ZEDD
Entering the kitchen, I find everyone except Andros seated around the island, which I hope means he managed to contact Zordon and the witch. Looking back at the former Green Ranger I heave a sigh as I see him sizing the others up, no doubt contemplating which ones he would be able to take down easily. I address Thomas quickly before he can decide to ignore my earlier warnings and attempt challenge anyone. "Thomas this is Goldar, Scorpina you should recognize somewhat as she hasn't changed much, the Red Ranger Jason you already know, and the Astro Ranger Andros that is with him should return shortly from an errand I sent him on."
"They look weak." Looking back at him at this rather snide comment, I can't help but find his take on them rather odd given they are still relatively larger than he is in size if you exclude Pina.
"Despite what they look like you will recall they are anything but weak, so seeing as I have no desire to mend any broken bones or reattach any limbs I'd advise you to watch what you say to them." Sighing as I only get a huff in response, I continue quickly. "Also so you know, while in these forms, we require different care. As such, Pina serves in a medical capacity, while Dar makes sure that we are fed."
Thomas snorts derisively. "So the warriors are reduced to nurse and cook. Whatever." This is going to be a long evening.
Dar snarls at him. "At least we have some other skills that make us useful to the lord in these forms."
I'm about to chastise Dar when I realize that there is no real sincerity or malice behind his words or tone. Much like myself he's only playing his expected part, which truly is a relief given that he seems to have just recently found Thomas to be tolerable. Pina frowns at Thomas perhaps thinking along the same lines I am, and not wishing some snotty comment said due to the spell to reduce them back to enemies again. "Stop it. You know that Lord Zedd is displeased when we fight amongst ourselves."
Thomas grunts in response. "My apologies, Lord Zedd."
"Don't let it happen again. I've let far too many of your outbursts slide today. One more and you will regret it." From the corner of my eye, I can see Jason roll his eyes at our dramatics. "Thomas, I need to confer with Pina about some things. Stay here and behave yourself."
"As you wish." As I turn away from them, I see something flash in his eyes. Through the bond, I feel - jealousy? Yeah, we need to fix this and fast.
We make sure we are out of hearing range and I tell her what transpired in his cell. Not surprisingly, she frowns. "This could be good or bad. If you were to allow him to follow through, he might remember it as a good experience and make him less reluctant to engage in intimacy."
"Or he might see it as me taking advantage of the situation." She inclines her head in agreement. "I'm also a little concerned about what to do if the situation isn't resolved by bedtime." At her curious look, I continue. "Really, Pina. He's been sleeping beside me to keep the nightmares at bay. If I allow him access to my bed - even for that purpose - while he's so sexually aggressive, I may not be able to keep him at bay. But if he's forced to sleep alone, the nightmares might return."
"And you do prefer your mates to be at least a little aggressive." So sue me for preferring an active partner. She chews on her lip as she thinks. "Either way, I think that having him sleep in the dungeon room is a bad idea. If he has a nightmare, it will take too long to get to him. Maybe start him in his room next to yours - see how it goes. He might not have the nightmares while he's under the influence of the spell."
"He might not, but that also leaves him unsupervised as well. Even with Jason and Andros in the ship I'm becoming more and more concerned about what he might try to do as far as killing or maiming someone is concerned. He openly started to argue with me in the room when I told him not to harm Jason. I told him before coming up here to behave and he picks a fight with Goldar the moment he walks in the room. Also when I said I had to talk to you the look he gave you when you turned away was one of murderous intent, and I felt his jealousy through the bond."
"Well maybe lock him in his room? That way he can't get out but you can get to him just as easily." A decent suggestion but if I'm honest with myself I have to admit I will miss sleeping beside him even for a night or two.
"Maybe. I suppose if we can at least get him to sleep for a few hours it's a few hours of peace we can use to try and figure this out."
We start to head back to the kitchen to join the others. Suddenly Pina says, "Oh hells."
"What?"
"If I remember correctly, the spell Rita had him under before truncated the sleep cycle. And as I recall, that might be part of what's making him so - forward."
I stop in my tracks. "Did she - use him?" For his sake, I hope not.
"I'm not certain. You'd have to ask him. If he even remembers."
"She better not have," I growl. "That's about the only thing that could-"
"Don't say it! You know if you finish that thought-"
"I know." We return to the kitchen, meeting Andros on the way, my temper still flaring slightly from the thought that she might have done more to him than just simply using him to fight. "What did you find out?"
"Good news - it should be temporary."
"Should be? What does that mean? And how temporary?"
"She wasn't exactly sure when it would wear off. It could be a few hours or it could be a week." I groan at the idea of Thomas throwing himself at me and having to resist for a week.
"Andros I don't think a week is going to work well given his behavior. Isn't there any other way?" Short of her coming back here that is.
Andros bites his lip. "There might be, but she's not sure it would work or what would happen afterward if it did." At this point I'm willing to try anything that won't actively harm him.
"Well what is it?" I ask impatiently.
I can feel my eyebrows go up when the Space Ranger reddens. "She said that maybe it would wear off faster if he were to - um, haveanorgasm." It takes a moment to pick apart the rushed words. Once I do, I don't know what to say and, it seems, neither do the others as silence falls in the hall. Finally, Andros speaks again. "She wasn't sure that it would work or how he'd react if it did, but apparently since she put this into effect when he was still a teenager, she factored his hormones into it, thus why she thinks that might speed up the process of it wearing off a bit faster."
"Well, we can't just haul him off and force him," Pina responds. "That would be as bad as what happened to him on Earth."
I sigh. "Unfortunately, the only thing I can think of would look self-serving." At Andros' confused look, I tell him, "He hit on me earlier and I told him a few days ago I wouldn't mind bedding him if he was willing. I don't want him to come out of this thinking that I was just trying to use it to my advantage."
"Oh." He thinks for a minute. "Maybe it's the bond drawing him to you. And frankly, if it fixes the problem, it's only a little self-serving since the real goal of helping him would still be attained."
We all shift uncomfortably until Pina says, "We should probably get back to the kitchen before the others break out in battle. I can feel Goldar is getting a bit miffed, though he does not seem actually angry so much as frustrated." Great that means Thomas is no doubt goading him again.
Relieved at the reprieve, we all move quickly to the kitchen. Pina opens the door in time to hear Thomas hiss, "The only reason you still live is because my lord still has use for you. If it were up to me-"
I interrupt. "Then what?"
"I would rid you of these whiny problems, my lord. Both of them." The weary look on Goldar's face speaks volumes at Thomas' statement and I know if I wish to keep the human from getting on my friend's bad side again I had better get him out of his line of sight and fire.
"That's enough, Thomas. Do not make me repeat myself." I'm really getting tired of having to command him like this. Something will have to be done before his aggression gets completely out of control. I look at Dar. "Thomas and I will take plates to my room. Since he seems unable or unwilling to behave himself, I'll have to separate him from the rest of you for the time being."
"Lord Zedd, please-"
"Enough." I fix him with a look, stopping him from saying any more. "Perhaps if you can behave during dinner, maybe I'll give you another room to sleep in that's not in the dungeon. However so far you have yet to prove you can even obey the most basic commands."
"Yes, my lord." Dar quickly loads plates for us, mouthing a silent thanks to me as he does before I lead Thomas back to my room. At my nod, he proceeds me into the room. Once I'm inside, I close and lock the door. He looks over at me, nervousness flaring in his eyes briefly, showing me despite Rita's tampering he's not completely gone. "My lord, if I'm to be punished, there was no need to lock the door. I'll take what's coming to me."
Half tempted to let him think I am about to punish him so I can at least eat in peace, I however can't bring myself to as despite his words, his body language is anything but resigned and calm now. "The lock is not to prevent you from leaving, Thomas, but to prevent other interruptions."
We set our plates and selves down as he turns this over in his head. "Perhaps my lord seeks the relief that he denied himself earlier?"
"Eat your dinner, Thomas and then we'll see." Silence falls as we eat. I have several things that I want to ask him, but where to start and how?
As I push my plate back, I take a deep breath. "Thomas, has Rita ever asked or commanded you to - service her the way you're offering me?"
"Empress Rita has never needed me in that way, my lord. I was her warrior, nothing more." He starts to say something else, but stops himself.
"What else, Thomas?" At his confused look I press a bit harder. "You were going to say something more but stopped yourself, what else were you about to say?"
Hesitating for a minute more he finally speaks up again, though looks down at his plate as he does. "I got the impression that she would have rather had Goldar or Scorpina than me."
"And this bothered you?" And it does, if his tone is anything to go by.
"No, Lord Zedd."
"I don't like being lied to. Tell me the truth, Thomas." My own tone firmer than I'd normally use with him, I however need to know what's upsetting him if I want to fix it.
"The only problem, my lord, is that I had no purpose outside of battle. Either I was fighting or I was training or maintaining my cover. Other than that, I was useless, just as I am now."
I flinch inside, realizing that Dar hit a nerve - whether he meant to or not. "Is that why you snapped at Goldar and Scorpina in the kitchen? Because I assigned them other tasks and not you?"
Shrugging and keeping his gaze on his mostly empty plate, his response is almost too soft for me to hear. "I can be of use too. More use than them."
"I see. Well Thomas I don't really need another chef or medical expert."
"I could still be of service in other ways." Yes, and I saw those ways all too well in the dungeon.
"And these services that you're offering me - what exactly are they?"
"Whatever my lord wishes."
The heat has returned to his tone. Carefully, Zedd, slowly. "What would you like to do?"
Thomas stands and I can't help but notice his arousal as he holds his hand out to me. "Perhaps you'd allow me to show you, my lord?"
Slowly, I stand myself. "There's no rush, Thomas." Before I can continue, he surprises me when he reaches out and cups my already straining flesh through my pants.
"Oh, I think there is. But don't worry, my lord. I intend to get you off quickly so that you can properly enjoy the second time."
"The second-?" My words are cut off by his mouth capturing mine. I'm barely aware of his hands roaming over me, as I am currently struggling to keep myself in check. When we finally break for him to breathe, he quickly strips my clothes off of me apparently not about to give me a chance to change my mind and refuse this time around. His eyes roam over me for a minute before he takes my hands and pulls me toward the bed.
"I was wrong - you are more attractive without clothes, my lord. Please lay down on the bed. I'll remove my boots and join you."
Swiftly, I do as he suggests. Once his boots are off, he climbs on the bed next to me. In a moment, he is kissing and caressing me once more. Forgetting for the moment the purpose of letting him do this, I say, "Thomas, you are wearing too many clothes."
"Patience, my lord." He moves down the bed and I can feel his breath on me once more. My hips thrust toward the moist heat of their own accord and I hear his deep chuckle. "You are in need, aren't you, my lord? One more minute and I'll take care of that."
"Call me Zedd." I hear the growl come from my mouth and can't stop it - nor do I really want to. A moment later, his hands are on me - sliding, stroking, rubbing - and it's glorious! I can't help but moan loudly when he slides his mouth down on me. I can feel the pleasure building quickly. This can't possibly be his first willing encounter, considering the skill he's showing. That's my last coherent thought as he takes me in deeper - all the way to the base. It's not long after that I explode down his throat.
As I recover, Thomas moves up the bed beside me. His hands caress my skin as his lips roam over my chest. When my breathing returns to near normal, he purrs at me, "See I told you I could be of use. Feel a little better now?"
Oh, how I want to kiss the smirk I sense in his tone off his face. I however don't know what would happen if I do so I simply answer, "Yes."
"Good." Once more his hands and lips are busy on my skin and it quickly becomes apparent that his intent is to arouse, not soothe, and my body begins to react accordingly. He's trying to kill me that must be it.
Reaching to touch him, I frown as my hand finds the fabric of his shirt instead of skin and I realize he still has yet to take my tactful hint to undress. "Thomas, you are still wearing too many clothes."
I can feel his chuckle against my skin. "So impatient. Just relax and let me take care of you." Before I can respond, he slides his hand across my reviving flesh and down. He cradles me gently, a sensation I'm not used to, but find I'm enjoying greatly. I can't help but hiss in pleasure as his teeth graze my nipple. His hand tightens slightly and I buck up against him.
I speak without thought. "Oh, Thomas, more, please pet, more." There is a brief pause before he continues. He slides down my body once more and draws his tongue along my length in one long, slow lick. I moan, control cracking as he does it again. Reaching again for him, I growl as once more I find fabric instead of flesh. "Please, Thomas, your clothes."
"Why?"
He's really going to make me spell it out? A growl edges my voice as I answer, "Because I want to see and touch you too."
He releases me long enough to strip off his shirt and jeans but retaining his boxers. His arousal is clearly visible as he returns to my side. He attempts to sidetrack me by swallowing my entire length and almost succeeds. I untangle my fingers from the sheets and run them through his hair. He increases the pressure and I thrust up at him, unable to resist. I feel his fingers probing me before one slides inside, earning him a long low groan of pleasure from me. He continues for several minutes before my body starts to tighten.
A second finger joins the first and I gasp out, "Fuck, yes, Thomas."
Still moving his fingers inside me, he releases my organ. "Is that what my lord wishes?"
His wording brings me back from the edge. How far do I dare take this? What will he remember when the spell breaks? I remember that the idea is to get him to orgasm, not just me, and odds are good that sex would have that desired effect. And that indeed is all the rationalization I need at the moment. Once more throwing caution to the winds- "Yes."
Gently, he removes his fingers from my body before stripping off his underwear. "How does my lord wish to take me?"
Again, his words snap me back to the moment. I look in his eyes and realize that they've gone blank - no heat, no desire - nothing. My eyes skim over the rest of his body and realize that his arousal has diminished. Suddenly I grasp what's happened. While the evil influence is taking away his fear, he's still expecting to be used. Hopefully, what I say next will help. "No, Thomas, you misunderstand. I want you to take me."
He freezes for a moment as my statement sinks in. Hunger abruptly flares in his eyes and he is ready once again. "Is there anything my lord needs to make it easier?" Again with the lord title. While at one time I would have enjoyed such a thing in the given situation, it is now, with him, aggravating the hell out of me.
"Stop calling me that. Right now, while we do this, I'm not your lord or master damn it. Call me Zedd. And no, Thomas, my species doesn't require anything special. We've evolved to be equipped for it."
"As you wish." It seems like only a moment and he's positioned and ready. Slowly, he slides into me, both of us moaning in pleasure. Once he's all the way in, he adjusts his position. Just as slowly, he backs out before thrusting in slightly faster and harder than before. "Zedd."
"By the hells, Thomas, yes." He continues to move faster and harder and it has been far too long since I've done this and the pleasure threatens to consume me whole. "More, pet, please." He obliges, grasping my length and stroking in time to his thrusts. "Thomas, I want you with me."
"No." No?! The hell no!
I'm startled by this unexpected answer, but before I can question it, he surges in particularly deep and hard, tightening his hand on me at the same time. I shout out my release as my essence coats my stomach. He slows down and three or four strokes later, he eases out of me and lies down beside me as I recover, his own desire left unsated. Exhaustion hits hard from all my exertions and stress today and I struggle to remain awake. "Thomas-"
Gently, he strokes my hair. "Shh. Rest now, Zedd." He grabs an article of clothing and quickly cleans me up before dropping it on the floor. He curls up against me and lightly rubs his hand over my chest. The tone of his voice and the motion of his hand are far too soothing and I start to drift off. Just before I fall asleep, I hear him say, "There will be much more pleasure in store for you tomorrow."
