A/N: I'm so sorry for the long delay. After publishing the previous chapter, I started college (and I just finished my first year!). I also suffered from lack of motivation and laziness. To compensate, I've thrown in a NSFW scene at the end of the chapter (which you can skip if you want but the ending is a little important). Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own anything from Dying Light. In-game dialogue is surrounded by double quotes.
Three explosions resounded through the city that night, tainting the air once again with the sting of molotov cocktails and spilled gasoline. Each explosion made the structure of the tower shake as Rahim stumbled down the stairs. He lurched with every step on the wounded leg, the bite agitated as a reminder for much needed rest. Voices wafted up the stairs from headquarters, the voices not ceasing their volume even as Rahim thew the doors open.
"No, that's out of the question, Jade!"
"Crane will have volatiles on him any second now! He needs all the help he can get!"
"What about the scouts?" Lena pitched in.
"No, the scouts are too ill equipped to face Rais's men. We need our people here protecting the tower, especially now."
By now, gunshots began to ring from the safehouse- the hairs on Rahim's neck stood. When did Rais's men get guns? It appeared that everyone else had the same question, worried glances swapping between them.
His heart pounded harshly in his chest, his wound pulsing in time.
"He doesn't have a gun" he whispered to himself, but his words reached the ears of the group with the sudden silence slicing the air. No gunshots, no screams. His stomach dropped, weighed down by the dread and the beer.
It was almost as though the whole room held their breath until Brecken frantically reached for his radio, nearly knocking it off of the table in the process.
"Crane? Crane do you copy?"
…
"Crane, do you copy!" Brecken shouted.
…
Rahim's hands shook at his sides as he grit his teeth. He wanted to throw up. His eyes started to burn and chest started to constrict with uneven breaths. Did they just lose him that quickly?
The sudden clacking and shuffling coming from the other end of the radio made everyone visibly jump.
"I.. I'm here, Brecken" Crane responded, breathless.
The sudden rush of air that Rahim hadn't realized he'd been holding made him stumble and Lena gave him a worried glance.
"'Rais's men kidnapped Zere. His trailer is on fire..'" Crane panted.
Brecken squeezed his eyes shut before running a hand roughly over his features. "'You see what happens when you fuck with Rais?! You should never have hit that school!'"
Rahim could almost see Crane's face right now, the way his brow pinches and his posture slackens when he knows he's in the wrong. "Any idea where they could have gone?" Crane asked.
"'Some of our people spotted a big knot of bandits heading back to Rais's garrison. That's got to be where they took Zere'" Brecken sighed. "'You go there and you find him and you bring him back alive. You hear me?'"
At this, Jade and Rahim gave Brecken an incredulous look- who then gave another sigh.
"'Crane- look, I know i've been hard on you. But after what happened to Rahim and now Dr. Zere… you have to understand.'"
"'Brecken, there's no apologies necessary. And don't worry, I'll bring Zere back in one piece.' I did it with Rahim, I can do it again" Crane said with a final yet determined tone.
The mention of his name made Rahim's stomach flutter in a strange way. It had to be guilt. He'd have to apologize to Crane when he saw him again.
"Just be careful, okay?" Brecken said, then gave Rahim a mischievous look. "You still have a stupid kid here waiting to go on a run" he chuckled. Rahim's stomach really fluttered then. Maybe it wasn't the guilt, it could have been the beer. That sounded right.
"I'll be careful, I promise."
With that, Brecken set the radio on the table softly and slumped into his chair. Seeing Brecken go slack reminded Rahim of the steady pulsing from his leg- he gripped the hem of his shirt in response.
"I think it's time for you to go lie down, Rahim" Lena said as she made her way over to him. "I need to clean that wound anyway."
Despite the hiss of air between his teeth, Rahim nodded in response. Jade and Brecken watched him warily as he limped out of the room with Lena close behind.
"Do you think Crane can handle Rais's men by himself?" Jade asked softly once the two left.
"Crane.. Is one of the most able-bodied men I have ever met. If he was smart enough to pick up a gun and ammunition after the safe zone attack, which I'm sure he did, he'll be just fine."
"I hope so.. Look, Brecken.. " she trailed off. Brecken gave her a questioning look.
"Zere gave me his research. I visited him while Crane searched for Rahim, before I met you in the lobby.. I guess he had finished prepping the sample, but he couldn't reach Crane. He gave it to me instead.."
Brecken's eyebrows rose as he leaned against the table, crossing his arms.
"I'm not sure if Zere knew that Rais's men would come for him, but I have to get the research to Camden.."
"Jade…"
"We have humanity in our hands, Brecken! This isn't something we can just wait on!"
Brecken uncrossed his arms and stepped away from the table. "Alright, look, like I said before- we need all of our hands here at the tower. We are in a very vulnerable position, especially after today's events. Once Crane returns, we'll take it from there."
A few beats of silence passed between them before Jade deflated, a soft sigh leaving her lips. "Alright."
Brecken nodded in acknowledgement before making his way to his bedroom. Now alone, Jade peered out the doors leading to the balcony, brows furrowed.
In the sickbay, Rahim stared at the bunk above him. The fingers of one hand busied themselves with a loose string on his pants while the other hand clenched his radio. It wouldn't be a good time to call Crane, he knew that much. Crane could already be inside Rais's garrison and he didn't want to blow his cover. Or worse, he could be running down the street and the sound of his radio could alert a volatile. Rahim clenched the radio tighter at the thought.
He'd call him some time tomorrow if he ever got to sleep.
The next morning was relatively quiet, but a nervous energy radiated from the tower's inhabitants- who could blame them?
As far as Rahim knew, there was no word from Crane since he infiltrated the garrison. He had contacted Brecken sometime that morning while Rahim slept- Lena had come with the news while changing his bandages. Speaking of such, he didn't have to sleep in the sickbay anymore as long as he let his leg rest.
It was now late afternoon, nearly early evening, and Rahim had to squash the need to call Crane. They had to wait for him to call them first now that he was inside the garrison.
Rahim could only busy himself with his usual activities so much. He had already messed with the radio in the headquarters and sat on the rooftop, but waiting around was making him antsy. Normally the view of the slums below and cities beyond would be enough to satisfy him, but now that the demolished volatile nest joined the skyline, he felt guilty rather than relaxed. He seldom walked to the other side of the rooftop, but he figured it was time to pay it a visit for a change of scenery.
A soft breeze had started up as Rahim left his usual spot, the various plastic canopies lining the walls fluttering above his head. There was a another fluttering in the distance, like the way the trees sound when the wind rustles the leaves. Various rainwater-filled buckets were squeezed in among empty pots and half-filled bags of dirt as he approached.
It was all starting to make sense now and Rahim couldn't help the small grin that tugged at his lips. Where else would they be getting their small supply of fresh produce?
From his position, Rahim could see all that the makeshift rooftop garden offered: raised garden beds, water drums, garden tools, and Khaliq's sweaty back. He was hunched over the middle garden bed, hands buried in the dirt in preparation for a new crop. One dirty hand came out and up to wipe his grimy brow.
"Hey Khaliq!"
Khaliq nearly dropped the tool in his hand at the sound of Rahim's voice. His joints groaned and popped as he stood to look at Rahim- there was a forced swagger in his step.
"Rahim. You nearly scared the shit out of me!" he sighed, wiping his hands on his jeans. "Do you need something?"
"No no, just looking.."
Khaliq hummed in response. "Well.. since you're here, do you think you can help me with something? While I prep these plants, can you move those water barrels under the canopy?" he asked as he pointed to two barrels filled to the brim.
Rahim nodded. That couldn't be too hard, could it?
He grasped the first barrel by the lip, whose plastic was covered in some sticky film. He didn't want to know what that must have been from and grimaced at the thought.
He quickly got to work while Khaliq hunched over the garden bed once again, deciding to pull the drum rather than push it over the rough cement. Each tug made his leg pulse dully and the combination of weight and resistance didn't help. By the time he got the thing under the canopy, his leg was at a steady throb.
"Hey, you alright over there? You look like you've just sucked on a lemon" Khaliq said as he made his way over to Rahim, wiping his hands on his jeans once again. "If you needed help, you should have said something."
Rahim grunted. "I'm fine, I can do it myself."
Khaliq watched as Rahim limped to the second barrel, arms crossed.
With shuddering breaths, Rahim gripped the lip of the second barrel and braced himself before giving it a harsh tug. The water inside sloshed dangerously and Rahim shifted his weight to his good leg.
"No no, you're going to spill it" Khaliq said, taking a place on the other side of the barrel. "We're going to lift this on three. Think you can handle it?"
Rahim gave a wary nod.
"Alright. One, Two.. Three!" Khaliq grunted as they lifted the barrel off the ground. Rahim could feel Khaliq taking the majority of the weight as they hoisted it under the canopy and he couldn't help but feel grateful. They dropped the barrel next to the first one.
After taking a moment to breath and wipe his hands for a third time, Khaliq asked "So, are you up for more work? I could really use some more hands around here."
Rahim nodded. "I should be fine, I can do more."
"Sounds good, let me know if you need to take a break."
With that being said, Khaliq armed Rahim with various garden tools and set him to work.
At least the late afternoon sun wasn't too intense, Khaliq had him evening out the garden beds, sweeping the floor, removing weeds, repairing the fence, and digging holes for seeds. In the meantime, Khaliq tended to the actual plats, doing something called "propagation" and "pruning." Rahim watched him make the cuttings from the corner of his eye, but Khaliq caught on and eagerly shoved his shears into Rahim's wary hands. By the time the garden was tidied up, Rahim's pants were just as dirty as Khaliq's.
"You did a good job today" Khaliq said as the two put away the tools.
"Oh, uh thanks- it was no problem."
Khaliq hummed. "Tell you what-" he fished a few folded dollars out of his pocket "you come up here every week and I'll pay you. Deal?"
Well, Rahim figured he didn't have anything better else to do so he took the offer and the money. "You've.. Done a good job. With the garden, I mean."
Khaliq smiled and fidgeted in place, wiping his hands again and Rahim wondered if that was just cause he was nervous.
"Thank you, well, this wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for Crane. He's done a lot for me, for the Tower" he said fondly.
Yeah… he has… Rahim thought; a wave of heat creeping up his neck. Rahim simply nodded in agreement then they each said their goodbyes. Rahim left feeling rather accomplished but grimy as hell. It was time for a change of pants and new gauze.
The air around the tower seemed almost peaceful as Rahim made his way to his room. He hadn't seen Jade yet, which meant that she was probably hanging around HQ- especially with everything going on with Crane. He'd probably stop by later if he got the chance.
Jade wasn't in their shared bedroom either, so there was a chance that he would probably see her at night. He was thankful that he only shared a room with her- that was the benefit to having a small one. At least it gave him the privacy to change his pants and gauze without having to worry about two other roommates.
With his feet now dangling over the edge of his bed, he questioned what he would do now. All that work with Khaliq left him eager to do more (which was strange in his opinion), so the clothes that was littering their room like usual was starting to bother him. Most of it was dirty, so he threw it in the hamper. Any clean clothes was then "folded" and stored, but now the beds were starting to annoy him. What the hell was wrong with him?
But hey, at least the room was cleaner than usual, the hamper was now overflowing and the bed somewhat neat. Jade would be proud. Of course, he wouldn't go out of his way to point out his job well done- anyone could clean a room. Since he was already up and about, he figured he'd might as well do the laundry. Usually Jade would take care of it, sometimes scold him if most of the clothes inside was his. He's sure she'll appreciate this.
At least the basket wasn't too heavy and the walk to the laundry room wasn't too far. He'd die if he had to lug something as heavy as those barrels. Just before entering the laundry room, Rahim dared a peek out the window at the far end of the hall. It was late evening now; it was surprising how quickly night was approaching. Rahim entered the room with a sigh and set his hamper on one of the machines.
The lighting in the room would blind anyone, whoever had the idea to use an industrial light in such as small space was an idiot (probably Alfie); especially with the reflective tiles. Rahim's eyes watered so suddenly that he almost didn't see the figure sitting in the stool next to the machines. He hastily rubbed his eyes with his sleeve and...
It was her!
Well.. He didn't know her name. He hadn't even talked to her before. He's only ever seen her around the tower and in passing glances.
The lighting in the room was doing something to her hair, framing it in a halo. The skirt she wore was a little too short for the stool she sat on and Rahim felt his face going warm, eyes darting to her face. Her eyes rose to meet his, brown eyes turning to a blazing gold, and that's when Rahim realized he'd been staring. She gave him a heavy glare and he tore his eyes away, nearly spilling his clothes in his haste to get the hamper off the machine.
Anyone can do laundry he thought as he chucked the clothing into the machine. He stared at the dials for a moment before choosing some random setting- heavy duty or something. Alright, time for soap!
He threw open the little drawer on the machine, grabbed the nearest bottle, and poured (more like sloshed) the liquid inside.
"That's not detergent."
"Huh?" he said dumbly, really sloshing the liquid then and spilling some on his clean pants.
"That's fabric softener" she said, a smile creeping onto her face. "It doesn't go in that slot."
"Oh shit shit.." he grumbled. "Uh.."
She stood with a huff, her skirt wisping round her thighs, and grabbed a small dirty towel from the floor. Rahim's face burned as she strode over to him and shoved the fabric into the slot, allowing the softener to soak in. Rahim was a little surprised about the lack of flutters in his stomach from her proximity. Once the softener was soaked in, thanks to some prodding from her fingers, she slipped it to the floor and grabbed the bottle from his hands. They were cold- no blooming warmth, just a hand with a firm grip. She poured both liquids into their respective slots while Rahim watched.
"Uh… How will I know when the clothes is done?"
After closing the bottles and returning them to their usual spots, she said "For a load this size, probably forty-five minutes. You're welcome to come back to learn how to put them in the dryer" she said with a sneer, but there was no malice in her voice.
Rahim nodded numbly. He'd had enough learning for one day. Night had fallen, and all he wanted was a shower and some sleep.
Soft thighs were wrapped around his hips, ankles digging into his lower back. Where their hips touched was such a hot point of contact that his thighs trembled. His fingers bunched up the fabric on their slender waist and he rolled his hips in a sinuous wave.
Rahim groaned into his forearm, hips stuttering where he gripped his cock in a tight fist.
Moments like these were rare and hot water was a precious luxury, but he couldn't bring himself to care. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been so hard.
He imagined their head thrown back against the sheets, warm hands gripping his shoulders. He couldn't even feel the water beating on his back as he allowed his imagination to run rampant.
They rolled him onto his back then and his body shuddered. His hips bucked up to meet their heat and a soft moan slipped from his lips. A hot mouth attacked his throat and jaw- all tongue, teeth, and harsh suction.
Rahim couldn't stop the sloppy thrusts into his fist at that. He was so close. His eyes were screwed shut and his breath came out in ragged pants.
Not yet not yet..
Those warm hands crept from his shoulders, down the planes of his chest, and straight to his hips. Their hands were gentle on him and Rahim almost almost whimpered.
They were all warm skin, soft brown hair, and soft brown eyes.
But it wasn't her.
The shift was so sudden- It was someone of heavier build, someone who could easily pin him beneath their weight and that wasn't quite right at all. He imagined them pinning him by the thrusts of their hips and Rahim growled into the skin of his forearm. There was a name on his tongue and he muffled his mewls by biting his skin. His thrusts became frantic, panicky.
They were all toned muscle, lean hips.. And god that damn smile. All it took was for Rahim to imagine their stubble scraping his throat and he was over the edge.
"Oh f-fuck.. Crane!" he choked, a hot wave of shame and bliss creeping up his neck. His legs shook from the effort of keeping himself upright.
This can't be happening.
I don't like men. I don't like men. I don't-..
Oh no.
The shower now ran cold but he allowed the water to wash over him as he trembled.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed! Let me know how I'm doing, leave some comments!