Barbarian (Jericho’s Boys #3)

5. Mal

Nico was gazing up at Mal with a quiet desperation he’d never seen on his best friend before. Nico was many things—loud, restless, attentive, funny, often silly. But he tended to hide his weakest parts. The ones that he thought were the worst of him. The ones Mal loved the most about him.

He hadn’t meant to show his hand so soon. He’d been content to wait Nico out, let him come around to the inevitable in his own time. When you had the rest of your life to be with someone, a few months seemed a small price to pay. But now, they were there, Nico beneath him, chest rising and falling rapidly as he waited for Mal to tell him what he wanted.

Mal did what he’d wanted to do for months. He sat back, letting his hands trail over the familiar ink decorating Nico’s body, from the delicate pixelated hearts to the bold scorpion on his chest. His fingers lingered over the small Playstation buttons nestled against Nico’s hips, a grin tugging at his lips as he brushed the symbols with deliberate care, earning a quiet hiccup.

Fuck. He was breathtaking. He returned to hover over him once more, then dipped his head, giving him one last slow, searing kiss and a soft smile before he dropped the mask, wiping all emotion from his expression…and his voice. “Open your mouth.”

Mal’s cock throbbed as Nico parted his lips without question, staring up at Mal, so needy, so frantic, squirming helplessly beneath him. Mal had no intention of hurting him the way he craved…well, maybe just a little. Who could resist? He bet he made the sweetest sounds when he was hurting.

Still, tonight was about testing Nico’s obedience. His endurance. He roughly shoved four fingers past Nico’s lips, forcing his tongue down and digging his thumb into the space beneath his chin.

“Suck,” he demanded, his voice just loud enough to be heard.

Nico gave a high-pitched whine, but immediately began to nurse greedily at Mal’s fingers, fucking his tongue between each digit until Mal had to bite back a moan of his own. He couldn’t help but imagine how it would feel to have that pretty little heart-shaped mouth wrapped around his cock instead of his fingers.

Mal pressed harder, feeling saliva pool around Nico’s tongue. He used the hand in his mouth to jerk his head to the side, biting his cheek just hard enough to hear Nico’s breath catch. Then he pressed his lips against his ear.

“I can’t believe you thought I didn’t know what a little pain slut you are,” Mal taunted, dragging his nail over Nico’s nipple, digging in until Nico jerked, crying out. Mal narrowed his eyes, forcing Nico to look at him. “Shh,” he soothed, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. “So loud and whiny already. It’s almost like you want our roommates to know what I’m doing to you. That’s it, isn’t it? You just love everyone knowing what a desperate little whore you are for me.”

Nico tried to answer, even with Mal’s fingers still jammed in his mouth, but Mal just worked his fingers deeper until he gagged, eyes watering.

Mal tsked again, making sure to keep his voice as uninterested as possible. “That wasn’t a fucking question.” He fucked his fingers into his throat until Nico gagged again. “We really gotta work on that gag reflex, Fidget. It’s pathetic.”

That earned Mal another sad sound. He amused himself for a moment by gently shaking Nico’s head back and forth. “You look so good with your mouth stuffed full. I bet it will look even better when it’s my cock between your lips.” Nico groaned, but Mal went on like he hadn’t spoken. “Here’s what’s going to happen now. I’m gonna suck you off and you’re going to keep your fucking mouth shut. If you make a single sound, I’m going to stop. Every…single…time. Nod if you understand.”

Mal had never been so happy that he forgot to turn off the computer screen. Even in the soft glow, he got to watch Nico’s pupils blow wide, already hazy and a bit glassy. Was he sinking into sub-space already?

Fuck. He was radiant, luminous. And so fucking pretty, even with saliva leaking from the corners of his little mouth, now stretched obscenely around his fingers.

“Aw, you look so pitiful like this. Eyes vacant. Drooling all over yourself. Making such a big mess. No wonder you want me to tell you what to do. Poor, dumb baby.”

He suddenly pulled his fingers free and wiped them on Nico’s cheek, dipping his head to scrape his teeth over his clavicle before nipping at the skin below. He closed his mouth around the tight little nub, the same one he’d abused a few minutes ago, noting it already looked a little red and puffy. Nico yelped loudly. Mal pulled off, giving him a sharp look as he twisted Nico’s other nipple hard, then tugged until he opened his mouth in a silent scream.

Mal surged upwards once more, placing a filthy kiss on Nico’s open mouth, then grabbed his face, digging his fingers into the hinge of his jaw until it opened wider, spitting on his tongue, then sucking it off. When he pulled off, he gave him a disgusted look. “My mouth isn’t even on your dick yet and you’re already breaking the rules. It’s like you want me to punish you. Is that it? Are you trying to provoke me? Do you need me to hurt you just to get off?”

Nico’s expression was equal parts misery and desire. Mal was clearly confusing him, but he could feel his cock, hard and leaking in his boxers where it pressed against Mal’s thigh. He liked this, loved it, even. Nico was so worth every sleepless night Mal had spent fighting the urge to rub off on him in his sleep.

This time, Nico was smart enough to stay silent.

“Good boy,” Mal praised, running a finger along his swollen bottom lip. “Learning already.”

When he stood, Nico gave a panicked cry, but Mal was just turning on the small lamp in the corner. There was no way he was missing this. When he returned to the bed, Nico’s legs opened for him without thought. Mal rewarded him with a soft kiss. This time, he skipped the foreplay. It was clear his Fidget was getting anxious, and while Mal wasn’t above setting him up to fail just so he could punish him, that wasn’t the point. Not tonight.

He knelt between Nico’s knees, hooking his thumbs into his boxers and dragging them down his legs, desire coiling in his stomach as he watched Nico’s cock slap his belly. “Bend your knees for me.”

Nico did as he was told, setting his heels on the bed. Mal spread his legs wider, making a show of looking over every part of him. The happy trail on his flat belly, his flushed cock, an angry red and wet at the tip. He really was so fucking pretty. Everywhere. Mal couldn’t stop himself from grabbing Nico’s ass and spreading him apart, taking in the pretty pink hole that had consumed too many of his thoughts when he was jerking off in the shower.

How many fucking times had he pictured this scenario? How many times had he wanted to taste him, tease him, torture him until he fucking cried? And now, he could. He settled on his stomach between Nico’s legs, gripping his cock at the base, smiling when Nico gave a broken gasp. He was so sensitive, leaking so much pre-cum it dripped down his shaft. He couldn’t stop himself from licking it up, biting back a groan at the bitter taste on his tongue.

Nico’s thighs trembled where they rested against his shoulders. Was he this responsive for every man he was with? The thought sent a wave of rage through him, but he staved it off. It didn’t matter. Not anymore. There would be nobody else for Nico after tonight.

Not now.

Nico had a warehouse full of baggage and Mal knew the fight to win Nico’s trust was only just beginning. But Nico was a good boy…a sweet boy. He could certainly defend himself when warranted and kill when necessary. But Nico would never be stupid enough or cruel enough to sentence some poor idiot to a slow, painful death just because he’d wanted to get off with someone who wasn’t Mal.

He didn’t care who it was or how nice they were. Mal wasn’t bound to any code of conduct. Not like the Mulvaneys. And he had no doubt he could easily cover up his indiscretion if it came to that. But Nico would never let it come to that. Because he was a good person. The best, really. Far better than crazy Malachi with his ten thousand personalities, all of whom were willing to kill.

Mal believed in rewarding good behavior. He wanted to show Nico he’d done well by choosing him. He sank his mouth over Nico’s cock, his lips gliding over velvety skin, tracing the vein underneath with his tongue. Nico let out a heavy breath through his nose, hips bucking almost against his will.

“Sorry,” he whispered, then slapped a hand over his mouth, eyes going wide.

Nico looked like he was going to actually start crying when Mal pulled off. “Uh-uh, Fidget. No cheating. Hands down.”

Nico did sob then, giving Mal a pleading look.

Mal ignored it. “I’m not going to count that one. But three strikes and you’re out. I’ll just leave you like this, hard and aching, and you won’t come until I decide you’ve earned it.” Nico’s brows went up like he had a question but Mal answered it before Nico could give himself his first strike. “And no, it won’t be tonight. Maybe not tomorrow either. So, I suggest you show me you can be good and keep your mouth shut.”

Nico’s brows knitted together, and he scanned Mal’s face like he was trying to decide whether he was serious or not. He would learn soon enough that Mal didn’t make idle threats, not even to those he loved. Nico’s body belonged to him. He’d said he wanted Mal to decide what he needed and he would. Nico had more important things to worry about than taking care of himself.

That was Mal’s job.

Nico finally gave another stilted nod, his hands smoothing through Mal’s hair, applying a less than subtle downward pressure that had him biting back a smile. Nico was going to be such a brat and Mal couldn’t wait.

He swallowed Nico’s cock once more, taking him to the back of his throat without warning, earning another strangled sob. Mal didn’t stop bobbing his head, just pinched Nico’s thigh meanly, hard enough to bruise. His gasp was gunshot loud in the otherwise quiet room. The only sounds were the computer fan and Nico’s heavy breathing as he tried to maintain his composure.

Mal sucked him from root to tip, swirling his tongue around the head, teasing his tongue in the notch there, before plunging back down. He loved the tang of Nico’s skin on his tongue and the slightly musky scent. Saliva dripped from his mouth as he worked him over, setting an aggressive pace. He worked a hand between Nico’s legs, fingers slipping between his cheeks and teasing his entrance with the tip of his finger.

Even without Nico’s noises, Mal could feel the younger boy losing his mind above him. His hands spasmed painfully in Mal’s curls, tugging hard as he squirmed, his thigh muscles tensing with every tight drag. He was panting like someone who was halfway through a marathon, his head thrown back as he thrashed against the pillows beneath. His hair was going to be a disaster later.

Mal pulled off, suddenly frantic to taste him. He roughly pushed Nico’s thighs towards his chest, spreading him just enough to get another look at his tight little hole. He spit on it, then laved over it, once, twice before placing tiny kisses to the sensitive skin around it. When he closed his mouth over him and sucked, Nico wailed, hips grinding down frantically.

Mal pulled back just enough to say, “That’s two.”

Nico’s affronted look did have him laughing this time. He glared at Mal but only until he returned to his new favorite treat. He took his time, eating Nico out like he was a dessert to be savored and Mal was starving. The more he teased at his entrance, the more Nico wiggled, trying and failing to force Mal’s tongue past his rim. He was pulling so hard at Mal’s hair, he half worried he might rip it out. When his tongue finally breached him, Nico tried to push himself down, like he could fuck himself on it.

Mal pulled back enough to spit again, right on his slightly gaping hole, then pushed his index finger inside without warning, earning another hard yank on his hair. Mal ignored him, snaking an arm beneath his leg, settling his palm on his hip to keep him in place as he stroked him from the inside, the tight soft walls making Mal grind against the mattress just to stave off the ache of his own neglected dick.

Mal worked his finger in and out, knowing it felt good but not enough to satisfy. Nico’s hands finally relinquished Mal’s hair to twist in the sheets at his sides as Mal rewarded him by adding another digit, teasing them across his prostate. Every muscle in Nico’s body was tight as a bow string, straining with the effort to stay silent in the wake of so much pleasure.

On the next stroke, Mal rubbed that tiny bundle of nerves with malicious intent, watching Nico as he did. He was staring up at the ceiling, cock leaking copious amounts of pearly white fluid, already looking so beautifully fucked out. Mal chuckled. Nico’s gaze snapped to him, earning a glare followed by a pout from his restless boy. He looked so adorable like this, split over Mal’s fingers. It didn’t dissuade him from his sensual torture.

Nico squeezed his eyes shut when Mal finally closed his mouth over him once more, working him quickly, his fingers battering his prostate, swallowing the bitter fluid leaking from his tip. He had to give Nico credit—he lasted a lot longer than Mal thought he would, but soon, he was frantically tapping him, his breathing ragged. Mal ignored his warning, doubling his efforts. Nico wailed as he came, his release flooding Mal’s mouth.

Mal kept it gathered on his tongue, crawling over Nico’s body, using his clean hand to pry his mouth open as he looked up at him, eyes unfocused. He let Nico’s cum drip from his tongue back into Nico’s own mouth.

“Don’t swallow.”

Nico whimpered but nodded. Mal had thought he’d just jerk off, but seeing Nico lying there naked, warm, wet mouth open and waiting, he couldn’t resist. He grabbed the waistband of his underwear, clumsily working them down his legs and then off, tossing them in the same direction as Nico’s.

He straddled Nico’s shoulders, bracing one hand on the wall before him. Nico rubbed his face against Mal’s length like a cat, moaning.

“Such a good little whore for me,” Mal said, a little awestruck by the view before him. Mal took his cock in hand, sliding it between Nico’s lips into the filthy mess of cum and saliva inside, giving a pained groan as some of it escaped down Nico’s chin.

Mal pulled back, slapping his cock against Nico’s bottom lip. “Relax your throat and don’t swallow until I say.” Nico nodded as best he could, looking up at him with wide teary eyes, so fucking innocent even with cum painting his lips and chin. “Be a good boy and let me use you.” Nico whimpered. Mal gripped his hair, moaning as he pressed back inside, fucking his cock deep into Nico’s throat, watching as he gagged, eyes bulging as he fought to control it. Mal retreated enough to let him breathe, then pushed back again, deeper this time, smiling when Nico didn’t gag, then groaning as his throat convulsed around him. “Fuck yeah. Holy fuck. Such a good boy, Fidget.”

Nico wailed around him, which only made him fuck his mouth a little harder, a little deeper, every wet gag driving him closer to orgasm. The next time he pushed deep, he held it there, watching with interest as Nico’s eyes grew teary, his nose starting to run, spit and drool and cum spilling from his lips. “So filthy,” he chided, even as he started to struggle beneath him. Mal didn’t pull back, just locked eyes with the boy beneath him. “You can take it. Just relax.” Another high-pitched whine vibrated along his cock. “Shh, I know what’s best, remember?”

When Nico stopped fighting, Mal released him. Nico dragged heavy breaths in through his nose, but he never closed his mouth, didn’t swallow. “Ready?”

Nico’s lids fluttered, but he nodded. Mal gripped his hair, plunging forward once more. Pleasure bubbled in his belly like melted sugar. Nico’s mouth felt so good, his throat clenching around him just like his tight little ass would soon. He used him hard, fucking his throat, no matter how much he wretched or gagged…no matter how much he cried.

“Fuck, your mouth is incredible. Such a good boy. Look at how well you take my cock. I knew you’d be incredible. My good boy. One more time for me.”

He gripped Nico’s hair tight, dragging his head up as he fucked down, holding him in place while his muscles convulsed around his cock, making Mal groan long and low as more and more tears spilled. He pulled back when Nico’s nails started clawing at his thighs.

“You gonna cry, Fidget?” he mocked. “We’ve barely even started.” He worked himself into his mouth in short, shallow thrusts, teasing deeper every third or fourth stroke, his release building fast. “You can take this much, can’t you? For me, Fidget?”

Nico nodded as best he could, his hands roaming Mal’s thighs restlessly.

“How can anyone look so innocent with a cock in their mouth?” Mal mused, thrusting faster, pure bliss shooting through him each time Nico moaned around him. “That’s my good boy. You’re doing so well. Taking me so well,” Mal praised. “I’m gonna come soon, pretty boy. My pretty baby.”

Nico practically purred at that. Mal just knew he’d have a praise kink. Fuck, he was flawless. Mal worked his hips faster at the thought, unable to tear his gaze away from the boy beneath him, so obedient as he fucked deeper and deeper into his throat once more, the wetness of his saliva and Nico’s own release coating his cock, the noises obscene.

Teeth scraped along the head of Mal’s cock and he bit back another moan, squeezing the base of his cock to stave off his impending release, then pulled out. “Tongue.”

Nico stuck his tongue out, giving Mal an unfettered view of whatever cum was still in his mouth. Mal bit his lip, working himself faster, Nico’s saliva drying on his skin just this side of painful. He was so close. Fuck. Just a little more.

His orgasm punched out of him, fireworks exploding behind his eyes as waves of pleasure rolled over him, goosebumps erupting over his skin as he painted Nico’s lips and tongue with his cum. He continued to stroke himself until it grew painful.

“Swallow,” he said, voice low.

Nico obeyed, then opened his mouth to show Mal he’d complied. Mal shifted until he sat on Nico’s hips, noting the other boy was already half-hard again. When he cocked a knowing brow at him, Nico slapped his shoulder. “Shut up.” Mal laughed, earning another pout. Nico’s voice was destroyed, his tone raspy. “Stop making fun of me.”

“I didn’t say anything,” he teased, voice far gentler than he had been. Nico rolled his eyes, laughing softly, the blue of his irises looking more denim than usual. “Are you alright, Fidget?”

Mal leaned forward, kissing Nico’s sweaty forehead, his cheeks, his nose, then, finally, his lips. Nico’s smile faltered, his face suddenly uncertain. Mal’s stomach churned. He could read his friend’s mind better than his own. He could see the way he was playing every possible way this would destroy their friendship.

Sex destroyed relationships. Nico believed that with the same conviction that made him believe the sky was blue and grass was green.

Mal cupped his cheeks, forcing him to meet his gaze. His anxiety was palpable. “Hey, look at me.” Nico blinked hazy eyes at him, his rapid descent from his sub-space obvious in the way his lower lip immediately wobbled.

Mal pressed his forehead to his. “Relax, baby. Nothing’s changed. We’re still us. Just because we played like that doesn’t mean you’re not my best friend. It doesn’t mean the end of our anime nights or movie nights or anything else we’ve done since we met. You know that, right?”

Nico nodded, trying to force a smile onto his face. It rapidly crumpled as tears welled up in his eyes then spilled down his cheeks, over Mal’s fingers.

Nico’s skin grew pink as he tried to slap Mal’s hands away and push the other boy off him. “I’m fine. I’m fine,” he said, voice tight. “I don’t know why I’m crying. It’s stupid. It’s just sub-drop, you know? It’s nothing.”

Mal’s heart twisted. He should have been more careful with him. Fuck. “It’s not nothing. Your feelings are not nothing. This is all my fault, Fidget. I pushed you too hard. It was super irresponsible of me.”

Nico blinked, their mouths so close his whispered words puffed air against Mal’s lips. “But I liked it.”

Mal smiled. “I liked it, too. I promise. So much. You were amazing. You are amazing. I’m going to get a washcloth and a snack for you and then we’ll watch Howl’s Moving Castle until we fall asleep, okay?”

Nico was already shaking his head, clinging to Mal’s arm. “I don’t want you to leave.”

There was so much more to unpack in that statement, far more than Mal simply leaving the room. He was sure that was partially what Nico meant, but the desolation in his eyes when he looked at Mal told him everything. Nico thought he’d blown up their whole friendship for an orgasm. He thought this was the day he pulled the pin from the grenade. They’d talk this out, but not right now. Not when Nico was in sub-drop and Mal was too cum-drunk to think straight.

Mal pressed a soft kiss to his lips then sat back up. “I’m just going to the kitchen. Sixty seconds, baby. Count them. Out loud if you have to.”

Nico released his arms and Mal crawled off the small bed, stuffing his legs back into his underwear. He stopped at the bathroom just long enough to wet a washcloth, then hurried to the kitchen, grabbing the pineapple from the top shelf and two bottles of water.

He was back to their room with four seconds to spare. He flipped the light off, then helped Nico sit up, forcing him to drink both bottles of water before grabbing the laptop. He set up the laptop between his knees, pulling up the movie and hitting play before he scooped Nico up and laid him sideways across his lap. Nico nestled as close as possible, pressing his cheek to Mal’s bare chest, eyes closed.

As the movie played, Mal fed Nico the leftover pineapple, then set the container aside, squeezing him tight as he pretended to watch the movie. Mal kissed the top of Nico’s head, played with the curls at the nape of his neck, whispered to him that he was pretty and sexy and perfect. He told him he’d been so good for him, so sweet. That he’d made him feel so good.

After a while, Mal closed the laptop and set it between the bed and the small table beside them, then manhandled Nico onto his back, rolling to his side and opening his arms. Nico hesitated for only a moment before slotting into his usual spot, tucking his face into Mal’s neck and breathing deep, opening his thighs so Mal could slide his knee between them.

Mal was dozing when Nico whispered, “Promise me this didn’t change anything. Promise me sex with you won’t change us.”

The way his voice shook broke Mal’s heart. Nobody knew how secretly soft Nico was, how fragile. How much his mother had fucked him up. The things she’d done to him all in the name of protecting him.

“There’s no way, Fidget. You’re always going to be my person. Sex or no sex. I promise.”

Mal could feel tears on his neck, but he ignored them, knowing that acknowledging them would only make Nico more self-conscious. Mal already knew how this would go and he’d accepted it before he’d kissed him hours ago.

Tomorrow, Nico would wake up and pretend none of this had happened, that it was all some kind of wet dream. He’d go right back to their usual routine, calling Mal his platonic bestie, acting like he had no idea what Mal’s dick tasted like. He would be resolute in his determination that this would never happen again.

Right up until the next time it happened again.

And it would happen again…and again…and again. Nico was his. Just his. He was Nico’s, too. They were magnets. There was no way they could be this close and not touch each other, not now that they knew how their bodies fit together like puzzle pieces.

And if Mal had to strip him bare and lay claim to every inch of his body, that was what he would do. He was going to have to peel back layers and layers of trauma to get Nico to believe that they truly were soulmates and that it wasn’t just some cute, silly thing they told people.

But Mal had time. He had his whole life. He hoped it wouldn’t take quite that long, but he was patient. Mal was great at playing the long game. Especially if the payoff was as sweet as his best friend.

Nico now snored softly in his ear, his breaths syncing with Mal’s until they moved as one. He fell asleep with his lips pressed to Nico’s hair and a newfound determination to finally prove to him that they belonged together.