Sheamus moved to leave the room, heading back for the kitchen. "I'll try to get better for you, Baby Boy. I know you need my help." Randy told him.
"You rest. I'll be fine." John felt suddenly old and tired. They had enough drama in the past few months to last a lifetime. "Sweets is acting strange. No warmth when he saw me...no hug or kiss. All he said was for me to slow down. Either what I said in the hospital hurt him too much...or he figures he will lose me and is putting up walls so it doesn't hurt so much."
"I think more the second part, Baby...also focused on what ever their plan is. When I called last night I was told he was in studies." Randy said.
John nodded, moving in bed to rest his head on Randy's shoulder. "I know. I guess I'm being silly...I just expected more."
"Maybe the more he focuses on the task the sooner it will be done."
"Exactly, Viper." Sheamus stated as he opened thee door. "There is a lot I need to deal with. Just as they are wanting John to drink thee tea to help block thee Circle...I must purge the effects."
John nodded, straightening back up. After the nightmare the distance he felt from Sheamus made his heart hurt. "Of course...I know you have a lot to deal with."
" I came to set ya mind at ease...why do I sense it has only caused more of a burden?" Sheamus asked as he handed both men their plates.
"No, Master." John shook his head as he took the plate. "It helps to see you are okay. I guess...I've just been having a lot of emotions lately from stress. Overlook me."
"I am doing this for all our safety." Sheamus stated as he sat in a chair nearby.
"Aren't you eating, Sir?"Randy asked.
"Seems part of me training deals with a special diet right now."
"Oh...I see." Randy slowly ate some of the scrambled eggs and ham steak.
John began eating slowly. "It's good, Sweets." He said simply. Things just seemed different today than they ever had before.
"You say all our safety...but are you really safe, Sir?" Randy asked. Sheamus couldn't say or do much besides lower his head. "What gives you the right? Why must it be your neck on the line?"
"Cause I be the one they want." Sheamus stated simply.
John looked down at his plate, afraid of what he may see in his Master's eyes. "I love you, Sweets. More than I think you know..I willingly laid my life down to refuse to help them take you...if something happens to you I'd be lost...I n-need my Master...my lover."
"I know, Angel...more then ye may realize I know...but I am doing this to protect ye both...if I am successful...thee Circle will no longer be a threat to any I love."
John knew Sheamus spoke the truth. They could continue living this way any longer. "You're right...I know it. You do what you feel you must."
"I just pray you are successful, Shea...we would both hate to lose you...or see you become that image in John's dream." Randy stated.
"Aye same here." John swallowed a lump wanting to form in his throat as he tried to force himself to eat. There was nothing more he could say. They would all have to face the storm and see what happened.
After the guys ate Sheamus took the plates and headed back to the kitchen to clean them. Randy got up, moving slowly to the doorway. "Sir...will we see you again before you do...well, whatever it i they want you to do?"
"I honestly don't know." Sheamus replied. "I am in solitude most times to focus."
"I see."
"Ye wish one last time?"
"It's more than that." Randy fought wanting to snap. "You're acting like a fucking robot. Okay yes you are saying you love us. Okay so you need to focus and conserve yourself...but you were going to use some of that energy to help me feel better. How about your Angel? And I don't mean his fucking leg! Would it fucking hurt you to embrace him? Kiss him? Tell him it will be okay...even if you worry you need to lie about that last part?"
Sheamus sighed, closing his eyes as he set the dishes in the sink to clean them. Randy just shook his head heading, back into the bedroom. John looked up as Randy entered the bedroom, trying to hide the worry and sadness he felt. "Did he leave?" His eyes looked hopeful even if his voice remained calm.
"He's washing the dishes." Randy raised a brow. "Did you overhear me?"
"No." John shook his head. "Sorry...was deep in my own thoughts I guess."
"Ah no problem." Randy was almost glad John didn't hear him, mainly about Sheamus maybe having to lie to him. John wondered if Sheamus was just going to go without a goodbye but didn't want to push him so he just sat and waited. It was hard to comprehend the almost robotic Irishman was his gentle, loving Sweets.
It as a few more moments before Sheamus walked back in, his head lowered. He walked over to the bed where they guys were sitting. He stood in front of John before he lowered to a knee. "Forgive me, Angel." He stated "I have nay been acting as I should...just...I just am scared."
John nodded. "No one would blame you, Sweets. Although I pray it's not...what if this was our last time to see each other? Shouldn't we remember it fondly and not with regret?"
"I know, Angel." Sheamus lifted his head slowly, the worry in his eyes couldn't be hidden. "I will stay as long as I can...but I still have much to still do."
"Just laying with us shouldn't be that much of a distraction, Sir." Randy stated.
"Well." Sheamus tried to chuckle. "With ya like that it may be."
Randy looked down, actually forgetting his was still naked. "I can cover up, Sir."
"Nay...it fine. Ya boys things will be brought over later." Sheamus stood rest of the way up.
John moved in the bed so Sheamus could lay in the middle between them. He knew he normally took the middle but today was different. Sheamus smiled faintly. "Ye read my mind, Angel." He removed his shirt and shoes before he moved to the middle of the bed and Randy laid on his other side.
John grunted as he tried to scoot close to Sheamus with his bad leg. "Thank you for this time. It means a lot."
"Of course, Angel." Sheamus wrapped an arm around John to help pull him closer. Randy moved to rest his head on the pale exposed chest.
John rested his head on Sheamus, savoring every moment they had together. "I love you, Master. It saddens me my collar was stolen. I should have never went up to the road for help."
"What else would ye have done?" He asked him. "Ye needed help. I know ye think ye could have called...but honestly did ye even remember having ya phone on ya?"
John felt embarrassed as he admitted the truth. "Honestly...yes, I called Daddy. But the Circle had messed with my mind...made me think I was dead so I hung up on him. I was so confused."
"Ah I didn't remember."
"You were at your match." Randy told him.
"I was so fucked up. This guy with blonde hair who smoked made me feel like I was being burned alive...then another man that I was drowning...then I felt nothing. So when I came to in the car I thought it was all an illusion." John explained.
"Aye...Kenneth and Irvine." Sheamus stated.
John sighed. "I was an idiot. I was in a pub having lunch and this sweet looking woman asked to join me for lunch. Just as a friend because her friends never showed up. She had this sob story about losing her lover and I bought it. She gave me a drink and I guess drugged me. I passed out shortly after in the parking lot."
"Hmm ye remember anything about her?" Sheamus wondered while petting John's head.
"Not a lot. Pretty young woman named Bridget. She was a brunette." John tried to remember as he drank in the touch.
"Nay much a sob story." Sheamus admitted. "She was Brodie's."
"Brodie? The man in the photos?" Randy asked.
"Aye, him."
"Oh." John felt a little bad although the man had been in the Circle. "Well, she did have a ring on. It pricked me when we shook hands."
"Well it would nay have been a wedding ring...wrong hand. Well unless she switched them after his passing."
"If they killed him, why would she be with them still?" Randy asked.
"Most likely...fear." Sheamus commented.
John sighed. "Poor girl. Maybe she is trapped too."
"It is a possibility." Sheamus stated.
"We need to get her out of there." John spoke up, always wanting to save the damsel in distress.
"When I go I will try to keep an eye for her...but if she tries to attack..." Sheamus sighed faintly.
"You are going after the women of the Circle?" Randy asked.
"There is no other choice." Sheamus stated.
"I don't think I could ever...hurt a woman." John confessed, glad he was not Sheamus. "But I know you have no way out."
"Aye, I must do what must." Sheamus admitted squeezing both guys a little tighter.
John tried to enjoy the closeness. "We trust you, Master. You do what you have to do. Just come back to us."
"I will do me best, Angel." Sheamus could not flat out lie to the older man.
"We need you. Don't we, Daddy?" John asked Randy.
"Of course we need him, Baby." Randy stated. "He's part of us."
"Thank ya both, my sweet boys." Sheamus stated.
"Enough gloom...how about a nap?" Randy suggested.
John shuddered at the thought of sleep, thinking of his nightmare. "I-I'm not tired. But you two go ahead."
"Awe I thought my strong arms would lull ye to rest, Angel." Sheamus slightly joked.
John gave a weak chuckle despite himself. "I can try I guess." He closed his eyes, trying to relax. Randy moved to shut the light then returned to the comfort of his Master. Sheamus shifted until both men rested on his strong chest, an arm around each before he closed his own eyes.
John did not think he could sleep but he did, drifting off in his Master's hold. Hours passed before any of them even realized it. Randy woke first, slowly moving so not to disturb either man fearing it may be one of the last moments they would get. He headed for the bathroom. He stopped, seeing the suitcases in the main room. "Okay, that is a little disturbing."He admitted to himself before he continued.
John began to wake as he heard the bed move. The first thing he noticed was being in Sheamus' strong embrace. He laid quietly, in no hurry to wake his master. Sheamus' eyes stayed closed even as his hand lightly rubbed John's arm to still him back down. The peace and quiet was nice as it was granted him. John closed his eyes, drinking in the feeling as his mind raced. Could this really be their last time together like this? He knew how strong the Circle was. Sheamus had his own gifts but was it enough?
Sheamus made faint hushing sounds. He moved his head to lightly kiss John's forehead. John could not help the tear that wanted to wet his cheek. "I l-love you, Sweets." He whispered. "You've had my heart since the day you first called me Angel."
"And ye still are." He replied. "I know ye wish ye could take this battle on for me...just nay ye place this time. Ye place is to stay by ya Daddy."
"I know." John admitted. "I know I'm no match for them. I'll take good care of your Viper, Master. You know I love him too."
"I know...thank ya Angel...just as I am sure he will ya."
John want desperately to believe his boyfriend would return to them safely. "Please promise me when all this is over you'll get me a replacement collar, Master? I feel naked without it."
"There may already be one. Lady Lilly was working on getting the mark crafted last night." Sheamus told him.
"Thank you, Master." Time seemed to pass at a lazy pace, John relaxing beside Sheamus, dreading when the younger man would have to go.
A little later Randy rejoined them seeing them awake. "Hope I didn't wake you two."
"Tis fine, Randy...come on back." Sheamus moved his arm to let Randy in. Randy came to climb next to Sheamus, leaning on his chest again.
"Our bags are here." Randy stated.
John glanced over at Randy. "That's good. We have more clothes now. Not that I mind seeing you naked."
"Yeah...but I don't know how I like the thought of just anyone seeing either of us that way." Randy stated.
"I know. I was joking." John gave a grunt of pain as he shifted in the bed. "Could sure use a laugh right now."
"Be careful, Angel...don't strain yeself more then ye must. If ye move I can see if ya collar was sent." Sheamus said.
John moved as requested so Sheamus could climb from the bed. "I'm going to get fat and lazy laying around." He grumbled.
Sheamus moved from the bed. "Well, Lady Lilly will try to keep ya on program while ya here...maybe ye just need to scale the portions?" He headed for the main room.
"Maybe. Like my ass needs to get larger." John said to himself with a grumpy scowl.
"Better for pounding." Randy joked.
John rolled his eyes but chuckled. "Haha. Believe me it's plenty large enough to pound as it is."
"Baby, I know the moment you get clearance and access to a gym you will be pumping iron again." Randy said.
John nodded. "That's for sure." He waited on Sheamus, hoping his collar had arrived.
Sheamus came back with the collar in one hand and a small thermos in the other. "Seems lunch was delivered as well. This is for ya, Angel."
John nodded. "Yes, Master. I see my collar arrived."
"Aye, tea first...then ye collar, then I'll get rest of ye lunch."
John reached to take the thermos when it was offered, opening it to sip the warm liquid. It was not as sweet as Randy had made it for him but the older man didn't care.
"Very good, Angel...help keep thee nasty thoughts at bay." Sheamus stated.
"Yes, Sir." John said between sips. "Remember that time in my pool room when you had dark thoughts to use me? I was having similar ones about my Daddy. So now I see where you were coming from."
"Aye...Dehlia seems to enjoy manipulating others she sees as weaker beings." Sheamus sadly admitted.
John had never hated a lady before but he almost hated her. "How can that evil bitch be your cousin?" He blurted before catching himself. "Sorry."
"She be on me Pa's side." Sheamus tried to joke. John chuckled as he downed the rest of the tea, grateful he had a way of blocking the violent voice.
"Well, that explains it." Randy commented. "But her mom is the aunt that mixed the tea for you isn't she?"
"Aye...she is. Confusing I know." Sheamus took the mug from John. " Ready, Angel?" He held up the new collar.
John nodded, eying it. "Sorry I can't kneel."
"Tis fine, Angel." Sheamus moved, slipping the collar in place, kissing him as he twisted the pin to secure it. "There ya go. Better?"
John grinned at the Irishman. "Much better. Thank you." He reached up to touch the hanging charm of the Iron Rose.
"Okay, I'll go grab thee food." Sheamus left the bedroom to retrieve the food for them.
John felt like himself again with the collar gracing his neck. "You hungry, Daddy?" He asked his lover than laughed. "I mean, well for food."
"Ha ha...yeah, Baby." Randy told him as Sheamus came in balancing three bowls. He sat one on the dresser before bringing the two others over. Inside was a hearty beef stew.
"Oh, eating with us, Sir?" Randy asked.
"Aye. I am guessing it is okay since they sent enough."
John's stomach growled at the smell of the stew. "Smells good."
"Thank you, Sir." Randy told him as he took it, digging in.
John ate a few minutes before his thoughts began to wander. "How much longer do you have with us, Master, before you have to go?" He wanted to have an intimate time with his two loves just in case the unthinkable happened.
"I honestly don't know, Angel...part of me is surprised I have not been called away yet."
"I would like us to have some...playtime together." John swallowed the lump wanting to form. "Just in case you're g-gone awhile." He could not bring himself to say what he really feared.
"I nay sure how wise that is." Sheamus said sadly.
"Why, Sir? Can't you faintly draw from us so you don't waste any of your own energy?" Randy asked.
"Ya both are in weakened states already."
John had forgotten his Master needed every bit of strength for the battle ahead. He had put his own lust before Sheamus' needs in the past and he wouldn't again. "Forgive me for asking, Sweets. I wasn't thinking."
"I really wish I could, Angel." The Irishman did indeed sound sorry.
John nodded, trying not to show his disappointment. "It's alright, Sweets. I know you do." He tried to offer a smile. "I guess something to look forward to."
Sheamus nodded. "Finish eating me boys."
"Yes, Sir." Randy didn't even realize he had stopped to listen. John nodded, going back to eating. His mind seemed to never rest as the worry plagued him. What if this was the last time he would ever have with his Master? The thought hurt too much to entertain.
"Please try to calm ye mind. Worrying will solve nothing." Once again Sheamus seemed to read the older man's mind.
John gave a sigh. "I'm trying, Sweets...I'm only human. My boyfriend is basically going into a war. I can't help being concerned."
"I know, Angel...tis sweet." John finished his meal and waited on the others. He almost wanted Sheamus to leave so he could do the job and return to them. Then the nightmare would finally be ended.
Sheamus stood to gather the bowls. "Ye boys lay back and relax. I'll be back."
"Okay, Sir." Randy told him as he left the room. "Need help laying back down, Babe?"
"No...I can do it but thanks." John carefully lowered himself back down in the bed.
"Okay, Baby." Randy moved to lay down as instructed. "Think he has something in mind or just trying to get us to take it easy?"
John shrugged. "I don't know. I'm trying not to act as worried as I am."
"Understandable, Baby...really is." Randy told him as he reached over, taking John's hand.
John gave Randy's hand a grateful squeeze. "Thanks, Daddy. You mean so much to me. You've been my rock lately. Giving me good advice even when I don't want to hear it."
Randy gave a faint laugh. "Thanks, Baby." Sheamus walked back in, looking at both of them. "What's up, Sir?" Randy asked, looking over seeing the large man was sort of lost in thought. John just watched Sheamus to see what was going on. Sheamus made his way over to the bed.
"Can ye move ye legs together, Angel?"
Now John felt confused. "I think so." He slowly moved his legs until they were against each other. Sheamus moved to slowly and carefully straddle John's body. He leaned down so their eyes could gaze into the other. He then allowed his lips to slowly brush John's. He just allowed it to linger, but as it did a faint ebb and flow was felt. The same energy being passed back and forth between the two men, melding and mingling deeply as one.
John drank in the feeling, the connection between them that had been missing lately with all the stress. He could hear his heart pounding as their souls almost seemed intertwined. *Ye must remember how close I am at any moment, me Angel. No matter the walls, part of me is always part of ye.* The words were not spoken audibly but mind to mind and heart to heart.
John heard his Sweets without words for the first time since the mess started and it caused a few happy tears. *Yes, Sweets. Thank you for this gift. And you remember no matter what you face I love you.*
*Just so ye know ye voice is still weak to me.* Sheamus finally broke the kiss.
"I was wondering if you two would come up for air." Randy joked.
John wiped the tears away with a weak chuckle. "Sorry, Daddy. Just enjoying. I felt our bond again. I missed it so much."
"I'm glad Baby." Randy stated. "Enjoy it."
"Don't ye wish a moment, Randy?" Sheamus looked over at him.
"It's fine, Sir...I know your Angel needs this."
John knew Randy better than he did himself. The younger man wanted the experience as well. "Go ahead and take his offer, Daddy. You know you want to feel the closeness to our Master. Stop acting like you are made of stone."
Randy fought not looking away. "I don't want you to tax yourself, Sir."
"I won't be. Tis just a moment...a kiss." Sheamus told Randy simply as he carefully moved back off from John. "Ye okay, Angel?"
"Fine, Master. I feel better than I have all day." John answered honestly.
"Good." Sheamus walked around the bed. He looked down at Randy. "Same position, Viper."
"Yes, Sir." Randy moved so his legs were out straight. He relaxed his arms as he allowed the larger man to move over him, allowing him to be almost overshadowed by the larger form. He gave a faint shudder as he stared up at him.
John turned slightly to watch the different emotions on his Daddy's face. So many people thought of Randy as the cold Viper but the younger man felt much more than he let on. "Just relax...allow what happens happen."Sheamus told him as he leaned down, brushing their lips faintly together. Randy fought the desire to move his hands to grab a hold of the larger man, preventing him from pulling away. Their lips slowly began to move against each other as Randy began to feel his body grow warm, almost tingle. It was not of a sexual feeling, but protective, comforting. He didn't even realize it as his eyes drifted closed, tears trailing from them and down his cheeks.
John noticed the tears and knew Randy was lying to himself when he claimed he felt nothing for Sheamus but friendship. The Viper did not cry easily. As a matter of fact John had only seen his lover cry a handful of times in the past several years. After a moment Sheamus slowly moved taking a hand he wiped Randy's cheeks. "Th-Thank you, Shea." Randy voice cracked faintly as he was still overwhelmed by the emotion behind the energy. John could not help smiling at the two men. He had missed seeing them connect.
Sheamus kissed Randy lightly once more before he moved to lay in the space between the two. "Ya have nothing to thank me for."
"Yes we do, Sweets." John felt more at peace than he had in days. "You shared a piece of yourself with us...a feeling of being cared for."
Sheamus slowly nodded. Randy reached over taking his hand. "I was a fool. Shea." He was ashamed, yet freely admitted. "Shutting myself off like that had no benefit."
"We all have our faults, Ran. The important part is we find each other in the end." John told him.
"Yeah I guess so, Baby." Randy answered.
"Tis okay, Love… it is understandable." Randy cracked a faint smile, hearing that word again. The men laid in a comfortable silence for awhile. John felt himself drifting to sleep on and off just being so still.
Randy had also fallen asleep resting next to Sheamus. A little more time passed before the larger man closed his eyes with a faint sigh then opened them up. He slowly sat up in the bed to see if either man was still awake. John was resting lightly, his breathing deep and regular.
Sheamus slowly went to slide from the bed, then paused to debate his actions. He looked over both men, both souls that held a part of his own. He wished to leave them with good memories...but was it right to just take off?