[ He shivers at the touch, pulling him closer and tangling a hand in the back of his head. His fingers fiddle with the tie in his hair. Gavin sighs, then blinks. ]
You don't have anything to be sorry about. Everything worked out fine, right? Nothing she's done is your fault.
[ Hank shakes his head against hi,. He should've done something. He should've... Well, he can't really focus because his brain is still looping over the fact that Gavin is his mate. ]
[ hank settles his hand over Gavin's familiar heartbeat. He's alive, it's true. He's alright. ]
It's not gonna happen again. I won't fucking let it.
[ That might be the alpha in him making him sound tough, but Hank really means every word. It doesn't matter if he has to learn how to spread his influence or maybe he has to follow Gavin around -- he's not losing him again. Not when he already doesn't deserve something this good. ]
You say that now. Being mated is... [ Well, Hank doesn't know all the details, does he! ] It's something else. It's more.
I know. And I'll be more careful now too, okay? We both have a lot of stuff to learn. I won't be so careless again.
[ Gavin takes his hand again and starts to lead him back into the bedroom. Not for anything other than rest, but they don't have to keep talking about this right in front of the door. ]
I know. I don't know how many times I have to keep telling you I don't mind.
[ Hank lets himself be led. At least this part of his instincts help calm him down. Being with Gavin only ever feels right. Taking care of him, watching over him -- that's all that matters. He can focus on that. ]
I know. [ Hank blushes again. Who's the big bad alpha here?? ] It's just... we're basically married now, you get that? But there's no divorce with this shit. This is it.
[ He shrugs out of his leather jacket and tosses it on the chair before he sits down, tugging Hank down with him. Gavin gets a little pink himself, his heart fluttering at married. He takes his hand again, looking down at it. ]
And you didn't even get me a ring, asshole. Wow. [ Gavin looks back up at him, smiling and biting his bottom lip. ] I know, Hank. I've understood what that meant this whole time, even if I didn't have a word for it. It's okay. I...
[ He swallows, almost saying love you. Should he? ]
[ Hank takes a seat beside Gavin. His head might be nervous, but his instincts and his body are totally okay with this development. Considering where they were at before coming home to all this Beth shit, it's not like they need to retread all of their feelings. ]
I know. [ Does he?? ] I just don't wanna fuck this up.
[ Hank lifts Gavin's hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to the back of his palm and licking him softly. It just feels so good to be with him. It feels good to know that Gavin is somehow okay with all this. ]
[ He shivers and brings his free hand up to touch his mark, so Hank knows how this makes him feel. Gavin sighs, then smiles a little. ]
You won't. Shouldn't I be the one saying that?
[ He scoots closer and looks at his hand. ]
That a promise, then? I'm looking forward to it. [ Then he takes his own, bringing it up to Hank's cheek and cupping his face gently. ] Remember what I said in the car? And everything else? If there's one thing I want now, it's to be by your side. However you'll have me.
[ Hank shudders pleasantly, always enjoying the warm thrum of emotion he gets whenever Gavin touches his neck. ]
I'm the alpha. It means I gotta take care of you.
[ And probably get him a ring. And probably announce that he and Gavin are married now. And that's... yeah, he'll worry about that later. Right now he has to focus on his mate, and for once he's really, consciously thinking about him like that. Gavin is his mate. No one else could ever matter as much as him. Hank smiles a bit, purring deep in his chest. ]
You know I will. You're mine -- I mean that. I want you... and everything that means. Even if it feels like I don't deserve this, I want you.
And I'm gonna take care of you. You've been doing it for everyone else for so long. Doesn't have anything to do with being an alpha.
[ The thought of Hank's ring on his finger is making him feel so giddy. So genuinely happy. The rumble in his chest and his sweet words— Oh. Gavin's eyes sting as he gets a little misty eyed. Fuck. He huffs and blinks through it.
With everything that's happened in his life, he thought he was destined to be alone. No one would ever accept him, or want him as Ezra. Maybe that's why he turned himself into Gavin Reed, a new person that could shield Ezra. But Hank cares about him. Cares about both, doesn't care who his brother is.
Hank doesn't care who Gavin was or is or wants to be. He knows him. As Ezra or not, he's a good man and Hank really wants this. He wants it to work. he wants to try. He wants to feel safe and happy and loved every day like this. It's hard to want it, hard to even hear those words without pulling back, but his wolf instinct overpowers the fear and the doubt.
Hank leans forward and kisses Gavin, placing his hand over the hand on his neck and giving him every ounce of care he has. Maybe it's love. Maybe he's too scared to admit it right now. But he can do this. He can try. ]
[ For a half second he can't believe he said it, trying to think of a way to cover up for it over the sound of his rabbit heartbeat in his ears. Oh shit, if he fucked this up already by coughing up his heart and just letting it land in Hank's lap—
Oh.
He purrs into the kiss, wrapping his arms around Hank in return and tugging him close. He hums and opens his mouth, asking for more.
It's okay. He just wants Hank to know. He loves him and he's never been more sure about anything in his life. ]
[ Hank doesn't have a mean bone in his body when it comes down to it. He could take Gavin's heart in his hands and hold it gently, he'd never want to hurt him. Not his mate. Hank deepens the kiss, sliding his tongue between Gavin's lips and just holding him.
Gavin is alive and he's his. Hank definitely loves him. He'll say it someday, just... right now, he's got this. And he's got Gavin. And he can worry about his ex-wife and all the rest later. ]
[ He moves and all but climbs into Hank's lap, settling down nicely. At some point he starts to cup Hank's face with both hands, just kissing him sweetly.
It's a different kind of energy from before, not so primal and urgent and hot. Soft, sweet and gentle... loving. Tender. It's okay that Hank doesn't say it back because he's treating him so sweetly.
When they part just barely enough, Gavin breathes into his lips. ]
Y'think we could... continue our plans from before or— [ Smooch. ] —has that ship sailed?
[ Mmmm, Gavin sure does feel right sitting in Hank's lap. Hank hums happily. He wants to surround himself with Gavin until he's all he has. Only his scent and his touch and his warmth. Hank presses in closer and mouths at Gavin's neck, dragging his teeth over the mark, ever-so softly. ]
Maybe... [ Hank growls. Fuck, Gavin loves him. How could he not? ] Maybe.
[ Hank growls possessively, rocking his hips against Gavin. He wants to feel the press of Gavin's hips, wants to know exactly what he's doing to him with his touch. ]
Yeah, maybe.
[ Maybe yes. Hank nods against Gavin's neck, rubbing his beard against him and teasing his mark. Nothing else will ever scar him as long as Hank's around. And no one else will ever touch him like this. ]
[ A-Ah... he moans gently, rolling his hips. He's already half hard just from this. He's still looking plenty amused though, even as his hands start to roam across Hank's chest and that tattoo. ]
Maybe still isn't a yes or a no, sweetheart. [ Apparently we're doing pet names now too.
He peels off more of his shirt, having to pause to moan again as his beard scrapes delightfully across his neck and scar. Fuck... fuck. Thank fucking god Hank decided to bite him there. ]
[ Hank teases, dragging his lips over Gavin's neck again, his breath hot against him. He might not be as quick to bounce back as Gavin, but he's definitely ready to be distracted by his mate's hands and hips. Fuck. Hank presses against his hands and keeps purring, deep and solid. He wants to give Gavin the world, honestly. ]
[ He's full of that newfound beta energy, clearly. (And years of having a crush on Hank.) Gavin hums at his hot breath, goosebumps dithering across his skin. Fuuuck, everything he does feels so good. Hank can play him like a fiddle and he loves it. ]
Like to think so. As good as I can be.
[ He trains his hands down to Hank's stomach, teasing with his fingers. Fuck he's so hot. ]
[ Hank's eyes flash gold as he draws his fangs and trails them down Gavin's neck again. He's been holding back a bite for what feels like hours. Between nearly losing Gavin this morning and the time they'd spent together in the car, he's wanted to taste his beta's skin and blood all day. ]
[ Oh baby, that's it. He moans, a flush spreading up his neck and all across his face. He'd been so eager to feel Hank's teeth in his skin when they were pressed up against the door earlier... Gavin slides his hands up Hank's body and slides them back to his hair, undoing his hair tie so he can properly run his fingers through it all. ]
Only you. Forever. [ He leans his pulse point into Hank's teeth more. ] Please.
[ Hank hums his agreement, finally sinking his sharp teeth into Gavin's neck. Gavin's touch feels nice and all, but it's nothing compare to the rhythm of his pulse and the taste of his flesh and blood under his lips. Just the fact that Gavin gives himself up so willingly is enough to make Hank reward him with the press of his hips, but Hank can taste and feel all of him through this one connection -- everything they are; alpha and beta, mates, it all sings through him.
[ His voice is wrecked, breathy. He closes his eyes and bites his own lip hard enough to taste blood. Fuck, he's never felt such a connection before, like there's no way to know where he ends and Hank begins. Fuck. He presses his hips into him in return, clutching his hair even tighter and pulling himself closer. ]
Mate.
[ It's all he says, an almost soundless sigh. He loves him, he loves him so much. He hopes he can taste how true it is. ]
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You don't have anything to be sorry about. Everything worked out fine, right? Nothing she's done is your fault.
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[ Hank shakes his head against hi,. He should've done something. He should've... Well, he can't really focus because his brain is still looping over the fact that Gavin is his mate. ]
Christ, and now you really are stuck with me.
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[ He shifts and takes one of Hank's hands, putting it on his chest so he can feel his very alive heartbeat again. ]
And I'm not stuck. I like where I am, here, with you. Like this.
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It's not gonna happen again. I won't fucking let it.
[ That might be the alpha in him making him sound tough, but Hank really means every word. It doesn't matter if he has to learn how to spread his influence or maybe he has to follow Gavin around -- he's not losing him again. Not when he already doesn't deserve something this good. ]
You say that now. Being mated is... [ Well, Hank doesn't know all the details, does he! ] It's something else. It's more.
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[ Gavin takes his hand again and starts to lead him back into the bedroom. Not for anything other than rest, but they don't have to keep talking about this right in front of the door. ]
I know. I don't know how many times I have to keep telling you I don't mind.
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[ Hank lets himself be led. At least this part of his instincts help calm him down. Being with Gavin only ever feels right. Taking care of him, watching over him -- that's all that matters. He can focus on that. ]
I know. [ Hank blushes again. Who's the big bad alpha here?? ] It's just... we're basically married now, you get that? But there's no divorce with this shit. This is it.
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And you didn't even get me a ring, asshole. Wow. [ Gavin looks back up at him, smiling and biting his bottom lip. ] I know, Hank. I've understood what that meant this whole time, even if I didn't have a word for it. It's okay. I...
[ He swallows, almost saying love you. Should he? ]
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I know. [ Does he?? ] I just don't wanna fuck this up.
[ Hank lifts Gavin's hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to the back of his palm and licking him softly. It just feels so good to be with him. It feels good to know that Gavin is somehow okay with all this. ]
I'll get you a ring next time, how's that?
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You won't. Shouldn't I be the one saying that?
[ He scoots closer and looks at his hand. ]
That a promise, then? I'm looking forward to it. [ Then he takes his own, bringing it up to Hank's cheek and cupping his face gently. ] Remember what I said in the car? And everything else? If there's one thing I want now, it's to be by your side. However you'll have me.
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I'm the alpha. It means I gotta take care of you.
[ And probably get him a ring. And probably announce that he and Gavin are married now. And that's... yeah, he'll worry about that later. Right now he has to focus on his mate, and for once he's really, consciously thinking about him like that. Gavin is his mate. No one else could ever matter as much as him. Hank smiles a bit, purring deep in his chest. ]
You know I will. You're mine -- I mean that. I want you... and everything that means. Even if it feels like I don't deserve this, I want you.
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[ The thought of Hank's ring on his finger is making him feel so giddy. So genuinely happy. The rumble in his chest and his sweet words— Oh. Gavin's eyes sting as he gets a little misty eyed. Fuck. He huffs and blinks through it.
With everything that's happened in his life, he thought he was destined to be alone. No one would ever accept him, or want him as Ezra. Maybe that's why he turned himself into Gavin Reed, a new person that could shield Ezra. But Hank cares about him. Cares about both, doesn't care who his brother is.
It slips out. ]
I love you.
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Hank doesn't care who Gavin was or is or wants to be. He knows him. As Ezra or not, he's a good man and Hank really wants this. He wants it to work. he wants to try. He wants to feel safe and happy and loved every day like this. It's hard to want it, hard to even hear those words without pulling back, but his wolf instinct overpowers the fear and the doubt.
Hank leans forward and kisses Gavin, placing his hand over the hand on his neck and giving him every ounce of care he has. Maybe it's love. Maybe he's too scared to admit it right now. But he can do this. He can try. ]
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Oh.
He purrs into the kiss, wrapping his arms around Hank in return and tugging him close. He hums and opens his mouth, asking for more.
It's okay. He just wants Hank to know. He loves him and he's never been more sure about anything in his life. ]
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Gavin is alive and he's his. Hank definitely loves him. He'll say it someday, just... right now, he's got this. And he's got Gavin. And he can worry about his ex-wife and all the rest later. ]
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It's a different kind of energy from before, not so primal and urgent and hot. Soft, sweet and gentle... loving. Tender. It's okay that Hank doesn't say it back because he's treating him so sweetly.
When they part just barely enough, Gavin breathes into his lips. ]
Y'think we could... continue our plans from before or— [ Smooch. ] —has that ship sailed?
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Maybe... [ Hank growls. Fuck, Gavin loves him. How could he not? ] Maybe.
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Then lets out a little hoarse snicker. ] Maybe, huh?
[ He puts his hands on Hank's chest, slipping one under his shirt. ] At least let me finish getting this shirt off of you...
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Yeah, maybe.
[ Maybe yes. Hank nods against Gavin's neck, rubbing his beard against him and teasing his mark. Nothing else will ever scar him as long as Hank's around. And no one else will ever touch him like this. ]
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Maybe still isn't a yes or a no, sweetheart. [ Apparently we're doing pet names now too.
He peels off more of his shirt, having to pause to moan again as his beard scrapes delightfully across his neck and scar. Fuck... fuck. Thank fucking god Hank decided to bite him there. ]
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[ Hank teases, dragging his lips over Gavin's neck again, his breath hot against him. He might not be as quick to bounce back as Gavin, but he's definitely ready to be distracted by his mate's hands and hips. Fuck. Hank presses against his hands and keeps purring, deep and solid. He wants to give Gavin the world, honestly. ]
You been good though, haven't you?
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Like to think so. As good as I can be.
[ He trains his hands down to Hank's stomach, teasing with his fingers. Fuck he's so hot. ]
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[ Hank's eyes flash gold as he draws his fangs and trails them down Gavin's neck again. He's been holding back a bite for what feels like hours. Between nearly losing Gavin this morning and the time they'd spent together in the car, he's wanted to taste his beta's skin and blood all day. ]
Always me.
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Only you. Forever. [ He leans his pulse point into Hank's teeth more. ] Please.
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His mate. His Ezra. ]
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[ His voice is wrecked, breathy. He closes his eyes and bites his own lip hard enough to taste blood. Fuck, he's never felt such a connection before, like there's no way to know where he ends and Hank begins. Fuck. He presses his hips into him in return, clutching his hair even tighter and pulling himself closer. ]
Mate.
[ It's all he says, an almost soundless sigh. He loves him, he loves him so much. He hopes he can taste how true it is. ]
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