Vessel and II are a quarter way into The Two Towers when III finally wakes, drooling on II's pillow as Elvira sleeps on it above his head.

"Mornin'" III slurs, rubbing one eye as they curl up into as small of a ball as possible, right up against II's side.

"Morning, sleepyhead. Rest well?" II says, receiving only a muffled hum in reply.

"When you're more awake, I'm going to need your and Ves' help maneuvering the mattress into the house. Carrying it in was no problem's all the tight corners and furniture I won't be able to navigate past. It's just sitting in the foyer right now, taking up space." II requests, and III nods into II's side.

"Coffee first." They mumble, eyes still shut as a thumb absent-mindedly traces a line back and forth on II's thigh.

"You seem more tired than usual." Vessel comments lightly, erring on the worried side, sitting up.

"Using my magic all day while Four was here was exhausting. Sleep said I would get used to it, though, and it wouldn't affect me so badly with time."

"Will you be able to healthily maintain your disguise on tour?" II questions, turning his phone screen off to properly pay attention to the conversation.

"I'll be fine. I'll have ample practice by the time touring comes around since Four's probably going to be coming over more often. Oh, speaking of, how do you feel about him? A bit blunt, but I can be as well." III finally sits up too, yawning into a closed fist.

"It's a bit early for me to say. He seems nice enough. What about you, Vessel?"

Vessel takes a moment to gather the words, not sure how to respond. Should he mention the man in his dreams? Vessel had wanted to wait until he'd spoken with Sleep, but... No. No, he'll wait to say anything.

Biting his lip nervously, Vessel says, "I do not feel drawn to him as I was to Three."

II takes that answer in, remembering the way he, too, was drawn to III, but not as strongly as Vessel had been. II himself didn't feel drawn to Nick, to Four, either.

"Well, has Sleep chosen our Fourth yet?" III says around another yawn, tears beading at the corner of their eyes.

"I am not certain. I will ask." Vessel moves to get up, but II stops him with an arm around his waist, pulling him back to II's side.

"Stay awhile, sweetheart. Ask later, once we finish our movie. I don't want you to leave my side just yet."

Vessel's face floods with a startlingly red blush, more shy about II blatantly admitting to wanting his company than he was about all of the dirty talk from that sinfully pretty mouth.

"What were you watching anyway?" III asks, hunching over to lean his head on II's shoulder.

"Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers." II replies, using his available hand to start carding gentle fingers through their hair, his usual blonde but now sporting black tips.

II's hand is warm where it has slid down to grip Vessel's hip tenderly, and Vessel is utterly lost in the gentleness of it.

"Oh, I've never actually seen those movies. A few scenes here and there from the first one, but that's it."

"We can- Um, I don't mind restarting from the first movie. If- If Two doesn't mind." Vessel speaks up, blushing further when II presses a kiss to his cheek.

"I don't mind. I've seen The Lord of The Rings a myriad of times along with The Hobbit trilogy-" II pauses, a frown appearing alongside a furrow between his brow, seeming to be thinking hard about something, "With my mothers. We would dedicate a whole weekend every once in a while to watching both trilogies. It got more difficult to plan once I moved out, but we managed."

"A nice memory then." III says delicately, "Seeing as you remember that."

"Yeah, it was nice..." II murmurs before brightening, "That settles it then, we'll take this downstairs to the living room. First, we need the mattress moved. I'll make your coffee afterwards if you'll just help me now, Three?" II aims to compromise, and III takes a moment to think it over, still a bit drowsy.

He nods once, and that is that.

Except Vessel speaks up next, "I can help."

"Don't think I didn't notice the fresh blood on your bandages, my love. You're not helping." II insists, leaving no room for argument.

Vessel startles a little, looking down at his arms. As II says, red and black blood has seeped through the layers of Vessel's bandages, notifying the others of fresh wounds. Guilt freezes his veins, and he looks down to the bed, hands clenching tightly in his lap, feeling as though he should pull away from the comfort the other two are providing just by being so close.

"I want to help, regardless of what I've done to myself. I can help move furniture, or some other task. I do not want to be useless as you both do all the work."

II frowns, a heavy thing that seems to weigh down his shoulders too. "I do not want to exacerbate your injuries, self-inflicted as they are. If I even so much as think you're straining your arms too much, I'm sending you to time out on the couch."

"I am not an ill-mannered child that needs to be put in time out." Vessel protests in a murmur, before looking up in a sudden panic, fearing his words were too bold.

II's smile is softer than Vessel expects, eyes just as kind with a blatantly playful gleam that Vessel does not miss, "You certainly worry me as though you were one."

The panic washes away once Vessel sees that II isn't upset with him for talking back, a wobbling, guilty smile replacing the thin line his lips had fallen into. It's the only answer he can muster, and II takes it as it is, moving on, "Up, up, if we want to finish all three movies in the trilogy today we have to start soon."

"A lazy day, then? We have so many of those." III rolls over onto their back as II gets out of bed and pulls Vessel to his feet beside him.

Elvira yowls lowly as III accidentally lays his head on her tail, wacking them on the forehead with a paw. III scowls as they sit up, a palm pressed to where her claws had lightly scratched along his forehead.

"I think we all deserve one after the last few days. I know I was stressed about meeting our manager and then needing to pick a guitarist. Vessel was a wreck- Don't you try to object, honey, I could feel it in the bond."

Vessel gnaws on his lower lip to refrain from protesting anyway. II kisses him, a sudden thing that sends Vessel's thoughts scattering pleasantly. When II pulls away, he explains to a speechless Vessel, "Good morning kiss. Also, your lip was starting to bleed. Can't have that pretty mouth damaged, now can we?"

Vessel opens his mouth to stutter out a flustered response, glad when III speaks up instead, oscillating fingers beckoning II closer, "I want my good morning kiss!"

II laughs, pulling away from Vessel to crawl onto the bed, leaning over III to place a soft kiss on his lips, one hand cupping their face lovingly. "There, honey. Now, up."

III groans in dismay but does as told. Vessel makes to step away from the bed so III has ample space to stretch, but careful fingers thread through the hair at the back of his head after they stand, III reaching forth to pull Vessel close enough to kiss him just as tenderly as II had kissed them.

II laughs when III pulls away, the sheer redness of Vessel's face now visible. "So easily flustered today, Ves." He comments, picking his phone back up from the bed and checking the time.

"Your compliments are so freely given, I am not used to them, even now." Vessel replies, somehow managing to turn a deeper shade of scarlet.

"I love seeing you blush. Its my favorite thing. Of course I'm going to compliment you until that pretty flush appears. You and Two deserve every compliment I give. Two is so cute, even when he looks so angry while drumming."

II gasps, affronted, "I'm not angry! I'm concentrating."

"You look angry." III says bluntly, smirking.

"I do not! Ves, Ves, tell them they're wrong!" II pleads, trying and failing to keep from laughing.

Vessel looks between the two, embarrassment forgotten, finding the words on the tip of his tongue. Should he say them? He wants to, but fears II's reaction. II has never gotten angry with Vessel over anything he's said...

"Its the furrow between the brow." Vessel confirms, watching II carefully.

III smiles at Vessel participating in the teasing, hesitant still, but... more relaxed. He's been a bit more open with his words ever since he'd woken up from his week long sleep, more open with his affections, though barely.

"You wound me, sweetheart. Three is our brat but for you to agree with him? Why, I never!" II keeps his tone playful, exaggerated perhaps a bit too much, but he wants to make sure Vessel knows they're both only joking around.

Vessel's self-satisfied, answering smile is small but sends zings of delight down the bond, glad that his teasing had not landed him in any trouble.

"Enough playing around, we're wasting daylight!" II commands, clapping his hands together softly so that it doesn't startle Vessel too badly.

He's pleased when Vessel barely flinches, squeezing II's hand when he offers it to hold.

With all three of them working together, they manage to get the mattress into the living room. Fitting it with the sheet they'd bought, II decides to see how it looks shoved up on one end against the wall they don't use. It makes the living room look a little cluttered, but it's not like it won't look the same when they set the mattress down to use.

"Right then, I'll be making our drinks. Go on ahead and start up the first movie again, Three." II brushes a hand along III's lower back, purposefully touching the mark he knows sits there.

III lets out a loud squeal, a sound neither of the other vessels are sure they've ever heard from him. Their face flushes red, arousal splintering through the otherwise joyful bond. II's bond is satisfied, a sense of victory thrumming down the tether. Payback for III's teasing, Vessel supposes.

III opens their mouth to speak but II is already gone, light chuckles still being heard from the direction of the kitchen.

"I can't believe he did that and just walked away." III grumbles, causing Vessel to let out a small laugh.

He watches III closely afterwards, eyeing them up as though they're going to grow angry with Vessel for the noise, but III only sighs around a smile.

"You laugh, pretty, but we've not touched your mark. Its pleasurable, and he just left without even doing anything about the tent in my jeans. What a tease, that one. Adore him, though." III pouts, plopping down onto the mattress, remote in hand.

Will III ask Vessel to do something about his aroused state? Vessel wouldn't mind, not since its III.

Despite Vessel's secret hopes, III doesn't ask for help with his... problem, choosing instead to do as II asked while readjusting their pants every once in a while.

It confuses Vessel. III was clearly aroused, and Vessel was right there for use. His past partners wouldn't have even given it a second thought.

"Do you... need help with that?" Vessel asks after III adjusts their crotch area again.

"Hm? Oh, no. I'm fine." III dismisses Vessel's offer with a half-smile as they scroll through some movie app, looking for the correct movie.

Vessel tilts his head to the side, not quite understanding why III is refusing the help if Vessel is offering.

"Do you want to help?" III asks once he notices Vessel's odd expression, having selected the first movie of the trilogy and queuing it up to watch.

Vessel's lips pinch, glancing away. He goes to reply but III speaking over him stops the words from being heard, "I don't want you offering unless you want to, Vessel. I have a hand I can use if I really need to get off. At the moment, I'm not worried about it. My hard on will go away in a minute, I'll live."

Though there had been heavy deliberation, instead of offering himself up again, Vessel merely asks, "Are you certain?"

III levels a soft look at Vessel, one arm held out invitingly. As Vessel takes it and lets III pull him down to rest his head on their shoulder, they speak again, "I'm quite certain, Sugar. As we've said, you're more than just your body. We love you, not for what your body can give us."

Unbidden, tears well up in Vessel's eyes, held back with an iron will. He nods, throat tight, as II finally comes back with a few mugs in hand, held with fingers in strange positions befitting guitar chords.

Vessel sends a small portion of his gratefulness down the bond to both II and III, for differing reasons. II, for not bringing attention to Vessel's tears, and III for being so blessedly kind to him. To both of them, for giving Vessel so much he does not deserve.

II sets both his and Vessel's mugs down on the coffee table they'd decided to leave at the mattress' side, crawling over the blankets they'd haphazardly tossed onto the makeshift bed. He reaches for Vessel, curling one hand into the soft mess of his hair, the other coming to hold his shoulder for balance as II hovers on his knees.

"Might I have a kiss sweetheart?"

"Always."

The kiss is short and sweet, just a simple sliding of lips against eachother, delving no deeper into more intimate territory. When II pulls away, Vessel feels better, tears dried and forgotten.

"I've got the movie pulled up whenever you're both ready." III says, eyes just as soft as his voice, when II pulls away from Vessel.

II makes himself comfortable beside Vessel, all three of them leaned with their backs against the piping of the couch cushions. He then hands each of them their respective mugs, warm to the touch. The movie is started without much preamble, and Vessel and III get to experience the story in full for the first time, II chiming in quietly during duller moments to reveal backstory from the books or the ways mishaps during filming added to the movies.

Vessel's six eyes track different parts of the screen easily, keeping up with anything going on in the background, the subtitles, and the main focus of the movie's scenes. Its made easier by the screen being bigger, Vessel thinks offhandedly, taking another sip of his coffee.

The day is well spent, relaxed and comfortable. It is past midnight by the time all three of the extended editions of the movie's are finished, II chattering sleepily but excitedly about his favorite parts as Vessel and III follow along to the best of their ability. Its rare to see II with so much energy when he isn't drumming, and its quite a welcome sight.

II and III head off to bed while Vessel finally goes to the altar room. He lights all of the candles, as usual leaving the red one for Sleep to light himself. He kneels on the ground, feeling his knees beginning to ache from the unforgiving hardness of the floor. After a moment, he stands back up.

Before Vessel properly kneels for worship, he first has something he wishes to do. Has wished to do for some time now, ever since he woke up.

He stares ahead of him, the symbol on the wall seeming to beckon him closer. He reaches out, trying to find the words and feeling a little silly for even thinking about doing something like this.

"Thank you." Vessel whispers, one hand hovering over the sigil on the wall.

Even now, the drumbeat of his heart pounds in his ears, all around him.

"You kept Three safe. You finally did something right. You've fallen for such good people. You don't deserve them, will never deserve them for as long as you live your second chance at life. Undeserved as it is, unwanted-" Vessel cuts himself off, not daring to speak it out loud.

A deep breath in, and Vessel continues, "So many failed attempts and when you finally, finally succeed, you take back your life just for the chance to be loved. So pathetic. But I can't find it in myself to regret the decision. Most days, at least."

He sets his hand down on the sigil, his whole body shivering with the feeling. His heart beats in his chest, pounding away at his ribcage violently. The vines on the walls shiver and shake in time like Vessel's own body has begun to. Claws dig in, applying pressure but not enough to bring pain. Vessel's breaths turn shallow, slowly applying more and more pressure-

'My first, what are you doing?'

Sleep's voices, startle Vessel, and he pulls his hand back to his chest as though burned. The red candle below him is burning brightly, golden flame casting glimmering shadows on Vessel's shirt.

"I have a question for you, my God, if you do not mind my asking."

'A question? You always have many and I am always happy to answer. What is it?'

"You once mentioned a possibility of a fourth and fifth vessel. Have you chosen the fourth yet?"

'I have not chosen a Fourth vessel, my First. There will be no Fifth, I have decided.' Sleep refutes, voices laced with heavy confusion.

Sleep hadn't-? Oh. Well, that is quite surprising.

Then, who was the man in Vessel's dream? He had been real, alive, Vessel knows without a doubt. Like with II and III, there was some invisible force binding Vessel to him. Thinking back on it, it didn't quite feel like anything under Sleep's control. Vessel knows whatever it was, though, was soul deep.

"I see. My mistake then." Vessel amends, feeling Sleep's curiosity brush against their bond.

'A penny for your thoughts, as you humans say?'

Sleep wishes to know what he is thinking?

A quietly surprised laugh leaves Vessel, a smile pulling at one corner of his lips, "Not so human anymore. Did one of the others teach you that phrase?"

'Yes, my Third has taken to questioning me on my thoughts at random throughout the day. A new development, and not unwelcome. He has yet to find the pennies I have left in their favorite jackets pocket.'

Vessel laughs again, a bit louder than the one before, smile still present. Sleep does not reprimand him for the sound. Neither had II or III. They've never thought him too loud, just as he has never once thought III too loud. Vessel had only needed to get used to III's louder personality, and he had, he'd worked hard to.

'I did not know you remembered how to laugh, my First.'

Vessel shrinks into himself at the words, but does not let his rising insecurities stop him from replying truthfully. "The others do not mind as my past partners did."

The wording of what Sleep had said would strike Vessel as odd, if he had not been focused entirely on making sure that Sleep knew it was thanks to II and III that Vessel had been able to laugh at all. Vessel hasn't laughed genuinely in many years, afraid of the loudness of the action, the stares he would get in public, the demands of silence from those who claimed to have loved him.

Vessel had not laughed like that long before Sleep ever came to him.

'I...' Sleep pauses, falling into a pensive silence, His unanswered question all but forgotten.

'I am glad, my First. They suit you well.'

Sleep's short response is carefully controlled, all emotion kept out of His voices.

"They are treating me better than I- than I feel I deserve." Vessel replies softly. "I truly adore them, far more than I will ever be able to articulate. They mean the world to me, and it is thanks to you that we were brought together. I thank you."

'I have only granted your wish, my Vessel.' Is all Sleep responds with, presence pressing into his back as though in a hug. 'You gave me your heart, it is only right I find you others to give you theirs.'

Vessel leans back into it, a small part of him wishing he could feel Sleep as though He were actually touching him, hugging him. Vessel will not allow the others to hug him, no matter how he longs to be held, so if... if Sleep could hug him... then- Alas, it is not to be. Not any time soon. The God cannot even conjure a physical form. Selfishly, it is why Vessel has been so keen on getting the band going, in his own way. In spite of his anxieties and fears. The more rituals they perform, the more worshippers they attain, the stronger Sleep will become. His anxieties will not stop him from doing as his God requires, not when it comes to gaining Him more strength.

"I do not want it offered up in the same way." Vessel whispers, almost afraid of what the admission means.

Vessel offered his heart up to the next living thing that offered to love him without a second thought. He was a man who had been ready to die for years before his attempts ever actually worked. He doesn't want those he loves to ever feel as he had, to suffer as he had.

'Do not fret, dear Vessel. Their hearts are yours, but the way yours is mine will never be the same.'

Vessel is glad Sleep did not press any further. Who was he to tell his God that he knew who their Fourth was, before Sleep himself knew?

II and III took the news of the Fourth's spot being unfulfilled for the foreseeable future well. Yet Vessel could not get the image of those striking eyes to leave his mind. He wanted to tell them what he saw but Sleep's indecision stays his hand, guilt beginning to fester somewhere deep in the heart that no longer belonged to him.

Nick starts coming over two days a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Their manager had set them up for a small stage at a festival in about a month's time. Vessel had nearly had a panic attack when they'd found out, overcome with anxiety at just how many people would be at the festival itself. Playing a tiny venue or shop was one thing, something Vessel had thought they'd be doing for a while yet, which would have been easier on his nerves... but a festival?

II had managed to help him calm down by rationalizing that their non-existent fan base would mean not many people would be there unless they drew a few curious onlookers. It did help, but by then Vessel's nerves were fried, and he couldn't even think about singing for the rest of the day without his body beginning to tremble.

"How are we supposed to play a show when our singer is too much of a nervous wreck to even sing with his band?" Nick had said curiously, offhanded as he was tuning his guitar.

Vessel had withered under the biting remark, said with a pleasant smile. II's reassurance in Vessel made Nick back off but it wasn't like Vessel could disagree with Nick's words. It really was pathetic that he couldn't even sing properly in front of his boyfriends, most days, and Vessel always withdrew into himself whenever Fore came over, even if he was all smiles and friendliness. No matter how nice he seemed, Vessel couldn't seem to even begin to trust him. Elvira seemed to be the same, always sticking close to Vessel or hiding away in one of their rooms. Vessel's nerves made it difficult to sing fully, but he managed, after hearing what Nick had said. Managed, even if he felt eyes watching him constantly when Nick was in their house, a sort of pleased gleam in his honey brown eyes as Vessel shrunk under his stare. Vessel was so much taller, and yet... he still felt unexplainably scared of Fore, small under his gaze in a way that reminds him of Before.

Vessel wasn't sure if it was a blessing or a curse that II and III merely chalked it up to Vessel being an introverted, pathetic mess (his own words.) They both got along with Fore well, with time, and Vessel desperately didn't want to ruin the budding friendship between the three, so he remained silent. It was better this way.

One day, III had cornered him in the music room after they'd finished practicing, II having left to see Nick out the door. He'd forced himself to sing again, at as normal of a volume as he could manage, and he really just wanted to go lay down. Maybe in one of the other vessels rooms, to seek comfort from them indirectly without bothering them by asking.

"You seem stressed, Sugar." III comments, placing a gentle kiss to the tip of Vessel's nose.

Vessel feels trapped, in the base sense of the word. Not unsafe, never unsafe, as III's long arms cage him in. The wall is hard against his back, digging into his shoulder blades uncomfortably, but Vessel doesn't notice, not when the only thing his mind can focus on is III in front of him. III, who is placing gentle kisses on Vessel's jaw, over one eyelid, his forehead, as they patiently wait for Vessel's reply. It works to begin calming him immediately.

"It's not easy for me to sing in front of others. I'm better with you and Two, now, but- Not with Nick. I'm- anxious about our show coming up."

"Nick's just worried about the festival. You sounded absolutely divine today, Ves. Sing so pretty-" III interrupts himself by stealing a deep, bruising kiss that leaves Vessel panting.

Vessel wants more. Wants to lose himself in III's overwhelming love so he can't think of the near future, can't think of eyes crawling along his skin. More than that, Vessel just wants III.

So, he gathers his miniscule courage and asks for more of III's lips on his. III positively lights up, kissing Vessel again and again and again, only stopping when III needs to take in deep breaths. Vessel's cock starts growing hard, III's knee just barely pressing against it between Vessel's legs.

III is utterly elated that Vessel had asked! Asked for kisses!

"Take this up to my room? Unless you don't want to, of course." III asks, finally, after an innumerable amount of kisses shared between them, every one of them deep and world ending.

Vessel stares at them, foreheads pressed together. He thinks of the aching hardness between his legs, the warmth of III's thigh pressed into him, how utterly safe he feels with III's arms caging him to the wall. III's chest, while close, rising and falling with every panting breath, does not get near Vessel's own. They've never broken his only rule.

He nods, and III grins, kissing him again. A hand slides down to clasp Vessel's own, squeezing it before III starts to lead them both out of the music room. They pass II in the hallway, who smiles, well aware of what they're heading off to do. His necklace is off, looking just as the Second of Sleep's vessels should, so Vessel slips his own necklace off while III lets their magic wash away.

"Have fun you two." Is all II says, heading in the direction of the living room.

He doesn't leave without first pressing a tender kiss to Vessel's lips, one hand cupping Vessel's jaw so gently, before doing the same to III.

Vessel almost wants to ask II to join them, but II is gone before Vessel can even properly entertain the thought of asking III if it was alright. Besides, Vessel has a... request to make, of III.

Maybe he should ask another time, or never. To not overstep the invisible boundaries Vessel knows exist. But... III seems to want him, and Vessel wants him, too.

"May I make you feel good to help you unwind?" III says, pushing their door open and shutting it behind Vessel once the other has entered.

Vessel nods in agreement without a thought, still lost in his own mind, before pausing halfway to III's bed. Vessel holds himself, biting down hard on his lower lip nervously. III waits patiently, sat on the bed, for Vessel to gather the words, always more patient than Vessel des- Feels he deserves.

"Actually... Can you teach me- Ah, how to give a blow job? I want to make it up to Two, eventually." Vessel states, trying to remain firm in his resolve despite his nerves.

"Is this about the last sexual encounter we had? He isn't upset with you, Sugar. You don't need to make it up to him unless you want to." III says with furrowed brows, worried over Vessel's reasoning for the request.

"I want to. I want to make him feel good, like you made me feel good. I did not know that's what a blow job was supposed to be, I had never been taught. My mouth was more a hole, a thing to be used just like the rest of me. I did not realize there was more to it. I want to learn."

III frowns, sad at what Vessel has just admitted, "Are you sure you want me to teach you? I'm sure II wouldn't mind if he's who you want to please."

"I want to please you, too. You, uh- I got ar-" Vessel tries to gather what he wants to say, "I would really like to continue what was going on in the music room. I- I only hope you don't mind that I am inexperienced with blow jobs. I... I will likely not be able to give you pleasure, initially."

III doesn't think Vessel could get his mouth on their cock without feeling pleasure, whether Vessel was good at blow jobs or not. III was just far too attracted to the other man. As it was, just the thought of it had III's already hard cock twitching in his pants.

"That's fine, my love. I'll teach you." III agrees with a forced smile to hide his displeasure at the new information, leaning forward to kiss Vessel's cheek.

"Would you like to start right now or another time?" III asks, stepping back so they can sit on their bed again.

"Right now, please? If that's alright." Vessel sinks a fang into his lower lip, nibbling on it before releasing.

"Of course it is, Sugar. I'd gotten myself worked up anyway, kissing you like that." III assures, beckoning Vessel closer.

They lean back and twist to grab a pillow from his bed, placing it on the ground in front of their spread legs. Vessel stands in front of it, not quite sure what III is doing.

"What... is that for?" Vessel asks quietly, staring down at the thick pillow in confusion.

"For your knees, so you don't hurt them. Or would you prefer us on the bed?"

"No... No, this is fine, it's just- I have never... This was never done for me." Vessel admits, almost sheepish as if it was his fault that those before II and III didn't have the decency-

Vessel startles slightly when III stands briefly enough to kiss him before plopping back down. Vessel barely stops himself from following them down, wants to press his lips to theirs again, and again, and again. Wants to inhale every breath III exhales like it will bring them closer together, to share oxygen even if Vessel doesn't need it.

"This will become normal for you, in time. Your past partners should have done this for you. Would you kneel for me?" III keeps his voice gentle, but firm.

Vessel nods, contemplative as he does as asked. The pillow is soft under his knees, keeping them and his shins from aching on the hard flooring. Is this all that would have been needed to keep his legs from bruising so badly? This... this is all they would have needed to do?

Vessel doesn't understand why his ex boyfriend couldn't have done this simple thing for him. He must not have been worthy of it.

III must think him worthy of the comfort, at least. Vessel feels warm at the thought, reaching out with his hands to nonverbally ask for III's own. Without an ounce of hesitation, III takes Vessel's hands in theirs and brings them up to plant a kiss on his knuckles.

"We can do this some other day, if you'd like." III offers, clocking in on Vessel's nervousness even without the bond broadcasting it so blatantly.

"... I want to do it now, but I'm... I'm afraid it will hurt." Vessel confides, the blatant trust in his eyes nearly sending III into an early (Late? Second?) grave.

Well, perhaps that metaphor is far from correct but the way their heart flutters in their chest with adoration certainly feels like it will kill them.

When III gets their hands on whoever did this to him, whoever treated him this way, fuck, they'll wish they were never born. They'll wish it was Sleep who had gotten His claws into them instead.

"It shouldn't, but I swear to you, if it does, let me know and we'll stop. Here, let's hold hands the entire time. Squeeze once for green, twice for yellow, three times for red." III lets one of Vessel's hands go, but keeps a tight hold on one still.

"I trust you." Vessel says, and means it.

"I'm glad." III murmurs, bringing Vessel's hand up again to kiss his knuckles.

It spreads warmth down to Vessel's toes, to have some part of him be kissed so gently, so reverently.

"Would you like me to get undressed by myself or would you like to help?"

Vessel thinks back to how... sensual it had been, for III to undress him last time, staring at him with a heated gaze as they slowly undressed him inch by inch, piece by piece.

"I want to help." Vessel murmurs, hesitantly placing his hands on III's hips.

The pajamas are familiar, just slightly too short at the ankles. He hadn't paid any attention to what anyone had been wearing today, too caught up in his own mind and his insecurities but Vessel recognizes them immediately, finally getting a proper look at them. He would not dare imagine-

"Are these... mine?" Vessel flushes bright red, and III turns about the same color.

"Yes. I... missed you while you were asleep so II and I stole a shirt of yours each and I shoved my non-existent ass into a pair of your jeans. Snaked this pair of pajama pants, too. Forgot to give them back. Should... we not have?"

"Wear whatever of my clothes you want. Both of you." Vessel says, then grows nervous as he decides whether or not to say the next sentence, "I- Is it alright- I- Can I wear some of your clothes, too?"

III's gaze intensifies, the deep depths of his ocean eyes darkening with stormy intent, "I would love nothing more than for you to wear my clothes. Would you let me fuck you in them?"

Nodding as his blush deepens, Vessel smiles. The idea does sound nice. Possessive, in a way. Like III will be claiming Vessel as his while he's in their clothes. If its them, Vessel wouldn't mind being a possession. Not when they treat him so kindly, let him decide things for himself. It does not feel like a restricting possession, like Vessel thought it might.

Perhaps Vessel will have the courage to ask if III could keep Vessel's clothes on, next time. If Vessel doesn't ruin any chance of III wanting a 'next time' after this.

Vessel takes his time sliding the pants over III's hips, down his thighs, his knees, then his calves, then finally over the ankle and off their feet. The entire time is spent nervously glancing up at III as though Vessel feared he was doing something wrong, but III only watched him with desire swirling in their irises. Despite what III thought Vessel might do, the other's hands linger on III's thigh, itching to trace the ink that signifies the end of Sleep's markings that have stained III's skin up to his knees pitch black. Even here, a small freckle has turned into an upside down question mark, just below their left knee on the right side, its coloring pale like the human parts of III's skin.

"You can touch me, if you want to." III says softly, keeping eye contact with Vessel when he looks back up at him hesitantly.

... this is something Vessel has wanted to do, on both II and III, since he'd first seen the markings.

He'd never allowed himself to think about it, his want to touch.

Slowly, Vessel starts to trace the inky markings on III's thighs that are visible below their boxers. The first cool touch sends pleasant shivers down III's spine, all throughout his body. It makes Vessel pause, but at III's breathless insistence to keep going, he continues tracing the marks. He moves gentle fingertips over every bit of ink that reaches up from III's thighs, tracing the tiny curves of question mark freckles on III's legs with the tip of a claw, so carefully as though III were fragile glass.

Soon enough, Vessel has traced all of them below III's waist that aren't covered by their boxers, and III is a mess above him, face flushed with half lidded eyes. A prominent bulge is tenting their boxers.

"Keep going." Its almost a demand, just tender enough, just breathless enough to soften it.

Vessel slowly reaches for his boxers next, thumbing at the waistline before beginning to pull those down, too. III shimmies so they'll slide down his hips and over his ass without any resistance, and those are discarded with his pajama pants. III's cock is hard and leaking pre-cum, standing at attention before him.

III is that hard just from Vessel touching him?

"You look so pretty below me, Sugar. Doing so well." III croons, breathless, watching in rapt attention as Vessel leans back on his haunches once III's boxers are fully removed.

Vessel's already flushed face deepens in color, mumbling in embarassment, "I've only taken off your clothes."

What's really getting to Vessel is he can feel just what his touch is doing to III. The bond is open wide as III hides absolutely nothing from Vessel. He is struggling to accept that his touch alone could cause such a strong reaction in his partner.

"And you looked so pretty doing it. You touch me so gently, make me feel so special, my love." III grins, but it falls a little when Vessel can't quite manage to meet their eyes, "Do you want to keep going?"

He must have taken Vessel's shy pause as apprehension. Vessel nods, reaching out again.

Vessel touches each point of the flames, less hesitantly this time, following the curve down III's pelvis. The shifting golden question marks are enrapturing, Vessel taking great care in tracing over each one as they shift to different spots. No matter where they shift, their dotted end is always pointed downwards, the questions marks angled to point at each hip bone.

Vessel does not limit himself to only III's markings, tracing swirling patterns into the pale skin of his hips, breaching the soft flesh of their stomach. Vessel leaves that area alone quickly enough, trailing gentle fingers down into the coarse hair leading down to III's red, leaking cock, enraptured by the flame-like markings even here.

One hand slides over III's bare thigh to find their hand, and it is III who clasps their fingers together. Vessel leans a little closer, offering a single lick to III's tip before opening his mouth, intending to swallow him in one go, the only way Vessel knows how.

"Not like that, Ves. You'll hurt yourself."

Vessel pulls away to speak, wetting his lips with a pink, split tongue, "I've had practice ignoring the pain."

"You'll be getting no more practice if I have any say in it." III tries to keep the dismayed hiss in their voice from being too obvious, "Let me guide you through the proper way to do it. If it hurts, stop, and pull away. Please."

Vessel nods his head in agreement, uncertain, mollified when III very gently boops his nose. It makes him go cross-eyed for a split second, pulling a smile back to Vessel's cheeks. "There's that beautiful smile, pretty. Let's continue."

Vessel leans forward again to hide the way his smile stretches into a grin, lukewarm breath ghosting against the leaking tip of III's dick, opening his mouth further and diving right in to trying to fit him inside Vessel's mouth.

"Slower, Ves, open your mouth a little wider. Yes, that's it, pretty, now flatten your tongue, and take me in slowly so your mouth, then throat, can get used to the stretch. Make sure you breathe through your nose." III orders, keeping their voice light and level even as the sensation of Vessel's mouth around his cock is quickly overwhelming their senses.

Vessel does as ordered, listening to the instructions and trying his best to do them. He finds that it doesn't hurt like he thought it would. Going slower really does make the stretch easier, allowing III's hard cock to sink further into the back of Vessel's throat. This would normally have hurt, Vessel knows.

"Go slow, Ves. Slow-. Don't try to take too much at once." III reprimands around a breathy whine of pleasure as Vessel tries to take in III's dick to the base too quickly.

Vessel goes even slower, knowing he can do this far faster than III is allowing. He doesn't quite understand why III insists he goes slowly, Vessel had already said he was used to the pain. Though, III did look upset at the admission. Perhaps it stems from the care they show him. He didn't need to give Vessel such a soft pillow to kneel on, either, but it really has helped his knees.

Eventually, Vessel feels the tip of III's cock hit the back of his throat, swallowing a little at the feeling, even if it doesn't trigger his gag reflex. That had been trained out of him long ago.

III sucks in a harsh breath, fingers flexing in Vessel's hold. The pleasure Vessel had caused echoes through his own body, the bond rife with their shared arousal.

"Good, that's good lovey. I'm going to start moving now, okay? Squeeze once for yes, twice for no."

Vessel squeezes once for yes without delay, having been ready for III to move since he'd taken the first quarter of their cock in his mouth. It wouldn't have been anything Vessel hadn't done before. III has far more patience than Vessel's ex boyfriend.

"May I cup your jaw?"

Vessel takes a moment to think about it. Does he think the touch will give him flashbacks? III has been nothing but considerate, and it was the words II had said coupled with touching his jaw that had set Vessel off. As long as III doesn't say anything similar, it should be alright. Hopefully, Vessel doesn't fuck this up again.

Vessel squeezes once, blush deepening as III grins down at him. They keep their movement slow, reaching down to cup his cheek, ever so gentle in his affections. They start up a shallow rhythm of thrusts as they speak, and Vessel takes it, easily, because it doesn't hurt and III isn't pulling his hair and Vessel feels safe-

"I'm proud of you for thinking it over and not just agreeing because I asked." III says, keeping a careful eye on the bond and glad to see that Vessel seems perfectly content.

Vessel's blush spreads to the tips of his pointed ears, flattening his tongue against III's cock and then separating the two split tips to lick up on either side of the shaft as best as he can, in answer.

III's grin falters into an airy moan at the sensation, "Holy fuck, Sugar. Do that again, please?"

Vessel stares up at III with wide eyes. He didn't realize it would affect him so greatly. Vessel does as asked, easily continuing to lick and lap with his split tongue even when III starts to buck into his mouth more and more. A particularly hard thrust follows Vessel swallowing around the tip of III's cock at the back of his throat, surprised at the zing of pleasure it sent racing down Vessel's spine. Pleasure that wasn't Vessel's own.

"Co- Shit, color, love?" III barely manages, head falling to rest their chin on their chest, panting as he forces themself to stop moving his hips to check in on Vessel.

His deep ocean eyes have misted over with a lust filled haze, and Vessel feels trapped in that electrifying gaze, unable to look away. Vessel squeezes III's hand once, and III starts thrusting into his mouth again.

It doesn't hurt, but the sensation brings tears to Vessel's eyes anyway. It doesn't matter to him, because it doesn't hurt. It doesn't hurt even with III fucking into his mouth a little rougher than Vessel thinks the other intends.

It feels so good to be giving III pleasure, to feel it bleeding into Vessel's own side of the bond and making his dick harder in turn. Vessel jerks his hips subconsciously again, in need of something, anything to touch him, an action he wishes he had more control over. Every time he does so, though, the sight seems to please III.

"You're doing so well. You asked me to teach you, but it seems you already picked up some things from when I sucked you off, hm? Such a fast learner, pretty."

III can't get enough of the sight of Vessel staring up at him with half-lidded eyes, all six glowing dimly with his pleasure even if Vessel hasn't cum yet. The wet heat of him around III's cock, the tightness of his throat, the muffled, nearly impossible to hear moan that III wishes they could catch with complete clarity only brings III closer to the edge.

Soon enough, III feels his release close, his hand sliding from Vessel's jaw, brushing his ear and cupping the nape of Vessel's neck to bring him closer, fucking into his mouth with vigor.

Vessel takes it, six eyes never straying from III's face, trying to memorize every minor change in expression as he interchanges between hollowing his mouth around III's cock and sucking, and swirling his tongue along the underside of their shaft as much as possible. It is more difficult than Vessel expected as the waves of III's orgasm crash over him as well, bringing him to the edge of release.

"Look so pretty-" III's breathy voice breaks around a moan, "with that perfect mouth around my cock. Could you suck a little more? Y-yeah, just like that, beautiful."

Vessel moans inaudibly around III's dick, rutting his hips into nothing, chasing friction he will not find. III's voice sounds so pretty, and his praise made Vessel feel like he was doing good.

III lets out an obscene keen at the way Vessel's throat vibrates around their cock, thrusting deeply into the back of Vessel's throat. For a second, III worries they might have hurt Vessel, but the other seems perfectly fine.

Not to be narcissistic, but III knows they aren't exactly an easy fit, and Vessel took him in so well, a little too well. Another piece of the puzzle to add alongside what Vessel had said earlier. Something to ask about later, when III knows it won't ruin the heady desire swimming through Vessel, through themself.

Vessel wants to see III cum, wants to watch them fall to pieces by use of Vessel's mouth alone. Wants to be the reason for their pleasure, Vessel wants to be good.

It isn't too much longer when III finally cums, the sight of his dear Vessel below him, taking him in so well, eyes half-lidded and glowing, staring up at III like he'd hung the moon and the stars in the sky-

Fuck, III wishes he could snap a photo of the exact moment they spilled their load into Vessel's mouth. Oversensitivity hits quickly, their cock softening. III guides Vessel off his cock gently, feeling satisfied and so completely and utterly in love. Vessel's head rests heavily on III's thigh, staring up at them with six shining eyes, golden tears gathered around the edges.

Vessel misses the heavy weight of III's hard cock in his mouth immediately. He was able to give III pleasure, and III did not hurt him in return. III had been so loving, even when he'd fucked into Vessel's mouth, roughly chasing relief at the end and yet never pulling Vessel's hair too harshly, never dragging him around by his jaw. He felt like more than just a hole to fuck into with the pillow under his knees, the soft caress of a thumb at his nape while III held his head still.

Vessel couldn't remember a time he ever felt this needy. It made his jaw ache with the need to bite, to sink his teeth into something, anything. Vessel makes a decision, worrying over it even as he enacts it. III was still catching their breath above him, harsh pants as his fingers stroke the hair at the nape of Vessel's neck. Their eyes were closed, faint echoes of their orgasm traveling down the bond as they come down from their high.

Vessel opens his mouth, fangs glinting in the low light. He does not do more than press his teeth to III's skin, he applies no pressure, does not bite down at all. He lets his mouth linger there, contemplating whether he can really bite III like they'd said he could. He wants to, but... Vessel doesn't feel ready to.

He feels as if that admission to himself is allowed. Maybe.

III does not hit him. He isn't shoved away. They only hum lowly, continuing to slowly stroke their large hand through Vessel's hair, petting him lovingly. III doesn't even open his eyes to see what Vessel is doing, just trusts that Vessel won't hurt him.

His teeth resting on III's skin coupled with the petting makes Vessel sleepy almost, taming the arousal swimming in his gut, pulling him down from the edge of cumming. Perhaps if he'd properly bite III, Vessel might cum. It is not something Vessel feels ready to allow himself... but he wants to. Wants to feel III's skin between his teeth. Wants, wants, wants.

Silence ensues, serene, and Vessel finds himself almost dozing off, eyes slipping shut, too. He isn't quite sure how long they sit there together, but Vessel would stay in this moment for the rest of his life if it were possible.

"You're like a cat, Ves." III muses, teasing lightly as he opens his eyes back up.

Vessel makes a noise in the back of his throat, something like a small protest, or maybe an agreement. He's trying to pull himself back to wakefulness but isn't finding the endeavor very successful. III lets out a short bark of a laugh, and it startles Vessel so badly his eyes fly open and he almost pulls away. He really is like a cat.

"Sorry, Ves. Your turn, though." III states, soft like a breeze, letting their hand rest at their side again.

III waits for Vessel to pull his teeth away to move, leaning back but still staring up at III and looking so pretty that the racing in his heart must be heart palpitations. III doesn't bother pulling their clothes back on, not even their underwear, climbing out of his bed.

"My turn?" Vessel tilts his head, hands fisted in his lap while his entire body tingles with arousal.

"Your turn." III confirms, taking Vessel's hands and pulling him up to sit on the bed. "Unless you don't want to, of course. I'd prefer to pleasure you, though, if you'll let me."

"I- I want to. I don't... I don't want to fuck up like last time."

"What happened last time was not your fault. It wasn't anybody else's either. None of us could've known you were going to react that way. You yourself were surprised by it, love. II and I know not to do that again."

"Are you sure you won't be mad if I mess up again?" Vessel asks, gripping III's hands just as tenderly as the other.

"You won't mess up, but no, lovey, I won't be mad. I swear it. Do you still want to continue or are we done for now?" III leans forward and kisses Vessel's cheek, nuzzling into his face lovingly.

Vessel leans into the affection, still unused to it during sexual scenarios, nodding shortly. Another tender kiss is placed on Vessel's lips before III is moving down to kneel where Vessel had been.

"Let's get you undressed, Sugar. Shirt on, as usual." III says offhandedly, more focused on Vessel's skin under theirs.

"Thank you." Vessel murmurs, lifting his hips so III can pull his jeans off with less difficulty.

"Of course. Your comfort is my top priority." III says, mouthing at Vessel's thigh, sending tingles of pleasure shooting down his spine, "Can I touch?"

Vessel tilts his head, confused and a little breathless. "As long as you follow my rule, I welcome any touch you offer me."

III doesn't waste any time putting his hands on Vessel's hips, for once free of any wounds. The scars are slightly raised under III's wandering fingers but he pays them no mind, intent on tracing the newer patterns that have made their home on Vessel's skin since his last bout of sickness. The fabric of Vessel's shirt hides some of it, so III pushes the cotton up a little to get a better view.

Vessel shudders under the featherlight touch that sends more tingles down his spine. His already hard cock is leaving an uncomfortable wet spot in his underwear, III granting him mercy by sliding those down his thighs and off his body entirely.

His hands are immediately, back on Vessel, tracing his Sleep given markings and the newer ones he's gained from his own magical misuse. Every gentle caress, every soft kiss that turns deeper as III nips at Vessel's thighs has Vessel growing nearer and nearer to cumming. It's almost embarrassing how easily being treated with care brings him close to the edge, without III's mouth ever wrapping around his cock.

Each nip leaves Vessel wanting more. He wants III to bite him like he means it, like they want to tear off chunks of Vessel's flesh. To be consumed by his lovers is a beautiful thought. He'd get his end, and at the pretty white jaws of those he cares for most in this world. Always so careful with him, Vessel almost wants to see where the delicate stops.

Vessel doesn't think even Sleep could bring him back without a body to revive.

Airy little sounds spill from Vessel's lips with every faint bite, his cock twitching with need, leaking pre-cum heavily.

III is tempted to see if they can get Vessel off by just continuing to nip and bite and caress, but refrains from testing it just yet. He's quite sure he could though, with how close to cumming Vessel seems to be through the bond.

Fingers trail up Vessel's stomach, causing the muscles there to clench at the slightly ticklish feeling as III lavishes his happy trail in attention. The unexpected feeling steals a short laugh from Vessel's mouth, cutting off into a half surprised, half pleasured huff of air as III sinks his teeth into the meat of Vessel's stomach, right beside his belly button.

III wishes he has Vessel's six eyes just so he could watch every part of Vessel he desperately wanted to. Their gaze kept flicking between his face, his cock, and the expanse of skin he was exploring under their hands.

He decides quickly that there is plenty of time to touch later, and that III needs to have Vessel's cock in his mouth within the next few minutes or he would go insane with desire. III lifts Vessel's legs over either of his shoulders, making it easier to close the distance between them. One hand comes to wrap around the base of Vessel's cock, the other wrapping under Vessel's thigh and around to lock the limb in place with a hand splayed over the stretch of skin right below its apex.

III dives in without preamble, starting off with short kitten licks at Vessel's tip to lap up the pre-cum spilling down the shaft. Vessel's cock twitches at the attention, sensitive already as his hips jerk towards where the stimulation is coming from though III's arm keeps him from moving too much.

Having previously been given permission to touch and not have been hurt afterwards, Vessel is a little less hesitant about reaching down and slipping a hand into III's hair. He does not pull at the lightly curled strands, only rests his fingers between the split colored mess (a soft lavender and his natural blonde) as a means of holding III while their hands are otherwise occupied. It makes him feel more secure in what is happening, helping to soothe the nerves he can feel beginning to rear their head.

Placing one last kiss to Vessel's tip, III speaks, staring up at Vessel with wide, begging eyes, "Want you to use me to get off. Fuck my throat, Sugar, its okay. I swear it."

III then opens their mouth and starts working to take the thick girth of him into their eager hole, his other hand still holding Vessel's dick lightly.

Vessel watches in aroused interest, the heat of III's mouth welcoming him in, his mind seeming to zero in on the sensations III is gifting him. He tries to think over III's words, tries to focus enough to imagine himself doing as III said.

III takes him slowly, staring up at Vessel deliberately as his tongue swipes along the underside of Vessel's cock. His deep ocean blue eyes implore Vessel to keep eye contact, to keep watching. A learning experience, just as Vessel had asked for, even as III works with eager abandon to take more and more of Vessel's cock into his mouth. His hand slides away once III is almost to the base, seeking out Vessel's available hand instead.

III bobs his head to work their mouth the rest of the way down, tears beading at the corners of his eyes. Embarrassed affection flits down the bond when Vessel watches III nuzzle into the coarse pubic hair around his cock, starting to suck and lave their tongue around his shaft.

III lets out a low humming sound every once in a while as airy pants, almost whines, escape Vessel at the feeling. III is doing everything he can to bring more and more noises out of Vessel, but nothing really seems to work. All III wants is to hear him, he knows Vessel would sound absolutely divine.

III knows how to suck cock and he knows how to do it well. He'll pluck a moan from Vessel's lips eventually, its only a matter of time. Then they can reassure Vessel that every sound is welcome and wanted as they make him positively sing. Whether its II or III that manages it first doesn't matter to III, not when it will clearly be a big step for Vessel himself.

Forever thankful that his fear of blood does not transfers to the crimson of Vessel's eyes, III watches in fascination as the others eyes all glow brighter and brighter with every passing moment as III brings Vessel closer to coming undone. Vessel gets so lost in the pleasure he starts rutting his cock into III's eager mouth, though they're only small, shallow thrusts. Too afraid to do anything more, Vessel's control over himself is well-maintained even when his lovers threaten to shatter it every time they fuck.

III's teeth just barely graze Vessel's cock with another thrust of Vessel's hips, the sensation overwhelming him with pleasure, sending lightning traveling down his spine and into his limbs, leaving them tingling. Overcome by the feeling, Vessel accidentally pulls on III's hair still held in his grasp.

Anxiety starts festering in Vessel's empty ribcage, like a million bats had made their home there in place of his heart. The sound III makes sends Vessel's racing mind into a grinding halt. A quiet moan Vessel couldn't have hoped to control rips from his throat as III moans around his cock, teeth scraping over Vessel's shaft again. It causes another cut off sound as Vessel scrambles to apologize around the pleasure clouding his brain.

"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean-" Vessel's nervous gaze flits about the room, anywhere but down at III as both of them stop what they're doing.

He doesn't know if he's apologizing for pulling III's hair or making such a loud noise, for enjoying the slight pain III's teeth had caused.

There's a squeeze of III's hand in his own that Vessel doesn't notice at first, the second time gets his attention though, and his gaze flicks down. III is staring up at him with half-lidded eyes heady with desire, yet so caring.

Anxiety makes Vessel's hands begin to shake, fingers still interweaved between III's hair, still clasped so gently with III's own hand. He moves to let go but III squeezes tighter than any of the other times. III starts tracing something on Vessel's thigh, and it takes a moment for Vessel to figure it out.

G R E E N

Oh.

Oh, so... so Vessel isn't in trouble. That's what the squeezing of Vessel's hand was for. III was trying to tell him that he was okay, that Vessel didn't hurt or upset him. Embarrassment replaces the anxiety, having let the color system slip from his mind.

"I'm sorry. I forgot." Vessel admits, smile watery, and speaks the truth when he says, "You can, uh, continue now. Green for me, too."

Vessel had expected some pain, at least, for fucking up. Instead, III caresses the bond they share, sending down their love and pride in Vessel and while it makes him happy, bashful too, the praise mixed with III's wet mouth still around him reminds him of just how aroused he still is. Reminds him of how close he had been to cumming with III's teeth along his shaft and all the pleasure his pretty mouth had been giving Vessel up until that point.

III, given the green light to continue, starts sucking again, making sure to drag his teeth along Vessel's cock very, very gently. It sends fizzles of pain down the bond but heightens the pleasure Vessel is feeling, and III is a little sad that Vessel enjoys the pain this greatly. There are those into pain during sex though, even if they haven't had a past like Vessel's, III tries to reassure himself. They like their hair being pulled which causes some pain, so its not terribly different.

It takes a little work, but Vessel eventually starts thrusting shallowly into III's mouth again, and he is so proud of Vessel for it. III makes sure to send that pride down the bond, his desire, his love, and holds Vessel's hand tighter when Vessel's pleasure and shy adoration are returned.

Vessel may not declare his love for them verbally without them first saying so, but it's so clear to them that their devotion is reciprocated.

Vessel doesn't last as long as III did, already worked up and aching despite the pause they'd had. It takes mere minutes and III's skillful tongue working its wonders to unravel him completely. Well, that and some teeth, which is no true surprise to Vessel. Vessel pants, holding in a low moan as he comes undone, spilling so much white into III's waiting mouth that it leaks out the sides, dribbling in small droplets down their chin alongside drool. The swallowing sound III makes is audible, as Vessel swims in mild embarrassment at the sound.

He looks about as debauched as Vessel feels, staring up at Vessel adoringly as they pull their mouth off Vessel's cock.

"You fall apart so prettily above me. Fuck, I can't get enough of the sight of you, ruined by my mouth alone." III says, voice a little hoarse as he licks his lips clean of Vessel's cum.

"Want a picture so bad." He mutters, eyeing how Vessel's eyes are softly glowing, a single trail left by a golden tear having made its way down his face. He looks divine, shirt askew as a blush paints his cheeks.

"Pardon?" Vessel asks, trying to blink the stars from his vision.

Aftershocks of his orgasm still tingle down his spine when III nips a spot on his thigh again.

Vessel's cock twitches again with the low whine Vessel tries to muffle with his hand, wanting more than this, but he will not ask.

III stands, stretching. Something pops in their back and a sigh of relief is released. "Oh, nothing you need concern yourself with just yet, Sugar. I'll talk to you about it some other time. It's nothing bad, I swear it. I'm going to go get a wet dish towel to wipe us off, be right back."

Vessel accepted the answer nervously, watching in silence as III starts getting dressed again, only bothering with his boxers and tank top. Six eyes rake over III's tall, lanky body, taking in every detail possible and trying to memorize the shape of him, the way he moves, the shifting flame-like markings on his back.

III pauses on the way to his door when Vessel calls out to him, quiet and uncertain, "Can you.. stay? I'll take a proper shower later, I just..." Vessel trails off, looking away.

"You likely want to get clean, though. Go on ahead." Vessel rushes to correct himself, but III stops him with a smile, hating to see him look so hesitant. "Of course I'll stay, Sugar. All you have to do is ask."

Vessel even asking is answer enough for a suspicion III had had for a while now. He'd always been on the verge of asking something after they were intimate like this. Always leaned into every gentle touch, as if relishing in what he thought would be the last gentle caress he'd ever receive. It is clear now that Vessel is a cuddler after sex, wanting the closeness and the reassurance. III would never even think to deny him.

III makes his way back to the bed, smile widening into a grin at the way Vessel seems to light up with their return. He makes an aborted motion to reach out, and noticing it, III reaches out for him in his stead, always eager for them to touch.

"We could read together, pretty! I was going to loan you this series if you wanted, but since I've the idea in my head right now, might as well show you. Would you like that? You're free to decline."

"I'm interested. Would you... read to me?" Vessel asks shyly, letting III grab a book from his nightstand, a drawing of a primrose stuck between the pages falling out when he opens it.

III beams, leaning back on the pillows of their bed, "Of course, Sugar. Come, lay down, I'll start from the beginning. The series is called The Hunger Games."

III pats their stomach, and used to this by now, Vessel says his head down, laying his arms over III's waist to hold him loosely. Its one of the ways Vessel has worked up to more closeness between them while maintaining his rule, and III soaks up the affection given so freely. A blanket is spread out over Vessel's naked form as best as III is able, and once they're both ready, III starts to read aloud, making up their own voices for the characters as he goes.

Vessel listens with rapt attention while III reads, lulled into a sense of peace as the chapters pass by. Before III starts the next one, though, Vessel asks something that had been on his mind, letting III finish taking a sip of their water. He's so tired, but determined to stay awake for a while longer.

"Do you- Uh, do you think Two will even want me to pleasure him like that?" Vessel asks, breath cold where it exhales onto III's skin, looking up at them through his eyelashes.

For a moment he fears the repercussions of interrupting their reading, but III only reaches down to move some hair away from Vessel's face.

"Two will be so happy when you go to him, Sugar. He's been wanting to share an intimate moment with you for a while now." III reassures, running a hand through Vessel's loose hair to try to tame it.

He really does look so pretty like this, relaxed and rested, head laid on III's stomach. "Are you certain? I fear disappointing him, more than I would like to admit."

III puts the bookmark back in so they don't lose their spot while he and Vessel converse.

"Vessel, I won't lie and say you don't worry him. You do. You worry me, too. Your... your cutting disappoints him, because he hates to see you hurt. I hate it, too." III pauses, the words familiar on his tongue, when Vessel stiffens, but does not let the conversation end there, "What I mean is, nothing else you have done or will ever do would truly disappoint Two. Unless you kicked a puppy or something."

Vessel stares up at him, keeping eye contact longer than III has ever noticed him to do, seeming to be searching III's face for something. There's a careful prodding along the bond, too, that does not go unnoticed. III waits patiently for Vessel to gather his thoughts, thumbs stroking over Vessel's cheek with his face cupped in III's hand.

Vessel's mind is a mess. On one hand, he hates that him hurting himself is causing them so much pain. He's felt so guilty every time he's harmed himself, because all he can see is III's stricken expression when he took that blade to his arm right in front of them. II had tried to keep his own fear from Vessel, but he isn't as quick to hide things in the bond as he thinks he is. Vessel knows he is hurting them by hurting himself.

Aside from that, Vessel trusts III. If- If III says that II wants him, will not turn him away, then- Vessel should at least... try, right? II has never hurt him.

"If you're certain, I will ask him soon. To- To have sex. I want him, and can only hope you're right that he wants me too."

III smiles softly, leaning over to kiss the top of Vessel's head. "I'm proud of you, Sugar. Things will go well, I'm sure of it. Now, would you like to continue or are we done reading?"

Vessel nuzzles into III's hand before settling back in, comforted by III's warmth against his cheek, the very faint thumping of his heartbeat a comfort, too. "Can we continue? I'd like to see how Katniss handles this next situation."

"Sure, Sugar. We should read the whole series then watch the movies and lord over Two our superior knowledge by pointing out all the differences like he'd done with Lord of The Rings."

Vessel smiles around a small laugh, knowing now that II wouldn't get angry over something like that. Lighthearted teasing seems to always be taken for what it is, not as a bruise against his ego. It makes Vessel wonder if he could tease II, if he could dare make a joke himself instead of just tacking on his own playful comment to whatever jest III has made.

::

The festival was looming ever closer, the date they needed to pack up, then leave the following day was growing nearer. Vessel wanted to be with II before they left, needed to feel his skin under Vessel's, wanted to hold him, kiss him, love him, if II would allow it. Vessel knows just being near him would help his frayed nerves, but he can't help wanting more. Always so selfish in wanting all that they can give.

He'd spent time with III for the last week or so, learning what III had to teach. III always seemed insistent that Vessel didn't really need teaching, only needed to work past his expectation of pain. III always stayed with Vessel after, always insisted they service him, too. It made Vessel feel warm, like he was more than just his body. He had never felt this way before the other vessels came into his life.

Vessel is nervous when he leaves his room to find II. He is sure a trail has been worn into his flooring from how long he had been pacing in his indecision, trying to gather up the courage to just ask for what he wants. He fears being forward, even if II and III have expressly stated they want him to ask when he wants things. That he's allowed to want things.

Picking one last time at his half-healed scabbing, Vessel finally just wraps a new bandage around his arm to finish the task he had started before leaving his room.

II's door is closed, something out of the norm. Vessel nearly turns right around at the sight of it, not wanting to disturb the drummer during the clear request for alone time.

Vessel turns around, anxiety slipping away as his self-appointed task is put aside for a later time, or never. The sound of a door hinge creaking makes him pause, yet too scared to turn around again to see if it was II's door opening.

"Ves? Is something wrong?" II's voice makes Vessel's muscles relax instantly, but Vessel's overactive mind keeps him from turning to see him, nervous once more.

"No, nothing is wrong." Vessel replies, almost meek.

"Did you need something then?" II asks, voice coming closer as a warm hand reaches out and takes Vessel's colder one.

"Well, it's not really a need." Vessel starts, vehemently shoving down the arousal simmering through his veins.

He'd deliberated for a while if it was truly alright to go ask II for help with it, and it never faded away like Vessel was sure it would if given time.

"A-actually, I suppose it is. I- I would like to pleasure you, if- if you want me to, that is."

"You're coming to me? I figured you would prefer Three." II asks, voice gentle and questioning.

Vessel shakes his head side to side slowly, feeling guilty he had made II think that way, "It is you I want. I am certain of it."

"Okay then, sweetheart, come on in." II smiles, and Vessel's nerves fizzle at the edges as though they're going to disappear entirely as long as II keeps smiling at him like that.

II's room is the same as it always is, clean but not excessively so, and well-lit. The door is shut behind them, lock clicking into place as II walks up behind Vessel. It's a testament to how far he has come that Vessel doesn't jump out of his skin when II's hands settle carefully over his hips, a kiss pressing into his shoulder blade. "What would you like us to do today, sweetheart?"

Vessel knows his answer immediately. He'd been practicing with III for this, after all. Well, practicing and just enjoying III and the love they shower him with.

"I would like to give you a blow job. I have been practicing with Three." Vessel tries to speak plainly, but his nerves are clear as day in his expression.

"Is this something you truly want to do? You aren't forcing yourself?" II asks, and Vessel can feel him probing along the bond with concern.

"It is something I want, yes. Do not... Worry." Vessel has to force the word out of his mouth, still unused to the concern they show over sexual situations and Vessel's apparent physical and mental wellness, "I will admit it stemmed first from wanting to make up for messing up the last time we had a sexual encounter with all three of us, but I have... I have discovered I like the closeness of the act. Three has been helping me learn to give blow jobs the proper way, so that I do not hurt during or after."

The blue of II's eyes seem to freeze over at Vessel's last sentence, but it is thawed out before Vessel can truly take note of it. "You did not mess up last time, Ves. Things like that happen while we learn each other triggers and kinks. As long as you're sure this is what you want, then you can give me a blow job. I'm quite sure I'll enjoy it. After, we can discuss if you want to do anything else, okay?"

Vessel finds himself nodding, taking comfort in II's willingness to discuss their wants before taking things further, even if they were in the middle of sex.

Vessel hope that one day they won't need to discuss things, that his mind and body can trust them as his heart does to not hurt him. Vessel is perhaps more surprised than he should be when, like III, II reaches to grab a pillow from his bed for Vessel to kneel on. He doesn't voice his confusion this time, already understanding its purpose and silently grateful for the accommodation.

He kneels on the pillow, hands laid overtop each other in his lap, waiting patiently for II to get in front of him.

"Three seems to have taught you proper manners. I knew he was being a menace on purpose." II remarks lightly, stripping out of his pants and underwear, left in only his plain black socks.

After he sits on the bed in front of Vessel, he strips off his t-shirt, too. Fully unclothed, II spreads his legs in front of Vessel, gaze soft and inviting. Vessel is still nervous, but the more familiar situation helps him release some of the tension in his muscles.  

"Start whenever you're ready to, beautiful. Touch me however you want." II says, bending his index finger in a come hither motion.

Given permission to start, Vessel leans forward eagerly, wanting to taste II in this way he has yet to. His hands come to rest on the outsides of II's thighs, thumbs rubbing over the soft skin. He allows himself only a moment to hold II in this way before one hand reaches to II's half-hard cock to hold it still for Vessel to start giving it attention. His split tongue swipes at the tip while his fingers start up a short circular motion at the base. "Just like that, sweetheart." II hums, fingers twitching with his want to touch.

II is afraid to do so. Afraid of accidentally setting Vessel off again. 

His bond tells Vessel of his hesitation, so he takes his hand off II's thigh and grabs one of II's instead, threading their fingers together. II squeezes his hand once in gratitude, watching in blatant interest as Vessel's mouth opens wide to lick a stripe up the underside of II's cock, now hard and aching. 

It feels heavenly, and more so when Vessel begins taking II's thick girth into his mouth. Vessel knows to go slow, now, bobbing his head slightly to work more and more of II's cock into his mouth, careful of his fangs. He seems to be the only one who likes the pain of a sharp fang scraping his cock. III had jerked away at the barest hint of it and needed time to even want a mouth anywhere near his dick. Vessel had felt absolutely terrible, no matter how III had reassured him that pain in that area wasn't commonly enjoyed, but there were certainly those who did. Vessel felt better when III explained it was probably something kinky to Vessel's taste that didn't overlap with III's tastes. The explanation helped soothe Vessel's fears, which is what III had been hoping for.

He'd still been expecting to be hit for hurting III though. He never was.

Eager as II was for a moment like this to finally occur, Vessel's mouth on him already aroused him to the point of falling apart at the seams, starting up a shallow thrust. His split tongue added a new level of sensation as Vessel used it to lick up either side of II's shaft as he sucked. II can't hold in his groan of pleasure as Vessel's moans lowly, too lowly for the sound to be picked up by II's ears, but the vibrations were felt clear as day.  Vessel's mouth is teetering on the edge of being too cool, though there is some warmth there. His mouth still feels heavenly around II's dick nonetheless, tongue sliding along his shaft and shoving II closer and closer to the edge of release.

Vessel settles down to just let his throat be used as II's cock starts hitting the back of his throat. His eyes are glowing faintly, dark eyelashes casting shadows over the nigh unnoticeable crimson light shining from Vessel's eyes. Something II knew they did, but has never managed to see due to circumstances they didn't yet know how to avoid. II knows now, knows not to ask Vessel to look at him while grabbing his jaw, knows not to pull his hair, not to dig his nails into Vessel's face without caring if it would hurt. II would never, anyway, but it is not something he plans on letting slip his mind. 

II wants to ask Vessel to look at him, wants to see the scarlet glow as he spills into Vessel's pretty throat, but doesn't know how to ask. Fears triggering him. The bond is taut with their shared arousal, II feeling himself inching closer and closer to coming undone, and it is then a thought strikes him. 

He strokes an invisible finger along the bond he shares with Vessel, plucking at it carefully in question. Half-lidded eyes clouded over in desire open further to glance up at II in confusion before settling on II's happy trail again, and II can tell Vessel is swimming in their shared pleasure. II tugs again, more insistently, and Vessel finally meets his gaze and holds it, curiosity shining in all six eyes as II continues thrusting, growing more erratic in his movements as Vessel's eyes meet his. II is caught, tangled in that beautiful stare, loving the feeling of watching and being watched in return.

II isn't concerned with edging himself this time, too riled up by having Vessel below him, sucking his cock so well, looking so beautiful-

There is no time to give warning, II moaning loudly as he cums, spilling white into Vessel's waiting mouth, holding him close with a hand in his hair, bringing him ever closer so that Vessel's breath exhales onto the coarse hair around II's cock.

II continues thrusting into Vessel's mouth, chasing the lasting threads of his orgasm as it slowly peters out.

"That's enough, sweetheart. Did so well for me, I'm so proud of you." II murmurs, breathless and satisfied, letting his hand rest on top of Vessel's head, petting his messy hair.

Vessel isn't quite sure why they seem to like petting his head so much but he isn't going to complain, would rather cut his tongue out and never sing again than lose the serenity the gentle action evokes in him.

He rests his head on II's thigh when he pulls his mouth off his cock. A little more secure in himself, Vessel opens his mouth and lets his teeth rest on the skin of II's thigh. 

He does so expecting to be hit, but the blow never comes. Vessel should have known. II and III have never hurt him. Vessel has not worked up to properly biting III, but resting his teeth on their skin had never gotten him in trouble at any point during the few times they've been together. II seems to be the same, which should come as no surprise.

"Give me a minute, my love, and then I'll fuck you. If that's alright, that is?" II breathes, sensitive dick still hard. 

"You still want to fuck me?" Vessel asks, removing his teeth from II's skin.

He is pleased to see no marks left except for faint redness, despite the small, small part of him that wishes he could leave something more lasting. 

"Fuck, yes, please, if you're alright with it. Finally we have a moment with just the two of us and I want to savor every minute." 

"Three was right then." Vessel mutters in disbelief, licking his lips to gather the lingering taste of II's cum. 

"Right about what, my love?" II asks, staring down at Vessel with what he knows now is love, feeling it so strongly down the bond it is like Vessel will drown in it.

A happy death, to be sure.

Fuck, Vessel wants to crawl into the space between II's ribs and make himself a home there. He wants to be the air that II breathes, guiding him in to safety and blessed silence, breathing him out and back in, in a never ending cycle.

"That you- That you want me. Sexually."

"Of course I want you sexually, sweetheart, if you'll have me." II says gently, cupping Vessel's cheek, "Was there something I did that made you think I wouldn't?" 

"No, n-not exactly. I... I just- I messed up last time. I thought I'd ruined any chance of you ever..." Vessel trails off, uncertain.

"I have not slept with you because I did not want to push you into something you weren't ready for. Three and I have different approaches to sex with you, Ves. He is... bolder than I am. I'm afraid of hurting you, or pushing you too far."

"I'm afraid of disappointing you." Vessel admits in return, moving on before II can say anything, "If you had asked me... I may have been hesitant but- I- I..."

"Vessel, sweetheart, do you want to have sex with me? You can say no, and I won't be upset." II asks after a moment of Vessel not being able to find the words.

II is glad when Vessel takes the time to think it over, even if its only a split second before a decision is made.

"Yes. I want you to fuck me." Vessel replies, making a valiant effort to hide the anticipation swirling in his gut alongside the arousal.

II leans down, hands gripping Vessel's shoulders, pulling him up with ease. Vessel lets him, would let II do anything to him that he wanted if it meant Vessel could stay near him, remain loved by him. II pulls Vessel around by the bicep insistently, always so gentle, and tugs him towards the bed where he is shoved back onto it. "Crawl back for me, sweetheart." II orders, and Vessel does so, keeping eye contact as II crawls after him. 

Back meeting the pillows, Vessel sinks into them, staring up at II as the smaller man straddles Vessel's waist. He leans in close, hovering over Vessel as II's hands come to rest on Vessel's shoulders, keeping him balanced.

"I don't want to just fuck you, Vessel. I want to make love to you." II whispers, breath ghosting against Vessel's lips.

"Is there a difference?" Vessel whispers back, six eyes all glancing indecisively between II's striking icy blues and the plush pink of his lips.

Vessel isn't sure what he wants to focus on, caught between using different sets of eyes to watch the objects of his desire and merely letting his full attention rest on either II's eyes or his lips.

"Yes." II says, pressing their lips together.

It steals Vessel's unneeded breath, II's tongue slipping between Vessel's lips after they swipe against them for entrance. Vessel loses himself in II's taste, pleasure sliding along his veins alongside his inhuman blood, filling him up the brim.

II grinds his hips down into Vessel's, rubbing his naked cock against Vessel's trapped in his clothes  still. The friction is delicious, a slow sliding of their aching cocks against one another that sends liquid heat up Vessel's spine, warming him from the inside. 

Despite Vessel's assumptions, II does not go any further for a few minutes, content to simply kiss Vessel. To taste him and touch, a caress of careful fingers on Vessel's shoulders. It could be minutes or hours as II grinds their hips together, and eventually Vessel feels secure enough to grind his cock up into II's. It causes II to smile into their kiss, and sends happiness through Vessel's neurons.

"Undress yourself for me, Ves." II pulls away to speak, lips bruised and swollen as he reaches over to grab a bottle of lube out of the nightstand drawer.

Vessel is sure his lips must look the same as he moves to take off his boxers. He hesitates, gripping the hem of his shirt but moves to pull it off. "No, sweetheart, you can leave your shirt on. I know it helps you feel more comfortable."

Nodding, Vessel murmurs his thanks, leaning back into the pillows at II's firm command. Two of II's fingers trail down Vessel's stomach, past his dick, to meet his ass. His fingers are already slicked with the lube, one finger entering him easily. II thoroughly works that finger inside Vessel before moving on to insert a second, never going too fast. Once II can comfortably fit three fingers inside, he pulls them out and wipes his hand on the bed. "Ready, sweetheart?"

Vessel hums his agreement before remembering to speak his answer.

II's cock is thick as it slowly enters him, stretching him out slowly. Not for a single moment does it ever slide into pain, II taking great care in keeping Vessel as comfortable as possible. Quiet words of affection are spilled as II watches Vessel's slick hole take more and more of him until he is seated fully inside.  

Vessel is lost in a haze of ecstasy so strong its almost palpable, stifling a short, gasping moan into the pillow as best as he can. He's a little embarrassed to be so overwhelmed so quickly when II has only just started. II is warm inside him, letting him adjust to the thickness. Vessel hasn't taken a cock like this in a while, III never taking things further than the blow jobs, and Vessel never asking despite his desires.

Calloused fingers reach between them to grasp Vessel's leaking dick, slowly stroking it while II waits for Vessel to be ready for him to move. II could have started thrusting into him right away and Vessel wouldn't have minded, not with how loose he'd made sure Vessel was. 

II pulls out almost to the tip then slides back in, causing Vessel to gasp. Just that one thrust felt divine, and every slow, measured thrust after felt just as blissful. Unlike III, unlike any other sex Vessel has ever had, II does not get even a little bit rougher as time goes on. His strokes remain slow, his hand on Vessel's cock remains gentle. It is the slowest sex Vessel had ever had.

He didn't know sex could be slow at all. 

Is this what II meant when he said they'd make love instead of just fucking? It must be. Gasps of pleasure fall from parted lips, nothing louder than a whisper. II leans down every once in a while to press kisses to Vessel's mouth, his jaw, his cheeks, all the while words of praise are spoken reverently as though Vessel was his God and they were not mere servants themselves. 

The fields of elation are blooming around him, inside him. Flowers are filling the cavity of his chest where his heart should be; sunflowers, red roses, purple balloon flowers. Vessel is overwhelmed with his love, his devotion, and wants nothing more than for II to know. Wants to say it, tell him.

Vessel wants to bite. To sink his teeth into II's flesh. To leave a mark that he knows will bruise, will last longer than a day. Wants to lay claim to II by marking up his pale skin.

He wants to bite so badly his teeth ache with his need, grinding them together to try and relieve the desire within him. 

"You wanna bite me, sweetheart? I can see it in your eyes. I don't mind." II says, words stilted with every punctuated breath he releases, the slow thrusts jarring them both, the bed creaking lowly.

Every drag of II's cock in and out of Vessel seems to last forever, a steep climb up a hill where Vessel knows he will find his end. Vessel didn't know sex could be this gentle. He didn't know sex could be this, so different from anything he had ever experienced before. Perhaps it's because it is with II, and II makes everything feel okay when his world is splintering apart. 

II stops moving, continuing to stroke Vessel's cock slowly between them so that Vessel's pleasure doesn't abate like II wants his to. Vessel can't quite see the appeal in edging oneself, in not wanting to feel release as soon as possible when it feels like this.

Vessel really does want to bite II. Wants it so badly he feels as though he is going to combust if he doesn't get to taste II's skin between his teeth. A decision is made as II keeps fucking into him. Vessel feels safe. II- II wouldn't hurt him. Vessel was given permission. 

Vessel grabs II by his shoulders, II's hands coming to pull Vessel closer by his own shoulders, a hand sliding up his nape to rest in his hair at the back of his head. His teeth sink slowly into II's skin, slow enough that II can hurt him if he wishes, shove him away. Hit him like Vessel knows he would deserve, but II only pulls Vessel closer with a hand in his hair. He applies more pressure, laving his tongue against the pulse point in II's neck, feeling his heartbeat thrum against the wet appendage and tasting II, tasting the sweat that clings to his skin. 

"You can bite me harder." II murmurs, knowing Vessel will not ask, could not anyway, not with his teeth making indents into II's skin. 

Tears well up in Vessel's eyes. He does not let them fall, making a valiant effort to keep them at bay, as he applies more and more pressure. II huffs out a whine of pain, and Vessel immediately makes to jump away, an apology on the tip of his tongue, but II's hand keeps him rooted in place. 

"Keep going." II says, no louder than a whisper. "I like the pain, since its you." 

The tears slip over, streaking down his cheeks. II starts thrusting a little more insistently, but never leaving the slow, gentle pace he has set. "Doing so well, sweetheart. Being so good for me." II moans, feeling overwhelmed by Vessel being so close to him physically as he continues slowly thrusting into the tight heat of Vessel's ass. 

A moan vibrates the flesh trapped between Vessel's teeth, just as overwhelmed by II as he is by Vessel. Love bleeds from every open pore, the threat of a sob making Vessel's throat tight.

He feels so fucking good, so loved. Safer than ever before. 

Vessel is cumming for the first time that night, splattering his release onto II's stomach as he pauses fucking into Vessel to pull himself away from the edge again, and he finally lets his tears fall.

Gold splashes onto II's neck, dripping down into the dip of his collarbone as Vessel's fangs at long last break skin. Euphoria crashes into him, spurring on the cresting of his orgasm into a tidal wave of pleasure spilling over the tether of the bond to flood all three vessels. 

There's a faint flash of surprise from III's bond before everything is quickly overshadowed by the effects of the orgasm still tearing through Vessel's nervous system. II's hand moves from Vessel's sensitive cock to his hip, thumb tracing the curve of Vessel's hipbone, grinding into him as Vessel shudders and gasps, overstimulated but enjoying every single moment of it. 

Iron spills over Vessel's tongue, split tongue lapping at the blood seeping out between Vessel's fangs. Vessel panics, trying to pull away. II doesn't let him. Holds him there, his blood coating Vessel's tongue. Any moment now, Vessel expects pain to explode across his face, his head, any part of his body II can reach, but it never happens.

II never reaches out with ill intent to harm Vessel, only lovingly strokes the fabric covering Vessel's back. II still isn't letting him move, and after a moment, Vessel settles down, no longer trying to escape from pain he was so sure was coming. 

"Color, Ves?" II asks, as soft as his thrusts.

A sob tears through him, forcing him to unlatch his teeth from II's skin. Falling back into the pillows behind him, all of his eyes squeeze shut, golden tears obscuring his vision. He manages to choke out an answer on the tail end of a half-sob, still quiet even now, clutching his own shirt in his need to hold something. "Green."

The fabric tears underneath his claws, but Vessel doesn't notice, doesn't care, not when he feels like this.

Safe. Safe. Safe. So loved and cared for as II makes love to him, reaches over to wipe the tears from Vessel's cheeks as he keeps slowly fucking into him. 

Sweat drips down II's brow, his whole body warm with minor exertion, smiling down at Vessel with such love it sends Vessel reeling. He's overstimulated, overwhelmed, and so, so happy. 

"Gonna come soon, pretty. Think you can look at me while I do? Just know you'll look beautiful." 

Vessel smiles, relishing in the fact that the words didn't strike a panicked chord in him. He remains feeling euphoric and safe, managing to pull his six eyes up to meet II's as he continues crying. Vessel enjoys the overstimulation far more than he thinks he should, glowing crimson eyes never once straying from the icy blue of II's as he continues thrusting into him. The pillows are soft behind him, cocooning him in comfort.

II keeps thrusting into him, each slow drag of his cock seeming to take Vessel's unneeded breath with it. His face is creased with pleasure, the blue of his eyes sucking Vessel in. II cums with a moan into Vessel's mouth, a deep kiss shared between them while II's spend warm's Vessel from the inside. It sends Vessel into another orgasm as the pleasure floods the bond. Shallow thrusts send tingles of overstimulation all throughout Vessel's body, a welcome feeling.

II's lamp begins to rise from the nightstand, its chord keeping it from floating up to the ceiling. When Vessel notices, tearing his gaze away from II at the feeling of his magic working without him calling upon it, it sets itself back down with a faint thud. 

"Feel so good around me, sweetheart. I almost don't want to leave." II sighs, but begins pulling out anyway.

Vessel almost asks him to stay inside, high on elation. He wants II to stay close in a way Vessel can allow. 

"Three told me you like to cuddle, sweetheart." II says as he reaches for some tissues in a box he keeps at his bedside.

A bashful flush heats Vessel's cheeks, glowing eyes averting their gaze as II starts cleaning Vessel up. Vessel's short nod is answer enough, and II chuckles, leaning over Vessel to kiss him again.

Joy shoots through him, and before Vessel really knows what's going on, he's crying worse than before. He can't seem to stop himself, no matter how hard he tries. Vessel sobs, heaving breaths, lungs aching, and still so happy. Overwhelmed by the love II has shown him. Gold spills down his face, dripping into his hair as he curls up on his side, face pressed into II's ribs.

II is beside him in an instant, a blanket tossed over Vessel's shaking form as II holds him from behind, keeping well away from his chest and neck. He is warm behind him, soft nothings being whispered into the air, a gentle hand caressing his hip.

"That's it, sweetheart. Let it all out. I've got you, promise."

II's kind words only make Vessel cry harder, overwhelmed with emotion. He turns, burying his face into II's chest, clutching at the blanket between them and wishing the barrier wasn't there. II is stroking up an down Vessel's hip, over his side, jumping to his arm, his caresses featherlight. All is silent except for Vessel's harsh breaths as he sobs silently, and II's gentle words of affection.

Of course, the tranquility couldn't last.

"I wish you would stop." II says, tracing a gentle finger along the seam of the bandages around Vessel's arm. 

He freezes as soon as the words leave his lips, an apology already on the tip of his tongue. Vessel has gone still as the dead next to him, face tucked so far into II's chest that the drummer couldn't possibly hope to see what expression he's making.

"I do not want to." Vessel says quietly, a foreboding feeling filling the empty space between his ribs at the admission. 

The flowers inside are beginning to wilt, Vessel's good mood dying with them.

Then words just start spilling out of him, "Pain has been my only constant companion. I do not know how to live without it. I can't." 

II tries to keep the frown from pulling at his lips, but isn't quite sure he manages. 

"But... if- if you ask it of me-" Vessel takes in a steadying breath, long eyelashes fluttering gently as he looks up at II through them, all six eyes still glowing in the aftermath of his orgasms, "If you ask it of me, I will truly try to limit how often I mar my flesh." 

"You would... Do that for me? I- As much as I hate seeing you hurt, I know it must be hard to even think of- Of not hurting yourself, sweetheart."

"There is nothing in this world I would not do for you, if you'd only ask it of me."

Vessel means every word, no matter how the idea of... of even attempting to stop hurting himself is daunting, terrifying. Vessel wants to be brave for II, so he'll try. 

II's eyes are crinkled at the edges with the sheer enormity of his smile, gold flecks sticking to his cheeks as he cries crystal tears. "I love you. I love you so much. I know you don't understand that this is a good thing, for you to even try to lessen your pains like this, but it means the world to me. More than you'll ever know. I'm- I'm so proud of you."

"I do not feel as though it is something you should be proud of me for." Vessel admits, placing his head so it rests against II's chest.

His heartbeat is loud in Vessel's ear, a soothing sound that smoothes over Vessel's frayed nerves. It lulls him back into the contentment he'd felt mere moments prior. Vessel is glad it came back at all, worried their turn in conversation had ruined how happy he'd felt. 

"I will be proud of you regardless of whether you feel worthy of it. I love you, Vessel." II says, reaching up with a hand to stifle a yawn.

"I love you, bel- Two. I love you, Two." Vessel responds, stumbling over his words with a blush, "You can sleep. I do no mind. It's late anyway. I wish to stay up a little longer."

"Are you sure? I don't want to just... sleep, if you want to continue our conversation?"

Vessel shakes his head, "No, it is alright. I don't- I don't want to speak on it any longer. I want to bask in these emotions for a while longer."

"Okay, sweetheart." II agrees hesitantly, pressing a kiss to Vessel's hair. "Wake me if you need anything, alright?"

Vessel hums, pressing his ear closer to II's chest so he can listen to his heartbeat better. The sound brings Vessel peace, like layers and layers of comfort are being spread over him like a blanket with every thump against II's ribcage. Vessel can almost fool himself into thinking it's his own heart, too. Supposes that must be true, a little, since the other vessels had eaten the apple of Eden.

Vessel knows exactly what that was made of.

Once II falls asleep, Vessel carefully sits up, blanket still covering his nude form. He takes it with him to keep himself covered while he leaves II's room. It doesn't take long to grab his notebook, settling down beside II to write. There's a song stuck in his head, a loop of lyrics he absolutely must write down before they're lost to the void.

Vessel puts a pencil to the first fresh page of his notebook he finds. The words come to him easily as II lays asleep beside him, ethereal in his beauty. His snores aren't quite loud, but certainly noticeable. The sound is familiar and calming, lulling Vessel into a focused headspace.

It isn't long before there's a tugging on the bond, questioning in nature, and Vessel tugs back, accepting. 

Vessel doesn't pause in his writing as III shuffles into the room quietly. They press a kiss to the side of Vessel's head as he continues to work. "Writing something, Sugar?" III murmurs softly, carefully avoiding glancing down at the pages.

"Yes, for Two. I want to complete the song entirely before I show him." Vessel replies shyly, tilting the notebook so III can read the lines, "Do you think he'll like it?" 

III does not let their surprise show at how nonchalant Vessel is while showing him his notebook. Vessel always kept the lyrics of his songs under wraps until they were ready to be used. For the other to be showing III- No, that's not important right now, III can't miss this chance to see Vessel's writing process. 

There's only a couple of lines written, but they steal III's breath away as he takes in the words with rapt attention.

'And I know the angels tonight are as lost for words, As I am to merely behold you as we lie down together'

"I would like to think I know Two well enough to say that he's going to want to fuck you right after he cries from how beautiful these lyrics are. He's going to love it." 

"W-what-" Vessel stammers, pausing in the middle of writing down another line, eyes wide as he looks over at III. 

He watches III's smile, the curve of their eyelashes, the blatant adoration in his beautiful blue eyes, and blurts, "Is now a good time to tell you I have one I'm working on for you as well?"

III's smile turns sinfully wicked, "Oh? Don't show me until its completed then, and expect the best sex of your life afterwards."

Vessel cannot stop his gasp of surprise, nor the need that shoots through him at III's words. He finds himself murmuring his agreement, something like anticipation swirling in his gut. Vessel almost wants to finish the song faster, especially with the lascivious expression on III's pretty face. He can't remember a time when he'd been so willing to have sex, so desperate to be touched like that. Never, if he were to be honest. II and III have changed his views on many things, and his views on sex were not immune.

"Sleep, don't look at me like that, Sugar. You need to rest and if I don't stop us now, then you're definitely not going to be resting." III groans, hiding their flushed face behind their hands. 

"I wouldn't mind." Vessel protests lightly even as his mind wanders back to his previous train of thought, a lyric line beginning to circle through his head.

"You're busy, Sugar, and I want you resting. I had a hand and an imagination earlier, I'm not that desperate. If you still want me tomorrow then I'll gladly fuck you then, alright?" 

"I would like that." Vessel murmurs, hiding his face behind his notebook so III can't see his blush.

III laughs heartily, kissing Vessel's cheek before climbing into II's bed to rest at his other side, II in between the both of them. The smaller man continued snoring, completely unaware of anything going on around him. It makes Vessel feel so overwhelmingly fond, to have those two here with him.

III doesn't even bother trying to stay awake, curling around II. Vessel continues writing until his eyes burn and exhaustion threatens to take him away.

Vessel regrets ever closing his eyes to rest, what feels like hours later, when he opens them and finds himself being dragged to the bedroom in his first apartment away from his parents.

No.

Not, not again. Not after Vessel had just been the happiest he'd been in years. Please.