Archive of Our Own

The knife dug into Karl’s throat deliciously. Not the first time he’d been held at knife point -most certainly wouldn’t be the last- and he had to admit it always gave him a thrill. Knowing that the heavy pulse in his veins would spill even faster if that knife dug just a little bit deeper. But, as much of a masochist as he was, he also liked living. Shocking. But he was in quite the bind.

Not used to waking up to his whole crew dead, save himself.

He was tied up quite uncomfortably. The rope rubbing his wrists raw and the one around his chest made it uncomfortable to breathe. How did this mother fucker even tie him up this tight? But he was still alive. It was an odd feeling being on this end of the rope.

So this asshole probably knew who he was messing with. Bold motherfucker, that’s for sure.

This fucker, this man, had just been staring up him the whole time. Well, more like glaring, but the point still stands. Squatting in front of him with that hard stare from those deep blue eyes. Sitting on his haunches. The fire was still burning bright beside them despite the blood soaking the earth around it.

Those deep blue eyes were the only thing he could see. A tan hat sat on his head with a blue jewel sitting in the center and, curious enough, blood staining the front rim of his hat. Tufts of yellow locks peeking out underneath it. A blue bandanna, matching his intense eyes, hiding everything below them. And it was immediate who this blonde asshole was.

The Blue Grizz: tears apart every man that is unfortunate enough to cross him.

Didn’t look very…bear like, if he had to critique the name. But, from stories, he sure mauled like one.

Karl had a feeling who this man was hunting down. Mother Miranda told him to worry on his tasks and not this trigger happy fool. But the pattern was too specific.

First Alcina’s brothels and then the big bitch herself. A Madame so powerful that not even local sheriffs got too close-and it wasn’t just because of her vineyard. What with her reputation of serving men their own testes as food. Heard that fight, between this man and his ‘so-called-sister’, caused half of that ridiculously huge mansion of hers to cave in on itself. Leaving no survivors, not even her blood-thirsty daughters, alive.

Miranda told him and the other two not to worry. Someone would go after Alcina for taking all of those girls and, well, no one ever seeing them again.

But then Benevento was next.

Her smuggling empire made them quite a bit of profit. Hiding their goods -stolen, forbidden or otherwise- in children’s toys. No one was the wiser and she didn’t need that big of a crew to run it either. If she wasn’t half mad herself she would’ve been Miranda’s favorite.

But later she was found stabbed to death in her foyer. Her face indistinguishable.

None of the goods were stolen.

So it was very, very personal. Which is quite peculiar since that woman never left the house.

It came to no shock that Moreau was next.

Shipping goods in and out from his own private docks, Sal ran imports. Healing a few of their crew every now and then if they stopped by. Knowing when other doctors would be too suspicious. A shame no one respected that old gasbag. Pitiful, that one, but useful. Loyal to Miranda unconditionally.

So it was a surprise when, even then, Mother wasn’t too upset by it.

And now here they are now. In the middle of nowhere. His crew, the Lycans, dead around him. Heisenberg knew he would be next- was planning on it. Brought his toughest guys with him. Urias, Strajer, Sturm. Those quadruplets from the north that he was certain were a little incestuous…all dead now. Throats slit in their fucking sleep.

Yet he was left alive.

And that look in that man’s eyes knew this man was looking for something. Revenge? Well he certainly never saw this man before…maybe. To be honest, he wasn’t completely certain? The bandana made it hard to be sure. At least…not in this fashion. No. No. He could tell in that wild look in his eye: he was looking for someone.

The man moved the knife towards his face. Karl refused to flinch as he felt the cool steel. His gag cut away in an instant.

Against better judgment, Karl still flashed a wicked grin over to his captor. Teeth gleaming from the fire. “What can I help you with?” He asked sarcastically.

“Iron Steed?” He asked. Growled, really.

Karl chuckled, “At your service.” He still tipped his head. Karl saw the confused twitch of the man’s eyebrows and grinned wider. “But my friends call me Karl Heisenberg.” He looked around and chuckled once more, “Well. I would if you hadn't killed ‘em all.”

The man huffed, probably in annoyance if Karl was doing this right, and raised his knife up to Karl’s eye. “I suggest you shut your mouth,” He hissed, “If you answer my questions, I might kill you faster.”

“So kind-”

A slap stung his cheek. Shocked the sentence right out of him. Though the blood only pumped louder in his ears and caused his grin to widen.

“Do you know who I am?” He growled lowly. Threat of sharing the same fate his conspirators laced in his tone.

Rolling his eyes, he answered, “Don’t think I do, Buttercup. I do know you as the Blue Grizz, but that’s it sweet cheeks. Never seen you a day in my life. ” He was pretty good at lying but for this he didn’t need those sets of skills. “By the way, have you considered the Blue Baby Deer?” He mocked, never knowing when to shut up, “Because do you in no way look like a-”

A fistful of his hair was yanked up and he barely kept himself from yelping. Letting out a long hiss instead. Pain tingled from his scalp to his spine as he was forced to look up at his captor. The knife was back at his throat again.

The man narrowed his eyes. Studying him. For what? Who the fuck knew. If the fucker was going to kill him he would’ve done it by now. But why?

“Oh. I’m certain you know who I am.” He let go of his hair to reach up to his face. That hand missing two of his five fingers, interestingly enough (didn’t know how he missed that detail). Gripping the end of his blue bandana, he pulled it below his face.

There was nothing shocking about this man except for the fact that, well, he looked so…normal. Average. Like any man he could perchance pass by on any given street. There were a few scars around his mouth and a good layer of stubble growing on his face, but there was nothing of note. Really the man probably didn’t need to hide his face. Because he really did look….

…like…

…every other man.

Oh.

Like that man.

Because he was that man!

“Oh? The puzzle finally fittin’ together?” Ethan Winters sneered.

Oh no.

“I-I wasn’t a part of that!” Winters shot up; towering over Karl with an imposing stature Karl hadn’t seen him at before the raid on that farm. He flinched but still snapped as Winters raised his hand, “I wasn’t! I knew of the damn plan! We all did! Miranda kept going on about it and kept us informed, but I wasn’t the one that went!”

There was one thing Karl always promised himself: if he was going to die, he would always look them in the eye with no fear. And this was no exception.

Hopefully.

Now it made sense why his fucked up family of criminals were being hunted down one by one: revenge for this man’s dead wife, farm in flames, and a missing infant daughter. Karl had scouted him out a few times and he always seemed stronger than Miranda gave him credit for. What with saving his wife the first time from bandits all by himself.

But no.

That girl was important.

Karl expected to die right then and there. It was clear the man took no prisoners when it came to this gang. Yet, he lowered his hand. A curious look on his face. Karl leaned ever slightly back, chin up, as he eyed the blonde back.

He chuffed as he took out a cigarette and brought it to his lips, “None of the others even admitted they were involved. Could barely get a location for another one of you fucks even with a gun to the head,” Flicking a lighter to light the butt, Ethan took a few drags before blowing it down wind.

How thoughtful the act if Karl wasn’t at threat of watching his blood spill out of him.

“Yeah, well, they all followed Miranda a little too closely. Like puppies. Treating the bitch as if she was our actual mother and not some leech sucking us dry.” He sneered.

“So you know what happened, then?” He asked. Holding his smoking arm while looking down at him with an almost bored expression.

Karl snorted. “Of course I did. Head Bitch used half my men for the job. And no, before you say anything, any weapons or men or assets that we had also belonged to her. Told her it was a bad idea. Especially over, well, some kid.”

Winters narrowed his eyes on him. Taking in another drag as he tilted his head. Waiting for him to continue.

“I-I can’t make sense of it. I guess it’s because the brat looks like her dead kid, but personally, so does every blonde little girl. I think, maybe, the old broad is finally going senile.” He licked his teeth as he glared up at Ethan. “But I know where she is. And I hate Miranda more than anything else on this Earth. I can bring you to not only your daughter, but to her.”

The blonde exhaled his final inhale of smoke through his nose. The man judged him carefully. Finally, he squatted in front of him once more. “How do I know you won’t just run? Or kill me in my sleep? Tell mother-dearest I’m coming?”

Karl actually chuckled. “You don’t. But I know you know an honest man when you see one.” He leaned forward. As far as his bonds would let him. “That woman ruined my life. Took everything I never got to have. And I want her dead just as much, if not more, than you do. Miranda is oftly slippery. Will know you’re coming if you don’t…have someone to show you the way. And then you’ll never see little Rosemary again.”

And that was no threat.

It was how she got away with him and Donna. Stolen in the night before their parents even woke up. Even Karl never understood completely why. Especially when they were never good enough. Treated worse than the pigs at market.

Karl’s parents is why Miranda encourages burning down the house and murdering the parents before they try to rescue their children.

Less messy that way.

Winters took another contemplative drag of his smoke. The gears were turning behind those baby blues: to kill or not to kill. That was the question, wasn’t it?

Finally, the man dropped the cigarette to the ground. Smothering the embers under his boot. He blew smoke directly into Karl’s face, causing him to blink away the stinging in his eyes, and glare up at him. But he spoke next, “Fine. As long as I am taken to where my daughter is, I’ll let you live. For now. But,” He added, pointing his knife in Karl’s face again, “If there is any inkling to you betraying me…”

Karl’s grin split his face in half. “Don’t worry about that, Papa. There is no one else who wants her dead more, I assure you.”

Letting out a long, drawn out sigh, Winters used his knife to cut his bondage free. Karl rubbed his wrists as he stood back up. Getting feeling back into his fingers by flexing them for a moment or two. Muttering at how well this man wrangled him up.

Ethan held out his hand, then.

A shake to seal the deal. To assure that both men were honorable and honest. Not so sure about that first part for either man, but Karl wasn’t about to argue semantics. He was given a Hail-Mary and he was going to take advantage.

They gripped their hands together. Both using their full strength into it. Eyes never wavering. With a nod, they both let go. Starting an…interesting relationship.

—

Ethan Winters was absolutely impossible to work with.

He was as stubborn as a mule and about as bright as one, as Karl was concerned. How this fucker hadn’t gotten his brains shot out was beyond him. But it seemed that no matter what Karl said or did that Ethan would be right there to fight him on it.

Sure, not being able to trust each other didn’t help in that regard.

Winters refused to give him a weapon, first of all, not even to defend himself. Taking his own fucking gun (that he made by hand by the way!,) and sticking it in his own pocket. Didn’t even trust him to ride alone on his own horse. Deciding to just steal his beauty brute of a stallion and have him riding behind him like some…like some dame!

Ethan always had to do things his way.

’No. We can’t stay at that inn! It’s too expensive!’

’No. We can’t go visit the bar. Needing “level heads”.’

’No. We can’t just threaten someone to rob them blind to pay for the expensive inn or enough booze to get them drunk! They already “had enough”.’

God did he miss being the leader of something. No one to tell him no and, if they do, he can gut them for it. Enough fear and respect to get anything he wanted. There were perks, sometimes, to being in a crime family this big.

But…he wanted Miranda dead.

Not even for the title of Head of Family. With how Ethan was going about things there wasn’t much ‘family’ left anyhow.

Plus he wanted to live. See the world he was denied. The states were…becoming a nuisance for him. To put lightly. Having Ethan kill him would put a damper on any…future plans.

Although annoying and a pain in his ass, goddamn, that man was something to look at. Now that they were essentially around each other twenty-four seven now, Karl got to see a lot more of the Blue Grizz than probably anyone else alive.

Ethan filled out his clothes well. Thighs thick and juicy from constant horseback and his biceps were always pronounced when he rolled up his sleeves on a hot day. Sweat would slip down his neck and over his collarbone and Karl would watch the full descent.

Thankfully the blonde dumb ass was always too preoccupied with his own thoughts to notice his ogling.

But something he had come to the conclusion of, unfortunately quick mind you, was that Winters there wasn’t as…plain as he once found him to be. There was just…something about his face that kept him staring. Could he choose why? Was it his pronounced cheekbones or those soft lips? Was it the way he snarled and growled like his namesake that got Karl all hot and bothered? Or was it when the man was slightly buzzed, lounging back by the fire while he told a story of ‘his old life’?

Or was it just too fucking long since he last got laid?

Karl just couldn’t place it and it was bothering the shit out of him.

—

They were getting close now.

Finally in a city large enough that people tended to ignore you than whisper about ‘the strangers’ that had blown on in. New people came in all the time and they weren’t any different. The buildings were tall and noise was everywhere. Bustling streets filled with an ocean of people of all types along with horses, carriages, and those metal, horseless contraptions that he had yearned for ever since first saw one in person.

But now wasn’t a time of sight seeing or exploring.

He had parricide to commit.

Well, to plan anyway. Karl had suggested they come into town with disguises so no ‘followers’ could sniff ‘em out and go tattle to Miranda. Thankfully the fucker didn’t fight him too hard on that.

Switching out their wardrobes wasn’t too difficult. Picking up a new set a few towns over and changed right when they saw the skyline. (Guess Ethan being a miser had been in their favor after all. Not that he was ever going to admit that.) Matching plain, black hats sat on their heads. They wore scarves instead of bandanas—plain tan ones to hide their faces. But they wore something a little nicer for their wardrobe. A perfectly acceptable city suit so as to not stand out.

They’ll need to rest for a while too. Build back their strength: both mentally and physically. Months of riding out in the open, uncivilized prairie took a toll on ya like nothing else did. Ethan wasn’t faring any better than he and that fucker was going harder than him—and unlike himself, Ethan was riding alone with no one to watch his back.

There were a vast amount of inns to choose from, being this close to the city's edge and all. However, still, even after being so fucking close, Ethan was looking for the cheapest one.

Couldn’t even splurge to celebrate gettin’ here alive.

Ethan found one with a stable. He paid for the horse’s lodging before going to the bigger building next to it. Brick built. A sign hanging from the door read: Trader’s Inn. A smaller sign, sitting in the window, read: Come rest your head and your horse! Warm, cotton beds and a warm meal in the tavern next door!

It wasn’t anything fancy on the inside. Well lit, though, compared to the other shit holes they’ve stayed in. More, uh, decoration he guessed.

Signing in for a room, the two of them trudged upwards with their bags. Dropping them in the corner as soon as they were alone.

The room was sparse but nice. Shutters to keep out the light hung in the windows. There was a single bed, fairly sized. The sign outside boasted cotton-filled mattresses–which would be a world of difference from the hay they’ve usually been sleeping on. There was a short side table that had a pitcher of water and bowl for bathing.

Ethan stretched upwards- his shirt barely staying tucked into his pants. With a groan he spun one of the keys on his fingers before pocketing it. He pointed towards the door, “Going to go piss. Meet you at the tavern?”

Karl balked.

“Okay. Who are you and what did you do with Ethan?” He accused. Not even fully joking at this point.

He snorted. Fucking snorted. “What?”

He blinked at the blonde like he was stupid. Karl gestured to the general world around them, “This entire fucking time you’ve barely let me take a piss by myself, let alone an inn!”

Ethan’s amused grin slowly fell as he seemed to…genuinely look at him. Eyes slowly scanning over his entire body.

Before, that gaze would make him…itch. Like he was predicting any and all possible motives and moves he might think or do. Try to be ten steps ahead. It was annoying, yes, but also expected. But looking at him now?

He couldn’t put his finger on it, but he could tell it was different.

“You’re a big boy,” He snarked as strode past Karl. Clapping him on the shoulder, “And you’ll know what I’ll do if you try and bolt anyway.” Ethan gave him a cold smile. The fake sincerity always caused a shiver to run up Karl’s back. Though not out of fear. Ethan patted his wallet, “Plus I got the change. Unless you plan on beggin’ for your next meal.”

“Tch.” Karl crossed his arms, “I told ya before. I want to see this through.”

Ethan’s face turned softer. His eyes a gentle blue that could soothe even the wildest of horses…or outlaws.

He patted his shoulder, “I know.” With a tip of his hat, he was gone through the door.

Leaving Karl to think some things over.

—

After a quick wash with the water and rag given, Karl redressed and met Ethan at the bar.

Even in the crowd it wasn’t too hard to find him. He was the only one sitting alone in a far back corner. Sipping on a bottle of something or other. Karl sauntered his way over to him. Weaving through the chaotic push of patrons having too much fun. It felt, unsurprisingly, like home.

The distinct scent of tobacco that stuck to every surface here and the heady amount of booze was enough to get his blood pumping. Eager to get his hand on a cigar if they had one. Fresh out a week ago and his fingers were itching for one.

Ethan’s eyes flickered up to him as he took another swig of his drink. Watching him sit down across from him at the pathetically small table—probably to fit more tables. The blonde flagged one of the servers down and a bottle was placed in front of Heisenberg. An act that he wasn’t too used to from this papa bear.

Karl raised a brow at him as he brought the bottle to his lips. Sipping down the bitter drink. A burn raced down his throat as he choked it down. He grimaced at the cheap quality of it but, fuck it—hooch was hooch.

Ethan, though, was always there to outdo him. Knocking it back like juice. Letting the empty bottle clank loudly against the table. Made Karl wonder if he should sniff the man’s canteen to see if it was really water in there.

The server came back at the sound of glass hitting wood to drop off another bottle for his mate, giving Karl time to ask for a cigar if they had one. Wasn’t about to get into it without some nicotine in his body. Dealing with Winters was a job all on its own and he’d rather not piss off the father this close to their goal.

Though Winters didn’t seem to be too keen on talking. Tapping his fingers along the glass as his stare wandered off to…wherever it went when he got like this.

When he finally -bless this dump- got his hand on a cigar, he didn’t hesitate to clip it and light it up with his father’s lighter. Taking the deepest inhale he’d taken in a long fucking while. Letting the smoke fill his lungs, his body, his soul. Like the beer, it was shit and it was cheap but god damn did it taste like the best cigar he’s ever fuckin’ had.

“Fuuuuuck that’s good.” He groaned out. Closing his eyes to fully experience that brief high. Exhaling smoke through his nose in a blissful sigh.

There was a deep chuckle. “Feel better?”

Karl leaned back into his chair. Slinging an arm behind him as he waved his partner off. “Don’t ruin this for me.”

There was that chuckle again. “Wouldn't dream of it. We deserve it.” A tension released in his shoulders. One he didn’t previously realize he was holding. He cracked an eye open. Ethan flashed him a surprisingly sweet smile. One that made him look…far more handsome than he usually found him. Most days he found him annoying or sad or downright terrifying.

Right now he looked human.

Like a man.

Maybe this was what he looked like before his mother ruined his life. Maybe this was the smile that got his now dead wife to fall for him.

“What?” Ethan huffed out a laugh as he brought his bottle to his lips again, “Something on my face?”

With a hum, Karl puffed on his cigar a few times. Savoring the taste before exhaling it away from Ethan’s handsome mug. “Mm. No.”

“Why ya starin’ then?”

Karl knocked the ashes onto a dirty ashtray that sat in the middle of the table. Overflowing with ash. “You look different. Calm. Like you don’t look like you have a stick up your ass all the time. Like you usually do.”

A playful smirk graced Ethan’s lips. Unlike when they first met, where there was constant bickering and treats of strangulation, there was a playfulness there in his blue eyes. Something that was becoming more common. “Well we’re almost there. Almost…” He let out a long sigh as he looked out towards a window next to them. Whispering, “She’s so close.”

That they were.

Excitement buzzed through his veins. To get the chance to off mother? Got the blood pumpin’, that’s for sure. “I understand the sentiment. But don’t keep your guard down now that we’re here. The old broad is tougher than she looks.”

Ethan let out a wicked snicker. His eyes flashing over to his own again, “Oh I’m aware. Either way, whatever happens, she’s going down. She’s going to pay/.”

Karl raised a glass to that, “Amen. May the bitch choke on her own blood.”

With a laugh, Ethan clinked his glass with his.

—

The rest of the night was a kind reprieve compared to the harsh wilderness they were in. Karl already knew a lot about Ethan on their road. There were only so many nights you could handle giving the silent treatment. Eventually everyone folded.

He knew where he was born, how he grew up and who he worked for.

Tonight?

As weird as it was, it felt like he was with his men again. Shit talkin’ and joshin’ and having a good time. Sharing a smoke and a beer and telling stupid stories. The more it felt like Ethan wasn’t that scary boogie man being whispered about town to town. Managing to eat something hot and getting a nice buzz while they were at it.

Eventually it was closin’ time. The bartender ready to start throwing people out if they didn’t start makin’ their way out.

Thankfully those two didn’t have to get far.

They needed to help hold each other up to their short walk to their room. Arms slung around the other’s shoulders. Laughing and giggling like boys as they stumbled up the stairs. With immense luck they managed to find the right room and not knock over any of the weird photographs on the walls. Not waking anyone else up? Doubtful. But fuck em if they did!

Ethan took a good few minutes to get the key into the hole. Squinting at the damn thing like it was the hardest puzzle to solve. Karl was in no position to laugh because he felt like he’d be just as bad at it.

He wasn’t drunk! Just…just really, really buzzed.

Tipsy, if you will.

Finally managing to get the door unlocked, they shuffled into the room. The window was in a perfect position to light the whole room in moonlight. Casting a blue glow to everything.

Karl was the first to fall onto the bed. Gripping his boot and trying to pull it off his damn feet. Ethan laughed. Standing there, grinning, laughing at his misfortune at being unable to take off his stupid fucking boot!

“What’s so funny, Bigshot?” He was trying to be menacing, at least he thought he was, but it seemed to have no effect on Ethan.

Not even a glare.

“Need help?” Ethan rose a brow and placed his hands on his trim waist. Cocking a hip to the side.

The phrase ‘Fuck off’ was on the tip of his tongue. A very popular phrase of his that he had no problem saying before. But his words died in his throat—drying up like his mouth as Ethan slowly sunk to the floor in front of him.

Slim, long, calloused fingers held his boot in a firm grip. Blue eyes never leaving his own. Karl’s breath caught in his chest as Ethan slowly pulled the boot off his foot. Tossing it behind him haplessly, he grabbed the second one without a second thought. Eyes always on his.

Karl couldn’t move, let alone think. Feeling his heart hammer in his chest. That predatory gaze boring into his skull.

“Ethan…” He choked out.

“Karl.” Ethan replied back as he crawled back up. Forcing Karl to lean back as Ethan caged him in with those toned arms of his. Sultry eyes giving everything away.

Had he ever thought of fooling around with the Blue Grizz himself? Naturally. He’d slept with worse people for even worse reasons. Been on his mind for a few weeks now. Had he thought of fooling around even while the Blue Grizz threatened to slit his throat if he left? Also yes. He was only a man.

But to act on it….

His lips went dry and he reflexively wets them. Seeing Ethan eye his tongue….

Like a whirlwind they were on each other. Ethan’s hot, intoxicating mouth on his. Calloused hands found their way to his hip and to his neck. Holding his head still as the blonde didn’t hesitate to lick his way into his mouth. Taking every breath he gave. Ethan hadn’t shaved in a few days. His stubble caught onto his beard in a way that caused his spine to shiver.

He clutched the younger man with desperation. His hand buried in those blonde locks of his while the other held a firm grip on his bicep. Feeling the strength there.

Tangled together, not willing to part their lips for more than a second or two, they began tearing the clothes off their bodies. Buttons flew and buckles clanked as, one by one, everything was shed off of each other. Tossed around the room with little care.

Despite his stand-offish exterior and generally acting like the feral bear people liked to call him, Ethan was surprisingly soft. Under those strong arms, tanned by the unforgiving prairie sun, was a kind of gentleness not yet seen from the man. And his belly, so different from his own, was silky. Despite living in the heat for months on end.

Eventually the two finally parted long enough to take proper breaths.

Karl was straddling Ethan’s hips. The lithe man was tracing his sides with the barest touch of his fingers. Causing goosebumps to ripple down his arms and his head to swim. (Ignoring the fact he might be a little bit drunk). Karl himself was groping one of Ethan’s toned tits. Admiring his physique outright. Eyes tracing around the faint scars that littered his shoulders.

Pulling a little tin from seemingly nowhere, Ethan grabbed his thigh like it was a piece of meat. Nails digging in ever so slightly. Indicating that his need matched his own.

The tin read on the warn and stained label ‘Gun Oil’, though the brand of such has been worn down from handling. Knowing from personal use, however, he knew whatever brand it was would suit the job just fine. All of it good for polishing any number of, ahem, barrels.

It had been a long while since Karl had yanked one out, let alone rolled in the hay, so he snatched the tin from Ethan’s hands. Earning him a throaty chuckle from the other. The man can laugh all he wants, but Karl wasn’t going to risk being teased all night. He wanted a fuck so good and hard he wouldn’t remember his own name in the morning.

Popping off the lid, Karl took two fingers and dragged it through the lubricant. Grabbing more than enough to get things going. Leaning forward, his face only inches from Ethan’s, he reached behind himself.
Ethan captured his lips just as he breached his hole with one finger. Humming into the younger’s mouth as he stretched himself open. Karl felt Ethan’s hand’s hold onto his love handles. Holding him tight to him. Ever so slightly canting his hips up. Their hard cocks sliding against each other.

After three of his own fingers, Karl figured he was ready. Pulling away was a momentous task. What with Ethan chasing the kiss and sliding his hand up to pull him back down. Always stronger than Karl gave him credit for.

He’d have to learn to stop underestimating him.

But Karl needed to ride that cock, and so help him, no kiss–no matter how good–was going to stop him.

Finally able to sit fully up, panting and flushed, he glared down at Ethan. “You’re toying with me Winters.”

Ethan grinned sinisterly, “What if I am?” He rolled his hips up, causing Karl to gasp. “What are you going to do about it?” Karl was about to curse him out. Thinking maybe he’ll sleep in the stables and get himself off by his own damn self.

Thankfully, well hopefully, the other man was just as desperate as himself. Reaching for the tin and scooping up some oil for himself. Slicking himself up with a few pumps. Never losing eye contact with Karl. Eyes dark and sultry.

Finally, oh thank god finally, Ethan helped Karl position himself over his erect member. Keeping him steady as he slowly sank down. Splitting himself in two.

Now this would not be the first dick he’d sat on, and Ethan wasn’t bigger or smaller than any average man’s, but god did it feel heavenly. It took his breath away and caused his eyes to roll into the back of his head. Even though there was a burn with the stretch, it stung so right. Adding to the pool of arousal that sat at the pit of his abdomen. Maybe it was because it’s been too fucking long, for him anyway. Or maybe it was because he’d been having wet dreams of fucking this asshole breathless.

Once sheathed fully, they took only moments for either to adjust before Karl started moving. First by rocking and then, when he found the rhythm, raising his hips. Slamming back down with a force to cause both parties to groan. Using one hand to balance on Ethan’s knee behind him, Karl rode him ruthlessly. Closing his eyes in concentration as he tried to find that sweet spot.

Couldn’t handle that hungry look Ethan was giving him.

But that meant Karl was too focused on trying to hit that sweet spot. Not paying attention when Ethan adjusted his feet and his hold on Karl. So when raised his hips and slammed Karl back down, his breath was knocked out of him.

Eyes widened as he opened his mouth in a silent scream. Nerves electrifying all around his body.

The old farmer didn’t stop there, either.

Grunting, Ethan kept up the pace. Thrusting up into Karl’s tight hole while dropping him down. The moans that came out of him were sinful. No doubt the whole inn could hear, and yet, he couldn’t find a reason to care. Only thing on his mind was that rock hard cock hitting his prostate with every thrust.

Eventually, Karl remembered himself and started to meet Ethan thrust for thrust. Allowing Ethan leaving the only thing to focus on was pistoning his hips upward. Leaving a hand free to take Karl’s member in hand. Using his precum to help lube the way as he started to pump.

“That’s it,” Ethan panted, “Ride that cock. Take it.”

Karl had never heard Ethan say something this vulgar. This filthy.
It surprised him.

Surprised him enough to gasp as he came suddenly. Cum splattering all over the outlaw’s stomach and chest.

Ethan groaned at feeling him constrict around him. Arching his back to push further into his hole. Groaning as he thrust once, then twice, and then pumped his load deep inside of him.

Coming down after that high took longer than he thought it would take. Eyes closed and panting. Knowing already his legs would be jelly if he tried to move them. The room was muggy from the sex. Reeking of it. Could feel droplets of sweat glide down his back and arms.

Ethan was the first to break the tranquil silence, “Well cowboy, not bad.”

Karl peaked an eye open just to glare at him. Indignant. “Not bad?” He huffed.

He chuckled. Hands reaching up pull Karl against him. He was so boneless that he just let him. Ignoring the mess that was made between them. Ethan slipped out, causing Karl to grimace. That was short lived when Ethan began tracing his back.

Resting against the other’s chest was…well he wasn’t used to doing this with partners. The deed was strictly business most of the time.

Also begged the question why Ethan did this.

Why he did it himself was a no brainer, but Winters? He’s been a brash, rash, pain in his ass since he first held a knife to his throat. It was no secret, for a good few months, that he hated him. Simply for being associated with Miranda. Sure things leveled out, more or less, for a while but….
“You’re thinking too loud again,” Ethan drawled out loud.

Karl rolled his eyes.

Ass.

With a huff, Karl pushed himself up to look Ethan in the eye. Asking bluntly, “I know why I did that, but why did you do that?”

Was it the alcohol? He was betting on the alcohol.

Yet Ethan…just shrugged.

Could tell the gears were going on behind his eyes. Maybe wondering why the hell he did this too. Finally, he let out a long, long breath. “I dunno. Guess…,” He frowned in thought, “Guess I was stressed. And I like you more than I should-” Karl raised his brows at that, “And I dunno what’s gonna happen at that mother of yours estate. Felt like…it was right.”

Ignoring how he called Miranda his mother, he looped on back around to the point where he said he liked him.

Ethan rolled his eyes, “Don’t give me that look! We’ve been on the road long enough that you kind of…” He mumbled under his breath, “...crawled your way in.”

A Cheshire grin slowly spread across his face. Ethan, already sensing it, scowled. “Don’t you fuckin-”

“AWWW!” He let out dramatically, “You startin’ to like me, Winters?”

“Alright! Get off! I regret all of it now!” He tried to shove him off, but a good thing about Karl being a big man was using his dead weight against others. “Ack! I said get!”

Karl had him pinned. Ignoring Ethan’s weak attempt at breaking free. “Nope! Nah-ah! You’re stuck with me now!”

“Karl!”

“Who knew! Under all that bravado that a man like you-”

“I’m getting a separate room!”

“-could fall for a man like me!”

“I will fucking punch you Heisenberg, I swear to god!”

“It’s like Romeo and Juliet!”

“This is nothing like Romeo and Juliet you idiot! Now get off of me!”