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Jun 8

The Love You Want: IV, Part Ten

its late but its here and its ass lol

word count: 28,197

ao3

masterlist

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II wakes early with the intention of preparing a few things before he and Vessel's date, leaving the First still asleep in bed, hair somehow half out of its braid where it peeks out from beneath the blanket he's wrapped in. Considering how III is hopeless in the kitchen and IV is afraid of the stovetop flame, perhaps he should make them something for lunch? It's as II is heading downstairs, just coming out of his own room, that IV slips out of III's room quietly. By now, it's unsurprising that IV is awake around the same time, his whole face lighting up upon seeing II.

Sleep save him, IV looks downright radiant.

"Bore da, Two. You and Vessel made up?" He asks, practically skipping as he closes III's door and makes his way the few steps down the hall to II's doorway.

"Good morning, Four. How could you tell?" One side of II's mouth quirks up as he fights back the urge to reach out in an attempt to tame the absolute mess on top of IV's head.

"We were in his realm last night, walked along the shore, picked up seashells. There was no nightmare to pull him from." IV grins, plucking a little white sand dollar from his pajama pocket and handing it over.

II takes it delicately, calloused fingers brushing IV's palm. The Fourth's breath doesn't hitch, but it's a near thing, his heart skipping a beat instead. Such a simple touch, and still it seemed like II had set IV's world on fire. It was a welcome warmth.

"It was good. He was happy." He adds, softer now, elated in a quiet way, following as II continues on towards the stairwell, stuffing the sand dollar into the pocket of his pajama shorts.

Habit alone has II reaching a hand back in expectation, surprise flitting through them both when IV takes it, linking their fingers together. Neither of them move to pull their hands apart.

"I'm glad. He always sleeps in when the rest is good and not nightmare infested."

As they're heading down the stairs, IVs damaged vision makes itself apparent as his foot misses a step.

He slips, nearly falling right down the staircase to the landing if it hadn't have been for II's lightning quick reaction and the vines along the banister and walls reaching out for him.

"Are you alright?" II asks, worry coloring his voice.

"Y-Yeah." IV breathes, blinking slowly to try and get his damaged eye to focus on II's face.

II's arms have found their way around his waist and back, steadying him, biceps flexing against IV's body as he threatens to tip right down the stairs. Only the Second's arms keep him steady. Something so small seems to capture IV's attention entirely. "There's something wrong with your vision, isn't there? I should have figured from the scarring and your-. Your pupil. I really am so sorry for getting irritated with you. I know-"

"Two." IV interrupts, a smile stretching across his face, baring molars and gum, "I refuse to accept another apology so stop giving them. I'm not upset with you anymore. And, thanks for catching me."

"You're welcome." II say softly, instead of apologizing again, resolving himself to manage his irritation with an iron tight grip.

"Would you like to help me make breakfast?" II offers as IV regains his balance, lamenting the loss of the Second's arms around him, "I was thinking of french toast, since Ves loves it. I'll handle the stovetop."

"I'd love to help!" IV exclaims happily, finally feeling as though II is beginning to accept him.

"I make it often," II continues without prompting, making sure IV does not lose his balance again as the vines release his clothes, "I always hope he'll eat more than a few bites or the smallest portions possible. He's never been one to eat much, and though he needs it the least of all of us, it worries me."

"I'm not sure if it's trauma related or just how he is." IV says apologetically, assuming that II was going to ask if he knew anything about it.

Doing his best not to sigh, fearing IV will think it's because of him, II aims for a smile instead. "That's alright, I don't expect you to know everything about him. I hope it's just how he is and we can help him grow more of an appetite with time."

"I'll help where I can of course." IV nods along, already having had the intention of getting Vessel to eat more some way or another, "I can cook! I prefer baking though. My mam taught me a bunch of recipes. Welsh cakes, bara brith, cawl, glamorgan sausages-" IV continues to list the dishes he can make, following II into the kitchen.

He moves to grab a pan from the drying rack beside the sink, heading over to the stove to light it with the intention of letting it begin heating.

IV stops, stares down at the stovetop and the pan set on top of one of the eyes. There's phantom heat against his face, burning his hands. Smoke fills his lungs, breaths hastening.

"You don't have to help if you don't want to, you know." II says, standing at the fridge while watching IV, the door open and letting out cool air.

"No, I- I want to help. It's just… it's the flame. I- Can you start it for me? I'm sorry to ask when you're averse to flame, too. I just-."

"It's heat, love, but that's not the point here. Do not apologize over something like this, not if it's due to fear. Would you expect me to apologize, or Three? Vessel?" II asks gently, shutting the door once he's pulled out the bread and other ingredients he needs.

"Na…" He mumbles, knowing the truth of it, cheeks warming at the endearment.

He's sure calling people 'love' is just apart of II's everyday vocabulary. There is nothing more than that, no matter how much IV's heart wants to delude itself, fluttering in his chest at the kind expression II is gracing him with.

"Right then. I'll accept no more apologies for something you can't help." II throws IV's earlier words right back at him with a lopsided grin, setting everything on the island counter, "Besides, I said I was going to handle the stovetop. I'll leave adorning the french toast with the toppings to you. Mind mixing the batter and cutting up some strawberries?"

"Yeah!" IV smiles back, a bit more wobbly than he intends, but he's been struggling not to tack on a 'sir' every chance he gets.

II finds himself endlessly endeared so long as he shoves aside this instinctual irritation. Is it his own, or is it Sleep? In the beginning, it was him. He knows his mistrust of their Fourth was all him, but with this ache in his side, the disdain laced in every syllable Sleep speaks to IV, how much of his ire is of his own doing and how much is influenced by the gods who play with their souls like dolls? If II allows it, he could run his mind in endless circles worrying over this topic. He won't allow it. He needs to keep control of himself.

They get to work from there, II setting out a large bowl for IV to mix the ingredients into as he goes about doing other things.

"Have you ever been to his realm before?" IV asks idly, mixing the eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon as II moves about, fetching Elvira's food bag from one of the cupboards alongside a can of patte to top it off with.

"Vessel's?" II hums, pouring food into Elvira's bowl and setting it outside the kitchen doorway in its usual spot.

IV hums his affirmation, too, relaxed by the ease with which he can exist around II. It's as easy as it is with III, with Vessel. He is terrified to make another mistake, but its edges are dulled by the calm of the morning. As long as he is careful with his damaged hands, everything should be fine.

"I haven't. Three and I have only ever been to Sleep's realm, when we were reborn. Why do you ask?" II takes the offered bowl of mixed ingredients, dipping slices of thick, buttered toast into it before setting two into the heated pan on the stove.

They sizzle as the egg begins to fry, the pleasant scent of cinnamon beginning to waft through the kitchen. IV sets to work on the strawberries, holding the knife in his hand tighter than he needs to for fear of it slipping from the grasp of his trembling fingers. He hopes II doesn't notice, too busy at the stove, their backs to each other.

"Syml- I mean, simple curiosity. It's beautiful there. It's perpetually night, right on the shore of a gorgeous sea. The sand is black, speckled with stardust, and the water is so blue, phosphorescent. The plants are all shades of pink, and in the distance, away from the waters, there's ancient buildings. We've never wandered from the shore, but he wants to."

"That sounds beautiful." II says softly, hearing the splash of waves against the shore, seeing the sway of blooming pink trees atop a cliff reaching for the skies.

It truly sounds like a paradise for Vessel. It looks it, the image painting itself in IV's mind as he accidentally sends it across the bond right to II. Vessel has had a love of the sea for as long as II has known him. Since he was a child, II has surmised from his ramblings, glad that not everything about his life Before had been a nightmare. His mother used to take him, he had mentioned once, though she stopped at some point, around the time he started staying within their house. Too young for him to remember clearly, most likely. At least, that's what Vessel believes. Who is II to question his memory of something he was so fond of?

In his distraction, the blade slips, vision off centered just enough. Sharp pain pulls him from the recesses of his mind.

"He calls it Arcadia." IV continues wistfully, staring down at the blood welling up, strawberries forgotten, half sliced, "A paradise where nothing will ever hurt us again. Repreive from hiraeth."

Before he realizes what he's done, iron and the sweet taste of strawberries bursts across his tongue. His bloody finger is in his mouth, sucking juice and crimson off. He shoves more in, hastily, single minded as he eats, desperate to quench the hunger aching deep in his stomach.

His head tilts, hand dropping slowly to the counter.

He'll have to throw this batch of half cut up strawberries away. Trying to hide what happened, he quickly picks up the cutting board, moving over to the sink to clean the board and knife. He hopes II simply thinks he's done cutting up the strawberries as he uses the knife to scrape them off the cutting board and into the, shoving them down the drain with the tip of the knife. His finger stings faintly, the cut not too deep, though enough to still draw blood.

"Arcadia, huh?" II muses, setting aside some of the completed pieces of toast, "Mind getting these powdered, love?"

IV nods, though II can't see it, finishing up washing his hands. His eyes trail after II's, the long fingers, calloused from years upon years of rigorous drumming, practiced as he cooks. Another serving plate is designated for the ones to be doused in powdered sugar, IV holding it carefully as he sets it on the counter. Aided by the water, his finger has already stopped bleeding, thankfully.

What would those fingers look like wrapped around IV's throat, cutting off blood to his brain just enough to make him dizzy? Would II keep squeezing, past the point of pleasure, like his ex would? IV might let him, just to have II that close, his hand on his skin, warmth seeping into his neck. No. He promised himself he would be hurt like that no longer.

"Four, there is this… scar, on Vessel's back. Have you seen it?" II broaches the topic unsurely, plating a few more slices of the french toast on the designated serving plate once they're ready, far enough from the heat of the flame that IV should have no issues retrieving them to powder.

Will asking IV these things instead of Vessel himself ever stop making II feel ill with guilt?

IV pauses where he is diligently dusting them with powdered sugar. The silence stretches on long enough that II believes he won't receive an answer, content to remain curious.

"I know the one. I think, anyways. It's- It's fuzzy. The memory difficult to grasp." He says simply, quiet, tapping the bottom of the shaker to get the powder out.

"Then," II continues, somehow more hesitant than before due to IV's tone, "Do you know where it came from? I asked him about it last night. He… He didn't even know it was there until I touched it. Three and I thought it might be from when he died."

II recalls that haunted look in Vessel's eyes, like a chasm with an endless horizon had opened up between them, at merely having brushed a gentle finger against its edge. III had mentioned it to him, once, a while ago now, a theory of his own being given. II had agreed with them that it must have been the scar from when Vessel had died and become a vessel, given their limited knowledge, but now, II isn't so sure. Neither he nor III retained anything from their deaths. II would have had a knife scar of his own to speak of. III, multiple wounds most likely. The thought of it, of any of their deaths leaving permanent reminders chills II's too-hot body to the bone. Knowing what happened to III, II couldn't stomach thinking on it too long. He still comforts Vessel after nights where he relives III's death in his dreams. II was glad that those who hurt, who killed III are dead and gone, but some days he wonders if the price, the damage done to Vessel having witnessed it to get names and faces, had been worth it.

III doesn't think it was, even if Vessel likely saved others like the Third from the same fate. Too many mornings have been spent with II catching Vessel sitting wide awake, staring down at III's chest and its steady, peaceful rise and fall.

"I think that Sleep knows its origins. He… keeps it from me. From Vessel, too." IV offers quietly, struggling to remember what he knew about that particular scar.

"Seriously? Are you certain?" II says in disbelief, placing more pieces of eggy bread in the pan.

II is quick to anger, the heat of it flaring up in his side. His scar itches, burns, a sensation he intends to ignore. Annoyance spreads down his spine, dropping a piece of toast into the pan with less care than he intends, egg splattering off of it. Right away, it begins to cook before crisping, then burning. With a muttered curse, he uses the spatula to move the burnt crumbles off to the side, completely missing the wary look IV casts his way.

"So it has nothing to do with Vessel's death?" II continues, finding himself angry on Vessel's behalf.

Why would Sleep keep the origins of a scar from even Vessel himself?

"It… it does." Mumbling now, IV tries to hide his wince at the pain in his head.

He does his best to force past it, wanting to give a proper answer to II if he can. The more he tries to grasp at the memory, the more it eludes him, slipping from his grasp right before he can wrap his mind around it.

"Fourth. Leave that memory to me. It is mine alone to bear." Sleep's voices startle both II and IV into jumping nearly a foot in the air.

IV barely manages to catch the shaker of powdered sugar before it clatters to the ground and makes a mess everywhere. Fear sizzles his nerves, body stiff, caught between freeze or flight, the shaker trembling in his hands.

"Damn, give a little warning next time!" II hisses, cradling his hand to his chest as the pan sizzles.

IV's brows furrow in concern, abandoning the shaker on the counter and pulling II's hand away from his chest so he can see what's happened. There's minor burns on II's fingertips where he'd been placing one of the pieces down, not paying attention quite like he should have been. II notices right away the fresh slice on IV's finger, just beginning to scab over.

"Four-."

"I… did not mean to startle you, my Second. Do not inform my First of this." The interruption is not an apology, but it is as close to one as II is going to get, it seems, "The scar you speak of is of little importance. It is for the best that my First does not remember."

Those last two sentences scream of contradiction in II's mind, forcing him to shove past the fear sinking claws into the recesses of his mind. He doesn't need to have a panic attack whenever he burns himself. He doesn't. Fuck, II should be over that by now.

"But why?" II presses, frustrated, as IV's focus remains on his hands, held so gently in his own, trying not to anger the God imposing upon what IV considers quality time with II, the God whose presence sends fear and inexplicable wrongness straight through IV's soul.

What triggered the healing the day before, with II? Had it been instinctual, or something he had called upon by his need to see the other vessels without pain? His fingers brush over the burns, the skin reddened, blistered, wishing for II's pain to go away. Before his eyes, with every pass of his thumb over a fingertip, each burn fades away, leaving only a faint tingle in II's fingers.

"Sleep?" II tries again, brows furrowed as he takes in the golden layer of skin on his fingertips where the wound was healed.

Sleep leaves his question unanswered, heavy presence sucking out of the room as quickly as it had appeared. With Him, IV's fear drains, too, leaving him shaky and off kilter.

II's scowl deepens, pulling his hands gently from IV's. "Stop that." He snaps with little heat, allowing his hands to continue to be held.

(*1)"Na, cwningen, you can't stop me." It's not the first bit of challenge IV has shown II, and the Second is sure it won't be the last.

The difference is that this time, it has a familiar heat stirring in II's belly. His face flames, and he pulls away, scowl deepening impossibly further.

IV continues to look a bit too pleased with himself despite II's reprimand and the short conversation with Sleep. Idle conversation eventually picks back up as they both work, until it comes to only needing to finish cooking the french toast. Once that's done, II checks the time on the clock above the stove and smiles a little to himself. Great timing, III should be awake by now, and with a simple check of the bond, II finds that is the case.

"Mind getting the plates and silverware on the table, Four? I have something I need to request of Three before I start getting ready to leave." II requests, turning off the burner and moving the pan to the one behind it to cool off.

He misses the panicked expression that flashes over IV's face, only hearing his soft agreement.

"Thank you, I appreciate it." II pats IV's shoulder gently as he passes, stopping at the sink to wash his hands.

Then, he's off to find III, not noticing as IV stares after him with wide eyes, gazing longinly at the Second's back, the shape of his biceps as he had worked at the stove. His touch had been warm.

II first checks on Vessel, finding him curled up tighter than he'd left him, arms tucked against his chest and having taken the blanket with him. It's a sweet position, Vessel's face hidden against Jello's soft bell, his other plushies having either been shoved away in his sleep or knocked off the bed entirely. II walks as quietly as he can manage along the wooden floorboards, picking up Mr. Nibbles and tucking him back in with Vessel, bending to plant a soft kiss on the crown of his head. He'll let him sleep a little longer, maybe it will lift some of color from the dark circles beneath his six eyes.

He pauses in the hall, glancing between III's cracked open door and down past the small sitting area. Trying to keep his expression from wilting into some variation of disdain, he finds himself at the altar room, the door opening with a quiet creak. He steps inside with a sigh, face pinched, kneeling before the altar and bringing his hands together in mimicry of a prayer.

"Keep them safe while we're gone, yeah? I'll- I'll bring you back something for your altar." He speaks into the silence, receiving no response.

II didn't expect one. The vines clinging to the walls wiggle as he stands on aching knees and turns on his heel, brushing against his fingers against them in greeting.

'My Second.' Sleep greets, right as II is about to exit, the candles behind him lighting up one by one.

"Sleep." He murmurs in response as he turns back around, dipping his head with the assumption Sleep can see it, "I did not think you would deign to answer me."

'Do not bother bringing me a gift. I would like to do something of an exchange. Help me, and I will, in turn, do something for you.'

Sucking in his bottom lip and then releasing it, II taps an idle beat on his forearms, arms crossed in thought. "Say I do as you ask, do I get to choose what I receive in return?"

'No.'

"Hah. Fine. What did I expect? What do you need then?" With nothing else to do, II heads to the altar to begin cleaning it, grabbing the nearby cleaner and rag he keeps on hand for just this.

His heart is in his throat, echoing in his ears as he gently sets the golden offering plate at his side, knelt before the altar. He'll need to throw away the fruit III left as it has begun to rot, the apple's skin bruised and wilting, the inside visibly browned where III cut it up into slices. The little left of the incense is set aside to be thrown away as well, II wiping out the plate carefully then moving on to cleaning the table beneath the candles. He is pleased to see not a speck of blood on the altar nor anywhere on or around the offering plate.

'I wish for you to make my First speak with me.'

"If you wanted someone to convince him, you should have gone to Three. I'm not going to make him do anything, and neither will Three. You of all beings should know that about us. Is he… ignoring you or something? What did you do?" II takes more care than he usually does to make sure the table is properly cleaned, noting the distinct lack of glowing flowers.

Vessel hasn't been here to leave an offering, then. That's not like him.

It doesn't seem like Vessel to outright ignore Sleep, either, but II doesn't want to put it past him. Whatever it was Sleep did, it had to have been severe enough to hurt Vessel to this degree. II isn't sure he wants to help Sleep at all, actually. The only person II knew that Vessel had tried to ignore had been Nick, and he knows quite well the damage that man had caused.

'He has shut me out! I did not do anything to warrant this disrespect!' Sleep hisses before falling silent, cowed by their own anger.

The incredulous expression on II's face begs to differ.

That silence stretches, Sleep's unrest growing, visible in the harsh flickering of the candles at the altar. 'I wish to apologize to him. Make him listen to me.'

"If Vessel is ignoring you, whatever you did must have been pretty bad." Muttering to himself, II can't help the bitterness from seeping into his voice, "I'm not sure I would even be of much help."

'We had a… disagreement, and he would not look at me, and so I made him. Now, he refuses to speak with me at all. I hope that the apology he asked for will lessen his ire.' Sleep is being surprisngly forthcoming, despite the vagueness of their words and the secrets He is keeping from and for Vessel.

'Please, my Second. I hurt him. I showed him something I should not have in my anger. He did- My First did not deserve what I did. Help me apologize to him.'

It is unlike Sleep to beg, but that it exactly what the God is doing. It sets II's teeth on edge. What had He done?

His answer is short, to the point, firm, "Fine. I'll talk to him, at least. I can make you no promises."

Sleep's presence presses into II's back, sliding up his spine and fizzling gently in his brain. For a moment, the burning heat in his side eases. II's body shudders, gentle warmth spreading down to his toes. 'Thank you. In return, I will grant the unwanted one a necklace, a gift I have glamored. My First will need to apply his own magic to it for it to work.'

"You're only showing Four this kindness because you know Vessel will be pleased." Grumbling, II doesn't bother hiding his scowl, letting the full thing crease his face with his displeasure.

Sleep merely laughs in II's ear, a deep, angry thing that rattles the Second down to his bones. They clatter beneath his muscles, a full body shiver traveling down his spine. Invisible hands wrap around his biceps, pulling the limbs to a stop. They're pulled, tugged harshly, II's muscles straining to resist, his scowl deepening. His own arms come up to wrap around himself in a self-hug, rag abandoned on the table.

'You despise him, too, don't you? The Fourth. My First's First. His one and only vessel. He will ruin everything you've tried so hard to protect. Just like that human man. I could get rid of him for you, you know? His fragile human mind, his damaged body, I can save all of you the heartache of his failings.'

"Get off of me, and leave Four out of this. I'll help you with Vessel, but don't mistake it as anything more than an exchange. Help me, and I'll help you. And I'm not doing it today either, today he is mine." II spits, anger bubbling in his blood, temperature rising.

He keeps a tight lid on the bond, not wanting to alert any of the others to whatever the fuck this is.

'He was mine before he was ever yours, foolish boy. It matters not to me that your souls are connected beyond death. I had him first. He was mine from the moment his tiny body fell into my waters and my sea claimed his life.' II's own hands squeeze his shoulders tightly, bones creaking beneath the strain, but that pain pales in comparison to the way the blood in his body boils.

He is brought back to laying prone on the forest floor, pinned down as III cried over him, desperately tugging at the bond to summon Vessel to their sides, their fear of him dying smothering II's own fear in the bond.

His head aches, mind beginning to crack beneath the strain of the god puppeting his body. It's been about thirty seconds - thirty seconds too long - of Sleep controlling his body, nerves beginning to crackle like lighning were about to strike. Is this what IV felt, puppeted here by Sleep? Did every inhale threaten to choke him?

'You seek answers that would unravel him at the core. Press no longer about his past Before me. Some memories are best left to crumble like my temples of old, buried beneath the waves. Go, now. Leave me. Do as I asked of you, Second, for the Fourth you should scorn for taking what is ours.'

II gasps as control is returned to him, Sleep sliding up each vertebrae of his spine and leaving the sigil between his shoulders aching like a strained muscle. His body collalpses forward, forearms bearing the brunt of his sudden weight, breath after breath sucked in desperately as he waits for the pounding behind his eyes to recede. He moves to a shaky stand, arms trembling, stumbling near drunkenly out of the room.

His heart echoes in his ears, as it always does in the altar room, before the sound of it is cut off as the door shuts behind him. It takes at least five, long, dragging moments for his heart to settle, for the shaking to fade from his body, for the ache in his everything to leave him.

He makes his way back to III's room, shoving aside the encounter with Sleep, pushing the door open slow and careful, hoping it doesn't creak. III is at their vanity, brushing their hair while humming, hips wiggling along to whatever song II is sure is stuck in their head this morning. II pauses a moment, content to cock a hip against the doorframe and watch, gaze soft. The sight before him is exactly what he needed after that strange conversation with Sleep. Love leaves him pleasantly warm, washing away the lingering effects of being under Sleep's thumb. II lets it wash over him, revels in it, sinks deep into the pleasant feeling.

After a moment, his eyes wander, taking in the multitude of spider webs with a shudder, gaze sliding to the messy bed. IV spends far more time in here than he does his own room, which, if he was being honest with himself, II doesn't mind. He understands it, even. When night falls and you lose your current self, having someone near while you're confused must be comforting. Still, II wonders if IV just doesn't like his own room.

"Three, darling." II announces himself finally, entering the room proper, the door open behind him.

III's head shoots over in mild surprise, glancing over at the webs with a brief scowl. His face splits into an easy grin, "Two, my love. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"

"Come." II orders, beckoning III closer with a crook of his index finger.

III sets the brush down, quick mind conjuring up a response as he remains where he is, a little unsure about what this is all about, "It'll take more than an order and that lovely expression to get me off."

"Come here, smartass." II rolls his eyes, correcting himself.

"Hm, I don't think so. What's in it for me if I listen?" Popping a hip out, III settles themselves against their dresser dramatically, raising a thin eyebrow.

There's a bit of eyeliner smudged around his eyes, just for fun, II is sure. It makes the blue of their irises pop amidst the black of the makeup and their sclera.

"A kiss." II replies, shutting the door behind him with a nudge of his foot and a soft click.

"Is that all? I expected more considering you sought me out." III remains where they are, expression smoothing out into something a bit more curious.

"Well," II drawls, leaning against the door in a show of ease to match III's own stance, "I was actually hoping you'd let me borrow one of your plugs."

Both eyebrows raise now, curiosity building into interest.

"You want to borrow one of my plugs? You've never shown an interest before." III finally shoves off from his lean, stalking towards II slowly, eyebrows drawing.

"I see how much Vessel enjoys it when you use one. What's the harm in me trying it out?" II answers nonchalantly, shrugging as though the request was a usual occurrence.

They both know that II never ventures into exploring things like this. When III says as much, II merely smiles playfully. Toys aren't really his thing, though he'll indulge III's whims without a fuss, happily even, so long as III gets what he wants out of the encounter.

"Help me put the plug in and keep those hands off yourself while we're gone and I'll let you suck my dick anytime you want tomorrow." II hands settle on III's hips, tugging them close, pressing their clothed crotches together, though neither of them are quite hard yet.

"Anytime? As much as I want?" III's tall frame looms over II, crowding him against the door fully now, blue eyes dark with desire.

They've completely stopped blinking, pupils dilated, that pretty blue only a thin ring visible between the darkness of III's sclera and pupils. It's a little creepy, but it's a good thing II is into it anyways. III's arms have formed a cage around II's body, forearms pressed into the wood on either side of II's head.

"Let's consider it a sort of free use situation, hm?"

III leans in closer, close enough that their foreheads brush, that II has to ilt his head back against the door to keep eye contact, a stray wave of blond hair tickling over II's cheekbone. He reaches over to tuck it gently behind III's ear, letting his hand rest on their shoulder.

"You freak." III whispers softly, which is ironic given it is III speaking, "I am so sucking your soul out through your dick tomorrow. Now, pretty please drop trough so I can finger you open, sir."

"You're being awfully polite. Really want your reward, huh?"

Impossibly, their grin grows wider, stretching their cheeks out so far it's nearly disturbing. The Second considers it hot as fuck, regardless of how unusual it is. II's hands slide off of III's hips to his own sweats, shoving them down his hips unceremoniously. "Make this quick, pretty, I've still got some things to do before we leave."

The Third's grin is absolutely wicked, a hand sliding between them to wrap around II's half hard cock. He gives it a little squeeze, finally blinking in faux innocence as II makes a warning sound. "Oh, don't be like that Doll. I can work faster if you're wet."

"What size do you want? I've got a wide variety for you to choose from." They continue, hand moving to jerk II off as quick and as roughly as they can manage.

II shudders through the sensations, allowing the brutal pace as III keeps him pressed against the door. "I want the biggest you have."

"Oh?" III head tilts, lips ghosting against II's temple.

Their tongue peeks out to swipe down ear cartilage, swirling around a lobe, eliciting an exciting little sound between a moan and a sigh. One hand finds II's hip, pressing him further against the door as he squirms. "Gonna have Ves fuck you again, hm? He'll love what I plan on doing then."

II's face creases in confusion. What the fuck does that mean?

III had figured they would be fucking at some point today. If not at home, then while they were out. He'd assumed II would be topping, given it's he and Vessel's preference, but it seems III thought wrong. The relinquishment of control to Vessel could be considered an apology of it's own, though III isn't sure Vessel would see it that way. II is usually only willing to do that sort of thing with Vessel. III doesn't hold it against either of them, loves the feeling of II bossing him around, of struggling futilely against what he knows he wants just so that the reward II gives him is twice as sweet.

"Y-Yeah." II grits his teeth, fighting against the urge to cum all over III's hand.

He's so close already, high strung from the stress of that conversation with Sleep.

"Are you sure you can handle having my biggest plug in you all day? It's no easy thing to take for a man of your stature. Are you secretly a masochist, Doll?" The jab goes unreprimanded, II's knees nearly giving out beneath him as the edge approaches, and he goes careening off of it.

III continues to stroke him through it, pulling every last drop of milky white from II's still hard cock. When their fingers are thoroughly coated, they slip down past II's balls to tease at his hole, the Second's ragged breaths fanning over III's chest as his head falls forward to rest against a lean pec. Gentle kisses are placed against II's temple, his ear, earlobe, the sensitive flesh just below that. A few daring nips of careful teeth have him caught between pulling away from III's mouth, leaning into it, and shoving himself down unceremoniously on that lithe finger just beginning to push into him.

"'M not a masochist. I just want to see how much I can take."

Index finger slipping in and out with ease given how much cum there was to aid it, III adds a second finger. II groans, spreading his feet apart, thighs nearly falling open as his weight begins to sag into III's hold.

"You're right, love. Size queen is more accurate."

What really has III's cock kicking in their pajama pants is how II does not bother to deny it, letting himself be opened up with his own cum. Right on the money then, whether the Second ever admits it or not. After a third finger is inserted and II properly scissored open, as hasty as it was, III mutters, "Just a sec, I need to grab the plug!"

III leaves II dazed against the door, a hand wrapped around the handle to hold himself up as his knees shake from the post-orgasm high. His thighs are wet, cum cooling on his calves where it dripped off III's fingers, sweatpants and underwear pooled around II's ankles. Having fetched the plug from one of his drawers, III turns back around, pauses, then let's out a low whistle, unable to keep the desire off their face.

"Damn, Hercules, you broke my doorknob."

It takes a second for the words to register, but when they do, II let's the near-crushed doorknob free of his grip, righting his stance against the sturdy wood. He looks genuinely apologetic, trying to see if it can be fixed or if the knob just needs replaced all together.

"Fuck. I'll buy you a new one while we're out today. I'm sorry, Three."

"Don't be sorry, babe, it was hot. Got you off so good you broke my fucking door handle. When is it my turn to be broken like that? Going to fold me into a crumpled mess?" With that final joke, III makes it back to II, taking him by the hips and pressing their crotches together.

II has turned red with embarassment, blue eyes sparkling in the sunlight coming in from III's open-curtained window. He carefully avoids looking at anything too closely, sharp eyes catching sight of the multitude of webs in the corners of the room, and near the bed. He's still hard, still loose enough that III is sure they can work the plug in with ease, fingers slipping from II's hip down through the dark hair at the base of II's cock, further down between his thighs. His hips buck involuntarily into the finger III swirls around his hole to check, that same wide, mischievous grin tugging at III's face again.

"Gods, I wish I could see the look on his face when you show him this lovely little treat. Hands against the door, ass out." III sighs longingly, patting II's butt cheekily when the Second's scowl grows more severe.

"Ordering me around, are you? I don't recall giving you permission to do that." II gripes even as he does as told, sticking his palms flat against III's door, widening his stance, and making sure his ass is out.

Talk about an embarassing, vulnerable position. III must be having a field day with this view. He completely ignores II's complaint, smiling cheekily. "Remind me I want to fuck you somewhere just like this."

"If I let you." II shoots back, head turning to try and level a stern look III's way.

"You'll let me if I'm good today, won't you, Doll? Can't I have you as my treat tomorrow, not just your dick?" Long fingers begin to press the plug in, pausing only long enough for III to nudge II's feet further apart with one of their own.

II gasps through it, feeling III's hand pull one of his asscheeks a bit to try and aide the slide of the plug. It's a stretch even with the prepping, II sucking in careful breaths to keep from trying to instinctually pull away.

"Fuck, fine, yes, sweetheart."

"Yay!"

II can't help the giggles that burst forth, "St- Stop making me laugh, menace!"

"No way babe, I live for it." III refuses staunchly, working the plug in the last little bit.

"There we go. Not as good as the real thing, but it'll make sure you're mostly stretched enough when you surprise him."

II rights himself slowly, unused to the feeling of being so full, with a near painful lack of warmth at his back. He doesn't have to suffer the feeling long, III wrapping their arms around his waist and pulling him close. Their erection presses against his back, nose nuzzling into the space between II's neck and shoulder.

"Are you alright? You seemed off when you came in." III murmurs against II's back, kissing gently at the skin available to him.

"I'm fine, beautiful, just a shitty conversation with Sleep. He's asked me to try and get Vessel to speak with him." II sighs, leaning back into the gentle touch of lips over his shoulder, one hand rising to slide into III's hair, tugging lightly just to feel III shudder behind him.

"He must have done something absolutely horrendous if Vessel is ignoring him."

"Yeah, that's what I said, too. I'm not happy about the request, to be honest, but He offered to gift Four a necklace, half-glamored, for Vessel to practice on. It's not like I'm in any position to refuse, anyways, so I just put it off for another day. After tomorrow, maybe, since I'm hoping you'll be a good little menace and keep to your end of our deal." He scritched gently at III's scalp, reluctant to part with them but knowing there's a time limit.

He wants to be home well before IV begins to sundown.

"Alright, sweetheart, you need to let me go now. I've still got a couple things to grab and a sleepy sweetheart to wake." II pats at III's arms, tilting his head up and to the side to kiss III's jaw.

The Third groans in dismay as he reluctantly pulls away, crouching down to help II put his pants back on as bending over immediately makes him gasp out a half-choked moan. III snorts, endlessly amused. II is so obviously not used to having a plug in, it's almost sad. It's mostly just fucking hilarious.

"I wish I was going just so I could watch you try to sit in the car without giving anything away. I'll go wake Ves, keep him distracted while you finish getting ready."

"Okay." II squeaks out without complaint, desperate to figure out how he's supposed to hide his raging erection and, as III mentioned, fucking drive.

What he has planned for their date is both going to suck and feel so damn good. All that walking…

"Oh! Before I forget, I'll give you some lube to take with you. Even with that in, you'll need it. Trust me."

"Are you sure?" Skeptic, II eyes the bottle of lube in III's hand, feeling well and full enough as it is.

"Doll, I love having that dick in my mouth. I know its size better than my own. You'll need the extra lube." III snorts, their amusement endless as he hands the lube over.

Just because II rarely bottoms for Vessel, doesn't mean III holds the same reservations. They like to bottom if Vessel is feeling up to topping, especially after a particularly thrilling chase around the forest. That is truly exhilerating. Vessel gets such a sexy, predatory glint in his eyes after a bit of tag, and a bit of teasing on III's part. It almost always leads to them fucking on the forest floor and in desperate need of showers once they're home.

He goes back over to II instead of watching him shuffle awkwardly III's way, tucking the small, travel sized bottle into the Second's back pocket. "Take it easy on the stairs~." They sing, planting a smacking, wet kiss on II's lips in farewell.

II follows III out of their room, right on his heels, not willing to spend a moment longer in there with all the spiders. He can almost imagine the shit they must be thinking about the little show he and III put on. Damn, now II has gone and embarassed himself again, thinking thoughts like that. It's why any of them rarely ever fuck in III's room. All those eyes give II chills of the negative kind.

They split off in the hall with one last kiss, III heading towards II's room and II heading downstairs. He finds IV sitting at the kitchen table, all of the plates laid out neatly, the food covered with silver lids that IV must have dug out from one of the cupboards to keep everything warm. Appreciation swells within II, though his smile falters as he notices IV hasn't touched any of the food yet. His hands are folded in his lap, his posture staight as a board. When II comes up next to him, a hand settling gently on the Fourth's shoulder, he stiffens even further beneath the warmth, heterochromatic eyes turning up to look at II, startled. II lets his hand drop, fearing that the touch was unwelcome.

"Four, you didn't have to wait for everyone. None of us would have minded if you started eating."

II would have been slightly disappointed, sure. He was used to everyone eating together, appreciated the domesticity of it all and being able to spend time together while doing something so simple, but if IV was hungry, II wanted him to eat. Each one of them has heard the growl of his stomach nearly every hour of every day. II hopes its because IV simply doesn't eat enough. He never mentioned this preference of theirs to him, besides.

IV wrings his hands nervously, glancing up at II and then away again, unable to meet his eyes. "You're not in trouble, either. I just don't want you to be hungry." II continues once it's clear IV is struggling to find words.

His expression pinches like IV had bitten into a lemon. His mouth opens to speak, closes, expression collapsing in on itself into something horribly blank, though his eyes continue to show his sudden upset.

(*2)"Heb ei ganiatáu. Doeddwn i ddim yn cael caniatâd i wneud hynny o'r blaen."

II frowns, or rather, he tries to keep himself from frowning, tries to keep his expression light, free of any annoyance he may feel. He knows it isn't truly his own, a lingering effect of the God who nearly brought him to a second death. Sleep's earlier words come back to the forefront of his mind. He said that IV's failings, of the body and mind, would hurt them all. What could Sleep have meant by that? Was it the truth? Or was it a jealous god seeking human connection, common dislike of another creature? It's a glaringly human trait.

"I don't know what you're saying, sweetheart." IV flinches before II can even finish his sentence, head ducking down.

II feels guilty, again. Is this his doing? Has II's behavior up until reccently, very recently, caused this? This morning had been going well. II had thought so at least. IV had seemed happy, even.

"Here, you don't even have to repeat yourself. It's okay. I'll get you a plate, and a drink, alright?" II hurries off into the kitchen, forgetting he needs to take it a bit easy as he pauses, hands pressing palm down to the counter as he struggles to rein in the pleasure building along his spine, sinking deep into his blood.

This plug was a horrible idea. II has never had to maintain control over his pleasure in such a way before. His libido had always been on the lower end, though that did little to stop him from getting aroused when his boys were being particularly enticing. It's why he usually preferred to watch for a while, let his boys have their fun while he let his own arousal build. Some days, it didn't matter to him at all if he came or not. Taking in a steadying breathe, II rights himself, then sets about making IV something to drink. For a moment, he flounders. What does he prefer? Black coffee, coffee that is more creamer than anything? Does he take his tea with sugar or milk, or by itself? II hates that he doesn't know. Hates that when IV woke up, he didn't want to know. II wants to know now.

'Three, love, do you know what Four likes to drink?' He asks within the bond, hoping for a quick answer.

'Pretty much anything! He'll just be happy it's from you.' III responds, a bit distractedly.

'Everything alright?'

'Ves is making it very hard to follow your order.' III says, followed by a very detailed still image of III in Vessel's lap, their hands in Vessel's hair as they makeout heavily.

Godsdamn. Between that and the plug currently making II's day a pleasurable hell of his own doing, II is completely fucked.

II snorts, making sure to project his amusement down the bond their way, adjusting himself in his sweats and praying to whatever other God than his own that will listen, that IV doesn't notice anything. 'Food'll get cold if you take too long.'

'But he's so pretty.'

'Three.'

'He just let out the most devastated little whine I've ever heard and it's all your fault, you meanie. We'll be down in a minute.'

II laughs fully now as he sets the mug he'd fetched on the counter, steaming from a bit of time in the microwave. Definitely not his favorite way to make tea, II notes as he plops a teabag full of one of his preffered floral blends into the mug to steep. He heads back to IV a bit slower than he'd like, nearly tripping over Elvira as he goes. She meows up at him indignantly, II quite tempted to ask IV what curse she just sent his way.

"Give it just a couple more minutes, sweetheart." It is more of an order than a suggestion, but IV takes to it well anyways.

He isn't even II's and yet he listens as though his is. He watches II in a way the Second recognizes. A way II isn't sure he's entirely ready to acknowledge.

IV's face gains a bit more expression as II hands him the cup, light re-entering his eyes.

"Diolch." He whispers, taking the cup slowly.

II smiles, pleased that IV didn't outright reject his choice of beverage. IV casts a considering glance at II as he takes a sip, glad he didn't notice the jerky, pained grip he'd had on the glass cup. His bicep burns, his hands ache. He shouldn't have let instinct take hold. II said it was alright to eat without them also at the table. IV will remember that. He will. He won't let his ex's rules affect him now. This is a different house, with different people and different rules. It's fine. IV isn't in trouble, he won't be hit or choked or forced to skip a meal.

The Second starts plating french toast for IV right away, stacking five hefty pieces and topping them with strawberries, making sure to slide the syrup IV's way.

"There. Now eat, pretty, I'm going to fetch the others." The endearment slides off II's tongue easily, as he is finding common with IV.

II had been too scared of what would happen to them if IV betrayed them to admit to himself before how beautiful the man really was. He waits until IV has cut up a few slices to turn around, intending to go and do as he said he would, only to find III and Vessel behind him already, both of them watching with something greatly fond in their eyes. Vessel hides it better, but III is obvious with it. II fights the urge to roll his eyes, knowing his behavior recently must be jarring. To go from outright disliking IV to- To this. The petnames, the gentle voice he reserves only for his partners. His scar burns less today, the static of Sleep buzzing along the vertebrae of his spine strangely absent. He did not even realize the God had been with him. III kisses Vessel's cheek before plopping down in the seat right next to IV, a hand shooting out to pat at a thick thigh in greeting. IV stares, blinking up and down between III's hand and the smile on their face. He blurts out a simple Welsh morning greeting, setting his tea down. It clatters as it nearly slips from his grasp, fingers spasming against the glass. He glances around, praying no one saw anything amiss.

II eases himself down into his seat beside Vessel's gingerly, as though pained. IV's head tilts, finding it a little odd. Vessel seems to notice too, but doesn't say anything. None of them were strangers to muscle aches and pains due to their bodies' age and their line of work. II, especially, would complain of a sore behind or shoulders after hours upon hours upon hours at his drumkit. Vessel thinks little of it aside from the usual hefty dose of concern.

"Is it good, Four?" III asks, knowing that it is, chin cushioned by his palm.

II's cooking has never once taste even remotely bad, though they each have things they don't care for. IV nods, lifting a slice up to his mouth and shoving it in, head turning to stare at Vessel. The plate before him is untouched, IV itching to fix that.

Casting a glance II's way, IV stabs one slice of his own and puts it over on Vessel's plate, then gestures with his fork down to it.

"Eat."

Vessel tries for a placating smile, apologetic in nature, "I am not very hungry this morning either, Four."

IV unceremoniously shoves a cut up piece of french toast in Vessel's mouth, the piece laden with syrup and powdered sugar. Syrup sticks to his lips, dripping down his skin at the uncoordinated attack. He looks shocked, utterly flabbergasted, chewing the piece slowly. IV looks downright gleeful, grinning wide and pleased.

"I-" Vessel starts, though he is quickly cut off.

"Eat, or I shove this whole slice down your throat. That's an order. We took the time to make this for you and you're making Two sad."

Vessel blinks. Once, twice, all six eyes out of sync. Slowly, he picks up the fork, cuts off a corner, and spears a piece of syrupy toast, bringing it to his mouth without further fight.

Oh, II thinks, coming to a realization that has his dick getting a little more hard in his sweats, Vessel liked that.

III bursts into laughter, tears gathered at the corners of their eyes, bending over at the force. The laughter is cut off by a choking sound as powdered sugar is sucked down the wrong hole.

"Shit!" They manage through coughs and tears, their smile still pulling at their cheeks, so wide it hurts.

Once they've calmed and the other three vessels have stopped burning worried holes into the side of III's face, the Third speaks, voice hoarse from the choked laughter, "Fuck, Ves, if I knew that was all it would take to get you to eat, I'd have done it years ago."

Vessel doesn't say anything in response, head ducking down to hide the blush coloring his cheeks, cutting his french toast up into small pieces, unsure how much he will be able to eat. He would not be able to admit it out loud, but the tone IV had taken with him had been rather arousing. II could be bossy, but never usually with him. To be ordered around like that, with care at the core of it, sets Vessel's metaphorical heart ablaze.

III drags Vessel off once he's finished as much of his food as he can, and the Third is also finished, no explanation offered either to the First nor the Second and Fourth. A cheeky grin is cast IV's way as III pulls Vessel along behind him, heading up to the Third's room.

They emerge some time later, the sound of III's laughter and teasing carrying faintly down from the second floor as their door creaks open. Elvira has since appeared, rubbing up against II's legs while he works at the island counter to make simple sandwiches for III and IV for lunch while he and Vessel are gone. IV is beside him, making his own sandwiches. Once, he had stopped at two. The Second had frowned, urging him to make at least another, and then another.

"I'm not quite sure when we'll get back. Before nightfall, for certain, but I want you both to have food and little risk of Three managing to light something on fire." He had insisted, leaving little room for argument, lips quirked up in a smile.

IV hadn't even attempted to argue, anyways, quietly pulling out two more slices of the wheat loaf, eyes tracking the way II's bicep muscles moved as he worked.

"Prepare to feast your eyes!" III is saying as he walks into the kitchen, their whole face bright in excitement.

Vessel trails into the kitchen after III, their hands linked lightly, the chains on his antlers tinkling faintly. II's breath catches, both he and IV staring at the First, sandwiches abandoned on the counter. He looks beautiful. A loose, black blouse is tucked into his ripped black skinny jeans, the silver, floral damask pattern continuing down the lantern sleeves. His hair has been done, two thin braids trailing down his collar from just behind his ears where III has pulled half up to tie at the back, then turned it under to get a more sweeping appearance. Two sea-grey eyes catch the light from the window, turning a light, cloudy blue, lined with a thick, sharp wing of black eyeliner. III has done their best to mimick the swirl on the floral shirt he wears, dragging black eyeliner down a little past his eyesocket on his right eye. Silver shimmer has been swiped over his eyebags, highlighting them. Matte black lipstick stretches with his lips as he smiles shyly, nervously fiddling with one of the braids. Pearlescent teardrop earrings dangle from both lobes, his ears rounded and human.

"Do I look alright?" He asks, completely unaware of how drop-dead gorgeous he looks to those who love him.

"Do I look alright, he asks." III scoffs, offended on Vessel's behalf, reaching over to run a hand carefully over his hair, trying not to ruin their hard work on that style, "If you weren't leaving with Two in a little bit and if Four weren't in here, I'd jump your bones. You look good, Sugar. Better than good."

Vessel buries his face in his hands to hide, III patting at his back comfortingly, not at all apologetic, "I only ever speak my truth."

Before II can reprimand III for being so open with IV around, III brings out their phone, "Oh, would you look at the time. You guys better get going!"

They take Vessel by the shoulders, guiding him towards the front door. II watches them go with no small amount of amusement.

"I'm not even dressed yet."

He looks to IV with a small smile, putting the finished sandwiches away in a tupperware container. "Do you mind making sure Three doesn't fluster Ves too much while I go finish getting ready? I'd prefer to have a boyfriend on our date rather than a puddle of embarassment."

Its an odd request but IV agrees. He'd agree to anything so long as II kept smiling at him, kept looking at him with not a trace of annoyance or distrust.

"Good boy." II touches IV's shoulder as he passes, and IV's mind is a mess of very unholy thoughts.

Dutifully, he goes towards the sound of III's evil laughter, completely unaware that II had been testing something, finding Vessel up against the door with III keeping him crowded against it. IV expects III's next words to be something teasing, perverted, but instead, III is only playful as they growl, "I am going to make you the most magnificent house on our Minecraft world."

"Like, a spider? Are you going to make me a web as a declaration of being your mate?" Vessel asks, blushing profusely, mind scrambling to process the words.

"Dude. Black widows don't do that." III snorts, kissing the tip of Vessel's nose to assure him he isn't being mean,"But yes, actually, I will make you a house to declare you as my mate. I promise I won't eat you in the not-fun way afterwards."

IV can't help his immediate laughter as it spills out of his lips. He does try to cover his mouth, but the sound spills out regardless. III turns their head as Vessel glances his way, the First's face red while III's grin remains as bright as ever.

"Oh, hi Ives, I didn't see you there."

III is lying through his teeth, they'd both heard IV and II from the kitchen with their advanced hearing, had heard IV's quiet steps creep up on them. He hadn't mastered the silent movement like Vessel had, and for that, they are both grateful. Vessel isn't inclined to mention that they knew IV was there though, not when he gets to see such a pretty blush on IV's face. His thoughts are no secret, either, broadcasted as they are. He's still caught up on II's touch, his voice, the smile the Second had sent just his way. He's so endeared by him, by IV's eagerness to get to know III and II. Being able to see him, alive, breathing, smiling with III and aching to please II, sends Vessel's metaphorical heart fluttering. The vines beside him, crawling along the walls and ceiling in the foyer, twitch and shiver, red carnations and bloody roses. Once the roses have bloomed and their smell quickly overpowers the foyer, Vessel panics, catching but choosing not to acknowledge the knowing look in III's eyes as he backs away, allowing Vessel to brush careful fingers along green and pink ivy vines, willing the flowers to wilt.

'You should tell him you're in love with him.' III's voice in his head is insistent, but not demanding.

'You know why I won't.'

III's lips nearly pull down into a frown, their expression unsure before he schools it, turning fully towards IV now.

'Don't you see the way he looks at you? Turning him into a vessel doesn’t seem to have changed anything, love.'

"Where's Two gone off to, pretty boy? Don't tell me he's gotten lost in the short distance from the kitchen to here?" Lips pulled into a considering smirk, III does little to hide the bit of sultryness he adds to his tone.

'He wanted nothing to do with me towards the end, beloved, and now I have given him no choice in the matter. He shouldn't want anything to do with me.'

III links his fingers with Vessel's, wanting to keep him close, sending his apology down the bond as Vessel tries for a smile for their sake. IV is quick to tell them where II has gone, stumbling over his words, blushing so hard he's gone red as a cherry. It makes his freckles and scarring stand out, and III really wants to grab him by the face and kiss him. Better yet, he wants to shove Vessel and IV together and see just how long it takes for both of them to melt into it. III's money is on 0.2 seconds flat, in IV's case at least. Vessel's anxiety would freeze him up for at least five seconds total.

"He went to get dressed." IV says simply, doing his utmost best to shove aside the unholy thoughts racing around his brain in circles.

III does their best not to stare, fighting back horny thoughts of his own. II's order is going to kill him, left alone with IV like he will be.

It isn't long before II comes down the stairs, Elvira trailing after him with loud, insistent meows before she notices the food in her bowl and promptly leaves him in the dust. He's a little more formally dressed, an outfit reminiscent of his office workers days. His double scythe necklace sits around his neck, perfectly laid between his partially revealed pecs thanks to the black dress shirt he's left a bit unbuttoned. The shirt is left untucked over a silver studded belt, sleeves rolled up over his elbows, a watch and the bracelet for IV around each wrist. A golden chain hangs off of his belt loops, connected to the wallet on his pocket, stark against the black of his loose jeans. Short, dark blond hair has been artfully tussled, his piercings switched out for golden spikes. III whistles as II comes into view, already trying to rush them out the door. If II and Vessel don't get out of the house soon, III is genuinely going to lose their mind and immediately jump one or both of them.

"Have a nice date, Sugar~! Enjoy your surprise!" III grins, pressing a kiss to Vessel's forehead, over his eyes, cheeks, and to either corner of his mouth.

III deliberately avoids Vessel's lips. Vessel's shy smile is absolutely adorable, as adorable as IV watching them with fond eyes just a few feet away. III turns to II next, grabbing him by the face to force II up into a kiss of their own, II forced onto his tiptoes. When III pulls away, it is followed by a playful warning, smirking at II's dazed expression, "Go earn his forgiveness. I'll stay mad enough for the both of us until Vessel comes home and regales me with how nice and loving you were. And I expect pictures! Lots of them!"

II hums, catching on to the faux stern tone with amusement, sinking back down on to his heels. III reaches out, quick as lightning to slap II's ass, laughing when II yelps. II never yelps when III slaps his ass. He's far too used to III's antics. With a scowl, II sends his mild displeasure III's way, scowl deepening when III continues to smirk.

He offers his hand to Vessel, pleased when the other reaches out to take it without hesitance. Last night had been good for them, his apology needed. III and IV see them off with a wave, the Third slinging an arm around a blushing Fourth's shoulder as he shuts the front door behind them. It takes a few seconds for II to ease himself into the front driver's seat, but at least Vessel was distracted by the crow sitting languidly on one of the porches rails, nipping at his black cardigan as he passes.

Gentle fingers scritch under its neck as it coo's, unperturbed by the sound of Vessel's car starting. II calls him over, and so Vessel leaves the crow with a murmured goodbye, sliding into the passenger seat. He reaches over to fiddle with the stereo, turning his choice of artist up as II starts to drive them away from the manor. II hums while Vessel sings softly along with Hozier, their hands linked in II's lap.

"This song always reminds me of Three." Vessel murmurs as the song ends, smiling something tender and warm.

"He truly is our sunlight, and his love is just the same." II agrees with a tender smile of his own.

"Would you like to take a guess as to where we're going?" II asks once he pulls on to a main road, dirt transitioning directly into asphalt, letting go of Vessel's hand to keep both hands on the wheel.

He deliberately sets it down on his thigh, rubbing a thumb over pale knuckles as a silent request for Vessel to keep his hand there. He does, gripping II's thigh gently, starting up a gentle rhythm, sliding thumb over clothed flesh reverently.

Vessel makes a soft, contemplative noise in thought. "No, not really. I trust in whatever you've chosen. The surprise will be nice."

"Sweet boy, what if I was taking us somewhere only I would enjoy?"

"I'd still be with you, and you'd be happy, so I would obviously be glad to spend time with you while we do something you enjoy." Vessel responds easily, picking a different song in his playlist like he didn't just send blood rushing right down to II's groin.

II clears his throat, face as warm as his heart, fingers drumming against the steering wheel to the beat of The Plot In You's 'Better Vibes.'

"We're not doing anything fancy, if that's alright." II offers up the tidbit of information, hoping Vessel will get curious enough to ask more.

II's struggled all morning not to just tell Vessel the plans for the day.

"I don't think I'm suited for anywhere terribly fancy. Imagine me trying to order my own food with the waiter staring me down, and all that small talk going on around us between uppity folk who likely started judging me the moment I walked in? I think I'd pass away." Vessel jokes, smiling crookedly as II laughs.

"I'd order for you, of course, and I could call ahead to reserve us a secluded spot. Curb stomp some pompous fucks if they were stupid enough to make a comment. Maybe we'd take Three along, make him squirm trying to follow a few orders. Take another guess, love."

Fiddling with one of his angel bites now, Vessel wracks his mind for ideas, endeared by the promise of violence on his behalf.

"Are we going out for food?"

"That is one thing, yes. Takeout, something you don't need to try and finish for proprieties sake. Guess something else, we're almost there. Cover your eyes, too. Oh, I will add that I need to stop by a hardware store at some point today but that has nothing to do with our date."

"I'm really not sure what else." Vessel admits softly, hesitantly releasing II's hand and covering his eyes, "Is it another trip to an aquarium?"

Chuckling lightly, II shakes his head, "That's alright, and no, darling, no aquarium today. Maybe while we're on tour? Anyways, we're here, you can go ahead and uncover your eyes." II pulls into a parking spot, shutting the car off and climbing out with his wallet and phone tucked into his jeans while Vessel gapes up at the storefront and its giant, pastel sign.

Vessel scrambles out of the car, still staring, taking II's outstretched hand absentmindedly. "A children's store?"

"A store specifically for buying stuffed animals, and, before you say anything, again plushie's aren't just for children. You're allowed to have as many or as few as you'd like." II reminds with a patient grin, tugging Vessel along towards the shop.

Vessel's mouth shuts with a click, II stopping his insecure reluctance to get another plushie for himself. He truly adores the ones he has, keeping them clean and in as good a condition as he can manage despite switching them out on tours. He supposes it couldn't hurt to have another.

Once in the store, Vessel pauses, immediately overwhelmed by the bright lights and the people talking. II doesn't let him stew in it long, reminding him that he is welcome to put in earbuds to block out most of the noise, and guiding him over towards a quieter section of the shop while Vessel does so. It's still bright, but its more manageable once the overwhelming sound is mitigated some. II's hand is warm in his, content to let Vessel browse as long as he wants, a grounding presence when his anxiety threatens to make itself known in his empty chest. He feels as though every pair of eyes in here are all watching him.

"Well, it looks like this section is equestrian. They've even got sea horses right next to the stallions!" II picks one up to show Vessel, already guessing what the First will be replying with, his amusement carefully kept off of his face, voice higher with false cheer.

"That is a fish." Vessel levels a blank look down at the yellow creature, gently taking it from II's hand.

"Fools. They should know that seahorses aren't actually equine. It's common knowledge." II agrees with a disappointed shake of his head, saying what he knows Vessel must be thinking. "Let's go see where the sea creature section is. Though, by the looks of this place, it could be strewn about anywhere. Three'd have no problem navigating this mess."

Gesturing widely to the store and its rows upon rows upon rows of shelves lined with stuffies of all different kinds, II refers specifically to how few sections are actually marked with names. It genuinely looks as though whoever designed this shop's layout decided against organization and told the workers to stuff every plushie they could within the four walls with no regard for order.

"Oh! Two! Look, they have jorunna parva plushies!" Vessel points out with excitement, wide blue eyes seeking II's as he goes ahead on his own.

II has no issue keeping track of him. The shelves are short enough that he can still see Vessel's tall form moving about with ease.

"A sea bunny! You want that, love? I'm going to get it for you." II walks over after hearing Vessel's exclamation, a smile already tugging at one corner of his lips.

"You remembered what it was called…" Trailing off, Vessel carefully selects the one he wants, his smile bright, happy.

"Of course I did. I always listen to your rambles. They're quite endearing, even if some of the terminology is lost on me."

"I'd imagine my terminology is lost more on Three than you. He tries, but his braincells work best in other ways. He can explain every bit of lore for Destiny 1 and 2 easily enough though. It's a struggle for me to remember everything, sometimes. Do you think he'd want a plushie, actually?" Vessel trails off, his singular set of eyes wandering around the store, taking in all of the plushies the shop has to offer.

"If it's a gift from you, I'm sure they'll love it. Are you wanting to get them a spider? I think I saw the bug section over here somewhere." II takes Vessel's hand once he sets the seahorse down, deciding he didn't want that one, their fingers warm as he slides them between the First's.

"A spider would be the obvious choice, wouldn't it? Still, I don't think that's what I want for them?" It is posed as more of a question than a statement, Vessel nibbling lightly on his lower lip now.

II agrees that a spider is the obvious choice for III, what with their Sleep-given gifts and their inherent love for spiders.

"He's a bit fox-like, no?" Mumbling to himself, Vessel leads II off to a different section, scanning the rows of stuffies for what he's looking for.

Completely focused as he is, Vessel doesn't notice the fond, soft-eyed look II continues to look up at him with. He thinks to himself, not for the first time and certainly not the last, about how far Vessel has come from that sad man with the wilted smile. Vessel has come far, his shoulders no longer hunched, walking beside him with purpose. Eye contact is still a little finicky, and Ves feels safer with a facemask on than without, but his eyes are brighter, his steps lighter. He's happier.

Will he ever be able to stop comparing the two men, ruminating on their differences and feeling so, so fucking glad that he died and has been able to help Vessel? He knows he has III to thank, and himself, he supposes. IV, too, though it's a little harder to admit. Vessel had kept him a secret for so long. Their Fourth had been with Vessel in his dreams, a place neither he nor III could reach. He'd protected Vessel from his own mind as best as he could, even with Sleep clearly interfering with his memories.

How brave of him, to scorn the will of a God. Or foolish, but who is II to think that? He has hated Sleep almost as long as II has served under Him, and he knows the God feels the same. They have a partnership, II takes care of Vessel and the others, deals with the band, and Sleep refrains from wiping him off the planet for his continued disrespect and to keep Vessel in line. Vessel killed three people for III, and he had only feared that III would hate him for it.

They've all got a few screws loose, don't they? They'd bury whoever they needed to for each other.

Having wandered off without his notice while II looked over a selection of fluffy blob-like stuffies, Vessel's voice cuts quietly through the background chatter of the shop.

"This one! I want to get him this one!" Vessel exclaims, waving an orange and black fox in hand so II can see it above the shelves, wilting beneath the heavy stare of a father and his son.

After a moment of analyzing Vessel, the man smiles, shooing his teenage son along, each with their own pick in their arms. II finds Vessel in the maze of shelves quickly enough, nearly bumping right into him. In the span of time it's taken II to reach him, he's picked up two other plushies. A jackalope rabbit with big blue eyes, and antlers made of soft velvet and a golden wolf with equally as golden eyes, it's fur soft as a cloud, overstuffed with stuffing.

"The fox is for Three, the wolf for Four, and the rabbit for you. If- If you want one? You probably don't-" Blue eyes widen a bit, a lopsided smile coming to Vessel's lips to placate II when it isn't needed, as if he's said or done something wrong.

Not for the first time, and not for the last, II wants to commit murder. Days like today, it's easier to shove those urges deep down inside.

"Am I to consider it a gift from you?" II interupts gently, "Because I would love to have a gift from you, no matter what it is. The rabbit would go nice on my bed, don't you think? I could even get him a bow tie."

"A bowtie would be cute." Vessel's agreement is soft, watery with unshed, unbidden tears.

II would panic, usually, but the bond is nothing but light, loose and relieved, where the tether had tightened in hesitation.

"Alright, we've got one for everyone. I was hoping to get you more than one, though." Having given him a short moment to collect himself, II glances around the store and back to Vessel pointedly.

As sweet as this is, II brought Vessel here to get another plushie or two for himself. One doesn't seem like enough.

For his part, Vessel only blushes, ducking his head in embarrassment.

"Oh, yeah, sure. I'd like another..." He says, dumbly, having forgotten the purpose of their trip to this store.

He had gotten a bit carried away, after initially deciding he wanted to get III a stuffed animal. He'd come across the wolf looking for a fox, and then spotted the jackalope rabbit not long before II found him. He didn't even think to look for anything for himself. Did he ever find the marine life section? He must have passed it up since he was certain he'd wandered at least half the store by now. It wasn't a large shop by any means, and eveything was packed in tightly. It was good that his claustrophobia only applied to dark, quiet places.

The sea creature section is along a back wall, the single row of shelves set in and deep. While the options are limited to only a few types of creatures, it's surprisingly diverse in options. Crabs, jellyfish, clown fish, whales, sharks, and some other things. Vessel looks everything over, head tilted, eyes squinted just so as he takes in the selection.

II leaves just long enough to fetch them a basket, and when he returns, he takes the four plushies from Vessel, allowing him free reign to browse with his hands as much as he wants to. II is aware that some of the materials they use feel bad, for lack of a better word, beneath Vessel's skin. Honestly, it was lucky that the felt of Vessel's plague doctor's lantern was not rejected. He prefers softer materials, things that aren't scratchy or too stiff.

"Horatio Thelonious Ignacious Crustaceous Sebastian." Vessel holds up a red crab with both hands, blinking slowly with a small smile, bringing II out of his thoughts.

"Is- Is that from The Little Mermaid?" II struggles not to laugh, having not realized the hermit crab had a full name.

"Under the sea~" Mimicking the Jamaican accent perfectly despite his own accent, Vessel sings the tune under his breath just loud enough for II to hear.

II doesn't know whether he wants to laugh or cry. He settles on something else.

"Bend down."

Following the order without hesitation, Vessel bends over, just far enough for II to plant a chaste kiss against his cheek.

"Do you want him too, then?" He asks once Vessel has righted his posture.

"No." Setting the crab down, he reaches instead for a large blue and white whale, setting it beside the other plushies in the basket, "These are fine."

At this rate, they'll need another basket, or a cart. Does this shop even offer carts?

Despite his best efforts to be subtle and settle on these two alone, Vessel's eyes keep wandering back to the giant, purple starfish on one of the back, bottom shelves. II notices, smiling at the sight of the large thing. It's easily bigger than Vessel's torso, big and thick enough that II is sure the First could wrap his arms around it and barely manage going all the way around with his long arms. It looks like it will be too large to fit on the couch, even, without taking up most of the space on it.

"You sure? I can see you staring at that huge starfish. I'm wasting Sleep's money so I would love to get that for you. I'm sure it'll see good use as a pillow, if nothing else."

Head tilting, just a little, Vessel hums. He is still quite upset with Sleep. Even now, even this far from the manor, Vessel can feel Him running phantom nails over each of his ribs, plucking at them like strings as He begs for his attention in whatever form He can get it.

Vessel has to crouch down to pull it from beneath the shelf above, the remaining two beside it seeming to cling, unwilling to let it go. Whoever had stocked them clearly just shoved them in and hoped for the best. With one last tug, the giant starfish is free from between the shelves, though it takes Vessel backwards with it. II's hands against his shoulders are warm, keeping Vessel from toppling over. Vessel laughs, head leaning back against II's forearms, the large starfish's weight pressing him down.

This has been a wonderful morning, though the date has only just begun, the warmth of it sapping the cold of his own corpse from his bones. He feels light, empty chest warm with the steady affection that has been emanating from II's bond. All for him. He cannot deny II's love, then, nor does he want to.

Vessel had woken that morning with a tightness in his chest where his heart should beat, a heaviness to his limbs. He had worried, for not more than a few moments, that it would linger, that it would dig its claws deeper and ruin what he had hoped would be a good day. III had made quick work of lightening his mood, doing their best to rid him of that stone weighing him down, their kisses soft and sweet. Vessel hadn't even meant to crawl into their lap. It had been so easy, though, to get lost in his lover, to sink into the warm sunlight of their presence. Not every day Vessel woke up with depression dragging him down ended up with him so fluttery and soothed, but he'd been glad today had been one of those days.

Living isn't so bad, sometimes, when he's with the ones he loves. Its a strange thought to think with so much convinction.

When he's with them, he really wants, to want, to live.

"Well, is it to your liking?" II asks, moving to help Vessel up, unnecessary as it is, wincing as the plug shifts with the movement.

It has proven to be more of a hindrance to II's peace of mind thus far, no matter how sure he is that the payoff is going to be worth it. He wonders as to the expression Vessel will make when he shows him.

The weight of the starfish in Vessel's arms is pleasant, the material soft, fluffy, exactly what he likes. The arms are floppy, heavy, the bottom two dragging against the ground, the underside with the suckers a lighter purple faux-fur. He shoves his face between two of the arms, rubbing his cheek against the material, humming his pleasure.

"I'll take that as a yes, sweets. Come on, let's get these, we've still got the rest of our date to go through." II grabs the basket with one hand, fingers itching to take Vessel's own hand with the other.

There isn't much of a line as II leads Vessel towards the front of the store with a hand against his bicep, so their purchsses are made quickly and with no small amount of smugness as the price blares in bright red lettering on the screen back at II. He swears he can hear III laughing evilly in the back of his mind, always happy to spur on II's pettiness. In reality, II is aware wasting Sleep's money doesn't really affect the God, fabricated as the pounds are, but it feels good, and that is what matters.

Navigating to the car is as much of a struggle as it had been getting Vessel to the front of the store, only without the hazard of knocking every plushie he passed right off the shelf.

"Watch where you're going, fucking twat!" II grumbles, pulling Vessel out of the way of a car about to reverse directly into him.

Vessel's laughter is amused enough, completely unbothered by what could have been at the very least a painful sprain if not something worse, that it soothes II's irritation easily enough.

"Um, Two, are we at the car yet? I can't see." Vessel's voice comes through the giant plushie muffled, his arms wrapped around it as far as they'll go.

He isn't even trying to see past it now, content to let II guide him around with a hand on his waist. Meanwhile, II is trying to figure out where they're supposed to put it. It'll have to go in the trunk, without a doubt.

"Yeah, love. Let me have that." II takes the giant starfish in his own arms easily, unburdened by its weight, though the size of it is another matter entirely.

He is completely lost beneath it, something Vessel finds too cute to ignore, snapping a few photos for III as II manhandles the giant stuffie into the trunk of Vessel's too small car. He receives a multitude of laughing emojis from III a few seconds after they're sent. It's as Vessel is buckling the other, much smaller plushies into the seats along the backseat of the car that his phone vibrates with a notification. III has sent him a photo in return, one of himself giving a peace sign in front of a sleeping IV, laid out over the couch with his head in III's lap, completely dead to the world, either oblivious to or uncaring of the way Elvira has curled up atop his head, her tail laid loose over his neck. He looks adorable, drool slipping out of his torn cheek to drip steadily onto III's pajama pants, mouth parted just slightly. He black-heart reacts it quickly, turning all of his attention back to II once he starts speaking to him. There is no time to linger on how the sight of IV looking so pretty with III at his side sends butterflies fluttering in his stomach.

"Right, time for the rest of our date. Thankfully, this shop is pretty close to a park, among other things. A shopping center of sorts. You alright with spending a bit of time in the-." II glances up, correcting himself, "Under the beautiful, grey clouds with me?"

"We could be burning alive in an American heat wave and I'd still melt as long as it was at your side."

For the umpteenth time this morning alone, II is near giddy with his joy.

"You're such a fucking sweetheart." II grumbles, his expression pinched tight as he tries to control his affectionate urge to hug Vessel, "Come on, let's have some fun, hm?"

It's a good touch day for Vessel, not to mention that once again, he's come so far. Just as tall as ever, looming over II as they walk around hand in hand. But now, he no longer hunches over quite so much, trying to make himself smaller than he is to hide, peeking into shops, pointing out things they should bring III back to see, or Vessel making little, hesitant comments about stuff he thinks IV might like. At the same time, he's attentive in pointing out clothes II would look good in, or eccentric pieces III would adorn himself in, as natural on him as a second layer of skin. He's unsure as to what style IV prefers, having only ever really seen him in pajamas or II's clothes. He wants to know everything he can about the man, wants to bring him back into London and discover his favorite drinks and foods, and what places he'd like to visit.

Of course, that would require a car trip, and Vessel is hesitant to subject him to many of those. Even their tour soon is a point of worry.

"Ves, darling, I'm going to get us some boba tea from that shop over there. Will you be fine here by yourself?" II's worry is endearing, the skin by Vessel's eyes creasing as he smiles softly, brought out of his darkening thoughts.

"Go on. I'll find us a table. Get me something on the sweeter side?"

II still looks mildly concerned to leave Vessel on his lonesome, but with a reassuring peck against his forehead, finally lets his expression ease. "Right. I'll be back."

Turning on his heel with one last squeeze of Vessel's hand, II heads off, intending to return quickly. Once he's alone, Vessel fidgets in place momentarily, glancing around subtly in search of a table in the shade. He finds one quickly enough, not many people around at this time of day, and on a weekday as well. The takeout bag in his hand crinkles as he finds an open spot, heading that way with long strides in hopes to get the table first before someone else claims it. Birds chirp overhead as he sits, an elderly couple laughing joyously a bit away. Vessel sets the bag on the table, feeling anxiety creep in now that II isn't at his side.

Was the makeup too much? Paired with his outfit and hair, Vessel felt out of place in public like this. It was alright while he was with II. II always made him feel better, feel more beautiful than he was. III, too. They couldn't stop pausing while applying the makeup, seeking kiss after kiss that left them both flushed and happy. By the time III had finally finished, they looked positively elated, unable to help blabbering about just how beautiful he thought Vessel looked. Vessel hadn't been able to formulate a proper response, not even a thank you, as his face grew redder and his voice weaker, his shyness growing with every heartfelt compliment III laid upon him.

Vessel had grabbed III by the face, gently, so gently, as though III were made of precious, colorful blown glass, and pulled him into another kiss just to shut him up and ease the embarassment burning his cheeks.

He fights to keep his glamor under control even as the memory from earlier that day makes him smile, his anxiety making the magic more slippery than normal. His head ducks, catching sight of sharpening nails. Sucking in a deep, calming breath, Vessel forces his gaze elsewhere, only just managing to put the glamor back in place. People-watching might make him feel a bit better while he waits for II to return. A busker catches his eye, further down the wide, open path, playing a familiar tune on a saxophone with what Vessel is sure is both talent and skill. The magic hiding his eyes limits his sight mostly back down to human levels, not quite 20/20 vision, but almost, so he is able to watch the busker perform in detail even at this distance. His hearing is a little harder, the music not carrying well with the noise of people and the wildlife in the park, but he manages. Resting his chin on his palm, Vessel watches, entraptured, as the saxophonist covers popular pop songs, the tunes transferring beautifully to the instruments sound.

"I love your style, mate! It's always nice seeing people dress the way they want!"

At first, Vessel doesn’t realize that it's he who is being spoken to. He glances over, finding someone standing beside their table, eyebrows raising as he startles.

"Sorry, I didn't realize you were talking to me. Thank you, my partner helped me dress today." He smiles awkwardly up at the man next to him, squinting against the sunlight.

Nervousness skitters beneath his skin like the bugs that had crawled over him so long ago, and suddenly, Vessel wishes II were with him. No. He can do this. This person is only being kind. He can do this.

"I love your shirt! Have they done a UK run yet?" Vessel gestures at their clearly home-made Hadestown shirt, smile widening, doing his best to shove aside his social anxiety.

It wraps like thorns around his neck, trying to choke his voice before he can get any more words out. Vessel refuses to let it.

His hand falls back into his lap, unable to meet the eyes of the man, instead glancing around their face nervously. II brushes along the bond in question, sensing his anxiety. Vessel sends back gentle reassurance, taking in a small, calming breath. He is the vessel of a God, he's come far from that pathetic, sniveling man brought back from death. He can handle a conversation about a topic he enjoys.

"Off-broadway later this year, actually. The Olivier, at the London National Theatre!"

Vessel's eyes light up, interest piqued. He didn't realize there would be any showings here, as small as the production was. Maybe he could bring it up to the others, if their touring schedule allowed it. He's sure III, at least, wouldn't mind accompanying him. He wants IV to go, definitely, recalling mentions of the other man's love for musicals, but again, with his mind so damaged and his traumas so fresh, would he even be able to manage a car trip to the city and back?

With his mind wandering to the musical he'd discovered sometime in the year prior, and scouring the internet for bootleg performances, Vessel makes idle chatter about it with the stranger, subdued, but not entirely hidden in his shell. It's nice, to be able to speak with another person about his interests and not be ridiculed for them. Just a few short years ago, when Vessel had partners but remained alone in every way that mattered, he would have clammed up.

Now, he is truly loved, and he holds on to it so desperately, knowing one day it will be torn from him. There was a particular connection he felt with Orpheus.

Vessel would walk that treacherous path down to the underworld and do whatever he needed to to get II or III or IV back from the clutches of Hades' domain.

He would walk and sing and beg the Gods to bring his dearest people back, and when that deal is struck, when Vessel nearly has his world back in his arms, his hope ans love will bid him to turn around at the last second, freed of the Underworld but not realizing his lover hadn't yet made it out.

To love is to look back, to make sure those you love are following behind, that they are safe.

And it is a lack of faith in fickle gods, a lack of faith in himself that would make him lose everything.

"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to interupt your date! Have a nice day!" The stranger, as Vessel never got their name, smiles with a wave before leaving II and Vessel to continue their date.

Vessel barely notices. II is trying to hand him his boba tea and all Vessel can think about is how deeply he loves the smaller man stood before him, smiling up at Vessel with the sky in his eyes. He can't help but bend down, cup his cheek, and plant a soft kiss against II's cheekbone. When Vessel pulls back, he finds black lipstick stains the pale skin.

"Fuck, Three said this wouldn't stain-" Vessel flounders, already reaching up to try and wipe the mark off of II's face.

Did III lie? Or did they merely stretch the truth? Vessel isn't upset, exactly. II does look rather endearing with Vessel's lipstick on his cheek.

"Don't you dare wipe that off, sweetheart." II warns, the tone stern, yet still soft.

Vessel's hand pauses midair, two wide blue eyes blinking slowly as his brain lags. They soften into a half-lidded expression, one corner of his mouth quirking up.

'That tone of yours is turning me on right now, beloved.'

"Is that so?" II practically purrs, eyes dark with desire, looking up at Vessel with a tiny smirk, bond rife with pride.

II will never stop being proud of the man Vessel has grown into. More confidence sits on his shoulders, not weighing him down exactly, merely sitting there. The weight is held, now, not a boulder on shoulders that threaten to collapse beneath the weight.

"Sit, drink your tea, eat as much as you can." II adopts the same tone that IV had taken with Vessel earlier that morning, and Vessel obeys, glad he can adjust his overly long black cardigan to hide his erection.

He tracks II's movements curiously as the Second slowly sits, face strained and pink. To II's credit, he hides his dilemma well. Vessel is just terribly observant, especially when it comes to his lovers. He catches II's discomfort, but can't work out what emotion is crossing his face, head tilting as he chews an orb of brown sugar tapioca.

'You alright?' He inquires, sliding his hand across the table after he has set down his tea.

A child laughs nearby, the busker moves on to a new song, the elderly couple Vessel had seen earlier begins to depart, hand in hand.

II's hand slides into his, impossibly warm and comfortingly real. His smile is tilted, Vessel mirroring it. He loves him.

"I'm just fine, sweetheart. Get a move on on that order, yeah?"

He listens, dutifully eating as much as he can manage, taking sips of his boba tea to savor the delicious sweet, almond taste. While they eat, they talk. They sit in silence, just their hands touching a language of its own. Laugh lightheartedly when someone trips then gets back up, perfectly fine if not a little embarassed. The food is good and the company even better. Lingering glances are shared as they take a few laps around the park, walking leisurely, hand in hand. More than once, II steals kisses from Vessel's smiling lips, more than once, he gets Vessel's attention (as if he had ever truly lost it), tapping a cheek playfully to request another peck.

Each one leaves smudges of black lipstick that ensure Vessel's face remains as warm as his empty chest. Each smile II gifts him afterwards, eyes squinted, cheeks stretched, face scrunched so endearingly that Vessel feels his empty chest will burst.

"Sweetheart, I hate to say it, but I think it's about time we go home for the day." II smiles apologetically, swinging their hands between them as they stroll.

The sun is far from setting, mid afternoon as it is, but II had promised III a new doorknob and IV that they would be home well before his sundowning started.

Besides, II still has his surprise to enact.

There's a disappointed pout pulling lightly at Vessel's lips, the First visibly trying to tamp it down. His lipstick has smudged some, its remnants no doubt all over II's face. Even so, there is a good amount still there, since III had given Vessel the stick to reapply, which he had done after they'd eaten.

"The day isn't quite done, don't look so dejected, sweets. I'll need your help picking out a fitting doorknob for Three." II tucks an errant strand of hair behind Vessel's ear, lamenting the human shape when he so adores the elven point.

His Vessel is still beautiful, regardless. II loves his human form, the Vessel before he was a vessel, just as much as he adores the shape Vessel adorns every day at home.

II has watched the changes given to him by Sleep and those brought upon by Vessel himself, and loved every version of the man at his side.

"Why, exactly, are we getting Three a new doorknob?" Vessel hums once they're back at the car, curling his body over II's frame, chin hooking over II's shoulder, teeth aching to sink in the pale, mole-dappled flesh.

His fingers trail up II's forearms, longing to press his chest to II's back and line their frames up. He feels clingy and childish, desperate to keep II close, all to himself for just a little while longer. He misses III and IV, of course, but stolen moments between just he and one of the others can occasionally be few and far between, especially on tour. So sue him, he wants his smallest lover to be just his for a bit, like a child unwilling to share his favorite toy.

II's breath catches, his reply getting stuck on the tip of his tongue. If Vessel presses any closer, will he brush against the plug II has been wearing all day? Will the jig be up? Will Vessel even want to fuck him? II has been walking around half-hard all day, able to smell the salt of the sea wafting off of Vessel, his natural scent. Able to feel the chill of his hand in the heat of II's own, his laugh soft but real, the creases by his eyes telling of his happiness.

Swallowing thickly past the dryness in his throat, II finally finds proper words, "It has something to do with my surprise for you. I'll tell you once we're home, if that's alright?"

He can feel as Vessel's head tries to tilt curiously against his shoulder, smile tightening as he tries to stifle his amusement. He hums his agreement, reluctantly letting II go so they can go to their own doors. Once inside and with their seatbelts on, Vessel does not hesitate to seek out II's hand, bringing it up to kiss at the knuckles as II looks on his phone one-handed for a furniture store that sells antique brass doorknobs.

II finds one quickly enough, and when they browse the store, Vessel picks out an antique brass knob set like they were looking for, with floral Victorian designs they're both sure III will love. Sooner than Vessel would like, they're heading home. At least he still has II's surprise to look forward to. He's done very little thinking on it, which is unlike him, but it's not a source of anxiety, so he isn't worried. Surprises from his others have become something he looks forward to. They are never malicious pranks or cruelty disguised in a pretty package. Each surprise they've given him have all been wonderful, and sweet. So, Vessel isn't sure what the surprise could be. An educated guess alone indicates that it has nothing to do with the date itself, so it must come after.

He ends up thinking about the possibilities on the way home, knowing its likely to turn sexual. Vessel would be lying if he said he was opposed to it. The arousal he had felt earlier being ordered around in such a firm, loving tone had yet to truly fade, and it's not like Vessel is without eyes. He sees the tent actively in II's jeans, mere inches away from Vessel's hand resting on II's thigh. If he wanted to, he could move his hand and settle a cold palm over it, but Vessel refrains. He'd rather not cause a crash, whether II startles enough to lose control of the car or not. Besides, Vessel prefers letting the thought of II being hard the entire day, including the drive home, linger in his mind, arousal creeping up his spine towards his brain.

II's hands tighten on the steering wheel, sensing the heat of Vessel's shy glances.

"Careful, sweetheart, if you keep staring at me like that I may just pull the car over right now." He warns, turning his head just enough to glance Vessel's way.

Smiling a bit teasingly, crooked and warm, Vessel jokes, "I'd prefer not to have strangers witness anything untoward."

Gods, Vessel is being a tease today. It's unlike him, but II thinks it fits him well, his shell cracking more and more over time. III has been both a wonderful and a terrible influence.

II shifts in the driver's seat, aching and hard. The last few miles home are going to be a test of II's control like never before.

By the time they pull down their long driveway and II parks only a short ways away from the manor, II feels coiled up with restrained tension. He cannot tell if Vessel feels the same, the First relaxed in his seat, only just pausing his idle thumbing over II's thigh, the chill of his touch finally leaves II's body.

II turns the car off, takes a deep breath, and focuses all of his attention on Vessel.

"Time for that surprise now. Mind letting me straddle you in the backseat?" It's not the sexy delivery II had hoped to convey, but it will do, especially when Vessel's pretty blues light up in interest.

The First doesn't say anything in response, merely maintaining eye contact with II as he goes to open the passenger door, seatbelt unclicking with little fanfare. Comparatively, II feels as though he scrambled out of the driver's seat, his door seeming to slam loudly. That couldn't be the case, though, since Vessel never fails fo flinch when that sort of thing happens and he's already grabbing his plushies and setting everyone in the front passenger seat, out of the way.

Sliding towards the middle, Vessel grins shyly, patting his thighs invitingly. II doesn't even remember to start unbuttoning his jeans, climbing into the backseat to settle over Vessel's lap. It's a bit of a tight fit, the car small and cramped, but they both intend to make this work.

Blinking once, face turning red in embarassment, "I forgot to take off my pants."

Gods, II feels like a schoolboy fumbling through his first sexual encounter. He's never been on the receiving end of a plug before, is the thing. He's never had to tamp down his desires as continous stimulation kept him hot and hard. Maybe he's too lenient with III, but after today, II isn't upset with himself. III does these sorts of things to himself willingly, often, without stumbling over himself so embarassingly.

Even so, this is different to II edging himself or his others. It feels worse, somehow, less ignorable. II's libido has always been on the lower end, and with his body requiring a bit of time to work itself up to an orgasm, it meant that II preferred the cuck chair, so to speak, to work himself up to getting off even if he was finding great pleasure in whatever sexual act he was partaking in.

Wordlessly, Vessel shimmies his jeans down towards his knees while II fumbles with his own, leaning forward to kiss Vessel clumsily. Their teeth clack against each other, both of them giggling as their lips slide together, II sticking his tongue in Vessel's mouth to taste him. It takes a bit of work to get II's pants and underwear off in the cramped space, but he does manage it eventually, settling his unclothed ass down on the cold expanse of Vessel's bare thighs, the First's pants still on.

The gasp of surprise Vessel lets out when II guides his hand back towards his ass is nothing short of absolutely adorable. II finds himself struggling to hold back cuteness aggression. How is it possible that he wants to wrap Vessel up in a blanket with a bow and a kiss on top while simultaneously wanting to break the frame of the car by riding his dick into oblivion? II's sure he could manage both, given a bit of time for aftercare.

"You prepared for this?" Vessel asks, incredulously, eyes dark with desire, following II's silent urging to help him slip the plug out.

"Surprise!" II grins down at him, dropping the plug carelessly to the side.

It rolls towards the back of the seat, glistening with his own cum. He presses forward to kiss, wet and deep, grinding his cock against Vessel's, fingers tracing meaninglessly over his cheekbones.

When he pulls away, spit trails between their mouths, lips wet with saliva. "Three worked me open and then I busted his doorknob."

Vessel laughs, realization thrumming along the bond, a low thing that rumbles through II's body, both of them smiling into the kiss, even after II pulls away to breathe.

Eyes darkening further, nearly half-lidded now, Vessel asks with a curious tilt of his head, his hands moving to cup II by the asscheeks, firm and yet gentle in his hold, "I'd imagine they begged to help? That is their plug, after all, and we both know Three."

Following a hum of agreement, unsurprised that Vessel can tell a plug is III's at a glance, II reaches into the pocket attached to the back of the driver's seat, pulling out a small bottle of lube and squeezing a small amount onto his hands. He rubs his hands together, letting the mixture warm to his bodyheat before wrapping them both around Vessel's cock to begin jerking him off. Not to get him off, but to make sure he was nice and hard, and slick enough for II to take him with more ease. Once Vessel is sufficiently hard, sucking in fragile, gasping breaths that barely make a sound, II leans forward to kiss him, slipping a hand behind himself to finger more lube into his hole.

"Ready, sweetheart?" II murmurs as he pulls away, face kept close to Vessel's, taking in the red bleeding into the blue of his singular set of eyes.

"Almost. Let me." Vessel whispers back, lower set of eyes appearing, followed by the top set, all of them trained on different parts of II.

His hand slips down to nudge II's to the side gently after applying a bit of lube to his own fingers, finding more than just lube when his index and middle fingers slide in to the gaping, slick mess the plug had made of II's asshole.

"Darling, is this Three's cum?" Vessel asks as he pulls his hand back up, lube and cum glistening between his fingers.

"Oh." II says dumbly, having forgotten about this particular thing.

"Well, it's actually mine. Three, ah, well, he helped me put the plug in. He's to keep his hands to himself for today. Them jerking me off sort of just happened." II's face only grows redder as he speaks, as Vessel's hand travels back down to continue its task.

"What is his reward for being good for you?" Vessel works II open slowly, taking his time, content to press featherlight kisses along II's neck, enjoying the lipstick stains he leaves.

"He gets to fuck me as much as he wants tomorrow. I was… Actually hoping you'd be inclined to spend some time with Four? He watches you, you know? Sometimes, it's like you're the only one in the room to him- Ah!"

Vessel finds II's prostate and presses into it, sucking a hickey over II's jugular as he gasps, feeling his pulse pound beneath his teeth. The sound of that beautiful moan practically against Vessel's ear had been a glimpse of heaven's choir.

"I will." Vessel confirms, pulling away with the intention to kiss II on the lips again soon enough, "And if I wanted a reward for being good and doing as you asked? What would you give me?"

Vessel is hesitant as he poses his question in a murmur, searching for the right way to go about this. It is not that he needs to be asked to spend time with IV. It is not that Vessel doesn't want to. It's just… Something in him wants to be good, too. The same way III can be. He doesn't have a name for what he wants, can't place a specific title to this emotion swelling in his chest about to bubble over, the feeling spreading down to his toes.

He wants to be good for II.

"You're always good for me, my love. I would give you anything you asked for."

No. That isn't what Vessel means. How does he find the words to something he cannot name let alone describe?

What if Vessel wanted to earn it? Like Three does?

He wants a purpose behind his good behavior, something that made it worth it. II would never hurt him, he'd take care of Vessel. He wants that to be taken care of. He just can't articulate how.

Getting the words to move from his brain to his mouth are monumental, and in the end, they don't come out. They're left stuck to the roof of Vessel's mouth, overcome with a want he cannot speak. Instead of forcing them out in whatever garbled mess they'll be, Vessel closes the space between their lips in a heated kiss, sucking II's bottom lip between his teeth and nibbling. He wants to bite, wants to mark II up with pretty bruises left by his teeth.

'Please ride me, beloved.' Vessel nearly begs, lips making their way back down II's jaw and neck, unintentionally leaving a trail of black lipstick smears as he goes.

II sets a hand on Vessel's shoulder, lifting himself up and using the other hand to help guide Vessel's cock into him. He sinks onto it slowly, half-lidded eyes shuttering in pleasure, eyelashes fluttering, cheeks reddened. It is still a stretch despite the plug, to II's surpise. III hadn't been fucking with him, clearly. Vessel continues to trail kisses down II's skin, glancing up as best as he can towards his pleasure-laden face, before gaining a bit of courage to start unbuttoning more of the buttons on II's shirt. He does so unhurriedly, taking his time to reveal more of his Second's skin, nosing his double scythe necklace aside to plant a kiss right beneath where the pendant lays. II is fully seated on him now, not moving, simply taking in the sensation of somehow being fuller than he had been all day and the gentle, tickling sensation of Vessel's lips on his chest sending shivers of pleasure down his spine.

'Move, please, my love.' Another request is sent II's way, Vessel never once stopping his downward movement.

He swipes his tongue over one of II's nipples now as the Second begins to move, smiling against the hard bud as II shudders. It is not so much of a decision as it is instinct to open his mouth wider, and bite.

"My- My good boy." II groans out, already sensitive from the plug, helped along by the occasional small, deliberate thrusts Vessel gifts him with.

"You feel so good in me, my love."

"Doing so well, Ves."

Each word of praise seems to sink directly into Vessel's blood stream as II continues to ride him, warmth like syrup spreading through every vein. A fog creeps along the floor of his mind, not smothering him, exactly, but covering, soft like a blanket. He wants to be good for II so badly, something deep within him craving more praise, more love, more affection.

Like an alarm going off, sudden and jarring, the fog dissipates.

Whatever was happening, it wasn't safe. Vessel has never been safe when his brain turns to mush like that. He quickly stifles the panic building, tucking it deep into the recesses of his mind where there is no chance it will be found, pulling away from II to lean back against the seat, hands settling on II's hips. He glances up at II, the blissed out expression on his face, and hesitates. He doesn't want to ruin this. He felt good, he was safe and happy, so why was his mind so insistent that he couldn't linger in that desperation to be good for II?

The contented pleasure lasted far longer than Vessel has ever managed before, but as Vessel fears will forever be inevitable, discomfort and a buzzing has made its presence known in the back of his mind. He can't ignore it, blinking slow, a little dazed from being torn out of that feeling so suddenly.

"Two?" Vessel begins, still hesitant, thumbs nervously making little circles against II's hipbones.

II immediately stops all movement, hand moving from Vessel's shoulder to cup his cheek now that keeping his balance isn't necessary. "Yeah, sweetheart? What's wrong?"

Vessel's feet shift, moving II a bit on his thighs. It's a half hearted attempt to adjust some of II's weight, a last ditch effort to not need to make his next request. Things had been going well, very well. He'd been enjoying II on top of him, having him so close within easy kissing and biting distance. Even so, a thrum of anxiety threads into his mind.

"Can we switch positions please? I'm getting really anxious. It's… It's a bit much. I'd- I'd rather we change position now so I don't panic. I don't want to ruin this any further than I already have."

Vessel ducks his head, ashamed. II doesn't let his head stay bowed long, lifting him by the chin delicately.

"'Course. Proud of you, sweetheart. I'm so proud of you. You did well this time, lasted longer like this than the last time we tried. You're making progress." As II speaks, he presses little kisses to the edge of Vessel's mouth then slowly lifts himself up, glancing towards the manor.

The front door remains shut, as do the windows and their curtains. Strange. Considering they were doing this right outside, II expected III to be peeking on them. He supposes that's a bit hard with IV to keep occupied. It might have been better to pull over somewhere closer to the forest's edge to do this. It's far too late to do that now.

It's a bit difficult to maneuver out of the car without falling on his face, ass bared to the forest without a care. Vessel climbs out after him, shyly lifting his jeans to cover himself, shoulders beginning to curl insecurely. "How do you want to go about this? Or- Or did I ruin it? That was the best position for us, wasn't it? Damnit. I'm-"

"No apologies. You needed out of that position." II assures lightly, well aware of where that sentence was going to go, eyeing up the small car thoughtfully, fingers drumming on his bare thigh.

"Fuck me over the back seat?" He offers, turning his head to look up at Vessel.

He finds the First already watching him, an apologetic, trusting look in his blue eyes. Vessel tucks a stray strand of hair behind his ear, already beginning to fall out of its half up, half down hairstyle III did earlier. At least the braids themselves look intact.

"If you think it will work." Agreeing, Vessel moves back a little so II can get back in the car.

He expects II to sit down, maybe spread his legs so they'll be face to face, but is surprised when II simply crawls halfway back into the car, his front spread across the backseat. He even goes so far as to pat his bare ass invitingly.

"Come on then. This is mildly embarassing so don't leave me just laying here, sweetheart."

Vessel has to duck to see II's head properly, giggling at how his own height is clearly working against him. The pout the Second wears is adorable, his face pinkened with an embrassed blush. The horrible feeling in Vessel's chest and head has passed, allowing him to be present in the moment again.

"You'll have to come closer than that, beloved. I may be too tall for this to work." He admonishes teasingly, glad II hasn't made a big deal of his fuck up, pulling him closer by the hips so that his thighs would have dangled over the edge had he been turned the other direction.

"You were almost too tall earlier." II reminds, laughter spilling from him, too.

Angle wise, Vessel isn't sure this is going to work, whether or not he lets his antlers exist to their full potential, glamor slipping more and more from his control. He simply takes II by the hip and lifts his lower half in the air, setting his own knee on the seat and ducking into the car. Next, he nearly leans over II, planting a hand on the seat next to II's face for balance as he adjusts to the strain on his back. With another small giggle, he thinks that he really is too tall for this. His car is too small, too short, and he is too tall. It's no matter though, he'll make it work, like they made it work with the straddling position.

Vessel is able to slide back in easily, lube and pre-cum aiding him. When his hips meet II's ass and he can go no further, he allows both of them a moment to breathe. Vessel loves the feeling of cockwarming and being cockwarmed. He always has, ever since he got his first proper taste of it. He adored the closeness with his partners. II, on the other hand, was trying to breathe past being so fucking full again. Seriously, for such a shy, skinny, anxious guy, Vessel is huge. Nothing about him alludes to the monster in his pants. Grinding his hips, Vessel starts them off slow, trying to ease them both back into the pleasure they'd been wading in before.

An idea strikes, and he let's II's hip go, reaching around the front seat to fish around for his phone.

"I'm taking a photo, beloved." He announces, hefting II up with one of the hands on his hip, "Three will talk my ear off asking for details, I figure they'll appreciate this more."

II only laughs, bucking back into the slow grind Vessel keeps up, well aware that this little gift will make II's order harder for III to comply to. Vessel aligns the photo carefully, his focus moving almost entirely to making sure he gets a good angle of II's back and it's sinful arch, the muscles stretching beneath his form fitting dress shirt, shoulders broad and biceps filling out the material. For his own pleasure, pink dusting his ears, Vessel snaps a few, taking the time to move them into a folder of his own to admire later. II really does look so fucking beautiful, laid out like this beneath him.

He tosses his phone back into the front seat after he sends one of the best photos to III, wincing as it slides off into the floor on the passenger side.

"Gonna fuck me now, sweetheart?" II asks, a bit impatiently.

Vessel smiles, wide, bright, like the sun itself lay within it, baring sharp fangs. His tongue, split like a snake's, peeks out to lick across his lips to wet them, uncaring that the taste of black lipstick lingers in his mouth momentarily.

"Yes, beloved." He says, pulling out slow, almost to the tip, and then fucking back in in earnest as II chokes out a moan.

Inside, III's phone dings by his foot, legs kicked up on the coffee table as he lounges with Elvira in his lap, petting over her back as she purrs in contentment. He reaches over for it lazily, expecting it to be another photo of Vessel that II visibly snuck in. Instead, what they see has them stifling a groan. Without warning, he sets Elvira off to the side and stands, stalking over to the window, pulling aside thick curtains and peering outside. IV curses softly behind him, his character dying to one of the bugs. It'll be III's turn with the controller next.

"Boner alert." III mutters to themselves, turning to wiggle their eyebrows in IV's direction, their phone held loosely in one hand.

Standing, IV makes his way to III's side to see what has them appearing so smug as they look at the window like that. He's also curious as to why III bothered to open the damn thing, as much trouble as it gave them to shove it open.

"I don't suggest looking out that window unless you want to catch a lovely view." III warns right as he slides the curtains shut.

Vessel laughs as the curtain shuts, amusement dancing in his eyes. The bond is rife with pleasure and arousal, all four of them swimming in it. He wonders if III has told IV about the bond, if he knows what it is he is feeling so strongly right now. Does IV think the arousal, the pleasure, is his own? Shyness threatens to slow his thrusts, but Vessel refuses to allow it to lessen even the smallest amount of the pleasure he's feeling right now, II's body sucking his cock in so beautifully. He does show IV a bit of mercy, reigning his pleasure in from his side of the bond like he should have done earlier. As used to sharing himself now as he is, it had genuinely slipped his mind. It had been a point of comfort, to be able to feel IV and III while so far from home. A means of keeping his worry at bay.

The window itself remains open, allowing the faint sound of birdsong and something else to come through.

"Beth?" IV asks, confusion deepening, head tilting towards the sound as if he could place it if he listened closely enough.

"Ves is fucking Two in the car. Door's open and everything." III tacks on with a dreamy sigh, and it's only then that IV places the sound.

It's moaning. Loud, unabashed moaning. That strange feeling in his chest, spreading slowly through his body like syrup, becomes ever so slightly more prominent before beginning to recede as if being reigned in.

"Who is…?" IV starts, a blush rising to his cheeks as blood floods his face and groin.

"That, my dear Ivy, is Two. Ves is railing him good. I've never heard him sound like that. Damn, it's so pretty, too." III practically gushes, his voice turning sheepish a second later, "Sorry, I probably should have realized you wouldn't want to hear this. You're not, well, we're not used to needing to hide anything we do for decorum's sake unless Sam and the girls are over. It's… easy. To be around you, I mean. You're one of us, and the need to hide ourselves only just crossed my mind."

"No- I- It's alright. Two does sound very pretty." IV admits, looking anywhere but up at III.

Two sounds more than pretty. He sounds… beautiful. IV wonders what sort of expression he's making, just what it is that Vessel is doing to pull those sounds from that throat. IV swallows hard, his imagination taking off without him.

"I knew you'd agree! Sam would just groan and look at me like an exasperated dad. Come on, let's sit back down and get back to our game." III says with a grin, no longer looking quite so sheepish or apologetic, stepping away from the still open window.

Does he not think to close it, or does he not care to? IV can't bring himself to mention it, tongue thick and dry in his mouth. Arousal stirs low in his gut, an insistent, building ache he tries his best to ignore.

III's hand seeks out IV's, dragging him along back to the couch where their game shows the game over screen. He adjusts his pants, clearly trying to be discreet and failing to avoid IV's notice. IV can't help the way his eyes linger for a moment on the slight, noticeable bulge in III's pants. They're wearing a cropped t-shirt today, too, an old, hole ridden thing that is being used as loungewear. It reveals more than IV previously realized, baring a thick slice of III's lithe waist and the healthy bit of fat over his stomach as he settles back onto the couch and stretches.

Fuck, III has a bellybutton piercing. It glints at IV, pretty silver metal and a blue gem, enticing, mouthwatering. IV wants to lick a stripe over it.

IV sits next to him, attention drawn to that lovely waist, comforted by the smile III tosses his way as he grabs the controller again.

He doesn't even realize he's been staring, thinking heavily about how comfy III's lap would be, until III is pausing the game and pulling him into their lap. IV blinks, adjusting his legs to straddle III instead of digging his knee into their stomach. His hands find III's pecs to balance himself, head tilting opposite of his scarring to stop drool from slipping over. III merely takes IV's hands, controller momentarily abandoned beside them, bringing them down to wrap around III's waist. IV settles against III's chest without a fight, completely unbothered for the time being.

His damaged mind runs around in circles, caught between feeling horribly guilty and loving every single fucking second of this time in III's lap.

"Is this alright?" III whispers against IV's ear, warm breath ghosting along the fragile shell, moving the joystick around idly, the game still paused.

IV swallows harshly, visibly affected. Slowly, he nods. He wants to sink forward into III's body, to rest his weight there. Would it be too bold to do? Though, could it be any bolder than III having tugged him into their lap like they did? They're not together, have shared nothing but friendly, if not overly affectionate touches, lingering glances. III was an easy person to love, and IV's heart always had room for more than one other. Does he dare allow himself this closeness? Will II be upset if he comes in to see them like this? His moans can still be heard, faint, traveling the distance between the car and the window as though he wanted them both to hear him.

"Rather affected by Two, I see. I could help with that, you know? What's a little handjob between friends?" III teases, knowing full well that an offer like that with Sam would not be serious, nor would Sam take it that way.

IV isn't Sam.

III is entirely serious right now, blue eyes glinting as IV pulls away from him to get a good look, to gauge his seriousness. IV feels trapped within them, breath caught, cheeks aflame, but he doesn't feel unsafe. III's warm thighs press against the backs of IV's, long arms caging IV in around the waist. He's not quite sure how they ended up in this position after IV had tried to flee, embarassed by the aching hardness between his legs.

"We shouldn't." IV says, strangled as it is.

"That's not a no, Ives." III grins wider, the mischief at it's edges growing sharper than IV's incisors.

Between one gasping breath and the next, III is somehow closer than before, the hard line of their dick pressing into IV's groin, hands at his hips beginning to slide underneath his shirt. They pause before they reach his ribs, warm, so warm against his sides, merely resting. Despite the urge to rut forward and seek even a modicum of friction, III keeps his hips still, focusing on the smell of his own shampoo in IV's hair, eyes fluttering closed.

IV does not push him away, nor does he seem to be able to find anything to say. His own erection can be felt against III's stomach, not hidden quite as well with the softer material of his sweatpants. Gods, IV wants. He can still faintly hear Vessel and II out front, the vague sound of II's moans coming in through the open living room window.

"Did anyone happen to mention that we all share a soulbond? I can feel your arousal, I can feel how much you want to be touched. I can, if you want me to."

A what? A soulbond? Is- Is that where these emotions stem from? This arousal, bright as the sunlight, the pleasure from two different points, both working to harden IV's cock.

"Yes-. No- What about Two and Vessel?" IV tries to come up with a proper excuse, brain scrambling to keep up.

If he let's III do anything to him, IV feels as though II's ire will only grow. Even if he does want III to keep touching him, to touch him in other, less friendly ways. He can't control the shifting of his hips, just once, his cock aching so badly that he needs something.

His own hand, III's, or even just the press of the other's hard cock through their clothes.

"Vessel'd cream his jeans if he came in to see us like this. Two would, well, I'm actually not sure about Two." III muses on a sigh, hands starting to slide up and down IV's sides, slow, sensual, "He doesn't hate you, you know. He's wary of you, but I can tell he's already beginning to warm up to ya. You're just so sweet."

The word 'sweet' is punctuated with a deliberate thrust up, shocking IV into letting out the smallest, surprised little moan. III's laughter is downright delighted, IV's head thunking on their shoulder in what IV isn't sure is shame or mere embarassment. He can feel his ears are warm, just as his face and neck are.

"You are a sweet thing, just like Ves."

IV growls, baring a row of teeth, his head shooting up, cheeks aflame, coupled with an indignant little scowl. He looks absolutely adorable, III muses.

"No one's as sweet as him. I bite."

III grins like he's won the lottery, all teeth and challenge, "Oh, do you now, puppy? Ves bites too."

Tugging aside the collar of his shirt to bare his shoulder, III reveals a multitude of what IV at first expects to be hickeys, but finds literal bites. There's even little pinpricks where Vessel's fangs, top and bottom, broke skin enough to leave the tiniest scabs. Entranced, IV reaches out to brush his fingers over one. III allows it, watching him with a glint of knowing in their eyes.

"You want to leave one? All I'll need is one from Two then I'll have the whole set." III offers teasingly, but it's not a joke, not really.

IV can tell he's serious, that glint in his eyes telling more of his want than the mischievous smile on his face. He opens his mouth, not quite sure what's to come out of it, and finds that he has no words at all. His mind is blank, blank for only a second longer, and then it's racing. Racing with thoughts of pressing his mouth to III's jugular and feeling the pulse beneath pound against his teeth and tongue. Of sinking too-sharp teeth right next to those bite marks that Vessel has left.

Unbeknownst to him, he's projecting that very image across the bond, and it is the First's undoing.

Vessel's glamor glitches as he cums, gold shimmering around him as the crimson glow of his eyes comes into view. His form shudders as his thrusting pauses momentarily before continuing. II moans, unable and unwilling to do anything but take it, fingers scrabbling for purchase on the driver's seats shoulder. He feels completely undone by the hips meeting his ass, the nylon creating delicious friction against the tip of his untouched cock. He feels the change in the fingers gripping his hips tightly, the pinprick of claws threatening to break skin. The light, stinging sensation only seems to add on to the pleasure and then II is also cumming, making a mess of the seat below him as Vessel continues to fuck him. Overstimulation hits hard and fast, forcing a whine from II's throat.

"Gods, that was fucking cute." Vessel breathes, eyebrows slightly raised in surprise, the desire in his eyes only deepening.

II gives no answer but another small whine as Vessel keeps thrusting, pace as fast and deep as ever, easing into more of a grind due to the angle. Breathy moans and little whines are practically punched out of him with every thrust. II never imagined giving up control like this could feel so damn good despite the embarrassment flushing down his neck. Letting go like this, losing control of himself in such a way, it had always scared II Before. Now, with such wonderful, kind, attentive lovers, II finds it's not so hard to let himself be taken care of in return. Sometimes.

"What's your color, beloved?" Vessel finally slows, right as II is beginning to feel that precipice approaching again.

He pulls almost all the way out at the lack of a response, concern beginning to build up. Had he gone too far? Used too much force? Vessel should never have made the mistake of thinking about that blood on IV's mouth. He should have known it would rile him up too much, make him ache with a burning need that he'd struggle to control.

II breathes in, once, twice, his mind caught up on that fantasy their Fourth had been dreaming of. He wants it, he finds. He wants III to have a collection of their teeth marks, wants a collection of his own against his skin.

He wants IV's teeth on him like Vessel's have been, and the realization thrills and shames him at once.

"Keep going, sweetheart." He chokes out, forcing himself back into this moment.

His feelings for IV, whatever they are, whatever they're becoming, doesn't matter. This does, Vessel still within him, the wonderful day they've had. This is what matters right now.

"That is not an answer, Two." Peeking his eyes open and doing his best to look back without straining his neck, II catches sight of a scowl, playful as it is, anxious around the edges.

"So fucking green, sweetheart. Keep fucking me. Harder."

Vessel responds to the order immediately, shoving back in deep.

"My good boy," II gasps out, eyes scrunching shut at the force in which Vessel uses to slam back into him, "Taking care of me so well."

It's almost like Vessel's been possessed by someone with much more confidence. With every thrust, II is shoved further up the seat. Vessel doesn’t let him get far, digging his nails in as carefully as possible as he drags II back onto his cock. Vessel wants him close, wants to merge with II at the hips so II can never leave him. His moans are absolutely divine, each and every once carefully memorized and stored in a compartment in Vessel's mind. Vessel can't help the urge to bend over II's back, his chest threatening to meet II's back if he'd only move a few inches closer, if he'd only decide to swallow up II's smaller frame with his own. His mouth parts, saliva making a string between his top and bottom canines, grasping on to II's shirt, tongue sticking out to press into soft fabric.

He can't help but to wonder if IV would also think Vessel was a good boy. He wants to be good for all three of them. He wants for them all to have their way with him, knowing each would take care of him, and he'd take care of them in return. Vessel yearns to love all of them freely, without fear of being abandoned, of them falling out of love with him, without fear that rifts will form between them all with time.

He wants to see IV come undone with Vessel's blood dripping off his chin.

Vessel's teeth sink deeper into II's shoulder at the thought, crushing the Second beneath his weight, fabric tearing at he tries to keep himself from biting too hard. His clothed chest is pressed against II's clothed back, II's sweat making it stick to his skin. Gods, IV had looked beautiful, a splash of golden black blood slipping in a single droplet down the side of his mouth, his fingers coated in it. Vessel had wanted to see his mouth covered in it, had wanted to tilt his head to the side and allow IV to take as much as he wished. If IV wanted to eat him whole, wanted to drain him dry of all the blood in his body, Vessel would absolutely let him.

For just a moment, he'll allow himself closer than this. He pulls away, leaving a wet spot on II's shirt, his canines having ripped little holes into the fabric. He'll ask III to mend them later.

Vessel rucks II's shirt up, timing it with his thrusts so he can pull the fabric up easily without it getting caught between II and the seat. Back bared to him now, he splays a hand over II's tailbone, and trails his hand up to the middle of his back, then further still, making sure the shirt gets held by II's broad shoulders, fabric spread tight over the back of his neck.

He leans over II, his cold breath sending goosebumps all along II's flesh. His shirt brushes against II's tailbone, his own knuckles digging into his chest. He lets his weight settle against II, pinning him to the seat with nowhere to go. Black hair cascades around II's shoulders, tickling his biceps.

"I want that too, one day. For you to hold me as we fuck. I want to sink my teeth into your neck as I cum on your cock, our chests pressed so closely together, our bodies joined so tightly that I don't know where you begin and I end."

Teeth plunge into the sigil between II's shoulder blades, a split tongue pressing insistently as he thrusts again, deep, hard. He doesn't let skin break beneath his fangs but Vessel wants to. He wants blood on his teeth, coating his tongue.

II cums with a shout, muffled by the seat as he tries to hide his red face, embarassed by the willing submission, the yearning in Vessel's words. Vessel keeps fucking him through it, his own release following. He doesn't care that overstimulation sets in for him fast, doesn't care that II's voice is hoarse, his breaths deep, desperate. All he knows is the warmth of II around his cock, the slide of golden tears down his cheeks, and the love filling his chest so fully that he fears it'll burst right out and splatter them both with blood and viscera.

He fucks them both through their orgasms, slowing his pace, but keeping his thrusts deep, grinding. When they’re done, Vessel grinding every once in a while now, he pulls away, settling his forehead against the sigil on II's back. The Second squirms, overstimulated but happy. Vessel goes to pull out, pausing when II exclaims for him to wait. He wants the plug back in. He wants to stay full of Vessel a little longer. Vessel starts leaving kisses again, chaste ones, lingering ones, every one leaving smudges of black lipstick against II's skin. When Vessel finally pulls away to reach for the plug, he slides out only to slip the plug back in. II sighs, forehead pressed heavily into the seat. Overstimulated tears have dried around his eyes, and his body aches pleasantly. He feels good, better than good. He sits up slowly, unbuttoning his shirt the rest of the way. He's pretty sure he'll be able to get the cum off of it, and if he doesn't, well, it's no matter. II will buy another just like it and put this one away in a damn keepsake box. Vessel takes it from him, helping to wipe them both down, carefully avoiding all of the lipstick stains, something possessive in him still demanding II walk around with Vessel's marks on him. Once they're clean enough, Vessel takes off his shirt, handing it to II to wear as the Second wiggles back into his underwear and jeans. His own cardigan is slipped on over his bare chest, his pants fixed, a half-hearted swipe under his eyes to wipe away makeup he is sure has smeared with his pleasured tears.

"Do you think they heard us?" II asks, unsure if he should be embarassed or not, pulling Vessel's shirt on.

He doesn't bother fixing the buttons up, content to display the lipstick kisses and bite marks all over his chest.

"Beloved, Three opened the window after I sent him that photo I took."

There's a moments pause, II's face turning red as blood. His eyebrows furrow, accentuating the permanent wrinkle between them, expression caught between embarassment and a strange bit of interest.

"That little shit." II grumbles in shy resignation, tilting his head towards Vessel's fingers as he tries to fix the unkempt mess his hair has become.

Really, how did that even happen? Vessel didn't even touch II's hair.

"Are you upset that both Three and Four are aroused right now?" Vessel's voice isn't small, not exactly, but it's fragile.

"They are?" II asks, more rhetorical than anything, searching the bond himself for the answer.

He finds the truth of it immediately, III's raging arousal and smug mischief, and IV's embarassed arousal, his shy interest. It's about what he expected from III, considering Vessel said he opened a window just to hear them, but to feel that from IV? It's sweet, if not mildly mortifying. After that fantasy they'd all been privy to, II shouldn't be surprised. He isn't, really. IV's been making googly eyes at Vessel every time he sees the man, and that expression has quite quickly become something II has seen directed at III, too.

And himself, but II is still far too guilt-ridden to admit it just yet.

"No." He decides, leaving his answer short and simple, "We should probably head in now, yeah, love?"

II doesn't wait for an answer, already moving to grab their things from the front area, pausing long enough to get up on his tiptoes and steal a kiss from Vessel. The First smiles into it, anxieties eased some, stifling his chuckle behind a hand as II's face creases, the plug making itself known again.

Slipping his phone into his pocket and grabbing his own plushies from the front seat, Vessel follows after II towards the front door.

II enters the manor first, IV in just the right position to see every visible kiss and bite mark left on II's bared chest. The shirt he's wearing is not the one he left in, far too big on him, and baring more skin than IV has ever been blessed with witnessing. There's bites and kisses all over II's neck, trailing down from his jaw, over his chest, with a distinct mark around one of II's nipples.

IV stares. Vessel has staked his claim. IV doesn't know if he wishes he were in II's place, or Vessel's. Maybe he wants to be in his own position, his own marks welcomed on the vessels. He yearns to love and be loved by them. If given enough time, will they accept him? III, IV thinks will. Vessel, perhaps. It is II IV is unsure about. IV wants to kneel at his feet and show the Second that he can be worthy of a place at his side.

The Second pauses when they make eye contact while he's toeing off his shoes, smiling softly with a nod in greeting, lipstick smudged all over his lips and in various spots on his face. He doesn't seem upset to have found IV and III in this position. Vessel follows not long after him, his shoes and socks already off and abandoned in the car's passenger floor.

Vessel's face is quickly turning a bright, cherry red upon seeing the two of them in such a position on the couch. He isn't surprised that things have ended up this way between those two. Why should he be? III and IV have spent so much time together ever since the Fourth woke up. Of course something beautiful would bud from that closeness. Not to mention, it is III that IV is being so frisky with. III is so damn endearing, so pretty, it's a wonder he doesn't have more people falling at his feet for a kind word whenever they go out.

The teasing and flirting III must have done to get IV so flushed himself must have been truly monumental. Considering their shared soulbond, too, must have left IV weak to his own arousal.

"Sugar! Did you enjoy yourself on your date?" III grins, head tilted back and to the side, well aware of the double meaning to their question, hands keeping IV firmly in place as the other tries to wiggle away.

"Yes, I got new plushies!" Vessel brandishes them from their place in his arms with a smile, six eyes squinted happily, his six eyes still glowing faintly from his orgasms.

"Cute! Got names for them yet?"

Shaking his head, Vessel hums a disagreement, pulling both of them back to himself to nuzzle his head against the sea slug, "Nothing concrete as of yet. I picked one out for you and Four as well. I'll need to get them from the car in a moment."

"Aw, my sweet boy, you didn't have to get me one as well." III smiles happily, feeling as warm and fuzzy as he can tell IV is, fingers beginning to trail down from IV's hips.

"I wanted to!" He insists, face beginning to crumple, apology for overstepping shining in his eyes, "Should I not have? I can return them-."

"Absolutely fucking not! I haven't even seen mine yet!" III crows out in offense, jostling IV so severely that he nearly tips over onto the couch, only the hands that have now moved down to the Fourth's ass keeping him in place.

IV lets out a low sound, something between a growl and a grunt, startling everyone with the unusual sound. He blinks, surprised himself, then blurts, "Either stay still or let me up!"

At first, III assumes IV is upset with him. Then, he realizes that IV's little problem in his sweatpants has only grown worse. Grinning, III shows a bit of mercy, patting IV's ass and letting him go, allowing the Fourth to stand.

"We can continue this some other time, Ives." III stands, too, stretching, adjusting their pajama bottoms again in full view of the First and Fourth.

"Now, Vessel, darling boy, are you willing to help me with my painfully hard problem? I got to hear Two sound absolutely divine, but could barely hear you." III carefully links their arm with Vessel's, doing their best to not make the First drop any of his plushies.

II scoffs, arms crossing as he looks on in amusement. Technically, III hasn't broken the rule set. He'd only said that III had to keep his hands to himself, not that he couldn't employ some help from Vessel. Loveable menace, really. III wiggles their eyebrows in IV's direction as he drags Vessel off, leaning over to whisper something in Vessel's ear that both II and IV catch.

"Sing for me while you fuck me into the mattress."

IV is fully red now, and painfully hard. Vessel could still fuck after just bringing II to ruin as he had? Were all of the vessels blessed with endless stamina or just Vessel?

"I'm going to take a shower, Ivy. I'll be done quickly, if you don't mind spending some time with me? The sun will be setting in a couple of hours. I figured we could give those two some time together since I hogged Vessel all day. Of course, you're welcome to refuse."

At first, IV is merely relieved. He would have enough time alone to sneak off and deal with the leaking problem in his sweatpants in peace. Then, there is incredulity.

"Why would I refuse?" He blurts, eyes a little wide, head tilting.

The action makes II want to reach out and pet him. What is it about IV that keeps setting off puppydog alarm bells in II's mind? III clearly thinks the same with one of the nicknames he uses on the Fourth.

"Well…" II trails off, unable to come up with a proper answer that doesn't feel as though it will guilt trip their Fourth.

He just assumed that IV wouldn't want to spend any time with him. He's done nothing good to deserve his company. This morning had been good progress, sure, but that doesn't erase all of the distrust II has met every kind, eager smile IV sent his way with. He's trying to rectify it, but fears it may be too late.

"Okay. Okay, uh, we can watch something. You remember if you've ever seen Lord of The Rings?" II fumbles for some way to continue the conversation, unsure how to continue that last bit.

If II had thought IV had lit up a few seconds ago, then he looks like a damn LED light has just lit up behind his eyes. The gold in them practically sparkles, a wide grin stretching across his face, baring most of the teeth and his gums on the damaged side of his face. It makes his face crinkle in a terribly cute way. If he had a tail, II is sure it would be wagging.

"I love Lord of The Rings! My tad and I would always watch it around the new year before I moved away!" At the mention of his father, IV's smile dims a bit, reminded that he had given up that peaceful life as a young adult with his family for a man who abused him, and then in trying to keep IV, attempted to kill him.

II is desperate to see that smile return as IV's bond grows distant, just as his eyes do.

"My mothers got me into it when I was really young. If you'd like, we could make it a tradition of our own. Something for all of us, or just us two?"

IV wants to agree right away, his lips parting to do so. He wants to spend time with II, to get to know him, to be close. IV glances down to the red thread tying them together by a finger. They are fated.

He hesitates. Is II doing this out of his own will or is he still trying to rectify his mistakes? IV wouldn't mind either way, it's just… If II is doing this but doesn't truly want to be around him, then IV would rather suffer the heartache and let II go about his night. He isn't easy to deal with when his sundowning starts. Would being soulmates force II into doing something he doesn't truly want?

"Maybe." IV responds instead of the agreement he wants to give.

He would hate to give himself hope if this thing between he and II sours again.

Clearing his throat a bit awkwardly, II shuffles, running a hand through his sex-moussed hair. "Alright, just let me know if you decide, yeah? I'll- I'll be back in a bit."

IV watches II go, wishing he could just get his thoughts in order. He wants to trust that II is beginning to trust him, but IV promised himself he'd never be hurt like he had been by his ex ever again. If he let's II in, if II decides one day that his initial mistrust had been the right decision and goes right back to it, IV wouldn’t be able to handle it.

He is theirs, as they are his. These strings wrapped around his fingers are proof of that, even if it seems he is the only one who can see them.

II is just rinsing shampoo out of his hair when he hears the doorhandle click, the creak as it opens. He sighs, already knowing who it is.

"Hello, Three. Was there something you needed or are you just here to watch again?"

II can practically see the tiny pout pulling at III's lips as the toilet seat creaks beneath their weight as he sits, "I wanted to have some fun with Vessel, y'know, since it wouldn't be breaking your rule if I had him touch me, but he wasn't feeling up to it. Which is fine, you know I understand that sometimes things get a bit much for him even if he's in a good mood. That bastard only made it worse for him. 'Sides, he just spent all day with you out in public, and fucked you within an inch of your life. I understand he's done for the day, really. 'M not upset about it, either!"

II hums, continuing to shower as III goes on, "But my dick is painfully hard. I went a bit overboard perhaps with teasing Four while you and Ves had your fun outside. That was so, so hot by the way and I hope he got more pictures of you laid out like that 'cause holy shit. I was really good for you today, too. Is there any~ chance at all that I can at least suck your dick before tomorrow? As in, right now."

"Strip and get in here, but let me finish my routine first." If II didn't have soap near his eyes to keep out, he'd have rolled them.

II let's himself think idly while III bounces up with an exclamation of thankful relief, fingers already shoving their sleep pants down their thighs. The Third nearly slips, the surprised gasp startling enough that II peeks his head out from behind the shower curtain. Once assured that III is perfectly fine, he moves on to washing his face once all of the conditioner is out.

The exasperation is all for show. They hide very little in the bond from each other, even if one of them is away from the manor, as rare as that is. So II knows III didn't get off while they were gone, and his arousal only peaked once II and Vessel were fucking outside. III followed his order well, even if the day isn't yet complete. II expected III to find loopholes, as that was their specialty. In fact, II expected III to find a loophole with IV. It must have been a near thing, too, with how close the two had been on the couch when he and Vessel had interuppted them. II isn't as upset about it as he expected himself to be based off the way he's been behaving of late. The thought sends anger curling hands in his hair. Sleep's clearly had a hand in it.

Suddenly, II really could use the stress relief. Maybe he'll be extra sweet on III, now.

The shower curtain is pulled open unceremoniously, III clambering in hurriedly, hands held in front of themselves. He longs to touch, needs it, needs to feel II beneath his fingertips. So, he does so, fingers trailing circles around every little untouched black lipstick stain and fading bitemark.

"I knew the lipstick was a good choice." They murmur excitedly, having hoped for an outcome like this.

It doesn't escape III's notice that II is making absolutely no effort to scrub off the stains either.

II's smile is amused as he turns the water pressure down, grabbing III by the hips and pulling them close.

"If you're going to use me for relief, dearest menace, you're going to do it quick. I asked to spend time with Four after you dragged Ves off." II breathes against III's lips, leaning forward just slightly enough to suck their bottom lip into his mouth.

III groans into II's mouth, hips jerking in II's hold though it's clear to II he is trying to keep the movement to a minimum. Hair sticks to his face, wet strands threatening to obscure their vision as water cascades over them both. II gets tired of the near waterboarding fast, leaning back against the wall and bringing III with him. Their lips brush as they gasp in air together.

"I'll be breaking your rule, sir." Practically whining, III closes the miniscule space between them seeking a kiss.

II doesn't give him what he wants, holding III's hips entirely still with one hand while the other comes up to tug III back by their hair just enough to keep their lips from meeting.

"Fuck, I'm too lenient with you. On your knees, sit pretty while I turn around. Then, you're going to eat me out while keeping those hands on me. Touch yourself, and you're not coming tonight. Be a good boy and behave, and you'll still get your reward tomorrow."

III's knees nearly slam into the tile, their face tilted up at II like he'd hung the moon and stars. His hands stay dutifully in their lap, waiting for II to turn around. "Good boy. I'll wash your hair when we're done, hm?"

"You always take care of us so well, Doll, now let me take care of you- Holy shit, you put the plug back in…"

"You do take care of me, my love. Now put that mouth to good use and I'll let you get off on my calf. Remember, hands on me." II sends a grin down III's way, relishing in the hungry expression he can just barely glimpse on their face.

Water muffles the sounds, but that doesn't stop IV from being able to feel everything. The bright, sunny tether in his chest is clear as a bell, and now that IV knows they all share a soulbond, the emotions seem easier to pick out.

III is smug, every ounce of their pleasure deliberate, and IV wouldn't even be able to lie and say that the teasing isn't endearingly hot. When II comes back from the shower a little while later, followed closely by III, both of their hair wet, IV's cheeks are red, his wolf plushie sat in his lap alongside the little dog II had gotten him. His sweatpants have been switched out, no longer sporting a visible bulge. A towel is slung around II's neck, catches drips of water from his short blond hair, while III is gently toweling his curls, a self-satisfied smirk on his face.

Beside him, Vessel looks up from his phone, scrolling through google for names for his plushies, smiling when he sees the two of them. "Four said you're watching Lord of the Rings? Can I join?"

III plops down on the couch beside him, immediately resting their head on Vessel's shoulder. He takes the offered fox plushie with a wide grin, tucking it under his chin and smooching Vessel's shoulder all in one go. His thanks is muffled against the First's shoulder, hair dripping droplets of water onto Vessel's hoodie.

II sits beside IV, his pajama shorts riding up his thighs as he shifts to get comfortable, "Of course, sweetheart."

The warmth of him radiates like a space heater, his shoulder pressed against IV's on the couch, nearly too small to fit all four of them side by side like this. Vessel reaches over in front of IV to hand II his own plushie, sliding down on the couch to be more leaned than actually sitting, curling his arms around his new plushies contentedly.

Bending at the waist to reach for the remote on the coffee table, IV watches II's thighs flex with the movement, face heated. IV stares throughout the entire time it takes II to switch channels on the TV, searching for the first Lord of The Rings movie to stream. He looks between the three around him, enraptured, barely even glancing at the screen, as II quietly recites certain scenes to himself, as Vessel giggles, actively being tickled by III.

IV only got here recently, but this manor already feels like home. He wants to stay here, pressed between II and Vessel with III only a few more inches away. Something possesiveprotectivepossessive settles in his chest, his throat making a soft, unbidden little rumble, lost beneath the music coming from the television.

Almost dying was well worth this.

A pulse pounds behind his teeth, the taste of iron like a phantom over his tongue, the feeling of something chewy stuck in his throat that burns and heals at once. Head turning slowly, IV eyes the pale expanse of Vessel's throat, swallowing thickly. He's hungry. Slightly sharpened, black tipped nails dig into the golden fur of the wolf in his lap, a tongue swiping out to wet dry lips and torn cheek.

He thinks of Vessel, laid out beneath a familiar woman, crying as nails dug into his skin. He thinks of himself, straddling Vessel's hips, but instead of hurting him, worshipping instead. The tears would be of ecstasy, not of pain.

He thinks of a time when he had told Vessel he wanted nothing to do with him anymore, had broken his heart — what was left of it to break — and still Vessel offered it up to him, had lingered in dreams even while IV did not remember him, kept him safe from nightmares and protected him even during the peaceful dreams.

The memory of a heart collapsing between his teeth slips away as fast as it appears.

He thinks of Vessel, curled around his plushies, and remembers a moment he had been curled into himself, sunk deep beneath blue waves, tears mixing with the salty water. He sees the First now, happy, surrounded by those who love him.

Almost dying was well worth this. Losing parts of himself was well worth this.

Notes:

i got all four wisdom teeth removed on the 1st of june so this is Extra late lmao i feel so bad. -1000/10 do not recommend at all. I'm still recovering lmao so if this is ass. Welp.

if nick had never happened, ii would have accepted iv with open arms regardless of how he became a vessel :) also, there is in fact godly interference going on with ii if i didn't make it both vague and clear enough lmao

don't think too hard about vessel eyebrows, i dont

I dont know how to write sexual desire/arousal/interest well as someone who doesnt really like, have that, but you bet your asses all four eeps are feelin' it for iv lmao

I intended to drag out ii's issues with iv longer but me and him both decided that was gonna end QUICK. It's easy to be endeared by the Fourth lol

Sorry if its too much dialogue… and if the date seems wacky and short or whatever it gave me the most trouble of all of this ;-; and idc if a store that sells exclusively stuffed animals doesnt exist in london. i really dont care lmao.

Mmm iives car sex scene how i enjoyed fantasizing about you instead of actually writing you. Also, a good way to help with writers block is to write and think thoughts on omegaverse polyvessels. Ive got a ch 1 and 2 under Rain fic or somethin over on the sleep token creative guild discord. Its heaviiily a work in progress lmao

… So. Guess who forgot they gave iii a bellybutton piercing. Also, as a reminder for all of your sakes' and mine:

ii: right nostril piercing, eyebrow piercing. Both rings.

iii: open, black spiked eyebrow piercing. Belly button piercing. Ears pierced.

iv: two piercings in each ear. Stretched lobes, lobe pierced above that. Tongue piercing, bar.

Vessel: angel bites. Ears pierced.

*Translations:

(*2)Cwningen - rabbit (meant to be bunny but i don't think Welsh has a word for that in particular)

(*1)Heb ei ganiatáu. Doeddwn i ddim yn cael caniatâd i wneud hynny o'r blaen. - Not allowed. I wasn't allowed to, before.

#sleep token fic #polyvessels #sleep token #vessel sleep token #ii sleep token #sleep token fanfiction #sleep token iii #iv sleep token #the love you want

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