dadication | Open Post

One hand kept on Jack, stroking over his head as fingers combed through his hair, the motion slow and steady with a slight graze of claws. Wanted that bit of contact still, humming a little for some of it, even as he ate.

There was still a brush of a piece of fruit against Jack's lips, Gabriel peering down at him with a touch of amusement there in his gaze. A sign to eat with him, because sharing right now was just as important he felt. Provided for, that part was done, but they both needed all of the energy they could get, and that meant both of them eating their fill.

"They'll get it, spent enough of their funds on us, likely want what their money's getting them sooner than later." He snorted a little bit at that, because it wasn't unexpected that it would be picked up on. "You're probably going to hear more of it once it's over and they don't feel like you could bite off someone's head."

That was nice, so welcome. He valued Gabe's touch at every moment, both the frenzied brutal need and also the soft quiet moments like this. He hummed and tipped his head more to those fingers, eyes fully closing as he allowed his protective guard to come down some.

Yet, his eyes popped open at the press of fruit to his lips and he peered up at Gabe for a moment before parting his lips and taking it into his mouth. He made certain to kiss those fingers and pushed himself up just a bit more on his elbow. Both of them had had a sandwich at least, plenty more food grabbed because it might have to last. He smiled, at first curling an arm around Gabe's waist and then reached for a carrot stick to chew on.

"Exactly. They seem confident we can perform in combat still," he agreed with a nod of his head. "I figure once we settle back down, you'll be having plenty of meetings of taking charge of things again, sort out the teams and making moves to send us into combat." Gabe was the highest ranked out of all of them after all.

He shrugged his shoulders at the idea that once he became his more passive self that he would be subjected to the usual ribbing that came after getting laid. It would be worse because it was Gabriel Reyes of course. "That's fine. I'll set the record straight."

Gabriel shifted the tray a bit, just so it would be that much easier for Jack to grab food from it, still eating slowly himself. Really, better to go slow than too fast, no matter how hungry he felt. Too much at once and he'd get sick, just like drinking too much water too quickly would. Was good, sharing a meal between the two of them like this.

"We can. Every training exercise has been a success one everyone got used to their changes," basically a new body for some while others just dealt with more muscle. It was wild, testing their new limits and seeing just how far they could push. Living weapons that would give them the needed edge, and he'd see so much flourish- "I might have to go more hardass after this with some fucks, but I'm prepared for that," and having to talk his way in to keeping his position held if need be.

He knew all too well how some opinions could swing.

Worse because there would be those trying so extremely hard to pry and seriously get details- or insinuate things. Usually the types who were trying to scream of how they had a bigger dick, look how big it is, watch me swing this giant dick around. "That you were the only one who ever had a chance?" A light nudge.

He too was taking it slow after initially scraffing down a sandwich before waking Gabe. Now he picked at fruit and vegetables, adding a little dip to the latter. It tasted like heaven after only consuming snacks for the previous three days. He was also very intent to spend time with Gabe, maybe see if the both of them could nap for a little bit as it hadn't been consistent for either to sleep.

"If anything, we've all been above expectations," he agreed, pleased to hear that they would be back in action soon enough. They were exactly what this war needed, and it would be a good sign if they could maintain their physicality long term. Who knew what they actually pumped into them for these results. "So you're going to put on a good show throwing those jerks into the dirt. I look forward to watching you back in action, Commander," he said, using the title out of deep respect for the omega.

He also knew that tongues would wag and opinions would be voiced. Most didn't matter to him. He knew that he would just have to work harder bringing everyone together and their best to be the object.

He looked up at Gabe at the nudge, giving a goofy smile. "Well, yeah. That should be obvious to anyone looking at us. After all, it's not the size of the dick you swing, it's how you use it," he said and leaned in to kiss Gabe's arm affectionately. Then ate a piece of cucumber.

Definitely hitting high n the results, even if there'd also been a high mortality rate and some just... Well, they got out alive but likely wouldn't be able to fight again. Those were some luckier than others in the reactions to whatever the hell sort of cocktail was flowing through them. "You going to watch my sparing practices then? I'm sure it'll draw quite the crowd," for multiple reasons.

Always had to work a little harder on his end, be better than the best he could be to get somewhere and it had worked. Sharp witted, tactical, an he'd pulled some damn dire missions out of the shithole during his military career. There was good reason why he'd been a candidate for the program, and why he had his position within it.

All of it had been earned.

"Got a pretty good size going for you, too." Of course he joked, ruffling Jack's hair affectionately after the nuzzle as he popped a few grapes in to his mouth with a low hum. Fruit and vegetables never tasted so damned good. "Any particular questions you get needled with before they fucked off?" Of course he was curious, couldn't help it.

While some might not believe it, the results would hopefully be worth it and turn the tide of combat. The first step was to quell the Crisis in America and then they would work on the rest of the world. The SEP was the first step in getting a handle on it now that public opinion had shifted to any means necessary.

"Do you want me to watch your sparring practices where I'm obvious? I don't want people lobbing opinions, but we'll have to face it eventually, right?" He knew it was going to be a bit of a rough ride to begin with, but that was fine. As far as he was concerned, as long as he had Gabe, there were no issues because they had each other's backs. "It will draw quite the crowd though. The sooner we silence them, the better, get back to normal."

He was grabbing a couple of grapes himself, chewing on them one-by-one. He smirked. "All that matters is that it satisfies you." He shook his head at the question, finishing the last of his grapes. "No one dared question me. I think they knew I was still high protective mode and didn't want to risk it. Just looks and a comment. Nothing worth getting stirred up about."

The questions and comments would come once they emerged.

"Don't want you to miss the show after all- Be as obvious or not as you want." Wasn't like people didn't normally gather when he was sparring with whoever decided to step up, or was trying to have a dick measuring contest. Didn't doubt some of them hoped they'd get something out of it if they managed to get him down. Unfortunate for those few, really. "Will need to get a firm handle of the situation," because he still had a job to do. Both of them did.

That was a dark but warm chuckle, leaning down a bit to press a kiss against the top of Jack's blond head, "And it does an incredibly good job at that." This was another reason he got along, could shittalk like this back and forth without worry, because all of it was in fun; even with the edge of heat and rut simmering for the moment. "The usual expected sort of comment, or did you get a particular creative one?"

No getting stirred up, curious as he could be. Anything said once this was over would be dealt with then, this was more people likely sort of hyped up and antsy with the scents at least in their hallway- "Any others out of it for the time being, or were we lucky?"

He grinned and would definitely make a point to being there watching and admiring Gabe for flattening whomever was in the ring with him. That show of strength would be worth the free price of admission, and he knew that there would no question to Gabe's skill and continued dominance even among the SEP soldiers. "I'll be there among the crowd that shows up. I'm going to watch you crush your opposition."

He butted his head lightly to Gabe's lips, purring at the affection even as he slipped a carrot stick in his mouth and chewed. "That is good to know, otherwise I'd have to up my game," he remarked. He gently poked the older man in the ribs playfully, enjoying this shittalking. "And if I have to up my game, you'd definitely be in trouble." He smirked, though it wasn't true either. He had laid all of his current cards on the table and they had both seemed to benefit.

"The usual. Some of them need time to come up with something actually creative after all, so let's not push the luck on that so soon." He finally pushed himself up to lean against Gabe's back, sneaking a strawberry from the plate. "I heard Montigue is out, but didn't stay around to confirm. Not sure he paired off."

"Bring some popcorn." A promise of a good show? Yes.

He smiled a little before sitting up again so he could eat a few of those cucumber slices as well, dipping them just to have that little bit more to them. "Careful or you'll get me curious what you upping your game might entail." Could honestly say that fucking someone on a toilet was a first for him, but hey; handy seat and found out how sturdy the thing was in there. Still, this moment was nice, some little rest before things would rise up again. Still had some days to go before his heat would hopefully be over.

"It's rare for them to come up wit a real gem even with time," and he'd heard quite a few comments himself early on. Would rather keep that gateway closed, thanks. Leaning back against Jack a bit, humming in thought. "Hopefully he's being taken care of either way, good guy." Another alpha that didn't have his head up his ass at least, followed orders well, and knew what he was doing.

"I think that might make me a bit too obvious, unless you want me to bring it to share while you crush your opposition?" That might make the show even better. Of course he would be entirely in Gabe's corner for this. He would back his omega up no matter what.

He secured an arm around the older man's waist so they could still rest together, skin pressed together even if the low simmer of his rut was completely manageable for the time being. "Let's not get so curious this time around, okay? I think we're sore enough as it is without adding in some acrobatics or something," he said with a laugh, kissing Gabe's neck as he grabbed an orange slice to chew on. They needed the rest at this point, going as strong as they had been.

"Right? SEP didn't increase their wittiness." Most of the comments weren't worth a comment sometimes, just a roll of the eyes. He also grabbed a carton of milk to polish off, glad for the time to eat and fill up his reserves again. "Hopefully. I didn't ask. Wanted to get back to you as soon as I could."

He looked thoughtful, as if really considering- "I could always use a nice after spar snack, and you never know. May have to toss some at others who've gathered around to watch." Of course it would com down to some joking about it.

"Think I'd be happy with some snuggle-fucking if you asked me," a lazy and so very affection position right there. Go a little easy on their sore muscles and all of that. Tilting his head in a way that bared the side of his neck to Jack after that little kiss, licking a bit of dip from his thumb. "Spooning, too." All low effort and made for closeness.

He finished off the sandwich and ate a few strawberries slowly. "We'll find out eventually, I'm sure." Once they were safe to go out, because honestly he had a feeling if he stepped out of this room someone would be on him, and then on the ground with a bloodied nose an mouth.

"Then I'll be certain to add some good spice to that popcorn just for you," he remarked with an amused chuckle. He had no doubt that Gabe sparring would be a great show for all involved, save maybe his first opponent who would probably be cocky to begin with. "I bet you could eat a bowl of popcorn and spar at the same time."

He would be very happy with snuggling, and as his rut heated up again, he could definitely turn that into snuggle-fucking. No doubt about it. He grabbed a chocolate chip cookie from the plate and decided that would be it for him. He could save the rest for a snack later, but he had eaten well and now the more pressing matter was a lack of sleep. All the same, he was not one to ignore a bared throat like that, and he kissed and nibbled along it affectionately. "You should try to snooze while we spoon."

He would have to assess the situation before they left and got back into their normal duties. He wasn't willing to stand for a rogue alpha making a move, so they would need to be sure Gabe was safely out of heat.

Gabriel laughed a bit, "That'd be a sight alright." And possibly a waste of popcorn, but still- "I really, really need to teach you the spice mix I have for making nacho cheese popcorn. Think even you could eat it easily."

He grabbed two chocolate chip cookies for himself, nibbling at one even as his eyes fluttered close at the kisses and nibbles there, shuddering just a bit. Still only simmering in his heat, but damn if it didn't just feel good. A hand rested against the back of Jack's head, fingertips massaging along his scalp slowly. "I'd like that, yeah." Get whatever more rest they could.

They'd be alright, more of a mind to be careful even if a few other things hadn't yet registered.

Jack couldn't help but groan and shake his head. This was the kind of harassment he had to put up with, all in the name of mind-blowing sex and good friendship. It wasn't his fault he was as white and spiceless as cauliflower. "This is the thanks I get for bringing you lunch, huh? Such harassment."

Once he had kissed his fill - for now - and it seemed that they were both content to nibble on cookies did he shift backwards into the nest that Gabe had made. He settled down there, curling himself like a parenthesis so that his lover could join him. "We haven't had much sleep in the last few days and we're built for that, but we should try, yeah?" Let their delicious lunch settle.

Jack had no issue being protective of Gabe, even if he would let the omega reassert his dominance. He would be back-up that was for sure.

Jack got himself a nice stroke along his side, petting him almost as Gabriel clicked his tongue, "You enjoy it, because you play right along with every bit of it." All in good fun, because it still amused him to no end at times.

So it was that Gabriel set the tray aside safely off the bed and moved himself so he could curl up right with Jack. Pressed against him snugly in that nest he'd put together, letting out a content sigh as he let himself get comfortable. "We really should, think we'll both feel better for it- and maybe with some food in us it'll be easier." This was at least the longest his heat had kept at bay during the last few days.

He fully intended on taking advantage of that, too.

He stretched out a little more at the touch, baring his teeth in mock aggression for this verbal prodding that he had to put up with. "Fine, I'll tolerate it as long as you never call me cauliflower as a nickname," he replied dryly. He figured Gabe was far more creative than that anyway, but he could rib himself just as well.

He had finished off his cookie and lifted an arm to welcome Gabe down with him, shifting himself so that they were spooning well. There was an extra blanket that he pulled over them both, maybe to trap some of the scent of them under it and to provide warmth, not that either of them needed it. "Yeah, though... I can keep guard if that would keep you more comfortable." He had before and would do so again honestly. "I already feel better with some food in me."

He knew that eventually their hormones would kick it up a notch and they would be rolling about together all over again. For now, recovering energy was top priority.

"Think I can do you better than that, boy scout." A little press of a kiss against his jaw, since he was making himself nice and snug against Jack.

Relaxed so very easily like that, stroking a hand down along Jack's side before Gabriel tucked himself nicely under that cover. "No, I think we're good. You locked the door and everything, you deserve to get some good sleep." Rather than just those stolen bursts of sleep. They needed it as much as they'd needed the food.

There was a lot waiting for them at the end of this, after all.

"I figured as much since you have insults from a whole other language to pick from as well," he joked even as he hummed and couldn't help the happy smile at Gabe's affectionate kiss. Yeah, he was still very much in deep with this man.

He waited until Gabe had completely found the spot he wanted to settle into and then tucked the blankets all around them. Already he was feeling warm, sleepy and content, though he was still keeping an ear out for danger. His arm slid around his omega's waist, holding him back against him, so comfortable and safe with him. "Sleep would be nice, but... I also want to protect you." But he couldn't do both, and he was running close to empty even as an enhanced soldier.

He knew they would be thrown into war when this was all done as well. Sleep would be hard to find.

"Damn right I do, bolillo."

He rested a hand over one of Jack's, squeezing it a bit. "You'll protect me better well rested, so sleep, and that's an order if it has to be," that last bit a little teasing, nuzzling against Jack's throat and fully relaxed there against him. Yawning a little even, tucked nice and snug against him. He could get used to this, given the chance. Really, he could.

All the more reason to take advantage of it now, Gabriel's eyes already slid closed and breathing slow and steady. He'd fall asleep easily at least.

He wasn't even certain he wanted to know the direct translation of 'bolillo' at this point, fearing that it might stick if he did. He simply kissed the back of Gabe's neck. "Does that mean I can call you my cocoa bean?" No that was probably bad and terrible.

He raised his eyebrows at the fact that Gabe was willing to pull rank on him to force him to sleep. He made a soft whining sound of protest even as he buried his face into Gabe's neck so there was a steady stream of that scent reaching him on each inhalation. "You're the boss," he murmured sleepily, yawning before tightening his arm and allowing him the permission to relax.

It took him a few minutes to dial down his protective instincts before he was fast asleep. He needed this so badly.

He chuckled a little, the noise muffled by how Gabriel turned his head. "That's a new one," and it was so fucking awful it was sort of cute. Hopefully not something he'd stick with, really.

Very willing, whatever it took for Jack to get some fucking sleep, he needed it as badly as Gabriel had. Reason that he snuck a nap while the man had gone out to get them food, petting a little at the protesting whine to soothe him all the same. "And you're perfect," for him, to him, whatever it was.

He did finally sleep soundly, curled up together in that nest of pillows and sheets, under that blanket. Warm and secure.

It didn't take him that long with the safe warm scent of his mate with him, knowing that he had made all the checks and balances with keeping them safe and now full of a meal and rehydrated, he was ready to just rest. It had been an eventful blur of three days, and he had definitely had less will to sleep when there was a mate to care for.

So soothed as he was, Jack went to sleep. Practically plummeted into it like a stone. He breathed slow and deep, relaxed and comfortable as he was and he dreamed of home, his family, a potential of an expanding family with Gabe and all the simple joys of life. Not of war or death or duty, just the warm sun on his face in the fields and family.

In that nest, he rested deeply.

They both rested deeply, and for a good many hours that was sorely needed. A break that was well welcomed for it- and hell, even managed to get through another meal of what was left on that tray and all before Gabriel's heat had risen it's head and slammed back in to him- and for both their sakes a snuggle-fuck had been gone for.

For the rest of the week that was how things went for them, able to actually take a few breaks in between, and get more food and rest in the both of them. More heat and rut talking for them still, but it waned the closer to the end that they got, and after a while- well. W e l l.

Gabriel's heat broke, and it was a relief to finally have his head back about him, laying there in that nest still with Jack. Quiet and thinking while the other man slept, nudging him awake late in to the morning and suggesting he gets a shower before going out to hunt breakfast for the both of them. Give him time to get a shower himself, and prepare a load of things to get laundered. Dressed and sitting on a stripped bed, clean sheets and all replaced on it, drinking down some water from bottles still stashed there.

Huh. What a week.

It had been quite the week, one that would remain fresh in his mind for a good long time. It felt like he had graduated to another complete level of adulthood after this week, what with the bonding bite he had set into Gabe's thigh and had one returned in kind. A pledge in the heat of the moment that he didn't regret even as the fog of heat and rut cleared out permanently for a time.

When he was nudged awake, it was with a clear head and a room that was still heavily smelling of sex. He was convinced to the shower, washing himself thoroughly and working strained tired muscles in the hot water. After that, it was actually into clothing, which felt strange after nearly a full week of being nude. It was a sense of normal that snapped reality back into place for him as he headed out after a kiss to Gabe's forehead to go in search of food.

It would probably be the last meal they would have to eat in their room anyway.

Mess hall was just a cafeteria, and it was filled with the rest of the SEP soldiers still on base. Most turned to look at him as he strode in with his head held high, though he smiled at those he was close to and waved greetings to everyone else. There were more than a fair share of knowing looks and buddy's glancing between each other. He grabbed a full tray of food for two and actually stopped at the table to chat with the other soldiers.

Most conversation was cordial, catching him up to speed on the plan. A few asked how Reyes was and one asked how Reyes was in bed. Jack ignored the over the top question the first time, but when it was asked a second, he glared at the rough-around-the-edges soldier in question. Someone else slapped him for Jack and that was enough.

He headed back to the room, aware that there would be more of such antics once he and Gabriel emerged from their previous solitude. He returned to the room with a tray and a clear head, smiling warming at the omega sitting dressed and styled up normally. "Burgers, potato salad and corn on the cob today. I grabbed the chocolate cake too."

He'd lingered a bit over the bonding mark there on his thigh while in the shower, and there still wasn't any regret there he could think of. At least they had their heads enough to not put it in the more obvious spot but- well. This was something.

His head lifted when Jack came back, patting the spot on the bed next to him. "Come on over here, can place the tray on the bed. Don't worry, everything is clean and I made up both beds just to help." Make the air less heavy of sex and heat mixed with rut, let in a little fresh air and all. "I'm probably going to stay in here for the day, just to be safe," and make sure is heat was completely at an end.

"How're you feeling, Jack?"

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