Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

He really has no clue how he could have ended up here. One moment he was on the battlefield, fighting for the country, the next he’s suffering an injury and is getting expelled because he was talking back to his superiors to save three lives and now… now he’s standing in a way too fancy room, in front of a way too fancy, wooden desk, with way too many papers on it and a black-haired man grinning up at him.

Way too smug and self-satisfactory, for Naib’s liking.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome you in the team, Dax.” announces the ravenette in front of him, looking up from behind those stupid glasses, which could only be a fashionable accessory instead of an actual useful tool, with how ridiculously small they are. Dax doesn’t answer with words, simply staring down at his new boss with a firm nod. He truly doesn’t want to work as a bodyguard for the infamous Mr. Mole. But here he is, because he really needs the money and just can’t get over his pride to start working in a more… “normal” profession. He wouldn’t have the time and patience to learn something new either. But protecting people and fending off attackers, that’s a skill the smaller man knows well and is proud of.

Mole slides a few papers over the table towards Dax, leaning back in his chair and takes another drag of his cigar. The ravenette takes his time, eyeing his new employee while tasting the thick smoke on his tongue before eventually exhaling the clouds.

“You can read through the contract and it’s conditions anytime. Caught me off guard that ya simply signed right away.” a raspy chuckle fills the room, the taller man straightening up again, “You’ll be assigned a room on this floor, just ask one of your new colleagues, and while you’re at it… try to make some friends around here, will ya? You don’t really look like a person who gets along well with others, I don’t need a troublemaker by my side.”

Naib closes his eyes for a brief second, holding back his tongue and keeping his expression at bay which desperately wants to twist into a derogatory snarl.

He pays well, you need the money.

Wordlessly the brunette takes the - already signed – contract and glances a last time at the Mole’s grinning face before turning around to leave the office of his new boss.

Mole is everything Naib despises in a man. Greedy, spoiled, manipulative and living at the expense of other’s lives. Of course, he didn’t follow the ravenette’s advice, simply asking to be shown his room without any further interaction, whenever it’s out of habit or of pure spite.

Despite his thoughts about the other, Dax stays professional.

Fulfilling his job. Keeping the bastard’s sorry ass safe. Accompanying him to endless meetings and threateningly glaring away everyone who seems suspicious. Exactly what Mole hired him for. Naib is not planning to make friends or get along with anyone in the mafia. He doesn’t want to be part of the “family” as they tend to call themselves, which grants him a certain reputation at some point.

Hermit, they started calling him. An Antisocialist.

Of course, Mole heard of his bodyguard’s status in his team, not being too fond of it and ending up scolding the ex-colonel how excluding himself in this business is basically a death sentence. Saying that he’s digging his own grave.

“If yer in trouble one day, they’re only gonna watch and eat popcorn.”

Golden claws are tapping against the dark desk in pure annoyance, his gaze cold, staring up at the expressionless man in front of him.

“It’s not my job to make friends, sir.”  

They kept this attitude. Mole lecturing his bodyguard regularly, Dax talking himself out of it every time. It’s the only occasion the brunette has some kind of conversation with the taller man.

Their bond is cold. Not showing any signs of interest towards each other as individuals, nothing more than employer and employee. None of the two is making any effort to better their communication anyway.

Days are becoming weeks, turning into months and before Naib can count to three it’s already been half a year he’s working for the scarred man. On this day of all days, of course, something had to happen.

Naib is following Mole into a rather fancy looking building, striving through polished hallways, its tiles reflecting the men walking on them. Cold, blue eyes scan the environment, a routine by now, keeping their surroundings in check. There are quite a few people he doesn’t know, apparently all of them working for the client the ravenette is meeting up with today.
After entering a room, furnished with a huge table and chairs, the tall man is already getting comfortable on his place. Dax is not leaving his side, positioned right behind his boss with his hands behind his back, while having his eyes wavering around the room.

And another one of the endless meetings.

For over two hours Naib has been standing there, listening to Mole sealing yet another deal that’s gonna ruin another man’s finances. The brunette has to keep himself from rolling his eyes, he’s been seeing this bullshit for way too often already.

After coming to an end, the taller man shakes the client’s hand one more time, fixing his hat and standing up. He straightens his jacket before nodding at Dax to signal that they’re leaving.

Naib is sure he has checked everything before they entered and had his eyes around the area during the meeting. He’s sure that there was no suspicious action going on before. Yet, the moment they step outside the room, he hears Mole gasp suddenly when spotting someone right beside the door.

Dax doesn’t even have to think twice, his body switching to auto-pilot when quickly grabbing his boss’s arm, yanking him behind and pushing himself forward to block the knife that was about to pierce the ravenette’s guts.

A grunt of pain leaves the brunette’s lips as the steel is digging into his flesh, glaring at the attacker, he kicks the man to the ground, shortly after hearing gunfire erupting from beside him as the client’s men shoot the attacker, creating a gory mess on the expensive tiles.

“Subedar!” shouts Mole, pushing himself forward to take a hold of his bodyguard, seeing blood stain his clothes. The knife left a serious injury on the brunette’s arm he’s been shielding himself with, making the taller man frown, a scowl settling on his facial features.

Their way back to the ravenette’s mansion passes by in utter, uncomfortable silence. Naib told Mole multiple times that he can patch himself up and that it’s no big deal, that he’s had worse to deal with, but at that, Mole simply snapped at him, growling to keep his damn mouth shut and stay put. Usually, the ex-colonel wouldn’t allow anyone to talk to him like that, not even the man that pays him, but this time, he’ll let it slide.

Soon enough he finds himself in the taller man’s office. Mole took off his jacket, hat and stupid glasses, pushing Dax down on a chair and orders him to take off his clothes as well to give access to the wound.

Naib watches the taller man stomp to a dark cabinet in his office, getting out a first aid kit and some alcohol before turning on his desk lamp and sitting down next to the injured man. Without any warning, Mole applies alcohol to the wound, killing off any germs and making Dax clench his jaw at the burn. The ravenette simply glances at him for a second before taking a better look at the wound, mumbling: “Probably needs two or three stitches. Ya had luck to get away like this.”
The brunette huffs at that, watching the taller man getting out a medical thread and a needle, preparing himself for the unpleasant sting of the metal piercing the already irritated skin.

Silence drapes itself over the two men until the ravenette makes the last stitch, the ex-colonel’s wound even redder than before, but at least taken care of. Mole sighs quietly, putting away the thread and getting the bandages, starting to wrap them around the smaller man’s arm.

Norton didn’t think much of the gruff brunette at first, simply glad that someone took over the job of keeping him safe from any attackers and people that want to harm him while he’s doing his business. The cold and quiet man definitely isn’t someone he’d describe as charming or “good company” in that matter, but Subedar has strength and skill, being qualified for his position as his bodyguard. Dax has always done a clean and decent job so far, until today.

It’s the first time either of them ends up with a serious injury, and that’s something Mole can’t just turn a blind eye on.

“Watch out better the next time, I don’t want to patch you up anytime soon again.” growls the taller man, still tightly wrapping the bandages around the brunette’s arm. He feels the other shift slightly before hearing him say: “With all respect sir, it’s my job to keep you safe. Why are you scolding me for doing my job right?”

Mole stops in his actions, looking up to directly pierce the other’s light eyes with his dark orbs.

“Who’s gonna be my bodyguard when you let yourself getting easily killed like that?”

They silently stare each other down, since both of them got a point, their opponent can’t argue against. It’s as if the men are trying to see whose argument makes more sense. Eventually the ravenette gives the bandage a last, sharp tug to secure it, watching Dax’s eye twitch slightly at the pressure applied on the fresh wound. He straightens up again, taking his jacket and says: “Accompany me to the bar a few streets away, I need some good liquor now.”

It’s an order, not a request.

Warm lights are flooding the bar, filled with voices, music and laughter. The two men are seated in a corner, away from the busy part of the place. There are already a few empty glasses on the table, Mole being the owner of them, since Dax refuses to drink anything, saying it’s reckless to indulge the effects of liquor while he’s “at work”.

Naib is hating it here. Hating to be here. Sitting there with his boss, watching all the drunkards swaying from left to right in the middle of the bar, some barely holding themselves up on their chairs. The strong smell of sweat and alcohol in his nose, the loud cheering and noises, it’s draining to remain here, practically babysitting the ravenette.

“It wouldn’t be this bad if you’d take up on my offer and drink something.” murmurs Mole, studying his bodyguard’s derogating gaze wavering through the bar and its visitors.

“It’s past midnight, I know the owner and most of the people here Dax, there’s no threat. See yourself off the job.”

“If I’d be off my job, I most likely wouldn’t be here, sir.” Mole rolls his eyes and groans quietly at the snappy attitude the other loves to use oh so often.

“For fucks sake Subedar, take the damn glass and drink something.”

He pushes the half full glass of whiskey towards the brunette who eyes it skeptically. The taller man nods at it, to encourage Naib into drinking the content. With a sigh of defeat, he takes the glass and downs the drink, earning himself a low whistle from the other, who immediately orders two more.

Mole is thrilled to be able to experience how talkative Dax becomes after drinking a bit more with him. The usually stern and quite ex-colonel is now spilling personal facts and stories of his time in the army and before, fascinating the taller man with his experiences. The bar cleared up a little, got a bit quieter too, but Subedar got his boss’s whole attention anyway. The Mole’s dark eyes are trained on him in interest, not that the brunette notices the taller man’s intense gaze with how caught up he is in his fuzzy brain. But Norton, he’s hooked. Watching the smaller man talk and eyeing his various and suddenly so lively expressions.
It excites him. He wants to spend more hours talking with his employee like this.
The ravenette’s eyes wander from the other’s chocolate brown ponytail over to his piercing blue eyes, his nicely shaped nose and those pretty lips that even tend to curl into a slight smile every now and then tonight. Such a rare sight.

The taller man gotta admit, Dax is handsome, very much even. Did it really take him 6 months to realize? Despite his fogged thoughts, Norton can already tell that from this night on, he took a liking to his bodyguard. But… what is he supposed to do with this kind of realization?

In the middle of talking, Mole suddenly reaches out to tenderly brush his hand over the brunette’s arm. Naib stops mid-sentence for a second, gaze flickering to the taller man’s hand, before looking at his eyes.

“Sorry, I’ve just been wondering if it still hurts a lot.” excuses the ravenette his actions, retreating his clawed fingers again.

“ ’s not as bad as before.” mumbles the smaller man, not questioning the other any further, while Mole’s heart is slightly pounding in his chest.

It didn’t take too long until the men had to leave the bar due to it getting closed. Mole has to suppress a disappointed sigh. He doesn’t want to leave, knowing that back at his mansion, Dax is gonna go back to his reserved and stoic manners. He’d love to invite the smaller man to his room, maybe sharing one more drink and talking through the night, maybe they could get to know each other properly?

Mole shakes his head lightly while on their way back, steps echoing off the dark streets. What is he even thinking? Dax is working for him, it would be unprofessional to get this close to another, yet… he can’t shake off the want of spending more time with the brunette. Just the two of them. Not as employer and employee but as two simple men, indulging each other in a nice conversation, and... maybe some more?

No, get a hold of yourself, you’re just drunk. Scolds the ravenette his thoughts, suddenly finding himself only a few steps away from his sleeping chambers by now. Their steps are now muffled by the carpet of the floor in the mansion.

They’ve been walking back in silence, only a slightly sparked tension between them, at least on Mole’s side. Eventually they’re coming to a halt in front of the dark, wooden door which is decorated with elegant engravings. The ravenette doesn’t make a move to open it though, knowing Dax is going to leave and disappear in his own 4 walls as soon as he takes a step into his room.

On the other side, Naib is confused why his boss isn’t entering. He must admit that the night got better after having a drink or two, he would even dare to say he enjoyed the time (as unbelievable as it sounds), but now they should head to bed or else the next day is going to be horribly draining.
After a few more moments of nothing happening, Dax simply presses down the handle himself, opening the door to his superior’s room, slightly furrowing his brows at the untypical behavior of the taller man. When the brunette is about to pull his hand back again, he feels a pair of cold claws grasping his wrist, keeping him in place. Naib turns his head in surprise, looking straight at the other’s dark orbs. Their faces are almost touching another, when did Mole get this close? Neither of the men says a word, they stay there, gazing at each other. The ravenette’s eyes slowly wander to the smaller man’s lips, his heart making leaps in his chest as he’s feeling the sudden want to touch them with his own.

Norton feels his eyes closing, head moving on instinct, slightly tilting to the side, a little push forward… and suddenly the only thing he feels on his face is a quick rush of wind followed by a mumbled: “Have a good rest, sir.” leaving the ravenette standing alone in front of his room, watching the smaller man walk away.

The following day, Dax doesn’t even make the impression he realized his boss’s intentions the night before. He’s been doing his job just like he used to, while Norton is getting worse and worse. The ravenette is yearning for more contact ever since that night at the bar. He wants to talk to the brunette, but he’s as quiet as before, killing every attempt of a conversation even before it can properly start. It’s frustrating, to say the least. Having his desires unsatisfied messes with the taller man, throwing his moods over the table, depending on the other’s behavior.

Norton hates how weak he became towards his employee, all the talks he’s had with himself, wondering how one night was able to change it all. And most importantly: how can be Dax so damn oblivious and not see his obvious signs of flirting. He’s not even hiding it anymore by now! You could literally say, the ex-colonel is emotionally blind, with how often he missed to pick up on one of Mole’s hints.

Since gestures and words aren’t working on the brunette, the taller man got desperate. Very desperate. Desperate to the point he even uses his authority to get what he wants.

“Kiss me.”

Dax’s expression doesn’t even flinch at the words, simply looking back at the frustrated ravenette. Sure, he’s noticed a slight (slight my ass) change of the other’s behavior, but who is he to question his boss’s personal matters? So, hearing this request is highly confusing to the smaller man.

“Excuse me?”

“Kiss me, that’s an order.”

Mole doesn’t let lose, he finally wants to calm the raging desire in his system and feel the other’s lips against his. Oh, how many times he caught himself dreaming and wondering if Dax is a good kisser, wondering if he’s dominant or let other’s take the lead. All the nights he’s been lying awake, thinking about the brunette…

His heart skips a beat when watching Dax furrow his brows shortly, before giving in. He sets his hands down on the desk, leaning forward. Norton’s breath hitches lightly, leaning forward in his seat as well, coming to meet him in the middle.

He swears he can feel his heart bursting in happiness when their lips are actually colliding. The ravenette is surprised by how soft they feel. He’d expected them to be chapped and rough, but it seems like Dax is rather gentle when it comes to kissing. Mole is becoming a little more daring, lifting his hand to keep the other’s face close when moving his lips, surprisingly feeling the smaller man seriously reciprocating the movements.

Norton is already feeling himself getting lost in the sensation, deepening the kiss by letting his tongue brush over the other’s lip, demanding access. It seems as if it’s the taller man’s lucky day, then even now, Dax isn’t backing off. Instead, he obliges the other’s request and soon enough their tongues find another in a fight for dominance.
A soft grunt escapes the taller man’s lips at that, not expecting the brunette to put up such a battle. When before he thought Subedar is a gentle kisser, he's now getting surprised by how savagely the smaller man’s standing his ground, not letting himself being easily dominated like that. They break off after a while, both of their lungs screaming for air as they pull away from each other. Dax is having an ever so slightly blush on his cheeks, while Mole is practically aflame. He’d love to just leap forward again and pull the brunette down for another kiss. He’s might as well become addicted.

“Anything else, sir?”

Norton can feel his expression drop. Anything else?
They just made out above his desk and Subedar’s first words are to ask if he wants anything else?! The ravenette watches his bodyguard fixing his collar, expression neutral, as always.

“Leave.” whispers Mole hoarsely, embarrassment starting to flare up inside of him. Dax simply saw this as a task, there weren’t any feelings involved on his side, were there? Seeing the man in question still standing in front of his desk with a raised brow in confusion, the ravenette repeats: “Get yer fuckin fine ass out of this damn office!”

Blinking a few times, caught off guard by his boss’s raised voice, Naib takes a step back, hesitantly turning around to exit the room. Having the thick door closed behind him, the brunette exhales audibly.

What the fuck was that just now.

His fucking fine ass???

Dax is still trying to put the pieces together, trying to understand what happened. Why would Mole even ask him to kiss him? And why would he throw him out a moment later?
Brushing back his hair in slight frustration, Naib’s brain is working feverishly. He didn’t miss out on the other’s teasing and flirty demeanor the past days, weeks.

He just thought it might have been a test. Some sort of wicked mind game, the ones Mole loves to play so much with others. But… after this just now…

Was he serious about all of this?

The brunette doesn’t think too much of relationships, he never really had the time for sentimental things like that. Now that he thinks about it though, it has been years since the last time he even kissed someone.
Dax wouldn’t want to risk his job and income just because feelings are messing up his professional bond with his boss. Emotions destroy things. He can’t let that happen. Absolutely not.

He has never thought of Mole like that in the first place, did he? Sure, the ravenette got a stupidly attractive face, even with his scars, or maybe exactly because of them. After half a year, the brunette can even say that Campbell isn't as cruel as he thought he was in the beginning. Mole very much cares about the people close to him, and even appears to offer his help when needed... His smirk is alluring and the rasp in his voice is able to make the smaller man shiver slightly, especially in the mornings after the other just woke up-

Shit. He’s been paying too much attention after all, hasn’t he?

Despite the realization slowly settling in, Naib swears to not get worked up by it. As stated before: he needs the job, he can’t risk it, he’s gotta stay professional.

So, despite the now overly awkward and troublesome encounter the men had, neither of them dares to speak about it, pretending it never happened. The brunette doesn’t miss the way the taller man seems to be heartbroken. Norton can’t hide the hurt expression on his face, despite trying to disguise it with his trademark smirks, but Dax is working long- and close enough with the other to see the truth.

It’s sad, really. The way both of them seem to dance around another’s emotions. One yearning to get his love reciprocated, the other wanting the same but being too scared of the future and outcome to truly indulge his feelings.

Despite his best efforts, Naib’s growing affection for the man slips here and there. They innocently touch more frequently, when the brunette is gently pushing him in another direction for his safety, his fingers lingering longer than they would have to and there’s an unspoken bitterness when they separate again.

Of course, Mole is feverishly thinking about what might be the reason for the way their bond changed. He’s observing enough to slightly notice the inner struggle of his bodyguard, feeling his gaze on himself more often than before and he wonders: why?

Does Dax perhaps have feelings after all? Why is he this hesitant then? Eventually he comes to a conclusion, collecting all his strength to call the brunette over and confront him with his theory.

Only a moment later Dax is standing in the ravenette’s office, his throat suddenly dry and hands slightly twitching behind his back. Why is he anxious now?
The taller man flashes him a thin-lipped smile, nodding at one of the chairs in front of his desk, telling him to take a seat. Naib follows suit, soon after sitting right in front of the man that’s been messing up his mind lately.

“You noticed it too, didn’t ya? How things became… off between us?”
The brunette swallows, before nodding ever so slightly, making the taller man huff.

“Let me ask you one question, Subedar. Are you afraid to lose your job if things get… messy?”

Dax doesn’t like to admit fear, even though, he’s caught off guard by how on-point his boss’s guessing is. The smaller man’s frozen silence is enough of an answer for Mole, his expression softening a little.

“If that’s really what’s been keeping you from reciprocating my feelings, I’ll guarantee you to never throw you out and just give you another position elsewhere in the company, if things happen to not work out.”

Naib blinks a few times at the other’s offer. He’s sceptic about it, still remaining in silence. What if those are just empty promises? He’s sure, that if Mole is gonna get his feelings hurt, he won’t hesitate to throw him out, or worse...

Would he really keep this promise?

After still not receiving an answer from the brunette, Norton starts to believe that he still doesn’t want to take a step forward. After dwelling in deafening silence for a few more minutes, the ravenette can’t take it anymore. The rejection feeling like a punch in the face.

“I see… sorry for asking, it’s alright. You’re allowed to leave again.”

His voice is quiet, suppressing the hurt and bitterness he’s experiencing once more.

Wordlessly, Dax gets up and hurries out of the office. Watching him leave, Mole leans back in his chair, hands pressed against his face as a frustrated growl leaves his lips. Why did he have to fall for Dax out of all people...

Even more days pass by after their talk. Now they seem to have broken apart. Sometimes it seems like Naib is fleeing from the scene as soon as he’s allowed to go. Leaving the ravenette with an ache in his chest every single time.

It’s a day like no other, Mole having troubles to get out of bed to start the day, knowing he’ll be facing the person he yearns for without the possibility to ever have something like a future together. Norton gets dressed, opening the door and steps outside. He strives through the mansion, greeting some of his employees on his way to the office on another floor.

Opening the door, he’s surprised to find it unlocked. He’s sure he didn’t forget to shut it properly the night before… His expression turns into utter confusion when stepping inside the room, seeing Dax’s jacket hanging on the clothing rail while there’s no trace of the man himself inside.

Maybe in the small kitchen connected to his office? Mole hums quietly, it doesn’t matter anyway… He’s shrugging off his jacket as well, hanging it next to the brunette’s but before he can turn around, Norton suddenly feels a pair of strong hands on his waist, making him freeze on the spot.

“D-Dax?”

The ravenette cringes at the stutter in his voice, still feeling the warm palms on his body, squeezing him gently as to confirm his guess. Shortly after he feels the other’s breath on his neck, the smaller man noosing his skin there, making Mole’s body running hot and cold in both anticipation and anxiety.

What’s gotten into him?! Well, not that Mole minds the affectionate touches but, what suddenly changed his bodyguard’s mind?

Before Norton can voice his thoughts and questions circling in his mind, he hears the brunette murmur in a hushed voice, right next to his ear: “I’ve never been good with words or… being affectionate but, I want to try. Want to learn it from you, sir.” 

The ravenette swears he could feel his heart breaking his own ribs with the rapid beating. Is this real? Is this really happening?

“You being serious, Subedar? No mind games or anything?”

He can hear and feel the smaller man huff when shaking his head and retrieving his hands, allowing Mole to turn around and face the ex-colonel who’s wearing a small and gentle smile.

“I’ve never been the one playing mind games here.”

As realization settles in, as Norton finally registers that Naib is reciprocating his feelings, he can’t stop himself from moving forward, reversing their positions and pressing the brunette against the wall next to their jackets. Dax’s breath hitches quietly as his back hits the wall with a soft thud, his hands gripping tightly onto the taller man’s shoulders. This slight, yet honest reaction ignites a fire inside the ravenette, his heart still pounding as excitement takes over when finally being able to have Dax this close again. Their faces are only mere centimeters apart and just like the night after their stay at the bar, Mole glances down at the other’s lips in anticipation, seeing Naib nod slightly, before he’s the one making the last move, pushing forward to seal their lips in a tender kiss.

Dax slightly tilts his head, deepening the exchange and receiving an approving hum from the taller man. Mole breaks off after a while, not wasting a second and moving his lips over to the brunette’s neck, nipping and sucking the tender skin there, eliciting a quiet groan from the ex-colonel, whose hands are tightly gripping his shirt, fingers digging into the white fabric to ground himself from the unfamiliar, yet pleasant sensation.

Norton smiles against the other’s neck, hands coming down to squeeze Naib’s hips when lowly murmuring: “If you want to learn how to love, then I’ll make sure to teach you everything I know.”

Chapter Text

Right before the moment could become any more heated or intimate, there’s a heavy knock at the door. Hastily the two men separate, their heads turning to face one of Mole’s employees entering. He’s glancing at the duo inside the room with curiosity, seeing how Dax’s cheeks have a slight blush before the brunette turns around awkwardly, clearing his throat and trying to “fix his collar” or something. 

“I wanted to remind you of the meeting sir.” exclaims the employee, focusing on Mole who’s still wearing a satisfied grin. Naib’s ears perk up at that.

Meeting? I didn’t know of any meetings today…

“Yeah, sure.” mumbles the ravenette in confirmation, nodding, “I’ll be ready in a few minutes, wait for me in the car.” 

His employee bows lightly before exiting the room again, leaving the men behind.

“What meeting?” asks Dax shortly after being alone with Norton once more, but said man simply reaches for his jacket to put it back on.

“In all honesty, I forgot about it.” admits the taller man with a quiet sigh, straightening the jacket before walking over to the perplexed bodyguard to press his lips chastely against the other’s temple.

“It’s an intern meeting where you won’t be needed.” explains Mole, fingers already on the handle of the door. Before exiting though, he let go again, leaning over to the brunette once more. He wraps his arms around Naib’s waist to pull him closer (because now he can just DO that) and whispers something in his ear: “Meet me tonight in my room, so we can spend some more time together.” 

The huskiness of the taller man’s voice and the fingers slightly trailing up his spine to emphasize his words, make Dax release a shaky breath before nodding in silence, watching Norton exiting the room. 

Since this practically means Naib has a “day off” he’s been pacing around the mansion trying to distract himself from reoccurring thoughts. All of them, of course, regarding his boss. Spending some more time together? What exactly does he mean by that?

Does Mole indicate talking? Dax isn’t the best at that, he would need to down at least one drink beforehand… Or, did Norton imply something more… active? Would the ravenette already bed him despite Naib declaring his affection to him only today? 

Would he? And would Dax be down for it?

It’s difficult enough to figure out when to meet up with the taller man in the first place. “Tonight” isn’t very precise after all.

It’s already past 10 pm when the brunette leaves his room, sneakily making his way to the chambers of his boss. Untypically, his heart starts beating faster with every step he takes closer to the other’s room. Is he nervous or… maybe it’s anticipation? He can’t really tell… 

It only takes two knocks for Norton to open the door, a bright smile plastered on his face as he finds the shorter man in front of him. Inviting Naib in, Mole takes a step back, allowing him to enter. The ex-colonel has been in the other’s private chambers before but only very briefly. This time, he has the opportunity to gaze around and inspect it further. 

Overall, it appears very dark. Lots of wooden furniture, most of it polished until it has an expensive shine. Even in here he has his own work desk, this one also drowned by paperwork. While Dax is busy observing his now partner’s(?) room, he feels the ravenette circling his hands around him, pulling the brunette against his chest from behind. Naib tenses up for a moment, waiting for Mole’s next move.

The ravenette begins by gently nosing his neck, before pressing light kisses on the ex-colonel’s skin, up to his jaw where he sinks his teeth in, only to suck a mark into the tender flesh before soothing the spot with his hot tongue pressing against it. Dax hisses quietly, but at the same time tilts his head to the side, eyes fluttering shut.

He can’t really explain it, he’s curious. Wants to see what Mole does next, for he can’t read the man’s intentions at the moment. Naib doesn’t have to wait too long for the taller man making another move. Norton peels off the brunette’s jacket, murmuring: “I was afraid you wouldn’t show up for a while.” against the smaller man’s ear. His breath tickling the skin, making a slight shiver travel down his spine.

After discarding the gray jacket onto a chair in the room and wrestling off most of the belts, Norton’s hands begin to wander again. One of them sneaking to the brunette’s chest starting to unbutton his shirt, while the other wanders down to the ex-colonel’s crotch, rubbing his palm against the clothed member and earning a shaky breath from the man before him.

“You want this too, right?” asks the ravenette, feeling the smaller man’s slowly hardening dick twitch at the question.

Dax swallows dryly. By now his chest is exposed as well, the other’s rough hands thoroughly fondling his pecks, thumb rubbing against his nipples while he has to hold himself back from thrusting into the hand palming his already throbbing length.

It’s been a long while since he allowed himself to indulge in carnal pleasures like this and the way Mole manages to manhandle him feels too good to refuse. Eventually, he nods, hissing a gruff: “Yeah, keep going.” 

Humming with a smile splayed on his lips, the ravenette keeps palming the smaller man, hearing his breathing speeding up ever so slightly, his head dipping back to rest against Norton’s shoulder as Dax closes his eyes, hips slightly thrusting forward for more friction. A breathy: “Fuck” escaping his slightly parted lips at the pleasure he’s experiencing. 

Mole is mesmerized by the smaller man’s expression from just such little attention, and it only adds onto all the plans he already has to mess up the ex-colonel until the next morning arises. All this time, just for them. 

The ravenette slightly pushes them both forward, towards the bed while fully taking off the brunette’s shirt, exposing his broad shoulders and many battle scars, stretching across his whole torso. Gently he guides Naib onto the bed, making him rest his back against the mattress so he can climb on top of the smaller man. 

Dax allows him to nudge his legs open, spreading them to accommodate the other between his thighs. His breath is slightly ragged and seeing Norton looming above him doesn’t make it any better. A rush of anticipation is running through his veins, as his blue eyes are eating up the sight in front. Mole has his shirt slightly opened, and aside of his jacket, glasses and hat, he’s still fully dressed. Naib’s gotta change that. 

Sitting up on his elbows, the ex-colonel first aligns his head to initiate another kiss, getting it promptly reciprocated by the man on top. Deft hands get to work, unbuttoning Norton’s shirt, pushing it off his torso while feeling the ravenette eagerly invading his mouth, deepening the kiss with his tongue. Their tongues mesh in a heated dance, eliciting occasional grunts and noises from both of them.

Right after Dax breaks away with a short gasp, inhaling deeply at the loss of air, his hands already thrift down to open Mole’s pants and get them out of the way. Watching the brunette struggle with his task, the taller man lets out a husky chuckle before helping with stripping his pants off, making them just another article on the floor. Right after follows the smaller man’s pair of pants, including his boxers, leaving Naib bare on the sheets.

He already has an impatient expression, nudging Norton to take the last piece restraining his arousal, off as well.

“No need to rush, darling.” hums the taller man, slowly stripping himself naked and half-smirking at the brunette’s widening eyes when taking a glance at what the ravenette is gifted with.

“If I wouldn’t know it any better, I’d say yer look pretty intimidated.” jokes Norton, earning himself a low huff from the frowning ex-colonel who averts his gaze back onto the other’s face.

“Just a bit… surprised.” mumbles Naib, not daring to feed the taller man’s ego any further, his expression already said enough.

“Surprised, sure.” chuckles the ravenette, leaning back down to nurse Dax’s neck and collarbones with his lips. The affection and attention are distracting enough for Naib to miss how Mole reaches for something, not even hearing the cap opening before a wet and cold sensation on his entrance makes him jump lightly. He opens his eyes again with a confused frown, looking down on himself and seeing the taller’s hand between his thighs.

“Don’t make such a face, we need to make me fit somehow.”

Naib feels his cheeks burning at those words, not letting go of his stoic demeanor when grumbling a hasty: “Yeah, yeah. Make it quick.”

Norton huffs, but does as he’s told, pushing one digit inside and feeling the ex-colonel tensing around it at the intrusion. He starts pumping it slowly, asking: “Are you always this gruff before sex?” enjoying the way the brunette’s eyes furrow even further as he’s sending him a heated glare.

“You’re so full of yourself, you don’t need any pampering.”

Mole klicks his tongue at that. “Interesting wording, Subedar.”

The use of his last name causes Naib to shiver, in time with the ravenette pushing in a second finger, causing a low groan to escape the smaller man’s lips as the digits are now further stretching his walls.
It doesn’t feel good just yet, and the brunette wonders if it has always felt this off being fingered, it’s been a while since the last time he felt this kind of sensation.

Noticing the ex-colonel’s discomfort, Mole busies himself leaving more kisses over the other’s exposed chest and upper body, tongue moving down to one nipple, giving it a lick and gentle suck and receiving a sharp gasp in return. Norton can feel the other clenching down around his fingers as he keeps moving them in different angles to, of course, prepare the man below, but also in hopes to locate the gruff man’s prostate to elicit some more rare expressions and sounds. He must say, Dax isn’t really open when it comes to anything. Not his feelings, noises, gestures or expressions. Even while getting fingered, the brunette’s only sign of pleasure is a slightly ragged breath and furrowed brows.
Gotta change that later.

Adding a third and last finger, the ravenette gives his best to open the other up, feeling how one of Naib’s hands flies to his shoulder, gripping onto the skin harshly, hips lightly bucking up now and then, while his feet are digging into the mattress, messing up the sheets.

After a short while, Norton retrieves his fingers dripping with lube, faintly hearing a low groan from the man beneath by the sudden loss of stimulation.

Quickly Mole slicks himself up with the excess lube before aligning himself with Naib’s entrance, making the brunette gulp, awaiting the tight stretch.

“Let me know if it hurts too much, yeah?” asks Norton, pressing hot, lingering kisses against the ex-colonel’s bared neck while running his hands along the toned body’s sides. Dax can’t hide the shiver of anticipation when nodding slightly whispering a hoarse: “Okay.”

What follows is a hiss of pain as the taller man eases himself inside. Naib throws his head back, mouth agape in a silent cry at the pain and pleasure mix that floods his senses when feeling the ravenette sinking in.

It feels like an eternity until Norton finally bottoms out, both of the men already heaving just from the tight fit. Dax has his eyes covered by his arm, slightly panting for air, adjusting to feeling so filled up. Mole is kind enough to grant him the time, using it to collect his own composure as well because, fuck, the ex-colonel is tight and hot and it takes Norton all of his sanity to not just pound into him right away. The ravenette’s hands dig into the smaller man’s hips, surely leaving marks as he’s manhandling Dax into a more stable and comfortable position for him to start moving.

First thrust, and a gasp. A few more follow, shallow, just to get accustomed. But it already has the ex-colonel’s breathing ragged and rough.

After some careful thrusts, Norton begins to earnestly fuck the man beneath, dragging himself out just to slam back inside, sheltering his length in the tight heat with a low growl of his own. The rough pace has the brunette clawing at the sheets with his eyes closed shut, his legs wrapped around Moles hips and heels digging into the taller man’s back in pleasure.

Secretly, Dax would love to hold onto the scarred man, but he doesn’t allow himself this kind of intimacy just yet. He doesn’t even know their exact relationship. Can they already be called a couple? Lovers? On the way there?

His rational thoughts don’t last for long, not when Norton suddenly shifts, almost hitting his most pleasurable spot. The sensation causes Naib to slightly arch his back, trying to chase after it, trying to have his prostate fucked with his own buck of hips while throwing his head back with a harsh pant.

There isn’t a second Mole doesn’t have his eyes fixed onto the man before him. Norton carefully watches the brunette’s very few reactions to the way he’s pounding into him. As stated before, Dax has always been concealed. Very few words, never letting his expression slip, nor his voice or emotions. The only thing he’s gotten out of the gruff man by now are a few grunts and curses every now and then accompanied by his quickened breathing. He wants to see the ex-colonel let loose and let go for once. Therefore, Norton of course notices the small reaction of him.

Without slowing down, Mole moves forward, untangling Naib’s iron grip on the sheets to intertwine their fingers instead, pinning them next to the brunette’s head while continuing to drill into him. The action causes Dax to open his watery eyes, looking up and seeing Norton with a slight smile staring back down at him with such a lustful gaze it makes his breath hitch in his throat. Mole is eating Naib up with his eyes alone. Enjoying the ex-colonels heated expression, he murmurs a rough: "Now that's more like it. Keep your eyes on me, darling."

What he didn’t expect is the immediate reaction of the man he’s bedding. Hearing those words, Naib feels his insides tingle in excitement and something else, causing him to involuntarily clench around the other’s dick, which Mole feels of course.

Suddenly, he smiles.

"You like that, don't ya?"

Unable to muster much more than a warning glare, Dax feels his insides clench once more at Mole's intense gaze, which contains so much affection and lust at the same time.

"Ya like it, when I give you all my attention." adds Norton softly, while Naib just stays quiet, biting his lip and trying to turn his head away while feeling the other’s dick deep inside. He’s sure that if he placed a hand on his stomach, he could feel it’s every move inside of him.

Gently the brunette’s head is being lead back to keep eye contact by one of Mole’s hands, which let go of his own. Dax damns himself for already missing the warmth and pressure of Norton’s hands against his fingers. Is he already that down for the taller man?

"Ya know, I'd love to see you unravel." continues Mole to murmur, sweat slicking his bangs to his forehead, which Naib suddenly decides to brush back with shaky hands, the ravenette’s face getting closer to his own, flushed one. Their foreheads touch gently while Norton continues to thrust his hips into the other's at a fast pace, feeling the ex-colonel’s wet panting against his lips.

"Come on, Naib, let go. You don't need to hide anything from me."

Hot kisses are being pressed to the brunette’s jaw as he suddenly throws his head further into the pillows with a repressed groan. A shiver travels down his spine at the use of his first name, loving the way it sounds with Mole’s husky voice.

Dax can feel rough fingers massaging his chest again, before they’re pinching his nipples gently. Teeth nibbling at his bottom lip, asking for a surprisingly gentle, close-lipped kiss.

"Does it feel good?" asks Norton in a whisper, as if it's a secret. Something kept just between the two of them. Their pace changes to a deep and slow rhythm, with Mole pulling out gently and sheltering himself back in, with an earnest thrust. Practically burying himself inside the other again as if missing the brunette’s warmth just to repeat the motion.

Dax can't help it. The sensations and sudden carefulness messing with his brain, causing him to lowly moan against the ravenette’s lips, thighs locked behind Moles back.

"F-fuck. Yes, it feels good. Don't stop… please."

Delighted to hear the brunette’s first proper moan of that night, Norton smiles, pressing a chaste kiss to the other's sweaty forehead.

“Don’t worry I’ll take good care of you.”

And with that, the taller man suddenly hoists Dax’s thighs up, causing the brunette’s eyes to blow open in surprise, a confused yelp leaving his lips while he’s trying to grab for purchase on Mole’s shoulders and back.

Being bend in two and having the ravenette this close, chests almost touching, does something to Naib, feeling his face going hot when staring into those dark pools of lust and affection.

“W-wait, I’m not sure if-“ a chocked groan interrupts his sentence as suddenly Norton’s dick makes direct contact with his prostate. The brunette’s fingers already scratch into Mole’s back at the sudden wave of pleasure and his grip only grows stronger when the ravenette decides to go back to his previous pace, pounding into the smaller man after realizing he finally found Dax’s favorite spot.

There’s no need to slow down now, since their carnal buck of hips has been going for too long already, both of the men just craving their sweet release, chasing after the sensation of their orgasm.

The previously quiet ex-colonel grows a bit more vocal with the constant abuse of his prostate, low whines and occasional, small moans slipping here and there. All of them only for Mole to hear, with Naib moaning right against his ear. The smaller man’s legs are quivering with the amount of pleasure washing over him, arms wrapped around the other’s strong shoulders and hand buried in Norton’s black locks, feeling the other’s grip on the underside of his knees tightening as well, Mole’s thrust turning almost erratic.

Naib feels the burning hot sensation in his lower abdomen increasing, the knot inside turning tighter and tighter, announcing his approaching release.

“I’m- I’m close, Mole.”

“Cut that out.” hisses the taller man suddenly, detaching himself from Dax’s neck which he’s been biting and sucking on, to be able to look into his face instead. The slight snarl on the ravenette’s face when spreading his thighs further apart makes Naib shudder, brows quirked and furrowed in his pre-orgasm bliss.

“No more Mole when we’re alone, you know my name.”

The huskiness of Norton’s voice creates another wave of arousal rushing through the smaller man, causing his back to arch off the mattress. He only needs a bit more, one last push to finally reach his high, and the ravenette notices it with the way Naib’s eyes close tightly, face turning to the side, his lips spilling wanton mewls as he’s approaching his orgasm with the never-stopping pounding.

“None of that, darling.” growls Norton with a worn-out smirk, his own patience and stamina running thin as well. He grabs the smaller man’s chin, turning his head back to face him, “I want you to look me in the eyes when you come.”

A low moan escapes Dax at that, forced to stare into those onyx eyes, pinning him to the mattress as everything starts to become overwhelming.

“N-Norton.” calls the brunette as a final warning, not able to care about how wrecked it sounds when the blinding sensation of his orgasm takes hold of him. Not allowed to avert his gaze, Naib tenses up and releases all over his and Mole’s stomachs with a silent cry before his body slumps back into the sheets in exhaustion.

But they’re not done, Norton has yet to come. The taller man’s thrusts turn sloppy, fucking the ex-colonel through his high as he’s leaching onto him, mewling in overstimulation.

“T-too much-!” gasps Naib, not able to take a break with the never-ending stimulation.

“Almost there, carinò.” groans Norton, feeling his dick being squeezed so deliciously by the brunette’s tight walls. It only takes him a few more ruts inside Dax until he’s filling him up, moaning against the sweaty skin of his partner’s shoulder when riding out his orgasm with a few more sloppy thrusts and finally halting a moment later to catch his breath.

The men on the bed pant for air, bodies slick with sweat from their passionate engaging, limbs tangled on the sheets. Gently the smaller man nudges Mole into pulling out, wincing at the sudden emptiness and uncomfortable feeling of the taller man’s cum slipping out of him.

They spend a few more minutes lying beside each other in their post-orgasm state, when suddenly Norton grabs the brunette’s hand to intertwine their fingers in a loving gesture.

“Ya have no idea for how long I’ve dreamt of this night.” rumbles Mole with a light chuckle, head turning to catch a glimpse of the spent man next to him. Dax returns his gaze, studying the taller man’s soft expression, his own face relaxing with a slight smile.

Without thinking twice about it, Naib leans in closer, eyes fluttering shut, when pressing his lips against the other’s in a sweet kiss. Norton reciprocates the action, his heart making leaps on the spot when feeling the smaller man’s gentleness slipping through.

“C’mon we still need to get cleaned up.” murmurs Mole after a short while, pecking Dax’s lips a last time, before getting off the bed, adding: “Can’t leave my partner without aftercare.”

And Naib smiles genuinely, looking at the taller man’s outstretched hand.

Partner...

Maybe he can truly learn how to love and care for Norton. Maybe the ravenette can really teach and show him, how to be a good partner. Not only in business but also in private.

In their new relationship.

Having a tingly feeling in his guts, Dax accepts the other’s help, soon standing on his shaking feet. Norton supports him by the waist, making their way over to the connected bathroom, spotting the smaller man’s slightly dusted cheeks and faint smile.

His heart begins to roar in affection once more, unable to stop himself from pressing a kiss onto Naib’s sweaty temple, hearing a quiet chuckle.

That small noise and the warm feeling it causes in his guts, only confirms Mole’s thought: Yes, he really is in love with this man.