Aaron laid in his bed, staring up at his ceiling fan, watching it spin above him. They had just landed a few hours ago. A few hours before that, he watched Nick walk away from him to go home to his wife. Then Zak dropped him off in his driveway to go meet Derrick at his house. Now, here he sat, alone. For a fleeting moment, he felt like maybe… maybe he had something that wouldn't slip through his fingers. Maybe he had someone that would stay.

Rolling over onto his side, Aaron huffed. He didn't even have a pet to come home to. A week ago, he was practically praying for Zak to go home and just leave him alone. Now, he silently prayed that he would just show up at his door, walking into his bedroom shedding clothes and climb in with him. Rolling back over onto his back, he pulled a pillow down, arranging it next to his chest. Zak had slept here a few nights, just like this, with an arm splayed over his chest, snoring softly in his ear.

But now, Zak had Derrick. Aaron wondered if he slept with Derrick like that or if they slept in a different position. Not that it mattered. Zak had made it clear he wasn't interested in anything with him or Nick, even though he kept coming onto them. Running his hands over his face, he stood up from the bed, heading into the bathroom. Averting his eyes from the mirror, he opened the medicine cabinet, taking out the Advil PM. Aaron didn't want to see his own face. He knew what he looked like with pain etched into the lines. Popping three pills with a glass of water from the tap, he walked back into the bedroom, laying back down, waiting for forced sleep to overtake him from his thoughts of loneliness.

Just a few blocks away, Zak lay in bed, his eyes closed as fingers ran through his hair. He really hated people messing with his hair, but he didn't have the energy to say anything. He and Derrick had already had one fight and he had only been off the plane two hours. Zak sighed and rolled over, facing the younger man. "You know, you don't have to stay here while I sleep. You probably have a million things you need to do."

Derrick just smiled at him, running his hand down Zak's nude chest. "I missed you. I'd rather be here with you than go grocery shopping. We can do that together tomorrow."

Grocery shopping? Zak asked himself. "That's a little domestic," he mumbled, his eyelids closing on their own volition. "I was going to call Aaron tomorrow," he continued, drifting off.

"You just spent four days with him! I get you tomorrow."

Zak's eyes flung open at the outburst. He didn't even realize he said that out loud, but regardless… "It's a part of our job to edit our film," he retorted. "And we do it together."

"Oh…," Derrick said, wrapping his arms around Zak, pulling him in closer, before kissing him softly. "Sorry, I misunderstood. I didn't realize it was for the show."

Zak grunted, not returning the kiss. "You have to understand what I do for a living is not a standard 8 to 5 job. There's a lot to do after an investigation too not just during," he groaned before rolling over, giving Derrick his back. "I'm too tired to argue about this. You can stay or go, I don't care, but I'm going to sleep."

Derrick sighed as he rubbed Zak's back as the elder man sunk into slumber.

The next day, Aaron woke up unusually early, his body not willing to let him sleep. He had fought it all night and day, tossing and turning regardless of the sleeping pills he took. His mind would not shut off so he was thankful to be able to watch the videos from the last lockdown to get him off of being alone. But before he was even finished with his coffee and email, his phone buzzed with a text message. What are you doing today? It was Zak. Aaron couldn't stop the small smile on his face.

Reviewing. Want to help?

Yeah I do. Ill be over in a min

Aaron looked down at himself. Shit, he needed to shower if Zak was coming over there. Quickly, he grabbed his coffee cup and ran upstairs. Just minutes later, he heard the front door shut as he turned off the water. Stepping out, he grabbed a towel, wrapping it around his waist. "I'll be down in a minute!" he shouted.

"Don't hurry," Zak said, smirking as he stepped into the doorway. Leaning against the doorjab, he crossed his arms over his chest, blatantly perusing Aaron's body. "Sleep well?"

Aaron snorted, half out of surprise of seeing him in his bathroom doorway. "Bro, do you mind?"

"What? I've seen you naked!"

"Yeah but we're not… doing that anymore," Aaron said, going to the sink to get out his toothbrush.

Zak stood and watched him as he brushed his teeth, deep in thought as he watched the muscles in his arm work with the motion.

Spitting in the sink and rinsing out his mouth, Aaron turned to the man blocking him from his bedroom. "Seriously, bro."

"Seriously," he answered, reaching out and snatching the towel from around his waist. "It doesn't matter anymore."

Aaron's hands flung to catch the towel before cupping himself. "Dude! What the hell?!"

"I broke up with Derrick."

That sentence stopped Aaron dead. "You what?"

Zak shrugged, tossing the towel back towards the shower stall. "He didn't make me happy." Stepping closer to the bald, naked man, he wrapped his arms around his waist, kissing his lips softly. "You did. Those few days we spent together when you were pissed at Nick… being with you made me happy. Hell, even those two days with Nick made me happier than Derrick did."

"Zak… we still… when?"

"This morning when we woke up. I told him that it just wasn't working. I didn't want to drag him into this lifestyle."

Soft kisses were rained over his face as Aaron stood still, taking in Zak's words. Did he really break up with Derrick to be with them? With him? Warm hands rubbed over his skin, gently taking his hands from covering himself. Feeling the lithe fingers wrap around his half hard cock snapped Aaron back into the moment. Stepping back, he pushed Zak away from him. "No, dude, we can't. Even if you did break up with him, it's too soon. Hell, I can't, ok?" he said, reaching down for his towel.

Zak cursed at himself, running his hands over his head. "What do you want from me? You tell me in Chicago we can't because of Derrick. Now I broke up with Derrick and we still can't! What the hell, Aaron? Did Nick tell you not to?"

Aaron snorted, trying to shove the younger man out of his bathroom. "No, Nick didn't tell me anything. I'm just not comfortable with it yet, man. Just give me a few days to get used to you being single again. And for you too, bro."

Huffing, Zak walked down the stairs, rejected again. His cell phone vibrated in his pocket as he sat on the couch, waiting for Aaron to come down. Undoubtedly, it was from Derrick. Pulling it out, he read the text message. Coming by the bar tonight?

Zak smirked. Not if he could help it. He wanted to experience sex with Aaron. He wasn't entirely sure why, but it had become his mission and he was willing to lie to get his way. So far, he had experience with two men, the second a rather rough fuck in a sex club. He needed something to compare sex with Derrick to, and he knew Aaron would be gentle and good. Hell, if Nick screaming through the walls of hotel rooms was anything to judge by, it might be a spiritual experience. So today he was spending with his bald sidekick. Probably not but I might see you tomorrow he texted back.

Aaron came down the stairs, smiling as he saw Zak on his sofa. "Keeping your hands to yourself down here?"

Zak snorted. "Unfortunately."

"Do you want to go into the office downtown or review here?" he asked, as he picked up his bag with the discs from the previous three days in it.

Zak's hand rested on the small of his back as he stood back up. "Zak…," he said warningly.

"I just want this… one small thing…," he said, bringing his hand up to cup the side of his face. "Please Aaron. Just one."

He sighed and rolled his eyes before leaning in. The kiss was softer, gentler than he was expecting. Slowly, he fell into it, putting the discs on the counter next to him before wrapping his arms around Zak's waist, pulling him in closer.

Zak moaned as he felt the strong hands encircle his waist, bringing his own up higher on Aaron's back, bringing their bodies closer. Opening his mouth, he let Aaron take over the kiss, feeling his heartbeat speed up with arousal. Seconds later, Aaron pulled back, breaking the kiss, leaning his forehead against the younger man's shoulder. "Fuck, Zak."

Zak smirked. "I tried to get you to earlier, but you said no."

Aaron snorted into his shoulder. Standing up straight, he looked him in the eye. "You broke up with Derrick."

"Derrick who?"

Fingers danced along the hem of his shirt. Zak could feel the tickle as Aaron contemplated his next move. Before any attempt at diversion was made, he quickly stripped it off over his head, discarding it behind him. "Felt like it was getting in the way," he said when he was given a bewildered look.

Lust overtook the darkness in Aaron's eyes as he scanned the body in front of him. Zak knew he was winning as he ran his fingers gently up under his t-shirt, barely touching the pale skin that he knew it hid. The muscle twitched beneath the light touch of his fingertips. Smiling, he leaned in, brushing his lips softly against Aaron's, whispering, "I've missed touching you."

"Dammit, Zak," he whispered back.

Running his fingers down, over the zipper of Aaron's jeans, Zak smirked at the hardness he felt encased in the denim. "I definitely think we should review the evidence here. No need to drive all the way into the office."

"Yeah… evidence," Aaron said, picking back up the discs and walking into his office, Zak following obediently behind him. Clearing his throat, he grabbed a disc from the case and put it in the computer, sitting down in his office chair as it loaded, trying to ignore his hardon and the man who caused it. Wiping his hands on his pants distracted him, keeping him from putting them on Zak. It was so tempting, having this man here, wanting him. Aaron tried to tell himself not to believe everything he says because he knows Zak. He will tell you just about anything to get his way. On nearly every lockdown he's heard something that wasn't quite right just so they could get a little more access to an area. Zak always just flashes that smile, puts on the charm, and he gets his way. Aaron had to will himself not to give in. He had been able to say no twice now; he could do it a third time, but his will power was breaking.

Zak stood behind him, hands on his shoulders. "Why are you so tense?" he asked, starting to gently work his hands around the muscle. "Relax."

Aaron grunted as the video came up, making sure his speakers were on as he hit play. They watched and listened to the video for a few minutes, Zak's hands still working around the muscle, wandering down towards his chest. Looking down, he saw that Aaron's eyes were closed as he stroked gently over his collarbone, resting his head back against his stomach. Leaning down, Zak tilted his head up slightly, gently kissing him. "Not reviewing much with your eyes closed."

"We can't do this," he answered, his voice husky and his eyes still closed.

"Why not? You have Nick's permission and Derrick is gone."

"It just seems wrong so soon after you broke up with him."

Zak smiled against his lips. "Aaron, we dated for one week. It's not like I fell in love with him."

Aaron hummed. He didn't take the time frame in mind. One week is not a lot of time and he supposed if he took his own advice to Nick, Zak had been experimenting and he did come back to them. Well, at least he came back to him… "What about Nick?"

"What about him?'

"You can't just be with me. It's an all or nothing deal, Zak."

"Yeah, of course. I'll talk to him on the next lockdown," he diverted.

Aaron stood up from the desk chair, taking Zak into his arms, gently leading him backwards toward the sofa. "Or we could call him later," he said, sensing Zak's hesitation.

Zak nodded as he felt the couch hit the back of his legs, sinking down on it. "Yeah, ok. We can call him after…"

Aaron stood before him, running his hands through Zak's productless hair, enjoying the feeling of the soft curls against his palm. Hands fumbled at his waist as they rushed to get his pants and boxers down. "Missed this," Zak mumbled before taking the head of the bobbing cock in front of him in his mouth.

Aaron chuckled softly, watching more and more of his shaft disappear into the wet, needy mouth. Pulling his shirt off, he said, "You only had it once, how could you miss it?"

Zak popped off, hands going to his own pants, working them down his legs. "Not that… I missed…" The blush crept up his neck and into his cheeks. "I missed being close to you, just being able to be with you without you feeling like either of us are cheating."

Smiling, Aaron pushed Zak's shoulders back until he was laying down on the sofa. Walking over to the drawer of the desk, he pulled out a small tube of lube and a condom. Zak lifted his leg on the back of the sofa, planting the other foot on the floor, opening himself up as much as possible as Aaron knelt between his them. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

Zak rolled his eyes but smiled, "No, I'm sitting here stroking my hard cock, spreading my legs for you just for shits and giggles."

Aaron smacked the inside of his thigh before spreading some lube on his fingers. "Smartass," he mumbled, rubbing his index finger over the puckered hole. He watched as Zak's body reacted to the touch. Teeth gently biting his lower lip; a soft flush on his chest and arms; his cock at full attention as his right hand stroked it slowly. Lust filled eyes watched him carefully as he breached him, first one finger, then a second. "Don't want to hurt you," he said.

Zak just nodded. He knew this routine by now. It wasn't his favorite part, but it was necessary.

Tossing the lube off the side of the couch, Aaron stroked his cock with the lube left on his fingers before pressing the blunt head against his opening. Closing his eyes, he pushed in gently. He heard the soft sigh Zak let out, feeling his hands come up to his arms, holding on. So tight, he thought. Gently he rocked in shallowly, allowing Zak time to stretch and get used to being filled, even though the previous night he had probably… Aaron shook his head. He didn't want to think about that. Opening his eyes, he ran his hands softly down the pale chest, tweaking a hardened nipple as he went by. Derrick didn't matter anymore. He was just a stepping stone that brought Zak here.

"Please, Aaron," Zak groaned, anchoring his feet and pushing back against the older man. "Harder."

Aaron grinned, placing one hand by Zak's head on the armrest and the other on a slender hip, he rocked hard, forcing the body beneath him to rock with his motions. He loved the sounds Zak made as their bodies met. Soft moans and gentle, unintelligible words surrounded him as he let himself fall down into the pit that encompassed his growing feelings. Almost on cue, he heard his phone start to ring in the other room… Nick's ringtone. Closing his eyes again, he buried his face in Zak's neck, focusing his attentions on the salty skin and the movement of his body. From here, he could feel Zak's heartbeat against his skin. He bit down on the tendon in his neck gently as the phone ceased ringing. "Right here, this moment, with you," he muttered.

Zak's hips stuttered against him as he wrapped his arms around Aaron, pulling their bodies closer together. The slick slide of the cock between them did not go unnoticed. Aaron wound his hand between their bodies, rubbing his thumb over the head before stroking it in time with his thrusts. He watched the beautiful dance as Zak's back arched with the touch, his eyelashes fluttering against his tan skin, mouth forming a near perfect "O". Emotion nearly overwhelmed him as those eyes opened again, dark with lust, focusing on him. Leaning down, he gently kissed the swollen lips. "You are so beautiful."

Wrapping his hands around the back of Aaron's bald head, he kissed him deeply, moaning as he released between their bodies. Aaron let the body beneath him ride the wave of pleasure as he felt muscles tense around him. As he came down from his high, his hips found a punishing rhythm as he sought his own release. Zak's hands clutched at his arms anchored beside his body, trying desperately to hold onto something as Aaron moaned his name, hips finally stilling.

Pulling out, Aaron wobbly sat on the end of the sofa, leaning his head back against the wall, regaining his composure. Zak grunted as he stretched his legs, laying them over Aaron's naked lap. "It's still so weird being able to feel that release inside."

"You can feel that?"

Zak just shrugged. "Can't you?"

Aaron thought for a moment. "I guess sometimes… but most of the time I don't really pay attention."

Zak stood up from the couch, heading for the hallway bathroom. "Maybe next time I'll get to fuck you and you can see what I mean."

Aaron snorted but watched as Zak walked away from him until he had turned the corner. Sighing, he leaned back again, closing his eyes. What the hell was he getting himself into? Again! He needed to talk with Nick about this new situation. Hearing Zak come out of the bathroom he hollered for him to get his phone and bring it in to him. Leaning over, he grabbed his boxers from the floor, pulling them on just as Zak came back in the room, handing him the phone.

Zak pulled on his own boxers before laying back down on the couch, resting his head against Aaron's leg. "Are we calling Nick?"

"Yeah, he called, so let me listen to his voicemail first." Pressing the speed-dial button, he couldn't help but smile as Nick's cheerful voice came through his speakerphone.

"Hey, it's just me. I know we just left yesterday but I can't stop thinking about you. Hope your day is going well. I know we're going to Skype later, but call me back anyways. Love you."

Zak rolled his eyes. "I've never heard Nick be so sappy."

Aaron chuckled as he pressed send to call Nick. "He's super sappy. You've just never given him a reason to be sappy until now."

"Hey, let me walk outside. Hold on a minute," Nick said, sounding distracted. Aaron's brow furrowed as he heard the sliding glass door close on the other end of the line. "Ok, that's better. Hey handsome."

Zak snorted.

"Hey, did we call at a bad time?"

"No, no. I was just inside with Annabelle and she's starting to repeat full conversations so it's best if I just walk away. And who is we?"

"Hey Nick," Zak said.

"Oh… hey. How's Derrick?" Nick asked, his voice revealing the inevitable sneer.

"Broke up with him," Zak stated simply. "That's why we're calling."

The line was silent for a full minute so Aaron broke in. "Zak wants to date us."

"Oh, does he?"

Aaron rolled his eyes. "Don't be like that. You guys spent a night together at the hotel in Chicago."

Zak chuckled, "And you told me you love me. You've always loved me."

Nick sighed, defeated. "Yeah, okay fine. Welcome to the relationship, Zak. You will not be rubbing that in my face any time you want something."

"Looovveee me."

"Okay, okay, we have some evidence to review. I'll Skype you later after we get through a few hours of tape."

"Okay, I guess. Why can't we Skype while you're reviewing?"

"Because we tried that once remember? We didn't get anything done."

"I can be very distracting," Nick said, his sinister smile clear in his tone.

"Yeah, I know. So we'll call you after a bit."

"Miss you. Love you. I guess you too, Bagans."

Zak grinned as Aaron said his goodbyes and hit the end call on his phone. It was weirdly comfortable being invited into the world he had watched develop from the outside. It was like a secret society that he had finally earned the rights to join. Now he just had to figure out how to keep his membership in this relationship while maintaining the other.