Chapter Four

Warning(s): Explicit. Disciplinary and erotic spanking; Heavy Domination/submission; sexual situations; dub/non-con (consent after the fact); AU

###

It was early the next morning and everyone was around the breakfast table, finishing their breakfast. "So who is doing what today?" Tony asked.

"I believe today, the group is myself, you and Mordo and Ross...would one of you like to accompany us?" Steve glanced towards Ajak and Marc. "If Friday can alert us to any signs of Druig, we can try to track him down," he suggested.

Ajak nodded. "I am willing to accompany you," she said.

Peter spoke up, having spent a lot of the morning studying his notes. "Do you think you might be able to find some abandoned labs? Cause I figure equipment to draw blood and run tests would help...maybe not just with learning about the effects of the bonding," he added.

"I can have Friday send me locations where those items will most likely be and go there." Tony nodded.

"What are the rest of us going to do while you all are gone?" Steven asked nervously.

Frank blinked at the voice and demeanor change, but didn't say anything.

Phastos glanced towards Steven, noticing that the man's other personality had taken over. "Our primary goal is to guard the base and look after the children. It also gives us a chance to get to learn more about each other," he commented. "It might be that we end up fighting alongside each other...and that is always easier when you know the people with you."

Peter had already started planning out how he was going to do the picnic, given that they didn't exactly have any fresh food. He'd stopped worrying about bleeding through the bond, deciding that Tony and Stephen were right. If his bond needed openness and transparency, it would make things more difficult if he tried to force barriers.

Steven nodded meekly. "Are the children taking any classes? I, uh..  might be able to help."

"I have a list... in case you find some stores..." Frank handed Steve the list, filled with fresh food items and canned items that were easy to make large meals from. He also listed snacks he'd overheard the children commenting about.

"We are starting to have them take classes." Steve smiled at Steven. "Your help would be greatly appreciated." He took the list from his bond mate with a nod of thanks. "Does anyone else have anything they'd like us to try and get?"

"Can't think of anything, but if we do think of something, we can have Frank contact you with it...." Ross smiled.

Steve nodded. "Then we'll move out once breakfast is over."

Everyone returned to eating. Then they cleaned up. Soon, everyone was either heading out to gather supplies, or take care of the jobs around the base.

***

It had been a fairly productive morning. The group who had gone out were able to collect clothing, food and SHIELD suits, thanks to Ross' knowledge of the warehouse. And Friday had been able to direct the group to some abandoned labs, giving them the chance to pick up further medical supplies, along with equipment needed for taking blood samples and running other tests. They'd also been able to collect some trollies from stores that had been abandoned, enabling them to take more items.

Tony and Mordo had discussed with the rest of the group and decided that the two of them alone would be better to try and find Wong. Tony had the tranq gun and Mordo had his spells. If it turned out that there were too many of Ultimus' converted to pull Wong out, they'd do recon and return to the base.

Mordo opened a portal back to the base, so that the rest of the group could go through, and then opened a second portal to the location Tony had indicated. He stepped through, leading the way, forming shields instinctually.

Tony stepped through the newer portal, ready to fight. He was glad to see there weren't any other Ultimus soldiers milling around. He just hoped that Wong was where he'd determined him to be.

He was.

Wong turned and watched as the two men entered the building he was in.

Harry was hanging back, keeping out of the way. The last year had been nothing but grating on his nerves. It felt like he was always jumping at every shadow...always expecting one of Ultimus' converted to come for them. The only thing that kept him calm and in place was that Wong was calm. And he hadn't been given any orders. So he didn't move and instead, he waited for direction.

Mordo took a deep breath and stepped forward, protectively, in front of his bond mate. He was still holding the shield in front of them. There was another, younger man standing a bit behind Wong...but the other person was unfamiliar to him. Still, he made sure to keep both of them within his sights. "Wong. Do you know who I am?" His one-time friend wasn't attacking. He hoped that meant he had a chance.

Tony might have been behind Mordo, but he was prepared to tranquilize both men as soon as it became obvious it was needed.

Wong watched uncertainly. "Ultimus doesn't control you, my old friend?"

"He does not," Mordo replied, on his guard...ready and prepared for an attack. He couldn't see or sense anyone else in the building, save for the younger man standing behind Wong. Still. That didn't mean someone with the ability to hide from a sorcerer's senses wasn't there.

Wong relaxed. He looked over Mordo's shoulder at Tony. "Stark..." He looked back at Mordo. "We have been hiding and running and this is the first we've seen anyone who is free of him "

They're safe? Harry sent the words to his bond mate. He was more used to mental communication than speaking out loud...wasn't even sure his voice would work the same if he tried to speak out loud now.

Mordo slowly relaxed his guard. "We aren't the only ones," he said quietly.

Wong turned and motioned Harry forward. "They're safe." He turned to face the others. "Mordo... Stark... this is Harry. Harry, this is Mordo and Tony Stark."

Harry stepped forward slowly, coming to stand by Wong's side. "Hi." His voice was quiet, barely above a whisper...too used to being as quiet as possible to avoid drawing attention.

Now that Harry was in full view as well, Mordo could see the identical marks on their hands and he relaxed even further. "You're bonded too...."

Wong looked between Tony and Mordo. "Yes. Can I assume you are as well?"

"Yeah. We are. We have a base with others if you want to join us," Tony offered.

Harry looked uncertainly, but somewhat hopefully, towards Wong. If there are others, maybe we won't have to keep running and hiding. The sense of hope came clearly through the bond.

"We'd be fools to turn down the invitation. Everything we have is in our bags. We just need a couple of minutes to retrieve them," Wong said.

Mordo nodded. "Once you have retrieved what you need, I will open a portal."

Harry quickly went to retrieve his pack.

Wong retrieved his own pack and quickly returned to the others.

Once Wong and Harry had rejoined them, Mordo quickly opened a portal, though he was still careful not to open it too close to the base. He led the way through.

Tony waved Wong and Harry through and brought up the rear.

Mordo closed the portal behind them and scanned the surrounding area, making sure it was free of any of Ultimus' converted, before he led the way to the base.

Harry stuck close to Wong. He didn't know the people in this dimension. It wasn't his own. The only familiarity was the man he was bonded to. He was still nervous about seeing more people, even though he trusted his bond-mate...and if Wong felt they were safe, Harry would trust them too.

Tony had reached out to Friday and Friday had warned the others that Mordo and Tony were on the way with two more people. As a result, Frank and Stephen met them out front with a scanner and hospital gowns, in case the scanner picked up tracking devices.

Frank also had a tranq gun hidden on him. The fact that neither of the two strangers were magically bound made him nervous. They hadn't been able to bring anyone back to base conscious, let alone free of magical bindings.

"It's okay," Tony quickly told the other two men. "They have s bond mark."

Stephen just stared at Wong. "They found you..." he breathed out, before moving in to give Wong a tight hug.

Wong returned the hug just as tightly, ignoring that Frank was scanning him and Harry anyway, despite Tony's assurance. It was good to know that everyone was careful and didn't just accept anything without double checking. It meant it would be safer.

Harry held still while he was scanned, but he was clearly nervous. The only other people he'd seen for a year, apart from Wong, had been Ultimus' converted. And while he trusted his bond mate and believed that these people were the good guys...none of them had counterparts in his dimension, that he was aware of. They were strangers to him. He moved closer to Wong, automatically gravitating towards his bond mate as safe.

Stephen noted how Harry was acting and darted a look toward Wong, before asking the strange younger man, "What's your name? Where are you from?"

Harry blinked at the question, glancing at Wong before answering in a hesitant, quiet voice. "My name is Harry Osborn. I'm not...from this dimension. Ultimus invaded my world and took me and other people from there."

Stephen nodded, not surprised. "You're like Peter, then." Peter, there is someone very much like you in behavior out here, he thought with amusement.

What was it about changing dimensions that caused these two young men to be so hesitant, withdrawn and clingy? Stephen knew it wouldn't be easy for them, being thrust into a world they didn't know, but the timid generally didn't survive long in situations like they lived now. Although, chances were if they hadn't been bonded, they'd be pawns of Ultimus. The fact they were bonded and free should have given them some confidence... instead of relying on their bond mate to block them from the world. Was this a side effect of the bond? Did it turn those who were the submissive part into needy, clingy shells of themselves? He didn't like that idea.

The bond shouldn't change people's personalities. Had it changed their personalities? He didn't know about Harry. He didn't recall Peter being timid or clingy the very short time he saw him before. He'd have to ask the others if they felt like Frank, Marc or Everett's personality had changed. He didn't think Mordo's had. Then again, Tony and Mordo had a different bond. Maybe it had been a mistake to allow the bond to treat Peter as submissive and him as dominant. It was too late to worry about it now, but if they knew changing a personality because of the type of bond was possible, they could warn others, at least.

Harry tilted his head to one side, curiosity spiking at the comment. "Peter?" he repeated.

Another Spiderman? Peter asked, his own interest spiking. He'd disappeared into the laboratory area as soon as the supplies had been brought back and asked all of the couples if they would mind him taking some of their blood for observations. Did Tony and Mordo find another bonded pair? Was there enough time for someone to form a bond while they were all out?

How the hell, Peter?! We just found out they were already bonded when we found them. And we haven't told anyone. How did you know? Stephen thought. And no. Not another Spiderman... but he is from a different dimension. He said his name is Harry Osborn.

Peter paused and then spoke with a slightly sad note in his voice. I know it can't be my version of Harry Osborn, cause you all saw what mine looked like when I thought I found him and you would have told me that straight away. And I made a logical conclusion. If he was under Ultimus' control, he wouldn't have been acting like me. Therefore, he had to be free of Ultimus. And unless they found another way to get someone permanently free of Ultimus, I assumed he was bonded.

Stephen snorted at that. Yeah. Okay. I meant acting like you in that he seems afraid of everything and everyone but Wong- that's who bonded him- but I can see how you reached your conclusions. We should try and see if it is possible to determine which dimension he came from. Same with you, really.

Your sorcerer supreme, Wong? Peter asked. He'd been paying attention to what Mordo and his bond mate were doing, after all. Did you ask him about the book of Vishna? Does he know where it is? And I'm not afraid, he added. I just feel safest when I'm with you. It doesn't mean I'm afraid the whole rest of the time.

Yes, him. And we haven't actually had time to ask all that. Just found them, remember? And okay. But he acts like you do. That's all I meant. Stephen kept his feelings of Peter being more afraid than he wanted to admit to himself. There was a difference between feeling safer and more comfortable with your bond mate being present and hovering to nearly hiding behind your bond mate whenever faced with something new. In the beginning, Peter had acted- and Harry currently was acting- like a two-year old hiding behind their mother's leg. He made sure to keep that feeling and thought buried, where Peter couldn't be offended by it.

Okay, well, if we're in the same situation...being from different dimensions and surrounded by virtual strangers...why don't you bring him to the laboratory? Peter suggested. It might be a bit easier on him than suddenly being surrounded by everyone. I know there's not a lot of people here, but if you add all the kids to the mix...it's likely to be overwhelming if he hasn't seen anyone but Wong since they bonded. Being surrounded by scientific objects, having a clear goal of what he was going to do next, had done a number on his confidence. While he was talking to Stephen, he was also looking at the blood samples he'd collected from those in the base so far. He was still linked to his bond mate, so the thought of, Huh, that's strange, filtered through to Stephen.

What? Stephen asked, even as he was leading Wong and Harry into the base, now that they were assured that there were no trackers. He gave a quick tour of the main areas of the base. "I can show you the labs, if you'd like," he said to Harry. "All the bedrooms are identical and I'm assuming you plan to share." He turned toward Wong for confirmation.

"We will share a room." Wong nodded.

Stephen turned back toward Harry. "You can meet Peter Parker. He's from a different dimension as well. He's currently in the lab."

Harry swallowed. "Peter Parker?" His voice was hesitant. He had a lot of mixed feelings about the person who'd been his best friend back in his own dimension. He didn't think it would be the same Peter Parker, but...if it wasn't, what would it feel like to meet another version of his one-time best friend? Still, his curiosity was piqued and he nodded. The idea of seeing the labs made him feel more comfortable.

I'm looking at the blood samples I collected so far, Peter answered. I don't have pre-bond blood samples to compare them to, but I've seen other blood samples and I know there are differences. But there's also a protein that exists in two of the bonding samples that isn't present in the others...although I haven't managed to get Tony and Mordo's yet, so I don't know if it's there or not, he said.

That is interesting. I'm bringing Harry go the lab. You can show me then. We can also get Tony and Mordo's blood samples. Stephen looked at the others. "I can take you to the lab now. Also, Peter found something that might be useful. We need yours and Mordo's blood samples," he said to Tony. "And we probably should get samples from you two as well..." he said to Wong and Harry.

"Yeah. We can all head down together," Wong agreed.

Great! I'll see you in a few minutes. It wasn't clear whether Peter's happiness was because of being able to get more scientific backup for his research into the bond, or because he could see and show his bond mate something...but it was probably a combination of both.

"It's all really well set up here," Harry said, still a bit hesitantly, but talking more easily now that he was getting used to speaking out loud again. "How many people can live here?"

Tony nodded. "There are 100 bedrooms, so about 200 people comfortably. Possibly twice that, if we don't mind crowded quarters."

Harry's eyes widened at that, but he didn't make a further comment, as they'd reached the labs by this point. He stepped away from the group to look around, eyes widening in awe. "This is really hi-tech."

"All the brainchild of Tony Stark. So is Friday. She's the AI who runs this place." Peter moved over from the table he'd been working at. "Blood samples are over there," he said, to whoever in the room was interested in seeing the protein he'd discovered. He stepped over to Harry and held out a hand to shake. "Peter Parker."

"Harry Osborn." Harry reached his own hand out to shake. "You don't look like the Peter Parker from my dimension," he said hesitantly. "Are you still...?"

"Spiderman?" Peter nodded. "I think the multiverse ranges from physically identical versions of us to...well, completely different people becoming enhanced. I'm probably like you. I come from a dimension where none of them exist." He nodded towards the group of older men in the lab.

"Did you bond too?" Harry asked hesitantly.

"Yeah," Peter answered. "To Stephen...Doctor Strange." He went over to pick up the syinges. "You okay for me to take your blood? I'm trying to research the bond and Stephen's our resident doctor, so...." He shrugged.

"Yeah. Okay." Harry took a look around the lab and then hopped up on one of the stools, rolling up his sleeve so that Peter could draw blood easily.

Stephen waited long enough to see Harry and Peter make a connection, then went to look at the samples. You're right. This is unusual... he thought to Peter, before calling Tony over to look. Tony might not be a doctor or biological scientist, but he knew enough to see when something was different than normal.

Peter took the blood from Harry and stored it carefully, then got blood from the others he hadn't had a chance to yet. "How long have you been bonded for?" he asked Harry.

"A year," Harry replied.

Peter's eyes widened. "Oh, then you and Wong can be my control group! I was using the three pairs who bonded first as the control groups, but the bond's only been in place for a short amount of time."

"These are the notes you've made already?" Harry moved over to the paperwork.

"Yeah," Peter replied. "If you can add anything to them, that would help."

Harry immediately began looking through the paperwork, taking note of Peter's observations in regards to the bond and the hypotheses that the other man had noted that he wanted to prove or disprove.

"Before you get started helping Peter, I'd like to do a physical on you and Wong; get a baseline, so if anything happens later, it will be easier to see if there are changes we should note..." Stephen said.

Wong nodded. "That makes sense. We can do that now and then you can return here," he said to Harry.

Harry nodded. "Okay." He looked towards Peter. "That okay?"

"Of course." Peter nodded quickly. "It'll be nice to have a second pair of eyes." I'll meet you at the greenhouse for our picnic, he sent to Stephen, assuming his bond mate would want to catch up with Wong beforehand.

Of course, Stephen thought back, before leading the two newest arrivals to the medical suite.

It didn't take long to do the exam and soon, Stephen had sent Harry back to join Peter while he, Wong and Mordo caught up with each other.

***

Peter was reasonably happy with the way the morning had gone. He and Harry had worked together on noting their observations on the bond...and Harry had actually found something in the book that had suggested at least one bonding had taken place involving three people. Their theory was that the protein might actually have something to do with the ability to bond more than one person, but wouldn't know if that was possible until it actually occurred. Still, their findings had been noted so they could share them with the rest of the adults at the next meeting.

Since it was close to lunch time, Peter headed back to his room to get changed. He'd made a specific request from Steve, asking the man about picking up a suit if they'd gone anywhere that might have those kinds of outfits. And Steve had found something.

Peter was treating this like a date. In his mind, that was what it was. So he washed up and he changed and he made sure he looked smart. Then, he grabbed the selection of food he'd retrieved from the kitchen. It wasn't strictly picnic food, but they were limited in what they could have at the moment. Anyway. He'd packed food that was easier to eat and took it to the greenhouse area with him.

Steve had, thankfully, warned Stephen about Peter's request for a suit and had managed to procure his own suit for the occasion. It was obvious this was important to Peter, so Stephen was willing to make an effort to help it be as special as possible for the younger man. He had cleaned up while Peter was still at the lab, and got dressed in the suit. Then he'd gone to the office he kept, so that Peter wouldn't see him until it was time.

When he got to the greenhouse, Peter began to set everything up. He placed out the food and the chairs he'd brought. And he set the sun lamps so it could have more of an atmospheric feel. It wasn't like they could go have dinner in a romantic restaurant, but he could set the lighting so that it had a feel that was almost as good.

Stephen headed to the greenhouse as soon as Friday indicated Peter was ready. He looked around at everything and nodded, impressed. "It looks very nice. Almost as good as actually being outside in a park. I think maybe we should put you in charge of making an indoor park for everyone to enjoy."

Peter smiled at that, eyes lighting up when he saw that Stephen had dressed up for the occasion. "You look really handsome," he blurted, not all that embarrassed...because it was the truth. Being around Stephen gave him similar feelings to those he'd had when he'd been with Gwen. He hadn't lied when he'd told the older man he'd been attracted to Stephen the first time they'd met.

Stephen smiled at that. "You do as well," he said fondly.

Peter's smile grew at the response and he motioned towards the seats. "I want to get to know you better. I figure it's easier when it's just the two of us. We can talk. Be open with each other."

"Of course." Stephen moved to the seats, pulling one out for Peter before going to sit across from him.

***

While Peter and Stephen were having their date, Wong was talking with Tony and Mordo, Harry sitting beside him. "The book of Vishna isn't in our dimension any longer. I sent it to a pocket dimension when Ultimus took over. I wanted to be certain he couldn't get the location from me if he overtook me or destroy it. We can locate it again, but it will take a little time."

"How much time, do you think?" Mordo asked. "Stephen and I have been working together to find other dimensions that haven't been invaded by Ultimus yet...that we can hopefully ally with to put a stop to Ultimus once and for all. Even if we can get him away from our dimension, I don't think any of us want to put anywhere else at risk of being brought to his attention."

"I don't know that for sure. I wanted to be certain that I couldn't get it if I was compromised. I know how to get to it... but the amount of time it will take depends on when we go for it and how closely Ultimus is watching when we go after it. I tied it to the seasons and moon phases...." Wong looked sheepish.

Tony blinked, then laughed. "The perfect way to foil a high tech conqueror. Use non-technical cues."

"So we make a plan," Mordo said. "We figure out when and how we get to it...and try and free as many people before then as possible."

"That's likely the best we can do," Tony agreed. "So... want to start planning now? Until the others get back?"

Mordo nodded. "I think that would be a good idea," he agreed.

***

While they were planning, Frank had contacted Steve and those who had gone looking for supplies to let them know what had occurred.

Steve thanked his bond mate and asked Friday to communicate to the others that a meeting after lunch, when the children were napping or playing, would be a good idea.

Friday immediately sent a message to all the adults to set up a meeting for after lunch, as soon as Steve and the others had returned and the children were down for naps.

***

Wong snorted. "I'm certainly glad you are on our side, Stark. I'd hate to think of how much more difficult Friday could make our lives if you were on Ultimus' side."

"It wouldn't have happened," Tony said. with a hint of sadness. "As soon as it became obvious Ultimus was taking over, I told her that if I was compromised, she should treat me as the enemy. And I was compromised, until Steve broke me loose. And she did exactly as I had ordered, until I was freed of Ultimus' control."

"It at least made things easier once we had more people freed," Mordo said. "It took a while, more than a year, but we're fighting back now."

"Yeah. We've been focusing on finding those who might be able to help defeat Ultimus... but a lot of our rescues were 'right place at right time'. We are willing to look for specific people, though, if you have names and possible locations to begin looking," Tony said.

"Ajak was talking about Druig," Mordo remembered. "From what she said of his abilities, I think he should be the next person freed. He might give us a way of getting to others we might not have a personal connection to."

Tony nodded. "That's right... he probably should be next. Let's get lunch made. The others should be back soon and then we can make final plans."

They began clearing up and preparing for lunch, several people working together to prepare lunch for so many people.

***

Everyone had returned, lunch had been prepared and soon, everyone but Stephen and Peter were in the dining room eating. The children were interested in the newcomers, so it didn't take long before Harry and Wong were being inundated with questions. Eventually, though, the meal was finished and the children were down for their naps. Stephen and Peter joined the others for the meeting.

Peter had enjoyed the date with Stepen immensely. His crush on the older man was growing, entirely separate from the whole being bond mates thing. Still, when they reached the room for the meeting, he headed over to claim the seat next to Harry and grinned at him.

"Had a nice lunch?" Harry asked dryly.

"Yeah." Peter flipped through the bonding book, making sure he had full access to the passage he and Harry had found...the one that seemed to indicate a bonding involving three people was possible. It was still only theory at the time, but even so....

Steve cleared his throat. "I understand we might want to begin planning our next moves now."

"We've gotten some idea on what needs to occur to get the book of Vishna... and while we wait for the literal right time, we could rescue some more people..." Tony said, before motioning for Wong to explain about the book.

Wong quickly explained what he'd done and why.

"Peter found something of interest too..." Stephen commented.

"I was looking at the blood samples from the bonded couples and I found an extra protein in half of the samples," Peter said. "Then Harry and I were looking at the book about bonding and...well, we think it might be possible for a third person to join a bond. One of the accounts talks about a third person being involved in a bond."

"It might be what the protein signifies," Harry said quietly. "If it only happened once in the past, it might not be possible for every bonding."

"The only way to know if that is what it signifies is for one of us to try it. And since we don't know for certain if that is what the protein signifies, maybe we should plan ahead for it for when we have a backup, in case it doesn't work," Stephen said.

Tony nodded. "Until then, we've got Druig on our radar. And Pietro Maximoff... from another dimension, since we know he died in this one."

Harry shifted slightly. "I saw my dad...and I saw Doctor Octavius. While we were on the run. They're both two of the smartest men in my dimension and...there were problems. But when my dad came back, he was better. Before Ultimus."

Peter glanced up at that. "You need to be absolutely sure that's your dad," he said. "Cause the version of Norman Osborn that came here...had a homicidal maniac for an alter ego. If it's not him, we can't unleash the Green Goblin on this dimension again."

"But you made a serum and got rid of the goblin." Harry looked at Peter. "All you need to do is recreate the serum. And then we try."

"Maybe," Peter said quietly. He didn't want to say no to this version of Harry. And maybe it was possible. Still.... He reached out mentally to his own mate. The Green Goblin is dangerous. I assume you know of the damage he caused when he was unleashed on this dimension. I don't want to outright say no to Harry, but...we either need to be sure it was the version of Norman Osborn that was healed when we were all here before, or I need to be one hundred percent certain I've made the right serum.

Tony looked back and forth between Harry and Peter with a worried, confused look. "What are you talking about? And you're from different dimensions, so how do you know you are even talking about the same people? That they aren't from different dimensions to both of you?"

"That's why we need to be sure," Peter said insistently to Harry. He turned to Tony. "Is there maybe a way to track dimension signatures and compare them to others from different dimensions? It would probably be helpful for more than just this situation." He addressed the question to Phastos, too. Tony and Phastos were both geniuses.

Phastos was frowning. "We have people from three different dimensions here. Once we get Druig and this Pietro, we might have people from four different dimensions." He looked towards Tony. "I think it might be possible."

"We should work on it anyway. I'm a bit worried that all these dimension hoppers might cause problems later," Tony admitted.

Wong nodded. "Incursion is always a worry. I'm a bit surprised we haven't had more problems yet, given what happened last time."

Stephen nodded, "it was a very close call before." To Peter, he thought, We don't know if this Harry is from the same dimension as the Doc Ock and Norman Osborn that we dealt with before. If they are the same, they'll remember both of us. If not, just in case, you should prepare some more of that serum.

I was going to anyway, Peter replied. After the meeting, I'll go back to the lab. Take Harry with me. If he can work on something, it might make him feel less restless and likely to do something stupid and reckless. His mental voice was wry.

"Is it possible that Ultimus has some way of preventing an incursion?" Steve asked the sorcerers. "He's been going to innumerous dimensions...and probably taken multiple inhabitants to others. Maybe he has some way of stopping the incursion."

"It's possible," Mordo said. "We don't know what Ultimus' origins are. We don't know what other abilities he has, other than being able to convert everyone to his cause. We should continue working to open communication with other dimensions. And see what we can learn from those who are from other dimensions that have been invaded by him."

"So, there's my marching orders," Tony said in amusement. "While you all plan the rescue for tomorrow, I'll just go to my lab and work with Friday in gathering data together."

Stephen smirked at Peter. He's been with Wong for a year now. They've most likely worked through any issues like that.

Maybe not in an entirely new situation he's not used to. Out loud, Peter added, "I'm going to head to the labs to carry on checking and testing those samples. And work on the serum." He glanced towards Harry. "You're welcome to join me," he invited.

Harry blinked and nodded. "Yeah. I'd like to," he agreed.

If he does do something, you let Wong handle it, Stephen ordered.

Steven looked at Ajak. "Will you be going with Phastos to find Druig?"

Yes, sir, Peter replied immediately, clearly having no intentions of disobeying his bond mate. He headed to the lab with Harry.

Ajak nodded to Steven. "How were things today?" she asked her own bond mate.

Marc is a bit irritated at me, Steven admitted. There were some items he wanted to look for, but I didn't let anyone know. He blushed.

You can let me know, Ajak offered. When we're out tomorrow, I'll look for them. She allowed a wave of reassurance to flow through the bond.

Yeah... uh... okay. He quickly sent a mental picture of the items over.

I'll look out for them, Ajak promised. If either of you think of anything else, just let me know.

Of course. Steven smiled shyly.

Is there anything you would like to do after the plans are made? Ajak asked him.

No, Ma'am. Just being with you and everyone is good. Steven smiled.

Ajak's answering smile was warm and tender. I think everyone is going to be retiring to either the labs or other areas. Perhaps we could entertain the children for a while, she suggested.

Oh! That would be lovely! Steven smiled.

Ajak glanced around, checking that the meeting was over, and rose, holding a hand out to her bond mate. Shall we go now?

Steven eagerly grasped her hand and stood to follow her. Ajak had a calming influence on him and he liked just being with her. Feelings of safety and contentment flooded the bond.

Ajak squeezed his hand gently as they headed to join the children. She left the bond open between them, so that Steven would feel she was there and with him, for anything he needed or wanted.

Everett watched them go. Will I accompany you to retrieve Druig, or will I be staying behind? he curiously asked Phastos.

Would you like to go with me? Phastos asked. We've got enough people here now that you could go with me if you'd like to.

I actually would, if that's allowed. Ross smiled.

I'm sure it would be fine, Phastos answered. But I'll mention it later, to make sure it isn't a problem.

Of course. Ross glanced around. Can I help you prepare?

There isn't really much I need to do to prepare, Phastos admitted. I planned to go to the labs and work on enhacing the equipment of those here. You're welcome to join me, though. I could probably enhance your weapons too.

Sure. I can play errand boy, if nothing else, Ross easily agreed.

I'm sure you can do much more than that. Phastos led the way to the labs.

Ross followed. If so, I will do my best.

When they got to the lab, Phastos retrieved the equipment the others had given him to start working on. He began to involve his bond mate in the tasks, getting Ross to help with testing out the weapons for him.

***

The next morning, after breakfast, the group that was going out to find Druig left. Phastos and Ajak were prepared to try and get through to Druig and hoped they would succeed. Having their fellow Eternal freed would give them a huge advantage in freeing more people.

Ajak also had the list of items Marc had asked for and was keeping a look out for any of those, so she could bring them back to her bond mate.

Ross had transferred all the information needed to locate Druig onto a tablet that was connected to Friday. "About two miles from where we expect to find Druig, there has been sightings of the speedster known as Pietro. He could prove a problem, given his ability," Ross warned.

"If we can free Druig first, he might be able to free Pietro, using his ability," Ajak said.

"Hopefully. His speed makes him difficult to tie down. In more than one way," Ross said.

"I might be able to bind him to hold him still long enough," Mordo said.

"That would likely be the only way to slow him down. Unless you have a 'slow' spell?" Ross asked, in amusement.

"I could probably modify an existing spell for that." Mordo began thinking about it as they headed to Druig's last known location.

"Really? That's so cool..." Ross enthused, then blushed. "Er... sorry. I just really like seeing things invented...."

Mordo smiled at that. "I'm not sure it'll be all that exciting to see."

"Maybe..." Ross smiled back, before turning to Phastos. "I'd like to watch you work too, sometime."

"You are more than welcome to do so any time you'd like." Phastos smiled.

Ajak held up her hand, having spotted Druig, and began to move forward stealthily.

Ross immediately quieted, waiting for the others to do what was necessary.

Druig was moving a group of people into a building. It was hard to say why he was directing them, instead of Ultimus controlling them. They were obviously under Ultimus' control. Ross made a mental note of his observations for later.

Ajak kept back until the last of the people were in the building and only Druig was left outside. Then, she quickly moved forward, Phastos at her side. "Druig. This isn't you."

Druig turned, seeing his family members. "It is what he wants. If we do not comply, we die..." he said softly.

"We're Eternals," Phastos said. "And it's not so easy to kill us." He took a step forward. "We fought against Arishem because we wouldn't let him destroy this world."

"Will you allow Ultimus to do the same?" Ajak asked.

"It was not me I was worried about..." Druig's voice was bitter. "Even immortal, I am one person. And he would have killed them all if I did not get them where he wanted. And though I fought him... my own moments of freedom were always fleeting. He always got his claws into my head again." He swallowed. "If I could keep him out permanently, I might have been able to come up with a way to protect those he threatened me with. How have you...?"

"We are bonded," Ajak said. "It is the only way to keep Ultimus out of your head permanently. To bond in that way, it requires sex."

"And it requires one to be dominant and one to be submissive," Phastos put in.

Druig's eyebrows went up at that. "You two...?" he asked uncertainly, his tone similar to a teenager watching an authority figure get amorous with someone.

"This is my bond mate." Phastos moved to Ross' side, smiling at him before addressing Druig. "We are close and family, but apart from the first time, we have not been intimate in that way."

"My bond mate is back at our base," Ajak said. "You can meet him."

"So, you only have to have sex once and after that, what happens doesn't matter? The bond is set?" Druig looked interested. "I want this bond. I want to keep him out of my head forever."

"We picked up the energy signature of another converted nearby," Mordo said. "His name's Pietro Maximoff and he's a speedster. I believe I have a spell that can slow him down. Given your own ability, Phastos and Ajak believe you could break Ultimus' control temporarily...at least long enough that the bonding itself wouldn't be forced."

"That would be ideal. Let's get to it, then," Druig said impatiently.

Since Ross was the one with the tablet, Phastos indicated for his bonded mate to direct them which way to go.

Ross nodded and looked toward Mordo. "He's approximately three miles away now; he moved a few seconds ago." He gave the new coordinates to the sorceror.

Mordo nodded and opened the portal. "I'll cast the spell as soon as we're through, but I don't think it will last that long," he warned.

"It won't need to," Druig said confidently.

Mordo nodded and stepped through the portal. Immediately, as soon as he saw the blur that was Pietro, he was casting.

Luck more than anything else had the spell hitting Pietro, slowing the speedster down to what would be normal speed on anyone else.

Druig was immediately behind Mordo and as soon as the speedster was slowed, he commanded, "Stop running. Come talk to us."

Ross muttered to Phastos, "Maybe we should get them into hospital gowns and out of this area as soon as possible. In case one of those in the building saw us and can report to Ultimus. He'd be looking hard."

Phastos nodded his agreement to Ross and handed Druig the hospital gowns, even as Pietro walked woodenly towards the group.

"We can free you from Ultimus permanently, if you want that. It requires you to bond through sex with another person, but once in place, he can never get you again," Druig offered.

"With you?" Pietro looked appraisingly at Druig.

"We could find someone else if you prefer, but it would happen more quickly if it was with me, yes." Druig smirked.

"If it'll get him out of my head faster, then I'll do it," Pietro stated.

"If you get changed into the hospital gowns, Mordo will open a portal to our base," Phastos said. "Two of our scientists have also requested blood samples before you bond."

Druig blinked at that, but didn't hesitate to change into the hospital gown.

Pietro got changed as well.

Once they were both wearing the hospital gowns, Mordo opened a portal; far enough from the base that they wouldn't immediately draw attention, but close enough that they didn't have to walk far. They led the two younger men to the lab, so that Harry and Peter could take the blood samples, then took them to one of the empty rooms.

Mordo explained the mechanics of the bonding to the two men and then indicated that what they needed was in the drawers, then the group left Pietro and Druig to it.

Pietro eyed Druig. "You done this before?"

"I'm thousands of years old. I've done a lot of things before. I can make it good, though," Druig said confidently. He pulled out the supplies and nodded toward the bed. "Make yourself comfortable."

"You don't look like you're thousands of years old." Pietro removed the hospital gown and settled on the bed.

Druig smirked. "What should a thousands of years old man look like, exactly?" He poured lube onto both hands, then gripped Pietto's member and began to stroke it with one hand, while his other hand began to rub against his entrance. As soon as Pietro's entrance was slick enough, he pushed a finger in.

Pietro groaned, letting his head fall back in response...though he did reply to the question, voice hitched with amusement. "Sort of like Gandalf from Lord of the Rings...you have Lord of the Rings here in this dimension?" he asked curiously, aware enough to know that he'd been dropped into an entirely different dimension to his own.

"I truly feel bad for any dimension that does not have Lord of the Rings," Druig said, applying a little more pressure and speed to the stroking as Pietro's body began to respond. He added a second finger, rubbing deep inside, looking for the sweet spot. "It is a bit amusing that you envisioned Gandalf, though, instead of one of the immortal elves."

Pietro breathed deeply as Druig began to rub deep inside, groaning again as that spot was found. He reached out with his own hands, running them over the other man's shoulders, exploring. "Far as I know, the elves don't have the ability to force another to follow their will."

"Huh. Guess that's true enough. But we were talking about my looking old... not my abilities," Druig began to rub over that spot relentlessly, aiming to bring Pietro to a fully aroused, quivering mess.

Pietro's moan was long and drawn out and his fingers tightened their grip on Druig's arms; not exactly clinging, but more in response to what the other man was doing. "You can't expect me to...think logically when you're doing that." His breathing hitched, betraying his arousal.

"If you're thinking at all, then I'm not doing it right..." Druig teased, as he slid a third finger in.

Squirming a little, Pietro pulled Druig towards him and kissed the other man. He was responding as his body reached full arousal, faster than he would have ever thought possible.

Druig withdrew his fingers once he'd judged Pietro ready. Quickly coating his member, he lined up, then pushed into the speedster, immediately rubbing over the bundle of nerves. He began to thrust in a slow, steady rhythm, going deep.

Pietro groaned as his member immediately hardened the rest of the way, fingers gripping Druig's shoulders tightly. Drops of precum pooled at the tip of his erection.

Druig began to thrust harder... faster... in response to Pietro's arousal,. He was still stroking Pietro's member, but began to time it so that his thrusts would push the other man into his fist.

The dual sensations were nearly enough to drive Pietro crazy. He was fully aroused, quivering, only able to react to what Druig was doing. He gripped on tighter, panting in time with the thrusts, knowing that he was so close.

Druig grinned almost ferally, growling, "NOW!" holding on just long enough that he would release as soon as Pietro was finished.

Pietro let go immediately at the order, fingers gripping Druig tightly as his release came over him.

Druig grunted as he felt Pietro's body tighten around him in release. It triggered his own release, causing him to shoot his seed deep into his now bond-mate, marking him completely inside like the bond now marked both of their hands. Druig placed his hand next to Pietro's so he could look at the matching marks side-by side. And he released the control he'd been keeping over Pietro. Are you free of Ultimus? he asked.

I'm free, Pietro confirmed. He stretched and then pressed against Druig, kissing the corner of the other man's mouth. Thank you.

"My pleasure..." Druig smirked, before carefully pulling out. He languidly stood and went to get cloths to clean up. "From what they've told me..." He began to speak once he'd returned, cleaning Pietro first. "...Once the bond is formed, it is up to the bond-mates how it is shaped. A few have decided they like the original Dom sub dynamic the bond encourages. The others prefer to keep things equal. Some have kept a sexual component. Others are platonic." He finished cleaning Pietro and began to clean himself. 

"We could be like them or make something else completely different... Maybe a friends with benefits arrangement if you want to be free, but still occassionally have fun." Druig waggled his eyebrows. "I will say that I would prefer we be equals and not Dom and sub. Having the ability I do, it would seem too much like work than a relationship." He wrinkled his nose.

"I'm not really that submissive anyway, so equals works for me." Pietro began to dress, after being cleaned up. "Not really a fan of friends with benefits," he admitted. "If we're going to be sleeping together, I want exclusivity. A relationship."

"How about we get to know each other? If after that we want to try a relationship, we do. And if we find out we drive each other nuts, we can stay platonic?" Druig smiled. "We've got a permanent connection either way."

"Sounds like a good enough idea to me," Pietro replied. "Did you want to keep separate rooms for the time being? If you want to keep some space...it's not like we couldn't enter the other's room if we felt the need."

"Yeah. Until we figure out what we want, it might be better. Even if we do become lovers, it would be good to have our own space," Druig agreed. "They've left us some clothing. We can get dressed and take a tour of this place, if you want?"

Pietro nodded. "Since we'll be living here, might as well get to know the place." He finished dressing.

Soon, they were both dressed and heading out to meet the others.

As soon as Druig and Pietro joined the others, they were given the tour of the base.

****

Later that day, Stephen and Wong came into the lab where Peter and Harry were.

"Discover anything new in the blood samples you took?" Stephen asked curiously, handing Peter two new vials of blood. "They bonded, by the way. Here are the new samples from after they bonded."

"There isn't much we can find out, without a larger pool of data to draw from." Peter shrugged as he took the vials from Stephen.

"We can at least see something of how the bond directly affects the blood, as we now have before and after samples," Harry commented. "If possible, we should try and get more samples before a bond is formed. It'll make it easier to prove or disprove any hypotheses. At the moment, we're trying to figure out the different types of bonding." He glanced towards Peter.

Peter sighed. "I already told you, I can't do it. Not without potentially contaminating the results. Or doing something I shouldn't."

"Yeah, but he's stood right there." Harry gestured towards Stephen. "He'll know you're not planning to do something stupid."

Peter shook his head. "We need a bigger sample pool. We need to get more people free." He frowned, thinking of something, and glanced towards his bond mate. "You think there might be any blood banks still around?"

"There might be. It wouldn't give you before and after samples from bonded pairs, but it would definitely give you non-bonded samples to compare against our bonded blood samples. I can have Friday locate the nearest facility that may have what we need. Arrange with Steve to retrieve it," Stephen told Peter, before looking between the two. "What exactly does he want you to test that you are afraid would contaminate your findings?" he asked Peter, worried.

Wong narrowed his eyes at Harry. "What did you test on yourself?"

"Blocking the bond," Harry answered. "Our bonds are probably, if not the same, very similar. And when I blocked the bond, back when we first formed it, the bond didn't...well, it didn't react. Not exactly painful and not dangerous, but it was uncomfortable. Peter said that he did block the bond, but doesn't know what came from it and what was as a result of the emotional turmoil he was in at the time."

"But I'm not blocking the bond without permission," Peter replied. "And if I have permission to block the bond, it's not going to give the same results. Cause the bond wouldn't respond negatively to something I have permission to." It was very clear that it wasn't the idea of the discomfort of the bond that was bothering him, but that he didn't want to disobey Stephen.

Stephen nodded. "Honestly, from my end, blocking the bond wasn't uncomfortable. It was frustrating. And I had the urge to force it back open. I refrained because I wasn't certain of your motives at the time. I suspect that you felt discomfort from blocking, but your other emotions overwhelmed it."

Wong nodded. "Is that something we really need to know? We've already established the bond is different for each bonded pair, based on their needs. The only use for testing would be for you to know how your own particular bond would react, as you could not say with certainty that anyone else would have the same reaction." He paused and looked at Harry. "I do remember when you tested the bond and I recall feeling a sense of frustration and need to force the bond open again. But it was easy to ignore."

Peter shrugged. "It's useful to know how things like the bond reacts before it becomes a factor. I guess forcing the bond open would probably cause more discomfort, maybe even pain, than just blocking the bond and being disobedient because of it."

Harry frowned. "Do you think those feelings came from yourselves, or the bond, or maybe a combination of both?" he asked Stephen and Wong. He was thinking that it would help to know just how sentient the bond was....

"I think they likely came from myself more than the bond. But... I don't think I would feel this way if the bond wasn't there and it was a normal relationship. If that makes sense," Stephen acknowledged.

Wong nodded. "I do not believe the bond sentient. But it does appear to react to the personalities or needs of those bonded. And it has built in measures to protect itself from being broken."

Peter frowned at that. "You think it might occur even when after this is all over and the bonds can be broken? That the people who want to be free...maybe will find it difficult?" he asked, a bit worried. After all, he was reasonably certain that Stephen would prefer to break the bond once Ultimus was no longer a threat. And if it wasn't possible to safely break the bond, it would cause more trouble...he bit his lip uncertainly and glanced at Harry. "It would have helped more to have firsthand accounts of the bonds, instead of just eyewitness accounts."

"We found reference to a third person bonding," Harry said. "Maybe there are more throwaway lines that will give more answers."

"The bond was always meant to be permanent," Stephen stated calmly. "We attempted, as often as possible, to convey that before bonds were formed. Unfortunately, the nature of Ultimus' control didn't often give us the choice, especially in terms of the submissive part of the bond. Finding Druig will help with that immensely. But it is why, once the bond was formed, Steve, Tony, Phastos, Ajak and I made sure the rest of you had the choice in what you wanted the bond to be. Because you had no choice in the bond, it was imperative you have a choice in how it worked."

Wong nodded. "You will recall I did the same with you, Harry."

Stephen looked toward the bonding book they were studying. "The fact you discovered it possible to bond more than one person is important, though. Perhaps you will find something that will make the bond more like an emergency cell phone. Only active when it is needed." He shrugged, unconcerned. He'd already accepted that Peter needed him more deeply and the bond had reacted to that need. He'd accepted that he'd likely not be able, possibly not even be able to want, (if the bond interfered), to have another relationship. Since the only woman he loved had got married, it hadn't bothered him. What was the point in letting it bother him now?

Harry nodded, remembering when Wong had initially bonded him. "On the surface, I was fighting. Ultimus' control wouldn't allow for anything else. But underneath all that, I would have chosen it. It was the only way to be free," he said. "The fact that we're from two different dimensions doesn't seem to have had much effect." He glanced at Peter. "It makes me wonder if the bond creates some kind of failsafe...some way for the dimension to recognise an outsider as belonging here, if they're bonded to someone actually from the home dimension."

"That's why we need more samples," Peter said. "The before and after. See if we can figure out what the protein does and why it's present in some samples but not others." He looked at the two sorcerers. "Like you said. With Druig, it'll be easier to get the samples before the bond occurs."

Stephen smiled crookedly. "It will also be easier to explain the bond fully before the bond occurs, instead of having to wait until it is too late to back out."

I know you wouldn't have chosen to bond if you'd had another way. Peter slipped into the mind speak. But even without the bond, I...still would have tried to form a relationship with you, he admitted.

Harry was nodding. "At least they can decide what they want from the bond beforehand."

I know, Stephen acknowledged. He didn't say the last thing on his mind when he'd first met Peter was forming a relationship. He'd been too busy saving the universe from incursion and his Spiderman was too young to be interested in. He was glad Peter didn't regret the bond, though. It made it slightly easier.

"So, until you get more blood to compare, maybe come meet everyone. We're making lists," Wong said.

Peter knew that Stephen hadn't felt the same way, but since his bond seemed to need openness and honesty, he'd already decided that the only thing he was going to hide was the depth of how he was beginning to feel about his bond mate. He was just going to proceed with his plan of getting Stephen to like him in return.

"Yeah, it's probably time for a break anyway," Harry commented. "Plus, we've got a list of what we need for that serum."

"Let's go, then..." Stephen motioned the others out ahead of him.

Harry and Peter quickly headed out of the labs.