Actions

Work Header

Rating:
Archive Warning:
Categories:
Fandom:
Relationships:
Characters:
Language:
English
Stats:
Published:
2023-02-26
Updated:
2023-03-01
Words:
18,786
Chapters:
2/?
Comments:
7
Kudos:
94
Bookmarks:
13
Hits:
1,416

The Moon In The Stable

Chapter 2: The Hawk

Summary:

Khonshu gets involved and explains nothing

Chapter Text

Their life was like a song or a rhythm that played in the background with a harmonious undertone.

Marc kept up the house keeping it clean and orderly. He got a job as a photographer which was a shock to both Steven and Jake. Marc wanted to move away from dangerous jobs for now. He had enough fighting for a while. So he took up taking photos as a job. Of models. Of products and scenery. He even edited the photos.

Another reason he took it up was because of Layla. She used to admire art and things of the like. Marc also enjoyed photo taking and getting angles and lighting to make something seem extraordinary.

It wasn’t an amazing well paying job but it definitely paid better than Steven’s job, not that he would outright say that. Steven worked as hard as he could to provide for them until they got jobs. Steven was being worn out working seven days a week though.

Once Marc got his job Steven went down to five hours and refused Marcs payments for an entire month so, in his words, “He could save up”.

He was too sweet.

Jake didn’t get a traditional job. When Marc and Steven were asleep he slipped into the night sky and protected those who needed his help around London. He dawned a suit similar to Marcs but it had black wraps in some places.

He beat up criminals all night. Every night. It felt good to save people. To help them. They were his people. He felt protective of his people even if they didn’t know they were under his protection.

Jake also took.. commissions. Yes. He’d call them that. He took their money and did as they wished, if it followed his beliefs. If someone paid Jake to beat up a criminal? Awesome. A random guy? Absolutely not. He did have standards.

They really only spent a few hours during the day together. A typical day consisted of Marc waking up first (partially due to his military instincts) and he would make breakfast for them all. Then Marc would wake up Steven when the food was done. Jake would return from working all night and eat breakfast with them together before showering and passing out on their bed.

Marc would go to the computer on the other side of the room to edit photos, mainly wedding ones. Those paid very well. He’d work all day with some breaks in between.

After breakfast Steven would get ready and leave for his work. He’d be gone until 7 pm and return home for dinner, starved and exhausted. Marc would then make them dinner and wake up Jake and they all ate together again before Jake left and Steven went to go sleep.

Like a revolving door.

And yet everyone was tired and slightly unhappy.

Steven did have two free days now whereas he didn’t before. The first day he’d just sleep with Jake on the bed half of the day. He’d then make lunch and/or dinner for the two. The next day Steven would read and enjoy his free time. If he could he would always sit beside Marc under a soft blanket.

Neither of them failed to notice how Steven always put his books back up, and with bookmarks. It made them proud.

Marc tried to pay what he could to Steven but the man just wouldn’t accept it. Finally, after three weeks of this; Marc went to Jake to talk to him while Steven was asleep.

“Jake, Steven is burning himself out trying to care for us.” Marc said, pissed off. “We need to stop this.”

Jake looked at Steven who was snuggled in bed. Despite being asleep he still looked exhausted. “His work..” Jake looked to Marc. “We have not done that tour. I got too busy..”

“You think somethings going on at work?” Marc questioned.

“Not just think. I know. It isnt just the days and hours he is working taking a toll. Next time he works lets follow him. Watch how his job goes.” Jake planned. He had a sneaking suspicion it was far more than just the labor. Steven would die for his job yet he looked miserable.

Marc tapped his own arm and sighed. “Alright. I don’t want Steven noticing us. Lets watch a while then let him do the tour. It should cheer him up.”

Jake nodded with a smile and sat on the bed. He laid beside Steven and pulled him close. They had all gotten semi-used to sleeping with the others. Rarely it would be all three of them though.

They had gotten their own bodies a good while ago now. Before they all just styled their hair a bit different, but by now they had different builds. Marc was buff but not jacked. Steven had actually lost some muscle since he never worked out and was getting a cute kind of pudgey that Jake adored. Jake himself? He was bigger than Marc ever hoped to be.

Because of this Steven seemed a lot smaller when Jake laid beside him. It was adorable how Steven curled up and clung onto him almost like a child, but he knew why. He understood.

Jake pet his head softly and tucked him in better. He would keep Steven and Marc safe. Always.

It was quiet when Steven woke up, which was rare. When he opened his eyes and came into existence he realized he was in between two people. Specifically, Marc and Jake.

Steven turned his head and looked at Marc first. He was asleep and had one arm wrapped around Steven’s waist. Jake was pressed up against his back with his arm lazily over Steven’s chest. Both were cuddling him.

This was probably his favorite thing ever. All three of them together and cuddling. Steven closed his eyes and basked in this moment, staying awake but relaxing.

After a while he heard Marc grunt and rub his face. Steven opened his eyes and locked with Marc who smiled softly at him. “Good morning Marc.” Steven whispered.

Marc snorted a bit. “Morning.” He ruffled Steven’s hair. “Go get a shower. I’ll make us some sunny side up eggs on toast.”

“Oh that’s aces! Thank you Marc.” Steven carefully moved out of Jake’s hold and went to the bathroom. He flicked the light on and started the shower from the doorway so the water could heat up.

Steven took off his shirt and pants and tossed them into the hamper before stepping inside the bathroom and shutting the door. The bathroom had no “shower” as the whole bathroom was the shower. Yeah.. it saved space.

Marc glanced at Steven as he went into the bathroom. He cracked open three eggs. “Okay Jake he’s in the bathroom.”

Jake rolled out of bed and stretched. Marc finished one set of eggs on toast and handed it to him to eat. Jake eagerly ate it while humming. “What an interesting blend of flavors! Its so exotic and tasteful!” Jake said in between bites.

Marc rolled his eyes at Jake being extra. “Alright just fake sleep before he comes out so he doesn’t suspect anything.” Marc got another egg ready and cooking.

Jake waved his hand. “No bueno. He takes his time, we know this..” Jake leaned over Marc’s shoulder and stared at him cooking. Marc didn’t really react except poking the egg a bit more than necessary.

“Do you need something?” Marc asked, almost uninterested. He was used to Jake being.. Jake.

Jake then rested his hands on Marc’s sides and very much felt him up. “Hm.. toned.” Jake then grabbed his pecs and snorted. “Yet soft.”

“Hey! Jake, the hell? This is my personal space, get the hell out!” Marc shrugged him off. “Why the hell are you feeling me up?”

Jake looked amused and pulled away. “I was seeing something. Its been a while since we split.. I know you noticed Steven’s getting cuter~”

“Yeah and you’re getting more annoying.” Marc rolled his eyes. The toast popped up and he put them on a plate with the finished egg. Marc cracked open the last egg and got it cooking.

Jake hummed. “You’re jealous I’m more muscular.”

“Oh not at all.” Marc scoffed. “You do you but I like how I look. Too much muscle is.. eh, to me.”

Jake smirked. “Oh so is that why I catch you staring?”

“Staring and admiring are two different things, Jake. I’m interested because I like seeing how other people work out and how their muscles grow.”

Jake’s eyes went wide with shock for a moment. “te gustan los hombres y no te das cuenta? (Do you like men and not realize?)” Jake mumbled to himself. Marc stared at him, trying to process anything he said. “You make me want to learn Spanish just so you can’t talk to yourself.”

“Aw thats unfair~” Jake chuckled softly. “You should buy some sunglasses to stare at men without them knowing.”

“What!? I— No! I don’t—“ Marc groaned. The shower turned off. Marc pushed Jake to the bed. “Sleep!” He tucked him in and rolled his eyes seeing Jake still smirking. Marc went back to the kitchen and finished the second egg and toast.

Steven stepped out in a towel and clean boxers. He was rubbing his hair so it wouldn’t drip everywhere. “It smells amazing Marc!” Steven went over to the kitchen and wrapped the towel around his chest.

“Thanks.” He handed Steven a plate and he happily took it. “Only two..? What about Jake?” “I’m letting him sleep on today.”

“Oh thats awfully nice, yeah.” Steven glanced to Jake and smiled a bit. “He deserves it. He’s been working hard. Oh, Marc. Look! I meant to show you.” Steven waddled over to the bed where Jake was. He grabbed his charging phone and came back. “Some people in London have been filming Jake. Not .. flattering angles. But people are happy! Look.”

Steven showed Marc a video of Jake in his wraps beating up a thug who almost shot someone trying to steal their car. Steven did not look at the violence part.

“I see..” Marc wasn’t paying much mind to the video. He knew the job. What he was staring at was Steven’s cute face as he avoided staring at the violent video. They locked eyes and Steven smiled so warmly Marc felt his heart light on fire.

Right. Food. Marc cleared his throat. “Eat up and get ready before you miss the bus.”

“Ah, right! Thank you Marc.” Steven took another bite of his toast and went over to their wardrobe.

Another thing was his wardrobe. Marc detested Steven’s outfits. Marc did not look flattering in anything Steven owned. Jake was on the same page and they have been slowly removing and replacing Steven’s clothes. Since then he, in their opinion, has looked a lot better.

Some colors or patterns or specific designs just didn’t work on Steven. And of course he never really noticed or thought he looked swell. It was adorable, honestly. But now he looked a lot better.

Steven of course still picked out the last remaining items they havent gotten rid of yet. Every time they thought they got rid of the last Steven still had an ugly plad shirt or something only the elderly would wear.

He had no fashion sense. Marc did but he didn’t care. Jake really did and he cared a lot about how he looked. Very often Jake wore this specific hat and he looked quite good in it. Not that Marc would admit that.

Steven grabbed a jacket that Marc swore he got at good will from a ninty year old man and showed Marc. “Should I wear this today?”

Marc swallowed his bite of toast. “No.” He looked outside. “Brown doesn’t match with the weather today.” That was true, he wasnt lying. Marc caught Jake peaking at Steven and he knew that man was trying to burn holes into that jacket.

Marc went to the wardrobe and pulled out a nice button up shirt with a dark muted blue jaket to compliment it. “I think you should wear this today.” Marc said softly. “If you want, of course.”

Steven set the ‘old man jacket’ on a chair nearby and took the clothes. “I think these would look very nice today, yeah! Thank you Marc.” Steven slipped on the shitt and began to button the buttons.. from the top down.

Marc mentally sighed and grabbed the base of his shirt. He buttoned the bottom button and worked his way up. “This is how you do it. That way it isnt too tight by the time you get up to your neck. Plus its easier to see if you messed up a button.” Marc explained.

Steven nodded softly with an even softer smile. He looked up at Marc where the other man realized just how close they were in that moment. Marc took a step back and handed him his jacket. “Go.. go enjoy work today.”

He nodded and slid on the jacket. “Thank you Marc.” Steven went over to Jake and gently kissed his forehead before tucking him in better and waving. “See you! Laters Gators!” And he left out the door.

Jake instantly got up and grabbed the jacket. “I swear! Maldigo estas chaquetas!! (I curse these jackets!!)” He balled it up and threw it on the floor. “He buys these! Theres no way!” Jake hissed out.

Marc crossed his arms and sighed a bit. “I think he just has a lot of clothes in random places and pulls them out. Let him keep one. Hopefully he will learn on his own what looks good.”

Jake groaned. “The jackets do him a disservice. What we buy enhances his natural looks!” Oh, no. No no. He was not about to let Jake rant about Steven’s clothes again.

“Jake lets get ready to go to Steven’s job.” Marc steered him off the very thin line of ranting.

Jake put on his hat and glared at the jacket before sliding his own gray one on. “You may have to hold me back if we see anyone..” Jake trailed off, heavily hinting he would snap if even one person made Steven upset.

“Me? Hell no. You’ll have to hold me back. You get to punch out your anger every day. I dont. I wont be holding back.” Marc grabbed his wallet and pocketed it. “Lets go.”

The ride to the museum was quiet. They took the bus right after Steven and held onto the poles. There were so many people that he and Jake were flush against one another. Marc noticed but Jake was just slightly taller. He glanced down. ‘His shoes… oh its on. I’ll buy new shoes later.’

He and Jake had these undertone one-ups where one of them just had to be slightly better in some way. The bus stopped and Jake leaned against Marc due to the force of it. He smirked. Marc was not amused. “Get off.”

“You want me here~” Jake purred against his chest. Marc shrugged him off. “I want you mentally here.” Marc mumbled.

Jake snorted. “Since when have we been sane, hm?” Jake and Marc hopped off the bus and walked to the museum. To be more discreet Jake went in first before Marc.

He entered and glanced to the workers. Jake expected them to recognize him at Steven and greet him but nothing happened. He also noticed they didn’t even seem to acknowledge him. When you see someone in public that looks eerily similar to someone you know or see very often, you notice. You glance or stare. Yet the guy behind the cameras didn’t, nor the tour guide or helpers around the museum.

…odd. Jake did remember a few were a part of Ammit’s cult but they left the job and have long since been replaced. Some should know Steven.

He kept his hat on and wondered the museum. Not too much since he wanted Steven to show them around, but also to keep an eye on him.

The gift shop was near the exit and had many little trinkets. He saw Marc come in and do similar to him. Looking casual. He didn’t wear a hat and even dressed similar to Steven. Jake tutted with annoyance when once again no one really noticed.

Perhaps it was because he was the gift shoptist so he was ‘unimportant.’ That very thought made Jake’s blood boil but he calmed down.

Marc walked around a bit and was staring at a sarcophagus when a woman approached him. Oh, he knew this woman. He knew her well. Donna. Steven’s manager.

“Stevie, just what are you doing out wanderin’ the building? You’re on inventory just for that!” She said in a far too condescending tone.

Inventory? Hm. Is that why Steven was coming home late often?

“I’m sorry, what?” Marc said in his normal accent. He sounded nothing like Steven. He took pride in how she looked taken aback a bit.

“You need to focus! Jesus, you’re like a lost kid when I don’t tell you to do something for the seventh time. Inventory! And get back to your station, we need to reach a quota for a bonus!”

Her tone. Marc did not like it. Managers were supposed to guide their workers. Not parade them. He stared at her before huffing. Not happy in the slightest. “What bonus, hm? For you?” Marc was about to go off on her. He’s always wanted to. He opened his mouth to give her a piece of his mind when a hand from behind covered his mouth. “Marc! There you are, mi amor. I lost you for a second.” Jake said sweetly.

Way too sweetly. Marc knew him. He was equally about to snap but was keeping it under wraps. Donna looked between the two confused.

“Oh, uhm. Sorry are you, not Stevie?” She asked, now suddenly very polite. Fliped on a switch from her sttitude to customer service.

“Oh, no. We are Steven’s brothers.” Jake informed, emphasizing Steven’s name heavily. He pulled away from Marc and smiled at her. “We wanted to see him and how he works because he has been so tired when he gets home recently.”

Donna looked momentarily guilty- or scared. One of those two.

Marc cracked his knuckles. Just a thing to make his hands feel better. Not a threat. But he meant it as one. “Yeah. Can you direct us to the gift shop, Donna?”

Donna looked fairly nervous. She had not given her name. She was wearing a name tag but she knew they were very much unhappy with Steven coming home exhausted. “Oh, yes. Right this way, you two!” As they walked there Donna made chit-chat which both were unamused with.

“Steven works quite hard here. He never misses a day and is almost always on time!” She said chipper.

“Ah right. Sometimes we try to let him sleep in a bit more because he hardly gets enough hours.” Marc said. He was laying it on thick that Donna was awful. “And sometimes the bus just truly leaves earlier than normal.”

Marc looked down at Donna and she gave him a nervous smile. “I hope we can continue this talk later. Especially about this.. inventory stuff. Hm?”

“Right.. well. Thats for Steven and me. For people employed.” Donna said. She rapidly approached the counter and practically hid behind it and Steven.

Marc and Jake were certainly not done. He looked at Jake before smiling warmly to Steven.

Steven looked up and his eyes looked just so tired. He wasn’t really mentally here. Not until he saw Marc and Jake. Then his eyes sparkled and life returned to his features with such a joyful smile. “Marc! Jake! Oh, this is delightful!” Steven exited behind the counter and hugged them both.

They literally saw him not thirty minutes ago. Despite that they both hugged him back. Jake and Marc glared at Donna until Steven pulled back up. “What are you two doing here?”

“You promised a tour one day.. why not today, hm?” Jake said softly. “Why don’t you introduce us to your manager too?” Marc tacked on. He was amused to see her visibly twitch with uncomfort at that.

Hopefully they could scare her into treating Steven right.

“Oh! Yes. Donna!” Steven turned to her with a big smile. “Donna this is Jake-“ Steven motioned to the one in the hat. “-and Marc!” He motioned to Marc. Jake smiled hatefully at her. “A pleasure to finally meet the woman Steven talks highly about.”

Salt in the wound. Marc hummed. “Very much. Donna can Steven show us a tour of the museum if that's slright?”

“Oh.. uh.” Donna finally spoke up. She looked to Steven who was absolutely bubbling at this. “Please? I wont be too long! It will be a jiffy, okay?”

She looked to Jake and Marc who leaned onto Steven, staring at her. Marc was glaring. “Yeah. Course. Just don’t take all day Steven.”

“I won’t!” He beamed. God he was so oblivious to how much disdain both of his alters were throwing at Donna. Marc and Jake walked on the sides of Steven as he walked around the museum babbling about everything excitedly. Telling them stories and trying to explain the importance of each item or how why where etc it was made.

It took an hour. Jake and Marc made sure to keep asking questions to keep Steven going, too. He deserved a break to enjoy himself for a moment. Near the end Jake gently took Steven’s right hand and held it. “You’re very informative, Steven. About everything. You should be proud.”

Steven paused and blushed lightly. He turned his head away and squeezed Jake’s hand. “Its nothing.” “No it isnt. I bet no one else knows—“ Marc tried to say but Steven cut him off.

“No.. its just.. useless.” Steven sighed. “Realistically theres no reason or use for this knowledge. I’m not a tour guide. Even if I was.. I know I’d suck. I'd stay on things too long just like I am now.. tours are forty five minutes. We are halfway though! I’d never be able to make things in time.”

Jake frowned a bit and gently grabbed Steven’s hand. “You wouldn’t suck at being a tour guide. You’d just be so amazing that you go overtime.” Jake squeezed his hand gently. “Me and Marc are thoroughly enjoying this.”

Steven looked up at him and squirmed a bit. “But-“ “No buts.” Jake smiled at him. “You’re amazing mi amor.”

Steven blushed a bit and slowly nodded. “Thank you. I’m.. gonna head back to work though. Its been too long.” Steven looked at Marc and hugged him softly. “Thank you both for coming. It made my day!”

Jake and Marc watched Steven head back to the gift shop with a smile plastered on his face. Jake looked at Marc. “One day I want to swap with Steven and act like him. See what’s going on.”

Marc huffed. “You’re insane.”

“You were thinking the same thing, mi luna.” Jake nudged him. “I think you should take Steven’s place tomorrow. Inform me what happens at his job, sí?”

Marc nodded and crossed his arms. “Lets go, then. Lets get Steven his favorite.”

“Chocolate cake?” Jake asked. “Yes but with vegan ingredients.” Marc corrected. “He gets it from this shop nearby.”

Jake nodded and they went and purchased an entire chocolate cake for Steven when he returned home that night.

Jake set it on one of their clean tables. He looked at Marc, then behind him. Marc looked behind him and saw Khonshu laying on the platform above their bed.

“Get out.” Marc growled at the bird.

Khonshu’s head turned to him, always unreadable. Oh? I can’t be where my avatar is?

Marc looked at Jake and Jake shrugged. “He’s chill, I promise. Just get to know him.”

“Oh, absolutely not. I wanted him out of my life. Out of Steven’s!” Marc pointed at Khonshu. “This is my place. Get out.”

Make me then, Marc Spector.

Marc growled low. “Fine just don’t be here when Steven returns.”

I shall think about that.

Marc looked at Jake and crossed his arms. “Control your pet bird.”

Jake chuckled and nudged Marc. “He was your pet too. You just didn’t have a grip on that leash~”

Marc had no idea what he was talking about, and he wasn’t sure he did want to find out. “That old bird only causes me issues. Jake I swear to god if he does anything I won’t hesitate to kick you out to get him out.”

“But will Steven agree?” Jake said smugly. Marc sighed and flipped him off before going to his little area with his computer and items. He sat down and got to work, yet was still hyper aware of the god who was just chilling in his room.

He was not gone when Steven came by. And Steven got off early as well, no inventory. Steven tensed up the moment he got inside. “Jake.. Marc.. why is he here?”

“He won’t leave.” Marc snapped, his anger directed at Khonshu.

Jake went over to Steven and wrapped his arm around his shoulders. “Its okay, Steven! He won’t do a thing.” Jake reassured him.

Steven looked weary and glanced to Khonshu, then Jake. “I.. I don’t really like this. Can’t he just leave?”

“I think he’s alright. Just.. trust me?” Jake tilted his head a bit. Steven stared into his eyes before sighing. “I trust you. But you!” Steven whipped to Khonshu. “Absolutely no, no wind magic in my house! Got it?”

Despite having no way to show emotion Khonshu somehow looked amused. He stayed silent though.

Steven looked at Jake. “Has he like, made you do anything?”

“Not much, actually. Ammit sucked up a lot of the evil for the time being.” Jake said with a shrug. “Nothing massive is happening. For now.”

Steven looked a little relieved. He set down his satchel- yes a satchel. He liked carrying his books and items in it and it was convenient! That’s when his eyes landed on the cake shaped box on the table. He saw the logo on top and his eyes widened big.

“Is that..?” Steven carefully opened it up and he squealed. “Oh my!! Marc! Jake!!” Steven stimmed with his hands a bit. He couldn’t help it. This was literally the best day he has had in weeks!

Marc walked over to him and nudged him softly. “You deserve it, Steven. You’ve been working impossibly hard for us.”

Steven blushed lightly and fidgeted with his hands close to his chest. “W-well I love you both lots! I just want to take care of you two..” he mumbled out a bit.

Jake crossed his arms and Marc sighed. “Mi luna.. you are pushing yourself too hard. Take a break. I already called Donna posing as you for some PTO (paid time off).”

Steven tensed a bit and looked down. He just stared at the cake. “You.. did that for me?” His voice was so small.

Jake ruffled Steven’s hair. “You need a break. Plus Marc and I are settled now thanks to you.”

Marc nodded and got Steven a plate and fork and handed it to him. “We will be paying bills and you can’t stop us now.”

Steven snorted softly and nodded. “Thank you two..” He reached up and wiped his eyes. Steven had teared up a bit. No one has ever bought him a cake before..

Steven made himself a slice of cake and happily ate it. “Its perfect. You guys should get a slice too, yeah?” Steven looked between them. “It may be my cake but I want to share too.”

Marc sighed with a smile and cut a slice and handed it to Jake. Jake was a little taken aback but nodded as a thanks. Marc made himself one and they all sat down to enjoy cake together.

Steven licked the icing off his fork and started to chat away about what was on his mind.

“Donna was an absolute darling today! I wonder what put her in a good mood? She helped me out and was really sweet!” Steven kicked his legs a bit before humming softly. “Maybe she got a date? She always complains about being single. She didn’t tell me though. Do you think I should ask and keep up a conversation next time I see her? If we can chat maybe we can be friends!”

Marc ate his slice slowly while listening. Just.. admiring Steven. “That could be a good idea.” He huffed out. Friends? With her? Hell no. He would not let her anywhere near Steven if he could help it.

Jake had finished his slice and had his chin in his hand while staring at Steven with his full attention. “esa loca? (That crazy woman?) She won’t be a good friend. Women like that.. they, hm. Enjoy drama, Steven.” Jake swayed his fork around a bit before setting it down.

Marc got up and grabbed their plates and utensils and went to do the dishes. Steven looked up at him and watched him before trying to stand up to assist. Jake put his hand on his shoulder. “Relax.”

Steven pouted and gently shrugged his hand off. “Fine, yeah? I’ll go relax.” Steven glanced at Khonshu who still hadn’t moved. He went to the “clothing corner” they had and toed off his shoes and socks. Steven took off his jacket and shirt then stretched a bit.

Steven looked through his clothes and pouted a bit. “My favorite shirt..” He mumbled to himself.

Still in the kitchen, Jake heard it. He stared at Steven across the room and for a moment wondered how he heard Steven talking to himself. He got up and went to the couch and picked up a shirt draped on the back of it. “Is this it?”

Steven looked up and saw his favorite dark blue long sleeved shirt. He smiled a bit and nodded. “Thank you Jake!” He said with a big smile.

Jake felt his heart grow full just seeing that. Steven’s bright, happy eyes and his big smile. He walked over and handed it to him, looking away so he did not stare at his cute tummy.

Steven took it and stared at it. He then looked at Jake and was very obviously staring at his chest. Jake lifted one eyebrow to Steven.

“Oh.. sorry.. I- I just.. noticed. Uhm.” Steven waved his hands in front of Jake’s chest. “You’re just.. bigger. Than me.”

Jake smirked a bit. “Oh? Yes. I work out fairly often. Also punching assholes' faces really is a work out.” Jake flexed his arms a bit. “So, yes. Now that we have our own bodies we will care for them differently. Just like how you have the cutest little tummy~!”

Jake couldn’t help himself. He reached and gently squished Steven’s stomach. Steven turned red and hid his face in his shirt. He made some strangled noises like he was trying to protest or say something but nothing came out.

Jake chuckled softly and reached up. He gently pulled the shirt down and held Steven’s face. “You’re cute, mi malvavisco perfecto (my perfect marshmallow).”

“God you always say stuff in Spanish. I never get it but I just know you’re saying— something!!” Steven pulled his shirt over his head.

“And if I’m saying gibberish?” Jake questioned.

“Then..! Ugh.” Steven huffed. “Can.. I request something?”

“Course you can mi amor.” Jake’s shoulders relaxed a bit.

“Can… can me, you, and Marc cuddle on the bed..?” Steven asked, looking away. He was fiddling with his hands.

Jake kept a mental note of Steven’s habits. His little reactions he did to most things. Especially when he held his hands together and fidgeted with them. He had these small things about him that once you studied, he was like an open book.

Marc on the other hand was a book but in a language only Marc knew. Jake just recognized some symbols but not the language. He could pick up when Marc was getting agitated, happy, pissed, or stressed.

Steven was so shy and nervous. Jake knew by his hand movements he felt slightly guilty for asking and was fearful of being rejected. Not that he would decline this.

“Of course.” Jake took off his shoes as well. “Marc!” He called out next. “Cuddle us in bed when youre done!”

“What!?” Marc called out, a bit shocked at the sudden ask. “Yeah- yeah. Just lemme do the dishes!”

Jake looked at Steven who looked exponentially more calm and happy. “Steven you can always ask us anything.”

“But.. you and Marc?” Steven questioned. He was observant. He and Marc.. weren’t like how they were with Steven. It was hard not to love, like, and trust Steven.

Both he and Marc were.. violent. Untrusting of people. They had both seen the cruel world that Steven was oblivious too. No.. they shield him from it. One of them had to never experience the harsh reality of the world.

They did have something in common. Wanting to protect Steven.

Jake didn’t know if Marc liked him, but Jake secretly liked Marc. He’d never outright admit it. No, he’d rather flirt and make Marc embarrassed. Jake would protect Marc. He’d die for him, too.

But Marc was that book he couldn’t read no matter how long he stared. Oh, how he wanted to memorize the pages and vanish into the world that he’d experience, but he couldn’t. It was like a tango but with thorns and glass that he and Marc tip toed around.

They clicked. They just needed to clean the floor.

Jake snuggled into the bed after Steven and wrapped his arms around his middle. He then closed his eyes and sighed contently, pressing his cheek against Steven’s shoulder.

Steven looked down at Jake and smiled softly. Jake never realized it but he needed all of the physical affection. Steven reached up and slowly ran his fingers through his hair. Steven knew Jake was lonely. He could only imagine.

From what he knew, Jake was hiding himself from the both of them. Only coming out to be violent. To punch and kill anything that dared hurt them. He needed love.

Steven pet his hair until Marc came over. The third slowly slid into bed before sitting beside Steven. Steven looked at him and pat his lap. “What? No.” Marc rolled his eyes.

Steven grabbed Marc’s shoulder and made him rest his head on his lap. Marc didn’t fight it. He closed his eyes and melted as Steven’s hand massaged his scalp slowly.

Marc was a lone wolf. He always had been. Even with Layla. He never told her his feelings or any problems he was going through. He never told her about Steven.

She would have thought he was crazy. And even if he had, Steven didn’t know about him either. He kept himself hidden from Steven as well. All Marc wanted was Steven to have a nice life.

He fucked that up. He always messed everything up.

Yet he was happy. He was lucky. Steven was here. Jake was here. Physically. He could hug Steven just like on the duat. He had people he could trust.

Oh, he knew he could trust him and Jake. But Jake was also.. untrustworthy. Just like how he had hidden from Steven, Jake hid from Marc. Probably for the same reasons too. To just show up and protect then leave like nothing happened.

Like he didn’t exist.

Marc opened his eyes and looked up at Jake, who looked to be almost asleep. Marc.. sympathized with Jake. On more levels than he wanted to admit. Not wanting to really exist. Punching and fighting everything. Being angry. Protecting what he could.

He just wished Jake would have said something.

But Steven also wished Marc had said something.

It was so ironic.

Marc closed his eyes and nuzzled into Steven’s lap. He felt so.. safe. When they were all three together he just felt whole in ways he couldn’t place. He would love to have them back in his brain and body or whatever, but he also preferred this. Seeing them. Letting them live their own life.

Steven could have his own life without him messing it up again.

Marc gently gripped the blanket. No. Steven wouldn’t want him thinking like that. He’d probably say ‘oh, bugger! We all make mistakes, yeah? Dont beat yourself up!’ Or somehing.

Marc smiled a bit to himself as he drifted into a light sleep.

Wake up.

It was loud and it sounded right inside of his head. Jake sat up and rubbed his eyes. He looked down and saw Steven and Marc asleep, tangled in each other and Jake. He blinked, processing this for a second.

We have work, Jake. Get up.

Right. Jake could never just enjoy small moments. Could he? He sighed. “What’s goin’ on?”

A halfling. They need assistance.

Jake carefully detangled himself from Steven and Marc and tucked them in. “Just one?”

A family.

He nodded and grabbed his keys. After all, he was a cabbie. Just not for normal reasons.

Jake went down the elevator, glancing in the mirror. When they shared a body and he got control he would always see Marc or Steven asleep in the mirror. It was.. always comforting.

But now his own neutral face stared back at him. He looked away from it.

Jake entered his cab which had tinted windows. He turned the engine on and looked behind him to go in reverse.

“Paloma, mueve tu cabeza gorda, no puedo ver (Pigeon, move your fat head, i cant see).”

If Khonshu had eyes he would have rolled them. He leaned against the door as Jake pulled out of the parking lot.

“Where?”

The Buivare Building.

Downtown. Next to the hospital. Great.

Jake drove there and turned on the radio to a Spanish broadcast and hummed the songs as he did.

When he arrived he got out and looked around. He saw Khonshu sitting high up but looking down at a specific place. Jake walked where he was looking.

He saw such a sad sight. It was always sad. But his job was to help them and get them somewhere safe.

Jake took off his hat and styled his hair like Steven’s to look more friendly. He tucked his hat away and approached the allway where two kids were rooting through a garbage can in search for food.

They heard him walking and sat up, alert. Jake saw cat ears perk up and their tails fluff up. Cat halflings. Most likely abandoned. Humans don’t take kindly to them..

“Hey.” Jake said softly, getting on one knee. “I was told you two needed a home.”

The two kids looked at each other, then down the ally. Clearly thinking of escape. Jake didn’t blame them. “Its alright, I promise. I know I am human but I bring halflings like you guys to a place where you are welcome. Theres more of your kind. Here, look.”

Jake pulled out his phone and showed them a picture he used often to sway and gain their trust. He needed to get them to saftey. Fast.

One moved a bit closer and saw the photo. It was of Jake with a woman, but the woman was smiling and had animal features that was hard to make out from at their distance.

“You.. really wont hurt us?” The kid deeper in the ally said softly, unsure.

“I have no reason to.” He put his phone away. “My friend Khonshu told me you two needed help. He’s a silly old bird but he will protect us.” Jake looked at the two. He was still crouched on the ground at eye level. “You don’t have to come but I promise its a lot safer, and that woman always makes such great food!”

The kids looked at each other before slowly approaching Jake. One gently nuzzled into his arm and teared up. Jake wrapped his arm around him and rubbed his back. “Its okay, niños. Shh..”

The other came around and sniffled softly. Jake didn’t want to even think what happened with them. Why they were alone. He gently scooped both of them up and carried them to his cab. Khonshu opened the door for him which Jake mentally thanked him.

He gently sat them down in his cab that was tailored for halflings. Soft seats and specific scents. He even had some snacks for common halflings and a stuffed animal.

The younger brother took to the stuffed animal and snuggled into the older. Jake got inside and looked at them with a soft smile. “Want a snack?” He pulled out some marshmallows and gave them to the two. “Sorry it isn’t going to fill you up, but I bet lunch will be ready by the time we get there!”

Jake started to drive and he kept talking. He wanted to keep the kids relaxed and as least stressed as possible. “Its far away from humans, on this valley and farm but its like a city just for halflings like you two!”

“Like.. like us?” One said so weakly it broke Jake’s heart.

“Yes, and no. Theres all kinds. Like owls! Theres lots of cats there too. We even have a lion but he is very nice.” Jake explained.

The ride wasn’t too long.

As they approached he glanced into the mirror, seeing them look out the windows with wide but excited eyes. He smiled a bit. When Jake parked he got out and opened the door for them. He gently took their hands and walked with them inside a welcoming looking building.

“This is the main building, kind of.” Jake had to use easier terms for them to digest. Plus they were probably under a lot of stress. “Where we check you in and accommodate for you! We will make sure you habe the best room and care.”

They nodded and Jake chatted with the person behind the desk. “Morning, Kyle.” Jake nodded to him. Kyle stood up and peeked down at the two. He had massive elephant ears with some tusks. “Oh, dear! Two cute little kittens. I’m afraid they are just too cute to take in!”

“Oh, please, kyle? I’ll do anything!” Jake said with a big smile.

The two boys giggled a bit, catching on that it was a joke. It warmed Jake’s heart up to see them so happy already.

Kyle hummed. “I suppose… but only since they are just the cutest things!” He walked around the table and gently shook their hands. “My name is elephant. Wait, no. Its kyle!” That made the boys giggle again.

Kyle looked up to Jake with a warm smile. “Thank you as always Jake. I got it from here.” Jake nodded and waved to the two. They shyly waved back.

Jake stepped out of the building and glanced to the side. Khonshu was standing there, looming.

You look happy.

“So do you, Khonshu.” Jake smirked.

Khonshu looked up at the sky and gripped his staff. But there is still more to do. Always someone to save.

“Sí, that’s just how this is.” Jake looked down the street seeing child halfling birds happily flying around playing with a cheetah and turtle.

Jake looked at Khonshu who was now staring at them as well.

I can only prevent it from happening for so long.

Jake sighed and put his hat back on. “Of course. I will still do my job despite it all.”

-

Marc woke up right at 5 am, on the dot. Just as always. He looked to the side to see Steven snoring softly, his hands balled up loosely by his face. Marc smiled softly and reached up, tucking some hair out of his face.

‘Adorable.’ Marc thought to himself. He truly could just stare and admire Steven for hours.

The bed was empty of Jake though. As always. He sat up and rubbed his head. He had a minor migraine.

Marc carefully got out of bed without disturbing Steven and went to the window. He leaned against the ledge and stared at the moon.

Just.. neutral. No feelings about it. He felt compelled to.. talk. To it. To Khonshu. Marc gripped his sleeve and turned away with a slight growl of annoyance. Like he needed to talk to him. What would he even say?

Marc looked back at Steven. Maybe asking why he gave them bodies. Or why Jake seemed to trust Khonshu. Marc looked at the moon again before pushing away from the window. He padded into the kitchen and made himself and Steven some coffee.

He got the pot ready with water and opened the fridge. Marc pulled out the milk and drank a sip from the gallon. Just one. Plus they were like, still the same body. It was whatever. When the coffee was ready he poured some milk into one for Steven and put it away.

Marc sipped on his own before sitting on the bed and settings Steven’s to the side. To let him sleep in more and to let his coffee cool down, Marc didn’t wake him up. Steven always liked his coffee above warm but not really hot.

After a few minutes of silence and sipping Marc thought about waking Steven up.

Marc Spector.

Marc flinched. He rarely got spooked but it had been totally silent. And not like he was expecting this. “What the hell do you want?”

Silence. Marc glared at the open air. “Well?”

Jake.. needs assistance. There is too much to do for one—

“No.” Marc said without a second thought. “All Egyptian gods get one avatar, hm? Why do you get two? Or three, heaven forbid Steven joins.”

Khonshu appeared and leaned over Marc. He was trying to use fear tactics. Marc just sipped his coffee.

There has been an outbreak of sorts. Ammit has tipped the scales. Balance is rocking back and fourth. Rifts have been made.

Marc sighed. “And what’s that have to do with me? I saved a lot of people but I also killed. You nearly broke my mind.”

You miss it.

Marc set his coffee down and stood up. He poked Khonshu’s chest. “I don’t care if I miss it. Yeah my life is more boring but at least I’m not a fucking psychopath killing people, dangling on a thin rope praying it never snaps!”

Marc rubbed his nose. “Khonshu, look. I am not going back to being an avatar. Yes, i want to. I crave it. Every day. But I just know if I do I won’t be able to… stay sane.” Marc looked at his hands. “I can hardly look at myself now.”

What Khonshu did shocked him. He saw wraps gently curl around his hands, feather light. Marc stared at them. It was almost like a comforting hand hold.

I never meant to harm your mind.

Marc snorted dryly. “Yeah. Bit too late for that.”

The wraps pulled away. When he looked up Khonshu was as tall as a human. Not looming. Not terrifying.

“What are you up to?”

Marc Spector.. I have been trying to protect you for as long as I met you. Bringing you to life twice has damaged you beyond anything I can fix. It comes at a cost that I have been holding back.

Marc was not liking where this was going in the slightest. “What do you mean, a cost?”

Khonshu looked to the side, towards the fish tank. In it had three similar goldfish.

Saving you once to be my avatar held no complications minus any mental distress.

“But.. what about when me and Steven escaped the underworld? The duat? That had complications?” Marc questioned.

Typically, no.

Khonshu went over to the fish tank.

You never questioned how the broken fish returned.

Marc tensed up and looked away. Yes. Gus had died. It had been Marc’s fault. He didn’t feed it. Marc felt fucking awful about it. But he had just gotten back from Egypt with the scarab. He didn’t have time to worry. But the guilt killed him to replace it.

And yet when everything was done and over.. they came home and Steven was ecstatic.

“Are you saying that was you?”

It was not.

Marc looked at Khonshu confused. What the hell was this old bird talking about?

The fish died. But it came back solely because of my presence. I meerly returned it.

“What the fuck does that mean?”

My presence keeps things at bay, Marc Spector. You push me away but in doing so all three of you will suffer.

Marc balled his fists up. “Stop being so fucking complicated! You have always done this! Vague. No clean answers. Can’t you give it to me for ONCE?”

Marc was yelling. He was pissed. He heard Steven groan and roll over. Marc wanted to punch a wall.

Do you wish to know the answer?

The tone Khonshu used… no. Khonshu was definately protecting him in some fucked up way. “Knowing it will just hurt me further. Wont it?” Marc looked at Khonshu, who stayed silent.

Marc picked up his coffee. “Fine. Be a freeloader. Just do not stress Steven out.”

That is not on my to-do list.

Marc rolled his eyes. When he turned around Khonshu was gone. And Marc was even more confused. Dying multiple times had to fuck him up somehow, probably in subconcious ways.

Khonshu seemed genuinely…. Worried about him. Was Jake really right? That Khonshu could be nice? Or trusted?

Maybe not. He looked down at Steven who was squirming and had a look of discomfort. A nightmare, perhaps. Marc sat by the bed and gently pet Steven’s head softly. It slowly calmed him down and after a minute Steven opened his eyes.

“Hey. You okay?” Marc asked gently. Steven looked up at him and sniffled. “I had a dream about Hathor..” Steven rubbed his eyes.

God, Marc wished he knew half of what Steven had locked away in that brain. Who that person was? No idea. Maybe a character in a book?

Steven picked up on his confusion. “Oh.. sorry. Uhm, Egyptian God. Of music and shes like a mother..”

Marc picked up Steven’s now warm cup and handed it to him. Steven quietly thanked him. “Want to talk about it?”

Steven nodded and sat on his legs, being a little taller now. “Mhm. I know its just a dream but it was one of those that felt real. Me, you, and jake were on the duat but it was like, the size of a canoe. It smelled like honey for some reason. Oh! And my favorite song was like, echoing in the background. You were-“

Steven took a sip of his coffee. “-wearing a fluffy hoodie. Jake was in one of those sexy bunny suits! I don’t know what I was but I felt funny.”

Marc was nodding. Such a nonsense dream. He was always amazed how Steven could remember all bits of his dream. “What then?”

Steven finished his sip and fidgeted. “We docked on a grassy field. Hathor greeted us. She was beautiful, Marc. She had these- horns!” Steven waved his hands above his head. “So tall and shiny. She greeted all three of us. We went through a cloud? Of fog?” Steven sipped his coffee again.

“She stayed near me a lot and was teaching me.. something. I don’t know what. I wish I did. What if it was real?”

Marc chuckled lightly. Steven was just so adorable. “Why were you uhm, upset? You looked unsettled during sleep.”

Steven set his coffee down. “Hathor was.. apologizing to us. I don’t know why. I could almost feel her guilt? Like I knew why? Maybe because we are so fucked up.” He chuckled weakly.

Marc put his hand on Steven’s. “We have each other. And we aren’t fucked up.” Marc said softly. Steven cursing like this was.. new. Marc was worried. Just a bit. He squeezed Steven’s hands. “Go back to bed okay?”

Steven shook his head. “I.. cant. Not without you and Jake.”

Just after he said that the door opened. Jake was slumped a bit and he trudged to the bed. Jake flopped on it and passed out instantly. Marc took off Jake’s shoes and his other clothes before tucking him in. He looked at Steven who sighed. “Jake needs.. rest. So do I.” He mumbled.

Steven settled down beside Jake and nuzzled into his chest. Marc hugged him from behind and rubbed his arm. He didn’t need to say anything as Steven slowly fell back asleep.

Marc had a job to do though. He never called in for Steven. He was going to pose as Steven and figure out what was going on at his work.

Marc got ready, but this time dressing as Steven. He styled his hair like him, too. Marc fixed his jacket and smiled to himself in the mirror. God, he looked nothing like Steven. He couldn’t just.. be him. Or smile like him.

Marc curiously tried doing that stim Steven always did with his hands and was taken aback with how Steven like he looked with that action alone. Alright. He’d stick with that.

He went over to the two and gently kissed both of their foreheads.

Interesting.

Marc tensed and stood up. He looked into the room and saw Khonshu sitting on the couch. Staring at them with hollow eyes.

Marc didn’t care to chat with him. He got up and grabbed Steven’s satchel and slid it on. He went to the door to leave quickly.

Most interesting.

“Alright, can you shut the fuck up?” Marc looked at Khonshu. “Wanna tell me what’s going on? Or what you’re on about?”

Khonshu just tilted his head a bit. Can I not be interested?

Marc tensed. “With what? With my life?”

With all of your lives. How you co-exist with yourself in a physical plane of existence.

Marc looked down at the doorknob. “What so we are just some.. guinea pig for you?”

Not in the slightest.

Marc sighed. “You know you’re extremely confusing. Maybe if you got that stick up your ass out we could get along like you and Jake.”

Khonshu looked away and put his hands in his lap. When the moon rises, so too do I. During daylight I am.. unable to attend to those who need help.

Marc gripped the doorknob. He just wanted to leave but this was the least confusing he has been.. ever. “So you hate sitting by, watching?”

Correct.

“That’s why you need an Avatar.” Marc said flatly. Khonshu didn’t reply. “I’m sorry but the answer is still no. And even if I did accept Steven would be left alone.”

Marc turned to Khonshu again. “You run Jake ragged. You ran me ragged. We are humans, Khonshu. We need fucking breaks even if people are in danger.”

With two avatars there would be less work combined.

“Bullshit!” Marc hissed out. “You’d have two avatars doing more work for you. The work doesn’t end or gets divided. I’d be just like him! Coming home too exhausted to take off my own fucking shoes!” Marc inhaled slowly, calming himself down.

“Listen. I know why you work us day and night. Protecting people. It never ends. I get that. But you failed to protect me. That is why I am pissed. You go on and on about protecting people but you couldn’t give one fuck about me and my mental health.”

Marc I do care-

Marc held up his hand. “No. If you did you would have helped.”

How do you propose I would have assisted you? Your brain, slipping. Steven and Marc slowly combining into one as you both entered each others lives. Marc, I am not all knowing and all powerful. I could not protect you from yourself.

Marc opened the door and left. He could not deal with this information right now. He couldn’t accept Khonshu was actually caring. Or kind. He was an asshole. He was confusing. Manipulated. Used him.

Marc entered the elevator and caught the bus to Steven’s work. As he approached the museum he psyched himself up. Steven. Be Steven. Observe what happens as Marc but be Steven.

Marc entered the museum, glancing around. He purposely fiddled with his hands as he did. He was not Steven but he could damn well try.

Marc entered the gift shop and saw his- well, Steven’s- name tag. He clipped it on where he saw Steven do it yesterday. Being a gift shopist couldn’t be that hard, right?

Marc got to work quietly selling items people wanted to buy. Tarawet and Ammit plushies, mainly. He would admit they are cute.

“Stevie..” He heard Donna’s voice say. Ah, back to an attitude. Marc looked up at her but was shrunk down like how Steven stood. “Uhm, yes mam?” Marc had to mimic his accent which he wasn’t good at. He was hoping to be quiet all day.

“You’re awful quiet today, finally not blabbering on about everything to every customer.” Donna said both in a fake caring way and sort of happy way. That ticked Marc off.

Steven was just excited to inform people about Ancient Egyptian History and the like. Why couldn’t he? “Just feel a bit out of the weather.” Marc said softly.

Donna sighed and walked around over to him. “No one could do inventory last night.” She said, fully hinting Steven should do it. Either Donna found dumb excuses to put Steven on inventory or Steven would be guilted into doing it.

Marc was getting more ticked off but he kept his expression neutral. “Oh, uhm, yeah I dunno if I can tonight Donna.” He needed an excuse. Shit. “I may have a date after work, yeah? Hope I’m lucky!”

Donna’s expression went dark. She rolled her eyes. “And you’re sure it isn’t gonna go like last time? I heard ya stood her up for two days!”

Marc felt sour. Mainly because that was his fault with how long the scarab took and he didn’t know! “Well we all have problems Donna..”

“Yeah and you’re just a well of them on a stormy day!” Donna chipped in.

Marc was this close to punching her in the face. Instead he fidgeted with his hands and looked down. God she was fucking mean. No wonder Steven looked horribly sad when he returned home. Maybe he could turn the table and guilt her.

“I know.. it isn’t my fault. I try really hard but it just isn’t enough for anyone.” He said with an added layer of sickly sweet sadness.

Donna visibly looked taken aback. She quickly backtracked and waved her hand. “We all have problems just as you said! Just, just.. ugh. Just do your job alright?” Donna quickly left.

Marc counted that as a win. At least Donna knew Steven. Steven would never purposely hurt someone with words. Marc would, though. And he’d do it as a grenade infused cake.

His job was honestly.. easy. Boring even. Not that he’d ever tell Steven that, who probably absolutely enjoyed this. What hurt his heart was what else was going on.

The gift shop had busy moments but it also had very quiet moments when there was no one in it. You could see the tour guides perfectly from this angle. Another thing that made it worse was he worked alone. There was no other coworker to assist. Marc walked around looking at all the items on display. Everything was perfectly organized (unless a customer messed it up recently) and Marc just knew this was Steven’s doing. Keeping everything pretty and neat. Organized.

Of course he’d keep the gift shop cleaner than his own home. Marc smiled a bit to himself as he fixed up some plushies.

Donna rarely came over. No other coworkers did. They just seemed to… ignore Steven’s existence? Or just forgot he existed.

Nothing outright happened that was bad, but it was these tiny things that added up. Marc hated that Steven worked here. He knew he liked the job but was Steven really happy here? No. Definitely not.

Out of boredom he began to explore the drawers. Also because he needed scissors. Marc found the scissors but he also saw a notepad with doodles. A lot of doodles.

Marc picked it up and flipped through it. No doubt this was Steven’s. He saw sketches of Khonshu, Ammit, and Tawaret that looked just exactly as they had seen them.

Marc flipped the page and saw sketches of Layla that Steven had clearly tried for a while to get the details perfect. But the rest of the notepad was him and Jake. Hundreds of sketches of their heads.

Marc blushed lightly and put it away carefully where he found it. That was.. new. His heart was pounding at the thought Steven drew him and Jake often.

A customer came up and he almost growled at them. Jesus, he needed to calm down. He scanned their item, too the payment, and bagged it before handing it back.

God it was so boring. Stuck with your thoughts all of the time. How did Steven handle this? Probably by drawing but still.

The ticking clock behind his head was starting to get louder. He stared ahead. Each tick was slowly pissing him off more though. Like a taunt.

The moment his shift was over he was gone. No way in hell he was staying again. He was also not doing that again. As Marc left the museum he felt someone watching him. He stayed nonchalaunt and walked to the bus stop. Marc was hungry but they had food at home.

He stood and waited for the bus while carefully looking around. His eyes landed on a white figure on the roof tops. Jake. Marc stared at him and his glowing eyes. In a blink, he was gone.

Marc stayed silent and entirely aware of his surroundings. He turned to the side to see Jake walking up behind him in normal clothes. Clearly Jake was going to try to scare him. That failed.

Jake smiled sweetly as if he wasn’t planning anything. He stood beside him. “So.. how’d it go?”

Marc closed his eyes. “So boring I wanted to claw my eyes out. But.. Steven’s not outright being hurt. He’s forgotten about at work, has no friends or coworkers to talk to, and Donna chastises him for every reason.” That was basically it.

Jake tsked. He didn’t like it as well. “We need to find him a new job.”

Marc sighed. “Taking him away from Egyptian Artifacts? Good luck.”

Jake thought for a long moment before looking to the moon. “I.. may have an idea. Well, two. One for short term. One for long.”

“Go on.” Marc urged. He saw the bus approaching.

“I have connections.” Jake said softly. “I can get Steven a better position inside the museum.”

“Are you suggesting he take over Donna's role?” Marc smirked a bit.

Jake had a devious glint in his eyes. “Perhaps.”

“And long term?” Questioned Marc.

Jake smirked now. “That’s a surprise for later. But it will be Steven’s absolute dream job. And no, it won’t be here at this museum. I need to.. talk to some people.”

“You’re going out of your way for this.” Marc observed.

“Wouldn’t you?” Jake nudged him. The bus stopped in front of them and both got on. Marc got the window seat and Jake sat beside him, thigh touching thigh. He was this close on purpose.

Marc looked out the window. “He draws us at work.”

Jake said nothing. “You got to see?” “I snooped around when I was bored. He captures your smile perfectly.” Marc said with total admiration.

Jake tipped his hat down a bit, probably to hide any embarrassing feelings. “I have been.. working on a project now for months.”

Months? So, long before the Ammit situation. Before they even met. Marc wondered what it was.

“I’ve been making us a new home, sort of. Far away from London which I know Steven will hate but.. its full of wonderful people.”

“That’s where that long term dream job will be?” Marc asked.

Jake nodded and looked to him. “You as well, of course. I have not forgotten you.”

“It seems.. you have a lot planned for us. Why?” Marc moved his hand and very gently, almost timidly, put his hand on top of Jake’s. Jake took that as a good sign things were progressing. But Marc was like a turtle slowly poking his head out. Nothing sudden. Only slow and gentle.

“I want to protect mi amors.” Jake smiled again. “I always have. Everything I have done is to protect you two.”

Marc squeezed Jake’s hand. He.. wanted to help Jake too. Protect him. “Thats not fair. I want to help you. I know Steven would want to help you too. Don’t.. don’t go doing everything alone.”

“What, like you would?” Jake teased. Marc rolled his eyes and looked out the window. “Don’t expose me right now.” Marc joked back. “I’m still learning.”

It was Jake’s turn to gently squeeze his hand. “We all are learning.” Jake brought Marc’s hand up and kissed his knuckles softly. “If.. I make a mistake, please forgive me eventually.”

Marc looked back at him through the reflection. “Only if you do the same for me.”

That made Jake smile a real smile this time. Both sat back in the bus in a comfortable silence. When it got to their stop Jake didn’t move.

“Jake..” Marc said with a warning tone. “I’m not getting off here. I have somewhere to be.”

“Then move!”

“I don’t feel like it.” Jake fake yawned.

“Oh, fuck you.” Marc said as an empty threat. He stood up and awkwardly shuffled across Jake. Right when he was in front of Jake, the man fucking grabbed his ass!

Marc bit back a shocked noise and he quickly moved into the aisle. “The hell, Jake?”

Jake shrugged with a smirk. “Couldn’t help myself.” He was testing the waters. Seeing how far he could go with Marc.

Marc balled his fists up and left with a small blush dusting his ears. Stupid Jake. Grabbing his butt in public! God he was a terror.

Marc approached their flat and went back up the elevator. He unlocked their door and stepped in. “I’m home, Steven.” Marc announced.

It was quiet. Marc set the satchel down and walked around. He found Steven still asleep in their bed. Odd, he rarely slept this much. Perhaps it was because this was his first real day off in such a long time.

Marc was hungry. He was positive Steven would be. Jake is seemingly always hungry. He went to the fridge and pulled out some ingredients. He’d make the best chicken noodle soup that he could. Without chicken, of course. Vegan chicken broth.

Marc got to work chopping the carrots, celery, tomatoes, and spinach leaves. He put oil in a big pot and softened the veggies in that with seasoning. When they were cooked he added cups of water and the vegan chicken broth. Marc glanced at the ingredients.

It was just broth made to taste like chicken with vegan safe ingredients. Marc sighed softly. He glanced at Steven. Marc would never dictate his life in any way but sometimes he worried Steven wasn’t getting.. enough. Not that he’d make Steven change.

He stirred it as it boiled and it smelled just like chicken noodle soup. Marc then put in the noodles and covered the pot up to let them cook together.

He went to the bathroom and took off his clothes and showered. Honestly, his bathroom was depressing. It was to save space. His shower was the whole bathroom. The light was dim and it just felt.. awful. If they got a new place to live Marc was making damn sure they got a better bathroom. One that didn’t make him depressed at the very least.

He finished and stepped out in just a towel, drying himself off. He heard the pot rattling and ran over, dropping his towel, and turned the heat down. Fuck, it boiled over a bit. He’d clean it when it cooled down. Marc stirred the contents and had a careful sip. Amazing.

Just as Marc was walking back to pick up his towel and get dressed he saw Steven sat up in the bed staring at him with a huge blush, frozen. Marc stared at him nonchalantly. “I made us chicken broth soup.” Marc informed.

Steven covered his face, mainly his eyes, and squeaked. “I’m so sorry! I heard the pot boiling over and I got worried— then you came out bloody naked!”

Marc rolled his eyes. “So? Steven it isn’t weird. We literally have the same body.”

“No we do not! You and Jake have ABS.” Steven huffed into his hands. “I’m like a.. a damn pillow!”

Marc liked that he was a little pudgy though. He didn’t see it as bad or wrong. Honestly, he loved it. He and Jake were probably trying to buy a bit more food just for Steven.. “I think its perfect.” Marc said as he slid on some boxers.

Steven looked up at him finally. God, he looked so adorable. Messy, curly bed head all over the place. He still looked sleepy but not tired. His shirt was lopsided a bit, showing more shoulder and neck on his right side. His sleeves were covering up his hands and most of Steven’s boxers.

All and all, Steven was downright adorable. Marc sat on the bed. He didn’t feel like wearing pants or a shirt right now. Steven leaned against him and closed his eyes, fidgeting with his hands in his lap. “How long did I sleep?”

“Honestly?” Marc asked. “I’d say damn near 24 hours.”

“W… what?” Steven asked, totally flabbergasted. “You’re pullin my leg!”

“I am not. We went to bed around dinner time yesterday, then Jake joined us at 4 am. I left to w— do my photography work, and I just got back.”

Steven looked horrified he slept that long. “Well that explains why I am so starved! Can you make me a bowl, I gotta use the loo.”

Marc snorted softly. “Yeah, course.” He got up and went into the kitchen. He got two bowls down and poured some soup into both. ‘The loo..’ Marc thought. ‘Loo is such a funny word for bathroom. Sometimes Steven calls it the washroom.’ Marc thought it was cute.

He carried the bowls to a table and sat down at it. Steven came out wiping his hands on his lower back. “Do you ever dry your hands off with a towel?” “Sometimes?” Steven asked but it was more like a question.

Marc just sighed. “I put two ice cubes in yours so it should cool down faster.”

Steven’s eyes lit up as he sat down. “Thank you, Marc! You’re the best.”

Marc watched Steven scoop up some veggies and broth and blow on it before taking a bite. He saw his legs start kicking like a child and smiled.

Marc ate his own bite which was far hotter so he inhaled with his mouth open. ‘Shit, damnit.’ He didn’t realize it was still scalding.

Steven chuckled softly. “Want me to get you some ice cubes?”

“You know what, sure. Hit me up, two please.” Marc held up two with his fingers like he was asking for beer or something.

Steven got up and went to the fridge. Marc couldn’t help but stare at his thighs as he grabbed two ice cubes and shut the freezer with his hips. Steven carefully plopped them into the bowl so it didn’t splash.

“Thank you.” Marc stirred them around and took a bite. “Much better. And tastier.”

When Steven didn’t reply he looked over at him to see him staring at something. Marc looked and saw Khonshu poking the Tv.

Jesus they couldn’t get a break.

Khonshu seemed to notice and looked over at them. He was in his smaller form. That was why Steven was staring. He had never seen it before.

Steven slowly took a bite and looked at Marc. Marc locked eyes with him and shrugged.

When Steven looked back he flinched and choked on his food because now Khonshu was inches away from his face.

“Bloody hell- jesus. Can you not spook me like that, mate?” Steven actually jabbed his spoon into Khonshu gently. “You’re gonna kill me! And if you do, Marc and Jake will kill you!”

Oh I know. Khonshu said as if he accepted this outcome already.

Steven huffed. He saw Khonshu staring at the bowls. “Oh hell no. Get your own bloody bowl!” He pulled his bowl away from the bird.

I do not need to eat.

“Then stop oggling Marc’s soup! Can you even taste?”

Khonshu was gone in a blink. He heard movement in the kitchen and turned to see Khonshu over the pot.

Steven was going to explode. He looked at Marc who looked horrified watching Khonshu open his beak for the first time. He looked away as well.

Hm.

Marc glanced at him. “Did you just fucking try my soup?”

Is that not obvious?

“.. why?” Marc glanced to Steven like ‘what the fuck is happening’. Steven shrugged, looking equally scared.

I wanted to see if your cooking was as good as Jake says.

Marc gripped his spoon. “Why are you acting so.. so..! Ugh.”

I have.. reformed my thinking slightly.

Steven got up and held the bowl. He put it in the sink and looked at Khonshu. “If you think we will forgive you that easily for ruining us, think again. I saw what you did to Marc. It will take a lot more than just being nice to get our forgiveness.” Steven then sighed. “Are you living here now?”

You could call it that.

“Then would you do the dishes?”

Marc almost choked on thin air. Only Steven would boss around a fucking God! Jesus. He had a habit of this, too! Out in the Egyptian desert he did this, bossing Khonshu around.

And surprising Marc, Khonshu rolled up his suit's sleeves though there was nothing underneath.

Khonshu actually washed the dishes. Steven dried and put them away as if this was the most normal thing ever. Really he knew it was bizarre but seriously, he was not going to let Khonshu just freeload. “You know if you want you can eat our food.” Steven said quietly.

You three need it far more than me.

Steven looked up at the bird. “I can tell. You miss eating, or at least tasting stuff.”

Khonshu did not respond or react. He handed Steven the last dish. Steven took it from him and dried it with the rag. “Thank you.”

The old god then vanished as if he was never there. Steven put the bowl up and sighed. “He is never leaving is he?” He asked.

Marc looked at him and shrugged. “Probably not.”

Steven teared up a bit and his shoulders shook. He went over to Marc. Marc looked at him and just.. he looked so small and fragile. “Come here.” Marc stood up and moved to the couch. He sat down on it and pat beside him.

Steven crawled beside him, then onto his lap. That was.. new. Not that he was complaining. It felt.. nice. He wrapped am arm around him. “Its funny.. really. Khonshu listens to you.” Marc said softly. “You just made a god do the dishes Steven.”

He heard a sniffle and the man in his lap scooted closer to Marc, resting his head on his shoulder. “I’m terrified of him.”

Marc reached over and held Steven’s hand. He interlocked their fingers and squeezed softly. “You have me and Jake. And Khonshu cant do anything to us. Okay?”

Steven nodded and rubbed his eyes a bit. “Khonshu is hiding something from us. And Jake. I can see it..”

Marc frowned a bit. He knew what Steven was talking about. Khonshu mentioned something too. A cost.. maybe Khonshu had to give up some of his power for them to live on? He would never want to admit he was being nice or even cared though.

But.. that was just it. Khonshu would never admit any feelings. Literally nothing. Marc had to learn how to read him, or something. Figure him out. What if what Jake was saying was true?

Marc squeezed Steven softly and stared at his arms. He noticed small markings, almost like bruises but not. Marc ran his thumb across them. Hardly there. Like a shadow.

Yeah. He was overthinking things.

Marc rested his head against Steven’s and closed his eyes. “We will be okay, bud.” Marc said softly. “I will never let anything hurt you. Jake too.”

Steven gently gripped his shirt. “Jake is.. working for Khonshu. Saving people.” Steven sighed a bit. Marc heard it in his voice. The tone. Steven was figuring out he hated his job, maybe. That maybe Steven would rather work for Khonshu than his gift shop job.

Marc gently rubbed his back with one hand and squeezed Steven’s with the other. “He is. Thats because he wants to, I suppose. It doesn’t seem like he is bound to him. Steven if you’re thinking about working for Khonshu again please.. think about it. With me, too. We can make sure we aren’t stuck.” He said softly and moved one hand to brush the hair out of Steven’s head.

Steven closed his eyes and leaned into the touch. He made a content noise akin to a hum so Marc kept gently petting his head.

After a while Steven let out a whine and buried his head into Marc’s neck. “My head really hurts.” He said softly.

Marc nodded a bit. “I’ve been getting them too. Lemme get us something to take.” Steven slowly nodded and wiggled off of his lap.

Marc went into the kitchen and rooted through their cabinets. He got two pills and a cup of water and went back to Steven. Steven gently took it and the cup and easily downed it. Marc took the cup back and gulped his down.

Marc sat back down and Steven crawled into his side again. He was really seeking comfort. Marc pulled a blanket down from the couch edge and wrapped it around them both. “You’re safe.”

Steven sighed. “I know I am. I am.. I just can’t help but be scared of Khonshu. Scared for you, Marc.”

“Of me?” Marc lifted an eyebrow at him.

Steven nodded. “If you.. get stuck again. Serving him.”

“That’s not gonna happen. Okay? Don’t worry.” Marc ruffled his head. “You’ve had a big day. Relax.”

Steven rolled his eyes. “I slept for an entire day.” “Exactly. Big day.” Steven snorted and rested his head on Marc’s shoulder. He gently held onto Marc’s shirt and slowly drifted into a light sleep.

Marc was worried why Steven was sleeping so much but he didn’t want to push it. He held Steven and turned on the Tv with the remote.

Ah. That’s how..

Marc looked up to see Khonshu at the other end of the couch. He was tapping the Tv earlier.. “Here. Have fun.” Marc tossed him the remote. Khonshu caught it and stared at the buttons. “Press a number or the up and down arrows. Find a show you wanna watch. No waking up Steven though.”

Khonshu said nothing and the Tv started to flash. Channel and channel. Khonshu stopped on The Big Bang Theory and Marc mentally sighed. At least it was an amusing show. Khonshu seemed to enjoy it as well. Maybe? He was just staring. Unmoving.

Marc kept petting Steven softly who was relaxing more and more as the medicine did its job. His headache was fading too.

Steven Grant fears me.

“No shit, birdbrain.” Marc looked over at him. “How did you not know that before?”

..He is one of the first to tell me exactly what to do. In the desert he sat down and told me how this was going to work out.

Marc snorted. “Yeah. I thought you were gonna kill us for that.”

Never.

Marc froze. Never? Did he really mean that though? “Why.. are you so suddenly.. nice?”

I have not changed, really. Just changed how I approach you two.

Marc once again had no idea what he was talking about. Maybe he never would. “And thats why you did the dishes?”

I do not want you two to fear me. I understand you two will not be my avatars again, but I would still like to.. communicate.

Marc perked up- he UNDERSTOOD what that meant. “You want to keep a relationship with us!”

I suppose-

“Oh my god.” Marc laughed. He couldn’t fucking believe it. “I’m losing my mind again. You LIKE us?”

Khonshu turned his head to Marc and Steven, then tilted his head. He’d never admit it.

You two are enduring. Intriguing.

“Bullshit. You like us. I get it now.” Marc rubbed Steven’s back. His breathing was fast. He was awake but faking being asleep. “If you just found us ‘intriguing’ why would you try my food? Or do the damn dishes?”

Khonshu didn’t reply. Of course he didn’t. He’d rather be quiet than admit anything. Let them assume rather than tell them.

Marc was catching onto how Jake dealt with Khonshu. Understood him.

“You wouldn’t hurt us even if you were told to.”

I have no benefits to hurting you three.

Marc squeezed Steven’s hand. Khonshu was actually just a big fucking softie that acted like he didn’t give a shit.

He was exactly like Marc. Never wanting to tell people anything but wanting to care. He understood now.

“Maybe.. I like you too.” Marc glanced at him. “But not like a friend. Like youre a past coworker I just met again.”

What do you think I should do to fix what I have broken with Steven?

Khonshu. Asking Marc advice. To fix his mistakes. He felt Steven tense a bit, but not from fear.

“I don’t know. I’m not him. But.. don’t be scary. He is sensitive too. Me and Jake are nothing like him. You can’t be a stone wall. Steven’s.. kinda like a kid. In a good way.” Marc meant everything he was saying.

..I see. Thank you, Marc Spector.

Khonshu looked back at the Tv. Marc tucked Steven back in, who looked up at him from the blanket. Marc smiled at him softly and squeezed him a bit. ‘Its alright. We are alright.’

Steven couldn’t sleep for a while. He tried to. Eventually he laid across Marc’s lap. He had a lot to think about. The fact Khonshu cared about them genuinely was a new concept. That he was guilty. That he wanted to fix things with them even if it meant never having them as Avatars.

Stupid bird. Throwing things into chaos.

Steven nuzzled into Marc’s thigh and drifted to sleep after an hour of laugh tracks playing in the background.

When he woke up he was in bed cuddling Marc.. and Jake. Steven rolled over and wrapped his arms around Jake and pulled the man closer to him. He nuzzled into his neck and yawned a bit. The moonlight was beautiful tonight. Steven could see all the little details on Jake.

He looked into his dark room and saw Khonshu. Steven froze but the god felt.. off. He was standing but he didn’t seem.. there. Was.. was he actually asleep? Steven shyly waved to him but nothing. The god was just staring at the floor…?

Steven gulped. He didn’t trust him but.. he also was starting to accept Khonshu cared. He slowly got out of bed and approached the god.

The bird still did not move. Steven gently touched his cowl. It felt feather light. He blinked a few times, processing this. “Khonshu..?”

Nothing. Steven gently touched his staff. The god finally stirred but failed to wake.

Odd. Khonshu was the god of the night sky. He should be awake during the night. And Jake too. Steven looked back at Jake and Marc. They were fine. Tired, though. Steven looked back to Khonshu. Maybe he was tired as well.

Steven went to the couch and grabbed a blanket. He went back to the god and awkwardly put it over his shoulders. Khonshu stirred again.

Steven Grant.

It was quieter than normal. Like an actual indoors voice. Speaking. “Oh, uhm- I.. s-sorry I didn’t mean to dirturb you I just—“

I am sorry.

“You.. what?” Steven took a step back and fidgeted with his hands. What? Khonshu was.. apologizing? “For what?”

Khonshu gently touched the blanket and seemed to stare at it. When I met Marc Spector I felt you and Jake inside. Yet I ignored you two. Then I saw Jake come out one day and fought instead of Marc.

Oh, bloody hell was he about to infodump? Steven sat on the bed and looked up at him, ready to listen. Khonshu paused while he settled down.

I knew then that you three were your own persons and why Marc wanted so desperately for me to never interfere with your life. You are most interesting. Despite not knowing of Marc you held heavy interest in Egypt. I would keep an eye on you whenever I could. It is.. an odd feeling watching someone read and study me as I hovered behind them.

Steven felt very much stalked but also touched. He put his hands in his lap. “So even before we met you.. cared about me?”

Of course. Marc cared. So would I.

Steven nodded a bit.

You do not trust me.

“Why would I? All you did before was lie and manipulate!” Steven instantly quieted down so he didn’t wake up the two.

It was to keep you three as safe as possible. The truth can rip your feeble minds apart if I was not careful. Marc does not remember but I showed him a glimpse and he freaked out. Jake did, too. But he accepted it.

“You’re back to being vague again..”

It is because I am concealing the truth. Do you wish to know?

Steven stared at Khonshu deeply. No. He didn’t. Khonshu didn’t want to tell them because whatever this truth was he didn’t want them to know probably for their own saftey. “Is it bad?”

Yes, and no. It really is not bad, in my opinion. But the changes that come with it can be.

Steven nodded. “Alright. I’ll.. trust you. Do not tell me unless its important.”

Khonshu grabbed the blanket. I am preventing it as long as I can. I can not promise I can stop it forever. Or even long term.

Steven tensed a bit. “Then why can’t we know?”

Because you will freak out, just as Marc and Jake did.

“You really like to make things frustrating, huh?”

Khonshu looked somewhat smug. But of course. That is my job, no?

Steven rolled his eyes. “Whatever.”

You gave me a blanket. Why?

Steven shrugged. “You looked.. I don’t know.”

You did not have to.

“And yet I did.” Steven crawled into the bed beside Jake and Marc. “Khonshu.. whatever you’re preventing. You say it isnt bad. Right?”

It will alter your lives heavily. Jake knows what it is. It is not bad. He has been preparing for it.

“I have never seen you sleep.”

I was not—

“Its taking a toll on you to prevent whatever it is.”

..Yes. But I do not mind.

Steven nodded and snuggled into Jake and Marc. He stared at the ceiling. “Will you be there with us when it happens?”

If you think that it is best that I am, yes. Jake and I will help. It will be okay.

It will be okay. Steven closed his eyes. Khonshu himself was reassuring Steven that whatever this ‘thing he is preventing that Jake also knows about’ he would be okay. They would be okay.

“Why is it going to happen?”

When you went through Osiris, you were reborn. Then I gifted you all your own bodies. You have been reborn three times in one lifetime. Because of this, the amount of Egyptian powers that have been applied to your bodies is far more than anything most have dealt with.

Steven looked at Khonshu. He was explaining a lot, yet nothing at all. “Thanks.” With that he dozed off again in the safe hold of both Marc and Jake in the quiet hum of the moons light.