Altered Threesome

This part of the fic takes place AFTER the events of the series, where Tachibana now has his own home on the outskirts of a new city, while Ryuhou and Kazuma still travel from battlefield to battlefield. Typical fanfiction disclaimers--I don’t own the boys, but please don’t sue me. ^.^

Italics for thoughts

Altered Threesome
Chapter 9

Tachibana brought his hands up beside his head, fingers curling in his blankets as his breath trembled from him in thick sighs. He…was helpless like this, and it was making him shiver. “Kazuma….” His back curled beneath the weight of the other’s strength. It felt good, being touched this way--he’d missed it.

“It’s really a shame, y’know,” Kazuma said as he continued to work his fingers into his back and sides. He followed with his mouth a moment later, licking and biting his way down. “A cute little thing like you, all alone in this place. You’ve been neglected.” He slapped Tachibana lightly on the rear before chasing again with his lips and tongue. He had to move further down the bed, lifting some of the weight off him as he sought out sensitive flesh.

Tachibana found himself choking on his own breath again, crying out into the blankets as his spine curled. “Ka…Kazu….” He shuddered almost violently as his toes groped at the mattress, and he tried to push himself closer. It was the strangest feeling, almost tickling, and he squirmed between tremors. “S-Shit….”

Kazuma was far too amused to think he’d found something Tachibana hadn’t experienced before. He really is a piece of work. I’m starting to like him more and more. He shifted his weight slightly so he could encourage Tachibana’s movements, lifting his hips off the mattress. As before he continued to lick at his partner, until he felt Tachibana growing tense and his own desire pressed uncomfortably against the stiff fabric of his own pants. Then he was pulling back again, pushing Tachibana back onto the bed as he took a few fresh breaths.

Tachibana didn't know whether to scream or cry in frustration as he found himself facedown on the mattress again. He was so tense it was almost painful, but at the same time he fought to keep from moving--anything was likely to set him off at this point. He did, however, swear into the sheets, feeling his skin burn and wishing Kazuma would just stop playing and just do him.

Kazuma couldn't help but snicker at the shivering body beneath him. "Sorry, I can't help it." He leaned over him, careful not to put any pressure on him as he kissed Tachibana's shoulder. "Though maybe I shouldn't have, 'cause now I'm afraid you won't want to kiss me after all that."

He snorted, though he wasn't ready to move yet--he was still too tense, and even just being rubbed a certain way might bring it to an abrupt and unsatisfying end. "I've sucked people off before," he muttered, a bit defiantly. "Don't be stupid."

Maybe, but it doesn't seem like you've had your tongue up someone's ass. Kazuma kept that to himself as he pushed back. "Have you got something we can use?" he offered as he leaned on his heels, glancing about the small apartment. If Tachibana had been single for as long as it seemed, he might not have anything appropriate on hand.

"If I do, it's in there," he said, pointing to the small night dresser at the foot of his bed. "Probably in the back." I think I still have some. I haven't used it with someone else for a while, and lately I've just used the shower. Tachibana managed to turn his head enough to see the other with one eye, knowing he was obviously red in the face and still light-headed.

Kazuma slipped off the bed, bending down to give Tachibana's ear a nip. "Don't go anywhere." Still grinning wickedly he moved to the dresser, digging through the drawers until he found a small bottle. He took his time, however, before he returned, hoping to give Tachibana opportunity to catch his breath.

Tachibana rolled slowly onto his side, fighting a soft moan as his tight desire was shifted. He glanced up at Kazuma returned. He...looks different. More relaxed, or something. The sight did manage to calm him, but only slightly. "I didn't think you'd be so...experienced," he commented lightly.

"Yeah, well, I've been around." But that hadn't come out exactly how he'd wanted, and he blushed slightly as he set the bottle down by the pillow. He reached for the buttons on his pants; a quick glance down at his soon to be lover darkened his cheeks a little further. Damn, he looks good like that. "Did you have anything in mind for how you wanted to do this?" he asked, licking his lips.

Shrugging, Tachibana stretched faintly, remaining on his side as he watched the other with interest. His fingers curled. "I guess it doesn't really matter," he replied softly. "I'm...used to being on my stomach, but I can be flexible." He flushed a bit, bringing up a hand to run it through his hair.

"Flexible, huh?" Kazuma liked the sound of that, and he grinned as he tossed his pants aside. "I'm not all that creative, but I think we can do better than that." He slid further onto the bed, setting himself next to Tachibana. Then he reached for the bottle to drop lightly on the mattress between them. "Mind doing the honors? Unless..." His eyes gleamed mischievously. "You'd rather fuck me."

Tachibana flushed darkly, snatching up the bottle and not meeting the other's eyes. "Don't be stupid," he said again. "You know I won't last more than a minute, and then where will you be?" He quickly spread some of the thick liquid over his palm, taking Kazuma firmly, not afraid to be strong for once as he worked the oil over him.

Kazuma's reply was momentarily cut off in the feel of Tachibana's hand moving over him. Right--he really is strong, remember? Smiling breathlessly he shifted closer. "Hey, I was just trying to be polite. Some guys get sick of taking it without even seeing the guy doin' em."

Tachibana closed his eyes, feeling something tighten in his chest. His hand tightened a bit more, hoping to keep Kazuma from noticing his sudden seriousness. "Well, some guys prefer not seeing who they're screwing anyway," he replied, trying to sound light. He'd...never considered anything like that between him and his previous lovers, and he didn't want to look back on that now.

Kazuma frowned slightly, but it was hard to stay focused on anything so serious with Tachibana's hands on him. "Well, I do," he replied once he'd caught his breath, urging Tachibana's fingers away. He dragged the younger man into the center of the bed, pressing him onto his back. He pawed lightly at Tachibana's thighs, urging them to part. "Think you're ready?"

He frowned a moment, considering. It…has been a while, but…much more and I won't last long at all. Still, if I want to be able to walk in the morning.... "Um...think you could...you know?" Tachibana glanced away, embarrassed and feeling rather silly about being embarrassed after everything Kazuma had already done.

Kazuma didn’t reply, but his lips curled in a knowing smile as he spread a little more of the lotion on his fingers. “The way I see it,” he said idly as he reached down between them, “sex is supposed to be fun. Right?” He gently stretched his partner, trying to prepare him without setting him off. He wanted Tachibana to have enough of his strength left. “So let’s enjoy ourselves.”

Tachibana nodded shortly, eyes shut as he concentrated on keeping himself in check. He finally waved a hand. “That’s…that’s enough,” he panted. Anxious to finish, he spread his legs and lifted his gaze expectantly. His own smile passed over his features. “You…talk too much….”

“Can’t promise I’ll shut up.” Kazuma didn’t waste any time leaning forward once more, sliding his hands over knees and thighs before fastening around Tachibana’s hips. He was mindful, however, of how long it had been for both of them, and he entered his partner with a slow but firm thrust.

“Nn--” Tachibana’s fingers snapped around the other’s shoulders, gripping them tightly. He…was so close, so close, and if Kazuma moved much more, he would lose the fragile control he had. “Kazu…come on….” Hurry, before I….

I know, I know. Kazuma settled quickly into a rhythm, leaning further forward so that Tachibana was forced into the mattress. Damn, he feels good. He growled thickly against Tachibana’s mouth as he continued to rock his hips against him. He knew the other wouldn’t last long, but he was determined to gain as much pleasure for himself as he could.

Just as he’d predicted, it only took a few strokes before his climax slid through him. He cursed, but…. For him…. Taking a deep breath, Tachibana pulled his knees up over Kazuma’s shoulders, fingers pawing lightly at his ribs. “Keep going,” he hissed. And though he was tired and spent, he wished he hadn’t exhausted himself so quickly. Kazuma…was reaching so deep…and he couldn’t help a low moan. “Keep…going….”

That’s what I get for fooling around for too long. But he was grateful that Tachibana hadn’t backed out on him, so he continued at something of a slower pace. Maybe I can get him again. Though he looks exhausted already. Still murmuring Kazuma thrust into him, reaching down to draw his fingertips over him coaxingly. “Can you manage?” he asked through heavy breath. ‘Cause I can hold out, if you think you can.

Shuddering, he should have shaken his head. Should have, but already he could feel heat returning to his stomach and thighs, and he was growing hard again with every movement. “I…might,” he whispered, shifting on the bed. When Kazuma thrust again he gasped, back curling. “Oh God….” Yes. Yes, I can, just…. He reached up suddenly, pulling Kazuma down without caring about the strain it put on his back, tilting his chin for a fierce kiss.

Kazuma met his lips with another deep growl. “Hell yeah.” He pumped his hips faster, trying to reach that same spot within Tachibana that had made him shake like that. God, I really did miss this. His entire body felt tight and hot, so different from the thrill of battle—he’d almost forgotten he could feel things like this, with these same hands and limbs… “Tachibana….” His voice lowered in thick, raw murmurs.

Tachibana whimpered, nearly shrinking beneath the other’s strength. But it felt good at the same time, so deep and hot…. His hands finally fell to the bed, clutching at the blankets desperately as he reached a second, lesser climax than the previous. “Kazu—” He broke off as his head fell back. Too much….

This time, when tight muscle constricted around him, Kazuma felt his control slip. Later he would rationalize it was because he was still tired from the morning, and from his previous fighting. For now, all he knew was the heat that spread through him, the unconscious jerk of his hips as he, too, found release. “Aw, shit…” He grinned breathlessly against Tachibana’s mouth as his strength ran out. “Mmm…”

Sighing, Tachibana offered a weak kiss—he was worn out, more than he should have been. When his eyelids fluttered open, he realized that the room had grown dark without them. A muscle twitched in his back, causing him to wince, and he set a hand on Kazuma’s chest. “Mmm…Kazuma? Sorry, just….”

“Yeah…” It took him a moment before he realized what Tachibana meant, but then he pulled back, allowing him to stretch out once more. Even though he was tired he found himself climbing out of bed, strangely restless. “Damn, that was pretty good,” he said, stretching his shoulders. He shook his head. “If only we hadn’t spent all that time trying to kill each other, y’know?” He turned back to Tachibana and crouched down beside the bed, rubbing at his chest. “You okay? You look dead beat.”

Somehow, the gentle, almost intimate gesture warmed him, and Tachibana managed a playful smirk as he slapped at the other’s hand. “I spent all morning putting that body of yours back together—of course I’m beat.” But he wasn’t too tired to pull Kazuma close for a brief kiss. The relaxed atmosphere felt good, and he found himself speaking his mind without meaning to. “You are fucking huge,” he commented, then laughed at himself for saying such a thing.

Kazuma blinked, startled and blushing. “Damn straight.” He bit Tachibana’s ear before straightening. “And you may have fixed my arm, but the rest’s all mine.” He tried to look confident and indifferent to the remark, but he couldn’t help the boyish grin that was threatening to overtake his features. He tried to wipe it off himself, which may have only made it worse. “Ah, I’m gonna get cleaned up a little,” he said at last. “It’s still a little early for bed, but I think we’ve earned it.” Winking—which may have looked more like a simple blink—he turned to head for the bathroom.

Tachibana waved a hand. “Help yourself,” he replied, trying to sound casual rather than embarrassed. He stared up at the ceiling while he listened to his new lover in the bathroom. What am I thinking? Kazuma…. He’s acting so casually, so easily. He’ll probably just be leaving in the morning. He blinked, slowly. But I knew that was how it would be, didn’t I? I’m not like Kanami-chan or Mimori-san—I don’t want to try and hold him here. Just….

Tachibana rolled onto his side, feeling suddenly exhausted as he shifted closer to the wall. The house fell silent, just for a moment, but it stretched on for longer than it should have. When he heard the noises start up again, he sighed and sat up, moving to hunt up some boxers and a T-shirt to sleep in.

Kazuma wasn’t gone for very long—just enough to clean his stomach off a little, and get himself a drink of water. Wore me out. I must really be tired. Smirking at the thought he moved back to the bedroom, and there paused to watch Tachibana slipping into his pajamas. It struck a strange chord in him; he almost felt like they were really lovers, like this, something he hadn’t experienced in a long time. This was never the kind of life I was meant for. Was I? Hiding a frown he came up behind Tachibana and kissed the back of his neck. “Got anything in there for me?”

He ducked away, smiling fainting. “Haven’t you had enough?” he teased. But he was already reaching into one of his drawers, hunting up a pair of boxers and handing them to Kazuma. “If you want a shirt, they’re in the second drawer.” Tachibana slipped off to the bathroom for his own quick clean up, hoping he would be able to keep standing for a bit longer.

“Thanks!” Kazuma called after him. He slipped into the boxers, smirking a little at the tight waistband. And though he hadn’t planned on getting a shirt as well he caught his reflection in a nearby window; even in the dark the scars covering his right arm and shoulder were plainly visible. He twisted, trying to see what they looked like on his back. “Ah, screw it.” He found a T-shirt to slip into before returning to the bed. It was small, but it had held them both the night before, and it would now. Damn brat’s gonna make me all domesticated, he thought with a snort as he hopped lightly on the mattress, settling himself like a tired puppy.

Tachibana popped an aspirin before returning to the bedroom—his head was spinning a bit, in that way that warned him it would be achy in the morning if he didn’t. He smiled to see Kazuma plainly enjoying the bed. “You want me to tuck you in?” he asked, scooping up his discarded clothing and tossing them towards the closet.

“Quiet, you.” As soon as Tachibana was close enough Kazuma snagged him around the waist, dragging him into bed. “We’re exhausted—we’re gonna sleep all night, and if anyone wakes us up before lunch I’m kicking their ass.” He had to settle once more now that there was an extra body, and he squirmed about, trying to find the most comfortable position where he could keep Tachibana next to him.

He’d been surprised by the other’s actions—he’d actually been about to slip out to the small couch again. But Kazuma’s warmth was quickly winning him over, and with a sigh he shifted onto his side, his back towards the other. “How’s this?” he asked softly, feeling…oddly subdued, and he tried his best to keep the emotions down. After all, this was all just casual anyway.

“Mmm, that’s good,” Kazuma mumbled. Now that he was settled his fatigue swept over him, dragging his eyelid shut. He slid closer until his chest was pressed up against Tachibana’s shoulders, an arm draped over his waist. I think I could really grow to like it here, he thought, sighing against Tachibana’s hair. That…might be a problem. But for now, let’s just get some sleep. Whatever he decided to do, the time for it would come later. “G’night, Tacchan,” he teased as he began to fall asleep.

Tachibana’s eyes opened, very slowly. For a long, quiet moment he stared across the room as Kazuma’s voice seemed to echo in the silence. It’s nothing. He closed his eyes again, and he wiggled back into warm arms. Nothing. “Good night.”

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Though he’d gone to sleep exhausted, Tachibana awoke relatively early. He couldn’t see the clock without moving, and he wasn’t ready to wake the other just yet. Though he couldn’t see Kazuma, an arm was lying across the back of his neck, a leg twisted over his thigh, and if he’d been any more awake he probably would have laughed.

Instead Tachibana lay quietly, listening to the wind rustling the leaves of the only tree near his house, the air heavy with the promise of rain in the next day or so. It felt strange to wake up next to someone, but he had to admit it wasn’t horrible. Was almost welcomed. Better enjoy it, he told himself. While he’s still here.

Kazuma awoke with a snort, his eyelids flicking open before he remembered where he was. Once he was sure he was safe, he settled once more. He was stretched out on his back, and when he moved his arm his fingers slid clumsily over Tachibana’s face, almost sticking up his nose. “Mm. That you?”

Tachibana swiped at the offending hand, turning his head away. “Who else would it be?” he replied, though his voice was that of someone still half asleep. He lay there a moment more, just listening to the sound of another’s breath, watching his fingers curl in front of his face. Finally he sighed, and he turned his head though he still couldn’t see Kazuma. “You want breakfast?”

“Breakfast…” Kazuma grumbled wordlessly and shifted onto his side once more. “Yeah…” He slipped his arm once more around Tachibana’s waist and dragged him close, lazily. His lips teased over the back of a tender earlobe. “Hungry….”

Snorting and shaking his head, Tachibana gently dug his elbow into the other’s ribs, hoping to keep him from noticing his slight shiver. “If you want food,” he informed, “then you have to let me up.”

Kazuma considered for a moment, then mumbled in wordless protest. He continued to kiss the back of his neck, and his tongue flickered over the skin just behind Tachibana’s earlobe. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d woken up next to someone like this, and it filled him with a delicious warmth. “Don’t wanna.”

“You’re hopeless,” Tachibana muttered, though he did relax and allow the attention for a few more moments. He couldn’t help but be affected by Kazuma’s warmth, and he wiggled back against his wider body with a sigh. There was a twinge in his lower back, though, a tension in his backside that reminded him exactly how long it had been since he’d had a lover, and how unused his body was to having one. But, if he really wants to….

He nudged the other again, glancing over his shoulder. “Would you lie back a moment?” he asked. I can at least do something for him.

“Huh?” Still a little groggy from a full night of sleep, Kazuma blinked at him in confusion. He made a face as he rolled onto his back. I just wanted to stay a little longer…. He folded his hands behind his head as he watched Tachibana expectedly. “What’s up?”

He smiled faintly. “What indeed.” He rolled to better face the other, setting a hand on either side of Kazuma’s body, just hovering over him. Leaning forward, Tachibana pressed a slow, testing kiss to full lips. Kazuma…tasted good. Not sharp, exactly, but something thick and warm that made his stomach twist faintly. One hand settled briefly on a wide chest before inching its way lower.

Kazuma let his eyes slip shut. He returned the kiss fully, shivering a little, but he didn’t pull his hands out from behind his head yet. And though Tachibana was warm, and his body was already beginning to grow anxious from the attention, he frowned slightly when he realized what the other was up to. “You don’t have to do this,” he found himself saying. He didn’t expect it, and wouldn’t ask for it.

“I know.” Tachibana pulled back, just a bit. “But you want it, right? And….” His smile turned a bit sheepish. “It’s been a while since I’ve been with someone, and I’m not as…in shape as I should be.” Wanting to cover up his slight embarrassment, he turned his lips to Kazuma’s throat.

Kazuma wasn’t sure he liked the sound of that, either. He’s too sore to let me fuck him, so he’ll do this instead. It seemed awfully contrived somehow; maybe it had just been too long since he’d taken a lover, but he didn’t want to think of things that way. He brought his hands up at last, pushing gently on Tachibana’s chest to urge him back. “Hey.” He kissed him, and grinned. “Let’s go get some breakfast.”

Tachibana blinked, surprised. He was about to ask if Kazuma was sure but paused before the words could form, just considering his expression. Well…maybe he doesn’t want it after all. After a moment he nodded, rolling away and pushing to his feet. His back was pretty sore, but he didn’t complain as he started towards the kitchen. “Take your time getting up,” he said over his shoulder. “It’ll take me a while to cook.”

Kazuma waited only a moment before following, stretching his arms and shoulders with a mighty yawn. “I’m good.” He followed Tachibana into the kitchen, and as he moved past, slid a hand over the curve of his ass. “Hope you don’t mind—I’m sure you’ve been just dying for the chance to suck me.” He threw a wink over his shoulder as he went to pour himself a glass of water.

He rolled his eyes, though Tachibana knew he was blushing furiously. You…have no idea. “Jerk,” he muttered, pulling some rice from the cupboard and a few eggs from his small fridge. Keeping his back turned, he set about cooking both. Have I ever really cooked for anyone like this? No one really ever spent the night before, and Ryuhou--

“How do you like your eggs?” he asked, too quickly.

Kazuma glanced at him, but he had to wait until he’d set the water glass down before he could reply. “Over well.” It felt a little odd now, with both of them rested and acting casually. As if they shared this place… It made Kazuma fidget, as if his skin had grown suddenly too tight. “Should I make us some coffee?” he suggested. He didn’t want to just sit there while Tachibana cooked. “I can do that much, at least.”

“Go ahead,” he replied with a nod, grateful that he wouldn’t simply be working while the other watched. “The coffee maker’s over there, and everything for it is in the above cabinet.” Tachibana dug out a spatula and began to poke at the eggs.

Kazuma devoted himself whole-heartedly to his task, falling silent for a while as they went about their respective tasks. Now that he was becoming fully awake his mind began to wander. Every once in a while he snuck a glance at his companion; every time he smiled a little, and shook his head. Of all the people…and he had no idea where to go from here.

Once breakfast was finished they sat down together to eat. Kazuma waited until he’d gobbled down half his eggs before brining up the object of his musings all morning. “I was thinking of taking a walk through town today,” he said idly, not looking up. “It’s been a while since I’ve been around people, I guess. It might be good for me to get out.” He paused to take a sip from his coffee—it was a little bitter. “See what Kanami’s up to.”

Tachibana nodded his encouragement, pausing for his own gulp, smiling as the warmth settled in his stomach. “You should see this place,” he said brightly, almost proudly. “Everyone’s been working really hard—you’ll probably be surprised. We’re hoping in another few months or so that we’ll be able to start a real government again, start working with the other surviving settlements.” He stopped, shaking himself. I’m getting carried away. Just…I can’t help it, when we’ve worked so hard. “But anyway, that sounds like a good idea,” he continued, then grinned. “Give me a chance to clean up the mess you made here.”

Kazuma’s lip curled. “Yeah, sorry about that.” He went back to eating. The thought of seeing Kanami again made his lungs constrict a little; there were times when he felt more at ease with her than anyone he’d ever known, and others when he could barely bring himself to look at her. He never knew what to make of it. “It’s good to hear, though. That everyone’s doing this well.” He quickly changed the subject. “You wouldn’t mind if I crashed another night, would you? I doubt the mainland’s gonna stir up any trouble for a while after that last fleet, so I thought I’d take my time before my next move.” And I’d stay with Kanami, but I think…I’d like it here better.

Nodding again, Tachibana finished off his breakfast and gathered his dishes. “I don’t mind. You’re perfectly welcome here.” He paused suddenly, hands hovering over the sink. “I mean that,” he added. “I know your place got wrecked a while back, so…if you ever just need a place to go….” Stop blabbering already. Tachibana set the dishes down, turning enough to see the other. “In any case, I don’t mind.”

Kazuma glanced away. “Thanks.” He had to admit it had been tough going for a while—moving from settlement to settlement, taking hospitality where he could find it. By now he’d grown famous enough in the Lost Ground to earn himself a place to stay and a meal or two wherever he went, but it wasn’t the same as having…a home to come back to. A warm bed, a full meal. He scraped the back of his hand idly across his mouth. But if I stay here…this is where the fight will come. Kazuma stood abruptly, gulping down the last of his coffee as he carried his own dishes to the sink as well. “Mind if I borrow your shower?” he asked lightly. “I’ll take care of those when I’m done.”

“I can handle them, and go ahead,” he replied, already starting on the extra dishes. He was pleased that Kazuma hadn’t turned down his offer outright. “Your clothes need to be washed, too, so you can just hunt around and borrow something of mine until we fix yours up.” Trying not to get too excited by the idea of Kazuma in his clothing, Tachibana focused on washing their plates.

“Yeah—thanks again.” Kazuma made a face as he started back towards the shower—he didn’t like the idea of accepting so many favors like this, but he didn’t really have a choice. It was also kind of nice to think that Tachibana was looking after him. Not that I need it. It’s just…nice. Keeping that in mind he entered the bathroom, already stripping out of the clothes Tachibana had lent to him.

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