From one problem to another
"What?!" Nin shouted into her phone. "You can't possibly think we had anything to do with this!"
Nin panicked, walking frantically around in the family room. Apparently, Niran somehow broke out of Vishkar and took out a bunch of their men! How in the world did that happen?! It was Niran! He wasn't capable of hurting a fly! At first, she thought it was a joke, but then they demanded he be found, or they were next! What were they supposed to do? They'd already spent the money on their debt, and they did everything on their part! It wasn't their fault Niran got out; wouldn't that be more on them?
Yet, they were still paying the price.
The unknown voice on the other end of the line told her they had two weeks to find him before hanging up and leaving her a frazzled mess. "What am I going to do~?!" Nin fell onto the couch with her head in her hands.
"I find it hard to believe that Niran killed some people," Mother said, shaking her head. What a mess. Why could things never go smoothly in her life? "But whatever the case may be, what's done is done."
"Do you think they're lying?" Nin asked. "Do you think we should run away? You know what those people are capable of!"
"Nin, don't become dramatic like your brother. We'll be fine." Mother was calm. Her daughter seemed to be missing something, and she wanted to see how long it would take for her to notice.
"How can you say that?!" Nin was nearly pulling her hair out. How did this become such a mess?! "There's no way that guy went to save him, right?"
"I paid good money for that background check," Mother said. "He may possess the skills to handle a few men, but not the entirety of Vishkar. And that is why we paid his old colleague to visit him at his hotel."
"Which he did!" Nin got up and paced back and forth. "You don't think he helped him, do you?"
"Remember, I ran an extensive background check on him, too. He has zero ties with Vishkar, so it's highly unlikely." Mother thought rationally. "Even so, I'm sure they have a hidden compound where they keep their prisoners. How likely would it be that our little distraction knows exactly where it is and how to get in?"
"You're right," Nin said with a sigh as she plopped back down. "How did he escape? That's the question of the day!"
"It is indeed a wonder," Mother rang the bell on the table next to her and a house employee was at her side in a few seconds. "Bring it."
"Yes, ma'am," the woman bowed slightly and scurried off.
"Maybe he went back home," Nin thought aloud. "I mean, he left all his research at home, so he had to go back there to gather it all up, right?"
There it was. Mother knew she'd get there with time. "It is a large possibility."
The more Nin thought about it, the more curious she got. If Niran did miraculously escape, did Baptiste find out? Did they find a way to meet up? If so… would that guy be around? Ah! This was getting so juicy, it sucked she wasn't there to spectate!
"Here," Mother handed her the cell phone that was just brought to her. "You know he keeps it unlocked."
"Right!" Nin snatched the phone with excitement, remembering she sent that text from his phone that day. "I can go through his phone and figure out exactly where he lives! And then Vishkar will leave us alone!" Even if it wasn't physically written somewhere in there, she could check his past locations and go from there.
Piece of cake.
It'd been almost a week since Baptiste kicked him off the plane, and Vishkar had been in a huge uproar ever since. So much so that Mauga stepped away from the madness for a while. He only did freelance work for them, sometimes a little bit of security work, so he was free to come and go as he pleased.
A few days ago, they contacted him to ask for help hunting down the scientist, to which he respectfully declined. He wasn't around to chase people down… unless their name was Jean-Baptiste. He had his own way of doing things.
It was sickening how those two acted with each other. How clingy that pretty boy was, he didn't understand how Baptiste tolerated it! He remembered when they were together, he was super into having his personal space. A lot of the time, they were only intimate after a tough mission and even then, he was standoffish afterward.
"What's so damn special about that guy?" Seriously, why didn't he get to see that side of him? How different would their relationship have been if Baptiste was that nice to him? The question only irritated him; why did he abandon Talon? He didn't even give them time to get comfortable with each other! Now that he had given it some thought, it almost felt purely… physical.
Was that all he was to him? Just someone to fuck after a mission? He used to get so riled up from all that adrenaline, there was no way that scientist was enough for him. It was obvious Baptiste was topping him, which was very interesting considering he was a feisty bottom back when they fooled around. No way he was satisfied.
Aside from that, it would be a lie if he said he wasn't interested in that guy… Niran, right? He was a little skinnier than he preferred, but he was tall and good-looking. And as luck would have it, he'd be seeing a lot more of that pretty face of his…
He stopped walking when he got to his destination and looked at his watch, hoping it wasn't too early in the day. He walked up the steps and knocked on the door a few times. He waited a while before he heard the lock clicking from the other side and was happy with who answered the door. "Told ya I wasn't going anywhere!"
"Mauga?!" Bap gasped, lowering his voice to a whisper. "What the hell are you doing here?!"
"I missed you," Mauga shrugged. He checked him out, he looked like he just rolled out of bed and his robe was inside out like he threw it on in a hurry. "Hope I didn't wake you. I know you like to sleep in."
Bap grit his teeth and stepped onto the porch, closing the door behind him. Why this asshole? Why now, of all times?! "You have ten seconds to tell me what you're here for before things get messy."
Earlier that morning
Niran lie on his side, staring at a sleeping Bap fondly. He was surprised he was awake since he was up so late, but it was nice getting to watch him sleep so peacefully. They didn't consider themselves morning people by a long shot, so he'd likely be asleep for a little while longer.
Niran spent the past week in his lab showing Bap how he tested his samples. He was such an eager learner, and he picked up on things quickly. But Niran couldn't help but wonder if he was trying to bury his emotions. He pouted, letting his fingers trace the dips and curves of his chest. Bap spent all of his time worrying about him and his well-being, he disregarded his own!
It was nice though, being the center of attention! Niran wouldn't admit it out loud, but he loved it when Bap put him on a pedestal. It sort of made him feel like a trophy wife! He was taking such good care of him, he wanted to make it up to him.
Which brought him to his next thought. It'd been about a week since… the incident, and he was all better now! Well, physically, anyway. The nights were still rough, but his body was in perfect condition! With that being said, Bap still wouldn't touch him! He knew he was just being careful, but Niran wanted nothing more than to be with him. Sure, he'd hold him and stuff, but it wasn't enough. Was he weird for wanting more? Could he even explain that to him?
"Mmm," Bap stirred in his sleep. "Bua…"
"I'm sorry if I woke you," Niran leaned in and kissed his chest. "Sleeping well?"
"Relatively," Bap gave a sleepy smile as his lotus felt him up. "You're up early, amour."
"Just for a little bit," Niran kissed him, hoping he would get the hint instead of avoiding it like he had been.
Bap knew what he was doing, and as much as he wanted to… he was worried it was too soon! He still refused to talk about what happened, so how was he supposed to know if he was really okay? What if he was just trying to bury those harsh memories? Was that the right way to do it? But damnit, he couldn't keep his body from reacting as Niran rubbed against him. "Mon cher," he hummed between kisses. "Wait…"
"Dàalíng," Niran whined. He wasn't made of glass! Why wouldn't he just trust that he wanted this? "Can we just… please?"
Ah, he was going to make him bring it up, wasn't he? He was trying to respect his silent wishes to not talk about it, but he was making it hard to do so! "I worry, Bua."
"But I'm all better now!" Niran huffed, climbing on top of him. "I promise."
"Are you?" Bap admired the work of art that was currently straddling him, letting his hands wander his body. He knew he was feeling better physically, but he wasn't so sure about his mental state.
Niran knew the depth of his question and paused for a while. He still hadn't gotten up the courage to talk to him about exactly what happened, but he knew it would come up eventually. "Bap, I…" he sighed. "I love you, and that's why I… that's why I want this. I miss this, I need this."
Bap groaned, showing great willpower when he leaned down and started kissing his neck. "Cheri…"
"I mean it," Niran mumbled into warm skin. He couldn't look him in the eye while he talked about it! Could he even find the right words to explain it? "I feel like… if you… you know," why was he so nervous?! "It would kind of override… what happened…" He hoped what he said made sense! He couldn't convey it as clearly as he wanted to, but Bap was smart! He'd get it, right?
Oh. Well, when his lotus put it that way…! He understood exactly what he meant, and he knew exactly what he needed. He felt a lot better now that he opened up to him, even if it was just a little bit. He was finally letting those walls down. And how cute was he, acting all shy when he couldn't even keep his hips still as he straddled him! He sat up, now in a sitting position so he could hold him properly. "Look at me, Bua."
"I can't!" Niran clung to him, hiding his face in the crook of his neck. He felt so awkward telling him that, and he didn't know why!
"But I want to see you, mon cher," Bap loved it when he held onto him like this. He probably felt like he was being clingy, but he welcomed it. He loved being needed.
When Bap started kissing that space under his ear, he quickly turned to putty. Draping his arms loosely around his ebony knight, he leaned his forehead against his and looked at him with sad eyes.
Bap cupped his face and kissed him tenderly. "Is that what you want, hmm?" Lips trailed along his jaw as he nodded timidly. "Okay. I'll be sure to replace those terrible memories with new ones."
"Promise?" Niran typically hated this side of himself, but Bap was the only one he could be a baby with! He put on a perfect face all the time when he was in public, and it was exhausting!
"I'll override everything that kochon did to you, cher," Bap let his hands fall to his waist and nuzzled his neck, he always smelled so damn good. "I'll reclaim what's mine and make you forget everything, ki jan sa fè son?"
"That sounds amazing, dàalíng," Niran shivered when large hands fondled his backside and he held on tight, grinding against the stiffness beneath him.
"Someone's eager," Bap hummed, probing him with a few fingers. He could tell he wanted it with how hard he was against him, and it'd be a lie if he said he hadn't been craving him, too. "Tell me how you want me," he muttered into his ear.
"I don't care, I just want to see your face," Niran replied earnestly. "I have to see your handsome face."
"Then stay like this," Bap was uncomfortably hard and ready to relieve that pressure. All week, he'd wanted to be one with his lotus, but he had to behave himself! Now, his good behavior was paying off. "I missed you, Bua."
"Oh, Bap," Niran was left breathless by his ministrations, already coming undone with just his fingers. "Dàalíng, I've missed you, too! Can't I just stay in your arms forever?"
"That can be arranged," he reached over and dug around the drawer of his nightstand for their favorite lube. It's been a little longer than usual, so he wanted to make sure he was comfortable. "Ready?" He asked, slicking himself down.
Niran's mouth watered at the sight of him slick and hard and he knew this was exactly what he needed. He connected his lips to Bap's and let him guide him slowly. "Khuṇ ǹā thụ̀ng māk, dàalíng," he praised him and his ability to transport him to another world.
Bap handled him carefully, making sure he was completely relaxed as he slid him up and down. He was so tight and he felt so good, but he had to hold himself back for now. "Mm, Bua," he kissed his shoulder, holding him down and pushing into him as deep as he could. "Mwen renmenw anpil."
"Don't hold back," Niran knew he was taking it easy on him, and what he really needed was for him to take him. He whined, planting kisses all over his face. "Please…"
Bap looked up at his lotus, how could he deny such a request from a beautiful soul? "You sure?" He stirred, hands and lips all over caramel skin. "I don't want to hurt you, amour."
"Oh, come on," Niran grinned, pushing him down so he was lying on his back. "You know I can take it." He dragged his tongue along the definition of his chest, showing appreciation to the muscles under him. He'd swear he tasted like actual chocolate; he was just that in love!
Bap would never admit it out loud, but his chest was a little sensitive, and he suspected Niran knew this with how much attention he paid to it! But who was he to complain? He gripped tight cheeks and thrust his hips up, driving into him and sucking on his neck. "Bondye, Bua!"
Niran moaned loudly and held on tight while he bounced. Goodness, he always knew the right spot to hit. "Ah…! Bap~! I'm gonna…!" He sat up and threw his head back, digging his nails into his chest as he came all over Bap's stomach.
"Mmm," Bap loved the faces his lotus made when he was in the throes of ecstasy. He bit his lip and stared up at him as he worked him through his high, roaming hands leaving no part of him untouched.
Niran panted, catching his breath after a much-needed orgasm, and before he knew it, he was flipped onto his back with a very sexy Bap still hard and towering over him. He reached up and pulled his face in for a kiss. "This is exactly what I needed, dàalíng."
"Good thing I'm not done with you yet," Bap wrapped his arms around a svelte body and sank into him nonstop. He was lost in the Thai beauty he had in the palm of his hand and wanted this to last forever. "Bua… I love you, Bua."
Niran clung to him as Bap completely took over his entire being. Yes, he knew this was what he needed to be in better spirits.
"I just want to be close to you," Bap mumbled into his ear, grazing that spot of his. It was his turn to be needy… or was it greed? Either way, he wanted to be the only thing on Niran's mind without room to think of anything else. "You're all mine." He slowed his pace, humming deeply just how he knew he liked it.
Niran was certain he was leaving scratches all over his back, but he couldn't help it! It felt so good, he knew he was going to get there again. "Oh, Bap!" He clamped his legs around him while he fought for the air Bap was stealing from his lungs.
"Tell me you love me," Bap wasn't sure where that came from, but he surprised himself. He wasn't feeling insecure, or anything… perhaps he just wanted to hear him say it.
Niran stared into his eyes, seeing a vulnerability that wasn't there before. He'd reassure him until he was blue in the face. "I love you, dàalíng. So very much."
"I know," their lips met again; it was never enough. "But I love you more." He sat up, now on his knees with long, pretty legs on his shoulders. Kissing his ankle, he pushed in and watched himself disappear over and over again. He was mesmerized.
Niran pouted, he didn't want to be apart from him! He reached up and Bap quickly got the hint, cracking a cocky smirk and going back down to him. "Don't leave me," he whined.
"Never, mon amour," Bap only sat up because he knew he wouldn't last much longer as long as they were hugged up like this. His body just sucked him in like a vacuum! He adjusted a tiny bit so he was hitting his sweet spot again; his end goal was to cum together.
Niran gasped, the sudden wave of pleasure unexpected. At this rate, he was going to get there in no time! "Oh~ yes! Bap!" He shuddered, Bap's breath hot on his neck. He was close.
"Bua…" Bap ran his fingers through his hair, giving deep-seated thrusts. "Ou se limyè lavi mwen." He knew his lotus was a sucker for sweet words, and it was just what would send him over the edge again. "Now let it all out."
Niran jolted, experiencing another mind-shattering orgasm in the arms of his lover. And Bap was right there with him, groaning and relieving himself of that pressure. "You're so handsome," he said, rubbing his neck and back soothingly.
"You always say that after we finish," Bap lie on his chest, basking in the post-coital energy. He was right. That was what they needed.
"Because it's true." Niran's mood improved drastically. He finally had the motivation to get up and do something instead of tinkering with his biolight all day.
Bap slid out of him and rolled onto his back. "You're the true star of the show." Niran captivated everyone with his presence, there was no way Bap thought he was on his caliber. "You're so out of my league, it's not even funny."
"Dàalíng!" Niran swatted at him. "What did I say about saying things like that! You are the most dashing man I have ever met! Please don't look down on yourself."
"You're right," Bap took his hand and kissed it. "Sorry." At that moment, someone knocked on the door, startling them both. "Are you expecting someone?"
"Oh! My package!" Niran remembered he ordered some new equipment for his lab a few days ago. He was impressed with how fast it got there! "Sign for me?"
"Yeah," Bap got up and looked around for his robe, annoyed that it wasn't immediately available. He eventually found it under the blankets they'd kicked off the bed and threw it on in a hurry, not noticing or even caring that it was inside out. "Be right back, cher."
He hurried down the hall and to the front door, his mood instantly souring as soon as he opened it. There was no way this big asshole was showing up at his house! And what was with this timing?!
"Told ya I wasn't going anywhere!"
"Mauga?!" Bap turned around to make sure Niran wasn't nearby and lowered his voice. "What the hell are you doing here?!"
"I missed you," Mauga cocked his head to the side and looked him up and down. "Hope I didn't wake you. I know you like to sleep in."
This was absurd! Bap stepped onto the porch and closed the door, crossing his arms. "You have ten seconds to tell me what you're here for before things get messy."
"Malolo, pele," Mauga smirked. "I'm here to talk."
"I have nothing to say to you. Get the hell off my property." Bap turned around and saw a box on the porch next to the door. That was convenient. He went to pick it up when a hand caught his arm.
"Wait," Mauga knew he was playing with fire, but he had a good reason to be there! "We really need to talk."
Bap knew he wouldn't find him just to waste his time coming up with a lie that small, so he knew something was going on. Was it Vishkar? He sighed. How was he going to tell Niran about this? He didn't want to ruin the great mood he just got him in! "We can't talk here."
"Why?" Mauga snorted. He knew why. And he had a hunch they'd just finished getting dirty! "Your needy boyfriend home?"
Bap shot him a glare, he really wanted to punch him in the face. "Watch your mouth."
"Alright, alright," Mauga held his hands up in defeat. "I'll play along. Just meet me at the closest bar east of here."
"When." Bap picked up the box, he just wanted this conversation to be over! Now he had to find a way to get out of the house!
"Just get there when you can. I'll be in the area," Mauga winked at him. "Just try to come soon."
"Fine. Leave." Bap needed to get back inside before Niran got curious and found his way out there.
Mauga laughed. He knew he was being all secretive and didn't want his boy toy to know he was there, and that made it all the more juicy! "I'll see you soon," he gave a flashy grin before turning and walking off.
"Damnit," Bap grumbled, going back inside. What could he possibly have to talk about that was so important? This wasn't a ploy to come between him and Niran, was it?
He took the box to his study, thinking it was lucky it had been delivered. What would he have said if it hadn't? That Mauga showed up? Should he tell him now, or should he wait to see what he had to say first? "Bua?"
"I'm in the bathroom, dàalíng," Niran was in such a good mood, he wanted to get back into his old routine and stop by the clinic he was volunteering at.
Bap stood in the doorway, admiring the perfection brushing his hair in the mirror. Yeah, he'd wait to tell him. There was no need to get him all flustered and worried about a potential fluke… unless it was about Vishkar. It was something that sat in the back of his mind, but he kept it to himself.
Should he express his concerns?
When he saw the happy glow that came from his lotus, he didn't want to ruin that! He walked over to him and hugged him from behind. "Want to put your new equipment together?"
"I thought about it, but we can do it later," Niran turned, taking Bap's robe off. "I really want to go to the clinic today! I'm feeling energetic!"
"I love that I did that for you," Bap teased, kissing him lightly. It worked out well that he was planning to leave, that way he could go and clear everything up with Mauga. He had plans to end things formally and tell him to stop appearing in his life. He just wanted to follow in Niran's footsteps and get back to their routine.
"Me too," Niran knew he was joking, but he truly did make him feel so much better. He was literally the perfect man. "Come on, let's shower."
Just as Baptiste had connections, Mauga did, too. He might not have lived in Haiti, but he had some friends around. And according to his buddy at the bar, he'd shown up not too long after he stopped by their house. Surprising, given how clingy that scientist was. He strolled in with a huge grin, stopping by the bar for a drink before sitting at the table across from him. "I'm surprised the old balls and chain let you leave the house!"
"Fine, I'll leave," Bap stood up, already annoyed with this guy. It was bad enough he was doing this without Niran's knowledge, he wasn't about to sit here and let him talk shit about him!
"Damn, I'm kidding, relax," Mauga laughed loudly. It was almost comical how defensive he got about that guy. "So uptight!"
"Not uptight," Bap sat back down with a sigh, guzzling his beer. "Just annoyed that you think you can keep saying shit about Niran and get away with it."
"You're really into him, huh?" Mauga felt himself getting jealous again. What did he have to do to get Baptiste to love him like that? "How'd you land that pretty boy?"
Bap chuckled, scoffing lightly. He loved talking about his lotus, and he wasn't lying; he was a pretty boy! "He asked me out."
"You know," Mauga leaned back in his seat, putting his drink back like he was dying of thirst. "How do you handle that?"
"Handle what?" Bap eyed him over his beer, turning it up to his lips.
"I don't wanna set you off again or anything, but… he's so clingy! Last I remembered, you hated that shit!"
Bap held his tongue and thought for a bit. It was true Niran was a little needier than usual, but after what he'd gone through? It was a no-brainer for him to feel that way! Plus, it didn't bother him nearly as much as Mauga made it seem. "What's clingy about him?"
"Oh, don't play dumb! You know what I'm talking about!" Mauga said expressively. "I heard him tell you to 'make me go away' on that plane, and I saw how he was curled up asleep on your lap!"
"So?" Bap didn't see the issue.
"'So?' When we were together, you despised when I was all up in your space!" Mauga complained. "You even kicked me out one day!"
Bap gave it some thought. It was true he was a completely different person back when he was with Mauga, but he didn't really consider them together. Sure, they hit it off instantly, but he initially didn't want it to go further than a friendship. It just so happened he wanted his company one time after a particularly rough mission, and it became habitual. "Huh."
"I could never get you to stay with me for a whole night," Mauga continued, popping the top off another beer. "But this guy gets to see a side of you I begged to see."
"Eh," Bap shrugged, finishing his first beer. "What do you want me to say?"
"I just want to know how he did it and why you're putting up with it," Mauga said almost bitterly. Was he coming off as the jealous ex? He sure hoped not.
"What do you mean, 'putting up with it'?" What an absurd question. And it was even more absurd if this guy thought what they had was anywhere close to what he and Niran had. "You can't possibly think we were serious."
Wow, that hurt! "Damn. I was serious. Clearly, you weren't," Mauga had feelings, believe it or not!
"What was serious about it, Mauga?" Bap asked, a genuine question on his end. What they had was purely physical, nothing more, nothing less. They were just two people relieving stress.
Mauga had his suspicions Baptiste only wanted him for sex, but he was in too deep to confirm it at the time. He was just glad he gave him the time of day. "It could have been something serious…" If he wasn't feeling bitter before, he definitely was now!
"But could it have?" Even if he stayed, Bap didn't see himself keeping that relationship up for much longer. "The entire thing was toxic."
"What was toxic?" Mauga knew the answer to that question, but he wanted to hear him say it. Besides, it was nice talking to him like this again. He was so easy to trick! He liked that he still had that side to him. He knew if he asked about his boyfriend, that would get him talking.
"Us, the whole thing!" Bap sighed. Why was he making him say this? "Talon, you name it! It was all toxic. I've moved on to a much healthier lifestyle."
Mauga just watched him for a while before saying anything. How peculiar that he was here helping him like this with the information he was gaining. Maybe he should just go and let them figure things out for themselves. But he couldn't. "And that's with that scientist," he stated.
"Yeah," Bap smiled at the thought of his lotus. He was such a ray of sunshine. "We live a simple life, and it's very rewarding."
"Yeah well, I'm sorry I wasn't enough for you," Mauga mumbled, chugging his beer.
"Don't make it out to be that way when you know it was just physical!" Bap couldn't stand it when he made it sound like they were anything more than fuck buddies!
"It could have been more if you hadn't abandoned Talon! You never gave us the chance!" Mauga scoffed. "I could've treated you well."
"I don't see that happening." Bap was straightforward with his words. It was the truth. He never saw himself in something long-term to begin with, and if someone would have told him in a handful of years, he was going to be in a fully committed relationship with plans to marry, he'd laugh in their face! "You're not the type."
"Neither are you," Mauga gave a boisterous laugh, polishing off his drink. He always remembered Baptiste as a free spirit. "You'd always make little comments about not wanting to be tied down, yet here you are!"
"It's a shock to me, too." Bap pulled out his phone, checking for any messages from Niran. After they showered and got dressed, he left to go to the clinic for a few hours and told him he'd give him a call when he was on his way home.
"Being told to come home?" Mauga snickered, unable to help himself.
"Shut it," Bap knew he had a few hours before Niran would come home. He loved what he did, which was one of the main things he loved about him. "Also, what you might consider clingy or needy, I don't."
"Really?" Mauga snorted. "You're so whipped."
"Maybe so," Bap stood up, heading to the bar for more drinks. "Be right back."
Mauga watched him walk off. Envious wasn't even the word! What did he have to do to get him within arms reach again? He definitely wasn't the same Baptiste he knew, and he desperately wanted to know the new him. He wanted to be the one he was totally whipped for! Would he ever cling to him? Would he ever come to his defense so proudly as he did that scientist? Obviously not now, but with time… could he get him to gravitate toward him again?
"I brought a few pitchers," Bap remembered how much this guy liked to drink, so he brought more than enough to quell both of their thirsts. Plus, he didn't want to be completely sober when he told him to screw off forever. He sat down and poured himself a glass, chugging it instantly. "So, what was it that was so urgent?"
"Can't chat first?" Mauga helped himself to more beer.
"We've been chatting. Just tell me what you want and let's go our separate ways," Bap said coolly, checking his phone again. He told Niran to call or text if he was uncomfortable or needed to be picked up, or even if he just missed him. It was the first time since the incident that they'd been apart, so he was a little worried.
"Separate ways…" Mauga trailed off. How was he going to take it once he knew they'd be seeing a lot more of each other? "You really want me gone, huh?"
"You're not doing me any favors popping up like this."
"To be fair, I didn't just show up in your life on my own accord!" Mauga defended himself in that aspect, but showing up in Haiti on his doorstep was definitely his own doing.
"Yeah, it was that bitch," Bap rolled his eyes. Those people better not try to reach out to him ever again! A few days ago, Niran noticed he didn't have his phone, so they went and got him a new one, and Bap tried to get him to change his number, but he refused! So now, he had to be on the lookout and make sure they wouldn't pull a fast one on him and try to reach out through a fake number.
"Tell me again how that happened." When Mauga showed up at his hotel, they didn't really speak much about anything because Baptiste was too busy crying over that pretty boy! It was impossible to get him to think or talk about anything else!
"It was his sister," Bap was already annoyed just thinking about it! "But I can't be mad at anyone but myself. I provoked her."
"Really?" Mauga said sarcastically. "You? Provoking someone? What else is new?"
"I know, but I had to call her out on her shit. I knew from the start that it was a setup. I just didn't know she'd dig up my past."
"But it all worked out in the end, right?" Mauga felt that bitterness coming back and tried to repress it. "Lucky you."
"Yeah," Bap finished his beer, pouring another one. "If you can call it that."
"So, how's your boy doing after all that? Scratch that," Mauga clasped his hands together, resting his elbows on the table. "How are you doing after all that? Have fun dipping your foot into the good old days?"
"I hated it." Bap changed up his life to avoid committing those acts. And if he were honest, he was still struggling mentally. He couldn't sleep, he could barely eat, and at night, he'd get up and drink a bit. It was the only way he could relax while Niran was sleeping.
"You hated it because it was so easy to do," Mauga hated the fact that Baptiste deserted Talon only because of his skill set. He could go so far! Guaranteed, if he stayed, he'd be in the higher ranks, rivaling even Akande!
Bap hated how right he was. And he hated that it was incredibly easy to slip back into old habits. It was for that reason that he welcomed his new life within Overwatch. It was for that reason that he welcomed his new, calm life with Niran. He sighed, long and heavy. "Yeah."
"How you holding up?" Mauga remembered how distraught he would get after a mission like that. "Your boy keeping you in good spirits?"
"I'm not exactly telling him," Bap said aloud. Niran had enough going on, so why would he add to it by telling him his problems? "I'll get over it."
"Some boyfriend," Mauga snickered, dumping more beer into his glass.
"Don't get me wrong," Bap took a swig and let out a sharp exhale. "Niran is amazing at keeping me calm. But he's got his own shit to work through. I don't want to add to it."
"But isn't that what a good relationship's all about?" Mauga teased.
"You're the last person I'll be taking relationship advice from," Bap said coldly. "You haven't been in a serious relationship in your entire life."
"Except with you."
"Bondye," Bap couldn't believe he really thought there was something real between them. Did that make him an asshole? "Just tell me what you want, man."
"Why? Got plans?"
"None of your damn business," Bap didn't have plans, but he did miss his lotus. He kept checking his phone, expecting a text or something, but it was clear he was doing well on his own. Maybe he'd stop by the clinic after this. "But I do have something to say to you."
"I saw that coming a mile away!" Mauga knew he was trying to get rid of him, only that wasn't going to happen!
"So, tell me what you want so I can say my piece and leave," Bap's patience grew thinner and thinner the longer he sat in that booth. He hated keeping things like this from Niran, and he wanted to end this conversation so he could go and clear his conscience.
"So, how did you guys meet again?" Mauga asked.
"What the hell does that have to do with anything?" God, this guy would say anything to keep a conversation going!
"You told me you two met in some medic thing, right? A 'support group', you called it," Mauga ignored his complaints, tapping his chin with his finger.
"So?"
"I happen to know that you two met and hit it off in a little group called 'Overwatch'," Mauga watched his facial expressions carefully. Just how much would this bother him?
Bap kept a poker face; he knew when this guy was trying to get reactions out of him, and he wasn't giving him the satisfaction! "Okay, and?"
"How would you feel if I told you I'd be seeing a lot more of you and your boy?" Mauga grinned.
"Stop beating around the bush, damnit!" Bap prayed that didn't mean what he thought it meant!
"The boss told me about it, and I figured, 'why the hell not?' So now, me, Cha-Cha, and Gunny get to have some fun with the rest of you," Mauga watched the plethora of emotions that went through his old friend and laughed.
From one nightmare to another! Now he was joining Overwatch?! He was trying to keep him out of his life, not make him a prominent part of it! How the hell was he supposed to keep him away from Niran, now? "Great. Is that what you wanted to tell me?"
"Half of it," Mauga thought about drinking directly from the pitcher, but he remembered how embarrassing stuff like that was to Baptiste. Instead, he just poured more into the tiny glass and called it a day. "Go on. Say your piece."
How was he supposed to tell him to get lost when he was going to see him regularly?! On another note, what he said implied he had more to talk about! He just wanted to leave and go meet up with Niran. He pulled out his phone and sent him a text, asking if he needed any help at the clinic. "Just say what you need to say."
"Alright." It was Mauga's turn to pull out his phone, checking for updates. "You need to leave this place. Both of you."
"And why is that." Bap was completely over this conversation and was barely even listening. Niran had texted him back and told him he was fine and didn't need the help, so he was going to go back to the house and set up the new equipment for him instead.
"Why do you think?"
"Wait," Bap sent a quick text back to Niran and tuned into what Mauga was saying. "What?"
"Vishkar is coming," Mauga stated plainly. There wasn't anything more to it. "You have a week, maybe two to get your shit and leave."
For fuck's sake! He knew he should have gotten Niran out of that house! But… where could he take him? It wasn't like he was made of money! Haiti was the only home he knew, and he was ecstatic that his lotus was fully comfortable here. Now they had to leave? Before they could even get their own clinic up and running?
He let his head fall into his hands. How was he going to tell him that they had to uproot their lives and move to God knows where? "How did they even…?"
"They got ahold of his phone and went through it, I guess." Mauga shrugged, working on his next beer.
"What a fucking bitch!" Bap exclaimed, slamming his fist on the table. "That kochon he calls his sister gave him up again!"
Mauga just watched and listened as Baptiste vented. He liked it when he got all feisty.
"She sent me a text from his phone that night, so she must have still had it," he continued, airing out his frustrations. "Then when I went and took him from that place, they must have gone after her and backed her into a corner."
"From what I heard, he didn't have much in his phone, so you don't have to worry about that…" Mauga went through the information he had handy. "Nothing about his precious biolight. But there's a bunch of GPS directions in there they looked up. One of those I'm sure will lead them to your door."
"Pou dedomajman pou Bondye," Bap was at least thankful that Niran didn't keep anything regarding his research on his phone. It was unfortunate that he was terrible with directions when he took the same route on a daily basis, though! Even still… they probably still would have found them.
God, what was he going to say to Niran? He was happy here; they both were! He finished the rest of his beer and pulled out his phone, debating on if he should tell Niran now or find somewhere to relocate first. He figured it would be easier to tell him they had to leave their home if they had somewhere to go.
"So," Mauga leaned back in his seat with his arm stretched out across the back of the booth. "What's the plan? Gonna tell your boy?"
"Obviously, I have to tell him," Bap sneered. "What, am I just going to let them come and take him from me again? Come on."
"Better leave soon. They're sending their best."
Bap scoffed. "If they're anything like the ones at the compound, then I've got nothing to worry about."
"Yeah," Mauga grinned. "You'll be alright."
"Can I ask you something?" Bap was wary of his true motives, and he needed closure before he kicked him out of his life for good.
"You can ask me anything, pele."
Bap ignored him, not feeding into his madness. "Why are you doing this?"
"What am I doing?" He knew exactly what he was asking, but he was going to have to be a little more direct if he wanted an answer out of him.
"Helping us." Bap fiddled with his phone, looking anywhere but at him. This was weird! He made it clear that he hated that he was in a relationship, so why was he being so… nice?
"That's a good question." Mauga checked him out. He was so awkward, it was amusing! But it was indeed a good question. He hated that scientist, and for no real reason. He didn't like that he took what used to be his. "Don't get this twisted. I'm doing this for you."
"But why?"
Why indeed. Mauga let out a sharp exhale. If he thought about it hard enough, he'd know why. Wasn't it obvious? "Don't worry about it. Just take the help while I feel like offering it."
"Well," Bap didn't really care enough to read into his response or give it more thought. He had more than enough to think about right now! "Thanks, anyway."
"You're welcome." Was he still going to try to get rid of him? Probably. "So… what was it you wanted to tell me earlier?"
"Oh," Bap felt bad now! But it had to be done. "Yeah, um. You can't keep popping up like this."
"Even though I help you every time?" Mauga crossed his arms.
"Yeah, thanks again for that," Bap sighed. "But you being in my life affects my relationship with Niran."
"I respect it. Kind of complicated, huh? I'm pretty useful."
"Sure," Bap slid out of the booth and pat his pants for his wallet. "I know you're in Overwatch now or whatever, but just… leave us alone. Please."
Mauga caught his wrist before he walked off. "So, you're saying you no longer want my help?"
It was useful that he was there to give him a heads up about Vishkar when he didn't have to do it at all, but… "See you around."
"Yeah… see you around, buddy."