The weeks that followed their flight from England to the US passed by quickly. Some days went by without consciously being aware of them and Klink found himself adapting to his new life as part of the US Army special ops unit, even if neither he nor Hogan were listed as currently active.
After three years in a POW camp in Germany, Colonel Hogan had apparently been given free time at his disposal, which the man used shamelessly.
It did them both a world of good, though. Fresh, healthy food, fresh air, no confining spaces, no guns, explosives and threats. No military protocol.
And listening to the connection between them, the way it resonated in his mind, enveloped Hogan almost possessively sometimes, and the way the Sentinel shot him those tiny smiles. Not smirks, just private little smiles that had Klink understand how important this was for him, too.
Whenever they did meet with someone official, mostly either civilians or high-ranking officers, the speculative looks were always the same. If those people happened to be Sentinel-Guide pairs, the looks were accompanied by not-so-hidden questions.
Klink usually deflected them easily, shields pulled tightly around himself, the perfect Blindspot. No one caught an empathic whiff of him. He liked his privacy. And that meant it was no one's business whether they had a traditional connection or not.
Hogan loved playing with people, manipulating their views of what they were, and he thrived in such situations. His mind seemed to fire on all cylinders, the devious glint easy for Klink to see, and he joined the game immediately. It was so easy, so normal, and it worked like a charm.
**HH**HH**
Finding a place to live was both easy and not so much. They had military base accommodations for the first week, but Hogan wasn't happy in such tight quarters with people all around him. He could work here, but the 24/7 option wasn't one at all.
There were rentals everywhere for base personnel, just like houses for sale, but there was no guarantee they would stay here indefinitely. Or even longer for a month or two.
So they got a rental house half an hour drive away from the base that could easily be vacated again. With no personal possessions to move, moving in was done within hours. The place came fully furnished.
Yes, it felt like a hotel room, but at least it had some privacy.
**HH**HH**
They had to go shopping for clothes other than uniforms and it was actually quite entertaining. The military was paying for those expenses, as well as their first load of groceries and basic essentials. The car, a jeep, was a loaner from the base, though Hogan planned to keep it until they either forgot he had it or exchanged it for a motorcycle.
Klink just shook his head. "Next thing we have a dog and a cat," he remarked.
"We've got a coyote and a crow."
"Spirit animals aren't pets."
Hogan shot the coyote a pointed look. It was prowling around the new place, looking everywhere, like a dog inspecting its new home. The crow saw on a cupboard, cawing softly.
Klink simply shrugged. He had long since given up on understanding what those two really were.
The crow took off and disappeared with two wing flaps. The coyote continued to explore for a few more minutes, then yipped and bounced out of the door, into nothingness.
"At least we don't have to feed them," Rob only said.
**HH**HH****HH**HH****HH**HH****HH**HH****HH**HH****HH**HH****HH**HH**
Meeting Hogan's parents was… draining. Interesting, but draining. He was under scrutiny by everyone present, even if they all tried to behave like normal.
It was anything but normal.
Will finally fled to the outside when dinner was over, taking a deep breath of crispy night air.
"Too much?" Hogan asked as he joined him.
It felt natural how he wrapped an arm around him from behind, resting his chin on Klink's shoulder. Some of the tension in his frame bled out and Klink sighed.
"In a way."
"They're curious. Dad told me he doesn't trust anyone from Germany and he knows you're former Luftwaffe. He's trying, though."
Klink was silent, drawing up his shields like an automatic reflex. Hogan dropped his forehead against the narrow shoulder from behind.
"Don't," he murmured.
"Sorry."
John Hogan was a former Air Force sergeant himself, training new recruits and being both feared and admired. He had all the bearing and attitude of one, too. He had retired early, due an accident, but he wasn't a bitter old grouch. Just wary, which Klink understood.
The Hogans probably hadn't counted on their special ops trained Sentinel son to catch a Guide. And even if they had thought it was possible, they hadn't counted on it being a balding enemy officer, a man.
"Will," came the murmur. "Stop it with the doubts and self-flagellation."
Klink interlaced their fingers, letting them rest over his stomach. He listened to the gentle waves between them, unconsciously mimicking Hogan's calm breaths, feeling his heart beat even out.
"I don't care what anyone thinks. A Sentinel and Guide don't find each other by nationality, gender, preferences or through matchmakers," Hogan whispered. "We find each other because we connect on all the right levels. That's how it works."
Not like in his home country. Not like the forced bonds that turn the Guide into a tool to be used until they burned out.
Hogan slipped in front of him and cupped his face. The kiss was barely there, but it was deep nonetheless, purely on a psychic level. He smiled at the slightly stunned expression.
"I think it's time to head back to the hotel," he told Klink. "We have breakfast tomorrow, then we're leaving."
"Rob…"
"We are leaving," the American said calmly, each word more pronounced than before. "I want time with you. Only you."
"Your family hasn't seen you in years. They deserve to have you around for more than just a few hours."
"And they understand that my Guide takes priority."
"Yeah, we understand," a voice spoke up and Hogan shot a glare over Klink's shoulder, directed at his brother. "Even if I think it's a case of complete bollocks and you just want to skip family time dinners with great-aunt Edith. But who can tell?"
Mark Hogan grinned brightly, toasting them with a beer. He was younger by only a year, not in the military, and had inherited the lighter brown hair of his mother. What he hadn't inherited was the Sentinel gene. He was absolutely normal, without an enhanced sense. He wasn't a Guide either.
"What do you want?" Hogan asked.
"Mom sent me out to look for you. She thought you might have left without her care package and a hug."
"I wouldn't dare."
"She also told off dad, reminded him that this isn't about where Will comes from, only that he matches you. She then proceeded to quote Sentinel lore at him. I think Dad's all glassy-eyed by now. So," he nodded at them, "don't run off. I can't eat all she always cooks."
"I promise."
"I know our dad came on strong, Will, but he's just a bit… wary, okay?" Mark went on.
"Understandable."
"Maybe. Maybe not. I think Robby here knows best. Instincts and all that crap."
Hogan shot his younger brother a warning look. Mark smirked and it looked a lot like Robert's smirk. Klink almost had to smile. His lips were twitching dangerously.
"All I'm saying is welcome to the family, Will. Now, Robby, don't forget to give mom the hug and don't roll your eyes at the heap of food she's stacked for you. See ya."
"You have a weird family," Klink muttered when the other man had disappeared inside again.
"You only know half of it."
**HH**HH**
The 'heap of food' was truly humongous. Hogan's mother hugged both her son and his Guide, which had Will blink in surprise.
"Don't be a stranger," she told her son, smiling.
"I won't. You'll get a postcard."
She lightly slapped one arm, then pushed the food package at him.
They wouldn't go hungry for days.
"Will, it was so wonderful to meet you."
"Likewise, Mrs. Hogan."
"Sue. I told you, call me Sue. You're family. You're Robert's Guide and I'm very happy for both of you."
Hogan grinned brightly. "Aw, Mom…"
"You shut your mouth, Robert Hogan."
"Yes, Ma'am." But he was still grinning.
They took their food and went toward the car to head to the hotel. Hogan looked absolutely pleased and like he was on top of the world. Klink just smiled as he watched his Sentinel. The family time had done him a lot of good. He was relaxed, at ease, the psychic waves even and steady.
**HH**HH**
The hotel was actually more of a bed and breakfast style accommodation. They had what had been a garage once that had been remodeled as a large ensuite. Hogan made sure his Guide was very relaxed before they fell asleep. His father had been cordial and polite when they had left his family home, but tomorrow would be interesting again.
He pressed a kiss against a naked shoulder blade. Hogan settled next to him, senses on the other man.
**HH**HH**
Breakfast happened without a major incident, most likely because his uncle joined them. In full Army uniform. At fifty-five Stewart Hogan was far from ready to be a retired Sentinel.
"Where's Lisa?" Hogan asked.
Lisa Donovan was a civilian consultant on paper and Stewart Hogan's Guide in every situation the soldier went into. Like O'Hara, his uncle hadn't married his Guide and he had never been too clear about their relationship, aside from Sentinel and Guide. They had been a team for almost as long as Hogan could remember. His uncle was younger than John Hogan by ten years and looked barely out of his forties.
"Sentinel genes and good living," was usually his uncle's comment.
Lisa was a headstrong woman, came from a medical background, spoke four different languages, aside from English, and was no beautiful arm decoration on a good day.
Hogan had always liked her.
His uncle respected her immensely.
"She's in town. She said she needed a break from all the testosterone."
Robert chuckled. "Sounds like her."
"Though she was curious about meeting Colonel Klink. She might drop by later, but don't count on it."
The whole breakfast conversation was about Hogan's assignment – what he could talk about anyway – and how he and Will had found each other.
Klink was more relaxed in the presence of the other Sentinel than he had been the night before. It was strange for him to be this evened out all of a sudden, though he was still heavily shielded and undetectable for anyone.
Hogan reflected that ease, aware that he was under scrutiny by his uncle, who asked a few pointed but still not too invasive questions.
"This is driving me crazy," Stewart said and refilled his coffee. He looked at Klink. "Rob says you're a Guide. He behaves like you're a Guide. His Guide. You act like you're bonded. But I can't catch a damn whiff of you!"
Hogan smirked around his bagel. "Told you."
"Yes, you told me. You told everyone. I know he's a Blindspot, but that doesn't mean I understand it."
"Your instincts are trying to get a grasp of me, knowing what I am, and you are failing," Klink said levelly.
"Happen often?" Stewart wanted to know.
"Actually, no. No one ever knew of me before. I never revealed what I was to an outsider."
Stewart's face shifted expressions as understanding dawned. "Hell," he muttered. "I gotta say sorry, Will. Of course you never told anyone."
"There is nothing to apologize for."
The older Hogan snorted. "Right. I know how my dear brother responded to you." He cast a look at where John Hogan was pointedly reading the newspaper. "You're right about the instincts, though. Knowing you're a Guide I want to get a read on you, but you're just not there."
"I prefer it that way."
"And you don't want to throw up breakfast if he does," Robert threw in, grinning devilishly.
"Now there's a story behind that comment, right?"
Klink shook his head and just about stopped an eye roll. Hogan shot him a questioning look, but when his Guide didn't argue, he launched into the story of Lieutenant Smith.
**HH**HH**
"So, alpha, hm?" Stewart commented when they were outside. "Knew you had a hell of a lot potential, Rob. Always did. Didn't think it was possible for you to find an alpha Guide, though. He's powerful."
Hogan nodded, the sliver of pride crawling through him again. "Yes. Very. I didn't think I'd come out on the other side with all my brain where it should be."
Stewart grunted, eyes on where Klink was talking to Hogan's mother. "You know alpha connections are fickle stuff. Especially equal ones. Usually the Sentinel is the more dominant physically while the Guide holds the psychic force. The two of you? Not saying he's a slacker in the physical department, Rob. I doubt that very much, after you told me he killed a Gestapo-trained killer with a pair of broken broom sticks. And your mind is the psychic equivalent of a death trap. That I know because I'm a troubleshooter, too. Lots of power there, between you."
"Yeah. I noticed," Hogan murmured.
Stewart grinned. "Gotcha, kid. Alpha pairings are usually highly explosive in all the good ways and all the bad, too. You got your hands full and so does he. I know what Germany does with Guides, so it's a miracle he is what he is, Rob."
"I know."
"And that he allowed the connection, let alone the bond. Full bond?"
"Yes."
Stewart's grin widened. "Congrats. Lemme guess, headquarters is still trying to wrap their collective heads around what you might turn out in the future?"
Hogan shrugged. "Not sure they know what to make of us right now."
"Yeah. He's baffling, that Guide of yours. Can't catch a single blip of him," his uncle commented, nodding. "And I met my share of Guides. Had some strong ones assist throughout my career."
"Like I said before, you really don't want to."
"Yeah, puking my guts out isn't fun. I guess it's different for a Sentinel, though. Guides are rather receptive. We're the designated front liners, the warriors of old. Might leave me with a headache." Stewart clapped him on the shoulder, grinning. "So, the brass is too scared to make you general. Scared to call on you as a trouble shooter. Absolutely terrified of what you two can do. That about sum it up?" he asked lightly.
"Yeah, sounds about right."
"You did everything right, Rob. You listened to instinct. That's better than any book."
"There are books?" Hogan asked, amused.
"None that I could ever find. Instinct's better," his uncle advised. "And alphas of your level are rarely documented anywhere. Can't say I'm not extremely curious about what you two have, but your Guide's a Blindspot. Can't tell how strong you've become either."
"Yeah, we noticed that before." Hogan tried not to sound too proud and cocky about this.
Stewart cocked his head for a moment. "Huh," he grunted. "You're really something."
Hogan chuckled. "Thanks, I think."
Klink joined them, a quizzical expression on his features. His Sentinel just grinned at him.
"That bad, hm?" Klink commented.
Hogan chuckled. "Hardly. Uncle Stu and I just talked."
"Right."
Stewart stuck out a hand. "Was nice meeting you, Colonel Klink."
"Will," Klink corrected him.
"Okay, Will. Take care of Rob here. He's handful."
"I know."
"Hey," Hogan muttered.
"And call sometimes. Where are you headed from here?"
Hogan shrugged. "I thought we'd take some time to see a few sights."
"Don't be too vague, kid," his uncle laughed. "But I understand. Road trips are fun."
**HH**HH**
They left after saying their good-byes to Hogan's parents. John was his reserved self, though Stewart kept glowering at him.
"Just swallow that frog, Johnny. Your son is a powerful Sentinel who bonded to an equally powerful Guide. It doesn't matter who Will was before that."
John's brows lowered and he shot his brother a dark look, but he shook Klink's hand.
"Well, that was more than I expected from dear old dad," Hogan commented when they drove off.
Klink's brows rose. "I doubt he will ever be happy with your choices in life."
"He was quite happy to have a son who turned out to be a military Sentinel, special ops to boot. He was also happy about me making Colonel so quickly. He wasn't happy about the overseas assignment and he doesn't know all about it either."
"He isn't happy about a male Guide to his son, who also happens to be the enemy."
Hogan gave him a sharp prod along the bond. Klink just shrugged.
"I am telling it as it is. You know it, I know it."
"And I don't care. It's my life. And right now I'm planning to spend a considerable amount of time with you. No bases, no saluting, no one demanding a report or trying to assess us again and again."
"That sounds… rather appealing."
Hogan smiled widely. "It does, doesn't it? We'll pack our stuff and off we go."
tbc...
