A Little Roughed Up at The Asylum Safe House - Part Ten

 

Happy Sunday!

Hope everyone's looking forward to the week ahead and seeing a light at the end of a very long tunnel! Whatever that tunnel may be for you. xoxo

Happy Reading!

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Part One

Part Two 

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Part Six 

Part Seven

Part Eight 

Part Nine

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Humming to himself, Danny pulled off his shirt, tossing it in the washing machine along with all the rest of his clothes. He shivered as the chill of the basement crept over him, glancing over his shoulder at a creak.

Bram made a soothing sound that was almost like a purr, then continued the song, repeating the lyrics he seemed to like most. “Put him in a longboat ‘til he’s sober. Early in the morning!”

Another voice filling the space, even if it was only the raven’s, made it a bit less creepy. He hadn’t expected the bird to come down here with him, but Bram seemed to stick around a lot whenever Danny was alone and...needed cheering up.

Over the last couple days, he’d been around a lot. Danny was grateful for his company.

“Good birdy.” Danny brushed his finger over Bram’s head, then double checked the measurements for the laundry soap. Shea had taught him how to wash clothes properly, though he hadn’t been too horrible at it when he’d lived in Manhattan. He’d had to pick up a lot of things from the other performers—not that they were all great at domestic stuff either.

One of the biggest lessons was clothes wouldn’t be destroyed by the washing machine if he put more than a couple of things in. He smiled to himself as he thought back on the first time he’d been helping out with the laundry at the condo and Shea came to look for him when he’d spent most of the day in the laundry room.

“Hey, my boy. Is everything all right?” Shea put his hands on Danny’s shoulders from behind, looking down at him with his brows raised when Danny tipped his head back. “There something wrong with the machine?”

Shaking his head, Danny relaxed back against Shea’s chest. “No, sir, I’m just waiting for this load to be ready so I can do the next one. I only have five more left to go.”

Shea blinked at him. “Five? Do we even have that many clothes? And why are you waiting?”

“Because if I leave someone could steal…” Danny frowned, looking around. “I mean, I guess it’s different since it’s not a laundromat. But...something could go wrong. Like a flood and then the wires get wet and if anyone steps in the water—”

Chuckling, Shea kissed the top of his head. “I love you, you disaster-fixated little mouse. I’ve dealt with floods before, don’t worry about that.” He reached out and opened the washing machine. “All right, I’m afraid to ask how much you spent at the laundromat if that’s how small you make your loads. Hand me a few of those sweatshirts.”

Gathering the sweatshirts, Danny worried his bottom lip between his teeth. “The jeans will ruin them, sir.”

“No, they won’t. The only time you have to worry about mixing clothes is if it's Jacks’ ‘delicates’ or stuff I’ve gotten grease on.” Shea spread the clothes out in the washer and reset the settings to a heavy load. Then he closed the lid. “There we go. Now let it run and come watch a movie with me.”

“But—”

“Nope.” Shea lifted him up and flung him over his shoulder. “Dom’s orders. Don’t make me spank you for trying to do something nice. We’ll bring it all to the living room when it’s dry and fold it together. Get it out of the way, then start on supper so it’s ready when Jacks gets home.” He grinned as he plunked Danny down on the sofa. “He’s gonna wonder if we’re trying to stay out of the doghouse.”

Danny wrinkled his nose. “I don’t want him worried that something’s wrong—I wanted you both happy that the chores were done. I was going to call Wren and ask him how to clean a shower.”

“A sponge, cleaner, and elbow grease.” Shea dropped down on the sofa and pulled Danny into his lap. “ I’ll show you tomorrow. Not everything needs to be done at once, but I appreciate you wanting to help, my boy.” He kissed the side of Danny’s neck. “Right now, this is what I want more than anything. You right here with me. Watching the new Pirates movie.”

Snuggling in, Danny let out a happy sigh. “I like that idea, sir. We should ask Jacks to make you a costume. You’d make a sexy pirate.”

Shea breathed out a laugh. “How much do you want to bet he’s already started?”

“I always lose our bets and owe you blowjobs.” Danny slid his Dom a shy smile. “I’m betting shower sex. No teasing.”

“Deal.” Shea picked up the remote and started the movie, not paying any attention to it as he claimed a deep kiss. “Fuck, now you’ve got me thinking about you all slick with water and begging.”

Breath catching, Danny stared into his Dom’s hazel eyes, turning to straddle his lap and feel him closer. “We can go see what costumes Jacks’s been working on now.”

They hadn’t ended up watching the movie. Or making supper, but Jacks brought home Thai. Danny inhaled slowly around the tightness in his throat, using the back of his wrist to wipe his eyes.

Bram hopped up on his shoulder, using his beak to play with his hair, then singing chorus to the shanty again and again until Danny joined in. The raven didn’t seem to like seeing him sad and would always do something to cheer him up. He’d been nervous about those big claws, but Bram never hurt him. Actually, he treated him a bit like the puppy, which brought back all kinds of good feelings.

“Do you think we’ll be able to sneak in the living room and grab a blanket?” Danny padded quietly up the steps, opening the door and glancing up and down the hall. He’d been out of clean clothes, so he’d gotten up really early to wash everything while the guys not on watch were sleeping. But he hadn’t planned out this part very well.

The last thing he wanted was to get caught wandering around in his boxers, especially when most of the subs were being weird with him.

Because he hadn’t jumped on the ‘Stephan is the enemy’ train.

Slipping into the hall, Danny tiptoed into the living room, smiling as Bram leapt off his shoulder and flew to the chair where LD was sleeping. A blanket wrapped around his shoulders, Danny steered clear of the cat, who he liked a lot more when its claws couldn’t reach him. And when it was sleeping or cuddled up on Jamie’s lap.

On the back of the chair, Bram seemed to observe the cat for a minute.

Then let out a sharp bark that had LD scrambling off the cushion and hissing.

“Bram, no!” Danny hopped up on the coffee table to get out of the cat’s path, shaking his head at Bram as the raven preened. “That wasn’t very nice. You won’t make any friends that way.”

Perking up, Bram looked at him, then started bouncing on the back of the chair whistling ‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’.

“Hey, whatcha doing up there, small fry?” A broad grin on his face, Curtis came in from the dining room. He lifted Danny off the coffee table and set him on his feet. “And where are your clothes?”

Holding the blanket a bit tighter around him, Danny ducked his head. “In the wash, sir. I was hoping they’d be all clean before I saw anyone.”

Curtis clucked his tongue, holding up a finger for Danny to wait, then disappearing into the closest bedroom. He came back out a minute later with a small bundle of clothes and handed them over. “These are a bit snug on Reed—sexy as fuck, but he’s only comfortable in looser clothes right now. They’ll still be a bit big on you, but they’ll do until your stuff is clean.” He stroked Bram’s back as Danny dressed in the bright pink skinny jeans and thick, light blue wool hoodie. “I’m gonna go up and get the puppy to play outside until Stephan gets back. How about you join me.”

“I’d like that, sir.” Danny smiled up at the Dom, then hurried to the kitchen to put on his boots.

Already at the stove, making what looked like a huge pot of porridge, while flipping pancakes, Keiran glanced over as Danny passed. He snapped his fingers, pointing at the small table in the breakfast nook. “Sit. You’re eating before you go anywhere.”

“But…” Danny’s heart sank as Curtis joined them, Koda under his arm. If breakfast was almost ready, everyone else would be in here soon. And things would get uncomfortable. Being outside would be much better, except he was very bad at saying ‘No’ to Keiran when the other sub got all Toppy.

“We’ll grab our food to go, Keir.” Curtis grabbed a few pancakes off the plate, barely avoiding getting smacked by the spatula. He shot Keiran a mock frown as he passed Danny a pancake. “One of these days, my boy, I’m going to beat your ass with that spatula.”

The edge of Keiran’s lips quirked. “Before or after I finish those cinnamon rolls you’ve been craving?”

Whistling to himself like he’d overheard the raven and gotten the tune stuck in his head, Dallas strolled into the kitchen. He planted a kiss on Keiran’s cheek and a solid smack to his butt. “It’s too early for that kind of sass. Apologize to Curtis.”

“Yes, sir.” Keiran hissed in a breath as Dallas squeezed his ass and kissed his throat. He lowered his gaze as he turned toward Curtis. “I’m sorry, sir. Will you accept the words?”

“Nope.” Curtis’s tone was playful, but Dallas still lifted his head, giving him a dark look as the other Dom approached. Brow raised, Curtis tipped Keiran’s chin up, claiming a soft kiss. “I’ll accept that. And those cinnamon rolls.”

Dallas snorted, shaking his head. “You like to live dangerously, my man.”

Letting out the breath he’d been holding, Danny took a small bite of the pancake in his hand that he’d almost forgotten. It was nice to see the men of the core having a bit of fun, even though sometimes their idea of ‘fun’ led to throwing a few punches.

He wouldn’t even mind that right now. The fights rarely got serious and...it would feel more like home. Jacks and Shea resolved most of their disagreement by wrestling around until they ended up in bed. Or against the closest wall.

God, I miss them.

“You know you love me.” Curtis planted a smacking kiss on Dallas’ cheek, then reached out and looped his arm around Danny’s waist, holding him a lot like he was holding Koda. “If Rhodey ever comes out of that room, tell him I stole one of his subs.”

Laughter followed them out into the backyard, echoed by Bram as he flew overhead. Danny giggled as Curtis let Koda go and the puppy trampled into the patches of snow that still hadn’t melted. Once Curtis set him on his feet, Danny finished off the pancake, earning a nod of approval, then went to grab a stick to throw for the puppy.

Happy yips from Koda and Curtis singing with the bird filled the quiet morning and lightened Danny’s spirits. He almost managed to forget where they were, and all the bad things that had happened.

Until Bram stopped singing and landed on a branch, calling out in a voice that sounded a lot like Jared, but...not. “Come here, my little raven. I need you.”

Sharp footsteps cut across the yard, Noah almost slamming into Curtis before swiping the gun from the holster at his hip. He aimed in the direction of the raven. “What the fuck was that? Why is the bird calling him that way?”

Without thinking, Danny darted between Noah and Bram. “Sir, don’t! He doesn’t mean anything by it!”

“What the fuck is going on here?”

Somehow, Danny found himself on his back in the dirt, a firm hand on his chest holding him down, and...Shea standing over him, his own gun drawn, aimed at Noah. Danny’s gaze snapped to Jacks, who’d crouched down beside him.

“Don’t let him shoot the bird, sir.” Danny’s voice broke, the joy of seeing his Doms shattered by the fear that he wouldn’t be able to save Bram. “Please, please stop him.”

By Noah’s side, Jared gently pressed down on his forearm. “Calm, my love. Your vision isn’t good enough yet to hit the creature if it’s necessary. Shea, lower your weapon.” Taking the gun from Noah, Jared palmed it in a way that made it clear shooting Bram wasn’t off the table just yet. “I’m sure there’s a good explanation for this.” He gave Stephan a hard look as the man stepped out of the trees, calling Bram to him. “Which I suggest you give us. Now.”

Stephan’s expression was grim as he glanced toward the edge of the house where Wren stood with Jamie. “The raven was recovered from a plot to take Wren out a few years ago. It was one of the more elaborate ones, but the talent they used drew too much attention. Vani brought me in to work with Bram after his handler was killed. He’s very well trained, and once he was attached to me we were able to get him to lead us back to their base of operations. He’s harmless at this point, but...he was taught to recognize Wren and get him alone if possible.”

“How do we know you won’t use him for that exact same purpose?” Jared’s grip tightened on the handle of the gun, his gaze shifting to Quint, who stood silently on the back porch. “Did you know about this?”

Quint inhaled roughly, then nodded. “Yes, sir, but as I told you, I trust Stephan. He’s been using the raven in his therapy sessions ever since and...I knew he could do a lot of good. For all of us. I didn’t want anyone’s opinions tainted by the bird’s original purpose.”

“That wasn’t your decision to make, Quint.” Jared shook his head, then handed Curtis back his gun. “Keep that creature away from my boys. And you…” He brought his focus back to Stephan. “I suggest you keep your distance as well until you’ve damn well earned my trust. Keeping secrets like this is not a good way to start.”

With that, Jared and Noah headed back the way they’d come, drawing Wren and Jamie between them protectively.

Sounding fascinated, Wren looked back over his shoulder. “You must admit, sir. It was a clever plan. I would have followed the bird, thinking it was you, and it could have led me—”

“Wren, I think he knows that.” Jamie took Wren’s hand and squeezed. “But you’re not going to do that anymore, right?”

Whatever the reply was got caught off by Koda barking at Bram to get his attention, like the tension was starting to get to the puppy. Danny bit hard into his bottom lip as Curtis crossed over to Stephan, patting him on the shoulder and speaking low. On the porch, Quint braced his hands on the railing, his head lowered between them in a way that had Danny wanting to go up there and hug him.

Stashing his gun, Shea crouched down in front of Danny even as Jacks wrapped his arms around him. “And here we thought you’d be bored without us.” He pressed his lips to Danny’s forehead. “Fuck, it’s good to see you.”

“It’s good to see you, too, sir. I was thinking about you while I was doing laundry.” Danny snickered when Shea’s brow furrowed. “And while doing pretty much all the things. I missed you so much. Next time I want to come with you, wherever you’re going, but I want to be with both of you… We can figure it out, though.”

Jacks rose to his feet and scooped Danny up into his arms, letting out a soft laugh. “It’s already been figured out by your very controlling bonus Dom, little mouse. I’m still adjusting to the arrangement, but I can’t complain too much about what he pulled off.” He leaned against Shea, who wrapped his arms around them both. “I was offered a contract for a clothing line, based in Manhattan. Most of my work can be done remotely, just sending in new designs. They outbid all of my other offers. I know Rhodey had a hand in it, but I don’t give a fuck. I can do what I love and be near the people I love. If it was dicks being whipped out instead of guns, life would be perfect.”

“Hey, just last night you said I look fucking hot, all armed and dangerous.” Shea nuzzled Jacks’ neck. “Change your mind already?”

“Not a chance.” Jacks glanced over at Stephan, lowering his voice as he spoke close to Danny’s ear. “So where are we at with the new guy? I assumed everyone was good with him, since he was sent to get us, but it seems like the jury’s still out.”

Smiling up at Jacks, Danny brought his hand up to run his fingers through his Dom’s thick, golden brown hair. “He’s really nice. Curtis and Quint know him from Vani’s compound and he has a puppy, so—”

Shea blew out a breath, shaking his head. “Didn’t you ever get ‘stranger danger’ lessons in Hollywood? A puppy doesn’t mean good guy.”

All right, that was true, but Danny really needed his Doms to be okay with the man he’d started to come to know and really like. He mentally went over what else might put him in their good books. “He’s really easy to talk to and he’s been helping me not be so weird with eating.”

“He said you’re ‘weird’ with it?” Jacks frowned, pulling Danny even closer. “That doesn’t sound helpful at all.”

Groaning, Danny shook his head. “No, that’s my word. He said there was a lot of negativity tied to food while I was growing up, that I should be patient with myself while sorting through it and developing healthier habits. We only started working on stuff, but I’m not getting sick as often after meals.”

That seemed to upset Jacks, more than reassure him. He exchanged a look with Shea. “I feel like such an asshole for leaving you alone so long. I appreciate you both encouraging me to focus on my career, but I should have been here.”

“No. Sir, please don’t...don’t think that way.” Danny turned to face Jacks, lacing his fingers behind his Dom’s neck. “I wasn’t alone, not really. It was hard sometimes, but I want this for you. I’m so proud to be your boy, to be waiting for you when you come home after doing something amazing. And I could have come with you.”

“You would have hated it. There were so many pretentious fucks—I’m glad both of us are out of that lifestyle.” Jacks smoothed his hand over Danny’s hair, then tugged up his hoodie. “Speaking of which, what in the world are you wearing? Did you go colorblind while we were gone? That shade of blue does not go with bright pink.”

Stick over his head as he was about to toss it for Koda, Curtis glanced over. “Hey! I’m the one who got those for him.”

The edge of Jacks’ lips quirked. “Well that explains it.” He ducked when Curtis made like he’d throw the stick at him. “Missed you too, my man.”

Curtis grunted, but his eyes were warm. “Don’t stay away so long next time, this lot isn’t the same without you.” He cocked his head, gaze going to the top floor of the house. “Umm, Stephan? You decide to air out your clothes or something?”

Stepping up to Curtis’ side, Stephan shook his head, a slanted smile on his lips. “Definitely ‘or something’.”

One after another, shirts, jeans, and other pieces of clothing flew out of the window, landing in the snow and wet grass. Both Jacks and Shea looked absolutely horrified.

But Stephan seemed to find it funny. He clapped Curtis on the back, then made his way across the yard, Koda bouncing around his feet. “I guess we know what the dare was now.”

Above them on the porch, Quint seemed confused for a split second. Then his eyes went wide. “Pike! Get out of there!”

The clothes stopped raining down. A door slammed as Quint burst into the house.

Slipping off Jacks’ lap, Danny spoke softly to his Dom. “Would you mind if I go help pick up Stephan’s things, sir? I know he doesn’t seem all that bothered, but...I want him to know he has friends here.”

Jacks gave a firm nod, pushing to his feet and walking with Danny, snatching clothes off the ground as they went. He made a pained sound as he glanced down at one of the silk shirts in his hand. “This is no way to treat a beautiful, custom Versace. I’m tempted to take the belt to that boy myself on principle alone.”

“No need, there was no real harm done.” Arms full, Stephan smiled at Jacks. “At the compound I’d have to worry about getting shot if I upset the wrong people. I can handle a few pranks. I see this as progress.”

Shaking out a pair of jeans, Shea cast Stephan a sideways look. “How do you figure?”

“If I was seen as a real threat, there would be an effort to do more than inconvenience me. Now that this is out of the way, I’ll be able to do some good.” Stephan chuckled as Koda grabbed a sock and Bram swooped down to tug it away from him. “Believe it or not, this opens the lines of communication.”

After handing Danny his pile of clothes, Jacks picked up another silk shirt and let out a heavy sigh. “You’re a lot more forgiving than I would be. This is Casablanca. It’s not even available to the public yet.”

Stephan inclined his head. “Yes. It’s likely ruined. Pike will feel horrible.”

Understanding filled Shea’s eyes as he straightened. “Well fuck. That’s the plan, isn’t it? You’re going to use that to get him to talk to you? What kind of fucked up kind of therapist are you, my man?”

“I work with mercs.” Stephan shrugged as they all made their way into the house, nodding to Curtis’ offer to stay outside with Koda. “I’ve had to adapt to less conventional methods.”

Down in the basement, Danny put his own clothes in the dryer, leaving Stephan sorting his clothes and leading Jacks and Shea up to his room on the second floor. The bed wasn’t huge, but with Jacks and Shea lying on their side and Danny snug in the middle, it was perfect.

He was almost asleep when Jacks woke him up with a soft laugh.

And whispered the truest words ever.

“We’re into puppy play, dressup, and somehow...we’re the most normal ones here.”

Shea let out a soft sound of agreement. “Yeah, but admit it. You love every one of their crazy asses as much as I do.”

“Ayup. But I need a nap before we gotta try to figure out how to keep the peace.” Jacks buried his face in Danny’s hair. “How did any of them manage without us?”

Smiling to himself, Danny let his eyes drift shut. There would be more messes to clean up later today, tomorrow, maybe even next week. Things were still uncertain and the danger hadn’t passed.

The safehouse still wasn’t home.

But now that his Doms were here?

It was the next best thing.

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