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In the early evening light, the tension in the air was thick. Elias stood in a field, the rest of his team a dozen steps behind him at the truck they had taken to the meeting point.
They had tried everything to recover Logan from where Rorke had stolen him from the beach. But it had been over a month, and Logan was still a captive of the Federation. They all knew the scraps of information they had learned about what the Federation had put Rorke through, and if Logan had been taken alive, it was easy to see the grim reality of what Logan would be facing. So when the clock kept marching forward, and they still didn't have even the slimmest of leads, Elias knew he had no choice. Through a captured soldier, Elias had managed to get a message to Rorke.
Me for him. You won't get a better offer than that.
Rorke had contacted him back through the Ghost's radios, and Elias wasn't sure whether to be impressed or horrified at how easy Rorke managed to crack the layers of protection built into them. It worked to his benefit now at least. They had made arrangements to meet in this very spot, and Rorke would free Logan while taking Elias instead.
Telling the team had been the worst part. Keegan's cold, blank face screamed the anger he was trying to keep from boiling over. Ajax had stood beside Keegan, his controlled words of disapproval hitting heavily despite saying so little. Hesh didn't bother to avoid telling Elias how stupid of an idea it was, how he couldn't give up so quickly. Neptune had quietly said that while he thought it was foolish, he would follow if that was what Elias thought was the right call. Kick had stormed out, refusing to be involved in the discussion at all. Merrick had crossed his arms and asked the million dollar question.
"How do you know you can trust him?"
He couldn't. Rorke could be here to kill them all, take out the entirety of the Ghosts in one swoop. But what other choice did he have?
At least they had all agreed to come with him. Elias had been hesitant; if Rorke really did want to kill them, this would be foolish. It was better for only him to die. Merrick had pointed out that even if he tried to go alone, there was no way that several members of the group wouldn’t follow, and then the rest would be close behind to keep an eye on each other. Having the company on the trip was both a relief and a heavy weight. This would likely be the last time he would see any of them.
They arrived first, and spent their time searching the area for any signs of traps or good ambush points they should be concerned about. The rest of the group left Elias at the car, separating to begin their search. All except for Hesh.
“Dad, it’s not too late.” Hesh grabbed his shoulder, the pain on his face all too obvious for his father. “We can save Logan without losing you.”
“David…” Elias sighed. “We have no choice. I’ve made my decision.”
“We could turn on Rorke! Even if he brings along soldiers, we’ve taken out hundreds of them. They would never -”
Elias turned, Hesh’s hand falling with the sudden movement. Elias grabbed Hesh and pulled him in for a hug. It was a rare sign of affection between the two, and Elias could feel Hesh shaking in his grasp.
“Promise me that you’ll take care of your brother.”
“Of course I will. You didn’t need to ask.”
Elias pulled back to look at Hesh, his hands on each of Hesh’s shoulders. “I couldn’t be prouder of you, David. Never forget that.”
Hesh looked like he wanted to say more, but the radio crackling to life startled them.
“Spotted a car approaching from the southwest. We’re heading back,” Ajax spoke.
“Understood,” Elias responded. The moment between them passed, Hesh stepping back and Elias releasing him.
The team returned quickly, everyone standing ready in case of something going wrong. A new truck pulled up a small distance away in the field. The stretch could have been miles for how much the stress was getting to them. Out of the car stepped Rorke, a big grin on his face.
“There’s my boys. Ajax, you’re looking better than the last time I saw you,” Rorke taunted.
Behind him, Elias could practically feel the anger radiating from Keegan at Rorke’s words. Elias stepped forward before anyone else could try to get involved.
“Rorke. Where’s my son?”
"Impatient, are we? I was hoping to have a little chat first. But, if you insist…"
Rorke walked to the back door of the vehicle, opening it and dragging out a figure. Elias felt his heart almost sing with relief when they stepped into the light and he could see Logan. Logan had looked better, but he was standing on his own. There were bruises dotting his visible skin, and the rags he was wearing looked to barely be helping against the night chill that was starting to creep in.
"Logan!" Elias called out.
Logan looked up slowly, the action seeming to take more effort than it should. He said nothing in return, but he did brighten up the smallest amount seeing Elias. He looked like he was going to step forward, but Rorke tightened his grip on Logan’s arm.
“See? I keep my promises. Now for you. Hands in the air, approach slowly. The rest of you better stay back.”
Elias looked at his team, giving them a quick nod, hoping to reassure them. He held his hands up and walked forward across the gap. The walk took an eternity and not enough time all at once with how much his heart was racing. As he drew closer, he watched Rorke relax his grip on Logan. Elias stopped several steps in front of them, waiting for Rorke.
“Good. Now run along kid, we don’t need you anymore,” Rorke said, releasing his hold on Logan. He placed something in Logan’s hand that Elias struggled to see. “The key.”
“Wait, can I talk to him first?” Elias spoke.
Rorke seemed to consider it for a moment. “I guess I can be generous. Be quick.”
Elias gently pulled Logan in for a hug. Logan of course couldn’t reciprocate with his hands still cuffed, but he leaned into it all the same. “They’re going to take care of you, Logan. You’re safe now,” Elias murmured. It was difficult to let him go, but he could see Rorke’s impatience growing. After one last squeeze, he released Logan.
“Dad,” Logan croaked, the effort of the word looking like it took a lot out of him.
“I love you, son.” Elias smiled, trying with every gesture to make Logan feel better.
“Run along now. Unless you both are coming back with me,” Rorke said.
“Go on, they’re waiting for you.” Elias stepped to the side.
With one last look, Logan stumbled his way across the field to where the rest of the Ghosts were waiting. When he got close enough, Hesh dashed forward, hugging his brother. Keegan helped unlock the handcuffs while Hesh clung, and as soon as his hands were freed, Logan wrapped his arms around Hesh. Relief washed over Elias. His boys were safe and together. That was all he could ask for.
“Come on. Hands behind your back.” Rorke stepped closer to Elias.
Elias obediently put his hands where he was directed, and Rorke locked a new pair of handcuffs onto his wrists. The knowledge that this was really happening was finally hitting him, but he had made his choice. His freedom for Logan’s. He couldn’t bear to look again at his team, the guilt of abandoning them only tempered by his hope that they would all be okay together. Rorke helped him into the car, and once he was seated, slipped a blindfold over his eyes. It was surprising that it was just the two of them inside the vehicle, and was the only small bit of reassurance he had now that he was unable to see or use his hands.
The entire ride over, Elias had nothing to do but wonder what was in his future. Elias was prepared for the Pit. He had heard some of what Rorke had gone through and what Logan would be forced through next, and he knew he was willing to face it if it meant his son was safe. Even the brief glimpse he had been given of Logan when they made their exchange had cemented his belief that this was worth it. Elias hoped that the rest of the team had helped him recover. But he would never get to know.
The cuff and blindfold left him in the dark about their destination. It felt like hours before he was hauled out of the car. Rorke barking orders to others at least let him know that Rorke wasn’t passing him off to someone else, and it was a painful feeling to know that the man he had once called his partner was the one delivering him to his doom. Nothing he could gather from his surroundings was anything like what he imagined the Pit to be like as they marched through what seemed to be several twisting hallways, and he was surprised when the blindfold was removed to find himself in a small apartment instead of whatever he was imagining.
"Where are we?"
Rorke stepped closer to Elias, his eyes empty. Elias stepped back with each step Rorke took until his back hit the wall. With his hands tied, he was at a disadvantage if this turned to a fight. He tried to see if there was anything nearby he could use against Rorke, but all his thoughts came to a halt when instead of attacking him, Rorke pushed their mouths together.
Elias forgot to move. He couldn't think, couldn't breathe. He had given up on Rorke years ago, first when they thought he was dead, and again when they found out how the Federation broke him. There wasn't even the faintest fantasy in his mind of ever kissing his lover again. And yet here he was, trapped against the wall while Rorke kissed him like a man starved.
Before Elias could decide what to do, Rorke pulled back to stare at him. The hard, worn lines of his face tightened as he scowled.
"Did you find someone else?"
Elias blinked at him, bewildered by the accusation. "No. Of course not. But -"
"Then what? Did you lose interest after you left me for dead?"
"Gabe -"
Rorke flinched at the old nickname. Elias wondered how long it had been since anyone had called him that.
"I thought you were gone. Only to find out you were working for our enemy. You hurt members of our team! You tortured my son! What did you expect, for me to be happy to see you?" Elias snapped.
"I did what I had to. The same as you." Rorke caged Elias in, leaning close again. "You wouldn't have survived half of what I have been through."
"You don't know what I've dealt with without you. So fuck off."
Rorke slotted their mouths together again, and this time, Elias was ready. He responded with all the anger and bitterness and sorrow that had been building up for years, and channeled it into the aggressive movements. It was almost like their other fights; both stubbornly trying to take control. Elias bit down hard on Rorke's lip, the taste of blood greeting him. Rorke hissed in response, but didn't back down. Elias fought against Rorke at first, but found himself giving in slowly as the kiss grew more passionate. It was so easy to fall back into their old, familiar rhythm. The chemical attraction was like an electric current racing through them both, and there was no holding back or worrying about anything else. All that mattered was this moment, this passion between two men who refused to move on from each other despite everything that had happened.
Rorke finally seemed to grow impatient. He pulled back and grabbed Elias. He dragged him to the bedroom, pushing him onto the bed. Elias gasped as he landed, his body tensing up at the suddenness of it all and his inability to catch himself. Rorke followed after him, looming over Elias with a predatory expression on his face. In all the years since they’d been together, he’d never seen Rorke look at him in this way. He felt like prey.
“Aren’t you going to uncuff me?” Elias asked, tilting his head up.
“Hmm…” Rorke leaned in, a smirk appearing. “I think I prefer you like this.”
“Asshole,” Elias grumbled. He would like to be able to touch Rorke after so long apart, but he couldn’t deny that there was a certain thrill to it. “Planning to leave my shirt on then?”
Rorke pulled back enough to reach over into a small side table and fumbled around in the drawer. He pulled out a pair of scissors and winked at Elias. “I have a plan.”
“Fuck off, I need this shirt. Unless you started shopping in my size,” Elias snapped.
“You’re mine now. Maybe I won’t even let you wear a shirt anymore.”
Rorke grabbed the fabric and Elias tensed. The snips of his shirt being destroyed were the only sound for several moments, until the ruined piece of fabric could be removed from him and tossed to the side. The room’s temperature was warm enough that at least he wasn’t cold, but he still scowled at Rorke. It didn’t seem to have the effect he was going for, because Rorke chuckled instead. The scissors were set aside, and Rorke took the chance to remove his own shirt.
Layers of scars covered a significant amount of the newly exposed skin. Some Elias remembered from before, but most of them were new. Elias wondered how many of them had been placed by the group that Rorke now proclaimed his loyalty to, but he wasn’t going to ruin the moment by asking. Rorke leaned down to bring their mouths together. They kissed again, more urgent than before as Rorke’s hands roamed across Elias’ chest. Rorke moved away to lay a string of kisses down Elias’ neck, pausing to suck a bruise near his collarbone. Elias hissed when Rorke dug his teeth into skin, his cock aching in his pants. The fingers gliding over Elias’ skin grew more insistent, almost desperate. More bites and kisses were left behind with each eager movement by Rorke. Elias sucked in his breath when Rorke swirled his tongue around one of his nipples. He arched his back, wanting more, and Rorke took that as a sign of encouragement. Hands moved to instead work open Elias’ pants, and Rorke pulled away to strip Elias completely, having to climb off the bed to remove shoes they had forgotten to take off in their rush.
When they were both bare, Rorke moved back on top, rubbing his cock against Elias. That dragged a moan out of Elias, the harsh friction of their cocks together both pleasure and pain.
"Please," Elias begged. "Gabe, please fuck me."
Rorke smiled and kissed Elias again before moving up to retrieve some lube from the side table drawer he had been digging in earlier. Rorke squeezed some onto his fingers and Elias shivered, his breath catching. He knew what was coming next, and he couldn't wait anymore. Rorke worked his fingers inside of him, pushing in and out in the same slow movements that made Elias want to scream for more. As Elias got used to the feeling of being stretched open by Rorke’s digits, he relaxed into the sensation. Soon his hips were pushing up against Rorke’s hand, wanting more than just his fingers inside him. With each thrust came another moan from Elias, Rorke making sure that his fingers found every sensitive spot inside him.
It felt like forever before Rorke withdrew his fingers. He slicked lube on his own cock and then positioned Elias exactly as he wanted. With his hands still trapped under him, Elias was helpless to do anything but follow where Rorke guided him. When Rorke was satisfied that they were ready, he rolled his hips forward, pushing in slowly as he looked into Elias' eyes. The pleasure of finally being joined after so long apart was overwhelming for both of them. As Rorke started to thrust harder and faster, Elias hooked one leg around Rorke’s hip to give him more leverage as he moved. The bed rocked against the wall, hitting repeatedly, and each time making Elias gasp with a combination of pleasure and frustration. The view of Rorke above him, sweat beginning to pool on his skin, was indescribable. Elias wanted to be able to touch Rorke, to grab his hips and speed up the pace so that he could come so badly.
"Fuck, Gabe," Elias whimpered. "I need to touch you."
Instead of responding, Rorke leaned down to kiss Elias again, hard and urgent. It was a promise and a plea for more. They ravaged each other’s lips, teeth digging in with brutal aggression to match the pace of Rorke’s hips. It was like neither of them could get enough of each other. This was what Elias had been missing. There was nobody that could fit him the way Rorke could. Every motion had them coming together in a tangle of limbs and lips that were still stained with hate and pain but also love and hope for the future.
Rorke groaned into the kiss as he picked up the pace. It was too much. Elias felt like he was going to explode, every nerve in his body tight with the need for release. Just as he thought it couldn't get any better, Rorke reached down between them to stroke Elias' cock. His mouth fell open, drawing in a deep breath as Rorke squeezed and stroked him. It was too much, and Elias felt like there was no way he could keep going, but Rorke kept him at the edge for a moment longer before letting Elias tip over the edge. Elias clenched around Rorke, and it only took a few more thrusts before Rorke followed him, hot cum spilling inside Elias.
Rorke slowly drew himself out, the cool air hitting Elias’ oversensitive skin almost too much. He was still trying to catch his breath when Rorke collapsed beside him, completely spent.
For several minutes, they laid side by side in silence. Elias kept expecting Rorke to release him, but he didn’t. Rorke just lay there, not even the slightest movement to indicate he wasn’t content to stay just like that.
“Gabe?”
“Hmm?”
“My arms are numb. Would you mind?”
Rorke sat up, huffing. “Won’t even let me bask in the afterglow.”
Elias rolled his eyes, and was grateful to see Rorke get up. It took the man several moments to find which pocket on his pants the key was in. He came back with a cloth and the key, first freeing Elias from the handcuffs before using the cloth to clean both of them off. It was tossed over to what looked like a laundry basket. Elias pushed himself upright, rubbing his tender wrists with a wince. Rorke slid back into bed, pulling Elias into his arms and laying them both down, content and tangled up together.
“I’m still not happy with you,” Elias grumbled into Rorke’s chest.
“I know.” Rorke kissed the top of his head. “I don’t expect you to be.”
With that, they both slowly slipped into sleep, too many words left unsaid but both too exhausted to want to fight.