Had Graves known, he was even closer to the truth that expected but no idea to which point. Nothing had changed. That same day his rut was over, leaving him some well deserved rest and questions to be answered. Each one revolved around Twisted Fate, just as before but in some nuances. What were they going to do ? What did TF thought of all this ? What did he want ?
Offering relief to an alpha in rut wasn't some kind gesture. People would pay for that, a lot. Graves didn't know what the latter got out of this favor and it was worrying. Not to know what he gave to Twisted Fate, just like a deal with the devil.
Fuck. Better not think about that. Maybe one day the other man would come back to him asking for equal favor, fair payment. And Graves would never be ready for that, never have something as valuable.
If right now he was still thinking about it on his own, it was because the topic never came back. Twisted Fate was as cryptic as ever. Not that he avoided talking about it but when Graves made an attempt, asked about what was going on 'between them' - he hated phrasing it this way – the latter answered shortly. Not enough to go far. « Who knows ? We shall see later. » Yeah, yeah. Asshole. It didn't seem that it was taboo, both acklowledged having slept together. But Twisted Fate didn't really answer.
Even if he did, Graves wouldn't truly believe him. By now he was far too aware that anything that came from the cardmaster was potentially a lie, or a modified truth. Even liars can be honest in their way but now it sounded just like plain bullshit. He doesn't want to give an answer.
So since everything was back to normal, his damned instincts catered to for a long time, the routine went on. Interactions in business like before, some snark, a bit of flirt, nothing unusual. Like it never happened. Part of Graves was disappointed ? Maybe sad ? A window of possibilities had been opened then slammed close as soon, rather frustrating to be honest. Himself wasn't sure how he had to feel about it. Being sad meant he missed something of this short lived experience. Do I ? Graves refused this and yet it wasn't so wrong to admit.
Peculiar, to lay with Twisted Fate. Known from the start for being rather open, outgoing toward anyone. But still he seemed to be picky. Another reason for Graves to question this mess. How could the man deem him worthy of his precious time ?
Not once he had expected to fuck his partner. This could happen sometimes, it wasn't uncommon. But in his very case, he never went to that point. Keep business separate from private life was better. Then why didn't it bother him this time ? Each thoughts raised new questions, the matter would never end.
There was something about Twisted Fate and he had given up worrying about this. Calm was back, his partner wouldn't give a proper answer and himself didn't care that much. No. Not at all.
If Graves kept thinking about it, he would get mad. Better let the topic down, forget about all this and just hope this partnership would stay longer.
Not like something would happen to change that.
Several days passed, nothing happened and Graves considered the incident over. Just some help between partners. Nothing to worry about.
Innerly, he mourned the glimpse he got of Twisted Fate. Seeing such vulnerability from a man so composed everyday, it was dizzying. For once the mask was down. Graves was almost sure the latter was genuine during it, a small opening. Maybe that was why he let it happen. Because it would never happen again.
So to say, Graves expected nothing to happen again. Yet, he was awaken in the middle of the night without ceremonies. Senses alert, ready to jump into action even though sleep numbed his moves a little.
This was some ungodly hour, no one would never do something at such time. Unless being a sadistic bastard. Or in the present case, someone with little care to boundaries.
At first Graves struggled as he registered the presence over him, threatening. Especially when they tried to keep his arms down. Using more strenght would reduce the restrains to nothing but Graves stopped as soon as silence was broken.
« Shhhh Malcolm… » A whisper, so close to him. No doubt who it was.
« What the fuck are you doing here ? » Angry grumbling, though he relaxed a little back on his bed. Twisted Fate wasn't a real threat except for his sleep, no need to fight. « Get out. »
For a fleeting instant Graves wondered how the latter managed to break into his room, even more without waking him before. Sure he can go wherever he wants. But it wasn't relevant. He prefered to have this intruder out of the room as quick not to lose some sleep.
But no answer came from above. It was a bit infuriating for Graves. He felt the man was here, maybe straddling him, for the weigh over him but in such time of the night he couldn't see. Can't see shit.
« C'mon ! Go. Some people need sleep. Do you even know about the concept ? Go away. » Still annoyed but exhaustion caught up. It happened sometimes that Twisted Fate got on his nerves but this was different.
This time, there was a reaction. Graves felt the weigh shifting on the mattress, the latter was moving but how ? Then lips silenced any potential remark, pressed to his with some determination. Yes, that was definitely Twisted Fate. Being the one beneath, Graves couldn't part of this, stunned by the move. What ?
It was over too soon though, to his taste. And right after Twisted Fate came back to it, equal passion, urging to open up. So he let him do what he pleased. For Graves this was as unsuspected than enjoyable, for a so short instant he let go in the contact. After having given up, this development gave him some hopes, yearning awoken again.
When the latter parted for good, putting some small but respectable distance, Graves took the occasion to ask : « What you want ? I don't even know what time it is but it's fucking early. » He wasn't even betting on an answer from the man.
But sometimes it was good to be wrong.
« I need something from you. » Soft words, a murmur not far.