Love & Stitches at The Asylum Part Thirteen
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Early mornings were not Pike’s thing. Somehow, he usually managed to sleep in which was...kinda weird. Like, a good weird, but he didn’t question it. More often than not, Quint was the one still around and he’d make coffee and breakfast and wake Pike up with kisses, teasing with stuff like ‘You have online classes and your food’s getting cold.’
When Seth was home, Pike did his best to drag his Dom back into bed with him and distract him from worrying so much. Which led to sexy times.
Life is fucking good.
This morning was different, though, because Pike hadn’t missed Seth’s reaction to the kitten. And how he and Quint had kinda taken the choice away from their Dom by being all gushy over the sweet little thing. Pike also hadn’t missed Jamie being this close to taking the kitten home with him.
And that kind of uncertainty was scary. Pike knew Seth wasn’t like his family. Talking over all kinds of shit with Stephan meant Pike was good now. He could tell the difference between one wrong move meaning someone might die and his Dom being a bit upset with him.
Still...if Seth got annoyed having the kitten around, it wouldn’t be allowed to stay. And...it wasn’t exactly welcome at Jamie’s place. Wren didn’t want it.
So when the kitten started crawling around the bed, he carefully picked it up and carried it into the kitchen, trying to walk as quietly as Seth and Quint did. Except he couldn’t stop looking at the kitten and walked into the hall table. Knocked over a lamp and grabbed it, earning himself a scratch on the cheek for jarring the kitten.
After using a piece of paper towel to dab at his cheek, then leaving a bit there so it’d look like he’d cut himself shaving, Pike hunted for the box Rhodey had brought with all its stuff. When the kitten let out a plaintive meow, he hushed it. By some magic, his fumbling around hadn’t woken anyone up and he planned to keep it that way.
“I know you’re hungry, I’ll fix you up some...whatever.” Pike wrinkled his nose as he tossed everything in the box over his shoulder. Eye drops, a little brush, some blankets… Why do kittens need so many things? It’s so tiny. And where the fuck is the milk? The kitten let out another sound and he frowned at it. If it pissed people off, who knew what they might do? Weren’t animals all smart? “Dude, you gotta chill. Rhodey brought you back because Jared was here, but don’t get too comfy. Being cute only gets you so far and you’re kinda a runt. If you’re kicked out of this place? You’ll be screwed. So be good.”
“Are you planning to set an example?” The deep timbre of Seth’s voice vibrated warmly next to Pike’s ear.
Pike jumped, putting the kitten down before he dropped it. The tiny thing ran under the sofa and stopped making noise. He wrinkled his nose as he tipped his head back. “Umm...not really. We gotta be realistic and I’m kinda thinking you won’t drop me off at the pound anymore? Maybe?”
“Well...” Pretending to consider, Seth mock-narrowed his eyes. “No. I think there’s only a thirty day return policy. You’re stuck with me.” Scooping Pike up from the floor, Seth gave him a kiss that was still warm and sleepy. “Good morning, precious pixie.”
Smiling against Seth’s lips, Pike stole another kiss. His Dom had total morning breath, but it wasn’t so bad. A bit of a mix of faded mint from him brushing his teeth last night and the whiskey he’d drank. “Good morning, sir. And you’re the one stuck with me. I’d make a horrible stray. I’d keep coming back and just sitting outside your window, bitching until you let me in.”
“And what would you do when I did?” Swaying a little, Seth rocked him side to side, nuzzling Pike’s neck.
“Hmm.” Pike closed his eyes, loving how much Seth seemed to like holding him. It was really cool and relaxing. And the mornings were best for it, but a lot of the time, Seth had stuff to do. So this was time to soak in and hope Seth didn’t get a phone call. Or have an early shift at the clinic. He wrapped his arms around the back of Seth’s neck. “I wouldn’t talk to you for days for leaving me there. But I’d still cuddle because I’m needy and you love it. It would totally remind you what you’d be missing out on.”
The swaying continued, Seth’s fingertips edging down the flap in the back of Pike’s pj’s to softly stroke the skin at the top of his ass. “Are you still sore, love? Do you need anything?” A few more kisses prevented Pike from answering. “Or would you like to do some of that cuddling now?”
Pike wrinkled his nose and looked over to where the kitten had ventured out toward the kitchen. Little thing was smart after all. But it needed to be taken care of and he didn’t want Seth thinking he was leaving it all on Quint. Quint had a lot to do already.
“I probably gotta feed the little guy, but I’m always up for cuddling. And it doesn’t hurt too bad.” Totally did, but Pike wasn’t gonna be all pathetic about it. The other subs got way worse and...maybe Jared punishing him meant he wasn’t so far behind the rest. That would be really bad. He’d learned that much from his cousins...or, he’d tried, anyway. “Do you want some coffee or something? It’ll be really bad, I still ain’t up to even Quint’s level and Matt says he makes coffee like he works at a truck stop—we don’t have a fancy machine like he does, so that’s not really fair. And it won’t kill you.”
“How about I make coffee and breakfast to surprise Quint in bed, and you feed the kitten.” Seth walked them toward the kitchen, where the kitten played with a dust bunny that would’ve given Wren a heart attack, rather than any of its gazillion toys.
Nodding, Pike looked around the kitchen. “Did Quint put the milk and shit away? He’s gotta leave me a memo when he does that. Actually, he shoulda pinned one to the kitten. I guess it’s hungry, but like...do I have to shove stuff down its throat? Not sure I’m qualified.” He tugged at his bottom lip with his teeth. “This was probably a bad idea. I love the thing already, but you’re gonna see I suck at stuff like this and take him away. Just...tell me? And...don’t…” Swallowing, Pike pushed out of Seth’s arms and moved away from him, going to the fridge to grab a chunk of the leftover roast chicken Keiran had given them. Chewing distracted him from the ugly memories.
Nope. Not going there.
But he couldn’t help the sick feeling in his stomach. The kitten wasn’t a dog, so it was worthless to a lot of people. And what would’ve happened to it if he’d ever come home with one and his dad would’ve seen it?
I should’ve told Jamie to take it. What the fuck’s wrong with me?
“Hey...Pixie.” Seth’s soft words accompanied the brush of his fingertips along Pike’s arm. “We’ll learn together. Someone will take the kitten away from you over my dead body, and I don’t plan to be easy to kill.” Though he joked, Seth’s blue eyes were deadly serious. “I think it’s big enough to drink out of a dish, but if not then we have a bottle for it and there are directions on the kitten formula.” Seth gestured toward the top of the fridge where the cans had been stacked. “So, let’s focus on that and on finding a good name. Have you picked one out yet?”
Throat tightening, Pike shook his head. “Can we just call him ‘Kitten’ for now? Just in case… I don’t know, shit happens, sir.” He made a face and pressed his eyes shut. “I got my ass beat and I’m still doing it. I mean...swearing. It just feels...weird, you know? Like you and Quint don’t mind unless I’m in the bar. And sometimes then it’s cool. I kinda want...to fit in, but kinda not sure I should. After the punishment, I was totally on board. And...it was nice when Jared was happy with me. But you being happy is way more important.”
Seth reached out, reeling Pike in to stand between his thighs. “Is that what you want? To belong? Fit in?” It was hard to tell what Seth thought of the idea. He wore his poker face, but he didn’t sound angry or upset. Curious, maybe?
“Should I?” Pike didn’t like these kinds of tests when it was his dad doing it, but the man was dead. And it was different with Seth. Safe. Or...well, safer. There were still wrong answers and Seth needed him to not be a dumbass about shit. Which he was, way too often. He was with two mercs, and had a target on his back, and he was lucky he wasn’t dead after trying to do something simple like load the bar tap thingy—except, making that dangerous had to be some kind of weird talent. “I love being here. I love that you and Quint seem...more relaxed. Sometimes. But...I want to be what y’all need. I ain’t no cookie cutter sub. I’m yours.”
“That you most certainly are. Ours.” Seth’s knees closed around Pike, his ankles crossing to hem Pike in. “The reason I haven’t placed those kinds of restrictions on you is because I love who you are—your free spirit and bratty spontaneity.” Bringing Pike’s fingers to his lips, Seth kissed the tip of each one individually. “It’s part of your creative energy.” He held Pike’s hands now between his palms. “But the bar...there are rules I can’t control and I didn’t want you to get the wrong sort of attention. I need to be able to protect you there.” He let out a long sigh. “What I want, however, is for you to feel safe. Loved. Seen. And that you can be exactly who you are without being worried you’ll be brutalized or discarded. Your happiness is what brings me fulfillment as a Dom and your lover.” One side of Seth’s lips came up. “Well, that and the amazingly tight and grippable ass you have.”
Nodding, Pike reached out to tug at one of the buttons of the black silk pajama shirt Quint had gotten Seth—their man pretended not to like fancy things, but he was so bad at it. And it was his fault that the buttons came off so easy. Sorta. Pike was still deciding if sewing buttons was one of Quint’s kinks, but he kept them for him just in case. He seemed happy whenever Pike didn’t lose them, which was nice. He liked getting real smiles from Quint.
Blowing out a breath, he met Seth’s eyes. “I’m safer if Jared doesn’t hate me. I don’t think he does after yesterday...but his subs are really good and...I can’t be them. And I’m not like you or Quint. Staying on his good side would probably help—and not being fucking clumsy so he’s gotta take care of me. But...I mean, if I slip up and he punishes me I’m okay with that. It’s like...it was kinda freaky, but I knew I’d live. So I could take it.”
Memories skated across Seth’s face like he compared the man he knew now to the one Jared had been in their Army days. “He’s never been warm with punishments. I hate to think you might experience something like that.” Seth rubbed his hands up and down Pike’s arms. “I know you can take it, but pixies need tender consequences, and lots of reassurance after.”
Okay, at least this was something Pike could make his Dom feel better about. He palmed the button that came loose and snuggled against Seth’s chest. “He was really awesome after. He held me and carried me and Danny up the stairs at the same time. It was super hot, not gonna lie. So...can this kinda be me helping with us being here?”
The next button that came off rolled away, but Kitten ran after it. Another smart move, showing how useful he could be. But then he found a random string and got distracted.
We’ll work on it, buddy.
Pike brought his focus back to his Dom and proving his own usefulness. “Maybe...I don’t know, I don’t avoid him. I be me, but also...like, earn his approval in a good way?” Missing buttons always meant seeing more of Seth’s sexy, muscular chest. He stroked the dusting of dark hair framed by the parted silk “He’s doing this whole party thing for Wren. Me and Ez went to some wicked parties, I could help make it fun. And I don’t get freaked out by the horror stuff like some of the other subs. It don’t bug me, reality is so much worse. Watch your pet rat eat someone and anything else is kinda...no big deal.”
Seth blinked once, about as much of a visible blanch as Pike might have ever seen from him. “I think that’s a brilliant idea. And I am sincerely sorry you went through that.” Warm arms wrapped around Pike’s shoulders, Seth hugging him tight. “If you can promise not to be too naughty, I’ll allow you in the bar without Quint only when Jared is working. Or when it’s closed, so you can plan with everyone. Deal?”
The idea of Quint not being around was a little scary, but...Pike didn’t want him stressing. Or Seth stressing either. The Core was full of decent people and he could manage on his own. He needed both Seth and Quint to be cool with that. This was their home too and...it would suck if him being a disaster made things harder for them.
He would absolutely try his best not to be. “Deal. And...also? If I mess up, don’t hate me? I probably will and I might complain a bit, but if I gotta be punished, I signed up for it, right? Like, I get to...own that? It’s not…” He tugged his bottom lip between his teeth. “It’s not the end of the world. I can not like it, but you don’t gotta go all Rambo. Even though it’s sexy when you do. It’s sexy when you breathe, so you don’t gotta go to that level, you know?”
Seth snorted, then shook his head. “Alright. I deserve that, and thank you for going gentle on me.” Pike’s nose got a little tap, then a kiss. “I promise to let you take your licks without stepping in...unless you safeword. I don’t believe in this no safewording out of a punishment crap after being around this place. These people lose their minds too often.”
Pike tilted his head to one side. “Yeah, but...umm...how about we make another agreement? If it’s Core, that doesn’t count. We gotta trust them, right? And I can’t promise I won’t try even if I can take it. Outside of the Core? For sure. I’ll go old school and just say ‘Red’ over and over. Like if they try to touch me. And I hope...someone would step in. But I did it with Jared and...I’m glad he didn’t listen. I woulda been hating myself for not following through, and...yeah.”
Already on his feet, Seth headed toward the loft door.
“Ugh, you’re already doing it!” Pike chased after him and grabbed his wrist. “You’re not listening. Quint would say all the right words and make you think and I ain’t good at that. Don’t make me wake him up to deal with you, sir. That would be all kinds of fucked up.”
Seth clenched and unclenched his fists, breaths coming hard through flared nostrils. He shook his head, pacing away, then back, to stand in front of Pike. “I would never beat his sub and not stop at a safeword.” He raised his index finger like he might be about to make another point, then made a fist and punched his own hand. When he spoke again it was through clenched teeth. “Fine. But you promise me that you will tell him, Noah, or anyone else who punishes you that you’re not allowed to be punished more severely than they would anyone else.” Seth’s bows winged down. “They don’t take out their anger with me on you.”
“If I think they are, I’ll punch them in the junk. I ain’t completely helpless, sir.” Pike stared at his Dom, really wishing Quint would get up. He was all diplomatic and that wasn’t Pike’s thing. He wrinkled his nose. “Can you chill? You know what? You agreed to the kitten, so you feed it. I’m gonna go downstairs and get us some coffee, food, and play nice if anyone’s around. No offence, but you’d suck at it right now. Seriously, dude? I’m like, super proud of these bruises and...that’s not gonna change. And you told me not to change so...I won’t.” He gave Seth a firm nod. “Kitten is all small so be gentle. And...I love you, but get out of merc-space. I’m gonna see if Reed’s figured out how to make waffles.”
The longer Pike spoke, the higher Seth’s brows rose, until they looked like they might take off without him. “Alright, bossypants.” Spinning Pike a little, Seth whacked his ass once, hard. “Go forth and cohabitate. Just try not to do anything that’s going to make me have to rescue you from a cell.”
“Kitten would be miserable in a cell, so not gonna happen.” Pike hiked his chin up, totally getting why Quint got all Toppy when Doms were being headcases. “If I get my ass beat, I’m gonna earn it. And...I don’t got anything else to say, so just fill in the blanks. I’m out.” Grabbing his sneakers, fully aware he was still in his PJs and had missed Quint’s whole morning ritual, he stormed out of the loft and shut the door behind him. Carefully, because maybe Quint was still sleeping and...well, he wasn’t sure he wanted to test Seth all that much.
Love the man, but I’m starting to get why Quint deals with him in the morning.
Shaking his head, Pike padded down the stairs, grabbing the railing when his feet slipped. Close call. Falling down the stairs and breaking something would only prove to Seth he needed to be watched more, not less. Maybe he shoulda gotten dressed before leaving the loft. He loved these cozy PJs Seth had gotten him, the softest blue flannel he’d ever touched, with built in covers for his feet and easy ass access, but they were not practical for making a statement.
No accidents this morning. Don’t do anything Quint would warn you not to. You’ve got this.
Hell, Pike had been alone a lot when he’d lived with Ez and he’d survived. Sure, he’d gotten plenty of bumps and bruises, but because he was clumsy as fuck. This morning, he was proving he was just as capable as any of the other subs, all on his own. He didn’t need to be carried around. Or watched. Or have his shoes put on for him.
Even though I really like it when Quint and Seth do that kinda stuff...
Too bad. At the bottom of the steps, Pike sat and pulled his sneakers over the footed bottoms of his pajamas. Rising to his feet, he pushed into the bar and smiled at the rich scent of coffee and cigar smoke. He wouldn’t mind a cigarette about now, but a cigar would hit the spot. Quint got all lecturey about how smoking was bad for you, like some kind of special health class in high school. Pike knew the facts, but it wasn’t like he planned to live forever.
Just while I’m still cute and can have sexy fun.
Behind the bar, Jamie jumped like a kangaroo, trying and failing repeatedly to reach the coffee filters that someone had misplaced on the top shelf of the backbar. Groaning, he hopped up on the lower shelf, trying to maneuver among the bottles to stand. “This is so not gonna end well...”
“Not unless you’re looking for some TLC from your Dom. Dude, get down. What the actual fuck?” Pike snorted and went around the bar, plunking down on the floor to pull out one of the boxes he’d seen Wren stuff down here. He usually hated getting all grimey, but after a bit here it really wasn’t a huge deal. He found the new thing of filters and held it up. “Here ya go.” After the whole exchange with Seth, his accent was starting to come out more. He cleared his throat and tried for the voice his mom had tried to train him with, that kinda sounded like nowhere, instead of sounding all hick. “These are always down here, for, like future notice or whatever.”
Relief widening his eyes, Jamie hopped down from the shelf to take the filters. “You are an ass saver. Thank you.” Peeling out one of the paper filters, he stuffed it into the tray thingy. “How’s Patches doing? Is he a bed cat or a floor cat? Sometimes L.D. switches it up, so don’t get worried if he’s not all into the furniture all the time.”
Still sitting on the floor, Pike rubbed his hands over his thighs, smiling a bit as he recalled the warmth of Kitten snuggled against his chest, not moving until he’d gotten up. “He...slept with me last night. But...he doesn’t have a name yet. He’s ‘Kitten’, just in case. If I’m not the right person for him, whoever he goes with can name him, I don’t think he’ll mind.” He lifted his shoulders. “Seth is feeding him. But not sure we’re talking. He was being all extra and I’m gonna see how Quint’s gonna deal with him before I decide what to do next.” His cheeks heated as it hit him that he’d just spilled his whole private life. Thank fuck Jamie wasn’t the Feds. “Keep that between us.”
Mid-scoop, Jamie frowned down at him. “Sure. I know how to not gossip. I hate it when people do it to me.” He looked back at the grounds in the filter, brow furrowing. “Shit. I forgot how many I counted.” Shrugging, he seemed to make up a number, because Pike couldn’t recall him having muttered as high as seven before. “It’ll be either really strong or really weak or just right.” He flashed Pike a makeup-less grin, looking nothing like his usual album cover self. “I’m the fucking Goldilocks of coffee.”
“Dude, are you trying to get Lawson to beat that or tap it?” Shoving to his feet, Pike grabbed the filter and dumped out all the contents, checking the water level like Quint kept telling him was all important, then following his co-sub’s ritual. One scoop for each cup, one for the pot. He shot Jamie a sideways look. “You in trouble? Why isn’t Wren doing this if Matt’s all into his thing? By the way, if I was trying to impress? Matt’s like...goals. I ain’t...I’m not…” He was doing it again. The accent. And that was bad for so many reasons. He focused on the coffeemaker. “I’m not the good kind of sub. But if I was, he’d be the perfect example. Not Wren, I’m not delusional.”
Hand on the crotch of his jeans, Jamie adjusted, making a face like he was in some kind of discomfort. “Yeah. Wren is pretty perfect. Except last night.” He clicked his tongue piercing a few times. “He’s gotta let me wait on him for like freaking forever because we only lasted twenty-two minutes.” Jamie let out a huge, heaving sigh. “Jared was not impressed.” He frowned like he tried to recall the rest of what Pike had said, then brightened like he’d won the brain lottery. A suggestive grin on his lips, Jamie pointed at Pike’s lower half. “And if you wanna tap Matt, he likes ‘junk mail’. I don’t have a prayer with Lawson, so get that out of your head. He’d rather fuck Kirby than me.”
“Dude, he’s got my cousin. He ain’t wanting for nothing. We might be all kinds of fucked up, but when we’re good?” Pike grinned, resting his hip against one of the shelves under the bar. “We’re really good. And don’t think I missed the talk about you and him. Well done. You’ve earned the royal status.” He huffed out a breath, looking around the empty bar. How early had Kitten woken him up? “I think Seth wants me to do that, but I’m...yeah, brat. I’ll own it. And I don’t wanna overdo it, but...it’s me. When Quint’s around, I ain’t anyone’s problem and...that’s gotta help?”
Jamie reached out and flipped the switch on the coffee maker, and it started its electric humming and gurgling. “Yeah. Curtis is amazing.” He jammed his hands in his pockets. “Thanks, Matt was unexpected, ya know? I thought he’d hate me forever. It’s nice to not be on the outs. We were really close when I first got here, or I thought we were.” Shrugging, he scuffed his foot along the bar mat. “And if I could be a brat I would, but it doesn’t really get me anywhere except on the outs with the people I love, so I gotta try.” A smile crept across Jamie’s face as he took Pike in. “Besides, you so own that title. It’s freakin’ awesome.”
Jamie laying it out like that was hard to really get, because Pike wasn’t sure if there was a title or if any of the other subs really wanted it. Not like he did, but...he wouldn’t turn it down either. If people still liked him after? Sure, he’d own it. But he wasn’t there yet. So he shrugged. “I’m still learning, so I’ve got nothing to offer except me. Sounds shitty, though, this whole thing with you and Wren? If Seth told me to take over Quint’s job I’d lose it. Like, not even joking. There’s no fucking way. It would take a brain transplant. Quint is…” He smiled, resting his cheek on his hand and his elbow on the bar. Quint and their Dom, and Seth, gave him all the warm fuzzies, even when things got messy. “He’s just so there, you know? And it’s like, Seth being there, even when he’s not, for both of us. And when he comes back it’s like ‘Whoa’. A whole different level. And...I love it, even if I’m the shot of chaos in the mix.”
The aroma of fresh coffee wafted, the hiss and spit of the brewing machine a warm accompaniment to his conversation with Jamie, who folded his arms along the bar and stared out over the rosy glow of the rising sun as the room brightened. Chin on the backs of his hands, he nodded. “You’re the right ingredient though. You fit, and it’s so cool how Seth looks at you. Quint too. You’re like a triangle. All strong. It’s the strongest shape there is. Jared told me.” He glanced sideways to Pike. “And you have Curtis as a cousin to watch out for you, and he loves you. So don’t worry. You fit real good. It’s just weird when you’re getting to know a bunch of people.” Folding his tongue, he played with his ring a little, making slurpy sounds. “It’s okay about waiting on Wren. I have to learn to take care of him anyway, for someday.”
“Why? Wren is all…” Pike looked toward the coffee machine at the sound of liquid hitting the floor and sprang to his feet to get the glass thingy under it. Hot coffee spilled over his hand, but he got the thing in place. Gritted his teeth against the sting. “He’s all good at stuff. And he doesn’t piss people off like we do. But we try and that counts. Seth said so.”
Reaching over, Jamie turned on the water and dug into the ice well, making a cold pack. “Put your hand under that. Dude, I’m sorry. I would forget to bring my ass to a party if it weren’t attached.” When Pike didn’t immediately move, Jamie yanked his hand under the running tap. “And someday—” He swallowed hard, face going red. “—Jared and Noah are gonna get taken out by something, and I’ll be all Wren has.”
“Okay…” Pike winced as his hand went from stinging from the burn to searing from the ice. “But you and Wren would be there for each other, right? I don’t…” This distraction from the pain was not a good one. “I kinda worry about both Seth and Quint going on missions and not coming home. But...if one of them did? I know they’d be even more fucked up than me and I wouldn’t want to lose them both, you know? So I’d...figure it out. It would be hard, but I get it. It’s...really scary, this being in love thing.”
“Yeah.” Voice constricted, Jamie wiped his cheek on his hoodie sleeve. “I know Wren’s gotta be the priority, because things might not go well as he gets older. And mercs are not... I can’t talk about it.” He put on a bright smile then his face screwed up into the weirdest expression before he burst into tears. “Jesus...my balls and chest hurt all at once.”
Okay, so it wasn’t all noble, taking his hand away from the water and ice bath because it fucking hurt, but Pike wanted to help. And Quint would know what to do. He’d hug, so Pike did that. He hugged Jamie, grinding his teeth when his hand complained because it wasn’t cooperating. His dad would be sneering if he let it show, so he didn’t.
He brushed his good hand down Jamie’s back. “Hey, a lot of people are trying to keep Wren alive and he’s valuable. If you’d grown up like me and Curtis you’d get that’s important. And he...like I get he forgets stuff, but I wish I knew half what he forgets. Are you sad and horny? I could suck you off, that might help.”
For some reason, that made Jamie laugh. The kind of laugh where you’re all snotty and it sounded gross but cute because it ended in a hiccough. “Sorry.” Straightening from the hug, Jamie wiped his eyes. “Thanks. I’m okay. I’ve got a cage on. No bjs for this bad boy.” He cleared his throat, gaze falling on Pike’s hand, and his eyes widened. “Oh shit. Oh man. That doesn’t look good.” Glancing toward the stairs he seemed to war with himself. “I should get Jared. Wait here, okay? Or...no. Come with me.”
“Can I suck you off first?” Pike wasn’t sure why Jamie was freaking out and didn’t really want to look. Quint would probably be upset and it would ruin his whole ‘I’m doing my own thing’ statement with Seth. If he got Jamie off, at least he’d be in trouble for a reason. “I’m good at it and you’ll feel better about everything, I promise.”
Jamie groaned, then hissed, running the heel of his hand down his junk and yelping. “Owww. Fuck.”
“Is that a yes?” Lowering to his knees, Pike batted Jamie’s hand away and cursed under his breath at a glance at his hand. How the fuck did such a nasty blister form that fast? So gross. “Don’t look at it.” He inspected the cock cage. And the lock. Why had he been all bored when Ez tried to teach him lock picking? “Dude, this is hardcore. Will it help if I lick around it?”
The resulting moan from Pike’s offer sounded a bit like L.D. when someone stepped on his tail. “No. Won’t help.” Jamie spoke through clenched teeth. “I’m owned by a sadist and the sadist’s boyfriend, who likes to see him happy.”
“Ah...well…” Pike wasn’t sure what to do. He fixed Jamie’s jeans so things didn’t get weird if anyone came in. “You sit and try not to think about your dick. I’ll make the coffee. No offense, you kinda suck at it.”
Jamie nodded. “Both I and my ass know it.” He frowned at Pike’s hand, his brows pulled together. “What about your hand? You want me to get someone?”
The door to the stairwell opened before Pike could answer, Dallas stepping through, looking at his phone and groaning. “Seriously? One fucking round.” He winced. “No! Dammit! No! You hit him before he gets you in a headlock! Punching him like that you look like a goat trying to mate with a manatee!”
Sticking his hand behind him to hide the mess of it, Pike gave Jamie a hard look to clue him in. No way was he telling Seth off, then being all pathetic. He smiled at the Dom, doing his best to project Quint. Badly. Quint could smile while the earth was caving in and Pike’s vision was all blurry, but he could so do this. “Hey, sir. Coffee? Jamie made it while being tortured. You should totally tell Noah so he'll stop because that kinda sucks.”
“Tortured?” The ploy to wave Dallas off worked, sort of, because his attention lasered in on Jamie, who even Pike had to admit looked a little pale. Phone lowered, he stowed it in his back pocket. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m fine, sir.” Jamie danced a little on the chair, his ‘nothing to see here’ bounce ending in a yelp.
“You are not fine.” Tight glossy black curls shining in the sunlight, Dallas knelt in front of Jamie, brushing his hands away from his crotch, where they’d flown automatically. “Hell.” Dallas’ back blocked Pike’s view, but he’d heard the lowering of Jamie’s zipper. “Well, hell...”
“Don’t swear when you’re looking at my dick. Is it gonna fall off?” Jamie wailed.
“Not if we get that thing off you.” Dallas stood, dialing his phone. Noah’s muzzy voice sounded on the other end. “Your sub is in the bar with me. We gotta get that cage off him. Can you bring down the key?”
Jamie’s dick was definitely more important than his hand. Pike stood back, doing like he had the night before and focusing on how things had to be. With all kinds of guilt over being a brat, it had been easier. But he’d kinda been a jerk to Seth who was just looking out for him.
Total karma.
The stairwell door opened again, Matt walking stiffly into the bar, every step making it obvious his ass probably felt twice as large and throbbing as the rest of his body. Which was kinda hot, unless Pike stopped to think how it got that way. Giving Jamie and Dallas an uncaffeinated frown, Matt moved past Pike with a growled, “Morning.” Then stopped in front of the coffee machine as the stairwell door opened again, his “What the actual unlubed butt fuck is going on?” echoing to the rafters.
“Shhh, Curtis is like, two steps behind me.” Reed looked over his shoulder, a bright smile on his lips. “Nothing to see here, just Dallas inspecting Jamie’s dick. A normal thing. Want some pancakes?”
Curtis pushed open the door over Reed’s shoulder, propelling him the rest of the way into the room. He held up one finger at Matt. “And that’s all you get today. You’re on probation.”
“Dude! Look at my freakin’ coffee maker!” Matt pointed at the waterfall of coffee that still dripped off the lip of the backbar, and the piles of grounds like little black ant hills all over the surface. “It’s brand freakin’ new!”
All right, this was totally a ‘What would Quint do?’ moment. Pike felt kinda sick, but that was a good thing. His stomach wasn’t in control. He grinned at Curtis. “I made coffee. And a bit of a mess but taste it! The results count.”
Gaze running over his pride and joy bar, Curtis quietly growled. “I’m sure it’s delicious.” He closed his eyes, then opened them, clearly hoping that when he did so the mess would have disappeared. “Matt, clean this up.”
“Me?” Matt pulled up to his full height, thumb pointed at his chest. “What? Because I own a café I now become Mr. Cindercoffee?” Stomping away, he kept grumbling as he shoved into the gym, definitely erring on the side of caution given the black stormcloud look on Curtis’ face.
“Wise choice,” Curtis called after him.
The swinging door might or might not have closed enough for Curtis not to see Matt flip him the bird.
“Dude, I can clean shit. This is my bad.” There, Quint would be impressed and Seth wouldn’t be worried because it wasn’t like Curtis would spank him. Pike grabbed a towel and started dumping the mess on the floor. He’d clean that later. “Sit down and stop being a weirdo. It was a mistake. Either shoot me or shut up.”
Curtis grabbed Pike’s wrist, yanking his hand back from the mess. “What the hell happened to your fucking hand?”
“I told you I was making coffee. I’m still learning.” Pike glared at his cousin, jerking his hand away. “I fucked up, okay? Don’t make it a thing.” His eyes burned and that wasn’t okay. Sure, it was Curtis, but still, he knew better. He wasn’t gonna be the weak link again. “Jamie’s gonna lose his dick. Aren’t you one of his Doms? Focus, man.”
“What the hell is going on in here?” The swinging of the door to the stairwell only came after Noah was already there, looking over them all like he’d stepped into a warzone. His focus immediately went to Dallas and Jamie. His eyes widened. “What happened? Text Jared.” He dropped to his knees in front of Jamie. “Why didn’t you tell me, my little cat? I would have fixed this. You can’t let it get this far.”
Making a sympathetic noise, Dallas stood, patting Noah on his shoulder. “You brought the key, right, my man?”
Curtis, for his part, rolled his eyes. “Excuse me? Burn victim over here.” He crouched down beside Pike. “What happened, ceann beag?” Now that the shock had fallen from his features, his brown eyes were like soft velvet, and full of sympathy. “Is that how this got spilled?” He lifted Pike’s hand. “I need Jared.”
“Yes, I have the key.” Noah gave Curtis an irritated look. “He’s accident prone, he’ll live. Jared will put his focus where it belongs.” He rubbed Jamie’s thigh, speaking to him softly. “We’ll sit until he comes. I’m not a doctor, but I know regaining circulation is good. And getting hard again certainly indicates as much, but we’ll get a full exam just to be sure. I’m sorry, my love. I should have checked more often.”
Curtis lifted Pike up, sitting him on the edge of the bar, where he was never ever allowed, throwing Noah’s back a glare that the man should’ve felt from across the room. He pulled out his phone, hitting his speed dial. It rang once before Pike heard Jared’s, “I’m coming. I needed to get Wren settled. It won’t fall off.”
The door opened on the last bit, Jared stepping through with his phone to his ear. His gaze went from Curtis and Pike to Noah and Jamie, lingering for a moment on Jamie’s erect cock, whereupon he crossed behind the bar and lifted Pike’s wrist with such gentle care it was like butterflies kissed his skin.
“Tell me what happened? And Curtis, get my burn kit. You know where it is.” Eyes of arctic blue met Pike’s.
Holding his breath, Pike glanced over at his cousin. The man knew how things were supposed to be here, right? But it was really hard to read the whole thing. It wasn’t like Pike was bleeding out. “I put the glass thingy under the coffee and kinda...well, it’s me. I do dumb stuff. But Jamie got me water and ice while his dick was falling off so you should probably fix that. Quint said it’s...triage, that’s it. Most bloody first and neither of us is bleeding, but losing your dick is hella bad.”
“Oh, yes...” Jared speared Jamie with a look, and the sub shrank down in his chair like he’d suddenly gone boneless and intended to slip through the cracks between the floorboards and disappear. “I’ll fix him. Don’t you worry, my little hapless gremlin.” He returned his attention to Pike. “There is nothing wrong with Jamie’s member. You’re my first and only patient this morning. For now.”
Curtis came running back in with the burn kit, throwing Noah a look on his way by. “We get that it’s pretty, but put your toy away, Noah.”
“Don’t fucking start, Curtis. He’s here because he’s apparently not like the rest of your family. I’ve put up with him for you.” Noah’s tone went cold as he brushed his hand up and down Jamie’s inner thigh. “If I’m asked to choose, the answer should be obvious. Jamie had a difficult challenge and I will make sure he doesn’t regret it.”
Jamie said something softly to Noah that Pike couldn’t hear, while Jared opened the burn kit. Working quietly, Jared kept glancing toward Noah. With Pike’s hand on a blue pad, Jared had Curtis hold him still while he ran fluid over the wound and started to snip dead tissue away. Everyone was quiet.
“I’m sorry, I may have approached this the wrong way.” Noah rubbed Jamie’s shoulder and met Pike’s eyes. “I appreciate you trying to help Jamie. I also...see some of Curtis in your reaction to injury and I will tell you this. Be honest when you’re hurt. We cannot help you if you’re not.”
Pike stared back at the man, not sure how to react. Whatever Jamie had said shifted things, which was cool, but...he didn’t get all the shit between these people. And his hand fucking hurt. And, yeah, Quint would so be mad at him for trying to hide anything, but his dad would be calling him a wimp and saying his uncles were right about him.
But they didn’t matter. He wasn’t...trying to impress them anymore. When he opened his eyes it was to look up at Jared. “I got mad at Seth for being all paranoid but he was so right and I should have stayed home and…” His throat was getting all tight again. And his eyes were burning almost worse than his hand as he tried not to cry. “Can you tell him I was wrong? And...I really wanna go home. To the loft. And stay there with Kitten. I...wanted to help with Wren’s birthday so you’d like me and...well, I like Wren too, but I...this hurts, so fucking bad. Please don’t use the ruler. I can eat soap. All the soap. But maybe later.”
“Free pass.” Curtis said it before Jared could open his mouth.
Jared nodded, agreeing. “Free pass. And I understand your wanting to go home to your Dom.” The antibiotic shot he gave to Pike must’ve had some pain reliever in it, because his hand was suddenly warm and tingly where before it’d been hot and throbbing. “I’d like that. For you to lead the planning. Keiran has the food and there should be some fun games. Some creepy and some not.” Gauze came next, with something that looked like it’d prevent sticking. “But what if I send everyone to your loft so Wren won’t get suspicious?” A bit of white tape held everything together. “Incidentally, you never put ice water on a burn. It will blister and make things worse.” He gave Jamie a long look. “And I checked that cage before you came downstairs.” Hefting Pike into his arms, Jared kissed his forehead. “No fever, little gremlin, but let’s get you upstairs.”
“Ugh, I just told Seth I’d be fine. He probably knew I’d fuck up because I exist.” Pike dropped his head on Jared’s shoulder, happy at least he wasn’t completely messed up. Like when Rhodey had to break his foot when he’d gotten stuck under a rock and almost drowned. No wonder Seth and Quint didn’t like him being alone. He was a disaster times a thousand. “You should take Kitten. He won’t be safe near me.” He let out a rough laugh. “I kinda get why my dad got pissed at my mom and wanted to just...well, you know. I was tiny and like...a lot of people drown the runt of the litter. But she told him to go fuck himself when he wanted to try again. She did not like having kids.”
“Pike.” Jared ran a hand down his back, soothing, and kissed his ear, cuddling him close. “I don’t say this to many people, so listen closely. Listening?” He waited until Pike nodded. “I think you’re pretty damned special. It’s a good thing your father is dead because I would hunt him down myself.” They climbed the stairwell now, but someone walked behind them. “Kitten and you need each other, and I will come over and show you how to take care of him and play with him with you. Would you like that?”
“Yeah?” Pike lifted his head a bit to look into Jared’s eyes. The guy was serious. He smiled. “Kitten is cute, I get it. And if you and Seth can be cool? For sure.”
“No, you’re cute, and Kitten is a fringe benefit.” And surprises of surprises, Jared kissed him on the nose.
Pike wrinkled his nose and shook his head. “Dude, O’Rourkes are not ‘cute’. Unless they wanna die. I’m sexy. Wasn’t good enough, but got me through on my own. And if I wasn’t clear enough—Quint says I need to use my words more. So, here. I’d totally do you. Or...well, be done by you. I’m a bottom. Just between us I picked up a guy in a bar who was a bottom and Ez is still laughing about it. I tried, but...like, wilted. It was embarrassing. I brought him out for coffee. I was already wasted so he got me an Uber. Never doing that again.”
Jared chuckled, but didn’t respond in kind. Instead he held Pike tighter, like he might actually matter. Behind them, Curtis cleared his throat, sounding all phlegmy. Jared knocked on their door, and Curtis, his face all blotchy, leaned in to kiss Pike’s cheek. “I’m going to make it all up to you, little cousin. I’m going to show you what it means to be protected and loved. I swear. I’m so sorry I didn’t do it, and I’m going to make it right.”
This was all wrong. Curtis was the first person in their family that...felt like family. Licking his lips, Pike shook his head. “You already have. You’re...here. And you don’t hate me. None of that shit was your fault. And...Dude, you went through so much worse.”
Curtis stepped back, so Pike saw Noah, carrying Jamie right behind him. Shaking his head, Curtis met Noah’s eyes and said, “No. The fuckers upstairs sent me an angel. I had it much much better.”
Holding Jamie to his chest with one arm, Noah put his hand on Curtis’ shoulder. “I don’t think you realize, at the time, I needed you as much as you needed me. You were my second chance. My one way to do something good. And...you’ve proved my instincts were right. I’ll give you that same chance, that same faith. It...helps, my man. You will understand one day.”
The loft door opened, Seth looking sex rumpled and a little bleary eyed, like he’d fucked Quint good and fallen back to sleep. His gaze landed on Pike first, taking in his bandaged hand, and he held out his arms with a sympathetic sound. “What happened?”
“The Asylum.” Curtis’ quip was lighthearted, but there was a gruffness in his voice that said the effects of Noah’s words still lingered.
“Coffee burn.” Jared handed Pike over to Seth, who pressed cool lips to Pike’s forehead. “We’re sending the other subs to you for a—” His lips twisted like he might have tasted something bad. “—hang out, is that what you call it? They need some privacy to plan the games for Wren’s party.”
Seth’s nod was preoccupied as he looked Pike over. “Of course.”
“I’m gonna totally be in charge, I won’t put it all on Quint, I swear.” Pike shifted so he could feel more of Seth’s solid chest against him. He was safe. It was okay if things hurt bad and he wasn’t all tough. But it was so hard to remember that. “It was just a bit straight out of the coffee thing. Jamie was distracted by his dick. I offered to suck it better, but...yeah, a lot happened. But between us we managed a decent pot.”
“Is that so?” Lips curving with a knowing grin, Seth nodded to Jared and Noah as he closed the door.
In the hallway, just before the door shut fully, he could hear Jamie’s groan when Jared mentioned something about orgasm restrictions, edging, and a strap. Dude’s Doms sure were hardcore. No wonder he thought he had to grow up to be Wren’s Dom one day if they kicked it.
Poor guy.
Hand throbbing again, the whole morning a hot mess, Pike brought his focus back to Seth’s last words and tried to think of a decent answer for his Dom. “I think even Lawson would drink it...so long as he’s cool with grains in the pot.”
Yeah...probably not.
Which meant he’d stormed out to accomplish...absolutely nothing. Except maybe earning himself a new scar.
Maybe...that’s good, though. Dad always said I was too pretty.
****
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Have and amazing weekend!
I love Danny, but Pike is quickly becoming a close second <3
ReplyDeletePoor Pike. And poor Jamie...
ReplyDeletePike is growing on me, also is Seth.
ReplyDelete