Archive of Our Own

For years, Green and Red are attached at the hip. They run about the small town of Pallet hand-in-hand, through neighborhoods and gardens and into fields of small grass where the sunshine awaits. They only find that sense of adventure in each other, so their youth is a magical and wondrous thing, where the world is impossibly big and their hearts thrum from the possibilities.

But it’s a while before they get to see that outside world. As they stumble into young adulthood, they’re taught about pokémon and how dangerous they can be. They’re shown videos in school about the many responsibilities of pokémon trainers.

They have a choice, though it’s still a little ways off. They can go into pokémon training or pursue other careers. Perhaps a doctor or lawyer, Red’s mother suggests. Maybe an accountant or an engineer, Daisy lists off.

Everyone in the Kanto region begins their journey on the cusp of adulthood. They insist that the time to prepare young minds sufficiently for the dangers ahead is crucial, but it leaves Green with impatience. He grows distant with Red, looking for fresh perspectives to bounce his ideas off of, but he never leaves Red entirely.

It’s just that the town is all they’ve known for their entire lives. On every trip to the outside world, they’ve had to be chaperoned by an adult with a pokémon of their own. On their yearly vacations to the Sevii Islands, on their brief trips to Cinnabar, on outings to Pewter or Saffron, someone else would accompany them, and Green and Red would see with their own eyes what it takes to be a pokémon trainer.

Red shows an increased aptness for pokémon and connecting with them. Within their neighborhood, Red’s befriended every pokémon they’ve come across.

Green is a bit more technical. He’s memorized every move and typing, knows the names of every pokémon in the region, and has carefully decided which pokémon he wants to win the championship with.

That’s the ultimate goal: the championship, to be the youngest Kanto trainer ever to win it and secure his name and team in the Hall of Fame.

Green’s eighteenth birthday rolls around, and all of his gifts are centered around his upcoming journey. While most of his other friends have decided on pursuing other interests, they encourage Green in his quest. They give him a nice backpack, new shoes, and new clothing for the trip.

He doesn’t expect to see Red, but he makes an appearance toward the end of the celebration, skipping out on cake to give Green his present in private. They haven’t seen much of each other lately. And Green can admit that's because he hasn’t been the nicest person to Red as of late.

Still, he opens the gift and is surprised to find a bright green gym badge case with a note tucked inside.

Good luck!

When he looks up, Red’s gone. Green grips the case in his hands, a feeling squeezing his heart so tightly, he’s afraid it might burst.

They begin their journeys that summer.

Green takes the lead with Charmander at his heels, sprinting over the tall grass and laughing at his first taste of true freedom.

Green loses with Charizard fainted in front of him, his expression tormented by the sting of defeat.

Green hears the news of Red’s disappearance through the gossip-loving stay at home mothers in their neighborhood. It spreads throughout all of Pallet in seconds. A crowd forms outside of Red’s home. The media trucks pull up, wanting every detail they can get.

Red’s mother does her best to speak, but her sobs are the only answers she can give.

People ask Green if he knows anything, seeing as how he was one of the last people to see Red after the championship battle.

Green knows nothing, but Red’s a man grown with a team of highly skilled pokémon at his side. He’ll be perfectly fine, he assures everyone.

It’s surprising how right Green is when Red’s found two years later.

High over the forests of Viridian, overlooking the Pokémon League, and nestled deep between the regions of Johto and Kanto rests Mt. Silver, the tallest and most dangerous mountain in the two regions.

That's where Red has made his grand escape. Thanks to Ethan, Red has been found, chastised, and ultimately left alone in his little haven nicknamed Steelclaw Overlook by the hikers of the mountain. It’s a nice area on the lower mountainside of Mt. Silver where the snow is sparse and the underwood is allowed to flourish alongside the mighty trees of the forest.

It offers a great view or so he’s told by Ethan and Lyra who have gone to visit Red on several occasions. Green has kept his distance, only sending letters and stashing the ones Red writes back in a box in his apartment in Viridian.

Their correspondence isn’t filled with drama and wistful meanings hidden beneath common words. It’s more casual and brief. A check-up here, an update on what Green’s doing, a small paragraph about what Red loves about living on Mt. Silver. The letters offer insight that Green condenses into quick sentences to tell Red’s mother.

But it’s nice, Green admits. He looks forward to the letters. With each one he sends, he gets more comfortable, and it reminds him of when they were kids.

Despite the years he’s spent speaking with and befriending all kinds of people, Red is still the easiest person for him to talk to. Red takes Green’s anxieties that have blown up to unbelievable heights and meets them with a level-headed calmness. And on Green’s end, he grants stability and encouragement to Red’s indifferent forgetfulness.

And though Ethan has no issues stopping by the Viridian Gym to give Green all the information he can, Green has an itch to see things for himself, to see Red for himself. He wants to see how he’s holding up after years living off the grid. Green wonders if he’ll have a beard and be covered in dirt.

Steelclaw Overlook is a high climb, but it’s not impossible. Green does his research, asks Ethan questions to get an idea of what to expect, and begins to plan.

The hike up isn’t bad at all. Arcanine leads the way on the dirt path, barking and howling at every pokémon she sees. Eevee is snuggled into the fur on Arcanine’s back, determined to be carried the whole way.

Green takes up the rear. He’s not falling behind because of the weather or anything; it actually feels quite nice. They’re high enough that he can get a great view of Kanto, but not so high that the snow and altitude become a problem. He’s fine with a sweater, jacket, some cargo pants, and sneakers. What’s really got him preoccupied is making sure they’re on the right path and making good time.

He’d gotten started later than he would’ve liked. Instead of starting early on in the morning, Green hit the trail in the afternoon. He’d had a few setbacks, but at least they’re on their way now.

Periodically, Green takes out his phone and snaps pictures of the view below. It’s not like he hasn’t seen a similar and even broader view from Charizard’s back, but this one has its perks.

The path widens up a bit as they climb higher. There’d been a few trees on the trek up here, but now there’s more of them, spread out and at times, bunched together in little pairs or triads. The dirt is a smooth dark brown with light vegetation and boulders here and there. One of them turns out to be a graveler, and Arcanine whimpers, aware of the type disadvantage but forgetting about the obvious difference in experience. It ends up not mattering as the graveler leaves them alone and returns to slumber.

The land is strewn with even more boulders clumped together as they continue on, and then, through the trees, the sky unfolds before them, bright blue and beautiful as the sun beams through the clouds to welcome them. It’s a clearing, warm dirt giving way to craggy rock. The rocky cliffside descends into the valley below a good distance away, and Green’s very thankful for that. He’s sure the view is beautiful, but the height might make him sick.

Interestingly enough, the cliffside extends around the clearing in a circle, nestling them in this warm spot with the trees and sleeping gravelers. It’s beautifully dangerous, a perfect place for Red.

Speaking of, Green looks around the trees and stones for any sign of his friend. He finds a red tent hitched up near a grouping of trees. There’s a campfire just to the left of it with stones arranged in a circle to contain the fire.

Green grabs the straps of his backpack and thinks on what to say whenever Red does make an appearance. He gave no warning in any of his letters that he was coming, so it’ll be a surprise. A happy surprise, Green hopes.

He hasn’t seen Red in two years. How will he have changed?

A thumping sound shakes the earth beneath their feet. Arcanine goes on the defensive, moving in front of Green, her ears twitching in the direction of the sound. Green puts up his guard, searching for the source. What pokémon could be stomping around like that up here? Ethan had mentioned all the types he’d encountered, and he hadn’t said anything about—Venusaur?

It’s Venusaur. She comes stomping through the trees, her vines holding a bundle of sticks and wood—likely for a fire. And behind her is…Red.

Green’s mouth goes dry.

Red looks…terrible! His face and hat is covered in dirt. His jeans are more brown than blue. For some reason, despite the chill in the air, Red’s only wearing a short-sleeved shirt with no jacket or coat or anything.

But underneath the layers of dirt, Green can see the curve of Red’s jaw and the light facial hair that’s grown along it, the thickness of his arms, and the bulging of his biceps in his tight shirt. Everything about Red is heavyset now, his neck, his chest, and his shoulders. But Green supposes that’s what happens when someone lives on a mountain for two years; they fill the fuck out.

Green’s heart pounds in his chest. Or more like…punches his ribcage. Each thump is the only thing Green can feel. He can’t take his eyes off Red.

Fuck, it was so much easier sending letters.

Red spots him finally and stops in his tracks, nearly dropping the basket he’s carrying. Venusaur stops too and looks at Arcanine, who has shifted from being protective to her normal happy self. Eevee lifts her head for the first time since heading out and looks between the two trainers, intrigued.

It’s so quiet in the clearing, and since Red isn’t going to say anything, Green speaks up first. “H-hey, uh… Sorry for just droppin’ in unannounced. Hope you’re not too busy.”

Red drops his basket, scattering berries all over the forest floor.

Green sits beside the campfire, palms facing the flames to soak up the heat. His backpack sits beside him, filled to the brim with supplies that Red’s mother had asked him to carry up here for her son.

Her son who, upon insisting Green’s surprise visit was fine, said he needed to freshen up and high-tailed it to a creek nearby.

Green smiles as he thinks about Red's dirty face. If it’d been two years ago, he wouldn’t have hesitated in teasing him. …He still might. It’s too funny not to.

As he warms himself by the fire, Green looks around the clearing. There are some pots and pans nearby as well as a wooden basin full of water. Two bags sit beneath two tall boulders that jut out of the earth. A little tree separates them, and if Green had to guess, it looks like a place to change clothes. Near that there’s a homemade clothesline, a vine wrapped around two long branches. It feels very homey for being an outlook in the wilderness.

There’s the sound of footsteps on crunching leaves and Red appears from Green’s right again, looking much better with a clean face and new black t-shirt on. But to Green’s misfortune, he can now clearly see the brown of Red’s eyes and the scruff of his facial hair. Red even takes off his hat to wipe his forehead, and his hair is messy and thick and Green wants to touch it.

Oh no.

“S-so, I brought stuff to cook,” Green says a bit too loudly, reaching into his pack. “I figured it’d been a while since you had some quality meat, so I got some steaks.”

Red’s eyes widen. He sits beside Green, bending his left knee and propping his elbow on it. “Thank you,” he signs, smiling gratefully.

It’s been two years since Green’s seen Red’s smile and so close up, too. His eyebrows are so thick, and his lips are very—

“And vegetables!” Green says hurriedly, handing the packaged steaks to Red and returning to his pack. “With some soda. For dinner. Does that sound good?”

Red takes the steaks and vegetables, eyeing Green with a curious stare, likely confused by his behavior. Nevertheless, he agrees to the meal, and sets about prepping everything.

One of the tools Red’s mother had thoughtfully prepared is a small grill grate that’s perfect for campfires. Green gets it opened and set up over the flames and Red stares at it in awe.

“You can keep it,” Green tells him, pulling a small frying pan out next. “Your mother got it for you.”

Red smiles at him. He opens the bag of vegetables and pours them into the pan. They cook while exchanging brief words, Green blushing every time Red accidentally touches his hand or looks at him.

But the smell of grilled meat has their stomachs growling soon enough. Green goes the extra mile and sprinkles in some herbs, spices and a few drops of a nomel berry to add extra flavor. The unique smell of the campfire is cooked into the meat, and when they take it off the grate, the meat pulls apart easily. It’s perfectly tender and the seared vegetables bring everything together.

They eat while watching the sunset. It’s a surreal experience that has Green staring at every aspect of the clearing that he can. The stars can be seen now, and the trees blow gently with the wind.

Red doesn’t give up his seat beside him. He looks happily content eating a nice meal with soda to wash it down.

“Hey,” Green nudges Red’s shoulder, “why is this place called ‘Steelclaw’? I get the overlook part, but, uh…?”

Red looks at him and sets his plate down on his thigh. He’s got plenty of room to do that, Red’s thigh being as big as it is. What, has he been doing one-hundred squats a day or something?

“Sneasel,” Red spells out.

Green tilts his head. “I didn’t see any sneasel on the way up here…”

Red smiles sheepishly and returns to his plate, meekly tearing into his steak.

…Oh. Green snorts, nudging Red again. “Ran ‘em all off, didja?”

Red shrugs with a smile. He reaches over with his fork and steals some of Green’s vegetables.

It reminds Green of when they were kids. They’d always steal food from one another, but this time it makes Green’s heart do some funky things. Red hasn’t changed a bit.

Green finishes his food first, partly because Red kept stealing food off his plate. Unfortunately, he didn't bring anything for dessert, but Red had washed off the berries he’d dropped earlier, so Green grabs the basket near the fire and pulls it closer to himself.

Arcanine has chosen to rest on the warm rock close to the edge of the cliff. Green is only a little nervous about her falling. Eevee is running around the trees chasing Pikachu, who’d poked her head into the clearing when Red and Green had started eating.

Eevee comes and sits in Green’s lap to take a break, but she appears interested in the berry Green’s holding.

Green moves the berry away from Eevee as she chases his hand, amused. “Do you want one, babe?”

A hand reaches for the berry Green’s holding, and Green jerks, confused. He looks to his left to see Red looking equally as confused.

Wait.

“Did you think I was talkin’ to you?” Green asks, a smile breaking out on his face. “’Babe’ is Eevee.”

Red flinches, his hand still awkwardly hovering near Green’s own. He retracts it quickly once he realizes his mistake, his cheeks brightening. His ears even get in on the action. Red raises his hands to sign something but gives up and rubs the back of his neck in embarrassment.

Green grins, heart fluttering. He gives Eevee the berry and lifts his left hand to pinch Red’s cheek, making it even redder. “Don’t look so sad. You can have a pet name, too, sweetie.”

It’s incredibly funny how Red jumps and scoots away, his hand raised to where Green had touched his cheek.

That expression sends Green cackling. Really, when has he ever called Red ‘babe’ or anything of the sort? It’s crazy that he thought Green was talking to him. Or maybe…Red wouldn’t mind being called that?

The thought makes Green’s heart pound.

It takes about an hour for Green to sort through everything he’s supposed to drop off. There’s the obvious things from Red’s mother, more clothing, underwear (which makes Red blush and Green laugh), and a first-aid kit. There are a few utensils and dishes from Daisy and a tin of cookies from Lyra.

Once everything’s put in its proper place in Red’s little clearing, Green decides that it’s time to go. It’s almost dark, and it’ll be hard enough flying back home with the increased cloud cover.

Red shifts his feet as he sees Green preparing to leave. He seems reluctant, but Green hadn’t brought a tent for an overnight stay. This is where their evening ends.

Green hefts his backpack onto his shoulders and shoots Red a reassuring smile. “I’ll visit again soon. Sorry it took so long.”

Red shakes his head, lifting his hands and nervously signing, “Fine.”

“I’ll come back…next month? Maybe?”

A small smile and a nod is what Green gets in return.

The bashfulness is really playing on Green’s heartstrings. That, and the brief touches they’d had all evening. All they’d done is make Green want more. He wants to grip Red’s arm and squeeze. He wants to do the same with his biceps and thighs—

A dangerous train of thought. Green needs to fly home before he acts up. He already returned Eevee and Arcanine, so he grabs Charizard's poké ball.

But before Green can release him, Red’s expression changes. He looks up at the sky and sniffs the air.

Curious. “Red, what—?”

“Rain,” Red signs quickly, and he points in the direction of the trail.

Green sees the rain fall over the mountainside in a soft hush. It moves with the turbulent storm clouds, and it wets the earth and stone fairly quickly. It pitter-patters closer, and Green can do nothing but watch its approach.

Red takes his hand and tugs him over to one of the larger trees in the clearing just as the rainfall comes. The campfire, his tent, and the whole overlook are now wet with rain in a matter of seconds, but he and Red are relatively dry under the branches of the tree.

But more importantly, Green is pressed up against Red’s chest, his right hand resting against Red’s pectoral and... Green’s mind goes blank.

Their hands are still intertwined. There’s the smell of rain and wet dirt, but the scent of pine needles and cypress overpowers them. Green casually angles his head a bit closer to Red’s neck to catch the scent again, fingers pulling on Red’s shirt.

The rain hums its song, a constant gentle splattering. The cool air amasses a gray fog that's hard to see through. Green can just barely make out Red's tent. Everything has been diluted with gray paint, smeared and doused with ash.

There's no way he can fly home in this.

"Shit," Green mutters, thoughts spiraling.

Red squeezes his shoulder and Green turns to look at him. "Have to stay," he signs. "Not safe."

Green bites his lip. "You have an extra tent, right? I didn't bring one."

Red frowns as he shakes his head.

What? Green rounds on him, shoving Red's shoulder (which does nothing). "Whaddya mean you don't? How can you not have one?"

Now it's Red's turn to look aghast as he furrows his brows and hastily signs, "Unexpected!"

And yes, Green supposes that is technically correct. He didn't give any forewarning about his visit, just like the news didn't give any forewarning about this weather! What is he supposed to do now? Huddle underneath this tree all night?

“Fuck me,” Green sighs, turning away from Red and missing the way he jolts at the words. Green’s ears pick up the sound of thunder nearby, rattling the treetops and stone beneath his feet. There's no telling when it'll let up.

There’s only one clear way forward; they’ll have to share Red’s tent. Now, Green’s done some incredibly reckless and stupid things, but this might take the cake. If he’s in that tent with Red all night, it could spell disaster. Green doesn’t trust himself to act with dignity when he’s been eyeing Red like a piece of meat all fucking day.

But it’s the only option they have. Green decides to take control of the situation by sprinkling in some casual flirtation to lighten the mood. It won’t be a big deal if he doesn’t make it out to be one, right?

“That’s alright,” Green says, putting his hands on his hips. He looks over at Red and winks playfully. “You don’t mind sharing with your sweetie, do you?”

Red bristles, face flushing hot in surprise. He lowers the brim of his hat to hide his embarrassment.

Green’s playing with fire here. He’s aware of how quickly a drastic change can occur between them, but he finds it fun to embarrass Red. He looks cute when he blushes. So what if Green burns himself a little? As long as he keeps himself in check, it’ll be fine.

Green blinks as he feels something being placed upon his head. His vision is partially obstructed by something white, and it takes him too long to figure out that Red has given him his hat.

“Wha—? Red, hey—“ Green stammers, blushing himself now. He didn’t think Red would give up his beloved hat over some rain. It’s only a quick sprint over to his tent. It’s not a big deal if Green gets wet.

But Red thinks it’s a big deal. He fusses over the hat fitting. He even tucks some of Green’s hair inside. He steps back, looks Green over, and then takes his hand again.

They jog across the mud and rain puddles hand-in-hand. The rain soaks them both, but Green’s hair is perfectly dry thanks to Red’s sacrifice.

Fire singes Green’s fingertips. There’s no way he’s coming out of this unscathed.

The tent is small. Red has some clothing and essentials tucked away inside small bags, and a lantern lights the tent in the far corner. His sleeping bag takes up the most space. It’s red (of course) but the inside is a warm cotton flannel. Green brushes his fingers over it longingly, heart breaking. It’s a single-person sleeping bag, but the longer Green looks at it, the more he doubts.

Red’s changing his clothes and Green’s trying to keep himself from staring. He sees Red’s bare back in the corner of his eye and decides that yeah, he might die tonight.

Green turns around and removes his own sweater, glad that he at least had the foresight to wear a plain white shirt underneath. It’s completely dry, so he'll just sleep in that and his underwear. He doesn’t want to borrow any of Red’s clothes; he’s inconvenienced him enough as it is.

Ah, but…there is still one small issue.

“Please tell me you have a blanket,” Green asks, desperate and afraid. If this man is blanketless, Green will scream. “I know a spare pillow is probably out of the question, but a blanket… Red, I’m beggin’ you.”

Red pulls his shirt on and looks over his shoulder at Green. He’s smiling! A good sign. He pulls one of his camping bags over and digs to the bottom of it. He tugs out a rolled up wool blanket and tosses it to Green.

It’s a dreary grey color, but it’s warm to the touch. Green unfolds it and sees that the length is suitable, too.

A pillow is tossed Green’s way next. He lifts it up to examine. It has that same smell of pine needles and cypress. “Wait, isn’t this yours?”

Red’s pulling his pants off and holy shit, it takes all of Green’s self-control to not act a fool. Those thighs. He should’ve stayed out in the rain and gotten pneumonia.

Red shrugs at the question, putting on a pair of sweatpants and going about his nightly routine as if his generosity isn’t shaking Green’s world.

“Thanks…” Green says, and places the pillow down on the tent floor. He pulls the wool blanket close, and once he’s underneath it, he shrugs off his wet cargo pants.

He hears Red getting situated in his sleeping bag. Sometimes his arm or leg brushes against Green, the cramped space of the tent hindering their movements.

Green pulls the wool blanket closer and covers the lower half of his face. He watches Red unabashedly as he huddles into his sleeping bag, zipping it up halfway to keep out the cold. The rain continues to fall against the tent, a song to lull them to sleep.

But how can Green realistically sleep with Red this close to him? With the smell of him embedded in this pillow? And with the hard earth being the only cushion Green is getting in this fucking tent? His back is already screaming at him. As if he doesn’t have back problems at twenty. As if his doctor isn’t already getting onto him about his poor posture and eating habits.

He glares as Red reaches over and turns the lantern down to dimness. “Must be nice having a cushy sleepin’ bag, huh?”

Red turns to look at him, left brow raised in question.

“I am sleeping on hard ground, Red,” Green tells him. “It’s terrible.”

Red sits up on his elbow, looking at Green’s sleeping situation, likely offended since he’d given Green his very own pillow. But, to Green’s surprise, he smiles in a smug sort of way. “I don’t mind it,” he signs.

Green cannot believe this man. He sits up himself, scowling. “Of course you don’t mind it! You’ve been livin’ out here for two years, and you’ve got that nice sleepin’ bag!”

Again, Green’s eyes are drawn to the sleeping bag. Now that he can see how Red fits inside it, there’s room, plenty of room for one more, right? And if Green used Red’s tits as pillows, Red could have his own pillow back. It’d be warm and perfect, and maybe he could run his hand along Red’s jawline like he’s been dying to since he first saw him.

Green’s thoughts grind to a halt, his fingers trembling.

What a gigantic step he’d be taking. But if he does some playful flirting, it’ll work out fine, right? It’s just one night. And Red had agreed to share.

Green licks his lips, moving a hand forward to touch Red’s left. “Why don’t we share? You wouldn’t want your sweetie to be uncomfortable, would you?”

Thunder rolls overhead, a quick rumble that has Green shuddering. There’s no turning back now.

Red’s startled by the proposition, eyes wide as he looks at Green. He could shake his head. He could pull away, but he does nothing. He only stares, cheeks turning pink as he bites his lip.

Oh, what a cheeky signal that is. Green doesn’t need to see anything else.

Green’s hand moves to the zipper of the sleeping bag and tugs it down so he can slip inside. The wool blanket and pillow lie forgotten. Now this is all that matters.

Red eyes never leave Green’s. They follow as Green moves closer to the sleeping bag, sliding one leg inside and then the other. Green straddles Red’s hips and gets comfortable, hands rising to cup Red’s cheeks.

The fire has gotten wildly out of control at this point, but Green’s compelled. The only sound is the rain, their constant companion during this momentous moment. Green finally gets to feel Red’s stubble against his hands, and he’s done for, consumed and burnt to a crisp. He hopes Red wants this too, because Green’s heart might be shattered if he doesn’t.

They’re so close now. Green leaning over Red’s body, eyes locked together, both of them stunned and immobilized under the weight of what this means. But Green has made his decision, and now he’s waiting, staring deeply into Red’s eyes and looking for a thread of discontent, but all he’s getting is hesitation.

Green moves closer still, their noses touching as his bangs caress Red’s forehead. “You can ask me to move,” he offers, fingertips brushing against Red’s jaw. The bristle of his facial hair really gets Green’s heart pumping. His skin is soft despite his lifestyle. Green wants to touch every inch of him.

Red’s frozen in place, hands stuck by his sides, eyes wide and barely blinking. Green gets the idea to jolt him into action.

Green’s hands trail down Red’s neck, the thickness of it nearly making Green moan. He keeps moving, itching for more. His hands stop at Red’s chest, fingers splayed on each pectoral. The thudding of Red’s heart gets his attention.

“You’re heart’s racin’, love,” Green whispers, fingers pulling at Red’s shirt.

Sugar falls so sweetly from Green’s lips, and Red flinches at the pet name, either surprised or embarrassed or both. And it occurs to Green that Red may not speak up. He may not sign anything, and if he’s not into this like Green is, then it’s better to stop here.

Green begins to pull his hands away. He starts to sit back on his haunches, apologies on the tip of his tongue, heartbreak hidden from his eyes, but then—

Red grips his thighs, fingers digging into Green’s skin and holding him there. Green can’t move away now.

Green’s heart ignites in a blaze. He lowers himself back down, hands returning to cup Red’s face, eyebrow raised as he asks, “Are you sure you want to keep playin’ this game, sweetheart?” The words are whispered against Red’s lips, a question dying for an answer.

But Red squeezes his eyes shut, fear paralyzing him.

A pity, but Green can revitalize his limbs, send heat and pressure pulsing through every nerve. He moves his right hand to cradle the back of Red’s neck, his left softly pressed against Red’s cheek. Green surrounds him and corners him in such a way that Red has to take action.

“Babe, look at me,” Green says gently, aching for eye contact.

Slowly, Red opens his eyes. He looks slightly dazed. He takes his time deciding, but Green doesn’t mind waiting. The deep brown of Red’s eyes has him swooning.

And then, hesitantly, timidly, Red lifts his head and touches his lips to Green’s.

The wind is knocked out of Green, a sucker punch aimed right at his gut. He staggers, eyes wide, heart dancing, but it’s only for a second.

Then the floodgates are thrown wide open.

Green dives in, pushing his lips against Red’s like he’s been dying to for so fucking long, longer than he’d thought or imagined. The want has been resting there in his chest, and all it took was a barely kiss and Green’s greedily grabbing, running his tongue over Red’s lips, tasting his skin like it’s the only flavor in the world.

He goes back for seconds and thirds. He bites and pulls and marks Red’s lips. He holds Red’s head in place because he’s not allowed to look anywhere else or think of anything else. It’s them and the rain, beautiful and free.

Red’s hands move from Green’s thighs up to his ass, giving a hearty squeeze that surprises Green.

He gasps, a moan slipping from his lips and into Red’s waiting mouth, but before he can see Red’s (undoubtedly smug) reaction, he kisses him again, pushing his tongue in just to taste more.

Its years of pent up feelings, wants bubbling to the surface, needs seared into their fingertips. How long have they both been waiting for this? How long has this been building between them?

The thoughts come and go quickly; the present is what matters. His cock twitches when Red spreads his ass cheeks apart, and Green is ravenous, kissing blindly at Red’s jaw and trailing them down to his muscular neck.

There’s so much smooth skin that’s just waiting for Green’s touch. He licks the left side of Red’s neck with his hot tongue and feels Red shudder beneath him. A kiss follows, lingeringly placed on a patch of skin, and Green’s far from done. He kisses and sucks and bucks his hips, his cock pressing against Red’s own.

Green’s losing his fucking mind at the friction. There’s so much to do, and he lacks the patience to do it properly. He’s scatterbrained, rocking his hips one second, nipping at Red’s neck the next, and on the third, he pulls Red’s shirt up, feeling warm skin.

The further down he moves, the less room he has. They’re doing what they can with it, but this tent is definitely not suited for two grown men. Green’s ass is pressing against the front of the tent already.

As Green plays with Red’s tits—squishing the fat and making them bounce—he looks up at Red with a question. “Can you scoot up for me, babe?”

It looks like it’s taking everything Red has just to breathe. He must’ve heard Green at least, because he sits up on his elbows and scoots up in the sleeping bag. His eyes are clouded over, his chest rising and falling, his shirt pushed up to his neck.

Green smiles at him. Red looks beautiful in the dim light. He kisses Red’s navel and then a bit lower, hands moving to the waistband of Red’s pants. Green chooses the quicker option and reaches inside to pull Red out, nearly slapping himself in the face with Red’s cock.

Fuck. Every inch of Red is incredible, huh.

Green is fucking floored at the size of this man’s cock. It’s thick, heavy, and the curvature of it makes Green’s heart skip a beat. The tip is tinged with blush, precum already dripping down the shaft.

Green’s smitten. He’s hopelessly devoted. He kisses the tip of Red’s cock and comes back tasting precum. Ah, as if his heart wasn’t already stricken.

Red shifts in the sleeping bag. He lifts his hands, and Green looks up to see what he’s signing. It’s only a few letters—the start of Green’s name—before Red reaches down with his right hand and holds Green’s left.

That’s not a problem at all. Green intertwines their fingers, thumb brushing along Red’s knuckle. His right hand starts to lightly stroke Red’s cock, the head pressed against Green’s cheek.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to use that hand?” he asks, glancing up at Red before his attention is once again given to the beautiful cock in front of him. Another kiss of admiration. Green knows perfection when he sees it.

Red’s entire face has been brushed with pink. He nods at Green’s question, holding tightly onto Green’s hand. They’re not separating any time soon.

Green smiles up at him. “Sure thing, love.”

Another kiss placed on the head of Red’s cock, but this time, Green pays attention to the way Red squirms. Green breathes against his dick, and Red twitches. He slowly licks, and Red shivers. At the long, exploratory strokes from the tip all the way down to the base where Green’s hand rests in curly black hair, Red closes his eyes and tilts his head back, his mouth open in a voiceless gasp.

Green moves unbearably slow, but it’s because he wants to see Red’s every reaction. He smears precum down the length of Red’s cock, sharp eyes trained on Red’s face. When Green starts pressing kisses down the length of Red’s cock, it throbs in his hand, Red biting his lip and moving his legs.

He can feel Red trembling, and it worsens once the tip of his cock is in Green’s mouth. Red startles, his left hand flying into Green’s hair where he grabs and holds on tightly.

That’s exactly what Green wants, unrestrained movements alive with desperation. Red’s beautiful like this, shaking in Green’s hands, sensitive and wanting more, nervous and unsure but steadily giving into his desires.

Green moans as he bobs his head, taking in more of Red’s cock, his eyes slipping closed as his tongue is slathered with the taste of precum and skin.

The smell of musk and sex slowly fills the tent, a haze that mirrors the gray waiting outside. The rain continues to fall, light and sweet, lovingly accompanying Red’s hot breaths and burning gasps. His voice is vibratingly deep, making Green’s heart quake.

Beautiful, everything about him.

Green pulls off and catches his breath, his right hand continuing to stroke Red’s cock, spreading his spit all the way down. He wants to keep Red stimulated, but this isn’t where Green wants to end things. He wants to try a bit of each instead of focusing on one thing.

He looks up at Red and sees that his eyes are closed. Green squeezes his hand to get his attention, and Red’s eyes flutter open. Warm brown shines against bright red cheeks. Those eyes set Green’s blood on fire. Unashamedly horny is such a good look on Red.

“How are you feelin’, babe?” Green asks, voice a low and husky whisper. “You ready for more?”

Red forces his eyes to focus as he tilts his head to the side. He squeezes Green’s hand before nodding once firmly.

Good answer. Green places a parting kiss to the side of Red’s cock and moves his hand to grip Red’s waistband. “Slip your pants off, sweetheart.”

Red does so, albeit clumsily. Now that he’s been asked to do something, he fumbles, having gotten used to sitting back and resting amongst fuzzy clouds of pleasure.

Green helps him out. He pulls until Red lifts his hips and continues pulling, guiding Red’s legs and genuinely doing most of the work, but it’s fine. That was probably Red’s first blowjob, and he’s seeing stars right now.

Once his sweatpants are off, Green needs a second because Red’s cock, balls, and ass are all out. He ghosts his fingers along Red’s thighs, feeling at skin that’s slick with sweat. His touch briefly glides over Red’s cock once more. He dips down to cup Red’s balls in his right hand, biting his lip as their heft makes his mouth water.

Then his hand trails lower, fingers pressing against Red’s hole.

Green keeps his index finger there, pushing in just slightly, just enough to make Red flinch. He’s probably confused, but Green’s never been more certain of anything, and now that he has a bit more room, there’s nothing stopping him.

He lowers himself down, kisses charting a path to reach his index finger, and then, tentatively, he flicks his tongue against Red’s hole.

Red fucking bucks his hips, squeezing Green’s hand so tight that his fingers are uncomfortably shoved together. Red stretches his legs further apart, making room for Green and inviting him in, asking for more in his own bashful way.

This all encourages Green as he runs his tongue down Red’s crack. He’s meticulously slow when he spreads Red’s cheeks and licks Red’s ass, tasting salt and skin. The heat and musk infects him with this urge to lavish affection upon every inch of Red.

Green’s tongue travels as low as it can due to the spacing issues, a warm, wet path left down Red’s ass crack, but then he backtracks, slipping his tongue back into his mouth to taste and savor before he returns, still unsatisfied. His kisses divert just a bit, creating pathways to Red’s inner thighs. He’s gentle with his kisses but harsher with his bites, leaving nips and marks. When he leaves in the morning, he wants a piece of him to stay here with Red.

That taken care of, he speeds up now. Green moves with more purpose, tongue pressing flat against Red’s hole and pushing. He circles the tip of his tongue around it, leaving it dripping wet and pulling back to see his work, to see Red leaking with his spit and shaking.

Red gasps when Green pushes his tongue in further, just a bit for pressure and touch. He’s breathing so heavily. The staggered breaths and, at times, the absence of them say so much. Red’s left hand finds its way back to Green’s head, lightly pressing down, fingers grabbing a fistful of hair.

Green moans as he drags his tongue up to Red’s balls. He kisses them both, sucking on loose skin and blowing hotly over them. He takes the opportunity to glance up at Red, eyes piercing through the fog to gauge how close he is. Red’s expression is thoroughly heated. His body’s still quivering, a coiled rope just waiting to be pulled taut.

Not yet. Green’s not finished with him yet.

He sits up, wiping the spit and sweat from his chin and mouth. Red’s cock, balls, and hole glisten in the soft lantern light, and Green’s cock is throbbing painfully, aching for that same treatment. But why settle for that when something even more fulfilling is on the table?

They’ve waited long enough, haven’t they?

Green runs his hands along Red’s thighs, trying to calm Red’s trembling as he thinks. Red’s hole is ready for prep. It’d be amazing to top off this unexpectedly amazing night with a quick fuck.

One problem though…

“This is a long shot, but you don’t have any lube, do you?” Green asks, feeling absolutely no embarrassment at the question. He’s well past that.

Red’s stuck in a daze. He stares at Green in an indistinct way, blinking a few times to gain clarity.

“Lube?” Green repeats gently, a smile playing on his lips. Red is the cutest thing he’s ever seen. “It’s fine if you don’t, I just thought—“

Red sits up and turns to one of the bags sat against the side of the tent. He goes digging again, leaving Green absolutely stunned.

Does this man really have lube up here?

Yup, he does. Red pulls out a black bottle of lube and carefully hands it to Green, actively avoiding his gaze.

Green looks down at the used bottle of lube. Several questions come to mind, but Green voices only one. He reaches up with his right hand again, thumb brushing Red’s cheek. “What did you use this for, babe?”

The implication has Red shutting his eyes. He doesn’t shy from Green’s touch, but he’s reluctant to answer, the embarrassing truth keeping his hands by his sides.

But now another question needs to be asked, and Green’s head spins as he leans closer, lips teasing Red’s cheek. “Who were you thinkin’ about? Me?”

The thought sends bolts of electricity spiking through Green’s veins. If Red thought of him while touching himself, Green won’t be able to hold back. It gives him too much power to know that Red wanted him that way. Red stroking his fat cock and gasping into his pillow at the image of Green…

He shudders, hand trailing down to Red’s neck to grasp it.

Red chooses that moment to regain his courage and look at Green, holding his gaze for a second too long in a silent but clear answer.

Green shoves their lips together, heart beating so fast he’s afraid he might die. He wants to know what Red imagined them doing, but he can give Red something now, and Green needs to, because his cock is unbearably hard and Red’s ass is the only thing that’ll satisfy him now.

“Lie back for me, sweetheart,” Green whispers breathlessly, placing parting kisses on Red’s jaw and chin.

And down Red goes, head nearly touching the back of the tent as he gets settled. They’re crammed in here, but they utilize every inch of space they have. There’s enough that Green can prep Red without too much hassle. But to help with that, Green pushes Red’s shins to his chest, getting a better angle and making use of the height of the tent.

He pours out an ample amount of lube in his right hand and gets to work. As he pushes his right index finger in slowly, he watches Red’s face, eager for reactions.

Red’s hands are pressed against the backs of his own thighs to help Green with the positioning, but his eyes are far gone, lost in fuzziness, spirit dancing with the soothing rainsong. It’s lighter now, mild and timid as the night goes on.

Green pushes his finger in deep and Red arches his back. He’s so responsive to Green’s touch, reacting to every whisper and sensation. Green watches, enraptured, as Red lovingly accepts another lube-coated finger, allowing Green to open him with little defiance.

Red’s soft gasps and almost moans has Green hurting in his fucking underwear. He moves a little quicker, fingers pressing in and pulling out, scissoring and bending, pressing against skin just to see the way Red’s breath stammers and his body jerks.

He’s more than beautiful, Green decides. There’s no adequate word for it.

Green tries his hardest not to rush this, but he knows they’re both close. There’s been so much foreplay that their fucking will be swift and end abruptly. And despite his impatience and the two of them being on the verge of letting their self-control go, prep is going pretty good with how relaxed Red is.

A third wet finger joins the first two, and Red’s head falls back against the sleeping bag, his mouth falling open, an ache deep inside him making his chest shake.

Green can’t fucking wait anymore. He pulls out his fingers and grabs the lube, tugging his underwear down to coat his slender cock. He sharply inhales as he does so, each stroke making him jerk. He’s never been this unbelievably horny before. His entire body feels like it’s covered in static electricity and every touch, no matter how brief, has him jolting with shock. He stops himself before he comes in his own fucking hand.

He presses the tip of his cock against Red’s waiting hole, eyes fixed on the way he slowly pushes in. Green grips Red’s thigh tightly with his left hand, needing an anchor to keep himself from coming prematurely.

It takes a little time, some patience, and a bit more lube, but with Red’s relaxed state, it goes faster than Green thought it would. When the head of his cock is finally inside, Green sighs heavily, tilting his head back and closing his eyes. The breath has been stolen from him. He’d been heedful before but now, truly, every worry and care fades away. Tension leaves his shoulders and Green slumps forward just a bit, blissful and relieved.

When Green can finally open his eyes, he meets Red’s and sees that he’s not doing much better. Red’s face and neck are flushed with blush and sweat. Both of his hands are pulling at the sleeping bag with restlessness. He’s trying hard not to come, his chest heaving with every deep breath.

Green guides Red’s legs to wrap around his waist, and then he’s crawling over him, moving closer to give him some stability.

Red’s a beautiful sight up close. He tilts his head up as Green moves closer, their foreheads touching. His arms fly up to wrap around Green as soon as he’s close enough, as if he’d been waiting to do so.

This causes Green to shift, his cock pushing in deeper, and he gasps against Red’s lips. His hips move on their own now, thrusting in slowly as he sets the pace. Steady right now. Nice and easy.

Green can’t get enough of the way Red’s looking at him. His right hand moves to the back of Red’s neck, cradling it again and offering support. His left holds Red’s jaw, their eyes locked together with each even roll of Green’s hips. With each push in and slow pull out, Red’s eyes flutter, his mouth just barely open, his brows furrowed as he nearly buckles under the pleasure he’s feeling.

Green’s heart is swimming in lovely emotions and his body is struck with firebolts popping under his skin every second, a combination he didn’t think was possible. Every time Green shifts, Red’s eyes blur over, and Green shudders against him, loving how hot and wet Red feels, how he takes Green’s cock so delightfully well.

As Green continues to hold Red’s head in his hands, his eyes glance over to the right side of his neck. His lips have a mind of their own as he ducks his head down to sprinkle kisses and tiny bites along Red’s sweaty skin. He angles Red’s head to the left just a bit to make it easier, and Red follows Green’s directions, squeezing Green’s waist with his thick thighs.

Green moans as he breathes against Red’s neck, his left hand reaching up to tangle in Red’s thick hair. It’s soft to the touch, easy for his fingers to get lost in. He cards his hand through those strands and grips them tightly, committed to holding Red and keeping him still. He can feel each quaking gasp, every tense of Red’s muscles, every pull of his fingers against Green’s shirt, every twitch of his thighs as Green rocks into him. There’s no ball slapping or ass clapping like Green would’ve expected ten minutes ago. They come together smoothly, unhurriedly, like the night will stretch on without end. In and out, smooth and even, Green’s hips rolling in a fluid circle.

He moves down to Red’s shoulder with his kisses, pulling at his shirt to reach more skin. He’s getting greedy, but he doesn’t care. He only stops when Red presses his hands against Green’s back, fingers moving rapidly, signs happening too quickly for Green to understand.

L—No, please? Another letter, another sign, and then please again. What…?

“Red—” Green pulls back and finds Red’s eyes “—baby, wait, I can’t see what you’re sayin’.”

Red takes his hands from behind Green’s back and moves them between their bodies. His fingers tremble as he forms a sign. “I love you.” He’s breathless and desperate, panting as he repeats the sign. “I love you. Kiss me, please. Kiss—”

Green gives in, pressing his lips to Red’s, his heart beating faster than it ever has. It twists with thoughts of love and kisses, Red’s signs repeating in Green’s mind as he sucks on Red’s tongue. Their kiss is frantic, teeth knocking together, but that’s just what they want. They break for a breath but come back craving more, Red’s hands reaching up to cup Green’s cheeks, wanting to hold Green back.

Love. The confession sets off fireworks in Green’s stomach. His mind is utterly consumed with Red, his thoughts, his feelings, his wants, his needs—everything, the only thing. He’ll kiss Red as much as he wants. Green tilts Red’s head back a bit more, supporting him with his hands still, but wanting to push his tongue further into his mouth. Every inch of this man, Green wants to taste.

He feels Red clench around him, and his thighs squeeze Green tighter. With how closely they’re pressed together, Green knows what’s happening, the trembling shifts into spasms as Red tilts his head further back, breaking the kiss and moving his right hand down to his fat cock to stroke himself.

Green slows his thrusts. He tenderly lowers Red’s head, retracting his hands so he can sit up. He has to see this. The sight alone will probably make him come.

Green runs his hands down Red’s chest, watching the way he pumps his cock. Wild strokes, excited and sloppy as precum wets his fingers. Green joins his left hand with Red’s right, wrapping around his thick, wet cock, watching Red arch his back, and gasp helplessly as if his soul is being taken.

The first spurt comes and lands on Red’s chest, creamy white and hot. It’s thick with abundance, another spill following. It doesn’t stop, and Green keeps moving his hand to coax out more as Red’s chest is covered in dense splatters of his own cum. It shoots so far, nearly up to Red’s face. His upper chest is drenched in white cum and it slides to his stomach and drips down his sides.

Green stares, mesmerized at the size of Red’s load. It’s unreal how much this man came. It has Green shuddering as he continues to stroke Red’s oversensitive cock.

“You came so fuckin’ much, babe,” Green moans, his own cock twitching, seconds away from making his own mess inside Red’s hole. Green’s eyes track every dribble of hot cum he can see. It’s gotten everywhere, all over the sleeping bag, down Red’s balls, on his thighs, and even his shoulders. “Do you have any more?”

Red pants, hands pulling at the fabric of the sleeping bag as he unintentionally bucks his hips.

Green continues to stroke Red’s cock, thinking that another stream will spit out on his fingers, but nothing more comes. What a fucking show that was, and all for Green? All because he sucked Red’s cock and ate him out and fucked him? Such a nice gift, all this cum. He can’t even grip Red anywhere without touching some of it. Both of his hands are fucking cum-covered, and Green’s hips start moving again as he starts trembling himself.

Green fucks Red fast as he comes, shoving his cock in deep, shifting his hips so Red can feel every inch of him. All of this—the sex, the confession, and the orgasm—have overwhelmed him to the point of coming. His eyes shut tight as he fills Red up, each gush of cum making him shake with relief and bliss. Fire encases him, but the subtle sting of lightning eases that burn, blending together to make this altogether new and exhilarating feeling that Green has never felt before.

It’s the best fucking orgasm he’s ever had.

He continues to fuck Red, pushing some of his cum back inside him as he rides it out in smooth and simple waves. He comes down from his high a fucking changed man. He picks up the sound of rain again for the first time in a while. Green’s slowly brought back to the present, to the location, to the circumstances that brought them together tonight, and his heart feels lighter, brighter too somehow.

Eyes barely open, he looks up at Red, seeing the way cum drips down his chest with each breath he takes. Red’s eyes are closed, his hands strung out to either side of him, his mouth open to take in more air. He’s fucking spent, but he’s beautiful. Green swoons all over again.

He runs his fingers up Red’s cum-coated thigh. “Love,” he breathes, “how do you feel?”

Red’s breathing slows to normal levels, calm alongside the sound of the rain. It takes a moment for him to move, to focus, to find Green through clouds of post-nut bliss, but their eyes find each other eventually, and Red smiles sleepily and adorably. “Great,” he signs, and then reaches for Green’s sticky hand, pulling on it.

But Green resists. “Wait, wait…” He looks down at Red and how his entire body is slick and wet. That cum will be hard to clean off later. Better to get it done now. “Babe, do you have any towels?” he asks, his index finger tracing Red’s jaw. “Or wet wipes or somethin’? I’ll clean us up.”

Red frowns but obliges Green’s request. It’s surprising how Red didn’t have an extra tent, but he has all this other useful stuff. He reaches into that same bag and pulls out a pad of cleaning wipes. Actually, given the lube, maybe it’s not surprising that he has these, too.

Either way, Green gratefully takes them and sets to work. He pulls one out and starts cleaning Red’s chest, scooping up cum and balling up the wipe once he’s done with it. It’s a sticky, messy process, and all the while Red is impatient, pulling on Green’s shirt, frowning and squeezing his legs to try and bring Green closer.

“Babe…” Green sighs with a laugh, dodging one of Red’s hands as he tries to grab the collar of Green’s shirt. He’s so persistent! And Green hasn’t cleaned off near enough of this cum. But Red keeps tugging, clingy and wanting cuddles after their fucking and so…

Green relents and he goes, sinking his cock deeper into Red, pressing close and ignoring the cum that he hadn’t swiped up. Red wants him close? Green will get as close as possible, nuzzling his face into Red’s neck as he’s squeezed in a tight, crushing embrace.

“Didn’t know I could fuck the sass right out of you,” Green mumbles into Red’s neck, smiling against warm skin. “I should do that more often.”

He feels Red snort, the puff of air ruffling Green’s bangs. And after a moment, a kiss is placed against Green’s sweaty forehead. A silent agreement.

Green’s heart beats with excitement at the thought of doing all that again. He’s already imagining what it will be like in a bigger tent and a bigger sleeping bag.

Red starts to sign something against Green’s back again, and he closes his eyes, picturing them in his head. With each sign, Red rubs it in a circular motion against Green’s back. It’s a repetitive pattern. A simple series of signs, some of the first ones he and Red learned.

“Why are you signing the days of the week?” Green asks, laughing a little. He tries to sit up, but Red is still holding him tightly in his arms, his biceps flexing at Green’s movement, prohibiting him from going anywhere. “What, are those the days I can come fuck you?”

Red snorts again, breath tickling Green’s ear. He nods as he places kisses on the side of Green’s face, soft lips loving on freckled skin, sweet thank you’s and pleas for Green to come as often as he wishes.

Green is now the one who’s silent and embarrassed, his cheeks getting impossibly hot. Everyday? Red wants it everyday? Green doesn’t have the stamina for that! But he’ll fucking damn well try anyway. That was the best sex he’s ever had. He’s not the same after being inside Red.

So he’ll come by as often as he can, but until then—" Gimme a kiss,” Green whispers, the words reminding him of Red’s confession. Nervousness keeps him from getting up and taking it himself, but Red definitely doesn’t mind.

Red smiles sleepily as he tilts his head down. He kisses Green vibrantly and lovingly with tireless feelings. He huddles close to Green, cradling him, moving them to lay on their sides as they prepare to rest.

They keep kissing as the sound of the rain falls away, but the two of them are too lost in each other to notice.