Only Chance Of Survival

Summary: Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness. Another way is found
Warning(s): D/s; M/m; sexual situations; public sex; dub-con (consent given under duress); slave spell; MAJOR MAJOR MAJOR spoilers for Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness; AU; references to violence and canon character death
Pairing: Karl Mordo/Stephen Strange

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It had taken a while, much longer than Mordo would have liked, to find the answer he'd been searching for. To find another path, one that didn't end with Stephen Strange having to die. None of them wanted this, but they knew the danger of the doors that Stephen had opened. Knew that, without something to limit his abilities, to limit him, Stephen wouldn't be able to help himself.

Mordo had persuaded the others to give him time. To allow him to find another way. And while they were all worried about Stephen's effect on the multiverse, they'd agreed to give him that time. To find an answer. And if he couldn't find one, they were prepared to make the difficult choice. Stephen was prepared for his own death. Mordo hadn't wanted to give the man he cared about, the man he loved, any kind of false hope.

And there was an answer. There was a spell. And it could work, but it would depend on Stephen's pride. It would depend on if he could live with being under the control of someone else. And Mordo knew there was every possibility that Stephen would prefer death.

But Mordo hoped that the man would make a different choice.

Carrying the book, Mordo walked through the portal, reaching the group of superpowered individuals he called his friends. They surrounded Stephen, who knelt on the floor, clearly resigned to his fate.

Mordo looked quickly over Stephen and then turned to address the others. He held up the book and spoke quietly. "There is another way." 

"And yet you don't sound happy about it," Peggy Carter observed.

"Whatever would prevent Stephen Strange from accessing the power he currently wields would have to be something very powerful in its own right," Reed Richards said quietly.

Charles Xavier frowned. "You are afraid he will not be able to agree to the terms needed for it to work," he said somberly.

Stephen Strange knelt on the ground, waiting his fate. He'd wondered why they held off for so long, when the prudent thing would be to eliminate him quickly. It hadn't taken long to realize that they were waiting for Mordo to arrive. Seeing his friend, he felt a pang of remorse and regret. Swallowing hard, he whispered, "I am ready...."

"Yes," Mordo answered Charles. He glanced at Stephen and then at the others. "The spell I have found requires sacrifice. Giving up, not only power, but also control." Looking once more at the man he cared so deeply for, he said quietly, "I have found no other way."

"You would be the one controlling him?" Captain Marvel asked Mordo.

Stephen looked into Mordo's eyes. He was a very proud man, always needing to be the one 'holding the knife'. He was clearly uncertain, but it was hard to determine if it was a lack of information, or the fact he'd be giving up control and power that made him hesitate. "How much power and control would you take? All of it? Leaving me unable to make any choice om my own?"

"You would not be helpless or an invalid," Mordo replied. "We would be bound together. One in control and making major decisions. The other following. The other submitting."

"So, I wouldn't need your express permission to eat or piss..." Stephen's smile wasn't happy. "I suspect closer reading of whatever spell you found gives you whatever power over me you wish. It would be determined entirely by you and how much control you wanted to wield." His shoulders and head drooped.

"How can you be certain it would work? Better to end me now, before I ruin any more worlds," Strange finished weakly.

"We would need to know the same," Peggy said to Mordo. "That it would truly work. That there can be no possibility of another incursion."

Mordo nodded. "The bond would seal away what I chose and leave whatever I allow to remain," he said. "The book provides me with an answer. But I cannot force you to take that step." He turned back to Stephen. "I can only give you two choices. Death or submission." He waited a beat before speaking in a low voice. "You are more than merely a friend to me, Stephen. If it were my choice alone, I would make the one that kept you in my life."

"I think we would all prefer you remain if there was an option." Reed cleared his throat. "You have done much good, but you are no longer capable of controlling yourself or your actions. If Mordo controlled instead...."

"Does what you choose to control fluctuate and change to what you deem necessary? Or is it chosen at the time of the casting?" Charles asked. "If something occurred at a later date and you felt you needed to control at that time, but it wasn't something accounted for now... would you still be able to control?"

Stephen looked at all his friends standing over him, before looking back into Mordo's eyes. He was obviously battling with his pride.

Mordo nodded to Charles' question. "I considered that to be a possibility and it appears I could take control of more should I choose to." He left unsaid that he could turn Stephen into his puppet if he chose. This wasn't only about the other man submitting. Stephen would have to trust that Mordo would control only what was necessary.

Stephen heard the words and understood the implications. He swallowed hard and closed his eyes. Truthfully, the thought of anyone being in control of him left him cold and anxious. He would rather choose death. Except, his friends had indicated they would choose to have him live, if it were possible. How could he choose death, knowing there was another option? Especially when that death would need to be orchestrated by the very friends who wanted him to live? That would be unfair and cruel of him to put them in such a position just because he didn't want to 'obey' another person. Especially when the one he'd be obeying was a friend who would only look to his best interests.

Peggy looked past Mordo, focusing on Stephen. She spoke in a low, regretful tone. "Given what you've already caused, there are only two options left for you now. Whatever choice you make, there'll be no turning back."

"It feels as if the choice is no choice at all..." Stephen said, in a regret filled voice. "I give up my autonomy... my freedom... or I force my friends, who have done nothing wrong, to kill me against their own wishes." He forced himself to look into Mordo's eyes again. "I feel I should ask what else is involved. For a spell to be powerful enough, there must be something you haven't mentioned yet. But... in the end, it doesn't matter. It is a choice of my pride, or your souls being wounded. I have hurt enough innocent. I'll submit to the spell... to you..." he said to Mordo, in a ragged voice.

"Forming the bond requires sex," Mordo said, eyes entirely focused on Stephen. "It would bind us closer together than any marriage could. And for the spell to be truly successful, it requires witnesses."

Stephen's eyes widened incredulously, and he glanced around, to see the reactions of the others, before refocusing on Mordo. "And you still want to... even though...?"

"I would not want to force you into anything, Stephen, no matter how I feel about you." Mordo's eyes were focused entirely on the other man as if, despite their friends surrounding them, they were the only two there. "I love you." He knew he needed to give Stephen all of the information, that he couldn't hold anything back. If they bonded, those emotions would be easy to experience through the bond anyway.

Peggy looked at Mordo and reached out, placing her hand on his arm. She remembered all too well how much losing the man she loved had hurt, but they'd at least had some time together. This was the first time Mordo had voiced his feelings out loud...and she could hear the pain in his voice.

"Well..." Stephen cleared his throat and blushed slightly. He'd never given thought to how Mordo felt about him beyond friendship, always gravitating toward Christine. Of course, he lost his chance with her years ago, so giving in to this bond wouldn't mess anything up. And if Mordo loved him, then at least he wasn't doomed to a lonely, loveless existence. Which was very selfish of him to worry about when he didn't know how to explain his feelings for Mordo. He chose to focus on the 'witness' part. "They all have to watch?" He winced as his voice came out slightly higher pitched than normal and nervous.

"With witnesses, the bond is strengthened," Mordo replied. "As the goal is to make sure nothing like an incursion ever happens again, is ever caused by you again, I believe the stronger the better."

Stephen swallowed hard again but nodded. "If they are okay with it..." He glanced toward the rest of the Illuminati uncertainly. It would be hard enough submitting, without knowing he was doing so in front of people averse to seeing it.

"I for one will feel much better about this if I witness it," Captain Marvel stated. "I need to know you are fully controlled, Stephen."

Stephen winced again, knowing what had led to them needing to see him under control. It wasn't a good feeling, remembering the incursion and all the lives he'd destroyed. It seemed like they were all in agreement with Marvel as well. "It appears there are no objections," he finally said to Mordo, in a subdued voice. "What should I do?"

"You need to submit," Mordo answered. He placed the book on the ground and walked forward. Kneeling in front of Stephen, he reached out and began to strip the other man of his clothes.

Stephen's quick intake of breath and his mouth opening, as if to protest, gave away the fact he was nervous, but he managed to refrain from saying anything. If he was meant to submit for the spell to work, arguing against being stripped bare wasn't going to meet requirements. He swallowed yet again, looking away from the group as Mordo put his body on display to everyone.

Once again, Mordo's entire focus was on Stephen as he stripped the other man of his clothes. He let his hands brush gently over bare skin as it was revealed, just touching, and lightly caressing, doing his best to put Stephen more at ease.

Stephen twitched slightly, quivering at the touches. He was too keyed up and nervous about what was going to occur... what his fate would be... to calm down. Still, he didn't pull away; and it was a slight relief to know Mordo cared about him and his comfort.

Mordo kept his attention on Stephen, making sure he could tell if a touch hurt or caused more discomfort than the situation they were in. Leaning forward, he brushed a gentle kiss against Stephen's lips, letting his hands rub gently down the other man's shoulders and upper arms.

Stephen turned wide, nervous eyes onto Mordo. He didn't return the kiss, but he didn't pull away from it either and he did relax, however slightly, in response.

"It's all right," Mordo murmured. "This is the only time this needs to happen. I'll make this as easy as possible on you."

Stephen gave a faint nod and forced himself to relax that slight bit more. "I know... I trust you," he whispered.

Mordo shifted, carefully lowering them to the ground. He used his own body to cover Stephen's nakedness as much as possible, moving the other man face down so that his member would be hidden from the others.

Stephen relaxed further still as he realized Mordo was protecting him as much as was feasible. He followed the other man's direction, laying on the ground, folding his arms under his head to keep his face off the dirt.

"I know it will be hard for you, but try to relax as much as possible," Mordo murmured. "This will be uncomfortable, but I will go as slow as is necessary." He conjured a small jar of lube and coated a finger in it, before gently pressing against Stephen's entrance.

Stephen tried to relax, he did, but he couldn't help clenching tight against the potential intrusion, his buttocks tightening and squeezing, his thighs pressing tight together. "I... I'm sorry... I'm trying..." Stephen's voice was strained from nerves.

"I know. It's okay." Mordo's voice was very gentle. "We don't need to rush any of this. Don't force yourself. I'm with you, my friend. I won't do any more than is necessary." He didn't push his finger inside, instead rubbing it in gentle circles over Stephen's entrance.

"You said the spell required sex." Stephen shivered at feeling Mordo rubbing the tight muscle. It didn't hurt and if he hadn't been so nervous, it might have felt good. He wanted this to be over with. He'd agreed, consented, needed to submit... but his body wasn't cooperating. Maybe if he forced it to... or at least got into a position that was more difficult to squeeze closed....

With that thought in mind, he drew his knees forward just enough to raise his bottom up by a few inches and separated his legs as far as it was comfortable to do. The end result, his buttocks couldn't clench tight. Even though his sphincter was still clenched, it was unprotected and vulnerable to Mordo’s rubbing. The new position also made room for Mordo to fit between his legs if he wished.

Despite Stephen moving, Mordo had no intention of rushing to the point of making it hurt or feel even more uncomfortable than necessary. He continued to rub for a few more moments before he began to gently push the finger inside.

Stephen managed to keep quiet as Mordo slowly began to breech him by breathing slow and deep. He'd read somewhere- he couldn't remember where or why, since he'd never once been interested in having a lover push anything into him like this...he was always the one inserting- but he'd read somewhere that if you pushed back slightly, it made it easier somehow. He had no clue if that was true or not, but he was uncomfortable enough and nervous enough to try it. He could only do that for so long before he had to stop pushing, but in the seconds between the change of pushing against Mordo's finger and instinctively tightening up, his body relaxed and the tip of Mordo's finger slipped in.

Stephen stopped breathing for a second, his nerves screaming at him. But... it didn't hurt. He couldn't honestly say it felt good. He was too nervous for that. But it didn't hurt. It was mildly uncomfortable, in a sort of pleasant way. Under other circumstances, he might have liked it. Of course, it was these circumstances; and it was impossible to like having your friend fingering your exposed ass while your other friends closely watched. Even if he'd consented... agreed... to this effort to save him, it didn't suddenly make him change from a private, reserved individual to an exhibitionist. It was slightly easier not to clench now that the fingertip was in, and he instead found himself only gently squeezing at random moments, due to the discomfort.

Despite his feelings for Stephen, Mordo wouldn't have chosen this. He'd been content to allow himself to love the other man from a distance, knowing that his love wouldn't be returned. He knew taking Stephen fully would be difficult, because to be truly honest, he knew that the other man was experiencing discomfort, even if he wasn't in outright pain. And even though Stephen had submitted, Mordo was under no illusions. The problem would be keeping enough of himself from slipping through the bond, so that he didn't overwhelm Stephen with his unrequited love.

As he coated a second finger in the lube and slipped that inside, Mordo moved Stephen's clothes closer. He draped them over as much of the other man's body as he could, further shielding what was possible of Stephen's nakedness.

Stephen was hit by a flood of affection for Mordo as the other man attempted to shield and protect him as much as possible. Mordo didn't owe him anything, was actually saving him from his own actions, so the fact the other man would go that extra step to try and make it easier for Stephen was appreciated. Because of this, even though it was twice as uncomfortable, bordering on stinging, Stephen forced himself to stay still and not squirm away from Mordo's fingers. He took several slow, deep breaths and forced himself to relax the tight muscle, enabling Mordo to push deeper.

Mordo carefully and slowly moved his fingers in circles inside Stephen, opening up the other man. He knew that Stephen wanted this over with, but also knew that, without proper preparation, the risk of tearing was great. He moved his other hand to Stephen's shoulder, squeezing it in what he hoped was a reassuring manner.

Stephen couldn't keep the slight moan in as Mordo worked to loosen him. He was impatient to get it over with, but he also knew rushing would cause more problems than it would solve, and he didn't want those types of problems. It was easier to be patient after Mordo covered him, though. The others might still be able to see what Mordo was doing to him and how he was doing it, but they couldn't see anything else and that helped.

And then Mordo hooked his fingers slightly, pressing towards Stephen’s stomach, and hit that spot. Had Stephen been aroused, it likely would have been all over. Even though he wasn't aroused, it still felt fantastic. His member twitched in recognition of the pleasurable feeling Mordo rubbing there caused. It still wasn't comfortable, a feeling of being too full and stinging stretch being the overall sensation, but it felt good now. Stephen doubted he'd become aroused enough to climax from their joining, but it wouldn't be a miserable experience and maybe later, Mordo would take him in private and the nerves and anxiety of having public sex wouldn't prevent him from getting aroused.

Mordo noticed Stephen's reaction...noticed everything because he was that hyper-focused on the other man. So, he could see when there was the feeling of pleasure. While fairly certain that Stephen wouldn't become aroused or climax, Mordo continued pushing against that one particular spot, even as he continued working to widen Stephen in preparation for being taken fully.

Mordo's attention to that pleasure spot enabled Stephen to relax further. He still wasn't aroused, but he was loose enough Mordo could easily move his two fingers without resistance. Stephen was pretty sure he could fit another finger if he needed; possibly two, if he wanted to make sure Stephen was very loose.

Eventually, Mordo felt that he could push in a third finger and that Stephen could take it without being caused further discomfort. He coated the third finger in the lube and pushed that slowly inside, beginning to rub the three fingers in circles, still making sure to pay attention to the spot that at least gave Stephen some pleasure.

Stephen groaned softly again, slumping forward so his face was buried against his arms. His bottom was still higher than the rest of him, but now it was even more easily accessible to Mordo and more easily seen by the witnesses. He could hear more than a few throats clearing and knew they were getting a rather lurid show of Mordo pushing his fingers into him. He couldn't stop himself from squeezing around the penetrating digits, or from pushing back slightly, greedily seeking more of the pleasure, since it eased the discomfort.

Responding to Stephen's actions, Mordo continued pushing against that spot as he carried on widening the other man, making sure that Stephen was loose enough. Eventually, he knew he had to take that step...even though he wasn't really aroused; knew that Stephen didn't really want this. But it was a choice between that discomfort and losing the other man...and the latter wasn't really a choice at all.

Carefully removing his fingers, Mordo began to remove his own lower garments. He used the lube on his member, taking some moments to get it to the state it needed to be in. Then, he began to push slowly inside Stephen.

Stephen tried to remain relaxed as Mordo prepared himself, but it wasn't easy. He knew what was going to occur and even though he'd consented and agreed, he truly wasn't mentally ready. Both of them were about to step into an unknown future where Mordo had complete control over Stephen. The only thing Stephen would control would be if he trusted Mordo. It was scary and, despite his efforts, he was clenching tight again when Mordo pushed in; not tightly enough to keep Mordo out, but tightly enough that it would make a great deal of friction. It would most likely feel good to Mordo. Stephen would likely be sore after, even if he wasn't hurt in any way.

Mordo didn't force his way in. Even if the friction did feel good, did cause his member to fill and swell, he knew that it was there because Stephen was clenching and tensing up. So Mordo took his time, gently squeezing Stephen's shoulder in silent reassurance.

Stephen swallowed hard, embarrassed, and ashamed that his nerves had got the best of him. "I appreciate your consideration, but I don't deserve it. You won't harm me if you just... go..." he whispered hesitantly. He didn't know that he'd ever fully relax and if Mordo kept moving slow in deference to his fears, the other man would be in him forever. Maybe if Mordo just took quickly, forcefully and came, the spell would bind him and their whole reason for doing this would lock into place. And if Mordo found that spot in Stephen and rubbed it with his cock, it could at least feel a little good too.

"I know that this is uncomfortable for you, even if it's not outright painful," Mordo said quietly. "If I go faster, you will be sore and likely chafed inside. At the very least, you will need to be checked over afterwards." There was a pained note in his own voice. He didn't want to cause Stephen pain.

"Be honest... you'd be doing that anyway..." Stephen's voice was wry. If he was certain of anything, he was certain that Mordo would want to make sure he hadn't done harm while doing what was necessary. "I don't think we can avoid my being chafed or sore... but we can keep you from becoming that way if we don't go for too long. And the sooner the bond is in place, the sooner I can stop being afraid that I'll lose my mind and destroy everyone and everything I care about...." he finished, in a slightly haunted tone.

Nodding in understanding, Mordo gently grasped Stephen's hips. "If it gets to be too much, tell me," he directed softly. "I don't wish to harm you." He pushed more forcefully, seeking out that spot inside Stephen with his member.

"Yessir..." Stephen grunted as Mordo began to move more forcefully. It still didn't hurt, but he could feel a slight chafing begin from the friction. It wasn't enough for him to say anything, though. Mordo was long and thick, and Stephen felt stuffed full. And then Mordo did find that sweet spot and all Stephen could do was clench tight around his master’s cock and whimper out, "There...."

In response, Mordo grasped Stephen's hips tighter and more firmly and began to push against that spot, even as his member continued to swell and grow, becoming firmer and harder.

Stephen's fingers clenched and unclenched as Mordo's thrusts pushed his face into his arms. The discomfort was easing as the pleasure from having Mordo pound against his prostate grew. He still wasn't aroused, or at least not in the normal way. He could feel something in him getting tighter, hotter, achy in a way he'd never ached before, but the feelings were centered in his chest and belly, not his reproductive organs. He couldn't talk. All he could do was expel soft grunts and groans aa Mordo grew inside of him, stretching him further than even fingers had.

Reed Richards had resolutely stood by and watched Mordo begin the spell that would allow them to let Stephen live. He took no pleasure in watching; it was a bit discomfiting, seeing Mordo slide his finger into Stephen. It didn't get any easier as he saw the visible evidence of Stephen loosening up for the man who would be his Master. He did feel slightly better when it became obvious that Mordo had found and was stimulating Stephen's prostate, but it was a disappointment that it didn't bring arousal for the sorcerer. He didn't know whether to be worried or thankful when Mordo pushed into the other man. Watching Mordo's member slowly disappearing into Stephen's body was surreal. If it had been something both wanted completely- and wanted him watching- he might have been turned on. As he knew neither of them had planned or wanted this and he was only watching out of necessity, it was just more discomfort. And then Stephen said 'there' and Mordo was moving hard and fast and... was... Reed's eyes widened as a soft glow began at the point of joining and slowly spread over both men's bodies until they were encompassed by the warm light. "You see this?" he whispered to the other witnesses.

Black Bolt's eyes were focused on the two sorcerers, watching them join physically. As the one who would have killed Stephen should it be necessary, he was relieved that he didn't have to. That it wasn't necessary. He merely nodded in response to Reed's question, acknowledging and answering the question.

"At least we know that something's happening," Captain Marvel murmured. "If this spell does its job, it'll be worth watching this uncomfortable scene play out."

Charles had a laser eyed focus on the duo, but it was centered more on Stephen's chest than where Mordo was pistoning inside him. "It's working," he said, without any further explanation.

Stephen could feel Mordo pounding against that spot inside him, over and over again. It felt good at first, but the longer it went on, the pleasure turned to pain, but not a pain he could complain about. He couldn't complain about anything. He wasn't sure what was happening exactly, but he knew something was, because his heart and belly were a hot, aching mass of emotion. The guilt from every wrong decision and action he'd ever taken in his entire life was suddenly bombarding him, pressing down on his soul. As painful as it was to be taken by Mordo in this moment, that pain was the only thing enabling him to keep holding on and not give up to the guilt. Tears began to stream down his face, as he silently cried out his anguished guilt.

As Mordo's member swelled to the point of release, as he let go inside of Stephen, the bond opened like floodgates. Mordo could feel the guilt, the anguish, the emotional pain coming through. And he responded. He opened himself up through the bond, sharing himself fully with Stephen. He let his love, powerful and intense, flow through to Stephen. Along with the flow of love was forgiveness; forgiveness for every wrong Stephen had ever committed, whether it had been against Mordo or not. Mordo's love was completely unconditional and even though he'd initially thought he should hold back...he couldn't. Not faced with the pain of the man he loved.

As Mordo released inside of him, the tight, aching heat that had been pooling in Stephen's chest and belly exploded outward. Mordo's release was a balm to Stephen's sore, chafed channel. Stephen instinctively relaxed, submitting completely; physically, mentally, and emotionally as he felt the unconditional love, forgiveness, and acceptance of his Master. As Stephen's last shred of resistance seeped out of him and he placed his life completely in Mordo's hands, the magic locked into place. Stephen could feel the magic, but he couldn't access it. He could feel that he needed Mordo's permission. He lay pliant and meek under the other man, reluctant to do anything without Mordo's say so. It was a bit frightening, feeling the extent to which Mordo could control him now. He trusted the other man, though; the fright was more because he didn't know how to not be in control of himself. He waited for Mordo to give his first order.

Mordo expelled his breath out slowly as he felt the magic locked in place. He hadn't touched the book, hadn't looked at it, so there was no chance of him being corrupted by the dark magic. He gently squeezed Stephen's shoulder, as he carefully pulled out of the other man and announced quietly, "It's done."

"You're absolutely certain?" Peggy asked. "We need to be sure."

"I'm sure," Mordo replied quietly. "The only access to the magic is through me. And since I have never touched or even looked at the book, that power is unattainable now to both of us."

"In that case, we should destroy the book," Captain Marvel said. "So that no one could be tempted by it again."

Mordo winced at that. "Destroying the book requires the person doing so to sacrifice their own life. It's not something I could ask of someone. But there are ways to make it much harder to gain access to. Spells that can be cast around it to keep people away."

Stephen swallowed hard. Part of him wanted to argue against keeping the book away. There was so much power and potential. He didn't say anything. He hadn't been given permission. Mordo could likely feel his reluctance to get rid of the book, though.

Just as Stephen kept quiet, he also didn't move. He hadn't been given permission. Not that he wanted to move yet. He was sore, he knew his entrance was likely red and swollen; and it was still on display, because he hadn't been given permission to move, so he stayed exactly as he was where Mordo had pulled out of him. Mordo's release was running out of him slowly. In short, he very visibly belonged to the other man; he could feel the others' eyes on him.

Mordo could feel the reluctance radiating from Stephen. He shifted to pull the clothing over the other man, to make sure that as much of Stephen's modesty was preserved as possible. The danger in the book far outweighs its usefulness. He spoke the words through the bond to Stephen. If I hadn't been guided to another way, our world would have lost you. I would have lost you. He focused on the others and asked, quietly, "Are you satisfied with this outcome? If so, I will take us both somewhere private."

Peggy nodded. "Charles felt it working. I saw the effects. I trust you are in control." She looked towards Stephen and said, quietly, "I'm glad that today didn't end with you having to lose your life."

"Stephen." Mordo spoke softly. "Unless I tell you otherwise, you may speak and move how you wish."

Stephen felt immediately when Mordo's words took effect. He was able to slowly get up, making certain the clothing stayed wrapped around him exactly as Mordo had placed it. He slowly turned to face the others, the tears on his face obvious. "Thank you," he whispered to Mordo.

Mordo nodded, reaching out and placing his hand on Stephen's shoulder, squeezing gently. I don't want to take anything more from you than is truly necessary.

Stephen nodded slowly, his eyes glancing up into Mordo's face before briefly scanning over the others. He then looked at the ground, waiting for further direction. His body flushed in shame. He could feel the binding, a solid if invisible rope wrapped around his body and soul. Worse, he could feel his guilt. Before, he'd been able to ignore it, justify himself, because he'd felt he had good reasons for his actions. Now? His reasons didn't matter. If they had, Mordo and the others wouldn't have been left with a choice of binding him or killing him. Mordo had forgiven him, though. It was the only thing enabling him to stand, when all he wanted was to crawl into a tiny hole and hide for the rest of his life.

Charles was watching both closely. "You can feel it, can't you?" he asked Mordo. "Take him home. Do not let him out of your sight. Let the bond settle and learn how to navigate it in a safe but fair manner. And help him deal with the conscience he is no longer able to ignore. Else we may be faced with his death anyway. He may not be able to do anything without you allowing it, so I do not fear he would actively attempt to end his life, but 'dying from a broken heart' isn't a phrase for no reason."

Mordo nodded again, acknowledging Charles' words. "Please don't disturb us unless there is an emergency," he requested, before reaching out and taking Stephen's arm. Waiting just long enough for their friends to acknowledge his words, he opened a portal to his own private room and stepped through, guiding Stephen with him, allowing the portal to close behind them.

Stephen followed quietly, a hollow version of himself. When he'd consented, it was because he had felt it wrong and cruel to force his friends to kill him, even if losing his own freedom was the price of living. Now? He realized losing his freedom was the least of his problems. He was worthless and every good thing he had done was an accident of good luck and stubbornness. It certainly wasn't ability or that he was good. He'd been deluding himself that he was good. His pride had been wholly misplaced and now, he had no pride left. He was nothing. A big nothing that Mordo was saddled with taking care of and containing, lest he do worse than already done. He felt himself breaking inside at realizing even his attempt to not burden his friends was a failure, because he was a burden to Mordo now. I'm sorry... He began to cry again, this time not attempting to hide it; the bond wouldn't let him hide it.

Immediately, Mordo turned to Stephen and wrapped his arms around the other man in a tight embrace. "I won't deny that you've made mistakes and done things you shouldn't have," he said quietly. "But this spell will prevent you from taking actions that could harm others. You've done good things as well, Stephen, not only actions that have hurt others." He held Stephen for a few more moments and then began leading him over to the bed, conjuring a jar of ointment.

"It is hard to believe that... my mistakes were so great..." Stephen said, choking on tears. He followed Mordo listlessly, but not fighting the direction; even if the bond would let him fight it, he didn't have the emotional strength to do so.

Taking a seat on the bed, Mordo drew Stephen closer to him and gently settled the other man over his lap. He moved Stephen's clothing enough to allow him to check for any tearing inside and then proceeded to treat the chafing and soreness with the ointment. "I will punish you for the actions you took, in a way that won't cause you any permanent or even lasting harm."

Stephen didn't see how more punishment could possibly help, but he was too distressed at the overwhelming guilt to argue. He lay listlessly over Mordo's lap, moving whichever way his Master moved him while treating him. Some small part of him was ashamed of needing to receive such intimate treatment. It felt like another failure on his part, even if he couldn't have done anything different.

The bond was wide open, though and he could feel Mordo's care and concern for him. The bond itself was changing him inside as well, making him less resistant, even need, to be vulnerable. The combination of needing to be vulnerable and the feelings of caring concern while Mordo intimately touched and treated his soreness caused a warm need in his belly. He felt like he could stay in this position for a long time, Mordo just gently touching and rubbing ointment into him, and he would be at peace. The gentle, almost possessive control helped a lot; even though he felt terrible guilt, he could at least feel Mordo would never let him do what he'd done again. Not if he was controlling everything about Stephen.

And on a deeper level that Stephen couldn't recognize or understand, let alone acknowledge, he needed Mordo to continue because he loved the other man and knew what had occurred had been distressing for Mordo as well. If Mordo taking care of him helped Mordo, then Stephen was more than willing to hold still for as long as he could for Mordo to take care of him. (And even deeper than that, he was aroused by the gentle care. If Mordo continued, eventually, Stephen would become aroused enough to recognize it for what it was.)

Stephen wasn't sure if he was meant to respond to Mordo's words, but still whispered, "Yes, Master...."

Mordo didn't rush through the treatment, wanting to be absolutely certain that he took care of the lingering soreness and chafing. As much as he tried not to let his sense of guilt come through, traces of it still seeped out. He'd never wanted to do something that would harm Stephen and even though he'd been as gentle as possible, it was hard not to feel bad that there was soreness. That there was chafing.

As he continued treating Stephen, Mordo murmured, "You are still important to all of us, Stephen. I understand it feels impossible not to let the guilt overpower you, but you can be safe in the knowledge that it won't be possible to repeat those actions you took. We might not be able to destroy the book outright, but I will bind it with enough spells to ensure that someone else making use of it will be nearly impossible. No other universe will suffer."

Stephen sniffled and slowly reached down to wrap his arms around Mordo's leg, hugging tightly; both to comfort himself, but also because he could feel Mordo's guilt. Somehow, feeling his master’s guilt at causing him pain, even though it was necessary, drew his attention off his own guiltiness. He wanted to erase the guilt his Master felt and the only way he could do that was pushing his own feelings about their current situation forward. So, he dropped any efforts at hiding (not that he could hide) and pushed the most important thoughts and feelings forward: his gratitude that his friends still loved him and wanted to save him, no matter the cost to themselves; his belief that Mordo had only gone as far as necessary to cement the bond and hadn't taken advantage; and his acceptance that his life belonged to Mordo now and he was okay with that. Mixed in with all of that was an underlying need for Mordo to continue touching and claiming, both physically and emotionally, in numerous ways. The bond needed for the physical, mental, and emotional to align and was urging every avenue possible to achieve that.

Mordo's own feelings of gratitude, of care and love for Stephen, came clearly through the bond. Even as he continued carefully treating the chafing and soreness inside Stephen, he responded to the need for being touched and claimed. He allowed his other hand to come to rest on Stephen's lower back, rubbing in gentle, soothing circles.

Stephen found himself relaxing as Mordo gently rubbed his lower back while continuing to rub ointment inside. "Feels good, Master..." he finally whispered, though Mordo could have felt the satisfaction through the bond. Stephen was slowly, each moment his Master gently claimed, being bound tighter and tighter.

"Good," Mordo murmured encouragingly. "I don't only want to know if something hurts or is uncomfortable. If something feels good and you want more of it, I want you to feel able to ask. And if you can't say the words, you can use the bond."

"Can practice... will take getting used to you having access to all of me..." Stephen said in a whisper, before focusing on how he was feeling and trying to make that the first thing Mordo would feel when 'looking' at him through the bond. A feeling of emotional warmth flooded the bond; a mixture of feeling loved and cared about, along with a vague embarrassment that he was enjoying having Mordo continue to rub inside him. It was obvious the rubbing made him feel keenly that his body was not his own any longer and that it belonged to Mordo. It was just as obvious he liked being owned and thought he shouldn't. Although he didn't have a choice in being owned, so liking it was preferable to hating it and being miserable. The hints of arousal were getting a little stronger, though he wasn't aroused enough that he'd noticed it. Overall, he was calming down, and beginning to feel his lot in life wasn't going to be horrible, even if horrible was what he deserved.

"If something feels good to you, that's not a problem," Mordo said softly. "I might be in control, but that doesn't mean I want you to be a slave. It would have been easy enough to turn you into a puppet, but that wouldn't be you. And it's you I love, Stephen. Even when you're an arrogant ass who thinks he knows better than everyone else around him," he added, traces of amusement coming through the bond.

Stephen let out a surprised snort, his own faintly sad amusement spiking. "I am lucky then, that you could love my arrogant ass, since my arrogance led to you needing to step in." He sniffled and swallowed, squeezing his arms around Mordo's leg, and sighed softly. He was completely relaxed now and had Mordo wished, he could easily take him again with no resistance this time. The fact Mordo obviously had no intention of doing so was not lost on Stephen, though he had felt enough though the bond to know Mordo would gladly take him any time he wanted it. He blinked as he realized he likely would want it at some point. That wasn't the most important realization, though. "I know you don't want me as a slave... only want to control what is absolutely necessary. I... I appreciate that. It helps me feel safe and like I didn't make a mistake." He paused, not sure how to word his next feelings.

Finally giving up on words, he just pushed the feeling he needed to express forward, for Mordo to sense. The feeling that until he'd grown accustomed to obeying Mordo and to sharing every part of himself and not hiding, he needed to be Mordo's 'slave'. He needed Mordo in complete control until he'd learned to ask before acting. He needed Mordo in complete control until his first response wasn't 'my opinion is the only right opinion' and he could listen to other opinions and make an informed choice. And the feeling that maybe, losing his freedom completely for a while might help him deal with the guilt, because he felt like he was getting off easy. 

And under all those feelings was an understanding that the bond expected Mordo in complete control until things were settled.

It took a few moments for Mordo to respond to the thoughts and feelings coming from Stephen. It was true that he didn't want Stephen as a slave...but he understood the other man's feelings. He understood why Stephen felt the need for this. So, he spoke in a quiet voice, acknowledging the other man's needs and making it clear he'd give Stephen what he needed. "Apart from normal bodily functions and speaking, you will need to ask my permission before you do anything. That includes working. It includes meeting up with any friends, or colleagues, or going out anywhere."

Stephen felt the moment when the magic took Mordo's words and tied him more completely into Mordo's hands. The feeling of relief and acceptance poured back through the bond, and he gave Mordo a teary, grateful smile over his shoulder. "Yessir..." he whispered, in a contented voice. Knowing Mordo would listen to his needs was building his faith and belief that he hadn't made a mistake. The fact he could mentally and almost physically feel the restrictions his master had placed on him gave him confidence that Mordo could keep him from destroying worlds. And under it all was a sense of belonging that Stephen desperately needed. He needed to belong to Mordo. He could feel his master’s finger, still gently massaging ointment in, still gently rubbing his lower back. You are so good to me... he thought, a small spark of arousal becoming prominent enough that he noticed it this time.

"You do belong to me." Mordo's voice was soft, but no less intense because of the emotion that filled it. "I've taken on this responsibility for you because I want to. You haven't forced me into this. I would do anything to save you, even from yourself. And I will do everything within my power to take care of you and keep you safe and happy," he promised, continuing the gentle rubbing inside; continuing to rub Stephen's back in slow circles.

"Maybe... if I wasn't so pigheaded and blind... I would have seen how you felt, and you could have stopped me..." he said softly, voice filled with regret. "I'm just grateful you have me now... that you still wanted me despite everything..." He bit his lip. "What do you get out of this, Master? Besides a heavy responsibility?" He began trying to think of ways he could repay Mordo for his care.

"I get to take care of you," Mordo replied honestly. "You are important and valuable to me, Stephen. I knew I would never trust someone else to look after your comfort and wellbeing instead of me."

"And that's all you want or need?" Stephen had a hard time reconciling that idea with some of the feelings he'd sensed from Mordo. He let out a tiny gasp of pleasure as Mordo's finger found the tiny bundle of nerves inside him. It was tender from their joining and very sensitive, but it still felt good when Mordo stroked over it. He might have squirmed, but he hadn't asked permission to squirm, and squirming wasn't a bodily function. As a result, the rubbing quickly resulted in full arousal.

I love you, Stephen. Mordo slipped into the silent speech, so the other man would feel the truth in his words. But I'd never want to force you into anything or take you against your will. While it was necessary for the spell to be cast, I know you didn't enjoy it, even if it didn't outright hurt you.

I didn't enjoy it... but it was because I was scared and guilty and didn't know what would happen. And because I'd never considered being bottom in a relationship. It was so much to.... process... Stephen admitted, trying to be clear and honest with himself as much as Mordo. Even with all that, you still found a way to make it not hurt... to feel good. If I hadn't been afraid, I think I would have been aroused... like now. Stephen flushed. He was fully hard by this point, Mordo still gently fingering his prostate.

How do you feel about being aroused? Mordo's 'voice' was very gentle, wanting to make sure that this wasn't worrying or scaring Stephen. After all, being aroused didn't necessarily mean that a person wanted what was occurring.

Stephen breathed in slowly and thought about the question. "It doesn't bother me," he finally answered quietly. "I know I belong to you. Even before you, I didn't have a lot of partners... my attitude always drove them off. I'm too aware of the dark side of prostitution to pay for company and too aware of the potential dangers of one-night stands for casual sex...." He paused before continuing, "...All that to say that, while I was scared before, for numerous reasons, I wasn't scared of you, and I wasn't scared of being aroused by you. And if you want to arouse me at any time now that I belong to you, I think I'd like it... and if you fucked me too, that'd be good, cuz it feels like it would settle or soothe something in me... being claimed by you like that." He flushed darkly.

"Thank you for being honest with me, Stephen," Mordo said softly. Responding to the words and the obvious arousal, he continued to gently press against Stephen's prostrate. After all, the other man hadn't been aroused during their public sex. Right now, all Mordo wanted was to bring pleasure to the man he loved.

Stephen swallowed, quivered slightly at the gentle pressure inside. Mordo had been rubbing ointment in for quite a while by this point, so he was very sensitive inside. It didn't hurt, though. It was soothing and was settling the bond. His member twitched as he continued to rouse very slowly as if his body wanted to prolong what Mordo was doing for as long as possible.

Stephen never would have thought he'd be someone who would appreciate or enjoy having a lover insert anything into him like this, especially their fingers, as that would require a level of trust and submission he'd never been able to give before. Now that he had to submit, he'd made a choice to not fight anything Mordo chose, no matter if the choice was for him or to him. The magic was rewarding his obedience and submission. Not only was he discovering he liked Mordo having complete control over his body and what was done to it, each time he left himself vulnerable for Mordo to touch and control, a warmth pulsed inside of him. It was impossible to describe: not exactly arousal (even though he was very slowly becoming aroused), but more than just contentment and acceptance of his lot in life. It was a warmth that felt so very good, he didn't want it to end, ever, and he hoped he could stay in this position, submitting and accepting Mordo's possessive, claiming ownership as long as possible. He knew it had happened rather quickly, his acceptance of being completely owned and dominated, but he also knew how scared and completely broken he'd been when Mordo stepped in and bound him. He'd given up and accepted, even welcomed, death. So, accepting his place as Mordo's possession was easy.

All those vague thoughts and feelings coursed through the wide-open bond to his Master. While Stephen didn't recognize it yet, those feelings of warmth, contentment, need and acceptance of his role as Mordo's led the Master to a deeper feeling that Stephen had never acknowledged; that he loved Mordo. That love was easing the way for him to submit fully and like it. To want it. To enjoy it.

"Good," Mordo murmured, in response to Stephen's complete submission and acceptance. "You're being so very good for me." Through the bond, he let the feelings of pride come through; the acknowledgement that Stephen was doing everything right and that Mordo was proud of him and happy with him.

Stephen was overwhelmed by emotion at feeling Mordo's pride in him. The warmth grew in him, and tears slid down his cheeks as he realized he wanted to do more to earn his master’s approval and pride. He didn't know what he could do, though; he was already fully submitting and accepting what Mordo was choosing to do. He found himself hoping that Mordo pushed his boundaries; asked new and more difficult things of him so that he could obey, even if it was very difficult. Just so he could prove himself and earn more of Mordo's pride.

Able to feel the emotions coming from Stephen, Mordo gently slid his hand down from Stephen's back to rest on one of his thighs. Part your legs for me, he directed. It would give him access to Stephen's member.

Sniffling softly, Stephen quickly but carefully obeyed, opening his legs. Now Mordo not only had his finger inside claiming, but Stephen's entire member and the surrounding tender areas normally hidden were completely exposed and vulnerable to whatever Mordo chose to do.

Mordo gently stroked his fingers along Stephen's inner thighs, squeezing lightly, before allowing his fingers to graze lightly, almost teasingly, over the other man's member. Once more, that sense of pride and happiness came clearly through the bond.

Stephen's body shivered in response to the gentle strokes, his shaft twitching and his balls tightening slightly, a natural reaction to vulnerability. He let out a tiny moan and the bond was flooded by a sense of pleasure from the moment Mordo touched his inner thighs, through Mordo brushing fingertips over his perineum, to Mordo's ghosting touch over his member. The touch was arousing, but it was clear what truly aroused Stephen was being completely at his master’s mercy.

Even as he continued claiming inside Stephen, Mordo let his other hand gently squeeze, stroke, rub, even lightly pat Stephen, working over every sensitive bit of skin that was normally hidden, from the inner thighs to his balls, to his member, and back again.

Stephen groaned at his master’s actions, those areas quickly becoming warm and sensitive like his insides. The warmth grew, a sense of being completely owned filling him, which circled back to the warmth growing even hotter. He was completely pliant, loose, able, and ready to take whatever Mordo dished out. Wanting and needing to take it. Along with the contentment, acceptance, and aroused need; along with the hidden love that was thrumming under the surface, not yet recognized by Stephen, but there nonetheless; along with all the overwhelming emotion and warmth, a sense of utter devotion rose to the top. Stephen truly wanted to be good and cooperative and obedient for Mordo.

Mordo didn't hold back on his emotions flowing through the bond, letting Stephen feel that Mordo was proud of him. Letting Stephen feel that he was loved, wanted, cared about. He let his fingers gently grasp Stephen's member, thumb lightly stroking over the tip.

Stephen hadn't been fully hard, though his arousal was growing. Mordo grasping him quickly changed the situation. His member filled and hardened in his master’s hand, pre-cum pearling at the tip and smearing as Mordo rubbed over it. Stephen felt almost feverish, the warmth of the bond amplifying his feelings and turning the roiling mass of emotion into physical heat. He began to ache pleasantly every place that Mordo claimed, inside and out. He began to feel a strange emptiness inside; not a bad emptiness, but one that he instinctively knew only his Master could take care of. He whimpered softly, sharing that need through the bond.

Do you need me inside of you, Stephen? Mordo asked, through the bond. Not just my fingers? He continued to stroke and gently squeeze Stephen's member, feeling it swell and grow in his hand. There was a sense of satisfaction, of happiness, that he was drawing this reaction from the other man.

Stephen thought about it seriously, the warmth and fevered heat increasing further. I do, Master... he finally acknowledged, though he was certain Mordo already knew the answer just by sensing his feelings. But I don't want it to end... He flushed darkly. His worry that if he released for his master, Mordo would decide it was time to stop filling him and rubbing him carried clearly. It felt so good having any part of his master inside claiming, but not just because of physical pleasure. Having Mordo put his fingers in him and claim however, whenever he wanted was the most owned Stephen had ever felt and... he didn't want the feeling of being owned to stop.

Even if it has to end for a while because it's not healthy to continue for a truly long time, that doesn't mean we can't resume again later, Mordo said gently. And I would still own you, even if I'm not claiming you inside. If all I did was hold you in my arms and cuddle, I'd still be owning you. And you'd still be submitting to my will.

Stephen felt an almost sappy, gooey feeling of adoration and need flood him at those words. That Mordo would want to show his ownership by cuddling him was... it was too sweet and perfect and undeserved. And it was something he'd submit to completely.

I love you. Mordo sent the emotion along with the words through the bond. Being able to hold you, just to cuddle you, feels good to me, he said honestly. Once I have taken you fully, we can relax in each other's arms. There are no other responsibilities or demands on us right now.

"Please, Master?" Stephen begged. The bond liked him begging. Liked him asking his Master for what he needed. Liked him relying on Mordo for his needs.

"Please what?" Mordo asked, driven by the bond between them to ask. He also needed to hear Stephen give voice to his needs. Needed to know he was doing right by the other man.

"Please take me? I was too scared and ashamed and nervous before... I... I'd like to experience it when I can fully focus on you making me yours...." Stephen whispered, almost bashfully.

"Thank you," Mordo murmured, carefully withdrawing his finger. He moved Stephen to carefully lay him face down on the bed and then coated his member in the lube. Gently grasping Stephen's hips, he slowly pushed inside.

Stephen gripped the comforter of the bed and lay exactly as Mordo placed him, with his legs splayed open, his back arched just enough to push his bottom up so that Mordo could easily fit between his thighs and push in. He groaned in satisfaction as his Master speared him, his long thick shaft stretching him open further than his finger ever could. Thank you, Master... he babbled through the bond, the sensation of 'full... so unbelievably full' bouncing around feelings of belonging and desire.

As he began to thrust gently inside Stephen, Mordo leaned forward and gently kissed the back of Stephen's neck. He opened himself up through the bond, allowing Stephen to feel that Mordo owned him.

Stephen let out a tiny sigh, almost a purr, at the feeling of Mordo's ownership. He'd never in a million years wanted someone else to have this level of control over him. Even when agreeing to the bond, it was more due to guilt and not wanting to hurt his friends further than a desire to be owned. The bond had formed the connection between Master and slave (though it wasn't quite slave, since Mordo loved him). Now that the bond was formed, Stephen realized he needed so much to belong. He needed Mordo's ownership and every possible form that ownership could take.

I have you. Mordo sent the words through the bond, as he continued to kiss Stephen's neck and thrust inside him. You belong to me, he promised.

Stephen shivered at the gentle affection. The fact that Mordo's thrusting was also gentle wasn't lost on him. He could focus on how full he felt, at how he was so tight around his master that the friction of the thrusts could be felt with every slide inward and outward. He could focus on how deep Mordo's member reached inside him, brushing over and pushing against his prostate without end.

"I'm yours, Master..." he breathed out, in acceptance and relieved need. His body flushed, heated slowly in time with the gentle thrusts, his own member bobbing and swaying from the thrusts, hanging between his legs, hard and weeping. His entire body felt consumed and owned and was 'rousing for the moment his Master ordered him to let go.

Unlike the previous time, Mordo's own member grew and swelled inside Stephen much faster. This time, he knew that the other man was okay with this; was actually aroused by Mordo taking him. Mordo didn't have to feel guilty for being inside Stephen and now, he could focus fully on the bond...on how it felt to take Stephen. Eventually, he gave the order. Let go. We'll release together.

Immediately, Stephen's body stiffened and clenched tight around Mordo and then he was shaking apart, his seed spurting and spilling from him, soaking the bed. He let out a tiny sob of relief, quietly crying through his release, all emotion and desire and need unable to be contained.

Mordo's own release came over him at the same time and he gently gripped Stephen's hips as he let go inside the other man. Mine. That one word came clearly through the bond.

Stephen whimpered as he felt Mordo flood him inside, coating every part of him possible with his seed... marking him. Yours, Master. His breathing was ragged and his body hot and flushed and if possible, he felt even more owned, the bond using their joining to tie him more tightly to the other man. Forever. He sent a wave of affection through the bond, his underlying but unrecognized love pulsing through as well. Stephen was a chaotic soup of emotions, needs and thoughts, so it would take a while to unravel them all and put a name to them so he could understand himself. But Mordo could also feel and know what was going on in his submissive and it was possible he could understand what Stephen could not.

In response, in recognition of the underlying emotion he could sense, Mordo sent his own feelings of love and care back to Stephen. He did pull out of Stephen and cleaned them both up. Then, as he'd promised, he wrapped his arms around the other man, cuddling him close and tight.

Stephen felt himself pulled close and was surprised when he couldn't do anything but move where Mordo directed him. The bond had taken his master’s directions and forced him to follow them precisely. He wasn't making any choice in movement that didn't involve bodily function. He whined softly. "May I cuddle back, Master?" he whispered hopefully.

"Of course," Mordo murmured. "You are free to cuddle and seek out any kind of affection whenever and wherever you need it or want it."

Stephen smiled brightly as the bond released enough for him to obey the newest directive. He quickly wrapped his arms around Mordo tightly and pressed his head onto the other man's shoulder, nuzzling in contentment.

Mordo brushed a kiss against the top of Stephen's head and held onto the other man more tightly, gently rubbing his hand over Stephen's hair and back.

For the first time in a long while, Stephen felt at ease. The bond thrummed solidly, warming, and relaxing him. "Thank you," he whispered to Mordo. "Thank you for wanting to save me... for saving me...."

"I would do anything within my power to save you," Mordo whispered. "You are so important to me." He tightened his embrace around Stephen, content to cuddle and just be with the other man right now. They might need to deal with Stephen's guilty feelings later...but for right now, Mordo was content to just show his submissive affection.

The End