The Variat

by RageSloth

Summary:

Kori was not going to just take on his oh-so-important duties without a fight. He had shit to do, places to see, and magic to learn. If the human realm had taught him anything, it was that he had every right to want his independence. At 57 he had more years than half the life expectancy of a human, yet he was treated as a youngling despite having hit full maturity over five years ago. He had hundreds of good breeding years. Why should he rush into bed with five men he hadn't even picked for himself? What was in it for him? Sure, his husbands got a good lay with the coveted prize of a Variat but he was stuck gestating and laying eggs day in and day out; expected to be happy with being confined to castle grounds and guarded day and night; no magic, no hunting, no sparring, and nothing remotely interesting or fun. Why did he have to be born the Variat?

Chapter 1

                Kori was not going to just take on his oh-so-important duties without a fight. He had shit to do, places to see, and magic to learn. If the human realm had taught him anything, it was that he had every right to want his independence.

 

                At 57 he had more years than half the life expectancy of a human, yet he was treated as a youngling despite having hit full sexual maturity over five years ago. He had hundreds of good breeding years. Why should he rush into bed with five men he hadn't even picked for himself? What was in it for him? Sure, his husbands got a good lay with the coveted prize of a Variat but he was stuck gestating and laying eggs day in and day out; expected to be happy with being confined to castle grounds and guarded day and night; no magic, no hunting, no sparring, and nothing remotely interesting or fun.

 

                One of his soon-husbands was nearly forty! As in forty scores. As in eight-HUNDRED years-old! Once a Variess passed a hundred years old they began to count in terms of scores, or twenties. Variess lived to around seventeen-hundred years old, so what was twenty or some odd years to them?

His soon-husband was nearly the same age as a few of his fathers and older than at least two. How were they supposed to have anything in common? They had yet to meet but he certainly didn't think they could be very well cut-out for each other; an ambassador? Really? At the very least he could be another warrior, like Roane. At least that would be semi-interesting.

 

                He crossed his arms over his chest, hanging upside-down from a large branch in his favorite tree, about  thirty feet off the ground, contemplating it all. He had his calves hooked over the branch and his tail wrapped tightly around the tree limb so why should anyone be so worried for him? He was a Variess. They used to live in trees. Yet this didn't stop his soon-husband, Roane, from fretting on the ground far beneath him. He was up there because of Roane after all, so why would he come down just because the big ass was worried?

 

                "Variat, please come down from there!" He called for probably the eighth time in his low growley voice.

 

                Kori chuffed in annoyance. "Maybe call me by my actual name and I will..." He muttered.

 

                "That is your title." The man hissed up at him.

 

                Kori made a face. How in the hell had he even heard that?

 

                "Well, I don't like it!" He yelled down at him. They glared at each other.

 

                "You have spent far too much time in that... place. This is not becoming of a Variat."

 

                "Well, I like it better! In America people get to live their lives the way they want instead of pushed into awful gender roles and made to be some sort of egg-making machine!" Kori yelled down at him. The man made a long-suffering sort of groan and covered his eyes with his hand.

 

                "In America half the population can reproduce! We just have you!" 

 

                Kori could practically hear the "unfortunately" that would surely have been said if Roane were less proper. The Varies was five-score but acted like he was a thousand.

 

                "You just want to get laid!" Kori yelled. The man made a face at the crude wording, scrunching up his perfect pointy nose. He was handsome but to Kori that didn't really mean anything. All his husbands were supposed to be handsome. He was much taller than Kori's six feet at two inches over seven. Though this wasn't unusual; Kori was short, which could occassionally happen with Variats. His own Variat had been six-foot five. Kori wasn't sure how he ended up six feet, but he just learned to live with it... sort of.

 

                Roane had blue-black hair that fell around his face in waves. His skin was the same as Kori's; a pale pearl color with tones of pale blue around his eyes, his lips, and when blushing or when their blue blood rushed to their face or other areas. His ears were pointed and elf-like like Kori's, and though his tips were a bit long it looked quite good on the Variess. His best feature was his vivid grass-green  eyes, and when Kori thought the man wasn't looking he would occasionally gaze at them and think about getting bred up by him... though he would never admit it.

 

                "That is the entire point, My Variat." The Variess said, dryly. "We all have our burdens to bare. I had no intention of being in a pod with Arindal but I must do my duty just as you must."

 

                Kori laughed bitterly. "Oh it must be so hard for you! You don't have to lay eggs! So what if you have to be in a pod with some dickhead? I'm in a pod with you!" Kori yelled at him.

 

                The Variess sent him a look of distaste. "Where have you been learning this language? Have you been lurking around the docks again with your brothers? That is not your place, Variat. It is dangerous."

 

                Kori had indeed been enjoying his time at the docks. His brothers worked there and he liked it a hell of a lot more than he did being around Roane. He thought maybe in another life he would have just joined a pod of fishermen and been very happy.

 

                "Yup!" Kori replied in annoyance.

 

                He kind of wanted to spit and see if it landed on Roane's head. He was almost directly beneath him, but that was just a little too uncouth for him. It was nice to think about, though.

 

                 "What the hell did this Arindal even do to you?" Kori asked.

 

                He had yet to meet his second husband. His third, he had only met once about thirty years ago, and his last two hadn't been announced. The others were to be brought in from other distant colonies as over half of their current colony of about nine-hundred were very closely related. A fourth were Kori's brothers and the other fourth were mostly his uncles. Another large portion were cousins of some sort and they didn't know relations after that. Roane was actually a cousin but that was not a concern in their culture. Their genes were varied enough for producing healthy children. A good portion of his brothers and uncles were in pods together. It wasn't as if they had all known each other growing up and only a Variat and a Varin could produce eggs; Varin being the non-egg-laying of their species, like Roane and the rest of their species.

 

                Roane looked irritated and crossed his arms over his broad chest. He looked like he was debating speaking of the other Variess.

 

                "Arindal is a deviant. I have no interest in him." Roane said with no explanation.

 

                Kori rolled his eyes. Arindal was the oldest of his three known husbands; the thirty-nine score year-old. So it was interesting to hear this. If the elder man was less crotchety than Roane it would at least be an interesting change in pace. Kori was almost excited.

 

                "I'm a deviant. So it sounds like we'll get along perfectly. It's not as if I'll force you to fuck him." Kori said.

 

                Roane glared again at the language. Kori smirked. Pods were generally a group of three to five Variess who had agreed to a romantic and sexual partnership with one-another. Occasionally (as in the case with a pod containing the Variat) they were assigned.

 

                "That is very... considerate of you." Roane said, tightly.

 

                Kori laughed softly. "Do you even have a sexuality?" He asked rudely.

 

                He had never seen any real evidence of it. It wasn't like the man had ever even tried to seduce him. He felt much more like a babysitter than his husband. What kind of pod were they going to be if the Varin wasn't even attracted to him? The thought of Roane not being attracted to him was a bit of a blow to Kori. What was wrong with him? He knew he was maybe a bit too thin; not as muscled as many Variess. Maybe he wasn't masculine enough?

 

                Roane glared up at him, refusing to answer his question.

 

                "What did Arindal do to you?" Kori prodded again.

 

                Roane sighed and stared up at him. "Will you not come down from there?" He changed the subject.

 

                "Why don't you come up? Or do your claws not work? Is it hard for you? You must be, what, nearly two-thousand now?" Kori asked facetiously.

 

                Variess very rarely lived to eighteen-hundred, seventeen-hundred being the natural lifespan, though they didn't age much beyond how a human looked in his 45th year. If Roane were human he would say he looked to be in his early twenties.

 

                Roane glared up at him. "You know my age well enough, youngling. I am losing my patience. If I had been told how troublesome you were perhaps I would have given up my chance with you." The Varin said.

 

                Kori's brows rose in amazement. He must have been truly bothering the man if he were actually choosing to insult The Variat, considering how proper he was. Kori wanted to pick at that a little more.

 

                "Well, I wasn't given a chance to decide otherwise! You're a major pain in my ass!" Kori yelled down at him.

 

                "And you are a brat!" Roane growled up at him.

 

                 Kori's eyes widened and his mouth opened in surprise. He had yet to push Roane this far. Roane had begun "courting" him after his fifty-second hatching day, if that's what one could even call it. He had mostly just followed Kori around in place of his original guard, making sure he didn't die or get into trouble... as much as he could, of course. Kori often ditched him. He had gotten rather good at it. He had known Roane before he began "courting" him but the man had mostly dismissed him for being too young, so Kori had simply seen him as a cold older Variess of no interest besides his handsome exterior. He hadn't really understood what it had meant that he was his future husband until his thirtieth year.

 

                Kori knew that Roane could climb the tree if he wanted to, he just thought it was beneath him. The man was baring his teeth, pointed canines displayed and quite sharp. His long black tail was whipping back and forth in annoyance.

 

                Kori liked seeing him like this a little too much. It was very satisfying to see him actually break the facade and be... whatever this was.  Kori swung back up to sitting on the tree limb so that Roane didn't see how much he liked seeing his teeth. He laid out on his stomach on the branch like a cat and watched from above as Roane seemed to be contemplating giving up his dignity to climb the tree after him or not.

 

                "Why do you need me to come down? Why can't I stay up here?" Kori asked, playing it cool.

 

                "Because you will fall and injure yourself and because Arindal is here!" The man hissed at him.

 

                Kori contemplated the fact that his unseen husband had arrived and then shrugged.

 

                Roane snarled one last time before simply giving up. He walked off, tail swishing angrily back and forth behind him. Kori swallowed, blinking after him and grinding his erection into the branch. Why was Roane angry so sexy?

 

                Once Roane was out of sight Kori climbed down the tree, ripping his pants on the way. Oops. That was the third pair this week. He looked down at his pants and fingered the rip high up on his inner thigh, wondering if it was worth it to repair or if he should just get new ones. The pair he wore were tight and black, made of shiny magical Cordent bark weave. He had sort of hoped the fact that his ass was on such display would horn Roane up a bit, but apparently not. He whipped his tail in annoyance and hurried through the grass back to the castle. Now would be an opportune time to escape.

 

                If he wanted to enter the castle without notice he would need to take his secret route to his room to retrieve his things. He swiftly ran to the side of the castle and knocked twice on the flat stone. After a moment his cleverly-designed enchantment for foot and hand-holds jutted out like thorns from the side of the otherwise smooth exterior. He climbed quickly and as soon as his foot left the last spike and he was on the roof, they receded back into the stone. He ran quietly along the roof until he was met with a tower. He knocked again against the stone and more spikes appeared. He climbed up once more to the window into his bedroom. He made sure the spikes receded before he started getting ready to leave.

 

                His room was covered in every kind of interesting contraption or book or item he had come across including many human devices. He was a bit of a hoarder, but he liked it that way. It was inspiring to see his hoard of treasure every time he woke or entered his room. He could tinker away in there all day if he liked.

 

                He hurried over to a strategically-placed ornamental rug on the floor and flipped it over, displaying a transmutation circle painted on the wooden boards. He was rather proud of this particular spell. He doubted many had made such a perfect transformative race spell. He had a mirror right in front of it so as to see the transformation happen.

 

                Kori looked himself over for a moment, wondering what Roane disliked. He was a wisp of a Variess; thin and long-limbed, but graceful. If he were human he might have been in his early twenties. His skin was about as pale as a Variess could get and his cupid's bow lips were a soft blue color. His eyes were black which made them look quite large and as if they were entirely just pupil. He had been likened to a High Fae many times in his life, which was both a sort of compliment as well as an insult. High Fae were beautiful creatures that few ever saw. They were mysterious, strange, and a little frightening, and if one were to suggest Kori was Fae, one would be calling him a changeling, which was certainly an insult.

 

                Kori realized his hair had gotten so mussed that it was just an untidy mop on top of his head and he began to straighten it out with his claws. It was sky-blue and cut short enough that it wasn't in the way when he was climbing things or getting into mischief. He wondered if perhaps he was just too messy for Roane. His claws caught on multiple tangles and he frowned at himself. His face was masculine enough in human terms but just on the side of pretty which was why he was often considered Fae-like. Most of the Variess were quite masculine looking. Perhaps Roane just preferred the very masculine-looking Variess. Maybe he was too thin and too pretty and too messy; too ... everything. For a second he was a little distraught. But why should he be distraught? He didn't care, right?

 

                He looked at his tail and saw it was dirty and the tip was just as disheveled as his hair. The distinction between Variess and for instance, Elves or Humans, were genders, colors, and reproduction, of course, but also the presence of tails, pointed teeth, and claws. Their ears were similar to elves and pointed, however Human ears were rounded. Variess hairlines tapered into a point at their necks that continued down in a line to disappear between the shoulder blades.  Then their hair started again at the base of their back and grew down into their tail. Their tails were mostly covered in short fur but the ends were longer like the hair on their heads. It could be braided or cut short or however one pleased in the name of fashion or necessity. Kori's was cut about the same as his hair; enough to not be in the way but still be stylish to a degree. He began to comb that out as well, but then realized he would be transmuting it anyway so why should it matter?

 

                He stopped his useless preening and knelt in the circle to put his hands on the wooden floor inside of it. He focused, drawing on the power inside of him. He was powerful; more powerful than any truly knew. He held life in his body that few else could give. Variats weren't taught magic. They weren't given a tutor in it because their life was to be devoted to a single task; producing more Variess. So perhaps no one knew the kind of power they held. Or maybe they had withheld the information. Either way, Kori had learned it on his own; had become quite skilled with it, and the lack of tutor only made his magic more unique and intricate because he wasn't brought up on the same system as the other Variess. He had taken from Elf, Variess, and witch magic and made something new.

 

                The fact that he had persevered despite having no tutor thrilled Kori like nothing else. Power coursed through him, feeling electric over his skin like static. It was thrilling and the pleasure grew. He focused on his intention and the sigils beneath him. The magic built to a crescendo and it was almost like an orgasm as the spell burst over his skin; transforming him.

 

                He watched in the mirror as his skin turned pink and creamy. His claws receded along with his teeth, his tail, and the tips of his ears. He smiled at his reflection; revealing his dull human canines. He kept his hair blue. It was fashionable to dye one's hair in the other realm, so (though it was unnatural on humans) he wouldn't be considered overly abnormal. He still wanted to look like himself; just a human version. The only thing he truly missed was his tail. As he stood it was very apparent that it was missing. He swayed a little at the sudden change in balance. He had done this before, yes, but it was always a shock to walk and move around without his tail for balance.

 

                He started shedding his clothes, wanting American clothing to blend in with, especially since his current trousers had a hole in the back with a button for his tail. He turned around to look behind him at his reflection in the mirror, inspecting his crestless and tailless back. It was smooth and creamy. Yes; he had done an excellent job this time. He was all human, with the exception of his internal Variat structures. He lacked a good amount of medical knowledge and was unsure if he should mess with that considering it was a bit more complicated than bone or muscle. He looked in every way a human male, at the very least. Only another Variess would sense he was the Variat.

 

                He went to his wardrobe and pulled out the duffle that held all the things he brought with him when traveling to the other realm. Inside were a few changes of clothes, various toiletries, and transfigured American cash. He pulled out a pair of boxer-briefs, tight-fitting blue jeans, a navy button-down shirt, and socks. He looked for his shoes but they were nowhere to be found. Where had they gone? He searched but found nothing. He pouted. He would have to wear Variess boots. A pity. He pulled his human clothing on and tried the boots. They wouldn't fit under the jeans but they actually didn't look bad with the outfit. He once-more admired his work in the mirror before grabbing his duffle and scrambling out the window again.

 

                Before long he was in the forest where the portal lay less than a mile inward. He thought for a moment about the fact that he was dropping the opportunity to see his yet-unseen future husband; Arindal. He wasn't sure if he cared. He was curious, but other than that, if he decided to stay in the other realm, it didn't matter.

 

                He stumbled a few times over rocks and roots, clumsy without his tail, but he managed. Eventually he was in front of a large portal framed by woven trees. Inside the arch, the air seemed to flutter a little bit; That was the magic of the threshold into the Human Realm. Without hesitation he walked through. The magic tingled on his skin and disappeared once he entered the other side.

 

                The other realm's side of the portal was hidden within a cave. It was the best they could do. Too often in the past a human would unwittingly stumble through. Where once the wild was unkempt and untraversed, it was now almost impossible to hide something from wandering humans. They had to put glamours over glamours over cave openings. The cave was dark but for the glowing moss that had been strategically planted along the walls for light.

 

                Kori walked down the tunnel and met the wall of vines that hid the cave entrance, pushed them aside, and came out onto the American hillside. He smiled, pleased with himself, and began his long walk out of the woods to the city.

 

                Roane would be angry. It was "dangerous" and humans were "violent" or-something-or-other. It was only dangerous because he was the Variat and if anything happened to his precious womb their colony wouldn't have anyone to reproduce for a few hundred years. It wasn't as if their people didn't live for over a thousand. It was hardly a big deal. And evil? He had yet to meet an evil human. Rude? Yes. Evil? What made humans different from Variess besides outward appearances? Their brains worked similarly. In terms of "violence" Variess were just as violent as any; they had wars and killed and did awful things to each other just as humans did. There was no difference. The only difference was that Humans warred among each other while Variess warred with other species; Mainly the Night elves, but also the Sun Elves, the Fae, Griffins, etc... As far as the humans knew, they had no other intelligent life with which to war besides each other.

 

                Upon entering the city Kori was met with some looks but only because he looked "alternative." It wasn't because they thought he was a different species. This was the tenth time he had come and he had taught himself fluent English with all the various easily-accessible devices and software they had available. Originally he had used a translation spell, but that also required a certain level of hypnotism which just wasn't practical and could cause a disturbance if noticed. He knew his accent was  awful and rather strange, but he was able to communicate well enough with the people.

 

                He spent time in cafes, wandering the city, and in book stores. He enjoyed the cuisine at several restaurants, getting obnoxiously full, and as night began to fall, he looked for a hotel. In order to stay without a "credit card" he put a large down-payment on the room, but otherwise he didn't have any problems.

 

                Once he was settled there he came down to meet the person at the desk who had checked him in; a woman in her late twenties with blond hair. Kori found her intriguing because she had created a large bump on top of her head with her hair, making her head appear to be bigger or as if she were hiding something underneath. He wanted to ask if she was but knew it would most likely be considered strange so he held back.  The ends of her hair curled around her shoulders and she looked more interesting than the general passerby. Perhaps it was the makeup? It did look different somehow. She had painted her lips in red and her eyes were lined in coal.

 

                As he was checking in the woman had told him if he had any questions about the city or wanted tourist attraction information, he could ask her. So he approached the desk, just a little nervous.

 

                "Hello... Do you know where... the local younger people go to drink spirits and... see... artists?" He was nervous so he was having trouble finding the words. It had been a little while since he had spoken English.  The woman blinked at him for a few moments, perplexed, then seemed to comprehend.

 

                "Oh, like a bar with live music?" She asked, smiling.

 

                He nodded. "Yes. Please. I am sorry. My English, it has been a little while since used."

 

                She seemed understanding enough.

 

                "No problem! Languages are hard! I've been trying to learn Spanish but I'm awful! You're doing fine."

 

                Kori smiled back at her. It was nice to hear.  

 

                "My friends are actually playing at The Torch tonight. They're really good; sort of an Indie rock band. They're called 'The Flying Pelvises.'" The girl giggled. Kori laughed too. He had no idea what "Indie rock" was but he had some knowledge as to the "rock" part.

 

                "They sound good?" He asked.

 

                She laughed again. "Well, I like them. The Torch has good drinks. It's like, a gastropub."

 

                Kori also had no idea what a "Gastropub" was but she said "The Torch" was a bar.

 

                "I will go there. I am exploring so if you have more suggestions please tell." Kori said. He noted that he needed to use more contractions. He sounded too formal. He would work on it.

 

                The woman raised her brows. "You're just traveling alone?" She asked.

 

                "Yes?" Kori said, not sure what she was getting at.

 

                "Why don't you talk to Demitri after they're done playing? He's the guitarist. Maybe he and the guys can show you around." She said. Kori was surprised by her friendliness. He liked it.

 

                "Thank you for all this. My name is Kori." He said. He hadn't made friends so quickly last time he had been in the other realm.

 

                "I know. I checked you in." The woman chuckled. "I'm Sam."

 

                Kori tried to keep his smile down to a minimum. It would surely be strange to be so excited over something so trivial as a simple interaction.

 

                "It's nice to meet you, Sam." He had actually used a contraction this time. He mentally congratulated himself. Apparently he wasn't acting too weird, since he was making friends so easily.

 

                "Nice to meet you too, Kori!" She laughed. "Sorry, I'm not normally so up in everybody's business, you just have good vibes, I guess."

 

                Kori didn't know what "Vibes" was but he understood mostly what she meant.

 

                "Thanks, Sam. I will go to 'The Torch' then. Will you be coming after you're done with work?" He asked. Nice; another contraction.

 

                She frowned. "No. I'm working all night, unfortunately. But you have fun!" She said. She handed him a piece of paper and he was surprised to see she had printed out a map to get to the bar. He thanked her again and promised they would talk later before starting off on his adventure.

 

                 The "Gastropub" was nice but packed when he walked in. He managed to find a place at the bar and after a few minutes the barkeeper noticed him and asked what he wanted to drink. He had completely forgotten what kind of refreshments humans normally drank. He knew they had beer and wine as they had in his own realm, but otherwise he wasn't sure. He wanted to try something different that he couldn't get otherwise.

 

                "Uh... what do you recommend besides beer and wine?" He asked, deciding to just ask, at the risk of seeming odd.

 

                "My usual is whiskey but we have cocktails too." The bartender replied.

 

                If Kori remembered correctly, he believed cocktails were a mixture of different drinks and alcohol.

 

                "Uh... give me your best cocktail?" He said.

 

                The man nodded. "Sure. Why don't you go with an 'old fashioned' it's bourbon with cherry juice and bitters. Sound good?" He asked. Kori had no clue, but he nodded.

 

                "Sure" Kori used the term the man had used before and the man nodded.

 

                 Later, he was drinking his 'Old Fashioned' while the band seemed to be setting up. The drink was very strong and burned a little going down but that wasn't unusual for alcohol. He was used to it enough and he liked it.

 

                Kori watched the band just plugging in instruments for awhile, unable to help noticing how incredibly gorgeous several of the men were. One human man wore a hair style that one didn't see in his realm; it was long on top and short on the sides and back. It might have been considered strange by other Variess but Kori liked it. His hair was black and it looked good on him. The man's skin was just a little tan and his eyes were dark and deep-set under heavy eyebrows. His lips were plush and softened his appearance just enough, though his cheek bones were quite sharp. As he moved around Kori admired the ripple of muscles in his arms and broad shoulders when he bent to plug cords in. Why was the way he moved so incredibly sexy? ...And why was Kori always so horny lately? He made a face and shifted to hide how much he liked the human man. He was also getting a little wet so he turned away and stared at his drink, trying to think of things other than his climbing libido. He was having such a hard time with it lately. He knew it was because he was supposed to be mating soon, but he tried to forget about that.

 

                Once the band began to start playing he turned his attention back, blushing upon looking at the black-haired male again. He couldn't help but look at the drummer too. He was full of energy and seemed to be enjoying himself. His light brown hair was less drastic than the black-haired man's and was short but long enough that the ends curled around his ears and hung a little in his light-colored eyes. His face was softer than the other's who was the guitarist. He believed the other man was the "bass" player so then that meant the black-haired human was Demitri; the one he was supposed to talk to later. He wondered if he could even manage to talk to him. If he were to join them as Sam had suggested, could he talk to the brunet either? The singer was very attractive too but something about Demitri and the drummer had him biting his lip.

 

                The band played and Kori was intrigued. He liked "indie rock." It was very different than what they had at home. Somewhere during the first song he noticed the guitarist looking in his direction and after a few moments he realized the man was looking directly at Kori. His eyes widened and he felt his cheeks heat.

 

                He hated how easily worked up he got over males. He had absolutely no experience and he was always horny lately so it was just a disaster.  His gaze was intense and Kori fought not to squirm. He almost wanted to run but he couldn't even break their eye contact. After a few long moments Demitri broke eye-contact to focus on a solo. He looked to the drummer and they seemed to smirk at each other. Demitri's smirk was lop-sided and adorable. The drummer seemed to laugh at him from whatever unspoken information had passed between them.

 

                Kori got lost in the music and mostly forgot about his cocktail. When the band finished playing about an hour later Kori wasn't even sure how to feel. He wanted them to keep going but he also wanted to meet Demitri. He was terrified of trying to speak to the man. Kori was sure he had the most awkward accent and he was a bit strange-looking and- He shook his head, trying to stop his racing thoughts. What the hell was wrong with him?

 

                Kori swallowed the last of his drink, hoping for liquid courage but knowing he wouldn't even be tipsy. Variess had a higher tolerance to spirits than humans did.

 

                The band packed up their instruments and they talked for a bit before the guitarist broke off and headed toward the bar. That was probably Kori's most opportune moment to approach him. He got up off his stool and strode over.

 

                He tried giving himself a mental pep-talk; He was the Variat. He could speak to a human man. He was the fucking creator of his people! He was like royalty. So he should be fine talking to a human man. 

 

                As he walked over, embarrassingly enough, he tripped over a chair leg and without the balance or use of his tail he fell like a downed tree. He even squeaked pathetically as he did it, landing on his hands and knees and mortified. Well, so went that plan. He was heading back to the hotel; no way could he talk to the appealing stranger after such a ridiculous display.

 

                A hand clasped his shoulder and he looked up to see the fucking gorgeous guitar player holding out a hand to him. Kori's eyes widened to the size of saucers and he knew he was blushing way too much for it not to be noticeable. He took his hand and the man helped him up. He was laughing! Kori felt like he was going to keel over from embarrassment.  

 

                "You gave me just the right opportunity. You okay?" He asked with that lopsided smile from earlier.

 

                What did he mean by "the right opportunity?" Kori swallowed, trying to find speech.

 

                "Y-yes? Yes. I'm fine." He managed to say.

 

                The human's thick brows furrowed in concern. "You're sure?" He asked.

 

                Kori nodded. "Sorry- I'm not used to these places. I'm not allow-" He blinked, stopping himself. He was going to say he wasn't allowed in bars. What kind of idiot was he? The man still looked a little concerned but amused.

 

                "Can I get you a drink?" He asked. His voice was low and velvety.

 

                Kori bit his lip and nodded, trying not to make a bigger fool of himself.

 

                 "What do you like?" The man asked, and Kori swore he was looking him over; his dark eyes lingering. Kori remembered just then that most human men did not like other males. They had human women. Some men liked other males but how often did that occur? He wasn't sure. He didn't think it was common. Was he checking him out or was he just thinking about how willowy and stupid Kori looked?

 

                "Uh- I'll just have what you're having." Kori said. He was at least getting the hang of contractions.

 

                The man turned towards the bar and ordered several drinks before turning back to him as he waited.

 

                "I- I was actually coming to see you... Uh, your friend, Sam, at the Armada said I should say hi?" He grimaced. His accent sounded awful. "You're Demitri, right?" The human looked surprised, then pleased.

 

                "I am. And who might you be?" He asked. The way he said it made Kori's skin prickle all over in a pleasant way. He had to be hitting on him, right? Kori's eyes widened a little before schooling his expression.

 

                "My name's Kori... I'm just in town, visiting, and Sam said that maybe you would show me around? You- you really don't have to, really, but, I just thought I would at least say hello." He said. He sounded awkward, he was sure. The human didn't change expressions, though.

 

                "I wouldn't mind at all, Kori. I'm glad Sam sent you over. She deffinitely knows my type." He said with a cocky grin before turning and paying the bartender as he set the glasses down.

 

                Kori definitely knew he was hitting on him now. He fought not to squirm in excitement. Damn his husbands and his duties, he was going to flirt back and be independent and human and not the Variat.

 

                Demitri turned back and handed him a drink. It was a tumbler with amber liquid and ice. Demitri was tall for human standards but just an inch over Kori's height. It was so refreshing to not be looking up and up and up...

 

                "Thank you..." Kori said, a little entranced. Demitri smiled at him and Kori licked his lips. Demitri's gaze dropped to his mouth for a moment.

 

                "Why don't I introduce you to the band? We can relax here for awhile and talk."

 

               
                Kori nodded, excited but keeping his cool. "Sure!"

 

                Demitri grabbed the four drinks with surprising dexterity and lead him through the crowd to a table the rest of the band had commandeered. He placed the drinks on the table and gave his drummer friend another lop-sided smirk before introducing Kori.

 

                "Guys, this is Kori. Sam sent him over. Kori, This is Alex-" He pointed to the drummer. "Andrew" He pointed to the bald man who had been playing the keyboard, "and Marv." He pointed to the singer. Kori waved, biting his lip.

 

                "Hello..." He said, a little awkward. Alex, the exquisite drummer, stood and pulled out a chair.

 

                "Come sit by me, Kori." He said, smiling at Kori before looking to Demitri with a cocky smile. Kori's brows raised, wondering what they were doing. He would happily sit next to him, but he also wanted to sit next to Demitri.

 

                Demitri grabbed a chair from another table without asking, looking as if the two were in some sort of competition, and shoved it in between Kori's chair and the singer, Marv's. He gave Alex a cocky smirk back. Alex snorted in amusement. Kori was confused but he sat in the chair, looking to Demitri for some sort of clue.

 

                "Sorry, Kori. We have a little feud going. Don't worry about it." Alex said, leaning a rather muscley arm on the back of Kori's chair.

 

                Kori blushed. Gods, he couldn't help it. He hadn't gotten this much attention, well, ever. It simply wasn't allowed for anyone but the Variat's husbands to flirt with or touch or stare at him in a way that might be considered sexual. They weren't allowed to have sex until the ceremony happened, and that wasn't for another week. Roane hadn't even made any advances just courting Kori, though the Variat wasn't sure if he would ever.

 

                Demitri was giving Alex a rather scary glare. His face could go from a sly sort of friendly to scary and dark very fast. Alex mocked him with his own much-less scary glare in return. They looked very opposite of each other; both masculine, but one more broody and dark looking, the other more bright and friendly. Demitri was friendly, he just had a naturally broody face similar to Roane's.

 

                "Good god, would you both stop it? I've just about had enough." The keyboardist, Andrew, said, rolling his eyes. He looked to Kori apologetically. "If you want, you can come over here and get away from the horny bisexuals. Marv and I are straight and not trying to run for creep of the year."

 

                Kori chuckled a little with him, feeling his face heat. He was pretty sure it was just a joke. He hadn't heard the term "bisexual" before, but based on the "bi" and the "sexual" he assumed it had to do with double... sexual... something. He wasn't sure if he could ask what that meant without embarrassing himself.

 

                "Ignore him." Demitri said, nodding to Alex. "What are you doing here in our dinky little city?" He asked Kori, disregarding whatever competition he and Alex were having. Kori bit his lips.

 

                "I'm just exploring, I suppose." He said, not sure what else to say. It was what he was doing. Demitri raised a brow.

 

                Alex chimed in. "You didn't come with anyone? Just yourself? Seems kind of lonely... " He said.

 

                Kori shrugged. "I suppose. I had some free time."

 

                "Where are you from?" Demitri asked.

 

                Kori blinked at him. He hadn't really thought about that.

 

                "Uh... Europe?" He blurted out. Oops. He hadn't meant for it to be a question! He knew Europe was foreign and that it had pink-skinned people. It made sense, right?

 

                Demitri gave him a strange look. "You don't know?"

 

                Kori laughed a little, covering his mistake as best he could.

 

                "I'm from, uh- Lithuania." He said, blurting out the name of a random country in his head. It had better be in Europe! He tried to think of a way to change the conversation. He took a sip of the drink Demitri had bought him. "What is this drink?" He asked.

 

                "Whiskey. Jack Daniels." Demitri said. "It's not too strong?" Kori licked his lips and shook his head.

 

                "It's good." He said. Alex appeared to be drinking what Kori thought might be beer. Alex asked what Kori thought of the music and Kori was so glad to have something to say. They all talked for a while and fell into a much easier rhythm, Kori beginning to relax. At one point Demitri wrapped a big arm around the back of his chair and Kori wasn't sure what to do about it except blush.

 

                At one point the band was having a conversation about how Sam had texted Alex regarding some strange occurrences happening at the hotel when Kori suddenly  could have sworn he sensed a Variess. He swiftly turned around, eyes passing over the crowd quickly. They would have to be in disguise if they were there. Had Roane finally followed him into the other realm? He saw no one nearly big enough. That is until he saw a tall man by the bar. But he didn't recognize him. His hair was an emerald green and he had striking features. Based on that alone he could certainly be a Variess. He was at least seven feet tall. He had to be a Variess. He was fucked.

                Kori stared for a moment then quickly turned back around.

                "Someone you know?" Alex asked near his ear. The others were still talking amongst themselves. Kori shook his head.

                "I thought so, but no... That tall man just reminded me of someone..." Kori said, brows furrowed. It was strange that he didnt know the Variess on sight. It was difficult to do extra complicated transmutations, so it was unlikely the Variess had changed all that much, especially considering the hair which was a dead giveaway. Who would follow him besides Roane? The tall man hadn't been looking at him... He turned again to glance back at him and their eyes met. Kori quickly turned back around.

                "Fuck." He said it in his own tongue. Alex got the gist, though.

                "You alright?" He asked.

                "I just... Some people are looking for me."Kori said, not sure what else he could say that would make any sense. Alex looked concerned and suddenly protective.

                "Are you in trouble?" He asked voice taking on a serious tone.

 

                Kori bit his lip and shook his head. "Not necessarily. I've just been missing for a little while and they don't like it." He said.

                He didn't know what would happen if the guards were here. Would they bring him back slung over a shoulder or something? No one had noticed before if he went to the other realm besides Roane sometimes but this time he was staying longer than he ever had. It had almost been fifteen hours.

                Alex recognized his worry and stood.

                "Yo! Let's get going!" He said loud enough for the others in the band to hear.

                Kori's eyes widened in surprise. The others looked at him in confusion but they saw the seriousness of his face and in his tone.

                They all stood and Alex wrapped a protective arm around Kori's shoulders, leading him along with them to their car. Alex held the door open for Kori and Kori chewed his lip.

 

                "You all don't have to go because of me... It's just a man..." He said. Alex shrugged.

                "As long as you're okay with coming with us, we'd like to have you along." He said. Kori bit at his lip, smiling shyly. He nodded. Alex smiled at him and gestured to the car. "Hurry and get in the car so he doesn't see you. We'll load our equipment in and go. We can go somewhere else. It's no big deal." He said.

                Kori felt protected by this man. He felt close to him despite meeting him only an hour ago. It was nice having a friend who didn't know who or what he was.

                He climbed into the car and Alex shut the door for him before helping put equipment in the back. After, he slid into the driver's seat. Demitri came to sit beside Kori and the others got in before they sped off.

                "Are you okay?" Demitri asked. His voice was low in his ear. Kori nodded.

                "What the hell is going on?" Andrew asked.

                "Some guys are looking for Kori and he saw one at the bar. We're just gonna go somewhere else." Alex said.

                Kori was embarrassed. He didn't want to drag anyone into his mess. Demitri wrapped an arm around Kori's shoulders.

 

                "You're not in trouble, are you?" He asked.

 

                Kori made a pained expression. "Not necessarily...? I'm just not supposed to be gone for as long as I have."

 

                Demitri frowned, looking as if he were trying to read him. "You're not, I don't know, a spy, or something, are you?" He asked.

 

                "What's a spy?" Kori blinked at him.

 

                Demitri chuckled. "I think if you were a spy you wouldn't be so damned cute. And you would probably know what a spy was."

 

                Kori bit his lip and Demitri's eyes drifted to his mouth. He licked his lips as if wanting to taste him, and Kori followed the movement with his eyes. Just... wow.

                Andrew was laughing. "You think he's a spy?" He snickered.

                Demitri laughed too. "Shut up." He told the bald man. Marv was laughing too. Alex wasn't.

 

                "That's your first conclusion?" Alex asked, brows furrowed and looking at Demitri in the rear-view mirror.

                Demitri stopped laughing and grew serious, exchanging a look with the man. Kori didn't know what that was about but Demitri's arm around his shoulders got a little tighter.

                Again, he felt how oddly content and safe he was with them. He didn't have anything to worry about really; Variess would never harm their Variat, but it was nice to just feel protected by people who didn't see him as a tool.

                "Well, as long as everything is okay and you're not in some serious shit, do you mind if Alex drops me off at home? My girl wants me back early." Andrew asked.

                "I'm fine. Really. Go ahead." Kori said.

 

                Alex looked back in the rear view mirror. "You sure?" He asked.

 

                "Yes. I'm positive. At the very most the only thing that will happen is he will either be tailing me if he can or he will tell me I need to go home and I'll just... have to." He said, shrugging. Alex didn't seem convinced but he nodded.

 

                They dropped Andrew off at his house and then Demitri looked to him.

 

                "Do you need to be dropped off anywhere or did you want to come back to our place? We have drinks and pool and stuff. Of course, no pressure to stay. We can definitely drop you off at your hotel or something."

                "I'd like to join you at your place, if you don't mind?" He asked, feeling himself blush again. Demitri looked pleased and he waved his hand rudely at Alex.

                "Driver, take us to our apartment." He said in a strict tone. Alex snorted and they drove off. Apparently Demitri, Alex, and Marv lived together.

 

 

                "You know, this blue color looks really good on you. You even died your eyebrows. Commitment." Demitri said, tugging a little on a lock, looking amused.

 

                "You have no idea." Kori said with a laugh. Demitri looked at him curiously but didn't ask. Alex cleared his throat and glared back in the mirror. Demitri held up his middle finger; a sign to tell him to "go fuck himself" if Kori remembered correctly.

 

                "You both are really... strange. Are you playing a game or something?" He asked.

 

                "Mm... just fighting for your affections. No need to reciprocate of course, but you seem amicable to it. What do you think?" Demitri asked with a wide cocky smile. Kori's mouth opened a little, feeling like he was about to drool with want and he felt his heart flutter a bit in his chest. His stomach felt warm.

 

                "Uh-um... I like it?" He said a little breathily. Demitri seemed to almost purr. "Why are you fighting, though?" He asked. Demitri gave him an odd look.

 

                "Because he likes you and I like you and you wouldn't want both?... probably?" Demitri answered with a questioning look. Kori realized his mistake. Were they a monogamous culture? He had never noticed!

 

                "Uh... is that not normal here...?" He asked, grimacing.

 

                Demitri looked amused and curious. "Well, not mostly typically, no... but I'm open to things... things must be pretty different back where you live, huh?"

 

                Kori didn't know what to say. He nodded.

 

                "There's mostly three or five people... together?" He said hesitantly. Demitri's brows rose very high.

 

                "Wait, are you in a cult? Is that what happened? You ran away from a cult?" Alex asked, eyes wide in the mirror.

 

                Kori gave him a confused look. "A cult?"

 

                "Uh... like a bunch of people all living together in a closed-off community and they have weird religious practices that can be dangerous... or abusive." Alex explained.

 

                Kori wrinkled his nose. "I don't think so?" He said. He had really fucked up this time. He really hated the idea of leaving these men, though. He wanted to enjoy himself and they were both so friendly and attractive.

 

                Demitri pulled him closer against him in a sort of hug. "Hey, if you need protection, we have your back. Alex and I are part of a group who help victims of abuse."

 

                Kori's eyes widened in surprise. So they were soldiers as well as musicians? It explained all the muscles, at least.

 

                He just shook his head. "I'm fine. Really."

 

                Well, they had explanations for his weirdness... maybe it would be fine? Maybe he hadn't fucked up too bad?

 

                Alex pulled into the parking lot of a tall building. It must have been their apartment. They all climbed out of the van and Kori stared up at the building. It was incredibly tall. Of course there were plenty of tall buildings around but he hadn't been inside the really tall ones yet. They had castles that were quite tall in his realm but not nearly as tall as this.

 

                They went inside, Kori helping with some of the equipment, and used the elevator to ascend the tower. It really wasn't much different once inside from the hotel he had rented a room in. They walked down the hall to their apartment and switched the lights on.

 

                Kori looked around eagerly. He hadn't been in anyone's living quarters yet. Humans had so many gadgets. They had no magic but the gadgets, electricity, and technology more than made up for it. It was all fascinating and Kori walked around looking at everything with a bit of awe that he tried to keep off his face.

 

                 There were humming boxes all over the space in different areas. He wondered if he could or should ask what they all were. After a few minutes he realized all three men were watching him curiously. He was looking at a few of the boxes in the kitchen. Some he knew and some he didn't. There was a refrigerator, a stove and oven, but then there was an appliance above the stove that he didn't recognize. He had pulled the handle and looked inside. Apparently that was weird... He slowly closed it, looking mortified and like he had been caught doing something inappropriate.

 

                "No need to be so freaked out. If you wanna look at things, be my guest. I'm guessing you don't have a microwave at home?" Alex asked. Kori nodded. "It just cooks food really fast. It makes it taste like shit, though. Dem hates it." Alex explained. He didn't make it seem like Kori was stupid when he explained it; he was just giving him an answer.  All three men were gentle and kind. Kori felt safe.

 

                Demitri was putting their instruments and equipment away but he grinned at Kori.

 

                "Make yourself at home. Stay as long as you like." He said. Kori smiled back. It looked as if Marv had wandered off and Kori was left with the two men.

 

                They ended up playing pool, the two teaching him and getting increasingly competitive with each other. It was fun, though a strange game. It involved a bunch of heavy balls with numbers on them and thin sticks that you poked them with.

 

                "Have you always been friends?" Kori asked as Demitri guided him into a good stance, showing him just how to hit one of the pool balls. He was close enough that Kori could feel his body heat. Kori bit his lip, trying not to get too heated up over it.  

 

                "No. We're step-brothers. We met when we were thirteen and fourteen. We started off hating each other but after a few years we became friends." Demitri said.

 

                Kori wasn't sure what was different about step brothers from just regular brothers. Why would they have only just met? He knew that humans were close with their siblings since they generally only had a few.

 

                "What's a step-brother?" Kori took the shot and hit the ball. It hit another ball and it almost went into one of the holes in the corner. Next was Alex's turn.

 

                "Our parents had kids with separate people, divorced, then married each other much later when we were teens. Make sense?" Alex asked. Kori thought and he nodded after a moment. He at least remembered what a 'divorce' was.

 

                "So you are not related." He said.

 

                "Not biologically, no. Definitely not." Demitri said in amusement. "I don't want to be related to that asshole."

 

                Alex smirked and made his shot. Demitri went next. They had explained this wasn't a real game since normally there were only two players and they were playing with three. Demitri made a move that hit one ball, then another, then another, and all three went into holes. It was rather amazing. It seemed Demitri was the better player and Alex was trying to beat him but failing.

 

                Kori was next and he did it himself this time, managing to hit a ball but not get it in a hole. He liked being with them. They were intelligent, thoughtful, and treated Kori like a person instead of an object. He wanted these men, not some random men assigned to him. These two were perfect; like something he had only dreamed about.

 

                He thought about his options, watching them joke with each other and give him occasional heated looks. Why couldn't he touch and be touched? If they didn't breed was it really that bad? Kori bit at his lip, thinking about touching the two men and having them touch him like he had fantasized about since maturing.

 

                 Fuck. He was getting hard. He shifted, feeling his hole get wet. The arousal hit him like a train. He almost couldn't breathe with how much he wanted them. But he had never even been kissed! He reminded himself, but it didn't matter, apparently; His breaths were coming out fast and he was watching them with a deep hunger he couldn't describe if he wanted to. He had known he would get more and more needy for sex as he aged further into his maturity, but it was getting a little ridiculous now. He felt like he might lose his sanity soon if he didn't get what he wanted.

 

                After a few moments of Kori staring, both men noticed his attention on them. Demitri's eyes grew dark with obvious lust. Alex gave him a look like he was about to devour him. Kori didn't know what to do. They could feel his need. Did humans sense each other the way Variess did? It certainly seemed like it. Suddenly it was like all inhibitions had been erased and both human men moved around the table toward him.

 

                Demitri got to him first and Kori gasped when he was pulled up against his hard body. His lips descended on his and they kissed. Kori felt like he was going to melt into the floor. He was breathless but he kissed Demitri back, wanting more. Their lips moved together as if in a dance. The human man's lips were soft and the stubble on his jaw was rough. Sometimes their chins rubbed against each other and he felt it against his skin. It was addictive and Kori wasn't sure if he could stop kissing him if he tried. It made his chest feel tight and his skin prickled. He loved it.

 

                Demitri pulled back after a few breathtaking moments of pure bliss and Kori blinked up at him, panting and wondering why he had stopped. Then he was tugged back into Alex's arms. He turned and kissed him too. He was just Kori's height. He wrapped his arms around the other man's neck and moaned into his mouth. Alex coaxed Kori's lips to open and he licked into his mouth, stroking over the Variat's tongue. Kori shivered and pressed closer.

               

                 Alex's hands were on Kori's waist, stroking up and down his sides, and another set of hands joined him, running down to clutch his hips. No one had touched him like this before; not even close. He felt so overwhelmed by his arousal that he whimpered. Lips latched onto his neck, kissing and lightly nipping at his skin. He gasped, pulling away from Alex's kiss momentarily, just a little shocked by everything that was happening.  

 

                "Alright?" Alex asked, nipping at his lower lip.

 

                "Yes..." Kori whispered before smashing his lips back against his, deepening the kiss and reaching back to slide his fingers into Demitri's hair as he sucked on his neck. Alex pulled him closer and Kori let out a small noise of shock and pleasure when he realized he could feel the man's cock through his jeans. He keened for it. He needed to be bred and fucked. Demitri pressed in against his back. He could feel his arousal too. Kori panted against Alex's mouth, fighting with himself, trying to calm. It was like fighting a dragon. It just wasn't done.

 

                "Oh, baby..." Demitri murmured, sounding a little concerned. "This can't be your first time...?" He asked, sounding almost guilty. He licked Kori's earlobe despite his questions, as if he couldn't stop himself. Kori whimpered. "Fuck." Demitri swore right next to his ear in a low aroused growl.

 

                 Alex pulled back, brows furrowed and looking like he was also battling with himself. Kori panted, needing it. He needed them. Both of them.

 

                "We can't do this. You're too new to this... we can't just take you.. both of us..." Alex said, his voice gravely and looking like he was forcing himself to say it. Kori shook his head adamantly. They couldn't stop. They just couldn't. He would surely die without it.

 

                "I need it. Please. I need it." Kori pleaded breathlessly, leaning back against Demitri as he continued to kiss at his neck.

 

                Demitri snarled like an animal. "Fuck!" He swore and yanked Kori around to face him, kissing him hard, nipping at his lips and lapping at his tongue. His hips rocked against Kori's and Kori groaned, feeling like he could cum just from that alone. He was suddenly pulled back against Alex's chest, away from Demitri's demanding lips.

 

                "Good god, Dem, think for a second." Alex beseeched his step brother.

 

                Demitri didn't take his eyes off Kori, looking like a predator who had cornered his prey. He swallowed and looked as if he were trying to think clearly and failing. He dragged his gaze away from Kori and looked to Alex.

               

                "You're right." He said, voice low. He looked at Kori, almost pained. "You're a virgin. You don't know us. That was your first kiss, wasn't it? God, how the hell did you make it this long without being kissed?" Demitri asked, shaking his head in disbelief.

 

                Kori bit his lips, blushing and looking down his body to the bulge of his cock in his pants. Kori let out a noise of small noise of need.

 

                Demitri gritted his teeth and palmed his bulge, then looked at his brother, eyes dark.  

 

                "We both take care of him... gently. No fucking. At least... not today..." He said, negotiating with the other man holding Kori. Alex's hand slid over Kori's stomach, making him shiver with excitement. Yes. Take him. They were all panting like they'd ran several miles. Alex nodded in agreement and then they were both on him again.

 

                Demitri pressed their lips together in a desperate kiss, teeth clashing, grabbing hold of Kori's hips, his grip solid. Kori pressed against him, rocking their hips together as  Alex rolled his hips against his ass. Kori moaned into the other man's mouth. Demitri pulled his lips away from his to kiss along his jaw and spoke against his skin as if he couldn't detach himself from it.

 

                "Bed. My bed." He told his step-brother. Alex agreed and before he knew it Demitri was hoisting him up into his arms and carrying him down the hall. Kori's eyes widened  and he let out a pleased laugh, latching onto the man as he continued to mouth at his ear. Kori's whole being was filled with adrenalin and he ached with need.

 

                He had a few seconds in which he questioned his actions; Was this bad? Was this a mistake? They weren't Variess. It occurred to him, vaguely, that whatever made an imprint happen to mates in a pod was happening here. He hadn't known that it was a possibility with humans. They could imprint? But his thoughts and ability to rationalize were taken from him when he was dropped onto the bed and the two men moved on him like two predators on fallen prey.

 

                Alex took his lips and slid a hand up under his shirt. His fingers on Kori's bare skin alone made him arch. Demitri was undoing his pants. Kori keened when Alex pinched his nipple between forefinger and thumb. Stopping himself from bucking.

 

                "Oh-" He tried to speak but then Demitri pushed his shirt up and latched his lips onto the bud of Kori's nipple. Kori almost came, crying out only for Alex to capture his lips, muffling his cry.

 

                Kori felt so wet. His underwear must be soaking through, he just knew it. He wanted something inside him so badly that he couldn't think, that was until he remembered human men didn't have cloacas and certainly didn't get wet, because they didn't lay fucking eggs!

 

                He parted his lips from Alex's, a little panicked, and swallowed, trying to get a grip on himself.

 

                "I- I have to tell you- We have to-" Demitri's hand was in his pants and had taken a hold of his cock. Kori cried out, arching his head back and closing his eyes. So good so good so good-

 

                  "What is it, Baby?" Alex murmured into his ear. Kori moaned low and long, rolling his hips.

 

                "We have to stop 'cause... I'm not... human." Kori whimpered. Alex was rolling his nipple between thumb and forefinger.

 

                "Wha'd'you mean?" Alex said breathlessly, running his tongue over Kori's earlobe.

 

                "I mean I'm- I'm like an elf- I have different parts- I'm not from here-" Demitri managed to stop groping him but his lips stayed on his nipple and Alex pulled back. They were all panting heavily like it was more work to stop than to keep going.

 

                "What are you saying, Kori?" Alex asked, his voice gruff.

 

                Demitri seemed to have lost concentration again because his eyes closed in pleasure and he grabbed Kori through his pants again.

 

                "I'm not human. I'm Variess. I'm like- like elves from human 'myths.' Do you get it?" Demitri bit him. Not hard but not gently either. Kori arched up and cried out, grabbing at his head. How was he going to be able to tell them like this?

 

                Alex brought a foot up and shoved at Demitri's head with it until he was forced to let go of Kori's nipple. Demitri growled low and glared at the other darkly. Kori mourned the loss. He needed it so badly.

 

                "Like elves?" Alex repeated incredulously. He was already running his fingers back up Kori's ribcage.

 

                "Yes- magic. Tall magic creatures?" He tried, squinting as if that would help him concentrate on not letting them just fuck him. "I'm from the other realm; the one we closed off from you. I'm different from humans. I have different parts... I get wet. And I think I'm imprinting on you."

 

                Demitri stared at him for a moment, licking his lips, eyes narrowed. He didn't even look surprised.

 

                "Then imprint on me. Doesn't matter. You're mine." He said darkly. His voice was deep and delicious like nothing else he had ever heard. He thought maybe it was his favorite noise. It made Kori all the more aroused. He couldn't think with the man looking at him like that.  

 

                "Jesus, Demitrius, you possessive fuck, get a hold of yourself." Alex beseeched him. Demitri looked at his brother like he was crazy for trying to stop them from fucking Kori's brains out.

 

                "I- I can prove it." Kori said, trying to think of a fast way to show them. He held up his hand and summoned a ball of  energy; pure light. It was an easy spell. He didn't undo his transfiguration; it would be too difficult. Especially as brainless as he was at the moment. Both men's mouths dropped open and they stared for a good few moments, but a few moments more and Demitri just shrugged.

 

                "Whatever you are doesn't matter. You're mine. I see weird shit all the time." He said. It was coherent until his eyes raked back over him again and his voice turned gravely once more. "I don't need to know everything. Just. let. me. have you." The man said, eyes dark and seeming more animal than human.

 

                Kori tried to rationalize that Demitri was being too quick to just accept what he had said. Alex seemed to be struggling with himself.

 

                "This-this is impossible. Or- It should be... but with everything.. And Demitri..." He shook his head, looking confused.  Kori didn't think he could hold himself back from begging like a whore much longer. "Let me see what you're talking about, Baby..." Alex said after a moment, stroking his jaw. They were so strangely trusting of him, and Kori of them. He didn't think much before tugging his jeans and underwear down. They were so wet it was kind of embarrassing. Demitri tugged them off and Kori drew up and spread his legs, showing the slick on his inner thighs.

 

                "I have slick... I'm different. Sort of... both?" He said, blushing profusely. He had never been bared to anyone like this.

 

                Demitri's mouth opened, staring, eyes going from surprised to hungry in an instant. He lifted Kori's legs, spreading them and exposing his hole. Kori whimpered, mortified, and covered his face.

 

                "Fuck... He is wet... like a girl... fuck..." Demitri said, panting, and then Kori felt something hot and wet. Oh god, was he licking?! His eyes snapped open and he watched Demitri lap at him and groan. He ran his tongue around his rim and a low growl rumbled in his chest. Kori whined, shuddering in pleasure, and Demitri lifted his head, looking at Alex, mouth open in shock.

 

                "He tastes like pussy honey." He said with a note of wonder in his voice. "Fuck. He tastes like pussy honey but better. He tastes so good." He said, voice low and gravely. Demitri's fingers skimmed over Kori's opening and the Variat whined again. He was going to cum!

 

                Alex stared for a moment, and then he was taking Demitri's place between his legs, holding him wide open and exposed. He ran his tongue around Kori's sensitive rim and lapped as more slick escaped. Kori keened and his cock twitched. The other man continued to eat him, pressing his tongue to his opening. The tip went in and Kori was sure he squealed enough for even the other realm to hear.

 

                Alex stopped and locked eyes with his brother, unspoken words between them before Alex gentled, taking one last lick at him before letting his legs unfold. He leaned back up and gave Kori a softer kiss.

 

                "Sorry, Sweetheart. Are you alright?" He asked. Kori nodded dazedly. Why had they stopped? His whole body felt hot and needy. Demitri took his turn, kissing him too. He could taste himself on their tongues.

 

                "We don't care if you're different. We want you." Alex said, voice gruff and nuzzling in against his neck, kissing his skin. His fingers trailed down his belly to grab his hard cock. Kori cried out.

 

                "B-but we're imprinting-" He gasped.

 

                "Good." Alex said. Kori couldn't argue with that and he just nodded, letting Demitri pull his shirt off the rest of the way. He nipped at Kori's nipple one more time before sliding down his body and engulfing his cock with his mouth. The Variat cried out and Demitri held his hips down to stop him from bucking. He was so much stronger than he was.

 

                Alex tipped Kori's head back to kiss him again, lips demanding. Kori shivered and he reached to touch Alex's chest. He wanted to see them. The idea of seeing their bodies made his mouth water. He pulled back, chest rising and falling rapidly as Demitri ran his tongue up the underside of his cock, looking like he was very much enjoying himself.

 

                "I want to see you too..." Kori murmured to Alex. "Both of you." He tugged at Alex's shirt in suggestion and Alex's lips twitched in a smile. He reached behind him, grabbing the collar of his shirt and pulled it over his head, then worked on the fly of his jeans. God, he was so built... Kori looked to Demitri who was sucking on one of his balls. The man was definitely single-minded on this. Kori chuckled through a moan and tugged lightly on his ear.

 

                "Can I see your- your-" He stopped. What was the word for cock in American? Demitri pulled away from Kori's groin, releasing his sack with a deliberate popping sound, and smirked.

 

                "My...? Dick?" He asked, teasing him. He was already undoing his belt.

                Kori blushed and nodded. Demitri undid his pants but then pulled his t-shirt off before yanking his jeans down. He wore no underwear and his cock was thick and big. He wondered what it would feel like inside of him and he squirmed. It was way bigger than Kori's. Kori looked down at his own and back. Was his small?

 

                "Really, Dude? You out of underwear again?" Alex asked with a snort. Demitri held up one hand as if to say "what can ya do?"  as Alex pulled his jeans off.

 

                "Hey, I'm not cut and I forgot to do laundry 'cause Ann wouldn't shut up last night." Demitri said with a wide grin. Alex rolled his eyes.

 

                "Slut." He muttered, snickering, then tugged his boxers off, his cock springing up and hitting his lower belly. His dick didn't have a foreskin like Kori's and Demitri's, and he vaguely wondered why. It was pretty though, and just as big as his step-brothers, just different in shape.

 

                "Ann isn't your-" Kori asked, a little concerned due to the monogamous nature of their culture. Demitri shook his head.

 

                "She's like a client." He said, giving himself a quick stroke before crawling over Kori and giving the Variess a heated kiss.

 

                Now that Demitri was naked and bared to him, he could touch all his firm hard muscles unencumbered like he had been wanting to since he had first seen the man. He was built for hard work; muscles thick and bulging. He had dark hair on his chest and running down from his navel to his cock. In contrast, Alex was built like a swimmer; long lean muscles and slim hips. He had no hair on his chest unlike Demitri but he had a trail of nearly blond hair running in a stripe down from lower belly to groin. 

 

                Kori ran his hands down from Demitri's firm pecs, over his ribs and his abs, before taking his fat cock in hand. The human groaned and thrust his hips, cock sliding through his grip. With his other hand, Kori reached out to wrap his fingers around Alex's length, stroking it along with Demitri's. The other man let out a soft grunt and he leaned in to suck at his earlobe. Despite his ears being transfigured, they were still just as sensitive, and Kori mewled into Demitri's mouth, shivering. He loved touching them; feeling their bodies move and the soft silky skin of their cocks in his hands.

 

                Demitri pulled back after a moment and gave Alex a hungry look before he sat up against the headboard of his bed.

 

                "Come sit in my lap, Sweetheart." He said to Kori.

 

                "But I want to suck you both..." Kori said, frowning.

 

                "How about I stroke us and you suck off Alex, then, yeah?" Demitri suggested. Kori moaned and nodded. "Alright come sit here and Alex will come to us, Okay?" Demitri said, patting his lap.

 

                Kori bit his lips, liking the idea, and climbed on, his back up against Demitri's front, legs spread over his thighs. The human man's cock jutted up between Kori's legs and rubbed up against his own far-less impressive one. It was very obvious how deep it would go if Kori were to be impaled by Demitri's staff. How was that supposed to go inside him at all? Still, he wanted it, and the thought of being pierced by it made him shiver and pant.

 

                Demitri took both their cocks in his hand and stroked them together, leaning in to speak next to Kori's ear.

 

                "I stroke us, like this and you focus on Alex." He suggested, looking over to the other man with a wide mischievous grin.

 

                Kori's mouth watered and he nodded, squirming in Demitri's lap at the feel of their cocks pressed together and stroked. The human's hands were calloused and it felt wonderful.

 

                "C-come here." Kori said to Alex, trying to be assertive despite not having much confidence in this. Alex moved forward, standing on the bed for Kori to take him in his mouth.

 

                Alex's thick cock was right in front of his face and he reached out to take it in hand, his other hand grabbing his lean hip to pull him in. He let out a little moan as Demitri's thumb ran over his slit, spreading precum over the head as he nibbled at his neck. It was just a little strange seeing his cock so pink in comparison to Kori's untransfigured blue-tinted one, but he liked it regardless and he leaned in to run an experimental lick over the bulbous head. He tasted salty precum and he licked his lips before leaning in to take it into his mouth. Alex made a low groan and Kori mirrored it, feeling like he was coming undone.

 

                "Perfect. Just like that." Demitri purred to him in encouragement as Kori stroked at Alex's cock while sucking him down. He used his hand as an extension of his mouth, remembering how Demitri had been sucking him, and took him deeper. Kori let out a whimper when Demitri slipped his hand between Kori's legs to gather slick on his hand before bringing it back up to wet their cocks. It made the sensations all the more maddening and Kori closed his eyes, breathing hard through his nose as he bobbed his head.

 

                "Ah... So good, Baby..." Alex murmured to him, stroking his cheek with his thumb. Kori made further noises of need, feeling his release coming. He didn't want to stop. He went a little faster, being careful not to drag his teeth. He was sure this was much easier without his fangs and was thankful for that. Demitri groaned near his ear.

 

               Kori squirmed in the human's lap and moaned as his hand stroking over them went faster. He remembered him licking over the underside of his cock just below his head and he did the same to Alex with him in his mouth, who seemed to like that very much, if the noise was any indication. The man closed his eyes, dropping his head to his chest. 

 

                Kori could tell he was soaking Demitri's lap with slick. It was a little embarrassing but he couldn't think well enough to care too much and Demitri occasionally ran his fingers back over his hole to gather more slick to stroke them with. His other hand slid up his belly to his chest to pinch his nipple and Kori whimpered. He was going to cum. He gasped around Alex's cock and squeezed his eyes tight, his cock jerking and spurting in Demitri's hand. He sucked the other brother's cock as he finished, mewling around it. Demitri continued stroking and he groaned low, the noise rumbling low in his chest as he came too, letting go. Kori felt a few hot streaks of liquid land on his belly and he groaned happily.

 

                He breathed hard through his nose, exhilarated, the euphoria washing over him. He sped up his bobbing motions as he sucked on Alex's dick. Would he spend in his mouth? He wasn't sure if that was a thing. He wanted him to. Was that dirty? Was that even something someone did? But they had licked at his slick like ambrosia so it must have been. Alex fisted his hair and swore.

 

                "Sweetheart, I'm gonna cum- you don't have to swallow- know it's your first t- fuck!" He saw Kori shake his head and he panted harder, unable to stop himself anymore. His cock swelled and then he started to cum into Kori's mouth. Alex yelled, dropping his head back, Kori watching his face contort as he finished. Kori swallowed and swallowed as much as he could, some spilling down his chin, blushing as he did something he hadn't even thought about before. He hadn't known.

 

                He pulled back when the human was finished and wiped his chin with his hand, sucking his fingers clean. Why not? He had already swallowed most of it. It had tasted salty but not unpleasant.

 

                Alex swore again and dropped down onto the bed with them, kissing Kori fervently. The Variess leaned back against Demitri, wrapping his arms around the other brother's neck. Alex pulled back and smiled mischievously at him before looking to Demitri, suddenly looking as if realization had hit and he was struggling with something; he looked a little confused, then nervous, then whatever inhibitions he had fell away and he leaned in to press his lips to Demitri's. Demitri groaned and they kissed for a long moment, Demitri wrapping one hand behind Alex's neck to keep him there. Eventually they pulled back and stared at each other for a moment as if in shock before their faces broke out in sly self-satisfied grins. Kori had leant away to watch them, lips parted, and his cock jerked, becoming interested again. He licked his lips, silently telling himself to calm down. Both humans kissed him on either cheek then they relaxed, Alex moving to sit against the headboard next to them.

 

                Kori leaned his head back against Demitri's shoulder, closing his eyes, and sighed. He had never known that sort of pleasure; had never thought it could possibly be that good. For a long time he had thought of it as some sort of burden, despite how much he wanted it. It wasn't a burden. Hell, it was a gift from the gods.  After a minute of basking, Demitri's voice broke the silence.

 

                "It's... it's blue." He said, voice sounding shocked. Kori opened his eyes.

 

                "What is?" He asked. Demitri was looking at his hand; their mixed together spend. There was white and a light blue color. Kori grimaced.

 

                "I'm sorry. I forgot to enchant that part. I didn't think I would need to." He said, blushing furiously. It really would never have occurred to him that human spend was a different color, anyway.

 

                "You-you're really..." Demitri didn't finish the sentence. Both brothers were staring at him, mouths slightly agape.

 

                "You're really not human." Alex murmured. Kori closed his eyes, dropping his head and nodding, feeling the euphoria leave him almost instantly. "Hey, it's alright. I just hadn't completely processed it. I don't regret anything. That was fucking amazing." Kori bit his lip, looking to him, concerned.

 

                "We imprinted... I know it was nearly impossible to stop what we were doing but when you imprint on someone, it's permanent.  I'm so sorry. I didn't know what to do." Kori said, feeling incredibly guilty. He had just changed everything.

 

                "Is that why it was so intense? What does that mean, exactly?" Alex asked. Kori bit his lips before answering.

 

                "I don't think we were imprinting right away but you might have been influenced by my being the Variat. I didn't try to. I just wanted you so badly..."

 

                "I really don't care. I would have wanted you even if you're... whatever that is." Demitri said, kissing his neck.

 

                "Me too." Alex said, looking convinced of this. "We've always had the same tastes. That's why we're so competitive. We wanted you as soon as we saw you." He reached over to the side of the bed and gave his brother a box of paper. Kori thought he remembered it being a dispenser for disposable napkins. Demitri wiped his hand with them as best as he could and threw them in the waste bin by the bed.

 

                "But then... what does imprinting mean? I know birds do it...?" Demitri said, wrapping his arms back around Kori's waist. Alex leaned forward and kissed his cheek.

 

                "It's a permanent bond. It happens when people are extremely compatible. It wouldn't have happened if we weren't. It doesn't go away. I... I don't think it just happened between you and me, I think it happened between the two of you too." He said.

 

                Alex blinked at him. "You mean... we're bonded too?" He asked, looking amazed. Kori swallowed and nodded. "...Wow." Alex said, dumbfounded and looking down at the bedspread in shock.

 

                "I didn't know you wanted me like that. I didn't want to cross the line..." Demitri murmured. Alex blinked and looked up at him.

 

                "I always wanted you. Always." He said, his gaze on Demitri intense, as if trying to convey something not explainable in words. Demitri's mouth dropped open. They stared at each other for a moment. Kori bit at his lips, getting hot and bothered again.

 

                "I don't regret it. I don't regret being bonded. To either of you." Demitri looked to Kori. "I know we don't know each other very well, and maybe this was an accident, but the connection was instantaneous."

 

                Kori smiled, overly relieved, and he leant  in to kiss him. They kissed for a few moments, tongues licking and lips moving smooth and lazily. Everything had been so fevered before and now they could take their time. Kori pulled back when Alex spoke.

 

                "I don't regret it either." He said, softly. Kori smiled tentatively at him. He reached out to pull Alex into a kiss too.  When he pulled back Alex looked at him.

 

                "Do you have female parts too? Is that why you were wet?" He asked. Kori looked down and covered his face with his hand, embarrassed, before nodding.

 

                "It's like... reptiles..." He murmured. Demitri held him closer.

 

                "If I'm not concerned about the blue cum then I'm not concerned about that." He said with a low laugh. Kori looked up, biting his lip nervously.

 

                "Are you sure?" Demitri nodded and he saw Alex nod too.

 

                "How are you both okay with this? You're human... You didn't know about any of this. I know some tales of the old world have been passed on to the current times but I don't think you have heard of Variess." Alex looked at his brother. Demitri was silent for a moment.

 

                "I see ghosts." He finally murmured, a little too quietly, but Kori heard him because of his low voice. He sounded ashamed of it. "I guess I can see anything as possible. Alex knows about it... I don't tell anyone else, but... I see them."

 

                Alex looked frustrated. "You don't have to be ashamed. I've told you over and over; you're not crazy. I believe you." Alex said, as if this were an old argument. Demitri's face turned stoic and dark almost instantly but then another moment passed and he relaxed, nodding.

 

                "We have people that see ghosts too. It's not strange." Kori said, perplexed. "It's considered a gift. I didn't know humans had it. I know humans occasionally see spirits just like us when the veil is thin but... you see them all the time, right? That's what you mean?" Demitri nodded. "They're called Yorisvu Akain. Translated it sort of means... 'life and death walkers.' You are in both the spirit world and this one at the same time."

 

                 Demitri looked at him, brows furrowed. "It's just... a thing... where you come from; the other realm." He said as more of a doubtful statement.

 

                Kori just nodded. "You said you think anything might be possible. We use magic in the other realm. It's normal. Why wouldn't seeing spirits be?" Kori asked, brows furrowed. Demitri's face grew less dark and Kori could see relief in his eyes. Kori was horrified that he had been struggling with this. He kissed his cheek. Demitri gave him a slight smile.

 

                "God, I've been yelling at him forever about this but you come and fix it in a second." Alex said, good-naturedly teasing his brother with a roll of his eyes. Demitri wacked him in the thigh with his knee.

 

                "You said we have tales from the 'old world.' what tales?" Alex asked.

 

                "I know you know about elves and fae and gnomes... there's just other tales your people lost through the ages. People have passed in and out of the realms for a long time; we had many more portals about three- thousand years ago but we had to shut them. Now there's only a few. Only a handful of humans have gone to the other realm in the past two-thousand years." Kori explained.

 

                "There's really actually elves?" Alex asked, sounding incredulous. Kori nodded.

 

                "Yes, but they and my people don't really get along... They think we're savages. I don't really know why, though. They just think they're better than everyone else." Kori said, scrunching his nose up with distaste.

 

                 Demitri laughed. "Those damned jerky elves." Alex smirked, then his smile dropped as realization crossed his face.

 

                "You're not going back, are you?" He asked.

 

                Kori chewed on his lips. "If I can avoid it, no." He said, looking down.

 

                "If you can't avoid it?" Alex asked.

 

                "Then I guess I'll have to go back. But we are bonded. They will have to allow you to come... I think you have to. Mates have a hard time staying away from each other if they've imprinted. I don't know how they'd react. This has never happened before. Maybe long in the past but not now." Kori explained.

 

                "We'd be going back to the other realm with you?" Alex asked, wide-eyed. Kori made a pained face.

 

                "I am so sorry... I didn't mean to alter your lives. None of this was in my plans... I just didn't want to be the Variat. It's... it's too much." He said, voice cracking and eyes beginning to water. He would not cry! He wouldn't! Demitri held him close, chin resting on his shoulder. They were both so incredibly sweet, it just made Kori want to cry more.

 

                "What's the Variat?" He asked. Kori bit his lip.

 

                "Humans have females that produce your offspring... my people only have me. It's sort of like... bees? There's only two other Variats currently in my realm's world. All other Variess are only male. Many times, a Variat is never born by another Variat and we go hundreds or even a thousand years without one. So... I'm just supposed to... populate. For about four-hundred or five-hundred years. Then if I survive without being assassinated I get a break. I've asked my fathers to let me be relieved of my duties since there are two others but they denied me." Both men were staring at him again.

 

                "What- How long do you live? How old are you?" Alex asked, disbelieving. 

 

                "I'm... fifty seven. I just came into my breeding years a few years ago..." Kori said, blushing. "We live to be around seventeen-hundred naturally, if we aren't killed." Demitri sat there with his chin on Kori's shoulder for what felt like a full minute while Alex ran a hand through his hair, taking it all in.

 

                "You're just... all alone and... your whole point is to make babies?" Demitri asked, sounding sad. Kori didn't even want to get into the whole egg thing. It would sound too bizarre to them. Hopefully he wouldn't have to explain it. He simply nodded.

 

                "Yes... I guess." Kori said.  "I guess it's kind of selfish of me to skirt my duties, though... I'm not even sure if the populating is the thing that bothers me so much as feeling like I owe someone sex for their deeds." He said, brows furrowed.

 

                "You're not selfish. It's natural to feel that way."  Demitri insisted, looking angry. He scooted them down the bed and rolled them onto their sides to lay down then  gestured for his brother to come lay down too. Alex laid beside Kori, moving in close so Kori was sandwiched between them.

 

                 The Variess bit his lip, blushing. He was in bed with two naked human men. He knew he had just done a hell of a lot more than just laying with them, but he was still taken aback. Alex reached up to stroke Kori's cheek.

 

                "What do you mean by deeds?" 

 

                Kori swallowed. It was strange to them. He knew this. All of it was almost obscene to humans. They were allowed their freedom. He was not. It was embarrassing. Yet they were being so understanding.

 

                "I am to have five husbands. They are all chosen for me based on deeds or services they have done for our people as well as their attractiveness. I don't know who three of them are but Roane is a soldier. He saved the Variat of his own colony and was sent to oversee me until I came of age. He hates me... The other is Arindal. He's an ambassador. Or he was. He's retired. He's nearly eight-hundred years-old. How am I supposed to get along with someone that old?" He asked, feeling sick.

 

                The brothers made faces akin to his own. Alex stroked his cheek and neck and Demitri stroked over his hip, trying to comfort him.

 

                "We won't let them take you. Our job is to protect people. We'll protect you too." Demitri murmured.

Notes:

Thanks for reading! Please leave nice comments if you're so inclined. They really brighten my day! I don't take criticism well and this is just for fun so please keep it to yourself unless it's just like, a quick typo, a tag addition, or maybe a few words that need to be rearranged or something. Thanks!