Work Text:
The heat of the summer had been swept off the mesa leaving the beginning chill of autumn and eventual winter. Winter, with its heavy, thick snow. Snow that would need to be removed, snow that would make mud. Another logistical nightmare that Robert rubbed his temples to the drumming of.
He'd been the director for a few months now but still felt as if he knew nothing. The job was turning out to be much bigger than anyone expected, what was once thought to be only a few hundred people was quickly turning into a few thousand.
And he couldn't focus only on the science either, what he'd taken the job for, he was in charge of making the whole town run. Physicist and mayor, he had no talent for bureaucracy. A while ago at a meeting, after updates on the Gadget had been discussed, someone had meekly asked Robert if he could hire a cobbler for the town.
Thankfully though, despite his inexperience, he had support. Leslie Groves, the General, or Dick, as he sometimes preferred to be called. Ha ha. A harsh man, though Robert rarely saw that side of him, who struck fear in the military and civilian personnel alike. He kept Los Alamos in order more or less, kept it bound where Robert had missed things, and he had missed many things.
Groves had immediately been drawn to Robert, for reasons the physicist was clueless to. He was inexperienced in management, he didn't have a Nobel, he was essentially a communist. Very little about him or his background inspired confidence but Groves believed he was his man and so far it seemed he had made a good gamble. Despite the issues, work on the Gadget and Los Alamos as a whole was steady and productive.
Robert was ruminating all this, thoughts quickly processing through his mind before he was even aware of them, just the feeling of them, when the man he had been pondering walked in. Groves had knocked but there was no pause for allowance to enter so it was mostly a pointless gesture though Robert didn't mind. He looked up from the document he had been scanning.
"Oh, hello, General." he clasped his hands together.
"You don't have to call me that" Groves said warmly as he shut the office door "Groves is fine, Leslie is better. We're friends, Oppie."
Robert smiled politely and looked down at his hands. He was told people considered him a good conversationalist, that he was magnetic. He didn't feel that way right now. He felt more the way he had when he was in school. He hummed a response to Groves.
Perhaps Groves sensed his mild discomfort or simply wished to continue on the conversation, "How are things, Oppie? How is that issue with Teller? Is he still bitching?"
"Oh that" Robert gave a slight laugh "Yes it's fine, so to speak. I spoke to Edward. His ideas are interesting, brilliant even, but I don't think they're right for this. I believe he's still resentful I chose Hans over him" he picked a cigarette from his pack and lit it, taking a drag and throwing a limp and exasperated hand to the side. "It's just Teller being Teller."
Groves chuckled and nodded "Well in a place like this there's always going to be interpersonal issues especially with all the jackasses we’ve brought out here."
Robert took a drag again and began updating Groves on what headway had been made with the Gadget, which wasn't much. Some theoretical problems had been solved which caused new ones to pop up. The engineers had been coming to Robert, telling him how it just was not possible and Robert had to reassure them it was, that it needed to be.
If the complex theoretical physics was at all lost to Groves, which it likely was despite an MIT engineering degree, he didn't show it. He stared into Robert's face and listened to him patiently.
After about 20 minutes Robert finished, concluding with "Simply put, things are the same as last week."
Groves hummed. "Well, Oppie, that's fine. But things need to improve, not stay the same."
Robert blushed, embarrassed he made it seem that way. "No, they are improving just not as fast as they could. It's temporary I'm sure."
Groves leaned back in his chair, Robert took note of his masculine frame. He was older than Robert who was still not yet 40 and larger too. Robert usually weighed about 120 lbs but with the long days and nights, the stress, he knew he'd lost weight. He wasn't sure he'd like to know how much. Groves however seemed to be about 250, a pleasing mix, at least to Robert's eyes, of military muscle and the fat of middle age.
"Don't worry, Oppie. The work is fine, I was only teasing."
Robert let out a nervous sigh "I'm sorry, General" he leaned his head on his non-smoking hand. "I'm losing my head a little. Not..in a bad way, no, the work is gratifying. It's.." he looked for words but found none. He was usually much more eloquent than this, he had been when he first met Groves, but something had changed. Actually having the job seemed to make him anxious to prove himself.
Groves stared at him with an expression Robert couldn't read, though he always did have trouble with that, and felt his own face grow hot. Groves then stood from his chair and surprised Robert by walking around to his side of the desk.
He looked up at Groves, surprised by the proximity. Groves placed a firm hand on his shoulder. Robert opened his mouth to say something, glancing between the hand and Groves eyes, but Groves spoke before he could.
"Don't worry. I believe in you, Robert."
The words Robert had been grasping for lodged in his throat and he nodded demurely. If his face hadn't been red a few moments before he certainly was now. Again he felt like some version of a younger self, he'd always been known by his classmates for how easily flustered he was.
"Thank you, General." he said slowly, looking into the eyes of the man in front of him.
"Leslie" Groves corrected.
"Leslie." Robert acquiesced.
Then, in the awkward silence that followed with Groves' hand still on his shoulder, Robert was surprised once again. The warm pad of Groves thumb was placed on Roberts neck, just above his shirt collar. The touch sent a jolt through the younger man.
He held his gaze with Groves but did not speak, now searching hopelessly for any sign of what the general meant by doing this. Robert was no stranger to men but knew better than to openly throw yourself at one, especially not a United States Army officer.
Groves then began slowly and lightly rubbing against Robert's skin. Robert's tense shoulders loosened. Both men understood each other.
"I never-" Robert cut himself off "I didn't figure you'd be.. I didn't think I was so obvious" he laughed at himself.
"Don't worry, you're not. Well–not to most people. But if you know what to look for, well." Groves said steadily, looking now at Robert's neck as if he could see the vein beneath the skin.
"I never imagined a man like you would be.." Robert left the statement unfinished. Groves chuckled, "There's a lot about the military you don't know, Oppie."
Robert smiled at the remark, which the General took as an invitation to proceed. Groves leaned down and replaced his thumb with his lips, planting a soft kiss against the soft pulse.
Roberts' breath hitched "I haven't done something like this in.. not for a while. Not with anyone but Kitty, not with a man, though she.." he interrupted himself with a laugh and didn't continue.
Groves moved from Robert's neck to his cheek, peppering it with affectionate kisses. Robert was evidently flustered, he fumbled with his hands, unsure of what to do with them. Noticing he was still holding his cigarette he placed it in the ashtray so it wouldn't burn anything, or anyone. When Groves finally made his way to Robert’s mouth, Robert melted. The two immediately developed a rhythm; kissing had always confounded the physicist but here, now, with the general’s breath hot against his skin–this felt entirely natural.
Robert briefly disentangled himself by standing, inviting Groves to continue with an even greater range of motion. Groves eagerly accepted, and came for Robert with a renewed passion. He wrapped his strong arms around Robert's skinny frame and Robert in turn draped his arms around Groves' neck the way a woman would.
They stayed like that for a few minutes. Though they were both 6 foot, Robert felt fragile and secure as Groves squeezed his waist or simply held their chests close together. Their ecstasy was interrupted only by a mounting..discomfort..on Robert's part. On the Hill, as they all had begun to call it, the physicists had shed their suits and ties for jeans and wool shirts. Robert had been happy with the change, he had even encouraged it. The high country clothes typical of his kit at Perro Caliente usually afforded him greater flexibility and adaptability…unfortunately, such was not the case here. Robert was no stranger to knowing how jeans could constrict an erection after having spent over a dozen summers in them, and while pleasant sometimes, it didn't feel so now. He stopped kissing Groves and looked down at himself.
Groves followed his gaze and chuckled, "I'm starting to see the appeal of blue jeans."
Robert blushed "I'm sorry I don't know why I.." he began before being cut off when Groves cupped the bulge in his now tight pants. Robert exhaled and reflexively pressed his hips against the welcome hand.
Robert held himself closer to Groves and hid his face against the crook of the older man's neck. Groves was softly rubbing the erection, "I'd like to take you home now." he said steadily.
Robert nodded immediately against Groves' neck, an unconscious action. Another thought that processed through his mind so quickly that he was barely aware of it.
Groves backed away and took in the sight of the disheveled physicist. His cheeks were flushed, as were the tips of his ears. He admired how Robert stood in the awkward way characteristic of a tall, skinny man such as him. "You're adorable." Groves cooed.
Robert smiled meekly and moved to the other side of the room to gather his hat and jacket. Groves as well took his military issue coat from the back of the chair he had been sitting in and put it on. Robert picked up the still lit cigarette he'd left in the tray and took a drag. The two men looked at each other for a moment before Robert opened the door and continued out.
Groves followed behind as Robert gave a brief set of instructions to his secretary. He told her to take his calls, and that should anyone inquire of his whereabouts, he would be having a drink with General Groves. She nodded and wished the two men a good rest of their afternoon.
Once they'd exited the building Groves led the younger man to his military issue jeep, much rougher around the edges than Robert's new Cadillac. Groves opened the door for the skinny man, an innocuous gesture that nevertheless made Robert nervously glance around.
Groves came around to the driver’s side, sat himself down, and added in a low and even tone, "I'm a general, Oppie. I'm in charge of Project Y. Nothing will happen. No one will think anything."
Robert looked into Groves' eyes and nodded. Everything about Groves made him feel reassured and secure. Groves gave a nod as well and put a hand on Roberts thigh, giving it a squeeze. Such a comforting gesture did little more than to make Robert’s jeans uncomfortably tight again.
Groves started the car and began driving, then placed his hand back on Robert's thigh. He didn't remove it even as people around town waved hello, which Groves returned with smiles and nods. Robert moved his hat so the brim covered at least some of his face, as if the pork pie hat gave him any shred of anonymity. He was burning through his cigarette, fast.
Finally they arrived at Robert's Bathtub Row home. Robert rushed to the front door, fumbling with the key. His fears were entirely unfounded. There was nobody around them and even if there were, they wouldn't think anything of it. The two most important men on the Hill spending time together. That's nothing. He reminded himself of this.
Once inside they hung their jackets and hats on the coat rack by the door. "Kitty not home?" Groves asked. The reference to her stung a little, guilt falling into Robert’s stomach, though this turn of events would likely come as no surprise to her, he had told her he was courting Groves like a lover, Robert exhaled a laugh at the thought. Kicking his feet telling his wife about the boy he liked the way teenage girls share crushes. He imagined Kitty now painting her nails laughing at him, he smiled, comforted by her existence. "No, she left to spend a few days in Santa Fe. She gets a little claustrophobic up here. Peter’s at daycare. Did you want a drink?"
“No, thank you though.” Groves approached him. Robert’s pants felt tight once again.
The older man began by unbuttoning Roberts shirt, spreading it open to expose his chest. Dark hair lightly spread on the pale skin of his pectorals, Groves rubbed his hands against Roberts ribs, appreciating the way his thin chest rose and fell with his heavy breaths.
Groves pulled him close so their bodies were flush and kissed his neck as he had done before, but now with even greater fervor. He sucked at the skin as Robert squirmed slightly, "Don't leave anything. I don't want to upset Kitty." Robert said softly. He could imagine telling her about this, but showing her would be too much, too real. Groves nodded.
He continued along Roberts neck before descending to his chest. Robert instinctively began to grind against Groves’ leg. He let slip a quiet whine but cut himself off out of embarrassment. The older man brought his hand down to rub Robert's erection. "I forgot you're wearing these. Let me." he said, unzipping the jeans and slipping his hand inside to hold Robert through his boxers.
"Why is it always men like you who have the biggest cocks?" Groves chided, "Skinny and tall and sure as hell not doing anything with them."
"You don't know that." Robert rebutted, trying to keep his composure as Groves slowly stroked him through the thin fabric.
"Sure I don't." Groves smiled "I want to take you to the bedroom now, is that alright?"
Robert nodded "I should tell you that I haven't.."
"I know." Groves began "You said you haven't done this in a while. We don't have to hurry anything."
Robert took hold of Groves' lapels, "I want to. I want to be with you."
"I want to be with you too." Groves smiled, leading Robert to his own bedroom "I've wanted you since I first saw you. With those pretty eyes, those cheekbones," he kissed Roberts neck ", that curly hair, that body. I could barely keep my hands off you. You're perfect, you know that?"
Robert covered his face slightly with one of his hands, the compliments overwhelmed him. Kitty pampered him the same way. She and Groves were similar, he realized. Groves laid Robert down before he began taking off his own clothes. As he undid his shirt the younger man was able to take in the hairy and tanned landscape of Groves chest, his healthy gut and worked muscles. Robert rubbed slightly at his own cock.
"You're very handsome." Robert said directly. Groves undid his zipper and looked up, "Thank you, Oppie."
Robert realized he was still mostly dressed and quickly stripped down so they were both in just their boxers, though these too were soon discarded.
Robert looked at Groves hard cock, it was slightly smaller than his own but thicker. The idea of taking it intimidated him, but he yearned for nothing more. It had been a few years, his body was only now remembering how good it would feel.
Robert quickly realized what they were missing. He rifled through the bedside drawer for a small vial of lubricant. Groves thought nothing of it and took the bottle, spreading some of its contents onto his fingers.
He moved towards Robert, surrounding him on all sides almost, and placed an index finger against his hole. Robert exhaled softly and moved his hips up against the finger lightly. Groves looked at the younger man who nodded an affirmation. Groves gently pressed his finger inside of Robert. The sensation was familiar to Robert, but perceptibly different; a man's finger is thicker than a womans. "Doesn't seem to have been that long without having done this, Oppie." Groves teased, moving the finger slowly. "Well not.. I haven't been fucked proper in a while. But this, yes." Robert explained matter of factly. Groves gawked slightly, at the vulgarity of Robert’s words and the idea of what the Oppenheimer's got up to when no one else was around. "You're full of surprises," he laughed. Robert shrugged sheepishly.
Gradually Groves added a second and then a third finger, prepping Robert and massaging his prostate. Robert had his legs wrapped around Groves, squirming and fucking himself against his hand, but stopping every so often out of embarrassment. "Are you ready?" Groves asked, "Yes." Robert panted, almost begging.
Groves removed his fingers, added lube to his cock, and positioned himself between Robert’s legs. That they would be face to face went unspoken between them.
Groves put the head of his cock against Robert's hole. "I won't go hard." Groves assured the physicist, who could only kiss him in response. He trusted Groves completely. Their lips met as Groves inserted himself, pushing in slowly until he could no more, bottoming out.
Robert whined again briefly against Groves mouth, his voice rising almost an entire octave. "Are you alright?" Groves wanted to make sure.
"Yes" Robert exhaled and once again kissed the general, savoring this feeling of fullness. He felt complete. Groves moved an arm beneath Robert's back and held their bodies together, which Robert aided by clinging to Groves.
Groves began moving, maintaining the slow pace he had promised. Robert raised his hips to meet Groves', the two falling into a shared rhythm. Robert adored the feeling. He'd been with men before but he had never felt this connected to someone. Protected and secure, the feeling of Groves holding him close.
"Can I see you?" Groves huffed softly.
Robert pulled away and the older man looked at him. He was panting, his eyes gazing into Groves'. Groves had never felt an urge to guard and stand by anyone as much as he did Robert Oppenheimer. He was as delicate as a medieval damsel. Groves liked the idea of him in a dress. "You're perfect." he said again, Robert blushed and pulled Groves close against him.
Gradually their rhythm began picking up speed, becoming more forceful. Robert was trembling all over, the feeling of Groves inside him was getting to be too much. "Leslie," he whimpered into Groves' ear, "I'm going to.." his legs tighted around the larger man.
"That's fine." Groves reassured him, feeling his own orgasm approaching as well. Robert was not particularly vocal but he was breathing harder, repeating 'Leslie' like a mantra.
Finally, release came. Robert arched his back and gasped. He held onto Groves tightly and thrusted his hips before becoming still. Groves looked down at Robert, his torso splotched with his own semen and chest heaving. They looked into each other's eyes and that was enough, Robert's blue eyes were enough. Groves thrusted quickly a few more times before cumming inside of the physicist.
"Robert.." he groaned, holding him tightly to his chest, not caring about the mess between them.
They stayed like that for a while, Groves softening inside of Robert while they calmed down together. Robert rubbed his hand across Groves' back, "Thank you." he said quietly.
"Thank you." Groves echoed.
Groves pulled out eventually and walked to the bathroom to wet a washcloth and clean them both up. Robert lay dazed, appreciating the feeling of being full even now, in some spiritual sort of way. Groves returned and wiped the ejaculate off both of them. "I'd like you to stay here a while." Robert said. Groves smiled, "I was hoping you would."
The general helped the physicist get under the comforter and followed in next to him, spooning him, holding the two of them together, giving Roberts temple a kiss. "Thank you, Leslie." Robert repeated. "You're welcome, Robert." Groves answered.