Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A single black limo winds its way towards Heathrow airport.

The occupants are not here to catch a flight, or to meet somebody arriving on one. No. They are here, rather unfortunately, to retrieve a certain pair of someones from what is affectionately referred to as the drunk tank.

Stede has already called ahead, and they're waved in through one of the security entrances so they don't have to walk all the way through the main concourse. The limo pulls up; the MI5-approved driver waiting for them as Stede and Ed are met by a member of the British Transport Police, and escorted inside.

"I hope they haven't been too much trouble," Stede says to her, as she leads them along. Technically he's still quite drunk himself, though he feels stone cold sober now.

"Not really," the officer replies. She's a good foot shorter than either of them, but she looks like she could definitely take them in a fight. "A few sharp words and bits of posturing when we took 'em in, but since then they've been fine, if highly emotional."

"I cannot apologise enough for that," Ed tells her, nervously grooming his beard with one hand. "We had… a lot of big news, and a lot of high emotion. And a lot of cake. Shit… Stede, we should get Roach to bake 'em a cake to say sorry, shouldn't we? When he's sober. You guys like cake, don't you? Fuck. I'm not bribing you, I swear. I'm just really fucking drunk and tired and apparently now we're the disappointed parents for two guys the same fucking age as us…"

"…Yes, we like cake," the officer says, obviously trying to suppress a hint of a grin. "And trust me, compared to some of the people we have to haul in, those two really weren't a big deal. It was only the fact they immediately started citing friends in the police that got our attention. And… all the rhinestones."

"We still are terribly sorry," Stede concurs. "We'll take them off your hands at once, and make sure they don't do anything like it again."

The officer nods. "That would be appreciated. And maybe get them some couples' therapy. I think they need it."

At this point, they reach a heavy-set door to one of the holding cells, which the woman opens with a clunk, gesturing for them to go in. Inside, the cell itself is entirely bare and empty, with a couple of ledges for sitting or lying on, but no furniture that might be usable as a weapon.

And the instant they step in, Jack launches himself at Ed, wrapping his arms around the other man's shoulders. "Thank fuck. We're goin' insane in here."

'We' seems to be something of a loosely-applied term, however. Maynard is here too, but he's lying on the ledge against the far wall; curled up tight and facing away from them, and he doesn't move even a little. The visible tightness in his back and shoulders suggests he's very much conscious, though.

"You went insane a long time ago, you dumb fuck." Ed hugs him fiercely hard, then grabs his face in both hands and holds him at arm's length. "You scared the fuck out of us. Seriously. Don't do that to me. I just about got everything back together… you two need to realise – just – fuck, come here…"

Ed pulls him in again, shaking a bit as he hugs him. "It's gonna be okay, alright? We'll take you back to our place to sleep it off. And you don't go biting any nice transport police on the way out."

"I didn't bite nobody!" Jack protests. He looks, in the nicest possible way, like shit, and possibly like he may have been crying at some point as well, and would very much like it if no one commented on that in any way, shape or form. "And Robbie only said he could take 'em in a fight, he didn't actually do it, and…"

His eyes go to the still-unmoving rhinestoned ball in the corner of the room. "…Ed, I think I fucked up…"

Stede, meanwhile, paces over to said rhinestoned ball, dropping down on one knee and putting a hand on Maynard's shoulder. "Robert? Robert, are you alive?"

"…no." The response is quiet, and sullen, and heavy from a lot more crying. "Dead. Leave me."

"Robert, it's Stede and Ed. We've come to get you and Jack out of here. It's going to be OK."

"S'fine. I'll escape in the morning. When head stops… thing."

"You will not escape in the morning."

"Will. Done it before. Not here, but… will. Escaped from worse."

Ed tugs Jack as subtly as he can, to the other side of the room. He pulls Jack in as if hugging him again, so he can speak lowly in his ear. "Tell me what really happened. Not the bit you already did. Tell me why you got arrested in the first place. If I'm gonna help, I need to know why Maynard's acting like old Izzy."

Jack immediately closes off. "…don't wanna…" he murmurs. "Not… not a good idea."

Stede runs a hand over Maynard's shoulder. "Robert, talk to us. Please. I hope you know by now that we just want to help. Whatever's happened–"

"We wouldn't have got arrested in the first place if Jack didn't tip them off!" Maynard explodes, suddenly; turning and staring at them with anguished, red-rimmed eyes. "We were enthusiastic, sure, but plenty of people fly merry, right? No one argues s'long as they don't cause trouble. But he told them I was taking him to America to get married and he wasn't sure he wanted to, and that got 'em all suspicious and things escalated."

"I didn't say I didn't want to!" Jack exclaims. "I do want to! Of course I fucking want to! I just… I just maybe need a bit of time to get used to the idea, that's all!"

Oh… fuck.

"And you couldn't have told him that?" Ed asks, stepping back from Jack in annoyance. "You told the police? The fuck, Jack? You made them think he was fucking human trafficking you!"

He really, really, really wants to throttle him. He does. He wants to smack him around the head with anything available and make him apologise. "Right. Maynard? Get up. Your man is an asshole, and we're going to fucking fix this, okay? But we're going to do it where it's safe, and where we can look after the pair of you fucking morons. I should never have let you get out of my sight… fuck. Izzy was right…"

Maynard seems to respond to Ed's sharper tone more than Stede's softer one (maybe don't overthink that now) but he's still not quick to stagger to his feet. That might be due to drunken exhaustion, though. He looks at Jack again, clearly trying to say something, then gives a choke of pain and grabs hold of Stede; breaking down against his neck.

"Hey, hey, it's OK," Stede insists, rubbing his back. "It's going to be OK. You just need sobering up, filling with coffee, and time to talk this through."

Jack looks horribly conflicted. "I'm sorry, I am! I know I fucked up! I ain't… fuck, just get us out of here. Please?"

"We'll get through it. But we're doing it where we can keep you both safe, and make sure you don't fuck this up. Jack… you still love him, right? Tell him that. Tell him, and then we'll get you somewhere soft, warm, and sober. Nothing is broken we can't fix. It's going to be okay, but you're gonna need to sleep on it." Ed shakes his head.

"And Maynard? You probably need to think about how pissed the rest of us would be if you'd run off and not invited us, anyway. So you've been saved that argument. Now… you gonna let us get you in the car?"

Maynard pulls back from Stede but doesn't look up, giving a nod. "…Yeah," he manages. "Just… want to not be here."

"And I do love you, Robbie," Jack gasps, suddenly. "I do. And I wanna get married, just… just maybe not so fast? It's… I'm…"

With a sob, Maynard throws himself back into Stede's arms.

"…just take us home…" Jack murmurs.

Ed nods. He goes to bang on the closed door, knowing there will be someone right there. "We're gonna take these two from here," he calls out. "And you should let us know what kind of cake you like." Which is totally not a bribe. But it is good cake.

***

The drive back is very quiet. Both men are supplied with water, in an attempt to stave off dehydration and speed up sobering. Sensing the need to keep them apart, Ed sits with Jack and lets Stede babysit Maynard. After a few distinctly 'no' looks from Ed, Jack doesn't try to speak much.

They need to be somewhere controlled before that.

It isn't Tim on duty, but someone who drew the short straw and got paid very handsomely for it, and they're understandably discreet when the four of them get in the lift to the middle floor of the polycule's apartment.

"There's two rooms, if you need the space. And there's the couch. The lads are downstairs and know you're here, so you don't need to worry about anyone walking in on you, or you on them," Ed says, as they get them through the door. "There's guest PJs, toothbrushes… you know the drill. Mini fridge and kitchen area there… you know your way to the loos and shit?"

"…not actually been on this floor before, but we'll work it out," Maynard says, dropping onto one of the couches and immediately curling into a ball again. "Sorry we caused you so much trouble. Never wanted that. 'Specially after… after everything."

"It's all right," Stede insists, sitting next to him and rubbing his back, trying to soothe him. "The important thing is neither of you are hurt." Physically, at least.

Jack sits on the couch opposite, giving Ed 'please don't fucking leave us' eyes, and looking like he doesn't know what the fuck to do. Except maybe go searching for the liquor cabinet.

"Do you feel ready to talk about it now, or do you need some time? Together, or with us keeping you each company?" Ed sits on the couch next to Jack, but closer to Maynard. "We're not gonna take sides. Not… based on who you are, anyway. If either of you says anything dumb, we'll call you on it. And… that sounded better in my head. Like… all either of us wants is for you two to work through this, and get back to the happy couple we saw before. Whatever that is, for you two."

"…we were happy!" Maynard exclaims, tears in his eyes again. "Tonight was everything, and you were all so damn nice when you didn't even have to be, and it was all perfect and then… then!" He waves an arm at Jack. "Then he gets cold feet and tells the fucking Transport Police instead of me!"

"I di'n't wanna upset you!" Jack replies. "I just… I'm not… fuck's sake, Robbie, we've only been exclusive for a few weeks! I need time to adjust!"

"Missing the nice boy from the typing pool, are we?" Maynard throws across. "Or was it the chick from Sales?"

"I ain't gonna apologise for having fun back when it was still allowed!"

"So I'm not fun?"

"That ain't what I mean, Robbie, for fuck's sake! You know what I mean!"

"Quiet, both of you," Ed barks, and it's the Voice, not Blackbeard. "You're both upset. And Jack did do something fucking stupid, but – no offence, Jack – you knew who the fuck he was when you hooked up with him, Robert."

Using his first name is very, very deliberate.

"Jack – for all he went about it dumb – is actually right here. And the fact that you're immediately worried he's about to leave you, or cheat on you, because he doesn't want to get married the same fucking day?" Ed fixes him with a look. "He hurt you. But if you act like this when he needs to talk or work things through, can you see why maybe he'd be scared to start talking to you? Especially when you're both drunk?"

Maynard looks like he's going to say something somewhat effusive, but then thinks better of it and sags, curling in on himself and nodding without meeting Ed's eyes. "…jus' thought we'd be happy…" he murmurs. "Like all of you. It's… I…"

He throws himself down against the couch and starts sobbing again, and doesn't respond when Stede tries to gently encourage him back upright.

"I wanna make this work, Robbie," Jack insists, clearly going for broke. "I do. I wouldn't've said yes if I didn't mean it. I just… need time to process, OK? But we're still engaged. I still want to do it. I promise."

"He's not gonna leave you. It's not a 'now or never'," Ed reassures the other man. "And – trust me – it will mean so much more if you work on it together. Anyone can get drunk and sign a piece of paper in Vegas. Don't you want to do all the cute shit? All the romantic bullshit? Even me and Stede didn't get married right off. And the time we did… we still had time to plan it. And that was a fucking emergency."

"And we were sober," Stede adds. "I was still lingeringly drug-hungover from when Chauncey Badminton tried to poison me, but… trust me, even if you're rushing because you're on the run and trying to wrong-foot MI5 itself, you still want space to enjoy it."

"Yeah, we could totally have a party and everything!" Jack enthuses, a little more brightly. "And… I don't know, outfits and cake and shit!"

"You absolutely could," Stede agrees. "And should. It's your special day, you should do it properly. And… do you want a wedding planner? I happen to be quite good at it…"

Maynard sits up sharply at that and smacks Stede – very lightly – on the arm. "Don't you keep being nice to us, Stede Bonnet, you're an absolute menace!" he exclaims, though there's no weight in his tone and it's clearly meant to sound affectionate.

"But a very polite menace," Stede counters. "So you can't get mad."

"He's also an excellent wedding planner. I mean, you saw the party we just had, right? Imagine one for you two. With no kids there." Ed rubs Jack's arm, reassuringly. "See, you both want this. You're both panicking because it's fucking massive. But you're panicking because it's fucking massive and it means that much to you. If getting hitched to you wasn't a serious commitment to Jack, he'd've just fucking gone along with it. Trust me. If it didn't mean anything really… back me up here, bro?"

"…s'true…" Jack murmurs, looking at his feet. "Didn't think I'd ever even settle with someone, much less marry 'em. But you… I don't wanna think about life without you. S'why I said I would give up the hookups, even though they were fun. You're more fun. And hotter."

Maynard breaks down again, but this time it's Jack's arms he throws himself into. "Just don't leave me, don't go, I don't know what I'd fucking do without you. Please. I'm sorry. I should never have suggested running away to Vegas. I just… I'm so fucking sorry!"

Jack wraps him in furiously tight. "At least you didn't run off to take up cage fighting this time."

"…cage fighting. Is this before, or after the black market helicopter sales?" Ed pats Maynard on the back, then moves to go sit with Stede and let them have the couch together. "You're both gonna be okay, and when you do get married, you're gonna fucking laugh about this. Like we laugh about the – admittedly amazing – glitter cupcakes we had to use for our shotgun wedding…"

"…before," Maynard murmurs, still buried in Jack's chest. "He came after me. He chased me when he had every reason not to. Twice. He's clearly insane."

"Yeah, well, you stayed with me when I was pissed off my tits and screaming about Chauncey-fucking-Badminton," Jack reminds him. "So… there."

They hug even tighter. It is… something of a relief.

"Those cupcakes were great," Stede enthuses, softly; curling in against Ed as the other man settles beside him. "We should get some again, for our anniversary in the summer. And linger over them this time."

"Oh, fuck yeah. We totally should. Even if yours are way better, those ones have sentimental value." Ed nuzzles Stede, chin over his head. "And for the record, I totally still loved our wedding. And our second wedding. And the boys'. And our polycule wedding…"

"See?" Stede says, with a little grin. "Good at wedding planning. And other events. And–"

Jack and Maynard are now making out. Rather emphatically.

"…take it to the guest room, you two. If Izzy catches you in here, he'll chase you with a spray-bottle."

"There's lube in there, too," Ed says, helpfully. "It's all sound-proofed. So if you need help, fucking ring me, don't shout."

"Gotcha," Jack declares, as he picks Maynard up and starts carrying him off.

"…I really am sorry about all this..!" Maynard calls, over Jack's shoulder.

"Brunch is at eleven-ish!" Stede replies, brightly. "Don't break the bed!"

"No promises!" Jack answers, seconds before the pair of them are through the door to the right-hand guestroom, kicking it shut behind them.

Stede collapses against Ed rather more. "…fucking hell, what a night…" he manages.

"You had to say eleven-ish… I'm too fucking wiped to do much now. How is everyone else getting laid but us?" Almost too fucking wiped. Now that he's thinking about it, Ed's body waves a tired hand. "I mean… we could probably slip in something fast and nasty… Unless you want me to just wake you up with my morning wood…"

"I'm game for fast and nasty," Stede agrees, with a grin. "You think we should check on the others first, or leave them to it? They might have passed out by now."

"Unless you want to do fast and nasty in front of them?" Ed quirks a brow. "If they're too shagged-out to join in, then they get a show. If they're passed out, we go back to ours…?"

Stede nods. "You're on."

Chapter Text

Stede had said brunch was at 'elevenish', but drunk-Stede is a lot more optimistic than hungover-Stede. Plus hungover-Stede has a headache, and does not want to get out of bed at all, and only agrees when tempted by Ed's reminder that they can 'order so many sausage sandwiches'.

Unsurprisingly, the trio also don't appear until well after twelve, at which point Stede is still trying to decide how many sausage sandwiches is too many, and whether some should have bacon as well.

"…I'm really going to have to get PharmaCorp L and D to work faster on the Ci+rUP re-launch," Stede murmurs, as he finalises the order. "The old stuff was great for hangovers and I'm sure that wasn't because of all the Hype."

"You did used to take it before the Hype," Lucius agrees. He's wearing sunglasses. Indoors. Because it looks cool, and not because he is now sensitive to light. "But you also didn't drink like this. You were a cheap drunk."

"How cheap?" Ed asks. "Because I've seen the price tags on the bottles…"

"Okay: low volume drunk," Lu concedes.

"I happen to be very robust," Stede insists. He isn't wearing sunglasses, but he's starting to wish he'd thought of that. He could activate all the electronic window-frosting and then turn off the lights, but possibly that would draw comments. "See? Look at how robust I am."

He's dropped his head onto the table. Robustly.

"If you're this bad, I can only imagine the state of our…" Izzy looks unimpressed, "…houseguests. Has anyone seen 'em yet? Do we know if they're even alive?"

"Not yet, but I'm sure they'll appear eventually," Stede replies, not lifting his head. "If they don't… we can draw straws to see who has to go look for them."

"Not 'it'," Izzy declares at once.

"I could text them and tell them there's food due. That… would give them time to put cl-- oh god. Oh god, they're going to need clothes or they're just wearing fucking pyjamas…" Ed drops his head back.

"You mean they can't just wear sequins all day?" Lucius peers over the top of his sunglasses. "What about a potato sack or something?"

"…I can find something to lend Maynard," Stede says. "But Jack's… uhm… taller." He lifts his head, so that he can give Ed a rather pleading look. "…Have you got anything that would work?"

"It's gonna be weird if they're dressed like the two of you," Pete points out. He's not trying to stir, just… making a very valid point.

"This is how it started." Ed pouts. A lot. "One night you're out partying, the next they're in your clothes and you're feeding them… we're not letting them in. Don't even think about it."

"Isn't he the one who was pushing for more contact?" Lu asks, half under his breath, aimed at his husbands.

"Not like this! Not pastries and robes!"

"I'm not trying to let them in!" Stede insists. "Not like that! I can be nice to people without trying to fuck them. I usually am! I'm very particular."

A beat. "Anyway, I didn't order pastries, I ordered sausage sandwiches. So… that's better, right?"

"Sausages," Pete repeats, pointedly.

Stede drops his head back onto the tabletop and leaves it there.

"Shall we leave a bag outside the door and tell them to come get it?" Lucius suggests. "Or do we need to make sure they're both intact and no one's bleeding out or – I don't know – somehow magically pregnant?"

"Even if either of them could be, I don't want to know how you'd check." Ed makes a face.

"…pee on a stick? I mean, Izzy has a lot of stuff in his bag. Not sure if pregnancy tests are amongst them?" Lucius doesn't want to turn his head much. It hurts too much.

"I don't think either of them can get pregnant," Izzy points out. "I realise medical science has achieved great things, but… not on them. So that's a mercy. They're not someone I'd trust with a human child. Or an animal one. I barely trust them with each other."

"If you put together the care package, I'll deliver it," Pete declares. "I'm not scared of those two."

"You should be. Maynard was crying." Ed shudders. "Jack was actually the relatively sensible one. If that doesn't terrify you, nothing will."

"I can handle Lucius when he's upset," Pete reminds them. "Compared to him, Maynard's a puppy. Besides, you just have to project and use your Lieutenant Voice. Or… Captain Voice, in your case."

"…rather you than me," Izzy murmurs, but doesn't argue.

***

It's a little while later when Maynard and Jack finally make an appearance, having been told – via text message – that the sausages have arrived. There's a knock at the door from the lounge, and Stede goes to let them in.

They look… let's be honest, like shit. They're both dressed in Stede and Ed's borrowed clothes (chosen to be the least 'like-them' from their wardrobes, but it's still disconcerting) and they look like people who drank far too much, cried a lot, and then didn't sleep for nearly as long as they should have.

They are, however, holding hands. So that's a good sign.

"Hey, you two," Stede says. "Come on in. And don't worry, we're all suffering as well."

"…I haven't been this hungover in months," Maynard groans. "Should it hurt this bad?"

"You get used to it," Jack shrugs.

"I don't want to get used to it. I want it to go away."

"Sausages help with that. And coffee. And sitting very still and not talking very loudly." Ed offers this advice with a small wave. "So, you didn't sign up to any cage fights after we left you? Not planning any midlife crises? Because my New Year's resolution is to have less fucking nonsense happen."

"I don't think you're allowed to tell the universe that, Ed." Much as Lucius would like. "But if anyone accidentally has some cocaine…"

"No! No cocaine!" Stede exclaims. "No cocaine for anybody!" He leads the other two over to the breakfast table, waving them into the two extra chairs that have been added, and then settles as well; resisting the urge to drop his head back down.

"And no, no cage fights," Maynard replies, quietly. He looks… 'sullen' isn't the right word, because he's not radiating any kind of anger or resentment. More like he wants not to be perceived at all. "Might be having a midlife crisis. Hard to tell." A beat. "Sorry about last night."

"Is it at least funny in part of the story?" Lucius tries. "Or will it be funny in twenty years, when you're really fat and old and grey? Because… it looks like you came back in one piece. And I didn't hear about any criminal charges, or diplomatic incidents…"

"This time."

"That was you and Izzy," Lu reminds Ed.

"…fair."

"Might be funny eventually," Jack manages. "Kind of… still raw now. But…" He looks sideways at Maynard. "…doing better?"

Maynard gives a nod. "Yeah. Just… yeah. Still feel like I might die. Got poisoned by the Yakuza in Tokyo once and I swear this hurts more."

"You let Maggie pour you fucking drinks, didn't you?" Ed narrows his eyes. "And me, but you fucks had more. You probably need a damn tox-scan. God knows what the fuck was in those…"

He turns to Izzy. "Would it help? Should we take some fucking… antidote, antivenom, or – well – whatever wasn't illegal in Stede's orange shite?"

"They're not dying, they're hungover," Izzy points out. He's hungover too, after all, though he doubts he's suffering as much as their houseguests. "What they need is food, hydration, and more sleep."

"And shooting," Maynard grouses.

"Robert, no," Stede chides. "Come on, now. Have some nice sausages. You'll feel better."

Jack giggles. Stede gives him a look.

"If you don't behave, you'll be force-fed sausages and told off." Ed makes a face. "And I want you both to think about how the fuck you feel now when you do get to your actual wedding and you drink too much and then have to deal with the day after."

"Wait, we're still having a wedding?" Lucius perks up.

Maynard gives a soft little sniffle and nods, still not meeting anyone's eyes. "Yep. Eventually."

"We are!" Jack says. He's rather brighter, probably due to being more used to drinking quite so hard. "With cake and cool outfits and everything."

"I'm going to help organise it," Stede tells Lucius. "On account of my stellar track record." And these two being cripplingly useless at operating in normal society.

"Well, I didn't even get to say congratulations yet, so… congratulations." Lucius is still feeling achey, so he's not particularly bright about the words, but he is trying. "Did Ed and Stede have to smack you much last night? Or… do you want to pretend it didn't happen?"

Because either could be right, and he has no clue which.

"…both," is Maynard's answer. "We… I… needed it." He makes a visible effort to mellow a little; curled around the coffee he's nursing. "For the record, I'm grateful. You didn't have to do that."

"Of course we did," Stede replies, but gently. "You're part of our mad extended family now. We're not going to abandon you." He reaches over, putting a hand on Maynard's arm and trying to get the man to meet his eyes, even for a moment. "I'm not Daniel, you know."

"…yeah, I know. But… still grateful you got us out of there."

"I thought you were 'going to escape in the morning'?" Stede pushes, with a tiny smile.

"…yeah. Was. And could. Just… better not to have to." Maynard goes back to hiding in his coffee.

"I want to hear how." Lucius is determined to make it a nicer conversation, because the pair of them have to be embarrassed enough as it is. "Last time we had to escape-escape, I ended up with my head in the ceiling and stuff and… well. Oh – oh wait… do they know about your stupid fucking bastard pigeons, Pete?"

"They do not need to know about--"

Lucius snaps his fingers at Ed. "And Stede Bunnet. Come on. They can laugh at you drunk idiots and then they can laugh at themselves. Our wedding got delayed because of Pete and his passport faux-pas. The sooner these two realise it's par for the course, the sooner they can stop feeling bloody sorry for themselves and realise it'll just be a funny fucking story that might leave them with PTSD but they can dine out on it."

"Stede Bunnet?" Maynard repeats. "That's… did you dress as a rabbit or something?"

"No, no, this was an actual rabbit," Stede replies. "Pete, you should tell this one, you were on the secret mission…"

Pete goes a little pink. "For the record, Ed and I were wasted that night, too, so you shouldn't feel bad. We were in Vegas and we saw this wizard, so… we sort of decided to break in and steal her bunny, in case he wasn't happy. Only he was, so it was OK when we had to give him back."

"That wasn't the only thing you liberated, though, was it?" Izzy pushes.

"…there were also three doves." Pete goes even more sheepish. "They… got out. In the hotel room. They… were a bit agitated."

Maynard can't help a little laugh at that. "Oh fuck, that's cute," he says, with the first hint of a smile. "And… 'Stede Bunnet'?"

"Ed named him that after Human Stede, because he missed him," Pete answers. "Because he was at a poker game that… actually kicked off the whole Inaltus-thing, though none of us knew that at the time. And the bunny liked Human Stede rather too much, and ended up in bed with him at one point."

Now Jack laughs too. "You woke up in bed with a fucking rabbit?"

"Yep," Stede says, wryly. "Gave me a shock, I can tell you."

"He fell out of bed," Pete adds, helpfully.

"And those winged vermin shat all over our suite," Lucius says. "This was Hornberry's hotel, so at least the staff didn't rip us a new one. But we got to see the 'secret mission' on the surveillance tape before it got destroyed. So… honestly? What you did was pretty fucking tame. But I do want to hear about it. And I want to hear about your grand, stupid, romantic vision of a drunken Vegas shotgun wedding. And then I want you to laugh at it and realise it was your dry run, your undressed rehearsal…"

"They were still dressed when we found 'em," Ed corrects Lucius. "And as far as I could tell, Maynard hadn't bitten anyone's ankles."

"Shhh, that was part of the escape plan," Maynard says, lightening up a little more. The coffee – and lack of judgement – seems to be helping. "And… I mean, we didn't exactly get far, did we?"

"We were just gonna go fuck in a closet," Jack chips in, helpfully, in between demolishing a sausage sandwich. "Only then Robbie joked we should run off and get married, and then I said yeah and he said yeah, and I said yeah again, and then he said oh, like… ohhhh, when you work something out. And then I said where, and he said we should go to Vegas like you guys, 'cause you were all so happy and shit. So we got in a taxi and said 'Vegas', and the driver gave us this look," Jack tries to replicate the look but just ends up looking vaguely confused, "and took us to Heathrow instead. And we were like ohhhh again, but both of us this time, because you need a plane to go to Vegas."

He pauses. "…Then I panicked because maybe it was too fast and what if we fucked it up and what if I'm not ready and I fuck it up, and look at him, you don't risk fucking that up. So I… said some things to one of the officers. I thought we'd just get arrested and they'd send us home and we could plan it better! I didn't think she'd start asking Robbie all sorts of awkward questions, and…"

Now Jack trails off, looking at Maynard. "I really am fucking sorry."

"…Oh," Maynard says, sounding like his heart is breaking but in a good way.

"Did… did she actually think you were human trafficking him? Into an enforced marriage?" Lucius is trying very, very hard not to laugh. "Oh god… did you even have passports on you? And which would you even use? Were you being all American?"

Ed nudges Stede's knee under the table with his own, trying to suppress an outburst of amusement and briefly catching Izzy's eyes which makes it even harder.

"…shit, we didn't have passports," Maynard breathes. "Fuck, no wonder they were looking at us funny from the start. I… may have gone Texan as well, I'm not quite sure…"

"Oh, you did," Jack says. "And way broader than usual. Even threw in a couple of 'bless your heart's when things got heated."

That makes Maynard go bright pink and try to hide in his coffee again. "…shit…"

"Nah, don't worry, it was hot," Jack insists. "Then you said you could wrassle 'em with your knees, and that's when the nice lady pulled out her nightstick…"

By this point, Stede is giggling. Izzy isn't giggling, but he does look more amused than he should, and Pete is strenuously trying not to make eye-contact with anyone.

"Did… did you tell them how you lasso'd a gator to win his heart… and shot him when you met him the first time?" How Ed gets the words out without creasing up is a minor miracle and may be due to him pinching his own leg, using the pain to keep some of the hysterics at bay. "You fucking idiots… even if Jack hadn't said anything, they were gonna dump your asses in the tank overnight. Just to make sure you didn't aspirate on your own vomit."

Ed nods to Izzy. "We've had to bang up plenty of other coppers for their own safety when they got too merry. Fuck… Iz had me in at least twice. Think I bit you one of the times…"

"You did," Izzy replies, with a wry shake of the head. "You tried to claim you were being friendly. I wasn't convinced."

"I don't think I mentioned the gator," Maynard says. "I… oh, I did tell them he shot me, though. I was trying to prove he liked me, or something? It did not go down well."

"Oh yeah, you said you'd show 'em the scar!" Jack exclaims. "They… were not impressed with that, either."

"…Fuuuuck, we were a total disaster, weren't we?" This seems to have finally dawned on Maynard.

"I'm afraid so," Stede answers, gently; still trying not to laugh too much.

"And you're both still sure you want to spend the rest of your lives together?" Ed asks, only slightly leadingly. In the same way of Moses and the liberated slaves.

Maynard and Jack exchange a look. There really is no denying that shared expression. "…Damn right I am," Maynard says.

"Hell, yeah," Jack concurs. "Just… y'know, at a sensible pace. And without threatening any Transport Police."

"…They said they'd tase us in the balls!" Maynard exclaims.

"That's why we surrendered," Jack adds, helpfully.

"Might have done the world a favour if they had," Ed rumbles, almost too quietly to be heard. "You two fucking morons are meant for each other. And if nothing else tells you that, I don't know what will."

"So is Izzy being best man?" Lucius can't help but throw out there. "Ed is obviously maid of honour. Pete looks nice in a frock, too. Not very feminine, but very cute."

"We… haven't exactly thought about the details," Maynard points out. "As you… may have guessed from all the…" He gives a wave of the hand clearly meant to encapsulate the previous night. "But we will."

Izzy gives Lucius a 'don't pull me into this madness' look, but wisely doesn't comment out loud.

"You don't have to rush," Stede reminds them. "But you might want to at least start considering a guestlist, so you know how big of a venue you want. I… forgive me, I'm not sure if I've ever asked, but what family do you have?"

Jack shrugs. "I ain't got no blood-kin. Not since my dad passed. But Robbie's got two half-sisters."

"Oh fuck, there's more of you?" Izzy exclaims.

"Don't worry, they're much more sensible," Maynard replies.

"Izzy should probably give Maynard away, anyway," Ed decides. "We don't need to use the d-word, though. And you're gonna owe him so, so much." Ed waits for that to get picked up, because he is very obviously waiting for the yes, and?

"…Owe him?" Maynard says. "I am?"

"Edward, what are you getting at?" Izzy pushes, possibly with a slight growl.

"Because right now, the only people who know about this?" Ed waves, indicating the two of them. "Are us, and some Transport Police you're going to deliver some apology cakes to. And possibly pizza, or something. For messing them about on New Year's. On the worst damn shift of the year."

"Ed…" Lucius sounds dubious.

"And you'd hate if it was Izzy who broke the news. Pete has had his phone confiscated already. But it would be an awful shame if Izzy was the one to let – say – Jackie and the squad know…"

"…OK, I get you're trying to blackmail us, but what exactly for?" Maynard asks. "It's not as if this is going to stay a secret. Even I got the texts when those three got engaged, and you didn't even like me then!"

"That's not fair. We liked you a bit. We just thought you were a smug twat and trying to steal my husband." Ed shrugs. "I'm just saying… Izzy's been very nice about all of this. So… you owe him a favour at some point. Yeah?" Though Ed may be laying it on a bit thick to get Izzy some gloating space over them, and a bit more leverage if Jack starts acting out at some point. "Nothing more sinister."

"I am very happy to do Izzy a favour," Maynard replies. "I happen to quite like him."

"Don't you start!" Izzy exclaims, though without any weight. "And for the record, I'm still gonna be watching you like a hawk."

"You should watch him like a hawk when he does topless tai chi," Jack stage-whispers to Izzy. "It's really hot."

"…Not helping, Ceej," Maynard says, with a shake of the head.

"Everyone saw him topless. And you. And Pete. And…" Lucius points around. Everyone but himself and Izzy misbehaved there. "And both of you were all over Ed and Stede allllll night."

"Oh shit." Ed suddenly has a flash of memory. "…did I tell you I loved you? Oh fuck."

"Oh, you did," Maynard answers. "You told me you loved me, and you told me you'd say that even if you were sober, and at one point I got upset and apologised for everything that happened in Florida, and you just hugged me more and called me 'little baby spy' and said I was as bad as your husband. It was… so cute."

Now Ed goes face-down on the table.

"Did anyone else have any major revelations?" Lucius asks. "I had to protect Izzy from Jack and Ed and a threesome dance."

"When you could peel yourself away from the lesbians." Ed is not moving from his slump, ears red.

"I danced with Jack for a while," Stede points out, unfazed. "Mostly so Robert could dance with Ed."

"Which was hot," Jack enthuses.

"You are not wrong," Stede concurs, aware he's just agreed with Jack Rackham. "You need dancing lessons. Don't worry, I know a guy. Robert, on the other hand… appears to have some experience."

"He went undercover as a stripper for three months once," Jack stage-whispers. "He can hang upside-down from a pole by his thighs."

"He nearly hung upside-down from my husband by his thighs!"

"Consensually!" Maynard insists, going pink again. "Ed said we had to dance sexy to make you jealous. So we did!"

"…I think it worked," Pete murmurs.

"Considering the nasty fuck when we got those idiots talking," Ed rumbles, risking a sly look up at Stede. "It definitely worked. And… I was trying to fucking wingman those two. Just… did it a bit too well."

"Let's also not forget that Pete was MIA for half the night. I do not know how your brother could possibly be more interesting than the rest of us…" Lu fixes him with a Look.

"We don't often get time to hang out!" Pete insists. "And we were with various members of the squad most of the time. We were good! Other than… maybe helping Roach and Frenchie with the bingo cards…"

"Of course you're their man on the inside," Izzy says, unsurprised. "You had to be. They know too much!"

"…They might know more now," Pete has to add. "But most of it was only relevant to last night. I'm not betraying confidences. Just… sharing hints."

"Pete." Lucius does not have the same Voice that the captains do, but he can – when needed – growl. "What did you tell them? You know Izzy will torture it out of you if you don't confess right away…"

A pause. "And he also can't do that until our houseguests leave, which will mean it's even worse."

"I was good!" Pete protests. "I'm always good! I just… they'd done bingo cards especially for the party but so much was going on that several people had finished theirs before it was even midnight. So… I helped them come up with a few things for the second round. And for the record, I totally called the sexy-dancing. Plus I made them put 'Maynard proposes' in the centre-square. Made several people's night."

"…You knew?!" Maynard looks surprised.

Pete gives an easy shrug. "I suspected."

"Babe." Lucius leans over, and pats Maynard's arm. "A blind, half-dead goat could tell. A group of very good cops and spies? You were basically leaking out all over the place. It was embarrassingly obvious."

"You also did kinda ask me for permission, even if you didn't realise it. I can see how you being fucking goo-goo eyes would make you… uh… not very self-aware. Because you were." Ed smiles, fondly. "Why the fuck do you think I spent so much time building you both up?"

"I… did?" Maynard looks like he's enduring the Mortifying Ordeal of Being Known. "…Oh. I didn't… consciously… know until just before midnight. Then I did. And then I was… oh."

"It's all right," Stede tries to reassure him. "These things are harder to see when you're in the middle of them."

"And hey, now you know you do have their permission," Jack points out. "Otherwise they'd've kicked your ass instead."

"You were… kinda asking for him, but also to make sure you could do it at our party." Ed grins. "Pete wanted to do the same, you know. That's when he proposed to Lucius. Izzy… didn't do it in public. But it was still fucking cute."

"…I am not cute," Izzy says. "But… that moment was close."

"It was cute, Iz," Pete insists. "Even you are 'allowed' for things like that."

"I really wasn't trying to cut in on your party," Maynard adds. "I didn't plan it. But… it just… it was just right. And… and I guess I must have got the sense that you'd be OK with it, so… so I went for it."

"He asked me to go steady when we were locked up at the Beacon," Jack says. "I think he reacts to the big emotions."

"And he's a cheap fucking drunk." Ed's eyes are amused again. "But… y'know. Risk of losing shit can really bring it into focus just how much it matters. And the pair of you… if your 'best' examples are us five… you really don't have a normal frame of reference."

"How soon did you propose to Stede?" Lucius nudges.

"…shurrup."

"And do we count the unofficial ones as well as the--"

"Look, when you find the right one – ones – you just… know, okay!" Ed is too hungover for this.

"Plus it was both of us," Stede adds. "I asked him to move in the same night we got together. He'd practically moved in already, but I wanted to make it official. And then it was only a day or so later when he implied he'd propose, and I said he had to do it properly."

"Sometimes you just know," Pete concurs, with an affectionate smile at both his husbands. "Just like Ed says. Which is why I put it on the bingo cards. I could tell you knew."

"Show them the ring," Lucius says to Stede. "The one he got you. He did it in front of the whole squad, you know…"

"No, don't make me look like the ridiculous fucking cheapskate, broke-ass bitch I was." Ed winces. "Go back to teasing them."

"Don't be ridiculous, you know I love it," Stede insists; fiercely adoring, and he brandishes the ring he still wears alongside his wedding band: with the sparkly stone, and the little unicorn horn. "It means the world to me."

"Oh fuck, that's so cute," Maynard says. "I'd clocked it from a distance but didn't realise it was your engagement ring. It's so adorable, and…" He starts tearing up. "…God, you guys love each other so much, it's just… just so good, and… wait, Jack, I need to get you a ring!"

"You do?"

"Yeah! To make it official! I totally have to!"

Jack looks weirdly touched. He's clearly letting his guard down around the rest of them a little. "…I mean… I could go for that, if… if you want to."

"Aw, I thought you'd already given him a cock-ring," Lucius drawls. "Considering how well he kept it in his pants last night." This is actually meant as a compliment, though he realises the bitchy tone might make it seem otherwise.

"And see, you got loads of shit to look forward to, now." Ed might be tearing up as well, and shuffling closer to Stede. Maybe. It's the hangover.

"Yeah, but the cock ring don't show," Jack replies, with a grin and a wink. "And I can behave. Ish."

Stede reaches to take Ed's hand, aware he's getting emotional. "Ed's right," he says. "So you should start thinking about how you want to do it, so I can work on the planning, and–"

"Wait, does this mean I get a bachelor party?!" Jack exclaims, the realisation visibly dawning.

"Of course, if you want one," Stede replies.

"Fuck, yeah!"

"Fuck, full stop." Lucius shakes his head. "Do you have a remote island we can put him on for that? One with very few laws? Or easily-bribed officials?"

"Maybe a sh--- uh, maybe not." Ed had been about to say 'ship in international waters'. But that's not an option any time soon.

"I'm sure we can come up with something suitable," Stede says. "Bonus points if no one gets arrested by the end."

"…said we were sorry…" Maynard murmurs, and then seems to realise something. "Wait, does this mean I should be having a bachelor party too?"

"'Less you wanna share mine," Jack replies.

"Does anyone else think it's a bad idea to let these two consume vast amounts of alcohol again?" Izzy cuts in. "And close to their wedding? Just me?"

"But we'll be sensible this time," Maynard insists, in a tone that suggests he's possibly trying to convince himself. "On account of… having worked stuff out already?"

"You have to do the pottery class thing," Ed insists. "Like. Making shit. Painting. Getting a spa day."

"That's very hetero-normative of you," Lucius accuses.

"No it isn't! It's hetero-normative if I say men can't do artsy shit!"

"But you're feminising one of them in the relationship!"

"Well… then they can make fucking beer steins together and then get wasted!" Ed huffs. "I was trying to prevent a war with them getting wasted, Lu."

"…OK, but… we could do something artsy?" Maynard says, now oddly soft. "And… uhm… relaxing? If… you know, if there were people who wanted to…"

"Oh, Robert, consider it done," Stede reassures him. "Besides, you're a Margarita Bestie now, so I'm sure we'll all be game."

"Bagsy going to the Margarita Bestie Bachelor Party!" Lu's hand shoots up. And then he winces, because that was too much movement.

"…can I do both?" Ed pouts. "I like both. It wasn't a fucking insult, you know."

"No reason not to do them on different nights," Stede points out.

"Stede, I think your husband is into me," Maynard stage-whispers, clearly joking.

"I think he's just hoping we might do naked pottery," Stede stage-whispers back.

"Naked pottery is a thing for people who see me naked only." Ed sticks out his tongue. "And that is not an invitation to drop my trousers, Maynard. I'm into art."

"I never implied anything to the contrary," Maynard replies, in the voice of a man who did, and knows it.

"I will work up some options," Stede promises. "Ones where we keep our clothes on. Unless it's a spa day, because then you have to wear the fluffy robes instead."

"…you'd get mud in the robes and that's gross." Lu wrinkles his nose. "Even if it's facemask mud. It is gross, and I don't care what anyone says."

"There will be no mud where it shouldn't be," Stede insists. "This is a classy plan."

"If they're making sexy teapots and shit, can we go paintballing?" Jack now asks, brightly. "'Cause that'd be fucking epic."

Izzy perks up. "If I get to shoot at you: yes. Absolutely."

"You're not allowed to just shot him in the crotch and head, Izzy," Ed warns. "Or tie him up first. In fact, maybe you should be on the same team…"

Jack grins. "Hey, he'd have to catch me first."

Izzy's eyes lock on him. "I'd catch you."

"Is it wrong I want to do the paintballing too?" Stede asks. "It sounds like fun."

"…This is just turning into an excuse for two full-size parties," Izzy points out.

Stede nods. "Yes. Yes it is." And he sees no problem with that.

"Technically we didn't get bachelor parties," Ed says, with a pointed look. "We got the honeymoon. Though we still need the polymoon."

"I don't think Stede Bunnet really counted as one for us, either, come to think." Lucius looks to Pete. "What do you think, babe?"

"We had the jacuzzi party," Pete replies, with a happy smile as he remembers. "That was great. Everyone was very friendly which is even funnier in hindsight. And we did all that cool stuff with the rope."

"I… will not ask questions," Maynard manages, becoming rather interested in his coffee again.

"Pete did a lovely bow." Ed may be stirring. A little. And kicking Izzy gently under the table. "We weren't dating." A beat. "Yet."

"…That night makes a lot more sense in hindsight," Izzy points out. "We were very…"

"…cute?" Jack tries.

Izzy gives him a Look. "Quiet, you."

"The bow was cute, though," Pete says. "Lucius' ropework was more competent than mine. I was going for the aesthetic."

"Maybe we should do that again," Lu suggests. "I mean. When we don't have company over and I can focus past my nose."

"And Pete, any time you want to stick bows on things, you go ahead and do it." Ed leans over to kiss his temple. "It looked fucking cute as all hell."

Pete beams, and goes a little pink.

Maynard looks around at them, and from his expression he's certainly reading the room. "I guess the two of us should stagger home," he says.

"Only if you promise not to try to run off abroad anymore," Stede replies, firmly. "You're under orders to behave."

"Don't worry, we're not gonna do that again," Maynard promises. "Besides, right now I think all I could do is collapse."

"Don't die, either," Izzy says. "There's paperwork."

"I knew you cared!"

"We'd have Mary asking questions. And probably Maggie." Lucius rolls his eyes. "Plus, if you die and Jack doesn't, she'll make a move on him in his grief. You don't want that, do you?"

Maynard grabs Jack's hand. Firmly. "I do not. I mean, I like her, she's a fucking badass, but not like that."

"Exactly," Stede says. "So behave."

This makes Maynard grin and give a (very sloppy) salute. "Sir, yes, sir."

Izzy's eyes narrow. "Don't you start, or I'm getting the spray bottle out!"

"That means he likes you really," Pete stage-whispers.

It does not. No. But… maybe Izzy will learn to tolerate them. Maybe.

If he has to.

And… it looks like he does.

Chapter Text

Crystal-white snow sparkles in the low, midday sun as a series of snowmobiles cut their way across the drifts towards the (unsurprisingly fancy) lodge complex that Stede has booked for the five of them, for their polymoon.

It is stunningly beautiful: white-tipped pines and glittering mountains in the distance, with the complex itself sitting close to a currently-frozen lake. Once they're checked in, they and their luggage are taken up to their private lodge, which is everything Stede has been dreaming of: gorgeous views (at least, when the winter sun is up) and a giant, roaring fireplace.

And… a bedroom that's been adjusted by special request to accommodate five.

"Isn't it wonderful?" Stede enthuses, once the five of them have been left alone. "I can't believe we're finally here."

"A bit cold, isn't it?" Ed quips, eyes struggling to settle in one place. There's just so much here. So, so much. "And how the fuck did you even find it… do you literally use MI5's assets and intelligence to work the whole world over for us?"

"Oh, he could use Inaltus for that, now." Lucius has a small, possibly-real sheepskin rug on his lap which he's petting and combing his fingers through. "Doesn't even need to misappropriate government intel."

"I could!" Stede realises, with a little grin. "This time, I used a private travel specialist – the same one who helped arrange our honeymoon in the Caribbean. They're good at finding the more exclusive options. And there's plenty we can do here if you want to get out and about… but we can also enjoy some quality time to ourselves…"

"Mmmm, I bet we can," Pete agrees, scooting closer to Lucius.

Izzy can't help glancing up. "Some of those beams look sturdy…" he remarks, leadingly. "And Eddie did suggest doing suspensions way back when…"

"Did you pack some lovely, lovely ropes?" Ed asks. "I mean… we should really break the place in before we explore elsewhere. Work out some of the kinks from the journey…"

"There is no way to work the kinks out of any of us, Edward Teach." Lucius puts a hand on Pete's thigh, sliding it upwards. "The only question is: who first? Because… Pete and I would volunteer. It's the two Jokers Wild that we need an answer on…"

"I think Stede gets first dibs on that, after all the planning effort he put in." Ed offers a graceful little bow. "And we all know which way Izzy swings."

Stede looks suddenly conflicted. On the one hand, he's finally gotten to show them this amazing place, which makes him feel more strong and caring and dominant… but, on the other, he'd very much like to relax and let go.

His eyes move to Ed, also wanting to be sure whatever he says is right for him, too. "If you're in the mood to work with Izzy, I'd happily surrender," he says, after a moment. "So long as you're feeling it."

"Love… I'm feeling whatever you need." Ed turns his hand over, offering it, palm-up, to hold his. "And I know when you feel the other way, or I'm needing that, that you'll more than happily return the favour. I wouldn't offer if I wasn't happy to."

If he really needed not to be in control, Ed would either decline to take it, or outright say as much. Especially considering they know Izzy can handle them all if it came to it. "Is it something we'd all like to do now? Maybe after a quick shower to get ready?"

"…there's a really fucking lovely hot-tub," Lucius points out. "If we wanted to do that to unwind first, with a drink… I'm not saying get off our tits, but I wouldn't mind a glass to toast us all?"

"Jacuzzi and ropes!" Pete exclaims. "Like before our wedding!"

"Sounds like we're making a tradition," Izzy agrees, with a fond smile. "I'm in favour if everyone else is. We're not exactly rushed for time."

Stede steps in close to Ed, still holding his hand and curling in against him. "I love you so much," he says. "And I'm sure I'll get the chance to return the favour whilst we're here. Like Izzy says… we've got plenty of time."

"You can do one last thing before you surrender control," Ed says, as he runs his fingers up and down over his husband's chest, already imagining the harness pattern he's intending. "You could pick the bottle. And then we could fire up all the bubbles…?"

"With pleasure," Stede agres, beaming now. "I arranged for us to be well-stocked…"

***

Stede had also arranged them matching swimwear, only as they're likely to take it off fairly rapidly, now he apparently has to wait for that one. Which… OK, fine, efficiency, but they do make his ass look fantastic so he'd better get a chance to demonstrate at some point.

The champagne helps assuage any sartorial concerns, however, and before long the five of them are settling in the large hot tub with a glass each, amidst the dancing bubbles.

"…oh, that's so good after the flight," Pete enthuses, feeling like he just wants to sink right under.

"And Izzy didn't even complain once this time." Lucius has his head on Pete's shoulder, but his foot (beneath the water) has floated towards Izzy's crotch. Where it's teasing, toes nudging at his balls. "You were practically enjoying yourself."

"Rich Bitch life has swayed him after all." Ed lifts his glass. "Here's to not having to worry about that, ever again."

"Agreed," Izzy says. He can't deny it lifts a lot of weight off his shoulders, for good. "And… here's to all of us, and the insane year we had."

"And to this one being even better," Stede adds. "With one hundred percent fewer psychopathic murderers and/or drug dealers."

"But non drug-dealing lesbians are fine." Lucius clinks at the air, and takes another swig. He's unashamedly using his foot to knead at Izzy's inner thigh, now. "Plus, we do have another wedding to plan. And also whatever Maggie's lot are up to, so--"

Ed puts a finger over Lu's lips. "Shh. Polymoon. Work waits."

"The wedding isn't work," Lucius complains.

"It will be. Those two aren't going to be easy. But while we're here, it's just us. Just us five. No one else." There's a level surety to his tone that refuses to be argued with.

Lucius hears it, eyes darkening. "Yes, Sir."

Izzy smiles, both at Ed's easy control and Lucius' wandering foot. He reaches to stroke firmly over the top of it, though he's clearly not trying to make the other man desist. "I can go for that," he concurs. "Nothing wrong with making the rest of the world wait a few days. We've sure as fuck earned it."

Stede snuggles in against Ed's side more. "That's what I hoped. Somewhere quiet, remote, peaceful… no one to interrupt."

They may technically have had weeks like that when they were stuck at home, but it's not the same: not when psychopaths are trying to kill you and the phone could ring with bad news at any moment. Whereas this… oh, they can really switch off here.

"Do you think we should do them one at a time?" Ed asks, fingers trailing over Stede's shoulder. "Take one out, dry them down, wrap them up in rope… Then sit them in fluffy robes while we do the next…" He starts to trace some of the lattice he intends over his husband's bare skin. "When all three of them are ready, snuggled up together, we can set up the pulleys and hoist them all up at once that way."

Lucius visibly shudders, nodding his approval. He's still petting Izzy, and now nibbling at Pete's jaw as he listens intently.

"I think that would work," Izzy agrees. "Give them our full attention, one at a time. They certainly deserve it, if they're being good."

His eyes go to his boys. "What do you think? Will you behave nicely for us?" He's well-aware he could just order them to, but something about the mood and the way he's feeling says that easy compliance would be even better. He may enjoy resistance, but… it's clearly not what he's looking for this time.

"I know I will, sir," Pete replies at once. He frequently does anyway, but he can feel the mood too and he knows it's more important this time.

"That's what you want, isn't it?" Lucius asks. Not because he's being contrary, as his tone is anything but. It's soft, looking for confirmation. "Good boys, ready to do anything you ask?" He's certainly feeling mellow and nicely buzzed, though if Izzy did indicate he wanted something different, he'd shift to accommodate.

Izzy meets his eyes. "Yes," he answers, just as softly. "I… you know I usually try not to prescribe how you should or shouldn't feel in advance, because I want it to be honest. I want it to be how you need and want to feel. And if you were strongly inclined right now, I'd work with that. If not… if you're amenable… I like the thought of you being obedient, and willing. I don't want this to be harsh… firm, oh yes, but not cruel. Not this time."

His eyes flick to Ed, too; hoping he's similarly-minded.

"You're precious to us," Ed agrees, a thumb gliding over Stede's jaw. "No matter how you feel, what mood you're in. But it is very nice to get to dote on you. To guide you surely, firmly to subspace. All versions of you are perfect. But if you're ready to let us indulge you…"

Lucius glances to Stede – then Pete – then tugs at Pete's hand for him to follow. He goes to Izzy's furthest side so Pete doesn't need to move as much, snuggling in and wrapping his arms around his husband's torso. A splashed-wet cheek scruffs into Izzy's. "Master… Sir…" He flicks his eyes between them both. "I want to be good for you both. I--"

A little pause, a blush. "You said you wanted to do something… formal. I know we're marked, but this… if you wanted…?" Lucius isn't even certain what he's offering, just that he is. Ed had wanted something specific, something… meaningful. And there's meaning wherever they want it. "Maybe that could be now?"

Izzy wraps his husbands in tightly, eyes going to Ed again. "Did you have something in mind? I'd happily go with it if so. Lu's right, this would be a perfect moment."

At the same time, Stede cuddles in more against Ed. "And I'll do anything you say, I promise," he murmurs. "I swear I'll be good too."

"Well…" Ed runs a finger under Stede's chin, lifting his head up and tilting him lightly this way and that. "If you agree… I had thought about something. They're wearing your collars, like Stede and I wear each other's. I have no intention of interfering with that… But I thought we could formalise that we can put our own leashes on one another's collars?"

He dips in to kiss Stede softly. "You're always good, pet. Would you like that? My collar, with Izzy's leash? You will always belong to me. Always. But you would pledge yourself to his hand, under my ownership."

Stede shudders against him, very much affected by the words (even if he doesn't quite feel like he's always good). His eyes flick to Izzy, who's watching with careful focus, and he tries to hold eye-contact as he nods. "I'd like that, sir," he answers. "I love him too, and I know he'd always take care of me as well."

"I would," Izzy says. "I promise you that. Just as I know Eddie and you would do the same for my boys. I know you already have."

He looks between Lucius and Pete, held close in his arms. "Would you agree with that?" he asks.

"Yes, sir," Pete breathes. "Very much so. I feel safe with all of you."

"What about Ed?" Lucius asks. "If he's… working with you?" That's Lucius' only concern. "He will need to, too, so we're all… all."

"If Izzy's comfortable, he can put his leash on me, too. I might not be feeling or acting very subby, but I'm perfectly comfortable acknowledging that, too." Ed holds a hand out to Izzy. "It felt… it felt a bit like… I'd seen some wedding-type shit where hands got bound. We could do that with your boys' leashes to me and Stede, and ours to you?"

Lucius suddenly launches at Ed, which takes him by surprise, but when there's a snuggly, affectionate, purring boy-kitten he realises it's a good sign.

Stede smiles at that, reaching to stroke gently down Lucius' back too. He's glad to see the other man so positive and he watches the two of them hug in obvious pride and happiness.

"We all take care of each other," Izzy says, softly, still holding Ed's hand. "There's already no doubt of that, but this… this formalises it. Signifies it."

"Are we… doing it here and now?" Pete asks. "When you've put the harnesses on us, or… first?"

"I think you should all be dry. So if you want to do it first, everyone needs to get out of the tub and into robes." Ed nuzzles Lu, then Stede, gripping Izzy's hand and giving Pete an indulgent smile. "Might be a good idea, actually. Stop you getting all pruney. So if we get you out, Izzy can help towel you down, and I'll fetch robes and collars. Including mine. There's some nice rope we brought – which we can use for both – and then we can go back to the one at a time plan?"

"That works," Izzy agrees. "And trust me, I've got plenty of rope. Soon as Stede mentioned that the place had sturdy beams… well. I can take a hint."

Stede gives a little smile. "I thought you'd approve. Hoped. I know the rigs we have at home are good, but… the space you've got here is something else."

"Alright… bottoms up. And then… bottoms up." Ed lifts his glass towards the ceiling, to make the double entendre clear. "Everyone get your drinks down you. I'll go get what we need. Don't have too much fun without me?"

Lucius sighs, moving to snuggle between Stede and Pete, making eyes at Izzy, next. "No promises, Captain."

"I love it when you call him that," Stede murmurs, curling into Lucius now that Ed has moved. "It was what I used right from the start, before I started using 'master', too. It was just… right. And I'm so happy we get to share all of this with you, all three of you. I love it. I never thought I could feel like this until I realised I did."

"I knew I loved you," Lucius beams. "Just didn't know I could fall in love with you. Also… don't think I could've found you sexy before you found it yourself. I mean… when Ed got you turned on, suddenly you lit up."

He lost his glass (already empty) some time ago, so now he's just waiting semi-patiently, though watching Ed leave, too. "He was always sexy. I thought he was sexy before I fell in love. Weird, huh?"

"You've got eyes, after all," Pete reminds him. "You can still appreciate the looks even if you're not doing anything. I know I did. Nothing wrong with admiring the scenery."

"And you're right about Stede," Izzy says to Lucius. "Being around Eddie… it changed him. Or… no, it brought out what was under the surface. Is that how it felt to you, Stede?"

"Pretty much," Stede answers. "I just… it was like I could suddenly do things. Even before I realised I loved him, he was bringing me to life."

Ed comes back with five robes, four collars, a selection of rope, straps, plugs, rings… it's all bundled high. He puts them down on one of the nearby couches, then quickly flicks out the first towel. "Time to dry off. And stop being so bloody sentimental, Stede: you were always sexy and competent as fuck. You just got more confident. You were the one who could ride a bloody motorbike, remember?"

"…They made me learn," Stede murmurs, going pink. "And I couldn't ride it like that until I had you wrapped around me from behind."

A pause, and it's all in the inflection. "Captain."

"Well, as it's impossible to prove any which way, let's just agree I was your magic feather." A beat. "Unless you just really liked my dick pressed into your leathers…"

"Both," Stede decides, and rises from the bubbles.

Chapter Text

Towel-dried, wrapped in fluffy robes, the five of them gather around the couches in the spacious, high-ceilinged living room. The fake fire crackles away, the room most assuredly cosy and toasty.

Ed has placed four collars on cushions ready, next to one long skein of red, silk rope.

"I think we should start by Masters putting collars on. Stede, will you be comfortable doing that for me, too?"

"Of course, sir," Stede answers. He's trying to get his own headspace at just the right level; aware he needs to be a little more up until they move into the scene itself. "Should… I go first?"

"I'd like that." Ed picks up the cushion with his own collar on, kneeling in front of Stede and holding it up. "I'm yours, as you're mine. I love you to fucking hell and death and back, Stede. It's an honour to be yours."

"It's an honour to have you," Stede answers, the emotion suddenly heavy in his voice. "You're so strong, so amazing, whether you're in control or surrendering it. I love you forever."

He takes the collar and leans in to slip it around his husband's neck, buckling it in place and running his hands over the now well-worn leather.

Ed gently takes one of Stede's hands in both of his, lifting it to kiss the knuckles tenderly. He doesn't go fast, wanting the moment to mean. Fully aware of the eyes on them, and how important this is.

"Are you ready for me to collar you, too, love?"

"Yes," Stede gasps at once, falling to his knees whilst Ed is still on his. "Yes, please. I've loved it since the very first time. Since… the day I first surprised you with our dungeon."

Ed bubbles up a laugh, hands up to cup Stede's face. He brings him in – forehead to forehead – breathing in sync for a moment. "I love you so much. You – oh!"

The 'oh', because Lucius apparently realised neither would want to move and has picked up the cushion with Stede's collar on, placing it nearby. He offers a heartfelt thanks, and then leans down to lift it in both hands. "Stede?"

"I'm yours, as you're mine," Stede says, in echo of Ed's own words. "I'd do anything for you. Give you the whole world. Follow wherever you lead. I love you deeply, desperately, devotedly."

The collar is slipped carefully into place, and Ed runs his hands over it before resting one above Stede's heart. The other curls around his head, holding him in close. "Stay here with me, while Izzy gets his boys ready, too."

"Anything," Stede breathes, resting against Ed's chest. He keeps his eyes open, though; head turned the right way so he can watch the others.

Close by, Izzy has both his boys on their knees, reaching to stroke a hand over their cheeks; one then the other. "I remember the days I collared each of you for the first time," he says. "I was, and am, honoured beyond belief that such strong, incredible boys would pledge themselves to me like that. I've given my all to keep you safe, and you… you've both given your all to make me a better man."

Lucius has Pete's hand in his. He squeezes it firmly, fondly, eyes darting across to him, then the other two, before he looks back up to Izzy. "Master… you have kept us more than safe. It's my happiest honour to be both your husband, and your boy. You… you know what we are means everything to me. Means… means I can be free, at last. I'm yours. Whatever you ask of me, I know you'll ask for good."

Pete holds Lucius' hand just as tightly. "I know the same, Master," he says. "You've shown me joy and bliss like I'd never imagined. You've made me a better man too. I'm honoured by your love, and your trust. Honoured to be able to take care of you, as well. I love you, utterly and completely and with all the fire in my heart."

Izzy looks between them, then pulls them both in close, holding them against his stomach for a moment; the emotion too strong not to. When he lets go, it's to reach for their collars: Lucius' first, and then Pete's; slipping each around its recipient's neck and buckling it carefully in place. And… then he pulls them back in again, holding tight.

"Love you so much. Love you both." Lu murmurs it into Izzy, still gripping Pete's hand. "We're yours. And we trust you. And we trust them."

Another moment lingering over the contact, and then Izzy looks to Ed. "Shall we do this?" he asks, softly. "Swap leashes, and make it official?"

"I had…" Ed looks to the rope, "an idea. If you'd let me start, for your two? And then you with us… and at the end I want to bind them around all three of our wrists…"

"If you have something specific planned, go for it," Izzy urges him. "You know I love how your mind works. Just tell me what you need from me… or do it, and let me enjoy watching."

"Kneel here," Ed says, to Stede, indicating next to the other two. "In a semicircle leaving room for me, and then Izzy."

He waits for them to comply, then finds the central point of the rope, passing it through his hands. That loop gets pushed through the O-ring of Lu's collar, then Pete's, before passing the two ends through in a modified hitch. Then he passes and threads between the two, tracing back between them, effectively knotting them together.

Equal lengths hang down from both, and he loops the one from Lu's collar through Stede's, then hands the one from Pete's to Izzy as he moves into position. The basic idea obvious: all four of them connected. "Make it as complex or as simple as you like," he tells Izzy. "And when you're done, you, me and Stede join hands and we bind our three wrists together as owners. Captains. Holders. Partners."

Once Ed is in place, Izzy slips the rope running from Pete's collar through the O-ring on Ed's: looping it around so the middle section is shored-off too, so it feels as secure as the other three. Then he takes the remaining line running from Stede's collar in one hand, and the one from Ed's in the other, and…

…he should be kneeling too, so they all are. He may not be collared, but… it still feels right. So he drops down; bringing the two ropes in to hitch them together, before holding out his hand with the knot clasped in his palm.

Stede is already feeling very heady, but his own hand is sure as he reaches it out to grasp Izzy's, ready for the three of them to be joined. And though he may not feel exactly masterly right now, the emotion and the promise is still just as strong.

Lucius is crying. It's utterly happy crying, but he is crying. He grabs Stede and Pete's hands either side of him, watching as Ed lifts his hand to close around the other side of Izzy's.

Pete clings to Lucius' hand just as tightly, and reaches to find Ed's other one too. He grips them both, drawing a shuddering breath and trying not to cry as well. Even if he is, a little bit. It's hard not to.

"Bind us, love," Ed urges. "We're all connected. We're all stronger. We're all together."

"You're right, we are," Izzy replies. "We made this, when the world would have stopped us ten times over. But it couldn't. It can't. Nothing can."

He brings the two ends of the rope up and over their joined hands, forming a double-loop for strength, and then under, and around, shoring them off completely.

"I would do anything for all of you," he breathes. "And I swear, I'll protect you no matter what."

"You belong to us, with us… we all belong to each other. There's no control without submission. No submission without trust." Ed grips Pete's hand with his free one, wanting him to feel as connected as possible, too. "I swear, nothing means more to you than your safety and your happiness. All four of you."

"I've always wanted to take care of you, all of you," Stede adds. "And no matter what that means, in strength or surrender, or just everyday life… I always will. You will always be protected. Always be beloved." He gives a gasp of emotion; breath catching around a tiny sob. "I adore you. You make me complete."

"M-may I?" Lucius asks, his own voice choked. At the nods of encouragement he squeezes Stede's hand tighter. "Izzy knows that I'm his. Pete knows that I'm his, too. And… I may not do the things you do, Sirs, but I know I… do do… things. And I can because you make that safe. I will always want that, for all of us: safe. And I trust and respect all three of you to look after me." A beat. "And Pete. You know how I would protect him. I would – will – protect all of you the same. And I… I offer you my submission. It's not perfect, but all I have, I'll give. I swear… where you lead I will follow."

Pete looks suddenly nervous, and even more emotional, having not expected to be saying anything more at this point. But he can't not; not when everyone else is being so open and heartfelt, and he takes a deep breath as he tries to follow in suit. "I knew from the start that I could trust Izzy," he says. "I knew, because Lucius did. And when we started playing with the two of you as well… I knew I could trust you, because Izzy did. It was just… right. And you have me, all of you, you have me. I couldn't possibly want anything else, and no matter what… you have my submission, my surrender. I know I'm always in good hands."

"And not just Izzy… Hands." Ed can't help the soft pun, as he taps his temple to Pete's. "So now… we're on our polymoon. The world knows we're married, and then committed. That we're this… us."

"Even if they don't know who holds what leash or wears what collar." Lucius grins. "Though some of them might make educated guesses."

"Pete, that is not an invitation to help with bingo." Ed gives him a fond look.

"…I keep that part private," Pete insists, a little sheepishly. "I promise. I only share fun hints, not personal stuff."

"And now we get to spend a great deal of time enjoying ourselves," Izzy adds. "Which we fucking well deserve. Starting right now… even if you do all look good leashed together like this…"

"It would make doing anything a bit hard, though…" Ed winks. "So why don't we undo this, then we can put harnesses on these three very good boys. And maybe when we've suspended them… we could look to connecting their harnesses so they can feel when we're working on their playmates…"

"Should be doable with the space we've got," Izzy agrees. "And given that there's three of them and two of us, we want to make sure to always keep them occupied…"

He starts to slowly – almost reverently – undo the ropes connecting them all, bit by bit; hands lingering on each person in turn as he works. "Fuck, but you're all so beautiful. We're so very lucky."

"All of us," Lucius insists. "And me and Pete may be luckiest. We have a Master, two husbands, and two Captains."

"We're living the dream!" Pete concurs. "Better than the dream."

Right now, even this feels like an understatement.

***

By the time the third and final rope harness is tied on, Ed and Izzy have it down to a fine art. The pattern is the same for each, though the proportions are individual. The principle is the same too, with knots lying on nerve bundles for pressure, but the main weight-bearing shape sufficiently spread to minimise any risks.

And they look beautiful. Each of them – still collared – kneeling with their arms bound together behind their backs, free from their spines to allow access, but ready to be hoisted. Immobilised in a coiled pattern like the handle of a fine katana. The red rope on pale, blushing skin is exquisite.

Ed urges Pete to join the other two on their knees in front of the couches, then murmurs: "Lie forwards. Just let yourself fall. The couch will catch you."

The three cock rings, plugs and lube to one side make it very clear what he and Izzy intend next.

"Yes, sir," Pete breathes. He feels like he'd drop forwards even without the couch there: the strength of Ed and Izzy's will having sent his mind more than deep enough already. Though that doesn't mean he's not grateful for the soft cushions he lies forward against: a light sigh slipping his lips as he settles; legs slipping a little apart in offering and anticipation.

He's not the only one. Stede can barely hold himself up as it is, so the order to drop is a welcome one and he spreads his legs too; eager for more.

"I'd say we've got 'em, Eddie," Izzy remarks, with a little smile. "Rings first?"

"I'll ring your boys, you ring mine, and then let's finger them open for the plugs between us. Just ready enough that when we want to take 'em they'll be prepped… not that I want to rush that. It's gonna be quite some time…" Ed runs his hand over Pete's collar, before dropping into a crouch.

The knots around his cock need to be pulled back just enough for the ring to slide down. They frame his erection nicely, and the ring should actually reduce any friction issues, too. Ed gives a few lazy, loving strokes to his shaft, enjoying the shudders in response. "That feel good, love?"

"Oh fuck, yes, sir," Pete gasps. "I… y-you've barely started, and I already feel…"

"Heady?" Izzy says, as he moves in behind Stede. "It's the ropework. Pace it just right, get the mood just so… and you'll sink long before we have you flying."

Stede gasps as Izzy slides the ring onto him; pushing back against him just a little with a soft murmur. He can tell he feels similar to Pete; heady and hazy and so, so good. "W-want to make you both happy, sirs. Need to."

"You always make us happy. Happy, proud, and so, so grateful for each and every one of you." Ed presses into Pete's flank, hand moving from his cock to slide over the ropes binding him. He wants to make him feel every last inch that wraps him up.

When he's convinced he's got him right where he wants him, Ed moves to Lucius, next. He lets his ass brush against Pete as he echoes the gestures, eyes lingering on his husband at Izzy's side. "We'll check on your fingers and toes, of course, but you all know to tell us if anything has slipped."

Lucius nods a little rapidly. "Yessir." He does know. He knows that if he didn't, he could get badly hurt, and then Izzy and Ed would be (rightfully) upset. So he will. Would. That. "Promise, Sir. No heroics."

"Good boy," Izzy tells him, now reaching for one of the plugs and starting to lube it up. "Brace, Stede. Your husband did not pick the small ones."

Nevertheless, Stede's groan as the plug slides in is entirely one of delight and pleasure; feeling it fill him up and make him eager for more, even though he knows it will likely be a while before he gets it. "He… k-knows I like to feel it…"

Ed grabs Lu's dick, grinding his ass back on Pete, enjoying the show very obviously. "Oh, I know. It's not as good as when I'm inside you, is it, baby? But it'll make sure you're ready for any time me or Izzy want to use that gorgeous ass of yours… it'll make you scream every time we paddle you, or cane you… so. Will you two beg for the same?"

Lu's ass tilts higher, his hips thrusting into Ed's fist. "Please! Oh god, please! Please, Sir! Oh god I need it!"

"So do I, sir; fuck, please!" Pete gasps; still hazy but eager. "I want to make you happy."

"Oh, you do," Izzy tells him; rutting against Stede's ass a little to grind the plug into him more. "And we've got all the time in the world to prove it."

Stede makes a soft, keening sound at that. "…ohfuckplease," he gasps.

Ed grabs two plugs, slicking them both liberally. He moves to crouch between the two boys, holding the tips in place… Waiting, enjoying the whimpering, slutty movements. They really are so hot when they're needy, and Ed loves driving them this far.

"Say 'please' again…"

"Pl---OHFUCKYESTHANKYOUYES!" Lucius drops onto his shoulders, hips twerking back against the sudden intrusion that his hole quickly closes around and grips the toy jealously tight. "Oh god, yes… oh god…"

"Please, sir!" Pete cries out as well, arching just as eagerly. "Please, oh please, need you to own me all the way through."

"I do," Izzy reminds him. "We do. And you know you're going to be out of your minds long before we're done."

"C-counting on it, sir," Stede breathes. "We need you. We all need you both."

"Shall we give them a little paddling to warm them up before we suspend 'em?" Ed asks, fingers forcibly tapping against the plugs, much to Lucius' noisy appreciation (and complaint). "Make sure they're not going to push those out, or wriggle loose, so when we hoist 'em to the rafters we're content?"

Ed is already content. But it doesn't hurt to say he isn't.

"Oh, I think we should," Izzy agrees. "Plus we need to make sure they're completely compliant before we start any complicated suspensions."

He has no doubt whatsoever about compliance by any of the three, but – like Ed – he's going for effect. He reaches over to where Ed left the rest of their supplies, grabbing a pair of large, flexible leather paddles and offering one to Ed handle-first.

"Let's start with Stede. Brace yourself, love. Get nice and comfortable. Show us that fine ass…" Ed grabs a cushion for his bad knee, checking if Izzy wants as well as he settles in. One hand rests on the back of Stede's collar, thumb pranging at a nearby line of rope.

That makes Stede gasp; a tremor of need running through him as he tries to brace himself and offer all he can. "Yes, sir," he answers; closing his eyes as the anticipation builds by the second. "Please. Please. I'm yours."

Izzy settles close by as well, looking up at Ed with a suddenly wicked smile. "Time to make him scream," he says, and starts up landing blows on Stede's left ass-cheek, leaving the right side free for Ed, and very well-aware of the effect this is going to have on the man between them.

Ed takes the cue instinctively, the second blow hot on the heels of the first. He matches Izzy's force for now, but he has no intention of keeping it too predictable. "Don't hold back, pet. No one will hear you but us. No one will hear you, no matter how hard you scream."

A very deliberate pause as he puts the paddle sideways between Stede's parted legs. Slides the leather over one thigh, then uses the blunt edge to tease at his crack and taint, nudging into his bound balls. "And you know how hard it gets us. You scream nicely enough and I'll have to fight to keep my hands off Izzy."

"Maybe we should go at it once they're all suspended and helpless," Izzy says, his eyes lighting up. "Then they'll know we'll have to torment 'em even longer before we're finally ready to fuck them…"

From his expression, he's not actually suggesting they go all the way, but a little winding-up would certainly be called for.

"We'll be g-good, sir, you know we will," Stede gasps, arching even more as that paddle moves between his legs, and whimpering as it slides against his balls… and fuck, but he's completely lost already and he knows it.

"I mean… it would be impolite not to consummate our relationship on our polymoon in every sense… We can flip a coin who tops first, but we should definitely both fuck each other while they're dripping and helpess to watch…" Ed is very, very happy to keep that threat playing.

Especially when Stede starts flinching against the paddle. "I packed the sensor-plugs, too. The ones we can connect to the straps… so if we're busy fucking, they can feel it, too…"

Which they will have to use. Whether it's tonight or not is another matter.

"Master! Sir! Please!" Lucius isn't even being touched and he's frantic.

Ed rewards (?) that with a sudden thwack of his paddle to Stede's balls. "What was that, boy?"

"Ohgodpleaseno…"

Stede screams. Quite a lot. And then a little more, for good measure. He'd quite like to beg for mercy at this point, but he can't get the words out. Plus, if he begs for mercy and gets it, that means one of the others becomes the focus instead, and even though he knows they love it, his protective side won't quite let him do it. Certainly not yet.

"You wicked, wicked man," Izzy breathes, approvingly. "The poor things will be out of their minds and we'll still have barely started… and the best part is, they'll love it even whilst they're begging for mercy."

He works the paddle up Stede's thighs, aware that the constant focus on him is driving the other two a special kind of crazy.

Ed pulls Stede's head up by the hair, forcing him to face Lu, kneeling next to him. "See what you made us do to him? Hmm? See how we're going to have to paddle him because you were inconsiderate? Remember that, later. Each complaint, each whimper, each scream… we'll take it out on the next boy."

He then pulls back to swing as firmly as he dares when Stede's tolerance hasn't yet built up. It's decidedly firm, but he's going for the shock factor, first.

"I'm sorry!" Lu bursts out. "Don't punish him because of me!"

"Izzy: you heard him. Harder."

"…Lu… s'OK…" Stede tries to murmur. "Just let go… s'OK… promise…"

He can't say any more, though, because he's back to screaming: the blows painfully sharp as a warm-up, and aware he'll either snap or sink if he takes much more at this point. Both have their merits, but he wants it to be right.

Izzy, meanwhile, doesn't flinch, though he's paying careful attention to Stede's reactions, wanting to make sure he doesn't push the man too far, too fast. He knows how to read his responses by now; knows he can be very vocal without it meaning anything is wrong. It's watching for the shifts, the changes, the waver in his voice that gives away what's going on in his head.

"But – but I didn't – I didn't--" Lucius freaks as every word he says means Ed and Izzy work harder. He howls in protest, and then all the noise stops at once as he curls inwards.

It isn't right for him to dictate or influence Stede's play. It isn't. The part where this is all an agreed scene and there's an internal logic and safety has apparently gone out of Lucius' head, because all he can do is writhe at the injustice of it all.

Ed lets Izzy take the majority of the strokes for a moment, back to grinding with the toy underneath his husband's balls. He's watching closely, too, and he knows just how to signal to Izzy if there's anything he wants to switch up. But seeing them together is just so, so hot. Listening to Stede's noises. God, Ed is so fucking turned on right now.

"What about you, Pete? Every scream Stede makes we're just gonna take it out on you. So you might as well keep quiet, unless you want more. Or… you want us to hurt Lu more from your noises…"

"I'll be good, sir, I promise," Pete gasps, because he's been spoken to, but he doesn't dare make another sound; suddenly terrified he's going to land one of the others in it. He's a tight little ball of tension, trembling all over, desperately trying to be good.

At the same time, Stede gasps when Ed says the others will suffer when he screams, because he hadn't been told not to scream and he'd thought it was all right if he's the one taking, and…

Fuck. Fuck. He buries his face in the cushions and starts furiously fighting to keep quiet. It is not easy, and he writhes as he tries to ground the feeling non-vocally.

"Oh, love." Ed pushes the paddle forcibly harder against Stede's taint. "It's too late, now. Besides… if you don't scream for us, we'll just work harder to get those screams out of you. We want them. Don't we, Izzy?"

Ed trails his fingers over Izzy's cheek, down towards his lips, but only glances there. "Do you think it's time we let him have us at our worst, before we string him up to think about what he's done?"

"I think it is," Izzy agrees, soft and sure. "Especially as the others need to know what they're in for. And you're not wrong about the screams. They're one of my favourite parts."

Stede's completely lost, now; not knowing whether to fight to stay quiet or go back to being as vocal as he needs. He's aware he can't win either way, but he's now all tied up in his head over which option would best save the others, and…

…it won't make a difference. He knows that too. So maybe he should just go for it.

So he screams. And when the blows start to land harder, he screams more.

"That's it," Ed purrs in encouragement. "That's it… let it all out, pet. God, that's so good…" His tone is jubilant because that's precisely how he feels. He knows Stede is really deep into the sensations by the timbre of his screaming, the tension in his frame. He knows it's pushing at the edges of what he can take… and that's the point.

He loves to give him that challenge, and loves even more what happens when he flips over the edge and into the other side. The strokes land in unison or alternating, choreographed perfectly, making his buttocks pink and slightly welted. "Beg us for more. Beg us and know it doesn't matter what you ask for. We're going to work you, hurt you, use you… We're going to make you ours."

Lucius – just to the side – clearly can't take much more. He's only kneeling (although restrained by the ropes), and he half-climbs onto the couch, pushing his face into the back of the seat to hide his own scream of need.

Ed notices, grabs the harness between his shoulders, and slams him forcibly back down onto his knees. "No."

Lu nearly climaxes from the Voice and the power in it, struggling between more fighting and automatic obedience. He settles on his face turned away, body pressed into the couch to put his energy somewhere.

"Lu… baby, it's OK," Pete murmurs. He's not trying to be bad, he really isn't, but the need to help is overwhelming, and he'll accept the consequences if he has to. "Just breathe, baby, just breathe."

Stede is sobbing now; the intensity too much for him to take without falling apart. The inside of his head is all over the place and he hardly knows which way is up, and he's acutely conscious of the fact that they've still barely started.

"…please…" he begs, already wrecked. "Please, just… just don't punish them because of me. I'll t-take whatever you want, just… just please."

Ed flashes Izzy a look so he's prepared, then he moves to straddle Stede, standing over him, hand forcing his head to look towards the other two. "You do not get to dictate what happens," he says, firmly. "But he was punished for his misbehaviour, not yours. And he was corrected for his behaviour. Correction he's accepted. Haven't you, boy?"

Lucius is too cowed to object, nodding. He must have, because he realises he crossed a line and he's not fighting back. "Yes, Sir."

"Now: not one of you is being truly punished. Not unless you warrant it, and not unless it's needed. This is not punishment. Any consequences are not punishment. You are being broken, so that you can let go. So that you can fly. And you need to let go of any illusion of control. We are in control, and we will protect each of you. Do you begin to understand?"

Stede jams his eyes shut and nods. He knows he's getting himself wound up, but it isn't easy to fight when he already feels like he's coming apart at the seams. "Yes, sir. Sorry, sir," he gasps out – meaning it – and then goes quiet; not out of resistance or disobedience, but so that he doesn't say the wrong thing again.

"Ed's right," Izzy agrees, toying with Stede's ass using the edge of the paddle. "We're not trying to drive you to misbehave. We told you that's not what we're looking for this time. So accept what you're given, accept that you can't change it, and trust us to make this work for all of you."

"We want you to let go of control." Ed uses his own paddle under Stede's throat, over the collar. "And when whatever you do makes no sense, has no logic… it means you can't effect in any meaningful way. And then you can just… be."

He looks over to Lucius. "So no matter how much you beg, or plead, or scream… no matter how much you try to 'game' the system… the end result is you yielding to us. Because it's the only thing left to do."

Lucius nearly crawls inside the couch at that, aroused, confused, angry… pausing.

"M-Master?" he asks, quietly.

"Go on," Izzy tells him. "You know I don't want you to hold back unless you've been ordered to stay silent. So you can say whatever it is."

"…please… please can I… get closer to Pete? While… while you're busy?" He's suddenly craving a lot of support, and he wonders if Pete is, also. "If you approve, I mean…"

"You can for now," Izzy decides. "Whilst we're working on Stede. But once it's your turn, you have to move back into the middle. Clear?"

Pete gives a little murmur at the words, because he likes the idea too, but he's not going to say anything more and risk getting them in trouble.

"Thank you, Sir." Lucius gives a quick – but very grateful – look. And then he shuffles on his knees to press into Pete, clearly relaxing slightly when he does.

As soon as Lucius settles, Pete nuzzles against him just softly; trying to offer comfort without moving too much. It feels good to have him there, and he relaxes a little too.

Which leaves Stede: throbbing, tear-streaked and trembling in his husband's grip, and desperately trying to behave the way he's supposed to. He doesn't want to act out; fuck, no. Definitely not this time. "I'll be good, sir," he whispers. "Please… use me however you see fit."

"I know you'll be good," Ed reassures him. "You'll be very good. You might be confused right now, but we're going to take that all away from you. If it doesn't make sense yet, it's because we're not finished. But you trust us to get you there, don't you?"

A gesture to Izzy – where Stede can't see – asks him to continue, but softer. Stede's fractured, now, and it's a case of guiding him along those lines to the clean break and not a bad one.

"Yes, sir, yes, I do, I will, I promise," Stede gasps. He's still shaking, but the softer tone makes him visibly calmer, and he tries to settle into acceptance and obedience, wanting to sink. Wanting to let them take over. "Please… please… I want to give you everything, I swear…"

Izzy starts up again with the paddle, but not so harshly: focusing more on driving the sensation higher and higher. He intersperses the blows with light, soft touches with his free hand; a deliberate counterpoint to the pain, trying to slowly, gradually guide Stede down.

"That's it," Ed praises him, his paddle under Stede's throat and his hand petting his husband's hair lovingly. "That's it… breathe through the pain. We've only just started with you. We're going to love you, hurt you, use you, torment you, cuddle you… We're going to flood your body with so much sensation you feel there's no room left inside you for 'Stede'. We're going to make you feel every last inch of your body… and remind you it's ours. You're ours. You belong to us, and we will take what we own, and take it apart."

"Yessir," Stede breathes, starting to sink more: a deep, heavy weight on his mind pushing him downwards, but not in any unpleasant or worrying way. It never is, when he lets it happen. "Please… please… just want to make you happy… promise… promise…"

"You do," Izzy says, as he starts to reduce the blows down, until they're little more than light swats. "Don't you worry. You make us all very happy. Now breathe, just breathe… sink into Eddie's grasp… you know he's got you." In more ways than one.

Ed lowers the paddle, hand coming across Stede's throat, over the collar. He holds him supportively, stroking at his hair. "Good boy… good boy. That's it. I'm going to let Izzy smack your cock, now. It's going to feel good. It's going to remind you that your cock belongs to us… and that we choose to give you pleasure. I want you to focus on that, and on my hands around you. And when we're satisfied you're ready, we're going to lift you up and hang you from the ceiling. You're going to float there, watching, listening. You're going to see us rip those boys to pieces, too. And you're going to see how happy it makes us feel."

The words make Stede shudder in anticipation – and apprehension – but he nods. "…a-anything, sir… anything…" he whispers, trying not to tense up, knowing it will only hurt more if he does.

"That's it," Izzy breathes, behind him: pulling his legs further apart again to give himself better access. "Focus on us. Focus on remembering that you're ours. We're in control. And we know what you need."

He wraps his hand around Stede's cock for a moment, stroking it lightly a few times to further increase his awareness… and then smacks it, very much harder: once, then a pause, again, then a pause, and then two more times in rapid succession.

Stede screams. And screams. He feels like he's going to cave in from the middle, and then… then he drops, physically and mentally all at once. And when the fifth and final blow lands, he doesn't scream again. Whimpers, yes, and tries to murmur something incoherent, but no more than that.

Ed's knees tighten around Stede, and he grinds against his back, clearly very, very affected by his noises. "Oh fuck yes. That's it… that's my pet. That's my gorgeous, wonderful, perfect husband… You are going to love what we do to you, next. Trust me. Trust us, like you always have. And believe me when I say it's one of the hardest things to do, not to just pull that plug out right now and fuck your brains out already…"

He leans back, fingers on the flared base of the plug, grinding it harder into him. "Are you going to beg for what's next? Are you going to thank Izzy for treating you so well?"

This gets them both some very emphatic nodding, because Stede is not sure how much he can actually speak right now, and he doesn't want them to misinterpret. "…th'k y… s'r…" he manages, though it's barely coherent. "Th'k…"

He can't get another word out, and he hopes his efforts are enough. He's certainly radiating bliss and surrender; entirely unable to hold himself up right now.

"I think we got him," Izzy says to Ed, soft and pleased. "You think he's ready to fly? Or do you want to work him some more first?"

"You reckon you can get the ropes over the beams? I might enjoy running my hands over him until you're ready for him. Then we can hoist him up and pick the next toy…" Ed gives Izzy a very, very satisfied smile. "You know just how to take him over… isn't he so gorgeous like this?"

Ed can't actually keep his hands off him. He slithers back so he can kneel spooning him, sliding his dick between his thighs as he nuzzles and kisses at bare skin. "Fuck, but I love you. All of you."

"Oh, he is," Izzy agrees, with a smile. "Needs a sharp push, but when he goes… he really goes. You keep him warm, I can get the first hoist set up."

He gives Stede's ass a light swat, pats Ed on the shoulder, and rises to his feet; going to find the ropes he's got set aside for the suspension. The beams in the roof are high, but all he has to do is get the ropes over, and if he bundles one end up and throws, it sails right where he wants it. Easy. He starts prepping the others, so they're all draped up and over; knowing he can move them along as necessary.

"Stede… I'm going to move, now," Ed tells him. "I'm going to stand, and then I'm going to pick you up and carry you over. I want you to feel all these ropes holding you, and know we put them there. We put them there, and you're going to be held nice and tight and safe…"

He climbs up and off, then drops down alongside to brace, nodding to Izzy to come give him a hand. Picking a bound man up is much harder than a sleepy, cooperative one.

"I'm going to hold you while Izzy gets the rig ready. And I'll tell you when we're going to lift you. We'll be here, the whole time. You're going to be fine. Safe, loved… and making us so, so proud."

Speech just doesn't work right now, but that's OK. Stede nods clearly and emphatically some more, knowing that Ed will understand. He understands, he just can't say it. He lets himself be lifted into place; cautiously trying to lean into Ed more in search of any contact or comfort he's allowed.

Once Izzy has helped Ed get Stede into place, he moves to start attaching the rigging lines to Stede's harness. It's designed to spread the weight just right, so each needs to be fixed off at the correct point, one at a time. He knows what he's doing, though: the layout is the same, even if the suspension itself runs from higher than usual, and it's just a case of working through the steps.

"That's it," he says, softly, "that's it, almost done…"

"You need me to – that one?" Ed follows the nod, and takes hold of one rope, bracing himself. Then the second. Stede stays precisely where he is, and then Ed waits for the count as they pull him gradually higher. Only an inch or two, but it's the perfect height for standing access to every part of him.

When he's level and in place, Ed puts the two ropes in one hand, taking the third from Izzy to let him shore the first off. Then the second, third, fourth, until they can both let go completely.

And then he steps back and exhales. "So fucking gorgeous. Lu, Pete: turn and look at this. You're going to want to see."

Lucius does, a little slowly, but he lets out a throaty moan of approval and yearning when he sees. He most definitely wants to be in that position and headspace, and soon.

He's not the only one. Pete whimpers in delight, taking in the view with pleasure-shot eyes. "Oh fuck, yes please," he murmurs. He knows Stede and Ed have done suspensions before, but this is the first time it's been with all five of them, so they haven't gotten to see each other yet.

As for Stede… he gives a soft gasp of pleasure, instantly drifting. There's something incredibly intense and overpowering about being suspended, and even if he wasn't already deep in headspace he knows he'd've sunk down the moment he felt himself in midair. It's just… like nothing else. Like flying, and being caught, all at once.

"He makes quite a sight, doesn't he?" Izzy says, enjoying the view as well.

"He does." Ed half-turns to Izzy. "Come here… I need to kiss you right the fuck now."

The tone is demanding, but not ordering. Ed doesn't feel the slightest need to compete with Izzy right now, but he very much wants to push his tongue down his throat. He feels electrified, eager, and so, so good. It's a headier version of dominance, especially now he's shifted from the Bad Cop slightly. "Kiss me, and then we'll take the next boy to bits."

Izzy isn't feeling at all submissive, but he's in that easy layer of dominance where he doesn't need to throw his weight around to prove his point, and he's not going to read things as a challenge unless they blatantly are one. So he's quite happy to move in, letting Ed take hold of him and kiss him; wrapping his arms firmly around the taller man's shoulders and keeping him close.

"You're so fucking gorgeous like this," he breathes, when the kiss breaks. "I love it the most when you're unstoppable. Don't hold back. I want us to wreck them all."

"I won't," Ed promises, hands on Izzy's hips. "But I want to watch you destroy our Pete. I love watching you work… and then I want us both to tear our lovely Lu to pieces. I want each of them to know how safe they are, how loved. How utterly fucking irresistible it is when they scream."

Ed's hands move down to Izzy's ass, gripping and playing with his buttocks, just for the sheer, visceral, physical joy of intimacy. "I want them all strung up in a line… and I want to watch you torture their cocks. I want to make them scream while you flog them. I want to chain their nipples to each other and then shock them all at once… I want to squeeze their balls so full they think they'll explode… Fuck, but I want you so badly right now…"

Izzy's eyes meet Ed's. "We've got two more rings," he points out. "No reason not to use 'em. So ring us both, to make sure we last for these gorgeous deviants, and then push me up against Stede and fuck me over him. That will drive them all fucking wild."

He means it, too. He could never have suggested something like this not all that long ago, but… it's easier, now, when it's Ed. "And then I'll wreck Pete for you. Because I sure as fuck want to do that too."

Ed grabs Izzy's face and kisses him. Tongue-down-throat kisses, with his knee shoved between the man's legs to grind up against his cock. His hands go up to Izzy's hair as he drags his lips to his throat instead, growling possessively. "Stroke his cock while I fuck you. Pinch his nipples. Hold those ropes while I fuck you hard. Just promise me you'll fuck me too."

Lucius squeaks, keeling sideways into Pete, his hips humping at his husband's thigh. It'll be even longer before he gets attention – longer still before there's resolution – but fuck, will it be worth it.

"I absolutely fucking will," Izzy growls in reply. He's sure as fuck not surrendering, but he feels perfectly happy with what he's suggested. No, more than that, he really wants to do it. And he loves the reaction it's gotten him; the enthusiasm pouring off Ed. He's hypnotic when he's like this, and Izzy adores it.

Stede, for his part, is coherent enough to process the words – the promise – and he gives a soft whimper at the thought. He's completely helpless (which is only turning him on even more) and he knows what's now coming is going to drive him even more insane. But… fuck, if the idea isn't absolutely glorious.

"You want me to eat you out first, or fingers only?" Ed asks, grabbing the lube and two rings first. He slides his own on, then holds his hand out and waits for Izzy to indicate he's ready for his own. He's barely got it on before he's holding their cocks pressed together, stroking them in one hand. "Fuck, but you're so hot like this."

"Fingers only," Izzy replies, holding onto him tightly as he lets the other man work. "I want it rough. I want to feel just how badly you want it too."

He deliberately backs himself up against Stede, grinding his ass against Stede's just to wind him up more… and, because he can, slipping a hand around and down to toy with his dick. "And I think Stede's into it as well," he adds, with a wicked look.

"Maybe you should use his mouth while I finger you… I could even fuck you into it, unless you want his ass for that?" Ed grabs the pegging sheath, stepping into the harness and sliding it over his own dick. "You can use him however you want… little fuck will just get off on it…"

"I was gonna go with just having you take me up against him," Izzy says, "but I could use his mouth. Not his ass, though. That's staying plugged until they're all ready to go."

He pulls Ed in to kiss him roughly, and then paces around to Stede's head-end: gripping hold of him by the hair to lift his head up and bring his cock to the other man's lips. "Open up," he orders. "But don't expect to need any finesse. I think Eddie's gonna fuck me too hard for that."

From the look he gives Ed, he's counting on it, and he braces his arms on the ropes holding Stede up in blatant offering. "Don't be gentle," he says. "I wouldn't."

Two fingers is Ed's opening gambit, his feet pushing Izzy's apart and a hand on his waist keeping him still enough to push to the first knuckle. "Only fucking way I'm going soft on you is if you beg me to. And we both know you're not the kind to scream for mercy."

He kisses and bites over Izzy's neck, nape, shoulders as he fucks him brutally with those two fingers, only working the very rim itself and not driving deep. He wants him open enough to get inside, but not so deep that he feels it fully. He wants that to be when he fucks him, so Stede knows when he's in. "Stede can take it. And if he can't… you can just revive him, after."

Stede whimpers at that. He can't do anything beyond take, and it's been made very clear he's expected to do just that. Which… is helpful in that he's not sure he has the mental capacity for anything with more finesse, but it also means he's being used, and that just turns him on even more.

"He'll survive," Izzy promises, pressing back against Ed; instinctively trying to get those fingers deeper. "I know how to keep my subs conscious. So give me all you've got. I want to feel it. I want to feel you. And you're damn fucking right I won't scream for mercy… but I will scream for more."

Ed briefly shunts a third finger in, before he's pulling out and guiding the strap-head to Izzy's hole. Already lubed, it takes a little pressure to work past the resistance of Izzy's body… but when he's in, Ed grabs his hips and drags Izzy back as firmly as he can, right as he rocks up and in. It's rough, and tight, and god but his cock wishes he could feel those muscles working directly.

"Make him feel it," Ed growls, and throws himself bodily into taking Izzy. He knows each slam will drive his lover deeper into Stede's throat, and fuck but that's so hot. He glances over to the two boys watching, smirking at how Lucius is basically drooling and frotting into Pete. "Fuck, but you're such a good shag, Iz… Every fucking time… I could just rail you all damn night…"

"Imagine how insane they'd go if you did," Izzy gasps out; gripping the ropes even tighter as he adjusts to the strength of Ed's thrusts. He's really going for it this time, which is exactly what Izzy wants, and he can feel Stede fighting to keep taking him as well… and fuck, it's just a good job he's wearing a cockring, or this would shatter him all too soon.

"Maybe we should do that sometime. Take 'em to the dungeon, chain 'em to the wall… and give 'em no choice but to watch…"

"Put plugs under 'em – no – sticks. Vibrating, make 'em stand on tippy-toes or be fucked all night. Strap wands to their dicks, too… locked in chastity and fucked by machines while we rip each other to pieces… Getting harder, rougher, more hungry… Neither one of us ever willing to yield. Not when our boys are watching like that." Ed manages to find even more strength at the mental image, and the way Izzy is rising to meet him. "Open-mouth gags so they can scream, but they can't say 'stop', and they can't say no when we decide to take a break and take their gorgeous faces…"

Izzy reaches back at that and grabs onto Ed wherever he can. "Stop it, you," he says, in a voice that makes it quite clear he means the exact opposite. "Or I'll want to do it right fucking now… and so will they, the little painsluts. Though… we are here for a fortnight, so…"

Stede makes a keening sound of desperation at that; deep enough in headspace that the idea sounds maddening and glorious and exactly like something they should do. Most of his focus is still on trying to keep taking Izzy's dick, but he can feel his own aching even harder as the mental images wash over him.

"We could definitely clip toys to their harnesses and make their pretty pricks raw," Ed purr-growls, then reaches around to squeeze Stede's throat as it swallows over Izzy's cock. He knows it'll make him choke, but that Izzy is close enough to intervene if he needs to. "You want to get them, when you've finished fucking his face? And the gags? I brought the ones that won't stop screaming, just words."

"You're evil," Izzy breathes, in a tone more suited to 'I love you'. "And you're on. Give me everything you've got… and then we'll hold off before your husband passes out. And my dick falls off." This is winding him up something fierce, after all, and it's going to be a while before he gets any release of his own.

"Only if you scream, too." Scream, yell, roar… Ed doesn't care. He just wants to hear Izzy vocal and he lands a rough slap to one buttock. Then grips Stede's throat so it works over his cock in a spasm, right before he's reaching around to use the suspension ropes. That means he can yank Stede closer as he rails into Izzy, keeping his husband from swinging away from the onslaught. His teeth push into his lip as he goes all-out, hoping it'll be enough because fuck is it difficult to keep that level of energy up.

Izzy sure as fuck roars at that, riding out the torturous bliss between the pair of them for as long as he can, and then tapping Ed on the arm because he can feel Stede starting to lose it entirely, and he doesn't want the man passing out whilst he's suspended. "Fuck, yes; fuck!" he cries, aware he'd be spilling down the helpless man's throat if he could.

Ed waits just a heartbeat longer before he relents, pulling back and out of Izzy, only to spin him around and push his ass back towards Stede's face so he can kiss him again. He's fired the fuck up, and his hands are all over Izzy as he tries to calm down enough to think. "Tell me to stop before I fucking… lose it. Tell me." He's serious, because he needs to know Izzy will rein him back in. At least for long enough to do the next thing.

Both hands on Ed's face, Izzy pulls him in. "Look at me, Eddie. Take a breath. I've got you, you know that. I've always got you. And we're gonna do everything you're dreaming of: either tonight, or another night. Or repeatedly. We just gotta make sure we pace it, yeah? We need those gorgeous fucks conscious. And you, too. You trust me, don't you? Trust me to keep you right."

Ed's eyes are soulful and trusting, still full of fire, but the reassurance helps. He knows he's at risk of spiralling into too-much, and whilst that would be fun, it would be too fast, too. "You always keep me right. It's why you're my Izzy. It's why you hold Stede's leash for me."

He needs to let his own dick settle for a moment, and to do that he needs to focus on other people. Ed brushes his nose to Izzy's, fighting his focus to snap back. "I'll get the gags and vibes. You check he's still fit for the next step. You know he's a fucking glutton for punishment… and we want him to last, too."

"He will," Izzy says, softly; keeping his hands on Ed's face for a moment just to bring him down. "If nothing else, he'd do it for you. Now… go on, get the extra gear, I'll make sure he's OK. And then we need to do something about those two hiding in the proverbial corner…"

He lingers over the contact a little more, then lets go slowly, watching Ed's reactions as he steps back. And then, confident he's OK, he turns and drops to one knee in front of Stede.

"You still with us, pretty-boy?"

All Stede can do is murmur, trying to blink up at Izzy. The world is just sensation and overwhelm now, and he's utterly lost in it.

Izzy pats him on the cheek. "I thought so. You did good. Don't expect it to buy you a drop of mercy."

Ed returns with the new toys, handing Izzy the vibrator and moving in to grip Stede's hair and pull his head up. "Fuck… you're so fucking gorgeous like this. You know how to safeword out when you're gagged?"

He hasn't given him anything to hold, so… "I'll put this on, and I want you to shout it out for us so we know how it sounds. It won't stop anything, it's just so we can recognise it. If we don't recognise you yelling it – if – you shout it three times in a row. Got it?"

The open metal circle is slipped in, then the straps buckled around Stede's face.

Fuck, but that's… equal parts horrifying and arousing as all hell. Stede moans softly, and then – as instructed – tries to call out 'red' as a test. It does not sound like 'red'. In fact, it sounds more like 'Ed', but with weirdly-melted consonants at the start.

Then he manages a nod. He wants to beg for mercy so badly, but he can't, and that's turning him on so much he feels like his damn dick might fall off.

At the same time, Izzy ducks down and works the vibrating ring onto Stede's dick; making sure it's snugly in place before he turns it on… which has the man in question moaning again and shaking a little in the ropes.

"That should keep you occupied," Izzy says, with a wicked little smile, as he rises to his feet.

"If I think you've said your safeword, I'll check, and you nod or shake," Ed tells Stede, leaning in to kiss his spread-wide mouth. "Fuck, but you're so pretty like this… when we're ready for you, we might have to fill you up from both sides…"

He looks down at the ring that's working his husband's cock. "Hopefully you'll be still conscious. If not, you'd still consent, wouldn't you?"

Stede's eyes are black as he nods. He's not at all sure he will still be conscious; already drifting so far down that the world feels distant, save for the points of sensation and stimulation that anchor him like glittering points of white-hot light.

"Somehow I reckon he'll come round if we start spitroasting him," Izzy says. "Now… you ready to watch me wreck Pete? Because I'm betting he's more than ready for it…"

He's not wrong. Pete whimpers at the words, aware he's in for a lot, but still craving it all the same. He presses into Lucius as much as he can whilst he still can, aware he's going to lose that particular contact very soon.

Lucius kisses at Pete's forehead, rubbing into him, making it clear he's giving him all the support he can. "Love you, babe," he whispers. Not because he thinks he shouldn't talk, but… but it feels right to whisper. "You've got this. Love you so much."

"Love you too," Pete replies. "And don't worry… I can take it, I promise."

"Oh, you'll take it, all right," Izzy cuts in, as he paces closer. "You'll take everything. Lucius… move to the side. I'm going to give Pete my full attention. But don't worry, you'll get your turn when we're both done with him… at least for now."

"Yes, Master." Lucius looks up to Izzy with wide, loving eyes. The pause is for that – and only a moment – before he starts to shuffle awkwardly away.

Ed comes over, too. He runs a hand through Lu's hair as he watches Izzy. He's brought the paddles over, just in case, and he offers one to his lover. "You want the same as with Stede, or you got another idea for this one?"

"I'm gonna start the same," Izzy says, taking one of the paddles with a nod of thanks. "After that… I'll see where things go."

He runs the paddle slowly over Pete's ass, feeling the way the other man shudders in blatant anticipation. "I know what you can take… and I'm gonna push you right to the edge of it. Are you ready?"

"Yes, sir," Pete gasps. He'd know Izzy was serious even if he hadn't just witnessed everything that was done to Stede, from his voice alone. "I'm ready."

And Izzy launches in with the paddle: eyes wordlessly inviting Ed to join in if he wants, or just to enjoy watching. The volley moves across Pete's ass and over the backs of his thighs; some blows sharper than others, so he never knows quite what to expect.

Ed decides to watch, first, with his hand on the back of Pete's collar. He knows the man will feel his presence like that, and he traces the paddle over the curve of his spine. When Izzy's hit a rhythm that Pete seems to be warming into, he gives a little nod and takes over on the buttocks, leaving Izzy to work on his thighs. That doubles the speed and varies the pattern even more, and Ed makes a noise of delight at the way Pete sways beneath them both. "Aren't you going to thank us, boy?"

"Thank you, sirs! Thank you!" Pete cries out, in between shocked gasps at just how hard Izzy is going for it, right from the start. "I'll take anything you ask, you know I will!"

"Oh, I know," Izzy tells him, not holding off until he can see Pete really starting to struggle. And when he does, he pushes the other man's legs further apart; reaching between them to toy with his dick. "Did you like listening to us take Stede apart? Your dick says you did."

"I did, sir, I did; fuck, yes," Pete replies at once, because it's entirely true.

"You think he's getting harder, listening to you?"

"…I hope so, sir!"

"Did it make you hard when he screamed?" Ed asks, thumb playing with Pete's lip. "Did you wish you were there, taking Izzy's cock down your throat? I bet you fucking did. You and Lu were grinding like the needy little sluts you are… were you fucking yourself on that plug? Rubbing into Lu, desperate to get off?"

"Y-yes, sir," Pete gasps, a little more nervously; aware they weren't technically supposed to do that, even if they also weren't ordered to stop. "It was amazing to listen to, but… but maddening as well. And I knew we couldn't, not with the rings, so… so we wouldn't disobey you…"

"And now poor Lucius has no one to rut against," Izzy points out. "I'd say 'let's hope your screaming is less arousing', for his sake, but… I can tell you now, it's just as bad."

And to prove the point, he swats at Pete's dick with the paddle, and even not at full strength, it still makes the man howl to the rafters.

Ed flops his head onto the couch, next to where Pete is bent over, propping his chin on the paddle. His fingers trail over the man's head, chasing the fine hair where it springs around the edges of his scalp. He looks concerned, but in that 'not-so-secretly-getting-off-on-it' way. "Oh, is he hurting you, little slut? Is it hard? Hard like your pretty, pink prick?"

Pete bites his lip and nods. "Yessir," he answers, in between blows. "But I can take it. I can."

"And you will," Izzy reminds him; switching back to start landing the blows across Pete's ass-cheeks again. He doesn't want the man utterly overwhelmed too fast, after all. "So beg me for more."

That makes Pete's eyes close, knowing what he's asking for. "Please, sir… please don't stop. Break me."

Izzy springs up at that, one arm wrapping around Pete's throat, whilst his knee finds the tip of the plug buried inside the other man and grinds against it, making him gasp as he forces Pete to look up at Ed.

"Now beg us both."

"Please, sirs!" Pete cries out, trembling all over. "Please, break me!"

Ed uses the paddle to tap and swat at Pete's cock, reaching between his legs to bat it back and forth. He smiles – a very, very dangerous smile – and slow-blinks at Pete. "You can do better than that. Do you really want this? Do you want to be so fucking hard you think you'll pass out, because all the blood's in your bound and aching dick? Do you want the pain to go past where you'd beg it to stop, past where you know your own name? Do you want us to destroy you, like we did Stede? You saw what we gave him… do you think you can take that, too?"

"Yes, sir!" Pete gasps, his voice trembling. He sure as hell wants to prove he can take the same, even if he's afraid on one level that he can't. "Yes… please, please let me show you that I can!"

"Are you sure about that?" Izzy pushes. "Stede's stronger than he looks."

"S-so am I, sir!" Pete promises, going for broke. "Please! Please let me prove it!"

Izzy flashes Ed a glance that Pete won't be able to see: half-wicked and half-proud. "All right, then…"

And he pulls back, launching in with the paddle again and landing a rough, sharp volley against Pete's ass: longer and harder than before, wanting to start really pushing him. He knows how to watch for the signs that it's getting too much; how to pace it to keep the other man on the edge without letting him fall the wrong way, and his focus is careful as he works.

"Oh, you've poked the bear, now," Ed purrs in appreciation, loving the way Izzy's come so alive again. Loving how Pete is so bright, fierce, adamant and assured. He can see Lucius in his peripheral vision, all but drooling in response to the sounds.

And he gives one hard swat of the paddle to Pete's dick before he moves to let his own rhythm rain down over his rope-bound shoulders and upper back. He takes care to hit where it will resound and reverberate, smacking right on the knots to enhance each blow. "You know I'm going to have to use your mouth while Izzy fucks me, next… should I leave this strap on and really choke you, or should I let you have my real dick?"

"…r-real, sir… please…" Pete begs, though they're the only words he can get out in between the ragged screaming. His own dick is so hard now it would hurt even without the extra blows, and he's desperately, desperately trying to keep going. He needs to. He needs to prove he can.

When Izzy finally holds off, he gives Ed a look to do the same and then drops to one knee behind Pete, yanking him up onto his knees; showing off his chest and harness at the same time. "You think you've earned it?" he asks, reaching around to toy with Pete's nipples using the edge of the paddle.

"…I hope so, sir…" Pete manages. "Y-your choice, of course, but… trying…"

"He's presumptuous." Ed puts his fingernails low on Pete's back – paddle aside for the moment – and scrapes upwards. It's hindered slightly by the harness, but anywhere he reaches he scratches. "If you let him have it, you're gonna have to fuck me harder than hard. Punish that bitch's face for being so damned eager…"

Ed then grabs Pete's jaw, shoves it upwards, and sticks two fingers into his mouth to start fucking into it. "Do we gag him first, or after?"

"Oh, it's dealer's choice on that one," Izzy replies, graciously. "You're using him, so… whichever you'd enjoy more. I'd say do it after so you can benefit from a little more finesse… but he won't get the chance to do much considering how hard I'm gonna fuck you."

He is still achingly-hard, after all – especially after the reaming Ed's already given him – and the energy has to come out somehow.

Pete, meanwhile, goes pink at Ed's words, having not meant to come across that way, and he ducks his head in further surrender, not saying anything more. It makes Izzy slip the paddle under his jaw and lift it back up, speaking low and deadly into his ear. "You know we'll take what we want no matter what you do, or say, don't you, boy?"

All Pete can do at this is nod. And yearn.

"The idea's in my head, now. I like the thought of him being completely helpless…" Ed fucks his mouth with those fingers for a moment more. "And there won't be any risk of him biting me when you bruise his throat with me as a sex-toy."

His fingers slide out and then move to run over Izzy's lips. A very, very lingering look as he unsnaps his own harness and slides his cock out, then puts it aside and retrieves lube, Izzy's strap, and the gag. Oh, and the vibrating ring. Just because.

Ed bends to fit the gag into Pete's mouth, then pushes a carabiner into his palm. "Your mouth is going to be full, so if you're really struggling, you drop that."

Which is the only prep he gets before Ed grabs the ropes and forces him out and away from the couch, bent over and pushed to swallow his cock in one. Without the ropes to hold him up, it's much harder on him, and Ed grabs the harness between his shoulders to make sure he doesn't fall. "Warm me up. Izzy's gotta have his turn, now."

Pete whimpers rather loudly at that: not so much at the sudden face-fucking but the position, which leaves him entirely at Ed's mercy to stop him falling forwards head first. He tries to brace himself, desperate not to let the other man down, and moaning a little in shock at it all.

"Someone's feeling eager," Izzy remarks, with a grin. "You want to get him suspended before I fuck you, or you just want something to brace against? You're gonna need it."

"Mmm, I could throw him over a chair when you're done getting me ready," Ed offers. He thrusts into Pete's mouth a few times. "Let's say we're gonna put that ring on him, too – like Stede has – and you can decide if you want him suspended while you fuck me or not. But after having your arse, I needed his mouth…"

To emphasise this, Ed uses the harness to steady Pete against a few rough, deep thrusts. "Can't blame me. You make me fucking crazy."

"Then get him over a chair, so I can fuck your damn brains out," Izzy growls, in obvious enthusiasm. "Because you make me fucking crazy too."

He slips quickly into the harness for his own strap-on: sliding it over his dick and clipping it into place, then swiping up the vibrating ring for Pete. "You're gonna want to brace, boy. If there's anything left in your brain, it's about to melt out your ears."

And on it goes, quickly activated, which makes Pete wail incoherently around Ed's dick, his hips shaking as he tries to adjust to the extra stimulation. He's going to be utterly gone before they've even got him in the air at this rate, and all he can do is keep taking… which is just so damn hot.

"Oh… fuck…" Ed pushes his cock as far in as he can, loving the way Pete gulps and convulses around it. "Shit… warn me next time!"

He pulls out with a wet sound, then – walking a little awkwardly because of the boner – drops Pete over a chair and grabs his face in both hands to start riding his mouth again. "Fuck, but he feels so good like this. Poor little bitch… spank that plug before you fuck me, love. I want to feel him fucking shatter."

Pete is just utterly helpless over the chair; trying to focus on breathing whenever he can (which is not often) whilst the rest of his body is swamped in so much sensation, he has no idea where it starts or ends anymore. He's completely lost, and it's terrifying, and it's wonderful, and he surges from sensation to sensation trying to keep going.

Though when Izzy moves around behind him and starts spanking right over the flare of the plug in his ass, he's just… gone for a few seconds, before sputtering back to the moment with a jolt that goes all the way through him. He's slightly more braced the second time, but from the sounds he's managing to make, not by much.

Izzy lands a couple more blows before he rises to his feet again and grabs for the lubricant. "Your turn, you wicked, wicked creature," he says to Ed; eyes alight with renewed desire as he moves around behind the taller man and quickly shoves a lubricated finger into him, up to the knuckle. "Don't worry. I'll make it fucking good."

"I know you will." Ed's eyes blaze with affection as he looks back over his shoulder and shoves his ass towards Izzy. "C'mon. You know I love to fucking bottom. I love to fucking bottom for you. Give me all you've got, big boy. Fuck my damn brains out… make Pete wish he'd been born without any gag reflex at all. He's sure not gonna be able to use it…"

One finger becomes two very rapidly; both shunting roughly back and forth, and as soon as Izzy thinks Ed's ready enough he drags them free and slicks his strap-on with lubricant. "You know I love to fucking top," he says, with a grin. Which is very true. He enjoys bottoming far more than he ever did now it's with these particular guys, but he'll always be a top at heart.

A hand on Ed's hip, and he pushes in: firmly, surely, and not stopping until he's all the way. "Fuck, yes," he gasps. "Now brace."

Both hands on Ed's hips now, and he starts to move: fast, and hard, determined to give the other man the reaming he's been promised, and one to echo the reaming Ed has already given him.

Ed curls his fingers under the ropes at Pete's shoulders, feet braced, ready. Pete's mouth is slack from the gag, his tongue the only thing he can really control, meaning the blowjob is sloppy and slobbery and loose. That's in direct contrast to the very firm strap that slides into him, as Izzy starts pegging him like there's no tomorrow.

"Oh fuck yes, yes, oh god, gimme, gimme!"

Long hair tosses in clear enjoyment as Ed pistons his hips between his lovers. He's vaguely keeping an eye on Pete (as in, not looking much but hyper-aware of the sounds and feel of the man around his cock), but it's difficult to give him all his attention when Izzy's pounding him like that. He forces himself to keep enough of his mind here – adamant he won't let Pete down – and roars in satisfaction at the very enjoyable sandwich-filler he's been made into. "Yes, fuck yes! Oh god, you fuck so fucking good. Fuck… Stede… you need to fucking see this… You too, Lu… ohgodyes right there… right there… fucking beast."

Lucius whines, humping the couch, watching the three of them. He wishes he was in Pete's place, or sucking Pete's cock, or… anything, right now. He knows they'll use him, too, but damn is it hard to wait.

And Stede is so far gone that it's questionable where his mind was before the moment in which he processes Ed saying his name; at which point he jolts a little in the ropes and tries to blink over at them, though he's not capable of much more, even on a purely mental level. It is… quite a view, though, and it makes him ache even harder.

"Fuck, yes, that's it," Izzy growls, throwing everything he's got into the coupling. "Don't tap out until you absolutely have to… fuck!" Even through the strap, it feels absolutely incredible, and he loves just how into it Ed is. And… knowing the man enjoys having his hair pulled, he reaches up and grabs hold, tugging his head back: not in any attempt to demand control, but simply for the joy and intensity of the sensation.

Ed yowls in pleasure, the sharp sting of it and the shifted angle making his hips twerk and bounce over Izzy's latex-clad cock. God, he's seeing stars. His hands reach further, grabbing near Pete's hips, stretching out as much as he can against the grip to his hair. He's stopped trying to fuck Pete's face, content to just let Izzy lead on the rhythm and depth. Each slide inside pushes him wider and for a moment he forgets Pete even needs to breathe.

And then he's holding out just because it feels so good…

"Pete," Ed husks out. "Before we fucking suffocate him…"

Even though Ed wants Izzy to keep going that hard. "Fucking… kiss me while he fills his lungs… fuck but you need to pound me into Lu, next… maybe we swap and both do it…"

"PLEASE!" Lu begs, from the couch.

Izzy lets go of Ed and pulls back from him, before tugging him back from Pete (to give the poor boy a break) and then hauls Ed in again – from the front this time – to kiss him brutally hard. "We gotta suspend Pete first, though; get him up next to Stede. And then we can wreck Lu between us. You can hear how badly he wants it… and you know he can take the most of all."

His expression at this is wicked beyond belief.

"Mmm, maybe after that, we tie 'em in a triangle, so they each have someone else's dick in their mouth. Bet we could do that… Three bottoms out for us to spank and fuck… each of 'em chained together, helpless, put 'em all in a spreader-bar, too… you think we could manage that?" Ed isn't sure their subs will, but fuck will it be worth seeing. "Give 'em all a chain to hold, laced between 'em, so we'll all know if someone's tapping out…"

"Eddie, you're evil," Izzy declares, happily. "Might be doable if we use the crossbeam. Help me get Pete in place, and I'll set it up to work either way."

For now, he wants to give Pete a break – as much as it can be considered that, given the state he'll still be in – and make sure Lucius doesn't feel left out. Plus watching Ed and Lucius bounce off each other is far too enjoyable, and he hopes Lucius isn't already too far under to give them a little strength to work with.

First things first, though. "If you can hold him like you did Stede, I'll get the lines attached."

Ed takes the carabiner from Pete, first. "I need to hear your safeword, so we can identify it. You okay to let me hear it? Same rules as Stede: if we don't process it, yell it three times. And if I think I hear it, I'll check quickly. Got it?"

He's on edge again, wired like he's had fifteen coffees, but the hand stroking over Pete's head is gentle. "Do that for me, then I'll carry you over for a rest with Stede."

Pete is so out of it that for a moment he can't quite process that he actually needs to speak. He understands the rest, but the part requiring him to try saying the word – as much as is possible like this – just doesn't seem to trigger at first. Eventually, though, he catches on, and does his best, even if the ring-gag leaves coherence out of the question.

And his eyes plead with Ed to be proud of him. Izzy, too, but it's Ed who's looking at him right now. He can't help it. He needs to know he's done enough.

"That's good. One more time, just so I know for sure? You know we need to take care of you." Ed's voice is still ringing with excitement and arousal, but it's cut with deep, deep affection, too. "That's it… there. That's what I needed. I'm going to give you the carabiner back when we get you in place, just in case you need to tell us anything. But we'll get you hung up first, love. So just brace yourself…"

Ed lifts with his knees, grimacing to ignore the one that hates him, then carries him over to where Izzy's prepared the next round of ropes. "He's so fucking gone, Iz. Look at him… you really did break him."

"We did," Izzy says. "It's a gift." It's so much more than that, too, and he knows it. You can't do this, really do this, without a deep, deep connection, and he loves seeing the proof of it every time.

He's a little faster with the ropes this time, having figured out the best way to do it when working on Stede, and it doesn't take long to get everything connected and looped off just right. Izzy gives a tug on the central lines to be sure, and then they can haul Pete up to the same height as Stede; shoring the lines off using another of the safety-pulleys.

Then Izzy gives Pete a gentle nudge, setting him swinging ever-so lightly. "Fuck, you look so gorgeous like this," he says to the helpless man. "Take a breath, now. You did good. And… I think it might be Lucius' turn at last."

"It is." Ed pushes one carabiner into Pete's hand, bending to kiss his head. Then he gives Stede one, too: curling his fingers around it and kissing his temple. "How do you want to handle that one?"

Lucius – for his part – is now a mess. His hair is ruffled and sticking to his face in some places, but saluting the sky in others. He's got couch-print on his face, and he's turned from the couch to drop his head and kneel shakily in front of Izzy.

"M-master… I'll be good. I will. I will. Please…"

Izzy slips a hand under Lucius' jaw, keeping his chin up. "See to it that you are," he replies; firm but not cruel. He doesn't doubt the other man's intent, after all. "You know we're going to wreck you. Now… back over the end of the couch. We're going to give you a good thrashing before we do anything else."

"You want the other paddles?" Ed asks, as he watches Lucius get back into place. "The special ones we got made?"

Lucius obviously flinches at that, then goes utterly, utterly still.

"Looks like he wants 'em…" Ed gives Lu's ass a solid swipe with his palm, then goes to grab said paddles. They haven't been used yet, and that's partially because they needed a reason. These ones are leather like the others, but one side has protruding metal spikes. The kind that will scrape nicely over skin, or leave marks. At best, pink dots all over. But with force, they'll easily draw blood. Ed doesn't plan on flaying Lu's ass to shreds on the first night here, but flipping them back and forth and giving him the occasional hard smack with the evil side is definitely on the market.

"Master… Sir… I'll be good. I will. I'll be good."

"I know you will," Izzy tells him, soft and level, but with a clear hint of danger. "I know. And you've seen what'll happen to you if you're good… but I think even you might not want what'll happen to you if you're bad."

He leans in close, sliding a hand through Lucius' hair and tugging him so they're forehead-to-forehead. "But you said you'd be good for us, for me, and you'll be flying before long if you are…"

"I know, I know… Sir, I know…" Lucius does. He's not complaining, or resisting. He isn't. Or he doesn't think he is: he's worried, but excited, and the two are equally loud. "Just – just want you to know. I'm trying. If – if I mess up, it's not – it's not on purpose. I want to be good, Master. I do. I do."

It feels utterly vital to convey this, and he pushes hard into Izzy to express it. He wants so badly, and he's so fucking wound after so long waiting and listening. And knowing that the pair of them will be even more cruel after two subs before him. "Please… just know that. Just that. I love you, I love you both so much."

Ed puts Izzy's paddle spikes-down so Lucius can't see, close to Izzy, then pushes his own paddle against the plug in Lu's ass. "Oh, he's down bad. You sure he'll hold up? Poor bitch is already a wreck. You could probably bite his ear and he'd give you nuclear launch codes."

That assessment has Lucius' face burning up. "If Master wanted them, he'd have them!"

"So much for being good, huh?"

Izzy takes the paddle, keeping the special side hidden as he moves it around to start stroking the smooth edge down Lucius' back. "Oh, he'll be good. I'd say 'he knows what'll happen if he isn't', but that's not why. Not this time, at least…"

The paddle reaches Lucius' ass, stroking alongside where Ed is toying with the plug. "But you can bet he wants it to hurt. Listening to the others will only have made that worse. Isn't that right, my little painslut?"

For now, Izzy sticks with the flat side of the paddle, wanting to warm the other man up before surprising him with the flipside. The blows that start landing are sharp, and harsh: he's warmed up already, after all, and he knows what Lucius is craving.

"I do! I do, Sir, I do!" Lucius lifts his ass in eager invitation, moaning in delight. "I do want it to hurt, Sir, and I do want to be good for you! I want to make you proud of me! I want to show you I can be good, that I want to be good!"

Ed doesn't want to make things too difficult for Izzy, so he uses his palm to slap at Lu's bound dick, watching with glee as he writhes between them both. He really does love pain to an extraordinary degree, and it makes delivering it so much more enjoyable when the subject is so vehemently into it. "He's such a good painslut he'd come from you beating his cock. Maybe we should do that, sometime: put a clamp around it and chain it, so we can use a cane or a crop all over his dick and balls until he spills. I'm sure he would."

"YES, SIR, PLEASE, SIR!"

He's so fucking gorgeous when he's eager. He's fucking gorgeous all the time, of course he is, but there's something particularly special about this: when he's eager and desperate and craving all the force Izzy can give him.

"He'd fucking love it," Izzy agrees. "I've made him come just from impact play on his dick, so… you can bet he'd spill all too easily… unless we left the ring on. Then he'd just go insane."

The blows to his ass start getting stronger, as Izzy builds up the pace. "I know you want more," he says. "So beg me. Beg us."

Lucius remembers just how good those times felt, and he howls in excitement, his dick and balls bouncing under the maddeningly not-enough slaps. The pressure on his ass is good, too good. It's good in the way that means it's stopped hurting, and as Izzy wants to hurt him, and he likes to be hurt, he of course has to beg. He would, anyway, but doubly so now he's been ordered to.

"Please, please… Sirs, I'm begging… I'm begging you… please! Make it hurt! Make it hurt--"

But that isn't enough, is it? His head turns, looking to where Pete and Stede are suspended. Both of them used and abused and twitching from the torment around their dicks. Izzy expects more from him, and Lucius knows. He absolutely can't let them down.

"Please: break me."

The words are barely out when Ed grabs his hair and dick – paddle out of the way – and nods to Izzy. Do it.

And without another word, Izzy flips the paddle, and lands a blow using the other side. He's more careful – at full strength, it would be too much – but he still goes as hard as he dares, wanting to see how Lucius reacts.

But he doesn't stop at one: landing further blows across Lucius' ass and over his thighs. He doesn't want it breaking the skin, but he's well-aware this will land Lucius with some very patterned welts for the next few days.

"You like that, my little painslut?"

Lucius doesn't remember feeling anything quite like that, and the shock of it is enough to make him squeal in confusion. Not because it's too much, just because it came from out of nowhere. He bites into the couch, hiding the garbled noise as he tries to work out what the fuck is going on, but--

"Your Master asked you a question, boy."

Ed's fingers burn his scalp with the tugging, and Lu's eyes streak with tears of pain. "Yes!" he spits out, because he does, he thinks. Yes? It's like he's been assaulted by a swarm of bees, and now there's a scrape across his shoulder when Ed uses his toy, too.

"Oh god! Oh god, Sir – I'll be good, I will, I will!"

"You keep saying that. But I don't see any evidence…" Ed slicks one of the spikes a little harder than the others, dragging a white line with flushed pink skin either side.

"Tell me what to do! Please! I'll do it! Tell me how to be good!"

"You know how to be good," Izzy replies, holding off for a moment. "Yield. You know we won't stop until you're as shattered as those two. So yield, and take everything you're given."

He runs the spiked side of the paddle over Lucius' ass, so he can feel it, anticipate it, against his no-doubt aching skin. "And I know you still want it. Even knowing how much it hurts. I know you need it."

The paddle moves between Lucius' legs, now running the spikes over his dick, before swatting at it several times, eager to make him scream some more.

"I DO I DO!" Lucius is afraid for his junk, though. Those wicked spikes feel too dangerous, and he's arching up onto the balls of his feet, trying to protect his cock. "I have yielded! I promise! I'll take anything you give me, I will! PLEASE!"

Ed lifts the paddle – turned spikes-away where Lu can't see – and then slams it down with all his strength. He lands it right where the scarred mark is, leaving the implement in place to extend the pain.

"OH GOD PLEASE DON'T!"

"What was that?" Ed's tone is pitch black.

"Don't take that! Please! Please don't break my mark! Oh god, Master, please! Please no! Anything but that! Please please please please!"

"Lucius," Izzy says, firmly; grabbing him by the jaw and making him turn, and holding off on anything else for the moment. "We wouldn't do that. Even if these did break the skin, they aren't going to scar you. They won't damage your mark. We would never, I promise. You're ours, and we'd never want to harm the proof of that, OK?"

He stays holding off for now, wanting to bring Lucius back down before he keeps going… and take advantage of the high emotion to try to lull him further under.

It takes Lucius a moment to calm down enough, but he nods in understanding. Then dips his eyes in shame. "I… I should know that, Sir. I… I'm sorry. It – it means so much… I – I panicked…"

Ed realises the threat he inadvertently made, and runs his fingers over the curved lines. "We would never do that, love. We would never do anything to make you feel less ours. I wanted you to remember the night we marked you. Claimed you."

The tone from each does sink in, and Lucius lets out a little moan. "I… I remember, Sir. It meant everything. It means everything."

"Let me remind you further…"

Ed catches Izzy's eyes, asking for a moment, and then uses the point of one spike to draw the shape. Slowly, sharply, but not breaking the skin. "Let us remind you of the promises you made to us, and we made to you…"

The contact starts to soothe him, and Lu leans into Izzy, purring just slightly.

"That's it," Izzy tells him, glad that Lucius is settling again. "You know you're ours. But you also know we will always take care of you, even when we're making you scream. Especially then. Now breathe, and let yourself let go."

He knows Lucius is still on-edge in some way, even if he very much wants to surrender, and he needs to help the other man push past that. So he slides his free hand to rest over the front of Lucius' throat, over his collar; giving him a little pressure, knowing it often helps ground him. "We have you… and you're going to end up like the other two before long. And there's nothing you can do to stop it."

Is this a threat, or a promise? The answer is clearly: yes.

"Please, Sirs… please." Lucius' eyes go hazy and half-mast, his breathing levelling and his body starting to unwind. "I'm yours. I'm all yours. Use me… break me… hurt me."

Ed tilts his head in query to Izzy, checking what he wants him to do. He's more than happy to defer, especially when it comes to getting Lucius over his blockers.

Izzy keeps hold for a moment longer before he lets go, and then he looks up at Ed. "Both of us together," he says. "Over his ass, and his thighs. He needs it hard, so don't be gentle."

And this time he's content to say it out loud, because he wants Lucius to know what's coming and – at least mentally – relax into it. He knows the younger man is close to that crucial tipping point, and once he's over, he'll sink if they play this right.

So he braces, stroking the spiked side of the paddle over Lucius' ass, before starting up with it again: firm and rhythmic, watching every last reaction the volley elicits.

Ed takes his cue from Izzy, moving to work alongside him. He doesn't hold back, though he does vary the intensity of his strokes. He takes one side, with Izzy taking the other, and he steadies the younger man with a hand gripping the harness across his back. The tip of his tongue pokes out as he focuses, falling silent to let Izzy lead any verbal stuff, for now. He can hear how close Lu is to snapping, and he doesn't want to spoil it this close to the edge.

For his part, Lucius has softened his stance to not tense and be hurt. The impacts are heavy and stinging, and he's half-convinced he's dripping with blood. He thinks Ed spun his around at some point, though, because the thudding feels harder and more solid, and… and at some point the pain is gone.

The pain is gone and he's just breathing through it, feeling the chemicals rush through his bloodstream. His head is down, the world is swimming slowly by like he's drunk, and he's rolling beneath the punches and loving every minute of it.

Izzy sees him go, feels it, and the smile that spreads across his face in response is equal parts pride and triumph. "That's it, that's it, good boy," he says, his tone level and sure. "That's right. You're ours. We can do whatever we want with you. And we know you love it."

He wraps his free arm under and around the other man's throat, holding him and bracing him through the last – nigh-on brutal – blows of the double-volley, and only letting go when he and Ed finally hold off.

"I think we got him, Eddie," he says; eyes dark with pleasure again, at having gotten all three of them under.

"Oh, we did," Ed agrees. He leans over, kissing the corner of Izzy's smile. And then – without warning – he slips the third ring onto Lucius and sets it vibrating. "He's there… and now we can do what we want with all three of 'em."

Lucius' hips rock weakly once the ring is on, and he drops his head towards Izzy, longing but surrendered. His eyes are closed, his mouth slack. He wants so much, but he wouldn't dare beg.

"And now the only question is… which of us is fucking the other up against him?" Izzy says, wicked smile unfading. "Because he loves having his mouth used mercilessly hard. So we should get him suspended, and then decide who's topping next…"

Right now, he could quite happily go either way… but he almost says he'll bottom again, just so he can be the one riding Lucius' face at the same time. Plus Ed is a fucking amazing top.

Ed glances down. "You're still dressed to top… but that doesn't mean we can't swap half-way through. In the interests of fairness… he did have to wait longest, after all…" Ed runs a thumb over Lu's lips, and grins when the boy starts to suckle. "I'll let you pick when we gag him, though. He definitely needs one when we put him up with the others and get 'em in a blowjob circle. Circle? Triangle?" Does it matter?

Lucius bobs his head over Ed's thumb, moaning softly because he knows what's coming and he loves this bit, too.

"Now that sounds like a plan," Izzy enthuses. "If you can hold him whilst I get him suspended, then we'll gag him and take turns. He'll love the added restriction… and I know you like pushing right to the limits…"

Which is, when you trust someone as much as he trusts Ed, certainly not a bad thing. "Ready, boy?" he adds, to Lucius, though he's not at all sure he'll get a coherent answer.

"Mmmmmm," Lucius answers, vaguely nodding and letting Ed's thumb slip from his mouth.

Ed scoops him up, holding him in close as he carries him to the central point Izzy's suspended the other two around. Stede and Pete both look barely-conscious, and Ed almost feels sorry for them. Almost. They're about to have an absolutely glorious time, so that will make up for all the torture.

"Let's give him a carabiner, too. Just in case. Not sure he'd ever drop it on purpose, but we know if he drops it accidentally that he does need attention. Right, painslut?"

"…'s'r…"

With Ed holding Lucius in place, Izzy starts attaching the suspension lines to his harness, following the same pattern as the other two. Once he's done, tugging on the ropes to check them, he shores them off using another of the safety pulleys, and finally hoists Lucius into place.

And… fuck, but what a sight the three of them all make: each floating face-down, arms behind their backs and legs spread wide.

"And there you have it," Izzy says, with just a little flourish. "Aren't they stunning? And… helpless?"

Ed grins. He smacks Lu's ass, then Stede's, and nods for Izzy to spank Pete and make him sway, too. "Utterly helpless. We could keep 'em here for hours. Access every damn inch we wanted… Use their holes, flog them, mark them… Put those wands all over their bodies… Paddle them into oblivion…"

He's spanking them both – with a bit of a stretch – at once as he speaks. The contact isn't too firm, but it's there to drive the message deeper in. "Fucking gorgeous. So you better fuck my damn brains out before it gets too much for me."

"Oh, had I now?" Izzy's eyes sparkle with amusement, and a fair swathe of desire, as he reaches for the final ring-gag. "Get that on him, and I will… and drive you all the way down his gorgeous throat."

He slaps a hand over Lucius' ass as well – light enough, compared to the thrashing he's just taken – and teases at the marks he's got forming. "I know just how much you want it, boy. So you better brace yourself… if you're coherent enough to do it."

Lucius tries to say he is, but he's too raw and broken. Instead of worrying about that, he sighs in contentment. He clasps the carabiner he's been handed as firmly as possible, opening his mouth obediently as the gag is slipped in.

He prefers not to be gagged, except by cock. But as this is a precursor to cock, it's fine. He swirls his tongue around to get used to it, then looks up expectantly.

"You're gagging for this, aren't you, boy?" Ed asks, hefting his cock in one hand and bouncing it against Lu's lips.

Lu nods as much as possible, gulping expectantly and leaning forwards. And forwards. He wants it, and he whines when it's just teased over his forced-wide lips.

"Lucky for you I want it, too." Ed holds the back of Lu's head and slowly thrusts in, starting to gradually fuck his mouth. "And don't you look a pretty sight, swallowing my prick?"

"He absolutely fucking does," Izzy agrees. He's gotten hold of the lube to re-slick his strap-on, but he wants Ed to really feel it as he pushes back in, so he doesn't warm him back up – trusting that he'll be more than prepped enough from earlier – and instead moves in at once; guiding the strap-on to Ed's hole and starting to slide into him. "He's not the only one."

Fuck, but Ed feels good. Izzy shunts as deep as he can, hands moving to hold the other man's hips as he does. "You ready?"

Ed's hands move to grab the ropes Lu's suspended from, so he can keep the man close and stop him from swinging away. He makes a very, very rough sound of appreciation at the full sensation, tossing his hair (maybe in invitation) and glancing back over his shoulder.

"Not sure anyone's ever ready when you go all out, but I'm gonna fucking try, love." A wriggle of his hips and a deliberately inviting tilt to his waist, and Ed is very much keen. "Show me what you got."

He's especially gorgeous when he's enthusiastic. Izzy holds on tighter and braces himself… and immediately starts fucking the other man as hard as he can. He's already aching from earlier, and aware this is just going to wind himself up even more, but it feels so damn good.

"Fuck, yes," he growls, throwing everything into the coupling. "God, I really could fuck you all damn day, but we'd both go as insane as this lot."

"M-maybe with icepacks in between…" The words come out a little jolted because Izzy is giving him just what he needs. Ed moves one hand to Lu's hair, tugging it until he sees tears around the man's eyes. "Fuck, but we're gonna destroy 'em. They look so goddamn pretty when they're crying… Happy crying…"

Lucius is certainly doing that. His hands twitch around the carabiner, the metal already warm. It's pretty much the only thing he can do other than wiggle his toes and move his eyes, because with the gag in place and Ed's cock sliding over his tongue and into his throat, he's lost every other control.

And fuck does it feel good. The ropes mean he's just floating with the pressure spread, and even though there's things against his skin, it's different from lying over a bed, or a table. He's dreamily aware his cock is being buzzed raw, and he flicks his gaze up to meet Ed's eyes. God, he loves that Izzy is pounding them both.

Ed inhales sharply. "Oh fuck… Iz… your boy. Our boy…"

"Isn't he beautiful?" Izzy enthuses, even as he's still fucking the other man hard. "They all are. So fucking beautiful, and so fucking strong. And all ours."

He feels it in his own chest; the awareness of what they have, what they've made, and he knows it's something truly special. The promises they've made, the bond they've formalised… it's everything.

"And so are you," he adds, not to asset control, but to remind Ed all the same. "So beautiful, and so strong, and so full of the most glorious fire."

"You all make me that." Ed puts a hand on Izzy's, on his hip. "And you feel so fucking good inside me. Fuck. Almost prefer this to fucking you, and fucking you is good." This is the best thing about being versatile: not having to limit yourself, even if you do have a preference.

And when there's five of you, each with your own different moods and needs, it's not like he's ever going to be stuck in a rut.

Ed twists, begging for a kiss, aching with how hard his damn dick is. "We're gonna need to fuck all of 'em to completion, before we get ours, don't forget. Dunno how we'll stand, after it…"

"Not sure we will," Izzy says, arching up to kiss him; hungry and fierce. "But that's why we're doing this on holiday, where we can collapse after for as long as we need. I'd add 'and have our boys look after us', but somehow I doubt they'll even be able to speak for quite a while…"

Not given the wrecked messes they'll each be by the time this is over.

"Let's make sure we put plenty of cushions down before we start untying 'em, then…" Ed grins. "And they'll take care of us plenty… just by letting us take care of them."

He gives no warning. Ed turns back to face Lu, then grabs the ropes and suddenly unleashes all his strength: fucking into the man's sloppy, open mouth and back against Izzy. "Oh that it, that's it. Fuck, yes… fuck but you're so good at that…"

Izzy clings to him as he throws everything he's got into fucking the other man as hard as he can. His own dick is practically throbbing now, and it's only the fact that he's in control of the denial that stops it driving him completely insane… and fills him with a renewed wave of respect and pride at what the others have submitted to. It's a lot. He knows it's a lot. But that's the point.

"You feel – fucking – amazing," he growls, in between nigh-on brutal thrusts. "Still want you to return the favour when I'm done…"

"Don't… think there's any chance I'd let you get away without me fucking the living daylights out of you…" Ed laughs back. "Oh god… fuck. Keep that up and I'll be on my fucking knees… You should see this one… He's nearly fucking blue. Face, and balls… shit… Iz…"

Ed taps back at him, slowing his own movements. Lucius hasn't signalled he needs a breath, but Ed can see his body struggling. "Little painslut would fucking pass out on your dick and let you choke him, wouldn't he?"

Izzy holds off at once, pulling back with a gasp. "Oh fuck yes, he would. He's got the hugest kink for it. You have to keep an eye on him, gorgeous little painslut that he is. Isn't that right, my boy?"

He doubts Lucius will be able to do much in the way of replying, but that's not exactly the point. Though he reaches around to run a hand through his hair, because he is achingly proud of him.

Lucius can't even keep the drool in. His tongue feels fat and heavy, and he's awkwardly heaving in air. His whole head is spinning, everything dark and sparkly at the same time. It's just so, so good. He doesn't recall ever feeling this deep and buzzed, but right now he's on cloud nine. Beyond. Maybe sixty-nine? A silent giggle makes him wobble in the ropes.

"God, that's fucking hot." Ed pinches at a fingertip, watching how fast the colour returns. His face is looking better again, so he's not too concerned. "Between him and Stede's sleep-kink, it's a wonder we get anything done. Then there's Pete, who thinks he isn't on their level and fucking begs for more than most would dream of…"

"He's so strong," Izzy agrees, his fond expression moving to Pete, who is clearly drifting deep. "And you're right… he judges himself by standards that most people couldn't even get close to."

Seeing as Ed is checking on Lucius, he goes over to check the other two; making sure there's no signs of poor circulation and that their breathing is level. They're both very out of it, but otherwise good, and he gives them each a firm stroke over the shoulders before – satisfied – turning to look at Ed once more.

"So… you're topping next. Question is… do we wreck Lu some more, or do we start going at the others again?"

"Well… we could link 'em all up like we said… dick to mouth. Spank 'em, for good measure… I could fuck you into Pete, so Lu gets a rest. Fuck him…" And Ed makes a gesture the others won't see, meaning 'to completion', "…then I take Stede, and you take Lu?" The gesture again. "If you think it's time?"

Izzy nods. "That works. Let's see if we can get 'em linked up, see how it looks… and then we'll start on individuals, one at a time. I doubt they've got much in the way of brains left, but we'll make sure to have it all melting out their ears…"

He walks around the group of suspended subs, considering. "We should be able to guide 'em into place between the two of us. There's plenty of give and pivot in the ropes."

Ed nods, grabbing some extra ropes and more carabiners. When it comes to something with airways, he wants the release to be quick if need be. "Let's get Stede's mouth full, first. It's been a while for him… here we go, love. You take this and suck slowly. Pete can't come yet, so we need to make sure you don't drive him too mad…"

He pulls the two together, then holds them in place for Izzy to secure them off. "That's it. Nice and easy. Pete's just as wound as you, and you're going to make it worse for him. Good little cocksucker…"

Stede – who has been drifting in ecstatic anguish for longest of all – moans softly at this; too overwrought and exhausted to do more. He can't give any kind of finesse; just try to use his tongue a little as he works his gagged-open mouth over Pete's dick. Distantly, he's aware of the obvious, agonising tension and need in the other man – especially as he feels the same – and conscious of not being able to alleviate it, but he's far too under not to obey without question.

And Pete moans too, somewhat more loudly because he's already smashed out of his mind; hips shaking a little as Stede works roughly over his shaft.

"Oh, now that's good," Izzy enthuses. "Lu and Pete next…"

They move to do the same with them: guiding Lu's cock to Pete's mouth. "There you go, let's fill you from both ends. I know you love it. And I know you'll keep driving Lu insane…"

Lu weakly kicks out a leg as his cock slides into Pete, and the tension coils briefly up his spine. He needs, needs, needs… but he's also aware his lovers do, too. He's grateful for the connection at the same time as frustrated, and when Ed starts pulling him towards Stede's crotch it's a relief. At least he'll have something to do.

"Greedy little fuck… as if you didn't just have enough." Ed works with Izzy to snap them all close enough to stay like that. A triangle of suspended, restrained, paddled and spanked beauties. Ed takes a step back, then looks to Izzy. "We should document this. So they can see, after, how fucking incredible they look…"

"We should," Izzy agrees. "It's too good not to. You don't see something like that every day, even if you're us, and I've never gotten to do a suspension with three before."

He drags Ed in to kiss him quickly, then goes to grab his phone: taking snaps of the three from different angles, so they're all visible. And… very much aware they'll go crazy, in the best way possible, when they come round and get to see them.

"Fuck, but they're gorgeous. I could watch that all day. Poor sluts might pass out, but… I'm still tempted. Probably be more tempted if I didn't feel like my dick was gonna explode, though."

"Speaking of…" Ed grabs Izzy's buttock with one hand. "You wanna take that thing off? Pete's arse is looking very, very ready for you."

And then he drags his fingers between Izzy's cheeks, teasing his hole. "And yours is looking damn fuckable, too. By the time we get to Stede and Lu, they'll probably be ready to divorce us if we don't rail 'em blind…"

Izzy grins. "They'll get what they need. I always make sure my boys get what they need… eventually."

He leans into the fingers, aware he's achingly ready for more. "You think I can take Pete whilst Stede's still sucking him? With them angled like that… it might just work, at least to start off with." They'll have to be separated when they finally let Pete come, in order to get the rings off his dick, but it'd give him some nice additional torment in the build-up. And he's still loving the view.

"Definitely… and when he needs more…" Ed starts taking Izzy's strap off, easing his dick out and running a fresh slick of lube along it. His fingers dance at Izzy's own ring, the meaning clear. "You give me the word, I'll make it happen. You just do what he needs…"

Strap off, Ed's got his hand around Izzy's dick and the other stroking two lubed fingers inside him at the same time. He's plastered to his side, licking down to push another kiss past his lips. He loves feeling Izzy rocking between both of his hands, loves being able to give him so much stimulation. Loves even more that he'll soon get to fuck him again.

For a moment, Izzy just leans into Ed's hands and lets himself enjoy the contact. It's good to be able to just do this, and not overthink it, and he wants to linger over it for a moment. And then, knowing it's time, he moves so he's up against Pete's ass, rutting against him a little. With the three subs now angled more sideways in order to connect them, it means they'll be able to fuck them whilst their dicks are still occupied by one of the other subs.

If there's any sanity left in them, there won't be soon.

He takes hold of the plug still buried in Pete's ass; pulling it free with a twist and making Pete groan against Lucius' cock, before pushing into him and sheathing himself deep.

"Fuck, Pete, you're ready for it, aren't you?" Izzy says, getting another soft moan in response.

Ed watches as he puts his own sheath back on. It's slightly more difficult now he's so turned on, but a little lube and elbow grease and he's inside. Aware it's going to be difficult to keep his own need in check with the strap so tight around his cock, he moves in quickly.

"You're ready, too, aren't you?" Ed asks Izzy. He takes his hips and pushes just the tip in, teasing for a moment to make the man need.

Izzy arches back, holding onto Ed with one hand and Pete with the other. "Damn fucking right I am," he answers. "Give me everything you've got. I want to feel it for days."

He already will, and he knows it. This is courting oblivion on an epic scale, and he's going to be half as wrecked as the subs by the time they're done. But it feels so good, and so right, and it's as though all of the pressure is off and he can just revel.

Ed kisses the back of his neck, nuzzling over the mark on his shoulder, then holds his hips firmly as he steps in and slams hard, sheathing himself fully into the other man. "Fuck yes… hope no one plans on anything serious for the first fucking week…"

One moment to take the scene in again – and the way Pete is clearly suffering (so beautifully) before he throws his whole self into buggering the living daylights out of Izzy. He doesn't make a noise for a good minute or so as he gives his whole attention to riding Izzy's ass like it deserves. "Fucking… take it so damn well… fuuuuuuck…"

Izzy roars in delight at that, trying to work in time with Ed's thrusts whilst also fucking Pete. He's not used to being fully in the middle, but it doesn't take long to find a workable rhythm; wanting to make sure Pete gets everything they can give him. He's so achingly proud of him, after all. Of the three of them. And whilst he'll gladly torment them for as long as they can take, he wants them happy and satisfied in the end.

In the end. Until then… the moans of desperation Pete is making are far too delicious. "That's it, that's it… Eddie, don't stop, I wanna pound this gorgeous boy out of his mind…"

"You think he's got any left? Fuck, he's putty in your hands… how good does his eager ass feel? Can you feel the vibrations, too? I bet Stede can feel me fucking you both into his mouth… god, you're so right on my dick… Make him scream and choke on Lu's cock! Make him fucking break!" Ed's nails dig in, the eagerness in his lovers urging him even more sadistic and determined. "Make him shatter!"

Stede can most definitely feel it. All he can do is feel it, and take it, and he whimpers a little in response. His own dick is aching in Lucius' mouth, and coupled with the vibrations it's driving him so far out of his mind that everything is just sensation… insane, desperate sensation.

"Oh, he'll shatter," Izzy promises, holding onto them both harder and trying to fight past the throbbing in his dick to keep going no matter what. "And he feels fucking incredible. You both do." Izzy knows he'll have to call a halt when it's finally time to get Pete's ring off, but he wants to draw this out as long as he can, first.

Pete's moans start getting more and more desperate. He'd found a way to cope with everything else, just about, but the full-on fucking is going to push him right over the edge. But… he can't beg, can't plead, can't offer. Can't do anything but take… and that just turns him on even worse.

The moaning and proximity to Izzy and Ed has Lucius whining. He takes each moan from Pete as a unit of psychic damage, squirming to buck into it, using his tongue as the only leverage he has to pass the pleasure down the line to Stede. He really wants to beg for more, but he can't. The only thing he could do would be to safe-signal, and that would stop the fun, which really isn't what he wants.

Ed can see how it's driving the three subs utterly crazy now, and fuck but that's hot. It's all so insane that he does wonder how they'll ever top (hah) this. They will, but my god will it take some doing.

"When you do let them come… don't take off the vibrators. Take off the rings, but not the vibes. I wanna fuck 'em all into a damn coma."

"Fuck, you're evil," Izzy enthuses, gleefully. "But I don't think it's gonna take much more, not given the state they're already in." This is not a reason to stop, merely a fact.

And then he turns a little, giving the wordless signal that says he's about to let Pete come. He doesn't want the man in question knowing until it's seconds from happening, but he knows Ed will understand and either assist or brace.

Ed gives a tap – wait a second – and then gives Izzy three last, furious slams before he pulls out and moves to tug Stede away long enough for him to take off the restraining ring. He drags Stede back into place and holds his head braced for what follows, knowing Izzy will handle the rest.

Izzy gives him a (very wicked) smile of gratitude, then grabs Pete's hips in both hands and goes all-out; slamming into him over and over with everything he can muster, determined to make him come so hard he sees stars.

As for Pete, he's barely gotten as far as processing that the cockring is gone and then Izzy is reaming him relentlessly hard, and there's nothing stopping him coming. Which just wrecks him on the spot, and with a ruined cry against Lucius' dick, he's suddenly coming so furiously that it hurts. He's coming, and he's spilling into Stede's mouth, and his whole body is on fire and it's everything he's been craving and everything he's been fearing, all at once.

And when it fades, every last drop of energy wrung out of him, Pete just sags in the ropes; swaying a little and barely able to do anything beyond breathe around Lucius' dick. But…

…the vibrator hasn't stopped. It hasn't. It hasn't, and he's overstimulated, and it hasn't stopped. There's fresh tears in his eyes as he keens in desperation, praying for mercy he doubts he'll get.

"That's it, swallow it all," Ed purrs to Stede, stroking his hair and speaking lowly and reassuringly. "Take his load… suck him dry. You're doing so, so well… don't stop sucking him. That dick is gonna love you keep sucking him. You feel that vibration? That's what you're all gonna get, when we do let you come. You're gonna still be balls-to-chin, helpless, stimulated beyond what you can take… and you want it, don't you, you cockslut? You need it…"

Stede manages a nod, and a whimper. It's true. He does. He is. This is tripping so many fantasies that he can hardly process it all… which is probably for the best right now, as he barely has the brainpower to remember his own name.

Izzy finally pulls back from Pete's ass, giving him a rough slap. "That was good, boy," he says, now running his hands over Pete's ass and thighs. "That was very good. You can relax now… as much as is possible like this. And, oh… if you think you're gonna come again, you ask permission. Even with your mouth full."

Quite how any of them is supposed to manage that… well, that's a them-problem.

Ed slips the strap and harness off, tossing it to the towel pile where Izzy's is. He strides over to Izzy and grabs the back of his head to pull him in for a kiss, reaching for his cock with his free hand to give him rough, certain tugs. They're about to fuck the living daylights out of the last two, but he can't resist one last tease.

He leans in to whisper his plan after the kiss, rubbing his cheek against Izzy's face. "You start on Stede, me on Lu. They're plugged so we won't break any rules. Fuck their thighs, grind those plugs, spank 'em until they can't take it, then switch, and give it to 'em both?"

"Sounds like a plan," Izzy concurs, flashing Ed a wicked grin as he pulls back. "Have fun with him," he adds, more loudly, so the others will hear. "You know how much he can take."

He doesn't hurry to pull back from the embrace, though; not when it feels so damn good. But when they both let go, he paces around behind Stede, running a hand over his ass. "And I know how much you can take," he adds. "And it's more than you think, isn't it? So you better brace, pretty-boy, because I'm gonna make you scream all over again."

The words make Stede moan softly around Pete's (now-spent) dick. He's utterly off his head, and distantly aware that he doesn't know how much more he can take, and concerned it might indeed be more than he thinks. But he can't beg for mercy either way, and fuck but that just turns him on even worse.

"And you… I've just been fucking your Master's brains out… so you better brace." Because Ed grabs Lu's ropes and slams his crotch into his ass, before lifting his other hand to start spanking him hard. "Choke on that dick, you slut, and beg us to use you…"

Lucius tries. He does. His mouth is full and gagged to boot, but he tries to garble out a plea. He needs so fucking badly, and he wants, but he can't do a damned thing. As the strokes get harder, faster, more intense he screams so hard around Stede's cock that his vision goes utterly.

At the same time, Izzy starts going to town on Stede: spanking him roughly with one hand, and using the other to push his cock between the other man's thighs; rutting up against him so firmly that he can feel the vibrations from that ring. "That's it, you little slut, you like that? Could do this all fucking night if we wanted… swapping and changing, keeping you on the edge… and you'd fucking love it."

He slams in harder, aware he's pushing Stede's dick down Lucius' throat more with every thrust. "We'd utterly ruin you, and I bet Lu can feel just how hard the thought is making you…"

Stede's cheeks flush pink, because he's well-aware that's exactly what Lu will feel, and even through the hazy insanity of his mind he can't help loving the idea.

"One of these days we should get 'em to come, then splint their dick to keep it up so we can keep fucking 'em into each other… Rail 'em til their pricks are raw and aching and do it harder the more they beg for us to stop… Use that tingly wand on their dick and another up their ass while we spank their balls… Fuck, this painslut might just come from the idea…" Ed slams as hard as he can at Lu's ass, then reaches for his hair and tugs, bouncing him up and down on Stede's cock.

Lucius bucks in delight and horror, not really able to track what's where or who or why. There's buzzing, sucking, slamming, spanking… he's aware his ass is full, his mouth, and his dick is sliding into a struggling mouth. The buzzing from the ring jangles into the gag, and he's simultaneously reaching a blissful nirvana and a mindless fervour.

Ed sees the hand holding the carabiner go slack and pauses with his thighs braced against him. "You need this, painslut?" he asks. "Or you need to fill those lungs?"

Those questions are too difficult to work out what he's supposed to answer, and Lucius wriggles his ass in confusion.

Ed glances to Izzy, wanting to check. He doesn't think Lu is tapping out, but he'd rather Izzy judge it, too.

Izzy holds off on Stede for the moment, looking over at Lucius. There's no obvious sign of actual distress, but he takes a moment to be sure, and once he's reasonably confident he double-checks. "Answer him, boy," he pushes, firmly, though to get the question through to his mind, rather than out of any kind of anger. "Drop the carabiner if you need him to stop, and if you're OK, nod your head."

Stop? Oh god no don't stop. Lucius nearly shakes his head no at the stop, then drags his mind through it, desperate to make sure they keep going. He gurgles around Stede's dick, head bobbing in a plea.

"He's fucking broken, isn't he?" Ed marvels, scraping his nails over Lu's pink, used cheeks. "Probably wouldn't even object if I pulled the plug and slipped inside, would you?"

Lucius freezes. He would certainly like Ed's dick inside him, but it isn't allowed. Is it a trick question? Izzy wouldn't want him to. So he wouldn't want Ed to. Even if he'd enjoy it. He's frustrated by the mental gymnastics, and whilst he knows Ed wouldn't cross any line, even talking about it is a weird, dirty thrill.

"What about that slut?" Ed asks, indicating Stede and grinning at the way Lucius squirms so deliciously in torment. "You reckon he'd eat your dick whole, Iz?"

"I know he would," Izzy replies, fingers going to toy with the plug in Stede's ass; feeling how easily and freely it moves. "Look at that. Pretty little bitch is desperate for it. Not that he has much of a choice either way, but you know he'd love it even though he realises he shouldn't."

Stede whimpers at the thought. Like Lucius, he knows the others wouldn't go beyond what they've agreed, but the idea that they might, that he couldn't stop them… that just turns him on more, and he doesn't think he can get more turned on.

'Fake out?' Ed signals discreetly, then grabs hold of the plug. "Let's see how loud they squeal…"

He pushes the plug as deep as it will go with the flare preventing it vanishing in, then yanks it out with a pop. It's still the toy he pushes back into him, not his dick, but the way the rest of him shunts it could very easily look and feel like it isn't. It's harder to do because of the shape of it, but he manages to thrust it almost to the widest point with his hips chasing behind to smack Lu's thighs. "Fuck yes."

Lucius' brain blanks out. He wouldn't. He – oh fuck – he's suddenly convinced that Ed has broken their rule – with Izzy's outright consent. He's too spaced and overwrought to think it through logically that Ed wouldn't, and the idea that he's been violated… that he's being taken without consent and physically loving every moment… He's choking over Stede's cock and trying to get his mouth free. If he wasn't in chastity, he'd be painting the damn floor. His body certainly hits what feels like a climax, but the relief and release doesn't follow.

Izzy does the same, timing it so that Stede's reaction will overlap with Lucius', and neither will give anything away to the other. He ruts at Stede's ass hard once the plug is back in, moving exactly as if he was starting to ream the man senseless, and he's gratified by the soul-deep scream he gets in response.

Though 'soul-deep scream' is perhaps an understatement. What happens first is a soul-deep scream, and then Stede is thrashing in shock; as much as he's physically capable of right now (which, given the ropes and the exhaustion, is comparably not a great deal). He's so desperate to scream that he lets Pete's dick slip out of his mouth, howling incoherently through the ring-gag because… because Ed's allowed this to happen; all but whored him out, and…

…fuck, fuck, fuck, he's wracked by an unresolvable climax of his own, thrashing as it rips through him and utterly unable to get any kind of satisfaction from it. Just more glorious agony.

"…oh, I think they like it," Izzy says, wickedly.

"Filthy little bitches." Ed's hand bounces off Lucius' ass. "You'd fucking take anything. You'd have no choice, but you'd fucking love it. You're degenerate sluts, and it would serve you fucking right if we did fuck your brains out…"

It's all too complex for Lucius to work out if it's real or not. His body feels like it is, and he's aching. His ass shudders around the penetration and he's trying to beg for mercy past the cock that's trying to explode in his mouth. The wracks of pleasure don't fade, and he's struggling to breathe. And utterly worst of all is that he's really fucking enjoying every damn minute of it.

"Maybe we should leave them here and fuck?" Ed suggests. "No need for toys. I'll fuck you, you'll fuck me…"

Lucius tries to kick Ed in protest. No! Absolutely not! He throws the carabiner down and pulls his face away from Stede.

Ed reacts at once, dragging the plug out so he's no longer being penetrated. He holds it in front of Lu's face, replacing it with his fingers. He says nothing, waiting for Lucius to realise the fake-out. And when Lucius does, and drops his head in submission, Ed tosses the plug to the used toy pile and kisses the back of his shoulder. "It's alright, pet. It's alright. You've been a good little slut for us. So good. We're so proud of you, both of you."

Stede has tears in his eyes: a mixture of frustrated arousal, guilt and fear, and he jams them shut, whimpering softly and trying to murmur, "mercy, mercy," even though it's pretty much incoherent. And… even though he's confident he won't get any.

Izzy pulls the plug out of Stede; showing it to him as well before setting it aside. "We wouldn't," he points out, more softly. "You know we wouldn't. But… you fucking liked the idea that we might."

Then he looks over to Lucius. "And you, boy… you know I've always got you. Just take a breath. Eddie's right, you're doing so fucking well. All of you."

Lucius is ashamed of himself. He honestly… he honestly believed it? In the heat of the moment. And it wasn't even that – himself and Stede being fucked – that made him try to safeword out. It was Ed fucking Izzy. He isn't sure if that is good or bad, or what good even is any more. He struggles to swallow, shame and guilt and unresolved arousal all making his head swim.

"Reckon it's time we heard them beg properly, eh, Iz?" Ed suggests, running his hands more gently over the juddering man. "Pete… you can let go of Lu. Let's get those gags out so we can hear how wrecked you are."

And because he wants to make sure they end this utterly right, which will be easier by far if their subs can actually voice any worries. He puts his hand in front of Lu's mouth as he unbuckles the gag, taking it out and tossing it aside. He wipes the worst of the saliva away so he's not so distraught, and massages around his jaw. "There we go, pretty boy. You sucked Stede so well for us."

Izzy moves to do the same for Stede, first; running a hand through his hair once the gag is removed. "Just catch your breath a moment," he says. "You're taking all this incredibly."

It's not hyperbole, either: he's genuinely impressed on all fronts by how much the three of them have managed, especially in close proximity to each other when sometimes all they could do was listen or hazily watch. It is a lot.

He goes to ungag Pete next, before turning off the vibrating ring and sliding it free as well; pulling him in against his stomach once he's done and running a hand over his head. "You too, my boy," he says. "I know you're further along, but we're still not making it easy for you."

All Pete can do is murmur softly. He's not tormented by unresolved arousal any more, but he's still aching all over, and desperately trying to be as good as he can, so as to not let anyone down.

And Stede… he has tears in his eyes, as he tries to blink over at Ed: hazy and delirious and longing. "…n-need…" he gasps, voice little more than a wrecked whisper. "…need you…"

Ed's heart hurts, and he moves to kneel beside Stede, fingers pushing into his hair and forehead pressed against his. "I know, love. I know. I need you, too. So much. Watching you… do you have any idea how turned on it makes me? How proud? I'm going to take you apart and then we'll all curl up together. You know how much we both love you. How much we all love you. You're my pet, and you've done so well for us both."

He hooks his hand under Stede's jaw, tilting his head towards Izzy. "Thank him for holding your leash. For giving you all you want, all you need. You're safe. All of you. You're safe."

Before Stede can respond, the single word – safe – triggers a raucous sob from Lucius, who has gone red from his ears to his toes. He is safe. He was wrong to doubt, but… but they wanted him to. It wasn't real. He knows that, of course. But they let him feel as if it was, and he looks up to Izzy. "…if… if you… if you did want… I wouldn't like it like that, but… I wouldn't stop you, Master. I'm sorry I was jealous. Please… don't be angry with me…"

Izzy moves over to Lucius now, pulling his head in against his own stomach and stroking through his hair. "I'm not angry, my boy, I promise. I'm not. We were winding you up when you're already in a heightened state. And… I swear to you, if we ever did consider doing something like that, we'd discuss it pre-scene and pre-headspace, not when you were already under."

"…and… know that too, sir," Stede adds, still so very roughly. "Trust you." Still got off on it in a way he's going to dwell on for ages, though. "And… thank you, for all of this… for… everything…"

"But I – I – I--" Lucius can't process the complex tangle of emotions, not properly. He's rarely had to safeword or even get close to safewording out of any scene, and he feels bad for it. "I feel… bad. At… at what… was too much. I… it was okay when it was us, but…"

But not Izzy, apparently. Which makes him fluster even more.

Ed reaches out to run a hand over Lucius, then Pete, still cuddling his own husband. "We'll talk about it when you can. I'm not saying don't do it now, but I know it's hard for you to do it, now. And I want to make sure you're okay." A beat. "Do you need us to stop, for now? Or--"

"NO!" Lucius shoves into Izzy. "Please no. Hurts…"

"Okay. Okay. We'll look after you both, now. But you need to know that we will be here for all of the after. And if I pushed you too hard, I'm sorry. I'll do better."

Ed's apology makes Lucius hide even more into Izzy, nodding but still wound up.

"Eddie's right, we should talk about it when everyone's in a more normal headspace," Izzy concurs, so it's clear they're on the same page. "For now… I think we should pound your gorgeous brains out. See if you've earned those rings finally taking off…"

From the soft whimper Stede makes at this, he hopes they have. And… is a little concerned about the consequences. Which – considering how violently Pete came, when he was finally allowed – is understandable.

"…aslongasyou'renotmadatme," Lucius rushes out, unable to look up. He's still feeling very, very affected.

Izzy drops down in front of him, putting a hand on his jaw to lift it, wanting to meet his eyes but not outright forcing the matter. "I'm not mad," he says, soft and level. "I wouldn't lie to you. If I was angry, you'd know. I agree it's something we should talk about when you've all properly recovered, but only to prevent any further worries, not because of anything else."

"…okaySirI'msorrySir." Lucius reluctantly does meet his eyes, though he's clearly struggling to. "I'm – I'm not upset with you, or Ed. I… I'm not. I just… I felt bad that I tried to stop you. Even though you wouldn't. And… and… I – I just want to feel you proud of me again."

"You think I'm not?" Izzy counters, still very gently. "Oh, Lucius… do you even realise how much the three of you have taken? I'm so proud of you – of all of you – that it aches in my chest. I promise, you don't have to worry about that. Right, Eddie?"

"There are no words for how proud we are," Ed agrees. He's squeezing Stede as he says it. "Of all three of you. You're so fucking strong, so gorgeous, so utterly breathtaking. And the fact that you'd trust us so much to surrender to what you thought we might be doing… that you would trust us that much that we could fake it… You have no idea how much that means to us."

Lucius can't touch Stede, or Pete. Can't touch Ed, either. He wants to. He wants to hug them all and be hugged and also fucked out of his mind, please and thanks. The feeling of violation – but welcome, and unreal – washes over him again. "If Master – if you both – said yes, I… I don't want to. But I would."

"I know," Izzy replies. "But you don't need to worry about that now, I promise. We're going to end this the way we planned, and then we'll take care of all of you. For now… I'm going to fuck your brains out, whilst Ed takes care of Stede… and you will both get everything you're craving. And don't worry… just because we paused, it doesn't mean we won't ream you as hard and as long as we can before we even consider letting you come…"

He runs his hand over Lucius' cheek once more, then rises to his feet and paces around behind him; releasing the last of the extra ropes that had been used to create the blowjob-circle so Lucius is fully face-down again. Stepping in between his legs, he lets his dick slide teasingly up between the other man's ass-cheeks; holding his hips and rutting against him a little, making it clear he's still achingly-interested. "And since you're not gagged anymore… perhaps you'd better beg me."

Ed watches with open interest as he moves to echo that, grabbing the ropes around Stede's hips. "I think both of them should beg us. And who begs most convincingly gets the first dick."

Lucius does not need to be told to beg, not when he's so hard it's burning. His balls feel leaden and radioactively hot, his cock squeezed and vibrated to within six inches of its life. He howls out at once: "PLEASE, MASTER, PLEASE FUCK ME. PLEASE. PLEASE FUCK ME. PLEASE USE ME. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!"

Stede is still more out of it than Lucius – especially when it comes to coherence – but there's something very focusing about having his husband's hands on him, and the promise of the reaming he's so painfully desperate for. "…please, Master, I need you, I need you… please, fuck me, I'm yours, I'm yours… I want to make you happy, I need to make you happy… I'm so on-edge it hurts but I swear I'll take everything you give…"

Izzy's eyes flick to Ed, somewhat wicked again. "Are you convinced?"

"Not in the slightest." Ed lifts his right hand and starts to spank Stede. Viciously hard. "Do you want my dick or not, pet? You wanted Izzy's well enough."

"Please!" Stede howls, his whole body shuddering in the ropes. "I do, sir, you know I do! Please… PLEASE! You know I'll give you everything! You know I want to! I need to! Please… Captain… use me…" His head drops again, fighting tears of desperation, not knowing what else he can offer.

At the same time, Izzy lands a rough volley of his own against Lucius' ass; over and over until the handprints are practically visible. "What about you, boy? You think you can make a better case?"

"No," Lucius admits, brokenly. "I – I don't know what more to say, Sir… I'm yours. I'm yours, Master. I… I need you so, so much… but if I'm not… not worthy enough… if I'm not good enough… Please. Please… Tell me how… I'll give you everything… I swear, I swear…"

If Izzy doesn't think he's surrendered enough, then Izzy thinks that. Lucius isn't aware of anything left he can do, or say. He's given all he has, and it's Master's call. "I'll take whatever you say I should, Sir. I won't argue. I promise."

Ed's hands tighten, reacting to the pair of them. Glancing over to where Pete is drifting, barely conscious. He tilts his head to Izzy, looking for his consensus.

Izzy meets his eyes and nods; giving a gesture of agreement that the subs won't see: 'at the same time'. He waits until he can see that Ed is ready too, cock braced just shy of Stede's hole just as Izzy is now braced close to Lucius', and with another nod they both shunt into their husbands all at once.

Stede gives a wrecked cry at that, having not expected it, though it's the only sound he can get out before the whole world seems to invert again and he's lost. He's possibly still screaming, but he's lost.

Ed rasps in relief. His husband's body is a welcome home, a warm and eager grip that holds his dick just right. Even as fucked-out and used as he is, it's just everything Ed needs. He doesn't let Stede acclimatise at all, moving to brutally rail into him, over and over.

After the torment of the pegging strap, it's a yielding, healing connection. His eyes lock with Izzy's as he reads the other man's response as he growls out: "You're mine, and only mine." That's Blackbeard, as much as it is Ed, and he punctuates the statement with each violent rut into his eager sub and husband.

Lucius feels the pressure inside and it snaps tumblers and towers and castles and whatever else it is they have inside of locks. Those things. The moving parts that hadn't been aligned suddenly are, and he's gone, somehow. He's aware of the places his husband touches him, inside and out. Aware of the physical bliss and torment. Aware of the way it's just right again, but at the same time he's unmoored from reality and swaying like a helium balloon, giving way to every slightest touch or urge. Everything feels good, so good, and his jaw works at the air until he can get out the breathy response. "Yours… Master."

Izzy is inside him. Truly inside him. Ed is inside Stede. That's how things should be, and now he feels Izzy's cock gliding, he wonders how he ever believed the lie. There's nothing quite like Izzy's dick, or Pete's dick. He feels right again, and oh so grateful that they'd let him indulge his bad and wrong fantasies without ever breaking their rules. They wouldn't do that. He knows they wouldn't. And so… so it's fine to get off, and hard, to the idea that they 'had'.

"That's it, boy, that's it," Izzy growls, his eyes alight with pleasure. "You know just how to take it. I'm gonna rail you until we're both insane from it… and when I let you come – if I let you come – you'll explode like there's no tomorrow."

He enjoys the view as well: the sight of Ed railing Stede so hard that the other man looks utterly ruined. He really is gorgeous when he surrenders completely. And Ed… fuck, but he's hypnotic and captivating when he's so in control, and Izzy drinks it all in, letting it fuel him too.

Stede keeps trying to speak, but he can't, even though there's nothing physical stopping him now. Nothing to hold him back, save for the sheer overwhelm and utter insanity, and all he can manage is a series of incoherent little noises in between the screams. The odd syllable or two seems to slip through, but even a cryptographer would be hard-pressed to decipher them.

Though, the overwhelming message seems to be: YES. And: PLEASE.

"You think I should make him come dry?" Ed ask Izzy, as he grabs for the ropes that suspend Stede from the rafters to start using him like a toy in a swing. "Or maybe we both finish and then get Pete to suck 'em, and eat 'em out for hours while we flog their names right out of their heads?"

He has no intention of that, but the way Stede's body tightens around him says the words made an impact. "Fuck… seems a shame to ever let 'em come. If we feed 'em and give 'em bathroom breaks… bet we could keep this up all holiday long…"

It's testament to how broken-in Lucius is feeling that after the hiss and whimper, he coils his spine against Izzy and simply says: "…whatever Sirs want…" He hopes to god they will have mercy faster than that, though. It's bordering on too unpleasant to enjoy, and only his utter devotion is keeping him from tapping out.

"…please…" Stede finally manages to choke out. He knows he has no choice, and he'll keep taking until he literally can't, but the insane desperation is making it impossible not to say something. Or try to, at least, given that he's had to take a mental-run up just to get out anything coherent at all. "…mercy…"

"I'm fifty-fifty at this point," Izzy says to Ed. He's also not actually suggesting they deny their husbands much longer, but he still plays along for effect. "It was hot as fuck when Pete came screaming the roof off, and both at once would be incredible, but… I also love listening to 'em beg…"

"How much do you want us to break them?" Ed asks, suddenly feeling even more cruel. "I know what will make them shatter. Might not recover for days…" He's not sure – fully – whether he can push Lucius as hard with it as he could Stede, and the flick of his eyes down says he's checking what Izzy wants. "Might be enough for us to let them finish…"

"You know I'm gonna want to hear what you're thinking," Izzy replies. "I love how your mind works. So… tell me. Or does it need to be a surprise for these two?" He realises that could be the case. Sometimes surprise is the point, and sometimes it's the advance knowledge that has the most impact.

"We're not gonna do it…" Ed starts out, with a feral chime in his voice. "But I want to hear them beg for us to swap. To tell us they'd want it. We know they would… even if we won't do it, I want to hear them say it."

Lucius lets out a heartrending little yelp, head down in shame. He would enjoy it. He knows he would. Not just physically, but mentally. And even thinking about it feels like being unfaithful, even if they've explicitly been told to do it, and that it's purely fantasy.

"Would you like to hear my pet beg for your cock while he takes mine?" Ed asks, checking the reactions of everyone to make sure no one is too distressed. "Hear yours beg to feel me while he's spilling on yours?"

"Oh, you wicked bastard," Izzy says, because that really is evil. "You think they'd manage? I think this one might…" He gives Lucius a (comparatively-light) slap on the ass, wanting to be sure.

At the same time, Stede gives a soft but wracked little sob. He knows he'll do it, precisely because it is so illicit, and apparently he gets off on that rather too much. Though… the reality still makes him feel the weight of what he'd be asking for, and he shudders at the awareness of what he'd be giving up.

Ed shunts deep into Stede, then curls over his back. "Will you do it, pet? Will you stare deep into Izzy's eyes while I fuck you to climax? Telling him how much you wish it was him inside… Telling him how it would feel to be whored out, to be an unfaithful little sex-toy, or maybe it's worse that I want to see you dance on his dick? Will you come, imagining it's him inside you? Imagining that's how you prove your loyalty to him for me?"

"I'll do anything you want!" Stede cries out; anguished and overwrought and emotionally ruined. "I've fantasised about it. I know I shouldn't, but I have. I want him to fuck me. I want to feel him the way Lu and Pete do. There's never been anyone but you, but I still want it."

There's more words in his head, but he can't go on; breaking down suddenly and trying to hide his face in his shoulder.

"Keep going… you're not going to come until Izzy says he's satisfied with your begging…" Ed slows the thrusting, but reaches around to grab Stede's cock. He tugs it firmly, twisting as he does. "Look at them. Look at them both. They know you want it. That's why we said it was off-limits… because we all want it, and we agreed not to…"

A sharper slam into him, and his lips by Stede's ear: "But it doesn't mean the desire goes away, does it? And if you're truly mine, and his, and ours… it means every single dirty little fantasy and dream? You can share with us. So tell us."

Stede stays with his head curled into his shoulder, unable to look out at the others; not out of conscious disobedience but because he can't. He has imagined it, rather a lot, and acknowledging that – especially right after Lucius has reacted so vehemently – just feels like more than he can handle.

But… he doesn't want to disobey. He doesn't want to be bad. He sure as fuck doesn't want to mess things up this close to the end.

So he keeps his face hidden, but he makes himself speak. "…Izzy, sir… I want you to fuck me, I want you to rail me… I need you to take, to use… to let me feel all that gorgeous cruelty… I want… I want my Master to offer me to you as a plaything for the night… to hold me down whilst he shares what's his… I…"

He can't manage any more; burying his head even deeper and trying to hide the tears that won't stop coming.

"Good boy," Ed purrs, with no sarcasm whatsoever. "So good, letting us know what you're craving. So good for me. Do you know how hot that is?" He holds his hips, gripping them fiercely. "That you'd spill your deepest secrets? Do you know how much it means to us?"

He starts to fuck him again: the movements slow, deep, deliberate. "To know that you'd want that, if I asked you? That you'd do that if I ordered you? That you'd let our lover fuck your brains out, when I'm the only one who ever has?" His movements get sharper, and he makes eye-contact with Izzy to reassure him and encourage him. "Everyone thinks that's the hottest thing ever, Stede. Look at them. See how much they want it, too. Beg Izzy, and I'll let you come, while you're both imagining him spilling inside you, not me."

Izzy has slowed his own fucking of Lucius – for the moment – in order to watch, and he can't deny that it really is very, very hot hearing Stede beg like that. Gratifying, too, considering he can tell the desire in the other man's voice is real. He's conscious as well, though, of how strongly Lucius reacted before, and he doesn't want to push things further than he should, especially when three of them are completely out of their heads.

"For the record, Stede, I would," he says. "If we were doing that. And I'd make you scream."

"I know you would, sir, I know," Stede gasps. "And I… pleasepleaseplease, I need to come, I need to come and I swear I'll think of you."

Ed tilts his head. "Iz? Does he deserve it? Shall I let him?" He's watching Lucius closely, too. The man is more subdued, but not looking distressed. Not more than a man who seriously needs to climax as badly as he does, anyway. "Or should we let Lu say yes?"

Stede gives a choke of alarm at that and buries his face in his shoulder again. He has no idea how he's going to look Lucius or Pete in the eyes after this, but he's so brain-meltingly desperate that he doesn't dare argue.

"Let him," Izzy answers, softly. "I want to see. And… I want Lucius to feel just how much I'm enjoying it."

"Master…" Lucius breathes, confused, aroused, emotional and jealous. Jealous, because Stede is getting the attention he so desperately wants for himself right now. It isn't that he'd deprive Stede, but he wants to be there alongside him.

"Don't you dare look down when I'm whoring you out, slut." Ed's Voice demands obedience, and he throws himself into fucking Stede as hard as he'd fucked Izzy before. "Let them see."

With that, he snaps the release on the ring, letting it fall loudly to the floor. The vibrating ring is still on, but that one won't prevent his climax. Ed snaps his own ring off at the same time, which means he only has a few brutal, nasty slams before he's reaching his own, much-delayed orgasm, too. It rushes and prickles all over his skin with the awareness of just how much Stede has yielded to him… to them both. How much all three of them have.

And how easy and right it's felt, with Izzy at his side. So fucking perfect. He grips his husband and watches all three of their lovers as he spills and keeps rutting through it all.

Stede gives a wail of anguish at the reprimand, desperately trying to do as he's told even though he feels like he'll come apart at the seams just from that alone. Though then the ring is off, and everything else slips into the background as his tortured, tormented body processes that it can finally find release. There's an agonising moment when he's caught on the cusp; feeling Ed spilling inside him and reaming him furiously hard, and then the world turns into glorious agony, and he screams like he's been run through.

There's not a drop of coherence in any of it. He can't. All he can do is howl, and come, and thrash as much as the ropes and his husband's grip allow; over and over for far longer than seems possible or bearable.

And then he collapses utterly; gasping and sobbing, wracked and ruined, and so completely ecstatic that he couldn't give voice to it even if he was capable of speech. Which, right now, he isn't.

"You're such a good boy," Ed manages to say, stilling his hips and – feeling merciful – turning off and removing the vibrator. "So good. So damn good. I love you so much. You just need to hold out a little longer, now. You want to see Lu and Iz get theirs, don't you? You can manage that for me…"

Stede sags even more with the vibrator gone, and he's just about able to nod in response to Ed's words. Beyond that, no will or obedience in the world would make a difference; he's that out of it.

"That was fucking gorgeous," Izzy breathes, looking between the pair of them whilst running his hands over Lucius' hips. "You ready to return the favour, boy? I think it's about time you told Ed just how much you want him to fuck you."

Lu's hips tilt and an anxious flinch grips Izzy's cock in response. It was so fucking beautiful to watch, but he's wracked with his own guilt right now. He tries to look around to Izzy, begging with his eyes. "Sir… Master… you… you aren't… it won't make you jealous? Or… or angry?"

Izzy actually told him to do it, but the anxiety won't let him. Maybe it's some kind of trick, or some test? Whatever it is, he feels too torn to obey immediately.

"I wouldn't tell you to do it if I wasn't happy for you to," Izzy reminds him. He knows Lucius is nervous – probably more so after how much Stede reacted – and OK, yes, the nervousness is hot, but he doesn't actually want Lucius distressed. Just… pleasantly wound-up. "And no, it won't make me jealous. It's Eddie."

Lucius glances over to Pete, who is basically in a post-fuck coma. He doesn't seem distressed at all. If he was, he's had plenty of time to speak out and object. Stede himself clearly has a hideous thing for the idea, and Ed is the one who brought it up (so to speak), which… which means…

"Please," he begs, but very, very softly. "Please… I – I want… I want it, too."

Ed, sated but coasting on an incredible power high, strokes over Stede's skin as he watches them both. He's still buried, balls-deep, and he's feeling… affectionate, too. Caring and protective, and that's surging up in the wake of all the cruelty. "Tell us what it is you want, boy. My Stede let you hear. It's only fair to all of us that you do the same."

"I want you to fuck me," Lucius bursts out, squirming back and into Izzy where he can. "Please… I – I want… I want to feel you inside of me. Really inside of me. I – I… w-want to feel… claimed. I wonder what it feels like for Stede, when you fuck him like that. I--"

He flinches, whining in protest, words refusing to slide out.

"Go on," Izzy pushes. "I know there's more. Don't hold back on us. I want to hear you share all those wicked little secrets, just like Stede did."

Off to the side, Pete is indeed drifting deep and happy. He's managed to blink over at some things, but most of the time he's simply let the words and sounds wash over him. And now… now he can hear the worry in Lucius' voice, and it's just enough to push through the haze and make him need to respond.

Not that he can do much. But he tries. "…s'OK.." he murmurs. "Lu… s'OK…"

Lucius squirms, and feels utterly, utterly awful. And he knows – sort of – why, which means it's harder to push through. But they want him to. They want him to, and he… owes them the honesty. It's just fantasies. It's not disloyal in any way, and it's… it's ridiculous to be worked up about it in the slightest.

His eyes jam shut, so hard his head hurts. "It's not… just that. I want… I want Stede to fuck me, too. I want to fuck him. I – I want Ed to rail Pete blind. I… I want… I want Izzy to… to fuck Ed and I'm… I'm desperate to see him return the favour. I – I think about fucking Stede with Pete, or – or – any… and… and I know I'm not supposed to, but I like it, and I don't want anyone to be mad at me, and – and I got angry because… because…"

Fuck. He really doesn't even want to admit it. "I… wanted to be fucking Stede while you two fucked, or… I don't know… I just… I got mad."

Ed bites his lower lip to keep himself from laughing. Not because he thinks it's ridiculous, but because it's weirdly, stupidly cute. "Bet you want me to fuck you into Stede, don't you?"

"Fucking hell yes." Lucius looks up, almost angry. "Are you happy, now? I like thinking about it and you made me mad. Please… punish me, just… please let me come."

The words are more than enough to slam through the haze in Stede's mind, and he stares over at Lucius with wide, shocked eyes. He can't get a word out, but the little murmur of surprise is very telling. And… infinitely more complex.

"I'm not angry with you, Lucius," Izzy tells him, softly. "I swear. We're deliberately pushing you hard. I'm not going to punish you, but I am going to fuck you until you come screaming. And I promise, when you do… you will have done everything we asked."

"Please!" Lucius begs, from somewhere wrenched as deep in him as the feelings go. All the way inside. "Please… I love you, I – I want to be good for you. For both of you. I do… I do… I… I want to be your good boy."

This is screaming through his blood. Izzy said he wanted him good, and he's tried so very, very hard to be on his best behaviour and ignore any naughty, wicked, bad or even vaguely brattish thoughts. He wanted to be the picture of well-behaved, and now he feels like he's been failing miserably. "Please… Master… I swear I'll – I'll do whatever you want… please let it be enough."

Ed curls over Stede, then, wanting to hold him through the final throes. "Watch this, pet. Watch, and know how much they both want you. Pete, too. We all love you… And Lu?"

He waits until he knows Lu is listening. "I'd want you to. I'd want to fuck you, but I'd want you to fuck Stede, too. I'd want him to fuck you. And it would be fucking hot." Ed wants to make sure Lucius doesn't feel any shame about that desire now, not right at the end. Not when he needs to be able to let go fully.

Izzy curls in over Lucius, fucking him as hard as he can, with all the strength he's got left. "It's enough, my boy," he says, firm and sure. "I promise you. It's enough. You're always enough. And you've been good. Even when we pushed you as hard as we could. You've been good, and I'm so fucking proud."

He pulls back just enough to snap the release on his own cockring, before reaching around to grab the release on Lucius'; letting it drop and then throwing everything he's got into fucking them both over the edge.

"Come for me, boy. Come for us."

Lucius screams, and it's almost angry-sounding. He's been tormented and tortured and pulled mentally every which way for so, so long. The release is more of a pleasure than the climax itself, and he thrashes against the ropes with every bit of strength that he still has.

It hurts. It hurts, but it's good, too. It's good because Izzy said he's proud. Says he's done enough. Says he's good, and he's not in trouble for all those naughty, off-limits fantasies running rampant through his mind. He's been good and Izzy is satisfied and that's right. He's Izzy's boy. He's Ed's, too. Even Stede's, for all the man has only one dominant bone in his body, (currently) and it's rammed up his arse. He's Pete's, but in a different way. All of them different. But none of them upset with him, which… fuck, but that breaks open some soul-deep glowstick and bursts out, nearly lighting up the room with the radioactive response.

"Oh yes, that's it, that's it, good boy," Izzy tells him, holding back as long as he can and then yielding to the climax that rips through him as well. It's white-hot; agonising, beautiful, and long, long overdue, and he keeps moving for as long as he can, drawing out every last second until he drops down against Lucius' back; holding onto the ropes with one hand so he doesn't make the other man take all his weight.

He breathes. And breathes. And holds onto Lucius, whilst his eyes find Ed's. "That was so fucking good."

"They were amazing, and I need to get them all the fuck down and safe, before we pass out," Ed agrees. "And fucking… hold them. Holy… fucking hell. Where do we even start?"

He does not want to leave Stede in any way, but it's the only way to get them properly comfortable. Ed slips out of his husband, keeping his hands all over him. "You okay if I get Stede down, first, then help you put Lu with him?"

Izzy pulls back too; reaching to get the vibrating ring off Lucius. "Go for it," he replies. "I'll get Lu and Pete both lowered and then start freeing them from the suspension lines. We can leave them in the harnesses to start off with, they're not designed to be uncomfortable, and that way we can hold them until they're a little more coherent."

He's aware that might take a while, but it won't be a problem once everyone's settled.

"Brace," he says to Lucius, though he's not sure how much the man can actually process right now: getting a firm grip on the suspension ropes before unshoring them and slowly, carefully lowering him to lie on the floor. "That's it, there you go…"

Lucius can hear the sounds, feel the way his body is empty, but that's about it. He's too exhausted to do anything but feel. Feel the way his ass-cheeks sting. His hole is puffy from thorough use, and sticky from spend. The way his cock pulses with each beat of his heart. He barely stirs when he's lowered down, and though there's more pressure on his front, now, he doesn't react.

Ed has unfastened Stede in tandem, and he brings his husband the short distance to lie next to Lu, stroking them both with aching affection as he waits for Izzy to finish with Pete. "Bed, or here?"

Izzy has Pete down quickly and efficiently, freeing him from the suspension ropes as well, and trying to gather him in tight. "Bed, if we can," he answers. "It'll be much more comfortable, and these three definitely earned it. If you can take one of 'em through, then come back and we'll take the other two between us. I don't want to leave anyone alone on the floor, even briefly." Which is more from protectiveness than any concerns about safety, given that they're perfectly fine here in the short term, but he wants to stay close.

"Let's undo their wrists, then," Ed agrees. "I'll take Pete, first. I think he's gonna be more settled. You work on their wrists and checking 'em over, while I get him through."

But before he does, he leans over and pulls Izzy's forehead to his own. He doesn't even say anything, just… lets the man feel his pride and affection. And when he's ready, he frees Pete's arms and carries him through. It doesn't take long to get all of them in the bed, with the subs in a puddle and himself and Izzy either side.

It won't be a rapid recovery. And that's no bad thing.

Chapter Text

Ed has hold of Izzy's hand over the semi-conscious huddle of rope-bound submissives. He's feeling odd. Not bad, but odd. The emotional promises of before, combined with a very heady scene and thoroughly involved sex has him feeling raw, exposed, and jarringly aware of everything they said and did.

And aware, too, that a lot of what they said and did was planned, and a lot – as often is, for them – was not.

He bites his lip, looking to Izzy with a silent plea for reassurance. It was a big, big scene. And now the whispering second-guessing is threatening to unravel the giddy joy. Did he go too far? Izzy would tell him, right?

"You're fretting, Eddie," Izzy says, softly, because of course he can tell, and after a scene like that he's been especially on the watch for it. "You don't need to. It was incredible. But if you want to talk whilst these three are still out of it… I'm right here."

"I… pushed them too far, didn't I?" Ed asks. "I know you'll tell me I didn't, but I did. And… I didn't check with you before I did it. Fuck… I didn't know it would set them off that much."

The part where he's launched immediately into it without needing further encouragement says he really has been worrying. "I didn't even ask you."

Izzy tightens his hold on Ed's hand. "You didn't ask me in words, but I knew what you were doing. We were communicating all the way through. And if I wasn't happy, Eddie, you'd know about it, I promise you. I'd pull you back or call a pause if I thought it was necessary. I'm not flippant when it comes to safety; physical and emotional alike."

"And no," he adds, wanting Ed to meet his eyes so he can see the sincerity in them. "You didn't push them too far. We certainly pushed them hard, because that's what everyone wanted and needed, but again, if I thought it was too much I would have said something."

A beat. "The end was a lot, I know, and given the way they did react… I feel like maybe there's a conversation or two we need to have. But that's not wrong. It just means we've found something that needs deeper consideration."

"…I wasn't… I wasn't actually… y'know. I thought… I thought it'd be like those other scenes they like to play at…" The ones with consensual non-consent, but more explicit. The ones where they play at forcing them, or making them want it. Ed knows how to do those very, very well. "But fuck me, there's… I'm reading it right, aren't I? And I'm not saying we should do a thing at all, but I did not expect them to break apart quite that fucking much…"

And he's feeling oh-so-very delicate himself, but needing to keep it together. For all of them, and for himself.

"How the fuck do you stay so calm, after?!"

"I've… always found it fairly easy," Izzy answers. "The lingering power-high and the sense of having gotten them where they need to be… it soothes a lot. Plus I had to get Lucius through some very rough times last year, as you know, and I learnt to keep my own emotions in check as much as possible so I could take care of him. That's why I kept coming to you afterwards and going to bits. But right now… it's because I'm confident in what we did."

"You don't think… I crossed the line?" Ed runs his fingers between Izzy's. "I know, you'll tell me that if I was, you'd pull me up right then and there. I know that… But I also know Stede's limits better than Lu's, and you know them. I always seem to grate on his nerves that bit too much."

Which is likely the point, but it still means Ed isn't – yet – completely convinced in everything he does where Lucius is concerned. Not even with Stede, but the confidence is certainly higher. "And… and I guess… I wasn't all the way in control, either. Not… y'know. Not when I was collared at the start, too. Playing two roles a bit was… more difficult, but necessary."

"You affect Lucius strongly," Izzy counters, but very gently. "It's not a bad thing. And he's – and I say this with a great deal of love – a very pushy sub at times. It doesn't mean anything is wrong, it's just how he approaches scenes. If something was wrong, you'd know it for sure."

"As for you," he goes on, "I knew the shifted headspace would have an effect, though you seemed to handle it fine. And when you needed to double-check something, you did. That's the sign of a good working relationship. Eddie… you're expecting absolute perfection, and I get that, I do. I still feel it a lot as well. But one of the things I've learned with these two is that it's not necessarily about perfection. It's about making 'em – and yourself – feel as good as possible."

"Think maybe I need to… let go a bit. Y'know. Now. If… if it's okay…?" Ed had pushed as much of the submissive feelings evoked early on to one side for the scene, and now he's realising just how much of them he'd felt. It had been a complex tapestry, and then it had to be black and white, and now he's got a bit more freedom to let go again.

Which he really, really fucking wants. He thinks he did a good enough job from how the three subs reacted, and that was his goal after all. But if he's not needed to stay in a more aggressive, assertive headspace it's probably sensible to step back. "We did do a fucking good number on them, though, didn't we? And god… but you're so fucking hot when you're in control. Even when I was topping you, you just… owned everything…" Which certainly helped. Ed hadn't felt like Izzy was yielding to him, which meant he didn't feel he was carrying everything. Not that he often does feel that, but when there's a clear, unwavering certainty from Izzy it bolsters him no end.

The words make Izzy's heart ache – in a good way, even though it's painful – and he squeezes Ed's hand. "Eddie, love, if you need to let go then you can. You know I can handle all four of you at once in a full scene, so I'll be completely fine with all four of you in a cuddle-pile. And you don't have to go fully submissive unless that's what you actively need. You can just let me lead. And… trust me when I tell you it's OK."

He gives a gentle tug on Ed's hand, trying to encourage the other man to meet his eyes. "And it is. You know I'd tell you if I was worried. I'd never let you hurt anyone by accident, and I already know you'd never do it on purpose. So all those whispers in your head? Try to ignore them. I know it's easier said than done, but… try to ignore them, and listen to me instead."

Ed feels some of the pressure leak out through his eyes, and he wipes them on the back of his hand as he nods. "I just… needed it all to be as perfect as possible. And… and I know I wasn't… I know I pushed myself a bit hard, too, and… I just fucking love you all so much…"

He knows Izzy understands, even if he doesn't often feel quite the same as Ed does. He feels his own complexity around sharing the lead at times, and that's close enough. "And I mean it. God, you were so amazing. I just… I need to hold everyone and… and… us. And… you know. Just… I fucking love you so much."

"I love you too," Izzy tells him. "We love you too, all of us. You're incredible: fierce and devoted, wicked and adoring, and so utterly good. And you have to believe me when I say it, because I'm in charge now." This last part is delivered very lightly, with no weight or pressure.

He looks around at the others, all of whom are half or fully asleep; drifting so very peacefully in their subspace haze. "And, Eddie… look at 'em. Really look. You can't get someone like that unless they trust you utterly. You just can't. It takes absolute trust, but more than that… they also have to want everything you're doing as well."

"I think how much they wanted everything is part of the problem," Ed jokes just as lightly. "And… I guess you three already 'shared'. It was me and Stede who came up with it, kinda." More lip-gnawing. "We'll… we'll all need to… think, I reckon. Just… when everyone's back from subspace travel, hmm?"

Izzy nods. "Yes. Absolutely. We can – and should – talk about it when everyone's ready, but there's no rush. We're all here, we're all happy, and no one's hurting. And as that's the case, we can give it time."

They can. Though… they will need to discuss it all the same.

***

It's a while before the three subs start surfacing. When they do, one at a time, Izzy starts bringing them closer so he can gently take off their harnesses whilst Ed keeps the other two held and supported. It takes a little while – because there's three of them, and they're still quite out of it – but eventually there's a heap of rope beside the bed, waiting to be respooled, and a tangle of now-liberated subs cuddled between them again.

"There," Izzy says, tossing aside the last rope from Pete and gathering the man into his arms. "Better?"

"Yes, sir," Pete murmurs. "Much. Thank you."

Lucius has made a point of trying to touch everyone at once, though it's Ed he's perhaps avoiding slightly more than the others. Or less avoiding, and more… not approaching as much. Which means he feels guilty about it. Which means…

"Am – is it okay to talk, now?" he asks, aware he's causing tension.

"It always is," Ed responds. "Is everyone okay with now, or needs to have space or a moment, first?"

"Now is good," Izzy says. "Pete?"

"Definitely," Pete agrees. He was very, very hazy at the end of the scene, but he remembers enough to know that it might help.

Stede looks a little nervous, but he certainly doesn't object. "Of course. Go on."

"I… I'm sorry I – I mean I--" Lucius tries, but can't, suddenly.

"Wait, Lu… can I say something first?" Ed asks, when he falters.

Lucius nods, sheepishly.

"I'm sorry I pushed you past your comfort zone. I wasn't doing that deliberately, and… I hope you know that. I… I wouldn't. And… and I want to know if you feel okay that we carried on? Because… fuck, should I have checked?" Ed suddenly realises he didn't.

"What? Oh – fuck – no! That's not… I just… didn't want you to even pretend you'd do what you mentioned," Lu exclaims, sitting up in a panic. "I – I was fine with everything else, I just… didn't want to go there. And then I felt bad that I'd told you 'no'."

"I always want you to tell me 'no' if it's 'no'," Ed insists. "All of you. All of us. I never want anyone hiding that. And… and if you'd wanted to change everything completely, I would have."

"I would have… said. If I wasn't happy, after." Lucius hurls himself at Ed, barreling into a hug. "I promise: you weren't doing things I hated. I promise. And if I couldn't tell you, I'd have told Izzy. I promise."

Ed curls around him furiously hard, letting out a sound of aching relief. "I just didn't want to – I only wanted it to be good. I promise. I swear."

"I know, I know. It's okay. It is. It is for me, and… and I think everyone else would have said if it wasn't for them."

Izzy feels better watching the two of them embrace, reaching over to make gentle contact one at a time. "Like I said to Eddie before, I would have intervened if I thought it was necessary. But it… felt like something you needed to work through. And I'd always keep you safe… all of you." This is added with a deliberate look to Ed, because he doesn't just mean the subs.

"I was too off my head to do much, but I could tell you were working it out," Pete adds. "Is…" He pauses, a little nervous. "…Is it something we need to talk about more? Or… say we won't do, or..?"

He trails off, because… it's complicated.

"…I think… I need to know if it's something we shouldn't bring up in a scene, again. Or… or if I need to… do it differently, or…" Ed sounds decidedly bashful. "I thought it was… like when we'd said we'd pretend it wasn't consensual, like… when we said we'd make you guys put out and pretend you'd said no. I… I guess I didn't think it'd make people feel… weird."

Lucius is very, very quiet now. He's also avoiding Stede's eyes studiously, because he's worried what the man will feel, now.

Stede is equally quiet. Maybe even more quiet, which is hard to do when both of you aren't making a sound. He curls into Ed's other side, suddenly not wanting to be perceived. At all. For reasons. Very, very complicated reasons.

"Lucius? Stede?" Izzy prompts, carefully; conscious of how silent they both are. "The pair of you reacted quite strongly in the scene. Do you… think it's something we need not to mention again? Or…?"

Or the other thing. Which… suddenly feels like the elephant in the room.

"…I just… wouldn't want anyone to be uncomfortable…" Stede murmurs, very softly, when the fact he's not speaking becomes too much to hide.

"Well, we're kinda uncomfortable now," Lucius says, mostly under his voice, though everyone can blatantly hear. "And… I know it's because I was a dick about it."

"Lu, you weren't a--"

"Ed, it's okay. I was totally fine when you were pretending to fuck us. I got fucking jealous when you were doing it and we weren't involved, or… something. That's pretty shitty of me. I didn't… I didn't like the idea of you… of you fucking Izzy if we weren't allowed to do the same thing… I don't know. It was selfish. And I know it's just… my feelings, and I can't help how I feel, but it was a dick move." Lu reaches to grab for Pete, Izzy… anyone that isn't Stede. "I'm sorry."

"You weren't a dick about it," Stede insists, painfully aware that Lucius won't look at him and that he must have said something wrong when he was off his head. "I'm the one who… who blew up first. I just got… I…"

His heart starts racing. "…maybe I should just… something. I don't know. Ignore me for a while, I'll calm down…"

And he buries his head in Ed's side, which he's aware won't help, but he's suddenly too scared not to.

Ed is now clearly worried, and he shoots a glance to Pete and Izzy, before he's trying to urge the two subs he's got hiding from one another on each side of him to look up at one another. "Hey. Hey… no. Love, no. You're both not-saying something, and… you both know how that doesn't help. I know it's because you're afraid of hurting someone, so… please? We got into this by not talking first, or… or maybe we didn't know we needed to… but we know now. So… how do we help? How do we work out what's upsetting you?"

"I told you!" Lucius snaps. "I told you I got jealous, and I told you… all the… stuff I wasn't supposed to think about! And now Stede's mad at me for it, so… maybe you should just not do that again because obviously I'm a horrible human being."

"I'm not mad at you!" Stede exclaims, lifting his head just enough to speak whilst still hiding as much as possible. "I'm scared because… because part of me wanted to actually do it, because I can't help fantasising about it, but then you were so upset at the thought and I felt awful that I'd almost said it… but I wouldn't, I wouldn't unless everyone wanted to and you don't so that's OK and we should just agree not to imply it in future and everything will be fine…"

His head goes back into Ed's side and stays there.

"Why wouldn't I want to do it?" Lucius asks. "I told you I did! I was worse. You just wanted Izzy to fuck you! And I wanted everyone to fucking do it!"

Lucius is distantly aware he is snapping at him, and he doesn't mean to, but he can't help it. "I got upset because I knew you'd get upset because you said we shouldn't, and I was – I was – busy thinking all these things you said we shouldn't be doing, so – so of course I panicked! I didn't want you mad at me for wanting to. Or – or – anyone mad at me. But Ed told me to tell you, so I did! And now you're mad, so--"

"…Iz, Pete…" Ed calls over to them, shaking his head in almost-wry resignation. "Can you help me bash their heads together?"

"Fuck off, I did what you told me to, this is so not my fault!" Lucius scowls and shoves at Ed, trying to get away and back to Izzy and Pete.

"Lucius, love, take a breath," Izzy urges. "I think… there might be some crossed wires here, for you both. And you're not in trouble, not at all. But you and Stede need to realise you're actually on the same page, even if right now it doesn't feel like it."

"The same page!" Stede exclaims, before Lucius gets a chance to speak. "He got mad at you for implying you'd do something that I desperately want! We're not on the same page, we're in different books! And… and I…"

…oh, that other part was out loud.

"Stede… no one's mad at you either, but you need to be honest with us," Izzy pushes. "What is it you want?"

Stede goes very pink and hides again. He wishes they'd left the fucking gags on… ideally even now.

"Stede." Izzy tries not to sound exasperated, even if he is, a little. "Lucius is worried. Ed's worried. It'll be a lot easier if you just say it."

For a moment, Stede wants to refuse. Argue. Cry. Maybe even run for it. But after a moment, he just cracks and it all spills out.

"…I just… just liked the idea of all of us being able to fuck… you know, for-real for real, and… and I do fantasise about it a lot, and… I wondered if maybe I should say something but I didn't dare and that was OK because we were all still perfectly happy, and then… then you went and brought it up when I was off my head and I couldn't hide the fact I wanted it but Lucius got upset at the idea and then I felt awful because what if I'd crossed a line and pushed in on his marriage? And what if Ed thought I was being unfaithful? And it… I… stop perceiving me, I don't consent…"

Ed is surprised by how fast Lucius can move when he wants to. He puts it down to the fact that he's older and was taken off-guard for the reason Lu gets past him and has Stede pinned down before he can react himself. Apparently, when the man is feeling it, he's difficult to stop.

"You're a stupid fucking idiot," Lucius yells at him, smothering him into the bed, then smacking at his upper arm. "Giant – fucking – repressed – FUCK." Which he has to then punctuate by pushing his tongue past Stede's lips.

Ed grabs Stede's hand, squeezing, trying to check if he should be dragging Lucius off or not. He's about to check when Lu sits back up.

"I felt bad because you said we shouldn't do it!" Lucius explodes at him. "Because you thought it was… it made things special and – and – I didn't want to ruin your… special… things! I told you I wanted even more than you said! I felt bad for going too far and – and – wanting things you'd not like! Why the hell would you be pushing in on things? We're on fucking honeymoon if you hadn't noticed? You've swallowed all our damn dicks and we've swallowed yours. I don't know why you feel the way you do, but you do, and – and – I just wanted to respect it!"

Stede squeaks in alarm when Lucius pounces on him, but he's too upset to try to defend himself physically. The kiss… feels like maybe it should be good, but also Lucius is mad so maybe it's bad? He's not sure. He's emotional and headspacey and scared. And confused.

"…because there's never been anyone else," he manages, on the point of tears; suddenly terrified to look in Ed's direction. "Only him. Only ever him. And I thought… I was scared, because… because I'm his… and I wouldn't… I couldn't…"

He breaks down and tries to squirm away, though he can't exactly get far with Lucius on top of him. And… when he's not trying especially hard.

"Ed?" Lucius looks upset, and worried, and suddenly he's jumping away, horrified, because he really didn't think-- "Stede, I'm – oh god, I'm sorry, I shouldn't--"

Ed grabs Stede, pulling him into his lap and then into his arms to hold. "Stede… love. It's okay. It's okay. Love of my damn life… you weren't being unfaithful. I was the one who brought it up. Would I offer to play at it in fantasy if I really hated it?"

Lucius doesn't know what he's supposed to do, now, and he's considering bolting for it, too. Only the sudden grip from Ed about his wrist keeps him from bolting.

"Don't go." Ed holds on tighter. "Please… we both need you. All of you. Please."

"We do things in fantasy we wouldn't do for real," Stede points out, buried in Ed's chest but no longer trying to run for it. "Like when you say you'll keep us enslaved for days on end… you wouldn't actually do it, but it's hot to imagine and threaten. So I didn't… I didn't know if it was like that, or if… if you meant it, and… and I got scared because I imagine it but…"

"What do you think we want?" Pete asks him, very softly, when Stede trails off. "I mean, for real."

"I don't know. I just can't bear the thought of hurting you. And I wish I hadn't let it get to me, but… but I was in subspace…"

"Stede," Ed murmurs, low and urgent. "I didn't know you were… feeling like that. I didn't. I wouldn't have even mentioned it if I thought – if I knew – and I'm sorry. I am."

Lucius is now trying to hide in between Pete and Izzy, utterly devastated.

"I mean it, Stede. I knew it meant a lot to you, but I… I… fuck. And I know we play at things we really wouldn't do, but those – those ones are actually bad." Ed tries so very hard to hold him, to stroke him. He's aware Lucius is distressed too, but he can only manage so much at once. "I'd never take you without your consent. I'd never seriously injure you. And I'd never do this if you actually didn't want it. But only because you didn't want it. There's… there's a difference between something that's hot but dumb, and stuff that's just… hot. I'm not upset at all. I never thought you'd be unfaithful if you did do it. Never. Fuck knows all the rest of us haven't… uh…"

Here, Ed falters for a moment. "You said… before… you said it didn't matter to you that I had. With… other guys. Is… is that still true? Because you were the first guy I was in love with, and nothing will ever change that. Ever."

"I'm not upset that you had guys before me," Stede manages, aware he's fucking all this up horribly and not knowing how to fix it. "Of course I'm not. It's not like you were cheating on me – you didn't even know me then! And I know… I know I'm the weird one in that respect. All I had was Mary, and we didn't… we didn't exactly do anything adventurous. We barely did anything unadventurous. But you… and then all of us… it's… I'm… you just all mean so fucking much to me and I want you to be happy!"

"Stede," Izzy cuts in, now trying to hold Lucius between himself and Pete. "Say the words. Stop thinking you know how we'll react and just be honest."

For a moment, Stede freezes. He can't. He won't. He shouldn't.

He does. "…I want all of us to be able to fuck. Properly. For real. Not… with implements. I want to feel what it's like to ream Lucius' brains out. I want to watch Ed wreck Pete. I want to watch you and Ed go at it with all that gorgeous growly energy. I want…"

Stede buries his head in Ed's chest again, but he doesn't stop speaking. "…I want Ed to hold me whilst you all take me one after the other, because I love you so much and I want to give you that too…"

Ed crushes him even harder in. "Oh, Stede. The only reason I ever held off was because it meant something else to you. I didn't want you to feel we weren't… committed, or… or… special, or whatever it was it was to you. I promise, love. It's okay to want that. Even if I didn't – which I do – I would never be upset with you for wanting things. Never, not ever, ever. What you want matters so fucking much to me. And – fuck – I'm sorry this is how you ended up saying it, because… because it really is fine. Right?" Ed looks worriedly, but hopefully up at the other three.

He's really fucked this up, and badly. All because he thought it would be fun to play a bit of extra fantasy. He can't believe how much he's made them all miserable, and it's over a something-and-nothing. Except it isn't nothing. Not when it matters.

Lucius is bawling now, and trying not to make it obvious. But he is. And he's angry and hurt and frustrated and worried and feeling oddly cold and self-loathing and panicked and just… too much. He can't cope, not on how strung-out he already was. It's not even anything they should be fighting about at all, but somehow they are.

"Baby… baby, don't cry, we can work this out," Pete implores, feeling shaken and afraid now but desperate to help. "We can. We all love each other, right? And trust each other? So… we just need to work out what we want and it'll be OK."

"Pete's right, Lu," Izzy says, rocking him slowly. "You and Stede want the same thing. I think possibly we all want the same thing, but we need to take a breath and say it. We're on the same side. No one here is trying to hurt anyone else, right? We don't do that."

"This is my fault," Stede gasps, utterly horrified by how everyone is falling apart. "I should have just played along and had fun with it, like you wanted, but… but I… I want it for real, and it scared me how much, and it scared me to think that it might not be what you all wanted, and… please don't be angry with me."

"How many times do we need to tell you we want the same thing?" Lucius wails into Izzy's neck. "Why won't you believe me? Stede – the only reason I was upset was I thought you wouldn't be happy with me!"

Ed tries to lift his husband's chin up, wanting to meet his eyes. "No one is angry with you. Either of you. Either of you. The only people angry with you are yourselves… like I'm angry with myself for fucking this up in the first place. Stede… I loved you the minute I met you. I fell more in love every minute since. I loved you before we kissed, and I won't stop loving you. No matter what. And if you want me to admit it: of course I've fantasised about it. I love going bare with you. The only reason I only did with you is because you wanted something…"

A pause. "Shit. Is this because you thought I needed that? Because… fuck. The only reason it was important to me is because it was important to you. Of course I've wanted that. I've wanted them to rail your gorgeous ass with me. I've wanted to see them give you everything. I've wanted to watch you sink your cock in… and I've wanted to hold them down and take turns, or slide in with you. And even if you never wanted to, I still did. I just didn't do it because I thought it mattered to you that we didn't."

Stede freezes, his brain not processing everything but possibly finally getting the jist. "…you… want… too? I… oh. Oh. Fuck."

Izzy gives a soft sigh. "You might want to reassure Lucius, before the poor boy has even more of a meltdown. He just wants to make you happy, you daft sod. That's all he's ever wanted."

"…Lu?" Stede tries, shakily. "I… I'm sorry I fucked up. I… please let me apologise?"

"Y-you… didn't…" Lucius stammers. "N-no more than… than any of us did, it--"

He doesn't want to speak any more, but he manages a brief gesture of 'please come closer'. He's so fucking wiped from the elevated emotion and confusion. "I just… didn't want to hurt your feelings when you said it was not right."

Stede doesn't want to let go of Ed, but he also needs to be holding Lucius, so he grips Ed's hand and then tries to pull him over too; grabbing hold of Lucius and trying to tug Ed in behind him. "I know I did… I did say that, at the start," he replies, shakily. "I was so nervous when we… when we first… I thought it was the right thing to do. I thought… I needed to prove to Ed that he… that he was still… and you, all of you three, I didn't… I didn't want to cut all the way in on what you had. It was – is – so perfect, and beautiful, and… I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I wasn't trying to hurt anyone… I wanted you all to be happy! I wanted… to prove I wasn't trying to take anything from you…"

"You were never taking a thing," Lucius insists, dragging him, then Stede in. "You weren't. You were giving us both of you, that's – that's the opposite of taking… Right? Izzy? Pete?"

Ed curls around Stede and Pete as he gets closer, kissing the back of his husband's neck and then gripping Pete's hand. He does feel hideous for how this has come out, but… maybe it wouldn't have come out, otherwise. Or it would have found some way to be difficult. If it was easy, Stede would have just damn well said it. "And you never needed to prove a thing to me. But I hope you did to yourself. And… I mean that. Not… not as a dig or anything. I mean it."

"Lu's absolutely right," Pete agrees, fiercely loving. "We got both of you. We already had something perfect and amazing and then we got both of you too. It's like… it's like when Lu and I fell for Izzy. We already had something wonderful, and we would have been very happy together, but when we included Izzy as well, it was even better. We had us and him. It didn't change how much I already loved Lu, or make me worry he'd change how he felt about me. We just… needed a bigger bed."

"And, Stede… we wouldn't be here, doing this, if we didn't want all of you," Izzy adds. "And… if we didn't want to share all of us. And of course we'd respect any boundaries that any of us felt we needed or wanted, but… you don't, do you? Or, not anymore at least. I know your relationship with Ed was world-changing for you, and I realise you protect that fiercely because of how much it means, but, Stede… being with us hasn't diminished that, not one bit, and you've grown more as a person because of it. We all have. I had to learn that when I first got together with Lu and Pete. It does change you, but for the better. So… take a breath, and let yourself hear us when we say we want the same thing. We waited for you. And that's totally fine, but if you're ready for more… we are too."

"And if you're not – or it's not something you've decided yet – that's totally fine." Ed kisses his neck, wrapping arms around his waist. "Things only mean what you want them to mean. I… fuck. I mean… some guys wouldn't even ever have blinked at all. Some guys won't even do oral, or anal. It's what it is for you – us – that matters. And just wanting something really doesn't make it good or bad."

Lu sniffles. "I mean… you wanted to fuck us before we all said yes. And… y'know. That worked out okay. No one was mad at anyone for being into it." He tries to find Stede's and Pete's hands to hold, while letting Izzy embrace him. "If you never want to actually do-it, do-it, no one would ever dream of pushing you. But if you do want to do-it, do-it… I'm not hearing anyone say they feel it's at all bad. God knows I've fantasised about it long enough…"

"…me too…" Stede murmurs, still so very sheepishly. "At… at the start I wasn't sure, because it was already all so much, but… over time, I've… I've thought about it. More and more. And… sometimes when one of you was going to fuck me with a strap-on, I'd think… but what if you just… forgot? And just… took me bare? And I…"

He turns to hide in Ed's chest again, but it's clearly just out of embarrassment now, rather than because he wants to full-on stop being perceived. "…I should have said something, I know, but… I was scared. I didn't want to upset what we have because it's already so perfect."

"If it's any consolation, love… you did actually tell us. You worked it out, and you told us. Maybe… not the way you would have wanted, but you did." Ed gestures to Izzy and Pete, asking them to shuffle.

With a bit of effort, he gets Stede sitting in his lap and Izzy alongside him, so the other two subs can park where they want to. Which – in Lu's case – appears to be 'on top of Izzy and holding Stede but also trying to get Pete to sit on top of everyone' which may not actually be sensible, but is cute all the same.

"…I didn't say anything, either," Lu points out. "And I got pissy when Ed pushed because I didn't want to hurt you, Stede. And I thought you'd get mad because… because us pretending to be unwilling is one thing… but… but I wanted… you. If… if Ed and Izzy were… and… and then Pete, because it has to be all of us, whatever we're doing… So it's not just on you."

Ed kisses Stede's temple. "I guess the only real question left is: is this something you want… to decide? Because… because no one will push you. Not on this. Not unless you ask us to."

It's a moment before Stede can speak. He hadn't thought of any of this as more than a fantasy, so to suddenly be discussing it for real is a lot. "If… so long as everyone wants to… so long as… it won't… it won't secretly hurt anyone. I couldn't ever do that, not ever. But if… if you all want to… then I do too."

"I want whatever everyone else does," Ed admits. "And I'm not saying that as a cop-out. If no one was hesitating, or feeling pressured… I'd love to. I'm just as happy not to… because everyone feeling good is what matters most."

He looks to Pete, next. "Love? You want to say?"

"…I'm not copping out when I say: the same," Pete answers. "We're all exclusive, so it's perfectly safe, and what I want more than anything is to know you're all happy. I'd love to get to do that because I enjoy it, and I like feeling the closeness, but I'd never push anyone into it. But… I'm all in favour if everyone is."

"I agree as well," Izzy says. "I don't think it could ever diminish what we already have. It's just more. And it wouldn't make me question anyone's loyalty, because if I wasn't already confident in that, I wouldn't be here."

"…if me freaking out that I wanted more than you did isn't answer enough…" Lu looks sheepish. "My only concern is that this ends up being another bingo." A beat. "And then trying to win that takes over the most of the… you know. Fun."

Ed leans in to ruffle his hair. "We could let Stede be first all-bottom or all-top if everyone wanted. Though… mostly I want to make sure his first 'real' time is as meaningful as he feels it should be. It matters so much to him… I mean… I have an idea, but… I'm open to suggestion…"

Stede hides in Ed's arms again, but nods furiously against him because he likes that idea. "…just want it to be special…" he murmurs, feeling a little embarrassed. "It was with you, and I… I want it to be with them, too. It's… it's a big deal for me…"

"Well…" Ed adjusts his grip slightly, then starts to recline, so Stede's on top of him. He nods to the others to join them as he pulls Stede to lie on his chest, hands gliding over his shoulders. "I can always tell you my fantasy for how it'd go… doesn't have to be what we do first, though…"

Lucius snorts at Ed already having a fantasy. "You planned this, didn't you?"

"What? No! Not… consciously."

Lu lies down alongside Ed, head propped on one hand, fingers kneading into Stede's shoulders. "Sure."

"Well… we're kissing. And someone's fingering you open, slowly. Guiding you down to ride my cock… making sure you're nice and relaxed. Open and eager… Then you slide off me, and someone – I didn't work out who, or when – is behind you and they push into you, while you hold onto my hands and I watch your face as they fuck you. Maybe I slide in, too. We use you, open you, fill you… I have to take a break before I come too soon. I'm holding you while we each take you to pieces. Trading you back and forth, kissing you all over, making you ours. Seeing how long you can take it. Seeing if you can take us all before you come… Feeling the way you yield to each of us… Feeling their cocks sliding against mine inside you…"

Stede squeaks in shock, a whole-body shudder running through him at that. He'd've loved the idea more than enough just as a fantasy (it may, in fact, be close to ones he's had himself) but the thought that they might actually do it tips him right over into desperate longing. "Ohfuck," he gasps, suddenly breathless. "You'd really… I mean… I haven't… ohGodyesplease."

He already had a fantasy, after all. Quite a number, in fact. He realises he probably should have said something sooner, but… everything was insane and the world kept trying to end, and when they finally dispatched the maniacs they had to adjust to being able to do things like go outside again, and it had felt like everyone already had enough to be dealing with. Which… perhaps explains why it's all spilled out on their first day here, because suddenly there was nothing else to worry about.

"And we wouldn't be harsh with you, not this time," Izzy joins in; finding the threads of the fantasy and playing into them. "Firm, yes, because we know how much you like it, but… not harsh. Not cruel. Not when this is a big deal for all of us."

Lucius stretches out against him, kissing at his neck, a hand low across his back with his fingers curled over Stede's hip. "Why don't you tell us what you wanted? For your first time? You have so many possibilities… it could just be one of us, it could be all of us… You could top, or bottom, or both… Fuck, you could have all three of us at once. Ed could suck your cock, or ride your face while you fucked one of us, and the other two fuck you, too…"

"He likes it when we make love," Ed says, voice gushingly fond. "He loves being taken apart with love. Even when we're soft, it's fierce as fuck. The first time… it was like being devoured by a storm. A storm that loved every bit of me. And they're right, love: it's your first time. We want to know what would make it as special as you are to all of us."

"I… uhm…" Stede is still hiding. His heart is thumping in his chest and he's aching with how much this means, and how much he loves them all, and his mind keeps shorting out because he feels so strongly. "I want… I want all of you, but… but not all at once. Not the first time." Later times, definitely, oh fuck yes please. "I need to feel each of you, need the moment to connect with you. I… want it to be special."

Pete curls in on Ed and Stede's other side, running a gentle hand down his back. "It would be," he points out, softly. "It would, because it's you, and it's us, and this means so much to all of us."

"Do…" Lucius pauses. "Do… do you want to… now? Or – uhm – tonight? Or…" Fuck. He's feeling awkward as all hell, now. First times are a long while back for him, mostly. Except the 'first time with Pete and Izzy' and then 'first time doing things with the boss' and… maybe it's not as long ago as all that.

"Well… it might be better if we just… come around, first. You three were strung up from the ceiling not that long ago. Not that I wouldn't, but… maybe we chill for a bit, and have a nice, romantic dinner?" Ed glances to Izzy, because he's still not quite at his full power, yet, and he's been burning the candle at both ends to deal with the aftercare. "Then we could… make a nice… evening of it? And look forward to it?"

Plus, if anyone freaks out, or changes their mind, or wants to add or take anything out… not that Ed says this aloud, in case it causes more anxiety.

Stede nods against him. "That works. My head is still hazy, and I want… I want to know everyone's sure."

"I think that's sensible," Izzy agrees. "Eddie's right, we did just do an extremely complex and intense scene, and I'd imagine all three of you are still aching somewhat. We weren't soft. So we'll take some time, clean up properly, relax, and then we'll be even more ready. Plus I want to check over the marks we left on all of you… Lucius' especially. I'm not worried, but I like to make sure everything's OK." And it'll give Ed a bit more breathing room without making it obvious that he needs it.

"…you were rather… vigorous." Lucius' sly smile says he isn't unhappy about that. "And my dick and ass probably would benefit… maybe even more hot tub time?"

"You will turn into a raisin if you move into that tub too much." Ed rubs his hand over Stede's ass. "But we can definitely have another spell in there, especially if it helps ease any cramps. Iz had you nicely suspended, but you were in the same position for long periods."

"And very happy about it." Lucius rolls onto his back, making eyes up at Izzy. "Really. Really happy."

"Seconded," Pete enthuses, throwing heart-eyes at both Izzy and Ed. "Zero complaints. Ten out of ten. Would come again… especially if we didn't have those evil rings on."

"You loved every moment," Izzy says, with a flash of a wicked smile. "And," he goes more serious, "I mean it when I say I'm impressed. What all of you managed to handle, to take, it was a lot, and I'm so fucking proud."

"…are… are we allowed to say how hot it was when you were all over each other?" Lu asks, settling in on his back with his hands on his belly. "Because… fuck. Watching you two just… own the whole room… God. If you'd put me in the middle, I'd've just been a damn condom. And I would have loved every minute."

Ed squirms, a little embarrassed. "Hard to keep focus when you're all so damn hot. You know I wasn't safeword hunting, but – weirdly – I'm kinda… touched by what did tip you over."

"…oh."

"It's something that matters," Izzy concurs, softly. "Rather than just misjudging pain levels or getting cramp in a stress position. You… didn't want to do something so important without it being right. Without everyone being equal."

"Well… yeah. I…" Lucius pushes his face into Izzy's neck. "I got thinking about it too much and I didn't want it to… be wrong. It wasn't… it wasn't even wrong. I just… wanted it to be right."

Stede wraps around Ed even more tightly. "You were crazy hot, though. I love it when the pair of you get all… you know… grrrrr. "

Ed – feeling a little devilish – finds Pete's hand and puts it on Stede's ass. "Dunno how I didn't just drop to my damn knees for him. Think… needing to make it work just right, and… Iz kept me up. And I… I wasn't worrying I was gonna knock him off his stride. So I could just… be."

"Eddie, you were perfect," Izzy tells him. "And if you want to drop to your knees at any point, you know I'll be in favour. But most of the time you were absolutely flying."

"And it was amazing," Pete enthuses, stroking Stede's ass where Ed has put his hand. "I love you all so much. Not sure I'll be able to sit for the next week, though…"

"…don't worry, I brought the special cushions…" Stede murmurs, still curled into Ed and feeling extremely affectionate and emotional. "Plus we're surrounded by snow."

"I am going to veto sitting in snow." Lucius makes a very, very worried face. "I know they do it when they're doing saunas and stuff, but I do not want to freeze my bollocks off. I'm sorry. I just… there are some things even a British body isn't made for."

"We've got things that won't need that. Plus… like Iz pointed out, we can swap me in for at least one round." Ed cocks a finger-gun at Lu. "Give you three a break. After we do Stede's Big Damn Romantic Four Guy Fuck Party. Which… I realise now does not sound romantic when I call it that…"

"Oh my God…" Stede gasps, going bright pink and hiding. "That's… we don't have to call it that, and… I… oh dear…" Somehow the visible parts of him go even pinker.

"It's… sort of accurate, though," Pete says, with a little grin. "In… you know, in a sweet way."

"And if you three do need a break, Ed's right: I could always take him to pieces whilst you watch," Izzy adds, glancing over at Ed to make sure he's not overstepping. "You did all seem to enjoy the pair of us going at it…"

"That could be either pre-dinner, or tomorrow," Lucius suggests, starting to turn into Izzy and push his ass up against Stede suggestively. "You definitely need to do it. Just… not in the way of Stede's Dickapalooza."

"Lucius!" Stede exclaims. "We're not calling it that!" He's now incredibly pink and desperately trying to hide as much as he can, and wondering if maybe it would be quicker to run away. "It's… I'm not… no! Ed, tell him!"

"The 'Buggering of Bonnet'?" Lu offers, next.

"Lu, no matter how hard we went at your ass before, there are ways we can still punish you that won't need a hospital after," Ed reminds him. "And not just because I don't like them, either."

"You started it."

"And I'll finish it. It's… Stede's Special… Soiree. Or… something classy. No more dick jokes."

"That's going to be hard--"

Ed smacks Lucius' dick, which gets him a yelp and then a hiss, before Lu crawls over to hide on the other side of Izzy. "Behave. And yes, Iz, I'd like something, too. But… we do need to sort out the timings. That part was right."

"Absolutely," Izzy agrees. "We've got plenty of time, but we still need to pace things right. And as for you," he adds, looking over at Lucius, "don't wind up poor Stede. We've only just calmed the last emotional breakdown."

"…I think I might have more," Stede murmurs, from where he's hiding. "This is all… all very a lot, and I wasn't trying to organise a fuck party. And… I'm very confused and emotional and you should be nice to me."

"I'd love to be nice to you," Ed says, and eyes Pete warningly. "We all would. Except for Lucius who thinks he's funny."

"I was trying to lighten the mood!" Lucius complains. "He's the one having a nervous breakdown because he has a libido!"

"What did we just say about being nice?" Ed chides. "You should quit while you're not too far behind."

"I think perhaps we should all have some relaxation time," Izzy cuts in; not in the Voice, but close. "So how about we go for another round in the hot tub, and then find out how insanely good the room service is here?" And not drive each other into some weird, kinky rage-fuck, especially whilst still recovering from everything they've already done.

"I think you have some of the best ideas," Ed agrees. "Now… I'm carrying Stede. Anyone else who wants carrying is going to have to form an orderly queue."

Stede always gets first dibs.

Chapter Text

Room service was, indeed, very good. So much so that they'd needed a movie to let it all settle after, and then the two groups split into their own rooms to get ready for the as-yet-unnamed activities.

Having one shared bedroom with a giant bed is very nice, Ed has to admit, but having a room with Stede where they can store all their specific things as well is a blessing. If nothing else, Stede would likely spread to fill every wardrobe if they only had one room.

Ed sits on the end of the bed, kicking his legs, watching as Stede rifles through his clothes. He can tell his husband is nervous, though it's not something Stede is bothering to hide right now.

"I should have asked… you know. It's not all on you. I was thinking about it as well, and… maybe I picked up on the fact you were. Or I wouldn't have used it as leverage." Ed launches in with little preamble, because he knows Stede is thinking about it right now, too. "So I really don't want you thinking it's on you. If anything, I'm the bad guy here."

Stede turns at once, moving closer to Ed and dropping down on his knees, taking his hands and holding on. "No," he insists, softly. "You're not the bad guy at all. You haven't done anything wrong. I should have said something sooner, and… and it never dawned on me that I was the only one holding everything back."

He pulls Ed's hands closer to his chest, trying to meet his eyes. "This is… what you want, isn't it? You know I'll always be yours, first and foremost. And I want you to be able to do the same, of course I do."

"You weren't 'holding everything back', love. We wouldn't even go ahead with this if you didn't want it, or if anyone didn't want it. I mean that… if the idea had disgusted or upset you at all, it'd do the same to me. I-- no. Not disgust… but I wouldn't feel like I wanted to, or… or that I was missing out…" Ed places one hand, palm-flat, over Stede's heart.

His eyes implore Stede to believe him, needing him to feel the reassurance. "It mattered to you, and it still matters to you. If it didn't, we'd've already been doing it. And… and I mean that in the 'it's special' sense. So because it's special to you, it's special to us. And I love knowing that you feel comfortable and safe enough to ask for this. I love knowing we can all do this shit together. Loving them hasn't taken one bit away from us. You're still my Stede. You still wear my collar, and I wear yours. It… it feels right, to me."

Stede drops his head on Ed's lap, curling in against him. He's still feeling very submissive from before, and though he's had a little time to come back up, the intensity of the emotion is making him drop right back down.

"…It is special," he murmurs, softly. "You're all special. And I want to do this. I want all of us to be able to do this, now… now I know you're OK with it. Now I know you want it too."

"Oh, love. I'd give you the damn moon and stars if I could… And our guys. You were all so damn amazing earlier… We should let you see the pics we snapped before we start anything with them. Though… it might make you feel a kinda way if we do…" Ed runs his fingers through Stede's hair, following the soft curls. "And whatever you want to make this the perfect 'first time'… tell me. It's for all of us, yes, but… it's for you and them, how you connect with them. And it means more to you because it really is your – uh – second first time?"

"…like this, yes…" Stede murmurs, not embarrassed but… aware. "And… obviously I'm not suggesting it shouldn't be special for each of us because it should, because it is when it's someone – or someones – who matter so much. I just… it's only ever been you, so I couldn't if you weren't into it too. But if you are… I want to feel that with them, and I want to see you get to do the same. And…" a knowing little smile, "the first time you and Izzy get to… we're all going to need aftercare…"

"…oh?" Ed smirks. "Hmm, depends… are you wanting growly-Ed for that? Speaking purely from a 'what you enjoy watching most' perspective…" He doesn't want to lead it either which way.

Stede gives him a little smile. "Growly-Ed is fun," he replies. "Sweetly-smitten Ed is fun too. I'd enjoy it however you approached it, because it would be you, and because I'd know how happy it made you. And… I know you waited, because of me."

"Because of us. Because of what our relationship means to me. Your happiness and comfort, and our connection." Ed is in the sweetly-smitten phase right now, just for Stede. "And… I don't know. I'm… I said to Iz I might want to let the reins go for a bit. I really enjoyed the scene – fuck yes – but starting out with my collar and leash, too… it kinda woke that bit up, and then it had to stay off to one side. So I, uh… I was hoping to go for walkies, too. Metaphorically speaking and all."

That makes Stede smile more. "You should," he says. "I… might need to stay down alongside you for a while, but eventually I'll bounce back up and I can take charge too. You know I want to do that as well. I'm just… feeling things very strongly right now, especially after earlier."

He reaches to run a gentle hand over Ed's cheek. "And the scene was incredible. I'm going to have marks for days but it was so, so worth it."

"I'm not going to forget it in a hurry," Ed agrees. "Fuck, but I wasn't joking… wait til you see the pics we got. And…"

Ed pauses, clasping Stede's hand to his face. "I know you won't be feeling very dommy right now. But… maybe if you were involved directly in any scene we did, you might… help Izzy? Y'know. Well-behaved assistant, co-captain? I… I don't know that I really want… rough. Just… just want to let go. I… I think I need the protection, not… breaking, or… punishing. I mean, right now. How the fuck I'll feel when we do start we'll see."

That makes Stede blush a little. "I'd… hoped I might get to try something like that at some point," he admits. "Whenever we've worked together so far, it's always been as equals, so… I wondered what it would be like to middle. To assist, and not surrender, but… not be the one in charge. So if you're into the idea, we should give it a try. I'm sure Izzy will agree. And, Ed… you're beautiful and wonderful and perfect whichever way your mind is leaning at the time. I love all of you. And I really want to see those pictures you took, even if they might break me all over again…"

"Do… do you want to see if the guys are ready? We could look at them, then… see where the mood takes us?" Ed's eyes dance in amusement. "And maybe tomorrow we'll see about a scene like that. Maybe Pete could help him with Lu as well, or Lu help him with Pete… I dunno. I'll let him work out the finer details."

"He's good at that," Stede agrees. "Scarily-good, at times. And… yes, we should go and see if they're ready. I… think I am."

He's nervous, and it shows, but it's good nervousness, mixed with a little excitement and a lot of hope.

"Should I put a bow on you before we go out, so I can 'present' you?" Ed asks, devilishly. "Seeing how I'm offering my finest asset out…"

"A bow… or strip me naked and drape me in chains," Stede replies, though he's joking because that's not really the angle he's going for this time (even if it would also be hot). "Mostly… I just want you close."

"I'll get Pete to make the bow." Ed braces his knees, grabs Stede, and hefts them both up to their feet. "Close enough for now?"

"Definitely," Stede agrees, and kisses him softly. "Come on. Let's go find them."

***

It doesn't take long. The other three are already in the central bedroom, which contains the absolutely giant bed Stede had managed to arrange for them all. And… he's immediately a little choked-up, because Pete is in the process of covering all the flat surfaces in artificial LED candles.

"…Izzy said no to real ones," he explains, with a little grin. "So we didn't get tempted to misbehave."

It doesn't diminish the effect, or the meaning behind it, and Stede finds himself curling into Ed's side; emotional again.

"He actually said 'we can use them, but only if we get the plastic sheet out', and I said that looked too much like a – ah – thing we don't want to think about on your romantic night," Lucius clarifies. "So those will have to wait. And… did you want some mood music? Lighting? Wine?"

"You're going to get him nervous again," Ed complains, but only gently. He moves to sit on the end of the very big bed, still holding his husband in against his chest. "He might be a badass spy who saved the world several times over, but he's also a ridiculously cute and bashful romantic. Who did ask me to put him in chains, but I think that was nerves, not a serious request." A beat. "Tonight."

"…It was nerves," Stede confirms (nervously). "For the first time. I'll probably calm down after that. And… I…" he goes pink, "…I love all of you so much and… and I know this isn't just you 'indulging' me or anything like that, but… but I'm still grateful."

Lucius smiles at his husbands, then goes to sit next to Ed, closest to Stede's face. He puts a hand on his knee, then pushes their foreheads together. "Oh, nonsense. Did you know that romance was invented by Pete Schwartz? It was. And now you give him an excuse to flex those muscles all over. We're grateful you're letting us."

"I take offence to Pete inventing romance," Ed huffs. "I think it was developed in parallel. By us. And you."

"Either way, he's damn good at it," Izzy says, with a smile; pacing over to stand behind where Stede is wrapped in Ed's arms, running a gentle hand over his shoulders.

"I like to think so," Pete agrees, with a smile, as he settles on Ed's other side and snuggles in against him and Stede. "Which… makes me think we should lie you down and give you lots of contact. Help you relax."

"…that… that sounds good…" Stede manages. He really is nervous, but he wants them all so much, and… it's like the first time with Ed, when all of his fears had been nothing compared to how badly he wanted the other man's hands on him. And… other things too.

"Was there a way you wanted this to go?" Ed asks, moving Stede to sit on the bed so he can bend and pull off his socks, and his own while he's at it. "Do you want me to stay close by? So you know I'm still here, and happy?"

"You could sit at the top of the bed and Stede could lie back against you?" Lucius suggests. "Then you're supporting him while we slowly undress him, and get him relaxed?"

Stede nods emphatically. "Yes. That. I want to feel you holding me, to know you're close. Not… not in a controlling way, just… there."

"Get comfortable, then," Izzy says. "Get yourselves both nice and settled. There's more than enough space on this giant bed."

"Yeah, how do you even get one this size?" Pete asks.

"…special request," Stede answers. "And… I know a guy."

"We need one," Lucius decides. "And Ed needs to be more naked. Stede… we can undress you, but Ed should be naked."

"Looks like I don't get a say on 'controlling'." Ed pecks Stede's cheek. "And right away, boss."

"I'm in charge of cuddles, and you know it! This is just… starting cuddles." Lucius puts his hands on his hips. "So… yes. Hop to it."

Ed does divest quickly, then moves up to sit mostly-propped against the headboard. He spreads his legs wide for Stede to settle between them, hands out to hold and stroke. "C'mon, love. Before Pete really does make you a giant bow."

"I mean, I can do that if you want," Pete says. "It might get in the way, though. And the rope might be… distracting."

Stede moves to settle into place, lying back against Ed. He feels suddenly a little exposed, even though he's still mostly-clothed, and he's grateful when Pete moves in beside him, starting to work on the buttons of his shirt.

"Is… is there anything you want me to do?" he asks, trying to hide the nervousness.

"Just try to relax," Izzy tells him. "If it helps, remember that I had you strung up from the ceiling stark-bollock naked not all that long ago, so this really shouldn't be too much in comparison."

"Oh, you just want him emotionally naked now," Lucius purrs, arms wrapped around one of Stede's as he nuzzles his head up and back, kissing across his throat. "Mmm, are you wanting a nice warm-up, first? How sore are you… do you want me to kiss things better?"

Ed runs his hands over Stede's thighs, trying to avoid blocking anywhere the others want to touch. "Be gentle with him."

"I seem to remember he was begging for more, before," Lu side-eyes him.

"Which is why gentle now."

"I don't… want harsh," Stede manages. "Not this time. I just… want all of you. You don't have to be slow, though. I… I'm just… God, I want you all so badly…"

Pete pushes in and kisses him at that, hand on the side of his face; the contact firm but oh-so-loving. "You've got us, I promise. We're right here. It's us… just like it was Ed, that very first night. You trusted him, didn't you?"

"With everything," Stede breathes, suddenly fervent.

"You can trust us the same. You know we adore you. Know we'd never hurt you."

"I wasn't going to be harsh," Lucius points out, putting his hand on Stede's chest, over his heart. "I hope you realise. I was just teasing that you do… end up being enthusiastic. There's plenty of ways to be enthusiastic without leaving you crippled, though."

Ed cocks a finger in Izzy's general direction. "At least join us. These two can get him undressed. Maybe you could ease his poor arse open more slowly while they do?"

"Aw, but I wanted to use my tongue," Lu pouts. "Can I do that first?"

Stede nods, very emphatically. "Yesplease," he gasps. "Yes, you absolutely can. And should. And… please."

Having gotten Stede's shirt off, Pete is now starting on his trousers; aware that someone needs to think about the practicalities. Plus, he's confident that Stede will relax more once they properly get going, and that will help a lot. Also: naked is good.

Stede lifts his hips when Pete gestures for him to, so the other man can tug off his trousers and underwear, which also helpfully makes it clear that – nervousness aside – he's very into all of this.

Izzy nods for Lucius to move down between Stede's legs, so he can take the other place at his side, opposite Pete; running a hand over Stede's chest and toying softly with one of his nipples, before leaning in to kiss him firm and deep.

Ed moves to run a hand over each of the men surrounding his husband, wanting to thank them and connect himself. He wants everyone to feel good, and he certainly enjoys being snuggled behind Stede right now. He loves watching him kiss, but he does turn to steal one from Pete for himself.

While they occupy his upper body, Lucius moves to lie down between his thighs. He trails soft kisses over Stede's balls first, then lifts them with one hand and starts to lap below and behind them. He's licking his taint and rim, first, not penetrating him straight out. Not when he wants Stede to really be ready for them.

"Ohfuckplease," Stede gasps, dropping his head back against Ed's chest. "Please… please, please… I need you, Lucius, I need you…"

He grabs for the other two – Izzy and Pete, on either side – and holds on, just needing to feel all of them at once. He's not trying to stop them moving, merely aching for the connection and reassurance. And… on one level it feels silly to be nervous, because it's not as if he hasn't done plenty with all of them before. It's just… this has all built into something huge in his head, and he feels it all so strongly.

"That's it, that's it," Izzy urges him. "You know he'll take care of you. You know we all will. We already know you, all the way through."

Lucius lifts his head to rest on Stede's thigh, gazing up at him as he plays with two fingers at his hole. "When it's too much, and you need… more, or a break, let me know. But don't worry if you come. It'll just relax you for more…"

He grips those thighs and goes back down, this time pushing his tongue into a firm, fat dagger that starts to push inside. He fucks him slowly, but firmly, and moans with pleasure as he does. He's not as rabid about it as Ed might be, but he certainly doesn't shy away from the task.

Stede cries out in bliss at that, shaking all over at how good it feels… and somewhat affected by the reminder that he'll likely be overstimmed into insanity by the time they're all done with him. Which… just turns him on more, obviously, because it's still very much a kink even if it's not rough and forceful.

Pete arches in to kiss him again, swallowing down his moans and then sliding a little lower to kiss along his neck; well-aware that Stede really likes it there and loving the way it makes him arch and hold on tighter. "So fucking hot," he murmurs, in between kisses.

Izzy's eyes flick to Ed, wordlessly checking in; aware he's been feeling in need of extra support but not wanting to push anything, just make it clear he's here and watching. Then he runs a hand through Stede's hair, and another through Ed's, looking between the pair of them with a smile on his face. Fuck, but he loves all of them. Sometimes he still can't quite believe this happened… but he knows for sure he'd fight the whole damn world to keep it.

Ed nods lightly, his eyes grateful, leaning into the fingers. He's content where he is, enjoying the way Stede squirms in his arms. He really does love watching him enjoy himself, and he certainly is right now. "He's too dressed, don't you think? You all are. You should see the traces of before on him… oh! And show him the photos. I promised him those."

Lucius starts to shimmy himself out of his own trousers, kicking things off to leave himself bare from the waist down. He doesn't bother with the shirt right off, grabbing Stede's hips so he can hold him still to fuck his face into the older man as firmly as he can.

"You got your phone handy, Iz? Reckon it's take one edge right off… and put him on another…"

"You sure?" Izzy says, with a slightly wicked grin. "They're pretty graphic." He's already reaching into his back pocket, though; pulling out his phone and flicking through to the photos they took in the middle of the big scene. "Stede… brace," he says, and shows him.

Stede's eyes go wide. He stares at the image on the screen, at the way the three of them look: frozen in a moment of ecstatic helplessness; breath catching at the sight, and the memories.

"That… it's…"

"Good?" Izzy surmises, flicking to show him the same scene from another angle. "You're damn right it was. One of the most beautiful suspensions I've ever done."

"And then, when we were fucking you…" Ed runs his hands over Stede's bared chest, following the lines where the ropes had been. "Fuck… I wanted to fuck Izzy into you for real so badly. It's… why I brought it up. I kept thinking about how we were so close. So… together. I wouldn't dream of doing it without you saying so, but… fuck but I was fantasising about how you'd scream if I did. How Izzy would feel… Stede…?"

Stede is shaking in bliss, his hands having moved to hold onto Ed at either side, needing to feel him. "Y-yes?" he gasps. "Tell me… tell me all the things we could do now… all of us, not just me…"

"First, I wanted to ask if I could eat them all out of you, when you're done…" Ed nuzzles the other side of his neck, kissing, growling. "But what else? Oh… we could take any of them, together. We could bend Izzy's boys over and fuck them blind for him… He could put their collars on and hold their leashes as they lift their arses for us… Izzy could rail me into you, going as hard as he damn well wanted… fuck, if we got it right, we could all get in a damn train… don't ask me to make anything smart right now. I'm fucking dying to feel you break when they take you…"

"OhGodohfuckyesplease!" Stede cries out in desperate longing. "All of that, all of you… yes, yes to everything, pleasepleaseplease! I love you, I love you all so much… please just fuck me before I go insane!"

"Much as it'd be fun to torment you… and we will sometime… we can be gentler for once," Izzy says. "Lu… you should go first. I think he'd like that."

"Lube, please?" Lu asks, lifting his head and distracting himself by licking over Stede's cock as he waits. "I'm guessing we're each giving him a load, by Ed's request to eat us out of him? But… we'll still have to work out how to see to him."

"Stede, first," Ed insists. "Fuck him sweet and slow… even if he screams for more."

Pete passes the lube over to Lucius, giving him a smile. "I can't wait to see this. It's going to be so hot." The fact he'll get to do it too makes it even better, but right now he's just happy to enjoy the view.

"Ed's right, take it slow," Izzy agrees. "Not because he can't take more, but because we want him to feel every last second." The inevitable screaming will just be a nice bonus.

As for Stede, he can't take his eyes off Lucius now: his oldest friend, his confidant; the one person who stuck by him back when everything fell apart. Who somehow kept him together so he'd be able to find all of this.

"Lu," he breathes. "I need you. I want you. Please… please…"

Stede basically inhales his fingers, and Lucius watches with something like awe. The old fashioned sense of awe, where it's incredible and overwhelming, and a little bit frightening. He's fingered Stede plenty of times. He's fucked his thighs. Pegged him. Fucked his mouth. Had his hands all over him…

And Lucius has fucked many a guy. Not as many as have fucked him, because preferences are preferences, and he'd usually not choose that. But now it's different: this is different. Like it had been with the first tentative times with Izzy. Like it became with Pete, once it was clear it was more than just 'fun'. It means something. It means a lot.

That's all over his face as he shakily strokes his cock, slicking it, moving to press it against his lover's hole. He glances to the other three, wanting to know they're still positive, still… Fuck. He's getting nervy, and that's the last thing Stede needs. He grabs his hips and pushes up and in and: "OhmyfuckinggodStede!"

"OhFUCKLuciusYES!" Stede howls to the rafters, in blatant ecstasy. It's… it's him, he's inside… no barrier or strap-on between them. Just him, just Lucius; buried to the root inside Stede like he was meant to be there. And yes, Stede's been fucked by all of them using strap-ons, so he knows what it's like to have someone other than Ed on top of him, or behind him, but there's something infinitely more intimate about this, and it's shorting his mind out like crazy.

And – unsurprisingly – making his mouth run. "Don'tstopdon'tstopdon'tstop… oh FUCK, you feel incredible, so incredible… I can't believe… can't believe I'm… fuuuuuuuuuuck!"

Izzy settles more at Ed's side, now it's very clear he can just let things unfold as they are; nuzzling against the other man as he watches. "They look so fucking gorgeous," he enthuses.

"Put your hand on his belly, see if you can feel Lu inside him," Ed suggests, breathing slowly, easily. "Don't think they're gonna last long. They may not have worked out they had sexual tension… guess we were doing one better…"

Lucius ignores Ed and Izzy. More accurately, they aren't talking to him, so he tunes them out. He'll listen if they sound urgent, or if they address him. Otherwise, his focus is all on the man he's inside of, right now.

He doesn't top as much, though he's done more with these four than he normally would. Getting laid so hard and so often, he can't complain he's not getting his ass pounded enough, after all. Plus, he likes doing it for them. With them. To them. All of that.

Lucius guides Stede's legs around his waist and then feels hands yanking his shirt off. He doesn't even look to the side, letting whoever it is finish baring him. Then he's chest to chest with Stede, grabbing his face in both hands and kissing him deeply as his hips flex to roll them together.

Stede kisses him back; reaching up to hold onto him with shaking hands, so he's curled entirely up around the other man. There's tears in his eyes, but they're tears of rapt, shameless joy, and he's not remotely afraid to show it. "Lu… oh, Lu…" he gasps. "Oh fuck… you feel so amazing… I love you so much… so fucking much… I hope you know… I hope you know you've always… I've always… ohGoddon'tstop…"

"I love you… Stede… Stede, I – I'm – do you need me to pull out? Are you sure?" Because Lucius is getting perilously close to climax, and he doesn't want to finish inside Stede if the man might change his mind, or regret it. And also because he wants him to know how close he already is.

He's a little embarrassed, but it's just too fucking sexy and charged, and the sounds Stede makes as he slides in and out are ungodly. Then realising he's going to watch Pete and Izzy do the same… he's clearly right on edge. "Please!"

"Don't pull back," Stede gasps, urgent and desperate and needing. "I want to feel you spill inside me. Please… please… give me everything."

He loves it when Ed does, after all, so he'll surely feel the same about the others. And he wants there to be no barriers or hold-ups left, so he knows he's given and taken from each of them.

Lucius grabs Stede's hands, lacing their fingers together, slamming them into the mattress as he slams as hard and fast as he can. He's blaming the inherent eroticism of… of everything. He can hold out, but why should he? Stede feels so damn good, and he's enjoying it, and everything is charged and perfect and he's… he's the second guy to do this. He looks to Ed – locking eyes for a moment – before back to Stede as the climax hits.

"Ohfuckyesfuckfuckfuck."

Somehow it turns him on even more to be actually finishing, a fresh stab of arousal that makes his whole body ache. He keeps moving as much as he can so he's giving Stede what little energy he has left… then he's kissing the breath out of him.

Stede can't hold back either. He's so gloriously overwrought by the emotional intensity; by the feeling of Lucius taking him like that, and despite knowing that he's going to get fucked twice more at least – most likely three times – there's just no way he can stop the pleasure from overwhelming him.

"Oh fuck, Lucius!" he cries out, gripping the hands holding him down just as tightly and wrapping his legs in around Lucius' waist as firmly as he can. "Oh fuck, yes!"

He comes hard; spilling between them just as Lucius starts to kiss him, and moaning desperately against his lips as the pleasure rips through him… and not letting go even a little once it starts to fade, because fuck.

"That's so fucking beautiful," Ed whispers, voice reverent and smitten. Seeing the pair of them so happy, so in love… It knots up inside him, and he just wants to remember it forever. They aren't just fucking, which is often the case, but rarely as obviously love-making as they are right now.

He squeezes Stede in his arms, basking in the way Stede's melted down again, watching Lucius puddle on top of him as well. "Is that everything you both needed?"

"Yes," Lucius whispers. "So long as it is for Stede. And… until he returns the favour."

"I will," Stede promises, breathlessly. "I will. I want that too, with all of you. And… fuck, yes… that was what I needed."

"And it was gorgeous to watch," Pete enthuses. "You're just so into each other. All the happiness pouring off you, it's just…" he puts a hand out, resting over where one of Lucius and Stede's are joined, "…it's so good."

"Damn right it is," Izzy agrees, still stroking over Ed's arm.

"And you're only a third of the way there." Ed turns his head to kiss Izzy's temple. "You want to stay like that for a bit, or you maybe want to keep someone's dick warm? Bet you'd love sitting on their lap and cuddling until your dick wakes back up… Lots of making out that way. Lots of hands all over you…"

Stede's so aroused right now that he doubts it'll be long before his dick wakes back up, and he suspects it'll have opinions when it does. "…don't make me choose…" he murmurs. "Want everything right now. All four of you. A lot."

"Pete? Iz? He's very amenable right now. Either of you want to go first, or last?" Ed has an idea, but he doesn't want to fully dictate things.

"Just… tell me when to move. Otherwise I'm staying here." Lucius gives a little wiggle, just to see if he moans when he does.

He does. Unashamedly. And stares up at Lucius in open longing.

"I think Pete should go next," Izzy decides. "Maybe if Lucius pulls back, Pete can take his place, but do a little grinding until Stede's got no choice but to beg him for a good reaming."

"Fuck, yes please," Pete says, eagerly. "I'm sure I can get him back in the mood…"

"…don't think it'll take much!" Stede gasps.

"You expect me to move? In this economy?" Lucius grins. "And also, out of this ass?"

"You can share nicely," Ed chides.

"I could…"

"It's Pete. And Stede." Ed cocks an eyebrow.

"I know, I know… just let me kiss him again first…" Which Lucius does, plunging his tongue in to fuck his mouth slowly as he drops back to let his cock slip free.

The kissing makes Stede moan in delight, and then murmur needily when Lucius pulls back, trying to chase him for more. He settles again, though, when Pete moves in to take Lucius' place: clambering up over Stede to kiss him deeply whilst rocking their hips together.

"Oh, you're going to be out of your head by the time we're done," Izzy says, with a smile; reaching to stroke through Stede's hair and then over Pete's shoulder.

"But very, very happy," Pete adds, in between kissing Stede some more.

"I'd offer to ride you, but you wanted to focus," Lucius sighs. "But I could do…" Here, he stretches out alongside Stede and takes hold of his cock. It's sticky from his first orgasm, and he jerks him oh-so-slowly. "I am going to bounce on your dick. And Ed's. Mmm. Maybe both…"

"You'll get to try everything," Ed reassures him. "Don't you worry."

"I know. And I want to see you rail Pete blind." A beat. "And Izzy. I really want to see the two of you go at it with no holds barred."

Stede literally puts his hand up at that. "Me too. Me too, very much, please and thank you." Because: yes.

"Thirded," Pete agrees, starting to strip off. "And also yes to the railing thing… ohhhh fuck, yes. I want that too. Badly."

"We're barely going to leave the lodge at this rate," Izzy points out, though he's grinning, because they all knew they were coming here to spend most of their time fucking. They just happen to have even more ways to do it now.

"How did Lu's dick feel, love?" Ed asks his husband, reaching over to run his fingers along it, as Lu touches Stede. It's fair play, after all. He might not be ready to get it up again, but he wants to imagine it inside himself.

"Hnnnghh… not too much, please." Lucius' hips jump, but it's still pleasant. "And if you think mine was nice, wait til you get Pete's, and Izzy's…"

"It was incredible," Stede breathes, staring up at Ed in adoration. "He was incredible. And… fuck, I need more, of all of you… please…"

"You think you're ready for it?" Pete asks, with a smirk.

"Ready enough!" Stede exclaims. "And I'll be even more ready once you've started!"

"You hear that?" Ed nods down to Stede's legs. "Hold him ready…"

"He's not going to kick anyone." Probably. Lucius does help hold Stede's closest leg, hands ready to give him the security if it does get too much.

Izzy moves to help on the other side; more for the symmetry than anything else. Plus he knows Stede will like it. "Give him that gorgeous dick, Pete," he says, reaching to run a hand over Pete's ass. "Show him why we both fell for you."

Pete can't help blushing a little at that. And, though Stede is already slick and relaxed, he still grabs a little more lube for his own dick, wanting this to feel as good as possible. "You sure you're ready?"

Stede nods. A lot. "Yes! Oh fuck, Pete, please fuck me!"

So Pete guides his cock into place, and shunts into the man beneath him all at once… and fuck, he feels good. He gets himself braced, and settled, wanting to let Stede enjoy the sensation of the coupling before he starts to move.

"….ohhhhfuckyes…" Stede moans, softly, trying to arch his hips up. "Oh… Pete… don't stop…"

"You can feel Lu inside, can't you?" Ed runs his hands over Stede's chest, then skirts over his belly and lets the back of his knuckles brush his husband's dick. "You can. Both of you. He was nice and deep inside you, and he gave you a good, heavy load…"

"It wasn't small." Lu arches to kiss Pete's bicep. "Isn't he such a nice fuck? So eager. You'd never know he'd only had one man really rail him properly before…"

"…but he r-rails me really well," Stede has to say

"I bet he does," Pete replies. He's excited for when he'll get to find out for himself, too. "And oh yes, I can feel Lu… Stede, you're gonna be absolutely dripping by the time we're all done with you."

"And very happy about it!" Stede declares. "Now please… please… fuck me!"

"We said we wouldn't be mean… but I think if he takes it like this from Pete, we're going to need him face down, ass-up for you, Izzy… don't you?" Ed flicks his eyes, gesturing for Izzy and Lucius to grab Stede's dick. "Such a greedy, greedy, hungry little bottom… he needs it hard."

Lucius takes the hint at once, hand shooting out to start jerking Stede sharply. "Izzy will give it to him hard. So will Pete. Won't you? Fuck, but you're such a good top… I thought I lucked out when I had only you. Now they get to love you, too."

"And I get to love them," Pete agrees, as he starts to move at last. He doesn't go all-out though, not yet: wanting to build things up gradually. Especially if Stede has Lucius stroking him at the same time.

"Oh, I think face-down, ass-up is exactly how I'm taking him," Izzy enthuses, as he reaches to wrap a hand around Stede's cock too, so he and Lucius can stroke him together. "I want to pound his gorgeous brains out, and I know he'll love it."

"You're not wrong!" Stede gasps. "Not in the slightest. Just please don't stop, I feel like I'm going insane!"

"You're going insane?" Ed wraps a hand around his throat, no pressure, just contact. The other finds a nipple and tweaks. "I'm watching my husband live out one of his gorgeously hot fantasies. And I'm wishing I was in your place, too… Don't you dare feel guilty. Just know I'm very eager for my turn…"

Lucius leans over to quickly kiss Izzy, then Pete… then he looks to Ed with hopeful eyes.

"Why so shy, pet?"

The term makes Lu blush, and he finds himself pulled in for a kiss from Ed, hand quickening in response.

"Ohthat'ssohot," Stede breathes. "Pete… look at them, aren't they gorgeous?"

"Yes, yes, they are," Pete agrees, nodding rather a lot. "So gorgeous. And so are you."

He throws all his strength into the coupling now, hands on Stede's face as he leans in, so he can watch his reactions as he gives the other man all he's got. "That's it… that's it… fuck, I'm getting so close…"

Lu breaks from the kiss, landing a slap to Pete's ass. "Give it to him, give him everything." His other hand finds Stede's free nipple, playing firmly, wanting him to feel all four of them at once.

Ed decides a little more is called for, and he suddenly grabs Stede's legs behind his knees and tugs up and back, giving Pete a deeper angle to rail into Stede and immobilising his husband; making it impossible for him to escape.

"Ohfuckyes… fuckYES!" Stede screams in wrecked delight. "Please… please! Just don't stop… fuck, don't stop… ohmyGOD, youfeelsogood!"

Pete is giving him everything; loving the awareness of everyone around him helping to drive Stede even wilder. The changed angle means he can slam just that extra bit deeper, and when he starts connecting with precisely the right spot he feels Stede go absolutely wild.

And the other man's howls of ecstasy trip the last switch in Pete's head, and he's suddenly coming hard: spilling deep inside Stede for the very first time as he rides out every last wave of electric bliss against the other man's eager body.

It's all so much that Stede finds release again too, even though there's very little left in him, and his screams of bliss are bordering on pained from how intense it is. He drops back once it – mercifully – throws him off, and lies gasping for breath, his mind hazy.

"Oh fuck that's hot," Lucius gasps, curling up against Stede and Ed's side, frotting just a little. He's not wanting to distract, but it's too fucking sexy not to at least respond. "Izzy, you're going to kill him. He'll die happy, but he'll be dead. Fuck, but I can't wait for my turn, too."

Ed snorts. "Iz, how you found four guys who fucking love bottoming so much, I don't know. But it's a damn good job you're up to the job."

He lets go of Stede's thighs, lowering them, then kisses his temple as he curls a hand around behind Pete's head. "You did good, very good, studding our little slut here."

"He's so gorgeous," Pete breathes, still curled over Stede for the moment as he catches his breath.

Izzy gives an easy shrug. "There's an argument for saying I attract 'em," he points out, with a sly little smile. "And Lu's right about Stede… I'm going to absolutely wreck him. Not sure he'll be able to come again for a while, but… we should warm him back up first, just in case."

Stede makes a desperate, keening sound. "…just need you to fuck me…" he pleads.

"And I will," Izzy promises. "Soon."

"May I?" Lucius asks, shuffling down the bed, making it clear he wants to put his mouth on Stede's cock.

"I think it would only be polite, if Izzy's wanting him nice and ready. And Pete can come up here for kisses while you do." Ed feels all fuzzy and emotional on top of horny. He just wants to take care of all of them, but not in a dominant way, in a mother-hen way.

"You might need to hold him down. He's going to be sensitive…" Which is the complete warning Lu offers before he's swallowing Stede's cock to the root.

He is indeed sensitive. And loud. Loudly appreciative, but loud. And whilst this is far from the first time he's had Lu sucking his dick, it feels so very resonant right now. "Ohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuck!" he cries; the only coherence he can manage.

Pete, meanwhile, pulls back from Stede with a gasp, letting Izzy take over pinning him down as he clambers over towards Ed, in search of those kisses he's been promised. He likes kisses. And he's feeling very warm and mellow and oh-so-good, so kisses would be just right.

"Come here, stud," Ed purrs, running a hand over Pete's head. "You were so fucking gorgeous. So gorgeous. I know what your fist feels like in me, I can only imagine what your dick is like…" He holds Pete's chin between finger and thumb to kiss him slowly, lovingly.

"That's it, Lu, that's it," Izzy urges, watching him work. "Make him need it, even when it's driving him insane."

Two fingers push up and into Stede, curling and aiming for his prostate as he sucks his cock furiously. It's not always easy to fully suck a cock that's not hard, but it's fine when it's not hard because it's just come. Twice. Lu gives Stede all the barrels he has, relentlessly shooting for every bit of arousal he can force out of Stede's body. He loves this. He loves receiving it, so he's absolutely delighted to offer it, too.

"Fuckfuckfuck, you're going to break me!" Stede squeaks, writhing under Lucius; unable to do much more with Lucius on top of him and Izzy pinning him down. "Please! Izzy, please, fuck me!"

"Oh, not yet," Izzy replies, far too easily. "Not when Lu is being so generous." He runs a hand down Lucius' back, approvingly. "It'd be a shame to interrupt."

Lu purrs around Stede's cock, lifting his ass in delight at the praise and attention. It just urges him on more, and he's running his fingers around the nub inside, pinching and stimulating in sync with his sucking. He really, really wants Stede to be ready for another go, even if it's agony. It will be agony. It will be worth it.

"Why don't you tell Izzy how it felt to fuck him?" Ed urges Pete, knowing it will wind Stede up even more. "I want to hear, too. Was it like you imagined?"

"It was so fucking hot," Pete enthuses at once, leaning into Ed as he does, because he loves attention from him too. "The way he just yielded… I could feel how much he wanted it. How good it was, and I loved that. And… I could feel it driving him crazy, too… like when you want it, but also don't know how much you can take…"

"He's definitely going to get more of that," Izzy says. "And that's before I get my dick in him."

"Hand Lu the lube," Ed asks Pete. "Izzy wants to have him catatonic before he sleeps. Someone else might have to fuck me while I eat him out, at this rate…"

Lucius pulls his fingers out for the lube, then slides three fingers in to fuck him slowly, firmly. He's enjoying the chance to be evil, without being harsh. He's especially enjoying sucking his cock, knowing it won't be long before he's allowed to ride it properly, too.

Despite the fact he's caught between whimpering and screaming, Stede's eyes go to Ed at this. "P-please… you too," he gasps, longingly. "Need you too. Need you to fuck me as well."

He's very much aware this is him asking for oblivion, given Izzy hasn't even fucked him yet. But… it feels so desperately important that he can't hold it back, and his expression is pleading as he stares up at his husband.

"How about… on one condition?" Ed suggests. "Are you prepared to say yes, no matter what it is?" Which is, of course, a dick move. But he hopes Stede trusts him all the same.

"Anything," Stede breathes, fervently. "Please… I need it to be all of you. Need to feel you as well. Need to know I've given you all everything." It's burning in his chest, and he desperately hopes he can manage whatever Ed's going to ask of him.

"Izzy… you probably want to get to fucking him, then. Because I want him still able to feel it when I join in." Which Ed doesn't know if Stede will work out what he's suggesting or not, right now. He said he wanted to feel them all individually, connect with them… but if Izzy's already finished inside him, then he is sure it will count.

Stede works it out, oh yes. He freezes, his eyes going even wider, and then he's nodding frantically and absolutely writhing under Lucius' ongoing attention. "Yes, oh fuck, oh please, I want that, I want that so badly… pleasepleaseplease."

"I mean… we've all had that fantasy, right?" Pete enthuses, with a grin.

"Oh, I'm up for it," Izzy agrees. "Lu… give him another moment before you pull back. We don't want to leave the poor boy bereft…"

Lucius decides this means 'go all out and finger him blind whilst making his own ears pop with the suction', so that's what he does. He throws his whole being into it, determined to wind Stede to distraction and back.

Ed snorts. "Oh, love… you're going to feel us all for days. We might have to plug you after, just to let you recover… Probably should plug you and lock it so we don't just keep taking whenever we feel like it…" He looks to Pete and winks. "Other guys want to get fucked, too, after all."

"…nottryingtomonopolise," Stede gasps, in between screaming quite a lot. "Promise. Just… need, then… recover… then… everyone." He very much wants to see the others fuck Ed, after all. Very much. And see him fuck them.

He can't do or say much more now, though, given the way Lucius is laying into him, and he's rapidly reduced to incoherent pleading and a certain amount of thrashing. Possibly a lot of thrashing.

"Don't you want to have that on your cock?" Ed asks Izzy, as he strokes the back of his knuckles over Pete's cheek. "Don't you want to flip him, bend him over, make him beg and then feel the bliss I've known? He's delicious when he's desperate. And he'll be such a good fuck for you. Trust me… you won't regret giving him your dick…"

"I know I won't," Izzy says, starting to strip himself off at last. "Lu… time to let him go, at least for now. I want to ride that gorgeous ass hard."

He gives Lucius a moment to pull back and move from between Stede's legs, and then clambers in to take his place: gripping hold of Stede and flipping him roughly onto his front, knowing he'll like that. "Up on your knees, you pretty little slut," he purrs. "That's it… that's right."

Moving in closer, he slaps a hand to Stede's ass, then gestures for Pete to pass him the lube. "You going to beg me?" he pushes, as he slicks his cock in preparation.

"Pleasefuckmesir!" Stede obliges at once. He knows this isn't technically a scene, but it's hard not to respond to Izzy like that when the man has him face-down, ass-up and begging for it. "Please… I need it, you know I need it… please don't hold back!"

And Izzy doesn't. He guides his cock into place and slams into Stede so roughly, the whole bed shakes, and the man in question howls to the rafters in wrecked bliss.

Lucius whimpers in sympathy, clambering up to Ed's other side so he can press into him, kissing at his cheek and giving Pete heart-eyes at the same time. "I really can't wait to watch this," he admits, voice a little shaky. "Thank you… both of you…"

He's feeling emotional again, and he slides a hand between Ed's legs, running fingers up his thigh, but not approaching his dick without clear approval. Not because he's afraid of a 'no', but because he knows Ed has waited longest, and he doesn't want to set him off too soon.

"You're both such good boys," Ed tells them, lavishing the praise on as he runs a hand over each of their heads. "So good. So good for Izzy and me, and you gave Stede the perfect time… You'll get everything you want, too. Don't you worry. You'll get everything, and you'll get it for the rest of our lives."

Lucius feels faint at that, lightheaded all at once. He looks down to where Izzy's balls-deep in a restless, whimpering Stede. He thinks there's every risk he'll just pass out from watching, let alone go through similar himself. "I need it." He so does. "I need you both. God… I love you."

"Seconded," Pete gasps, curling in as well. "I love you too. I love all of you. And this is so fucking hot I might explode." In a good way, obviously. The best way.

Izzy watches them for a moment, giving Stede a moment to brace himself, and then he grips the other man's hips and starts to fuck him hard. "Fuck, that's good," he gasps, because it really does feel incredible. "Keep that ass up. I'm gonna ream you until you forget your own goddamn name…"

Stede has seen Izzy fuck Lu and Pete plenty of times. He's been fucked by him with a strap-on, and seen Ed take the same. But he's still not quite prepared for the absolute powerhouse that's unleashed upon him as Izzy goes all-out; fucking him so furiously hard that all Stede can do is scream and grip the bed for dear life.

Ed leans forwards, cupping Stede's face in both hands, watching his eyes with frank adoration. "You look so, so good like this. So incredible… letting everyone in, and I don't just mean that delectable ass. Letting us all love you, letting us all know you. I want you to feel us all the fuck around you, love. I want you to feel the shake in your bones from how much you deserve every last bit of our love."

Lucius squeaks, grabbing for Pete, watching the three of them wrapped in together. He can see the intense focus on Izzy's face, can feel the bliss running through Stede. He thinks he might be going into subspace just from watching, and it's a gradual, slow-burn way down. He doesn't fight in the slightest, letting the worries all just… go.

"Tell Izzy how much you love this," Ed insists. "Tell us all you know that we love you. Tell us all you know that you're worthy of it, too."

"…t-think I might actually believe that I am, for once…" Stede gasps. It isn't easy, to speak or think, but he won't deny Ed – or any of them – his answers. "And… know you love me. Know you all do. Don't… know quite how it happened, but it's everything to me… everything I… ohfuckIzzyYES! Fuuuuuck… rightthererighttheredon'tstop!"

He's so utterly overwrought with bliss that he thinks he might break at any moment, but it's so damn good that he doesn't want it to ever end. "Feels so good… so right… needed you all… always will. Always. Always yours."

"Mine," Ed agrees, fingers brushing across his throat. "Ours. You're too precious to keep just for me. Someone as glorious as you deserves to be loved. And it just makes you so much more special."

He nudges Lu and Pete to let him move, then he's lying properly down, facing Stede, holding his face to kiss him firmly: tongue thrusting to mimic the thrusting from behind. He can feel the snaps when Izzy makes contact with his buttocks, taste each whimper and sigh and moan Stede bursts out. He keeps kissing him, caressing him, worshipping every part he can reach as Izzy furiously screws his brains out.

That tips Stede's mind so far over the edge, he feels like he's in freefall. There's tears of desperate bliss streaking down his cheeks, and he thinks his heart might explode, and it's all so fucking good that it long since went beyond what words could ever express.

Izzy keeps giving the other man everything he's got, loving the way he's yielding utterly to the onslaught, and the way he can feel the happiness and adoration pouring off everyone, towards everyone, and… fuck, fuck, but he never thought he could be this happy, and it hurts sometimes with how intense it is, but in the best way possible.

And he's close, he's so damn close, but he knows this needs to end the right way, so he bites his lip and then says, "Stede? You want Ed to join me now, or after?" He's not certain Stede will even be able to answer, but he figures maybe the man can at least give Ed some kind of sign.

Stede tries to speak, but he just can't, and all that comes out is a vaguely-urgent murmur. After a few seconds, processing that it's not going to work, he manages to reach for Ed and get the other man to meet his eyes, and nod. A lot. He wants them both. Together. Right now.

Ed gives Izzy a gesture, then leans down to grab Stede's buttocks and lift him up so Izzy can move. "You're gonna ride him, and I'm gonna rail you," he growls. He's got more reserves of energy after Izzy's been slamming into him for so long, so it makes the most sense. And it means, too, that Stede can cuddle into Izzy when they're done.

He hoists Stede up onto one knee, letting Izzy scoot in underneath him, and then drops his husband back down, guiding his ass over Izzy's dick. Which is far too hot in and of itself, and he takes a moment to run his fingers over the stretched rim and the cock pushed inside. "Fuck, but you look good together…"

Lucius has the foresight to open the lube some more, giving Ed a generous slather and then squirming to cuddle with Pete and stroke his cock as they watch.

Ed winks a thanks, then moves to kneel behind his husband's hips. He slides his dick into the crease between his cheeks, teasing him, then taps it against Izzy's cock, too. "You two ready?"

Izzy is certainly glad of the chance to lie back, given how hard he's been going at Stede, and the thought of getting to rail him with Ed is just… it's so damn hot, and he'd never have expected it would ever happen, and now it's about to. And… he feels a strangely tender urge hit him at the look on Stede's face; reaching up to cup his jaw.

"We've got you, love," he says, very softly. "We've always got you."

And when all Stede can do is meet his eyes and nod, Izzy wraps him in tight; holding the other man's head against his chest and giving Ed a nod. "We're ready."

Ed grips Stede's ass, pulling his cheeks wide, then puts two fingers over the head of his cock and holds down as he starts to push in.

And… he's jerked off against Izzy's dick before. They've touched cocks. He's fucked Stede – and the others – with Izzy before. So really, this shouldn't be too different.

But it is. It so is.

Izzy's cock is silky-smooth against his, and he can feel the twitches and twinges as he presses past the resistance of Stede's hole. He can feel skin around him on all sides: warm, vital, them. It's so damn intimate to be inside his husband with their lover like this, and he chokes aloud at how it hits him. "Fuckinghellfire…" He's not even all the way in and he's seeing rainbows and sparkles and dancing fucking unicorns chirping around them all.

Ed thrusts in by degrees, savouring every inch, not rushing it at all as Stede eases around to let him in. He's holding his husband's waist and watching how close they are, how good it is for them to feel so safe and bonded. How it all feels like it was supposed to come to this, and they're home, even halfway around the world. Home.

He looks to Lu and Pete, waiting for them to say they're ready, too.

Pete is clinging to Lucius now, his eyes wide at the sight, and even though he's not physically involved he still feels as though echoes of the same pleasure are running through him; doubly-so because he's still got Lucius' hand wrapped around his dick and vice-versa, even if they've both paused for a moment to stare in awe.

"Ohfuck, Lu… look at that…" he murmurs; then meets Ed's eyes, managing to give him a nod. He is… ready. Technically-speaking. As ready as you can be, to watch something like this.

"Wreck them," Lucius whispers. Them. Him. All of us. It doesn't really matter, because they are all connected, and Lucius is aching in sympathy and anticipation. He knows he'll get to experience this before long, too. And forever after. And… fuck, but it's so, so wonderful.

Ed nods, then starts to move. He takes the first few thrusts slowly, making sure he's finding the right angle and to let them both feel it. Then he plants his hands and starts to rapidly increase his tempo, hissing in delight and nearly coming far, far too fast from how tight and warm and close it feels. The fact that Lu and Pete have both come inside Stede already just makes it even hotter, and the realisation stabs him through the kidneys to the balls with an electric jolt. "OHFUCKYESYESYES!"

"Fuck, Eddie, yes, just like that!" Izzy cries out. He's definitely not going to last much longer considering how hard he's been reaming Stede, and it's only the slight pause that's prevented him from coming on the spot. "Come on, you gorgeous powerhouse, show him he's ours."

For his part, Stede screams in rapt delight; his poor, aching dick throbbing as it tries to keep up (and, achingly, seems to be trying to build towards climax again, even if there's nothing left in him whatsoever). He's completely lost between the pair of them, and it's so much more than he ever thought he'd feel that he just can't contain it all.

"Then you better fucking flood his guts with me." Ed isn't feeling dominant, but he is feeling toppy, which doesn't have to overlap. He's feeling aggressively protective and possessive over all of them, but in a way that doesn't need him to feel more than. He feels part of, and his heart is overflowing, swelling fit to burst with pride and adoration.

It isn't the only thing fit to burst. He's aware Stede's come twice already, and that Izzy's been going longer, so he wants to get as close to them as possible. That, and give Stede everything he could possibly want. He wraps an arm around Stede's neck, putting him in a choke-hold as he speeds up as fast as he can go. His eyes lock with Izzy's, blazing with pride and determination, lips curling as he lifts Stede just for a moment.

"Grab his dick. Make him come."

"With pleasure," Izzy breathes, eyes dancing with delight, as he reaches to grab Stede's very much overworked cock and start stroking it as hard as he can; feeling the way it instantly makes the man tense and shake in response, as the overstimulation ratchets even higher.

And higher. Stede tries to speak. Tries to plead. He can't. All he can do is take, and it's glorious.

Izzy's hips jolt up as he feels his own body hit the edge, and he keeps stroking Stede as hard as he can as the climax hits him full-on; making him arch upwards, trying to chase as much pleasure as he can get. It's earth-shatteringly good, and he cries out in bliss and triumph; staring up at Stede as he spills inside him for the first time.

As for Stede, quite how he manages to come again he doesn't know (beyond the obvious) but somehow a rough, quick climax still rips through him: completely dry, but agonisingly-wonderful all the same, and whatever voice he has left he uses to scream incoherently in response before he drops.

Ed bites the inside of his cheek in sheer, bloody-minded determination to power through this for them both. His husband's body clenching and convulsing around his cock has his eyes rolling back into his skull, and if that wasn't enough there's Izzy. Spilling. Reaching climax inside of Stede, right against his own dick. Marking him out as theirs. All of theirs.

It really isn't less. He isn't less important, less loved. He feels safer, knowing they can both share this, share everything. That there's no jealousy about attention, attraction, desire. They're both trusted and trusting, and Stede – and himself – can have the other three love them without fear or doubt. He's leaving a handprint on Stede's waist as he makes the last shunt in and holds it as his dick starts to pump and push out the too-long-awaited load. The head twitches, feeling Stede and Izzy surrounding him, and he roars a bellowing note of triumph before he's dropped, all of him, on top of them both.

Off to the side, Pete feels like his brain might break… assuming there's anything left of it that hasn't melted right out his ears. He and Lucius have been furiously stroking each other as they watched, and when Ed drops like that, Pete gives a strangled cry and clutches Lucius as hard as he can; coming with whatever's left in him and completely overwhelmed by how utterly incredible all of this is. Because it is. And it's theirs.

Lucius bites Pete's shoulder to stifle his own yell. He's very, very deep in what feels like subspace, but he's so wrought from it all that the climax hurts in his balls. He manages a half-second pause after they've both come before he's dragging Pete in with him to cuddle in against them, whimpering in emotional shock.

Izzy lies with Stede and Ed on top of him, gasping softly as he catches his breath. One hand is still holding onto Stede, and the other moves up to find Ed, needing to touch him too. He feels… unbelievably good, and a little overwhelmed.

"…that… was fucking incredible," he manages.

"Prob'ly… roll… smother you…" Ed slurs, heart thudding. "Little… help? Pete? Lu?"

With some effort, he manages to keep himself buried deep inside Stede, but it's not easy. Once he's able to spoon into him, on their sides, it does mean he's less worried about crushing Izzy to death. He pushes his forehead into the back of Stede's head, exhaling shakily. "…fuuuuuuck."

Pete and Lucius scramble over: Pete urging Lucius to spoon in behind Izzy, and then spooning in behind Lucius in return, so they're all tangled together (and fuck, but this is so much easier in this unbelievably-giant bed). "…mmmmmmyeah…" he manages, as he exhales as well, settling into position. "…that."

"Stede?" Izzy says, softly, lifting a hand to stroke his jaw. "You alive?"

All Stede can do is murmur as proof of life. He is alive, but right now existing is about as much as he's capable of.

"I think that means 'bingo'," Lucius quips, very quietly. "Oh god. We're never going to walk again."

Which is when Ed suddenly just… bawls. He didn't know he had anything held in, but now he's realising he was focussing so hard on making it perfect for Stede, and it worked and the sheer relief of it is howling out of him. "I love you all so much… Oh god… you love him too… You love my Stede… He's – he's--"

Everything and more. Ed isn't upset, isn't sad, just utterly rejoicing in being able to do this, be this. He burrows in as tightly as he can into his husband, letting it all just flow out. "He's everything. You all are. I love you. I do. I love you."

"Oh, Eddie, of course we do," Izzy tells him; one hand behind to pull his husbands closer, and the other trying to wrap around Stede and Ed at once. "We love you, and you love us, and that's why this works so perfectly. We've all got you, I promise. Both of you."

Stede is too out of it to say anything, but the sound of Ed crying makes him respond instinctively, trying to reach for him; finding a hand and gripping tight. He knows it's good crying, but he still needs to help, and connect, and preferably never let go, ever.

"I know – I – I'm okay… I just… I knew what it meant. I… I just… I was trying to make it right… and… it was, wasn't it? It… it was?" Ed hopes to fuck it was. Stede definitely feels like he's happy between them all, and he was screaming for more right to the end.

This makes Stede nod very, very emphatically, because it was so very right for him, and he needs Ed left in no doubt.

"…I'd say that's a good sign," Izzy remarks, with a little smile. "Sure as fuck felt right to me."

"And me," Pete enthuses. "And… ohmygod we need to do that again but with you, Ed. And… then with you and Stede topping us. And… you're right, we'll never walk again!"

Ed looks up, sniffling, at Pete. "You'd… you'd want… to top me first?" It isn't that he doubts the others would very much enjoy fucking him, it's just… on some level, he thinks maybe he's supposed to top more, maybe? Possibly? It's all a bit of a mental mess right now. His emotions are all over the place, and he's one deep breath away from cracking into shards and disappearing on a breeze.

Lucius tries to reach over Izzy, then Stede, and lets his fingertips brush Ed's hip. "Why wouldn't we?"

"Yeah, absolutely," Pete agrees. "It'd be fucking hot. I mean, both options would be, but… you love bottoming, right? And it'd make you happy, and you… you spend a lot of time making sure we are, and that's amazing, but you gotta let us return the favour, and look after you too. I still have to remind Iz of the same, but he's better than he used to be."

"They are very good at it," Izzy concurs.

"…think… want… hold me, too, now, please," Ed asks, quietly. Fuck. "And… and… soon? Iz? I – the thing we-- you know…?"

Lucius nuzzles at Izzy's cheek, checking, then moving to climb around to spoon Ed. "I know I'm not as good at the hugs as Pete is, or you, but I'll take first watch."

"Pretty damn good." Ed won't let Lucius sell himself short. "Pretty… amazing at them. So shut up." He's clearly dropping fast from the adrenaline and focus, but now he's surrounded he's calming a little, too. "Still don't mind if we all take turns, though."

"For now, we've got you," Izzy reminds him. "Both of you. And tomorrow, we'll do the scene I promised you. Ed wants the chance to surrender," he adds, for Lucius and Pete's benefit (and Stede's, if he's conscious enough). "I said I'd gladly make that happen. I thought… we might put on a little show for you all, if you'd be content to start out watching."

"I know I would; fuck, yes," Pete enthuses at once. "Fuck, I want to see that so badly."

"And, Eddie… if you want that scene to end with all of us fucking you, we can definitely do that," Izzy adds. "But if you'd rather wait until you're in a different frame of mind, that's OK too."

"…dunno," Ed admits. "But I… soft? And… and Stede said he'd like to – uh – help. If…" God, he feels so ridiculous, suddenly. His whole mind has just started shutting down.

Lucius tries to stroke him reassuringly. "I think these two… ran their tanks dry."

"You made Stede come three times," Ed scoffs.

"And you and Izzy only once." Lucius pecks a kiss, with a hint of teeth. "Quality, not quantity."

"Oh, Stede wants to try middling, does he?" Izzy remarks. "We can certainly do that. We'll discuss it more in the morning, but for now I think we should all try to sleep. It's been a very long, very intense day, and with all the lovely, wicked plans we're making, rest would be a good idea."

"And possibly you should let Stede's ass rest," Lucius adds. "Much as it's lovely to be in there…"

Ed harrumphs, but nods. He rocks, tugging his cock free and whimpering at how it feels. "Bully."

"Love you, too," Lu pats his hip. "You can fuck him again soon."

From the way Stede gives another emphatic nod, he agrees with this sentiment wholeheartedly.

And then some.

Chapter Text

Stede is in a very, very good mood the next day. Rather a sore mood, but a good one. He orders them all breakfast from the comfort of one of the special cushions, and they eat together before sitting for a while to let the food settle.

He knows – roughly – what Izzy has planned. He and the other man have spoken a little whilst the others were occupied elsewhere, and he's happy to follow Izzy's lead this time when it comes to making sure Ed gets everything he needs.

And when it's time, he's the one to make the first approach. "You said you wanted to be taken care of," he says to Ed, with an almost shy smile. "Are you ready to let us do that?"

Ed has known it's coming. Hell, he outright asked – nigh-on begged – for it. Even so, it's still incredibly, incredibly difficult to remind himself that he's allowed to have this. Not just allowed, but that his lovers want to do this for him. He's been uncharacteristically quiet and shy for all of breakfast; all big, doe eyes and aching hope.

There's utter longing in his expression when he looks to Stede, then glances across to Izzy, then Lu and Pete. A swallow past razors in his throat, and an awkward little nod. "Uhm… p-please…?" He really, really fucking needs this. But when he needs it the most, it's hardest to ask and accept.

Stede wraps both arms around him and holds tight. "It's all right, my love. My precious Ed. It's all right. You take such good care of all of us. It's time to let us return the favour. You know you're safe with all of us. You know we'd never hurt you. It's OK. It's OK."

He gently tugs Ed to his feet, guiding him over to where Izzy is sitting, and urging him to kneel. "My Ed needs you, sir," he says to Izzy. "Our Ed. Will you help him let go?"

Izzy smiles, leaning forward and reaching out to rest a gentle hand on Ed's jaw. "Of course I will," he promises, softly.

His eyes go to Lucius and Pete, close by. "I want the two of you to watch whilst I do this. You can curl up together, touch each other… but not your dicks. That's not because I'm being harsh with you, but because when I'm done with Ed, all of us are gonna fuck him, and I want you make sure you both give him everything, like you did for Stede."

"…Master, could… could we wear rings while we wait, even though we're not touching, please?" Lucius asks. He's asking for the reassurance, but also because it's damn hot. Holding Pete's hand, he licks his lips. "If you say 'no', I'll understand."

Izzy nods. "Of course you can. I told you, I'm not trying to be harsh. I want you happy, and comfortable, but ready to give Ed everything he needs and deserves, when it's time. Start stripping off, and I'll pass you the rings in a moment. I came prepared." He indicates the bag that's tucked alongside the couch he's sitting on.

"And, Stede," he adds, "you can start stripping Ed. Bare him for me, for all of us."

"Yes, sir," Stede answers, and leans down at once to take hold of Ed's shirt; urging him to lift his arms and start easing it off.

Ed gasps, head tilted down bashfully as he moves to let Stede undress him. Part of him feels terrible for just taking so much time and attention, but he daren't say as much. He can feel the aching emptiness in his ass that's been longing to be resolved since they got here. Not just fucked, but fucked hard. The idea that they'll flood him full and all give him the fucking he wants is incredible, and he wants to pinch himself to know if it's real or not.

"Sir," he asks, quietly, waiting to be acknowledged. "Should… should I wear one, too?"

Izzy reaches to lift Ed's jaw back up, but not at all harshly. "I want you to wear one too, yes, for the same reason: so you last until the time comes for us to fuck you. And, Eddie… I know that look. I know you. You think you don't deserve this, but you do. All of us want to make you happy, and take care of you, just like you do for us. You'd never deny any of us that, if we needed it… and we're the same. And I know me saying that doesn't magic the doubt away, but… let us show you."

Stede wraps around Ed from behind, holding him tight. "You've made me say it more than once," he points out, very softly. "'I am enough'. 'I deserve this'. It's true for you too. It's just… always easier to see from the outside."

Ed very much wants to vehemently disagree. It doesn't sit with how he feels inside. It doesn't click with how he views himself, or thinks he should. He knows the fundamentally flawed self-image was in part due to how people treated him, but it's left scars that became circular. He must have been flawed to deserve it, or their actions made it true, or…

And for everyone else, he can see how that would be utter bullshit. He can. And it hurts him and angers him when his lovers can't accept the truth, but of course making himself feel the same in response is… challenging.

He's supposed to look after them. That's his job. That's how he's useful, how he's worthy. Which means even that urge to look after them is broken, and… the train starts chugging faster along on the circular track, the path losing rails as it threatens to smash into the tail end of the carriages and destroy everything. He needs to get out of that, and out of the overwhelming need to defend and protect. It's useful, and it's good, and he likes doing it… but he can't only-do it. It'll kill him.

"I need your help," he admits, very quietly. His mind is threatening to spiral dangerously, and though he hasn't gotten as far as crashing, he might have held on a little too long (as usual). Less so than the worst times, but still not exactly fast enough. "Please… I'm… I'm struggling."

"I know, love," Izzy tells him. "We know. I want you to stand up and let Stede finish stripping you off, and then I want you to kneel on that footrest."

The footrest in question is part of the couch suite: a good size, with a firm but padded top, and Izzy has already scoped it out for what he's got planned. "That way, you'll be on your knees but nice and visible, because we want to give my boys a good show." And because he wants Ed to feel observed, admired, desired: not just for what he can do, but for who and what he is in the first place.

As Izzy, Stede and Ed work together, Lu and Pete have been quietly stripping, too. Lucius figures it's okay to touch Pete's cock just to get the ring on, and make sure it's comfortable. But that's as far as he'll go with that as he settles with cushions to watch, arms wrapped around Pete and a soft rain of kisses to his neck. "If you need us to help, Sir… we'll be ready."

"I know you will," Izzy says, as he stands and paces over to them, reaching out a hand to gently stroke through Lucius' hair, and over Pete's head. "For now… remember what I said about your dicks, but otherwise get comfortable and enjoy watching. If I need you to assist, I'll call you over."

Pete murmurs happily as Lucius curls in. He very much likes watching, of course, and he thinks this in particular is going to be quite something… and then there's what's coming at the end, which he's very eager for, because… well, fuck.

"Promise we'll behave," Lucius chirps, brightly. And with every intention of behaving. He'd only touched Pete's dick at all because they'd been given permission to put rings on, otherwise he wouldn't have dared. He beams at Izzy, then over at Stede, knowing he's looking forward to a change in role, too.

Ed, meanwhile, has been stripped, and he's climbed up onto the furniture as ordered. He's sunk low onto his haunches, knees tucked, hands crossed and grasped behind his back. He's self-conscious, suddenly, pink and squirming away from eyes. It's not the nakedness that's bothering him, it's… the other stuff. And there's a lot of it. He wants to lean into Stede, or run off, or hide, or beg, or… something. He's not certain, but kneeling and waiting patiently is definitely not what he wants to be doing.

"It's OK, love, it's OK," Stede murmurs in Ed's ear. "Izzy will take care of you, and I'll be right here too."

Izzy and Stede quickly strip off too, and then Izzy passes Stede another of the cockrings, which he reaches to slide carefully up onto Ed's dick. "And when it's time… when everyone gets to fuck you… oh, Ed, it's incredible. You're going to feel so amazing, I promise."

Once Ed is prepared and placed – displayed – Izzy comes over with a coil of dark purple rope. "I'm going to start by giving you a quick upper-chest harness. Nothing as complicated as yesterday, because this isn't for suspension, but it'll still feel good… and make you look incredible. For the moment, I want you to lift your hands and put them on your head."

Ed does not want to, suddenly. Not because he wants to disobey, but because the request is hard. He's fucking well asked for this – repeatedly – so the reluctance is even more annoying. Why the fuck can't he just… do as he's been told? He's embarrassed that he's feeling the reluctance, and he doesn't want to admit it, but there's a delay before his hands move.

How the hell do you say 'I want to behave, but for some reason my mind is a dick and either I've been running hot for too long or I hate myself too much or…' He looks worriedly first to Stede, then to Izzy, hoping they won't be frustrated or disappointed in him.

Izzy knows they need to push through this phase, and he hopes they can do so without dragging it out too long, because it hurts Ed in the wrong way. "That's it," he says, when Ed finally complies. "Stay like that until I tell you to move. Stede… you can touch him gently, so long as you avoid his cock. And… be ready to move as I get this harness constructed."

Stede gives a nod, starting to run gentle but firm hands over Ed's skin: over his chest, his shoulders, his arms; softly and quietly loving him without a word, but with such focus in his eyes as he does.

At the same time, Izzy starts tying the harness around Ed's upper chest. It's designed to look good and accentuate his body, but when it's done it's also going to hold Ed's wrists behind his back. It also doesn't go low enough to involve his cock, so won't drive him too wild. Just feel good.

"Sir…" Ed can't help it. He can't. He's staying still, and other than leaning into Stede and moving where he's urged. But the weird, restless fever in his core won't stop, and it feels disloyal to ignore it. He's pretty sure Izzy knows it's there, but he has to raise it. Has to apologise. Has to make sure Izzy understands he's not ungrateful. "Can… can I speak, please?"

"Of course," Izzy tells him. "Unless I specifically order you to be quiet, you can always speak. So it's all right, you can go ahead. And, Eddie… I know this isn't easy. I know you're fretting. But I promise, I'll get you where you need to be."

"I didn't want you to think I…" Fuck. Ed drops his head. "I just… I feel like I'm not doing a good job. And… I didn't want you to think it was on purpose. I feel… wrong… inside. And – and that's not because you're… it's…"

'It's not you, it's me' sounds awful, right now. Ed tries to hide against Stede. "Feels like I'm cheating, or… being bad, or something. I'm sorry."

"It's all right," Izzy says, level and careful, and not in any way upset; taking Ed's hands now and guiding them down from his head, to cross behind his back. The rope lines of the harness have enough left to twist over and around his arms before binding his wrists firmly in place: the intent being to make him feel held but not hurt. "I know this isn't easy for you. You long to surrender, but when you get the chance… you can't fight the thought that you don't deserve it. But you do. So I'm going to guide you down, despite your fears and reservations, until it's enough to let you see that you deserve this just as much as any of us."

"But we're not angry," Stede adds, softly; eyes flicking to Izzy before he speaks. "We're not mad. We want to help you, not hurt you or punish you. Not this time. You don't need punishment. You need release from all the doubt in your head."

"But I should… I should do better. I should…" Ed huffs at himself. "I'm sorry. I know… I'm jumping the fucking gun. I just… need to fucking… get there and I'm mad at myself for… not."

It also doesn't help that right now, he's expected to just exist. Yes, it's a necessary step if they're going to use restraints like this. But it doesn't make it any easier at all. In fact, being made to be still and not act, to focus more on his body and his mind and not other people is torture. He needs to move, to do, to think, to talk, to…

"Please… I'm going crazy. And I don't want to be an asshole! I don't! I really fucking don't…"

"I know, love," Izzy tries to reassure him, firmly. "I know. And I've got you the way I want you now, so we can start… but remember, you've asked for soft. I'm not going to start beating the hell out of you. I could, but it isn't what you wanted, and I don't think it's what you need."

He looks up at Stede. "Swap places with me. I want you to curl in behind him and hold him. Don't use more force than you need to, but if he starts struggling then make sure he stays still."

Stede nods. "Of course, sir," he answers, and moves around behind Ed as instructed; standing behind where he's kneeling and pressing in against him, hands on his arms.

"Well, maybe I was fucking dumb. Wouldn't be the first time." Ed bites at his mouth to stop himself saying anything worse, relieved that at least the staying-still bit is probably over. Or: staying-still while there's little else to focus on, anyway. "Sorry. I'm… I'm trying. I promise. I know you're trying to help."

His hands are caught, but he can still reach some of Stede with them, and he tries to stroke just a little to make contact. To do… something. And to thank him for being there, too.

Izzy moves in front of Ed now, putting a hand on his jaw. "I don't think you were being dumb," he says. "I know sometimes you really do want it hard, but I also think there's other times when you push for it because you're afraid of the softer option, and I'm not going to let you hide like that, not today."

He moves both hands to start running over Ed's chest, around and along the lines of the rope, before finding his nipples and starting to grip and rub firmly: still aiming for sensation over pain, even if the sensation is intense.

"…well… m-maybe it's… it's because it… fucking… takes too long if you don't go hard…" Which is on one hand a genuine worry, but on the other hand is an absolute cop-out. Because of fucking course he's scared of soft. Soft is difficult, and it's easier to accept that when he's been beaten out of his mind first. Soft is soul-searchingly deep and raw and dangerous.

It's also why he loves doing soft to Stede. But that does mean he's aware of what Izzy might do, on more than one level, and it's starting to be terrifying. His lips turn inside, hugging his teeth, before he manages to say more. "Izzy… just… don't go slow. Please… you're fucking killing me. I know I have to – I know it's your call… but please don't go too slowly."

"You need to know you're worth it," Izzy reminds him. "That's why sometimes it needs to be slow, because it's not about quick pleasure or chasing a result. It's about the moment. The connection. The feeling of being worth all my focus, or Stede's, or ours."

It's a tricky line to walk, because Izzy wants to make – and prove – the point, but he also doesn't want Ed to freak out or lose it entirely. Which means he's got to maintain a certain pace without it looking or feeling too much like he is. "Stede," he says, "go to the bag I brought through and find the short suede flogger, and bring it to me. Then move back behind Ed and keep holding him like you are."

Stede nods. "Of course, sir," he answers. He so desperately wants this to work, and it's strange not being the one leading but also not being another one surrendering at the same time. He trusts Izzy, though, and knows the other man understands.

He goes over to the bag and finds the flogger quickly; returning to Izzy and dropping to one knee to hand it over, before rising and returning to his place behind Ed.

Once he has, Izzy swishes the flogger lightly against Ed's chest. "I'm not going to thrash you," he re-iterates. "But you know as well as I that these can produce some very lovely sensations when used less forcefully." His choice of a suede-tailed one – rather than the leather he usually favours – is part of this too.

And, taking a step back, he starts to land a light, swishing volley against Ed's chest. It's pitched very deliberately so it won't hurt outright – other than a soft sting – and instead give him a rush of sensation to focus on.

Ed yelps. Not because it hurts, but because it doesn't. Not really. Not nearly enough. And because he's realised that Izzy really isn't going to rush, and he isn't going to give him anything to do, and it's intolerable to be stuck inside of his own head.

He's inside his own head. And he's not good company.

He's fucking shit company, for himself at least. And if there's no words, no commands, no distraction other than sensation… He tenses in the ropes, then gives Izzy the biggest, most doleful, pleading eyes he can. "It's too quiet." Too quiet. Outside. Too loud inside. "Please…" It doesn't need to hurt, but he has to have something.

Keeping this in balance is far from easy, but Izzy is determined to make it work: determined to prove to Ed that he can do this without needing to be thrashed. It's tricky, though, because Ed isn't one to quietly sink into sensation, which means trying to distract his mind without breaking the scene.

Hence the challenge.

"Then tell me something," Izzy says. "Tell me your favourite memory of the five of us together. It doesn't have to be sexual, but it can be." He's well-aware Ed will likely have multiple answers and no way to choose, but saying it will hopefully focus him, whilst making him think more of happy memories.

Ed's eyes flick instantly up and to the left, tracking across to the right, like he's trying to read an internal book. Favourite? Pick one? Just one? That's fucking awful. Just one? How do you even compare them? What's the criteria? Is it the one he felt happiest? (Which doesn't need to be horniest, obviously.) The one he likes to remember the most? The one that best encapsulates their relationship? The one he'd want to keep longest, if his memory was failing? If he had to pick?

He's so lost in the assessment that he doesn't even realise it's a deliberate attempt to distract him. This is helpful, because if he did realise that, he'd then be trying to work out what answer everyone else would give, and what would work best for them to hear, and--

"When me and Stede… when we said we loved-you, loved-you. And you all said it back." It's the answer right now. It might not be tomorrow, depending on how he feels. There's plenty of others, so many that he'd easily fill the whole day and night recounting them. "When… we realised we could. All of us. When I knew you loved him." The 'you' here being Izzy.

Izzy has to pull him in at that, holding Ed's head against his chest and stroking through his hair, meeting eyes with Stede as he does. "I treasure that moment too," he says, very softly. "Waking up, in that makeshift cushion-pile, when we'd all passed out after the first time we were all together, and you were all just there… it was like all the pieces clicking into place. I wasn't afraid. I wasn't worried. It was all so right."

His hand slips under Ed's jaw, making him look up; other hand toying softly with a nipple as he speaks. "And… your favourite scene? So far, at least. Doesn't matter what role you played."

Now that's actually evil. He's a damn switch! How is he supposed to compare that?! And – he does mean all five, right? He must. Fuck. Ed presses into Izzy's hand with a very dramatic pout, followed by a whine at the touches.

"Changes," he admits, because it is honest. "Might as well ask me which of you I love the fucking most."

There's not any real anger though, or even resentment. Just a wry awareness that when it comes to picking, the best Ed's got so far is: Stede, Izzy, Pete, Lu, and blue candy. "When we worked together, first. When… any time when… someone needed it, and it worked. Don't like thinking about the why. Just like… knowing it helped."

Izzy has to pull him in again at that, because the answer is just so heartfelt that he feels it too deeply. "I understand," he breathes, softly. "They're the ones I gravitate to as well, no matter how hot others have been. Knowing you've made a difference… it helps, doesn't it? Not just outside, but here." He rests a hand over Ed's heart.

Behind Ed, Stede is slowly massaging over his back: enough that he'll be able to enjoy it, but not so firmly that it'll hurt or distract him. He so desperately wants to help Ed relax, and feel good, and his heart aches from the memories they're bringing up.

"I know it's what you want to do for me," Ed says, affectionately leaning into him, breathing a little more slowly at the stroking. "I want it, too. I'm just so fucking shit at letting go. The inside of my head is so fucking loud. And if I'm… if I don't… know where to put all the fucking… brain-bunnies then it just goes to shit…"

It does help to think about those times, though. And to know that how he feels when he's helped others feel better can be the same in reverse. That it isn't just selfish. That it's mutual. "Just… don't leave me inside my head alone, please? I… I can't do that. Not… not yet. My mind goes bad. You don't need to beat me up, just… don't leave me in there alone…"

"I won't," Izzy promises, level and sure. "I'm going to keep you talking. Keep you thinking about good things. Your mind needs guiding down gently, and I'm going to get you there without force. I'm going to show you that you can have soft as well."

Hand under Ed's jaw, he tilts his head back and leans down to kiss him: firm and deep and slow, wanting to make sure he feels every last bit of sensation, and desire. Izzy had never thought he could do soft until Lu and Pete came along, and he'd gradually realised how to make it work.

"So let's try another one," he says, as the kiss finally breaks. "When you fantasise about the five of us… what image or idea do you keep coming back to?"

The kissing does distract him, and it's more settling, more reassuring. Ed knows this part, at least, and he lets his focus drift away from the panic and the 'should be' and into kisses and touches, bit by bit. He wants more affection, and he strains in the ropes towards Izzy, and then pushes back into Stede. He wants them both so badly, and it isn't even just a sexual drive, either.

"…it's… don't laugh. It's not… settled. It's… confused. But good. It's all of us just… so close. And being able to touch, and hold, and kiss… I – I like everything so much that… it's not who's on top. It's… fuck. Is it weird? I have thoughts where we're clearly doing stuff, specific… stuff…"

Ed rolls his shoulders. "But it's… if I'm not… feeling toppy, or bottomy, then it's… it's everyone making out and… grinding and touching… Sliding hands and knees and just… fuck… It sounds so stupid… Taking turns and fucking, but not all the way. Making out with you while I'm inside Pete… then Stede… stroking Lu's hair while he sucks me and you fuck me into his mouth… Taking hours and not rushing, just… touching and no… no 'rules'… just… good…"

"Oh, Eddie, it's not stupid or weird, I promise you," Izzy says. "What you want most of all is to be close to us, to feel us all there. That's beautiful, and I think… I think it's how you know how right this is. You enjoy the different things we do – we all do, that's the point – but at the heart of it all you don't want an act or a role or a position. You want us."

A beat, as he sets the small flogger aside and starts running his hands over Ed's chest, in a mirror of the way Stede is touching his back: firm and slow but oh-so-loving. "I… remember when I first realised the same about Lu and Pete, back when our relationship was so new, and I understood… I wasn't just a dom to them. I was a lover. And we could just be close. I… could be both."

Ed nods, furiously hard. "I love everything we do, I do! But I – I don't need… anything to be 'it'. I just…" Restless again, he struggles in the ropes. "I just need you, all of you. I don't care how. I might… get frustrated if I had to be only one thing, but there's nothing I need to be… I just…"

God damnit. Ed whines, pained. "Please… Iz… I need all of you. I do. Please… I'll do whatever the fuck you ask, I swear, I'll do it…"

"Eddie, you have us," Izzy reminds him. "You don't have to do anything. Just let yourself be loved."

A nod to Stede, and the other man gently tugs Ed's head back, kissing him upside down: slow and deep and loving, hands stroking his face. And whilst he does, Izzy reaches to draw his butterfly knife: flicking the blade out and starting to trace the edge over Ed's chest. He's oh-so-careful with the pressure: enough to be felt, to give him as much sensation as possible, but not so firmly that he risks cutting.

Ed's mind goes suddenly sideways out one ear at the gesture, and he moans into Stede's mouth. He feels surrounded, safe, supported… and suddenly very, very, very aware of what Izzy's doing to his chest. He tries to make his breathing shallow, not wanting to ruin it, but that in turn makes his head dizzy from low oxygen.

He doesn't even want the knife to cut, he just… wants to feel it. Sharper and sharper. Wants to feel everything. He'd beg, but Izzy told him he has to take soft, so when the kiss breaks he gazes up at Stede. "I love you so much," he whispers. "I do. All of you. I'd do anything for any of you."

"We love you too," Stede tells him, softly. "You're incredible. Amazing. Strong, brave, beautiful. We adore your power and intensity, but we love this side of you just as much. Your vulnerability, your honesty… the way you let us all right in. It's just as much of a gift, you know."

At the same time, Izzy is still moving the blade over the curves and contours of Ed's body, leaving no more than pink pressure-marks in its wake. He focuses on the other man's chest, but spreads out as well: tracing over his shoulders, his sides, and over his hips: quietly possessing and worshipping him in equal measure. "Stede's right," he says. "You truly are special, to all of us, and we'll keep showing you until you feel it just as strongly."

"…guess you're not gonna believe me if I say I do, already?" Ed quips, weakly, and then tries to push his face into Stede's neck. "God… I'm trying so fucking hard not to beg you to go faster. I'm – I'm not trying to fucking… top from the bottom. I'm… I'm just saying it so you know it's in my head and it's driving me crazy… Fuck… I--"

"We know," Izzy replies. "And I know you feel it a little, but you deserve to feel it more. And… I understand having to fight those urges. It isn't easy. Sensation play doesn't overwhelm like impact play can, but you deserve the chance to enjoy it just as much. To know you're worth the effort."

He tugs Ed in closer now; bringing the blade up under his jaw as he dips to press a kiss to his lips: slow and deep, feeling the way the other man moves beneath him. "That's it," he murmurs, in between. "That's it. You deserve this. So… let me hear you say it. Let me hear you say 'I deserve this', like you believe every word."

There is no reason for Ed to immediately want to object, but it's there. He stamps down on the rebellious urge, licking at his lips and running his tongue over his teeth. "I do." It doesn't sound wholly convinced, because now he's thinking about it, and that makes him self-conscious. "I do deserve this."

Mostly. Yes? No. He does. It's just… it sounds so silly to say that. Other people have judged that. He shouldn't be the one to judge it alone. "You think I do – you all do – so I must." Their validation proves it, after all. Alone, it's potentially self-centred. With others… it's more likely to be real.

Stede watches with a gentle smile; his own chest aching a little because he's been where Ed is – more than once – and he knows it isn't easy. It really isn't. Sometimes it's nigh-on impossible to accept that he's worthy of love and adoration… but he also knows how much it soothes him when he can find a way to accept it. Or… when Ed has helped him get there.

"We do," he breathes, stroking the other man's jaw again. "We do. We think you're incredible, and worthy, and wonderful. And we're right."

"You are very smart," Ed agrees, smiling oh-so-fondly up at him. "Am… am I allowed to ask… f-for… for things?" He glances to Izzy and back, because all of a sudden he has a craving, and if they're making him take the time to do this, then… maybe it's okay?

"You can ask," Izzy replies, watching the two of them with a smile of his own for a moment. "I decide whether we do it, but… I suspect you won't ask for anything I wouldn't agree to. So go ahead."

"Uhm…" Abashed, Ed looks down. "If… slow… could… could someone… uhm. My… hair?" God, he already wants to die from having asked. He loves having it played with in all ways: brushing, tugging, teasing, plaiting… And right now, he feels so damn silly asking. But it soothes him, and makes him feel good. So maybe it's okay to ask? If it… works for the scene?

Stede can't help wrapping around Ed's shoulders at that and hugging him, because the request is so sweet and honest, and heartfelt. He looks to Izzy for permission – because he's in charge – but doubts he'll deny it.

And he's right. Izzy gives a soft smile and nods. "Of course. Stede… go for it. Make him feel good. Nothing too firm."

"Yes, sir," Stede replies, happily, and immediately starts running his fingers through Ed's hair, playing with it the ways he knows Ed loves, and pressing in against him from behind to feel the warmth of his body as his hands move.

"Ohgodyesyesyes--" Ed is very clearly appreciative of all the touches, his eyes rolling up and mouth parting in bliss. He mumbles thank-yous as he arches in delight, letting the pleasure wash over him. It's one thing he's always really enjoyed, and knowing Izzy – and Lu and Pete off to the side – are watching him be so openly grateful for it is weirdly humbling. He doesn't need huge gestures, even if he loves them, too. Sometimes he just wants to be doted on, and it's so damn hard to admit that.

"Better?" Izzy says, with another little smile. "I told you I wanted to take care of you. It's not wrong to want that, or to enjoy it. Now…" he lifts his blade again, "…let's see if we can get you to really relax."

And he starts tracing the blade over Ed's skin once more: firm and careful, wanting to lavish as much affection as possible on the man. He knows they're making progress, but he still wants to keep at it until Ed really relaxes, and lets himself sink under, and feels as good as he deserves to.

"Mmm, definitely… going right way about it." Ed's voice confirms it, as he dreamily sighs when either fingers or knife catch him just right. It's an odd combination, perhaps, but the contact is now distracting enough to command his attention away from his wandering mind. "That… that feels so good… oh yes…"

Izzy's eyes go to Stede. They haven't planned all of this, but there's one thing Izzy did mention in advance, to check that Stede was OK with it. "Stede… I think he's ready."

Understanding, Stede nods. "I think so too, sir."

He gives Ed another gentle brush through his hair, and then steps back; going to retrieve something from the supplies Izzy brought, and coming over with it. He keeps it out of Ed's line of sight, so he won't know until the moment Stede slips the thing in question around Ed's neck.

It's his collar, and he slides it carefully into place before buckling it comfortably – close, but not tight – before running his hands over it and then back up into Ed's hair.

Izzy watches for a moment, enjoying the view, and then reaches to grasp the O-ring on the front of the collar: not tugging, just holding. "You're ours, all of ours," he says to Ed, soft and level. "You're Stede's first and foremost, but you're ours too. Mine. And you don't ever have to be afraid of asking for what you need, or needing what you need, because we love you, and we want to take care of you."

Already half-hypnotised by the petting, the collar makes Ed drop as the connotations slide into place and curl around him, the contact familiar, comforting, welcome. A dual rush of physical and emotional pleasure combined with the heady weight of safety.

His eyes close in contentment and trust, purring under Stede's hands. And when Izzy takes hold of the ring, he tilts his head back in overt submission. He knows it's okay, because they all made those promises: Izzy holds his leash, and Stede is right here. Both of them are looking after him, and a bubble of gratitude threatens to make him sob. "Yes, Sir. Yes, Master." Even if Stede isn't overtly dominant right now, he is still Ed's. And he's given the leash to Izzy for the scene, which was still a choice. "I'm yours. Tell me what to do, and I'll give you all I have."

"Do you think you're ready for all of us to fuck you?" Izzy asks. "Or… is there still some tension in here that needs to go?" His free hand rests on Ed's chest, over the ropes. "All I ask right now is honesty. I want to make sure we get you right where you need and want to be."

He can see that Ed's mind has gone under, but he wants to be certain they've gone far enough. Wants to be sure Ed feels as loved and supported as he deserves to, even if they're not remotely done.

Izzy asked for honesty, and that's what triggers through Ed before any filter. "If you are ready for me, Sir. I… wouldn't… object to Stede or Pete working my shoulders, if… if you'd approve… But I'm ready for what you think. I'm – yes."

He has been carrying it in his shoulders, and Izzy's use of 'tension' triggered the thought and awareness. He probably should ask more for help with that, too. Especially because he knows both Stede and Pete particularly enjoy giving him massages. And they're very good at it, too. "I'll do whatever you ask, Sir."

"I know you will," Izzy says, stroking over Ed's chest some more. "I know." He lingers a moment, then turns to look over at the other two, on the couch. "Pete… you're the backrub king. Come help Eddie out. And Lucius… you can come and start warming him up. Get down on your knees and suck his cock slowly… slowly… don't take him too far."

Pete has been happily tangled in Lucius as the two of them watched: exchanging touches and kisses and breathy little gasps of delight. But he's very happy for them to be called over: rising to his feet first and offering Lucius a hand, before he's moving around behind Ed; Stede letting him move in close, so he can run his palms over Ed's shoulders a few times to warm him up, and then starting to knead carefully at the warm muscle.

Lucius kisses Izzy's cheek, then Stede's, once he gets over to them. He just wants to connect with them first, because he's been lightly making out with Pete while they watch. That done, he kneels up proudly to the side of the couch, running his hands over Ed's strong, muscular thighs. Lu can't help but admire the man's physique, especially knowing what those legs can do when he's topping.

Which he's going to fully experience before long. The thought has him salivating already, and he strokes over Ed's hips for balance and reassurance both as he lets his tongue run long, lingering licks over Ed's full cock.

Ed groans in utter, blissed-out appreciation. He's got all four of his lovers nearby, lavishing him with attention. The touches are so loving, so heartfelt that he lets out a little sob at how moved he is, surging between the hands and mouth that's slowly enveloping him. Pete starts to hit right where he's been tense and though it hurts, there's an instant relief in knowing it soon won't.

"Ohgodohgod…. I love you… I love you… oh god… please… I need you… I need all of you…"

"You have us, love, you have us," Izzy says; standing behind Lucius and running a gentle hand over his head as he works, just for the contact. "And we have you. You can relax, let go… you're safe, and you're loved, and we're going to make sure you get everything you need."

Stede moves to the side, tilting Ed's head back to kiss him slow and deep, hand on his jaw. He's filled with love and affection, needing Ed to feel utterly adored and cared for. "And you really are so beautiful when you let go," he breathes. "You always have been."

"Please," Ed begs, broken and longing. "Oh god please… I want what you had, Stede… I want to feel all of you… I want to belong to all of you… Please. I'm… I think I'm ready. I feel like it… I need it…"

His libido is certainly ready. He was turned on before Lu started on his cock, and the easy warmth combined with the subtle pressure has him jumping, begging with his hips for more. Pete's hands unlock secret pains, and Stede's kisses and caresses drive him to an increasingly restless, wanting frame of mind.

Ed looks up at Izzy, who's still petting Lu as he sucks his dick. "Please, Sir. I promise I'm not holding back. I'm not. Please. It's your choice, your call, but I'm begging you."

Izzy isn't looking to wind Ed up at all: just make sure he's done enough here before they move to the next step. But when the other man starts to really beg… that's when he's certain.

"I'm not going to make you wait, Eddie, I promise," he says. "I think you're ready. Lu, Pete… hold off for now. We're going to help Ed move so he's kneeling over the footrest instead of on it. Stede, grab some cushions for him to kneel on, so he doesn't suffer afterwards."

Between them, they carefully help Ed to his feet, and guide him round so he's kneeling next to the footrest – on the big cushions Stede provides – and can be bent down over it.

Lucius stays in close, feeling very weirdly subdued himself by seeing how they've made Ed go all subby without pain or impact. It's not something they often do, and he's oddly fascinated. Horrified, too, because it looks to be much more emotionally heavy, but… he can't deny there's an appeal.

He grips Pete's hand, then Stede's, waiting for the next instruction eagerly.

Ed, for his part, is clearly delighted with the progress. He offers his ass as much as he can with the restraints, drawing his face against the plush upholstery, trying to be as open as he can be. "Thank you… I'll be good, I promise I will. I will. Let me be good for you. Please, Sir…"

"You are, Eddie, I promise you," Izzy reassures him. "You're being so very good… and we're going to get you ready for all of us to fuck you."

He gets hold of the lube, offering it to Lucius and Pete. "I want you to finger him open between you. Take it slow, but make sure he's good and prepped. Stede… if you kneel close to his head, you can keep kissing him."

Stede obeys eagerly, dropping down on the side where Ed's head is turned, and leaning in to start kissing him again: soft and gentle but oh-so-loving; murmuring in happiness as he does. He's so happy to see Ed relaxing fully, and it makes him sink more too; warm and content and lingering over every moment of contact.

Lucius starts by stroking his fingers around Ed's rim, urging Pete to push inside. He knows Ed's responses well enough to not be afraid of getting this wrong, and in a way he's glad the two of them are bottoming first. It means he can give back, and when it's his turn to take, he'll be able to relax into it more.

"He's so relaxed and eager, isn't he, Pete?" he asks, voice heavy with praise.

"He is," Pete agrees, as he slides a finger in and pushes it deep. "He wants this so much… and it's going to feel so good to give it to him. It was amazing with Stede, after all."

"…from both sides," Stede confirms, softly, in between kisses. "I treasured every second, and I want Ed to experience that too. I want him to know how incredible you all feel."

"Pleeeeease," Ed begs, hips shaking with obvious tension. The fingers are good, and very, very nice. The stroking is good. It's all very enjoyable and he loves it, but… "Please… I've wanted… I've wanted so long… I didn't want to say it, but I did… I… I… want you all inside me… I love bottoming, I do… I love to top you all, but I really fucking love getting my ass pounded."

Lucius slides a single finger in alongside Pete's, fucking in when Pete slides out, working to open him by degrees. "Is that why you don't ask?"

"N-n… maybe… a bit…" Ed squirms. "I don't… I do love topping, I do… I am a switch. I am versatile… but I really fucking love this and I worry I love it too much."

"Eddie… there's nothing wrong with liking bottoming," Izzy says. "It doesn't even mean you have to be submissive… some doms prefer to bottom, and they just order their subs to fuck 'em. And you… you don't have to be a particular way with us. What matters is we're all happy, and that means you just as much as anyone else. It's not wrong for you to want this… and we're so in favour of giving it to you, we're practically forming a queue."

"I'm…" Ed goes furiously red in the face. "I'm… it's… it's easier to… order than… ask." He bites his lip, squirming.

"Maybe you should order us to fuck you sometimes, then?" Lucius looks to Izzy, deferring slightly. "If you want to do it more than you already are. I don't think there's a man here who would say no to that." A beat. "Well, Izzy would prefer you didn't order him, I guess…"

"But I'd certainly take an enthusiastic invitation," Izzy replies. "And… if we should be offering more, then we will. All of us want to make you happy. I hope you know that. We adore you."

"We do," Stede agrees, gently stroking Ed's jaw. "And… if you need to surrender more, that's OK too. I know I… it's hard not to respond when you're all strong and sure and powerful, but you're beautiful like this as well. I love helping you let go. And you know I love fucking you senseless."

Ed tries to push into Stede's hand, clearly overcome by what they're all saying. He hasn't even processed that he's still restrained, but when the ropes halt him and he feels the fingers inside twitch and bend to hold him back he yelps in shock. "Oh fuck! Oh fuck… please! I'm sorry! I – I am happy, I am, I… I shouldn't have… I'm not complaining, I promise… oh god… please… please just… I can't think…"

He's hard as all hell and he really, really wants them to use him. Use, love, fill, take… all of it. "Please… I'll do better, I will, but… please will you fuck me?"

"You don't have to do 'better'," Izzy insists. "You're already doing more than enough. But… fucking you, we can do."

He looks to Lu and Pete, still slowly fingering Ed's ass. "Pete… I think you should go first this time. Lu, you can come up here and snuggle with Stede, to enjoy the view."

Stede pulls over some more cushions, then pats them invitingly, holding out an arm.

At the same time, Pete slides his fingers free and reaches for the lube. "I promise I'll make it good," he says. "I've… wanted to do this for so long…"

"I've wanted to watch you," Lu murmurs, as he plays with Stede's hair. "You, and Izzy. Wanted to see you fuck him to shaking… god, our husbands are gorgeous, aren't they? And isn't it so nice to help but let go, too?"

"It really is," Stede agrees, leaning into the touches with an arm around Lucius' waist. "And they're incredible. All of you are incredible." He nuzzles against the younger man's jaw, kissing softly, so very full of affection right now.

"Please, Pete, please… I know you'll make it good. I know… please…" Ed really is begging now, no shame left to hold him back. He's trying to pucker his hole to entice him in, ass up and waving in open invitation. "Please, Pete. Don't go slow. Give me all you have. I want you to fuck me so hard my teeth file for divorce!"

Pete has moved into place now, his cock slicked and ready, and at that he presses it to Ed's hole: teasing just for a quick moment before he starts to slowly, slowly push in. Which is not because he thinks Ed can't take it – he knows he can – but because he wants to remember every last second.

"Ed… oh fuck… oh fuck!" he gasps, as he seats himself deep. "You feel incredible."

If you'd told him a year ago that one day he'd get to do this, his brain would have exploded. And at that point, he already thought he was the luckiest man in the world.

He gets himself braced, hands on Ed's hips, and then starts to move: building up slowly but gradually and gasping at how good it is. "…oh fuck, yes!"

Ed's hips tilt as he yields to the coupling, breathing loud and shaky as he rolls to meet Pete. His eyes are gone somewhere far away, spine coiled with delicious tension. The silky touch of skin inside – more intimate than fingers or tongue – has his breath properly stolen away.

It's a long, gratified moan before he can speak.

"Stede… Stede… Pete's inside me." This is not news, but it feels like it should be. "Oh god… he's fucked us both. He's – he feels so fucking good… oh god… thank you… thank you… I – I wanted… I wanted so much… I didn't know we'd ever… but he's inside me and he's Izzy's and Lu's and ours and oh gOD don't stop, pleeeeease… oh fuuuuuuck… oh, oh, oh--!"

"I know, love, I know, isn't he amazing?" Stede says, happily. "He feels so good, they all do… you're going to adore every last second, I promise you, and you'll feel just how much they love you. How much they want you and need you, like I do."

He has one arm still around Lucius, and he reaches his other hand to stroke through Ed's hair again, soft and loving, feeling a rush of happiness as he watches.

"Iz… need… need you, too… p-lease…" Ed can feel the absence of him like an ache, and he just needs all four of them close. Even if Pete's got most of his attention, he doesn't like the thought of Izzy being too far away, without anyone, either. "Want… all of you here, when – when Pete – oh god he's still got his ring on oh fuck oh fuck oh FUCK--!"

"So have you," Izzy reminds him, softly. "But I won't make you keep it on for much longer… nor Pete. I just want you to really feel it, and then we'll see if you come as much as Stede did when we all keep pounding you…"

"You feel so amazing," Pete gasps, already sounding a little wrecked. "Oh fuck… oh god… Ed!"

Izzy moves in closer, running a hand down Ed's spine; firm and possessive. "You think I should let him take it off?" he asks. His tone is teasing, but he's not going to draw this out. "You want to feel him spill deep in that gorgeous ass for the very first time?"

"Izzy, please!" Ed looks up with a horrified expression. "Oh god, please don't stop him! I need to feel it! I need to be his – all of yours – please… Izzy… Izzy I need him, I need you… please don't make me wait, I feel like I'll fucking die if I have to wait…"

Lucius shudders. He's not used to Ed being quite this needy when he's bottoming, not that he can remember. And knowing how utterly rabid he is for Pete – for his Pete, their Pete – is doing all sorts of things to him. He's not a natural top, but he definitely wants to feel that wanted and needed, and having it be there for Pete is really goddamn working for him.

"Pete… you can take your ring off," Izzy says, relenting. "I want you to keep fucking Ed until you're close, and when you are I want you to pull his ring off too, so you're both free to come. And then ream him with everything you've got."

"Yes, sir!" Pete gasps, his tone full of gratitude and enthusiasm because he likes this plan a lot. He pulls back for a second – just long enough to get his own ring off – and then slams back into Ed, resuming the firm, rapid fucking, trying to give the other man all he can.

"Oh fuck, that's so gorgeous," Stede breathes, pretty much clinging to Lucius now as he watches. He's seen his husband reamed by all of the others using strap-ons, but there's something so much more about this, and he's hypnotised by the sight.

Pete can feel when Ed's getting really close, and when he's sure it's the right moment he reaches down and around to yank the ring from his dick, before giving him all he's got left.

"Oh god, oh fuck, you feel so good… oh god, Ed!" Pete cries, seconds before he feels his climax hit hard: riding it out with everything he can muster as he spills inside Ed; chasing as much bliss as possible whilst stroking him at the same time, trying to make him come just as forcefully. Because fuck.

Ed is helpless, and he knows it. Bound and trussed and bent over and impaled by Pete's gorgeously fat, warm, living, pumping, smooth and solid cock. It glides just right, and it's… it's the only dick he's taken since he met Stede. It's the only dick other than Stede's he's had in years, and his eyes are wide and fixed on his husband as he realises he's about to have his guts thoroughly filled and come screaming on their lover's dick.

It's Stede's eyes he's holding when he feels the hand release him, but he still daren't let himself fully go. Not until Pete's grabbing him again and it's clear he's going to finish. He's going to finish inside him and Ed screams in relief as he fights the harness, fights everything to ride back and slam into Pete, wanting to give him the best fuck possible. He tries to clench and grip and work him, even though the rushing sensation is sending his brain out of his ears. Fuck, but it's so good. So good. He gives all he can and keeps trying until it's starting to hurt, and he's pleading for mercy.

Pete drops down against Ed's back when he's spent; releasing the other man's dick at once and just lying there for a moment in hazy bliss. "…that… sofuckinggood…" he manages, along with a slightly delirious giggle. "Fuck, yes."

A little overwhelmed, Stede launches in to kiss Ed hard – or, as hard as he can make it given the angle – murmuring praise and reassurance in between. "You did so well, love, so well."

"That was fucking beautiful," Izzy says, with a smile. "Take your time, Pete. And when he's ready to move… Lucius, you can take his place."

Ed slurs out a litany of thank-yous and love-yous, his nerves fried but oh so nicely. He can feel the warmth inside from Pete's spend, and he's overcome by a wash of emotions and a sense of connection. "Don't… don't go far," he begs. "Pete… close. Please. Stay close."

Lucius looks up to Izzy, then grabs his hand to fawn into his side, wanting to feel him while he waits for Pete to be ready.

Pete doesn't go far at all: pulling back from Ed, and then moving closer to Stede, who immediately guides him in to kiss Ed as well; stroking over his shoulders as he curls in. "…loveyou…" Pete murmurs to Ed, hazy and happy. "Loveyou."

Izzy, meanwhile, tugs Lucius in to kiss him quickly. "He's all yours," he says. "Make it good for him. I know you will."

Lucius nods, feeling more than a little intimidated. Pete's a damn good top, though Ed won't be able to come again too soon, so he's just going to keep him in overstim, right? He grabs the lube and slicks his dick, keeping it in one hand as he moves in place behind him.

"Lu…" Ed is rubbing into Stede and Pete, heart still thudding.

"I'm here. Don't worry." Unlike Lucius himself, who is currently reminding himself not to. He strokes Ed's hole, admiring how sensitive he is when he flinches. "Don't worry, babe. I'm gonna treat you nice…"

"…might prefer you d-DON'T OH FUCK!"

The noises are reassuring at least, as Lucius pushes in. He'd been the first with Stede, and he'd been almost too much in a haze to think about it. This time he's been watching Pete, anticipating, and now feeling where Pete's left his mark inside Ed. The fluttering is delicious, the warmth and… just… "Fuck, Ed…"

"PLEASE!"

Realising everyone's watching, Lucius grabs Ed's hips and starts to go at full speed at once, so much so he nearly slips out a few times and has to force himself to keep it under control.

"Oh fuck, Lu… that's just incredible," Stede manages. He's got an arm around Pete, and a hand in Ed's hair again, but he can't take his eyes off the man currently reaming his husband.

"…ohmygod… they look amazing…" Pete gasps. He's clinging to Stede to stay upright, still full of lingering bliss from his own climax, and damn if the view isn't turning him on all over again, whether or not his body is capable of it yet.

"Don't they just?" Izzy agrees, reaching to run a hand down Lucius' back. "So fucking gorgeous."

"Izzy…" Lu looks over his shoulder, eyes begging. "God… you… you should feel him… oh god, how are you going to keep your dick out of him?" It isn't jealousy speaking, either. He's well aware that there's plenty of all of them to go around in any number of ways. "He takes it so well…"

"…hopefully… won't keep it out of me." Ed is sure he's going insane. No break between them is going to be the death of him, and he huffs a breath, before looking up to Pete. "M-maybe… can suck you clean?" Because he really does love being spitroasted, and even if Pete's done, it'll still feel good.

"You… you want… ohyesplease," Pete gasps, as Stede moves to let him in closer, to where he can bring his cock to Ed's lips. "Stede… hold me? Please."

"Of course, dear boy," Stede replies, and presses in behind him, wrapping around to hold on without restricting Pete or Ed's movements. "There you go, I've got you."

"…that's so fucking hot," Izzy enthuses. "And… Lu, I'm not going to keep my dick out of him. Not once you're done. But that doesn't mean I can't enjoy watching first, because this is quite a view."

Lucius nearly folds in half, knees buckling, as he watches Pete's cock slip into Ed's mouth. It hits very, very different when he's bare inside of him, and he wonders if Ed will offer the same to him. His eyes catch Pete's, and he lets out a strangled cry at how fucking turned on that makes him. "Fuck! Oh f--- shit, I'm – that's too hot! Izzy, please!"

Ed definitely loves the responses, and he blossoms under the praise and enjoyment. He really does love to satisfy his partners, and he's humming in delight as he laves his tongue over Pete's dick, trying to lick and suck him clean without being too intense for comfort.

"Fuck… That's…" Lu grabs hold of Ed's hair, dragging his head back, pulling him off Pete's dick accidentally. Which he really didn't mean, and he flashes an apologetic glance. "Pete… use… use him…" He hopes this won't get him in trouble, but the thought of wrestling Ed into submission between them like this is too much to pass up.

Pete's eyes flick between Lucius and Izzy, and when he sees no objection in the latter's eyes he moves in to brace himself better and pull Ed down over his cock, hand in his hair. He knows the other man loves it, and he doubts he'll object to the increased roughness. He's certainly not trying to be cruel, just firm. "Oh fuck, Ed… that's it… fuck, yes…"

Stede goes to Izzy now, feeling rather glad when the other man pulls him in and holds tight. "Aren't they gorgeous together?" Stede breathes, his own mind a little hazy at the sight.

"Utterly," Izzy agrees, nuzzling against him as they both watch.

Ed melts in delight, eyes blissed out at the firm treatment. It's not cruel, just sure, and it makes him feel wanted and loved. He doesn't need it to be harsh, but having them take control all the same and use him is working on so, so many levels for him. He flicks his gaze up to Pete, all but screaming his consent with them, working his metaphorical socks off and pushing back into Lu.

"Izzy…" Lucius whines, fingers gripping the ropes around Ed's hips. "Sir… can… can I? I… fuck. I want to spank him so badly… his arse is so fucking good… I don't want to undo what you did… I… fuck… please?!"

"Do it," Izzy agrees. "I'll tell you to hold off if I think it's too much… but somehow I doubt that'll be a problem. He looks like he's loving every last second. Show him how badly you want him."

"And… how much we treasure him, no matter which way he wants to be," Stede adds, suddenly full of emotion. "How much we love this side of him just as strongly."

"Oh we fucking do, don't we, Pete?" Lu snaps his hips harder, wanting to rock him to the core, then grabs the central knot in the small of his back. He holds him dragged back, arm primed to swing: "You're gorgeous and even I can't help but want to do this for you."

His blows are less precise and trained than Izzy or Stede, but Lu still lands them well enough. He yelps at the way Ed feels around his cock as he swats rapidly, knowing just how good this would feel for himself, too. Locking eyes with Pete, still choking Ed out on his dick. "You're so fucking hot when you're letting us own you."

Ed is in heaven. When he's being vigorously used he can't ignore it, can't pretend it isn't something his lovers want. It's hard to let doubt linger when the proof is there, all over your body. His eyes blink back tears of joy and surrender and something more snaps in his spine and floods him with relief.

"Oh God, Izzy, look at them!" Stede gasps; more and more (happily) overwhelmed by the second. "They're so amazing, you're all so amazing… look how happy they all are!" He curls into Izzy, but makes sure he can still watch; head on his shoulder as he tries not to go entirely to pieces at just how incredible this is.

"…ohfuckohfuckohfuck…" Pete cries. He's somewhat insanely overstimulated, and doubts he can come again so soon, but this is just too good to stop. "Ed… you feel so fucking good, oh god, Lu… ream his brains out!"

"Only if you work his dick." Lu finds the shoulder straps, then yanks Ed upright. He's suddenly got the weight of Ed on his own prick, impaling the man down, and he snaps up into him. "Spank it, yank it… and when you think he's going to come, grab his hair and push him back down to choke on your cock while I come in him, too!"

Ed's brain flips a full one-eighty at how suddenly Lucius shifts into a dominant role. In a good way. He's manhandled and moved and at their mercy. He loves it. The shifted angle spears right where he needs the pressure, making his spent dick ache and curl to his thigh. All he can do is flow where he's moved, breathe and yelp in tortured delight. He doesn't think he can come again, not so soon, but he's aware they might make him all the same and that's too hot for words.

"…y-yours," he rasps. "PLEASE." He wants to feel Lu spill, too. Wants them to take his body and use it for their own enjoyment, because he'll get off on every drop of it. He lets his head fall back, proudly showing his collar, wanting Stede and Izzy to see.

They see. Izzy is glowing with pride as he watches his boys work Ed so beautifully, and Stede is still clinging to him in blissful overwhelm; increasingly out of his mind at the sight alone. "Such an incredible gift to share with all of us," Izzy tells him. "And you're gonna help me ream his brains out when it's my turn… just like he did for you."

Stede makes a soft keening sound at this and clings to him even tighter, because yes please, and also that might actually make his brain explode. Or… other things.

Pete, meanwhile, is having far too much fun luxuriating in the rare-but-special appearance of Dominant Lucius, and he moves so he can get hold of Ed's cock and start stroking it hard; tugging as much as he dares and – once he's sure it's OK – landing a few slaps here and there as well, because he's confident Ed will love it even if he's screaming the roof off at the same time.

The slaps make Ed convinced he's bleeding out through the nose. He has to be. He's so fucking wound and he's bouncing helplessly, nearly bending in half backwards from the pressure across his shoulders. "P-please… please… I – I can't – I – I caaaaaan't!"

"Is he going to come?" Lu asks Pete, not relenting in the slightest. "If he isn't, he's taking it."

"Lu, no, I can't!"

"Only Sir or your Master will stop me, so don't even try to beg me." Lucius would not disobey or disrespect either of them, and he's certain they both know. But it definitely works to give Ed the limit, to let him know there's no mercy to expect from him. Not when he's clearly getting off on this as hard as he is. Lu won't bend, not until Pete, Izzy or Stede blink.

"I'm gonna – I – I'm gonna – oh fuuuckkk…"

"I'll make sure he does," Pete declares, with something bordering on a growl, and he drops down – the angle awkward, but surely worth it – to wrap his lips around Ed's dick and start sucking with all he's got; determined to make him come screaming between them. It's clearly working for their husbands, and the lack of any kind of intervention galvanises him; making him keep going.

Stede nearly falls sideways at that, but Izzy catches him before he can get far. "I've got you," he murmurs. "I've got you, don't worry. Feeling it a lot, aren't you? That's OK. I promise you'll get everything you need too."

Lucius can feel Ed struggling, and it's oh so gratifying. He knows the man really does need to let go more often, and with him already submissive and begging, it's the perfect time to step in. Even if it briefly makes him Bad Spy.

He takes the distraction of Pete to pull his dick free – checking with Izzy with a glance with his hand on the ring, making sure he's got permission, too.

Izzy nods, his eyes full of arousal and pride. "Do it. Make him scream for us. Don't stop until he's given you everything."

Lucius echoes the gesture, yanking the ring off and giving Pete a wave of warning to work and move with him before he's slamming Ed's torso back down again, focusing on railing the man blind. He knows Pete is determined, too, so he gives all of his attention and focus to fucking Ed's brains out.

"Mmmmmnf!" Ed's mouthing at the couch in bliss, manhandled and abused and spanked and fucked and sucked until his eyes cross and meet in the middle. He's got no chance of resisting, not with all four of them around him and these two taking him to pieces, with no mercy, no prisoners, no quarter. He screams in bliss as his dick tries to spill, the pleasure grating over raw nerves and stretched around barbed wire. He's loving it, and loving that no one's had to chastise him, or punish him, or force him here. He's been petted and loved and collared and now fucked into screaming oblivion, and it's fucking everything.

Once Ed is back down, Pete just focuses on stroking him until he feels the torturously-glorious climax smash through the other man. He breaks into a bright smile, not stopping until he's certain there's nothing more to be wrung out of Ed just yet, and then pushes up to grab hold of Lucius and smash a kiss to his lips; full of fiery adoration.

"…I think your man might need a rest," Izzy murmurs to Stede.

"…I think my man needs to find out just what overstimulation really is," Stede replies.

Izzy gives a soft chuckle. "I knew I liked you."

"Mneh!" Ed protests, but not with any energy, because he's folded in half with Lucius suddenly grabbing his hair as he finishes, too. Ed had all but forgotten the man hadn't come, with how roughly Pete jerked him off, and he's coasting in delight now he can feel it happening.

Lucius pushes his tongue past Pete's lips as he feels his own climax rush through him with a whole-body judder. He's got Ed still in a rictus with his hair curled around his fist, and it's not until the last rush has gone that he eases the hold and lets the man drop fully.

And then grabs Pete's face in both hands and continues to kiss him madly, giving a few lingering ruts of his hips into Ed.

Pete kisses him back, just as fiercely, though he lets Lucius lead because he's soooooo unbelievably hot like this, and also because he just reamed Ed into near-incoherence. "That was so fucking incredible, baby," he breathes, when the kiss finally breaks. "You were just… ohmygod."

"Pete's right," Izzy concurs. "That was really something." He brings Stede closer, guiding him to where his husband's head is now lying on the footrest again, and urges him to curl in.

It doesn't take much. Stede needs to make contact, to hold on, even if he can hardly get a word out right now. He just wraps around Ed's shoulders, and pushes their foreheads together, and sprawls beside him, murmuring soft sounds that are meant as love and approval.

Ed mews in exhausted contentment, dazed and hazy. He's pleased no one is touching his cock any more, because he might try to mumble out his safeword if they did. Distantly he knows there's more, but he needs at least some breathing room.

Lu almost isn't aware of what he's done. Sort of. He's in a post-coital fog, and washed on the power-high. He puts his hands on Ed's hips to ease himself back and out, looking to Pete and Izzy for reassurance. He… did just do that, yes? He thinks so. And Ed definitely enjoyed it. Pete enjoyed it. He… what? What does he do now? He feels a bit weird.

"Come here, love," Izzy says, holding out his arms. "Both of you, come on."

Seeing Lucius wavering, Pete stays pressed in close, guiding them both over to Izzy and pushing him gently into Izzy's chest before curling in behind him, so Izzy can hold the pair of them but also he and Izzy can hold Lu. "That was so hot, baby, so hot," he murmurs in Lucius' ear, as they settle into the embrace.

"You were both amazing," Izzy says. "I'm so fucking proud of you."

"I feel a bit weird," Lu admits. "And it was hot. But I still feel weird." He glances over to where Ed is a sticky, fucked-out mess, feeling an echoing twinge of arousal at the memory of him yanked between them both. "God… you haven't even had your hands on him properly, yet. And I feel like I need a rest."

"You can have one now," Izzy reminds him. "Both of you. I'm gonna let Eddie come round a bit before we keep going, too… you really did a number on him there."

He puts a hand on Lucius' jaw. "You really are beautifully strong, when you let yourself take charge. It's more tiring than it looks, though, and I don't just mean physically, so give yourself space to breathe."

"Sorry if I used him too much… or got Pete too wound up again." Lu looks sheepishly at his other husband. "But it… it was too good to stop…"

Ed is still purring, now inching as close to Stede as he can. He's not sure he's got words back yet, but he is determined to let Stede know how happy and content he is. His ass hums in satisfaction, and he honestly might fall asleep if left quietly for much longer.

"Love you, love you so much," Stede keeps murmuring to him, stroking his hair. He looks so gorgeous and peaceful and happy, and right now Stede isn't even thinking about his own arousal because being curled like this is just too good.

"I don't mind, it felt fucking amazing," Pete reassures Lucius, head on his shoulder. "Maybe you could even help me deal with it…"

"You can definitely do that, whilst we're fucking Ed," Izzy says. "Though… might need to be sooner, given how out of it he seems. And, Lu… you don't have to apologise. You were amazing, and he clearly bloody loved it. Look how deep in subspace you put him."

"He…" Lucius blinks. "Really?" He'd never thought he'd get someone else there, but apparently he did. And that makes lightning rush down his spine.

Lu turns to Pete. "You liked me being like that? I mean… I could continue. If Izzy thought it wasn't rude…"

"I loved it," Pete breathes, his eyes dark and oh-so-honest. "I couldn't look away."

Izzy smiles, seeing the reaction in Lucius. "Oh yes, really. Look at him. He's so under, he's barely conscious. That doesn't happen unless you really have an effect on someone. And if you want to continue… well. I know you wouldn't forget that you're mine, but beyond that… I'm very happy to let you. Eddie needs a break, though, so… perhaps you should take care of Pete..?"

"You'd reel me in if I got too far… but… maybe I could take care of Pete and… Stede could 'help' a little?" Lucius asks. "Without going too far. If… if you wanted to keep Ed company while he gets his second wind…" He looks between Stede and Izzy, checking how much support and interest he's got.

Stede looks up at that, having been listening from where he's curled at Ed's side. "So long as Izzy takes care of Ed, I'm very in favour," he agrees. "And… so long as I can still fuck Ed before the end. I… I want him to have all four of us, like I did."

"Of course," Izzy replies. "I'll hold him, bring him round slowly, and Lucius will make sure you save yourself for him. Pete, on the other hand," he adds, to Lucius, "is all yours. And yes, I'll keep an eye on you. I don't think you'll need it, but I'll be right here if you do."

All Pete can do now is nod. A lot. Because yes please.

Lucius holds Izzy's face gently in both hands, leaning in to kiss him sweetly. "I'd never forget I'm yours. You're my Master. And I know you'll keep us all safe…"

But, hands still in place, he turns his head slowly towards Pete. "Of course, 'safe' might end up looking like Ed… Stede? Do you think you could hold Pete's wrists behind his back? And put him on the other footrest, like we had Ed?"

Stede – very happy to be directed right now – gives a nod. "Absolutely," he agrees. He kisses Ed softly once more, then gets up and goes to pull over the second footrest, so it's close by with plenty of space around it, and then moves in behind Pete.

"Come along, you," he says. "I think your lovely, wicked husband has plans."

"I can't wait," Pete enthuses, letting himself be manhandled a little even though he's not actually resisting in the slightest. Stede takes him over to the second footrest, dragging his arms behind his back and then bending him firmly forwards, so he's restrained with his ass up, just like Ed. And he moves to the side, still holding Pete's wrists, so said ass is nicely open for attention.

At the same time – and with a smile on his lips – Izzy moves over to where Ed is sprawled; moving in beside him so he can watch the others and stroke through the sleepy man's hair, letting him drift for the moment.

"Did you like the spanking?" Lucius asks Pete, both hands on his husband's ass, gripping tightly and kneading them with his fingers and palms. "I can't pull your hair, unless I grab your pubes, and that's not quite the same…"

"I definitely loved the spanking," Pete enthuses, leaning eagerly into Lucius' hands, longing for more. "You looked so fierce, and sure, and you made Ed yield… and if you wanted to do that to me too I'd probably explode…"

"Sounds like an invitation to me." Lucius looks over to Izzy, not for reassurance (though if he got any warning he'd stop), but to make sure Izzy is enjoying this, too.

It's so fucking weird to get into it from this side, but he also knows he's way down the pecking order. Stede being 'help' as well as himself means he's got company. The strokes are firm, regular to begin with, but moving between buttocks as he tries to keep it from being too predictable. It fucking hurts to do, but he's tuning that out to focus on how Pete is reacting. "You loved spitroasting him with me, didn't you? Making him ours? I bet Stede loved watching his slutty little pet get his holes used…"

"I did," Stede gasps. "He looked so happy, and he took it so well. You fucked him just the way he likes it… and you made him scream just the way I like." He's not trying to take control at all, but he is still technically in the 'middle', so it feels fine to enthuse about the screaming. Plus it really was good.

"He felt so amazing," Pete agrees, in between yelping in rapt delight at the spanking; aware every blow is going right to his dick. "And taking him between us was incredible… he's such a gorgeous bottom."

"Speaking of bottoms: yours is very nice, too." Lucius bends and takes a quick bite, teeth sinking briefly into one cheek. He kisses it better, then gestures for Stede to pull Pete up onto his knees. "And your dick… did his mouth get you hard again, baby? Did you get all wound up and need us to take care of you?"

"Yes," Pete exclaims, eagerly, and trying not to sound too desperate. "Yes, he felt so amazing, and you were so hot, and I need you, I need you, pleasepleaseplease." OK, so the 'not too desperate' thing didn't exactly last, but all of this is driving him out of his mind in the best way possible.

"Hold him." Lucius catches and holds Stede's eyes, and then locks in as he takes hold of Pete's cock, lifts it and keeps it where he wants as the other hand starts to swat at his balls. It's sharp, but the jolt is worse than the impact, and he doesn't relent when Pete starts to react. "Hold him tight." So the faster, sharper swats don't end up with him jumping away.

Stede grips both of Pete's wrists in one hand, so he can press in against the man's side and wrap an arm around his chest, too; making sure he can't move much. "I've got you," he breathes, "I've got you." Though… whether that constitutes reassurance or warning is up for debate.

Either way, Pete loves it, and the sharp blows have him jumping as much as is possible despite the restraint; head back and crying out in a mixture of pain and bliss. "Oh fuck! Oh fuck… Lucius… Lucius, please!"

"Please: what, baby?" Lucius asks, squeezing at his cock, half-way down the shaft as he roughly gropes his balls, stopping the blows for a moment to listen. Of course, the things he's doing now hardly count as any kind of respite. "What is it you need, Pete?"

"I need you to pull me apart!" Pete cries. "Please! I need you so badly, need you to break me in two! Don't stop… don't hold back… I want to take it, for you, for our Master, for our lovers… please!" He's aware he likely won't last long, given what he's already done, but he's still longing for every second he can get.

"Don't let go," Lucius says, but he's directing that to Stede with a growl as he grabs Pete's jaw in one hand and forces his head back over Stede's shoulder. "Look into his eyes when you break. You just destroyed his husband. You just destroyed Blackbeard and left him a quivering wreck. Look into Stede's eyes while I do the same to you."

He doesn't let up the grip, forcing the eye-contact, dropping his sac to bat at his dick with his free hand… then gripping him tightly and jerking as rough and nasty as possible. He wants to get him over the edge rapidly, to drag his body to pieces so he can surrender and relax, too.

Pete screams before Lucius even starts stroking him again, because he did just wreck Blackbeard, and that's… that's significant. He's a little overwhelmed at the realisation – especially at the trust required to do it – and it has him shaking before Lucius' hand starts to move.

And when it does, he screams a whole lot louder: his already-overstimulated dick protesting and adoring the onslaught in equal measure. He's glad of Stede's arms holding him, glad of the restraint, which means he can thrash through however many seconds it takes to make a second climax explode out of him; spilling everything he's got left and smashing him apart so utterly that he collapses as soon as it starts to fade.

"That's right, baby, that's right… good boy," Lucius purrs, his hand slowing by degrees but not stopping. Not right away. "So good for us all. Master is so proud of you."

Lu knows that definitively, and he leans in to kiss over Pete's throat, still keeping him pushed back to stare at Stede.

"Oh, Lu, doesn't he look beautiful?" Stede enthuses, seeing how deeply under Pete has gone. "You really got him there." And then some, judging by the way Pete is now only staying upright because Stede still has firm hold of him.

"That was stunning, Lucius," Izzy says, from where he's been watching, curled in against the still-drifting Ed. "You've got more of a knack for it than you realise."

"I just copy what I see you do," Lucius demurs, hand finally releasing Pete's cock. "Might need to put him somewhere comfy and safe. But I can hold him if Stede helps me get him there…"

"Of course," Stede says. "We can get him lying down on one of the couches, and you can curl up with him too, if you're ready to. He'll appreciate all the contact he can get."

From the soft murmurs Pete makes in response to this, he agrees, but isn't capable of saying much more.

"Come with me, baby. Let's get somewhere with a nice view. Izzy can't be intending to wait too much longer…" Lu – with Stede's help – gets Pete snuggled in as little spoon on the couch. He curls arms and legs around him, snuggling his own dick between his husband's thighs. If he gets too horny himself watching, that way he can fuck him slowly while they watch.

"That's it, there you go," Stede says, stroking a hand over Pete's head and then down Lucius' arm. "That was just gorgeous, all of it, and you absolutely made Ed's day already, even though we're not done yet."

"We certainly aren't," Izzy concurs, running fingers through Ed's hair again. "You alive down there?"

"Mweh," Ed replies, though it's a very decidedly happy noise. He's been drowsily watching, waiting for Izzy to be ready for him. (He's been certain he's ready for some time, whether his body agrees with him or not). A long, contented sigh and he tries to wriggle appealingly.

"Oh, I think this one's ready for his next round," Izzy says, flashing Stede a little smirk. "You ready to watch me ream his brains out?"

"God, yes," Stede replies, his tone dreamy as well as enthusiastic. "I know he's been looking forward to it. Give him everything."

Ed manages a nod, and then throws his weight sideways into Izzy, still too restrained to do much else. "Please… need you. Please…"

He does. He's not actively horny, not right now, but he's feeling mellow and affectionate. He likely will get horny with not much effort, but he's happy knowing it'll come. Hopefully like he himself.

Izzy can't deny how much that tone affects him. How much he can feel Ed longing for this: not just because he likes a good fucking, but because it's him. Them. He's aware the other man really has been wanting to do this for some time… and he's not the only one.

And now they're about to.

He moves around behind Ed, urging him to spread his legs again and reaching for the lube to slick his cock. "You ready?" he breathes. Ed's already been fucked hard, so he doesn't need to take this too slowly… but he still wants to savour the moment.

And as he starts to push in… oh, he savours it. "…Fuck, you feel amazing…" he breathes, sliding himself deep. "That's it, that's it… oh god, Eddie…"

Ed breathes out, emptying his whole chest in a low note of bliss. He's too worn-through to resist yet, but it feels too good just as it is. The pressure, the warmth, the skin-on-skin… He lets the realisation sink into his bone marrow and then gasps out another: "Please… Izzy… oh… oh… ffffuuuuuuckkkkk…"

When Izzy's sheathed all the way to the root, he pauses a moment; hands stroking Ed's hips as he enjoys the connection, physically and emotionally. "Brace," he breathes.

The first movements are firm, but slow, but it's hard to stay slow when every second is making Izzy want and need this more, and it's not long as all before he's gripping Ed's hips more firmly and starting to fuck him hard. And… fuck, but that's everything he hoped it would be.

"Oh fuck… fuck, that's good…"

"Pleasepleasepleasepleaseohgodpleasepleaseplease… oh god, oh GOD, oh GOD OH FUCK, STEDE! STEDE! HOLD ME PLEASE FUCK FUCK FUCK!" Ed fights to brace as he's been ordered, but he's struggling with no hands at his disposal and Izzy riding his ass like that. Even when he tries to grip and tighten, it's too electric and explosive for him to keep any form of self-control. "Izzzzzyyyyyy! Stede! FUUUUCK!"

Stede tries to pick his jaw up off the floor and scramble in to help; getting his arms around Ed's head and shoulders and holding him tight. "I've got you, love, I've got you. You look so incredible, so amazing… doesn't he have such a gorgeous cock?"

When Izzy sees that Stede has Ed braced, it makes him go faster; throwing all his strength into reaming the other man as hard as he can. "That's it… that's it… you really are a fantastic bottom… we've got you, I promise…"

Ed is going out of his mind with this, if he had any mind left from Pete and Lu before. He's so glad Stede is holding him. It helps with the stability, for one thing, but more than that it means he's there. Here. His husband is right here with him, and this is correct and he can utterly revel in the moment. Stede's enjoying this, as much as Ed enjoyed watching him get fucked by each of their lovers. It's right.

And it feels so, so good. He really does enjoy a thorough railing, and Izzy is definitely giving him that, after two very vigorous toppings before. He howls loudly in bliss, so grateful that they'll go to this effort for him. It makes him feel wanted, special… cared for. He knows they desire him, of course he does, but when he's taking a more passive role like this it's easy to feel guilty about not giving back as much. At least he knows for sure that Izzy does prefer to top, and he's very secure in knowing that Stede likes to switch… but Lu and Pete going so hard at him as well just means he's spoilt rotten.

"I'm yours… all yours… oh god… oh god I'm – I'm close… oh… S-Stede… p-please… stop me…" He wants so badly to last, wants to be the best bottom he can be. It's imperative he gives Izzy the fuck they've both wanted for what feels like forever.

Stede shifts around slightly, still keeping Ed as braced as he can, and reaches to grab hold of his dick and grip it tight. It won't be as effective as a cockring, but it'll definitely help. "That's it, love, we've got you…" Part of him wants to make a move to join in too – like Ed and Izzy did for him – but the pair of them look so incredible that he also doesn't want to interrupt. "Oh, Ed… you look so good, and you should see Izzy's face, he's in heaven…"

He's not wrong. Izzy is gasping roughly in bliss, as he tries to hold out as long as possible too; wanting to prolong this for every second he can get. "Don't worry if you can't hold back," he manages. "I can always fuck you through the overstim…"

Ed screams, head shaking vigorously. "Oh god! Only – only – Stede, too… please… need him, too…" Though the thought of him pushing in to use his body after he's already bottomed out (pun certainly intended) is too much. Instead of stopping him, Stede's hand just gives him something to fuck into and the promise-threat from Izzy has him bucking with all his remaining strength through the very dry climax. "FUUUU----!"

"Stede, get over here," Izzy says, not really slowing at all. "We'll ream him together."

It's a testament to how much Stede likes that idea that he practically falls over trying to scramble around behind Ed, next to Izzy, who reaches out an arm to tug him in close. "Lube," he says. "Rapidly. I need you inside him with me."

Stede grabs the lube, slicking his cock, and putting a hand out to grip Ed's waist as he uses the other to bring his cock in to where Izzy is already impaled in his husband; finally moving slower so that Stede can do this. A deep breath, and a teasing stroke along Ed's stretched rim, and… he starts to push in too; slowly and carefully, his mind almost shorting out at how it feels to slide into his husband along the length of Izzy's dick.

The arm around his waist really is helpful in that respect. "Now fuck him with me," Izzy urges.

And… they start to move. Together. Hard.

"!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Ed's mind becomes nothing but bliss. He's so, so full and so, so tight and there's both of them inside him. Two men – one who owns his collar, the other who holds the leash – who he adores without measure. They're both inside him, fucking him, stretching him wide and giving him everything he could ever have dreamed of. More. He'd worried, once, that loving Stede would mean losing Izzy.

He needn't've worried. It means he's got them both, plus two more men who he loves unquestioningly. And he's being fucked so hard he's losing any remaining grip on sanity. Ed can't bounce back, or push, or do anything other than flail and arch, spine dipping as his ass lifts to offer everything he has and is. He's pretty sure he hasn't stopped climaxing since he started, though what counts as an orgasm is now hazy and confused because it just keeps feeling and then he finds a second wind (third, twenty-third, whatever). That means he fights, using his considerable thigh and torso strength to ride them both on his way to oblivion.

"Oh GOD!" Stede howls, as much from the emotional impact as the physical. "Oh… Ed… Izzy… that's… fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckFUCK!" It's just more than his mind can process all at once: the incredible sensations, and the intense awareness of precisely what he's doing and who with and what it all means. "…Izzy… Izzy, hold me!" he flat-out begs. "It's so much… it's so… just look at him!"

He feels Izzy's arm tighten around him more; keeping him close and upright, as he stares down in wild-eyed amazement at the view: Ed, bound in beautiful rope, bent over and out of his mind, with both of them buried to the hilt in his ass. It's just… it's everything. He manages to look over to where Lu and Pete are sprawled on the couch, blissful and watching, and he knows without a doubt that this is one of the most perfect moments of his life.

"I love you," Stede cries out, soul-deep and wrecked. "I love all of you so damn much."

"Fall apart with me," Izzy urges: a rough, hot breath in his ear that makes his spine feel like it's been electrified. "Push him for one more moment, and then we let go."

Over on the couch, Lu has Pete's legs pushed together as he fucks them, humping his ass and stroking against his balls. He's close again, and he's holding his husband firmly. "Babe… babe… oh god. Look at them."

And from the soft, keening sound Pete makes, he's looking, all right. He can't say much right now, but he's sure as hell looking.

Ed tries to push into the two men behind him, but he's so fucked out of his brains that he can't. "Pleeeeeease…" he squeaks out. "Oh… oh… hgggnnnhhh… Love… you… l-love… please…"

"Now?" Stede gasps, somewhat desperately. "Izzy?!"

"…Now," Izzy breathes in his ear. In the Voice.

It kicks Stede over the edge so hard and so fast that his breath catches for a long, long instant, and then explodes out of him in a scream that rocks the rafters; matched by the intensity of the orgasm that rips through his body in waves of white-hot ecstasy. He's caught between trying to keep fucking Ed, and thrashing in overwrought bliss, and it's only Izzy's grip that keeps him from keeling sideways in the midst of the throes.

Which is impressive, because Izzy's climax hits long before Stede's has abated. He cries out in triumph, in happiness, and absolutely in pleasure as he and Stede spill more or less in unison inside Ed; sealing their bond in a way he'd previously thought he never could.

He and Stede are pretty much holding each other up by the end: shaking in echoed bliss as their climaxes fade, and trying to stay impaled in Ed as long as possible.

Lu yelps in his own release as he watches the others, and then grips Pete's waist. "…you… you guys n-need… any help?"

Because Ed is utterly collapsed under them. He's stuffed full, his ass stretched and soaked, and he's pretty sure he's climaxed so many times that he's died.

"I've got him," Izzy says, sounding somewhat wrecked but still mostly coherent. "Stay with Pete, but get ready to make some room for Ed once we can bring him over."

It's going to take a little while. He looks to Stede first, who is still clinging to him. "Pull back slowly," he urges. "Then do you think you can hold Ed whilst I untie him?"

Stede gives a hazy nod, but he's with it enough to do as he's asked. "…Yes… yes, I can…" he manages, as he pulls back. "I can hold him. I need to hold him."

His Ed, his precious Ed. Their precious Ed. Stede reaches to gently, gently lift Ed's torso so he's kneeling upright, then pushes the footrest aside and moves directly in front of him, so Ed can collapse against his chest, with Stede holding him tight.

"I've got you, love, I've got you, that was so amazing," he murmurs, hoping the emotion will sink through even if Ed can't process the words. "Just relax now, just breathe, we're going to take care of you."

Behind Ed, Izzy has pulled back as well, and now he moves in to start work on unbinding the ropes holding Ed's arms, and wound around his chest. It takes a moment or two, and he tries not to rush, because he doesn't want to knock the man out of the haze he's drifting in.

Fuck, but… all of that just happened.

"Loveyousomuchloveyouloveyou." Ed lets the words pour out of him as he falls into Stede's arms, utterly blissed out and wrung into pieces. "Oh god… Stede… Izzy… oh… I…"

Emotions all rush through him unchecked, all of them much bigger than he could possibly contain. He feels them swirl around him, and though they're huge, it's not terrifying. Everything is good, everything is right, and he's theirs in a way he wasn't before. Except he was, but now they've made the commitment deeper.

He wants to press his thighs together so nothing dribbles out, but he's so damn tired and his body doesn't want to do anything he says. "…in me… all… all of you… in-inside…" When his arms are unbound they just drop, unable even to hold on. He feels every bit of his body, but it's not his to move. He feels a lot more than his body, too, and he knows he's completely and utterly safe. They have him, they're holding him, and all he needs to do is let them.

"Ed… my love, shhhh, it's OK, it's OK," Stede keeps telling him, trying to reassure him even though he knows Ed is OK, and it's all just big. "We have you, you did so well, so incredibly well, and now we're going to take care of you, I promise, I promise."

Once he's finished unbinding all the ropes, and Ed is free to move, Izzy looks over to the couch. "Stede… if you help, we can get him on there next to Lu and Pete, and then we can all curl up. That sound good?"

Stede nods rather a lot. "Perfect. It sounds perfect. Just need to hold him."

Between them, they lift Ed up enough to guide him over to the couch and down: Izzy moving into the middle so he can reach Lu and Pete more easily too, and finding Stede guiding Ed's head to rest on Izzy's lap. "Keep petting his hair," Stede says, very softly. "He'll love it." And he curls in next to Izzy, where he can run his hand down Ed's side and over his ass; gentle and caring now.

"Lu… Pete…" Ed calls out, quietly, asking for them, too. He wants to feel them all. Needs to. Needs to feel them all holding him, keeping him safe, keeping him theirs. Each touch is a balm, and he's raw and bleeding his emotions all over the room.

"We're here," Lu tells him, rustling fingers over his scalp, still cuddling Pete tight as they press into Izzy. "We're here, babe. You're so fucking hot like that. We're all here."

"Youdon'tknowhowmuchIloveyou!" Ed doesn't have a filter to stop himself from saying it, because his mind is at the mercy of the rapid currents inside, now. "Oh god… I can… I can feel you all… don't ever leave me, don't. I'd die."

"We won't, love, we won't," Izzy says, fiercely protective. "All of us are here, and all of us are staying here. Forever. You can relax, you can breathe. That was so fucking incredible… all of you. Pete, are you conscious yet?"

"…mnhhh… yeah…" Pete manages, still in a happy haze of bliss. "…m'here… so good…" He snuggles in more, wanting as much contact as he can get, and reaching out a hand to touch Ed too.

"But – but – you… you don't get it." Ed tries to find hands, arms, and wrap his own around them. He's not sure whose they are, just that he's clinging to them. "You – you – can't. You can't. I love you so much it hurts. I'm – I'm--"

Being held by the four people he loves most in the world, who love him back, who want him happy. It's blowing his mind, and the subspace pool he's floating helplessly in just redoubles and echoes back it all onto him. "I'll… n-never… love you back enough… to – to – thank you."

"You already do, Ed," Stede tells him, gripping his hand fiercely. "You love us all so incredibly much. You take care of us and you let us take care of you. We know."

"We do," Izzy agrees. "And Stede's right, you love us back more than enough. You love us so hard that sometimes we have to make you take a step back and relax, because you're so focused on us. You're so, so full of love."

"…s'beautiful…" Pete tries to add; barely-coherent but needing to join in. "You. Your love. S'beautiful."

"You should see Stede and Izzy right now," Lu murmurs. "They're head over heels for you. They love getting you like this, just like you love doing it for us." A beat. "Hell, you even made me… toppy… and Pete liked that a lot."

"…c'n… do… again?" Ed asks, quietly. "Not… now. But… again?" He's aware there's certain other people who would enjoy things before he gets another turn, or that they could do some of this again with other combinations, but he does want to ask. Because he's not asked enough, before, and he wants them to know he'll try harder. "…please…"

"Fuck, yes," Izzy answers at once. "Not right now, but definitely again. And not just because it was fucking incredible, but also because you fucking deserve it."

"…and… Lu..?" Pete murmurs, looking hopeful.

"If Lu wants to go toppy like that again, I'm very happy to encourage it," Izzy replies. "I know the mood has to be right, but if it is… yes, absolutely. If you'd like that, Lucius? I get the feeling you might. I sure as fuck loved watching."

"…if… uhm. If it… works…" Lucius blushes. "I… I mean, I'm… I can only with Pete, and… apparently Ed and Stede… but… if… if everyone's… into it, and… when it… yes? Okay, someone just make me shut up before I make even more of a fool of myself. Izzy… help?"

"It's all right, I promise," Izzy tries to reassure him. "If you want to talk about it outside of a scene, we can. But I think it's fair to say all three of them were very into it, and I was very into watching it. You have a fiery strength, when you let yourself show it, and it's OK if you want to indulge that, even if only occasionally. And… if you want to work with me, we can try that too."

"If it's about… making people feel good, then yes." Lucius nods, and then leans in to kiss Izzy's jaw. "I like that. I think… I like making people take being enjoyed… But right now I'm way too off my head to make any sense, and I don't even know how you can string words together. Because… fuuuuuuckkk…"

Ed agrees on that last word, nodding what he feels is vehemently, but is much hazier in reality. "Fuck."

"…a great deal of practise," Izzy points out, with a little smile. "And yes, it's about making people feel good. First and foremost… it's always about that." He knows sometimes it's more complicated, especially if they're tackling some problem or trauma, but at the heart of it… happiness and pleasure are the goal.

He runs a hand through Ed's hair. "As for you… you're gonna need another one of the special cushions, but somehow I doubt you'll mind. Don't try to rush to come around… let yourself drift on how you're feeling right now. On how fucking much we all love you."

"And how gorgeous you are," Stede adds. "Because that… you were just… ohmyGod."

"…s'cause… of you," Ed insists, and tries to grip Stede's hand. "Felt… so safe. So good. I… yes."

"I'm not sure we're going to get much more sense out of him than 'fuck' and 'love' and 'yes'," Lucius giggles. "Which is in full knowledge that I'm regularly just as bad. It's just… cute to see Ed like that. Or Stede. Or Pete…"

"It's one of my favourite parts," Izzy says, softly. "If you can get someone like that… you know they're happy, and trusting, and feeling safe. You know you got them right where they need to be."

His free hand reaches for Lucius, stroking the side of his face. "We can talk about it more afterwards, if you're wanting to explore it more. For now… I think everyone needs to rest." Himself included, even though he's more coherent than most.

But they're sure as fuck where they need to be, and it's still only going to get better.

Clearly this holiday was a good idea.

Chapter Text

Breakfast is late the next morning, which no one is upset about. Ed is still very snuggly and spacey, not fully round from the extended trip through subspace. He's mulling a ridiculously large mug of hot chocolate and sighing like a newlywed on honeymoon. Which – technically – he sort of is again. He's got the fluffiest slippers mankind has ever seen (so fluffy that he's occasionally convinced he's actually stepping on a pair of angora rabbits), and he's making heart-eyes at Stede over the table.

The other three are getting heart-eyes, too, but Stede is getting the lion's share. Mostly because he knows what it means to them both that they've opened their relationships to this point. He's sure he's glowing, and also that Lucius has been saying something for a minute, now, and he hasn't processed it.

"Huh?"

"I told you he was still out of it!" Lucius throws a mini marshmallow at Ed's hot chocolate, which lands in and splashes.

"Sorry. Still buzzed."

"You didn't even hear what Stede said."

"I'm sure it was perfect." Ed beams. Stede is perfect.

Stede is beaming rather a lot too. He loves seeing how happy Ed is, and knowing he helped make it happen. He reaches for his husband's hand, adoringly. "I was just saying that all the forecasts have tonight down as our best chance to see the Northern Lights," he reiterates. "Solar activity just peaked, and the skies are supposed to be clear for the next couple of days. And… we can do a trip up to that ice bar I was telling you about. They do night-time events when there's aurora forecasts. It sounds absolutely magic."

"So long as we can take our big coats, I'm game," Izzy agrees.

"Heck, yes, it sounds amazing," Pete concurs. "And super-romantic."

"You're so romantic," Ed coos, gazing first at Stede, then over at Pete. "I love you. So much."

"I think that's a vote all around. Plus: if you asked that man to top right now he would, but I'd quite like…" Lucius pauses. "Is it wrong to say I'd like the first 'real' time to be when you're feeling a bit more… grr?"

"It should be special," Ed agrees. "I'll do whatever any of you want."

"You definitely want 'grr'," Stede stage-whispers, along with some very emphatic nodding. "Trust me."

"A little bit of a break before our next round of polycule bingo would be sensible," Izzy adds. "I realise it's hard to resist, but we do still have the best part of two weeks, and we want to last… and be able to walk by the end. But we can think about how we're going to play it, if that won't give everyone blue balls…"

"…my balls are still enjoying the special cushion," Stede points out, shamelessly. "So I'm game."

"Well… I should open up by: does anyone have any requests other than 'grr'? Which, apparently, is something that comes recommended by Stede…" Lucius starts.

"You want Stede all 'grr', too. Mmm. You've seen him have at me when he's feeling it. Oh god yes." Ed nods thoroughly. "Give me… a night or something… I'm sure I'll be back to growly."

"You don't need to rush. You… you look happy." Lu smiles, very fondly. "It's good to see you still relaxed."

"I'm on holiday." Ed sighs, very, very extensively. And very, very contentedly. "Mmmm, gonna relax sooooooooo hard."

"I also vote for growly," Pete chips in. "Not that I don't also like soft and romantic, but… growly."

"I have a suggestion, if you want," Izzy says. "It starts off with the four of you, which is not me leaving myself out, but me orchestrating something that'll be hot as fuck to watch."

"Oooh, do tell," Stede replies.

Izzy smiles. "Lu and Pete bent over, with you two reaming them side-by-side, and then…" a gesture of crossing over, "…you switch places, and ream the other."

"Do… do we get you, too?" Lucius asks, hopefully. "Maybe? We could take turns licking and sucking you… because… hnnnnghhhh…"

"Probably… won't manage to spill fully twice rapidly, but if that's not an issue, we can swap again again… if… if people want?" Ed offers.

"You could always give 'em a good spanking whilst you warm back up," Izzy points out, whilst Pete nods emphatically at Ed's suggestion. "And I can be involved too, using their mouths… although we definitely might need a little pause before the two of you go to town on me."

"…at once?" Stede asks, hopefully.

Izzy nods. "I'm game if you are."

"…is it… too soon to say I've got ideas about that?" Ed asks, sucking his lips in so far they vanish. Because he does. Rather a lot of ideas. "Not… not all of them involve a bed… I mean. To start off with…"

"You can't say that and not elaborate," Izzy points out. "So, come on, share with the room." He's confident it'll be something he's happy with, but he still wants to know.

"Uhm…" Ed wriggles. "Something like… not you restrained, but something thrown over the beams that you can hold onto for support… So you can be upright, and we can drive up into you…"

Izzy's eyebrows go up a little, but certainly not in objection. "That could be interesting," he says, with a smile. "Get some ropes draped artistically, at just the right height… yeah, I could go for that. Not sure I've bottomed standing up… possibly ever."

"You'd still have as much control as you wanted… hands in ropes or on shoulders – and if we're on either side of you, you'd be very safe and stable…" Ed glances to Stede for his reaction. "And gravity would pull you all the way down…"

"Uhm, do we get to do that as well at some point?" Lucius asks. "You can tie us up if you want. I know I'm speaking for Pete, here, but… yes, please?"

"Seconded, and then some," Pete agrees, nodding fiercely. "Lots of that. Especially if all three of you were domming us at once… hnnnng…"

"Oh, I'm sure we can make that happen too," Izzy replies. "We want to take advantage of all these lovely beams whilst we've got 'em."

"I'm definitely in favour," Stede adds, giving Ed a bright smile. "Giving, receiving, any which way… it all sounds amazing."

"…how… good is the forecast?" Lucius gives big eyes. Big, hopeful, knowing he's likely to be shot down eyes.

"For tonight, it's the best we're likely to get," Stede has to point out. "And I do think it's true that a little break so we can all still walk is a good idea…"

"Plus, anticipation is part of the fun," Izzy adds.

"…the fun is also part of the fun…" Pete has to say. "But… you're right. Plus, ice bar! That's gotta be… cool, yes?"

If he gets bits of croissant thrown at him, it's his own fault.

***

The ice bar is indeed cool, in both senses of the word, and it's made even better by the fact that they're treated to a very impressive display of the Northern Lights midway through their evening. A lot of pictures are taken, and eventually they end up all wrapped in a giant faux-fur blanket at the bar's outdoor viewing area; drinking extremely cold drinks and making happy noises as they watch the spectacular display.

It also means they're all very in favour of just going to bed by the time they make it back to their lodge, and no one feels the need to get up early the following morning.

Which in turn means it's late afternoon before the mood starts turning towards their next scene.

"Well," Izzy says, leadingly, "given that we've done Stede and Ed Bottom A Lot… maybe it's about time we moved onto Stede and Ed Top A Lot. If everyone's in the mood?"

He suspects he knows the answer, but it's polite to ask.

"I volunteer as tribute!" Lucius says, hand shooting up. "And… lube assistant. Or basically anything. Especially if there's 'grr'. Is there 'grr'? I hope there is…"

Ed claps a hand over his mouth to stifle the laugh. "I could be persuaded for 'grr'. What about you, Stede? You want to get all three Captains in equally grr-y states?"

Stede gives a rather wicked smirk. "Oh, I'm feeling it," he replies. "I've done plenty of soft so far… and I'm in the mood to switch it up a little…"

"You might need to warm up properly," Pete says, sagely. "Emotionally, as well as physically. So… maybe you could give us a nice thrashing?"

Izzy chuckles. "Someone's asking for it!"

"But very politely, sir," Pete adds.

"Go fetch your collars," Ed instructs, voice level. "Clean up and strip while you're at it. Fetch the main play bag with toys and rings, too. When you're nice and ready come back… so we have a minute to prepare for you."

Lucius springs up into a salute. "Sir, yes, Sir!"

Pete follows suit, and then hurries off after him, leaving the other three alone.

"Got something in mind, have you?" Izzy says to Ed, looking intrigued. "What are you thinking?"

"Wellllll… They did seem to like the idea of being strung up. We could start them off over benches, work a nice, big plug into 'em… ring 'em… then string 'em up for the thrashing?" Ed looks between his conspirators. "Facing one another, so you can stand in the middle, maybe, and stroke their cocks when we're fucking 'em… then we could hang the ropes down for you between them so they get an up-close view when it's your turn?"

"Oh, don't you just love the way his mind works?" Stede enthuses to Izzy.

"I absolutely do," Izzy agrees. "And that should do nicely. They'll adore being face-to-face, too. Drives 'em wild if they can watch like that."

"Any preference who you fuck first, and who we finish in?" Ed asks. "And anything we want to drive them towards, other than post-orgasmic bliss?"

"I want to fuck Lu first," Stede answers. "He fucked me first, after all. And… maybe we start with me in him and you in Pete, then swap, and then swap again when we're close to finishing?"

"Let me finger and plug him for you and you've got a deal." Ed grabs Stede's hand, squeezing.

Then, looking to Izzy, "I know it's a bit different for you three, but you also haven't had collared husbands before. I mean and then gone to non-barriered penetration. Is there anything you wanna say, or get off your chest, first? No pressure, just an open invitation."

"I have no worries, no concerns," Izzy replies. "I already know I trust the pair of you with them utterly and completely, because I couldn't do this if I didn't. I love you both. I know you'll take care of them."

"We always will," Stede says, grasping Izzy's hand with the one Ed isn't holding. "And you too. We adore all three of you."

"And we're going to rail the ever-living daylights out of all three of you, too," Ed adds. "When those boys come back in, they're going to have no idea what's about to hit 'em." A beat. "Other than the floggers, of course."

"They'll love it," Izzy points out, with a soft smile. "Being surrounded by three growly doms like that? They'll be in heaven."

"And you?" Stede asks, with a leading smile.

"I'll be in heaven too, don't you worry," Izzy replies. "I don't do anything I don't want, so you can rest assured that I'm completely in favour of everything."

"Front-row view of us wrecking his boys? Hands on their dicks while we fuck 'em blind? Able to work all the front of their bodies while we work their backs?" Ed snorts. "Oh, he's gonna have fun. And then get to have them both panting over his face while we bounce him off our dicks… We don't have to finish there. But I sure as fuck want to start… Fuck, we do it right, you could drape an arm over each of 'em while we're fucking your brains out…"

"So long as they promise not to let their knees give way…" Izzy says, clearly very much liking that idea. "I know they'd be in favour too."

"They'll be back any moment," Stede points out. "You want to greet them with a solid wall of doms and see if they drop to their knees without us even having to ask?"

"None of us blink. Hold the line… until they cave." Ed agrees wholeheartedly. They really should set the scene from the first breath.

"And they will," Izzy adds, and then falls silent, because the sound of footsteps indicates the other two are almost here.

Seconds later, they step through the door, carrying the selection of things they were sent for, and clearly prepared for what's about to happen. Pete is the first through, and he freezes in the middle of putting things down; seeing the three doms looking suddenly steely-eyed.

He doesn't think he or Lucius have done anything wrong, but he's suddenly scrambling to work out what he should do rapidly.

"…Sirs?" he tries. "We… brought everything as instructed."

In the absence of any acknowledgement, Lucius' eyes dart to Pete and back. They don't look angry, but they do look stern. And they did ask for growly, didn't they? He lightly elbows Pete (very, very subtly), then picks up his own collar and waits for Pete to follow suit and agree with him.

Pete catches on at once, taking his collar from the collection of things – the rest left laid carefully on one of the couches – and looks at Lucius, trying to speak without words. They should kneel, right? They should. They should kneel. In the absence of any kind of orders or indications, it's the smart move.

So he moves closer, but not too close, and drops down on his knees, holding up his collar with his head bowed; trying not to look like he's vibrating with anticipation.

Lucius is in complete lockstep with his husband, dropping down next to him in a similar position. "Master, Sirs, we hope we've brought everything to your satisfaction. If not, please let me know so I can rectify the issue."

Ed stifles the little laugh. Always something, isn't it? Of course there is. It would be Lucius if he didn't have some clause or addendum. "Well, I'd say we were right," he remarks, cryptically, more to continue the mindfuck than anything else.

Izzy looks between the two naked men on their knees, hiding his pride behind a more implacable exterior. "I'd say we were," he concurs. "Not that I doubted us." Or them.

"But were we right all the way?" Stede adds.

Pete tries not to tremble in anticipation. He really, really hopes they didn't forget something. Or miss something.

Ed bends slightly, taking Pete's chin between his finger and thumb. He tilts his head up, then side to side, inspecting. A little harrumphing sound as he evaluates, and then he pats his head. "This one. How about that one?" he asks Stede, gesturing to Lu.

Stede steps in too, running a hand over Lucius' jaw and up into his hair, pulling his head back just a little. "Definitely this one," he says. "At least… to begin with."

Izzy paces around behind both of his boys. "Works for me," he declares. "I'll collar 'em, and then you can get started."

He reaches for Pete's collar first: taking it from his hands from behind and slipping it around his neck, buckling it in place; giving Ed a little smile that neither of the subs will see.

Ed doesn't wait for Izzy to finish with Lucius, hooking his finger through the O-ring of Pete's collar and tugging him to follow. He takes him across to one of the large, padded footrests and drapes him over it, making him kneel with his ass presented. There's one for each of the subs, placed side-by-side, but angled so they won't see where Izzy will hang the restraints over the rafters. They might hear, but they won't see.

"Present for me. Have to make sure you're nice and ready." He's already called dibs on prepping Lucius, so when he switches with Stede in a moment that'll be the first surprise. The first of many.

Pete's practically vibrating with anticipation as he's positioned; his dick already aching. At the order he braces himself so he can spread his legs wider, then reaches back to grasp his ass-cheeks, spreading as wide as he can and presenting his asshole. "I'll do anything you say, sir," he manages.

Off to the side, Izzy has collared Lucius too, which means Stede can now tug him upright in the same way Ed did for Pete. "Come along, you," he says; taking him over to the second footrest and bending him down across it. "Show me that pretty ass."

Lucius is very keen to comply, pushing up on the balls of his feet to offer his ass. "Like this, Sir? We cleaned up nicely to be ready for you."

And they did. Without getting too distracted or misbehaving… too much. Which is why he's already very, very horny.

Ed pulls the bag of tricks closer, getting out two rings and tossing one to Stede. "Shall we?" he asks.

Stede catches it, flashing Ed a grin as he looks between the two prone subs. "We shall," he agrees.

And they rapidly switch places, so that when a hand reaches around to grab Pete's cock and start sliding the ring onto him, it's Stede's, not Ed's. "Got to make sure you're nice and ready," he breathes in the other man's ear.

Pete gives a soft cry of shock, having expected it to be Ed, but he's immediately trying to push into Stede's hand just as eagerly. "Yes, sir; please, sir," he gasps. "For you, for both of you, for all of you… we want to give you everything."

"And you will," Stede replies, still soft and a little dangerous. "You will. Even if we have to take it."

"Oh, there's no 'if'," Ed purrs, being a little on the brutal side with Lucius as he rings him, too. "We're taking. Just like you two will."

The first penetration is a single finger, dry. He knows Lu won't suffer from that, but the shock still makes the man cry out. Ed swirls it, then gets hold of a moderately-sized plug. He slathers more lube than he needs over Lucius' hole, then drags the toy between his cheeks and pushes just to tease with the point. "You're going to need this so when we're ready to use you, we can slip right in. But it's going to be some time before we think you're ready to be used."

"Oh GOD, yes, please, yes! I am ready, I swear I am!"

Lucius squeaks when Ed drags his hair back, so firmly his eyes water.

"We decide that."

"Yessir! Sorrysir!"

At the same time, Stede gives Pete a rough slap right over his asshole; fingers toying at the rim before he too has a plug in hand. He lubes it up and shunts it into him, getting a desperately-eager scream for his trouble. "That's it, boy, that's it. You want to make us happy, don't you?"

"Yes, sir! I promise, sir! Please, please, take whatever you want."

"Oh, we will," Stede replies, toying with the end of the plug, before landing a couple of rough slaps over the top of it, jolting it inside the other man. "We will."

Seeing Pete take the toy so easily means Ed is perversely driven to torment Lucius a while longer. "See: Pete was ready. You aren't."

Lucius grunts in frustration, fighting the urge to snap back or object. He's very clearly ready. Physically, at least. Emotionally might be another matter.

"I'm… sorry. I'll try harder."

"What'd'ya reckon, Iz? He ready?" Ed asks, still holding Lu's hair and tormenting his ring.

Izzy has been watching in between starting to prepare the ropes for the next stage. He pauses at the question, deliberately dragging out the moment of 'consideration'. "Physically, yes," he says, when he finally speaks. "Mentally… I'd say he needs another little push. Maybe he should remind us of how much he wants to be good…"

"B-but – but if I – if I beg, then I'm being greedy and selfish and – and – trying to go faster than you think!" Lucius complains, suddenly worried. "I am physically ready, I promise! And – and I'm trying to be mentally! I am! I don't want to be a dick! I don't want to disobey, or – or – contradict you! I do want to be good! Please… tell me how? Please?"

As Lucius begs, Ed looks blatantly between the other two. "Satisfied?" he asks. He is perfectly able to judge himself, but he wants Lu to feel the three of them working together.

"Sounds like he's there to me," Stede concurs. "Izzy? You know him best, after all."

"I think he gave the right answer," Izzy says. "There's times when he wants or needs to be resistant… but this doesn't feel like one of them. So… go ahead and make him scream."

"Thaa-AAAAHHHH!" Lucius doesn't finish the gratitude because the plug is pushed in firmly. His balls clench in response, his upper thighs aching as the toy locks into place inside of him. He's a panting wreck just from that, and then the heavy-handed blows start to fall over his ass-cheeks and he's howling in shock.

Ed is pleased. Lucius – as the most accomplished masochist – is loud, but hard to startle or shock, usually. So to have caught him unawares to this degree is gratifying, and he doesn't stop the spanking; he flicks between sides and works over his ass and upper thighs, marking the pale skin bright pink with the blows. "There we go… got to get you nice and ready. This is just the pre-game."

"AARGH!" is the answer.

"I think you mean: 'thank you, Sir'?"

"AAAAGHHHYHHHOUUUU S'RRRRR….!"

Stede deliberately holds off for the first ten seconds or so: long enough for Pete to get an eyeful – and an earful – of what's coming. And then he's launching into a spanking volley of his own: all over Pete's ass and thighs, and almost immediately as firm as he can go. He knows both subs will love the intensity, and he wants them to get to enjoy as much of this as possible in subspace.

"That's it, boy, that's it… let me hear your gratitude too," he urges.

"THANK YOU, SIR!" Pete howls. He's played with Stede plenty of times by now, but it still takes him by surprise just how hard and rough the man can go, considering how at-odds it feels with his usual persona. Then again, he did learn the ropes by domming Blackbeard, so there's always been a lot kept beneath the surface.

Ed gestures to Stede in a 'switch?' question, once he's got Lucius rendered into a whimpering, blathering wreck. Apparently the idea of all three of them growly, plus being fucked properly, has had quite the softening impact. On some of him. Other parts are gratifyingly hard.

"We're not going to fuck you until you're so tender that even breathing over your back and butt has you whimpering," Ed promises. "We're going to make you really want it."

"IDOIDOIDOIDO!" Lu insists, with all his voice. "I do, Sir! Ohhhhgodyesssss…"

"Me too, me too!" Pete agrees, equally emphatic. "Please, please, we promise!"

Stede catches Ed's look and nods, and in mid-swing they both switch sides, so now he's spanking Lucius, and Ed spanking Pete, with no reduction in intensity or speed.

Pete certainly feels it. "Ohmyfuckinggod!" he cries out, as he realises that Ed is behind him now. "Oh god… oh fuck… please, please… we'll do anything, sirs, you know we will!"

"Oh, I know. So you just lie there and take this, and thank us, while we get you so ready you'll be coming just from the slightest breath on the back of your neck…" Ed delivers that around the uninterrupted spanking, pacing his breathing so he doesn't lose the volume in his voice. He watches each jolt and drop and twitch, loving how they seem to be eagerly slipping into a trance from the contact.

With them side-by-side, it's the perfect opportunity for some dual flogging. Which happens to be one of Izzy's specialities, so Ed – behind the subs' backs – points at the items, then shoots pointed fingers at the two, inviting Izzy over.

Izzy has the ropes mostly set up now: slung over the beams at the right points. None are going to be used for suspension, so it's a lot quicker and easier than it was when they did that, given there's far fewer safety concerns. And at Ed's wordless invitation he gives a nod, and a smile; retrieving a pair of shorter floggers from the equipment bag and pacing over to join them.

And then he gives a signal, silently telling Ed and Stede to land their – for now – final blows, and then step to the sides. It means that the instant they do, he can swing in with the floggers; striking both subs at once so fast that the chain of impacts is almost entirely uninterrupted.

He keeps going, too: launching into a rough, sharp volley of mirrored blows that dance between Lu and Pete: sometimes in unison, sometimes echoing. It's something he loves getting to do, because the focus required is so sharp and certain that it usually sends him into quite an intense headspace of his own.

"There, good boys," Ed coos, hand resting over Pete's collar. "Doesn't that feel right? Your Master loves taking care of you. You both take it so well. He's so excited to watch us screw you senseless. Don't be shy, let him hear you."

Lucius isn't being shy. Lucius is a mess. Something about the scene has him uninhibited and obedient, with very little urge to be picky or uppity. Instead, he's vocalising non-stop, every blow pulling more noises of bliss and surrender out of him. "Thank – thank you – Master – I – ohgodgod yes… please… don't stop, please…"

"That's it, that's it," Izzy says. "You're both doing so well. You're going to be so very pliant when the time comes for Ed and Stede to fuck you… so ready to yield and let yourselves be taken. And Ed's right… I'm going to love watching."

Pete is going under fast now: the flogging like a warm, sharp hug that's pulling him down, and it's clear in his suddenly-hazy voice as he tries to speak. "…want… make it good for you… promise… ohfuckohfuckyes… need you, need all of you… pleaseMasterdon'tstop!"

"Good boy," Ed purrs again, his voice ringing with praise and easy control. "Oh, you look so fucking good right now. So good. I'm going to really love sliding my cock into you. You fucked me so nicely… so I'll have to return the favour. I hope you're ready. I hope you know what you're getting yourself into…"

His hand is heavy on the back of Pete's collar, the other brushing fingers lovingly over his head. "Let your Master get you nice and relaxed. It's going to be like sliding home… until I grab your hips and fuck you into next Tuesday."

"I can't wait, sir," Pete gasps, eagerly. "I've wanted… wanted for so long… I promise I'll make it good!"

"And what about you, dear boy?" Stede says to Lucius; reaching to run a hand through his hair. "Are you going to be good for me? Have you wanted this for as long as your husband has wanted mine?"

"…Sir…" Lucius squirms. "I – I – can't – think – I--" He shakes his head, trying to work out the answer through the fog. It's not a disobedience, it's clear he's trying to process the question and answer. "Do – do you – do you just mean… fucking?"

Stede drops onto one knee next to Lucius. He knows there's always a risk when talking about feelings from times before they were all together… but, on the other hand, Ed regularly talks about having loved Izzy from long before he even knew Stede, and it doesn't upset Stede in the slightest to hear it. He'd known, on some level, that it was the case from very early on, and whilst he could never in a million years have guessed things would end up like this, it still makes perfect sense.

Plus… it's also a little harder for him – and, at the same time, easier – because he simply didn't know how he felt until everything clicked: first with Ed, and later with the other three. So he doesn't want to push into anything that might be too much, but he also doesn't want to hold off just because it did take him longer to work things out.

"That is what I meant," he replies, levelly. "But if there's more… you should share."

"He wanted Ed to fuck him before I wanted you like that," Lucius answers, as Stede clarifies. He wasn't trying to play awkward, it's just very hard to be sincere and open if you're also being flogged and you're in a cock ring with a plug up your ass. Not because of the sincerity part, but the 'having a serious conversation where you need to understand the question and think about it' part. "But I loved you first. I think. I don't know… I'd need to talk to Pete and work out when he first heard about Blackbeard. Can… can I answer that one later?"

Because now his analyst-mind is trying to piece together what Pete's told him to timeline it all, and also work out when he did develop feelings, non-romantically, and… "That was supposed to be a rhetorical question, wasn't it?" Oops.

"It didn't have to be, but you didn't need to go for an in-depth analysis," Stede points out, with a little smile (aware he'd probably have done the same thing if their places were switched and he was the one deep in subspace). "But I appreciate it all the same. Mostly I was just looking for some enthusiasm for the very, very firm fucking I'm going to give you when it's time…"

"I definitely do want that," Lucius confirms, and now puts his hands over his face. "Oh my god. I'm – I'm sorry. I – yes – please… put me out of my misery and… oh god, you were flirting and I didn't get it…"

"Now you get how we feel a lot," Ed tells Stede with a very, very fond smile. "See, it isn't just you."

"Please no one perceive me." Lucius buries head under his arms. "Oh my god."

"Which makes me feel better," Stede replies, his tone rather softer for the moment, as he runs a hand through Lucius' hair again. "It's all right. I get it. And I'm going to ream your brains out either way… even if it's starting to look like Izzy's already flogged them out…"

"I don't have any brains left," Lucius agrees, still trying to hide. "But I would very much enjoy the fucking. And… I apologise in advance if I get any… worse…"

"I'm sure you'll find a way to make it up to me," Stede breathes in his ear, suddenly wicked again. "When you're done screaming…"

Which is a perfect cue for Izzy to launch into another volley with the floggers: working up and over Lu and Pete's backs and all the way to the middle of their thighs. He's going at them hard, wanting them to feel a sharp mental push downwards, rather than a slow descent.

"AAAAUUUGHHH!" Screaming, Lu can do. And he does it loudly, because that's a lot of sensation all at once, when he's feeling emotionally vulnerable from the misunderstanding. Not in any unpleasant way, but very intense. Like everything is right now. "OH GOD OH GOD FUCKKKKKKKKK!"

"I had thought about fucking their mouths," Ed comments, lightly. "But we'd not get to hear those screams… so I guess I'm waiting for their asses."

"They do scream beautifully, don't they?" Stede agrees. "So honest and needy. I could watch and listen all day… take turns flogging them until they pass out, then wait for them to come round and carry on…"

"Oh, somebody's feeling it," Izzy remarks, flashing Stede a wicked grin. "For the record, they'd love it no matter how much they protested… though they'll love being reamed even more."

"…s'true, sir!" Pete gasps out, with what voice he has left. His whole body feels leaden and hot, and thinking isn't easy at all. "…we would. We would. Please."

"Doesn't mean when we've done fucking 'em, and then you, that we need to stop," Ed points out. "I mean, for one: we're gonna need some time to recover to properly see to you… so we can totally flog their fucked-out selves into oblivion. And if we've got anything left after we've buggered you blind…"

"OhmygodPLEASE!" Lucius squeaks. "Please! Please! Master… Master, please!"

"…For the record, that means you've absolutely got 'em," Izzy points out. "Though that's no reason to stop…"

One last, rough downward strike on either side, and then he lets the floggers fall and drops to his knees behind the two subs; toying with the plugs in their asses and then starting to spank firmly and surely right over the top, again and again, knowing the effect it will have.

He's right. "PLEASESIRPLEASESIROHMYFUCKINGGOD!" Pete howls. "Can't… can't… I… ohfuuuuuuuuck..!"

And he drops limp against the footrest, yielding so utterly that he can't even hold his head up.

Ed gestures 'that one' to Stede, as he walks around to Pete's ass. He lifts his hand, offering to take one buttock as Izzy takes the nearest from both subs, and immediately launches in to smack on the off-beat of Izzy's rhythm. "You reckon we could flog 'em into coming? They sure as fuck sound like they're ready."

"Lucius, definitely," Izzy replies. "I've done it before. Pete… given how far under he's going, it might work on him too. He's a lot more of a painslut than he ever thought. And even if he didn't, he'd enjoy trying… wouldn't you, boy?"

"…y's'r…" Pete murmurs. He's jolting under every impact, but only reflexively, and the rest of his body is slumped boneless against the footrest. "…y'rs…"

"You up for the challenge?" Ed asks Stede. "Get 'em to buck in those rings before we let 'em have it? I know you want to sink into that juicy ass, but if it's already quivering with pleasure before you even slide home…?"

"No! Oh god! No!" Not because Lucius doesn't enjoy the idea, just… he wants to get fucked sooner rather than later. Please.

Stede's eyes are dark at that. "Oh, I'm up for it," he agrees, with a wicked smile. "Izzy?"

"I want to watch the two of you do it," Izzy replies. "And when you're done…" a flick of the eyes over to the ropes, ready to restrain the two subs upright, but currently where they still can't see. "…you ream 'em senseless."

He picks up the two floggers, offering one to Ed and the other to Stede. "Make them scream for us."

"Hold their collars while we do," Ed asks, taking the flogger and flicking it through the air with a distinct crack. He knows just how to do that. "They're going to need you."

Before either of them can really brace, Ed starts on Pete's shoulders and upper back, working rapid figure-eights over the expanse of skin and muscle. He knows at least half of this is the psychology of it, and that contact alone would never work, but the two are so damn receptive right now that it just might work.

Izzy moves around to kneel at Lu and Pete's head-ends; reaching for the rings on their collars and holding tight. "That's it, that's it, good boys," he tells them. "Take it for all of us."

At the same time, Stede starts to work the flogger over Lucius: keeping the attention spread over his body but constantly pulling it back to strike over the plug in his ass, knowing it will build the sensation higher. And fuck, but both of them really are gorgeous the way they can take like this. He knows he himself has gotten better at it, and he likes to think he can submit much more easily now when the mood takes him, but the way Lu and Pete both just drop is something else.

"Master," Lucius begs, the pleading in his voice getting increasingly desperate. "Master… I… I… oh god. Oh godddddd…" Every damn stroke is pushing him further out of his mind, and he lifts his ass hopefully, wanting to be as tempting a prospect as possible. Having Pete next to him and Izzy right in front of him is just furthering the mood, making him need so badly he can taste it. "Please… I'm begging… I'll – I'll do anything… just… please oh god please please please!"

"You think we should take the rings off, and give them a chance?" Izzy says, looking between Ed and Stede. "Might work with how wound they are… and it really will leave 'em good and pliable for what you're gonna do to 'em next."

Stede's eyes flash to Ed. "I'm game if you are. I want to see if they really can do it… and how much they'll scream if so."

"If they do, take out the plug and fuck 'em with your flogger. They're smooth enough… and they'll make pretty tails while they're screaming for us." Ed nods to Izzy. "Do it. Let's get 'em really broken-in."

The words alone make Pete give a strangled cry of shock and longing, though there's so little breath left in his lungs that he can't project much, and any attempt to follow up the sound with words gets nowhere. But the emotion behind it all is quite clear.

"Deal," Stede agrees, and gives Ed a signal to say they should take off the rings in unison; stooping to grasp the ring on Lucius' dick and waiting for Ed to do the same with Pete.

And, when he has, giving a nod. They yank the rings free in unison, and immediately go back to flogging the two subs: both giving it everything they've got and determined to see if they can make Lu and Pete come screaming.

Lucius knows he's got permission. They wouldn't remove the rings if they didn't. He's held in place only by the perpetual fall of leather over his back, ass and thighs, plus the collar Izzy keeps him in place with. The hand closest to Pete shoots towards him, flailing until he can grab hold, howling and humping the footrest. "I'm – oh god – I'm cl-close – oh – oh god oh god right there, please, please, I--"

The endorphins jolt through him. The friction under his now-free cock is glorious, but it's just the finishing touch to his finishing. Before he can say more, he's bucking so fiercely the footrest rocks. The climax is good, sharp, but also feels like it's come far from his dick. It's… different. But oh so very, very good.

"Oh, look at him go," Ed purrs, the snap of tails catching the plug in Pete's ass. "You should learn from him. Let go for us."

As soon as Lucius is through the worst of the thrashing, Stede holds off on the flogging and reaches to yank the plug from his ass; pushing the flogger-hilt in in its place. It's longer than the plug, but slimmer, so it slides in easily, and he starts using it to fuck Lucius in the final throes of his climax, wanting to drive him into overstim.

Pete, meanwhile, is suddenly screaming in desperation, because he's simultaneously so close and somehow so far, and he doesn't know how Lucius makes it look so easy… only then the flogger catches the plug in his ass just right; jolting it right where he needs that last bit of pressure, and suddenly he feels his whole body just give as a hot, pulsing, very strange climax bursts through him. It draws a ragged scream from his lips, and he clings to Lucius' hand as though he's the only thing preventing Pete from falling sideways off the world.

Ed gives Pete two strokes more with the flogger before he's following suit with Stede, flipping it around and replacing the plug with the handle. It's been sanitised, there's no holes, and it may just have been designed with this kind of double use in mind.

They certainly look good as they're plunged into the writhing subs in front of them, and he has his hand in the dip of Pete's spine to keep him in place for the torment.

Lucius howls at the new stimulus, made somehow more hot by the leather tails that glance and brush against his calves as Stede buggers him with it. He's a wretched, glorious mess of extreme sensation and very, very deep subspace that's going to submerge him the moment the stimulus slows.

"That's it, that's it," Izzy purrs, still holding the rings on his husbands' collars, and watching them in proud delight. "You're doing so fucking well, both of you. So fucking well. Just let go, now. Let go."

It's simultaneously easy and impossible, and the two things at once, which Pete can't put into words but knows is true regardless. He's aching and overwrought, and painfully aware that this is still just the start, but at the same time his mind is sinking deeper and deeper into slow, easy surrender: like a great, dark blanket reaching up to wrap around him and hold him tight, but safe. He tries to say something, but nothing more than a tiny murmur comes out, and he can't manage anything more.

Lu's fighting to keep hold of Pete's hand, but his arm is shaking from the effort. He wants to get closer, to snuggle, to curl up and rest. He needs to, but he knows he won't be able to. Each little twitch and half-drop of his arm is followed by him trying to course-correct and keep hold.

Ed grins, his arm slowing, and he grabs Stede's collar to pull him in close. "You're a fucking beast. I fucking love you, Stede Bonnet. So kiss me like you mean it."

Stede feels just as fired-up after that gorgeous display, and he reaches for Ed at once: grabbing his face in both hands and kissing him fiercely-hard; a growl slipping his lips as the kiss breaks. "I love you too. That was fucking incredible. And I love getting to dom with you."

He glances down at the sprawled, panting subs. "…You think these two are ready to get reamed?" It's probably a good thing they've got ropes prepared, because neither of them look like they'll be able to stand without help.

Ed looks down at Pete, then – keeping the flogger handle inside him – tugs up to make him tilt his hips or suffer. "They look pretty open to me. Are we going for rings or using self-control? For us, I mean?"

"Rings?" Stede suggests. "To make sure we can give them both a good reaming… each. We want to make certain to last long enough." Plus rings are a lot less maddening when you're in control of them. It's being ringed by someone else that means courting insanity.

"Iz, you able to look after these two while we get ready?" Ed asks. He wants to be naked and ringed before they hoist them up, so they can launch right into it.

"Oh, I think I can handle' em," Izzy says, looking up with a little grin. "Might have to fight the urge to slide into their pretty mouths whilst they're all wrung-out and pliant… you know they're hard to resist like this."

He won't, though, because he wants to make sure they're ready for Ed and Stede. Nothing wrong with a few light threats, however.

"You could always tease 'em and only let 'em feel, but not swallow…" Ed can't help but suggest more torment.

And fuck but he wants to ravish Stede right now. He's so damn hot when he's all dommy like this, and he has to get his hands all over him to strip him. Just because he's saving himself for Pete doesn't mean he can't enjoy this first. "C'mere, love. God, you're so sexy when you take over like that…"

"Me? You should see you," Stede enthuses, with just as much fire in his tone, as he works on stripping Ed at the same time. He's so fucking gorgeous when he's soaring like this, and Stede is enjoying it just as much in return. "Kiss me."

Hand out, he yanks Ed in and pushes another fierce, adoring kiss to his lips, pressing their foreheads together. "We're going to wreck them between us. It's going to be incredible."

"I know I'm gonna feel the warmth from where you've been, the trembling around my dick that you've put into him… fuck. I get off so hard watching you fuck." Ed holds the back of Stede's head, keeping him close, as he reaches down to stroke his cock in eager anticipation.

It really is so hot. Ed knows for sure he wouldn't feel anything like as turned on if it was just a random dick or hole. The emotion is a massive fire in his loins. "Knowing they want you, love you so much… seeing how fucking happy you are… I want to see Lu's face while you're fucking him. I want to know both of you are watching me fuck Pete…"

"Oh, we will be," Stede says, leaning into that hand. "And we'll be loving the view. You're an absolute powerhouse when you go for it."

His hands stay on Ed's face, breath hot against his lips. "Come on," he urges. "I want to do this. I want to make them both scream in bliss, and know it's because of us."

Ed slips the ring onto Stede's cock, then gives it a loving slap for good measure. "You're ready. Have at him."

Stede gives a gasp of delight as he shunts the other ring onto Ed's cock right after. "Likewise. Let's give Izzy a show."

He turns to where the two subs are sprawled – Izzy watching them with a quiet smile on his face – and reaches to take hold of Lucius. "Come on, you, up you get. It's about time I gave you the fucking you've been asking for…"

Lucius murmurs in confusion, but staggers upwards. "S'r?" he slurs, wondering where he's going.

"You want a hand with that one, then help with mine?" Ed asks, standing behind Pete and giving him a quick, sharp swat.

"I think that might be wise," Stede agrees. "He is quite under already. I hope he's going to be coherent enough to appreciate this… or we might have to bring him round and go again."

With Ed helping, it's easy enough to take Lucius over to one of the sets of ropes that Izzy has prepared: binding his wrists with a careful pattern to spread the weight, and hoisting them high enough so he's held standing with his arms above his head.

"We're going to go get Pete now," Stede murmurs in Lucius' ear, once they're done. "But don't you worry, I'll be right back…"

"…Master?" Lucius whimpers, looking longingly towards Izzy. He doesn't want to distract them from Pete, but he also wants to feel… not-alone. His brains thrashed out, he's in the need-to-cuddle-now mode.

Ed takes Pete's weight, holding him steady and positioning him to face Lucius. "There we go… you'll be able to see each other. I know how much you like that."

"…yssr…" Pete murmurs, trying to be as emphatic as he can – because he really does like it – even though he's so very under.

Once Ed and Stede have started moving Pete, Izzy gets up and paces over to Lucius, knowing he'll be craving the contact and wanting to make sure he gets some whilst he's waiting. "You're doing so well, my boy, so well," he tells the other man, softly. "I'm so proud of you. So proud of your strength… and how fucking gorgeous you look right now."

"They're going to fuck us," Lucius blurbles to Izzy, eyes bright with longing and adoration. "Oh god… I want it so much. I want it so much I went stupid."

Izzy gives a soft chuckle. "I know," he says, stroking Lucius' hair back from his face. "But it's all right. I think they're both flattered. And I'm gonna love watching the pair of you with them, I promise. There's no one else I could ever let do this apart from Ed and Stede… and you'll get to enjoy watching them with me if you can still see at the end…"

"OhhgodIcan'twait, it's gonna be sooo hot." Lucius sighs, dreamily. "So hot. I love watching you bounce on a dick like you own it."

"Then you're gonna love what they're planning," Izzy breathes, kissing his jaw before he steps back. And, given that he's the only one still dressed, seizing the moment to quickly strip off as well.

With both Lu and Pete in place, Stede grabs Ed for a quick kiss of his own before moving to pace around behind Lucius; pressing in against him and running his hands up the other man's body as he grinds their hips together whilst reaching for the lube. "Are you ready?" he all but purrs in Lucius' ear. "I'm going to fuck your brains out."

"Oh god I was born r-- no, not for… oh, just… please?" Lucius doesn't know why his mind is so insistently literal tonight, but he'd prefer it stop interrupting.

Behind Pete, Ed's got his very-slicked cock pressed between his buttocks. He's holding him by the hips and gliding through the cleft, enjoying the feel and knowledge of what's just around the corner. "You want to go on three?" Ed asks, with a flicker gesture that says: 'two'. "One, two--"

And they both plunge in at once: Stede gripping Lucius' hips as he buries himself deep inside the other man with a gasp. It's not just the very, very lovely feeling… it's the awareness that he's fucking a man who isn't Ed and also that man is Lucius.

He holds on tight. "You feel absolutely amazing," he breathes in Lucius' ear. "I wanted to do this so very much."

"SHITSHITSHITSHITFUCKOHFUCKYES!" Lucius shrieks, bouncing on his feet and yanking himself up by the wrists in delighted shock. "Oh god! Oh fuck! Stede… fuck! Fuck! FUCKFUCKFUCK!"

"Think that's what he's doing," Ed chuckles, as he nuzzles Pete's face. He's got both hands on the man's waist, hips flexing as he rocks their joined bodies together. "Think that's all the pair of you are gonna feel for some time yet."

Pete is crying out too; hips pushed back against Ed's as he feels the other man seat himself deep. "Ohhhh… fuck, that's so good… oh god, ohh fuck… fuck me, sir, please!" He feels so fucking incredible, and even wound up and overstimulated as he is, Pete feels like he'll go mad if the other man doesn't ream his brains out.

"Don't they look gorgeous?" Stede says to Lucius, admiring the view as he gets himself braced. "Pete's going to scream the roof off once Ed gets going… and he won't be the only one."

Lucius nods furiously, whimpering. He's helplessly caught, impaled, held on the edge in a fucked-out, hazy, flogged-silly bliss. And he knows he's going to scream for more. He knows he's going to get it, too.

"Iz, you wanna give 'em a hand for a moment, get 'em nice and overstimulated and writhing before we rail 'em?" Ed wants to torment them, obviously. With pleasure, yes, but torment all the same. "This boy of yours feels so fucking ready for me. No wonder you're much happier since you netted 'em."

Izzy – who has been enjoying the view very much from close by – paces right between Lucius and Pete at this, looking from one to the other. "Gorgeous, isn't he? They both are. Just wait until you feel 'em fall to pieces…"

He reaches to wrap a hand around Pete's cock, and the other around Lucius', before starting to stroke them both at once, whilst they're still impaled on the pair behind them. "…and they will, over and over if you play things just right…"

Pete cries out again, knowing Ed will feel the way he reacts to the hand on his dick; trying not to shake too much as the stimulation blazes through him… especially because he knows it's going to get much, much more intense before they're even close to done.

"Oh, that's good" Ed purrs, pushing up and in until his balls are twitching against Pete's ass and thighs. "Oh god, yes. Such a gorgeous ass. Stede's gonna love taking you, too. Tell Izzy what it feels like, Pete… he's gonna be riding my dick before the night's out, too."

"…s-so… so good," Pete gasps; head dropping back in bliss. "He's… so thick and full, Master… it's going to be amazing when he rides me. I can feel how much he wants to… how ready he is to fuck my brains out and make me scream… fuck, fuck… I need so badly, so badly… pleasepleaseplease!"

"What about yours over there?" Ed asks Stede of Lucius, who is still trying to squirm on his husband's cock. "He feel eager and ready to be reamed, too? He's looking so nicely flush and pink… his prick looks ready in Izzy's hand."

"IT IS!" Lucius yelps, frustrated. "S-sorry, but – but – oh god it is!"

"He feels ready, all right," Stede agrees, flashing Ed and Izzy a wicked smile. "I'm practically having to hold him still, though… I think he'd ream himself if I let him. Maybe one day I'll try that… but tonight I want him to feel precisely how much he drives me wild."

Ed gives Izzy a Look, his hands bracing decidedly on Pete's hips. He waits to see that Stede's caught the message too, then without flagging it for either of the bound men he launches like a spring finally released from the pressure. He pistons up into the helpless body, giving him his whole strength. It's a pace he won't hold up indefinitely, but it's certainly going to make an impression.

Stede understands, of course, and he launches into the same furious fucking as Ed does: slamming up into Lucius over and over and feeling the way the other man yields to him, taking everything. It's glorious and it's wonderful and he feels different to Ed but similar, and equally incredible, and Stede wants to make him scream the roof off.

"That's it," he urges, "that's it… fuck, no wonder you snared two husbands… you feel absolutely amazing."

Pete, meanwhile, is bucking wildly as Ed takes him; trying to stay braced but finding it oh-so-difficult because every thrust makes him feel like he's taking off. Eventually the only thing he can do is let go and yield too, his body shaking under every glorious slam. "…please, sir… please, please… oh fuck, feels so good…"

"If you need to come, come," Ed's voice tells him, his eyes on Lucius' as he does. "It won't stop me. It won't stop Stede. We're gonna use you as much as we want… gonna bounce you on our dicks, swap, trade, fuck you some more… and when we've flooded you, we're gonna flog you all over while we get ready to fuck your Master right between the pair of you."

"Ohfuck!" Pete cries out, at both the threat and the thought. "Oh god, yes, I want to see that… it'll be so fucking hot…"

"Damn right it will," Izzy agrees. He's not stroking either him or Lu for the moment, but he's remained nearby, and he leans in close to Pete's face as he speaks. "So make sure you stay conscious enough to enjoy it."

"OHFUCKFUCKFUCKPLEASE!" Lucius begs, his arms twisting in the ropes and working to help him bounce on Stede's cock. "Oh fuck! Oh fucking… fuck fuck! Stede… oh god, shit… no wonder Ed was so fucking happy when I walked in on you… FUCK!"

"I'm glad you approve," Stede breathes in his ear. "I certainly did, when our places were switched. And I can feel how much you love it… feel how much you need it… I'm going to make you come screaming and we won't even be close to done when you do…"

"Oh fuck… I… I'm going insane… Stede, I--" Lucius is losing his mind. He's wound the fuck back up again, and he can't touch or reach, and now he's going insane from it. "Master… mercy, please! Please! Oh god fuck… I can't take much more!"

Stede's hand suddenly snaps up and around Lucius' throat; his eyes burning, even though Lucius won't see that part. "You'll take as much as we choose to give you," he says, soft and deadly; the Voice of a man who could dom Blackbeard and still come out on top. "And you'll thank us for it. Isn't that right, Izzy?"

"That is absolutely fucking right, Stede," Izzy concurs; aware that Stede has called for his agreement to show that they're on the same page.

"Master!" Lucius shrieks, as a rush of cold fear threatens to buckle his knees. The tone in Stede's voice is crippling, implacable, and he's so fucking turned on by it that the pulse in his balls and dick echoes in his eardrums. "Oh god no!"

"Tell him he has to, or I'll make you suffer," Ed snarls in Pete's ear, landing a smack to his hip so loud it echoes through the whole room.

Pete gives a shriek of shock at that, his heart suddenly racing so hard it must be audible. "Lu… Lu, baby, it's OK," he insists; his voice trembling and wrecked, but desperately heartfelt; any fear subsumed for the moment by the stronger need to support Lucius. "You can do this, I know you can. You're so strong. And you know… you know we gave up the choice when we surrendered. You… know we have to give our Master and Sirs everything. It's OK. It's OK. Just let go."

"It's too much! It's-- Pete, I don't – I don't – think – OH GOD OH GOD, please! Please… if – if you're going to – if – just – harder, please, oh god Stede, I'm begging you!" Lucius starts to thrash. He wants – needs – desperately to get off. He's not come around enough for a full climax since the last one, but he's achingly hard all the same. "PleasepleasepleasepleasePLEASE!"

"You don't have to hold back," Stede reminds him. "You're not ringed anymore. You can come as many times as you want to…" He manages to make this sound like quite a threat. "So let's see if I can get you there before I let Ed take over…"

He keeps one hand around Lucius' throat – knowing how much he loves it – and uses the other to grip his waist, as he throws all the strength he's got into fucking the younger man as hard as possible; determined to drag him over the edge no matter what.

Lu's eyes roll up and his jaw drops. That hand is doing wonders for him, but his dick is frustratingly untouched and he really, really needs it. He's craving it so badly again, and he doesn't want to appear ungrateful, but it's… it's close, and it's not quite… He screams, something close but no cigar, his ass clenching so hard his tummy aches.

"Iz… you should work their chests," Ed suggests, trying to match Stede's pace. "Let's fucking edge 'em until they forget what colours even are."

"I know what'll do it," Izzy says, going over to retrieve one of the floggers from earlier, and standing a little to the side, so he can aim at both Lu and Pete's chests. "Brace, now…"

And he starts up a volley that dances smoothly from chest to chest: one then the other, over and over as the blows snap between them, knowing it'll heighten everything all the more. "Come on, scream for us. We know how much you fucking love it."

Pete sure as hell screams: jumping up onto tiptoes in shock which only means he drops back down onto Ed's cock even more firmly. He's going completely out of his mind under the intensity of all this – the mental as much as the physical – and despite the fact his dick feels close to exploding, it's the terror of doing something wrong that has him really on-edge.

Lucius flips, screeching several degrees beyond what could possibly be a normal human range. His head tosses from side to side, and he's not far away from frothing at the mouth. "PLEASE!" he yowls. "My dick! Please! Please! I'm – it's – PLEASE FUCKING… TOUCH ME I NEED TO COME SO BAD!"

Ed smirks, then reaches around to grab Pete's cock and hold it around the base, fingers behind the balls. "Spank 'em there, too, Iz. If you don't mind 'em jizzing all over your flogger."

"I've got spares," Izzy points out, easily. "Stede, you want to hold Lu the same? And then brace, because they're not gonna be able to hold out under this…"

Stede moves the hand from Lucius' hip to slide around his his dick; gripping it around the base similar to the way Ed is holding Pete: so they're presenting Lu and Pete's cocks to Izzy's flogger.

Which makes it easy for him to change the angle of the blows, and start landing them against those cocks, over and over; keeping the intensity just the right side of bearable. Just.

Lucius stands no chance under that onslaught, and it's precisely the right kind of too-much he needed. He yowls, beyond words or even letters, his whole chest vibrating with the gust of it. The stinging blows are sharp, rapid, sweet… and Stede keeps moving inside him, gliding into him, filling him, dragging over his rim and making him see stars. The climax is less dry than he expected, and the ropey spurts get tangled into the flogger before they're spread between the pair of them. It's obscene, and still somehow too erotic for words.

"Fuck that's hot," Ed breathes, ignoring the snap of leather that catches his fingers when Izzy works. "Fucking come for us, Pete. Let me feel you."

Pete doesn't need telling twice. He doesn't need telling once, honestly: he's just a few seconds behind Lu when it comes to falling right over the edge, and he's screaming just as loud and incoherent as his own climax explodes out of him. He can feel Ed's dick deep inside, knowing the other man will feel the echoes of his release as his whole body shakes and clenches, and he loves that too. And when the waves of pleasure start to fade, he drops; held up only by the ropes and Ed's grip, and murmuring in delirious bliss.

"…told you," Izzy says, with a smug grin. "Pretty little painsluts can't resist it."

"Make sure they don't fall or break their wrists," Ed growls, once Pete's finished. He lets go of the man's dick and resumes fucking him at full force, enjoying the way his body tenses and spasms, giving his cock the most glorious hug ever.

And then grabbing him at the front of each thigh and lifting his feet off the ground so he's got to rely on his wrists. The shift drags over the head of his cock and puts more weight on his dick and feels so, so good. "Gonna make you fucking come again, slut."

Pete screams. He tries to beg for mercy, but he can't get a word out: just a guttural sound of ecstatic agony. His body bucks in Ed's grip, and it takes all the focus he's got left to remember not to thrash too much. The feelings are utterly overwhelming: his whole body overcome with sensation, and he feels like his mind is going to short out any second.

And it does. One slam hits so hard that something almost-but-not climax-like smashes quick and sharp through Pete, and then he drops; utterly gone.

Ed drives his teeth into his lower lip, grunting and coasting through the spasms that work his cock. He's glad he's wearing a ring or he might not be able to hold back, and he opts to wrap his arms around the man's waist and gently lower him back so his feet can brush the floor again.

"OHFUCKPLEASE!" Lucius begs, watching Ed take Pete to absolute pieces. "Stede… Stede please!"

"You want me to wreck you like that?" Stede growls in his ear. His blood is thundering at what he's just witnessed, and his dick aches from the sight alone. "I can. I will."

He grips Lucius as hard as he can, and throws every last drop of strength into fucking him as furiously fast as possible. It's the kind of fucking he'd only give Ed when they were really going for it, but he knows Lucius can take it too. And though he doesn't quite have the strength to lift Lucius entirely at this angle, he gets hold of one leg and yanks it up; shifting the angle and baring the other man a little wider, as he gives him absolutely no quarter.

"ARGH FUCK OH SHHIIII--------!" Lucius feels both his knees lock, his body going into rictus as the pleasure crashes through him. He screams out each breath as the thrusts crash through him, toes curling and cracking as he feels the pleasure wrack him again. He presses into it until he can't any longer, then drops, just like Pete had.

Stede takes firm hold of Lucius at that; letting his leg drop carefully and then wrapping around his chest the same way Ed has done to Pete, looking over at the others with eyes that are absolutely black from pleasure. "…I think we broke them," he manages.

Izzy smiles. "Both at once is impressive," he points out. "Might be best to give 'em a minute or two. See if they come around enough to keep going like this, or if we need to lie 'em down." It'll hopefully be the former, but their safety will always come first.

"Think we should keep hold, though," Ed says as he slips his dick carefully out of Pete and kisses at his neck. "Take his weight if you can. If you can't, we can get a chair or a stool under his knees if you need…"

Lucius knows they're talking, but he's panting and whimpering through the aftershocks. His ass and dick feel like they're exploding, still, and he's a fucked-out mess. A happy one, but definitely fucked-out.

"Gotta make sure we give 'em both of us, when they can take it," Ed reminds them. "Doesn't have to be for long, but I wanna make sure they're lucid enough to feel it."

"Definitely," Stede agrees. "You want to swap once they come around enough? If we go much more like this, they might pass out entirely. Which… yes, hot, but we want to get to everything we planned."

"They're gonna be putty for days either way," Izzy points out, looking between them. He's set the flogger down, so he can quickly check the two subs over, making sure they're OK. Which they are… just fucked right out of their heads. "And likely even more affectionate."

"We might have to let them get the happy ending from us another time, too. We – ah – broke 'em a bit harder and faster than I expected." Not that this is a problem, Ed notes. He snuggles at Pete a little more, hands stroking over belly and thighs. "But I do need to be all over that ass."

"They've wanted this for a long time," Izzy says. "And they love it when all three of us dom at once. And if we have to do this all over again… I doubt they're gonna object." Or anything close.

He runs a soft hand over Pete's cheek, and then Lucius'. "And aren't they just gorgeous like this?" he adds.

"Damn right they are," Stede agrees. "The way they both went like that was just incredible."

"Oh, we will do it all over. If nothing else, I want to go the other way around on 'em next time…" Ed smirks. "They really fucking are gorgeous. Thought I was gonna nut just from watching Lu, let alone feeling Pete."

Lucius manages to murmur happily and lean into Izzy's hand, sighing his contentment. He's feeling very well-used and looked-after, and increasingly in favour of snuggling. Although vaguely aware it might not happen.

Pete is drifting too; hazily aware but not much more than that. He tries to nuzzle against Izzy's hand when he feels it make contact, but any attempts to murmur something fade long before he gets a sound out.

"They're both conscious, if still very out of it," Izzy points out. "You could slowly fuck 'em awake… if it won't drive the pair of you mad."

"Driving all five of us mad is our favourite pastime, right, Stede?" Ed lands a gentle swat to Pete's ass. "And I think they'd regret it – think we'd all regret it – if we didn't make the effort."

"Abso-fucking-lutely," Izzy agrees. "Give 'em everything. Then we'll see if they can cope staying upright whilst you fuck my brains out between them."

Stede – still buried deep in Lucius – starts slowly moving at that: firm and careful, whilst maintaining a grip on him so he doesn't drop. It's more than a little maddening to him as well, but so, so good, and he just lets himself enjoy the feeling of the coupling for a moment. "That's it… that's it…"

"You gonna let me have him?" Ed asks Stede, watching with no small amount of hunger. "Or you want to wake him before I take him?"

Lucius doesn't know there's more awake to be. He's surging subtly on the connection, hips rocking and eyes flitting beneath his lids. Whatever happens, he's happy. Of course, some things are happier than others.

"He's so gorgeous, I can't resist," Stede says. "But you're right, we should swap… I want to feel Pete too. And I want to see you with Lucius… fuck, I want to do so many things right now, you've woken a beast in me…"

Izzy chuckles. "I think he's been awake for a while."

"…'s'Stede," Lucius slurs, drunkenly. "S'bad. Soooo bad."

"Stede's bad?" Ed checks Izzy will look after Pete before he walks closer, grabbing Lu's chin in one hand, and dick in the other. "Is that what you said?"

"Soooooo bad," Lucius confirms, nodding into the hand.

"And you like Bad Stede?"

"Love him."

That makes Stede give a wicked little laugh, still pressed into Lucius from behind. "Oh, do you? Maybe sometime I should ask Izzy if I can borrow you… have you all to myself for a little while. Or… put on a show whilst the others watch, holding Pete between them and stroking him as I take you to bits."

"PLEASE." It's not loud, but it's raw and brutal as it slips from Lucius' lips. He jolts awkwardly, then realises Ed has hold of his cock because fuck that hurts so good. "Sir… please…"

"Mmm, I wouldn't mind making out to that," Ed agrees. "Nice little lap-dog between us as we watch. You know we love it when you're all growly, too. You're so fucking hot when you take control. You could have 'em both if you wanted, though. Couldn't he, Iz?"

"Oh, he definitely could," Izzy agrees. He's got Pete braced against him, so he can stroke a hand over the other man's chest, keeping him focused but not overwhelmed. Not for the moment, at least. "Be hot as fuck to watch, actually…"

"Sounds like we might have another lovely plan for later," Stede says, to them all, though he purrs the words in Lucius' ear. "Right now, though… I think I want to watch Ed ream your brains out."

He steps back, pulling out, and gives Lucius a light slap on the ass before holding out a hand to Ed. "Come wreck him for us," he urges. "I'll wreck Pete. And then we can give Izzy all our attention."

Lucius doesn't get much of a time to grieve Stede leaving his ass before two very certain hands have hold of his hips and there's a firm, slick shaft poking at his already well-used hole. He moans and arches, spreading his thighs eagerly in offering.

Ed takes no prisoners. Before Stede's even made it over to Pete, he's holding Lu's hips and ramming into him with all his strength. Then – because Pete loved it so much – he grabs around Lu's thighs and tilts him forwards into a slight wheelbarrow: taking his weight and ploughing into him. "There we go."

"PETE!" Lucius screams, realising this is what he'd been taking, not long ago.

"Oh fuck, that's good," Izzy enthuses, as he lets Stede take hold of Pete. "You poor bastards won't be able to walk tomorrow at this rate… we'll just have to find other ways to make use of you…" In truth, they'll likely need a day to recover, but threatening otherwise at this point is just part of the fun.

Pete arches back eagerly as Stede moves in behind him, moaning softly as he feels the other man slide in. "Ohyes," he gasps, rotating his hips a little to get Stede seated as deep as possible. "Oh fuck… fuck me, sir, fuck me please… you know how much I've wanted to feel you too!"

Arms wrapped tightly around Pete, Stede starts to fuck him hard; riding him with all the energy he can still muster… which is, thanks to all the exercise he's been getting, quite a lot. "That's it, that's it… you feel amazing… so amazing, you'd take it all damn night if we told you to…"

Lucius hadn't even processed the part where Ed is bare inside of him, not with the utterly frenetic and merciless way the other man grabbed him and started using him. But watching Stede enter Pete, he's reminded afresh and he lets his jaw go slack to savour the sensations.

He's been fucked by him plenty, but with things between them. So he's a tiny bit smaller, but no less satisfying for it. The skin-to-skin contact is more than making up for any minor reduction in size. And it is minor. Because fuck does Ed feel like he's splitting him up the spine right now, especially in this position. He's a drooling, twerking, panting mess and he's loving every damn moment.

"They still have mouths," Ed pushes past gritted teeth. "Thighs. Hands. Tits. Fuck… if we pack them with ice plugs I'm sure they'll be numb enough…" The shudder in response is payment enough for the mental image, but he has to add: "Unless they're tied down and it's just us three all day tomorrow…"

"SIR!" Lucius screeches.

"They'd enjoy that too," Izzy points out, stepping up to Lucius and lifting his jaw, admiring how utterly fucked-out he looks. "Wouldn't you, you little painslut? You'd fucking love it."

Stede's feeling much too dominant to volunteer as future tribute right now, but he knows he might well feel differently tomorrow. And if not… the other two doms are both fond of the idea of very rough, growly fucking… so if he's still suitably growly as well, he might be able to hold his own.

"Pleasepleasepleaseohgodohgod." Lucius doesn't beg for mercy, well aware he won't get any sympathy right now. Instead he jolts between the hands holding him up, the dick nearly breaking his spine and the husband-Master pulling his gaze.

He's wiped. Destroyed. Wrung-out, sweaty, exhausted, hurting, floating, delighted… all of it. He wants to come again, but he doesn't think he has it in him. He also wants it to stop, because another climax will likely be agony. He also wants it to keep going, but less. But more. But…

"Think it's time to flog his dick again?" Ed asks, loving the way Lucius just opens to him, then ripples and grips him. He's so fucking smooth and ready that Ed half wonders if three dicks could fit in. Maybe if they weren't all attached to a person, but where's the fun in that?

"Oh god… fuck… mercy, mercy, please!" Pete cries out at the suggestion. He'll take it, of course he will, but he's not sure how much longer he'll stay conscious if he does. "Please… fuck, sirs… you're gonna wreck us…"

"That's the point, isn't it?" Izzy says, with a wicked smile. "And yes… I think it's time. I love the way it makes you scream…"

He grabs the flogger that's still clean, bracing himself between his husbands… and then launching in to snap quick, sharp blows over their dicks; one then the other, in rapid succession.

Lucius doesn't know if he's coming again or not. It hurts like buggery-fuck, but hurts in that TOO GOOD, TOO GOOD way. The onslaught doesn't stop battering him on any side, leaving him bucking and contorting to get away from it. Get more. Both. Yes. No. Fuck.

Ed doesn't slow until Lu is all but passed out. He might actually be unconscious, for all Ed can tell. The noises have stopped and he's dripping with sweat, his cock and balls drenched, flinching only slightly when Izzy flogs his dick again.

God, that's just perfect. He can tell the man is so, so deep and blissed out, and he keeps hold of Lu's hips as he slows the coupling to nearly nothing. "Good boy," Blackbeard growls. "Good little bitch."

Those words, in that tone, are the last thing Pete processes before he passes out as well, and he feels like he goes under on a fresh wave of bliss, to chase the glorious anguish he's been locked in.

"Oh, there he goes," Stede says, slowing too. "That… was utterly amazing. And I still feel as though my dick is going to explode. So…" he grins, "…Izzy's turn?"

"Damn fucking right," Izzy agrees. "I know I like self-denial, but even I'm starting to get blue balls here…" He looks between the two fucked-out subs. "We might need to let these two down first, however. They were supposed to still be conscious at this point."

"What about chairs?" Ed suggests. "Or the footrests? We can take the weight off their feet, make sure they're comfortable, but keep 'em close…?"

He pulls out of Lucius with a grunt, then runs an appreciative hand over the man's ass. "If we're getting 'em to lie down… they should lie down together. Don't want 'em getting cold."

"We could try with the footrests, that might work," Izzy says, thinking about it. "It'd take the weight off their feet, but also off their wrists… so long as they're not completely gone for long, it'll be all right. Might need a hand getting them up and in place, given how out of it they are right now…"

"Get one to Pete, first, because I can probably hold Lu up a bit longer. You and Stede get him supported, then come help me with this beanstalk?" The height of Lucius does make it a little more awkward, even if the weight is negligibly different. But he knows Stede would benefit from help before he would.

Izzy gives a nod and goes to where the footrests are; moving one over to where Pete is being mostly held up by Stede. It takes a little effort, but they eventually manage to lift him up and position the footrest under him, so he's kneeling on it. The height is such that his arms aren't held so tightly above him anymore, and the padded top of the footrest will cushion his knees.

"You with us, boy?" Izzy asks, trying to work out if Pete is going to need holding a little longer.

"…m'h'r… s'r…" Pete manages. He's vaguely conscious, but only just, though he can tell he feels better now he's kneeling on something soft. "…s'OK…"

"If you need us – at any point – make a noise," Ed tells them both. He's stroking Lu's side gently, repetitively. "We'll be checking in on you and keeping an eye on you, but don't try to hold back if you do need something. We don't want you to do that. All three of us will want you to tell us. Did you get that?"

"…'s," Lucius semi yawns out. He's lolling into Ed's shoulder, bordering on snoring, but feeling simultaneously incredibly light, and incredibly drowsy-heavy.

Once Pete is safely balanced, Stede moves to help Izzy bring over the other footrest for Lucius, so they can lift him up too and get him positioned. It's a little easier with all three of them on hand, and soon he's up and in a mirror of Pete, and it's safe to let go of him.

"Well," Stede starts out, leadingly; his eyes going to Izzy. "What shall we do now?"

"I figure this is the point where Pete would insist I say: me," Izzy replies.

"Last chance to change things up," Ed offers, a predatory little gleam in his eyes as he starts slowly circling Izzy, making his way towards the lube. "And remember: no matter how growly we get, we love you growling right back if that's what you're feeling. The only end-goal is getting you off on both our dicks. As hard as we possibly can."

"And I know it," Izzy reminds him. "I'm not gonna surrender, but I'm sure as fuck not gonna resist, either. I wouldn't have helped plan this if I didn't want it a lot. So… come on… show me what the two of you can do."

"Stede, keep his mouth occupied." Ed's very much in his In Control Voice. He speaks to an equal, even if it could be an order, grabbing Izzy's hips and turning him towards his husband. He kisses along the back of his neck, sliding two lube-drenched fingers between his cheeks to circle and tease. When he's reactive enough, he pushes the middle finger in and starts to fuck him slowly but surely. "Gotta make sure we live up to expectations."

"I have no doubts that you will," Izzy points out, before Stede moves in to kiss him furiously hard. The man is weirdly hypnotic when he really goes for it, and right now he's as fired-up as Izzy's ever seen him. He lets Stede lead, but he's not passive: kissing back as much as he can, whilst simultaneously arching his hips as he feels Ed slip that finger inside him. And… OK, he's been between these two before, but never quite like this, and fuck, but they really are intense.

"How does he feel?" Stede says to Ed, when he has to break for air.

"Eager," Ed purrs, pushing a second finger inside and thrusting rapidly. "So fucking ready for it. We're both gonna need to have a taste before we take him together. I want us both to know how fucking hot he is…"

Another nuzzle, and Ed pushes a third finger in. He's taking it quickly, rather than lingering, knowing they all damn well want this. "Tell me when you're ready to get up on the ropes, Iz."

"I'm ready," Izzy says; dropping his head back as Stede starts kissing roughly over his throat. "Those two lines up there… just give 'em a tug and they'll drop to the right height. Didn't want to give the game away until we were about to go for it…"

"And we're definitely about to go for it," Stede agrees. "I want to watch Ed fuck your brains out, the way you've both wanted him to for far too long."

"Don't lie, you've wanted to for long enough, too," Ed smirks. He reaches up with his free hand and loosens the ropes, sliding his fingers out of Izzy's ass to grip and stroke the buttocks as he waits for him to be ready. "As have your boys. I can see 'em watching…"

"Damn right I have," Stede says, unashamedly. "All that raw strength and power… wrapped around a heart so vibrant and full, I couldn't resist?"

"…don't you get all poetic when I want to be reamed," Izzy manages, batting at him, even though he's affected by the words nonetheless. "Save it for when we're all snuggling afterwards."

"Don't tempt me," Stede replies, with a fond grin.

Izzy has the extra ropes in place now, at the right height so he can wrap his arms in them and hold on, tight enough to brace himself. And he's positioned between where Lu and Pete are, so they'll have a damn good view with whatever coherence they have left. "I'm ready. Show me what you've got."

"Wrap your legs around Stede, first. You're gonna fucking thank me for it." Ed lands a very sharp snap to one ass-cheek, before he's hefting his ass up to help. "And don't you dare be stoic and quiet. I wanna fucking hear you."

It takes a lot of strength to lift himself up enough to wrap his legs around Stede's waist, but Izzy's fired-up enough to manage it without too much difficulty, and once he's in place the other man is able to support him too. "I'm not surprised, given what you're used to," he points out, giving Stede a sly smile at the same time. "But I'm feeling it, so give me it hard, and I'll shout the roof off."

"Don't say I didn't warn you." Ed hopes to fuck it's going to live up to the hype, he really does. He's wound up enough that fucking Izzy is certainly going to feel incredible. For him. But Izzy's just been watching, touching, without being touched in return.

So he really, really hopes he can make this good for Izzy, and he's biting his own cheek as he holds his cock at his hole, slicked again to ease the way inside. The tip pushes in, and then he puts his hands under Izzy's thighs as a seat so he can start teasingly rocking into him. He wants to savour the first few inches especially… they've waited long enough.

"Oh god… fuck, you feel so good…" Ed's knees lock, just for a moment, as he gazes adoringly at Stede. And then he starts to move, lifting and slamming Izzy against his crotch as he pistons into him, using gravity and Stede's support to really whale into him. "Fuckfuckfuck…"

Izzy feels it, on more than just a physical level, when they connect, and it makes him cry out in joy; as though the final pieces of the puzzle have slotted into place at last. "Oh fuck," he gasps; the first waves of pleasure rolling red-hot up his spine. "Oh fuck… Eddie… Eddie, that's so fucking good… give it to me, come on, give it to me hard… yes, like that!"

It's everything he'd hoped, and he really isn't quiet as Ed starts slamming into him over and over; clinging to the ropes to keep himself in place even though he's practically sandwiched between Ed and Stede… and fuck, but the way Stede is watching them both is just… he feels that all the way to his core as well.

"I want to fucking hold you down while you fight back as I fuck you blind," Ed growls, his stance wide as he finds his reserves to give Izzy the reaming they're both craving. "Not because you don't want it, fuck no… you're fighting to make it as hard as possible for us both. So we're breaking the damn bed with how much I fucking love fucking you… I want to fuck you so hard my thighs bruise your ass… and I want to fuck you soft and slow and sweet so you fall apart… I wanna suck your cock down while my husband fucks you blind, and put my hands on your belly to feel him push inside you…"

Over on the footrests, there's a whimpering, appreciative moan from a barely-lucid Lucius. He clearly approves of all of this. (If sleepily.)

"I wanna bounce your boys on my dick, then bounce them on yours… I wanna hold their heads down so their asses lift for us to use… I wanna feel all of you. Every damn which way. I wanna make you ours like you all claimed me."

"G-good thing we've got plenty of time left here," Izzy points out, his voice already ragged from the furious attention; yielding between the pair of them because it really is the best thing to do in this position. "And the rest of our lives. So… we can do it. All of the above. Just… just know that you all claimed me a long fucking time ago, and you've got me, I swear you've got me… I swear."

Ed grabs Izzy's throat, tilting his head back to kiss him deeply as he keeps moving, wanting him to know just how much he feels that promise. If it wasn't for what they've planned with Stede and both of them, he'd be carrying him to throw him over the top of Pete or Lu and carry on reaming him there…

But that might be after.

Thumb smearing the kiss around Izzy's lips, Ed stares at Stede. "How do you want him? You want his legs over your shoulders, here? Or like me?"

"I want to take him like you," Stede replies. "Partly because it's going to be hot as fuck… and partly because I want you to see his eyes when I do. I want you to see just how much he adores all of us… I'm falling apart just watching."

It's hard not to. When Izzy lets all his devotion spill out, it's something to see, and right now it's intense.

"I'm not quite ready to let you… but soon… First I want to really hear him scream." Especially if he's going to have to swap positions, he wants to make the most of this, first. Ed locks his hands under Izzy's knees and unleashes one more barrage of thrusts, nearly pushing Stede over with the vigour. "I want to hear him need you."

"I need you," Izzy cries out at once. "I need all of you, I promise. You're my fucking life, my fucking reason, now please, please… give me everything!"

He means it, to the depths of his being, and the craving is so intense now that it burns at his core: the need to have given everything, and taken everything; to prove his devotion to Ed and Stede as he's already proven it to Lucius and Pete. "I need you both, I swear I need you both… please!"

Ed pulls out with a growl, his blood raging in his ears and lower, too. He wants to come so damn badly, but he needs this to be right.

Izzy's legs get unwrapped as Ed pulls free, then he twists him around so his wrists cross and he's facing Ed himself.

"We fucking worship you," he reminds him, fiercely. "Stede… show him how much."

"Gladly," Stede breathes, with a wicked grin. "Izzy… you think you can climb Ed like a tree too? Or you want to keep your feet on the floor this time?"

Never one to back down from a challenge, Izzy tightens his grip on the ropes again and lifts his legs to wrap around Ed's waist this time. It takes a lot of effort, even with support, but he said 'everything', and he meant it. Plus it's easier once he's in place between them; feeling Stede press in behind him, guiding his freshly-lubed cock to Izzy's hole.

It slides in easily, given the reaming he's already taken, and Izzy cries out in pleasure as Stede seats himself deep. He can feel the way it makes the man behind him gasp; holding onto him tightly.

"Oh fuck, Izzy," Stede breathes. "You feel amazing. I… I've felt you all, now; giving and taking, and it's so good, so very good… oh, Izzy… brace."

And fuck, but he goes for it: throwing all his strength into reaming Izzy as hard as he can; using the position to drive himself as deep as possible and crying out in bliss of his own as he does.

Ed does what he can to assist, taking some of Izzy's weight under his legs and rocking against Stede's movements to give them both more pressure. He's watching Izzy's face with absolute intent, devouring every flicker.

"You're fucking gorgeous like this. And you're both so fucking strong. Do you know how much of a turn-on that is? Seeing both of you charging headfirst into this? I couldn't ever choose between you, and you both knew that. And now I couldn't choose between any of you… and I don't fucking have to."

"Damn fucking right you don't," Stede agrees, fiercely. "We're all meant to be part of this, together. That's why we made it happen. We all needed it to. I… I needed it to. I adore you all so much, you have no fucking idea… you're everything, all of you… and Izzy, oh, Izzy… I knew what it meant that you let me love Ed. I knew… and I promise we've both got you, now: you, and your precious boys… I swear…"

His eyes are suddenly full of tears; the emotion too much to hold them back, but it doesn't slow him in the slightest: every thrust driving him as deep into the other man as possible, wanting him to feel just how much Stede means every last word.

"Where do you want this?" Ed asks Izzy, moving one hand to cup his jaw. "Here, or do you want to be on the bed? Because I want Stede inside you with the ring off, then mine off so I can fuck us both into spilling in you. And if you don't come from that, I'm gonna grab your cock and jerk you until you dance on our dicks and make us see the fucking edge of known space."

"Here," Izzy answers at once, sounding more than a little wrecked. "Like we planned, so my boys don't miss a second. So… I can feel all of you around me."

Stede gives one final slam of his hips, and then slows his thrusts: not stopping until they're ready to move, but holding off so Izzy doesn't get too far along. "I'm ready if you are," he says. "My dick certainly is."

"Rings off?" Ed asks. "Or not right away?"

"I think now is good," Stede replies. "So we don't have to stop."

"Take yours off and slide back in, then I'll join you." Ed grabs Izzy's cheeks in both hands, pulling him wider and lifting him slightly to let Stede pop out more easily. "Get that dick in nice and deep so I can come in, too." In both senses of the word. Ed's balls are nearing ultra-violet, now, not blue. He really can't wait to enter Izzy with Stede.

Neither can Lu and Pete, from the looks they're getting. Ed blows an air-kiss and sends it over with a wink. "Don't you worry, you two will get this as well before long."

Lucius makes an ungodly noise in response. Not today, but yes, please.

And from the wrecked little sound Pete makes, he concurs wholeheartedly. And then some.

Stede presses a rough kiss to the back of Izzy's neck, then pulls out of him with a gasp; unable to resist moving a hand to toy with his rim for a few seconds before he works the ring off his own dick and then plunges back inside Izzy all at once. He has to fight the urge to start moving again straight away, knowing he needs to wait for Ed, and he bites his lip to control the waves of pleasure already starting to build in him.

"Ready," he manages. "Izzy?"

"Fuck, yes," Izzy gasps. "I need you both right now."

"Don't let me fucking fall and crush everyone, after," Ed jokes, weakly. Only half-jokes. He sure as fuck hopes his knees hold up, and that between the three of them they can make a graceful descent into snuggly madness. He slips his own ring off, pushes one thigh higher so he can judge a bit better, then tilts his waist and guides his cock into place.

When he doesn't make it immediately, he's grateful for Stede's hand reaching to help guide him in. It means he can grab Izzy's waist as Stede holds him steady, and the thrust in takes care of the rest.

(And nearly has him speaking in tongues.)

It's a moment or two before his sight and hearing return, hands stroking all over Izzy's waist and hips and dick achingly hard against his husband's. Inside of Izzy.

"Ohmyfuckinggod," Izzy cries out. "That's… ohmyfuckinggod..!" He braces himself as best he can; hands gripping the ropes so hard his knuckles are white and his arms are shaking a little. He doesn't often bottom, and he's only taken two at once on a couple of occasions, so this… this is a lot. "D-don't stop… fuck… don't hold back."

Stede gasps as he feels Ed slide in alongside him; his eyes rolling back at the sensation of his husband's dick pressing against his, deep inside Izzy. "Oh… that's so… oh fuck, both of you… both of you feel so good…"

"Hold him." When you're in the middle of an emergency, or anything precise and high-stakes, there's a natural order that kicks in. It's trained, too, but a lot of it is pure instinct: use the right tone when you need others to hear you and follow, and react if you hear it from someone else. Split-second safety can pivot on a word.

It's that tone, now, as Ed uses his height to reach over Izzy's hands and hold the ropes above them, trusting the other two to work with him. Knowing Stede will give it his all to keep Izzy in place, and that Izzy will trust them both to keep him safe and fucked senseless.

He can't say anything that isn't essential, can't spare the air to use his voice, but with how damn good this is, he won't last long and needs to make every thrust count. And he does not hold back, not for a moment. The ropes are taut with the yank on them, the sound of flesh on flesh echoing through the room as he slaps his balls to Stede's as the coupling gets increasingly brutal and irregular. He's so fucking close, so close… but he won't stop until they've all come. He won't.

Izzy is going completely out of his mind. The sheer intensity of the fucking, coupled with the raw emotional power pouring off both the men around him… even he can't quite withstand that. He's being pounded right off the mental edge along with the physical, and he distantly hopes he won't drop completely when it's all over.

"…can't… can't… much longer…" he gasps. "K-keep going… even after… ohFUCK..!"

The climax that hits him feels like it's been dragged from the very depths of his soul: exploding through him so intensely that for a good few seconds he can't tell if it's pain or pleasure he's feeling, because the line between them is so far gone. But it's incredible, whatever it is, and he cries out unashamedly as he's all but split in two; shaking and thrashing under the sheer glorious overwhelm and then dropping when it finally releases its grip.

"…don't stop…" he urges the two men around him, wrecked but sure.

Stede is clinging to the pair of them with all the strength he's got left. Ed is doing most of the moving, but the amount of friction he's still getting is undiminished, and it's pulling him towards the edge at quite a pace. He manages to hold back as Izzy comes, but as soon as the other man drops, his body decides it's time to let go.

And oh, but it does: a fierce, furious orgasm crashing through him as he finally, gloriously spills inside Izzy, alongside Ed, and that alone has him crying out in ecstasy; shaking and screaming as the pent-up bliss rolls through him. It takes all his effort not to drop as well when the waves start to diminish, and instead he manages to brace himself; tightening his hold on Izzy to help hold him up.

"Ours." One simple word, but it means everything. They've claimed one another, made everything balanced. As much as you can balance a dom top, two versatile switches and two versatile subs. It doesn't matter the spread, it's about the agreement. The commitment. The meaning. Ed barks the word as he fucks Stede through his climax, not letting up one bit.

It's only through sheer force of will he holds out as long as he does, but once the other two have spilled, he knows he doesn't need to restrain himself any longer. The hands come sliding down the rope and onto Izzy's shoulders, pushing him roughly down to impale him thoroughly on Ed and Stede's dicks as he empties his balls in rough, raw jumps. Fuck, but it nearly burns, he's waited that long. Waited that long for this. And now he has it he's gripping the back of each of his lover's heads and pulling them to a different shoulder. Harder with Stede, he still manages it. "All of us. All of us."

All Izzy can do is nod. He's so completely fucked out of his head that he can't speak, not right away, and he's hazily confident that without the other two all around him, he'd be a tangle on the floor. But he's utterly thrumming with bliss and completion and rightness, and he desperately wants to be curled up with these two and his beloved husbands. And not move for some time.

"…that… good… so good…" Stede manages. "…think… broke. Dick. Everything. Cuddles? Cuddles good. I like cuddles. We… should. That."

"Can… carry him if… if he holds on…" Ed slides his arms around Izzy's waist, encouraging him to drape across his chest. "Stede… you think you can get those two? Or you… you stay with Iz if you can't, and I will?"

"…I think… think can get them. Might… one at a time." Stede tries to focus on things like moving, and seeing. They require more effort than usual right now. "You take Izzy. He needs cuddles."

Stede pulls back with a gasp that he feels all the way through, taking a moment to steady himself before he lingeringly breaks contact, and goes first to Pete; wrapping around him from behind as he reaches for the ropes holding him up.

"I've got you, love, I've got you," he murmurs.

Pete is still very out of it, and he feels like he's gone even deeper from watching the three of them like that. The arms around him flood him with warmth, and he's suddenly extremely grateful that it's time for them to all curl up, because he needs that a lot.

Ed urges Izzy's arms down, so he's held like a koala against him, slipping his dick out with a hiss. "It's not far. I've got you. Gonna get you onto the bed, and then bring your boys over. Okay? You ready for me to move you? You okay?"

Izzy somehow finds the strength to cling to him, nodding against his chest. "…yeah…" he manages, though it takes quite a mental run-up to get the word out, and he can't quite work out what's going on, because he's never felt like this after – technically-speaking – just fucking. Though… that was hardly 'just' fucking, was it?

Lucius watches as patiently as he can, his heart hurting with how much he wants to join in. Soon. He knows it will be soon, and he knows Ed and Stede are taking care of them all. His eyes flicker between the four, lingering on the hand between Izzy's shoulders with the fingertips circling, soothingly. Catching on the way Stede's fingers prise ropes clear from Pete. He's quiet, but it's a loud silence.

When he gets him to the bed, Ed puts the last serious strength he has into getting Izzy in the middle of it. He props him on the pillows, resting him on one hip so he doesn't hurt too much. "Stay with me until Pete and Stede are here, then I'll get Lu. Okay? Not long now. You were so fucking incredible, Izzy… all of you were. I'm not going anywhere. I swear."

"Stay with him," Stede says to Ed, as he gets closer: Pete's arm slung over his shoulder. "Stay with him, and hold Pete too. I can get Lucius. You've done more than enough." He's normally content to let Ed lead the aftercare when they've both dommed, but right now he can see that Izzy needs him, especially, so he pushes just a little.

Plus, if he passes Pete to Ed, to get him lying down, the man is occupied long enough for Stede to turn and go back for Lucius, wrapping around him as soon as he does. "I'm here, I'm here," he says. "I'm sorry you had to wait, but I'm going to move you now. Just relax, I've got you, I promise, and your husbands are safe with Ed."

Lucius knows they're safe, and he softly hums in agreement. He wasn't worried in the slightest about waiting, not when he knows what's coming and he's so dreamily, floatily happy. He tries to kiss Stede's cheek when they're moving, only marginally making it harder.

While Stede is fetching them, Ed is curled up with Pete on one side, Izzy on the other. He's got them held in as close as he can, arm under the pillows and around to run fingers over their upper arms and stroke soothingly. "You both did amazing. Stede and Lu are coming, now. You can relax. You can relax, and let go."

Stede gets the ropes holding Lucius undone, and gathers him in, before half-guiding, half-carrying him through to their giant bed. "Room for two more?" he says, with a little smile, as he helps Lucius lie down so he's spooned in tightly behind Pete; watching as Pete instinctively tangles their legs together. Then he grabs the bedcovers and pulls them up, making sure everyone is wrapped in before slipping in behind Izzy to spoon him, whilst reaching a hand over to Ed.

And… exhaling. "…that was absolutely incredible."

"You're telling me," Ed agrees, sounding… humbled. He's moved to petting Izzy's hair, and he gives Stede the biggest heart-eyes he can manage. "Think maybe we broke 'em?"

"…I think we broke Izzy," Stede breathes. "That… I don't even know how."

"…raw strength of will…" Izzy manages to breathe. "…and so, so much trust…"

"And really good cock?" Ed can't help but bring it back to that level, because the raw emotion is threatening to be too much. "But the rest, too. And Izzy's skill with ropes. And two very good subs…"

Lucius vaguely manages a thumbs up.

"See?"

"You're all so damn amazing," Stede says, the emotion threatening to crack his voice too. "I love you so much. I don't… I don't know how we got so lucky, but I'm so glad we did…"

Izzy finds one of Stede's hands and pulls his arm around himself more tightly. "…lunatic got himself and his assistant assigned to our squad," he says. "Changed everything."

"Some… box-stealing do-gooders," Lucius mumbles, burrowing tighter into Pete. "Lots of black. Leather. Stationery cupboards…"

"…karaoke," Ed adds. "Motorbikes. Sausage sandwiches. Robes. Croissants."

"…sabbatical in Miami," Pete says. "And… a lot of glitter…"

Stede gives a soft laugh at that, even though he's on the point of tears. "…so much glitter. S'one of my love languages…"

"Glitter, good food, good sex, great company… Wait. Great sex. Great food… fuck. I need a g-word that's better than great…" Ed makes a face. "All of it. Also… saved the world? That's up there, too."

"…I think we won…" Stede breathes.

"…really did…" Izzy agrees. "We really did."

Some days it's still hard to believe, but right now… it's undeniable.

Chapter Text

The five of them doze for a considerable period.

'Doze' being relative. Once Stede zonks out, he's sawing logs. (Ed thinks this is adorable.) Lucius is less noisy, but no less deeply asleep, though he does compete with Stede in the Starfish Bed Olympics. Pete does his usual burrowing.

Izzy… moves even less than normal.

Which isn't too much of a concern. He's regularly a 'get into position and stay' person. He's also a lighter sleeper than the others – like Ed himself – but him not stirring immediately when Ed's eyes open doesn't give him a reason to believe it's a problem.

He looks… he looks wiped. Utterly, utterly wiped. He'd been clingy and quiet. Reserved. A bit more needy than usual, which Ed and Stede had both immediately pivoted towards. Ed watches the lines of his face, listens to his breathing. Listens to all of them, making sure no one has any bad thoughts intruding, even in passing.

He likes holding them when they're asleep. Likes feeling like he's protecting them, and knowing they're getting to relax. Likes knowing they feel safe enough to let go like this, and let him hold them. He isn't worried he's awake – it happens often – but he's in no hurry to go back to sleep, either. This is relaxing enough, and it gives him time to run back through the scene and remember. Unpick. Unpack. Store some as forever-details. It's good, and he's happy.

And he's also not worried when there's a stirring, rustling in his arms, either. "Hey. You okay? Need a drink?"

Izzy wakes slowly; his body still heavy with both sleep and the lingering warmth of very, very good sex. He tries to move just a little, and immediately becomes aware of just how well-used his ass is right now.

"…fuuuuck, I think I might need a special cushion later," he murmurs, not at all unhappily. "And… no, no, I'm good for the time being…"

He's been curled in tight against Ed's side – his boys on Ed's other side, and Stede pressed in behind Izzy himself – and he looks up at Ed with eyes still somewhat blurry from sleep. "You good? That… was really something."

"I'm good if everyone else is." It's a genuine answer, because Ed very much wouldn't be if anyone else wasn't. But they all are, so… He strokes his thumb along the scruff of Izzy's jaw. "We went pretty hard on you. If you need looking after, don't hide it. I know you don't regularly get topped like that. And I know how I felt after you and Stede did…"

"Before you worry, I absolutely enjoyed it," Izzy says, needing to make sure Ed knows that. "It was fucking incredible. I was just… the emotional weight of it really hit me, near the end. You know… you and all your Feelings…" This is said very lightly, and only with affection. "I… guess it struck me just how perfect all of this is. How we really… made this, for all of us. And it…"

He takes a deep breath. "…it's how happy Stede was, when you were buried balls-deep in me. And it's not as though we've ever had any real jealousy issues, but… it just struck me that he really was happy. That we can all have this and it's just… it's just right."

"He loves you, so much," Ed replies, choking up a little. "All of us. He does. He cares so fucking much, too. I… fuck. I think… I think we all worried in case it might make us jealous, or someone else jealous… that we spent so much fucking time making it clear we wouldn't be an asshole to anyone… you know? If we'd charged in at any point, there would've been a risk…"

Ed pauses, looking at Lucius. "I mean, me and Lu had a bit of… tension? Like… I wasn't mad at him, and I don't think he was ever mad at me, but we… felt things about your relationship with the other. And I know you… didn't like Stede at the start. But I… fuck. I think we… did it all 'right'? Yeah? We worked through it… right?"

"We did," Izzy agrees. "And, above everything… we never forced it. Everything just happened because it worked. Because we needed it. We got comfortable in each phase and then… took things further. And… we kept saying we were happy not to go further, or to do 'X' thing… until we realised we were all happy to do it. So we did. It meant no one felt pressured, and nothing happened until we were all ready."

"You gonna let us rail you like that again sometime?" Ed asks, hand moving to rest on Izzy's shoulder and fingers brushing over the tattoo below. "Wouldn't mind. And… I wouldn't mind the other way, too. I mean – obviously I love when you fuck me, but… I meant… y'know."

A tilt of his head. "Soft. Feelings. I really fucking love that way, too."

Izzy smiles. "I know. And… so do I, now. Now… I have people who make me feel those things so strongly. And yes, you can do that again, it was definitely not a one-off. I liked it. I may not be a natural bottom, but… that doesn't mean I don't enjoy it a lot when it's right."

He snuggles in tighter. "You don't have to be afraid of asking me, you know. Or… saying what you want. I know I used to be… I know I was difficult. But I like to think I'm better now, and I promise… I'm not gonna be a dick just because you want to do things softly sometimes."

"But… it feels weird," Ed admits. "Like… I know you like it. I do. But it's… it's like how it's weird for me to say I wanna bottom, sometimes. And… and I guess how you felt weird about asking to sub. And…"

He looks over to Stede, heart hurting again. "Normally… I wouldn't ask Stede. We'd just… do. Those are really… Special. We'll go at it as hard as we did before, and then…" Okay, now he's blushing. "Sometimes we just… fall into each other, later. And… and I guess I should hold back less, but it's… it doesn't… It's not… conscious. Literally, sometimes, with Stede. I'll slide right in and fuck him slow and sweet until he wakes up and purrs like a damn kitten. You should fucking see how much he loves it like that…"

"Maybe we should try it sometime," Izzy suggests. "Wake him up slow and careful, surrounded by warm arms… maybe I hold him whilst you slip in, or maybe the other way around… roll him on his side so my boys can use their mouths at the same time… I bet he'd melt. Fuck, I bet you would if you woke up to all of us like that…"

He leans up to kiss Ed's jaw. "And… I will try to get better at just doing. In my defence, we've only been doing this for real for a handful of weeks. We just… when we know, we commit."

Ed puts two fingers under Izzy's chin, holding him stretched, just gently. "It isn't just him I want that with, Iz. If you'd like it… I'd want that for you, too. I'd want to hold you, feel you stir while they kiss your thighs and belly and take your morning wood in their mouths. I'd want to finger you ready and fuck you slow, slow and sweet… Not because I wanna control you, but because… because I just want to make you feel great. I fucking love when Stede is sleepy and all melty and purring like that… I love lavishing all my damn attention on him. And I know Pete would like it, and I reckon Lu would…"

"…I know they both would," Izzy says, very softly. "And I would too. I… you know my instinct is always to be looking out for what other people need. It's… just who I am. But that doesn't mean I don't… I still want things for me. I do. It's just… not what I think of first."

A little sigh. "I'm trying to get better at it. I… like to think I'm better than I was, at least."

"You are. I just… needed to know I wouldn't be crossing a line. You know if I started and you weren't in the mood, not for that… I'd always listen. But I… I guess I just needed to hear you sometimes might." Ed runs his thumb into the corner of Izzy's lips, eyes dark.

He leans in for a slow, tender kiss. Stays close, resting their foreheads together. "You don't need to think of it 'first'. And even if one of us initiates, it doesn't mean we'd be expecting you to bottom, or to lie back. Unless you wanted to. And even then… no one would bat a single eyelid if you wanted to lie back first, then roll someone over… Fuck, but the thought of sliding into you and fucking you slowly until you can't take it… until you push one of us between your legs, or growl to offer our holes… I just… I really love sleepy, horny, cuddly, okay? It's… sometimes my favourite bit, after a hard scene. When everything's still loose, when you're all buzzed-out and mellow…"

"It's damn good, you're not wrong," Izzy concurs, with a murmur of pleasure at the contact, and the imagery. "I've always loved it when my boys come round later on, or even in the middle of the night… slowly fucking 'em back to sleep, doubling-down on how good they already feel. And… reinforcing that any harshness was just part of the scene. Well… except when Lucius incites me to be rough all over again…"

"Rough doesn't need to be harsh, either." Ed pushes the hair behind Izzy's ear. "But you're being just as bad as Stede, now, Izzy. Do I need to spell it out for you, too? Or… do you only like it when I push?"

"You implied you wanted to fuck me," Izzy reminds him. "And if you want soft and gentle… you may need to initiate. Otherwise what you'll get is me jumping on your cock, which… you'll enjoy, yes, but I don't think it's what you're going for. But if you want to fuck me slowly – and see which of our husbands wakes up first in the process – then I definitely won't object." He's more than mellow enough right now, and even if he gets pushier in the middle, he doubts it'll be a bad thing.

"I was initiating. I was being subtle. Apparently too subtle." Ed thunks his head into Izzy's temple. "If I mention something, and you immediately only start talking about doing it to other people, or don't make any kind of confirmative… confirming… con… if you don't flirt back, then I think you're saying 'no', Iz."

He drags the tip of his nose against Izzy's cheek. "I'm not asking for a big, flashing, neon sign. But at least give me a tiny one, next time?" He slides his hand down the other man's back, resting his palm over one ass-cheek, fingers brushing and teasing at the crack. "Work with me, love. Even a li'l bit. No 'no' isn't the same as 'yes'."

"…God, I really am as bad as Stede sometimes…" Izzy murmurs. "Sorry. Still a bit out of it, and… honestly, still used to being the initiator, especially at this point, rather than the other way around…"

He leans into that hand, though, wanting to make it quite clear he's in favour. "…plus I like things direct, even if they're soft. So why don't you show me precisely what you're imagining doing to me..?"

"Hey, Lucius tried to work out a timeline of fuck-fantasies before. We're all prone to it…" Ed's expression is warm, as are the fingers that run between his thighs and very, very gently stroke his still-puffy hole. "First gotta make sure you're not too-fucked. Though if you are, you can always fuck me… or any of us…"

Ed really doesn't want to hurt him, of course. He checks to see if there's any discomfort or injury, paying careful attention to how Izzy reacts when he touches him. "We did go at you very hard…"

"You did," Izzy replies, with a little smile. "But I'm very robust. Maybe… don't go that hard again right now, though. Softer is good. I… like feeling worth it."

He curls in more, parting his legs wider to give Ed all the access he needs. "Which I'm not saying I doubt," he adds. "It's just… good to be reminded."

Ed rolls Izzy to lie on top of himself, ass-up, fingers playing with the hair at the base of his head and over the back of his neck. There's always lube somewhere up under the pillows, so he can squirt some out and start pushing a finger into him. "It is. And I think we have an audience. I'm pretty sure they're attuned to the lube bottle… either the sound, or the smell."

Fingers urge Izzy's head to one side so Ed can nibble at his neck, softly, humming in delight. "I just wanna… wrap all of you up in blankets with a hole for your dick and butt… swaddle you in blanket burritos and then bone you sweetly… fuck you back into sleep, holding you while you collapse under all that bliss…"

Izzy gasps sharply as Ed wraps around him like that; very much aware that the other man is bigger than him and entirely capable of holding him down if he chose to. He doesn't feel threatened, because he knows that's not what this is at all, but he's conscious of it all the same. "Just hold me," he urges. "Show me. Passive is still… it's harder for me, but I want to be able to do it."

"I don't need you to be passive, unless you want to… you can kiss me, hold me back, pull my hair… hold tight if that's what you need…" Ed slips two fingers in, wanting to make certain he's not raw or uncomfortably tender before he puts his dick in. Also wanting him to be nice and slick and ready. He holds Izzy's head where he wants him, kissing a love-bite into the curve of his neck as he gets him ready.

Izzy reaches up to hold onto Ed, wrapping both arms around him. The love-bite is just the right side of sharp, and he slides his fingers through Ed's hair, urging him on; trying to find a balance that trips things the way he needs them without moving away from the softer approach Ed is going for.

"…oh fuck, that's it…" he murmurs. "Don't make me wait too long for that gorgeous dick…"

"Not gonna. Just needed to make sure you were ready, love. Only want you screaming in the good way." The fingers pull out and Ed slaps Izzy's ass-cheek. "If nothing else, these three would absolutely be pulling you off me if I didn't."

Lucius already knew he'd been made as watching, and he shrugs slightly. "Would fight you. If I needed to. But I don't."

"Damn right you don't," Ed agrees, taking hold of Izzy's hips, pulling him down as his hips thrust up. A helpful hand pushes his cock where he needs it, and then he's got Izzy's face in both hands to kiss him passionately as he forces his hips still to enjoy the way their bodies just fit.

Izzy cries out at that, because it feels so damn good; holding onto Ed even tighter as he rocks his hips against the other man just a little, enjoying the sensations. "Oh fuck, yes," he gasps. "No wonder Stede fell head over heels…"

"…he has other qualities too," Stede murmurs, from where he's watching. "It's not just his dick. There's also his mouth, his ass… his hands, his arms… the way he smiles when he's utterly in love…"

Ed gives that smile to Stede, turning Izzy's head gently the same way so they're both looking at him. "Right back at ya, love. You're so fucking adorable when you give me those eyes. And I know you look at our guys just the same…"

Then Ed jolts, because there's movement from the other side he didn't expect. Movement that culminates in hot breath and a wet swipe of tongue where his cock's slid deep into Izzy's ass. "Warn a guy!"

"More fun this way," Lucius snickers. "Figured you wouldn't mind…"

"Hnnnghhh…"

Ed can feel the tongue licking them both, running around Izzy's rim and making him tense and flutter around his cock. It's so, so, so maddeningly good, and he's gripping Izzy's shoulders, wrapping him in a bear-hug before he loses his cool and bucks Lucius off. "Fuck… your boys are gorgeous little sluts…"

Izzy smiles. "Yes, they are," he agrees, very proudly. "Talented ones, too." The additional attention might drive him more than a little insane, but that can only be good.

When Lucius moves in like that (and is, therefore, no longer warm and snuggly), Pete is motivated to move as well: sliding closer so he's right alongside Ed and Izzy, on the opposite side to Stede. He reaches to run a hand down Izzy's back, loving how happy he and Ed look right now, before leaning to kiss softly at the side of Ed's jaw.

"Don't hold back," Ed tells Stede, though really it's directed to all three of them. "Izzy wants to feel worth it. Make him feel fucking amazing with me, and you know we'll make sure you all feel just as good, too…"

"You don't need to bribe us, or even remind us." Lucius lightly slaps Izzy's ass, then grabs and works both cheeks while he's answering. "Making him feel amazing is more than motivation enough. Just try not to knock me out if you do start moving faster…"

Ed grins, then noses Izzy to make eye-contact, gazing adoringly up at him. "You are worth it. So fucking worth everything. As much as you give us, and more. If that's even possible. I fucking love you, man. I love all of you. And I'm gonna show you…"

As Lucius starts licking Izzy's rim again, Ed holds his ass and rocks them together, pushing Izzy down as his hips thrust up. It's slow, lazy, tender and oh-so-fucking good. His breath hitches as they roll, the comforting presence of their husbands just making it even more special. Ed honestly thinks he can feel his heart breaking open, it's that tender. "Izzy…"

"I know, Eddie, I know," Izzy breathes, softly. "I feel it too, it's OK. Just don't stop…" He's holding on tighter with one hand; grateful to feel Stede's hand in his other, as he curls in closer. "And I… fuck… after earlier, I'm not gonna last long if you carry on like this…"

Which is not a problem, not at all, he just wants to make sure they all know. "…I love you all so damn much… god… so damn much it fucking hurts…"

"Gonna spend the rest of our goddamn lives together… holding hands, curling up on the couch, sharing food… waking up together… waking up together… Fuck… Gonna screw you so slow, so sweet… you feel so fucking good…" Ed bounces Izzy with his hands, still going painfully slowly. "You wanna watch our guys fuck slow and sweet, too? Wanna see them sleepy and snuggly and rolling in the sheets before they curl up back to sleep? Wanna know just how damn much we all – all – matter?"

"You know I do," Izzy breathes. "I love them. All of them. All of you. I told you… it hurts… it hurts so good… that I could have this, that I get this, that you all… you really… fuck, just don't stop, you're gonna make me emotional…"

The scene before really did a number on him, didn't it? He didn't see that coming at all, and it's clearly still affecting him. And of course none of it is bad – far from it – but it's certainly a lot.

"Tell me 'no'," Ed urges, clearly feeling Some Kind Of Way, and wanting Izzy to let him know his comfort levels. But it's bubbling up inside of him and he really, really, really wants to act on it. "Before I do something stupid."

Izzy's eyes go intense, and devoted. "…You know I never could," he whispers. "And it won't be stupid. So do it. I'm not afraid to be loved. Not anymore." Maybe sometimes he still is, a little bit, but he doesn't want to be, and he certainly doesn't want to let it hold him back.

"Lu, move," Ed tells him, waiting until he knows the man is clear before he's flipping Izzy clean over onto his back. He pulls Izzy's thighs around his hips, slips his hands under Izzy's arms and curls the fingers of each hand around his shoulders. Then he starts to fuck him, hard, furious, and loving.

He knows Stede loves this, and that Stede will love watching it. A glance to him – eyes blazing with emotion – then to Pete and Lu. Then locked on Izzy, making sure he sees everything as he thrusts up and into him. "Good. Because we do."

Izzy had suspected a move like that, so he's braced for it and not (too) alarmed by it; letting Ed pin him and then clinging to him as hard as he can, so he's got an outlet for the tense need to act that doesn't involve stopping. He doesn't want to stop, after all. Not in the slightest.

"I know," he breathes, and though the words are simple he feels them all the way to his core. "I promise you. I know."

Pete reaches to pull Lu back in once he has to move out of the way, needing the contact as an outlet of his own for just how hot this is. He clings to his husband, watching in delight, and trying to contain the little squeaked sounds of happiness he keeps making as a result.

Ed doesn't want to dominate, nor control. He wants to lavish attention all over Izzy – and the others – so they feel as special as they actually are. Wants to pour his devotion all over them, so they understand what they mean. Although he said slow and sweet, it's not that, now. It's anything but slow, although it's still sweet with the roughness. He hopes to fuck he's not hurting him, as he chases his own pleasure, eyes aching. "Tell me how you need this."

"I need it like this," Izzy cries out. "Hard, like you mean it, but… loving… like you mean it too. You've had me from the start… you know I'd give you anything… don't you? Just don't stop or I'll collapse into pieces…"

He buries his face in Ed's neck, because the emotion is becoming overwhelming now, and he's trying to find some way to keep feeling it without it wrecking him completely. "…and I'm so close… so close… please… please…"

Which is when Ed grabs Izzy's legs and folds him in half, pretzeling the man so he can drive in as deep as his dick will go. "Stede… grab his dick," he begs, then slams Izzy's hands under his own into the bed. He's not going to stop until the man's a screaming wreck.

Stede obliges – obeys? – at once, given how closely he's been curled the whole time, though he only manages a dozen or so strokes before Izzy absolutely explodes with pleasure. He doesn't stop, though, wanting to help drag as much bliss out of the other man as possible, and fighting to keep going even as Izzy goes utterly to bits under Ed's fierce, wonderful attention.

Izzy himself just keeps clinging onto Ed as he rides through the orgasm, which has no right to be so intense given all he's already done; nor to spill as much as it does in the process. He's conscious of having been comprehensively smashed to bits in front of everyone, which is a lot, but he sure as fuck doesn't regret it.

And not just because it feels so good.

Ed's barely finished spilling – hot, so hot his balls ache – jolting each spurt into the willing body beneath him, but he's already holding Izzy's face in both hands to fuck his tongue past his lips. It helps him ride out the last, lingering rushes of pleasure as his body finds satisfaction, before he's done and every bit of him is wrapped clingingly-tight around the man beneath him.

"Ohfuckinghellfire, Iz…"

Izzy can't move. He can't. His body has locked around Ed, and he doesn't want to let go. Doesn't want to look up. He's not ready to process the looks on the others' faces yet, even though he knows full-well that they'll be nothing but happy. It's just… it's too much: too raw, too open, too honest. Too good.

Stede, on the other hand, smiles a very knowing smile as he looks between the pair of them: releasing Izzy's dick with a final soft stroke. "Better?" he asks.

"…will be when… when I know you three feel as good as we do," Ed breathes out, holding just as fiercely in return. "Fuck… I just… fuck."

"You certainly did 'fuck'," Lucius points out, slyly. He's been curled up with Pete (and frotting against his thigh), but he leans in to kiss Ed's shoulder, then Izzy's. "That… 'hot' doesn't actually cover it, does it, Pete?"

Pete shakes his head vigorously. "…not even close," he manages. "Think I might die. Of hotness."

"Seconded," Stede agrees. "Or… thirded, technically? So utterly gorgeous."

Izzy just nods some more, not letting go of Ed. He is not ready to do that, not yet. The Feelings are much too big, and being entirely good doesn't make them any less immense.

"Do you need anything?" Ed asks, loosening one hand to stroke his hair. "Nod or shake is fine. You want everyone to just hold you for a minute? Before they give you a show? Or you want us to not make you too self conscious?"

"…am good," Izzy murmurs. "Just hold me. Was… a lot. Good. Good a-lot. Just… need a minute. And… all of you." Part of him hates going to bits like this, but at the same time… doing it and not being judged really helps. He knows he's still got walls, even if only from himself, but he also knows he could never have done this a year ago.

"Roll over?" Lucius suggests to Ed. "Then we can cover him all over with hugs?"

"You ready for that?" Ed asks, cupping Izzy's face. "They aren't gonna be happy until they all get to smother you with affection, you know."

"Izzy knows we won't rest," Lu agrees. "He's known that for a while now."

Izzy nods. He does know, and he's not trying to avoid it. "Yes. Rolling is good. I want to feel all of you there."

"Okay, on three… One, two… three…" Ed tucks Izzy in, then flips them over so he's curled up on top again.

Which of course means there's immediately a Lucius curled all over Izzy's back, and there's Stede and Pete and… okay. Ed laughs in bemusement. "You have a fan club, Iz."

"Damn right he does," Pete enthuses, finding one of Izzy's hands and holding on. "And so do you. We can hug you both."

"We absolutely can," Stede agrees, kissing Ed on the side of his head whilst softly petting Izzy's hair.

"But yeah, so… that was kinda what I was intimating, before," Ed continues brightly. "That I like the snuggly, just-woke-up, too. And for the record: I like being on the receiving end, too. In case anyone needed to know. You can climb on my dick, or roll me over, or… basically 'yes: please'."

"It was good," Izzy confirms. "It was very, very good. I… know I keep getting emotional, but it's not bad, I promise. I guess… I guess I'm just feeling all of this, a lot."

"But… it also means you're feeling safe to feel it," Pete reminds him, softly. "You're not trying to hide it. You're letting it happen. That's a good thing, Iz."

"And did we mention: really fucking hot?" Lu says, between kisses all over Izzy's neck. He's spooning him into Ed, but petting Pete and Stede intermittently, too. "Not just physically, which – hello, obvious – but… fuck. Seeing you be so feelingsy… it makes me feel things, too. And… and it reminds me how much I wanted you to let us in, and how you did, and… and… god. It's all I ever wanted, you know. And more, because now we've got Ed and Stede, too, just--"

"The things, with extra people?" Ed suggests.

"That! Yes. Pete made me feel incredible so I wanted him to feel the same, and then Izzy, and… god. I nearly came myself when Ed pinned you down. I felt it."

"…I'm sorry it took so long," Izzy says. "But I got there in the end. And I'll keep trying. Because it really was amazing, and I want to be able to do things like that and just… not overthink them."

"Good thing you've got all of us forever then," Pete says. "We can just keep reminding you."

"And… we can put on a lovely show for you afterwards," Stede adds, with a slightly wicked smile. "Like now, perhaps… if certain other people are in favour…" His eyes go to Lucius and Pete, leadingly.

"I am always in favour. I'm assuming 'Sir' is still… feeling like calling the shots?" Lu bats his lashes, flirtatiously. "Because I am feeling very amenable. In… all sorts of ways."

Pete nods emphatically. "Seconded," he declares at once. "Very, very seconded."

"As it happens, I am feeling like calling the shots," Stede replies. "And if Izzy is happy to let me borrow the pair of you… I think we can give him and Ed a show…"

"Oh, I'm more than happy," Izzy says. "I'm sure they'll both be very good for you."

"Especially if – lovely as it is for a while – Lu stops crushing me." Ed reaches up to fluff the man's hair.

"Oh my god, you should have said!"

"Izzy seemed to like it, and I still have some feeling in my legs…"

Lucius huffs, then slams his hips into Izzy's ass on purpose as he clambers towards Stede. "I'll be very, very, very good. Promise…"

"Oh, will you now?" Stede replies. "And what about you, Pete?"

"The same. Very, very, very good." Pete gives another emphatic nod.

It's helpful this bed is so damn big. Stede moves a little further back, creating a space for the pair of them where Ed and Izzy will have a good view. "All right then. Side by side, on your hands and knees. Leave enough space for me between you."

Lucius decides he wants to be generous, so he moves furthest away from Izzy and Ed so Pete can get more contact if, as and when. He steals a quick kiss from Pete as he does, then arches his spine out to get himself comfortable. "If we're stating preferences for being woken up in future, though… can I also be on the record as 'game'?"

"You absolutely can, though no one's surprised," Stede says, now moving in between the pair of them and running a hand over their asses. "What about you, Pete?"

"Sign me up too," comes the answer at once. "Oh, fuck yes."

"I thought so." Stede's hands start to knead a little more firmly. "Of course… I think we're past the 'waking-up' phase right now. I mean, I did just watch my husband ream yours like there's no tomorrow. Which there is, and for the record, Izzy, I have more than enough special cushions to go around…"

"…probably for the best…" Izzy murmurs.

"…so perhaps, being a little more awake… I might also have to be a little more firm." Stede can make his voice go really very wicked when he wants to, though he waits until the last few words before fully letting it show. And the moment he does, he draws back with both hands and starts spanking Lu and Pete, and whilst it's not as hard as he could go, it's certainly not soft.

"Oh fuck!" Pete cries out, having not expected the other man to go quite that far, especially to start out. He still arches eagerly: head down, ass up, making it very clear he's not objecting in the slightest.

"Ohhh very much yes," Lucius joins in, hands pushing under the pillows as he sets his knees wider in response. "As… as long as cuddles after, too… as firm as you want. Sir."

To the side, Ed has positioned Izzy so he can hold him comfortably, one hand on his ass with the thumb lazily sneaking between his cheeks, the other coiling fingers through his hair. "They're so hot when they're begging for it."

"Aren't they just?" Izzy agrees. "I love getting to watch. Means I can take in all the little details you miss when you're focused, or can't always see… the way their expressions change, the way you can see 'em yearning… it really is gorgeous."

Stede runs a firm hand down Lu and Pete's spines, finding the fronts of the collars they're still wearing and gripping tight. "You'll get cuddles after. You'll always get cuddles after. But… screaming first…"

And he lets go, snapping quickly back upright to start another volley; loving how much he can see the pair of them enjoying it.

"GOD, YES, PLEASE, HARDER! PLEASE!" Lucius screams, obligingly. He's still a bit spacey inside from the earlier scene, his ass thrumming from the very, very good flogging and fucking. Something cracks and hits a tender spot and the sense-memory knocks the knees from under him.

It's strange. One minute he's stable, the next he pitches to one side and has to drag his knee back under him before he's splatted into the bed. The bed which is now (he's convinced) rolling like a ship on choppy seas, making it difficult to stay planted.

"Looks like we really broke 'em before," Ed rumbles in satisfaction. He slips two fingers to tease at Izzy's rim, stretched over his dick as it still is, then flexes his cock out and the fingers in its stead in one quick, practiced move. "Wanna see if I can get you there, slow and steady, right with them?"

"So long as it's slow," Izzy replies. "Might break me otherwise." But he's clearly not objecting, not in the slightest. It's… good, to just be slowly wanted. It had taken him time to get used to the idea with his boys, and he realises he needs to get used to it with Ed too, now.

"Oh, you like that, don't you?" Stede says, his voice ringing with pride at having made Lucius react so much. "If you hadn't already been flogged and fucked out of your minds, I'd go at this for longer, but since you have I should be a little merciful."

Or, it'll feel merciful, at least. At first.

"…mercy… good, sir," Pete gasps; thrumming all over from the sensation and trying to lean into Lucius more to help support him.

"Spread your legs, both of you," Stede tells them, as he grabs the lube to slick fingers on both hands. "Show me how much you want this."

Lucius nearly spreads them too wide, so eager to obey and get to the next part. He might – just – be not in the most sensible of brain spaces right now. In fact, one might even call it impaired. Any which way, he lifts his ass up and coos in delight. "Please… I do… I do…"

The fact that he can vaguely tell that Ed is doing things to Izzy again is also making his head go weirdly fuzzy. Apparently he likes that a lot. He's not sure why, but he does.

Pete moves almost as eagerly; sliding his knees wide and trying to re-brace himself in anticipation. "We both do, sir, I promise," he gasps. "Please… make us scream for you."

Stede smiles at that, more than a little wicked. "Be careful what you wish for…"

Two fingers slide into each of them in unison, sliding right up to the knuckle, before twisting a little as Stede starts to fuck them both. Which is all kinds of hot, and he finds he really loves the idea of being able to work the pair of them at once; watching how they reach to each thrust, each jolt… and when he adds a third finger on both sides, just because he can.

Ed watches, and when Stede goes up to three, he does the same for Izzy. He's moving his hand considerably slower, though; wanting to build Izzy back up gradually. He's already come very, very hard after all, and that after a thorough, double penetration only hours earlier. Even a consummate bottom might be feeling tender by this point.

"I love when he's like this. I love watching the focus on his face… It's like when you have them both: you're so… natural with them. They respond to us like they do because you trained them so well… doesn't it make you proud to see them enjoy themselves so much? To let go so much?" Ed rubs at Izzy's cheek. "They're so confident and comfortable because you got them there."

Lucius agrees. He nods, hazily, rolling into Stede's fingers. He definitely feels overwhelmingly safe, loved, and utterly content. There's not a single worry in him, and that's… just priceless.

"It was mutual," Izzy says, very softly. "They got me here, too. We were all what each other needed. But I'll always be proud of them… how strong they are, how good, how trusting. It's a precious gift, and I'm happy I get to share that with both of you. You understand. And… you love them too. And me."

"We all love you, Izzy," Stede chips in. "You, and your precious boys… who really are the most gorgeously-eager bottoms. I'm going to make them both come screaming… and then maybe I'll make them scream some more. I know how much they love it."

"Maybe someone might enjoy being fucked back to sleep, when you have?" Ed suggests, lifting one brow. "If he's still in a fit state. And if you can keep your dick to yourself… Which is quite a challenge when those two look like that…"

"PLEASE," Lu rasps, now trying to hump Stede's fingers, then the bed beneath him. "Oh god, oh god please… all of it… please… fuck. I – I need… I need Pete, Sir… please?"

He's reached across, grabbing his husband's hand, clinging to it desperately. He really wants to lean into him more, to get the comfort he's so desperately craving.

"Move in closer," Stede tells them, whilst simultaneously giving Ed a look that says he likes that idea very much. "Rest against each other. And then brace."

He gives them time to move first, though, so they're pressed against each other's sides; kneeling so he's braced over their closer legs so he can still reach both of them at once. Once he's sure they – and he – are settled right, he starts going all out with three fingers on either side; fucking them with as much strength as is left in him and determined not to stop until both men come screaming. "That's it. That's it. Fall apart for me."

Lucius has his hand over Pete's, his shoulder pressed flush and his temple clunked to his husband's. It helps with how fucking good it feels, and he's yowling with every thrust. It's so damn hot to be bent over and used, to be given so much attention that's directly for his pleasure, for the sake of that (and Pete's), and little else. To be worth such an absolute maelstrom of effort…

He feels Pete tensing, and that's all it takes to trip him screechingly over the edge into oblivion. Lu's arms yield, his torso flopped into the bed with his ass a quivering mess around Stede's fingers. He's so, so, so blurrily happy that he might just fall immediately back asleep if he doesn't focus.

Pete follows him right over the edge with a cry that's half-relief and half-joy: shaking as the pleasure bursts through him and trying to stay pressed as close to Lu as possible, because it's so damn good to feel him coming apart as well. "Oh fuck… oh fuck, thank you, sir!" he manages to cry out, with what voice he has left.

"Oh, that's it," Stede urges them both. "That's just gorgeous. Come on, give me everything and I might even relent…"

He could keep going. Part of him certainly wants to. But… maybe that's too harsh this time.

"I h-have… I have… I – I promise… I… mercy, please… please…" Lucius rarely begs for that, and in truth if Stede really wanted to keep going he'd find the strength. But right now, he's sleepy, fucked-out and doesn't really want to face over-stim. Not unless Stede really wants him to. "Please…"

That's really all Stede needs to make him relent, this time; too mellow and content to push into anything more harsh. He gives a final shunt on both sides and then pulls out, finding something to wipe his hands.

"That was so fucking good, both of you," he says. "You can relax now."

Pete practically falls face-down the moment the words are out of Stede's mouth: shaking all over as he collapses into the sheets. "…mnnnnhhhg…" he manages, incoherently but happily. "…s'… yes…"

Lucius is in Pete's arms the moment he's been given permission, moaning blissfully and gratefully. He's so worn-out that his eyes won't stay open, but he's very much still aware. He thinks. Not that he'll be able to retain consciousness for too long.

Which leaves just Stede unsatisfied. Ed kisses Izzy's temple, still slowly fingering his hole. "If it's too much, I can give him the happy ending, don't you worry. But if you're feeling up to it… I'd love to hold you while he fucks you sweetly back to sleep…"

For a moment, all Izzy can do is nod. "…that…" he manages. "Please." He's a little overwhelmed all over again at seeing his boys so blissfully happy; at knowing they all really can have this, and it's not just him, and his precious husbands love it too – love them – too.

"We can hold him between us," Stede says, much more softly. He's not going to be remotely pushy with Izzy, not now. "And I can take it slow, I promise. I know you've done a lot already."

"Roll him over with me…" Ed pulls his fingers free, urging Izzy onto his side. He kisses all over his hairline, running his hand over his waist and hip. "There you go. Hold me as tight as you need. If you want my hand, tap me, or ask… all we want to do is spoil you rotten and then hold you so tight you see stars when you're falling back asleep."

Stede helps get Izzy in place, then reaches for more lube to slick his cock. He knows the other man has been very well-used, so he curls in behind him at once and guides his cock to his hole, slowly pushing inside.

"Oh, Izzy…" he breathes. "You feel so fucking good… tell me if I go too fast. I don't want to hurt you."

"You won't hurt me. I'm very robust."

"Even so… I'll be careful."

"It's not just hurting you," Ed reminds him, caressing him lovingly and looking over to Stede with a heart-shattered expression. "It's making you feel incredible. It's finding the rhythm that makes your breath catch, and chasing every moan and shudder out of you. Until you're nothing but a puddle of pleasure between us. You know how your boys are… that's what we're going to give you."

"…you think you haven't already..?" Izzy manages, hiding his face in Ed's neck again.

"Doesn't just have to be once, does it?" Stede points out, very gently. He's got himself braced, so he can move slow and firm: trying to give Izzy plenty of stimulation and attention without going too fast or hard. Because Ed's right, this is about making him feel amazing, and sometimes Izzy can be too focused on making other people feel amazing to remember that he deserves the same.

And fuck, but he feels so damn good, and feeling him curled into Ed's warm, wonderful arms is even better. Stede finds one of Ed's hands in the tangle, holding on tight, needing his husband to know how happy he is too.

"You were so hot with the boys," Ed rumbles, addressing Stede even as he's nosing and kissing at Izzy's jaw. "You're always so hot. You're a fucking beast when you're all pushy… even when it's like this. Maybe especially when it's like this…"

He runs the knuckles of his other hand over Izzy's belly, then shudders in delight as he feels a brush from behind. Pete, or Lu, he's not sure, but the gentle contact is lovely and reassuring. "We've got you, Izzy. And we're gonna make you purr with pleasure… and then cuddle you all night long. And when you wake up, we're gonna make sure we look after that sweet, sweet ass of yours. And when you're ready to return the favour… damn straight will we all be bending over to give you anything you want… But right now what we want is this. You."

"You have me," Izzy whispers. "I promise. I promise." It's overwhelming, but good overwhelming, so he doesn't have to worry at all. "Feels so good… so fucking good… just don't stop… please…"

"I won't," Stede reassures him. "I'm not going to tease, it's OK. I'm just going to make you feel amazing."

He's making them both feel amazing, that's for sure, and Stede knows he won't last a great deal longer. And whilst he's not sure how much more Izzy is capable of, he tries to hold back as much as he can, to make sure he gets him there.

"…Eddie… I'm right on the edge…" Izzy gasps, suddenly. "I… your hand… please…"

"Anything, love. Anything." Ed brushes the palm of his hand over Izzy's cockhead, teases the fingertips around the crown, then wraps his shaft properly and starts to tug and twist. He starts in synch with Stede's movements, but rapidly builds his pace. "It's okay… come for us, Iz. You're with us. You're with all of us. We fucking love you."

That's the last push Izzy needs, and whilst there's absolutely nothing left in him, the dry climax that hits is still intense: smashing through his body hard enough to make him cry out, and leaving him shaking in Ed's arms long before it's entirely abated.

"…fuck…" he gasps. "That… fuckyes…"

Once Stede knows Izzy is over the edge, he lets go too, and it only takes another moment before he's coming hard: riding out the pleasure against Izzy's gorgeous body and finally collapsing with a rough gasp. The instant he does, he wraps firmly around Izzy, reaching for Ed too; instantly wanting to cuddle as much as possible.

"…that was so good, ohmyGod…"

"You both were incredible," Ed growls, a soft, but tender version of the Voice. Utterly proud and adoring, as he holds Stede tightly to scrunch Izzy between them. "So, so beautiful. So good. I'd fucking… polycule marry the lot of you all over again every single bloody day if I could."

"Mollycule," comes a faint, giggly Lucius voice. "Parriage. Sounds like… porridge."

"…just because the English language hasn't caught up… we're not allowed to use 'spolycule' in public, either. On account of it supposedly being a secret. The spy thing, not the us thing." Ed crooks a finger to urge the other two closer.

They curl into an incredibly tight tangle: everyone wrapped in so much that sometimes it's hard to tell whose limb is whose, at least without looking. Bundled in the middle of it, Izzy feels so utterly amazing, in a way that's beyond words, because none of the words are enough. But it's there, and it's radiating off him, in a way only these four incredible men could ever see.

"It is a secret," Stede insists, sleepily. "No one knows me and Lu are spies and you're all spy-adjacents. They just think we're a nice, normal police unit…"

Sometimes if he tells himself it enough, he can almost believe it.

"…not normal…" Pete murmurs. "Definitely not normal."

"Even your own daughter knows," Ed points out. "You are the least secret spy the world's ever seen."

"Most successful, though," Lucius protests.

"…that we know of."

"Only one you 'know' is known and gets shit done. Says all I need to know." Lucius swats at Ed, vaguely. "Shh. Cute time."

Stede finds Lucius' hand in the tangle and grips it tight. "Love you," he says, with a little smile. "Love the way you scream too…"

"…Lucius said cute," Izzy points out.

"Lu screaming is cute," Stede insists. "So is Pete screaming. And they both screamed a lot and it was great. So… there."

"Cute time is now," Lu pecks a kiss to Izzy's shoulder, then snuggles into Pete's arms some more. "Cuddles. Cuddles cute. No fighting."

"I wasn't fighting." Ed sticks his tongue out in Lucius' direction. "And Izzy is also cute. When he's snuggly. That's a better-kept secret than you and Stede being spies."

"Oh, I don't know…" Lucius knows he's on thin ice, he does.

"…m'gonna thrash all of you so hard when I can stand…" Izzy murmurs, but it's in such an affectionate tone that any element of threat is completely lost.

"We love you too, Izzy," Stede tells him.

"I'm counting on it." A beat. "Master." Lucius smiles, widely, around a gigantic yawn.

"Pete, you can get thrashed too. As a treat," Ed promises. "But you should let Izzy and the rest of us old folks get our beauty sleep, now."

"…prob'ly for the best…" Pete murmurs, stifling a yawn of his own. "Love you all."

***

Needless to say, by the end of the holiday, it really is a miracle any of them can still stand. Or walk. But they – perhaps sensibly – need to make sure they're in a fit state to fly home, and as such they're mostly recovered by the time they make it back to the UK.

When they arrive back at their apartment building, loading their luggage into the freight lift to send straight up, Tim the doorman-slash-building security leader emerges from the back office with a very important someone to return.

"Here you go, Ed," he says, brightly. "One Sheila. Fully-misted and looked after." And he hands over the now-famous plant to her doting father. "She's been a pleasure to have in the office."

"You've been good, then?" Ed runs the back of a finger along a waxy leaf. "Good girl. I knew you would. One of these days I'd get you a passport, but you're probably safer with Tim."

"We got some of those chocolates for your wife," Lucius tells him. "They should arrive home before you do. With some flowers as a thanks." Which is possibly weird, giving cut flowers as a thank you for looking after a potted plant, but Ed had insisted so of course Lu had obliged.

"You're amazing as always, Tim," Stede adds. "Everything good here?"

Tim gives him a little wink. "Everything's great. You can go right on up."

Which… seems an odd thing to say, given that they live here. As does the fact that Stede all of a sudden looks like he's vibrating a little.

"Shall we?" he asks them all.

"Yep, Sheila needs to hear all about it, and I need to take off my shoes," Ed declares, feeling very relieved to be home. The being away bit was lovely, but even with Stede's resources, there's only so much comfort you can put into international travel.

Lucius gets into the lift first, reaching to the button for the shared floor. They haven't said otherwise, and it seems like the perfect place to start and then split out if needed.

Only, Stede swoops around and hits one of the buttons first, for the seventeenth floor. Which is odd, because they live on eighteen to twenty. What's more odd is that the upgraded security – since the Incidents – has the lift's biometrics keyed to only allow access to a resident's own floor, or floors, with guests issued a specific pass. So for the lift to respond to Stede pressing the button for level seventeen is… telling.

"…Stede, what did you do?" Izzy asks at once.

"Nothing! I did nothing! I am entirely sweet and innocent and have never done anything wrong in my life ever. Ever. So… there."

"You make a bloody terrible spy sometimes," Lucius snorts, shaking his head and leaning back against the lift with his arms folded. His eyes slant over to Ed.

"Don't ask me, Stede's a law unto himself," Ed defends himself at once. "I don't know what he's up to now."

"As long as we don't find Jack and Maynard in there…" Lu shudders. "If we do, I'm going to be filing the divorce papers as fast as Izzy."

"Jack and Maynard are very happily moved into their new place half a mile away," Stede answers. "Robert texted me a few days ago to say they were all settled. But this… I… may have gotten us a little something. As a welcome-home treat."

"…Is it an entire floor of this building?" Izzy manages. "Did you buy us an entire floor as a treat?" The man is insane. Intensely loving and generous, but insane.

Perhaps helpfully, the lift comes to a halt and the door dings open before Stede has to answer. "Oh look, we're on floor seventeen for some reason!" he declares. "Might as well peek about…"

Which is apparently much easier when you also have a keycard for the entrance to the apartment in question. And… it's the same keycard that opens all your other doors.

Shush.

The doors open on an anteroom that quickly leads into a space that – like their lounge two levels up – is mostly a huge open floor. There's a door off to the side that leads into whatever is in the space that mirrors their dojo, and two more at the far end that mirror the guest rooms.

The main room itself is centred on the most immense bed imaginable. It's even bigger than the one they had on their polymoon, with two big bedside cabinets and what looks like a number of underbed drawers. Besides that, there's a long wall cabinet that – when opened – will reveal a large range of assorted kinky supplies, and another – essential – small kitchen area.

"…Surprise!" Stede declares, as if he'd somehow kept it a secret despite it being glaringly obvious. (But only right now. They didn't know all the time he'd been planning it. So… he still gets points for that.)

Ed nearly drops Sheila. "What the fuck – how in the hell did you even get that made?! You could fit five elephants in that!"

"Not just that: how did you do all this and not have me help you?" Lucius steps in, eyes running over every detail. "Do I even want to know what's in the other rooms? Is one of them a torture chamber, or a walk-in fridge?!"

"…I did it as a surprise," Stede says, more softly. "It wasn't easy keeping it a secret from you especially, but I wanted you to be surprised too. And… no, there's no torture chamber, we already have two dungeons. The back two rooms are bathrooms so we've got facilities for the times we sleep down here, and in there… well, you should see."

It's Pete who makes it to the door first, opening it and staring. "Fucking hell, look at the size of that hot tub!" he exclaims.

"Stede… you're insane," Izzy manages. "Good insane. Thank fuck you're on our side."

"I'm slightly worried about when you got the time to plan this, and I'm assuming it was before we went on holiday?" Lucius peers at all the controls, already eyeing up the shaped areas for sitting and the wider area for free-floating to plan how best to enjoy it. "How long before you own the whole damn building?"

"Bold of you to assume he doesn't already," Ed snorts. He's put his plant down on one of the tables, walking up to Stede to grab his face and kiss his forehead. "It's fucking insane, just like you, and we love it. You're a goddamn lunatic."

"…We needed a bigger bed…" Stede murmurs, going a little pink. "We couldn't keep just making a cushion pit in the lounge. And… I found out the couple who owned this floor were moving to the suburbs because they want to have kids, so… I swooped in. And… I thought it would be nice for you all to come back to."

He looks even more sheepish. "Some of it I planned back when we were stuck in because of the maniacs. It… was a good distraction. And… and obviously we don't have to be down here every night because we'll still want husband-time, but… when we do, now we have room. And…"

"…a hot tub?" Pete adds, with a grin.

"Exactly. They make you happy."

"You make us happy." Ed kisses him again. "With and without hot tubs. And giant beds. Which you know, because you know we'd follow you fucking anywhere, if we had to. And I'm not saying that because I don't appreciate what a fucking amazing thing this is, you just need to remember it's not the why we love you. But we will sure as fuck love getting to enjoy it with you."

"Also… are we trying any of it out? I mean… we should probably see it works, right?" Not that Lucius is angling for a soak after the travel, except for how he is.

"I… hoped you might want to," Stede says, still holding onto Ed rather tightly. "The hot tub on our polymoon was especially lovely on the first day after all the travel, so… it must work in reverse. This one doesn't have panoramic views of snowy wonderlands, but it does have some very attractive views of the London skyline, which is not a bad alternative."

He goes even more sheepish. "And… I know you don't just love me because of this. Of course I do. But… I still like taking care of you, and plus it was getting silly to have such a big place and still having to sleep in a cushion pile whenever we all wanted to be together. At first I was just going to get a couple of big, pull-out couch beds, but then… well. Then this."

"Oh my god, we totally do love it. And as long as you know we're not some money-grabbing arseholes--"

Ed snorts. "Lu, you're fucking loaded yourself."

"Well, technically. But I'm – look – it's very, very, very nice and I'm sure Stede is going to get all the blowjobs he could ever dream of, is all I'm saying. Because I for one like being pampered, and I am not ashamed of saying so!" Lucius unbuckles his trousers and lets them drop. "Last one in is on coffee-making duty when we're done!"

"That answers the question of whether you want to find swimwear or not…" Izzy murmurs, in amusement. The thought had crossed his mind, but only for a matter of seconds, because he knows them all too well.

"Hooray!" Pete declares, charging into the fray, and even Izzy doesn't exactly look to be holding back.

Stede smiles, and tugs Ed along too.

Chapter Text

It's several weeks later, and life at Operation Revenge seems to have reverted to some semblance of 'normal'. This is still a relative term, of course, but it feels a lot more normal than the last few months, all of which have been anything but.

It was a little stressful at first, but now all of the post-return jitters have faded, and life is… yes. It's 'normal', as much as anything can be normal at a police taskforce with secret MI5 links.

Stede is enjoying it a lot. It is good to get back to their usual lives, and their squad, and more regular problems that don't involve prolific serial killers or international drug rings. It's certainly good not to be scared to go outside anymore. That had been trying.

This particular afternoon, he's reading casefiles in his and Ed's office, midway through his latest cup of coffee, when Izzy comes pacing in looking… contemplative.

"So… I might have a thing," Izzy starts out.

Ed – on his couch with his legs up and his tablet to scroll through reports – drops the device onto his belly and steeples his hands over the top. "What kind of a thing? A thing where we should be happy, a thing where we should be worried? A thing where I need another outfit?"

Living with Stede has absolutely worn off on him.

"A case," Izzy clarifies. "But it's a bit personal. And a bit…" his eyes go to Stede, "…triggery. I just had Lilibet Finch on the phone, from the Republic of Pirates. Apparently… they've got a drug problem again."

Stede's head snaps up, meerkat-like. "Not… desperately-kinky lesbians?"

"Well… yes," Izzy answers, carefully. "But different ones. New ones."

"New desperately-kinky lesbians!" Stede gives a light swoon. "Someone else has to do crack this time! I'm not doing it again! It made me very bad!"

"How about: nobody does crack? You ever consider that as a possibility?" Ed locks the tablet and slides it behind a cushion for safety, pushing up a bit against the backrest. "Because I gotta say, much as I'm not the most law-abiding of cops when it comes to the purest sense of never, ever bending them… doing hard drugs really isn't one of the things I think we should be campaigning to change policy on. Stede-health-harms aside."

"Yeah, I'm seconding that one," Izzy agrees. "We're gonna go with a 'nobody-does-crack' objective right from the start. Or any other illegal substances, for that matter. And also, no one is allowed to leave Stede alone."

"That's… actually a good idea," Stede says, mellowing somewhat mid-sentence. "The desperately-kinky lesbians hone in on me."

"It's because you're--" Ed pauses, suddenly deciding that maybe he should be careful. "…so attractive to lesbians. Kinky ones, anyway. But maybe Lu will get 'lucky' this time, if he comes along on anything."

"He was particularly fascinated by Lil and Lan at the New Year's party," Izzy points out. "Whether he'll want to be out in the field yet… I'm not sure." That… isn't a discussion they've had yet. "As for the case itself… Lil says another gang are trying to muscle in. She's worried it might be something deeper than just a group of pushers, so she asked if we could look into it. I figured you'd be game, given the history."

"Always. So… who were you thinking of taking on the op? Obviously we all have to, and Lu would at least need to be in the chair… Pete would then have to help, chair or otherwise… were you wanting any of the rest of the squad in on this?" Ed can see pros and cons to both answers.

"Might be worth bringing in at least one or two of the others, in case the targets in question know our faces," Izzy points out. "They'd need to be comfortable with the ambiance at least, but I figure none of our guys are gonna be put off by that."

"…Though… if we're there too, it could be a little more… awkward," Stede points out. "Given we'd need to… blend in."

"No." Ed shakes his head. "No. Absolutely not."

"…then we'd have to do this one solo," Izzy points out. "Probably just us three, Pete as backup, and Lu running comms. Which… is fine unless we need additional backup. But… OK, I get you wouldn't want to play in front of any of them, even at just a club-level, but… it's not as if they don't see you in leather pretty much every day."

"That wasn't what I was worried about. Fuck, some of these guys were in the sex toys that one time… It was more I know who Stede sometimes likes to call in when we need 'outside' help." Ed gives Stede a Look. "And one of them might be fine, but if you let CJ near us in that situation, not only will he be snorting the crack out of the lesbians' cracks, but he'll be crippled in an hour for making a move on Izzy."

Stede stares, and then laughs. "Oh, fuck… you thought I was suggesting..? No… no, no, fuck, no, that would be… I literally have a shared calendar with Maynard whose sole purpose is to make sure we don't all end up at the Republic at the same time. And that's just for regular trips. Add in drug-pushing lesbians, and…"

He shudders. "No. No, I do not want Jack Rackham anywhere near that kind of situation."

"Seconded," Izzy concurs, dryly. "Maynard would probably be fine, but we'd still never hear the end of it, and…" He shudders too. "No. No contractors. We are not that desperate."

"I'd take fucking… Archie and… Buttons before them." Ed makes a face. "Archie would end up invited to their 'book club' and Buttons… Buttons would probably introduce them to altered states of consciousness the likes of which they'd never known…"

"I'm vetoing Buttons," Izzy says at once. "But I was thinking maybe Archie, Jim and Olu. They're unlikely to be fazed by any of it, and if any unpleasantness breaks out, they're good in a fight. Plus Jim's medical training is really coming along."

"We'd have to ban all recording devices. I mean… really ban. Which I'm guessing your lesbians would be totally okay with? For any backup we took. Not… I mean, not that we'd do anything really dirty while on the clock, but… Pete and Archie are trouble together. The kind of trouble I'd've been when I was his rank." And maybe beyond, if Ed is being honest.

"Lil said she was happy for us to run this however we think is best," Izzy answers. "Ideally low-key, but the crucial thing is to get these dealers identified and out before they start causing problems like the last lot."

"We should be able to handle it," Stede says, now starting to feel a little excited at the prospect. "Nice bit of undercover work. Could be fun."

"Guess we need to know which cover identity you're going in under…" Ed gives Stede a sly look. "And also, how many of us are undercover, and if we're all together, or two units, or…"

"Oh fuck, are we finally gonna meet the mysterious Jeff and Percy?" Izzy asks, trying not to smirk.

"Meet? You went clubbing with them in Miami!" Stede points out.

"…Yeah, but… I was a little distracted that night."

"You mean: couldn't take your eyes off Lu, and couldn't think until he undid the knot in your pants with his tongue?" Ed smirks. "Which is even funnier in retrospect, because wasn't it him flirting with Percy that got you all hot and bothered?"

"…shush," Izzy says, but only lightly. "And… yes. They were cavorting! It was… well, in retrospect it was hot, but at the time it was very confusing."

"Thankfully I was still oblivious," Stede adds. "And just thought we were having a lovely time. Which… actually, we were. I wonder if we can persuade him to come on the mission… I know he's been hesitant about fieldwork after everything…"

"Maybe he'll feel safer with it being somewhere we know, and in the country, and… with certain murderous psychopaths not in the picture?" Ed taps his lips. "If he did say yes, and so did Pete… I'm serious. Are we going as a – what – leather family? Polycule? Harem?"

"Part of me thinks we should go as separate groups, so we're less conspicuous," Izzy starts out. "But then again… being very conspicuous can be a good cover all of its own, because if you're deliberately drawing attention no one suspects you're also hiding something. So long as we had our approach well-coordinated in advance… it could work."

"So… it may need to be an entirely different set of covers. Because – gotta say – Jeff and Percy are very, very much committed and monogamous. They're traditional like that, y'know? Even if Percy can be a giant flirt…" Ed rolls over, looking to Stede. "Right, love?"

"Oh absolutely," Stede agrees. "Perce is a one-man man. He can flirt, but just for fun. Which means we need new covers! And… oh, we've got to get their outfits right! I'm going to have to start planning immediately!"

"You… know this is police work, yes?" Izzy tries.

"Yes! Undercover police work! With outfits!"

"Do you wanna bring the boys in on it before they have entire backstories, outfits, employment histories and kink preferences?" Ed is asking Izzy, really, but making heart-eyes at Stede. "Because they're not gonna be able to say 'no' without a safeword if Stede gets too far in the process. Might already be too late. He's probably designing a two-way collar, unless he's going for three…"

"…when are we planning to do this? Have I got time to contact my leather-guy..?" Stede is now murmuring, whilst doodling away on his tablet.

Izzy shakes his head at the man. "Yeah, we should get them involved before Charles Dickens here gets out of hand. Might be best to discuss it with Lu and Pete before we consider recruiting Olu, Jim and Archie for the madness as well… I'm not sure I can handle 'em all at once."

"Oh, we are… we are not going to have them involved-involved, are we?" Ed suddenly slumps. "Fuck. It's not gonna be fun, really, is it? We're gonna have to babysit." Semi roleplaying and getting into the mood whilst solving crime is one thing. Having what amounts to your work kids around… somewhat dampens the mood. "Maybe they can go undercover as… I dunno… staff?"

"We can try to pull it off with just the five of us if you want," Izzy says. "If you think it would be more… efficient." Fun. He means 'fun'. "Especially if we can talk Lu into it."

"And this is a rather personal one," Stede adds, looking up from where he appears to be doodling chest harnesses. "Could be wise to keep it… you know, small and low-key…"

"Or… have them in the van, ready to come in?" That's also a possibility. "And then give them a fun next assignment… for being game to help out?" Because Ed really doesn't want to babysit, but he can see the benefit of having some backup.

"That works," Izzy agrees, with a nod. "Just in case things do go south, which… they could. Then they can come charging in to assist."

"…just five outfits, then…" Stede is back to doodling. "It'd help to work on the covers. We need to know the doms, the subs… then we need to come up with a reason for why someone goes looking for drugs…"

"Because you keep controlling every element of their lives, even if they didn't even agree to a scene, yet?" Ed reaches for his tablet. "I'm gonna get 'em to come in. We need to check if they're game, first, Stede."

"I wasn't going to do anything without their consent!" Stede exclaims, and pouts. "But… yes, we should call them in…"

Izzy looks between the pair of them. "Let me," he says. "I'll be right back." And he ducks out of the office.

"Don't push Lu. I… yeah. I know we all wanna make it work, but… Let him volunteer, maybe?" Ed says, when Izzy's left. "Fuck knows it could really be fun, but he needs to think it's his idea."

"I won't," Stede answers, looking down. "Not after what happened the last time I tried. If Lu doesn't volunteer himself, I'll let Izzy handle it. He should be running point anyway, it's his operation."

"I just didn't want you getting disappointed, either." Ed scooches up on his couch, then pats the space beside him. "We can abso-fucking-lutely go for fun-fun with all new outfits, and we will. So all those lovely ideas you started having… we're so doing them."

Stede gives a slightly overdramatic sigh, then goes over and drops down next to Ed. And… leans into him. "I'm just excited that we have something interesting to work. Our first few weeks back have been a bit quiet."

"Be careful what you wish for… but I know. Me too. It's why I want to let you be excited, but… then do the serious boss-face thing for him. I mean… you had a pretty traumatic last few operations, too. Not that I'm saying you'll have any issues, but it's gonna be… it is gonna be complex for all of us. Necessary, but complex. Right?" Ed tugs Stede in, speaking softly.

He glances to the door, wondering how much Izzy will have led with to get the other two in. "Be prepared for 'no', so if you get it, you won't be as disappointed. And any 'yes' will be a bonus to really get excited by."

"I meant what I said before, I'm not going to push him," Stede answers. "I wouldn't push either of them, but I suspect it won't be an issue with Pete. As for Lu… yes, I want him there, for so many reasons, but most wouldn't even apply if I forced the matter anyway. And… I won't hurt him."

"I know you won't. And he knows, too. Which is why if he does say yes, you know why." Ed squeezes him, then pats Stede's thigh. "They'll be here any minute. You got your game face on?"

Stede gives a nod. "Yes. Let's do this."

Chapter Text

"So, are you going to tell me why my captain-husband is acting all mysterious, now we're in private?" Lucius asks, as he strides into Ed and Stede's shared office. "What is it now? Are aliens invading and we have to defend the whole solar system? Did Jack upset Maynard over canapé choices? Has Mary picked a fight with penguin scientists in the Antarctic?"

Ed perks. "Oh, now I need to know why that might be a thing. Are the scientists penguins, or are they scientists studying penguins? Because I definitely saw a picture of one…"

"Either way, it sounds really cute," Pete enthuses. "I bet Fang has some videos…"

"It's a mission," Izzy says, deciding to go for broke before they get distracted by the idea of penguins in labcoats. "Undercover work. The Republic of Pirates has problems with drug-pushers again, and Lil Finch asked if we could deal with them."

"It's lesbians again? Isn't it?" Lucius perches on the armrest of the other couch, lounging homosexually. "I thought you ran them all out of town. Have they been tempted back because you've been playing in your own dungeon, Izzy?"

"…that might actually be part of it," Ed muses. "Oh god. It's our fault there's desperately-kinky, drug-pushing lesbians in the London kink scene!"

"And before we go any further, everyone has to promise not to take any crack," Stede adds. "It's vital. It's very bad for you. It makes you do things!"

"It makes you more open to doing things you were already thinking of," Izzy counters.

Stede's eyes narrow. "…Shush. Anyway… yes, it is lesbians, or that's how it seems. Quite why the Republic attracts them in particular, I don't know. Are all lesbians desperately-kinky? Is that it? I thought they were just a subset."

"It's a kinky place. So any lesbians who happen to be kinky would be there. If they were lesbians who weren't kinky, you wouldn't see them. So statistically, it's the most likely place for you to encounter lesbians. And therefore your perception of--" Lucius pauses. "No. It is a subset."

Ed can't work out if that was a nervous ramble or not. Probably. Lucius tends not to expand on his inner thinking unless prodded, or anxious. So it's likely anxious. "Which means we should talk about an undercover op. It's different lesbians, apparently, so we shouldn't be made."

"Exactly," Izzy agrees. "The aim is to go in, work out who the pushers are, trace them back to the source, and then arrest everyone involved. Ideally we do it all in one night, which means we need everything as well-organised as possible from the start."

"Are we the ones going undercover?" Pete asks, his eyes lighting up, before he stops; remembering that Lucius might have mixed feelings about the idea. "Are… all of us?"

"You'd need… backup, surely?" Lucius squirms, feeling suddenly like everyone is Not Looking Directly At Him. "Someone… in… the chair? Doing… logistics?"

"We do have a full squad at our disposal," Ed throws out there. "And it's an area we know well. With support from the establishment itself."

"You have a plan, don't you?" Lucius rolls his eyes. "Of course you have a plan. You probably have outfits already designed and a flat rented nearby to get changed in. If you didn't already have one…"

Stede looks guilty. "…I got in trouble for trying to design the outfits too fast…"

"We have some of a plan," Izzy says. "But before we make any clear decisions, we wanted to know where you stand on the matter. Specifically… whether you're willing to be part of the main undercover team."

"What… would you want me – us – doing? Because… I can tell you for a fact I won't want to actually be doing any kind of scene when there's narcotics, criminals and guns around. Not because I don't trust you, but because I really don't want to risk experiencing that in subspace. And I don't want bad associations with my – our – private life." From the speed of response, Lu has considered this before.

"In our defence, we weren't actually on the scene the time with the crack, so we totally weren't doing any scenes." Ed realises they may have been a little too lax that time, in retrospect. He still feels guilty about Stede's drugging.

"No scene-ing," Izzy says at once. "Nothing like that. We'd go with a clear dynamic in place, but it would be part of the cover. There certainly wouldn't be any playing. I don't want that overlap either, and besides it would distract us from the mission. So you don't have to worry about that."

Stede leans against Ed more. "I just over-acted a lot. We should probably have a better plan of attack in place, because I ad-libbed that one a little too much. And… misread 'split up' as 'fake a temporary breakup'."

"Well… I wasn't really clear. And we were still getting used to things…" Ed rubs Stede's thigh. "But if you do wanna do this, Lu… if we did adopt personas for just the scenario, then it's also easier to not-be us. As in, it won't bleed into actual stuff we do, if we have to act at all."

"I'm not saying 'no', but… I would want to know the safeguards." Lucius reaches for Pete's hand. "I know all of you are probably dying to get into this… and… I don't want to be a weak link if I am coming along. But I won't need babysitting if I am sitting in the van. If."

"You won't be a weak link," Izzy says. "If I genuinely thought you couldn't do this, I wouldn't ask you to come, and neither would Ed or Stede. And if you're willing, we'll work out a plan that has safeguards for all of us; physically and emotionally."

"We're going to bring backup from the squad, as well," Stede adds. "Likely Olu, Jim and Archie. Ideally, they'd be the ones in the van, but ready to charge in and join us if anything untoward breaks out."

"…wait, how in the hell were you planning on them being… I mean… what could you possibly consider to be appropriate outfits if they could see us in them?" Now curiosity has the better of him. Because Archie has only just stopped considering them to be an incestuous group, and also there's the part where they work with them.

"Y'know, he hasn't told us that bit, yet," Ed muses.

"…it's all clubwear, so… we let other people see us in it…" Stede murmurs. "I… wasn't exactly suggesting we had our asses hanging out for this one…"

"I should hope not!" Izzy exclaims. "What if things do go south and we end up having to get physical?"

"I was taking that into account!" Stede protests.

"And also we need to be able to concealed carry. And unless you have one of your guys making guns that double-up or fake out as paddles and crops… Actually, don't do that. I don't want to accidentally shoot someone in a real scene at home…" Ed shudders viscerally. "But we do need guns."

"…you meant… physical fighting…" Lucius' brain had gone somewhere else entirely.

"It's a drug bust, so yes, I meant physical fighting," Izzy says. "It could happen! We need to take that into account."

"I know we need to concealed-carry," Stede adds. "That's why I was thinking of matching leather waistcoats… get the shaping right and you can have a smallish sidearm under there, no problem. Possibly another one in the boot. Knife in the other boot, maybe a tranq concealed in a pocket… you do remember that I work for MI5, right?"

"Yes, but I've never had to think about actually needing to be armed in a scene," Lucius counters. "And also… I'm pretty sure I'd be expected to be a sub here, which means normally I'd be wearing less, so you can see why I'm worried you're going to give me a butt-plug gun."

Pete stifles a giggle. "Is that a thing? Please tell me that's not a thing."

"…I can't guarantee that," Stede manages. "But I wouldn't suggest it either way. That's just… no."

"Which is the correct answer," Izzy says, firmly. "Normal guns in normal places. Deal?"

Stede nods. "Deal."

"I mean, we could--" Ed holds a hand up. "No, hear me out… Guns go in normal places for us. I was meaning that they could end up in abnormal places for people we need to-- I'm not going to get out of this unscathed, am I?"

"Not if you put a gun there, no." Lucius makes a face.

"It wouldn't be any of us!"

"It's still wrong."

"Oh, like you haven't had that fantasy!"

Stede, who had put his hand up, puts it down again slowly. (He's had that fantasy.)

Izzy takes a deep breath. "Can we focus, please? It's a drugs-bust at a populated club, so it'd be best if we aimed to keep gun-necessity to a minimum. We need to decide on our approach, including how and 'why' we'll split up. First objective is to track down the pushers, then follow 'em back to the source."

"What if they do try to push people into taking shit? Is there any – uh – antidote stuff, or… I dunno… way of making it less effective?" Ed grips Stede's thigh. "Not because it's on the books to do it, but if it did happen – or anyone got exposed – I'd want to be prepared for it."

"It depends what they take," Izzy points out. "Couple of things have neutralisers, but… unless it's an OD, best option is usually to keep 'em hydrated and wait it out. If it is an OD… they'd probably need to be admitted." And though Ed is definitely better than he once was, it's probably wise not to dwell on where. "So we should avoid that if at all possible."

"So we should stock the van," Lucius mulls aloud. "Just in case. In fact, have we got a van decked out for… interventions? If not, maybe we should officially keep one? It would definitely be useful…"

"Uh, Jim's been doing some… training shit too, right?" Ed is studiously keeping his thinking very high level. "Cause… that'd work, if so…"

"Yep, they have," Izzy replies. "Another reason to bring 'em along. They're getting damn good. And… they're briefed, with regards to you. Minimum details, obviously. Nothing personal. But… enough to know what to do, should they ever need to. And you know Jim's the sort who would not spread anything like that around."

"Jim is. And Olu. But… Archie?" Lu looks between them all. "I know she's not… she wouldn't do it maliciously. Uh… I – I don't know how to say this and be nice."

"Pete didn't go around saying stuff, did he?" Ed reminds them. "And Pete, we love you, but you are a fucking leaky tap. So… maybe you could impress upon her the, uh, sensitivity? Seeing as we know you know her well…"

"I'll say something," Pete promises. "And OK… yes, we both like a bit of gossip and maybe we share some stuff a bit too readily, but… I don't think she'd share this around. Not this. She knows when it's serious."

"All being well, it shouldn't be an issue either way," Izzy says. "But… I think we're prepared just in case. You good with that?" His eyes go to Ed again, wanting to make sure he's OK. "You know we've all got your back."

"Yeah. And – like I said – Stede's not fucking taking anything stronger than an antacid tablet if we're out. So we should be rosy." Ed pecks a kiss to his husband's temple. "And I know Pete will get it across to her. Just… might be wisest he's first to say anything."

And then he looks over to Lu. "So… are you leaning to 'yes'?"

"I'm not leaning to 'no'. But I'm awaiting the plan," Lucius agrees, slowly. "If it sounds… safe-enough, then yes."

Izzy nods. "All right. Then… OK, what I'm thinking is the five of us go together, because that'll attract attention, and if we're deliberately attracting attention, it'll actually make us seem less suspicious. I'm still torn on the dynamics, though… either Ed and Stede toss a coin, or all three of us go as doms. But… at the same time, are the pushers likely to see the subs as an easier target? We could also hedge our bets and have you go as switches, so if one of you needs to swing a particular way to make something work, the other flips to compensate. What do you think? There's arguments both ways, so… I guess it's partly what you're most comfortable with, and partly what you think will work the best."

"We're not actually playing, so in a sense it won't matter if we're in a headspace or not. In fact, it probably works best if we're not, so it doesn't interfere with… smart brain stuff." Ed's head bobs through the thoughts as they bounce around inside.

Pros and cons. Pros and cons.

"If we're going for maximum efficiency, we definitely open up possibilities if me and Stede are flexible. I don't think you could make it believable and live with yourself if you were acting subby in public, Iz. And I don't mean that as an insult or a challenge. Lu… you and Pete can absolutely swing between well-behaved and acting-out… If we're all dressed complimentary and we arrive together, we can all be suitably not-obviously-something. Yeah?"

"That works," Izzy concurs. "We can play it like we're more about watching and having a drink or two, and not be super obvious which way everyone is swinging."

"Are we faking any kind of drama, like… you know, like I did?" Stede asks. "Or should we just work the crowd and play it more subtle?"

"I am so here for you doing drama with Ed and Izzy," Lucius snickers. "But honestly… we'd have to play it by ear, I think? There's such a thing – I know, I can't believe I'm saying this – as being too extra."

"Did Lucius Spriggs just say he wanted us to be demure and inconspicuous?" Ed clutches imaginary pearls.

"No, I'm saying we're already very… spicuous. So we should… not go too far."

"Seconded," Izzy says, a little pointedly. "I'm all for ad-libbing if the situation invites it, but anything too dramatic risks having the wrong effect. If it feels more natural, people are more likely to believe it."

"…so I don't get to do 'wounded gazelle' again?" Stede says, a little sadly. "But it was so effective…"

"It was so effective you had to take crack to get out of it, Stede," Izzy reminds him.

"And also I was worried," Ed adds. "Because you went and buggered the hell off and… anyway, let's just bitch at the bar, maybe? And talk shit about other patrons? You'll be good at that."

"Why are you looking at me and Stede?" Lucius' fingers grace his chest. "Are you saying I'm judgemental?"

"Are you judging me for saying you're judgemental?"

"Izzy?" Lu looks to him with a pout. "Defend my honour!"

"…He has a point, and I'm not sure it's meant to be derogatory," Izzy replies, levelly. "You have opinions and you're not afraid to share them. Which… will work well here."

"I have opinions and I'm not afraid to share them," Stede says, relenting on the 'wounded gazelle' thing because he knows he did worry Ed a lot that night, even if he didn't mean to. "I'm sure we'll have a lovely time."

"Et tu? Wow. Just… wow." Lucius folds his arms across his chest. "I'm going to have opinions about this, too."

"See!"

"Don't you start, not if you want me to come play along with your kinky workplace fantasies."

"My kinky workplace fantasies?!" Ed clucks his tongue. "Izzy, do you want to have a word with him, or should his boss do that?"

"…that sounds like another kinky workplace fantasy…" Pete murmurs, before he can stop himself.

"Shush, you!" Stede exclaims, going a little pink. "I happen to be very professional. I haven't tried to spank him over the desk even once yet."

"Is… that on the table? I mean. Metaphorically as well as literally?" Lucius lifts a brow.

"He's spanked me over the desk. Amongst other things…" Ed examines his nails.

"FAVOURITISM."

"He's my husband!" Stede declares. "And… that was before all of us were a thing. The first time we weren't even married. And… if you want spanking over this desk, you're going the right way to get it!"

Izzy puts his head in one hand and counts to ten. He's starting to remember the Workplace Headache. "…Can we focus, please?"

"We are focused," Pete replies. "On how Lucius wants Stede to spank him over the desk…"

"What if I say I'll do the op if--"

"You are not trading sexual favours for – for – work!" Ed is seriously fighting to keep a straight face, now, as he cuts Lu off.

"Oh, like you never! You two were shagging like bunnies so bad it made me and Pete feel faint!" Lucius rolls his eyes so dramatically he nearly sees stars.

"And you were shagging in the shelves!"

"And?"

"And I was doing my fucking job, you bunch of perverts!" Izzy exclaims. "Which, for the record, I am trying to do again!"

"I really want Lu to come, though," Stede says, having perhaps not processed that Izzy may be about to kill one or more of them. "On the mission, Pete," he adds, seeing the look he's getting. "So… I mean, I could be persuaded to sweeten the deal…"

"I'd quite like to come. And the mission… I'm ambivalent towards…" Lucius lets his legs spread, then makes eyes at Stede. "I've obviously been a bad, bad analyst. And then Izzy will have to reprimand me for being a pervy and bad analyst…"

"I'm bagsying the couch." Ed nods, firmly. "Pete, you can join me."

"Hooray!" Pete declares, clapping his hands together.

Izzy now has his head in both hands. "We are supposed to be planning a sensible mission! Will you lunatics fucking stop?!"

"…but I need to have a managerial conversation with my assistant," Stede says, giving Izzy his best Big Round Eyes. Which work wonders on Ed, though… Izzy sometimes less so. "It's good HR."

"It's also very motivating. For me. I do require motivating. Coaching. Regular feedback. Hands-on learning…" Lucius brushes his own shoulders down, then beams winningly. "Captain Bonnet, would you like me to clear your office of… distractions?"

"I'm not a distraction," Ed promises. "Neither is Pete."

"Lucius Spriggs, you are in so much fucking trouble when I get you home," Izzy growls, in what is clearly the Voice. "Call me a distraction again and I will make you regret it."

"You could take me home right now?" Lucius suggests, with Big Round Eyes to rival Stede's. "That's if my boss says yes." He is very, very aware that he's being Bad, now. But in his defence, Stede started it.

There's an edge to Izzy's voice that suggests to Stede that maybe he ought to stop. "We should… perhaps focus on the mission," he manages. "And… save the sentiment for tonight. When I'm sure one or both of us will make good on it."

"Nothing I do to him tonight will be 'good'," Izzy points out, still in something of a growl.

Lucius pouts. "Spoilsports. Fine. But for the record, Stede started it. And I just wanted to have fun."

Ed rubs Stede's back. "And we can do that. At home. I know we're all a bit worked up about our first 'big' thing since we got back. And we can absolutely blow some steam off. Later."

Which is when Lucius frowns, then looks to Izzy. "I wouldn't really throw you out unless you were yes-anding, you know. I thought you'd… I didn't really mean to be a dick. So I'm sorry if you didn't think it was funny. I… guess I am a bit jittery, too. Promise I won't put rude post-its on your computer unless you look like you want them…?"

Izzy gives a sigh. "…s'fine. I just… want this to work out, OK? And it's…"

He's only just realised why he's more on edge than he should be, and maybe he should say something so they don't think he's being especially grumpy for no reason. "…look. I missed the first time because I was off nearly getting myself killed. So… I'm feeling it a bit."

Lucius' eyes go wide, and then he's flinging his arms around Izzy in a fierce, fierce hug. "Oh god… I – I wasn't thinking about that… shit. I'm sorry, I – I was being a selfish dick… Izzy, I'm so sorry…"

Ed goes a little pale, too. Especially because he realises a lot of that… fuck. Fuck. A lot of that was his 'fault'. Especially because he'd fought with Izzy first, and then Stede being off his tits on drugs, and… "If… if it's any… uh… Nope. I'm not gonna say it… shit."

"Hey, hey… it's all right," Izzy insists. "I'm not having a breakdown. I just… figured I should be honest about why I was suddenly… y'know. More grumpy than usual. I didn't even think of it at first, and then it just… hit me out of nowhere."

Pete leaps up too, running over to throw his arms around Lucius and Izzy. "But it's better this time," he says. "It's so much better. And… we'll handle it the right way, Iz, you know we will."

Stede looks mortified as he tries to wrap Ed in, wishing he'd realised sooner. And… aware that Ed needing to look after him that night was why they didn't realise Izzy had been missing until the following morning. "Pete's right, it's going to be OK," he insists. "We're all a bit high-strung because we haven't done anything major since we got back, but… we'll make this one work without any disasters. Hey, I'm much more competent now, right?" This isn't even him fishing for compliments, but just trying to be reassuring.

"And we're able to fuck something up then fix it, not--" Ed pauses. "That… that wasn't me-- fuck. Can someone just shoot me now, so I keep my foot out of my mouth? I feel like whatever the fuck I say is gonna be dumb and… stuff."

Lucius has his face in Izzy's neck, and Pete's hand gripped firmly behind their husband. "Stede's not going to do drugs or fake break-up with Ed; Ed isn't going to give Stede confusing messages, or make Izzy jealous; Izzy's not going to run off with no backup and try to punch Cthulhu; I'm going to gag myself so I stop being a liability, and Pete is going to continue to be perfect. So there."

"I know," Izzy insists. "It's OK. Shit, I wasn't trying to upset you all, I just didn't want you thinking I was being a dick for no reason… it's fine. I'm fine. Compared to some of the shit we've done, this one ought to be easy."

He keeps hold of both Lu and Pete, but manoeuvres them so he can see Ed and Stede too. "Eddie, don't fret. It really is all right. I just… I snapped a bit, but it was at myself, not you."

"So, uh… do… do we think maybe… a round of coffees and… biscuits, maybe?" Ed has no idea how to deescalate at work. Not with the five of them. He has plenty of strategies for at home, or just Stede. Maybe even just Izzy, here. But when it's all five of them… that's more often been not-work.

"Well, anything else I could offer would get me in trouble again." Lucius nuzzles Izzy, his tone deliberately very soft to show he's not, in fact, being a brat. Not intentionally, anyway.

"Coffees and biscuits sounds like a good idea to me," Stede concurs, gently. "I'll go, so you can stay with Izzy. And Ed, too, you have to promise to keep an eye on him."

"Someone needs to give you a hand," Ed insists. "I can… hand. Thing." Because, if nothing else, Ed wants to give Izzy a little breathing space with his husbands. And also, not abandon Stede. And also also… not make Izzy feel it's too Big of a Deal like he needs babying. Or something.

Stede is about to try telling Ed to stay with the others, but he processes the tone in time and switches tack. "All right," he agrees, instead. "Come on. We can pull together a selection of the good biscuits." (Technically they're all good, because he makes sure of it, but that's not the point.)

"And, for the record, I'm fine," Izzy says. "So you don't have to worry. I just need a minute."

"And a biscuit." Ed says this a little firmly. "Biscuits good. And I'm thirsty anyway, so… we'll be back in a mo."

Izzy waits for Ed and Stede to head out of the office – and off towards the kitchen – before looking between his husbands. "I mean it," he says, gently. "I'm OK. I just got a bit… wound up in the past."

"You don't have to pretend, Iz," Pete reminds him. "It's all right if you're upset."

"I'm not pretending. I am OK really. It… felt better when I said it out loud."

"I'm still sorry I upset you, though. I should have realised sooner… I thought you'd get in on the bit and it'd… I wasn't actually trying to be an asshole. Even… even in a 'to get you going', way. It was… it was bad taste. I'm sorry." Lucius squeezes Izzy's hand. "I swear, it was supposed to just be a joke."

"Lu, it's all right," Izzy insists. "I'm not mad. We were just supposed to be messing around, but… I realised I was being too sharp, and then I realised why. And… OK, yes, what happened to me that time was really shit and entirely my own fault, but it won't happen again. I know it won't. I have both of you, and I have Ed and Stede too. The state I was in back then… I'll never go back to that."

"…it did… mean you got used to staying at their place, though," Lucius very, very softly teases. "You even had to socialise with me, briefly. And no one died."

"…I hid in their panic room because Ed made me," Izzy points out, though still with no weight behind it. "But… I guess it reminded me that he still cared. And… maybe that Stede did too. As for the two of you… it was the incident where Stede got poisoned that showed me what you were really made of."

"And look how well that worked out," Pete says, with a little smile, as he curls more tightly into Izzy's side. "Husband. Captain. Master."

"Okay, you can come back to flattering us in a minute, but… Izzy. Cared? Do you know how frantic they both were? I'd never seen Stede that worried about anything before, except… maybe Ed. And Ed broke you out of hospital. I didn't know how big a deal it was then, but my god did I realise it after." Lucius shakes his head. "You hid in that room because you wouldn't put him through you being in a hospital, and because you needed looking after. Both of you pushed things right to the limit… you didn't see it then, but you must see, now?"

"…You're right," Izzy says, softly. "I know you're right. It just… hurts… to think about how things were back then. How I was. I felt so fucking guilty about what I put Eddie through that day… still do. I hardly even think about how badly hurt I got myself."

Which is significant, honestly, because he nearly died. He knows that. But it's how much he hurt Ed that he always fixates on.

Lucius pauses. "Izzy… if… if it's still bothering you… Maybe you need to work through it? And… and… don't get mad at me for saying it, but there's more to it, on some level, right? Don't you think he must feel the same about you? I mean: he must feel guilty that he upset you enough to make you act out like that?"

He glances to Pete, checking he's not going too far. "You never really told us… properly… what happened before. We didn't know you enough at the time anyway, but… we haven't asked since, either."

Izzy can feel himself closing off at that. He hates that he does it – at least where his polycule are concerned – but it's old, old instinct taking hold without conscious decision. "…It's not… you don't need to worry about it. Shit, I should never have brought it up… I really shouldn't. It's old news."

"It might have happened a while back, but it's clearly still affecting you," Pete says, carefully. "You helped Lu deal with trauma way older than that. Ed, too. And you know we'd help you just the same."

"Pete's right. Not to mention… it did hurt you. You physically and emotionally. And Ed emotionally. And… Stede too, I bet. I'm sure he felt guilty as well." Lu turns Izzy's hand over, running fingers over the lines of his palm, tracing the insides of his knuckles. "We won't force you, of course not. But… even though you've talked things through, since… you weren't doing it back then. And don't think I'm letting those two off the hook for their kinky-cocaine-lesbian issues, either. We're joking about it, but they're still being twitchy. I guess I didn't know just how much it hit all three of you til now…"

The jokes had felt harmless enough before, but now they're being confronted with a do-over, Lu is starting to sense more cracks beneath the patina. And not just crack-cracks.

Izzy gives a little sigh. "I'll talk about it if you want me to, but… not here. And… I don't want it to be a big thing. It isn't. It was just… just a fucking stupid mistake I made." Now he's starting to wish he'd never brought it up. He doesn't want them all getting in their heads about the new mission, and yes, OK, it's sensible to learn from past mistakes, but… this is more than that.

Another sigh. "And Eddie's gonna blame himself for it all, which is bullshit, because it was my fault."

"Izzy, have you… have you considered that maybe it was both of you?" Lu nudges, gently. "I'm not saying you didn't fuck up with what you did do, but do you really think you were the only one who would change stuff that happened? You are allowed to be hurt, too. Just… consider it."

"…I can't," Izzy whispers, suddenly wanting to run and… something. "I… I know we both argued, and it takes two people to do that, but it wouldn't have happened at all if I wasn't so…"

He tries to pull away, but Pete puts a hand on his chest and holds him back. "Don't," he begs. "It's all right. You just need to talk about it, but right now you're letting yourself go back into the moment. Things aren't like that anymore. You have us. You have them. Ed fucking adores you."

"We're going to stop, just while we're at work. Or at least until the others come back." Lu puts a hand in the small of Izzy's back. "It's okay, though. And it's okay if any of you was mad at him with reason. You're both humans, and it's not like it's ever all one side. It's not about 'blaming', but you were both upset, and you shouldn't try to convince yourself you weren't…"

A beat. "I did say we weren't going to keep going, so… I'm sorry. I… I just needed you to know that it'd be okay to talk about it. Because it wouldn't happen now, but it did, then, and it won't again. Does… does that sound okay? Biscuits, coffee, and we agree we'll talk at home?"

Izzy nods. "Yes. That. I… think that's for the best. I do want to talk, I promise. I just… it needs not to be in the office. I know no one else can overhear anything, but… it's just… easier at home."

"Plus you don't have to worry about how you end up… dealing with the emotion," Pete adds, knowingly.

"Are you okay if I go let them know?" Lu asks. "And help them carry stuff through? They'll be here in a minute. And we can maybe focus on studying the intel we have until we're home?"

"Go for it," Izzy agrees. "Probably for the best. Pete can keep an eye on me, and then we'll focus on mission prep for the rest of the afternoon."

A pause, and then he pulls the pair of them in close. "You're a good man, you know. Both of you are. You take such good care of me. I often feel like I'm not supposed to need that, but… you remind me otherwise."

Lucius noses against each of them in turn. "What was it we had to make Stede promise? That it's for us all. We all need to remember that. And if you like, when you feel better after, you can always spank me with Stede to joint thank-reward-punish me…"

If he doesn't ask, he won't get. Though it is somewhat of a tease rather than an actual request. Lu pushes up to let the others know. They definitely want to talk about this, just… not here.

And it might help Ed calm down to know it's coming, too.

Chapter Text

Izzy tries to keep himself level for the rest of the day. It's easier than it would once have been, but he's still quietly fretting, and it's a mercy when they're finally done – the mission plan sorted, at least – and can head off home.

Though when they get there, he's not sure what he's supposed to do. Are they talking straight off? Or later?

The not-knowing is a nightmare. Mercifully, they all seem to be heading up to the same floor, which suggests they're doing it now. He certainly hopes they are. But when they all get to Stede and Ed's level, he's not sure what to say, and part of him just wants to make some excuse and brush it all off.

Lucius and Pete have, of course, conspired quietly. Conspired in the 'supportive and intervention' sense, but it still counts. He nods to Stede (their collaborator and intermediary to Ed, in these sorts of things) and they manoeuvre the two men to sit next to each other.

"I know you're both a bit worried, but shall we first check if there's anything we need to do first? Before we have a chat?" Lu asks.

Ed, feeling suitably corralled, is fighting the sullen need to bristle or be contrary. "Like what? Oil up for a wrestling match?"

"Anything you'd like to do before we talk," Lu expands. "In case anyone isn't ready, yet."

"Still think wrestling might be better." Ed is aware he's being cranky, but it's almost impossible to stop.

"…it's all right if you need time first," Izzy says, not quite able to meet Ed's eyes. Or anyone's honestly. "I can just… it can wait."

"Iz, no, it can't," Pete insists. "C'mon. If you're ready now, maybe just do it?"

"Pete's right," Stede concurs, softly. He knows how much Ed has been fretting too, and he wants them to sort things out. "Shall we just sit down?"

"We don't even need to talk about anything!" Ed huffs. "Do we? I mean… we're over it, right?"

They are, aren't they? He thought they were. He thought it had all been fixed. "You were jealous of Stede, and… I was a dick… and then you did the thing and then it was all fine and now we're okay? Or – or – did I miss something?"

He must have. He must have, or they all wouldn't be acting like this. "Shit, did I fuck this up, too?"

Izzy grabs Ed's face in both hands and pulls their foreheads together. "Eddie, you didn't fuck anything up. I wish I hadn't said anything, I really do, but… I didn't expect it to trigger me. Why should it? I've been through far fucking worse since that whole incident. It's all right, OK? I was a dick to you back then, and I got myself hurt as a result. I paid the price. I'm not harbouring grudges. It just… explains why I was being more of a grumpy bastard than usual."

"Izzy…" Ed grabs the man's wrists, but not restrictively. "You were kinda a dick, yeah. But so the fuck was I. And then I didn't even check you were okay, but part of that was the crack and the lesbians… and then – you know – but… fuck. When I-- this is gonna make it worse, isn't it?"

"No. No, it isn't going to make it worse," Izzy insists, desperately hoping he's right. "But… it's something we never really addressed, isn't it? So… so maybe… maybe we should, so it can't hurt us anymore. It's not going to change anything. I love you. I love Stede. You saved my life, and he proved me wrong. But I… Eddie, I…"

He looks down. He doesn't pull away, even though part of him wants to, though he can't meet Ed's eyes for this part. "…I went out that night looking to get hurt. Maybe not as badly as I did, but… even so. And I didn't stop to think about the effect it would have on you if I… ended up where I ended up."

"Izzy… that's not what upset me most. I swear to fuck. I… shit. Seriously? If I had to, I'd go there a million damn times if it meant keeping you safe. Fuck that! What upset me most was that… that you wanted to get hurt." Ed grabs the back of Izzy's neck, tugging him in so their foreheads touch and they don't need to make eye-contact. "That I hurt you so much that… that you wanted that. I'm not sorry I fell for Stede. I am sorry I couldn't work out how to make sure you were okay, too. It wasn't the fuck about me at all. I made you feel that fucking shitty that it made you… feel you needed to do that. Even if I didn't mean to."

"You shouldn't have had to worry about me," Izzy insists. "I should have been happy my friend was happy. I had no right to be jealous. We weren't an item, and never had been. And you didn't do anything wrong. I'm the one that turned it into a thing. I'm the one that lashed out. Just… just stop blaming yourself, all right? Things are OK now. Better than OK. That's what matters the most."

"Fuck that noise!" Ed pulls back, so he can fix their eyes together. "You weren't any less important because we weren't dating! And you wouldn't be any less important if we never did! Yes I should have worried about you – I always did, just like you did me – so maybe I should have talked through it better. But you don't get to tell me you weren't fucking important. You always were. And whether or not we were an item wouldn't take away from the fact we did have a relationship, and that changed."

Lucius looks about ready to jump in, but then pauses. He wants to see if they can work through it before intervening again, and it's clearly difficult to sit back.

"…Are you still mad at me?" Izzy asks. "It's OK if you are. And if you aren't… I need you to know that I'm certainly not mad at you. And anything you feel you did wrong, I forgive you for. I didn't want things to blow up like this. I really didn't. Just… tell me what you need to make this right."

"I'm… I'm only mad that you didn't take care of yourself. That's all. I just… I know you take better care of yourself, now. But you… you gotta see that losing you was the problem, not whether I had to go in… there or not. You're worth going in there, if I have to." Ed slides his hands down to Izzy's. "I just need you to – to put yourself higher. And… fuck. I get that we're gonna come up against shit. Shit we didn't deal with when it happened. But… we can get through it, right?"

"If we can deal with what happened last year, we can deal with anything," Izzy points out, softly. "I'm… still angry with myself over what I did. It's harder to let go of that. And it just… it hit me when we were trying to plan the mission, and I remembered why I wasn't there the first time you did it, and… I guess I wasn't prepared for how much it hurt to think about."

"…can… can we come in, here?" Lucius asks, softly. "If now is the right time?"

"Uhm, yeah?" Ed is sniffly and a mess. "I mean… I just want him not to get hurt. That's all."

Izzy pushes deeper into Ed's arms at that. "I'm the one who hurt you, you idiot," he murmurs. "And if you forgive me for that, then… stop worrying."

"It isn't as easy as just 'stop', Iz," Pete points out, as he and the others slowly move in.

"Can… can we maybe stop thinking of it like 'blame'?" Lucius asks, rubbing Izzy's knee when he moves closer. "In fact, just… no one wanted to hurt anyone else. So there's no one who was horrible, not on purpose. And if we can drop the 'blame' part, we can just focus on the feelings, and what to do better?"

"…also not that easy," Ed mutters.

"Didn't say it was. But if we try… it's not about accepting blame, or fighting for who did the worst… We all know we all care. And… that means we should just… care better? Fuck. This is where I need my therapist to do the wordy stuff better…"

"You're not wrong, though," Stede adds, softly. "If no one is actually still angry, or holding any grudges, then caring better is a good way forward."

"What do you need from me?" Izzy asks Ed, trying to meet his eyes again. "What will help?"

"Knowing you're not mad at me about anything I – I did or said? And… and… knowing you'll speak up before… before anything stupid? I know that one already, I'm just… I'm saying it because it was a big worry. Before." Ed squeezes Izzy's hands. "What about from me? From… all of us? And… and… is this how we should talk about shit, if we ever need to?"

"I absolutely want to know that one," Lucius agrees. "Because I just… wanted to help us all feel better about it."

"I'm not mad at you, or any of the others, I swear," Izzy replies. "I am still angry with myself, but… I know I need to try to let go of that. It isn't easy. But I absolutely won't ever do anything like that again. I have all of you now. I couldn't hurt you like that. I…"

He looks down. "…I'm a better man than I was, and that is because of all of you. I won't ever forget it."

Lu actually manages to get in before Ed, to a wry, knowing look they pass between them. "That's true for all of us. In every direction, I think. I know you made me happier. Pete's braver."

"I'm still here because of you," Ed reminds Izzy. "And I've got a vested interest in keeping you – all of you – around."

"I trusted you with my life, with my whole world, and you didn't let me down," Stede adds, very softly. "The mission that made me, that made us… it would never have worked without you."

"And you loved me," Pete says, a little waver of emotion in his voice. "You never acted like I was in the way, you just… you loved me too."

Izzy nearly cracks at that, trying to pull them all in closer now. "I'm sorry I got upset. I wasn't trying to cause trouble."

"You're not trouble. You're amazing, but you're still human, Izzy. And you're letting us look after you, like you look after us." Ed pulls him under his chin, then kisses at his temple. Then some more, for good measure. "You're doing so fucking well. You know you'd tell any of us that, right?"

"Ed's got a point. You'd be all over looking after us if we got the wobbles. You regularly do… help us, I mean, not wobble. Is there anything else you were feeling, that you'd like us to know? We won't judge it at all. And… and then you know whatever it is, no matter what, that you can tell us?" Lu's lips quirk. "Except maybe repeating what you said about Stede in anger. I guess you could say what you'd said, but I think he heard plenty at the time…"

"…I'm never repeating any of that…" Izzy murmurs. "I wasn't… Stede, you know I don't…"

Stede reaches for Izzy's hand. "Izzy, love, I swear I'm not angry or upset. I didn't handle things well back then either. But… I knew you mattered to Ed, and I knew he's not the sort to feel that way lightly, so it meant you were important to him. And good."

"If it makes you feel any better, he said much worse things about Jack than he ever did about you," Ed reassures Stede. "Much, much worse. And I think he was almost as scathing of Lu. Pete, you got off much cleaner."

"Wait, Izzy talked about us?" Lu is faux-astonished. "Really?"

Izzy is not at all sure this is a good line to go down, given that he's never been afraid of being blunt. And… certainly wasn't, back then. "…Probably best not to repeat any of that, either," he murmurs. "I was… well. There's a reason I was surprised to find you and Pete were into me…"

"Well, we were," Pete reminds him. "Even when you were blunt. And angry. And growly. Sometimes especially then."

"You do realise they fell for you?" Ed teases, letting him up. "That's how you know it wasn't just that you were a hot piece of ass. And you weren't really rude about them. You think you were, but… you're kinda rude about everyone, right?"

"He's joining me and Stede at the Bitchy Table when we're on the mission." Lucius nods. "He judges just as harshly as any camp gay I ever met."

"Having correct opinions is one thing," Izzy says, "but I was a dick to you. I set you up to walk in on Ed and Stede in bed, remember? Wanted to wind you both the fuck up… and sort of wondered if it'd reveal any latent jealousy, which… y'know, it didn't…"

"You thought I had a thing for Lucius?" Stede asks, surprised.

"I thought he might have a thing for you," Izzy clarifies. "Which technically I was right about, even if I was wrong about the latent jealousy."

"Oh god no, I was just happy he was happy for the first time!" Lucius looks utterly love-struck again. "Plus, I had Pete. And – well – you know I thought Ed was hot, but I had no idea Stede was into guys or anyone before that, and… well. Apparently I'm not very prone to jealousy? As much?"

"You were too busy fucking gossiping to Pete about it." Ed quirks a brow.

"Yes, and? I was also gossiping to Pete about when I hooked up with Izzy, so… now you know. Whatever happens, I'm telling Pete. And also you three." Lucius drops his head onto Izzy's shoulder, then. "Were you jealous of me maybe liking Stede, or did you want me to distract him long enough that you could pull Ed away? Or were you just being a dick for the hell of it?"

"…mostly that last one," Izzy admits. He still feels awful about it, but saying the words out loud helps in a weird way. "I didn't think Stede was serious about the mission, or about Ed. Didn't want Eddie getting his heart broken. But… I was wrong about Stede, of course I was, and I worked that out in time."

"You know I'm not mad at you, don't you?" Stede asks, softly. "I mean… in the moment I was frustrated that I couldn't get through to you, but I knew you had to be something special because of how much you meant to Ed. I… only ever wanted you to like me. Well… that and to prove to you that I could be good at my job, because I know how much the job meant to you."

"And… we were kinda dicks to you, too," Ed says. "Mostly me. I coulda handled it better. And I was pissed off with you…"

Lucius lifts a hand, "Uhm… I think… I may owe an apology, too…" He offers a sheepish expression. "I know I was… I was trying to get attention, but I did… maybe… occasionally push at the edges of workplace harassment. If you squint?"

"Fuck's sake, I'm not trying to get all of you to apologise to me!" Izzy exclaims. "I'm the one who went off half-cocked looking for trouble. You're the ones who had to come save my fucking life. So… stop it, OK? I'm just glad I'm still here and… that you all thought I was worth rehabilitating."

"Iz, no." Ed says it firmly, not quite in the Voice, but certainly a loving, dominant tone. "You don't get to see yourself as the villain in some two-dimensional shit. And if you don't accept us apologising for not being perfect, you can't fucking expect us to accept yours."

"I was inappropriate. Like… the post-its. But you are crazy hot and really fucking more so when you're pissed off. I… think I thought if you really didn't enjoy it at all, you'd make us stop?" Lucius lowers his hand with a flounce of his shoulders. "Just because it all worked out, it doesn't mean we went about it the best ways."

Izzy sighs. "Oh, you all drove me nuts. I just didn't want to admit it because it would've felt like letting you win. I didn't realise I liked the attention. I just thought it meant I had the high ground. And… look, anything you feel you need to apologise for, I've already forgiven. So it's OK. I'm serious."

"So… you realise the same works in reverse, then?" Lucius gives him a Look. "Like… for real? You can apologise if it helps you feel better, but it's not because any of us think you need to."

"I didn't think you needed me to," Izzy says. "I… thought I needed to. Which… OK, yes, that works both ways too. Shush."

"Do you feel better now, Iz?" Pete asks.

"…No. Fuck off." This clearly means 'yes'.

"Do you need more biscuits, or do you need to punch Ed? Or Pete? Or… spank someone?" Lucius wiggles his eyebrows. "Just saying…"

"…I don't need to punch anyone." Izzy doesn't look up, feeling rather awkward and over-perceived. "Spanking… well, I seem to remember someone wanting Stede to bend them over the desk…"

"And someone else thinking that perhaps it was very bad that they were wanting that?" Lu makes the biggest eyes known to man. "We can't have people going around being rude, can we?"

"We absolutely can't," Stede concurs. "I think perhaps we should do something about it, right, Izzy?"

"Perhaps we should," Izzy says, relaxing a little. "What do you think, Eddie?"

"I think Pete's been really good, and he and I should take some time to ensure positive feedback and ongoing coaching… If others need some performance management, then you really should make that timely. And shit." Ed nods. "You want an actual desk, or you gonna use something else?"

Izzy and Stede exchange a look. "I think there should be a desk," Stede decides. "Or a table. For full effect." There are several tables in the apartment: some lower coffee-tables and one the main dining table, but also a couple of end-tables beyond the couches that are a more accurate height.

He headtilts towards the closest one. "What do you think?"

And now Izzy smiles. "You're on."

Chapter Text

Izzy and Stede stand up together, and pace over to the table they've decided on; Stede running a hand over the surface as if appraising it before turning his eyes on their target.

"Lucius," Stede says, level and firm. "Come here."

"…have I been very, very bad?" Lu asks, with a quick squeeze of Pete's hand and a glance that says so, so much. He knows Pete will utterly enjoy watching (especially if he's doing that with Ed), and won't worry about any real risk of harm. But he still wants to do that quick check-in.

A second look, this time to Ed, who gives an encouraging nod before tugging Pete to lie down on the couch with his head in Ed's lap. Lu smiles as he watches strong hands run over his husband's scalp, neck, shoulders. They're both fine.

He realises he's still looking love-struck when he gives the other two his undivided attention. "Sorry. I just… they're very distracting."

"They are," Izzy says, because he's certainly not going to suggest otherwise, "but right now we expect your focus."

Stede reaches out and pulls Lucius closer, pushing him sharply up against the edge of the table and holding him there, gripping the back of his shirt collar. "Now what was it you were saying earlier? Something about how I should be taking you in hand and spanking you over the desk?"

"I… may have… fantasised about that…" Lucius admits, his voice shaky with mixed anticipation and a small amount of worry. Before it really had just been fun, but he also knows he pushed a little too far for Izzy's comfort. So there's some guilt, now, too. "A lot."

"Did you, now?" Stede replies; his own voice incredibly level and sure. The fact that he's regularly fantasised about the same certainly doesn't show right now. "Well, then…"

A sharp push, as he bends Lucius forward over the desk; stopping clear of smacking his face into it, and letting Izzy take over holding him once he's down. Izzy bunches his hand in Lucius' hair, pinning him to the smooth, wooden surface. "Hands behind your back, you little brat."

"Yessir," Lucius rattles out, hands moving at once to comply. He's physically as obedient as he can be, very obviously not misbehaving (now). "Thank you. I… I know I was bad. I… know I was not a good boy."

He wasn't. It wasn't deliberate, not to the extent that it became. But just because he didn't mean to cause that much distress, it doesn't negate the part where it happened. So he is sorry.

Stede isn't actually looking to punish Lucius for anything, and from the way Izzy is letting him take the lead, he very much doubts the other man is either. But he can lean into the fantasy a little, if it's what Lucius wants or needs.

"Then we'd better deal with that," he says, firmly; stepping in behind Lucius and pressing against his ass. If nothing else, it will leave the other man very aware of how turned-on Stede himself is, though he's a long way from acting on it: instead reaching around to unfasten Lucius' trousers, so he can pull them and his underwear down as far as his thighs.

Stepping to the side, then, he runs a hand over Lucius' now-bared ass. "Are you ready?"

Lucius glances up as much as he can to look at Izzy, trying to impress upon him the remorse. He knows it's not a major faux pas, and he knows he's already forgiven, but he still wants to make it obvious before he can let go of it and relax. "I'm ready, Sir. I've… I've wanted this… a lot. I know your office is sound-proofed, but…"

"It is," Stede says. "So perhaps next time I'll do it there. Right now…"

The hand stroking over Lucius' ass draws back and starts to land blows: firm, and heavy, designed to make sure he really feels each one. It's not about getting in as many as possible, in a wild flurry – though that, of course, also has its place – but instead making sure every one judders through him very deliberately.

"OHGOD," Lucius erupts in pain, hands wringing as he holds them together to fight the urge to wriggle or push Stede away. He jams one knee into the leg of the table, then thunks his head down into the wood. "It's… it's not… j-just that, Sir…"

"No? Then tell me, what is it?" Stede pushes, in between those firm, slow strokes. "You know I want to hear. You know Izzy does too."

"Damn right I do," Izzy agrees. "So out with it, boy."

"It'sthepartwheresomeonecouldwalkin." The confession blusters out with little reticence, but a tiny touch of shame. It is, after all, why the fantasy is specifically about Stede's desk. (Or Izzy's, for that matter.) The idea that anyone – polycule or not – could conceivably find him red-faced and red-assed, with Stede 'reprimanding' him… it definitely trips several kinky switches in addition to the pain and submission.

Stede and Izzy exchange a look, and a smirk, where Lucius can't see. And Stede, especially, gets it. He's got more than a slight exhibitionist streak of his own too. The infamous crack incident was proof of that.

"You'd like that, would you?" he asks. "Anyone being able to see just how much you love it? Having them realise just how eager you are to bend over and offer up your pretty little ass?"

Lucius can't speak, only nod frantically. Fuck yes. Everyone knows he's fucking all three bosses, is married to one of them legally and to Pete as well. They also know he's a kinky fuck, even if not the extent of it. But being watched… Fuck. It's a big part of why he and Pete had been open from the get-go: they love eyes on them. (And also being the eyes.)

He slips his feet just slightly further apart, the gesture subtle but telling.

Stede notices, of course, and the next blow lands right on the crack between the other man's ass-cheeks; encouraging him to spread wider.

"It's why he likes going to the Republic too, isn't it?" Izzy adds. "All those people… seeing him get thrashed, seeing how eager he is… how much he can take. And… proving that he's a good boy really. Because you like that as well, don't you? You might enjoy acting out in private, but when it comes to showing off… you don't want to show your master up."

"I don't," Lucius can't keep himself from agreeing forcefully, a little more vehemently than someone with their ass out for 'punishment' maybe should. He locks his gaze with Izzy's, blazing with dedication. "I want to be good for my Master. For my Leash-Holders. For all of you. I do. And I want them to see how much I love you. How I'd do anything for you. I want you to see them looking, too."

"They see," Izzy reminds him, softly; a stark counterpoint to the rough blows Stede is still landing. "And so do I. So will Stede, and Ed, when we all go together. People look at you and Pete, and… well. Some of them want to be you, or to be the one in control of you. But others – the ones who really know – they see the devotion, the dedication. They know you are good, and what it takes to do that, and they're impressed."

"And that's how, when you're a brat, we know you just want to play," Stede adds. "So you can let go, and not worry, and take your 'punishment' like a good boy…"

This is punctuated by several very sharp slaps, right across the centre of Lucius' ass, where they'll echo through to his dick and balls most effectively.

Lucius screams in a mixture of bliss and agony, but it's more the sense of being fully seen that has him howling so loudly. His legs go as wide as they can, bracing against the table, his dick nearly crushed into the edge of it. He needs that, or he might get too far, too soon, and start humping the furniture.

He'd been angling for some light teasing, some pain and control. Some titillation and flirtation. He hadn't bargained on them ripping him into pieces with just their words, and he's not sure where that even came from. Just that he's a wreck in a heartbeat at best, and now he's begging frantically and trying to hide his face because there's being watched and then there's being seen, and it feels too intimate. Too much. Even with his husbands and lovers, or maybe especially because it's them. He can't hide and that's… overwhelmingly frightening.

Izzy's hand is back in Lucius' hair in a second, though not so rough this time; stroking firmly but carefully to give him a counterpoint to the sharp blows. "That's it," he urges, softly; seeing how affected Lucius is and wanting to build on it. "That's right. We see you all the way through. And you love it."

"…Izzy, I want to fuck his brains out," Stede declares. "Right here."

"Then do it," Izzy replies. "Though… let me spank him a little first, and then you can ream him out of his mind. I know he'd love you doing that over your desk too."

The squeak precedes the 'yes', but then it's followed by a low string of eager begging. Very, very eager. Lucius wriggles slightly, throwing pleading eyes up to the only man he can see. "Please! Oh god, please! Please spank me! Please! Please! I didn't mean to hurt you before, Master! I know you know, but I want to show you! I – I need to! I need to! I want to be good for you! Please, please!"

It's getting increasingly hard to keep his hands in place, but he's fighting to do it. He really does want to be good. It's embarrassing just how much he does. Even more than being seen with his ass used, he wants them to be proud of him so much he feels like he'll turn inside out.

Stede and Izzy switch places: Stede sliding his hand into Lucius' hair to hold him in place, whilst Izzy lines up to start landing blows over his already-pink ass. "I know you do," Izzy reassures him, even as every stroke smacks roughly into him. "I know. You're not in trouble. You're being given what you need."

"And you look so gorgeous like this," Stede breathes in Lucius' ear. "So eager. So obedient. So ready to scream when I fuck your brains out."

"Please," Lu begs, again, wanting and needing and still somehow ashamed of the urges, too. Like he shouldn't ask for them, shouldn't be given them. Even though none of his lovers have ever shamed his libido or his kinks, it still catches on something old and rusty.

The pain really is lovely. Stede knows just how to handle him, how to warm him up… but Izzy's hand is that bit firmer, that bit more certain of how to thrash him into oblivion. He's a panting, barely-upright wreck, rocking into the table and imagining that solid, imposing desk. "I… I think… about you walking in on us, Sir. You… Ed… Pete… Seeing m-me with… with my ass up… Stede doing anything he wants with me… oh… oh god… please fuck me, Sir! Please! I need you to make it hurt! Please, oh god, I'll be good, I promise, I'll do – I'll do everything you ask! I swear!"

Over on the couch, Ed is definitely enjoying this. He's unzipped his own fly, holding his cock to Pete's mouth to run it teasingly over his lips. Not letting him take it in, but brushing the sensitive skin together as he keeps up the other hand roaming all over his head and shoulders. He wants to draw out the foreplay while they watch, and he knows Pete will get off on the teasing, too.

Pete is certainly enjoying himself, though it's hard to resist the urge to try to push forward and chase more of Ed's gorgeous cock… or to crawl forward to present his ass over the other man's lap, because the spanking Lucius is getting looks really very lovely. He holds back, though, partly to make sure Lucius gets to have his fun, and partly because it is extremely hot to watch.

"Stede… you want to do this with me?" Izzy asks, with a nod towards Lucius' now rather red ass. "Really make him scream?"

"Absolutely I do," Stede agrees, moving in closer, and standing so that he and Izzy can spank an ass-cheek each: first in unison and then switching to alternating, which allows them to land the blows much faster; rapidly becoming a storm of movement between the pair of them.

Lucius' hands shoot out to each side. He can't keep them crossed behind himself when they're both whaling into him, and he has to grip the edges of the table to keep himself mostly in position. Otherwise his body might well betray him and try to run away or climb under the furniture and beg for mercy.

The screaming crescendos until it's ravaged Lu's voice, the sound turning into a pained gargle when even vocalising becomes an agony of its own. He wants to keep going, keep taking. He does. He really does. Not because it feels good (though there's a part that does), but because he wants to Be Good. And that's shrieking louder than anything else in his mind, making him hold out longer than he otherwise would. He needs to impress them both, and needs them to be proud of him, and if he can't walk after… he'll bite his tongue.

Izzy knows exactly how to read what Lucius can take, and Stede knows it, so he watches the other man carefully; taking his lead on when they should slow to a halt. Which is a little longer than he himself might have gone, so at least he knows he's not ever pushing things too far.

"Good boy," Izzy says, softly. "That's it." His eyes flick to Stede now. "I think he should be just about ready for you, don't you think?"

Stede smiles. "I'd say so." He runs a light hand over Lucius' ass, knowing how intensely it will still feel. "What do you think, boy? Are you ready to have your brains reamed out?"

Lucius is honestly not sure he can take being fucked right now, but he will. Even if it hurts like hell. The sensible part of him would remind him that the endorphins will drastically help with the pain, and that the two will complement one another. The lizard brain is still hissing and wanting to retreat into a dark cave, possibly behind a safe bear that doesn't eat lizards. He nods, though, because he wants to be the best boy he can be. "P-please…"

"I know how much you want it," Stede breathes, curling down over Lucius now, and stroking a hand through his hair. "How much you need it."

He pulls back and drops down so that he can pull Lucius' trousers and underwear right off, and then grabs the lube he's already gotten hold of from one of the low cabinets: slicking two fingers and starting to tease at the other man's hole. "Just let go. We've got you."

And the first finger slides in, slow and firm. "That's it. That's it, good boy."

Lucius does want it. Even if it's agony, he does want it. He loves to be fucked roughly. Loves to feel his body turned into a plaything. Loves to have strong hands and thighs all over him, and a cock splitting him in half. He nods and keeps hold of the table – spread-eagled over it – relaxing to let Stede's digit enter him. He sighs in relief at the more pleasant sensations and reassurance, dragging his face over the table.

"Thank… thank you… th--" He remembers, suddenly, that Pete and Ed are actually watching, and that crashes into his awareness like waves against the cliff face. Another wracking sob and he's digging his fingernails into the wood. "Please. Need you to use me. Need… need you…"

"I know, I know," Stede tells him. "And I will, don't you worry. I will, Izzy will… maybe we'll take you together. I know how much you love that, and it's so damn hot now we can do it bare…"

The second finger pushes in; both of them moving a little faster and firmer now, and parting deep inside to stretch Lucius wider. "You feel so good. So ready. Can you still feel our hands all over your ass? There's definitely going to be a few handprints left at the end…"

"Yes…. Thank you… hurts… hurts so good… Want to be good for you, Sir. Want… want you to be proud…" Lucius tries to find Izzy with his eyes, pleading for the reassurance he's lost without. "Love you so much. Please… Hurts…"

It does sting, but what is louder is the heavy, aching longing in his balls. Lu tries to fuck himself onto Stede's hand, wanting him to go faster, please. A lot faster. Right now.

Izzy has moved back to run his hand through Lucius' hair, and as he sees Stede pull his fingers free to start opening up his own trousers and slicking his cock, that hand tightens. "You are being good, boy," he points out. "You're being so very good. You don't have to worry. You can just let go, and trust that we've got you."

And that's when Stede lines up and shunts his cock into Lucius in one smooth thrust. It may have been several weeks since they all started doing this bare, but the joy of it hasn't diminished in the slightest, and he can't help a cry of delight as he sheathes himself deep.

"Thankyouthankyouthankyou," Lucius lets the words roll out in a litany, the pleasure and relief palpable. He knows they're looking after him, that they're doing this for him as much as for themselves. It feels so much better now Stede is inside him, and he hears the sharp hiss from the couch the other two are on. That makes his cheeks hot with pride, too: knowing their husbands are watching and enjoying. He's certain he'll get to watch their fun, if he's still lucid enough when Stede and Izzy have finished with him.

He pushes his head into Izzy's hand as he tilts his hips and presents himself as openly as he can for Stede to get all the way inside. It takes some of the anxiety away, like a weighted blanket pushing him somewhere safer.

"That's it, good boy, you take it so well," Stede breathes, as he starts to move slowly. "So good, so good for us… I love the way you feel. I love that I get to feel you like this."

He grips Lucius' waist as he gradually speeds up, wanting to build the sensation higher and higher. His eyes go to Izzy; so infinitely grateful that their relationship has gone from what it once was to the point where the other man can trust him like this, and he reaches out to grasp Izzy's free hand, needing the connection. Needing the moment where he can feel the emotion passing between them, and know that things are right, now. Good. Perfect.

Then he looks over to the couch, where Ed and Pete are watching, and other than a little teasing they are just watching, which means they're all watching him fuck Lucius, and that… that's all kinds of hot. Plus the look on Ed's face is a constant reminder of just how right all this is, and he loves knowing how much his husband is enjoying the view.

Ed offers Stede a wink and a grin, because his hands are occupied. He's keeping his cock just teasing Pete, but running his fingers all over his shoulders and neck to fuss and soothe him. It's really lovely watching the other three, and seeing how into it they are.

Lucius is very much into it. He's got his eyes closed as he sinks into the rocking, each movement pushing another groan of pleasure past his lips. He's sinking into the hypnotic rhythm, letting the moment grow bigger than himself. At this pace, he could drift for hours and not complain. That's how it feels right now, at least. Like it's just right.

Stede can feel how utterly Lucius is yielding, and that feels so good too: partly because it's a lovely sensation, and partly because it means the other man is really relaxing into this, and the tension from before is melting out of him, and that's what Stede wants. A lot of the time when he doms – especially when it's just with Ed – he's very much focused on helping the other man relax and let go, and whilst that doesn't have to be the goal every time, it always feels right when he knows he's made it happen.

"That's it, that's it… you feel so damn good," he breathes. "You think you can take us both? I want to hold Izzy close as we fuck you between us."

"YessirpleasesirIcanIcan--" Lucius definitely feels like he could. Stede's dick is nice and thick, but he's relaxed to take it, now. It still feels amazing (especially when railing into him), but Lu can't deny the appeal of both of them. It feels so much more powerful to have two men inside him, no matter where or how. It also feels good to know they'll do it together. He'd been Stede's shield from Izzy, once, and now the pair of them are happy to spank and drill him between them. It's very, very gratifying. "Please… I can, I swear…"

"Sounds like a plan to me," Izzy concurs, giving Lucius' hair one more firm stroke before he goes over to Stede; tugging him in to kiss firm and quick. And then, pulling back, he unzips and reaches for the lube as Stede moves a little to the side whilst still buried deep in Lucius, so there's room for them both.

"Ohhh… fuck, yes…" Stede gasps, as Izzy brings his cock into place, and starts to slowly push into Lucius along Stede's own length. "That's so good, that's so good… oh, Izzy…"

Izzy wraps an arm around Stede's waist, using the other to hold onto Lucius as he seats himself deep. "Fuck, that's it… you ready to ream him with me?"

"Damn right I am," Stede replies; holding on too as they get themselves properly positioned. And… then start to move again, which sends fireworks up Stede's spine all at once at just how good it feels.

"FUCKFUCKFUCKI'M-- I'LL--!" Lucius slams his hands down violently into the table. He arches up onto the balls of his feet, but he can't even hold that against the solid weight bearing him down. He's desperate to come, now, the ratcheted-up arousal flooding past the lazy peace. "P-pl-please…"

His cock hasn't been touched, and he really, really needs to grab it. Or someone to. Or something.

"Oh, he's not going to last much longer," Stede points out, though in truth neither is he. "Shall I make sure he comes screaming?"

"Do it," Izzy agrees. "We don't have to stop after he does, either…"

Stede grins. "I love how wicked you are. Even if you give Ed ideas."

And he reaches around to find Lucius' cock, gripping firmly and then starting to stroke him hard; as close to in-time with their thrusts as he can manage when also going somewhat insane from pleasure.

"I'MGONNNNNAAAAUUUGHHHH!" It was supposed to be a warning/request, but it turns instead into a very loud announcement and an even happier ending. Lucius is sure his brain is melting out of his ears as the climax courses through him, making every muscle taut and snap and then he's hitting the table with his left hand, trying to beg them to stop.

Because it's burning a hole in the back of his brain and he's sure he's dying. Happy, sweaty, sticky death, but death all the same.

They don't stop. Well, Stede eventually stops stroking Lucius' cock, letting go, but the thrusting in his ass speeds up again once he's gone still. It isn't going to be for long, given that Stede, especially, is right on the edge, but it must feel like it in the moment.

Which is part of the fun.

"Don't hold back," Izzy murmurs in Stede's ear. "I can feel how close you are. Give him everything."

Stede clings to them both as his climax hits; crying out in ecstasy as he spills inside Lucius, alongside Izzy… fuck, but it's just so incredible that he gets to do this. He fights to keep going as long as he can, wanting to draw out the sensation, and he's grateful for the way Izzy steadies him as he finally slows, keeping him close.

Lucius makes tiny, bleating notes of appreciation and satisfaction. He's breathless and twitching, basking in the rushes of echoing sensation that crash up and down his spine. It's good. It's so, so good. He would say that, but his jaw is dropped into a dribbly mess. Brains very successfully fucked out indeed.

Izzy is a moment behind, but little more than that, and he doesn't hold back: continuing to fuck into Lucius along the length of Stede's now-spent cock until his own climax explodes through him and out of him. He rides it out with all the energy he's got left, aware that it'll drive Lucius even more gloriously insane, and then drops with a gasp, curling into Stede's side again.

"…so fucking good…" he murmurs.

"You made a lovely mess of that table," Ed calls over, his tone a little strained from the self-control he's been exerting to watch. "And that boy. You got any more plans for him, or you putting a tablecloth over him for the night?"

"…I think we might let him have a nice rest," Stede answers, somewhat hazily. "So long as he thanks us for being so good to him by snuggling with us a lot."

"Somehow I think he might," Izzy adds.

He pulls back with a rough gasp, finding something for them to quickly clean up with as Stede pulls free as well. Then they carefully lift Lucius upright between them, and guide him over to one of the other couches where the three of them can curl up.

"Well, that means it's time for the carrot, after Lu got the stick," Ed hooks a finger under Pete's chin. "I'm assuming you're in favour of being rewarded for being so very, very patient?"

Because watching those three had been a challenging display of self-restraint for them both. He beams lovingly over at the three men cuddling on the other couch, and the blissed-but-exhausted expression on Lu's face.

Pete tries not to vibrate too much with excitement, wanting to prove he can be a good boy as well. "Yes, sir," he answers at once. "Please. I'd like that a lot. Just… tell me what you want, and I'll do it. Anything."

"First I want you to undress me slowly. Like you mean it. Don't rush, and don't keep your hands and mouth to yourself. I want you to really make a show of it, and then to strip yourself just as slowly. Get me nice and interested. You know I'll reward your patience, don't you?" Ed pulls him in for a slow, soft kiss.

A little too slow, lingering and running their noses together. "Make sure our audience gets to see how fucking hot you are."

"Yes, sir," Pete breathes, fervently, and he moves to obey at once: hands sliding to start unfastening Ed's clothing bit by bit. He kisses each stretch of skin as it's exposed, tracing over the contours of his body, or the lines of his tattoos, trying to really take his time and show how good he can be. Plus… it's easy to worship Ed, because he's so incredible, and whilst Pete may have grown beyond hero-worship, he still feels very honest admiration and love.

When he's done stripping Ed, he moves onto himself: standing to ease out of his trousers and boxers with a little shimmy and then dropping to his knees at Ed's feet as he works on his top half. And… waiting, once he's done, aware of the eyes on him.

"You've wanted my cock in your mouth all night, haven't you?" Ed asks, running his palm over the man's scalp, eyes drinking in the slightest shivers and blushes. He really does feel blindingly affectionate and protective over him, proud and honoured to be so wanted in return.

And he did say he'd be rewarding, more than punishing. Pete hasn't done anything wrong, after all. (Even Lucius had only made an error of judgement, rather than a meaningful transgression.) "Suck it nice and slowly. Not too much. Just enough to get the taste of it in your mouth. Then we'll see what the best way to make you scream is…" He has a few ideas, after all.

"Oh fuck, yes, sir," Pete gasps, and leans in rapidly to let Ed's cock all but slide straight down his throat: hands braced either side of the other man's lap as he starts to work over it… and then slowing rather rapidly when he processes that he's been told not to go too far. He's certainly not trying to disobey; he's just very, very eager to please, and he wants to make Ed feel as good as possible.

"Such a greedy little slut… don't worry, I'll let you have fun. And I'll stop you before you go too far…" Ed's eyes crease in affection, and he curls his hand around Pete's head to follow his movements, enjoying the attention. When he sees the other two watching (and Lucius half-aware), he tosses his hair out and runs his free hand over his chest overtly, lingering on one pert nipple.

Pete really is good with his mouth. It's tempting to just let him…

"I'm torn, though. I'd very much like to have you ride my lap. I'd also enjoy you sitting and keeping my cock warm while I play with yours… I did think about fisting you, but I love watching your eyes when you come… though there's no saying I can't do that after we've both finished. Lie you next to Lu, or on top of him, then work you all the way inside with my hand…"

This gets him a very eager little squeak from Pete. He doesn't stop what he's doing, but looks up when he can; wordlessly repeating that 'anything' from earlier. All of those things sound good, and right now he wants whichever will make Ed happiest… and give the others a show, because they certainly gave him and Ed one.

For the moment, he keeps working; still trying not to be too fast or eager, even if he feels it, and concentrating on what will give Ed the most pleasure without taking him too far. He's got more than enough experience now of how the other man likes this, and just where to focus to make his toes curl the most, and he murmurs in happiness as he focuses on doing just that.

"Do you want to sit on my dick, baby?" Ed asks, when the going gets a little too good for him to hold out. "You got me nice and ready… I think I'd like to park you on it and make you feel good, too. Fetch the lube, then kneel with your cock where I can suck it while I finger you open… I want you to grind on my lap and show me how good you can work me…"

Pete can't help another little squeak of delight at that because he would very much like all of the above, and he pulls lingeringly back. "I'd love that, sir," he breathes; holding eye-contact for a second before he scrambles up and goes to find the lube.

Handing it over, he considers the next part, and then climbs carefully up so he's kneeling up in Ed's lap, facing him; hands braced on his shoulders, so the other man will have all the access he wants… and so he'll be able to sink down over Ed's dick when it's time.

"Oh, you are ready for me, aren't you? Tease my lips first, like I teased yours. Don't fuck my mouth right off…" Ed holds under his cock so he can mouth and toy with the tip as promised. He's not quiet about his enjoyment, either, as he flicks the lube bottle open and gets some in his palm. It's a little sloppier this way, but that's part of the fun.

One smear, then two fingers toying with his rim without pushing inside. His tongue runs just under the head, rubbing the sheath to wind him up higher as he strokes everywhere but into him. Pete has to really earn that.

He's definitely eager to. Pete carefully teases his cock over Ed's lips, letting him lap at it and toy with it but not trying to slide in just yet (much as he desperately wants to). The attention feels so damn good, and doubly-so when Ed's fingers start playing along his rim at the same time, making Pete shudder with pleasure and longing. He wants to sink down on those fingers so badly – or, even better, onto Ed's cock – and his hips shake just a little as he tries to focus on what he's been told to do, and making this as good as possible.

Ed keeps up the teasing for a moment longer than he'd want to, just to really drive Pete wild; he scrapes his teeth over the sensitive point and – when Pete is shuddering from that – all of a sudden plunges two very-slicked fingers in to push him forwards and into his mouth. A rumbling noise through his lips as he does, eyes up to catch any reaction before he goes further.

"Oh fuck!" Pete cries out in delight; the double-stimulation making him shudder in obvious pleasure as he tries to accommodate both at once. He manages not to fuck Ed's mouth too fast; keeping it slow and careful, though his ass is rather more difficult to rein in, and it takes all his focus not to just ride those fingers as hard as he can. It's not as if he thinks Ed is going to deny him – and certainly not for long – but he's so wound up from longing and teasing and the very lovely show they got from Stede, Lucius and Izzy, and as a result the need in him is pretty intense.

Ed doesn't want to go too fast and hurt Pete, but he can feel how easily he's taking both fingers. It means he doesn't need to go too slowly, bracing the heel of his hand to work them roughly just at the rim as he uses his tongue and lips with obvious restraint. The goal isn't to get him off, just to make it feel good as he gets him ready to sink onto his cock. The wet sounds have his own dick aching furiously hard, and he knows he's going to want the next stage soon.

It's not until he's pushed the third finger in to little resistance that he's content Pete is prepped enough, and he slips his fingers free as the cock pops out. "Sit down nice and slowly. You're gonna be there for a while, so make it comfortable for us both."

"Yes, sir!" Pete gasps, and moves to obey at once: lowering himself and reaching to take hold of Ed's cock, so he can guide it to his hole and sink down onto it in one smooth, glorious motion. "…oh fuck, thank you, sir… that's so good… so good…"

It is, and he loves it: getting himself comfortably seated and braced and then – needing Ed to see just how eager he is to obey – crossing his wrists behind his back. He'll gladly use his hands as much as the other man wants him to, but he doesn't want to presume.

"Don't move too much… you can work my dick, but don't ride, not yet…" Ed's eyes are hazy from the silky, warm embrace where their bodies meet. He luxuriates in it, catching Pete's chin to pull him closer, not quite kissing. "You can put your arms around my neck and play with my hair. If you need more, you ask. Understand?"

"Yes, sir; I'll be good, sir, I promise." Pete lets his arms lift to rest around Ed's shoulders, as he's been told; head bowed a little now as he feels the weight of the other man's control more keenly. And though he very much wants to ride that gorgeous cock, he stays still where he is; trying to work over it with his ass alone, and hoping Ed won't make him wait too long.

"You're such a gorgeous boy. Do you know? And more than being smoking-hot, you're so fucking sweet. Such a good, kind, loving boy… I never knew you could be as patient as you are. Do you know how much we all love you, Pete? Do you?" Ed still holds his chin, breathing the words over his lips and cheeks.

The other hand drags up over his thigh, then the backs of his fingers brush teasingly against his still-wet dick. "Do you want to hear it?"

Pete feels those words all the way through, and suddenly he can't look up; too seen, too raw, too honest and heartfelt. He gives a little nod, because he does want to hear, even though he knows it will be emotive. "Yes, sir," he answers, very softly. "And… it's as much as I love all of you. Which is a lot."

"Iz, Stede, you want to tell him how much you love him, too? He's such a good boy, he deserves the praise as much as Lu." Ed holds Pete's face, urging him to look into his eyes as he wraps his hand around his shaft to start stroking slowly. Twists near the tip, then firm tugs back down. A ponderous, deliberate rhythm as their breathing starts to synchronise.

"I think you're incredible," Stede says, soft and sure, from where he's curled with his head on Izzy's shoulder, and stroking through Lucius' hair. "I could see it from very early on, when you made Lucius so amazingly happy… you care so deeply, and so honestly, and it's beautiful."

"And you were so easy to fall in love with," Izzy adds. "You made me feel like I was meant to be there, right from the start… and I felt the same about you. It had to be all of us."

"…I just wanted to be close to you, all of you," Pete gasps. "In whatever form that took. I just… I needed you. You made me believe in myself again."

Lucius makes a soft sound, all heart-eyes and exhausted. He stirs, but he's too spacey to properly speak.

"I think we can get Lu's input later, if that wasn't clear. That man adored you. I didn't know him before, like Stede did, but my god did he come alive whenever he saw you… He told us about you, when you were just dating. The way his face lit up… trust me. He's utterly infatuated with you." Ed slides his hand down to rest on Pete's shoulder, the fingers curled over with his palm brushing the tattoo he shares with his husbands.

When Pete reacts, he starts to work his cock more vigorously. He can tell it's difficult for Pete to sit still through this, and the flinches and flickers around his own dick are utterly gorgeous. "Seeing you blossom into yourself – like Stede did, like Lu and Iz did – god, it's so special. Knowing you're really being you, at last… Every day I love all four of you more than I did before, and I have no clue how…"

"…we love you too, sir," Pete manages, his voice shaking but the words needing to be said. "You love us. You take such good care of us. You… got to become you, too. You're… so much more content, now. So free. We got to watch that happen as well."

"Do you want to ride my cock, baby?" Ed asks, thumb dragging over the head of Pete's. "Do you want to hold on and show me what you can do? I don't want you to finish, though. I want you to hold off, even if I come…"

"Please," Pete begs, eagerly. "Please. I want that so badly." Quite how he'll hold off, he's not sure, but he'll give it his all trying. "I love feeling you inside."

He leans in a little closer, arms braced against Ed's shoulders, and then – with a sharp gasp of delight – he starts to move: lifting himself up as much as he can and then dropping back down; slowly at first but over and over until he's lost in the sensations, and chasing all he can get.

Ed nearly punctures his lower lip with his teeth when Pete does that, head back in the hiss of enjoyment that accompanies the movement. He really does feel great, and it's so good now it's skin-to-skin. Even if he had to pull out before the end, it would still have been worth it just for the way it feels to connect like this. "Oh, that's it… fuck, but you're such a good boy… you fit perfectly, there… I think I am gonna have to give you my fist, if you're still able to take it when I'm done with you… Lie you over Stede and Izzy's laps, snuggling with Lu, in to my elbow so you feel it all the way inside."

The elbow is of course hyperbole, but he knows it will still feel good no matter how much he works inside. And Pete doesn't have to know how much of his hand and wrist is in.

"Oh fuck, sir, please, please, I want that so much!" Pete cries out. He knows how amazing it will feel, and how intimate, and also that Ed has rather big hands. "I'll be good for you, I promise!"

He's vaguely aware he'll be completely out of his own head before anything of the sort even happens, given the focus with which he's riding Ed's cock now. He's been told to hold back, and he knows that's going to get increasingly difficult, so he's trying to concentrate on the movement, the rhythm, and on making it as good as possible for them both.

"Get me off, but don't spill." Ed's Voice comes out with calm certainty, and he grips the base of his lover's cock to help. "Show me what a good slut you are, and I'll give you all you've ever wanted. Do it."

He's not sure Pete can obey, but he knows the man will bust a gut before a nut if told to. Either way, it's going to be damn good.

Pete isn't sure he can either, but he's determined to throw everything he's got into trying. He bites his lip, fighting for focus; fighting to concentrate on giving Ed all he needs to get him over the edge. The hand on his own dick certainly helps, and he throws his strength into moving as fast and as firm as he can.

"G-give you anything, sir… promise… want to make you happy… proud… I… ohhhfuck…" He's so close it hurts, but he won't let go, he won't, he won't…

"Finish me with your hands if you can't hold back." Ed can feel how close he is, and he absolutely wants to give Pete the attention he deserves to give him his happy ending. "Don't let me down now, love. Get me off, then brace yourself."

No way is Pete going to let himself fail now. He throws his head back, clasping his hands together firmly behind Ed's neck, and focuses everything he's got on getting the other man off. "I won't let you down, sir, I won't, I promise…"

If the physicality weren't already enough, the determination in Pete's voice would have done it. Ed normally makes himself hold off, but he has plans for Pete. Plans that work better if he can focus, so he grabs the back of the man's neck and holds him in close as he feels his climax overtaking. "That's… that's it, that's… ohfuckyesyesYES!"

It's a good one, one that feels refreshing and energising. It's been delayed without being torture, and Ed lets go of Pete's cock when he can't manage complicated coordination for a heartbeat more.

Pete breaks into a bright, slightly-delirious smile when he realises he's managed it; dropping back with a deep gasp and trying to catch his breath. He's worried, under the surface, that he's not going to be allowed to come any time soon, and he aches with desperation, but he won't give in, he won't.

"…please, sir…" he whispers, nonetheless, because he needs, and it throbs all the way through him.

"Do you want here, now… or do you want Izzy and Stede holding you?" Ed offers. "You can finish how you'd like. You've earned it, and I won't make you hold out for long."

Pete's eyes go a little wide and wild, because on the one hand he'd like to come as soon as possible, please and thank you, and on the other… Izzy and Stede holding him.

"…h-holding me," he gasps. "I… that, please…"

"We'll be right there," Izzy says. He and Stede scramble up slowly; wrapping Lucius in so they can move him too, so he's not left alone. They guide him onto the couch at Ed's side, where he'll be able to watch, and then move around behind Pete.

"How do you want us?" Stede asks Ed.

"I want to drape him over your thighs, so you hold over his torso…" Ed runs his thumbs over Pete's hip-bones. "If Lu's up to it enough, he can stroke his head, too. He's going to need you both to keep him steady."

"I'm here." Lu's voice is dreamy, but very clearly in favour. "I'm here. I'll hold Pete."

Izzy considers a second, and then reaches for Pete. "All right, then, up you come. You want him face down, yes?" He sees the nod from Ed. "Thought so."

Moving everyone takes a moment, but it's easy enough, and soon Izzy and Stede are sitting side-by-side on the couch with Pete draped over their legs, face-down, and his head resting in Lucius' lap. And though Pete is aching with need, still, it's very, very lovely to be held like this, even before what's coming. (Which hopefully includes him. Please.)

"Alright, Pete, I want you to try to hold out a little longer. I promise it'll be worth it." Ed runs a hand over his bare and lifted ass, then gives a light swat. It's to distract from the sudden push of three fingers back into him, before the left hand is steadying his ass by the tailbone. "If you can let me know if you need it to ease off, I think you'll enjoy this…"

He's got one knee braced on the couch, and plenty of lube on his fingers. He did promise the man something, after all.

"So pretty," Lucius sighs, snuggling into Izzy's neck. "Isn't he so pretty?"

"He is," Izzy agrees, stroking over Pete's back, and nuzzling against Lucius. "And he's being so very good. I'm so proud of both of you."

"He's in for a treat, that's for sure," Stede enthuses. "Though he might need a special cushion in the office tomorrow…"

Pete gives a little squeak at that, though not in any kind of objection, because he knows that if he does need one, it will absolutely have been worth it. "I'm ready, sir," he manages, in a weird mental hinterland between dreamy and desperate; those fingers sending his mind deeper with every flicker of movement. "I'm ready."

"Oh, he won't need the cushion. Maybe a day-plug, though…" Ed pours some more lube over his hand, where it's sinking into Pete, twisting one way then the other to spread it around and then – along the way – slipping the fourth finger in. "He's very good. He's taking it so, so well. I know he's so good at giving this, so I figured it was time for him to take."

The thumb so fast might be a surprise, but Ed doesn't push it all the way in. He strokes it along his fingers, working the rim gradually to accept the stretch. He knows how intense this can feel, so the others holding him will definitely help.

"…oh fuck, fuck, fuck… that's so good… oh god… oh god, sir, don't stop, please don't stop..!" Pete's mouth is running now, even as his mind is slipping sideways in pleasure; the firm, unyielding stretch sending sparks chasing through his whole body, and making him crave more with every passing second. "Please… please… ohhhhfuckyes…"

"That's it," Stede urges, stroking Pete's lower back; watching his husband's hand slowly disappearing inside him. "That's it, good boy… you're doing amazing… you just wait, just wait until he's all the way in and you see stars."

"You'll know when it's time to come for me." Ed's voice is dripping with danger and lust, as slick as the hand that's working Pete inexorably wider. "You'll know because you won't be able to not. And then – when you're wracked with bliss – when you're coming so hard you feel like your spine is breaking… then I'll pound you into oblivion."

That tone hits Pete so hard, he feels like he could come from it alone. "Please, sir," he gasps. "I want that so badly. I'll take everything you have to give. I'll make you proud, I promise." He'll also scream a lot, but he's sure Ed will enjoy that too.

"I know you will." Ed's worked his hand right to the widest point, holding Pete on the stretch for as long as he dares. And then – after what feels like forever – he presses all the way in and angles at the elbow to start working the pressure against his prostate. "I know you will. You're such a good boy. I'm going to destroy you."

Pete screams in bliss, and his takes all his focus not to just come at that, because the pressure and the fullness inside is so gloriously overwhelming. He knows he needs to relax as much as possible, and he tries to take several deep breaths as he lets himself accommodate. And… even though he's already lying down, he suddenly drops as everything seems to snap into place.

"…m'ready, sir…" he murmurs. "Please."

"You'll know. I told you. You'll know." Ed flashes a hungry look between Izzy and Stede, seeing how Lucius is utterly rapt and enthralled in petting Pete.

It just all… works.

So he starts to thump his fist into the other man, feeling his rim stretch with every punch from the elbow. He's driving in and down, aiming to make him lose it, the speed and intensity ratcheting rapidly. He stops speaking so he can focus, watching for the slightest discomfort and aiming to keep him just before that kicks in. He loves feeling how much Pete trusts him, how he'll let him so far inside… how close they are, and how the other three are all holding him between them. It's just… chef's kiss.

Pete feels like he'd be on the point of coming even if he hadn't already been fucked hard. The fact he has means it's almost insane he holds out as long as he does, but the pounding is so strong he feels like he'd come even with a ring on, though it might blow his dick off in the process. The climax that hits him comes simultaneously from the tips of his toes and the depths of his core; rushing through him with furious, almost-violent intensity.

He screams. And screams. And comes so hard he feels like he ought to black out: clinging to whoever he can reach as the orgasm rips through him. He tries to call out something coherent, even just a 'thank you, sir', but he's so comprehensively smashed to bits that the words are utterly lost. The sentiment is still there, though.

"I'm not near done with you, boy." That's clearly Blackbeard in all his sadistic (but still loving) glory. There's no let up in pace or depth as he keeps thrusting his whole hand inside, slamming into that sweet spot that he knows will short-circuit Pete's brain. "I told you I'd reward you. So take it."

Ed trusts he knows Pete's tells enough to handle this, but he also has the other three on hand to check him if not. He doesn't need to ask them, because he fully trusts – especially Izzy, and then Stede – to speak up without needing the prompt, first.

The trick is to keep it just shy of that, though, and when Pete's noises shift he eases the ferocity a little. It won't feel it to Pete, but he's easing the speed and depth. Not stopping, not any time soon, but stretching the sensations out to guide him deeper.

The tone of Ed's voice alone is enough to make Pete drop on every level, and suddenly he's just under, and taking, and taking, and even though he's still crying out in overwrought, agonised ecstasy, his mind is so completely yielding that none of it is a protestation, or even a plea. It's just an expression of how he feels.

It's too much. He can't think. But he's so deep, none of that matters. At some point in the midst of it all, he feels as though he hits some kind of climax again, but all of the sensation is so intensely intertwined that he's not even sure.

Eventually, the screaming fades down to nothing, and he's just completely pliant; murmuring every now and then but no more; utterly adrift, and radiating the purest joy.

Ed smiles, his hand slowing but not withdrawing. He doesn't want Pete to feel abandoned, after all. "That's it… good boy. So good. Just breathe for us. Breathe for me. You look so good on my wrist…"

He does. It's so fucking hot to see his entire fist sunk into him, to feel the twitches and movements around his fingers. Ed moves to sit next to Stede, keeping his hand still and settled in Pete for the moment. "Good boy… breathe nice and slow… just let go…"

Lucius can barely even look. It's so peaceful, so erotic and tender that it makes him hurt inside. He cuddles Pete's head and whimpers into Izzy, his own ass thrumming in sympathy. "…better, now, Sir?" he asks Izzy, voice hushed.

"Better, yes," Izzy replies, just as softly; leaning his head against Lucius more. "And I was never mad at you, I promise. Just… regretting the past. But it's OK, because the present is what matters, and I'm happier than I ever believed possible."

Stede, meanwhile, is resting his own head against his husband, and though he'd been feeling very dominant before, he's more than a little affected by Ed's current manner, not to mention that tone. "You look so gorgeous," he murmurs. "And Pete looks like he's in heaven."

"He's so fucking hot when he's like this… and it was so good to see you all holding him," Ed tells Stede, nosing into his cheek. "I could feel how your hands on him calmed him down. And if you think we look hot… fuck, was it something to watch you and Izzy rail Lu between you."

Lucius makes a note agreeing with that, because it had been something to be the one being railed.

"He was gorgeous too," Stede enthuses. "And Izzy. You all are. I love you all so much."

"We're certainly getting good at healthier coping strategies," Izzy adds, with a wry little smile. "This… is definitely better. And not just because of the amazing sex."

"I mean, Lu managed to 'act out' without causing a real issue, you had a painful memory thingy, I thought about… that stupid place… and no one screamed except in bliss…" Ed gives a slow, careful twist to his hand as he starts to pull it carefully out of Pete. "And Stede didn't panic too much about lesbians. And Lu didn't freak out about operations. And Pete… Pete is still the most sensible of all of us."

"I did freak out. Just… not lots," Lu corrects him. "Maybe 'freak out' is too strong. 'Express concerns'?"

Pete may be sensible, but right now he's not exactly sensate; drifting deeply under on tides of overwhelming bliss. It all feels so utterly amazing, and he's not remotely worried or tense: lying draped where he is and just content to exist with his husbands and lovers all around him.

"You were much calmer than I worried," Stede tells Lucius. "I know it's still a big deal. It's kind of a big deal for us all, really. It's… been a while." A beat. "And I will be much more careful around lesbians. And anyone else. Obviously drug dealers can be anyone. Not just lesbians."

"The lesbian ones do seem to gravitate towards the Republic, though, it's true," Izzy says.

"Maybe because of who runs it?" Ed muses. "You'd need to do some kinda… Lu-nalysis thingy…"

"I'm not going to run sexual orientation to drug pushing metrics, Ed." Lucius runs a finger around Pete's earlobe. "Not if you still want me in the field."

"…why?"

"Pick one."

"Fine… but I think it would be an interesting study."

"And you'd draw all the wrong conclusions from the data. Hence: no."

"…you're coming with us, though, right?" Stede asks, looking hopeful. "It'll be so much more fun with you there."

"Stede, asking him when he's still half in subspace is bad management," Izzy has to point out. "As is having this entire conversation with a semi-unconscious lieutenant sprawled all over us."

"Well… yes, but…" Stede is still giving Lucius his Big Round Eyes.

"I said I'm not saying 'no', yet," Lucius answers, cuddling Izzy in gratitude for the protection. "And you wouldn't want the 'yes' from me, not right now. If the plan is… solid enough… then I'll come. Don't count me out, but don't count me in."

"Izzy is right, Stede. This is the kind of shit you told Mary's special docs and HR you wouldn't do." Ed gives him a Look. It is only mostly serious. "Remember?"

"…sorry…" Stede murmurs, looking down. "I'm just excited. But… I'll be good. And obviously I'll support whatever you decide." A beat. "And I love you."

And he hides in Ed's shoulder a little.

"It's okay. You know if I was really worried about you pushing me, I'd say. Maybe not right at the time, if I was deep in subspace… but I'd tell you." Lucius leans over to grip Stede's hand. "I'm… cautiously excited, too. And I love you, too, of course…"

"Thank god you clarified that, huh," Ed laughs.

"Well I thought it was obvious, then I thought maybe I was being rude…"

"…I just thought it was important to say…" Stede says, still softly. "Being your boss and your lover is… confusing sometimes. But… I always want to take care of you, I promise."

He grips Lucius' hand firmly, giving him a look that he hopes conveys how he feels more eloquently than his words do right now.

"It's okay. I know, Stede. And… and I do want to go out again. But can we park the planning until we have pants on again? Pete would probably agree he's a lesbian if you asked him right now. Wouldn't you, Pete?" Lu coos warmly at the husband in his lap.

Pete – still impaled on Ed's now mercifully-slow hand – gives a hazy giggle. "…am best lesbian…" he murmurs. "So good. No drugs."

"…Point taken," Stede says, with a little smile. "Still love you."

"I think Pete may have achieved some sort of higher mental state by this point," Izzy says, flashing Ed an approving look. "He's going to need cuddling all evening."

"We should get to it, then," Ed suggests. "Maybe we could fling something low-effort on to watch and get pizza in? I mean… Lu doesn't look much more lucid."

"I'm a lesbian-magnet," Lucius declares. "And he's my lesbian."

"…see."

Chapter Text

It's a couple of nights later, and – in an unmarked van just around the corner from the Republic of Pirates – final preparations are being made. Final preparations are being made awkwardly, and a little crampedly, because despite the size of said van there are eight full-grown adults in the back.

And five of them are in rather a lot of leather. More leather than there might usually be, in fact, because Stede's made sure their outfits don't show off anything they don't want their colleagues seeing.

They're still fabulous, though: five close-cut leather vests with exposed, harness-style backs, and matching leather trousers. Everything is a mixture of black and deep purple, with the metal clasps and rings in bright silver, and they've all got sensible, flexible boots (good for both play, and chasing down suspects).

Lucius and Pete are wearing their usual collars, whilst Ed and Stede each have a silver day-collar necklace with a curved infinity symbol at the front (which Stede is really very fond of and considering suggesting they make a permanent thing). That way they can 'switch' depending on how things play out.

In the van with them is their backup: Olu, Jim and Archie. And whilst the other two don't seem fazed, Olu looks like maybe he wants to shut his eyes, and is trying to look less awkward than he blatantly feels.

"All right," Stede says. "Comms check?"

"…Yeah, you're good," Olu answers, obviously glad of the excuse to look at his screen for a moment. "Channel's on talkthrough so everyone can hear everything."

"So on your best behaviour," Archie tells Pete, punching him playfully in the upper arm. "No making sex-noises down the comms, unless you want to hear us doing it, too."

"I can say for one that I don't want sex-noises," Ed cuts in. "From anyone. And you all remember the operational safeword, yes?"

"Orange. So… getting an orange juice, or… picking out the next flogger…" Lucius can't help but tease a little. He's clearly awkward in the outfit in front of Olu, Jim and Archie. "So don't come running if you hear any 'oh god, fuck no' from anyone in the background…"

"Ideally we won't need to call you in," Izzy goes on. "But we have no idea how this is gonna go down, so be ready."

"We will be, Captain, don't worry," Olu says.

"Well, then," Stede says, slapping his hands on his thighs. "Shall we?" He's trying to look professional. He really is.

"Wait… are you using any aliases, I forgot…" Archie bites her lip. "I know you talked about it a lot, but then by the end I zoned out so I forgot who would be… who…"

Izzy gives a soft sigh. "We decided not to, on the grounds that it would… complicate things." Which is a brief, professional way of saying that Ed and Stede would run with it to the nth degree, Lucius and Pete would forget halfway through, and Izzy would be himself with a different name. So… going as themselves seemed easier. They can be themselves without overtly being officers of the law, after all.

"But… you're still going to be fake, right?"

Ed stares at her, eyes narrowing. He's trying to work out if this is her playing cute and dumb, or angling for drama. "We're gonna be undercover. Yes."

"But--"

"Archie, don't make it weirder than it already is," Jim hisses. "We hear nothing we don't need to. Si? For the mission."

"Right, I just--"

"It's all pretend, just listen for orange juice," is Ed's final say on the matter. And if he's using the Voice more than Blackbeard… hopefully they can't tell the difference.

Stede can tell the difference. He tries not to swoon. It probably wouldn't help.

And Pete… possibly gives Archie a wink when no one's looking.

"…Come on," Izzy says, firmly. "Before I start questioning why we didn't bring Buttons."

Which… is something of a mental image to be left with. He opens the rear door of the van to scramble out, offering a hand to help the others. And to hurry them along before this really does get any weirder.

"Have fun!" Archie waves, cheerily. "Don't do any drugs!"

When the door's shut, Ed lightly glowers at Lu and Pete. "Which one of you ratted out Stede?"

"Uh, open comms," Lu reminds him, fussing with the hair around his ear.

"I know. I still want to find out which of you let them know."

"Let us know what?" Jim's voice comes.

"Nothing." Fuck. Ed now can't tell if Jim is dicking with them, too.

"…we should get moving!" Pete declares, a little high-pitched.

Which possibly answers that question.

***

Pulsing music fills the air as the five of them step through onto the main floor of the Republic of Pirates.

Inside, it's as it ever was: a neo-industrial aesthetic, with a large play area, a double-sided central bar, and a neon-lit dancefloor. A broad, sweeping staircase on either side leads to the upper level, where the majority of the seating and VIP booths are located, along with the entrance to the private VIP area.

Which… is where the drug-ring was operating last time. Stede tries not to think about it, and instead focus on letting the sound and rhythm of the club fill him up. It's just the right amount of overwhelming, and whilst he'll need a long lie-down when he gets home – regardless of anything else – he really rather likes it in the moment.

Plus, there's the thrill of walking in with all of his polycule at his side, and that certainly turns a few heads. Groups coming to play together aren't unusual, but all five of them matching makes a very particular statement.

He takes Ed's arm, leaning in close. "Shall we start with a drink?" he asks.

"Yeah, though I think we keep a clear head after the first round. One to loosen up won't hurt." Plus, staying sober is regularly the best thing when playing, especially in public, so they won't stand out too much. In fact, too drunk and they'd risk being turfed out by any respectable establishment.

Ed pats Stede's hand. "What's your poison, everyone? I'll get them in."

"I'm feeling fruity… how about a mai tai?" Stede decides.

"Oooh, seconded," Pete agrees. "I could go for one of those."

"I'll just have the rum," Izzy says. "On the rocks, if you're feeling fancy."

"I want a sparkly thing in mine, please!" Lu beams. "And a cocktail stick."

"We have access to actual toys, you know." Ed fixes him with a look.

"…I like cocktail sticks…"

"Grab a booth, would you? I'll get them to bring the drinks over." Ed kisses Stede's cheek. "Won't be long."

Stede looks like he's fighting the urge to kiss Ed back rather more deeply. "Don't be," he says, with a smile.

But he lets Izzy lead the way to one of the empty booths – in the area used more for drinking than scene recovery – where they can all settle. This is his territory after all, given all his past history here, and the way the atmosphere makes him come alive is hard to miss.

"Busy night tonight," Izzy remarks, as they all settle. "Hopefully that means whoever's pushing here will be active."

"What strategy do you want to go with, first? And have you seen anyone you need to avoid?" Lucius is not as subtle as he thinks he is when he checks around, but he brushes the worry about that off as normal at a club. Of course he'd be curious about who else was here. "And… sorry, are we, uh… titles?"

"We should, in case we're overheard," Izzy replies. "And… to keep us in the right mindset. We may not be scening, but we need to be convincing. As for strategy… I suggest we split up into smaller groups and wander the floor as if we're watching, or even looking for ideas."

"Yes, the pushers will be more likely to make an approach that way," Stede concurs. "Especially… forgive me… to unaccompanied subs."

"…Are you trying to use us as bait, sir?" Pete asks.

"Not bait!" Stede insists, trying to avoid Izzy's eyes. "Just… you might have an advantage. In attracting them."

"And I am a lesbian magnet," Lucius muses, a little too long. "Sir." The fact that there's next to no respect in that tone says a lot.

So much so, that when Ed walks up behind Lu, he stuffs two fingers under the back of his collar. "Are you misbehaving already?"

"…no?"

"He was, a little bit," Stede says. "But it is true he attracts lesbians."

"You have that in common," Izzy points out, dryly.

"…that was one time and I said I was sorry!"

"You married one," Ed adds. "Well, she's half-lesbian. Bi, pan, whatever…"

"Permission to be really… mean?" Lucius asks, even though Ed is still jostling his neck.

"What do you think?" Ed asks Stede and Izzy.

Stede and Izzy exchange a look. "…Given that I can always give him a good thrashing when we're done saving the world, I'd say he's free to take whatever risks he thinks are appropriate," Izzy decides. "Right, Stede? Technically he's your employee right now."

"Oh, I will always defer to the master, of course," Stede replies, with a gracious nod. "Besides… I was going to say pretty much the same thing."

"All I was going to say is… you managed enough to have two kids, but isn't the lack of lesbian-attraction really what killed your marriage?" Lucius almost can't believe he said that. Almost.

Ed is fighting a guffaw, wanting to not take away any actual 'hurt' Stede might have.

"…Lucius, that isn't kind," Stede manages. "Though… it's probably why she always liked you more."

"Good thing you're not actually a lesbian, hey?" Pete says to Lucius, with a slightly wicked grin.

"At this rate you're both getting thrashed later," Izzy threatens.

"…Yay?" Pete tries.

"How soon is 'later'?" Lucius asks. "Should I go looking to score now, so we can get back home and celebrate? Wearing all this leather makes a guy really… receptive."

Ed yanks at the collar, then sits down a little too close. "You remember the part where they can hear everything?"

"I remember the part where Pete had to buy them all sex-toys to get them out of ours," Lu hisses, and tries to squirm free.

Stede takes a long drink from his cocktail. A long drink. If the straw makes well-timed slurping noises, that's just incidental.

"…that was a reward for good performance!" Pete insists. "I was flexing my managerial skills!"

Izzy sighs. "Can we maybe focus? Even just a little?"

"We are focusing! I was talking about finding lesbians and drugs!" Lucius pushes out of Ed's grip and snuggles too-overtly into Pete. "After Master kindly said he'd throw us to the she-wolves."

"Oh, is he wanting tits again?" Ed grabs his own drink. "Never really got why people like 'em. I mean, big-big ones. Except I can see cuddling being nice, just… not the sexy bit?"

"They seem very troublesome," Stede remarks. "And they must get in the way when you run. It can't be helpful."

"Good for suspensions, though," Izzy points out. "I've seen some really impressive harnesses that only work that way."

Pete, meanwhile, has wrapped an arm around Lucius and is now petting his head, because he can, and because maybe he's being a tiny bit naughty. But also affectionate.

"They look good in some outfits, too. I mean, I don't want them – or anyone to have them who I'm with – but I do like the effect they give sometimes. On an aesthetic level? But you all know my preferred body-type…" Lucius nearly purrs under the attention.

"Is it 'penis'?"

"Rude!"

"I could fill out some of those dresses." Ed tightens his biceps around his pecs to flex them.

"Well, that's just a chest. I mean the ones that look like they hurt." Lucius turns to kiss Pete's head. "Like Pete's head. With a nipple on."

Pete giggles. "My head is not a boob!"

"Ed looks great in a dress," Stede enthuses, curling in against him. "Though… you've never tried anything slinky and tight… God, I bet that would be hot too…"

"Mmm, you want me to?" Ed stands up slowly, turning to show his arse and then peering over his shoulder seductively. One hand slides up his thigh, then he twists at the waist to show off his cleavage, such as it is. "Izzy should, too. He has great man-tits. I'd fucking kill to see him in a dress…"

Lucius is now drawing a fake nipple on Pete's head with a finger, and trying to imagine a pair of them on Ed or Izzy's chest. Or Stede's. And snickering. "Hmm?"

"Izzy. Little black dress. Fishnets. Heels?" Ed cocks his head. "Figure-hugging. Nothing to the imagination. Nothing." He's now dragging his eyes over Izzy's lap, and then throws himself to sit over Stede's as he does so. "We have to make that happen."

"…I don't think it'd suit me," Izzy manages. "I'm not a skirt guy. And from what I've seen of tights, they should be made illegal on compassionate grounds."

Stede wraps his arms around Ed's waist; very happy to have a lapful of husband. "I could try sometime. I don't think I have the chest, but I have good legs."

"Well… I think you'd look lovely in a dress or skirt. And we could totally put you in a corset, or a rope corset, to give you more cleavage… right, Iz?" Ed grabs Stede's tits and pushes them closer together. "I like man-chests. Especially yours."

"Never tried one, but I bet we could work it out," Izzy replies. "I've seen 'em done. And I suspect Stede'd enjoy it."

"I'm game!" Stede decides, leaning into Ed's hands.

"Mmm, I'd be happy, too, but I dunno if you want to both of us bunny at once? If you want the first go, I'm game. God, I can fucking imagine it now…" Ed's clearly lost in the mental imagery, and he's not being shy about how he's working Stede's chest under his hands. "You in rope, me in a slinky number…"

"Pete in the French Maid outfit…" Lu continues.

"Absolutely not. Not at the same time," Ed glares. "Pete, that was cute, but not the glamour we're looking for. If you want to go lady-clothes with us, you can. Just… the same energy."

"It was a beer-girl dress, and I totally rocked it," Pete points out. "Though I might pass on the pink wig. It was fun, but I really don't suit hair."

"Oh, right… the French Maid was before…" Lucius snickers. "You guys didn't get to see that. He didn't have a wig for that one."

"Wait, Pete has more than one dress?" Ed swivels to look accusingly. "Pete, you're holding out on us!"

"Technically it's Jackie's," Pete answers. "I had to wear it that time I lost at poker… you and Stede missed it because you were in Florida with the kids. It was supposed to be a forfeit, but I had a fun time!"

"You did suit it," Izzy has to admit. "Though I agree it was better once you lost the wig."

"Can we get to the part where we want him in sexy dresses, not fancy dress-es?" Ed picks up his drink to slam it down. "Sexy! Sexy Pete!"

"Pete's always sexy!" Lucius snits back. "In or out of clothes!"

"I was very sexy," Pete insists. "There was a corset and everything. Maybe I'll ask Jackie if I can borrow it for the next squad night out, and spend the whole time winding you up… sir."

"I think that's our call to start taking things seriously," Izzy cuts in. "Before Ed and Pete end up fucking in one of the backrooms."

"…whilst you and I put Lucius over that bench over there and…" Stede's eyes are dreamy as he snaps back to the moment. "…Sorry! Sorry. Focusing. Focusing now."

"Why do we have to split up? Although we did agree no fucking on the clock…" Lucius sighs. And then winces, when he hears a snort of laughter over the earpiece. "Oh. Yes. That."

"This is all on the record, guys," Jim's voice comes through.

"And it will not be staying there." Ed will make sure of it.

"But for the chain of evidence…"

"And Pete's right, he really did look great in the dress," Olu apparently can't resist adding.

"Focus!" Izzy interjects. "We need to split up and mingle. Pushers aren't going to risk approaching all five of us at once. It's like you people have never done this before!"

"I've done this before," Stede points out, brightly.

"And we know how well that--" Lu stops. "So, who wants to take me on a tour of things and test out potential play areas? For… stability and height and so on?"

"I volunteer!" Stede declares at once.

"Take Pete as well," Izzy says. "Be nice and obvious… two subs and a flexible switch… and after a little while Eddie can come call you away, Stede. Just for a few minutes, but hopefully if anyone's paying attention, that's when they'll make an approach to the boys."

"…So, wait, now you're using us as bait?" Pete says to Izzy.

"Not bait. You're a honeypot."

"Yeah, it's like bait but you can't get mad!" Stede concurs.

"I'm not mad. I'm very sweet. And if I happen to score…" Lucius springs to his feet and then kisses Pete's head. "Come on, I want to see what they've done since we were last here!"

"We'll be watching, and listening," Ed reminds them. "So don't have too much fun…"

"No promises!" Stede declares, looping arms with Lucius and Pete as they head off.

Chapter Text

Once Stede, Lucius and Pete have headed off to start 'wandering the floor', Izzy and Ed are left alone; watching from a distance.

"Anyone you're keeping a particular eye on?" Izzy asks. "By which I mean suspects, not those three. Though I am still keeping an eye on those three."

He doesn't love the idea of using his boys as a lure, but they are professionals, after all. And it's not as though they're in headspace. Or, not much, at least.

"Actually, the one looking most suspicious is that single guy, but not because I think he's pushing," Ed admits. "He looks like the type… the predator type… I'm gonna admit I'm watching if he goes near anyone's drinks. I know I need to focus on the op, but… instincts, y'know?"

Plus, a group of five obviously masculine people is going to not be high up on a drug-pushing lesbian's radar as potential marks, so they're likely keeping their distance. "Without numbers, or even the vaguest descriptions, it's not easy to distinguish anyone that fast somewhere like this…"

"I know what you mean," Izzy agrees. "And my defensive side is on overdrive right now, so I'm half-minded to just arrest everyone. Which, yes, obviously ridiculous, but that's the way I'm feeling. And you're not wrong on those instincts. This place is a lot safer than some, but you're never going to eradicate risk, and drug-pushers aren't the only predators you need to worry about."

"We'll get footage of him and trace him, after, if we don't see him do anything now. Y'know. Just to be on the safe side. He is giving me the serious fucking heeby-jeebies." Ed loathes people who take advantage of the vulnerable. It's heinous, and he knows Izzy has similar feelings on the matter.

They may not always do things precisely by the book, but they definitely know the spirit of the law. It's why they hit it off in the first place.

"They'll be okay. You know that, right? This really is… one of the safer things we could do to get back out there…"

Izzy gives a little sigh. "Yeah. I know. And I know they can handle themselves. But… y'know. Hard to turn off the concern entirely. Love 'em too fucking much."

He watches the floor for a moment, toying with the remnants of his drink. "We are 'getting back out there', though," he adds. "Which… I mean. Kind of a big deal, after everything."

"Yep. I know we've been out in the field – less than before everything, sure – but this is the first time it's been all five of us again." Which… Ed is definitely feeling the weight of it. "And I know Stede's got this all… bigged up. Y'know? Like…"

He flicks a switch on the earpiece so it's not sending to the others in the club. "He's reeling it in, I know that's saying something considering how not-reeled-in he is, but this really fucking matters to him."

Izzy does the same. They can still hear if there's an issue but it's best they not broadcast this part. "I know," he says. "The first time you guys did this… it was one of your earliest missions together, and the first one when you were officially a couple. He was enticed by this world, and desperate to impress you… and he ended up in a dangerous situation where he had to take crack to maintain his cover, and his safety. He wants a do-over. He wants to prove he can do it."

"That, and he wants us all – all five – to be doing this shit again. We had… particularly bad luck when Lu started coming out into the field with us. So it's doubly-important. And then Lu knows he wants him out here, too… even if Stede doesn't push, he's gotta be feeling the unspoken expectations… Has he said anything?"

"No, he hasn't," Izzy answers. "Though… that's not a surprise. Lu's careful how he handles things between us… I realise it's difficult for him sometimes. Stede's his lover, but not his master, but he is his boss. It's… I know it creates complications. And I know Stede loves fieldwork so it's not easy for him to rein in his enthusiasm…"

"And they're both trying to balance that line, not upset each other… I think we just gotta keep an eye out if either of them start looking like they could do with nudging, y'know? I'm not saying there is a problem right now. But… it's – uh – it's the responsible thing to do. All the damn time. And I think it being all five of us now does… help? Like, there's other guys who can come in and help, or… mediate or… sense-check?" Okay, Ed wasn't wholly meaning to turn this into a 'check on the husbands' brief interlude, but it does seem important to do.

He's also still scanning the crowd as subtly as possible. Mostly subtle.

"Holy fuck, how does that one – whatever flavour they are – walk in those?" he exclaims, patting Izzy's arm to get him to admire before they walk out of view.

"…with a great deal of practise, I imagine," Izzy says. "And a certain amount of falling over, hopefully in the privacy of their own home. Looks fucking hot, though, so worth the effort."

He's never been one for fancy footwear himself, but he can definitely enjoy the aesthetic on others, and for a moment he just watches; whilst, of course, also flicking his eyes over the crowd.

"And I think you're right," he goes on. "It was trickier before we were all a thing, because Lucius really was caught 'between' us, but… there's always the potential for things to get awkward. I realise what we all are, professionally, is unusual. Though… I think we make it work, and I think we'll keep making it work."

"I'm sure we will. Especially because we talk shit through, now." Ed puts a hand on Izzy's knee, under the table. "They're so fucking good, aren't they? Hell, even if Lu never put a foot in the field again, he's done more for this country than most actual field operatives of any kind. And Pete… he's fucking… exploded out of his shell…"

"Neither of them seems to realise quite how amazing they are," Izzy agrees, softly. "And, again, that's from a professional perspective. Pete's coming on in leaps and bounds. He just needed someone to believe in him, and make him see that all that bluster could actually be true. Plus the squad love him. He… OK, I wouldn't wish that night on the Calypso on anyone, but it did wonders for his confidence."

"And Stede was already coming into himself… honestly, if it wasn't for the trying to compete with me scoring that first time here… That was his only real cock-up. Oh… and conspiring with just you…" Ed offers a wink, then signals he's turning the mic back on before the others worry about the silence. He's been listening to the tone of voices rather than the words. It's a bit too difficult to keep up with two conversations at once, after all.

"…he's had worse ideas," Izzy says, with a little smile, as he clicks his own earpiece back on too. "Looks like they're having fun over there. You think it's nearly time to intervene? Or you want to give 'em a bit longer?"

"Oh, we better let them jump up and down on that bench, first… especially if they're gonna act like they're getting ready for a scene. If they get all giddy and eager, then have to wait, they'll look more amenable…" Ed also does want to let them have a little fun. Especially because they haven't, not on a mission, not in a while.

He leans back in the booth, draping his arms over the headrest and flexing his chest again. The movement clearly shows off the day-collar he's wearing, and he flashes a flirty look. "Besides, I'm thinking you might get inspiration for a scene or two from here…?"

Izzy chuckles. "Are you kidding? This place is like being bombarded with a hundred ideas at once. The trick is distilling 'em down to the ones I like the sound of the most… and saving the ones that'd have to be done at home. Although…"

Should he? Izzy's always careful about making suggestions that involve Ed subbing, unless the man is blatantly asking for it, although… possibly the way he's showing off right now counts as both 'blatant' and 'asking for it'.

"…gotta say, we'd get a lot of attention if I slammed you down over something right about now." Which is a lot less salacious than what he actually wants to say, because they're being recorded.

"Got anything in mind, then?" Ed quirks his brow, then offers a lazy, not-at-all unhappy smile. He's not acting like a cowering, or already subby switch, but he's definitely not acting like he's too dommy to be persuaded.

Not that they're here to play-play properly, but a little bit of flirting will absolutely help both the tension and the selling of it. Ed most assuredly wants all of them to stay out of any real subspace, so they're all on top form, but teasing and jostling is totally fine.

Seeing as Ed seems responsive and comfortable – both with the idea and the audience – Izzy opts to keep going. "Maybe one of those spanking benches," he says, eyes flicking over to the particular one he's eyeing up, which has thick, heavy restraints attached to it. "It'd really show off your arse in those leather trousers, and I could run my hands all over you before I got going…"

"…you get the message, Stede?" Ed asks, pitching his voice in a 'pay attention' tone. "We might not be in the booth if you need us…" Especially not now Ed has that lovely mental image. He can definitely enjoy a good spanking just for the impact alone, without having to go subby. He actually loves playing on the edge of his switchiness, and that sounds utterly delightful right now.

And also, if Izzy does really mean it, that means he's okay with the ones in the van listening. He won't be the one in any kind of vulnerable or compromising position, so maybe he's okay with showing off a little to their squad.

Izzy hadn't been quite sure if Ed would want to go that far with a work-related audience, but given that he's very much responding in the affirmative, maybe it would fit nicely into their cover. He can keep it comparatively light and playful, after all.

"Oh, he's in the mood," he says, with a little smile. "Guess we're giving everyone a show, then."

And he slides to his feet, holding out a hand. "Come along, you."

Ed takes said hand, then flounces his hair over one shoulder. "About fucking time. You've been promising me this for way, way too long."

"Build-up's part of the fun," Izzy reminds him, and tugs him through the seating area and across to the play area, towards the bench in question. "So's the screaming."

When he gets to the bench, he pushes Ed up against it and then bends him forward and over with a firm hand against his back. "Spread your legs, pretty-boy. I'm gonna strap you down nice and tight."

"Make sure you're not too gentle… Sir…" Ed's not brattish levels in his tone, but he's clearly playing along, just showing his current mood. He spreads a little lazily, but that's because he's making a show of the stretch and arch, undulating into the bench and making it clear he's enjoying himself. "You know I like a good, hard… strapping."

Izzy buckles Ed's legs in place first, so his ass is really shown off as he moves around to pull his wrists up firmly and buckle them down too, keeping him nicely stretched out. "There, that's more like it. Now, brace yourself, you know I'm not soft…"

He also knows Ed doesn't want soft, even for something as simple as this. And seeing as the other man's ass looks far too good in tight, flexible leather, he starts by running both hands over it; kneading at the muscle below, before launching into a rapid volley.

…and oh, but he's wanted to do it like this for such a long time, hasn't he?

"Oh… that's it, that's it… ffffuuuckkkk yesssss…" The purred response jolts between the blows that land, making Ed's voice musical with pain, pleasure and percussive force. He knows they won't be able to do too much of this now, not without awkward, waddling, blue-balled gaits making focusing too hard.

Hard being the operative word. Just because it doesn't need to lead to sex, or for it to be right away, it doesn't mean he isn't getting off on this. The part where everyone around can see him humping the furniture like a little pain-loving bitch is just the icing on the cake. "Turn down our channels, if you need," he murmurs into his arm to keep passers-by from overhearing. "We'll let you know when we're done. Won't fool about too long… but he's far too good at that to pass this up. For the cover. Y'know."

"Right… for the cover," Izzy drawls, thoroughly unconvinced; though, of course, also not slowing in the slightest. "Not because he's an eager little slut who can't resist shoving his gorgeous ass in the air."

Said ass is getting quite a firm and rapid spanking now, especially as the leather offers Ed more than a little protection from the sharper blows. Possibly this means Izzy should switch to a paddle? He starts casting his eyes around for the nearest equipment rack, for when he's ready, though he's in no rush to stop using his hands. He likes it. And, as he's not actually trying to push Ed deep into subspace, there's no reason not to take his time.

"A man can be complex and do two things at once, Iz. It's called being eff-FFICIENT," Ed snaps out the last bit. God, this is going to make him need a hell of a lot more, and they can't go into it like he'd really want to.

In a way, that's a thrill in and of itself. Knowing he can't go all the way, but being edged with pleasure and needing to keep his head about him… fuck, that's something. He's not going into subspace, but he's definitely enjoying the endorphins and the sharp stings. "Oh… oh fuck yes… god, you need to make good on this later…"

"Oh, you know I will," Izzy promises. "You know I'm not that kind of bastard. I always make good. And if you bring me here and don't let me really let loose, you know I'll have all four of you over the furniture the moment we get home…"

Another moment, and then he pauses. "Hold that thought," he says, and quickly steps to grab one of the paddles from the nearest equipment rack: running the flat side over Ed's ass to reestablish contact as soon as he's back. "And now… brace."

Which is fair. He can go much harder with the paddle. And he does.

Ed can manage a lot and still focus and watch the room, but there comes a time when stimulus overwhelms and everything else shuts down. As the paddle starts to land, that kicks in. There's a brief moment of panic and guilt (he's not doing his job, he's not watching, he's not paying attention), but he can't. He has to let Izzy do that, even if just for a few moments.

The strangled yelp of pain is certainly something, as is the way he tenses between. Any more might be too much for him to cope with right now: brushing against a mindspace and position he can't afford to go into here, on the job. It'll make him fight to avoid it, and he hopes Izzy picks up on the signals that he's fraying, skirting the abyss. Not quite there, but close. He'll tap out if he needs to, but he's waving several flags wordlessly to say he's bordering on amber.

Izzy sees it at once, and reduces the intensity significantly… whilst, at the same time, making it look like he's doing nothing of the sort. All he has to do is sell the visuals, and take advantage of how easy it is to crack a paddle loudly without needing to go all-out, and anyone watching would think he's still going as hard as before.

Which… if nothing else, will easily sell the idea that Ed's further under than he seems.

"I've got you," he murmurs, leaning in closer and running a hand through Ed's hair as the 'volley' finally comes to an end. "I've got you. Was that good?"

Ed nods, a little wounded-sounding noise that's very slightly exaggerated. "Yessir… good. Good warm-up. Good bench." That's all genuine, after all. And he's slightly frustrated that he's had to call things short for now, but it really is for the best.

"…got… an audience, did you?"

"We certainly did, yes," Izzy tells him, speaking low and close so no one not on comms will overhear. "Definitely an admirer or two, either way. And… potentially someone checking out a future mark. Can't say for sure, but… be ready if you're approached later on."

He runs his hand over Ed's ass; gently this time. "Shall I let you up?"

"Can… my wrists, then help my shoulders, please?" Ed asks, a little bit on the 'oh look at poor me' side but not afraid to use it. "Just a quick shake-down, if that's okay? I think I forgot to adjust for the length of this one… used to the longer one at home and I ended up a bit scrunched…"

"Oh, 'scrunched', were you?" Izzy murmurs, teasingly. "That'll explain the sounds…"

He's quick to start freeing Ed, though: unbuckling his ankles and then his wrists, before standing and rubbing firmly – carefully – over his shoulders and upper arms, to ease his muscles a little. "Better?"

Pornographically grateful sounds answer that, and Ed rolls said shoulders before he pushes himself upright. "So much better. Gotta remember that before I go in half-cocked next time. Was having too much fun to ask you to stretch me out more. Thanks, love."

Ed grabs Izzy's hand in his, then pushes his forehead into the other man's temple, wanting to take the moment to really connect. He did enjoy it, and he does want Izzy to know.

He does. "You're welcome, Eddie," Izzy tells him, still so very softly. "And I meant what I said about making good on it later. I will. For now… we should start looking a little more target-like. You ready for that, or do you need a few minutes to come down?"

"I'm good," Ed squeezes his hand. "M'not deep under, but I can feel it. Easy enough to lean into it… but I'm definitely in the apple juice, not cranberry." He avoids the other fruit entirely, of course. "You wanna go back to a booth? Maybes you then go grab Stede while I… look all advantage-take-able?"

Izzy smiles. "I was thinking the same. And… I might send him for drinks so I can come back to you, which means for a while he'll also look a little vulnerable. Ditto Lu and Pete. If anyone's gonna make an approach to one or more of us, this'll likely be it."

He slides an arm around Ed's waist, so he can guide him as they walk, and look like he's protecting him more than he actually needs.

Ed really doesn't mind. He'd definitely appreciate it if he was as under as he's acting, and all it takes is a little extra on the slowness and response time, a little spacy and drunk and over-affectionate cuddling. Which is just his normal behaviour ramped up. "You are fucking good at that, though. I know you know. But you should know. And… that I… know."

"I've had a lot of practise," Izzy replies. "Plus… I know you very well, which makes it easier to work out precisely what you need." A beat. "And… I like to make you happy. Not just for the obvious reason. It feels good. You glow."

"You glow. You get all… zone-y, and… sharp… and this… this… fire in your eyes and your hands…" Ed sighs, letting Izzy settle him back in the next booth across, the previous one having been claimed by others. (Female others.) "Magic Hands. Heh… Hands."

"The right people bring it out in me," Izzy says; sitting opposite him for a moment so he can make certain the other man is OK before he leaves him briefly. Plus, again, it sells the story that Ed needs it as much as he's implying. "You gonna be all right for a few minutes?"

"Can I get some crisps as well?" Ed asks, suddenly very intent. "Salt! I need salt. Soooo much salt…" Whether this is part of the act or not it's difficult to tell. Ed does get very snacky when engaging in strenuous activity, but also he really likes… snacks.

Izzy gives a little smile. "Go on, then. Since you've been good. I'll tell Stede when I send him to the bar. You just sit here and relax for a while, and I'll be back in a few."

He leans in, so that no one around will overhear. "And don't buy any drugs from strange ladies."

"Buying's fine, it's the taking that's the problem," Ed titters, and then steals a kiss to Izzy's cheek before lifting his voice. "Love you, Sir. I'll be good. Promise." A beat. "If I'm not, I'll make sure you can see."

"Make sure you do," Izzy replies, as he heads off.

Chapter Text

It doesn't take long for Izzy to locate the other three, who are all draped extremely homosexually over the backs of chairs, watching a couple engaged in a rather beautiful rope suspension. He paces up behind them; reaching to put a hand each on the backs of Lucius and Pete's necks.

"Enjoying the view, are we?" he says.

"Oh yes, sir," Pete enthuses.

"Rather a lot," Stede concurs. "Now that we don't have you and Ed to listen to…"

"You started having fun without us," Lucius complains in a sing-song tone, his spine arching the minute Izzy's hand touches him. "Not fair! We didn't misbehave, did we?"

"You didn't misbehave at all," Izzy replies, levelly. "And neither did we. And now…" He leans in much closer. "…Ed is looking slightly spacey and very approachable over in one of the booths."

"Are you using my husband as bait?!" Stede exclaims.

"Yep. And I'm gonna use all three of you too. Watch this." And he straightens back up, speaking more normally again. "Stede, you should come join us for a bit. Ed would definitely like that. Though… go via the bar first, would you? Grab us another round. Oh, and Ed wants crisps. He's clearly craving electrolytes."

A beat. "Now, boy!"

"Sir, yes, sir!" Stede gasps out, and hurries off at once.

Lucius leans back, trying to get Izzy to support his weight but ready to be refused. "Oh, Master, you're playing with those two first? When you have two very, very, very biddable boys right here? You could have me and Pete do anything you wanted…"

"I'm playing with all four of you, just at different paces," Izzy replies, smoothly; supporting Lucius with ease. "I happen to be very good at it. And you can hardly blame me for finding something to fling Ed over. He's very spankable. Though I promise… anyone who feels they've been hard done by will be suitably recompensed."

"Oh, I do hope so. You were both sounding so very, very, very appealing." Lucius rubs back seductively into Izzy, then makes big eyes at Pete. "We were enjoying it, even from here. Are you going to spank Stede, next?"

"That depends on how things go," Izzy replies. "And… how he reacts when he gets to Ed. If he swings up… I might not push back. Then again, both of them at once…"

"Sir!" Pete protests. "You're driving us crazy, here!"

"And, like I said, one way or another, I'll make good on it," Izzy reminds him. "You know I'll never leave you wanting for too long."

Lucius reaches back, wrist arching, to find Izzy's own non-claiming collar and tug his face over Lu's own shoulder. "On a normal night I'd know that. Sir. But tonight you might not have a choice."

He's not saying that to really complain, and the quiet tone is reasonable, if a little frustrated. Realistic. "Just have mercy on us… when you can. If things fall a way. We'll be good. But you can't fault us for wanting you… not when that's what you're driving us to…"

"I'm not faulting you at all, I promise," Izzy replies. "I know this night is a little unusual. And I promise I'll reward you for how well you're handling it."

He turns to kiss Lucius' jaw, then gently pulls back and leans to do the same to Pete; staying close so he can speak to them both without being overheard. "Keep watching a little longer. If we don't get an approach soon, I'll dial things up."

"Does that mean spank us?" Pete asks.

"…It might."

"…look unapproachable," Lucius grins, winking at Pete. "Maybe if we're busy making out no one will come say hi, and… you know…" Also they'd get to make out. Which is fun in and of itself. "If the lesbians can keep their hands off us… you know how they all want to bask in my feminine charms…"

"And sell to you, hopefully," Izzy adds. "I'm gonna go back to Ed. Keep trying to look target-shaped."

He straightens up, reaching to pet them both on the head. "Be good. And if you can't be good, make sure I can see."

And, breaking contact lingeringly, he heads off.

"Love you," Lucius calls out, watching him go and openly ogling his very lovely back and ass as he does. For a moment longer than maybe is socially acceptable, followed by a soul-deep sigh. "Isn't he just… so… unf?" he asks Pete, knowing his husband agrees.

Pete grins. "Hell, yeah. And he looks gorgeous in the new outfit… Stede really has fabulous taste. It makes his ass look incredible. Makes yours look incredible too," he adds, turning to Lucius. "Along with the rest of you."

"Maybe you should cop a feel of my ass, seeing as Master isn't taking advantage of it yet?" Lu makes eyes at him, then turns to bend over and present said ass with a wiggle. "You know… warm up… I do love your hands all over me, too…"

"Oooh, maybe I should," Pete agrees. "It's a lovely ass, in or out of leather…"

He scooches closer, so he can curl in against Lucius from behind, running both hands over his leather-clad ass and kneading firmly as he does. "God, you feel good. So fucking hot."

"You could always… give me a few rounds…" Lucius doesn't hide the moans of pleasure and arousal under Pete's hands, very aware there's eyes all over them from multiple people. "Flirty, playing… make people think we're ever so slightly bad…"

"Would you like that?" Pete breathes in his ear. "I bet I could give you a little something. Entice Master to give you even more later on. You want it here, or shall we be even more naughty and find a bench..?" Both options sound good right now.

"Oh god, I'd love you to whisk me away… Seeing how needy I am… Making sure I'm not left waiting too long… Making Master all possessive…" Lu shudders in eager anticipation. "Do it. Please! God, I need you, Pete!"

Pete may not be a dom, but he can be decisive when he wants to be, and when he feels confident enough, and right now he really does. So he kisses Lucius on the neck and then stands; pulling him upright too and tugging him deeper into the play area. They end up at the same bench Izzy and Ed were using not long ago, which hasn't been claimed by anyone else yet, and Pete feels a little thrill of excitement at doing this, in public.

"You want me to tie you down too, baby?" he asks. "Nice and tight, so you couldn't get away even if you wanted to?"

"Oh fuck yes! Tie me down and show everyone you can make me scream, too! God… take advantage of me… You know I'll fucking love it. Tie me down so hard that I couldn't slip them… All I could think about was being in Ed's place when they were playing…" Lucius grabs Pete's hips. "I love you so much. I love you so much. Please, Pete!"

The enthusiasm really gets Pete going. He doesn't doubt how much Lucius loves and wants him one bit, but hearing him beg for what he usually gets from Izzy is all kinds of hot. "Hell, yes, I will!" he exclaims, and – going for it – he takes hold of Lucius and pushes him face-first against the bench and then bends him down over it… and fuck, he's so gorgeous, just look at him!

He moves round to buckle the restraints closed around Lucius' wrists, first, and then his ankles, before standing close behind him and pressing his crotch against the other man's ass… which will make it very, very clear how turned on he is by all of this. "You look so fucking gorgeous. I'm gonna make you feel so good…"

And… he goes for it, starting to spank Lucius all across his leather-clad ass; pausing every now and then to grope said ass instead, wanting to drive his enjoyment higher. Wanting to make him feel as amazing as he is.

Pete isn't usually the one handing out spankings, which means it's even more special right now. Lucius is so wound up and turned on that – for long moments – he forgets they're on a mission at all. He's so happy to have Pete manhandling him and lavishing him with attention that he's just exploding with glee.

And he's much, much louder than Ed. There's less reservation and self-preservation going on, because his job is to be either bait or ambiance anyway, he's not been focussing as much as he should have already. Possibly some of it is denial about the danger, but it's keeping him from freaking out so that's useful.

It also means he can thoroughly throw himself into being Pete's pet for the moment, calling his name in bliss as he just lets go. Physically, if not mentally.

…That's so fucking hot, Pete feels like he might explode, and if they weren't on a mission he'd be trying to drag Lucius off into one of the backrooms. And though he's not a dom, he has of course got more than a little experience giving a spanking as well as taking one, and he learned from Izzy so his technique is good.

Or, he likes to hope so, at least. From the way Lucius is reacting, his husband certainly has no complaints, and he definitely seems to be relaxing into it, and that's a welcome thing on multiple fronts. Pete keeps going as much as he can; aware Lucius will probably outlast him either way, but wanting to give him as much as possible.

"That's it, baby, that's it," he breathes. "You're so gorgeous like this, and right now everyone can see."

"Th-they see you making me scream!" Lucius purrs back at him, blatantly humping the bench. "Oh god… you should have put a ring on me… If you keep doing this, I might… I might be asked not to come back…"

Though that's not likely, even if they weren't here at the proprietors' request. Soiling himself is very different to taking out his dick and letting others watch it being touched, or entering someone. It's still good to point out that he's getting off on this rather more than he should be. "You're so fucking good at that… oh god, you're gonna have to do this over and over for me…"

Pete can't help blushing slightly at that. "You like it? I'll happily do it more. I love making you feel good. And you look so fucking hot I can hardly think… I'd drag you off to one of the backrooms if I could. But… tell me if you need me to slow down, I don't want to go too far…"

He wishes they could. If nothing else, the way this is going, none of them are going to sleep tonight. Thank fuck it's Friday.

"…might… need to if you don't want a clean-up bill…" Lucius hates that he has to say that, but it's true. He's far too into what Pete's doing to keep it up and – ahem – keep it up. "I really, really want you to do this… Just… rain check? And… don't make me stand up any time soon?"

Pete slows the spanking to nothing, and then curls down over Lucius, running his hands over the other man's back and kissing his neck. And… OK, yes, grinding his even more insistent erection against his husband's ass, which makes it clear how much he enjoyed all that.

"I can do it more at home," he promises. "And… take things all the way. I'd love to, if you're game." He'd very happily do it the other way around, too, though he doesn't mention that now so as to not disrupt Lucius' headspace. But it's a nice thought to have nonetheless.

"If Izzy lets you, I'd fucking love that," Lucius enthuses, and the sincerity rings through. He feels his thighs clench in response to the frotting, wishing to god they could actually make good on it. "Though, if you managed and then he found us right at the end…"

He nearly bites his lip bloody at that mental image: Izzy finding Pete finishing off, and then thrashing him for Pete's indiscretion… shit. He smacks his head into the bench, whining in aroused frustration. "Oh god, I'm not going to last…"

"…and yet you have to," comes Izzy's voice over the comm, dryly amused. "Having fun over there, are we?"

"…yes, sir?" Pete replies, trying not to squeak.

"Jolly good. Lucius?" Possibly Izzy is having a little fun at their expense.

"It'd be a lot more fun if you were here, carrying me off with Ed, to tell me how naughty I was letting Pete spank me silly," Lucius breezes back. "Throwing me over his shoulder with my ass out… god, it'd be worth it… Does this place have any cold showers?!"

"Sadly not. You sound like you need one. But as for the rest… perhaps when we get home. If I'm feeling generous." Izzy isn't actually trying to be cruel, after all. Just to keep them all focused on the mission. "For now, keep your eyes open. Whilst you were busy, someone made an approach."

"They did? Who to?" Pete asks.

"Stede."

"HAH!" Ed sounds utterly triumphant. "That's my husband!"

"N-not sure… being able to be sold drugs by drugs-pushers should really be a source of quite so much pride," Lucius manages. "I'm taking credit for selling the whole thing, though. Oh, and Pete should, too."

"We were adding ambiance," Pete declares. "And making ourselves look appealing."

"Well, continue to make yourselves look appealing as you head back over to us," Izzy says. "We need to consider the next steps."

"We'll be there soon," Pete promises, though he's not going to make Lucius rush right now.

And he's definitely hopeful they can continue this later.

***

As Stede heads off from where he's been hanging out with Lucius and Pete, he starts working his way towards the bar. This part of the club is pretty full now, so it takes him a moment – especially as he's trying not to look pushy – but eventually he gets through to the front.

It's as he's waiting for one of the bar staff to catch his eye that someone slides into place beside him: a woman, dressed in skintight black latex and the kind of boots you wouldn't dare argue with.

"Evening, sugar," she purrs, glancing over at him. "You seem to be getting a bit lost in the crowd."

"Lost in the… how do you mean?"

The woman turns more towards him. "Well, you turned up with all those pretty boys, but they keep running off to have fun without you."

Stede gives her a careful look. "You've seen me around?"

"Honey, you turn up with four other guys in matching outfits, people are gonna notice," she replies, with a smile. "It's not a bad thing, though. Some people come here just for the view, you know."

"And what about you?" Stede asks. "What do you come here for?"

She smiles some more. "I like meeting all sorts. Making sure they have a good time. Like… you, for example. You're a bit lost in the crowd. Especially now that… well…"

A nod, over towards the play area, where Pete has Lucius strapped to a bench and is starting to spank him. Which Stede already knows, because he can hear it happening – somewhat distractingly – in his ear, but he acts like it's news.

And he gives a rather overdramatic sigh. "I suppose I am getting a little lost," he says, which is not how he feels at all, but it sounds very convincing.

This gets him a sympathetic look. "You want a little bump? Something to help make you the life and soul of the party? They won't be able to resist you then."

He lets himself look drawn. "A 'bump'? What kind of bump?"

"Honey… have you ever tried cocaine?"

"I have not." Don't blink. Don't blink.

"Would you like to?"

"…Yes, please."

Chapter Text

Stede tries not to swagger too much as he walks back over to the booth where Ed and Izzy are sitting, with a fresh round of drinks in hand… and something tucked into his pocket.

"That sounded promising," Izzy says, as soon as Stede's set the drinks down and is sliding into a seat.

Still caught between feeling smug and not being able to believe his luck, Stede slips the little bag out of his pocket and turns his palm so that the other two can see it briefly. "…I totally get points for this. And I didn't have to take any."

"You get all the points, love!" Ed bounces where he's sitting, hands on top of the table, making grabby gestures towards the crisps. "Salt, and tea, at the same time?" Because he's now craving them so badly his tummy is grumbling.

Stede pushes the snacks into Ed's hands with a smile, then slips away the little bag of cocaine. "I also got an invite to join them for more, if I wanted," he adds. "Up in one of the VIP rooms. So… that's where we should go, once we're ready. Though… not all at once. Five guys showing up to a VIP room being used by a gang of lesbians is going to be a bit conspicuous."

"Quite," Izzy agrees. "Though we can work something out when those two are done giving me blue balls…"

They can still hear yelps and groans on the comm line, after all, and it sounds like Lucius is having a very nice time.

"You? How do you think I'm feeling?" Ed's doleful tone is undercut a little by the part where it's munched around crisps. "I could use mine as bongos. But if I did, I might die."

Ed offers the packet to both of them, when he realises he's being rude. "Want one?"

"Yes, please," Stede says, and reaches over.

"Go on, then," Izzy adds, taking a crisp as well. "Maybe don't use your balls as bongos, though. Not until we get home."

"None of us are getting any sleep tonight, are we?" Stede adds, with a grin.

"Dude, once he gets his fucking hands on us in private, we'll be sleeping very well." Ed puts a hand on Stede's knee, then slides it up his thigh. "Though… not sure if you'll be tag-teaming, and letting Pete in on Team Top tonight?"

"He does seem to be having fun over there, doesn't he?" Stede concurs, leaning into Ed's hand. "And I have no idea which way I'm supposed to be swinging. It's confusing."

Izzy gives him a knowing look. "Somehow I think you'll work it out when the moment comes."

"I'll enjoy whatever it is. After we finish with the whole lesbian thing… You were so good, babe. If I didn't know better, I'd think you really did want those drugs." Ed rubs, cat-like, into him. "And we so wouldn't leave you wanting, you know that. Never, ever, ever, ever…"

"Of course I know," Stede replies at once, leaning into him more. "I never thought that. I just played into it for effect. See? Wounded gazelle." He beams. "I totally made it work!"

"You were definitely convincing," Izzy agrees. "And… we're gonna need to decide our next move soon. You think it's time to interrupt those two bad-boys over there?"

"Sounds like they're about to find a natural pause in the misbehaviour," Ed crunches, then wipes his lips on the back of his hand. "And I'm eager to see how you wanna play this next bit. You wanna do the 'pissed-off dom' when Lu and Pete go trying to score, too? Or…?"

"Might be a good approach, yes," Izzy says. "We'll get 'em over here so they can 'find out' Stede scored, then see if they can score as well. And then I'll 'demand to see the manager'."

"Oooh, are you going to get growly?" Stede asks.

Izzy nods. "Probably. Sure as fuck would if it was for real, after all."

In their ears, the moaning has slowed to nothing, and Izzy decides it's time to interrupt.

"Oh god, I'm not going to last…" comes Lucius' voice.

Izzy grins. "And yet you have to…"

***

It's not long before Lucius and Pete make it back over to them; Pete walking with his arm around Lucius.

Izzy gives them both a look, though there's clearly no weight behind it. "Did we enjoy ourselves?"

Lucius' eyes are lazy and hazy with proof that he very much did. Not that the leather trousers leave much to the imagination, either. "Oh, yes we did… you made that bench look so good… had to see what it was all about."

"Did you feel it was a bit short?" Ed asks. "Or just me?"

"…I was too busy enjoying it," Lu admits. "And now I see crisps… did you save me any?"

Ed shakes his head. "Sorry, love. Too late."

"Awww," Pete says. "I'd like crisps. We should get crisps."

"Actually, we were hoping you might make a run to the bar," Stede says. "Not just for crisps, but also because… well, as you know I got approached, so maybe the two of you are looking to do the same, and you know it worked for me at the bar, so…"

"Oh my god, are we bait again?" Pete whispers.

Izzy nods. "Yes. Try to look equal-parts put-out and hopeful."

"It's not 'bait', it's 'honey-pot'." Ed nods, and starts to fold his crisp packet up. He flattens it out, folds it along the short end into a thin tube, then ties a bow. "And then Izzy gets to be Bad Dom. And I get spanked after? Not got that far in the plan…"

"Hopefully me too, and I still get crisps… this place makes me so hungry." Lucius eyes the packet-bow with some disappointment. "I can't believe you didn't get enough for everyone."

"…technically that's my fault," Stede has to own up. "In my defence, I was distracted by my success."

"Which he's not immodest about at all," Izzy adds, dryly.

"Oh shush, you know what happened last time," Stede chides.

"Actually, we didn't see it, so…" Lucius trails. "Not that we want to. See it. We've just had your accounts of it."

"Once this is over, he can re-enact the slutty-in-public for you," Ed offers. "I mean, everyone else has tonight. So why not Stede?"

"Oooh, yes please," Stede enthuses. "I haven't gotten to be the spanker or the spankee yet. Get me another of those mai tais and I'll probably dance with you, too."

Izzy smirks. "Well, there's the best offer you're gonna get all night. But we need not to lose momentum. There'll be plenty of time to watch Stede dance like a lunatic after we're done."

"…and see who it makes jealous this time," Lucius mutters warmly, under his breath. "So, Pete… want to get Izzy even more 'mad' at us for being really, really naughty?"

Pete nods. "Yes. Yes, I do. Also, crisps." He tugs Lucius back to his feet, and links arms with him. "Let's go get… things."

"Come back soon!" Stede tells them, brightly.

"Get me another bag, too," Ed calls out after them. "Of crisps!" In case they get confused.

Because he wants crisps, and they can get as many drugs as they want for the lockup, but they definitely do want more snacks. He's feeling it especially muchly today, and he goes back to fawning into Stede, whilst making eyes at Izzy. "Isn't he amazing?"

"Entirely," Izzy agrees. "And only going to get lightly ribbed about it for the next forever."

"Hey, I'm just… showcasing my development," Stede points out, sliding an arm around Ed. "Making it clear how far I've come."

"Then yes," Izzy says. "This is much better than last time." He glances in the direction his boys have headed off. "Those two are going to be due a lot of attention when we get home."

"They weren't bad-bad, though…" Ed makes the case on their behalf. "And fuck me, but it was hot watching Pete all the hell over Lu… I am paying serious attention to the mission, before either of you worry. I'm just… multi-whatsiting."

And snuggling into Stede. He's playing up the subby side right now, which isn't overwhelming his mindset, but he's indulging the edges of it to sell the fantasy. And to have a little fun.

"Oh, they weren't bad at all," Izzy replies, but softly, so the other two are less likely to overhear on the comm. "They're playing things perfectly. I meant they'll need rewarding."

"And us? Too?" Ed's eyes go oh-so-big. "Stede for scoring, me for… being a hot piece of ass inspiring Stede to score?" And also getting spanked. Which was a reward in and of itself.

"I'm sure I could make that happen," Izzy promises. "Though which way Stede is wanting to swing… I'm still not certain."

"You and me both!" Stede admits. "I… might be persuaded to help with the rewarding, though. That would be a reward in and of itself."

"You could always start off high and then get crashed down," Ed suggests. "And then join us all in the 'successfully fucked-out' puddle…" He's fond of that approach. Do all the high energy toppy stuff, then crash down into subspace knowing someone's there to take you safely under. "Mmmm. Fucked-out. Puddles…"

"…ohhh, stop it, you, or I'll be asking the boys to bring back extra ice," Stede says, though from his expression it's clear he likes that idea a lot.

"That's a yes, then," Izzy replies, with a little smirk. "Like you said… no one's sleeping much tonight."

"Wait… they're coming back already? Are… they do have crisps, so… did they get served fast or something?" Ed meerkats over Stede, squinting at them.

The other two are beaming. Pete looks like he might explode. They both slide into the booth, setting down the drinks and crisps, and then Pete palms something from his pocket, flashing it where no one else will be able to see.

It is, of course, another tiny bag of cocaine.

"Ta-da!" he declares.

"Easy peasy," Lucius agrees. "Hadn't even got our order in with the barman before we were hit up."

"It's that lesbian-magnetism." Ed nods sagely. "Nice one. You can all fake taking it and getting shitfaced next!"

"…I should probably fake being pissed at you," Izzy points out. "Just to sell it. Maybe I'll get up and stalk off, and Eddie you follow me, to 'talk me down'. Then these three can 'get shitfaced' so I'm annoyed when I get back… and that's when I'll march upstairs and demand to see whoever's in charge."

"Oh, if you want to lay into some furniture with a flogger and have me dramatically grab you and snog you?" Ed asks, bouncing in his seat. "You should totally be all Grumpy Izzy, and then Hot Angry Izzy! Just… don't get worried how into it I get…"

"Oh god, I wish I could watch…" Lucius sighs. "Instead of get fake-high…"

"Maybe we'll give you a replay when we're home," Izzy says. "Right… I'm gonna do it. Ed… go with all of the above. Just brace if I'm a bit… forceful."

He looks between the others in reassurance, and then lets himself focus on how annoyed he'd be if something like this did happen. Of course, he knows they wouldn't, but… Yes, And…

Breathe. "God fucking damn it!" he exclaims, and launches to his feet, stalking off.

"Izzy, c'mon!" Ed yells, standing up and then looking awkwardly back and forth between them. "For the love of… you three are in so much fucking trouble when we get home." It's hard to actually fully fake the Voice when a) he's not feeling it and b) he is still skirting around the edges of going the other way, but it's passable enough. "Don't you fucking… ugh!"

And then he stomps off after Izzy. "Hold up! Hey! Iz!"

Izzy makes sure to stalk a good distance, and to somewhere that he'll be nicely visible but harder to overhear, and then waits for Ed to catch up with him. The instant he does, Izzy grabs hold of him and jams him into the wall, close to where there's hanging restraints.

"You think they're buying it?" he growls; still looking angry but not sounding it so much.

"I think you should shove me about a bit for good measure, but that's because you're hot when you're like this and not really angry…" Ed grabs Izzy's wrists, his voice at odds with the words, so anyone observing thinks it's still genuine. The ambient noise of the club makes eavesdropping to actual words very difficult, so tone and signalling go a long damn way to selling it. "And plus, we gotta make those three really fucking jealous for when you get us all home and thrash the living daylights out of us…"

"I'm fucking gonna," Izzy declares, wrestling back and trying to get Ed pinned for a moment. "I'm fucking gonna make 'em watch whilst I spank the living daylights out of you, and then I'm gonna make Pete spank Lu again because that was fucking hot. And then I'm gonna throw Stede down over you and spank him for good measure, even if he's feeling more dommy at the time."

Ed tries to resist, because he's supposed to be talking Izzy down from being pissed off. "Oh yeah? You gonna grab my fucking leash while you're at it, and strap me down so hard there's marks for days? Pete's gonna be as high as a fucking kite… he doesn't fucking need cocaine if you're gonna do all that!" He shoves with his height to off-balance Izzy, without too much force.

Izzy gives a growl and drags Ed in close, so they're nose to nose. "You bet I am. You fucking loved it before. Maybe I'll even let Pete help, seeing as he's feeling it tonight. Spank Lucius, spank you, hold Stede down over you whilst I work on him… none of you gorgeous fucks will walk tomorrow and you can thank your lucky fucking stars it's Saturday, because if it wasn't that wouldn't stop me!"

"If I can walk on Monday you've done a shit fucking job," Ed replies, then grabs the back of Izzy's head and pulls him in to kiss him as roughly as he can. Which also works for the cover, as well as because he damn well needs to. Subby he isn't (now), but eager to bottom he most certainly is. And if Izzy's this aggressively dominant (for both the role and for real) he's sure as fuck going to capitalise on it.

"Be careful what you wish for," Izzy replies, as the kiss breaks. "I'll make you fucking scream. I'll make you fucking love it. I'll make the whole lot of you so euphorically happy, you'll spend all tomorrow looking and acting like melted ice-cream!"

Another shove, and he has Ed back against the wall again. "I love you all so fucking much it makes me crazy."

"And we love you, you glorious bastard," Ed snarls back, unable to keep the quirk of his lips that betrays the affection, though he's managing to sound pissed off, still. "You're so fucking hot like this. And you're gonna kick those drug-pushing scum into next fucking century. There's a reason they called for you."

He's not fighting back, but his body-language is defensive and arched, ready to resist further if needed. "Are they sufficiently idiotic-looking, yet? And am I coming up behind you, and the other three close on our heels when we approach?"

Izzy glances over, then waves a slightly wild gesture in the direction of the others. "Yeah, they definitely look convincing," he says, still acting like he's growling it. "And hopefully they're listening to all this, so they know to watch for us going upstairs and run after us. You stay close. Look tall and scary, and not like you want to be bent over and spanked. Right now."

"I can be both. Just… only you and Stede with the spanking." A beat. "And maybe Pete. If he's up for it." Ed knows if Pete is listening, he really will enjoy him saying that. So of course he adds it, then stamps a foot near Izzy's boot. "So fuck off and let's get this rolling already!"

"Damn fucking right!" Izzy declares, and lets go of him with a little shove back into the wall, before immediately stalking off towards the curved staircase leading to the upper level. He moves like a man who doesn't care who's following him, even though he's well-aware of Ed and trying to clock if the others are hurrying over too.

It doesn't take long to work out who he should be talking to now, either, because there's another tall woman in latex near the doors to the VIP area, and the moment she spots him making a bee-line in her direction, she starts moving to intercept.

"You with the other lass downstairs?" he growls. "The one that sold to my fucking subs?"

She folds her arms. "I'm sure I don't know what you–"

"Cut the crap. I want to speak to your boss. Right fucking now."

The woman who comes up behind is short, stocky, and decidedly not young. It's in stark contrast to the pretty young things who are milling about, and she scowls at Izzy and folds her arms. "Not someone harassing my girls, is it? Piss off."

"Your girls have been harassing my subs," Izzy says at once, not backing down, and glad of the feeling of Ed standing close by as backup. "Pushing's one thing, but going after someone's collared subs? Not acceptable. And I doubt you're the one actually in charge, so get your boss out here so I can speak to them. Rapidly."

"What he said," Ed adds, glowering over Izzy like a suitably malevolent cloud of leather, hair and tattoos. "Fucking disgusting behaviour. Predatory bullshit. Take what the fuck you want, but if you do that to someone else's subs, I hope no one fucking takes your collars!"

"Lot of accusations being thrown here with no evidence," she replies, and then waves a 'shoo, no' at the girl who's hovering. "If this is going to be a problem, it's going to be a problem for your subs, who will apparently be covered in drugs. I can assure you, none of my girls will be."

"I should damn fucking hope not, fucking amateur hour," Izzy throws back. "Doesn't change the fact that I want to see your boss. So either you make that happen, or I'm gonna have to go find the real management around here, and that's just going to cause issues for everyone."

"What seems to be the problem?" comes a smoother, easier voice. The woman behind it is also short, and looks as if she could be related to the first. Much, much younger, though. She glides in beside the older woman and clasps her hands, before opening them invitingly. "We're all adults, here. Or we wouldn't be allowed through the front door. Would you care for a drink to discuss things politely? It's much more efficient to communicate, rather than shout, in my experience."

Izzy looks her up and down. She seems infinitely more level and reasonable, which automatically means she could also be much more dangerous. He also wants to get them out of the main hall of the club, because if this is going to turn heated, or violent, it needs to do so away from the regular patrons. Until he knows what level of risk these people pose, he's assuming it's serious. Because it could be.

"That sounds like a good idea," he answers, as if he's responsive but not outright mellowing. "You got a place back there?" He nods in the direction of the VIP area, because the last thing he wants is her suggesting one of the tables nearby.

"I do. You can even bring your…" She looks him up and down, "pet bear?"

"Hey!" Ed grunts at her. "That's--"

"Accurate, considering the level of fuzz on you. But if you self-identify some other way, you can tell me over a drink." A wave, and then she turns her back on them and starts walking towards her suite. It's a very obvious power-move, showing she has no fear of turning her back on them.

"Not a fucking pet…" Ed huffs. "Not your pet, anyway. I mean… y'know…"

"Yeah… I mean, you could be, if you wanted," Izzy murmurs, a little wickedly. "We'll get the others to hang back for starters…" He turns and gives the others – who have just come up the stairs – a sharp gesture to hold their position; making it look like he's still mad at them.

Then he looks in the direction of the VIP area. "Come on," he says. "Stay close."

The suite in question that she leads them to isn't the one Stede was lured to previously, but it is one of the larger ones. There's a distinct, almost aromatherapeutic tang in the air, which would easily cover over minor weed-smoking, if anyone was partaking in such. No one is obviously doing that, but there's a hookah pipe to one side.

Ed scowls behind Izzy, trying to look like the Big Bad Blackbeard, and doesn't sit when the boss lady waves to the comfortable-looking chairs.

(Off to one side, there's even beanbags. Beanbags! It's so inappropriate.)

"Please, take a seat. What would you like to drink?"

Izzy does take a seat, because he's trying to act like a man prepared to be reasonable, though he's careful to choose the one with the best lines of sight and easiest access to the door. The woman in charge is reading as rather more competent and level-headed than he'd been expecting, so he's going to need to be extra careful.

And whilst no guns are visible, his old copper's senses tell him they're there.

"Rum, if you've got it. On the rocks."

She doesn't even gesture, and someone is already walking off to get the drink.

Ed frowns. "Only him?"

"I can get you a water bowl if you like?"

"Not fucking funny. Even if I was a fucking pet, you don't talk to someone else's pet like that." Ed's hackles are well and truly raised, now. "Not that I want a fucking thing from you. Probably put roofies in it."

"Then I didn't need to offer, did I?"

"That's enough," Izzy cuts in. "You know, for people working a fetish club, you've got a poor grasp of the etiquette. You're talking to me right now. You don't even know if he's allowed to talk. He is, for the record, and very freely too, but that's not the point. It is, however, a small issue compared to the part where your girls sold to my subs."

He's firm but not aggressive now; a man unhappy but willing to talk.

"My girls allegedly sold to your subs." Her gaze goes very sharp, and she turns to fix him with a very probing drag up and down. "That's a very strong accusation to make. You say I have no idea of etiquette, but you're the one throwing around slander, and then there's the part where you clearly have no control over your subs. Any real dom would be taking care of them properly, right?"

She leans in closer, clasping her hands together between her knees. "Four, at once, and all splitting up? Either you're biting off more than you can handle, or they don't respect you… If you didn't want them to be 'buying' things, then surely they wouldn't be?"

"Two of 'em are switches. And you'd be amazed what I can handle." Izzy accepts the drink he's offered, and has a sip without breaking eye-contact with the woman in charge. He's aware it's risky – aware it could be drugged – but Ed is here and not drinking, so Izzy decides it's better to make it clear he's not afraid.

"Also," he goes on, "I didn't say how many of us there were or what we've been doing, which means you already knew and you've been watching. So are you targeting us directly? That's even more predatory."

"Five guys walk in decked out like you are, and you don't expect to be noticed?" A shake of her head. "You came up and started harassing my girls. Of course I'm paying attention."

"I reckon you've given 'em plenty of opportunity to cooperate," Ed says, with a tightness to his tone. "And now we've seen enough of the size of their operation, too."

"Yeah, I'd say we have," Izzy agrees, setting his glass down. "And you," he adds, to the woman in charge, "have a bigger problem." He palms his badge from his pocket, flipping it to show her. "London PD. Everyone keep their hands where we can see 'em. Let's try not to let the situation run away with us."

Whilst she doesn't move, others do. Multiple sidearms all pull out at once, including from Ed.

"Really not a good idea to double down right now," he growls.

"I'm sorry, did you think five guys would really waltz in here and stop us, if we were doing what you were implying? I think it's time my girls showed you the back-back room…"

The older woman starts rolling her sleeves up. "Finally!"

Izzy doesn't blink. Blinking would be bad right now. "Everyone drop your weapons. You're under arrest on suspicion of possession of illegal firearms and possession with intent to supply. This will go a lot easier if you don't make a scene."

He rises to his feet, but slowly; careful to keep his own hands visible. The last thing he wants is someone getting trigger-happy because they think he's about to draw. "Tell your people to stand down, and we can end this in a civil manner."

"Oh, I'm going to enjoy this. Especially the big one." The older woman snaps her fingers. "You two on him. The bigger they are, the less blood gets up to their brains. Try not to make a mess of the room…"

Izzy hasn't had a proper fight in a long time. He smirks, cracking his neck, and moving to square up–

–which is when the door bursts open, and Stede comes hurrying in, with Lucius and Pete at his back. All three have their guns drawn, and Stede has his jammed up under the jaw of the latex-clad woman who was – until recently – guarding the entrance, and is now held firmly in his grip.

"Everyone stand down," he declares. "We have you completely surrounded!"

"With only four of you armed?" the knuckle-popping one sneers.

Ed, never one to ignore Stede's flights of fancy, snorts. "That you've spotted."

"Orange juice orange juice orange juice," Lucius mutters over the comms, hoping the three in the van have already started moving.

"I see you're going to be unreasonable about this." The young boss doesn't do more than click her fingers and the whole room plunges into darkness.

"No one start shooting!" Izzy yells at once, a little horrified by the possibility.

"What he said!" Stede concurs. "This doesn't have to end in bloodshed! And things will go a lot worse for you if you resist– ack!"

The first blow comes out of nowhere, and he instantly falls to one knee because suddenly his right leg doesn't work. It means he loses his grip on the latex-clad woman – who scrambles out of reach – and leaves him desperately trying to cover Lucius and Pete whilst half on the ground, and in pitch blackness.

"I told you the lesbians had it out for me!"

"Don't let that fuck get away!" Ed yells, having swung at least two people to the floor with clotheslines. He's heard the footsteps and follows after where he thinks she's gone, nearly tripped by someone grabbing his legs, when the door opens and the light blinds him briefly.

Not in time for him to stop the explosion of something white and powdery right in Pete's face. Ed brings his arm up to shield his eyes and carries on after her.

"PETE!" Lucius lets off his gun, but he's shooting at the ceiling to try to spook people, before kicking one woman trying to get past him in the shin and yelping in pain. "BLOODY HELL WOMAN!"

"Fuck!" Pete cries, as he gets a faceful of whatever it is; instinctively dropping and trying to get it out of his eyes and mouth. "Fuck, I think she threw crack at me! Stede, what do I do?"

"Don't swallow! Or breathe! Or… just stay put, you'll be OK!" Stede is still trying to stagger back to his feet, fighting his dead-leg. "Izzy, go after Ed!"

"Already on it!" Izzy shouts, kicking off the unseen person who's attacked him and shoving them back against the wall, before – finally – drawing his own gun and racing towards the half-open door.

Ed knows Lu is with Pete, which means he's as okay as he can be, and he wants (needs) to get the head of the operation down. She can't half move for someone with legs so short, and he runs after her on the upper walkway, now worrying that the patrons are going to see.

"Don't make me fucking shoot you!" he yells. "You won't get out of the fucking building alive!"

"Save your breath, beefcake!"

She turns sharply into another suite – apparently empty – and Ed banks hard to stop his momentum and hisses at the pain in his knee as a result. "Lock those assholes down! I've got this one!"

At this point, Stede comes – still staggering slightly – out of the gang's VIP suite, with the older woman in hot pursuit… and Izzy can tell that, older she may be, but a pushover she isn't.

"Stede, go after Ed!" Izzy calls to him. "I've got this one!"

"Copy that!" Stede replies. "Keep it contained if you can!" The upper level on this side is mercifully quiet tonight – perhaps by the gang's design – so there aren't many civilians around, and the few who were here seem to be beating a hasty retreat down the main stairs.

"Make sure there's no exits out the back from up here," Ed yells, clearing the room with the gun held up and frowning when he can't immediately see her inside the suite. "Get medical to Pete."

That's when he realises there's a rig near the window, and rope trailing out of it. Fuck. Seriously? Although kinky shits are likely to be the ones most able to do a rope descent after trained espionage and tactical… Ed can't see tension in the line, and that's what stops him from going to poke his head out.

Something tingles his gut instincts, and he slams himself into the wall that only goes partway through the room, suspecting she's behind the corner. "We have the place locked down. This is when you fucking surrender, if you want out of here alive."

"I could say the same to you…"

Footsteps pound closer, and Ed sees Stede join him, but he can't tell who it is behind. They only have three more as backup, and he's not sure it's their people. They didn't calculate this right, did they? Far too few people and too cock-sure and eager to dick about.

Stede hurries to take over as well, seeing Ed already doing so. He's still limping a little, but properly upright now; face set with focus. Free hand up, he gives Ed the field signal to tell him backup is almost here, and then braces again.

"You claimed before that you wanted to be reasonable," he calls out. "We have you cornered, and the building surrounded, but there are a lot of civilians on the main floor. We don't want them getting hurt, and I suspect you don't either." That's a leap, but he's hoping to appeal to some part of her better nature, if it's there.

"Ah, but you're two steps behind me again… I have a couple of your friends here. Come take a look…" There's the obvious sound of a cocking weapon.

Ed turns the corner, pistol up, and though he'd worried it might be the patrons of the establishment, it's… the last people he expected to see: Jack Rackham and Robert Maynard. Both in full-on fet gear, but tied to chairs and gagged. And not – by the looks of it – consensually.

"What the FUCK?!"

Stede's gun is up too; his eyes wide with shock. And… with something dawning, fast. "…OK, who the fuck are you? I'll buy everything else, but you having taken hostage two people we know well – who are not supposed to be here tonight, God damn it, Robert! – is too far of a leap."

Maynard makes a muffled sound of protest and is clearly trying to tell Stede something with his eyes. It doesn't, alas, make any sense, which is increasingly par for the course tonight.

"Someone who knows more about Stede Bonnet and his motley crew than he knows about me," she puts a hand on each of the gagged men's shoulders. "Now, put those guns away and we can talk about how this could have gone better…"

"And call your damn Jack Russell off me," comes the other leader's voice, as she's manhandled into view through the door. "For the record, I let you win."

"You did not let me win, I won," Izzy growls, as he hauls the older woman in. "And…" This is the point at which he sees Jack and Maynard. "…What. The. Fuck?! Is this a fucking setup?!"

"Looks that way," Stede replies. He hasn't lowered his gun, but he's starting to think this through. "Who are you damn people? Who are you working for? What the fuck is all this?"

"…We… might be able to help with that," comes another voice from the door.

It's Lilibet Finch, along with her wife Lanying; the co-owners of the club itself. The people who asked Izzy to do this in the first place.

Izzy sighs, and lets go of the woman he's holding, lowering his gun. "Lilibet, what the fuck did you do?"

"…Surprise?" she says, with a sheepish grin.

"Will someone please speak plainly?!" Stede exclaims.

"Everyone on the floor!"

Oh fuck. That's Olu and Archie, bursting in behind Lil and Lan; their own guns up.

"If you think I'm going on the floor with my knees, you'll be the one picking me back up again!" says the older woman, shucking at Izzy to get free. "Stop the elder abuse here."

"There is no way you can use that card, Auntie, not with him." The younger woman shrugs. "Should I leave these two in gags while we sort all this out nicely, or--"

"WE HAVE THEM ALL IN CUFFS, AND THE PROPER DOUBLE-LOCKING KINDS!" This is when Lucius comes in, with Pete between himself and Jim. "Now what the-- OH MY GOD WHAT ARE THEY DOING HERE?"

"Weapons down, everyone," Lan says, as calmly as possible. "We're just waiting on Maggie and then we've got everyone, right, Zheng?"

"Everyone that matters, sure."

"Ungag them, for goodness' sake," Stede exclaims. "I want to know what the hell they're doing here. And what the hell you're doing here, and… wait, what do you mean 'Maggie'?! Not our Maggie?!"

"Yes, Stede, 'your' Maggie," Lilibet says. "Though… also our Maggie. She'll be… oh, here she comes…"

This is the point at which – because it makes just about as much sense as anything else right now – Maggie Leon comes climbing in through the window, via the rope that's hanging there. She drops one leg over the sill and sits perched there, looking around at everyone with a grin.

"…Well, this got real fun real fast, didn't it?" she says.

And then she spots Jack and Maynard; her face breaking into the brightest grin. "…fucking fuck, is it my birthday? You shouldn't have!"

"We didn't!" Maynard exclaims, the instant he's ungagged. "We were trying to have a nice, private night out!"

"And then all these lunatic chicks came and grabbed us!" Jack adds. "And they didn't ravish us or nothin'!"

"…I need a fucking drink," Izzy groans.

"Had to keep you out of the way," Zheng tells them, ruffling Maynard's hair. "And you both clearly enjoyed it. That outfit of yours leaves nothing to the imagination. Had to gag you after the third declaration of undying love… oh my god."

"Men. So emotional." Auntie shakes her head.

"So this is a fucking… setup." Ed has his safety on his gun, but it's still (lowered) in his hand. "What the fuck did you throw on Pete?"

"Try it," Zheng suggests.

Stede turns to Pete, swiping up a little of the white powder and tasting it. "…Yeah, that's baking powder," he declares. "Thank fuck. Pete, you're going to be fine."

He puts a hand on the other man's arm in reassurance, then does the same to Lucius, before turning back to look at the tableau of insanity now spread across the room.

"We thought you were gonna kill us!" Jack is now protesting, somewhat indignant. "Last fucker who took us hostage sure was!"

"Babe, babe, not here," Maynard insists, trying to soothe him whilst throwing furious looks at Zheng.

"I should probably untie them now, right?" Maggie says, gesturing to the pair of them as she hops down from the windowsill. "Unless… you know, unless we're leaving them like that, for the aesthetic?"

"Maggie, I swear to god, I will bring you coffee from that place on the corner every day for a week," Maynard tells her, clearly going for broke.

"A fortnight," Maggie counters, with a grin, though she's moving closer as she does. "And you have to explain the skirt."

"It's not a skirt, it's a kilt." It's not just a kilt, it's a leather kilt, and it looks like it's going to move beautifully when he's finally able to stand.

"And the kilt is because..?"

"I happen to have fabulous legs."

The kilt in question isn't even the weirdest part, because Maynard is the sort who can pull it off. Nor is it the thick-strapped chest harness that leaves little to the imagination (and shows off a number of scars in the process). No. It's the cowboy boots, which somehow don't go with the rest of the ensemble.

Maynard catches Stede looking. "For the record, my fiancé likes 'em, so don't you start."

Said fiancé is – perhaps mercifully – in a rather more body-covering outfit of black leather, though it does also unhelpfully look a little too like something Ed might wear (except his arms would look better in it, obviously).

There are, at least, no hats in sight this time.

"Are we going to do the debrief thing, then? Maybe actually sit down for it? Or do you guys all need to be emotional for a while, because… honestly? I'm over it." Zheng tosses her hair. "And for the record, the one thing I can't work out what I'm going to put in my report is whether the lack of shooting was positive or not. Certainly interesting. I'd heard you were a livewire… and only bringing three guys as backup?"

"Can we get to the part with why the fuck a bunch of lesbians are torturing us all? You nearly did get fucking shot!" Ed holsters his gun angrily. "I'd have shot to maim, first, but I nearly did fucking shoot you."

"You'd have to hit me, first." Zheng shrugs. "And not all women are lesbians. I know that's hard to believe."

"And who the fuck you are, too?" Lucius snaps. "Because… fuck. Suddenly I want a big horrible flasher coat or something. I did not sign up to this expecting… this audience!"

"Maggie, you want to take this one?" Zheng asks. "It was your call, after all."

Maggie – about to start untying Maynard – pauses to speak. "They're Bellringers," she answers, easily. "Zheng's one of our top agents, and the other ladies are her team."

"And what about you two?" Izzy insists, looking at Lil and Lan; two of his oldest friends who he's suddenly worried he doesn't know as well as he thought.

Lil gives him an apologetic look. "Yeah, us too," she says. "And… OK, maybe I should have told you after you guys met Maggie, but… we're not exactly supposed to shout about it. And two of your polycule are MI5, so I'm guessing you get that really."

Stede – gun now holstered – rubs his hand over his face. "You're all Bellringers. And this is a setup. And Jack and Maynard… I'll get to you in a minute. But if this is a setup… why was it… set up?"

Maggie finishes untying Maynard and moves towards Jack, but Maynard leaps up and bats her off with a somewhat affronted look, and drops down to free his boyfriend himself. Which… makes Maggie give a little sigh and shake of the head before she looks back to Stede. "It was an audition. A test, of sorts. For you and your team."

Now Stede stares. "…To do what?"

"To join us, of course," Maggie answers. "Or, work with us, technically."

"And you regularly fake drug pushing rings with armed law enforcement for a job fucking interview?" Ed bristles. "Pete thought he'd been fucking poisoned! And you had no fucking idea if we'd shoot you or not!? What the fucking bullshit fuck is this?!"

"We can't exactly do normal interviews," Lan points out. "And we had plenty of safety measures in place. The whole club is filled with friendlies, we've got all the surveillance on, and our side were all only carrying blanks."

"Like we knew that!" Ed glares.

"That's kind of the point of a Secret Shopper, you know. If you had any suspicion it wasn't genuine, your reactions wouldn't be sincere." Zheng shrugs. "Seriously, though… only three guys as backup? No offence, I mean… they did turn up rapidly… but this is your crack team?"

"Hey!" Jim squares up towards her. "We would so kick your fucking asses if we really wanted to and the Captains said so. I'd do it right now…"

"Yeah! I'll kick anyone's ass! Fuck, are all your nights out like this?" Archie seems less angry, more excited. "Fucking ace, man. I want inviting every time."

Olu is less effusive, but clearly determined to provide support for the other two, even just of an emotional kind. "And we were good backup. Jim got Pete safe, and Archie and me were here to stop you shooting anyone out a window. If… you know, if you had been planning to do that."

Stede can't help a little smile at all of them, though he tries to hide it. "Easy, guys. It's OK. And for the record," this to Zheng, "we 'only' brought three of them because they're worth ten each. Plus this was supposed to be a small operation to help out friends." He gives Lil and Lan a bit of a look at this, but he can't really be mad because he is a secret agent too, so he gets it.

"And you're ham-fisted," Auntie snaps at Izzy. "But not bad for a copper."

"Do I have to not-shoot her?" Lucius throws daggers towards Auntie. "My husband is--"

"We get it, you're good at this. We wouldn't have put this effort in if you weren't." Zheng rolls her eyes. "Especially not taking 'hostages'. If Maggie hadn't vouched for those two, things would have gone much differently."

"Wait, in a good way, or a bad way?" Archie's head cocks, spaniel-like.

"Quite."

"Not… still not clear. Is – okay… I'll ask later."

"Fucking presumptuous to think we'd want to fucking work with you after this bullshit op." Ed is still pissed off. "You should know what we're capable of. Didn't she write it all up after the Calypso?" He nods towards Maggie.

"Oh, I did," Maggie replies. "And people who were already keeping their eyes open sat up and started paying attention. Our whole approach to you is pretty damn unorthodox, but… well, it's fair to say you guys do 'pretty damn unorthodox' as standard, right? S'one of the reasons I like you. And it's not as though there's no connection at all; I mean… Stede's dad was one of us, so–"

"…wait, what?!" Stede goes pale.

"…but you knew that, right? The file said you knew that…"

"What the fuck?!"

Chapter Text

In the wake of that declaration, it's decided that maybe the key players in this need to talk, and everyone else needs to clear out. Some are less happy about this than others, but eventually they've been shepherded off by Lil and Lan for 'so many drinks', leaving Stede, Ed, Izzy, Lucius and Pete alone with Zheng and Maggie.

Stede is somewhat hazy whilst people are moving; still trying to process what Maggie had said. His dad had been a Bellringer? His dad, a senior member of MI5 and closest confidant of its then-director?

This is insane. This whole night is insane. It's too many things all at once.

"You really need to work on how you sell this organisation of yours," Ed comments, rubbing a hand over Stede's shoulders as they sit around in those comfy chairs of the (now tidied up again) first suite. "Because fuck me, first you lose most of your guys to Low, then you let him run around, and now this?"

"We did not 'lose most of our guys' to him." Zheng's eyes narrow. "And that was tactical."

"Letting someone else do all the fucking work for you?"

"It's called good resource management." Zheng shrugs. "Not all of us are glory hunters."

"Says the woman currently on a mission herself," Lucius digs in, sotto-voce without much sotto.

"…I have so many questions," Stede manages, head in his hands. "I don't even know where to start. Except… except my dad was a Bellringer?!"

Maggie nods. "Yes. A senior one, too. Edward Bonnet was our liaison to MI5, but he was also our Vigilant. It's a senior rank within the organisation; an arbiter and auditor of sorts. There to break deadlocks or identify corrupt agents."

"…did Daniel Read know?" Quite why this is the first thing Stede asks, he's not sure.

"Oh yes," Maggie answers, easily. "I told you, your father was our liaison to MI5. He worked for MI5; he just worked for us, too. We maintain links with multiple friendly organisations across the globe."

"Maintain." Lucius narrows his eyes. "That implies you kept links. But Mary didn't know about you, not enough to have a connection. And Stede's father died years ago…"

Ed appreciates that Lu never stops being An Analyst, not for a minute. "Yeah… there's a damn story there, isn't there?"

Maggie sighs. "…Like I told you that night at your place, we're not what we once were. The Bellringers used to be one of the widest-reaching organisations on the planet. Now… less so. Those of us who are left are fighting to keep ourselves going, because we believe in what we do. I know you understand that. You're the same. You believe in justice."

"Damn fucking right we do," Izzy says. "And you being interested in us… I get that, given the shit we've had to deal with the last two years. But why stage this huge, elaborate drug-sting?"

"To see what you did," Maggie answers. "All of you. Our primary offer is to Stede, but we know you're all a package deal – you and your taskforce – so we wanted to see how you'd handle it."

"…wait, what 'primary offer'?" Stede interjects.

Maggie glances to Zheng before she carries on. "The person who took over as Vigilant after your father recently passed. The position is vacant, and given the state of our organisation… a strong, new Vigilant could be a unifier. A fresh page. And a lot of us think it should be you."

Stede stares. "…that's insane. I don't even work for you!"

"Hence the audition."

"Which… I'm still not sure…" Zheng says it right in front of them. "We could have just killed the lot of you."

"We had you cornered, several of your people in cuffs and your top lieutenant in custody!" Stede exclaims. "And you called a halt before we were actually done. Our squad are the best, and if you want a rematch, you're on."

"You also, technically, didn't kill the lot of us," Ed points out.

"If we fired blanks, you'd realise." She tilts her head, hair swooshing. "But if you'd like my girls to shoot at you all…?"

"If you don't like us, why are you even here?" Stede pushes, trying not to rise to the challenge even more. (Which is, for the record, not easy.) "We didn't come after you. We were entirely civil – friendly, even – when Maggie told us who she really worked for, and not just because it was an improvement on her previous employer. I didn't know my father was one of you, so it's not as though I was about to launch into some… some power-struggle."

"I am sorry you found out about your father that way," Maggie says. "We were under the impression you'd been told, by Daniel Read."

Stede sighs. "You want tips to improve your organisation? Start by never believing anything that man tells you. But my question still stands: why are you even here?"

"We need… unorthodox," Zheng admits. "And… you can understand why we'd be wary. Especially as we believed you knew about your father's role, and might harbour… mmm. How should I say this nicely?" She clearly speaks with her hands, weighing things up with them. "Some resentment about being passed up in the past."

"…by Daniel," Lucius realises. "Which… he sort of did. Just Stede didn't actually know he did."

"Who was doing his old man's role – the MI5 one, not the… Vergil thingy?" Ed asks.

"No one," Maggie answers. "There hasn't been a formal connection with MI5 since Edward Bonnet passed. We approached a few people not long after, but… they all turned us down."

"That'll be Daniel's doing too," Stede says. "He'll have tolerated you because of my father, but once he was gone… he won't have felt able to control you anymore. And he obviously did a good job, because a large number of our agents don't even know who you are, or think you're a myth."

"We prefer it that way," Zheng shrugs.

"But you wanted to reset the relationship that you had before… under better terms," Ed summarises. "That doesn't… I'm getting the 'there's something more' vibes, now. Is this usually how you pick a new Vergil? And… isn't that a Thunderbirds thingy?"

"That's a 'Virgil', and they want a 'Vigil'," Lucius corrects him.

"That's what I said?"

"Nearly."

"We want a Vigilant," Maggie says, with a little shake of her head at them all.

"To do a Vigil. Vigilantly." Lucius folds his arms.

"So Stede's a Thunderbird Liaison to the Bellboys?" Ed may be doing this on purpose.

"Belfry," Maggie corrects, with the easy yet long-suffering air of someone who's used to this kind of thing (not a surprise, given she works alongside Jack and Maynard on a regular basis). "And he isn't one yet, but we want him as a candidate."

"You said you thought I might 'harbour resentment'," Stede now says. Trying to hold all of this in his head at once really is a challenge. "So who did get the post after my father died?"

"A man called Victor Banes," Maggie answers. "He was an ally of your father's, and he was good at the job. He held the role very successfully for decades, until his death last year. And… therein lies the problem."

"The problem?" Stede isn't sure he can take more problems.

Maggie's expression goes… careful. "The other candidate for the position is Victor's son, Richard. Ricky. He's been out of the picture for a while due to his marriage to Princess Inga of Lichtenstein, but after their separation eighteen months ago he's been… reconsolidating."

"Wait… is that the minor royal who can't get divorced because he's stringing her on, that one?" Lucius perks up.

"The fuck do you know about random royal families?" Ed looks baffled.

"It was an interesting minor scandal, and international news, so of course I was informed." Lucius huffs at him. "I do my job."

"And the part where it was featured in one of the popular shows on World's Worst Husbands?" Zheng prompts.

"…the fact that it was also on there and that Pete and I enjoy indulging in that show when Go Flip Yourself is between seasons is moot." Lucius shrugs. "News sources are news sources. You just have to interpret the bias."

"Yes, the name does ring a bell," Stede agrees, and then stops when he sees the flat look he's getting from Maggie. "What?"

"'Ring a bell'?"

"…oh shush, you don't have the monopoly on that phrase. Anyway, I feel like I've heard of him… possibly also on the same show as Lucius… but not much beyond that. And I don't recall my father ever mentioning Victor, but… I mean, we weren't exactly close, and he was very private about his work…"

"He was a dick," Ed supplies.

"Most fathers seem to be. Especially in our line of work." Zheng shrugs. "But I've changed my mind: we totally need these guys. I want to see Bruce's little brain break when he meets you. And Ricky's. I just need to be there or have surveillance when they do meet you."

Stede would rather not talk about his father any more than he has to, so he's entirely content to let that line of questioning drop for now. He knows he'll have to ask more at some point, but… not yet. "So… what do you actually want from us?"

Maggie folds her hands around one knee. "We want to field you as our candidate for Vigilant, up against Ricky. If there's only one candidate, there's a high probability they'd just swear him in, but if there's two of you, there'll have to be formal evaluations."

"Which would entail..?"

"You and your team undertaking missions on behalf of the Belfry," Maggie goes on. "With one or more of our people alongside you, evaluating you. They then report back to the Council, and the Council ultimately make the final decision."

"So this is about a bunch of jobs?" Izzy says.

"In a way, yes," Maggie answers. "All of which, I assure you, would be suited to your particular talents and in-line with your moral code."

"And we want to help you because..?" Izzy pushes. He needs to be sure.

"Because it's the right thing to do. Because we believe in justice, and so do all of you."

Stede looks around at the others. "What do you think?" he asks. "If we do this, we do this as a team, or not at all."

"I'd want to be reassured as much as possible that we would agree with the missions. Even if we can't get full sight of all the intel… I'd want assurances it wouldn't piss any of us off, or cross any of our lines, or mean we have to work against our own people. Especially Mary, Olivia, the PD, and Evelyn." Ed's expression is stoic and certain. "And I'd want to pull the plug at any safe point if we weren't assured of that."

"We can give you as much operational background – with some redactions and concealed sources – as possible. Along with the overall 'aim' of the broader piece…" Zheng offers.

"And if one or more of your people are joining us on these missions, we maintain operational control," Izzy adds. "They can have input, but we call the shots."

Maggie nods. "That's what we'd want in the first place. It's about how you run things, after all. Our agent or agents would be a part of your team, not leading it."

Stede looks to Lucius and Pete. "What about you? This is all of us, not just the captains."

"If the Bellringers are what they say they are… it could be good," Pete says, a little cautiously; feeling somewhat like all of this is way over his head for the first time in a while. "I'd take your lead on that, but I think it's worth going for it."

"And if like Ed says, we get bad vibes at any point, we all know we could discuss that between us and decide if we continue or not," Lucius adds. "I mean, even when we've disagreed before, we've worked out ways between us to… compromise."

He doesn't elaborate, because that's not for the two women to hear. "And of course they need us. I saw what you did to Zheng's… Auntie?"

"She's Auntie, but not my auntie."

"Izzy had her, dead to rights. And even with a face full of baking supplies for Pete, we had the rest of your lesbians under control." Lucius feels this is very important to point out.

"Anyone even half-able to subdue Auntie does have some talent," Zheng agrees.

"I'm still pissed with you kicking Stede, though." Ed glares. "Better than fucking shooting him, but c'mon…"

"Oh he deserved that!"

"I did not!" Stede protests.

"You did have one of Zheng's girls at gunpoint," Maggie points out.

Stede folds his arms. "I thought she was a drug-pusher! That's a perfectly acceptable reason!"

"You had to believe it was real, to get the right responses. And I didn't do any lasting damage." Zheng shrugs. "Unlike if I'd gone for Teach's knee."

"Ed."

"Ed." She nods. "It was a calculated manoeuvre."

"And… Jack and Maynard? What the hell?!" Ed is less forgiving on this one.

Maggie starts laughing. "So… the three of us had a really shit day in the office today. Inaltus is still a beast to wrangle at times, and we were dealing with some Low-era crap that… look, you don't need to worry about it. It's sorted, we know what we're doing. But late in the day, I overheard the pair of them talking about going out for the night to unwind, and then Maynard checking 'the calendar', and then them saying they'd be coming here. And I didn't want them interfering in your mission, so I warned Zheng in advance and told her to grab them and get them out of sight."

"And you… decided to… tie them up and hold them fake-hostage, but not tell them?" Ed fixes her with a piercing look. "You do know Maynard isn't into ladies, right? Or was this you blowing off steam because he won't play nicely with you?"

"I didn't tie them up and hold them fake-hostage, Zheng did!" Maggie protests. "I may have… implied it was a good idea… but mostly I just wanted them not to distract all of you!"

"…they do distract us a little bit…" Stede has to accept. "But you didn't need to make them worry for their lives! They still have trauma from when they got grabbed by Low's people!"

"And unless you're planning to be the shoulder they cry on when they next have relationship problems…" Lucius flounces somewhat. "Do you know the trouble they get up to? And then it's always us – well, Ed and Stede – who have to calm them down again!"

"I think they're over it already." Zheng shrugs. "It's a professional risk, and they well know it. Plus… you should have heard the confessions. Oh my god, Auntie nearly knocked them both out just to get them to stop gushing. It was disgusting."

"…they haven't been engaged for long," Stede points out. "It was… eventful. Also… I need to find out why the calendar didn't work…"

"Yeah, what is 'the calendar'?" Maggie asks.

"Maynard and I have a shared online calendar where we put down the nights we're planning to be here," Stede explains. "So we don't cross over. There's a lot of… um… history on both sides, so it's better we're not all here at the same time."

"You… put tonight in the calendar, though, right, Stede?" Izzy pushes, suddenly realising what's likely happened.

"I… yes? No? Maybe… I… it's a mission, not… oh fuck…" Stede puts his head in his hands. "…I suppose I'd better go apologise for getting them abducted by lesbians."

"Once again: not a lesbian." Zheng rolls her eyes, then turns to Maggie: "Is that a guy thing, or a gay guy thing?"

"It's because of the incident with the lesbians," Pete points out, trying to be helpful. "Actual lesbians that time. Who were really pushing drugs here. We thought you were more of the same."

"…that," Izzy manages. He's starting to feel very much like he needs a drink or six.

"And are you actually sure they were lesbians?" Zheng pushes. "They might have been bi. Pan. Even aroace."

"What the fuck is an-- that thing? Oh god. It's the bunnies again." Ed puts his head down onto the table. "Fucking buzzkill is what you are, whether you're a fucking lesbian or not."

"Well, that's fine, I'm not interested in you, either."

"They were desperately-kinky, either way," Stede murmurs.

Izzy reaches to pet Ed's head. "It's someone who doesn't feel sexual or romantic attraction."

"Which might be a good person to have pushing drugs in a fetish club," Pete points out. "Because they wouldn't get distracted."

"They could still be aesthetically interested, though," Lucius points out. "Or they might be sex-positive, just--"

"Maggie, if you want to carry on with this, feel free. I can feel Auntie's disapproving glower through the wall, and I really should go check on my girls," Zheng cuts over him. "And you five: don't even think about calling me. And not just because none of you are my type."

"Rude," Lucius snits at her.

"We're exclusive!" Stede insists, folding his arms.

"I think we're done here for now," Maggie says, smoothly. "You boys probably want to go make nice with the lunatics. If they could be non-grumpy when they get back to work on Monday, that'd be great."

"They'll be non-grumpy by the end of the night," Izzy points out, with a heavy sigh. "Jack certainly will."

"That sounds disturbingly like a promise I really don't want to hear about." Zheng offers a sharp salute (to Maggie). "I'll call you."

"Lesbians," Ed says, to Pete, with a wink. Very much on purpose.

"Come along, you lot," Maggie cuts in, before things get out of hand, and in a tone of voice she obviously uses to wrangle Jack and Maynard at times. "The night is still young-ish. Let's go get a round of drinks."

Or several. Possibly this is going to take several.

Chapter Text

Still reeling somewhat from the insanity this night has become, the five men head back down to the main floor. Everyone else is here: Olu engaged in rather nervous-looking conversation with Auntie, Jim and Archie getting drinks, and Jack and Maynard – perhaps unsurprisingly – dancing.

And… Lil and Lan, lingering a little off to the side. They're obviously keeping an eye on things, but the way Lil tries to half-catch Izzy's eye says maybe they want to talk, too. Which, given the secret they've been keeping, is understandable.

He's not mad. He isn't. Just… a little shocked.

As Stede is still rather quiet – the discussion upstairs clearly having affected him – Izzy leans in close to Ed. "Guessing we've got a little damage-control to do here," he says.

"How you wanna handle this?" Ed asks Izzy. He's clearly worried for Stede, which is a regular and not unexpected response. He doesn't even try to hide it. "Other than 'avoid Jack as much as possible' and 'keep everyone away from the lesbians'?"

"If Stede wants to talk now, you should take care of him," Izzy answers at once. "If not… you might be best placed to deal with the two people I most wanted never to run into here…" He glances over at the dancing pair, hoping to high hell and back that no one has let Maynard overindulge at the bar. New Year was bad enough. "I imagine Pete will be best talking to Jim and Archie. I… think I'm gonna need to talk to Lil and Lan. Not quite sure how to process the part where they've been Bellringers all this time…"

"Is Olu safe, with… Auntie?" Ed squints. "She looks like she'll fucking eat him alive. And like she'd enjoy it… which he wouldn't… Oh shit. Zheng's going over. Well. Nice knowing him while it lasted…"

Zheng and Auntie between them? He looks like he might explode already. "You get the lesbians, I'll… nudge Stede, and if I need to get Lu and Pete to run Marmite Management I will?"

Izzy nods. "That works. Just… let's stop this getting any more out of hand. We can do it between us. Then we deal with the rest after."

'The rest'. That's a deceptively-simple term for the next round of world-changing insanity.

He puts a hand on Ed's arm. "Stede'll be OK. But… you should start with him."

"Always." Ed winks. "Well. You know. Us. But him. You know what I mean…" If all things are equal and no one is outwardly needing support most, it's Stede first. Ed knows Izzy feels the same about his boys, and that's totally fine for all of them.

A nod to Lu and Pete. "You tell them, I'll take Stede and get him a drink."

"Good plan," Izzy replies. "And we're right here if you need us." He squeezes Ed's arm, then lets go.

Stede has drifted into one of the booths, looking a little like he's not quite here. He doesn't look angry, or even upset, but there's a glassiness to his eyes that suggests he's not really seeing what's in front of him.

Ed leans over the bar and orders two drinks – alcoholic again – to come over. Then he slips into the booth opposite Stede, reaching a hand over the table towards him. "Hey, love. Got a round coming. If you want anything else when they drop it off, just tell 'em, yeah?"

"Yeah," Stede answers, first. Then, "I'm fine." And… after another breath, he reaches to grab Ed's hand, and just… holds on. "This is…"

He wants to say 'insane', because finding out your father was secretly in a second clandestine organisation is a lot. Except… at the same time it also feels par for the course.

"…I'm fine." He's not lying or trying to be dismissive. He just hasn't quite processed it yet.

"Not yet, but good enough to get by," Ed clasps his other hand over Stede's. "It's okay if you need to work this through when we're home and safe. It was a fucking lot. And if you need me to make excuses quickish, I can do that and get you home. Yeah?"

"…I need everyone else to be OK too," Stede says. "You don't have to rush me out. I'm not… I'm all right. It's just… We weren't close, me and my dad. We weren't. But… I feel like I knew him even less than I thought I did."

"That… may not have been all his doing. But hey, can I do a little thing with you?" Ed waits for the nod. "I want you to think about how many positive experiences and memories you have of your dad… and then I want you to think about how many your kids have of you."

"Hopefully more," Stede replies, his hand shaking a little. "Even… considering the time I wasn't around much. I… I know I'm doing better. I never wanted to be like him. I… did wish he liked me, but… he wasn't a good parent. I know that."

"And that was him. Not you. Him." Ed gets up, still holding Stede's hands, then walks around to the other side of the booth to slide in next to him. He scoots him in, then wraps an arm around his shoulders to hold him close. "And it fucking sucked. But he's gone, and you're here. You can sure as fuck be pissed off because of it… as long as you also celebrate like hell the fact that you're a better man than him."

Stede leans into him, instinctively wanting the contact and comfort. "…You're right. I know you're right. It just… it brings back memories, you know? Of course you know, you… I had it easy compared to you. I know that too. But it hurts. I wanted to make him proud, and I don't think I ever did. Maybe he'd be proud if he could see me now, but… back then I was just a disappointment."

"Stede… are you proud of him?" Ed asks. "Back then – when you were young – of course you wanted him to be proud of you. He was your dad. And of course we want everyone to think we're great… But if that someone isn't as amazing as we deserve… Like, me being a disappointment to my dad, or, like, Daniel? Good. I don't want to be the kind of person they would approve of. It's him who let you down. Not the other way around."

He nods up at the staff member who slides their drinks and packets of crisps onto the table in gratitude, keeping Stede shielded, kissing his hair. Being a BDSM club, this kind of comfort won't raise the slightest eyebrow, though normally some 'play' would come first. It's the same thing, underneath. "The people who fucking matter think you're the bees' damn knees. So much so that your dad's old side-chick agency came begging for you to fix 'em up. Because you're that fucking cool."

"…You think so?" Stede says, softly. He's not even fishing for compliments this time; he's just rattled by it all. "I know I could never have done any of this without you, without all of you. That's why they want our team. Because we're so much stronger together. And… as for him… I wanted to be proud of him. He was a loyal officer and he served this country for many years; apparently in more ways than I even knew. But… he wasn't a nice person. He wasn't Daniel, but… he was close, and… yes, I was upset when he died, and shocked because he wasn't especially old, but… I know things would have been worse for me if he'd still been around. I…"

He turns and buries his head in Ed's chest. "This is so frustrating. I didn't even like the guy. He's long dead. Why am I still upset?"

"Because you are a nice person. And because you know people matter." Ed curls a hand around Stede's nape, thumbing the day-collar, and strokes down his back. "You are. You care about everyone. Even if they're shitty. You fucking cared about the guy sent to kill me… And you care e-fucking-nough to be a million times better than him. Which I don't just think-so, I know-so."

Ed… may have also listened to some of the therapy shit they did make him go to. He might have sold it to himself as 'how to help everyone else feel better', but if that also means he has to understand it and vaguely apply it to himself… that's a coincidence and shut up.

"You feel shitty because you're a human-fucking-being. And your feelings-bit is fluffy and weird and faster than your thinky-shit. So you gotta have the feelings-bit and not stress yourself over it. And then when it's calmed down, you do the smart-Stede… yeah?"

Stede nods against him, holding on tighter. "Yeah. I know you're right. I do. And I love you so fucking much. And… we're going to make this whole Bellringer-thing work. I'm not sure how, yet, but we will, and I… I'm going to be better than my father at that, too, because I've got all of you to support me and love me."

He looks up. "You really are amazing. I can never say that enough. And I'd be scared out of my mind right now if I didn't have you and the others."

"Maybe your dad just… didn't have enough people to help him fucking shine," Ed suggests. "Just like us. We were less good than we are now. And we're amazing because of you, too, so… win-win."

Another kiss, this time slower, to his temple. "You're gonna ace this like you did everything else. And you were so fucking hot before, just so you know. Really fucking hot."

This makes Stede give a little smile. "I was?" He tries to climb onto Ed's lap a little more, nuzzling against him. "How so?" This time he's fishing for compliments, but he needs cheering up so he thinks it's allowed.

"Seriously? Swanning off with Lu and Pete in this?" Ed indulges him happily, arms around his waist as he pulls him in. And… well. It's allowed. He slides one hand up the inner thigh, enjoying the supple leather there. "Kicking fucking ass? Throwing down against a crew of badass… maybe-lesbians? Shit… you're so fucking fuckable right now…"

"For the record, I haven't spanked anyone or been spanked by anyone all night," Stede points out. "And everyone else has done one or the other. So… you should remember that when you get me home. I'd incite you to do something about it now, but I'd need a lot of actual crack to play in front of Jack and Maynard…"

"What about very, very intense making out?" Ed suggests. "I know they'd get off on watching, but… I'm game if you are…"

"…After the display they put on when we rescued them from Heathrow, I'd go for it," Stede decides. "So… kiss me. You know I always feel better when you do." He runs a gentle hand over Ed's jaw. "And we're still much better behaved…"

"So far." Ed responds by pushing his hand up and into Stede's hair, cradling his head as he pulls him in to kiss. He starts firmly, but lips only, wanting to make Stede really want it. The hand on his thigh inches higher, fingers skirting over the seam at his groin, tracing up and down there before his tongue starts to push in with echoing speed.

There's enough background noise and music that Stede isn't afraid to moan in pleasure at that; holding on tightly as Ed kisses him, and whimpering a little at the hand that's making him want so much more. He kisses back as much as he can, but he's very much enjoying letting the other man take the lead, and unafraid of showing it.

Not wanting to be too obscene in public (just obscene enough), Ed then slides his hand up and over Stede's hip, waist, chest… coming to rest over his heart. Where – coincidentally – he can circle his thumb over his nipple. He's not feeling Dominant with a capital 'D' (no innuendo intended), but he is feeling toppy and non-submissive enough to enjoy showing off like this.

When they break from the kiss, Ed takes Stede's earlobe in his teeth and gravels out: "Izzy's still gonna be game to top and dom the life out of each of us, you know. And I'm more than fucking happy doing whatever you want before he cracks his knuckles… I'm sure as fuck you could swing back and forth faster than a Newton's cradle and find someone ready to enjoy each end…"

Stede melts in his arms at that. He'd been feeling more dominant before, but at this point he could definitely go either way. "Right now I feel like I might," he half-murmurs, half-groans. "My head is all over the place, but I sure as fuck want. And it was a little easier to control it when I was still focused on the mission, but now… now it's getting more insistent."

"We only need to let Izzy finish up with the lesbians, and make sure the three ducklings we brought along don't get into shit… you okay parking the Marmite Morons until we're all wearing significantly more clothes?" Ed curls locks of pale hair around his fingers. "If so, I reckon we can box all this off rapidly. And then we can see about that spanking-deficit…"

"I… should probably apologise to them for the calendar-thing," Stede points out. "But we can make a hasty exit then. Especially if you think I might be about to get lucky…"

He loops his arms around Ed's neck, leaning in to start kissing along the curve of it, beneath his ear. "Because… I think I might need it. For my emotional wellbeing."

"I think, in that case, it would be absolute barbarism to refuse you…" Ed hefts him, making it clear he intends to stand up and carry him, bridal-style. "Would Sir enjoy being conveyed in their direction, the better to initiate reparations before… more conjugal matters arise?"

Now Stede giggles. "Maynard might run and hide. So… you definitely should. It's not as if we're running around naked, and I like it when you carry me. It shows off how badass and hot you are, and how you have the best arms."

"And he needs to know how strong these arms are, so if he tried to woo you from me, or harm you, how easily I could punch his fucking lights out…" Ed's tone is very playful and silly, and he's so fucking relieved Stede seems to be feeling it, too. They will totally have to keep talking about the other thing, but… they've done enough for tonight, he hopes.

A whuff as he pushes to his feet and gets Stede stabilised. "Point the way, and your chariot will obey."

Stede pecks a kiss to his cheek. "To the lunatics!" he declares.

At least they don't sparkle this time.

Chapter Text

Jack and Maynard are still dancing, which technically counts as a good thing because if they're dancing then they're not drinking, and this doesn't feel like a night where Maynard, in particular, should be let anywhere near intoxicants.

They seem happy enough, so hopefully they've calmed down. Stede watches them as Ed carries him closer, (and yes, that kilt of Maynard's really does move nicely as he spins) and tries to catch their eyes with a slightly sheepish look in his own.

Maynard spots them first, and stops; pulling Jack in to murmur something in his ear before the pair of them turn. "You survived the lesbians, then," he says.

"We did," Stede answers. "Also they aren't all lesbians. Possibly none of them are. That part's still unclear."

A beat, and an awkward look. "I'm sorry they took you hostage. That… wasn't supposed to happen."

"Yeah, I reckon Izzy's gonna have words with his actual-lesbians, and… some of it was your not-lesbian. Lady. Thing." Ed nods towards Maggie. "She's as much to fucking blame."

Not that Ed wants to completely duck responsibility, but Maggie knew about all of it and decided to tie them up. Stede didn't.

"She's a menace at times!" Jack exclaims, although it's clear from his tone that he's not mad-mad, just annoyed. "She coulda warned us! I know the idea of being grabbed by a bunch of hot chicks is… well, hot, but it weren't how this evening was supposed to go!"

"That's putting it mildly," Maynard agrees. "Although if someone had updated the calendar properly…"

"I didn't process that I needed to, because it was a mission, not an actual night out!" Stede insists, looking sheepish again. "And I am sorry about that. I'll be more careful in future. Infinitely more careful."

"And… well. It was an undercover op. So… If we'd said anything to you… Not that we'd expect you to be moles or whatever…" Ed adds, rocking his husband with his hips. "Just didn't have a clue it would be your fucking lady-friend behind the damn thing. We thought it was genuine. And if it had been, then you wouldn't've been fucking touched at all."

A beat. "By 'hot chicks' anyway."

"Night's still young, right?" Jack remarks, with a wink, although the way he's standing behind Maynard with an arm around his shoulders suggests the other man has nothing to worry about as far as other people are concerned. (Even hot chicks.)

"So did you find out what this was all really about?" Maynard asks.

Stede gives a little grin. "You fishing for intel?"

"Old habits. Plus, after the night we've had, can you blame me?"

"Honestly, no," Stede replies. "And… we did, and… it's a lot. Might need to involve you guys at some point, but… not yet. But… we'll tell you what we can once we're done processing it."

Maynard nods. "Fair. But…" his expression softens, "you're OK, though, right? Both of you? All of you?"

"Stede's dad was a triple-double-decker-agent or something, Pete thought he had cocaine in his face, Izzy beat up an old lady, Lucius had his 'return to the field' turned into a cluster-fuck, and now we all want to go home and… relax." Ed nods. Firmly. "Because it's been a fucking night. And… three of our squad likely need therapy for life."

"You… uh… you want us to escort you home or whatever?" Jack asks, in an odd tone. "So no one messes with you or nothin'."

"I think we'll be OK," Stede answers. "Plus you two deserve to have a little fun here before the night is over. We'll just get a cab. But… that means a lot, thank you."

"Plus, I don't want Izzy to see your fella's calves and fly into any kind of fit of… rage or something…" Ed grins, but he's very warm with it. "Or you checking out my guys any more than necessary. Even if they are a damn sweet sight…"

Oh, why not. "Go on, I know you're dying to give us a twirl. Even if those boots are fucking weird, Maynard."

Maynard goes slightly pink. "My fiancé likes 'em!" he exclaims. "And… shush, I've seen more of all of you tonight than I was emotionally prepared for."

He indulges them, though: stepping out of Jack's embrace to give a graceful spin; the leather of his kilt moving beautifully as he does.

"That is gorgeous," Stede has to say. "Aesthetically, obviously."

"And in other ways," Jack enthuses, pulling Maynard back in.

"You got a good one," Ed concedes, directing it to Jack. "And you…" He looks to Maynard. "You got exactly what you deserve."

Maynard snuggles back against Jack a little more. "I like to think so," he says.

Stede gives a gesture that encompasses the pair of them. "This is still insane. And weirdly perfect. We'll touch base in a few days, OK? Try not to run off to America in the meantime."

This makes Maynard go quite a lot pinker. "I said I was sorry!"

"To us, and the British Transport Police," Stede reminds him.

"Yeah, Pete knows how to get you on the no-fly list, so you better behave." Ed winks. "Behave yourselves until we're gone, and… don't piss off the new friends, or the squad, if they're still here, yeah?"

"Scout's honour," Maynard promises.

"Yeah, your guys are cool with us now," Jack adds. "'Specially Archie. Archie's great. And no, I ain't gonna hit on her… just try to outdrink her."

"Aaaand I think that's our cue to run for it," Stede says, but with a grin.

"No HR reports, either." Ed hefts Stede enough to give him a quick spank to one buttock, and then twirls dramatically. "I don't want to hear about it!" he says, as he carries Stede over to Lu and Pete.

***

Izzy isn't entirely sure what to say as he heads over to where Lil and Lan are standing. He's known them both for such a long time – fuck, he's known Lil longer than he's known Ed – so tonight's revelations about them are a lot to take in.

Bellringers. Both of them. On the one level it seems insane, and on the other… perhaps not.

He paces closer. "Hey. So… can we talk?"

"I figured you'd want to," Lilibet says. "Hoped, as well. I… guess you're upset."

"I don't quite know what I am," Izzy admits. "I mean… fuck…"

"So, we're even, now, I guess?" Lan asks. She nods over to where Ed and Stede are holed up. "As a spouse to the craft, you must understand…?"

Izzy sighs. "…Yeah, OK, I know I didn't tell you about that either. It's…" Another sigh. "Figure it's just one of those things. Occupational hazard. Feels weird because I did tell you mine, but… being a copper's not exactly secret on its own."

A beat. "So… 'Bluebird'..?"

Lil gives a little smile. "I was a Royal Marine for a few years, right out of school. 'Bluebird' was my callsign, and… I guess I liked it so I kept it as my domme-name when I started this place."

That makes Izzy gesture around them. "This is you doing the same thing Stede does, isn't it? Sort of. Running a business to hide what you really do."

"Yes," Lil answers. "Though I'm a lot more personally-involved in mine. I've always been committed to this place. That much is very real."

"And you went and bought out PharmaCorp and took over Inaltus… Izzy! You're a terror!" Lan grins. "We did know about your… boss and 'secretary' before they were your polycule. We just didn't want to intrude, and… well. The Bellringers have recent not-good-blood with Five. And Bonnets. We didn't hold it against Stede, though…"

"He's a good man," Izzy says at once. "His methods are often unorthodox and to this day I swear he's charmed, but he gets the most incredible results. And he's the one who took over PharmaCorp and Inaltus… him and Lucius. I'm still just a copper who's along for the ride."

"Izzy, that's not true at all," Lil chides. "We didn't know the full extent of what you'd been up to until Maggie and Zheng asked us to get involved, but now we've seen the mission files. And… even though it was heavily-redacted, the one about what happened in the middle of the Atlantic was particularly shocking."

"You know, I can picture you doing a lot of things, but somehow… basically being a rope-bunny and careening over to a cruise ship from a helicopter…" Lan frames him with her hands, squinting as she does so. "I mean, you do suit a harness. But that bit was less expected. And you really are going to have to share some war-stories with us at some point. You know… the redacted ones…"

"I… guess I probably can, now," Izzy replies. "And, honestly, I've got some pretty insane ones. For the record, I hated rappelling down onto that fucking boat, and I spent most of that mission curled up on the main deck under a space-blanket, trying to stop Maynard – the one in the kilt – from freezing to death after he got shot."

A beat. "Some of the Florida stories are good, though. So long as you like alligators."

"Ohh, we did Florida once, but really… the real drama? That's when you get to Seattle. Or into any of those Very Prim areas… the Hamptons… Let's just say we can tell you about someone's pet wildcat that would make your toe hair match your pubes." Lan grins, then leans over to look at the two men in question.

She nods. "Oh, those ones. We were wondering why you were never seen together. It was becoming a bit of a Thing."

Izzy sighs. "Fuck, don't get me started. Jack's Ed's ex. I… had a one-night stand with Maynard years and years ago. The pair of them hooked up when we were all in Florida… then it turned out Maynard had been sent to kill Ed by Stede's ex-father-in-law. Anyway, Pete jumped on him at the crucial moment and he shot Stede instead. And then ran for it. And… somehow Stede decided that this was the perfect person for him to rehabilitate, and…" a wave of the hand, "…so he did."

Another beat. "And Maynard had a massive thing for Stede. Well… probably still has something of a thing for him, but he's dead-serious about Jack. But… all the history means crossing over here probably wouldn't be a good idea."

"Hence the calendar," Lil surmises.

"Hence the calendar," Izzy agrees. "Which Stede neglected to update this time."

Lil grins. "And for which he'll be getting spanked when you're all home?"

Izzy nods. "Extensively. But as for those two… they're all right. Ish. Don't tell anyone I said that. Jack can be a nightmare, but Maynard possesses the singular ability to rein him in. When he chooses to use it."

"I wouldn't go near the floppy-haired one with a six-foot cane. Far, far too fragile. But the other one…" Lan nods, assessing. "Oh, he's got the look of someone who would just… crumble. Bet he'd cry for hours, if you let him."

"…yeah, and he does," Izzy manages. "Well. He does when he gets emotional. I've never seen him do a full scene, because that would be weird, and… the time I did see wasn't really geared towards that kind of emotion. Thank fuck."

Don't ask for more details. "Relatively confident at this point he's a versatile switch, but it's still hard to be certain. He is, however, definitely gay. Jack, on the other hand, will fuck anything with a pulse, and did until Maynard made him go exclusive."

"Lan's right, though, he'd be fascinating to take to bits," Lil concurs. "All those layers… Daddy-issues?"

More nodding. "In spades. Not sure on his blood-kin, but he worked for Stede's ex-father-in-law for like, twenty-plus years, so he's got artificial ones like you wouldn't believe."

"I bet they'd be fun to work off one another." Lan can't help it. If she sees something so tasty and juicy as a real mark ready to blub? It's like blood in the water to her. "And you could follow on from tonight, with being just collateral parked to one side… Being the replacement for Stede, I'm guessing, and now this whole… usurped by him… Gay Oedipus, almost. Oh, I have shivers!"

"…I'm going to be haunted by the term 'Gay Oedipus' for a very long time," Izzy manages, with a shudder. "But you're not wrong. He has also, for the record, shot a lot of people over the years, so he's halfway between being ethically-fascinating and an ethical nightmare."

"Oh fuck, hold me back, now I want to go buy him and his man a drink, just to see what they do," Lil enthuses, with a wicked gleam in her eyes.

"Especially if they know we're off the market… You do such a good line in seducing the unfortunate homosexuals who can't work out why they're into you, doll. Maggie might have dibs, but it's every woman for herself, here." Lan brushes her own shoulder down. "And it is our club…"

"Just don't say I didn't warn you," Izzy states. "And… I want the gossip later. Obviously. For… research purposes or something. And… here come Ed and Stede. Looks like they might need taking home… Ed still hasn't put Stede down."

"Aww, does he need his beauty sleep?" Lil says.

"Eventually. He needs his beauty sleep eventually." He gives Ed a nod as he approaches; Stede still held bridal-style in his arms. "That you angling to call a cab?" he asks.

"He wants more than a cab," Ed agrees. "Look at him… All… ravishable… We're hoping Pete's still game for what we discussed before…"

He peers over to where Pete, Lu, Archie, Jim and Maggie are now laughing like drains. "If not, I'm sure someone will be up for handing out spankings…"

"And I'm not allowed to volunteer?" Lan asks slyly.

"Last time you hit on Lucius he had a crisis," Izzy points out.

"Anyway, we already decided it's my turn," Stede says. "Because of how good I was before."

Izzy looks unimpressed. "Oh, 'good', were you?"

"Yes!" Stede insists. "I was focused on the mission! Looking for lesbians! And they sold me drugs first. It's not my fault it turned out to be baking powder."

"You bought that baking powder like a pro. And now you get to be treated any way you like." Ed says this with conviction, and a pointed look to Izzy. "I'll spoil you rotten."

"We'd better get you home, then," Izzy says, with a little grin. "I'd better go wrangle those two. Lil, Lan… it's been… something. We should talk more when all of this is… I was gonna say 'more normal', but that's not gonna happen, is it?"

"Probably not," Lil replies. "But yeah, we'll catch up later. You go reward Stede for being good."

"Thank you," Stede says.

***

With a nod to the two people he's pretty sure are lesbians (despite their avowed desire to make Maynard cry), Izzy heads over to where Lu and Pete are sitting and talking to Jim, Archie and Maggie.

Olu is still… conspicuously absent, and talking to Zheng. Which… is a little unexpected, but he seems to be alive and intact so there's no immediate cause for concern.

"We're getting ready to head off home," Izzy says. "Can I drag you two away or do you want me to persuade the others to hold out?"

"Mmm, why don't you persuade us to come… with?" Lucius asks, stretching himself out over the table and lifting his ass invitingly as he does.

Which means Archie smacks it before he can stop her, and gets herself a very surprised yelp from him in response.

"Hey!"

"What? You're into that, aren't you?"

"Normally people have permission first. That's very rude, and Izzy will be cross." Lucius pouts. "He might not beast you because you're new, but don't… do that."

"Oh! Fuck. Sorry, boss!"

"Normally I'd be mad, but he was asking for it," Izzy says, giving Lucius a look. "Lucius, stop inciting people to spank you, especially with the lesbians on the prowl."

"Did it go OK with them?" Pete asks, more levelly; aware that Izzy had been quite rattled by the revelations about them.

"Yeah, I think so," Izzy replies. "Gonna talk more later, but… I get it. And they're still good guys, so it's all right."

"Wait, what is going on?" Archie asks. "Because I am so fucking confused. I get that it wasn't a real bust, but… the fuck is really going on?"

Lucius pouts at being told off. "Everyone's a fucking spy, or fucking a spy, or about to fuck a spy…"

Archie narrows her eyes. "I'm not fucking a spy." A beat. "Wait, am I?"

"…Not that I know of," Izzy manages. "But you are spy-adjacent because of being part of the taskforce, so it's close."

A beat. "Obviously you guys are off-duty now, so you can hang around here as long as you like. Can I at least trust one of you to get the van back to the station, even if you have to come back for it when you're sober?"

"Aye-aye, Captain," Jim snaps off a sharp salute.

"Maggie said there's rooms here so we can stay if we want to." Archie grins, widely. "Maybe they have handcuffs in there, too?"

Lucius drops his head down onto the table. "Izzy, tell them they can't come back, after."

"…Technically I can't," Izzy points out. "But I can insist on adding them to the calendar if they start wanting to."

"You might want to do a training session on the calendar," Maggie remarks, with a wicked little grin. "It doesn't seem to be working as intended." It's possible she's still watching Jack and Maynard dancing.

"That was Stede's fault!" Izzy insists. "And I will be speaking to him about it!"

"Ooh, 'speaking'," Pete echoes. "I like it when you… speak him. I mean, speak to him."

Izzy folds his arms. Pete does not look as apologetic as he should.

"If you don't convince us soon, I might wiggle my arse at Archie and Jim some more," Lucius announces. "Hell, maybe even Maggie. Why not?"

"Wait, am I allowed to spank him if he does?" Archie looks hopeful.

"If he carries on like this, yes," Izzy says, flatly. "Lucius, up. You too, Pete. We have to take Stede home before he gets any worse."

"Do you think it will work?" Pete asks, though he does start rising to his feet.

"No. But still, I try."

"Aw. Next time." Lucius blows Archie a kiss. "Thanks for asking, though. I know I do have an excellent arse…"

He has no interest in Archie, Jim, or Maggie, but it is still nice to be appreciated. And also nice to gently wind up Izzy. A flounce to his feet and a little shimmy of said ass on the way to slink against Izzy, he peers to see where the others are. Hopefully with a taxi close by, because they're going to want to move sharpish.

"It's not bad," Jim agrees. "But if I had to pick from the three of you…"

"Oooh, who would it be?" Pete says, before Izzy can stop him. "Is it me? It's me, right?"

Maggie stifles a giggle and then starts trying to pretend she did no such thing. Which just makes it worse.

"Yours is also nice," Jim admits. But then says no more.

Archie barks in laughter. "You have a thing for the Captain's arse!"

"I said nothing." Jim shrugs, nonchalantly.

"You minx, he's a married man!" Lucius can't help but stomp-wiggle in excitement. "But he does have an amazing arse!"

"The whole lot of you are gonna find yourself doing overtime for the rest of your lives!" Izzy exclaims. "And that anti-corruption training package. The one with the test at the end."

"…That means he's touched," Pete translates.

Izzy seizes first Pete, then Lucius by the earlobe. "Come along, you two, before I forget I'm not supposed to spank you in public."

"I mean, if you're gonna, you're in the right place," Maggie can't help saying.

This gets her a Look. "Don't you start. And don't spend all night hitting on Jack and Maynard. Not unless you're also gonna take responsibility for dealing with the fallout."

"Aww, shall I tell them you do care?"

"No."

Lucius puts a hand around his mouth to stage-whisper: "He does."

"Don't bother, mate," Archie consoles Maggie. "They're 'look but don't touch', and more trouble than they're worth. If you need a nice man or two, we can help you find one. Right, Jim?"

Jim nods. "But not here."

"…just try to behave. Ish," Izzy says. And then, to his boys, "Come on, you two."

And he half-leads, half-drags them off before things get any worse.

Chapter Text

The brief taxi-ride home gave Ed's arms a break for long enough that he could pick Stede up for the final leg of the trip back home, and he's got him snuggled in close as the lift takes them to the shared floor. The one with the massive bed that is now a permanent (and upgraded) feature. There's no question in anyone's minds that it's both wanted and needed tonight.

Ed can still feel the thumping music in his ribcage and skull, and he's mildly bobbing along to the echoes of it as the doors open and he carries Stede out, eyes slitting sideways to Izzy to look for steer on what next. He's somewhere hovering in 'serve, but not submit' (yet), and he's also in the 'make sure Stede is utterly taken care of' mindset.

Lucius – unburdened by a husband in arms – practically dances out into the main room, twirling and ready to lounge wherever seems most appropriate and inviting. "God, I hate the small-talk. And behaving. Thank fuck we're not on a mic now."

"Oh, that was 'behaving', was it?" Izzy says, but it's with a smile and he's clearly not actually upset… just feeling a little wicked. "Good to know. Now… both of you, get out of those gorgeous outfits, then Lucius, get yourself over the end of the bed: face down, ass up. I think Pete has some unfinished business with you, and this time I want a front-row seat…"

Pete's eyes go wide with hope. He'd enjoyed himself a lot, and he really wants to do more. "Yes, sir," he answers at once. "Anything."

Then Izzy turns to Ed. He already knows that this is very much not a Blackbeard-comes-to-play night, and also that Ed especially needs to take care of Stede, so his tone is softer when he says, "Eddie, I want you to do the same. Get yourself and Stede undressed, then get him over the end of the bed as well, close to Lu, so you can give him what he needs."

"Course, love," Ed replies with a warmth and appreciation that spills over. He's not as fast as Lucius – who is already almost naked and skipping towards the bed to get into position. He has Stede to carry, and he sits him down carefully on the bed to undress him first and guide him down to his knees.

He's feeling… weird. Giddy, excited, and incredibly doting. There's no need to be aggressive in him, just… just to give, and make Stede (and Izzy, and the others) happy.

Lucius grabs Stede's hand when he's lain down beside him, beaming with drunk eyes. He didn't have much alcohol, but he feels like he had a lot more. "You were so badass," he stage-whispers again. "And it's so hot when Ed carries you like that."

Stede beams back at him. He's managed to park his various worries and concerns for the time being – mostly thanks to how much Ed has been taking care of him – so he's only feeling happy and content as he flops down next to Lucius. "So were you," he says. "And I know. He's so gorgeous. I love his arms so much. I love all of him so much."

Ed – having now shed the leather – leans over to kiss the back of Stede's neck, and then Lu's. "And I love both of you terrible, terrible boys." He takes Stede's hands and guides them up and onto the bed, so he can rest his head on them. Then he glances to Pete, expecting him to do the same for Lu.

Pete may be in the mood to deliver the spanking for once, but he's still very open to taking direction, and he does the same as soon as he sees: guiding Lucius' hands up so he can rest his head on them. There's a flicker of nervousness in his eyes – mostly at the thought of doing this alongside Ed – but it certainly isn't bad, just apprehensive. And excited.

Izzy has finished stripping off too, now, and he paces up behind Pete and Ed, reaching out to touch them both. "I think the two of you should start by warming those eager things up. And don't think for one second that starting out like this means you won't get spanked as well, because I'll have you both down next to them before long."

That gets a purry, snuggly Ed who moves in to nose Izzy's cheek and rumble affectionately. "Oh, I was sure as fuck hoping so, Sir. Do you want them just spanked, or is there anything else you'd like?"

Lucius has his head turned to face Stede, grateful they're close enough to reach out, but also far enough away that he can focus on the other man's face without his eyes going blurry. He licks his lips deliberately, and offers another butt-wriggle to entice Pete to get on with it.

"Start with just spanking," Izzy answers. "Don't be gentle, but… make sure they enjoy it."

Pete can definitely do that, and he gives an emphatic nod; running his hands over Lucius' now-bare ass for a moment and enjoying the way it feels. He'd loved the feeling of tight leather, too, but this is even better, and he kneads at the soft muscle before moving one hand to rest in the small of Lucius' back, and the other to start firmly, rhythmically spanking him.

"Ohhh, oh god yes… oh fuck yes, Pete… there… there…" Lucius is very, very eager in his feedback and he nestles his head into his hand pillow as he eases into it. Pete isn't gentle, it's true, but he's not being evil either. The percussive, inexorable contact is soothing and all the right kinds of hot. It makes the blood rush to his ass and a wonderful tingle and warmth start to spread, lulling and exciting in equal measure, as paradoxical as it sounds. "Thank you… oh… Pete…"

Ed isn't far behind, though he pauses just a moment to get the pace Pete is using. Once he's got the rhythm down, he mirrors the man's stance and starts to spank Stede in synch. "Don't be quiet, either of you," he urges. "Let us hear how good you're feeling. Fucking… love the lot of you…"

Stede, of course, does not require much in the way of encouragement to be loud, and he's already moaning in pleasure at just how damn good it feels. He's needed all night, but kept it controlled for the good of the mission. Now, though, safe at home and with no one watching but his husband and lovers, he can indulge and completely let go, and it's so, so good.

After a moment or two, Ed looks back to Izzy, with a 'can we?' expression. He waits for the nod, then lifts his hand away and gestures for Pete to do the same. Wordlessly, he points a finger to Pete, then points out in a V-shape to indicate 'both'.

Then – when he's certain Pete understands – he leans over and pushes both of the subs' heads down and into the bed. "Haven't you been such good boys tonight?" he asks. It's not the Voice, and it's not Blackbeard, but it's fiercely, fiercely loving and protective.

"Yes, sir," Stede gasps at once, feeling a rush of warmth and happiness run through him. There's no threat, no danger, just love and care, and he's eager to be utterly subsumed in it. "We did. We were. We did the best we could and this time it was right."

"I – I tried! I was – I wasn't very bad, but I – I wasn't trying to make anyone angry!" Lucius replies, a little breathless. "I hope Master will forgive me… I didn't want to be a bad boy, I promise!"

"Lu, you're not in trouble," Izzy says, pacing around to him and dropping down at the side of the bed, running a hand through his hair. "Everyone had high emotions, and there was a lot going on. But you didn't do anything wrong. Not really. Playfully, maybe, but nothing that counts. And I think now what you need is to be taken care of, so you can let go."

He leans in closer. "It drove me wild when you were off with Pete and he was spanking you. It sounded so fucking hot, and I wanted to watch. And now I can."

Lucius squeaks and his ass goes up in full whore mode, desperately begging with his body-language before his tongue even starts to move. "Oh, pleasepleasepleaseplease, it feels so good, I – I need him, Master, I do…"

"I know," Izzy breathes. "Oh, I know. Just let go and enjoy it."

Pete is braced between the pair of them, trying to alternate blows between Lucius and Stede as rhythmically as he can. It takes a whole different focus to do two at once, but from the sounds he's getting it's certainly appreciated, and that bolsters him to keep going.

"I've got you," he promises them both; a little waver in his voice as he processes that he's doing this. "We've got you."

"You're doing so well, too, Pete," Ed reassures him. He's stroking Stede's hair, now Izzy has Lu, and he shares an adoring look before he slips – fingers lingeringly trailing – back to the foot of the bed. He wraps his arms around Pete's waist, nuzzling his neck and letting his dick tease against his butt. "You make them sound so fucking happy… you're so fucking hot like this. All of you… I love watching your hands hit their gorgeous bums…"

Lucius lets out a little giggle, because 'bum' apparently is funny right now. He's definitely relaxing, humping into the bed and gripping the bedsheets. Much more and he'll be leaking all over, and he damn well knows it. "Master… Master… please… please…"

"Tell me what you need," Izzy pushes, soft but firm. "I'm not gonna deny you, but I want to hear you say it."

Stede, for his part, is practically melted already under the attention: spread bonelessly over the side of the bed and only moving when the blows jolt him slightly forwards. He can feel the physical need, oh yes, but it's slightly distant and diffuse: there but not insistent, and until he gets more direct attention he'll just coast over it. And, fuck, he feels so good. He knew he needed this but, God, did he need this.

"Everything," Lucius breathes, voice breaking over the longing that goes bone-deep. "Oh… god… fuck, I… this. You. Both. Fuck. Please. Please. So much that – that I go mad…" He almost doesn't care what, or how. It's the end result most of all, and that has to be blissful oblivion.

Ed parks his chin on Pete's shoulder, hands resting on the man's belly (and if his fingers brush his erection, that's a happy accident). He makes a small, questioning chirrup in Izzy's direction, followed by what can only be described as: ?

Pete is caught between trying to keep up the spanking, and trying to nuzzle back against Ed, because it feels so good having him there too, and possibly he's starting to melt a little even though he hasn't even been spanked yet.

Izzy meets Ed's eyes for a moment, as he considers. "Get the pair of them up on the bed, side by side, on their backs," he says. "You two are gonna jump on their dicks and ride them, and I'm gonna spank the pair of you whilst you do."

And it's probably a good thing Ed still has hold of Pete, because Pete nearly falls over at that; dizzy with how hot it sounds and how much he wants it. "Ohfuckyesplease."

"Yes. Sir." Ed grabs Pete's cock and gives it a firm squeeze for good measure, then shunts his hips into him to get him moving. He's moving past him and grabbing Stede's hips and waist, lifting him up so his feet leave the ground and he dips to lick a quick stripe over his taint and hole before he's flipping him onto his back and moving to straddle him.

Lucius stomps a foot, impatiently, very eager to follow suit. "Please, Pete! Please! Fuck me, please!"

Pete moves to do the same; a little slower but just as enthusiastic. "Come on, baby, up you come. Let's get you comfortable."

He helps Lu up onto the bed so he's lying on his back close to Stede, and then climbs up on top of him too; grinding their dicks together. "You look so gorgeous. I'm gonna ride you with everything I've got."

Izzy climbs onto the bed behind them, and between the two men lying down; lube bottle in hand. "Lean forwards," he instructs, so he can get hold of Lucius and Stede's cocks to slick them with lube, before pouring more out into both hands and starting to tease at Pete and Ed's holes; a finger pushing in on each side after a moment.

Stede looks up at Ed, his eyes utterly black from bliss; hazy and happy. "I love you so much," he breathes; the words distant but heartfelt. "Just… look at you. Look at all of you. Oh God, I'm so lucky…"

"We all are, but it's all because you and Lu came to find us," Ed tells him, grabbing his hands to pin them either side of his head. He lets Stede see and feel how he's responding to the finger working his hole, moaning and frotting into him. "Oh fuck, you're glorious… I'm gonna ride your cock so hard… I want you and Lu to stare into each other's eyes while we do, until you can't, and you need to look at us…"

Ed uses his thumbs to run over the hands he's holding. "Love when you're inside me. You're gonna get your cock spanked, while it's in me."

"I know," Stede breathes, rapt. "I'm going to go completely to pieces. I can't wait."

A second finger slips in on both sides, so Izzy can make sure both of them are ready for this. "I'm gonna pull back in a minute, and help guide you down onto those gorgeous cocks. Once they're in and you're seated right, I want you both to bend forwards again before you start to ride, so I can spank you as you do. And… you don't have to ask permission when you need to come, but I want you to hold out as long as you can before you do."

"Oh fuck, yes," Pete gasps; still curled over Lucius and staring down at him. "I want to feel you deep inside me."

"Love you, love you so much." Lu's voice is forceful, demanding Pete understand. "God, I think I'm going to explode… you looked so fuckable all night long… Can you feel how hard you make me? Because you will…"

Hopefully soon. Lu wiggles as much as possible, pinned under him, trying to rub his cock into Pete's. He might prefer to bottom, but he's also very, very into being used like this. Especially with Izzy tormenting Pete at the same time, and with Stede breathless and equally whipped beside him. "You were so badass tonight, even when you thought you were hurt. All I wanted to do was rip the arms off anyone who hurt you." A beat. "…or Ed to do the ripping. I'd have used the gun."

"Yeah, if it was real, there would have been consequences," Izzy says, with a hint of a growl. "No one hurts any of you and gets away with it, not on my watch. But you're all safe now. Safe, and loved, and you can let go…"

His fingers slip free, and he reaches to get hold of Lucius and Stede's cocks instead. "The two of you can sink down onto them now. Get them nice and deep."

Pete is certainly eager to obey, and as he feels Izzy holding Lucius' cock against his hole, he lifts up and then sinks down over it. He wants to take it slow, but as soon as that length starts to slide inside he gives a whimper of delight and ends up moving rather faster; desperate to get Lucius all the way in. "Ohhhh… fuck, fuck, that's so good; oh, baby… you like that?"

Lu's hands go up and around Pete's shoulders, nails clawing roughly, but not sharp enough to break the skin as he feels his husband's body sink down and over him. "Oh god yes, oh god… you feel so good, so tight… oh god…"

Up over his neck to pull his face in for a kiss, raggedly breathing at the way their bodies meet. "Love when you're on top of me like this… love it so much…"

Beside them, Ed is similarly rocking himself lower into Stede's lap. He has his hands pinned and he can't look away as he uses his knees to roll his weight and take him deeper. "Ah, fuck… that's so good… oh god, oh god, you feel so fucking full right now…"

"Ed… oh fuck…" Stede gasps, feeling himself buried to the root inside his husband. "Oh God, yesplease." He's shaking with need; eager for the other man to start moving and at the same time aware of how much more intense it's going to get.

Once both men are seated deep, Izzy puts a hand on each of their backs to get them as bent forward as possible. "Start riding," he orders. "And… brace."

And the instant they start to move, he moves his hands to their asses and starts to spank them: slow and firm to begin with, so that the sensations echo all the way through to the husbands they're impaled on. Also, fuck, but that is hot. "That's it, that's it, good."

Ed whines, needily, dropping to rest his forehead on Stede's as he moves. He clenches with his knees as he fucks himself down onto Stede's dick, the movements short, but sharp. "Please… Izzy… harder, please?"

He was already craving a good spanking (again), but now there's a dick inside as well, he's yearning. He flexes inside, gripping and working at Stede's cock and flexing his hole for Izzy to see. "Please… oh god, spank us, please, Izzy!"

"Oh fuck, yes, Master, please!" Pete concurs, shakily. "Please, make us all feel it!" He's trying not to ride Lucius with everything he's got right from the start; knowing he should build it up gradually, but it isn't easy when the other man feels so damn good, and every slam drives him more and more wild.

"You want it hard, do you?" Izzy says, with a wicked smile that's very much audible in his voice. "Be careful what you wish for…"

And he starts giving them everything he's got: spanking Pete and Ed's asses in rapid succession, and alternating between them so he can focus on landing each stroke as firmly and heavily as possible.

Stede cries out in delight; feeling every blow echoing into him as Ed rides his dick, and trying to arch his hips up even though he's pinned; desperately chasing as much as he can. "Oh God, oh God, yes! Yes, please."

Ed howls in response, the spanking urging his movements faster and rougher. He can feel Stede's cock dragging into him, pushing and pressing and gliding, swelling to fit inside him. He goes as all-out as he can, trying to match Izzy's intensity, knowing that it's going to drive Stede just as crazy. "Oh fuck… oh fuck I've wanted this all night… oh fuuuuuck!"

Beside them both, Lu drums his heels into the bed, loving that he can feel Izzy through Pete, all around him. He's increasingly restless, turned on so much that it nearly hurts. "Don't hold back, Master! Please don't!"

Izzy feels absolutely incredible right now: the feeling of his husbands and lovers enjoying themselves so much – letting go so much – filling him with a pleasure all of its own. That's not to say he isn't also hard as a rock – because, fuck, he is – but it's the kind of arousal that exists without insisting; letting him concentrate on what he's doing, enjoy what he's doing, safe in the knowledge that he'll get what he needs too.

He hasn't quite decided how, yet, but that's a nice conundrum to have.

"Fuck, that's it, you're all so fucking amazing," he says, in between blows. "Keep going, Pete, Eddie… give those two everything. Make it so they have no choice but to come hard and fill you up."

Pete is riding Lu with everything he's got; yelping and gasping as the blows hit, but still staring down at the other man in rapt adoration at the same time. "Won't… won't be too much longer for me, either," he gasps. "Getting so close… oh fuck, feels so good…"

Lucius decides he should repay the favour, considering how damn nice it is to have his cock treated to this much amazing attention. He reaches between them both, gripping Pete's dick to work fiercely around just the head. He's so close, so fucking close, and he can feel Pete's resolve fraying in the tensing of his ass and thighs.

"Come… come with me… gonna come inside you, Pete, baby… Kiss me! Kiss me like you'll die if you don't!"

"Oh fuck… oh fuck, Lu!" Pete cries out. He knows they're allowed to come, so he doesn't have to hold back, so he leans in to kiss the other man as firmly and fiercely as he can; gripping his face as he keeps riding with all the strength he's got.

The blows don't stop, either, and he doubts they will until at very least they're all spent, which means it's one rough jolt that finally kicks him over the edge; making him come hard with a moan and a gasp that he kisses into Lucius' mouth, whole body shaking as the pleasure blazes all the way through. And it's glorious; intense but glorious, and he keeps moving with all he's got, to drag it out for them both.

Lucius' head falls back in bliss, relishing the explosion in his hand and around his cock. He holds out all he can, just so he rides the wave, then he lets go with a cry of bliss. He can feel his load pumping out into Pete and he thrusts up with all the strength in his lower body to wring through every last drop.

"…ohfuckbabyIloveyou…" Pete gasps out, dropping right down over Lucius and wrapping around him, still impaled deeply. "Loveyouloveyouloveyou…" It's about all he has energy left for, though it's very heartfelt.

At the same time, beside them, Stede is about to hit the edge too: staring up at Ed in rapt bliss; pinned and ridden and spanked and utterly loved. It's just… everything he needs right now. "Ed," he breathes, "Ed… I'm so… I'm going to… justdon'tstop… please… oh!"

The climax that hits him is fierce and hard, and he spills deep inside his husband with a ragged cry; wordlessly imploring him to keep moving for as long as he can, because it feels so fucking good. It's bordering on maddening, but it's good.

Ed's hands tighten in Stede's, very aware that he's now got to give every last thing he has. He has to, for Stede's sake as much as his own. His neck cracks as he braces, then there's a flurry of movement as he bucks with all he's worth. He rides Stede's cock and Izzy's slapping hand like they're the wind in his sails, only stopping when his own climax hits and he slams down to coast it out, milking his husband's dick deep inside him. "….fuckyesyesyes…"

Izzy finally holds off when Ed collapses against Stede, looking between the two tangled pairs in a mixture of pride and satisfaction. "That was good," he tells them. "So very good. Just take a moment. I haven't forgotten about myself, don't worry. And I'm looking at four gorgeous arses right now, so I'm spoilt for choice."

"…always… volunteer to… eat you out," Ed points out, wheezily. He's twitching and flinching where he's curled up, very content to just snuggle (so long as Izzy really does get what he wants and needs, too).

"Or… lie in a row…" Lu adds. "Basically… yours, Sir." Because right now, he knows he'd do practically anything.

"I'm tempted," Izzy says. "I could line you all up and move from one to another. Or… I could take you like this. Slide in alongside and fuck the pair of you, then move to the other couple…"

Oh yes, he likes the sound of that. Plus, they're already right where he wants them, and there's nothing wrong with a little efficiency. "The only question is… who do I take first?"

"You… planning on h-half and… half? Cause… s'where you end is the… thing…" Ed rocks slowly against Stede, then tilts his hips. It happens to give a flash of his now-sticky and well-used hole, still stretched around Stede's dick. "You… you should finish in Pete. He was so fucking brave… and Lu did so well on his first big op in ages…"

Lucius giggles. "Do I get sexual favours for good work, now?"

"Do you want them?" Ed asks, between kisses to Stede's jaw.

"…I won't ever turn sexual favours down. From… the right people…"

"I'd give y'sexual favours f'good work…" Stede half-slurs, very much fucked out of his head. And… then he stops. "…s'off the record. Don't tell HR… Secret." He giggles too.

"And… I mean… I was just doing my job as a good lieutenant," Pete points out, beaming happily. "But… won't say no to that plan…"

Izzy gives a little smile. "Sounds like we're agreed. Ed and Stede first. Then Pete and Lu. And no one tells HR…"

"Mmmm, would you punish me if I did?" Lucius asks, sounding dreamy at the prospect. "Oh, HR, help… my husbands and bosses all fuck me so well and it's motivating my productivity…"

"Shush!" Stede exclaims. "S'very bad! Don't tell them!"

"I'd punish you," Izzy decides. "That's only for us to know."

He's moving as he speaks, lubing up his cock as he comes up behind Ed and runs a hand over his back. "No one else gets to hear how much you all scream. And speaking of screaming… are you ready? "

"Fuckyesyesyes," Ed enthuses, pushing Stede's hands over his head and spreading his knees. He flares his hole as invitingly as he can, flexing and pursing to show how eager and slick he already is. He never imagined he'd be regularly taking two guys at once, but he's very, very, very much in favour. It's one of many favourite things they get to do together, after all. "Give it to me, please… I can take it. I can… please gimme your dick… I'm ready, I am!"

Izzy doesn't torment him, not this time: not when he's so gloriously eager and they're all so mellow and happy. They deserve it, after the night they've had. He keeps a hand on Ed's back, using the other to guide his cock to Ed's hole, where Stede is already buried deep inside him; bracing before he starts to slowly, carefully push in alongside.

"…ohhhhh fuck… fuckfuckfuck..!" Stede gasps, as that silken length slides against his own. "That's… oh God… that's so good…"

Ed drops in bliss, loving the familiar stretch and sense of fullness. The way his two lovers slide against each other and send a bursting, blossoming heat through his core. It's weirdly relaxing – at least for the moment – as he yields to let Izzy inside.

He almost feels like he could float like this, in something akin to subspace, for hours. Just… enjoying being held and filled and wanted. "Hnnnghhh… s'good… s'good… oh god…"

The way they both yield is incredible, and right now all Izzy wants is to make everyone feel as amazing as possible. He doesn't need to push, or to force… just firmly guide them where they all want to be.

"That's it," he breathes, seating himself deep. "Oh fuck, that's it, you both feel amazing. Brace, now…"

He knows it's going to be a lot, when he starts to move – from both sides – so he starts off slow; gradually building the sensation higher. It sends waves of bliss running up his spine; all the pent-up tension blossoming into warmth and pleasure as he moves faster and faster.

Stede stares up in rapture. He can see Ed better than Izzy, but he can feel them both, and the feeling is so incredibly good that he can't help crying out again; revelling in the growing overwhelm.

Ed knows it's too soon to climax again, but he can absolutely enjoy every bit of the stimulation. The stretch of it almost helps make it tolerable, to keep it the right side of too much. Stede's noises echo through his ribs and he finds himself joining in, the sounds mingling as their bodies do.

"There… there… oh god don't stop…" He starts kissing Stede's cheek, moving to his lips. "Pull my hair… please Izzy… Need you both… oh god, don't go gentle…"

Izzy may be avoiding force, but he can certainly be firm if it's wanted, and at the request he reaches to bunch a hand in Ed's hair, tugging his head back and holding on as he rides the pair of them.

"That's it, that's good… fuck, yes," he gasps. "Fuck, if I put a ring on I could ride you all night… Lu and Pete might go insane, though. I'm still so damn glad we all decided to start doing it like this." It's been weeks, but it still feels wonderful every time he remembers.

"Me t-too," Stede manages. "So… so glad you all… ohGodyesfeelssogood…"

Ed's first response is a string of guttural consonants, and one hand tapping on the bed in appreciation. When he realises he could be signalling to hold off, he barks: "Keep – keep – going – fuckkkkkk, oh fuck… oh fuckfuckfucklovewhenyou'rebothinmefuckfuckfuck…"

The hair yanking sends glorious sparks from his scalp all down his spine, making his skin flush in stripes. "G'nna… need your boys… do this to me, too… aughhh fuck need to do the club properly… no drugs, no squad… fuuuuuckkk…"

"Definitely yes on the Republic," Lucius squeaks. "And yes on fucking Ed with Pete. If we can do Stede, too…?"

Stede nods so hard he very nearly headbuts Ed in the process, then looks apologetic even though he didn't actually make contact. "Yes. Yes, please. That. And all the rest. Proper night. All of us. So much spanking. I'll book us a back-room too…"

"Oh, will you now?" Izzy says, with a smirk, though his voice is getting increasingly ragged. "That sounds promising. You gonna get down on your knees and service us like a good boy..?"

Despite his headspace, Stede grins. "Someone is."

"Me, me, me, please – oh god please – please let me, I'll be good, I will, I promise, I promise!" Lucius has no shame in begging outright. He rarely ever begs for mercy, but he has no shame whatsoever about begging to be allowed to suck cock like the slut he is. "Master… please… I swear I'll make you proud!"

Despite himself, he feels a tremor of lust arc through his dick. He really does want that. So damn badly. He's holding onto Pete to contain some of the wracks of arousal at the mental images.

"…think… got at least one," Ed gasps, between slams from Izzy. "You… not gonna… be lacking in subs…"

Izzy gives a soft, affectionate chuckle. "I never am. And you can consider it a promise, Lu. You too, Pete… I can feel the hopeful look…"

"…yessir, thank you, sir…" Pete replies, loving the idea too.

And Izzy would keep going with the mental imagery, were it not for the fact that he's getting to the point where he needs to stop and move to start fucking the other two, or he'll end up finishing here. He starts slowing gradually back down, not wanting to leave Ed and Stede feeling bereft; giving them a couple more final, firm slams.

"I'm gonna switch over now," he says. "But you two feel so fucking good."

"Iz…" Ed whimpers, his legs shaking. "…b-before… before you s-start with them…?"

"Go on," Izzy tells him, running a hand down his back again. "Tell me what you need."

"…fingers… please… f-feels… feels close… N-need… need you to – to finish me, please?" Ed's not sure he will climax properly, or spill, but it definitely feels like there's something close to a release and 'finish', and he hopes Izzy won't mind the minor delay to get him over the edge.

"Got you close again, did I?" Izzy remarks, with a smile. "All right, then…"

He's pulled back and out, which means it's all too easy to push two fingers inside Ed, alongside Stede's cock, and start fucking him with them: rough and quick, but very much focused on getting him where he needs to be. "Don't hold back. Let go."

Ed clenches his knees around Stede, then jolts when Izzy finds the right spot. He pushes down and back against the pressure, yelping in relief when it sends a fresh burst of pleasure through him. It's enough to send fireworks up his spine and have him gripping the pair of them for all he's worth… then collapsing with a hand tapping out onto the bed when any more would (he feels) kill him.

Words aren't his friend, not right now, and he hopes the message and gratitude are clear enough all the same.

Stede reaches up to hold onto him; wrapping his arms around Ed's shoulders and holding on as he collapses down, stroking a soft hand through his hair. "So gorgeous," he murmurs. "Love you."

Izzy holds off when it's clear Ed's taken all he can (without being pushed into overstim, which is not the point right now) and slowly pulls back. "That's it, there you go. You two just stay curled together now." They seem to be doing a good job of it already… and fuck, but they're adorable like that.

Then he moves over to Pete and Lucius; reaching to make contact with them both. "Your turn. Are you ready? I'm gonna fuck you just as hard… and I'm not gonna stop until I'm satisfied."

Lucius responds by grabbing hold of Pete's buttocks and tugging them wide, stretching him around his cock and offering one husband to the other. "Fuck, yes please! I want what they had… god, fuck, please fuck Pete!"

"…w-what Lu said!" Pete gasps in agreement. "Please, sir!"

"Don't you worry, I'm not in the mood to tease," Izzy says, as he grabs a little more lube for his cock before moving into place behind the pair of them. "Brace…"

And he starts to push in: taking it slowly as he slides into Pete along Lucius' length; burying himself deep where he can feel them both so gloriously close. "…oh fuck, that's it… you feel so good, so fucking good…"

Pete moans in delicious agreement; loving the way his body stretches to hold the two of them, so he's got them at once. He's curled down over Lucius, all but clinging to him, and he cries out in bliss as Izzy starts to move; whole body shuddering at the way it feels.

"Hold Lu's hand, I'll grab Pete's," Ed whispers in Stede's ear, before shooting his hand across and gripping tight hold. They don't 'need' to connect, but he wants to. Wants them to feel loved and grounded and with himself and Stede right alongside them.

Stede moves his hand at once; reaching for Lucius' and lacing their fingers together to hold tight. "We're right here," he whispers. "And we love all of you so damn much." The emotion swells in his chest, making him ache in all the right ways, and he lies watching the others with a blissed-out look on his own face.

Lucius is grateful for the contact because he's very seriously reaching insane levels of overwhelm right now, with Pete juddering around his already-spent cock, and Izzy sliding in to nestle alongside him. He's convinced he can feel each throb or pulse through both of their bodies, and it's so maddeningly intimate and reassuring and loving that he's at risk of bursting into tears. "…love… love you… god… I'd – I'd – anything. Yours. I'm yours. I'm yours."

"We've got you, baby, we've all got you," Pete tells him, his own voice ragged from pleasure and emotion. "You're loved, you're so, so loved… we all are…"

"You are," Izzy echoes. "You all are. And you know we'll take care of you, no matter what."

Right now, that means fucking into and against both his husbands with all the strength he can muster, wanting to make them feel as good as possible even as he's sating himself. And though the pause has taken a little of the edge off, it's rapidly coming back, and before long he's chasing it as fast and as hard as he can.

"It was so hot when Pete was spanking me, b-but… hotter when you watched…" Lu wants Izzy to enjoy himself as much as they are, and have been. He wants Pete driven into oblivion and over the edge again like Ed, and he's ready to throw every bit of his agency into getting that. "Loved watching you fuck Ed and Stede… love knowing you've just been in him… god, I want you to come next to me, Sir, please!"

"I loved watching," Izzy tells him. "It was so fucking hot. And I promise, I'm gonna come right next to you… and soon…"

He's so damn close now; fighting to hold out as long as he can because of how incredible it feels, but well-aware it'll only work for a short time. And then, as is inevitable, the pleasure builds to breaking point, and with a rough, ecstatic cry he's coming hard and fast; trying to keep moving all the way through, wanting Lu and Pete to feel every second of it as well.

"Fuck, yes!" he cries out. "Oh fuck, fuck, fuck!"

He manages not to collapse right down as the waves start to abate; bracing himself against Pete's back as he tries to catch his breath; whole body still shuddering all over from bliss. "…so good… fuck…"

Lucius has Stede's hand with one of his own, the other wrapped around Pete to grip Izzy and use his fingertips to sandwich them closer together. He's buried under Pete's weight, but it feels safe, and comforting, and right. The sticky gushing against his cock has him quivering in gratitude, because it's almost as good as being the one Izzy's finished inside of. And few things are as good as one of his guys finishing inside of him. "So good… so good…"

"…fuck… think I need a lie down now…" Izzy murmurs, with a hazy smile. "That was fucking incredible."

"It really was," Stede concurs, dreamily. He's still clinging to Ed with one hand, and to Lucius' hand with the other, but the rest of him is completely relaxed. "So good. Should get accosted by not-lesbians more often."

Pete giggles. "…lesbians tried to make me do crack but it wasn't crack and they weren't lesbians…" He giggles some more.

"And Stede scored… baking ingredients…" Ed snickers. "But his brownies are like crack. So it's… fair." A pause. "Do you put baking powder in brownies, or is it just cakes?"

"Sometimes cakes don't have baking powder," Lucius offers.

"…the fuck kind of cake does that?"

"Or flour, even sometimes…"

"…some cakes are basically just a chocolate omelette, in real terms…" Stede murmurs, perhaps unhelpfully.

Izzy stares between the four of them in bemusement. "…you want help lying down, or do you want to debate baking some more?"

"…I mean, if it's good baking…" Pete stage-whispers.

"You wiped all the flour off," Lu reminds him. "So maybe baking can be tomorrow. I'd quite like Izzy-cuddles." Here, he lets go to do a two-handed grabby motion. "Cuddles. Cake later."

Ed squints down at Stede. "I mean, we could try have you hold onto me like a baby sloth or opossum or something while I crawl up the bed… can't guarantee it won't end up with me crushing your nuts…"

"…maybe we should avoid the acrobatics," Stede decides. "I'm sleepy, and I don't want my nuts crushing."

"You can get vices for 'em, you know," Izzy points out, wickedly.

"…oh God, no thank you," Stede gasps. A beat. "Except… maybe. But not now. Or soon. Or… shush. Cuddles."

Izzy flashes him another wicked look, then pulls back and out of Pete. "Come on, let's get you two settled properly at the top of the bed."

"Yes, please!" Lucius says, and starfishes out on the bed, narrowly avoiding smacking Stede in the head as he does so. "Cudddddles!"

Ed ducks the windmilling arms, then lifts himself off Stede. Though this does make it easier to then shimmy down and plant his feet on the floor, then hook Stede's legs up and over his shoulders. With a shove, he slides the man a good foot or two up the bed. "Wheelbarrow time?"

"…s'long as you don't crush my nuts," Stede replies. "And then you have to cuddle me."

Pete lifts himself off Lucius, and then – with Izzy perhaps guiding them to be a little more sensible – helps Lu up to the top of the bed where he can curl up with Pete spooned in behind him, and Izzy spooned in behind him. And… still loads of room left, because this insane bed Stede somehow managed to obtain is fucking massive.

"Choo-choo!" Ed announces, as he tries to shufty Stede up the bed.

"That's a fucking train!" Lucius complains.

"Well what the fuck noise am I supposed to make for a wheelbarrow?" Ed gets Stede nearly there, then precariously wobbles. "Guard your nuts!"

"Izzy, tell him to leave my nuts alone!" Stede exclaims.

"Yeah, I don't think that's gonna work," Izzy replies, not moving from where he's now comfortably snuggled in. "Plus we all saw your face when I mentioned the vice."

"…I was mentally-compromised."

"Man overboard!" Ed may be misbehaving. Whether it's wholly deliberate or not, his knees slide from beneath him and his torso crashes into Stede's lower half.

"That's a fucking ship. Get your transport right!" Apparently Lucius is now Czar of Transport.

"Bad! Very bad!" Stede exclaims, batting at him. "Look at how nicely-snuggled the others are! We could be nicely-snuggled too, if you weren't trying to assault my nuts!"

"It's true, you could be," Pete agrees, mildly-stirring. "We are very nicely-snuggled. And warm. I highly recommend it."

"I told you to guard them!" Ed pouts. "It's not my fault. And you have legs. You could carry me to them." He may or may not be now grabbing Stede's nuts.

Stede bats at him harder, then reaches to grab him by the hair. "Naughty! Come and lie down before I decide it's time to spank you!"

"…must not encourage, must not encourage, must not encourage…" Pete murmurs. Encouragingly.

"Can I have both?" Ed asks.

"IZZY!" Lucius protests. "I want cuddle time! Please gag Ed."

"Edward, behave," Izzy says, in the Voice. "Lie down for cuddles and stop attacking Stede's nuts!"

"That!" Stede concurs, letting go of Ed to give him a chance to behave.

"Can I get the spankings if I behave?" Ed asks, and starts crawling up towards the aforementioned area. "Please? Even if it's later?"

"…Yes," Stede decides. "If you behave. But after cuddles." He tries to look hopeful. "I like cuddles. And you could sandwich me between you and Lucius so I can cuddle you both."

"Greedy," Ed declares, but most obviously obliges. "You have such a fucking crush on him."

Lucius giggles, pulling Stede in. "He has a crush on Izzy, too. And Pete. Ed, your husband is a slut."

"And a fucking gorgeous one, at that." Ed starts to spoon in, wrapping his arms around his husband. "And your husbands keep wanting to fuck him, too."

"I am not a slut, I am very particular!" Stede 'protests', as he snuggles in more with a happy sigh. "I just… happen to have an irresistible magnetism."

"You mean you attract lunatics?" Pete says.

"Pete!"

"I was including myself!"

"…oh. Then… yes, possibly. With love."

"Pete likes Ste-ede," Lucius sing-songs. "Pete likes Ste-ede. Pete and Stede, sitting in a tree--"

"…of course I like him, that's not a secret!" Pete insists. "And you're all sitting in the tree with me. It's the polycule tree. The polyamor-tree."

"That should be the next iteration of the orgasmogram," Ed decides. "It makes logical sense. Like a family tree, but for fucking."

"I am not fucking anyone in a tree." Lucius cranes over to look to Izzy, imploringly. "I'm serious about the gag."

"It is resting time now," Izzy says, in the Voice again. "And anyone not resting quietly – quietly – will not get spanked later."

Ed pouts. He very much looks like he wants to say more, and is now Grumpy about it. And making it obvious. With the pout.

Lucius grabs for Pete's hand – or Izzy's? – he's not sure, but whoever it is they need to spoon him. Or sandwich him. Or something. "Love you all."

"…am I allowed to say that?" Ed asks, a little sullenly. "Because I do."

"Of course you are," Izzy says, a lot more softly. "And you know we love you too."

Stede snuggles back against Ed, pulling him in tighter. "So very much."

"Okay. Good." Ed stifles a yawn. "Because I do. And spankings, too. So I'm going to be quiet, now." Or try to. Very, very hard. Even if the inside of his head is bubbling over with thoughts, he can do quiet. Especially if Stede needs it.

(He can have the conversations with himself until they wake up again.)

Before it's too much of a wait, Lucius can't help but add: "And Ed? I think Pete, Stede and Izzy have crushes on you, too. Me? I think you're not bad."

Ed snorts. "Go the fuck to sleep, Lu."

"Race you."

Chapter Text

The next day being – mercifully – a Saturday means they can at least have a lazy time of it. The five of them get up late and have brunch, and when they're done with that they move to settle on the couches in Stede and Ed's apartment; aware that they need to talk about what happened the previous night. And… not the fun and kinky parts.

"I… guess we're going to have to work out what we do next," Stede says. "The things we found out yesterday… they were a lot. And… look, whatever they said about me, or my… my family history… we decide this together."

"Can… can I suggest maybe we start with that? If you're ready to." Ed looks to Stede, then squeezes above his knee. "Your dad, I mean. I know you were shaken last night. You've slept, but not really had a chance to work through it. Maybe we could start?"

"What do you even feel about it?" Lu asks. "He was dead long before we met, so I know less about him than maybe I should."

Stede looks down. He'd hoped they'd all gravitate towards the Bellringers themselves, and the implied alliance-slash-working together, but he realises maybe this part was inevitable.

"I… look. I know I don't talk much about my parents, my father especially. We weren't close. He… never harmed me physically, but emotionally he was… cold, and distant, and didn't exactly approve of the kind of person I am, and wasn't shy about saying so. I don't think he wanted to be a father, not really, but there was a sense of him needing an 'heir'… which is likely why I have no siblings. One and done."

Stede clasps his hands on his knees. He's shaking just a little, though it's subtle.

"He wanted me to be… better, somehow. Stronger, or braver, or… more of 'a man', whatever that even means now. And when I left school, he allowed me to go to university, on the understanding that I'd go into the Intel Academy once I graduated. I… had been planning to try to talk him out of it. To try to argue that I was better suited for academia, only… I found out he was dying, so I agreed to go to the Academy."

Another little sigh. He can feel their eyes on him and right now he kind of wishes he couldn't.

"I'm… not surprised he was secretly a Bellringer. It makes sense. I'm not really upset that he never told me, because I think there's a lot he never told me, and in the grand scheme of things it probably isn't the most significant. I guess… in many ways, I'm more upset that Daniel never told me; especially because when he told me the Bellringers existed, all he would say is that they were something to avoid, and not that his closest friend had been one."

"It… could have…" Lucius pauses, clearly trying to work up the courage. "I'm just going to say it. Anything. I mean. And… and if I upset you, I'm sorry, and we can work through it. Right? But I… I think I need to 'work' this bit out for work, even. Not that it's more important for work. But that even for that I have to and – I should stop rambling and just… do it, shouldn't I?"

"Lu, it's OK," Stede insists. "I'm not going to get upset with you, or any of you. I… I think I need to work this through, so if you can help, I want you to. And if… if I do get upset, it's not with you. I might. I might… not. I don't know. I don't usually have to engage with this side of things, so I just… don't."

Ed wraps his arm around Stede's waist. "We're here for you, love. No matter how it makes you feel. Or how long it takes to work through it. Fuck knows you've been here for all of us."

Stede leans into him, very much wanting the comfort even though he looks like he's not quite here. Not full-on dissociated, but… distant. "I know you are," he says. "And I'm grateful. I mean it. I couldn't do any of this without all of you."

"And you're not gonna have to," Izzy reminds him. "So it's OK. If you're up to working through this, let's try to do that, and then if you need not to engage with it again for a while, at least the rest of us will know the key points."

"Yeah, and Ed's right, you've helped us deal with stuff too," Pete adds. "So of course we're gonna want to help you."

This makes Stede manage a little smile. "You're all so amazing. I mean it. And… OK, Lu, you can go for it."

Lucius isn't quite looking at Stede, either. He can't. He doesn't want to upset him, but he… feels the tug. The need to dig, to pull, to work through it. And sometimes it's easier if he's not… fully emotionally connected to do it. Like… with work.

"After your father died, it looks like the head liaison with the Bellringers position may have been… vacant? At least, there wasn't his equivalent with Daniel. And if he told you to keep away from them… that could be for a variety of reasons, couldn't it?" Lu can almost feel the mental lockpick teasing at the tumblers inside. "He might have been genuinely trying to protect you, but that's unlikely. No offence. More likely he was protecting himself…?"

"I can't see Daniel as being one to like the Bellringers on principle," Stede replies, thinking about it more. "They were operating outside his jurisdiction, outside his system. Even Six fits within the same basic rules, but the Bellringers didn't. Don't. So if my father was involved with them… Daniel may have tolerated it because of their friendship, and because it gave him a clear line of access and influence. A line that he wouldn't have had with someone else. So he may have unofficially declared them persona-non-grata as far as Five were concerned."

"And he wouldn't have wanted you to know, and resume the position and connection. He didn't want your father in with them, and he had even less control over you." Lucius hmms slightly, to himself. "Would you have? If you'd known. You stayed in MI5 after he died, so it isn't as if you suddenly rebelled. They seem to have had some expectation that you would have joined up…"

"Good question," Ed murmurs. "What do you think, love?"

Stede stops and thinks about this for a moment. "…I don't know," he admits, finally. "I… I suppose it would have depended on when I was asked. There's times when I would have jumped at the chance, because it… it would have made me feel like I was relevant, or… professionally-desirable. There's other times when I would have turned it down. And probably claimed I had a headache."

He sighs. "If my father had been the one to tell me… I likely would have said yes, to please him, regardless of anything else. But by the time that could have happened, he'd passed."

Ed slides his hand into Stede's. "And now you are being asked."

"It does stand that if Daniel hates them, he wouldn't want you anywhere near them. Or Mary near them, for that matter," Lucius continues. "And if he'd told you that your father was, then he risked that. What I can't work out is your father… if he expected Daniel, or someone else, to approach you, or… he didn't get the time to tell you? You said he passed reasonably fast…?"

"It felt that way to me," Stede answers. "I'd just finished my final year at university – I read English Literature at Oxford, and oh, I loved it – when they told me he'd been ill for a while. Thyroid cancer, which had spread to multiple secondaries. Too fast and too aggressive even for the best new treatments. He was dying, but they hadn't told me for months and months."

A soft, shuddering breath. "We weren't close, we weren't affectionate, but… it hurt, that they did that."

"Would it have changed anything, if you knew sooner?" Ed asks. "I'm not… I'm not trying to defend him, just so you know. I'm… trying to get you to unpack why you're upset. See if I can make you feel any better… y'know… And how long had he actually known? Did he say?"

"He just said 'months'," Stede answers. "Apparently he and my mother decided not to tell me whilst I was away in case it made me fuck up my final year exams. And I… I mean, I don't think it would have changed things in a practical sense. I couldn't do anything, and I'd've agreed to go to the Academy one way or another. But… I hated that they lied to me. That they kept saying things were 'fine' until suddenly he was in the advanced terminal stages with only weeks to live."

"Would you do the same to your kids?" Lucius asks. "I'm seriously asking. I don't have any, and I won't, but I'm still close to yours. And… I honestly don't know what I'd want in that situation. Or… what I'd want my parents to have done, if we… if we were still talking…"

Stede shakes his head. "God, no. I'd tell them sooner. I'd want to be honest, and I'd want to give them time to process it. Fuck, I'd want them to help me process it. And… I'd have faith in their ability to carry on with their own lives whilst they were dealing with it, rather than assuming they'd suddenly fuck everything up. But… my father pretty much thought I was a fuck-up, so we had different ways of approaching parenting…"

"Yeah, but… if 'you' were a fuck-up, then wouldn't that mean he was a shit dad, huh?" Ed asks. "Because I sure as fuck think so. And you're not, for the record. And your kids don't think that of you, either. So… there's that. And those kids are fucking smart, so they'd know. Alma 'specially."

A beat. "Not that Louis isn't smart. He's a different smart. And he's younger."

"I've done my best to be nothing like him, especially with my kids," Stede says. "And even when I was being useless, I still cared, and I still tried to be as honest as one can when working for MI5 and going through a divorce. But… I was determined to be better. I'd never claim I was perfect, but I also never called them weak, or useless, or unworthy of their lot in lives, so I know I'm doing better than he ever did."

The sound of teeth grinding is audible to everyone as Ed's expression darkens considerably. "Just so you know… I'd've done him, too. For you. But I found out too late. Otherwise…" Otherwise, he might well have found a window or a speeding car conveniently within pushing-distance.

"It's OK," Stede says, gripping Ed's hand. "I'm… I'm OK. It's all… old feelings. Old feelings that I pushed way, way down a long time ago…"

"Stede," Izzy cuts in, caring but firm, "you know that's not healthy, right? I know you do, because you've said as much about other people."

"…it's just words. I've dealt with it." He has not, and it's becoming glaringly obvious.

"If you've dealt with it, why are you still upset by this news?" Lucius asks, snapping away from the analysis for now. "He hurt you. And we know what it's like when… when you're hurt. By parents. By family. We know. And even if you didn't feel upset, we sure as hell do. You felt it when you heard how my family treated me, or Ed's treated him…"

"…it's not the same. That was much worse. This was… this was just…"

"Stede Bonnet, don't you fucking dare," Izzy cuts across, even more firm this time. "You would not in a million years accept that argument from any of us and you know it."

"…I don't want it to be true…"

Izzy gives a soft sigh. "But it is true, Stede. I know it's shit, but it's what happened, and it's OK to be upset about that. Fuck knows the people in this room can tell you that better than most."

"I could say 'at least no one beat me up'," Lucius points out, reaching over for Stede's other hand. "Or Ed could say 'at least he didn't talk to me much', or… anything. But we don't need to compare. He hurt you. And we're fucking livid on your behalf."

Ed pulls Stede in to kiss the top of his curls. "Lu's right." His voice is thick with rage and anguish that he's trying to push down. "And even if you don't believe it from yourself, you should fucking well trust when three coppers and – and two… survivors tell you it was real. Emotional neglect and abuse is just as fucking wrong, and… and I want you to imagine how you'd feel if Pete's dad, or Izzy's said that to them… Or… or if Mary wasn't with Doug and whoever she was with said it to your kids…"

That makes Stede give a choke of pain and push roughly, desperately into Ed's arms. He hates that he's doing this, because he's never felt that what he went through was on the same level as Ed, or Lu, and it had felt almost disloyal to try to 'push in' on their very real pain when his was surely so much less. Doubly-so because he grew up in a secure, wealthy household where a lot of other worries just didn't exist, so he was spared those more common traumas too.

But… they're also right that he wouldn't let any of them try this exact same response and get away with it. Of course he wouldn't. It's just easier to help when it's someone else.

"…I'm sorry… I'm not disrespecting your stories or… or your experiences, I promise… I'm just… I…"

"You'd be disrespecting us if you kept pretending it didn't fucking hurt you, or wouldn't have hurt us," Ed insists, gripping him fiercely. "I'm not lying to you. I swear to fucking god, all I feel is rage for you. And if you honestly thought what you went through was bullshit – seriously – you'd be diminishing what we went through. Not the other way around."

Lu looks to Pete and Izzy – more for reassurance and for them to see he's okay enough – before he moves closer in to rub a hand down Stede's back. "Ed's right, you know. You aren't taking anything away. I… I felt bad when I had to say… Because I honestly felt like it didn't matter so much, because no one laid a finger on me. Those voices in your head are lying to you."

Izzy knows that Lu and Ed have the most experience here, so he lets them focus on talking, and slides an arm around Pete to hold him close; both of them on hand but not jumping in first.

Stede, meanwhile, is now crying quietly but intensely against Ed's chest. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. It hurt. It fucking hurt. Nothing I did was ever good enough. He never saw me as anything but weak and pathetic. I tried to do everything he wanted and it still wasn't right. I walked out of Oxford with a First and his response was basically 'I'm dying, go train as a spy'."

"And that fucking hurt, because you wanted him to love you," Ed replies, cradling him, stroking his hair. "And of course it fucking hurt. You were a kid. A kid with a huge fucking heart. So fucking talented, so loving, so smart. If Louis – or Alma – were a fraction of you, you'd be so fucking proud, wouldn't you? You would. So be fucking pissed off with him. Because you are fucking so much more than he ever was. But don't pretend it didn't fucking hurt. We all know it did."

The words break a dam inside Stede, and suddenly he's a sobbing, shaking wreck; trying to scramble deeper into his husband's arms as a whole lifetime of repressed hurt comes racing to the surface. He didn't even think it was as bad as it clearly is, but that's partly because he's now able – and encouraged – to be very emotionally honest, and that simply wasn't a thing before his husband, and his polycule.

"…it did…" he whispers. "I didn't even need him to spend all day singing my praises. Just some appreciation when I actually did good would have been enough. But… any academic achievement was just 'to be expected' because there simply couldn't be a world where I wouldn't have done well, and anything else… anything else I was a disaster at, so there was no way for me to ever do something he'd think was worthwhile. Thank fuck he didn't live to see the mess I made of the Academy… only got through that because of Daniel pulling strings…"

"And look what you achieved when you went out on your own," Ed pushes, nodding as Lu silently asks if he can come in to hold on, too. "Look at us! Look at your kids! You're a fucking phenomenon, Stede. You took down Ned-fucking-Low, when Daniel was just pissing in his boots! You've made a fucking difference."

Lu grips Stede's arm. "Would… would it help to… to say what you want to say to him?" he asks. "If he was still here? Maybe… maybe you can scream it out and get it out of you?"

Stede doesn't think he can do that, but he also recognises precisely why it's a good idea, which is why he goes suddenly rigid and roars words into Ed's chest: a little muffled but coherent enough.

"Why the fuck didn't you love me?! Why was nothing ever enough?! Why was it never even close?! Would anything have been enough, or was I doomed from the fucking start?!"

"That's it… he was a fucking asshole. He deserves nothing but your fucking contempt… You're here, you're thriving, despite him. And you're fucking happy and I bet he was never fucking happy in his life. How could he be, if he couldn't love you?" Ed squeezes his arms into his sides. "I'm glad he's fucking dead. Because otherwise… I'd do some fucking horrific things to him. I swear to fucking god he'd feel everything he'd made you feel…"

"I know," Stede whispers, shakily. "I know. And I know how lucky I am to have all of you… how lucky I am that Lu helped me save my relationship with the kids… how lucky they are to have so many amazing uncles. I know I've done better. I know I've proven him wrong. But it still hurts."

"It's… going to hurt. Maybe forever," Lu admits, as he starts stroking Stede's hair. "It still hurts what mine did to me. You can't… make it not have happened. And… it's right to feel that pain, and anger. And let it be real. But also remember that it's gone, and… and each time you remember it, you can pull a bit of the hurt out and throw it behind you. Or when you're done being mad, you can then throw yourself into the good. Or feel both at once. But… whatever it is you're feeling… we're here. We're here for the good, and the bad. You don't have to hide it, or pretend. We'll still be here, loving you."

Ed sniffs loudly, nodding so hard it hurts. "We sure as fuck will. All of us. Always."

Stede tries to reach for Lucius too, so he can cling to him and Ed at the same time; still shaking and sobbing as the pain wracks through him, but… gradually a little less. "I don't know what I'd do without you. I just don't. I'd be lost in the nothing he tried to make me if you hadn't come along."

"You'd have found your way out, and found us," Ed insists. "No matter how, or where, or when… You were always going to find us." He can tell Stede wants Lu closer, so he gently turns Stede in his arms to let the other man slink under Stede's.

Lucius needs no further excuse or invitation, squirming so he's under Stede's arm and wrapped around him. "You weren't nothing, even when you met me. You weren't happy, but you were never nothing. I wouldn't have stayed for 'nothing'."

"I wasn't nearly as appreciative of you as I should have been," Stede says; still pained though calming more and more. "You kept me going. You made things bearable and you saved my relationship with my kids. Probably went some way towards saving my friendship with Mary, too. You were and are amazing and I love you so fucking much."

He clings to Lucius tighter, pulling him more into Ed's embrace because he will always, always need his Ed.

"Don't forget you saved me, too. And I wasn't…" Lucius sighs. "I wasn't… the most… wonderful, myself. Or the most open-minded and… approachable. But it's okay. It's what we needed, first. Like with Ed and Izzy. It's okay."

Ed peers over the two he's cuddling, gesturing to the pair curled into one another. "You guys coming over? You don't need to have had shit for dads to join us, y'know. And your issue with the D-word probably counts as a Daddy Issue all in and of itself, Iz…"

"…shush," Izzy says, but doesn't push more than that. He and Pete move closer; settling on the couch next to Ed and snuggling in against him: Izzy guiding Pete to be the one sandwiched between them, so he's also closer to Lucius.

"I really am sorry about all this," Stede now tells them. "I didn't mean to lose it so badly. It all just… hit."

"You probably needed it to," Pete points out. "And you know you're safe with all of us. You know it's OK."

"Hey, you held it together when you needed to. Before you had us, and last night…" Ed runs his hands over him, grateful the others are in close, too. "And now you can be pissed off with us. I mean, while we're here, not 'at' us 'with' us. With… fuck. You know…"

Lucius snorts. "You 'lose it' much more sensibly than we do. And that isn't an invitation to go on a bender, or smash things up… But your pain is ours, too. So… you're just going to get used to us helping. Or one of us will bite you in a non-fun way."

"I don't mind you helping," Stede answers. "Of course I don't. I just… feel like I shouldn't need it."

"Yeah, but that's him talking," Izzy says. "Saying you can't feel things or you're 'weak'. It's bullshit, and you know it, and you'd tell any of us the same."

Stede sighs. "I know. And I will be all right. That's not machismo or denial, either: I will, because I've got all of you, and that's how I know it will be OK. And the rest of this Bellringer stuff, which we still need to talk about… I can handle it."

"Course you can handle it. You're Stede-fucking-Bonnet. And his band of merry homosexuals." Ed kisses his cheek, loud and lip-smackingly. "And I want you to mentally picture one of us telling your deadbeat dad to 'fuck off' any time something he would have said bounces around in your head. Yeah? Just because he was shit with other people… you sure as fuck are not."

Lucius makes a little noise. "No… you've got something, there. I can't quite work it out, yet, but… something about Stede's dad and Daniel is still… bugging me. They were clearly fucked up on some level. I mean: between one another."

"Oh God, I don't want to know," Stede murmurs. "I realise I'm probably going to find out more things I don't want to know if we carry on down this road, but… even so. Can we… can we talk about the rest of it? About the Bellringers, and us, and what they seem to want?"

Lucius looks up, a little startled. "What? Oh – I didn't mean… I meant they weren't very… solid. Or functional. I wasn't going anywhere weird with it, just… if that was their primary relationship – work and not – they were awful for one another."

"On the surface, they didn't think they were," Stede says. "Or… not in any way I could see. But there was so much neither of them ever said, so there could have been all sorts going on. From the sound of it, my father was committed to both Five and the Bellringers, and I find it hard to imagine Daniel actively liking that. Tolerating it, yes, especially for the insight into the other side, but it's not a surprise he cut all ties after my father died."

"Just another way you're superior to them both. You have all of us, plus Mary, Anne, Doug. The squad. Even those fucked up kilted cowboys." Ed shuffles a bit, trying to find a slightly more relaxed position to snuggle in. "But you wanted to talk shop for a bit?"

Stede nods. "…if that's OK. I just want to make sure we're all on the same page about this. I don't want to drag everyone into a new batch of insanity unless you're on board too. It was all so sudden last night, and there was so much going on, and… I want to know how you all feel now you've had time to think about it with a clear head."

"Is there any universe where we wouldn't say 'yes', at least to make sure it's not going to go evil?" Lucius asks. "I'm serious. Even if you didn't want to take on the…"

"Thunderbirds thing," Ed provides.

"…not that, but that. Even if you didn't want that role, could you ever turn down the opportunity to do more good, or prevent bad things?"

"I still need to ask," Stede says. "I… realise you're all probably on board, but I don't want anyone holding back if they've got concerns or issues. We're a team and we do this as a team, or not at all."

"I know I'd follow all of you anywhere," Pete replies, softly. "And that's not because I'm some wide-eyed fanboy; it's because I know you'd never knowingly take things in the wrong direction. So if you think this is worth pursuing, I'm with you. Plus… it could be kind of cool, and if these guys are good guys, then why wouldn't we want to help 'em out?"

"And if they're not, or some of them aren't… we'd want to stick our noses in there, too," Ed agrees. "Reckon we're all in on principle. That's not really the question. That's gonna be when we have to work out who we trust, or what the next difficult step is. But – like Stede – I don't wanna speak for us."

"I'm in. How much I'm in the field is… a case by case basis, but I'm in," Lucius agrees. "After all, what do you get for the guys who have everything?"

"Another international spy organisation, apparently," Izzy says, dryly. "At least this one probably isn't run by a secret serial killer. Probably. And… look, this all started because of Lil and Lan, and if they're involved, and they think we should be too… I can trust in that."

"Then… we'll go for it," Stede replies. "But we take every collaboration or mission step by step, and if anyone has concerns, we take them seriously. And… they may have been after me in the first instance, but they also knew that you don't get one of us without all of us, and it's going to stay that way."

"Also… Izzy, you do know this is now officially your fault, too?" Ed swivels to look at him. "You knew them… how long? Before Stede was born, probably?"

"How fucking old do you think I am?!" Izzy exclaims. "And for the record, I've known 'em a few years longer than I've known you; ever since I got into the scene when I was a young man. But given that they're part of a secret organisation, I understand why they didn't tell me. Plus, you know me, I don't pry."

"Also, back then, 'are you part of a secret spy organisation?' probably wasn't something you felt you needed to ask," Pete adds.

Izzy nods. "Exactly."

"Point still stands: you attract spies, Iz. So." Ed shrugs, eyes dancing with amusement that he's riled him.

"Technically, so do you: you had Hornigold after you, remember?"

Ed makes a face. "Ew. But Izzy knew the lesbians first."

"And at least the lesbians aren't evil bastards," Izzy adds. "Unlike your old pal Benny."

"I did not like that man one bit," Stede remarks.

"Plus there's apparently nothing wrong with attracting spies," Izzy goes on. "It seems to have worked out well in our case."

"I didn't say it was wrong!" Ed shoves his arm, lightly. "I was just pointing out you were at it first. So… the whole… 'was gonna happen' shit. Fate and stuff. You started it."

"I think he's attempting to be 'nice'," Lucius interprets. "With both feet in his mouth."

"At least I'm flexible enough to do that…"

"And I am confident we can trust 'em," Izzy goes on; resisting the urge to make comments about bending Ed into a ball and doing things to him. "The lesbians, at least. Can't speak for the rest. I think Maggie's on our side too, even if she's a bit wild about how she shows it."

"What about the other one we met?" Stede asks. "Zheng? She seems very badass, but I don't think she likes me. Which… if she's still backing me as a candidate means she dislikes this Ricky guy even more."

"It was a bit of a dick move going for your legs like that, but at least no one got seriously hurt on either side. They were fucking lucky… we could easily have shot any of 'em. Not that we'd go to kill, but we'd've adjusted for them maybe wearing body armour and taken out a knee, a shoulder…" Ed shudders. "Kinda does remind me of Hornigold, come to think…"

Lucius makes an even more disgusted face. "And they hurt my Pete, but I do want to give them points for gagging Jack. And I know we joke about drug-selling lesbians, but she was fighting that off rather hard. Not that I think she's homophobic, but she was… weird about it?"

"Oh god, did we find a straight one?" Pete wonders. "She did seem to get really into talking to Olu afterwards."

"Either that, or she just doesn't like the implication that all lesbians sell drugs," Izzy adds. "Which they obviously don't; we just happen to have a history with some ones that do."

"Yeah, but… aren't Jim and Archie also into Olu?" Ed squints. "I try not to get too involved in the office shit, but… they aren't subtle. Kinda like you and Lu weren't, Pete…"

"Or you and Stede!" Lucius counters. "You were practically trying to out-exhibitionist us! And why would it matter if those three are already a thing?"

"Well… on the poly side, it wouldn't, if they are a thing. Then they're obviously not just monogamous. But… Archie's a girl." Ed shrugs. "And I don't know how Zheng feels about Jims."

"Not every polycule is 'everyone in one big bed'," Lucius points out. "But she also said she's not a lesbian. Doesn't mean she's not bi, or pan… And isn't Archie more… Sapphic?"

"Sapph-what?"

"Preferring lady-like people." Lucius looks to Pete. "Right? And she's with Olu, as well as Jim. And Mary and Anne have Doug…"

"Yeah, Archie prefers… uhm… people without dicks," Pete answers. "I don't think she and Olu do stuff with each other, but they both do stuff with Jim. And they still like each other a lot."

"Mary and Anne and Doug are all a thing together, though," Stede adds. "But… I don't think Mary knew she also liked women when we were married. I didn't know I liked guys. And I know Anne definitely didn't know she also likes women until she met Mary."

"Oh." Ed squints. "I thought… uh. I guess I thought if you were together you were all together? I dunno. That's all the stuff I've seen. Guess it's more complicated, then. So maybe it'll be fine?"

"Archie's always been happy when you talk to her, hasn't she?" Lu asks Pete. "Not meaning to pry or poke for details, but I reckon she'd speak up if she wasn't happy. So would Jim. Or… maybe not speak up but stab someone? And Olu… didn't you say he'd been working even better than usual, Izzy?"

"He's definitely the happiest I've ever known him," Izzy answers. "So I'd guess things are going well between them."

"And Archie's pretty much always happy to talk about how she's feeling," Pete says. "We're pretty good mates, so I think she'd tell me if things weren't going well, and she seems really happy too. As for Jim… obviously they're not talkative in the same way, but you can definitely tell if something's not right."

"Guess we should give Zheng the Talk if it looks serious enough." Ed glances between the others. "Right? In a 'don't hurt our squad' way? Or… am I being over-protective and shit? Just… y'know. She did kick Stede."

"If it goes somewhere, we should," Izzy agrees. "Still early days now, but if we're going to have people around our guys – not just her – we'll keep an eye on 'em."

"And I'll see what Archie says when we're back in the office," Pete adds. "I won't break any confidences, but I'll make sure things are still good."

"I know you wouldn't. And… just tell her we're looking out for her, right?" Lucius looks so, so fondly at Pete. "All three of them. We know spies and cops have 'thing', just… we don't know this one enough, yet. And I'm going to want a lot more intel from Maggie before we do anything with any of them."

"Me too," Stede agrees. "She messaged earlier and said she wanted to come talk to us all about the next steps, so I said to come round on Monday evening after work. I figured that gives everyone the weekend to process everything, and then we can start finding out what all this means for us in real terms."

"That's the crucial bit," Izzy says. "We need to be sure of what we're getting into."

"And everyone needs to be able to sit on their arses without needing a special pillow if she's around." Ed gives a slightly sheepish grin. "No complaints, by the way. Just… would prefer she didn't see me at less than my best."

"Yeah, that'd be wise," Izzy concurs, wryly. "I realise we did a lot of sharing – not all of it entirely consensual – last night. Could've done without fucking Jack and Maynard turning up as well…"

"…I said I was sorry!" Stede insists. "And I think they were more embarrassed than we were."

"We had better outfits, though. Those fucking boots…" Ed tsks. "The skirt was okay, though. I'll give him that."

Lucius snorts loudly. "Stede really did turn you into the biggest bitch. I'm all here for it!"

"What? I have taste!"

"Damn right you do," Stede agrees, snuggling into Ed again. "And you already did, I just encouraged it more."

"Also you do realise that if you get more involved with the Bellringers, Maynard is going to get even more excited?" Izzy has to point out, wryly. "He already thinks they're cool."

"They'll be cooler if Stede joins them." Ed shrugs. "Dumb-ass fanboy. They weren't good enough to do half the shit we all did…"

Lucius gives Ed a Look. "You got excited when MI6 approached you."

"…that was before. Now I'm better than Six could ever afford."

"They'd still love to have you," Stede points out. "But you're all ours. All mine. And the Bellringers may want to borrow all of us, but it'll be on our terms. The reputation we've got now… we've earned it."

"It's going to be even worse, now," Lucius points out.

"…why?"

"You do realise Olu and Jim recorded everything up until the baking powder, more or less?" Lucius grins. "Even if we delete the recording, they heard everything. And saw… enough."

"…they're under orders to be discreet," Izzy says, though even as he does he knows that's not going to cut it, not entirely.

"We're going to get a reputation for being desperately-kinky, aren't we?" Stede manages. "Like the lesbians, but without the drugs."

"With the drugs. You took drugs." Lucius lifts a brow. "Twice."

"That's not fair, Lu!"

"I know: one time was coerced, the other was poisoning. But it still stands: desperately kinky, and regularly chasing drugs. And loudly celebrating when he scores some."

"From a professional perspective!" Stede exclaims. "Because we needed them for evidence!" He's gone a little pink. "And the drug-taking was not my fault. And I still said I was sorry." A beat. "I am desperately-kinky, though. I think I'll have to own that one."

He buries his head in Ed's chest regardless.

"Does this mean Stede's a lesbian, now?" Ed can't help but ask as he cuddles him. "Is my husband a lesbian? Will he still love me? Do I need to shave, now?"

Stede says something that sounds very much like 'I'm not a lesbian', only very muffled by Ed's chest. From which he does not lift his head.

"I don't think he's a lesbian," Izzy manages, getting the headache that makes him wonder if it's too early to find the rum. "You can be desperately-kinky and involved with drugs without being a lesbian."

"Yeah, you need one of those overlapping-circle diagrams," Pete adds, trying to be helpful. "Like…" he makes two rings with each finger and thumb, and holds them together, "…I need more circles, but there's different bits that overlap and he can be in some of them but not all."

"Can this go on the orgasmagram as an official diagnostic thingy?" Ed asks. "Along with whatever sapphire bunny thing and the Thunderbirds stuff?"

Then he kisses Stede's head. "I think I'd look stupid without a beard, but if it was the only way I got to keep you, I'd do it."

Stede looks cautiously up at him. "…You might have a nice chin. I think you have a nice chin. But I prefer the beard."

He pushes up to kiss Ed, quick and soft. "Also… thank you for reassuring me before. It helped. I… know it might come up again if we're doing all this, but I know I've got all of you to get me through."

Ed starts to rub his cheek into Stede's. "You can always pet my chin… with the beard still on. And you don't need to thank us, but you're welcome all the same. Fuck knows you've done as much for all of us. And we'll need your help before long, too. Even if it's licking Pete's face to see what he's got on him next…"

"For the record, baking powder doesn't taste good," Pete says, with a shudder.

"No, it doesn't," Stede agrees. "And I never tasted the crack, so…"

"Stede, no," Izzy cuts in, firmly.

It's starting to feel like wrangling kittens again. Confused, randy, desperately-kinky kittens.

And it's not going to stop any time soon, either.

Chapter Text

Monday evening rolls around, and with it the planned meeting with Maggie to discuss the next steps with the Bellringers. She's due after dinner, so they can talk things through over a round of drinks, and Stede's hoping it will somehow be explanatory and eye-opening whilst also being procedural and uncomplicated. Which… is unlikely, but a man can hope.

The first sign that things are not going as expected is when the front desk calls up to say that they have not one guest, but three.

"Three?" Stede repeats.

"Yeah," Tim replies. "Maggie's here, but she's got Maynard and Rackham in tow."

"…oh God," Stede breathes. "OK. You can send them all up. Thanks, Tim."

And he turns to the others. "So… Maggie brought Jack and Maynard. No idea why. So… uhm. Brace?"

"Pete, grab the sedatives for Izzy, would you?" Ed jokes, a little strained. "Or Jack. Or both. Maybe we could lace some brownies with them?"

That might help, although then no one would really focus on the work. Some with, some without? Not that they have anything to lace them with, probably? Unless--

"You are not drugging our husband, Ed," Lucius frowns. "But we will keep them apart."

"They wouldn't just tag along for no reason," Stede points out. "Which… means there is a reason."

"Which is even more concerning," Izzy manages, dryly.

"Everyone just… be good. Or something." Stede rubs a hand over his eyes. "I'll go let them in."

He makes it to the door almost exactly as the knock sounds from the other side: opening it to their more-than-expected guests. "Hey. Evening," Maggie starts off, with a sheepish little grin; the two men both lurking a little behind her. "So… I kind of brought extras, but it's totally relevant, I promise."

"And not because you can't travel without your harem?" Stede says, giving her a look but opening the door wider.

"They're not my harem. Maynard said no."

"And will continue to, no matter what Jack implies," Maynard says. "Sorry about this. Maggie insisted."

"And you couldn't resist, could you?" Stede adds, but not harshly. "They should have recruited you. Come on in."

"I mean, they could have, but they clearly needed Stede Bonnet," Ed primps, very obviously flaunting his husband. "Although maybe Maggie needed a Lucius of her own? And… whatever Jack is…"

"Real tall and good at shootin' stuff," Jack replies.

"…I don't think I'm a Lucius," Maynard starts out, then looks at the man in question and clearly re-thinks his chances. "Maybe a shooty-Lucius?"

"Sit down before we forget that we like you," Izzy says, flatly.

Maynard beams. "You like us?"

"Figure of speech."

They sit down regardless; Stede pouring them all a drink as they settle. "Go on, then," he pushes, once he's done. "Why did you bring Jack and Maynard?"

"We're gonna need 'em," Maggie answers. "Well… technically we're gonna need Robbie."

"…wait just a second," Jack cuts in. "I thought you needed us both?!"

"For this bit… I kind of don't have a choice. But there might be other stuff later on that we need you both for, so I wanted you included too." Maggie is clearly starting to learn how to wrangle Jack, as much as anyone not his fiancé ever can.

"You need Maynard." Lucius says it flatly, eyes narrowing and running over him. "What for? Shooting, if he's to be believed? Stede's a decent shot. All of us are, at normal range. Are you planning some long-distance goodbyes?"

"No, no, nothing like that," Maggie replies. "Not this time. No, I… look. Let me start from the top. The Bellringers are having a Council meeting in a few days. They're held all over the world, but this one is being held in London, which is helpful for us. At these meetings, there'll be agents representing the members of the Council. The Councillors themselves never meet in person. The identity of most of them is known only to a handful of their closest people. But each will send a proxy – one of their most trusted agents – to speak on their behalf."

"And… you're one of those?" Stede asks.

Maggie nods. "Yes. I've just been promoted – since everything went down at Inaltus – so this will be the first time I've acted as a proxy. You'll meet some of the others, too… you already know Zheng, who's the proxy for the Chinese chapter, and we think Bruce – who's a good friend of Zheng's – will be speaking for the Australians. You'll like Bruce, when you meet him, he's fun. Anyway, one of the main points of the meeting is the proposing of the candidates for the vacant Vigilant post. We're keeping it secret til the meeting that we're planning to propose you, Stede, and unless anyone else has any last-minute candidates, the only other one will be Ricky Banes."

"Who's proposing him?" Izzy asks. "Isn't he British too? Or Lichensteinian by marriage?"

"Yes, but a candidate can be proposed by any chapter," Maggie explains. "Doesn't have to be their home nation or area. Ricky is being put forward by the Americans… most likely they'll be sending a guy called Alexander as their proxy. He's… a bit difficult sometimes, but reasonable enough."

"How does Maynard come into this?" Ed asks. "And how many proxies are we looking at? I get it's all secret squirrel shit, but if we're gonna be there, we'll find out."

"It's hard to say exactly," Maggie answers. "It's possible not all areas will send someone. If they all did, it'd be twenty. Each proxy is also entitled to bring one person with them, as are the candidates. So I can bring someone, and so can Stede."

"And… you're planning to take Maynard?" Stede reasons.

Maggie nods. Maynard's eyes go wide. "…Wait, seriously? Me? You want to take me to a Bellringer Council meeting?"

"Yes, I do," Maggie answers.

"Not that I'm not thrilled and flattered, but… why?"

"I need someone I trust. Someone who's on the outside of what's going on. Plus, if things go to shit at any point, you're handy in a fight."

"So… what about me?" Jack asks, looking a little hurt.

"Well, you're not going to be Stede's Plus One," Lucius reasons. "And Ed--" Oh. He stops.

"Ed is probably hanging back with you, Jack." He's realised it about the same time as Lucius had. Jack with Izzy, Lu and Pete would probably be cause for concern. "So Stede needs to invite someone who isn't me."

"If I can't take Ed, it should be Lucius," Stede says. "Assuming you're up to coming along? If we're just talking to people… it'll be like all those old parties they used to send us to, only hopefully more interesting."

"Please tell me I'm unlikely to have to meet a secret, third Badminton; help deliver a baby; negotiate export regulations on dairy products or help hide someone's infidelity?" Lucius asks Maggie. "Because Stede's old parties we got dragged to were either dull as hell, or the most unhinged shit you've ever seen in your life… There's no poisoning risk, is there?"

"…Not usually," Maggie answers. "And I don't think any of those other things are likely to happen either, not at a Council meeting. They tend to be fairly procedural, though there could be some drama when Ricky finds out he's got a rival for the Vigilant's post. But if he wants it, he's got to play by the rules."

"Is he the sort that doesn't?" Stede asks.

Maggie nods. "Sometimes. You're going to need to keep an eye on him, that's for sure."

Stede looks to Lucius again. "So… is that a yes? I promise to defend you much better than I ever used to, if the need arises. Which hopefully it won't."

"Yes, I'll go. Maybe this time you'll be able to tell if anyone is flirting with you…" The smile is soft, and he only looks slightly concerned. "If it's Maynard, the answer is probably: yes." Okay, so he's not above teasing those two, still.

"Hey, I'm engaged now!" Maynard protests.

"That wouldn't stop you," Jack points out, elbowing him lightly and clearly unperturbed.

"Shush!"

For his part, Stede is still mainly beaming at Lucius because he said yes. "It'll be OK. Could be fun!"

"And what, we have to stay here and keep Jack occupied?" Izzy asks.

"Well, you don't have to," Maynard points out. "I can always turn him loose on the streets. 'Course, then I don't know if he's doing things…"

Izzy sighs. "…Nothing a net and some sedatives won't fix," he murmurs.

"Aww, but I promise to be on my best behaviour," Jack insists.

"I promise to keep him at least semi-contained?" Ed offers. "And if he acts up, then we use the sedatives?"

Then he gives Jack a sideways look. "Maynard might have your permission to flirt with our Stede, but he needs Stede's consent in return. And you aren't allowed to flirt with anyone." A beat. "Well, maybe Maggie. I'm not sure what your fella's rules are on that…"

"Playful flirting's fine," Maynard answers. "Have you ever tried telling Jack he can't flirt at all? It's like watching a computer hit some kind of fatal exception error. It looks painful. But we're both OK with the other doing it so long as it's not meant to go anywhere."

"Plus it's mostly how I talk," Jack adds. "So it'd be kinda problematic if I had to stop."

"…Would it, though?" Izzy says, sotto-voce.

"Actually, for science, maybe you could try it?" Lucius asks, shifting slightly. "As a challenge. For an evening. You could even make it fun if you wanted to… like role-playing a… uh… chaste nun or something?"

Ed's hand goes up over his mouth to hide the barked laugh. "Jack. A nun."

"A chaste one. I'm just… throwing it out as an idea. You don't have to go through with it." A beat. "It might be a bit too challenging for you, anyway…"

Jack blinks at him in confusion. "…Why'd I do that? Sounds like no fun. Might as well just drink water whilst I'm at it. And eat vegetables."

"…You might at least want to consider that last one," Stede says.

"So… do we have a plan?" Maggie asks; for once taking the role of the Sensible One before things get more out of hand. "I take Maynard to the Council meeting, Stede takes Lucius, and the rest of you have some sort of water-and-vegetables party back here whilst we're gone?"

"So long as you promise not to call it that," Izzy cuts in at once, pointedly.

"I'm sorry, I'm still stuck on 'you taking Maynard'." Ed can't help it, it's all the 'don't flirt' and 'no innuendo'. It's made his mind go into overdrive. "I don't think he's into that… even if you did get a-- LOOK IT'S NOT MY FAULT. JACK MAKES THINGS FILTHY OKAY."

Izzy gives Ed a look of abject betrayal for making things worse. "Stop encouraging them!"

"We're not fucking, oh my god!" Maynard exclaims. "I told you, I'm only into guys! And I'm basically monogamous!"

Pete can't help himself. "…what about if Maggie was topping Jack and then he topped y–?"

"–Pete!" Izzy interjects.

"Hold on… 'basically' monogamous?" Apparently Stede can't help himself either.

"Yeah, he'd make an exception if it was you and Ed," Jack answers, unashamedly.

"Oh my fucking god, all of you stop!" Izzy exclaims.

"So what if it was Ed, Stede and then Maggie, too?" Lucius can't help but ask. "I'm sure she could hide in amongst all the penises…"

"…like a penis forest?" Ed is now visualising it, and he shudders. "Oh fuck. Why… why did you do this, Jack? This is all your fucking fault!"

"This is not my fault, I was being good!" Jack protests. "You're the one who started it! All I did was point out a fact in response to a fair question!" He can be remarkably flappy when he genuinely believes he's got the high ground.

Maynard finds a couch cushion to bury his head in. "Please kill me," he groans.

"…Only if you promise not to enjoy it." Stede is aware he's being bad, but he still can't help himself.

"I don't care if you enjoy it, I'll do it either way," Izzy growls.

"Does Maggie get to 'help'?" Lucius is aware he's stirring. He is. But it's worth it with the colours Maynard is turning. "Hell, I'm gay as fuck, too, but I might even--" Oh. Nope. No. He stops right there.

"Don't you fucking dare, Lu. It's bad enough you're obsessed with lesbians." Ed glowers.

"I am not obsessed with lesbians! And – okay, should I go and get some icepacks and make everyone sit on one?" Not because it's getting him horny (though maybe it is the others), but because it's more difficult to even joke about it if your balls are icing over.

"…you all remember the part where I used to kill people for a living?" Maynard tries.

Stede pats him on the head. "And you were very good at it. Well, quite good at it. When you didn't miss."

Maynard buries his head in the couch cushion again.

"Stop bein' mean to my Robbie!" Jack now declares, pulling Maynard in. "He's trying!"

"Very," Izzy murmurs. He's moments away from going to find an actual spray-bottle to use on the lot of them.

"Hey, I was trying to work out if he could have his orgy," Lucius huffs. "Sort of. It's cute. And it's also cute how much you care about him. And also… now you know what it's like for us talking to you."

"Lu… does have a point," Ed agrees. "This is what you get when you say it's fine to 'flirt'. I'm feeling more like the nun thing might be a point when it's all of us… Because I sure as fuck don't want to end up with someone being shot over this."

"…said I was sorry…" Maynard murmurs, now hiding in Jack's chest.

"And he is cute," Jack adds, with a weirdly defensive tone to his voice. "He's really cute, and I like him so much I'm not even tryin' to have orgies anymore. Even though I really enjoy 'em. So shush, or I'll start makin' out with him to calm him down, and then where will you be?"

"Letting Lucius get those icepacks he promised?" Stede suggests, trying to lighten the mood.

Jack gives him what might possibly class as a smile. "Damn right."

"Plus, I'm pretty sure we all count as bastards for harassing the – uh – single lady? I'm guessing you're single… Which is kinda being a dick if we're blue-balling you. Or… girl-balling… or whatever." Ed gives Maggie an apologetic look. "If we knew any straight guys who were on the market, we'd totally be setting you up."

"Oh, don't you mind me, I love a good floorshow," Maggie replies, with a grin. "Plus, I work with these two every day, so I know what they're like. Mostly I just want to put all of you in a room and watch what you do, and I don't even mean that in a pervy way. Well… not much."

"Hold on, wait, are you… straight?" Stede asks. "Did we finally find one?"

"…I'm afraid not," Maggie says. "I do prefer guys for the most part, but I wouldn't say no to the right lady. And haven't."

"Is there even a heterosexual person left in the world?" Lucius clasps his invisible pearls. "Did – did the gay agenda finally win?!"

"We don't know about Zheng, yet, except she's not a lesbian." Ed chews at his lip. "Uhm… is Doug a straight lesbian?"

"As far as I know," Stede answers. "So he'd be straight, if he wasn't a lesbian."

"Does anyone else think we should maybe focus on the mission-planning?" Izzy cuts in; a last-ditch attempt to get things back under control.

"To be fair, I think we've covered the crucial parts," Maggie replies. "I realise that's possibly not the answer you wanted…"

"…it is not, thank you." Izzy sighs and drinks rather a lot of his drink in one go.

"Well, you could give us the specific intel on the dress code, the people there, what to avoid, what to say, who to woo…" Lucius is being a Good Boy. He is. "All the relevant things. Do we use our real names? Do people go by surname, forename…?"

"Real names," Maggie says. "Whatever you use, there's no formal structure of address. Dress code… it's a Council meeting, so I'd say look sharp, but you don't have to turn up in tuxedos. As for talking to people… some of them might avoid you because you're new and I'm new, at that level. Others might be intrigued. Handle it like you'd handle a social event attended by people from Five and Six: everyone's playing the game, but you don't always have to show your hand."

"Will they know who we are?" Stede asks.

Maggie nods. "Many will, by reputation if not sight. What happened to Inaltus at the end of last year sent shockwaves through the whole intelligence community. How much they know will vary, but I'd be prepared for some interest about all of that if you get talking to people."

"Anyone you want us to win over, or avoid…? Anyone who you'll work instead of us?" Lucius continues, very clearly making the effort to be more sensible and work-mode. If nothing else to save Izzy's sanity, and then to be better prepared for the actual event.

"Be careful around Ricky, and his sponsor," Maggie says. "Alexander's not a bad guy, but if Ricky's won over his councillor, Alex will fight hard on his behalf. And… oh, also watch out for one of Ricky's allies here in the UK; a guy called William Rhett. Those two have been palling around for a while, and there's rumours Rhett may have been involved with Inaltus-that-was at some point. Which is concerning, because officially I'm the only Bellringer who survived being inside Inaltus."

"Huh. You know, I'm half glad I'm not going, half wish I was…" Ed rubs his hand over his face. "High probability I'd tell someone to go screw themselves, though… so maybe it's wise Lu's going instead." He had limited patience for the assholes when it was 'just' Nigel. This… this seems worse.

"I still wish you could all come, but I'm sure Lucius will look after me," Stede says. "And we'll tell you everything when we get back, of course."

A beat. "That's a thought… where exactly is the meeting being held?"

Maggie smiles again. "So… because the Bellringers began in the UK, the London chapter house is suitably historic. Do you know the church of St Clement Danes?"

"Oh, the RAF church?" Stede says at once. "On the Strand?"

"That's the one," Maggie replies. "The current building was rebuilt after the Second World War, but there's actually been a church on that site going back as far as the Ninth Century, and there's an extensive underground complex that survived the Blitz. It was the original headquarters of the Bellringers, and it's still in use today. The meeting will be there."

"Oh no, is it holy ground?" Lucius fans himself. "Some of us might combust on the spot."

"…which bit for?" Ed asks.

Lucius gives him a very, very cutting look. "The unholy parts."

"Which are…?"

"Izzy, Stede, would you please make Edward stop?"

"You started it!"

"I don't think you're going to go on fire," Pete says. "You've done lots of good things. I think they outweigh any unholiness."

"Is that how it works?" Maynard wonders. "I'm not sure. But if anyone's combusting, I reckon I'm probably going first, so if you see smoke, run for it."

"Was that a joke, Robert?" Stede asks, with a smile.

"Oh no, I'm dead serious."

"Trust me, if it's based on unholiness, there's plenty of people there who'll be ahead of you in the spontaneous-divine-combustion stakes," Maggie says. "So don't worry."

"Yeah, sounds like this Ricky guy isn't… gonna be on Santa's good list, huh?" Ed tilts to look at Maggie. "What's his deal, anyway? Not what the gossip circuit says… you know, the dating one… Have you met him? Is he gonna hit on you, or Stede, or both?"

"I haven't met him in person, but Zheng has, and she… is not fond," Maggie answers. "At all. That was one of our driving reasons to field an alternative candidate for the Vigilant's post, so he didn't just get it by default. It's a lifelong position, or at least until the person chooses to retire, so we really would be stuck with him."

A beat. "And he… well, officially he's still married to Princess Inga of Lichtenstein, but only because he's refusing to give her a divorce. Apparently doesn't stop him hitting on other woman, though, even if he insists it's not serious. He tried it on with Zheng, and she threatened to do very unpleasant things to him, and I know for a fact she'd've followed through if he didn't cut it out."

"Some guys would get off on that," Ed muses. "Probably some chicks, too. That's Izzy's lesbians' whole schtick, isn't it?"

"…Well, yes, but consensually," Izzy points out. "It's fine if everyone involved wants it. Otherwise you're just a sex pest."

"Which is bad and wrong," Jack adds, in the tone of voice of someone who has had it hammered home that this is the case, but does at least seem to have learned at last.

"Yeah, but… I kinda meant if you're smart, you do it for a job, or pay someone to do it?" A shrug. "Kinda makes sense that she knows your girls, Iz. Wonder if she gets paid for the same shit… Except I also kinda don't wanna know…"

"You're not considering moonlighting, are you?" Lu asks Ed. "I mean, we know Izzy could have gone pro any time, still could…"

"I absolutely could," Izzy confirmed. "Lil asked me once, but it's not my thing. And Eddie definitely could. You've seen him at full tilt. People would go nuts. Good thing Stede keeps him in all the silk robes and breakfast foods he could ever dream of."

"I'm a happily kept man," Ed agrees. "And… I dunno. I don't think I could? Like… it wouldn't work for me if it was someone I didn't know. It feels like that… I dunno. I know it isn't abusive if everyone's agreed and shit, but it would feel like I was… if I didn't know who they were?"

"Aww, you're a feelings-dom," Lu teases. "A demi-dom."

"Nothing demi about me," Ed puffs his chest out. "Switch, sure."

Stede cuddles into Ed at once. "And you don't have to worry, because I will always keep you as happily as I can. And give you outlets for all those feelings…"

"…You know we're still here, right?" Maynard has to ask.

"I'm an exhibitionist," Stede declares, kissing Ed softly and curling into him more. "And judging by those outfits the other night, so are you, so shush."

"Touché."

"And Jack threatened to kiss you before." Ed pouts at Maynard, snuggling Stede very comfortably. "So. Yeah. I don't mind you knowing he pampers me stupid and then we do the other stuff, too. Both ways." A firm nod. "Very successfully."

"They do," Lucius agrees. "But I'm not going to complain that I have a harem of dominant-top-switches around me who won't go and pimp themselves out."

"Wait – okay – I know we're supposed to talk shop right now, but…" Ed looks over to Maynard. "Can I ask an undercover thingy? I promise it's not a dirty question."

"Go on," Maynard says, carefully. "Ask away. Just be ready if it's going to prompt more oversharing."

"Now we know you don't like girls. Not like that. But then I just wondered… you ever had to play heterosexual for a cover?" To others, this might seem to have come completely out of left-field, but for Ed it's a logical continual train of thought. The carriages might drift across lanes, but there's still a direction of travel.

The question makes Maynard smile a little, possibly relieved it's a safer topic than he'd worried. "Oh, sure," he answers. "A few times, here and there. I can sell it if it's just flirting… it's all part of playing a role. And it's not as if I don't like women as people, I'm just not attracted to them sexually. And… end of the day, it's the same skillset: being a spy. You use it in different ways and for different ends, but it's about knowing people, reading them. Playing them, sometimes. Depends on what you want out of it."

A beat. "…That's more than you wanted, isn't it?"

"No, it's cool," Ed answers right off. "I've done undercover shit, but I've only ever really done any 'relationship' shit with these guys… Then I just realised I might get weird about it, if I ever had to with someone I didn't already… y'know. Know."

"So we're not going to pose you as Maggie's boy-toy any time soon?" Lucius asks Ed.

"Uh… sorry. Don't think I could be convincing." A beat. "And… I dunno. I don't think it's because you're not a guy. I don't think I'd manage with Archie, or… Anne. But also I don't think I could with, uh, Olu? Maybe before I met Stede…"

"If I need a boy-toy, I'll take Jack," Maggie replies, with a wink. "So don't worry."

"We're… not gonna have to do stuff like that on missions for the Bellringers, are we?" Pete asks.

"I promise, nothing outside of existing relationships," Maggie says. "Unless you specifically decide otherwise."

"Aww, so no sudden fake-out make-outs?" Jack laments. "I was lookin' forward to see who ended up having to kiss Robbie first."

Lucius immediately points to Maggie, then grins. "Anyway, I am perfectly happy being Maggie's gay bestie, if it's ever needed. And if we need to fake-snog there's always the thumb trick."

"Wait, have you fake-kissed a girl before?" Pete asks, looking intrigued. "What was it like?"

"Fake kissing is easy. And… maybe I did it when we both liked a guy, but we didn't know which way he went…" Lucius wiggles an eyebrow. "For the record: he went both ways. But… one after the other."

"Well, we know who's going to be creating the distractions on missions when we need them!" Stede exclaims. "When… two of us can't just kiss each other, obviously."

"Is this a normal part of your mission-planning process?" Maggie asks.

"…Nothing about our mission-planning is normal," Izzy manages.

"There's a lot of kissing on missions," Lucius says, sagely. "Or there is now. Before there was… well. I might occasionally get intel from another analyst at times…"

"Oh?" Ed pivots.

"What? You know what spies are like. It's easier to keep it in-house."

"…I just didn't ask questions," Stede says. "When I knew. I probably didn't always know."

"It all sounds so sexy," Pete adds, with a little swoon. "Secret meetings and stolen kisses… all elegant and fancy…"

"I'll have to find some way to 'seduce you' for information some time," Lucius offers, giving him a sultry look. "It'd be much nicer to do with you."

"So no one wants to see Lucius fake-kiss Maggie, then?" Yes, Ed is going to go there.

"Hey, I'm up for it if he is," Maggie says, with a grin. "So long as Izzy doesn't try to kill me."

"…I do not remember mission-planning being like this back in Miami…" Maynard murmurs.

"You weren't in the best planning sessions," Lu shrugs. "So… do I get a free pass to demonstrate how to not-snog a girl? Or will it make people bad-jealous?"

"…Yeah, you can do it," Izzy says. "It's not as if anyone would ever think you'd leave us for a woman."

"Or anyone else," Pete adds. "So you're good. You want me to swoon dramatically when you do it?"

"I mean… it wouldn't hurt…" Lucius slinks up to his feet. "So, Maggie… do you like to lead when you dance?"

Maggie gives a little laugh and rises to her feet as well. "Usually," she replies. "I'm not exactly a shrinking wallflower. But… I suspect you wouldn't be looking for one."

She paces closer, not predatory but definitely determined; reaching out a hand to pull Lucius in closer. "I think you like them strong and decisive; don't you, Mr Spriggs?"

"Oh, stop, you're giving me butterflies!" he giggles, and does actually blush. Not because he's into her, but he definitely appreciates the approach, and there's a weird little thrill of fake-flirting in front of his husbands.

Rather more camply than usual (when he's usually camper than Butlins), Lucius reaches to tuck her hair behind her ear. "You better do it quick, before Izzy gets too jealous. Stede dancing with me was what popped his cork, so to speak…"

"Really?" Maggie replies. "Now that I'd love to see…"

And she pulls him right in for the fake-kiss, and though it's the kind where you make out with your own thumb rather than the other person, it still looks really very convincing from the outside. Especially with the unashamed noises Maggie adds in to sell it.

Lucius lifts one leg up behind himself, then gets his other hand running up and down her back. He's careful not to touch her sides or boobs, so it's not really as erotic as it could be, but it definitely helps to add to the illusion.

Ed laughs, clapping his knee. "Oh my god. Lu went straight!"

"Izzy, hold me!" Pete declares, right on cue, and swoons into his arms.

"…you daft fucking sod…" Izzy murmurs, but affectionately.

"Anyone else think it's real hot in here all of a sudden..?" Jack asks.

"Don't you start!" Maynard exclaims, batting at him.

Lucius breaks from the kiss, but throws himself dramatically into Maggie's arms, trusting she'll catch him. He fans himself dramatically as he faux-swoons, too. "Oh, Maynard, tell me you weren't into it… or would it be better if it was Stede 'making out' with her?"

"…shush!" Maynard replies, going interesting colours.

"I mean, I was into it," Maggie says, easily. "Not that I'm going to try anything, 'cause I'm not like that… and whilst I usually prefer my guys more rugged, you've got this whole nerdy-destroyer-of-worlds thing going on that's really cute."

"Oh, stop." The wrist goes flap, and then he leans in to peck a kiss to her cheek. "You're totally not my gender-type, but if you were, I'd hit it." Lucius flounces out of her arms and goes over to fuss Pete, still in Izzy's arms.

"Well, now we know who to call if we need anyone to act bisexual. Because no one is gonna believe he's straight. Right?" Ed looks around. "No straight man acts like that."

"I mean, technically they exist, but… not who I'd go for if you need someone to act straight," Maggie replies; dropping back into her seat with a grin.

"Who would you go for, then? In this room?" Jack asks. Possibly he's stirring, but only a little.

Maggie looks around at them all. "…Izzy," she decides, after a moment.

"Seriously?!" Stede exclaims. "Not me? I was married to a lady!"

"And you were very, very bad at it," Izzy reminds him, entirely unfazed.

"Well, yes, but… shush!"

"Stede, with love… no straight man is that snappy of a dresser," Maggie says. "Your wardrobe has more colour than a pride flag."

Stede gives a dramatic wave of the arms. "Sartorial elegance has no orientation!"

Maggie shrugs. "…True, but it does have statistical preferences. Plus you're married to the most manly-man in this room."

"I'm manly?" Ed – for effect – flaps his hands girlishly and wiggles. "Stede, Stede, I'm a manly-man! All… testosterone and absolutely no silky undies!"

"Silky undies can totally be manly." Lucius is now attempting to sprawl over Izzy and Pete. "And Izzy would be an amazing heterosexual. But I'm glad he's not."

"I like women, just not that way," Izzy points out, tugging both his boys in closer.

"You're very manly!" Stede says to Ed. "All… arms and… and chest and beard and things…"

"…arms are manly?" Maynard has to ask.

"Ed's arms are," Stede points out, proudly. "Look at them." It's his turn to swoon now.

"…hold on, wait, Ed's manlier than me?" Jack says, giving Maggie a look. "Seriously?"

"It's a close-run thing," she declares, diplomatically.

Ed starts to flex one on purpose. "Manly. See? Rippling with man-ness. Specimen of… thingy…" And then he lowers said arm so he can wrap them tightly around Stede. "Good for holding husbands. Good for carrying husbands. Lots of good things about arms."

"All kinds of things," Stede agrees. "Some of which I won't repeat in company. But you get the idea," he adds, sotto-voce.

"This really is the weirdest mission-planning meeting I've ever been to," Maggie remarks again.

"Stick around, they'll get weirder," Izzy says, dryly.

"Is that a promise or a warning?"

Izzy smiles. "Yes."

Chapter Text

It's a couple of days later, and the evening of the Bellringer Council meeting rolls around at last.

Maggie comes by once more, leaving Jack with Ed, Izzy and Pete, and taking Stede, Lucius and Maynard with her to the meeting itself. Said meeting place is not too far away: a grand church on the Strand, in central London: St Clement Danes, which has served for many years as a central chapel for the Royal Air Force, but which has a much longer and storied history buried beneath.

Literally, in fact. They arrive at the white-fronted building, but instead of entering through the main entrance – as a regular worshipper would – they go around to a side-door that leads into a closed-off antechamber containing a single and very old-style lift.

Maggie waves to it. "Everyone in."

There's a certain amount of creaking as the old lift descends; finally – mercifully – opening its doors on another antechamber with a set of impressive double-doors beyond. Two people in suits are standing guard: each with one of those silver bell pins on their left lapel.

"…was anyone else expecting long, hooded robes?" Stede murmurs.

"…I mean, I kinda was," Maynard concurs.

"We used to," Maggie says. "Up until the late Twentieth Century, when they went out of fashion, so to speak."

She steps up to the guards. "Maggie Leon, UK Proxy, and my second, Robert Maynard. And then this is Stede Bonnet and his second, Lucius Spriggs."

"…'second'?" Stede repeats. "We're not duelling, are we?"

"Old title," Maggie explains. "It was originally for duelling-purposes, but that got dropped before the hooded robes."

"Oh, damn. I thought we'd finally get to see Stede's fencing come in handy," Lucius sighs. "You sure there isn't a challenge at some point? Or… just for funsies?"

"There is a fencing league, actually," Maggie replies. "But not usually to the death."

"All right, you're checked in," says one of the guards. "You can head on through."

Those large double-doors are opened, revealing the room beyond: a wide reception hall set out for what looks like some sort of drinks-mixer, with various groups of people standing around high tables; sipping cocktails and talking.

"This is the pre-meet," Maggie tells them. "Gives everyone a chance to catch-up beforehand. And sometimes scheme. We should be able to find some people to– oh, Zheng! There you are!"

Zheng – predictably with Auntie – turns when she hears Maggie. She's dressed to the nines with her hair up and a pair of heels that could murder you without tarnishing. "Maggie, oh, you brought the new toy as well! Is he going to cope without his boyfriend?"

Auntie makes a comment, but it's too low to be overheard.

"Oh, I'll be just fine," Maynard insists, though warily; clearly still cautious around Zheng after last time. "Plus I've always wanted to see the inside of one of these…"

"Try not to fanboy all over the place," Maggie says. "Plus, bear in mind that some of these people will know who you are."

"…they will?"

"You killed people for Daniel Read for twenty-plus years. They'll know."

"It was a secret!"

"It isn't now."

Stede pats Maynard on the shoulder. "If anyone is horrible to you, let me know. Lucius will defend us."

"I'm very good at it. I run a mean line in interference," Lucius says, with a nod. "I rescued Stede from many social gatherings, when we were forced to go to them. And I didn't even need to flirt for most of them."

"Didn't 'need' to flirt?" Zheng pushes.

"Whatever you've heard to the contrary, I have always been a consummate professional." Lucius primps himself. "And I might not use the same methods as his husband, but mine work all the same."

"They do, trust me," Stede agrees. "He's very good." He links arms with Lucius, because why not?

"I'll keep an eye on 'em, I promise," Maggie says to Zheng. "We still all good for the meeting? Did Bruce make it in on time?"

"He's currently 'shaking a leg'," Zheng rolls her eyes. "Quite why he had to inform us, I don't know. Is that an Australian thing, or a guy thing?"

"…needing to pee?" Lucius asks.

"Announcing it."

"Oh. Uh… I think it might be Australian. Right?" He looks to Stede and Maynard, suddenly trying to remember if he's ever felt the need to announce it. "Unless he's doing it like a woman going to 'powder her nose' with company?"

"No, it was definitely just a piss." Auntie sounds as grumpy as ever. "Dicks on the brains. Dicks for brains. Dicks."

Maynard stifles a giggle at this, then pretends he did no such thing.

"And… Bruce is your Australian counterpart?" Stede asks, trying to move them away from the dick-talk before things get out of hand.

Maggie nods. "One of, yes. Works out that way most of the time, obviously, but loves a trip to the Land of the Poms when he can get it."

"EY!" comes the broadest Aussie accent known to mankind. "You brought more Limeys! 'Cor Blimey', we'll be able to serve the fucking Pimms with this lot!"

"And there he is." Zheng rolls her eyes almost to unscrewing them from her skull.

Bruce is tall. And broad. Broader even than Ed, with arms that no one could call unmanly. His long, blond hair is pulled into a neat man-bun and he's got more surfer-esque bracelets than Ed and Izzy combined. And he's grinning. "Who's this, then? Someone else send in some fresh blood?"

"Bruce!" Maggie exclaims, brightly; clearly a fan. "You made it! And yep, we've got some newbies tonight… this is my second for the evening, Robert Maynard, and then this is our candidate, Stede Bonnet and his second, Lucius Spriggs. Everyone… allow me to present Bruce Ryman, current proxy for the Australian Chapter."

"A pleasure," Stede effuses, holding out a hand at once.

Bruce not only takes it, but he clasps his other hand around it, then tugs. Not enough to pull him off his feet, but certainly enough to wobble him. "Bonnet! I knew your old man. Not well, but I did. You've got quite the reputation!"

"All good, hopefully," Lucius semi-drawls.

"Ah, fuck. No such thing as a good reputation in our line of business!" Bruce keeps the hand gripped, slaps Stede's forearm, then steps back. He tilts his head at Lucius.

"…I've known some who definitely count as 'bad'," Lucius demurs, but goes for the handshake, too. Only to be met with a fist-bump to his open hand. Which doesn't amuse him. But it does disarm him.

"Then you definitely have good rep. All three of you."

Maynard offers a hand as well. "Only been to Australia once, but it was great. Loved the beaches. Where do you hail from?"

"You can't tell?" Bruce grins, as he gives him a rapid, efficient shake. "Well, you're gonna have to go brush up on your accents for that."

"New South Wales," Zheng offers.

"Hey, Z, c'mon!"

"I told you not to call me 'Z'."

"Can't a man have some mystery left?" Bruce doesn't look too annoyed, though. And then he's clapping his hands together. "You guys are all dry as my back yard. You want drinks? We got drinks. Not even poisoned. Not since the seventies."

"Drinks would be good," Stede answers, brightly. "Especially unpoisoned ones. I've tried those, I'm not a fan."

"One hundred percent guaranteed," Maggie says. "No poison. But possibly very strong. We spies do like to drink for our respective countries, after all."

"Which one's that one drinking for," Bruce asks, pointing at Maynard. "Today, anyway?"

"Not the heterosexuals," Lucius replies before anyone can say otherwise.

"I run the Intel Wing at Inaltus," Maynard answers. "And I also work directly for Stede."

"Words have been used to describe said employment," Maggie adds, 'helpfully'. "Words like 'fixer' and 'pocket-hitman'. He also used to be Five. And Six. I think maybe he's trying to get the world's weirdest spy-bingo."

"I did almost get recruited by the CIA once," Maynard adds, possibly trying to steer things away from Maggie's helpful 'words'."

"Yeah, but that's easy. Talk to me when you've been with the Russians, the Germans, and the one we're not supposed to mention exists…" Bruce taps the side of his nose, then turns to guide them to the bar.

"Okay, now you know that's rude," Zheng sighs. "Play nice, Bruce. We like Stede." A beat. "And probably his friends."

"We do?" Stede says. "That's good! I was a little concerned after the other night. And you don't have to worry about Robert, he's entirely rehabilitated now." He pats the man in question on the arm. "Even Ed likes him. Oh, Ed's my husband," he adds, to Bruce. "You'll get to meet him at some point soon."

"So, are you going to give me the sales pitch?" Bruce starts handing out cocktails, passing them down to go along the line. "Because I know you have one, Zheng. And you're clearly bringing out the big guns. Took you long enough to go for this one, though…"

"It was Maggie who thought he had potential. And you heard about the Calypso."

"Who didn't." Bruce looks more somber, now. "That… was a good rep moment. If we're counting them."

"Taking him out was our greatest triumph," Stede says. "So far, at least."

"Stede and his team are also the ones who brought down the Badminton twins," Maggie goes on. "They exposed the Ci+rUP scandal, and then they stopped Hype getting into general circulation over in the States. And they're the reason Daniel Read is no longer Director of MI5."

"Technically Daniel is the reason Daniel is no longer Director of MI5," Stede points out. "We just… helped."

"Don't sell yourself short on that. I don't know many people here who had nice words to say about him." Zheng shakes her head. "And I know he was your former in-law, and… your boss…" She directs to Stede, then Maynard. "But he was not popular, here."

"Nor in Five, let's be honest," Lucius mutters.

"And this magical timing of all that happening right before we need a new Vigilant…?" Bruce asks. "You know the others will be thinking it. So don't blame me for getting you to face it before they catch you out with it."

"All I knew about the Bellringers before the end of last year is that you probably existed," Stede points out, levelly. "Even active agents in Five and Six think you're a myth, or lost to history. I only found out my own father was one of you a week ago. So this definitely isn't a setup to snag the post. Far from it."

"And you owe him for getting Read out of your hair," Maynard adds. "Trust me."

"Doesn't mean you orchestrated it," Bruce says, levelly. "Could easily be her boss. Or hers." Then, a laugh, "…even mine."

"Oh, now we're playing House of Mirrors," Lucius cuts in. "God, that must be a pain in the ass when most of you know you have double allegiances. If not more."

"Keeps life interesting," Zheng admits. "If frustrating."

"I didn't orchestrate it," Stede insists. "It wasn't a scheme. It was justice. He betrayed me, he aided and abetted the Badmintons, and he tried to have my husband murdered. And he let Ned Low operate pretty much unchecked for over twenty years."

"I'm not saying you did, mate. In fact, it's as bloody likely to be someone else pulling the strings. But that… that is what everyone in there will be asking. Who pulled 'em? Was it you? Was someone else doing it, to get their agenda further along?" Bruce offers a sympathetic smile. "Same with Low. Even if it was a coincidence, there's guys who will claim a hand in it who didn't, guys who benefit, guys… and I'm being gender-neutral there. Just so you don't think I'm all bloke-first. These three know that, but I realise you new guys don't."

"Yeah, it doesn't bother me. I just call you one of the girls in return," Zheng shrugs.

"And that's more than fine with me." Bruce beams. It seems – as far as anything with spies can – to be fully genuine.

"What about the guy I'm up against?" Stede asks. "This Ricky. He's not connected to another agency at all, is he? Strictly one of you? Does that make him less appealing or more?" Both have their arguments, after all, and plus he wants to get more of a handle on the latest guy that Fate has dictated as his 'nemesis'.

(Even if his real nemesis is on the bottom of the north Atlantic; sunk by the weight of his own hubris.)

"Yes. And no." Bruce shrugs. "You can't ask for a simple answer on anything like that, and I know you're too smart to accept one. He's not his dad, either. And you're likely going to get a lot of comparisons. To each other, and… to your late pas."

"Well, you can at least say what you think of him," Lucius needles, lightly. "You must have more of an idea of him than you do of Stede."

"More consistent history of information," Bruce agrees. "And I can tell you I trust him so much that I'd check my boots twice before I put 'em on in front of him."

"That was one time." Zheng sounds exasperated. "And it was a joke."

"And I laughed, when I'd done pissing myself!" He elbows her. "This one… you gotta watch out for her. Evil sense of humour. It's why I love her."

There's a warmth to him that's very infectious, even when he's being careful about what he knows, and Stede can't help a smile. "So… what do you do in between saving the world? Do you have family back home? Girlfriend? Boyfriend..?"

"He's trying to work out if you're heterosexual," Maynard stage-whispers, halfway between helpful and a tiny bit wicked.

"Oh, I'm flattered, but I'm very much married to my lovely wife," Bruce beams. "Totally an ally, but tragically heterosexual. Very down with bromance, though."

"We… found a straight?" Lucius sounds faint.

"Sure did."

"Oh my God, Lucius, we have to text the others," Stede declares, flapping a little. "And… I wasn't hitting on you, I promise. I don't… we just keep our eyes out for heterosexuals. There aren't many around in our sphere. We've been trying to collect one. My ex-wife's boyfriend might count, but he's really a lesbian."

"He… is?" Bruce looks intrigued. "You think he's on the way to transitioning?"

"Transi– no, he… he's a boy-lesbian," Stede tries, wondering if maybe they don't have those in Australia. Like… he's a boy, but he's also…" He trails off, looking a little desperately to Lucius for backup. "…he likes ladies, but in… in a lesbian way…"

"He's got lesbian energy," Lucius provides. "Uhm… he's very… femme. But not… not like he's camp-femme, it's…"

"Ah," Zheng nods. "He's in touch with his feminine side, but male."

"Yes?" Lucius looks to Stede. "It's… difficult to explain. But you'd know if you met him."

"…That," Stede concurs, with a nod, now giving Lucius a look of acute gratitude. "And–"

He's cut off – perhaps mercifully – as the main door is opened again to admit another new arrival, and at first glance… at first glance, and with all the colour removed, it's almost like a shot-for-shot replay of the moment he first met Maynard, back in Miami: an achingly-confident man absolutely steeped in the cowboy aesthetic; boots, bullwhip, oversized pistol, the lot. Even the way he sweeps his Stetson up onto his head is strikingly-similar.

The only difference is the colour. Maynard's cowboy aesthetic was always very traditional: blues and browns, whereas the newcomer leans very much towards pinks and purples. And glitter. There are a lot of rhinestones. The single lack of colour is, in fact, the slightly-incongruous pocket square, which is grey.

Maynard's breath catches so audibly, Stede is briefly concerned the man is having a heart attack.

"Friend of yours?" he murmurs.

"…is this a setup?!" Maynard half-murmurs, half-gasps, to Maggie.

"Well, gosh darn it, are my eyes deceivin' me?" the newcomer exclaims, in a perfect Texan drawl. "Is that lil Robbie Maynard?"

"Do you need to safeword out?" Lucius asks from the corner of his mouth. "Ask me for orange juice if you ever do." Because he can tell by the way Maynard is reacting that this… this is not good.

"Sam?" Zheng looks surprised, too. "We were not expecting you. The old girl fancied a changing of the guard, or your last guy piss someone off?"

"Zheng, you know that's rude to ask," Bruce chides her. But it's warm. "And looks like maybe it was meant to be. You two go back?"

"Oh, we've been hangin' around, here and there," Sam says, with a bright smile. Everything about him is bright. Everything. "But not as long as me and Robbie… darn, boy, I didn't expect to see you here! You a 'ringer too, now?"

"…adjacent," Maynard manages. "I… uhm… Stede, Lucius… this… this is Samuel Fox."

"Call me Sammy!" comes the – yes – bright reply. He's like early-Miami Maynard on steroids. "And yeah, my side switched proxies again. Alex had some sort of family business, so… you get me! And… hold up, hold up, you say 'Stede'? So you're the other Vigilant candidate, then?"

Stede nods, still more than a little concerned by the way Maynard looks like he'd enjoy being shot right now. "That's right," he says. "And do you know Maggie Leon? She's my sponsor."

"I do by reputation," Sammy says, tipping his hat to her.

"Likewise," Maggie replies, with a nod. "Though I didn't realise you knew Robbie."

"…should have read my file better…" Maynard now murmurs, though possibly only Stede hears.

"Well, you seem to have us at the disadvantage if you know all about us," Lucius tries to help out. "Is it rude to ask your networking notes, so to speak? The public ones?" The ones in his file which Maggie would have provided will have to wait.

"You mean you can't get it all from the outfit?" Zheng half-suppresses a shudder. It's far too bright. "He's clearly not from the Japanese chapter."

Sammy giggles. "Sure am not. North American chapter, obviously; born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. Used to be in the CIA way back when, but I switched to the 'ringers about… ten years ago, I think. Wanted to do more international work. You get to meet all sorts of interesting folk."

His eyes flick over to Maynard again, lingering. "Didn't expect to be running into this one again, though. Seriously, Robbie, how are you?"

"…Fine. I'm fine." Maynard has never been less fine, and it shows.

"…OK, I'll bite, how do you two know each other?" Maggie asks.

Maynard gives an exasperated sigh, but it's Sammy who answers first. "Oh, hon, we dated way back. For quite a while, actually."

"Dated?" Maynard repeats. "We were fucking engaged, Sammy!"

"Wait, what?" Now Lucius turns on Maynard. "You mean Jack wasn't the first?" Possibly this is not the most helpful thing to say. "Oh god, that makes so much sense… maybe we shouldn't be doing this here?"

"Oh, no, I'm loving the drama," Auntie declares. "And we've not even started on the nominations yet."

Sammy's eyes go wide. "Damn, Robbie, are you married now?"

"Engaged. Recently engaged." Maynard has never been less vocal. "And very happily, I might add."

"Well, good for you!" If Sammy has actual feelings about this, they don't show. "Do I get to meet him at some point?"

"…I don't know. Depends. Aren't you repping our opponent, anyway?"

Sammy bats at him. "Well, yeah, but that's just politics. We ain't gotta be rivals outside of that."

"Maybe it'll even sway your opinion when you see what a great guy 'Robbie' works for," Zheng needles, with a widening smile. "After all… you've heard the stories. And you know the heritage. There's history here."

"History's good, I'll give you that," Sammy replies. "Future's good, too. I'll grab Ricky as soon as he arrives, you should meet him. He's real smooth."

"I look forward to it," Stede says. "For now… I need to make a quick call. Robert, Lucius, if I might borrow you both? We'll be right back, everyone."

And before anyone can object – or try to join in – he takes Maynard's arm, then Lucius', and guides them both off a good distance, where they can talk in private.

Urgently.

Chapter Text

"You were engaged? To – to – the gay version of you?!" Lucius is hissing this the minute they get out of obvious earshot, though he's also tapped his watch to give as much surveillance protection as possible. It is, after all, Super Spy HQ. "What the hell went on between you two, and do we need to get you out of here with a headache, or a medical emergency at home?"

"…just kill me, it'd be quicker…" Maynard declares. For a moment he looks like he's going to clam up entirely, but then he glances between the two of them and relents… or, perhaps, remembers he's actually safe talking to them.

Deep breath. "We… we were engaged, yeah. Years and years ago. I was based out in the States, doing liaison work with the CIA on behalf of Six. Sammy was my contact, and we… we got close. Real close. Other than Jack, he's the only guy I've ever had a relationship with, rather than just a fling. Eventually… I proposed. I was ready to drop Six – and Five, and Daniel Read – and move across the Pond."

"Did Daniel know?" Stede has to ask.

Maynard nods. "Oh yeah. Wasn't exactly pleased, but he didn't try to block me. He was insufferably smug about it when everything went to Hell and I had to wind it all back, though."

"Did he fuck you over?" Lucius asks. "That guy out there? Do I need to spit in his drink and make his life a secret hell? Just tell me, and I will. I know things."

There's a real venom in his voice, too. He does know things. He may have done things, too, on Stede's behalf. For… years. "Real talk, though… do you want a bodyguard between you? Do you want to go home, or stick it out and handle it later? We can handle this, however we need to, but we need to know what it is you'll be most comfortable with."

This gets him a look that's a mixture of surprise and acute gratitude. "I'm not gonna run away," Maynard says. "I won't. I'm here to do a job, and I'm gonna do it. Just don't leave me alone with him, OK? He… he broke my heart. It was Sammy who ended the engagement. Said… said he didn't want to be 'tied down' – which is bullshit in more ways than one – and that we should keep things more professional. Tried. Couldn't."

"…You were still in love with him, even after he left you?" Stede asks, gently.

"Not like you can just turn it off on cue, right?" Maynard replies. "Took me years to get over him."

Stede fixes him with a careful look. "Does Jack know?"

"Nope. So that's a fun conversation I get to have."

"We'll work out how to handle it, but we'll do that after, okay?" Lucius leans in to start fussing at Maynard's outfit to primp and preen him. "You're doing so well, sweetie. And the big old meanie pants doesn't know what he lost out on, but you'll show him. He doesn't deserve you. And we're going to make sure he doesn't get to be a bitch, and we'll get you through this, and when we get back home we can get you shit-faced if you need to. I'm excellent at break-ups – helping others through them, I mean – and it sounds like you never got someone giving you the Lucius Spriggs Special at the time."

A glance to Stede. "Right, babe? We're gonna be his bodyguards and we're gonna get him through this and home to his actual man. Who turned down Maggie for him, so he knows it's serious."

Maynard looks like he might cry. He certainly tears up. "You… you mean it?"

"Absolutely," Stede agrees. "And if you need us around when you talk to Jack, we can be. Lu's right, we'll take care of you. Both of you. And Jack did turn down Maggie – along with pretty much anyone else – for you, so it's going to be OK, and if he needs his head knocking slightly, we have Ed. Worked at New Year, didn't it?"

"…yeah."

"Is… that why you freaked out?" Stede adds, very carefully. "At New Year?"

Maynard bites his lip and nods. "…yeah. Thought… thought it was happening again."

Lucius steps back, arms folding over his chest. "And you saw what happened instead: he's still crazy in love with you and planning a better wedding than you would have had, if you could actually have left the country. So I know that was scary for you, but you can see how this time is so much better? You have him, and you have us. And if it comes to it, there's at least four guys who will likely fake make-out with you in front of him to make him jealous. I can't say Izzy would, but he might if he hates this guy enough."

A beat. "And I bet Maggie would, too. Hell, you could fake-snog lots of people!"

Maynard exclaims something that's half-sob, half-laugh, and throws his arms around Lucius, hugging him fiercely tight, before stepping quickly back. "…You're such a good guy. Don't think I don't see it. Bet you used to save Stede's ass all the time."

"He did," Stede confirms at once. "He absolutely did. Still does."

"I was very, very good at it. Stede didn't even find out about some of the times I did. I can be very effective, but the trick is to make sure no one knows, so they don't give you anymore work, or raise their expectations." Lucius is entirely unfazed by the hug, and he laces one arm through Stede's before patting it for good measure. "Plus, you're part of the extended family, now. That means we're the only ones who get to make you uncomfortable. And only in ways we can laugh about, after."

A pause. "Like… I'm serious, though. What the hell is that man even wearing? Because I'm gayer than gay and he made my eyes want to turn inside out."

"He's always been flamboyant, but he seems to have gotten more so," Maynard says. "There wasn't usually that much glitter, not before. Loves the cowboy aesthetic, though. He's the one I… er… got it from."

"But with less pink," Stede adds.

"Yeah. And… thanks, for defending me." Maynard looks down, clearly emotional but also very genuine. "I'm serious, it means a lot. I'd probably be trying to drown myself in the punch bowl otherwise."

"Oh god no, if you die, we will never get Jack out of the flat!" Lucius nearly explodes, his face faux-horrified, but not able to cover the amusement, too. "You better bloody live, mister. So put that chin up and think of shooting Jack out of windows or something."

"…he shot me, that was one time, and he said he was sorry…" Maynard murmurs, somehow still going pink. "And I won't, I promise. I actually have a lot to live for. I… just need to survive tonight."

Stede pats him on the arm. "You will. We'll make sure of it. You survived reuniting with Ed after you tried to kill him and shot me instead."

"…not helping…"

"No, but you did, and I saw him hug you at New Year's. So you're doing better than you think."

"And don't you need to shoot Jack in revenge, though?" Lucius pushes. "Because I think you should. Like… to properly exchange vows…" And then he whirls towards Stede. "Ed hugged him? Wow. Next Izzy will be making out with Jack."

"He'd better not!" Maynard exclaims, but he's grinning now. "I'll never hear the end of it. And I'm not shooting Jack in revenge. It takes weeks to recover. Do you know what trying to keep Jack occupied for that long would be like? I love the man but he is not good at sitting still."

"The hugging part is true, though," Stede confirms to Lucius. "And it was consensual. And Ed called him 'little baby spy'."

"Will you stop?!" Maynard declares, going pink again. "We were wasted!"

Lucius grabs Maynard's cheek in a pinch, squishing his cheek. "Aww, little baby spy? That's so cute. You were, really. You were his replacement, after all. And Stede's. Basically you're a little hairy twink."

"…oh God, kill me, I've changed my mind."

"Nope, I'm afraid you have to live," Stede tells him.

"…then just promise you'll never call me that in front of Jack. I'll never hear the end of it!"

"Oh, no. You're definitely going to be the Furry Twink Spy." A beat, as Lucius replays that. "Wait… Fuzzy. Fuzzy, not Furry… Unless…?"

Maynard gives him a Look. "…No. Just… no. I'm not into that. And I can't believe I'm saying this, but maybe we should head back over to the others before they worry I'm having a breakdown or something."

"Are you?" Stede has to ask.

"…The jury's still out on that one."

"I think you'd make a very fine… something…" Lucius links him with his free arm. "And I wouldn't judge if you were one. Possibly an alligator? But you are right, we should go back in. And… don't flinch or shoot me if I do anything when we're back out there, okay?"

"I… will do my best," Maynard manages, now clearly worrying what Lucius might be planning to do.

***

The three of them head back over to the others, seeing enroute that Zheng, Maggie and Bruce are now talking not just to Sammy, but to two other figures as well.

"…I'm guessing that's him," Stede murmurs to Lucius and Maynard. "Be on your guard."

"--but then she was the one who fell over and broke the whole damn table!" Bruce concludes, gesturing very effusively and getting a reaction from everyone he's regaling.

One of the two men is slight, somewhat weasley in appearance (if you were kind), and his laugh in response sounds like the braying of generations of inbred aristocrats.

Lucius despises him already, and he tries to suppress the shudder. It brings back too many memories, and it can only be one person, really. He shoots a 'god, no' look to Stede.

Stede returns it, as subtly as he can. The guy is not a Badminton, but he definitely sounds like he has things in common with them.

The second man is taller, and a little broader, with reddish hair and an inscrutable expression that no doubt hides a lot. He's wearing a dark suit with a silver bell pin on his left lapel, and another depicting a yellow and black coat of arms on his right.

And… he looks vaguely familiar to Stede, though he can't work out why, or where from.

"Ah, there you are," Maggie says to the three of them. "All good?"

"Yep, all good," Maynard replies, as levelly as he can, though he's still avoiding Sammy's gaze.

"Glad you're back, I'm fixin' to make some introductions!" Sammy now says, gesturing between them. "Ricky, Will, this is Stede Bonnet, his second, Lucius Spriggs, and Maggie's second, Robbie Maynard. Everyone, allow me to present Richard Banes, and his second, William Rhett."

"Stede… Stede Bonnet?" Ricky's voice remains reedy and bordering on an ingratiating (but still displeasing) whine. "My, my. I never thought we'd see the prodigal son arrive." He's turned to look him up and down, then glance over Lucius and Maynard. And it is a glance.

Lucius lifts his brow when he notices the man accompanying Ricky, and the arm looped with him gives a subtle nudge and signal. Careful.

"I wondered why you were all being so unusually warm tonight," Ricky continues. "And now I see why."

"What, we're not usually warm?" Maggie counters, levelly. "But we're such a friendly bunch. Of friends."

"And there's no reason for hostility," Stede adds. "After all, we're all on the same side. I understand you've got a family connection to the Bellringers as well?" He's determined to make nice for as long as possible, to keep the high ground, though he can sense the shift in the air, and the mood. And he still can't work out why the silent Rhett is familiar.

"We are? On the same side? You've only just arrived… but yes it's lovely to see you. I'm sure." Ricky smiles, then turns slightly away again. "But yes, we have both had the same… legacy."

Lucius' eyes sharpen. "You… Swansea, right?" He's ignoring Ricky for a moment, addressing Rhett. "Yes, Swansea."

"Oh, you know Rhett?" Zheng lifts a brow. "Five?"

Rhett nods. "That's right." His accent is soft, British, but hard to place exactly, as if it's subtly shifting between several. "And yes, I was stationed out that way for a time many years ago. In fact… I believe our paths crossed once, did they not? I thought I'd heard the name 'Stede Bonnet' before." If he remembers Lucius too, he doesn't allude to it.

"It's such a small world sometimes, isn't it?" Bruce beams. "So… Ricky… you looking forward to a bit of a challenge, now?"

"Challenge?" Ricky flicks his wrist dismissively. "Oh, hardly. But it is nice to know you thought of it."

"Oh, really?" Zheng taps her chin. "That's nice to hear."

"This is worse than the Badmintons," Lucius sighs.

"What makes you think I won't be a challenge?" Stede asks, and though his tone is level, it's fair to say he's losing sight of that high ground he was so invested in two minutes ago. "We've only just met."

"We've done our reading," Rhett replies.

"Clearly not," Stede counters. "Or you wouldn't write me and my people off so easily. Or so foolhardily."

"Stede… Stede, Stede, Stede… It's alright." Ricky shakes his head. "But we don't need to get into this right now." He takes another long, slow sip of his drink. "But it will be very lovely to work with you."

Zheng looks between them all. "This is going to be fun."

Chapter Text

The Bellringer meeting itself is comparatively level and civil: all formality and procedure. Stede and Ricky are both introduced and presented as candidates for the Vigilant's position, with the proviso that they'll be evaluated over the next few weeks in a series of missions with other Bellringers.

Thankfully, those missions will be independent of each other, which is good, because Stede does not like Ricky one bit, and the thought of having to work with him is unwelcome. The others, however… he knows Zheng is competent, and he instantly finds himself liking Bruce, so both of them will be fine. And mercifully, as Sammy is Ricky's sponsor, they'll be working together, so he doesn't have to contend with a man who makes early-Miami Maynard look like a wallflower. And who makes current Maynard visibly uncomfortable.

He knows they need to talk to Maggie about how everything went down, so he invites her back to the apartment as well. Plus she works with Maynard and Jack on a daily basis, so she knows what they're like by now, and hopefully won't be fazed by however things go down for that conversation.

Which… remains to be seen.

The others are all in the lounge on the 'middle' floor – they still call it that out of habit a lot of the time, even though there's technically two middle floors now – and Stede messages Ed to let him know they're on their way up.

"Hey," he calls out, as they head in. "We're back. And we brought Maggie."

"Did you bring cake?" Ed calls out, his voice slightly slurry, but happy. Mellow. There's definitely been alcohol consumed, and a lot of giggling. Right now, he's lying upside down on a couch with his legs up the backrest, hair tumbling down to brush the ground as he stares at them all from upside-down. "Or any cool new gadgets you totally won't ever admit exist? Did they tell you about the face swapping machine at last?"

"There is no face swapping machine," Lucius replies, with a long-suffering gay sigh. "Is anything broken, here?"

"World records!" Ed laughs. "And Izzy's patience."

"I have not killed anybody," Izzy declares, sounding somewhat inebriated himself. "No matter how much Jack deserves it."

"Which's mean, 'cause I was good," Jack insists, from where he's sprawled on the floor in a large heap of couch cushions.

"…sorta good," Pete chips in. "He was sorta good."

"I mean, building's still standing, right?" Maggie says, with a little grin.

"Annnnd no one did bad touching." Ed nods. "Not that I should have to say it, but it's true. ROBERT! Your man flirted, but it was within acsheptable paramy-things!" Which is Ed trying very, very hard to be nice. He beams.

And then: "My head hurts." The fact that he's upside down hasn't really clicked as a possible reason, and then there's a long yawn. "You have fun? London not burning, or… stuff?"

"It was… a mixed bag," Stede manages, aware that Maynard is very quiet. "Some good, some interesting, some… we maybe need to talk about."

He chivvies the others over to the couches – the ones that still have cushions on – and waves for them to sit down. And… then looks at Maynard, who in turn looks like he'd welcome the chance to neck the nearest bottle he can get his hands on.

"Oh, that sounds ominous," Izzy remarks, his eyes flicking between them; aware Something is going on, but not sure what yet. "C'mon, out with it. I had to look after these three all evening."

"And we were good!" Jack insists again.

"…sorta good," Pete corrects once more.

"…Did you know?" Maynard blurts out, finally, to Maggie. "Just… just be honest with me. Did you know?"

"I swear, I didn't," Maggie insists. "I had no idea Alexander had been swapped out until…"

"…But you knew he was one of yours?"

"Well, yes, but I had no idea he was…" Maggie starts out, then stops. "Robert, tell Jack first."

"Tell me what?" Jack asks, head snapping up as he clearly realises there's an issue. "Robbie, what happened?"

"It… I… fuck…"

"Do I need to sit on Jack?" Ed asks. "Did someone hurt Maynard? Can someone help me see things the right way round? I am too fucking drunk for drama." Ed's mood has dropped rapidly, and he grabs hold of Pete to try to (semi-) gracefully invert himself. Re-vert? Something.

Lucius puts a hand on Maynard's lower back. "You've not done anything wrong, remember," he tells him quietly. "Nothing wrong at all. And we're all here to get you through this."

"I didn't mean for there to be drama," Maynard insists, looking wretched, if grateful for how supportive Lucius keeps being. "I really didn't. And I didn't… I mean, I didn't even know he was a fucking Bellringer, never mind…"

Jack tries to scooch closer to him, attempting to bring the heap of cushions in the process, which is precisely as graceless as it sounds. "Robbie, c'mon, what is it?"

Maynard takes a deep breath and goes for broke. "The agent who's sponsoring Ricky Banes… I know him. It wasn't who Maggie was expecting, it was someone else. He… Jack, he's my ex. He's… it's… we were…"

"Oh." Jack sounds like he understands something. "Sammy. It's Sammy, right?"

Maynard jumps. "How did you know that?"

Jack shrugs. "Your rifle's named after him, and I figured whoever it was must've meant somethin' to you at one point or other. And Sammy ain't one of your kin, so it's gotta be an ex. But you… I thought you didn't do long-term stuff before me."

"I didn't. Except… except him. It was years and years ago. We… Jack, we were engaged."

"…Fuck. Who proposed?"

"…Me."

"And who broke it off?"

"Him. Very much him."

"So this fuck broke your heart?"

Now Maynard looks a little confused by the way this is going. "…Yes?"

"All the more reason to grind his ass into the floor when I meet him."

"You're… you're not mad? You don't hate me?"

Jack reaches up to grab hold of Maynard to pull him down into the cushion pile. "Are you fucking kidding? You're allowed to have a fucking ex, you know. Hell, mine's sitting right there and he's been whoopin' my ass at videogames all night!"

"It's true, I did whoop his ass," Ed confirms with a nod. "And we have Christmas with Stede's ex. And she's his boss."

Lucius lets out a breath he hadn't known he'd been holding, then realises he doesn't need to somehow get between Jack and Maynard if it goes tits up. Which he'd have done, but he'd much rather not. He goes to sit on Pete's other side, glancing over to Izzy to blow him a subtle kiss. "For what it's worth, Jack, if I had to lay odds on who he'd be happier with… it's you, not that gaudy shit. And I say that as a gaudy shit."

"You managed to find relationship drama and it wasn't even with one of the world's worst husbands?!" Ed sounds impressed. "Guys. I almost wish we'd been there."

"You should see the guy in question," Stede says, feeling more comfortable gossipping now he knows there isn't going to be a big blow-up. "If you thought what these two wore at New Year was sparkly, they had nothing on Sammy. Even I thought it was too much."

Maynard has practically burrowed into Jack's arms now, curling against him in visible relief. "I'm sorry I never mentioned him. I should have."

"Well, maybe," Jack says, "but Robbie, just answer me this… do you love the fuck? Now, I mean, not back then."

"No," Maynard replies at once. "I did back then, and it took time to get over him, but I am over him. And… seeing him again was confusing, and emotional, but it doesn't change a thing about us."

"Then you ain't gotta worry."

"…that… that's good… I…" Maynard gives a delirious little giggle. "Can I get slightly shitfaced now?"

"Only if you promise not to try to run away to America again," Stede replies.

"…said I was sorry…"

"I could handcuff 'em together!" Ed offers, helpfully. "That worked for Iz, Lu and Pete. Not that they were trying to get married then. But also… it's funny."

"I'll get the front desk to stop them leaving if we're too drunk to," Lucius offers. "And put Heathrow and Gatwick on alert. Maybe even Stanstead and Luton, while I'm at it…"

"…shurrup…" Maynard murmurs, against Jack's chest, though even hidden it's clear he's just grateful for the support.

"We should at least try to go through the rest of what happened before we get too wasted," Stede points out. "Or… whilst we do, at least."

Maynard nods. "Probably wise. But I'm vetoing the handcuffs."

"Yeah, it'll give him ideas," Jack says, with a salacious grin.

"Ceej, stop!"

"Oh, c'mon, we all know what the pair of you are like," Ed harrumphs. "We've seen you in a damn skirt already. Some of us have seen some of you with less on, but we're all adults. You can have ideas… when you go to the guest room."

Then he looks over to Maggie. "Especially because we have a lady here. And… not because ladies can't get freaky, but she doesn't have a freaky friend here, so… we should be polite. And stuff."

"We met a heterosexual!" Lucius suddenly exclaims. "A real one! A man one!"

"Oh shit, really? What was he wearing?" Ed's head snaps around.

"Actually, it was rather…" Lucius glances with a bit of a blush to Stede, then Maggie. "It was a rather nice, tight polo. And he didn't look like he shouldn't wear it, either."

"Oh, Bruce?" Maggie says. "Bruce is fiiiine. He looks good in everything. And he's lovely."

"Yes, he's a very attractive fellow, isn't he?" Stede concurs. "Sort of… effortlessly suave."

"…Hold on, wait, you think this guy is attractive?" Pete says, a little surprised.

"I… oh. I suppose I do," Stede replies. "I mean…" his eyes go to Lucius, "he is, right?"

Lucius nods, pulling his lips in. "Mhm! In… mmm. An Ed-way? All… arms and… pecs… and… muscles." And now he's fanning himself. "He's the kind that normally women would be crying that the 'good ones' are always gay, because… yep. Definitely good. At least on the eyes."

Ed sits a bit more upright. "Does my husband have a thing for a guy he just met?"

Stede goes bright pink. "No! No, of course I don't! I don't do that! And I'm married!"

"You… know you're still allowed to have eyes, right?" Pete says. "You can look. Admire the scenery. Doesn't mean you're planning to cheat or anything like that."

"And he is pretty," Maynard agrees, obviously feeling more comfortable saying so now. "The Aussie accent is cute, too."

"Oh god, don't ever ask Stede to try doing one. It's… bad." Lucius nods. "But it sounded… mmm. Warm and floaty and like he'd give great foot-rubs. And get you a beer. And we had to explain to him that Doug isn't going to be a woman, he's just… Doug."

"So… all of you liked this guy?" Ed looks between them all. "Interesting. Maynard, out of curiosity, can you do an Aussie accent?"

"I can do a reasonable Kiwi," Maynard answers, switching into it straight away. It's not quite as perfect as the Texan, but it's certainly not bad. "Only been out there once, so I didn't get a lot of time to practise, but it worked well enough for my cover. As for Aussie…" his accent shifts as he tries it, "…it's kind of similar but a little more… pronounced? Like that?"

"Hey, that's kinda hot," Jack decides, with a grin.

"Yeah, they all liked him," Maggie says to Ed, grinning as well. "But you don't need to worry, Bruce has that effect on people but he only uses his powers for good. Plus he's very happily married."

"To a woman," Lucius reminds them, even though he doesn't need to. "And… he didn't seem to mind that we kept checking out his ass. And tits. And arms. And… everything." More fanning. "Stede was clocking him almost as much as me, and he hasn't learned to be subtle, yet."

"Lucius, shush, I was not!" Stede goes even pinker. "I don't… I don't do that! Look at boys! Or… anyones. I don't look at anyones!"

"But you kinda did," Maggie says.

"No, shush! I didn't! Ed, I didn't!" Now Stede's the one looking worried.

"Hey, everyone seems to think he's worth looking at," Ed reassures him. "And you do. Look at boys. Usually when they're in movies, but you do look at 'em. Now I just want to see his intel file so I can picture him… unless we're gonna get to meet him in person?"

"He's gonna be running point on your first assessment mission," Maggie answers. "So the rest of you will get to meet him soon. And like I said, he's good and you can trust him. He's been one of Zheng's allies for years."

"So… we've got some kind of Australian sex god and Robert's insane ex," Izzy says. "And… I'm guessing you met Ricky Banes as well? What's he like?"

"…A Badminton, but shorter," Stede manages. "I don't like him one bit, and he clearly feels the same about me. About all of us, honestly, he was very dismissive of Lu and Maynard as well. But if we're going with the Badminton analogy, he's more of a Chauncey than a Nigel, which means we need to keep our eyes on him."

"And he's got an ex-Five on his arm. I'm assuming ex. Because Maggie said he's Inaltus, as well as a Bellringer? And I thought we had the trifecta…" Lucius makes a face. "For the record, he wasn't the nicest back then, either."

"OK, OK, hold up," Stede says. "Brett's definitely Five, right? Or ex, like you say. I knew I recognised him from somewhere as soon as I saw him, but I couldn't place him."

"Rhett," Maggie corrects. "His name is William Rhett."

"Ohhhh… that's why I didn't recognise his name. I thought he was called Brett."

"Nope," Maggie replies. "But he's definitely also a Bellringer. Which was news to me until recently, because I thought I was the only one of us left in Inaltus-that-was, but apparently they had someone else and never told me. And… OK, that's fair, we are supposed to be covert."

"…You want to watch out for him," Maynard chips in. "I saw him around when CJ and I were undercover at the Beacon. And… OK, I realise you knew what was really going on there too, Maggie, but… that guy definitely had sub-basement access. He was very pally with Zach McKenzie."

"So… what, this guy is literally Five, Bellringer and old-school Inaltus all at once?" Pete says.

"It's starting to sound like it," Maggie replies. "I'm gonna do some digging on my side, see if I can find out more about him, but from what I've gathered so far, he's been connected to Ricky for years."

Stede scowls. "Another reason to be wary." He looks to Lucius. "You remembered him better than me. Anything else you can think of that we need to know?"

"Well, we should see if his old analyst is still with Five, and whether or not they're still in touch. Richard Tookerman, that was his name. He and I… helped you out. You might not have realised at the time. Rich hated him. Loathed him. But I've never met a guy behind a desk who was quite as good at passive-aggressive cc'ing and bcc'ing and finding the minutiae as him…"

"You sound almost fond of him," Ed remarks, noting the unusual tone.

"Hmm? Oh, he had a nice dick, but it was more the sheer vindictiveness of his paperwork. He had to have known more than nearly anyone in Five, what he got away with. I aspired to be as petty and connected."

"…wait, you were together?" Stede exclaims. "I had no idea! I…" His expression goes rather more self-aware. "…I often had no idea, did I?"

"I don't think you ever had an idea." Lucius shrugs. "And you couldn't really say 'together'. There were a few mutually beneficial… exchanges. And certain doors that had been closed became open."

"Lu… were you sucking dick for your boss?" Ed has to ask.

"Does it count if I enjoyed doing it?"

Stede puts his hands over his eyes for a moment. "Oh God, don't tell Mary. I don't think you're supposed to do that."

"I… don't think it's exactly frowned upon," Maynard has to chip in, a little awkwardly. "So long as you're sensible."

"I promise I never implied that he should!" Stede now insists, looking almost nervously at Izzy and Pete, even though all of this was long before either of them came along. "I wouldn't."

"Stede, seriously, I know you wouldn't," Izzy tries to reassure him. "And even if you did, I also know Lu wouldn't go along with it unless he thought it was a good idea too. And wanted to do it. You know he doesn't get pushed into things."

"I absolutely do not." Lucius' tone is firm, there. "And there's plenty of times that I could have used my wiles for things if I'd wanted to, but I didn't want to, and I had an alternative. But Rich… I told you I admired his working practices… It was definitely mutually beneficial. And I would never have let you know it happened, if… you know. We weren't a thing, now."

A little, semi-defiant rustle of the shoulders follows. "I have never, ever been the office bike. Even though there's nothing wrong with it, if you want to get ridden around. But I didn't have you four, and I did have an active libido. So… I'm not ashamed of it, and neither should you be. If it makes you uncomfortable, I won't mention anyone else?"

"Oh God, no, I'm not trying to shame you," Stede says at once. "I'd never do that. I just didn't want anyone thinking that I'd ever…" he goes pink, despite the fact he's never even considered what he's suggesting, "…you know… whored you out for a mission. But what you did of your own volition as a sensible adult is totally fine and you don't have to worry."

"I will say, I am open to being whored out in future…" Lucius replies, airily. "But only to a very select number… and some of them only get fake-kisses." He winks at Maggie, then flounces back at Stede. "You get me?"

Stede relaxes visibly at that, and he smiles. "Yes. I get you."

"I think we all get you," Izzy adds, dryly.

"So… uhm… back to the issue in hand," Stede now says, before it gets decidedly out of hand in company. "We should probably try to figure out who this guy Rhett actually works for. But I'm getting the sense that he's either bad news or very bad news."

"Like I say, let me do some digging on our side," Maggie says. "I should be able to figure out at least some of it. Hopefully enough to work on."

"I'll track down Rich," Lucius adds. "And I won't offer him any tricks, before Jack asks to watch. Though I may brag about my harem."

"I thought it was Stede's harem?" Ed is starting to feel the slowing-down from stopping drinking and going way too serious all at once. "Do we need to do this all now, or… can we get the brief notes and then go to the getting-Maynard-drunk bit?"

"I don't think there's anything else we need to cover immediately," Stede says. "I just wanted to make sure we said all the crucial bits before we forget anything. And… so I could bitch about Ricky."

"So we are at the getting-Robbie-drunk bit?" Jack asks. "'Cause I think he still needs it."

"…He still needs it," Maynard confirms. "But he promises not to do anything insane. Or try to run away to America."

"I'm gonna leave you to it," Maggie says. "I want to touch base with a couple of people before it gets too late. Plus I don't want to be the eighth wheel in Stede's harem…"

"Those two aren't in my harem!" Stede insists. "They're harem-adjacent! And we do have two guest rooms – soundproofed guest rooms – so you absolutely could."

Maggie grins. "I know, and thank you, but I'm still gonna run for it. I'm serious about the touching base, too. The sooner I do that, the better."

She slaps her hands on her knees and stands. "Don't misbehave too much without me! And we'll catch up in a day or two, once things have settled."

"Bet she wishes Jack would touch her base," Ed mutters quietly, apparently forgetting that some things stay Inside and other things are for saying aloud.

"Stop tormenting the mostly-heterosexual!" Lucius grabs a cushion and throws it at Ed. "You are awful, you know!"

"What? At least I didn't come back with a report on all the shaggable guys at the meeting!"

"You just wait until you meet him, is all I'm saying!"

"Yeah, you're not gonna be able to resist," Maggie agrees. "Like I said: fiiiiiiiiiine."

"And we didn't say any of the others were… were that," Stede insists. "We said Ricky's a bitch, Rhett's working for everyone at once, and Sammy is automatically in trouble for being mean to Robert."

"…and he's so blingy even Stede thinks he's too much," Maynard adds.

Stede clicks fingers at him. "That!"

"But then Lu told us all about--"

"Ed, do you want to be sent into time-out? Because you're going to end up in time-out, with no more booze." Lucius gives him what passes for his version of the Voice, which is Scary Analyst You Listen If You Know What's Good For You Voice.

"You take him to one party and he comes back thinking he's a switch." Ed sticks his tongue out. "More drinks. I'm not drunk enough for this."

"I think you might be soon," Maggie says. "Have fun, you lot!"

And she heads off, giving them a wave before she's out the door.

"Naked Twister!" Jack shouts at once.

Maynard bats at him. "Jack, no."

"…More drinks?" Jack can pull off a vaguely-convincing faux-innocent look when he tries. Vaguely-convincing.

"Strip poker!" Ed hollers, apparently not feeling much better behaved than Jack.

"Izzy, what the hell have you four been doing?" Lucius is rightfully horrified.

"Drinking," Izzy says.

Chapter Text

Despite the fact the others seem to be at the point of drinking out of bottles, not glasses, Stede still goes to make a jug of margaritas. The fact that his margaritas are very alcoholic is beside the point. Or it is the point. Anyway. Margaritas. He wants one, and he suspects Lucius will want one, and possibly Pete.

And apparently Maynard, who asks for 'the largest glass you can reasonably give me, filled as high as you can reasonably pour'.

It's a good thing it's a big jug.

"Better?" Stede asks, once the man has taken a mouthful.

Maynard gives him a thumbs-up and drinks some more.