Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Their usual joyful banter was interrupted with more harshly spoken - “Why are you here?” as Sushi snapped at Pascal - “You don't smoke.”

The wooden stairs to the cabin were narrow, only Daniel chose to sit there and then the smallest of them wiggled his thin ass next to him. He was looking up now squinting against the sun as he questioned the guitarist.

Pascal's cheeks instantly flamed. No one really needed to solve the puzzle why Pascal chose to inhale their nicotine. It was one of those things everyone knew yet no one voiced.

Before Kevin could come up with some lighthearted joke to shift the mood it was David who spoke up - “What are YOU doing here?” He used the similar tone as he switched the question back at Sushi. The smirk on his lips showed he's not angry – but the same time there was a challenge in his tone. “When you smoke you stop growing, you better watch out, you know.”

Daniel's eyes twinkled as he observed the exchange without a word.

Eventually after few seconds of heavy silence Sushi took another drag of his cigarette and flicked the butt of it under David's legs. The drummer didn't comment but crushed it under his boot. “If only Dan didn't insist we needed to smoke outdoors.” Sushi huffed but stopped with personal attacks at least. Dan's rules were not to be argued with.

“Stop complaining or you'll bring rain on us and then you'll really be sorry to smoke!” Kevin argued. As he finished his cigarette as well he pulled the smaller one up and followed the movement to capture Sushi in a gentle headlock. Playful cat-fight ensued. There was nothing as soothing for the little singer as some minor violence.

It's been second day of their stay here at the writing retreat. Dan made sure they get work done on their album but otherwise they were allowed to have fun, go swimming in the nearby lake or pick up girls in the local bar.

David and Pascal were making feigned bets on the feigned fight between Sushi and Kevin. Daniel left the noise behind him as he closed the door. He had to wait for his eyes to adjust to the dim interior. He didn't hurry, went for a beer from the fridge. “I like David.” He spoke and moved to sit by Dan on the couch. The guitarist was still working - the laptop placed precariously on his knees and focused gaze glued to the screen. “You say so because you fucked him.” He was given a matter-of-fact answer.

“You are biased because you didn't” Daniel replied. Dan moved his eyes and looked at him with that deadpan glare that could make others shiver – not him. He chuckled and added to his previous statement - “I'm just saying – he's a good dude. And he volunteered to sleep with Sushi during our stay!” Again, Dan offered an indifferent shrug at that - “We all have our fetishes.”

Daniel considered for a while before he spoke but not before looking to the door, in case his words would be heard by more than just them two. “I think he's looking out for Pascal.”

Dan's posture changed, the shape of his shoulders softened and there was a hint of guilt behind the glasses as he muttered, “...oh.”

The door opened at that and Pascal walked in as the first, the others right behind him. “Let's do the rest of the work for today and then we can go for some food, huh? I'm starving!” He was grinning widely. The blush on his face was probably already the first hint of tan on his pale skin.

“Sure.” Dan replied and waited for the rest to sit down so they can continue on the songs they have already started writing.

* * *

They got to work successfully over the next days despite the perfect weather outside. Dan was pleased with their effort and how Sushi managed to not turn the rented cabin into a wreck during the first part of their stay. There was still few more days to go through and with the skies turning cloudy he began to worry. Restless Sushi was usually just a prelude to something happening. And that rarely was something they could be happy about.

With how Daniel had brought his attention to Sushi's moods and how they could affect the band's members Dan made sure to consider the activities with that in regard. And when the board games and playstation wouldn't suffice to sate his need for excitement they had to move the party to the bar.

“Here.” David put down the tray where he carried the round of beers and a coke for Dan. He dropped off also a packet of salted peanuts for the guitarist, which Dan welcomed with a discreet hum of approval. “Ah, Pasl, go get a straw for Dan, he'll spill his drink otherwise.” The drummer threw the words off hand and instinctively Pascal got up to act on the request. Dan looked up frowning but then his eyes followed to the bar where Kevin was chatting up the pretty bartender.

“You're just a big softie.” Dan murmured low to reach only the drummer's ears.

David sat back comfortably as they watched Daniel amusing Sushi with a game of darts. “Maybe.” He replied. “What's wrong with that?”

Pascal joined Kevin by the bar and was given full attention. The bartender became only a person to deliver the drinks.

Dan had no good answer. He focused silently on the snack he was given.

* * *

It was much later in the evening and most of them were tipsy in varying degree. The warmth of the room and the ingested beer lulled David who was sitting in the corner with his arms crossed. He seemed to have closed his eyes just seconds before but so far no louder noise was able to shake him out of his slumber.

Daniel and Dan were chatting loosely about the game the guitarist wanted to play based on reviews he had found online.

Mildly drunk Kevin and Pascal got stuck playing pool across the bar and it looked they could spend their whole night like this. Kevin had to demonstrate how to hold the stick properly – of course. So he leaned over the thin figure whispering sweet nothings in Pascal's ear, bringing new waves of blush over the ones already there caused by the alcohol.

But all of the above meant there was no one paying attention to the bored gremlin.

“Get a room!” Sushi hollered. Still it wasn't enough to wake up David by his side.

Dan's glare moved to the singer. “Let them be.” He grumbled.

Maybe if he wasn't already tired and now annoyed he wouldn't react so dryly. Maybe if Sushi wasn't drunk he wouldn't have followed on the thought passing his brain.

“You think you're in charge here? You control everything, huh?” He sneered. “You didn't even know it was me who made David eat your precious candies, you freak.” He blabbed out.

Dan had no idea if he managed to school his features into his usual neutral expression fast enough. There was a second where the revelation caught him off guard and he could only hope the drunken state would keep Sushi from noticing. “I know perfectly well, thank you.” Dan sneered back. Well, now he knew, it nearly wasn't a lie.

He kept his eyes from shifting to the drummer, that would surely show how surprised he has been just a second back. Daniel must have read his mind as he stepped in to difuse the bomb before it blows. “Sushi, baby, you're sleepy, want to go back? I'll read you your bedtime story, how about that?” The offer was ridiculous just on that level that broke the mood and Sushi cackled, “Bedtime fuck more likely!” The eyes under the unruly mop of hair already darkened with ideas on what he could do with the bassist.

Dan used the opportunity to leave the lounge and go get the two lovebirds by the pool table. The gears in his brain already started to turn. He needed to deliver some sort of justice and avenge David.

He didn't know yet how or when. But something needed to be done.

Chapter Text

As they left the bar colder humid air wrapped around them. At least the rain has stopped. It made the summer night smell fresh and clear. Dan inhaled and wondered if the rest could even pick that out given how alcohol was surely muffling their senses.

Kevin had his arm wrapped around David's shoulders. It was hard to say which of the two needed the support more. The blond was yawning wildly after his nap has been disturbed. The brunet was gently swaying on his legs. Maybe he has been nearly laying on Pascal over the pool table because he was so drunk – not only horny.

“No, not the car.” Dan ordered before the group could direct to the car park. “Have a walk, I won't let you barf in my car!”

The cabin they were renting wasn't extremely far away. They could have walked to the bar earlier but naively Dan figured it will be easier to transport the intoxicated friends back if he had the vehicle. Now he realized the faults in his way of thinking. Only moving farther than across the bar they showed the state they were in. Only Daniel was holding straight although that could have just been his willpower.

“I'll come with you, shut up.” He held out a hand before Sushi's face before the singer could start complaining.

“Awh, you need to make sure we won't get lost on the way!” Drunk Pascal was in giggly cuddly mood, now his arms draped over Dan's waist, as he leaned on the friend heavily.

On nights like this he wondered why he wasn't paid more given the babysitting he was forced to partake in. At least Daniel took care of Sushi, following on his promises of sex when they get back.

Paired up like that they began waddling along the road.

And it was going fairly well for a little bit. But when they passed the few buildings along the way and reached the view of the lake Kevin threw his hands in the air. “I'm hot!” He announced as he took the path to the water. Before Dan could react Pascal tore away from him with excited “Yes you are!” shouted after the screamer as he followed.

“Fuck.” Dan grumbled but with those two already on their merry way it made no sense to leave the others to catch the strays. He already knew by the time he caught Kevin and Pascal he would come back to find the rest gone somewhere else.

He caught on David's arm and led him to follow the two. He looked back but saw that Daniel was coming with Sushi as well.

“Kevin, stop for fucks' sake!” He yelled ahead but was sure that it was futile.

It wasn't helpful either how his imagination ran wild and brought up the visions of one of them tripping in the darkness or drowning, because of course – on the shore Kevin and Pascal were dropping their clothes like they were on fire and by the time Dan opened his mouth they both ran into the water. “F...” He held back the word. No need to say it for the millionth time. He wrapped his hands over his head helplessly as his eyes adjusted to the darkness and picked up the pale shapes getting to the depth. In case the giggles mixed with hissing at the cold wasn't any indication on what was happening away from the shore.

“I want too!” David decided and then Sushi figured he won't stay dry on land when his friends are having the time of their lives skinny dipping.

“We won't come out unless all of you come swim!” Pascal's voice carried over the water.

Daniel came up to Dan's side. Then the cogs in Dan's brain clicked. He grabbed by Daniel's arm and leaned in. In the darkness sounds were traveling differently, he needed to be cautious. He prayed to anyone listening the other is sober enough to help.

His words spoken to the bassist's ear drowned in the noise of David entering the lake and cursing all the versions of “kurwa” his brain supplied from his memory. Well, if nothing else that probably woke him up, Dan thought.

Both Daniels entered the lake as well. The guitarist managed to focus on his plan so he barely noticed how cold the water was. He only hoped Daniel will deliver on his part.

The bassist swam to the commotion ahead and found the smaller frame of Sushi. He managed to separate him from the rest enough, so the words directed this way would reach only him - “Let's have a sex fest at the pier? Under the stars? Swim first, I'll get the rest of them.” He said quickly not allowing too much time for doubts. But this was an option of promiscuity, there was no chance Sushi would refuse. As predicted he agreed eagerly and in the fickle nightly glow located the right spot where he needed to swim to.

Daniel turned around and found the rest of the band. Three of them. Dan already was on the shore, getting dressed hastily.

By the time the other four were dressed the car was already waiting for them by the road. The five of them drove away. With Sushi's clothes.

* * *

“What the fuck, dude?” David was sitting on the passenger's seat. He didn't mind the prank but it came out of nowhere and from Dan? It was all very strange.

“Sushi blabbed that it was him who told you to get my candies. Remember? The reason why I hated you for the past while?” He gave an explanation and the smile on David's face was gone. Dan will need to ask for more details on that, he made a mental note. With the fallen silence he checked the back mirror and saw Pascal covered with Kevin's jacket over his bare shoulders. He was leaning against the screamer. Surely some of their own clothes they just grabbed in a hurry. As long as they made sure to pick up Sushi's as well.

By car they were at the cabin in few minutes. Sushi would need much more than that after he figures out he has been left alone and naked in the middle of the town. At least it was night. Dan had some second thoughts but they needed to wait.

As the car stopped Daniel fell out from the backseat and rushed to the bush by the edge of the property. “Oh.” Dan observed the movement and sighed relieved that at least the bassist waited to keep the car clean. His bent back and shudders running over his frame didn't need more explanation.

“Well, come on. We are due some hot shower.” He patted David's shoulder and turned to the back.

“We will stay back for a moment.” Kevin said quietly. His arm held over Pascal's shoulder.

Dan hesitated as he looked at the peaceful ginger. “Don't fall asleep here, okay? The night will turn only colder and you just got out of water. We don't need any of you getting pneumonia.” He took another second before he added. “And you don't want to be on Sushi's path as he comes back.” The prank was his idea, he should be the one who has to deal with consequences.

He got out and checked on Daniel. “I'm allergic to skinny dipping.” The bassist said as he stepped back to the path leading to the door. David patted his back amiably.

“Go take that shower, I need some coke the stomach.” Daniel offered as they walked in. He didn't even pay attention to the other two but directed straight to the kitchen area.

At that Dan caught on David's wrist and led him to the bathroom.

The drummer didn't oppose. But it was clear he's lost after the treatment he has been given so far. Dan stopped the moment they locked the door behind them. “I'm sorry. It was unfair. But you didn't tell me about Sushi either.”

David's lips quirked in a lopsided smirk. The apologies were sound yet they made him feel guilty the same time. Dan needed to be on top of all the situations as it seemed. “Well, you didn't treat Kevin badly either even if he forgot to warn me about the whole forbidden sweets thing.” He mentioned but then shrugged. “It's never a good idea to start as a snitch. If Sushi continued to bully me I'd probably react. You weren't openly hostile either. I managed.”

Dan hesitated. “You want me to be much less hostile now? Or you want me to leave?”

The chemistry between them was far from the usual he had with the other band members. And he needed to start this once more by setting the things right.

David took his time figuring out his answer. He took a step closer and again smirked, “I hoped you could be sexy hostile some day.”

Dan closed the distance instantly smashing his lips against the other's. With the momentum David's back pressed against the bathroom door, air leaving his lungs in a stupefied huff that got muffled by the kiss.

Whatever uncertainty was there between them a second back now was taken over by the instinct. Their hands clawed at the clothes – neither able to get rid of them fast enough. Already Dan's hands were tracing David's bare muscles, the guitarist fingers taking in the shapes, learning of the hollows and pressure points. His own mouth crooked in a proud grin as David broke off their kiss to utter a whimper.

“You wanted something?” Dan husked amused.

This looked like their last time when he was pressing David to the wall and toyed with him. Only this time he wasn't trying to be mean about it. Well, at least not too much.

“Fuck me.” David gasped and blushed at how needy he sounded. All of his usual smugness was gone now. He figured he could go one step further then, “Fuck me for all the weeks you kept me away.”

Dan's eyes darkened at that. Oh, he needed to do just that. And then some more. His mouth reached for David's jaw as he nibbled on it, his hands dragging drummer's sweatpants down the same time. He reveled in the sounds David was making, even if they barely started anything.

“You want me to do all the bad things to you, huh? Fulfill every wet dream you had?” Dan's hot breath ghosted against David's neck and the drummer's knees nearly gave up. Those had to be some dreams, Dan grinned to himself as he stepped back and patted David's thigh lightly. “Dirty boy, get in the shower!” He laughed and then his amusement grew even more seeing how the haze in David's eyes slowly disperses, he needed few long seconds to understand what was happening. He probably forgot they came to the bathroom for any other purpose than to fuck.

“Come on, I don't want to wake up next to you having a fever from the crazy night swimming.” He repeated the invitation as he undressed himself and waited for David to catch up.

The cabin made them stand close. The narrow space quickly warmed up from the hot stream and their bodies pressed against each other. Although Dan was fairly methodical with soaping up David's muscles. He liked the way his hands glided over the broad shoulders. The drummer paid back the gesture and his palms were smoothing out the colorful tattoos on the skin of the other. They were doing fine with the task – focused on warming up and washing off the dirt and whatever was in the lake.

They were doing fine. Until David's hands slid to Dan's ass and without thinking the drummer crouched to soap up the guitarist's legs. Yes. Maybe that was the plan but before he could do that his mouth closed around Dan's cock and sucked him to full hardness quickly. Dan pressed his back against the tiles, propped his hand against the wall, making sure he is steady. He knew this wasn't exactly safe but it was too hard to resign from the wet heat of David's throat.

“Fuck...” He cursed as his hips bucked instinctively. Everything about this evening and now about David's perfect body told him he would come too fast. He needed to …

Inked fingers weaved in the blond strands and pulled tightly but careful not to cause pain to the scalp. “Fuck, David...” He didn't have to explain. The way his cock looked, veined and hard showed everything needed to know.

David smirked at that. “Yeah, I think I have a better idea.”

They didn't bother putting clothes back on. Dirtied from their recent lake activities they were going into the laundry anyway. And it's not like Daniel could see something surprising with their nudity.

“Yeah, I'll handle Sushi when he comes.” The bassist sighed not even looking up from his phone. Before the two left for the bedroom he said, “You owe me for that, each of you two better make it up to me, okay?” Dan passing behind the couch ran his fingers through Daniel's dark hair lightly. It had to suffice for the answer as the pair was in a hurry. “Have fun!” Daniel added before the door closed behind them.

He barely managed to focus on scrolling again before the door to the cabin opened. Daniel tensed up initially sure that would be Sushi but it was too early for that. Kevin and Pascal walked in already coming down from their alcohol high, now tired and crumpled. “The shower is unoccupied, get in before Sushi comes.” Daniel said to them and received a grateful nod in return.

In the bathroom the two discarded their clothes carelessly to the floor adding to the previous pile and got into the cabin together. Wasn't the first time. Pascal hoped it won't be the last. That was the fear that came along each short moment when he managed to draw Kevin's frantic focus to himself.

For now his thoughts fogged up like the bathroom – whole his limited world filled with the warmth of the water and the touch holding him close, soaping up his body and peppering with soft kisses. He tilted his head up and linked Kevin's mouth with his own. The taller one had to brush his lips over his soaped up skin before as now Pascal could feel it spread out on his own tongue. The taste was foul but he reveled in it, deepening the kiss, never having enough. Still there was probably enough alcohol left in his system as he eventually pulled away chuckling.

There was no laughter coming back from Kevin's side. His big palms kept sliding over the guitarist's wiry muscles, running over the thin ribs, caressing the colors on the tattoos.

At least they were all sane enough to not risk having shower sex, Daniel thought as the two fell out of the bathroom – again a pair clearly in a big hurry. “No worries, I'll handle Sushi when he comes!” He spoke and Pascal took the few seconds for a detour and leaned over the couch's back to press a kiss to his cheek. “You are a saint!” The guitarist declared.

“You two better make it up to me, each of you, right?” Daniel risked and grinned hearing agreement threw carelessly by them on their way to the second bedroom. Maybe in the end he would be the one who gained the most out of this whole mess. That thought made the process of waiting for Sushi much more pleasant. He turned up the volume in his earphones to drown out the noises coming from behind the two doors.

* * *

Too focused on their shared pleasure David and Dan didn't pay any attention to the sounds coming from the other room. Only as they both fell on their backs, staring up at the ceiling and calming down their breaths they heard Pascal's desperate cry cutting through the night. They had no doubts he just collapsed into Kevin's sweaty embrace.

The silence lasted few more moments before Dan chose to break it.

“You know...” He weighted the words on his tongue. There was a reason why none of them spoke about it. Even if worried they really weren't in the right to take a stance on someone else's decisions. Still, David has been interfering. “No matter how much you poke Kevin into Pascal's arms, you won't be the reason he picks him for good.” His voice was barely audible in the silence that fell over them. No sounds were coming in from the other room either. “Kevin would have to make that call on his own.”

David chewed on the subject for a while. “Yeah, I know.” He sighed eventually.

Dan was sleepy and tired after the events of the day. His brain didn't filter out the sentence before it left his mouth - “You'd do better if you made it harder for Kevin, so he has to work to get the prize...”

The seed was planted in David's mind but neither of them could really follow on that. All four of the lovers were sound asleep by the time the door to the cabin opened once more.

* * *

Dan almost felt terrified to leave the bed in the morning. David's presence helped. The guitarist had no idea how he managed to live without the reassuring smile directed at him from the drummer. He missed out on this for too long even if it was only few weeks since his enmity for David had started.

“What if he didn't come back?” He mused laying on his side. Now with the new day outside the window their nightly ideas didn't seem so wise. So many things could have happened to the drunk men. The strong palm ran over his shoulder and instantly dissolved the tension there. “Daniel would be worried as well and he would come to tell us about it.” David gave a logical answer. “We won't know until we check, come on. I'm there with you. And I'm hungry.”

Sushi was not only alive but in a good mood as he was sitting by the breakfast table.

“Daniel, do you want more coffee?” The smaller singer got up to the coffee machine. All the other four looked up from their plates to stare at the bassist in disbelief. The one in question blushed but managed to answer - “Nah, thanks.”

Kevin shook his head but said nothing. Clearly something happened last night and they were too scared to ask for details. A new level of respect was found for Daniel though without them speaking about it - the shared glances over the table showed.

“Dan, I wanted to work with you on the guitar line for the song after the breakfast?” Sushi directed his words to the lead guitarist and nearly made him choke on the mouthful he was swallowing. “You know, I had an idea and maybe you can figure it out.” The smaller one added lightly like he didn't notice how everyone watched him. His proposition made sense, he was a guitarist too, even if he chose to sing in the band currently.

The silence over the table was too long and quickly became awkward. Eventually Sushi snapped at the other four. “You don't have to stay. Go and rot in the sun for all I care.” His unusual politeness was gone.

Dan saw Daniel nodding at him from across the table and then transferred the movement as an answer to the singer. “Yeah, sure.” He was surprised how neutral he managed to make his voice sound.

“I'll join, if that's okay?” Pascal offered sensing that Dan feared this was some complicated ploy. “In case you need a third opinion?” There was the shy tone in his voice, based in how he was unsure what Sushi's behavior meant.