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Jack returned from his pre-flight checks and grabbed the navy blue windbreaker from the closet. "You ready?" he called out to Daniel.

"Yeah," came the reply, and Daniel exited the bedroom pulling on his own light jacket. "Did you tell Jason?"

Jack pulled on the jacket and adjusted the collar, a confused frown furrowing his brow. "That we're leaving? Well, duh, Daniel. I showed him the old boathouse-cum-equipment shed, which has the radio. Are you having seconds thoughts?"

They were leaving the house, walking down the pebbled path, toward the shore where the plane sat waiting. "I don't want either of them hurt, that's all."

"Neither do I."

Nothing else was said until they reached the plane. Jack gave Daniel a long look and asked, "What else?"

"Huh?"

"What else is bugging you?"

"I never really considered the complications. The road to hell..." Daniel admitted as he climbed into the co-pilot's seat.

"Ain't that the truth," Jack said as he stowed his flight bag and moved around the plane to Daniel's side. "So... what are you saying? You want to tell Jason to back out?"

"Jack, I'm his boyfriend, partner, love slave," and they both grinned--it was pretty much true, that last one. "I'm not his keeper. It's his choice, his life. It's not up to me. I think he's got a lot on his mind and he's very well aware of the risk he's taking so I'll assume he'll be talking to Alex about it, too. Providing neither shoots first and asks questions later."

Jack snickered. "Nice one."

"Thanks."

"But you may as well ask the planet to stop rotating. Men will always be led by their dicks."

"Tell me something I don't know."

"Love sucks, Daniel."

"That I know. No offense."

"None taken, trust me."

.

Jason looked up from his search, cocking his head as he listened to the adjustment of the plane's engines, the sound of the propellers, and the echo off the water. All told, the plane was taxiing out of the lagoon.

"There they go," he mumbled to himself.  He'd been in a damn good mood until that moment.

Their first week had been one of the best weeks of his entire life, not just in his relationship with Daniel and Jack. Understanding them and himself seemed to be part of what was happening, but it was also more than that. Experiencing new things with men he thought he knew well was exhilarating, and having the freedom to do it without worry about other things, such as being caught, was an enormous relief and immeasurable benefit. It freed their minds in ways they'd never allowed.

The only problem lay with what they could conceivably come up with, given where they were. They found that, most of the time, the fantasies they thought up were primarily mental, and the things in the real world that they could use were only mood-setting props. Granted, one couldn't pop off to a certain planet or have the real person show up to 'do the deed'--a term that Jack used to purposely annoy Daniel and continually amuse Jason.

But there was an exception. One real person could show up. Alex. Jason also had a feeling that Jack's friend, Stef, might very well turn into one of those real people, too. And speaking of Stef, they still hadn't examined that room of his. It was as if they were giving each other time to get used to the ideas that the room itself gave them, as well as giving them time to...be creative. Uncomfortable or not, all three of them had been getting ideas.

Their time, so far, had been far from uncomfortable. Jason had allowed himself to relax, despite the nervousness about Alex. Their first two days had been the excitement days, a breaking free from restrictions. And pretty much going at each other non-stop...within physical reason. Their third day had to be a rest day, of course. Sort of. Mostly.

Their surroundings afforded them the freedom to just drop to their knees at a moment's notice. It fed desires they held for each other, so any time they wanted to taste each other, watch each other come... it was liberating. Asses might be sore but the rest was renewable within hours... more or less.

Jason grinned at the memory of that morning three days ago, sneaking up on Jack for 'breakfast.' The man had been standing there in the kitchen, minding his own business, concocting his brand of homemade waffles once he'd discovered the damn waffle iron stashed in a bottom cupboard. He'd been mixing up the ingredients and Jason had come into the kitchen, seen Jack, looked at his body, watched that delectable ass shake from the mixing movements... and *there* -- it had hit him. He'd eyed Daniel at the table, whose nose was in his coffee mug, spied the smile he'd given him when Daniel had recognized the look on his face...

Jason had somehow gotten it into his head that he hadn't had Jack's cock in his mouth for the first week, nevermind the near-month off-planet, and it was just plain overdue. Jack hadn't spilled anything, consummate professional that he was, although he did drop the whisk afterward when Daniel made a particularly snarky remark about saving his energy. That had a been a show, Jason recalled fondly; watching Jack drop the whisk on the counter and descend on Daniel like a Japanese Zero.

He had stood no chance. Coffee had spilled to the floor--Daniel had forgotten said coffee for a while, anyway--and fortunately the table hadn't been set yet. Daniel had ended up as the centerpiece while Jack had consumed him like an appetizer glass of orange juice. Jason had satisfied himself by watching--his lover had been unable to move his hips, but the back of Daniel's head had smacked the table repeatedly while his fingers white-knuckled the edges and his toes curled and wide-spread legs vibrated. Jack had then remarked afterward, "'Save your strength'? How's yours, Daniel?"

Jason still snickered over that lovely little memory.

The past two days had become a time for talking about what they hadn't been able to do in the past or reliving fond memories in their new surroundings. Daniel had told them that Thursday morning how once, when his parents had been alive, he'd spent a few hours on the Egyptian coastline, trying to make a sand castle and failing.

Jack had then suggested, "To quote a few clichés, there's no time like the present and it's better late than never," and had pointed at their small beach.

It had been a strange thing to realize that their fantasies didn't have to be sexual. So, because of Jack and his brilliant suggestion, Daniel had spent all that Thursday afternoon fulfilling one of his secret childhood fantasies--and Jason and Jack had left him alone to do it.

True to his ability, knowledge, and experience, Daniel had made a work of art, quitting when the tide started coming in to erase it all. Grabbing a camera, Daniel had preserved his enormous castle sanctuary for posterity and had finally come in just before sunset exuding a childlike happiness. There was nothing like fulfilling a small dream, even through the eyes of an adult.

Jason had never seen that particular look on Daniel's face and neither had Jack. To their knowledge, with all the discoveries Daniel had made over the years, nothing had ever put that self-satisfied look in his eyes. Sometimes childhood wishes were seen as childish, but that didn't mean they were.

Jason felt now that something so simple, so rewarding, so long held inside, had somehow healed Daniel of his past more than anything else ever could have. Daniel seemed more... at peace. Jason was damn proud of Jack for suggesting it, as if he'd seen what it could do for his lover.

While Daniel had lived his childhood fantasy, Jason had taken advantage of the time and gone the more adult route... and given Jack an experience from the past. He'd always wanted to know exactly what Jason had done with Daniel during that first time in SG-1's locker room. He knew the details, of course; Jason and Daniel had both described what had happened long before, but neither had actually shown him. Since Jack had been taking a mid-afternoon shower after his gym workout, Jason had decided to do just that.

Jack had been surprised, to say the least, having had the lights turned out on him, then fucked senselessly against the shower wall while holding onto the pipe overhead. Jason still felt the stinging slap on his ass afterwards. Jack had threatened him not to turn the lights out on him ever again -- unless intense orgasm followed.

Jason's smiled faded when he was brought back to the present, remembering where Jack and Daniel had gone. He hadn't wanted to think about the ramifications of inviting Alex to the island, how Alex would react. Now the day was here and Jason was one big bundle of nerves. He feared that Alex would reject him, reject the idea of fulfilling fantasy, that the day was going to suck--indeed, the next three.

Jason knew that neither Jack nor Daniel had yet told Alex the reason why he'd been invited, nor would they now. Alex was his responsibility, not theirs. Even though it had been Daniel's idea, this was something they were giving him, not themselves. A gift. But would Alex take it that way?

"Would you like to act on some private fantasies while you're here? Anything you want, Alex. It's your early Christmas present from me."

"Yeah, that'll go over well," Jason mumbled, and the fear grabbed him by the balls and twisted. He clamped down on it, telling himself that he was over-complicating the matter. Alex might not react badly at all. Alex might decide to live a little and have glorious, challenging sex for three days. Or Alex might also decide to run like hell.

Jason left the boathouse, deciding that a trek around oceanside rock formations could be put off until his mind wasn't distracted. That was no place to lose one's thoughts, or one's footing, and he wasn't in the mood to make rigging out of the available nylon rope.

Glancing behind him at the long building, Jason's mind was suddenly filled with the image of a bound Alex lying on the mound of rope and fishnets, tortured repeatedly by a tongue and...

Jason growled a curse of frustration and ordered himself to stop thinking. Now. What he needed to do more than anything else was clear his mind and calm his body, otherwise he'd be nothing more than a headcase when Alex showed up. He didn't need to be broadcasting anything negative to Daniel, either. Damn nuisance that empathy was beginning to be.

Stopping at the deck steps that descended into the backyard, Jason toed off his shoes and walked to the middle of the yard where the ground was flattest. Keeping his back to the house, he set himself into position: feet apart just beyond shoulder-width, arms at his sides. Closing his eyes, he breathed deeply and slowly exhaled, allowing himself to float on the sound of the waves and the heat from the earth. When he was ready, he began to move slowly through the Tai Chi exercises designed specifically to bring his khi into balance.

.

Daniel had sent an email the day before, telling Alex where to get the shuttle that would take him to the adjoining airport meant for the smaller aircraft. As they had supplies to get, it would be convenient as well as easier on Alex; easier to see them, greet them, and be able to talk freely away from any prying eyes or ears. Besides, Jack was rather possessive of the plane they were renting. There was no way in hell he was leaving it by more than a hundred yards.

At the parking side of the private runway, numbered '12' on the tarmac, they'd just finished loading the food crates from the Jeep when Daniel spotted movement to his right and shaded his eyes.

"Incoming traveller," he said, smirking.

"Cute, Daniel," Jack replied as he hopped out of the cargo area and looked across the field toward the small flight office. An airport shuttle bus was coming to a halt. "Go grab him, would you? I've gotta tie this crap down."

Daniel gave him one of his indulgent looks. "And the reason you can't do that after we both go get him is?"

"To save time?" Jack offered, and seeing that Daniel wasn't buying it, he suggested, "There'll be more room in the Jeep if I stay here."

Daniel shook his head. "He's only staying for three days."

"Maybe he packs heavy."

"Jack, we're both nervous. Get your ass in the Jeep and we'll both go greet him."

Daniel got in the Jeep and waited, tapping both hands on the steering wheel while Jack stifled a growl. Daniel would sit there till hell froze over, damn him, or he'd get pissy and leave the Jeep to walk over to get Alex. While it wasn't that far, maybe a football field in distance, lugging around baggage would only make the distance seem ten times that.

Without a word, and without looking at him, Jack climbed in and grabbed the overhead roll bar. Daniel threw it in gear and drove around the plane, heading straight across the grassy field toward the shuttle bus.

Jack squinted at him through his shades. "Sand dunes or airport scrub grass, it's all the same to you, isn't it? There is a road, Daniel."

"That overgrown, pot-holed thing?" Daniel asked as the Jeep's shocks bounced slightly over the uneven ground.

"And that's different to the holes in this field how?"

"No cracked pieces of asphalt to hit, no nails, no road kill, no--"

"Alright, alright. Just shut up and drive. If we hit a rabbit, you get to eat it."

"We're more likely to hit a quail. And if you didn't want Alex here, why didn't you just cancel the visit with some excuse?"

Alex held his hand over his head in greeting and Jack waved back as he answered. "It's not that, Daniel. It's Jason."

Daniel understood what he meant. "I'm hoping Alex accepts because it would be fun to actually see him chase Jason."

Jack thought about that and a grin spread itself across his face. "You think Jason will play it like that?"

"No, I think Alex will. I think the man's less vanilla than Jason thinks he is. So, fun." Jack's grin twisted slightly at the corner and Daniel couldn't help but copy it.

"I think our part will be to get Gidget over there to relax," Jack commented.

"Gidget?" Daniel guffawed. "Jack, don't say that to his face."

"Only if he pisses me off. Look at him. He looks like MTV collided with..."

"Miami Vice? Hardly Gidget, Jack. Make up your mind."

"Just the vanilla part, Daniel. He certainly doesn't look it, though he can get that innocent look you've mastered."

"Me?" Daniel asked innocently and fell into a fit of laughter when Jack's expression became threatening.

The Jeep crossed the grass onto the smooth tarmac and Daniel slowed down as they approached Alex. The man's dark honey-blond hair was windswept above mirrored sunglasses. It wasn't all that cold, winter or not, but the man wore off-white cotton trousers anyway, though the matching jacket had the sleeves pushed up. The collarless shirt underneath was a dark lavender grey and looked nice on him. Daniel rarely saw Alex in anything but black and green and brown. He suddenly bit down a laugh, though, when he saw the pair of off-white canvas shoes.

"What?" Jack asked. When Daniel nodded at Alex's feet, Jack's brow line rose in amusement.

Bringing the Jeep to a halt next to Alex, Daniel greeted him with a smile as he got out, clasped his hand, and pulled him into a hug. "You know, you look just like Sonny Burnett," he teased.

Alex's mouth dropped open. "Oh great, just what I need."

"Except you're prettier," Jack quipped, then snapped his fingers when the name came to him that he'd been trying to think of. "Like Bon Jovi." He shook Alex's hand and gave him a shoulder squeeze in place of a hug. "How ya doin'?"

Alex started to laugh embarrassingly, not knowing what else to do. "Fine, sir. Didn't think you knew who Bon Jovi was."

"Hey," Jack complained, managing to looked chagrined. "You would prefer I repeat who everyone at the base says you look like?"

Alex became even more embarrassed. "Heard about that, did you, sir?"

"I haven't heard. Who?" Daniel asked, annoyed. He hated missing out.

Jack couldn't keep the grin of revenge off his face. "Remember who he dressed up as for Halloween last year?"

Daniel had to think a moment, then his eyes widened. Alex actually did look sort of like him. "No wonder that costume looked really good on you."

Alex rolled his eyes skyward. "Jason teases me enough."

"He ever call you Neo after that?" Daniel asked.

"For about a month," Alex answered, unable to keep from grinning as he relaxed, getting used to their teasing already.

Jack watched him and decided he liked making him laugh. Now, he wanted to make him blush more, just because he knew he could.  "You're pretty like he is, and like him, you don't need to shave," and he traced a finger over Alex's jaw line. "Although this really isn't hair, is it? More like peach fuzz," and laughed when Alex batted his hand away.  Blushing.  Jack grinned his head off in silent victory.

Alex felt himself slowly relax despite the feeling of being in over his head in coming here. "You're as big a smart ass as Jason says you are, sir."

"You've got a thing for them, haven't you?" Daniel asked as he shot a smirk at Jack.

"Who?" Jack asked innocently.

Daniel's eyes glittered. "DJ, BJ, and Mr. Anderson." Alex started laughing.

Jack's grin grew more devilish as he picked up Alex's single suitcase. "Do you?"

Daniel winked at Alex. "I'd do them in a hot Miami minute."

Alex suddenly flushed and turned away to hide it, wondering if Daniel meant Keanu or... him.

"Make it quick, then, we don't have all day," Jack shot back as he placed Alex's suitcase in the back of the Jeep. They cracked up as their eyes met, then saw the flabbergasted look on their guest's face.

"Sorry, Alex," Daniel apologized. "We've just been having a fun week so far. How's the flight?"

"It was fine, thanks," Alex answered, simply amazed at their behavior toward him.

"Climb in," Jack gestured at the back seat. "This all you have?" he added, gesturing at Alex's overnight bag on his shoulder and the suitcase in the back.

"Yeah, it was all I needed," Alex answered as he took a seat in the back, setting his overnight bag next to him.

"Okay then," Jack replied as he and Daniel hopped in. Saying nothing about Alex's apparent nervousness, they sped off toward the plane, and two minutes later, parked the Jeep in a covered park for vehicles a few yards from the plane's marked slot.

Alex hopped out and grabbed his suitcase before Jack could get it. "Sorry, sir," he apologized, "it just seems silly for you to take it when I can."

"Jack."

"Excuse me?"

"I told you last week. We're on leave, so it's just Jack. Or Hey You."

"Hey You," Daniel said, passing him. "Tie down that shit and let's get a move on."

"Fuck you, Jackson," Jack cracked. With a quick look at Alex's reaction, he shook his head. "Alex, relax." He set to securing the load in the back of the plane as Alex opened the passenger door and tossed his overnight bag inside.

He didn't get inside, hesitating, and found Daniel watching him. Clearing his throat, he asked, "Can I ask you something?"  Alex wasn't in the mood to skirt around the issue. Jack may have told him what the vacation would be about but he really had to know what was expected of him, and what he should expect in return.

Daniel held up a hand. "Let me guess. Why are you here?"

Alex's eyes showed surprise. "Yeah."

"We're gonna leave it up to Jason to answer that."

"Great," Alex sighed with disappointment.

"Why did you come?" Jack sent back just a little too sharply. He gave him an apologetic look soon after but Alex's tone made him edgy. If Alex did anything to make Jason feel like shit, he'd dropkick his ass back to the mainland, and told Daniel that with a look when his lover sent a questioning glance his way.

"Because I... was asked," Alex answered carefully.

Skittish as a colt, Jack thought. "And I asked because of Jason. Since the two of you are supposed to be close friends, you will have to actually talk to each other about why you're here."

"Supposed to be?" Alex asked, his hackles rising.

"Jason should have asked you directly," Daniel said, stepping in before Jack's prickly, i.e., protective, behavior made things worse. "Since there was that whole jealousy issue, Jack thought it would be better if he asked instead, but now, we're handing it back to Jason."

"Confused yet?" Jack asked, letting himself cool off, thanks to Daniel.

"Way past that, I think," Alex said. He was definitely confused, and the strange fluttery feeling in his stomach didn't do anything to settle him down, either.

"Good, now get in, and the sooner we get back, the better. I've got seafood spoiling to be eaten. You like seafood, right, Alex?"

Alex nodded, feeling that he'd just been hit by the Dynamic Duo. He probably had.

.

Alex hated feeling useless so he left his things in the plane and helped carry the large food crates to the main bungalow's kitchen. Moving through the kitchen's entrance, he and Jack set the crate on the heavily-built kitchen table, and Alex took a moment to look around. He didn't see Jason and the disappointment he'd experienced when Jason hadn't come to meet him at the dock increased.

Jack observed the look and slapped him on the back. "Don't worry. He's around somewhere. C'mon, let's get the other crate while Daniel manages with the smaller stuff."

"Smaller, yes," Daniel grunted as he set a small styrofoam ice chest on the counter, "but no less heavy." Following them back outside, he also took a look around and couldn't help but wonder if Jason was making himself scarce. He wouldn't be that silly with his fears, would he? Daniel dismissed the question. Jason would face them, as always, so he was likely occupied with something.

Ten minutes later, all the supplies were safely inside and Alex was just bringing up his overnight bag and suitcase. When he reached the deck, Daniel gestured to him. "Don't set that stuff down, Alex. May as well get you settled in the second bungalow."

Alex took a deep breath and followed, his thoughts still on Jason, and the disappointment gnawing at him. He was thoroughly disgusted with himself, hating that he'd put so much emphasis on something he couldn't control. Like his feelings for the man. He'd put them in their proper context, true, but it still did nothing for his peace of mind whenever he was within Jason's proximity. He had to gain control over that, too, and perhaps the next few days would be his chance to do just that.

Halfway there, between buildings, Daniel looked to his left, through the small trees, into the backyard. Jason was performing his Tai Chi exercises, and Daniel immediately veered left to watch. He put his finger to his mouth to indicate silence, not wanting to disturb Jason's concentration. He rarely had a chance to watch him do these particular exercises anymore, and he was, in Daniel's opinion, male beauty personified when he went through them; like Teal'c, when their Jaffa friend performed his own regimen.

Alex set his things down and followed, his eyes never leaving Jason. He'd seen him perform the exercises several times during his friendship with the man, but lately, Jason had taken to doing them offworld and only in peaceful, secure surroundings. Watching him was not something he'd ever forget, but he had to watch nonetheless. The exercises were like a dance and Alex was always fascinated by the control, the grace. He wished he'd learned martial arts at a young age like Jason had, but at least he knew enough to fight and defend.

Jason's balance was amazing, Daniel thought, as Jason slowly pivoted on one foot, bringing the other leg up, around, and extended to the side while his arms flowed over his head and came down in slow, defensive motions, hands constantly moving, rarely staying in one position for very long. Though the movements were slow, they were continuous, and they put a person through their paces. Jason's shining skin told that tale.

Daniel caught movement to his left and saw Jack on the back deck, leaning on the wooden railing, as glued to watching as they were. None of them knew how long Jason had been at it, but Daniel figured an hour. Jason could do those exercises for a lot longer. The fact that he was doing them here, in the middle of the day, instead of early morning as he typically did them, suggested to Daniel that his lover had needed to calm his mind. That meant he was a lot more nervous than he'd let on.

With a deep breath, Daniel backed away, gesturing firmly for Alex to follow. When they were back to where Alex had set down his things, he finally spoke, but in a very quiet voice as he led Alex through the bungalow's open front door.

"If we stay longer, he'll pick up that we're there and I don't want to disturb him. I trust you're familiar with why he does those exercises, other than to keep in practice and in shape?"

"Yeah, Daniel, I'm aware," he told him solemnly as he set his things down in front of the living room sofa.

"Oh, right," Daniel said, wincing as he caught the slight look of annoyance. "Sorry."

Alex took a deep breath and waved his hand at him. "No, don't be. I know him, just not as completely as you, if you see what I mean."

"I meant no offense."

"None was taken so let's forget it," Alex replied and waved him off again.

Daniel accepted that and moved on, gesturing around him. "The owner said that whatever's here is free to use, unless it's locked up." He then gestured at the door at the end of the hallway. "That is... well, a fetish room. You can check it out but I thought I'd warn you first." He gave Alex an amused smile and waited, watching the man's features change from curious to puzzled.

"Fetish room?" Alex asked, a smirk coming to his lips. "As in a kink playroom?"

Daniel couldn't help but look surprised. "You know what that is?"

Alex let out a short laugh. "Yeah, I know what it is, Daniel. Despite what Jason and I have shared, and he's undoubtedly shared with you, I am familiar with a lot of things, even if I've never tried them."

Daniel's grin twisted with bemusement. "Sorry. I think I'm guilty of what most people assume with me."

"That innocence thing?" Alex asked knowingly.

Daniel let out a similar laugh. "That's the thing. Damned nuisance most of the time, but it sometimes proves useful."

Again, Alex nodded knowingly. "It is sometimes, isn't it?"

"Well, anyway, if you want to check out the room, go ahead. It's not your standard room, but it's got the usual...perks. We don't practice that scene, but it's got some interesting things we might experiment with."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "You haven't yet?"

"No, it's our first week here. We're still getting used to the rhythm of things, so to speak."

Alex snorted. "Gotcha."

"Any questions you have, feel free to ask," Daniel told him, giving him a strange smile. "Jason knows a little more about some things, but Jack and I, like you, know about it; we just haven't played."

Predictably, Alex focused on the part about Jason. "Jason knows knows or...?"

Daniel gave Alex that weird smile again. "Ask him. If you look through the things in your room, I'm sure you'll find more of what Jason is actually experienced with." When Alex's brow line went into his hairline, Daniel laughed fondly. "Sorry, Alex," he said, gently slapping his arm. "I can't help but tease. Never mind. We're going to have an early dinner so we'll be preparing the shellfish Jack ordered right away before it spoils. You're welcome to come join us if you want to help."

"I will, thanks. But I think I'm gonna clean up first. That flight was a pain in the ass."

"Tell me about it." Daniel started to turn, but hesitated. "Alex, I know you're nervous and hate that Jack and I went all mysterious on you, but talk to Jason and things will be fine. It's no big deal, trust me. Also, don't feel that you're intruding, okay? You're not. You're more than welcome here."

Alex returned the nod with a confused frown on his face. "Thanks."

Daniel wanted to say something about not hurting Jason, but experience told him to leave it alone. Jason could take care of himself. "See you in a while," he called back.

"In a while, and thanks," Alex called back as he picked up his things and carried them to the bedroom.

.

Jack hefted the large metal pot onto the kitchen table and paused, blowing out a long breath.

"Problems?" Daniel teased, coming in into the kitchen from behind him. A hand went to the small of Jack's back, rubbing.

"No, I'm fine. Should've waited on you, though," and he cracked a sheepish grin. "We so don't need to strain anything but our dicks on this vacation."

"No straining of anything, thank you very much," Daniel replied and he pried Jack's hands off the clamped lid of the pot and placed them around his waist. "Now sore and abused, we can deal with those." His hands slid up the wide back, ending with a firm clasp on Jack's shoulders. Jack returned his smile and answered Daniel's upturned face with a deep kiss that left them breathing hard when they parted.

"I can definitely deal with that," Jack agreed and gave him a quick kiss before they separated and Daniel helped him unclamp the lid to the pot. "So, how's Alex finding his digs?"

Daniel smirked as he set the lid on the floor, propped against the wall and out of the way. "He didn't have much to say about it. I think he's feeling a little overwhelmed, as well as tired from that long plane ride. He'll be over when he's showered and changed."

"Ah. And has Jason made his appearance yet?" Jack asked as he pulled a crab from the large pot.

"Not a sign of him yet," Daniel said, a slight frown of worry marring his brow. "Maybe he plans to sneak up on him, I don't know."

"Think he'll chicken out?"

Daniel shrugged. "We'll see. It'll be Alex's call, whatever happens."

"True." Jack was suddenly hit with a devious thought, which Daniel recognized.

"What?"

"Oh, just that, for once, I wouldn't mind seeing Jason on the receiving end of the hunt." Daniel answered him with an agreeing nod.

.

Crossing the large room and hauling the suitcase on the foot of the bed, Alex opened it and threw back the flap, looking around for the dresser. He spied one next to the door, and an open walk-in closet to the right of the dresser, then spied another dresser that reminded him of the wardrobe dressers on Adriann's planet. Chiffonier, if he recalled correctly, shaking his head at the odd names for things.

Alex continued his examination of the room and wondered what else was available in the bungalow. Curiosity took him out of the bedroom for a proper recon of the place he'd be staying in for the next three nights and two days. He stayed away from the fetish room, as Daniel called it, not really in the mood for developing a hard-on right away. Jason could do that with a look, anyway, and given what Daniel had said about what was in that fetish room, and how all things kink tended to arouse Alex, whether he was into it or not, he decided that having a look in that room could be put off for late-night excursions. After everyone had retired, especially Jason.

Thoughts of where he was, and why, returned--as did the wild speculations. Alex mulled them over while he looked around, absently noting the differences between his bungalow and the main one Jack, Daniel, and Jason were apparently staying in. His bungalow was smaller, and he found only the usual five-room layout: living room, kitchen, dining, bath, and bedroom. And that extra room, of course. Both houses had wrap-around decks and that was very cool. He assumed the main bungalow was like his where the French doors for every exit/entry were concerned:  the front doors, the back doors through the kitchen's dining room, and in the bedroom.

Stopping in the middle of the living room, he stared at the back doors and wondered if Jason was still exercising. Worry began to creep in on him. He was invited here for a reason, that much was not hard to figure out. But what? Okay, one thing he'd learned being Jason's friend and not just his teammate was to never presume anything. Guessing incorrectly messed things up, but Alex couldn't help it this time. He was almost sure that Jason asked him here to...

What? Give him news? Okay, plausible. Good or bad? His Grandma had always said that bad news could wait, but Alex grew up preferring to get the bad news first. And Jason knew that. So did he bring him out here to give him that bad news?

Perhaps. If Jason felt safer here in giving it.

Alex cringed. This was not good. Jason had been hinting at retirement, and Alex still thought that odd; it didn't seem like Jason had been in for almost twenty years. Alex had only his ten, and couldn't fathom retirement. He was trying to understand his friend and commander, what the man wanted out of his life, but Alex selfishly didn't want Jason to leave. He didn't understand why Jason couldn't do other things and be leader of SG-2. The Air Force wasn't that restrictive. Well, to most freedoms, anyway. It was the military, and all the homophobic bullshit came with that. One learned to live with it or they left.

Alex froze. God, was that it? Was that why Jason was leaving early? Alex sighed. No, that wasn't the feeling he'd gotten from Daniel or Jack. Or Jason, for that matter. It was something else, something just as personal and...

A dark dread suddenly filled him. What if it had nothing to do with Jason himself? What if...god, did Jason plan to transfer him because of his feelings? Shit. Shitshitshit.

But why bring him to Hawaii if he were going to do that? To let him down easy, that's why. To bring him to some place nice, make him feel better. Jason always did care about how he felt and--

A growl from behind forced a scream from Alex and he jumped to the side, spinning round, nearly falling over till he righted himself and found...

Jason. Standing there a few feet away, shirtless, sweaty, hair in his eyes...and laughing.  His.  Ass.  Off.

"You should see your face," Jason greeted, walking over to him.

Alex's lips thinned, then twisted in a scowl of disapproval. "God, you asshole! Scared the shit out of me."

Jason's mirth died quickly as he abruptly sobered, seeing the quite obvious shock and fear on Alex's face that had nothing to do with scaring him. "Shit, I'm sorry, Alex," and he closed the short distance to take him in his arms, hugging him--sweaty skin and all.

Alex tried very hard not to inhale, or touch. "God, J, did you have to do that?"

Jason let go and stepped back. "Yeah, but you're usually in a better frame of mind when I do," he said worriedly. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, nothing."

"Ah huh. Well, first things first. It's good to see you," and Jason gently slapped the man's shoulder.

"You, too," Alex replied, squinting a little, taking a longer look. "You look...well, I was going to say restful but..."

"Yeah, the sweaty look isn't all that restful-looking is it?" Jason laughed.

"Not really, no," Alex countered, refusing to tell him that he looked damn sexy. In the meantime, he had to calm his heart down from the scare, what with the antsy fear still there.

"So, what's got you so spooked?"

"Nothing," Alex said, trying on a glare and failing when he realized how...misleading that sounded.

"Ah huh, you said that and it's a crock. You've got that rabbit look, Alex. What's the matter?"

Alex tried another deflection instead. "Where'd you come from?"

Jason thumbed at the open double doors that led to the backyard, but he never took his eyes off Alex's face. The man was spooked.

"What's wrong? Tell me."

Alex started to pace and Jason watched him, recognizing his affected display. Alex did this whenever he was especially agitated about something.

"Alex, what's--"

"Did you bring me out here to tell me you're transferring me?" Alex blurted out suddenly.

Jason noticed that he held his breath afterwards, preparing himself for the bad news he was somehow convinced he'd get. Jason closed his eyes and sighed, and when he opened them, he put a hand on Alex's shoulder, squeezing and shaking him slightly with reassurance. "You're safe, so's your job." He shook him harder. "I'm not about to let you get away, you dimwit. I need you, so kill the paranoia."

Alex visibly relaxed, then laughed sheepishly for letting his fears take over. "Okay, sorry."

"Nothing to be sorry for." He almost began to explain but surrendered hypocritically to his own fears. Instead, he quickly and deftly redirected. "So, what do you think of the place? Nice, eh?"

"Yeah, it's great," Alex nodded, allowing the subject change.

"Having a look around, doing recon?" Jason grinned.

"As always, which is something my Mom used to do whenever we stayed at a hotel so I'm pretty sure recon was learned at home, not in the military."

Jason laughed knowingly. "My Mom and Dad were like that, too. Grandfather, not so much. He'd just stand in the center of things, close his eyes, and feel the place," and Jason mimicked his Grandfather, spreading his hands out and closing his eyes.

Alex bit his lip in amusement. "You know, you do that, too?"

Jason's eyes opened. "I do?"

Alex nodded. "Sometimes. On missions to new planets."

Jason thought back and realized he did do that. "Huh. Go figure." He was going to ask something else when he couldn't help but notice Alex's eyes flicker in the direction of the fetish room. It was still a look of curiosity, not knowledge, so Alex obviously hadn't been in there yet. Daniel must've told him though and it was obvious that Alex was interested. Another surprise.

"Unpacked yet or still doing recon?" Jason asked, heading into the bedroom.

"Recon first, till you scared a few years off me." Jason sniggered and Alex couldn't help but feel something flow through him. Love was what he was calling it lately.

"Well, let's get you unpacked. Hungry?" Jason asked, watching him.

"Yeah, I am. Daniel said that dinner would be early but I could go help prepare after I settle."

"Crab," Jason said, sighing, then caught the cringe from Alex. "Don't worry, they're hopefully killing them as we speak. Like me, Jack and Daniel have never catered to boiling them alive." He shuddered. "Barbaric ritual. Anyhow, it'll be fun. We'll get messy and have some great salad. Daniel makes a pretty mean crab salad dinner."

Alex took a deep breath, nodding. He wanted to ask something but Jason was changing the subject again.

"Okay, let's see what we have here," Jason said as he opened and closed the four drawers of the dresser, finding them empty. He checked the walk-in closet and there was plenty of room for anything Alex wanted to hang. "Cool. Stash your stuff in here or the dresser here," and he glanced at Alex's luggage and frowned. "You didn't bring much. Aren't you going to your folks' from here?"

"Yeah, but I get clothes every damn year for Christmas, so I've learned to pack light."

Jason walked to his suitcase but Alex waved him off. "I can do it." He watched his friend all the while, though, concern filling him. Jason was on pins and needles and if it wasn't about him, what the hell was it? "What's going on? Are you okay?"

"I was just worried that you'd get here in one piece, or how you'd like it here, that's all," Jason said, visibly forcing himself to relax.

Alex calmed down, noting with relief that Jason was telling him the truth. "Okay, but you're still looking wound up."

"I'm just thrilled to have you here. Relax. And you know, sorry for scaring you."

"That's okay."

But it wasn't.

At that moment, Jason suddenly felt as if he knew what would happen; how Alex would react if he posed the question. And he chickened out.

He couldn't ask, couldn't risk hurting the man. Following that thought was how Daniel would react to the news and Jason began to fill his mind with plausible cover stories and how to carry them out. He couldn't hurt Daniel for wanting to make him happy, could he? No. Better to have semi-dirty white lies than see the disappointment and guilt. This vacation wasn't going to have any of that negative shit. No matter what Jason had to do.

"Jason?" Alex asked, interrupting as he returned from his suitcase with a handful of items.

"Hmmmm? What? You okay?" he asked as he found his friend frowning at him.

"I'm fine, but you're not," Alex answered, pointing with a hand that held, rather ironically, a few pairs of briefs. He cleared his throat and said, "You were far away."

"Yeah, this place will do that," Jason waved dismissively.

"Ah huh. Horseshit. Where were you?"

Jason took a deep breath. "Just thinking."

Alex frowned more deeply. "If I'm in the way, if I shouldn't have come here--"

"Alex," Jason said, going to him and putting both hands on his shoulders. "You're fine. It's just stuff on my mind, that's all. There's nothing wrong and it's got nothing to do with you, okay?"  Another lie, but that was okay.

"Does it have anything to do with Jack mentioning that this vacation is sort of your own version of Fantasy Island? Because I can't help but feel I'm in the way." Alex wanted to kick himself for saying it, but he couldn't help speaking the truth. Jason's distracted attitude was worrying.

Jason let him go slowly, realizing that he'd felt a deep temptation in his fingers to caress what had been under them. He stuffed his hands in the small pockets of his shorts instead. "No, you're not in the way, or intruding. Trust me, okay? What Jack said, by the way, was a tease. He gets like that."

Surprised, Alex was set off track. "Oh, um...right, sorry." Now what? he asked himself.

"So, let's finish this and go help with dinner."

"Sounds like a plan," Alex replied, and appreciated Jason helping him, even if he hadn't needed any. They were quiet for a few minutes, then Jason groaned. "What?"

"While you're here, if you don't mind, I'll be spending most of my free time here."

"Have you been drinking, Jason?" Alex asked, studying him.

That caught him up short. "No, why?"

"Because you're asking me if it's okay to spend time with me when you're the one who invited me here."

"Oh," Jason replied, wincing and looking sheepish. "Right."

Alex set some shirts in the drawer and paused, resting an arm on the dresser top. "You're acting very weird. What the hell is going on?"

Shit. Jason had to order himself to back up, gain control. He wasn't doing a good job of anything right now. While Alex waited patiently, Jason closed his eyes, took a few deep breaths, and willed his body language and emotions under control--and thought up the lie he'd use. He finally opened his eyes, stared at Alex, and said quite seriously, "I've been having that Agatha Christie nightmare vision again."

Alex's features changed and Jason knew he believed him. It wasn't exactly a lie, but once Jason began analyzing the dream visions as a puzzle to solve and not as something unknown to fear, they'd stopped coming to him as nightmares. Except right now, he almost wished they still were. He hated forcing himself to lie, regardless of the reason.

"That one where you found me all cut up and...?"

"Yeah, that one. It hasn't changed any, but there's a warning there, like a big increase in emotion or something. It's spooky, so it's woken me up a few times. I haven't told Daniel or Jack, so if you value your life, you won't either."

Alex sighed with relief, and a different sort of worry. "I promise, not a word."

"One more thing?"

"What's that?"

"Because I'm gonna be spending as much time as I can with you while you're here, I've decided to um, give them time alone. Which means sleeping here on the couch or outside. I think maybe--"

"Jason, you can share the bed with me. It's bloody big enough," he gestured. "And I promise, I don't bite. Well--"

Jason closed his eyes, cringing. "Don't say it."

"Okay," Alex answered, biting his lips together. He did bite, actually. "So why leave them alone?"

"Well, one, it feels rude to me to leave you alone every night. And two, I know for a fact that when they're together, just the two of them, there's a bit of guilt about leaving me feeling left out. I never feel that way, of course, but it doesn't keep them from thinking that anyway. So, I thought I'd kill that thought of theirs by letting them know I was just fine over here. If that's okay."

"Jason, you don't need to ask that," Alex mildly scolded.

Jason nodded. "Except I do."

"Jason, I've a question."

"What's that?" he answered, very proud of himself for masking his feelings, but hating himself for it, too.

Finished, Alex shut the top drawer and set his suitcase in the closet. "Why am I here?"

"Because I asked Jack to ask you."

"Why?"

"No reason other than for sun and peace and quiet. My Christmas gift to you. Is there a problem with that or...?"

Alex frowned. "Just a few days in the sun, doing nothing? That sounds awfully... weird."

"Why? You could use the downtime before the Christmas madness at your folks' place, right?"  That last bit was an added, inspirational lie, taking advantage of useful information. Jason was hating himself even more now.

"True, I could use it, it's just...Jack made it sound like there was an ulterior motive."

"Tease, remember? And truthfully? I think he likes yanking your chain and watching you blush." Which was also true, Jason thought. Jack did that on a regular basis with him, though Jason had managed to control it over time. But Alex? Oh, fresh game there. The thought made Jason grin.

"Oh," Alex replied quietly. Jack's behavior so far certainly explained that.

"Ready?" Jason asked.

"Um, no. I'll meet you over there. I told Daniel that I need to shower and change, and I really do."

"Understood, believe me," Jason said, squeezing his shoulder once more. "I'll be next door, getting messy."

"Okay," Alex replied, matching the grin.

Leaving Alex to get cleaned up, Jason made a circuit of the main building and headed for the boathouse-cum-storage shed. Inside, he found what he'd hoped. Sleeping bags. Good down-filled ones, too. And a pad. And a lamp... and the more he looked, the more gear he found. If he could get away with it, he'd sleep outside and just give the excuse that he'd fallen asleep. It would work.

Gathering up some of what he needed, he quickly made his way past the buildings, across the field that stretched for perhaps fifty yards or so. Along his left, the field stretched out a hundred yards to the cliffside. Along the right, a dozen yards or so before the sharp decline of rocky shoreline and beachfront.

There was a section near the end, where the ground jutted out at a right angle. It was made mostly of sand and short tide grasses and in a clear spot, sat an old campfire circle he'd investigated a few days earlier that was quite usable. Setting down the equipment he'd grabbed, Jason looked around, nodded to himself, and with a heavy heart, went back for the rest of the gear.

.

"Hey guys," Jason greeted as he walked through the kitchen doors, going for the sink to wash his hands. He could feel Daniel and Jack's eyes on him, watching him carefully from the kitchen table. When Jason turned to them, he spied the pot, the crab shells, and frowned in confusion. He looked at the stove and found it unused. Only the kitchen's center island and butcher block held the food stuffs taken out for the salad making.

"Did you buy the crab already cooked?" he asked as he went over to look in the pot.

Jack nodded. "Easier. I called ahead, asked them to cook some fresh, so it was packed up and waiting when we flew over. Slicker than snot."

"Charming phrase," Daniel grimaced.

Jason snickered and leaned over to give them both a quick kiss. "Alex should be over soon," he said, taking a seat to Daniel's left and across from Jack. He grabbed a crab from the large container on the table and set it down in front of him, copying exactly what Jack and Daniel were doing, which was stripping off the meat and tossing it in a large bowl in the center of the table. As he broke a claw shell with one of the small mallets available on the table, he saw questioning looks from his lovers. Sighing, he said, "No, I didn't ask yet."

"Why not?" Daniel asked.

"Because I want to give him a few hours of wind-down time first before springing something like that on him."

Daniel nodded with understanding, but Jack pushed the issue. "Are you even going to ask?"

Jason sighed, hoping what he had thought up to say didn't sound stupid--or worse, transparent. "Yeah, but not till tonight. Get him to relax first. Even with the stress of the flight, Alex is acting pretty skittish about something and I haven't found out what. I'm not adding my issues to it till I get him to confess whatever it is."

"Ah huh," Daniel answered, tonguing his cheek. He glanced at Jack, then added, "Asking him if he wants his fantasies fulfilled is not an issue, Jace."

"Daniel, don't say anything to him, okay? Leave it to me to ask."

"Damn," Jack said melodramatically. "So no sex jokes?"

"No," Jason smirked, "and no virgin jokes, either."

Daniel snorted suddenly. "Yeah, you got that right."

Jason frowned. "What?"

"Nothing... except that when I mentioned the fetish room to Alex, he knew exactly what I meant."

Jason's eyes widened in surprise as he went completely still. "Are you serious?" he asked, confirming their suspicions that he didn't have a clue. Warmth suddenly spread from his balls and lower spine. Fuck, this was so unfair, he thought. At Daniel's teasing expression, he sighed. "Okay, you've had your fun. The knowledge is moot, however, if he says no when I ask him the question."

"If he does, then what?" Daniel asked, hoping Alex wasn't that shy, or that prudish. He hadn't come across that way, and Daniel was certain he'd read the man correctly. Otherwise, he would never have suggested the visit in the first place.

"Then nothing," Jason replied. "He'll stay as my close friend." He watched Jack take a sip from his beer. "Jack?"

"No virgin jokes, got it, but that won't stop me from making him blush."

"Jack."

"It's fun," Jack replied, not sorry in any way.

"Fine. Oh, um, I should tell you," and he affected a sheepish look that wasn't too much of a pretense. "Just in case, just in case, he says no, or if for some reason I think asking him would be the worse thing to do..."

They gave him wary looks.

"It's nothing bad. I just told him that while he's here, I'll be staying with him for three days...and um, giving you two some alone-time."

Daniel and Jack frowned severely at him.

"But...we'll have that anyway after you ask him, Jason," Jack stated, confused. "Unless you're not planning to ask."

"I am, I am. I'm just saying in case it doesn't pan out and you wonder why I'm still over there. It's not really an excuse either because I am giving you guys some time alone." Jason sighed and leaned forward, speaking in a confidential tone. "I know for a fact that most of our fantasies involve two of us, not three, so I'm giving you guys the next three days without having to worry about me feeling left out. You guys do that sometimes, you know?" When they nodded with surprise, he went on. "So this time, trust me when I say that I won't feel left out. I'll be fine. And you'll make me very happy if you humor me by smiling and nodding that you agree."

Jack and Daniel exchanged glances, then nodded to their lover.

"You're sure?" Daniel asked, knowing damn well that Jason was hiding something.

"Positive," Jason grinned. "Only I want to hear all about it afterward."

"Deal," Jack told him as he sipped at his beer. "But," he added, "if it doesn't pan out," and underneath the table, he reached with his foot and touched Jason's shin. "Come over and sleep with us. We'll take care of you."

Jason felt the emotional warmth turning physical as his cock started to respond. He cleared his throat and gave Jack a fond but scolding look. "Bastard, stop tempting me."

Jack snickered, grinning his head off as he won another round of 'tease Jason' and his reward was to get Jason's foot pressed against his groin. He didn't mind that at all but unfortunately, that sort of teasing had to stop when Alex entered and cleared his throat.

"Um, am I interrupting?"

"Don't be an ass," Jason said, letting Jack go to shove a chair out with his foot. "Sit down and join the melee."

Alex didn't have any problems with that and took the seat to Jason's left.

Dinner preparation took a few hours as they took their time, playing 'catch the fish' and tossing cooked bits at each other's mouths. Dinner was finally finished around 6 pm, and while they ate and joked and Jack teased occasionally, both he and Daniel surreptitiously watched their lover with Alex.

While conversations and occasional laughter between Jason and Alex were easy and normal, there was something not quite right. There was some underlying restlessness between them and neither Jack nor Daniel could figure out what it was. Jason had said there was something going on with Alex, but Daniel and Jack hadn't spotted anything other than nervousness when he'd first arrived and they weren't catching it now. Whatever Jason was claiming, they knew it was him, not Alex, who was having a problem. They also had a pretty good idea why, and a silent exchange said they'd compare notes after dinner... when they'd likely be alone.

As dinner came to an end, however, Daniel decided to push things and give Jason his opening to talk to Alex. He didn't really care if he pissed off his lover, either. Standing up and picking up his plate, he said, "Well, um, no offense to you, Alex, but it's time for... some Jack and Daniel privacy, so let's get you some stuff to stash in the fridge over there before Jack and I disappear."

"Oh, okay," Alex said, standing up. He'd finished his second helping of salad, saving room for the lemon dessert that Daniel had made.

Jason looked up at him, then across at Daniel, who glanced at him before turning away. He sighed, wishing Daniel wasn't so... loving. And fucking pushy.

Daniel set his plate in the sink and took out a few storage bowls from the cupboard, handing one to Alex after the man set his plate in the sink on top of Daniel's.

"Here, dish up some salad in this one," Daniel said, handing him one bowl. "I'll put the dessert in this one."

When Alex looked at him, Daniel only grinned back. He didn't say anything else but Alex had the strange feeling that he either wanted to be alone with Jack or was pushing Alex to be alone with Jason. There was a nanosecond of indulgence for that latter consideration, but Alex dismissed it and assumed the former. Working quickly, he filled the storage bowl.

As Jason and Jack cleared the table, Jack gave him a glance that said "Tell Alex." Jason ignored it. But while Alex and Daniel were busy, and Jason went to the freezer to collect a pint of ice cream, he caught Jack's eye again as the man filled one half of the sink for washing. Jack leaned toward him a little, waggling his brows, his expression clearly read. Jason knew what he meant and purposely pretended to be clueless. He smiled as he closed the freezer door, then the distance between them.

"You want something?" he asked in a low, deep voice.

"Yes," Jack said, and with a wet hand, clamped Jason's ass cheek and pulled him in for a kiss which Jason thoroughly returned, hooking his free arm around Jack's neck. With Jason busy, Jack sought out the pint of ice cream, lifted Jason's shirt, and planted it against his skin.

Jason howled and pushed away ineffectively as Jack held on, moving the pint around, bringing it to a nipple to get Jason aroused. "Fucking bastard," Jason hissed and grabbed the ice cream, set it on the counter, and kissed Jack within an inch of his... life.

Daniel and Alex watched with amusement and Daniel couldn't help but notice the aroused and envious, perhaps jealous, blush that colored Alex's cheeks. "Here," he said quietly while Jason pushed Jack against the fridge, still kissing him. "Alex?" he had to say to get his attention. Alex looked at him, startled, and cleared his throat.

"Sorry," he said quietly, taking the containers.

"No need. They work me up like that all the time. Now, remember, if you get the midnight munchies, feel free to come over here to raid the kitchen. I'll try to make sure the bedroom door's closed and that the blinds are closed. But if I somehow forget," and he winked in Jack's direction, who was just breaking free of Jason's kiss.

"Then stick cotton in your ears," Jack quipped, wiping his reddened mouth, "because I plan to make noise." He looked over his shoulder at Jason, and full of what his mother would have called 'the devil', he added, "Or if you want, Jason can come get whatever it is you're craving for while you keep the bed warm."

Jason leered back, then leaned forward, lips at Jack's ear, "I know why you did that, but giving me a hard-on won't make me ask him any sooner."

"Spoilsport," Jack replied with a smirk.

Alex wondered if Jack's innuendo-laden words meant... no, no, no, Alex was losing his mind. "Um, well, Daniel," he said, trying to forget, "Jason was right. You make one hell of a mean salad. Thanks for dinner, and um, everything. This visit's definitely what I needed. I'll get out of your way now and see if I can't stir up trouble somewhere else." There was a quick glance at Jason before he finished. "Have a good night."

"You, too, and you're welcome," Daniel replied, giving Jason a strange look that Alex couldn't interpret, before turning to Alex. "Oh, and drop over for breakfast anytime in the morning. While you're here, you may as well sleep in."

"Thanks."

"Don't forget the midnight thing," Jack said, egging it on.

"Right, thanks."

Jason rolled his eyes. "I'll be there in a minute, Alex," he called after the man as he left, then turned to Daniel and Jack. "You guys just can't keep a promise, can you?" They affected innocence no one would believe and Jason gave them each a quick kiss--purposely on the cheek--then grabbed his ice cream and smiled. "See you both in the morning." As he left their sight and passed through the living room, he called back, "No somnambulistic voyeurism is authorized."

"Jason," they called after him, Daniel being the loudest, but Jason called back in warning, "Another time, gentlemen," before he disappeared.

Daniel sighed. "Damn. Did he sound pissed off?"

"Only a little," Jack said, eyeing Daniel over his shoulder before turning back round to continue his washing and rinsing. "I think he's going to miss us."

"Yeah, me, too."  They were silent as they cleaned up, though there wasn't that much to do. Daniel put away the salad and pulled out two bowls to dish up dessert. His mind went inevitably to fulfilling fantasy. "Jason said we should fulfill fantasies between us, but I can't think of one yet, can you?"  His words faded as he paused to watch Jack's ass move in a decidedly 'come get me' fashion as he moved back and forth in front of the sink.

"Not yet," Jack answered, and when Daniel didn't say anything, he looked over his shoulder, grinning at where Daniel's sightline was aimed. "What's on your mind there, as if I can't guess?"

Daniel cleared his throat and gave Jack a very nasty look. "Oh, just trying to think up something wicked for tonight. I've just had an inkling of an idea but I need some help."

"Is that so?" Jack asked, his cheek creasing with the grin that followed the question.

"How about you tell me a story?" Daniel asked as he moved in and nuzzled the back of his ear.

"Any preferences?" Jack asked, shivering, and grateful that the dishes were finished.

"Something dark, dangerous, that will inevitably lead us to the usual happy ending via biting and sucking and general mayhem."

"That narrows it a little," Jack murmured, and took a paper towel from the dispenser to dry his hands. Turning round, he leaned against the counter and looked Daniel over. "Narrow it further."

Daniel laid his hands on Jack's hips, gazing into the sexy, smoldering, fucking hot brown eyes. "How about something slightly familiar? Relive a past event, perhaps. Or perhaps," he added, mind rapidly flipping through the file system of memories, and he smiled mischievously, "we go back, relive a past event, only change something."

"Change something?" Jack asked as he took in Daniel's face and the darkening blue eyes. Eyes empty of his eyeglasses... and the bulb in the corner of Jack's mind where he kept his porn-fed imagination clicked on. Daniel, without glasses. There were a few missions where he hadn't worn them and while Jack may not have the idea yet, his dick certainly did. "As in do something we hadn't done before but wished we had?"

Daniel smiled seductively, feeling them both harden and couldn't wait to find out what Jack came up with. "That's the idea."

.

Returning to the bungalow through the back door, Jason paused in the dining room. Alex had found the stereo in the left corner of the living room and was playing one of his CDs. Shit. The rhythmic, angsty, sexy one.

He stashed the ice cream in the freezer and hesitated a step before entering the bedroom. "I hope you're not getting into trouble," he said just as he entered. The comment was given too late. Alex was looking through the chiffonier.  "So, want to watch a movie or three?" he asked quickly, but too late.

Alex opened the top drawer below the wardrobe as Jason's words left his mouth and stared disbelievingly before he put on a huge grin and pulled out one of the single pairs of padded cuffs. "These yours?" he asked in that mocking, teasing voice. He waved at the contents above in the smaller shelves and the wardrobe side. "Nice stuff."

The backs of Jason's knees went all tingly, the sensation rapidly crawling upward.

First of all, Alex had unbuttoned that dark grey-lavender button-down shirt he'd been wearing with his white shorts. Unbuttoned it completely so it hung open in a torturously delightful way, exposing miles of creamy golden skin and that line of blond hair that ran in a straight line from his navel downward, like a fucking beacon or something.

Second of all...he was holding restraints.  Jason took a deep breath, thanking his re-found control that his voice didn't waver and thanking his ancestors that his control allowed him to actually think. "No, left my stuff at home. But Stef's things are quite useful." He made damn sure he didn't see Alex's reaction to that as he went straight for the entertainment console on the other side of the bed, to the left of the deck doors, and opened up the cabinet that enclosed the flat-screen TV. "So, asking again, since you're a little pre-occupied, want to watch a movie?"

"Yeah, sure," he heard Alex say. Jason also heard the drawer shut and felt him walk over. "What've we got?" and he squatted down next to him, below him, opening up the storage cabinet below the TV. When Alex looked up, Jason fought off the urge to swallow and squatted next to him.

"Well, I haven't looked in this one, so let's see."

"Wow," Alex said, flipping through the dozens of DVDs.

"Yeah, lots of them. Choose whatever you want, I'm not picky."

Jason straightened and backed up several steps. Alex smelled good. Fuck. Couldn't he have left that stuff Cari gave him at home? He wondered why it hadn't bothered him at dinner, even though he'd smelled it then. Perhaps because he hadn't been this close and realized he was going to be this close for most of the evening. He had to get a grip... er, handle... um, under control.

Christ.

Jason wanted to groan. Everything was fucking innuendo-time in his head. He turned and his eyes fell to the bed, and for the first time, wished like mad that the TV was in a reasonable place--like the goddamned living room, so he could sit at one end of the couch and Alex could sit at the other and everything would be fucking fine.

Taking a deep, cautious breath, he moved over and fluffed up the large, soft, oversized pillows and set them against the headboard... separate and apart. Clearing his throat, he said, "If uh, you don't see anything you want to watch, there's Sat TV."

"No, I've found a few. Have you seen Kill Bill Volume 1? I forgot," Alex asked, turning on a heel, still crouching.

Jason nodded. "But we can watch it, so I don't mind. Volume 2 should be on Satellite if Stef doesn't have it in there."

"It's here, still in plastic wrap. Will he get pissed if it's opened?"

Jason shook his head. "He told Jack that whatever isn't locked up, we're free to use as long as we're respectful with it all, which is common sense, you know?"

Alex nodded. "It's really nice of him to let Jack use this place," he said, turning on the TV and DVD player and grabbing the remote. "Has he known him long?"

Finally, Jason thought as he arranged himself on the bed. A safe subject.

Alex joined him on the bed, leaning back against the pillows he'd strategically arranged, and Jason found himself relaxing a little more. Their time together would be okay as long as he didn't let himself get too comfortable. With the freedom Daniel and Jack had given him, it would be so goddamned easy to just reach over and--

"Jason?"

"Hmm?" Jason said, startled out of his thoughts, silently beating the shit out of his brain. "Sorry."

Alex sat up and crossed his legs, turning himself slightly to face Jason. "You're dwelling on the dreams, aren't you?"

For once, Jason was glad Alex missed the mark; it gave him the opening. "Um--"

"Look, if you're going to dwell, we're going to talk." The movie was still on menu so he didn't have to place it on pause.

Jason cleared his throat again. "No, no need, really, let's just move on--"

Alex reached out and placed his fingers over Jason's mouth and Jason had to close his eyes and clamp down on the surprisingly ridiculous urge to bite and lick and suck.

"Fine, then stop zoning or you get drilled," Alex told him, taking his hand away.

Jason let himself groan aloud as he wished Alex hadn't used that particular phrase. "Okay, sorry," he managed.

Alex was about to press play when he looked around. "Um, we need munchies, something to drink."

Jason nodded. "Stuff's in the fridge. I'll--"

"No, I'll grab it, what do you want?" and he climbed over Jason in order to get off the bed.

After Alex disappeared through the doorway, Jason pinched the bridge of his nose in an affectation picked up from Daniel and ordered his heart to calm down. He then told himself that Alex was behaving normally, that Alex did this sort of nonsense in their tent offworld all the goddamned time and there was nothing whatsoever flirty about it. But it was a lie.

What Alex had just done was flirty. He was taking advantage of the situation and while that should have been a cue for Jason to go ahead and take the risk and ask, he couldn't. He also couldn't blame Alex one bit for his flirtatious behavior but goddamn it. Jason was almost certain at that point that the either the flirting would get worse or the innuendo would.

"What do you want?" Alex called from the kitchen.

God.

With a sigh, Jason slid off the bed and followed. It was going to be a long evening.

.

Jack made a noise in his throat as he thought it over, tracing a line with his fingertip from the hollow of Daniel's throat down to his shirt. As his finger pulled at the low collar of the tank top, his movement froze when the idea came to him.

It was sudden, out of nowhere, and he'd never have purposely thought of it in a million years. Not that mission. Not consciously, which explained where the idea came from, and the fact that his subconscious wanted to go there was remarkably disturbing. Yet... somehow, very right. Cathartic fantasy. There was a new one.

Daniel watched him, knowing Jack had thought of something by the expression on his face, but there was something else. Hesitation, and that meant the memory in question wasn't particularly great. "You've thought of something."

Jack's eyes slowly lifted to his. "Yes, I've thought of something."

"It doesn't look like a fond memory. Why choose it?" he asked carefully.

"It's... role play."

Daniel's browline went up. "Role play?"

"Literally."

Daniel was too curious to dismiss it out of hand. "Okay."

When he started to take a step back, Jack stopped him with a hand on his hip. "Hold on." He leaned in, bringing his lips just close enough to Daniel's that he could feel his breath, then moved away like a tease. Daniel made a little growling noise, which faded when Jack began looking through cupboards, upper and lower.

"Jack?" he asked.

"Supplies," Jack answered with a grin that was definitely not nice. It sent a shiver down Daniel's spine.

"Can I help?"

"Nope."

Jack found what he needed and Daniel's eyes widened in alarm. A small can of butter-flavored Crisco. He told himself it wasn't for anything other than fucking, but he didn't believe it completely.

"For something we've done before, right?"

Jack breathed a short laugh. "Yes."

Relieved, though he wasn't sure if he should be, Daniel watched Jack retrieve a hurricane lamp from a bottom storage cupboard where Stef kept his emergency supplies.

"Okay, bedroom," Jack told him, giving him one of those looks and Daniel followed, once more getting a nice view of his lover's moving ass.

Jack lit the lamp and set it on the floor just outside the door, then strode to the small closet behind the bathroom door and retrieved three large, quarter-folded towels. Moving to the center of the room, Jack set the Crisco on the carpet and laid the towels down next to it, unfolded but piled together.

Stepping back and surveying the work, Jack nodded to himself, then moved to the chiffonier, searching the left-hand side of the upper section. He found a dark yellow pillar candle, nicely used and roughly five inches high. Taking the matches next to it, he lit it and carried it back to the setting in the middle of the room, looking around first, then placing it on the carpet three feet to the left of the Crisco.

Nodding at his handiwork, Jack paused and looked at Daniel, his gaze rather like a man sizing up a prized steer.

It made Daniel's ass clench. He wanted to ask, but knew it was more exciting not to and simply followed Jack with his eyes as his lover crossed the room and shut off the lights.

"Lie down, face up, on the towels, clothes on." Since Daniel was barefoot there was no need to tell him to take his shoes off.

Daniel felt his skin tingle with anticipation as he laid down on the towels, elbows propping him up, bending his knees. Looking up at Jack, he moved his feet apart more, like an offering. Jack simply stood there looking at him, staring.

"You're in the small, dirty room again," Jack began. "The one with the thin mattress and one candle burning for light. The doorway is covered by a burnt-looking ragged bit of cloth that barely covers the requirement for privacy. You're wearing your dirty rough-woven clothing and you lie down on the mattress and get ready." He stepped closer, staring at Daniel as he lay there, clothed. "You don't strip all the way, leaving your tunic on."

Daniel pushed off his shorts quickly and tossed them out of sight.

"You think I would like you this way and you'd be right," Jack went on, his eyes sparkling with lust, "but we never got the chance to find out. This room is for jerking off without being watched... but I can see through the shit-excuse for a curtain and I've waited to watch you. You've avoided this place. Till now. And now is when I've decided to act."

"Jack," Daniel whispered, palming his groin, rubbing his firming cock.

"My name's not Jack," his lover told him, and Daniel inhaled a short, surprised gasp.

He knew where he was and his dick hardened instantly. The reason for the Crisco became clear. They hadn't had any access to oil down there. Down here. Only an oily, fuel-smelling paste. Like Crisco.

"Hand on your cock," Jack told him. "Jerk off for me."

Daniel was already there, his fingers wrapped around his cock, and he began to stroke himself slowly, eyes on Jack, feeling that tingling shiver down his spine as Jack watched.

"I've been watching you for weeks," Jack went on, voice just barely above a whisper. "At first I didn't like you because I couldn't trust you. You were an unknown and I didn't know what to make of you, whether you were friend or foe, what your game was, if you had one. But even when I wasn't sure, even though I didn't trust you and you didn't trust me, I knew exactly what I wanted from you. Liking each other was not a requirement then." He paused as he knelt at Daniel's feet, inching his way between them, and Daniel spread his legs to accommodate, breath hitching when Jack stroked his inner thigh just below the jagged, worn hem of his shorts, thumbnail digging in, scratching his skin. "Liking each other isn't a requirement now, either."

Daniel's eyes narrowed suddenly, heat and want reflecting from them as he took on the persona he still remembered well. "No, it isn't."

"You've stayed away from this room, but the last three nights, you've been coming in here, as if you can't stay away anymore. I can't stay away, either, lying on my bunk each night and watching you come in here, doing that alone," and he leaned over, eyes on Daniel's. "I've been wanting to do this since you arrived," and he pushed up Daniel's shirt with both hands as if taking it off, but he bunched it up and pushed it behind his neck, leaving it there. He moved quickly, his mouth zeroing in, and found the small pink nubs, pebbled and hard, and gave them each a sucking, biting, kiss, before going back to the first and pulling it taut, worrying it between his teeth.

Daniel hissed, fingers clutching tightly through his lover's hair.  "Jack."

Jack bit harder. "I told you. That is not my name, no matter what that whacked guy said."

Daniel felt the lust fill him at the words and his cock spilled pre-come down the side. He breathed his lover's name with intense need just before he closed his eyes and groaned loudly while his other nipple was bitten and worried between sharp, skillful teeth.

"Jonah."

"Yes, Carlin, that's my name. Say it again."

"Jonah."

Jonah smiled and moved on, pushing Carlin's hand off his cock, replacing it with his own. He moved from the now-wet, hard nipples and licked a trail down his stomach and abdomen. "God, you taste good," he whispered, and dove his tongue into the navel, digging, loving the way he made Carlin jerk his hips upward. He laved at the dark trail of hair from his partner's navel to his pubic hair, skirting his cock for only a second before taking half inside his mouth, bobbing twice, and pulling off like a dreadful tease. Carlin complained with a groan and Jonah purposely grazed his teeth over an inner thigh, telling him, "You love it."

"Yes, fuck, yes."

Jonah smiled in satisfaction before he took Carlin's balls into his mouth, sucking hard and rough, making his partner twitch and jerk and moan. Letting them go, he ignored the groan his partner made and slid his stiffened tongue down to the sensitive skin between Carlin's sac and the tight, puckered hole. Jonah pressed hard, busily circling, pushing, the saliva from his mouth dripping down over the beginning curve of Carlin's ass. Jonah used it, wetting his fingers well, sliding two over his sphincter. "Feel good?" he asked huskily, tongue continuing its trajectory toward its intended target.

Carlin threaded his fingers through Jonah's hair, raising his knees as high and wide apart as he could. "God, yes," he said.

"Better than jerking off, isn't it?" Jonah asked suggestively right before the tip of his tongue flicked over the muscle.

"Yes," Carlin breathed. "Better. Get on with it."

Jonah tongued him, teased him, enjoying the way Carlin moved under him. Soon now.

"...much better," Carlin told him, biting his lip and moaning as Jonah's tongue circled his ring, teasing at pushing inside, before he actually did it. Carlin arched, panting, as that marvelous tongue fucked him excruciatingly slow. In. And. Out. Shallow plunges driving him insane, making him writhe.

Jonah would have loved to have stayed there, teasing him, but he had plans for that cock and went after it like a man on a mission.

He wasn't careful. He wasn't nice. He wanted this man, even though he considered him practically an enemy. He loved the sounds he forced out of Carlin as he swiftly moved up, taking his cock into his mouth, moving down to the base. He drew back slowly, sucking in, tongue reaching for the head, digging hard, drawing circles, sucking up the pre-come.

Carlin needed this. God, yes. He didn't give a shit about anyone or anything but this, his hands never leaving Jonah's skin or hair. He loved scratching him, at his shoulders, pulling at his hair. It was rough and sometimes vicious and he didn't fucking care. He wanted his pleasure and from this man specifically. His hands moved like a skilled carpenter. Slapping, planing, guiding, and all the while, his gorgeous bastard of a lover played him back with deft skill.

"No," Carlin growled in shock when Jonah moved off him, sliding back between his legs, pushing his thighs further apart. "Don't stop."

"I like it when you beg," Jonah told him smugly. "I watched you jerk off yesterday, saw you with your fingers... here," and he slid his right index and middle fingers down to Carlin's sphincter, rubbing like a tease while his left hand impatiently grabbed the Crisco, tearing the lid off and gouging out a small handful. Spreading some in his right hand, he coated Carlin's cock as he stared down at him, purposely teasing him with his eyes as he spread it down over his balls. He avoided his hole and quickly resuming pumping his shaft, using the twisting, upward strokes in the same rough, brutal fashion... except now, he moved faster.

Distracting Carlin from his main purpose, Jonah moved his fingers, thick with the remaining Crisco, and pushed against his tight hole.

"Jonah!" Carlin yelled with surprised lust, nearly coming when Jonah stabbed inside him, moving with deep precision. He raised his head to watch, his knees held higher, begging, "Yes, Jonah, please," with erratic breaths. He opened to Jonah's fingers eagerly, rocking up against his hand as his muscles were worked loose.

"You've been wanting this," Jonah told him.

"Yes, since I saw you."

"And now you have me, Carlin," Jonah told him, replacing one finger with two.

Carlin let out a harsh gasp, panting threadily as Jonah fucked him, readied him. "Bastard."

Jonah smiled and removed his fingers. His cock was straining as he got off on the scene they were playing out. "I'm going to fuck you so hard."

"Yes, do it now," Carlin demanded and closed his eyes, feeling the powerful heat of the place and how that tattered curtain over the door let people see past it. Jonah rested his weight over the backs of his thighs and Carlin raised his knees higher, feet riding his lover's lower back. Yes. Jonah.

There was the touch of the hot, blunt head of Jonah's cock over his hole, then the man was pushing without hesitation... or care. "Yes!" Carlin cried, grunting loudly as his fingernails scratched over Jonah's back as his ass was stretched and filled.

"Yeah, you want this, don't you?" Jonah growled, his mouth suddenly at his chin, biting and licking as he worked his hips.

"Fuck yes, Jonah, fuck yes," and Carlin scraped his nails over his ass. The sharp pain made Jonah let out a roar and he thrust brutally, dragging his teeth over Carlin's Adam's apple, biting down, sucking hard. "Have to do you quick," he growled, hips slamming into him, "before they catch us."

"Fuck that!" Carlin gasped, pushing Jonah off him, out of him, scrambling to his knees. Jonah grabbed him by the back of the hair, kissing him deeply, hungrily, before Carlin slipped from his grasp, pushing him away.

"Think you want this fast?" he asked, voice husky and raw. "I dare you to risk it all," and took his own nipples between his fingers, twisting, pulling, writhing before him like a seductive whore. Jonah growled at him and took Carlin's cock in his hand, pumping him slowly, his free hand rolling and kneading his balls. "Yes," Carlin growled between clenched teeth. "You want my ass badly, don't you? Want to fuck me, deep and hard and so fucking slow?"

"Bastard," Jonah cursed, dropping down on him, grinding their cocks together, kissing him passionately, biting at his lips, his jaw.

Carlin started to laugh and pushed him away, forcing Jonah back on his heels. He started to jerk off in front of him, fingers sliding into his ass. "Watch me, you bastard," he breathed, dropping his head back, eyes focused on Jonah, moving rhythmically as he pleasured himself. "So long I wanted you. So fucking long, and you think I want this quick?" He suddenly rolled over, fingers still in his ass, hand still on his cock, and he spread his legs invitingly. "Fuck me, Jonah," he said between grunts and pants. "I dare you."

Jonah breathed hard, amazed at the sight before him, and at Carlin's last words, he scooped more paste from the tub of lube and slapped Carlin's fingers from his ass. "Fucking pricktease. You're gonna scream." Smearing him liberally, sloppily, he dropped on top of him, pinning him to the ground with his weight, and slid his cock inside with one stroke. Carlin grunted beneath him as he slowly pumped his hips, fucking him forever. Slowly.

Carlin relaxed into the body over him, accepting him, loving the feel of Jonah's cock sliding slowly in and out of him. Underneath, his hand could do nothing more than squeeze the head of his cock, and that soon became enough and too much. He tried to meet the thrusts inside him, tried to speed the man up, but Jonah kept him down, pinned, held there forever by slow fucks that lasted too long--and like his hand, weren't enough. He loved it, though. Loved it all. It was what he'd wanted since seeing Jonah for the first time.

Jonah was suddenly lifting up, one hand on his shoulder, the other alarming Carlin by grabbing him by the hair. But Carlin said nothing because Jonah was pistoning into him; it was rough and good, so fucking good. And it was fast. Yes. His orgasm took Carlin by surprise when his balls abruptly drew up. The throaty groans he'd been making became one long guttural scream as Carlin yelled something inarticulate. He was coming so hard he couldn't see a goddamn thing, and Jonah kept plunging into him, refusing to quit, force like a battering ram. Fuck yes.

Above him, Jack was yelling his name as his orgasm ripped from him as suddenly as it had from Daniel. He could feel it the way Jack's body shook, the way he sounded when he yelled. He clenched, holding him inside him, giving him that little bit more, and Jack gasped against his neck and rolled them sideways, pulling his cock free before enclosing him in his arms and legs.

Daniel smiled as he felt Jack snuffling him, kissing his hair, mumbling something he couldn't make out. When he turned his head to kiss him, Daniel felt something wet. Startled and alarmed for an entirely different reason, he turned round in Jack's arms, looking at his flushed face. He couldn't tell from the expression if he was sad or mad or happy. Daniel brushed the two wet streaks with his thumb, his hand shaking.

Jack took it and kissed his palm. "Shhhh. It's okay, Daniel."

"What's the matter?" he asked, kissing him.

Jack smiled and kissed him back, laughed, sniffing back with embarrassment. "Nothing. Just healing old wounds, Daniel. I've felt like shit about that place ever since we'd been there. I don't have to anymore."

"God, Jack," Daniel whispered, not needing to say anything else.

"Wasn't too rough was I?"

"I loved it," Daniel answered quietly, nuzzling his cheek, kissing him again, soothing him, holding him, till both their bodies calmed.

.

Jason had tried. It was on the tip of his tongue twice to make a break for it, to get out of there before he did something tremendously stupid. But he was enjoying Alex's company, cracking up at the blatant innuendo and letting Alex flirt however he wanted. So far, it seemed that Alex was doing it because he didn't think it could go anywhere. There was a safety net in there somewhere.

Right now, that net was precarious. Jason was letting Alex get away with whatever he wanted because if he left now, he'd raise suspicion. Alex was on Colorado time, his body thinking it was 3 am instead of 11 pm... except the man was strangely energized and awake, damn him.

It was annoying. Jason kept waiting for him to drop off to sleep, but it wasn't happening. They'd finished their third film and Alex wanted to watch more. So much for getting any sleep, even if Jason was enjoying himself. But it was only a matter of time before he slipped up.

"Hey, is there more popcorn next door?" Alex asked as he dropped The Matrix disc into the DVD.

"Should be," Jason groaned, rolling off the bed before Alex could roll over him again.

"Cool, I'll go get some," Alex said as he left, knowing damn well that he wasn't hungry. He had to convince himself that he really was hungry so he could ignore the fact that he was sublimating for his mouth and hands not having anything... better to do. "You want anything?"

"No, thanks. While you're doing that, I think I'll grab the ice cream I brought over."

After Alex left, Jason entered the kitchen and grabbed the pint of ice cream. He leaned against the counter and spooned some into his mouth, shaking his head at himself. "What the hell are you doing?" he asked himself out loud. The answer was: He had no idea.

.

Jack and Daniel were laughing about something as Alex neared the building and he couldn't help but feel wistful. They were so lucky, just as Jason was lucky to have them. The laughter was a little loud and a lot loving, filled with what sounded like teasing. Sort of like himself and Jason. Only not.

He was relieved to find that the blinds to the windows and deck doors were closed so they didn't see him as he passed and they wouldn't see him on the way back. All he had to do was make sure he was quiet. Slipping through the kitchen doors, he made a search, found the popcorn, and left as quietly as he'd come in.

Walking back down the deck, he was glad it was in such good shape and made no noise. He didn't want to interrupt them with a badly timed squeaky board. Talk about embarrassing. Not to mention the fact that they'd see what he'd been up to. His half-hard state and his unbuttoned shirt. It was just harmless flirtation, and he still couldn't explain to himself why he'd needed to do that. He simply had to, consequences be damned. Until now. They'd think something was going on and god, he couldn't create any suspicions. That was the last thing he needed, or Jason for that matter.

Alex gingerly padded past the bedroom's doors when Daniel said something that forced him to come to a halt and slowly turn on his heel.

"Jack, did you buy that crap Jason was telling us about Alex?"

"Nope, not a word. He's backing out, I think."

Backing out on what? Alex asked himself.

"I think he's just not willing to risk him getting hurt," Jack was saying.

Risk what?

"If he'd just ask him, I think he'd find out that Alex wouldn't mind. At least, I don't think he would, but then, I could be full of shit."

"I don't think you are. I've seen the way he looks at him, even now."

"It's not like it's a bad suggestion. Asking him if he wants to fulfill any fantasies is not some crime of the century. Alex is smart enough to know that he can't demand more later on than Jason can give him. Shit, I wish I'd never thought of this idea. All it's done is make Jason feel guilty for wanting to give something to the man. I know he loves him, just not..."

Alex didn't hear the rest. He felt dizzy and was already backing away, moving toward the end of the deck. He stumbled, nearly fell, and walked back to the other bungalow in a haze of shock.

.

"We were right," Daniel said, peeking through the window blinds.

Jack pressed in behind him and nuzzled his neck, kissing his hair. "It'll be fine."

Daniel turned round in his arms. "I can't believe he hasn't asked him."

"It's what we were afraid of. He's changed his mind, for whatever reason. We've left it in Alex's hands so now it's up to him. If the man knows what's good for him, he won't go ballistic. He'll just grab Jason and..." Jack gestured. He couldn't say it without wanting to go see it, and Daniel grinned knowingly, pulling Jack back to the bed.

"Maybe we should pop in for a visit in the morning," Daniel suggested with a fiendish grin.

"And send Alex under the bed?" Jack asked, surprised. "God, Daniel, you're evil."

Daniel gave him a mildly sheepish look. "I'm just doing you a favor is all."

Jack twisted his lips, trying not to grin, and failing. "How'd you figure?"

"You just love to see him blush. I don't blame you. It's cute."

"Rather like you used to be, and sometimes still are," Jack said, his own mischievousness reflecting in his eyes.

Daniel gave him a warning glance, but the glance turned erotic, seductive... filled with lust.

"What're you thinking?"

"Not thinking so much as hoping."

"For?"

"Catching them."

"Oh yeah?" Jack said with growing interest. "Show me what you're hoping to see."

"I don't know if I can. I still feel like Dax and Worf."

"Oh yeah, but it was good."

"You bet my sore ass, it was. C'mere."

.

Jason leaned against the counter next to the microwave and moaned around the ice cream in his mouth. He loved fudge ice cream, especially with brownies mixed in. He really should have had Alex grab another pint because this one was gone. Taking the last bite, he caught movement and leaned over to look as he dropped the container in the garbage, spoon still in his mouth.

Their kitchen wasn't anywhere near as large as the one in the main bungalow, but like it, it was built with an open-walled plan and the counter across from him connected to a long breakfast bar through which he could see the living room, and beyond that, the front door. The only light sources came from the bedroom, the night light over the sink behind him, and the moon outside. It was at a perfect angle in the sky, too, shining through the front doors and windows and casting long shadows across the floor. It also illuminated Alex like a silhouette as he crossed the threshold, looking distractedly over his shoulder.

Jason sucked off the last flavor of ice cream from the spoon and tossed it in the sink. Crossing the living room, he stopped at the bedroom door, smirking because Alex hadn't even noticed him. "Don't tell me they heard you," he asked, and his grin grew when Alex turned and froze in place. "Haven't I taught you well enough to sneak quietly?"

Alex cleared his throat, feeling more than a little dazed, confused, and downright aroused. "Yeah, you taught me. I just overheard something, that's all."

Jason nodded. "Ah huh." He went into the bedroom, grabbed the chips on the floor and crawled onto the bed. Damn he was hungry. "Don't tell me, let me guess," he called out. "You heard something rather... athletic going on?" Just the thought made Jason's stomach flutter and heat spread everywhere. He wanted to leave Alex alone and join his lovers.

"No, not exactly," Alex called back, and without thinking, entered the kitchen, tossed the package in the microwave and hit the popcorn setting. Hitting 'start', he waited the three minutes ten seconds it was supposed to take and that time seemed awfully short. He had to come up with something to say, but what?

All he could think of was showing Jason his answer and make Jason ask him the question. He was trying to figure exactly how to do that and still manage not to look like a dork when the microwave beeped. Sighing, he grabbed a corner, careful of the steam, and headed back to the bedroom. He paused for a moment as he neared the bed, staring at Jason, and any pretense he had that he could maintain control of himself was eroding away fast.

"What?" Jason asked.

"Uh, hand me the popcorn bowl, wouldja?"

Jason grabbed the large plastic bowl Alex had left in his place on the bed and rolled to his right, handing it to him. "You could've just gone around, you know," Jason said, stating the obvious for him.

Alex grimaced. "Yeah, well, too late," he said, knowing it didn't make sense, and shook his head as he moved around the bed.

Jason couldn't resist a once-over, even though the small voice in his head told him to knock it off. For some reason, Alex was blushing a bit, and combining that with his open shirt and those nicely fitted shorts that accentuated his ass, he was gorgeous. Jason took a chance to admire and looked down just as Alex was turning round, having emptied the package into the bowl. All thoughts died as he found himself staring at the obvious outline of an erection. Jason slowly looked up at him and Alex was pointedly not looking at him as he knelt on the bed, eating a few pieces while gingerly moving to sit down.

He may have heard something but Jason suddenly thought Alex may have seen something better. The man was very preoccupied but he wasn't unaware of him or why else would he be blushing? It was definite then. He'd seen Jack and Daniel doing something. Probably heard it and looked through the window, unless those rascals left the blinds open, which was even more likely.

Jason started to grin, wistful though it was. Whatever it had been heightened his wish to be with his lovers. He couldn't blame his own growing erection solely on wanting them because Alex was part of it, and there was no use in denying that.

Jason cleared his throat. "S'okay, you know. They work me up like that on a regular basis."

"It's not that," Alex murmured as he tried to focus on the muted commercial the TV was playing, his thoughts loud in his ears. He was hyperaware of Jason's presence, his physical closeness, his musky odor. Jason hadn't showered after his afternoon exercise and anyone else probably would have smelled bad. Alex wished it were so with Jason, but no, the man just had to smell good. The circumstances had to make sure of it, of course, considering what he now knew. Wild, wishful thoughts of a shower with his friend whipped through Alex's mind like a storm.

"What'd they do then? Don't tell me they saw you watching?" Jason asked, reaching over to grab some popcorn.

"No," Alex said, eyes wide. "I didn't see them, I wouldn't..."  Alex wanted to move the bowl between them as a safety measure, but he couldn't. The longer he sat here, the more chance there was that he'd make the move before he was ready and reaching close to Jason for any reason would cut down those odds.

"Alex, if you didn't see something, what did you hear?" Something was definitely wrong, Jason thought. It had Alex spooked. What the hell had he heard?

"Nothing. Tired maybe, I dunno."

Alex was screaming at himself to say it but he couldn't. He was just as chicken as Jason. If Jason had decided not to say anything, why should he? His rebellious side answered the question. Because this involved him and Jason should have said something if he respected him half as much as Alex knew he did.

"Okay, Alex, it's probably time for bed," Jason said and grabbed the lip of the bowl.

Alex resisted, pulling back, as he finally looked at him, eyes wide again. "What?"

Jason's gut clenched and inside, he ached with the realization that his decision in not saying anything had been the correct one. Alex was clearly alarmed by the suggestiveness of his words.  "Don't panic, Alex. I meant that you're exhausted. It's been a long day for you."

Alex stared down at the popcorn. Even if Jason sounded the same, it was quite apparent now that he'd been keeping himself distant the entire evening. They may have been next to each other all evening, watching movies, laughing, joking, but Jason may as well have been next door for all that he was actually with him. And the way Alex had flirted with him, safe as that had been, had only made it worse, hadn't it? It pained Alex to think he'd been that unaware, but he really couldn't have been anything else. He hadn't known then.

But he did now, dammit. Setting the bowl on the right bedside table, he rolled onto his knees and sat back on his heels, facing the man. He took a deep breath, telling himself it was now or never, and reached out, taking Jason's nearest hand. "Sit up, face me."

Jason gave Alex a confused frown and wanted to resist... even though he let Alex pull him to his knees. "Okay, Alex, something's wrong. What--"

"Nothing's wrong, just..." and Alex knelt before him, pulling them closer together.

Jason couldn't allow that, no matter what was wrong, and sat back, staring. He looked down at their hands still clasped together then froze as Alex moved his hand up Jason's arm in a decidedly suggestive manner. Chills sped through Jason's body, making his skin pebble and his heart race. He opened his mouth to say something to dissuade but Alex cut him off before he had a chance.

"Now do me a huge favor and don't get mad at them. It wasn't their fault."

The frown of confusion deepened and he started to ask, "What the hell are...you..." until Alex started inching closer to him on his knees. Dread filled him. Alex had heard them talking. And judging by what he'd said... "Oh no."

"Don't be mad," Alex told him again as moved up on his knees, yanking Jason to his. Jason's eyes widened as he felt Alex's other hand reach around his waist to the small of his back.

"Oh shit, you--"

"Heard, yes, I did. I'm not mad, Jason. Just disappointed that you never asked."

Jason blinked. "Excuse me?"

Alex pressed close and Jason could feel his erection through his shorts. He closed his eyes and admitted his failure. "No, I can't. You don't know what--"

"Fuck that," Alex said, and Jason opened his eyes to see anger there.

"I thought you said you weren't mad?"

"Not about the reason for inviting me here," he said emphatically. "My god, Jason. Don't you know that what you're doing in backing out isn't just hurting yourself, but Daniel, too?"

"No, it's my decision, my--"

"It was his idea, from what I heard. In backing out, you're making him feel bad for thinking up the idea in the first place, and then there's Jack to consider. I can't allow you to do this to yourself or them. Or me."

"But..." Jason had no idea what the hell to say. Alex was aroused, and god, he smelled good, and--

"It was surprising to hear them, you know. Maybe a little embarrassing, but it's okay."

"The hell it is," Jason growled at him. He felt as if all the blood in his body had headed south for the winter. "They knew you were there," and he tried to push away but Alex wouldn't let him. "Dammit, don't you get it?"

"What did I tell you? Don't you dare blame them," Alex told him fiercely. "On purpose or not, it doesn't matter. I know the truth and you should have been honest with me. And you apparently weren't listening to what I just said."

"Again, don't you get it? You weren't supposed to know!"

"I get it, now shut the fuck up and listen to me, 'cause I wasn't finished."

"Fine," Jason said, his voice cool.

"Don't you dare get mad at me. I'm the one who's pissed off, and only because you never told me why I'm really here. You never asked. To put the cart before the horse, Jason, the answer is yes. All I need for you to do is ask the fucking question."

Jason was speechless. He couldn't lie about his feelings. Alex was too close, knew how hard he was now. It was difficult enough trying to think, what with the man holding him like he was, with their hips together, bellies touching. There might not be any movement but goddamn, Jason could really feel him. He had to be rational about this, no matter what he was feeling or...how distracting Alex was becoming, damn him.

"I can't hurt you, Alex," Jason heard himself saying. "I just can't. It might have been a good idea while I was thinking with my dick but then my heart suddenly threw reality in my face and I couldn't stand the thought of you taking this wrong, or worse yet, thinking of having an...us...when we went back home after the holidays. I can't do that to you. It's fucking cruel."

Alex didn't let him go or pull away, and Jason could see he also didn't agree with him. He was scowling and Jason couldn't help feeling surprised. And weirdly proud.

"Well that's nicely insulting."

"Alex, listen to me--"

"No, you listen. How stupid do you think I am? How gullible? How innocent and childish? I'm not a fucking teenager here. Did it ever occur to you, my handsome, aggravating, pig-headed friend that I'm an honest-to-goodness real life grown man," and he thrust for emphasis on the grown part, "who can make his own decisions and live with the consequences of his actions?"

Jason inhaled sharply, stifling a groan as he felt a very odd mixture of arousal and self-reproach. He opened his mouth to try and explain but Alex leaned in and gave him a firm closed-mouth kiss that could hardly be interpreted as chaste. Jason couldn't react, telling himself that even though he understood and accepted what Alex had just said, and felt a bit relieved by it, he couldn't find the courage to let actually let go.

Alex's hand had traveled from his arm to the back of his head, holding him, and the hand on his back was touching him... touching his ass. Jason felt himself weakening.

"Kiss me back, Jason," Alex murmured against his lips, his tongue tasting him, teasing him, before he kissed him harder and pulled back. "Jason, kiss me back."

Jason's resolve was, well, dissolving. "Are you trying to seduce me?" he couldn't stop himself from asking breathlessly.

"It appears I have to," Alex replied, squeezing his ass.

Jason unconsciously let loose a moan as his hands finally found their way to Alex's waist.

"Yes," Alex breathed, tongue sliding between his parted lips, teasing. "Touch me, kiss me back, let me have this," and he kissed him hard once more, moaning when Jason gave in and opened his mouth, giving Alex whatever he wanted.

Alex felt nothing but hard muscle beneath his hands and his excitement increased, deepening his kiss to feel more of the warm lips and wet tongue.

Jason's stomach and belly ached. Lust filled him as Alex literally took his mouth and pushed him onto his back, his body covering him. Jesus fucking Christ, he felt good. Jason wrapped his arms and legs around him and rolled them over, kissing Alex into the mattress, his need screaming for more when he made him moan loud.

Alex was showing him his want, his strength, and it all went straight to Jason's cock and sent up smoke signals. He moaned back, wrestling with his tongue, and suddenly wondered why this felt new, making him hungry for more. It should feel familiar, comfortable almost shouldn't it? Hell, he'd kissed the man four times before so why didn't he feel familiar?

The first time really didn't count, no tongue had been involved. No spark, either, and Jason was wondering why, considering the spark he felt now. Those other times together weren't exactly under normal circumstances, or by their own choosing. Still, Jason remembered them and considered them cherished memories, but every damn one of them paled in insignificance compared to what was happening right here, right now.

He broke off, breathing hard, looking down at Alex with amazement. "Jesus."

"You taste good," Alex told him, licking his lips and rubbing them together. He took Jason's hands in his and placed one over his chest and the other over his crotch, hissing as Jason's hand touched him. "Touch me."

Jason groaned and kissed him hard as he let himself feel. Alex moved into him, rocking upward in a telling rhythm that made Jason think of only one thing. Getting naked. He broke off, heart racing, and took a deep breath. "I take it you've a fantasy or two?"

"Couple dozen, actually," Alex told him, and the way he smiled at him was new. "You up for that?"

"Fuck yes," and Jason grabbed the bottom of his shirt and pulled up but Alex stopped him and took over, taking it off himself, before he took hold of the man and rolled them over.

"I should take a shower," Jason said breathlessly even as his hands moved under Alex's shirt and slipped it off his shoulders. Before he knew it, Alex was on him, kissing him again and though Jason still tried to get the shirt off, Alex was making it difficult. He started to laugh through the kiss and Alex broke away, letting him remove his shirt.

"Later," Alex told him, leaning down to bite, then lick, at Jason's Adam's apple. "Besides, I like the way you smell." Distracting him with more bites and sucking kisses, Alex slid his hand down Jason's belly until he held his cock beneath his fingers.

"Jesus," Jason hissed, bucking into his hand.

Alex smiled against his skin and kissed over to his mouth, pressing lightly, loving the feel of Jason in his hand--though he wasn't quite in his hand yet. "You need to be naked."

Jason groaned and moved his hands from Alex's hips to his ass, squeezing once and loving how the man bit his lip and gasped through his nose. "So do you." Jason wanted to take control, take over, drive Alex insane, but this was Alex's fantasy. "Tell me what you want, Alex," he asked, breathing hard, focusing on Alex's eyes. "I won't do anything you don't want me to."

The words made Alex snort again. "That's the trouble. I want everything."

Jason laughed softly. "What don't you want then?"

"I don't want..." he said, pausing, rubbing into Jason's hand as his own gripped a lot more tightly. Jason hissed again. "I don't want you to be careful."

Jason groaned through another kiss, and another, till he couldn't stand it and needed skin. "I need to be careful sometimes," he said, nudging Alex's shorts off his ass, careful of his cock.

Alex laughed excitedly, his own hands on Jason's shorts, moving them off much more quickly and a lot less carefully. "I may have only been with three men, Jason, but I know what I'm doing."

"So I see," and Jason rocked into his hand when Alex finally held his cock. "You're doing fine anyway, especially if..." He inhaled sharply when Alex rubbed firmly over the head. "Especially if your intent is to make me come this way."  He could, too.  So easily.  It wouldn't take long, either. Jason was enjoying it way too much. Alex smiled, twisted his fist, and Jason bit his lip and arched back.

"That's what I want, Jason," Alex said, stroked harder, faster. "What I'm doing right now is a fantasy."

"Oh god," Jason gasped and thrust into his fist.

"That's it," Alex breathed against his chin as he built a sharp, fast rhythm, making Jason follow it. "Fuck my fist."

Jason closed his eyes and held onto his shoulder, his right hand trying to work Alex's cock in the same maddening rhythm but Alex wouldn't let him. "Spread your legs, Jace," Alex whispered, and Jason felt warmth spread over his skin at the sound of his words. He slowly spread his legs, letting Alex see the expression of clear want on his face.

Alex laid over him once more, finally touching skin on skin. He sucked in a breath as their cocks rubbed together and was caught, mesmerized, by Jason's eyes on his. He was suddenly aware of the firm grasp on his hips, and Alex couldn't believe how good it felt when he let his weight fall, rocking into Jason's body, feeling him tense and thrust upward. "How's that?" he asked shakily.

With a smile and growl, Jason grabbed him and rolled them over once more. Staring down into the wide brown eyes, he had to taste him again and kissed Alex deeply, rubbing his body against him, with him. Breaking apart, he smiled at Alex's gasp for air. "How's that?" he whispered, still moving his body.

"Fine," Alex gasped.

"Want more?"

"God, yes, but I thought...do you want--"

"It's your three days, remember?" Jason told him as he slid his hands underneath and grabbed the firm, small ass.

Alex groaned, "Then I want as much as I can."

"I like that part," Jason answered with a dangerous look and crawled backward down the bed until he was level with Alex's knees. "Spread," he asked, not bothering to wait for Alex to comply as he pushed his thighs apart. Jason looked his fill, and without warning, dipped his head to gently bite his way up the inside of the left thigh, relishing the gasp that followed. "God, I love that sound," he whispered, moving further up, hovering over Alex's cock. He looked up, saw Alex holding his breath, and he just smiled and moved away, lowering his mouth to Alex's abdomen for a soft kiss.

"God, Jason, don't tease," Alex said as his breath hitched.

Jason smiled against his skin. "Tell me what you want then," he asked, kissing his way over to a hip, tonguing the bone.

Alex was torn between wanting Jason's mouth on him or feeling his entire body. He gave in to the latter. "On me, over me."

"Mind a little suck first?" Jason asked as he moved up his body. Alex squeaked out an affirmative when he arched into Jason's mouth, his lover's teeth and tongue busy torturing his right nipple.

Alex couldn't stop the moaning sounds he made, and Jason pulled more and more out of him, forcing his hands to grip and mold whatever he could touch while Jason attacked his throat. Alex slid his hands down his back, knowing where they were going, and breathed out with pleasure when he found and gripped the rounded muscle of Jason's ass. New feelings, new touches, and he craved more, had to feel everything and right fucking now. He squeezed harder, suggestively, fingertips nearing Jason's balls as he reached lower.

The result was an attack on his body by Jason's as the man rubbed against him like a cat, bringing their cocks together. "Jesus," Alex gasped, squeezing his eyes shut against the pleasure that rocketed through him. The shocks never seemed to stop, and when his mouth was taken, he thrust upward madly.

"Yes," Jason said, breaking off, "this first."  He made up his mind then and there. They needed the edge taken off, that first release, first pleasure, and while Jason wanted to jerk him off, he told himself that could happen later, outside, have him writhe into his touch, the panic at being seen warring with his lust. Alex would give in to the lust though. Jason would make sure of it.

"God, yes, Jason, fuck yes, tomorrow," Alex panted against his ear, and Jason realized he'd been saying that out loud. Jesus, he was so gone.

Thrusting faster and harder, and Jason couldn't get enough of him, kissing and biting, breaking off to breathe, and he suddenly felt it when Alex raised his knees and wrapped them around his waist, heels biting into his ass. "Oh god, Alex," he groaned... and Alex was pushing him up. Away.

"I want to watch you come," he said, and Jason squeezed his eyes shut, doing just that at the sound of his words, shaking with each shot. At the sudden wrenching sound from Alex, Jason opened his eyes in time to see his lover arch and stiffen, to feel him grab onto his hair and pull Jason's face down against him as he came.

Jason was surprised and shocked and he licked at the come that hit his chin. He watched mesmerized as Alex jerked through his spasms, his mouth hanging open while a groan released slowly from the back of his throat. The man was hot and beautiful and Jason wanted this to happen again. And again. And again.

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