In Tykhe's Grasp

REVISED Chapter 13: The Guests

by time_to_occur

Tags: #dubious_consent #m/m #m/nb #multiple_partners #ownership_dynamics #scifi #3rd_person #ownership

Consent is paramount in real life. I do not condone non-consensual acts.

So much had changed for Thamyris Fairmount in just a few short weeks.

Since Jasper came into Rhys's life, Rhys was happier. More excited about the mundane things that had become commonplace to him. More alive.

The dynamic between the people in his home had become more energized. Every day, the kitchen tempted him with new aromas of things that Jasper had requested. Every day, there was a near-constant stream of tailors, decorators, and botanists, with Lemon busy coordinating it all. Every day, Jasper spent time nurturing his plants in the garden.

Oh, the garden.

From where he sat in the new "deck chair", as Jasper called it, Rhys reflected on this latest delight. Seeing it now, he could hardly fathom why he had not done something with this enormous balcony sooner. Before, it had been used to entertain guests, serving as a side chamber at his parties, or to impress the occasional people who wanted to see the view from his lofty home.

Now, it was a feature of his home unto itself. With a little expert consultation, Jasper had started to set up pathways lined with flowers, leading to seating areas and a fountain that flowed into a small water feature. Jasper wasn't done yet, of course, but already it was such a massive improvement. His pet seemed proud of the vegetable garden in particular.

A notably large area was set aside to grow fresh produce. The very idea of it confused Rhys at first. He could simply buy carefully grown, perfect vegetables and fruits whenever they wanted. Jasper, however, insisted that homegrown was better, even if the growth rate was vastly increased by the latest technologies. Rhys couldn't tell the difference from any other carrot, but the expression on his smiling pet’s face when he ate from the first tiny harvest was enough to remove any misgivings he'd had.

Looking down at Jasper, innocently curled up against him in his lap, Rhys could almost put aside the possible danger that the ex-criminal posed. He had yet to find the right way to broach that particular topic with his pet and it wasn't clear if he ever would.

Rhys gently rubbed Jasper's back, feeling lithe muscle beneath his fingertips. "You haven't dozed off, have you, my little Chloris?" the Coin asked. "I want to talk to you about what's happening later today."

Jasper inhaled deeply as he came back to full alertness. The breeze and the scent of the flowers, combined with Rhys's warmth, had put him right to sleep. He knew that today was important — so much so that he had stayed up the night before, nervous about meeting Rhys's old pet for no reason that he could really pin down. You know, except that he was their replacement and that things had ended badly between them and Rhys. A small thing, really. No need to be worried. He rolled his eyes at the thought, then focused on Rhys.

"I'm with you now, Rhys. Sorry. What about today?"

Rhys leaned to the side and tilted his head to get a better look at Jasper's face. "So you were sleeping," he said, gently caressing his lover's cheek, seeing the bags under his eyes. His concerns about the coming visit were almost forgotten. "Did you not sleep well? What disturbed you?"

Jasper shook his head. "Just a bit nervous about meeting Marin and Anthix today, I guess. I didn't sleep as well as I would have liked."

"Pet, my role is to care for you," Rhys said, concern showing in his voice. "If you are having trouble with such things, come to me so that I can help. Understand?"

Jasper lowered his eyes. "Sorry. I didn't want to wake you. I know this will be stressful for you, too. But I'll come to you next time it happens." He then returned his gaze to Rhys's handsome face. "What did you want to talk about?"

The Coin sighed heavily. With almost no effort, Rhys lifted Jasper, then turned him and set him back down in a seated position, so that he was facing Rhys. "I was worried that you might feel uncomfortable today. I am feeling somewhat apprehensive, myself," he said. "I want us to have the best chance possible at successfully reconnecting with them."

With a small sigh, Jasper took Rhys's hands in his and squeezed. In his experience, trying to plan and finetune social interactions only took you so far. If Rhys was going to have an ongoing relationship with these people, whatever airs he put on now would only last so long. "What do you think will give us the best chance, Rhys?"

"We need to steer away from the past," Rhys suggested. "That, and we should avoid going into detail about our sex lives. Anthix did not say anything about how Marin reacts to those subjects since the incident."

Rhys let his fingertips drag lightly down Jasper's chest. "I would dearly like to play with the three of you, but let's not push it until Marin is ready." He grinned mischievously. "I predict that, in the near future, you will find yourself inside of Marin very frequently. I hope you will find them attractive."

There was something really hot about Rhys's total certainty that Jasper would one day fuck Marin on the regular. Jasper grinned back. "If you chose them, I know they must be attractive. I know you have good taste. After all, you chose me."

With that, Jasper leaned forward, pushing his pecs firmly into Rhys's touch. "I'll do my very best. Meanwhile, I know how to get rid of those nerves. You should use your pet's mouth."

Rhys laughed. "I love how much you love to suck." The Coin ran a hand along the inside of Jasper's thigh. One of his favourite spots. With a deft motion, Rhys slipped his other hand into his pants and pulled out his stiffening cock. "Prove it to me again, pet."

Jasper was well-practiced now. Aris had sent over the training program that had gotten him started and he had diligently kept up his work until he could take Rhys's cock with relative ease. A few injections to his throat had helped expand his capacity, too, and Jasper had been glad to accept them if it meant increasing his value to Rhys as a pet.

Moistening his lips and throat, Jasper leaned forward and stretched his mouth over Rhys's cockhead, carefully guarding the sensitive flesh against his teeth. "Mmmph..."

Watching as his dick disappeared into his pet was incredibly arousing. Rhys ran his fingers through Jasper's soft hair. "Remember your breath control, my little flautist." He hoped to be able to fuck Jasper's throat soon, with a little more practice.

Jasper pulled off briefly, and took three deep breaths, exhaling fully and rapidly, before taking a final one and plunging back on, like an apnea diver. Steadily, he pushed his throat down onto Rhys's cock. There was something about sucking Rhys off that lit up Jasper's submissive need.

He could not speak with his lips around a cock. He could not persuade or mouth off. He had to trust that Rhys would be careful with him, that he would not move unexpectedly or too quickly. And, though he derived a great deal of pleasure from the act because of the things it did to him mentally, there were no erogenous zones to stimulate in his throat. (Not yet, at least. Jasper had heard that some pets had that sort of thing done.) It was an act of pure submission.

"Excellent, my pet," Rhys encouraged. "Now all you need is a pad that slides on rails. That way you can lie down and take every last inch of me at whatever pace I choose." Rhys had to stop himself from stating aloud that he might just ask Calix to build something like that.

Using careful, deliberate movements, Jasper fucked his Owner with his mouth. There was concentration, drive, and willpower behind his pet's eyes. The sight of him alone was getting Rhys off. And that was when Jasper started to swallow.

Rhys was immediately reminded of when Aris had done the same for him while Jasper sat in VR training for exactly this act. Aris had swallowed quickly, making certain Rhys came in short order. Each of Jasper's swallows was slow but forceful. He felt the ring of muscle clamp down around his shaft, moving continuously up towards his glans. Rhys wondered how much precum that first squeeze had forced out.

The light, small movements Jasper made up and down the shaft doubled Rhys's pleasure. Wave after wave of wet, sliding muscles pulled at his cock, forcing him ever deeper inside Jasper. At this point, Rhys knew his tip must have passed Jasper's clavicle. It was hard for Rhys to keep still as he watched. It was rare for a non-genetically enhanced pet to have the capacity to take Rhys's whole cock, but he truly felt that Jasper would soon be able to do it. He just needed more practice. Rhys smiled.

"It is pets like you..." As Rhys spoke, his breath hitched with another intense spike of pleasure. "...that prove fellatio is an art form." The Coin smiled to himself as he felt his orgasm coming on. Zeus would not drive him mad today.

A message popped up on Rhys's ocular implant: a reminder from Lemon that it was just about time to go. Perfect timing then.

"Get ready, pet," Rhys said, "I am going to cum all the way down your throa—" The Coin's breath hitched as Jasper groaned in anticipation, and moved with renewed vigour. His pet milked his cock hard as Rhys felt the pleasure flash up his back and melt the tension out of his muscles. The Owner didn't know what was more satisfying, the orgasm, or the certainty that the training was going so well.

Jasper couldn't even gasp around the cock that was almost hilted in his mouth. It felt perfect to be an instrument of pleasure to this golden man. He felt so lucky that he had wound up here, no matter the circumstances. Here, with Rhys, he could build a life and do good for the people he came from down in the slums. The cum in his belly made him feel warm and floaty. But Rhys was already pulling away, which was good because Jasper had to fucking breathe!

He took a few gasping breaths, grinning cheekily at Rhys. "Let me guess — Lemonade reminded you of the time and we've got to get going?"

Rhys grinned right back at Jasper. "You truly are talented at reading people." As he spoke he reminded himself about the possibility that Jasper was using him. He was able to hold the smile for the moment but best to move on quickly. Rhys took his adorable pet into his arms and stood, not even considering how his cock was still hanging out of his pants, glistening. "It is time to get dressed. And, put that thing away, will you?"

Jasper laid his head against Rhys's larger form for a moment before he moved to obey. He gave that big, lovely cock a gentle pat and pushed it back inside Rhys's pants. "Until next time, friend."

---

Rhys and Jasper stood outside Anthix's apartment building. Jasper was looking up, trying to get a first glimpse at the garden that Rhys had mentioned.

"You will not be able to see it from this angle," Rhys said knowingly. "It is much better up close anyway. Come."

He put a hand on his pet's back, gently guiding them into the building and toward the lifts. As they passed through the Atrium, Rhys suppressed the noises that he wanted to make at Jasper's wide eyes as he looked around. Without rushing him, Rhys swept them both into the elevator.

When they reached the front door of the Penthouse, Jasper could sense the eyes on them. Rhys had barely rung the bell when the door opened and a silver-haired Coin ushered them inside.

"Hello, Rhys! And this must be Jasper!" Their smile was genuine, but there was something else in their expression that Jasper couldn't quite fathom right then. They offered Jasper a hand, which Jasper took. "I'm Anthix."

Anthix's outfit was arresting — diaphanous sleeves floated around their strong arms, attached to what looked half like a metal corset and half like a breastplate.

Standing behind Anthix, twisting a deep blue cummerbund into knots around his waist, was a cute, blue-haired creature that Jasper assumed must be Marin. He was standing well back, just at the edge of what politeness would dictate.

As soon as he stepped inside, Rhys noticed Marin. Instantly he felt a lump appear in his throat the size of Sisyphus's boulder. All the Coin's previous thoughts about how to handle this reintroduction fled his mind in an instant.

At the first sight of his old pet, memory after memory flashed through Rhys's mind: the moment that Rhys introduced Marin as his pet to Anthix and Calix, Marin's first fashion show with Anthix, the first time that the two of them truly made love, Marin slipping into a trance for him, Marin and Lemon becoming fast friends, the look in Marin's eyes when they took him away... Rhys tried to keep his mind calm and his smile steady. He hoped he wasn't turning as red as it felt like he must be. Marin looked... beautiful. Exactly like he remembered, but somehow better. There was a resolve in their expression that had never been there before.

He was finding it so hard to talk, but Marin didn't want to disappoint Anthix, and Jasper's friends were so worried about him. Marin had to help them keep this new pet safe. They almost looked up at the three of them but stopped themself. Marin knew that he couldn't look at Rhys right now. It would be too much. They might both fall apart. Marin turned toward Jasper as smoothly as their body would allow. 'Here we go...' They took a step forward, brought their eyes up to meet Jasper's, and held out their hand. "Hello, Jasper. I'm Marin. I'm glad to meet you."

Rhys's pet thief could sense the tension in both his Owner and the older pet. Jasper gripped Marin's forearm and Marin did the same. They shook firmly and Jasper smiled winningly. This was his art. "Marin. I'm so glad we get to do this. It's a delight to meet those who share so much history with my Owner."

Anthix stepped forward and nodded to Rhys. They could tell that Rhys was tense, holding his breath as the two exchanged their greetings. "I thought that the pair of them could have a nice little playdate while you and I catch up further."

At Anthix's suggestion, Rhys's tongue finally untied itself. He let out the breath he was holding in a rush as he spoke. "I suppose that would be best. Yes."

Glad for the delay and encouraged by Jasper, Marin didn't hesitate. "Okay, then!" he said. He dropped his hand into Jasper's and started to gently guide him to another room down the hall. "Come with me. I'll show you the garden. I hear that you have one at Rhys's place."

As they departed, Rhys felt both relieved and saddened to see the two pets leave. 'Why did I just let that happen?' he wondered. 'Did I just make things worse?'

Anthix laid a hand on Rhys's shoulder. "Come on. We can join them later. Let them find their own feet before we impose old patterns into their dance, hmm?"

---

Jasper followed Marin readily. He was interested in the other pet. Rhys had told him relatively little, and Jasper could tell it was painful to speak of them. Marin, on the other hand, seemed to know plenty about him. It was fascinating to be the one on the back foot, for once. In his old line of work, he tried to make sure that happened as little as possible.

Marin was chatting companionably, explaining the way that the garden was built. "Anthix had them transplant their favourite tree from their parents’ estate to the center of the roof and then built everything out around it. They say it's an engineering marvel!"

Marin's enthusiasm was infectious. Jasper sped up to walk beside his host, instead of being pulled along. Without even realizing he was doing it, Jasper was mentally mapping the place out as they went. The decor was top-notch. Anthix probably did that all themself.

"What kind of things do you grow?" Marin was eager to disarm Jasper with small talk. "We've got everything from flowers to trees."

Jasper was equally eager to form some kind of friendship with Marin. "Well, I wanted to start a vegetable garden, but then Rhys wanted flowers. So I've got my vegetables and we've got some nice decorative plants, too. We just ate our first harvest last week."

"A vegetable garden... I'd never considered growing my own food." Marin was intrigued. He didn't even slow as he approached the outer door. The doors were responsive, and just as Jasper thought they were going to run into them, they slid neatly open. "Does having it that fresh make a difference to the taste?"

"It's more that there is a satisfaction to growing it yourself," Jasper answered. He paused as he walked outside. 'Is this it?' he thought to himself, looking at the small flower bed that ran along the perimeter of the balcony's edge, shielded by a tall transparent wind fence.

Marin took a few steps forward and spun back around, looking up above the building's center. "That sounds kind of nice. Maybe I should ask Anthix to put some veggies up there, too."

Confused, Jasper turned to follow Marin's gaze. His eyes went wide. A dense border of tall trees ringed the lip of the rooftop. He could see the blue sky between the tightly packed trunks. "Whoa..." How did they support so much weight on what looked like a standard roof?

"If you think that's impressive, just wait until you see how pretty the rest is." Marin took Jasper's hand and guided him up the staircase.

As they trotted up a curved staircase of rough stones, Jasper slowed. Being dressed in revealing pet clothing, Jasper shivered a little at the chill on the rooftop. "It's cold up here. How do you even get an open-air garden to survive at this altitude?"

"Oh, the roots are oxygenated through the earth directly, and the plants are also genetically modified to withstand the conditions. All except the Weeping Willow at the center, but the other trees serve as a windbreak for it, and we care for it special." Marin kept walking toward the center of the garden. They lead Jasper to the seating near the Willow tree, then clasped their hands together. "Say...would you like something to drink?"

Jasper sat beside Marin and looked around. "Uh, sure. Maybe some tea?"

It was beautiful. Flower gardens with pathways, colourful trees and shrubs, mossy stones and dark corners here and there, the many areas carefully divided up by natural-seeming borders that he knew were in fact artfully designed and engineered. This place was meant to be enjoyed by many people at once. Jasper could picture the small gatherings and parties that must be held here.

"Perfect. I'll get my favourite. I'll be back soon." Marin gave Jasper a friendly smile and squeezed his shoulder as they walked back down the way they came. "Just enjoy the garden in the meantime."

---

"Autolycus is alone. Let's move."

Julian's soft voice in Seth's ear spurred him into action from where he crouched. The hacker had been watching his best friend Adrien lounge on the bench wearing almost nothing at all, his midriff bare, the shoulders of his shirt displaying skin through perfectly-cut geometric patterns in the fabric. Seth tried to keep his mind on how the Coins had sent him up here to freeze like that, instead of how sensual and vulnerable his best friend looked.

"Hayakaze moving into position." The hacker stood up and moved quickly to the tree line, only to be stopped dead by a strong hand on his shoulder.

"Don't rush in. Remember to breathe, Kaze, and keep an eye out," Nova said. "Let me go first. You're a bit out of your element." He gave Seth's shoulder a soft pat as he released it and passed by.

"Autolycus cleans up well, don't he?" Julian's voice made Seth jump again. Nova was right. He was not used to being out on the field. Seth didn't respond.

Iskios hung back in the trees and kept an eye on the small screen he held, not having trusted Anthix to connect the security system to his implant. He needed to keep an eye on the cameras hidden on all four sides of the roof.

"Tykhe's blessing," Iskios said softly before they were out of earshot.

---

"Autolycus, King of Thieves."

The familiar voice made Jasper jump to his feet as he looked around, finally spotting Nova's strong form walking toward him with confidence through an adjacent grove. It took a long time before his throat would work. "Nova...I, uhm, this is a surprise."

He glanced back the way that Marin had gone and wondered how long he had to get Nova the hell out of here before his friend got caught on top of a building with nowhere to go.

"Sorry to say that this is more of a wellness check than a rescue mission. That'll come later," said Nova. He murmured something that Jasper assumed was picked up by a communicator. "Hayakaze and Julian are here to see you, too."

Seth came out from behind Nova. Both anger and sadness were in his eyes as he looked Adrien up and down. His voice cracked as he spoke. "What happened to you? What are you doing?"

Julian stepped up beside Nova, too, but for a wonder he stayed silent, sensing the tension between 'Lycus and Hayakaze. There was a joke about Autolycus's clothes on the tip of his tongue, but he bit it back. He made a mental note to tell Nova later.

"Good to see you, Kaze. And you, too, Nova, Julian." Jasper smiled sadly as he felt the disapproval that came off of Seth in waves. "Well, I got caught. And I cut a deal to protect both of us. And now...things are pretty good."

Jasper didn't want to waste any more time. He stepped forward and started to wrap his arms around Seth for a hug.

Seth watched Adrien quizzically as he got closer. The distraught hacker's eyes widened when what Adrien was doing clicked. He let himself be pulled into Adrien's hug, his body stiff from surprise. The most Seth could do to hug him back was to bend at the elbows and pat his sides — his bare sides, his soft skin with toned muscle beneath. The hacker could feel his face burning red. 'Why does he smell so good?'

Nova and Julian exchanged a worried look. 'Lycus was never this physically affectionate out in the open unless a job specifically called for it. Even his speech and mannerisms were off.

Nova stepped up, gently pushed the two apart, then slipped between them. He gripped Autolycus's shoulders. "'Lycus, we don't have much time. Look at this from our perspective." Nova locked eyes with him, aiming to get his full attention. "None of this fits the Autolycus we know and love. We need you to explain what happened, and what your plan is here. We're here to help."

Jasper nodded at Nova, holding his gaze. He understood their worry, and the fact that they had gone through all this trouble to sneak in to see him was touching. He drew back to look at Julian, Seth, and Nova all at once. "Okay. This is the plan. I'm fine. I'm well-cared for and I have everything I could wish for except, maybe, you know, the revolution. I'm Rhys's pet now. And...we're cleaning up the Argent River together."

Silence hung in the air. None of this made sense to his friends. And why should it? Seth and the others had not gone through what he had. They hadn't spent time with his Owner or been welcomed into this society as he had.

Seth's face had gone pale, his lips parted, his eyes almost glassy. He felt anger bubbling inside of him. Adrien had hurt him. Why was Adrien trying to hurt him with these ridiculous lies?

Nova reflected on what he had seen at the Golden Lattice Ceremony. Adrien, evading everyone at first before it was like he flipped some kind of switch and began to actively let the Coins catch him so that they could fuck him. He had found it so strange at the time. He had wondered what the great Autolycus was planning. But now, it was clear that there was no plan. He had watched the last remnants of his talented friend's brilliance being snuffed out, replaced with...with this simpering thing. He didn't want to believe it.

Nova was trying to find the words to express that loss of Adrien's essential nature, but it was Julian who spoke up first. "Hell, it's good work if you can get it. But tell me another one, 'Lycus. This isn't you. Stop fucking around and tell us when you're getting out of here. Let us help. Won't even cost you much of whatever heist you're cooking up."

The pet shook his head. He needed to make this clear so his friends could make their getaway before Marin came back. "No, Julian. I'm serious. I'm not being held against my will and I'm not planning some big heist. I was offered a pet contract and I signed it. I can walk away at any time and the only consequence might be the jail time I was already due, reduced for time served as a pet. But I don't want to. I don't want to go. I'm..." Jasper sighed. "Happy. Happier than I've been in a long, long time."

"Fuck me, this fucker is telling the truth. Or at least he thinks that he is," said Julian, surprise evident in his voice.

Nova removed his hands from Autolycus's shoulders, finally, and crossed his arms. "It's all right. He needs to be deprogrammed. They've done something to you, Adrien. I knew it the moment I watched you switch from hiding at that damned orgy party to running about asking for it."

"Adrien, you can't leave like this," Seth said, tears welling up in his eyes. "It can't be true. You've always hated these people. Please... Please come back with us." He reached out and took his friend's hands. "W-we can figure this out. Just please—"

Jasper pulled Seth in close and hugged him again. Seth was just as stiff as before, but this time, he pulled Jasper in closer. The pet was ready to call that progress. "I know this is weird, Kaze. I never thought I'd be in this position either. But this feels right. Rhys feels right. Sure, Coins still suck, but I'm actually making life better in the slums. I have more power to effect change than I ever would have as a thief."

"Oh, come the fuck on, Adrien!" Julian barked. "You know how these fucking monsters work. They. Are. Using. You! Nova's right, they're getting into your head."

"Julian. Whatever you are pissed about, pipe the hell down before you fuck this up," said an infuriatingly calm voice in Julian's ear. Fucking Iskios.

The blond hothead thrust an angry finger toward the near-field communication-enabled device in his ear. "Clear the fuckin' line, Iskios, the adults are talking."

Jasper tilted his head, still hugging Seth. He looked at Nova. "Iskios? Really?"

"Second-best game in town. Best now, I guess, if Autolycus took his toys home and isn't playing anymore," said Nova. "For the record, I agree with Julian, but Iskios is right. We can't attract attention right now."

Seth rubbed his eyes and pulled away from Jasper, trying to get himself together. "I can't believe what I'm hearing." He pointed a finger jerkily in Adrien's direction, emphasizing his words with it. "I'm going to prove to you that they've done something to you, Adrien. I'm going to find out what they did and I'm going to prove it to you. Then I'm going to save you."

Jasper's best friend turned and fled back into the garden. Throwing up his hands, Julian turned to follow him, muttering all the while.

Seeing the others leave and knowing they had probably stayed too long already, Nova walked up to Jasper. He put his hands on his friend's shoulders, his eyes boring holes into the former thief's. "Please just keep an open mind. They might be fucking with your head somehow. Watch for anything suspicious, okay?"

Nova then turned and ran after the others, leaving Jasper in the now-still rooftop garden, the wind's low howl over the treetops the only sound to accompany his sadness.

---

Having finished showing Rhys their latest fashion collection and gifted him a few new pieces for Jasper's wardrobe, Anthix took out a box of Rhys's favourite cookies and poured him a cup of tea. "I'm delighted that you and Jasper took Marin and me up on our invitation. I would love to hear more about your courtship. He's not your usual type."

Rhys laughed. "I think he would not be the usual type for most Coins, but certainly." He picked up a cookie and nibbled off a piece before dunking the rest in his tea.

"I first met Jasper at my last recital. I was in no mood for crowds that day, especially aspiring pets fawning over me," Rhys waved away the thought. "So, I sought a way to distance myself while not abandoning the fans."

"Ah, you mean those recitals at the school that Aristotle used to throw as matchmaking parties for you?" Anthix laughed and took a sip of their tea.

Rhys looked aghast. "Aris really did tell everyone, didn't he?" He sighed before moving on. "I outwitted them by going for a smaller bar off to the side, hoping that I'd have at least a moment to myself before the vultures came. Then, bold as brass, this young thing comes up to the bar and tries to ignore me. Pointedly so, in fact."

"Ah, and that was Jasper? Playing hard to get? Clearly, the strategy worked," Anthix grinned over the rim of their cup. "So you imposed your presence?"

"You are half-right." The Coin could barely contain his smile. "It was Jasper. He made it very clear that he had no interest in being a pet, which was perfect for me because I was only there at Aris's invitation, going through the motions. I decided to use him as my shield. Everyone else was green-eyed with jealousy and completely furious. I kept him talking until I had to go in for my recital."

Rhys put down his cup. "What struck me right away about Jasper was that, despite being one of the best-dressed plebes there, he was otherwise completely out-of-place. He was not there to make nice with the Coins. He did not want to talk to anyone, in fact. He was just a lone...music aficionado. There to see if the school was a good fit for him. Or so he said."

"Ah, I heard that your Jasper used to be a thief. That wouldn't have anything to do with this tale, would it?"

"On the nose, my friend. But keep that quiet," Rhys answered. "It is still just a rumour to everyone else, and a fun one at that, no?"

"The Aureate ones do love their gossip," acknowledged Anthix. "So, how does a thief with no interest in being a pet become one to a Coin with no interest in owning a pet?"

The new Owner winced. "I guest lectured at the university in the weeks following, and at that same time my little Jasper was working a job there too, except not for the University. He was caught by security." Rhys shrugged. "I saw the whole scene and I could not bear to watch him be taken away, so I... asked Aristotle if he would consider releasing Jasper if he agreed to a contract."

Anthix believed that. They pursed their lips. "Not exactly the ideal beginning to a relationship. One would expect such a pet to be truculent. Unhappy."

Rhys nodded. "At first he was, of course, but once his head cleared, he was fully committed to me, and has been throwing himself into training. He has learned so fast, Anthix. I really am lucky."

"And you don't find that at all strange? This sudden devotion? What did you mean by, 'once his head cleared'? Did he sustain some kind of injury or did they drug him or something?" Anthix tried not to dig too far, too fast, but Rhys was admitting to something rather bizarre.

"Slow down, Anthix," Rhys said, suspiciously. "I know how that sounds. Jasper antagonized one of those beastly guards. They struck him in the back of the head and he was dazed for a while. We welcomed him in and waited until he recovered before doing or signing anything." He sat back in his chair and considered that. "You know, I think that delay might have helped him come to terms with being a pet."

"My apologies, Rhys. Just...after what happened with Marin, I don't want to see you that badly hurt ever again." Anthix covered Rhys's hand with their own, performing contriteness. Rhys had only explained a few of the alarm bells that were going off in their head. "I am happy for you and Jasper."

Rhys nodded. "Thank you, Anthix. It means a great deal to hear you say that. My only worry now is if Marin and I can... If Marin can forgive me."

"Of course, I can't speak for them, but...I do believe that Marin has forgiven you. Though I know they still have residual feelings about the whole affair, those aren't really about you, anymore." Anthix tilted their head back and forth as they thought that statement through. "Except trepidation at the thought of you being here. That's why I thought it best to send them off with Jasper before the two of you spent lunch together."

Sinking back into his seat, Rhys took a long steadying breath. "You were correct, of course. It seems I was less ready for this than I feared." Rhys chuckled. "To think that moments before we arrived I was comforting and encouraging Jasper about this whole meeting."

"Rhys, we've been through some difficult times, but now we are just a group of people who want the best for each other," said Anthix. "Shall we go check in on them?"

---

"...like they completely rewired his brain or something. Everything about him was different. It didn't make sense! Why would he suddenly be so touchy-feely? Why didn't he give a shit about us? We risked our asses to sneak in and he didn't give a fuck! He didn't even try to contact us!" Seth hit the horn again, the thud of his hand on the tactile interface echoing like a punch. "Have any of you ever seen someone change that much in a couple of weeks? It's like they replaced him completely! We have to figure out what they did to him and take that Fairmount fucker down, and whoever else touched 'Lycus, too...."

Nova had had just about enough from Seth. He needed to calm down and process this shit, and so did the rest of them. It was a bad idea to be making grand plans to tear down the whole system while driving through Sky District traffic.

Nova looked to the others. Julian was pinching the bridge of his nose and seemed to be holding himself back from commenting through, frankly, heroic efforts on his part. Iskios just looked uncomfortable. The newcomer noticed Nova looking over. He glanced back to Nova, then to Kaze, and just shook his head and shrugged, as if to say, "what can you do," then stared back out the window again. Nova took a steadying breath as he considered what to say, just as yet another hard turn threw him back into his seat. 'All right, that's enough.'

Trying to cut in, Nova raised his voice over Seth's. "Something is definitely off here, and we are going to get to the bottom of it, but you need to slow down before you get us—"

The screech of the hydraulics preceded a momentary freefall sensation. The maglev van veered sharply down and to the right. The small car that Seth had nearly rammed had careened to the left. In the silence that followed, Julian unbuckled himself.

"Enough. Kaze, I'm pissed off, too, but at least I'm used to driving mad. Shove over," said Julian, not waiting for Kaze to respond as he clambered onto the center console.

Shaken from his tunnel vision, Seth looked at his hands. They were trembling. Julian was right, he was in no state to drive. Seth felt the uncomfortable tension of embarrassment replace some of his fiery outrage. "...F-fine then." He briefly stopped the van, then he and Julian switched seats.

Nova reached over and put a hand on Seth's knee, then gave it a comforting squeeze.

Iskios exhaled the breath that he had been holding. "Hey, at least, whatever's happening, he seems genuinely happy for now, right? It's a well-gilded cage until we can bust your favourite thief out."

"Fuck that. It's fake. He's being lied to. We have to get him out now," said Seth, more sullen than angry now.

"Whoa now, I don't think this ends well if we rescue someone who doesn't want to be rescued. That's kidnapping," said Julian frankly. "But if you think someone's fucked with his head, maybe if we prove it to him, he'll take the help."

Feeling more relaxed now that Kaze wasn't behind the wheel, Nova spoke with a more measured tone to keep the discussion level-headed. "Guys, I'm all for getting proof and bringing it to Lycus, but we don't know where to get it yet. Let's just get out of the area, peel these decals off the van, and do a proper debrief. It'll be the best way to figure this shit out."

Iskios nodded at Nova's suggestion. "Right. We should also figure out how much of this needs to be shared with that Coin and their twin, if anything."

Seth stared straight ahead as he put together the pieces of the past few months into a new configuration. "I think I know where to get the evidence. The lab where Lycus was caught. There was a video there. The last thing that he said to me before getting caught was that they had tech that they could use to alter and falsify memories. And that it could cause brain damage."

"What the fuck?" Julian supplied helpfully.

---

Anthix was smiling contentedly as they led Rhys outside to the roof. They stopped in front of a tangled wall of roots and rocks with odd protrusions and indents, artfully arranged into a visually-appealing monument. "Up you go, Rhys."

"I cannot believe this," Rhys said, looking up at the North corner's entrance to the garden. "You left my wall up all this time?"

Anthix beams and nods. "Mmm-hmmm. Marin uses it the most. And Calix when he wants to show off. It's always been one entrance for each of us. I just haven't met anyone I liked well enough to give up your entrance for."

That wasn't the whole truth, Rhys was sure of it. Anthix had waited all this time, hoping that Rhys would come back to them again. Rhys spun around and pulled Anthix into a warm and long overdue embrace. "Thank you, my friend. I missed you so much."

Anthix was surprised at the outpouring of warmth, but it wasn't unwelcome. They hugged Rhys close, holding his shoulder blades.

"And I, you. We all have. Now," they said, pulling away and turning back to the wall. "I know it's not much of a challenge, but I would love to see you use it."

Rhys laughed as he moved to the climbing wall. "In these pants? It does raise the challenge rating." With a powerful leap, he shot upwards and grabbed a handhold as his feet slammed into the wall with a thud. The exuberant Coin reached up with his other hand, grinning from ear to ear.

---

Walking toward the garden's natural centrepiece, the big weeping willow tree, Anthix paused and held Rhys back for a moment. They had spotted Marin hugging Jasper close. "Quietly now. Look how well the pair of them are getting along."

What Anthix then noticed gave them pause. Jasper seemed to be trembling minutely. Then, he raised his head and stared directly at Anthix and Rhys. Anthix was impressed at Jasper's proprioception, writing off the tremble as just a bit of a chill from the rooftop. They had forgotten to remind Rhys to dress Jasper warmly, after all. Anthix wondered why Marin hadn't yet offered the other pet a blanket from under the bench, kept there for just that purpose.

"It looks like they heard you anyway." Rhys waved and started to walk over.

Anthix followed. "Hello, you two. Marin, can you please get Jasper a blanket from under the bench?"

Marin sat bolt upright in realization. "Right! I'm sorry, Jasper, we have blankets for the wind."

They swung their legs off to the side of the bench, leaned down and pulled open a drawer filled with various useful odds and ends. Marin pulled out a roll of fabric. With a practiced flick of his wrists, Marin unrolled and unfolded the blanket, then handed it to Jasper. "Here you go."

"Oh, that's okay, Marin. You were busy getting me that nice warm tea," said Jasper softly, taking the blanket all the same and wrapping it around his body.

Anthix sat down and patted the bench next to themself for Rhys. "Come sit, Rhys."

Still unsure of himself, Rhys took a seat and considered what to say. "You both seem to be getting along well. What have you been talking about?"

Jasper's cheeks seem to be regaining some colour. He looked at Marin and moistened his lips. "Oh, we've just been getting to know each other a little."

Marin slipped a hand under the blanket to hold Jasper's hand. "Jasper is a sweetheart, Rhys. I'm...I'm so glad that the two of you have found each other."

"Marin..." Rhys started tentatively. He didn't think he'd ever had such a difficult time finding his words. "We have a lot to catch up on. What have you been up to of late?"

Not being able to tell the full truth about everything that Anthix, Calix, and they had gotten up to in preparation for giving Jasper's friends the chance to see him, Marin searched their mind for anything else to say. "Oh, well, modelling for Anthix's newest clothing lines. And trying to keep Calix from trouble."

Jasper could sense Marin's distress and knew that it wasn't just because of Rhys's presence. They didn't like to lie. "I'd love to see some holos."

Anthix looked Jasper over appraisingly. "You've got an unusual form yourself, Jasper. Have you ever considered modelling?"

"You certainly have the muscles for it," Rhys said. He wanted to encourage the idea but knew that someone who had spent so much time keeping a low profile, as Jasper had, might not have any interest. He turned to Anthix with a knowing smile. "Are you offering him work? You always seem to be looking for unique looks in your models."

The wheels were turning in Jasper's head. The big question was, of course, whether his friends had any assistance arranging this visit today or if they had just taken advantage of an opening. So, was Anthix's comment just an off-hand observation, or were they trying to get him here alone again, possibly to grant more opportunities to his friends to shout at him?

Anthix shrugged and waved their hand noncommittally. "If Jasper wants. It would be a delight to have an excuse to work with someone who doesn't fit my usual mould. Those wide hips of yours are a gift, Jasper. And of course, the rumour mill around your origins would certainly draw interest to the outfits, I'm sure."

"Thank you for the offer," Jasper answered. He looked briefly to Rhys, who shrugged as if to say 'It's up to you.' That simple gesture made Jasper feel calmer, and more in control. "It sounds fun, but I'll need to think about it."

"Maybe I can tempt you if I show you how good you'll look in my clothing," said Anthix playfully. "I think I'd like to see you and Marin strut your stuff. What do you say?"

---

The impromptu fashion show devolved almost immediately into sex. When they had moved back inside and Anthix returned with the outfits that they wanted the two pets to try on, Jasper realized what was on their mind. For all that they were different from other Coins, Anthix still thought of pets as having sexual entertainment as a primary function. That much was clear when the only outfits that they brought out were lingerie.

Marin disrobed immediately and was soon wearing a cute little number, consisting of booty-shorts in a smooth fabric that became transparent as it stretched over their ass, topped with a billowy sheer blouse, open down the front, and a lace-panel crop-top beneath that. With Rhys nodding reassurance, Jasper stripped off his clothing, too, surprised that he was still capable of blushing after the Golden Lattice Ceremony. Anthix handed him a piece of fabric that could just barely be described as a thong and a garter belt that attached to suspenders over his shoulders rather than garter stockings. The suspenders were elastic, with strips of lace in an interwoven jagged pattern running up to the shoulders, where they broadened out and attached to a net-like mantle.

Both Rhys and Anthix watched them dress hungrily, then Anthix framed the two pets with their thumbs and forefingers. "Now, if this were a holoshoot, I'd definitely have the two of you together. Both of you sit on the couch and pose for us."

At first, each pet sat at either end, but Anthix nudged them closer without a word, closing the framing of their fingers and nodding at each of them to scoot over pointedly. Jasper licked his lips and reached further down the couch to pull himself right up close to Marin. As Jasper finished sliding toward Marin to change position, his hand near Marin's ass, his shoulders looming over the shorter pet's, Rhys called out. "Freeze there for a moment!"

Jasper stopped instantly and found himself face to face with Marin. They were so close that Jasper could feel Marin's warm breath on his cheek and lips, and suspected that Marin could feel the same. The more experienced pet's fine, delicate features exuded confidence and ease. Marin's eyes were asking him a question.

"Now that close-up would be the cover image, no?" Rhys asked Anthix, leaving them on top of each other.

'Oh Rhys, you're such a tease when you want to be,' thought Marin. As per usual, it was working. They could feel Jasper's body, so close to theirs, so warm. Jasper's ridged muscles were tensed, standing out as he tried to keep still, and Marin lowered their gaze to see that Jasper was hard, whether for Rhys or for them, Marin didn't care.

Jasper noted the way that the outfit seemed to perfectly hug Marin's form. He felt sure that Marin's body had been involved in making the pattern. Anthix must dress them up like this all the time, their own personal doll. He tried to remember to breathe.

"It would make an excellent cover, but what I'd try to do is get the moment after they break off from kissing. Of course, they would be making out to make that possible. I've found that I can tell whether two models have had each other's tongues down their throats," said Anthix. They were feeling playfully wicked. Rhys tended to bring that out in them, and they hadn't felt quite the same in the last ten years.

With that same question in his eyes, Marin whispered, "How far do you want to take this?"

Jasper leaned over and kissed Marin deeply, nibbling on Marin's lip. "I'll let you know when I want to stop. Same goes?"

Laughing, Marin nodded and pulled Jasper in for another kiss.

Anthix looked at Rhys from the corner of their eye. It was comforting to see Rhys seeming so relaxed and content. Rhys had reclined on the couch, with his arms on top of the backrest, and his legs out in front of him, ankles crossed. He looked every bit the proud Owner that he deserved to be. Anthix let themself think that, for the moment, everything was good and nothing nefarious was going on. Both pet and Owner seemed over the moon with each other.

It felt a little strange to Jasper to be making out with Marin while the Coins just watched. He knew that this was normal. He had seen pets put on shows for their Owners, but he had yet to experience it for himself. Every time that Rhys was in the room at the Golden Lattice Ceremony, his hands had been on Jasper. He found himself yearning for that touch even as he enjoyed the novelty.

Nibbling on Marin's lip, Jasper let his hands roam over the texture of the lingerie. It was tantalizing, made his fingertips tingle, his ass clench. He left his eyes closed as he learned Marin's contours.

A wave of excitement washed over Marin as they felt Jasper exploring their body. Rhys's new pet was eager but restrained. Distracted even. 'No, that won't do at all,' Marin thought. He ran a hand down Jasper's side and firmly caressed his ass as he whispered, "Neck and nipples, please. Don't hold back on my account, lover."

"I won't, then," said Jasper, and, still feeling Anthix and Rhys's eyes warming his body, he lowered his mouth to Marin's neck, kissing down it as he rubbed circles around his perky tits, the nipples wide and plump, ripe as peaches. He rolled them between his fingers, their texture invitingly soft under the lace panelling. Jasper then latched onto Marin's neck, biting down cautiously and sucking.

Marin's eyes closed at the pleasure and pain the bite brought. "Yesssss," he hissed. They lowered their hand into Jasper's lap and slid their other hand under Jasper's suspenders, moving their fingernails up along his torso and stopping at his taut chest. "You don't have to hold back if you don't want to," Marin offered. "How do you want me?"

"Just like this, Marin. Just like this is perfect. I'm going to ravish you, just like you need," Jasper murmured into Marin's throat, lapping at the impressions of his teeth on the little pet's neck. He thrust his crotch up into Marin's hand. "Take me out."

Watching Rhys's new pet take full control of Marin like this was thrilling. Anthix had heard rumours about Jasper's dominant tendencies, but this was more than they anticipated. They wondered what taking a pet like this might mean for Thamyris. Maybe this strange new pet really was deceiving Rhys.

Without any hesitation, Marin slid his hand into Jasper's delicate briefs and deftly pulled out his dripping cock for all to see. Without even meaning to, they started to slide their hand up and down the shaft.

There was an erotic haze in Marin's eyes that Jasper felt his whole body respond to. It was like Marin's hands knew what to do without their conscious input. Jasper gasped as Marin instinctively seemed to find the most sensitive spots on his length. He exhaled shakily and then reached for Marin's crotch, crooking his fingers and finding the slit behind their round, firm little balls. Jasper's eyebrows raised in surprised curiosity, and he rubbed at Marin's lips before pushing a finger inside. It was warm and tight, welcoming his digits.

Marin always enjoyed the looks on people's faces when they found his slit. This time, Jasper's eagerness had him gasping in pleasure. Knowing Anthix would want Marin to give as good as they got, the more experienced pet started to drag their fingertips up Jasper's cock before taking it more firmly in hand. The pressure squeezed a large drop of precum out the tip, which ran down to Marin's knuckle.

"Oh my," Marin said of the leaking precum. "Are the stories true?"

"Heh, depends what kinds of stories they're telling," said Jasper, plumbing Marin's vaginal depths. His fingers couldn't find an end to them, which made sense for a pet who regularly had to contend with Coin dicks. He felt around for Marin's sweet spots, stroking the inside tenderly, curling his fingers and stroking the front inner wall. "I'm hot for you, Marin. I love this tender, juicy surprise. Can I taste it?"

"Only if I can taste you, too," Marin answered with a wink. He quickly pushed down his shorts and let Jasper pull them the rest of the way off. Marin quickly lay back down on their back and smiled at Jasper. "Please bring that leaking spigot of yours over to my mouth?"

With a salacious grin, Jasper removed his fingers from Marin's cunt and slid them into his mouth, tasting the juices. Then, he nodded and pushed Marin flat onto the couch, straddling them and lowering his leaking cockhead toward their face as he lowered his mouth toward their slit, pushing aside the cock and balls and angling their hips up.

Marin didn't even wait for Jasper to lower his cock down. They lifted their head up so they could lick every drop of precum off before they fell. Each drop was so thick that it coated his tongue. "You taste so good," Marin moaned. Wasting no more time, Marin took a deep breath and swallowed Jasper's dick down to the hilt.

Jasper, meanwhile, shoved his face into Marin's slit, lapping at it thirstily. The two kept at it until they were both moaning around each other's genitals, pretty as a pornographic picture. It was hard to say who came first. Both were sticky messes when they came up for air.

Rhys sat a little straighter at the sight, seeming very pleased with Jasper — and with himself.

Anthix smiled. "I think our two fucktoys are getting along swimmingly. We should get them together more often, don't you think?"

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