[ Nicky ducks into the driver's seat of the car, needing to feel in control of something, even if it's only driving to the hotel. He can't help his snort as he climbs into the car and smells...well, them. It hasn't dissipated in their walk around the top.
He settles in and reaches across for Joe's hand to squeeze and turn over in his. ]
I don't want to worry you. I will get better. I will calm. I only need time and you.
[ It is the alternative, the usual, that scares Nicky. He fears that if he buries it down and keeps it behind the facade, it will never come out and he will zone out. This time is not like the others.
He presses his lips together when Joe accuses him (or just calls it out), and his shoulders hunch forward slightly.
A nod, acknowledging that he is processing badly, and that he will calm. ] It is new, to be betrayed by someone you love.
[ He grips the steering wheel tightly, and that's all he says, vision forward. He knows Joe doesn't mean to rebuke him, means to only notice, but Nicky goes quiet anyway. ]
[ Joe rests his hand on Nicky's thigh and gently rubs, trying to soothe. He really hadn't meant to upset him just let Nicky know he was aware and ready to help in any way he could. ]
It's his own fault but I keep wondering if there was something I should've said or done that would've changed things. [ He sounds annoyed at himself. ] But it's not our fault, is it? He made the choices and he has to be held accountable for them. Even if... I do miss him.
[ How could he not? They were family and loved each other. Losing one of their own, being betrayed by one of their own, it hurts deeply because of that. ]
[ Nicky keeps his stare forward, through the windshield until he feels safe enough to give Joe a nod and a hint of a smile, to let him know it's fine, and that he'll be okay. He doesn't want to disappoint Joe or burden him, especially not when Nicky can sort this out with prayer and time in Malta. ]
He was bitter that we had each other. We could not have done anything, because I refuse to hide my love for you.
[ They spent long enough doing that, by the time Booker got to them, he was done with it.
Nicky misses him too, but he cannot even think about looking at him. One hundred years is enough, if only that Nicky can rebuild his trust. Nicky reaches over to take Joe's hand in his, starting up the engine when a horn blows to signal they've docked. ] We have Nile, now, to worry about.
[ Not that Joe would have tried. Their love for each other was as strong and as real as any man or woman's. They should be able to show it just as freely. ]
I don't see her going down the same road as Booker. [ Though he had never thought Booker would go down the path he took so what did he know? ] She has a bright spirit, you know. And strength. A lot of it.
He focuses on driving, his heart thrilling to hear the clunking of tires from ferry to road, checking his phone quickly to make sure the hotel is where he remembers it being, before he focuses on their arrival to privacy. ]
She has a good heart. I think that I will soon have backup when it comes to my opinion on our missions and what we should be doing.
[ And is he smug about that? Yes, he is a little. Now Andy can yell at two of them when they talk about doing some good for the world, since he doubts Nile will stay quiet. ]
[ Nicky does the same, even if the cross-breeze is already wreaking havoc on his hair, which is longer, but not long enough to tie back. He breathes it in deeply, though, and he feels better.
At least, until Joe talks about missions.
On the one hand, he wants to get out there and do something. On the other, the fear of Joe being captured and taken from him is still there, at the front of his mind. Unshakeable. Terrifying. ]
So long as she knows I'm not doing any mission without you. We can take Nile with us to teach.
[ Nicky adjusts his hand on the wheel so he can hold it and reach out for Joe, keeping his eyes steady and fixed forward, but he squeezes, grateful they're on the same page.
It will be just like at the start, once we got together and I was too scared to let you out of my sight, thinking you would run. ]
He knows, now, that won't happen. Nine hundred years have proven it.
[ Taking a turn, Nicky hums softly. ]
When we make it to our thousand year anniversary, will you want to return? See Jerusalem again, where it all started?
It might be fun to retrace our steps. Go to where we first met. Where we came to peace with each other. Where we first made love.
[ It would be a long anniversary trip and who knew what dangers were out there now but he likes the idea. There's a romanticism in walking the same path that led him here. ]
What do you think? Do you want to get lost in the desert with me all over again?
I could buy a tent and some camels and see if I can recreate it almost exactly.
[ Mainly because Nicky likes a lot of modern things, especially cars. Braking as he sees the hotel canopy, he lights up like a child seeing a present, eager to arrive and begin to enjoy themselves. ]
I want to get lost with you anywhere we go, my love. But for now, I am happy to bring you to this hotel and get lost with you right up to our honeymoon penthouse.
I do, but I think renting dune buggies would not feel the same. It might lessen the experience.
[ He hands the keys to the valet with strict instructions that Joe is to handle their bags and only Joe, leaning over to practically clamber over the divide to kiss Joe before he gets out, grabbing his fake passport and all their cards to head to the front desk.
Within a few moments, he has their key, but has also charmed them into giving them dinner with their honeymoon package. There are also strawberries and champagne waiting for Nicky Jones and his husband.
He returns with a key card in his palm for Joe, but he withholds it with a private smile. ] You can have this, but for a kiss.
He's very particular, my husband. [ He whispers it loudly to the valet and winks to smooth over any ruffled feathers with his charm.
Then he is out of the car. He grabs their things and very politely refuses the luggage cart offered to him. They don't travel with that much. It's easy for him to carry. ]
Oh, what a heavy asking price. I don't know if I can afford such a thing. What will my new husband think?
[ And then he's immediately leaning in for a loving kiss. ]
[ Nicky is a force to be reckoned with, all smiles and delight for Joe's calling him 'husband' to others, and when he's kissed in exchange for his card, he melts forward into the touch, cupping his neck to keep Joe from moving anywhere. ]
Your new husband thinks you are a very good kisser, Mr. Jones.
[ One day, they will use their proper names for this, own property and be who they are. Not yet, though. ]
Come on. I would hate to leave the champagne waiting. They promised a very big bottle to go along with the dinner they have added to the package.
[ Joe's very proud to use Nicky's fake last name even if it is incredibly uninspired. That's the point though. Boring last names for boring identities.
He follows Nicky to the elevators and then up to the very top floor of the hotel. It's a very nice place and has tones of both Italian art and Arabic tile. ]
I am thinking we have some champagne. Perhaps a shower and then we simply have sex until dinner arrives.
[ Nicky leans against the door and taps against the lock as he absently leans and stumbles into the room as he walks backwards, grinning as he crooks his finger to coax Joe onwards. ]
You see? You are a brilliant man.
[ The penthouse suite is incredible. It truly is bigger than any room they've been in, and the marble and the art looks like home. The champagne is being chilled and Nicky slides his thumb up the neck of it, stroking it and holding Joe's eye contact. ]
[ Nicky stands his ground. He has faced down Joe as an enemy, and has seen the onslaught of him approaching, but now it is far more exciting. He keeps his hold on the bottle and pops the cork, nudging it with his thumb. ]
I cannot say that I am very hungry.
[ Thirsty, though, is another matter. He tips the bottle back to stretch his neck out to swallow some champagne, putting it back into the chilled bucket as he waits. ]
[ Joe catches Nicky up in his arms, hauls him flush against his chest and kisses him deeply. He pours love and lust into the action. He can taste the champagne when he slides his tongue into Nicky's mouth. It's cool and sweet. ]
I'm hungry for you.
[ He hikes Nicky up higher in his arms and carries him towards the bed. ]
I need you under me. I need to be inside you.
[ He mouths at his neck before he tosses him down on the king-sized bed. ] Now strip before I tear your clothes off.
[ Nicky laughs brightly as he adjusts his legs around Joe's waist to make it easier to be dragged, tipping his chin back as he absorbs the fall with grace, and doesn't kick and spit at Joe like he might have nine hundred years ago.
Oh, how the times have changed (and for the better).
He understands, though. Kissing Joe back is frantic and messy, seeking it out desperately. He drags a kiss along Joe's neck, his gaze heated. ]
Why would you even offer that to me if you didn't intend to do it?
[ Who needs a pair of shorts and a t-shirt anyway? ]
[ But since he's been giving permission Joe grabs the t-shirt and tears it easily down the center. He pushes the scraps from Nicky's shoulder and chest then kisses down the exposed skin.
He palms Nicky's crotch through his shorts as he drags his teeth along Nicky's collar bone. ]
Mmm, love. Look at you. So much better than the backseat of that little car. I can properly appreciate you here.
He's more than happy to see Joe rip it to shreds, shoving it away to get the pieces away from him, letting out a soft noise of need when Joe's teeth are on him, and his hand gives such needed and desperate pleasure. ]
We are both far too tall for the cars of this continent.
[ And this is so much better, as he stretches out his toes and the long lean line of his body, squirming to get his shorts unbuttoned, the sandals kicked off. ]
What position would you like to appreciate me in first?
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He settles in and reaches across for Joe's hand to squeeze and turn over in his. ]
I don't want to worry you. I will get better. I will calm. I only need time and you.
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[ He laces his fingers through Nicky's. ]
You know I don't like seeing you unsettled. It's instinct to comfort you as much as I can. You're showing it more, I think.
[ Which is a very rare reversal of roles for them. Joe always wears his heart on his sleeve while Nicky is more steady. ]
But you know I feel the same... unease.
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He presses his lips together when Joe accuses him (or just calls it out), and his shoulders hunch forward slightly.
A nod, acknowledging that he is processing badly, and that he will calm. ] It is new, to be betrayed by someone you love.
[ He grips the steering wheel tightly, and that's all he says, vision forward. He knows Joe doesn't mean to rebuke him, means to only notice, but Nicky goes quiet anyway. ]
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[ Joe rests his hand on Nicky's thigh and gently rubs, trying to soothe. He really hadn't meant to upset him just let Nicky know he was aware and ready to help in any way he could. ]
It's his own fault but I keep wondering if there was something I should've said or done that would've changed things. [ He sounds annoyed at himself. ] But it's not our fault, is it? He made the choices and he has to be held accountable for them. Even if... I do miss him.
[ How could he not? They were family and loved each other. Losing one of their own, being betrayed by one of their own, it hurts deeply because of that. ]
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He was bitter that we had each other. We could not have done anything, because I refuse to hide my love for you.
[ They spent long enough doing that, by the time Booker got to them, he was done with it.
Nicky misses him too, but he cannot even think about looking at him. One hundred years is enough, if only that Nicky can rebuild his trust. Nicky reaches over to take Joe's hand in his, starting up the engine when a horn blows to signal they've docked. ] We have Nile, now, to worry about.
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[ Not that Joe would have tried. Their love for each other was as strong and as real as any man or woman's. They should be able to show it just as freely. ]
I don't see her going down the same road as Booker. [ Though he had never thought Booker would go down the path he took so what did he know? ] She has a bright spirit, you know. And strength. A lot of it.
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He focuses on driving, his heart thrilling to hear the clunking of tires from ferry to road, checking his phone quickly to make sure the hotel is where he remembers it being, before he focuses on their arrival to privacy. ]
She has a good heart. I think that I will soon have backup when it comes to my opinion on our missions and what we should be doing.
[ And is he smug about that? Yes, he is a little. Now Andy can yell at two of them when they talk about doing some good for the world, since he doubts Nile will stay quiet. ]
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I don't think it'll take as much convincing as it used to. Andy seems revitalized.
[ Which is a little scary given how vulnerable she is now. Joe knows he will not handle it well the first time she's hurt. ]
Once this vacation is over she'll put us right back in the field I imagine.
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At least, until Joe talks about missions.
On the one hand, he wants to get out there and do something. On the other, the fear of Joe being captured and taken from him is still there, at the front of his mind. Unshakeable. Terrifying. ]
So long as she knows I'm not doing any mission without you. We can take Nile with us to teach.
[ If Andy ever lets them at her. ]
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[ They are all rattled by the loss and upheaval that's hit their family.
Joe feels it too. The worry that as soon as Nicky is out of his sight someone will take him. He can't let that happen. It would ruin him. ]
We need to learn how to work as a team.
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It will be just like at the start, once we got together and I was too scared to let you out of my sight, thinking you would run. ]
He knows, now, that won't happen. Nine hundred years have proven it.
[ Taking a turn, Nicky hums softly. ]
When we make it to our thousand year anniversary, will you want to return? See Jerusalem again, where it all started?
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[ It would be a long anniversary trip and who knew what dangers were out there now but he likes the idea. There's a romanticism in walking the same path that led him here. ]
What do you think? Do you want to get lost in the desert with me all over again?
ack, formatting! sorry!
[ Mainly because Nicky likes a lot of modern things, especially cars. Braking as he sees the hotel canopy, he lights up like a child seeing a present, eager to arrive and begin to enjoy themselves. ]
I want to get lost with you anywhere we go, my love. But for now, I am happy to bring you to this hotel and get lost with you right up to our honeymoon penthouse.
no worries. it happens.
[ Much to Joe's amusement. They are temperamental beasts, just like his Nicolo. ]
Ah, a little mini-anniversary before the big one. I like the way you think. If you want to check us in I'll get the bags.
[ And most importantly, the swords. No hotel concierge is going to get their hands on those. ]
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[ He hands the keys to the valet with strict instructions that Joe is to handle their bags and only Joe, leaning over to practically clamber over the divide to kiss Joe before he gets out, grabbing his fake passport and all their cards to head to the front desk.
Within a few moments, he has their key, but has also charmed them into giving them dinner with their honeymoon package. There are also strawberries and champagne waiting for Nicky Jones and his husband.
He returns with a key card in his palm for Joe, but he withholds it with a private smile. ] You can have this, but for a kiss.
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Then he is out of the car. He grabs their things and very politely refuses the luggage cart offered to him. They don't travel with that much. It's easy for him to carry. ]
Oh, what a heavy asking price. I don't know if I can afford such a thing. What will my new husband think?
[ And then he's immediately leaning in for a loving kiss. ]
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Your new husband thinks you are a very good kisser, Mr. Jones.
[ One day, they will use their proper names for this, own property and be who they are. Not yet, though. ]
Come on. I would hate to leave the champagne waiting. They promised a very big bottle to go along with the dinner they have added to the package.
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[ Joe's very proud to use Nicky's fake last name even if it is incredibly uninspired. That's the point though. Boring last names for boring identities.
He follows Nicky to the elevators and then up to the very top floor of the hotel. It's a very nice place and has tones of both Italian art and Arabic tile. ]
I am thinking we have some champagne. Perhaps a shower and then we simply have sex until dinner arrives.
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You see? You are a brilliant man.
[ The penthouse suite is incredible. It truly is bigger than any room they've been in, and the marble and the art looks like home. The champagne is being chilled and Nicky slides his thumb up the neck of it, stroking it and holding Joe's eye contact. ]
Then, a late dinner?
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[ As soon as they are in the room he leaves the bags with their clothes by the door. The swords he leaves close to the bed in case they're needed.
He pulls his shirt over his head, tosses it away, and advances on Nicky like a lion stalking prey. ]
Probably a very late dinner.
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I cannot say that I am very hungry.
[ Thirsty, though, is another matter. He tips the bottle back to stretch his neck out to swallow some champagne, putting it back into the chilled bucket as he waits. ]
Come be motivated and brilliant then.
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I'm hungry for you.
[ He hikes Nicky up higher in his arms and carries him towards the bed. ]
I need you under me. I need to be inside you.
[ He mouths at his neck before he tosses him down on the king-sized bed. ] Now strip before I tear your clothes off.
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Oh, how the times have changed (and for the better).
He understands, though. Kissing Joe back is frantic and messy, seeking it out desperately. He drags a kiss along Joe's neck, his gaze heated. ]
Why would you even offer that to me if you didn't intend to do it?
[ Who needs a pair of shorts and a t-shirt anyway? ]
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[ But since he's been giving permission Joe grabs the t-shirt and tears it easily down the center. He pushes the scraps from Nicky's shoulder and chest then kisses down the exposed skin.
He palms Nicky's crotch through his shorts as he drags his teeth along Nicky's collar bone. ]
Mmm, love. Look at you. So much better than the backseat of that little car. I can properly appreciate you here.
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He's more than happy to see Joe rip it to shreds, shoving it away to get the pieces away from him, letting out a soft noise of need when Joe's teeth are on him, and his hand gives such needed and desperate pleasure. ]
We are both far too tall for the cars of this continent.
[ And this is so much better, as he stretches out his toes and the long lean line of his body, squirming to get his shorts unbuttoned, the sandals kicked off. ]
What position would you like to appreciate me in first?
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