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Chapter Text

Gone is my Luck

“Damn It!! WEDNESDAY!! Wednesday… I don’t know how to say this but I need you here right now…I- I can’t do this without him.”

“He can’t come back dear boy. And I don’t have the power to do it ‘ither.”

The Irishman grips the now cold body of Shadow in his arms, the rain making the once warm human cool quickly. Sweeney cups his cheek thumb idly tracing circles there. The technical boy had gone too far this time. For some odd reason the boy deemed it necessary to kill Shadow all because of him working for Odin or Wednesday. Or so it seemed. Wednesday kneels down besides the grieving red-head one hand perched gently on his shoulder.
A gut wrenching sob racks his frame as he holds the lifeless body closer. Not even his lucky coin is working. When it clearly worked on Shadow’s deceased wife, brought the cunt back to life he thinks bitterly.

“Come, we will bring him to Mr. Ibis for his burial.”

“No. I will take care of his arrangements. It’s what he would want in tha first place.”

Mad Sweeney runs his hand through Shadow’s short hair the look of longing etched deep into his face. Tears begin to fall silently down his cheeks the sadness and sense of loss not lost on the older god. Tilting Shadow’s head up to face him Sweeney hesitates then kisses his bloodied lips. A last kiss before the storm rolls in.

My Gift to You
The place boasted of having rare finds and oddities. Well we’ll see thinks the Irishman to himself as the bell jingles above his head. Ducking just a bit so he doesn’t smack his head on it, his eyes are drawn to the coins glittering under the overhead lamp. His blue eyes light up at the antique Roman coin lying on a velvet pedestal. Perfect for Shadow and his coin tricks. Sweeney holds up a golden coin in hopes for a trade the clerk contemplating the trade. Happily walking out of the shop with the coin wrapped in a red box Sweeney heads back to their shared apartment on Liberty street. Mad Sweeney whistles softly as he unlocks the door until the crunch of snow behind him alerts him to the stranger.

“Can I ‘elp you stranger?”

“Yeah you can hand over that trinket there.”

Pressing the barrel of a gun to Sweeney’s head the man stretches out his hand awaiting the small box. The Irishman sighs dramatically then turns to punch the stranger in the nose. He howls out in pain surprised by Sweeney’s blow. He doesn’t attempt to take the trinket box from the leprechaun but turns tail the other way. The red-head walks into the apartment the warm scent of bourbon vanilla drifting through the space. Setting the coin on the counter so Shadow can see it he wanders back to the bathroom, the days sweat and grime settling on his skin. He turns on the warm water the steam filling the room quickly. No sooner does Sweeny hop into the shower does he hear the front door open.
Sighing he waits for Shadow to enter into the room. A soft thunk followed by plops of clothes.

“Hi stranger.”

“Hi yourself.”

Shadow opens the curtain drinking in the sight of slightly freckled skin under the running water. The Irishman moves aside making room for Shadow to slide in behind him. Shadow wraps his muscled arms around the slim waist pressing himself against his back. He trails his lips across the creamy expanse of skin to stop at the base of his neck. Rough hands run over Sweeney’s nipples teasing the nubs to hardness. Sweeney laughs and dips his head into the water to rinse out the soap from his red locks.

“Thank you.”

“For what? Oh you mean the coin… It was nothing.”

The ex-con trails his hands down the hard abs to rest just above the tight pubic hairs and Sweeney’s half hard cock. He’s been waiting all day to get back to their shared apartment since he received Sweeney’s text earlier in the day.
Forcing Shadow against the wall of the shower Sweeney towers over him by a head and a half. Capturing his full lips Sweeney slowly explores the sweetness that is Shadow. He laces his long fingers through Shadow’s pinning his hands just by his ears. Shadow breaks the kiss mouth open in an ‘o’.

“Swee-ney…”

“Yes Mr. Moon?”

“Fuck me, now.”

The Irishman laughs burying his face into the side of Shadow’s neck. He drops the hold on one of Shadow’s hands to trace the curve of the ex-con’s ass. With a gentle prod Shadow exhales breathlessly against Sweeney’s ear. Releasing Shadow’s other hand the Irishman grabs one of Shadow’s legs and perches it on his hip. Shadow tightly grips Sweeney’s hip with his leg hoisting himself up on the Irishman’s stomach.
The Irishman chuckles again this time sliding a single digit into the tight ring of muscle. Shadow gasps his hands gripping tight behind Mad Sweeney’s head.

“Relax baby. It’s only going to take a minute.”

Sweeney pushes another finger in relishing in the way Shadow’s muscles tense under his touch. Taking the other’s mouth in a fiery kiss the red-head grips his hips tightly after removing his fingers to line up with his hole. Shadow laces his fingers in Mad Sweeney’s hair arching against him as he pushes up into him. The warmth of the man sends Sweeney into a bliss. Blue eyes follow the curve of Shadow’s neck finally landing and locking with dark brown ones. Shadow actually whines when the Irishman pushes and pulls out achingly slow.
Nipping Shadow’s bottom lip and taking it between his teeth Sweeney moves them to the floor. The water starts to turn cold after 15 minutes of foreplay on the floor. The ex-con shivers involuntarily around the red-headed Irishman bringing him closer for heat.

“It’s c-cold.”

“Hold on ta me love.”

Moon wraps himself around Sweeney’s lean frame as the leprechaun hauls himself and the extra body off the floor and into their room. Practically dumping Shadow on the bed Sweeney turns off the water and comes back with two towels. Sweeney pushes Shadow back on the bed taking the towel and dabbing at the water droplets on chocolate skin. Trailing feather light kisses as he goes Shadow perches himself on his elbows to watch the other man work. A nuzzle here a nip there particular attention to Shadow’s left hip. Chocolate brown eyes catch dazzling blue ones in a silent plea to just fuck him into the mattress.
While licking his way to the puckered ring of muscle a knock sounds at the door. Mad Sweeney growls low in his throat causing ripples of sound to vibrate through Shadow. Arching off the bed the ex-con chokes off a whimper.

“Hold that thought love. I’ll be back for ya.”

The red-head throws on a pair of shorts to pad over to the front door. He cracks it open to reveal none other than Mr. Wednesday. The older man looks at him quizzically with a raised eyebrow.

“Get dressed m’boy we are needed.”

“Can’t ya blasted see ‘im busy right now? Go away.”

“The tide is turning and we are needed now Mad Sweeney, whatever it is it can surely wait.”

The older god blinks twice like an owl when Shadow comes up behind Mad Sweeney to place a caressing hand to his hip. Mr. Wednesday’s jaw drops the slightest at the implications from the two.

“Hi Wednesday. What brings you here today?”

“Obviously I’m not getting the leprechaun away from you m’boy. In an hour meet me at the diner across the street.”

Shadow just smiles at the older man but drags Sweeney back into the apartment after shutting the door. Crystal blue eyes light up at the forcefulness from Shadow. An eagerness and impatience tinge Shadow’s movements making Sweeney take even longer in pushing him back onto the bed.
They waste no time in preparation after the Irishman turns Shadow onto his stomach, ass up in the air, face planted firmly in the sheets. With a groan Mad Sweeney pushes into Shadow’s warm heat. Shadow moans then props himself up on all fours for free range of his body. The red-head can’t seem to keep his hands to himself. One is gripped tight to his hip the other teasing and pinching Shadow’s now sensitive nipples. All the while he’s pounding hard into his ass eager to hit that small bundle of nerves.

“Fu-ck!”

The leprechaun laughs lightly against Shadow’s shoulder angling just right. That’s the spot, right there the red-head thinks. So he aims there again this time sending Shadow into a puddle of nerves face first into the bed. Blessed Bran, floats through his head.

“Can’t ‘old on…”

“Damn it Sweeney… you better not!”

“O don’t ya worry yur sweet little head Mr. Moon yur not gettin’ off tha easy.”

In time with his thrusts Sweeney strokes and fondles Shadow’s throbbing cock bringing him oh so close to the edge with him. Finally! Sweeney thinks rather forcefully while hitting Shadow’s prostate continuously. There it is the final straw as a thick white substance splatters the bed. Shadow pants tiredly then smiles as Sweeney finishes, his jizz trailing behind and down Shadow’s thigh. Curling up around the con Sweeney puts all his weight on him pressing him to the mattress. Laughing Shadow cradles the Irishman’s head to his cheek.

“We’re gonna need another shower.”

A WTF moment
In the hell? Thinks Shadow as he’s walking down the alley. There on the ground sat Mad Sweeney a bottle of Jameson Whiskey in one hand and a long burnt out cigarette in the other. Shadow thinks it strange for him to be out here in the cold instead of inside so he sits by the self proclaimed leprechaun.

“Mad Sweeney come inside with me.”

Shadow doesn’t look over at the other man but can feel his blue gaze on him in an instant. Sighing Shadow get’s up, dusts the snow off his pants and holds out his hand to the red-head. That pitiful gaze burned him deep down. Taking his proffered hand Sweeney grips tight and stands chest to chest with Shadow. They stand there a moment not letting go of each other’s hands silent contemplation passing between the two.

“You can stay with me tonight. Out of the cold.”

The Irishman doesn’t say a word but pads after Shadow easily catching up to his stride. Hands shoved deep in his pockets Shadow stops a short distance away. Sighing with annoyance he pulls the man’s hands out of his pockets to rub them in between his own. Sweeney eyes him cautiously but doesn’t pull away.

“Come in, it’s freezing out here.”

They enter the building and Shadow’s sparsely furnished apartment. It reminded the leprechaun of a prison cell. Awkwardly Mad Sweeney stands by the door unsure of Shadow’s hospitality.

“Thank you.”

“Excuse me?”

He felt embarrassed to say it but didn’t want to take it back due to offending Shadow in some way. The ex-con sighs again and takes a hold of Sweeney’s hand to sit him on the couch by the space heater. Coming back in Shadow hands over a cup of steaming tea.

“You’re welcome. Anytime.”

Chapter Text

Shadow slams the door in the Leprechaun’s face pissed to the nine realms of this nights events. Mad Sweeney’s huffing outside their door smoking away, cooling down. Shadow decides against locking the front door but locks the door to the shower. His thoughts swirling at catching the Irishman with a woman. Moon sighs as he hears the door open and close then pad across the wood floor.
“Shadow?”

Doesn’t answer but continues to wash off the smell of the bar. He’ll learn after this thinks Shadow. Sweeney doesn’t feel up to picking the lock then making the ex-con mad because he invaded his space.
“Come on Shadow we ain’t even together!”

And that does it right there. Moon shuts off the water, dries off enough to throw some shorts on, and swings the door open. Sweeney startles a little at the slam of the door.
“Haven’t you figured it out by now ya fucken idiot!”

The Irishman blinks his baby blues twice in confusion. Shadow huffs then walks off into the kitchen with a towel around his neck. It dawns on the Leprechaun a few minutes too late but he silently makes his way over towards Shadow. He hangs back in the doorway unsure of Shadow’s mental stability at the moment. Annoyed Shadow slams the fridge door only to have Sweeney right in his personal space.
“Fucker get away from me.”

“I know why yur mad at me now.”

“Oh really, why don’t you fucken enlighten me then!”

The smaller man crosses his arms as he glares dark icy daggers at the Leprechaun. Sweeney leans in, barely ghosting hot breath on Shadow’s ear. He presses his lips just behind the shell of Moon’s ear causing him to shiver.
“You wish it was you in that booth that night don’t you?”

Moon doesn’t want to admit it so he decks the Irishman just because he’s right. That and he’s within proximity.
“Fuck! Mother fucken cunt! What’d ya go and do that for?!”

“Don’t think I’m going to get over it that quick ya damn bastard.”

Shadow storms from their shared kitchen to the other bedroom. Lately they’ve been finding each other in the other’s bed but nothing has yet to happen. It’s nearing midnight and Shadow has yet to fall asleep. Finally submitting to sleep Moon hears the opening of his door. The smell of cigarettes and grade A whiskey filter through the room. He doesn’t say anything but feels the plop of a pillow behind his head. Not about to push him away Shadow waits until he settles. An hour or so after Mad Sweeney lays down, his back to Shadow’s he curls in on himself. The ex-con sighs lightly turns over and wraps himself around the other.
The warmth of Shadow on his back calms him enough he can fall into an easy sleep. One thing he’s not been able to do since this whole fiasco started. Grabbing Shadow’s hand and pulling it over his chest to get the smaller man closer Sweeney mumbles unintelligibly.
“I forgive you.”

Satisfied with the apology Shadow leans over the Irishman’s shoulder and kisses him behind the ear. Smiling like a loon Sweeney turns over to curl around the smaller man.
“It won’t happen again.”

He nuzzles Shadow’s cheek then slowly kisses his lips, suckling the bottom one. A slight moan comes from Shadow when the red-head cups his face and presses closer to him. Breaking away but still close to each other Moon smiles shyly, eyes averted to the Leprechaun’s chin. Placing a finger under his chin Sweeney lifts his chin to capture his lips once more.
“I have something the bastard doesn’t.”

“And what would that be?”

“You.”

They left it at that, curled around each other content with what they have.

Chapter Text

Both chief of police and a well known mob boss coexisting in one house under one roof. Yeah right. Their positions just happen to cross at certain turns. So today happens to be one of those days where those lines cross. But every time they fail to catch or hurt each other.
“Fuck you you fucken cunt!”

He’s probably going to regret telling his spouse that but he had to make it look real. The Irishman runs down an alley with the chief of police on his ass. Oh this is a turn on thinks the Irishman, mob boss extraordinaire. Body checking his partner into the wall the red-head groans out in protest.
“What’d ya say you bitch? Care to repeat that?”

“OOH you know I like it rough. Want to make out behind the dumpster there?”

“I would but…”

Indecision warred for a few seconds in dark eyes before the chief of police pulls the mob boss behind said dumpster. Sweeney’s eyes light up at the aggression radiating off his partner. He boldly leans forward to plant his lips against the smaller man’s. Instantly melting into his lips Shadow loosens his grip to roam up and cup the red-head’s jaw. With a moan Sweeney grabs Shadow’s hips to draw him even closer.
“Sir!”

“Looks like I’ll see you at home.”

“You owe me dinner Mr. Chief of Police.”

“Now get before I cuff you and turn you in.”

With a maniacal laugh Sweeney moves from under Shadow sliding away in the darkness of the alley easily. Shadow stands there extremely uncomfortable as his underlings come around the corner. Stopping they look to him puzzled as to where their perpetrator went. He sighs then shrugs in annoyance. Weeks go by before they purposely come across each other’s paths. Sweeney sighs deeply as a scout is standing in front of him reading off profits in their areas. Boring if you ask him. Wonder what my husband is up to he muses to himself. The scout looks at him funny only for Sweeney to throw something off his desk at the other.
“Let’s go rile the Police Chief again.”

“Um Sir is that such a good idea?”

“Yeah, keeps the fucker on his toes.”

Son of an Irishman: I’m bored. Meet me at the square.

Dark Eyes: Why? To tease me again?

Son of an Irishman: You know you’re getting fucked tonight, right?

Sweeney turns in his chair to stand only to find his scout still standing there. Now annoyed he shoos the underling away. Shadow mumbles something unintelligible running his hands down his face to stare blankly out the window.
Buzzing in his pocket he smiles grabs his coat then heads out absolutely avoiding his detail at the desks. Completely not a good idea to go out alone he does so anyway. There in the square dressed like he’s got somewhere to be is his goal, his partner. Though no one has picked it up yet, they try and keep it under wraps. Excited to see what his police partner has in store one of his new hires shoots openly at Shadow. Ducking out of instinct Sweeney pops up to double check to see if the Police Chief had been hit or not. A deep exhale escapes him. Shadow is behind a brick planter practically growling his disapproval. More rounds were fired this time, thankfully no bystanders were in the cross hairs. Shadow closes his eyes tight and fires one shot. Pain automatic pain shoots through Sweeney’s shoulder.
“I’m so going to hear it later.”

Hours go by in the emergency room. Yeah the nursing staff was frustrated with the Irishman but he almost refused to go. If it wasn’t for his second urging that he go he wouldn’t of. Finally making it home Sweeney plops down in the kitchen chair to watch his husband cook.
“How was your day?”

“As if you don’t know. You fucken shot me!”

Shadow hangs his head to shrug one shoulder. The tan skinned man turns and walks to the red-head. Straddling his waist Sweeney leans back to get a better view of those dark eyes he fell in love with.
“Better me than someone else.”

Chapter Text

More than once they came across each other. More than once they had exchanged a word sometimes a bullet. But it never came down to either one of them giving up what they love. Until one night it came to close to close to losing one another.
“Don’t do that again. You scared the shit outta me.”

“I’m sorry Shads but your guys got the drop on me. You might want to reevaluate your staff. Sadistic tendencies… Ow.”

“Sorry.”

Sweeney winces away from Shadow’s hands the peroxide burning the open wound to his shoulder. Shadow pushes gently against the red-head’s side to have him lay down right side facing up. Laying a soft kiss on the Irishman’s ribs above the wound Shadow yelps as Sweeney pulls him over and under him. The red-head smiles weakly but lays a chaste kiss upon his husband’s lips.
“I’m abdicating tomorrow. I can’t do this anymore. Not to ya, love.”

“What? What do you mean abdicating? Don’t give up with what you love.”

“And I can’t ask ya ta do the same Shads.”

His kiss came a little more aggressively this time throwing Shadow off guard. Grasping Shadow’s hands and bringing them above his head he trails his fingers down his arms lightly. The act causing a tickling sensation making Shadow chuckle. Sweeney moans as he grinds against Shadow’s hips.
“You would do that for me?”

“Only for you love.”

The Irishman sits back to stand from the bed, blue gaze lighting hot trails down Shadow’s skin. Shimming his pants off Sweeney kneels to take his partner into his mouth. The dark eyed one arches off the bed the heat of Sweeney’s mouth electrifying. His tongue travels down his sac to lick tentatively at the puckered hole. It pushes in swirling around to make the walls clench around the piece of muscle. Shadow bites his bottom lip lifting up to prop himself on his elbows to watch.
Sweeney backs up to stand just behind his dark lover, his pants dropping to the floor. Stroking himself to perfect hardness he laughs low and dangerously at Shadow’s cock leaking out the tip. The Irishman grins to push himself into that sweet tightness of his partner. With a loud groan Shadow grasps Sweeney’s shoulder to hang on. Slowly at first then to a deep thrust, reaching his prostate Shadow cries out at the sudden stars behind his eyes. His husband grins again leaning over to kiss Shadow firmly. Deep and fast Sweeney grunts as he’s close to coming hard. Moon arches off the bed again making the angle change some frustration showing in Sweeney’s eyes. The tension mounting through both of them the red-head bends Shadow’s legs up to his shoulders driving deeper into his moist heat.
“Fuck!”

At the same time Sweeney grunts out a satisfied sound while Shadow lies against the bed curled under his husband. Wincing Sweeney rolls off holding his side grinning but now in pain.
“I love you Sweeney.”

Chapter Text

One night when they were out on the town it so happened that a few of the Irish Mob’s men went out too. Sweeney pulls Shadow to him in the alley outside the club they were in, holding him closely so they don’t get spotted. Shadow looks up at his partner and sighs.
“What?!”

“I thought you told them about us?”

“What and risk them killing you? Are ya fucken crazy?”

“Yes, for you.”

The Irishman laughs a little bit only to push Shadow into the shadows. His lackeys come up finally noticing that their boss is leaning against the brick wall smoking away at his known cheap cigarettes. They stop only a few feet from him and start a short conversation. Shadow shifts from foot to foot in anticipation trying not to fall from where he is hiding. He loses his balance and happens to land right on Sweeney. In a tangle of limbs Shadow raises his head only to be met by two shiny gun barrels. His dark eyes go wide expecting at any moment to be shot right in front of his husband.
“Halt! He is under my auspices! Under no circumstance are ya ta shoot ‘im. Do ya hear me?”

Both of the men look at each other then to their red-headed boss. Slowly holstering their weapons the guys step back so the other two men can untangle from each other. One has the balls to say to his boss or rather ask if that is the chief of police.
“But sir isn’t that the Chief of Police?”

“By Bran he has a brain. Yes and he’s under my protection, so if ya cunt’s have anything ta say about it ya better do it now. And if I hear that the word is out that we were seen together I’ll shoot ya meself. Capice?”

“Yes sir!”

“Good now git outta here before I change me mind.”
“Was that really necessary?”

“Yes to keep ya safe it was.”

The Irishman leans down to place a possessive yet protective kiss on his love’s lips before dragging him to a secluded part of the club they were in.

Chapter Text

A couple weeks go by before anything happens. Sweeney is so drunk he doesn’t notice his husband laying his head on the bar top breathing shallowly. He sways just a bit before he slides off the stool in a heap on the floor. At that moment a few of his guys come in and practically carry Shadow like a sack of potatoes away from the bar. Sweeney groans his head pounding something fierce.
“Shadow… Shadow! Maria… urgh…”

“Shhh calm down most precious honeybee. Don’t move yet, looks like you’ve been drugged.”

“With… wh-what?”

“A barbiturate most likely.”

The red-head groans sitting up the room spinning like a tornado in the summer. He looks around slowly noticing something missing from his side. Fear and worry hit him hard in the gut crippling him to where he falls hard back into the booth.
“Maria where’s Shadow?”

“Um some guys came and took him around midnight, about the time you both pa… oh dear. They’re the ones who must’ve drugged you both!”

The bartender shrieks the last part worry etching her face. Sweeney is finally able to stand albeit a little wobbly but makes it over to the bar. Maria was smart enough to not touch their glasses. There at the bottom lay a thin residue hopefully enough to identify what they used. He looks up to spy for the security cameras in the bar.
“Do you have the footage for those?”

“Yes… Why? Oh… to see who took Shadow.”

A little after midnight the guys came in and carried Shadow off. What wrenched his gut even more is that those guys that drugged him and Shadow are his own. Scraping his hand down his face to tug on his beard Sweeney growls because he can’t damn well go to the police now can he. Because the damn Chief of Police is sitting in the back of one of his work cars, drugged to the nines.

Chapter Text

It’s easy to find or track down the car they used. After all it does belong to the Irish mob that runs around the city. Sweeney parks his personal car a few blocks away from their place of operations. He sighs stepping out and lighting another cigarette anger radiating off of him in waves. The century at the door looks him up and down then lets him in, a mix of fear and respect in his eyes.
“Ya gonna let me in or are ya just gonna stare at me?”

“Um yes sir.”

Pushing through the door Sweeney exhales the smoke he is holding going straight to what would be his office. The Irishman stops dead upon swinging open the door to find his second getting a blow job in his chair. Pure anger shoots hot through his veins at the sight. Now he always wanted to bring Shadow to see his office maybe even get him to do the same, but that vision is shattered. His second stands quickly to pull up his pants at the protest of the bitch under the desk. The red-headed mob boss puts his cigarette out rather forcefully in the canister close to his desk.
“Sir I wasn’t expecting you.”

“Bet yur arse you weren’t. Now git yur sorry ass out of here.”

“Yes sir!”

He sighs landing heavily into the chair with a grimace. Curious he pulls up the security footage throughout the building. It’s one way that he kept track of them. What is that he stops and flips back to a screen, curious? Shadow? No, they didn’t! Sweeney stands bellicose. Because lying on the bed in the brothel part of the building is his husband. The red-head could tell he is still drugged to his ears and barely fighting the advances from what appears both sexes in the room. Shadow moans through the gag head starting to clear of the fog. Turning the audio off immediately he can’t take anymore. The Irishman makes his way down to that part of the building. Everyone appeared to get the hint that he is on a rampage for some reason.
By the time he reaches the brothel his second is rushing down the hall after him. Sweeney growls and pins his underling to the wall a sharp blade poking into the sensitive skin of his flesh. There should be no reason as to why his husband is drugged and tied in his brothel. The red-headed mob boss growls out to the other man not realizing his mistake. He drops the bastard to fling open the door to the room.

“Shadow. Bloody Bran love what did they do to ya?”

Sweeney kneels onto the bed to untie Shadow’s hands catching his wide swing easily. Pulling him close to his chest Shadow calms down as he inhales the scent of whiskey and cigarettes. The scent that is unique to his Leprechaun, his husband, his lucky coin.

Chapter Text

Always talking about needing him but never really showed it until now. Mr. Moon is forced to put some distance between himself and his husband. The last round from his husband’s people put him in danger. They now know that the Chief of Police is married to their boss. Of course they won’t have it, so they try and go after the man. Shadow is in a club on the East Coast the bodies writhing and grooving against him. He sighs deeply then downs his drink to slide it across the counter. Moon stands to move into the throng.
“Hey sugar, you look a little lonely tonight. Mind if I join you?”

“Sure.”

Shadow’s not really wishing to be accompanied but the woman insists. After a couple songs her boyfriend comes up trying to start some shit. The chief of police backs up literally yelling at the dude that he’s gay and that she was the one who insisted. That earned him a punch to the mouth busting his bottom lip wide open.
Another deep sigh exits Shadow’s lungs. Putting up his hands in surrender Moon walks away from the scuffle. He sits heavily onto the stool finding the pattern on the bar interesting. Shadow startles at the hand on his shoulder. Almost swinging around to deck the assailant Shadow pauses a moment then lowers his fist.
“I saw what happened. It was bull shit, can I buy you a drink?”

The dark eyed man looks at his visitor and nods but doesn’t say anything more. Silence greets them for spell until he turns to look at Shadow head on.
“Do you want to get out of here? I know of a quieter place.”

“Any place is better than here right now. Lead the way.”

They walk out into the warm night air to go half way across the city. The night air smelt of rain on the winds. Shadow finds it easy to talk to the guy which he realizes that he doesn’t know his name.
“I’m sorry I didn’t introduce myself, the names Jack. Been talking about ourselves most of the night and we didn’t bother with introductions.”

“Shadow. It’s been a pleasure Jack.”
A pang strikes Shadow in the chest at the sight wishing to the nine realms that Sweeney was here to see it. Jack looks at him through a glance turning to gaze at him directly. The man cups Shadow’s cheek leaning into him the slightest. Shadow cuts his eyes at Jack leaning back against the railing behind him. Pulling Jack’s hand from his cheek Shadow moves from the spot. Jack scoffs at the move, his voice becoming brusque with indignation.
“What? I figured you were asking for this.”

“I’m married for one and two: I have no interest in cheating on my husband three; you’re not my type.”

“Fine I see how you are. Playing hard to get.”

“No just truthful, loyal, and I love my husband. I wouldn’t hurt him.”

“We’ll see.”

Chapter Text

Jack forces Shadow back against the railing once more. The police chief shoves him back a few feet weariness seeping into his frame. Through with the cad Shadow walks in the opposite direction. Light footsteps pad behind him following him through the dark streets. Great thinks Moon, just what I need… a stalker.
“Look Jack. Stop following me because I have no interest in you.”

Shadow turns to look but he isn’t there. His expression turns to one of confusion then horror when a hand wraps around his mouth bringing him back into a solid frame. Moon struggles violently until a taser hits his ribs. Arching away from the body Shadow moans then falls still with the occasional twitch from the electricity. Jack inhales Shadow’s scent the faint smell of chili pepper and whiskey.
The abductor huffs at Shadow’s dead weight not expecting him to be that heavy. It’s a few blocks before Jack reaches his destination finally. Tempted to just take the man right there he thinks otherwise. Shadow shifts showing that he’s close to coming too.
“Welcome back to the living Shadow. I was afraid you weren’t going to wake up in time.”

“Jack… what are… where…?”

“Oh someplace secluded like you mentioned in the bar.”

“I didn’t mean like this… ow…”

Shadow attempts to sit up his head spinning. Jack is instantly in Shadow’s face forcing him back against the wall. He expects the swing from his captive so he ducks and pins one hand behind his head. The police chief bucks hoping to dislodge Jack from his waist. Click click click three times and the cold metal bites into his wrist when Jack lets go.
Shadow looks up at the long chain hanging from the rafters. Jack grins while wrestling Shadow’s other hand into the other cuff. A fierce growl comes from Jack when Shadow manages to kick him in the chest away from him. Quickly the officer rolls over to his stomach to pull on the chain.
“This makes it easier.”

“What? Hell no! Get the fuck off me!”

Jack pushes Shadow’s face into the wall working his free hand down the front of his captive’s pants. Shadow flinches at the unfamiliar contact. The blonde from the bar grins against his neck gripping tight around Moon’s cock.
“Oh you’re already sensitive to this, make it easier on you.”

“Don’t… please don’t do this. You don’t want to do…”

“Oh that’s where you’re wrong. I wanted to just fuck you back at the bar.”

Jack rips Shadow’s pants down to his knees and forces himself into Shadow. A keening sound echoes throughout the room. The blonde’s grip is bruising. Shadow tries to hide the painful tears pricking his eyes. He’s rough nothing like the way his husband treats him in bed. Jack’s nails dig into Shadow’s sides as he’s thrusting painfully up into his prostate. Shadow can’t help the painful cry at Jack’s final coming thrust and shudder.
“Thanks for the fuck, Shadow. Rather enjoyed it.”

Chapter Text

Sweeney growls in annoyance that he isn’t able to get a hold of his husband. Exhaling the puff of smoke from his nose the Irishman turns his back to the view of the city and waits with the phone to his ear.
‘This is Shadow I can’t come to the phone right now, leave a message.’

“Hey babe it’s me. You haven’t answered your phone today was wondering if you’re okay. Love you miss you.”

Going stir crazy Sweeney grabs his coat and goes to head downstairs. He runs into a group of his guys outside the door. His eyebrow shoots up while he trails the cigarette from his lips.
“Gentlemen, can I do somethin’ fer ya?”

“Yeah ya can come down to the office? Yer permission is needed.”

Okaaayy, thinks Sweeney to himself their appearance a little suspicious. But following them anyway the red-head stops before the car sitting in front of his apartment. He knocks on the window at the underling in the drivers’ seat. She looks up at him unsure of what he wants her to do.
Rolling his eyes he motions to move over, she does so without complaint. Nobody else gets into the vehicle with them making it even more odd. Sweeney drives off down their place of work. Glancing back in the mirror Sweeney pushes the girl down in the seat as bullets pierce the back windshield..
“Fuck! Get down!”

The girl screams in confusion and fear, her first time ever having been shot at. Sweeney skids along the corner barely escaping the next spray of bullets. They both breathe a little easier this time. Fury passes through Sweeney as quick as alcohol down the esophagus and into the gullet. He looks over to the girl after parking the car.
“What in the fuck was that all about!? Can you answer me that?!”

“I- I don’t know! I was just told to drive you!”

He couldn’t have anymore candour in his voice than he did in that moment because she literally looks terrified of him.
No more shots came to litter the car but no one came to check on them either. A whimper comes from the passenger side making him look over. The poor kid is holding her side blood spilling between her fingers.
“Fuck Bran. Hold on kid. Don’t you dare die on me.”

She whines in pain her breaths coming in short. Sweeney hurries as fast as he was able to without breaking the law. Until she passes out slumping against his shoulder so he speeds through the traffic catching the police’s attention. They back off the slightest as soon as he pulls into the emergency room of the hospital.
“Get out of the car slowly!”

“Please officers let me git her into tha hospital so she can git some help.”

They hesitate for a moment checking out the girl and allowing him to take her in to get help. It is an endless bout of questioning until they finally decide that he wasn’t the one who shot her.

Chapter Text

The whole event caused a cataclysm of small ones after, up and not including the near death of Mad Sweeney. His own people he lead almost took his life from him a couple times. But they don’t or didn’t know that the police chief is his husband. Until recently that is when they took him and brought him to their brothel of sorts. Since then Sweeney hasn’t been able to trust any of them. He sits up rather groggy not remembering anything after the visit by the cops. The whole thing appearing to be odd in his foggy mind. Sweeney remembers someone coming up behind him placing a rag over his mouth making him pass out.
“Hey! Hey is someone there!?”

He’s banging on the door after stumbling to it. Shouldering it the damn thing doesn’t budge. Sweeney startles a bit when a face appears in the viewing window. Hitting it harder all he does is bust his knuckles. Then a voice comes on staticy and low over the little metal box with a button.
“Good morning Mad Sweeney, how was your sleep?”

“Fragger let me outta here.”

“Nah I’m afraid we can’t do that. You’ve been disloyal to us and need to feel the discipline. Like every one of us does when we screw up in your house. See isn’t that what you yourself instilled when you took over? Loyalty, a code, but it seems that you yourself don’t have to follow it.”

“What are you talking about?

His second looks at him rather sadly opening the door to step forward. Sweeney is unsure of the man’s motives so he steps back. A blinding punch lands on his jaw sending pain up and through his head. Confused at first the red-head doesn’t fight back until the third punch.
“A’right laddie if ya think ya can dish it, let’s go.”

“My pleasure Sweeney.”

Both men exchange round for round finally falling still after about 20minutes of fighting. During the time Sweeney realizes what his second is referring to when he mentioned being disloyal. He did it to keep his people out of danger. That danger would certainly come if he didn’t take the necessary steps to do it. He came up with the idea since the Chief of Police and mayor didn’t know his identity yet. Woo the chief get close, but it turned to more than just wooing him and getting close. He ended up loving the man, and that man found out at some point but turned a partial blind eye as long as his boys stayed in a semi-neutral state.
And he allowed his boys to do their business and it helped keep the city even cleaner than it had been in years. Marrying Shadow had been a good step towards dominating the trade. Even though it burns Shadow’s hide every time they step out of their boundaries. Sweeney steps back sighing.
“Ya know yur right. I’ve been disloyal to you all.”

Chapter Text

To circumvent the inevitable Sweeney holds his hands up in surrender. His second Vick stops and stares at him. He turns his gaze to the ceiling for a brief moment before looking back down.
“I came up with the plan to help us. All of us, from getting hurt. I thought I’d woo the police chief into a false sense of security with me so he’d be a little more lenient once he found out about my identity. Don’t give me that look Vick. If I told you sooner you’d have just killed him anyway. It’s been beneficial to us so far this way.”

“Let me stop you right there. You ended up marrying the man, how is that beneficial to us? Please tell me because frankly I don’t see it.”

“We haven’t gotten caught have we? There hasn’t been any unnecessary deaths has there? There’s plenty of things. Look just go with me on this.”

The other man clenches his jaw then releases it, Sweeney noting it because it’s a way to gauge Vick’s moods. The bipolar bastard. Deeming it safe enough to pull out a cigarette to smoke Mad Sweeney inhales deeply.
“You actually love him don’t you? You didn’t just woo the bastard you fell in love with the man.”

He has nothing to say to the accusation. But it’s not really an accusation it’s more a statement of fact. Even Vick could see it in the way the two interacted. All Sweeney is asking of his second is to not expose the two of them and get either hurt in the process. Because then all hell would break loose.
“Can I count on you to help me?”

“If it means we can still function in our trade then yes. But the moment either one of you favors the other in the interactions I’ll shoot you both.”

“Agreed. Thank ya Vick.”

Sweeney is able to breathe a little easier walking out of the room with Vick than he was while fighting the cunt. He looks at his watch hating that he missed the time frame to call Shadow. Walking out of the building he drives a short distance so he’s not disturbed.
“Hello?”

“Sweeney? Oh my Odin why haven’t you called?!”

“Shadow, love calm down. What happened?”

“I wish you were here. I want you to abdicate so bad and be here with me.”

Shadow is talkin crazy talk with Sweeney. Giving off the vibe that something had happened while he’s in California. The Irishman inhales through his nose wishing he was there with his partner. Shadow chokes back a sniffle trying to hold it all in.
“Face time me babe.”

Moon nods even though Sweeney isn’t able to see it. His phone vibrates for a video call. Answering it Moon wipes his eyes hoping they aren’t red and puffy. Sweeney holds the phone closer examining Shadow’s appearance.
“Baby what happened to you? Who did that?”

“Some guy…”

“Don’t worry hon I’ll be there tomorrow, love you.”

Chapter Text

Sweeney leans back into the seat not ready for the flight out to California. The stewardess walks by asking if he needs anything. Deciding to get some alcohol the Irish mob boss thanks her then downs them in one swallow. He ends up falling asleep for the duration of the flight cursing when he gets woken by the stewardess. Scrubbing his face as he loads off the plane Sweeney goes to pick up his rental to head to his husband’s apartment. The hilly city of San Francisco is so much more different than the flat towering buildings of New York. The Irishman looks out over the tarmac trying to spot his beloved.
Finally between the moving throng of people Shadow spots his husband standing still in the sea of people. Time stood still as Shadow tried not to run to his partner, pushing past random people though to get there. Their lips met in a feverish sort of embrace eager to touch. Sweeney pulls away slightly breathless but elated none the less.
“Bran I missed you so much.”

“But we agreed to stay away from each other until the whole thing blows over.”

“With a kiss like that I’d hardly say neither one of us agreed.”

Shadow shows Sweeney some of his favorite hot spots for dancing and food that he’s discovered while he’s been there. Sweeney can see the excitement in Shadow’s eyes but something is off about the dark eyed one.
Holding hands down by the pier Sweeney adjusts his bag to turn to Shadow. He searches his eyes for anything to give a hint. Per usual Shadow just smiles taking his husband to the small one bedroom apartment they rented in an alias. He opens the door eager to show his love the place.
“Shadow…”

“Yeah Sweeney?”

“Would you tell me if something is wrong?”

The police chief nods but walks into the kitchen. The Irish red-head wanders into the single room looking around at the scant belongings that his Moon had taken with. Sweeney sits heavily on the bed finally dropping his bag to the floor. He falls back onto the soft bed and instantly falls asleep. The mob boss groans as he feels the finger poking into his side.
“Honey dinner is ready.”

“’Kay, give me a moment.”

He rolls off the bed landing on his knees. Curious Sweeney pulls the dirty clothes out from under the bed. Shadow’s husband ruffles through it spotting odd stains that normally wouldn’t be there. His husband is hiding something but he doesn’t want to push too hard to where he clams up and doesn’t speak. Heading out to the kitchen Sweeney feels Shadow is already cognizant of the situation. Placing his hand lightly on Shadow’s back he leans in to kiss his cheek only for him to lean away slightly. Of course Sweeney notices this but doesn’t say anything yet. Just content to be close to his husband once again the red-head watches Shadow finish prepping the meal.

Chapter Text

Sweeney watches his husband cook with a cold beer in one hand and the other braced on his back. A stark contrast on Shadow’s forearm had Sweeney setting down his beer. He catches his wrist lightly to tug at the sleeve already pulled three quarters of the way up. Shadow is hoping that he doesn’t catch it but nothing escapes his husband’s sharp gaze. Sweeney turns the chocolate brown wrist towards him examining the fresh bruises there. Piercing blue eyes bore into his after looking up, slender fingers tracing the sizes of the bruises. Shadow doesn’t say anything but pulls his wrist from his husband’s grasp and scoots over a step.
Of course Sweeney doesn’t let it slide. The red-head inhales deeply to lean against the counter instead. He crosses his arms waiting for the other male to say something. It’s a tense 5 minutes before a soft choked cry makes its way to Sweeney’s ears. He’s trying to be so strong right now thinks Sweeney before he’s mauled by a sobbing Shadow.
“Whoa baby, what’s wrong?”

Shadow doesn’t say anything just buries his face into Sweeney’s collarbone. It’s not very often that he sees his husband in such a state of vulnerability. He sighs again peeling Shadow from him and leading him to the bathroom with the tiny shower. They slowly strip each other of their clothes to run their hands over the plains of their bodies. Sweeney groans as Shadows hands cup and tug on his semi flaccid cock.
“Shadow please tell me what’s bothering you.”

“Not now I want you.”

The Irishman grabs his hands to still them even if it pains him to withhold the pleasure they can bring. Turning on the water instead Shadow steps in. The chief leans back against his husband but thinks better of it and turns around. The memory of being forcibly taken from behind clouding his judgment of who exactly it is that is there, the fact he was defiled. Sweeney raises an eyebrow but doesn’t say anything just holds him close to his chest.
“Please Sweeney, make me forget it even happened.”

“What happened baby, tell me. Tell me so I can get rid of the bastard that hurt you.”

“A bar down town not too far from here actually.”

“Shadow…”
“Alright... I went outside to look at the view and just talk to the dude and he started to follow me after we initially parted ways. Next thing…I know is he chloroform’s me dragging me to some remote building. Bastard was quick about it though…even was thoughtful enough to leave me the cuff key.”

He says it so bitterly that Sweeney looks down at his husband with surprise. He’s never heard such contempt coming from Shadow that he wonders if something more happened. But ever the patient man the Irishman runs his hands up and down Shadow’s back. Taking the loufa and scrubbing his partner’s skin the red-head kisses along his jaw.
“Tell me what his name is.”

“Jack.”

Chapter Text

The Irish mob boss is completely pissed although he doesn’t show it that night. Shadow has gone to bed early leaving his husband to his own devices; which left the red-head to contemplate on how he is to find the bastard who defiled his husband. Fed up with the thinking aspect for now he grabs his favorite jean jacket to head out to the bar Shadow told him about. Flinging the door open just about every eye turned to stare at him. Snorting the mob boss sits at the end of the counter his back to the wall so he can keep an eye on the patrons of the bar.
Idling with his drink he spots a new comer walking into the door perfectly matching Shadow’s description. This must be the fucker who did it, thinks Sweeney vehemently. He downs his drink at the wide-eyed stare of the bartender. Jack strolls up to the counter smiling widely at the female behind the bar. He chats it up with her and tosses a glance Sweeney’s way. She shrugs not knowing who he is either. The blonde cad saunters right up to him thrusting his hip out as he casually leans against the counter eyeballing Sweeney.
“Can I ‘elp ya?”

“Yeah maybe you can. I can’t help but notice you from across the bar there sitting by yourself. Would you like some company?”

“What makes ya think I wan any?”

“Oh… I…”

“’Ow about we go on out back and have a little more fun?”

Jack jumps in surprise when Sweeney grabs his hip to draw him closer. The smell of grade A whiskey on his breath when he leans in to run his lips up the column of Jack’s throat. He nods and follows the tall red-head out the back door. Sweeney pushes Jack against the brick wall fisting his hands in the collar of his shirt. Jack whines in surprise at the rough handling. The blonde tries to pry the large hands from his throat as Sweeney hauls back one fist.
“Don’t please! Why?!”

Sweeney hits him before he can finish his sentence. A low grunt squeaks from between Jack’s lips. Continuously Sweeney hits the man until he crumples to the floor only to kneel down in front of him murder in his eyes.
“Do you remember that hot piece of arse a couple weeks ago? The chocolate male, well built with dark mesmerizing eyes?”

“Wha-t… I don’t…”

“Oh I’m sure ya do lad. You couldn’t resist him from afar. Even went outside with him… watched the beautiful sunset that I can see from here.”

“Y-you mean Shadow? H-how do y-you know about Shadow?”

The Irish mob leans in close a malicious grin cracking his face. Sweeney pulls his hand off his collar so the light catches his wedding band. Jack’s expression turns to one of fear at the odd detachment that the red-head is showing.
“The reason I care is because that nice piece of arse is my husband.”

Chapter Text

Sweeney walks into his office after some time in California with Shadow by his side. Of course he’s getting odd and even pissed stares but it’s about time that Shadow sees his environment. Now he has some business to attend to but chooses not to do them just yet as it involves torturing the information from someone. Shadow leans against his husband’s desk, arms crossed, and one foot over the other. The red-headed mob boss stops to lick his lips the sight of his lover there enticing. No sooner does Sweeney sit at his desk and log in a knock comes upon the door. Shadow glances back and forth between the two but decides to grab it anyway. Shadow stands there confused as to who the man is at his husband’s door.
“Shadow, Sweeney there’s a disturbance. There’s the Spanish cartel trying to move in on the south side…”

Vick glances over to Shadow unsure if he should continue or not. His boss nods curtly indicating that he’ll find out either way. Vick huffs but continues the report about the Spanish cartel trying to fight for real estate. The Irishman turns his blue gaze towards Vick for the first time noticing his uneasy stance towards Shadow.
“Shadow these guys think your derelict. Please I think you need to address this or send Kane and Michelle. They’re good at negotiations plus they would be doing it on your behalf.”
Sweeney sighs leans back in his chair then dismisses Vick with a wave. Shadow moves after the other leaves to stand behind the red-head. Sweeney pats Shadow’s arms as he wraps them around his neck loosely and grins like a loon when he kisses him.
“I owe ya dinner my love.”

He pulls Shadow around and sits him on his lap. The caramel skinned man feels so good there he can’t help but grind into his hip and part of his ass. Shadow pops him on the back of the head in mock anger at the move.
“Shouldn’t you be worried about that? I mean how are you going to handle that?”

“One thing atta time love an all I wanna do is ‘ave that wonderful arse of yours.”

The police chief groans but turns to straddle his red-head his back leaning against the other man’s chest. Sweeney grips Shadow’s ribs, thumbs twirling light circles on his husband’s pecs. Shadow whimpers in the cutest way exciting his partner below him. The police chief rolls his hips into the mob boss’ lap rubbing his erection.
“I don’t want to be interrupted.”

“You won’t be.”

The Irish mob boss drops his hands to push Shadow’s slacks just below the curve of his ass, exposing the voluptuous globes. Shadow grins raising so Sweeney can pull out his already swollen hard cock. Shifting a bit the red-head spits into his palm reaching in between them and lathering his prick while watching Shadow nibble his bottom lip. Sweeney takes a hold of his husbands hips and eases his swollen cock into the moist heat. With an arch Shadow moans loud at the fullness of Sweeney. He’s waited for a while to have his husband back on his cock the Irishman doesn’t want to waste it. Sweeney bites down hard on the police chiefs shoulder as his release hits hard.
“Don’t think I’m done with you yet.”

Chapter Text

Shadow grunts a little disappointed that he hasn’t finished yet but Sweeney pulls him back against him, his hands roaming down the planes of his chest and stomach. Wiggling against his husband’s flaccid cock, Shadow inhales sharply as long, tapered fingers grip him tight. Moving up and down in a sensuous rhythm that has him clawing at the Irishman’s back nails burrowing into the fabric of Sweeney’s shirt.
“I told ya I wasn’t done with ya yet. Now relax and let me take ya to the stars.”

“Ngh…Sween-ey.”

“Ya love?”

Wrapping his arms around Sweeney’s neck Shadow moans long and loud after his gut tightens up to finally release into his mob boss’s hand. The red-head laughs then runs his tongue behind Shadow’s ear making him shiver. Moon giggles causing Sweeney to look at him funny.
“Stop that!”

He bats at the Irishman but really not meaning anything by it. Bucking a bit the Irishman pushes Shadow onto the floor onto his knees. Already hard again he teases the other man’s entrance while licking Shadow’s earlobe. It’s slow this time, each thrust aimed directly at the prostate. Sweeney grunts as he shifts to kneel behind his husband the angle changing just the slightest.
“Fuck me!”

Shadow tosses his head back as he releases into Sweeney’s waiting hand. With a shudder the Irishman continues to pound into the man below him, bringing another round of satisfaction. Both men jolt as a sharp knock rents the air. Before the door creaks open Shadow worms his way out from under the red-head to quickly slide his slacks up his ass. Sweeney can’t help but laugh a little more sedate in getting his self back together. Vick appears back in the door, a crack of a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth at their disheveled look.
The second knows exactly what just happened as he himself utilized the office space before Sweeney kicked him out, though it was with a female. Raising an eyebrow his boss looks at him expectantly.
“The cartel has made contact and would like to negotiate terms on the territory.”

“Speak freely Vick, whatever information you have you know full well I’ll be sharing it with my husband.”

“Sir… it’s regarding your husband…”

“Oh, do enlighten me then.”

Vick hesitates shuffling his feet and posture before he continues the conditions. The whole time Shadow’s disheveled look becomes more serious almost sinister making the second back up a margin at its intensity.
“So there’s a hit out on the Police Chief because he does his job and then some. And they don’t want that, they want someone they can have on their payroll and not question what they want.”

“It appears so.”

Sweeney drops back into his chair hands scrubbing his face tiredly. Now Shadow knows exactly why he wants to abdicate, give it all up. This shit is tiring and aging as hell. But what is he going to do about the cartel that’s threatening his life?

Chapter Text

Shadow groans as he leans back in his office chair, officers passing by looking in and asking how his vacation was every so often. He has a standard reply not really wanting to go into the details of some crackpot raping him and his husband finding out. They don’t really need to know all that.
“Sir, the cartel is on the other line. Shall I put them on hold?”

“No… go ahead and put them through.”

He waives his officer off to go do the task, waiting with his gut in tight knots. The phone clicks then transfers over.
“This is the Chief of Police, how may I help you?”

Cordial always be cordial even if it is one of your enemies. Shadow inhales and exhales lightly and slowly. Don’t ever let them know you’re nervous as hell especially when they have a hit on your head.
“?Senor, Como estas? I’ve noticed that you have an, can we say an uneasy relationship with the Irish, I would like to propose a truce.”

“Oh is that so, and what would this truce entail if I may ask?”

“If you allow us to do our business unhindered as you do the Irish in your city the contract on your head will be revoked…”

The threat hangs there heavily in the air. Moon doesn’t say anything back doesn’t even know what to say. There’s a dark sinister chuckle on the other end causing chills to run up and down the police chief’s arms and across his neck. Shadow bites his bottom lip dragging his teeth back sucking in air as the line goes dead. Visibly shaking he drops the phone back onto the receiver.
“Fuck…”

Sweeney stops in his instructions to his men when a lone female walks into the warehouse door. Vick looks at him folding the folder closed then turns to face the female who entered. She walks up to them some type of papers in her hands. Part of her looks defiant but the other looks scared shitless. Doesn’t say anything at all but hands over the photos in her hand. Photos, Sweeney thinks photos of… His mind stutters at the unconscious looking Shadow next to his detail. He almost loses it if it isn’t for Vick’s steadying hand on his forearm. The girl turns on her heel and makes a hasty exit from the warehouse. Vick takes the photos from his commander’s hands eyes widening after he gets to the last one.
They have a machete to the police chief’s throat the picture clearly threatening to behead him in Mexican cartel fashion. Even Vick’s stomach turned at the thought of beheading someone just to get the point across. Sweeney begins to think about a disincentive .
“Sir, what is it we need to do?”

“From this point on we are at war. I know it’s not our style and Shadow has been covering for us on a lot of things or sweeping it under the rug but I have to get him back. Vick I can’t lose my life. First member you see bring them in, I want to question them personally.”

Chapter Text

Shadow stirs the pain in his head and lungs killing him slowly. What the fuck did they use, he groggily thinks. Slowly sitting up a slight groan comes from his right. Shadow’s gut hits the floor, there’s at least three of his men sitting on the floor with him.
“Markus! Markus you still with us?!”

“-eah boss… ‘ere but they took Josephs.”

“Get me a head count on who’s still alive and here. Don’t say anything more than your rank and who you work for and badge number. Got that? Markus? Markus!”

“Yeah boss 10-4.”

The Police Chief snaps his head quickly to the left where the screams and gruff voices are coming from. Josephs please don’t be Josephs, he thinks his gut sinking. Josephs being the only female who made it onto his detail he can say that he is really proud of her, especially her being a rookie of two years. The door opens at the end of the hall two bodies stepping through dragging another behind it. Stripped of all her gear and only left in her pants and undershirt Josephs pants lightly once they drop her in a cell. Markus grunts but goes to her none the less.
“Your turn.”

“No no let me go! Let me go!”

“Don’t… take me instead.”

The guy stands there a moment but then walks over to Shadow bends at waist level hands on his hips and sneers. The effrontery appalls the police chief but he doesn’t say anything about it.
“Or what? You’ll kill me? Ha don’t make me laugh.”

But he obliges anyway opening the door to the police chief. The first mistake is that he stepped into the cell, second he laid hands on his female officer, third he’s just plain ugly. Shadow circles with him until finally the guy threw the first punch. Moon grunts as the guy’s fist connects solidly to his jaw forcing his head to the side. His lip begins to burn as he gingerly touches it with his fingertips. A devilish grin blooms across the guy’s face as he swings again this time catching Shadow in the temple. That’s it I’ve had enough, Shadow growls to himself making the guy look at him weird. That’s when the other guy stepped into the cell, big, burly, and rather stupid in appearance until the brute rushes the chief into the wall. His other officers gasp and Markus fights against the cuffs he’s already in.
Dizzy Shadow starts to slide down the wall until the first guy grabs one hand and slaps a cuff around it. They manage to drag Shadow and Markus to the back where their torturing is going on. Shadow’s head rolls to the side a bit the Police chief still dizzy. Markus grunts as they rough handle him into a chair. He struggles more as the table is wheeled towards him.
“Now maybe you can tell me where the Irishman is.”

“My name is Markus Denali, badge number 135337, New York Police.”

Chapter Text

Enmity is rife in the air; Markus can feel it as they go to town on his skin with multiple blades. They don’t bother with his boss yet but make it to where he watches every bit of torture they do to his detail. Shadow fights against the ropes they tied him to the chair with. Markus looks over to Shadow, fire burning in his eyes.
“See that, if you don’t give us the information we are asking for your person will die. I’m starting to think that you don’t like anyone dying for you.”

“Fuck you.”

“Why so protective over a mob boss like Mad Sweeney huh? Unless you’re doing something to keep him in line…so please do tell they’re dying to find out.”

Rodriguez as Shadow comes to find out swings his arm in a wide arc over Markus. Shadow shakes his head unwilling to give up his husband for any reason. Well almost any reason. He lunges at the guy after the asshole hits Markus hard enough to knock him unconscious. Glaring at Rodriguez Shadow huffs around the gag in his mouth.
The cartel leader just smirks then chuckles running his hand in a mocking caress over Shadow’s head. In Spanish the asshole orders the other to dispose of the unnecessary baggage. Both Markus and Shadow look catch eye contact then look to Rodriguez and back again. Struggling even more now Shadow screams in anguish as the guy slits Markus’ throat. Odin he wishes Sweeney would hurry up and find him. The police chief knows for a fact that he won’t be able to take another murder of his personal detail. He’s laughing now at Shadow’s expense and the death glare the man is giving him. Rodriguez speaks again in his native tongue, the other male smiling maniacally at the order. Brian is begging as they bring the veteran officer into the room. It’s the first time that Shadow has ever seen the officer so out of character.
“Brian listen to me, everything is going to be alright. Don’t tell them anything.”

“Keep telling him that.”

They do things a little differently than what they did on Markus. First they tied him down to the chair in similar fashion then one of the men pick up a scalpel to begin carving into his skin, marking him with their call sign. Shadow grunts and turns away once they stick a needle into one of his wounds, a thin wire linking the needle to a car battery. Instantly the police chief turns and struggles once again to get loose as his officer is screaming and bucking against the restraints.
Nonstop for half an hour until Brian stops screaming. Rodriguez steps in front of Shadow eyes glittering with sadistic glee.
“Now, tell me how to find the Irishman.”

The cartel leader yanks the gag out of Shadow’s mouth, waiting for an answer from the other male.

“Fuck you and the horse you rode in on, you filthy wetback!”

Shadow groans as Rodriguez grips the back of the gag and pulls down forcing the police chief to look at him. Anger colors the man’s eyes and a promise of a painful death if he doesn’t answer.

Chapter Text

Sweeney growls at Vick as he enters his office. The man looks worn and tired ready to crash at any moment. The red head sighs and sets his cup of amber liquid down offering the chair in front of his desk but thinks better of it and pulls out another glass. Pouring the liquid and sliding it across the table. Vick has been working nonstop to find out where they took Shadow but no such luck has turned up.
“I’m sorry Sweeney but they have him hid damn well… I just don’t know where to look next.”

Sweeney lets out a deep aggravated sigh to run his hands through his hair. Just what I want to hear he puffs out. He can’t take it anymore so he excuses himself to leave Vick to the alcohol. Standing outside the Irishman eschews following a couple known Mexicans across the street. They probably don’t have any connections with the cartel who took his husband.
But they seemed ansty when they saw him come out of his warehouse. Speaking in rapid Spanish Sweeney became the topic of conversation. Noticing this he takes a long drag from his cigarette deciding to introduce himself.
“Can I help you? You gentlemen seem lost.”

They don’t speak English but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t know their language, fluently in fact. Both men stop and look at him suspiciously. One is on the phone while they were talking, holding a three-way conversation. All attention is now focused on Sweeney. The Irishman steps back inhaling deeply on the cigarette, not liking the attention. Okay this is not the way I wanted it to turn, he thinks.
“You Mad Sweeney? Boss wants to have a word with you.”

“Well he can come here… or we can meet publicly.”

Inhaling the last of his cigarette Sweeney spits it out keeping his hands shoved deep in his pockets. He shakes his head in denial, in denial that he’s going nowhere with them.
They catch him off guard though as two more come from around the corner. Dropping his hands from his pockets just in time as one comes at him swinging.
“Fuck is wrong with you?!”

The guys manage to get him with a taser to the ribs and a boot to the jaw as he goes down. Blurrily he sees Vick standing there in the door as they shove him into the trunk of their car. Darkness it’s all he sees as his body is still jolting randomly. Why didn’t Vick try to do anything? Sweeney shifts in the trunk. Sudden bright lights pierce his darkness to reveal an open field. Different people this time pull the Irishman from the car to force him to his knees by the trunk. Rodriguez comes into view a gold speckled smile cracking his weathered face.
“I am open to negotiations Irishman now that I’ve finally got you in my presence.”

“Who tha fuck are you?”

“I’m the one holding the cards sweetling.”

Chapter Text

Rodriguez kneels in front of Sweeney face breaking into a wide grin as the red head struggles to get out of his grunt’s hold. The man squints with the grin on his face as he motions for them to come out of the car they were in.
“I believe I have something for you or should I say someone that belongs to you.”

With a quick snap of his fingers his men get out and pop the trunk of the old Cadillac. It takes them a minute to lift whatever is in it out. One man grunts as he struggles to hold the body and shut the lid of the trunk. Exigency raced through Rodriguez’ face as they took their time to bring the person over.
Sweeney struggles harder once he realizes just who they’re carrying. Instantly they pull back hard on his hair forcing his head back and vision up. Cold metal traces along the length of his throat stilling as he swallows, following the bob of his adam’s apple. Dropping the body not far from his position Mad Sweeney stops his struggle immediately.
“Shadow…”

“Ah I see you two know each other. Now hand over your real estate and see him live or I waste him.”

“Never.”

He’s hoping that he can call the man’s bluff and get lose before he decides to kill Shadow anyway. Shadow groans turning to look in Rodriguez’ direction a resigned look in his dark eyes at Sweeney’s statement. Cold unforgiving metal presses to a wound above his eye then moves away just as quick as it had come.
No no no! Sweeney repeats like a mantra completely defeated as a loud bang resonates through the corn stalks. Rodriguez turns back around to face the Irish mob boss sickly satisfied that he inflicted more pain than a beating ever could.
“Now hand over your stake on the property.”

“Screw ya ya fraggin asshole!”

Tears welled behind blue eyes as the Irishman stared down the barrel aimed his way. Dropping his head to his chest he felt his heart break the moment they murdered Shadow. Not giving Rodriguez what he wants he waits for the shot to end his life. It comes shortly as the man is fed up with the Irishman’s games. His head whips back then his body falls completely still collapsing to the dusty, dirty ground. Blood spilling from the open wound onto the ground. A couple days go by until it’s noticed that Police Chief Shadow Moon has gone missing, a search party is issued and later found along with the body of their most wanted. They found it interesting that the red headed leader was reaching out to their missing Police Chief. In the end upon burial the couple did end up back together as per the will of Shadow Moon. He stated that him and his husband be buried together in a sedate plot in the back of the cemetery no one knew the wiser as he stated his husband’s name.

Chapter Text

Sweeney comes running into the yard waving something about. Shadow snorts as he’s woken from his slumber on the porch. He blinks stretches and almost falls off the padded bench as Sweeney runs up the stairs with his item and shoves it in his face. The exuberance on the red head’s face makes Shadow pause in his cursing to give the other man a smile instead. He’s been waiting for an acceptance letter into Julliard. Lifting his legs Sweeney slides under his feet to open his letter.
“What do you think it says?”

Shadow yawns stretching some more then settles back into the bench feet propped up on Sweeney’s lap.
“Well open it and find out.”

The red head’s hands shake slightly as he slides his finger under the flap to tear it open. Pulling out the one sheet of paper his blue eyes skim over it. Shadow has never seen his smile get any bigger than it had at that moment. The excitement is literally vibrating through the Irishman.
“Well what’s it say?”

“I got in…”

Moon sits up and leans in grabbing his knees to hear again what his friend had said. Instead Shadow’s eyes widen as his friend is there turning in his seat to plant thin lips on his. Sweeney cups the back of his head to press closer. Shadow pulls back shocked but with a smile on his face.
“So what does it say?”

“I got in.”

“Congrats dude! Hey let’s go celebrate, dinners on me tonight.”

“But your dad doesn’t want me around you. Says I’m a bad influence.”

“Ah screw him, man you’ve just been accepted to Julliard; one of the most prestigious performing arts school in the nation. We are not not going to celebrate in some way.”

Sweeney smiles gripping the letter tight in his hands the happiness not quite reaching his eyes at the moment. Shadow pauses in moving off the bench to scoot closer to him wondering why his friend isn’t as happy anymore. Bumping his shoulder with his the smaller male waits for the red head to acknowledge him.
“I’ll have to leave you Shads.”

“I’ll be okay. Just don’t forget to come visit me when you have your breaks.”

The taller male stands and pulls his best friend up from the old bench and into a tight hug. Shadow returns the hug inhaling the stale scent of second hand smoke. Days went by and they spent most of their summer inseparable until Sweeney had to pack his stuff and head off to New York to start his first semester. Sweeney leans into Shadow as the cab pulls up to the curb. Shadow grits his teeth unwilling to show his emotions.
“I’ll call you when I get settled.”

“Okay… don’t forget.”

Sweeney takes him by surprise and leans down to kiss his cheek before he turns to get into the cab. He waves good bye before he leans forward to tell the cabbie where to go. Tears threaten to fall then as the car drives away.

Chapter Text

Shadow cries out in pain as his father holds onto the back of his shirt hitting him multiple times in the stomach. The younger man cries out to stop asking with tears streaming down his cheeks on what he did wrong. Finally the older man drops his son to the wooden floor of his room. Ever since his mom passed his dad hasn’t been the same. Even though Shadow could easily take his dad out with one punch he knew he’d come back twice as hard. Once in the beginning months after her passing his dad had made it abundantly clear what he thought of his son. Nothing but a fag he’d said will never amount to anything he’d said always bringing down his boy. Sweeney took it in stride the first time Shadow had brought him home and his dad had slapped Shadow in front of him, going as far as to push his old man back and away from him; threatening to call the cops if the old bastard laid a hand on him again.
Not even two weeks into Sweeney leaving for school does his dad go too far. A couple days ago the man had gotten him on the floor and proceeded to stomp the hell out of his ribs. Shadow could only lay there after the beating this time. He can’t really recall as to why the beating this time could only focus on his breathing. The old man grunts ruffles the lapels of his button up shirt then tosses his cigar right by Shadow’s face to ground it out with his boot heel.
“Fuckin’ faggot. How’d I get stuck with a faggot of a son…”

He trails off his drunken speech unintelligible as he makes his way down the hall. Shadow groans out barely able to make it to his phone lying across the room where his dad threw it. It’s getting hard to breathe Shadow notes as he’s attempting to get to the device. Rolling over onto his back as he finally gets there it rings while in his hand. It’s Sweeney calling.
Shadow inhales painfully trying to answer the call. He’s starting to feel febrile Sweeney’s voice fading in and out as he’s trying not to pass out.
“Shadow? Shadow hey are you there? Shadow?!”

His voice is panicky as he get’s onto a two way call with the local hospital more or less. Shadow grins through bloodied teeth, his dad missing his ribs on purpose and catching his face instead. The boy knew he liked the tall red head for some reason. Distantly he hears a knock on the door more insistently the next round. Shadow lets out another pained breath listening to Sweeney jabber on to keep him awake. With a cry as the medics come in and begin their work Shadow quietly thanks Sweeney over the phone.
“Not a problem Shads…”

He hears his friend whisper over the phone. The younger Moon hopes to be able to see his friend by the end of the year, if he lives that long that is.

Chapter Text

His dad came to visit a couple days after he was admitted into the hospital. Shadow flinches as his dad sits down in the chair beside the bed. The nurse nods to him and says hello. He’s quiet when anyone else is around but begins his rant when the door shuts. Grabbing the shoulder of Shadow’s hospital gown he yanks him half way out of his bed upsetting Shadow’s ribs. Whimpering in pain the young man tries to dislodge his father’s grip.
“Why’d you call the ambulance boy?”

“Dad stop you’re hurting me…”

“Tell me Shadow, why’d you call the ambulance?!”

“Dad please!”

Just as he’s about to raise his fist to the younger man he pauses as he sees the tall red head coming around the corner and stopping at the desk. Rage fills his eyes as the other teen enters the room.
“Shads… What are you doing here?”

“I’m his father and I have the say so who can visit him. You’re not one of them.”

“Sweeney, aren’t you supposed to be in school?”

He can feel his dad’s angry glare as they talk over him as if he’s not there. With nonchalant shrug the Irishman crosses his arms over a broad chest to lean against the door frame; almost as a dare to lay a hand to his son again while he’s here kind of stance. Pissed off Shadow’s dad stands to leave shoulder checking the taller red head. Sweeney just chuckles the sound melodious to Shadow’s ears. He pushes away from the door after the old man’s exit to sit on the edge of the bed. Immediately Shadow breaks down in tears relief flooding his system.
“Gods I’m so glad you’re here. If it wasn’t for you calling I could have died… Sweeney I can’t handle anymore of his abuse…”

“Babe it’s going to be alright, just trust me okay?”

“How long are you going to be in town?”

“Until Sunday then I have to go back to class. Shadow, why don’t you move down there with me?”

He says it with such fervor that it keeps Shadow’s attention. Well I can always get a job down there the teen thinks quietly. If it means getting away from my dad, he adds gripping tight on Sweeney’s hand. Sweeney is there every day that he is there until midday Sunday. Before he leaves he comes to Shadow’s only to find him not there. Turning out of the room the red head stops at the nursing station.
“Ma’am what happened to the patient in that room?”

“Oh his father had him discharged.”

“Thank you.”

Fuck, Sweeney curses. The train ride that takes one out of the city is longer than normal making Sweeney fidgety. He practically runs the rest of the way to Shadow’s house. Doubled over at the fence he stands up to see the windows dark nothing moving inside.
“Please be okay please please…”

Sweeney makes his way up the walk his nerves starting to get to him. Knocking on the door the Irishman waits but no answer comes except a muffled scream from around the back. Hopping over the railing of the porch he makes his way back to the yard. There he finds Wednesday but no Shadow.
“Where is he?!”

“It’s none of your business fag. Now on ya get before I have to remove ya forcefully.”

“You better of not har-“

“Sweeney! I’m in here!”

Sweeney turns around to face the garage towards the sound of Shadow’s voice. The red head points at the older man and goes to find his friend. Only to find out that it was a mistake to turn his back to the fucker.

Chapter Text

Shadow can be heard screaming as his father twists his arm behind his back viscously hitting his ribs. The once in awhile break came after 20 minutes of being beat. Resting heavily against his father the older man strokes his forehead lightly, whispering on how he hoped to the Gods that there was nothing wrong with his son. But to him the fates weren’t so kind they gave him a boy that liked others of the same sex. Shadow whines weakly his ribs protesting the harsh treatment and the need to breathe. Sweeney groans large hand reaching up to his head and comes away with blood coating his fingertips. He curses the room spinning as he sits up.
“Shadow? Shadow!!”

His father shows a modicum of kindness and lays his son out on the floor to leave the room. The moment he walks into the room Sweeney as in the red head yells at him. All sorts of profanity comes out of the Irishman’s mouth irritating the older man. Sweeney goes to swing on him but falls short as the fetters reach their length. Tripping up he looks back at his ankles, there on his right foot is a shackle.
“Tha fuck?”

“So foul is your mouth boy. I never disagreed with my wife when she said you were good for Shadow… but all I see is that you converted him to one of you. A bad influence.”

Before Sweeney had any time to think about what or how to react Wednesday hauls back striking downwards across the younger man’s cheek. One can hear the bone crack under the pressure applied. Immediately his cheek starts to swell and turn an ugly purple black color. Shaking his head the red head gets up on his knees only to be struck again spitting out blood. On all fours now Sweeney tries his damnedest to not make a sound. Tired of not receiving so much as a whimper from this Fag Wednesday stops and steps back. Sneering at the other teenager he walks out of the garage feeling all sorts of contempt. Sweeney looks up blurrily one eye he can feel swelled shut from when the bastard hit his cheek and shattered it. Barely able to move the teen tries to feel for his phone in his pocket in hopes the old bastard hadn’t thought to take it. Damn it he thinks heavily, I’m going to miss school for this. But it’s all for Shadow his mind supplies again as he dials 911. Better get life for this, another bold thought.
“911 dispatch what’s your emergency?”

“I need an ambulance to 5556 Newberry. There’s been an-“

“What the fuck is this?! Damn it, I knew I-“

“Hello? Hello, are you there?”

The dispatcher stares at the phone horrified at what she’s hearing over the open line. Her coworkers turn to the line as she opens it. The sounds are atrocious and all she can do is send a bus and the police to the rescue. All anyone can do now is wait in hopes they get there in time to save this poor boy who happens to love the wrong person.

Chapter Text

Wednesday looks up from the paper he’s now reading; the thought of the two teenagers in his garage close to the edge of his mind. There’s flashing lights outside the window alerting him of the police and the ambulances outside his house. The older man huffs folding the newspaper and laying it neatly on the dining room table. A sudden rap comes on his door.
“Can I help you?”

“Yes there was a 911 call coming from this address asking for an ambulance and police escort.”

“You are more than welcome to look around.”

Wednesday follows the police and the EMT’s through the house until two officers stop and stare at the garage in the back. He stops with them at the window they are staring at looking out onto the garage.
“Can I help you gentlemen?”

“Yes show us the garage please.”

“But of course.”

He takes the officers out to the garage while the rest are still looking about the house. It’s quiet right now the two teens not making any noise.
Sweeney groans rolling over to his back staring at the ceiling. It creaks as slow footsteps cross it. Barely able to sit up without his ribs screaming at him the red head attempts to yell for help. It stings as he tries, the footsteps fading away.
“No… come… back.”

He feels foolish like in that scene of Titanic when Rose is trying to call out to the boat. But that’s all he needs as motivation to yell louder, get them to come back.
“Down here!”

Voices he hears them speaking, then Wednesday’s voice responding to their inquiries. Oh gods please demand to see down here Sweeney pleas silently. The footsteps stop an order to not move is given.
“Open it.”

Light shines into the dim space below. One officer comes down the stairs gun drawn flashlight passing the space methodically. He stops at the bottom stunned by the two teen males within the space.
“Mark we have two teens down here in need of the bus!”

“Copy! Don’t move stay where you are!”

Wednesday forbears on his reaction of taking the officer’s gun and keeping them there too to standing silently by the garage door. The officer below radios to their backup to bring the EMT’s to the garage. The one officer below looks over the boys and backs up aiming at the chains.
“Don’t move boys we’ll get you out of here.”

He fires twice for each chain freeing them. Shadow doesn’t move even when the gun went off. Sweeney looks over to him his heart tearing in two at the state his best friend and boyfriend is in.
“Shadow? Babe, wake up. Shadow?”

“Come on let’s get you out of here first. Mark the first one is ready send ‘em down!”

“No! I can’t leave him! Please tell me he’s okay!”

“Shhh calm down, you can stay here while they check on him.”

Sweeney clings to the EMT while the others work on Shadow. They lift him up on the stretcher and take him out of the basement to the bus. Wednesday is glaring at the two as they go with the EMT’s and the other two officers.
“Turn around hands behind your back.”

“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law…”

Wednesday scoffs turning around and complying with the officers. Sweeney looks over at Shadow next to him in the ambulance, dark eyes watching him. The Irishman smiles at his boyfriend glad as hell that they came in time.
Reaching out to grab his hand Shadow looks back over with a small pained smile. Sweeney is watching him until the blare of the machines go off. Immediately he calls for the EMT’s to come back. They’re working on Shadow the whole way. The Irishman insists on going with him until they took him back into surgery.
“Count back from 10 starting from ten.”

“10, 9, 8, 7, si-“

Shadow wakes up hours later in his own bed breathing deeply into a mask. He blinks slowly then fiddles with the remote to call a nurse. Once she comes in she smiles gently at him checking his vitals. He tries to talk but she tells him to just relax and to look over to the right. Following her direction Shadow looks over. There in the bed lay Sweeney his face wrapped with a white gauze. Moon turns back to face the nurse a crooked smile tugging at his lips.
“It’s all going to be alright now. Just rest you boys need it.”

Chapter Text

Shadow is humming quietly while waiting for the nurse to come in with his and Sweeney’s discharge papers. Sweeney comes out of the bathroom rubbing the small towel through his unruly red hair blue eyes twinkling like a blue sky on a hot summer day. A frisson runs its course through Shadow as he spots the other from the bed. It’s finally going to happen that they are healed enough to travel. Sweeney had contacted his job and landlord of his predicament and they are both willing to let him keep his job and place.
“Mr. Moon? Here are the papers for the financial aid. Go ahead and sign here, here, and here. The records and financial department will contact you when it gets approved. Also sign here, alright boys you are good to go.”

“Thank you. Sweeney you ready?”

“Yea babe.”

Shadow slides from the bed with slight protest from his ribs. He no longer has to worry about his dad coming after him since the bastard is now in jail. The two leave the hospital happy as clams to be leaving this forsaken place for a brand new start in New York. Shadow leans against his boyfriend as they wait for the bus to arrive at the station. Gripping tight to his meager belongings Sweeney looks down at his smaller companion.
“Ya’ll alright Shads?”

“Yeah just nervous, never really been away from home before.”

Sweeney smiles his eyes lighting up again. He cups his cheek and rubs small circles on one then drops it into his pocket.
“You’ll do just fine, love.”

“I hope so. What kind of jobs are in New York?”

“Hey let’s worry about that when we get back okay. Right now let’s just focus on the ride there.”

Shadow nods and looks back down the road to the Greyhound bumbling down it. He has to remind himself lately that he doesn’t have to deal with his dad that he actually has a chance at being happy. He slides in first grateful to have the window. The Irishman sits down, his knees pushing into the seat in front of them. Shadow ends up falling asleep on the way there eventually laying his head on Sweeney’s shoulder deeming it more comfortable than the bus window. Adjusting in the seat and putting up the arm rest Shadow decides to lay his head in the older teen’s lap. Another million watt smile breaks across Sweeney’s face as he lightly caresses Shadow’s head.
“Sleep tight, love. I’ll wake you when we get there.”

Shadow grunts something unintelligible but nuzzles Sweeney’s leg. The red-head lays his head back and watches as the scenery roll by. They’re going to make it he knows it. They’re both survivors always had been.

Chapter Text

Months have gone by since Shadow has come to New York with him. Even came out of his shell a bit after getting a job at one of the local bars around the corner. The owner loves his personality, has a tendency to bring in customers both male and female alike. The owner even loves it when Sweeney comes in from classes still wearing his leotards from dance. Once in awhile Sweeney is allowed to take Shadow up on the bar and doing a very sensuous piece even though Shadow doesn’t know a lick about dance forms. There are times the caramel skinned male fulminates, not liking the direct attention. Hopping down from the bar top after a particular steamy dance Sweeney leans in close to his boyfriend.
“Shadow… I made that number for you. I wanted you to see it, feel it with me as we danced.”

If Shadow could blush it’d be all over his face right now. He presses his lips against Sweeney’s a smile curving the full mouth. More customers come in catching the end of the couple’s dance routine and liking what they saw more so the atmosphere. The owner herself approved of them doing the dance routines on Fridays. Shadow blushes even harder the color finally showing up on his skin at the compliments he’s receiving from the females. Sweeney’s trademark shit-eating grin gets wider snaking an arm around Shadow’s waist to pull him closer. They giggle harder to finally walk away to mingle.
“Sweeney I have to get back to work. I’ll see you back at the apartment?”

“Sure thing, love. Don’t be stealing any hearts now while I’m not here.”

By 2 in the morning Shadow calls out to Bethany in the back office. She yells back to lock up and go home. He hikes his backpack up on his shoulder and locking the door on his way out. Making it home Shadow sighs slipping off his shoes at the door and dropping his bag on top. The apartment is quiet with one solitary light in the back. With a deep sigh Shadow begins to strip off his clothes to stop just outside their bedroom. There on the bed lay Sweeney, wrapped around Shadow’s pillow and the blankets pulled up to his chin.
His face softens as he climbs onto the bed wrestling his pillow from his lover to nestle into his embrace. Sweeney grunts returning the nuzzle catching the unique scent of Shadow. The tall gangly red-head wraps his wiry frame around Shadow pulling the blanket over both of them.
“Good night, love.”

Chapter Text

Sweeney can’t help himself some days. He’s so excited about being with Shadow and that their life is perfect that he’s dancing around the room in what seems like a frenzy. His partners he’s paired with by their instructor just stare at him after telling him they need a break.
“Sweeney! Heavens what has gotten into you?”

Laura collapses on the floor of the studio trying to keep up with the red-headed Irishman. Sweeney can only laugh and continue his routine without his partner for the day. After 10 more minutes of gamboling he finally comes and plops down beside her.
“Do you think professor Ostara will allow me to have a male be my partner instead?”

Laura looks at him confused then it dawns on her. This routine they’ve been working on and developing isn’t just their final grade but it’s for someone; at least on his part. She can only shrug accepting the bottle of water her partner hands her.
“Let’s finish what we started, a new partner can’t learn the routine in time for finals. Plus there will be recruiters from some of the best dance companies there when we do these.”

“You know what you’re right. I need to keep my head on straight. Thanks Laura I knew you were my best friend for a reason.”

He nudges her gently before standing with ease to help her up. Taking his hand Laura slides into his arms and into a dip. They go through their whole routine for Sweeney to stop mid-step to spot Shadow standing in the door to the studio, watching. Laura stumbles but catches herself hitting her partner on the arm for suddenness. He only slides from her grasp, looking back at her once then his boyfriend. Sweeney takes a hold of Shadow’s hand to kiss it tenderly. Moon’s icy gray eyes roamed his hazel ones, something buried in their depths. He wasn’t sure what he was seeing or reading there but it definitely had him hot and bothered.
Shadow had never seen his boyfriend dance before. This would be the first time, even if it wasn’t with him per se it was overall sensuous and attractive. Moon’s attention snaps up from the gentle kiss to his hand as his partner walks up behind the red-head.
“Hi! You must be Shadow. Sweeney here can’t stop talking about you. I’m Laura.”

“Um… hi… funny Sweeney hasn’t mentioned anything about you.”

Sweeney groans dropping their hands but not letting go.
“I think he meant that dance routine for you… Personally he isn’t my type, the big lug. It’s nice to finally meet you Shadow but I have to go.”

“You too. Why didn’t you tell me about this?”

“It’s my final piece and I wanted to surprise you with it… Did I unknowingly get myself in trouble?”

Shadow could only pull the red-head into a fiery lip lock that said otherwise. Sweeney wraps his arms around the shorter male to run his hands over his buttocks gripping once then to just hold them there. Both content even if it’s in the school studio.

Chapter Text

Two days until Sweeney had his final and he’s nervous. So to counteract the feeling he took a few friends out after their practice for the day. Slumping down in the bench Sweeney inhales the beer mug in front of his face. His fellow dancers laughing and joking the whole time while he’s trying to dial his boyfriend. Shadow groans as his cell goes off on the night stand. Fumbling for it Shadow drops it on the floor to his dismay. With a grunt Shadow grabs his phone then flops back on the bed.
“’ello?”

“Hey Babe! Why don’t you come join us?!”

“Love, Sweeney, I have work in the morning but I can wait here for you…”

The red-head just keeps going and going, so garrulous. Tired and ready for his boyfriend to come home Shadow drops his voice rolling over to his stomach. Closing his storm gray eyes Shadow catches Sweeney’s attention.
“Love, I’m cold. Come warm me up.”

“Hey hey stop I can’t hear- Shads…”

Sweeney stops, listening to Shadow on the other end his voice so low that chills erupted from his freckled skin. Now hearing the red-head whispering loudly on the other end Shadow grins snuggling into his pillow.
Not even 20 minutes the front door to their apartment opens pauses then shuts rather loudly. Sweeney stumbles down the hall, clothes dropping to the floor before he finally comes back to their room. There he spies Shadow asleep on the king sized bed languidly stretched across it only a corner of the fuzzy blanket draped over his hips. Sweeney’s mouth goes dry as he trips over a shoe to fall face first onto the bed. Shadow stirs but doesn’t wake rolling over to his side away from the Irishman. Just rolling away like that exposes his round ass, a soft groan coming from full lips. Sweeney grins lopsidedly running his large hand up Shadow’s thigh to leave it lay on his hip.
Leaning over his shoulder Sweeney kisses Shadow on the cheek, running his hand forward to grasp his cock. Shadow moans stretching under Sweeney’s weight turning slightly to open a sleepy eye to look at the mess of red hair hovering over him.
“You made it home.”

“Yeah, couldn’t pass this one up.”

Sweeney strokes his large hand up under the length of Shadow’s cock to rub his thumb over the silken tip. Strands of precum come away as Sweeney moves his hand down the shaft again gently squeezing the thick cock. Shadow moans softly still refusing to wake. Sweeney bites Shadows shoulder as he begins to stroke even faster. And in minutes Shadow arches away from the comfort of Sweeney, pearly white ropes coating the Irishman’s hand. Smiling Sweeney brings his hand up and licks away the mess. Shadow moans again turning into his lover snuggling into his chest.
“I’m glad you came home.”

“I couldn’t pass up this opportunity ‘sides I love the way you look when you’re cumming in your sleep.”

Chapter Text

“This little gaud comes from the 18th century. Gorgeous 18k white gold with 10k gold inlay. Not to mention the 0.02 carat diamonds around the ring…”

Shadow is chewing on his bottom lip in contemplation. The jeweler watching as the young man tries to make a decision. He finally looks up at the other his face falling slightly.
“I don’t have that kind of money. But do you have something cheaper?”

Shadow adjusts the messenger bag on his shoulder before looking at his watch to check the time. Shit, he thinks as he gives the jeweler a forgiving smile. His eyes lighten up considerably when the other man pulls out a more sedate style of band. Shadow literally cringes at the price as it’s cutting it pretty close to his budget.
“So who’s the lucky one?”

A small smile finally frees itself from Shadow’s restraints he had on it. He smiles up at the man even though he’s wringing his hands on the display case.
“He’s graduating today.”
Shadow decides on the second choice, it’s not as flashy but Sweeney usually loves everything as long as it comes from Shadow.
His eyes are glued to the Red-head as he and Laura come on the stage. The auditorium bursting with cat-calls and howls. Shadow’s riveted to his seat in the front row stormy gray eyes following the sensuous moves of his lover on the stage before him. The crowd cheers and hollers at the end of their number. Shadow moves from his seat to make his way to the back of the stage. Sweeney is surrounded by his peers all congratulating him and Laura on their performance. His red head stops mid-sentence as he spots Shadow standing by the exit, a watery smile gracing his handsome face.
“Congratulations, love. You made it.”

“Yeah Laura’s a great partner to have on the… Shads… what are…”

Sweeney can’t seem to form words as Shadow bends down on one knee taking one of his hands in his to hold onto tightly. Stormy gray eyes bore into bright blue ones. His breath hitches as Shadow pulls out the tiny leather box from his coat pocket. Flicking open the lid the quaint but still stunning band glitters in the light before him.
The whole backstage falls quiet, all eyes on the two men near the back. Shadow swallows nervously as he takes a few seconds to gain his courage.
“Sweeney will you marry me?”

He’s speechless but tears come to his eyes as he pulls Shadow off his knee and into a searing kiss that has everyone back stage awing and ooh la la-ing. The red head pulls back but not letting go of Shadow’s neck, his hands cupping his jaw. A very quiet but excited ‘yes’ escapes Sweeney’s lips. Shadow’s smile widens even more as he wraps his arms around Sweeney’s waist before being lifted into a giant spin. Lip locked once more they release each other to have Shadow take the ring from the box and slide it on his fiance’s hand.

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Eddie’s not sure why they thought it would be a good idea to go hiking on horseback but here they are. His butt and tailbone are literally killing him right now. He sighs in annoyance but looks over to Buck, the fun loving, big hearted, Buck. Eddie can’t form the words to describe the love of his life but then again he doesn’t think he needs to. Because, well because he is everything that Eddie has been searching for his whole world, next to Christopher. Buck pulls on his reins to stop at the top of the hill pulling Eddie back from his thoughts.
“Hey Eds we should head back storms coming in.”

“What, you sure?”

His gelding snorts as it begins to prance in circles. He’s having trouble getting the gelding to calm down until Buck grabs its reins to pull it in. Eddie hadn’t even realized Buck had gotten off his own mare to help calm his down.
“Woah boy it’s okay. Shh calm down…”

The young gelding snickers again with a little prance before leaning its head against Buck’s shoulder. Amazed Eddie sits there mounted on his horse staring at Buck.
“I don’t even want to know how you did that. What, you’re like the horse whisperer now?”

“Ha yeah right, man just good with animals I guess. Let’s get back down to the barn, that storm doesn’t look too hot.”

“Am I arguing with you Buckley?”

“Well no it’s just that…”

“Just what Buck? Afraid of a little rain?”

“No there’s going to be more than a little rain.”

At that he gets our rides as close as they are going to get to each other before leaning over and pointing out to the clouds roiling in. They are dark and kind of ominous, cracks of thunder and lightning crashing in the distance. Eddie’s eyes go wide his mind going back to the time he almost lost Buck. What is he talking about he did lose Buck for a time there. And he has every reason to be nervous around storms.
Eddie grins leaning into Buck’s shoulder perfect height to breathe lightly into his ear.
“I think we can make it down if we leave now.”

With a blush Buck spurs his mare to turn around to head back down the trail. Eddie and his gelding not far behind them. Thunder claps over head has Buck jumping on his mount startling the poor thing into a faster trot down the hillside. Eddie snaps his reins to try and catch up to them only to let off an undignified yell as the crack of lightning strikes just over his head. Both men barely make it into the barn as it begins to downpour.
“Let’s get them situated and brushed out.”

“Sounds good besides which one of us idiots wants to go back out in That anyway?”

Eddie points back out the barn door to an onslaught of rain pouring from the clouds above the barn. Neither one, that’s who.

Chapter Text

Buck is humming to himself as he pulls the saddle from the back of his mare. Not even noticing that his partner in crime is blatantly and openly staring at him. Eddie hasn’t quite figured it out yet or better yet doesn’t want to delve too deep into what makes Buck so glamorous to him. His eyes go wide, doe-eyed almost as Buck turns to him calling out to him. He finds himself posed with his hands on the saddle of his gelding not even moving yet. Wow that was quick, Eddie notes as Buck already has his horse brushed and settled down. Buck steps up to Eddie gently placing his hands on his to help remove the saddle. Because apparently as far as Eddie got was unbuckling the straps holding it in place.
His face heats up at Buck’s closeness. He’s bound determined to keep his head down and try to focus on getting the gear off his horse so he can be brushed. Eddie can practically hear the smirk in Buck’s voice as he counts to three.
“There you go.”

“Um, thanks. I could’ve gotten that on my own you know.”

The blonde just smirks even more nodding his head in mock understanding. Buck just stands back as his partner puts up the gear moving on to picking up the brush from the small shelf on the outside of the stall.
His mount just snickers again tossing his head, prancing. Eddie rolls his eyes at the gelding before whispering to it. When did Buck lean against the wall of the stall? His long frame easily pushes away from said wall, arms uncrossing to come back up behind Eddie as he brushes. He’s a little offset from being directly behind Eddie but that doesn’t stop the contact from the side he’s on making Eddie’s skin burn hot with it. His hands move to set on top of Diaz’s helping guide the brush down the length of the horse’s body.
Again Eddie’s face heats up like flame but he doesn’t move. He wants the contact especially from Buck. When have they become so hesitant around their feelings? Buck leans down enough to hover his face over Eddie’s neck, his breath like little warm puffs of wind. Diaz tries not lean into the other’s face, to press the column of his neck against his cheek. Man Buck knows exactly what he’s doing; knows how to manipulate the situation to his advantage.
“There you g-go like that.”

Eddie can’t bring himself to say anything, comment that he knows what he’s doing. Not really, meaning he likes no wants Buck to be close. Not removing himself from his spot against Eddie he moves the one hand on Eddie’s that isn’t doing anything but laying against the gelding’s neck to move to his waist. Another hitch of breath encourages Buck to splay his fingers slowly moving across Eddie’s stomach. They don’t stop brushing until Eddie can’t focus anymore on the task at hand. Exactly where Buck wants him to be.

Chapter Text

Oh…Eddie tries to hide the moan as Buck wiggles his fingers under the band of Eddie’s pants. He wants to push back against the solid frame behind him but they need to get out of the barn if they want to do anything. He’s not too keen on the idea of literally romping in the hay. Buck backs up leaving Eddie cold against the breeze coming in from the open barn door. Quickly, he turns to watch Buck make his way to the door then pause to look back over his shoulder.
With a tilt of his head he gives his best lopsided grin then holds out his hand. It doesn’t cross Eddie’s mind to hesitate to take Buck’s hand. His grip is warm in his own as the Blonde darts across the yard in a mad dash to the gazebo. They stumble up the two steps under the roof of the gazebo, Buck pulling Eddie flush against his broad chest. The only thing Eddie can think of is how nice it is to be encased in those strong biceps. Those calloused hands no longer hold him but have travelled down to his butt. The tips of his fingers inching back up and under the waist band once more. Buck’s lips were on his the moment his hands reached the bottom of his butt, his hands squeezing the flesh under them.
Eddie yelps into the kiss the sound being swallowed by another Earth-shattering kiss. It’s getting hard to breathe so Eddie pats the others bicep in surrender. Buck pulls back marginally, his face still hovering awfully close. There’s something really gratifying knowing that Eddie has this man’s complete and undivided attention. Fuck it, he dives back in for another breath stealing kiss this time catching Buck off guard. Diaz pushes against Buck’s solid frame causing both to run into the railing under the gazebo. With a small oomph but not breaking their lip-lock Eddie pats Buck’s chest to sit. Then he breaks away to take a much needed breath of air. But he stays close enough to share the same air as Buck.
Buck does as instructed pulling out his hands from Eddie’s pants at a hmmph from Eddie. Who’s already missing the warmth of his hands on his skin. Perched a little precariously on the thin rail Eddie wiggles his way between Buck’s thighs. He purposely rubs his stomach across Buck’s crotch eliciting a small but audible to Eddie moan. Diaz smirks up at Buck rubbing his hands up each thigh and stopping where his legs bend, the heat from Buck’s arousal making him grin.
“I thought I was the tease?”

Eddie can only chuckle the sound like music to Buck’s ears. The smaller man locks lips with him once more a little more fervor behind each time they broke apart for air. That is until Eddie leaned in too far both he and Buck went toppling over the rail and into the rain once again.

Chapter Text

Buck huffs as they make it inside the cabin; Eddie grousing about being wet and covered in mud right behind him. Well if Eddie didn’t lean so far into his legs they’d still be propped precariously on the rail of the gazebo. But oh well they made it back inside. Eddie’s attempting to take off his shoes, the rubber of the soles squelching along the tile of the floor as he balances on one foot.
Buck can only grin watching Eddie from the doorway leading into the kitchen. Brown eyes suddenly connect with wide blue ones.
“What’s so funny buck?”

His voice cracks in mock outrage. The tall blonde’s grin only turns into a full blown smile at this point. As he’s about to switch feet to get the other shoe untied Eddie starts to list to the other side as he loses his balance. Seeing this, Buck makes a mad dash to catch Eddie just as he slides.
“Yikes!”

With a soft oomph Eddie looks up into Buck’s face. His curls a mess on top his head. The lone strands that weren’t swept back has Eddie reaching up to gently move them aside. Buck smiles even more a blush creeping across his cheeks and ears.
“I wasn’t about to let you fall. N-now what kind of guy would I be if I did?”

Diaz just continues to look at Buck then kicks off his remaining shoe the article of clothing dropping to the floor with a thud. Righting himself Eddie rubs his hand across Buck’s waist to walk into the kitchen. Tea sounds real good right now… or some coffee, he thinks glancing back at Buck still by the kitchen door.
“Coffee or tea?”

“Coffee… with cream….”

His voice drops an octave as he steps closer to Eddie. He jumps as Buck slides his hands along his sides, fingers spreading out and heating the chilled flesh. They move together easily as Eddie begins the makings of coffee. Buck leans in nipping a small mark on the connection between his neck and shoulder. Eddie giggles shrugging his shoulder to try and get Buck’s lips off his skin. That is until Buck bites down suckling the accosted skin. With a drawn out moan Eddie melts against Buck’s chest, his partner’s hands roaming up the from the sides to cup Eddie’s pecs. Squeezing once before releasing eliciting another moan from Diaz.
Eddie reaches back to grip Buck’s curls at the base of his neck. He tugs once after threading his fingers into the curly locks Buck grunting. The taller male heats up against Eddie’s back the thought exciting the other.
“So you’re as excited as I am huh?”

“O-only for you. And the moans you just made…”

“Do it again…”

Diaz couldn’t keep the breathless note from his voice as Buck obliged, biting down twice as hard. Pinning Eddie against his chest his back flush with the length of him. Eddie blushes deeply as he feels the hardness of Buck against his ass. At least they’re by themselves.