Planning Ahead

They had driven through the night, Ice and Mav spelling each other so they could take turns resting. Jake had stayed glued to Rooster's side, mostly sleeping; furtively watching the scenery pass by when he wasn't asleep. Finally, they had reached the cabin, though. It truly was out in the middle of nowhere, and Maverick worried for a few moments that they might not get the truck all the way up the narrow mountain road...that they would have to unload the truck and carry the supplies the rest of the way...but Ice proved once again why he obtained his call sign and got the truck all the way to the cabin, even getting it turned around so it was facing downward and ready to take off on a moment's notice if needed. "I think we should leave any supplies we don't need immediately in the truck. Use it for storage. Not only because it will keep us from being crowded in the cabin... But if we need to leave quickly, we won't have as much to reload, or risk leaving behind," Mav suggested.

Ice nodded his agreement. "I'd suggest we rig up just one generator, too, at least for the moment. Leave the rest in the truck." He grabbed his weapons, preparing to check the cabin in case there were any infected holed up there.

Mav nodded. "Yes, sir..." He responded as if it were an order. Knowing that his submission was helping Ice retain control over himself made submitting wherever and whenever possible easy.

Jake didn't say anything, but did look toward Rooster, waiting on his instructions on what they should leave in the truck and what he should take. He was still naked.

Rooster retrieved Jake’s clothes and began to help Jake into them. "I think it's pretty cold out there, so you need to wear clothes...at least between the truck and the cabin.

Ice carefully got out of the truck, weapons in hand, and approached the cabin warily.

Jake swallowed and nodded, helping as much as he was able, which wasn't very much because he kept getting distracted trying to touch Rooster, to get dressed.

Mav stood outside the truck with his own weapon, watching to make sure nothing or no one came up from the outside while Ice was checking out the cabin.

It took a few minutes longer than it would normally, since Jake kept needing to touch him, but Rooster finally helped Jake to get dressed. Then, taking hold of Jake's hand, he let the other man out of the truck.

Ice left the cabin and nodded to Mav. "There's no one in there. No sign that anyone's been there for a while. It should be safe.” 

Mav nodded. "I'll grab one generator with fuel if you want to grab enough food for a few days, Rooster... You and Jake grab our go bags and the bag of cleaning supplies. They have the essentials in them. We can figure out what else to unpack once we've cleaned a bit more and seen what we actually need right away."

Jake immediately grabbed the four small go bags that held items they needed to keep with them.

Rooster immediately grabbed the remaining bags, then headed out of the truck...staying close enough to Jake that their bodies could brush against each other, if Jake needed the physical contact.

Jake gave Rooster a grateful smile. It helped immensely, having his lover touching him as they walked. When they got into the cabin, he looked around curiously. It was a very small cabin. There was a small 'kitchen' area where a refrigerator stood, waiting for power to plug into. There was also an old-fashioned stove that used wood to heat. It might take some getting used to, but at least they could cook food for themselves. There was a tiny room in the corner that, when they opened the door, they could see an old-fashioned tub. They would have to heat water on the stove to fill it, but they could bathe, at least. Ironically, even though it didn't have running water to fill the tub, it did have a drain that emptied through a pipe that went through a tiny hole in the cabin wall. There wasn't a toilet. "Guess we'll need to go outside to relieve ourselves..." he said quietly. The rest of the cabin was wide open. They'd need to use the sleeping bags on the cots they'd scavenged.

Maverick had taken the generator around to the outside of the cabin, next to the window closest to the kitchen so they could run power lines from it into the house and to the refrigerator. He knew they didn't want to have it inside the cabin; it was a risk for fumes. He was coming back inside to connect the power to the fridge, having started the generator, just in time to hear Jake's comment. "There's an outhouse maybe twenty feet to the left of the cabin. We should string up a rope from the cabin door to there. It snows earlier in the mountains, so we could be getting the first snowfall within a few weeks. We don't want to risk getting lost in a snowstorm if we have to go to the bathroom. The water pump is just outside the door." He looked at Ice. "Do you think it would be a good idea to extend the cabin roof to cover the pump and give us about three or four feet in front of the cabin that is protected from rainfall and snowfall? Or at least enclose the pump enough that we don't have to shovel it out to get water? It would make it easier if we needed to heat it up if it froze too...."

Ice nodded. "I think that would be a good idea," he agreed. "We might want to make that a priority first thing tomorrow morning, as it's really getting too late to do that kind of work this evening." He paused and then said, "I am going to start trying to catch a signal with the radios we picked up, in case there are any other survivors out there." At the back of his mind, there was the thought that they would still need to be careful. The feral infected were easy to spot, but anyone like him, or the man they'd met in the town, would be able to hide their infection much better.

Maverick nodded. "We can extend the roof all around the cabin possibly, given enough time, but covering and enclosing the pump first. Doing that will keep the generator clear of snow, as well as giving us an area to store firewood for the stove. I think the stove is going to be our main source of heat, since the cabin is so small, any time we cook, it will heat the area up. May as well make use of that and save the generator for the refrigerator when it is warm out. Once winter fully hits, we likely can leave any perishables in a lock box outside and not use the generator at all."

Jake was listening quietly, but not adding anything to the conversation, content to just do what Rooster or Ice told him.

Ice nodded along in agreement with Maverick's words. "While this cabin is out of the way and it's unlikely that any infected will find their way here, I think we should continue sleeping in shifts," he said. "We should set up a rotation...not just for sleep shifts, but other chores." He figured the routine might help; especially for Jake, who was still clearly struggling.

Maverick nodded. "That's good. Maybe once we have everything situated so we can survive more comfortably, we can set up some type of warning system so we can relax on keeping watch. But until then...."

"We could help make the roster," Rooster suggested, motioning to himself and Jake. For a while, at least, he suspected Jake would need to be close to him. They could work out the rotations based on that need.

Ice nodded, both to Maverick and Rooster.

Jake just listened quietly. He'd do whatever was needed when they told him. He didn't trust himself to do anything else.

Maverick frowned, noting that Jake was very withdrawn. "It's too late to start anything outside. We've got the necessities in the cabin. I'll hang up a couple of the tarps to separate sleeping areas for us. It won't block sound, but at least it will give a little privacy," he said. He suspected Jake would need Rooster to calm him a bit and didn't want them to be embarrassed, reluctant, or ashamed to do what was needed.

"We'll ration out some food, too," Ice said, knowing it was important that they all keep their strength up.

Mav nodded. "Right. So, food first. Then I hang up some tarps while the youngsters set up their bed. Then you and I take first watch?" He looked toward Ice, making it clear he was submitting to his final decision.

Ice nodded. "I think that's the best way forward." He wasn't certain if Rooster and Jake would sleep, but if they ended up doing more, it would likely be something that either one or both needed.

"Great. Let's get going then, fellas..." Mav turned toward Rooster and Jake. "I'll start the stove. You get whatever we're going to eat prepped. As soon as it is hot enough, we can cook."

Jake immediately jumped into action, pulling out bread and cheese for grilled sandwiches.

Rooster moved to help Jake, but he let the other man take the lead on preparing the food, hoping it might help Jake, even a little, to feel useful.

Jake smiled at his mate as he assembled the sandwiches. By the time he was ready to grill them, Mav had got the stove lit and it had heated sufficiently to begin grilling.

While Jake was grilling the sandwiches, Mav and Ice hung up the tarps and set the cots up in the designated areas. "Not sure doing it on the cots will be a good idea... They might collapse... but there's room on the floor and plenty of comforters..." Mav snorted softly.

Jake blushed but had nothing to say about the observation.

"I guess we'll figure things out," Rooster said. Jake had already told him that them having sex had made him feel more human, more like himself. It was one of the main reasons he'd picked up plugs, in case his own release had anything to do with that.

"Yeah. Don't worry about us, in any case. I have a feeling by the time this whole mess stabilizes, any semblance of reservation, modesty, or privacy will be a long-gone luxury..." Mav sighed.

"Fortunately, we've never really been that much for modesty or privacy anyway," Ice commented.

"Not when you live in a barracks..." Jake snorted softly. "Sandwiches are done..." he added, taking them off the heat and plating them.

"Smells good." Maverick smiled as he was handed a plate.

"Thank you," Ice said, taking his own plate and beginning to eat.

Rooster took a bite of his sandwich and smiled at Jake. "It tastes good too," he said.

Jake relaxed at the signs that they liked the food. "Good...I'm glad you like them..." he said.

Maverick smiled. "I appreciate it. With everything going on, having something that is a comfort food helps."

"Given the situation right now, I think anything like comfort food or other things to help lift our spirits will be useful," Ice said. "We brought some books and games to do during downtime."

"Oh, what games?" Rooster immediately looked interested. 

"We found a few board games... Scrabble, Monopoly, checkers and chess. We also have card games," Mav said quietly, as he finished up his dinner.

"Maybe we can play one tomorrow night... If we aren't very tired from doing the repairs and modifications..." Jake said softly.

"I'm sure we can make time to play tomorrow night," Ice said, aware of how important it was for them to keep their spirits up.

"That'll be good..." Jake smiled crookedly, before getting up and beginning to clean. 

Maverick helped and soon, everything was cleared. "I suggest if anyone needs the outhouse, you go now, before it gets later, and we lock up. Until we get used to the area, I don't want to risk someone getting turned around and getting lost..." Maverick said seriously.

"I need to go," Rooster admitted, then turned to Jake. "You want to wait outside for me?" He wanted to make sure Jake was as comfortable as possible, and knew being close to him made his mate feel better.

"Yessir..." Jake nodded. He grabbed a flashlight and a weapon, just in case.

"I'll go when they get back..." Mav said to Ice, in case his friend wanted to accompany him.

Ice nodded. "It's probably a good idea for us to go out in pairs anyway, even though this place does seem fairly deserted." He shook his head. "I really think the violence is going to be directed eventually. If there are other pockets of survivors, they'll be the target for those with intelligence."

Mav swallowed hard and nodded. "Makes me feel guilty... Not at least trying to save a few more people. But unless they are like Rooster and me, it would make it too hard on both of you. And finding those unaffected at all... I was lucky I was with you. I'd have been killed for sure without you protecting me."

"I might be infected, but if it was possible to save anyone else, I would have taken that chance," Ice said. "I just can't always trust that I'll be able to see that way." He sighed and took a step closer to Mav. "But that's what makes you so important," he said honestly. 

Maverick gave a crooked smile. "Well... Can't say I'm not relieved and thankful I'm important to you. Pretty sure you are the only reason I'm still alive." Swallowing hard, he shifted closer, letting his forehead fall forward to rest against Ice's shoulder, slanting his head to expose his throat in submission again. Ice had said his submission helped... And as unsubmissive as he had been his entire life, it was becoming easier each time he did it.

Ice visibly relaxed at Mav's actions, sliding his arms around the other man's waist and taking a deep breath in... like he was breathing in Mav's scent. "Thank you," he whispered sincerely.

"Feels like I should be thanking you." Mav's voice was soft... husky. For as odd as feeling Ice breathing him in felt... it also helped him feel safe. Ice's possessive grip felt safe. With as unsafe as he'd been feeling since the earthquake, it was a feeling he didn't want to give up. He slanted his head further in invitation.

"You're keeping me grounded. Sane," Ice whispered. "Without you, the infection would have taken full hold, and I wouldn't be me anymore." Almost without thinking, he brushed a kiss against Mav's exposed neck.

"Then I'm thankful I can help with that. If you weren't you any longer... I don't know what I'd do. I don't know if I could fight if you weren't here... weren't you..." Maverick admitted, in a shaky voice. He trembled slightly at the kiss, pressing closer. Maybe it was just a reaction to all the horror and loss, but the possessive affection calmed him as much as being held tight and having Ice breathing him in.

"I'll protect you...keep you safe..." Ice promised, kissing Mav's neck again. His hands slid slowly down the other man's back, hesitating as they reached the hem of Mav's shirt. He thought he might feel calmer...more settled...with skin-on-skin contact, but he wasn't sure if Mav would be comfortable with that.

"I know you will." Mav pressed closer still, pressing his nose into Ice and breathing deeply himself.

"I think...skin-on-skin contact feels better," Ice whispered, remembering that they'd discussed ways of helping him feel more in control. 

"Whatever you need..." Mav breathed out, his breath ghosting over Ice's shoulder before he breathed in deeply again. He might not be under the infection's control like Ice and Hangman... or even like Rooster... but no one could say he had been unaffected. Being close to Ice like this was helping to settle his own fear and uncertainty.

Jake and Rooster had returned by this point and Jake knocked hesitantly on the door frame so they wouldn't startle Ice and Maverick. "We're back...' he said unnecessarily, his eyes focused on the ground. He stayed as close to Rooster as possible, waiting for his mate to lead him to their tiny, tarped-off area.

Maverick took the flashlight from Jake and gathered his own weapon, waiting for Ice to lead him out. When they were halfway to the outhouse, he whispered, "When we get back to the cabin...I can change into boxers... just boxers... If skin-on-skin helps... If that is what you want..." he offered. "I... I can be naked if that is better..." Even if it embarrassed the other two, he'd willingly make himself completely vulnerable if it helped Ice.

Ice took a deep breath and thought seriously about the idea. "Maybe start off with the boxers and see how well it works. If it seems like it doesn't work as well, we can try completely naked." Once, this might have been awkward. Now, though, Ice felt the strong need to be close to Mav...as close as it was possible to be. He was sure it wasn't just due to the infection, even if that was the primary reason.

Mav nodded. "Yessir..." he said softly. Even if it was awkward... It wasn't awkward. His feelings were a riot of contradictions: willingness to do anything to keep Ice from losing himself warring with the thought that this was his best friend... Sarah's husband.... Only the knowledge that Sarah would have wanted Ice to not only live but remain himself kept him from feeling guilty about the things he was considering offering to keep Ice sane. Even so, there was the tiniest sliver of guilt. It should have been Sarah keeping Ice sane. Ice's family should have survived to be with him, not Mav. He felt a great responsibility, being the one who had survived. He owed it to Sarah and the kids to do whatever he could to keep Ice himself. He owed it to Penny to make his life mean something. If he couldn't do that, he should have died with his loved ones.

"Thank you," Ice said quietly. "I know...it's not easy. I know that it's asking a lot from you. But I really appreciate your willingness to do this," he said, quietly but meaningfully.

"I... It's entirely selfish..." Mav finally said, with a crooked smile. "I can't lose you. If you need something from me... You've got it. No matter what it is..." He paused before ending with a promise. "I'm your man now. My body is yours. Whatever you ask... Order..." He swallowed and blushed slightly, knowing what that sounded like. Knowing that what it sounded like could very well become necessity. But submission helped Ice. Mav couldn't help but take that to the ultimate conclusion that submitting in everything would help him more.

Surprised by the response...although as he thought about it, Ice realized maybe he shouldn't be...Ice glanced at Mav. "I appreciate that," he said slowly. "But also, don't feel like you have to submit to everything. I don't...if something happens that you aren't okay with, something that could hurt you or even scare you, you need to let me know." It was awful to think about, awful to consider, but if he fell too far, he wasn't sure he'd be able to read Mav's body language and know to stop.

Mav swallowed and bit his lip. "If something is going to happen that will maim me, or even kill me... I will do whatever necessary to break through to you and try to get you to stop. But... If it won't kill or permanently damage me and it's needed to... Keep you, you? I'm not going to protest. Even if it hurts in the moment, I'd rather that than lose you. Because if I lose you... If I'm all alone in this mess..." He didn't finish the sentence. It was clear he wouldn't fight to live if that happened.

"Just..." Ice hesitated. "I don't want to hurt you, Mav. At least...if something is too much, or hurts you, tell me you'll at least try to tell me to stop. I don't want to come back to myself and find I hurt you," he whispered.

"I..." Mav looked into Ice's face, conflicted. It was obvious he wanted to agree. It was also obvious he was afraid to agree. "I want to tell you I will. It isn't like I want to be hurt or in pain. That was never something I was into, either to give or receive," he said quietly. "Only... I know if you are in your right mind still, it won't even be necessary, because you won't hurt me. But if you are losing yourself and you do start to hurt me... Because this infection thrives off pain and harsh violence... If you've reached that point. What if the only way to bring you back and not lose you completely is to submit to the pain? What if my telling you to stop causes you to slip further away?" His voice shook at the thought of losing Ice. "I'd rather you cause me pain and stay with me..." he whispered. "Especially when I know you would take care of me when the bloodlust eases." He swallowed hard, tears pooling in his eyes. "Please don't make me promise something I'm afraid to obey...."

Ice's own emotions were conflicted. It was really hard to consider the possibility that he might be so lost in the bloodlust and the throes of infection, he'd hurt Mav. "I don't know what this infection, what this bloodlust, will make me do," he said quietly. "I'd never want to hurt you though, Mav. I love you." He'd said the words before, when he was just drifting off to sleep, but this time, he was awake...and his voice sounded hopeless. He loved Mav. The thought of the bloodlust making him hurt the man he loved made his heart ache.

"I love you too... So much, the thought of losing you terrifies me..." Mav admitted. "If... If the infection caused the bloodlust to be really bad and you were lost enough to give in to it... I'm not sure my telling you would stop it anyway. It wouldn't be you hurting me. That I know. We know that my submission helps keep you, you. If you were lost to the point of hurting me, I can't help thinking that submitting to you hurting me would bring you back... and disagreeing or arguing or trying to stop you, not submitting, would make it worse and you'd disappear even more..." His voice was hesitant. They didn't know anything for certain, but having said it out loud, he couldn't help think it was the truth.

Ice looked visibly torn, in a way he'd never allowed himself to show in the past. "I'm so used to being in control...of myself, of any urges," he admitted quietly. "Losing myself to this virus scares me as much as it scares you. And... I think you're right." The admittance was low. "What you've just said, it feels true. Familiar. Like when I was listening to what the man in the town was saying and realizing...it made sense."

Mav blinked at Ice agreeing with his analysis before he sighed and slumped, his face more worried. "I was just taking a slightly educated guess and hoping I was wrong... But if you feel like what I said is right... As much as I know it upsets you and goes against the need for me to submit... I'm not going to promise to stop you, if it comes to it. If my refusing to promise upsets or agitates you and makes it difficult for you, then... I'll submit to a punishment for defying you. But I can't promise. Not knowing doing so will mean either breaking my promise or possibly having you lost completely..." he stated, nervously but firmly. Would the infection cause Ice to take exception to Mav's refusal. 

Ice slowly shook his head. "I might not be happy with the situation, but I don't feel any need to punish you...at least not at the moment. Not for that." He wasn't sure if the infection would push for that in the future, though. After a brief moment, he said, "I do think we should lay some ground rules that all four of us need to follow."

Mav bit his lip, still looking at Ice. "Yeah. Okay. That makes sense..." They'd been standing outside the outhouse for several minutes by this point, having their conversation. "Do you want to go first, or do you want me to?" he asked deferentially. Having just disagreed with his friend, he thought maybe having something he could agree with and obey would be good. 

"You go first," Ice directed. "I'll keep watch."

Mav nodded and quickly went into the tiny shack. Even though it was an outhouse, whoever had built it had made certain to at least make it 'comfortable'. There was a regular toilet seat instead of just a splintered wood hole like he'd expected. There was also a metal wash basin with a bucket for water next to it. Apparently, Rooster or Jake had filled the bucket with water when they'd discovered it. Huffing softly to himself, he quickly took care of business, then washed his hands. "We took a few 64-gallon trash cans from the hardware store, right?" he asked Ice as he exited, preparing to take watch while his friend used the 'facilities'. "Maybe tomorrow, we can fill two of them up with water from the pump and keep it in the tub room. Bathing might take more steps, but it will be important to stay clean. I don't know about you, but I always feel more human when I'm not grimy. Would that be okay?"

Ice nodded slowly. "I think that would be a very good idea," he agreed. "It's important that we try to keep things as normal as possible...even though most of our situation is far from normal." He slipped into the shack and quickly took care of his own needs before slipping back out.

Once Ice had rejoined him, Mav shifted closer so their arms brushed as they walked the short distance back to the cabin. They had a long list of items to take care of, but it was now fully night and time for sleep; or, in the case of Mav and Ice, the first watch. Jake and Rooster were hidden away behind their tarp, the sounds coming from it making it clear Rooster was 'settling' Jake down. Mav gave Ice a crooked grin before walking to their own partitioned area. He went behind the tarp long enough to remove his shoes and all his clothing, slipping on a very loose pair of boxers. The room was comfortable, thanks to the wood-burning stove, although there was just enough chill to cause his nipples to pebble. He returned to Ice's side.

Ice couldn't quite bring himself to smile, not with how bad the situation they'd found themselves in was, but his gaze softened at the sight of Mav. Slowly, not entirely sure how the other man would take it, he reached out and let his hands rest gently on Mav's bare shoulders.

Mav smiled uncertainly. He felt exceedingly under-dressed next to Ice. Vulnerable. To his surprise, though, it didn't bother him. In fact, it was...it felt good. Right. He leaned into Ice's grip, flushing slightly as he felt himself doing so, but unable and unwilling to stop or pull away. There was a small couch that they had pulled over in front of the window so they could look out. More of a setae really, it was so small that if they both sat on it, there was no way to leave any space between them. "How do you...?" Mav asked hesitantly, waiting for Ice to position them.

Ice glanced at the sofa, then said quietly, "Let's go and sit down." He placed a hand on Mav's shoulder, fingers close to the other man's neck, and guided him over to the couch, so that they could sit on it as close to each other as it was possible to get.

As Ice's fingers closed around his neck, Maverick felt himself relaxing... feeling more confident that he was doing the right thing in making himself vulnerable. He obediently followed Ice to the couch.

Sitting down on the couch, Ice gently pulled Mav down to sit with him. He didn't pull the other man onto his lap, but they were close enough that it was a very near thing.

Sighing softly, Mav settled against Ice. He might not have been on Ice's lap, but he was leaning back against him, touching all the way down to his hip. He left himself open and vulnerable, letting Ice have complete access.

"Thank you," Ice murmured softly, letting his hands gently rub over Mav's shoulders and down his back. "This is helping a great deal."

"It... It's helping me too..." Mav admitted, in a whisper. "I feel more at ease than... Than I have since this whole thing started."

"I'm glad," Ice said softly. "If I can help you feel a little more settled and at peace, that makes me feel a little better too," he admitted quietly.

“You are...helping..." Mav turned his head enough to look up into Ice's face. "I felt weak, and helpless, and useless.... Knowing that you need me has at least helped me not feel so useless, even if I still feel weak and helpless..." He smiled crookedly. "I feel safe with you, so being weak and helpless isn't as scary. And... Even though I know you'll find it hard to believe, given how obstinate and opinionated I am and have been...being submissive to you has been very easy and helps me feel better too..." He admitted the last hesitantly.

"Even if you weren't helping me stay sane...helping me stay human...you wouldn't be useless," Ice said honestly. "But I'm glad you were with me when the infection hit. And I'm really glad that you being submissive to me is helping you," he said softly. "I'd feel a lot worse if all I was doing was taking from you."

"You aren't just taking from me..." Mav affirmed. "You're keeping me from being hopeless and terrified..." Mav said softly. "Even though I haven't been changed by this infection or whatever it is... I feel different. I guess it's only natural with everything that's happened. But even if I never would have before, submitting to you does help me. I feel safer and... and honestly... now that I'm paying attention to how I'm feeling... I need to submit to you. The thought of anything else scares me."

Ice relaxed visibly at Mav's words, tightening his embrace around the other man and pressing a kiss to his shoulder. "I'm glad I can help you in that way," he whispered. "It helps me feel like I'm not being so selfish in needing you so much."

Mav sighed softly, shifting his head so his neck was more vulnerable and leaned more firmly into Ice. "And here I was, thinking I was being selfish, relying so much on you to keep me alive..." he admitted, chagrined.

"Apparently, neither of us are being as selfish as we thought." Ice spoke with a tiny amount of humour in his voice, even as he closed his eyes and nuzzled into Mav's neck.

Maverick hummed softly in agreement, keeping his head positioned for Ice to continue however he saw fit. He was watching out the window, but he knew instinctively that if anyone showed up, it would be Ice that noticed first, even if he was paying more attention to Mav's scantily clad body at the moment.

The more Ice was able to touch, stroke and hold Mav, the calmer and more settled he felt. Part of his attention was still on the outside, even if he did seem to be only concerned with Mav.

For his part, the more control Ice took over his body, the more safe and secure Maverick felt. It was totally against what his personality had been prior to the earthquake, but it wouldn't be wrong to admit that events had affected him... greatly. Letting out a soft breath, he leaned even more into his friend.

Ice gently pulled and tugged until Mav was actually sitting in his lap. With them being so physically close, pressed so tight together, he relaxed even more, letting out a tiny huff of breath.

Mav shivered at finding himself on Ice's lap. It made his belly twist up in warm knots like a pretzel, his heart speeding up unexpectedly and his member twitching. It didn't surprise him, really; Ice had always been an attractive man and Maverick had always had a slight crush on his friend. Never to the point of arousal, but again, he knew eventually, the infection in Ice may need to be controlled the way Jake's was being controlled. He'd already accepted that one day, very soon, he would need to submit his body fully if he didn't want to lose his friend. It was good to know his body could respond the way needed if he didn't want that submission to be uncomfortable or have it hurt. He wasn't fully hard yet, but he was aroused enough that a damp spot had formed on his boxers from precum and there was a slight tent.

He tried not to squirm or shift too much. He was sat on Ice's lap in such a way, the other man wouldn't necessarily notice his arousal (as long as he didn't hear heart rate or smell the arousal). He wasn't sure what needed to happen beyond knowing any first moves needed to be made by Ice. He didn't want his unintended reaction while sitting on his friend's lap to force Ice to do something he wouldn't have done otherwise.

Despite the fact he was keeping his attention on the outside as much as on Mav, Ice was able to feel the other man's arousal. He didn't say or do anything to draw attention to it, though. After all, they hadn't actually discussed if things might progress to the point that Rooster and Jake had reached; and while he was still in full control of his mind, Ice wanted to make sure everything he did was what Mav was okay with.

Mav shivered slightly, despite the warmth from the stove... the warmth from Ice. It was still very chilly outside, and they were in front of the window. "When... When things get worse, and I'm sure they will... I know you are holding back because you don't want to force me or hurt me. Don't. It may not be something either if us ever planned, but... If you hadn't got married... And the opportunity ever came available, I would have said yes. So, I'm saying yes now... Ahead of time." Mav didn't know if Ice could tell he was aroused or not, but that wasn't why he was giving blanket permission. He didn't want to get to a point where it was needed, but Ice couldn't ask and then afterwards Ice feel guilty.

Surprised, Ice looked at Mav...into his eyes. Seeing whatever it was he was looking for, he relaxed visibly. "I always had feelings for you, Mav," he admitted. "But it never felt like the right time...especially after I met Sarah.”

Mav looked into Ice's eyes so he could see Mav was telling the truth. "I was incapable of settling down when I was younger... I know I frustrated you the way I hopped from relation to relation. But even then, I had feelings. Told myself it was just a crush. And when you met Sarah, I was so happy for you; even if I might have admitted it was more than a crush, I wouldn't let it go anywhere. I wouldn't ruin your life that way. And I genuinely loved Sarah and your kids. So..." He shrugged uncertainly, not sure what else needed to be said.

"I'm glad you've told me now," Ice said quietly. "Losing my family hurts. It's ripped a hole in me I don't know will ever heal. But...I still have you. And that gives me hope," he said quietly. "I need you, Mav. And not just to keep the infection under control."

"Losing everyone... I'm thankful to have you. You're my hope..." Mav responded. "I love you," he whispered at the end, leaning back against Ice, twisting his head enough to kiss the other man's cheek.

"I love you too," Ice murmured, brushing a kiss against Mav's hair. "And I'm just as thankful to have you as you are to have me."

Mav smiled and settled more securely into Ice's arms, looking out the window again. It was comforting, being held. It was more comforting knowing it helped Ice too. He was encouraged to give in to his need for the affection since he knew it helped keep Ice in control.

Ice took a deep breath and spoke softly. "Mav, if there's anything more you need from me...anything that might make you feel better or more at ease...just let me know. I'll do anything within my power to do or be what you need," he promised.

Mav bit his lip. "Yeah. Okay. I think you are right that we need to talk about... everything... but maybe tomorrow. After we've got some sleep and can see better. Think better..." he whispered. He already had an idea that was less a need and more a fear. But things were calm now and he didn't want to feel anxious or worried. It would wait for the morrow.

Ice nodded. "That sounds like a good idea," he agreed. "When Rooster and Jake take watch, we'll need to get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be very busy."

"Yeah..." Mav sighed, settling in to watch.

***

Six hours later, they were waking Rooster and Jake up for their watch. Nothing had happened; not that they had truly expected it to. Mav and Ice would get six hours, and then it would be time to work.

***

The rest of the night passed uneventfully. Ice woke up early as he usually did, his body instinctively knowing that it was dawn. Carefully getting up, being quiet so as not to disturb anyone else, he went to check their supplies for breakfast.

Mav got up and dressed before leaving the tarped in area he shared with Ice. He went to the 'kitchen' area to help Ice. There wasn't a lot of room, though. "If I'm in the way, I can begin working on the cabin roof extension..." he said hesitantly.

Jake walked back into the cabin behind Rooster, having tied the rope between the cabin door and the outhouse. While they had been at the other building, Rooster had 'settled' him again, putting the plug into him after. They were planning to test if it would work to keep him calmer if they weren't in close proximity. They just needed to warn Ice and Maverick of their plan to test. He was walking a bit stiffly because of it.

"You're not in the way," Ice replied reassuringly. "But we'll want to get the extension done sooner rather than later, so if you want to start working on it...." He glanced towards Rooster and Jake as they walked in, noticing the stiff way Jake was moving. "Everything all right?"

Rooster nodded. "We just did some...settling." He looked between Ice and Mav. "I thought it might be a good idea to try something."

"What are you trying?" Mav asked quietly, though he had suspicions.

Jake glanced at Rooster before blushing and answering. "To see if I can keep him with me longer... So, I can give him more space? Maybe a little more distance before losing myself?"

"So how can we help with that?" Mav glanced at Ice. "If you two are attempting to see how much space you can have, then I'll need a way to stop you, if it doesn't work...." He paused. "Unless you want to stay with Ice and Rooster come with me?" He looked at Ice for his opinion.

Ice looked considering for a moment or two before he said, "It might actually be a good idea if you and Rooster both move away, Mav. We can always use the radios to communicate if need be." He wasn't entirely certain his idea was a good one, since Mav was his anchor, even though he wasn't infected like Jake. But hopefully, if Mav saw a problem with it, he would say something.

Mav bit his lip uncertainly, having second thoughts. "I'm just going to be outside. No further than the distance you put between Rooster and Jake the first time we attempted to test."

Jake noticeably relaxed. "That's good, though. We know I didn't lose it till he got out of the house. And I felt anxious until then. If I'm not anxious until he reaches a certain point, then it is working at least a little. If I am anxious, it isn't."

Rooster gave Jake an encouraging smile. "I think that's a good way of testing it out."

Ice nodded. "Let's see how it works, then. If nothing else, the more knowledge we have, the better."

Maverick nodded. "I'm going to start getting our tools together and see what we're working with. Make plans. We'll need to cut down some trees. These extensions aren't going to be normal lumber, so it might be better to do something closer to a thatch roof."

Jake smiled crookedly, giving Rooster a bashful kiss. "I'll just be in here "

Rooster nodded. "We're not going to push it too far. Soon as you start feeling off, even if it's only mildly, we'll put a stop to it," he promised, before turning to leave with Mav.

Jake swallowed and sighed as Rooster left his sight, trying to keep from letting his nervousness overwhelm him. He turned toward Ice instinctively, knowing if he suddenly lost it without having the early warning that Rooster needed to return, Ice would have to control him. "Can I do anything to help, Sir?" he asked respectfully.

Ice nodded. "I'm just figuring out what to do for breakfast," he said. "We've got some seeds that should grow well here, but they'll need time to flourish, of course. We could always have a couple of cans of fruit between us," he commented. 

Jake nodded. "We probably don't want to plant any seeds until spring anyway. Unless they are the type of plant that needs to rest in the ground over winter, the cold would kill them. Or unless someone thought to get grow lights for a greenhouse?" He looked toward the cans of fruit. "Maybe we can divide a can four ways? And eat cereal. The cereal will eventually go stale, while canned stuff will last longer, so if we eat the more perishable items first and save the canned stuff?"

Ice nodded. "That's probably a good idea," he agreed. He began to share some of the cereal among four bowls. "Do you want to divide up one of the cans?" he asked Jake.

"Yessir..." Jake smiled at Ice thinking his idea was good. He got out four more bowls and opened a can of the fruit, spooning it out evenly.

Once the breakfast was fully prepared, Ice collected four of the glasses and the bottled water they'd brought. "How are you feeling?" he asked Jake. He didn't just mean with Rooster not being close by; he meant in general, after everything that had happened.

"I... I think the plug is working..." Jake admitted without shame. He was past being embarrassed about what he needed to stay himself now. "I know you meant more than that, but I don't really know. I've been so focused on staying myself.. on staying near Rooster... I haven't allowed myself to think beyond that."

Ice nodded slowly. "I can understand that, but you need to take the time to let yourself process," he said seriously. "The more you push everything down and try not to deal with it, the worse you'll feel when it inevitably all hits you."

Jake nodded. "I... I know you are right. I just don't know how..." he said helplessly.

"I would suggest you start with talking about how you feel," Ice said gently. "If you don't feel able to talk to Rooster, you can talk to me and Mav. Or even just to me, if you don't feel comfortable talking to Mav as well," he offered.

Jake nodded. "I will remember that. Thank you. I will talk, once I can settle my thoughts enough to get coherent words out..." He smiled faintly.

Ice nodded. "When you're ready to talk, just reach out to whoever you feel you need to."

***

Outside, Maverick was leading Rooster toward the wooded area, listening for if Ice called them back but not hesitating to go a further distance than they had previously.  "I think if we build a frame using the trunks of pine or fir trees... Use their limbs as the thatch... Make certain there is enough of a slope that snow falls off... Maybe cover it with some of the other tarps we found... It won't be perfect, but it will be better than having snow piled up directly against our door. When spring comes, we could maybe take a chance and go down into civilization. Find another hardware store that has actual lumber. Renovate the cabin so it is bigger with a wraparound porch. That is if we don't decide to pack up and move entirely. Until then, though...."

Rooster nodded. "Yeah. I think it sounds good," he agreed. "Of course, by the time spring comes, the infected might be more organised. But we can probably figure things out when the time comes, I guess?" He paused and cleared his throat, then asked, "How are you handling all this, Uncle Mav?"

"They might be more organized. We'll just have to be careful and avoid any of the larger cities, if possible. I doubt those who are controlling will go to smaller towns unless they started there... But it will be easier to protect ourselves from smaller groups." Maverick paused before answering. "I'm doing better than I was when this started," he admitted. "I don't feel as useless anyway, given my complete normality. I think it will become necessary for Ice and I to enter into the same type of relationship you and Jake have formed, though. I hope you gathered a lot of supplies from that adult store... if not, I might need to convince Ice to make a quick trip to the closest small town to stock up on lube or oils..." He smiled faintly.

Rooster nodded slowly. "We got plenty of supplies. Lube, oils...some other things, too, apart from plugs, though not many. I don't really have nearly as much experience as I claimed," he admitted sheepishly.

Maverick chuckled sympathetically. "For all the tom-catting I did, my experience was only vanilla. With women. But whatever we do will most likely be influenced by what the infection urges. I don't know if you noticed... And I haven't brought it up to Ice yet... But the full moon will be seven days from now. Given how closely the moon's gravity affects the earth... We should be watchful. It might influence the infection."

"Do you think it might make the infection worse?" Rooster asked, unable to hide the note of worry in his voice. "For Jake and...Ice, not just those who've turned out there?"

Maverick sighed unhappily. "I think when it comes to this infection that apparently is tied to the earth itself, we can't discount any possibility of things that also affect the earth. I hope I'm wrong, but..." He paused before continuing, "That old soldier mentioned all the myths and lore surrounding civilizations that disappeared. Alluded to the fact it could have been the earth self-regulating. If those myths and lore have basis in truth, what's to say that all the moon myths don't?"

Rooster bit his lip, looking a bit uncertain. "Do you think Jake and Ice...might lose themselves, then? At least when the moon turns full?" He wasn't sure what they could do about it if that was the case, but maybe Mav had a plan for it that did happen.

Mav swallowed hard. "I don't want to believe that will happen. But we need to be prepared if it does. Watch and if it looks like it is..." He wrinkled his nose. "We learned a lot from how you brought Jake back to himself and kept him there. Ice and I are similar, if different. If it becomes necessary, we go further down the path we've started with them." He hoped Rooster understood, waiting to elaborate.

Rooster bit his lip. "Jake already admitted that he...that he feels more like himself, more human, when I take full control of him," he said quietly. "I guess...if it's necessary to go further...I can probably do that."

Maverick nodded. "You have to prepare yourself for the possibility... the same as I will need to prepare myself for the possibility I will need to give more."

"Okay." Rooster sighed. "Well, we at least picked up plenty of supplies, so even if more need to be used when the full moon occurs...at least they should last us for a while."

Mav smiled crookedly. "We may need more than just lube. Luckily, we also obtained various ointments and medicines..." He sighed. "Ice was reluctant to agree; he doesn't want to hurt me. But if it is between him hurting me and him losing himself to this infection, I would take pain any day. If it comes to you hurting Jake or him losing himself, I have no doubt he'd feel the same." Mav sighed softly, "You should talk to him and be prepared for the possibility. I hope my suspicions are wrong and the moon holds no bearing on what is occurring. But I fear I am right and we need to be prepared."

"I hope you're wrong too...but I really think you're right." Rooster winced at the thought of having to hurt Jake. He cared about the other man and didn't want to hurt Jake...but if they talked and Jake told him that he needed Rooster to do that, if it was necessary...? Well, he'd have to figure out a way to be okay with it.

Maverick smiled at his godson. "Of the two of us, I think you are actually in the harder position. If it helps, should what I fear be necessary- the full moon is only one night and the stronger pull should only be for a few days, if that. When it's over, you can dominate him with affection and care to make up for it...."

Rooster nodded slowly. "Still, it'll be a few days in every month. I guess the best thing to do is to talk to him about it and...make sure he shares the same belief that you do about keeping himself as human as it's possible to be."

"Yeah. If you both plan ahead of time, instead of you having to make the decision on your own with him not able to help, it will be better. But considering he is the one who let you know he needed you in charge, I think he'll let you know if other needs develop." Mav glanced back at the cabin. "We are further away than you were when we tested at the house. Want to go back and make sure he's okay? Once we know if your idea worked, all four of us can come out and start chopping down the necessary trees...."

Rooster nodded. "Yeah. I know Ice can...can control Jake if he turns. But I hope he doesn't. For his sake. I know it was hard for him when he went feral, even though it wasn't his fault and he never would have acted that way if he'd been in control of himself." He began to head back to the cabin.

"None of us blame him. But you lost friends to this infection taking him over. He's going to blame himself, even if he wasn't responsible for it happening..." Maverick said softly. Empathetically. He knew what it was to feel responsible for a friend's death. Rooster had grown up without a father because of just an incident. "Just keep being there for him. Give him what he needs so he doesn't lose control again. Eventually, he'll be able to accept it, even if he never fully feels it."

He began to walk back to the cabin.

"Yeah." Rooster walked next to Mav as they headed back to the cabin. "I'll talk to him, so if it does happen, at least we maybe have a plan in place to deal with it."

Mav paused at the door to the cabin before carefully opening it and letting Rooster walk in ahead of him. "We were further away than Rooster got the last time we tested the distance you could be parted," he said to Jake. "How did it feel?"

Jake flushed a little, but smiled crookedly. "I felt uneasy. It... Feels wrong not being right next to him... But I kept my mind. Ice didn't need to take over controlling me..." he said quietly. Subdued.

Maverick smiled back sadly. It hurt, seeing how broken the younger man had become. How hesitant, when before, he had been over confident and loud. He could only be thankful Rooster and Ice hadn't been changed so drastically.

Rooster moved closer to Jake and gave the other man a small smile. "You did really well, though," he said encouragingly. "And it's good to know that we can be a bit further apart. It means we can work more effectively on the cabin." He glanced at Mav and Ice, then looked at Jake and took a deep breath. "I think...we need to talk about something," he said quietly. "Maybe in private." He wasn't quite ready to outright talk about their sex life in front of Mav and Ice.

Mav gave Rooster a crooked grin and Jake a small nod before taking Ice by the hand. "If it is okay with Ice, I'll just show him the trees we decided were best suited to our needs and start chopping. You all can join us when you're ready...." He looked up at Ice for his agreement to the plan.

Jake shifted uncertainly but moved closer to Rooster. "Not more bad news, I hope?" he said, in a nervously teasing voice.

Ice nodded. "Just use the radios, if you need us," he said to Rooster and Jake, since he didn't want to risk shouting if there was the possibility any infected might come to the mountain. He then went with Mav to start chopping the trees.

"I hope not," Rooster said wryly to Jake's question. Taking a deep breath, he began to tell the other man about Mav's suspicions about the full moon.

Jake listened to Rooster's explanation then sighed. "So...he thinks the infection might urge for more violence and pain? And since I only keep my sanity because of submitting to you... You might need to cause me pain to keep me from going feral?"

"I'm really hoping that it won't be necessary...but Uncle Mav suspects it might be," Rooster admitted. "So I wanted to talk to you about how you want to handle this before we end up in the situation. If it occurs."

Jake swallowed. "Can't say I ever felt turned on by pain... But then, this infection isn't about being turned on, anyway." He paused. "If I start losing control and your usual domination doesn't help... Then do whatever it takes. I know you don't want to harm me, but there are ways to cause pain without harm..." he said hesitantly. "You could always give me a whooping. Ain't like I ain't done things in the past where I'm sure you thought I deserved one..." He snorted, giving an abashed grin.

Rooster didn't say he didn't want to cause Jake pain, let alone harm him. He figured the other man was fully aware of that and pointing it out wouldn't help either of them. Tentatively, he asked, "So you are telling me you want me to do whatever it takes to keep you...you?"

"Whatever it takes," Jake agreed somberly. "And if nothing works and I lose myself anyway, I need you to... To take me out." He only hesitated on the last sentence because he knew it would upset Rooster, and he didn't want to hurt his friend.

"That would be the very last resort," Rooster said. "Believe me, I would exhaust every possibility before I even considered taking you out."

"I know..." Jake's smile was soft, trusting, and accepting. "I don't want to hurt you like I hurt the others. I... I love you...."

Rooster's eyes widened a fraction. Then, he stepped closer to Jake and wrapped his arms around the other man, hugging him close. "I love you too," he whispered.

Jake wrapped his own arms around Rooster, hugging him tightly and snuggling against him, almost burrowing against him, the closeness calming him.

***

Maverick chopped the trees as quickly as he was able, nervously keeping watch while doing so. If there were infected, they might not be attracted to the noise if it didn't sound like a living person... but they also might be. And if there was an infected like Ice nearby? He had to keep watching.

Ice was paying attention to their surroundings, as well as chopping the wood. He wasn't just looking with his eyes, though. Since learning that he'd been infected, he'd realized that some of his senses were enhanced...so he was reaching out with those, constantly checking their surroundings.

While Rooster was having the conversation with Jake, Maverick and Ice had felled several thin trees and had drug them back to the cabin. They began the process of removing branches and splitting them so that they could make a frame for the awning. While they worked, Maverick tried to think of the best way to broach his worry about the moon with Ice.

Ice knew Mav fairly well, so it was pretty obvious to him that the other man had something on his mind. As he continued to remove branches and split logs, he asked, "Do you want to talk about what's on your mind now?"

Mav gave Ice a weak smile. "We kinda already talked about it... I just can't help wondering if we might be missing something..." He shrugged helplessly.

"About the infection potentially getting worse?" Ice asked.

"Yeah." Mav sighed. "I... I feel like I'm right and what we think might happen is going to happen. I just..." He paused and gave Ice and uncertain look. "Obeying you was easy. Is easy. Despite my obstinate, opinionated personality, I've had years to get used to obeying you at work once you were promoted over me..." He smiled crookedly before glancing away, almost bashfully. "If what we think is going to happen, happens... I'm not used to you causing pain. I fully intend to do whatever is necessary to keep you with me, no matter how painful. If I lose you... I can't see a way to keep fighting on my own. But..." He swallowed hard before continuing, "...But what if I can't? What if my body decides to fight, even though I intend to give in? Fighting would make things worse. But what if I can't help it?"

By this point, Mav was looking at the ground, shoulders hunching as he admitted he might not be able to be as strong or brave as he wanted to be. "I don't know how to ask this, knowing that it will just make things more difficult for you." His voice was apologetic. "But I think maybe I need to train my body to accept pain from you... The same way my obstinate ass trained to obey you. Just... Doing it in non- urgent moments so that, when it truly is needed, it isn't a complete shock...."

Ice was torn...obviously so. Hurting Mav was the very last thing he wanted to do. He didn't want to contemplate doing it when the infection wasn't in control. "I don't know if I could bring myself to hurt you, to cause you pain, in my right mind," he admitted, his voice low and slightly hitched with emotion.

"I know," Mav whispered, his mouth quirking. "I wasn't even sure I should say anything; I know you don't want to... Even the idea you might do so if you start losing control bothers you. It... It will work out. I'll find some way to make sure I do what is needed, even if instinct is urging something else..." He let out a tiny huff, an aborted laugh. "Never thought or worried about being a coward before, so I shouldn't start now."

"I don't think you're capable of being a coward, Mav," Ice said, a little wryly. "You're reluctant to use caution at any time, even when the situation calls for it." His tone was fond and affectionate rather than scolding. 

Mav huffed more loudly at that. "All those times I wasn't being cautious; I was still mostly in control and had an idea what to expect. We're... We're just taking wild guesses right now. And I won't be in control beyond how I respond..." He swallowed. "I'm scared, Ice..." he finally admitted, in a whisper so soft it would have been impossible to hear, if they hadn't been right next to each other.

Ice responded automatically, placing the logs down and moving over to Mav. He wrapped his arms around the other man, hugging him. "I'm scared too," he admitted quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. He wasn't only scared of the state the world was in; he was scared, terrified, of losing control...of the infection taking hold and causing him to kill Mav.

Mav sighed softly, a tiny, almost wounded sound, as he pressed tighter to Ice and clung. He'd been trying to stay strong for Ice... for Rooster... because he needed to. At this moment? He needed to let go and not be strong, if only for a little while.

Ice hugged Mav tightly, hoping that the other man could take some comfort from him. He didn't say anything, just gently stroked Mav's hair and down his back, holding him tight.

Mav stood, clinging to Ice for a long moment, but finally shivered and pulled back with a sigh and a sad smile. "Thanks. We... We should probably finish this up as much as possible before it gets dark again...."

Ice nodded. "Once we're done, if you need to, we can take a few minutes to sit and talk. And if you need a bit more comfort, I can do that too."

Mav gave a quick, brief nod and smiled again, before starting to work again.

***

They worked steadily through the day, and while they hadn't finished the whole extension around the cabin, they did manage to get the water pump covered and the generator covered. They had time now to work on surrounding the rest of the cabin with the extra covering. If it snowed before they finished, at least they had the important parts covered.

Jake, thinking that, after the hard work, everyone would want to wash up and maybe even soak, had retrieved four of the fifty-gallon plastic tubs they'd foraged from the hardware store and filled them all with water. He put two big pots of water onto the stove to heat as well, next to the pot of spaghetti Mav was cooking. "We can take baths after eating, if you want," he said to the room at large, although he was looking at Rooster.

Rooster nodded slowly. "Yeah. I could do with a bath," he admitted. "Feeling pretty hot and sweaty now, even though it's pretty cold out."

"We could probably all do with baths," Ice agreed, thinking that some semblance of normality might be good for all of them.

Jake nodded. "You and Mav want to go first?" he asked Ice. "The water should be heated soon, and you can mix it with the cold water in the tubs to get it the right temperature."

"We can do that," Ice agreed. "Tonight, I think we should take it in turns to keep watch again. Maybe in the next few days, we can look at setting up traps...an early warning system for if anyone approaches." He figured it went without saying that they needed to keep their weapons in easy reach, even while they slept.

Mav nodded. "If we work as quickly tomorrow as we did today, we should be able to finish the remainder of the roof extension tomorrow. Work on traps the day after; then maybe we won't have to worry so much about having a night watch, and we can have normal sleep patterns."

Jake smiled. "Smells like dinner is ready..." His stomach growled.

"And it smells good...although maybe that's also because we've been working so hard." Rooster gave a quick grin and went to start plating up the food.

"So, eat, then bathe, then Ice and I set up first watch?" Maverick looked at Ice for confirmation.

Ice nodded. "I think that sounds like the best plan," he agreed.

Jake nodded at what he viewed as orders and began to plate up the food for everyone. It didn't take long and soon, they were eating, talking about general, easy topics, and making plans for the next day. Once finished eating, they cleaned up after themselves, then Ice and Mav took one of the boiled waters to dump into the tub, slowly adding cold water from the plastic container until it was comfortable to soak in. While they were bathing, Jake took the opportunity to snuggle close to Rooster.

Rooster wrapped his arms around Jake, pulling the other man in close and snuggling. "How are you feeling?" he asked softly. He knew that Jake was still struggling, but he was hoping that what they were doing was helping...even if it was only a little.

"I'm not worried or scared. Maybe I should be," Jake said quietly. "I am feeling a bit... Aggressive. But being with you is helping."

"Is it worse than it has been?" Rooster asked, wondering if the current feeling of aggression was related to the fact the full moon wasn't long away.

"A little... Not too much... If it weren't for our worries, I might think I was over tired," Jake admitted softly.

Rooster nodded. "If you notice it getting worse, or if you notice anything changing, let me know," he ordered softly. "Doesn't matter how small you think it is."

Jake smiled crookedly. "It's already changing in a very small way, since I feel more aggressive even in your arms. How much more should it change before I need to let you know?”

"I mean, any change, for better or worse, would be good to know," Rooster said honestly. "It might help to know if there's more of an increase in the buildup to the full moon, if Uncle Mav is right about his theory."

"Okay... Well ... I've not felt different until maybe around lunch today. I started feeling a bit more anxious, but not in an unmanageable way. But it was more soothing than it has been when you touch me, so I think maybe I'm being affected by something..." Jake admitted. "It might not be the moon, or it might... I don't know. But if it is the moon, my anxiety and aggressive feelings will probably get stronger, even when you are touching me...."

"Okay," Rooster said, tightening his arms around Jake. "Thank you for being honest with me. Maybe it'd be a good idea for us to sit like this at least once a day, and you can tell me how you've been feeling," he suggested. "It might be a good way to keep track of any progression."

"You won't get any complaints from me." Jake snuggled closer with a smile.

"I'm happy to hear that." Rooster began to gently stroke Jake's hair and down his back, hugging the other man close.

***

In the bath, Mav had quickly cleaned himself, washing his hair and body in a perfunctory manner. As soon as he'd finished, he began to clean Ice. He was driven almost by instinct, a need to help his friend feel safe and cared about overcoming any reservations he might have had in the past. "How are you feeling?" he asked. 

Ice didn't respond straight away, instead taking a few moments to gather his thoughts together. Finally, he admitted quietly, "I don't feel the effects of the infection as strongly as I did when we found..." He couldn't bring himself to finish that sentence and hoped that Mav would understand. Instead, he said, "It's not as bad as it was before, but I can still feel it there. Lurking below the surface."

Mav gently washed Ice's back. "Being away from what used to be civilization will be good for us," he said quietly. There was no need to elaborate on Ice's words or to have Ice expand on what he meant or felt. Mav understood what he didn't say.

Ice nodded. "I think it'll be easier to be away from other infected." He found himself relaxing as Mav washed his back, closing his eyes for a moment. "Thank you."

"Thank you for trusting me..." Mav whispered. The act of taking care of his friend helped calm him. He hadn't realized he was becoming more anxious until the anxiety began to ease, so it was a bit of a surprise.

"I trust you with my life...with everything," Ice said seriously, his body relaxing more obviously under Mav's ministrations.

"That means a lot," Mav whispered. Finishing cleaning his friend he began to massage Ice's shoulders. "We probably should let the youngsters of have a bath," he said with a small smile. "I can give you a massage while we keep watch, though. If you'd like...."

"Sounds good," Ice agreed. He moved to get them both out, picking up one of the towels to dry Mav off.

Mav found it easier to switch from caregiver to being cared for by Ice than he would have thought. He figured it meant he was falling into his new role without problem, and that made him happy. He got out of the bath with Ice's help and held still while he was dried off.

Ice dried Mav off, quickly and carefully, then automatically began dressing the other man. Taking that control was clearly calming and settling something inside him, as he was relaxing more and more the longer he took care of Mav.

Once dressed, Mav didn't attempt to take back control. He leaned against Ice, almost snuggling, and waited for the other man to lead him out.

Ice wrapped his arms around Mav after he'd dressed himself and led the other man back through to where Rooster and Jake were. "You two can go bathe now," he said.

"Thanks." Rooster stood, moving to help Jake stand as well.

Jake quickly moved to follow Rooster, eager not to lose contact with him in the least. Even if he only admitted to feeling a little anxious, it was obvious that there was a bit more than anxiety lurking under the surface. He just couldn’t recognize or put words to it.

Mav wrinkled his eyes in concern but didn't say anything. He'd already warned Rooster about the possibilities. His godson would need to keep on top of whatever developed with Jake. He had his own hands full with making certain he could be ready and be there for Ice.

"I think we're both feeling pretty unsettled," Ice said quietly, once Rooster and Jake had disappeared through to take their own bath. "I strongly suspect that you're right about the infection getting worse...." He looked towards Mav.

Mav nodded. "It just feels like it would be. I don't know why, but... It just does," he whispered, as he moved over to the couch with Ice.

"I just hope that it doesn't reach a point where I lose complete control over myself," Ice said, clearly worried, as he sat down on the couch with Mav.

"We'll make sure it doesn't," Mav promised. He noted when Rooster and Jake disappeared into their area. "How do you want me?" he whispered. Now that the two younger men weren't likely to come out, he was ready to strip if it would help Ice.

Ice hesitated only a moment before he admitted quietly, “The less clothing, the better...at least, it's been that way so far."

Nodding but seeing no need to reply, Mav began to strip. Folding his clothes and putting them nearby in case he needed to dress quickly, he was soon completely naked. Ice said the less the better. You couldn't get any less than fully naked, and feeling vulnerable because he was naked and his friend fully clothed was a small price to pay if it helped Ice.

Once he'd placed the last item on the neat little pile, he quickly moved to Ice's side. Even if the stove kept the cabin cozy, there were still drafts. Plus... He wasn't ashamed to admit that he felt safer next to Ice. Especially the more vulnerable he was.

Ice reached out, wrapping his arms around Mav in a tight, almost protective hug. He moved them over to the couch and sat down, pulling Mav down to sit with him and cuddling the other man close. He began to gently rub and stroke Mav's hair and down his back. The touches weren't sexual, but they obviously soothed and settled something inside him.

Mav had got used to the possessive but gentle affection by this point. He sunk against Ice and just allowed himself to enjoy being pet. It was a peaceful night, and he could hear the younger men snoring behind the tarp where they slept. It had been a very active day, and he knew he'd sleep well when he and Ice changed shifts with the other two. He snuggled as close as humanly possible, not caring that he was encroaching on Ice's personal space... Not caring that his lack of clothing might make it awkward. He didn't feel awkward. He just needed to be close.

Ice closed his eyes and pulled Mav in closer, pressing a kiss to the side of the other man's head without thinking about it.

Mav hummed happily at the kiss, continuing to press close and stealing Ice's body heat. Eventually, his cozy, happy state began to change, though. He realized the stove needed more wood added to it. Carefully extricating himself from Ice's arms, he stood up. "I'm going to add some wood to the stove. Be right back." He smiled.

Ice frowned and immediately sat up. "You're not wearing any clothing, Mav. You stay here and I'll collect the wood."

"I'll be careful... No need for you to get up. I have it..." Mav smiled, not wanting to make Ice move from his comfortable spot when he was capable. He quickly moved to the stove and grabbed a couple of pieces of wood, intending to put them in.

Ice couldn't really have said why he did it. He'd never used any kind of physical punishment before, even after gaining the rank of Admiral, so the idea had never been in his head before. But now, he stood and walked over to Mav, grasping the other man's arm in a tight grip. Then, he delivered a light swat to Mav's backside.

Mav jumped in surprise with a tiny yelp, turning wide eyes onto his friend. He then blushed enough it could be seen even in the dim light. He very noticeably didn't attempt to pull away or even remove his arm from Ice's grip, though... some instinct telling him to submit to the correction and apologize for disobeying. "I'm sorry..." he whispered, in a subdued, repentant voice. "...I should have obeyed."

The apology and submission was enough to soothe some of the turmoil inside Ice, settling the beast he could feel lurking below the surface. He took a deep breath and wrapped his arms around Mav, hugging the other man close. "It's okay," he murmured softly.

Wrapping his own arms around Ice, Mav held on tight and hid his face against the other man's shoulder. He slanted his head so his neck was exposed and almost shook in place. He wasn't certain what to think about the fact he'd just been swatted like a naughty child. He couldn't deny its effect on him, though. He felt vulnerable and uncertain, with a need to make sure he didn't mess up further. Despite Ice's assurance that it was okay... he felt guilty and apologized again, the guilt clear in his voice. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... to...." He swallowed hard.

Ice hugged Mav a bit tighter. Swatting the other man had taken some of the edge off...made him feel almost human, more so than he had done since the infection had taken hold. In a way, it was reassuring...but in another way, it was worrying. He guided Mav back over to the couch and sat, settling the other man on his lap once more. "It helped," he said out loud, not sure how to put his feelings into words, but thinking it was important they talk about it.

Maverick wasn't stupid by any means, and he quickly understood what Ice meant. "I... It makes sense, really. If my submitting to you and obeying you helps, then the physical action of you dominating and taking control over me would also help. And... Spanking me isn't just you physically dominating me..." He paused, trying to think of the best way to word it that wouldn't upset Ice and cause the man to be reluctant to do it. If it worked, it needed to get done. "The fact that it has potential to hurt badly probably feeds the infection's need for violence." He shifted enough to give Ice a tiny smile. "If it helps you feel better about doing it, you can think of all the hare-brained stunts I've pulled since you met me. I know at least some of them had you wanting to throttle me... spanking me would be less dangerous...." He huffed faintly and glanced away again, with a blush, as he realized the thought didn't bother him at all and made him feel safer.

"Less dangerous...so long as I can retain enough control over myself to avoid going too far." Ice paused, considering, before he finally had to concede that Mav was right. "I think it would help me keep more control over myself...at least during the times when I don't have that control." It was difficult for him to admit that. After all, he was so used to being in control all the time. He always had been.

Maverick hummed softly, not surprised at Ice's admittance. "Would... Would it help you to... to...?" He blushed again and bit his lip as he finished the question, embarrassed to have to ask but knowing he needed to. "Do you want to spank me now?" he asked softly. It hadn't upset him when Ice had swatted him; whether that was because it had surprised him too much, or if it was because he'd so easily fallen into a 'submit to anything Ice does as long as it isn't killing you' mindset, he didn't know; but it hadn't upset him.

Ice hesitated, giving the question the serious thought it deserved. Finally, he said, "I think swatting you was enough...this time. But if the infection gets worse, I suspect that desire to...spank you might grow again," he admitted quietly. "No part of me wants to hurt you, Mav. But I think it might...settle the infection.” 

"I know you don't want to hurt me, Ice..." Mav asserted confidently, trustingly. "But I also know the infection encourages pain and violence against anyone not infected. So, anything that lets you soothe that urge without causing you to feel guilty, or causing me to need to fight you, is okay in my book. Besides... While I would never have explored that kink in the past... It didn't bother me when you swatted me. Which kinda surprised me, but it's good to know that it didn't bother me, because maybe it's something I would have enjoyed if I'd ever thought to explore it. If I like being spanked...." he teased, to help Ice feel better and to ease the tension caused by knowing the infection could urge worse.

Ice nodded slowly, pushing away the unease he felt about the whole situation. "Maybe it's something we can...experiment with. Before the infection reaches a point where it's pushing me to act or lose my mind," he suggested, a little hesitantly.

Mav snuggled against Ice. "That's kinda what I was thinking..." he admitted softly. "Practice before it reaches a point where there is no choice.... If we are lucky, we find out I like it, and you won't have to feel bad about it. If we are unlucky and I hate it, I have a chance to figure out a way to be able to handle it if it becomes necessary."

Ice took a deep breath and nodded, seeing Mav's point. "It might be a good idea to talk to Rooster and Jake about it too. If it helps me, it might help Jake too...even if it might not be in the exact same way."

"Yeah. We can tell them tomorrow morning... If you think it is a good idea to tell them right away...." Mav paused. "...When do you want to practice?" he asked hesitantly. Ice had already indicated he didn't feel the need to spank him now, and he didn't want to argue with him.

"Maybe tomorrow, after we talk to them," Ice suggested, after a moment. "We don't have anywhere private we'd be able to go, so they'll know immediately what's happening." Just like he and Mav could immediately tell when Rooster and Jake were having sex. "If we talk to them about it first, they won't be surprised by it occurring."

Mav's eyes widened. "Yeah... Good point." He winced. He hadn't even considered that Rooster and Jake would know immediately, and it would be better to talk to them first. "That's why you were the Admiral, and I stayed a Captain..." he huffed softly.

Ice smiled slightly. "You could have made the rank of Admiral easily, Mav, if you were more willing to follow the rules and less willing to put yourself in danger. You've always been really good at knowing what to do when it's important," he said seriously.

Mav smiled crookedly. "Got my call-sign legitimately..." he whispered. "It's nice to hear you believe I could have done it. I know you've always believed in me, even when I doubted myself. In the long run, I think I was where I needed to be...."  He pressed to Ice a little more tightly for warmth. "Knowing how against following orders I was and how reckless, it kinda surprises me I'm finding it so easy to be submissive now. Maybe the infection has... affected me too, even if I'm not 'infected' the same way. Either that or, deep down, I was always just waiting for someone to put me in my place and make me behave." His snort after gave away his thought about that possibility.

"I think it's going to be impossible to know that for sure, unless we can figure out a way to get rid of this infection," Ice said. After a pause, he added, "Having said that you might never have submitted to me before, but after the initial time of us butting heads, you definitely responded better to me than any other superiors," he commented.

"You understood me. Knew how to get the best out of me and get me to listen..." Maverick said, after a moment of silence. "Knew how to redirect me so what you needed and what I thought I wanted were the same. That and I looked up to and admired you. Didn't want to disappoint you, even if I had no problem disappointing others."

Ice nodded slowly and sighed. "And now I need your help to stay sane," he said, with a slightly sad note to his voice.

"Nothing I did would make a difference if you weren't strong enough to fight from the beginning," Mav asserted. He wanted to hold onto his friend more firmly. Giving in to the impulse, he shifted and twisted until he was facing Ice, still on his friend's lap but more straddling him, and then wrapped his arms around him, holding tight. His head fit under Ice's chin perfectly, his cheek and ear pressed to the other man's chest.

Responding to Mav's movements, Ice wrapped his arms more tightly around his friend, hugging tighter. "I wish it wasn't necessary to do things that might cause you pain...or even discomfort...so that I can keep my sanity. But it means a lot to have you willing to do whatever it takes," he said quietly.

"I know you'd rather do anything but... It makes it easier to take. If you didn't care about it, I'd be scared to..." Mav admitted. "And like I said... Not feeling at all like I expected to about different things. Either the infection has changed me too, somehow... Or deep down, I always wanted to be dominated by you." He blushed and hid his face against Ice's chest.

"I still think it's a good idea to experiment before I potentially lose control." Ice brushed a kiss over Mav's head. "But we can worry about that tomorrow. Tonight, I'd just like to take comfort from being close to you," he admitted quietly.

"Yeah. Being close is good..." Mav whispered. "It's helping me, too."

"I'm glad to hear that," Ice said quietly. "It makes me feel less selfish, leaning on you."

Mav smiled against Ice's chest, brushing a gentle kiss and nuzzling in response. "Not doing much to help watch," he whispered, with a hint of embarrassment. He was wrapped around Ice like a monkey, snuggling close and tight, face against his friend and back to the window.

"If anyone approaches, you'll know almost as soon as I do," Ice promised. "And tomorrow, we'll look at setting up traps to alert us if anyone does approach." He stroked Mav's hair and down his back, gently squeezing and caressing.

"Yessir..." Mav said softly, sinking against Ice in submission to the other man's possessive affection.

Ice found himself relaxing even more as Mav submitted to him. As much as he was worrying about the infection getting worse, and what it might force him to do, at least in this moment...he felt a semblance of peace.

****

The rest of the night had been uneventful. Ice had kept watching while Maverick had kept himself open and vulnerable to settle the anger the infection encouraged. When it was time for a shift switch, Ice had dressed Mav and then they'd gone to bed while Rooster and Jake took watch.

It was now breakfast. Rooster and Jake had made oatmeal, and they were eating while planning for the day's work. Mav glanced at Ice, wondering if he would broach the subject of spanking to the younger men, or if he wanted Mav to.

As breakfast drew to an end, Ice cleared his throat. "Last night, while Mav and I were keeping watch, we discovered something that...might help with the infection."

Rooster immediately looked interested and curious. "What is it?"

Jake perked up, also interested. "Yeah, do you think it would help me too?"

Maverick smiled crookedly. "I uh... Did my typical acting without being careful enough and Ice... stepped in." He paused, blushing. "He swatted me like a toddler who was trying to run into traffic...."

Rooster's eyes widened a little at the words and he looked between Mav and Ice. "That...helped?" he asked, not sure what to think about it.

Ice nodded. "Mav thinks it might help to settle the infection partly because it has the potential to do serious harm...." He clearly wasn't too happy about that idea, even though he'd accepted it.

Jake slanted his head. "It takes care of the need... the push the infection urges for violence." He could easily see how that would help. He glanced at Rooster, wondering if that might also help calm him if or when having Rooster's seed in him didn't calm him.

Rooster frowned slightly and glanced at Jake with a thoughtful look on his face. "I know the infection has a... different hold on you than it does on Ice, but do you think it might still be helpful for you?" he asked. "If you want to, we could try it."

"I think what helps me is you being in control and dominating me," Jake said honestly, in a soft voice. "Seems like... You spanking me... Would be one step further in the domination. I'm willing to try anything, if it will keep me under control and not lose myself."

"Okay." Rooster nodded and took a deep breath. "I guess there's no harm in experimenting and... seeing how things go with it." He glanced at Ice and Mav. "I assume you'll be experimenting too?"

Ice nodded. "That's the plan. We were going to last night, but I thought it would be better to warn you both, since sound would carry."

Maverick flushed slightly. "Yeah. It will be fairly obvious what is going on, so... We needed to warn you at least."

Jake nodded. "Makes sense. It wouldn't have bothered us, hearing sex sounds, but hearing smacking sounds would have been a bit unsettling if we didn't know what was going on."

Rooster cleared his throat. "Are you thinking of experimenting, testing it out, together? Like in the same room?"

"I hadn't...but it makes sense if we do," Ice admitted. "After all, we might be in a position where it's not possible to have any privacy."

"Given how fast the temperature drops, it's probably going to be impossible to find privacy." Mav sighed.

Jake blushed. "Well .. not like I've been very quiet with other stuff, so....”

Mav smiled crookedly. "We have a little of the roof extension to finish and we wanted to set up alarms so we could relax the night watch and actually get adequate sleep. So maybe we should finish that before testing? What do you want to do, Sir?" He glanced at Ice.

Ice nodded. "If we're going to be experimenting together, we're not going to be giving much attention to keeping watch. So yes. I think we should finish the roof extension and set up alarms before we start experimenting."

"Alright. Well, we've finished breakfast. Let's clean up real quick and get started." Mav looked at the younger men.

Jake nodded and immediately stood, beginning to gather the dirty dishes. "There's not much roof left. We might actually finish early today... Which is good, because it feels like the temperature dropped thirty degrees overnight and the sky looks like something is coming."

"That might help us, actually," Ice commented. "The other infected don't feel things like hunger, pain, or exhaustion. But they'll struggle to see in storms. Even if they have direction now, a storm of any kind will offer us some protection."

Rooster nodded slowly, beginning to help Jake to clear their dishes away.

"Knowing that... I hope it snows us in..." Mav muttered. Since Jake and Rooster were cleaning up, he looked at Ice and asked, "Want to start setting the traps and alarms? The boys know what to do for the roof and should be able to handle it on their own. And if we finish before they do, we can help them finish."

Jake overheard. "We'll probably finish before you old men..." he boasted teasingly.

Ice chuckled softly, the familiar banter helping things feel a little more normal. "I'd say we could make it a wager, if I had anything to bet with."

"How about chores?" Rooster suggested, giving a quick grin. "We could bet chores against who finishes first."

"Losers draw the bath water for the next week?" Mav grinned.

Jake chuckled. "Sounds good to me. That pump takes forever...."

"Yeah. So I hope you two have fun doing it for the next week," Rooster teased, before grasping Jake's arm and leading him to where they could continue with the roof.

Ice snorted softly, a smile touching his lips, before he led the way outside so that he and Mav could start setting up traps and alarms.

Maverick followed Ice's lead in setting the traps and alarms. They worked steadily and managed to get numerous ones set in a perimeter around the cabin, all of them far enough away that they would have time to react if they heard them, but close enough they could actually hear them. It was afternoon when they returned and he quickly glanced toward the roof to see if Rooster and Jake had finished the extensions.

The roof extensions had been finished, but it was only just and likely nearly the same time as Mav and Ice had finished setting their traps and alarms, as Rooster was just putting the tools away.

"So, who wins if we tied?" Jake smiled crookedly, realizing that they'd finished up at roughly the same time and no one could say who'd actually finished first.

"Everyone draws their own bath water..." Mav snorted.

"Or we could figure out a tie-breaker," Ice suggested, with a small smile.

Mav paused and gave Ice an amused and interested glanced. It was good to see his friend acting like himself: competitive and playful. "What did you have in mind?" he asked, even as he walked into the cabin to gather all their water containers to fill them up at the pump.

Jake was heading towards the outhouse to retrieve the bucket. He figured they'd either wait for his return to explain, or they'd tell him what they'd decided after.

If the world hadn't turned so dark and scary, and they could still reach the planes, Ice would have suggested the normal way they settled bets: through the planes, through races.

He pushed aside those thoughts, knowing there was no point in thinking about what they'd lost. Instead, he commented, "We picked up a few board games. We could play one of them as a tiebreaker."

Mav paused "Pretty sure I saw Taboo in there. We could easily settle the bet with a round of that...." He continued to retrieve the tubs and then fill them up. Jake returned with the latrine bucket, and he filled that as well, so the younger man could return it to its spot. While Jake was waiting for the bucket to fill, they informed him of what they would be doing.

***

Three hours later, they had eaten dinner and cleaned up their messes. They had all four bathed. And they were just finishing the tie breaking round of Taboo, which Mav and Ice had won easily. "No fair!" Jake laughed. "Playing a game where knowing your partner so well you know how they think gave you an advantage! You had almost thirty years to think alike!" He laughed again.

"Hey! You agreed to the game! You could have suggested a game of 21..." Mav grinned as he leaned against Ice.

Ice wrapped his arm around Mav's shoulders, hugging him tight, and gave the two younger men a quick grin. "We picked up a variety of different games, so the next time we need to do a tiebreaker, you can choose the game," he offered.

Rooster snorted softly. "Assuming that you don't have an edge when it comes to all the games you picked out..." he teased.

Mav shrugged with a grin. "Some are based purely on chance. Such as 21."

Jake nodded. "That's okay. I don't mind the extra work," he admitted.

"Still, might be nice to play one of those games of chance tomorrow," Rooster commented. He stretched and glanced at Jake, then at the two older men. "Bed now?"

Ice nodded, but he was looking a little thoughtful.

Jake grinned. "We finished most of the 'have to' items for the cabin and security. We could spend tomorrow playing games, relaxing, and making a list of other items we can improve on. Maybe explore a little further out to get a feel for the area..." Jake was moving toward his and Rooster's cots as he was talking.

Mav smiled as the two younger men disappeared behind the tarp, waiting for Ice to walk to their area. He noticed the look on Ice's face, though. "What are you thinking about?" he asked quietly.

Ice was quiet for a few moments as they made their way to their own area. When he finally spoke, it was with a slightly thoughtful note to his voice. "I was thinking that maybe, since we've spoken to Rooster and Jake about it, it might be worth experimenting now," he admitted. "They'll likely hear something, but at least this way, they'll know what's happening."

Mav licked his lower lip, slightly nervous, but nodded. "It would be better... The sooner we know... Plus, it will let me get used to it. The more we practice, the better."

Ice watched Mav carefully. "Are you sure? I'd prefer not to do this at all..." he admitted honestly.

Mav gave Ice a sympathetic look and moved into his arms, giving him a tight hug. "I know..." he whispered against Ice's neck. "But we both know that, eventually... The infection is going to push for stronger domination. Push for more harsher activity, if not outright violence. You said spanking me caused that urge to quiet... Seems that if it helps calm you, I'd rather get a spanking than be torn up..." he admitted, with an apologetic look. They'd seen the victims of those who had succumbed to the urges, and while he knew Ice would fight with everything in him not to give in... he might lose that battle.

Biting his lip, he blushed. "It helped calm me too. And I already admitted it had me questioning my belief in myself being a dominant personality..." He snorted softly. "...I realized later that night that part of me wanted to misbehave just to see if you'd swat again." He blushed darker, as this was the first time he was admitting that he'd wanted Ice to smack him again, even if he'd admitted it didn't bother him.

Ice took a deep breath and wrapped his arms around Mav tightly in return. The other man's admittance did make him feel slightly relieved, but he couldn't deny that he was still feeling a bit uneasy about everything. "I know it won't be possible to control it if the infection causes me to lose that control," he said slowly. "But if it gets to be too much this time...let me know. We can figure out how to handle it when we're not in a situation where holding back and keeping control is possible."

Mav nuzzled Ice's shoulder. "Yeah. I will. But...I think I also need to push my boundaries, so I know how far I can go before I need to stop. So, we know when we would need to implement those precautions if you aren't able to control it anymore."

"Okay." Ice took a deep breath. "No time like the present, then, I suppose." He hugged Mav a bit tighter before leading the other man towards their makeshift bed.

Mav held on tightly and took a deep breath before following Ice. Their area wasn't huge, but it was comfortable. They'd pushed their two cots together to save space, and Mav moved to stand next to them. He reached down to take the bottom of his T-shirt and begin pulling it off before pausing. "Should I undress?" he whispered.

Ice hesitated, thinking about what might settle the infection more. Finally, he nodded. "Yes. Take all your clothes off," he directed.

Nodding briskly in acknowledgement of the order and smiling gently to help Ice know he was okay, Mav quickly stripped. Putting his clothing safely to the side, he stood by the cots, waiting for further instructions. Knowing that the infection urged complete control by Ice, he didn't attempt to cover himself, leaving himself vulnerable and exposed. He kept his gaze toward the ground and slanted his head to open his jugular toward Ice.

Even though he'd been expecting it, it was still something of a surprise how much Mav's actions settled something inside of him.

Ice took a few moments to just look at the other man, almost drinking in the sight of Mav, naked and submissive. Then, slowly, he reached out and began to run his hands over Mav's body. His touch was exploratory, rather than sexual.

Mav swallowed and shivered at the touch; not because he was cold, but because submitting had caused his emotions to slip slightly, and the submission was becoming less for Ice's benefit and more because Mav needed to submit. Fully. His breathing became slightly shallow as he realized he needed to submit more than he'd realized. It was almost an ache being soothed, standing still and accepting whatever Ice chose to do.

Ice's exploration of Mav's body became a bit more thorough. It was partly because taking that control calmed and soothed the infection...but also because it felt good to touch and explore the other man. And as long as it could soothe the infection, he hoped that meant his more violent tendencies would be curbed.

At least enough that he could limit the violence the infection demanded to a spanking that would hopefully not have to be too severe or painful.

Mav shivered again as Ice's exploration became more thorough and intimate. His breathing quickened and he whimpered softly, unable to keep himself aloof or under control, feeling Ice's control and ownership so completely. He felt his emotions slipping even further and looked up at Ice, eyes wide. It was clear that he felt out of control; that he felt small and helpless and was afraid of all the feelings that he wasn't used to. It was also very clear he trusted Ice to protect and guide him through the new situation.

Ice wrapped his arms around Mav in a tight, reassuring hug. Then, slowly, he moved the other man into position across his lap...although he didn't immediately start swatting, instead taking the opportunity to continue rubbing, squeezing and stroking parts of Mav's body.

Mav didn't fight being placed over Ice's lap. The position caused him to slip further still; he didn't even attempt to squirm, though he did shift just enough to fit more comfortably and feel secure and less likely to slip off. He whimpered softly again as Ice continued the firm affection.

"Mine." The possessive word, the note in his voice, didn't exactly belong to Ice. It was primarily the infection...but at the same time, Ice didn't attempt to hold back or stop it. If Mav was his, then the infection would be less likely to make Ice hurt him.

Mav's breath caught and then he physically quivered as he answered, in a very needy and submissive tone, "Yours...." He didn't say it just to help calm Ice, though he knew the infection needed his submission. He needed to say it; had to acknowledge that he needed to belong as much as Ice needed to own. For all that he was 'uninfected', he was changing in ways he never would have expected in response to the very real needs the infection was causing in his friend. And to his surprise, it didn't bother him. He was happy to need Ice in this way; it made it easier to give Ice what he needed, if Mav needed to give it.

Ice relaxed obviously, a slow breath escaping him even as tension seeped out of him. His touches and caresses grew firmer. They still weren't sexual in any way, but they were possessive.

After a few moments of this, Ice let his hand move a bit lower, beginning to focus the rubbing and caressing to Mav's backside and upper thighs.

Mav whimpered softly as Ice's hand moved lower, more of a moan than a whimper, and slumped in acceptance of the claiming. It might not be sexual, but it still slightly aroused him. He didn't hide the effect Ice was having on him, but he didn't react to it either. It was just his body's response, and he wouldn't do anything unless Ice gave permission or encouraged it. Still... it felt good, and his body couldn't help but respond.

Ice wrapped his other arm around Mav's waist, pulling the other man tighter against his stomach. While he was holding Mav in place, it wasn't with his full strength; Mav would easily be able to get out of Ice's grip if he tried. The stroking, rubbing and caressing began to turn into firm patting...not exactly swatting but getting close to it.

Mav tensed up as the patting began, but then let out a shaky breath and slumped over Ice's knee. It was as if a string had been cut. Any hesitancy or resistance that might have remained at the feelings building up inside of him was gone, and he had to be honest. "...Where I need to be..." he whispered. "...Need you in control. Need to feel you control. Need to be... To be..." He couldn't say spanked. Not because he didn't think he needed that, but because he needed more than that. His whole relationship with Ice had always had an element of him 'following' Ice, especially after Goose had died. But the last few days had knocked his feet out from under him, and being over Ice's knee, having Ice decide how red and sore his bottom would be? He felt safe, secure, and like everything would be okay.

"I have you." Despite the infection causing so much turmoil inside of him, Ice couldn't deny that the protective streak he felt for Mav was strong. He truly did love the other man, even though the infection was urging him towards a line he'd never cross over in his right mind. "I love you." He whispered the words as the patting became a bit firmer; as it turned into swats that were still fairly light.

Mav moaned softly, the firmer pats sending him over the edge into full arousal. He needed so much that he couldn't put words to. He felt helpless and completely dependent on Ice. He felt urges that he'd never felt before to give more than he ever had, to push his limits further. He couldn't speak... except for one thing. "Love you... So much love and need you...."

"I need you, Mav," Ice whispered, his voice low and intense. "You've saved me from losing my mind and my sanity." He was certain that the only reason he hadn't fallen the same way as the other infected was because of Mav.

"Yours..." Maverick breathed out. If he had saved Ice, Ice had saved him just as much. They belonged together now. "... Forever yours...."

Ice had still been giving light swats. Now, he took a tighter hold on Mav, beginning to put a bit more force behind the smacks. He wasn't using anything like full force, but he was swatting harder than he had been.

Mav's tiny gasp was the only indication that the change in strength was noticed. He reached down and held onto Ice's ankle to keep himself from throwing his hands back- it did sting, even if it wasn't full force- and let himself feel. He felt a warmth spreading through him, slow and sweet like honey, at submitting to Ice spanking him. That feeling reassured him that he was doing the right thing, even if it did hurt. He whimpered softly and arched his back slightly so that it would be easier for Ice to connect to all parts of his bottom, even the most sensitive areas.

"Thank you." Despite the wealth of gratitude in those two words, Ice didn't feel like it was enough to convey the full extent of how grateful he was to Mav. "If there's anything I can do...to make this easier on you...please tell me." He didn't increase the strength behind the swats, but continued to swat, covering every inch of Mav's backside, from the crest down to mid-thigh.

"I... I will ..." Mav promised. He'd been able to hold still at first, but the longer Ice smacked, the more sensitive and sorer his bottom became. Eventually, despite his attempts to hold still, he began to squirm. He didn't ask for it to stop, though. He didn't want it to stop. Having Ice take control in this manner was taking care of a need he hadn't been aware of needing; but now, it was front and center and demanding to be addressed. He whimpered softly and pushed his bottom up, asking without words for Ice to continue.

Ice had paused, briefly, when Mav began squirming, his love and care for the other man coming to the forefront. He didn't want to hurt Mav, after all. But when Mav pushed his bottom up, silently asking for more, Ice found himself responding. He still didn't use anything like his full strength in the swats, but he did begin to swat a little harder and a little faster.

Maverick was having to reevaluate everything he'd ever believed about himself, his sexuality, his personality... because he wanted Ice to continue warming his bottom until he couldn't sit. Wanted Ice to keep spanking until he was so sore, he'd feel it whenever he moved for days after. He needed it. By this point, he was fully aroused, but that was secondary to his need to be completely taken down by Ice. He was hanging on the edge; only the fact Ice hadn't given permission keeping him from dropping completely. He continued to squirm helplessly while pushing his bottom up and expelling tiny little whines and whimpers that sounded more begging than distressed.

Even though he was acting purely on instinct, Ice was still paying attention to Mav. He wasn't so far gone in the infection that he couldn't see what the other man might need...at least not yet. Moving his hand a little lower, beginning to focus steady swats to Mav's sit spots and thighs, Ice murmured, "React however you need to. I'm here."

Maverick quivered at the permission and obeyed. Ice had told him to react how he needed, and what he needed was to let go completely. Receiving Ice's permission allowed him to let go what little control he still held over himself. He dropped fast and hard.

Ice could tell that Mav had dropped. He adjusted his hold on the other man slightly, making sure there was no chance of Mav falling or otherwise hurting himself, and began to lessen the force and speed behind the smacks...beginning to slow down the spanking.

Mav was only aware enough to know Ice had him and to feel safe because of that. His entire being was in Ice's control.

Ice continued to swat for several more minutes before he slowed to firm rubs and then stopped entirely. Hands resting on Mav's body, he began to call softly to the other man.

Mav was listening, even if he wasn't fully in control of himself, and he slowly began to stir at Ice's soft calling. When he was finally able to respond, he swallowed and said, in a soft but roughened voice, "I... I'm here...."

Ice rubbed his back, gently and reassuringly. "How are you feeling?" His voice was soft.

Maverick waited a few seconds to think before answering honestly. "Better than I thought I would... Needier... More helpless and vulnerable than I've ever felt... A little scared... And I like it..." he said hesitantly. "I like it and want to keep feeling that way..." His voice dropped and he glanced away, feeling a little ashamed.

Ice relaxed, some tension seeping out of him, at Mav's words. "It's okay," he whispered, his voice still low and reassuring. "It's okay that you like it...and it's okay that you want to keep feeling that way. I liked making you feel that way," he admitted quietly.

"It's okay? It doesn't upset you? I... I'm not messed up wanting... Wanting to...?" Mav asked hesitantly, in a small, nervous voice.

"Mav. You aren't messed up at all," Ice said firmly. "And this is something I want as well," he admitted. "I want to do this as much as you want it."

Maverick noticeably deflated in relief. He blinked his eyes, not attempting to hide the fact he'd teared up. He'd been willing to submit to and accept anything to keep Ice sane. Finding out he needed to submit and accept pain and complete domination from Ice knocked his feet out from under him, though. His whole view of himself was altered. "What... What if I need more... Harder?" he whispered uncertainly.

"If that's what you need, that isn't a problem," Ice replied reassuringly. "As long as my mind and sanity are intact, we can experiment as much as you feel comfortable with. And if you need more, if you need harder, we can explore that."

Mav swallowed, shifting his arms so he was holding onto Ice's leg tightly. "Okay..." he whispered softly, voice full of trust and relief that Ice understood and wasn't disgusted by him.

Ice rubbed Mav's back and bottom for a few more moments, then carefully helped the other man up and into a tight embrace. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion.

Mav didn't respond, he felt like he should be thanking Ice, so instead he snuggled as close and tight as possible, pressing every part of himself against his friend in offering. Even if it didn't happen that night, or even soon, eventually, his body would fully belong to Ice and he was ready; his heart and mind already belonged to the other man, after all. It was comforting, being so close. It eased his worry or fear that there was something wrong with him, that he'd changed so much. "Love you...."

"I love you too," Ice whispered, tightening his embrace around Mav. "So much."

Mav quivered and just snuggled. He was feeling fragile from dropping and all the realizations he'd come to while he and Ice 'practiced'. He was also feeling sensitive, and while the arousal had abated, he knew it wouldn't take much to arouse him again. They needed to sleep, though. He left it to Ice to decide when and how he would sleep, just clinging to his master.

Ice brushed a kiss over the top of Mav's head and then settled them both on the bed, wrapping his arms around Mav. He pulled a blanket up over both of them, wanting Mav to be warm even if he needed the other man to stay unclothed.

Mav sighed softly, settling into place, and closed his eyes. He was safe. He was warm. And he belonged. He soon fell into a peaceful sleep.

***

Rooster had settled into their own 'room' with Jake, not entirely sure how to start the conversation that he figured they needed to have. Then, hearing the unmistakable sounds of flesh striking flesh from the other 'room', he swallowed and glanced at Jake. "Guess there's not even an illusion of privacy...."

Jake smiled crookedly and shifted closer to his mate. "Hafta admit, it's nice to not be the only one overheard now..." he whispered.

"That is an advantage," Rooster admitted, wrapping his arms around Jake in a tighter hug.

Jake grinned and snuggled close. "Mav and Ice think the full moon is going to make things really bad..." he whispered.

"Yeah." Rooster sighed. "I'm worried they might be right. But Ice also said that swatting Mav seemed to help...and I guess it must, since they're doing it again now."

"Ice's infection pushes for him to be in control, possibly violently. Mine just makes me violent- except when you are in control... Do you think spanking me might help?" Jake asked uncertainly.

"I think maybe it's worth trying," Rooster admitted. "If you're comfortable doing so, it probably makes sense to try it before the full moon hits and your violent tendencies potentially get worse."

Jake nodded, shifting closer to Rooster. "So... How do you want to do it?" he whispered hesitantly. "I...uh... Never got spanked before. Just heard other people talking about it and it was never the same any time I heard...."

"I've never spanked anyone before," Rooster admitted. "But I guess I know the mechanics? I know sometimes people use...implements and stuff...but I don't think I'd feel comfortable with that unless it felt really necessary."

Jake nodded in obvious relief. "I don't think I could handle an implement. Not unless I was so far gone, you couldn't get through to me...."

"Yeah. Let's hope it doesn't come to that." Rooster took a deep breath. "Other than that...I guess it'd be better if you lay across my lap. I kind of feel like the physical contact might be a help, especially since that helped you break free of the infection the first time."

"Yeah... If you are touching me even when you aren't smacking, it will be easier..." Jake quickly agreed, relieved Rooster had thought of that without him having to admit he was nervous to just be swatted without any other touch.

Rooster nodded slowly. "And... how would you feel about being completely naked?" he asked, a little hesitantly.

"I mean... This isn't happening because I upset you, right?" Jake said quietly. "If it's cuz I upset you, being naked wouldn't matter except to make you more in control; which would be good, right? But since you aren't upset, being naked will probably make me get aroused quicker, so dunno if you want that to happen or not...."

"I was thinking it might help with the physical contact," Rooster said. "It's not really a problem if you get aroused. Considering the infection makes you violent, arousal might actually be another way to cool that off."

Jake slanted his head, thinking about that, and then nodded. "That makes sense. Should I undress now, or do you want to undress me?" he asked with a boyish grin, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Well, you know, since I'm the one in control..." With a grin, Rooster reached out to slowly begin removing Jake's clothing.

"Yeah..." Jake grinned, shifting so Rooster could easily undress him. "You are... And I am very grateful for that..." His grin turned sappy. "Thank you for being willing to do that... I... You're the only reason I'm still me and alive."

Rooster's own grin turned a bit softer. "Like I said before. I like you. I was always attracted to you. And I want to help you keep your mind and sanity intact...no matter what it takes." He finished undressing Jake, then paused. "Are you ready?"

Jake took a slow breath, then nodded. "Yeah. I am. Is it weird I'm looking forward to it?" He flushed and gave Rooster another boyish grin.

"Not weird at all," Rooster said, his voice reassuring. "I think that might be a good sign, actually." He carefully guided Jake across his lap and wrapped an arm around the other man's waist, making sure he held Jake tight and secure.

"Good that I'm a kinky bastard?" Jake teased, as he easily went over Rooster's knee and reached down to wrap his arms around his mate's leg.

Rooster snorted softly at the response. "Yeah. Cause I'm pretty sure I'm just as much of a kinky bastard as you are." He rubbed Jake's back gently for a few moments, then brought his hand down in a fairly light swat.

Jake shifted slightly at the first swat. It didn't really sting, not yet, but he definitely felt it. It soothed him as he immediately felt Rooster's control over the situation and over him. He wiggled slightly and let out a tiny mewling sound of happiness, already feeling his hormones flood his body and the first faint bloom of arousal beginning.

Rooster gently rubbed Jake's back with his other hand, even as he settled into a steady pattern of the light swats, covering every inch of Jake's backside, from the crest down to mid-thigh, before starting over from the top again.

As his bottom became more sensitive with each swat, Jake couldn't help but begin to shift and then squirm. He was calm, though; the added affection of the back rub keeping him complacent and more able to handle the increasing sting and heat. The slow arousal finally became physically obvious, but he didn't try and hide it. "Yours..." he whispered, in a needy and completely submissive tone.

"Mine," Rooster whispered, his own voice low and possessive. "For always." He continued to rub and swat, though he was also paying careful attention to Jake's reactions, making sure he wasn't pushing the other man too much.

Even though he wanted this, needed to push his boundaries and find out if he could handle tougher treatment should Rooster need to employ it, eventually, the sensitivity turned into pain. His bottom was becoming sore, and Jake had to whimper softly, his grip on Rooster's leg tightening as he attempted to stay in place. It didn't hurt so bad he was scared or needed to stop... although part of him wondered if his ability to know if he should stop or not was compromised due to the infection. He knew Rooster would stop immediately if he indicated the need to. Knowing that caused his stubborn side to kick in and hold out for as long as possible.

Even if Jake wasn't asking him to stop, Rooster was able to tell that the other man was growing tense, no longer as relaxed as he had been. Pausing the spanking, Rooster began to rub Jake's bottom gently. "How are you feeling, Jake? Talk to me," he prompted gently.

Jake twitched as Rooster began to rub instead of swat, but quickly relaxed as his mate soothed the sensitive, heated flesh. He swallowed hard before admitting, in a tiny voice, "...Hurts... but not scared... Makes me feel even more like I belong to you...."

"You know, this might be about trying this out and seeing if it works, but it doesn't mean hurting you to an unbearable point," Rooster said gently. "If you need it to stop, I expect you to say so."

"I..." Jake's voice caught and he rushed on apologetically. "I don't know if I need to... It hurts, but I don't want to stop. But I don't know if it is because I can take more or if it's just my pride not wanting to give in...." He looked over his shoulder with a shamed look. "Sorry.... I know I'm messed up."

"Considering what you've gone through, I'd say you have every right to be," Rooster said. "But I don't think you're anything like as messed up as you think you are. And it's okay not to be sure. That's why we're experimenting," he pointed out gently.

Jake smiled weakly. "You want me to tell you if it is too much, though... And I want to obey you," he whispered. "How can I obey you if I'm not sure what I need?"

"By telling me even when you're not sure," Rooster replied. "It's okay not to be sure. But start telling me how you feel. Just like we discussed you'll do as we get closer to the full moon."

"That... Makes sense," Jake responded sheepishly. "I should have realized... Sorry." He waited a few seconds before adding on, "Part of me is worried I won't be able to help tomorrow if I get too sore... But the biggest part of me wants to hurt," he whispered uncertainly. "But I don't want to upset you, and... I think maybe I should leave it to you, 'cuz maybe what I want is not good for me... Maybe wanting to hurt isn't normal and is cuz of the infection. But I don't know... Cuz maybe wanting to be blistered at all is because of the infection."

Rooster bit his lip. "This was...more about experimenting anyway. I don't think it's necessary to continue at the moment. It's not as if the infection is taking full control right now. And... if you feel it might help, maybe we can do this again tomorrow? See how you feel a day closer to the full moon?" he suggested.

Jake glanced back apologetically, obviously feeling guilty for putting so much responsibility on his mate. "Yeah. You're right. There's always tomorrow..." he quickly agreed, shifting as if intending to immediately get up. He already felt bad about asking for it, he didn't want to keep the awkwardness going.

"Jake...you don't need to get up," Rooster said gently. "Just because it might not be a good idea to continue until you can't walk right doesn't mean you need to get up. It doesn't mean you need to stop receiving attention."

"Feels like all I do is take from you..." Jake whispered. "I want to give to you too, but... How?"

"I mean...you're trusting me to take care of you, to help you," Rooster said. "That is giving to me."

"Th... That's what you want from me? What you need?" Jake asked hesitantly. "I don't want to be a selfish user... But I need you so much, for everything, it feels like I am."

"You're not being a selfish user when you're being and doing exactly what I want you to do," Rooster replied reassuringly.

Jake swallowed and visibly relaxed, choosing to believe Rooster's words. "I'm glad of that. I want to do what you say... Want and need to obey you...."

"That's exactly what you're doing." Rooster was still rubbing Jake's back and down over his bottom.

"Thank you... For letting me submit... I know it's a lot of responsibility I put on you... Taking care of me... Thank you for letting me obey you," Jake said softly, but fervently.

"You're welcome," Rooster said quietly. "It's not a hardship, letting you obey me. Taking care of you."

"I'm glad. It makes me feel better," Jake admitted. "Feels safe. Love you...."

"I love you too." Rooster continued to gently rub over Jake's back and bottom, just touching and exploring the other man's body.

Jake didn't know if harsher spanking would be necessary in the future, but he was content to leave it in Rooster's hands. It was safer that way and leaving him in charge of deciding what was needed filled the need to submit. It helped calm him.

The End