I, Crumbius

FIC: I, Crumbius
Author: Foofy
Rating; NC17
Challenger: Daniko
Summary: After suffering from beliefs that he is truly Julius Caesar, Karl takes a joke on the ownership of Sean Bean a little too far. Guest Star: Viggo Mortensen ** WARNING: Bondage, occasional non-con**

Original challenge: Karl is having flashbacks to his roles in Xena:Warrior Princess. (See the following link for visual inspiration: http://www.humina.com/kurban/promo-pics.html). He thinks he's Julius Cesar or Cupid. He causes serious problems for Sean. Dave steps in and re-directs Karl's unfortunate impulses. Smut ensues. Includes chain mail, Anudril, the One Ring and serious bondage. Guest appearance by Viggo or Aragorn.

*

The first thing that Sean really recognised as being extremely odd was Karl’s hand on his waist. The man had been quite close to him already, but then again this was not unusual. In this type of work, it was common to mess around with your mates, get comfortable with them. Hell, he himself had spent far too long rolling around with Viggo on the ground during their ‘rugby tackling’ moments. However, regardless of how long Viggo’s body had pressed against his, it was all through games alone. Not once did Sean feel this strange jolt of sensation, as though the man had somehow mildly electrocuted him. Not once did he feel hands actively exploring his body that belonged to that of the rougher sex.

Sean jerked away. He hadn’t meant to, but then again that was the thing about instantaneous reactions. You didn’t really get time to consider such things.

Karl softly laughed, a voice that spoke of casualness and a distinct lack of concern that Sean was reacting in a bad way to his caresses. In fact, the younger man had actually moved forward again, pressing up against Sean, his hand still gently stroking. Sean, who had been pressed up against a wall, stared back at him incredulously.

“ What’s the matter?” Karl murmured. “ Have I scared you?”

“ Scared, no. Disturbed, yes,” Sean still had nowhere to go, nowhere to move to, and this was seriously starting to bother him. “ Karl, much as I’m flattered by the attention-“

The hand started to wander downwards. Sean almost lost control of his voice for a moment, before finding the strength returning to his limbs and shoving Karl away, his breathing already slightly fast, a wild look in his eyes. Karl straightened and looked back at him, a slight frown appearing.

“ You resist?” there was the faintest sign of a sneer in his voice. Sean stared at him.

“ Of course I fucking well resist! Even if I was that way inclined Karl, at least you could have done was to ask first!” Sean had a mad impulse to brush off his clothing. Karl seemed completely undisturbed by his words and was still watching him with a mild expression, as though watching a child with a tantrum. Sean’s eyes darted to the door of the trailer briefly before returning. Karl smiled again.

“ The fact that you feel you have a choice in the matter is very appealing to me, Sean,” he said softly. “ I might not even flog you for that,”

Now both Sean’s eyebrows were raised in surprise. “ Flog me?” he snorted amusement at this. “ I see.”

“ You doubt I have the power?” Karl continued, still in that carefully controlled soft voice. “ That I couldn’t have you stripped and bleeding within ten minutes?”

Sean’s humour had drifted into wary suspicion. Yes, he doubted it. However, he didn’t doubt the fact that Karl clearly thought he was able to do this. Nothing but quiet sincerity shone from Karl’s eyes, that these words were very clearly real.

“ This isn’t funny anymore Karl,” Sean tried to keep his voice level. “ Get out of my way,”

Karl laughed to himself. “ A slave asks a general to get out of his way,” he mused to himself. “ Ah, how times have changed!”

“ Slave?” echoed Sean incredulously and a little angrily. “ I am no slave! For fuck’s sake Karl-“

Sean pushed him again intending to shove him out the way. However, Karl reacted like a striking rattlesnake, his amusement suddenly changing to a steady glare, his hand shoving back Sean to the wall, his other hand raised towards Sean’s neck. Sean focused on the knife that Karl held in his left hand, then back in speechless concern at those steady hazel eyes who were regarding him as though a knife to the throat was all in a day’s work.

“ Karl?” Sean tried to speak but Karl shoved him back harder against the wall, his eyes inches away from Sean’s own.

“ No. No more games, my pet. I am amused by your little performance – why, who wouldn’t be! – but my humour will only stretch to a certain point,” Karl spoke very precisely as though Sean had only a rudimentary grasp of the English language. “ It is my turn now,”

Sean straightened as Karl’s eyes obviously ran down his body, assessing him. The cold wall pressed into his back as Sean desperately tried to get his skin away from Karl’s knife. This failed miserably. The knife simply stayed at the same spot, despite Sean’s attempts to get away. Karl looked back at him thoughtfully.

“ Could it be,” he mused. “ that one of your age has not yet felt the hands of an experienced man on him? That you have not yet experienced the feeling of being breached? Or are you nervous from someone else’s hands? I know Mortensen is normally quite rough with you,”

“ What?” Sean felt this whole conversation was happening somewhere else. He frowned at him and began to shake his head but stopped as he remembered the precarious position of the knife. “ It’s not like that,”

“ I sincerely hope you didn’t let him take you,” Karl said almost sorrowfully. “ You are no longer his. You know what I do to slaves who do not do as their masters bid them,”

Sean bit back the retort on this. Yes, he had a sneaking suspicion he had an idea. The knife was now pressed against his skin, a little shock of cold against hot flesh that might be through either temperature or a sharp cut.

“ Viggo is my friend. He would never do what you’re suggesting,” Sean said finally and with a little too much spirit. Spirit was only going to get him hurt. Karl looked disbelieving.

” I’ve watched you together,” he pointed out. “ I’ve seen what you do. You are forever touching each other, and I don’t like that, Sean. I didn’t wish for a whore, although it appears that is what I have ended up with. Are all you Macedonians the same?”

” Macedonians?” echoed Sean in disbelief. Well, he’d had a few people misidentify his accent, but this was probably one of the best bodge ups. “ I’m English you daft sod. What the fuck are you on about?”

“ I’ve heard all about your type. Drinking, whoring, excellent in battle but once off it… well, I suppose you must find something to do, mustn’t you?” The knife traced light patterns across Sean’s skin. Sean swallowed.

“ Then what exactly did you … wish for?” Sean managed. Karl snorted amusement.

“ It matters not. A whore is what I have, and I am in need of some release,” he said casually. Sean’s world suddenly stopped spinning. Sean stared at him in disbelief, not wanting to understand the words that had been so casually thrown at him. He couldn’t be suggesting what he thought he was suggesting. They were just winding him up.

“ Karl, please-“

“ Shut up, slave,” Karl said it almost kindly. Sean growled in his throat.

“ That is it, I am not your slave and I want out of this! Get out of my way before I….,” Sean trailed off, a look of shock appearing over his face. Karl’s eyes moved from the now slightly bloodied knife to slowly rest on Sean’s in interest. Sean felt the first few trickles of blood from the light cut on his neck, his head suddenly spinning with the implications. Karl had cut him. Deliberately. And with apparently no regrets either by the look that was watching him.

“ Finished?” Karl asked lightly when it was obvious Sean’s speech was having a rethink. “ I wouldn’t do that again, Sean. Just a word to the wise,”

” Karl,” Sean said weakly. Karl gave a snorting noise and shook his head.

“ Stop with this Karl business. Call me master, or call me Caesar. Have a little respect, man,” Karl’s eyes slid over Sean’s body again as though he was already naked, a hungry look entering those hazel eyes. “ Don’t force me to break you, Sean. You’d squeal. I can see it in your eyes,”

Yes, that was probably right. Sean was forcing back the impulses to squeal already. This couldn’t be happening to him, not in his own bloody trailer. But here he was, faced with a man and a knife and being told to help find some release. The future was not as bright as it once was.

Karl smiled at him again, noticing the wary look in Sean’s eyes, the way the man held his body. He nodded in satisfaction, before his eyes slid down again.

“ Strip for me, slave,” he said softly. Sean started to speak when he felt the knife press against him again. Speech suddenly cut off entirely. They stared at each other like that for several minutes, before Sean growled in his throat and looked away.

“ You’d have to move,” he muttered.

Karl raised an eyebrow. Sean was even more aware of the knife.

“ You’d have to move *sir*,” he amended. Karl’s smile widened slightly.

“ That’s a good boy,” he murmured, stepping back. The knife was indeed red, although not anywhere to the extent that suggested that it was gushing out of him. Sean put a hand to his neck and encountered a thin wet line, blood showing on his fingers as he withdrew it. Green eyes flickered back to Karl warily. Karl smiled again.

“ Remember,” he said. “ I’m still considering whether to have you flogged for your impertinence, slave. Don’t encourage me,”

Sean scowled briefly before putting his hands on the jumper he was wearing and pulling it off in one fluid motion, his cut smeared by material. The t-shirt soon followed, dumped on the floor. Sean looked up at Karl who was smiling at him, the knife still there and active.

“ Good slave, although your technique needs work. Now remove the rest,”

But that was easier said than done. Sean’s hands rested on the belt of his trousers, but his hands just wouldn’t work, wouldn’t keep going. It was as though the rebellious part of his mind had seized control and wouldn’t simply back down to Karl’s demands, regardless of the knives involved. Green eyes raised themselves again to look at Karl, whose satisfied expression was slowly slipping in understanding.

“ Slave?” his voice held warning. “ I’m waiting,”

“ No,”

“ No?” Karl was incredulous. “ What do you mean, no? I am giving you an order, slave. Fail to do your masters bidding and you *will* suffer, I can guarantee it.” There was a pause. His eyes narrowed slightly further. “ This is Mortensen’s doing, isn’t it?”

“ I’m not stripping for you, Karl, and that’s got nothing to do with Viggo or anyone else. Don’t be fucking stupid,” Sean snapped at him. Karl looked briefly surprised before slowly crossing the short space between them, hazel eyes almost dark, fixed on him. The knife was held loosely in one hand, almost innocently. Sean pressed himself up against the wall again as Karl stopped a mere inch away, his eyes assessing Sean’s.

“ Your obedience needs work, slave. Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t kill you where you stand for your traitorous words. You do not only speak back to your master, you speak back to the general of Rome. The skin should be flayed from your back for such impertinence,” Karl’s voice was a soft growl and so very serious. Sean stared back at him, the first prickling of genuine fear in his stomach.

“ We both know you wouldn’t,” he managed.

” Do we?” mused Karl lightly, his eyes hard. “ I wish I was as certain of that as you seem to be. And you haven’t answered my question. One good reason. I am waiting.”

” The law?” pointed out Sean. Karl laughed.

“ I *decide* the law, slave. Besides which, it is certainly not illegal to dispose of your own property,” Karl raised the knife again and rested the tip against the smoothness of Sean’s chest idly. Sean froze. Karl’s eyes moved back to Sean’s again in cool amusement. “ Next try,”

” You’d be found out,” Sean managed. Karl sighed.

“ You really have no concept of what power I possess, do you?” he said regretfully. “ I am Caesar. What do I care about one slave?” The tip of the knife slowly began to trace a pattern on Sean’s chest, enough for Sean to feel the impression of the tip on his skin but not yet hard enough to draw blood. Sean swallowed and ran through his options. All of them sounded risky as hell, but at least they were there. Karl, Caesar or no, was one man and thankfully not Superman either. He had a good chance of overpowering him. He also had a good chance of that knife ending up in sensitive areas, but Sean didn’t want to think of that.

However, trying to tackle someone when the knife was only inches away from your throat was definitely a bad idea. Need to get knife and preferably Karl away, even if slightly. And that would entail…

Sean took a deeper breath and willed himself to calm down. What he wouldn’t give for a working One Ring right about now, he thought grimly. Karl cocked his head to one side, his eyes narrowed in interest as Sean looked reluctantly back at him.

“ Okay. I’ll do it. Just, please, put the knife down,” Green eyes pleaded with him. The younger man smiled again in amusement.

“ You don’t make the rules, Sean. Clothes. Now,”

But no, that wasn’t happening, was it? If he wanted to make a break for it, trousers really should stay put. He could explain away the bare chest, but trying to reason why he was running out from his own trailer wearing nothing but a trickle of blood was going to need a lot of excuses. Sean hesitantly, then smiled slowly at him. For a moment Karl looked unsure, although this pleasant factor disappeared almost as quickly as it came.

“ You appear to be disobeying me, slave,” the younger man said softly. Sean carefully moved Karl’s knife to one side, pressing his body against the unyielding firmness of Karl’s. The blonde looked deep into his eyes and then smiled gently, using all the old corny tricks that he hadn’t used for years. Karl still had the look of suspicion on his features, but this was swiftly overcome by his obvious lust over the situation. And Sean knew it was lust. It was, after all, being pressed firmly into one of his thighs. To say Karl was a big boy would be putting it mildly.

Sean didn’t know what was going to cross his mind when he finally pressed his lips to Karl’s; disgust, probably. Embarrassment. Reluctance. So it was something of a surprise when none of the above actually bothered to give him a nod, just the feeling of urgency, of care, and the nail biting anticipation of being found out too soon and suddenly having a blade inserted through his ribs. Karl was a damn good kisser, despite the fact that he bristled slightly at the start for having his dominance threatened. Sean allowed the man to plunder his mouth with his mouth, Karl pressing forward seeking more contact. Sean felt hands fumbling at his groin, trying to rid him of the belt, and for fuck’s sake, what was that jolt of pleasure as parts were rubbed? You had to be kidding him…

Karl pulled away, panting softly, eyes wild and eager.

“ Clothes. Now,” he instructed. Sean gathered his thoughts together and nodded, his hands moving to his belt, his eyes fixed on Karl. Karl was watching Sean’s hands on his belt hungrily, waiting. And if he was going to do this, it was now or he might well just bend over-

Karl was far too quick for the movement. Sean darted as fast as he could, but Karl had already half reacted and the shove didn’t connect quite as well as Sean had hoped. But at least he had connected; ‘Caesar’ stumbled and almost fell, his one free hand having to steady himself against the floor before pushing himself up and grabbing hold of Sean’s ankle as he pushed past, making for the door. Sean felt the weight of Karl’s hand clasp around his ankle and automatically kicked back. Karl tightened his grip and yanked him back, moving up from the floor, eyes glittering with anger, knife clutched in one hand ready to strike.

And now the fear was genuinely the only thing on Sean’s mind. He moved to give himself room and kicked back at Karl, feeling his foot connect solidly with Karl’s midriff. And yet the bastard still refused to let go, a pained gasp the only indication that Sean had actually attacked him, the knife getting closer and closer until it was the only thing in Sean’s universe. Desperately, Sean ripped himself away from Karl’s grip, feeling the muscles protest, and turned to dart towards the door. A fumbling hand later and Sean had ripped open the door and almost collided with David Wenham who was coming through the opposite way.

“ What the-?” the shock on the Australians face was genuine, wide blue eyes looking at him in uncertainty. However, Sean didn’t have time to be nice. Dave almost got pushed down the few stairs of the trailer, but he was *still* in the way and of course the few seconds leeway were all Karl needed to cross the space between them and grab hold of his arm, yanking him back into the trailer. Sean focused on the knife which was no more than an inch away from his face.

“ Not wise,” growled Karl angrily. He glanced at the door irritably where Dave was still looking in with a shocked expression. “ If you’re coming in, come. Don’t mess around outside. And shut the door after you,” he added. After a pause, David entered the trailer, dubious eyes resting on the knife then on Sean. Sean stared back at Dave with a naked plea in his eyes. Karl laughed.

“ Don’t get any ideas, slave,” he said pleasantly. “ He’s not here to help you,”

“ Dave?” Sean ignored Karl entirely, his eyes and his hopes fixed on the man who was standing just forward of the door, still as a statue. David finally managed to move, blue eyes sliding from Sean to Karl slowly.

” If I may ask,” he said quietly. “ what’s happening?”

“ My slave has decided to revolt against me,” replied Karl dryly, his eyes not moving from Sean. “ I am merely attempting to … correct these impulses he appears to have before finally seeking some pleasure from him. Was it something important that you wished me for?”

The hope was slowly dying away. Dave didn’t looked startled by these words. He didn’t even look confused. He looked concerned, certainly, but then that was probably natural whenever knives were around and threatening. However, Sean was definitely not seeing the assistance that he so sorely craved.

“ No, my lord,” he said finally and slowly. “ Nothing that cannot wait. If I may be so bold… I did not think you were going to do anything with your new Macedonian slave? They are known to be feisty in the bedroom,”

Sean’s heart sank even further.

“ Are you saying that you do not think I could cope with him?” Karl snorted. A look flickered over Dave’s expression momentarily and was gone again. The Australian ran a tongue over his bottom lip before speaking again.

“ Of course not, my lord. However, I would advise caution. He might be more problematic than he looks,” Dave caught Sean’s eyes and shook his head very slightly. Sean bit back the retort he was making and watched him suspiciously. Okay, apparently Dave was in role here. What role and when was another matter entirely, however. Karl snorted amusement again.

” You *always* advise caution, Wenham. And I am able enough to assess my own pleasure slaves, which is why you will assist me in teaching this fool some manners. Pass me that whip,”

“ Whip?” Sean’s eyes shot back on him in shock.

“ Whip, my lord?” Dave was almost as cautious. “ I am sure that if I …,” he trailed off at the hard cold glare that was being aimed at him. There was the lightest sigh and regretful eyes fell back on Sean again. Not that Sean wanted regretful. He wanted freedom. Dave shook himself and moved to the area that Karl had nodded to, his eyes swiftly picking out Karl’s backpack which had been left on the floor. Sean’s desperation grew again.

“ What… hang on a minute!” he stopped struggling immediately as the knife pricked his skin, but his eyes were wide and huge, pleading. “ Dave, for fuck’s sake, please help me! What the fuck is going on, I’m not his fucking slave and you know damn well-“

“ Viggo sold you,” Dave said quietly.

” – that I don’t… what?” Sean stopped mid rant, trying to refocus on Dave’s words. He frowned in honest bewilderment. “ What do you mean, Viggo sold me? He *can’t* sell me! I’m not his to sell!”

“ The poker game last night. The one you couldn’t make?” Dave continued regretfully. Sean didn’t look any the less baffled.

“ What? And he managed to produce the paperwork did he?” Sean spat, then realised that Karl was looking at him in calculation again. “ I’m not a slave, David! Please!”

“ There’s a gag in the bag,” said Karl in an indifferent tone. “ Pass it to me,”

Wide green eyes turned to him in shock, then to Dave in pleading. The Australian hesitated, then rummaged around in the bag, drawing out one of the smaller ball gags. Sean stiffened.

“ That’s enough,” he said desperately. “ It’s beyond a joke now. *Please*,”

“ A man with your importance shouldn’t have to punish slaves himself,” murmured Dave in Karl’s ear as he passed him the gag. “ And you certainly shouldn’t have to wait for pleasure before the slave is fit to receive you. Might I make a suggestion?”

“ No,” Karl looked at him. “ You were always far too soft on the slaves, Wenham. They need to be taught their place. This barbarian pushed me. I cannot let him get away with that. Whip. Now.”

Dave paused again, his hands on the bag. Karl looked back at him with honest confusion, which was all Sean required. Shoving forward, he knocked the unbalanced Karl and made another escape bid, although this time it was purely an act of desperation rather than good sense; the knife, so close, sliced open the top of his arm. It was so quick and so sharp Sean didn’t even realise it had been done until the blood started to flow.

“ Shit,” Dave grabbed hold of Sean’s top on the floor and moved forwards, pressing the material to Sean’s arm and looking at him worriedly. Sean had gone slightly whiter than normal, staring at Karl in shock, his body still and unbelieving. Karl sighed to himself and stretched slightly, the knife away from Sean entirely.

“ Feisty is getting beyond a joke now,” he commented. “ I would have though one of my captains would have trained his slaves better.” He glanced at Dave who was still tending the wounded arm. “ I assume it was a minor cut?”

“ He’ll be fine,” assured Dave. This, of course, was all a matter of opinion. Sean opened his mouth to protest and suddenly found Dave’s foot resting on his own in warning. Green eyes turned to him in betrayed outrage, but Sean shushed. Dave kept the material pressed to the wound and raised Sean’s arm slightly to assist. “ My lord, I might need a few minutes to get him ready. Might I suggest a few moments alone with him?”

Karl narrowed his eyes but nodded and made for the door. “ He might try and escape again. Watch him,” he cautioned. Dave nodded and silently watched as the younger man disappeared out the door, a sigh of relief escaping his lips when the door finally shut. He looked back at Sean who was obviously ready to explode.

“ Press that,” he instructed. “ I’ll get the first aid kit,”

Sean held the jumper to his arm and watched Dave as he started to rummage through one of the drawers to find the box.

“ Dave, what the fuck is going on? Is Karl insane?” Sean gave a nervous look to the door and then back at the Australian. “ And what did you mean Viggo sold me?”

Dave sighed again. “ Karl’s been having a few problems recently,” he said.

“ If he keeps threatening to beat me up he’s going to have a few more, trust me!” Sean spat and shifted the jumper against his arm. “ What problems?”

“ Keep that compressed, Sean.” Dave moved back and started to root around the first aid kit, pulling out some antiseptic and some gauze. “ As for the problems… to put it bluntly, he thinks he’s Julius Caesar. It’s extremely rare, and he’s getting better, but there’s some lapses now and again. He played him when he was on Xena,”

“ So what? I don’t go around fighting a war with the French do I?!” Sean dropped his hand as Dave took over and started to dab some liquid onto his arm. Sean hissed and looked towards the misty trailer window angrily. “ I’m not going to treat him with kid gloves, Dave. He wants to attack me, I’m attacking him back. Understand?”

“ You’d do more harm than good,” Dave shook his head and continued to dab.

“ But at least I’d have my skin unbruised and my arse intact!” protested Sean. “ You know he’s threatening to… you know…,”

“ I have a sneaking suspicion I know, yes. I assume by that you’re not keen,” Dave started to press the gauze onto the wound and rummaged around in the box with his free hand. Sean stared at him incredulously.

“ I’m not sure whether to be more scared that you’ve actually just said that or the fact you had to ask!” Sean replied. “ No, I’m not keen and I’m going to *kill* Viggo when I see him next! This was all from that stupid poker match yesterday?”

Dave shrugged, still busy with the wound. “ Probably. It was just a silly joke on Viggo’s part, Sean. Everyone was putting in over the top bets yesterday. Dom bet Billy’s back teeth. Orli was betting the control of his hair gel for the rest of his life. You know there’s always been a joke going around about you two and therefore Vig just put in the Deeds to his Slave in the pot. It wasn’t anything that anyone took seriously,”

“ Apart from Karl?” Sean felt sick.

“ Apart from Karl. It was a pity he won that hand. Viggo had four queens, so I’m sure he thought you were pretty damn safe,” Dave paused and tightened the bandage a little more with a critical eye. “ I won’t let him hurt you, Sean. Well, more than he has already anyway. Just play along, okay? You run off on him and he *will* hunt you down, and to be honest I can’t be there all the time. His flashbacks come and go so quickly,”

“ Why isn’t he locked away for this?” spat Sean bitterly. “ He’s a fucking danger to himself and others!”

Dave was silent, just working. Sean dove off into grumbles, his eyes back on the misty little window.

“ So,” Sean said grudgingly. “ If I try and fight him he’ll come back and seek some sort of revenge, Roman style?”

Dave’s eyes flickered to him in confirmation. Sean growled, a look of annoyance crossing his features before being replaced by reluctant acceptance.

“ What do I have to do?” The hardness hadn’t quite left the green eyes, but at least it was a start.

Dave smiled softly, and ran his hand over the raised cut at Sean’s neck which had already started to clot. Sean shivered at the touch and kept his eyes firmly fixed on the window, an angry look on his expression.

“ Keep your head down and your tongue under control,” Dave replied. “ Just follow my lead. If I say go berserk, do it, but don’t get too involved in it all if you want your virginity still intact by the end of it,”

Sean shivered. “ Karl thinks that Viggo’s already taken that,” he said in a mutter.

“ And has he?” Dave took one glance at Sean’s glare back at him, and shrugged. “ I’ll take that as a no then. Pure as the driven snow, obviously,”

” I’ve managed to get this far without needing another man’s cock up my backside. I’m sure I can cope,” Sean said dryly. Dave shrugged again, and took another look at the cut, mostly for something to do. Sean watched him cautiously.

“ So what are you planning?” he asked slowly.

“ If you can stay put, then I’ll probably be able to sort out Karl’s ‘personal desires’ by myself,” Dave spoke mildly. “ He’s not unreasonable, you know. And in his little world Viggo is one of his trusted military advisors. Breaking the toy of one of those ruins morale, you know. And then hopefully we can get him to forget about you with no repercussions,” the Australian took one look at Sean’s expression and sighed. “ What?”

“ You’re… sorting out Karl’s desires by yourself? What exactly does that mean?” Sean was staring at him in faint horror. Dave rolled his eyes.

” You might be pure as the driven snow when it comes to the practical side, but I’m assuming you’ve heard the theory,” he replied in a light voice. “ I mean that Karl can take me instead. If we’re lucky and if Viggo plays along we might even be able to sell you back to your original ‘master’,”

Sean was still staring at him with a look that suggested that Dave had advocated the use of hedgehogs as dildos. Dave patted him on the arm.

” It’s okay. I’ve done it before,” he said kindly. “ It’s better to let Karl get it out of his system than risk him going funny outside with other members of the public.”

“ You let him…,” Sean was still struggling with the concept. Dave sighed.

“ Yes, I let him do what he wants. He *is* a Roman general after all,” he added with a grin. The grin wasn’t returned. Dave patted Sean’s arm again and tried a different tactic. “ Anyway, I’m sure it sounds more horrific than it actually is. Karl’s a good lover, if a little domineering on occasion,”

“ So you were that way inclined *before* you met Karl?” Sean stared at him. Dave busied himself with packing up the first aid kit.

“ How’s the arm, Sean?” he asked casually.

“ You *weren’t*?!” the horror was clear in Sean’s voice.

“ Apparently the leanings were there before but I’m afraid I was as ‘pure’ as you were, Sean,” Dave didn’t look towards the horrified expression he knew was there. “ However, it’s surprisingly easy to get into and surprisingly addictive. Don’t make me out to be some sort of martyr, Sean. I’m as corrupted as everyone else,”

” But why?” Sean was struggling. Dave laughed in amusement.

” He’s my friend. Who else would do it? Don’t sweat the small stuff, Sean,” Dave’s eyes turned to the doorway suddenly as the sounds of footsteps were clear. Sean tried to get his muscles to relax but it was bloody difficult, his eyes turning wider as the door finally swung open and Karl entered, carefully shutting the door after him. He glanced at Sean, then back at Dave.

“ He is ready?” he asked idly. Dave nodded.

“ He’s been patched up as best as I can, my lord,” he said quietly. “ Although I fear that he might not be as useful as we might have hoped.”

Karl crossed the space between them, crouching besides Sean and looking at him in interest. He carefully stroked down Sean’s cheek with gentle fingers, a light frown appearing as Sean didn’t react with anything other than a wary expression. Karl glanced at Dave.

“ What’s the matter with him?”

“ Past training, my lord. It seems that my lord Mortensen had … different desires,” Dave shrugged. “ He’d probably die before we get anything useful out of him, and, if I may say so, I think that his previous master might have a few words about that,”

Karl snorted. “ I am surrounded by soft touches!” he murmured, gently touching Sean again in exploration. “ He doesn’t seem uncontrollable to me, however. Are you certain?”

“ Yes, my lord,”

“ Well, he has still been insolent, and this I cannot abide. Put him against the wall,” Karl raised back up and looked with a frown at Dave who was looking awkward. An eyebrow raised. “ That was not a request, Wenham. Get on with it,”

Sean shifted his gaze onto Dave cautiously, remaining where he was. David patted his arm and looked back at Karl, who was clearly working out that his orders were not immediately being done. The frown developed a much darker hue.

” You disobey me?” he asked softly, dangerously. Dave shook his head immediately, eyes to the floor.

“ No, it’s just that … ,” Dave looked towards Sean who was still giving him the best pitiful expression that was available to him, then back at Karl. He moved forwards slightly, resting the palm of his hand on Karl’s chest cautiously, his blue eyes scanning the younger man’s nervously. Hand slid down Karl’s chest, feeling the erect nipple underneath the material. Karl’s smile was knowing.

” Very presumptuous of you,” he murmured. “ Why do you care if this slave is beaten or not?”

“ He will not understand what he is being beaten for, my general,” replied Dave softly. Karl looked at him, then looked back at Sean who was still watching him with a wary expression. There was a snort of laughter.

“ And what will happen when he doesn’t have you to make excuses on his behalf?”

” Whatever the gods decide,” Unchecked, Dave’s hand slid over Karl’s stomach, feeling the muscle. Hazel eyes darkened, Karl’s attention firmly fixed on the Australian. There was a light growl, but there was no threat involved in it, just amusement. Karl finally looked back at Sean and smiled grimly.

” You, stay put,” he ordered. Sean nodded, eyes wide as Karl captured Dave’s mouth in a long kiss, his hands pulling Dave close, trapping Dave’s hand between the tightness of their bodies. Karl broke off the kiss and bit down Dave’s neck, swiftly moving his hands to Dave’s waistband and yanking down his clothing. Sean heard a rip as material protested and failed to survive the onslaught, Dave simply waiting passively for anything that Karl wished for. A soft moan rose as Karl roughly stroked him, Karl’s mouth still biting Dave’s neck with all the enthusiasm of a vampire with its last meal. Dave’s eyes were already closed, a look of dazed incomprehension on his face.

Karl moved his mouth an inch away from Dave’s ear, smiling.

“ You know, you do bad things to my concentration. That slave should be punished,” he murmured. “ And yet I find that my desire to bury myself deep within you greater than I wish to feel my lash on his back,”

“ Then bury yourself, my lord,” breathed Dave, whose eyes still hadn’t opened in the meantime. Karl snorted amusement.

“ I do not wish to kill you,” he said lightly. Dave shook his head slightly.

” You won’t kill me,” countered Dave, his words as light as air. Karl narrowed his eyes, obviously thinking about the situation.

“ Bloody hell, Dave,” Sean said weakly. Dave shot him an urgent look but the damage had already been done. Karl had glanced towards Sean in interest again, a narrowed look to his eyes which suggested that calculation was already occurring. The blonde kept his mouth shut as Karl moved towards him again, releasing Dave who was watching him with a weary expression. Sean’s eyes flickered to David but found no immediate salvation there, unless biting your lip was the very pinnacle of human concentration and intelligence. Karl stopped and folded his arms, looking down at him.

“ Are you normally this dense or do you have to work on it, slave?” he asked idly. “ Not that it matters. I would have had to have dealt with you at some point anyway,”

” My lord-“ began Dave when Karl rounded on him, eyes blazing.

“ No. Not another word. This is a question of discipline, not your viewpoints,” he snapped. Dave stopped mid sentence, a slightly surprised look on his face that suggested that angry words were not ordinarily aimed at him. Sean felt his heart sink to his boots at that expression. That was not the expression that normally accompanied a carefully laid out plot.

Satisfied that David had indeed shushed, Karl turned back to Sean who hadn’t bothered to move. The door was directly behind Karl, and there was no way on Earth that he was going to be able to get out of it without leaving his back entirely exposed to Karl and his little Roman fantasies. Sean wasn’t entirely sure what they did to disobedient slaves in the actual period, but it was unlikely to be anything particularly nice. And what with Karl being more than a little knife happy, this added up to a most uncomfortable conclusion indeed.

“ Get up,” Karl ordered briskly. Sean simply looked back at him, not moving. Why the hell should he make it easy for the bastard?

There was a growl of annoyance from Karl, who stepped forward and grabbed Sean’s uninjured arm, yanking him to his feet with a tug that threatened to pull joints from sockets. Sean was almost thrown off balance, but this was countered by Karl immediately throwing him back against the wall. The breath was pounded out of Sean’s lungs at the impact, his eyes only just noticing the fact that the door to the trailer had opened and Dave had vanished.

Sean stared in incomprehension at the empty space before slowly dragging his eyes back to Karl. *I won’t let him hurt you* Dave had said. If the Australian was planning some sort of great escape his timing was lousy.

Bastard. Utter, utter bastard, he thought.

Karl himself was obviously planning to allow himself time to fully appreciate what he had in front of him, wearing the glazed expression of one who was intending to enjoy every last minute and possibly re-watch it in his memory. Sean straightened as Karl’s gaze travelled from his groin to his face, the blonde steeling himself to jump at the best possible opportunity. Sure, it was hardly original and Karl would know that it was coming, but at least it was something. He had other and better things to do than be sacrificed to Karl’s current ‘issues’.

“ Karl,” Sean tried one last time. “ This isn’t you speaking. Please. Just consider it. Your name is Karl Urban and you don’t attempt to beat up your friends, remember?” Sean tried anxiously to see through the current hard glare into the laid back and easy going man he remembered, but there was a solid block in the way. “ Karl, you don’t want to do this,”

“ Really? I’m pretty certain that I do,” replied Karl softly. “ Shall we start and find out which of us is right, slave?”

Sean felt his posture tense, his anger start to bubble. If Karl wanted a fight, bloody hell was he going to get it. Karl noticed and laughed in amusement.

“ You really feel you have a chance, don’t you? That you might not get out of this broken and battered. Your optimism truly does you credit,” Karl grinned at him like a predator. “ Shame it will do you no good at all. I cannot afford to have my slaves run around as though they own the place, that they have a right to do as they will when they wish. It is no way to run an empire,”

Sean had a feeling the little speech would have continued had not the door opened again. Dave? Sean felt willing to forgive the bastard if he had actually come back and not deserted him to Karl’s little fancies, and even more so if said bastard had come back bearing bazookas or swords. Karl glanced over his shoulder at the noise of the door shutting, the casual look pausing at the sight of Dave and the weapon he had chosen.

Karl turned a little more.

“ Viggo,” he said in good humour. Viggo met Sean’s gaze over Karl’s shoulder before his blue eyes moved onto Karl. And Sean had never realised how cold those eyes could become, mostly because Viggo was normally one of the most cheerful bastards you could ever hope to meet. Still dressed in the battle armour from Helms Deep, sword at his side, chain mail on his arms, Viggo was almost better than a bazooka. Dave’s forgiveness went up another significant notch.

“ I hear you’ve been having problems,” Viggo addressed Karl casually, apparently not bothered by the fact that Sean was half naked and bloodstained against the wall of the trailer. Karl shrugged.

“ Nothing that I cannot handle,” Karl straightened his body and faced him entirely. “ And to what do I owe the pleasure of your company?”

Viggo’s eyes flickered to Sean and then back again. “ I wish to buy him back from you,”

“ He was mine in good faith,” Karl objected. Viggo narrowed his eyes.

“ Can you remember the terms of the agreement, my lord?” he asked softly. There was a noticeable pause from Karl, who finally gave a snort of irritation.

“ It matters not. What matters is that the man is mine, to do with as I wish. You forfeited him,” However, there was a cautious tone in Karl’s voice.

“ And you have never once made a mistake? I fear I was drunk on that night, as were you. Things were said that perhaps should have been kept silent. It would be a pity for our political agreements to falter because of a minor disagreement over a slave,” Viggo spoke carelessly. Sean ground his teeth at the label but managed to remain silent, mostly because Karl was taking a step forward, his head slightly cocked to one side as he studied him.

“ Was that a threat?” he queried in what appeared to be fascination. Viggo simply looked back at him.

“ Merely a statement, my lord,” he replied finally. Karl raised an eyebrow and glanced back at Sean once before looking towards Viggo once again.

“ He must be good that his master would threaten exile over his body,” he mused. “ What have I told you about becoming too fond over your slaves? I cannot believe that you would throw away your political connections because of a good fuck,”

Viggo didn’t blanch at the tone or the words. He looked as casual as though they were discussing a cup of tea. Out of the corner of his eye, Sean saw Dave looking at him and made eye-contact. Karl, his attention fixed entirely on Viggo, was certainly not paying attention to his little red-headed slave or whatever the fuck it was that Dave turned into in Karl’s Personal Happy Place. Sean slowly began to move to the right.

“ He has emotional attachment,” Viggo replied idly, making Sean feel as though he was a piece of furniture passed down the family line. “ As I’m sure you are aware. What do you want for his return?”

“ And if I will not sell him to you?” Karl queried in much the same tones. To a casual observer it would seem that both of the speakers were bored as hell with the whole conversation. Viggo smiled, his eyes fixed on Karl even though Sean knew the man must have seen him moving.

“ You would not benefit from it. He was extremely difficult to train once, let alone after this period of time. A dead slave would give you nothing.” Viggo’s voice was reason itself. “ Sell him back to me if nothing more than in the name of goodwill,”

Karl was silent. Sean edged a little further, then suddenly was hit in the side as Karl swung around and grabbed hold of him, throwing him back against the wall. Well, he would have done had the wall been near by; by this time Sean had moved quite a way and there was now a chair between him and the flat surface. Sean crashed over the chair and landed heavily on his injured arm, an agonised cry filling the air of the trailer as the previously throbbing cut suddenly blazed into severe pain.

Karl was obviously ready for Viggo as well, immediately swinging back to counter Viggo’s reactionary punch.

“ He is mine,” panted Karl, his eyes shining, unrepentant. “ I shall enjoy teaching him to respect his betters,”

Viggo stared at him angrily, then moved back slightly, Anudril slowly being drawn from its sheath. The stakes were raised effortlessly. Karl looked at the sword then looked at Viggo incredulously, giving a snort of amusement.

“ Et tu, Viggo?” he said softly. “ You, who stated that you would die at my side?”

Sean struggled to his feet and decided his day was really not going to get much better. Looking at Karl’s grim smile and Viggo’s set blank one, Sean stared desperately at Dave who was watching the proceedings with a certain element of surprise. Their eyes met once; Dave gave a quick nod and moved to put his hand on Viggo’s sword arm, gently lowering it. Grudgingly, Sean moved towards Karl, placing a tentative hand on his shoulder, fighting back the private belief that he should allow Viggo all the kebabing time he wished for. Karl glared over his shoulder at him, then looked back at Viggo and laughed.

“ The day gets even more interesting!” he certainly didn’t seem like a man under threat. “ What did you have planned next, Captain? A desire to seize control of the legions of Rome? To take on the might of the Senate? The people have not forgotten Sulla, Captain. Kindly consider what you do before I am forced to retaliate,”

Dave leant forward and whispered urgently in Viggo’s ear swiftly, a smile slowly forming on Viggo’s features. Karl’s eyes narrowed at the display in front of him, his mouth thinning in response. Sean started to move away when Karl’s hand suddenly latched onto his wrist and refused to budge.

” Oh, no. You don’t go anywhere, slave,” Karl glanced sideways at him.

“ Oh, this is just getting bloody ridiculous!” snapped Sean. “ Viggo, please!”

“ Let him go,” Viggo lifted his head up. Karl raised his eyebrow.

” Or what?” he began when Sean slammed a fist into his stomach. Roman general or not, Karl doubled up at the force, a pained gasp forced out, his grip weakening. Sean tore free and swiftly moved towards the other two, giving a pointed look at Dave.

“ You scared the fuck out of me when you disappeared,” he hissed. Dave gave him a guilty apologetic look before turning anxious eyes back onto the recovering Karl. Anger glared back at Sean, a look that spoke of desires to inflict pain. Viggo glanced at Sean, taking in the blood stains and bandage, and frowned at him. Sean shook his head.

“ Looks worse than it is,” he confirmed.

“ Trust me, it’ll be worse soon enough,” growled Karl. “ You dare lay a finger on me, slave. For that I shall have you crucified.”

“ Sounds delightful,” Sean was feeling a lot more confident with Viggo at his side and Dave behind him. He chuckled to himself and glanced towards Viggo who was still watching Karl with suspicion. “ Come on, let’s leave him with his fantasies. I could do with a drink,”

Viggo waited for a moment before speaking. “ No,”

Sean paused, a look of confusion crossing his face. “ No?” he echoed. “ You want to wait around? What the fuck for?”

“ You can go Sean but I’m staying whilst he’s like this,” Viggo gave him a pointed look. Sean’s eyes narrowed, his gaze darting back to Karl who was still glaring at them darkly. The blonde sighed angrily to himself then shrugged.

“ Fine,” he folded his arms and waited. “ How long does this normally last, Dave?” he queried over his shoulder.

“ It varies,” Dave spoke softly and reluctantly. Sean snorted.

“ And what does it vary between? We looking at a day or an hour here?” Sean was about to speak further when Viggo stepped forward, the sword still in his hand, his eyes fixed on Karl. Karl straightened his back and his jaw, waiting, watching, coldly calculating.

“ Viggo?” Sean was cautious, moving forwards. “ What the hell are you doing, mate?”

“ We have unfinished business, you and I,” Viggo spoke carefully. Sean stared at them then back at Dave. He wasn’t entirely sure whether to be happy or scared at the fact that Dave’s expression almost matched his own in surprise. Blue eyes slid to his own.

“ What happened before?” Sean hissed to him. Dave shook his head.

” This is the first time Viggo’s known about it,” he hissed back. “ I had to quickly fill in the details when we were coming back here. He’s been ad-libbing the whole thing,”

” Then what the fuck is he on about?” Sean suddenly realised Karl’s eyes were on him and lowered his voice even further. Dave shrugged helplessly.

“ I told him we had to get a conclusion for Karl’s fantasy to stop it becoming a series,” he murmured. “ Perhaps he’s supplying the rest of it,”

” Sean,” Viggo’s voice was firm and commanding, both men halting their conversations at his voice. “ Here,”

Resisting the urge to immediately tell Viggo to fuck off, Sean moved silently towards them, stopping out of Karl’s arm’s reach as a safety precaution. Viggo wasn’t even looking in his direction.

“ My lord, I do not mean to be rude or offensive, but I believe this topic should die here. I request again that you allow me to buy the slave back.” Viggo’s voice was very exact.

“ And if I don’t? You would revolt over one man?” Karl snorted. “ Pathetic.”

“ Pathetic it might be, but this is the situation. Your answer?” Viggo waited patiently. Finally Karl looked at him in assessment, moving dark hazel eyes onto Sean with the faintest look of disgust. A tongue moved over a drying bottom lip before he spoke again.

“ In the interests of goodwill,” he said finally and slowly. “ an arrangement might be agreeable,”

Viggo watched him for a moment longer before the steady look moved to a slow smile. He nodded, re-sheathing Anudril and glancing towards Sean. Sean had a moment of relief. Sure, he wasn’t fond of the idea of being sold like cattle but at least in Karl’s little universe he was off limits as an area for a quick fuck, and seeming Sean had been more than a little ungracious during his brief time as Karl’s pleasure slave that quick fuck was unlikely to be a beacon of happy sex. Viggo at least had his sanity intact, even if he did have dodgy taste in clothes.

Viggo noticed the expression in Sean’s eyes and smiled slightly, turning back to face Karl.

“ What do you want for him-“ his words were suddenly cut off as Karl struck, shoving Viggo backwards with such force he stumbled and dropped to the floor. And Karl was immediately over him, one hand over Viggo’s right, slamming it to the floor and stopping it from retrieving the sword. Dave had jumped to the side at the initial shove and swiftly moved to assist, Sean not far behind him. However, they both halted immediately at the sight of Karl’s knife against Viggo’s throat.

“ Karl,” warned Sean in alarm.

“ You’re my property, slave. If you live, that would be an added bonus,” Karl addressed him coldly, his eyes never leaving Viggo’s in front of him. “ And if you try anything, he will be killed. This also goes for my traitorous David, for whom I plan some very choice words indeed,” Karl’s voice dropped lower, his eyes scanning Viggo’s. “ I do not take kindly to betrayal,” he said softly.

Sean looked helplessly towards Viggo and then towards Dave. Dave had moved forward slightly, his whole body tense and waiting. Karl’s knife pressed into Viggo’s neck a little lower, the first bead of blood rolling down pale skin.

“ You move again without permission David and I *will* kill him,” the tone was casual and utterly sincere. David stopped immediately. Karl nodded in satisfaction. “ Remove the remainder of the slave’s clothes,” he instructed.

A look was exchanged. The knife glinted in the light. Finally Dave moved towards Sean again, his blue eyes questioning forgiveness. Sean paused for a moment, then nodded wordlessly. Boots were kicked off, the blonde’s hands dropping to his own belt when Karl glanced across to him, his eyes narrowing.

“ I want David to strip you.”

Sean ground his teeth but stopped his action, moving his hands away as David hesitantly reached for his belt. Sean focused on the other side of the trailer as trousers and boxers were peeled away from his skin, leaving him cold and exposed. A set look had already settled on Sean’s features as though painted on. Having done his instruction, Dave started to back away.

“ Now yourself,” came the next instruction. Keeping his knife resting on Viggo’s skin as though the knife was stuck to it, Karl moved himself around to be able to watch whilst still holding the knife. His eyes glittered in amusement as David stripped himself of his clothing, dumping it in a pile nearby and looking back at Karl in wary query.

“ Shall we see what makes this slave so special that you would risk your life for him?” Karl addressed Viggo almost chattily, his gaze returning to the icy coldness as he raised his head to surveyed the pair. “ Entertain me,”

A look of uncertainty crossed Sean’s face before his eyes flickered to Dave’s as the younger man slowly crossed the space between them. The surprise was stamped across green eyes as Dave slowly stroked his good arm before leaning into a light kiss, a tongue darting out to request entrance to Sean’s mouth. Sean slowly acquiesced to this demand, allowing the Australian to press against him a little more, pale freckled skin meeting golden, naked flesh demanding more. Sean’s hand slid around Dave’s back, pulling him a little closer, noting the quiet sigh from Karl at this.

“ Good,” Karl’s voice definitely sounded a little huskier. “ More,”

The kiss deepened; Sean’s hand slid a little lower, cupping Dave’s buttock and pulling him closer. Dave gave a little moan of pleasure which made Sean pause mid-action, but it was obviously mostly for effect. Sean slid his eyes to survey Karl briefly before turning back to the matter in hand. Karl was evidentially captivated by the little performance in front of him, his eyes completely fixed on the situation. Dave circled hips, grinding against Sean, and the gasp that left Sean’s lips was not calculated in the slightest. Dave grinned at him and began to lick Sean’s neck, the blonde’s head tipping slightly back, exposing his throat to him, eyes mostly shut as the Australian worked, their breathing mingling in the now warm air of the trailer.

“ A little more action,” came the instructions from the sideboards. Sean’s eyes opened a fraction, not entirely sure where that was leading. Dave, however, was only too aware. Sean’s education suddenly increased dramatically as Dave slid down his body and took the blonde’s erection in his mouth, a surprised cry having to be stifled by Sean. Karl smiled to himself and adjusted his position, his knife never leaving Viggo’s throat but his eyes never leaving the sight of the two men in front of them.

Sean was panting hard now, made worse by the fact he had desperately tried not to show his reactions. Pulse racing, a light sheen over his skin, the Brit groaned helplessly as Dave’s tongue played over sensitive skin, Dave’s hand gently caressing between his legs.

” Good,” purred Karl. “ Now let him take you, David,”

Sean’s eyes opened fully at that, staring back at Karl as though he had suddenly acquired another head. Karl looked back at him steadily, his eyebrow slightly raised, a half smile playing on his lips. The expression was hard and cruel as he surveyed him.

“ A problem?” Karl queried lightly and in disinterest.

“ You can’t..,” Sean sounded helpless despite his anger. Karl gave a snort of laughter.

“ Just do it. David!” the instruction was belted out. Dave was already moving, Sean staring at him with wide eyes. Karl watched him in amusement, taking in the concerned expression, the sudden tension in his body.

“ You disobey my orders?” Karl started when Viggo decided to make a strike of his own whilst the attention moved and the knife hand wavered. Karl noticed a moment too late and by that time Viggo had already seized hold of Karl’s hand and was forcing it back against the younger man, his whole strength being used against him. Karl gave up the struggle as Sean immediately sprung into action, being in a better position to watch than Dave, the Brit’s hands adding to Viggo’s strength and holding the man down.

Finally Karl lay still under them, his eyes looking almost black in the light. Dave watched them cautiously from where he was sitting on the floor, waiting.

“ Well?” he said finally and with not a little disgust. “ What do you plan to do now?”

“ Good question,” Viggo looked down at him idly. “ You decided what you want for me to buy the slave back, *my lord*?”

Sean stared at him, appalled by the fact that the fiction *still* seemed to be ongoing. Was there a memo about it he had overlooked? Viggo’s dedication to method acting was inspiring, but not when it was Sean’s arse on the line.

Karl snorted. “ You wish to buy back a slave who had lain hands on a general?”

” With punishment, I believe this will be a momentary lapse,” Viggo sounded more casual than he had any right in being. Karl’s eyes narrowed in query.

“ You plan to punish him?” the younger man asked finally and with grudging interest. Viggo looked surprised.

” Well, of course.” Viggo was happily ignoring the now frozen look on Sean’s face which was currently being aimed at him. Karl ran his tongue over his bottom lip before speaking again.

“ No doubt it will only be some minor chastisement,” he said. Viggo looked surprised.

“ For refusing a direct order?” he said incredulously and laughed. “ I’m flexible, but even I have my limits,”

A spark of interest flamed in Karl’s eyes. “ We may have a deal,” he said finally. “ You can buy the slave back for one hundred gold. *Plus*,” he added. “ a suitable punishment,”

“ I will want him alive and able to work,” warned Viggo, still ignoring the expression on Sean’s face. Karl shrugged with his eyebrows.

“ Understood,”

They looked at each other. Viggo smiled grimly. Karl nodded slowly.

” Deal,”

” Deal,”

Finally Viggo’s eyes slid up to rest on the incredulous green glare of Sean, who was staring at him as though he had offered his first born as a ritual sacrifice. Sean mouthed “ You what?!” at him, before these little indications had to be withdrawn as Karl glanced back at him in amusement. Sean scowled at him.

“ Sean,” Viggo called him. Sean’s scowl was redirected, the Brit obviously unwilling to go anywhere near him. Karl rested in the position they had put him and watched in interest. Viggo’s expression hardened to one that was easily read by anyone; *don’t make me go over there after you*

There was a pause, before Sean finally dragged himself over. He stared defiantly at Viggo as a hand ran over his shoulder and down his back, Viggo pressing to him possessively, the hard textures of the costume pressing into Sean’s soft skin as a stark contrast. Viggo nuzzled his neck, his hand gripping hold of Sean’s hip.

“ Act your little cotton socks off,” murmured Viggo in Sean’s ear before lowering his head and gently biting Sean’s neck with even teeth. Sean shivered against him, still uncertain about the way the universe was currently running.

“ What the hell d’you think you’re doing?” he hissed.

“ Concluding matters,”

“ He’s ours! He’s not a danger! For God’s sake, Vig, please!” Sean’s voice was extremely forceful for one who was whispering it. Viggo’s hand stroked him gently.

“ He’s not a danger now, but what happens next time when he’s changed again and is on your doorstep demanding satisfaction? Or will he just stick a sword point through your chest?” Viggo’s voice was low and urgent. “ Sean, trust me.”

Sean shivered, and felt Viggo’s teeth on his neck again. Again he was struck by the fact that it wasn’t strictly unpleasant. In fact, the little shivers down his back were actually quite nice, but that didn’t mean he should be doing this.

There was a long sigh and Sean grudgingly raised his eyes in acceptance of the situation. Viggo smiled and kissed his neck again.

“ Good boy. Now beg. Plead. Act like you’re scared shitless. You’ll know what to do,” whispered back Viggo and suddenly pulled away from him, his eyes back to the cold dark expression that Sean had seen earlier. “ Hands against the wall.”

Sean simply looked back at him, suddenly uncertain. Viggo looked back at him in what Sean assumed was a meaningful way, but at this stage he felt far too vulnerable to care, struggling to comprehend the idea that he was still in danger of being punished despite the fact that they clearly outnumbered Karl. Sean shook himself mentally and attempted to get into character. Getting into character was a lot easier when you actually knew what was happening; there was no way Sean would have tried to get the role of Boromir had someone actually wanted to shoot holes in his chest.

“ Master,” Sean pitched his voice to the most persuasive he possessed, his eyes deliberately kept larger than even Lij’s. “ Please,”

There was a gleam of pleasure in Viggo’s eyes that gave Sean a little more of a bolt of confidence in what he was doing, before Viggo managed to get back into the Big Bad Wolf aspect of his own. He folded his arms and looked impassively back at him. Sean first resisted the urge to cringe, then suddenly remembered he was doing himself no favours by acting like a macho idiot and dropped his head slightly in what he prayed was a submissive gesture and not looking like he was inspecting the floor.

“ We have spoken of this before, Sean,” Cold, hard and unyielding.

“ Master, this wasn’t my fault!” protested Sean weakly. Viggo frowned even harder. Sean realised he really did prefer the usual Viggo look which wasn’t one that was trying to gut him.

” Then whose fault is it?” Viggo had a deliberately low voice. Sean hesitated, suddenly seeing the trap door open up underneath him. Good slaves did not suggest that their superiors were at fault. You were better off claiming an act of God.

” I…,” Sean still had nothing to add. There was a flicker in Viggo’s eyes with a suggestion, which took Sean a moment to work out. His heart sank to his boots. You had to be kidding him, surely?

“ I don’t have time for this,” Obviously Viggo was only too aware of the long periods between words. “ Hands against the wall *now*, Sean,”

Grudgingly, Sean dropped to his knees to take the level of begging a little further, staring up at him balefully. And suddenly was struck by a silly desire to laugh. Little had he realised when he woke up that morning that he would be on his knees in front of his best mate trying to stop him beating him, especially after being cut by Karl and having his cock suckled by Dave. Life was surreal, certainly.

” Master,” Sean coughed back a laugh and managed to keep a serious expression on his face. Bloody hell, this *was* serious! Stupid nervous hysteria was going to get him shot. “ I beg of you. Please,”

There was another flicker in Viggo’s expression that suggested that Sean wasn’t the only one with conflicting emotions here. There was a cough from the corner.

” I have a whip if you wish to use it. It’s in the bag over there,” Karl commented. Viggo nodded his acknowledgement, his eyes briefly leaving the kneeling man before returning to him.

“ Get up,” he instructed. Sean hesitated, uncertain whether this was a rule he was supposed to be following. Viggo scooped him under an arm and pulled him to his feet in a very similar manner that Karl had done previously, Sean scrambling to his feet and giving a nervous glance at the wall which wasn’t acted at all. He stiffened as Viggo took hold of the flogger that Dave had been instructed to pass him, the older man studying it as though he had an interest in such things.

Sean’s throat dried up. Not even a plea could escape this drought.

He stayed still as Viggo moved towards him, his hand running down Sean’s cheek and cupping his chin, his body pressed to his own in a parody of affection. Viggo’s breath was soon by his ear, the leather whip pressed between their bodies.

“ Whine. Whimper. Beg. Howl. Overact and we might get out of this,” the soft murmur was in his ear again. Sean glanced sideways at him.

“ He’s going to notice there’s no line across my back, Vig,” he hissed back and stopped at the look that was crossing Viggo’s face at this moment in time. Sean froze, his eyes widening in understanding.

“ Romantic whispers?” Karl’s voice drifted to them. “ How touching! Not normally the type of touching I would associate with *punishment* however,” his voice was dry. “ David! Here,”

Viggo looked back at them suspiciously as Dave did as he was bidden without a word of protest. Karl pulled him to a sitting position next to him and started tracing a pattern on Dave’s right thigh. There was a twitch as Viggo stopped himself from checking that the knife was still in his belt as he had put it. Karl looked up at him and realised that he was being studied, a slow, sleepy grin appearing on his face at this.

“ It’s okay,” he drawled. “ I’m not going to slit his throat whilst your back is turned, Captain. I still have my uses for him,”

Viggo nodded again, his eyes turning back to Sean. The older man’s hand slid down Sean’s back as though testing the muscle, his eyes narrowing. Sean shivered at the touch and stared at the wall in front of him, his body stiff, a frown so deep it furrowed on his face. His yelp wasn’t pretend at all as Viggo’s hand slid over his hips, grasped hold and pulled him further out, so he had to bend further over to keep his hands on the wall.

And then there was a pause so long that it was almost a period of deep meditation. Sean struggled with his breathing, which had quickened in nervous anticipation. He could feel his muscles trembling as though they were requested to carry some heavy weight, a single bead of sweat run down his face despite the temperature in the room. The heat of Viggo’s palm on his skin was all he could focus on.

“ Well?” Karl’s voice broke the silence like a rock shattering glass. However, even this wasn’t the usual sarcasm that normally appeared, but a soft version of Karl’s cold voice that made Sean wonder whether the fantasy had finally broken. Viggo stroked Sean’s flank again with his hand as though he hadn’t heard, a soft chink of chain mail as his arm moved.

“ Well what?” he asked finally. By his voice Sean knew that he hadn’t turned round, was still facing the wall and Sean. Sean’s muscles trembled further, a nervous tick in one of his thighs. The position was awkward and must have been all but blatant, an offer towards his ‘master’ that for some reason he wasn’t fighting.

“ Your punishment is unusual, Viggo. You look as though you wish to take him, not beat him,” however, Karl’s voice wasn’t a protest as such, more amused observation. “ Surely you have tried him enough by now?”

“ I have not tried him at all,” replied Viggo after a pause. There was a shift of material.

“ I do not believe you,” However, by the fascination in Karl’s voice apparently this was not strictly true. Sean gave a little sigh of relief. Role-playing was all well and good, but to be labelled some type of gay sex god would be awkward indeed, especially if he was asked to start ‘performing’ for the General’s pleasure. Juggling was unlikely to win approval.

“ You can believe me or not. But it remains the truth,” Viggo spoke idly.

“ Then what do you use him for?” Karl queried. “ Have you not ever considered simply trying him? A slave’s place is to please his master. Give him to me for a night. I will teach him the ways of pleasure,”

Viggo laughed to himself. “ And will he be able to walk afterwards, my lord?” he asked in amusement.

“ Probably,” Karl shrugged. Viggo glanced back at him. After a short pause the sounds of both men laughing filled the room, startling Sean and almost causing him to lose his balance. Viggo’s hand on his hip tightened, giving him a little more security.

“ At least I can now faintly understand why you do not punish this slave on a regular basis, although for your own sake I hope your infatuation with him finishes soon. He is insolent, disobedient, and disrespectful, and had he been mine his back would have been criss-crossed with scars well before now,” Karl sighed, then eyed him. “ You need him out of your system, Viggo. Take him,”

“ The deal was punishment, not sex,” Viggo warned. There was a laugh that was almost tinkling.

“ Then change it! If he is as inexperienced as you say, take him roughly and combine the two,”

There was an even longer pause. Sean felt his throat close up again and had to swallow a few times to clear it.

“ If I do this,” Viggo’s voice was cautious. “ The deal would remain the same? He would be mine?”

There was a noise from Karl that suggested that the fear was unnecessary. “ Of course. You doubt me?”

“ It is better to be cautious than-“

“ – regretful, yes, I know,” Karl sighed. “ The deal would remain the same. But only if you take him, here, now, without any further discussions on the matter. You can use David to assist you if you need to hold him down,”

Viggo’s hand moved on Sean’s flank again, caressing. Sean’s legs gave another tremble.

“ He won’t go anywhere,” Viggo advised finally, moving back, the warmth vanishing from Sean’s backside. Sean shuffled a little closer to the wall to aid his balance, feeling the ache in his lower back from holding a very uncomfortable position for far too long. He glanced over his shoulder where Viggo was staring down at Karl who was now sitting comfortably, David still beside him. Karl waved a hand towards Sean.

“ You were waiting perhaps for a standing ovation?” he commented. “ He’s not getting any younger, Viggo. By the thunderbolts of Zeus, just get on with it. You disturb me with your delays, captain!”

Karl’s hand moved back onto Dave’s head, gently playing with soft red-gold hair and watching them in interest. Sean suddenly realised they had turned into the Ancient version of a good soap opera, or at least the pay-by-view porn shows that seemed to crop up constantly on late night television. When he went into acting in his youth, this wasn’t the sort of entertainment he was expecting.

Dave met his gaze with an unreadable expression. Sean suddenly realised that the younger man had already put his hand on Karl’s thigh and was gently stroking him in turn. Obviously the entertainment was likely to turn into something that relied a little more on audience participation. Sean slid his eyes to Viggo who was studying him with far too much calculation, as though to test how far he was likely to be able to take this.

Sean moved his head back to face the wall as Viggo covered the distance between them, his hand making a return on his skin. And that wasn’t all; Sean felt the cold links of the chain mail rest against the soft cushion of his backside and trembled again.

Viggo leant over his body, his mouth near his ear again.

“ It’s okay, Sean. Just relax,”

But relaxing was easier said than done. Sean was horrified to find that the actual thought of Viggo doing things to him wasn’t actually the main problem that his mind was focusing on. Hell, they had rolled around so many times before he had felt a lot of the man’s body against his own, had even kissed him on occasion but normally in some sort of jest. Besides which, Viggo kissed everyone. It was almost a hobby for him. No, what was the problem was he was being forced into this situation, unable to move into a more comfortable position to be able to enjoy it.

Okay, possibly not enjoy it. Sure, it wasn’t on the top of his list of things to do, but it certainly wasn’t going to kill him. And the way his body reacted whenever that hand was placed on his skin, the tremble through his muscles which wasn’t entirely nerves or tension, the growing uncomfortable heavy feeling in the base of his balls which suggested that a full on sexual ache was coming, that was also disconcerting to say the least. It was as though his body had had a conversation about what it found attractive without actually inviting him.

Sean almost leapt into the air at the feel of Viggo’s hand moving round his hip and gently start to stroke him. He gasped as though in pain, uncertain where to move his body. Viggo moved slightly closer to him again.

” Might sound odd but get distressed. Give me time,” he murmured in a low voice. Well, it was one of the few things that did actually make sense. A little more time, a little more arousal and suddenly the prospect of Viggo’s arousal shoved up his backside might actually look welcoming. And heaven alone knew how large Viggo was. Sean had never really paid attention, but he seriously doubted that the man would be anything lower than above average.

Ow.

“ Please, my lord,” Sean got straight back into the begging, although it did sound as though he was a record stuck on a loop. His voice was already ragged from the increasing panting. “ No!”

Viggo managed to feel which way Sean was about to make a mock-dart to and gracefully recaptured him in what was almost a choreographed move, pushing him back against the wall. Sean chose this moment to give a sob, which he was bloody proud of. Pity in way that no one but Dave and Karl would appreciate that moment.

On the other hand, perhaps not.

There was a fumble with Viggo’s clothing, the chain mail making this damn easy to spot with its chinking, but even the leather announced the fact that clothing was being rearranged. Viggo placed himself between Karl’s vision and Sean; Sean felt a hand on his arse indicating what was supposed to be happening in Viggo’s little world of make-believe, a finger flickering across his cleft which was disconcerting to say the least.

“ God!” And that wasn’t an act, that was sheer reaction. Viggo’s hand still stroked him mercilessly, and Sean groaned his surrender, feeling his hips automatically try to get a little more friction as though his body was determined to completely ignore the situation. Sean had just managed to get into a rhythm when the whole damn thing went wrong. For a moment, Sean wasn’t entirely sure what he felt against him, whether Viggo’s sword had slipped due to the movement. Then he realised exactly what sort of heat was radiating from that hard source. Sean’s next yelp was higher pitched in understanding, Viggo’s hand forcing him back, a groan escaping from his lips at the sudden bruising on sensitive skin.

Sean felt the hand on his erection speed up a little more in comprehension or perhaps apology. The Brit was almost stunned by the situation; his best friend had one of the largest, hardest erections as a result of him, said erection currently in a very close proximity to Sean’s own rear. It was the sort of situation that you needed some further consideration on before you went a little crazy.

“ Viggo,” gasped Sean and he had no idea where he was taking that sentence other than simply needing to say something before he was completely struck dumb. His friend – his ‘master’s’ – hand still kept working as though to stop would cause something infinitely worse to happen, and Sean could feel his climax approaching steadily, apparently unmindful that the gender that touched him was so very wrong. Sean’s hands felt as though they had been glued in place, his legs were still fighting the battle to stay upright, and Viggo was on the final stretch.

“ Don’t scream,” came the lightest of murmurs, obviously anxious that their plan would succeed. However, this was easier said than done; teeth dug painfully into his bottom lip as Sean felt himself explode over Viggo’s hand, his legs sagging to the extent that it was only Viggo’s other hand that was keeping him on the knife point of being upright. Where the whip had disappeared to Sean had no idea and didn’t care, the bright lights behind his eyes dying slightly as his mind foggily focused on exactly what Viggo was doing.

A slow thrust, lubricated by Sean’s own seed, slowly pushed into relaxed muscles. And it was at this point Sean knew he could scream, knew he *should* be screaming, but his voice refused to emerge through an already damn battered throat, the pain a dull ache that occasionally had elements of ripping or stretching bended into it. There was a low growl of possession from Viggo, hands tightened on Sean to ensure the man didn’t slip to his knees entirely. Sean’s hand scrambled at the wall trying to find a purchase even as his mind tried to refocus on what was happening. Chain mail thudded against his skin harder and harder, a pretty jangle accompanying it.

Sean hadn’t entirely realised that the whimpering he was hearing was resulting from his own throat until Viggo murmured something to him again, not that he could properly focus on what these words were. They were just a pretty backdrop in a world of conflicting emotions, just as Karl and Dave’s presence were merely a consideration. Sean hazily remembered what things he should be saying, the pleas, the bargains, the begging, but couldn’t think of a single word to say.

Viggo himself hadn’t increased his speed, but then again he didn’t need to. The slow strokes spoke of power, Sean’s muscles unable to resist the commands even if Viggo’s hand hadn’t experimentally crept back between Sean’s legs. Sean hissed and jerked against him, too sensitive still. The hand retreated once again, the thrust hesitating until the blonde seized hold of his courage and thrust back against him.

And, of course, once that had been done his fate had been sealed. Viggo pressed forward, an eager noise of his own, the speed finally increasing until it as more luck than skill that Sean wasn’t shoved off his balance entirely, Sean pushing back with increasing confidence as pain numbed and his body demanded he continued.

The scream finally emerged as Viggo altered the angle slightly, grazing something within Sean that set loose pleasure so intense that it was a mere technicality between that and agony. Sean could feel the taste of blood in his mouth from his lip that had suffered more than a little tooth action, could feel himself immediately clenching around Viggo who had managed to stop immediately, his willpower apparently one of Kings. Sean could faintly hear Viggo’s panting mingling with his own, his nerves still throbbing and sparking as though still in shock.

Viggo moved again, slowly but with an obvious growing need, his groan as Sean moved against him clear enough for his own desires. A hand clutched tightly on Sean’s hip, fingernails digging in, but this was all good, all reasonable, and hardly worth considering when you still had a cock thrust so far inside that it was as though Viggo was trying to spear his heart from the rear.

It didn’t take too long from then. Viggo’s hand clenched again hard, his gasp loud and long as though he had been fatally stabbed rather than reaching his climax, the older man shuddering against Sean as he came. And then Sean really didn’t have any option on what his legs were doing; as Viggo slowly withdrew, Sean slid to his knees, his hands on the floor, panting heavily. Viggo’s hand rested on his hand as though he was a dog before he felt Viggo move slightly.

“ I’ll get you your money by tonight,” Viggo said, slightly breathless.

” Ah, yes, the money,” Karl’s voice was almost as rough as Viggo’s. Sean finally glanced round, not quite expecting what to see. Disgust, possibly. Triumph. He had just been fucked by his best mate, for Chrissake. But no. Dave was flushed, his eyes obviously heavy and concentrating somewhere else, most likely the hand that was currently on his groin. Karl’s eyes were fixed on Viggo with a lustful expression that Sean immediately distrusted, Viggo’s own looking flustered yet determined.

“ We had a deal,” Viggo’s voice grew sharper. Karl snorted amusement.

“ Yes, and I will honour it,” he was impatient. “ But I might be able to offer you a cheaper alternative,”

“ No.”

“ No?” Karl echoed. “ You say no to your general?”

“ I do,” Viggo straightened his back. Heaven alone knew how hot he must have been in the costume, Sean thought suddenly. He was lucky the man hadn’t collapsed against him through heat exhaustion. There was a thoughtful dark look that crossed Karl’s eyes at this. Dave glanced at him as Karl gracefully stood up, watching with a wary feel that Sean would have paid much more attention to had he not been desperately seeking oxygen at this point.

Viggo watched him with a straight back as Karl moved closer to him, eyes scanning his own.

“ And what happens if we’re not discussing the slaves any more?” Karl murmured. Viggo looked like he was about to speak when Karl destroyed this aspect by kissing him in such an aggressive manner that it looked as though he was seeking to declare war. Viggo pushed him off, taking a step backwards, his expression almost as startled as Sean’s had been a few minutes ago.

“ My general?” Viggo panted, his voice incredulous. Karl smiled slowly, the look of a wolf.

“ You know exactly what I want from you,” Karl purred. “ David!”

Dave slowly got to his feet, his eyes meeting Sean’s briefly before moving to stand behind Karl. Viggo’s eyes moved to his slowly, then back again. Sean forced his legs to move and stood up shakily.

“ I do not believe it will be for the best,” Viggo began. Karl shook his head slowly.

“ And yet I do,” Karl smirked slightly. “ Do not tell me that your slave was not the only virgin in this room?”

The look on Viggo’s face was classic, a fierce burning in his eyes. Karl had moved closer to the point where he was almost standing on top of Viggo’s feet.

“ Let the games begin,” Karl said finally, with a glimmer in his eyes. Viggo smiled finally, as though coming to a decision, and nodded.

“ I guess,” he drawled, and struck. Sean had been expecting something similar, but as the two men fought he had no idea what to do other than grab David and pull him out of the way. The redhead was watching the wrestling – for that was pretty much what it was – with a baffled expression on his face, looking up at Sean in question.

“ This happens all the time does it?” panted Sean.

“ No, actually!” Dave’s eyes flickered down Sean’s body and back up again cautiously. “ So Viggo honestly-“

“ Yes, Viggo honestly did it,” Sean shifted uncomfortably at the look. “ Thanks for the backup, incidentally,”

“ You know why I couldn’t get involved!” hissed Dave.

” Actually, no. Three to one, Dave. Good odds.” Sean scowled at him, but without the full force of anything behind it. The damn thing had been done, and, what made it worse, is that he wasn’t entirely sure that he was as horrified as he should have been. His fist should have been in Viggo’s face by now, not wanting to defend the man from Karl’s attack.

Not that Karl seemed to be winning, mind you. There was a chuckle that suggested that at least for one of them this was an interesting game, before Viggo finally emerged triumphant, straddling Karl’s waist, his hands pinning down the younger man’s hands and his blue-grey eyes inches away from Karl’s hazel ones.

“ I must insist my decline of your offer, my lord,” breathed Viggo. Sean grabbed hold of Dave’s arm as the younger man moved towards them, giving him a sharp look. Dave scowled back at him, before grudgingly moving back and watching with a hooded expression on his face. Sean briefly wondered exactly whose side Dave was actually on when Viggo decided to step up the pace by kissing the prone Karl underneath him. By the sudden use of force by Karl this had not been expected, but his squirming did not stop the ‘captain’.

Viggo finally broke off the kiss and looked down at the general who was panting heavily, his eyes glaring, obviously unused to being this side of things.

” I will pay you what is owed to you, my general,” he said softly. “ Other than that, I cannot say,”

Karl glared back at him in outrage for a few moments longer, struggling fruitlessly against the strength of Viggo. Finally he stopped, looking back at him with a wary amusement.

“ I guess that it is no real surprise to me of your resistance,” the expression on his face was one of lazy insolence. “ I like a challenge, as I see you do too,” his eyes flickered towards Sean briefly before returning. The smile widened. “ I’m famed for breaking down resistance, captain, for spotting weaknesses in the armour of my enemies,”

“ I would hope, my lord, that I am not your enemy,” Viggo said calmly. Karl shrugged underneath him, his eyes still playing on Viggo’s.

“ So would I,” he mused. “ Had it not been for…,”

There was a long pause. Viggo frowned in confusion as Karl blinked rapidly for a moment, before he refocused on the man in front of him with a look of absolute bewilderment. The younger man struggled with renewed force against Viggo’s hold on his wrists, his eyes showing his panic.

” Viggo? What the fuck..?” Karl tried to yank his wrists away, eyes widening. Viggo narrowed his own, then released him, moving off warily.

“ Karl?”

” What the hell d’you think you’re doing?” Karl was about to protest further when he caught sight of the other two watching him. Eyes widened further. Sean suddenly remembered that he was bloodstained and currently naked, and had a desire to flush with embarrassment. He grabbed hold of his clothing just as Karl turned back to Viggo in appeal.

“ Viggo, mate, what’s going on? What’s happened?” Karl’s eyes slid to the other two, then back in a silent plea. Viggo hesitated and looked back at Dave in query. Dave gave the faintest nod and moved forward, crouching by Karl’s side and putting his hand on his chest. A warm and friendly smile aimed itself at Karl, his hand stroking him. Karl visibly relaxed, although his eyes were still scanning David’s for explanations.

Bloodstained t-shirt in one hand, jeans now on his lower half where they were supposed to be, Sean stepped forward to view the former General of Rome curiously.

“ You really have no idea what just happened?” he asked incredulously. Dave gave him a glare, and turned back to Karl who was staring at Sean’s bloodied arm and neck in shock. A look of appeal turned to Dave.

“ Dave, what happened?” there was force behind those words. “ Where’s your clothes and why is pretty much everyone bloodstained around here?”

“ It’s okay, Karl. It’s over,” Dave soothed him in a voice that was normally reserved for infants. Karl stared at him, then looked doubtfully at Sean who was still giving him the sort of look that was associated with cockroaches on a kitchen floor. Viggo placed a warning hand on Sean’s shoulder and smiled down at Karl.

“ Dave’ll explain everything to you. Just rest,” he said. Karl’s expression took a stubborn tinge.

“ Dave’ll explain everything to me *now*,” he snapped. “ For fuck sake, Viggo, if something happened.. if I did something… please god tell me, otherwise my mind’s going to go crazy through imagination alone!”

“ The main thing to remember is I don’t belong to you. Right?” Sean ignored the warning hand on his shoulder and stared down at him. Karl didn’t look any the less baffled.

“ Of course you don’t belong to me!” he protested, looking from Sean to Viggo. “ This isn’t from that stupid poker game yesterday is it?”

Viggo gave a slight nod of the head. Karl looked faintly sick as he stared at Sean.

“ Dear god, what did I ask you to do?”

“ Ask?” snorted Sean. “ Ask, he says. Ow!”

The ow was as a result of Viggo clipping the back of his head with his hand. Sean stared back at him, then grumbled at the expression he found there. Cool it. Got it. Karl watched the little silent exchange and looked back at Dave.

“ You two going yet?” Dave glanced at them. Viggo nodded before Sean even had a chance to protest, and had grasped hold of Sean’s upper arm to steer him out. Sean attempted to resist, but realised that was probably going to reflect even worse on the situation and settled for a scowl instead.

“ See you two later for a drink,” Viggo commented, giving Sean a gentle push towards the door. Karl pushed himself off the floor and shook his head.

” I shouldn’t. I’ve spent enough already,”

There was the soft sound of Viggo’s laughter. “ Oh, believe me,” he replied with a side look at Sean. “ I owe you some money. Don’t worry about it,”

Viggo winked towards Dave and had pushed Sean through the door before the Brit could comment further. Karl watched them leave, then looked back at Dave worriedly.

“ Dave,” he said slowly. “ What did I do? I wake up to find Viggo leaning over me, you and Sean naked and me with a …,” Karl gestured in embarrassment towards his groin where a clear erection could be seen through the fabric. “ .. so don’t tell me I didn’t do anything!”

Dave grinned as he started to unbuckle Karl’s belt.

“ Well,” he replied thoughtfully as he finally released Karl’s erection, brushing his hand over it and producing a shaky groan from Karl. Blue eyes looked softly at Karl. “ Let’s tackle the problems one at a time shall we?”

And as Dave’s mouth took his length into its warm wet goodness, Karl’s mind was only too happy to accept this proposal.

END