#holldriver

There was a system in place for Driver’s partnership with Holland. Driver was in charge of getting them to and from places, and he was put in charge of finances (Holland couldn’t barter to save his soul). Driver helped with the stakeouts, keeping track of the likely spots they could go for information. Holland was the real investigator; Holland could piece together motive, he knew what was evidence and what was a crock of shit, Holland hadn’t let go of being a cop and it showed. What Holland didn’t do was intimidation or physical altercations, the man knew how to throw a punch but he certainly didn’t have the skills to win a fight without a lot of luck.

Their case was relatively simple tonight- a woman asking them to get evidence that her sister’s husband was cheating. They’d figured out his usual routine, Driver able to point out on a map which side streets they could camp out in like he was reading a menu. Tonight wasn’t a stakeout though, tonight involved going in the bar the man frequented. Holland knew from experience that nothing made honesty appear faster than alcohol, and there was always someone who would talk for the right offer. Driver eyed the inside of the bar, crushing the middle of his toothpick between his teeth as he figured things out. It was a rough place; low lighting, filthy, and the way everyone stared when they came in was enough of a clue that outsiders weren’t easily allowed into this joint. Holland didn’t show his nerves if he sensed the same things Driver did, easily sliding up to the bar and asking for two fingers of whiskey.

“Any reason you guys picked this bar tonight?” The bartender asked, clearly annoyed that two strangers had the nerve to show up. Holland pulled out a cigarette and the photo he kept of their person of interest, lighting the end while the bartender took a look. “Looking for this guy Dennis- got told he was a regular. See him around lately?” Holland asked, Driver replacing his toothpick and glancing to the side when two guys decided they’d had enough of their game of pool and wanted to see what they were up to. “Yeah, I’ve seen Dennis… but what the fuck makes it your business?” The bartender asked, Holland feigning disinterest as he put his lighter away and grabbed the origami bill he kept in his pocket. “Let’s just focus on what really matters nowadays. You let us know and we’ll be out of here so you can get back to- whatever it is you do.”

Holland’s answer was met with a glare from the bartender and low chuckles from the guys that decided to move even closer to them. “How about we just get you out of here?” The bartender shot back, and Holland felt a hand on his shoulder and braced for yet another night of going home bruised and battered- but then the hand was gone, and he turned to see the guy stumble back- and Driver’s standing between them. Holland blinked a few times, frozen stiff as he watched Driver slam his fist into the other guy and keep them back. Holland knew Driver could fight, but this- watching his partner punch and kick at those two guys like they threatened to kill them both, his eyes wild and burning with a rage Holland hadn’t seen-

Holland got up quickly once his daze wore off, his fingers curling around Driver’s bicep to stop him. ‘Christ, how long has he actually had muscle there?’ Holland thought absently before he finally managed to find Driver’s eyes. “Clearly they aren’t talking.” Holland said, low and simple, like he hadn’t just seen what his partner was capable of. Driver breathed heavily, absently tasting blood and realizing one of the guys must’ve gotten him in the jaw and split his lip. He could feel Holland still staring at him, carefully being pulled back from the rage that filled him from Holland’s fingers curling tighter in his jacket. Driver let out a huff and finally backed down, heading out the door and going right to the car. Holland lingered for a minute, slightly smug when one of the guys babbled the last time they’d heard Dennis talking about a strip joint he was going to later this week.

Once Holland wrote the name of the place down he went out to join Driver, slightly concerned when his partner was already in the car and ready to leave. Holland got in the driver seat, pulling out another cigarette and frowning a bit when all Driver did was pull away from the bar and glare. “What’s the look for? We got the info and barely a scratch, thanks to you.” Holland complained, Driver huffing out a breath as he finally tore his eyes from the road to look at Holland. “I lost control in there,” Driver replied simply, squeezing the steering wheel for a second to get rid of the lingering tension in his body. Holland rolled his eyes as he leant back. “You were lookin out for me, coz my brain neglects that sometimes, often, I piss people off when I ask my questions.” Holland pointed out, turning to look at Driver properly as he smiled a bit. “Thanks for that, by the way… you could’ve just let me take the hit.”

“No.” Driver spat far too quickly, his grip tense on the wheel again. The idea of Holland taking a hit, being hurt- it made his thoughts less clear and made the rage he kept bottled up spill over the edge. Holland blinked a few times at the response, his cigarette almost falling out of his mouth before he caught it and inhaled deeply to settle his nerves. “Right, no. But… thanks. For lookin out for me.” Holland said softly, tempted to reach out and touch Driver’s arm again, to reassure him he was fine. Instead he curled his fingers around his cigarette again, the corner of his mouth quirking into a smile when Driver finally let himself just relax.

Eventually they got back to the March house for the night, Holland sighing as he flicked his cigarette butt out the window and stretched. “Alright then… I’ll see you tomorrow night, got the address for where our Prince Charming will be.” Holland quipped before he opened the door, leaning against the side of the car for a second as Driver gave him a simple nod goodnight. “Oh and by the way- you look good when you get all intense. Real good.” Holland emphasized before he smacked the side of the car and walked back to the house- grinning the whole way back from how pink Driver got in the face. Driver shook off the comment, rubbing a hand over his face before he smiled a bit and started to head back to his apartment.

Holland had lost count of how many times he’d fallen asleep around Driver. Whether it was passing out drunk, or letting exhaustion overwhelm him during cases, Holland was familiar with falling asleep around Driver- but he’d never actually seen the other man asleep around him. He was almost a statue some nights, stiff and focused and Holland was tempted sometimes to snap his fingers in front of his face just to make him jump. Holly even made comments about it, joking that Driver could be their own personal security camera with how late he stays up watching things. It worried Holland just a bit though, made him want to scold Driver and tell him to get his beauty rest. After all, his partners had to make him look good, and one being half-dead ruined that appeal.

Holland sighed softly as he came back from dropping Holly off for the night, running a hand through his hair. Driver had stuck behind, smiling a bit when Holland had complained about how “He deserves a little solo dad/daughter time” and “He has a business partner, not a chauffeur.” Holland grinned as he came back, seeing Driver exactly where he left him. “Y’know I should start leaving a salt circle around you, to see if you actually move when I’m not around.” Holland quipped, smirking a bit when he saw the corner of Driver’s mouth twitch up into a smile. “Right then… how’s about I get a bottle of whiskey for us to split, and we find something to watch on the TV that isn’t another rerun of The Waltons?”

They did eventually find something to watch, Holland cracking open the whiskey bottle before he slumped next to Driver. “Right then… creature feature. Holly hates these movies, she said they’re all dumb.” Holland explained, taking a sip right from the bottle and smiling sheepishly when he saw Driver look at him. “Sorry. I uh… forget that I actually can share, with you.” Holland mumbled, Driver rolling his eyes as he took the bottle from Holland’s hand. Driver felt his skin prickle with electricity when his fingers brushed against Holland’s, and Holland pretended that his heart didn’t skip a beat from the casual contact. “Not a big deal,” Driver said simply before he tilted the bottle back to take a decent sized swig. Holland wanted to burn the image in his mind forever, because Driver made it look damn good with his head tilted back and eyes half-closed, but he settled instead on distracting himself with the TV.

They didn’t end up drinking much more from the bottle, talking about this or that and generally just being lulled into a comfortable silence from the movie. Holland glanced to his side, ready to wisecrack again- when he was confronted with an unfamiliar sight. Driver’s head was lolled slightly to the side, his face relaxed and soft, deep breaths escaping him. He was asleep, fully asleep- and Holland couldn’t help but smile at the sight. He looked so damn peaceful it was almost angelic, soft blond tufts falling over his forehead and his lips parted ever so slightly. Holland felt his fingers twitch slightly at his side, deciding he could blame his actions on alcohol later. He gently reached up to brush back one loose strand, smiling a bit to himself.

He was confronted with Driver’s eyes fluttering open, frozen in place by his stare. Holland felt a nervous flush crawl up his neck, a flustered laugh forcing itself out of his throat. “I-I uh… haven’t… sorry.” Holland muttered dumbly, his fingers flexing and pulling back when he realized they were still against Driver’s forehead. Driver huffed a soft laugh before he shrugged, his usual way of saying “Don’t worry about it”. Holland had gotten pretty good about his partner’s silent cues lately.

Partner… it was funny how much he wanted that word to mean more than it did right now.

Holland cleared his throat again, trying to find the nerve to pull away and find a way to salvage how damn foolish he was- but he couldn’t. He couldn’t pull himself back farther, he couldn’t stop looking at Driver, and he just couldn’t find the will to break whatever spell they had. Driver smiled a bit before it flickered away, his eyes drifting down to Holland’s lips and staying there for a beat too long. Neither of them moved, or spoke a word, hell Holland was sure he stopped breathing. Holland could see Driver leaning forward slightly and copied him, his breath leaving in anxious little bursts as they were millimeters apart.

It was easy, far too easy for Driver to close that gap. Holland’s stubble was rough against his face, and he could hear the couch creaking slightly from how tightly Holland was gripping the side now… but Driver was focused. He let a hand slide to the nape of Holland’s neck to pull him closer, to keep them stuck in that kiss for as long as possible. He wanted Holland to know how he actually had a life around him, how Holland was the first and only person to get this close. He wanted Holland to know how much he made him happy when he did his stupid jokes, how he felt like he had a real family for the first time with Holland and Holly- all things he could never say aloud, but he could try to tell him here, with this.

Holland shifted a bit in place before he pulled back, panting for air and tilting his head forward for a brief moment. “Smoker’s lungs, can’t… can’t go forever like you can.” Holland joked softly, his face red and hands hovering uselessly until they settled on top of Driver’s arms. Driver didn’t say anything in response, settling instead on smiling a bit more and lifting a hand to brush back some of Holland’s hair. Holland smiled at the action, leaning into it ever so slightly. “...That’s nice.” Holland said softly, tilting his head enough to kiss the corner of Driver’s mouth and being rewarded with a proper kiss for his efforts.

Holland lost track of how long they did it, sharing lazy kisses back and forth on that couch. There was no push to go any further, and if one or both of them desired it they certainly hid it. Driver was certainly content with what they were doing, his fingers brushing through Holland’s hair as he grazed his tongue over Holland’s own. It was slow, and tender, and everything they wanted at that moment. Eventually they stopped, Holland’s head comfortably resting on Driver’s shoulder as another movie played. Holland’s fingers brushed over Driver’s, smiling even more as the other man linked their hands together and rubbed his thumb over the tattoo on the back of Holland’s hand. They didn’t talk about it, what led to it, what it meant- they didn’t need to. Holland knew in seconds how Driver really felt about him, and Driver didn’t need to ask when Holland wore his heart on his sleeve near daily. Holland huffed a soft laugh once he snapped out of his musings, his eyes fluttering shut. Holland cracked an eye open when he heard Driver’s breath even out again, his cheek pressed to the top of Holland’s head.

Unlike Driver, Holland didn’t put much thought into maintaining his car. It was a far nicer car than anything else he’d ever owned, but he got it once he worked as a PI. He had gotten it at a reduced price from a car dealer he’d done a job for, and combined with the incredibly lucrative payout he got from discovering the man’s wife had been cheating, it was hard to say no. Holly actually seemed to like his car most days, said it gave her some bragging rights at school that her dad drove a nice car (she then played the very masterful game of dodging questions regarding his job). Whenever it needed repairs, Holland would go to a garage and stare blankly at the mechanics as they tried to explain what had gone wrong. Holland usually prided himself on being more clever than he looked, but when it came to cars? Holland March truly was clueless and could do little more than nod and hand over whatever was due. Driver becoming a part of Holland’s life meant no more trips to those garages, and almost every repair was done at home.

Driver could tell if something was wrong with Holland’s car like it was a sixth sense, his fingers smoothing over the dashboard sometimes as he murmured to Holland that he would work on the car once they were back at the house. Today was one of those days, Holland flipping through crumpled bills in his hand as Driver tapped the wheel. “...The ignition was off earlier. I’ll fix it when we get home,” Driver explained, Holland turning with slightly wide eyes as his cigarette dangled from his lips. “Okay, how do you actually do that? The car’s been running fine, how-” “You can just tell after a while,” Driver cut off, smiling over at Holland as he turned the corner. That little smile was enough to make Holland’s cheeks flush with color and forget his complaints, Holland finishing his cigarette before tossing it out of the window and focusing on the houses that passed them by.

Once the car pulled into the driveway, Holland squeezed Driver’s arm with a smile. “I’ll be inside working on dinner for us and Holly. If you need me, just give a shout. Or like- knock on the window. Somethin like that.” Holland explained, Driver offering a sweet smile as Holland kissed his cheek and went inside. Driver went over to the garage and tugged the door up with a soft grunt, his expression easing at the familiar environment. Driver moved around the space with ease, grabbing the toolbox and dolly from the corner and dragging them out towards the car. It made Driver just a bit jealous that Holland could afford a car like this, although Holland’s explanation of where the car came from made it a little easier to understand how he could get it. Although Driver was pretty much the only person who used the car at this point, so he supposed it all worked out in the end.

Driver was elbow deep under the car hood when he heard Holland’s voice next to him. “Doll, dinner is going to get cold. Which I don’t recommend trying; I don’t think there is a single world that makes cold meatloaf even remotely appealing.” Holland explained, smiling lazily when he got Driver to pop his head out from inside the car and saw the way his eyes crinkled with a smile. Driver’s smile was damn near contagious lately, showing itself whenever they were off the clock, and Holland thought it was maybe the closest he’s ever had to a spiritual awakening. Driver hummed before he motioned to the hood of the car. “My hands are all dirty… and I’m not done.” Driver explained, his hand waving lazily towards the toolbox as he looked back inside the engine. “Just gotta replace the spark plug, and then test the ignition to make sure we’re done here.” Driver murmured, and Holland stepped closer without hesitating to pick up the small toolbox. “Well- why don’t I pass you whatever doodads you need so you can wrap this up faster?” Holland offered, rolling his eyes a bit when he saw Driver fix him with a skeptical stare for his ability to help. “Come on, it’s really difficult for me to screw up passing you things. I’m- I mean I’m not even putting them in the damn car!” Holland argued, smiling triumphantly when Driver slumped in defeat and leaned over the hood of the car again. “...Pass me the spark plug,” Driver asked, turning and pointing a finger to the box at the bottom of the toolbox to help guide Holland’s attention there. Driver found it actually nice to have Holland next to him while he finished these repairs. Holland chattered on like he usually did, making his observations about the car, about the news he read in the paper or heard on the radio, boasting about Holly’s latest test score for math (Driver did not approve of the idea that Holly would become their personal accountant, considering she was still thirteen). Holland’s chattering didn’t distract Driver from doing what he was supposed to, fingers expertly twisting the socket to tighten the new spark plug in place and carefully inspecting every other component to make sure they were right. Driver pulled back after a few more minutes, grabbing the rag he’d tossed haphazardly over the windshield and using it on his hands. “Let’s test it,” Driver offered quietly, interrupting Holland’s latest tangent as he slid into the front seat. Holland hopped into the passenger seat, watching Driver intently as he turned the keys in the ignition and listened to the car. It never failed to fascinate Holland, how much understanding Driver could have just from the sensation of the engine vibrating in his bones. “Well? Did we- you, I mean- do a good job? I mean you usually do, hard to think of a time you didn’t,” Holland asked, a satisfied grin blooming when he saw Driver nod and turn the engine off.

Holland led the way for them to go back in the house, his hand casually draped around Driver’s waist as they got to the front door. “Dinner should still be semi-warm, but I can heat it up again.” Holland offered as he pulled the door open and kicked it shut, Driver nodding as he removed his shoes. “I can also help,” Driver offered, only for Holland to shoo him over to the table with a huff. “No, nope, my turn to do something useful around this place. Which, for the record, I actually am a decent cook, so you keep that sweet ass of yours in the chair while I heat this up.” Holland ordered, Driver smiling as he admitted defeat with a small nod of his head. Holland let out a small hum at the minor act of submission, turning back to the stove. “But, if you do want to be helpful later… I won’t protest you bending over the sink to wash the dishes,” Holland offered with a smirk, slightly smug at the pink tint that dusted Driver’s cheeks from the blatant flirting. “Ew!” Holly shouted from the living room, scowling at her dad as she covered her ears with her hands. “Do your flirting and stuff when I’m not around to hear it,” Holly complained, which set Holland off onto his usual dad lecture about not saying “and stuff” and that Holly wasn’t a baby, that he could flirt with Driver if he wanted-

An important detail people forgot about private detectives was that they weren’t actually police. Sure, Holland got a bit of a looser leash because of his past, but he wasn’t a cop anymore. He had a license to carry, but he couldn’t actually get anyone arrested. Hell, he could be arrested if he stepped too far out of line. Driver seemed to understand that line intimately, knowing when he and Holland had to pull back before they got in trouble, knowing when a good-paying case could get them arrested for breaking the law. Driver also knew that they broke a few rules to get some of their info. Intimidation, bribery, the occasional physical assault (Usually Driver was responsible for that one)- it was just how good PIs got the dirt they needed.

Tonight Holland and Driver were following their suspect, Holland balancing the camera to capture what the client asked for while Driver tailed them. Driver was on high alert as he kept his distance, remembering how their client warned of their husband being in a nasty crowd. That was usually the polite way to say gang, so Driver had made a point to get Holland to put on his holster and have his own in the glovebox. Driver squeezed the wheel as he glanced in the side mirror. “...Got enough?” Driver asked quietly, Holland huffing a soft scoff as he fumbled to reach for his cigarettes. “Look, the lady said she needed something really incriminating. So I’m working on getting incriminating.” Holland explained, starting to go on about “respecting the art” and “how this wasn’t as easy as it looked” when Driver suddenly grabbed his arm and wrenched it down.

The same car was still tailing them. They’d been found out.

“...Seatbelt. Keep your head down.” Driver said quietly, squeezing the wheel as he took in a slow breath. They were on Raymond, Slauson was the opposite way… but they couldn’t afford to be wide open. They needed to lose whoever was behind them, and do it fast, because surely this guy’s companions wouldn’t show up empty handed. The car behind them moved closer, Driver catching a glimpse of them in the rearview. They were older, the car was inconspicuous but didn’t show any signs of being more underneath the surface. That was good, that gave Driver a bit of an advantage mechanically. He turned the corner, flicking the headlights off, and he felt his pulse kick up when the other car turned to follow.

Now that he really knew, he had to get them out of here.

Driver pushed down on the gas a bit firmer, his breath leaving in a slow exhale as the speedometer ticked higher. Holland was clinging tight to the seat below him, uncharacteristically quiet as his partner tilted the wheel ever so slightly to turn down another street. Driver jerked the car to a stop and pulled them into a random driveway, Holland unprepared to be lurched forward as his nose made direct contact with the dashboard. Driver felt his fingers twitch on the wheel at the groan of pain but didn’t react beyond that, he had to focus. The other car whizzed past them, unaware of what Driver had done, and he took his chance to hit reverse and go in the opposite direction.

Driver went around aimlessly for a while, not wanting to get back to Holland’s house until he was certain they weren’t followed. Once he was satisfied he got them home, parking the car and turning to look at Holland for the first time in a while. He wasn’t looking the best- his collar and front of his shirt now stained with blood, his nose already an ugly shade of purple- it didn’t seem broken, the bridge looked fine- but Driver wanted to know for sure. “...C’mon.” Driver said softly, getting out and gently curling his fingers around Holland’s arm to bring him inside.

Holland rolled his eyes a bit, but he didn’t complain too much because of the throbbing pain in his nose. Definitely not broken, he’d had a broken nose plenty of times- but it fucking stung, and the blood made him a little faint (Holland never did handle blood well). Driver pulled them into the bathroom, grabbing their first aid kit and having Holland sit on the toilet lid. “What, kissing it better isn’t enough?” Holland deadpanned, wincing when Driver pressed a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol to the bridge. “Geez, tough crowd tonight…”

Holland tried a few times to talk while Driver tended to his nose, only to get nothing, not even his usual shrug. Eventually Holland had enough, grabbing Driver’s wrist to stop him. “Hey. Don’t make me play the guessing game for what you want me to say.” Holland said firmly, his grip loose and thumb gently tracing a small line. Driver huffed out a breath before his hands dropped, his eyes burning with a million emotions- and Holland understood most of them once Driver hugged him tight. “...I got you hurt.”

There it was. Holland sighed softly as he hugged Driver back, a half-smile on his face as he rubbed his hand in a small circle. “I got myself hurt. I know better than to assume you were gonna make it a smooth, slow getaway.” Holland pointed out, pulling back enough to look at Driver. “Not the worst I had… and you do a pretty damn good job keeping me from the worst.” Holland assured quietly, smiling a bit when he saw Driver’s eyes flutter shut and felt their foreheads press together. Holland gently leant forward, aiming for a kiss but wincing when his damaged nose bumped Driver’s. “Ow- motherfucker, that- ow-”

Holland’s whining was stopped when he felt a gentle peck to the tip of his nose, a cut-off noise of surprise escaping him as he looked up and saw Driver’s half-smile. “Better?” Driver asked softly, and Holland couldn’t help his lopsided grin as he leant forward to kiss his partner, this time without bumping his nose. It was soft and gentle, no urge to go any further- it was meant to be soothing, to reassure them both that things were okay, that they’d made a clean getaway once again.

When Holland had come up to Driver about two hours ago, murmuring how they finally had some time alone, this wasn’t exactly what he had in mind. Holland had imagined them in bed, the sheets pooled on the floor and his voice cracking around whatever praise he had for Driver while he got fucked into the bed. Holland was in a mood, and he could admit that; he was pent-up and more than a little horny, and it was the first time in well over a month it was just him and Driver alone without any chance of being interrupted. Yet when Holland shared this with Driver, hoping to get into bed with his partner and spend the day there?

Instead, he found himself like this, sitting in Driver’s lap at the fucking kitchen table while he worked on repairing some car part. Driver insisted he had stuff he wanted to do on their day off, that he and Holland would have time later, but Holland wouldn’t let it go. He kept draping himself over Driver, trailing kisses up and down his neck, whining that they could afford to take a little break. Driver finally had enough after about ten minutes, grabbing Holland’s hips and fixing him with a glare. “I have work to do.” Driver said coolly, his hands shifting Holland’s hips away from his leg to try and coax the other to stop humping him like a dog. Although right as Driver was about to tell Holland to go take care of himself as most adults do- that was when he got an idea.

That’s what led to him bending Holland over the kitchen table while he spread him open, working up to three fingers while Driver smiled a bit at Holland’s eager moans and babbling about getting more and how nice Driver’s fingers felt. Driver quickly replaced his fingers with his dick, pulling Holland into his lap and relishing in the keening groan Holland gave. “Fuck, that feels so fucking perfect,” Holland grumbled, going to raise his hips and start riding Driver, only to be held in place. “What- what’s that you’re doing? Why’re-” “I have to work on this, sit still.” Driver murmured, already reaching around Holland for his toolbox and the engine part, and Holland felt his brain screech to a halt. “Y-You can’t be serious, you- Driver, baby, doll, c’mon, you- you can’t-” Holland stammered, eyes slightly wide and lips parted around another complaint when Driver turned his head for them to look at each other, and he shut up immediately.

Holland tried multiple times to start moving his hips, to at least rock back and forth to get some kind of friction, but Driver would grab his hip to keep him still and dig his nails in just enough as a warning. Holland definitely got the message; he knew if he pushed his luck too much, Driver would just pull out and leave him like this. Holland choked back another groan as he held the edge of the table, semi-grateful he at least had something to hold onto. “Doll?” Holland managed to rasp after another few minutes of staying still, of feeling his own pulse in his dick because of how hard he was. “Doll, I really, really would appreciate it if you moved, just a little bit, just once.” Holland pleaded, trying to sound as serious as he could despite his breathlessness. Driver didn’t respond, his fingers carefully holding a screw in place and his hips stubbornly in place. Holland groaned again as he bowed his head, closing his eyes so he didn’t have to see how hard he was.

Holland did anything he could to focus on something besides the fact his partner was not actively fucking him and the fact he felt like he was hard enough it hurt. He focused on the steady rise and fall of Driver’s chest, how warm he felt, and the sound of their breaths… and it was honestly making him drowsy. Holland was stuck without moving, and he was warm, and he was comfortable, and Driver was too goddamn busy to really notice if he got a bit of shut-eye. Holland sighed deeply as he shifted once to get comfortable, resting his head back against Driver’s shoulder… 

Only to feel Driver snap his hips hard. Holland jolted, just enough pressure being put on his prostate to make him bark out a moan, the contents on the table jostling. Holland looked up at Driver, pupils blown and lips parted in shock, and Driver felt the corner of his mouth twitch upwards. “You looked bored.” Driver answered simply, and Holland whined at the remark as he pressed his hips down petulantly. “Driver, you just- please, I’m actually begging now. Is this what you wanted? I’m begging, I’d get on my fucking knees if I wasn’t already on your fucking dick, just- fucking please move, I need you to move so bad it stopped being funny about thirty minutes ago.” Holland rambled, and Driver couldn’t help but roll his eyes a bit at his partner’s dramatics. Driver carefully wiped his hands on the rag he left nearby, steadying his hands on Holland’s hips. “You can move now,” Driver murmured lowly, squeezing Holland’s hips to emphasize his point as he watched his partner stop in the middle of his next plea (something about buying a lifetime supply of toothpicks) and blink a few times. The second Holland’s shock wore off, he moved his hips and let out a whimpering sigh of relief. Holland started with a decent pace, Driver flexing his hands rhythmically on Holland’s sides and feeling a small groan escape as Holland purposefully tightened around him. Holland grinned cockily at the reaction, snapping his hips forward a bit harder and feeling his thighs burn slightly from the movement. “Fuck, you always feel so fucking good inside of me,” Holland groaned, his voice gravelly from lust and his constant prattling, which only served to send another shiver down Driver’s spine. “You always make me, fuck, feel so goddamn sore the next day, have to lean against the car or some shit to- ngk- to not fall over. D’you know how goddamn hot that is, to know how easily you can make me fall apart?” Holland asked, Driver feeling his head spin from the other’s dirty talk and the way he kept moving his hips like it would be the last time he’d ever get to ride Driver. “Nobody would ever expect it, tiny thing like you-”

Something about that last comment was enough to make Driver snap, his arm looping around Holland’s abdomen as he maneuvered them just enough that Holland was bent over the table instead of in his lap. Holland let out a small squawk of shock from the movement, only to cry out when Driver pulled out just enough before slamming back inside. “You’re such a slut,” Driver muttered lowly, setting a punishing pace as he thrust into Holland enough to jolt the contents on the table (and make the table legs scrape slightly against the linoleum). Holland’s eyes widened, and his vocal cords fluttered desperately to manage Driver’s name, or a plea, some kind of word- but all that escaped was a sharp cry that fizzled out into a whine. Driver felt a slight smirk form at the reaction, knowing Holland had to be incredibly close and feeling his own orgasm creep up on him. Driver slid his hand up from Holland’s hip, his nails scraping a fine line up his abdomen and chest until it rested on the nape of his neck, pushing Holland’s face into the wood as he leant down by his ear. “You would have done well as a porno star in another life, Holland.” Holland’s eyes went wide as his hips snapped forward against the table, digging his fingers into the edge of the table while his release splattered onto the bottom of the table and down onto his leg. Holland let out a whimper of overstimulation as Driver kept thrusting forward, his thighs trembling and eyes starting to water as the line between pain and pleasure blurred. Driver lifted Holland’s hips as he felt him start to go limp with exhaustion, his pace becoming more erratic and uneven as he chased his own climax. He reached it not long after, his teeth sinking into Holland’s shoulder to muffle a groan and his hands squeezing and releasing Holland’s hips like a stress ball. The pair just stayed in place for a few moments, breathing heavily as Driver slowly pulled out and guided Holland to sit on his thighs again. Holland grunted softly as he leant against Driver, his cheeks bright red and an immensely satisfied smile on his face. “Mm… y’know, that almost made it worth stayin still for that long,” Holland mumbled, smiling against Driver’s collarbone when he felt the other let out a long sigh. “M’kay, lemme… remember how to move my legs, and we can go take a bath. You’re holdin me up if you want a shower.” Holland grumbled, his smile softening into something fonder when Driver kissed the crown of his head and scooped him up in his arms.

Holland had learned quickly that Driver was on alert for any touch. If they brushed arms he’d tense up, hell even when they were a couple and Holland kissed Driver’s cheek, he jumped a bit in place. Holland thought it was because Driver disliked the spontaneous affection- but he quickly realized it wasn’t after one night. One night, where he and Driver were making out on the couch, and Driver pulled back, wild-eyed and flushed down to his neck, hoarsely mumbling something about needing to use the bathroom. Holland didn’t buy the excuse for a moment, not when he saw Driver trying desperately to adjust the very obvious tent in his jeans and hearing how shaky his voice was.

After that, Holland knew he had to get to the bottom of this like any good detective should. Him and Driver had a night to themselves, Holly staying at a friend’s, and Holland grinned a bit at the opportunity. Holland leant over to Driver, smiling impishly as he did his best attempt at fluttering his eyelashes. Holland grinned as Driver fixed him with an unimpressed stare, but the way the corner of his mouth shot up into a smile was enough for Holland to know it worked. “C’mere.” Holland whispered softly, grinning when Driver leant forward closed the gap between them.

Holland loved kissing Driver, how the other was always so gentle but so damn passionate. His tongue sweeping across Holland’s bottom lip, his hand moving to cradle Holland’s cheek- and Holland seized his chance. He slid his hand up into Driver’s hair, toying with the soft strands and feeling his head spin from the punched-out noise Driver let out in response. Holland took it as a sign to keep going, his other hand moving up and down Driver’s side. Almost instantly the other man keened into the touch, his face flush and their lips pulling apart from Driver’s squirming. “Sensitive?” Holland asked softly, grinning when Driver nodded. “Good.”

Holland trailed his kisses lower, stubble scraping against Driver’s neck before Holland scraped his teeth along his pulse. The action rewarded him with a deep moan from Driver, nails biting into his hips as Driver pulled him in closer. Holland grinned as he returned the favor, coaxing Driver into his lap with a hum. “Gonna take such good care of you, Doll.” Holland cooed, his fingers working on pulling Driver’s shirt over his head while Driver desperately tried to cooperate.

The minute Driver’s shirt was off, Holland let out a breath he didn’t even know he was holding. Driver was a fucking vision, smooth skin and lean muscle and thr occasional scar from previous jobs. Holland dragged a finger over one on Driver’s side, kissing him deeply to swallow up the tiny whimper the other let out. Driver shifted his hips slightly, any hesitance he had gone as he sucked Holland’s bottom lip between his teeth. Holland groaned softly, his fingers reaching down to undo Driver’s jeans. “I’m gonna take good care of you… such good care.” Holland mumbled again, pushing his hips up before he got a new idea.

Holland carefully pushed Driver off his lap, starting to slide to the floor as Driver tensed up. “Holland-” Driver choked out, his heart in his throat as the other rolled his eyes and smirked. “Relax, Doll. I thought you liked it better when I shut up, anyways.” Holland shot back, not giving Driver any warning as he pulled the other free from his boxers and took him into his mouth. Driver’s eyes went wide and his fingers dug into the couch, his other hand rising up to clamp over his mouth so he could bite his palm. Driver couldn’t remember the last time anyone had touched him like this, he certainly didn’t know when Holland got a chance to practice this, and Holland was a damn near expert. His eyes fluttering as he pulled back just enough to swirl his tongue over the tip, a soft hum escaping as he took Driver deeper into his mouth. It was sin incarnate, and it took all of Driver’s restraint not to grab Holland’s hair and tug just to ground himself.

Driver didn’t need to worry about the choice, since Holland made it for him. One hand leaving Driver’s thigh to pry Driver’s hand from the sofa, guiding it to the back of Holland’s hair. It was a gentle reassurance, Holland trying to get Driver to understand he could do more. Driver tilted his head back with a low moan, his nails gently scraping Holland’s scalp as he tightened his fingers. Holland clearly approved, a small moan escaping him and sending vibrations up Driver’s cock and scrambling any thoughts he had left. Driver kept his hips still, not wanting to take advantage of the fact Holland was sucking him off like he would never get the chance again.

Driver knew he wasn't going to last long, trying to warn Holland but only able to manage a pathetic whimper in response. Holland seemed to get the message, taking a deep breath in through his nose before he shoved his head as low as he could go. That did it- that had Driver screwing his eyes shut and groaning Holland’s name as his release pulsed down Holland’s throat. Holland made a show of swallowing, grinning lazily as he pulled off and kissed Driver’s thigh. “Told ya I’d take good care of you, Doll.” Holland rasped, Driver feeling a shiver go up his spine from the rough tone in his partner’s voice. Driver removed his hand from Holland’s hair, reaching down to slip between Holland’s thighs when the other shifted back with a sheepish laugh. “Oh, you uh… don’t need to worry about that.”

Driver raised an eyebrow, ready to insist that he was absolutely returning the favor when he noticed the way Holland kept shifting uncomfortably. That’s when the wet spot in Holland’s trousers became abundantly clear, the way his cheeks were stained red under his scruff and the way his eyes were glassy and very pleased. Driver huffed a soft laugh, pulling Holland up into his lap for another kiss

It was one of the few nights where Holland and Driver weren’t out on a stakeout. Instead they were on the sofa, Holly tucked between them, a now-empty pizza box on the table, and the TV quietly playing some late night movie none of them were watching. Holly had fallen asleep hours ago, her cheek resting on Driver’s shoulder, and Holland was close to falling asleep himself. Driver glanced to his side as he took in the sight, his chest tightening at both members of the March family looking so peaceful. Driver wasn’t used to this kind of quiet, one that settled over him rather than crawling up his skin and whispering paranoia in his ear. He still didn't understand how he got here, or why he was so lucky. Driver shifted to grab a toothpick from his pocket, shoving one between his teeth to give his mind something else to focus on.

Everything seemed to settle into place so naturally these past few months. Falling in love with Holland, Holly starting to see Driver as a second parent… it was a love that was given to him so easily, almost gift-wrapped, and it made Driver feel crazy. He never did anything in his life to warrant this- Driver had signed his soul away to Hell a long time ago, his eyes masking the countless horrors he'd done just to make some money or to prove a point. Driver felt his hands ball up at his sides, his breath leaving his nose a bit heavier, and Driver knew he was spiraling. He didn't deserve this treatment, this- this love that Holly and Holland gave so freely-

A touch to the arm made Driver jolt, eyes wild and shoulders pulling back to be ready for a fight. He saw Holland holding his hands up, his lips moving but the sound not reaching Driver’s ears. Driver felt Holly shift against him and felt a sliver of clarity, gently laying the girl down so he could get up without disturbing her. He didn’t want to do this somewhere Holly could see, he wanted to do anything he could to shield him from any more trouble. Driver carefully got up, his feet taking him automatically to his car as he slid into the driver’s seat and squeezed the wheel.

His car was his safety, always had been. The cool steel of the steering wheel, the way the outside world was muffled once he closed the door… Driver always found cars to be his sanctuary, a way for him to refocus and get his emotions back into their trunks and stored deep in his mind. Driver heard the passenger door click open, his hands squeezing the wheel in response. He knew it was Holland, he knew Holland was still trying to talk to him, but none of the words made sense. It was all just… too much.

Driver could feel the tears that clung to the corners of his eyes, hot and reminding him of acid the way it carved trails down his cheeks. Driver hated crying, he hated the feedback loop it created in his mind where his frustration over crying fed into more tears. Before he could completely lock up Driver felt a hand cover his own on the wheel, rhythmically squeezing and a thumb brushing his knuckles. The touch gave Driver something else to focus on, dazed eyes flicking to the side to find Holland’s focused gaze on him. It was almost a shift in their personalities, and Driver would have been more amused if he were in any other state.

“...oll? Driver, c'mon. Just nod for me so I know you hear me.” Holland’s voice finally cut through, and Driver felt a fresh wave of tears from the thick layer of worry in his partner’s voice. Driver exhaled shakily, his throat tight but the words crawling their way out regardless. “...Why..? Why… care…?” Driver croaked, and his whole body shook when Holland pried his hand from the wheel and began to massage the palm with his thumb. “Doll… Is that what's got you so worked up? Is- is it me, me caring?” Holland asked, and Driver managed a sharp nod as he tried to focus on the heaving breaths he was still taking in. Holland let out a slow breath as he did his best to meet Driver’s eyes, worried that the intense stare was nowhere to be seen.

“Doll… you make me want to be better. You hold me accountable for all my shit, you look after Holly in ways I never could… you’ve cared for me when I'm puking my guts out, when- when I'm sobbing so hard I get dizzy because of my shitty goddamn life.” Holland explained, his other hand moving to gently cup Driver’s cheek. “I know I can’t care to the level you do, because you just care so much. But I can try to at least give you a fraction of that.” Holland whispered, and Driver felt the knot finally unravel in his chest as he breathed in slower, deeper…

It took a while for Driver to fully calm down, and when he did he was a limp mess. His limbs were too heavy, and his mind felt like mush. Holland didn't leave his side; he balanced Driver upright, coaxing him inside and guiding him to their room. He got Driver to lay down, gently covering him with the sheets and brushing his hair from his eyes before kissing his forehead. Holland stayed awake long after exhaustion overtook Driver, on high alert for any nightmares… Holland wanted to do everything he could to watch Driver tonight.