Did I ever say you're sexy as hell covered in blood?

The woods surrounding the cabin had just begun to stir with signs of spring. Budding leaves shimmered in the gentle breeze, and the distant sound of a stream added to the serene atmosphere. But serenity wasn't what they were after.

"Any targets in mind?" Liam asked, stretching lazily as they stepped onto the porch. He was still wrapped in a blanket, his casual demeanor contrasting sharply with the topic at hand.

David smirked. "I've got a couple of ideas."

Liam's eyes gleamed. "You always do."

As they prepared, David's mood shifted from restless to focused. The slight tension that had clouded his face all week seemed to lift as they gathered their gear—a few weapons, a map, and a shared sense of purpose. Liam, ever the observer, noted how the activity seemed to ground David, giving him a direction for his pent-up energy.

"You know," Liam said as they trekked through the woods, "if this is your version of therapy, it's both effective and deeply concerning."

David chuckled. "Says the guy who's grinning ear to ear."

"Touché," Liam admitted, the grin staying firmly in place. "So, who's the unlucky bastard?"

David glanced at him, his smirk widening. "You'll see."

As they moved deeper into the forest, the atmosphere between them shifted. The playful banter remained, but an undercurrent of anticipation took hold. It wasn't just about the act itself; it was the thrill of working together, the unspoken trust that bound them.

Liam adjusted his blanket-turned-cloak and nudged David. "By the way, after this, we're restocking the tea. You've gone through half the supply with your mood swings."

David laughed, the sound cutting through the crisp air. "Deal. Now keep up, Blondie. We've got work to do."

Turns out that, there were survivors on the mountain, so they didn't need to go down it to catch someone. They were regrouped around a fire, their faces pales. A hand came onto the small of Liam's back, he couldn't help but shiver and turn around to look at David.

The man smilled at him, eyes dark, and Liam though that he would swoon right here.

The survivors huddled around the fire, their pale faces flickering in the unsteady light. The crackling flames masked the subtle sound of David and Liam's approach, but the pair didn't rush. They exchanged a silent glance, communicating with the ease of two people who had worked together for far too long.

David's hand lingered on the small of Liam's back, steadying and grounding him. Liam turned to meet David's gaze, and the smile he saw there—dark, dangerous, and intoxicating—sent a shiver through him.

"They don't know we're here," David murmured, his voice a low purr that made Liam's heart skip.

Liam leaned slightly toward him, the corner of his mouth curling into a grin. "Then let's introduce ourselves."

David chuckled, the sound rich, "Let's do the plan first hum?"

Liam flashed a smile before kissing him, "Just wait."

David watched him go, before murmuring to himself, "And action."

_____________________________

The firelight flickered against the pale faces of the survivors, their wary eyes darting to every shadow. Liam stood a few steps away, his blanket pulled tightly around his shoulders, his body trembling ever so slightly. He looked every bit the picture of vulnerability.

"P-please," Liam stammered, his voice shaking. "I don't want to be out here anymore. My… my friend, he's waiting for me. He told me to look for people, but I'm scared to go back alone."

The group exchanged glances, their initial distrust softening as they saw the fear etched across his face.

"Where's your friend?" one of them asked, stepping forward cautiously.

Liam glanced over his shoulder, his eyes wide as if expecting something to jump out of the dark. "He's at our cabin. It's safe there. Fortified. Please, you can come with me. He'll help."

"Why should we trust you?" another survivor pressed, their tone still skeptical.

"I… I don't have anything to take from you," Liam said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Just… please, I don't want to be alone anymore."

The tremble in his voice, the way he clutched the edges of his blanket as if for dear life—it was a masterful performance. David, hidden just out of sight, watched with a mix of amusement and pride. Liam always knew how to play his part.

After a tense pause, one of the survivors sighed. "Fine. Lead the way."

Liam nodded eagerly, his relief seeming genuine. "Thank you. You won't regret this."

The cabin was warm and inviting, the flicker of lantern light casting a comforting glow across the wooden interior. David stood by the door, his posture relaxed but his sharp eyes tracking every movement.

"Welcome," he said smoothly. "You must be freezing. Sit by the fire. We'll get you something warm to drink."

The survivors hesitated for a moment before shuffling in, drawn by the promise of safety. Liam hovered near David, his hands fidgeting nervously. He played his role perfectly, the picture of someone trying to hold himself together.

As the survivors settled, David motioned toward the kitchen. "Liam, why don't you grab some tea for our guests?"

Liam nodded quickly, disappearing into the next room. A few minutes later, he returned with mugs of steaming liquid, his hands shaking just enough to make it believable.

The survivors accepted the drinks, their guarded expressions beginning to ease. One of them even managed a faint smile. "Thank you. This is… kind of you."

Liam offered a small smile in return, glancing nervously at David. "I-I told you they'd be okay."

David's lips curved into a subtle smirk. "You did well, Liam."

As the survivors sipped their drinks, an almost imperceptible hiss filled the air. Liam discreetly adjusted a valve near the wall, his movements concealed by the folds of his blanket. The gas was odorless, colorless, and effective. Within minutes, the survivors began to sway, their eyelids growing heavy.

"What… what's happening?" one of them mumbled, their words slurring as they tried to stand.

David stepped forward, his expression devoid of pity. "Relax. You'll be fine. Just taking precautions."

One by one, the survivors slumped to the floor, unconscious. Liam straightened, dropping the fearful act as he turned to David with a wicked grin. "That went smoothly."

David nodded, already moving to secure the basement door. "Let's get them downstairs before they wake up. We'll figure out what to do with them later."

Liam followed, his steps light and his demeanor now entirely at ease. "Think they'll enjoy our hospitality?"

David smirked. "Not as much as we'll enjoy their company."

As they locked the basement door behind them, Liam leaned against David, his earlier trembling replaced by playful confidence. "I'd say that was a pretty good night."

David chuckled, wrapping an arm around Liam's waist. "You really outdid yourself this time, Blondie."

Liam grinned, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "What can I say? I'm irresistible."