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"I don't want to go back," Zale said, dutifully following his lords toward the Maelstrom. "Is there no other way for me to stay?"

"You know you can't, Zale," Seth... no, King Ortun said. He couldn't bear to use his previous name. It was just too disrespectful, even if they were friends. "Besides, I have somewhere to be later. Alone."

"Do you feel the same as Zale, Amon?" Dylann asked. Lord Temperance! Gah!

"I do, my lord," Mark said, though Zale couldn't think of him as anyone but Amon now. They were here of their free will this time. It wasn't fair to ask them to go back, even if they had signed a contract. "The ceremony made it quite clear where my duty lies."

"I was really like this?" Seth sighed, a guilty expression on his face. Zale couldn't bear to see that look.

"My lord, it was our choice to come. Please, let it be our choice to stay."

"And have me abdicate my title as I violate my contract with you two?" King Dylann said, a dangerous tone to his voice.

"Ah! No, my lord! Of course not!"

"It's only been five days here," Seth said, a wry grin on his face. "This is really how two Temperances affect them? I mean, I guess I'm flattered, but..."

"It is part of the power of this realm. I cannot change it without starting anew," Dylann said, and Seth merely nodded. "You can't blame them. They're upstanding citizens who respect their bosses on Earth. They're naturally vulnerable to this realm's charms. As much as I'd like to keep them, I'd rather they make that choice with a clear head. Not like last time."

"But my head is as clear as it's ever been!" Zale protested. "I must stay! But ah... no, must not... can't let my lord Temperance abdicate his title... I..."

"Would it be possible to come back through later and serve you, my lords? Surely that would not violate the contract?" Amon asked, a sly smile on his face. Zale smiled at that; his love was so clever.

"Possible or not, you're going through," Seth said... no, King Ortun! "Go."

"But... wait, we still have two days! We can't go yet!"

"He gave you an order. You would disobey?"

"You know what?" Seth said, carefully grabbing the two by their manes like he would a pair of kittens. "As much as some part of me is enjoying it, I don't have time for this. See you on the other side, my heart."

"Be gentle on the exit!" Dylann called after them, laughing as Zale and Amon looked at each other with indignation. Zale felt power surge around him as they entered the vortex, and before they knew it they were stumbling forward with a solid push on their backs. Unused to his land legs, Zale clung to Mark as they steadied themselves.

"...How are you two feeling?" Seth asked, as Dylann stepped forward out of the wall. The shimmering stopped, and it was as if it had never wavered. Zale fought the urge to run over and claw at the wall, instead taking a cleansing breath to clear his thoughts.

"...That was more intense than last time," Mark said, the first of them to speak. "I'm... glad I signed that contract, as fun as that all was."

"What? No I... you're right," Zale said, shaking his head as they grew accustomed to their familiar surroundings once more. "I think we need to take a long walk somewhere, guys. Away from water. And fish."

"Go ahead, we'll catch up with you two later," Dylann encouraged, running a human hand through his blueish hair. On his left ring finger was an aquamarine band, which matched the one Seth was wearing on his own. "Now, Seth, I think we should..."

Zale didn't catch the rest of that as they walked the opposite way down the side street; where were they, anyway? He needed to get his bearings, so he reached into his pocket for his phone. Surprised to find it, he realized it must have been whisked away from their apartment. They were roommates with Dylann, after all.

"Were we really ready to spend our lives there again?" Mark asked, clearing his throat to try and get rid of the sly sound in his voice.

"Yep."

"...Would it really have been so bad if we had though?"

"Nope."

"...Do you want to go back?"

"I have no idea. It's too early to think about this," Zale chuckled. "Hell, I'm still trying to process the fact that Seth and him are practically married."

"I guess that's a daemon marriage for you," Mark said, shrugging. "Maybe. I really don't know how that shit works. I just know they weren't even doing anything to us and it was irresistible."

"No, it's resistible. We just didn't want to resist," Zale said, remembering how it had felt. "Like the first time, except we knew it'd happen this time."

"And we fell even faster into it," Mark said, enjoying the sun on his fur. "Strange ceremony as well, but beautiful too. To think, he was such a shy human when I met him... god, I yelled at him."

"Why?"

"He bumped into me and surprised me? He was just lost... in more ways than one, I guess. Gonna miss his dancing though. Great dancer."

"Hey, just because he's Temperance now, I don't think it means we'll never see him at the bar again. Whenever it opens, anyway. I hope Liam's okay..."

"Shit. It's been crazy hasn't it?" Mark asked, sighing. "They won't even tell us what happened, so you know whatever went down wasn't good. I also can't believe we forgot about Uther somehow. Like we never even knew him."

"...Yeah, that was weird. Magic I guess?" Zale said, shaking his head. "I don't even want to talk about the dolphin..."

"...I don't think I can go to another city aquarium. Seems cruel, you know? At least with Dylann's fish he takes them to his realm when they grow too big. I swear he's going to populate the entire realm with gigantic goldfish. They don't stop growing, you know? I mean... as long as the water quality's good I guess. And you know his realm supports any fish he wants it to..."

"They're gonna get huge, aren't they?" Zale asked, images of giant goldfish somehow threatening a random city in his head. "Gods help us all."

"Swim for your lives! It's Bubbles the Destroyer!" Mark said in a tiny voice, mock horror painting his expression.

Zale laughed more than he should have at that, but he didn't really care. They were just trying to get themselves back to normal, but before long they found themselves at the park. Reaching into his pockets, he was surprised to feel a small box inside it. So Dylann even knew about that, did he?

"Well, I don't feel like jumping in, so I guess I'm feeling like Mark again," Mark said, shrugging. "You?"

"I feel like kneeling," Zale said, doing just that as he fell to one knee. Laughing, Mark looked out over the pond before realizing Zale wasn't standing back up.

"Zale, are you o... kay...?" Mark said, his voice trailing off as he saw what was in Zale's hands.

"...I've wanted to ask you this for a while now, but I've just never found the right time. The right moment. But... after what we went through again, I realize there's no perfect time. No perfect moment. Just the present."

"Zale..."

"Mark, will you marry me?" Zale said, opening the ring box. "It's not much of a ring, I know, but-"

"You know what's funny?" Mark said smiling as he knelt down as well. "I was actually going to ask you the same thing just now. I was just working up my nerve..."

"What?" Zale asked, surprised as Mark pulled out a ring box himself. "Oh Mark... ask me anyway."

"Zale, will you marry me?"

"Yes. But I think I asked you first, silly."

"And I forgot to say yes because I was so shocked," Mark said, shaking his head as he laughed. "But ah, yes. Of course I'll marry you. We're kinda hopeless aren't we?"

"As long as we're hopelessly in love, I really don't give a damn about anything else," Zale said as they placed their engagement rings on each other. Standing up, they stared lovingly into each others' eyes before they kissed, causing the crowd that had gathered around them to start cheering and clapping. Embarrassed, they smiled and waved as they slowly walked away in each others' arms.

"No underwater wedding," Mark said, once they'd been walking for a while.

"Deal. I'd rather not be called a catfish at my own wedding, after all. I am not a catfish."

"You sure are one hell of a catch, though," Mark laughed, causing Zale to groan. "Get used to it, hon. Your fiance is full of all sorts of wordplay."

"Oh please, kind sir. Don't pun-ish me!" Zale said, cringing even as he said it.

"Good one. We'll have to work on that delivery though."

Zale and Mark chatted as they walked, soon forgetting all about the ocean and their previous attempts to leave their old lives behind. They were happy and in love, and that was all that mattered right now.

*******

"Ohhhh no. No no no. Not again," Liam said, pointing his finger at 'Bruce'. His tone implied he was pretty sick and tired of whatever he thought was going on. "Clay, what the fuck did I tell you earlier?!"

"Ah..."

"Chill, Liam," Bruce said, rolling his eyes before taking off the hat. It wasn't necessary but still, it would probably help the guy relax a little at least. "What are you doing here, anyway?"

"...Ugh, I was wondering if you had anything that could block out these drone thoughts I'm having," Liam said, too tired to argue. "I keep just... zoning out. Medicine's not working anymore."

"Well... you kind of were their ace in the hole. I wouldn't be surprised if it had a more powerful lasting effect," Clay said, his expertise in curses shining through. "How long have you been feeling like this?"

"I don't know. I can't get anything done. I've lost track of time. I had to skip out on Dylann's ceremony because I was afraid I'd ruin it by doing something really dumb, plus there's all the work I have to catch up on and... also, you still didn't answer me about him, Clay. What the hell is going on?"

"Uther and Bruce uh... compromised?" Clay said, looking over to Bruce. Nodding, Bruce returned his concerned gaze over to Liam.

"Okay, fine, as long as everyone involved has consented I guess. Just get me thinking like a man again. Or daemon. Fuck it, whatever."

"Well, can't do much until we know exactly what's going on. So try your best to think," Clay said, tilting his horned head. "More details you can give, the better."

"I uh... I keep thinking about how great it felt to just zone out and let them all take me over. To be with them. My skin gets all tingly and sometimes I just... ah..."

Liam jumped when Bruce clapped his hands together and made a whooping sound. Winking, Bruce flexed his pecs before waiting once again.

"Ah... right. Anyway it's just random shit like that. Feels like... it's 'rebooting' or whatever. And as scared as I am, I kind of want it to happen."

"Ohhhh boy," Clay sighed, tapping his clipboard with his pen. He'd been doing inventory earlier but now he simply used it to keep his hands occupied. "Bruce, hon... can you do the thing?"

"You know I don't like doing the thing," Bruce sighed, clutching his hat as he walked out from around the counter. "Can't we use a collar instead?"

"That might make it worse," Clay said, urging him on. "I'd rather not go back to being a drone with you either, as hot as that was."

"Yeah, I guess..."

"What's 'the thing'?" Liam asked, irritated.

"First, I need you to relax bro. Too much stress makes you want curses like this to take over. Bad idea if you're trying to avoid that fate."

"I'd think relaxing would do that, but okay," Liam sighed. Taking a moment to breathe in and out, Bruce did the breathing with him. Sensing he was relaxing more, he smiled.

"How ya feelin?"

"I don't know. A little better? But I don't see how-"

Bruce placed his hat on top of Liam's head, and before he could react he focused. The next thing he knew, he was blinking and looking at a very annoyed Uther.

"Really? Liam guys?" Uther asked, adjusting his jockstrap. "Really?"

"Just let him do his thing," Clay said, smiling.

"Yeah, lemme do the thing," Bruce said, laughing at how weird he sounded with Liam's voice. "Okay... ummm... yeah, this guy's head is a basketcase alright. Do not blame him though... ah he's not happy about this... Bro! Chill!"

"Seriously, Liam, this will go faster if you relax. You really think I want my boyfriend inside your head all day? You're practically my boss... it'd be weird."

"...Yeah there ya go buddy," Bruce said, feeling Liam relax a bit under his influence and Clay's words. "We're all friends here. Don't just tell me what's wrong, lemme feel what's bothering you."

Bruce clutched Liam's head tightly as the full force of the feeling came down on him. Man, it felt good. Really good. But also very wrong. It was like he was being assimilated all over again... and yet, he didn't feel a hivemind. Obviously, but it was always good to be sure on that front. Breathing in and out, Bruce shook his head and dropped his hands to his side.

"Talk to me Bruce," Clay said, snapping Bruce out of it.

"Oh yeah. Sorry, was just ah... that was intense," Bruce said, his voice deeper now that Liam's subconscious was changing his own body to match his personality. "Yeah. I think I know what the problem is bro. Get me outta here, before he decides he'd like to be me for a while."

"Alright, back in you go," Uther said, grabbing the hat off Liam and placing it backwards onto his own. Bruce grabbed the hat once again, and after opening his eyes he saw Liam slowly withdrawing his own hand, now back under his control.

"...Don't do that again without any warning," he said, but all the fight in him was gone. "Seems you were telling the truth about them, though."

"What's the verdict?" Clay asked Bruce; the himbo clerk just smiled before shrugging.

"It's all in his head."

"The fuck. That's really what you're going with?" Liam asked, incredulous.

"Well... you are Lust," Clay said, scratching his chin. "Your will is reality here, remember? Especially over your own mind and body. You're probably canceling out your medicine on your own because some part of you is still clinging to that drone mentality. So if it's all in your head, then you're doing this to yourself in a nasty feedback loop. I think that's what Bruce means."

"We're not exactly doctors, but it's what we got. Unfortunately Uther can't do anything about you fake-cursing yourself, you know? I mean... short of killing you I guess. And there's no guarantee that wouldn't make things worse. Let's not do that."

"Yeah. Let's not," Liam agreed.

"You've been pretty stressed lately, right?" Clay asked.

"I mean... yeah. No shit," Liam said after a moment. "You know what happened. I've had to fix all sorts of things, soothe peoples' fears, the list goes on. Nevermind this shit that I'm still not sure is just me doing things to myself... but still, maybe you're right."

"And there's Jared too, isn't there?" Bruce asked. Normally he wouldn't get involved, but his own memories were mixed with Uther's and, to an extent, his feelings. "I know if I were you bro, I'd be super stressed about that alone."

"And you're sure it's not some other influence?"

"Bro. The only thing I felt inside of you was you. And man, you got some wild kinks I'd love to try out with you and Clay... but later, yeah. Sorry."

"...Yeah and you'd know what it'd feel like, I guess," Liam sighed. There was some relief in his posture, but Bruce could tell he was still way too tense overall. "It was kind of just easier to be a drone."

"Easier. But not better," Bruce said, holding his arms out for a hug. "Come on, bro. Bring it in."

"Huh? I... okay. Sure?"

Liam allowed Bruce to bring his arms around and hug him tightly, though he still seemed on edge about him. He didn't exactly blame him, what with the mental intrusion. He'd discovered he could do it after altering the spell, though exactly how he wasn't sure. Still, it didn't seem dangerous, and it was kind of hot to possess Clay while making out with Uther at times.

"What's with the necklace?" Liam said, resting his head on one of Bruce's pecs.

"Werewolf thing," Bruce said, shrugging. "Won't work on a daemon, but with it on I'm basically something like a pack leader. Still don't know how to make the actual pack part work yet, though. Other than the extra muscle, all I really feel like doing so far is sometimes having a raw steak..."

"Anyway, when's the last time you went fur, Liam? Seems every time I see you now you're just stuck in a human form," Clay said, trying to ease the tension a little.

"Gods I don't know. I got so used to it in the bar I think I just forget to change sometimes. Plus the drone thing is kinda distracting me lately. But ah... this feels nice, actually. Didn't think Uther's body was so..."

"Thick as fuck? Nah, not normally. Cursed items are great if you pick the right ones," Bruce said, chuckling. "Uther won't admit this out loud, but he likes being a himbo. Been letting himself get more like me lately, even if he's still got that 'save the world' complex from the blade. Can't blame him, though."

"Hm... you don't seem that dumb to me, though."

"I feel pretty slow sometimes, unless I need to think about my job or magical shit," Bruce guffawed, and Liam couldn't help but laugh a bit with him. "But usually I just kinda think with my dick. Feels great and I don't stress as much."

"Yeah. I guess that makes sense. Though I have to admit the rest of you checks out. Especially this nice chest of yours. Almost wanna just suck on those inviting nips of yours."

"There you go, thinking with your dick!" Bruce encouraged, rubbing a hand up and down his back to soothe him. "But don't hold back, man. Go ahead if you want. I'm cool with just about anything. Wanna join in, Clay?"

"Nah, you got this," Clay said, though he pulled up a chair and sat down. "Although I want to see where this goes."

"I should just uh... become something. A drone? Yeah..." Liam said, seeming to finally just stop thinking.

"Nah, you don't want to be a drone, bro," Bruce said, flexing his pecs in turn. "You were just saying you wanna suck on my nips, bro. You should do that. Won't have to think much at all as long as you stay human while you do it."

"...Oh. Okay," Liam said, letting Bruce guide his head to one of his nipples. Slowly at first, Liam licked and sucked until he was grabbing the pec with both hands and squeezing. Bruce moaned more and more, his vision filling with stars as he let the daemon begin squeezing the milk out. It was a result of the curse on his nipple piercings, and the milk produced was cursed as well. Before long they were both moaning in pleasure, though even in the haze of lust Bruce was under he could tell Liam was already ripping through his suit, his muscles expanding with every drop. Gasping for breath, Liam stopped and groaned as his bones popped and reshaped; he grew in height a bit, while his shoulders broadened to accommodate for the bulging muscles starting to swallow his neck and inflate his chest. Spreading his legs, his thighs thickened as muscle traveled downward and his waist tucked in a bit to expose his cut abs.

"What was I doing?" Liam asked, scratching his squared jaw as his beard grew all along his jawline, stubble filling in his cheeks and upper lip. "Fuuuck. I feel, like, I dunno..."

"Feeling big and strong, bro?" Bruce suggested, causing Liam to smile and nod slowly. He could already tell the daemon wasn't thinking very much, but he was at least thinking of something other than 'droning out'.

"Yeah... feels good, bro," Liam said, instinctively picking up on Bruce's way of talking as he flexed his biceps. By this point only shreds of his clothes remained, though Bruce noticed that Liam didn't wear any underwear. Yeah, he seemed the type to go commando.

"He's just gonna get dumber unless you got something to counter it, babe," Bruce told Clay, before the daemon smiled and tossed something to him. Catching it, he shook his head and chuckled. "Yeah, this'll work."

"What'll work? Oh, sweet hat bro!"

"Go ahead and put it on!" Bruce encouraged, handing it to him. Watching Liam put on the hat, he turned to Clay with a curious expression. "How many cursed hats we got, anyway?"

"Way too many," Clay said, sighing. "Honestly I'm not even sure what that one will do. I haven't finished inventory yet."

"Uh... oof," Liam said, holding his stomach as it gurgled. He'd put the hat on facing forward, and immediately Bruce could tell it was changing him as his stomach expanded into a muscle gut, inflating almost like a balloon. A layer of fat spread across his muscles as he became more stocky, and he practically had no neck anymore as his beard grew even longer. Hair sprouted up in thicker patches down his chest while his treasure trail thickened up; taking a peek, Bruce gave a low whistle at the length and width Liam's cock had grown to, even if he probably couldn't see it past his own gut now. Powerful pecs rested atop his gut like a shelf, tanning in such a way as to reveal sun-tan lines that implied he usually wore tank-tops outside.

"Like watcha see?" Liam said, a bit of a drawl in his voice now.

"Hell, even I'm liking what I see," Clay laughed, and Bruce had to nod in agreement.

"Hmm, well ain't you two handsome fellas a sight fer sore eyes. How ya doin', Bruce?" Liam asked, as if seeing them for the first time in a while. Man, he really must have been out of it before putting that hat on.

"Oh not too bad, ah..."

"It's me, Liam," the new trucker daddy said, his stomach bouncing slightly up and down as he chuckled. "Though call me Ian. I ain't usin' Lee. Damn traitor..."

"And he's a patriot to boot," Clay said, very amused. "Though let's keep politics out of the shop, Ian. We're here to have fun after all."

"Ahh, sure thing Clay. To think I was fixin' to kick yer head in, but turns out y'all got a legitimate thing going for ya. Which is good cuz I don't wanna do no more paperwork. Head feels kinda funny as it is. Strong as an ox though, ain't I? Fuck yeah."

"Glad you're feeling great, sir," Bruce said, unable to keep himself from fondling his erection through his jockstrap. "Still feeling any ah, 'drone' feelings though?"

"Fuck nah, that shit don't interest me anyways," Liam said, smiling. Bruce could see a few wrinkles in his face, and his hair was starting to take on a bit of a salt-and-pepper look to it. "Seems like you're interested in me though, son."

"...I... yeah," Bruce said, nostrils flaring as he panted. What was that scent? It smelled so damn manly as he followed it, before realizing it was coming from Ian. Clay was already doing something in his peripheral vision, though Bruce cared more about burying his face in the forest of hair on the seemingly older man's chest. He still looked youthful enough, but he could easily pass for someone's dad or a seasoned trucker.

"You love the smell of a real man, dontcha son?"

"Mmf, yeah..."

"Yeah what, boy?"

"Yeah daddy," Bruce said, something clicking in his head as he smiled wide. "I'm lovin' the smell of my big strong papa bear, mmm.... fuckin' huge muscles..."

"Damn right, cub," Liam said, and Bruce felt himself growing thicker and hairier. Yeah, he was a cub. How could he forget that?

"Woops. Guess that's a double curse," he heard Clay say, but Bruce was too distracted with his own firm muscle gut to care much about what he'd just said. He wasn't nearly as big and strong as his papa bear, but that was perfect. He felt perfectly safe and happy in the bigger man's arms, allowing the changes to take hold.

"Not gonna join us, Clay?" Liam's deep voice crooned, making Bruce sway as his knees went weak. It had a commanding presence to it that Bruce couldn't put out of his mind as he became Liam's perfect little cub, his face rounding out. While Liam was handsome, Bruce was becoming a cute submissive that clung to the trucker's muscular arm as they walked up to Clay.

"Mmm, no that's fine," Clay said, though Bruce could see him fighting his own desire. His voice sounded a bit funny though, like he had a cold or something.

"Sure I can't entice ya?"

"I... no," Clay said, shaking his head politely even as he bit his bottom lip. "Fun as it probably is, I have to decline."

"Aww, don't be like that Clay," Liam said, taking two of his fingers and pressing them into Bruce's mouth. He instantly began sucking on them as he moaned with desire, eyes glazing over as he simply existed in the moment. "Mm yeah, like that cub. We'll make a good cocksucker of ya yet."

"Well I can't really have you growing a trucker harem in my shop, and I kind of have to be here for the customers so..."

"Not like I'm gonna make everyone my cub, Clay," he said, pulling his fingers out of Bruce's mouth. "Maybe just the two of ya. Sure ya don't want to be my cub? I'd protect ya just like my own..."

"...Dammit, should've covered my ears too..." Clay said, unable to keep fighting as he pulled out the nose plugs and moved around the counter.

"There ya go, cub," Liam said, as Clay nearly bounded into his outstretched arm. Wrapping around his head, he pulled Clay's face into his chest much like he'd done with Bruce. It wasn't long before Liam had two cubs worshiping and adoring his body as he reclined in his new chair. Bruce's mind was long gone, as all he wanted was to just be his big ol' papa bear's adoring cub. Clay had a little resistance left, but it melted further and further with every kiss or grope Liam gave him.

"Mmm..." Bruce moaned, completely lost in the act of worshiping the man's feet at one point. As Liam pulled away, he whimpered before he looked up to see his papa bear's smiling face.

"Doin' a good job, cub. But get me a beer, will ya? I'm parched."

"Ah 'course! Comin' right up papa bear!"

Groaning inwardly, Uther watched the entire display while his 'self' rested somewhere in the back of their shared mind. While he had to admit it was very hot, he wasn't about to let Liam start getting ideas of turning the realm of Lust into a friggin' truck stop once he was finished with these two. He'd let them have their fun for a while, and then he'd use his power to reverse the changes. He'd have already done it, but he knew this was still helping Liam somehow. As much as he hated the truck stop idea, a self-inflicted drone realm was worse.

*******

Seth hesitated only once before knocking on the door. He was dressed in casual clothes once more, feeling awkward in his more normal 'wolf' form from Earth. Even as beefed up as he'd become during his temporary 'biker thug' mentality, he still felt way too big for the body he currently had. But he wanted to fit through doors, and even if he could manage it in this realm he didn't want to be taken out like some kind of giant monster in those old movies. Also he'd probably just get sued for city damage. Yikes.

"...Seth, hey," Orias said, his face softening a bit. "Good to see you. I thought you wanted to meet in public though?"

"Eh, that was before. It was Liam's idea but I just don't think it's necessary anymore, if it even ever was. Sorry for being so stand-offish lately."

"It's fine, though I'd like to hear why if you don't mind. It wasn't something I did, was it?"

"No, you've been a saint to me," Seth said, smiling. "It's more about me. Can I come in?"

"You don't need permission. I gave you a key, remember?"

"...Yeah. Okay. Sorry about that."

Orias didn't say another word as he let Seth in before shutting the front door. Traveling down the corridor, it began twisting in on itself before they were at the door to their little realm. A home away from home, as far as realms went. When they entered, he was surprised at just how things had progressed. It looked like a real mansion now, and even had some marble pillars and statues to contrast with the usually red and black design choices.

"I see Chase is a majordomo again," Seth said, watching the literal gym rat ordering other servants around before turning to face them.

"He was craving it badly, and he's on vacation from his own job. He's gotten pretty good at the personal trainer thing, so he tells me. We bumped into each other as he was headed home and well, one thing lead to another. It's temporary of course, even if I would like to keep him. He's very good at this."

"Thank you, Master Orias. Your words of praise humble me. And Master Seth! So good to see you again!"

"Damn, he really is good at this," Seth said, aroused at just the sight of him in this state. It didn't help he felt feelings of lust all around him, even as he also felt his own aspect among them all. He supposed there was a lot of Temperance mixed in with all their self-control and humility. The overlap was strange to him, but not unwelcome.

"...What's wrong, Seth? You're usually all over me by now. And what happened to your gear?"

"I'm in the middle of redesigning some of it, though I never got the chance to thank you for it the other day when all that drone shit happened. Blocked one of those damn stingers completely."

"I did make it like armor, yes. It's very durable. Redesigning, though? What did you have in mind?"

"Different colors, maybe. It's mostly the logo on the back I want to change. Or rather, create. Wolf's head obviously has to go there, but I'm not sure what else at the moment. But ah, you asked me what's wrong. It's more that nothing's wrong with me. I just had an aspect change recently."

"Oh! Which Sin?" Orias asked, intrigued.

"Not a Sin. A Virtue. Temperance, actually," Seth said, panicking slightly when he saw the scowl in Orias' face. "Ah... damn. I knew you wouldn't take that well."

"It's not that. I just don't like the Virtues. More specifically, the older ones in charge. They hate us, you know?"

"I don't know about the others, but Dylann doesn't hate you at all."

"How would you know that? I know you were one of his for some time but a 'god' doesn't always share everything with his subjects," Orias said, before calming himself. "Sorry. Not mad at you, beautiful."

"Chase, I want to talk to Orias alone. Can you make sure no one else comes near us for a bit?"

"As you wish, Master Seth. It shall be done at once," Chase said, before stepping quickly to perform his job. Seth couldn't help but stare after that nice muscular ass as his hips swayed ever so gently.

"What's up? There's more you want to talk about I take it?" Orias asked, placing his hands in his pants pockets. He was shirtless however, and the light upon his scaly muscles sent shivers of pleasure rippling up Seth's spine.

"Yeah. This, for one," Seth said, holding up his left hand. The wedding band was clear and shone with its own faint light to counteract the lighting of the realm.

"Who's the lucky man? Or woman. I don't judge."

"Ah... Dylann, actually."

"He finally found someone, did he?" Orias said. Instead of scorn, Seth saw only amusement on his face. "He chose you, out of everyone there? Perhaps he has some sense after all. What is his last name here on Earth, anyway?"

"It wasn't a wedding here. We had it in the realm. As a formality."

"...You know, now that I look at you, there is definitely something different about you. I thought maybe you had a new haircut or something, but no. Something is jussst beneath the surface, ready to pop. You remind me of Dylann in that tiny human body he uses."

"Yeah, it really feels like that too," Seth said, slightly frustrated. "I'm too damn big for this body."

"...So whip it out then," Orias chuckled. "Go on, let's see it."

"Oh. Well there's no water here, so I guess I should improvise? For the legs, I mean."

"Just go with the flow," Orias whispered, winking at him.

"Yeah, okay," Seth said, before he let go. Instantly he began growing into his more regal form, but instead of the tail he simply focused on having wolf legs with webbed feet for now. He could work on the details later... but he added a royal half-robe with a Capricorn symbol on the sash on a pure whim. He may be aroused, but he would have a little modesty. For now.

"Holy shit," Orias laughed, watching the entire sequence as Seth smiled back down at him. "You go back to being his Second or something? Like when you were Ortun?"

"For a while," Seth's voice boomed out, holding the last part of his form back for now. "But ah, I'm not his Second anymore."

"You're not? I mean, I guess you're his husband now. How was the underwater wedding by the way? I'm sorry I couldn't attend now if this is what you looked like."

"I wasn't sure how you'd receive the invitation," Seth sighed, regret on his face.

"I might not have even gone, with how busy it's been around here lately. Though I might have sent a fruit basket, at least. How big are you, by the way?"

"As tall as Dylann, give or take," Seth said, letting that sink in.

"...But didn't you say height was about status there? How can you be as tall as him? Isn't that disrespectful?"

"Not for a king," Seth said, finally letting it form. The crown blazed to life above his head in a brilliant light, though he did try his best not to blind everyone around them. "It wasn't just a 'wedding'. It was my coronation day."

"...He shared his power with you, didn't he?" Orias asked, astonished. Nodding, Seth knelt on one knee to get a better look at Orias... and also to stop crowding himself against the ceiling. "He's never done that before. You're the first one."

"I'm the first one," Seth said, smiling sadly. "I will understand if you wish to stop courting me, however. I excluded you from this moment of my life. I kept secrets. I was too afraid to trust you not to lose your temper and leave me."

"No need to be so formal, but why would you be worried about all that when you have Dylann?" Orias asked. He was covering up his feelings well, but Seth could see the occasional tic in his expression.

"I still love you, Orias. That didn't stop. I meant it that day. Did you?"

"...I meant it," Orias said, relaxing. "I love you. Though not the same way a lot of others would say it. I've never been good at explaining thisss, but it's not like.... 'love' love?"

"I think you're just trying to convince yourself you can't fall completely and hopelessly in love with someone. Especially someone with all of this," Seth asked flexing a bicep, causing Orias to laugh. "What?"

"You have no idea how turned on I am right now, beautiful!" Orias said, his projected voice easily reaching his ears. "I mean, my boyfriend not only woos Temperance, a Virtue, but even proceeds to become his equal? I knew you had a great desire in you, Seth, but I had no idea it was this massive!"

"...Yet I am still Temperance," Seth sighed in relief. It wasn't why he'd accepted. "I am madly in love with him, Orias. I have been for a long time now. Being his Second in his realm made me remember many things of my time as a mortal in his service."

"So he was your first love," Orias said, smiling. "But I'm guessing you never acted on it until now?"

"Yeah. I always hid it," Seth said, causing Orias to smile even wider.

"Well, I'll take 'first confession of love' then. I beat Temperance at something."

"I'm not a game, Orias."

"I know. It wasn't what I meant. I just can't get over that my boyfriend is half of Temperance now. Maybe I've misjudged Dylann... if he can fall in love, and with you no less, then he can't be that bad of a guy these days. Though now I wonder if I couldn't have seduced him after all?"

"I don't know if he'd appreciate that, but maybe I could convince him for a threesome sometime. It takes him a while to warm up to the idea. Zale and Mark could tell you that."

"If he's not careful he'll want to become a Lust daemon," Orias laughed, watching Seth shrinking his body back down. He'd grown a bit tired of the too small space, and he didn't want to flaunt his form too much here. No one liked boasting. "But still, he and I have some issues with each other, Seth. I'm just surprised he went after someone as free-spirited as you when he was all about self-control before. Aren't you?"

"Maybe. It still feels so surreal, but... I feel as if we balance each other," Seth said, shrugging as he appeared as his normal wolf anthro self again. He had decided on the biker leather after all, though instead of blacks and reds he had chosen a navy blue and sea foam green. Pulling out a cigarette, he offered Orias one before the cobra took it. Before he could light his own, Orias was using his thumb to light both their cigarettes together. So close together, yet separated.

"Oh god, I needed this," Seth sighed, the smoke pouring out of his mouth and nostrils. "Maybe I should let loose a bit. Being a king has been great and all, but..."

"Awww, you didn't keep the beard," Orias sulked, though the smile on his face and the look in his eye told Seth what he was really feeling.

"You really liked it that much?" Seth asked, smiling as Orias nodded. "Hm. Well, let me fix that then."

His beard once again grew out, mostly covering his neck as the tip of it rested at the top of his exposed pecs. A few clasps and ringlets decorated it with smaller braids here or there, giving the impression of both king and biker somehow. Readjusting his bandana, he smirked as he allowed the cobra to take in the sight of him.

"Much better, but how do you feel about it?" Orias asked, obviously turned on.

"...Actually, I think I like it," Seth said, stroking it. "Kinda royal-like. Fuck, that does give me an idea though..."

Focusing, Seth smiled as nothing appeared to change to the cobra. Instead of answering him though, he turned to show him the logo on the back that he had just added. A savage black wolf, with a magic circle of violet behind and around it like some sort of aura. Its eyes glowed the same color, though above its head was a stylized crown not unlike his own when in his full form. It was vague enough for anyone not in the know to assume it was just artistic, but it was also a confirmation of his own identity as the other half of Temperance.

"What a lovely design," Orias complimented, running his hand sensually over his back. "Oh, it's still the same leather I gave you. I thought you'd have wanted more of a 'fishy' design."

"For one, I don't know if fish scales count as leather, and two I have plenty of those when I'm in the water," Seth laughed, turning back around. "Oh, and before you wonder, I did keep the eyes and fangs. Dylann especially likes the venom, though I'm not going to use them every time on him. Moderation and all that."

"Can't have a horny Temperance all the time either," Orias agreed, smiling wickedly at the idea anyway. "Wish I'd seen the coronation now. Even if it's just a formality, I bet you gave them all a show."

"Yeah. It was fun. Surprised everyone too," Seth said, before his smile faltered. "And then Lucian decided to be a dick. In private of course, after the ceremony. But I thought he was better than that."

"Oh. Gave you the ruthless pitch, did he?" Orias sighed, hugging Seth. The wolf welcomed the comfort. "But you do know why he did it, don't you?"

"...I assume because daemons used to be much worse to each other. He wants me to see what he's capable of, right?"

"Among other things. I can't pretend to know his mind completely being Pride and all, but if he doesn't show you then some other daemon will. Maybe even someone who wants to take your title from you."

"I... know. I just wish he hadn't used Davin. I know you hate him and all, but... it isn't right, contract or not. But ah... this isn't your problem. It might not even be a problem in a day or two, but yeah. Depends what he decides to do."

"What will you do if he does the 'wrong' thing, then?" Orias asked, gently resting his head against Seth's. "Nothing foolish, I hope."

"I'll do what I have to do," Seth said, taking a cleansing breath. "...But I did miss you, even after all the shit that's happened. Oh... and you were pretty damn cool with that shotgun. I don't remember if I told you that or not, but coming to my rescue like that? I still think about it."

"I missed you too, but I just assumed you had some business to take care of. It's not like we weren't talking at all. Though now I know why you've sounded so off lately. I thought maybe you were having second thoughts about us..."

"...You're too good to me, Orias," Seth said, laughing bitterly. "I go off and marry a king behind your back, and you welcome me back like I was never gone."

"Why would I be mad? You married a king and became one yourself. That's hot, beautiful. Besides, unless you want to start being monogamous then I don't see a problem. Many kings in the past often had consorts and the like. I love you, but I also don't mind being a hookup every now and then when you need me to be. I'm not the marrying kind, anyway, so it's good you have someone who can give you that."

"Guess I've just watched too many dramas where love triangles don't work out," Seth chuckled. "If you're okay with me being like this, then I accept that. Though how long do you plan on keeping Chase this time? I know if it were up to you, you'd keep him here permanently."

"Well... a few weeks here. Not long enough to miss work on Earth, but enough to give him what he's been needing lately. He's also really good at it, as I said before."

"I imagine so. He lives by routine," Seth said, nodding. "...I feel my energy is still being restored in here."

"I'd be surprised if you weren't. It takes a great deal of self-control for some of the roles I've given the mortals here, even if it's also very erotic for them and myself. So if you still want to rule this realm with me, perhaps we can make it some kind of in-between? That's a hot idea, actually..."

"Hm, I didn't think you could do that."

"Not with the Elder's realms. But there are more realms besides thossse, even if we exclude daemon-centric ones. You should know that better than most, Seth. You're from Earth, a melting pot of aspects."

"...Yeah. I should know better. It's just that I have a different kind of mind outside of my realm. I remember everything but sometimes it's difficult sorting through all the information. And I'm not even one-hundred yet."

"Oh, it just takes practice," Orias said, smiling. "You'll get the hang of it sooner than later. Give it a few years on Earth."

"I keep forgetting this is the same year I was turned into a daemon," Seth laughed, shaking his head in amazement. "Already feels like ages ago. I half expected you to try and bite me or hypnotize me or something by now though."

"Not like I can turn you away from Temperance without risking the wrath of the entire Unity, and you'd have to abdicate your title anyway. Besides, I already told you: I think it's hot. You're already better than me with your eyes anyway, but as for the bite, well..."

Seth moaned as he felt those familiar pinpricks upon his neck, causing his cock to jump as his system was flooded with the venom.

"Oh you'll pay for that," Seth said, laughing as he turned his eyes against Orias. They both stared as they fought against each other, though Orias' eyes faded as he finally gave in to Seth's will.

"I'll show you how a king gets things done," growled Seth, his lust kicking into overdrive.

"Yessss, lord," Orias hissed, allowing Seth to kiss and fondle him in any way he wished. They were both going to have so much fun...