Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was at the annual company meeting when Jack first met Atlas. On the last day most companies had been mingling over drinks in the boardroom, congratulating the new Atlas CEO. Fascinated by the young mans swift and ruthless takeover that brought Atlas back from the brink of bankruptcy. Jack though was taking advantage of the open bar. He was about to leave and see if he could find a willing body to warm his bed when a shot appeared in front of him. Looking up at the bartender in surprise he followed the man’s shaking finger to Atlas, who was currently engaged in conversation with Torgue and DAHL. Not one to turn down a free drink he threw it back with a shrug. Paper crinkled as he put it backdown on the counter. Curious, he spun the small glass till he noticed a post it note stuck to its bottom with his name on it. Ripping it off he slid off the chair, taking a moment for his vision to settle before he stalked over to the group. As the Torgue and DAHL CEO's noticed his approach from over Atlas’ shoulder they hurriedly excused themselves. Stopping with less then an inch away from Atlas’ back he rested his arm on the younger man’s shoulder and dangled the note in front of the mans face.

“What the heck is this?” Jack asked voice low between them.

“My bucket list.” Atlas replied unaffected by the closeness.

“It's a fucking post-it-note with my name on it.” Jack said trying to cover his confusion with anger. But when Atlas did turn to face him, with an eyebrow cocked and a drink in his chrome hand the anger evaporated as Jack felt a rush of heat spiraled downwards. The post-it fluttering from his lax fingers as Atlas leaned in close, lips brushing softly over the older man's neck. Jack felt the next words more then he heard them.

“I know” Before Jack could react Atlas slipped backwards and out of his reach. Leaving only the delicate champagne flute between his fingers. The older man watched entranced by the swaying hips as they made their way to the exit corridor. Stopping at the hallways beginning and looking back at him with a sultry grin. Swallowing hard Jack shoved the drink immediately into the chest of the woman beside him. Straightening to his full height as he strutted over to the entrance, following Atlas through the hall.

Chapter Text

“Ya know if you play your cards right you have a real shot at making it in this business.” Rhys heard Jack say behind him as a hand brushed against dark bruises on his hips.

“I like to think so. Although it wouldn’t hurt to have more substantial support behind us.” Rhys yawned out, stretching his arms leisurely above his head.

“Oh?”

“Anyone with half a brain knows that Hyperion is top of the totem pole. A joint project would certainly boost Atlas’ admittedly frail reputation. Especially if the project is publicly proposed and endorsed by Handsome Jack himself.” Rhys stated with a small grin as he slid out of the bed to pour two tumblers of scotch.

“So, you thought you could bribe me with sex? You’re good Sweetheart but not that good.” Jack said with an amused grin. Reaching out he took the glass and downed it as the younger man straddled his thighs.

“Not at all.” Rhys laughed out placing his own glass on the side table before leaning in. “I’m bribing you with the antidote.”

Almost immediately he felt a hand wrap around his throat while his back hit the wall beside the bed with a loud crack. Wincing internally, he straightened himself as much as he could, moving his mechanical hand so it settled around Jacks wrist in a firm but soft grip. A shiver running through him at the growled words that left Jacks mouth next.

“And what’s to stop me from snapping your neck right now Kiddo. Ask anyone, absolutely anyone on this goddamn rock and they’ll all tell you I have killed a lot of people for a lot less.”

“I have the antidote. So, before you even consider having your own men reverse engineer a cure you should know once it’s ingested it becomes untraceable. So that leaves you with a rather important decision to make. Swallow that pride of yours for a while and not only live but make a rather large sum of money as well.”

“Or what?”

“Or die.” The hand around his throat dropped before starting to trace a path down Rhys’ heavily tattooed arm. “You have three days before the poison kills you, Think about it.”

“Three days? You got guts Kid I’ll give you that.”

“Call me Atlas.”

“Well then Atlas, consider me impressed you got your project. I’ll have my boys work something out. I assume we’ll have Atlas’ full cooperation in this, including full disclosure of all upcoming prototypes?” Jack said distractedly, his attention captivated by the solid blue coloring.

“As long as it pertains to the project, I see no issue.” Rhys said through bitten lips, trying to keep his composure as he felt warm hands wander over his chest sinking lower with each pass.

“Good”