#curvy!oc!reader

“Yeah,” you say. How poetic. 

Eddie raises an eyebrow and drops his chin, studying you dubiously. “You sure you want to go with ‘yeah?’”

“I mean, tonight's involved a metric fuckton of emotional whiplash. I also foresee an adrenaline crash and a visit or three from Nightmare in my future, but yeah.” You nod, looking him in the eye. “I think I’m okay. Better than I’ve been in a couple of weeks.”

Eddie’s expression becomes apologetic, his storm cloud eyes searching yours for any trace of anger or regret. Gesturing to his bruised, scarred chest, he asks, “Even after all…this?”

“Oh, don’t you worry,” you assure him. “I’ve got a breakdown scheduled for tomorrow. Might scream into a few pillows, or shout into the crawlspace. Oh, I could sing the songs of the ancients with Wallace. Anyway, it should be a banger. Right now, though, at this exact moment? I’m surprisingly…content.”

“Content,” he repeats. “Not a bad thing to be.”

As if speaking aloud a dark secret, you say, “I–I missed you.” 

Eddie nods. “I didn’t want you to go.” 

You think of the door slamming shut behind you, his venom ringing in your ears. You remember crumbling into Jon and soaking his chest with your tears. You sigh. There is relief to it, sure, but also an amount of unspoken pain. 

Meeting his gaze, you ask, “Then why?”

“I…The humans who came before you were selfish and…cruel. They worked me day and night, non-stop. Someone was always awake. Something was always charging. Lights burning. Appliances humming. Screens glowing. They even had 3D printers and some laser shit.” He drags a hand down his face. “I couldn’t keep up. And I–I hated them. Still do. Even if it’s a waste of energy,” he adds with a mirthless laugh. 

***

Eddie sags onto his barstool and the clouds in his eyes darken. He studies his calluses. 

“If I’m honest,” she says, tone darkening, “I’d like an hour alone with them in a locked room with no windows.”

He raises an eyebrow. 

“I just want to talk,” she lies innocently. Her attention lingers on his chest. “I can see what they did to you, Eddie. It never should’ve happened.”

A shiver runs through him as her fingertips graze the scars on his chest. He lightly catches her hand and places a kiss in her palm. When Eddie lowers her hand, her fingers thread through his and squeeze. 

He continues. “I tried to convince myself that you were like them. But…you’re not. You’re not useless. And being useful isn’t why I miss you when you’re not here.”

With a deep, slow exhale, her shoulders relax. He glances at her face and finds her eyes closed, her expression almost peaceful. The corner of her mouth gives the slightest hint of a smile and Eddie feels a swell of relief and affection. He can’t imagine a world where he doesn’t get to see that smile. 

When she opens her eyes, he meets them. 

“I don’t think you’re selfish,” he says earnestly. “And you’re not careless. No one has ever just brought me coffee. Hell, I don't think anyone but Volt has ever thought about me when I’m not in the room. Other than Volt, no one gives a shit if I scrape my hand for the millionth time.” Eddie absentmindedly rubs one hand with the other. “No one keeps me company while I’m working. And no one has ever…t–touched me the way you do. The things I said…that was never you. But I know that doesn’t make it right. I still said it. I still hurt you. I was…scared.” 

“Of?”

“Wanting you.”

Heat creeps along your cheeks. 

***

Like the ocean to the shore, those words crash into your heart, and a tingling burst spreads through your body in warm waves. Though you’d felt his desire in that hungry kiss, hearing him say it makes it real. 

“I–I’ve…cared about you for a long time. Before these things,” he adds, tapping the Dateviators. “But what’s the point of wanting someone who I could never have? You were impossible. Still are,” he assures you wryly. “Just in a different way now.”

You giggle, somewhat proud, but mostly charmed. Wholly grateful.

“But then you became possible,” he says, astounded. “I tried to stay cold and push you away. I was convinced that if you met Volt I’d have to watch him have everything I wanted. Having you here…talking with you…making you laugh…” He drags a hand through his dark hair. “I didn’t believe for a second I would get that, too. And when I did, I didn’t want that to end. I figured it was inevitable that you’d fall in love with Volt and forget about me.” 

“Eddie, I didn’t annoy you into letting me come around because of Volt. I wanted to help you.”

“I still don’t understand why. It’s not like I’m the best company.”

“Pain recognizes pain,” you say, echoing what he’d said to you while you massaged his hands. “That first night–when you walked up to Volt–I…it was like you were the one real thing in the room. Maybe that’s why you just felt so…famliar. Which is weird, right? It was both maddening and fascinating because there’s no way I could’ve known you from before. But…I felt like I did. I could tell you were hurting. Physically and otherwise..”

Listening to her side of things, Eddie goes still. As he has done many times, he thinks about the night he spent next to her while she fell apart. How he spoke to her despite the distance between them. How her hand fell upon his without knowing. How she seemed to follow him when he left the morning after. 

***

“Maybe that’s why you just felt so…familiar.” 

He remembers her sleep-muffled voice saying, ‘Not yet.’ 

What if she could sense me that night?

“Which is weird, right,” she continues. “It was both maddening and fascinating because there’s no way I could’ve known you from before.” 

A smile tugs at Eddie’s mouth. Fascinating. That’s how Volt had described her: fascinating. When Volt said it, Eddie knew all that went into that single word. The piqued interest that consumed most thoughts. The kind of infatuation that somehow became a topic of every conversation. How sometimes she was the last thing on Volt’s mind before he clocked out. 

The idea that she might feel that way about him sends a tingle through him.

“Fascinating, eh? Any other adjectives?”

“For starters, I’ll borrow one of your favorites: infuriating.”

“Oh, starting with the low hanging fruit. You can do better.”

She grins, and her eyes shimmer with that puckish quality he loves so much. 

“Witty.”

“It’s not wit, it’s sarcasm.”

“Handsome.” 

“Those Dateviators must be fucking with your sight.”

“I’m seeing pretty clearly,” she says wryly.

“You're probably thinking of Volt.”

She shakes her head and moves in closer. “Nope.”

“Saying he’s not handsome? Now I know you’re lying.”

Closer. Her stare fixes his as she raises an eyebrow in challenge. “Deflection.”

“Come on,” he says. “There’s a mirror right there over the bar.”

“I mean it. The eyes, the stubble.” She slides fingertips down along the buttons of his open shirt. “The vest, too. Especially when you’re in teacher mode.” Biting her lip, she looks him up and down appreciatively. “Does something for me.”

Crimson with embarrassment, he rubs the back of his neck. “Stop,” he says, annoyed. 

“Then stop with the self-deprecating shit.” She playfully kisses the tip of his nose. “You're hot.” 

His features soften. Eddie won’t admit it, but she's made him feel wanted. Not just useful or necessary. Wanted. And that sets him alight. 

“Oh, I’ll also add ‘stellar kisser’ to the list.”

Eddie smirks. “That’s not an adjective. That’s two words.”

“It’s an adjectival phrase,” you counter.

“Then it's not an adjective.”

“It counts.” 

“Says who?”

“The Chicago Manual of Style.”

“Are you trying to flirt by arguing about…grammar?”

“Depends. Is it working?”

He sighs. “You know, aside from the creep in the crawlspace, I'm the most reclusive thing in this house, so take what I’m about to say with a whole rim of salt. K? Your game needs work, sparks.”

“Fair. Not sure if Dante would cringe or congratulate me for the effort.”

“One more try. Make it your favorite.”

“Mine.”  

Eddie opens his mouth, ready to fire back some of that wit she’d mentioned, but nothing comes out. 

‘Mine.’ 

He can’t snark at that. 

She didn’t even need to think. She just…said it. ‘Mine.’ 

Eddie’s human slips over his jaw, her thumb placed delicately on his cheek. She brings her lips to his with a gentleness Eddie has never experienced. This kiss isn’t about confessions or burgeoning desires. It’s a confident, slow dance that she leads him through. Taking her time, her tongue caresses his as if she’s savoring him. When she pulls away, she looks deep into his eyes. 

“Mine,” she whispers. 

Stroking her hair, he quietly replies, “Yours.”

A dimple appears in Eddie’s cheek as he smiles. She blinks at him, a look of wonder on her face. “You have an amazing smile, Eddison.”

At the sound of his full name, color rises in his cheeks. “Thank you for helping me find it.”

She blushes, her hand trailing down his arm as she withdraws. 

When Volt saunters into the Breaker Box, he is met with the merry sight of Eddie and their live wire sitting at a table, with a trio of drinks in various stages of consumption. The way they’ve got their heads together is almost conspiratorial.

Uncertain of what to do, Eddie shifts nervously. “So, how ‘bout that drink?”

She’s laughing. 

He’s stroking the back of her hand with his thumb, practically glowing blissfully.

At the sound of the closing door, she looks up and greets Volt with one of those smiles that makes his current skip. . 

“You’re back,” she says, happily. 

“I return with a delectable treat, compliments of the house. I would’ve returned sooner, however, Stefan and Mitchell had differing opinions about ganache. They asked me to tell you hello.”

Eddie uses a boot to slide Volt’s chair out for him then sends a whiskey sour across the table. Volt presents her with a tall piece of chocolate and cream layer cake, perfectly plated with a trio of chocolate covered strawberries. Daisuke had even provided three silver forks of the highest shine.

As Volt takes his seat beside his human, he removes his jacket and lays it over an adjacent chair. After placing a tender kiss on her temple, he says, “I also bring regards from many others among the household. Apparently you gave them quite the scare, live wire.”

Sipping from her drink, she asks, “What? Why?”

“When the power went out no one could find you. As soon as the last thing was out of the club, the door sealed shut–.”

“As it does during an outage,” Eddie interjects.

“--but no one could find you. When Maggie deduced you’d been locked in the Breaker Box, several worst-case scenarios were bandied about, it seems. Windolyn had quite a few offerings. The coolest head among them belonged to your candle. I’m only surprised he didn’t take the opportunity to hold court as he does. Needless to say, they were all quite relieved to hear you are alright.” 

“I’ll put in an appearance eventually,” she says. 

“Hopefully not tonight,” Volt purrs suggestively. 

“Oh? Something I should do instead?”

Eddie’s breath is warm against her ear. “Not done with you yet, remember?”

“Hey,” you say, leaning in. “You’ve got something just…here.” 

***

What had once been a perfectly plated masterwork of confectionery became a dish of dark chocolate crumbs and smears of ganache. You’re on your second drink and Volt is slowly llicking his fingers after finishing a strawberry. When he looks up, you notice a touch of chocolate lingering at the edge of his smile.  

You kiss the corner of his mouth, flicking your tongue across the chocolate. As you draw away, you see Volt’s smile is softer, his expression downright dreamy. Something about the sweet simplicity of the gesture has him utterly enchanted. 

In your periphery, you notice Eddie staring at the two of you.  You look at him to gauge his response. His grin says everything. From over the rim of his cocktail, Eddie gives you a wink before gesturing for you to return your attention to Volt. 

“I don’t know how you do it, live wire,” Volt says with a sigh. 

“Do what?”

“Make me feel like I’m cherished.”

Blushing, you reach for his hand. His silver-tipped fingers curl around your palm. “You are.”

You’ve done the impossible. With two words, you’ve rendered Volt speechless. 

“Might as well accept it,” you add, stroking his reddening cheek.

“If you insist.”

When he looks down bashfully, a lock of glowing hair falls into his face. You move to brush it back but stop short. “Can I…?”

“Of course.” 

For the first time, you run your hand through Volt’s hair. Soft tingles engulf your skin as you curl your fingers in crackling strands that part like silk. 

Volt leans into your touch and purrs. 

When you kiss him lightly, you tighten your grip just enough to elicit a sharp inhale and delighted rumble in his chest. 

“Mmm, live wire, you are magnificent.”

Ice clinks on glass as he knocks back the rest of his drink. 

“Alright,” Eddie says, putting down his once and future cocktail. He rests his elbows on the table and fixes you with his stare. “Question time.”

“What’s on your mind, Watts?”

“Be honest,” he says, a smirk appearing on his face. “Was it absolutely necessary for you to sit on my lap, or were you just trying to punish me?”

Volt flashes his signature cheshire grin. “I was wondering about that myself. Please, do enlighten us.”

You bring your drink to your lips and sip innocently. “I'll never tell.” 

“Oh, is that how it is?” Eddie sits back in his seat, regarding you with a look that is equal parts amusement and challenge. “Okay. If that’s how you want to play.”

“Oh, dear. I know that look. Live wire, you might be getting yourself in trouble.” 

“Am I,” you ask Eddie.

“Depends. Answer the question and we’ll see.” He punctuates the comment with a playful pop of his eyebrows.

“I had to find the best angle to get the job done, didn’t I?”

“Mmhmm. The best angle,” Eddie says, studying you. “The angle that could only be achieved by riding me?”

“Not riding you,” you insist.

Eddie nods as he says, “You were.”

“Is there another angle you would’ve preferred?” When Eddie chokes on a response, you continue, “Besides, I was kneeling. Above you. Not riding you.”

“Kinda felt like you were.” 

Volt chimes in, “And it most definitely appeared that way.” His eyes sparkle with mischief as he regards you. “You did seem rather comfortable.”

Putting on a deadpan, flat affect, you drone, “It was such a chore and I hated every second of it.”

Eddie calls you out. “So you were enjoying yourself?” 

“To be perfectly fair,” Volt says, “I didn’t hear you complaining.” As his eyes take an admiring tour of your body. “Then again, why would you? You had a spectacular view, Eddie.”

“Oh, sure,” Eddie agrees. “Best seat in the house, but it was damn near impossible to stay still.”

You act shocked. “Oh? Why’s that?”

“Every time you leaned over and those wisps of your hair fell down? Or all the times you breathed on my chest? Or your damn perfume?”

“What’s wrong with my perfume?”

“Not a fucking thing. Then you were moving around every five seconds.”

You’re not even trying to hide your smile or your sarcasm. “Oh, sure. I was just the one with my hands literally inside your chest, trying to be a badass and perform surgery on a snarky bitch who also happens to be hot and made of electricity. But sure, let’s just make it about you.”

“You were grinding on me!”

“How is that my problem?”

“For fucksake, you’re infuriating.” After dragging his hands over his face, he says, “You have no idea how hard it was.”

“Phrasing?”

“I said what I said.”

Grinning, you turn your mutter into your drink. “I have some idea.”

Of course you noticed. How could you not? You were riding him, after all. But, you’d put as much of that knowledge out of your mind so you wouldn’t kill him. Now that the danger has passed, you imagine straddling Eddie again and teasing him until he’s gritting his teeth to stop from bucking into you. Would Volt be jealous? Would he watch? Or maybe…

As fantasies swarm your mind, you make spirals in your drink with one of the cherries. 

The smirk hasn’t left his face. “What’s on your mind, sparks?”

“What makes you think something is on my mind?”

“You always stir your drink when you’re pondering something. So what’s going on up there?”

You smirk, caught. But sex isn’t the only thing on your mind. “Is this…is this really okay? The three of us?”

“Why wouldn’t it be,” Eddie asks.

“ I…Whether it's friendship, something romantic, or a secret, deeper third thing, I don’t want to be any sort of wedge between the two of you.” 

“Sweet spark, I assure you the connection between Eddie and I is indestructible.”

“Especially now,” Eddie says as he takes a sip of his cocktail. 

Your eyes drop to the swirling bubbles in your soda. “So…you don’t think there would be jealousy issues?”

Nodding, Eddie squeezes your hand. “If you’d asked me that a couple of hours ago, I would’ve lied to you and said no, no issues.” 

“And now?”

“Neither of us is perfect,” he answers. “I can’t say I won’t get jealous any more than I can say when Johnny Splash will get better. But…I can tell you that if I do, I’ll say something.” 

You catch his stare with yours. “Promise?”

“Cross my circuits.” He seals the promise with a chaste kiss on your forehead. “I trust you both with my…everything. Which…you both…are.”

Tears glinting in your eyes, you kiss Eddie, grateful that he gave you another excuse to do so. His mouth opens beneath yours and you let his tongue glide in for a quick tour. After you pull back, you look at Volt.

“You?”

“I only read barcodes, so my view of the future remains cloudy. However, like most things, it comes back to trust, doesn’t it? I trust that both of you care about me.”

“True facts.”

“Therefore, I trust you both with my heart. If I should feel possessive or left out, I know that I am safe enough in your care to speak about it. And frankly, you can’t come between us when I’m quite happy to share with Eddie. It’s far too entertaining and endearing to watch you both behave like idiots for one another." 

Eddie rolls his eyes and sits back in his chair. “Fuck, I knew you’d be insufferable.”

Without taking his eyes off you, Volt purrs, “Yes, you did.” His voice takes on a new definition of sultry as he adds, “Besides, live wire, I think you’ll find our connection has a number of benefits that are…well-suited to this kind of arrangement.”

Raising an eyebrow, intrigued, you say, “Color me curious.”

That tantalizing laugh of his returns. “How did you find our dance this evening? Did you enjoy it?”

You don’t need to think for a second. “Absolutely. It was…wonderful. I’ve never experienced anything like it.”

“Can’t say I’m surprised. You were dancing with both of us.”

Warring between awe and confusion, your brows climb to your hairline. “I’m sorry, what?”

“You were dancing with him,” Eddie says. “I was…along for the ride.” 

“Okay, so…it’s been a day. Could you run that by me one more time as if I were Tony.”

Volt barks a laugh while Eddie snickers. “While you and I had our lesson, I shared my experience with Eddie–.”

“--and I felt it as if I was the one there with you.”

Speechless. Your flabber is well and truly gasted. 

“You…you guys can do that?”

With a sidelong glance at Volt, Eddie says, “Apparently.”

“It was the first time I’d attempted something like that. I am curious, live wire, did you notice anything at all?”

Turning your mind to the dance, you remember that a time or two you thought you were looking into Eddie’s eyes rather than Volt’s. 

“I think I did. So wait then…who did I kiss?”

“Both of us,” Volt answers matter of factly. 

You can practically hear the record scratch in your mind. Your toes curl just thinking about that kiss. “That…that was kissing both of you?”

“Was it that bad,” Eddie asks. 

“Bad? Oh my fucking god, no. It was incredible. I’m going to be dreaming of that kiss for the rest of my life.” Then a thought strikes you. “So, that means you’re at a deficit.” 

“How so,” Volt asks. 

Gesturing to Eddie you explain, “He’s gotten multiple solo smooches, but you haven’t. Seems unfair to me.” 

Volt’s lovely face takes on a shade of pink. “That does seem like an egregious oversight.”

“I should make it up to you.” 

“Oh, should you,”he asks. “What ever did you have in mind?”

Turning to Eddie, you say, “Pardon me, just a sec.”

“By all means.”

You spin so that your back is to Eddie then lean in toward Volt. As you pull him to you by his vest, Volt’s arm closes around you. You bring your mouth to his and he leads you in a languorous dance. Though just as enthralling as its predecessor, there is a difference in the melody and timbre of the kiss. No one is trying to impress, or hide a piece of themself. This kiss is both charged and lazy. He takes his time, allowing you to savor him. Beneath this leisure, however, you feel the heat of mounting desires. Your limbs quiver  as Volt pulls away.

He smiles, well aware of the answer before he asks the question. “Was that to your liking, my dear?”

“It’s a good start,” you answer. 

When the hour has grown small, the conversation slows as words are replaced by long, soft looks and lingering touches. Eddie sits to your left, close enough for you to smell his cologne and the scent of a storm. One arm is behind your shoulders while the other curls loosely around your waist. To your right, Volt sits in his backwards chair, one hand on the back while the other holds yours. Occasionally, he lays gentle kisses on your knuckles. 

As for you, the adrenaline crash is upon you but is also tempered by your lovestruck high. You sway in your seat as a comfortable, syrupy warmth spreads through you. 

With the back of his hand, Eddie strokes down your cheek. “Looks like you need to get some rest,” he says. 

“Not yet,” you pout, voice small and sleepy. 

He chuffs, amused. “Do I need to kick you out?”

Bleary-eyed, she studies him. “You wouldn’t.”

“I might.”

As you think of a retort, it flies from your thoughts, disappearing into the black void behind your eyelids. You’ve fallen into the trap of the Long Blink. Though you open your eyes, they refuse to focus properly. When you blink again, your eyes stay shut and your breath becomes a slow susurration that reminds you of ocean waves. In and slowly out again, a lazy tide on a black sand beach bathed in moonlight. Maybe you’ll just sit and let the cool waves lap at your toes. 

She jerks at the sound of his voice, eyes flying open. “I’m fine.”

***

“You’re falling asleep where you sit, darling,” Volt says warmly, placing a hand on her shoulder. 

Eddie chuckles. “Sparks, go to bed. We’ve kept you out late. Betty and Abel are probably worried about you.”

“But neither of you are going to be there.”

Sharing a look over their human’s head, Volt is the first to suggest it. 

There’s no reason she can’t stay.

Will that work, do you think? With the glasses?

Possibly.

Do you think she’d…

Only one way to find out, Eddie.

“You…could always…sleep here,” Eddie says haltingly. 

She knuckles her eyes and yawns. “I can?”

“Come upstairs with us,” he says, rubbing her shoulder. 

Eyes wide, she looks at both of them as if this was the big secret they’ve been keeping from her. “There’s an upstairs?”

Volt laughs gently. “We have a flat above the bar. It’s small, but there is certainly room for you, live wire.”

“Dammit. The Dateviators…they need to charge and I–.” 

When she sways again, Eddie’s hands steady her as he draws her against his chest. With one finger he lightly presses the edge of the silver frames. Pink soda bubbles flow in the lenses, and the glasses are fully charged. 

“Okay, that’s cool,” she slurs.

Volt places a kiss atop her head. “Regardless of the where, dear, you really do need to sleep.”

“But–.”

Eddie is up from his chair before she can say another word, and all protests are replaced by a surprised squeal as he hauls her out of her chair and into a princess carry. Her laughter is musical as she melts into his arms. 

Finally back where she belongs, Eddie thinks to himself. Against his chest, sharing breath. Intimate and safe. 

“Where can I take you,” Eddie asks.

Her eyes linger on his lips before she grins with delight. Stroking across his stubble, she says softly, “I love that smile.”

For fucksake…

She is adorable. 

Eddie rolls his eyes. “Alright. You’re not just tired, you’re delirious. C’mon.”

“Where are we going?”

“Command decision.”

“Fine.” She lets her head fall against Eddie’s chest with an affectionate thud.

“If you don’t mind.” 

***

As Eddie carries you away, Volt chimes up, “Get the door for you then, shall I?”

Instead of aiming you toward the Breaker Box exit, Eddie steers you to a door marked ‘Keep Out.’ Volt opens it and bows with a flourish.

Eddie carries you up a tiled staircase with mosaics just as lovely as those in the club. When you reach a landing, he carefully sets you on your feet and opens the door into their flat. 

“My dear spark,” Volt says, “welcome to our home.” 

Immediately you can see each man’s influence. Antique 1930s furniture of old, supple leather, Edison bulbs and polished wood floors carry Eddie’s vintage aesthetic and efficient sensibilities. Splashes of chaos and color decorate the exposed brick walls with vintage alcohol ads, framed broadsheets, to advertisements of the Spotlight’s many storied acts. You see a very young I., Ronaldini, and even Lady Vagabonda, the barcode reader. 

Volt folds his coat over the back of a sofa before taking your hand in his. With a gentleman’s decorum and the smile of a devil, Volt guides you to the nearest door. “Right this way.” 

The bedroom is a simple affair with a glossy walnut armoire, bureau and bedframe. Gun metal gray, pinstriped sheets and blanket remind you of Eddie’s eyes. Like a gossamer drape, moonlight streams in through a nearby window. Somehow you know that this is Eddie’s bed.

Volt looks at you adoringly and strokes your arms. “Now, my glorious live wire, how can we make you comfortable?”

Looking down, you mutter, “I don’t know if this is weird–I mean, I know I’ll be out cold in a few minutes, and I swear this isn’t a line, but I’d really like to…get out of these clothes.” 

She looks over her shoulder and meets Eddie’s gaze. One side of her mouth rises in a smirk and color spreads over her cheeks. “I mean, I’m pretty tired. I wouldn’t turn down the help.”

***

Eddie’s boots slip from his grasp and fall loudly to the floor. He tries to think, but his mind is full of static. From behind his human, he watches Volt’s expression shift from accommodating to amused. Surprising himself and Volt alike, Eddie trepidatiously asks, “Do…you, um…want a hand? With…with that?” 

Eddie’s skin flushes magma hot and just as red. 

Dear Eddie, have we lost you?

Shut up.

“Don’t trouble yourself for a second, live wire. I do believe we are just the things you need,” Volt says. He crooks a finger, lifts your chin then meets your eyes. “As long as this is what you want and not what you think we want.”

“It is. It’s what I want.” 

Something about how she says it bothers Eddie. A clipped tightness. “Are you sure,” he asks. “You seem uneasy.”

Letting out a quivering breath, she says, “I want you guys to, um…see me. And it scares me. Not because of you,” she adds quickly. 

Eddie moves behind her, laying a gentle hand on her arm. “Why?” 

“I’m afraid you…won’t like what you see. I mean, I’m well aware that my body’s not exactly the ideal human specimen or whatever. And I guess I’d rather,” her voice trails off. “If you’re going to be disappointed I’d rather know it now and not…well, later.”

Volt looks at her with a tinge of sadness in his expression. “Oh, my dear spark. Who told you that you are anything short of stunning?”

“There’s a list. Also, I have mirrors,” she says. 

“And we have eyes,” Eddie counters. 

“I’ve got fat rolls, thick thighs. This body has seen neither sun nor razor in a hot fucking minute. My boobs are–.”

Volt takes her hands and gently says, “Live wire, stop. Do you think my compliments are mere flattery?”

“No, that’s Amir. I just…it’s hard to believe sometimes no matter who says it.” 

“You are staggeringly beautiful. In fact, I’m fairly certain that Eddie has quite literally stumbled over himself a time or two.”

“It was the red dress,” he says, as if that’s all the explanation necessary. “And you’re just as gorgeous in your pajamas with your hair in a messy bun.”

Volt meets her stare. “Trust. Remember?”

When she smiles, it’s genuine. She nods. “I trust you both.”

Volt leans down and lays a kiss on her forehead then one on her cheek before finally landing on her lips. “So, do you still want us to help with your sartorial dilemma?”

“Yes,” she says. 

“And this can be all,” Eddie says awkwardly. “I mean…it can just be clothes. It’s not…it’s not like we expect–you can just go to sleep.”

She nods then whispers, “Can I…help you?” After looking to both of them for understanding, their spark’s voice catches and for a moment it’s as if she’s been rendered mute. “I want to be close.”

“Of course,” Volt coos. “Our dear Eddie has a bit of a head start on things, but I’m sure you and I can catch up rather quickly. May we touch you, live wire?” 

“Yeah.”

Eddie draws in a breath and exhales shakily. “Tell us if we need to stop.” 

Volt purrs. “We won’t take so much as a stitch more than you desire. This is about you. Your comfort. Your trust.” 

When she meets Volt’s gaze, he is surprised to find that the exhaustion has all but burned away from her eyes, replaced by confidence. Eddie presses himself against her back, gently pushing her hair to one side. His lips leave a tentative, restrained trail down her neck. 

She giggles. “That tickles.” 

“Turnabout, sparks.”

Though your stomach is in knots, you take the initiative and kiss Volt while your fingers deftly unfasten his vest. He hums with delight into your mouth, inching closer and taking your face in his hands. Your own slide up his chest, fingers splaying the expanse of his pecs. You slip the vest over his shoulders then hear it hit the floor. Stare holding yours, Volt slowly kneels as if you’re a goddess standing before him. Without a word, he cups your calf muscle, carefully lifts your foot then removes your shoe. 

***

You feel Eddie’s smile against your throat, the puff of air splashing over your skin as he chuckles. As his kisses grow more assured, the warmth of his breath thaws the cold, creeping anxiety, allowing you to melt into the touch of your lovers. 

While Volt tends to the other, Eddie’s fingers tremble as he finds your hips. Massaging the very same areas that make you so self-conscious, Eddie notices you’re shivering, not with cold but with nervous anticipation.

“You’re soft,” he murmurs, enjoying the feeling of your curves. 

His hands slip around your waist and hover just above the button of your jeans. In a low voice, Eddie asks, “You’re sure?”

Lifting a hand over your shoulder, touching his cheek, you find his eyes. “Yes.”

A rumble rises from his chest as thumb and forefinger slip the button free before taking the zipper on a slow journey downward. Bringing them back to your hips, he puts his hands in your pockets and pushes your jeans down one agonizing inch at a time. 

Eddie’s breath shudders against your throat. “You’re incredible,” he says. 

As your pants reach your knees, Volt takes over and eases you out of them one leg at a time. The night air is cool against your bare thighs despite the rising heat between them. Volt’s soft hands glide over your legs, and he lays delicate kisses on them during his ascent. You sigh, marveling at the tenderness he shows you. He touches you with reverence, as if each and every inch of you is holy. 

“You call your thighs thick like it’s an imperfection. I look at you and see the divine, every part of you a blessing. Lush is what you are, live wire.”

His mouth is on your exposed neck, hair buzzing softly against your skin. 

“A garden of succulent delights.”

You listen to him praise you, and the strangest thing happens. You believe him. The syllables tripping off his silver tongue strike you like rays of golden sunshine. His words come from a place of truth, not pity or empty adulation. 

Taking your earlobe between his teeth he chuckles seductively. “I do wonder how you’ll taste on my tongue.”

Your breath quickens, but your voice catches in your throat. No one has ever spoken to you that way. No one has ever composed an ode to you while lavishing your body with genuine appreciation. What do you say? How do you respond to Volt’s devotion?

Rather than use words, you let your fingers speak for you. Eyes locked on his, you work your way down the row of buttons before tugging his shirt out of his pants. Indulging yourself, you let your palms wander the solid wonder of Volt’s hard chest. Beneath your hands, his body hums with a low current that charges you with need. Your breath falls over a nipple as your lips climb up his clavicle and throat before placing a cheeky kiss on his lips. 

You turn around to face Eddie. 

His eyes are closed tight, fingers flexing. At first, you think he’s angry. Or maybe nervous. But the tick in his jaw tells you this is not anxiety. You’re witnessing restraint. 

Your touch is barely a whisper up his sweating abs. As you travel up his chest, you peel his shirt over his shoulders, but linger, tightening the fabric in your fists and pulling him against you. When your lips brush his, he opens his eyes and meets your gaze. There’s something vulnerable in his expression, almost as if he’s worried about what you think of his body. Your fingertips trace along the scars. Some of them are velvety and sinuous while others are raised and jagged. As you let the shirt fall away, you bring your lips to a scar and place a featherlight kiss upon it. Eddie draws in a breath then sags with a low groan as you continue across his chest. 

Eddie’s hands slide up your spine then he wraps you in his arms, relishing your plush warmth. As he rubs your back, he sighs contentedly and says your name. “Do you want us to stop?”

Shaking your head, you guide Eddie’s hands to the hem of your shirt. “No.”

His nimble fingers curl around your shirt and pull it slowly over your head. Volt takes your wrists in your hands as he slips the shirt off and drops it along with your jeans. With a grace that is decidedly Volt, he languidly drapes one arm around his neck. He takes the hand of the other and tenderly kisses your fingers. 

Closing your eyes, you relish the sensations of Eddie’s callused hands hot against your skin; Volt’s tingling touch, pushing your hair to the other side to devote his attention to your throat. As Eddie nips at your collar bones, you gasp then let out a low laugh.

The sleepy request for vulnerability has swelled to something more as feverish desire invigorates you. For weeks, this moment has consumed your dreams. Their hands on you. Your mouth exploring theirs. Luxuriating in the heat of their bodies, one on either side. 

As Eddie’s teeth bite into you, Volt sucks your heartbeat, eliciting a gasp that gives way to a broken moan. Eddie sucks in a breath while Volt navigates the curves of your torso, grazing the sides of your breasts. 

His lithe fingers tug at the clasp of your bra while Eddie’s teeth toy with a strap.

“May I,” Volt asks. 

From your shoulder comes a ragged whisper. “Please.”

Something deep inside you pulses, a craving that has remained unslaked for a very long time. You cradle Eddie’s head against you. “Yes,” you breathe. “Keep going.”

Eddie growls hungrily. You feel your bra go slack and he peels the straps down, your breasts exposed to the dim room. 

“Live wire,” Volt sighs. “Your body is glorious. You should see yourself. The way the moonlight caresses your curves and glints in your hair. Artt himself could never capture just how lovely you are.”

In front of you, Eddie praises you with his mouth and the increasingly palpable hunger guiding it. Dragging his hands down your ribs, he grasps your hips and moans. Reaching out, you hook your fingers around his belt loops and pull so that he crashes against the roll of your hips. He inhales sharply, forehead pressing against your shoulder.

His resolve creaks beneath the weight of his need. He is devoted to following her lead, letting her dictate the pace, but something primal inside him strains to pounce, to be unleashed. Nodding, his voice comes out low and dark. “Yes. Fuck yes.”

***

Her fingers move quickly, unfastening Eddie’s belt. “Is this okay,” she asks.

Eddie’s thoughts spin wildly with fantasies and what ifs, working himself into a knot of anxiety, hunger and ecstasy. He wets his lips. All he can think of is putting his mouth on her again. All of her. Eddie growls at the mere thought of tasting her breasts, of his tongue flicking against her nipples. He imagines kneeling and tearing off those panties with his teeth before worshipping her until the only words she can say are their names. 

As if Volt can sense Eddie slipping away into his own head, he says privately, Just be here, Eddison.

His attention returns to the moment to find she’s stripped him down to boxers, his coarse hands clutching her supple ass while she teases herself against the tip of his swelling member. Gritting his teeth, he clenches with self-restraint as he feels a surge building. Not his orgasm, but the surge that will propel him into her like a starving animal. He bites back these cravings, afraid of losing control, of being too much. 

Forehead against hers, Eddie moans, “Fuck, sparks.”

“That’s the idea,” she breathes. 

Stunned silent, Eddie searches her eyes for assurance. For her consent. What he finds is a wolfish grin. 

Lips brushing against her ear, Volt asks, “Are you certain?

Her breath quickens, keeping pace with her rhythm. “Yes.” 

Straining against his need, Eddie sucks a mark onto her throat. “Say it again. Say you want this.”

“I do. I want you. Mmmf! Bo-both of you.”

Shuddering, eyes fluttering closed, her head falls forward onto Eddie’s shoulder. Strands of hair trail along his skin, sending chills rocketing through him. Whimpering, she grinds against the erection that aches for her. 

Volt laughs wickedly. “My dear, you’d better say it again, just to be sure. You want us to have you?”

“Yes,” she cries. “Please.”

Those words break the last bonds holding back Eddie’s hunger. Snarling, Eddie takes her face in his hands and kisses her with reckless abandon. No more thoughts, no more waiting, just her sweating skin beneath his mouth and her sweet noises ringing in his ears. 

She moans into Eddie’s kiss, grinding harder against him. Volt’s fingers tighten around her upper arms, holding her up as Eddie’s lips travel down her throat, biting and sucking ravenously. When his mouth closes over her nipple, she gasps and bucks against him. 

“Mmmm, Eddie.”

He toys with her nipple, pulling it taut in his teeth before letting go with a soft pop. As he claims her mouth with another burning kiss, Eddie slams his hips against hers. She arches to meet him, her fingernails digging crescents into the back of his neck. 

“My dear,” Volt says, “what have you done to Eddie? I’ve never seen him so feral. Must be some sort of witchcraft in your lips, live wire.”

When he breaks his kiss, Eddie stares at her gorgeous face; flushed red, lips swollen, sweat pearling at her hairline. She meets his eyes, questioning. 

With a growl, Eddie spins her around and grips her hips, fingers unyielding.

“Show him.” 

“Did I find something,” Eddie asks. His teeth snap on your throat and you moan with ecstasy. 

***

As Eddie grinds against your ass, he maintains your tempo. When his teeth graze the back of your neck, you hiss.

“Mmm, good to know,” Volt says, closing the small distance between you. His pillowy lips on yours are exquisite. Clinging to him, skin against skin, you clamp your eyes shut. There is only the feeling of Eddie behind you–solid, hot and damn near unraveling with every pulse against you–and Volt’s soft fingers ghosting over your collar bones and tauntingly down along the curve of your breasts.

His voice seems to come from all around you. “May I touch you, live wire?”

“Please,” you whisper. “Put your hands on me."

As his lithe fingers slowly caress your breasts, his thumbs roll across your nipples.  Gasping, you arch into his touch, head falling back against Eddie’s shoulder. You reach up beside you to touch his cheek, fingertips coaxing him in for a kiss. 

“You’re perfect,” Eddie says, breath splashing against your ear. His devotion suffuses his touch against your belly, your thighs, the curve of your ass. As he shakes his head, his hair brushes your neck. “You were supposed to be impossible.”

You’re grinding against the air, begging for more. Volt’s tongue paints a long stroke over your breast, lingering over your nipple just long enough to tease a hiss from you. As he kneads your breasts, you snatch his belt loops as you had Eddie’s and yank him forward. His deep laughter vibrates against your skin. 

“Something you need,” he asks cheekily. 

In response, your fingers frantically undo the button and unzip his pants. The line of hair that trails down his abdomen is a more subdued iteration of the glowing hair atop his head. It is silken to the touch, the soft current humming against your fingers as you trace it down to the waistband of his boxers. As you grind against him, you feel that current thrumming against your sex, low and constant. 

“Oh, shit,” you breathe, tightening your grasp around Volt’s pants. You tear them down and he finishes taking them off, leaving the three of you in naught but your underwear. 

When he speaks, Volt’s voice quivers slightly. “You seem to have found a second wind. You’re quite awake for us now, aren’t you?”

“Mmhmm,” you whimper. 

Your hips roll faster, seeking, craving, aching for the last barriers between you to melt away. As if they can read your mind, Eddie’s hands come to the waistband of your panties and tug tauntingly as his hips continue to move against you. You can feel the tension in his touch, the need that only grows each time your bodies meet.  

As his hands continue to massage your breasts, Volt’s mouth explores your neck, your chest. “What would you like me to do, live wire? Hmm?” His fingertips glide down your sternum, your abdomen, stopping just below your navel. 

Eddie’s fingers dip below your panties just to squeeze your hips tighter. “Is this where you want us to stop?”

Whipping around, you come face to face with Eddie and crush your lips against his. “Don’t you dare stop.”

He kneels slowly, peppering your body with hard, desperate kisses along the way down. When he places his mouth over your clothed mound, you buck into him with a surprised cry. 

“Mmmm, would you like that, dear spark? Eddie, worshipping you. I dare say he seems quite eager to devour you.”

Eddie’s groan vibrates over your entrance. As his fists clench around your waistband, he looks up to you and meets your stare. “Can I? Please, can I take them off?”

“Mmhmm,” you whine. 

Volt’s hand on your cheek is soft. “You’re certain?”

You nod quickly. “Yes. Please, Eddie.”

Volt purrs in your ear, “Mmmm, good little spark. Asking so sweetly.”

“A-ah!” She pitches forward, hands grasping Volt’s arms around her while grinding against Eddie’s face. “Eddie,” she says with a whine.

***

The sound of his name on her quivering breath snaps the last of Eddie’s self-control. With his trademark efficiency, he removes her panties. Lifting one of her legs, he kisses her ankle…then the calf and knee. As he licks up her thigh, his lust blazes. He rests her leg over his shoulder. He lets his eyes feast the view. The moonlight and the glow of Volt’s hair illuminate her body in silvers, blues and deep black shadows. Her pouting lips, eyes clamped shut as Volt toys with her breasts; the way the moonlight limns her hair, her shoulders. All of those soft places, the rolls that make her nervous, her luscious thighs. Eddie’s mouth waters as his gaze finds the dewy stripe of arousal glistening in front of him. As he sucks a spot where her thigh and hip meet, he watches her mouth fall open with a sigh. Stare locked on her face, Eddie lays an open-mouthed kiss at her entrance.

Volt’s approval rumbles deep in his chest. “Don’t hold back,” he purrs. “We want to hear every song you have to sing.”

As his breath falls over her sex, Eddie watches his spark’s eyes flutter open, immediately finding his longing gaze. Without a word, he begs her for the privilege of another taste, one sweet noise to hold in his memory.

Panting, she nods. “More.”

With a famished growl, Eddie kisses her again, this time letting his tongue stretch inside of her. He licks a long, slow line through her folds before flicking against her throbbing clit. Her approval escapes on another of her delicious moans. Her head pillowed on Volt’s chest, she sighs and runs her fingers through Eddie’s hair. 

“I wish you could see your lovely face right now. The way pleasure drapes over this divine body of yours, blooming pink…the way your breath quickens when he drags his tongue just so..” His weightless touch moves down your form, slowly. “Mmm, Eddie, look what you’ve done to our live wire.”

***

Behind you, Volt is a solid, steadying presence. His silken hands roam your body, doting on your breasts. You set the pace for all three of you. A moderate tempo meant to savor each other. No need to rush. Not now. Your hips rock forward into the wet, soft heat of Eddie’s mouth, back against Volt’s hard length. Your body keeps the beat and changes the rhythm. Steady circles might become two quick and shallow pops of your hips, or perhaps one agonizingly slow drag against Volt’s twitching cock. As his pelvis moves in concert with yours, that static-like hum that surrounds Volt tingles against your ass. 

“I lo–ove how that word sounds…” you say. 

“Which word is that, dear one?”

Your voice comes as a trembling exhale. “Our.”

Volt wordlessly nuzzles your neck, nipping playfully near your jaw.

As Eddie adjusts your leg over his shoulder, his eyes take a meandering path up to your eyes. “You’re so fucking delicious. I’ve barely had a taste and you’re already my favorite meal.”

Volt’s laugh carries dark delights as he tilts your chin toward him then purrs, “I’ve often wondered how it would feel to hold you like this. I’ve thought about how you might taste, what sounds I could tease out of you with barely a finger laid upon you.” 

As a single finger draws a line between your breasts, Eddie’s tongue moves up your slit with the same speed and pressure. Volt’s mouth covers yours in a deep, languorous kiss. When Eddie settles over your entrance, his tongue moves in a pattern identical to Volt’s. 

Whimpering into Volt’s mouth, you reach your free hand behind you and palm his erection. He draws a long breath then chuckles, settling two fingers just above your aching clit while Eddie takes it into his mouth, sucking at the same pace as Volt’s circling touch. Volt breaks the kiss, freeing your wordless cry for both of them to hear. They moan in perfect unison, every movement synchronized to make you writhe. 

You’ve never felt this kind of pleasure. Grinding faster, you chase a peak that is just out of reach.

Eddie laps at you while Volt’s hand slowly moves up your body. 

“Please,” you say breathlessly. “F-fuck…please don’t stop.”

Your whimper cuts into a gasp as two fingers slip inside your dripping pussy. 

It’s building. That exquisite feeling deep inside you builds like a growing charge. You hear the obscene, wet noises of Eddie’s fingers sliding in and out of you. Looking down, you notice that while one hand tends to you, the other grips his thick cock. In the pale blue light, you watch as he pumps into his fist in the same relentless rhythm as his hand and tongue. With a groan that vibrates through your core, Eddie curls his skilled fingers. The burst of pleasure has you gripping his wrist. Clenching, climbing. 

Volt’s breath steams against your ear. “Look at what you do to him, live wire. And he’s not even inside you. Can you imagine if he were? The noises he would make with you so tight around him, milking him with every clash of your wondrous hips.”

You can imagine it, and as you do a plaintive moan fills the air. “Please, Eddie. I’m so close. So…ah!...fucking close.”

He groans, rhythm quickening. 

Tingles of static electricity pulse around you. Your scalp prickles, the hairs on the back of your neck, your arms, even the long hair of your head rises as if waiting for lightning to strike. 

“Come for us,” Eddie says, voice rough and ragged. Volt’s arm wraps around you, his hand pressing deliberately on your belly. 

The delicious pressure is what sends you careening over the edge. Nails digging into the back of Volt’s neck, arching forward, your mouth falls open. Crying out Eddie’s name, you hear his low, primal grunt as he comes with thunderous force. An intangible sphere of blue-white energy blasts through you, bringing your second orgasm crashing into you before you’ve ridden the wave of your first. The world disappears except for Volt’s strong arms holding you steady, Eddie’s fingers still pumping in and out of you, pace softening, slowing with the lazy rhythm of your hips. 

Kneeling in front of you, Eddie shines with the same blue-white light. It radiates from him like a halo. Your hand releases his hair and trails over his cheek lovingly. 

“Eddie. Mmmmm, my Eddie.”

At the sound of his name, his eyes clench and he kisses the palm of your hand. Then, after carefully sliding your leg off his shoulder, he stands. While he and Volt steady you, Eddie presses his forehead to yours then meets your lips in a breathless kiss. 

Taking his wrist, Volt brings Eddie’s fingers to his mouth and licks the taste of you with a low, satisfied moan. 

“Mmm, like sweet ambrosia,” he says. 

Legs trembling, your knees give way, but Volt’s arms are there to catch you. He effortlessly lifts you, cradles you against his chest and delivers you to the soft bed.

You’re on your back, head resting on a downy pillow as the sweat glistening on your body begins to evaporate. In a blissed out haze, you roll to your side. For a minute or a month, you lay there, basking in the afterglow of the most intense high you’ve ever experienced. Your senses are alight. The sheets are cool, crisp, and smell of cologne and citrus. The mattress shifts behind you. Even with your eyes closed, you know it’s Eddie sliding in place. His chest is hot and slick against your back, his hands gentle as they trace lazily along your curves. 

He strokes her hair, her shoulders, and kisses her temple. “I’ve been so afraid to want this,” he whispers. He buries his face in the crook of her neck and sighs, every muscle in his body relaxing into honey.

***

Eddie’s body shivers against hers, his ragged breaths splashing on her bared neck. Taking in her intoxicating scent, his emotions shift and blossom in kaleidoscopic variety. In addition to intense ecstasy, his entire being hums with adoration for her, with gratitude and utter contentment. 

Volt looks down upon the bed as Eddie’s arm wraps around her waist and draws her against him. She’s smiling dreamily, fingertips glancing along Eddie’s fingers. He’s never seen such a perfect example of bliss as what he sees before him. The love he holds for both of his precious charges fills his chest until it feels ready to burst. 

Stretching out in front of her, he situates himself so that she is tucked against his chest. Her eyes flutter open and meet his with a soft smile. 

She sighs. “You’re unbelievably beautiful.”

Volt takes her hand and places gentle kisses on her fingertips. “Kind of you to say, sweet spark. Although, the view of the two of you is rather satisfying.”

Eddie opens one eye, lifts his head and says, “Shut up,” before nestling into her once more. 

Her laugh comes from deep in her throat. “There’s the pillow talk I expected.”

“Hey, Volt’s the words guy.”

As she laces her fingers with Volt’s, she says to Eddie, “You did an awful lot of talking earlier tonight.”

“Yeah, ‘cause I practiced most of it for the two weeks you were gone. I’m sure tomorrow I’ll be back to normal. Well, in that regard at least.” 

“You’re staring, live wire.”

***

While Eddie drowses at your back, you face Volt, gazing at him and marveling at how the moonlight falls perfectly over his magnificent body. 

“Mmhm. Earlier, I was a little distracted. I didn’t get to truly appreciate you.” 

As your fingers dance down his chiseled abs, you come to that trail of fine white hair that leads down to the soft patch at the base of his cock. While he’s a little less girthy than Eddie, Volt’s length makes your eyes grow wide. When he chuckles, you let your fingers glide lower, your touch whisper-light. 

Stopping over his shaft, you look up into his eyes. “Is this okay,” you ask.

He smiles. “Feel free to indulge yourself, live wire.”

“You’re doing the thing again.”

“And what thing is that?”

“Seeing to others’ pleasure without asking for your own.” 

His features soften and he searches your eyes. Tone full of quiet wonder, he asks, “How do you see us so clearly?”

“You know,” you say, fingers continuing down Volt’s shaft, “Eddie and I got our whiskey and chocolate.”

Eddie’s voice is muffled by your shoulder, “Among other desserts.”

“You still haven’t said anything about what you want.” 

“And what leads you to think that seeing you both so content isn’t what I want?”

You lay your palm on his length then slowly, one finger at a time, take him gently into your grasp. “That’s sweet, love. And it still doesn’t answer the question.” Bringing your lips to within a breath of his, you say, “Tell me what you want.”

Taking his plump lower lip between yours, you give it a slow suck, all the while tightening your grip around his length.

“She will badger you until you do,” Eddie adds. “She’s tenacious.”

“I hadn’t noticed,” Volt says with loving sarcasm.

“Tell me.”

He draws in a breath as you tug his growing erection then lets out a moan that sounds an awful lot like your name. Forehead against yours, he fixes you with that starlight stare. 

“Seeing you atop Eddie was quite thrilling. Tantalizing. The way your hips tormented him so when you were sitting tall above him. Or when your task caused you to shift and lean in close. And all I could do was watch him respond to your touch and dream of seeing that succulent view for myself.” He traces lines over your cheek, down your throat, coming to rest over your heart. “That is what I want, live wire. You riding me so I can see that gorgeous face of yours when I bring you to ecstasy. Again. And again.”

Volt pulls your lips to his in a gentle, languid kiss. You sigh, luxuriating in the feeling of his tongue twisting with yours. When he moans into your mouth, it sends a shudder straight through to your center. Grinding slow and hard against him, you chuckle darkly. “You want to be inside me,” you ask teasingly.

“Fuck,” Eddie breathes behind you. He squeezes your hip, anchoring himself to you, to the moment. 

“More than anything,” Volt answers, voice low. 

Hand gliding up his chest, you lay tender kisses on his mouth, his jaw, his throat. As you arrive at his shoulder you push him onto his back while hauling yourself over him. As your legs settle on either side of him, you paw down Volt’s pale chest. Reaching his abs, you graze his skin with your fingernails, drawing a hiss from his perfect lips. 

You toy with the tuft of white hair at the base of his cock and his hips rise to meet your touch. When his member jumps, you grin impishly. You are a puppeteer, the slightest movements of your fingers making him dance and writhe beneath you. As you take him into your grip, his eyes close and he lets out a long sigh. 

“Live wire,” he says, hands gliding feather-light down your sweat-slick body. 

Shifting so your weight is on your knees, you slide Volt’s pretty dick along your still-wet slit, teasing yourself with his leaking tip. 

“F-fuck,” Eddie sighs. You look to find him on his back, his hand is pumping his own heavy cock. When his eyes open and he sees you staring, he grips himself tighter, strokes becoming longer, settling on whatever tempo you set as you ride Volt.

Turning your attention back to Volt, you find he’s looking at you adoringly. His hands press up your thighs, digging his fingers in appreciatively. 

“Such strength in these thighs,” he says, kneading. “Then again, that’s you isn’t it, live wire? Immeasurable power wrapped in warmth and softness.”

Smiling, you lean down to kiss him, your hair falling lightly across his skin. You can feel Volt’s rumble of pleasure beneath your breastbone. As you roll against Volt’s quivering cock, you lick up his long throat, stopping to suck his Adam’s apple. He moans, a sound that reverberates through your body. You shudder, dragging your clit along his length while his humming current vibrates along your mound.

When you moan his name, Volt groans, a noise both sinful and heavenly. 

After slipping your hand around his cock, you align him with your entrance and slowly spiral down his length. First the head. Then lower…spreading your knees wider to open for him. 

Volt’s cock is hot inside you, deliciously so. The pinch of him pushing through your folds makes you gasp and twitch as you settle atop him one hard inch at a time. His head falls back into the pillows, a breath of ecstasy escaping. Lightning fast, he grips your hips with enough force to bruise then thrusts up into you, burying his length to the hilt. 

“Mmm, yes,” you cry.

He chuckles. “Such a simple word, ‘yes.’ And I do love to hear you say it.”

You repeat yourself. Often. And with great gusto as the two of you settle into a rhythm that hits that glorious spot deep inside you, and lingers against your clit with each delicious stroke. 

Leaning down, you kiss him hard and deep all the while working up and down his cock. Out and slowly back in. Your lips trace down over his jaw, nipping playfully at his throat, his clavicle. Your tongue traces up the salty flesh of his pecs. When you take his nipple between your teeth, he bucks up into you with a sharp inhale.

You rise, sitting tall atop him. Rolling your hips brings your clit against that perfect current. It’s perfect, sending a jolt through you that echoes through every cell. 

Eddie groans beside you. “You feel so fucking good.”

“Like velvet,” Volt agrees. 

“Like home.” 

Your walls flutter with pleasure, tempo driving faster. You take one of Volt’s large, smooth hands and slide his fingers in a burning line down your body, positioning his thumb just above your clit. As you grind against him, your pussy purrs with delight, begging for more. You clamp around him, milking his shaft with each of your pulses. 

His voice blends with Eddie’s–a two-part harmony of desire and need. Whimpers and moans, oaths and curses. All for you.

You ride him toward your ecstasy, chasing it.  Volt groans as you squeeze him ever tighter.

“Mmmmy live wire. My love,” he babbles breathlessly. “I can feel you–mmmmmf–feel you getting close.”

The tandem moaning, the grip Volt maintains on your hips, the way Eddie’s eyes watch your tits bounce…it all propels you closer. Your body tingles, tiny hairs rising again.

“Oh, fuck. F-fuck,” Eddie rumbles. “Sparks, please.”

“Harder,” you say, voice hoarse. Volt bucks into you with deep, devastating thrusts, matching your haste beat for beat. You see a deep ache in his pleading expression. “I need you,” he says. “I need to see that stri-i--king face.”

In your periphery, something sways in the air. It takes you a moment, but as you shift in the moonlight you realize it’s your hair floating out to either side as if you’re weightless. 

“Volt!--Ah!--Oh, god. Don’t stop. Feels…mmm f-f-feels so good.”

Small bolts of static electricity pop and arc painlessly in your hair. The tingling in your scalp races down your body. You pitch forward, hands bracing against Volt’s chest. As your nails dig into him, they flare with electricity. 

“We’re close,” Eddie moans. “Shit, we’re so fucking close.”

“Sing, live wire. Let us hear you.”

“Fu-uck.”

“Sing for us.”

As your cries fill the room, Volt grips your hips, holds you tight above him and thrusts up into you with enough force you think you’ll fly across the house. 

“Volt! God… Volt!”

The sound that bursts from you is one you’ve never made. At first, you’re not even sure it’s you until the blinding pleasure whites out your vision. You fall forward, bracing yourself on Volt’s broad shoulders, riding him hard and fast through each wave, every aftershock of your intense climax.

As they cry out with their own orgasms, identical blue spheres of light pulse out of Volt and Eddie, each crackling with white streaks of electricity. 

The effect is immediate and devastating. Your entire being ignites, every nerve alight with pleasure. Your head flies back in ecstasy as you brace yourself on Volt’s chest with shaking arms. All you know is sweet pleasure, bright and white, blotting out all thoughts as their power surges through you. 

When you open your eyes, you’re lying against Volt’s chest. His hands grip your ass as he rocks into you, easing you both down from your highs. As your racing heart begins to slow, and your rhythm stills, you go slack against his solid body. 

Panting, aching with the bliss of the moment, you close your eyes. You feel Eddie shift beside you, rolling over to push your hair out of your face. He places tender kisses by your eyes, down your cheeks, your shoulder before nuzzling his head against your arm. Your senses are too sharp, you can almost hear the stars twinkling far away. Eddie’s kisses sear your flesh while Volt’s embrace feels as if he’s taken the cool, gossamer drape of moonlight and wrapped you in it. 

You lie cradled against Volt, fading in and out of consciousness. Beyond the darkness behind your eyes, you hear them.

“Beautiful,” Volt whispers. “Beyond measure.”

“So fucking perfect,” Eddie groans, nuzzling your shoulder. “So perfect for us.”

“Made for us.”

You drift above and within your body, rising and falling at the whim of Volt’s breath. A long blink. You’re on your back. There’s the sound of running water. Gentle hands along your thighs. The feeling of a warm, wet cloth between your legs. Then you feel yourself propped up, a strong hand cradling your head. Something cool presses gently against your lips. 

“Sip, sparks. Not too much too fast, okay?”

Icy water streams down your parched throat before you float away again. 

“Our precious live wire. So good to us.”

Finally, you are laid gently upon a cloud where you are surrounded by warmth, peace, and music. A tune that resonates not in your ears, but in your soul. Glass-smooth notes in a three-part harmony that feels like eternity. You let its chords carry you into the arms of your lovers and together you melt into sweet, sweet oblivion. 

As Eddie gazes at them, he is overwhelmed by gratitude. The impossible and unexpected, drowsing in front of him in a downy bliss. He has awakened into this strange world where she is his and he is hers. Eddie’s fingertips stroke her hair where it fans over the pillow. His lips against her forehead are feather-light.

***

When his eyes open, moonlight has been replaced by the wan, gray light of pre-dawn. She lays on her back beside him, lips parted, expression one of blissful slumber. The gentle susurration of her breath comes slow and even. With her head pillowed against Volt’s shoulder, her right arm stretches across his chest, hand beside his right cheek. His head leans down into her hand as if they had fallen asleep mid-caress. 

Sliding down the bed, Eddie rests his head against her heartbeat then wraps his arm around her waist. She is the only lullaby he needs. Moments later, she stirs, her left arm falling limply over his shoulders. As sleep comes to take him back into its embrace, he whispers into your dream, “I love you, sparks.”

There will be a series masterlist that separates this series (Chapters 1-20) from pre-and-post realization stories as those come out. The schedule up to this point has been pretty regular, but going forward that's likely to change, so subscribe here or on Ao3 to stay in the loop.

EEEEE! Thank you for reading this far with me! This is the final chapter in the main game arc (Love route.) But we're not finished!

Does Dorian get his truffles?

What's a night at the club like now?

What about that one show with Amir?

Are Eddie, Volt and Jon going to play nice together?

How do Eddie, Volt and Live Wire/Sparks cope with the aftermath of Reset Night?

What about Realization!?

And hey, there's more smut!

As he rakes his hand through his hair, Eddie says your name. “Think of what you’re asking. We. Could lose. Volt. I…I made him. Can you understand that? You’re asking me to–.” He can’t say it. “And if I lose him…I could…I’ll lose you, too.”

Those words steal your breath. Something deep in your belly flops and a prickling heat spreads through your body. 

‘I’ll lose you, too.’

Does he still think you’re only here because of Volt. Does he not see that you give a shit? You care about him, not because of what he can do for you, or because of his proximity to Volt. You love Eddie. The grounded one. The cranky bastard who matches your snark beat for beat. Wounded, yet also capable of patience and playfulness. A kindred whose pain recognizes yours. The one who despite his fears and thick, icy walls is now an exposed nerve with every piece of himself laid bare before you. 

When your eyes flicker to Volt, you see he’s hanging his head in sorrow. 

“This place is so much more than drinks and a show,” Eddie says. “It’s the heartbeat of the house. Music, light, heat and energy. Everything they need. Everything you need. You asked what about me? Well, what I need is Volt. Otherwise, it doesn’t work. Without him…I’m just…” He gestures to himself limply, hands falling helplessly to his sides. 

Volt’s voice is tender. “Eddie, you can’t destroy yourself for me. Do you think I want that?”

“Better that than see you go out because I’m a fucking waste of space!”

The room goes quiet, deathly silent. 

Volt sags as the shock knocks all of the air out of him. Conversely, your blood freezes to a halt. Your body is rigid, and your lungs burn with a breath you cannot exhale. 

“It’s my fault all of this is happening. I’m the one who couldn’t hack it on my own. I’m the one that’s damaged. And I’m the one who can’t fix it.” Eddie’s eyes shut tight as tears streak down his face. His jaw clenches around a scream he refuses to release. “I can’t lose you. And I can’t go back to that place. Before you moved in. Before Volt. I can’t. Please, don’t ask me to. It was so cold and dark. I was so damn lonely. Isolated from everything. Giving more and more of myself when I had nothing left. Borrowing from tomorrow just to survive today. Again and again and again. Begging for help in a crowded room where no one heard me. You know how it feels. Human, thing or none of the above, you know that howling emptiness. You do. I know you understand it.”

It’s true. You’ve been in that place. Alone and screaming in the darkest hours, wondering if you’ve outlived your own usefulness. You think of how hard you have worked to claw your way out of that despair. How fragile you were along that lonely climb, and how precarious it all still feels. As if just one bad day could erase years of progress. 

“Better to be broken than in that place ever again,” you whisper. “Right? Broken is at least safe, familiar. You know how to be broken.”

Eddie sighs with relief that you do understand.

“Change comes with risk,” you go on. “And that shit is scary. But you’re not alone and I swear to you, you’re not going to be alone. Please, Eddie. Let me help you.”

He’s silent for a time. When he speaks again, his voice trembles. “I don’t want to go out. But, going back to the way things were? I won’t survive that.”

Throat tightening, grief clenching your heart in its greedy fist, you nod. Your voice creaks. “If we don’t do something, do you think you’re going to survive the night? I–I don’t want to lose you, Eddie.” You fix Volt with your tearful gaze. “Either of you.”

The slightest hint of pink paints Volt’s cheeks. A ghost of his charming grin floats across his face. Despite the circumstances, he is still achingly beautiful.

“The feeling is quite mutual, live wire.” Placing a hand on Eddie’s quaking shoulder, Volt softly says, “This is the last fix, Eddie. We have to try.”

Reminding you of a trapped animal, Eddie’s breaths come in rapid, shallow shudders. As he looks between you and Volt, you can almost see the calculations careening through his mind as he searches for any other way. A patch in this wire. A diversion of power from one circuit to another. Anything. 

Then, his face falls with resignation. Surrender. 

“You…you remember where the tools are,” he asks weakly. When you nod, he tilts his head toward the heavy door. “Bring ‘em here and I’ll…” He swallows hard. “I’ll walk you through what to do.”

Volt lets out a sigh of relief. You hear a barely audible, “Thank you.”

The look you share with Eddie. It’s so trusting, so deeply sincere that it tears at your heart. However, there is no hope in his eyes to buoy yours. 

Your breath quivers. “Just don’t…” Don’t leave me. “Don’t go anywhere, okay?”

“Well, I was debating it, but since you asked nicely.”

“Asking nicely works with you now? My worldview is rocked to its core,” you say, deadpan. 

“Wise ass.” He leans his head back against the wall and closes his eyes. “Besides, I can’t leave. I still owe Dorian truffles.”

Your nose wrinkles and you tilt your head, perplexed. “The fuck?”

“I’ll tell you later.”

Later. There’s going to be a later.

“You fucking better,” you warn him.

Scanning the immediate area, you ask, “You don’t happen to have a flashlight back here, do you? I didn’t bring Phoenicia and my bioluminescence is on the fritz. Again.” “Shit. No. Not back here. It’s with the tools.”

You nod, mentally mapping out your route through the dark club. “Got it. Okay.” You make it to your feet, legs wobbly. “It might be a minute, but I’ll be back.”

Eddie bobs his head. “I know you will. Spite is a powerful motivator.” 

When you smile, he gives you the barest of winks.

You look up to find Volt is–despite the situation–beaming at Eddie, and your heart swells. It feels strange to love both of them so deeply and differently. To need both of them so thoroughly. And also to love how they care for one another. 

Before you leave, you hook a finger at Volt and nod toward the door. “Can we talk for a sec?”

The two of you slip just outside the door then you lace your fingers through his. Eddie isn’t the only one who’s fragile. You can see it in the set of his shoulders, in his glassy eyes. He’s just as terrified as you. Volt is simply better at focusing on others’ pain first. 

Gods, they both do it, you think affectionately.

Managing to keep your voice steady and quiet, you meet Volt’s gaze. “You said you're not done with me, right?”

Volt kisses your knuckles, the slightest smile curling his delicious lips. “Indeed I did.”

“That goes both ways, you know. I don’t want to lose you.”

A blush rises in his cheeks and his eyes glow a little brighter. 

You place a hand on his chest and say, “I mean, seriously. You can't just kiss me like that and bounce.”

“Dear spark, I'm not going anywhere.”

Letting out a long breath, you steel yourself for what’s to come. As you start to leave, Volt’s grip tightens around your hand. “A moment, live wire. Eddie is not the only one with an apology for you. When you found us here tonight, I know I frightened you.”

“It’s ok. You–.”

He stops you with one word: your name. It’s strange to hear it tripping off his tongue, but musical nonetheless. “No. It’s not. I know what I am, and that version of me is one you never should have met. I saw the look on your face,” he says, tracing a silver-tipped finger down from your temple to your jawline, his touch soft and light. “Trust can be such a delicate thing, and if I have caused so much as a chip to form in yours I will spend the rest of my days–however long that may be–working to restore it. I am sorry, my live wire.”

You sigh his name gently. “Yes, you scared me. But, I know you were protecting Eddie. I understand. I still trust you completely.”

Volt’s shoulders relax and he lays a tender kiss on your forehead. “Thank you.”

“We’ll talk more about this after we get you boys up and running. Okay?” 

He nods. “I’ll hold you to that.” 

With a shaky, deep breath, you summon the courage to leave. You look at Volt and gesture to Eddie. “Can you…?”

His smile is warm, his voice confident. “I’ll take good care of him for you.” 

You take off down the dark hallway. As the wan blue light fades behind you, your hand finds the rough brick wall again. The stone is cold beneath your fingers, but steady. Even if your legs tremble like a newborn foal, the wall lends you some of its strength. It grounds you, gives you support when you think you’ll stumble. 

As you emerge from backstage, you find the orange light of a single candle shivering in the club. Tables and chairs–upended by the patrons’ panic–appear like bones jutting up from a grave. In the jittering light, shards of glass glitter in slick puddles of alcohol and hardening candlewax. You’ve been holding fast against terror for what seems an eternity, but that candle is a sliver of salvation.  Relief floods you. Stepping lightly around the debris, you feel a spark of hope. That single pinprick of light in the void. 

It’s enough. 

As you reach for the candle you find a cocktail napkin. Florid script reads, “A flame for my flame.”

“Jon, you beautiful bastard,” you breathe.“Okay. Get the tools and get back. Just get the tools and get back.”

Candlelight leading the way, you sprint across the club, bound for Eddie’s supply closet. 

You can do this.

They’re going to be okay.

*** At the power grid, Volt sits next to Eddie, his own back to the wall, arms resting on his drawn up knees. Both of them stare at the same spot on the blank wall ahead of them. 

Volt breaks the silence. “You lied to me.”

“I did.” Eddie nods. “I’m sorry, Volt. Are…you angry with me? Of course you are. How could you not be.” 

“No, I’m not angry. Hurt, perhaps. But at this moment all I feel is…I’m so proud of you, Eddison. It’s never easy to ask for help. To trust someone to be your soft place to fall. Just as you were for her.”

Eddie chuffs a laugh, looking to the floor sheepishly. He lowers his voice. “Volt, I’m scared.”

“Truthfully, we all are. And understandably so.”

“I shouldn’t be putting her through this.”

“She’s made the choice to do it, Eddie. To her, you’re worth it.”

Eddie shakes his head, studying his bruised, callused hands. New scars have appeared along his arms, scars that resemble the strands of lighting he fought so hard to contain. 

Glancing around, he takes in this space. This paradoxical place where he is at his most powerful and yet his most vulnerable. In the time before Volt, this was where he could find peace and quiet. Recharge a little before another day of service and shows. As things got worse, it became the place where he could rage and sob. But no one heard him. Not until the night Volt careened into being borne on Eddie’s throat-searing scream. 

Twenty years ago.

That night, he’d come off stage wrung out. The shadows in the dark club enveloped him as he staggered backstage. The long hallway toward the power grid seemed to stretch in front of him. Vision blurring, twisting, he could only brace himself on the bricks and put one foot in front of the other. Once safely past the threshold of his sanctum, Eddie fell to his knees. The current coursing through him was one of inescapable pain. He felt trapped. Lost. Hopeless. And painfully, utterly alone. 

Shaking his head, he whispered to himself, “I can’t. It’s too much. Please….help.”

But there was no one to hear. No one to respond. Eddie tried to contain the screams building in his chest by grinding his teeth. Tears fell to the floor, the first drops of rain that herald a storm.

He felt like he was suffocating beneath the burden of his anguish. Eddie tore at his vest and shredded his shirt as if that would give him what he needed. But his breath wouldn’t come, and a heavy weight settled on his back, shoving him further down to the floor. As the world constricted around him, he clawed at his chest, blackened fingertips gouging into his skin and drawing glowing blood. While it didn’t alleviate the strangling feeling, it relieved a sliver of Eddie’s agony. This was pain he could control. 

Eddie’s sobs turned into defiant, tormented screams until finally he wrenched open the steel panel on his chest, exposing the thick cable pulsing with his life. The problem lingered inside, shriveled and useless. Never enough. He gave everything and more but it wasn’t enough and it never would be. This tiny black filament bound him to this hell. 

‘I need to be more,’ he thought between sobs. 

The idea strikes him like lightning. Before he can change his mind, he reaches into himself, clutches the cable, and slowly pulls the glowing cord out of his body. Not too much, but just enough to grip it in both hands. He takes a breath for bravery. Then, with a throat-shredding scream, Eddie tears the cord in half. 

An endless column of brilliant light blasts from his body, lightning arcing across the room, crawling along the ceiling. Thunder rumbles, shaking the room, as the harsh snap of electricity rises to a deafening intensity. 

 In the darkness, the luminous pillar blazes like a fractured star. Eddie clenches against the light, fighting the scorching pain. He can’t see the miracle working above. Within the beam, silvery motes swirl around electric blue shapes. A torso. A hand, stretching into reality. A featureless face. Clothing forms around the limbs. 

The crescendo of Eddie’s howl reaches its peak as the separate cords seal themselves in a translucent, protective sheath. 

He falls to the floor, gasping. Limp. 

“It’s too much,” he murmurs deliriously. “I just–. I just…need help. Please.” 

Rolling onto his back, he continues to gulp for air. Eddie exhales a breath of blue-white light glittering with diamond-like sparks. 

“Eddison,” a voice says. It is low, smooth, soothing. A balm on his scorched soul. “Eddison, I’m here.”

When he opens his eyes, Eddie is nearly blinded by the figure before him. 

Tall, his stance is confident yet loose. His long limbs are graceful, like a dancer’s. While Eddie wears scuffed boots, this one wears polished shoes adorned with golden buckles shaped like stylized lightning bolts. A vest and shirt identical to Eddie’s. Over his broad shoulders–as if he hasn’t a care in the world –is a long coat heavy with surge protectors–exactly what Eddie needs. 

Protection.

“You’re not alone anymore,” the figure assures him. He kneels and gently places the split cable into Eddie's chest, sealing it safely away. “I’m here.” As the blue skin fades to a creamy flesh tone, his features come into focus. Plump lips. Cheekbones carved of marble. Pupilless eyes glowing with cyan light. His hair is white and made of sparking, crackling electricity. 

As Eddie, awestruck, attempts to push himself up to his knees, the figure stills him with a smooth, steady hand. 

“Rest,” he says. 

“I–I can’t. They need me.”

“I’m not here for them. What do you need?”

Eddie scoffs. “Help. I can’t do this by myself anymore. The others in the house need me. They need this place. And…the humans.” His voice becomes a resentful growl. “All they do is take. I’m not enough for them, and yet, they just…go on like I’m nothing. They’re careless! They leave me to work in empty rooms. They add something new every day, it seems. They have no idea what I do for them, or any of us in the house! They just flip a switch and expect me to be there, doing their bidding all hours of the day. Always on. Always running as fast as they need. It’s cruel! It’s endless. And then I’m supposed to get on stage? I c-can’t be what they need. It’s all too much. I’m just…I’m so tired. I’m tired of not being enough.”

The figure smiles warmly and rests a gentle hand on Eddie’s shoulder. 

“I was born for the stage.” His laughter is low and melodious. “I’ll take care of the others in the house. They’ll want for nothing. As for the humans,” he says, that silken voice turning dark, “I will protect you from them. Eddison. There is nothing I cannot handle. You rest. Rest for as long as you need and not a moment less.”

On the floor, every last pulse of his energy ebbing away, he rolls onto his side and shivers. 

“Who…?”

“My name is Volt,” he says. With all of the flourish of a cavalier, Volt removes his coat in a swirl of fabric. “And you are my charge.”

The heavy coat drapes over Eddie’s form, its weight a comfort. 

“Don’t worry. Rest,” Volt repeats. “I’ll keep the light on.”

*** 

“You’re not alone,” Volt says, voice gently interrupting Eddie’s thoughts. “I’m glad to know that no matter what happens, you won’t be alone.”

“What if..?” Eddie stops.

I don’t want to say it. What if  I say it and it becomes real? 

With a resigned sigh, he continues. “She could do everything perfectly and this could still go horrendously wrong.”

“It could,” Volt admits. 

Volt has been clutching tightly to some of his charm and bravado. Wouldn’t want to worry his live wire, of course. He leans his head back against the wall and shuts his eyes. Intrusive thoughts arc in his mind, wondering what it might be like if he, as Eddie fears, were to disappear in a blink. Would Volt return to being a facet of Eddie’s personality, reintegrated? Or would he simply…end? Snuffed out as easily as a candle. Volt doesn’t want to leave any more than Eddie does. There are so many experiences to be had, more patrons to thrill. Dances to be danced. Adventures with the human that he cannot possibly predict. 

And Eddie needs to be there to share them.  

“I can’t lose you, either, Eddison,” Volt says. “My first and dearest friend. My charge.”

“I…” he chokes on his words. “I can’t begin to thank you for what you’ve done for me. You’re more than a means to an end. More than a fix. I hope you know that. I don’t just need you, I–I want you here. You’re just as precious to me as she is.”

Tears well up in Volt’s luminous eyes, glittering like diamonds on his lashes. “I know. But it is nice to hear you say it.”

“And, earlier…dancing with her. I don’t know how you did that, but regardless, it was…” Eddie smiles. “It was incredible.”

With a smile that is both catlike and caring, Volt nudges Eddie’s elbow. “You didn’t seem to need any of my help with the more enticing parts of the experience.”

Eddie's face burns with embarrassment. 

“She is rather fond of you,” Volt adds.

“Everyone’s got their flaws.”