SJ’s POV It’s been a couple of weeks since the boys and I jumped ship and landed on Zenari. Gambi and Atlas have both been a massive help; as much as I hate to admit it. I don’t trust them fully, however, the boys are completely trusting of Atlas. They have been since we involuntarily moved in with him. They’re happy, that’s all that truly matters to me. There have been some issues here and there upon living in Zenari, such as me sharing a bed with the mink. Okay, it’s not actually a problem. He just- snores. Now, usually, I’m fine with mobians, especially guys, snoring, but, we’re not on Mobius. What would you even address people as on Zenari? Zenarians? Zeranese? I don’t think I’ll ever get that answer, nor figure it out myself. I just stay awake, listening to his snores, watching his heavily scarred body rise and fall within every breath. Every time I watched him sleep, he looked so peaceful. It’s almost hypnotic, especially because it eventually gets me to sleep as well. Can I confirm or deny that he’s attractive? I mean, I think so, personally, he is physically attractive in my eyes. I’m not sure if his personality though, since I don’t trust him enough to strike up a genuine conversation with him. He has been picking me up and dropping me off at my escape, the dance center. Lately, pole dancing has been my escape from reality, my paradise, the only place that I can truly be myself in, and keeping me sane in this bizarre world I’m calling home. A part of me wishes that the mink could watch me throw myself at the steel pole, dancing away. I know he cares about my safety, he just doesn’t dare to admit it. I sat up on the kitchen counter, watching my sons play on the rug before me. Their laughter and chatter drowned out the noise from the TV. Scampering around the floor, I hear them move around, faintly hearing their own sound effects as they play. They’re good kids, I don’t have to tell them much, but at times like this, in our situation; I just remind them to be careful and to clean up their mess. Despite knowing there isn’t much to clean up, they know what they want, they just get side-tracked with what the other is playing with. I’ve raised them to not be destructive but to be creative, I think that’s what most parents want, I don’t know, I refuse to talk to other parents. Atlas left for what I assume is work a few hours ago, not much was said between us. Just a “food in the kitchen, toys in a box” from him and an “okay, thanks” from me. Speaking of that albino mink, he has been fairly generous in buying toys and clothes for the boys whenever he can. Both of us know that things that were once cherished by them can never be truly replaced, that their joy is temporary. But, the sentiment is there, and it is appreciated. My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a ding behind me. Lunch. Shuffling off the counter and heading to the microwave. My ear flicked as I heard a pair of thunderous footfalls as they approached the counter from down the hall. Pulling the door open, I carefully place the hot meal down on the side. Holding a finger up to the boys as I looked for the plates in the monstrous amount of cupboards and cabinets. ‘Aha! Found ‘em,’ I thought as I slowly pulled two small plates out. As I dished out their lunch, I spoke, “Remember boys, half a portion of a ready meal because the adults need to go shopping and I’m bad at talking to Atlas, but I know he’d get it, regardless of if I ask or not.” I trail off, mumbling at the end of my ramble. Glancing over to my kids with a soft gaze. ‘They’re so patient, so eager.' “Do you want me to tell Atlas to take us shopping?” My eldest, Turq asked, raising an amused brow, much to my flustered dismay. “N-no, I’ll figure something out, Turq, I pro-“ “You just don’t wanna admit that you’re afraid of falling in love again.” Turq cut me off, folding his arms, smirking as I stammered and struggled for a response. “First of all, who taught you to be quick with your tongue? Secondly; don’t talk about my failed marriage to Wrath.” I mumbled, narrowing my eyes playfully to the thirteen-year-old. He picked up his portion, flickering his gaze up at me before his blue eyes returned to his lunch. Pursing his lips before speaking up. “You taught me, and you’ll never get me to unlearn it.” He chuckled, turning on his heels to sit at the four-seated dining table. Ai struggled to reach for his lunch, which I grabbed for him, ushering him to a seat at the table before placing his plate in front of him. I pecked his forehead and told him it’s hot before turning to grab a knife and fork for the two. “Daddy are you gonna eat?” Ai asked softly, shifting in his seat to look over to me. I looked up at him before shaking my head. “Nah, sorry, bud. Daddy needs to stay fit to work out.” I answered, causing Turq to pipe up again. “Dad, this is the second time you’ve refused to eat, are you sure you’re okay? That you’re not doing this out of your old self-destructive tendencies?” I sigh, lowering my head, furrowing my brows in slight frustration. As if on cue, Atlas walked in, huffing slightly. His toned build shone under the light as he turned to close the door, holding a few bags in his other hand. Small orbs of sweat dripped down his body as his muscles flexed. His gorgeous grayish blue eyes focused on locking the door, before turning his head, his bangs hugged his forehead as he stepped closer. I’ve never seen him look so tired, but somewhat energetic. Maybe it’s his facade for the sake of the kids. I licked my lips subtly, getting lost in his eyes. “SJ, hello? Dumbass to SJ? Knock knock?” He grumbled, waving his hand in my face, snapping me out of my fantasy. I blinked repetitively, a deep red hue brushing against my muzzle as I cleared my throat. “Mm? Sorry, what is it?” I asked, mentally cursing myself obscenities for getting distracted. “I got food that’ll last all of us a couple weeks, also got you a few more pairs of clothes since you didn’t seem to bring much with you.” Atlas mused, smug at my response. “Oh, right, yeah. Thank you, I’ll go and put them all away right away.” I spoke, opening a bag before having my arm promptly grabbed by the mink. “Have you eaten?” “I’ll eat later.” “No, you’ll eat now. One meal won’t kill you, there’s plenty of food left that you could’ve given them a full portion and one for yourself before I came back,” His calm but stern voice rang in my ears, his eyes softly gazed into mine. He pursed his chapped lips, ready to speak again, slowly letting go of my arm, resting his hand on my back. “Please, just go and sit down, I’ll make you some lunch.” “But you don’t have to, I can do it. What about you?” I quickly interject, my own eyes staring into his much calmer set. “SJ, as much as I appreciate you cooking and cleaning all the time, take a break. I’ve already eaten, I ate before I left. Now sit your ass down and relax for a bit.” Atlas pats at my back, I sigh in defeat, sitting at the table, ignoring Turq's smug grin and Ai’s kissy faces. After a few moments of silence, “What have you been doing since I left? I noticed the bed wasn’t shredded up from your crystals.” Atlas spoke as he placed my own microwavable meal in the microwave. ‘Waiting for you to come back, holding you close to me and kissing those scars away.' My thoughts spoke. I shook my head, putting my thoughts aside. “Uhh, I just got dressed and watched the kids play as I made their lunch.” I stumbled my reply, playing with my fingers as I watched him. “Do you trust me enough to no longer use your crystals as a wall in bed?” He snorts in amusement. I can tell by his voice that he raised a brow. I shrugged, averting my gaze to the boys snickering amongst themselves. “I guess.” I mumbled, feeling his presence over me as he placed my lunch in front of me. I blushed once again, hiding my cheeks by looking down. The mink nods, sitting opposite me, amused by my reaction, dismissing the kids from the table, leaning towards me. “I know that’s not completely true, is it?” He asked in a hushed, husky voice. His slightly crossed arms against the oak table, hand on either arm. “Not exactly, but I’m not saying it in front of Turq and Ai. They don’t need their innocence taken away by my thoughts.” I whisper towards him, twirling my fork into my spaghetti before taking it into my mouth. He raised a brow, curious over my meaning. Watching me eat. It was silent between us, which I didn’t object to. It was comfortable, surprisingly. Until he asked quietly again. “What do you mean by that, hm? What do your thoughts have to do with your kids?” “Oh, you know.. R-rated thoughts... Can’t let them hear ‘em.” I mumble, lifting my eyelids slightly, gauging his reaction. Which was a slight shift in his seat. I noticed a pale tint across his face, a flicker away from the table before locking his eyes back with mine. “Let’s leave those thoughts until later. Maybe when they’re asleep.” He whispered into my ear huskily, before leaving his seat to wash the dishes. It was my time to blush. That mink sets off some sort of arousal into me, or something. It might be love, it might be lust. I can’t tell exactly, but whatever it is, I’m down for it. I finished up my lunch, getting to my feet and slowly walking over to him, swaying my hips as I placed my plate into the warm and bubbly sink. The gentle clatter of cutlery and plates as he cleaned them filled my ears. My eyes wandered over his torso, engrossed with his shape, his muscles flexing as they cleaned. I subconsciously wrap my arms around his waist from behind, my hands roaming from his chest tufts, down his chest, to the hem of his vest. A hand stopped me from going further, glancing up I saw his pair of eyes over his shoulder. We stayed like that for what felt like years, before gently letting my hands go. “I said later, hun.. not now..” He growled playfully, nipping my ear and ignoring my slight pout. Slowly, I unwrapped my arms around, stroking his back lightly, aware of the scars there before heading to the sofa. I sunk into the plush seat, waiting for the moment to pass. Atlas’ POV I heard SJ slump into the sofa a few meters away from where I was standing. He’s only telling me this now?! I mean, I can see why the dude doesn’t like talking about his past, but I know he fiddles with his wedding ring from time to time. I felt a tug at my vest, I blink, turning to my right I see the younger spawn of his tugging at my vest. I place the fork back under the water, drying my hands before getting to my knees, meeting him at eye-level. “What is it, Ai?” I asked softly, looking into his moss colored orbs. “Do you want a drink? Or did you break something?” I joked, chuckling slightly. “Daddy likes you, like a lot, but he doesn't wanna say it.” Ai whispered, as well as he could for a seven-year-old. “Oh, does he now?” I chuckled, keeping my voice low, hoping the hedgehog didn’t hear his admission via his son’s mouth. “I’ll see what I can do, thank you Ai.” With that, I got back to washing. From the corner of my eye I see SJ peering at Ai with a confused expression, furrowing his brows. After finishing the dishes, I dry my hands once again after draining the sink, strutting my way to the sofa the smaller hedgehog sat, well, sprawled across. I sat beside him, resting my arms against the back of the seat. I watched from over his shoulder, watching him fiddle with his wedding ring. It seems like it’s a coping mechanism of some sort. It seems to be more helpful than his delayed and small eating habits. Healthier, too. He paused, feeling the heat from my body before slowly and subtly shuffling towards my lap. Unbeknownst to him, he pressed a hand onto my clothed crotch. I held back a slight grunt, in an attempt to not scare him off and go back to square one. To try and distract myself from picking him up and pounding him on our bed, I decided to make conversation with the hedgehog. “So, how’s pole dancing going for you?” I spoke softly, trying to focus my eyes on the TV screen. “Um, it’s going fine, I guess. Just... trying to remember my moves from back on Mobius.” He replied, his back towards me. “Your ‘moves’?” I raised a brow, interested in where this conversation will lead us. “Y-yeah, I uh- worked as a stripper there not long after Ai was born.. it was the only way to make money because of my.. past. It didn’t make much, but I had enough to feed them and that was what’s important to me.” He explained, hesitant to elaborate further. “Even yourself? You’re barely getting anything in you now without me pestering you.” “Sometimes, sure, but that involved me sneaking into the market or working longer hours. It wasn’t ideal, the two of them were left alone for long enough. So I didn’t eat much, if at all.” I forgot that he was banished from his home, I know why, kinda. It wasn’t my place to say. All I knew was that he did something stupid, got banished and lived in the mountains to escape imprisonment and maybe even execution for tyranny or something along those lines. I don’t know how he got here though. Mobius is a few star systems away from Zenari. I just know I got an emergency alert from Gambi to head to HQ and care for them. I’m glad I did, honestly. They make a mundane life more entertaining. Of course, SJ’s distrust of everyone that he’s met thus far is justified, and of course his outbursts of crystals, especially when we go to bed. It was his own way of setting boundaries. “Are you planning to go back to that life? Working on the street or in a club?” I asked, lowering my eyes to gaze at his messy locks since he hasn’t turned his head yet. “I don’t know. I know you’re okay with money, I don’t know what you do at the base. I do want my own money, but I don’t know if I want to leave the boys for long hours at a time again. It was selfish of me then, even at their young ages. Now, I can’t bear to do that again.” He answered, turning to face me, only noticing now his hand on my groin. Yanking his hand away immediately. ‘God I wanted him to keep it there’ I thought, biting my lip as we gazed into each other’s eyes. “Why?” He asked. “Well, do you want to rely on me, forever? I don’t mind either way, I just thought you want to work again.” “I guess it depends on the job and the pay, on top of how it’ll play out for me.” SJ shrugs, adjusting his seating position, kneeling before me, his hands on his thighs as his eyes locked onto mine. I slowly extended my arm, placing a hand on his cheek, lowering my head to match his level. We stay like this, looking into each other’s eyes, slowly drawing the gap between us close. His faint, soft breaths hit against my muzzle, as did my own to his. Our breaths got shallower. SJ’s eyes flickered down at my lips and back into mine. ‘Any moment now, our lips will touch, and then we decide what happens after. Whether it’s a make out session or bedding him, I’m fine with either outcome.’ My thoughts spoke. I decided to close the gap completely, brushing my lips against the hedgehog’s much plumper and slicker lips before slowly drawing myself away slightly, but not fully, allowing him to decide if he wanted more. Which he did, brushing his lips against mine in return. We kept kissing, some long and fiery and others short and sweet. His lips felt so soft and velvety against my own, I didn’t want it to stop, but we had to. His own kids could be watching and I’m threatening to rip the hem off his vest. I teasingly nipped his bottom lip before slowly pulling away. Hot, shallow yet tiny gasps left in between our eager lips. His lips looked slightly swollen and sweeter. He shifted his gaze, looking for his spawns, they’re not in here, but if we fuck, we’re not doing it here. “So um.. Are we gonna...?” I eventually ask, drawing out the ‘so’. “Fuck? Probably. Turq and Ai would have to be in their room for it.” SJ answers, before creeping closer to me, his hot breath against my ear. “Since I’m a bit of a screamer, gotta have a gag if you want me to keep quiet.” He continues, whispering huskily. I shuddered at his touch, a tiny flame flickered from my ear tips. Now is not the time for my maelstrom to act up. The time is now, I’m tired of waiting for this game to end. Inching my arms underneath the hedgehog, standing up with him in my arms, I pull him into a kiss, a kiss that was on my part, pure sexual frustration. Clumsily smacking each other against the walls and doorframes, I stumble into our room, practically throwing him onto the bed, separating our lips as I towered over him. His legs locked around my waist. Pressing my parting lips against his neck, dragging my tongue along it, a soft whine left his throat, desperate for more. A lopsided smirk plasters my muzzle, teasingly nipping and biting at his exposed collarbone; his arms wrapped around my neck, tangling his fingers delicately into my messy quills. I grasped at his wrists, pulling away, admiring the body beneath me. How his freckled muzzle became so red, how his body rhythmically heaved and hitched between breaths, and how his dyed shoulder length hair covered part of his face, strands and flyaway hairs twist and turn. But how could I forget his shimmering amaranth orbs staring back of me, those deep purple tints hypnotize me, they drew me closer to him. SJ’s POV His grip tightened around my wrists, firmly pulling them over my head, his free hand trailing down my chest, all the way down to my abdomen. Atlas’ fingers began to play with the hem of my vest. I shuddered in response, my eyes never leaving his deep gaze. ‘He’s so close... so close to undressing me, to feeling me, his hands are so warm’. All I could think of, was the monster that those faded jeans hide, and I want it all. I want him to pin me down, to shove my face into the sheets. My vest slid up my shirt, exposing my chest, all of its scars, features. It’s all for him to see. He swiftly yanked it off my body, before planting rough kisses onto my chest. I glanced down at him, watching him now lap and swirl his tongue around my nipple, flicking his tongue against the budding gland, purring against it as it began to erect against his lips. Both of our hands were free, yet I kept mine above my head, Atlas, on the other hand began to use a hand with his jeans, too entranced with my chest to look down at his own jeans. I guess it’s more entertaining this way. All of his attention is on me. Me, the hedgehog that abandoned everyone back on Mobius, and he wants all of me. But, I want all of him and I don’t care how it happens. He spent a few moments to unzip his jeans, hearing that familiar noise never gave me such relief until now. I whimpered for more of his touch, buckling my hips eagerly. His navy eyes flicked up to meet mine, pulling himself away from my nipple, trailing down my body with sloppy, lascivious kisses; keeping his eyes locked with my own. Slyly sliding his tongue under my shorts and briefs, teasing the already heated area. “F-fuck...At, please...!” I slip out from my trembling lips, a growl rumbling in my throat as this asshole continues to tease me. An amused chuckle filled the bedroom, vibrating against my groin, incidentally; causing me to groan out more than anticipated. “Atlas, just take them off I’m begging you!” I snarled, gripping at the sheets beneath me. “And why would I do that? It’s entertaining enough watching you squirm, plead and beg. You should do it more often.” The mink mused, caressing my cheek with a hand. “I’ll do it more often if you fuckin’ strip me, asshole!” I glared playfully, biting my lower lip as he suddenly ripped my shorts and briefs off. I’m fully exposed now, no turning back. I want him to keep going. To keep torturing and edging me until I’m nothing more than a sex pest for him. Atlas lowered himself to face my yearning heat, slowly lapping at its bead that glimmered at him. A shaky gasp left my lips, my breaths hollowed out. Engulfed in a lewd bliss as he lapped, licked and slurped at my cunt, hungry for the juices that left its grasp. Once a quiet room soon became my moaning playground. Unable to hide my desires from the world as my hips buckled from my clit’s sensitivity. Without warning, Atlas pulled away, watching a long strand of my mess and Atlas’ saliva dangled from his tongue. I whimpered pathetically, eyeing him to continue. “Not yet, my pet, you want my cock inside you, right? I can’t just let you cum with no repercussion, can I, my dear?" “I..I guess not.” I glance off to the side, my body writhing for more of his burning touch- literally and metaphorically, my mind unable to focus from his tongue gliding down the center of my belly before stopping above my clit. Causing me to wriggle and whimper. A faint chuckle left his rough lips as he gleamed down at me. I cocked my brow up at him. “I think you’re ready for a treat. How good are you at head?” He asked, his smirk never seeming to leave his muzzle. “I’m not award-winning, but it gets the job done.” I answered curtly, slowly sitting up from the bed. I watched him as he shuffled off his jeans and briefs, now exposing his member; pricking up for some well needed attention. “Don’t suck to make me cum, just get it wet enough.” Was all he said, creeping over to me, dick in palm. I nod, lowering myself to level with his masterpiece of a penis, a masterpeen if I may. Quickly glancing up at him, I slowly wrap my fingers around the base of his cock. Taking a deep breath before drawing my tongue out, I delicately press it against the ridge, dragging my tongue all the way to the head. Wrapping my lips around his head, I gently suck, trying to follow his command. I kept my tongue out, using it to caress the underside, using a hand to rub the rest of his meat. I kept my eyes on him, watching his breath hitch occasionally, even his brows scrunching up from what I assume to be pleasure. It’s just amazing, he’s amazing. And here he is, in my hand and mouth, and soon; inside my used hole. A hole many guys have used for their own enjoyment, but this time, it’ll be our enjoyment. After many long and deep sucks, he tangled his fingers into my messy, wavy locks, carefully pulling his girth out of my mouth. I briefly pant, admiring my sloppy work on his cock. Neither of us said a word, aside from our quickened breaths, it was silent. An uncertain amount of time has passed between us staring at each other, wondering who will make the next move; Atlas pushed me back down onto the bed, swiftly hoisting both legs over his shoulders. “...Are you ready?” He asked, his voice barely above a whisper. I nod, a shy grin appearing on my muzzle. He returns the smile, positioning his tip against my tight opening; gradually slipping it inside; I faintly wheeze out, before nodding over to him. Settling into his first initial entry, his member then deserts my pleading cunt, before ramming back into me. I blare out an accompanying noise of arousal, earning another rough slam into me. Atlas grunts as well, focusing on finding a rhythm in our erotic dance. I buckle my hips towards him as he thrusts into me again. His toned body flexed and shimmered with beads of sweat with every ravenous, savage shove. My walls tightly hug his meat, my juices flooding around his girth; lubricating it for his intimate touch. The pace quickens between us, the stench of musk, lust and desire filled the room along with our pleasured groans and pants. ‘This guy has some stamina!’ I thought to myself, holding onto the sheets beneath us, my elbows keeping me propped up; supporting my weight. His rhythmic pulses into me felt so reckless yet blissful, my body yearning for more. Careless moans left my gaping mouth. The mink slid his hand up from my belly to my neck, his fingers wrapping around my throat, tightening its grip on me slightly, drawing out more whines and growling moans of submission. His cock throbs against my walls, lowering his figure, pressing against my own, sloppily flicking his tongue against mime already hanging out. Nothing beats getting railed and a tongue battle, which I’ll proudly lose to. Feeling his tongue slither and roam my mouth fills me with ecstasy. Muffling my groans against his rough lips, the tiredness of my legs making me wince slightly. Atlas pulls away from the passionate kiss. “You... Okay?” He asked in between grunts. I nod. “Yeah...My legs are tired from being held up this long... But, fuck me you’ve got stamina, most guys would’ve already jizzed three times already!” I pant out, relaxing my body once he lowered my legs as he chuckled. “Honestly, I’m surprised I’ve lasted this long, to be fair. It’s incredible” He laughed wholeheartedly, letting go of my throat to caress my cheek sweetly, smiling with a toothy grin. I myself chuckle softly, sitting up with outstretched arms, watching the base of his rod press against the lips of my dripping hole. Hesitantly, I reached over to his chest, twirling my fingers over his scars before playing with his happy trail. He hums in a response, grabbing my wrist and placing my whole hand over his firm abdomen; seeming pleased to play with his unkempt strands of hair. I like this, I’ve always enjoyed the idea of casual conversation during sex, it seems more realistic instead of boisterous groaning and dirty talk between parties. And I guess that it cam only work how I’d like if I trusted someone, hell, this could be an amazing dream, and I’m just conked out on the sofa. But this feels too real to be a dream, and I don’t want it to be one. “A-At, can you pinch me or something real quick? It feels like a dream.” I ask sheepishly. He rose a brow in confusion but obliged, pinching my arm tightly, making me grimace slightly. “Okay, yep, I’m conscious.” I confirm, panting out. He snorts to himself, rolling his gorgeous cerulean eyes. It feels so addictive, him pumping his way into me, his girth throbbing and aching inside me, pleading for a release. I can feel it. Atlas didn’t say a word, his brows furrowed, letting out many desperate and groaning grunts, biting at his lower lip. My head rolled back against the mattress, careless, deafening moans. “B-babe... I’m close...” He whispered out in his usually husky voice. I nod, not really registering the pet name. He reached down to my chest, squeezing at it and using his thumb to stroke my nipple. I latched onto his arms as tight as I could. His feverish bucks into me rocks the bed under us, my legs dangling off the bed. “C-cum in me.” I finally whispered, staring up at him with deep loving eyes, watching him nod slightly, slowing down his shoves, his meat throbbing viciously as his orgasm inching closer. My fingers digging into his shoulders, dragging down his scarred arms. Weak moans dribble from my parted lips. I felt his thrusts getting sloppier, pulling his cock out before slamming back inside a final time, pulling my hips closer to him as he came deep inside. His hot, off-white seed inside me. Exhausted pants left our mouths, watching him slowly pull out, freeing his soaked member, twitching happily as it left my dripping hole. He chuckles softly, gently flopping over me. My cunt trickling his cream as I settled under him. His hot, sultry breath against my neck, holding me close. I snaked my arms around his shoulders. Our panting eventually subsides, Atlas slowly rolls off me, smiling softly as he played with my hair. He leaned against his arm. I laid in place, sprawled across the bed, pursing my lips as I watched him tangle his fingers in my locks. He wanted to say something. “What are you... thinking about?” I ask softly, patiently waiting for his response. “How do you feel about making it official...?” He blurts out after some time, his serious, azure eyes staring back at mine. I silently gaped. Fuck, I’ve actually fell in love again.