Meadows of Heaven (8/23)

[epeeblade]

Chapter 8

Maggie much preferred having her hands in the guts of some machine over sitting here and chewing on three hundred year old logs. However, the captain's decree made sense, especially in the light of the engineering team fucking it up the first time. They needed to know the Raleigh from the inside out before attempting any more power hookups.

Although Maggie wished that could be done from working in the actual ship. She sighed, and queued up the list of logs assigned to her, wondering where to start first. The list had been divided last night, with no regard for area of expertise, so she had plenty of personal diaries in addition to anything remotely helpful.

Whitfield knocked on the hull of the shuttle, and Maggie looked up from her work with a smile. "Tell me you brought lunch?"

"Turkey on rye, hold the pickles." He brought one of the handy MRE boxes into the shuttle and tossed it her way.

She laughed before ripping into it. At least it was food.

"So did you get commed fifteen times by Morgan last night asking for the sit rep?"

Maggie shook her head. "I only got two calls. One from Morgan, the other from Ackles."

"Huh," Whitfield said, sliding in to sit next to her. "Surprised they let the kid talk in there."

"Were you on the team that made it into the city?"

He shook his head. "Nah, heard 'em talking about it though. Whips, gags, all that kinda crap. You know, there's a club like that on the border. . ."

Maggie gave in to the impulse to smack him upside the head, but he only laughed. She went back to her sandwich, but her thoughts raced. Ackles had told her she couldn't possibly imagine what his job was like, and she understood that. Her worry for him now was a natural extension of her concern for her brother. Jake had commed her only yesterday, and he'd decided to go ahead with joining the Sex Corps. And the last thing she wanted to imagine was her baby brother being sent to a planet where he'd be gagged and whipped.

The sandwich didn't taste very good right now.

***

Jeff woke with a start, unsettled, his mind racing with the threads of dreams he had no desire to hold onto in the light of day. For a moment the light streaming in through the large glass windows confused him, he had no such windows on the Mercury. Then he caught sight of Jensen perched on the end of the bed, clad in nothing more than a tight pair of leggings and everything came back to him.

He pushed himself up, running a hand through his sweaty hair, making a face at the sensation. What, had he run a marathon in his sleep?

Jensen stared at him oddly, until he finally broke down and asked, "Who's Katie?"

Jeff froze, hearing that name come of Jensen's lips had his blood running cold. "Where did you hear that?"

Jensen bit his lip. "You were calling for her, just before you woke up."

Goddamn nightmares, he hadn't had one in over six months. Jeff didn't understand why he had one now, nothing about this place reminded him of Katie. "She was my wife," he said, his voice a hoarse strangle in his throat.

"Oh," Jensen said. "And she's. . .?"

"Dead," he answered, surprised the word wasn't harder to say. "When the Confeds blew up her planet 18 months ago." He could still count down the days, the minutes, the seconds of how long it had been. "I was on the other side of the damned galaxy, fighting a stupid battle over trade routes."

Jensen didn't say anything, though his eyes were heavy lidded. He reached out and placed his hand over Jeff's heart, his skin cool against Jeff's overheated flesh. Jeff counted his heartbeats, the length of time Jensen said nothing, waiting for Jeff to deal with his own grief.

"I need to shower." Jeff pulled away. He couldn't be with Jensen right now, not with the dream still caught in his mind. I'm sorry, Katie, he thought, turning the water on high, you deserved so much better than me.

***

Jensen fingered the soft fabric of the bedcovers. He hadn't known about Jeff's loss, and his fingers itched for his comm, to go back and search the news feed for more information about this mysterious woman he knew nothing about. The battle must have occurred while Jensen was on assignment, sometimes he got so swept up in the minutia of a mission that the bigger events often passed him by.

Well, maybe Jeff would tell him more, now that Jensen knew. He felt strange, to have learned something so important through a dream. This place caused messed up dreams, but Jensen had not dreamt of his parents, or of Danneel, or any of the missions that had gone terribly wrong. He just continued to hear that voice, calling out for him. "What are you trying to tell me?" he murmured.

Today Jeff had to get his head in the game; they had to practice for later, for the demonstration in front of the queen and her court. The importance of this one event had his stomach tied in knots, he didn't know if Jeff was ready, and despite how well things had been going, all the goodwill could be destroyed if they fucked up tonight.

Jensen realized his fingers had tightened over the covers, the fabric straining with the force of his grip. He let go. Someone had to be on their game today, and it was Jensen's duty to make sure that person was him. This was his job, damn it, and he'd told Jeff time and time again to let him do it.

So Jensen went about the morning tasks, setting out breakfast, making the bed, and lastly, set out the lengths of rope they had picked up from the equipment master after watching the rope demonstration yesterday. The strands were soft, but strong, Jensen didn't have to worry about the rope failing. He wouldn't be breaking any bonds tied with these any time soon. Jeff had asked for green, and had gotten dark forest green colored ropes that would look startling against Jensen's pale skin. They seemed to have accepted his unusual eye color, though everyone wanted to point it out, giving him green clothes, green ropes, and even green leather kilts. He didn't like being noticed.

Jeff emerged from the shower, his skin pink and still damp. He had a towel around his waist and frowned at the selection of ropes Jensen had laid on the bed.

"We need to practice," Jensen explained.

"Not before breakfast."

"Of course not."

After the meal, during which Jensen chattered about his meeting with Sub Fredric, Jeff seemed more like himself, apparently putting the nightmare behind them. Good, they could get down to business then.

"So you think Fredric rules with the queen?" Jeff asked, soaking up the last bits of his egg with some warm bread.

"Not explicitly, no." Jensen started to collect the plates. "But I think he has his own role to play in the decisions the queen makes."

"It's a good thing he's taken a shine to you then."

Jensen frowned, remembering how Fredric had seemed to see right through him. "We'll find out soon enough."

"Are you meeting with Misha or Peter today?" Jeff asked.

"I cleared my calendar," Jensen said with a grin. "We have to figure out tonight. It's more important than anything else."

Jeff nodded. For the first time, he looked worried. "Do you think we can do this?"

Jensen straightened up. Despite his doubts, he needed to be strong for the both of them. "I know we can do this. Now come on, let's practice tying me up."

He was glad to hear the sound of Jeff's laughter follow him into the playroom.

***

Jeff picked at his food at dinner, he remembered in time to feed Jensen at his feet, to make sure his sub was not hungry before the entertainment began. Jensen took a few bites, but waved more food away with a shake of his head. Perhaps he was just as nervous as Jeff.

Or maybe he just had more sense than to eat before a very public sex act that would see him bound by countless ropes. Jensen had been in this situation before, that's what Jeff told himself. Jensen would be fine. Jeff just had to worry about himself.

"Tonight," the queen said as the food was cleared away and the table removed. "Instead of our traditional fifth night, I have deferred to Commander Morgan."

Jeff gazed at the faces of the others, noticing who looked surprised and who didn't. Adrian had a sly smile on his face; the bastard had probably been looking forward to seeing Jensen naked since they had arrived there. Rachel exchanged a look with Leonard, and that caught Jeff by surprise, that the youngest and oldest of the court seem to be in agreement on something. He made a mental note to discuss it afterwards with Jensen.

He stood, trying to not look as stiff and uncomfortable as he felt. Jeff allowed Jensen to pick out his clothing, and ended up in, to his chagrin, the leather pants he really hadn't wanted to wear. But they had an unlaceable crotch, and would enable Jeff to free himself with a minimum of fuss. And, Jensen had added with a smile, they apparently looked damn good on Jeff's ass.

Well, Jensen might be a bit biased. "Thank you, Queen Michelle," he said, giving her a nod of his head in respect. "Because I am so new to your city and your ways, Duchess Claudia has volunteered to help me with some of the equipment." She'd also step in if Jeff screwed up, and he counted her a valuable ally.

"Jensen." He turned from the center of the circle of chairs and pillows. "Strip and bring your ropes here."

Jensen slid to his feet with the grace of a dancer. In this moment, he became something else, a sensual creature with the singular goal of performing for the crowd. The look on his face was alien to Jeff, beautiful of course, because Jensen could never not be beautiful, but lacking in the qualities that made him Jensen, his sense of humor, that quirky grin, those crinkles in the corners of his eye. No, this Jensen had rimmed his eyes with black liner, making them look larger and more intense than ever; his lips were pressed together in a perfect pout, as if awaiting Jeff's pleasure.

He stripped easily, sliding off the leather kilt and stepping out of the sandals, leaving himself completely bare. Jeff had noticed from their first encounter how comfortable Jensen seemed with his own nudity, and that hadn't changed as Jensen gathered up the length of rope tied in a loop and carried it to Jeff. He didn't even blush, even though all eyes in the room followed him.

Jeff nodded and took the length of rope, undoing the knot at the end so he could pull the loose bit free. "Stand straight, and hold out your arms." He needed access to Jensen's torso.

Jensen moved into position, lifting his chin high and stretching out his arms to either side.  His skin was porcelain clear, and gleamed slightly from whatever powder he'd spread over himself before they'd left their quarters. When Jeff ran the first length of rope around his torso, the dark green stood out in stark relief against Jensen's smooth body. Jeff found he missed the freckles, missed counting the tiny reddish brown specs with his tongue.

He knew it would take years to master the kind of rope bondage they'd seen the night before, but all Jeff had to do was pick a pattern and emulate it. It didn't have to be pretty, as long as it worked. His hands remembered the knots, and the order of which rope to pull where. Jeff had to zone out the eyes that watched him intently, or else he wouldn't be able to do this.

Jeff worked the pattern around Jensen's torso, creating a harness made out of ropes, that crisscrossed over Jensen's nipples and then again over his navel, putting that glittering ring on display. Then he moved down, between Jensen's legs, knotting the ropes in diamond patterns down his thighs and calves. When he finished, Jeff circled his sub, reaching out here and there to test his work, to make sure the knots held. They did.

"Kneel," Jeff commanded softly.

Jensen dropped to his knees, his arms still held out as Jeff had ordered. Jeff crouched beneath him and used more rope to bind Jensen's calves to his thighs. "Put your arms behind your back." He kept his voice low and even, he never needed to repeat an order.

When Jensen obeyed, Jeff bound his arms together, once again using the intricate diamond pattern he'd learned only yesterday. He gave one last tug to make sure everything was good and tight before standing and stepping away to admire the whole picture.

The ropes looked like they belonged on Jensen's skin, as if he should always be bound at Jeff's feet, for his pleasure. Jeff had to stop feeling guilty about enjoying this, at the way his cock thickened and filled at the sight of the man kneeling there, helpless until Jeff decided otherwise. Jensen's gaze flickered up at him, heavy under those long eyelashes, but Jeff couldn't read the thoughts behind it. But he could tell that Jensen wasn't unaffected, not the way his dick rested, flush and full against the ropes on one thigh.

Jeff had to pull himself away from just looking. They had planned for much more than this. "Duchess Claudia." He inclined his head.

She gave him a smile, before moving to stand by his side. "Nice work," she murmured under her breath, before she raised her arms and summoned the ropes from the ceiling. Jeff didn't know how the hell she did that, but he expected it worked something like the way his suite read his thoughts when he asked for sex toys. Jeff would just never figure to ask for such a thing.

Claudia stayed to help him connect the ropes to Jensen, surreptitiously checking each knot. Neither of them wanted Jensen to fall. And then she disappeared back to her seat, one hand on Misha's hair.

Jeff touched the ropes and mentally commanded them to rise. He felt a little thrill in his chest when they did, suspending Jensen in the air, raising him slowly at first until the ropes all evened out and Jensen was posed on his belly, just at the height of Jeff's crotch.

He took a moment to stroke his fingers through Jensen's hair, soft and sweaty. A pink flush rose through Jensen's body as he gasped at the sensation of being suspended, his arms caught behind back, his legs in a hogtied position. Jeff checked, but Jensen didn't give him any finger signals. He took that as a sign to continue.

"Look at you, slut," he said, circling Jensen again, trailing his fingers over the ropes along Jensen's back and buttocks. Jensen tried to squirm under the touch, but he could barely move. Jeff liked watching him try. He flicked his thumb over Jensen's entrance, shiny slick from Jensen's prep work before dinner. Soon he'd be encased in that tight hot heat.

But, first thing's first. He needed to remind Jensen who he belonged to.

Jeff walked back until he stood before Jensen's face, and then he undid the laces on the front of his pants. He released his cock with a sigh of relief, glad to no longer be constrained. As he stroked the length of it, Jensen's eyes followed the movement, his tongue darting out to lick pink lips. Fuck, the kid was gonna kill him.

"Suck it, get it nice and wet," he told Jensen, before feeding him his dick, inch by inch. Jeff had to close his own eyes, because damn if Jensen didn't know how to suck cock, with those sinful lips and that hot mouth. If he had the choice, right now he'd just let Jensen suck him down, but that wasn't in the plan.

Jeff pulled out and smacked his cock against Jensen's face, smearing pre-come along his cheeks. Jensen gasped, looking up at Jeff with pupils blown, like he was on a drug or something, and not just blissed out.

Fuck, the idea of Jensen being so turned on just from sucking Jeff's cock, that did something to him. Jeff moved behind Jensen and pushed his thighs apart, knowing it must be uncomfortable, liking the way Jensen whimpered in reaction. He smacked his hand against one buttock, enjoying the way Jensen's skin turned scarlet under the ropes.

"Do you want it, boy?" Jeff said in a low deep growl. He smacked Jensen's ass again when he didn't answer.

"Please," Jensen whispered, his voice so strangled that Jeff's eyes immediately went to Jensen's fingers, making sure he was still ok.

When he didn't receive a stop signal, Jeff continued, lining his cock up with Jensen's slick entrance and slid inside. He didn't go slow or gentle, just thrust in, curling his fingers around the rope to draw Jensen's body closer to him. Jeff braced himself, standing still as he used the ropes to slide Jensen up and down his dick, like he was some kind of fuck toy instead of a person.

Each time he drew Jensen close, slapping his ass with his balls, Jensen cried out. Jeff started to move him faster, his own hips chasing the high, the tight smoothness around his cock. As he grew closer to his own orgasm, Jeff gave the order, "Come, now."

Jensen shivered and whimpered beneath him, straining for completion. Just when Jeff thought Jensen wouldn't be able to come on his cock, Jensen moaned and tensed around Jeff, his come spattering on the floor. Jeff let go of the tight rein he had on himself, spilling into Jensen's body.

The applause that started as he pulled out took him by surprise, Jeff had gotten so involved he had nearly forgotten they had an audience. He resisted the urge to take a bow, although he did nod at the queen, who had a little smile on her face at his actions. Jeff retrieved the towel he'd left at his seat and wiped himself down before tucking his cock away.

"Thank you, Commander Morgan," Michelle said. "And Sub Jensen. You've honored us this evening."

He grimaced at hearing his own words come back to him, but Jeff said nothing as she dismissed the court. Jensen needed to be taken care of, and Jeff moved to wipe the come and sweat from his body. "You all right?" he whispered as the other doms gathered their subs and began to leave the Great Hall.

Jensen didn't answer, and Jeff abandoned the towel, moving till he could cup Jensen's face in one hand. "Jensen?"

Jensen's eyes were glazed over, he didn't appear to be seeing Jeff at all, even as Jeff stood in front of him. His face was still flushed pink, and his breath came in tiny little gasps. "Fuck," Jeff murmured, moving to let Jensen down now.

"Easy," Claudia said, she'd come around while the others had left. She took one of Jensen's bound hands in hers. "Squeeze my hand, Sub Jensen."

Jeff kept his fingers on the suspension ropes as they waited, one heartbeat, two, three, and then Claudia smiled as Jensen finally squeezed back. "He's gone deep. Let him down slowly. Misha, do you have the shears?"

She eased the suspension ropes and Jeff caught Jensen before he touched the floor. Misha sliced through the ropes holding Jensen's arms and legs, but Jensen barely noticed, all but flopping into Jeff's arms. Jeff scooped him up carefully, surprised as Jensen tucked his head against Jeff's neck.

"It's best to put him right to bed," Claudia said. "Misha, collect Dom Jeff's equipment."

Jeff started for the lift, aware of Jensen dozing against his skin. "Does this happen often?" he asked Claudia, remembering how Misha had fallen asleep immediately after their shared scene the other day.

Claudia touched the panel on the elevator, calling the lift for Jeff. "Sometimes," she told him. "It's more common among the very best of subs." They waited a moment for Misha to catch up, Jensen's clothing tucked under one arm, and the ropes he had cut looped around the other.

Jensen stirred briefly, nuzzling against Jeff's chin. "Jensen? Are you all right?"

"Sleepy, master," Jensen murmured.

Jeff stiffened, hoping Claudia hadn't noticed. Hearing that word from Jensen's lips sent a warm thrill throughout his body. Jensen had never called him that before, always sticking with 'sir' or 'commander.' Jeff didn't know what it meant now, for Jensen to say that word while he was so clearly under the influence of the scene, practically drunk with the intensity of it all.

Claudia gave them both a fond smile. She and her sub followed Jeff into his quarters, Misha setting his burden on a nearby chair. Claudia helped slice the ropes from Jensen's body before Jeff tucked Jensen under the bedcovers. Jensen snuggled against the pillow like a large puppy, soft snores coming from his lips. Jeff curled his hand around the younger man's cheek for a moment, marveling at the trust shown him.

"They give us such a gift," Claudia murmured, almost to herself. She held out her hand and Misha tucked himself against her chest, where she stroked his hair fondly. "They trust us with their souls. It is not a responsibility to be taken lightly."

"No, it's not," Jeff agreed.

***

Jensen found it difficult to wake up, to leave the soft cocoon of sleep. He was held in soft arms, floating on a sea of bliss, everything perfect and right in the universe. A gentle hand stroked his hair, sending tendrils of pleasure all down his scalp. "I've caught you," a female voice said.

No, that wasn't quite right. Jensen opened his eyes, squinting at the bright sunlight streaming in through the large glass windows. Morning already? But he didn't remember coming to bed last night. No, the last thing he recalled was . . ."Fuck," Jensen muttered, covering his face with both hands.

"Glad to see you up and swearing," Jeff said, his voice amused, but tight. He came in from the sitting room, a tray filled with breakfast in one hand. "Hungry?"

Jensen had to think about it for a moment, but as he sat up, his stomach grumbled and answered the question for him. "You shouldn't be. . ." he started as Jeff placed the tray over his lap.

"Apparently it's my job to take care of you afterwards," Jeff said. He picked up a piece of toast and gestured in Jensen's direction. "And you'll explain what the hell happened last night."

He took the toast and bit into it, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. How could he explain this to Jeff? Jensen wasn't even sure how it had happened, he hadn't gone that deep into sub head space since the Academy. Not even his work with Senator McKellen had had him trancing like that. "It was in the files I gave you on the Mercury," he started, sure he'd included that in the reading material he'd assigned Jeff before they'd even begun a sexual relationship. "We call it sub space."

"It hasn't happened to you before." Jeff sat facing Jensen on the bed, drawing up his legs. Jensen noticed his feet were bare, and felt inexplicably drawn to them, wanting to stroke those toes with his fingers. He refrained.

"It has, just not during any of our scenes together." Jensen swallowed. "I may have a thing for being bound and suspended."

"A thing?" Jeff's eyebrow rose in disbelief.

Jensen rolled his eyes. "You should be flattered, really. It means I trust you enough to fall into a trance state. I didn't expect it." He played with his food, breaking the remnants of toast into tiny crumbs. "I don't let myself fall when I'm on a mission." He'd never screwed up so royally before. "I'm sorry."

Jeff chuckled. "Don't be, I think the little show you put on went a long way towards giving us some credibility. Duchess Claudia at least seemed impressed."

"Jeff," Jensen said, his voice catching on the name. "I don't . . . this doesn't happen to me."

"Am I going to need to watch out for this?" Jeff said.

Damn it, Jensen should have warned him, he'd known better, especially with the way they were getting more and more comfortable in this place. "It won't happen again."

"You can't guarantee that."

No, he couldn't. Jensen ducked his head, frustrated at himself. Of all the stupid, newbie mistakes, he'd broken the number one rule, never take your attention off of your surroundings. Luckily he'd had Jeff there to keep him safe.

"Eat your breakfast. We're still on track." Jeff ran a hand through his hair, making it look even more adorably mussed. "I reported in last night. Our next goal is to try to get the negotiation team allowed in the city. Keep working with the other subs, build up as much goodwill as you can."

Jensen nodded. Right now they had to wait for the queen to make her move, he and Jeff had done their part, now it was her turn.

And they didn't have long to wait.

Shortly after Jensen had showered, still feeling slightly disconnected from his own limbs, the wall in the sitting room started to flash, before melding into the form of a screen. Jeff looked up from where he read one of the slates filled with information Dr. Johnson had gathered and met Jensen's eyes.

"Message for Commander Morgan" appeared on the screen.

Jensen slid to his knees at Jeff's side, going to his proper place as Jeff accepted the message.

"Good morning, Commander Morgan." The queen's face appeared.

Jensen supposed now that they had learned to use the tele, she no longer needed to send any pages their way. He frowned, not sure if they'd ever meet up with little Colin again.

"Good morning," Jeff said in return.

"I look forward to continuing our negotiations. However, the events of the Choosing will be taking up much of my time. This evening, for example, we open the palace for the festival of collars. And tomorrow will be the first of the collaring ceremonies."

"I understand this is a busy time for you," Jeff began, probably about to bring up letting the negotiations team in.

However, the Queen beat him to the punch with something better. "I hope to return your men to your care during the ceremony tomorrow."

Jensen could see the shock on Jeff's face, though he schooled his features quickly. "That is excellent news."

"You've impressed me, Commander Morgan." She nodded in Jensen's direction. "Your sub does you credit. You have learned much from him."

"I have," Jeff said, his eyes meeting Jensen's at her words.

Jensen had to look away.

"I will send you details about the ceremony. I expect Sub Jensen may learn more from his tutors." She smiled and it changed the look of her normally harsh features.

"I will ask them, mistress," Jensen said.

"Good day, Commander." The queen cut the connection.

Jensen found himself grinning as he pulled himself to his feet, filled with a sense of elation. They had done it, they had convinced the queen that Jeff was a damn good master and had freed Johnson and Tappen.

Jeff reached out and grabbed Jensen, pulling him in for a deep kiss. "This is all thanks to you," he murmured between kisses, dark eyes heavy as they looked down at Jensen.

"Not only me," Jensen said, reaching up to catch his fingers in Jeff's hair. He rubbed his cheek against Jeff's, delighting in the feel of stubble, Jeff hadn't shaved today, and Jensen loved the feel of slight abrasion against his skin. "We did it together."

"You," Jeff said, pulling away slightly to just look at Jensen. "You're something else, you know that?"

And then they were kissing again, Jensen couldn't get enough of Jeff's mouth, or the way Jeff's hands felt on his skin, sliding underneath his tunic and undoing the sash. Jensen pulled the fabric out of the way, wanting nothing between him and Jeff.

Somehow they made their way back to the bed, shedding clothing all along the floor. Jeff bounced onto the mattress, laughing as Jensen straddled him and ran his fingers through the sparse hair on his chest. For the first time Jensen got to touch, to explore Jeff's body; he wasn't tied down, or put on display. This was just the two of them.

He liked Jeff's strength, the way he just manhandled Jensen where he wanted him, gripping Jensen around his hips and holding him in place while he prepped him. And then Jensen slid down onto Jeff's cock, so hot and heavy, so perfect inside him, filling him and then some. Jeff fucked into him, bracing himself on his knees, holding tight around Jensen's waist, so tight there would be bruises later.

Jensen didn't care; he just raced towards completion, feeling nothing but Jeff in him and around him. And when Jeff finally slid a hand down to stroke Jensen's neglected dick, he couldn't help himself, he moaned and came into those experienced fingers, without asking or receiving permission first. Jeff choked out his own cry and thrust into him faster and faster until stilling and filling Jensen once more with his semen.

He even liked how it felt, slick and sticky between his legs as Jeff brought them both to lie on the bed, one arm holding Jensen close, back to front. Jensen closed his eyes and just enjoyed the sensation, the warmth between them. It occurred to him as he dozed that he'd just slept with Jeff because he'd wanted to, not to fulfill any role, or to show off for whatever cameras were watching them.

Damn it, Jensen thought, holding tight to the arm around his waist, the last thing he needed was another mission where he got too involved. The whole point of his training was to detach, to let them have his body, but never his heart, never his soul. Someone should have told that to Jeff, he thought, because the man had gotten under his skin like no other.

Jensen couldn't find it within him to regret it, any of it.

***

When Jeff walked into the Great Hall that evening, along with half of the city it seemed, he realized this was what he had been expecting from the moment they had stepped back into the palace on 328. Instead of the brightly lit hall with its luxurious furniture and sedate wall hangings, they walked into a dimly lit den of sex and sin, smoke rising from the floor, with a low level pulsing beat of music.

From one end of the hall to the other spotlights were on raised platforms, each illuminating a different scene, a different set of nude sub and master. Not that the crowds watching wore much more, Jeff felt overdressed in his leather pants and sheer tunic. He wrapped the leash attached to Jensen's collar carefully around his hand, not wanting to lose the other man in the throngs of people.

He caught sight of someone else with a sub on a leash, only attached to the sub's cock instead of his collar. Jeff swallowed, stopping in mid step. Now that was an idea he hadn't considered. He probably wouldn't get a chance to do something like that with Jensen. The queen was already satisfied with Jeff's mastery of his sub, he wouldn't have to perform with Jensen in public again.

Although he wondered if tonight was something of a test instead of a celebration, to see if he'd let his guard down if Jeff had thought they'd already succeeded. The thought deflated his good mood, Jeff became conscious that he might be observed, and so looked around for someone they knew.

Only to see Misha up on stage.

Chains bound him on his hands and knees, a bar holding his legs apart. Behind Misha stretched a line of men, and some women wearing harnesses with dildos attached. Claudia stood at the head of the line, giving each approval before they were allowed to move forward and fuck him.

"She won't let him take anything he can't handle," Jensen said in his ear, well aware of Jeff's gaze. They were pressed close in the sea of bodies, the scent of sweat and sex high in the air, mixed with the smoky incense rising from the floor.

"We're not expected to participate, are we?" Jeff asked.

Jensen licked a strip under Jeff's ear. "Depends on how you define participate. You don't have to get up there and fuck Misha, or get up on a stage at all. Keep walking, don't get distracted by what's on stage."

Jeff took Jensen's advice and wandered further through the crowds, finding on the other side of the stages there were low chairs and couches arranged around tables and smaller scale scenes. The more intimate setting suited Jeff much better. He caught sight of a sub kneeling before her mistress, arms bound behind her back, a small tray attached to the gag around her mouth as she served. Jeff shuddered, getting a brief flash of Jensen in a similar pose, green eyes looking up from under those sooty eyelashes.

He heard Jensen moan behind him, could feel the shudder since they were still so close together. Jeff looked over to see what had Jensen so enraptured. Two subs straddled a bench, bound to the wooden seat by shackles, their arms strapped behind their backs. A chain ran from the cock of the first to the other, so if either of them moved, it tugged harshly on the other. Black leather covered their faces, leaving only their mouths free, and they leaned forward, kissing with desperate open-mouthed moans, unable to get any closer than that.

Jeff wondered what in particular had Jensen so caught up. The bondage? Being bound so close, but unable to do more than kiss? Or being blindfolded, not knowing who the other sub was?

"Can I please you in any way, Commander Morgan?" A soft voice came from behind.

Jeff turned to greet the speaker, a woman with wide blue eyes and straw straight blond hair, dressed in nothing more than a short loincloth. Her collar glowed in the dim hall, as if lit by its own light. "I'm sorry," he said, "You are?"

She smiled, a sideways grin that looked so familiar, but Jeff couldn't place at the moment. "I am Calloway, sub to Queen Michelle. All of my mistress's subs are on offer this evening." She tapped her collar, "Unless the light dims, of course."

"Safeword," Jensen mumbled under his breath, sounding impressed.

"Oh, well, thank you for the offer." Jeff cleared his throat. He tugged on Jensen's leash. "We're well-equipped for the evening."

Calloway smiled again. "I see. You are a very lucky man, Sub Jensen." With that she winked and disappeared back into the crowd.

"I hope I haven't just committed us to some public sex," Jeff groaned.

"Well, what's wrong with a little public sex?" Jensen laughed.

It had been, after all, what they had done last night, save only in a far more intimate setting. Although, with so many people around and so many to watch, Jeff doubted whatever he and Jensen did would be met with more than a few curious onlookers. "I think I need a drink before we try that," he said, tugging Jensen over to an open set of chairs.

"Have you noticed?" Jensen asked as he knelt beside Jeff. "Nothing in this city has an debilitating effect. No alcohol."

"The sex is probably intoxicating enough," Jeff muttered. He wondered if that were true, or if the darker side of 328 had yet to be revealed to them.

"Why Commander Morgan!" Duke Adrian emerged from the crowd, his sub trailing behind on his hands and knees, a slim leather leash attached to his nipple rings. "I didn't expect to find you hidden back here."

Adrian sat across from Jeff, Peter crouching at his feet, head to the floor like some of the religious Jeff had come across on Iman Alpha.

"Yet you're hiding back here?" Jeff tried to make it a teasing jest, though he was aware of the defensiveness hidden just beneath his words.

Adrian waved his hand. "I've seen it all before. But there is truly nothing like the spectacle of the collar festival."

As they spoke one of the queen's subs walked past, leaving a tray with a pitcher and several goblets on the small table. She was gone so quickly Jeff wasn't even sure she was there. He poured himself a glass - relieved to find it pure cool water in the carafe.

"You're right," Jeff agreed. "There is nothing like this."

Adrian's gaze flickered to Jensen, who knelt ramrod straight and perfectly still. If there were a military position for being on one's knees, Jensen had found it. "Is your sub open for use tonight?"

Jeff didn't even have to look at the hand signals Jensen gave him, though he could see the signal for 'no!' out of the corner of his eye. He had no intention of just handing Jensen off to anyone, not when Jeff had no clue about the rules of this evening. "No," he said, taking a sip of his water and leaning back in his chair. "I think it's best we both watch and learn. It served us well before."

Adrian inclined his head, as if agreeing. "I see. Well then, I hope you don't mind if I partake myself." He stood, jerking Peter by the leash and eliciting a gasp from his sub. "You'll find I have no compunctions about sharing."

Jeff hoped that hadn't been a test, and if so, if that counted as a failure or a success. He didn't know if being possessive about a sub was a good trait or not. Misha apparently wasn't typical, although Claudia apparently had her hang-ups as to exactly how he could be used.

Jensen slid between his legs, Jeff's knees bracketing his face, inadvertently giving Jeff exactly what he had fantasized only moments before, gazing up at him with wide eyes. "Shall I?" he asked, licking his lips shiny.

Jeff swallowed and pressed a palm against the bulge in his crotch. Stars, if Jensen wasn't too damn tempting. "Do you think we need to?" he asked with a rasp in his voice.

The grin in return could melt the boots off of a whore. Jensen leaned forward, arms behind his back, and licked up the leather, tracing the line of Jeff's cock in the tight pants. Jeff only felt the slightest bit of sensation, the leather far too thick for anything more, but he had to grip his thighs to keep from thrusting up into Jensen's mouth.

"Want to," Jensen whispered. He took hold of one of the top laces between his teeth and tugged. Jeff didn't know if Harmony's technology extended to the clothing, but the lacings unraveled far more easily than they were supposed to. He wouldn't be surprised if his clothes would simply melt away if he so commanded it.

Out of the corner of his eye Jeff noticed a sub being bent over the couch to the right of them. Another sub dropped to her knees not to far from them. Great, Jeff and Jensen had given the go ahead for the orgy to start. He groaned in dismay, but then in pleasure as Jensen laved his cock, torturing him slowly with his tongue, swirling around the tip like a piece of candy before stroking down the base.

All the while Jensen kept his hands behind his back, and looked up at Jeff with those expressive eyes. Like he had no clue about the people just behind him, inspired into their own acts of sex, twisted together like a warped puzzle - one woman on the couch opposite them, legs spread, a sub between her legs and then another lined up behind him.

Jeff bit down on his fist, trying to hold in his moans, to stop himself from ordering Jensen to suck him down, now. He never expected to get off on watching other people fuck in front of him. This wasn't like scentless holo porn, with its flickering that let you know it wasn't quite real. This was a sea of flesh, writhing together, the musk high in the air.

And then Jensen slid down, his full lips flush with Jeff's flesh, forming a perfect O around his cock. Each inch seemed to take forever, Jensen taking more and more into his mouth, until he kissed Jeff's belly, somehow taking all of him. "Fuck," Jeff finally choked out, letting his hands fall to catch in Jensen's sweat slick hair, just holding on, waiting until Jensen decided to move.

How ironic, that he was beholden to his sub. Jeff could order Jensen to do anything, but it was this choice, the way Jensen controlled the pace that put the other man squarely in charge. And Jeff let him.

He could hear the others groaning and whimpering, the crowd around them had taken over all of the couch space. The hair of one sub thrown over their couch brushed Jeff's thigh, a soft touch to remind him that he wasn't alone, the shared energy echoing in their space, crackling like a power plant as they all worked their way towards orgasm.

And then Jensen started to move and Jeff lost all sense of anyone else, his world narrowed down to those perfect lips, sucking his cock like the most delicious thing in existence. Jeff held on for the ride, his hips tilting with each movement, his hands caught in Jensen's hair. He cried out, surprised as his orgasm took him over with a rush, spilling hard into Jensen's hot mouth.

Jensen pulled back, drops of come slipping past his mouth and dribbling down his chin. He wiped it away with one hand, then paused to lick it off his fingers. Jeff moaned under his breath and gave in to the impulse to grab Jensen and pull him into his lap. Jensen straddled him, cock heavy and hard between his legs.

"For me?" Jeff hissed, "Or them?" he tilted his head towards the others, some crying out in orgasm just as he spoke.

"You," Jensen told him.

Even if he lied, it was a pretty one. Jeff circled Jensen's slippery dick with one hand and brought him off with slow firm strokes. "Come," he ordered, catching all the come in his palm and feeding it back to Jensen, keeping his lips slick and shiny, as they should always be.

Fuck, this place was getting to him.



Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18 | Chapter 19 | Chapter 20 | Chapter 21 | Chapter 22 | Epilogue