For his birthday this year, Kieran was proud of what he’d done for Jack, he’d spent nearly every day in the city with two specialists to get exactly what he needed. Luckily he’d done it without the Professors knowledge, lest he be angry about it. Instead of staying behind this time, he chose to plan an evening out with Jack. Nothing too special, an evening at a restaurant and a moving picture, but it was something Jack had never done and Kieran neither.
He’d secured one of the vehicles for the night and by early evening they were on their way into town. After parking Kieran looked over at Jack in the passenger's seat and offered a warm smile. “I hope yer ready for the best birthday ye’ve ever had.” He remarked, giving Jacks neck a quick pet before getting out of the car. Grabbing his wheelchair from the car, Kieran helped Jack into it and began to roll him into the restaurant.
Since his mother had passed, Jack hadn’t really been big on his birthday. Not that he didn’t like to celebrate it, he just never did anything big. A small cake during chow maybe, but he never stressed about it. But when Kieran made plans, he felt a small sense of joy. He was excited to see what the night would bring, if not a little nervous about leaving Zion of course.
As they came up to the restaurant, he couldn’t help but feel a few of the stares upon them. He had dressed nice, but still looked a little out of time as his nice clothes were from the 1910s. Jack tried to tell himself that the looks were for that, not his chair. “Well I ain’t ever gonna say no to a nice supper.” He chuckled.
He could see the anxiousness written on Jack's face and he kneeled before him before they went inside. “If ye want to go home at any time, ye let me know, yeah?” Kieran was always conscious of Jack's comfort level, especially when it had to do with the pain level he was experiencing. He gave his shoulder a quick pat before wheeling him inside the restaurant. Telling them the name so the reservation was a bit of struggle because of Kieran’s accent but as soon as Jack repeated what he’d said they were being sat, waters offered to the table.
The restaurant was nice, steaks and lobsters, cocktails and cigars everywhere. He looked over the menu and smiled. They had scotch on the drink menu and a shepherds pie that sounded like the kind he’d made back home, many many years ago.
“I’m fine.” And he would be. Even if it meant ignoring the looks of pity or guilt, those looks that carried the subtext of “why don’t you just stay at home?”, Jack would do it to enjoy his night with his thoughtful lover.
Once they ordered, Jack choosing something called chicken cordon bleu that sounded good and worth a try, the Magi smiled at Kieran. “You know y’din have t’do all this. I woulda been good with jus a beer an’ slice a’pie.” Though the waiter did recommend a wine to pair with his meal and he’d agreed, curious what he meant by ‘paired’.
As the orders were taken he thanked the waiter and returned his attention back to Jack. “Yer right, I don’t have to, but I want to, because ye deserve this and more.” Kieran had seen the potential in Jack since he was a young boy and he’d grown into something even Kieran couldn’t have predicted. Great things were in store for Jack and Kieran felt it was necessary to help grow that potential.
“I have something for ye.” He said as he grabbed a bag he’d brought inside with them and placed it on the table before Jack. Inside were typed copies with artistic renderings of the books that Professor Blackstone had loaned him. He’d spent the better part of two weeks going to and from town to complete it and he’d barely had it finished in time.
“Happy birthday.”
Jack gave Kieran a look that showed his thanks and how he felt he didn’t need a gift. He pulled the bag onto his lap and opened it, pulling out the books. “What did you-” He looked at the books and smiled. Having to learn how to use his magics differently were a bit of a strain and having Kieran there, wanting to help meant a lot to him. “Kieran, they’re beautiful.” He carefully looked randomly through one of the books before placing it back in the bag. “Thank you, never got a gift like this b’fore.” Most people defaulted to art supplies- which he always adored. But the change and meaning behind it showed him that Kieran was supporting him through this and letting him fix what he’d broken. And that was the real gift.
He almost reached across the table to take Kieran’s hand. Their time in 2020 and how normal things felt in Zion had made him a bit more comfortable in showing the occasional bit of affection in public (even though on principle he preferred to keep it private). But they weren’t in 2020 anymore, or in Zion. The move had started and he quickly pulled it back and set the bag down next to his chair. “Sorry.” He whispered, glancing around cautiously to the tables around them.
Kieran was aware they weren’t at Zion, nor were they in 2020 where men showing affection to other men was more acceptable. His eyes softened at Jacks apology and shook his head. “Don’t ye worry about it. What we have is no one else’s business.” He didn’t like that Jack felt ashamed but Kieran understood just the kind of times they were in.
It was then that Kieran decided to shift the conversation. “How is yer training coming along?” He asked, taking a sip of his scotch as it came to him. He offered a thanks to the waiter before he returned his gaze to await Jacks answer.
Less about shame and more about not wanting to be judged- or worse. He heard tale of men getting killed for not being normal back home. He had no way of knowing if things were the same where they were currently. “I- it’s goin’ well. Not as much fun as th’other day.” It had taken a long time for Jack’s wings to go back in after their experimentations. He’d never felt power like that before. It had been almost frightening. But he knew that power, that control is what he’d need to help them get home. “I think I’ll be able t’do it… really bring us all home.” He said hopefully.
He couldn’t say that he didn’t worry, because he still did but every good relationship, romantic or not, required some compromise and Kieran had far too long left on this world to let something so silly hold him back. “I believe in ye, Jack, I’ve seen what yer capable of and it’s only getting better.”
When their food came he smiled as the aroma hit his nose. Instantly he felt like he was in Scotland, sharing a meal with his brothers in arms. He immediately took a bite and was not disappointed. “Professor Blackstone said that if ye spend enough time practicing that ye should be able to do it safely.” That was first and foremost his main concern.
“With you there with me… I know I can.” Jack smirked as he ate. Their meal went mostly in silence as each man enjoyed their meal.
It was something he’d never really done before. Most of Jack’s life had been spent in Zion. Sure, he’d gone into towns on occasion, but it was rare. He was more inclined to have someone just pick something up for him. If he did leave Zion it tended to be somewhere he could paint or draw, not to shop or eat. So, it was a pretty new experience for the man. As he finished his chicken, he placed his fork down and wiped his mouth with the cloth napkin. “Don’t tell Ms. Delia, but that was one a’ the best meals I’ve had.”
He chuckled at that as he pushed his plate forward and waved at the waiter for the check. He’d saved up tonight for Jack to have a good meal and when it came he tried to keep his face neutral as he saw the amount. After he’d paid the bill he stood and began to wheel Jack out of the restaurant. “I won’t say if ye won’t.” He joked as they made their way out of the restaurant. It was pleasing but Kieran wasn’t sure he’d want to do something like that any time soon.
“So, I thought I’d bring ye to a moving picture.” He offered Jack once they were outside near the car. The theater was only a block west from them and they were playing some film called The Breaking Point. “Heard the theaters are dark.” He offered, hoping maybe they could sneak in a cuddle while they were there.
“Really?” Jack laughed as he nodded. “Could be interestin’ t’see where pictures have gotten to.” He said. “Not like I’d know or anythin’.” He’d never been to a movie before. Though anywhere with Kieran he was okay with, especially in the dark- they could at least hold hands then.
As Kieran wheeled him down the block, he caught a few people glancing over and whispering. Jack looked down a moment before he took up the wheels of his chair on his own. “I got it.” He insisted, if people were going to whisper, he didn’t want them to think him an invalid at least. He was quite capable of pushing himself.
He didn’t like that Jack felt stared at, belittled by his own injury. At least in 2020 there were people fighting for their rights in his position, the most he got now was stares. Finally they made it to the theater and Kieran paid for their tickets before holding the door open for Jack. Sadly once they got inside Kieran would have to carry Jack to his seat.
They grabbed a few snacks before they headed in and the smoke in the room lifted up to the rafters of the building. Finally settled he turned to Jack and examined the look on his face. “Anyone who stares at ye is half the man ye will ever be.” It didn’t seem like these words meant much but Kieran truly believed it was true.
Jack shook his head. “It’s okay. It’s just… at Zion there’s less of it.” Or he felt more secure. It was his home, he felt less judged in his home about his disability than he did out in public. Once they were in the theatre he tried to relax a bit. It was easier once the lights went down.
As soon as he felt safe, he reached over and took Kieran’s hand in his own and leaned over to whisper softly. “Thank you.” There weren’t a ton of people in the theatre that day, they had the entire row to themselves. It made it easier to show affection to his lover.
Eventually the movie began and he watched with interest though his fingers played with the hand that Jack had been holding. After a few minutes he looked over at Jack with a smile. There really was nothing that made him happier than to spoil Jack, since he didn’t get it very often. He leaned over and pressed a kiss on his neck, just below the ear while letting his hand gently rest on Jack's abdomen.
There were hardly any people here and besides which it might be a good story to tell later.
He smiled, eyes glancing around a moment and he realized that no one was paying attention to them. There wasn’t anyone right behind them for quite a few rows and even then, they were a few seats over. It was also dark, so who they were couldn’t really be seen. Jack bit his lip before he turned his head to look at Kieran. Eyes bright with happiness as he looked upon the angels face. “Best Birthday Ever.” He whispered before taking a leap and kissing the man. His heart pounded at the idea they could be caught. But…
The idea of being caught. It had always prevented him from doing things. But in that moment, when he was actually doing something that was public and could get him caught… he felt excited. He felt turned on. He didn’t want to get caught- not at all. That was something he dreaded, but the chance… the fact that he was kissing his boyfriend in a public place in a time when it was not socially acceptable and most likely illegal- it was exhilarating.
The kiss was immediately returned as he loosened the tie around Jacks neck, he wanted to kiss the skin there and cause his breath to get heavier. When there was enough room he moved his lips there and let a hand slowly slide down the length of his belly until he could feel Jack beneath his pants. “Only the best for ye.” He replied hot on Jacks collarbone and began to slowly open the buttons on Jacks pants.
“This ain’t the best idea.” He whispered, not moving to stop Kieran as his neck opened slightly and his arm moved around Kieran so he wouldn’t be caught up. “We could get in a lotta trouble.” The excitement wasn’t quite hidden from his voice. “Can’t rightly use my magic in here.” It was way to public and the magic was thinner than at Zion so while he could still cast, it wouldn’t be as easy as it was in the carnival and might be more obvious. Even more than what Kieran was doing at that moment.
Kieran shushed him, planting one more kiss on his lips before his hands slid down the front of Jacks’ trousers. “That’s why we have to keep quiet.” He whispered and grasped at Jacks’ cock, feeling it stir a little in his hand. He knew it took some time for Jack, unless he’d been wearing the ring but Kieran didn’t want it to always have to be like that, he much preferred when Jack was himself.
He let his kisses trail to Jacks neck again, letting Jack be the lookout while Kieran began to warm him up.
He pressed his lips together as he held back a noise at the feeling of Kieran’s hand. Quiet, he could be quiet, sure. His pulse quickened as his cock grew, the added excitement of risk seemed to have an impact on him. His hands pushed on the arms of the seat slightly to push his hips forward just enough to make things easier for Kieran. His hand then moved back around Kieran and rested on the small of his back.
It was quicker than he had anticipated but perhaps the excitement of being so vulnerable had helped him along. Kieran silenced any moans Jack might have with his mouth, keeping the movements slow at first so they didn’t disturb anyone else in the theater.
His hand moved deftly along Jacks’ shaft, feeling the muscles and appendage flex beneath him. He loved feeling the way Jack got all needy in his responses, desperate for Kieran to relieve him. It was a splendid sense of power and he chose to wield it wisely.
His hand moved to hold the back of Kieran’s head, fingers slipping into his hair as they kissed. As things progressed, his head lowered against Kieran’s shoulder where he was able to muffle a moan to silence. Everything seemed to fall away, where were they? There was a movie on? Other people? Really? All Jack saw was Kieran. It wasn’t quick, it never was, but it didn’t last forever either. When it hit him though, Jack’s abs tightened as he bit back a grunt against the angels shirt. His cock throbbed and released seed over the doctor’s hand.
For a moment, he felt like he was in a dream as the light cast on him. It didn’t make any sense, at least until he heard the hushed but gruff voice of the office. “Excuse me, gentlemen… May I have a word?”
The next late morning
Sleep didn’t really happen as the few others that were locked up with them were a bit bigger and Jack didn’t want to risk anything. Kieran sat across the room as that had been the available seat when they arrived and they’d almost had an unspoken conversation that it would be better to stay apart to not aggravate the room. But they were still able to keep an eye on each other and occasionally caught a look that seemed to say they were thinking the same thing and both of them had to fight not to laugh. It wasn’t until close to eleven in the morning that an office came and opened the door and let the two of them out, bail had been paid and they were free to go- for now.
Jack wheeled himself out and as Kieran followed, they both exchanged a look of confusion. As they entered the lobby the tall grey haired man stood, stoic faced and waiting for them. Before either of them could speak, Kristoph turned and exited the building and they followed. “You both missed breakfast.” He stated. “There’s a place on the corner here.” The old man lead them into the diner and they had breakfast. Kristoph didn’t say anything about their arrest, save one comment, “I’d have expected you two to be more careful.”
Once they finished eating, Kristoph lead them to a car- he’d arranged the other to be taken care of- and they headed home. Jack and Kieran sat in the back seat. The magi turned to the angel and arched a brow at him. “You okay?”
Once, during wartime, Kieran and the other soldiers were taken captive by the enemy militia. A small group came into the enemy camps and rescued Kieran and most of the other men. Joy was the mood at home base but Kieran could not but weep for his fallen brothers. The memory came rushing past like it had happened just the other days but there were many years between.
He chuckled a bit at the question since it seemed an impossibly complicated question to answer. “Suppose so, perhaps it makes matters a wee more time sensitive, though, yeah?” If they were to flee arrest then the time jump had to be sooner rather than later. A month's time was their given court date and then, who knew?
“I guess I jus need t’get us home then. Sooner rather than later.” Jack chuckled, laying his head on Kieran’s shoulder. “For t’record.” He said with a smile on his lips. “Still th’best birthday ever.”