The String

Disclaimer: I do not have permission to use these characters, no disrespect is intended, lyrics by the Notwistused without permission.

It was rare for the two of them to be together. They weren't on the same roster anymore, but leading up to Survivor Series the company had decided to really press hard for the buyrate. As usual, whenever they had the chance they gravitated towards one another. It was rare when they had the chance to lay down to sleep in close proximity, and neither one wanted to waste the opportunity.

Brian wanted Burger King, David wanted to push through to Wichita. Youth had won over piss and vinegar. They sat toward the back because even though it was a rental David said he couldn't stand the smell of stale grease in the car. Brian picked his french fries up one by one, dunked them in ketchup and tipped his head back as he ate.

"Be careful what you wish for Brian Kendrick," David said softly as he picked the bun away from the burger. With a scowl of distaste he picked up the floppy patty and took a bite.

"You lost me big guy," Brian said. He pulled the oversized drink cup toward him and slurped up a sip. "All I wished for was some food."

"You wish for more than that every time you look at me," David said, his shoulders hunched forward. So far there had been one small outburst behind the counter as the two of them had come in, but a growl had silenced that. Now they sat alone in the neon bright restaurant.

Brian took another fry, dunked it in ketchup and held it up, he darted his tongue out to take it. As he chewed he met David's gaze steadily, and when he had swallowed he said, "Maybe I know, but maybe I want to hear you say it. Hell, I would have been fine making the drive with Paul, at least he wouldn't have bitched and moaned about food, and the way it smells, and needing his beauty rest or whatever the fuck." He reached for another fry, "You're the one who nearly hog-tied me into your car." He swirled the fry through the dollop of ketchup on the edge of his burger wrapper. "Every time I wish for anything you tell me next time. Next time, next time," he popped the fry into his mouth. "I don't think there's ever gonna be a next time."

"Could be tonight."

Hand flat on the table top, Brian began to choke. He sat up straight, both feet on the floor, eyes blurring with tears as he coughed and swallowed down the rest of the fry. "What?" he finally managed.

"You heard what I said." David shoved the red plastic tray aside.

Brian wiped his mouth on a napkin. "I'm not good at mincing words Dave. Let's make sure we're on the same page."

"What do you think I mean?"

"No," Brian said with an impish grin. "I said you have to tell me."

David shrugged, "You're the one wants it. I'd be fine with keeping the status quo."

"Look, you're the one brought it up, there must be some reason why you changed your mind." He idly picked up another fry.

"Well let's just say this," David bent forward, "There's having, and there's doing, and there's wanting. You taking the lead, that's what you want. Me taking it, that's what we have." He threaded his fingers together and rested his hands on the table. "If this is something you want to do, then I'm fine with letting you. On my own terms."

"Ah now see, that's just a contradiction," Brian said as he leaned back in his seat. He raised his feet and rested them on the bench beside David. "What's the matter, you don't think I know how?"

"You're putting words in my mouth."

"I have to put words in your mouth because you're not putting them there yourself." There was a hint of irritation in his voice.

David leaned back against the bench behind him. "I know you know how Brian, and it's not a matter of that. Maybe it's just there would be no going back."

"Damn you," Brian said. He turned to look over his shoulder and then bent closer. "Is the world always this black and white for you? Who fucked you over in the past that makes you need this iron fist control over me? Where I come from sex is about give and take and sharing on both sides."

"You don't enjoy what's between us?"

"Fuck man, now you're putting words in my mouth." He pushed his tray aside. "Fine, since you want to play this cat and mouse game I'll lay down and let you pounce on me. I enjoy every minute of our time together, even times like this when you're pissing me the hell off. The time in the sack...it's way better than I would have ever thought possible. That first time I was scared of you, there I said it. I thought your goal was to hurt me. I can take a lot more pain than people give me credit for, but it turned out that wasn't what you were after, and what you gave me was incredible." He shoved his hand through his hair impatiently. "It's just that I don't want this to be all about you always having the top. It's not some twisted need of mine, it's just ..."

"I get it," David said softly, "It's just the way things should go naturally."

"Yeah," Brian said, and the anger fizzled out of him.

There was silence between them, each avoiding the other's eyes. Finally David pushed toward the end of the bench. He leaned close and said, "If we get up early we can make it to Wichita in plenty of time."

Brian eased out to the end of his bench, "So you're saying..."

"Yes."

you have been thrown
to be the stone
that kills the people who once left you all alone
these are the things you'll die for

A nondescript roadside inn along highway 335. Brian waited in the car while David checked in. He watched his profile, marveled again at the contained power and outward grace. The shiver that passed down his spine was pure anticipation.

David was silent when he returned to the car and drove the short distance to the other side of the hotel, away from the persistent drone of cars on the highway. Still in silence they retrieved their bags from the trunk. Brian followed David to the room.

"On my terms Brian," David murmured as he fit the key into the lock.

The glib comeback died in his mouth as the darkened interior of the room was revealed. The feeling in the pit of his belly was akin to that first night. "Your terms," was his soft reply.

Bags were tossed on the floor inside the door. David pulled the curtains snugly across the windows and then turned and began divesting himself of his clothing. He watched Brian over his shoulder and when he reached for the light David reached out and clamped his hand over Brian's. "Leave the light off."

"I want to see you," was Brian's breathless reply.

"Your eyes will adjust to the dark," David said. He released Brian's hand and finished undressing. While Brian undressed behind him, David pulled the covers from the bed, tossed them into an untidy pile on the floor.

Naked, Brian walked up behind him and wrapped his arms around him. His cheek pressed against the rough skin of the dragon on David's back. He puckered his lips for a sideways kiss, and David groaned softly. Gently he pried Brian's hands open and dropped them away as he eased himself down on the bed. He rolled to his back, reached up to take Brian's hand again.

Brian knelt down and settled atop him, knees splayed wide on either side of David's body. He reached up and trailed a finger over David's cheek, "I can't see you."

"Real trust comes when you close your eyes," David murmured. He turned his head and kissed the tip of Brian's finger. "Those are my terms. Lights off, eyes closed, use your other senses to experience."

"Or don't let me see you submit," Brian said as he pulled his finger back.

"This isn't illusive Brian," David whispered, "There will be other times to fuck me with your eyes."

Goosebumps raised along Brian's flesh as he rose up. He shifted, and teased along David's length with his body, feeling him stiffen even more below him. He accepted David's request and kept his eyes closed as he explored with fingers, lips, and judged his growing arousal by the change in his scent. He couldn't hold the moan back as he lowered down and allowed himself a taste, and was rewarded when he heard David's answering moan.

Reluctantly Brian relinquished his perch, but kept one hand anchored to David as he shifted to the side of the bed and groped along the bedside table for the lube. David shifted, spread his legs wide and reached up to lay his hand atop Brian's.

Brian moved back and slipped sticky fingers inside David's passage. He bent forward to nibble along the ridges of David's fingers and felt him relax, inside and out. He took his time, rocking in deep and then out again. He picked up the change in scent again and gently eased David's hand aside. With a nudge against that sensitive spot deep inside he pressed his lips against the tip of David's cock. This time the moan that was wrenched from David was more urgent, and Brian found that he was eager and unable to hold back any longer.

His eyes still closed he rose up again and pushed David's leg higher, surprised at just how limber the bigger man was. He pulled his fingers free with a small pop and lined up. His head fell back and a louder groan came as David's warmth pulled him in. He was barely conscious of the soft words David murmured as he too arched up to allow Brian to sink in completely.

Brian gripped David's leg tight for the space of a breath and allowed the sensation to overwhelm him. David's tight warmth enveloped him completely, and with another groan he couldn't suppress he pulled out and pushed in deeply again. He turned his face against the solid muscle of David's leg and picked up the pace of his thrusting, his breathing harsh as he neared release.

David reached between them to press firmly against the base of his cock and he pushed up against each of Brian's downward thrusts.

Release came quickly, and Brian cried out as he shuddered with the force of the orgasm. He clung to David's leg and thrust within him until he was no longer able, and then he unclenched one hand and reached down. His hand brushed against David's as he murmured, "S'good..."

David rose up, and flipped Brian over onto his back. He positioned himself so that when he eased back Brian slipped inside him again. It was a delicate balancing act, he steadied himself against the headboard with one hand and bent down as far as he could to touch Brian's lips with his own. He groped for Brian's hand and raised it up to close over his cock. His own hand wrapped around Brian's and he began to stroke.

Balanced this way, David on top but Brian still buried firmly inside him, together they stroked David to release. Thick drops of cum speckled over Brian's chest as David groaned above him. He finally gripped Brian's hand tightly in his own and slowed the stroking.

"You're right," Brian husked, "My eyes adjusted to the dark, and you look hot this way Dave..."

David slid back, let Brian slip free from him before he hunkered down above him, framed his face with his forearms. He lowered his head and kissed him, his tongue swirling through Brian's mouth. He whispered against his swollen lips, "Now you know."

"And now I want it more."

some things you'll die for...