Chapter Text
The camp was quiet except for Penny's snoring from three tents over and the dying fire crackling softly. Sean crossed the familiar ground without stumbling over tent stakes or roots like he used to, confident now in his path. The massive redwoods towered overhead, dark shapes against the star-filled sky.
Finn's tent had the only light still on, a warm glow through the canvas. Sean could see his silhouette inside - sitting up, shifting around, messing with something in his hands. Waiting. Sean's pulse picked up.
He unzipped the flap without announcing himself.
"Jesus-" Finn startled, the unlit joint nearly slipping from his fingers before he caught it. "Fuck, you're like a ninja or something." His laugh came out breathless as Sean ducked inside. He carefully set the joint down on a small piece of cardboard beside him, then started spinning one of his silver rings around his finger, the movement quick and repetitive. "I was starting to think maybe you'd changed your mind, or Daniel woke up, or-"
"He's out." Sean settled cross-legged across from him, the small space bringing them close. The sleeping bag beneath Finn looked smoothed out, actually made up for once, and Sean noticed he'd moved his scattered clothes into a neat pile in the corner. Extra blankets were layered carefully over the sleeping bag, and he'd even found a second pillow from somewhere. The battery-powered camping light was positioned to cast softer light than usual, and Sean could smell the faint scent of soap. A crumpled wet wipe sat beside the cardboard he was using as an ashtray, and everything looked freshly wiped down, like he'd been cleaning obsessively.
Sean watched Finn's fingers still working at the ring, and a small smile tugged at his lips as realization hit. "You're nervous."
"What? Nah." Finn's eyes darted to Sean's face, then away. His ring kept spinning around his finger in quick, anxious circles. "Just, you know..." He gestured vaguely at the tent space around them. "Was thinkin' about whether this setup's gonna work, if it's comfortable enough, then I started wonderin' if maybe I should've cleaned up more, moved some of this crap around, and there was this sock I couldn't find earlier and I was crawlin' around lookin' for it like an idiot, and then I got distracted reorganizin' my stash box for like twenty minutes, and then I started wonderin' if you actually said what I think you said earlier or if I just imagined the whole thing 'cause I've been fantasizin' about you so much lately that maybe my brain just made it up, and fuck, what if I totally misread everything and you're gonna walk in here and I'm gonna be all-" He cut himself off, running a hand through his dreads. "Fuck, listen to me ramblin' like an idiot."
Sean had never seen Finn like this - all that easy confidence replaced with fidgety energy. The way he kept messing with his rings, picking at the patches on his jeans, it was actually kind of cute. Made him seem younger somehow, and Sean felt his own nerves ease knowing he wasn't the only one feeling this.
"Hey." Sean reached for Finn's hand, stilling the ring-spinning. "It's just me."
Finn's fingers curled around his, grip tighter than usual. "Yeah, that's the problem." His voice dropped, nervousness giving way to something more raw. "Been thinkin' about this for weeks, Sean." His thumb traced across Sean's knuckles. "Now you're here and I'm tryin' not to freak the fuck out."
The honesty hit Sean square in the chest. After all those careful steps, all the patience Finn had shown, he was just as wound up as Sean. Just better at masking it, usually.
"You don't have to hide it," Sean said quietly. "Being nervous, I mean. After everything we've done, everything you've been for me..." He squeezed Finn's hand. "You can just be real."
Finn's breathing slowed, some tension leaving his shoulders. "Real, huh?" His crooked smile appeared, but softer than usual. "Real is I've been sittin' here for what feels like ten fuckin' years tryin' to figure out what I'm supposed to say to you." He gestured vaguely between them. "I mean, I've done this before, but not... not with someone who matters this much. How do you even start when it actually means something?"
Sean couldn't help smiling at that - Finn McNamara, who always had an answer for everything, completely rattled by nerves. "Like this," Sean said, and leaned forward to kiss him.
Finn made a surprised sound that quickly turned hungry, hands finding Sean's shoulders and pulling him closer across the small space. His mouth opened under Sean's, and Sean felt that familiar rush of heat flood through him. But this time there was no hesitation, no voice in the back of his head questioning if this was okay. Just want.
When they broke apart, breathing harder, Finn's eyes were dark. His tongue swept slowly across his bottom lip before he caught it between his teeth. "C'mere," he said, fingers finding the strings of Sean's hoodie and tugging him forward.
Sean moved closer until he was on top of Finn on the sleeping bag, one leg between Finn's thighs. He could feel the heat radiating off Finn's body through their clothes, could feel him already getting hard against his thigh. The realization made his own cock throb.
Finn's hands found Sean's belt loops, fingers hooking through the denim to pull him closer.
"Been thinking about having you on top of me like this," Finn murmured, voice rough. "Grinding against me, getting you so fuckin' hard you can't think straight."
Sean felt Finn's erection pressing against him through their jeans. He rolled his hips, the friction drawing a low sound from both of them.
"Mmm," Finn breathed, hands tightening on Sean's hips. "Do that again."
Sean did, slower this time, relishing the way Finn's breath caught. The rough denim pressed against his hardening cock, each movement sending sharp jolts of heat through him. He braced himself on his forearm beside Finn's head as he ground against him.
"That's it," Finn encouraged, voice getting rougher. One hand moved to the neck of Sean's hoodie, fingers twisting in the fabric to pull him down for another kiss. This one was hungrier, all tongue and teeth as Sean continued the slow grind of his hips. Finn's other hand found Sean's belt, gripping the leather.
They found a rhythm, Sean rolling against Finn while Finn's grip on his belt controlled the pace, using it to pull Sean down harder with each thrust. Both of them were breathing harder with each pass. The tent was filled with the soft sounds of fabric against fabric, quiet gasps, and the occasional groan when Sean hit just the right angle.
Sean was fully hard, the friction almost too much through his jeans. Finn's cock was pressing up against him, hard and insistent through the layers of denim, his hips lifting to meet each of Sean's movements. Meanwhile, Finn's thigh pressed up between Sean's legs, adding another layer of stimulation that had Sean gasping against Finn's mouth.
"Sean," Finn's voice was strained. He pulled at the hoodie's neck again, bringing Sean's face close to his. "Tell me what you want tonight."
Sean felt heat creep up his neck. "I already told you," he mumbled against Finn's mouth.
"I know." Finn's voice dropped lower, more playful but with an edge of need. "But I want to hear it again. You know what I want - told you at the cave." His hand moved between them, palm pressing against Sean's hard cock through his jeans. "I wanna hear what you want me to do to you."
Sean's hips jerked at the contact, a soft sound escaping his throat. "Finn..."
"C'mon," Finn murmured, rubbing his palm against Sean's length. "Tell me."
Sean tried to focus, but Finn's hand was making it impossible to think straight. "I want-" His voice cracked as Finn's palm pressed harder. "Want your mouth on me."
Finn's fingers found the button of Sean's jeans, working it open with deliberate slowness. "You want me to suck your cock?" he asked, voice rough.
"Yeah," Sean breathed, Finn's words making his face burn even as his hips pushed into his touch. "Please."
Finn's hand slipped inside Sean's jeans, pressing against him through his boxers. The thin cotton was already damp with precome. "That never gets old, hearin' you ask for that."
Sean brushed his hair back from his face, though it immediately fell forward again.
"What else?" Finn asked, thumb brushing over the dampness through Sean's boxers. "What else do you want?"
"I want you inside me," Sean managed, struggling to concentrate as Finn's hand started moving against him through the thin fabric. He leaned in, forehead pressing against his shoulder. "I want you to fuck me."
Finn's hand slipped under the waistband of Sean's boxers, fingers wrapping around Sean's bare cock. "Christ." His grip tightened, making Sean gasp. "You don't know how long I've wanted to hear you say that."
Sean's breath hitched, his cock twitching hard against Finn's palm. Finn's hand felt so good on him, but the fabric of his hoodie was sticking to his skin with sweat, everything feeling too tight and constricting.
"Off," he said, tugging at his hoodie. "I need this off."
Finn's hand stilled on his cock, and Sean immediately missed the contact. "Yeah," Finn said, voice rough. "Let me."
Sean sat up, letting Finn pull the hoodie and his t-shirt over his head in one motion. The cool air hit his heated skin, making him shiver. When he moved to lie back down, Finn caught his wrist.
"Fuck, Sean," Finn breathed, eyes moving over his bare chest. "Look at you."
Sean felt heat creep up his neck under Finn's gaze. "You too," he managed, tugging at Finn's t-shirt.
They got it off, and Sean couldn't help staring at the familiar tattoos across Finn's chest and shoulders - patterns he'd sketched so many times, memorized from their first night together in Finn's tent. He knew some of the stories behind them. But seeing them now, knowing what was about to happen, felt different. This was it.
"You're..." Sean started, then stopped. He gestured vaguely at Finn's chest. "You look really... good. Like, really fucking good."
Finn's grin was pleased, almost smug. "Yeah? Like what you see, sweetheart?"
"Obviously," Sean muttered, embarrassed by how inarticulate he sounded compared to Finn's easy confidence.
Finn lay back down, pulling Sean with him so they were on their sides facing each other. His hand slid back down Sean's stomach before slipping under his boxers again. "You've got such a perfect cock," Finn said. "Love how thick you are, how you fill my mouth."
Sean's breath caught. "Yeah?"
"Fuck yeah." Finn's grip tightened on Sean's length, making him gasp. "Love how you taste, how hard you get for me. The sounds you make when you hit the back of my throat."
Sean couldn't form words, too distracted by Finn's hand and the raw want in his voice.
Finn moved to hover over Sean as his mouth found his neck, tongue tracing the hollow of his throat. Before moving lower, he slipped his hand from Sean's boxers, fingers hooking into the waistband instead. He tugged the fabric down enough to free Sean's cock completely. Sean exhaled in relief at being released from the confining fabric.
Now Finn's mouth worked lower, leaving a wet trail across Sean's skin. Sean's hands fisted in the blanket as Finn's teeth grazed his collarbone, making his back arch off the sleeping bag. Finn continued moving down, his mouth finding Sean's nipple.
"I love getting to know what makes you squirm," Finn murmured against his chest, tongue flicking across the sensitive skin. "Figuring out all your spots."
"Finn..." Sean gasped, hips lifting as Finn's teeth caught the sensitive skin.
Finn's hand wrapped around his cock again while his mouth worked at Sean's chest, switching between nipples, using his tongue and teeth until Sean was panting beneath him. The chain around Finn's neck brushed against Sean’s skin as he moved, catching the lamplight.
Finn's mouth moved lower, kissing down Sean's stomach while his hand maintained steady strokes on Sean's cock. His tongue dipped into the hollow of Sean's navel, making him twitch. The feel of Finn's tongue moving across his skin and his hand picking up pace was driving Sean crazy with need.
"Finn," Sean said, voice strained. "Please."
"Please what?" Finn asked, looking up at him through his dreads. His lips were wet, eyes dark.
"You know what I want," Sean said, hips pushing up into Finn's grip.
"Want my mouth on your cock?" Finn's thumb brushed over the head, making Sean gasp. "Want me to get you so worked up you can barely think straight?"
"Fuck, yes," Sean groaned.
Finn's hands moved to Sean's jeans, working them down his hips along with his already displaced boxers. "Lift up for me."
Sean complied, and then he was fully naked. Finn's heated gaze moving over his body.
"So fucking perfect," Finn said, settling between Sean's spread thighs. Sean watched the muscles in his back shift as he leaned down, mesmerized by the fluid way he moved, breath hot against Sean's cock.
Sean's pulse quickened as Finn's mouth moved closer, kissing the inside of his thigh. So close to where he wanted that mouth, but not quite. The anticipation was making him crazy.
"Finn," he pleaded, voice breaking.
Finn looked up at him with those deep blue eyes, a little smirk playing at his lips.
When Finn's tongue finally made contact with the head of his cock, Sean's hips jerked involuntarily. "Shit," he gasped, hands immediately reaching for Finn's dreads.
Finn took him in, that wet heat engulfing him just like in the past, but somehow it felt even more intense now. Maybe because Sean knew what was coming after, knew this was just the beginning. Finn's tongue worked around him, finding all the spots that made Sean's thighs shake.
"So good," Sean breathed, trying to keep his voice down. "Your mouth feels so fucking good."
Finn hummed around him, the vibration making Sean gasp. But after a few minutes, just when Sean was starting to lose himself in the sensation, Finn pulled off with a wet sound.
"Not gonna let you come like this," Finn said, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. His lips were swollen, eyes dark with want. "I want you coming around my cock instead."
Sean's whole body shuddered at the words. Christ, the way Finn said shit like that - so direct, so fucking hot - it almost pushed him over the edge just hearing it.
Finn reached over to his backpack, pulling out a small bottle. The clear plastic caught the lamplight. Sean’s stomach flipped with anticipation and nerves.
Finn's expression shifted as he looked down at Sean, something more serious crossing his face. "Gonna open you up now," he said, voice gentler. "Get you ready for me." He squeezed some of the lube onto his fingers, warming it between them. "You ready?"
Sean nodded, throat too tight to speak. He watched Finn's face, saw the concentration there as he moved closer.
"Spread your legs a bit more for me," Finn directed. Sean complied, feeling completely exposed with Finn kneeling between his thighs, those blue eyes focused entirely on him. It could have been embarrassing, but the heat in Finn's gaze made it feel incredible instead. "That's perfect."
The first touch of Finn's slick finger against his hole made Sean tense up. Not from fear, but from the sheer newness of the feeling. This was different from Finn's tongue - more focused, more deliberate.
"Breathe, sweetheart," Finn murmured, circling the rim without pushing in yet. His free hand rested on Sean's thigh, thumb rubbing soothing circles against his skin. "Just relax for me."
Sean forced himself to exhale, body gradually loosening under Finn's patient touch. When Finn finally pressed forward, just the tip of his finger breaching him, Sean's breath caught. The intrusion felt odd, foreign, his body instinctively tensing around it.
"How's that feel?" Finn asked, holding still.
"Weird," Sean admitted, voice tight. "But good."
"Breathe through it," Finn coached. His free hand gently stroked Sean's hip. "Let your body open up for me."
Sean focused on his breathing, on the steady pressure. Gradually, his muscles loosened, and Finn was able to work deeper.
"Gonna go further now," Finn warned, slowly working his finger all the way inside. Sean's body yielded, the initial strangeness fading as he adjusted to the feeling.
Finn moved his finger gently back and forth, letting Sean get used to the sensation. After a few minutes, when Sean's breathing had steadied, Finn shifted his angle slightly.
"Ready for another?" Finn asked, already adding more lube to his fingers.
"Yeah," Sean gasped.
The second finger was a stretch, Sean's body resisting for a moment before yielding. The ache was deeper now, but not unpleasant. Just powerful, all-consuming in the best way.
Finn stilled his fingers until Sean adjusted, then started working them back and forth, slowly at first, then with more purpose. Sean could see the concentration on Finn's face, the way his shoulders moved as he worked, his free hand gripping Sean's hip firmly.
When Finn curled his fingers, Sean's whole body jolted. "Fuck!"
"Found it," Finn said with satisfaction, pressing against the same spot again. Pleasure shot through Sean's body, his back arching off the sleeping bag. "That spot right there - gonna feel even better with my cock hitting it."
Finn's free hand slid down to circle Sean's length, stroking in rhythm with the fingers working inside him. The dual sensation made Sean gasp, his hips pushing into both touches.
"Fuck, you're so hard for me," Finn breathed, watching his face.
Sean couldn't form words, too caught up in the feeling. Each thrust sent sparks of pleasure through Sean's body, especially when Finn angled to hit that spot inside him.
"So tight," Finn groaned softly, his voice strained with want. "Can't wait to feel you around me."
When Finn added a third finger, the width was enough to make Sean gasp and tense up. It was more than he'd ever felt inside him, his body struggling to accommodate the size.
"Too much?" Finn asked, fingers stilling.
"No," Sean managed, forcing himself to relax. "Just... a lot."
"I know," Finn said, voice soothing. His free hand moved from Sean's cock to his stomach, palm warm and steady. "This is the hardest part. Once you adjust to three fingers, my cock's gonna feel so good inside you."
Finn worked him patiently, adding more lube when needed, letting Sean's body get used to the feeling. And gradually, it did. The discomfort faded completely, to pressure that felt incredible instead of too much.
"How's that now?" Finn asked, slowly fucking him with three fingers.
"Good," Sean breathed, hips starting to move with Finn's rhythm. "Really fucking good."
"I think you're ready," Finn said, carefully withdrawing his fingers, his other hand sliding away from Sean's cock. Sean immediately felt the loss, hole clenching around nothing. "Want my cock now, sweetheart?"
"Please," Sean said, beyond caring how desperate he sounded. "Need you inside me."
Finn sat back on his heels, hands moving to his belt. Sean watched, mesmerized, as Finn worked the leather through the buckle, then popped the button of his jeans. The zipper's teeth separated one by one, each small sound cutting through the quiet tent. Finn's movements were deliberate but urgent, pushing his jeans down his hips before kicking them off completely.
His boxers followed, and then Finn was naked between Sean's spread legs, cock hard and flushed dark at the tip. Sean couldn't tear his eyes away - the tattoos covering Finn's thighs, the dark hair trailing up from his groin to his navel, the way his muscles were taut with tension.
Finn reached for the condom he'd set aside earlier, hands shaking slightly as he tore the packet with his teeth. Sean could see Finn was just as worked up as he was. The sight of Finn rolling the latex over his cock, jaw tight with concentration, made Sean's own cock twitch against his stomach.
But as Finn moved closer, something must have shown on Sean's face, because Finn paused.
"Hey," Finn said softly, cupping Sean's cheek. "You okay?"
"Yeah," Sean managed, though his heart was racing. "Just... nervous."
Finn's expression softened, thumb brushing across Sean's cheekbone. "Wanna know something? First time I topped, I was so fucking nervous and excited that when the guy touched me to guide me in, I came right over his ass before I even got inside him."
Sean couldn't help but laugh. "Seriously?"
"Dead serious." Finn's crooked smile appeared. "Point is, we all get nervous. There's no pressure here, okay?" He gently brushed Sean's hair back from his face, eyes meeting Sean's. "We go at your pace, and if you need me to stop or slow down, just say so."
"I want this," Sean said. Finn made him feel so safe, so sure. "Want you."
Finn leaned down to kiss him, soft and reassuring, the metal pendant of his necklace brushing against Sean's chest. "Just breathe for me, okay?"
Sean nodded as Finn reached for one of the pillows, lifting Sean's hips gently to slide it underneath him. "This'll help with the angle," he said, voice soft. The pillow tilted Sean's hips up slightly, and Finn's eyes darkened as he looked down at him. "Perfect."
Finn picked up the bottle of lube again, tilting it to drizzle the thick liquid directly onto his cock. Sean watched, mesmerized by the way it ran down Finn's length before Finn's hand spread it, slicking himself thoroughly. Then Finn added more lube to Sean's entrance, his fingers gentle as he worked it in.
"I want you ready for me," Finn murmured. Fuck, that was hot.
Finn positioned himself between Sean's spread thighs, the blunt pressure against his entrance making Sean's breath catch. He forced himself to stay loose, to trust Finn.
"Here we go," Finn said quietly, pressing forward slowly.
The first push was sharp - a burning stretch that made Sean's whole body tense. It felt like too much, his hole struggling to accommodate Finn's size even after the preparation.
"Breathe," Finn reminded him, voice strained with the effort of entering slowly. He was braced on one arm above Sean, the other hand guiding himself. "Let your body adjust."
Sean's hands found Finn's forearms, gripping them as he focused on the blue of Finn's eyes watching his face with such careful attention. Gradually, his muscles loosened, and Finn was able to push deeper. The width increased, Sean's body working to accept him. Each inch felt deliberate, all-consuming, until finally-
"That's it," Finn encouraged, sweat beading on his forehead. "Taking me so well."
When Finn was fully seated inside him, they both stilled. Sean had never felt so complete, so filled. It was incredible in a way he hadn't expected - not just physically, but emotionally too.
Finn leaned down, pressing their foreheads together, both of them breathing hard. "Fuck, Sean," he whispered, voice rough with emotion and barely contained need. "You're everything."
Sean pulled him down into a kiss, slow and deep, their mouths moving together. Connected like this, Sean felt like they were the only two people in the world.
"How you feeling?" Finn asked, voice tight with control. His thumb brushed across Sean's cheek.
"Full," Sean managed. "Really fucking full."
"Good full or bad full?"
"Good," Sean said, adjusting to the sensation. "Just... a lot."
"Gonna start moving now," Finn said, pulling back slightly before pushing forward again. The movement was careful, testing. "Tell me if it's too much."
The first few thrusts were challenging, Sean's body still adjusting. But Finn kept the movements small, letting him get used to the feeling of being stretched. Sean focused on Finn's face - the concentration there.
"You can move more," Sean said after a few minutes, his body finally relaxing into the rhythm.
Finn's relief was visible as he started thrusting deeper, pulling back further before pushing forward again. Each movement sent new waves of pressure through Sean's body, the thickness shifting and changing with every stroke.
"Fuck, Sean," Finn groaned, eyes locked on Sean's face. "You feel so fucking good around me."
Sean could see how turned on Finn was - pupils blown wide, the blue almost swallowed up by black. He took in every detail: the way Finn's shoulders flexed with each thrust, how his dreads fell forward as he moved, the shine of sweat on his skin.
Looking down, Sean watched where they were joined - Finn's cock disappearing into his body with each thrust. The sight was overwhelming, dirty and intimate and beautiful all at once. The wet sounds of their bodies moving together filled the tent.
"You like seeing my cock sliding into you?" Finn said, voice rough, following Sean's gaze downward. "Looks so fucking good, sweetheart." When Sean met his eyes again, Finn's crooked smile appeared. "How's it feel now?"
Sean's hands moved to Finn's hips, fingers digging into the firm muscle as Finn continued moving inside him. "Amazing," Sean breathed, and he meant it. The discomfort had faded completely, replaced by heat and building pressure every time Finn pushed deep. "Really fucking amazing."
Finn shifted his position, sitting back slightly and pulling Sean's legs up to hook over his shoulders. The new angle made Sean gasp as Finn hit the spot inside him that sent sharp heat through his entire body.
"Right there," Sean groaned, one hand clutching at the sleeping bag while the other slid around to grip Finn's lower back. "Fuck, right there."
"Yeah?" Finn's pace picked up, more purposeful now, hitting the same spot with each thrust. The small silver disk of his necklace swayed with the rhythm of his movements. "That what you need, sweetheart?"
Sean couldn't form words anymore, lost in the rush. Every thrust sent electricity coursing through him, and he could see the tension on Finn's face, the effort it was taking him to maintain control while Sean writhed beneath him.
"Look at you," Finn said, voice thick with want. "Taking my cock so fucking good. I can feel how tight you are around me, how you clench up every time I hit deep."
Sean's fingers slid to the back of Finn's neck, threading into his dreads as everything started to build inside him. When a particularly deep thrust made him cry out, his nails pressed into Finn's skin.
Finn's hand found Sean's cock, wrapping around him, and Sean's whole body jolted at the contact. The combination of Finn inside him and stroking him was even more intense than when it had just been his fingers - fuller, deeper, overwhelming in the best way. His hips bucked involuntarily, caught between pushing back onto Finn's cock and forward into his grip. Finn stroked Sean in time with his thrusts, the combination making Sean's vision blur at the edges. Every nerve ending felt like it was on fire, the pressure building inside him with frightening intensity.
"Finn," Sean gasped, warning in his voice as everything inside him started to tighten.
"That’s right, baby," Finn said, hand moving faster. "Let me feel you come around my cock."
The pressure built until Sean couldn't hold back anymore. His orgasm hit him like a physical blow, tearing through his body with an intensity that made him arch off the sleeping bag. He came hard, spilling over Finn's hand and his own stomach while his muscles clamped down around Finn's cock.
"Fuck, Sean," Finn groaned, his rhythm stuttering as Sean's body squeezed him. "Christ, you're so tight."
Sean was oversensitive now, each of Finn's thrusts almost too much, but he couldn't look away from Finn's face. The strain there, the way his jaw went slack, how his eyes squeezed shut. Even through his own comedown, watching Finn chase his release, witnessing that moment when everything hit him, was incredible.
"Sean," Finn gasped, and then he was coming, pushing deep and grinding against him. His whole body went taut, a broken moan escaping his throat as he filled the condom.
Finn collapsed forward, one hand cupping Sean's face as he kissed him desperately. Sean kissed him back just as hungrily, both of them breathing hard, trembling with aftershocks. Finn's mouth was urgent against his, like he needed this contact as much as he'd needed to come.
They kissed slowly until Finn finally pulled back. "I need to pull out," he said, voice gentle. "Might be uncomfortable."
Sean nodded, bracing himself. The sensation of Finn withdrawing was strange - a hollow emptiness he hadn't expected. He couldn't help the small sound that escaped him at the loss.
"You okay?" Finn asked, immediately concerned.
"Yeah," Sean said, though he felt weirdly emotional.
Finn shifted to sit beside him, carefully removing the condom and tying it off before setting it aside. He reached for his discarded t-shirt, using it to gently wipe Sean's stomach and chest.
Sean watched Finn's hand move across his skin, the careful way he cleaned him up. There was something about the focus in Finn's movements, the way he took care of him, that made Sean's throat feel thick. When he was done, Finn tossed the shirt aside and lay down next to him, one arm sliding under Sean's head while the other pulled him close.
"How you feeling?" Finn asked, fingers tracing lazy patterns on Sean's shoulder.
"Good," Sean said, then hesitated. "It was... I mean, was it okay? For you?"
Finn pulled back to look at him, eyebrows drawn together. "Okay? Sean, that was fucking incredible."
"Really?" Sean felt heat creep up his neck. "I know I don't really know what I'm doing..."
"Hey." Finn cupped his face, thumb brushing across his cheek before pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. "You were perfect. Better than perfect." His voice dropped, becoming more serious. "I've never... I've never had sex with someone I cared about like this. Never wanted someone the way I want you."
Sean felt warmth spread through his chest. Hearing Finn say that, the way his voice went rough, made something settle in Sean that he hadn't even realized was restless. But even as the good feeling washed over him, his mind started spinning with everything else. All the complications they were still running from, all the ways this could get ripped away.
"Got that look again," Finn said softly, fingers stroking along Sean's jaw. Sean could see the concern in his eyes, the way his teasing smile faded when Sean didn't respond.
"Just thinking," Sean admitted. "About what happens next."
"What, you mean right now? 'Cause I could probably go again in like twenty minutes..." Finn's grin appeared, but it was clearly forced, trying to make Sean smile. When Sean didn't, Finn's expression grew more serious. "Ah. You mean with us. The big picture stuff."
"Yeah…" Sean's voice was small. "Me and Daniel... we're still heading to Puerto Lobos eventually. And you..."
Finn was quiet for a moment, thumb still moving against Sean's cheek. "What if I told you," he said slowly, "that I've been thinkin' about Puerto Lobos too? About what it'd be like if I came with you guys?"
Sean's heart stopped. "What?"
"I'm serious." Finn's hand found his, fingers lacing together. "Been thinkin’ about it for a while now. You startin' that garage. Me helping you run it, actually fixing cars instead of the choppin' and strippin' bullshit." His voice grew softer, more certain. "Daniel getting to be a normal kid for once, going to school, making friends. All of us, together."
Sean stared at him, hardly daring to believe what he was hearing. "You'd really want that? With everything that comes with us?"
"Yeah." Finn's grip tightened on his hand. "This life I've been living - never staying anywhere long enough to matter, never letting anyone get close... I'm tired of it, Sean. Tired of always moving, never having anything that lasts." His voice went rougher, more vulnerable. "When you and Daniel showed up, suddenly I could see what I was missing. What it could be like to have a real family."
The word hit Sean like a punch to the chest. Family. Not just them running together, but building something permanent.
"You really mean that?" Sean asked, voice barely above a whisper.
"More than anything." Finn leaned closer, their foreheads almost touching. "I know it sounds crazy, and maybe I'm moving too fast, but Sean..." His voice cracked slightly. "I can't imagine going back to how things were before you. Can't imagine watching you and Daniel leave and just... staying here."
Sean saw the moment Finn realized how much he'd just laid out, how his eyes went wide like he'd scared himself with his own honesty. "Maybe this is too much," Finn started, suddenly looking uncertain.
"No," Sean cut him off, voice stronger than he felt. "Fuck, no. I've been wanting to ask you the same thing. I just... I didn't think you'd actually want to leave all this."
Finn's whole face lit up. "Really?"
"Really." Sean couldn't help smiling back. "Of course I want you to come with us."
Finn was quiet for a moment, like he was trying to process. Then his nervous energy seemed to kick in, words spilling out faster.
"Jesus, I can't believe you actually... I mean, I've been thinkin’ about this constantly and convincing myself you'd think I was insane, and now..." He shook his head, grinning like he couldn't help himself. "Fuck, Sean, I'm probably about to scare you off completely, but I gotta say one more thing."
Sean's pulse quickened. "What?"
Finn took a shaky breath, like he was about to jump off a cliff. "I love you."
The words hung in the air between them.
"I love you," Finn repeated, words coming faster now, like he couldn't stop them. "Not just because tonight was fucking incredible - which it absolutely was, holy shit - but because... fuck, Sean, I love everything about you. I love how fierce you get when you're protecting Daniel. I love watching you draw, seeing how you notice things nobody else does. I love that you make me want to be better than I am." His voice grew rougher, more vulnerable. "I love you, and I know that's probably too much too fast, but I couldn't ask to come with you without making absolutely sure you know that this isn't just about wanting to get out of here. It's about wanting to be with you. Always."
Sean felt like all the air had been knocked out of his lungs. No one had ever said those words to him before. But the raw honesty in Finn's voice made it impossible to doubt.
Sean surged forward, cutting him off with a kiss. When they broke apart, Sean pressed their foreheads together, heart hammering against his ribs.
"I love you too." His voice came out hoarse, barely above a whisper. He swallowed hard, meeting Finn's eyes. "Been feeling it for a while now. Just took me time to understand what it was."
They kissed again, slower this time, deeper, like they had all the time in the world. Finn's hands cupped Sean's face, thumbs brushing across his cheekbones before sliding into his hair, and Sean felt a shift between them. From uncertainty about their future to something that felt solid, real.
When they finally pulled apart, Finn was looking at him with an expression Sean had never seen on him before - soft and amazed and a little overwhelmed.
"Fuck." Finn pulled Sean tight against him, burying his face in Sean's neck. His voice came muffled but clear: "Say it again?"
"I love you," Sean repeated with a smile, finding it easier the second time. The words felt right, like something he'd been holding back without realizing it.
They settled together in the quiet tent, Finn pulling a blanket over them before wrapping his arm around Sean, fingers moving slowly across his shoulder. Sean felt completely relaxed for the first time in months, his body loose and satisfied, the constant worry finally stilled. He kept replaying the night - everything they'd done, everything they'd said. The future they'd planned. It felt too good to be real, but Finn's solid warmth against him proved it wasn't a dream.
"Shit, what time is it?" Sean murmured eventually. "I should get back."
"Stay a bit longer," Finn said, arms tightening slightly around him. "Few more minutes won't hurt."
Sean hesitated, the familiar pull of responsibility tugging at him. But Daniel had been cooler about everything lately, not freaking out when Sean wasn't right there. He'd been giving them space, focusing on his own stuff.
"Okay." Sean settled deeper into Finn's arms, letting himself enjoy this feeling of being exactly where he wanted to be. "Just a little longer."
Finn pressed a kiss to his temple, voice already rough with drowsiness. "I love you, Sean."
"I love you too." Sean whispered into the darkness, still amazed he got to say that. To mean it.
Sean closed his eyes, listening to the steady rhythm of Finn's breathing. Just a few minutes, he told himself, even as that rhythm slowed and deepened. His last thought before sleep claimed him was how crazy it was that they'd ended up here - from that first day at the market to planning a future together.
***
When Sean woke up, it took him a moment to remember where he was. Not his tent, not Daniel's sleeping bag beside him. The arm across his waist, the scent of Finn's skin. Memories from last night rushed back, making his face heat. His body felt different this morning - muscles he'd never noticed before reminding him of what they'd done, a pleasant soreness that made him think of Finn's hands, his mouth, the weight of him. Fuck, that really happened.
He turned his head carefully, not wanting to wake Finn. In the dim morning light filtering through the canvas, he could see Finn's face slack with sleep, mouth slightly open. His dreads were spread across the pillow, little strands of gold and red mixed in with the brown. There were light freckles scattered across his nose that Sean had never noticed before, and something about seeing him like this - completely unguarded, almost younger looking - made Sean's chest feel tight with how much he loved him.
Then reality hit him hard. Sunlight. Morning. Daniel.
"Shit." Sean sat up abruptly, heart racing.
"Morning to you too," Finn mumbled, eyes blinking open as he was jostled awake. His sleepy smile faded when he saw Sean's expression. "Hey, it's okay. Sun's barely up."
"I didn't mean to stay all night." Sean was already reaching for his clothes, movements clumsy with panic. "Daniel's gonna freak if he wakes up alone-"
"Sean, slow down." Finn caught his arm, fingers warm against his skin. "Take a breath. Everything's fine."
Sean paused, but his mind was racing. Daniel scared and confused, Daniel thinking Sean had abandoned him, Daniel's powers going haywire because he was upset.
"You okay?" Finn asked, sitting up now, concern creasing his forehead as he watched Sean rush to get dressed. "I mean, we're good, right? You're not having second thoughts?"
"What? No." Sean stopped fumbling with his shirt to look at Finn properly. "Finn, no. Last night was incredible. Everything we talked about, everything we... I meant all of it."
Relief flooded Finn's face. "Okay. Good."
"I just get worried about Daniel," Sean said, leaning over to kiss him quickly. "That's all. Nothing to do with us."
"Right." Finn's smile returned, more genuine now. "Go check on your brother. I'll see you at breakfast?"
Sean nodded, pulling on his boots.
The morning air was cold against his face as he slipped outside. Just a quick dash across to his own tent, hoping no one was awake yet to see him doing the walk of shame. Though honestly, even thinking the words didn't make him feel ashamed. More like... satisfied.
When he reached his tent and unzipped the flap, his heart sank. The sleeping bag was empty, already rolled up neatly - something Daniel almost never did without being told. Sean's stomach clenched as he scanned the camp.
Then he spotted Daniel by the cooking area with Hannah, arranging berries on a stack of pancakes, and his panic started to ease.
"Morning, sleepyhead!" Daniel called when he saw Sean approaching. "You missed all the fun. Hannah showed me how to flip pancakes without making a mess. Remember when Dad tried and got batter all over the ceiling?"
"That's... great," Sean said, still braced for anger or hurt. "You uh, you okay?"
Daniel rolled his eyes. "Yes, Sean. I'm not a baby. I can handle waking up by myself."
"I know, I just..."
"You were with Finn, right?" Daniel's directness caught Sean off-guard. "Hannah said you probably were."
Sean felt his face burning as he shot Hannah a look. She just shrugged, stirring a pot.
"So can we eat now?" Daniel held out the plate of pancakes to Sean. "I'm starving, and I've been up for ages."
"Sure, enano." Sean ruffled his hair, still slightly off-balance from his brother's easy acceptance. They settled down on one of the logs around the cooking area, Daniel immediately diving into his breakfast. Maybe this was going to be okay after all.
The camp was starting to wake up around them, people emerging from tents and starting their days. Sean kept expecting Daniel to ask more questions, but he just chattered about Hannah's cooking lessons, about his plans for the day, about everything except where Sean had spent the night.
"Ah, he emerges," Hannah muttered.
Sean looked up to see Finn walking over. When their eyes met, Finn's face lit up with his classic crooked smile. Jesus, that was the guy he was in love with. The guy who loved him back.
"Morning, Diazes." Finn dropped down next to them, casual as anything. He reached for a piece of pancake from Sean's plate. "Damn, who made these?"
"Me!" Daniel announced proudly. "Well, Hannah helped. But I did the flipping and arranged all the berries and everything."
"Gonna have to teach me sometime," Finn said, winking at him.
Sean batted at Finn's hand as he went for another piece of pancake. "Get your own."
Finn caught his hand instead, bringing it to his lips to press a quick kiss to his knuckles. Sean felt his face heat up, but in a good way. Happy Finn wanted to do that, happy he could.
"Ugh, you guys are gross," Daniel said, rolling his eyes. Then he leaned in closer, dropping his voice. "Since we have the whole day off, can we do training? I wanna show Finn some of the new stuff I've been working on."
"Hell yeah," Finn said immediately, eyes lighting up. "I've been dyin' to see what you can really do, Super Wolf."
"Yes!" Daniel nearly knocked over his juice in his excitement, then quickly looked around to make sure no one was paying attention. "I came up with some new ideas last night."
Sean squeezed Finn's hand, amazed by how natural this felt. The three of them planning their day together, Daniel including Finn like he'd always been part of things.
As they got caught up in their excited planning, Hannah refilled her coffee cup and moved closer to Sean. "Anders is leading some hike up the ridge," she said quietly. "Dragging a bunch of us along. I even managed to convince Penny to go." She shrugged. "Figured you three might want some time to yourselves."
Sean caught her eye, grateful for the understanding. "Thanks, Hannah."
"Try to keep the PDA to a minimum, yeah? Don't want to traumatize the kid too much," she said, but there was warmth in her voice.
After breakfast, the three of them headed toward the lake. The morning was warming up, sunlight filtering through the redwood canopy in golden streaks. When they reached the water's edge, Finn immediately started scanning the area. "Okay, so we need to set up a course," he said, picking up a handful of pine cones. "We can use these to make a pyramid, right? And then..." He grabbed some fallen branches. "These sticks for spinnin' targets. Oh, and those rocks over there-"
"For dodging!" Daniel finished, catching on immediately. "And we can balance the logs on these stones to make moving platforms!"
Sean watched them bounce ideas off each other, Finn's enthusiasm infectious as he gestured wildly with his hands, Daniel practically vibrating with excitement. It was like watching two kids plan the world's best game.
"This is way better than our usual training," Daniel said, already moving pieces into position with his powers. "Sean always makes me do the same stuff over and over."
"Hey, that foundation work is important," Sean protested, but he was smiling as he watched them.
"Yeah, yeah, I know," Daniel said, grinning. "But this is gonna be so much more fun."
What followed was the happiest Sean had seen Daniel in months. Finn would call out challenges - "move three logs while dodgin' these pebbles!" - and Daniel would respond with growing confidence, his control smoother than Sean had ever seen it.
"Damn, you're a total superhero, Super Wolf!" Finn whooped as Daniel successfully navigated a particularly complex sequence.
Daniel beamed at the praise, and Sean realized this was what Daniel had been missing. Not just training, but someone who saw his power as something amazing rather than something to hide. Sean felt a surge of gratitude watching them together - Finn could give Daniel things Sean couldn't always offer, and that was... cool.
"Sean, you seein' this?" Finn called out from across the course, eyes bright with excitement.
"Yeah," Sean managed from where he stood watching, but he wasn't following Daniel’s training at all. He was trying to ignore the way Finn's shirt was riding up as he moved, showing that strip of skin Sean had gripped onto while Finn moved inside him. "I'm seeing it."
When Finn looked over to share his amazement, he caught Sean staring directly at him instead of Daniel. His grin turned wicked as he jogged over to Sean's side. "Ha, caught you," he said, voice dropping low enough that only Sean could hear. "Well, it's a good thing we don't have to stick to just lookin' anymore. Got so much more to show you tonight, sweetheart."
Sean felt his face burn, but before he could respond, Finn was already calling out the next challenge to Daniel like nothing had happened.
Sean deliberately focused on watching Daniel work through the complex sequence, determined not to get caught staring again. But Finn stayed close beside him, close enough that his breath tickled Sean's ear when he leaned in again.
"Same face you made last night," he murmured, "right before you came all over my hand."
Sean's face went nuclear. "Finn!"
"What?" Finn's eyes were dancing with mischief, clearly enjoying Sean's flustered reaction. "Just sayin'."
"You're..." Sean couldn't even finish the sentence, too embarrassed and turned on at the same time.
"I'm what?" Finn leaned closer again, voice dropping to a whisper.
"Yes!" Daniel shouted suddenly from across the clearing, punching the air as he successfully lifted four pine cones in a perfect square. "Did you see that? I totally nailed it!"
Sean's face burned as he quickly stepped back from Finn, but Finn just laughed. "Saw it, Super Wolf! Fuckin' awesome!" he called back, then turned to Sean with that wicked grin. "Gonna have to finish that thought later, sweetheart. When we're alone."
"You're the worst," Sean muttered, but he was trying not to smile.
Despite Finn's attempts to distract him, they spent the rest of the morning working well together, taking turns coming up with new challenges. Finn proved to have a talent for creative obstacles, while Sean's methodical approach helped Daniel refine his technique. Together, they made a great team.
By the time the sun was directly overhead, they'd been training for hours.
"I'm starving," Daniel announced after successfully completing a course that had him moving six different objects simultaneously. "Training always makes me hungry."
"When aren't you hungry?" Sean laughed. "I've got a Chock-o-Crisp back at camp I've been saving. Want me to go grab it?"
"Yes!" Daniel perked up immediately. "Wait, since when? I've been craving one for days - I thought you'd run out!"
"Got better hiding spots now," Sean grinned. "I've learned from living with a professional snack thief."
"It's not theft if we're brothers," Daniel argued. "It's communal property," he added, carefully pronouncing each syllable.
"Fuckin' A, little man!" Finn raised his hand for a high-five that Daniel enthusiastically returned. "Property is theft!"
"Pretty sure that's not how it works." Sean shook his head, though he couldn't help smiling. "I'll be back in a few minutes." He rose to his feet from where he'd been sitting on a fallen log. "You guys good here?"
"We're cool." Finn gave him a lazy salute from his spot on the sandy shore. "Super Wolf and I will strategize for the next level."
The path back to camp wound through dense redwood groves, their massive trunks creating natural cathedral pillars around him. When Sean returned with the chocolate bar a few minutes later, he could hear their voices carrying clearly through the air as he approached the clearing, still hidden from view behind the towering pines.
"So you really like my brother?" Daniel was trying to sound casual, but there was something protective underneath.
"Sure do." Finn's reply had that warm note that made Sean's heart skip. "Think he's pretty special, actually."
"He's okay I guess." Daniel's voice was pure little brother. "Even if he's such a pain sometimes. Always like 'Daniel, be careful' and 'Daniel, that's too dangerous' in that super serious voice." He dropped his voice comically low in a deliberate impression of Sean, making Finn laugh out loud.
"Nah, your brother's actually kinda badass. The way he looks after you, how he just... fuck, he's somethin' else. Never met anyone who cares like that."
"Ugh, you're being mushy." A pause, then Daniel's voice went quieter, more serious. "Just... don't be mean to him, okay?"
"What, you gonna float my cards away?" Finn's tone was playful.
"I'm serious." The edge in Daniel's voice made Sean's chest tight. "I've got powers now. And Sean's been through enough. So if you hurt him..."
"Hey." All teasing dropped from Finn's voice, replaced with something raw and honest. "Little man, I swear I ain't gonna hurt him. Sean's... he's the best thing that's ever happened to me. Both of you are."
"Really?" Daniel sounded young suddenly, uncertain.
"Really. Your brother makes me want to be better, you know? And if I ever hurt him, you have my full permission to use those powers to kick my ass."
"I'd do it anyway," Daniel said, but Sean could hear the smile returning to his voice.
"I know you would. That's why you're Super Wolf."
Sean took a deep breath, heart full as he stepped into the clearing. "Got your Chock-o-Crisp!"
Daniel's head whipped around, face lighting up. "Finally! I was starving to death here!" He snatched the chocolate bar and tore into the wrapper, taking a huge bite with exaggerated satisfaction. As Daniel happily devoured his treat, Sean noticed he was moving more slowly, a slight heaviness in his movements that came after extended power use. He caught Finn's eye, giving him a subtle nod toward Daniel.
Finn picked up on it immediately. "I'm pretty beat, little man," he said, stretching casually from where he sat cross-legged on the sandy shore. "Hard keepin' up with a superhero like you. Besides, we should probably head back for lunch."
"I'm not tired," Daniel protested, but he didn't argue as hard as usual.
Sean shot Finn a grateful smile. After months of carrying everything alone, watching someone else step in to help with Daniel felt like a weight lifting. Not just someone to love, but someone to share the load.
Daniel glanced between them, catching the way they were looking at each other.
"You know what?" Daniel said, brushing chocolate crumbs and sand from his shirt. "This is actually pretty cool. You guys being... boyfriends, or whatever you are now." He gestured vaguely between them. "You're both way happier. And when you're happy, I'm happy." He grinned, bright and genuine. "We're like a real family now."
The word hung in the air between them, simple and profound. Family. One they'd chosen and fought for.
"I'm gonna go help Hannah with lunch," Daniel added, heading toward the path. "See you guys back at camp."
As Daniel disappeared among the redwoods, Sean settled down on the log beside Finn, their shoulders touching. The lake stretched out before them, mirror-still except for the occasional ripple from a fish jumping.
"So," Finn said, turning to Sean with a more serious expression.
"So," Sean echoed.
"You seem... I don't know, more relaxed now," Finn said, voice dropping lower. "This mornin' you were all wound up, and now..." He gestured toward where Daniel had disappeared. "Look at you two. Look at all of us."
He paused, fingers tracing patterns on Sean's palm. "Just wanna make sure you're really okay with everything. That you're not just... going along with it 'cause you think you should."
"No, I..." Sean stopped, searching for the right words. "Sorry I was freaking out this morning. But being here with you guys today... it just feels right, you know? Like we fit together." He squeezed Finn's hand. "And last night was... fuck, Finn, it was incredible. All of it."
"Right on." Finn's crooked smile appeared. "And the whole Puerto Lobos thing? Still want me taggin' along?"
"Are you kidding?" Sean grinned. "I've been thinking about it all morning. You, me, and Daniel… together."
"Fuck, I know." Finn ducked his head, dreads falling forward. "Keep waitin' for someone to tell me I'm dreamin'."
Sean leaned into him, resting his head on Finn's shoulder and savoring the warmth. "When do we tell Daniel? About you coming with us?"
"Whenever you want, sweetie," Finn said, gaze drifting toward the path where Daniel had disappeared. "Think he'll be into it?"
"He'll flip out," Sean grinned. "In a good way. He's been bugging me for weeks about whether you could visit us." His smile softened. "But maybe... maybe we wait a little? Until we're closer to leaving. I want to enjoy this for a bit first."
"Yeah," Finn nodded, understanding in his eyes. "I get it. Don't wanna jinx it."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the light play across the water.
Finn's expression turned more playful. "Hey, before we head back..." His thumb pressed Sean's palm. "Gonna need to hear you say it again."
"Hmm?" Sean tilted his head, feigning confusion even as his lips twitched. "Say what again?"
Finn narrowed his eyes, seeing straight through him. "You know," he drawled, giving Sean's hand a gentle squeeze. "Those three little words that make me go all weak in the knees."
Sean couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. "I love you, Finnegan McNamara."
"I love you, Sean Diaz." Finn's eyes crinkled with his smile, dreads catching the dappled sunlight as he leaned forward to press a soft kiss to Sean's lips. When he pulled back, his expression was full of promise. "You, me, and Super Wolf. We're gonna be just fine."
Above them, the redwoods stretched impossibly high, ancient and enduring. Sean looked up through the canopy, then back at Finn. For the first time since Seattle, he wasn't just trying to survive. They'd found something real, something worth keeping. And they were going to make it last.