Cracked

Raiden stood in the center of the street, eyes darting around him. People were passing by him as if it was simply a typical day-

As if nothing had just happened.

He shook his head. Of course it was a normal day for them. They hadn’t been through the hell he had been to keep them safe. He sighed and ran a hand through his light hair, feeling the heat of the sun pressing down against him now, heating his sneaking suit.

Was it not weird to these people that he stood there in it? And with a sword on his back?

Pushing all that to the side, he sighed. It was over. This nightmare was over.

He felt a hand clamp onto his shoulder, squeeze it gently. He turned and looked into two clear, faded sky eyes. Snake gave him a nod, and Raiden smiled.

“Good work,” Snake said, and Raiden nodded.

“Couldn’t have done it without the legend, though,” he said, reaching out and elbowing Snake a bit, who chuckled. “I’m sorry we didn’t get the Patriots’ names, though.” Snake smiled. He pulled out a disk and held it up so Raiden could see.

“That’s where you’re wrong.” Raiden’s eyes widened.

“But, that’s the…was the virus, you gave it to me!”

“It was a fake. We’ve got the data we need on here, Raiden.” Raiden frowned for a second at the thought of Snake tricking him, but then smiled. What did he care if the information Snake and Otacon needed was safe? “With this, Otacon and I can track them down one by one if we have to, and see what these men are made of.”

Raiden grinned. “Count me in-“

“No. You’ve got things to take care of right now, Raiden.”

“Jack!”

Raiden turned his head and saw, through the thinning crowds of passers-by, Rosemary. He turned back and Snake was gone, not even a hint of his shadow remaining.

He sighed and turned back towards Rosemary and jogged over to her. When he reached she grabbed a hold of his arms and pulled him in closer.

“Oh Jack,” she said, leaning against him. “I was so worried about you!”

Jack smiled and smoothed her hair with his hand. He sighed. Thank God she was okay. He had to admit that, for a moment, he had entertained the thought that perhaps the Patriots didn’t have her, but that she was cooperating with them against him.

“Let’s go home,” he whispered, embracing her.

“Of course,” she said. “After you do us one more favor, Raiden…”

Jack pulled back and looked down at Rosemary. The combination of her now grinning mouth and eyes that glinted with a malicious plot made him shiver.

“What? Who’s “us”?” She chuckled and flipped her hair.

“Oh Jack, don’t pretend like nothing just happened, you know who I’m talking about.” She leaned in close, her hand against his cheek. In his ear she whispered, “The Patriots request one thing of you, Raiden. Kill Solid Snake.”

Jack jumped back, away from her touch, and in the few moments he had to regain his control, she was gone. His head darted from side to side, eyes scanning the streets, but he saw not a trace of Rosemary. Gritting his teeth, his hands clenched into fists and he stood there, feeling paralyzed.

It wasn’t over. As much as Jack had wanted it to be, this wasn’t over. The Patriots were still active then, if they wanted Snake dead.

And Jack had to warn Snake!

He looked around, but as before, Snake was nowhere in sight. Jack had no idea where he had disappeared to, and he wasn’t sure if his codec would even reach him. Sighing, he tried calling Snake, but got no answer. He frowned. This wouldn’t do, he couldn’t leave Snake unaware that Rose had tried to convince him to kill Snake for the Patriots; he couldn’t leave him unaware that they were after him, that they knew he was still alive.

Jack walked off the street and down a few blocks, until he found a deserted alley. He walked down it and leaned against the wall, trying Snake’s codec again. Nothing still.

“Shit,” Jack said as he ran a hand through his nearly white hair. “Fucking answer me, Snake.” He gnawed on his lower lip as he tried again, and then again. Nothing.

He stood there for a moment pondering then, when it suddenly dawned on him. Otacon. Try Otacon!

He did, and his heart skipped a few beats when he got a response.

“Raiden?”

“Otacon! Thank God, I’ve been trying to get a hold of Snake, but there’s been no response!”

“He told me he was blocking you, he was afraid you’d call him and try to continue in his mission.”

“Well, I need to talk to him, Snake’s in serious trouble!”

“He always is, Raiden-“

“No, I’m serious! The Patriots know he’s alive! Rosemary told me they want me to kill him!”

“Wait, wait, who told you to kill him?”

“Rosemary!”

“You mean…your girlfriend?”

“Yeah! She’s gotta be with them now! Shit, Otacon, Snake has to know or he could walk right into a trap somewhere. You know as well as I do they can’t actually imagine that I’d kill Snake!”

“Alright, alright, I’ll get a hold of him and get him to call you.” The connection died. Jack stood there, tapping his foot nervously, until his Codec went off.

“Raiden.”

“Snake! Thank God! I couldn’t get a hold of you!”

“Otacon told me about Rosemary.” Jack was silent for a moment before Snake continued. “You scared Otacon, he’s freaking out right now about how I need to lay low while he decodes the disk.”

“Yeah. I’d be worried if they found you. Are you in the city still?”

“Yeah, walk out of the alley you’re in and look south.”

The connection died. Jack stepped from the alley and looked south. Through the crowds of people and the blinding sun, he saw a familiar figure that stood out, his sneaking suit still cleaning to his slender muscled body. Jack had to resist the urge to run to Snake, though he was unsure why the man was causing these suddenly very fierce emotions in him.

“Why were you so close?” Jack asked as Snake stepped up to him, very close. Jack assumed for privacy, but he felt a shiver run up his spine none-the-less.

“I was never that far off. I wanted to make sure you got out of here and didn’t follow me. When you started running around I thought you might have been looking for me…I never saw you speak with Rosemary though.”

Jack cringed and closed his eyes, a sharp pain echoing in his chest. She stabbed him deep with this. She’d betrayed him. He felt Snake’s hand on his shoulder, squeezing it gently.

“I’m sorry.” Jack nodded his thanks, and reached up, placing his hand over Snake’s, squeezing it very lightly. He didn’t want it to go away.

“Otacon said he wanted you to lay low, right?” Snake nodded. “Where will you hide?”

“We haven’t thought on it yet.”

“Come with me,” Jack said. “I live in the city.” Snake looked at him, and Jack added, “I don’t think Rosemary will come visiting, if you’re thinking about that. I’m pretty sure they won’t send her again, and I’m pretty sure they’re not expecting you to hide at my apartment. Just for a few nights? Enough time for Otacon to learn some things about these fuckers and come up with a good place for you to hide.”

Snake hesitated, then nodded. He really didn’t know what else to do; he and Otacon didn’t have any plans. Besides, being with Raiden would be like being with an extra set of eyes.

Jack got them on a bus headed for the city. Snake used his codec to tell Otacon where he was and the new plan, and they had a seemingly long conversation that Jack was no part of. By the time they were done, Jack was pulling Snake off the bus and onto the street. Snake followed the blonde in silence down two blocks and right one, before they walked into an apartment complex.

Jacks apartment was on the fourth floor, but the stairs felt like nothing compared to all the pain he’d felt today. He stopped in front of his door and stared at a duffle bag that lay on the floor. Without a word Snake snatched it up and slung it over his shoulder. Jack looked at him.

“Is that yours?” He nodded. “But…how?”

“Otacon was…around. If I’m going to be here at all, I need some sort of clothing.”

“But he knew where I lived?” Snake nodded.

“Not hard information to figure out.” Jack shook his head and pulled his key out from under his mat and opened the door. He stepped inside, followed by Snake, then turned and locked the door, dropping the key in a bowl on a small table next to the door.

The door opened into a living room, and to the left was a kitchen. There was a hallway that led to two more rooms; one Snake assumed was a bathroom, the other Raiden’s room.

Jack took his shoes off and unzipped his sneaking suit down to his naval, taking a deep breath as cool air hit his skin. Snake’s eyes wondered to the pale expanse of skin, looking so smooth and soft. He felt this odd shiver try to run through his body, but he fought it off and looked around again, away from Raiden.

“Here, let me show you…around,” Jack said and shrugged. He pointed out the obvious, then told Snake that the door on the left was the bathroom, the door on the right his bedroom. “I figured you’d wanna clean up and change and all,” he said, shrugging. “So go ahead, make yourself at home.”

Snake nodded and slipped his boots off, having to pull the tight legs of his sneaking suit up to get them off. He slipped into the bathroom and set his bag on the floor, then walked over to the shower.

As he turned the water on, he had to admit this felt very odd. Okay, extremely odd, perhaps too much for him. He sighed and tried to get Otacon on his codec, and after a few beeps his voice rang through Snake’s head.

“Snake? What is it?”

“How’s that disk coming?”

“Alright. I’ve got a little decoded, but nothing useful yet. What are you calling for?”

“Any chance that I’ll be able to just leave…now?”

“No, there’s nowhere to go. Besides, no one will ever suspect you to be with Raiden. Now just relax, jeez, I don’t see why you’re uptight.”

“Because, this is awkward.” Otacon chuckled. Before Snake could ask why, Otacon killed the connection. Snake scowled and started pulling his clothes off, cursing Otacon in his head. What the hell was that chuckle for? What did he find so funny?

Snake was still scowling as almost boiling water blasted over his naked skin. He couldn’t wrap his mind around why Otacon had laughed. And he couldn’t wrap his mind around why it bothered him so much. He ran his hands through his hair, thick with shampoo, and sighed. His brain was just tired, it had to be, it made perfect sense. He just needed a break. He could handle a night or two at Raiden’s.

He didn’t seem to have a choice anyway.

When he was done, Snake turned the water off and pushed the shower curtain aside. There was a pile of clean towels near the wall, and he grabbed two off the top. After drying off he rummaged through his bag, slipped into boxers and a pair of deep brown sweat pants that let his legs breathe, as opposed to the sneaking suit he’d been in, and sighed. At least he was comfortable.

He tossed the towels in a basket against one of the walls and walked out with his duffle bag in hand. Raiden was sitting on the couch, his sneaking suit half off, the top hanging around his hips. He looked over his shoulder and smiled, pale eyes following a drop of water as it made its way from Snake’s hair down his chest and flat stomach.

“I won’t take too long,” Jack said as he stood up and walked past Snake. “Go ahead and sit down, I promise my couch isn’t rigged with bombs or anything.” A smile twitched in Snake’s lips and Jack disappeared into the shower. He dropped his duffle bag by the couch and sat down, sighing and leaning his head back. It felt good to just sit for a while, to relax. His muscles felt tight under his skin, to the point of tearing, and every part of him ached.

Snake didn’t fall asleep, but he let his mind turn towards a numbing calm and lost track of time. When he heard footsteps sinking into the soft carpet, he opened his eyes. Jack smiled at him, leaning over the back of the couch, his face a little too close for comfort. Snake’s heart raced a little faster, and he wanted to move away, but he really didn’t have anywhere to go.

“Hungry?” Jack asked. Snake swallowed, but couldn’t really speak. Why did he feel so…awkward around Jack? He did manage a nod though, and Jack grinned. “Do you eat like normal people? Is, like, pizza okay? I don’t know if you eat like legendary superman food or anything.”

Jack stepped back and Snake chuckled, turning into a laugh. He couldn’t help it.

“No. I eat like a normal person,” he said. And a thought popped into Snake’s head. I’d like to eat you. He had no idea where it had come from, but he assumed he was simply tired and that random shit was going to be going through his head until he got some sleep.

He looked around, and when he found Jack again, he was hanging up a phone and opening the fridge. He walked over and held out a freshly opened bottle of beer to Snake. He eyed it for a second, then took it.

“I didn’t poison it, I swear,” Jack said as he sat down next to Snake and took a swig. Snake nodded and took a quick sip. He wasn’t so sure he wanted to drink much, if at all right now. He knew he should stay alert, but even that wasn’t what was convincing him. Something about being around Jack made him want all his senses on high alert, not clouded.

Snake took careful sips of the beer while Jack finished his quickly, just before the door bell rang. Jack came in with a pizza, and Snake felt oddly awkward just sitting with him, eating. Maybe he’d been away from real life for far too long.

Jack had clicked the TV on and was flipping through some channels. Snake didn’t recognize any of the shows playing, but then again he didn’t watch TV. Finally, Jack just clicked it off, then dropped the remote on the couch as he stood up and stretched.

“You know what, I’m really tired. I think I’m gonna go to bed now…um…if you want, you don’t have to sleep on the couch.” Jack reached down and played with the hem of his black pajama pants. “If um…you don’t mind, you can just sleep in bed with me. I know it sounds weird but…my bed’s big and all, and after all we’ve been through a couch wouldn’t be so comfortable…”

Snake, in his right mind would have just taken the couch, and he knew he should have. But for some reason he nodded. Jack put the rest of the pizza in the fridge, then actually took Snake’s hand. Snake stood up and followed Jack into his room, his hand tingling from the contact. It felt sort of nice.

Jack closed the door and left the light off. The room was very dark, as there were no windows, which Snake thought was a little odd. However, he liked it; it made the room feel safer.

Jack walked over to the bed and plopped down, sighing. Snake didn’t move at first, just watched the way Jack’s chest would rise and fall with his breaths, the way his hair fanned out around his pale, smooth face. The way his eyes looked so pale and calm suddenly. How his skin was so pale and smooth over his chest, down his stomach, how he wondered how smooth Jack was all over-

Snake snapped out of his trance and nearly punched himself. He managed to control the urge and just walked over to the bed and sat down on it. Jack smiled.

“Relax and lay down, I don’t bite.”

I wish you did Snake thought, and again wanted to hit himself. What was going on? He lay down, and suddenly all the energy he thought he had drained away, and he was left exhausted. Yeah, he was tired, that was all. He had to just be tired.

Snake lay flat on his back and listened to Jack fidget a little, getting himself under the blanket and all tucked in. Snake slipped under it himself, like maybe it would be a shield to keep his insane thoughts to himself, but then he remembered Jack was under here with him. Well then, he would just not think about him and try and sleep.

Next to him, Jack’s eyes were open, staring over at the wall. He could feel the exhaustion coursing through him, but he couldn’t seem to get his eyes to close. At least, not without seeing image of the man lying next to him, so exposed, so close to his fingertips. His body itched to touch him, to feel Snake’s warm skin, nestle into his curves.

Jack swallowed and closed his eyes, counting slowly. He was trying to put his mind to rest, to sleep. But it wasn’t working. And the fact that he could hear Snake breathing next to him didn’t help. The even sound of his breath rushing past his lips, such a soft pink, lips Jack wanted to feel on his own, his skin, his eyelids, all over his body.

Jack bit his lip to keep his gasp inside. He rolled over and looked at Snake, who lay on his back, eyes closed. Jack wasn’t sure if he was asleep or not, but it didn’t matter, he couldn’t bring himself to look away no matter what. He stared at the way the blanket winkled over Snake’s skin, how the dark burgundy, even darker in the lack of light, contrasted Snake’s slightly tanned skin.

Jack let his hand move under the blanket and shakily rest on Snake’s chest. His finger tips flexed against the soft skin, trailed down feeling every perfect curve and groove to his chest. Snake stirred a little, but his eyes stayed closed. Jack knew he should stop, that this was horrible to do, but he couldn’t stop. He let his fingers graze down Snake’s stomach slowly, feeling muscle beneath flesh, swearing he could feel the blood rushing beneath that. Snake stirred more, a breath escaping his lips, but still he stayed asleep. Jack moved closer, until his bare chest brushed Snake’s arm. His fingers played along the flesh just above the hem of Snake’s pants, and he leaned in close to Snake’s neck.

He could smell Snake’s scent, drifting up into his body, warm and comforting. He sighed blissfully and nuzzled Snake’s neck, his lips grazing flesh. Snake was radiating warmth into Jack’s body, making him feel alive, but relaxing his muscles. Jack kissed Snake’s neck again, tasted the salt of his skin, his own smoky flavor, and felt the pulsing of his blood to his sleeping brain. His fingers twitched against Snake’s skin farther down, fingertips slipping just past the hem of his pants. Jack bit his lip and tried to mentally talk sense into himself. He couldn’t do this to Snake, hell, the man wasn’t even awake. This was like rape!

But Jack’s body wasn’t listening. His fingers were dancing over Snake’s skin, slowly moving deeper into the sleeping man’s pants, then pressing beneath his boxers. Finally he hesitated, wondering if he could move that few inches lower, wondering if he could really give into such a temptation.

He nuzzled Snake’s neck again, trying to hide in his flesh as his fingers trailed over smooth flesh, more smooth flesh…and more? Jack blushed as the image of Snake’s completely smooth body came into mind, how it made his blood run boiling hot through veins, to nerves that cried out to be touched. He closed his eyes as his fingers brushed the base of Snake’s cock, just barely, but it was enough to cause the sleeping man to gasp softly. Jack let his fingers wrap gently around it as he brought his lips to Snake’s jaw line and kissed him softly, the faint brush of hair on Snake’s face tickling his skin.

He stroked Snake very slowly, lips exploring his jaw line and neck, nerves feeling every pulse of blood through his cock and Snake’s. Snake’s was hardening in his hand, which only fueled Jack to keep touching him. As he stroked now, Snake would gasp or moan softly, his eyelids fluttering, but not yet opening. Jack was nearly panting form his own arousal as he nipped at Snake’s ear, his tongue tracing the man’s earlobe.

He kissed his way back down to Snake’s neck and placed a kiss there, then, as he tightened his grip on Snake’s cock, his pressed his teeth against his neck, stopping just short of breaking the skin. Snake gasped, his breath escaping him, and his eyes nearly shot open, unbeknownst to Jack, who couldn’t see anything except Snake’s flesh in front of him.

Snake moaned and pressed his hips up, trying to get closer to Jack’s touch as his nerves reeled in the two senses of pain and pleasure pumping through him. Jack’s teeth finally broke their clamp on his skin, and Snake whispered, “Raiden…?”

Jack jumped, his hand pulling out from Snake’s clothing, and he sat up.

“Snake! You’re awake…oh my god….” His face went beat red, and Snake watched his blue eyes go from shock to pure shame as he looked down. His lips parted as if to speak, but nothing came out, and Snake found he was staring at those lips, so light, just like Jack’s skin. The boy could have been a ghost.

Snake sat up and reached out, a hand cupping Jack’s face, pulling it closer until his lips hovered over Jack’s mouth. Their breaths mingled for a moment, then Snake closed the gap, his lips over taking Jack’s, controlling the kiss. He reached out and pulled Jack closer to him before pulling them both back down to the bed, Jack landing partially on top of Snake. Their tongues clashed, their intoxicating flavors mixing, sending jolts of primal arousal through the men’s bodies.

When they broke for air, Jack’s teeth pressed down on Snake’s lower lip, pulling it out slightly, making Snake feel more awake then he had been moments ago. Then Jack was propping himself up, gasping, eyes wild, staring at Snake, waiting for a command.

Snake pushed the covers fully aside, and hooked his fingers in the hem of his pants and boxers. He pulled them down slowly, looking at Jack with a raw need, his eyes doing the whimpering his lips couldn’t. Jack gasped at the look, then smiled softly. He scooted back and fell down between Snake’s parted legs, momentarily stuck, his legs spread. Snake was sad that his pants were so loose; destroying what could have been a perfect view.

Jack managed to situate himself on his knees, and he took hold of Snake’s clothes and tugged them down his legs and off his body in one swift movement, throwing them to the floor. He looked back at Snake, not hiding where his eyes drifted. He bit his lip as his eyes seemed to memorize every bit of skin, every vein of his cock. He gripped it in his hand firmly, causing Snake to gasp. Jack stroked slowly, tauntingly, and watched as Snake’s eyes burned with hot frustration and building pleasure, a deep blue that was engulfing Jack with every passing second.

“Please,” Snake finally whispered, his hands flexing in the sheets. “I…I need it, Jack.” Jack felt this odd sensation run through his body to hear Snake beg him, to hear him call him by his real name. It was as if some little wall was torn down, and now Snake was fully exposed to Jack. He would feel everything Jack made him feel, good, bad, beautiful, and ugly. Jack suddenly felt he had power with Snake, and it was slightly horrifying.

He stretched himself out between Snake’s legs and let his tongue trail up the underside of his cock, swirling around the head. Snake gasped softly, his heart pounding in his throat from anticipation. Jack gripped his cock as his tongue traced his head a few times, before his lips sealed around it and he sucked lightly, his tongue playing over Snake’s slit. The man beneath him moaned as Jack pumped very softly with his hand as he taunted Snake’s head, Jack own erection digging into the mattress beneath him.

He opened his mouth wide and started taking as much of Snake into his mouth as he could. Jack’s hand kept a firm grip on the base of his cock, to cover what Jack’s mouth couldn’t take in, and moved in time with Jack’s head bobbing. Snake moaned with every breath, his hands gripping the sheets as if they were the only things keeping him tied to this world. His hips began to thrust up towards Jack as the knot in his lower stomach tightened and tightened. He felt Jack’s free hand reach under his balls and cup them gently, massaging them lightly. Snake’s head tipped back, his eyes closed, a hoarse cry escaping his lips. His hips thrust up as he came, his hot essence shooting down Jack’s throat.

The pale blonde swallowed, avoided choking somehow. He pulled back a little, then let his tongue trace over the head of Snake’s cock again, lapping up every bit of cum that Snake’s body would give him. Finally, he sat himself up and looked at Snake, who lay staring up, his chest rising and falling vigorously with his pants. Jack licked his lips as Snake looked at him, and a shudder ran through the man’s body.

He sat himself up and reached for Jack, pulling him close and capturing his mouth in an almost violent kiss. Snake could taste the faintly bitter taste laced in with Jack’s addictive flavor, and though he’d never tasted it before, his brain would have known it as his own had he not seen Jack do what he had just done. He wrapped his arms around the younger man and held him tightly as his lips traced his jaw line, then down his neck. His teeth nipped at his collar bone, and Jack squeaked at the sudden rush of slight pain, then moaned as Snake’s tongue traced the bone beneath his flesh.

“Snake,” he whimpered, his erection throbbing for attention. He felt like his cock might explode. Snake reached between his legs and fondled him through his pajama pants. Jack gasped and tried to push his pants lower, his every whimper and movement begging for Snake’s skin against his. Snake complied, grabbing his pants and pulling them down, whatever underwear Jack was wearing going with them. Snake had done it so fast he hadn’t even gotten to see.

His hand returned to Jack’s cock, wrapping around it and pumping quickly. His touch wasn’t near as gentle as Jack’s had been, but the blonde found it only aroused him more. He liked Snake’s roughness, the way his fingers were slightly calloused and rough. It brought life to every nerve in his body. Jack gasped and leaned forward, wrapping his arms around Snake’s shoulders as he moved his hips with Snake’s hand. His cries filled Snake’s ears, needy and melodic, like an erotic lullaby.

Snake started nibbling Jack’s neck, traced kissed up to his ear and nipped his lobe. Jack cried out and tightened his grip around Snake, thrusting up one final time into his hand. His seed spilled over Snake’s hand, followed the grooves between his fingers. The brunette pumped Jack a few final times, then brought his hand up between them and let his tongue clean the evidence away. Jack was clinging tight to him, shaking, unable to register anything that was going on in reality at the moment. His heart raced so quickly in his chest he was sure it would tear free from his body and explode like an atom bomb.

Jack had to think about breathing to finally slow it down, and after a few moments he was calm enough to speak. He leaned back a little and looked into Snake’s deep blue eyes, whispering, “Now what?”

Now what indeed. Snake looked at the man in front of him and wondered how this had happened. His mind couldn’t wrap around any reasons as to why he’d been thinking of Jack the way he had all day, or why he’d been so elated to wake to Jack’s fingers tips on his skin. He had no idea why his heart raced when looking down into his pale eyes.

He wasn’t gay. No, Snake didn’t think he was. He was fairly sure Jack didn’t think he was gay either. So what had just happened? How had two straight men ended up naked, tangled, and so satisfied together?

“I don’t know,” Snake finally said. Jack finally released his hold on him and scooted back over to his side of the bed, and pulled the blanket up over his lower torso.

“I think we need sleep,” Jack said, his pale eyes showing bits of confusion, but not as much as Snake thought he’d see. The brunette nodded.

“Aren’t you…going to get dressed?” Jack shrugged.

“I think I’m more comfortable like this. Does it really matter anyway?” Snake thought on it, and considered all that had just transpired. No, he was fairly sure it didn’t matter.

He pulled the blanket over him and lay down, naked, next to Jack, and closed his eyes. His fatigue returned, and Snake found somehow he was quickly drifting off. The last thing he really remembered were soft, slender fingers intertwining with his own.

When Snake next opened his eyes, he was laying on his side, his face buried in something soft. It ghosted over his skin, smelling sweet, and was so light it appeared white. It took him a moment to realize it was Jack’s hair, and then he felt the body in his arms. One lay pressed under the pillow the two men were sharing now, the other draped over Jack’s side, fingers laced with the blonde’s. Snake wondered how in hell’s name he had managed to get like this in his sleep. Normally he just ended up sprawled out on the bed, or half off it. And during a few circumstances, completely off the bed, but that wasn’t important.

Snake leaned forward and whispered into Jack’s ear, “Jack.” He had meant to be louder and not get nearly so close, but somehow he’s failed. Miserably.

Jack stirred and pressed back against Snake, the curves of his body fitting in with Snake’s perfectly. His ass brushed against Snake’s cock, which was partially stiff, and the brunette jumped a little and pulled back. He managed to free his arm just as a beep sounded in his head. He frowned and stood from the bed, hunting around for his clothes. He knew he could answer the Codec naked, but it just made him feel awkward. Finally, he found his boxers, slipped them on, and slipped out of Jack’s bedroom and into the hallway.

It was actually night now, so the whole apartment was dark, the only light that which seeped in through the sliding glass doors in Jack’s living room, which lead out to a tiny balcony. The city lights burned in through that, but they still seemed so dull mixed in with the dark night.

“What?” Snake asked, and he heard a very familiar laugh. Otacon.

“What took so long?”

“You woke me up. What do you want?”

“Cranky, someone wake up on the wrong side of the bed?” Snake frowned. More of a woke up in the wrong bed sort of thing, but he kept his mouth shut. “Anyway, look, I’ve been working at this disc, but I’m only getting tidbits of information. However, with a little more time I should have cracked the whole thing. But, there’s one thing bothering me…”

“What?”

“Rosemary, Jack’s girlfriend…or…should I say ex? Whatever, I’d rather have her out of the way before we proceed with anything. If she’s still alive, then she’s a spy for the Patriots and is nothing more but another set of eyes for them. If she’s gone, we’ll have the element of surprise back.”

Snake leaned against the wall in the living room. “Alright. What, you want me to hunt her down?”

“Yes. You and Jack find her and dispose of her. That way we can proceed with what we intended to do. Find and destroy the Patriots.”

Snake sighed. “Alright,” he said, and the Codec died. He sighed and closed his eyes for a moment, his head resting back against the wall.

“Snake?” The brunette opened his eyes and turned his head. Jack stood in the doorway to his bedroom, in what Snake was convinced had to be women’s underwear. They were tight and cut just like panties, a light blue with bright yellow stars all over them. Snake swallowed, a little alarmed that he found the image attractive, and he tried to look Jack in the face. “What are you doing up?”

“Hal…Otacon called me. He wants us to dispose of Rosemary.”

Jack was quite. “I was thinking you might know where she could be,” Snake said. “After all, if she’s trying to keep an eye on me, she can’t be far. You know her, where could she have gone?”

“I don’t know her…not anymore,” Jack said, sadness flashing in his eyes. It was gone almost as soon as it came, though. “She’ll be searching for you, and though Otacon thought sticking you here with me was good, she’ll check eventually. At least she’ll check to see what I’m up to, and then she’ll see you. If you can wait a day or two, she’ll come right to us.”

Another day, or two, in this apartment with Jack. Which meant probably another night or two with him as well, Snake noted. Could he stand that? He felt so odd in this place with Jack; like in here things weren’t as they should have been. In here he acted differently towards, and definitely with Jack, in here he found him attractive. The mere sight of him made Snake ache all over again.

“I guess,” Snake said, not seeing any other option. “We’ll wait for her then.”

Jack smiled and walked over to Snake, letting his fingers trail over his arm. Snake shivered. He looked at Jack, and suddenly he couldn’t stand not understanding what was going on anymore. Suddenly these feelings, this stirring inside of him was annoying him.

“We need to talk,” he said, and Jack took his hand and led him to the couch. They sat down, and Jack tried to nestle closer to him. Snake sighed. “Jack…do you know what the hell is going on?”

Jack looked at him, and his pale eyes darkened a little. He bit his lip.

“You mean…between us?” Snake nodded. “I…I don’t know, Snake. All I know is that…that the instant I brought you here, the moment I realized I’d be with you and just you for the night…something just changed when I looked at you. My heart’s racing just sitting next to you. Now when I look at you…god Snake, the things it does to me.” His cheeks reddened. “I mean…I’m not gay, at least…well…” Jack stopped and shook his head. “I don’t know anything right now, Snake. I just know when I laid down next to you, I wanted you more than life itself, more than the air I breathe. You felt so good under my fingertips, against my skin…”

Snake fought down his blush as Jack’s words began to sink under his skin and warm his blood.

“Tell me I felt good, too?” Jack’s eyes were pleading with Snake, staring up into his eyes.

Snake bit his lip. “You did,” he admitted. “But Jack, that doesn’t mean anything…I don’t know what’s going on…but I do know I need time to think. If…if there’s something…between us, I can’t think on it now. We have something ahead of us, something we have to take care of. When we’re done…if there’s still something there, we can deal with it.”

Jack tipped his head down and nodded. Snake’s heart cracked a little, clearly seeing the sadness all over the blonde. He wanted to reach out and touch him, pull him close and stroke that soft hair. But he resisted. He had to keep himself under control until he had time to really think about this. Now was not the time.

“Now, I think we should get some more sleep,” Snake said. “If you want, I’ll stay out here-“

“No,” Jack said, “no, come back to bed with me.” He frowned. “Shit, I mean…I don’t know. I’ll be fine; you can bunk with me still.” Snake nodded, and Jack stood up and walked rather briskly back to his room. Snake stood and followed, much more slowly, every step a challenge to his self control.

The next time Snake woke up, he was alone, and light flooded in through a crack in the door. He sat up, rubbed his eyes, then got out of bed. Still in just hid boxers, he walked out into the now lit hallway and then living room. It was obviously day, and when Snake saw the clock he noted it was about nine thirty.

He looked around, but he didn’t see Jack. Sighing, he sat down on the couch and tipped his head back, letting the warmth of the sun seep into the room and warm him. He closed his eyes and let his mind wonder a bit, until he heard a door open. He opened his eyes and watched as Jack walked from the bathroom to his room, a towel around his waist, and closed the door. Snake sighed, feeling the tension from where he sat. Obviously Snake deciding that he and Jack couldn’t think on the weird feelings growing between them had put the boy off a bit, and left him a little frustrated.

Jack walked out a few minutes later, brushing his fingers through his wet hair. Some his bangs were clipped back by purple barrettes, which would have been weird enough, except that was just the start of his outfit.

His jeans seemed normal enough. Tight around his thighs, flaring after his knees. They had holes in them, and spots of bleach. His belt was white with silver studs, which Snake could pass as normal. But his shirt, that was another story. It was black and printed all over it were colorful little doodles of the most random things with faces. A living milk cartoon, a chibi cat, cherries, clouds, and so many more. It was like a kid’s show had puked all over it.

Around Jack’s wrists were colorful jelly bracelets and beaded bracelets, more cutesy charms hanging in a few of them. And around his neck were a few colorful beaded necklaces, one with a pendant Snake sadly recognized at that Hello Kitty thing.

“What the hell?” Snake asked, raising his eyebrows as Jack passed. He realized the boy’s eyes were lined deeply in black, with the slightest hint of blue eye shadow above them.

“What?” Jack asked as he walked into the kitchen.

“What in god’s name are you wearing?”

“Clothes.”

“Is that what you call them?” Jack returned with two mugs of coffee and passed one to Snake.

“Watch it or I’ll dump that on you. At least I’m wearing clothes.”

Snake fought down a light blush. “Well, I was just wondering what time it was and all when I got out here. And you were in the bathroom, so I couldn’t shower.”

“Yeah, whatever.” Jack sipped his coffee. “And for your information, I dress like this a lot. I just can’t dress like this for my missions.”

“But…god, Jack, there’s a fucking Hello kitty charm hanging from your neck.”

Jack smiled. “Chicks dig it, they think it’s cute.” Snake shook his head and sipped the coffee. “Anyway, I was thinking…we want Rosemary to come to us. Well, maybe if we go out she’ll see us sooner or whatever. Plus I think it would be good for you to be back in the real world. So we’re going out later.”

“To do what?”

“Hell if I know,” Jack said as he sipped more of his coffee. “But shower your ass and get dressed before the day wastes away.”

Snake frowned and downed the rest of his coffee. Jack took his mug, and Snake sulked off to the shower, dreading the possible plans Jack could have for the day. Especially if he was going out dressed like a little kid’s idol’s billboard.

Thirty minutes later Snake was walking down the apartment stairs with Jack, in a pair of plain black cargo pants and a deep red tight t-shirt. See, now if only Jack could have dressed normally, Snake would have been feeling a bit better. But the blonde, still decked out in his god knows what outfit hadn’t changed a bit to Snake’s dismay.

They exited the apartment complex and walked down the street to a bus stop, just as the bus was pulling in. Jack nearly dragged Snake on board and the two sat down just as the vehicle started moving.

“Jack…are your ears pierced?” Snake asked, eyes widening when he caught a glimpse of Jack’s ears. Three studs in a row were in his lobe, the first pink, second purple, and third blue. Jack smiled.

“Yeah, they are,” he said. “I just never wore earrings for a mission,” he added with a whisper, then looked forward again and stared out a window. “Does that bother you?”

“I guess not,” Snake said. “I just thought you were…a bit more…normal. Are you sure you’re not gay?”

“After last night, no,” Jack said, a hint of bitterness to his voice. Snake frowned, but kept his mouth shut for a moment.

“You know, you started it,” Snake reminded Jack. “What the hell was I supposed to do? I’ve been in nonstop action for the past lord knows how long. It’s been forever since someone touched me, and dammit if you weren’t already pretty far into your own grave by the time I woke up. I couldn’t just stop you, my body took over.”

Jack folded his arms. “You sure that’s it? You sure you didn’t want me the whole damn time, and you were just in denial. Maybe you still are.”

“I’m not,” Snake snapped rather too quickly. “I’m not into men, alright? If you want to be, you can, I have nothing against it. But I don’t swing that way.”

“Sure you don’t,” Jack said. “That’s why you basically begged me to suck your cock last night.” Snake stiffened a little as Jack’s voice escalated. “And it’s not like you hesitated to jack me off,” he added, frowning. “Sounds pretty gay to me, Snake,” Jack nearly shouted. A few people looked towards them, and Snake shook his head.

“Shut up,” Snake hissed, glaring at Jack. “This is ridiculous, you’re causing a scene. Stop bringing so much attention to us when we don’t need it. We’re lying low, remember? All we want is Rosemary.” Jack sighed and leaned back, and Snake could almost feel some of the anger seeping out of him as he calmed. “And maybe you shouldn’t call me Snake…”

“Then what do I call you?” Jack asked, eyes closed. Snake sighed.

“Dave is fine,” he said, “It is my name, after all.”

“Dave,” Jack whispered, and suddenly the brunette was smiling. Hearing Jack say his name was sending warm chills into his blood. He sighed and tried to calm himself. Those feelings had to stop if he was going to get through the next few days.

The bus stopped deep in the city, and Jack stood up and led Dave into the street. People bustled by quickly, and Dave looked around.

“Where the hell are we and why?”

“Just in the city,” Jack said. “We’re going shopping.”

“No,” Dave said, folding his arms. “Fuck no. I am not shopping with you.”

“Why not? Afraid I might seduce you in a sexy little night gown?” Jack teased, running a finger down Dave’s chest. “Just lighten up and walk with me. You can space out if you want. Hell, check out the chicks walking by, maybe you’re peach fuzz will convince them you’re badass.”

Dave frowned.

“What’s wrong with my stubble, I like it.” He reached up and stroked his chin once, then shoved his hands in his pockets.

“Nothing wrong with it,” Jack said, “Just saying, maybe some girls will think you’re badass and suddenly swoon for you. That will keep you busy and out of my hair, face fuzz.” Dave frowned more and Jack laughed. As mad as he was, he didn’t want to flat out fight with Dave, but the teasing eased his nerves and didn’t make him feel bad. In actuality, he sort of liked Dave’s stubble. It tickled, which could always be fun…

Jack snapped out of his thoughts and tried to look around him as he walked. Little shops were open all over, but he couldn’t say he was very interested in much. However, he did suddenly swerve into a little alley shop, and Dave almost kept walking. He had to veer quickly to keep from losing the boy.

Inside the little cove were all sorts of little things, mainly containing those weird characters like the ones on Jack’s short. Small, smiley, and far too cute. Dave watched as Jack shifted through shirts, and groaned when he pulled a white one out with Hello Kitty pictures plastered all over it.

“I feel like I’m with a five year old girl,” Dave muttered. Jack sighed.

“The feeling’s mutual, princess.” He draped the shirt over his arm and rummaged through some more. “Didn’t you ever date a woman and get stuck shopping with her?”

Dave thought about all the long term relationships he’d ever had, and managed to come up with a conclusion. He’d never had a long term relationship. He’d had what he considered a few nights stand, and maybe a few on and off sort of things, but nothing with sustenance.

Jack looked up at Dave through the silence and frowned. “Dave…have you ever had a long term relationship?”

“Of course!” The brunette snapped, not willing to admit he hadn’t. Jack sighed and let the subject go.

After a few more minutes of browsing, Jack walked out with a bag full of shirts Dave deemed fit for a five year old girl. Jack proceeded to punch him in the arm and continue down the street.

“That actually hurt,” Dave muttered as he jogged to catch up, rubbing his arm. Seeing Jack like this, he’d forgotten that he was Raiden, that he packed a punch and wasn’t to be taken lightly. He was inexperienced, sure, but he had potential, and a lot of it.

They spent about an hour walking around and stopping at the weirdest places before Dave really started to complain.

“I’m starving,” he said while Jack was eyeing a pair of jeans. “Can we go get something to eat?”

“In a minute,” Jack said, waving his hand at the other man. He was looking up at these jeans like they were made of gold. Dave was sure that if he hadn’t held Jack’s cock in his hand the night before, he would have been convinced he had a vagina.

After haggling for what seemed like forever to Dave, Jack walked away with the jeans, ginning stupidly, and was leading him to hopefully somewhere he could get food. They walked down a city block, and Jack led him into a little café.

The two men bought sandwiches and settled near a window. Dave sat across from the window and stared out at the people that walked by. Jack sat next to him, and when the brunette shot him a glance, he was resting his chin on his palm and staring idly outside. His eyes were pale, faded, and they looked suddenly so forlorn that Dave felt another crack appear in his heart.

“Hey, Jack,” he whispered, “Look, I’m sorry about all this. I’m sorry that Rose...that she’s not what you thought she was.” Dave took a breath, then reached out and took Jack’s free hand. “And I’m sorry I complicated things even more…”

Jack finally looked at Dave, and his eyes seemed even more broken. Another crack. Dave squeezed his hand, but couldn’t think of anything to say.

“What do you want me to say,” he whispered, moving closer to Jack. “I want to make you feel better.” He realized that perhaps this sudden change might give Jack some false hope that Dave was considering feelings for him, but he couldn’t think of any other way at the moment to act. He’d have to work Jack through the false hope later. That was all it was, false hope…right?

“You can’t say anything,” Jack finally said. “Because what I want to hear, you don’t mean.” Dave looked away. He’d never have thought that one night of messing around could lead to such adoration from Jack. If he had known it would lead to this, he’d go back and teach himself self control somehow. He’d chain himself to the couch so it could never happen. Anything to bring light back to Jack’s pale eyes.

Jack pulled his hand away and looked back out the window, and Dave tried to return to his sandwich, but his appetite was beyond dead at this point.

After lunch they wondered around aimlessly some more. Jack’s earlier energy had faded, and Dave kept trying to bring it back. And the effort was killing him.

“That looks like one of the things on your shirt,” he said, pointing to a row of shirts. “Maybe you should go look.”

Jack didn’t say anything, just kept walking. Dave sighed. He wasn’t very good at cheering people up. In fact, he wasn’t really good with people. At all.

Dave followed Jack around, not really sure where they were going, until Jack stopped at a bus stop. Dave assumed now they were just heading home.

When the bus came they got on and sat in the back, Jack staring out the window. Dave sighed.

“C’mon Jack, liven up a little. What can I do to make you happy again?”

Jack looked at him, and in the most serious tone he said, “Maybe shave that face fuzz of yours, bad boy.”

Dave stared, and Jack broke down laughing. He sounded like a mad man, but Dave didn’t care. Jack was laughing. He’d suddenly snapped back, and it made Dave feel so much lighter. He shoved Jack lightly and chuckled. Jack shoved him back, but slipped. He fell against Dave, his hand slipping down his body and resting right on his groin. Dave gasped, the instant Jack’s fingers touched him arousal coursed through his body. Jack blushed and pulled back fast.

“Sorry,” he whispered. “I swear, I didn’t mean to do that.”

Dave swallowed and forced his body to calm. “It’s alright,” he said, “I know you didn’t.”

The two sat in relative silence the rest of the way home. When the bus stopped and Jack finally stood up, Dave scooted out into the aisle, then followed Jack off the bus and back into his apartment.

“Do you really hate it?” Dave suddenly asked, feeling his stubble again. Jack looked back, then faced forward as they entered the complex.

“No, I actually like it. I just like teasing you.” Dave smiled and followed Jack up the stairs and to his apartment. Dave walked over to his duffle bag, which he had again left by the couch, and started rummaging through it. Jack walked past him and towards the bedroom, but Dave stopped paying attention when he found what he was looking for.

He stood up and walked over to the sliding glass doors that led out to the balcony. He opened one and stepped out, closing the door tightly behind him. He lifted his box of cigarettes and tapped it on his palm until a cigarette slid forward. He pulled it out, lit it, and took a long drag. He exhaled with a content sigh and shoved his lighter and cigarette carton into one of his pockets.

He leaned against the railing on the small balcony and looked down at the busy city. Smoke swirled around him as he tried to think clearly.

There was something between him and Jack. He had to admit that, it was just too obvious to deny. But what was that something? Dave inhaled on the cigarette and tapped it against the railing as he exhaled. He felt terrible when Jack looked down, but the instant he smiled or laughed Dave’s world was right again. And being around him seemed to drive his body mad, a single brush of Jack’s fingertips enough to make him hot all over.

He frowned and took another drag. That sounded an awful lot like infatuation to him. Maybe even love, which was ridiculous. Dave was convinced he didn’t swing that way, and even if he did, could he really see himself with Jack? Could he see waking up every morning to his face buried in that silky blonde hair, that soft sweet skin?

He sighed when he realized the thought of waking up to that made his stomach to summersaults. He took one last drag on his cigarette, then dropped it, stepped on it, and pushed it off the balcony. He turned and went back inside. Maybe he and Jack should talk about this now. He had thought they could just ignore it, and it would go away. But instead of that, it seemed to be even more of a distraction.

Dave tried to think of what he could say. That maybe he and Jack could work out some plan to relieve the curiosity that was coursing through them? Maybe a few nights of affection would clear everything away.

But if it didn’t? That stumped Dave. What would they do? Would they actually try a relationship? Dave still could not believe he was capable of that, but had a feeling Jack was.

The brunette walked over to Jack’s room and pushed the door open a little. It hadn’t latched closed, so it made very little noise. He peeked in, then nearly lost his balance.

Jack was on his hands and knees, on his bed, back to the door. His clothes lay in piles on the floor; the only thing left on him was his jewelry. And Dave only knew this because one of his hands was reaching back, gripping onto something. It was pink, quite large, and crammed into the blonde’s tight ass. His hand was wrapped around its base as he moved it in and out of him, moaning furiously.

Dave bit his lip as he watched. He just couldn’t pull his eyes away. Jack’s moans were coursing through his body, and before he knew it he had opened the door wide and was leaning against the frame, watching openly. Jack still didn’t seem to notice. He dropped down and let his face bury in the pillow, muffling his cries.

Dave reached down and fondled himself through his pants, suppressing his groan by clenching his teeth shut. Jacks pale skin looked so soft, so delicious; Dave found he was urging to sink his teeth into his flesh. He wanted to feel his every curve; he wanted to be the thing inside his tight body.

He slipped his shoes off and stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. Jack was so wrapped up in what he was doing he still didn’t notice. Dave hooked his fingers in his pants and boxers and pulled them off, then stripped of his shirt and socks until he stood naked, staring at Jack.

He stroked his own cock a few times, felt precum sticking to his hand. He reached up and licked it off, the salty taste telling his body what it was in for. Then Dave climbed onto the bed and placed his hand over Jack’s on the toy. The blonde gasped and propped himself up, looking back, eyes wide.

“Dave?” he whispered, his face turning a deep scarlet. Dave smiled, and before the blonde could speak, he pushed the toy gently deeper inside him. Jack groaned. “Wh-what are you doing?”

“Looked like you could use a little help,” he said, a sly smile on his lips. “So I’m just helping out a friend…Nothing more.” He stressed the last two words, and Jack understood. There were no promises here, just some much needed release. He nodded, and Dave twisted the toy a little. Jack moaned loudly.

“Can you turn it on?” Dave looked a little puzzled. “The base, it twists. Turn it counter clock wise.” The brunette did, and the thing in his hand began to vibrate. Jack’s hands dug into the sheets as he moaned. “Higher,” he gasped, and Dave obeyed, turning the toy up more. It made a loud wrrr sound as Dave moved it in and out of the boy, who was crying out loudly, his blonde hair flowing around him as he tossed his head.

Dave got on his hands and knees and leaned up close to Jack, nipping his shoulder as he twisted the toy.

“You like that?” he whispered as he shoved it deeper in him. The blonde nearly screamed as his body shook, his cum shooting onto his stomach and the sheets. Dave snickered and twisted the toy again, and another shudder ran through the blonde.

Jack reached back before Dave could move again and turned the toy off. He collapsed n his stomach and lay panting. He felt Dave’s fingers trailing up and down his spine, and turned his head to look at him. His pale blue eyes were alight with joy, and Dave had to smiled at him. He reached up and played with some of Jack’s pale hair.

“Thanks,” the blonde whispered, pulling himself closer. He slipped a hand between Dave’s thighs and parted them a little, his hand brushing his erection. Dave gasped as Jack settled in, resting partially on his thigh, his mouth wrapping around his cock.

“Jack,” Dave gasped as he leaned back, resting against the pillows and headboard behind him. Jack sucked carefully, his hand massaging Dave’s balls, making the man groan low in his throat. “You don’t have to,” the brunette whispered, feeling a bit bad for a second. After all, he’d depressed the boy the entire day, and now here he was blowing him.

“I want to,” Jack said, barely audible through a mouth full of cock. He went back to bobbing his head, and Dave buried his fingers in some of Jack’s soft hair. He pushed his hips up towards Jack’s mouth, felt his body aching more and more the closer he got.

He released Jack’s hair and reached back, slowly pushing the toy that still rested in Jack deeper in him. The blonde froze and groaned, pushing up partially onto his knees so his butt was raised and his legs were spread. He started sucking again, and Dave moved the toy, gently this time. Jack moaned against his cock, the vibrations sending him spiraling into a world that only Jack held the key to.

The two moved in unison until finally it was all too much for Dave and he groaned, his hips jerking as he came with a rush into Jack’s waiting mouth. Jack moaned long and low as he swallowed, his won cock exploding again onto his stomach and sheets. When he lifted his head Dave rolled him over and began licking his stomach clean. Jack sighed, then giggled and squirmed a little. Dave looked up at him, eyes confused.

“You tickle,” he pointed out, and Dave rolled his eyes, but smiled.

“You’re adorable,” he whispered, and Jack blushed. Dave blushed a little too, finally. It was true, Jack was adorable when he laughed, or giggled. And that blonde hair, complete with the purple barrettes, just gave him this feminine look, even if his hair was tussled and the barrettes barely stayed on. Dave smiled and nipped Jack’s stomach, purposely brushing his stubble against his skin. Jack laughed again.

“Stop!” he said, thrashing a little. “At least until I get this thing out of my ass.” Dave sat up and laughed at this. He wasn’t sure why, but he just couldn’t stop. He rested his forehead in his palm as he laughed, and Jack shook his head as he tended to the toy.

By the time it was dark; the two had migrated back out to the living room and were sitting on the couch. Dave sat with his back to the arm, legs spread. Jack was nestled between them, his back against Dave’s strong chest. They were staring outside at the city lights, watching things move. They had been watching TV, but that bored Dave. Jack had been enthralled by some horror movie, but Dave found it to be a waste of time. So now they’d simply settled into silence, just enjoying each other.

Jack yawned and sighed. “I’m kinda tired,” he whispered. He tilted his head back and looked up at Dave. “Mind if I go to bed?” Dave shook his head, and Jack stood up, the now purple pajama pants he was wearing drifting significantly lower on his body. Dave watched, then grinned.

“Are you really tired, or are you telling me you want more?” He raised his eyebrows, and Jack blushed.

“I wasn’t aware I was allowed to have more,” he said, twirling some of his blonde hair in an obviously fake innocent way. “You mean that wasn’t another one time thing we’re supposed to forget?”

Dave frowned. Jack smiled and reached down, pushing him lightly.

“Hey, I didn’t mean that to come out bad. I was just asking.”

“We don’t have to stop,” Dave said, sighing. “I don’t know what I feel about you yet, Jack. I know I like you, I know I enjoy your company. And I know that right now, you’re the most attractive thing I’ve ever laid eyes on.” Jack blushed deeply. “But…I don’t know what can come of that. I don’t…I don’t know if I’m capable of anything, Jack. I just don’t want you to get your hopes up.”

“Alright,” the blonde whispered, leaning down over Dave. “I won’t expect you to fall madly in love with me or anything. Not yet.” He kissed Dave’s lips lightly, and Dave felt his heart flutter. “But I won’t stop hoping you’ll love me.” He stood up and let his fingers trace over Dave’s chest as he walked away. Just before he was out of hearing he whispered back, “Like I love you.”

Jack disappeared and Dave got up, grabbed a cigarette and lighter from his bag, and stepped outside. He lit the stick, took a drag, and sighed. Jack had said it. Jack had said he loved him. Dave had already gotten that idea, but having the boy say it, even if it was as he was walking away so it didn’t seem as direct made it feel so real. Someone loved him.

He smiled and shook his head. He felt suddenly giddy, not like himself. He suddenly felt so happy he wanted to run down the city streets screaming that Jack loved him. He wasn’t even sure why. Like he’s said, he didn’t think he was capable of loving Jack the way the boy wanted him to. But he still wanted the world to know what Jack loved him.

He took another drag and looked out at the city. People were walking by below, off to their night lives. Normal, happy people. Couples, groups, but very few singles Dave noticed. He sighed and looked further ahead as he slipped the cigarette between his lips. Just as he did so though, he froze, and the drug dangled between his parted lips.

Standing on the corner, across the street was a slender figure. The curves had to belong to a woman, but she was just out of the street light’s range, so Dave was unable to see any of her real qualities. But he didn’t need to. He knew.

He threw the cigarette and hurried inside, jogging to Jack’s room. He threw the door open and the blonde nearly jumped up, eyes wide.

“Dave? What the fuck, you scared-“

“Rose is outside.”

Jack jumped out of bed. “You sure? Already?”

“It might not have been her but…I’m pretty sure it was.” Jack turned to his closet and threw the doors open, rustling in for clothes.

“Get dressed,” he said to Dave, “We’re going after her.”

Dave walked out of the room to get his duffle bag. He ended up changing right in the living room, and was zipping his pants up when Jack walked out in black jeans and matching tight t-shirt. He didn’t look wild and cute like he had during the day. He looked ready for business again.

And around his waist was a belt with a holster in it. A gun rested there, in plain sight.

“Get your gun,” he said to Dave as he walked to the door. Dave pulled one out of his bag where he’d thrown his gear, a real one, equipped with bullets and not tranquilizers, and shoved it in the waistband of his pants. They slipped into shoes and were running down the stairs to the streets.

When they got outside, Dave noticed the woman was gone. He frowned.

“She was there,” he said, pointing forward. Jack bolted towards the street light, right across the busy street. Dave was about to yell to him, but the boy managed to elude every car and get across safely. Dave decided to wait a moment until he had a clear shot.

“Did she see you?” Jack asked as Dave jogged over. The man shrugged.

“I’m not sure. I would think that she did.”

Jack nodded. He looked around, then started walking forward.

“Where are we going?” Dave asked as he walked briskly beside Jack.

“She wouldn’t want to execute us in public. It would bring about too much attention. If we want her, we need to be secluded. There’s a park about three blocks away, and at this time of night it’s about dead. So we’re going to her.”

Dave sighed. “What if she’s ready for us?”

Jack grinned. “Then we’ll be ready for her.”

The blocks passed quickly, and soon the two stood at the iron archway at the entrance to the park. Dave drew his gun and looked around. What he could see was clear, but there was no telling what lay deeper in the darkness. Jack headed in, his hand resting on the gun in its holster. Dave was right next to him, gun pointed up, secure in his hands.

Dave was gauging the risks of talking when the two heard rustling. It had to be only a few yards in front of them. They slowed their pace, Jack drawing his gun and pointing it ahead, Dave pointing him around them as he checked.

“Evening, boys.” Their heads shot up, and they looked up a tree only about a yard away. A spot light jolted on, blinding the two momentarily. When they could see again, they found the source of their troubles.

Rosemary sat on a branch, swinging her legs. In jeans and an orange tank top with her hair down around her face and shoulders, she looked so normal. Jack swallowed the lump in his throat, questioning if he could really do this.

Dave wasn’t looking so much at Rose as he was around them. She was sitting in plain sight, no weapon in view. This was a trap, it stank of it, and he knew.

“We need to move,” he said to Jack, but the blonde stood, frozen.

“Why?” He yelled up, and Rose looked at him with her brown eyes.

“Why what?”

“Why would you work for them? Why would you use me like you did?” Jack gripped his gun tighter, and Dave reached out to grab his arm, to try and pull him away. Jack batted him away.

“Because you were so easy, Jack. You were so eager to have someone to love you, so eager to open what you could to me. It’s a shame I couldn’t crack you completely open, it probably would have saved me some trouble.” She grinned. Jack gritted his teeth.

“You said…” he started, but his voice faltered. He sighed. “When you said…you were pregnant…was that a lie, too?” He screamed it up, and Dave shot his eyes to Jack. He’d never told him Rose had said she was pregnant. He frowned. That could change everything.

“Yes and no,” she said, reaching up and twirling some of her hair. “See, I was pregnant, Jack. But the thought of having a baby as pale and ghostly as you, and being just as worthless as a ghost like you, why I couldn’t stand it. I had that thing ripped right from me, and it was the happiest day of my life.”

Jack’s face contorted in sudden anger and he opened fire, sadly without aiming. A bullet hit the branch above Rose’s head, and one hit the large trunk. He didn’t get another shot off, though, because just as those two went off shots rang out towards Dave and Jack. The two dove to the ground, and Dave broke right into a crawl, getting to the other side of the tree. He squatted up against it, and peered around, gun aimed. But he couldn’t see where the shots were coming from. All he could see was Jack crouching there, in the open, gun pointed into the dark, screaming obscenities.

“Jack!” he yelled. “Take cover you fucking idiot!” Jack looked at him, then stood up and ran straight into the dark. Dave gawked, confused as to what Jack was doing. He was not a stupid soldier, so why he was acting so rash, bold, and completely foolish dumbfounded Dave.

He looked up, and then it all clicked. Rose was gone. She’s disappeared during the crossfire. Jack was after her with a vengeance. Dave stood up and looked around; saw the spotlight just in the distance. He aimed and fired, and his bullet fractured the bulb and blew the thing. Darkness flooded back, and he grinned. At least now he was on a level playing field with whoever had been shooting at him.

He ran towards where he’d seen Jack disappear, under the cover of thick trees, typically for decoration, not for running through. They blocked out the star light, and Dave was moving in almost complete blackness. He slowed to a walk and kept his gun in one hand, the other feeling out a few inches in front of him to keep him from running into any trees.

He broke out of the trees and starlight hit him, expanding his view. He stood on a paved walk, with nothing around him living at all, except the plants. He sighed. He wanted to call for Jack, but he didn’t want to bring attention to himself yet. He didn’t know who the hell had fired at them, how many there were, and where they were. Too many unknowns, Jack would have to fend for himself alone until Dave could get a grip on the situation. Otherwise he’d just get them both killed.

He backed up to the trees again and side stepped along the path, keeping his eyes in front of him. Ahead, the pathway opened, and Dave paused as he closed in on the corner. His left, which was now in sight in front of him, was clear. Which left the right.

He pressed tight to the trees and peaked around. A figure stood ahead, a few yards away. Dave raised his gun. He knew this had to be one of the men who fired at him. After all, the tight black hat, dark clothing, and rifle sort of gave it away. Okay, really the rifle.

Dave braced his gun with both hands and fired. One round ran straight through the back of the guy’s skull, and he stumbled, slumped onto the ground, dead.

Dave darted over to the body and kicked the rifle away anyway. He looked around, but there was nothing in sight. He stood there a moment, pondering where he could go, when he heard shots in the distance. He didn’t look; he took off in the direction, following his ears. He rounded through a few decorative trees, around a bench, and finally figures came into view. One was crouching behind a tree, firing towards other trees. From the distance, Snake couldn’t make out who he was looking at, so he raised his gun just to be safe.

However, another few feet and he recognized the pale blonde hair, the dark jeans hugging curved hips perfectly. He tipped his gun up and ran up behind Jack, crouching down with him.

“How many?”

Jack didn’t jump, so Dave assumed he’d known the brunette was there the whole time.

“Two,” Jack said.

“I got one,” Dave added. “So that’s three. Unless it’s a solo operation, I highly doubt that’d send an odd amount of people. So there must be one more.”

“Probably with her,” Jack nearly hissed. He stood up and leaned out long enough to fire. Dave heard a mix of a cry and a groan, and he stood and leaned out long enough to shot the finishing bullet on a man who had been shot in the stomach.

Jack peered out, then darted for the next tree. As he did a line of shots followed him, just mixing his body. Dave’s heart raced with each step, and he fired twice towards the source of the shots. They stopped, but when he peered out started again.

Jack pressed against the side of his tree and fired, and Dave heard the guy croak out a cry, and heard his body hit the ground. The two took a chance and ran out in the open towards the two corpses, kicking their guns away, then continuing.

“I should have taken a rifle,” Dave said as they continued through the dark. “I’m almost out.”

“I’ve got an extra clip,” Jack said, “but that’s it.” Dave frowned. He’d have to hope he’d get a lucky shot, or the other guy would lose his gun, or some other nonsense.

They slowed their run to a jog as they encountered more scattered trees and benches. Jack slowed completely to a walk, and Dave followed, not wanting to leave him behind.

“Boys, you’re being quite the hassle.” Jack and Dave looked around, but the darkness kept Rose hidden. The two pressed their backs together, guns out, eyes sharp. “Couldn’t you have just taken a bullet to the head like good little children?”

“Come the fuck out!” Jack yelled. “Come out and play, you scared little bitch.”

She laughed, but didn’t walk into view. Dave gripped his gun tighter.

“Fire into the dark,” Jack whispered. “Empty your gun, she’s close, I can tell. Just fire, you’ll hit her or bring her out.”

Dave nodded, and the two pulled their triggers, moving towards the side with each shot. They went until the guns clicked empty, but didn’t see anything. There was no sound of Rose getting hit, and she wasn’t coming out into the light.

“Where is she,” Jack muttered, and just then they were bombarded with shots. They dove to the ground and rolled in separate directions. Dave rolled into the dark, and when he looked up at he was looking at hopefully the last lackey Rose had. He moved into a crouch and swept his leg out, knocking the guy down before he could even turn to aim at Dave. The guy tumbled down, his gun flew to the side, and Dave climbed on his back and grabbed his head. In one quick, fluid motion, he snapped his neck, the crack filling the thick silence of the night.

He jumped up and ran back towards where Jack had rolled. The blonde stood, body straight. Ahead of him, smiling oh-so sweetly, was Rose. And she had a handgun in her hand, raised and aimed at Jack.

Jack glared down the barrel straight into Rose’s eyes.

“You’re a sick, twisted fuck,” he spat, and she smiled more.

“Oh Jack, please. Don’t pretend that I’m the only one who played in this relationship. You played me too, Jack, and you know it.”

“How?” Jack asked, his hand holding his gun, gripping it tighter.

“You were never that into me,” Rose said, “After all, I always had this suspicion you might be into…another type of person,” she said, trying to put it lightly. Jack gritted his teeth. “And believe me, what I’ve seen since you brought down Arsenal confirms it all. You’ve been all over poor Snake. Why, that man must want to kill himself, what with you trying to constantly get into his pants. I’m sure whatever he’s done with you, Jack, is only a mistake brought on by so much stress.”

Jack glared.

“Bitch,” he hissed, and Rose brought the gun up a little higher.

“No, Jack, I’m fairly sure you’re the bitch now.” She squeezed the trigger, and the sound of the gun shot shattered the thick tension. It sped towards Jack, but instead of landing dead in his chest, it grazed his arm. He groaned and looked at the wound, a slicing of skin, as blood welled in the wound. He looked at Rose, who was smiling, like she had meant to miss.

She had meant to miss.

Jack whirled around, and his eyes widened impossibly. Dave stood behind him, hands clenching his chest. Blood was spilling between his fingers, and he was gritting his teeth, keeping his pain silenced. The blonde ran over as Dave slipped to his knees and braced his shoulders.

“Dave!” he yelled. “Hey, look at me!” Dave’s blue eyes darted to Jack, then moved slowly away, as if he didn’t have the strength to keep them in place. Dave grew limper, and slumped to the side. Jack tried to brace him, but only succeeded in helping him lay down without breaking any bones. “Dave,” he whispered, his pale eyes clouding with tears, with anger, with hate.

He heard Rose’s footsteps as he walked up behind him. He heard the click of her gun, ready to fire. He turned and glared straight up at her, and for once saw something flash in her eyes. Fear. The pure desire to destroy her being in Jack’s eyes was enough to finally shake her.

Jack raised his gun and pointed it straight at her. She laughed.

“You’re empty, Jack,” she said, grinning. “What are you going to do with an empty gun?”

“Kill you,” Jack said, and he pulled the trigger once, twice. Two bullets whizzed into Rose’s abdomen, and she stumbled back, dropping her gun. Jack stood up and walked over to her, kicking her in the stomach to knock her to the ground. She fell with a thud and a sick groan.

“You were…empty…”

“I can reload and move, bitch. I’m not that stupid.” He raised his gun and held it to her forehead. “Enjoy hell, you beast.” He pulled the trigger, and Rose fell to the ground, limp.

Jack turned back and ran to Dave, throwing himself to the ground. He dropped his gun and placed his hands over his comrade’s, pulling them away from the wound. The hole still gushed blood, and Jack pulled his shirt off and pressed it to the wound. He had to get Dave out of here and get help, but he didn’t know how. And how the hell would he explain so many dead bodies?

Just then he heard a beeping going through his head, and he recognized it. His Codec.

“Raiden-“

“Otacon! Oh god, I’ve never been so happy to hear your voice-“

“My scanner’s are picking up reports of some disturbances being reported to police. What’s going on?”

“The park,” Jack said, “The park! We found Rose, she had guys with her. They’re dead, they’re all dead. I need help! Dave’s been shot!”

“How serious-“

“Serious! Just get me help, Otacon. I don’t know if I can keep him around.”

The connection died, and Jack stared down at Dave’s face. His eyes were slit half closed, but his eyes were so hazy. Jack felt tears rolling down his face, and he looked down at the wound. Blood had gushed onto his hands, and everything was a red, slick mess. The t-shirt was helping though, but Jack feared not enough. Dave would bleed to death just beneath his grasp, and it would be Jack’s fault. It would be all his fault. He killed the one thing he loved.

He shook with silent sobs and pressed the clothe down harder.

“Dave!” He called. “Dave, I know you hear me. I know you’re still here. Stay with me,” Jack leaned down, closer to his face. “Don’t go yet.” He kissed him softly; let his hot tears fall onto the brunette’s face. He leaned back up and pressed even harder on his chest. “I’ve got too much to say to you, Dave. You can’t go yet. You can’t go until I’ve had the time to tell you just how much I worship you.”

Jack closed his eyes. “I love you,” he whispered, and fell silent. Another moment passed, and he heard footsteps. He didn’t jump, didn’t move for his gun. If someone was coming to kill him, let them.

Someone knelt beside him and pulled him back, away from Dave. Jack looked up; saw dark brown hair, glasses.

“Jack, you’ve got to let you. We’re going to get him to a hospital.”

Jack stared at Otacon and fell back on his heels. Two men hoisted Dave up and were off. Otacon stood and beckoned Jack with him.

“Who are they?” the blonde asked as they piled into a van.

“There members of Philanthropy,” Otacon said. Jack just nodded. He didn’t care what that was right now, all he knew was that maybe, just maybe, Dave had a chance.

Jack walked into a crisp white room the next day, light coming in from the window and nearly blinding him. He walked slowly, sneakers squeaking a little on the floor. Ahead was a hospital bed, with a man lying on it. His chest was bare, and wrapped around it several times was white gauze.

“Hey,” Jack whispered. Dave looked at him, blue eyes alert and so alive again. Such a change from the night.

“Hey there blondie.” Jack blushed and sat down on the edge of the bed. “Did I scare you last night?”

“Fuck yes,” Jack whispered, his breath escaping him. “Dave I…I thought you were gone.” Dave laughed, and placed one hand on his chest. Laughing hurt.

“Please,” he said, “It will take so much more than one bullet to kill me.” Jack grinned.

“True. You are the Solid Snake.” Dave grinned and reached out, taking Jack’s hand. “Otacon said he and those guys from…Philanthropy cleaned everything up before someone could notice the park. Said they gave the doctor some story about a random shooting, and you getting hit. He covered everything.”

“He’s good at that.”

Jack sighed. “And…well, he thinks we should get you out of here, though. He doesn’t want questions asked.”

Dave chuckled. “So he sent you to break me out of a hospital?” Jack nodded. “I cloud have just done it myself.”

Jack shrugged. “Well, he wanted me to do it. Told me to take you back home with me, he’ll be by later, and we’ll figure out what’s next.” Dave smiled. He stood up, and Jack pulled a clean black t-shirt out from underneath his black jacket. Dave slipped it on, put his shoes back on, and the two crept from the room.

Jack led Dave towards the elevators, trying to make them look like visitors. They rode down to the first floor, and slipped out through the crowds. Once outside, they caught a bus about to leave and sat in silence on the way to Jack’s apartment.

“Can you handle the stairs?” Jack asked as he started up them. Dave nodded.

“Of course I can. I’m fine. It’s not like the bullet hit my lungs or heart or anything.” He started up the stairs, and Jack sighed.

“Yeah but, Otacon said to make sure you take it easy, or you’ll just end up killing yourself.” Dave laughed, and the two continued up the stairs.

Jack led Dave into his room and forced the brunette to lie down.

“Now just rest until Otacon gets here. If you need anything, just tell me-“

Dave reached out and grabbed Jack’s wrist before he could turn away. He pulled him close, so the man was leaning over him. “I need you,” he whispered, then leaned up and covered Jack’s lips with his own. Jack gasped, but fell into the kiss in moments, enveloped in the feeling of Dave’s lips, his tongue, his teeth.

The brunette reached out and placed a hand on Jack’s hip, gripped him, tried to pull him closer until Jack fell to the bed, on Dave’s hips. The blonde broke the kiss.

“What are you doing?” He whispered as Dave pushed his jacket off.

“What does it look like?”

“We can’t! Otacon said take it easy! Besides…I figured you wouldn’t want to touch me, I mean…it’s my fault you got shot.” Dave shook his head.

“Jack, it was my fault. I stood behind you like a gawking idiot.” He ran his hand along the edge of Jack’s shirt, pushing it up a little. “And…Jack I… The last thing I remember is you, Jack. You talking to me. You stayed with me.” He leaned up a little and helped Jack wriggle out of his shirt. “And the first thing I thought when I came to in the hospital is where you were. You were the first thing I asked for.”

He pulled Jack closer and kissed his chest softly, traveling down his flat stomach. Jack gasped. “I heard you say you love me…” He sighed against Jack’s skin; his breath ghosting over the blonde’s skin and making it tingle. “People don’t love me, Jack. At least, not like you do. You’re the only one who ever has.” He nipped at Jack’s skin, and the blonde gasped. “And I…I want to try, Jack. I want to try this with you. I want to love you, Jack. I want this anxious, warm feeling in me to grow and grow until it bursts out of me. I do love you, Jack, but I want to love you more.”

Jack looked down at Dave and brought his face up close. He leaned in and kissed him, fingers caressing his face, chest pressed to his. When they broke, Dave rolled them over on their sides and slipped his fingers into Jack’s pants.

“Let me feel you again,” Dave whispered, and Jack melted then. Dave could have asked him to move the earth to another galaxy, and he would have. He stripped of his clothing, with much of Dave’s help, and gasped when the brunette’s hand was between his legs, stroking him gently.

Jack gasped and spread his legs, and Dave rolled onto his stomach. The pressure on his chest was slightly uncomfortable, but he ignored it. He slipped between Jack’s legs and let his tongue flick over the head of his cock. Jack gasped, heart beating wildly. Dave had yet to kiss him anywhere near there, and the thought was making him feel near to fainting.

Dave opened his mouth and swallowed Jack, bobbing his head slowly. He had to admit he was a bit nervous about this, but he suddenly wanted so badly to taste Jack. And damn if the skin of his cock didn’t taste so good in his mouth. He sucked a little, one of his hands stroking Jack’s thigh. The boy was moaning and squirming, his blonde hair falling in his eyes.

“Dave,” he whimpered, and Dave smiled as much as he could. Jack moved and pulled away from Dave, who looked up at him, confused. Jack forced him to roll over on his back and reached out, working his pants open. Dave lay back as Jack worked all his clothing off, until he lay there, naked as Jack. The blonde smiled and got on his hands and knees next to Dave, his mouth covering his cock and sucking. Dave groaned and reached over, grabbing Jack’s hips and directing them towards him.

Jack climbed on top of Dave, so his cock dangled down near his lips. The brunette let his tongue flick over the head, teasing Jack. The boy whimpered, and Dave smiled. He pushed Jack down a bit, so his cock bumped Dave’s collar bone, and ran his hands over his smooth ass. He pulled his cheeks apart, and Jack gasped as he felt Dave’s tongue tracing his entrance.

“Dave,” he whispered, propping himself up. The brunette’s tongue danced over the sensitive skin, and Jack felt a stirring inside him that there was only one cure for. He bent his head and sucked Dave some more, gasping and whimpering as Dave’s tongue assaulted him more, feeling like he might blow before they got much farther.

Finally Dave pulled back, and Jack stopped. He shifted around until he was facing Dave, who swept him up and pressed him to the bed. He got on his knees and rested Jack’s hips against his.

“You sure?” Jack whispered, and Dave nodded. The boy smiled, and Dave took his cock in his hand and pressed the tip to Jack’s entrance. He pushed gently and slowly pressed in, their saliva working as ideal lubricant. Once Dave was fully in, he stopped a moment to feel Jack’s muscles clenching so tightly around him. His body was so warm, so tight, it was better than he ever thought.

He moved slowly at first, watching Jack’s face for signs of pain. The boy looked fairly calm, moaning softly with the movements.

“You won’t break me,” he whispered and looked up at Dave. The brunette smiled and drove in harder, and this time Jack cried out, back arching. Dave grinned. That was the kind of reaction he wanted out of the blonde. He pulled back and drove in again, setting a hard, heavy rhythm, one that made Jack cry out with every thrust and arch his back fully off the bed.

“Dave,” Jack cried out, hands fisting in the sheets. “Uhhn, you feel so perfect.”

Dave gasped as Jack clenched him tighter. “So do you,” he forced out in a hoarse whisper. He thrust in deeper, reaching out with on hand and pumping Jack’s cock in time with his thrust. Jack screamed out his name as his hips bucked, his seed spilling all over Dave’s hand and his own abdomen. His muscle clenched Dave impossibly tight and the brunette moaned as he came inside the blonde, the muscles’ contractions milking his cock dry.

He pulled out of Jack and slowly let his hips rest on the bed, before falling back and staring up at the ceiling. Jack was on him in an instant, lips devouring his, hands fisted in his brown hair. Their tongues clashed, skin rubbed, and Dave gripped Jack’s hips before roaming his hands over the blonde’s back. When the kiss broke they lay panting together.

“You’re amazing,” Jack whispered, hands now roaming down Dave’s chest. The brunette laughed softly.

“No, Jack, I’m pretty sure you’re just blinded by love and great sex right now.” The blonde laughed and wrapped his arms around Dave, resting his head on his chest, one hand moving back up and tracing over the bandages. Dave ran his fingers through Jack’s soft hair, sighing softly. “I was serious before,” he whispered, and Jack looked up at him. “I want to try this with you. I want to try being with you. I’ve never felt so…crazy for someone, so anxious around them. Your moods dictate mine, like they’re one in the same. If you’re happy, I’m ecstatic, if you’re down, I’m lower then low.” Dave smiled. “I love you, Jack. And I’m sorry it took me this long to admit it.”

Jack smiled and kissed Dave’s lips lightly.

Jack nuzzled against Dace’s skin, whispering how much he adored him, and Dave smiled. He felt the cracks in his heart healing slowly, the almost shattered organ sewing itself together with every one of Jack’s honey-sweet words. Soon, it would beat whole again, stronger, with Jack now nestled deep inside it, kissing the cracks away.