Chapter Text
Zeno refused to admit that he was quite pleased with his newest addition. For the night, it stayed in the bathroom where it could soak in the humidity in the room from his shower. When morning came, he had briefly forgotten about its presence as he woke in a groggy daze and shuffled out of bed at the beckon of his alarm. He pawed at the button until it silenced its incessant mechanical whining then forced his body through the usual motions to begin his day. When he reached for his toothbrush, Zeno spotted the dark shape in the bottom of the cup with its shy sprout peeking back at him from the open pod.
He pondered the little sprout and its vibrant greenery making its way into this world. A smile graced his lips as he quietly greeted. “Good morning little one.”
Zeno went through the motions of his usual grooming routine. He let the faucet run for a little bit to build up steam in the air near the cup while he brushed his teeth and scrubbed his face. When he finished, he took a moment to inspect the little seed pod. Its dark brown coloring had faded. The pinkish foam from before was gone. The bottom of the cup had dried up.
“Do you need blood or water to survive?” Perhaps a bit of both? It did open up with the moisture in the air last night, unless that was purely a coincidence. But Chris had said the plant was a man-eater so maybe blood was an important part of its early developmental diet? It was worth a shot. He added a tiny bit of water to the bottom of the cup then using a razor from his grooming kit, he cut his thumb open and squeezed several drops of blood into the cup before the wound could seal itself shut. The crimson coloring spread through the water as it transitioned into a light pink.
“I need to do a little more research on your kind. Chris mentioned that Umbrella created a variant of you before the city's destruction.” If that were the case then there should be files in NO-AH’s archives. He was hopeful that there would be a comprehensive guide on what would be necessary to help something like this grow over a period of time. With the investigation into the city on hold at present, Zeno had most of his schedule cleared and entirely at his disposal.
‘After breakfast, I'll check the archives.’ He was excited to discover a little more about his little friend here.
The morning became way more hectic than Zeno was expecting. For starters, a fire broke out in one of the labs deeper in the facility which put most of the building in lockdown. He got stuck in the cafeteria for over an hour with the rest of the late comers that had caught the tail end of the meal period. After that, there was a mandatory meeting called to discuss the development of an unknown group of possible mercenaries being hired by a nameless organization to try to find the ARK facility. It was implied that the group of operatives that Zeno had killed at the work site were a part of this group.
Additionally, they were preparing a research expedition to investigate the reported plant type bioweapon in the former Umbrella facility. It would take three days to prepare as the equipment they needed for the extraction and transportation of the specimens was coming on the next supply shipment. ‘Three days?’
So he had three days to get what he needed before his time and attention was most likely going to be split into a variety of directions. It was mid afternoon by the time he was able to seek out the archive room. It took another two hours to narrow down his search to find the Plant 42 specimen that had overrun Spencer Mansion in 1998. The primary report was filed by a W. Birkin with a request to terminate the problematic specimen. The request was approved but there was no confirmation of termination.
‘Because Chris and his team had gotten there first.’ Zeno reminded himself. After narrowing down the keywords in his search, he was able to pull up the earlier known files for Plant 42. Some of the data was corrupted or incomplete, but Zeno was able to acquire some details about how the sprouts were cultivated in the Spencer Mansion greenhouse. He wrote down a list of supplies that he would need to ensure a sustainable habitat for his new companion. It was doable on a small scale. From the looks of the archived data, they had enhanced the growth rate which destabilized it making it become easily agitated and aggressive.
Zeno had no such desire for his new seedling. It was perfect just the way it was being small and easily manageable like this. He had no big ambitions to see it push the limits of its creation. With his list in hand, he tucked the slip of paper inside his breast pocket and swapped it for a cigarette as he left the archive room. He waited until he was outside the facility before lighting up. A brief glance at the new pack he had opened a few days ago, it occurred to him that he wouldn't be able to smoke in his quarters anymore. Not with the sprout in the bathroom like it currently was. Not unless he managed to set up a terrarium of some kind in his bedroom. That could be capable of sustaining the humidity for a longer period of time that would benefit it. He just needed the equipment. Which could pose a problem. Making any formal requests, especially those with an expense attached was under intense scrutiny. He would need to verify the reason for the expense request and have it put through review. Which meant revealing his companion, and would risk it being confiscated from him.
His only other option would be bringing the materials in himself from outside, but he was forbidden from leaving the city without a formal approval from his superiors, and an accompanying chauffeur who would also report back to the higher ups in regards to every outing he took to verify every detail. There was no freedom to be had. He was watched all the time. The only times when he wasn't under intense observation was when he was roaming the city like his own personal playground.
‘Unless….’
No.
He told himself he could find another way. He could always scrounge around the storage facility with the back stock of equipment that was no longer in use. Older equipment was never properly discarded when they retired it, because it was always useful for spare parts or could be repurposed for smaller less taxing experiments.
“Oh, you will do nicely.” It took three and a half hours and digging through two different rooms, but Zeno did find something useful in the old storage area. It looked about ten years outdated judging by the storage tags attached to the frame but he didn't mind. It was a glass aquarium looking case with a metal frame on wheels. He suspected it was a part of one of the labs testing on amphibians or reptiles of some kind. It had built-in LED lighting in the upper framework, a thermostat on the side and a humidity gauge right beside it. There was room for a humidifier to be connected which Zeno actually found a functioning one that worked with this fixture specifically. It was made by Umbrella pharmaceutical with an easy to clean filtration system.
The recommendation for the sprouts of Plant 42 suggested potting them first and maintaining a humid environment for them until their roots could grow stronger. When they began to develop their buds was when the scientists transplanted them to their final place of growth so they could really spread their roots and begin feeding on live prey. He had looked everywhere for a pot to no avail. Settling for this, Zeno wheeled the cart through the empty silent halls of the facility.
It had grown late. Dinner had passed. His hunger was noisy but he was accustomed to ignoring it. It had been a quiet, consistent companion for most of his life as he was forced to endure uncomfortable circumstances over and over again to learn to ignore it. He supposed it had grown much louder and much harder to turn a deaf ear to since he started sharing meals with Chris and the rest of his squad. To know what it means to be fully satisfied and understand that feeling was a double edged sword. It was both a comfort in the moment and a cruelty in knowing what he had always been denied.
He shook off the miserable queasy feeling that warred against him and focused on getting the cart to his quarters without anyone causing a fuss. For once, his luck seemed to be on his side as he bypassed every checkpoint until he reached the residential quarters. The hallways were quiet. The lights had been dimmed. Zeno slipped into the private hall that only a small handful of high ranking residents lived in, and made his way to his personal chamber at the very end just around the corner separated from everyone else's in the corridor. He had no noisy neighbors to deal with. Granted the doors and walls were pretty good at muffling most sound so it wasn't like rambunctious hall walkers were a big problem. It just made him feel more at ease with his hypersensitive senses to be away from any sort of potential chaos.
Zeno unlocked the door and shoved the cart into the room once the automated doors slid open at his insistence. They locked behind him as he stepped through the threshold. Now he just needed to rearrange a bit of furniture. He dragged one of the midnight blue rugs by the head of the bed down towards the foot and shoved the nightstand closer until it was flush against the head board. That gave Zeno enough space to wheel the cart over to rest against the wall between the nightstand and the wall separating the bathroom from the bedroom. He plugged the cord from the framework into the socket next to the nightstand lamp and gave the lights a quick check. A flick of the button and they came on with no problems.
He suspected the only reason this old thing was retired was due to the fact they had newer bigger ones in their labs with air filtration systems built in, that were installed directly into the walls instead of being wheeled fixtures. The newer models were both energy efficient and space saving. He retrieved the cup from the bathroom to place it inside once the humidifier was properly installed, then pulled the lid on tight to seal it. A push of a button and the soft mist of moisture filled the air with a gentle fog. Zeno didn't let it run for very long. It was preset on a timer that he would have to tweak the settings on later. For tonight, it was both of their bedtimes. It didn't feel like he achieved much today but he was satisfied regardless of that fact as he cleaned up, changed his clothes and climbed into bed. His eyes studied the case from the comforts of his blankets as a smile graced his lips.
“Good night, little one. I'll see you in the morning.”
In a case of extreme desperation, Zeno set out after breakfast in search of the very man he had been trying to avoid for weeks now. If anyone was capable of getting him the supplies he needed for Nano -that was the name he had settled upon during breakfast this morning- it was definitely Chris and his squad. They were the only route Zeno had to come and go from the city. While he did not trust them to fly him out of the city on their Osprey, he hoped to at least make the request that should they go on a supply run, if they could pick up a few things for him. He was more than willing to foot the bill out of his own pocket.
He hoped he could persuade them to fulfill the errand as quickly as possible before the next expedition takes place. Assuming they were still camped out in the same area as before, Zeno headed to the rough vicinity with a small sliver of anxiety itching at his brain that he may have missed them already as they moved on to a different part of the city. With their regular use of suppressors, Zeno would never be able to find them shy of wandering around shouting their names through the ruins and rubble.
The morning sun was barely up. Its golden light cast the drab dusty city landscape in a miserable bronze. He could feel the chill of morning dew on the air as the warmth of the light bathed his pale hair. His fingers felt chilled as he adjusted the leather gloves to cover them from the dampness. His eyes surveyed his surroundings. He strained to listen for any noise that might guide him towards his targets. All was quiet. Eerily so.
‘Did they move on already?’ He worried the inside of his cheek and silently cursed his poor luck. Golden eyes searched the buildings for anything remotely familiar from a couple days ago but nothing came up. He wandered for a few more blocks until he found the building that the squad had hunkered down in before when they shared that filling lunch together, had been partially collapsed. The roof caved in but it didn't appear to be a circumstance of chance. There was black powder burns and char on the edges of the bricks. The ground was littered in the shattered chunks from the blast.
‘Were they attacked?’ He sniffed the air. There was no sign of blood nearby, not old or fresh. There was no distinctive cadaver stench either that would imply the infected had come too close. This was an act caused by other people, -humans with an agenda- and suddenly Zeno was reminded of that battle from a week ago. As well as the reports about other sketchy, unnamed individuals in similar gear being spotted poking their noses where it wasn't wanted. They clearly were no friends of Chris’ if they attacked the wolves’ temporary den.
The lack of blood nearby meant there were no casualties, from either side, which was both a comfort and not. Was it mistaken identity or friendly fire then? There were no spent casings to designate that a fire fight had broken out. Perhaps it was a warning?
Zeno was anxious. He didn't like that he lacked all the information here. He hated not knowing what was going on. Being kept in the dark all the damn time was as infuriating as it was impractical. He was only privy to the details his handlers wanted him involved in. He doubted Chris would tell him what was going on either. While the older man wasn't prone to lying, he was often prone to evading certain questions that Zeno had. He was good at dancing around touchier topics that maintained the illusion that they weren't on opposing sides. As if he was content to pretend their secret war didn't exist and this thing they had was a choice in its strangeness and not a necessity for Zeno's survival. Not even Zeno could confidently say he wasn't playing into the illusion as well every time he told himself going back to ARK was the right choice.
A sound drew his attention.
It sounded like rubble shifting. His ears strained to pick up the skittering noise of rocks tumbling across concrete. Zeno stilled. He listened closely, searching for the direction it came from. As quickly as it came, it stopped. Frustrated, Zeno slowly turned around to survey the buildings around him. A dark shadow landed directly in front of him from a concrete slab above. Zeno barely registered the details of the dusky toned tactical gear as a sign of the Wolves, before strong arms wrapped around his midsection with a startling amount of strength. He was unceremoniously hauled up and tossed over the wolves’ shoulder before the man -Umber Eyes, he believed it was- continued sprinting away. He moved as if Zeno weighed nothing at all. They climbed the decrepit platforms and leapt over gaps with ease.
Zeno understood now why it was so easy for this unit to track him through the urban landscape before. Their strength rivaled his own to a degree that made his look laughable. A firm hand gripped Zeno's back keeping him immobilized as they picked their way through the cluttered buildings. Umber Eyes took a set of stairs leading up to the rooftop then jumped the gap to the next area. The balcony of the fire escape attached to this building had fallened away giving the soldier a clear opening to cross into the next apartment complex through an opening where a window used to be in the brickwork. He landed with a finality inside the shelter of the next complex.
“My apologies.” Umber Eyes’ voice was distinct through the mask as he slowly lowered Zeno until the younger man could stand on his own two feet. He barely even sounded winded from all the strenous exercise he just performed. As if he just finished a very mild jog a short distance. A single huff of breath and Umber Eyes was calm and steady again. It made Zeno question if that first encounter was truly a challenging hunt for the unit, or a tedious challenge at best. Zeno had been fighting for his life and these soldiers appeared entirely nonplussed with the output of energy they put into catching him. They truly were a group to be deeply feared on the battlefield. The Connections had every reason to be wary of them. “The area was booby trapped. There was no time for pleasantries.”
“Booby trapped?” Zeno was taken back by that, as he exclaimed. “Why was it booby trapped?”
“We aren't the only team that's been dispatched to Raccoon City, or the only organization investigating it.”
That was quite obvious, but who would have the audacity to pick a fight with the Hound Wolf Squad of all groups? That sounded like a suicide mission on its own. Any further questions Zeno had about the situation were thwarted when Umber Eyes directed him instead, with a gesture of his hand towards the apartment at the end of the upper floor corridor.
“Alpha is this way.”
Zeno peered the other direction and found the stairwell leading to the -he checked the nearby wall for a sign posting- sixth floor was destroyed. It was hard to say if it was old or recent, but the gap dropped straight down to the fifth floor where the rusty metal fixtures hung from loose bolts. He supposed this worked in his favor in the end. He headed towards the doorway of the apartment and gave it a cautious knock in warning before entering. Umber Eyes pushed the door over Zeno's shoulder to lead him inside where a cozy set up was arranged for their newest base camp. Tundra was sitting on an old sofa that had a dust stained sheet tossed on top of it, with Night Howl at her side as they both stared at a laptop screen. The faint scent of Chris’ pheromones lingered in the air in trace amounts. They had taken their suppressors recently.
Canine was sitting at a counter cleaning his replacement rifle. The parts were set out across a worn and grease stained bath towel as he meticulously inspected every piece. The living room and kitchen were all one big open space, with a narrow hallway off to the left that led to two other doorways. Zeno had walked through enough of these buildings to estimate it was probably a two bedroom unit. As he passed by one bedroom, he noticed the beds were dragged up against the windows to block out any light or view within. The mattresses were strapped to the frames with rope tied around the top and midsection, and looped around anchor points sunk into the wall. One room had their equipment cases lined against one side. The other room situated on the interior of the apartment was lined with their sleeping cots. It's window was smaller, more narrow, and covered in a ratty old mattress just like the previous one. Here he found Lobo and Chris.
The bigger soldier was partially undressed with his shirt bunched into his fist where it rested uneasily in his lap. Lobo had a pair of rubber gloves on as he tended to a large wound on Chris’ upper right shoulder and down his bicep.
“You'd think after all these years, boss, you'd get over that fear of yours.” Lobo teased lightheartedly as he dampened a piece of gauze with antiseptic and started to clean the area. Zeno could smell the faint odor of dried blood and disinfectant. It made his nostrils burn with those first few breaths. He grimaced to himself as Chris did the same.
“It's not a fear.” Chris corrected sternly. “It's just a dislike. I dislike needles.”
“Uh huh.” Lobo made a skeptical noise as he continued to clean the area. “That uh, that dislike is why everytime I bring one out you can't look at it then, huh?”
“Shut up.” The soldier scowled at the medic, as Lobo smirked back down at him.
“It's perfectly normal boss. Nobody would think lesser of you for it. Sure as shit won't be us.” Chris grimaced and hissed under his breath as Lobo touched a particularly tender spot. “Sorry. Shit. Your metabolism is already fighting the numbing agent. I'll make it quick.”
The soldier grunted. “It's fine. Just do what you need to do. Don't need to rush.”
“Alpha.” Umber Eyes greeted the Captain, drawing both mens’ gazes towards the doorway. Lobo looked up briefly then grinned when he spotted Zeno.
“Perfect timing.”
As Chris blurted in confusion. “Zeno? What are you doing here?” It surprised him that Chris didn't sense his approach beforehand. Neither his pheromone scent or the sound of their footsteps. The soldier looked a bit alarmed as he studied the younger man like he wasn't quite sure what he was seeing was actually there.
“What happened?” His curiosity warred with his concern as the urgency to know the answer came surging forth. It bothered him to see Chris like this. The man was indomitable in Zeno's mind. A force of nature that could rival its worst on any day. He knew that Chris was still just a man. Biologically enhanced, yes, but still a man capable of being hurt and bleeding just like any other. It just didn't seem real to see it in person and know that something out there was capable of hurting the soldier.
“Its nothing.” Chris dismissed the concern as he lifted his left arm to beckon Zeno closer. “What are you doing here?”
Chris looked towards Umber Eyes as he asked, willing either man to answer. Umber Eyes beat Zeno to the punch. “I found him walking into the hot zone, sir.”
“Shit.” Chris cursed. “That place isn't safe. There's armed explosives all over the area. You need to be careful, Zeno.”
‘Explosives?’
Lobo scoffed. “Someone thinks they're clever. That guns won't kill us but bombs will.”
“They're half right. That's the dangerous part.” Chris hissed as Lobo poured more of the disinfectant over the gauze pressed to his bicep. His expression was tight with pain as he squeezed those honeyed eyes closed tight. Chris breathed deeply and let out a ragged exhale. “We’re lucky that we can smell the powder in them unlike other bioweapons.”
“You mean they're unlucky that we're smarter than other bioweapons.” Lobo corrected. Then urged sternly. “Hold still.”
Chris’ lips drew back as he bared his sharp teeth in displeasure. Lobo ignored the threatening display as he finished applying ointment to the affected area then laid fresh bandages over the top. “Between you, Canine and Night Howl, I'm running low on supplies.”
“Yeah, I figured as much.” Chris lowered his arm to inspect Lobo's handiwork. Zeno observed as the older man gave a satisfactory hum before carefully putting his shirt back on. A moment later, the warm embers of those eyes turned towards Zeno with a hopeful smile. “It's always good to see you, pretty bird.”
‘Why that is, is beyond me.’ Nobody was ever really happy to see Zeno around. He doubted anyone in the ARK ever considered his presence to be a positive one. It most certainly was never considered a comfort. At most he imagined he was tolerated as another fixture of the daily grind in their isolated little lives. Just another part of the checks and balances that kept the facility in motion. Without him, at worst, they wouldn't get their budget approvals on time. It wasn't a major tragedy, as just about anyone could fill his position with only a minor hiccup in the process, but it was not impossible. He was a face and a fixture to remind the residential staff that the Connections was always watching. He was a warning and a promise, but held very little actual use. Not until he could get his hands on Elpis. His present purpose was growing stagnant and his handlers were becoming more impatient.
Chris rose from his seat to greet Zeno with a kiss to his cheek. It was so casual and natural for the soldier. Zeno felt a bit awkward and unsure of himself. He didn't understand where the line was between them. Chris didn't appear to have any line at all judging from past experience, but that didn't help when Zeno was trying to figure out what the boundaries were in this strange relationship they had formed. Whether it even mattered at the end of the day, or if it was simply a passing fascination that entertained the wolves during their mission. Was he just a plaything to them and nothing more?
He told himself he didn't care in the end. If their relationship was a transactional one, then that wouldn't differ any from any other situation he's found himself in. He was a tool. Something to be used. The only difference was that Zeno found himself missing the wolves when he walked away, while every minute he was with them, he dreaded having to return to the ARK. His value was the same, but what they offered him felt more worthwhile to invest his time in, whether that be willingly or not, than the ARK ever provided for him. He liked how they treated him. How they used him. It was hard to express when he lacked the words and experiences to properly relate it to anything substantial. They made him feel a little more alive. As if he were doing more than just existing, but actually appreciating the moment and their affections.
The brush of lips traced from his cheek up to his brow. Chris rumbled low in his throat as his lips met the space just above Zeno's glasses. “Are you okay?”
“I'm fine.” Zeno didn't even hesitate to respond. It was automatic. Chris gave him a skeptical look with a raise of his brow. Zeno ignored the look and pressed on. “You need to do a supply run soon, I gather?”
“Yes.” Chris tilted his head as he settled a hand upon Zeno's shoulder. Lobo was packing away his kit as the two of them stood just inside the doorway of the room to carry on this discussion. Zeno never even noticed that Umber Eyes had left already. “Is something wrong?”
Zeno reached up to adjust his glasses to settle more comfortably on the bridge of his nose as he prepared himself for the coming negotiation. He thought it over immensely during breakfast as he considered his options carefully and what he was willing to give up to accomplish his goal. “I have a request for you, and I'm willing to compensate you handsomely by any means if you fulfill it.”
He caught the look Chris had shot towards Lobo as the two men glanced at each other. Both eyes returned to Zeno as Chris’ expression softened. The energy in the room had shifted and Zeno couldn't place his finger on why that was. The two wolves watched him like he were something curious. Their eyes said they were anticipating something, but what could be anyone's guess.
“Go on, Zeno. You can tell me anything. What is it you need of us?” He felt wrongfooted as Chris’ softened words accompanied the gentle stroke of fingers tracing his upper back affectionately. He suspected this was an attempt to comfort the younger man, but why was lost on him. It was a simple enough request. Chris appeared to be making an even bigger deal of it than he anticipated. His overbearing nature was a troublesome shadow even without the pheromones at play. Zeno brushed off the concern as he reached into his front breast pocket to retrieve the list he had compiled. It was just a few things, and while he didn't have a rough price range in mind for the budget, he was more than capable of compensating their efforts by any means.
“Have a look at this. Would procuring these items be a feasible request of you?”
Chris accepted the list with puzzlement. Honeyed eyes narrowed at the neat and tidy writing inked across the page. There were only a few things on it. Pots, potting soil, garden stones, just to name a few. He did note the expected humidity range in the corner of the page so the materials would need to withstand the brunt of so much water exposure. Chris’ furrowed brows buckled under the tension of his expression as his gaze warmed. A gentle laugh rustled in the older man's throat.
“Starting a new hobby?” He teased the younger man, which Zeno dismissed with a sharp look.
“Is it feasible?”
Chris snorted, amused. “It's easy.”
“I can cover all expenses plus whatever your working rate is.”
“Zeno, I don't want your money.” Zeno straightened as he regarded Chris with confusion. If not money, then perhaps Chris would rather have compensation in a more physical capacity. Zeno was capable of fulfilling any and all desires the older man could possibly think of. Even ones he wasn't outright familiar with, he could still learn and engage with it.
“Then what services would you prefer in exchange for your work?”
The older man considered the offer as he glanced back at the medic where Lobo had finished putting his kit away. Then looked back at Zeno with a growing smile. “You can keep Lobo and Umber Eyes company while we're gone. How's that sound?”
‘Just the two of them?’ He supposed that was more than feasible. It would certainly be easier than the last time when he was trying to adjust and adapt to cater to all five of Chris’ subordinates. The chaos of the room was still a blur to him for most of the night. He distinctly recalled that Lobo had a penchant for biting, and Umber Eyes shared similar tastes to Chris. These two were the most laid back of the bunch. He could definitely work with that. It was a small compensation for the request he made on such short notice, but if that's all Chris wanted of him then who was he to complain?
“That sounds agreeable. Yes.” It would at least make the time go by faster. Chris’ grin grew as it split across his face to show off his sharp pointy teeth. Zeno was once again reminded that he was little more than prey before the maws of a hungry wolf. Chris was the top predator here. As they made their way back to the living room space of the apartment, Zeno noticed Lobo had passed along his own list to the older man. Eavesdropping on the not-so-secretive topic, he learned that Lobo had more than a few items in desperate need of restocking. The rest of the team had already begun to prepare to leave on their impromptu trip, allowing Umber Eyes and Lobo to have the privacy of the apartment all to themselves with only Zeno to keep them company.
He would be lying if he said he wasn't a little nervous about it. This would be the first time Chris wasn't present for it. The rest of the team left through the opening of the balcony just outside the apartment. Zeno watched as they carried their packs and their rifles with them as they made the trek and casually leapt off the ledge down into the city streets below. Chris was the last to jump down as he pressed another kiss to Zeno's brow and reassured him. “We’ll be back in a few hours.”
‘A few hours?’ He supposed that made sense. Zeno nodded. Chris smiled as his fingers caught the younger man's chin to raise his head until their eyes met again.
“It's okay. No need to be nervous. They’ll take good care of you.” Zeno understood that. He just couldn't help but feel uncertain about it all. He didn't know what might be expected of him, and without Chris present to supervise his subordinates throughout the process. He swallowed thickly. Then straightened his shoulders as he assured the older man.
“I'm fine.” Chris nuzzled his brow once more as he breathed deeply through his nose. Zeno felt the warm breath that escaped the soldier dance through his hair, dropping stray strands down over his forehead in the process. “The sooner you leave, the quicker your return.”
“I know. I know.” Chris chuckled, as he straightened up and adjusted the strap of his own rifle on his shoulder. “I'll see you soon, pretty bird.”
With that, he watched Chris turn and calmly leap down into the streets to join the other three members of his unit. The apartment door was open where Lobo was seated casually on the couch where he could keep an eye on Zeno. His smile grew when their eyes met, and the medic curled his fingers in the air to beckon him back inside where it was more private.
‘So this is how I compensate them.’ He was already beginning to shuck off his jacket to get comfortable for this as he stepped into the room and shut the apartment door behind himself. The click of the mechanism in the frame was uncomfortably loud to his ears. Umber Eyes was seated at the kitchen counter where Canine had been previously. Both men were watching him. Both their eyes drank him in as Zeno set his jacket to rest on the coffee table where Night Howl's laptop had been.
“Come here, birdie.” Lobo beckoned with a soft smile. His fingers brushed the spot directly beside him on the sofa cushion. It rustled the protective sheet that separated their bodies from the rest of the filthy furniture. Zeno obeyed the command as he always did and settled onto the cushion at Lobo's side. He watched the medic as he tried to anticipate the direction this was going to go. He imagined he might be pushed back into the sofa as Lobo takes him, or maybe he’ll be asked to climb up onto his lap instead this time? Either direction was feasible with this man.
A hand rose to stroke his hair instead. It smelled faintly of medicinal oil and disinfectant as it brushed along the side of his head as fingers stroked across his scalp. Zeno shivered pleasantly. His scalp tingled beneath the light brush of the medic's fingers as they carded through the mess that was steadily becoming his hair. No matter how long it took him to style it, this group inevitably managed to mess that up. Lobo cupped the back of Zeno's head to draw him closer for a kiss.
This was much more familiar terrain for him as he welcomed Lobo's desire with parted lips. The kiss deepened as Zeno gave himself to the other man's adventurous pursuits as his tongue explored. A low growl resonated inside of Lobo's chest that wasn't as deep as Chris’ but just as intimidating. The hairs on Zeno's body stood on end. Zeno’s fingers curled into the fabric over his thighs, unsure of what to do with his hands as Lobo took full command of the moment. It was pleasant as Zeno parted long enough to catch his breath. His chest ached but not in a bad way as he quickly filled his lungs. His face felt flushed with heat as Lobo's auburn eyes studied him with a satisfied smirk. His sharp teeth bared as he teased.
“There's a good birdie.” His fingers toyed with the strands of Zeno's hair as they curled the lengths around each tentative digit before brushing it aside. Lobo’s smirk grew into a grin when a shadow fell over them both. Zeno looked over in time to catch Umber Eyes settling down by the other arm of the sofa.
‘I didn't even hear him approach.’ It was terrifying just how silent the wolves could be. Lobo brushed his palm down the nape of Zeno's neck as he directed.
“Go on, give Umber some love too.” Zeno twisted to face Umber Eyes as the older man caressed the right side of his face with a calloused palm. His thumb stroked Zeno's chin thoughtfully as dark eyes observed the kiss swollen plumpness of the younger man's bottom lip. Zeno could still feel a bit of Lobo's saliva clinging to the edge of his mouth where his tongue had brushed along it. Umber Eyes guided Zeno as he closed the distance between them. Zeno closed his eyes as he gave into the kiss. It was warm and wanting, where Lobo's was adventurous, Umber Eyes’ was patient and attentive. He took his time as they kissed. Umber Eyes’ tongue asked for permission when it brushed against Zeno's lip. He parted them to welcome the older man in, but Umber Eyes kept to the edges as he coaxed Zeno's own to come out and mingle together. A warm hand settled on Zeno's hip to draw him closer before that same palm massaged up along his ribcage.
He caressed Zeno's body, drawing him in with his mouth and his hands. The fingers on his chin stroked up along his cheek as a calloused thumb brushed along Zeno's cheekbone, just under the lenses of his glasses. His heart fluttered inside his chest, a dainty pulse that thrummed with energy. The breath left him in a quiet exhale as he opened his eyes to find Umber Eyes watching him as if he could see right through Zeno. He had that look about him that reminded him so much of Chris. As if he could see the very fabric of Zeno's existence at just a glance, and judge him for all of his worth. It made him shudder with its eeriness.
That gaze rose to look just over Zeno's shoulder. A silent gesture followed then Lobo's warm body was pressed against Zeno's back as the medic kissed along his neck. His hands reached around Zeno's midsection to rest his palms over the younger man's belly. The two men rumbled pleasantly to one another in low growls and huffs. Zeno felt their touch and their lips travel across his body. Lobo's fingers toyed with Zeno's hand as he held the younger man's palm against his and kissed his knuckles. While Umber Eyes drew Zeno into another tender kiss, the soldier’s hands brushed through his pale hair. His earlier nerves melted away as the two men lavished him in their attentive affections. It felt different from that first night of their meeting. It was slow and controlled, as he reveled in every sensation. Their warm breaths, the softness of their lips, the pressure of their bodies against his as he was caressed between them. It felt really nice as Zeno gave himself to it completely, kissing back with more desire, letting himself want what they were giving and finding himself craving more as he alternated between the two very experienced men.
Lobo and Umber Eyes kissed at his neck and brushed his collar aside to expose more skin. Lobo breathed deeply of Zeno's scent as a predatory growl vibrated from his throat. Umber Eyes pressed a kiss against Zeno's pulse point as Lobo’s teeth lightly teased the spot beside his piercing. Zeno gasped as the two men worked in tandem until the next thing he knew, he was sprawled out with his head in Umber Eyes’ lap. The older man stroked his hand through Zeno's hair as he brushed the disheveled locks aside until it gathered haphazardly in one direction. Lobo had drawn Zeno's legs up onto the cushion to rest across the medics lap. He was confused by this new position as the two men settled in seemingly content to stay like this. Lobo's hand brushed along Zeno's hip affectionately.
Umber Eyes’ fingertips traced the dip of his throat then slowly trailed back up to his jaw. It felt nice to have this kind of physical affection however confusing it initially was. He was expecting the two men to undress him, but they appeared satisfied with their current position.
“Just close your eyes, birdie. We’ll take good care of you.” Lobo urged with a smile on his lips.
As Umber Eyes purred. “Rest easy, Zeno. You're safe with us.”
‘Is this it?’ He was expecting more. But this was all they wanted from him? To kiss and now this? Zeno was a little put off by the odd request but he wasn't going to complain. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes as he settled into the cushions against his back. Umber Eyes' thigh was warm against his skin as the heat of his body radiated through the fabric of his jeans. The apartment was quiet. Everything was still as if the world itself had held its breath. He could hear the quiet breaths of the two men if he focused on it specifically, but their presence was hard to pick out even in this calm.
Several minutes passed by, and before Zeno knew it, he was waking up to the sound of heavy footsteps landing out in the hallway. The soft thump of boots on the old floors caused the hallway to groan. There was a warm heavy weight against his ribcage as he turned to find Lobo's head was resting there. The man had adjusted himself to lie along Zeno's side between the back of the sofa and the younger man. Umber Eyes was turned towards them both where he was resting vigilant. His chin propped up on his fist which rested on the back cushion as Lobo's quiet breaths shifted as he stirred from his own impromptu nap. Zeno looked groggily towards the doorway in time to see it open as Canine walked through the threshold with a military duffel bag slung over his shoulder.
“We're home.” The youngest member of the wolves happily declared before pausing in his steps to see the way the three were sharing space on the couch. “Aww, look at you three. Lucky fuckers.”
“Mmhmm. This is very nice.” Lobo purred against Zeno's side. Sleepy eyes blinked slowly as his auburn gaze adjusted to being awake. Zeno caught the partial yawn that left the medic before he nuzzled his cheek back against Zeno’s side with no intention of getting up to help his comrades. “Very cozy."
“Dick.” Canine growled. He hoisted the large duffel bag up as he maneuvered it into his arms before laying it on the kitchen counter. He was very careful as he did so, but the weighty thud still hit the surface. Canine left the duffel there as he headed back out into the hallway. A few minutes later, Chris’ large build loomed in the doorway as he carried two of the large supply crates over his shoulders. Canine had one held awkwardly in his arms as Tundra followed with another in her own arms. Night Howl had several black tactical sacks slung over his shoulders as he followed up the rear. They moved the equipment as if it were hardly a bother. As if its shape was more cumbersome than the actual weight. The way it hit the floor when Chris set them down certainly said otherwise.
The older man grinned as his honeyed eyes fell upon their gathering on the sofa. His lips pulled back to share a glimpse of his sharp teeth as he remarked. “Good. It looks like you three had a pleasant afternoon.”
Lobo finally dragged himself upright as he hummed. “Very.” He stretched his arms over his head as he arched his back with a pleasant groan. Zeno felt the warm pad of Umber Eyes’ thumb swipe along the back of his neck where it massaged gently along the exposed curve. The tips of his fingers danced through Zeno's hair along the back of his head. Neither man seemed compelled to get up, and their companions showed no urgency to make them.
“You guys hungry?”
“Starving, boss.” Lobo dramatically declared as Umber Eyes grunted.
“I could certainly eat.” Zeno was feeling a bit peckish himself now that Chris mentioned it. He hadn't eaten since the early hours of morning.
‘What time is it anyway?’ That was a good question but an answer was not in the cards as the ravenous pack of wolves lost themselves to the discussion of their impending meal to come. That was fine, Zeno thought to himself. He could wait. Chris was going to insist that he join them anyway like he always did.
“We got bread!” Night Howl happily exclaimed. He had flicked open one of the cases that held their supplies and lifted a large brightly colored package of bread rolls up for all in the room to see.
Canine snickered, commenting under his breath. “And the pretty bird wasn't even with us this time.”
Tundra swatted his arm as Zeno and Night Howl both puzzled at the two of them. Lobo smirked beside the younger man as he hummed, a mischievous look sparked in his eyes. Zeno didn't understand the implications of the comments as he looked between the members of the team.
“Bread is good. It’ll be very filling.”
Canine snorted, as Umber Eyes sighed and shook his head in disappointment. “You haven't even been home five minutes and you two are already at it.”
“What?” Canine grinned back at Umber Eyes over the rear sofa cushions. His expression softened to a mockery of innocence as he continued. “Who doesn't look forward to getting bread every now and then?”
“Alpha is going to get you.” Tundra warned with a growl as she dug through the same supply case Night Howl was. The room quickly filled with a mouth watering aroma as she opened a section of the supply crate that had a secondary lid inside. Zeno’s stomach rumbled as he sat up from Umber Eyes’ lap to inspect the case with interest. The two wolves juggled numerous large plastic containers as they hauled them in their arms, past the sofa and towards the kitchen counter. The smell of hot food already prepared filled the space. He wasn't even sure what it was to begin with.
“We went with the deli option for lunch today.” She explained as Night Howl stacked large round styrofoam containers in his arms. He nodded at the two wolves seated on the couch in question.
“Hope that's okay, Lobo.”
Lobo hummed approvingly. “Doesn't matter to me. I couldn't give a flying fuck if it was kosher or not. Just that it smells good.”
To which Tundra asked, her head cocked to the side as she stopped to stand directly behind the sofa. “Did you ever observe the dietary restrictions? You know, as a kid?”
“Kind of.” Lobo gave Zeno's knees an affectionate pat before nudging his legs down off of his lap. Zeno was content to sit up on his own, drawing himself away from Umber Eyes as he did so he could stretch and loosen up after the nap he had. “My grandparents were real strict, but my folks only cared to separate the meat from the dairy. I don't really care. All food is good food as long as it's cooked properly and hygiene standards are upheld.”
“Understandable.” Tundra grunted as she carried the containers to the counter. Zeno noticed the large duffel bag that was there was gone now, and so was Chris. Puzzled, he looked around but found no sign of the soldier. The rest of his team continued to unload the crate as they withdrew the prepackaged hot meals to lay them out in a somewhat coordinated fashion in preparation for lunch. Once that was done, Umber Eyes got up and disappeared down the hallway towards the bedrooms. A few minutes later, Chris came out to join the team as they started to serve the meal. Chris fixed up everyone's plates one by one, starting with Tundra and Night Howl’s, then Canine’s and Lobo's. Umber Eyes helped as he cleared empty containers and passed plastic utensils and paper plates towards the Captain. Chris fixed up Umber Eyes’ plate and Zeno's, as the aforementioned wolf brought them over to the coffee table where Zeno was sitting. Umber Eyes even had the forethought to bring Zeno's canteen with him where it was clipped to his belt to free up his hands for their respective plates.
“Here, Zeno.” He gratefully accepted the dish with an appreciative nod.
“Thank you.” The meal set before him was strange. There was a type of roasted white meat that he wasn't able to identify that had herbs of some kind on it. Then a creamy golden sauce that covered a type of pasta. There were wedges of a dissected baked potato with a special seasoning on it, and mashed potatoes that were far creamier than anything that came out of the ARK kitchens. When he stuck his fork into them, it didn't stand upright like it was made of cement glue. A lighter brown savory gravy was spooned over top of it with a large plump bread roll on the side the size of his fist.
Chris soon joined Zeno and Umber Eyes on the sofa as he took Lobo's spot at Zeno's side. He had his own plate settled in his lap as he shot the younger man a smile. Zeno offered a kindly nod back as he poked the meat absently with his fork.
“Something wrong?” Chris asked, to which Zeno shook his head.
“No. I'm just pondering what meat this is.” The comfortable quiet in the room which had been occupied with the pleasant sounds of the group eating in silence had grown tense all of a sudden. Zeno didn't need to look back to know that their eyes were on him. Chris used his plastic fork to cut a potato wedge in half as he answered.
“It's the breast of a rotisserie cooked chicken.”
“Hm.” Zeno gave a chunk a small taste. It was flavorful. Even more so when paired with the gravy and potatoes. “This is good. I don't believe I've ever seen chicken prepared like this before.”
“Oh yeah?” Chris took a bite of his own food as he listened to Zeno speak about this experience. He got the distinct impression that Chris was fascinated with his reactions to every meal. It was something about the way he always watched Zeno as they ate together, and the quiet pleasantries in his eyes. Zeno ignored them at the moment in lieu of trying the pasta.
“Oh?” He was taken back by the taste. It was creamy and delightful as the sauce spread over his tongue to melt in his mouth. The pasta was cooked properly, not too done or too dense. “These golden noodles are fantastic as well. I find them to be exceedingly palatable.”
Somewhere behind them, Zeno heard the sound of one of the Hounds choking on their drink. They coughed and sputtered, briefly drawing Umber Eyes’ gaze to check on them. Chris never tore his eyes away from Zeno as he explained.
“The macaroni and cheese, you mean?”
“Is that what this is called?” He desperately wished this was an option on the menu back at the ARK. It was delicious. Once again Chris was surprising him in the best manner possible and leaving Zeno speechless in the face of new experiences.