumably in search of condoms and lube.

“Top dresser drawer,” I direct him.

He returns moments later, items in hand.

“Do you want to move to the actual bed?” I ask.

“Hell no.” Royal clicks open the top of the bottle of lube and squirts a generous amount onto his fingers, rubbing it around with his thumb. My ass twitches expectantly. I haven’t been fucked in too goddamn long.

Royal starts stroking my cock again, and my legs fall open to welcome him in. He takes his time touching and teasing me, easing one finger into my ass, then two until I’m panting and shamelessly begging him to give me his cock.

“Don’t be such a bossy bottom,” Royal tuts, pulling his fingers out and eliciting an embarrassing whimper from me.  

“Stop being such a dick and fuck me already.”

He chuckles at my outburst as he tears open a condom package and rolls it on before coating himself with lube. Then he grabs my thighs and roughly pulls me into position. Fuck that’s hot.

My cock flexes and strings of pre-cum drip onto my abs.

“God that’s hot. You’re a total cockslut, aren’t you?”

Royal doesn’t wait for me to respond before he slowly fills my ass with his weighty girth.

“Fuck,” I gasp, balling my hand into a fist and pounding on the floor once as I adjust to the stinging burn of the invasion.

“Alright?”

“Yeah, just give me a second.”

Royal stops and waits while I adapt. When he feels me relax he eases forward, leaning down to kiss me as he does.

By the time he’s fully seated we’re both breathing hard and Royal’s shaking with restraint. He continues a slow pace for the next few minutes, giving me time to get comfortable. When a droplet of his sweat falls onto my lips I lick it off and then give him a hard slap on the ass.

“Don’t be such a pussy, give it to me already.”

Royal stops thrusting and starts to laugh.

“God, you’re obnoxious,” he accuses before he pulls almost all of the way out and thrusts back into me hard and fast.

I let out a grunt of approval so he does it again, and again. Now we’re talking. His hips slam against mine over and over, the head of his cock hitting my prostate with each pass.

“Oh god, oh fuck, yeah. Royal, god, I’m gonna...unh.”

My ass clenches around him as lightning bolts of pleasure shoot through me, ropes of thick cum pulse out of my cock and cover both of our abs. Royal’s pace doesn’t falter as I come apart. As I start to come down Royal lets out a cry of his own, his thrusts becoming more erratic as release overtakes him.

When his cock starts to soften inside me he pulls out and rolls onto the floor beside me.

“Wow,” Royal breathes.

“Meh,” I force a tone of nonchalance. “I’ve had better.”

Royal bites down hard on my shoulder in retaliation.

“Ow, fuck,” I cry.

“Tell me I’m the best lay you’ve ever had.”

“Damn, dude that hurt,” I complain.

Royal grabs my nipple in warning.

“Say it or you get a titty twister.”

“Fine, you’re the best lay I’ve ever had,” I laugh, shoving his hand away and then pulling him close for a kiss.

“Damn right I am,” Royal says against my lips. “I’m going to get cleaned up and I’ll be right back.”

While he’s gone I grab a dirty t-shirt from my hamper to wipe myself off and then climb into bed to wait for him.

Royal returns a few minutes later with his cellphone in hand and an apologetic expression.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah, I just forgot that it was Friday night. Nash and I always watch movies on Friday nights. He texted to ask if I was going to make it home tonight or not,”

Royal chews on his bottom lip as he glances between his phone and me with indecision.

“I won’t feel slighted if you go,” I assure him. “This was kind of an impromptu date, you shouldn’t break plans with your friend.”

His shoulders relax and an easy smile spreads across his lips.

“Really? You don’t mind? I hate to fuck and run like that, but disappointing Nash isn’t something I’m in the habit of.”

“You guys are close, huh?”

“Extremely. He’s been my best friend my whole life. He protected me from bullies, he was there for me when my mom died, he’s been my everything.”

It’s impossible to miss the reverent tone Royal speaks of Nash in.

“Madden mentioned that you and Nash share girls a lot.”

“Uh, yeah. I’m bisexual, did I not mention that?” There’s a guilty edge to his tone.

“No, but it’s not like it matters.”

“Some guys think it does. I can’t tell you how many men I’ve dated who have this crazy idea that just because I’m bi I’m eventually going to settle down with a woman. It’s like they can’t understand why I’d date a man when I could date a woman.”

“What’s not to understand? Men are fucking awesome.”

“Exactly,” Royal agrees.

“So, back to you and Nash. You two are just friends?” I ask skeptically.

A blush creeps into Royal’s cheeks and his gaze drops.

“Don’t worry about him, he’s straight,” he assures me, skirting the underlying question.

“Ah, unattainable hotties, god’s punishment to gay men,” I joke. “You do have feelings for him though.”

“Yeah. I’ve been in love with Nash since I was sixteen. I never thought anyone could compare to my feelings for Nash.”

My shoulders slump. If Royal has feelings for Nash I can understand and be fine with that. But, if a relationship with him will always mean taking a backseat to Nash, that I’m not so good with.

“But, then I met you,” Royal continues and hope returns.  “This is so new between the two of us, but I feel like there’s a lot of possibility here.”

“I think so, too,” I agree, reaching for his hand and linking our fingers together.

“You’re not mad or jealous?”

“You want me, too, right?”

“Of course.”

“Then we’re all good. I’ve never found it very productive to be jealous over something I already have,” I answer with a shrug. I contemplate telling him that I’m polyamorous, but maybe that’s better left for another day. 

“You’re dangerous,” Royal says with a shake of his head before leaning down and brushing a kiss against my lips. “I’ll see you soon, solider.”