Ai No Kusabi Fan Fiction ❯ Jupiter's Gift ❯ Jupiter's Gift ( One-Shot )

Jupiter's Gift

<Ai no Kusabi>

NC-17, explicit yaoi

Iason x Riki

by Kira Takenouchi

***The Ai no Kusabi world and its characters were created by Reiko Yoshihara. This fanfic was written by Kira Takenouchi and is offered free to fans of Ai no Kusabi.***

Author's Note: For a humorous fanfic by the lovely Anatra--plus see what she looks like in her cute red corset, visit http://www.deviantart.com/view/9664422/ (This doesn't relate to any story in particular, just to this series. Thanks Anatra!!)

Riki woke with a start. He started to cry out, but was comforted by the feathery light caress of his master's hair brushing against the side of his face and its exotic, intoxicating scent.

"Iason?" he whispered. The room was dark. Riki lay facedown, staring at the familiar vase in the corner of the room. So. He was home…and in Iason's room.

The Blondie leaned down and kissed him on the temple. "I'm here." In fact, Iason had stayed with Riki from the moment he brought him home, carrying him from the car up to the penthouse and then positioning him gently on the bed. He had taken advantage of Riki's drugged state to finish tending to his wounds so as to cause his pet less discomfort, silently cursing Raoul the entire time. When he reached the brand-mark, he felt particularly annoyed. He would have to do something about it; he couldn't have his pet bearing the stamp of another Blondie. Already he was planning to contact the head of Tanagura Reconstruction to find out what could be done. Surely, if castrated servants could be restored to sexually functional men, there was a way to remove a brand. He seemed to remember something about jeweled plate grafts that carried designs or initials. If Riki was going to be marked with anyone's initials, they were going to be his.

With a warm, bare hand, Iason stroked Riki's hair. "Still in pain?"

"I feel…actually pretty good," Riki said, smiling. "Gotta love those opiates." He rolled over onto his back, wincing a little, but wanting to see Iason's face.

For a long moment, they stared at one another, reliving the horrors of the day, and revisiting through their eyes their earlier declarations of love.

"How's Daryl?" Riki asked, suddenly remembering his fallen friend.

"They've taken him to Tanagura Medical. Katze will call when they know anything."

"Is it that serious?" his pet cried, alarmed.

Pressing a finger to his lips, Iason quieted him. "You're not to worry about it. He's in good hands. And…Katze is with him."

Placated, Riki fell silent for a moment, then his eyes snapped angrily. "Where's that stupid pet?"

Laughing, Iason looked up at see Enyu watching them from the great hall. He had completely forgotten about Jupiter's gift as soon as they had returned home. Enyu had followed him uncertainly, surprised to see the Blondie carry his pet into what was obviously the master bedroom. He stood outside the bedroom, not wanting to intrude, but wondering why no one came to wait on him. The stench of urine soon drew his attention, and he stared in confusion at the disarray of the great hall, noting the urinal toppled over and the mess on the floor. Perhaps there had been a disturbance of some kind? But where were Iason's attendants-Furniture, as they were called on Amoi? When the Blondie continued to ignore him, Enyu had found an unobtrusive chair near a corner and sat down, waiting.

Now, after several hours of being completely ignored, Enyu realized that his new master had finally noticed him. Straightening up, he hoped to be addressed and told what to do.

Iason turned back to Riki. "I should get him settled in. To be honest, I'd forgotten all about him, and he's probably been waiting for instruction for hours."

Pleased with his master's apparent disinterest in the new pet, Riki smiled. "Come back," he urged.

"I will."

Riki reached out and took hold of Iason's hand, looking seductively into his eyes, his voice lowering to a whisper. "Will you love me tonight?"

The Blondie leaned closer, eyes shining with his own urgent desire. "Yes, Riki." He brought his pet's hand to his lips to offer a kiss. "Tonight, you may do whatever you wish."

Excited by this offer, the mongrel grinned, immediately planning the evening's pleasure.

Iason rose and went to deal with Jupiter's gift. Enyu stood up on his arrival, relieved that the Blondie was finally addressing him.

"You…were not expected," Iason said. "And Daryl is not here to wait on you, so you'll have to fend for yourself tonight. If you're hungry, you can find food in there," he pointed to the kitchen, "and I'll show you to your room."

Turning on his heel, Iason headed toward the guest wing. He would have to put Enyu there, since the rooms in the main house were all taken. The guest suites had not been used since Ambassador Anori had stayed with him-nearly a lifetime ago-but Iason always had housekeeping keep the rooms in order on the off chance that they might be needed again. Iason had been so burned from Anori's visit that he had been quite reluctant to invite other guest to his home, choosing instead to lodge dignitaries in the posh suites of downtown Tanagura.

He entered the codes to access the guest wing, the door humming open with an eerie echo down the long hall. With ten suites and indoor/outdoor pools-not filled, currently-the guest wing was a palace in its own right, one that had been designed to woo dignitaries, ambassadors and other VIPs of interest to the Syndicate. It was perhaps a shame he did not use it, especially now, when Iason no longer cared what happened between Anori and Raoul. But more than this, the Blondie knew that his home life had become so deviant, he was reluctant to give outsiders access to it. Especially since he acquired Riki, he had become more private, intensely so, finding he did not care for the company of the Elite as much as his own beloved pet.

Iason opened the first suite on the right, leading Enyu inside. The Xeronian entered, eyes widening as he took in the luxurious accommodations-silken sheets on an immense bed, a miniature bar and kitchenette, a holographic projector, a furnished living area and private bath. All just for him?

"The kitchenette has not been used in years, so if you want food or drink, you'll need to bring it from the main kitchen. The bar should be fully stocked, but you are limited to one drink a day, after 10:00, always. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Master Iason."

The Blondie looked at him for a moment, his unusual attire attracting his attention. The Xeronian wore a long, flowing robe of a shimmering, golden fabric that was belted at his narrow waist, almost in the style of the ancient Amoians.

"I'll have a tailor sent for you tomorrow to draw up your wardrobe," he said.

"Would you like me to undress now?" Enyu asked, boldly.

A little taken aback at this, Iason paused before replying, looking directly into the young pet's light green eyes, which in the subdued lighting of the suite had a feline quality, elliptical pupils dilating slightly.

"I meant, would you like to examine me for flaws?"

The Blondie was tempted. He was quite curious to see the beautiful Xeronian in his natural state, although he knew Riki would be furious if he discovered them. However, it was standard protocol to inspect a new pet; there was nothing odd in Enyu's suggesting it. Closing the door as a precaution, he nodded.

"Proceed."

Smiling slightly, Enyu slowly untied his belt, his robe opening and then, with a shrug of his shoulders, sliding to the floor.

Iason's lips parted as he took in the handsome form of his new pet. He was long-limbed and sleek, with a decidedly sensual quality, and looked to be extraordinary fit, his abdomen and pelvic region enticingly carved with tiny hollows. His upper body was perfectly sculpted-not bulky or overly muscular, but the Blondie's eyes were drawn to his genitals, where an unmistakable erection was in progress. It pleased him that the pet became aroused simply by his scrutiny.

"Turn around," he whispered.

Enyu did so, offering a view even more appealing to the now aroused Blondie. The pet's substantial, smooth buttocks begged to be fondled and spread. Iason suddenly had a powerful desire to take the lovely Xeronian, plundering him with his own now fully ready erection.

As if cognizant of his thoughts, Enyu spread his legs and bent forward, resting his torso on the back of a chair to offer his master a better view of his charms.

It was too much. Iason strode forward, and with both hands spread him further apart, pushing him forward to get a closer look at the enticingly small portal. Then, with a single finger, he explored his new pet, penetrating him gently. He could barely get his finger in, the pet was so tight. Iason closed his eyes, imagining how good it would feel to be inside this new pet, whose flirtatious, seductive manner decidedly fueled his lust. Enyu did not move, but seemed to welcome his attentions, gasping softly. He felt his Blondie master shudder, then remove his finger. Smiling, Enyu waited to be ravished. He knew the Blondie's enormous size would make it painful, but he didn't care, marveling over how quickly he had seduced the great Iason Mink.

With shaking fingers, Iason unfastened his trousers. He hardly knew what he was doing, only that he desperately wanted to copulate with this intriguing new pet. He pressed himself up against Enyu's portal, then hesitated.

What about Riki? Wasn't Riki waiting for him, eager for a night of lovemaking? Was he really going to spend himself now, with a pet whose only really claim on him was his novelty? Surely, he would rather see Riki in this same position, bent over so invitingly. Although…Riki had been through too much trauma to be penetrated yet tonight. Iason would have to be satisfied with the mongrel's considerable lingual skills.

Enyu, sensing that his master hesitated, bent forward and spread his legs a little wider, rocking up on his toes and arching his back erotically, hoping to persuade him to proceed by offering a more inviting view.

Biting his lip after issuing a breathy moan, Iason bumped up against Enyu, gently, tantalizingly, torn between wanting to plunge into what promised to be an exquisitely tight fuck, and saving himself for the one he truly loved, his Riki.

And then, he began to berate himself. What was he doing here with this new pet who meant absolutely nothing to him? It was not like him to be so easily distracted.

Once he clarified the choice in his mind, his decision was easy. Enyu was tempting…but not tempting enough. If it was a choice between Enyu and Riki, the mongrel would win every time. Jupiter's gift couldn't come between him and his pet. Not five hours before, they had confessed their love for one another. He wasn't about to ruin that with misdirected lust.

Iason abruptly backed away, fastening his trousers. "Get dressed," he said, sternly, almost angrily.

At the door he stopped, looking back at the clearly disappointed and confused Enyu. "Speak of this to no one."

"Yes, Master Iason," Enyu replied, with a slight bow.

Iason left the suite, his emotions confused. It was normal to be aroused by a pet, but why was he so attracted to Enyu? Was it because he was Xeronian? And why had Jupiter offered him as a gift? He couldn't understand his own passions, nor Jupiter's motives. There was no question that his heart belonged to Riki. No question that he would rather be with Riki than anyone else in the world. So why had he been so tempted-almost to the point of hurling his household into chaos? If Riki knew what had almost happened….

Iason smiled. He could just see Riki's tantrum now. Perhaps that was what Jupiter had in mind, pitting the two pets against each other in competition for his affections. Jupiter no doubt hoped he would tire of Riki's disobedience and sell him to a brothel; she had made no secret of her disapproval-perhaps even jealousy-of his mongrel pet. Could it be she was willing to temporarily relax her prohibitions against coitus with a pet in return for his giving up Riki? Or, worse, perhaps she was testing him, sending Enyu to deliberately seduce him in order to see if he would violate her prohibition.

He knew he could not keep Enyu. Although he could not get rid of him immediately after acquiring him, somehow he would have to think of a way to remove him from his household. Perhaps he would need to set him up in another suite. Something would have to be done. The Xeronian was far too tempting, and Iason knew that meant nothing but trouble.

His worries were swept away when he saw Riki lying on his bed, legs spread, stroking a throbbing erection.

"Where were you?" he demanded. "I'm about ready to come."

Ignoring his question, Iason got undressed. "What would you like, my pet?"

"Lie facedown and spread your legs," came the immediate reply.

Smiling, Iason obeyed, enjoying the warmth of the sheets where his pet had just been.

"Is this oil?" Riki asked, holding up a vial that was among the first aid supplies.

"Yes."

"Awesome." Now Riki poured the oil on himself and then groaned, stopping, his oiled hand held mid-air. "Fuck." He was so aroused he was about ready to ejaculate, the lubrication of the oil pushing him even closer to the edge. For a moment he simply waited in agony, trying to get control of his arousal. He was frozen, like a statue, afraid to move or breathe.

Iason couldn't help but laugh softly at his pet's plight.

"It's not fucking funny!" Riki cried, annoyed.

"I am sorry, my love," Iason replied. "I didn't mean to hurt your mongrel pride."

"I suppose you Blondies never have this problem," Riki growled. "Everything you do is so fucking perfect."

"Not so," the Blondie replied, softly.

"Oh yeah? Have you ever ejaculated before you meant to?"

"Oh yes. With you, in fact. It is nothing…to be ashamed of."

The conversation had helped Riki to regain control, and now he pressed himself up to Iason's entrance, sliding in quickly with an almost anguished groan.

"Fucking Jupiter," he breathed. He lay on top of the Blondie as he thrust into him, moaning with every movement. He felt like he was in pain, trying to keep from releasing.

He wasn't going to last. For once, Riki wished he could really give Iason a good fucking without having to worry about coming too soon.

"Iason," he gasped, "will you let me fuck you again later?"

"Yes, my love."

Excited by this promise, Riki abandoned all restraint and plunged into the Blondie with enthusiasm. Iason began his exquisite squeezing and twitching against him, coaxing him easily to orgasm, Riki's hot semen pumping hypnotically into his master's tight passage.

Iason only allowed his pet a few minutes to rest before he insisted on being pleasured. He was so aroused his hands trembled as he held his hardened cock up against the mongrel's lips.

"You're ready, too," Riki noted, smiling, flicking a tongue across the Blondie's already wet head as he slid a hand around the engorged shaft.

"Yes," Iason conceded, anxiously playing with the mongrel's dark hair. He found that he felt a little guilty that part of his arousal had been garnered elsewhere. It was absurd for a Blondie master to feel guilt towards a pet, and yet his feelings for Riki had always exceeded the expected.

Riki took him into his mouth, gently sucking, as his tongue slid expertly around the head in slow, sensual circles.

Iason closed his eyes, his lips parting with a soft moan. Suddenly, he longed for something a little more intense. Grabbing hold of Riki's head, he slid completely into the mongrel's mouth, then began thrusting, slowly at first, then faster, until finally he was fucking him pretty hard. Riki relaxed his throat and allowed Iason to do as he wished, feeling a little surprised with his master's violent acquisition, since his master usually preferred something a little more gentle and slow.

Groaning and gasping now with each thrust, Iason closed his eyes and threw back his head as he finally climaxed in his pet's mouth, a release so deliciously sweet that he shivered, tiny post-coital shudders of pleasure continuing down his back for some time afterwards.

He looked down at Riki, who watched him with shining eyes. "I guess you enjoyed that."

"It was…perfect."

"Come here," Riki commanded, holding his arms out to him.

The Blondie eased down onto the bed and took Riki into his arms, and for a long time they simply lay together thus.

"Iason?" Riki finally asked.

"Yes?"

"Are you attracted to Enyu?"

Iason sighed, wishing his pet had not asked him. He did not want to lie to Riki, but he knew his answer would hurt him. "It is nothing worth speaking of," he said evasively.

"I guess that's a yes, then," Riki sulked.

The Blondie smiled, stroking his face gently. "You're the one I love," he reminded him with a soft whisper.

"If you love me, then get rid of him."

"It's not so easy. He's a gift, from Jupiter."

"That's all the more reason. I don't trust Jupiter."

Iason considered this for a moment, privately agreeing with his pet's proffered analysis.

"Are you going to fuck him?" Riki demanded.

"That's none of your concern."

"You are! You fucking are!" Riki bolted upright, furious, then began pounding Iason's chest with his fists.

Iason easily restrained him by grabbing hold of his wrists. "Calm down, Riki," he said, sharply.

"You lied to me. You said you loved me." Dark eyes glared at him accusingly. "Why did I believe you?"

"I do love you," the Blondie replied, then laughed softly. "Are you really so jealous, Riki?"

"Yes, I'm fucking jealous." Riki fell back down onto his back, stiffly and dramatically, sighing loudly. "This has been the worst fucking day of my life."

Smiling, Iason rolled over onto his side, kissing Riki's face and throat as he ran a hand down his body and between his legs. "What about now?"

"Keep going," the mongrel whispered, closing his eyes.

The Blondie nuzzled against his cheek, then kissed him, slowly, languidly, tongue swirling in his pet's mouth, a long, deliciously sensuous kiss that stirred deeper chords of passion within both master and pet.

"Now?" Iason kissed his throat provocatively, moving down to his nipple where he sucked and nibbled almost roughly, eliciting gasps of pleasure from the now squirming mongrel.

"Yeah…keep…going."

Suddenly Iason was overcome with lust. He got up on his knees, raking his hands up and down his pet's body wildly, his eyes smoldering with desire. Riki responded to this with a moan and a jerking erection, his whole body twitching when the Blondie began working him with his hand.

"Take me in your mouth," he pleaded, groaning when he felt the hot wetness of his master's mouth enveloping him, his tongue wiggling provocatively against him.

"Ohhh," Riki breathed, fingers playing with the Blondie's soft hair. "That's…so good."

Now the mongrel got up on his elbows to watch his master pleasure him, smiling at the sight of the beautiful Blondie between his legs. But he wasn't about to forget Iason's offer.

"That's enough," he ordered. "Now, get on your hands and knees."

Smiling at his pet's commands, Iason obeyed, presenting himself.

"Spread your knees wider," Riki whispered. "And put your head down on the bed."

The Blondie did so, giving his pet a view so tantalizing it made his stomach clench. Retrieving the vial, Riki lubricated himself again, this time able to enjoy this simple act without danger of premature release.

"Ahhh," he moaned, stroking himself for a moment, the delicate, distinctive sound of his lubricated organ sliding in his hand an independent source of arousal to master and pet alike, reminiscent of Riki's early days as Iason's pet, when he had performed for his master by masturbating on demand. Shivering, he guided his ready member up to the waiting entrance and then sunk into its depths, groaning from the Blondie's grip around his engorged organ. Pulling out slowly, he slid in again, testing his volatility. His confidence established, the mongrel commenced with a good, hard fucking, something he had always wanted to do with Iason, nails digging slightly into the Blondie's flesh as he pulled back on his hips violently, the loud slap of his pelvis against Iason's buttocks verifying the intensity of his thrusts.

Iason was beside himself with lust, fully enjoying his pet's enthusiasm, savoring the feeling of being exposed and plundered as well as the sounds of Riki's pleasure. His passion was spiraling out of control and he began to crave a good, hard conquest of his own, the feel of Riki's tight grip when taken violently. Without success, he tried to redirect his thoughts to other images; Riki would certainly be too sore to be taken tonight.

When Riki finally reached his peak, his sex cries exploding into the quiet house, it was all Iason could do to keep from leaping up immediately. He rose up, slowly, and when he turned and Riki saw the look on his face, he was startled; he knew exactly what that look meant.

"Riki," Iason breathed, urgently pushing him facedown on the bed. "I want you."

Surprised, Riki did not resist, although when the Blondie lay on top of him and spread his legs apart forcefully with his knees, he instinctively struggled, remembering how roughly Raoul had used him and anticipating the residual soreness.

Iason shushed him, placing a hand over his mouth. "Forgive me, pet," he whispered, then proceeded to take Riki far more violently than he should have.

Riki cried out, confused and hurt by his master's actions. Iason was simply too aroused to give much thought to what he was doing. He was literally shaking. He relished his pet's hot, strangely lubricated fit, and thrust into him urgently, almost angrily. He felt as though he couldn't get enough of him, and he began moaning and murmuring excitedly to Riki, who was trembling beneath his formidable weight. Iason spread his cheeks apart for deeper penetration, grunting now with each thrust in a way that the mongrel had never heard him do before.

Then, a pathetic whimper escaped the mongrel's lips, the sound somehow piercing into Iason's rational mind, forcing his attention. He was hurting Riki, his beloved pet who had already been through torture at the hands of Raoul.

The Blondie withdrew suddenly, pumping himself vigorously to release his lust on the mongrel's punished backside. As his semen sprayed across Riki's bottom and lower back, Iason stared at his bruises and lashmarks, mortified that he had been so rough with him, so soon after his trauma. And then he looked at his own organ and saw that it was streaked with the blood of his pet. He looked at his hand…more blood.

"What have I done?" he said aloud, falling onto the bed and rolling Riki on top of him to hold him close. His pet was trembling in his arms. "I've hurt you. I'm…so sorry, love."

Although Riki had been hurt, he was surprised that Iason had pulled out in the end, and now his master seemed so remorseful, hugging him close, his hands shaking as he stroked his hair. He sighed, closing his eyes.

"Forgive me," the Blondie repeated. "I don't know what I was thinking."

"It's okay," the mongrel replied. "I know what it's like to really wanna fuck someone without thinking about what you're doing."

"Is that so?" Iason said, with mock sternness, relieved at how quickly Riki seemed to recover. "And who…would that have been?"

"You think I'd be stupid enough to tell you that?"

Iason smiled. "Suppose I force you to tell me with a good hard spanking?"

"You're just trying to intimidate me into telling you, when we both know you won't do it."

"I wouldn't be so sure of yourself, pet. Perhaps I'll just wait a few days to spank you. You already have one spanking in the bank-don't think I've forgotten."

"Oh yeah?" Riki smiled, nuzzling against Iason's chest. This was the Iason he knew, the master that would never hurt him-unless, of course, he was punishing him, in which case the Blondie knew exactly how to make him beg for mercy.

"Do you forgive me?" Iason whispered in his ear.

"Yes, Iason." Now Riki smiled mischievously, "As long as you let me fuck you again tomorrow."

Iason laughed softly. "I'll do better than that, pet. You've been through pure hell today. You can do with me what you will for the next seven days."

"Seven days?" Riki cried, nearly ecstatic at the thought. "Whatever I want, for seven days?"

"Yes."

"And will you promise me I won't be punished for seven days?"

"No, pet."

"Iason!" Riki pounded his chest with mock anger and the Blondie laughed, delighted with his pet's playfulness.

The phone was ringing.

"Katze!" Riki predicted.

Iason got up and answered it quickly, nodding at Riki to let him know his guess was correct.

"How is he?"

"Not good." Katze spoke grimly. He was tired, stressed from hours of worrying.

"What did they say?"

"He has internal injuries. They had to take him into surgery. He's…lost a kidney."

"He can function with one kidney," Iason said, reassuringly.

"The other one was damaged, too."

Iason paused, digesting this information. "Anything else?"

"Three broken ribs, lots of bruising, internal bleeding…that's mostly it. They're…making me leave now."

"Katze. I need you to come here. I need you to take over Daryl's duties while he's hospitalized."

Surprised, Katze hesitated for a moment. "What about my work?"

"Don't worry about it. I need you here."

"Sure." Iason heard the sound of a lighter and then Katze's distinctive, deep inhalation as the auburn-haired youth lit up a smoke.

"Jupiter's sent me a gift-a pet. From Xeron. I need you to help me with him."

"Xeronian, huh?" Katze's interest was piqued, though only mildly. Any other day this would have intrigued him to no end-but not today. "Bet he's gorgeous."

Iason avoided affirming or denying this with an evasive reply. "He seems…unpredictable somehow. I can't put my finger on it exactly. I don't want…any trouble."

Katze could only guess what the Blondie meant by "any trouble." But something in Iason's voice told him that he was disturbed by the Xeronian pet. After hanging up, he went back to Daryl's room one last time. He was no longer allowed to enter and so just stood, staring through the window at his lover who was now completely sedated. He hated leaving, deplored the thought of Daryl waking up in the middle of the night, frightened and alone.

"You can't smoke in here," one of the nurses yelled, practically jumping over the medical station to get at him, as though he was holding a bomb.

"Sorry." Katze tossed the butt to the ground and stamped it out, then turned to leave. So. He was going back to the penthouse tonight, to resume his old duties. It had been…a long time. Somehow, the thought of being near Iason and Riki, and in Daryl's home, was comforting to him.

* * *

Riki woke to the comforting smells of breakfast cooking and the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee.

"Mmmm…I'm starving," he mumbled. He looked over at Iason, who was still sound asleep, marveling over how beautiful the Blondie looked while sleeping. Mischievously, he pulled the covers from him so he could get a look at his handsome body. Seven days of fucking paradise…literally. Riki was beside himself with excitement, almost completely forgetting about the trauma of the day before. Iason had given him another Opiate-6 before bed, and he was feeling good.

Iason opened his eyes, squinting from the light. He realized that he was lying completely exposed and that his pet was ogling him. Smiling, he pulled Riki close to him. "Morning, love," he whispered, his voice raspy from sleep.

"I hope you don't want sex," Riki announced. "Because I want breakfast."

"If I want sex, we're having sex," Iason replied. "In fact, we might have it now just because of that remark."

"You'll have to catch me first!" Jumping up from his bed, his pet ran naked out of the bedroom into the great hall.

"Riki!" Iason scolded, but unable to suppress a smile. "Put some clothes on this instant!"

"I thought you liked me naked," came the mongrel's saucy reply. "Anyway I thought we were having sex."

Giggling, Riki proceeded to streak around the hall, suddenly skidding to a halt when he saw Enyu. The Xeronian was watching him from the corner of the room where he had quietly found a seat, interested in Riki's exhibition. He was rather alarmed at the sight of the mongrel's backside-the pet was blackened with bruises on this buttocks and thighs, his back showed whip marks, and he appeared to have been burned-the initials R.A. were clearly branded onto his skin. Were those Riki's initials? Despite the mongrel's compromised state, he seemed to be in remarkably good spirits.

It was clear to Enyu that the pet had spent the night with his master; he had heard the sounds of their sex not long after Iason had left his suite, which had excited him beyond containment. He had crept from his suite to stand outside their door, stroking himself, wishing for a glimpse of their copulation but finding the sounds of their pleasure stimulating enough to bring him quickly to orgasm. Now he knew the rumors were true; and neither Riki nor Iason seemed to make a secret of their illicit union.

Iason emerged from the bedroom wearing only a pair of flowing silk trousers. The sight of the beautiful Blondie so scantily clad, his muscles rippling beneath his soft blonde hair, excited Enyu. He was reaching his interval, which meant that he was now easily aroused. He had masturbated twice that morning already, and now he longed to fondle himself again, but dared not-not without Iason's consent. He might have to retreat to his room once again. By his reckoning, the new moon was in two days. And then-only chains could keep him from copulating whenever and wherever he wanted. Even if his hands were restrained, he would still ejaculate. It was impossible to stop. And then…the reluctant Blondie would be unable to resist him. Enyu smiled.

Riki, thinking the smile was directed at him, scowled. "What are you smiling at?" he demanded, hands on hips.

Katze emerged from the kitchen, and seeing Riki, completely naked, legs apart in a defensive stance, his penis shy and drooping, burst out laughing. It was the first time he had laughed in awhile-and it felt good. Riki, finding Katze's laughter infectious, began laughing, too, thrusting his pelvis disrespectfully toward Enyu, as though celebrating his inappropriate nakedness. Suddenly he stopped, moving a little closer and bending to look in his face.

"What the-what the fuck is wrong with your eyes?"

"I'm Xeronian."

"You look like a freaking cat!"

Iason came up behind Riki and gave him a slight little spank, barely smacking him but making the punished mongrel wince. "Get dressed," he ordered, his voice now firm and uncompromising.

Riki obeyed, stomping off grumpily.

The Blondie nodded at Enyu, but to the Xeronian's disappointment, quickly turned away.

"You cleaned up," Iason noted, grateful to Katze for taking care of the mess in the great hall.

Katze nodded. It had been difficult wiping up the blood where Daryl had lain, but he couldn't stand the sight of it, and the stench of Riki's urine all over the floor was nothing short of revolting. He had slept in Daryl's room, feeling some comfort just lying in his lover's bed, but it had hurt, too. He was beside himself with worry over Daryl and anxious to visit the hospital; but would Iason allow him to go? Unable to sleep, he had risen early and cooked an enormous breakfast-eggs, bacon, pancakes, krevlians, biscuits, sausage, yuntungs, sweet rolls, and of course, coffee.

Katze's breakfast turned out to be just what everyone needed. Riki, as usual, was ravenous, and Iason found that he was unusually hungry. Enyu was also drawn to the table, his metabolism revved up for his interval, which gave him a nearly insatiable appetite.

"Sit down, Katze," Iason said, motioning to a chair, after the auburn-haired youth had served them.

Thus commenced the first breakfast among the odd crew-a mongrel pet and a Xeronian, the leader of the black market underground, recently resuming Furniture duties, and the head of the Syndicate, Iason Mink.

"This is fucking brilliant, Katze," Riki proclaimed.

"Don't talk with food in your mouth, Riki," Iason scolded.

Enyu smiled slightly at this reprimand, a movement that immediately caught Riki's attention.

"What the fuck are you smiling at?"

Enyu wisely choose not to answer.

"Hey! I'm talking to you, cat-boy!" The mongrel pointed his fork at Enyu.

Iason grabbed his hand, slamming it down to the table, then bent to whisper in his ear. "That's enough. Understood?"

Sulking, Riki shot Enyu a black look, infuriated when the Xeronian gazed back at him with unveiled disdain.

"But…he's looking at me…that way," Riki whispered.

As soon as Iason looked at Enyu, the youth's face was all innocence, eyes wide.

The Blondie gave his mongrel pet a warning glance and resumed eating. As soon as Iason looked away, Enyu wrinkled his nose at Riki, delighted with how easily he became flustered. He had given up on his plan to win the mongrel over; teasing him was much more entertaining.

"Look at him now!" Riki yelled, punching Iason in the arm and causing him to drop his utensil.

"Riki!" Iason bellowed, rising up and yanking him to his feet.

"But he-"

"Hush!" Annoyed, Iason dragged him off to this bedroom, closing the door behind them.

Katze and Enyu listened, hoping to hear what was going on.

Now Katze considered the Xeronian pet before him, wondering what had just happened. He had been far too engrossed in his worries about Daryl to notice whatever had gone on between the two pets. There was no question the Xeronian was attractive. But there was something about this Enyu he didn't like, and he suspected the youth had deliberately provoked Riki.

Enyu refused to make eye contact with him. He was, in fact, quite uncomfortable with an attendant eating at the table with him and wondered why Iason allowed it. The Blondie was quite unorthodox in many ways, it seemed. He sensed the Furniture wanted to make conversation with him and he hoped to discourage him by ignoring him and sending out negative, repelling energy.

Inside Iason's bedroom, Riki was pleading his case to his irritated master, who was trying to decide what to do with his unruly charge. He needed a spanking, at least to curb his behavior from the start, if they were all going to survive in the penthouse together. But he knew Riki was too bruised to tolerate much discipline. Compromising, he held Riki standing, arms pinned to his back, pants up, administering a series of hard spanks to his sore bottom, just enough of a spanking to elicit yelps of misery. Riki thrust his pelvis forward, moving up onto his toes in a futile attempt to escape his master's arm. It was hardly his most brutal spanking, but to the mongrel's punished flesh, it was almost as effective.

Wailing, Riki struggled in the Blondie's grip, the injustice of his punishment nearly as upsetting to him as the pain. He hated Enyu. And the thought that Enyu could hear him being punished filled him with rage. No doubt the Xeronian delighted in his misery. One thing Riki knew…he would get even.

His punishment doled out, Iason released Riki's arms, bending down to shake him. "Now you mind me, Riki. I mean it. Next time I'll put you over my knee, bruises or no," Iason warned.

Riki made no reply, furious at being treated once again like a child, and determined to get his revenge, even if it meant more punishment.

Enyu did indeed relish the sounds of his rival pet's cries, and was unable to suppress a triumphant smile from creeping onto his lips.

"I wouldn't be too overjoyed, if I were you," Katze advised. "Master Iason won't hesitate to do the same to you, if you give him cause."

"I don't know what you mean. Why would I give my master any cause to punish me? I'm not an uncouth mongrel like Riki."

"No," Katze said, thoughtfully. "You're not."

The bedroom door hummed open and Iason returned to the table, eyes averted. Riki was some time in coming, feeling too humiliated to join them right away, but at the same time jealous of any interaction that might be going on between Enyu and his master. Finally Iason solved his dilemma for him by demanding that he return to the table and finish his breakfast.

Eyes down, Riki slunk to the table, wincing as he sat down. He was so shamed from his discipline in front of Enyu, he feared he might cry. Mortified, he stared at his plate, trying to regain control of his volatile emotions. He became aware that Iason had poured him some juice. When Riki continued to sit, motionless, Iason took hold of his hands, guiding him to his utensils. Then the Blondie bent over and whispered softly in his ear, "Be a good pet. Finish your breakfast. Remember what I promised you tonight." Under the table, Iason surreptitiously slid a hand across his thigh, caressing him suggestively.

Smiling, Riki resumed eating.

Enyu watched this exchange jealously. Riki's punishment hadn't changed the intimacy between the Blondie and the mongrel, which was a source of great mystification to him. If anything it seemed to have added a new dynamic to their relationship that day; he couldn't put his finger on it, but there was something almost erotic about what he had just witnessed-the master carting off his pet for punishment behind closed doors and then both of them returning to the table, pet sulking while his master fussed over him, then Iason whispering something pleasing enough to his pet to elicit a smile. It was almost…a game of some sort, and while Enyu was jealous, he was also intrigued. And now…aroused.

"Master Iason," Enyu said, softly.

"Yes?" The Blondie did not look at him, but continued eating.

"May I please go to my room?"

Enyu was desperate to relieve himself; the sight of Iason's bare chest beneath the Blondie's long hair was simply too much.

"You may." Again, no eye contact.

"His room? What does he mean, his room?" Riki demanded.

"I put him in the guest wing."

"What! You opened the guest wing!" Now Riki leapt to his feet, excited to finally see the mysterious "guest wing" that had remained off limits since his arrival at the penthouse. The mongrel had tormented many a housekeeper in his fruitless attempts to gain access.

"Sit down," Iason said sternly.

"But I'm finished!"

"Riki," the Blondie warned.

Reluctantly, his pet sat down again, then began stuffing his face to clear his plate.

"Stop eating like an animal," Iason chided.

Enyu rose and tried to leave the table unnoticed, hoping his immense erection would escape scrutiny.

No such luck.

Riki laughed, pointing. "Look at cat-boy's hard-on!"

Everyone looked, much to Enyu's mortification. He lowered his head. "I am sorry, Master Iason. I'm close to my interval."

"When does it begin?" Iason asked, trying to keep his composure, although the sight of his new pet's arousal sent a surge of carnal agitation to his loins.

"The new moon. Two days."

"What the fuck are you talking about?" Riki giggled.

"Enyu is Xeronian. They have a five-day rutting period."

"Interval," Enyu corrected softly.

Iason shot him a withering look, not caring to be corrected by his new pet. "What's that?" he said sharply.

"We call it an interval, Master Iason. Forgive me, I spoke out of turn."

Riki was beside himself with mirth at this discovery, laughing so hard he fell off his chair to the floor. "He ruts! Oh fuck! I'm gonna die! Cat-boy's going into heat!"

Even Katze, who had been rather somber and withdrawn during breakfast, managed a smile.

"Riki," Iason sighed.

Wiping tears from his eyes, Riki continued to suppress giggles that exploded from him despite his best efforts to regain his composure. "So he's off to his room to jerk off."

"Is that so?" Iason demanded.

"With your permission, Master Iason."

"You didn't ask his permission to jerk off before," Riki pointed out helpfully.

Now Enyu gritted his teeth and closed his eyes, feeling uncomfortably close to release.

"Oh god! He's gonna spill right here! He's gonna stain his pretty dress!"

Iason's eyes were drawn to Enyu's bulge, which was most definitely moving.

"May I go?" Enyu pleaded.

"Make him jerk off in front of us!" Riki suggested, excited. "That's what you made ME do. Make cat-boy masturbate!"

Heart pounding faster, Iason leaned over and whispered into Riki's ear. "Do you really want to see that?"

"Yeah," Riki whispered, delighting in the thought of the new pet being humiliated, the possibility that Enyu might enjoy providing such an exhibition never occurring to him.

The Blondie slid his hand between his legs, caressing him, then turned to look at Enyu.

"You'll relieve yourself here. Disrobe."

"As you wish, Master Iason," Enyu said, bowing to hide his smile, thrilled to have the opportunity to arouse his new master, although not particularly pleased to have the mongrel or the strange Furniture in the audience.

"Excuse me," Katze said, rising to clear the table. Had it been any other time, he would have enjoyed watching the Xeronian. But he couldn't now. It didn't seem right. Not without Daryl. Iason did not even acknowledge his departure, his eyes now locked on the young pet.

Enyu untied his robe and let it slide from his body. The sight of his beautiful masculine lines elicited admiration from both master and pet, though rather reluctantly from Riki. With deliberate provocation, Enyu widened his stance, grasping his immense erection in his hands and thrusting into it suggestively, then pleasuring himself with long, sensual strokes, increasing in speed until he began pumping himself with unmistakable intent. With a seductive gaze, he directed his every move at the beautiful Blondie, who appeared to watch him impassively, his face expressionless.

In fact, Iason was tremendously aroused by Enyu, particularly his suggestive thrusting, and the smoldering lust in his eyes. He spread his legs apart, wanting to adjust himself but not wanting Riki to notice. Finally he could not resist, moving a hand to his developing erection.

The mongrel, in fact, was entranced with Enyu's performance, becoming aroused as well, without wanting to. Iason's hand movement immediately caught his attention, and he watched jealousy as his master began stroking himself.

This wasn't turning out as Riki had planned. Enyu didn't seem humiliated…and Iason was most definitely aroused. And now he was aroused, too…by stupid cat-boy.

Enyu closed his eyes and threw back his head, moaning, now pumping himself without restraint.

Riki hated that Iason seemed mesmerized by Enyu's performance, hated the way his thumb brushed across his silk pants as he fondled himself. There was only one thing he could to get his attention. He scooted closer to his master and nuzzled up against him possessively.

Iason smiled down at his pet, amused by his obvious ploy to garner his attention. "What is it, pet? Are you jealous now?"

Riki's reply was to slide his hand down Iason's trousers.

Surprised, Iason moaned, thrilled when his pet began stroking him. "Good boy," he whispered in his ear. "I like that. You're such a good pet." Now distracted from Enyu, Iason began kissing Riki's throat.

The sight of master and pet loving one another sent Enyu over the edge. Through gritted teeth he groaned, sending semen shooting across the table. Iason did not even notice.

The Blondie suddenly pulled Riki onto his lap, kissing him furiously. "Riki," he moaned between kisses. "I love you so much."

"I…love you, too," Riki answered, cut off by Iason's passionate kisses, his tongue demanding entrance.

"Ohhh," Iason breathed brokenly, "I want you so terribly."

"Take me."

"But you…you'll be sore."

"Take me anyway."

Not needing further invitation, Iason stood up, carrying Riki to his bedroom. The mongrel wrapped his legs around his master's waist and looked over the Blondie's shoulder at Enyu, who regarded their departure with obvious disappointment. Smiling triumphantly at the Xeronian, Riki began nibbling Iason's throat, inciting the Blondie to pick up his pace.

Enyu was…angry. He had given a delicious performance-he was sure of it. But then Riki had to crawl on master's lap and ruin everything. Iason had not even acknowledged him when leaving the room. All he cared about was that stupid mongrel. He'd even told him he loved him, then started kissing him as if Enyu wasn't even there. As the master bedroom door hummed closed, Enyu released some of his pent up frustration by slamming his fist down on the table.

"You'll never come between them." Enyu turned to see Katze regarding him with obvious contempt. He was leaning back against the wall, arms crossed on his chest.

"Are you addressing me, Furniture? It's SIR Enyu."

"The name's Katze. Why don't you get off your high horse?"

"How dare you speak to me that way. I'll have master beat you."

"Go ahead. Tell Master Iason. But you'd better realize things in the household aren't like they are elsewhere. He's likely to pull out his taming stick and give you a few hard whacks just for wasting his time with your pet nonsense. Iason isn't like other masters."

"So it appears," Enyu sniffed. "Just as Jupiter said."

"What's that?" Now Katze uncrossed his arms, walking toward him. "What did Jupiter say?"

Enyu turned his head, silent.

"I see. Listen up, cat-boy. I don't know what Jupiter had in mind sending you here, but I'm watching you. If you hurt Riki or Master Iason in any way, I'll fucking kill you. Got it?"

The Xeronian knelt to retrieve his robe, donning it with deliberate slowness as he feigned disinterest in the unveiled threat.

"And you can clean up your own smut juice," Katze said, throwing a rag onto the table. "I'm just here on temporary duty. In the future, I'd advise you know who you're talking to before you start doling out insults."

With that Katze turned on his heel and went out to the balcony to smoke.

Enyu stared after him with pure hatred, then looked at the rag, uncertain. Did the Furniture seriously expect him to clean up after himself? He had said he was here… temporarily. Then where was his regular attendant? Enyu stared at the rag for some moments, debating. Surely the Funiture would be punished for failing to do his duty…wouldn't he? But…what would his master do when he saw the mess hadn't been cleaned up? And why…had there been urine-and blood-on the floor the previous night? Had the Blondie beat his pet for making a mess?

Deciding to play it safe, Enyu wiped up his essence and then retreated to his room to brood.

As soon as Iason got Riki inside his bedroom, he lay him down on the bed, kissing him hungrily. He rolled onto his back, pulling his pet onto his tummy, and running his hands gently down his back.

Riki winced.

"I'm sorry, love."

The mongrel shook his head, as if dismissing his pain.

"I'll get you another Opiate-6," Iason promised.

"Okay," his pet agreed quickly, smiling.

Iason tugged at his pants. "Take these off-no, everything."

Riki obeyed, scowling a little as he pulled off his shirt. He removed his pants, then slid on top of Iason when the Blondie held out his hands to him.

"That's good," Iason whispered, enjoying the warmth of his pet on his own bare chest.

"You look so sexy with just these pants on," Riki said, grinning.

"Come here," the Blondie answered, pulling him close and devouring him with a long, exquisitely passionate kiss. He rolled Riki onto his back while continuing to kiss him. Then he stopped and looked down at him. "Riki. I want to tell you something."

"What is it?" his pet said, solemnly. His master had never spoken to him in such a manner before.

"Last night…I was tempted to take Enyu. But I thought of you and…I didn't. The reason I didn't was because I love you. And I didn't want to hurt you."

Hurt and jealous from this revelation, Riki choked back tears that stung his eyes. "I knew it," he whispered.

"Oh pet. Don't be hurt. It is nothing but…a purely physical phenomenon. My heart belongs to you." The Blondie stroked his cheek lovingly.

"Are you…going to take him?" The mongrel stared up at him, eyes wide and brimming with tears.

"No, love," Iason promised. "I will not. Not if it hurts you." Now he bent closer to nuzzle his cheek, and then whispered in his ear, "But I loved it when you wanted to watch him with me…and I loved…when you began touching me. I couldn't wait to get you in here."

Riki thought about this for a moment, feeling a little better about Iason's confession, although the Blondie had misunderstood his intentions in wanting Enyu to masturbate for them. Surely it was better that Iason had been honest with him. And, in his heart, Riki already knew that his master was attracted to his new pet. Iason began kissing his throat, and he closed his eyes, sighing.

Iason was now consumed with passion, moaning urgently as he covered Riki's flesh with tiny bites and kisses. He sucked on a nipple, eliciting a tortured gasp of pleasure, an erotic arching of his pet's back as he offered himself for more stimulation. After continuing for a few moments thus, Iason could wait no longer.

He rose up onto his knees, reaching over the bedside table for the vial of lubricating oil, then took Riki's hand with trembling fingers and poured a generous amount of oil in it.

Rising up onto one elbow, the mongrel dutifully prepared his master, his deliberately sensual touch bringing a smile to the Blondie's lips, who allowed him to stroke him for a few moments, shuddering.

"Lie back," he commanded.

Riki did so, and his master scooped up his legs in his arms, pushing them toward his shoulders to position him for entry. In an easy, experienced undulation, Iason penetrated, sliding uncompromisingly deep into his pet's snug passage. Riki whimpered, biting his lip.

"I'm sorry, love," Iason whispered, a shuddered breath escaping his lips. He tried to remain still for a moment to allow his pet some time to recover, but it was too hard to resist thrusting, and so he began his conquest, though with restrained, tentative movements.

"Go ahead," Riki reassured him, though he winced with every move.

"Riki." The Blondie whispered his name excitedly, urgently, feeling unable to restrain himself now that he had obtained his pet's blessing. Riki's legs brushed against his arms as he held himself up over the beautiful mongrel. Then, with a moan, the Blondie began an unfettered acquisition, plundering his pet without restraint, the hot, lubricated embrace offering deliciously sweet passage.

It was an incontrovertibly exquisite fuck.

Although Riki was in pain, he did not really mind, entranced with his master's obvious pleasure, Iason's expression intoxicatingly erotic, his eyes brimming with intense lust. The Blondie's soft hair brushed against his body as he took him, tickling him. And then, Riki saw a look he had been waiting for since he had first seen it elicited by Raoul-the curl of Iason's lip, an erotic sneer that ended with the Blondie biting his lip and closing his eyes.

Excited that he had finally produced "the look" he had sought for weeks, Riki felt a surge of blood rushing to his loins, his erection now throbbing and begging for attention. He began stroking himself, but was distracted when Iason suddenly withdrew, flipping him over onto his tummy and pulling his hips up and spreading his legs. Now on his knees, the Blondie pulled back on his hips as he gave him a hard fucking from behind, repositioned himself and his pet for the deepest penetration.

Riki gasped, now thoroughly enjoying being so forcibly taken by his Blondie master. He loved that, once Iason had obtained his acquiescence, he took him without hesitation or restraint, ignoring his whimpers and occasional cries. The mongrel found that he admired the Blondie for this; Iason was undeniably sexy when he was in full "master" guise and on such occasions Riki found that he enjoyed being "taken," perhaps even crying out a bit more than he really needed to.

Iason was beside himself with pleasure, his head thrown back, eyes closed, lips parted. Now he began vocalizing his thrusts with a series of erotic, urgent gasps and moans. "Yes," he whispered, pulling back firmly, almost angrily on his pet's hips to position him just where he wanted him. "Ohhh…Riki," breathed, excitedly then, with a groan, reached his peak, ejaculating so hard that he cried out, startling Riki, who listened to his sex song with delight.

The Blondie felt certain that he had just experienced the best orgasm of his life. He pushed his pet to the bed and withdrew slowly, then just lay on top of him for a moment. Although the pressure on his back was uncomfortable, Riki waited patiently, wanting Iason to enjoy every residual pleasure.

"Riki. That was…perfect." The Blondie rolled off him, onto his back. Riki moved onto his side, immediately stroking himself.

"I hope you're ready to be fucked, cause I want you now," Riki replied, with a saucy smile.

Iason smiled. "And what would you have me do, Master Riki?"

Thrilled with Iason's appellation, though he knew it was in jest, Riki leapt up onto his knees, then pointed to his erection. "Lube me up."

Smiling at the mongrel's choice of words, the Blondie retrieved the vial and lubricated him well. Riki enjoyed this so much he began thrusting into his hand, then realized he would quickly spill his seed if he continued down that path.

"Turn over. On your tummy," he commanded.

Iason obeyed, and Riki straddled him, pushing his legs together. With his fingers, he spread his cheeks apart to find his portal. Pressing his engorged cock up to the Blondie's beautiful buttocks, he prodded between his cheeks until he felt reception, then proceeded to enter, sliding in fully. The fit was so tight, so beautiful, that Riki held his breath, afraid he would release right away.

Beneath him, the Blondie smiled, knowing full well why his pet hesitated. One of the things he had always found endearing about Riki was how easily he became aroused and how quickly he reached completion. What Iason didn't know was that Riki had never exhibited this trait with anyone else but his beautiful Blondie master, who simply excited him beyond containment.

Now Riki began his hard-won fuck, relishing every thrust. Although his evening with Raoul had been nothing short of terrifying, Riki almost felt that it was worth it for seven days of fucking Iason. The Blondie felt so amazingly good. And then, when Iason began his special trick, squeezing and twitching him, his mongrel pet released a pathetic little whimper before ejaculating hard into the Blondie's passage, far sooner than he meant to.

Iason tried not to laugh, but he found Riki so adorable, it was hard to resist. Biting his lip, he rolled onto his back and smiled up at his pet, who looked as if he were in a daze.

"Was that good, my pet?"

"Yeah…but it was over…too fast."

"The day's not over yet."

"That's true." Riki smiled, then reached down to kiss him. "Will you get me an Opiate-6 now?"

"Yes, love."

The lovers got up then and dressed. Riki was ready first, and immediately headed out to the balcony for a smoke. He found Katze there, getting ready to light up, and they smiled knowingly at one another.

"Sounded fun," Katze remarked.

"It was." Riki offered him a Dark Baccalias, and Katze accepted, putting his own smoke back for later.

"Yeah?"

"I'll tell you about it sometime," Riki said, in a low voice.

Katze nodded, lighting up. Riki did the same, and for some moments they didn't speak, both of them thinking the same thing.

"Have you heard anything?"

"I called this morning. He's stable."

"That's good," Riki said, smiling. "Are you going to see him today?"

"Assuming Iason says yes."

"He will. I'd like to go, too…sometime, that is. I'm sure right now you're the only one Daryl really wants to see."

Katze nodded, smiling.

"It's fun having you here, anyway. Especially with cat-boy around."

Katze laughed. "I can't believe you wanted him to jerk off."

"Yeah, well." Riki took a long drag, looking down.

After a pause, Katze said, without looking at him, "Watch out for him, Riki."

"I know."

They smoked together in silence, and then Riki tossed his butt over the ledge. "Well, I'm off to check out cat-boy's room."

Katze gave him a half-hearted salute as a send off, winking.

Riki sauntered into the penthouse, immediately heading for the guest wing. He couldn't believe Iason had finally opened the wing, after two years of Riki's begging to see it. Why had the Blondie kept the wing sealed all that time? As he approached the wing and the door-for the first time-hummed open, Riki stopped in his tracks, stunned. How many rooms were there? The mongrel counted. Eleven. Eleven rooms he had never seen before! But the door at the end of the hall drew his attention; it seemed different than the others, larger, and as he approached it and it slid open, he could hardly believe his eyes.

An immense, curving swimming pool-empty, at present-in a room covered with skylights. Huge pots and planters littered the room, and Riki guessed they had once housed plants of various kinds. He looked down at the tile on the floor, which was exquisitely detailed and colorful. There was a glass door at one end of the long room, and Riki made for it, opening it to find it led to another balcony, much larger than the one off the great hall, and in it was a second pool. There were several large statues, and upon closer examination Riki realized they were fountains run dry.

The mongrel was excited by his discovery, although he was confused why Iason had not let him see the wing. It was just like the hidden observatory, kept from him for no apparent reason; how many secrets were still undiscovered in Iason's penthouse? Perhaps his master had worried that Riki would pester him to fill the pools-which he certainly now intended to do.

Riki went back inside to the corridor, determined to find Enyu's room. As it happened, the Xeronian was just coming out of his room when Riki approached.

Without ceremony, the mongrel entered Enyu's suite, brushing past him without a word.

"What are you doing?" Enyu demanded.

Riki stopped cold when he saw the pet's accommodations. "What the fuck?" he cried, eyeing the kitchenette, bar and private bathroom jealously, his eyes next resting on the holographic projector.

"Get out of my room."

The mongrel ignored him, flipping on the projector, a life-size holographic image of two pets copulating suddenly appearing before him. He put his hand into the projection to distort the image. "Not fair," he said, softly, hurt that Iason would have given this new pet such luxurious accommodations. As he recollected Iason's confession about wanting to take Enyu the previous night, he became incensed, wondering if his Blondie master had been tempted when showing the Xeronian to his new room.

"I said, get out!"

"Fuck you!"

"Filthy mongrel," Enyu spat, contemptuously.

"That's it, cat-boy." Now Riki lunged for him, managing to knock him down and get a few good punches in before he was lifted roughly by his shirt, and set firmly back on the ground by Iason.

"Stop it this instant," Iason said, sternly.

"He…attacked me," Enyu whimpered, his lip bleeding.

Riki did not try to deny the assertion, but instead confronted Iason. "How come HE gets this room?"

"Stop making a fuss," Iason whispered, sternly. He fully intended to rectify the situation with the rooms if Riki would only calm down.

"But it's not fair!"

"Riki, did you hear me?"

"Fuck you, Iason. You're an asshole," Riki snapped, giving him a little push, too pissed to care about the consequences.

A smile curled onto Enyu's lips at these fatal words, shocked that the mongrel had actually dared assault his master, and he watched with delight as Iason grabbed his pet above the elbow, yanking him toward the door.

"That's it, pet. You're really in for it now."

The Blondie dragged off a furious Riki, who struggled futilely against his equally angry master.

Enyu followed them quietly, smiling.

Author's Note: To be placed on my mailing list for notification when a new fic is posted, contact me at kiratakenouchi@hotmail.com. POST A REVIEW of this or any of my stories and I'll send you advance releases and posting notifications of future fics (be sure to leave your email address).