Do Better. Be Better.

In their group text Demi was able to make plans with both Gabe and Luka to spend some time at O’Malley’s. His day was free as well and Luka will be free from his work within the hour. After a long, lazy morning by the pool Demi put on a shirt and jeans. The scent of the coconut suntan oil remained on his skin, which he didn’t mind as he enjoyed the scent. 

On his way out of the kitchen, cold water bottle in hand, there was a knock on the front door. Given their texts he immediately knew who it was.

With their schedules it was tough to pin down free time for the three of them, something which Demi craved. For this to take place today brought such joy to the Welshman. “Just about,” he said after Demi pressed a chaste kiss to Gabe’s lips. He drained the rest of the water and place the empty on the coffee table. “Now I’m ready.” The villa door closed behind him and Demi stood beside Gabe. “This is great and very needed. It’s been too long since we’ve had a day to spend together. It’ll be even better once Luka’s free from his shift.” Thankfully that’d be in less than an hour, maybe less if he’s cut loose early. “Let’s hope there aren’t too many people at O’Malleys. I want to sit outside.”

♰

Gabor smiled once Demi came over to give him a quick kiss. Being in a relationship was a bit of an adjustment for him, not just because he has two boyfriends but because he was never good with relationships, even with having one boyfriend/girlfriend. No, their relationship isn’t perfect, but Gabe became a lot better by opening himself up to Demi and Luka. From that point on, it wasn’t hard for either man to take the player out of the ex-pirate. 

Leaning against the door frame as he watched and waited for Demi, he admired him as he waited. Knowing just how lucky he is that they allowed him to be apart of their already long term relationship. “I don’t recall anyone abusing the chance to sit outside, so I think we should be good.” He stated as he smiled and stepped to the side to give the other room.  Starting to walk towards O’Malley's, he kept one of his hands tucked in his pocket, and the other reached for Demi’s hand. 

“I’m off the next couple of days, so I have been wondering if you and Luka would be good with planning a ‘sleepover’ to spend more time with one another?”

@demi-collins

It was rare, but Gabe finally got a day off. There were thousands of things he wanted to do around his bungalow, but there was one pressing thing he wanted to do the most. Thus, once he changed into some jeans and a plain t-shirt, he texted both Luka and Demi to make sure they were free to O’Malley's with him. The ex-pirate made a promise to both men to make more of an effort to spend more time with them now that he has the day off - he was only keeping that promise. 

Knocking on the villa door, he waited with his hands in his pockets. Smiling at the other as the door opened. “You ready, handsome?”

♛

God knows Luka was always plotting something devious concerning the two men. He couldn’t help himself; he loved them both so much. “Have to wait and see, bello. Halloween is supposed to be full of surprises,” he said with a brazen eyebrow raise. Their costumes were pretty revealing for a restaurant outing but that wasn’t going to stop Luka. The whole island was falling in line to celebrate. Everyone he came across so far was decked out in their finest. With Gabe’s hand in his, the two made their way to Gilligan’s Bay. He had heard there were some good festive drink specials that night that he wanted to take advantage of.

When both were seated across from each other, Luka perused the drink menu while Gabe looked at his phone, probably texting Demi. “Oddio! I need to order this drink called The Bloody Shipwreck. It sounds sooooo good. Or should I get the Ghostini? There are too many to pick from,” the Italian prince cooed excitedly. When Gabe spoke, he could hear the remorse in his tone. Neither he or Demi could fault him for being extra busy at the club. If anything they supported him one hundred percent. “We understand, but yes, we’d love to see more of you. With the holidays coming up it’ll be nice for the three of us to start some traditions together,” he reached over to squeeze his free hand. “Ah work has been work. Not too bad really. I was able to cut back to part time, so that means more time for fun in the sun.”

⛓

Gabe was starting to regret the Halloween costume idea, only because the longer he stood in front of the Italian man, the longer he wanted to pull him to his place to have a private party of their own. Along with Demi. “I don’t even get a small hint?” He lightly joked as the crooked smile grew in thought. 

Adjusting in his seat, trying to ensure that nothing would hang out, his attention soon went back up to Luka as he spoke out about needing a drink. Chuckling at the small rant, he folded his hands on top of the table as he leaned in closer to the prince. “How about you can get the Shipwreck, I’ll get the Ghostini, and then you can see which one you like the most.” He suggested. Thus far, the island’s specialty drinks never disappoint, so he was intrigued to see how the Halloween special drinks tasted, though he was wondering if it would be an overkill if he ordered them all one after the other. “Plus, once Demi joins us, we will be able to order more drinks.” Soon a waiter came to their table, though along with the drinks, Gabe also ordered some nachos and chips & salsa. He didn’t eat much that day, but he wasn’t necessarily hungry, more like snacky.  

The problem with vice is, currently, Gabe is the only manager there, so it was harder for him to break away from the club. It was rare that he had more than a day off as well. He loves his job, don’t get him wrong, but he wouldn’t be complaining if there was another manager alongside him to help with the increasing workload. The smile widened at the other’s words. “Starting some Holiday traditions with you both will be fun.” He agreed. “I’ll be spending less time at work and more time with you and Demi. That’s the only place I dread to be.” And it truly is.  The majority of his free time spent is thinking about the two incredible people he gets to call his own and how much he would prefer being with them rather than being buried in paperwork.  Luka has Gabe’s undivided attention, and he smiled at the last words he said. “It’s good that you aren’t overworking yourself, though I still believe you deserve a long massage.” One that Gabe would like to give to him himself. 

Demi didn’t do much in the way of work as a prince and the things he picked up were from the books he’s read. Don’t think for a second this meant he sat around and did very little, other than enjoy the fruits which came from being a crowned prince, but he didn’t exactly work work until later in life. Not counting the years in university because nothing was as exhausting and gratifying until he set foot on a ship. That sense of satisfaction didn’t come until later when he knew his Luka was safe. Now the work with the gym was different as it wasn’t as back breaking but it was work he is happy with. 

“That’s a good balance of work and social. I cannot imagine a job where all you do is sit at a desk and crank out work. A paper pusher job.” He said as he thought of a night where he and Luka can go and they could at least visit while he’s taking a break from his desk. “Things are-” he thought about this and chuckled. “good. Truly, except I’ve taken on a type of side job. Unpaid. I spend most days watching people work out and offer advice to better technique and now I train a few people after or before work. Some offer to pay. Some offer to exchange things. Not a route I expected for myself but I rather enjoy it.”

He took the dishes and set them in the sink to attend to later. “We’ll try not to keep you too long but I know it’ll be great to get to spend a least twenty or so minutes with the both of you.” Demi encouraged gently as he really does want them to spend time together but he didn’t want to be too pushy or needy. It wasn’t in his nature to be that way, not unless he’s been drinking. Demi looked at Gabe and shook his head while a hand went up and said, “No, no. It won’t be any type of inconvenience. I hope you know that. Seeing you doesn’t put me out of mine or Luka’s way.”

❢  

Laughing lightly, he nodded. “It’s not the most exciting job, but it keeps my mind alive.” There are days where Gabe gets tired and a little achy from sitting down. Though, those were the days he mostly did the inventory and walked around the club. Deep down, he knew he should make more of an effort to visit both Demi and Luka more often than he does. There was no excuse. Thus, he made a promise to himself to make more time to see them, to visit them at work and their home.  Listening intently to Demi’s story, the small smile widened as he folded his hands and placed them on the table, leaning in closer to the other man. “I should go to the gym more often so you can help me better my technique.” He lightly teased. “But why not ask to become a trainer? I’m sure they could use some more. Plus, you would get paid for doing so.” However, no matter what he decided, Gabe would always be happy and supportive of him, so long as he is happy. 

Watching Demi walk to the sink, Gabe leaned back in his chair as he loosely crossed his arms at his torso. “I’m growing more and more tempted to call out to make those twenty minutes longer with the both of you.” He confessed. However, he couldn’t bring himself to let Vice or Nikita down. Standing and walking towards the other, he softly cupped his face, his thumbs tracing his cheekbones. “I would be more than happy to see you and Luka later if you both can. I’m mostly happy whenever I’m with you both.” He stated in a hushed tone before he pulled his lips against his for a tender but quick kiss. “Also, thank you for the coffee and almond croissant. I have to repay you for that.” He murmured against his lips before pulling away. 

“If Luka is off by the time my break rolls around, I can come to visit. My lunch is an hour break so it’ll give us more time with each other. If you prefer that.” He suggested.

♛

Their costumes could definitely be used for some sexy times later that night and even future nights the three of them spent together. It would make for some kinky roleplay for sure. “Thank you for going to all the trouble in getting them for us. We’ll be sure to repay you handsomely tonight,” He promised, pressing a kiss to his lips. “I have,” he replied once their lips parted. “Demi should be joining us shortly. Which restaurant should we venture to?” Luka also looked around them to see which was closest. “Gilligan’s Bay is closest if you don’t mind starting our adventure there?” It didn’t matter to Luka as long as he had Gabe and Demi for his company that night. Everything else would just fall into place.

⛓  

Grinning widely, Gabe lightly shook his head. “Don’t think I went through a lot of trouble to get these. However, I am curious to see what your devious mind is plotting for tonight.” He said, enjoying every millisecond of the shared kiss. Though he couldn’t lie, he became eager to see Demi in his warden costume. Looking over to the restaurant that Luka was referring to, he simply nodded his head in agreement and turned on his heels to walk in the direction of Gilligan’s Bay.  “Let the adventure begin.” He said as he took his hand in his. 

Deep down, Gabe was hoping that he was able to spend more time with both men. It’s been too long since he was able to spend a day or even night with them both. It’s a bonding time that’s long overdue. Plus, there was something that the ex-mate was planning, something that he was growing eager to tell them or ask them.  Once they reached Gilligan’s Bay, he released the prince’s hand and placed his hand at the small of his back, walking behind him as they walked towards their table. Sitting on the opposite side of the Italian, he pulled out his phone to message Demi before ordering a whiskey.  

“I’m sorry about this being the first time the three of us will hang out in a while.” He started. “I promise that I’ll make more of an effort to come to see you and Demi more often.” He vowed. “How’s work been, though?”

There was no mistaking that husky Hungarian voice. When warm lips moved to his neck, Luka reached back to tangle his fingers into Gabe’s short locks. It felt like weeks since he was able to pry the hunky male away from Vice. Both he and Demi understood Gabe’s absence, for the strip club was always busy with patrons lined outside the door. 

Releasing his grip from Gabe, he slowly turned around to see his costume. “Oddio!!” he replied breathlessly, enjoying every inch of the sight before his eyes. “Bello mio!! You look incredible…molto caldo!!” Luka was extremely happy with how the three costumes turned out, to say the least. All three of them were showing an incredible amount of skin, but it was just for one night. “Has Demi seen you in this get up yet?” He asked. Then again he imagined he would have heard about it. They were going to look so amazing together at the party.

⛓

The smile on Gabe’s features widened, feeling Luka’s fingers entangled into his hair. Before Luka turned around, however, he kissed the length of his neck. His eyes dropped down, and immediately regretted the thin fabric he was wearing, just because now it was more visible of the effect of the two-man have on him. Still, he would wear this just to see Luka in a police uniform, without the full uniform. “I can say the same thing about you, di bell'aspetto.” The outfits were a one-night thing, but now he was starting to wonder if they would ever wear them again in private. He really does need a night or ten with his boyfriends.  “Not yet, no. I haven’t seen Demi since giving you two the costumes.” Though he couldn’t lie, he was growing impatient to see Demi in his get-up. “Then again, I just got here. Have you seen him around yet?”  

Clearing his throat, he looked around for the nearest restaurant. “Let’s get some food and drinks? I’ll text him to meet up with us.”

@luka-istallion

Pulling on the convict costume, Gabe got a glance of himself in the mirror and couldn’t help the burst of laughter. Only Luka and Demi could convince him that this was a good idea. Even though the ex-mate is far from being shy of showing off his body, he was more reserved since becoming involved with the two men. Argo, he grabbed his keys, locked up his bungalow, and left to join the party. At the very least, Gabe had a great view of both of his boyfriends. Honestly, he dreaded to have a night with them both - it has been a while since they all got to spend time together. Sending a message in the group text, he wandered around to find them. Eventually, he did find Luka. Though the prince had his back to him, and Gabe couldn’t help but silently walk up behind him and grip his butt. “Ehi, sexy.” He muttered in his ear after he placed a kiss on the crock of his neck.

♛

Luka easily could think of a couple ways to entertain Gabe in the back offices at Vice. He made a mental note to surprise him some time when it wouldn’t be busy during his shift. “I could go for desk sex any day of the wink,” he teased, giving him another chaste kiss for good measure. When he mentioned an apology gift, Luka’s brows furrowed in confusion. Things were booming that time of year – Luka could hardly hold it against him for running a successful business. He was just glad he lived on the island so he didn’t have to worry about him leaving. 

“That’s so sweet of you, caro mio! I’d say you shouldn’t have, but you know I love presents,” he smiled, taking the other’s hand and brushing a light kiss to his knuckles. Luka pulled him to the back doors to access the deck where there was a private in-ground pool. “I love that idea!” He had been so busy that day that he didn’t get to bask in the sun. A good skinny dipping session was in order. Almost forgetting about glasses, he let go of Gabe’s hand and grabbed two wine flutes and a bottle opener before returning to his side. “All set. There are towels out in the cabana. Is it safe to say we won’t need bathing suits?” He asked with a mischievous smile.

❢

Gabe is an impulsive kind of guy. It’s how he became a pirate and how he ended up in a relationship with two guys. Even though both ended with a happily ever after, it didn’t necessarily start that way. Gabe abandoned his family after Xena passed and became a pirate to get away from his blood family, but it led him to his made family within the O’Malley Fleets as well as brought him to both Luka and Demi. With the poly relationship -- things started with Luka as just an attraction and someone he loved to tease. Though as time has told, it didn’t just stay as a simple attraction - it grew into something that eventually scared Gabe back to Hungary. Even though there were somethings his impulsive mind did that he regretted, neither choice of becoming a pirate and going into a relationship with two men were choices he’d never regret. At least now both Luka and Demi keep his mind in check, well, most times.  Grinning from ear to ear, Gabe hummed, “You might never leave my office if that’s the case.” before he returned the kiss. 

Laughing, he watched the handsome prince kiss his knuckles and let him lead him towards the back doors. His eyes remained on the Italian as he left to grab a few things and return to his side. Gabe’s smile turned mischievous as the other mentioned not needing any bathing suits. “No. We have a law, behind closed doors, none of us can wear any clothes.” He lightly taunted before he walked outside and placed the chocolates and wine on a nearby table. Wasting no time in reaching for the hem of his shirt and pulling it off, but neatly folded the shirt and placed it on the seat.

“Need help undressing, di bell'aspetto?” 

Once Gabe spoke jokingly Roz shrugged, “Eh I figured staring was more entertaining,” she laughed and stepped aside to let him in. Persephone wasn’t on the Plunder when Gabor was around, but the pup was curious at the stranger and stepped towards Roza cautiously. “Sephie, this is your Uncle Gabe, he’s good,” she told the pup who then wagged her tail and sat patiently for his attention. “Gabe, this is Persephone, or Sephie when she’s a good girl,” the pirate explained. 

With introductions pushed aside Roza stepped towards her kitchen, “I made some shortbread and jam bars, they’re Apple Butter and cinnamon.” Pulling the bars out of her fridge she turned back to the man she considered her brother and smiled. “Interested?”

❢

The smile widened at Roza’s light joke. When he stepped inside, he gave her a quick hug and kissed her forehead. Though his attention quickly went to the pup. “Well, that’s new.” He said as his smile grew when the pup’s demeanor changed. Bending down, he started to pet Sephie, and even he had to admit that she is damn adorable. “When did you get a dog? And why am I just now finding this out?” 

After a few long seconds of greeting the pup, he stood up and gave his friend his full undivided attention. Following her to the kitchen, he watched her closely as he leaned on the counter, but he nearly tackled her when she took out shortbread and jam bars. “Uh, yes! Please.” He said, almost forgetting his manners as he reached out and took a piece of shortbread and jam bars. Moving around the counter, he placed the bars and shortbread on a piece of napkin. “Damn, I miss your cooking!” He hummed with a mouthful of shortbread. 

           𝐍𝐈𝐊𝐈𝐓𝐀 𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐊𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 right behind him, in utter silence. Once he allowed her to step in on his place, she gave him a brief nod as if she said ‘excuse me’ before getting inside. Stay near to his door, she waited for him to do some action. ❛ Okay…❜ Nikki sheepishly walked into his kitchen and went to fetch the vodka from where he had instructed her to. She found the vodka, in a quick motion she opened the bottle, pouring it on her silver bottle she always brings with herself, and some shot in a neat glass, she could find rolling it down as if she was drinking water, her glasses sliding on the bridges of her nose. Shutting down her silver bottle, she refilled her glass and sat on his settee.

.

Getting the text from Gabe sent Roza into a ball of joy. It had been far too long since she had time with him, and she really missed him. Now knowing he was on his way made her mood improve even more, sending her to the island store and back faster than she had ever moved before. She wanted to get some snacks and a few drinks to pick from. Just as she set out the last platter of crackers, meat, and various cheeses, the sound of knocking sounded. Sephie, as always, had her tail wagging and sniffing at the door as Roza approached. Telling the pup to sit, she opened the door and smiled widely at her friend, or at least in her eyes, her brother. 

“Well hey there stranger,” she grinned and motioned for him to come in before wrapping him up in her arms. “It’s been too long,” she spoke in a muffled tone, still hugging him tight.

❢  

Once Roza opened the door, the smile already on his features widened. Hugging her back once she wrapped her arms around him, “I’ve missed you, Roza.” He murmured back. Gabe never did like being apart from his friends for as long as they have been. To the ex-mate, she is like his sister, and he would do absolutely anything for her. Leaving Plunder and piracy was one of the hardest things he has done, but the adjustment period without his second family became unbearable. Therefore when he heard that Roza came to the island, he knew that he had to make time to see her. It only took a decade, but at least now they get to spend some time together. The smile on his face never vanished as he pulled away from the hug.

“Are we just gonna stare at each other all day, or are you gonna invite me in?”

It wasn’t a question of need as there were times when Demi will be at Java and the amount of people who came in for their pastries and drinks would keep Luka tied up for awhile. Demi didn’t want to push, as it’s not in his nature, so he only nodded at this. It’s quite possible Gabe has a heavy workload to get through and the last thing he wanted was to prevent him from completing anything if there’s a pressing deadline. “Do you find that kind of work enjoyable?” He asked after he made his own espresso. Demi added a splash of cream and a little bit of sugar. “What is it you do exactly? I picture you at a desk buried neck deep in paperwork.”

Demi returned next to Gabe and sipped his own drink, the small espresso cup comical in his large hand. “30 minutes doesn’t give you a lot of time.” Demi glanced at the clock over the stove and if the shifts were running on schedule Luka’s lunch will be soon. “That’d be great actually. If we got in the next ten minutes you might be able to catch the start of Luka’s lunch.” Demi finished his dopio in a couple sips and placed the cup on the counter. “It’s a nice pick me up. I know you’re busy with work but if you want I can drop off a dinner for you?” Gabe didn’t have anything with him and he wasn’t sure if he’ll have time to get a decent meal in.

❢

After taking a few bites, Gabe wiped his hands off on his jeans before taking a sip of the expresso. “Yeah, it has its moments of dragging and other moments of being fun.” He nodded as he swallowed down the expresso and looked over at Demi. A small laugh huffing passed his lips as he nodded. “Yeah, that’s part of it. There is scheduling, inventory, but there are times where I get to come out from behind the desk and mingle with the customers and employees.” He explained as he shrugged. “How are things with you at the Burn?” Finishing the almond croissant and expresso, he flipped the small cup upside down onto the plate and sat back. “I can be a little late if it means getting to spend more time with you and Luka, depending on if he isn’t too busy.” It’s been a little too long since the three of them were able to stand in the same room with one another for any longer than a few minutes. “I want to say yes because I want to see you later, but I don’t want to put you out of your way.” Any small chance he got to see Luka and Demi, he would gladly take, but he also didn’t want to make an added trip for Demi either.

☠️

His relationship status had always been something he shared more readily with his siblings than anyone else in his life, but they were scattered to the four corners of the world, it seemed, and Felix rarely had the chance to speak to them when he wasn’t busy or distracted by the day-to-day goings-on in his life. Still, he couldn’t help but smile at Gabe’s teasing and he found himself nodding in response– making a show of crossing his heart as his smile widened, “You’ll be the first to know, then– between me and Thierry I imagine that would have been true whether you’d asked or not.” It was nice, he reasoned, to have a friend he could look at as a sort of brother— it was an experience he hadn’t had in quite a long while and Felix was nothing short of delighted to have it once more even if it was more in his own mind than in present reality.

“Rom coms?” Felix repeated, his brow furrowing for a fraction of a second before chuckled and nodded, “What are your favorites of those, then? I don’t watch all that many horror movies but I’ve seen ‘As Above, So Below’ about twelve times— I don’t know if it’s because it is set in Paris or because I think the lead actress is quite cute but I find it wildly entertaining. I usually watch action films, or indie films. I watched almost entirely French art films until I was about fifteen or sixteen— my parents are university professors. A bit snobbish in a lot of ways if I’m being honest. I watch loads of American films these days– well, anything that isn’t French, really. I’m a bit all over the place.”

❢

Smiling at Felix, he was glad that he and Thierry are hanging out more. It seemed like a perfect mater, but who was he to play temporary cupid? Which is why he allowed the subject to end with what Felix said. Gabe is protective of both Thierry and Felix, and how could he not be? They were fellow crewmates, or really in his case, ex-crewmates. There was really nothing he wouldn’t do for either French gunners.

Huffing a small, embarrassed laugh, Gabe rubbed the back of his neck as his eyes darted away from the other. Romcoms are Gabe’s guilty pleasure and are something not a lot of people know about him. “It’s a toss-up between Silver Linings Playbook and Pretty Woman.” He admitted. “But that stays between us. You tell anyone else I will deny it and hunt you down, Proulx.” He lightly teased but was being just as serious. Even though he was getting softer around his bad boy edges, there are still secrets he didn’t want anyone to know.  Gabe couldn’t argue with the point he made about As Above, So Below’s lead actress being cute, even he found her quite attractive. “Seems like you are well versed in movies.” He commented, not even Gabe could say he’s watched so many movie genres.

“If you can name your top 5 movies, in any genre. What would they be?” Besides music, knowing someone’s top movie go-to can describe a person, and needless to say - he is curious to get to know the other more.