Blossom was indignant as they arrived at the stables. She snorted at Gavin the moment she saw him, doing a full circle in her stall and swishing her tail in reproach. He'd promised to take her walking again, then hadn't turned up for almost a week. Gavin chuckled sheepishly as he approached with his peace offering of two carrots and a chunk of turnip. She grudgingly accepted the first carrot, crunching loudly as she stared at him. He reached up and stroked her forehead, accepting the nose that butted his chest.
"I know-I know. I'm sorry I was gone so long, but it was for a good reason! We had some bad news a few days ago, so we haven't been feeling well." Nines felt bad as he watched Gavin slowly working himself back into Blossom's good graces. He was lying. Covering for him. It wasn't Gavin's fault at all. He was the one who'd been upset. Blossom shouldn't be mad at Gavin. He looked up as he felt a hand squeeze his shoulder. Joe had arrived.
"I'm terribly sorry for your loss, Nines…We heard from the house a few days back." Nines nodded his thanks and understanding, gritting his teeth as the pain swelled in his chest. Of course, word got around the house. How could it not? Two officers had visited and asked to see him. Someone may even have been listening at the door during the meeting. His mood, and the fact he and Gavin had locked themselves away for a few days, wouldn't have escaped notice either. He turned as he heard a low bay and a kick on the stall behind. "Looks like Goliath wants to see you…Smart creatures, horses. They can sense your mood." Nines forced a small smile as he approached Goliath.
"Did you think I forgot you?" Nines murmured as he tugged an apple from his pocket. He was surprised as Goliath didn't take it straight away. He huffed and bowed his head as if calling him closer. Nines hummed softly as he rested a hand against Goliath's nose. He almost stumbled as Goliath raised his head over his shoulder and bowed, tugging him closer to the stall. Nines reached up and stroked his long neck and mane. He felt a low neigh against his shoulder and another nudge. It was almost like he was being hugged. Nines leaned into the comfort, running his fingers through the glossy coat with thanks.
"Alright, you be good and eat your medicine, and I'll give you the turnip." Nines huffed and looked over his shoulder as Blossom scraped her hooves and neighed at Gavin. "Come on, just a couple more days! I'll even take you for a walk after." That seemed a better compromise. Nines returned to petting and feeding Goliath as Gavin fed Blossom her pill and carrot. It seemed she had a certain fondness for the turnip as well. She crunched it greedily as Gavin held it out, clearly thrilled to be allowed out as Joe clipped on her leading rein and harness. Her hooves scraped the ground impatiently as she shuffled from hoof to hoof.
It had been days since she'd been allowed out, and it was clear in her step as they walked. She was brimming with energy, tempted to quicken her pace. She would have trotted, only she seemed to know that Gavin wouldn't be able to keep up with that. As soon as she was unleashed and in the small paddock, she took off. Gavin had to call and remind her to be careful. She was eager as she trotted a circle around the fence, swishing her tail as she picked up her hooves. Gavin grinned. She was definitely on the mend. Those four days inside had probably done her the world of good, keeping her off her injured leg. Nines watched with a certain level of detachment. He was pleased to see her better, of course, but good feelings were scarce. His sullen gaze dropped as he felt Gavin take his hand.
"Feels good to be out, right?" Gavin was tentative as he spoke, wary of saying the wrong thing. Nines hummed softly. Was it good to be out? What did good feel like? It felt like he'd forgotten. The sun was scorching, heating his skin as they stood beneath it. The air was scented with the usual trees and summer flowers as it brushed his skin, just enough to cool him. Leaves rustled in the trees as the thud of Blossom's hooves filled the air. It was calm and peaceful. He felt bad that he was there to enjoy it. "You remember what I said this morning, right?" How could he forget?
"I know…" He knew it wasn't his fault. Sixty had done the right thing. How would Gavin feel, being here alone and getting news that all three of them were gone? It was better that he'd returned safely. But they deserved to be safe, too…Of the three of them, Connor had been least suited to life on the front. He was too soft, too gentle, for such horror. Nines looked across as he felt Gavin's hand tighten and accepted it as Gavin moved to hold him, nuzzling into his shoulder and closing his eyes. He breathed deeply. Gavin's warmth chased the numbness away somewhat. It made him feel safe. Content. Warm.
After they'd returned Blossom to her stall, they walked around the gardens for a while. Nines couldn't help but feel drained. This was the longest he'd been out since hearing the news. Luckily, people seemed to gauge his mood and gave them a wide berth. So far, only Joe had offered his condolences. He wasn't really close to anyone else. Perhaps Jeffery, but the older man was wise. He knew how much pain the loss had caused, and how little words meant just now. Gavin coaxed him into having a light lunch, which they took in the form of sandwiches and ate on the grass by some ailing flowerbeds. The spring flowers were fading now, ready to sleep through the autumn.
After lunch, Gavin checked in to see how he felt. He felt drained, but he wasn't ready to return to the gloom of their room. Their patch of grass was shaded by the surrounding trees, so Nines settled down where he was. Gavin joined him, lying at his side and staring up at the clear blue sky. It seemed unfair that the weather was so cheerful when he was so sad. He'd seen many men lose their lives, and knew the rest of the world kept turning, but now that it was his turn, now that he'd suffered such an unimaginable loss, he didn't understand it. Sixty and Connor were gone, but nothing had changed. People still laughed and had picnics. Birds still sang. The sun still shone. It seemed so unfair that no one else seemed to know or care.
"Remember that time I kicked Sixty in the nuts?" Nines couldn't help the snort of laughter that escaped at the memory. "I'm going to miss that." He snickered quietly. Of course, that was what Gavin would miss about Sixty. As he looked across, Nines could see Gavin was wearing a small smirk that was somehow tinged with sadness. It was the sort of look you might get when thinking of something lost to time. Lost…"I kind of wish I hadn't been so hard on Connor when we first met, but if I hadn't been such an ass, I probably wouldn't have met you…" Nines smiled at the memory.
"You were intolerable." He remembered walking in and seeing Connor sheepishly accepting the torrent of rage and abuse as Gavin cursed him for keeping him in. He'd insisted he was fine, calling Connor all sorts of names for not just signing the papers and letting him leave. "Connor has never been good at confrontation." Gavin didn't mention his little slipup. The fact he'd spoken in present tense, not past. Nines seemed peaceful as he thought of those early days. Connor meekly skirting around Gavin. Gavin and Sixty bickering and fighting, having to be pulled apart by Nines and Allen. Sitting in the dining tent with Connor for an early breakfast. Both of them jumping over the top to carry men back as Sixty cackled and fired his rifle overhead. Telling Sixty off for smoking when he was already sick.
"Phck, I'm sorry…I would have been there if…" Gavin nodded down towards his leg forlornly. "Maybe I would have been able to help hold the line a little longer…" Nines' eyes widened slightly at that. He'd never considered that Gavin might place blame on himself for this. Why would he? He'd been out of the fray for months. Perhaps that makes it worse…He may have felt he had more to make up for. Nines softened as he turned on his side, resting his right arm beneath his head.
"It will do no good to wonder…It's no more your fault than mine." In fact, he considered it even less Gavin's fault. Gavin nodded, sharing Nines' sadness as they remained quiet. The whole world seemed quiet. There were no distant rumbles. No yells. No gunfire. It was almost haunting. The peace of the mansion was a true contrast to the horror of the front. It was like waking up in a fairy tale after a nightmare. A nightmare I'll be returning to soon. His chest ached at the thought.
Where would he go after this? They'd fallen back. Where had they gone? Would he even be returned to the same group? How would it feel to be back there without his brothers? Would he know anybody? Would he be on a more dangerous front? I don't want to go back! Going back knowing his brothers were there was one thing, but now? He couldn't do it. Not without Sixty watching his back and Connor there to reassure him. The three of them had been a team. He and Connor had worked together flawlessly, both at the front and around the camp. He'd felt safe hopping over the parapet with Sixty watching over him. Who'd watch over him now? Who'd share the burden? Who'd help him?
"Hey! I'm here…I'm here…" He felt Gavin's hand on his cheek, fingers wiping the fearful tears away. He barely glanced around before leaning in to kiss his lips, gently calming him. How could he go back? He'd be leaving Gavin. What about his father? How could he do that to him? He'd lost two sons already. It wasn't fair to make him lose a third. He held his arm closer as he thought of the splint coming off soon. How long would it take him to fully recover once that was gone? Another three weeks? A month? Likely not long enough for the war to end. I'll be recalled soon…
Gavin coaxed him up after a while, insisting he'd feel better after a bath and massage. Nines didn't believe him for an instant, but Gavin seemed eager to try, so he dutifully went along with it. He had to admit; the bath was nice, especially as Gavin insisted on doing most of the work. He soaped his limbs and washed his hair, gently scrubbing and soothing his skin. After the bath, he was curious to find that Gavin remained naked. He tucked the towel around his waist and directed Nines to lie face down on the bed.
"Alright, where should I start?" Nines wasn't sure if it was a genuine question or not. Closing his eyes, he rested his forehead on his right arm, keeping the left up and away from his body. He heard the pop of the cork and the rubbing of Gavin's hands before one of his feet was lifted. He hummed as Gavin's hands caressed his skin. Thumbs pressed and worked the bottom of his foot. It felt nice, if a little painful. He caressed along his toes and up to his ankles before moving to give his other foot the same treatment.
His skin felt odd. Not exactly sticky, but not clean either. He could smell lavender as Gavin worked, stroking up and down his calves one by one. He pressed his thumbs in again, rubbing long strokes into the oiled flesh. Nines grunted as Gavin moved to his thighs and used his elbow to push into the tight muscles. A moan fled his lips as Gavin switched to his forearm, leaning on the firm flesh. Firm fingers stroked up and down, soothing his pale skin. The bottle tapped the table again and then Gavin's hands were on his bare ass, rubbing and caressing the mounds greedily before squeezing the plush flesh in his hands. Nines swore he even felt the oil rubbing between his cheeks. He squirmed a little as he felt his cock twitch against the duvet.
"I'm not hurting you, am I?" Gavin asked as he moved on to his back. Nines groaned as he felt Gavin's fists digging into his lower back, pressing and circling the tight muscles. He shook his head, biting his lip as he felt Gavin straddling his ass. His cock twitched again as Gavin's balls came to rest against him. He swore he could feel his cock, too. Gavin moved higher, settling down above the small of his back as he massaged his strong shoulders. Nines moaned into the sheets as he pressed and circled his shoulder blades, oiled hands gliding across his skin.
Nines started to feel tired and hazy as Gavin continued to soothe him. It felt so good. Gavin climbed off to massage his arms, delivering long strokes all the way to the fingertips of his right arm. He massaged his left upper arm and elbow, being careful to stay above the splint so he didn't get the inside slick. Gavin was gentle as he rubbed oil over the back of his neck and worked it in with gentle fingers, lingering at the base where it met his shoulders. Nines let out little moans of approval as he worked, biting his lip in bliss.
"Alright, turn over for me." Nines did as asked, a little bashful as Gavin noted the rising erection between his thighs. He didn't mention it out loud as he returned to the bottom of the bed to rub up and down his shins and press his thighs. Nines shuddered as Gavin stroked a teasing hand over his bobbing cock and move up to his shoulders, kneeling above his chest as he worked. Nines gazed up, almost dazed from all the soothing touches and the heady scent of lavender. His head felt a little foggy, but he was alert enough to notice the prod of Gavin's cock against his small towel.
Nines kept his left hand above his head and settled his right hand on Gavin's hip as he took a little more oil and greedily rubbed his hands over his pecs. Gavin smirked at the little shivers that ran through Nines' body as his nipples were tweaked and teased. Fingers lingered in small circles, almost reluctant to leave his pecs. He shuffled lower, rubbing and stroking his abs and teasing his navel until his skin was glowing. An almost indignant huff escaped him as Nines finally tugged his little towel free and tossed it.
"You have one more thing to oil, Gavin." Nines enjoyed the little quiver that ran up Gavin's spine at that. Gavin yelped a little as Nines rocked up to nudge him suggestively. He could hardly pretend this isn't what he'd been working up to. He'd slowly dragged himself down his body until his ass was almost grinding on his cock. What did he expect? Nines stroked his bare thigh, enjoying the feeling of light curls against his hand.
"You're getting lavender all over me!" Nines smirked. He'd certainly get lavender all over him if he didn't get to work. Gavin oiled his hand one last time before settling down on Nines' pelvis and gripping his solid cock. Nines moaned softly, closing his eyes and enjoying the feeling as Gavin's hand lavished him with gentle strokes. He moved to caress his balls, teasing the loose skin and oiling his perineum with teasing fingers. Nines squirmed and rocked, chuckling as Gavin almost lost his balance. "You think this is a rodeo?"
"Move closer," Nines murmured as he tugged his hip. Gavin clicked his tongue and did as he was told, but it wasn't quite enough. "I mean here." Nines have another firm tug until Gavin's pelvis was flush against his own, hands resting on his pecs for balance. He grabbed a handful of Gavin's plump flesh, pulling him forward until their cocks touched. They both let out small moans and sighs at the sensation. "More…" Gavin bit his lip at the demand and slowly rocked his hips, sliding his own cock against Nines' as he squirmed.
Nines held him as he rocked again, watching as Gavin arched his spine, pressing down and sliding forward as he rode him. The oil was slick between them, increasing the slip and slide of their skin. It was truly divine. Nines rocked up again, moaning softly as Gavin matched him. He watched as Gavin reached an oiled hand between them, guiding their slick shafts together to rub and caress. Gavin let out a surprised moan as Nines swatted his ass. He took the hint, nudging his hips and stroking their solid flesh. He moved faster at the next swat, riding the roll as Nines' hips rocked.
"Phck! Nines! Again!" Nines smirked as he swatted the plump flesh, feeling it warm beneath his hand. Gavin let out a shameless moan at the sting as he rocked and rubbed. His cheeks were flushed from the heat, skin still a little damp from the bath. Nines rocked again, enjoying the little mewl that fled Gavin's lips as their cocks rubbed. His hand moved faster, pumping them as he squirmed and bucked. Nines moaned as he felt his shaft throb and twitch. He grabbed their cocks as he felt himself coming, smirking as he pointed them upward to paint white smears across Gavin's flesh. Gavin was too close to chastise him. He licked a little white from his forearm as he bounced and rocked in Nines' hands. "N-Nines!" He stiffened and shuddered as he spilled, more white shooting up across his pecs. "Phck…" He panted as he looked down at himself.
"I wish I had a camera…" Nines teased softly as he ran his hand up and down Gavin's thigh.
"Ha-ha, very funny…" Gavin groaned stiffly as he climbed off, cursing quietly as he hopped his way to the bathroom. His good leg was a little shaky, so he leaned heavily on the wall as he made his way there to clean himself off. Nines stayed as he was, boneless and sated on the sheets. He was still a blissed out bundle of pleasure when Gavin returned. He huffed affectionately as he reached down to clean him off a little. "Did I do good? It was my first massage." Nines hummed as he reached for him, eagerly pulling him down.
"You did, thank you." He kissed him slowly, enjoying the lazy little kisses Gavin pressed against his lips. Gavin paused as he drew back. He was hesitant to ask if he felt better. It wasn't like a massage was going to chase away all the bad shit that had happened, but maybe it helped a little? "I feel very spoiled." Gavin huffed as he stretched out alongside him with a tired groan. He didn't care that they were upside down on the wrong side of the bed, or that there were no pillows. It seemed Nines didn't either, as he turned on his side and nuzzled closer.
"You deserve all the nice things."