by Downs Jana
“I never wanted to do anything with anyone else outside. It was never worth it before.” Andrew came out into the garden and wrapped his arms around both of them. “It is now.” He gave each of them a kiss in turn, and Matthew felt some of the tension leeching out of his shoulders. Being between the two of them gave him comfort. “No word from your dad?” Andrew asked, changing the subject.
Matthew shook his head. “Not yet. Marcel keeps telling me to not jump to conclusions yet.”
“He’s right,” Andrew said. “Did you try calling your uncles or Brook?”
“None of them have heard from him, either, and I couldn’t really tell them the extent of why I’m worried. I don’t want to risk the UMF coming down on us.” It would be bad if they thought for a second that one of them was going to blab about the infected in that area. “Though Uncle Jason told me under no uncertain terms that the shrink would be coming to pay us a visit tomorrow at two.”
They all groaned at that. None of them were big believers in paid listeners. That was what they had lovers for. They were working through their issues quite well between them, and Matthew would be all too happy to tell the shrink that tomorrow.
“Well, then, let’s go for a run and then go catch the midnight showing of whatever is playing.” He let both of them go. “I want popcorn,” Andrew added.
“So noted,” Matthew said. “The movie and accompanying snacks are on me.”
He really needed to start looking for a job in the sector tomorrow if he was planning on living here. Though he needed to discuss it with them first. The last thing he wanted to do was assume that they were to the point where moving to one another’s sectors was kosher. He didn’t want any misunderstandings between them.
I could re-up with the SCABs. He shuddered at the thought. He just wasn’t ready for that yet. The past two field missions had told him he was done with SCAB field work. Besides, he had something important waiting for him at home now.
Marcel pushed himself to his feet, and Matthew followed suit. “I’m thinking about getting an apartment here. What do you guys think?”
Andrew looked pleased as a cat who had eaten the canary. “I think that’s a great idea.” His eyes went to Marcel. “What about you?”
“I think that’s a great idea, and I would do the same. However, the apartments in this sector are outrageous.” He looked at Matthew. “If you’re willing to be my roommate, it would be possible, but it’s going to be tight.”
Matthew frowned. That was not what he wanted to hear. He opened his mouth, but Andrew beat him to the punch.
“Oh, for God’s sake, you two,” Andrew said. “Why don’t you just move in with me? I’ll renovate the adjoining apartment and make the place big enough for the three of us and then some.”
“The place is already big enough for all of us,” Matthew protested. He didn’t want to take advantage of Andrew’s hospitality. “Besides, isn’t it too soon?”
Andrew shrugged. “Today or a year from now won’t make a difference. If it’s meant to be, we’ll work it out. Besides, I want you both close.”
“Well, we’ll at least pay you some kind of rent,” Matthew said. He wasn’t going to be in a position where he felt like he was mooching off his lovers. No way in hell.
“I’ll have my lawyer draw up something official-looking as a rental agreement with an amount we settle on. Okay?”
Marcel draped his arm around Andrew’s shoulders and drew him in for a kiss. “That sounds great, baby.” They shared a light kiss that threatened to deepen into something more. Matthew sighed in appreciation. He had beautiful lovers. They weren’t just beautiful on the outside, either. Both men were generous, kind, everything he’d ever wanted in lovers. And strong. They’re both so damn strong. Whether they realized it or not, it was a trait they shared.
* * * * Marcel panted, leaning down so his hands rested on his knees as he tried to regain his breath. “That is the last time I try to keep up with a championship runner,” he managed to gasp out as Matthew guzzled a water bottle beside him.
Andrew waved at them as he passed them again. “Last lap, guys. Almost done.”
“He’s not human,” Matthew rumbled. “He’s a freaking machine.” “Agreed.” They both limped over to the bench beside the water
fountain and sat. Marcel’s lungs were still screaming at him, and his thighs weren’t much better. He wasn’t in bad shape by any stretch of the imagination. He worked out regularly, and cardio was a big part of it. However, this long distance loping that Andrew was so good at was for the birds.
Matthew chuckled beside him. “He did that on purpose. He wore us out so we wouldn’t be thinking.” “Well, it worked.” Marcel groaned. “Forget personal trainers. Andrew wins. Hands down.” It was his passion. Every time he talked about it, there was a certain tone of excitement he used. Marcel glanced over at Matthew, who had a bemused look on his face. “So what’s your passion, Matthew?”
He looked up, surprise written on his features. “Where did that come from?”
Marcel nodded, indicating their other lover. “He is passionate about running. What are you passionate about?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. I used to think I was passionate about field work, but I’m not sure now.”
“What about field work?” Marcel asked. “Are you more the adrenaline kind of guy, or do you prefer the teamwork?”
Matthew considered him. “Well, actually, neither really. I liked seeing things that no one else had. I liked going new places. I hated the danger, the weapons, and the killing. All that was something I had to put up with to see what I wanted. It didn’t happen often, but the few times I saw something spectacular were worth it. You know?”
“There are safer ways to have adventures,” Marcel said. “You could go tour the underground ruins or go the coast and take a diving course. You know, vacation stuff.”
Matthew blinked like he’d never considered it before. “I guess I never thought of it. You do those sorts of things with family, and my dad and I always had plenty of adventures when we were away. When we came home, we just wanted to, I don’t know, veg out.”
“Things are changing, though. You’re trying to get a civilian job, right?” Marcel asked. He’d mentioned it while they’d been running. He said he was done with the UMF and SCAB work. Matthew nodded. “Well, why don’t you go on some adventures with us? It’ll be good for everyone involved. Andy travels a lot when he’s going on runs. We can stop around and do the tourist adventure thing whenever we’re there.”
“But I might not have off.”
“We can plan around it,” Marcel said. “I mean, there is no reason why we can’t schedule your vacation time around those times. Besides, Deadzone supplies the plane to get us there. It would be no problem bringing you on board.”
“I’ve got to find a job first,” Matthew reminded. He was grinning, though. “However, I like this plan. It sounds like a really fantastic plan.”
Marcel winked. “Happy to help.”
Andrew came jogging up the track a second later, sweaty and serene-looking. Marcel loved that look on his face. It was peace. The only other time he got it was after Matthew and Marcel wore him out with sex.
“You guys ready to hit the shower and then that movie?” Andrew asked, slowing as he got to their bench. “We’ve got thirty minutes until it starts.”
“You going to be all right for the movie?” Matthew asked. He was always so concerned about them, always considerate. Marcel was smitten with him as he was with Andrew. I guess that goes to prove that love strikes like lightning. He was startled for a second at his internal admission. I love them both. He’d said it before, when he’d been about to be eaten, but had rationalized it as a moment of weakness, given the intensity of the situation. There were no excuses now. It was just how he felt.
“I’ll be fine,” Andrew said, clearly oblivious to the realization that rocked Marcel’s world. “I’m as calm as I can be going into this. I needed
the movement, I think. I like to run.” Andrew grabbed his hand and dragged him to his feet. “Come on.”
“Sure thing, love.” He looked over at Matthew. He needed the perfect time to tell them. He wanted to make it special. He smiled as a sense of rightness filled him. He would plan something perfect.
* * * * Of course his lovers would choose a Corpse Rom movie to watch. As Matthew had promised, the theater wasn’t too crowded, so he felt only momentary unease when they’d been in the lobby’s line for popcorn, but a well-placed touch by the two of them had settled him. They took his fear like nothing ever had.
He could still see the worry in Matthew’s eyes as he glanced at his phone a million times between the lobby and the theater. He was clearly still thinking about his father, but between himself and Marcel, he thought they were doing an okay job at distracting him.
He shoved a handful of popcorn in his mouth as they took their seats, waiting for the movie to start. They were sitting at the back of the theater. The reason of which was easy to discern. Two big field agents fresh from a mission didn’t want their backs exposed. Well, neither do I, but I’m just paranoid.
“What’s your favorite food?” he asked Matthew as more people filed into the theater. He needed conversation to distract himself until the movie started. He knew Marcel’s, beer and deep-dish pizza.
“Sushi. Brook and I used to sneak out of Deadzone tower and go to the sushi restaurant across the street for lunch.” He took a sip of his Coke. “Come to think of it, there was always another kid tagging after us. It must’ve been Daniel. I don’t remember for sure. I was almost done with primary school by the time Brook and I started hanging out.”
“Oh? I didn’t think you were that much older than him.” The conversation was helping, a lot. Just hearing his lover talking helped. “How old are you?”
“Twenty-six. My dad had me when he was eighteen. I’ll be twenty-seven next month,” Matthew said, smiling. “How old are you and Marcel?”
“I’m twenty-one.”
Marcel stole a bit of popcorn. “I’m twenty-four.”
“Wow. So I’m the oldest. Weird.” Matthew laughed. “Here I
thought we were all the same age.”
“Does it bother you?” Andrew asked, curious.
Matthew shrugged. “Not really. I was surprised.”
“Do you want me to come over to sector thirteen and help you
pack up your things?” Marcel asked, directing his question at Matthew. Andrew knew he should volunteer to come, but he had a better idea.
“That’s a great idea,” Andrew said. “While you guys are packing up your things and shipping them over, I can get the rest of the house ready while you two do. You can stay overnight in each sector to get things taken care of, and by the time you get back, I’ll have the two spare rooms fixed up.” He would have to call Terrence, his contractor, to come over and take measurements for the new space. He wanted the garden expanded, the bathroom expanded, and another bedroom added as well as getting a bigger living space and maybe a game room. He was going to have a lot of room to play with. The realtor would no doubt be thrilled at his new addition. One thing at a time, Andrew. He needed to clear out the guests rooms and get them ready for his lover’s things first.
“Why would you need to fix up the spare rooms?” Matthew asked, confusion written all over his face along with a healthy dose of hurt.
He reached over and took his hand. “Because even if you sleep with me in my bed, I want us all to have our own space, our own haven. I don’t want you guys to move in with me as much as I want us all to live together. Does that make sense?”
“I get it,” Marcel said. “He’s not trying to kick us out, Matthew. He’s trying to make his house our house.”
“Ah,” Matthew said. “I understand now.” He smiled. “Thanks,
love.”
The lights dimmed overhead, signaling the beginning of the
advertisements. He lowered his voice. “You’re welcome.” He turned
his attention to the screen as the first one came on. “This is nice,” he
said, “being here with you two.”
“Likewise, cutie pie,” Matthew said, popping a handful of
buttered popcorn in his mouth. “Now let’s watch the zombies turn
back into people.”
He chuckled a bit at that. It would be nice to see a happily ever
after for the infected for once.
After the movie ended, they walked to a small coffee-and-sweet
shop that was open twenty-four hours. Most shops in sector ten were
twenty-four hours in this side of town. He almost panicked when the
throng of people had pushed into him as they walked out of the
theater, but since he was cushioned between them and both distracted
him with frankly teasing touches, he made it out without going into a
meltdown. It was much easier to face things with them by his side. “I’ll have a vanilla latte,” he said when it was his turn to order. He
pushed his hair off his forehead. It was getting very long. He looked
like one of the skater kids he saw at the park on his way to the airport.
The vendor nodded and turned his back to make his drink. “I need a
haircut.”
“I kind of like it long,” Marcel said, bumping his hips. “You look
cute.”
Andrew wrinkled his nose. “I don’t want to be cute. I’m a guy.
Guys aren’t cute.”
“You are,” Matthew teased, leaning down to nibble his earlobe.
Andrew huffed, but he wasn’t really upset about it. How could he be?
When it came to being loved and respected, his lovers did both in
spades.
They took their coffees over to a small table by the window with a
good view of the door. Andrew licked the foam off the top of his
drink and smiled at the sweet taste. He liked this shop. They always
had the best coffee.
“Hey, guys?” Marcel asked. He sounded nervous.
Matthew reached out and took his hand. “What is it?” He liked
how protective he was of Marcel. His field agent didn’t let Andrew protect him in any way but he let Matthew. It was nice that Mar let
one of them do it.
“I know it’s kind of the first week we’re dating and it’s officially
our second date all, but I love you. I love both of you. I know it’s too
soon, but I wanted you both to know.”
Andrew melted a little at the admission. He was glad he wasn’t
the only one who felt like this was right. “I love you, too, Mar. I really
do.” He turned his eyes on Matthew, who was considering the both of
them. “And I love you, Matthew. Too soon or not.”
“Um, thank you,” Matthew said, clearly unsure of himself. “I care
about the both of you. But I don’t know if I’m to the love part yet.”
He seemed apologetic.
Marcel shook his head. “You don’t have to say it yet, and you
don’t have to believe it yet. It’s all right. I just wanted to let the both
of you know.” Andrew completely agreed.
“I know. I just, it’s so big,” Matthew said, looking out the window
as if he was separating himself from the conversation by not having as
much eye contact. “Everything feels so big. You guys have known
one another a long time. It’s hard to believe I fit into this.” “We have all been together the same amount of time,” Andrew
reminded. “We weren’t together before we met you. You brought us
all together, Matthew. So what if it’s been a week? We walked
through fire together and came out the other side.”
“I hope it lasts,” Matthew said, giving them both a sheepish smile.
“It will,” Marcel said. “You’ll see.”
Chapter Ten
Two Weeks Later Matthew stared at the vid screen in front of him with frustrated eyes. He was holed up in his room while Andrew trained on the track upstairs and Marcel went to the practice range as required by Deadzone employment standards. He’d been sending off résumés all morning but hadn’t gotten any responses yet. He knew he wasn’t qualified for anything that didn’t involve killing infected, but he had hoped. He threw the vid screen across his desk and watched it clatter to the floor off the other side.
“Fuck my life,” he growled. Moving and his part of the rent deposit had eaten up most of his savings since he’d paid his other apartment in advance and couldn’t get a refund on the months he’d paid. He needed a job badly. He felt completely useless as his lovers continued to work their regular jobs and bring in money while he continued to be some kind of bum staying at Andrew’s swanky apartment and eating his food, going on dates that his lovers alternated paying for. Not that they’d made him feel that way, just the opposite. They told him not to worry about it and had graciously done whatever they could to make him feel completely comfortable. Somehow, that was infinitely worse.
His recruiter had called twice already, trying to convince him to come back and be a SCAB. The military was gearing up for the summer missions, and they needed some old hands to lead the younger recruits. He had put him off thus far. He was trying to start a new civilian life. Besides, he’d promised his dad he’d wait at least until he got back.
Thoughts of his father sent him into another spiral of depression. They’d had no word one way or another about what had happened to Captain Jack Gibson. He put his head in his hands and squeezed his temples as tears threatened to fall. He wouldn’t cry until he knew. He wouldn’t. He breathed deep as he tried to stave off the fear and loneliness the thought of losing his father gave him.
Warm hands kneaded his back and neck, startling him out of his inner torment. The smell of sweat and burnt amber assaulted his nostrils. It was Andrew. The smell alone said so. “Still no word?”
“You know there hasn’t been.” He swallowed, sighed. “I can’t seem to find a job, either. I just feel so fucking useless. Maybe I should just re-up.”
