Easy Like Sunday Morning

Reading Time: 30 Minutes

Title: Easy Like Sunday Morning
Series: Nature Provides
Series Order: 2
Author: Keira Marcos
Fandom: 9-1-1, The Sentinel
Challenge: Vibrant Autumn 2022
Relationship: Thomas Marshall/Cosmo Fuentes (OC/OC)
Genre: Romance, Sentinel Fusion
Warnings: Discussion-Racism, Off-Screen OC Death, Discussion-Police Brutality, Grammarly Beta
Word Count: 7,347
Author’s Note: This story takes place between The Unreluctant Soul & Heart of the Devoted in the Nature Provides series.
Summary: Sentinel Thomas Marshall had been through several searches for a Guide and had more than one just thrown in his direction on the job, but no one had really fit just the right way. He really should’ve known that his Guide would come along exactly when they should, just like his mama had told him.

* * * *

June 11, 2017

Thomas eased out of his truck and rubbed the back of his neck as he crossed the street and entered the café across from the condo complex he’d called home for a while. Though he hardly liked to admit it and never brought dates home with him since he didn’t want to give the impression that he was wealthy. He did okay and got paid well as a Sentinel Firefighter, but he couldn’t have afforded a beachfront condo in LA. Fortunately, the Burton Foundation provided for Sentinels, Guides, and their families as part of their mandate.

The barista was holding out a cup as he came to the counter. So, he took it with a smile and used his phone to pay. “Thanks, Mary.”

“You look like you had a hard day, Sentinel Marshall.”

“Full shift,” Thomas admitted. “That ended with a house fire.”

“Ah, that sucks,” Mary said and grimaced. “Anyone hurt?”

“Unfortunately, yes,” Thomas said quietly and took a deep breath. “But they were dead before we even got there. It’s never easy, though.”

“You look like a man who needs a cookie,” Mary said firmly and picked up a pair of tongs. She quickly dropped a large peanut butter cookie into a bag and offered it. “On me.”

He took it with a smile. “Thanks. I’ll order some food in a bit.”

“You want your usual?” she questioned.

“Probably, but let me think about it.” He walked away after she nodded and went to a table near the back of the building that would give him a good view of the café but keep him directly out of the line of sight of the front door.

Thomas wasn’t unknown in the neighborhood, and sometimes people were deeply invested in making some kind of connection with him. He wasn’t always certain if it was because he was a Sentinel or because he was a firefighter. Maybe it was a mixture, as both roles were seen in a positive light by almost everyone. Even people who would normally cross the street to avoid a Black man his size easily approached him if he were in uniform or if they identified him as a Sentinel due to their own sensitivity.

The door opened, and he watched as a Latino man entered. He went to the counter and ordered coffee. He was very attractive, and exactly the sort of man Thomas would want to spend time with on a Friday night. Too bad it was Sunday morning, and he was too exhausted and heartsore to put in the effort to pull. So, he stayed where he was while he watched the man wait for his coffee.

Thomas shifted in his seat as the man was given his drink and turned to stare at him. He couldn’t help but take a deep breath as the gorgeous stranger walked across the café and sat down at his table like he’d been invited.

He tilted his head a little. “You seem a little sad, big guy.”

Thomas didn’t know how to answer that and was a little startled that he hadn’t realized the stranger was a Guide the moment he’d walked into the café. Maybe he was more off than he even realized. He scratched his wrist, and a soft touch stilled him. He looked down as the stranger carefully prodded his hands apart. There was a small rash on the inside of his wrist.

“Thomas.” He wet his lips. “I’m Thomas Marshall.”

“Oscar Fuentes.”

“Oscar,” Thomas murmured. The name wasn’t familiar at all. “I thought that I knew most of the unbonded online Guides in the area in some fashion or another.”

“I came online while visiting family in San Diego six months ago,” he said and took a sip of his coffee as he relaxed in the chair. “My uncle operates a Guide training retreat in La Paz, Mexico, so I went there. I returned to LA to do my search.” He checked his watch. “I’m supposed to be at the Burton Foundation Resource Center in about an hour.”

Thomas inhaled slowly, taking in the scent of the Guide in front of him, and found him pleasing beyond anything he’d ever known. “Maybe you could just stay here.” He wet his lips. “With me.”

Oscar smiled then, eyes dark with emotion. “Maybe I should.” He took a deep breath, and his shoulders relaxed. “My friends call me Cosmo.”

“Why?” Thomas asked.

“Because I have a degree in astrophysics,” the man admitted. “But then something happened that changed my life, and I went in a different direction.”

Thomas wondered if it was a direction he could follow because he desperately wanted to. “What happened?”

“I had an accident, and I died,” Cosmo said and just inclined his head when Thomas stared in shock. “I woke up in the arms of a Guide. She dragged me back to life and was, honestly, quite irritated with me that I had the audacity to die. The lecture was still ringing in my ears hours later when I woke up again in the hospital—recovering from drowning and a concussion.”

“What kind of accident was this?”

“I was surfing with some friends,” Cosmo said. “I was knocked off my board by another surfer and hit in the head in the process. There was a Sentinel/Guide pair on the beach, and they took over rescue efforts pretty much immediately. They were the ones who dragged me out of the water, technically dead, and performed CPR on me. The Guide also used psionic energy to shove me back into my body, apparently.”

Thomas couldn’t help but touch Cosmo and was relieved when the Guide laced their fingers together as their hands came to rest on the table together. “So, what direction did you go in?”

“Well, I think that was about you,” Cosmo said with a sweet smile. “When I was in the water, I had a vision. I thought, perhaps, it was a hallucination due to lack of oxygen.” He paused when Thomas nodded. “But it was such a distinct and emotional experience that I came to realize that it was a gift from the psionic plane. In the vision, I was standing outside of a burning building, and there was someone beside me. I couldn’t see them clearly. He asked me if I was ready, and I said….”

“Not yet,” Thomas murmured, and Cosmo’s eyes widened with shock. “And I said….”

“Then I’ll wait.” Cosmo took a deep breath. “I joined LAFD six months after I drowned, and I’ve been on the job for five years.”

“I’ve had that dream regularly since I came online,” Thomas admitted, heart thundering in his chest. He’d never shared his blue dream with anyone, and he felt like everything around him had come to a standstill. “It’s been eight years.” He cleared his throat. “I’m with the 56.”

“The 118,” Cosmo said. “But I’ve been on leave since I came online. I hope to return to the same shift, but that’s going to require a bond. Because there is an unbonded Sentinel on my shift who won’t work with unbonded Guides. I transferred onto the shift after he was hired, and it was only allowed because I was latent. He’ll get to stay, and I’ll have to go if I go back on duty without a bond.”

Thomas nodded. “You mean Buck? We’re good friends.”

“He’s a great guy,” Cosmo said. “There’s a lot of trauma there, though.”

“His parents are disgusting bastards,” Thomas muttered just as the door opened and Lou Ransone, Alpha Sentinel Prime of the Pacific West, strode into the café. “Ah, we’ve been caught.”

Lou took off his sunglasses as he came to stand in front of them. “Gentlemen, the people outside don’t quite know what to do with you. Some idiot called 9-1-1 and reported a hostage situation in this place involving a Guide. It’s pretty interesting, Thomas, that you failed to notice the three squad cars that are parked outside.”

Thomas frowned because he hadn’t noticed the cops or whichever patron who’d taken note of their interaction and fled the place. “I’m not holding him hostage, Lou.”

“No,” Lou said with a laugh. “Clearly not. The Burton Foundation has also sent a pair from the resource center as they’re missing a Guide who was due to participate in a search this morning, and they were notified of the situation by dispatch.” He paused. “A search that has already commenced.”

Cosmo made a face. “Have any Sentinels been called?”

“No, as you’ve not established your intimate criteria,” Lou said reasonably. “They’re just getting ready.”

Cosmo pulled out his phone and called the foundation. His call was picked up immediately, so he tucked the phone against his ear. “This is Oscar Fuentes. I’m calling to cancel my appointment for a Sentinel search. Tell the pair you have here to retrieve me to fuck off immediately.” He ended the call and put the phone down on the table.

Lou nodded and walked away even as he activated his radio. “False report. Stand down and disperse.” He paused at the doorway of the café. “Sentinel Marshall, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that you have a perfectly serviceable and private home just across the street.” He paused. “You’re fortunate I hadn’t left for work yet, or you’d be getting yelled at over a megaphone by a hostage negotiator until I was able to get back over here.”

Thomas huffed, and Cosmo laughed. “Yes, sir.”

He looked around the café and found it empty. He hadn’t even noticed the people leaving. Thomas focused on Cosmo. “Care to take a walk with me?”

“Just like that?”

“Does it have to be hard?” Thomas questioned, and Cosmo smiled.

“I suppose not.” He glanced out the window. “Let’s wait until the cops leave.”

Since he agreed, Thomas stayed seated. Despite Lou Ransone’s presence, he wasn’t all that interested in having to interact with a bunch of cops. Sometimes racism made his status as a Sentinel more of a problem than less of one. He’d encountered more than one jackhole in uniform who thought a Black man had no business being a Sentinel, and sometimes they didn’t even believe it.

Mary appeared then at the table with a bag in hand. “I told them you weren’t in here being a fucking caveman. No one listens to me.” She dropped the bag on the table and rolled her eyes. “Alpha Ransone told me to put it on his account. I hope you aren’t a vegetarian, new dude, ‘cause I made you both turkey sausage, egg, and cheese bagels.”

Cosmo laughed as she stalked off.

Once all three squad cars were gone, they stood to leave. He released the man’s hand because he knew he should but didn’t like it. Thomas grabbed the food and took a deep breath as Cosmo just inclined his head.

“Let’s go, big guy, and you can tell me what broke your heart last night in private.”

Thomas nodded his agreement, and they left the café together. He just waved at Lou, who was leaning on his vehicle, scrolling through his phone when they passed. The alpha just shook his head at them and started texting. Thomas figured that Cristobal Salas was getting the details on the situation. He hoped one or both of them ran interference with the foundation as he didn’t want them all up in his personal business.

Shortly, he was unlocking the door to his condo and doing a mental review on whether or not he’d left a mess before he’d left for his last shift. He wasn’t certain, so he was relieved when it looked decent. They settled on the couch together, and Cosmo dug into the bag.

“I think bacon should be its own food group, for the record, but turkey sausage isn’t a terrible choice,” Cosmo said, and Thomas laughed. “Nice place. I was living in a room share before I came online and put everything I had in storage before going to Mexico for the retreat.” He passed a wrapped sandwich to him.

“I’ve been here for a while. I moved in around the same time that Lou Ransone became the Alpha Prime—it was a bit political as Buck was very young, and he’d spent the better part of two years living in a remote location in Peru with Dr. Salas in a conservator situation. I sort of self-assigned myself to getting Buck oriented for LA, and eventually, I just moved into the building. His condo is four floors up.”

Cosmo nodded. “I’ve heard rumors here and there about his relationship with the prime pair. They’re clearly protective of him.”

“It’s paternal if you have concerns,” Thomas said and considered if he should confess to sleeping with Buck. “But he and I had a friends-with-benefits thing going on for a couple of years before we realized that the benefits part was getting in the way of the friends part.”

“Well, he’s beautiful, so I can’t blame you for it,” Cosmo stared for a moment. “Seeing anyone now?”

“No one serious,” Thomas said with a shrug. “Not really a thing at this age because it’s obvious to most that I’m a Sentinel, and no one wants to try to have a relationship with an unbonded Sentinel in their prime bonding years.”

“It’s a recipe for heartbreak,” Cosmo said. “Tell me about your shift last night.”

“Hectic pretty much the whole time. I think I might have gotten about five hours of sleep.” He unwrapped his sandwich. “Water?”

“Sure,” Cosmo said. “I can get it.” He motioned toward the kitchen area.

“In the fridge,” Thomas said and sat back on the sofa as Cosmo went for water. He should be a better host, but he was tired. He accepted a bottle when offered. “There was a house fire—older, probably bad wiring. The neighbors called it in. The owners were retired and quite elderly. They never woke up. Looked like the smoke got them before the fire could. It was just really fucking sad.” He opened the water and took a deep drink.

“I hate calls like that,” Cosmo murmured. “Feeling useless on the job is kind of rare for me, so when it happens…it’s like getting punched in the face.”

“Yeah, exactly.” Thomas grimaced and took a bite of his sandwich. He toed off his shoes and shifted around so he could face Cosmo. “What about you? Any relationships?”

“I have an ex-wife,” Cosmo admitted. “Got married shortly after high school out of a desire to rescue her from her awful family. We stayed together through college, but we divorced after I had the accident. She knew I was a latent Guide but hearing that I had a vision about my Sentinel was the limit for her.

“We’re not on terrible terms, but there’s no contact these days. She finished law school and took the bar last year. I think she does resent me a bit for the divorce because the plan had been for me to work while she was in law school. She had to work part-time and go to school at the same time, which meant her timeline had to be adjusted.”

“Does she live in LA?”

“She’s down in San Diego,” Cosmo said. “But we haven’t talked even over text in a year; I don’t see that changing since her new man isn’t fond of me. Maybe if Gina had left me in a rage, it would be different.”

“But she left because she was disappointed,” Thomas said. “And still loves you.”

Cosmo grimaced but then nodded. “Yeah, I guess that sums it up.”

Thomas yawned despite his best intentions.

“You clearly need some sleep.”

“I’m fine.”

“You are a terrible liar,” Cosmo said with a startled laugh. “That’s sweet.” He took a sip of water. “How about you finish that food, then go to bed? I’ll be here when you get up.”

That seemed like a lot to ask, and Thomas grimaced.

“Seriously,” Cosmo said gently. “You are much too tired to have any sort of real conversation about our circumstances, and decision-making is off the table until you’ve had an appropriate amount of rest. I’m not trying to manage you or anything. You just clearly need rest.”

He was really tired, so he ate his sandwich while he considered how much sleep he could get away with taking. He hazarded a look at his Guide and found the man giving him a look.

Thomas huffed. “I’m never getting away with anything ever again.”

He wadded up the paper as Cosmo laughed and put it back in the bag that had been left on the coffee table.

“Did you want me to tuck you in?”

“I think we have different definitions of what that means,” Thomas said wryly, and Cosmo laughed.

His spirit animal, Amina, took that moment to appear. She was practically purring as she rubbed up against Cosmo’s leg then put her large head on his thigh.

Cosmo let his hand rest on the lioness’ head carefully. “This doesn’t surprise me at all.”

“Her name is Amina.” Thomas watched his spirit animal practically wallow in his Guide’s touch and was only mildly jealous. “Yours?”

“Golden eagle,” Cosmo said. “I call her Nora. It took a while for her to appear for me, so I was worried. My uncle said it was nothing to be concerned about. She’s…aloof.”

Thomas laughed. “It’s an interesting window into your personality.”

“I’m not aloof,” Cosmo protested.

“I’ve found, over the years, that spirit animals often present with characteristics we try to keep to ourselves,” Thomas said and glanced toward Amina, who was half in Cosmo’s lap, rubbing her big head against his chest.

“Is that your way of saying you’d like to be in my lap?” Cosmo asked with a laugh.

Thomas grinned. “Honestly?” His Guide nodded. “I’d much prefer to have you in mine.”

Cosmo hummed under his breath, then slid down the sofa. He threw a leg over Thomas’ thighs and settled right into his lap. “Like this?”

Thomas cupped his hips and pulled him close. “Yeah, exactly like this. But I won’t be getting any sleep this way.”

“Let’s calm your senses down,” Cosmo murmured and cupped the back of his head. “Just take a little of what you need so you can relax and get some sleep.”

He pressed his face against Cosmo’s neck as he inhaled sharply. He opened his mouth against the Guide’s skin, and Cosmo shuddered against him. It was tempting to ask for more because he felt like he wouldn’t be denied, but it felt wrong to push it when everything else had come so easily.

Thomas centered himself on Cosmo’s heartbeat, took it deep inside, and tucked it close so he’d always have it. The pressure that had been building inside of him eased immediately, and he took another deep breath as he lifted his head.

“Better?” Cosmo questioned.

“Yes,” he admitted and focused on Cosmo’s mouth. He really wanted a kiss but didn’t think he should ask for it.

Cosmo leaned in and pressed a soft, sweet kiss against his lips. “We should probably have a talk about intimate boundaries, but your sexual interest is clear.”

“Normally, I’d apologize for having my erection anywhere near another person’s body without permission, but you’re the one sitting in my lap,” Thomas pointed out. “I love to fuck, so I can’t hang with being celibate. I’d never require it from you—but I’m getting laid one way or another on the regular until I’m too old to get it up. I know that it can get stressful between platonic pairs, so you can spend my nap time figuring out what kind of bond you want.”

“And you’ll accept it?” Cosmo questioned curiously. “Even if it means seeking sex outside of our bond on a permanent basis?”

“Yeah, of course,” Thomas said easily. “But also, I’m not opposed to working our way into a monogamous romantic and sexual relationship.” He cupped Cosmo’s face. “If you’re game.”

“Oh, I’m game to try,” Cosmo murmured, kissed him one more time, and slid off his lap. “Now, go to sleep.”

“I don’t know how you think a man can sleep with a dick this hard,” Thomas muttered as he left the couch, and Cosmo laughed. “Help yourself to whatever food you find. I shouldn’t get any visitors unless the foundation decides to get in our business, so you can ignore the door if someone knocks. There’s a set of keys for the front door in the first drawer as you enter the kitchen if you need to go out.” He paused. “But come back.”

“I’m not going anywhere, big guy,” Cosmo promised.

He stayed where he was as Thomas Marshall left. Cosmo took a deep breath and settled his mind to keep his heart rate as even as possible. He didn’t want to alarm his Sentinel. He pulled out his phone and texted the only person he could think of.

Cosmo: Tell me about Thomas Marshall.

Buck: I just heard you won the fucking lottery. He’s great. Seriously. Good man. He has a great mom and the sex is amazing.

Cosmo huffed a little and shook his head. He wasn’t jealous, exactly, but he’d have some private adjustment to be done if he was going to work with Buck and Thomas both at the same time. He certainly didn’t want to leave the 118.

Buck: Don’t worry about the sex thing. I’m sure he already told you because he’s blunt as hell about that kind of thing. We haven’t hooked up in years and it was never going to be anything serious since I’m a Sentinel too. I can’t say he didn’t find some comfort in my ascendent status but it wasn’t enough to ever take the place of an actual Guide.

Cosmo: Okay. Anything I need to be concerned about?

Buck: Nah, he’s good people and Bobby will be ecstatic to get him on board the team. I mean unless you want to go to the 56. Which would make us all very sad but don’t let that stand in your way.

Cosmo laughed a little.

Cosmo: We haven’t talked about it but I wouldn’t want to leave the 118. I’m hoping that between you and me that Thomas can be lured to our shift.

Buck: I’ll do my part.

Buck: Listen, Thomas is one of the best friends I’ve ever had in my life. I trust him like I trust myself. He’s loyal, honest, and not afraid of a damn thing—not even love.

Buck: Never tell him I said any of that.

Cosmo just shook his head and checked his watch. Then with a frown, he browsed his email to see if he’d gotten anything from the Burton Foundation. There were four emails in his inbox from the foundation and one from his uncle. Since his uncle was his next of kin with the foundation, he wasn’t surprised that he was somewhat aware of the situation. The email was just a request for a phone call. He stood from the couch and walked to a pair of French doors that led to a balcony with a view of a beach.

His uncle picked up the phone immediately.

“Oscar, are you well?” Alvaro Fuentes asked.

“Yes, sir, I’m fine.” He leaned on the railing. “I met him.”

“The Sentinel from your vision? Without an official search?”

“Yes, to both.” Cosmo took a deep breath. “I recognized him the moment I set eyes on him. He’s been dreaming of me since he came online—the same event I saw when I drowned. He knew what we said to each other in my vision without prompting from me.”

“He’s certainly a perfect match for you, then. I was informed that you’d canceled your search. Dr. Salas has instructed them to back off and give you some room to figure things out for yourself. I wasn’t given any specifics. I assumed you were just nervous or put off the process for some reason. If the foundation bothers you, let the primes know.”

“The alpha primes run a tight ship on that front,” Cosmo said. “I wouldn’t have come back to LA if they weren’t on point when it comes to managing the Burton Foundation resources and people. The whole region is psionically very comfortable, and I noticed it even when I was latent. I came to LA after they became the prime pair because of the influence they were putting off.”

“Cristobal Salas is a talented Guide, but his personal strength and rock-solid ethics stand out even amongst Alpha Guides. I trust him,” Álvaro said. “His Sentinel has a reputation for not taking any bullshit.”

Cosmo laughed. “Yeah, he was here today because our situation got reported to the police.” He frowned. “I’d like to curse out whoever called the cops, though.”

“Why?”

“My Sentinel is Black, Tío,” Cosmo said roughly. “And you know very well how cops respond to a Black man in a suspected criminal situation. I think we were lucky that Alpha Ransone was nearby and that we didn’t get a face full of a S.W.A.T. team. A Black Sentinel was killed in Chicago last year by a cop. Remember?”

“That police officer is serving a life sentence for his terrible actions,” Álvaro pointed out.

“Yeah, but the Sentinel is still dead, and his Guide has been sequestered permanently by the foundation,” Cosmo said and took a deep breath. “Anyways, I don’t appreciate some asshole getting in my business and endangering my Sentinel’s life. I also told the foundation to fuck off. Will you make sure they know I meant it? I don’t need or want a chaperone.”

“Where are you?”

“In a condo complex owned by the foundation. The primes live here, and so does my Sentinel.”

“The foundation isn’t going to pick a fight on the primes’ front lawn, Niño.”

“It’s a beachfront property, actually. It’s ridiculous. Buck complains about it all the time, and I get it now. I think I might get robbed just visiting the place on the assumption that I have more money than sense.”

Álvaro laughed in his ear, loud and long. Cosmo just sighed and let the older man have his amusement. He was pushing seventy, and his Sentinel had passed several years before, so genuine amusement wasn’t easy to come by.

After saying goodbye to his uncle, Cosmo wandered back into the condo and went in search of the keys. He needed to get a few things from his car and could use a shower since he’d intended on showering off the trip during his intake process with the Burton Foundation.

* * * *

Thomas turned over on his back, and Amina pressed her body against his side. He rubbed the lioness’ head gently, and she chuffed. His Guide was moving around the condo in a comfortable way. He listened as Cosmo settled on one of the barstools and a soft clicking sound followed. The man must have retrieved his things from his vehicle because it was clearly a laptop, and Thomas only had an iPad. It reminded him that he’d left his own bag in the truck.

Amina stretched and yawned. His spirit animal made a habit of sleeping beside him as it was her favorite thing to do. The men and women on his shift at the 56 had eventually gotten used to her appearing randomly in the bunks. Sometimes, she just slept sprawled across him—more guardian than companion.

Thomas inhaled slowly as his Guide left the bar stool and headed his way. He wondered how the man had known he was awake. Cosmo appeared in the doorway and leaned on the frame.

“Hey,” he murmured.

Thomas sat up and sheets pooled in his lap as Amina disappeared. “Hey.” He wet his lips.

Cosmo quirked an eyebrow. “Take a shower, and I’ll make you a sandwich.”

“What if I don’t like getting bossed around?”

He laughed. “You love getting bossed around, big guy.”

Thomas huffed a little as Cosmo walked away. He did like a challenge, and he guessed someone sure enough of themselves to boss him around was attractive. He had seventy pounds and six inches of height on Oscar Fuentes. The man didn’t seem to be bothered at all by that. He slid out of bed and stretched before heading into the bathroom to take a shower as instructed.

After a thorough shower, he pulled on a pair of thin cotton pajama bottoms and went to find his Guide. He found Cosmo in the kitchen, putting together a sandwich from the supplies in the fridge.

“I noticed no pork products,” Cosmo said. “Is that a religious restriction, dietary preference, or coincidence?”

“Coincidence, I consider all protein fair game,” Thomas said and nodded when Cosmo motioned toward the mayo. “You don’t have to wait on me.”

“I know,” Cosmo said. “A little consideration and care hurts nothing, Thomas.” He focused on him then. “It’s not about service.”

“Okay,” Thomas said and took a deep breath. “I’m a little out of my element.”

Cosmo smiled.

“You’re one pretty motherfucker,” Thomas muttered, and Cosmo laughed.

“Thanks,” he said and slid a plate into place in front of him. “How many searches have you done?”

“Just the one when I came online,” Thomas said. “I kept it local to the US. I’ve been called in for six Guides who were searching. The last one would’ve been decent psionically, but she was put off by my job and…masculine energy.”

“Pardon me?” Cosmo questioned.

Thomas shrugged and picked up half of the sandwich. “I think my size might have intimidated her more than she wanted to admit. She just said I was overtly masculine, and the job is too dangerous.”

Cosmo stared for a moment, then shook his head. “Well, for the record, your masculine energy isn’t putting me off.”

“Good to know.”

Cosmo joined him at the bar, and they ate in silence. It was interesting and relieving since he wasn’t the kind who had the need to fill up all the silence around him. He let his hearing spread out a bit and found Buck puttering around his own condo on his phone and the primes on their balcony having dinner.

“What do you hear?” Cosmo questioned.

“The primes are having dinner; Buck’s trying to angle his way into someone’s bed,” Thomas paused. “He’ll succeed.”

Cosmo laughed. “Yeah, no doubt.”

“There are ten condos in this building, right?”

“Yeah, the primes are on top; Buck’s on the ninth floor. I asked for this one for security purposes since the situation was new when I moved in. The second floor is reserved for VIPs coming into the region for visits but is currently empty. Six is office and security space. Four, five, and seven have some baby Guides that the primes are keeping close since they’re freshly online. The third floor has a retired pair—they’re both in their seventies. And honestly, I kind of fell in love with them. They’re currently in Vegas. Buck and I argue over who takes out their trash all the time.”

Cosmo laughed. “Names?”

“Thomas and Mitchell Fields,” Thomas said. “They moved here in the 80s when they bonded. There’s so much love there that it’s hard not to be jealous. Both have offered to move out since the primes moved in so they could have more room for business guests, but Cristobal refused that offer repeatedly. Taking care of them feels like a duty if I’m honest.”

“I should meet the building grands as soon as possible then,” Cosmo said and smiled when Thomas laughed. “I guess Thomas is a pretty old-fashioned name.”

“Mama named me after her father,” Thomas said easily. “I’ve had people try to shorten it—but I can’t abide being called Tom or Tommy.”

“I’ve got a cousin who calls me Oz,” Cosmo said. “Most of my family calls me Oscar; the nickname happened to me at the academy and stuck.”

“That’s where they often get flung at you,” Thomas said with a nod. “It’s not a bad one. But I’ll call you whatever you want me to call you.”

Cosmo pushed his empty plate away. “Let’s figure that out, then.”

He slid off the stool and offered Thomas his hand. Thomas took it and let himself be pulled from the stool. Cosmo led him through the condo and back to the bedroom. It was a curious choice, but he wasn’t opposed.

“This room has your heaviest sense impressions,” Cosmo said as he settled on the unmade bed. “Most Sentinels consider their bed the most private territory they own.”

He couldn’t deny it, and that was kind of weird. “I never really thought of it that way. But yeah, I don’t often bring people back here, and I don’t let sex partners sleep in my bed. I’ve rarely allowed anyone in this bed, honestly.”

“Just Buck,” Cosmo guessed, and Thomas huffed. “There’s no jealousy for me there. It’d be really hypocritical of me since I would’ve totally banged him if my latent Guide status hadn’t been a turn-off for him.”

“I can’t wait for him to stumble over a Guide he can’t ignore,” Thomas admitted. “I just hope it works out for him.”

“Seems like he already did,” Cosmo pointed out. “If he runs from one more scene that Eddie Diaz is on, he has to clean toilets for a whole quarter.” His gaze flicked up as he said it.

Thomas reached over and snatched his phone from the bedside table. He flipped the app that governed all the systems in his condo and turned on the Faraday cage and the noise dampeners. “Buck’s not nosy, but he does tend to notice when his name is said. It can come in handy because a few months ago, he had to come down here and rescue me.”

“From what?” Cosmo asked curiously.

“A giant fucking lizard on my patio,” Thomas muttered. “He said it was a monitor lizard. I don’t care; it was fucking huge and a big fat no from me. The owner was already looking for it, so he just picked the big bastard up and took him up the beach. The damn thing was nine feet long.”

“Gonna be honest,” Cosmo said. “Had I been here—he would’ve been rescuing me, too.”

Thomas laughed. “Right? Regardless, he trudged up the beach with the big bastard over his shoulder like it was nothing. It probably weighed upwards of a hundred pounds.” He set aside his phone and focused on his Guide. “Bi? Pan?”

“Bisexual,” Cosmo said. “But I’ve had more male lovers than female lovers as women often found the latency as a deal breaker, and a lot of men just want to get laid. I’ve never been the sort for open relationships. You?”

“I prefer men, but I’ve slept with women in the past with no issues or aversion,” Thomas leaned back on his hands and watched Cosmo fix the seam of his sock. The man had changed clothes sometime during the day. “I hope you weren’t bored while I was asleep.”

“I wrote some emails, arranged a psychological assessment so I can return to duty, and took a shower.” Cosmo took a deep breath, his gaze intent on Thomas. “How do you want to handle this?”

“I….” Thomas trailed off and took a deep breath. “Honestly? I never really thought about how this would go or what I would want, specifically from a relationship with a Guide. I want a healthy situation. I know we need a very strong bond if we’re going to continue work as first responders, and that usually equals something sexual.” He watched Cosmo’s eyes darken. “The compatibility and attraction don’t seem to be an issue. What can you handle?”

“I can handle anything you got, big guy,” Cosmo said and wet his bottom lip.

Thomas reached out with a grin, took his hand, and pulled gently. “Come here.”

Cosmo laughed as he was manhandled into Thomas’ lap. He wrapped an arm around Thomas’ neck and sought a kiss.

“You’re delicious,” Thomas murmured as he slid his hands up the back of Cosmo’s shirt. “I want….” He tucked his face against Cosmo’s neck and sucked gently at his skin.

“Yeah,” Cosmo said roughly. “Take what you want.”

Thomas shuddered because he wasn’t even sure what he wanted. He lifted his head and pulled the T-shirt over Cosmo’s head, then tossed it aside. He put his Guide on his back on the bed and leveraged above him as he hooked his fingers into the front of Cosmo’s lounge pants. It was a relief when Cosmo lifted his hips without any hesitation and he pulled the clothing away. Thomas ran one hand down Cosmo’s smooth leg, then tugged off the socks as well.

“I had a medical when I was in the retreat, so I have nothing to worry about going on,” Cosmo said.

He nodded, and his mouth watered as Cosmo relaxed under his gaze. Thomas trailed his fingers gently over the muscles of his Guide’s stomach. “You’re perfect.”

Cosmo took a deep breath and shivered as Thomas followed his fingers with his mouth. He loved the response; it felt honest and raw. Thomas licked over the head of Cosmo’s cock and then sucked gently before dragging his lips down the length. The skin was soft and silky against his lips and tongue as he licked and sucked. He loved oral sex, adored the power it gave him, and the taste was intoxicating. It had only gotten better after he’d come online as a Sentinel.

“I’m good, too, but we should probably use condoms until I can get tested,” Thomas murmured as he lifted his head. “But I really want to taste your cum.”

Cosmo exhaled noisily. “Does this honesty thing get you a lot of play?”

“Absolutely,” Thomas admitted and grinned when Cosmo huffed in a pretense of annoyance. “I can get laid every single day.”

He wrapped a hand around Cosmo’s cock, stroked gently, and put his free hand on the man’s hip when Cosmo lifted off the bed to keep him still.

“You like to be in charge?” Cosmo questioned. “Of course you do.”

“You told me to take what I want,” Thomas said and rubbed his thumb over the head of Cosmo’s cock to play in the pre-cum gathering. “Does that include fucking you because I really want to?”

“Yeah, big guy, you can fuck me,” Cosmo said and spread his legs in invitation.

Thomas released him and licked his thumb because he really couldn’t help himself and shed his pajama pants before going to the dresser to get supplies. The taste exploded on his tongue, and he hummed under his breath. What passed for nightstands in his bedroom were floating shelves on either side of the bed. Which was perfectly fine on the décor front; it was enough for a lamp and his phone, but no storage was offered. He dropped the condoms and lube on the bed then just stared for a moment as Cosmo shifted on the bed and palmed his own cock.

“You know, in Sentinel classes, they give us this lecture repeatedly about not treating our Guides like sexual property, and we’re to never expect or demand sexual access.”

Cosmo grinned. “They used to tell Sentinels it was their sacred duty to provide for their Guide.”

“If I was doing the providing back in the olden days, what you were doing?” he questioned.

“Even a hundred years ago, my duty to you would’ve consumed my life; fulfilling your every need would’ve been my only purpose.”

Thomas considered that as he crawled back onto the bed. “I’m not supposed to like how that sounds, right?”

“I’ll keep your secrets,” Cosmo said dryly. “Even the primitive and unreasonable ones.”

He laughed, picked up the lube, and flicked it open. “I’ve never had a secret keeper.” Thomas laid down beside him as he slicked up his fingers. Then tossed the lube on the bed and focused on Cosmo. “You and me, then?”

“Yeah,” Cosmo said and cupped the back of his head. “You and me.”

He pulled him into a kiss, and Thomas went willingly because he already adored the taste of his Guide’s mouth. After a few moments, he slid a hand between Cosmo’s legs and pressed slick fingers against the rim of the man’s asshole. He got a soft groan against his mouth and a little shudder as he pressed inside in reward. Thomas tried to focus on his task, but it was difficult since psionic energy was gently drifting in the air around them.

“It’s okay, I’ve got you,” Cosmo said gently against his jaw as he broke the kiss. He nuzzled against Thomas’ bearded jaw. “I can’t believe you have this beard.”

Thomas huffed. “I made myself get used to the hair on my face because I cannot have my baby face on display for the world to see. I need my beard.” He pushed two fingers in, and Cosmo shuddered. “Yeah?”

“Hell yeah,” he said, and his breath hitched as he pressed down into the penetration, so Thomas added a third finger.

He managed to press into Cosmo just four times with his fingers before he was abruptly put on his back. Thomas laughed a little as he relaxed on the bed. Cosmo settled on top of him and snagged the condom from the mattress. Some people found his size and strength so intimidating that they gravitated towards being on top no matter who was taking a cock. He didn’t think that was an issue for Cosmo, who certainly looked more impatient than worried.

Thomas pushed down his sense of touch a little as Cosmo rolled the condom on. He didn’t want to come too soon, and it was feeling very likely without intervention. Cosmo braced himself on Thomas’ chest with one hand and slowly slid down on his dick with a sweet little moan.

Thomas couldn’t help but touch him, hands slid over smooth skin and clenched on muscle as the other man worked himself eagerly on his cock. He watched for several long moments, taking in the way his Guide moved so he could figure out exactly what kind of stimulation he wanted. Then he started to move with him, rolling his hips gently up into each downward plunge of his lover’s body.

“Dios,” Cosmo muttered fiercely, and both hands clenched on Thomas’ chest. “That’s perfect.”

The psionic energy around them thickened, and he realized that Cosmo was reaching out to him. He accepted the connection instinctively. The bond formed between them between one breath and the next. It was so relieving and beautiful that Thomas found himself shuddering through the most intense orgasm of his life. He held his Guide tight as Cosmo collapsed on his chest as he came, smearing cum between them.

“You were right,” Cosmo murmured as he brushed their mouths together as he separated their bodies and sprawled across his chest.

“What?” Thomas questioned.

He smiled, and it was such a sweet sight that Thomas’ breath caught in his chest.

“It doesn’t have to be hard,” Cosmo said.

Amina took that moment to sprawl on the bed and put her head on Thomas’ shoulder. He looked at his spirit animal. “Are you being serious right now?”

She just chuffed and threw a leg over them both.

Cosmo relaxed against him with a laugh.

The End

Amina wasn’t even born with a give a fuck.