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Chapter Text

Jonathan Reid and Clarence Crossley had been best friends for as long as they could remember. Their parents had often referred to them as being as thick as thieves. 

Their teenage years brought and increased hormones which also brought on certain urges and impulses. The two friends started experimenting with each other for lack of a better term. A relationship that could have gotten them into a lot of trouble. Their families knew what the boys were doing and swore to secrecy, seeing as the pair weren’t exactly hurting anyone. 

They were friends with benefits, lots of benefits as far as the studying Doctor was concerned. Tonight was one of those nights, both of them had been stressed recently for one reason or another and with a night alone, it seemed like the perfect opportunity. 

The studying Doctor pulled his friend closer, wrapping arms around his waist. Clarence was eager and willing as he always was, he allowed himself to be pulled into the other male’s lap as Jonathan kissed him hungrily. Nails dragged across his flesh sending little shivers across the soldier's skin. 

The good Doctor felt fingers running through his hair as he leaned into the familiar touch. 

Clarence smiled affectionately at the man he was with. Reid was pressing into his touch as his eyes fluttered closed. His fingers laced through his friend’s hair before tightening and pulling enough to make the man tilt his head back. Jonathan whimpered in the tight hold, already able to see the way his friend was smirking at him “Are you ready, Jonny?” he loosened his hold on the man’s hair enough for him to be able to nod. 

Reid was forced to lay back on the bed, not that it took a lot of force “Lay back and relax for me. Can you do that?” Clarence instructed. He nodded his head, noticing the heat spreading to his cheeks. His friend was working on removing his shirt, releasing the buttons and pulling the clothing away from him. He was going slowly, very clearly trying to tease. The smirk on his friend’s features showed that he was just trying to frustrate him. 

Clarence often liked to see just how riled up he could get the Doctor. How much Jonathan would take before he begged the other to get on with it. 

“You look like you have something on your mind, Jonny.” his friend cooed innocently, the look in his eyes betraying the fact that he knew exactly what he was doing. Jonathan shook his head no “Not at all.” 

Clarence laughed as he raised an eyebrow, tilting his head to the side slightly “So you’re alright with me taking my time with this?” the Doctor nodded his head replying “Yes, sir.” he was teasing just as much as his friend was. 

With the buttons finally, all released the soldier encouraged the Doctor to sit up. He pulled the shirt out from underneath him and tossed it to the floor before encouraging him to lay back down. 

The next item of clothing he chose to focus on was the studying Doctor’s trousers. He released the man’s belt with ease, it was pulled out of his belt loops swiftly and thrown to the floor with his shirt. 

Reid was left in his underwear. Crossley sat back, taking his own shirt off admiring the view before him. His best friend laid below him, half-hard already, eager but waiting. He felt a little smug, moving a little slower and he pulled his shirt off tossing it to the floor, taking the time to palm himself through his own trouser. 

Jonathan’s hips bucked under him, trying desperately to feel something. They often took it in turns seeing who would lead even if the studying Doctor’s preference was a more submissive roll whenever they did get together. Tonight had been decided by a game of rock, paper, scissors.

The soldier chuckled a little, seeing the way that his friend tried to grind against him “Is there something you want?” his tone feigned innocence even as he leaned over the man, his hand moving to the Doctor’s throat, he didn’t squeeze, but the grip he had allowed him the feels the man’s pulse and it was enough of a threat for the man to know what would follow. 

The studying Doctor rolled his hips again with a pathetic whine “Please, Clarence…”  

The soldier’s eyes narrowed as he applied a very small amount of pressure to either side of his friend's throat. The man below him arched his back mouth opening as his eyes rolled into the back of his head, something caught between a whine and a moan stuck in his throat “What did you call me?” 

“S-Sir…” the Doctor stuttered when Clarence released the pressure keeping his hand laid over the neck. He took in a few long, deep breaths and he settled. He cleared his throat “Please sir.” he corrected. That earned him a gentle kiss and a praise “Good boy.” 

Clarence’s attention moved to his friend’s underwear, he used both hands to slid the garment down his friend's hips before allowing it to join the growing pile of clothes on the floor “I think you need to earn it.” Clarence stated as he watched the man below him “Show me how much you want it.” 

The Doctor pulled himself into a sitting position on the bed before sinking to the floor, showing his friend that he was indeed interested in the game they were currently playing. Some of their ‘ stress relief sessions ’ looked very similar to this. One of them taking the lead and instructing the other. Sometimes it was a very simple fucking and clean-up before he both retired to bed. 

The soldier was sat on the bed with Jonathan kneeling on the floor between his legs. 

The Doctor’s nimble fingers caressed their way up his friend's thighs before landing on the hem of his trousers. They curled into the waist as the man looked up at Clarence asking almost breathlessly “Let me?” 

The only reply he received was a nod of the other’s head as he lifted himself just enough to allow the Doctor to pull the trousers and underwear off together before throwing them to the pile of clothes.

Jonathan’s hands were holding at his friend's thighs as he tentatively explored the head of the man’s cock with his tongue. This was by no means a new sensation but it was easier for the Doctor to get into the right mindset if he took things slowly at first. 

It was something that Clarence understood, he threaded fingers through the man’s hair scratching lightly as his scalp as he praised “Such a good boy. Look at you.” 

The praises earned a small hum of approval. He licked at more and more of his friend's cock, careful to lavish the slit with due attention and then slowly lowered his mouth down the shaft. Before long he was bobbing his head. 

As the man below him became more confident, so did Clarence. His fingers twirled and tightened in his friend’s hair as he started to guide the man with very little effort. He encouraged him with gentle tugs to suck his cock from the tip. He knew not to try and get his friend to take it all. It was something they had previously agreed on. Reid wasn’t able to deep throat and he hated the sensation of gagging. 

Clarence kept praising him which was something that the Doctor was sure he would never get enough of. 

The soldier could feel the heat building in his stomach as he fucked into Reid’s mouth “You wanna make me cum like this?” he asked. Sometimes he wanted to, it was secretly a guilty pleasure of his to see his best friend covered in cum as he stared up at him with a longing look in his eyes. Sometimes Reid wanted the soldier to fuck him. 

The Doctor pulled away, the moment that Reid started to pull away Crossley released the hold on his hair that he had. Without a word the Doctor laid himself over the bed, hands behind his back, showing his ass to his friend. His wants made clear by the action. 

The soldier was rummaging in his bedside drawer where he found the petroleum jelly they kept for nights like this. He coated his fingers in the substance as he carefully circled the Doctor’s hole, his slicked up finger slipped in easy and he felt confident enough to add a second fairly quickly. 

The way that Jonathan moaned told Clarence that he must have been doing something right. Despite the urge to finger fuck the other and see just how fast and hard he could take it he knew that wasn’t their plan for tonight. The two fingers that he had inside the Doctor moved slowly so that he could ease his friend open carefully. It didn’t stop him from voicing his dirtier thoughts “You’re so fucking tight, Reid. I’m going to fuck you so hard you’ll see stars.” 

“You usually do.” the Doctor teased back with a smirk. That earned his ass a rather firm slap 

“I don’t think I asked for your input.” Clarence said tone warning the other not to push his luck “I don’t need to put my cock in you. I could just continue to fuck you with my fingers and force you to cum like this, is that what you want?” 

“No sir…” his reply was quiet as he ducked his head, backing down immediatly. 

The soldier noticed himself smirking “That’s what I thought.” 

He knew that Reid was ready when the man was keening for it with sweat dripping down his face. He was careful as he removed his fingers, only taking a moment or two to cover his cock in the lubricant. 

He made sure to move slowly, he felt like the Doctor’s hole was pulling him in all by itself. Once he was fully seated, he leaned over the man to pepper his face in kisses whispering praises about how good the Doctor was being tonight. How he was going to really reward the man for his cooperation. 

Slowly Clarence increased his pace, spurred on by the man below him who was rambling and begging beneath him, begging for his friend to use him. Given how hard they had both been, it wasn’t surprising when Reid announced that he wanted to cum. 

Clarence kept up his pace, despite his own approaching orgasm “Come on then, cum with my cock in your ass.” 

He didn’t exactly need telling twice. His back arched as he moaned loud enough that the neighbours would probably have complaints tomorrow. With his friend clenching around him, watching the way Jonathan looked as he reached the peak of his orgasm. Clarence too came inside his friend. He didn’t stop moving, not until the man below him was laid panting on the bed, eyes closed as he breathed himself back from his high. 

He ended up laying next to the Doctor on the bed breathlessly asking “Anything you need help with, mate?” 

Jonathan shook his head no with a lazy, dismissive wave of his hand “Give me five minutes to breathe… Then I may need help getting into the bath.” the man next to him nodded his head with a teasing grin “That’s the least I can do for you.” 

~~~~____~~~~

True to Reid’s word, when he had finally regained his breath he did need help getting to the bathroom. His legs felt like jelly still and he wobbled almost as if he were going to fall. 

Clarence had an arm around him as he walked with the man to get him to the bathroom, he sat him on the toilet as he turned the taps on to start the bath. 

Jonathan smiled softly “Could you bring my clothes in here?” the soldier nodded his head in agreement. 

He moved through the house, collecting the studying Doctor’s clothes before leaving them in the bathroom. He probably needed a bath but he could sort himself at a later date. He helped his friend into the tub and helped to wash him down, making sure to clean his sweat-damp hair. The tiny smile that tugged at the Doctor’s lips was heart-warming. He always looks so relaxed after their sessions. 

When his friend was ready to get out of the bath he helped him. While the Doctor relaxed, Clarence had already put his underwear and his trousers on.

Now that his legs no longer felt like jelly, the studying Doctor stood a little better, no longer relying as heavily on the other man for support. He pulled his shirt on and managed to get his own underwear and trousers on. As he worked to fasten the buttons of his shirt his friend tied his shoelaces “Thank you, once again for another night.” Jonathan said gratefully. He understood that few people would agree to what they did. He was lucky to have such a good friend. 

The soldier chuckled softly “I think I should be thanking you, Jonny. You’re always so enthusiastic about what we get up to.” the man blushed as he rolled his eyes as he replied “I enjoy what we do.” 

Reid noticed that his friend’s smile faltered. Clarence’s gaze moved away as he let out a defeated sigh “Jonny… My parents think that it’s about time that our agreement comes to some sort of end…” it wasn’t news. It was something they’d been discussing for a while. The Crossley’s were a little worried. Now that the boys were getting older the Crossley family didn’t want Clarence and Jonathan’s agreement to get in the way of both men possibly finding wives and settling down. 

Jonathan nodded his head “I know. Your father talked to my mother already. She assured him that our feelings for each other don’t go past friendship. But he’s worried about you.” the soldier nodded his head “He has asked me to take one of the local girls out on a date, Miss Venus Allee.” 

The Allee family were old friends of his father. Jonathan had met Venus once or twice “I have heard that she is good company. She enjoys a good joke and she is interested in literature. I am sure that the two of you will get alone fine.” 

Clarence rolled his eyes “I’m sure we will. I sort of know Venus. Our parents run in the same circles so she’s by no means a stranger but… I don’t know… I feel like I’m being forced to make a decision that I’m not ready for. If my father hears that I like this girl he’s going to start talking about marriage.” his friend sounded frustrated and it was something the Doctor could understand.

“You are the only Crossley, well… The only child, I’m sure that your father is just looking out for you and doing what he thinks is right.” he commented with a small smile trying to reassure his friend. He knew logically that neither of their parents meant any offence when they commented on just how long the two had been ‘helping each other ’. “My mother keeps talking about grandchildren and how I’m not getting any younger. We’re in our thirties now Clarence… With the area of town we live in we’re expected to already be courting or married.” 

The soldier nodded letting out a sigh “I know… I know. I just-... I haven’t met anyone I felt that way about. If I do marry, I want to actually be in love. So many of our school friends are married because their families insisted and I see how miserable they are. The men scurrying off to the nearest pub to bicker about what annoyed them about their spouse today. The women being left at home alone, feeling dissatisfied with their situation but having no other option… I never want my wife to feel like I don’t care for her.” 

“Because you’re a good man who had parents who loved each other and told you that you too should love your significant other.” Jonathan replied with a playful grin. “You seem to feel guilty because you haven’t found your love yet. Have you explained any of this to your father?” 

The man shook his head no as he made a vague gesture with his hand “He expects so much of me, I worry about letting him down or disappointing him.” 

Reid shrugged “Be honest with him. I am sure he will understand. Have you already asked Miss Allee out?” 

“Yes, she agreed to meet me tomorrow. We’re going to see one of Miss Fletcher's shows.” the man admitted with a sigh. The Doctor smiled at him “I am sure that you will enjoy yourself.” 

~~~~____~~~~

It turns out that Clarence had nothing to worry about. He and Venus seemed to click immediately. He ran home to tell his best friend the good news. He was happy that his friend looked so genuinely happy. Jonathan teased the other man about just how smitten he seemed to be with the woman. 

After about a month of the couple courting, Clarence came to tell his friend that their ‘ agreement’ should really come to an end. He loved this woman and he didn’t feel right hiding something like that from her. 

Reid had merely laughed “I would never ask you to choose. Venus clearly cares for you and I see how happy she makes you. I do, after all, have a right hand.” 

The soldier had rolled his eyes and told his friend to grow up a little. Jonathan stuck his tongue out before both men laughed. 

Chapter Text

Venus Allee and Clarence Crossley had been courting for just over a year when the soldier asked for her hand in marriage (With Mr Allee’s blessing, of course). 

When the woman accepted his proposal, Clarence asked his best friend, Jonathan, to be the best man. Of course, the Doctor accepted the position, it would be an honour. He wanted to be there for his friend and his new fiance. 

The ceremony was beautiful, Venus became Mrs Crossley and everyone present rejoiced. Even Jonathan. 

Clarence’s father had been worried that Reid may become a little jealous of Venus, now that his son Clarence had ‘ moved on ’ but the genuine smile on his face as he congratulated the pair soothed any of his doubts. 

The Doctor presented the couple with a gift, a set of matching silver crucifix necklaces. He said he thought it was fitting given that the pair married in the house of god and followed the same faith. Venus and Clarence thanked their mutual friend for the lovely gift. 

Time moved on. Reid had focused on his research and studies about blood and organ transfusions. 

~~~~____~~~~

One night while Clarence, Venus and Jonathan are enjoying a quiet night inside the Crossley residence, the topic shifts which catches the good Doctor off guard just a little. 

“I realise that our marriage happened rather quickly.” Venus commented with a smile. 

The Doctor shrugged his shoulders trying not to show how odd he found the change in conversation to be. In all honesty, he had never considered the timing of the marriage, he saw the way his best friend looked at Venus. Clarence was in love “My mother always taught me to believe in love at first sight. I have always noticed just how much you two clearly love each other. The way you look at each other, it’s like the two of you believe that the other could hang the moon and the stars.” 

The woman laughed lightly with a wave of her hand “Well. I suppose we were just lucky. There was a reason for the… speed at which the wedding happened.” she explained her gaze moving to Clarence who nodded his head. 

“Jonny knows my father wanted me to… Focus , to settle down and start my own family.” his friend said with a vague gesture of his hand. 

Reid noticed himself watching his friend with a raised eyebrow, he was a little anxious about the direction of their conversation “Clarence are you sure about this?” this wasn’t exactly what West-Enders like himself and his friend normally talked about. Their sex life was viewed as forbidden, even if it had been nothing more than two friends offering each other a helping hand. 

Venus was grinning “Well… My father needed me to marry before rumours spread. I am sure I don’t need to tell you what the gossip circle in this area of town is like, Jonny.” he nodded his head. Gossip in the West-End was always vicious. Families trying to ruin the name of others by jumping to conclusions. It was why the Reid and Crossley families had sworn to never tell anyone about Jonathan and Clarence. 

“You see… I was rather close with the neighbour's son. We… helped each other. But my father was furious. The neighbour's son was not exactly attracted to the fairer sex, if you understand what I mean. I was just keeping up the appearance for the sake of his mother… That was until she found out about his boyfriend.” she spoke casually, like they were talking about the weather. 

“My father was furious. To avoid suspicion, I told my family that we were courting and he told his mother that we were courting. Andrew was a nice enough boy but… Not the boy for me and I would never have stopped him from being with Agamemnon.” Venus shook her head letting out a sigh “My father wanted us to get married… I refused. I wouldn’t do that to my friend… Rumours were spreading about what I had been doing with Andrew. They spoke about me as if I were some lady of the night, some even said he paid.”

Clarence took hold of his wife’s hand giving it a squeeze “It was only because my father also wanted me to settle down that our parents saw it as a match. We were very lucky that their pairing worked out. It stopped the rumours, no girl who was selling herself would settle down with a fine gentleman of the West-End, right?” 

Jonathan nodded his head seeming to understand, it was a sad story all things considered and he found himself absently wondering if Venus’s friend was alright “I am glad that you escaped the rumours, Venus. I know how… People around here can be, the disapproving looks, the mutters under people’s breath.” it was something he’d grown up with and stopped caring about years ago. Sometimes there was nothing you could do but ignore the whispers. 

The woman was still smirking as she said “Clarence told me about his arrangement . I must say… I was surprised, the prim and proper Doctor Reid.” 

Jonathan could feel his cheeks burn, he was a little embarrassed by the way she held his gaze as she purred the title. He cleared his throat “It was convenient… Two friends helping each other to destress. I never-... I, of course, care for Clarence but not in the way you do. I would never try to come between the two-” he was trying to defend himself. Hoping that the woman didn’t have the wrong idea about the relationship between himself and Clarence. 

The woman laughed playfully and waved the other man off, assuring him “Jonny, dear… I wasn’t judging you, far from it. I just found the idea… Interesting , that’s all.” she sounded so innocent. Something in her eyes twinkled with mischief. He pulled at the collar of his shirt and swallowed thickly “But it got me thinking… I know you have chosen to focus on your work, your research… Admirable. But I can’t imagine how stressed you must get from time to time. Without some way to relax… All work and no play must make a very unhappy Doctor.” 

The good Doctor licked his lips to wet them “Well… Yes at times but-...” he trailed off finding that his words dried up in his throat. 

“If it is something you would want to try. I am sure that the three of us could come to an agreement. Something mutually beneficial for us all.” the proposal was practically purred which sent the Doctor’s head swimming with various ideas of the things they could get up to. 

There was a moment of silence between them as Jonathan noticed himself starting to smirk, if both of the Crossley’s were indeed interested, who was he to deny either of them “I am sure that we can discuss exactly how I could be of service to the two of you.” 

Clarence wore a very familiar smirk that made the Doctor’s heart beat a little faster, he rose to stand his fingers carding through the man’s hair before tightening, pulling enough to make the Doctor tilt his head back to look the soldier in the eyes “Have you been good since the last time, Jonny?” 

He nodded as much as he could in the soldier's hold as he swallowed around the lump in his throat “Yes, sir.” 

“And this is something you want?” despite the almost commanding tone that his friend used, he knew this was his chance to back out or say no. He nodded his head, starting to smile again “Yes, sir.” 

Venus was grinning in a similar way to her husband, enough to make the Doctor’s head spin. It had been so long since he’d had the chance to indulge himself in carnal desires. He had been so busy with his family, his studies, his work… Everything had been suffocating him; he didn't realise just how much he needed this. 

“I think, my dear, Jonny. I want to see just how you would look after my dearest husband… Then we’ll see how you can take care of me. Does that sound good?” the woman’s words were whispered against the shell of the Doctor’s ear. He nodded his head, maybe just a little too eager. 

Clarence laughed at that “I think he really likes that idea.” 

The two Crossley’s encouraged Jonathan to stand and led him to the bedroom. Once they were in the room, Clarence instructed the other man to kneel. He did as he was asked, the soldier was petting his hair as he praised the Doctor “It seems you still remember how to be good for me. Let’s move this to the bed.” 

Clarence walked across the room. Jonathan knew better than to think the other man’s instructions were up to creative interpretation. So he crawled on his hands and knees over to the bed. The pleased grin he saw on his friend’s features was confirmation that it was indeed what the man wanted to see. 

He settled himself between the soldier’s parted legs as he looked up at him expectantly. The man ran fingers through the Doctor’s hair in a petting motion “I know how much you enjoy just switching off, Jon. Not thinking about what everyone wants or needs from you. Just listening, following. You’re always such a good boy for me on nights like this.” 

Jonathan’s eyes fluttered closed as he pressed into the familiar touch of his friend's caressing hand. Venus joined her husband on the bed kissing him with teeth and tongue as she purred “I think we should put on a little show for our dear Jonny, don’t you?” 

The soldier nodded his head, already undoing his wife’s dress at the back “I think he would enjoy that.” 

The way they both spoke over him, instead of directly to him gave him a perverse little thrill. He watched enraptured as Clarence disrobed his wife, sliding her dress off of her just as slowly as he used to when he was undressing the Doctor. She didn’t seem to mind his pace, kissing him roughly and moaning against him. 

Reid wanted to be allowed to undress himself or at least unbutton his trousers and he almost did. Until he noticed Clarence’s disapproving eyes on him. The way they narrowed as Jonathan’s hand hesitated over his button, he had paused all of his movements as he gauged what the other man was thinking “Did either of us tell you to do that?” 

“No…” he answered and moved his hands away, placing them behind his back as if that would remove the temptation. It didn’t but the action seemed to please both of the Crossley’s. Venus smiled “My… You are well behaved, I want to find out just how much we can push you before you’re begging… Another night, though.” it almost sounded like a promise. In his head, he hoped it was. 

Clarence threw his wife’s dress to the floor as his hands ran up and down her body, she was still wearing a corset, lace stockings and panties. The sight was rather pleasing as she pushed Clarence into a lying position and worked to get his shirt off. 

With the shirt thrown aside, it landed in front of Jonathan as he shifted. He could feel how hard he’d gotten, his prick straining against the confines of his own clothes. A whine caught in his throat but he forced it back, he didn’t want the pair to stop the rather entertaining display. 

The woman was kissing and nipping at her husband's neck as he breathed through gritted teeth and cursed under his breath. He turned his head enough to see that Reid was still sat watching, he saw the desperation in the Doctor’s eyes “Well. Seeing as you’ve been so good. I think we can start to undress you. But we go at my pace, understand?” 

“Yes, sir.” the Doctor breathed out. His arms twitched before they stilled, he kept them behind his back. Clarence started with the man’s tie, pulling it free but keeping it in hand as he moved to the buttons of the man’s shirt. As he always did when he wanted to see how riled up he could get the Doctor he worked painstakingly slowly. 

Venus watched. He noticed that she was staring at the display with an undisguised interest. It only served to help the Doctor’s growing arousal. 

Clarence finally released all the buttons as he instructed firmly “Arms up, Jon.” 

The Doctor obeyed, raising his arms above his head as the man in front of him removed the shirt before throwing it to the side. The lopsided smirk he saw on his friend's face was intriguing. He noticed that the man was still holding his tie “You seem to be… Struggling a little tonight to keep those hands in place. Do I need to use this?” 

Jonathan shook his head no as he replied quietly “I can behave, sir.” 

Clarence nodded his head, he placed the tie on the bedside and Reid got the impression that at some point, his hands were going to end up tied together. Or maybe his friend would use it like a collar as he guided him to suck his cock. Both ideas held appeal in his eyes. 

“Stand.” he was instructed. He did as he was asked, rising from his position on the floor to stand, hands behind his back, eyes forward. It always seemed to annoy the soldier when he remembered Jonathan was taller than he was. 

The button of his trousers was released as his friend removed the clothing, taking his underwear with it. The relief he felt in that moment caused him to sigh as his eyes fluttered closed. Venus chuckled as she commented playfully “I think he did enjoy the display.” 

Clarence smirked “I think you’re going to suck my cock. Any complaints?” 

That was less of a question he noticed by the tone. He shook his head “No, sir.” 

“Tell me what you want to do. How you want to do it.” the soldier prompted. The Doctor licked his lips before he spoke “I want to suck your cock while I’m on my knees, sir.” 

Clarence pulled his own trousers and underwear off and kicked them away “Go on then.” his hand was in the Doctor’s hair again pressing him closer to his crotch, to his cock. 

The man below him opened his mouth and stuck his tongue out. If he didn’t know Reid better, he might have just forced himself all the way to the back of the man’s throat. 

Instead, he lined himself up and let Jonathan start himself off slowly. The heat of the man’s tongue as he licked at the head made the soldier’s eyes roll back. He cursed under his breath. Venus’s arms wrapped around his middle, her head resting on his shoulder as her fingers circled his nipples “Look at him… Anyone would think there’s nowhere in the world he’d rather be.” 

Jonathan felt comfortable enough to start taking the other man’s cock into his mouth, he moved slowly trying to find where his limit was again. He was just a little out of practice. Clarence almost rocked his hips forward. Reid preemptively placed his hands to his friend’s thighs pulling back a little. 

The soldier pulled away as he apologised “Shit, I’m sorry, too much?” the Doctor shook his head with a light laugh “No… Just working out how much I can take. It’s been a while. I-I’ll put my hands back when I’m ready.” 

Venus came to his side and placed a rather tender kiss to his cheek “Take as much time as you need. We want you to enjoy yourself as well, Jonny.” 

“I am… Believe me. Clarence knows my gag reflex is too strong for me to take everything. I just need a moment or two.” he smiled appreciatively. Clarence’s hand had moved from his hair to his cheek, his thumb brushing against his cheek in a comforting manner. 

He tried again, licking only a little before he started to bob his head. He found his limit rather quickly as his hands moved to their place behind his back. Clarence didn’t immediately put his hand back in the Doctor’s hair, instead, he rolled his hips ever so slightly, allowing the Doctor to focus on using his tongue instead of moving. 

Clarence had always swore that Jonathan was too good at this part of the job. He ended up with his hand back in the man’s hair as he made the man bob his head faster “I’m gonna use you like this until I cum, understand?” 

The Doctor could do nothing but give an affirmative moan, his eyes rolling back. 

It must have been the only warning the soldier was going to give because soon the man was cumming in the Doctor’s mouth. He swallowed as much as he could as he pulled away from the man’s cock panting. His own cock was painfully hard, he hadn’t touched just as he had been asked. 

The soldier smiled “You’ve been so good. I’m going to reward you. You choose, I can fuck you and you can finally touch yourself or… I can return the favour and suck your cock.” 

It took a moment for the Doctor to decide, mainly because he liked both ideas “I want you to suck my cock, sir.” his voice had risen in pitch given just how desperate for something he was. The soldier smiled “As you wish.” 

It was only now that Reid realised Venus was sitting on the bed watching the display with two fingers inside herself.

Clarence instructed the good Doctor to lie back, he did as he was asked as he felt his friend’s lips wrap around his cock. He gasped at the feeling of the heat and wetness that enveloped him. His hips bucked as the man above him chuckled. The soldier worked hard, bobbing his head in a faster pace than Reid could ever manage, at least not without guidance. 

His tongue would flick against the slit every time his friend appeared as though he was going to pull away, only to sink back down. Clarence had always been able to deep throat. He’d once tried to help Jonathan learn when he’d expressed an interest in being able to do it… But try as he might, he just couldn’t seem to get it right. Mainly because of his gag reflex. 

The sounds the Doctor made became increasingly more desperate. His hand grabbed at Clarence’s head as he warned him “I’m gonna-” he didn’t even finish his sentence. The moan that Venus let out indicated that she seemed to have brought herself to orgasm watching her husband please the good Doctor. 

Reid had panting as he came down from his high “That was… something else.” Clarence snickered “Glad to know I haven’t lost my touch.” 

The comment earned him a very light swat to the face. 

Clarence picked his friend up and brought him over to the bed to give him time to recover. He also made sure that he asked Venus if she was okay. The self-satisfied grin that tugged at her lips showed both men she had enjoyed herself just as much as they had “We need to do this again.” 

“I agree.” Jonathan said with a nod. 

Chapter Text

Jonathan had served as a field medic in France during the Great War, permitted to return home just over a month early to tend to his ailing mother… 

He hadn’t made it home. 

As he walked by the Thames something had come up behind him and bitten him. He had died fighting to stay alive, to continue his journey home to those he loved. 

In a cruel twist of fate, his ‘ death’ hadn’t been as permanent as one would hope. He had woken up only to immediately attack his sister in a similar fashion to how he himself had met his death. 

He hated what he had done. He hated what he’d become. Doctor Swansea offered him sanctuary and understanding, something he had felt he needed at the time.

Coincidence brought him to the West-End. The Ascalon club, of all the clubs in London, wanted him to join their ranks. He had agreed, only because he worried what would happen if he didn’t. That was how he met Clarence Crossley again. 

It had been four years since he saw the man, his hair was starting to thin and he looked physically exhausted. The former soldier smelled distinctly of sickness which made the Doctor want to frown, he hid it well. 

The man confided in him about what he’d saw in Rouen “A vampire! A real-life vampire, Jonny!” his friend had stressed the point. It made the good Doctor's throat close on him “Venus thinks I’ve gone mad. Maybe I have… I-” 

Reid cut him off before he’d even thought about the action “I believe you, Clarence.” at the time he’d had to excuse himself. The Ascalon Club wanted him to look into sources of possible infection in the West-End. 

And then battling the Epidemic and the Skal plague had kept him busy enough to avoid his friend, most of the time. Any conversations they did have were kept short. His night position at Pembroke Hospital excusing why Clarence never saw him during daylight hours. 

But the Epidemic had ended. 

The Red Queen had been defeated.

Emelyne, unfortunately, passed shortly after the Epidemic ended. 

But it had been three months since then and the good Doctor Reid was running out of excuses about why he couldn’t go and see his friend. So as he made his way home, he caught the man by his stall “I’ve had a night shift tonight… I can come by your home tomorrow at 6 pm and we can talk.” it was after sunset and he knew he was going to have to be honest with his friend. He couldn’t lie anymore, it wasn’t right. 

The former soldier had smiled and nodded excitedly, agreeing to meet the man “We can sit by the fire and drink tea, just like we used to! I’m sure Venus will be excited to see you as well.” 

The Doctor forced a smile at the mention of Clarence’s wife. The less they talked about Venus the better, when he found out that the woman was poisoning his best friend he had threatened to tell the police, claiming to have proof. 

The woman stopped her poisoning because of the threat, the Doctor sympathised with her, West-End rumours were cruel but killing the man she loved wasn’t the answer. His blood would always be on her hands. “Yes… But… Maybe it should just be the two of us. It’s been so long and I know Venus has been busy visiting her mother and father recently so-...” 

Clarence waved at the man dismissively “Come off it! She would love to see you. Until tomorrow, Jonny!” 

He didn’t have the heart to argue with his friend and he looked at his pocket watch, trying to work out just how much longer he would be allowed to refer to either Crossley as his friend. 

~~~~____~~~~

Jonathan was anxious as he approached the Crossley household. He knocked on the door to announce his presence. 

Clarence answered the door and greeted the Ekon with a hug. He could feel the invisible wall of the threshold practically pushing him away. He wrapped arms around his friend, patting his back “It’s good to see you, old chap.” 

“And you, Jon. And you. Come in, Venus is just making tea for us all!” the former soldier chirped, seeming excited. The Doctor’s smile faltered. “She didn’t need to go to so much trouble.” 

He entered the house after being given the invitation. Clarence closed the door before taking his friend's hand and practically dragging him into the parlour like they did when they were children. 

Only when they were in the parlour did his friend comment playfully “Your hands are freezing, Jonny. I thought it was just a stereotype that all Doctors have cold hands.” 

The comment was clearly meant to be a joke but Reid failed to see the funny side of things. He forced a smile as he was encouraged to sit in the armchair closest to the fireplace, the warmth it provided was nice, not that being cold-blooded usually bothered him “Here. You need to warm up. Just because you’re not looking after yourself, doesn’t mean we won’t.” 

He was confused by the statement. He titled his head to the side as his eyebrows drew together “Not taking care of myself? What do you mean?” 

Venus came into the room with a silver tray containing three teacups, a sugar bowl and a milk jug “Come now, Jonathan. Avery told us you haven’t been eating. You’re as pale as the men and women you look after. A good cup of tea and a place by the fire will soon have you feeling better.” she was firm in her position, which was both heartwarming and heartbreaking for the exact same reasons. 

The good Doctor let out a sigh “I appreciate that you’re both looking after me but… Trust me… There’s no cure for this .” his friends were kind, too kind if he was honest with himself. After everything he had done since that dreadful night, he did not deserve this sort of treatment. 

His tone was bitter, the former soldier noticed himself frowning “We know we can’t bring Mary or Emelyne back. But we are here for you. You’re our friend, Jonny. No matter what.” 

Even though the words were clearly meant to comfort, he felt the familiar ache in his chest. He swallowed around the lump in his throat “That’s… Not what I was referring to. I have made my peace with their deaths… They are both at rest as painful as that is… They aren’t suffering.” even though Mary had suffered… In both her deaths she had suffered. 

He hadn’t taken the cup of tea that Venus had placed in front of him. Which both the Crossley’s found odd. But they didn’t question it “I have something I need to tell you both. Neither of you are going to like it… And I intend to leave, if that’s what you both want after I have told you.” telling his friends what happened to him when he returned to London was why he was here. 

Clarence was still terrified of vampires after everything he witnessed and Venus had said she didn’t believe in monsters. Reid knew it wasn’t going to be an easy conversation but it was a necessary one. He didn’t want to lie to the Crossley couple any longer. 

Mrs Crossley laughed lightly, she was sitting on the couch next to her husband “We’re not going to ask you to leave because you have bad news.” 

Her humour didn’t reach the good Doctor, instead, he commented in a mildly bitter tone “I wouldn’t make promises you can’t keep, Mrs Crossley.” 

“Look.” she laughed light-heartedly with a wave of her hand. “If you’re going to tell us that you have finally found someone with whom you want to settle down with, we're not going to be angry.” she and her husband wanted their long-time friend to be happy.

What she had said made the good Doctor laugh just a little, if only he was worried about something as trivial as a new partner “No… I mean. It’s not exactly what I was going to say. I haven’t found anyone. In fact, the opposite. We shouldn’t continue our… arrangement. It’s too dangerous.” 

“What? Because you made a name for yourself now?” Clarence asked with a raised eyebrow “You know we would never tell anyone.” 

He shook his head “No! I-...I know that.” he assured them. They didn’t seem to understand, of course, they didn't. He hadn't even found the strength in himself to tell them what was really on his mind “It’s too dangerous for the two of you. You could get hurt and I would never forgive myself if I did that to you-.” he trailed off, his head making its way to his hands as he tugged at his own hair in frustration. 

The vampire licked his lips careful to not accidentally show his fangs “The thing is… Something happened to me on my way home from the war… I arrived in London before I told the two of you.” 

Clarence raised an eyebrow, his pulse spiked with anxiety for a moment “What do you mean? You didn’t catch the flu did you?” 

He snorted “No. That would have been easy… I was attacked by something while I was walking by the Thames. They threw me in a mass grave and Mary came looking for me.” he paused and looked at his two friends. Clarence was visibly more nervous than his wife, deep down he knew that his oldest friend suspected him in some way. 

“She found me… I had crawled out of the mass grave, delirious. I stumbled into her arms as she talked about how happy she was to finally see me… Not that I heard her.” tears were coming to his eyes, he could remember his sister's dying thoughts as he tore into her savagely, drinking her blood greedily as she begged him to stop. 

“This isn’t funny…” Venus snapped, stopping the Doctor mid-story. Her tone was flat, her eyes narrowed slightly. 

The Doctor nodded “I’m not laughing. I would never joke about this. I think you both know me better than that.” 

He cleared his throat as he continued “I killed Mary. A predatory instinct to kill… To feed took over me I-... I’m ashamed to say that I couldn’t stop myself.” 

Clarence was trembling in his seat at this point, so much so that he needed to put his teacup down so he didn’t drop it “What happened?” 

The Doctor looked at him guilty. His throat closed with those pale eyes aimed at him. “I think you know… I think you’ve always known.” he admitted quietly. 

“You believed me when I told you about the vampire I had saw in Rouen… No one else believed me… Only you…” the soldier’s tone showed that he was on the verge of crying. 

The Ekon nodded his head, he couldn’t even look at his friend anymore “Had it not been for what happened to me before I was thrown in the mass grave… I probably wouldn’t have believed you.” he hated to admit it but had he not been cursed, he wouldn’t have believed his friend. Not really, he would have smiled and prescribed the man something to help him sleep. 

Clarence closed his eyes and swallowed thickly “All that research you gave me…” 

The Doctor nodded his head “I did pick it up on my travels. That wasn’t a lie… But I only shared what I knew to be the truth, documents and diaries from people who actually know what they’re talking about, like the Guard of Priwen or the Brotherhood of Saint Paul’s stole.” 

Venus scoffed “Jonathan, please.” her tone was dry as she chastised him “I have told you. You don’t need to play into Clarence’s delus-” 

“Argh!” the Doctor cursed as he tried to shield his eyes. He hadn’t even noticed Clarence grab the weapon. His lips automatically pulled back in a snarl, as if he could scare away the blinding light of the crucifix. He cursed himself for the action hearing the yelp the Venus let out. 

“S-...Stay back!” the former soldier stuttered, clearly trying to put on a brave face. The only thing that betrayed him was the fear stink in the air. 

The Doctor was feeling weaker by the second. He slipped from his place in the armchair to the floor, he kept his head down to try and shield himself from the effects of the crucifix, it didn’t really work “C-...Clarence…” he whimpered.

The cross was lowered and he found himself panting, his limbs shook with exhaustion and his head spun. He closed his eyes groaning “I really should have expected that…” 

As he finally opened his eyes, he could see that Clarence was standing in front of his wife with his arms stretched out as if to defend her “Why did you come here?” he snarled at the weakened Ekon. 

Jonathan licked his lips to wet them “You invited me… You insisted. I tried to get out of it. Why do you think I had to come after sunset?” 

The former soldier cursed and Reid saw him starting to raise the crucifix again “Please don’t!” he defended quickly. He wasn’t sure he could withstand another ‘attack’. He shook his head “I told you… I would leave if that’s what you wanted… I knew I had to tell you tonight. Because despite everything, you’re both my friends. You deserve the truth.” 

Clarence let go of the cross but he didn’t move. His heart was pounding in his chest but the monster was in his house “And now what?” 

Jonathan shrugged shakily, bringing himself to stand. He stumbled and he had to use the armchair to stop himself from tumbling to the ground “As I said. I just wanted to be honest.” 

“You killed Mary?” Venus whispered, horror in her tone. Her eyes showed just how scared she was. But then her gaze hardened “You murdered your sister!” 

The Doctor felt that all too familiar ache in his chest that was almost enough to make him wince in pain “I didn’t mean to… When you wake up… After you’ve turned, your body only knows one thing. Hunger. It’s overpowering. I couldn’t even see what I was doing until she was laid there, dying in my arms. She looked so betrayed…” 

He cleared his throat “Mary is the only human I have killed. I refuse to harm another living soul just to feed my appetite. I sustain myself with the blood of rats…” he turned away from the two. He should just leave, he’d clearly already ruined whatever friendship he had… He would never blame either of the Crossley’s for hating him. 

“Does that even work?” Clarence asked hesitantly. Almost like he didn’t really want an answer. The Ekon nodded his head “Yes, it’s not as filling. But the never satisfied ache of bloodlust is a feeling I am used to at this point.” his tone was bitter, he still couldn’t bring himself to face his friends. 

“So that’s why Avery said you haven’t been eating.” Venus whispered. 

Reid chuckled dryly “Yes… I tried once. Avery prepared my favourite meal… The moment I swallowed the food, I threw up. My body rejects any form of nourishment other than blood.” 

His hands were in his pockets as he finally forced himself to turn around “I shouldn’t have come… I should’ve just written a letter and said I was leaving London forever because of the death of my family…” the two humans frowned when he said that. The Ekon shook his head, it was a mistake to come here tonight. It would be better if his friends thought he had just ran away, a grief-stricken mess. 

“I-I need to leave.” the Doctor reached the front door when a warm hand wrapped around his wrist and pulled him back. He turned to see Clarence, stood a few inches in front of him “You don’t sound like you want to leave.” 

The Doctor shook his head no, tears were welling behind his eyes as he whispered “I’m so tired…” he was led back to the parlour and encouraged to sit down again. He was sniffling as he fought back his tears. He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand before licking the blood from his fingers. 

He was offered a white handkerchief and he smiled lips trembling “Clarence… I-I’m so sorry.” he couldn’t stop himself from crying. The offered handkerchief was forced into his hand as he wiped at his eyes. 

Seeing his best friend who had always been so strong break down in front of him seemed to overpower the fear he felt knowing what had happened to the man. He placed a hand on the vampire’s shoulder as he pulled him into a hug “There, there, Jonny.” 

Venus too moved across the room and wrapped her arms around the sobbing Ekon. It was all too much for him. He had never expected sympathy. He was a monster, a murderer and he deserved to be hated, to be turned away. 

When he was finally able to stop crying he cursed, the white handkerchief was now red “I-I’ll buy you a new one, Clarence I promise.” 

The former soldier shrugged “Handkerchiefs can be replaced easily, Jonny. Don’t worry… How are you?” 

His lips trembled again, his friend’s expression was so open and earnest that he couldn’t help it “I’m so tired of all this vampire bullshit.” he let out a sigh “I murder my sister… I found out the man I thought I could trust was using vampire blood on patients at Pembroke, which created the second wave of the Spanish Flu. The vampire that helped me understand my condition fled the country to who knows where when she found out it was her blood that started the contagion… And when I finally meet the creature that made me this, I find out he only turned me to play some part in an ancient game of chess between himself and a literal god.” 

Both of the Crossley’s were silent as the Ekon ranted about his situation and they couldn’t help but agree with him “That's… It’s all… You’ve been through a lot Jonny. You have every right to feel tired.” Venus offered in a sympathetic tone.

“I wish I hadn’t survived that creature's attack…” he whispered as he ducked his head “I have brought nothing but pain and suffering to London. I am a monster! Condemned to feed on the life of others…” 

“You said you use rats.” Clarence pointed out as his pulse spiked. 

The Doctor nodded “I do… Because I don’t want to be a killer… But everything I am… Everything that bastard made me… I’m a predator, Clarence, the very beast you fear.” he ended up growling, his claws and fangs starting to show from the spike to his own frustration. The human took a shaky step back and the vampire cursed himself. 

Jonathan clenched his fists taking in a deep breath before letting it out slowly “I’m sorry…” he apologised again. He cleared his throat “I’m not… I am not going to hurt either of you. I promise, hand on heart… It just… It happens…” as if to prove his point he focused himself, blood and shadows swirled around his fingers before solidifying into claws. 

They watched seemingly curious “And you control that?” Venus asked. The good Doctor nodded his head “Yes, but it’s also linked to my emotions which… Apparently, you feel stronger as a vampire. Losing my mother was… hard… It felt like a sword being shoved through my chest… Which has actually happened to me since becoming this .” he shook his head as he let out a sigh “I’m sorry to burden you. Both of you.” 

Venus shook her head “We said that we were your friends, no matter what. We meant that. Jonathan, how long have you been keeping this to yourself?” 

He paused as he considered the question “Since I returned to London so… Six months?” he had to keep it in. He had no one he could tell. He’d confided in Elizabeth which had helped but… Her disappearance had brought old pain back to the forefront. 

Clarence let out a sigh “Why didn’t you tell me, Jonny?” 

“You were terrified, Clarence… Every time we talked about vampires, you were shaky… Your heart was pounding… I couldn’t tell you that I had also been killed, cursed to be this for eternity.” there was the threat of tears to his voice again. He forced them back “I forced myself to resist human blood. I focused on my work at the hospital so that I would no longer be consumed by bloodlust… The Leader of the Guard of Priwen tried to kill me and instead of returning the favour when he was beaten and bloody, I left him in the care of the other staff members.” 

The Crossley’s shared a worried glance as Clarence voiced his concerns “The vampire hunters know about you?” 

The man nodded his head “We seem to have come to an uneasy agreement, so long as I do not trouble him or his men he will not trouble me. It’s the best outcome I could ask for, given his reputation and hate for my kind.” he grumbled the last part feeling bitter. He felt bitter about being a vampire in a general sense. 

Clarence pulled him close again “I’m glad he didn’t kill you.” 

His friend was so warm, he no longer smelled of fear or anxiety… He smelt like himself and Jonathan noticed that he liked the smell. He instinctively buried himself against the human's pulse point as he closed his eyes, purring contently. 

The human’s pulse only spiked for a moment, he didn’t feel lips or fangs brush against his neck. The purr that the vampire let out was cat-like and it made him laugh a little as he combed fingers through the Doctor’s hair shushing him “Easy, Jonny… We’ll make it better. Maybe not tonight… But we will. Venus and I are here for you. Whatever you need, you know that.” 

The vampire could feel the man’s pulse pressed against him, he could hear it, he could hear the comforting words of his oldest friend and it warmed his undead heart. He held the former soldier a little tighter as he whispered “Thank you.” the gentle kiss that the soldier placed against his forehead was a rare thing indeed. 

Clarence was rarely physically affectionate… Not unless sex counted. But the action was so sweet, so tender, so genuine. Reid could have turned into a puddle in that moment.

Chapter Text

Two months passed. 

Jonathan visited the Crossley’s every night. He found comfort in being able to be honest with them. In front of his two friends, he had nothing to hide. 

Things became easier. All of his heartache and struggles seemed to be behind him. He was able to make something better for himself. 

His work at Pembroke moved to the side for the moment as he took part-time shifts instead of full-time. It had been Venus’s suggestion, given that she could see how much the Ekon was struggling with his mental well-being after everything he’d been through in the last year. 

Clarence was jumpy at first around the vampire but he soon calmed and learned to look past his friend’s fangs and claws. 

They had been reminiscing on nights spent together before the war. Jonathan really should have known that the topic wasn’t as innocent as it first appeared. The smirk that came to Venus’s lips was the first hint of where things would lead. She seemed to sit up in her chair a little as she said “So… Can vampires even have sex.” 

The Doctor snorted, remembering a similar question from Louise Teasdale “I wouldn’t know. Ever since I died, I haven’t… Been in the mood for such a thing.” it was only half a lie. The better he felt mentally, the more he started to consider things. Given what they had been talking about tonight, he wasn’t as uninterested as he claimed to be. 

The woman rolled her eyes “Could you even get an erection anymore?” 

“I don’t know.” he answered honestly “As I said. I haven’t felt the desire since becoming an Ekon. Blood has always been… A rather present need. More intrusive than any sexual desire…” he grimaced at that. The games he and Clarence used to play where he had to control his urges and listen to what his friend wanted from him. Maybe that was partly why restraining his blood-lust hadn’t been as hard as he first thought.  

“What if you bit someone while fucking them?” the woman chuckled. The Doctor shook his head no “Too many risks, accidentally tearing into a vein or an artery so much so that my partner bled out, losing control and simply draining my partner… I could never allow myself to be so reckless… Not anymore.” his tone was firm as he denied the woman. 

She pouted playfully, clearly not taking no for an answer “Okay, so that’s off the table. What about…” she trailed off clearly thinking. An evil little sparkle came to her eyes “Eating a girl out while she’s menstruating?” 

Jonathan pulled a face, it wasn’t a bad idea, in theory, he did rather enjoy the mental image of bringing his bed partner pleasure while also appeasing his thirst “If I didn’t hurt her. Blood is-... It’s too tempting.” he held onto his self-control and self-restraint but he didn’t think they should be tempting fate in that way. 

Clarence looked intrigued now, given the look on his face “Remember before you couldn’t deep throat because of your gag reflex, what about now? Especially now you don’t need to breathe.” 

The Doctor brought his bottom lip between his teeth “Surely my fangs are… Enough of a danger to make the idea a little unappealing. I don’t think you would thank me if I bit your cock or even if my fangs grazed you… Do you know how sharp they are?” 

The other male’s pulse spiked but strangely it wasn’t fear. Reid unconsciously started to sit up a little straighter. He noticed the familiar feeling of heat in his groin as he glanced down… It seems he could still get an erection “This feels a little like coercion.” was his defence. Neither Crossley appeared bothered by the accusation. 

“Surely you’re the only one who could actually force us to do something, dear Jonny.” the woman purred. The Ekon rolled his eyes, he could sense the challenge in her words and he wouldn’t be outdone. He smirked, allowing his fangs to show just a little“Do you want me to?” 

“No.” she answered with a shit-eating grin. She looked to see her husband standing up from the chair where he’d been sitting. Her smirked widened. 

“You asked if I knew how sharp your fangs were, are you willing to… put your money where your mouth is… So to speak? ” Clarence was calmer than he had any right to be as he sat in the vampire’s lap. 

Reid swallowed, he could smell the familiar scent of his childhood friend, it flooded his senses, the man was inches from him, he noticed a wooden stake in his hand and for a moment he wondered if this was a trick question. The Doctor opened his mouth to answer but his words failed him. 

The soldier saw how his friend's gaze moved from the wooden stake in his hand and then back to his eyes. He chuckled “That’s just for my protection. We can’t have you getting over-excited now, can we Jonny?” 

The vampire shook his head no, from the other man’s tone, he understood the game his friend was starting and he couldn’t find it in himself to deny the man “Do you want me to prove how sharp my fangs are, sir?” the question was asked quietly. 

The soldier nodded his head as he instructed the Ekon “Open.” 

Jonathan opened his mouth, his fangs elongated as he did so. Clarence seemed fascinated. The sharp end of the wooden stake was pressed against his chest, not enough to harm him, but enough of a threat for him to know not to push his luck. The human trailed the pad of his index finger from the Ekon’s gum and down his fang to the end. He could feel just how sharp they were. 

A hungry growl rumbled in the vampire’s throat, but he didn’t grab, he didn’t move, he didn’t even take his gaze away from the human, who trailed his way back up to the root of the tooth and then moved to repeat the action with the second one. 

Reid wanted to press down, just a little, just enough to prick his friend's finger. He didn’t. He refused to. He was better than that.

Clarence pulled his finger away as the vampire finally allowed his fangs to retract and he closed his mouth swallowing thickly “It seems you do have those things under control and they are indeed sharp… I even cut my finger. Do you want to help me, Doctor ?” 

The vampire nodded his head, taking the hint. His lips parted as he stuck his tongue out. His friend placed the pad of his finger against his tongue. He carefully wrapped the muscle around the digit bringing it further into his mouth as he started to suck. The wound wasn’t very deep, barely even a puncture to the surface of the skin, he could only just taste his friend’s blood. 

He didn’t release the digit until the man pulled it free. 

A snarl rumbled from the vampire’s throat, he bared his barely elongated fangs in a feral display noting that Clarence didn’t seem to mind. That thought shouldn’t be as appealing as it was. 

The former soldier tutted disapprovingly “That’s not going to earn you anything.” 

The Ekon made a show of licking his fangs, which made the man above him laugh “Are you thirsty?” he asked, mostly teasing. The Doctor simply nodded his head “Please… I won’t bite… I promise…” 

Clarence shifted his position and held his hand out in front of him “Show me those claws.” 

Reid did as he was asked, shadows and blood swirled around his fingertips forming sharp claws. The former soldier took hold of the Doctor’s wrist and used the very tips of those monstrous claws to break the surface of the skin at his wrist just enough to make it bleed. 

Jonathan’s eyes seemed to light up at the sight, a shudder making its way down his spine but he waited. Clarence seemed pleased by the display. He placed the slowly bleeding cut in front of the Doctor’s lips as he said “Go on… But remember, no teeth. If I feel those fangs of yours even scrape me, there will be no more blood for you. Do you understand?” 

“Yes sir.” he replied, although it was partially muffled as his lips latched onto his friend's wrist, licking and sucking greedily. Human blood was so much sweeter, so much richer than rat blood and his best friend was allowing him to taste his. A man who, just over two months ago, had been absolutely terrified of vampires was allowing him to feed from him. 

The thought thrilled him and he almost took hold of the man’s wrist. He stopped himself, placing his hands behind his back. He pulled away just enough to ask for something “Take my tie… Use it… Tie my hands together.” 

No one in the room was fooled. Should the Ekon feel so inclined, a simple piece of cloth wouldn’t stop him from grabbing either of the humans and doing what he wanted. But if this would help the vampire with the illusion of being kept under control, who were they to deny him. Venus pulled the vampire’s tie free and tied it as tightly as she could around his wrists. 

He didn’t even flinch. The wound had stopped bleeding but he was still licking and sucking as if he could get it to give him more. 

The soldier eventually pulled his wrist away as he threaded his fingers through the Doctor’s hair in a gentle caress, the man pressed into the touch with a purr “You did so well, Jonny. Not even a scratch.” 

The Ekon assumed that the praise was aimed directly at him, a compliment to his self-restraint and not just a part of the game they were currently playing. He nodded his head, the taste of Clarence’s blood was in his mouth, clinging to his tongue. He desperately wanted more but he wouldn’t harm his friend… He would never. The soldier had already been more than generous to trust him in such a way. 

“If you want more… I think you’re going to have to prove to both of us that you deserve it. Can you do that, Jonny?” the human asked the other man. The good Doctor nodded his head replying, sounding strained “Yes, sir… Whatever it is, I'll do it.” 

Venus smirked, as she came to join the two men “Let’s move this to the bedroom boys. We have a lot of work to do if Jonny here is going to earn his reward.” 

The two men nodded in agreement, Clarence got off the Ekon and released the tie from his wrists so he could walk upstairs. The former soldier had no doubt in his mind that having his hands tied behind his back was no problem for the vampire but he still didn’t want his friend to trip and not be able to catch himself. 

In the bedroom of the Crossley couple, the Ekon was instructed to undress himself. He did as he was asked, slowly making a pile of his discarded clothing on the floor. 

Once he was naked Venus led the vampire over to the bed and encouraged him to lay down “Wrists together above your head pressed against the bedposts.” 

He did as he was asked, as he saw that Clarence must’ve handed her the tie. The Doctor’s scarlet tie was secured around his wrists as she took another, a green one. One that he recognised as Clarence’s. She tied that one around his already bound wrist to force the Ekon to keep his hands above his head. He tested how well it was tied, tugging lightly, mildly surprised “I suppose we should keep in mind that ties make pretty good binds.” 

“Only because you want them too.” she teased. He looked a little flustered at that. But it was the unspoken truth between the three of them. Jonathan was giving himself to the Crossley couple, he was allowing himself to be the weaker party, to do as he was told because he had been told… As a vampire, it would be more than easy for him to refuse, to fight back, to do whatever he wanted. 

Clarence came over to the bed and kissed his wife roughly. She was teasing the Doctor’s nipples as her husband started to undress her. 

The former soldier’s nimble fingers made light work of the woman’s dress fastenings and the piece of clothing was thrown in the general direction of the Doctor’s clothes. He removed her corset next. It took a little longer to release that particular item of clothing. It joined the dress. 

Venus removed her husband's shirt and the vampire let out a whine when her hands left him. She tutted as she teased “Impatient.” 

It was at this point that he noticed both of the Crossleys had silver crucifixes around their necks. Luckily for him, the cross only held power over him when being used to defend oneself against a vampire. They weren’t new items… He recognised them, seeing as once upon a time, they had all followed the faith they had been born into… They were gifts, a matching set in fact. Given to them on their wedding day by Jonathan himself. 

Clarence removed his own trousers, before turning his attention back to the Doctor. He noticed that even as a vampire, it didn’t seem to stop the man from getting worked up from just watching the two Crossleys get undressed. He did however notice just how pale he was, ivory skin seeming to absorb the amber light of the close-by lamp, it didn’t make the man look any less dead. 

The soldier took in a breath as he let it out slowly “What should we do now we have him like this? He does want to earn the right to his reward after all…” 

Venus nodded her head grinning as she answered “I want to see you ride him.” 

Jonathan could have moaned at the mere thought. For a moment, he saw his friend look at him “I ask this in the nicest way possible… How cold are you?” 

The vampire snickered “Hard or not, my prick is still as dead as the rest of me.” 

He nodded his head surprisingly not deterred. He searched his bedside table until he found the petroleum jelly. The soldier turned his attention to his wife as he said “Could you work to open me up?” she nodded her head, taking the pot of lubricant from her husband and coating her fingers. 

The former soldier wrapped his fingers around the Ekon’s cock, as his wife’s fingers tentatively pushed inside him he slowly stroked up. Both men moaned and he could hear the smirk in Venus’s voice “What an excellent idea, my dearest.” 

The woman worked carefully, one finger moving inside her husband, each time she moved, Clarence moved his hand in a similar motion up and down the bound man’s cock. The vampire was clearly enjoying the sensation, his hips trying to buck to get more friction. The soldier didn’t let him. 

When the finger inside her husband moved a little easier, she added a second, her pace increased and so did Clarence’s. The new speeds seemed to be appreciated by the Doctor who cursed under his breath. The headboard creaked and Clarence stopped only for a moment as he said firmly “Please, don’t break the bed.” 

The vampire nodded with a light laugh “I’ll do my best.” 

Venus’s fingers were slimmer than Clarence’s own, so it wasn’t as full as he normally felt when he worked himself open. He honestly hadn’t been expecting a third finger but he couldn’t say that it wasn’t appreciated. His breath shuddered and his eyes rolled back “You’re so good at that, dear…” 

She smiled “I do my best.” 

He was jerking the vampire's cock in a steady rhythm. The man was arching under him. Feeling as though he was ready he slowly pulled away from his wife’s thrusting fingers as he started to line himself up so he could ride the Doctor. 

Thankfully because of how he’d been tending to the vampire, his member had warmed from his usual deathly chill to a not quite human warmness, but close enough that he didn’t shiver from the cold as he slowly lowered himself onto the Doctor’s cock. 

Jonathan was thicker than he was, it wouldn’t be the first time he had taken the man’s cock but it had been a considerable amount of time. Even when he’d been in the trenches he hadn’t joined in with any of the other men, mainly because he didn’t trust them. Not the way he trusted Jonny. 

When he was fully seated on the vampire, he had to give himself a moment. He felt the man below him roll his hips and he was going to tell him off until the Doctor explained “My leg was in an awkward position… S-Sorry, sir…” from the look on the Doctor’s face the apology was genuine. Venus too nodded her head, as if to confirm the other man’s words. 

He nodded his head, seeming to accept the answer “Don’t do it again or you won’t be getting your reward.” 

While he sat there getting used to the thickness that was filling him, he toyed with the Doctor’s nipples. A decision he was rather glad he made as the man keened low in his throat.

It took a lot of self-control for the good Doctor not to roll his hips. He could feel how tight the man above him was and he wanted more than anything to move, to fill him better, to fuck the former soldier as he had done so many times before. But he refused, if he could resist his blood-lust, he could resist this. 

When Clarence rolled his hips as he rose slowly Jonathan moaned, a long-drawn-out sound that was almost enough to make the dark-haired male dizzy. He cursed under his breath, a little too distracted to notice that the vampire’s claws were starting to form. 

Reid didn’t notice his claws, not even when he clenched his fists. 

Clarence’s eyes were closed as he rather quickly picked a steady rhythm in which to move himself on the other man’s cock. Venus was sitting on the bed, leaning back against the pillows, touching her clit as she watched the display. 

Jonathan was filled with the scent of both of his friends, their arousal, he could hear each beat of their heart, each moan, each little breath, it truly was intoxicating. He hadn’t realised that he’d been pulling against the ties that held him. He didn’t notice that one slipped loose. 

He wanted to hold the man above him and encourage him to ride him faster, he wanted to make Clarence feel good. 

Blinded by desire for a single moment, he pulled his hands free of the final tie that was holding him moving to a sitting position as his hands took hold of the former soldier’s hips, a growl rumbled in his throat, he now realised that his claws were showing. Both Crossley’s stopped and he noticed how anxious the man above him was. 

Clarence always enjoyed riding Jonathan or simply having the other man fuck him. Consumed by just how good it felt to have the man inside him, he didn’t hear the ripping of his tie. 

What alerted him that something was wrong, was the beastial growl that was far too close to him, the pin-pricks of claws against his exposed hips. He stopped his motions, eyes opening swiftly. The Doctor was watching him with want in his eyes and for a full moment, the soldier worried about just exactly which want was on the Ekon’s mind. His heart leapt in his chest. He noticed Venus in his peripheral vision reaching for the silver necklace around her throat. 

Reid let go of the man immediately, he held his hands up in a placating manner and swallowed thickly “I-I’m sorry… I wasn’t-” he knew what both of the Crossley’s were probably thinking. He ducked his head “I promise I wasn’t going to bite, I-I just-...” the Doctor’s throat closed on him and he was sure he was going to start crying. He’d ruined the night for all three of them. 

Venus shuffled across the bed, placing a warm, comforting hand on the vampire's shoulder “If you don’t tell us what happened, we can’t help you. I-If you say that you weren’t going to bite, we believe you, Jonny.” 

The former soldier nodded his head “Jonathan, if I can literally use your claws to make a cut on my wrist that you licked clean. I trust that you weren’t thinking about killing me.” 

The Doctor nodded his head, if he were still human, he would have been bright red “I was just-... Everything felt so good and… I was thinking about holding your hips as you rode me… Th-That’s all, I promise.” the woman to his left kissed his cheek. She was smirking a little “Sounds to me like someone was getting impatient, don’t you agree Clarence?” 

The man nodded his head, he seized the Ekon’s wrists with one hand and forced the man to lay back against the bed. The vampire gasped, caught off guard. Clarence was leaning over him with a look of disapproval in his eyes “So what I’m hearing is that you’ve forgotten what happens when you don’t listen to our instructions?” 

Jonathan swallowed around the lump forming in his throat, while he wanted nothing more than to continue where they’d left off, he still had some doubts “You’re both sure about this? I would understand if you both decided that it wasn’t safe.” 

The look in the former soldier's eyes softened “Jonny, you said you weren’t going to bite. Wanting to hold my hips while you fuck me, isn’t a bad thing.” he released his hold of the Doctor’s wrists. The Doctor pulled his hands to his chest, fidgeting a little “Do you want to continue?” Clarence asked, trying to meet his friend’s gaze.

“Do you really need to ask that?” Reid snickered chuckling to himself with a raised eyebrow “Have either of you ever had to talk me into sex before this? I just-... Your comfort in this situation matters more than mine, both of you have more to lose than I do.” 

“All of our comfort levels matter, dear Jonathan.” Venus corrected. 

Clarence helped the other man to sit up again, encouraging the Doctor to rest his hands on his hips “Try not to scratch me with those claws too much, alright, Jon?” 

Of course, Reid noticed that his friend’s tone had softened, he nodded his head with a small smile “Alright, but don’t be afraid to ask me to stop or pause or-” both Crossley’s laughed softly as they assured the Doctor that should the need arise, they would stop him. 

As the former soldier started to move again, Jonathan made sure that he didn’t actually scratch the man with his claws. The human above him shuddered “I keep forgetting just how cold your hands are.” he was smiling despite himself and the vampire chuckled back “Being undead does that, unfortunately.” 

“Does this count as necrophilia then?” Venus mused with a laugh. Joking to try and ease some of the Ekon’s remaining tension. 

Both men turned to look at her, it was clear that they both considered the question “Technically speaking, while I am ‘ clinically ’ dead, lacking any signs of life such as a pulse, the need to breathe. I am able to walk, talk, move around, etcetera… Necrophilia is classified by ‘ desecrating ’ or ‘ defiling ’ a corpse that can’t consent.” his reply was factual, as any of his replies were. But that was probably just a Jonathan thing. 

Clarence made an over-exaggerated groaning noise “Are we really talking about this?” 

“Is it not an important question, legally speaking?” the Doctor asked. The former soldier raised an eyebrow as he countered “Could a court classify you as dead, legally?” 

“Well no-” he started and paused as he thought about it. 

“Could they even classify you as human?” it seemed like a rather important question now that the three of them were considering the topic. 

Reid didn’t actually have an answer, he blinked confused “I-I don’t know… Does that mean that this could be classed as Beastiality?” 

Venus rolled her eyes “Boys!” part of her regretted the initial joke. 

They all stopped, looking at the woman, sheepish. She let out a sigh “Shall we pick up where we left off?” they all nodded in agreement. 

Jonathan brought his mouth to the former soldier's chest as his lips latched to one of his nipples, licking and flicking at it with his tongue. The man above him groaned as his eyes fluttered close “You’re too good at that, Jonny. Don’t stop.” 

The vampire hummed his agreement as the other man started to move on his cock again. For a moment, he almost tightened his hold on the man’s hips but he restrained himself. 

Clarence could feel how sharp the Doctor’s fangs were and it was rather surprising that he didn’t end up accidentally hurting him. It just proved how much control Reid really had. 

Venus had started to touch herself again, as she spoke about how much she enjoyed watching the two boys ‘help each other’ . The dark-haired male smiled at the thought “Jon used to get so flustered when he wanted to ‘ relieve ’ himself but felt like he couldn’t ask… We soon fixed that, didn't we?” 

“Yes, sir?” the vampire pulled away just long enough to reply. He remembered that because it was viewed as taboo he had worried that maybe Clarence had wanted their ‘experiment’ to be a one-time thing. When he’d voiced that concern, the soldier had fucked him, hard, fast and brutal as he told the Doctor to tell him how good it felt. By the end of the night, Reid had been a rambling mess, left laid in the middle of Clarence’s bed. 

Clarence had picked up a rather fast rhythm again, as the Doctor moved from one nipple to the other, his tongue working on one, with a hand on the other only stopping to swap. Venus went from touching her clit to fucking herself with two fingers inside herself, as if to match the pace her husband had chosen. 

The human was panting, his heart was beating rapidly in his chest, he was starting to clench around the Doctor’s cock. Reid’s hands moved back to the former soldier's hips to help him keep his rhythm as he rode out his orgasm. 

Jonathan hadn’t expected to cum but the way that Clarence moaned his name as he clenched and shook above him, pushed him over the edge. His face was pressed against the pulse point in the other man’s throat and he was oh so tempted to bite. He didn’t, it took a lot of self-restraint, so much so that he had to pull himself away. 

The dark-haired male laid back on the bed and the good Doctor helped to ease himself out of his best friend. 

The Ekon’s claws finally receded as he smiled at his friend his hand cupping the man’s cheek as he panted, coming down from his high “Anyway I can help you?” the man shook his head no “Not right now, Jon… Might need help gettin’ to the bathroom in five minutes. I just need to catch my breath.” 

“If you don’t mind Jonathan…” Venus interrupted their conversation, they both turned their heads to see that the woman was still finger fucking herself. The vampire licked his lips, it was rare that the woman wanted Reid to touch her, not that she was averse to it, she just preferred to watch the good Doctor take care of her husband. 

He nodded his head “What would you like me to do ma’am.” there was a teasing grin across his features. She couldn’t help but smile back, as she opened her legs a little more in a silent invitation. 

Reid takes the hint, to start with he sucks several hard kisses into Venus’s thigh without even a hint of teeth, she hangs her head back, her fingers are still working inside her. 

A cold hand encourages her to move her hand as the Doctor inches closer, for a moment she’s unsure what he’s planning. But it becomes abundantly clear as he sticks his tongue out in a rather lewd display before slowly, teasingly, licking a stripe from where her hole is twitching to her sensitive clit. 

She was admittedly rather close after watching her husband and his friend. He works diligently over her clit. He sucks and kisses and flicks his tongue there, seeming to hang on the woman’s every reaction. 

Her fingers lace through the Doctor’s hair and tug harshly so he can’t move away, he slowly eases a finger into her as he continues to try and bring her to the brink. 

It doesn’t take long, she tugs at the vampire’s hair as he winces from the mild discomfort but he keeps moving his fingers in and out of her, he manages to pull away just enough to watch her, he wants to make sure he doesn’t accidentally hurt the woman somehow. 

The woman pushes the Doctor’s hand away and he takes the hint. Clarence crawls himself across the bed and covers his wife’s face in kisses as he tells her how much he enjoyed watching the woman unravel. She looks like she could fall asleep which gives the Doctor a sense of pride. He chooses to disregard that it’s rather late and neither of the Crossley’s live as nocturnally as he does. 

“We are definitely doing this again.” she comments breathlessly before looking at the vampire. He smirks lightly “How can I say no?” 

Clarence clears his throat “Considering how well you’ve worked tonight. I think you deserve your reward.” 

The Doctor opens his mouth to protest. The former soldier simply places a finger to the man’s lips, silencing him “I wouldn’t be offering if I wasn’t okay with this, Jonny.” 

It shouldn’t have been surprising that the man had read his mind. He was admittedly a little flustered. The good Doctor was sat cross-legged on the bed, the human rose to his knees and tilted his head to the side exposing his neck to the vampire “You deserve it, go on.” 

A hungry growl rumbled from the Ekon’s throat at the display. He had pushed his urges down all night for the safety of both the Crossley’s. But now he was being told he could, he wanted to argue but couldn’t find the strength. Besides, Clarence already said he could. 

The human had expected it to hurt more as the Ekon’s eager fangs pressed into him. The Doctor’s arms wrapped around him, cold, firm and yet strangely welcoming. He only whimpered at the initial pressure of the fangs breaking the skin, after that it was a rather weird mix of the tingling sensation of pins and needles as the blood was pulled through his body towards the wound and a numbness. 

Reid did his best to be as careful as possible, he fed slowly, his tongue lapping at the blood that ran from the wound as he pulled his fangs free. 

Eventually, he pulled away. The former soldier wobbled a little as the Doctor steadied him, he was using his blood sense to check the human over “Do you feel alright?” 

The man nodded with a dopey smile as he commented “I really need you to do that when you fuck me, next time.” 

Jonathan tried not to roll his eyes “We will see.”