Post by mystifyingoracle on Nov 27, 2020 14:36:56 GMT -5
OOC: Thank you to Axton Gunn for the collab! About to get all sappy and romantic up in here. Enjoy!
It seems like I can do no wrong through your eyes;
Sing the wrong lines to my own song, you don't mind
Make it up as we go,
All the words we don't know
Even When I'm a drunken mess, you don't care
Still like me better than the rest; I swear
I don't understand it,
How you like me when I'm dancing…
He was waiting at the curbside in front of the tattoo parlour, wearing a thick fleece-lined hoodie under his bomber jacket; his hair was immaculate, touched with a hint of silver glitter, as his eyes were highlighted with a delicate application of kohl liner. Even dressed as casually as he was in Lucky jeans and converse, he looked every bit the role of the Rockstar, standing in front of the rather nice rental car he’d been cruising in lately. His lips were parted ever-so slightly in a soft smirk that just seemed to belong on him, as always. He was still holding his phone from when he’d sent the text letting the artist know his chariot had arrived.
That was the sight that greeted Silvio Leon when he stepped outside.
“Hey babe,” Axton said, tucking his phone away. His eyes were alight as he spoke. “I know I’m early but I couldn’t wait to see you. Ready to go?”
The shop had been closed for about half an hour by the time Ax showed up. Silvio came down the steps from his apartment, dressed in jeans and a red pea coat, black jeans, and oxblood colored Doc Martens. His piercings were coordinated silver and horn, and he smiled as he approached Axton. His own heart trembled. He’d been trying to give himself the time he needed for Kohaku’s departure, but Silvio couldn’t deny how lonely he’d been. Everyone seemed to have their own partners lately. Mitch and Zane, Ade and Silvie, Knox and his family, Ax, Jon, and the Entourage. He wasn’t bitter about any of it; wasn’t resentful. He was just alone. He had his own professional aspirations, but even if they came to fruition, what was a belt going to do to keep him company when no one else was around? When Ax reached out to him, the ache in his heart had been too much to bear by himself.
“With you? Always,” he said. “Where are we headed tonight, Summer Eyes?”
The familiar nickname sounded so sweet; Axton felt his shoulders relax, some of the week’s tension dissolving into the cool November air. It had been killing him to wait, to give Silvio the time he needed to process what was going on with his other partner… but after the week he’d had, he couldn’t wait any longer. He really needed this. Just for tonight, at least, he could forget about nearly fumbling into old habits in Jon’s arms, almost hurting him like he’d done to so many others. He could forget about Dominick’s face when he walked out of the arena after shoving away his open hand. All the rest--so much of the rest--it could just wait. Right now, he needed Silvio’s warmth, his smile, his gentle hands.
“I got a few ideas,” Ax said with an air of whimsy, popping open the passenger door and holding it open for him. “Mind if I spoil you tonight? It’s been a while and you know I like doing it.”
“I could do with some spoiling,” Silvio admitted, giving him a sheepish smile. Coming to Axton’s side, he reached up to tap his chin playfully. “And I know it’s as much of a treat for you as it is for me, Rockstar.”
That was Axton’s nature. He wasn’t at all selfish with his fortunes. Indeed, the moment he had anything good in his life, it felt like the first thing he wanted to do was share it with someone else. It was a bit of a double-edged sword, though. There were plenty of people willing to take advantage of that. Silvio had run more than a few off himself.
Axton shot his boyfriend a grin, letting him get settled into the passenger seat as he walked around. This felt good; this felt right. This was what he had really wanted, more than anything, when he’d gotten the hare-brained idea to come to Baltimore in the first place. He’d been blinded by heartbreak, but now? It was clear all he wanted was to recapture the feeling of being with Silvio… the feeling of being able to open himself up to another person without apprehension or fear. Someone who knew his best and his worst and still wanted to stick around.
Silvio was good for him. He knew that much. And he wanted to be good. He wanted to be better.
“I hope you like surprises.” Axton looked at Silvio sidelong from the driver’s side, his hand resting on the wheel. “But first… what do you want for dinner? We’re gonna pick it up and take it with us. I got something special set up for you.”
Silvio gave a thoughtful hum as he buckled in, eyes flicking briefly upward. “Something portable? How about bánh mì? Gotta find a place that does the pâté, though. Otherwise, what’s the point?” He smiled, looking at Axton and raising a brow. “Love surprises, handsome. Curious to see what you got in store for me tonight.”
Axton was the type for grand, romantic gestures, and if he was honest with himself, Silvio ate it up. He knew it wasn’t for everyone, but for someone who’d been treated, at best, as an inconvenience most of his life? Finding someone willing to put the time and effort into making him happy felt like discovering a unicorn. When he was with Ax, he felt like he could be appreciated for who he was and not just valued for what he could do.
“Oh sweet, that was one of my top five guesses.” Axton plugged an address into his GPS and gave Silvio a wink. “Like I’d let anyone serve you a sub-par bánh mì.”
One trip toward downtown and a quick dip inside an upscale Vietnamese restaurant later, the pair were on the road again. It doesn’t take long to see that they’re leaving the city lights behind while the car fills up with delicious smells, the radio complimenting the ride with music beneath their voices as they talked.
Those eyes, damn, those eyes, they get me every time
Those eyes, in those eyes I can do no crime
When I dance like I don't care,
You call me Fred Astaire!
“That was a hell of a Halloween party,” Axton laughed, his eyes forward on the road as he rubbed the wheel absently with his thumb. “It got me missing all the stuff we used to do when you lived in LA. I was thinking… you know, even if we’re up in Baltimore, maybe we can find a little of that magic here.”
“I miss it,” Silvio said, leaning back on his seat and watching the sky as the city receded into the distance. “I miss Seattle, too. It probably sounds weird, but it’s...almost like I miss the person I was then, too; not just the place.” He returns his gaze to Axton. “But I like Baltimore, too. And I like what I’m doing.” Giving a little snort, he shook his head. “It’s weird I ended up doing the wrestling thing before you.”
“Yeah.” Axton’s grin widened, shaking his head a bit. “It’s a little weird… I mean, this is where I wanted to be if the whole music thing didn’t… y’know, work out. So it’s been kind of like living a second life. Getting to know what it might’ve been like if I had to take the other road. I like how you’re on both roads.”
Reaching out over the console, Silvio gave Axton’s hand a little squeeze. “Thanks for coming after my stupid ass. I’m...so sorry.” Sighing, he rubbed his eyes. “I’m just glad you still...you still want anything to do with me.” Honestly, he wouldn’t have blamed Axton if the only interest he had anymore was kicking the crap out of him in the ring.
Even as Silvio apologized, Axton was shaking his head.
“Babe… it’s okay, really. Yeah, I was mad… but only because you scared me. It’s like I said--there’s not a lot of people I trust the way I trust you. I’ve shared stuff with you I’ve never told anyone else… I’m always so sure as soon as somebody finds out I’m really a mess, they’ll bail… and it’s happened before. But you never bailed, not even when I was a complete asshole, heh.” Smiling, he looked sidelong to Silvio, his eyes warm and grateful. “Because of you, I think maybe I can start working through that feeling. Be my whole self for the important people in my life… You just make me wanna be a better person.”
Silvio grinned at that. “Just the important ones, huh?” He’d seen Ax get sassy with people on social media and in the locker room. That was just him, though; he’d reflect back whatever was thrown at him. Unless someone had crossed a serious line, all they had to do was be kind to Axton and he’d be kind right back. “And that’s...about the most flattering thing anyone’s ever told me. I’ve always wanted to know as much of you as you’d let me see. I’ve never seen anything that’s made me want to turn away yet.”
“Which means you’re either nuts, or the sweetest guy ever,” Axton mused, brow knit as he returned his eyes to the road. “A combination of the two, maybe? That’d be pretty fun.”
The city lights were far behind, now. Axton pulls down onto a side road; the November season leaves behind fields of mowed corn and soybeans for the migrating birds, spreading out on either side of the pavement. The headlights illuminate the way ahead, soon casting gold glow across fields of swaying wild grass.
He pulls to a slow stop next to an open field where an old, gnarled willow tree bends over the clearing. Very noticeable under the tree is something… glowing. It’s too far away to make out in detail, but Axton turns the engine off, sighing in contentment.
“We’re here.”
Silvio smiled slowly, unbuckling and stepping out of the car, eyes immediately drawn to an autumn sky rife with stars.
“...Wow…”
Pausing, he shook his head, laughing and looking over at Axton.
“You weren’t kidding about trying to bring some of that LA magic back, huh? This is just like out in the desert.”
He shrugged, raising a brow, but still smiling as he looked back at Axton.
“Cold clings a little more out here, though. You going to be okay?”
“I’ll manage.” Axton shrugged right back, shooting Silvio a smile and making a point to adjust his fleece-lined hoodie. “I came prepared… but yeah, that’s what I had in mind. Those nights when we would just drive out into the desert, sit on the back of the car and try and find the Milky Way up there…”
He gestured for Silvio to follow, starting to walk into the field with their dinner in hand. “But that’s not the only thing out here. C’mon, lemme show you.”
As Axton led Silvio toward the tree, it became apparent what the arrangement was. Nestled under the long branches of the willow was… well, a bubble. It was a dome of translucent plastic, enclosing a dinner setting for two nestled in the middle of the fields under the expansive blanket of stars above. There were flickering electric candles on the little round table, and a bottle of sparkling white wine (non-alcoholic of course; someone was driving) was sitting in a bucket of dry ice that was gently billowing over the lip of the bowl over the table itself.
Axton grinned, looking back over his shoulder as he parted the curtains on the dome to invite Silvio inside.
“There we go… a little LA magic in Maryland.”
Silvio froze in his steps, jaw dropping briefly as he gaped at the set up, color rising in his cheeks. As the shock faded, he laughed, shaking his head.
“This...is amazing, Ax!” he said, spreading his arms. “This must have been a pain to set up. You went to all this trouble…”
Grinning, he gave Axton a quick peck on the cheek as he passed by him, stepping into the little fairy bubble of Los Angeles the rock star had created.
“It’s not trouble if it’s for you,” Axton hummed, following Silvio inside and letting the curtain fall closed behind them.
After laying out their meals on the plates provided, Axton settled in a cross from Silvio with a sigh, filling one of the wine glasses for him first before filling his own.
“Here’s to us,” he said, offering a toast with a warm smile. “You never expect to be where you end up. But I’m glad I’m here with you.”
Having a seat and taking up his own glass, Silvio lifted it and tapped it against Axton’s, grinning. “You always did like that little aphorism. And I’m glad you’re here, too.” He sipped the bubbly before looking back at Axton. “You’re so vibrant. Not the same way you were when you were on stage as a rock star. You’ve got this intensity about you and the way you work with your partners is incredible. There’s such a synergy there.”
Axton seemed genuinely flattered, grinning down at the table after taking a sip. He set the glass down, feeling more relaxed and at ease than he had in a long time. Silvio just seemed to have that effect on him; he was just… good to be around. He had a way of making Axton feel safe and wanted that was so rare.
“Yeah… I’m having a lot of fun, even with all the trouble that comes with it. You know me… I don’t really like to work alone. When I’m working off a partner in the ring, it feels… special, you know? Like we can know each other without talking. It’s all feeling and motion and sense. Maybe that sounds kinda cheese, but it’s true… and it’s been incredible watching you become this… absolute force of nature, like I’d never seen before when I knew you in LA. Maybe you never expected to end up here… but it suits you. It really does.”
Silvio blushed, his smile lopsided.
“It’s not anything I ever expected from myself, but...I’m good at it. I enjoy it. It...really fucking matters to me like my tattooing does. God, maybe even more sometimes, as impossible as that feels. But I want...I want to be recognized for this. I want that title. Thanks, by the way, for helping out with my promo,” he said. “I think it went really well with everybody’s help. I couldn’t have done it without that swagger of yours. You being so into it really helped get everybody into it.”
Axton laughed, saluting Silvio over his dinner. “That was fun. You know I like digging into people who deserve it. Babe, those jokes are gonna be forgotten the second they shut their mouths… you’re gonna be something really special here.” His expression softened, watching Silvio’s face with a certain fondness. “I can’t wait to see you finally get the spotlight you deserve. You’re so special. You’re the whole milky way. You got galaxies in you, honey. It’s about time everybody noticed.”
“I keep hearing that,” Silvio said, unwrapping his sandwich. “And...I mean, it looks like I’m going to get that chance with Ken accepting my challenge. I guess...I’m starting to believe it. I...thought maybe I didn’t deserve that shot after Zane and I didn’t manage to get the tag titles, but…”
He rolled his eyes, taking a bite of his dinner.
“Christ, I hate to say things, ‘happen for a reason,’ because I don’t believe that. But I wonder if maybe it was better that way for us. It taught me some important things about myself. And Zane...I mean, it’s hard to argue that he wouldn’t be a perfect UltraViolent Champ. Also...maybe there were some folks the tag titles suited more coming up.”
Axton waggled his eyebrows playfully, but was unable to keep from laughing after doing it.
“Hey, maybe. At this point I’m just here to have fun; if I get the crowd roaring, I’m happy. And I’m happy I get to be part of all of this with you… I’m glad I get to take you out to dinner again.”
“I’d be hard pressed to think of better company,” Silvio said, reaching across the table to touch Axton’s hand. “And who knows? Maybe we’ll find ourselves fighting in the same corner sometime.” Axton did love to make people love him. If he could make somebody feel something, that was his ultimate high. Small wonder he thrived at Carnage. “God, I missed you. I missed everyone so much.”
Seeing Zach and Artemis together again and working with them on the promo had been incredible. He’d felt so certain they’d never want to talk with him again after he’d left without a word. That they’d so easily forgiven him and gotten behind his efforts in the ring had left him grateful and baffled all at once. Honestly, it was a potent motivator. While he didn’t believe anyone would feel let down no matter how the match fell out, he also wanted to show them their faith wasn’t misplaced. When he’d pursued the tag titles, it had been a bittersweet thing; still stinging as he was over Kohaku’s departure. Challenging Ken, however, was another matter entirely.
“Well, you don’t gotta miss me anymore,” Axton hummed, warmth in his voice as he kissed the back of Silvio’s hand. “And I know I’m not the only one in your corner, babe. The fact that you have super sweet friends like Ade? You have no idea what a relief that was. You know how much I hate being lonely, and I just… the thought of you feeling like that… well.”
He smiled wryly. “Yeah. I guess I don’t have to worry about you being lonely anymore. And we can do this more often. Maybe before every show, huh? I’d say after to celebrate, but that implies I’m not gonna get my ass kicked concave one of these days, and I’ll have to stay home in bed and put little nurse hats on my dogs.”
Laughing, Silvio shook his head. “Well, that’d be pretty adorable and, y’know, I could wear a little nurse get up too, if that’d help make you feel better,” he purred, giving Ax a cheeky little smile. “I, uh…” He glanced away briefly before looking at Axton, a note of something like guilt or contrition in his tone when he spoke. “...I’ve been...honestly pretty lonely lately. Everyone’s kinda had their own stuff and...I wouldn’t ever want to impose or anything. Zane and Mitch have their title shot and their own stuff to worry about, Knox’s daughter is back in his life, Ade is...well, she’s being absolutely adorable with Silvie. You’ve had the Entourage and everything…”
He made a face.
“And I miss Ko.” Sighing, he ran a hand through his hair, gaze dropping to the tabletop. “I still feel like I messed up there. I should have figured out a way to...I don’t know...solve everything that was going on between us. But I couldn’t. Honestly, I’ve been feeling pretty alone since 100.”
Axton’s expression fell, sudden concern written all over his face. He squeezed Silvio’s hand in his own, sucking in a soft breath and letting it out quickly.
“Sil, I’m sorry, I had no idea… I was sort of trying to give you space to be with your new friends, I didn’t wanna seem like I was just… you know, barging back in and demanding your time and energy. If I’d known they all had their own--shit, I gotta get better at reading these things.”
Ax looked down a minute, his brow knit, then back up with an air of certainty. “Lemme say this much, at least… it’s not your responsibility to sort out how someone is feeling for them. That’s the shit they gotta do on their own, and you can’t fault yourself for that. Take it from me--I’m learning how to not demand exactly that of people I care about, just because I’m too dumb to sort myself out sometimes.” He tried a thin smile, eyes on Silvio’s face. “And you know… things aren’t super great with the Entourage. It’s… it’s not good. I’ve had Jon around to sort of keep my head above water, but… I’ve missed you, too. And if you need me, just say the word. I’ll be there. Cross my heart.”
Fingers laced with Axton’s, Silvio’s expression was gentle, eyes limpid.
“I’m always going to need you, Ax.”
Axton laughed breathily in surprise, moreso at the fact that his pulse suddenly quickened to a sprint. He gave Silvio’s hand another squeeze, his own eyes a little glossy.
“You have no idea… how much that means to me. Or hell… maybe you’re the only person right now who does.”
“I know.” Getting to his feet and drawing Axton up with him, Silvio pulled him closer still. “That’s why I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it,” he murmured, leaning in and resting his forehead against the rock star’s. He let himself get lost in the green of his eyes; let that become the only thing he saw. “You’re not going to lose me like that again.”
Axton beamed in the low light of the candles; his hands came to cradle Silvio’s head, holding his face close like the most precious thing in the world. In the moment, everything else melted away. He wasn’t struggling to hold his stable together. He wasn’t afraid he was going to hurt someone he desperately cared about… the slings and arrows of his enemies and rivals meant nothing, their jabs falling on deaf ears.
Right here, right now, was perfect.
“I believe you,” he murmured, his thumbs stroking Silvio’s temples. His smile matched the warmth of the artist’s skin.
“Finish your bubbly, sweetheart… I’m yours for the whole night after dinner.”
Silvio tilted his chin up, arms winding around Axton’s shoulders as he closed his eyes and kissed him. It was even better than he remembered; that melting sweetness all the more potent for its absence. He let himself relax even as he felt heat gathering in the pit of his belly, languor suffusing his limbs. When he pulled back, he smiled slyly, eyes half-lidded.
“Are you really going to make me wait for dessert?”
Axton was unsure of how he managed to stay on his feet, with the way Silvio’s voice and expression made him weak in the knees. He felt light-headed in the best way, and the space between their lips was suddenly magnetic, pulling at him to come back for more.
God damn, that much was the same as ever.
“Only as long as it takes to get back to your apartment,” he murmured, a tremor in his hands as they settled around Silvio’s hips. “I’d say fuck it, and let’s just stay in the car, but I’m gonna need a little more room to make up for all this lost time.”
“You did go to all the trouble of setting up this romantic spot,” Silvio said, gaze not leaving Axton’s as he reached up to trace his jawline. “I don’t wanna go spoiling any plans.” He grinned. “Unless, of course, the goal of all of this was to convince me to let you into my pants, which...well, if that’s the case, mission accomplished.”
“I mean, that was one of the goals.”
Axton grinned a little, looking sidelong back at the table.
“But… this is nice… if you wanna stay a while and enjoy it, we can double up on dessert later.”
“Sounds like a workable compromise,” Silvio said, briefly nipping his lower lip. “We stick around a while longer, soak up a little starlight before heading back to my place?”
Axton smirked, his eyes alive with joy and mischief that mirrored the stars sprawled out overhead.
“I love the way you think.”
The rest of the dinner passed in a blur of long conversation, jokes and recounts; by the time their glasses were empty and they slid back into the car to hit the road, the energy moving between them was impossible to ignore. Axton certainly couldn’t ignore Silvio’s hand on his thigh most of the way home, making the effort to keep his eyes on the road a true struggle.
By the time they made it back to the tattoo parlour, it was a rush to get back inside--the door was unlocked and then kicked shut, and Silvio found himself pushed up against the reception counter by a very eager Rockstar who had been waiting all night for this. He chased Silvio’s mouth with enough fervour to drive him into sitting up on the counter, tilting his head up to follow him.
Silvio let out a surprised sound as he was lifted onto the counter that dissolved into a sigh against Axton’s mouth. He was acutely aware of the picture windows in the front of the parlor, but just as acutely aware of the fact he was in the middle of the longest dry spell he’d ever experienced.
“Mm...Ax…” he murmured, cradling his face. “Upstairs..?”
“Yeah…” Axton laughed breathlessly against his lips, his eyes hooded. “Sorry, couldn’t wait any longer.”
“Not willing to give Baltimore that kind of show,” he teased, nodding to the windows. “Come on. Zane shouldn’t be home yet; said he had some plans for the evening.”
“Shit, I didn’t even think of that,” Axton breathed, leaning back a bit and looking up at the ceiling. Not that he was thinking much at all. “Better hurry up then.”
“Oh, Summer Eyes,” Silvio said with a smile, sliding off of the counter and giving Axton a wink. “I’m not going to hurry a damn thing about tonight.” With that, he sauntered toward the back exit leading to the stairs to his apartment, not turning to look as he beckoned Axton with one crooked finger.
Axton met the gesture with a wicked grin, biting his lower lip as he followed after him, already in the process of discarding his coat. “Well you better hurry your ass up those stairs at least,” he teased, his voice a husky purr. “If you wanna make it upstairs at all.”
Before long the pair were moving through the apartment door, leaving a trail of coats, scarves, gloves, and shoes behind them as they made their way into Silvio’s bedroom. As Axton suspected, his boyfriend’s taste in home decor remained solidly in the realm of cozy and sentimental. The living room showing evidence of another occupant who apparently had as voracious an appetite for books as Silvio himself, as evidenced by the stacks of them on the coffee table. The theme was carried on in the bedroom with its bedside photo album, bookshelves, and artwork hanging on the walls. Closing the door behind him, Silvio reached up to begin unbuttoning his shirt with slow hands.
“I missed you so goddamn much.”
Axton was already pulling his shirt off as Silvio spoke, showing still-healing bruises from his last match, closing the space between them with a step. His hands surged underneath the fabric of Silvio’s shirt as it was opened up, drawing him flush by the waist; his lips ghosted Silvio’s, barely restraining himself. His voice was a breathy murmur.
“Yeah? Show me how much, gorgeous.”
The next morning dawned brisk and bright, sunlight filtering in through the light curtains of Silvio’s bedroom window. Sleeping soundly, the Oracle had managed to tangle himself up in a Gordian knot of limbs, blankets, and sheets beside Axton.
The mattress dipped softly as the musician beside him sat up, and leaned over to place a tender kiss just above his eye; a moment later he stood and stretched, wandering out with a hum to get himself into the shower.
A sudden shout in a familiar growling voice from the living room startled Silvio awake a moment later.
“RRRRGH PUT SOME PANTS ON, PRETTY BOY.”
You & Me
It seems like I can do no wrong through your eyes;
Sing the wrong lines to my own song, you don't mind
Make it up as we go,
All the words we don't know
Even When I'm a drunken mess, you don't care
Still like me better than the rest; I swear
I don't understand it,
How you like me when I'm dancing…
He was waiting at the curbside in front of the tattoo parlour, wearing a thick fleece-lined hoodie under his bomber jacket; his hair was immaculate, touched with a hint of silver glitter, as his eyes were highlighted with a delicate application of kohl liner. Even dressed as casually as he was in Lucky jeans and converse, he looked every bit the role of the Rockstar, standing in front of the rather nice rental car he’d been cruising in lately. His lips were parted ever-so slightly in a soft smirk that just seemed to belong on him, as always. He was still holding his phone from when he’d sent the text letting the artist know his chariot had arrived.
That was the sight that greeted Silvio Leon when he stepped outside.
“Hey babe,” Axton said, tucking his phone away. His eyes were alight as he spoke. “I know I’m early but I couldn’t wait to see you. Ready to go?”
The shop had been closed for about half an hour by the time Ax showed up. Silvio came down the steps from his apartment, dressed in jeans and a red pea coat, black jeans, and oxblood colored Doc Martens. His piercings were coordinated silver and horn, and he smiled as he approached Axton. His own heart trembled. He’d been trying to give himself the time he needed for Kohaku’s departure, but Silvio couldn’t deny how lonely he’d been. Everyone seemed to have their own partners lately. Mitch and Zane, Ade and Silvie, Knox and his family, Ax, Jon, and the Entourage. He wasn’t bitter about any of it; wasn’t resentful. He was just alone. He had his own professional aspirations, but even if they came to fruition, what was a belt going to do to keep him company when no one else was around? When Ax reached out to him, the ache in his heart had been too much to bear by himself.
“With you? Always,” he said. “Where are we headed tonight, Summer Eyes?”
The familiar nickname sounded so sweet; Axton felt his shoulders relax, some of the week’s tension dissolving into the cool November air. It had been killing him to wait, to give Silvio the time he needed to process what was going on with his other partner… but after the week he’d had, he couldn’t wait any longer. He really needed this. Just for tonight, at least, he could forget about nearly fumbling into old habits in Jon’s arms, almost hurting him like he’d done to so many others. He could forget about Dominick’s face when he walked out of the arena after shoving away his open hand. All the rest--so much of the rest--it could just wait. Right now, he needed Silvio’s warmth, his smile, his gentle hands.
“I got a few ideas,” Ax said with an air of whimsy, popping open the passenger door and holding it open for him. “Mind if I spoil you tonight? It’s been a while and you know I like doing it.”
“I could do with some spoiling,” Silvio admitted, giving him a sheepish smile. Coming to Axton’s side, he reached up to tap his chin playfully. “And I know it’s as much of a treat for you as it is for me, Rockstar.”
That was Axton’s nature. He wasn’t at all selfish with his fortunes. Indeed, the moment he had anything good in his life, it felt like the first thing he wanted to do was share it with someone else. It was a bit of a double-edged sword, though. There were plenty of people willing to take advantage of that. Silvio had run more than a few off himself.
Axton shot his boyfriend a grin, letting him get settled into the passenger seat as he walked around. This felt good; this felt right. This was what he had really wanted, more than anything, when he’d gotten the hare-brained idea to come to Baltimore in the first place. He’d been blinded by heartbreak, but now? It was clear all he wanted was to recapture the feeling of being with Silvio… the feeling of being able to open himself up to another person without apprehension or fear. Someone who knew his best and his worst and still wanted to stick around.
Silvio was good for him. He knew that much. And he wanted to be good. He wanted to be better.
“I hope you like surprises.” Axton looked at Silvio sidelong from the driver’s side, his hand resting on the wheel. “But first… what do you want for dinner? We’re gonna pick it up and take it with us. I got something special set up for you.”
Silvio gave a thoughtful hum as he buckled in, eyes flicking briefly upward. “Something portable? How about bánh mì? Gotta find a place that does the pâté, though. Otherwise, what’s the point?” He smiled, looking at Axton and raising a brow. “Love surprises, handsome. Curious to see what you got in store for me tonight.”
Axton was the type for grand, romantic gestures, and if he was honest with himself, Silvio ate it up. He knew it wasn’t for everyone, but for someone who’d been treated, at best, as an inconvenience most of his life? Finding someone willing to put the time and effort into making him happy felt like discovering a unicorn. When he was with Ax, he felt like he could be appreciated for who he was and not just valued for what he could do.
“Oh sweet, that was one of my top five guesses.” Axton plugged an address into his GPS and gave Silvio a wink. “Like I’d let anyone serve you a sub-par bánh mì.”
One trip toward downtown and a quick dip inside an upscale Vietnamese restaurant later, the pair were on the road again. It doesn’t take long to see that they’re leaving the city lights behind while the car fills up with delicious smells, the radio complimenting the ride with music beneath their voices as they talked.
Those eyes, damn, those eyes, they get me every time
Those eyes, in those eyes I can do no crime
When I dance like I don't care,
You call me Fred Astaire!
“That was a hell of a Halloween party,” Axton laughed, his eyes forward on the road as he rubbed the wheel absently with his thumb. “It got me missing all the stuff we used to do when you lived in LA. I was thinking… you know, even if we’re up in Baltimore, maybe we can find a little of that magic here.”
“I miss it,” Silvio said, leaning back on his seat and watching the sky as the city receded into the distance. “I miss Seattle, too. It probably sounds weird, but it’s...almost like I miss the person I was then, too; not just the place.” He returns his gaze to Axton. “But I like Baltimore, too. And I like what I’m doing.” Giving a little snort, he shook his head. “It’s weird I ended up doing the wrestling thing before you.”
“Yeah.” Axton’s grin widened, shaking his head a bit. “It’s a little weird… I mean, this is where I wanted to be if the whole music thing didn’t… y’know, work out. So it’s been kind of like living a second life. Getting to know what it might’ve been like if I had to take the other road. I like how you’re on both roads.”
Reaching out over the console, Silvio gave Axton’s hand a little squeeze. “Thanks for coming after my stupid ass. I’m...so sorry.” Sighing, he rubbed his eyes. “I’m just glad you still...you still want anything to do with me.” Honestly, he wouldn’t have blamed Axton if the only interest he had anymore was kicking the crap out of him in the ring.
Even as Silvio apologized, Axton was shaking his head.
“Babe… it’s okay, really. Yeah, I was mad… but only because you scared me. It’s like I said--there’s not a lot of people I trust the way I trust you. I’ve shared stuff with you I’ve never told anyone else… I’m always so sure as soon as somebody finds out I’m really a mess, they’ll bail… and it’s happened before. But you never bailed, not even when I was a complete asshole, heh.” Smiling, he looked sidelong to Silvio, his eyes warm and grateful. “Because of you, I think maybe I can start working through that feeling. Be my whole self for the important people in my life… You just make me wanna be a better person.”
Silvio grinned at that. “Just the important ones, huh?” He’d seen Ax get sassy with people on social media and in the locker room. That was just him, though; he’d reflect back whatever was thrown at him. Unless someone had crossed a serious line, all they had to do was be kind to Axton and he’d be kind right back. “And that’s...about the most flattering thing anyone’s ever told me. I’ve always wanted to know as much of you as you’d let me see. I’ve never seen anything that’s made me want to turn away yet.”
“Which means you’re either nuts, or the sweetest guy ever,” Axton mused, brow knit as he returned his eyes to the road. “A combination of the two, maybe? That’d be pretty fun.”
The city lights were far behind, now. Axton pulls down onto a side road; the November season leaves behind fields of mowed corn and soybeans for the migrating birds, spreading out on either side of the pavement. The headlights illuminate the way ahead, soon casting gold glow across fields of swaying wild grass.
He pulls to a slow stop next to an open field where an old, gnarled willow tree bends over the clearing. Very noticeable under the tree is something… glowing. It’s too far away to make out in detail, but Axton turns the engine off, sighing in contentment.
“We’re here.”
Silvio smiled slowly, unbuckling and stepping out of the car, eyes immediately drawn to an autumn sky rife with stars.
“...Wow…”
Pausing, he shook his head, laughing and looking over at Axton.
“You weren’t kidding about trying to bring some of that LA magic back, huh? This is just like out in the desert.”
He shrugged, raising a brow, but still smiling as he looked back at Axton.
“Cold clings a little more out here, though. You going to be okay?”
“I’ll manage.” Axton shrugged right back, shooting Silvio a smile and making a point to adjust his fleece-lined hoodie. “I came prepared… but yeah, that’s what I had in mind. Those nights when we would just drive out into the desert, sit on the back of the car and try and find the Milky Way up there…”
He gestured for Silvio to follow, starting to walk into the field with their dinner in hand. “But that’s not the only thing out here. C’mon, lemme show you.”
As Axton led Silvio toward the tree, it became apparent what the arrangement was. Nestled under the long branches of the willow was… well, a bubble. It was a dome of translucent plastic, enclosing a dinner setting for two nestled in the middle of the fields under the expansive blanket of stars above. There were flickering electric candles on the little round table, and a bottle of sparkling white wine (non-alcoholic of course; someone was driving) was sitting in a bucket of dry ice that was gently billowing over the lip of the bowl over the table itself.
Axton grinned, looking back over his shoulder as he parted the curtains on the dome to invite Silvio inside.
“There we go… a little LA magic in Maryland.”
Silvio froze in his steps, jaw dropping briefly as he gaped at the set up, color rising in his cheeks. As the shock faded, he laughed, shaking his head.
“This...is amazing, Ax!” he said, spreading his arms. “This must have been a pain to set up. You went to all this trouble…”
Grinning, he gave Axton a quick peck on the cheek as he passed by him, stepping into the little fairy bubble of Los Angeles the rock star had created.
“It’s not trouble if it’s for you,” Axton hummed, following Silvio inside and letting the curtain fall closed behind them.
After laying out their meals on the plates provided, Axton settled in a cross from Silvio with a sigh, filling one of the wine glasses for him first before filling his own.
“Here’s to us,” he said, offering a toast with a warm smile. “You never expect to be where you end up. But I’m glad I’m here with you.”
Having a seat and taking up his own glass, Silvio lifted it and tapped it against Axton’s, grinning. “You always did like that little aphorism. And I’m glad you’re here, too.” He sipped the bubbly before looking back at Axton. “You’re so vibrant. Not the same way you were when you were on stage as a rock star. You’ve got this intensity about you and the way you work with your partners is incredible. There’s such a synergy there.”
Axton seemed genuinely flattered, grinning down at the table after taking a sip. He set the glass down, feeling more relaxed and at ease than he had in a long time. Silvio just seemed to have that effect on him; he was just… good to be around. He had a way of making Axton feel safe and wanted that was so rare.
“Yeah… I’m having a lot of fun, even with all the trouble that comes with it. You know me… I don’t really like to work alone. When I’m working off a partner in the ring, it feels… special, you know? Like we can know each other without talking. It’s all feeling and motion and sense. Maybe that sounds kinda cheese, but it’s true… and it’s been incredible watching you become this… absolute force of nature, like I’d never seen before when I knew you in LA. Maybe you never expected to end up here… but it suits you. It really does.”
Silvio blushed, his smile lopsided.
“It’s not anything I ever expected from myself, but...I’m good at it. I enjoy it. It...really fucking matters to me like my tattooing does. God, maybe even more sometimes, as impossible as that feels. But I want...I want to be recognized for this. I want that title. Thanks, by the way, for helping out with my promo,” he said. “I think it went really well with everybody’s help. I couldn’t have done it without that swagger of yours. You being so into it really helped get everybody into it.”
Axton laughed, saluting Silvio over his dinner. “That was fun. You know I like digging into people who deserve it. Babe, those jokes are gonna be forgotten the second they shut their mouths… you’re gonna be something really special here.” His expression softened, watching Silvio’s face with a certain fondness. “I can’t wait to see you finally get the spotlight you deserve. You’re so special. You’re the whole milky way. You got galaxies in you, honey. It’s about time everybody noticed.”
“I keep hearing that,” Silvio said, unwrapping his sandwich. “And...I mean, it looks like I’m going to get that chance with Ken accepting my challenge. I guess...I’m starting to believe it. I...thought maybe I didn’t deserve that shot after Zane and I didn’t manage to get the tag titles, but…”
He rolled his eyes, taking a bite of his dinner.
“Christ, I hate to say things, ‘happen for a reason,’ because I don’t believe that. But I wonder if maybe it was better that way for us. It taught me some important things about myself. And Zane...I mean, it’s hard to argue that he wouldn’t be a perfect UltraViolent Champ. Also...maybe there were some folks the tag titles suited more coming up.”
Axton waggled his eyebrows playfully, but was unable to keep from laughing after doing it.
“Hey, maybe. At this point I’m just here to have fun; if I get the crowd roaring, I’m happy. And I’m happy I get to be part of all of this with you… I’m glad I get to take you out to dinner again.”
“I’d be hard pressed to think of better company,” Silvio said, reaching across the table to touch Axton’s hand. “And who knows? Maybe we’ll find ourselves fighting in the same corner sometime.” Axton did love to make people love him. If he could make somebody feel something, that was his ultimate high. Small wonder he thrived at Carnage. “God, I missed you. I missed everyone so much.”
Seeing Zach and Artemis together again and working with them on the promo had been incredible. He’d felt so certain they’d never want to talk with him again after he’d left without a word. That they’d so easily forgiven him and gotten behind his efforts in the ring had left him grateful and baffled all at once. Honestly, it was a potent motivator. While he didn’t believe anyone would feel let down no matter how the match fell out, he also wanted to show them their faith wasn’t misplaced. When he’d pursued the tag titles, it had been a bittersweet thing; still stinging as he was over Kohaku’s departure. Challenging Ken, however, was another matter entirely.
“Well, you don’t gotta miss me anymore,” Axton hummed, warmth in his voice as he kissed the back of Silvio’s hand. “And I know I’m not the only one in your corner, babe. The fact that you have super sweet friends like Ade? You have no idea what a relief that was. You know how much I hate being lonely, and I just… the thought of you feeling like that… well.”
He smiled wryly. “Yeah. I guess I don’t have to worry about you being lonely anymore. And we can do this more often. Maybe before every show, huh? I’d say after to celebrate, but that implies I’m not gonna get my ass kicked concave one of these days, and I’ll have to stay home in bed and put little nurse hats on my dogs.”
Laughing, Silvio shook his head. “Well, that’d be pretty adorable and, y’know, I could wear a little nurse get up too, if that’d help make you feel better,” he purred, giving Ax a cheeky little smile. “I, uh…” He glanced away briefly before looking at Axton, a note of something like guilt or contrition in his tone when he spoke. “...I’ve been...honestly pretty lonely lately. Everyone’s kinda had their own stuff and...I wouldn’t ever want to impose or anything. Zane and Mitch have their title shot and their own stuff to worry about, Knox’s daughter is back in his life, Ade is...well, she’s being absolutely adorable with Silvie. You’ve had the Entourage and everything…”
He made a face.
“And I miss Ko.” Sighing, he ran a hand through his hair, gaze dropping to the tabletop. “I still feel like I messed up there. I should have figured out a way to...I don’t know...solve everything that was going on between us. But I couldn’t. Honestly, I’ve been feeling pretty alone since 100.”
Axton’s expression fell, sudden concern written all over his face. He squeezed Silvio’s hand in his own, sucking in a soft breath and letting it out quickly.
“Sil, I’m sorry, I had no idea… I was sort of trying to give you space to be with your new friends, I didn’t wanna seem like I was just… you know, barging back in and demanding your time and energy. If I’d known they all had their own--shit, I gotta get better at reading these things.”
Ax looked down a minute, his brow knit, then back up with an air of certainty. “Lemme say this much, at least… it’s not your responsibility to sort out how someone is feeling for them. That’s the shit they gotta do on their own, and you can’t fault yourself for that. Take it from me--I’m learning how to not demand exactly that of people I care about, just because I’m too dumb to sort myself out sometimes.” He tried a thin smile, eyes on Silvio’s face. “And you know… things aren’t super great with the Entourage. It’s… it’s not good. I’ve had Jon around to sort of keep my head above water, but… I’ve missed you, too. And if you need me, just say the word. I’ll be there. Cross my heart.”
Fingers laced with Axton’s, Silvio’s expression was gentle, eyes limpid.
“I’m always going to need you, Ax.”
Axton laughed breathily in surprise, moreso at the fact that his pulse suddenly quickened to a sprint. He gave Silvio’s hand another squeeze, his own eyes a little glossy.
“You have no idea… how much that means to me. Or hell… maybe you’re the only person right now who does.”
“I know.” Getting to his feet and drawing Axton up with him, Silvio pulled him closer still. “That’s why I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it,” he murmured, leaning in and resting his forehead against the rock star’s. He let himself get lost in the green of his eyes; let that become the only thing he saw. “You’re not going to lose me like that again.”
Axton beamed in the low light of the candles; his hands came to cradle Silvio’s head, holding his face close like the most precious thing in the world. In the moment, everything else melted away. He wasn’t struggling to hold his stable together. He wasn’t afraid he was going to hurt someone he desperately cared about… the slings and arrows of his enemies and rivals meant nothing, their jabs falling on deaf ears.
Right here, right now, was perfect.
“I believe you,” he murmured, his thumbs stroking Silvio’s temples. His smile matched the warmth of the artist’s skin.
“Finish your bubbly, sweetheart… I’m yours for the whole night after dinner.”
Silvio tilted his chin up, arms winding around Axton’s shoulders as he closed his eyes and kissed him. It was even better than he remembered; that melting sweetness all the more potent for its absence. He let himself relax even as he felt heat gathering in the pit of his belly, languor suffusing his limbs. When he pulled back, he smiled slyly, eyes half-lidded.
“Are you really going to make me wait for dessert?”
Axton was unsure of how he managed to stay on his feet, with the way Silvio’s voice and expression made him weak in the knees. He felt light-headed in the best way, and the space between their lips was suddenly magnetic, pulling at him to come back for more.
God damn, that much was the same as ever.
“Only as long as it takes to get back to your apartment,” he murmured, a tremor in his hands as they settled around Silvio’s hips. “I’d say fuck it, and let’s just stay in the car, but I’m gonna need a little more room to make up for all this lost time.”
“You did go to all the trouble of setting up this romantic spot,” Silvio said, gaze not leaving Axton’s as he reached up to trace his jawline. “I don’t wanna go spoiling any plans.” He grinned. “Unless, of course, the goal of all of this was to convince me to let you into my pants, which...well, if that’s the case, mission accomplished.”
“I mean, that was one of the goals.”
Axton grinned a little, looking sidelong back at the table.
“But… this is nice… if you wanna stay a while and enjoy it, we can double up on dessert later.”
“Sounds like a workable compromise,” Silvio said, briefly nipping his lower lip. “We stick around a while longer, soak up a little starlight before heading back to my place?”
Axton smirked, his eyes alive with joy and mischief that mirrored the stars sprawled out overhead.
“I love the way you think.”
The rest of the dinner passed in a blur of long conversation, jokes and recounts; by the time their glasses were empty and they slid back into the car to hit the road, the energy moving between them was impossible to ignore. Axton certainly couldn’t ignore Silvio’s hand on his thigh most of the way home, making the effort to keep his eyes on the road a true struggle.
By the time they made it back to the tattoo parlour, it was a rush to get back inside--the door was unlocked and then kicked shut, and Silvio found himself pushed up against the reception counter by a very eager Rockstar who had been waiting all night for this. He chased Silvio’s mouth with enough fervour to drive him into sitting up on the counter, tilting his head up to follow him.
Silvio let out a surprised sound as he was lifted onto the counter that dissolved into a sigh against Axton’s mouth. He was acutely aware of the picture windows in the front of the parlor, but just as acutely aware of the fact he was in the middle of the longest dry spell he’d ever experienced.
“Mm...Ax…” he murmured, cradling his face. “Upstairs..?”
“Yeah…” Axton laughed breathlessly against his lips, his eyes hooded. “Sorry, couldn’t wait any longer.”
“Not willing to give Baltimore that kind of show,” he teased, nodding to the windows. “Come on. Zane shouldn’t be home yet; said he had some plans for the evening.”
“Shit, I didn’t even think of that,” Axton breathed, leaning back a bit and looking up at the ceiling. Not that he was thinking much at all. “Better hurry up then.”
“Oh, Summer Eyes,” Silvio said with a smile, sliding off of the counter and giving Axton a wink. “I’m not going to hurry a damn thing about tonight.” With that, he sauntered toward the back exit leading to the stairs to his apartment, not turning to look as he beckoned Axton with one crooked finger.
Axton met the gesture with a wicked grin, biting his lower lip as he followed after him, already in the process of discarding his coat. “Well you better hurry your ass up those stairs at least,” he teased, his voice a husky purr. “If you wanna make it upstairs at all.”
Before long the pair were moving through the apartment door, leaving a trail of coats, scarves, gloves, and shoes behind them as they made their way into Silvio’s bedroom. As Axton suspected, his boyfriend’s taste in home decor remained solidly in the realm of cozy and sentimental. The living room showing evidence of another occupant who apparently had as voracious an appetite for books as Silvio himself, as evidenced by the stacks of them on the coffee table. The theme was carried on in the bedroom with its bedside photo album, bookshelves, and artwork hanging on the walls. Closing the door behind him, Silvio reached up to begin unbuttoning his shirt with slow hands.
“I missed you so goddamn much.”
Axton was already pulling his shirt off as Silvio spoke, showing still-healing bruises from his last match, closing the space between them with a step. His hands surged underneath the fabric of Silvio’s shirt as it was opened up, drawing him flush by the waist; his lips ghosted Silvio’s, barely restraining himself. His voice was a breathy murmur.
“Yeah? Show me how much, gorgeous.”
The next morning dawned brisk and bright, sunlight filtering in through the light curtains of Silvio’s bedroom window. Sleeping soundly, the Oracle had managed to tangle himself up in a Gordian knot of limbs, blankets, and sheets beside Axton.
The mattress dipped softly as the musician beside him sat up, and leaned over to place a tender kiss just above his eye; a moment later he stood and stretched, wandering out with a hum to get himself into the shower.
A sudden shout in a familiar growling voice from the living room startled Silvio awake a moment later.
“RRRRGH PUT SOME PANTS ON, PRETTY BOY.”