#diamondtouch

+historically accurate version

“It’s happening soon.” He didn’t bother to say anymore, letting his eyes scan across the lake bed. Knowing that before long, the others would arrive. 

He would arrive. 

Metal turned to gold at his touch, letting it melt from his wrists as the power from the Underworld lost its strength. Gasping at the weakness that still seemed to course through his body, he rested his forehead against cool stone for a moment as he tried to gather his strength once more. A golden fist connected with the thick, stone door that trapped him in his cell. A small dent was given in return as gold started to spread across it, and he let the air fall slowly from his lungs before he swung again. Unsure of what would be waiting for him on the other side, but he was willing to risk anything if it meant being free. 

The door buckled on his third hit, metal giving way to the weight of his fists. Crashing open on the fourth, the small room echoing with the groan of metal against stone. Rushing through the dust that sprang up with the commotion, he darted towards the stairs he knew would lead towards the courtyard before a figure appeared in front of him. 

Without a second thought, he swung his fist forward, letting power course through his muscles. Heat building in his hand as it lashed out, connecting perfectly with whoever it was that tried to block his path. 

The curse that fell from the hidden person rang out loudly, making Midas’s footsteps falter. Whoever it was, it wasn’t Hades. He tried to rush past, knowing that he was too weak for a confrontation. Whoever had been in front of him wouldn’t have much longer as it was, knowing that there would be gold spreading quickly along their body. He had long since given up on such a harsh way of killing someone, but desperate times needed desperate measures. If it came down to him or the other, he would do whatever it took to keep himself free. 

His chest collided with stone flooring as a weight crashed into his back. Fighting with everything he had to crawl away, to twist or turn and give himself some type of advantage. There was a blackness creeping along the edge of his vision, panic spreading heavily through his chest. The only sound that he could hear now was the thundering of his own heart. He had been so close. Almost free. His breaths were falling in short gasps, unconscious before his head dropped forward smacking against the floor. 

When he came to, the first thing he noticed was his body being slightly shuffled. Rocking side to side, knowing even with his eyes still closed that he was feeling someone's footsteps. Each passing second made him more and more aware of the fresh breeze he could feel. The salt he could smell from the ocean. The hand that was grabbing at the back of his thigh to hold him in place. 

“Oh, the King awakens.” The man’s accent was thick, and Midas wasn’t able to get anything coherent from himself except a grunt of acknowledgement. Every blink felt slowed, time creeping by, yet every time they opened the worn stone building grew further and further away. 

“I would appreciate it if you put me down now.” The hand along the back of his thigh tightened, securing its grip against him. Turning slightly to look at the back of the man’s head, rolling his eyes at the diamond shaved into the hair there. Readying himself to struggle out of the man’s grasp, the shoulder digging into his stomach growing far too uncomfortable with each step. 

“Non, pas encore. Tu es coincé depuis longtemps. Ce serait -“ 

Midas jabbed an elbow into the man’s ribs, feeling the hold on him loosen. Pushing against the man’s back to try and right himself, the indignity of the position making him fight harder than he had been able to in years. There was an annoyed grunt before hands were digging into the skin above his hips, head spinning with the lack of food and the feeling of flying through the air before his back connected with the ground. Dust rose into the air around him from the impact, filling his lungs and making him choke as he tried to gasp in a breath. 

Curling onto his side just in time as he heard the thud of a fist connecting with the ground. He turned quickly, to stare at the hand that had landed so closely to his head. A myriad of blues and whites glittered in the sun, the diamond that covered the man’s hand slow in its retreat back into his skin. When his eyes flitted up, the man was already watching him with a raised brow. A challenge in them, waiting to see if Midas would dare to try anything else. 

The rumble of an SUV broke him from his memories, staying still as he watched the group come to a stop opposite of them. Not quite friendly, but not quite enemies. No interest in working together, even as they fought against the same enemy. At least, no interest from Montague, it would seem. 

—

“Will you all hurry the hell up? They’re probably already there.” Valeria slid behind the wheel of the car, the slam of her door breaking the rest of them from their silence. The air was tense with the shaky truce that had been reformed between them, and Montague grumbled as he slid into the passenger side. 

“We should have just worked with them for this. They are reliable and efficient, yet none of you seem to think of the greater good that could come from it.” 

“ Ils sont connus comme espions,” he mumbled under his breath. Knowing that Nisha would still hear. Knowing she would understand. 

The snort that left her was loud, a hand covering her mouth at the sudden outburst. With a small cough to clear her throat, she let her eyes wander to him, the weight of them heavy as she debated her words. “Not everyone is a snake like you.” 

Words were ready to fall from his lips, showing just why they had never worked well together before the SUV dipped. The closing of Oscar’s door quieted him, not bothering to start a fight yet. “Whatever.” 

Snow disappeared quickly, and he could see Valeria’s eyes flickered over the railway station. Lingering on the house that used to be hers, wondering what would be left by the end of the day. After what he had overheard on Midas’s ship, even he was hesitant to jump in without thought. 

It was almost too easy to board the ship, a zip line giving him access to the lower deck without so much as a guard noticing him. The air of superiority that seeped from the man was clearly undeserved, if he couldn’t even think to spare a few men to watch such an open area. Sticking to the shadows, the further into the emptiness he crept, the more on edge he became. Not a trace of any guards so far. Not even a trace of Midas’s crew. 

The lights of the interior were dimmed, and he paused at the sight of the golden statue that was centered in the atrium. Unable to stop the sharp laugh of disbelief with the ego that he knew came with a statue of such grandeur. Not even he could imagine having something like that created, giving another shake of his head as he continued on his path. 

As he neared the far end of the ship, voices from above fell to his ear. Easily picking up on Midas’s voice, resigned even with the low tone. Tips of his fingers just managed to catch the railing when he jumped, pulling himself up to peer over the ledge. No one was in sight, but light shone through the massive windows that led inside and he could tell that was where the voices were coming from. 

Pulling himself the rest of the way, he cleared the railing, about to take a step forward before Midas came into view. Crossing towards the wall that a desk rested against, papers shuffling as he searched through them. Montague ducked backwards, the faintest thud coming from his back connecting with what looked like a massive antenna. Just able to see the way Midas’s head tilted ever so slightly to the side, pausing for less than a moment before he sighed, turning to face whoever was in the room with him. 

“We don’t have a choice.” 

A woman’s voice reached him next, sounding just as resigned as Midas did. “I know. But we barely made it last time, and I don’t know if we can pull something like that off again.” 

There was a beat of silence, Midas chewing at his lip as he studied whoever was there with him. “Go to the lake and see if you can get any readings from the Zero Point’s energy. I want to start tracking it, and see if we can find a pattern or any fluctuations.” His eyes seemed to follow someone’s movements as they left the room, chest dipping with the sigh he let out. A golden hand scrubbed at his eyes before Montague finally noticed the golden gauntlet that was now attached to his other arm in place of his missing hand. 

He watched as Midas disappeared, readying himself to step out of his hiding spot before the man returned. A glass bottle filled with amber liquid in one hand, and a crystallised glass in the other. The drink was poured, and he pressed himself closer the the metal as Midas ventured onto the deck, keeping himself tucked away as he crossed towards the very same railing Montague had crawled over. Staying on the opposite side, he waited with bated breaths before taking a step sideways. Eager to see just what the man was doing. 

As soon as his head peeked around the corner, he stilled at the barrel of the gun that was pointed in his direction. The gold of it glinted under the cloudless sky, and his eyes snapped to Midas’s. Watching him with a curious look on his face before he motioned with his head. 

“If there’s something you’re wanting to know, it’s much better to just ask instead of trespassing.” 

Stepping out from the shadows, he kept his pace slow as he reached a hand up. The hammer of the gun cocked back the second his fingers touched it, both men remaining still as they took a moment to study each other. 

“Fine. I do have something I would like to ask you.” He was given a raised brow in recognition, and he gave Midas a placid smile before speaking. “What is with that god awful statue of yourself that I saw on my way here.” The surprise, followed by an embarrassed flush was just what Montague had been looking for, enjoying the look on the man far too much before he was given a scoff. Midas turned, not bothering to look back as he holstered his gun and returned to the room he had come from, calling over his shoulder. 

“I’m sure you can see yourself off my ship. Don’t bother me with any more stupid questions, if you think you can manage that.” He hummed, listening to the sound of footsteps descending down the stairs. Taking a moment to peek into the room, his eyes landed on a small golden pack of matches that rested on a bedside table. Pocketing the trinket, he hopped himself over the ledge, tracing his path back to the zip line, wondering just what it was that they were looking for at the lake. The name had sounded familiar, knowing that Valeria had mentioned it as well as she had researched the box. 

Starting his car, he drove himself towards the railways, hoping that at least she could answer some questions he might have. 

–

Watching the group emerge from their vehicle, he sighed as he pushed up from the ground. The thrumming was growing stronger and stronger, and he knew that any moment the Wastelanders would appear. Eager to get grimy hands on whatever was under the island, as if they truly believed they could harness its power. The most dangerous people were the ones who went looking for power while they still knew nothing about its source. 

Slone and the Imagined Order had been bad enough. At least with them, they were cautious. 

“Why aren’t we working together again?” Marigold asked, falling into step beside him. A multitude of reasons flashed through his mind before he settled for a shrug. Watching the rest of his team ready their weapons, his own guns resting heavily in their holsters. 

“I have no interest in working with people so reckless.” 

When the Wastelanders had first arrived, he had given the go ahead to integrate and find out what they were here for. Sending his team off to scour the southern coast, the booming racket the came from the arena drew him in. Knowing without a doubt that there was something there for him to find, if he could just figure out where to look. 

Wandering around half built pathways, rickety metal stairs and seating swayed around him with the vibrations of music and cars. He had nearly finished his loop of the bottom level, the sun long since set now and music somehow even louder than before. The only reason he knew he was being watched was from the shadow that caught his eye, stilling before he turned towards it. 

He narrowed his eyes as the two studied each other, Montague watching him with a small smirk on his face. His gun was resting lightly in his hand, before Midas was given a wink, the man promptly turning and leaving the makeshift room they had been in. Or would it be considered a hallway? A soft growl left him as he took off after the man, knowing that whatever he was here for, it should concern Midas. He always seemed to be up to something, keeping Midas on his toes as he tried to figure it out. 

Rounding the corner, a swish of fabric disappearing around the opening that led outside caught his eye. He was grateful for the dirt that covered the ground, muffling his footsteps as he hurried forward, not wanting to lose him. A split second was given for a reaction as a diamond covered hand grabbed for him, his own raising in response. Just barely missing the man’s neck before hands were tightening around his own, gripping at his shirt as he was shoved forward. The sound of a roughly running car was finally noticed, struggling against the man’s grip as he was dragged forward. 

People loitered about, the smell of acrid smoke lacing the air and he knew that they would be of no help. None of them willing to cross a man covered in diamond. He was shoved into the passenger side of a car before the door was slammed shut, and he wasted no time in pulling on the handle. When nothing happened, the door remaining firmly closed, he turned, ready to climb across the cage that was inside the car before the driver door opened, Montague sliding in to block his escape. 

“Bonjour, mon cheri,” he singsonged, grinning at the anger that Midas knew was written on his face. He didn’t know much French, but he knew that Montague was using some sort of pet name, growling at the way he spoke. “Are you ready to have some fun?” 

“I was in the middle of something before I was rudely interrupted by you.”

Montague tsked, pressing the gas as the car shook around them. “I do not think that is quite true, Midas. I did not make you follow me out here.” Before he could reply, Montague shot forward in the car, snapping his head back to crash against the headrest. A hand shot out, gripping at the handle that rested above the door as they took a corner far too sharply, tires spinning in place as the car tried to respond in time to the steering. His head snapped back to Montague as he drove them towards the entrance to the arena. 

“What do you think you’re doing?” 

Spinning the car in circles, dust flew up in a whirlwind around them, coming to a stop as he let it settle back down. The crowd was cheering loudly, and for a moment he caught sight of those who he now knew was Montague’s team along the bleachers and makeshift seats. When he turned back, Montague was already staring at him, a feral little smirk on his face. 

“We are going to have fun, yes?” 

Before he could answer, Montague was taking off, another car entering the arena with them. Heavily spiked with much smaller tires that looked like they were made from metal. Gaining speed as he dodged the rotating spikes that began to loop through the arena, faster and faster. Gold seeped over the handle he gripped before time seemed to slow. Watching as the other car tried to cross towards them, not fast enough to dodge the rotating spikes. Metal shredded apart before the car was tossed away, Montague spinning to a stop to watch. 

The driver crawled out of the car, disoriented, bloody, but otherwise fine. A cheer came from the crowd before a woman was calling something out over the speakers, more cheering following. He was sure they were done, letting out a heavy breath before another car launched into the arena. A groan left him, hand returning to the handle as Montague pressed the gas once more, praying that the night would end with them still in one piece. 

–

Montague watched as Midas and Marigold turned, walking back to wherever the rest of his team waited. A scoff caught his attention, turning to see Valeria loading bullets into magazines. Her hair blew in the wind before she looked up once more to meet his eyes, finding himself struck by her beauty once more. “God, you guys are fucking hopeless.” 

His chest tightened at the words, lip curling for just a moment before he decided to ignore the jab. Remembering just as fast why they could never seem to make things work. Far too hot tempered, ending up at each other's throats weekly. Daily. 

“They will be here soon, are you ready?” 

Metal latched into place, magazine secured into her rifle as she stood. From their vantage point, they could see the vast swaths of desert. The refinery far off in the distance, smoking more than ever before. Billowing clouds of black and orange smoke rose into the sky, the acrid, burning scent of Nitro reaching them even at the lake. He tilted his head for a moment, sure that he saw flames licking long the ground. Heading towards the ship. “Do you see-” 

The explosion that rocked out from the refinery shook the ground beneath their feet. The faint groan of metal pushed past its limits met their ears, watching as the building began to collapse in on itself. Another, much smaller explosion sounded from along the pipeline. Flames and smoke rising into the air much further down. Much closer to the ship. Another explosion, even closer now. 

Watching with wide eyes, even the air seemed to quiet around them. For the briefest moment, he wondered if it would end with that. The explosion from the reservoirs shook the ground once more, and a hand came to grab at his, knowing that Valeria was by his side without looking. 

The weight and warmth of a hand in his made him glance to where Midas had disappeared to. Mind wandering down memories that he knew would be best left forgotten. 

The first time had been angry. Rushed. Midas had shown up to the hotel, eyes narrowing as he searched for Montague. No doubt still upset about what had happened at the arena. Montague froze as their eyes met before quickly turning, making his way up the stairs. He had no interest at the moment to deal with the man’s anger, footsteps hurrying after him letting him know that Midas wasn’t far behind. 

Just as he went to slam his door shut, a golden fist stopped it from shutting. Shoving back on the wooden door, much stronger now that he wasn’t fresh out of a cell. He wasn’t quite sure of what changed. One moment Midas was seething, stalking closer. Harsh words falling from both of them. The next was a clash of teeth, vying for dominance over the other as clothes shed. Claws and fingers digging harshly into skin, knowing there would be bruises hidden under both their clothes the next day. 

The second time had started just the same. Rushed, yet less angry. Teeth turned into lips, a ghost of a kiss brushing over faintly bruised skin almost like an apology. Slowing at that, breath catching with the action before he let himself look at Midas. Seeing his brows furrow, his hands shooting up. Away. Montague knew he was doing it out of fear of his powers, as if they hadn’t already discovered that his amulet stopped it. 

Unless he was just too weak after being freed. Did it still stop it, now that he was at full strength again?

There was a flash of fear on Midas's face as Montague reached for his hand anyways, fingers tentative as he stroked softly against his palm. Both waiting for held breaths for the gold to start creeping over his skin. Yet nothing happened. He pressed forwards, intertwining their fingers, the warmth of his hand against his making his heart race in a way that he didn’t want to think about. 

He shifted his hips forwards, Midas’s clawed hand dropping, cupping against his cheek for a moment before it was carding through his hair. Tightening its grip, pulling him closer. Lips working together now, panting against each other. 

Afterwards, when Midas had pulled him down, his head resting against tattooed skin, he was unwilling to look too closely at the way his heart seemed to flutter in his chest. At the way Midas’s hand continued to run softly through his hair, the quiet between them soft. Peaceful. 

Waking up alone, the bed beside him cold -

Loud cracking snapped him from his memories, watching the lakebed break apart with small fissures. A glowing light pulsated deep below the surface, just barely illuminating the cracks in the sun. Midas was back on the edge of the lake, watching the cracks as they grew with a steely look in his eyes. Montague’s own narrowed, curious as to just what the man was planning, no longer seeming to care about the Wastelanders as they all watched the fissures grow. 

– 

After the explosions, Midas quickly rushed back to the lakebed, his team not far behind. He could feel the power thrumming below the surface, fissures growing. Cracking open wider and wider, the blue, pulsing light of the Zero Point growing stronger and stronger. The ground trembled and shook, collapsing in on itself as the center of the lake bulged upwards. 

The moment that it broke free, there was a split second of pure silence. Unable to hear even the sound of his own breaths, or the sound of rock and dirt as it tumbled down. The wind dying off completely. A blast of energy shot out, knocking him from his feet, stealing the air from his lungs. The rest of his team were in the same state, shaking themselves as they rose once more. 

Wasting no time, he rushed forward, ignoring the call of his name. Knowing that he needed to reach it first. He had communicated with it once before. Maybe it would recognise him. Remember that he had been the one to try and help set it free. Dodging the large cracks, movement caught his eye, growling at the sight of Montague running just as fast towards it too. 

–

“It’s real.” The reverence that laced Valeria’s voice sent a chill down his spine. It would seem she had been correct in her research. A power source unlike anything they had seen before. “What are they doing?” 

His vision snapped to where Midas had been, his team rushing after him. Running towards the Zero Point. Unsure of just what their plan was, he growled, taking off towards it. “We need to reach it first.” He wasn’t quite sure what they needed to reach it for, but if Midas was running towards it, he knew they should too. It was closer to them, but Midas had gotten a head start. 

Pushing himself faster, the distance disappeared between him and the orb. Rising up in front of him, waves of energy lashed out of it. Dodging cracks and fissures as they tore wider, he could see Midas closing in on it just as fast. 

Too close now to see where the other was, he growled as he rushed forward, sinking his hands into the energy of the orb. Wondering if he had gotten there first, almost wishing he had just let them work together. He almost had, before he let his nerves get the best of him, shutting it down and watching as Midas shuttered himself away, regret already rushing through him as he wished to take it back. 

Once more sneaking onto the ship, he slipped along empty hallways until a figure caught his attention. Midas was leaning forwards in a chair, hands pressing into his temples with frustration over something that was spread across the table. Keeping himself quiet, he made his way towards the open door, surprised when he was able to slip into the room unnoticed. Debating what he wanted to do, he nearly stumbled as he rushed to the edge of the table, aiming for casual as he leaned against it. 

“What is it that has you so stressed?” 

The flinch from the other man was exactly what he had been hoping for, but the way he relaxed at the sight of Montague was .. unexpected. Instead of being annoyed, or angry, he gestured to the map that lay in front of him. “I’m trying to figure out how we might be able to keep the Wastelanders where they landed.” He sighed once more, scrubbing at his eyes. “I would like to find a way to keep that ship where it’s at.” 

“Well,” Montague huffed, leaning across the table to cover the map. “I am sure that I could be a great distraction.” That pulled a short laugh from Midas, who rolled his eyes before they trailed along his body. He gave a fake pout, unsure of just why he felt the need to help take the weight off the man’s shoulders. “What, you do not think I am pretty enough to do this?” 

That pulled a deep laugh from Midas, eyes crinkling as his head tilted back. The sound made Montague’s eyes widen, wanting to hear it again. Wanting to be the one to make it happen again. There was a flush starting on Midas’s cheeks as he cleared his throat, lips still twitching up with remnants of his laughter. 

“So, you want to work together?” 

He knew he could say yes. He should say yes. A perfect opportunity to get closer to the man, to know him better. Realising that he wanted to know him better. He swallowed thickly as he pushed himself from the table, the air of the room loaded as Midas waited for his answer. Eyes bright with eagerness. He should - 

“No.” He looked away, taking a step towards the door. “I do not work well with others.” When he looked back Midas’s face had gone blank. Relaxed as he gave a curt nod of his head. 

“Then I’m sure I’ll see you around. Goodbye, Montague.” He turned at the words, trying to swallow down the rush of regret that filled him with every step. Ignoring the pull in his chest that demanded he go back. Instead, he exited the room, making his way back to the zipline to leave the ship. 

–

Montague was closing in on the Zero Point far too fast for his liking. Pushing himself even further, leaving his team behind even as Montague left his. He reached a hand forward, praying that he reached it first. Wishing that Montague had just agreed to work together, the memory still fresh in his head as his fingertips connected with electric energy. 

The pressure in his head had been building non-stop, knowing that he should try and sleep it off. Unable to, as his mind conjured images of the map and all the ways he could try and fend off the lake. He needed to make sure that the ship couldn't reach inland. Scrubbing at his temples in an attempt to relieve the ache that was forming, a voice shattered his moment of quiet, making him jump. 

“What is it that has you so stressed?” 

As soon as he recognised who was in front of him, he relaxed. Muttering about the Wastelanders, before Montague was sprawling himself across the table. He gave a short laugh at something the man said about being a distraction, knowing that if anyone could do that, it would be him. Chaos seemed to follow him wherever he went. 

“What? Do you not think I am pretty enough to do this?” The mock offence mixed with the heavy accent pulled a laugh from deep in his belly, head tilting back from it. Surprised at the way his heart raced, an eagerness filling him at the thought of working with the man. Being around him more. Closer. Getting a chance to know him better. 

“So, you want to work together?” 

A dozen different expressions seemed to flit across the man’s face, mouth parting as he readied himself to say something. Closing just as fast as he pushed himself from the table taking a step towards the door. 

“No. I do not work well with others.” 

A sharp flash of disappointment rushed through his chest, realising that he had looked too far into whatever had happened between them. Realising that it had been a one sided thing. That Montague had his own agenda to look after. Shoving down the ache in his chest, shuttering his expression to adopt something more neutral, he gave a curt nod to the man instead. 

“Then I’m sure I’ll see you around. Goodbye, Montague.” The words felt like they stuck to his throat on the way out, swallowing thickly once they were said. Only letting out a heavy breath once the man disappeared around the corner. 

–

Eyes squeezing shut at the rush of energy, he felt a ripple of diamond flash against his skin before disappearing. Trying to will it back, he grimaced at the realisation he could no longer control the powers of his amulet. A rush of fear crashed through him, unused to the feeling of it as his heart raced faster and faster in his chest. His feet digging into the dirt with the strength he used to try and pull himself free. Yet no give was found, hands locked into the energy that pulsed in front of him. Around him. 

He could hear the sound of his gasping breaths louder than anything else. Yet when he looked towards his team, it seemed like time had slowed outside of the orb. Hair rippling slowly in the wind he could no longer feel, legs barely moving as they tried to run towards him. 

A rush of electricity snapped through him, vibrating through from his fingertips, heart stuttering wildly as his entire body tensed. Everything around him disappearing in less than a second. 

He felt himself blink, his body moving without his command. Around him, setting sunlight filtered through the hotel windows, casting a warm glow through what looked eerily similar to his own room. Little things caught his attention, wondering why his sheets were the wrong colour. Surprised that he still found himself liking the look. Gold accents decorated the room, confused even more at that. 

His body moved once again without his permission, shrugging his shirt from his body as he crossed towards a wardrobe. Tossing the shirt aside, hands moving to grab something nicer. A bracelet decorated his wrist, knowing just by what he could see from the corner of his eye that it was also made from gold. 

The door opened, another person entering the room that he strained to see. More and more annoyed by his inability to make his body listen to his commands. “ Es-tu prêt, mon roi?” He urged himself to scoff at the words that left his mouth, disbelief flooding him as he called someone his king. 

A body wrapped around him, hands slipping around his waist as lips ghosted along the back of his neck. Pressing a kiss just under his ear, wondering if the way his heart was racing was because of his body’s reaction or his mind’s. His head tipped back, feeling lips trace along his jaw even as his eyes closed, a rush of happiness fluttering itself through his belly. 

He felt like he was trapped in a cage in his own mind, rattling the bars of it to just turn. To let him see just who was behind him. Who he clearly had some type of relationship with in whatever dream he was being forced to watch. Forced to feel. Whoever it was, there was a feeling of rightness settling softly in his chest. A puzzle piece fitted into place that he hadn’t quite known was missing. 

“What’s the rush?” 

He tried to gasp, force his body to turn in any way. Needing to see with his own eyes even though he knew exactly who the voice belonged to. Instead, whatever body he was in closed its eyes, his head turning, smiling against the other man’s mouth as a soft kiss was placed there. Begging his body to open his eyes. Just a sliver, just enough for him to see before it felt like he was jerked out of that body, everything around him going black. 

–

Familiar energy pulsed around him, shoulders sagging as Midas fell to his knees. Digging his hands further in as he tried to reach whatever sentience was inside the orb. Praying that it would remember him, wondering if something like the Zero Point even had memory. What was a few months of time when faced with an eternity of every different universe that you yourself had created? 

A blast of electricity rushed through him, wincing at the sharp sting as he tried to let the gold cover his body. His eyes snapped open, unaware he had even shut them when nothing happened. Trying again, grimacing as he tried to force the gold to spread even just a little from his wrists. 

Nothing. 

Nothing except the sounds of his own breaths falling harshly from his lungs, turning to see where his team was. He had heard them shouting after him what seemed like seconds ago, but now there wasn’t even a hint of wind around him. He watched Tina’s foot raise, so slowly it barely looked like she was moving at first. Almost comical, the exaggerated expressions of concern frozen on their faces. 

Then he blinked. 

Opening his eyes, he was thrown off by the change in scenery. There was a fear rushing through his chest, before hands were shaking at his shoulder. Gasping awake, the bed beside him dipped. Had everything just been a nightmare? Who was beside him in his bed? He could feel his body panting, going to move to sit up before he realised his body wasn’t responding. Struggling once more, trying to force any type of reaction from himself, yet getting nothing in return. 

“Hey,” a voice murmured. Recognising it far too quickly, knowing that if he had control over this body he would have snapped his head towards the other. Instead, he felt as his body sighed in relaxation, turning slowly to face the man. Shadows darkened the room, but moonlight streaming through the window illuminated enough to see his face. His scars, and mismatched eyes. “Another bad dream?” 

He wanted to shove himself from the bed, unsure of why Montague was there next to him. Why did he feel so comfortable with him by his side? Instead of doing any of that, his head nodded, before it leaned against the hand that brushed across his cheek. A soft breath falling from him as lips brushed across his, fingers stroking gently through his hair in comfort. 

Fighting against the way his body relaxed so easily at the touch. As if he would ever be in the position to melt against Montague’s touch. Trapped in his own mind as their bodies shifted, Montague pulling him closer to press reassuring kisses against his forehead before their bodies tangled together. Warmth spreading through his chest at the feeling of contentedness, heart no longer racing from his dream as Montague’s fingers traced patterns along his back. Relaxing far too easily at the man’s touch before he felt himself being jerked out of his body, everything going black around him. 

– 

He could feel his eyes fluttering, feeling like he was no longer in control over his own body anymore. Knowing that whatever it was that was inside the Zero Point, it had taken over. Forcing itself into his mind, projecting things into his mind. Unsure of why it had chosen that scene before everything slipped into darkness once again.

Eyes opening once more, still unable to control his body as he walked along a hallway. Familiar to the body, he could tell, yet unable to recognise anything himself. There was a door looming ahead, knowing that was what he was walking towards. A golden handle was on it, with a large circle smoked onto the glass. A pattern of lines crossing the middle before dipping down, almost like a lightning strike. Once again familiar, yet knowing it was something he had never seen before. 

He shoved through the door, knowing before he even seen the room that he was interrupting something. That he was doing it on purpose. He could feel his eyebrow raise as he sighed, turning towards the group of people that were seated around a table. Midas was at the head of it, eyes brightening the moment they laid on him. 

“If you would all please give us the room, I have something quite urgent I need to speak to Midas about.” 

The others looked to Midas with a mix of concern and disbelief, waiting for his orders. His face had been schooled back into its bored expression, giving a single nod to the others. 

“I’m sure we can go over the rest tomorrow.” The group rose to their feet, and he ignored the smirk on Tina’s face as she passed by. Waiting to hear the latch of the door before his body crossed the room towards Midas. Golden fingers gripped him by his hips, crowding him back against the table even as their lips met. Unable to stop the way his body responded so eagerly, pulling Midas closer. Just barely aware of the fact that he had both of his hands, unlike the last dream that he had been pulled into. 

Everything was similar even as it was different. Still Midas. Still himself. Still not quite right. Hands slipped his shirt free, and the smooth metal gliding against his skin felt nothing less than perfect. Meeting this dream version of Midas’s eyes, warmth and adoration pouring from him. Something ached in his chest at the sight, a hint of a wish flickering through his mind. 

Realising he wanted it to be real. Then everything went black around him once more. 

–

Midas tried once more to pull himself free. There was no give in the hold on him, and he focused his energy on trying to communicate once more. Looking for any hint of what was to come. Why he had been given a flash of a dream, or a fabricated memory. 

The faintest flicker of another consciousness wavered through his head. Barely a whisper of a voice, giving no discernible words to his mind. Yet understanding flowed through his body, shaking his head even as the world around him went black once more. 

Wind bit harshly at his skin, even as the sun shone down onto the glittering snow that surrounded them. Montague was grumbling about something under his breath as he poked at the fire, before he met Midas’s eyes. A smirk pulled at his lips, and once more Midas tried to move himself, knowing that it still wouldn’t work. Given a passenger seat to another version of himself, just like last time. 

Still with Montague. 

“I still do not know why I let you convince me to come along,” Montague sighed, falling to sit at his side. “This is pointless.” Midas felt his own lips twist up in a smile, eyes studying the building that was nestled into the mountains before them. Montague’s nose was cold as it brushed his cheek, and he shied away from the touch, his body finally turning to look at the man. 

Midas was overwhelmed with his proximity, studying every little detail of Montague’s face. Mouth moving to speak without his permission, wanting to growl with frustration. “Information is just as important as diamonds, sweetheart.” He wanted to scoff at that, desperate to pull himself away. There was no way that Montague would let him do something like that. The man hadn’t even wanted to work with him, let alone whatever this was. 

Instead, Montague’s nose brushed against his, still cold enough to send a shiver down his spine. His breath was hot against his lips as he laughed softly, humming at the words. The way his eyebrow raised, biting at his lip made heat rush through his chest. The look familiar to whatever body he was in. 

“Call me that again,” he purred, and Midas couldn’t stop the way his body reacted to the tone of his voice. Lips curling into a smirk, a heavy breath falling from him. Gloved hands tugging Montague forwards, heart racing at the familiarity of his weight settling on his lap. The surprised shout that devolved into laughter as his hands snuck up under Montague’s coat, icy against heated skin. 

Then blackness took over once more, gasping as his eyes snapped open to the rush of energy in front of him. 

–

He struggled against the hold the Zero Point had on him, barely able to move any muscle now. Turning just enough, he could finally see his team had made progress. Closing the distance, even as slow as time moved outside of him. A groan was torn from his throat, eyes fluttering back as another dream rushed into his head before a whisper of a voice was echoing through his brain. Unable to understand a word, yet knowing just what was being said to him. 

Glass shattered somewhere close by, and he tried to force himself to look. Knowing now that he was no longer in control, instead having to see and do whatever this Montague wanted. Finally, his head turned down, staring at the broken glass that lay across the floor in a thousand different shards. The light from the fireplace flickered across it, and he realised that he was panting lightly, able to feel the anger that was coursing through him. 

Unsure. Worried. Scared of something. Waiting, the thoughts of this Montague bouncing around loud enough to echo through his mind. Surely this was where he would leave. Knowing before he even began to turn, that Midas would be there. Different once again. Still Midas. 

A golden eye watched him, taking a step forward slowly. He felt like he was being approached like a cornered animal, glad when his mind and this body seemed to be on the same page. Lip curling with annoyance at the thought. Suddenly, Midas was in front of him, hands cupping at his jaw, forcing his head to tilt down as he finally met the man’s eyes. Wondering if his other self would be able to tell how long he studied Midas’s face through his own eyes before they slid shut. Shoulders sagging in defeat. 

“Hey.” Midas’s voice was soft, calling his attention back. Letting his eyes open once more, slow to meet again. “You know I’m not going anywhere, right?” A rough breath fell from him, the relief flooding his chest almost staggering. Wondering just what had happened to bring this all on before Midas began speaking again. Words barely above a whisper as his lips brushed against his cheek now. “I told you I loved you, you can’t get rid of me that easily.” 

The ease that the words fell from him made his chest feel like it was collapsing in on itself. The air his body was breathing doing nothing to soothe the breathlessness that seemed to take over his mind. Thankful for the blackness that faded his vision once more. 

–

Given barely enough time to blink, Midas growled as he was thrust into another memory. Another lifetime that wasn’t his. Wanting to take a step back at the sight of Montague in front of him. 

Stained glass sent fragmented light across the room, seeing Valeria and Killian a few steps behind Montague. Knowing, even without looking, Marigold and Brutus would be a few steps behind himself. Heart racing, his own and this bodies. Yet calming as the longer he looked at Montague, who was already smirking back at him. A look of confidence on his face. Eagerness.

Joy. 

Mouth moving to form a grin before he finally realised there had been someone talking beside him. He wanted to groan in annoyance when his body wouldn’t turn to see who it was, their voice almost familiar. This body knew it, but he didn’t. Or at least, not well enough. And then he spoke, and even trapped as he felt in this body, he stilled as everything fell into place. 

“I do.” 

His heart was racing far too loudly to hear the words that were spoken from beside him, before Montague’s lips were crashing against his. Heart racing, fighting against the feeling of perfection that the moment was giving this body. The whooping and cheering snapping him out of his frozen thoughts, watching as his hands raised to cup Montague’s face. An emptiness rang in his mind even as it felt like everything was exactly where it should be. 

Everything was perfect. Here.

Gasping as once more he was brought back to his own reality. 

–

Another blink. Another lifetime. Heart beating quietly in his chest now, a sense of calm seeping through his body as he pulled back on the trigger. Hitting his target square in his chest, taking a step to adjust his position. The weight against his back letting him know, without a doubt in his mind, the Midas was the one fighting with him. This body wanting it no other way. 

Adjusting in their circle, vaguely wondering what they had done to warrant so many people trying to gun them down. Sure that it must have been Midas that caused it, another body falling to the ground before they had the chance to pull their own trigger.

“You just couldn’t keep your mouth shut, could you?” Midas called out from behind him, and a short sense of victory rushed through him when his body rolled his eyes. There was a hint of amusement in his voice, and he knew the man wasn’t truly upset for their situation.

“This is because you could not keep your own mouth shut after.” The words that came from him made him want to smirk. Glad that he had at least been partially right. Midas had caused this, or at least helped him. 

A quick scan showed no more enemies, before he was being spun quickly to face Midas. Lips searched eagerly against his own, heart racing now. It seemed like together they were unstoppable. Regret over his own actions smacked through him, desperate to go back and make himself accept Midas’s offer. They should be working together. 

Through every lifetime it seemed he had learned that there was no one else he would rather have by his side. Yet in his very own he had tossed the offer away the first chance he had gotten.

Loud footsteps signalled another rush of enemies, and Midas broke apart. Letting the clips drop from his guns as he shoved two fresh ones back in. “You ready, sweetheart?” Montague could feel the way his lips curled up into a smile, head nodding before everything disappeared around him. 

– 

Voices were starting to reach him. Just barely making it through, but it let him know that his team was close. Unsure of just what would happen when they reached him. Unsure of where Montague was now. Or his team. Or even what was happening outside of where he was stuck. If the Zero Point was tearing things apart even as it remained peaceful where he was. 

Laughter made his head turn, taking in the sight of Montague leaning against a bathroom wall. Relaxed, eyes bright as he watched Midas in return. And then he swiped at his nose, and Midas recognised just how large his pupils had gotten. Body moving forward, crowding against him. Burying his face in the man’s neck, pulling another laugh from him. 

“Hurry up, they are going to wonder where we have been.” Midas grumbled as he stepped away, trying to jerk himself away from the small vial that rested on the counter. Already knowing exactly what it was. Something he hadn’t touched since before he had been trapped. 

Grabbing Montague’s hand, he poured a line of white powder along the back of it. Inhaling deeply, the rush and the burn exactly as he had remembered. Wrinkling his nose as fingers gripped at his chin, tilting his head up. His body took it as the invitation it was, crowding Montague against the way as their lips finally met. 

A knock of the door made them both jump before another laugh spilled from Montague. His hand interlacing with Midas’s, opening the door to see Valeria and Tina leaning against the door frames. Both with raised brows, looking almost expectantly at the both of them. A groan had fallen from Midas then, hand searching through his pocket. Another glass vial was pulled from it, placed into Valeria’s open hand before Montague was guiding them down a set of stairs. 

The accents carved into the staircase and the paintings that decorated the walls were stunning. Wondering just where they were before a small voice in the back of his mind supplied the information. Knowing without truly knowing they were at Oscar’s family estate. A party being thrown in honour of - 

This time, instead of everything fading to black, he was jerked harshly from the body he had been in. Eyes snapping open as a rush of energy poured out of the Zero Point. A hand landed heavily on his shoulder, before the wind that had been rushing outside of them finally met his ears. The ground was still rumbling beneath his knees, unable to remember when he had fell to them. 

Suddenly, everything disappeared around them. He could still see the Zero Point. His own body was illuminated by the glow of its energy, and when he turned the rest of his team was splayed out behind him in a line. Floating in the nothingness that surrounded them, eyes wide as their eyes searched for something. Anything. 

Another flash of light made his eyes close, so bright that he could see the veins of his eyelids. Veering into painful as he squeezed them shut, trying to turn his head away before a crackling bang deafened him. Leaving a ringing in his ears before he was greeted with the feeing of falling. 

– 

Curled up into a plush seat, the window to his left showed fluffy clouds sailing along below them. His eyes drifted back forwards, his hand turning to inspect the ring that was there. Knowing without a doubt what it meant. 

Footsteps caught his attention, and he turned to watch Midas slide into the seat beside him. There were two glasses of champagne in his hand, offering one to Montague even as he looked out of the window.  

“So are you going to tell me where you are taking me yet?” Montague sighed out before taking a sip. That made a grin spread across Midas’s face, eyes sparkling even as he shook his head. 

“You’ll like it though, I promise.” 

When he blinked, everything around him changed, Midas pulling him from the kitchen they were in. “Come on, it’s time.” He could feel the confusion racing through his body as Midas began turning all the lights off. Handing him his coat, a blanket in his other hand. 

“Surely you do not plan to have a picnic in the snow so late at night?” 

He was given no words, only an eye roll as Midas tugged on his hand. Guiding him forward through the darkened room before they stopped again. “Close your eyes for me?” 

If he had it his way, they would have stayed open. Too curious to know just what the other was planning. This body however, let his eyes fall shut without a second thought. Excitement coursing through his veins as he took tentative steps along the path Midas made for him. The sound of a door sliding open, and the chill of northern wind against his face let him know they had made it outside. “Stay,” Midas commanded, his voice sounding further away. “And don’t peek.” 

Another moment later, and something heavy was placed on the deck they were on. He felt his body turn towards it, eyes flickering as if they were going to open before they stayed shut, making him groan in frustration. Hands guided him to the side before Midas was pulling him down, something cushioned below them. Still warm. Vaguely realising it was the lounge chair that had been inside the house. 

Midas was behind him, pulling him back so he could rest comfortably. A blanket thrown over them for extra warmth. Lips were pressed against his neck, feeling them turn up before the man spoke. “Okay, open.” 

All of the lights, inside and out, had been shut off. No other houses surrounded them. No streetlights. No city or cars. Nothing to block the view of the sky, watching as a streak of green seemed to be painted across it. Twisting with the wind. Another, even more vibrant than the last, broke across the sky. Gasping at the sight, turning his head just enough to see Midas who was already watching him, 

A grin split across his face, heart beating quickly in his chest. Something in him knowing that Midas was a person who liked the sun. Warmth. Yet here he was, with him, far enough north to watch the aurora dance across the sky. “You would use your honeymoon to stay in the snow just for me?” He murmured, marvelling at the words that were said. Honeymoon. For him and Midas. 

A kiss was placed against his temple. Across his cheek until their lips finally met. Brief, relaxing at the feeling before Midas was turning his head forwards to watch the show. “I would follow you to the ends of the world, Montague.” 

He gasped in breath as he was forcefully pulled from the body he had been in, eyes snapping open just as a hand gripped at his shirt. His team had reached him. Just as he readied himself to try and pull his arms free, the ground cracked and trembled beneath them, falling away as everything disappeared. He could still feel the weight on the hand on his shoulder, and knew that this wasn’t the same as what had happened before. 

A blinding flash of light made him groan, eyes squeezing shut to try and block some of it. Just when it became unbearable, his hands were freed. Jerking back, before he felt himself begin to plummet. 

–

The landing, while rough, was still softer than he had expected. Even before his eyes opened, he could tell he was outside, grass prickling between his fingers. A gentle breeze blew the salt from the ocean air inland, mixing with the smell of wildflowers. He tried to gasp air in, his lungs still struggling to work properly before something blocked the sun from his face, quickly missed as his eyes snapped open. 

Marigold helped him from the ground, not bothering to say anything just yet as they studied their surroundings. There was a small town nestled along the ocean, rows of cherry blossom trees blooming brightly along the road that led to it. Further in, rows of bright flowers decorated a large field, yet no one else was in sight. 

The flood of memories of Montague made his stomach twist, heart dropping into his stomach as he looked for any sign of the man. Any sign of his team. Faltering when there was none. Had they made it through and left them behind? And just as importantly, where exactly had they been sent to?

A booming crack echoed through the sky before it tore apart, spitting a group of four towards the ground below. The flash of white and blue glittering in the sunlight made his chest settle, taking a step towards where it seemed Montague and his team would land. 

“Midas, I think we need to go. I don’t like us being out in the open.” He barely registered the words, watching the others land just as roughly as he had. Waiting with bated breath to see any sign of movement. 

Any sign of life. 

Relief flooded him as he saw Valeria help Montague to his feet, Nisha crouched down checking over Oscar. Taking a few steps towards them without realising, before Valeria was guiding the other man away. Forgetting, for just a moment, that everything he had witnessed wasn’t true here. Memories of other lives that had flashed through his head alone. Even with the peace of the day, his chest felt as if it caved in, staggering back. 

Montague didn’t know. 

He watched as Montague swiped Valeria’s hand away, harsh words no doubt being said as she tried to drag him away once more. Gesturing to something beyond the small hill they were on, to something Midas couldn’t see. Montague waved her away as he took a step towards Midas and his team, pausing as soon as their eyes met. Unspoken words flowing far too easily between them before a smirk pulled at Montague’s lips, and Midas gave a short nod of his head. Watching as he continued away with his team.