"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.
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.
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.
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.
It didn't matter that he wasn't in rut, wasn't possessive by protectiveness anymore, but damn he just couldn't help but feel happy to be back with Gabriel again. As gorgeous as he was naked and sex drunk, he was just as attractive clothed and put back in order like when they had first met.
Yeah, it wasn't as intense, but Jack fully admitted that he had feelings for the older man, though if it was unwanted, he wouldn't let it interfere with their work and friendship. They had been through a lot together, and they would be through a lot more in the coming days and weeks as they returned to the war effort in small teams that would either work independently or with other military units.
He brought the tray of food over and settled himself on the bed near Gabe, leaving room between them for the tray so they both had even access to it. "From what I learned today, that shouldn't cause an issue. They are doing weapons training and getting debriefs on the hotspots most likely to receive us in the coming weeks."
He cracked open a bottle of apple juice and took a drag from it, shrugging a little. "Bit sore and groggy, but otherwise, I feel good. How about you?"
He leaned over, fingers curled in to Jack's air easily with a slight ruffling tug, the touch laced easily with affection. More worried about what could happen if it looked like it wasn't more than them falling together for a week- hell, worried what it could mean for Jack. Was watching him closely, that smile of his-
"Good to hear. I'll be making my walk tomorrow. Touch base and check in where I need to," and make sure he was caught up, and there was no set backs with his own position. The usual that would need to be done if he'd been taken out by injury rather than his own hormones. Picking up a burger and checking what was in it while he spoke, "Sounds like we've gotten approval to start heading out in the thick of it."
Taking a bite, humming a little at the answer. "Around the same, yeah."
His head tipped towards Gabe's fingers, and even if it messed up the light gel job on his hair, he didn't even care. His hand rose to stroke the inside of Gabe's wrist in reply, little bits of affection that he did hope both of them would make an effort to upkeep here and there when time and opportunity allowed. Even if they were nothing more than friends except in heat or rut, he was satisfied.
After all, this experience was bound to be harder on Gabriel than him. He was the alpha, so it was a testament of his potency and manhood to be locked in with an omega for a full week. For Gabe who was in a position of power, it was going to be harder. There would be judgment, questions and more than a few comments slung his way. He had no doubt Gabe could handle it, but he also wasn't about to step on toes either. For now, his mate seemed reserve and pensive.
"Do you want me to grab you any debriefs or files to review before tomorrow?" He knew much of it would be accessed through holovid, but he wanted to be helpful, wanted Gabe to step back into his role as seamlessly as possible. "From what little I heard, sending out that team earlier in the week had good results and the government is eager to get us out there to bolster the public and shut down hotspots. I heard they were waiting on you to make the teams." Gabe knew the personalities and training of every soldier best after all.
He opened the bun on his burger and added ketchup and extra pickles. "Been a tough week. Don't think either of us have had that kind of reaction for that long."
Gabriel's hair still fell in to slight curls, having yet to gel it to lay back in his usual style. Made him look a little softer, and far more casual than he normally let himself be like that. Let that touch to his wrist linger as well, looking over Jack's face a little.
There was a lot he would be walking in to tomorrow, and there was no doubt he was going to end up turning a spar in to a show of nothing changed. That even if he'd fallen in to heat, that he was undeniably an omega and to some that would make them see him as suddenly weak -which was stupid as hell- he'd have to show how wrong it was. On top of proving that it didn't make him less of who he was in his position.
Some old mindsets were hard to put to rest, while others this wouldn't change a thing. Just joke about him getting laid and how it should have loosened him up and other more playful jabs. Just had to pry them apart.
"Get them on to my holovid for me? Rather walk in to it like I didn't miss a week because I was getting fucked hard in to the bed," and other places. "Going to have a long day tomorrow," and he could feel it now. At least he'd actually gotten some good sleep the last few days.
"My suppressants failed," and that tone was... heavy.
The casual look was good, as was the sleep that they had managed to catch up on when the worst of their rut and heat had gone. Later in the week, it had been about snuggling, bonding and looking after one another. He was now used to the less styled casual Gabe, just as the omega would be used to his cowlicked hair and bangs falling against his forehead.
He nodded his head at the request, and he would definitely get all the debriefs for the older man to read and prepare himself with. It wasn't just his job as his alpha but as his subordinate. A commander who was best prepared with the most up-to-date information would put all those under his command in the best standing that information and the ever changing landscape of battle would allow. And Gabriel was an excellent battlefield commander.
"I will. I'll take the tray and plates back to the cafeteria and head to your office to pick up your informational packages," he murmured with a nod of his head. Morning debrief and sparring session late morning would be interesting. He knew he had nothing to worry about, and Gabe could handle himself just fine. Jack would still back him up if it was wanted. "Yeah, lots of catch up, but you've handled worse before. You always show your best and people respond to that." Forever the optimist at this point in his life.
He was quiet though at the obvious statement, shifting a little on the bed. He took a bite from his burger to buy himself a moment to formulate a response. "Do you think they'll put you back on them after this or experiment on new ones?" He asked that quietly.
"Appreciate that a lot, thanks." And he did, and better to send Jack to do it rather than risk some alpha roaming the halls and catching any lingering whiffs of heat off of himself. Better to be cautious than not still, even if he was sure it was over. "Should be able to find them easily, and can just review it all in here," with Jack there of course, important for him to know some of it at this point, too.
He'd handled worse, but this was a sight delicate situation on some sides. Still, he'd manage, always had.
Was a damned heavy statement, having yet to take a bite of his own burger, but he was at least drinking some of that juice Jack had brought back. His appetite was a little shot right then. "I don't know. What I was taking clearly won't work anymore if that happened and I... I do need to be on them, I'd be a liability otherwise."
He nodded his head. "Anything else you want or need while I'm out getting that for you?" He was here to assist where he could, and it wasn't just because he knew the day was going to be a long and difficult one tomorrow. "Yeah, and if I have any trouble, I can call it in." He hoped that things wouldn't be awkward between them once all the hormones ran out completely.
Gabriel was good at handling adversity. And if Jack had to punch some alphas out then he would.
He watched Gabe out of the corner of his eye, taking another bite out of his burger and chewing slowly. This was a lot, and this might have been the first time that they had any time to process. "Do you need them...?" He looked at Gabe a bit more at the older man and chewed on his lower lip. "I... uh. The bonding bite might mean that... you and I are only receptive to each other..."
He huffed, the sound a little more tired than anything. "Only if you can grab me two dozen chocolate chip cookies while out there." Setting the burger back down on the tray, and he'd probably get to it in a moment. Just didn't really feel that hungry anymore now that things were sinking in.
At the very least? Gabriel did look back up at Jack, even if he sounded as tired as he suddenly looked. Maybe today should be a day to rest while reviewing.
"We bonded." They did, fingers brushing over the spot on his inner thigh that he knew the mark would be on, some little breathless noise escaping him. "I- " He'd still have his heats, but they'd supposedly be more controllable so long as, "-You'd have to be there the moment it started for me to still be able to do what I need to do," rather than be taken out of commission completely.
He couldn't entirely imagine the weight that was settling in across Gabe's shoulders, the pressures of being an omega in high command having to deal with the meat heads some of the others could be. "Uh... yeah, sure, I can do that." He assumed Gabe wasn't joking about that. However, when the burger was set down, he reached out to stroke a hand between the older man's shoulder blades. "Hey... come on, you need to eat. Big day tomorrow."
He had no issue of leaving the room to Gabe to sort himself out. Jack could do that on the exercise floor, punching bags and lifting weights to blow off steam. That was how he normally forced his way through difficult subject matter.
His own fingers found the mark on his inner thigh. It was mostly bruising and scabbing right now. His ruts would be the same as Gabe's heats, more controllable but would require his mate to be near for it to be anything but unproductive. "I guess you'll have to put me on your team when you form them then."
He was used to it, dealing with his fellow soldier had always been a breeze in a way. Had no problem stepping in and showing just who was the one in charge and exactly why it was him. Hard but well earned because he was incredibly capable; strong soldier, could think on the spot, and had a mind for tactics. "I'll eat in a minute," he just needed his stomach to settle, first.
What he was dreading was dealing with those who held power, that could have any reason to strip him of everything he earned if they saw this blip on the radar as something unwanted. Something he had no control over- Reyes hated having to kiss ass, but if he had to....
"I was planning on it anyway, wouldn't trust anyone else to fill up your position in how we've already been working together," before this week. "Will you be able to handle this, Jack? Some may think it'll be for other reasons, and you'll be having to deal with me far more." The last bit was meant to be a little bit of a light ribbing, but there was something missing from his tone.
There wasn't anything he could do by remain at Gabe's elbow as they emerged from their little sequestration. The older man had been fighting idiots about his hormones for longer than Jack had been born, but he could be there as a support this time around. He could stand with Gabe and make it clear that alpha, beta, omega didn't matter, least of all in wartimes when human fear, bigotry and dislike had landed them in this mess in the first place.
"Alright," he murmured and set down his own burger so he could wait for Gabe. He could already think of how the powers that be might be looking for excuses, but the fact of the matter was that they were soldiers and in combat, it was leaders and their fellows that had their respect. It wasn't the politicians laying down their lives on the line. There would be some ribbing, a little push back from other soldiers, but in the end, they would easily accept Gabe because he had proven himself over and over in the field.
He nodded his head, trying and failing to hide how pleased he was. They would remain together. "We make a good team." He was almost Gabe's second. "It won't be a problem. I won't let it be a problem for me or for you. We have a track record that will speak for us." And both of them were soldiers of excellent reputation. This would be like fighting the battle of when he had come out to his family and friends.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2020-05-31 11:37 pm (UTC)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.
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Date: 2020-05-31 11:46 pm (UTC)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.
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Date: 2020-06-01 12:02 am (UTC)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.
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Date: 2020-06-01 12:13 am (UTC)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.
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Date: 2020-06-01 12:33 am (UTC)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.
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Date: 2020-06-01 12:41 am (UTC)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.
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Date: 2020-06-01 12:54 am (UTC)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.
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Date: 2020-06-01 01:02 am (UTC)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.
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Date: 2020-06-01 01:11 am (UTC)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.
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Date: 2020-06-01 01:19 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2020-06-01 01:26 am (UTC)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.
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Date: 2020-06-01 01:54 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2020-06-01 02:11 am (UTC)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."
no subject
Date: 2020-06-01 02:22 am (UTC)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?"
no subject
Date: 2020-06-01 02:40 am (UTC)Yeah, it wasn't as intense, but Jack fully admitted that he had feelings for the older man, though if it was unwanted, he wouldn't let it interfere with their work and friendship. They had been through a lot together, and they would be through a lot more in the coming days and weeks as they returned to the war effort in small teams that would either work independently or with other military units.
He brought the tray of food over and settled himself on the bed near Gabe, leaving room between them for the tray so they both had even access to it. "From what I learned today, that shouldn't cause an issue. They are doing weapons training and getting debriefs on the hotspots most likely to receive us in the coming weeks."
He cracked open a bottle of apple juice and took a drag from it, shrugging a little. "Bit sore and groggy, but otherwise, I feel good. How about you?"
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Date: 2020-06-01 02:50 am (UTC)"Good to hear. I'll be making my walk tomorrow. Touch base and check in where I need to," and make sure he was caught up, and there was no set backs with his own position. The usual that would need to be done if he'd been taken out by injury rather than his own hormones. Picking up a burger and checking what was in it while he spoke, "Sounds like we've gotten approval to start heading out in the thick of it."
Taking a bite, humming a little at the answer. "Around the same, yeah."
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Date: 2020-06-01 03:04 am (UTC)After all, this experience was bound to be harder on Gabriel than him. He was the alpha, so it was a testament of his potency and manhood to be locked in with an omega for a full week. For Gabe who was in a position of power, it was going to be harder. There would be judgment, questions and more than a few comments slung his way. He had no doubt Gabe could handle it, but he also wasn't about to step on toes either. For now, his mate seemed reserve and pensive.
"Do you want me to grab you any debriefs or files to review before tomorrow?" He knew much of it would be accessed through holovid, but he wanted to be helpful, wanted Gabe to step back into his role as seamlessly as possible. "From what little I heard, sending out that team earlier in the week had good results and the government is eager to get us out there to bolster the public and shut down hotspots. I heard they were waiting on you to make the teams." Gabe knew the personalities and training of every soldier best after all.
He opened the bun on his burger and added ketchup and extra pickles. "Been a tough week. Don't think either of us have had that kind of reaction for that long."
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Date: 2020-06-01 03:18 am (UTC)There was a lot he would be walking in to tomorrow, and there was no doubt he was going to end up turning a spar in to a show of nothing changed. That even if he'd fallen in to heat, that he was undeniably an omega and to some that would make them see him as suddenly weak -which was stupid as hell- he'd have to show how wrong it was. On top of proving that it didn't make him less of who he was in his position.
Some old mindsets were hard to put to rest, while others this wouldn't change a thing. Just joke about him getting laid and how it should have loosened him up and other more playful jabs. Just had to pry them apart.
"Get them on to my holovid for me? Rather walk in to it like I didn't miss a week because I was getting fucked hard in to the bed," and other places. "Going to have a long day tomorrow," and he could feel it now. At least he'd actually gotten some good sleep the last few days.
"My suppressants failed," and that tone was... heavy.
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Date: 2020-06-01 03:52 am (UTC)He nodded his head at the request, and he would definitely get all the debriefs for the older man to read and prepare himself with. It wasn't just his job as his alpha but as his subordinate. A commander who was best prepared with the most up-to-date information would put all those under his command in the best standing that information and the ever changing landscape of battle would allow. And Gabriel was an excellent battlefield commander.
"I will. I'll take the tray and plates back to the cafeteria and head to your office to pick up your informational packages," he murmured with a nod of his head. Morning debrief and sparring session late morning would be interesting. He knew he had nothing to worry about, and Gabe could handle himself just fine. Jack would still back him up if it was wanted. "Yeah, lots of catch up, but you've handled worse before. You always show your best and people respond to that." Forever the optimist at this point in his life.
He was quiet though at the obvious statement, shifting a little on the bed. He took a bite from his burger to buy himself a moment to formulate a response. "Do you think they'll put you back on them after this or experiment on new ones?" He asked that quietly.
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Date: 2020-06-01 04:10 am (UTC)He'd handled worse, but this was a sight delicate situation on some sides. Still, he'd manage, always had.
Was a damned heavy statement, having yet to take a bite of his own burger, but he was at least drinking some of that juice Jack had brought back. His appetite was a little shot right then. "I don't know. What I was taking clearly won't work anymore if that happened and I... I do need to be on them, I'd be a liability otherwise."
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Date: 2020-06-01 05:07 am (UTC)Gabriel was good at handling adversity. And if Jack had to punch some alphas out then he would.
He watched Gabe out of the corner of his eye, taking another bite out of his burger and chewing slowly. This was a lot, and this might have been the first time that they had any time to process. "Do you need them...?" He looked at Gabe a bit more at the older man and chewed on his lower lip. "I... uh. The bonding bite might mean that... you and I are only receptive to each other..."
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Date: 2020-06-01 05:17 am (UTC)At the very least? Gabriel did look back up at Jack, even if he sounded as tired as he suddenly looked. Maybe today should be a day to rest while reviewing.
"We bonded." They did, fingers brushing over the spot on his inner thigh that he knew the mark would be on, some little breathless noise escaping him. "I- " He'd still have his heats, but they'd supposedly be more controllable so long as, "-You'd have to be there the moment it started for me to still be able to do what I need to do," rather than be taken out of commission completely.
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Date: 2020-06-01 01:51 pm (UTC)He had no issue of leaving the room to Gabe to sort himself out. Jack could do that on the exercise floor, punching bags and lifting weights to blow off steam. That was how he normally forced his way through difficult subject matter.
His own fingers found the mark on his inner thigh. It was mostly bruising and scabbing right now. His ruts would be the same as Gabe's heats, more controllable but would require his mate to be near for it to be anything but unproductive. "I guess you'll have to put me on your team when you form them then."
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Date: 2020-06-01 07:15 pm (UTC)What he was dreading was dealing with those who held power, that could have any reason to strip him of everything he earned if they saw this blip on the radar as something unwanted. Something he had no control over- Reyes hated having to kiss ass, but if he had to....
"I was planning on it anyway, wouldn't trust anyone else to fill up your position in how we've already been working together," before this week. "Will you be able to handle this, Jack? Some may think it'll be for other reasons, and you'll be having to deal with me far more." The last bit was meant to be a little bit of a light ribbing, but there was something missing from his tone.
Gabriel was worried.
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Date: 2020-06-02 01:54 pm (UTC)"Alright," he murmured and set down his own burger so he could wait for Gabe. He could already think of how the powers that be might be looking for excuses, but the fact of the matter was that they were soldiers and in combat, it was leaders and their fellows that had their respect. It wasn't the politicians laying down their lives on the line. There would be some ribbing, a little push back from other soldiers, but in the end, they would easily accept Gabe because he had proven himself over and over in the field.
He nodded his head, trying and failing to hide how pleased he was. They would remain together. "We make a good team." He was almost Gabe's second. "It won't be a problem. I won't let it be a problem for me or for you. We have a track record that will speak for us." And both of them were soldiers of excellent reputation. This would be like fighting the battle of when he had come out to his family and friends.
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