So Baird has decided to fight for his possession and claim him as his own from Anya. How will he do such a thing? Enjoy! :]

~*~*~*Chapter 3: Expect The Unexpected*~*~*~

Baird got to his room and immediately began to take off his chest armor. He heard the door shut behind him. Something thudded on the ground simultaneously when he dropped the heavy chest piece. He turned his head to see Marcus standing behind him, arms at his sides in an intimidating stance.

Baird took off his ammo belt and set it on his dresser. "I'm tired." he said, nearly laughing at his own joke. Women. Always tired when men didn't want them to be.

All Marcus did was snort.

Baird sat on his bed, resting his forearms on his knees, staring at Marcus. The man slowly moved to stand before Baird. Baird had to sit back to be able to view the monstrosity fully. For a fucking neanderthal, Marcus was huge.

"You're going to make me say it." His deep timbre voice alerted Baird that he should be prepared for something serious that Marcus had to say.

But Baird was only serious when Baird wanted to be.

"You know I love to hear your nagging voice." He smirked, rolling his eyes. "Let me guess. You want a blow-job?"

Marcus' eyes widened a bit. Baird knew that he had hit something pleasurable within him. What man didn't want to have his dick sucked? It went against one of the biggest rules that the two had made for each other—well, Baird had made: no intimately sexual requests which included kissing, cumming in the ass—and fellatio.

"Why the sudden interest?" He could tell that Marcus' curiosity was piqued since his head was slightly tilted to one side and he had an eyebrow raised.

Fuck. This may actually happen...

"Just wanted to try it. Besides, I haven't been blown in awhile. You probably haven't as well." The smirk was still on his face, but he was now wishing that he had shut the hell up. How was he going to take in Marcus' nine inch beef stick? Something was in Marcus' eyes for a fleeting moment, but then it disappeared. Maybe Baird had imagined it?

"This has nothing to with Cole, does it?"

Now it was Baird's turn to be surprised. The joking expression wiped clean from his face, he gave Marcus a quizzical look. "Uh, no?" He threw his arms open as if inviting the other man for a hug. "Why would it?"

Marcus said nothing, but stared down at Baird with his eyes as frozen as ice. Something was bothering Marcus, he knew that much. And if he didn't extinguish whatever doubt Marcus had and soon, he would either be finding another fuck buddy or using his hand again. He nearly smiled as he leaned back on the bed, using his forearms to support him. "Don't tell me that you think that I've told Cole that we're fucking?"

A small frown was on Marcus' lips as he unclipped his ammo belt and let it slide to the floor. "You do have loose lips. You nearly told Anya about Prescott's data disc."

Damn it, Granny. Baird thought. He then sneered. "Well, that's good then. You wouldn't want tight ones on your cock, now would you?"

Oh shit. He hadn't meant to bring up the blow-job scenario once more. But he couldn't seem to get it out of his mind. A sickening feeling grew in his stomach when he realized that he wanted to do it and have Marcus perform it on him.

Marcus' frown was replaced with one side of his mouth turned-up: a slight smile. "You want to try it?" He asked quietly, almost lulling Baird into semi-ecstasy.

Yeah. The man was a frigging expert at seducing people out of their clothes. That was his problem...and it could be Baird's.

"Depends." He said, sitting up once more. "Have you been fucking Anya?"

If Marcus was the modern day apocalyptic Casanova, then Baird was the anti-thesis of that: a mood killer. He watched as the older man's face grew into a domineering scowl.

"And that's any of your business?" His voice was a bit higher than his usual tone, which was an indicator that he was cross.

Baird stood up. Marcus didn't take a step back to allow him room to stand comfortably. He was pinned tightly against the edge of the bed and the massive body belonging to his Sergeant.

Jackass.

"It is my business when I could frigging die due to some disease if you're sticking her then me!" There was no way in hell that he's going to fuck two people when many men can't even fuck one. Baird thought.

"She's clean." His voice alerted Baird that he was being completely serious. His cold eyes conveyed the same message as well. But Baird didn't take the hints.

"And the medicinal science of today can surely agree with you." he scoffed, watching Marcus shift his weight onto his other foot. "Just because you're entranced with her doesn't mean that she's clean."

Their communications radio then flared alive as a voice came over the net.

"Stroud to Fenix." It was Anya and she sounded distressed. Maybe Marcus hadn't been giving her any as well.

He watched Marcus push the button on his ear piece with his finger. "This is Fenix, Lieutenant. Go ahead."

"A riot seems to be forming just outside the Admiralty House due to the tension between the ex-Stranded and Pelruan villagers. Colonel Hoffman and a few others are trying to handle the situation, but your presence there may help dissuade any possible confrontation."

Marcus looked straight at Baird as he said his next words. "Nothing better to do. I'm on my way."

The. Fucking. Asshole.

He wanted to punch him. He really did. But he knew that the outcome wouldn't be as fantastic as last time. So he settled for a caustic expression to come upon his face as Marcus put on his ammo belt and chest plate.

"You got it, Ser-geant ?" He mocked.

"Yeah." He said, casting his piercing azure eyes on Baird's frame. "We got it taken care of, Corporal." He then left Baird to passive-aggressively kick his dresser.

And very very erect.

Baird was in the make-shift maintenance bay where the COG stored all of their utility vehicles. It was hot as hell and he was sweating profusely. The heat that emanated from the sparks of the tools being used, the many men's bodies, and their breaths weren't helping.

The Dill that he was working on was frustrating him. He just needed to find or make a usable air filter and tweak the engine a bit before it could be used again.

"Hey."

The voice was loud enough to be heard over the continuous buzzing of saws. Baird popped his head out from inside the hood of the vehicle to look over at Dominic Santiago, Marcus' right hand man.

What the hell did he want?

He had to remember that he needed to keep his tone civilly polite since Dom had found his wife in the Hollows and was forced to put a bullet through her.

"Hey." He said, standing up and twirling the wrench in his hand.

"You just about done here? I was going to head to the bar to play cards and have a drink. We all need it after today."

Who was he telling? Baird nearly had to stick his dick in a pile of ice to get his stiff cock to shrink. Very painful.

"Yeah." He said, putting the wrench in his tool belt and heading outside with Dom. He had an inkling that Dom wanted to talk though.

A warm breeze hit them as they began to walk in silence towards the Pelruan bar. Although it was a bit too warm for Baird, he welcomed it. He slowed his steps to match Dom's who seemed to be taking his sweet time to say whatever Baird knew was coming.

"Baird," He finally began. "You didn't say anything to Sam, did you?"

"No." he answered innocently. Damn.

Dom looked sideways at him. "She told me what you said to her before."

Baird tried to keep his snicker at bay. "I was just being honest with my thoughts. Never bothered her before."

He heard Dom sigh and realized that the man didn't need anymore pressure than what he had on him. No one did.

"I'll talk to her." was all he said and Dom nodded.

When they reached the bar, they entered it to find Sam, Cole, Anya, and Marcus playing a game of poker. Dom shuffled over to them as Baird headed straight to the bar. If he went towards the table now, he would, more than likely, sour the jovial mood.

Besides, his heart had quickened once he saw Marcus' large form. He didn't know why it did, but he wanted to settle himself before he went over. He was glad that Marcus hadn't looked up to see who had entered.

He settled on a stool. "Beer. And not the moonshine." he said to a pretty barmaid.

She nodded, smiling sweetly to him, then went to go get what he asked. Baird leaned forward so he could see the woman fully.

Nice plump rack.

Not so much ass.

A pretty face.

A bit too thin for his tastes.

He'd give her a six out of ten.

"Pervert." Sam said in a low tone as she sat beside him.

"I never invited you over." He said as he retrieved the beer from the woman and took a swig. It was gross as always.

Sam placed her order with the woman before turning her attention back to Baird. "Dom said that you needed to talk to me."

"Yeah." He nodded, looking down at her. "The Dill didn't need anything better."

Sam gave a small laugh as she shook her head. "You are a sad little man, you know that?"

"Why? Because I don't associate with idiots or because I don't try to be a part of the collectivist group that is made up of dumbasses?" He sneered.

"No. Because you're a selfish ass." she said, taking her beer from the barmaid and heading back to the table.

"Everyone already knew that." He called back to her, raising his glass to her parting before putting it to his lips again.

He had finished his beer and was about to leave when a hand rested on his shoulder. He rolled his eyes as Bernadette Mataki sat down next to him, her long gray braids falling past the seat of the stool.

When did she get here?

"I need to talk to you, Blondie."

He sighed. "Listen, Granny. I've heard all of the war stories from other old people. Do I need to listen to another one?"

"I'm being serious, Baird." she said, extremely somber. "Sam didn't deserve what you said to her."

Baird ordered another beer before turning his shocked eyes onto Bernie. "So everyone knows?"

"All of Delta." she nodded.

He shrugged. "I was having a bad day. Everyone knows that when I'm not in a good mood, it's best not to tick me off."

"It's still no excuse, Blondie."

He exhaled through his nose as he turned in his seat to see the core members of Delta watching them two. He carefully avoided his Sergeant's eyes as he gave them a two finger cursory wave.

"Why are they all staring?" He said, turning back to her.

"Should we go over and you apologize or do you want to go somewhere more private?"

He snorted. "I'm not apologizing for anything. It'd ruin my image."

"Can't get any worse than it is now." She laughed as Baird stared at her through narrowed eyes and a mean sneer.

"It's not as bad as you, Cat Lady." Baird retorted, taking a long drink from his new beer. "Besides, I need to go fix up our Dill."

"So you're going to run and hide instead of doing the right thing?"

Baird rubbed his chin. He didn't like how his ego was being challenged. Or how this was a Catch 22: damned if he did and damned if he didn't.

"At least stay for a card game." She goaded. "You can tell her after."

It wasn't as if they wanted him to join them because they wanted him to. It was all because of the whiny bitch Sam who tried to out drink, out curse, and out muscle any male Gear. All she needed was a penis and she'd be good to go.

But if she couldn't take insults like many men had to, then she wouldn't make a good one anyway.

"I'll have the Lieutenant order you, Blondie." Bernie joked. He heard a small laugh and turned his head slightly to see Anya ask for another glass of moonshine.

She was the last person Baird wanted to see. Because of her, he probably wouldn't be able to have sex as freely as he used to. It wasn't her fault, but he knew that it was as well. If Marcus wasn't so attached to her, they would be able to continue doing what they had been without any worries or interference.

And if Marcus wasn't such a softie, he and Baird would either be fucking or not. Point blank.

No. I will have what I want. He thought. And he knew exactly how to do it. It would be dangerous, but it was the only way.

He got off his stool, promising the barmaid—was her name Linda or Lauren—that he'd be back to fix the cooling system in the bar. Bartering was the only way that he could pay for what he needed since cash was pretty much useless.

Baird then turned to Bernie. "I'll talk to Sam later. Right now, I need to make sure that no one's trying to steal parts that I need for our Dill. Tell Cole I said hey."

He headed out, not looking back at the people in his squad. He really wanted to acknowledge Cole personally, but if he did, then he'd have to do the same for everyone.

And he couldn't face Marcus. Not yet.

It was dusk when Baird knocked on his door. He knew what he was doing and he knew he should keep himself from doing it, but he wanted to. And, in order to drive a wedge between Anya and him, this needed to be done, although there was a possibility for Baird to be affected emotionally. But only if it was safe. Only if the two of them weren't at risk.

Marcus opened up his door, dressed in nothing but a towel, slick with water that clung to his hair all over his body. He placed a hand on his door frame and moved aside, giving Baird permission to entrance.

"Expecting Anya?" He quipped, stepping into the room before Marcus shut the door. He then stared around in disbelief. "Hey! Why is your room bigger than mine!"

"Maybe because I'm the Sergeant of Delta." Baird shot him a dirty look as Marcus sat on his bed, legs spread. His demeanor was calm but his eyes withheld a turbulence of emotions which Baird couldn't decipher.

He really detested not being able to accurately guess what Marcus was feeling.

"Is that why you came?" He said nothing more. Marcus truly didn't talk much and it would lessen further every time someone close to him died. But Baird knew what he meant.

"I came to ask if you two were fucking. And if you are, then I'm not fucking you anymore."

Marcus made a sound that was similar to a chuckle. "You've never fucked me, Baird." He continued as Baird avoided his eyes, feeling awkward. "It was one of the rules that we agreed to."

"Good for you, moral saint." Baird said sarcastically, still not looking at him. He felt like an idiot now. There was no way that Anya and Marcus would even be able to spend a few quiet moments with each other. They were always surrounded by Gears and Anya usually spent her nights in the CIC building. Yet, there was nothing wrong with being completely sure of something.

Besides, he knew that Marcus usually stuck to the rules, unless if his moral compass overrode the order. But why wasn't his moral code doing so in this situation? He was still with Anya while sleeping behind her back with him. Wasn't it natural to ask pertaining to this certain situation?

"Do you want to pick up where we left off?" His voice flowed in his ears once more, filled with wanton lust. It nearly always broke down Baird's defenses, although he wouldn't ever let Marcus know that. He wondered, as he slowly approached Marcus with a growing sexual appetite, if Anya ever listened to Marcus' voice. If she did, she would, more than likely, be giving him what Baird was so willing to.

He settled a hand on each of the muscular shoulders as he watched Marcus unzip his pants. Maybe it was stupid of him for not coming with his armor, ammo, and gun, especially if there was a disturbance in the town. How would he defend himself?

Baird didn't care though. He wouldn't forget next time. He just wanted to focus on the here and now, watching Marcus slowly pull down his boxers and hearing his excited breaths-were they his or Marcus'?-as his cock jumped out of the restraining underwear, smacking his nose.

He shivered and tightened his grip as Marcus licked the underside of his cock. Baird didn't want to ruin the moment with small talk, but fear was creeping up inside of him again.

"You've ever done this before?" He was nearly breathless, his cock dripping with pre-cum already. It ran down Marcus' chin.

"No." He breathed on the tip of his cock that rested on his lips, a large hand grabbing hold of it. His eyes looked up at him with a bit of amusement.

"You can tell me to stop." Marcus added softly, parting his mouth a bit. He lightly grabbed his foreskin between his teeth, teasing him by pulling it towards him. Baird felt himself go weak at the knees.

There were a couple of benefits from this. He would have fucked Marcus in a way. And he would be much closer to him since they were about to share a new experience with each other, dimming Anya's allure.

The only drawback was how much he was going to enjoy it. He didn't like how he wanted to blow Marcus or liked it whenever the man seemed to be enjoying his ass. He wanted things to go back as it was before: meaningless sex.

If only it could...

"No." He finally forced out, his mouth dry. He couldn't speak anymore if he wanted to. Marcus just grunted, lips slightly turned up, before he opened his mouth and the head of Baird's cock slipped in.

Baird's eyes flew wide as his cock came into contact with Marcus' warm moist mouth. He gripped him harder as he felt his tongue lick the slit of his head. His lips...his lips were so frigging tight around his cock. So soft yet firm...just how he liked it.

A rough hand reached into Baird's pants and was cupping an ass cheek of his as Marcus began to slowly stroke his cock, gently sucking on it.

Something was missing. As he looked at Marcus with eyes craving what was to come, he slowly realized it. But he couldn't form the words. What he was feeling was overcoming his rationality. He watched as Marcus slowly took in more of Baird's cock until he had reached the hilt.

Never done this before my ass. He thought, feeling the warm breaths on his cock and his tongue lavishing it with love. How was Marcus able to swallow him fully? He couldn't have gotten over the gag reflex that easily. It took quite a few tries for that to happen, supposedly.

Baird's thoughts floated to what he was feeling. Marcus was wetting his cock deliciously as it was slipping in and out of his mouth. The fact that he could deep throat him almost made Baird blow his load. He heard Marcus' quiet moans as he beat Baird off while stuffing his cock into his mouth. He had never heard Marcus moan before...

He looked down, liking the way his cock was moving to and fro in Marcus' mouth. Baird watched as he took his hand from Baird's ass to reach beneath his towel and begin to jerk himself slowly, still swallowing him whole. Marcus' eyes were closed as gave Baird's cock a long over-due loving.

Without realizing what he was doing, Baird had grabbed a hold of either side of Marcus' face and thrust his cock into his mouth at a quick pace.

Both men were panting hard, unable to logically think while they existed in their pleasure. Baird began to feel his cock growing in anticipation and he pictured how it would look like if he came all over Marcus: his tongue full of his cum, some dribbling down his chin.

And if he swallowed...oh fuck. What man didn't want their partner to swallow their cum? It meant that the person loved it and enjoyed it as much as he had.

His thoughts were getting to be too much for him as his body, flushed with pleasure, began to tense. He wanted to shoot his cum to the back of Marcus' throat. But not yet. It was way too soon. And he was enjoying this too much to slip up in a moment of unbridled passion.

And what if...what if Baird was to taste him?

Without warning, he pulled out of Marcus, stepping back a few steps, gasping for breath and realizing that he had been holding it. The thought of Baird swallowing Marcus' cum nearly made him cover the other man's mouth with his special fluid. If he hadn't stopped, who knows what would have happened?

Cold eyes stared at Baird as he stared down at the beastly man. He looked pissed that Baird had unexpectedly taken away what he was so obviously enjoying, his eyes nearly slits and his lips were frowning heavily.

Marcus would just have to get over it. Besides, Baird had to do something that would ensure that Marcus wouldn't think he would always have the upper hand. Either way, if their relationship ever got out, both would look bad and not only one as he would have liked it to be. This is what Baird told himself while trying to push away the truth: that he really wanted to do what he was about to anyway.

Without a word, Baird kneeled between his legs, eyes still on Marcus. His breathing was ragged but under control. He watched Marcus' eyes slightly widened as he realized what Baird was going to do. The frown slowly fell away into a thin line.

He slowly untied the white towel to reveal the large pink beef in front of him, begging to be devoured. His mouth was wet with anticipation. He wanted it, needed to taste it, just to satisfy his inane curiosity. It was obvious that Marcus wanted him to as well since his cock jumped a bit while his eyes were refilling with lust.

First thing's first though.

"Take off the bandana." He said quietly, pushing his legs wider, eyes still on the large cock in front of him.

Marcus allowed him to, but grunted, "And how does that bother you?" Baird didn't know if Marcus was speaking of the bandana or his legs being opened as if Baird was about to enter him. He took his chances.

"I'm not going to blow the Sergeant that I really hate being around."

"You'd be blowing me anyway."

"You look less like a Locust when you have it off." It was a joke said with a slight jeer, but he knew it would get to him.

Of course it did. A mean snarl played on Marcus' lips as he slipped his bandana off, revealing the wave of black hair beneath it.

Hell yeah. That's what Baird wanted. That menacing look that told him that the guy was going to treat him roughly and who wasn't the bastard Sergeant. He wanted more.

"Yeah..." He sighed, slipping a hand between him to stroke himself. His eyes set on the huge head of cock before him as he slowly ran his hand along the shaft.

In seconds, it would be in his mouth...

He felt fingers go through his blond locks as his lips parted slowly. He didn't know what it was going to taste like, how it was going to feel, if he was going to like it—and if he didn't, he would damn sure stop.

He tried to control his breathing as he thought of allowing Marcus to enter him, still slowly beating him off. Closing his eyes, he tried to repress the disgusted feelings that were coming up within him. What was he doing? He was about to blow his Sergeant, the man that was praised more for doing exactly what Baird did: fight. If he broke away now, he could still hold that Marcus had blown him and he hadn't blown him...even if they were both men.

What good would that do? He thought. Since he's been fucking me.

A bit hesitant, he opened his mouth and allowed the cock to enter. His eyes fluttered closed as what he felt now only made him harder.

Marcus' hot and swollen cock rested on his tongue. He could feel it pulsing and growing harder in his mouth. It didn't have a particular taste to it as he closed his lips around it. Slowly swabbing the cock with his tongue, he realized that he tasted a bit of soap from the shower that Marcus had just taken. It should have disgusted him, but it only made him want more.

He gently moved his head up and down the cock, stroking it firmly as he did the same for himself. He was enjoying this...and he knew it was a bad thing. Marcus' pleasured sighs weren't helping as well. Nor were his gentle tugs on his hair as Baird tried to take more of him in.

"Don't get greedy." His voice was laden with bliss as he guided Baird's head on his cock.

Baird ignored him as he took in a bit more, careful not to hit his uvula. He'd never had a need to conquer his gag reflex until now. How Marcus seemed to already have done it made him wary.

He had to have performed fellatio before.

He picked up his pace, quickly sucking only half of the cock. He wouldn't be able to fit it all in him. In due time...

In due time! What the hell was he thinking? His thoughts were speeding through his head as he moaned while having his mouth full of Marcus. Was he expecting to be allowed to do this every time they met up?

It was damn good, that was for sure. And how Marcus blew him was better than any he'd ever had. But he couldn't risk it. His feelings would be too vulnerable and he'd be left wide open to hurt. He couldn't allow this to happen again.

Yet he should enjoy it as it was happening. And fuck was he.

He was loving the taste of the cock in his mouth. A jolt of electricity ran through him as he was running tongue across the head. Droplets of precum wet his tongue. It tasted bitter and a bit salty. Yet, he liked it.

Pulling the cock out of his mouth and continuing to stroke it, he began to caress Marcus' balls with his tongue. Sucking them in his mouth, flicking his tongue over them, he looked up at Marcus with entranced eyes.

The view was spectacular. Marcus hadn't shaved yet so the rough whiskers from his 5 o'clock shadow brought out his jaw. His blue dark eyes usually void of any emotion was full of desire. His shallow breaths told Baird that he was near the edge.

He had to stop. He was on the edge as well.

He let go of Marcus' cock as he slowly stood. Marcus stared him, questioning.

Baird didn't know what he was doing. He had no control of his body as he slowly pulled off his shirt and pulled down his pants. Marcus' eyes were traveling over his body all the while, his chest slightly rising as Baird sat himself on his lap.

The caveman caught on quickly as he laid down, allowing Baird to hover over him. He allowed his hands to timidly travel over his legs and up his belly to his hard pink nipples. Holding each with a forefinger and thumb, he began to gently pull on them. Baird gritted his teeth. He didn't want to give away too much too soon.

That was plenty of women's problem.

Resting himself on his forearms, he began to tenderly slide their cocks against each other. His face was inches above Marcus', who slid his hands to cup both cheeks of Baird's ass tightly.

They were both panting hard. Marcus' breaths were on his cheeks as Baird kept his eyes focused on the precum that the both of them were releasing on each other. He couldn't look at his Sergeant now. He'd cum if he did.

His fingers crept forward to find the soft black hair and held onto it as he quickened his pace. His hips were grinding against the older man's in ecstasy. Soft moans began to escape him without meaning to and he could have sworn that he heard Marcus doing the same.

He felt Marcus put his arm around his waist to bring him closer.

He felt their nipples rubbing furiously against each other.

He felt one of Marcus' hands close around both of their cocks and begin to pump them furiously.

He finally turned his eyes to the man below him and couldn't tear his eyes away. Marcus' shocking blue eyes were brimming with plenty of emotions, one being a heated passion. He had never seen him display those eyes at all and could feel himself slipping into his vulnerable state: his body flushed pink, his face revealing a state of euphoria.

The feelings that each wanted to express and the hidden secrets that both wanted to share was evident within their eyes. He tried to stop himself from feeling it, but it was like trying to deter a bull that already had it's eyes set on something: impossible.

He couldn't stop it. He couldn't stop himself from groaning in pleasure. He couldn't stop himself from feeling the swirl of emotions within him. He couldn't stop himself from pulsing like crazy in Marcus' hot palm.

Marcus cried out as Baird arched his back, cum bursting from them in heavy spurts. He was shaking as he continuous spilled himself over Marcus' hand, his fingers tightly holding his hair, both bodies convulsing as they tried to empty themselves. Baird then collapsed onto Marcus, making him to grunt with the added weight as Baird rested his forehead on the bed.

Heavy gasps were all that could be heard in the room as both men tried to regain their composure. Slowly, Baird relaxed his fingers and pulled them away from Marcus' hair.

Fuck. What was going to happen now? It wasn't supposed to be like this. This was what he was trying to avoid.

He could feel both of their hearts beating in sync as Marcus removed his hand from between them. Baird could now feel both cocks pressing together, sticky and wet, softening. He felt his hand go from his ass to rest on the small of his back.

He clenched his teeth together. He didn't want to look, but he had to. Baird would know how to act if he saw something on the other man's face. Slowly turning his head, his lips brushed against Marcus' and their blue eyes stared into each others.

Baird paled. No expression. There was nothing. His face was as calm and natural as his usual self. What could Baird do with that?

But his heart...his heart was hammering. Could it be just because it took a lot for the old man to get it up? Or did it betray what he was feeling?

Didn't frigging matter now since Baird had given himself-and his thoughts-away.

Baird rolled off of him to sit up. Marcus wiped the cum from his belly with the towel that was beneath him, handing it to Baird when he was finished without looking at him. Baird took the towel and wiped himself. They both then began to get dressed.

This was all done in silence...an awkward, embarrassing, long one.

Baird headed towards the door. He threw a look over his shoulder after his hand rested on the knob. He felt Marcus' body pressed against his and he saw the older man looking down at him. His heart started to beat faster as he felt his hand cover his on the knob. He didn't want him to stay, did he? Grimacing, he moved his hand from under Marcus' which allowed Marcus to do what he was going to do: turn the knob and open the door.

Baird fucking hated this. He didn't like feeling like something cheap and tossed out. Although he did the same with women, they knew what they were getting into when they got into his bed.

With Marcus, it was always a toss up. Baird had no frigging clue what to expect. They weren't even following the rules that both had agreed to. They were being casually dismissed although Baird needed them to be if he was going to make Marcus forget about Anya.

But Marcus, the stickler to the rules, happened to be easily going with the changes. Too easily. If it were anything else, he would either disagree and do what he thought was right or agree with hesitation.

He had done neither of those.

As Baird exited the room, he turned back to Marcus opening his mouth, about to say something. To try and relieve the tension. To make sure that what just happened was soon forgotten. To tell him that they're relationship wouldn't be affected in anyway. Yet, when his eyes fell on the man, he closed it.

There was nothing that he could say. Nothing that they could say. Their eyes connected once more, unspoken somethings filling the silence now: filling with everything they wanted to say.

Finally, Baird turned away and headed to his room, feeling sick. This wasn't happening. This couldn't be happening. He didn't mean for it to come to this. He only wanted Anya out of the picture, but he didn't want to make it terribly awkward for Marcus and him as well.

One thing was known though. He had succeeded in getting what he wanted.

Marcus was definitely no longer interested in Anya.

Whoa. They both just had a real passionate tryst and now things can be more awkward between the two of them. At least Baird had succeeded in getting Marcus to be interested more in him than Anya.

*The Admiralty House was the base for ALL of the COG command on Vectes.

*Prescott's data disc was stolen from Prescott by Colonel Victor Hoffman when they were on the island of Vectes (Coalition's End). Baird, being the superior mechanical engineer, was given the disc so that he could crack it but was unable to because there was another disc (the one that Richard Prescott gave Marcus before he died in Gears of War 3) that was the key to opening it.

*Baird, in the novel, slipped up by almost telling Anya about the disc. Granny (Bernadette Mataki/Bernie) warned him to keep his mouth shut. Everyone knew about it except Anya (she was finally let in on the secret). This is what Marcus was referring to when he meant "loose lips".

*"Blondie" is Bernie's nickname for Baird.

*Bernie used to skin and eat cats to keep alive before she rejoined the Gears after Emergence Day. So Baird's nickname for her was "Cat Lady".

I believe that these are the only unclear parts that people might wonder about in this chapter. I also believe there are mistakes made in it so feel free to point them out. And please review!