16. Forced Proximity

Liam

Liam grumbled as the nurse insisted on wheeling him out of the hospital, feeling like a helpless invalid. He knew it was standard procedure, but it still stung his pride to be treated like he couldn't walk on his own two feet.

"This is ridiculous," he muttered, shooting a glare at Ethan who was walking alongside him with a smirk on his face. "I can walk just fine, you know."

Ethan chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, I know you can, tough guy. But let's just humor the nice nurse, okay? Besides, I've got a surprise for you."

Liam's brow furrowed, his curiosity piqued. "A surprise? What kind of surprise?"

Ethan just grinned, his expression mischievous. "You'll see. Now stop complaining and let me take care of you for once, okay?"

Liam sighed, settling back into the wheelchair with a huff. He didn't like being kept in the dark, but he knew that arguing with Ethan was a losing battle.

As they made their way out of the hospital and towards Ethan's waiting car, Liam couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over him. He had no idea where Ethan was taking him, and the thought of being alone with the other man in an unfamiliar place made his stomach twist with nerves.

"Okay, seriously, Hawke," he said, his voice tight with tension. "Where the hell are we going? I thought you were just giving me a ride home."

Ethan's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Change of plans, Quinn. You're coming home with me."

Liam's eyes widened, his mouth falling open in shock. "What? No, Ethan, I can't impose on you like that. I'll be fine on my own."

But Ethan was already shaking his head, his jaw set with determination. "Not a chance, Quinn. You're still recovering, and you need someone to keep an eye on you. Besides, my place is a lot more comfortable than that shitty apartment of yours."

Liam bristled, his pride stung by Ethan's words. "Hey, my apartment may not be a fucking palace, but it's home. And I don't need a babysitter, Hawke."

Ethan sighed, his expression softening. "I know you don't, Liam. But I need to do this, okay? I need to know that you're safe, that you're being taken care of. Please, just let me do this for you."

There was something in Ethan's voice, a raw vulnerability that Liam had never heard before. It made his heart ache, made him want to reach out and pull the other man into his arms.

But he didn't. Instead, he just nodded, his throat tight with emotion. "Okay, Ethan. Okay. I'll come stay with you. But just until I'm back on my feet, alright?"

Ethan's grin returned, his eyes sparkling with triumph. "Whatever you say, Quinn. Now come on, let's get you home."

As they drove through the city streets, Liam couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building in his gut. He had no idea what to expect from Ethan's place, no idea what kind of world he was about to step into.

But when they finally arrived at Ethan's building, Liam felt his jaw drop in awe. The place was a fucking palace, all gleaming glass and sleek metal and opulent marble. It was like something out of a movie, a world so far removed from Liam's own that it might as well have been on another planet.

"Holy shit," he breathed, his eyes wide as he took in the grandeur of the lobby. "You actually live here?"

Ethan chuckled, his hand resting warmly on the small of Liam's back as he guided him towards the elevators. "What can I say? I like my creature comforts."

As they rode up to the top floor, Liam couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over him. He had never been to Ethan's place before, had never seen the world that the billionaire vigilante inhabited when he wasn't wearing his mask.

But when the doors finally slid open and he got his first glimpse of the penthouse, Liam felt his breath catch in his throat. It was stunning, all sleek lines and modern furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline.

"Wow," he said softly, his eyes wide with wonder. "This is… this is incredible."

Ethan grinned, his chest puffing up with pride. "It's not bad, is it? Come on, let me give you the grand tour."

He led Liam through the penthouse, pointing out the various features and amenities with a casual wave of his hand. There was a state-of-the-art kitchen, a fully-stocked bar, a home theater system that would make even the most die-hard cinephile weep with envy.

But it was the bedroom that made Liam stop short, his heart hammering in his chest. There was only one, a massive king-sized bed that dominated the space like a throne.

"Uh, Ethan?" he said, his voice cracking slightly. "Where am I supposed to sleep?"

Ethan frowned, his brow furrowing in confusion. "What do you mean? You'll sleep in the bed, of course."

Liam felt his cheeks flush, his stomach twisting with a strange mixture of excitement and trepidation. "But… but there's only one bed."

Ethan's eyes widened, a flicker of realization crossing his face. "Oh. Oh, shit. I didn't even think about that." He ran a hand through his hair, his expression sheepish. "Look, Liam, it's not a big deal. The bed is huge, there's plenty of room for both of us."

Liam's blush deepened, his mind racing with the implications of what Ethan was suggesting. He had never shared a bed with another man before, had never even entertained the thought of it.

But there was something about Ethan, something that made Liam's heart race and his palms sweat. He couldn't deny the attraction he felt towards the other man, the way his skin seemed to tingle every time they touched.

"I don't know, Ethan," he said, his voice hesitant. "Maybe I should just sleep on the couch."

But Ethan was already shaking his head, his expression stubborn. "No way, Quinn. You're still recovering, you need a proper bed to rest in. And trust me, that couch may look fancy, but it's about as comfortable as a fucking rock."

Liam sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. He knew that there was no arguing with Ethan when he got like this, knew that the other man would just keep pushing until he got his way.

"Fine," he said, his voice resigned. "But if you try any funny business, Hawke, I swear I'll kick your ass right out of this fancy penthouse of yours."

Ethan grinned, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "Wouldn't dream of it, Quinn. I'm a perfect gentleman, remember?"

Liam snorted, his lips twitching with amusement. "Right. And I'm the fucking Queen of England."

But even as they bantered and joked, Liam couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between them, that the easy camaraderie they had always shared was starting to give way to something deeper, something more intense.

As Liam settled into Ethan's lavish penthouse, trying to wrap his mind around the fact that he was actually staying here, with Ethan, the man who had somehow wormed his way into his heart, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. It was all so new, so unfamiliar, and Liam wasn't sure how to navigate this strange new territory.

Just as he was about to voice his concerns, to try and put into words the jumble of emotions that were swirling around in his head, Ethan's phone rang, shattering the moment.

"It's Zoe and Marcus," Ethan said, glancing down at the screen with a furrowed brow. "They must have an update on the investigation."

Liam felt a flicker of excitement at the prospect of new information, of finally getting some answers to the questions that had been plaguing them for so long. But he also felt a sense of trepidation, a fear of what they might uncover and what it could mean for their already complicated relationship.

Ethan answered the call, putting it on speaker so that Liam could hear as well. "What's up, guys? Please tell me you've got some good news for us."

Zoe's voice crackled through the phone, her tone serious but hopeful. "Actually, we do. We've managed to secure an appointment with Dr. Novak. She's agreed to meet with us and tell her side of the story."

Liam felt his heart skip a beat at the mention of Dr. Novak's name. The thought of finally coming face to face with her, of hearing her perspective and trying to understand her motivations, was both thrilling and terrifying.

"That's great news," Ethan said, his voice tinged with excitement. "When's the meeting?"

"Tomorrow afternoon," Marcus chimed in, his gruff voice filling the room. "But there's something else you should know. From what we've been able to gather, it seems like Dr. Novak might be more of a victim in all of this than we originally thought."

Liam frowned, his mind racing with the implications of Marcus's words. "What do you mean? How could she be a victim if she's been experimenting on mutants and working with Genexis?"

Zoe sighed, her voice heavy with empathy. "It's complicated, Liam. From what we've been able to piece together, it seems like Dr. Novak might have been coerced or manipulated into working with Genexis."

Liam felt a pang of sympathy for Dr. Novak, a sense of kinship with her struggles as a mutant in a world that feared and misunderstood them. He knew all too well what it was like to be judged and persecuted for something he couldn't control, to be seen as less than human simply because of his abilities.

"So what you're saying is, we need to approach this meeting with an open mind," Ethan said, his voice thoughtful. "We need to hear Dr. Novak out and try to understand her perspective, even if it goes against everything we thought we knew."

"Exactly," Zoe agreed, her tone emphatic. "We can't just write her off as a villain or a monster."

Liam nodded, his mind whirling with the possibilities of what they might uncover. He knew that it wouldn't be easy, that they would have to confront some uncomfortable truths and grapple with the moral ambiguity of the situation. But he also knew that it was the only way forward, the only way to get to the bottom of this mystery and bring those responsible to justice.

"Alright," Ethan said, his voice firm with determination. "I'll go to the meeting with Dr. Novak alone. I don't want to put Liam in any more danger than he's already been in."

Liam's head snapped up, his eyes flashing with indignation. "Like hell you will," he growled, his voice low and fierce. "I'm not some damsel in distress that needs to be protected, Ethan. I'm a part of this investigation, and I'm going to see it through to the end, no matter what."

Ethan's eyes widened, a flicker of surprise and something else, something warmer and softer, crossing his face. "Liam, I know you're tough, but you're still recovering. I don't want to risk your safety any more than I already have."

Liam shook his head, his jaw clenched with stubborn determination. "I'm not asking for your permission, Ethan. I'm telling you. We're in this together, whether you like it or not."

For a long moment, Ethan just stared at him, his green eyes searching Liam's face for some sign of hesitation or doubt. But Liam held his gaze, his own eyes blazing with conviction and resolve.

Finally, Ethan sighed, a small, rueful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Alright, fine. We'll go together. But you have to promise me that you'll be careful, Liam. I can't lose you, not now, not when I've just found you."

Liam felt his heart skip a beat at Ethan's words, at the raw vulnerability and emotion that he saw in the other man's eyes. He knew that Ethan was struggling with his own feelings, that he was just as confused and uncertain about this thing between them as Liam was.

But he also knew that there was something there, something real and powerful and undeniable. And he wasn't going to let it slip away, not without a fight.

"I promise," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. "I'll be careful. But I'm not going to let you face this alone, Ethan. We're partners, in every sense of the word. And partners have each other's backs, no matter what."

Ethan's smile widened, his eyes sparkling with a mixture of affection and exasperation. "You're a stubborn son of a bitch, you know that?"

Liam grinned, his own eyes twinkling with mischief. "Yeah, well, you knew that when you signed up for this. You're stuck with me now, Hawke."

Ethan laughed, the sound rich and warm in the stillness of the penthouse. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Quinn."

As the call ended and the room fell silent once more, Liam felt a sudden weight settle on his shoulders, a reminder of the warning he had received from his captain before leaving the hospital. He knew he needed to tell Ethan, to be honest about the risks they were facing, but a part of him hesitated, not wanting to shatter the fragile peace they had found.

"Ethan," he said softly, his voice heavy with reluctance. "There's something else I need to tell you."

Ethan's brow furrowed, concern etched in the lines of his face. "What is it, Liam? What's wrong?"

Liam sighed, running a hand through his hair as he tried to find the right words. "The chief pulled me aside. He warned me about the consequences of pursuing this investigation, about the danger it could put me in, both personally and professionally."

Ethan's eyes widened, a flicker of anger sparking in their depths. "What the fuck? He's trying to scare you off the case?"

Liam shook his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "No, it's not like that. He's just worried about me, about the risks I'm taking. And to be honest, I can't blame him. This whole thing is a fucking mess, Ethan. We're in way over our heads here."

Ethan's jaw clenched, his expression hardening with determination. "I know it's dangerous, Liam. But we can't just walk away, not now, not when we're so close to the truth. We have to see this through, no matter the cost."

Liam felt a surge of frustration rising in his chest, his own temper flaring to match Ethan's. "Damn it, Ethan, this isn't just about the case anymore. This is about our lives, our futures. If we keep pushing, if we keep digging into this conspiracy, there's no telling what kind of backlash we could face."

Ethan's eyes softened, a flicker of understanding passing between them. "I know, Liam. I know the risks. But I also know that we can't let fear control us, can't let it stop us from doing what's right. We have to trust in each other, in the strength of our partnership. Together, we can face anything."

Liam felt his resolve wavering, his heart torn between his sense of duty and his growing feelings for the man in front of him. He knew that Ethan was right, that they had to keep fighting, no matter the odds. But he also knew that the thought of losing Ethan, of watching him get hurt or worse, was more than he could bear.

As the day wore on and the tension between them grew, Liam found himself struggling to keep his emotions in check. The forced proximity of the penthouse, the knowledge that they were alone together, with no one to interrupt or distract them, was like a constant buzz under his skin, a reminder of the growing attraction that simmered between them.

He caught himself staring at Ethan more than once, his eyes lingering on the strong lines of his jaw, the curve of his lips, the way his muscles flexed beneath his shirt as he moved. And each time, he felt a flush of heat rising in his cheeks, a flutter of desire stirring in his belly.

It was maddening, this constant push and pull of wanting and not wanting, of needing and denying. Liam knew that he was falling for Ethan, that his feelings for the other man were growing deeper and more intense with each passing moment. But he also knew that he couldn't act on them, couldn't risk jeopardizing their partnership or their mission.

And so he kept his distance, kept his walls up and his heart guarded. Even as every fiber of his being screamed at him to reach out, to pull Ethan close and never let go.

It was torture, pure and simple. And as the hours ticked by and the tension between them grew thicker and more palpable, Liam found himself wondering how much longer he could hold out, how much longer he could resist the siren call of Ethan's touch and Ethan's smile.

And as he watched Ethan move around the penthouse, as he listened to the sound of his laughter and the cadence of his voice, Liam knew that he was in trouble, knew that he was falling harder and faster than he ever had before.

And he didn't know how to stop it, didn't know how to put the brakes on this runaway train of emotion and desire. All he could do was hold on tight and pray that he wouldn't crash and burn, that he wouldn't take Ethan down with him.

But even as he tried to keep his distance, even as he tried to maintain some semblance of professionalism and control, Liam could feel the walls between them crumbling, could feel the heat and the hunger building in the air like a gathering storm.

The day was almost over and Liam hesitantly followed Ethan into the bedroom, the tension between them thick and palpable. All day, the charged looks and accidental brushes of skin had been building, stoking the ever-present attraction that simmered under the surface of their partnership.

Now, alone in the intimacy of Ethan's bedroom, that tension was reaching a boiling point. Liam's heart raced as his eyes roamed over Ethan appreciatively. The vigilante was devastatingly handsome, his chiseled features and muscular physique enough to make Liam's mouth go dry with want.

Ethan turned to face him, green eyes dark and smoldering with barely restrained desire. "Liam…" he murmured, voice low and rough.

Suddenly, Ethan closed the distance between them in two swift strides. One hand cupped Liam's face as the other snaked around his waist, pulling their bodies flush.

Then Ethan's mouth was on his in a searing, desperate kiss. Liam gasped in surprise before melting into it, lips parting automatically. Ethan took the invitation to plunder Liam's mouth with his clever tongue, kissing him breathless.

They stumbled backwards until Liam's knees hit the bed. Ethan lowered him down gently, mindful of Liam's healing injuries even in the heat of passion. He covered Liam's body with his own, never breaking the intimate press of their lips.

Large, calloused hands slid under Liam's shirt, exploring the hard planes of his chest and abs. Liam arched into the touch with a low moan, his own fingers tangling in Ethan's dark hair.

"Fuck, you feel so good," Ethan growled against his lips. "I've wanted to touch you like this for so long."

"Then touch me," Liam demanded breathlessly. "I want your hands all over me."

Ethan made quick work of removing their clothes, baring heated skin to wandering hands and hungry mouths. He trailed worshipful kisses down the column of Liam's throat, tongue flicking out to taste the salt of his skin.

"You're so fucking beautiful," Ethan praised, voice awed. "I can't believe I get to have you like this."

Liam pulled him up for another searing kiss. "You have me," he promised raggedly. "Now quit teasing and fuck me already."

Ethan chuckled, a wicked smirk curling his kiss-swollen lips. "So impatient. But I'm going to take my time with you. I want to make this so good for you, baby."

He proceeded to do just that, mapping every inch of Liam's skin with reverent kisses and teasing licks. He took Liam apart with his hands and mouth until he was a writhing, begging mess, pain and injuries forgotten in the haze of blinding pleasure.

When Ethan finally pressed inside him, their bodies joining as one, Liam saw stars. "Oh God, Ethan!" he cried out, fingernails digging into the vigilante's muscular back.

"That's it, sweetheart. Take my cock so well," Ethan panted, setting a deep, rolling rhythm that had Liam's toes curling.

Their lovemaking was passionate and intense, weeks' worth of pent-up tension and longing pouring out. The room filled with the erotic sounds of skin slapping against skin and breathy moans and whispered praise.

"I'm close," Liam warned, feeling the telltale tingle at the base of his spine.

"Come for me, Liam," Ethan urged, increasing his pace. "I want to feel you come on my cock."

One, two, three more thrusts and Liam was gone, spilling between their sweat-slicked bodies with a choked off cry. Ethan followed right after, Liam's fluttering muscles milking his climax from him.

They collapsed together in a panting heap of tangled limbs. Ethan pulled out carefully and rolled to the side, gathering Liam close. He pressed tender kisses to Liam's face, tasting the salt of joyful tears on his skin.

"That was…" Liam trailed off, struggling to find words.

"Incredible," Ethan finished, grinning lazily. "Mind-blowing. The best sex of my life."

Liam huffed a laugh and lightly smacked Ethan's chest. "Way to ruin the moment, dork."

They laid together quietly for a long moment, basking in the afterglow. Liam's head rested on Ethan's shoulder, the steady thump of his heartbeat a soothing lullaby.

"Hey, Ethan?" Liam asked softly, tracing idle patterns on Ethan's skin. "What does this mean? For us?"

"It means we have something special here," Ethan replied, serious despite the roguish glint in his eyes. "Whatever this is between us, I don't want it to be just physical. I care about you, Liam, more than I ever thought possible.

He tipped Liam's chin up to meet his eyes. "You're not just a casual hookup to me. You're my partner, in every sense of the word. I want to see where this goes."

Liam's heart soared at the sincerity in Ethan's eyes. "I want that too," he admitted shyly. "I don't know what the future holds, but I know I want you by my side through it all."

"Partners in justice and in pleasure?" Ethan waggled his eyebrows playfully, lightening the heavy moment.

Liam snorted and swatted him with a pillow. "You're ridiculous," he complained, but couldn't fight the fond smile tugging at his lips.

They traded lazy kisses and teasing touches, stoking the embers of desire into a roaring flame once more. Ethan gently rolled Liam beneath him, settling into the welcoming cradle of his thighs.

"Ready for round two already?" Ethan purred, nipping at Liam's kiss-swollen lips. "My, my, someone's eager."

"Less talking, more fucking," Liam demanded, hooking a leg around Ethan's waist to pull him closer.

"So bossy," Ethan tutted, reaching between them to grip Liam's hardening cock. "I love it."

He took his time opening Liam up, claiming his mouth in deep, filthy kisses as he worked him loose. By the time he finally pushed inside, Liam was a trembling mess, utterly lost to pleasure.

"Fuck, you take me so well," Ethan groaned, bottoming out in one smooth thrust. "Like you were made for my cock."

"Maybe I was," Liam panted, rolling his hips to take Ethan even deeper. "Now shut up and fuck me like you mean it."

Ethan set a punishing pace, driving into Liam with deep, powerful thrusts. The headboard slammed against the wall with the force of it, the obscene slap of skin on skin echoing through the room.

Lost in the throes of passion, neither man noticed the slight pull of stitches or throb of bruises. The outside world fell away until there was nothing but the slide of their bodies and the symphony of their mingled moans.

"Touch yourself," Ethan ordered roughly, feeling his orgasm rapidly approaching. "I want to see you come on my cock again."

Liam obeyed instantly, fisting his dripping erection and stroking in time with Ethan's thrusts. A litany of "yes" and "more" and "harder" fell from his lips as he chased his pleasure. He felt it building at the base of his spine, coiling tighter and tighter until it finally snapped.

"Oh fuck, I'm coming!" Liam shouted, cock pulsing as he spilled over his fist. His ass clenched down hard around Ethan, ripping the vigilante's orgasm from him with a strangled groan.

They shuddered through the aftershocks together, trading messy kisses interspersed with gasps and whimpers. Finally spent, Ethan carefully withdrew and flopped over onto his back, chest heaving.

"That was…" he panted, at a rare loss for words.

"Yeah," Liam agreed breathlessly. "It was."

Smiling softly, Ethan drew Liam into his arms and pressed a tender kiss to his sweaty temple. "We should get cleaned up," he murmured, lips brushing Liam's skin.

"Later," Liam replied through a yawn, limbs feeling pleasantly heavy. "M'comfy."

Ethan chuckled fondly and reached down to pull the blankets over their cooling bodies. "Whatever you want, sweetheart. I've got you."

And there, wrapped up in Ethan's embrace, Liam let himself drift off. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, and this thing between them was still so new and fragile. But for tonight, Liam was content, safe and sated in Ethan's arms.

Everything else could wait.