#burnrayjoel

Notes:  Woohoo!! It's not quite as soon as promised, but it also didn't take six months again, so win!! Enjoy, darlings. <3

Joel adored Robert. Always had. He had been the first and most supportive of all Burnie's relatives. Unfortunately, his daughter was the least supportive.

Sara had always had an issue with Joel. He wasn't quite sure exactly what that issue was. Maybe it was because he'd taken away her older brother's attention when she was still so young. Maybe she really was just that disgusted by the idea that two Alphas could be happy together. Whatever the reason, she'd decided to hate Ray as well.

Burnie seemed to think that she was just jealous for whatever reason, but he'd never been able to think badly of any of his siblings. Joel, on the other hand, could see the burning hatred in her eyes whenever she looked at Joel or Ray. Her darling big brother was breaking rules with his relationship. First another Alpha, now the unthinkable: an Omega half their age on top of it all.

As a result, Joel spent a lot more time than was good for his sanity following Ray around to make sure he was never alone if he knew Sara was in the building. Most of the time, Ray was tucked safely in the Achievement Hunter office, and when he wasn't, it seemed Robert had decided that Ray was to be his little pet Omega whom needed every second of mentoring he could spare. It was adorable to watch them interact.

Ray's mother, they all knew, was a Beta and his father a somewhat sorry excuse for an Alpha.  Ray had never had anyone to really teach him Omega things before, or to explain things he'd always found confusing. Robert had latched onto that knowledge and swept Ray into a cocoon of guidance and affection that the younger Omega seemed perfectly content to burrow into.

After the first day, Robert seemed to accidentally collect Omegas around him. Matt, elated to finally have the Alpha he'd wanted for so long, latched onto the older Omega, practically in tears at how happy he was and grateful for the accidental shove Robert had provided.

Then Kerry became another member of the flock a few days later when he emerged from his office, bleary eyed and caffeine deprived. Robert had invited him to join their little group in the kitchen and the rest was history. Gavin and Michael, though neither really required such mentoring, joined in next and glowed at the mess of compliments and cooing that Robert became when he saw their bellies. Most of the other office Omegas joined only sporadically, but it was easy to see that Robert was delighted by the apparent confidence that he had most, if not all the answers.

And because he had become unofficial Omega mentor, it was Robert who first noticed the odd behavior of one of the Rooster Teeth employees.

Kerry, Michael, Monty and Gavin were eating lunch with Robert. Monty and Kerry giggled at the food choices their pregnant friends were devouring. To their delight, Robert kept providing even more disgusting concoctions he'd craved during his several pregnancies. While they gagged at the increasingly gross suggestion, Michael and Gavin made plans to send their Mates out for the ones that sounded heavenly to them.

A low growl caught Robert's attention and he glanced over to see Miles digging through the fridge.  He emerged with a bottle of water and downed it almost desperately. Once he was done, he leaned on the counter, expression dark. In the week that Robert had been there, he'd never seen Miles look anything other than happy or, if he'd worked late, mildly exhausted.

Gavin's squeal when Michael tried to shove a piece of bread soaked in honey under his nose distracted him and when he looked back, Miles had retreated to his office again.

The next morning it seemed far worse. It wasn't until Robert was close enough to see the glazed, almost sleepy expression in Miles' eyes that he understood what was happening. Frantic, he darted to Burnie's office and gave only a cursory knock as he threw the door open. The fact that Ray was perched in Burnie's lap, kissing him hungrily didn't matter. Nor did the blushes that spread across both faces.

"We have a huge problem," Robert began, pacing nervously. Even as a mated Omega, the idea sent his frazzled nerves into overdrive. It reminded him of how he felt around his first Mate.  "A huge problem. Not only for the Omegas, but all the Alphas, too."

Concerned, Burnie gently nudged Ray off his lap and stood. "What's going on?"

"I think...I'm pretty sure Miles is going into Rut."

Stunned, the two stared at him. "Miles?" Ray squeaked out. "He doesn't have a Mate."

"I know. That's why it's such a problem. Usually, if an Alpha goes into Rut, he fixates on the Omega that's his. If he doesn't have one, he could fixate on anyone. That could be very dangerous for whoever he chooses. And if he chooses someone who is mated? Or being courted? The other Alpha could protest and there could be injuries or worse."

"Oh, shit. We need to get him home then. Away from anyone he could hurt."

Burnie started toward the door but Robert grabbed at him frantically. "No! He's already far enough gone that the scent of another Alpha so close could be a challenge."

Ray nodded. "I'll get Jack," he said and darted down the hall. A few minutes later, Jack appeared, worry pouring from him.

"Ray explained what's happening. I never thought this would happen here. Ruts are really rare. What do you need me to do?"

"You're a Beta," Robert said. "That means it's safest for you to coax him into going home until the Rut runs its course."

"I figured as much. Do you have any advice? I've never seen anyone in a proper Rut before."

"Move slowly, if he challenges, show submission. Do not look him in the eye, keep your voice calm and quiet."

"Got it." Nervously, Jack glanced back out the door. "Where is he right now?"

"I last saw him in the kitchen a few minutes ago."

"Ok." With a fortifying breath, Jack headed for the kitchen. He froze when he saw that Miles had Kerry pinned to the counter, face buried in the Omega's neck, inhaling deeply.

Kerry seemed confused, but not afraid. They had scented before, but nothing like that.

"Miles?" Jack called softly, stopping what he hoped was a far enough distance away.

Apparently not. Miles whirled around, keeping himself between Kerry and Jack. He had a wild look in his eyes and his normally smiling face was twisted into a fierce snarl. "Mine!" he growled.

Jack was stunned. Seeing the typically sweet and gentle Alpha in such a state was terrifying. He looked like a wild animal ready to strike. "Hey, it's ok. I'm not going to try and take him from you."

Miles eyed him suspiciously, though he did relax his stance a little. "Mine," he said again. He reached back blindly and curled a hand around one of Kerry's wrists. The little Omega's eyes were wide as he seemed to realize what was happening. As far as he knew, Miles had never seen him as anything other than a best friend and co-worker. Maybe...maybe his chances weren't quite as slim as he'd thought, if this was any indication.

"I know," Jack assured Miles softly. "Miles you're not feeling well right now. I think it would be best if you went home. I can take you. And when you're feeling better you can come back." He took a single, uneasy step toward them, trying to figure out how to get Kerry away before he was hurt. He tried to think back to the classes he'd had to take, just like everyone else no matter their caste, about the Rut. It was a danger to everyone and thankfully only happened rarely.

A low growl froze Jack in place again. "Back. The fuck. Off." Jack hastily retreated several steps.  Then he watched in amazement as Kerry brushed his free hand across the back of Miles' neck.  The reaction was instantaneous. The Alpha melted like putty and turned to curl back around Kerry possessively.

"He's not trying to hurt me," Kerry assured Miles and received a deep, rumbling purr in response.  "He just wants to make sure you don't accidentally hurt anyone. Let's get you home, ok?"

When Kerry tried to pull back, Miles' arms tightened.  "You're coming with?" It came out more like a demand than a request.

"Of course. Jack?"

"Yeah?"

"Can you please make sure the halls are clear so I can get him to my car?"

"Kerry, are...are you sure about this? He's in Rut."

"I know. I remember what they say to do in this situation. I mean, I never expected that I'd be the fixation, like, ever, but I paid attention in class. I'll be careful and if anything happens, I'll call."

Jack hesitated a second more, then he nodded. "If you're sure."

"I am." He rolled his eyes when Miles pressed his face into Kerry's neck again. "I get that he's in Rut and that's super dangerous for everyone, but I trust him not to hurt me."

"Ok. I'll be right back." Jack disappeared down the hall and Kerry settled in for the moment.

"Where's Miles?" Burnie demanded.

Jack sighed and popped his head into an office to warn everyone to stay put for a while. The word Rut had a strong effect and no one so much as moved their chairs. After firmly closing the door, Jack sighed again. "He's fixated on Kerry."

Silence answered him. While Burnie struggled for a response, Jack warned the next room and closed their door tightly as well. "Kerry?" Burnie finally asked.

"Yes. Honestly, I can't say I'm surprised by that. Miles has always been really protective of Kerry, especially since the incident with that intern. It's not so out of the blue that he'd choose Kerry. I mean, it's a shock that he went into Rut at all, but...well, I think this is probably the best outcome we can hope for. And Kerry's agreed to take Miles home and help him through it."

"Fuck."

"My sentiments exactly. I really hope nothing happens that either of them regrets. Kerry's in his right mind, yes, but Miles is going to come out of this with no memories. We could end up with an Alpha who hates himself and an Omega with a broken heart. Or worse, Kerry could end up hurt and Miles would never forgive himself."

"Jack..."

The Beta waved Burnie's concern away. He'd always been overly concerned about the wellbeing of his Pack. Caiti always told him he worried too much. That he needed to have faith that things would work out. Usually, he could do that. This time, however, with the unpredictability of a Rut, he found he couldn't shake the worry. "You should head back to your office. I'll let you know when they're gone."

Burnie hesitated, eyeing the suddenly ragged appearance of his friend, but nodded. "Be careful.  He could still attack before they leave."

"I know." Assured of the clear path, Jack returned to the kitchen. "Fuck," he growled. Miles looked about two seconds away from attacking Lindsay. As an Alpha, she looked prepared to fight back. And as an Alpha, she recognized the signs of Rut. She had to, since Alphas were always in the most danger when faced with another Alpha in Rut.

Jack moved without thought, placing himself between the Alphas, hoping that his muted scent would calm both of them and separate their scents enough to get Lindsay away unscathed. At the same time, Kerry darted in front of Miles and pulled his face back into the cradle of his neck. Combined, Lindsay's scent was drowned out enough for Jack to shove her toward safety. "Get out," Jack demanded quickly and to her credit, Lindsay didn't hesitate. She darted down another hall and out of sight.

When he turned back to Kerry and Miles, his face flushed at the sight of Miles lapping at Kerry's scent gland. The Omega didn't seem to be faring much better if the startled squeak was anything to go by. "Maybe...maybe I should drive you guys back to one of your apartments?" Jack suggested.

Kerry shook his head. "Probably not a good idea. I'm taking him back to my place though, so you guys know where we'll be." Awkwardly, Kerry drew Miles down the cleared hall and toward the parking lot.

After a few minutes of staring down the empty hallway, Jack forced himself to move.  He entered the Achievement Hunter office to the sight of all his closest friends cuddling in worry.  Ray was squashed protectively between his Alphas.  Right in the middle of the floor Ryan, Geoff and Jeremy sat facing each other, their Omegas in their laps.  Geoff and Ryan had possessive hands over their Mates’ stomachs while Matt had curled into a surprisingly small ball in Jeremy’s arms, his lanky frame somehow dwarfed by the Alpha for once.

The best sight of all to Jack’s mind was that of his own Mate and wife cuddled up in his chair with Robert.  As soon as Robert spotted him, he gently nudged Caiti up and toward Jack while he moved to the couch to tuck himself into Joel’s side.

Jack reclaimed his seat with Caiti perched in his lap.  All eyes fell on him expectantly.

“Kerry said he’s taking Miles to his apartment.  If anything happens, we’ll know where to find them.”

“We live closest to Kerry,” Gavin said softly.

“Which is for the best,” Geoff decided.  “I’ll be the one to handle it if anything goes wrong.”  His tone left no room for argument.

Ryan did his best, though.  “I think it would be best if you had some backup if it came to that.  Michael and I live close by, too.”

After a brief staring contest, Geoff reluctantly nodded his consent.  “Ok, but only if it really calls for it.”  Silence filled the room again.

“I really hope Kerry knows what he’s getting into,” Ray murmured.

Burnie sighed and nuzzled Ray’s neck.  “Me, too, Sweetheart.  Me, too.”

***

Getting Miles out of Rooster Teeth headquarters without incident felt like a small miracle. Getting him into his apartment building, up several flights of stairs and into his apartment without running into anyone felt like an even bigger one. Especially with Miles crowded so closely to him that it felt like they would somehow absorb into one another. After briefly fumbling with his keys, he got them inside and closed and locked the door.

He had barely finished with his task when Miles spun him around and pinned him to the door. It was so damn hard concentrating on anything with Miles so close. His scent, heightened and sharpened by the Rut swirled around them and filled Kerry to the brim. The normally calming scent of lavender and bergamot flooded even the deepest, most secret parts of Kerry and left his mind pleasantly fuzzy.

Then Miles dragged his nose slowly up Kerry’s neck as if to take in every subtle variance in his clover and honeysuckle scent. Hands tightened slightly on his hips and he shuddered as impossibly warm breath ghosted over his collarbone.

“Mine,” Miles breathed before taking another deep breath. “Wanted you for so damn long.”

Kerry’s breath caught in his throat as he absorbed the confession.  “You’re-” he cut off in with a soft gasp as Miles nipped lightly at his throat. “You’re only saying that because of the Rut,” he pointed out, unable to keep the sadness out of his voice.

“No.” There was an unfamiliar darkness in Miles’ voice as he purred against Kerry’s skin. “Always. Always want you. Since we met, knew I wanted you to be mine. And now you are.”

“Miles, I…” The Alpha lifted his head and stared at Kerry. To Kerry’s surprise, he saw Miles’ eyes clear a little and it seemed as if he was struggling against himself.

“Do you want this?” Miles demanded. “Me?”

There was no hesitation for Kerry. He immediately nodded. “Yes. I always have.”

That darkness was back but instead of being afraid, all Kerry felt was a thrill of anticipation. Any other time, he had hoped that if by some miracle Miles wanted him, their first time together would be a slow, patient, sweet coupling. The look Miles pinned him with then left him nearly shaking with desire at the expectation of fierce passion.

“You’re mine,” Miles growled. “I’m going to knot you and mark you and every other Alpha will fucking know that you’re mine.”

For a brief second, Kerry wondered if it would be the same as mating when an Omega was in heat. If by mating with Miles in Rut, they would somehow water down what bond they would have. While Miles attacked his neck with sharp nips and soothing licks, he struggled to remember if it had been mentioned in the required classes. Then Miles latched onto a particularly sensitive bit of skin and sucked hard and he was gone.

Everything narrowed down to the small space they’d created. He spared a brief thought toward how patient and thorough Miles was being. He had expected a frantic pace. But Miles seemed content to take his time mapping out the skin of his throat. When he found another sensitive spot, Kerry’s knees buckled and only Miles’ weight against him kept him from tumbling to the floor in a heap of embarrassment.  His soft sound of pleasure was echoed by a dark chuckle from Miles.

“Say it,” Miles whispered, lips dragging slowly but steadily toward Kerry’s.

Confused, all Kerry could manage was a dazed, “Huh?”

“Say. It.” Again that dark growl that shoved Kerry further into his arousal.  “Tell me you’re mine. Say it.”

“Oh, fuck,” Kerry breathed. He felt the gust of Miles’ rapid breathing against his mouth, but not the desired feeling of lips on lips. After a moment of anticipation, he forced his heavy eyes opened, sparing only the briefest of thoughts to wonder when they’d closed, and saw Miles staring at him fiercely. He seemed oddly content to hold that position until he got the desired answer.

His voice was a silky purr when he spoke again. “Say it.” The softest of encouragement. “Tell me, Kerry. Tell me you want to be mine.”

“Oh, Jesus, yes. Fucking-I’m yours Miles. I’ve always been yours. I need you to claim me so fucking much. I’ve never wanted anything so much in my life.” He moved to keep going, keep struggling to convince Miles that he’d never wanted another Alpha-that he never would want another Alpha. But a surprisingly gentle mouth covered his and instead of a continued flow of reassurances, only a broken moan escaped from Kerry.

***

He woke up in stages. It sort of felt like a hangover, only worse. His head felt heavy and filled with cotton all at once. His mouth was dry, the sort of dry that was the result of too much sleep and not enough water. There was a strange sense of something being off. Different in his mind. Like a new, welcome weight in his consciousness. A soft sigh drew his attention to the fact that he was not alone in his bed.

A sharp breath in brought his attention to the fact that this was not his bed. Oh, sure, it smelt heavily of him, and the saturation of his scent in the fabric around him had a terrible realization slowly filling him. But it wasn’t his bed. Wasn’t his room or his apartment.

Slowly, reluctantly he opened his eyes to see a very familiar bedspread. As if the visual opened the floodgates, he found himself overwhelmed by honeysuckle and clover. It filled him to the brim and his eyes slid closed as he just took a few deep breaths. Finally, he turned his head, wondering if perhaps they had gotten drunk and one of them had finally made a move. The sweet anticipation of that died the instant he saw the scattering of deep bruises all over Kerry’s back.

The soft stretch of his neck was covered in harsh bites and there was a distinct hand shaped bruise marring Kerry’s hip. Sick realization crashed through Miles and he felt tears of regret and remorse fill his eyes. Without meaning to, he reached out to touch the bruise on Kerry’s hip, but he found himself unable to touch, so his hand hovered awkwardly in the air between them.

Kerry twitched lightly in his sleep before settling again and in that moment, Miles felt a soft feeling of calm that wasn’t his own.

Horrified, Miles eased back and carefully extracted himself from the tangle of sheets. The evidence was everywhere. The scattered and torn clothing, the bruises and bites littering Kerry’s skin, even the way he was between Kerry and the door, as if to ensure he wouldn’t escape.

He clamped down on any more emotions when Kerry shifted in his sleep again, this time turning enough for Miles to see his furrowed brow. As quickly and as quietly as he could, Miles dressed, forced to resort to stealing one of Kerry’s shirts when he found that his was far too mangled to ever be used again.

Then he ran.

Notes: This is, against my usual way of doing things, completely unedited.  I was far too eager to post it, so any edits will be done later on.  ^_^  Nothing more to say except: Enjoy!

Burnie stepped into his house, closed the door and took two steps before he ground to a halt.  His entire house smelled of warm chocolate orange and furious camp fire.  They mixed and filled his senses until everything around him became muted except that scent and the knowledge that his Mates were somewhere in his house playing out a game of lust.  One he wanted to join.

The hunt began in the living room, which showed fairly recent activity.  Two controllers were abandoned on the coffee table along with various bags of junk food and half empty coke cans.  The scent was still prevalent but it was fading.  Burnie figured they had been playing something before they’d gotten distracted by each other.

With the starting point, Burnie followed it down a short hall and up the stairs. There was a moment of confusion when the Omega scent broke off from the mixture and disappeared into the bathroom.  Curious, Burnie peeked in and grinned when he saw what was drying on the counter.  That would certainly come in handy later, he decided before returning to the task of finding his Mates.  From the direction, he thought he knew where he would find them.  And he was right.

For a moment, he stood froze in the doorway.  The sight was easily one of the most beautiful he’d ever seen.  Right up there with watching Joel come undone under his hands, or seeing the cautious enthusiasm of Ray that afternoon, perched on his lap and eager for him to do something, anything to make him feel just that much better.

Now that he’d found the pair, he leaned against the doorframe and just took in the show.  Ray was on his back with Joel over him.  Both hands were buried deep in Joel’s already messy hair, keeping him close.  From the content noises leaving Joel, he didn’t seem to mind one bit.  For his part, Joel supported himself above the Omega with one arm while the other hand did a little exploring across the smooth expanse of skin that was exposed to them for the first time.  Their legs were tangled and Burnie’s throat tightened with need when he saw their hips moving in a slow, steady rhythm that Burnie recognized from when Joel was feeling particularly teasing.

A well timed thrust with a simultaneous pinch of one of Ray’s nipples tore a needy sound from the Omega’s throat, only slightly muffled by Joel’s lips.  Ray made such pretty noises, Burnie decided.  High and soft, strangled, yet unrestrained.  Coupled with Joel’s responsive growls and Burnie knew they would be the death of him.  Wanting, needing to knot both of his Mates would leave him constantly exhausted, not to mention his desire to be knotted by his fellow Alpha.

When Joel finally released Ray’s mouth, it was with a wet sound, plenty of tongue for Burnie to admire and a disapproving whine from Ray.  He opened bleary eyes and stared up at Joel for a moment.  Then he turned his head and unerringly found Burnie.

“You started without me,” Burnie teased.

“And you got to play this afternoon,” Joel shot back.  He worked his way down Ray’s neck and pressed a firm kiss to the skin over Ray’s heart.  “Got to even the playing field a little, Burns.”  Burnie watched in fascination as Joel immediately sucked the skin into his mouth and made short work of leaving a mark.  Joel pulled back to admire his work before he turned to Burnie and gestured him over.  “So you gonna join us or what?”

Burnie was actually torn.  On one hand, he wanted to just work his way into that tangle of limbs so tightly that none of them would ever escape.  On the other, they looked damn pretty together sprawled out over his bed.

It took a moment, but the side wanting to join won out and he kicked off his shoes before crossing to the bed.  “You two are absolutely gorgeous.  I walked into the house and I could smell what you were up to.  So fucking amazing and all mine.”  He nudged Joel over a little before dropping onto the bed.

Immediately, Ray grasped his hair and pulled him down into a kiss that was just as desperate as that afternoon.  Only this time, there was a lingering taste of Joel on his tongue and it nearly fried Burnie’s brain completely.

Almost as soon as it began, Ray was pushing him away and he kept a firm, bracing hand on both Alpha’s chests.  “So I sort of have an idea of how I want tonight to go.”

Burnie and Joel shared a glance, then grinned and listened attentively to their Omega.

“I want to watch one of you knot the other, I don’t particularly care who tops.”

Joel expressed his approval of that with a happy noise and scattered kisses over both their faces.

“And just what will you be doing in the meantime?” Burnie asked.  He thought he had an idea of what and the blush only confirmed it for him.

“Well.”  Ray paused.  “I mean, Joel bought me some new toys and I thought…I kind of want to try one of them and…”

“I figured as much when I saw that you’d cleaned them,” Burnie said.  “And, uh, based on the sizes…”

Joel chuckled against Ray’s shoulder.  “Ray picked the kind he wanted, I supplied sizes since he was very specific about wanting one as close to each of us as possible.”

“We might have to order something online.  Get some a little more accurate then generic store bought.”

Ray’s blush deepened if at all possible.  “I just want to be prepared for…for when we’re ready, you know?”

“I know, Sweetheart,” Burnie soothed.  “I think I speak for both of us when I say that it’s more than ok.”

“Fucking hot,” Joel added.  “Knowing you’ll be stretching yourself open, pretending it’s really us.”

Burnie sat up, dragging Joel with him.  “Go get the one you want to use tonight and we’ll get ready in here.”

Even as Ray scrambled for the bathroom, Joel was already digging through the bedside stand for the bottle of artificial slick they used.  “You want to lead?” he asked.  He turned to find Burnie working on his jeans and followed his example.

“Yeah.  I’m in that sort of mood.”

Joel hummed happily and pressed himself against Burnie as soon as they were both down to their boxers.  “I can tell.  Watching us play got you hot, huh?”

“You have no idea.”  The words were growled against Joel’s skin as Burnie hauled him up the bed a little further.  “You gonna show Ray how pretty you can be when you’re falling apart?”

Joel whined softly and tilted his head back in a wordless plea for Burnie to do something.  Burnie only paused for a moment to admire the image before he leaned down and started sucking a dark mark over Joel’s pulse point.  Once he decided it was dark enough, he pulled back to study his work.  In that moment, he decided he absolutely needed to make sure that at some point, Ray had a matching one, because he loved the idea of his Mates bearing his mark in tandem.

“Oh, holy shit.”  The Alphas turned to see Ray standing in the doorway clutching the thinner of the toys.

Joel moaned at the phantom touch of Ray’s hands on him.  He forced himself past the lust long enough to study Ray’s wide eyes and parted lips.  “Are you sure you’re ok with this, Baby?”

Ray nodded frantically.  “Yeah.  I just…I’ve never used a toy before and I’ve never…you know, done anything like this so…I’m just nervous, I guess.”

“We, uh.  We should probably start doing something, though,” Burnie pointed out.  “I mean, you can stop this any time you want.  If it’s too much, that’s ok.”

Ray frowned.  “I know.”

“I’m just saying this is a lot for all of us, and I don’t know about you guys, but I’m fucking close already.  We should probably get this show on the road.”

Ray snorted, but shimmied out of his shorts.  He glanced around, trying to decide where he wanted to be to watch.  Finally, he shrugged and flopped down on the bed.  “VIP seat,” he said cheekily.  “So you gonna get to work on him, or…?”

It was Burnie’s turn to snort and he took the bottle of slick Ray handed him.  A gentle nudge was all it took to get Joel to turn over and he slid the pillow Ray handed him under Joel’s hips.  Without warning, he tugged Joel’s boxers down, eyes on Ray as he took in Joel’s naked form for the first time.  He seemed a little disappointed that he couldn’t see Joel’s front.

“Don’t worry,” Burnie assured him.  “I’ll flip him when he’s prepped.  But unlike you, he needs to be stretched and slicked up first.  It’s easier this way.”

Ray offered a hesitant nod.  He watched in fascination as Burnie slicked up one hand and brought it down to Joel’s entrance.  Burnie watched Ray’s reaction as he slowly worked one finger on.

“Oh, my God,” Ray breathed.  He reached down subconsciously and started palming himself through the fabric of his underwear.

Joel whined impatiently and tried to take more than Burnie was giving him.  “Damn it, Burns, hurry the fuck up.  I’m not gonna break.”

Burnie gave a light, warning slap to one cheek.  “But it’s been longer between since we’ve ever gone, so I’m gonna take my time and make sure you’re properly prepped.  The more you complain, the longer I’ll take, I promise you that.”

Annoyed, Joel stopped squirming against the tight grip on his hip.  “Bastard.”

“You love it.”

While they were distracted with each other, Ray had tugged his boxers down a little and when Joel looked over, he was treated with the sight of Ray slowly stroking himself.  As if in a trance, he reached out and grasped the boxers lightly.  “Can I?” he asked.

Ray hesitated, then nodded slowly and allowed Joel to pull them the rest of the way down and off.  He blushed heavily when he realized that both Alphas were drinking in the sight of him.  One warm hand gently touched his knee, nudging lightly.  There was another beat of hesitation before Ray spread his legs a little, allowing his lovers to see everything.

“You’re so wet,” Joel breathed.  His hand gripped Ray’s calf as he rested his cheek against the inside of the Omega’s knee.  He closed his eyes and inhaled that intoxicating scent right from the source.  “God, Baby, you smell delicious.”

Ray moaned softly at the feel of Joel’s stubble against the tender skin of his leg.  Without thought he brought his hand down lower and teased around his rim, gathering up his slick.  Then he offered his hand and watched in amazement as Joel greedily licked his fingers clean.  Ray couldn’t decide if the whimper Joel let out was because Burnie had added a second finger, or because of Ray’s own taste.  It didn’t occur until he was offering a re-slicked hand to Burnie that they easily could have thought his actions were strange.  They clearly didn’t, if the incoherent babbling coming from Joel and the eager way Burnie sucked on his fingers was anything to go by, but it could have easily been one of those false moves he was so afraid of.

Between Burnie working him open and the hopelessly sexy creature Ray was, Joel was a complete mess, writhing and making desperate noises.  As Burnie worked a third finger in, Joel watched hungrily as Ray finally slid a finger into his own hole.

“God, Baby you’re so sexy,” Joel breathed.  He was a little afraid that his grip on Ray’s leg would leave bruises, but at that point, he couldn’t make himself let go.  Not that Ray seemed to mind.  It was clear from the way Ray quickly worked up to three fingers that he was no stranger to fingering himself.

“So fucking hot,” Burnie gasped.  Greedy eyes took in the sight of both his lover’s stretched holes.  “God damn.  You ready, Joel?”  Without waiting for  response, he roughly pulled the pillow out from under Joel’s hips and quickly flipped the lanky man onto his back.

Joel gave a startled shout at the sudden movement.  “Hey, I can’t see-“

Burnie cut him off with a fierce kiss and both groaned when they realized they could taste Ray on the other’s lips.  He pulled back and roughly shifted them so they were both afforded a nice view of their Omega.  “You ready, Ray?"

Ray picked up the toy with a shaky hand.  He pulled his fingers from his own hole and sat up.  “Yeah,” he breathed, watching as Burnie finally shucked his boxers.  After a moment of thought, he reached down and gathered as much slick as possible.  Then he did something that caused all three of their brains to melt a little.  He reached forward and used his slick to prep Burnie.

“Holy fuck,” Burnie growled.  “Oh, Jesus Christ, that’s the hottest fucking thing I’ve ever seen.”  He shuddered at Ray’s hesitant touch, eyes locked on the hand slicking him up.  “Holy shit, get your fucking toy ready, this is happening right goddamn now.”

He waited until Ray had the toy positioned at his opening, then at some unspoken cue, Burnie pressed into Joel as Ray started working the toy into himself.  “Shit,” Ray hissed.

Joel’s hand covered his, slowing the movement.  “Breathe,” he instructed.  He grunted softly as Burnie slid a little deeper.  “Take your time. Follow Burnie.”

“Shit, Joel.  You’re still so fucking tight.”

Joel nodded.  “Been a while.”

They all fell silent aside from soft hisses and muted groans until at last Burnie was buried to the hilt and both Alphas watched eagerly as the last of the toy slid inside Ray.

“How you feeling, Sweetheart?” Burnie asked.  He managed to tear his eyes away from where the base of the toy disappeared into Ray, but he did it and looked up to see Ray’s face contorted with a mixture of pleasure and caution.

“Full?  Kind of…kind of sore.”

“Keep breathing.  Let me know when you’re ready."

Ray nodded and gradually, the faint traces of pain faded.  “I think I’m good.”  He slowly slid the toy out about half way before pushing it back in.  No pain.  He smiled at his Alphas.  “Yeah, I’m good.”  The toy was moving again and he blinked in surprise before he realized that Joel’s hand was still over his.

It was a slightly awkward angle, but Joel managed to get a good grip on the toy.  “Is this ok?”

“Yeah.”  Ray gasped sharply when Joel pushed it in a little harder than before.  “Fuck, yeah.”

Burnie snapped out of his daze and started moving inside Joel.  Almost immediately, he noticed that Joel timed the movements of the toy with Burnie’s thrusts.  Ray quickly abandoned the toy and left it to Joel while started stroking himself, doing his best to keep in time with the others.

Very quickly, they devolved into gasps and groans, lost in the sound and feel of one another.  When Joel felt Burnie’s not being to swell, he fumbled for the switch on Ray’s tow which would cause the same thing to happen inside their Omega.

Ray gave a surprised moan and his Alphas watched as he almost immediately came at the sensation.  Joel’s hand stilled when just the sight of Ray shivering with pleasure set him off and he followed.

Burnie almost collapsed when Joel clamped down on him only seconds after Ray came, Joel’s release coating both their stomachs.  Burnie hadn’t even touched him.  Satisfied that both his Mates had reached their climax, Burnie allowed himself to tumble over the edge after them.  The intensity left him breathless and his vision a little fuzzy around the edges.

“Holy fuck we’re doing that again,” Ray panted softly.  He shifted his hips and sighted in contentment.  It took a little maneuvering since his knot had him trapped inside Joel, but Burnie managed to tug Ray closer.  Before the Omega could question him, he started licking the mess on his stomach up.  Joel groaned at the sight.

He grinned when he realized just how close Burnie had pulled Ray.  A little gleeful, Joel hiked up Ray’s leg and did a little cleanup of his own.  Ray was so shocked by the dual sensation of Burnie’s mouth-which was now on his dick- and Joel’s tongue catching the slick that seeped around his rim that he came again with a shout.  Joel happily continued to tongue around where the rim of Ray’s ass fit snugly around the toy and Burnie swallowed Ray’s second release directly from the source.

Oversensitive from the dual assault, Ray weakly pushed at them.  Disappointed, they complied, though neither could help running their hands over whatever skin they could reach.

Conscious of the toy still inside him, Ray squirmed down so he was pressed against Joel’s side and Joel tugged Burnie down to blanket them both.

“You two are the most incredible Alphas ever,” Ray slurred.  “I can’t believe that didn’t weird you out.”

“What didn’t?” Burnie asked.  He took the opportunity to suck that matching mark into Ray’s skin.

“Me practically feeding you my slick.  Or like…using my slick to prep you.”

“Why the fuck would that be weird?  It was fucking hot as hell,” Joel growled.

“And you taste just as amazing as you smell,” Burnie added.

Ray blushed and hid his face in Joel’s shoulder.  “Um…ok.”

“And now that we know you like that,” Joel mused, “I think we’ll be figuring out creative ways to use your slick from here on out.”

That adorable shotgun laugh of Ray’s sent them all into laughter.  They were still chuckling and teasing each other a few minutes later when Burnie’s knot finally eased.  In a spectacular feat of timing, the toy deflated at the same time.  While Burnie went in search of something to clean them up with, Joel helped Ray ease the toy out of him.  He kissed Ray’s brow lightly at the slightly wince.

“You ok?”

“Yeah.  Just a little achy.  Never had something in there before.  I mean, aside from my fingers.”

Burnie reappeared and passed around damp towels.  While his lovers cleaned each other, he dug through his dresser in search of clothes.  Now that his lust had been sated, he realized just how hungry he was.  He pulled on a pair of sweatpants and an old shirt of Joel’s that he’d stolen in college.  Joel ended up dressed similarly, only he was draped in one of Burnie’s older shirts.  It had a few holes that teased with brief flashes of pale skin.

But Ray.  That was the kicker that made him almost forget about food.  The Omega had slipped his boxers back on along with one of Burnie’s favorite shirts.  Somehow, he knew he’d never end up wearing that shirt again, because it looked amazing on his little lover.

“I want pizza,” Ray said.  He curled his arms around Burnie’s waist and buried his face in the Alpha’s chest.  Joel immediately molded to his back and Ray smiled at the way they both just curled so perfectly around him, surrounding him in a wonderfully warm cocoon.  It was better than any Heat nest he’d ever bundled into.

“I’ll order it,” Joel offered.  “You two go pick out a movie and I’ll call and order dinner.”

By the time the pizza arrived, they’d created a nest out of the mess of bedding from their earlier activities, plus a few more blankets Burnie had hunted down.  They ate in bed, only half watching the movie.  None of them could really be bothered to watch it when they could explore the new intimacy they’d brought into their relationship.  An empty pizza box later, they were snuggled together, lazily making out.

“So,” Ray started, mouthing sweetly at a particularly strong scent gland on Joel’s neck.  “I still have that other toy to try out.”

Burnie fell off the bed in his haste to get it, his lover’s laughter following him from the room.  They really were going to be the death of him.  But what a sweet death it would be.

Notes:  I apologize to those of you who are looking for some OT3 smut, but you'll have to wait until the next chapter.  This one is Myan exclusive because apparently I can't help myself.  But just to be clear here, the OT3 for next chapter will also be nothing but smut.  Hope you enjoy!

Michael leaned into the kiss with a happy sigh.  He loved with Ryan was like this.  Especially sweet and gentle, like a wrong breath could shatter Michael where he stood.  It was like their first time all over again.  Where Ryan had almost been afraid to touch Michael.  Fearful that every touch would be the one Michael rejected.  That he would somehow make a false move that would result in Michael rejecting his court and sending him away.

“I love you,” he whispered against Ryan’s lips.  His knees touched the mattress and Ryan tenderly lowered him onto their bed.

Ryan placed himself over Michael, supported over his Omega on his forearms.  He ran his fingers through auburn curls and simply drank in the sight of his Mate spread out beneath him.  “You’re so beautiful,” he breathed.  “So damn beautiful, Darling.  I can’t wait to watch our child grow inside you.”

“You’re the only one I’d get fat for,” Michael teased.  “And you know this won’t be the only one, right?”

“Just how many are you looking to have?”  Ryan pressed a kiss to each of Michael’s eyelids.  “Because I could see us having our own little Pack.”  Another kiss to his nose.

“Well, let’s face it.  Any kid of ours will end up considering any other kid our Pack has as family.”  He hummed softly when Ryan’s sweet kisses peppered on his mouth.  “I mean, could you imagine if Gavin and Geoff had like, an Alpha and we had an Omega?  We’d have to deal with watching our kids Mate, cause you know they would.”

“If you’re trying to talk me out of having children just because you don’t want to be in-laws with Plan-G, it’s not working.  If it comes to that, we’ll deal.  But I still want that Pack of ours.”

“Oh, I’m not trying to talk you out of it.  I’m just pointing out a possible eventuality.”

“Well, I’m trying to be romantic and charming and sexy, so stop talking about other men and let me do my thing.”

Michael giggled.  He tilted his chin up to try for another kiss but Ryan continued to scatter them around his face.  “Then do your thing.  I’m waiting to be bred, Alpha.”

Ryan growled low in his throat.  In contrast, his movements remained slow and controlled.  “You will be,” he promised.  “I’m going to love you so well you’ll be pregnant by the time I knot you the first time.  Then, after I feed you and give you some time to recover, I’ll do it all over again, just to be sure.”

Michael whined eagerly.  He tried to reach for Ryan’s shirt but almost immediately found his hands pinned to the bed.  “Ryan,” he whimpered as he tried to free his hands.  Ryan trailed his kisses down Michael’s neck in response.

“Patience, Darling.  You just lay there and be my good little Omega.  Let me take care of you.”

“I wanna touch,” Michael complained.

“And you will, just not yet.”

He was in a mood, Michael realized.  And unfortunately, when he was in a mood, it was easier to just let him do what he wanted or it would only delay his orgasm.  More.  Would delay his orgasm more, since it seemed like he wouldn’t be getting one for a while.  Ryan hummed appreciatively when he felt Michael’s body relax under him.  As if to test, he removed his hands from Michael’s and brought them to his waist.  The omega obediently left his hands where they were.

“Good boy,” the Alpha whispered against Michael’s collarbone.  He felt the happy noise his Mate made as he licked lightly over his throat and up to his pulse point.  “My good boy.”  It wasn’t often that Ryan acted so dominant, but when he did, it never failed to melt Michael’s entire being.

While Ryan’s lips trailed over his neck leaving little nips and kisses, his hands slowly ran up his sides, dragging the shirt as he went.  Once his hands had a nice grip on Michael’s ribs, he gently eased the Omega up and gave a whispered instruction to lift his arms.  Without even opening his eyes, Michael did as told and sighed happily when his shirt was eased up and off.  It was tossed carelessly off into the oblivion of the rest of the room even as Michael was tenderly lowered once again.  He again rested his hands next to his head without having to be asked and he was rewarded with a deep thorough kiss while Ryan’s hands became busy mapping out his chest.

He had been right before, he realized.  It was like Ryan was trying to learn him all over again, pausing whenever he made a noise to revisit a particular spot.  The only difference was that they had their bond, so Michael was able to feel every pulse of warmth and love and awe Ryan felt and it filled him until he was a whimpering mess.  He would have felt pathetic since they were both still mostly dressed, but Ryan seemed to enjoy it.

For a while, he simply lost himself in the drag of lips and teeth and tongue, the almost ticklish sensation of questing fingers, and the unfiltered flow of Ryan’s feelings over their bond.  It was impossible to say how long Ryan spent on his upper body.  And he didn’t even realize just how hard he was until he felt Ryan’s fingers working his jeans opened at an agonizingly slow pace.

“Alpha,” he breathed.  The pulse of Ryan’s want shot through him and he bucked involuntarily.

“Shh,” Ryan murmured against his stomach.  “You’re doing so well.  Just a little longer.”

Michael nodded automatically and just let the bond talk for him.  Convenient, that since he had no idea how to speak at the moment.  As if he knew, Ryan chuckled and tugged teasingly so Michael’s pants moved down an inch.  Michael forgot entirely about keeping his hands down and a moment later, he had insanely soft hair gripped in one hand while the other grasped at the skin of Ryan’s shoulder.  Confused, Michael opened hazy eyes finally to see that when he hadn’t been paying attention, Ryan had stripped completely.  And if his brain had been melted before, the sight of his Alpha, bare and gorgeous and hard and his always did the trick.  “When…?  How the fuck…?”

Ryan smirked and tugged again at his jeans.  “Do you even really care?”

“Fuck no.  Why the hell am I not naked, too?”

“Because I’m still working on it.  Patience.”

Michael managed a half a scowl before Ryan started mouthing him through his boxers and there went his brain again.  He was so damn ready and if Ryan didn’t hurry up, he’d end up losing what little self-control he had left and just finishing in his boxers.

“For all you know, that could be my plan,” Ryan teased and Michael let out an embarrassingly loud moan when he actually felt the words against his dick.  He didn't even care that he'd said that slightly humiliating bit out loud.

“Mother fucker,” he hissed.  “You know what?  I don’t fucking care anymore.  Do it.  Make me jizz in my pants like a fucking teenager.  Please, Ryan.  I just…damn it!  Please!  I need…”

“I know, Darling, I know.”  In a startlingly abrupt movement, Michael’s boxers were gone along with his jeans and Ryan’s mouth was all around him and the second he realized that he was in Ryan’s throat, he was done.  That’s all she wrote and he was screaming out his orgasm in the form of his Mate’s name.

Even as he was coming down, he felt the insistent prod of two fingers.  Somehow he hadn’t even noticed just how wet he was until then.

“Jesus, look at you,” Ryan praised.  He grasped the back of Michael’s thigh with his free hand and pushed it toward his chest to get a better look.  “You’re soaking.  You’re so ready for me.”

Michael attempted to lift his limp hands, but he was so worn from the surprising intensity of his orgasm that he could only move as far as Ryan shifting him.  “Please,” he whimpered.  Normally, he would have been embarrassed by the realization that his need for his Alpha had him nearly to the point of tears, but he didn’t give a damn after Ryan had already been so incredible so far.

Ryan hummed softly as he probed a little deeper, testing the give of Michael’s opening.  To his fascination, Michael was already recovering.  Somehow in the course of their two years together, they’d never experimented with that sort of thing.  But his curiosity had taken hold and he pressed deeper, searching for the spot that would guarantee orgasm number two for his fiery Omega.

“More-oh, god!” Michael gasped out, body arching beautifully off the bed as Ryan unerringly found the ridiculously sensitive bundle of nerves.  The first time he’d fingered Michael, Ryan had been merciless and was able to bring him to completion in a matter of minutes.  With his nerves still firing all over his body, Michael was pushed brutally and immediately over the edge once again.

Pleased, Ryan withdrew his fingers and brought them to his own mouth.  Michael’s eyes slowly slid open to the sight of his Alpha licking and sucking the slick from his fingers.  Even that was overstimulation and Michael felt himself twitch miraculously.  He felt Ryan’s joy and need flood him and between that and his current exhaustion, it took a lot longer than it should have to find himself hovering over Ryan.  “Wha?”

Ryan chuckled and leaned back more comfortably against the headboard.  He knew just how tired his Omega was, but this was their favorite position because it allowed them to get just that much closer.  Somehow, Michael mustered the energy to drape himself over Ryan, nuzzling sweetly into his throat as strong hands helped lower his hips.  Once he was fully inside Michael, he curled the fingers of one hand through Michael’s hair and tilted his head for a kiss.

Michael sighed against his lips and gave a slow roll of his hips.  By this point, Michael was so sensitive and Ryan was so ready for his Mate that they knew it wouldn’t take long for either of them.  With that in mind, Ryan started rolling his hips along with Michael’s movements and they immediately fell into a familiar rhythm.  It wasn’t really all that surprising when Ryan’ almost immediately felt his knot start to swell.  Michael whined appreciatively and thrust his hips down a little harder, eager for his Mate’s knot.  He gasped softly and his head fell back as he felt that familiar, always incredible stretch and as Ryan shot the first of many loads deep inside, he came yet again without ever being touched.

For the next while, he simply sprawled boneless against his Mate, shivering at the occasional twitch he felt inside.  While his body and mind settled into the incredible connection, his heart started racing.  He had officially been off his pills long enough for his system to be clear.  Amazed, he lifted his head and stared into those impossibly blue eyes, which looked just as thrilled as he felt.  “Ryan,” he breathed.

“I know, Darling.”  One large hand spread out over his stomach and they both imagined it swelling in the coming months.  “And I promise as soon as enough time has passed, we’ll make sure you are.”

“Doctor, right?  None of that home testing shit?  Cause you can’t be sure with those.”

“Right.”  Ryan hissed a little as he felt his knot finally go down enough to slip out of his Mate.  “Fuck, that was a long one.”

Michael felt like a ragdoll as Ryan rearranged him so he was laying down properly.  “Mmm, just your body making sure you breed me good and deep,” he slurred.  He’d never felt so worn after sex before and he decided it was something he could absolutely get used to, so long as Ryan didn’t drag it out so fucking long every time.

He woke up again to the incredible smell of food.  As if on cue, Ryan pushed his way into the room with ridiculously full tray of food.  He seemed surprised that Michael was slowly sitting up.

“Oh, hey.  You’re awake.  I was afraid I broke you.”

Michael grumbled, then flushed when his stomach made a far more impressive noise as Ryan settled the tray over his lap.  “How long was I out?”

“Couple hours.  Thought you might wake up hungry, so I made a bunch of your favorites.”

For a moment, Michael ignored the food in favor of pulling Ryan into a deep kiss.  “You’re the best Alpha ever,” he praised and giggled when Ryan perked up like a puppy.  “You take such good care of me.”

“And just think.  It’s only a few hours into the weekend,” Ryan pointed out.  “Just imagine how many more times I can take care of you.”

To be fair, it was perfectly understandable that Michael’s brain went to mush.  Probably not so fair that he threw a piece of jam covered toast at Ryan as his Mate laughed.

“Asshole.”

“I love you, too.”

It was going to be a long weekend.  A long, exhausting, incredible weekend.

Notes: Not much to stay here other than that I'm really loving this story.  It's developed in unexpected, but very fun ways and a lot of that is thanks to you guys.  ^_^  As always, I hope you enjoy!

Joel practically skipped into the Achievement Hunter office, excited for his private date with Ray.  He was glad it was Friday, because that meant there was possibility to spend the entire weekend with his Mates.  Screw, bonding, as far as he was concerned they were Mates and nothing could possibly change that.  He had every confidence that they would find a solution to the one thing standing in their way.

As he swept into the office, he found that only Ryan and Michael were still there along with Ray.

“Where’s everyone else?” Joel asked.

Ray grinned and bounded over for a sweet kiss.  “Jack had a thing so he left early today.  Gav and Geoff just left.  I think Gavin might be going into Heat or something, cause he was really touchy with Geoff earlier.”

That thought made Joel’s fingers tighten a little on Ray’s hips.  “Now there’s a thought.  When are you supposed to have your Heat next?”

“Not until a week or so after Burnie’s barbecue, so we’re good to go until then.  Why?”

Joel smirked and nuzzled Ray’s cheek.  “Because Burnie and I have some stuff to get ready for if we’re going to help you through it this time.”

“Help me?”

“Like make sure you have plenty of food and water, and I’ve been told I build a mean nest.  My sister’s Heats used to be pretty bad.  That and we need to make sure we’ve got plenty of whatever you’re craving this time around.”

Ray rolled his eyes at the gentle tease.  “Brat.  So.  What’s the plan for tonight?"

“I have a pretty awesome date planned, but aside from you picking where we go for dinner, it’s a surprise.”

“Hmm, cryptic.  Ok, give me a second to get my stuff together.”

Ryan offered a wave to Joel as he dropped into Gavin’s chair and scooted it closer to Michael.  The grumpy Omega looked like he was in the process of editing a Rage Quit.  “Babe, I’m done with my editing,” Ryan murmured against Michael’s neck.

Michael grunted.  “What do you want, a cookie?” he grouched.

Ryan blinked in surprise.  “Yes.”  Michael glanced at him.

“What?”

“You asked if I wanted a cookie.  I’m answering you.  I want a cookie.  And I want my Mate.  You promised me an entire weekend in bed, Darling.”

Michael turned enough to kiss his Alpha before turning back to his computer.  “And if we’re going to do that, I want this to done and out of the way.  So give me a little bit to finish this.  While you do that, I hid a box of cookies for you on the game shelf.  Bottom shelf.”

Ryan made a delighted sound and nipped lightly at Michael’s throat.  “I love you,” he purred before going in search of the cookies.

“Aww,” Ray eased and Michael glared at him through his blush.

“Shut up.  Have fun on your date.”

“Have fun with your sexcapades.”

“Totally will.”

Ray was still giggling when he climbed into Joel’s car.  They decided on a little pizza place nearby.  Ray decided he wanted to get to know Joel better, so they started a game of “I ask, you ask” and each were determined to answer the other in full.  Mostly it was dumb little things like, dumbest pet, or favorite class in high school.

Some questions, though, were far more personal.

“Who did you lose your virginity to?” Ray asked shyly.

“Believe it or not, it was Burnie.”

That wasn’t the answer Ray expected, but in a way it made sense.  “Oh.  Really?  How’d that happen?”

“Not your turn for a question.  And actually, we need to get going.  The place I have in mind should be closing soon.  Besides, I’d rather tell you about it when Burnie’s there.  He’s better at telling it than I am.”

“Fair enough.  So are you planning on telling me where we’re going?”

“Nope.”

“You suck.”

“You can’t prove that.”

Ray could only blush as he followed Joel back to the car.  He spent the next while sort of daydreaming about it while Joel took the opportunity to listen to some financial stuff on the radio.  Ray only realized that they had reached their destination when Joel switched off the radio and pulled into a park space.  The Omega looked around but didn’t recognize anything.  “Where are we?”

“We’re…Uh, so I thought…”  Joel struggled for words a bit more before he shrugged.  “We can leave if you don’t want to go in, but I thought…it’s an adult toy store.”

“Oh, dude.  Are you buying me toys?” Ray asked.  He couldn’t decide if he was embarrassed or excited.

“If you want?  I know you’re not ready for anything with me and Burnie, but I figured…it could help get you more comfortable or something.”  His nervous ramblings were cut off when Ray scrambled for his seatbelt before practically falling out of the car.

“Hurry the fuck up.  This is awesome.  I’ve never been in one of these before.”

He tugged a laughing Joel into the shop and looked around like a kid in a candy store.  It was cleaner and brighter than he had expected.  His imagination had cooked up something much seedier.  One half was dedicated to an impressive collection of dvds while the other half was toys, sexy clothing and things that delved into bondage and other things Ray would rather not think about.

“Pick anything you want,” Joel offered.

Ray was blushing, but he grabbed Joel’s hand and pulled him over to a wall covered in various toys.  While he was looking over the selections with more and more reservations, an employee wandered over.

“Anything I can help you with?”

Joel didn’t like the way the strange Alpha was looking at Ray, but he forced himself to keep his cool.  Instead, he bared his teeth in something resembling a smile.  “We’re fine.  Baby, you know what you want, yet?”

Ray hummed softly and tucked himself automatically into Joel’s side, eyes still on the toys.  “I think so, but you have to pick the right ones, cause I want them to be as close to you and Burnie as possible.”  He looked up at Joel with a mischievous grin.  He giggled when Joel kissed him firmly.

“I can absolutely do that.  Got to make sure you’re comfortable when it comes time for the first time we knot you.”

He was too focused on watching the strange Alpha scowl at them to notice the way Ray’s eyes lit with sudden understanding.  By the time the employee scurried off after reluctantly offering to help them when they had made their selections, the look was gone and Ray was pointing to a row of different sized knotting dildos.

“These ones,” he said.  “They’re supposed to be pretty realistic in terms of flexibility and give.  Also, they supposedly simulate the length of the knotting time.”

Joel nodded and surprised Ray by quickly selecting to of the correct sizes.  “These.”  He handed them one at a time to Ray.  “Me,” the first one was longer and thinner, “and Burnie.”  This one wasn’t as long, but it had a girth that made Ray a little nervous.

“Cool.”  He hid his nerves with a grin and nudged Joel toward the counter.  “Let’s go pay.  The sooner we get out of here, the less you’ll want to kill that dude for staring at my ass.”

Joel scowled.  “I don’t like it when guys that aren’t me and Burnie look at you.”

Ray smiled softly up at Joel.  “Well, they can look all they want, but I already know I belong to you and Burnie, so it doesn’t matter.”

It was always so damn hard to stay mad at unfamiliar Alphas when Ray said something so sweet.  “Yeah, ok.  Let’s pay and get out of here.  If we hurry there’s an arcade nearby we can screw around in before heading back to Burnie’s.”

“I just realized I don’t have anything to wear to bed tonight.”

Joel grinned and nuzzled Ray’s neck as they waited in line.  “I’m sure we can find something for you.  Personally, I think you’d look incredibly hot in nothing, but I think we can dig out one of Burnie’s shirts.”

Ray nodded.  “I like the idea of wearing something of yours.  So maybe Burnie’s shirt and like, some of your pants or something?”

“Yeah, we can do that.  I have some clothes at Burnie’s place.  That can definitely be arranged.”  They approached the counter and Joel smirked a little at the obvious jealousy the employee from before.  He silently scanned the items and went on to test them.  From the sound of it, he was very reluctant to explain what all the buttons did.  Though he couldn’t resist offering to actually show Ray how to use them.

Before Joel could even release the growl he felt bubbling in his throat, he heard another.  His surprised gaze landed on Ray and he took in the fierce anger on his usually sweet Omega.  “I suggest you stick to doing your job instead of trying to pick up Omegas who are obviously happy right where they are.  And I’m telling you right now if you so much as look at me again, I’ll rip your dick off, then give you to my Alphas to play with.  And trust me when I say that they’re protective enough separately, but they’re even worse together.  Now, are we done here?”

The alpha nodded, head lowered submissively as he quickly put Ray’s new toys back in the boxes and put them in a bag.  Ray snatched the bag up and stormed out of the store, Joel hot on his heels.

“Baby, that was unbelievably hot,” Joel breathed.  He followed Ray back to the car and unlocked it.  His angry little Omega threw himself into the car and stared hard at the nondescript bag in his lap.  Before starting the car, Joel leaned over and gently cupped the back of Ray’s head.  He watched as Ray immediately began to settle, soothed by his Alpha’s touch.  “You were amazing in there.”

“I just hate when jerks like that look at me like I’m just a fucking piece of meat.  I’ve been looked at like that before I even presented.  It’s like, just because I’m an Omega, I’m just…there to be pretty and all I’m good for is to give an Alpha pleasure.”

“Ray…”

“It’s never been like that with you and Burnie.  That’s why I first started noticing you guys.  You never made me feel like an object.”

Joel pulled Ray into a sweet kiss.  “Why don’t we head back to Burnie’s.  You can text him and see when he’s coming home and we can make out until he gets back." 

Ray smiled against Joel’s lips.  “Sounds good.”

Notes: I am sooooo sorry this took so long!  I don't really have any excuses, but I hope the length can make up for the wait a bit.  Also, I might have indulged in a good bit of light smut here.  Without further ado, on with the fic!

The office was generally a light hearted environment where jokes, friendly teasing and flirting that meant nothing were practically a requirement.  It never took long for even the most introverted of Omegas to find their niche.  Case in point: Ray.

Unfortunately there were always a few who managed to sweet talk their way into the company who just didn’t belong for any number of reasons.  While the office Alphas were always quick to resolve such issues, sometimes they weren’t fast enough to prevent some of the damage.

A prime example was the cocky young Alpha who didn’t take kindly to working under Kerry.  Oh the intern was well aware of how Kerry was favored and doted on by any number of Alphas but that didn’t seem to register when all the intern could see was that his boss was a shy, slightly awkward Omega who had very little self worth.  By the time Miles realized what was going on, Kerry’s self-esteem was at an all time low thanks to the smug intern.

When Miles walked into the RWBY office to drag Kerry in for some lines for Neptune, he found his favorite Omega being mentally brutalized.  Blaine, who had been wandering down the hall, heard the furious growl just as Miles launched himself at the intern.  All Blaine had to see were the tears on Kerry’s face and he joined Miles in the fight.  By the time the two young Alphas were pulled off the intern, he was a bloody mess, Kerry was crying and babbling in the middle of a Lad pile, and Burnie and Matt were restraining themselves from taking a few swings of their own.

That had been months before and while the intern had been arrested and they never saw him again, Miles was still working to rebuild what the bastard had broken down.

Unfortunate though the event had been, it served as a learning experience.  New guys, particularly Alphas, were to be watched carefully until they proved their worth, and anyone in charge of hiring made damn sure they weeded out those they didn’t trust on sight.  Omegas were watched carefully for any behavior that was out of character or cause for concern.  It didn’t matter what department anyone worked in, Rooster Teeth was a family.  A large, sometimes confusing pack, and they looked out for their own.

Ray had to keep that in mind the twelfth time someone stopped him in the halls to ask if he was ok.  To his irritation, more than once he was cautiously asked if Joel or Burnie had done anything to upset him.

Which lead to now.  His quiet mumble to Geoff that he was headed to find one of his Alphas got him some more concerned looks, but he shook them off and wandered down the hall.

Without so much as a courtesy knock, he opened Burnie’s office door and stopped short.  And every bit of irritation and worry he’d felt since the previous night just kind of disappeared.  Because Burnie had Joel pinned against his desk.  As Ray watched, Joel hooked a leg around Burnie’s hip, pulling him in closer and the Omega couldn’t help but see the minute movements as they ground their hips together.

But it was really the overwhelming scent that was shorting Ray’s brain.  In addition to that familiar cabin-in-the-middle-of-nowhere scent that they melded to create, Ray found himself drowning in the combined arousal of both his Alphas.  As quietly as he could, he shifted and closed the door.  Then he leaned back against it and just watched.  It was fascinating to see the way Joel submitted to the other Alpha.  The long stretch of his neck as he leaned his head back to grant Burnie’s questing lips access was beautiful.

They were incredible together and it was easy to see how familiar and comfortable they were with each other.  For a brief moment, Ray felt like he was intruding.  Not only in what they assumed was a private moment, but also their relationship in general.

Joel made all those feelings disappear in an instant simply by unclenching his hand from Burnie’s shirt and extending it in Ray’s direction without even opening his eyes.

Eagerly, Ray took the invitation and plastered himself against Burnie’s back.  He only had a second to enjoy the heat and scent before he abruptly found himself between the Alphas.  Joel’s hands gripped his hips tightly while Burnie’s ventured boldly under his shirt to reset against his stomach.  In an oddly synchronized move, they latched onto either side of his neck and his knees buckled.

He didn’t even bother attempting to figure out which of them was doing what at any given moment.  It was all a haze of pleasure for the inexperienced Omega.  Where one nipped at his pulse point, the other sucked harshly at the juncture where neck met shoulder.  Then one nibbled at his jaw while the other teased his collar bone.

“You smell incredible,” Burnie whispered against his skin and Ray shivered.

“Look even better,” Joel observed.  He leaned back to admire the image of Burnie sucking an impressive bruise into the skin just hidden by Ray’s shirt.  “God, the both of you.  So fucking incredible.”

Ray hummed happily between them.  “I’d say I feel bad for interrupting, but I’d be lying.”

“Good.  Because we’re enjoying this, too.”  The rumble of Burnie’s chest as he practically growled the words into his ear was absolute heaven.  So was the soft whimper Joel let out before diving down and catching Ray’s mouth with a desperation that somehow managed to still be sweet.

A knock at the door interrupted them and all three whined.  The less than amused look Adam gave them as he opened the door would have been funny if not for how cheated the trio felt at having their moment cut short.

“Seriously?” Adam said.  “Joel, you’re supposed to be reading lines for Miles right now.”

Joel scowled at the younger Alpha.  “I know.”

“Yeah, well, you’re also supposed to record that stupid video with me after you’re done.  I want to get that video done and over with if you don’t mind.”

“Yeah, yeah.  Stop trying to order me around.  That’s what Burnie and Ray are for.”

That managed to get a smile from Adam before he could stop himself.  “Hey, you’ve got the rest of your life to be with them.  It’s the other shit that’s got deadlines.  And you can blame your Alpha Mate since he’s the one who sets the deadline for our videos.”

With a heavy sigh, Joel extracted himself from his…lovers?  Mates?  “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you did this on purpose so you could have Ray all to yourself,” he grumbled, pressing one last, slow kiss to Burnie’s lips.  The one he gave Ray lingered a little longer and he was pleased to realize he would be taking the taste of their little Omega with him.

“Not intentional,” Burnie argued, “but you have to admit.  The timing is awesome for me.  I get to screw around for a little while until you’re done reading lines and Miles comes to get me.”

“Hm, well you two should go ahead and get lunch without me today.  Adam’s right.  I have a lot of shit to get done.”

Even while Ray pouted, he felt a little thrill at having a lunch date with just Burnie.  He adored both of his Alphas, and being at the center of their combined attention was always overwhelming and mind blowing, but it was rare when he had a moment with just one or the other.  He made a mental note to suggest more one-on-one dates.

“Well, it’s only fair since you get him to yourself tonight,” Burnie griped.

“Wait, what?”  Ray looked up at Burnie for an explanation as Adam dragged Joel from the room.  Distantly they heard Adam complaining about how Joel reeked of sex and they both felt a little smug.  “What’s going on tonight?”

“I have a shit ton of paperwork to go over with Matt tonight, so I’m probably going to be stuck here for a while after everyone else leaves.  The next hour or so is about the only free time I have today.  So I’m going to text Geoff and inform him that you’re mine for an hour and he can suck a dick if he expects you back before then.”

“Gavin wouldn’t complain,” Ray couldn’t help but add and Burnie laughed in surprise.

“Very true.  Anyway, when Joel found out, he decided he’s going to spoil the fuck out of you tonight with some sort of super awesome date.  I think he’s trying to convince you to make him your favorite or something, but I’ll get my chance for some truly amazing courting.  So.  What do you want to do for lunch?”

“Can we just order pizza or something and hide in here?”

Burnie nodded even as he studied Ray in concern.  “Of course we can.  What’s wrong?”

“I uh…let’s order the pizza before we get into this.”

A few minutes later, with their lunch ordered, Burnie dropped into his chair and pulled Ray into his lap.  The Omega curled into him, face buried in his neck where the scent was strongest.  “Ok, tell me what’s wrong, Sweetheart.”

“I’m just…exhausted.  I can’t stop thinking about last night and I think it’s going to bother the hell out of me until we figure this whole bonding thing out.  And all fucking day everyone keeps asking me if I’m ok.   Aside from the bonding issue, I’m fine.  But every time someone asks me what’s wrong, I just keep getting more and more irritated and now the only thing that’s wrong is that people won’t stop asking me what’s fucking wrong.  And on top of that, a couple people have asked if you or Joel did anything to upset or hurt me and that just pisses me off because neither of you have been anything other than incredible and I just…I’m tired.  Of everyone treating me like glass, or like the office baby brother, and like you and Joel are trying to corrupt me or some shit.  The other Achievement Hunters, I’m totally cool with them being like that cause they’re Pack.”

“Oh, Sweetheart.  If it really bothers you, I can talk to some of the about backing off.  But you know they’re just worried about you.  This is all still really new for you and you get the joy of navigating it with not one, but two Alphas.  It’s unfamiliar territory for everyone.  Like it or not, it’s not just the three of us that have to come to terms with what this relationship means.  The whole Pack does, too.”

Ray sighed heavily.  “I know.”  He shifted a little so he could enjoy the rasp of his stubble on Burnie’s.  “I know that, and I keep telling myself that, but it’s still…I’m still getting used to being involved in this whole thing that I’ve always been on the outside of.  If it wasn’t for you and Joel I’d still feel out of touch and that honestly kind of scares me.”

Burnie shifted a little and pressed a sweet kiss to Ray’s lips.  “You don’t have to worry about that anymore.  You have me and Joel now.  And you always will.  You’re stuck with us now, Sweetheart.”

Ray made a sound in the back of his throat that was not unlike a purr as he pressed closer to Burnie.  The sound seemed to unravel what little restraint Burnie had left and with a quiet growl, the Alpha took full and thorough possession of Ray’s mouth.  He delighted in every sound his Omega made.  The pleased gasp as Burnie’s hand slipped into his back pocket to pull him closer.  The nearly inaudible sigh as their tongues slid together.  The surprised moan he gave as Burnie’s free hand ventured boldly under his shirt.  The way the moan turned into Burnie’s name as his thumb brushed teasingly over Ray’s nipple.

And again a knock at the door interrupted them.

“Fucking cock block!” Ray growled and Burnie chuckled into his neck.  He gently nudged Ray out of his lap and went to answer the door.  As far as he was concerned, he and Joel were the only ones allowed to see their sweet Omega in such a state.

The intern tasked with bringing the pizza took one whiff of the aroused scent that poured from the room, shoved the box into Burnie’s hand and scampered off.  Amused at the knowledge that their lunchtime activities would spread through the building at lightning speed, Burnie turned back to see Ray curled up in his desk chair pouting.

“Ok, get over here.”  Burnie dropped onto the little couch and waited until Ray was curled into his side before he opened the box.  Ray giggled when he pulled out a piece and insisted on feeding the Omega.  And despite the lingering tension between them, they had a peaceful, relaxing remainder of their lunch.

Ray was a little annoyed that Burnie refused to make out with him again since Miles was due to fetch him at any moment and he didn’t want to be interrupted yet again.

“I promise we can pick up where we left off tonight.  I told Joel to bring you back to my place after your date tonight.”

That seemed to placate Ray enough and he spent the next few minutes dozing lightly on Burnie’s chest.  “Hey, Burnie?”

“Hmm?”

“When was the last time you and Joel had sex?”

A little surprised, Burnie didn’t answer for a minute.  “I think it was a little before we started courting you.”

“When you say that, do you mean when you guys were being all sneaky about it, or after you officially asked me?”

“The sneaky thing.  Where’s this coming from?”

“I was thinking…I’m not really ready for anything too…intense yet.  But I kind of thought…maybe if you guys are ok with it…I could, like…watch?  Next time you guys do?”  He dared a glance when Burnie made an odd strangled noise.

Dark eyes studied him with no small amount of desire.  “Are you sure?”

“Yeah.  I’ve been thinking about it for a while now.  I figure I’m going to need to build up to joining, but…yeah.”

“We can absolutely make that happen.  Holy shit, Ray, I can’t even begin to explain just how hot that sounds.”

“Really?”

“Oh, yeah.”

“Good.  Cause I think this is the sexiest I’ve ever felt.”

The only possible response Burnie could think of was to shift Ray around so he was straddled over Burnie’s lap.  Then he pulled the Omega close by the hips and caught his mouth in a demanding kiss.  “You’re so fucking sexy all the time, Sweetheart, you have no idea.  God damn, I can just see it.  Joel pinned under me, whining like an Omega in heat.  You in the chair nearby, watching.”

Ray whined pressed closer as Burnie nibbled on his ear, continuing to whisper suggestions.  “Oh, fuck, Ray.  You’d be so damn pretty, I know it.  Maybe you’d be touching yourself, stroking your gorgeous dick in time with me fucking Joel.  Maybe even playing with that sweet, slick hole.  You’d be so wet, Sweetheart.  So wet and ready for us.”

Another knock at the door.

“God fucking damn it!” Ray cried.  He didn’t even bother to try and keep his disappointment hidden.  “Are you fucking serious right now?”

Miles at least had the decency to look guilty at the interruption.  “I uh…I kind of need Burnie to read some lines for RWBY.  And Geoff was looking for you, Ray.”

Burnie grinned and gently lifted Ray from his lap.  “I’ll be there in a second, Miles.”

The younger Alpha nodded in relief and fled.  Regretfully, Burnie pressed one last lingering kiss to Ray’s lips.  “I’m probably not going to see you again until tonight.  But you’re welcome to stay in here and take care of your problem before you get back to work.  I wish I could stay and watch that, but…unfortunately I have to at least attempt to be responsible today.”

 Ray scowled at him.  “You’re lucky I’m so fucking crazy about you or I’d be seriously pissed off that this is the third time in an hour that you’ve gotten me all worked up and now you’re fucking leaving me.”

“Trust me.  If I could, I’d lock the fucking door, bend you over my desk and make you cum just from my tongue, but that’s not an option right now.”  He watched as the shiver of arousal wracked Ray’s entire body.  “But I can’t promise I won’t do that tonight.”

“If you don’t, I’ll have Geoff beat the shit out of you.”

“Such a feisty little Omega,” Burnie purred.  He couldn’t resist kissing Ray again before he reluctantly left the room.  Before the door closed, he heard Ray muttering about cock blockers and blue balls.

Nothing in the world could ruin his good mood, especially since Ray’s scent clung to him for the rest of the day.

Notes: I'm starting to believe that this story is developing on its own.  I go into each chapter with a clear idea of what I want accomplished...then shit happens.  A well.  It seems to be working so far, so why mess with a winning strategy, right?  Ok, enough from me, onward to fun.

Michael was already in bed by the time Ryan joined him.  For a moment, the Alpha simply stood in the doorway watching as his younger Mate nuzzled into Ryan’s pillow, soaking up the scent he had been deprived of for the previous hours.

“You never cease to amazing me, Darling.  You’re so beautiful and wonderful…I can’t help but wonder why you chose me of all the Alphas in the world.”

Astonished, Michael lifted his head slowly and took in the discomfort that seemed to flow off of Ryan in waves.  “Ok, asshole, get over here.  And stop blocking me out.  I can’t help if you’re standing over there being all self-depreciating and shit." 

To be fair, neither of them were completely comfortable with the full access bond that Mated pairs had.  Mostly they kept to surface emotions and anything deeper than that was saved for their most intimate of moments.  Unlike Gavin and Geoff who took advantage to always be in tune with their Mate’s emotional state.

Ryan sighed and crossed to the bed, stripping layers as he went.  Michael followed his example and by the time Ryan crawled onto the bed they were both down to their boxers.  By unspoken agreement, they didn’t strip any further.  Once they were in their favorite cuddle position with Michael on his back propped up against the pillows and Ryan sprawled across his chest, arms tight around each other and Michael’s legs bracketing Ryan nicely, they paused.  They held that beat of hesitation for a moment before they slowly brought down their mental barriers and let the other in.  As always, that unrestrained mental merge was just shy of completely overwhelming and they both needed a minute to get used to the feeling all over again.

Michael smiled softly when he simultaneously felt Ryan started to tremble even as peace filled him as they settled in and simply enjoyed the intimacy of their bond.  “This is why,” the Omega whispered into Ryan’s hair.  A soft nod as Ryan nuzzled further into Michael’s chest.  “There is not a single person in the world-not even my own parents-who has made me feel this happy or this safe.  You remember the first time we met?  How I was still acting pissy whenever Geoff tried to do anything for me but all you had to do was smile at me with that stupid shy grin and those unfairly blue eyes and I turned into the Omega I always hated being.”

Ryan huffed a little and shifted so he could see Michael’s eyes.  Through their bond, he could feel every bit of love, amusement and patience that his Mate felt for him, but he couldn’t stop his insecurities.  “Yeah, but why?  I feel like…I feel like I claimed something so incredible that I never had a right to.  Like a broke the rules and cheated to somehow win you over when you could have-should have done so much better.”

“Bullshit.”  Ryan opened his mouth to argue some more but Michael cut him off with a deep kiss.  They briefly lost themselves in the hot, slick slide of tongues and familiar tastes, but Michael managed to remember that he had a point to make.  “You are my Mate.  There’s no one else who could replace you.  If I didn’t want you, I wouldn’t have chosen you.  You don’t treat me like some pretty little Omega who’s only there to breed and sit on your knot.  It doesn’t bother you that I get loud and pissed off and generally don’t act like a proper Omega sometimes.  It’s something you love about me and I know that because even when we back off on the bond, you can’t hide it.”

Before he could continue, Ryan surged up and caught him in another kiss, this one a bit more desperate than the last.  “I’ve belonged to you from the day I was born,” he confessed against Michael’s lips.  “I knew that the moment I met you.  I wanted to throw myself at your feet and beg you to keep me.  But I didn’t because I knew that just because I was made for you didn’t guarantee that the opposite was true.  The day you asked me to court you was the greatest day of my life because it was the first day I could truly say I was yours.  It was the start of our life together.”

It took a solid minute before Michael could swallow down the lump in his throat enough to speak.  Even then his voice was still thick with emotion.  “You son of a bitch.  Just when I think I can’t love you more you have to go and say shit like that.  God damn.  To be fair though, I didn’t so much ask you to court me as I demanded to know what the hell was talking you so fucking long to ask.”  He grinned.  “You have to admit, we make a strange pair.”

Ryan grinned and nibbled lightly on Michael’s jaw.  “My fiery, fierce Omega.”

“My sweet, gentle Alpha.”  Just as Ryan started working on an impressive mark on Michael’s neck, the Omega pushed him away with gentle determination.  “Hey, Ry?”

“Hm?”

“I want us to start being more open with our bond.”  There was an adorable sort of edge to Michael’s insistence.  “Like, all the time.  Not just in bed.”

In response, Ryan moved down and nuzzled kisses into his Mate’s stomach.  “I was going to suggest the same.  Especially with us planning to start a family.  When our child is growing inside you I want to be attuned to everything so I can make sure my Mate and my child are safe, happy and healthy.  Besides.  This is good for us.  The whole opening up more thing.  And it only took us two years of being Mates.”

“Hey, we’re not the Plan G idiots.  We’re Team Crazy-Mad.  We do this whole Mates thing differently.”

“No need to be defensive, Darling.  I completely agree.  We do what works for us.  I just think we should be proud of ourselves for evolving a little.”

“We kind of have to if we’re gonna be daddies.”

“Good point.  Now.”  He purred the word and watched as Michael shivered from that and the undiluted assault of Ryan’s lust over their bond.  “What say we start working on that family?”

Michael’s eager response was to tug Ryan up into a sloppy, enthusiastic kiss.

---

Ray sat back and sighed happily.  He had a full belly and his Alphas were bickering adorably as they battled it out in their chosen game.  After he cleaned up his dinner mess, he joined Joel and Burnie in the living room and plopped down between them on the couch.

For a few minutes, he watched them play, not really absorbing anything.  Instead his mind was on how to approach the subject that had been bothering him.  Finally he decided to just go for it.  It seemed to work ok with his Alphas so far, so he figured why not.

“I need to talk to you guys about something.”

They froze for a moment.  Then Joel paused and Burnie turned off the TV.  “I’m guessing it had something to do with you having the other Omegas over tonight?” he ventured nervously.

“Yeah, actually.  And looking back on it, it was kind of stupid.  Because I feel like we still have some trust issues on both sides.”

Joel looked ready to protest, but a sharp look from Burnie silenced anything he might have said.  “Maybe you should…explain?  What you mean by that?” he said instead.

“First off, I want you to know that I’m not ungrateful or anything.  I just…”  Frustrated with himself, Ray scrubbed hard at his face.  “I want you guys to touch me without hesitating all the time, you know?  I know it’s not the case, but when you do that thing where you stop short of touching me and wait for me to finish the move, it makes me feel like you don’t trust me to not freak out.  Yeah, I’ve been through some shit, and yeah, I still have trouble with unfamiliar Alphas.  But you two are mine.  I want you to trust me to tell you if it goes too far.  But I don’t want you to no try.  If that makes sense?”

Joel had the grace to look a little guilty, but Burnie looked truly baffled.  “I didn’t even realize I was doing that,” he murmured.

“I kind of did.  I just…I saw Burnie doing that and I think…I might have started doing it too because of that?  I don’t know.”

“If we’re gonna make this thing work, you two have to trust that I want you to do things like kiss me without asking permission, or hug me instead of just holding out your arms and waiting.  This is all shit that I’ve wanted pretty much since before I was even hired full time.  And I need to stop being so…afraid to talk to you about this sort of thing.  I need to trust that you won’t drop me just because I’m too nervous to speak up about something.”

“We’d never,” Burnie confirmed.  “You’re stuck with us, Sweetheart.”

Relieved, Ray grinned.  He snuggled into Burnie’s side and pulled Joel in so he was draped around both of them.  “Yeah, well I could do a hell of a lot worse,” he teased.  “I mean, if I’m gonna Mate and bond with-oh fuck.”  A thought occurred and he felt suddenly sick.  “Oh, fuck!”

Terror and worry gripped both Alphas and they ran soothing hands over Ray.  For the moment, however, he was far too agitated to even notice.  “What’s wrong?” Joel demanded.  “Ray?”

“Come on, Sweetheart, talk to us,” Burnie urged.  “Tell us what’s wrong.”

Ray lifted tear filled eyes and looked back and forth between them.  “I just realized…bonding…I…”

“Take your time, Baby,” Joel murmured.  “It’ll still be a while yet before we’re ready to Mate.”

Ray whimpered and his Alphas instinctively curled closer.  “That’s not it,” he admitted.  “I just realized…I mean, I’ve been so focused on the baby steps, it never occurred until just now.  You hear about Alphas having more than one Omega.  Like, some Alphas end up with fucking harems and shit.  But have you ever heard of this sort of thing?  Is it even possible for an Omega to form a bond with more than one Alpha?  I know it’s possible for Alphas to have multiple bonds, but…what if something happens and I only bond fully with one of you?  What if I can’t bond with the other?  I can’t do that to either of you.  What I if I have to choose who to be legit Mates with?  I don’t want to hurt either of you.”

Silence filled the room as they all considered the implications.  None of them wanted to really consider the possibility that bonding as a trio wouldn’t work.  They had all just imagined the perfect future together as Mates.  But it was a reality that they would have to face at some point.

“We can’t be the only ones,” Burnie reasoned.  It was a desperate grasp for straws.  “Can we?”

“Research,” Joel blurted.  “We can look shit up, talk to some doctors.  We really aren’t ready for that yet, so we do still have time to figure this out.  There’s a solution to this.  There has to be.”

“But what if there’s not?” Ray persisted.  “I know we all want there to be, but what if there’s not?”

“Then we’ll figure that out when we get there.  I really do think there’s a way for this to work out how we want, but in the event that there’s not…we’ll figure it out together.  The idea of not forming a bond is…God, it fucking hurts, but I’d be willing to go without so long as I can keep being with both of you.”

Burnie nodded firmly.  “Same.”

Between them, Ray was very quickly realizing that he was far more afraid of not forming that bond with both Alphas than he ever was of intimacy.  “I’m really tired,” he murmured into Burnie’s shoulder.

“Let’s get to bed, then.”  Burnie gently scooped Ray up and carried him to the bedroom while Joel went around and made sure all lights were off and the door was locked.

They all went about their nightly routines until they ended up in a pile on the bed, tangled tightly together.  Surrounded in darkness, Ray gathered the courage to speak his mind.  “I know you both would willingly pass up on bonding for the other's sake, but for me it’s all or nothing.  I can’t stand the thought of not bonding with both of you.”

Joel took a shaky breath and pulled both closer.  “There’s a way,” he whispered.  “I’m sure of it.”

“Let’s get to sleep,” Burnie suggested.  “At this rate we’ll all be too exhausted to work tomorrow.”

Despite their attempts to sleep, it took each of them a while before they drifted off.

In the end, they were late to work.

More Notes: For the record, I had absolutely intended for this to be nothing but fluff and enough sweetness to rot some teeth.  I wasn't even going to address the whole bonding thing for another couple chapters, but...well, here we have it.  I'd apologize for the sudden angst, but it actually worked out quite well.  Also, I felt like introducing the whole mental bond between Mates aspect by way of some Myan cuteness worked pretty well, too.  I hope I was clear on how that whole thing worked, but in case anyone is still confused on that, I'll explain:

A mental bond is formed between Mates the first time they knot (which is why it's such a relief that Ray was saved before that happened and he was stuck with an unwanted bond).  That bond allows Alphas the ability to feel when their Omega needs them, be it for comfort, if they're in danger or for any number of reasons.  With practice, that bond can be regulated if Mates still want some privacy (like with Michael and Ryan) or they can be open completely (like Geoff and Gavin).  The bond works at varying distances depending on the emotional connection between the Mates.

As for the harem thing, in the past of this reality, it was fairly common for an Alpha to take several mates for the purpose of breeding.  In the current timeline, it's less common, but not unheard of.  Some use that bond as a show of force and superiority, while others genuinely care about their Omegas.

To be clear, I do have the solution to the Burnie/Ray/Joel problem, but it won't happen for a while yet.  I still have plans.  Bwahaha.

This chapter's shout outs go to burnie-church and scythegal.  And while I can't individually thank all of my followers (because despite my expectations, that list is continually growing (seriously guys, you're awesome but baffling)) I do want to issue a general thanks for the support.  I'm gonna wrap this up since it's getting way too long.  Send any prompt ideas you have my way, I love them to pieces!  More than that, I love hearing from you guys even if it's just to say hi.  ^_^

Notes: I cannot possibly express how sorry I am for the delay on this chapter.  Or the fact that it's a lot shorter than I'd hoped for.  Aside from real life interrupting again (my godson got baptized this weekend) I wanted to smash my laptop.  It deleated this chapter eight times because the program froze every time it tried to auto save.  I ended up ignoring its existence for about a week before I gave it another shot today.  This is the result.  It may not reach my expectations, but I hope you still enjoy it!

Ray was happily surrounded by a strange, but comforting cacophony of scents.  He considered with some delight that his apartment would be permeated by the time the other Omegas left and that it would linger for a while.

It was a lovely thought, to know that his fellow Omegas would be able to comfort and soothe him even when they’d gone home to their Mates.

At the moment, Michael had sprawled across the couch, legs flung comfortably over Ray and Gavin, who had draped himself over the Hispanic.  Caiti found a comfortable perch on the arm of the couch with Michael’s head in her lap.  While she waited for the explanation on the Omega night, she took to playing with the auburn curls, pulling them gently and releasing them so they sprang back into place.

“Knock it off,” Michael grumbled halfheartedly.  He attempted to bat at her hands, but she simply giggled, nuzzled his cheek and kept at it.

“So,” Gavin began.  He poked Ray in the cheek and grinned.  “What’s with all this?”

To be fair, Ray hadn’t really expected to get through the conversation without blushing.  “I need your guys’ help.”

That caught their attention.  Michael sat up quickly and Caiti slid down off the arm of the couch to curl up behind him.  “With what?”

“It’s…It’s about Joel and Burnie.”

“Did they do something?” Gavin demanded.  “Because I’ll call Geoff right now and-“

“No!  Oh, fuck.  No, they didn’t do anything.  That’s…that’s kind of the problem.  I need help figuring out how to tell them that they’re frustrating the hell out of me.”

“Oh, sweetie, I don’t think I can really help.  I’ve never been with an Alpha.  It’s entirely different handling a Beta.”

“Seriously,” Michael added.  “I never really had that problem with Ryan.  We’ve always been pretty honest and up front with each other.  I don’t know how you think I can help.”

Gavin nodded.  “Every relationship is different.  And no offence, Ray, but yours is even more different and complicated than most.  Geoff and I courted for years before he even kissed me.”

“Yeah, but you were still unpresented when he first met you and by the time you came over here permanently, you knew where you two stood,” Michael pointed out.  “You said it, Gav.  Ray’s situation is completely different than any I’ve ever heard of.  It’s not like there are very many Omegas out there who can attract multiple Alphas like Ray.  And there are even fewer Alphas who want each other and the Omega.”

“You’re special, Ray,” Caiti smiled sweetly.  “Honestly, I think you’ll have to talk to Geoff about them.  He’s known those two for so long he could help you figure out how to talk to Burnie and Joel about this.”

Ray blushed again.  “Yeah, you’re right.  I just…I don’t know.  I feel like I should be brave enough to talk to them about this without getting another Alpha involved.  Like, I totally get that they’re incredible and sweet and patient as fuck, but they hesitate every time they touch me and it’s driving me insane.  I want them to trust me to tell them if they push it too far.  I want them to hug me and kiss me without being afraid I’ll freak out.  But every time I try to tell them that, I get nervous as hell and forget what I wanted to say.  It’s so fucking stupid.”

“Maybe you’re having trouble trusting them, too,” Caiti suggested gently.  “Because you do know that they’re so incredibly in love with you, right?”

“I…”  Ray buried his face in his hands.  “You really think so?”

Gavin sighed heavily.  “Look, I may not have known those two as long as Geoff, but I’ve known them for quite a while.  Neither has ever shown real interest outside of each other.  And they were pretty damn happy that way, but now they’re really happy.  Just because you agreed not only to let them court you, but you don’t intend to pick one or the other.  I think if they were interested in an Omega who wouldn’t have both of them, they’d never bother.  You mean the world to them and they just want to make sure they don’t jeopardize anything.  I think if you tell them how you feel, they’ll be happy as hell.  You have no idea who much they obviously want to be able to do exactly what you want them to.”

“You guys are awesome.”

“Well, of course we are.”  Caiti hopped over the back of the couch and wandered into the kitchen.  “I’m raiding for comfort food!” she hollered, already buried in the pantry.  A few seconds later, a bag of chips hit Gavin in the back of the head.  Before he could even get annoyed, a bag of Oreos hit Michael and he scrambled for them.  Ray giggled and headed for the game shelf.

The rest of the evening was spent playing various games and munching on treats Caiti kept pilfering from the kitchen.

By the time Ryan showed up to pick Michael up, the Omegas were puppy piled, content from snuggles, scenting and snacks.  In Ray’s mind, the three best s-words in the world.

Michael took his time squirming out from where Gavin was sprawled on him and Caiti was once again playing with his hair.  Ray managed to disentangle himself first and skipped over to leap at Ryan in a tight hug.  “Thanks for loaning your Mate out for the night.  I might need to talk to you about Alpha stuff at some point, just fair warning.”

Ryan grinned and nuzzled Ray affectionately.  “Any time, Ray.  I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

Jack came for Caiti next and when Ray hugged him as well, she snuggled in on the other side.  They were on the way down the hall when Geoff appeared.  He pushed past Ray and flopped down onto the improvised nest to curl around his Mate.  There was a pause before Ray shrugged and joined them.

“You can talk to him,” Gavin prompted quietly.

“Bout what?”  Geoff didn’t even bother moving aside from curling an arm around Ray and pulling him just as close as Gavin.

“The whole reason I needed this Omega night was to figure out how another Omega would approach this…thing with Joel and Burnie that’s been bothering me.”

“Oh.  You mean their whole afraid-to-touch-you thing?”

“Yeah.  Exactly that.”

“Look, I can’t tell you what to say to them.  That has to come from you.  But you have to be honest.  And again, if they don’t respect you, I’m gonna strangle both of them.”

Ray snickered and nuzzled in so he was squished between Gavin and Geoff.  “You guys are the best pack ever.”

“Fuck yeah we are.  And we’re selective as hell, too.  Gotta be awesome yourself to belong with us.”

“I really am gonna have to get a little courage and just talk to them, huh?”

“Yeah.  Yeah, you are.  So, on that note, I’m gonna take my Mate home and perform my duties as his Alpha while you call your Alphas over and talk to them before you lose your nerve.”

Ray laughed as he watched Geoff haul Gavin up into his arms with a sweet kiss.

“You two have fun.  Just make sure you don’t wear Gavin out too much tonight.  We still have work tomorrow.”

Geoff smirked while Gavin giggled and winked at Ray.  “No promises,” Geoff said.  He swept Gavin out of the apartment and Ray immediately scooped up his phone.

Burnie answered immediately and Ray melted at his warm greeting.  “Hey, Sweetheart.  What’s up?  I thought you were spending tonight with Caiti, Gavin and Michael.”

“They all just left.  Listen, are you doing anything right now?”

“Joel and I just finished with dinner and we were bickering about what to do next.  Want us to come over?”

“Yeah.  That’s perfect.  Listen…I uh, haven’t really eaten anything but junk food since lunch, so…”

“We’ll get you something to go,” Burnie promised.  “Expect us in about 20 minutes.”

“Thanks.”

“Here, talk to Joel for a second.  I need to go order your food and he’s making grabby hands at the phone.”

Ray could here Joel repeating, “gimme gimme!” in the background.  Ray was still giggling by the time Joel’s chant was cut off.  “Ray!”

“Have you been drinking?”

“Nope.  Burnie and I agreed to cut down on the drinking cause we know you don’t like it.  And I like remembering every moment I spend with you.  Does this mean we get to see you tonight?”

“Yeah.  After Burnie gets my food, you guys are headed over here.”

“Good.  I can’t wait to see you, Baby.”

“Me, too.  And I fully expect some sweet makeouts.”

The pleased hum gave Ray a shiver of anticipation even over the phone.  “Now I really can’t wait to see you.  Can’t wait to taste you, either.”

“Joel,” Ray breathed.  “Shit.  Tell Burnie to hurry the fuck up.  I need my Alphas.”

“Baby, we need you, too.  I’ll hurry Burnie up.  We’ll be there soon.”

Ray hesitated for a second.  “Maybe…maybe you guys could stop by your places and get some clothes?  I…I really want you two to stay tonight.”

“You’re sure?”

“Absolutely sure.”  He heard the strangled sound Joel made and couldn’t help but grin.  “I’m waiting.”

“We’ll be there soon.”  Despite the abrupt end to the call, Ray couldn’t stop smiling.  He felt pretty damn courageous and if all went well, he’d get to spend the entire night with his Alphas.  All in all, a fantastic day, especially for a young man only just exploring what it meant to be an Omega.

Notes: First thing here, I am sooo sorry it's taken so long to update.  Not only did this chapter present a surprisingly difficult challenge, but real life got super busy with the start up of the new school year and a lot of family b-days (including mine!).  Next, I want to thank everyone for the wonderful ideas, I've been newly inspired and I couldn't possibly be more grateful than I am right now.  I didn't manage to really get into any of them, but I have started the set ups.  I'll credit for the prompts as filled.  For now, enjoy the usual feels, plus some lovely bonus Myan!

There was something incredibly sweet about watching Joel and Burnie’s attempts to be sneaky about their individual courting methods.  Where Joel tended to be more about leaving little gifts simply for the opportunity to see Ray smile, Burnie made it his mission to learn new recipes in order to feed them to their little Omega and watch as he enjoyed every bite.

Ray, for his part, loved every second of attention.  He’d been under the impression that he would never find his true Mate.  Even before the attack in New York.  And to have two?  He figured it would take a while for it to sink in.

Following the night where he and his Alphas reached their understanding, his energy level seemed to sky rocket.  The fans noticed immediately.  They all seemed to react positively to his rapid and sudden increase in energy and there were thousands of comments noting the joy he seemed to radiate. 

It had only been two weeks since then.  Hardly anything in their relationship-oh, God, relationship!- had changed.  Both Alphas still treated him with the same cautious respect, only they touched him more.  Granted, they always seemed to hesitate before hugging him or something, just waiting for Ray to complete their aborted movements.  It was sweet, but it was rapidly become frustrating.

Fear of rejection, however unfounded, froze him.  Every time he resolved to point out their reluctance to touch him freely, he was assaulted by an almost crippling terror that they would be offended and throw him to the curb.  Rationally, he knew that even if they suddenly got tired of him, they would be as kind as possible, but that didn’t stop his natural reactions.

With these thoughts in mind, he timidly tapped Geoff on the shoulder.

The Alpha turned and immediately shoved to his feet when he saw the look on Ray’s face.  Considering how giddy the lad had been for the previous weeks, to see the look of discomfort and barely concealed nerves set off every protective instinct he had.  He instantly scooped Ray up into a hug and felt the Omega melt against him.  The rest of the office fell silent, observing the way Ray burrowed into Geoff’s neck and inhaled deeply.  When Geoff started running his fingers through Ray’s hair, the Omega visibly relaxed.

“Geoff,” Ryan said gently.  When Geoff looked over at him, the younger Alpha gestured to the couch.

“Right.”  Geoff scooped Ray up and settled on the newly cleared couch.  Almost immediately, Michael and Gavin plunked down and snuggled into their fellow Omega.  Jack and Ryan stood nearby waiting to see if they were needed as well, but with the way Ray was practically purring already, they didn’t think it was necessary.

“What’s wrong?” Gavin demanded.  It wasn’t unusual for him or Michael to seek a little scent comfort from either of the Alphas.  Caiti had even given them leave to cuddle Jack if the mood struck.  But until now, Ray had never really factored into the office Alpha/Omega dynamics they all seemed to fall into naturally.

Ray picked at a piece of lint on Geoff’s shirt.  “I uh…so need to ask you guys something.”  He glanced up at Geoff, then over at Ryan.  “I sort of need to steal your Omegas after work.  And Jack?  You think Caiti might…?”

“Of course.  I’ll call her in a little while.  I’m sure she’ll want to be in on whatever Omega bonding you’re planning.”

“Thanks.”

“You want to talk about what’s bothering you?” Geoff asked gently.

Ray blushed and burrowed further into Geoff’s neck.  “It’s…it’s sort of an Omega thing.  I promise if it was anything really serious, I’d tell you.”

Almost as if on cue, the door opened and Burnie’s mouth, which was open to presumably ask something, snapped shut.  He looked like he’d been punched in the gut.

“Ray?” he asked, but it came out in more of a whimper.  Geoff’s eyebrows shot up.  He’d never heard that sort of sound come from a fellow Alpha.  But then, he’d never known anyone like the three men just scratching the surface of their relationship.  He’d caught glimpses of that unusual dynamic with Joel and Burnie where they seamlessly swapped dominance with each other without any sort of outward sign detectable to anyone else.  But this was something else.  It became something else entirely the moment they brought Ray into it.

It was clear to everyone that it would take a while to find a balance between them all.

At the sound of one of his Alphas voices, Ray squirmed out of Geoff’s lap, only pausing long enough to kiss Geoff’s jaw lightly.  Then he bounded over to Burnie, a new bounce in his step after the others had balanced him a bit.  He gave Burnie a sweet smile, the one Burnie had fallen in love with, and cupped his cheeks.

“Hey,” he whispered, pulling the Alpha down into a slow, warm kiss.

Gavin, delighted to see the youngest Omega of his pack so happy, made a pleased noise in the back of his throat as he squirmed into Geoff’s newly vacated lap.

Burnie slid gentle hands around Ray’s hips, pulling the little Omega close.  He reluctantly pulled back from the kiss and pressed his forehead lightly to Ray’s.  “You ok?”

“I’m good.  You came here for something, though.  What’s up?”

“Just wanted to see if you were interested in lunch with me and Joel.”

Ray’s face brightened even further.  “Did you make something?”

Pleased, Burnie grinned and nuzzled Ray’s cheek.  “Yeah.  I made that pasta thing you liked so much.”

“The one you made last Friday?”

“Yup.”

Ray made a happy noise and practically climbed him.  “Well what the hell are we waiting for?  That pasta’s the fucking best!  I need it in my belly now.”

He grabbed Burnie’s hand and dragged him off, too distracted by the thought of food to see the way Burnie's eyes darkened at the mention of his belly.

Ryan happened to see it though, and he grinned at the thought of Ray’s belly swelling with either Joel or Burnie’s child.  One thing at a time.  Though, he couldn’t help but imagine his own Mate carrying their child.

As if he heard the though, Michael ducked under Ryan’s arm and tucked into his side.  “Think Ray has any idea what he just said and what it’s doing to Burnie?”

“Not a chance.  He’s so naïve, but it works for them, I guess.”

“Yeah.”  Michael smiled up at Ryan.  “Speaking of lunch…”

“Your pick today, right?”

“Of course.   Jersey Mike’s?”

“Sounds good.”

They gathered their things while Jack did the same.  Gavin and Geoff seemed perfectly content cuddle on the couch and scent.  On the way out of the building, Michael insisted on peeking into Joel’s office and they were delighted to see that Ray was perched happily on Joel’s lap while Burnie fed them both.

Once they were settled at a booth each enjoying their separate sandwiches, Michael gave Ryan a contemplative look.  “You ever think about it?”

Ryan froze for a second before he finished taking his bite.  He took the moment to consider what Michael could be talking about.  He swallowed his bite and decided just to ask.  “Think about what?”

The blush on Michael’s face was impressive, but he was just as determined as always.  “Having kids.”

To say that Ryan was surprised would be an understatement.  “Do you?”

“Yeah.  All the time actually.  We’ve been Mates for, what?  Almost two years?  And we dated for a few months before we Mated.”  He struggled for more words and nervously picked at his sandwich.

Ryan smiled softly and scooped up one of Michael’s hands.  When he pressed a gentle kiss to his Mate’s wrist, he was treated to a beautiful blush and a shy smile that had once been so unfamiliar.  “I love you,” he murmured.

Michael cupped Ryan’s cheek in his hand and stroked it tenderly with his thumb.  “I love you, too.”

“Do you think we’re ready to have kids now?”

“Loaded question.  I think we’ll probably never be ready, but I think I’m ready to try.”

“Ok.”

“Just like that?”

“Yeah.  Honestly, I’ve wanted to breed you since the first time I met you.  Figured it would be a good idea to court and Mate with you first.  I guess I’ve been waiting for you to be ready.”

The smile Michael gave him was so suggestive that Ryan felt an instant flare of desire.  “This mean I can finally ditch those fucking awful pills?”

“God, I hope so.”

“Just so we’re clear here, I’m going to ride your knot pretty much nonstop for the entire weekend.”

Ryan pressed another kiss to Michael’s wrist.  “I take it you intend to be pregnant by Monday?”

“Oh, screw that.  By Friday night.  The rest of the weekend is gonna be for celebration.”

The rest of lunch was spent in a renewed sense of affection.  The others knew something was up when they spent a little while with Michael curled up in Ryan’s lap while they whispered and giggled together.

Gavin draped himself over Geoff’s back and rubbed their cheeks together.  “They’re like they’re newly courting all over again,” he whispered to his Alpha.  “Wonder what they’re up to.”

“Leave them alone,” Geoff murmured.  “They’re probably just hitting one of those relationship events.”

“Like us?”

Geoff grinned and tilted his head back for a kiss which Gavin was all too happy to provide.  “Like us.  And listen, I know you want to tell everyone now and all, but I still want to wait until that barbecue at Burnie’s in a few weeks.”

“I know.  That way everyone’s there and we can tell them all at once.”

“Exactly.  Now get back to work.  We have a few let’s plays to record today.”

“And then our Omega night at Ray’s.”

Geoff pouted and noticed that Ryan was just as disappointed to be without his Mate for a night.

Ray seemed to notice as well and rushed to assure his pack.  “I promise it won’t be all night.  I just really need to talk to them about some Omega stuff.  And as much as I love you guys, I’m not ready to bring any Alphas into this.”

Ryan and Geoff exchanged pained looks.  “Ok, but if it’s anything really serious, you can’t be mad if Michael or Gavin tell us.”

“I won’t,” Ray assured them easily.  “And really, I won’t care if they do anyway, but…you know.  Omega thing.”

“And considering this is the first time you’ve ever begged for an Omega only night, we gotta give you that.”

“Guys, we’ve got to get recording if we want to actually finish sometime before the weekend,” Jack reminded them.

“Oh, good,” Geoff said happily.  “So we’ve got two days, then.”

Several halls away, Joel and Burnie exchanged glances at the muffled thumps, followed by giggles, shrieks and swearing.  Whatever the Achievement Hunters were up to, they wanted no part in it.  Alphas they may be, but idiots, they were not.