Robin and the White Court - When Robin met Justine

Justine smoothed her white hair back, making sure it was securely pulled into the bun, then quickly checked her make up in a compact before pulling elbow-length gloves on just as the elevator reached the top floor. Her heart beat a little faster as she thought about seeing Thomas again, and she hurried down the hall to the penthouse door as quickly as she could in her heels. Pressing a hand to her collarbone, she took a deep breath, patted the envelope from Lara in her pocket once more to make sure it was there, and then rapped firmly at the door, her face already breaking into a smile.

The smile didn't find its target, though, because Thomas wasn't home - and instead one Robin Goodfellow opened the door. Dressed in immaculately tailored and pressed suit pants (his own) and an expensive white silk shirt (borrowed from Thomas' closet). He was also barefoot and holding a glass half filled with white wine. Clearly at home.

"Hello there," he said, a charming smile touching his lips. "If you're selling, I'm buying."

Justine's expression faltered and she took a step back, startled. "...Oh. I was expecting Thomas," she said quietly, frowning a little. "He's not--" She shook her head slightly. "Is he here?"

"He's not," said Robin, and looked at her curiously. A random girl Thomas had fed from and was back for more? Though he usually didn't bring his snacks here. Probably to avoid this very scenario. Though... Robin's eyes dropped to the long gloves she was wearing. In July.

"Can I help you, perhaps?" Robin asked. And then very deliberately said, "I'm his boyfriend."

At that declaration, Justine's already pale skin went even paler. "Oh. I didn't know he--" She broke off, gripping her elbows in her gloved hands as she hugged herself, trying not to let the stab of pain the word 'boyfriend' had given her show. "I'll just call him later," she finished, turning to head back toward the elevator, head high and eyes wide.

Robin had only said it to get her reaction. And it had worked. What he saw in her face then... it wasn't the disappointment of a one-night stand, or a woman he'd never called back, or even a jilted lover. It was something else entirely.

He sighed and opened the door wider. "I lied, I'm not his boyfriend. Come on in. Sorry, I didn't catch your name, but you're a whiz with a knitting needle."

Justine stopped and turned back toward the door, swallowing and composing herself, frowning at him. "...Why?" she asked, though being lied to was nothing new for her. Not when she surrounded herself with the White Court. And then the rest of Robin's words made sense and she smiled a little. "And thank you." She had so many questions for the man, but it would probably be safer to wait until they were inside Thomas' apartment. Despite having been there only a few times, she always felt better there. Maybe she could just feel his presence in the place.

"I just wanted your reaction," Robin said, closing the door behind her once she was inside. "Because he didn't tell me your name. And I didn't think he'd want a random conquest in his apartment when he wasn't here. Actually I don't know for sure he'd want you here, but I'm absolutely dying of curiosity I must admit. Would you like some wine?"

"No, thank you." Justine sighed and tugged her gloves off, folding them and tucking them into her purse. "And I have a fair bit of curiosity myself, just now." She didn't offer to correct Thomas' oversight, though. If Thomas hadn't given the man her name, he might just have a good reason. And she kept her distance as well, keeping him always in sight--and her purse within reach.

Robin perched on the arm of the couch, looking her over. He should have known that if Thomas had some great love, she'd be a hottie. He nodded to her purse. "Call him if you like. If you're wondering if I'm supposed to be here."

Justine gave him a calculating look and then nodded, reaching into her purse for her phone. "I think I will." She smiled a little coldly and took a few steps away as she hit the speed-dial number for Thomas.

Robin just shrugged and sipped on his wine as he watched her.

Justine turned half-away as Thomas answered, though at the sound of his voice a measure of tension eased from her visibly. "Hello, love." The smile was audible in her voice as well as on her face as she continued. "No, nothing's wrong--I don't think. I'm at your apartment and there's--" She stopped, interrupted, and listened, glancing at Robin. "Yes. He's wearing your shirt." She arched an eyebrow at Robin at whatever Thomas' response to that was. "Mmm. I see. Clearly we should talk soon, darling. Privately." She turned away completely then and lowered her voice. "I have something for you. From Lara. What should I--" Again a pause, and she nodded. "All right. If you're certain." Her last words were barely more than a whisper. "I love you, too. Bye." She ended the call and stayed with her back to Robin for a beat or two more, composing herself before turning to face him, looking professional.

Somewhere during the course of that conversation, Robin downed the rest of the wine. He may have tensed a little at the 'I love you'. Just a little.

"I'm only wearing his shirt because I was kind enough to take some of his to the dry cleaners along with mine," Robin said breezily. "I considered its loan a surcharge."

Justine dropped her phone into her purse and arched an eyebrow at him. "Mmhmm. Well. Isn't that...domestic?" There was a little bite in her smile this time as she sized up a potential rival.

That, however, solicited more of a reaction than the 'I love you.' Robin bristled visibly. "It's not domestic, it's practical. Well, then. What did he tell you about me?"

"That you're a friend, and someone he trusts." Which was saying a lot, because Thomas didn't trust easily. "And that I should leave this with you--with instructions to tell you 'don't open it, you nosy puck'." She tapped a fingernail against her chin, tilting her head. "At least, I think that's what he said." She smiled at him and took a step forward, offering one delicate hand. "I'm Justine, by the way."

"Robin." He took her hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed it. Charming, yes, but not a real attempt at seduction as he had a feeling there wasn't really any point.

"Yes, Thomas said." Justine smiled politely at the gesture, then handed over the envelope she'd been sent to deliver. "I'm surprised he trusts you as much as he does. I've never heard of you, before today." And oh, that was definitely a pointed delivery, there.

Robin took the envelope and slipped it neatly into his pocket without a second glance. "And I'd never heard of you, my dear, until the second degree burns inflicted by your scarf required an explanation." If she was going to be pointed about it.

If that bothered her, Justine didn't show it. "Touché. I think I'll have that wine, after all, if you would be so kind," she said. There was open curiosity and a bit of a challenge in her expression now, and she was ready to settle in and find out more about this 'nosy puck' Thomas had apparently shacked up with. And hey, if she lingered long enough, maybe she'd get to see Thomas before she left. Provided Lara didn't summon her back.

Robin rose and retrieved another wine glass, filling them both with the remainder from the bottle he'd opened before. He returned and handed one to her. "Make yourself comfortable," he said, sitting on the couch as if, well, he lived here. And she was a guest.

"Thank you," Justine said wryly, accepting the wine as she took a seat on a nearby chair. "So. Tell me about yourself."

Robin arched one perfectly sculpted brow. "That is a taller order than you may think. Why don't we start with, my name is Robin, I own a car dealership, and I'm hung like a Trojan horse." A flash of white teeth.

Justine looked at him, unfazed by that information. "And why are you here? If you're not really his boyfriend..."

At this, Robin actually hesitated a little. "Thomas offered to let me stay here when it became clear that living by myself might be hazardous to my health." Saying it, he couldn't help but think what a gesture it really had been. Even if it was sort of Harry's idea... Thomas had opened his home to him. His life to him. And Robin had swept in without much thought for what a big deal that really was.

Justine nodded thoughtfully. "So you're here for his protection." She smiled fondly, clearly thinking about Thomas. "That was generous of him."

Robin didn't really like thinking of it that way, despite that fond smile. "Mutually beneficial," he said, and then clarified, "The pleasure of my company, of course."

"Of course," Justine agreed diplomatically, though really...Thomas was alone far too much, maybe this was good for him. "So...where do you sleep?" It was a polite way to ask.

Robin let out a snort of laughter at that bit of diplomacy. "Yes, I'm sleeping with him," he said. "Frequently and with great creativity." He paused, and then realizing that might have been a bit indelicate, had the good grace to look slightly apologetic.

"I...can't say I blame you," Justine replied. "Though I am a bit surprised. He's usually a bit more...selective than the rest of his family." And she realized full well that that might sound a bit insulting, may have even chosen her words carefully to put the slight into something that wasn't meant as one otherwise.

Robin did look a bit slighted, the feathers of his ego a bit ruffled. "I would imagine he is. The rest of his family - and anyone else, really - should only be so lucky."

Justine rolled her eyes. "You're not short on vanity, are you?" she observed, then clarified. "I meant Thomas usually prefers the company of women in the bedroom." Which meant, to her at least, that he really must be something extraordinary in that department.

Robin couldn't help it - he let out a peel of surprised laughter. Then he cleared his throat. "Well, I suppose I'll consider myself fortunate then."

"Yes. You should definitely do that." A hint of steel entered Justine's voice. "You're very fortunate. I knew of only two people Thomas would say he trusts, before today. Don't take that trust for granted."

Robin regarded her levelly. "As I said, it's mutually beneficial." Trust? He was the one who'd thrown himself in front of the bullet, so to speak, when Thomas had almost killed him.

"And what is the benefit for him?" Justine asked. "Truly?" Companionship, yes, but Thomas didn't trust lightly. She wanted to make sure he was getting something more than just a body in his bed.


There were a lot of answers Robin could have given to that, but to his credit, he gave a serious one. "I'm not human," he said. "I'm older than you can possibly imagine, and I'm very, very hard to kill. That includes Thomas. I am - " He waved a hand breezily in the air. "The all-you-can-eat buffet. And he'd be hard pressed to enslave me, either, considering I've been able to tell him to go fuck himself on several occasions. Not that I consider this a bonus, mind you, but apparently he does - that I'm keeping him from a string of one-night stands." Thomas had never actually come right out and said this, but it was a fair assumption given how Thomas' habits had changed.

Justine nodded, taking that all in. "So he can feed on you and you don't get addicted." That was valuable, at least Thomas would see it as such. "What are you?"

Robin wagged a finger at her. "Awfully nosy, aren't you? And I'm being awfully forthright. Trust me, it's quite a feat for me. So don't I get to ask some questions? Like what you're doing here."

Justine's lips thinned a little, but she took a sip of wine and eased back in her chair. "I'm delivering a message to Thomas."

Robin rolled his eyes. "Well, yes. The one that the nosy puck isn't supposed to read. But why you? Is it a self-torture sort of thing or are you actually able to spend time with him without going mad?"

"Well, I'm Lara's assistant, for one," Justine explained. "And...we don't get to see each other much. I like to check in on him, make sure he's doing okay, make sure he's...eating," she finished with a wry little smile.

"Mmm," Robin said, noncommital. "So has he had that healthy glow lately?"

Justine shook her head. "I haven't seen him in a while. You tell me."

"Healthy as a horse," Robin said. "So is he going to be in a good mood or a bad mood after he gets this news from Lara?" He had no idea who Lara was, but he had a feeling that if he just asked she wouldn't tell him.

"I'm just the messenger," Justine answers with a small shrug. "But news from Lara is generally not his favorite correspondence."

"I would imagine not," said Robin. "And having missed you, on top of it..." He tilted his head to the side, curiously. "Does it amuse her, to send you?"

Justine seriously considered the question, staring into her wineglass and then finally taking a drink. "Probably, in a way. Her relationship with Thomas is complicated, to say the least." She laughed softly. "Not that I can talk."

Robin wondered if he would be here at all, if Thomas could touch her. Would Thomas drop him like yesterday's news? And no, that line of thought was not jealousy, it was preemptive preservation of good sex.

"Thomas is always complicated," he said dryly.

"Yes," Justine agreed quietly. "Have you met any of his family?"

"No," said Robin. Hell, he barely even knew anything about Thomas' family, but he wasn't about to admit that. His new theory was that Lara was a family member, though.

"He's nothing like them," Justine informed him, somewhat fiercely. "Honestly, it's a miracle he's both alive and as untainted as he is."

"Mmmmm," repeated Robin, afraid that if he spoke he'd say something stupid, like complimenting how remarkable Thomas was. He stood, and moved back to the bar to uncork another bottle of wine.

Justine was still slowly nursing her own drink, so she stayed where she was. "So what has he told you about them?" she asked innocently.

Robin poured. "Things that he was very clear I was not to repeat," he said. After all, Harry counted.

Justine considered that answer and then nodded, letting it go. There were a lot of things about Thomas and his family he wouldn't want repeated, so that didn't narrow it down all that much. "Well. I should probably get going before Lara misses me," she said, rising gracefully.

Robin watched her rise. Admiring. "He's probably going to assume I tried to seduce you," he said. "Do me a favor and don't tarnish my bad reputation."

Justine arched an eyebrow, walking over to him to deposit the wineglass on the counter, her hips swaying appealingly. "Oh? And why didn't you?" she asked, curious.

"Because there's no point, is there?" He shrugged. "What with the being madly in love." Figuring he should put forth a token effort, he did add, "Though if I'm wrong..."

"You're not," Justine answered firmly, but with a smile. "Thomas is the only one I want." Her smile turned sad and she turned toward the door. "It was interesting to meet you."

Robin was glad he'd never have that problem. One person - no matter how good they were - would never be enough for him.

"You too," he said. "I'll deliver the message."

"Thank you." Justine reached for the doorknob, then took a step back as it rattled beneath her hand. It opened and Thomas stood there, breaking into a tender smile at the sight of who was waiting on the other side.

"You're still here," he murmured, reaching carefully for Justine's waist to bring her closer.

"I was hoping I would be," she replied as she sank against him, meticulously placing her bare arms where they wouldn't contact Thomas's skin.

Robin watched.

Then let his eyes skid away, and drained the new glass of wine.

Justine just leaned against him for a minute, breathing deep of the smell that was uniquely Thomas. Then she pulled back and got her gloves out of her purse, pulling them on so she could reach up and touch his cheek. "You look well," she remarked, stealing a quick glance at Robin before focusing on Thomas again.

Thomas closed his eyes, leaning into her gloved hand. "So do you," he murmured. He let her protected touch linger on his face a moment more, then took a reluctant step back. "You were leaving?"

"Duty calls," Justine said with a melancholy smile. Thomas nodded and took her hand in his, pressing a soft kiss to the fabric covering her palm.

"Take care of yourself," he said softly, reaching for her face and stopping with his fingers an inch from it, his expression tortured.

She nodded and slipped past him without another word, the door opening and then closing behind her. Thomas stayed where he was, eyes closed and hands in loose fists at his sides. There was a burn at the collar of his shirt where her hair had touched him, but he didn't even seem to notice or care.

Robin watched, expressionless, until she was gone. Then he filled his wine glass, along with a clean one, and walked over to hand it to Thomas without a word.

Thomas opened his eyes as he sensed Robin moving closer, taking the offered drink with a nod and an attempt at a smile that utterly failed.

"You're burned," Robin sighed, sounding very put-upon. He reached out and touched his fingertip to the skin just above it. "Not badly. Oh. Here." He pulled the envelope out of his pocket and handed it to him.

Thomas looked down and shrugged. "It happens." He took the envelope and turned it over in his hands, then tossed it on the counter. Lara could wait. He wasn't her lackey--well, not as much as she wanted him to be, anyway.

"Nice girl," said Robin. Maybe a little short. Not because he was jealous. Because he was... eye-rolly.

"Yeah," Thomas agreed absently. If he noticed Robin's tone he didn't acknowledge it. He drained half of the wine in his glass, then moved to replace it from the bottle, trying to shake off the melancholy that being near Justine always stirred up.

"So who's Lara?" asked Robin conversationally.

Thomas glanced at the letter and picked it up as he passed, heading for the couch. "My sister," he replied, slipping his shoes off and settling comfortably in a corner of the couch, one foot perched on the edge and the other stretched out to the floor.

Robin took a moment to conjure up an image of a female Thomas. He whistled. "You've been holding out on me."

Thomas snorted and shook his head warningly at Robin. "Do you think maybe there's a reason for that?" he asked dryly. That was a meeting he hoped never took place. Not because the thought of Lara and Robin made him jealous. It was just...a bad idea.

Robin smirked. "It's like you're keeping your favorite squeaky toy all to yourself."

Thomas took a drink and eyed Robin over the rim of the wineglass. "And would that be her, or you?" he asked with a faint smirk.

Robin gave him a withering look. "Me."

Thomas grinned in reply, though it faded quickly. He shrugged one shoulder. "You're free to be chewed on by whoever you want. You want to meet Lara?" He set his wine aside and slid a finger beneath the flap of the envelope, breaking the wax seal as he opened it. Official business, then, not that he expected anything less.

"I'm dying of curiosity about your family, sunshine," said Robin, and to his credit, didn't try to read it over Thomas' shoulder. "And I can't help it if the thought of someone like you but with breasts made me a little tingly."

Thomas scowled a little, though whether it was at Robin's words or the letter's was debatable. "If you want your chance, you'll get it," he muttered, tossing the sheet of paper in Robin's direction and closing his eyes, slumping on the couch. Oh, but the thought of taking Robin into a Raith gathering was terrifying, and not because he didn't think Robin could take care of himself. It was the damage it could do to his own standing that worried him.

Robin lifted a brow after reading it. "You want to take me with you? You get... what, a plus one?"

Thomas pursed his lips. "It's more of BYOB, only instead of alcohol, I take...you."

Robin laughed. "What, like a snack? Would I have to pretend to be under your thrall?"

"It would certainly help," Thomas answered, rubbing his temples. "You know, the more I think about this, the more it seems like a bad idea."

Robin moved closer to him, slid a hand onto his waist, tilted his head up. "I could spy," he suggested helpfully.

Thomas smiled faintly at him, shifting a little closer. "You'd have to pretend to be a thrall to pull that off. Do you think you could do that? Keep your mouth shut for long periods of time?" he teased, resting a hand on Robin's thigh.

"I can do a lot of things when I have to," Robin said. And he licked his lips and added with his voice a touch lower, "We could practice now. Me, under your complete control."

"I just can't picture it," Thomas admitted in a low voice, reaching up to run his fingers through Robin's curls. And in a way, he didn't want to picture it. A subservient Robin just didn't seem right.

"That's why it's roleplaying," Robin said. "It doesn't appeal?" He shivered a little at the touch through his hair.

"I like the fight in you," Thomas replied before leaning in and letting his lips and tongue move over Robin's neck, his breath catching quietly. "But if you want to try, I'm game..."

"I'm proving my versatility," Robin said. Though maybe part of him really did want it. He'd told Dick that he wasn't subservient by nature, that he liked to be forced to submit. But on the other hand, there was sometimes the sweet relaxation of completely giving up control - of not having to think, but just to do. "Though do remember it's an act, sweetling."

"I'm not likely to forget," Thomas promised, forcing himself to pull away and rise to his feet, his hand trailing lightly over Robin's shoulders as he walked past. "Put the wine glasses in the kitchen," he instructed without looking back, strolling toward the bedroom with his usual fluid grace.

Robin licked his lips and took the wine glasses. He put them in the sink and then followed Thomas into the bedroom. He lingered in the doorway. God, Thomas was beautiful. There was no denying that. It was fucking amazing, that Robin was still interested after all this time.

Thomas was slowly, lazily undressing, sitting on the edge of the bed as he unbuttoned his shirt. He glanced up and saw Robin in the doorway, nodding a little. "Undress. Oh, and hang my shirt up."

Under normal circumstances, it was Robin's pride that kept him from obedience. But in this case, it was his pride insisting that he prove that he could do it - he was acting. He licked his lips and slowly removed his clothes. He waited until he was completely nude to shake out Thomas' shirt and walk over to the closet and hang it up. Then he walked a little closer to him. "Thomas," he said softly, and his cock was already starting to rouse.

Thomas stood up to let his pants slip to the floor, looking up at the sound of his name as if he'd forgotten anyone was there. Of course he was actually aware of every move Robin made, but he knew how he'd be expected to act if his family was to be convinced of Robin's thrall status. "Did you want something, pet?" he asked with a small, indulgent smile--and very light grey eyes.

Acting. Right. Robin stayed exactly where he was, and met Thomas' pale gaze. "I thought you might... like to touch me," he said, sliding a hand down over his chest, his hip, fingers grazing his own cock.

"Mmm..." Thomas stroked his chin thoughtfully. "All right, I suppose that sounds like fun." His lack of interest was clearly feigned, as both his cock and his eyes showed the lie behind the casual calm. He strode forward, pressing his hand flat against Robin's abdomen as he started to circle behind him, dragging his fingers over the puck's skin. "Tell me, sweetling, how much you enjoy my touch," he murmured, his fingers trailing over Robin's back as he moved back around to face his momentary toy.

Sweetling. Oh, it was just like Thomas to throw Robin's condescending little terms of endearment back at him. But Robin couldn't hide the way his breath became a touch more shallow. "So very much," he said, the words rushing out a bit breathless. "I love it when you touch me. Won't you touch me?" He tried to look appealing, arching his back a little, sliding his hand down to his cock again.

"When I'm ready," Thomas answered, his voice coolly reproving. He let his hand drift down, fingers encircling Robin's cock and squeezing it gently before he drifted away and waved an imperious hand at the bed. "On your hands and knees, little buck." Oh, those words tasted strange in his mouth, directed at Robin, but somehow this was amazingly hot, despite feeling so odd.

Just for a moment, defiance flashed in Robin's eyes. But he quickly schooled it away, making himself focus on the way that Thomas' touch made him feel. He did want more of it. So much.

"However you want me, Thomas," he murmured, and climbed onto the bed, sliding onto his hands and knees, and looking over his shoulder at Thomas.

Thomas saw the flash and stiffened a little, giving a small shake of his head. Even that much defiance would be dangerous if someone else saw it. "Try harder, Robin," he murmured warningly, then moved around to one side of the bed, looking at Robin like that and taking a deep breath as his eyes washed out to pure silver. "You do look delicious, like that," he commented, forcing himself back into the role he'd played for so long. "Very edible." Empty Night, Lara was going to devour Robin if he took him. There would be no way around it. And worse, Thomas thought Robin would enjoy it just as much as he enjoyed this. "And what would you ask of me, poppet? I give you leave to speak your mind. Tell me what it is you burn for."

Robin closed his eyes for a moment and shuddered. In that moment he felt... like this was far, far too easy. He hoped that Thomas wouldn't pick up on that, though.

"Thank you, Thomas," he said, opening his eyes and looking up at him with an expression that he attempted to resemble adoration. It was slightly easier than he might have expected. "I burn for your touch. For your fingers. For your cock. For you... to take your pleasure from me in whatever way you like."

A part of Thomas--and a part that was not his Hunger, even--was enjoying this far too much. He'd forgotten the exhiliration of having a thrall, even if the last thrall he'd taken he'd fallen in love with...and that was a dangerous train of thought to follow, so he stopped it right there, choosing to just revel in this while it lasted. "Oh, my honey-sweet buck, I intend to," he purred, climbing onto the bed and moving to kneel behind Robin, fingers running lightly down his back, up his sides, his knees nudging Robin's legs open a little wider.

Robin was suddenly getting a much better idea for how this was supposed to be. It was... an interesting insight into Thomas. But like Robin was so good at many things, he was also a pretty good actor.

"Oh, thank you," he breathed, a shiver in his voice.

Thomas muffled a groan and bent to let his tongue wander over Robin's ass, slowly moving inward, making it clear where his destination was, but taking his sweet time getting there, tasting Robin's honeyed skin with a little sigh. His fingers caressed small circles on Robin's thighs, the chill of his desire radiating from there.

Robin made a soft keening sound, his fingers curling into the sheets. "Thomas," he moaned. And it almost sounded like another 'thank you' in itself.

Thomas made a pleased sound that hummed against Robin's skin as he finally pressed his tongue inside of him, gripping Robin's hips as he teased, worked his tongue deeper, withdrew to circle around the opening and then in again.

Robin took a moment to tell himself that he needed to sound pleading rather than demanding, and gasped out, "Oh, please."

Thomas stopped long enough to offer praise. "Sweet music, pet. Say it again." He flicked his tongue lightly against him, teasing, waiting to be obeyed, certain that he would be.

"Please," Robin whispered, and then moaned and then repeated, "Oh, please. Thomas."

Thomas groaned and pressed his tongue deep once more, then pulled away and climbed off of the bed to get the lube from the nightstand, his eyes reflective coins of silver hunger as he looked Robin over, moving back behind him. "Your pleas have been heard...sunshine," he purred, accenting the pet name as he added lube to the saliva already coating Robin, then a bit more to his own cock.

Robin was too worked up to even care too much about the nickname being thrown back at him. He just moaned shamelessly and arched his back.

Thomas growled softly, an unmistakeably possessive sound, and pressed inside Robin, one hand staying gripped on his hip, the other resting against the small of Robin's back, the gesture equally possessive. Roleplay or not, in that moment Robin Goodfellow was his.

When Thomas thrust inside him, Robin slipped into breathless Greek. "Theé mou. Eímai dikós sas. Parakaló̱. Páre me, Thomas. Kánete ti thélete na mou..."

Thomas had no idea what Robin was saying, but the tone was obvious enough. He moaned and pushed deeper, starting to rock with a hoarse, breathless cry. "Touch yourself, my pet," he gasped, stroking a slightly unsteady hand along Robin's spine, only just remembering not to just call him Robin in time to replace it with an endearment.

Robin's hand shot out almost as if on its own volition, going obediently to his cock and stroking in time with Thomas' thrusts. He moaned, rocking back, wanting so badly to come but knowing somehow that he should wait for Thomas' permission.

And Thomas wasn't quite ready to give that permission. "Oh, you feel so good," he whispered, rocking hard and deep, drinking up Robin's lust with every touch, every thrust, his head falling back as his demon ate its fill. "And taste so sweet..." And that was part of the problem, but Thomas would fret about that later. For now he would enjoy this to its fullest.

And god did Thomas' touch feel good. There was nothing like it. It was more than physical pleasure. "Please," Robin gasped, telling himself that he was only acting. "Please, Thomas, please, I need... oh god, please let me come."

Thomas didn't respond right away, as if he was considering the plea. "Since you asked so nicely," he finally murmured, "You can come." And he wouldn't be far behind, rocking his hips faster, thrusting deep with each shift.

Robin's hand flew over his cock and he let himself focus on the feeling, the pleasure radiating throughout his entire body from Thomas' cock inside him, his hands on his body. When he came, he cried out, and it was real and loud and intense.

Thomas swore under his breath, gripping Robin's hips as he rocked once more, twice, and then shuddered with his own release, his fingers digging into Robin's flesh as he groaned.

The afterglow was so intense that Robin almost didn't have to remember that he was still in character. He smiled, looking a little dazed. "Did that please you?"

Thomas slowly pulled out of him with another groan, moving up to lie on his side next to Robin, smiling up at him. "Ohhh, yes." He reached out a hand, caressing two fingertips affectionately along Robin's jawline. "It pleased me very much."

Robin made a little whimpering sound and leaned into the touch, cat-like. "Thank you, Thomas..."

Thomas inhaled sharply, cupping Robin's cheek for a moment. He ignored the ache in his chest as he withdrew his hand again, tucking his arms behind his head as he stretched and closed his eyes. "You're welcome. Now go get us some more wine, my sweet."

Robin suddenly found himself wondering how long this was going to last, but he figured he could keep it up for a while at least. He nuzzled into the hand before pulling himself up off of the bed, feeling slick inside, and dirty, and perfect. He walked naked to the kitchen, and returned a moment later with two glasses of wine. He sat on the edge of the bed by Thomas and handed him one.

Thomas propped himself up on an elbow and took the glass. "Thank you." He sipped and savored the wine, then looked at Robin. "Do you think you can keep that up for an entire evening?"

Robin visibly relaxed. Oh, thank christ. He downed half the glass of wine, and his entire demeanor changed.

"Yes," he said. "But when we get home you're going to let me tie you up and have my puckish way with you."

Thomas snorted quietly. "If you still want to once my sister finishes with you, it's a deal," he said in a low voice, looking away. Anyone else he could keep from poaching, but Lara--and he was pretty sure Robin wouldn't want him to stop her, once the puck got a glimpse of her.

Robin's lips curled into a slow smile. "You are jealous," he announced.

Thomas gave him a derisive look. "No, I just know Lara. She's not going to try to hold back. She'll feed as much as she wants on you. I've seen what I can do to you."

"I did push you away," Robin pointed out. Eventually. He looked curiously at Thomas. "You don't think she'd actually try to kill me?"

Thomas rubbed a finger along his bottom lip as he considered the question. "Probably not. Though with Lara there are no guarantees. She might do it just to remind me of my place."

"Just kill me?" Robin scowled. "It wouldn't be that easy, you know. You do realize this?"

"I didn't say she'd kill you," Thomas pointed out with a faint smile. "I said she might try." He sat up to drink his wine, resting a hand on Robin's shoulder, caressing absently.

Robin closed his eyes and sighed softly. "Would it be as fun as when you tried to kill me?"

Thomas's hand stilled momentarily. "Probably," he replied as casually as possible, resuming the light caresses. "We do use similar methods, after all."

"Can I ask you something?" Robin asked, but had no intention of actually waiting for an answer. "Just how good was that? For you?"

Thomas exhaled a quiet sigh. "It was amazing," he admitted, frowning as he laid back down again, his hand falling away from Robin's skin.

Robin knew he was probably playing with fire here, but he stretched out on the bed beside Thomas anyway, trailing his fingers down the vampire's chest. "Do you know how many millions of orgasms I've had in my very long life?" he murmured. "It's been a very long time since someone's made the top five."

Pride warred with guilt as Thomas closed his eyes, smiling faintly. "Top five, hmm? At least I got a ranking out of it," he remarked, concentrating on the feel of Robin's fingers as they moved over his skin.

"Though the most amazing part was, you did it without even touching my cock." Robin had no idea why he was doing this. Maybe it had something to do with that girl. His fingers danced over Thomas' stomach, then lower. "And then..." His voice pitched lower. "You did it again. I'll bet you could never do that with a human man, could you?"

"I could...but the second time would have killed them." Thomas slid his hand down, gently gripping Robin's wrist before it could wander too far south. Discussing what had happened that day and what had almost happened...that wasn't foreplay, not for him.

"I think I'm only just beginning to realize how much power you have," Robin said, and didn't seem to mind at all the firm grip on his wrist.

Thomas looked over at him, rubbing a thumb lightly over the side of Robin's hand as he maintained his grip. "And you're still here," he pointed out, looking a little surprised by the revelation.

"I like power." The jewel green of Robin's eyes washed out a touch as his pupils dilated.

"I know," Thomas breathed, shaking his head slightly as he looked away, staring at the ceiling. "Even though it nearly killed you." He thought for a few moments and then observed quietly, "Lara has a lot of resources. More than I have. Maybe you should try to get on her good side."

"Why? Is there something you need from her?" Robin didn't even stop to think that it was probably telling that he assumed the suggestion was so that Robin could help him, not help himself.

Thomas rolled his eyes and turned to look at Robin with a faintly exasperated smile. "No, I meant she could keep you safe. She could hunt down your enemies and have them executed without breaking a nail. And I'm sure you'd enjoy your time with her." And if Thomas was the one that made the suggestion, it wouldn't hurt as much if Robin chose Lara. It was all true. She had so much more protection she could offer, just in sheer manpower alone.

Robin blinked at him in surprise. "You know, I won't be here... forever," he said, bristling a little. "And I'd be fine on my own. You don't have to try to pawn me off."

"I know you won't," Thomas sighed. "I was just saying..." He groaned and rubbed his eyes. "You're welcome to stay here as long as you want. But if you went to Lara...I'm just saying I wouldn't blame you."

Robin set his mouth into a straight line, sitting up. "That whole act I just gave? Your willing thrall? That was an act, Thomas. I have no desire to be beholden to anyone who would actually want that from me. Power from you is different because I trust you not to use it against me. I'm sure your sister would be one hell of a lay, but what it sounds like she would want in return for protecting me, I'm not willing to give."

Thomas studied Robin's face for a long moment, then nodded, his lips curving up into a small smile. "All right," he murmured, more pleased than he would have thought he'd be by that.

Robin sank back against the mattress, crossing his arms and rolling his eyes as if to say, idiot.

Thomas didn't care. Robin could think he was an idiot all he wanted, as long as he was staying here. And that was something he would deal with later. Maybe. Or maybe he'd just ignore it. He rolled onto his side to face Robin, pillowing his head on his arm. "Still want to go with me?" he asked, his voice filled with a warmth he wouldn't explain even if asked.

"Of course I do," said Robin, rolling his eyes again. "I'm not any less curious. Just don't try to give me to your sister as a present. Unless it's a facade, that is. Do you want me to spy?" That actually sounded kind of hopeful. It seemed exciting.

"No, if I did that Lara really would know something was up," Thomas promised. He considered, then shrugged a little. "I'm not looking for any specific information, but you can definitely listen for anything interesting and pass it along. It may be useful." And then he could pass it along to Harry without involving Justine.

"How was my acting?" Robin asked, and the purr was suddenly back in his voice.

"Convincing, for the most part," Thomas answered with a smile. "Just be careful. Thralls aren't big on thinking for themselves." He paused and then added casually, "It was actually pretty hot."

"Pretty?" Robin repeated. "Come on, I must rank higher than that." He suddenly straightened, and swung a leg over Thomas, straddling him. "What do I have to do, feed you strawberries and call you my lord?"

As if Robin's ego needed more boosting. "Now that's an idea," he commented, reaching out a hand to idly trace over Robin's abdomen as he grinned up at him. "My lord. That has a nice ring to it."

"I spent a time buttering up to Alexander the Great," Robin said, and shook his hair back over his shoulders as he licked his lips and looked down at Thomas. "I know how to be respectful when it suits me. The man once fucked me in a bath filled with wine."

"Sounds painful." Thomas let his gaze move from Robin's face to where his fingers traced the lines of muscle beneath the skin.

Robin laughed. "Pain is pleasure, darling." He licked his lips again, and his gaze follow Thomas' fingers. "Sometimes I envy what you must see in my desire."

"It's like being a kid in a candy store, sometimes, with you. Too many choices," Thomas murmured, then looked up at Robin, his fingers moving higher, then flattening to rest his palm lightly against Robin's chest. "Why do you envy it?"

"Because I assume I'm fascinating." He leaned down a little, eyes gleaming. "Tell me what you see."

Thomas should have known. He rolled his eyes, but fondly. "I wouldn't even know where to start. You know what you fantasize about. It's infinitely varied and utterly depraved." And the way he said it that was definitely a compliment.

Robin leaned down farther, so that Thomas could just feel the warmth of his breath. "So I was forced to confess to Dick Grayson that I'm not human. I didn't consider the advantage to no longer having to pretend to have a human sexual appetite."

"Oh?" Thomas let his fingers drift up and down Robin's sides, his demon quiet and uninvolved. He was just touching Robin to touch him, for the moment. "Who's Dick Grayson?" he asked idly, keeping his voice casual, his expression slightly disinterested.

"Oh, haven't I mentioned him?" Robin was happy to allow Thomas to keep touching him. "He actually likes me to call him puppy. And to sit, and heel, and come." He lowered his head far enough to kiss Thomas' chest. "And his boyfriend is the exact opposite. He likes to tie me to beds, and fuck me over balconies. And..." He frowned. "You know, I'm starting to wonder why everyone seems to like to gag me."

"Because it's the only way to shut you up," Thomas murmured, somewhat wishing he had one, himself. His hand moved to Robin's hair, running through it absently as he asked, "When did this happen? Telling him you're not human, I mean."

"Not long," Robin said absently, clearly more interested in his mouth on Thomas' chest now. "He and Tereus worked out that someone's trying to kill me and wouldn't let up about trying to help, so I told him so he'd realize I can take care of myself and shut up about it."

Thomas closed his eyes, letting himself relax beneath Robin's mouth, his breath catching softly. "Mmm. Did you tell them about me?" he asked, his voice shifting to a sensual murmur all on its own.

"I told them I have a beautiful bodyguard," Robin said. He flicked a tongue over one of Thomas' nipples. "Do you want to guess how many times Dick made me come when I challenged him with my puck appetite?"

No, Thomas really didn't, but he didn't want to say that. He inhaled sharply at the flick of tongue and answered, "More times than I get to?" with a wry twist of his lips.

Robin laughed. "That goes without saying. Though if you thought I make a nice pet, you should see him, and he actually likes it. Oh, but of course..." He licked a line up Thomas' abdomen. "I took another lovely pet home a few weeks ago. The sweetest little red-haired kitten with a dancer's body that was begging for every way I could hurt him."

Thomas gritted his teeth, fisting his hand in Robin's hair and pulling his head up, slipping out from beneath him to sit up. "...Wait here," he commanded, getting off the bed and heading for the bedroom door with no further explanation.

Robin blinked in surprise and sat up. "What?" There was a note of petulance in his voice. If Thomas was annoyed he couldn't imagine why, as he'd seemed so into the dirty stories at the bar with Jack Harkness.

Thomas just held up a finger (not that one) over his shoulder, then went into the kitchen, where he began opening and closing cupboards, followed by the beeping of the microwave. As soon as it finished, Thomas returned with a plastic bear in his hand, the honey in it nicely warmed. He set it on the nightstand, flashed Robin a grin, and went to his dresser to find a scarf that wouldn't be ruined by getting wet.

Robin looked surprised. "Hey, I didn't even tell you about the honey! Jesus but you should have seen the way it dripped off his thighs."

Thomas turned with the scarf wrapped around both wrists, yanking it taut between them. "And now it's your turn," he replied with a little more tension than he'd like. He slowly unwound the fabric as he approached the bed, keeping it clutched in one hand as he got two pairs of handcuffs from the nightstand, snapping one onto the nearer bedpost.

Now Robin looked confused. Aroused, but confused. "Was this what you saw in my desire just now? Because I swear I wasn't really thinking along these lines..."

Thomas gave a small shake of his head, reaching for Robin's wrist to fasten the cuff around. "This time I'm doing what I want," he murmured.

That confession made a little smile light on Robin's lips. "Are you?" he purred. "I approve of this. What are you going to do to me, sunshine?"

"I think that's pretty obvious," Thomas pointed out, circling the bed with the scarf still hanging loosely from his hand to lock the other cuffs onto the opposite bedpost.

"But I want yo hear you say it," Robin said petulantly. "Something about how you're going to fuck me into the mattress? Or fuck my mouth? Or spank me? Or... oh, come on, use your imagination. Do you want to hear about what I did to Dick once I tied him to - "

"Nope," Thomas cut him off crisply, kneeling on the bed and wrapping the scarf over Robin's mouth so he could tie it in the back.

"Mmmmph!" Robin's eyes widened in surprise. Though it really shouldn't have been a surprise.

Thomas pulled back to admire his handiwork. "Much better," he purred, his eyes glinting with silver as he leaned over Robin to reach for the honey. He tested it on his wrist like it was a baby bottle, then drizzled a hot, sticky trail of it back and forth over Robin's chest before leaning down to follow that trail with his tongue, a slow, meandering process.

Robin groaned, groaning into the gag, groaning loudly. His cock was half-hard, and he bucked his hips a little when the honey hit him.

Thomas finished with the first bit of honey, leaving nothing but a damp sheen on Robin's chest and a few slightly sticky patches. He pulled back and lifted the bear again, letting honey drip onto each nipple slowly as he looked Robin over from head to toe. "Not that I think your ego needs it, but...you really are magnificent," he breathed as his eyes met Robin's and held for a moment. Then he smiled crookedly and ducked to lave his tongue over one nipple, really focusing on making sure he got every trace of honey clean before moving to the other side. It was a difficult job when the puck's very skin tasted of honey, but he was prepared to go to whatever lengths necessary. (And to drink up every squirm, moan, groan and buck his mouth drew from Robin.)

Squirm, moan, groan, buck - yes. All of those things, and more. And at the way Thomas looked at him, and that sincere praise, Robin made a whimpering sound into the gag and locked on that silver gaze until Thomas started licking him again and then his eyes rolled into the back of his head.

Thomas worked his way down without stopping for further comment, just honey and then mouth, honey and then mouth, down to Robin's groin. There he applied the honey just as liberally as he had above, but when his tongue followed he avoided Robin's cock, licking and sucking the sticky residue from Robin's hips, the hair at the base of his cock, the junction of hip and thigh, but he left the golden syrup glistening on Robin's cock as he moved down to pay the same worship to Robin's thighs.

Robin's cock was swollen and pink with arousal, making a pretty picture covered in golden honey. "Mmmmmm..." he pleaded, and actually yanked at his bonds a little.

Thomas finished with Robin's thighs and sat up a little, setting the honey aside. He didn't make any move toward Robin's cock just yet, though, just looked him over slowly, from toe to head, his hand absently rubbing at Robin's hip. "Such a beautiful sight," he whispered, almost to himself, then gave a little nod to Robin and leaned in to run his tongue along the length, base to tip, over and over, working around it like it was an ice cream cone to get all of the drips and drizzles of honey sticking to Robin's skin, moaning sensuously as he worked, slow and methodical.

Robin made needy, keening noises into the gag and watched Thomas with wide, green eyes.

Thomas sucked Robin's cock into his mouth, as deep as he could take it, then moved his lips up and down a few times before pulling away and sitting up, shifting to straddle Robin's body as he bent down close to his face. "I don't want to hear about them," he whispered in Robin's ear, hands massaging his shoulders, his upper arms. "Tell me all the stories about your glory days, but if you're fucking them now..." he shook his head, his cheek brushing Robin's, and then his hands were unfastening the gag, yanking it free of Robin's mouth and replacing it with his own mouth before Robin could even try to respond. He didn't want to hear what Robin thought of that...well, plea, really, it wasn't so much an order or even a request. Didn't want to know what conclusions Robin was drawing.

Robin was drawing conclusions, it wasn't as if he could help it. But he'd been damn close to coming with Thomas' mouth on his cock, and now all he could do was moan into the kiss and buck his hips shamelessly as he tugged at the cuffs, rattling them against the headboard.

Thomas repositioned his body against Robin's, grinding down against him as he kept on kissing, letting his demon encourage things along as his fingers gripped Robin's shoulders, pouring waves of cold desire into Robin--but controlled, just enough to enhance things for both of them.

Robin had been so damn close already, and with Thomas moving against him like that, and that swell of unnatural arousal coming up on him... Robin moaned into the kiss, yanking hard against his bonds, and
came. Again.

Thomas groaned and broke the kiss finally, the warm, slick evidence of Robin's orgasm making it all feel even better, enough to push Thomas over the edge after just a few more rolls of his hips against Robin, his teeth sinking into Robin's shoulder as he came with a hiss of breath, tensing against the puck and then slowly relaxing atop him with a soft moan.

Robin sagged against the mattress, his body aching from the position still handcuffed to the bed.

"You're jealous," he accused for the second time that night, sounding dazed and a little dreamy.

And this time, Thomas didn't dispute it. "...Maybe," he murmured quietly, then slipped off to one side to lean off of the bed and dig the handcuff key out of the drawer, thereby avoiding having to look at Robin just then.

Robin wasn't sure how to react for a moment, and finally - rolled his eyes. "I'm the one who got the star-crossed goddamn true love shoved in my face, and you're pissy about a little sex?"

Thomas paused with the key halfway into the lock on the first cuff, blinking at Robin. "...You're jealous?" he asked, wide-eyed, as he absently finished inserting the key and freeing Robin's hand.

"Of course I'm not jealous," Robin snapped. Obviously. "I was just pointing out that I would have more cause to be than you..."

"...Uh huh." Thomas shook his head, looking a little disappointed as he glanced at Robin's face. He didn't say anything more, though, just unlocked the other cuff so Robin could move again, then went to work detaching them from the headboard in silence. He wouldn't bother, normally, but with Robin's housekeeper on loan to him, he decided to remove what evidence of their sexual escapades he could. The honey on the sheets she'd just have to overlook.

Robin's arms dropped and he groaned a little from the relief, sliding down on the bed and sprawling out. "Ah, fuck. I'm all sticky."

"You know where the shower is." Thomas slid off of the bed, circling around to the remaining pair of cuffs on foot rather than climbing over Robin. He unlocked them quickly and dropped both pairs and the key safely back into the drawer.

Robin climbed off of the bed. He walked to behind Thomas first. Paused. And said very softly, "I'm not jealous. But I do not want to hear about her." And then he padded off into the bathroom.

Thomas turned as he heard Robin moving away, watching him until the shower started. Only then did he allow himself a small smile. "Sure you're not," he said under his breath, giving a shake of his head as he picked up the honey bear to return it to the kitchen.