The soft chime of the little bell sounded as Isaac entered Café Noir. A cool draft followed him inside, causing a few loose strands of his already completely soaked hair to cling to his forehead.
Noctis was already approaching him. With a barely concealed smirk, he reached for one of the wet strands and took it between his fingers.
"What happened to you? Didn't the cop like the coffee you made him?" he asked, amused. "Your hair is completely sticky."
Isaac briefly let his gaze sweep through the café. The dining room was empty; aside from him and Noctis, no one was there. The tension visibly left his shoulders, and he let out a quiet, relieved sigh.
"I ran into him when I was about to enter the precinct," Isaac sighed. "Don't come too close, or you'll end up smelling like caramel too."
Noctis didn't seem the least bit impressed. Instead of backing away, he leaned forward, pressed a kiss to Isaac's cheek, and then lightly ran his tongue over it.
"You taste sweet," he remarked.
Isaac immediately felt heat rush to his cheeks. He pushed Noctis away, but the other man only looked at him again with that hungry gaze — a look Isaac could barely withstand.
"Stop it. I have to work," he said quietly, slipping past him toward the changing room.
With any luck, he still had a spare sweater or at least a shirt in his locker. Isaac disliked leaving anything to chance; he always tried to be prepared for every eventuality.
In the changing room, he pulled off his turtleneck and hastily washed his face and neck. The warm water felt good, even though it only slowly loosened the sticky sweetness of the spilled coffee from his skin. Afterwards, he put the choker back on as quickly as possible before anyone could see anything.
He didn't expect Kieran before ten, but the man was unpredictable. It wasn't uncommon for him to show up early to deal with paperwork or check orders. The bruises were also something he'd better not see.
Isaac decided to at least wash the coffee out of his hair as well. He couldn't possibly stand behind the counter with brownish stains in his white hair. He let warm water run over it and carefully worked through the strands.
"Do you have it again?" Noctis asked suddenly behind him.
Isaac didn't flinch. He had expected Noctis to follow him. When the man wanted to, he moved as silently as a cat.
Isaac merely nodded.
"Benedict had the clasp repaired," he explained absentmindedly. Unconsciously, he brushed a finger over the leather band at his throat. "It's the first time a stranger has gone to so much trouble because of me."
Noctis clicked his tongue softly, a hint of displeasure in his expression before he wrapped his arms around Isaac.
"I'll let it slide this time because it helps you." His lips brushed the choker in a fleeting kiss. "And because I love seeing that choker on you."
Isaac couldn't suppress a small smirk.
"Because you gave it to me, maybe?"
"That might have something to do with it, yes," Noctis grinned. "After all, I really racked my brain back then figuring out how to put this thing together so it would be both comfortable and nearly indestructible."
Isaac snorted quietly as he brushed a still-damp strand of hair out of his face.
"Considering I've worn it every day since, it's holding up pretty well. If that guy hadn't tried to strangle me with the choker, it wouldn't even have needed repairs."
His fingers slid over the leather at his throat in a checking motion; it calmed him that the leather concealed everything.
"At least the choke marks only look like a shadow now," he added. "Now that the thing is back where it belongs."
Noctis's expression darkened for a moment before he sighed quietly and let his chin rest on Isaac's shoulder. In the mirror, his golden eyes studied every tiny reaction in Isaac's face.
"Can't you finally leave this job at the café behind?" he murmured. "You're only doing this as an alibi anyway. Come home with me." His lips found the spot on Isaac's neck he had bitten two evenings earlier. The half-faded teeth marks were still clearly visible. "At least then you wouldn't keep running straight into potential trouble quite so often."
Isaac would have liked to go back with him. His chest rose and fell slowly. For a moment, he allowed himself to close his eyes. After all, the job really was nothing more than his alibi, and he hated direct contact with customers. But unfortunately, it was also an order that he work here.
He sighed quietly.
"You know perfectly well that's not possible."
"Oh, it is." Noctis's voice grew sharper. "The boss is completely overworking you."
Isaac shook his head slightly. "It's not that bad. Don't forget I'm used to this workload."
Noctis's gaze narrowed skeptically.
"Oh yeah? When was the last time you actually had time to train a bit? You're faster than anyone I know, Isaac, but lately you've been taking far too many hits. Of course I'm worried about you."
Isaac was silent for a moment.
It really had been a while since he'd last trained. He couldn't even say offhand when. He still went jogging regularly and did the occasional strength exercise at home, but he hadn't done any real combat training in a very long time. There simply hadn't been time for it, and he'd needed a long while to recover from the gunshot wound.
Slowly, he lifted his gaze.
"Are you suggesting you want to train with me?" Isaac asked, not without interest. He could really use this kind of exercise.
A slow, knowing grin spread across Noctis's lips. "Only if I get a little reward from you in return," Noctis said with a grin that told Isaac exactly what kind of reward he had in mind.
Suddenly Isaac felt the cool metal of the lockers at his back. Noctis braced his arm above Isaac's head, his face so close that Isaac would only have had to lean forward slightly to kiss him. Isaac's heart pounded wildly with excitement; the bastard knew exactly what to do to make Isaac focus entirely on him.
"What kind of reward?" Isaac breathed.
"I'll show you after we've trained," Noctis murmured in a dark, seductive voice and kissed him.
Isaac let himself be swept along, kissing Noctis back, enjoying the feel of his lips against his own. The sounds they made together stirred his desire for the man in front of him—even though his body still hadn't fully recovered. In certain places he still felt far too sore.
Besides, he was much too aware of where they currently were. Reluctantly, Isaac placed a hand against Noctis's chest and pushed him back a little.
"I need to get changed before the next customer comes," he whispered, still slightly out of breath.
Noctis sighed. "I'd most like to devour you right here and now."
Isaac raised a brow. "What about the promise that I'm supposed to recover first?"
An amused glint flashed in Noctis's golden eyes, warm and far too self-assured.
"There's a lot more we can do, my dear," he murmured, stealing another brief kiss from Isaac's lips before reluctantly letting him go.
"W-what kind of things?" Isaac asked breathlessly.
The corner of Noctis's mouth twitched. "You'll see," he said with a wink.
Isaac's thoughts tumbled over each other as he searched his locker for a spare sweater. He did find one—however, it had a very wide collar that revealed the bite mark and one or two hickeys from Noctis.
He didn't have another choice. He quickly pulled it on and then searched for the first-aid kit so he could at least cover the spots with bandages. Noctis helped him conceal the marks, albeit reluctantly.
"I'd prefer if you didn't hide them," he sighed.
"Why?" Isaac asked, confused. "You seriously overdid it—don't you dare do that again!"
Noctis's gaze darkened with satisfaction.
"Somehow I have to show the others that you belong to me."
The soft chime of the little bell cut through the air.
Isaac stared at Noctis in disbelief. "You…" he began, then smacked Noctis indignantly on the shoulder. "You did that just to put a damn mark on me?!"
His voice was little more than a sharp hiss.
Noctis caught Isaac's hand effortlessly and held it loosely.
"You shouldn't keep the customer waiting too long, darling," he said with a lazy smirk, leaning in to steal one more fleeting kiss from Isaac. "I promise I won't bite there again."
"You're not supposed to bite me anywhere!" Isaac hissed, his face flushed bright red.
But Noctis only responded with a quiet, shamelessly satisfied sound. He promptly turned Isaac toward the door and nudged him forward gently but firmly—not without giving him a light smack on the backside as he passed.
"Next time I'll do it somewhere no one can see. Now go." Behind him, Noctis grinned broadly. "You insisted on continuing to work here, so do your job."
Isaac shot him a murderous glare over his shoulder.
Noctis only answered him with a blown kiss.
"See you later, darling."
"Idiot," Isaac muttered, just loud enough for himself, as he heard the customer call out.
When he returned to the changing room a few minutes later after finishing service, Noctis was gone.
Of course.
Isaac reached for his phone — and sure enough, a new message was already waiting for him.
I'm making myself comfortable in your bed. See you later! <3
Isaac stared at the screen for a moment.
Then he sighed deeply — and couldn't quite suppress the small, telltale smile.
___
Isaac tightened the gloves and flexed his fingers experimentally to check the fit. The leather sat snugly without constricting — just right.
Two days had passed since their conversation, and aside from the finger he'd had to reset himself, he was doing surprisingly well. The bruises from the blows he'd taken thanks to Nico and his idiotic companion still throbbed dully, but Isaac was practiced at tuning out that kind of pain.
Benedict hadn't contacted him about dinner, and Isaac had been so busy that he wouldn't have had time anyway.
The reason for his lack of time stood in front of him, warming up at ease.
"Don't think I'll go easy on you just because we've got something going on now," he said, addressing Noctis.
"Aaaaw, not even a little?" Noctis complained in mock disappointment.
The corners of Isaac's mouth lifted into a challenging smile. "We can fight with knives instead, if you prefer."
Noctis tilted his head slightly, his golden eyes flashing with interest. "You sure? As you know, I'm better with a knife than you are."
"Why not?" Isaac shrugged one shoulder. "I know you won't accidentally cut off anything important."
A slow, dangerous grin spread across Noctis's face.
"Your trust in me really makes me happy, darling." He rolled his shoulders loosely. "But maybe we should warm up properly first, don't you think?"
Without further warning, he lunged forward.
Isaac reacted at the last second. He slipped sideways, caught Noctis's arm in passing, and cleanly redirected the attack. There was no time for a counterkick — Noctis had already retreated back to distance.
Isaac immediately reset his stance.
"You're really slipping, darling~," Noctis remarked disapprovingly. "You used to be faster."
"Shut up," Isaac hissed and went on the offensive himself.
Several quick punches followed in a clean combination. Noctis blocked every single one with irritating ease. On the last strike, he used the minimal opening for a counter.
Isaac's focus narrowed instantly. He read the movement, intercepted the attack, and jumped a step back. Deep in his knees, he twisted his hips — then his leg snapped forward in a half-turn.
The kick aimed cleanly for Noctis's stomach.
Noctis blocked.
Of course he did.
"Are you mad?" he asked almost casually.
Isaac wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. "You talk too much."
With a few smooth steps, Noctis was back within his reach. For a moment, his golden eyes seemed unpleasantly penetrating, as if they could see straight into the deepest corners of Isaac's thoughts.
Then, completely unbothered, he brushed his fingers over Isaac's cheek.
"And you look damn sexy when you sweat."
"Focus!" Isaac growled irritably, knocking his hand away. "I thought you were taking this seriously."
The answer came in a flash.
In the next moment, the ground was swept from under his feet. Isaac lost his balance and hit the training mat with a dull thud. The air rushed out of him in a short burst.
Noctis was immediately over him, his weight carefully supported, his grin dangerously self-satisfied.
"I am focusing," he said calmly. "I'm paying very close attention to where I hit you."
His voice dropped a tone lower.
"After all, I still have one or two things planned for you later."
Isaac's heart involuntarily began to beat faster — and that annoyed him almost more than the clean takedown.
He braced his hands against Noctis's shoulder.
Images of what they had already done together flashed through Isaac's mind. Heat rushed through him in an instant. He could all too well imagine what would be waiting for him after their sparring.
That didn't mean he was going to hand Noctis the upper hand without a fight.
With a quick shift of weight, Isaac seized the moment. He twisted out of the unfavorable position, threw Noctis off balance, and cleanly swept him off his feet. A heartbeat later, their roles were reversed.
Now it was Isaac who loomed over Noctis.
His breathing was already a little heavier, sweat clearly beading at his temples. Fighting was second nature to him, and he didn't lack stamina — but his greatest strength had always been his speed. Speed… and his portals, which his opponents knew nothing about.
He had always wished he could do more than just that; however, he could only magically alter things that had already taken shape.
Suddenly, a hand settled on his backside and slid over it without shame.
Isaac froze.
"What are you doing?!" he snapped indignantly.
Noctis looked up at him with feigned innocence.
"You were distracted," he said calmly. "Besides, I simply couldn't resist the view."
"Idiot!"
Noctis laughed softly, warm and unmistakably far too pleased with himself.
"Okay, okay. Now I'm getting serious." His eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you ready?"
Finally…
Isaac's gaze sharpened. Slowly, he leaned down toward Noctis, deliberately taking his time. His fingers brushed almost casually over Noctis's cheek before he brought his mouth close to his ear.
Then he gently bit the earlobe.
A little revenge was only fair.
"Show me," Isaac breathed.
He straightened again — and only now noticed that Noctis hadn't moved a single millimeter. His cheeks were slightly flushed. His expression surprised. For a fraction of a second, he actually looked… flustered.
Isaac blinked.
Had he really just caught him completely off guard?
A warm, triumphant pride spread through his chest. It felt damn good to see Noctis like this for once — instead of always being the one getting thrown off balance himself.
"Damn it, Isaac," Noctis finally growled quietly. "Right when I was about to get serious."
The desire in his voice was hard to miss, and Isaac savored every single moment of his current position.
"Stick to your promise," he grinned, looking down at him.
Noctis dragged a hand over his face and let out an audibly frustrated sound. For a moment, he actually seemed torn.
"Brace yourself for what happens when we're done here."
"I don't intend to let you win," Isaac replied calmly. He stood up and stepped back into starting position. "And I don't intend to just let you do whatever you want later, either."
Noctis stared at him for a moment. Then a soft, disbelieving laugh escaped him.
"You're killing me. How am I supposed to concentrate now?"
Isaac couldn't suppress a brief, bright laugh.
"I'm pretty sure you've survived far worse situations." His gaze turned challenging. "Try your best. Maybe there'll even be a reward waiting for you at the end."
Noctis exhaled slowly.
Then that familiar, dangerously amused grin returned to his face.
"Now that," he said calmly, settling back into his fighting stance, "is something worth looking forward to."
With a leap, Noctis was back on him, and for the next few hours they were busy attacking each other, throwing one another to the ground, and dodging the other's strikes.
At some point, they switched to knives without a word.
Isaac's concentration was razor-sharp. Not once did he get hit by the blade. The longer they fought, the more fluid his muscles seemed to become. He was exhausted, and yet he maintained his agility.
Only when Noctis hurled his knife at him and Isaac dodged at the last second did he realize how drained he was after the intense sparring.
Noctis had kept his word and hadn't gone easy on him. At times, Isaac had felt like he was back in all those tight situations with the cops during his heists. He would have liked to train with a pistol as well, but he couldn't go on. He let Noctis sweep his legs out from under him and gratefully dropped onto the mat.
The next moment, he felt cold metal at his throat.
"Looks like I won," Noctis panted triumphantly above him.
The corners of Isaac's mouth twitched. "Sure?"
His gaze drifted downward meaningfully.
Noctis's eyes followed — and widened slightly.
Isaac's blade rested dangerously close to a very sensitive spot between Noctis's legs.
Noctis swallowed. "When did you…?"
A narrow, exhausted grin appeared on Isaac's face. "I took a page out of your book, you damn bastard."
For a moment, there was silence. Then Noctis exhaled slowly.
"Okay, okay. Let's call it a draw."
"Works for me."
Almost in sync, they withdrew their knives.
Isaac's breathing was fast; he was completely soaked with sweat, and although his heart was pounding as if it might explode and his chest was rising and falling far too quickly, he felt strangely damn good.
The past few weeks had been nothing but chaos.
Just being able to burn off energy for once without immediately being in mortal danger had been more than pleasant. Noctis dropped down onto the mat beside him. He was just as worn out as Isaac. Isaac was glad that Noctis had set up a dedicated fitness and sparring room in his apartment.
That way, they hadn't needed to train outside or make a special trip to the boss's estate. As long as he had no results to show yet, Isaac preferred not to face those looks.
"Man, I'm wiped," Noctis groaned beside him, running a hand through his sweat-damp hair. "Your stamina is seriously something."
He turned his head slightly toward Isaac.
"You're definitely one of the people I don't want to fight seriously — completely aside from the fact that I'm rather fond of you."
Isaac turned his head toward him, still catching his breath.
"Same here," he admitted. A faint, honest smile crossed his face. "I think I'd be full of holes by now if you had actually gone all out."
Noctis grinned. "I like the sound of holes." His provocative gaze found Isaac's. "How about we take a shower? Together, of course. There's still that one thing I wanted to show you — can't get it out of my head."
He pushed himself up so that he was half over Isaac. "What do you think, darling?"
Isaac felt his pulse pick up again involuntarily. Truthfully, there was more than one thing he himself would like to try.
"A shower does sound very tempting," he replied with a slight smile.
Noctis brushed the damp strands of hair from his forehead, almost unusually gentle. Then he leaned in, and their lips met.
For a moment, Isaac forgot everything around him.
Once again, Isaac wondered why he hadn't let Noctis get close to him sooner. It still felt like a dream he didn't want to wake up from.
What did I ever do to deserve you?
Isaac's thoughts slowly began to drift. All he wanted was to be close to Noctis when suddenly his phone made itself loudly known. Isaac let out an annoyed groan.
"I'll— hang on, let me take this," he said quietly.
Why did someone have to interrupt at exactly this moment?
"Turn the sound off and throw it out the window," Noctis suggested dryly as he slowly kissed his way down Isaac's neck.
"Not helpful," Isaac replied curtly.
He pushed Noctis away and reached for his phone, which lay at the edge of the mat. Noctis's arms wrapped around Isaac's waist, touching him in places that were absolutely not helpful. Isaac looked at the display with growing impatience. He had expected a call from the boss — but it was only Noah.
"What does the shrimp want?" Noctis asked disinterestedly.
His hand slid under Isaac's completely sweat-soaked shirt.
Isaac cursed. "Shit, the meeting was today."
"What meeting?"
Noctis made no move to stop. Isaac promptly smacked his hand.
"Ow."
"Stop it. Let me talk to him for a second," he scolded and accepted the call. "Noah? What's up?"
Beside him, Noctis smirked audibly.
"Hey Isaac!" Noah's cheerful voice rang out. "About when will you be here?"
Isaac exhaled quietly. "I still need to shower and then I'll come. I was just training with Noctis until now."
"Noctis? Is he coming too, by any chance?" Noah asked excitedly.
"Didn't you just want to discuss the next job?"
"Uh… yeah — that too," Noah said quickly. He was clearly dodging. "I mean, we've really got a lot to discuss, and Noctis probably has some good ideas as well."
Isaac knew that tone.
Noah definitely wasn't planning only to strategize. But Isaac should go for the planning alone. Before he could say anything, Noctis leaned closer to the phone.
"It would be my pleasure to attend," he said loudly enough for Noah to hear him easily.
"Really?! Nice!" Noah cheered. "Then see you in a bit! I hope you're hungry!"
And just like that, the line went dead. Isaac stared at his phone for a moment.
"That little brat definitely has more than planning in mind," Isaac growled.
Noctis immediately took advantage of the moment and pressed a warm kiss to the back of Isaac's neck.
"Let's get it over with quickly and then come back here. Or to your apartment, whichever you prefer," he said.
His voice vibrated against Isaac's skin, sending a pleasant shiver through him. Isaac briefly closed his eyes. He had no desire for the meeting with the others, but it was important, and Ashe would surely have one or two interesting pieces of information for them again. He had to go.
With a soft, resigned sigh, Isaac let his head fall back briefly.
He had definitely imagined the evening differently.
"Sounds good," he murmured at last. "The faster, the better."