Author's Note: I usually don't do pre-chapter author's notes, but I do give warnings in rare cases when appropriate. This chapter contains Explicit Sexual Content and is completely skippable if you're not interested.
Chapter 116
Avengers
Arc 8 - Ch 8: Sin City
Tuesday, February 14, 2012.
Location: Waldorf Astoria, Las Vegas, Nevada
The quartet made it back to the Presidential suite. Felicia headed straight for the bar. "I don't know about the rest of you," she said, pulling out a bottle of expensive scotch, "but I could use a drink."
Maki nodded in agreement, sinking onto the couch with a weary sigh. "Make mine a double," she muttered, rubbing her temples.
Illyana leaned against the wall, arms crossed over her chest. "Nyet. Scotch is too sweet. You have vodka?"
"For you? Of course." She reached beneath the bar and produced a bottle of premium Russian vodka.
"At least someone remembers the important things," Illyana commented, pushing herself away from the wall.
Felicia poured the drinks, handing Maki a tumbler filled with a generous double of scotch, passing Illyana a glass of vodka without ice, then mixed strong concoctions for herself and Tyson. Their healing factors made it harder to feel the effects of alcohol, so she didn't hold back on the liquor. The quartet sipped their drinks, letting the alcohol chase away the adrenaline from their recent battle.
"Okay, who gets first dibs on showers?" Tyson asked.
Felicia set her glass down with a soft clink. "Before that, we need to settle the bet. Who won the least money?" She reached into her pocket and pulled out a slip of paper. "I made 50 grand," she announced triumphantly, waving the casino slip as proof. "Deposited it all earlier."
"What bet?" Illyana asked, looking between them with sudden interest. She'd arrived after their casino adventure, dropping directly into the supernatural crisis.
"We had a friendly wager on who could win the most at the casino tonight," Tyson explained. "Loser has to take a midnight swim."
"In the nude," Felicia added with a mischievous grin.
Illyana's lips twitched, almost forming a smile. "Bozhe moy. God, only you three would make bets while demons invade."
"We made the bet before the demons." Maki leaned forward, reaching into her bra and fishing out her slip. The practical hiding spot had saved her winnings when everything went to hell. "Nine and a half for me."
Tyson's face fell slightly. "Sorry, Maki. But it looks like you're going for a dip," he said, then added, "I was at 45 grand before the demons barged in."
Felicia and Maki exchanged a look; both turned to stare at him. Felicia raised an eyebrow. "Where's your slip?"
"I didn't get one because of the demons," he explained, but even as he said it, he realized how convenient it sounded.
Felicia clicked her tongue, looking at Maki with a growing grin. The women sensed blood in the water. His eyes widened as he realized the implication. "Whoa, you're accusing me of lying?" Tyson asked, his voice rising slightly. "Felicia, you were at the table with me."
Illyana snorted, refilling her vodka glass. "Convenient excuse." There was a glint in her blue eyes that suggested she was thoroughly enjoying his predicament.
Felicia tapped her chin thoughtfully, playing up the drama. "I was," she conceded slowly. "But in all the excitement, I must have forgotten how much you won. It's all so hazy."
Maki chimed in. "You're the only one without proof of how much you won." The logic was ironclad, and they all knew it.
He stared at them for a moment before bursting into laughter. "Shit," he said, shaking his head in defeat. "You're right. Technically. All the money I won got destroyed in the Devil's Den. The night's over and I've got nothing to show for it." He spread his hands in a gesture of surrender. "If you all deposited yours, you left the casino with more money than I did. I admit it. I lost."
Felicia's smile turned triumphant. "Time to pay up! Skinny dipping!"
Illyana leaned forward, suddenly more interested in the proceedings. "This I have to see."
He nodded, accepting his fate with good humor. "A bet's a bet. You ready?"
Felicia waved her hand dismissively. "I've seen it before."
"So have I," Illyana added dryly, though her tone held a hint of fond exasperation.
"Alright then. Maki, are you ready?"
"I'll bask in your defeat."
He gestured towards the patio. "Alright, come outside."
They stepped onto the spacious balcony, which offered a breathtaking view of the Las Vegas skyline and the hotel's pool several levels below. Tyson walked to the edge, his movements confident despite what he was about to do. He began to strip, pulling his shirt over his head and letting it drop to the deck.
Maki's eyebrows shot up. "Bold," she commented.
"Illusion," he explained as he kicked off his pants. "You three are the only ones who can see me."
Illyana rolled her eyes. "Cheating already," she muttered.
With that, he leapt off the balcony. Felicia and Maki rushed to the railing, watching him float gracefully toward the pool on a lower-set rooftop, several floors down. Illyana remained where she was, but tracked his descent.
There was a splash as he hit the water. Felicia and Maki burst into laughter, the tension of their earlier ordeal finally breaking. The absurdity of it all, naked high-diving and skinny-dipping after fighting literal demons, struck them as perfectly ridiculous. After a moment, they saw him rise from the pool, water cascading off his body as he launched himself back toward them.
He flew back up to the balcony, still dripping wet and completely naked. Water pooled at his feet as he landed.
Felicia slowly clapped as he touched down. "Such a good sport."
"Well, I aim to please," he said with a wink, completely unbothered by his state of undress.
Illyana's gaze lingered on him with something approaching fond exasperation. "I'm not surprised you're comfortable with this," she said dryly. "You've always been a showoff." She gestured at his naked form with her vodka glass. "Running your illusion shows. Or those television interviews with that loud man."
"The interviews with Jameson are not as fun as you make it out to be."
"Still," Illyana continued, settling back against the railing, "you never minded being the center of attention. Even at the Institute, you had a flair for the dramatic." There was something almost protective in her teasing, as if she were claiming ownership of these memories.
"Me?" he protested mildly. "Miss, 'You can go to hell. Limbo will suffice' says I had a flair for the dramatic."
"Mmm." Illyana's expression suggested she wasn't entirely convinced, but she let it drop. "At least now you have an appreciative audience."
Maki shook her head, trying and failing to hide her smile. "I have to admit, that was impressive," she said. "The flying part, not just..." She gestured vaguely, her cheeks coloring slightly.
"You say that like public attention is a good thing," he said, accepting the towel from Felicia. "Trust me, being in the spotlight isn't all it's cracked up to be. Every word gets analyzed, every action scrutinized." He began drying off. "Sometimes I miss being able to just exist without wondering who's watching."
"The price of being exceptional," Felicia observed, though there was sympathy in her voice. "I prefer operating behind the scenes myself. Much more freedom."
"Freedom," Illyana repeated thoughtfully. "Such a relative concept. Complete freedom from attention, from connection... That brings its own kind of prison."
Maki found herself studying each of them more carefully. The easy banter revealed layers she hadn't noticed during their battle. "Is that why you came back tonight? The connection?"
Illyana's pause was almost imperceptible. "Among other reasons."
"Connection matters," Felicia agreed, settling into one of the plush balcony chairs. "Especially in our line of work. Most people can't understand the risks, the choices we make. It's rare to find people who get it."
"The isolation can be the hardest part," Maki said quietly, surprising herself with the admission. "Even when you're surrounded by allies, if they don't truly understand what you've been through..."
"Exactly," Felicia said with conviction. "That's why what we have works. No judgment, no trying to change each other." She twirled a white lock of hair in her fingers before asking, "Maki, we know you worked for Hydra, but what about before that? What brought you to their attention in the first place?"
Maki's expression grew distant, shadows flickering across her features. "That's... a longer story than you might expect." She took a slow sip of her drink, as if fortifying herself. "I wasn't recruited by Hydra first. They came later."
"Who came first?" Illyana asked.
"I was seven years old, living in Japan," Maki began quietly. "My parents were dead. I don't remember much about them or how they died. I ended up in the hands of the Yakuza. They had plans for me. For all the children they collected. Plans involving selling us to the highest bidders for... specific purposes."
Felicia's expression darkened immediately. "Sex trafficking?"
"Among other things, yes." Maki's acknowledgment was matter-of-fact, but her tense posture betrayed her true feelings. "I was being held in a warehouse with maybe twenty other kids, waiting for transport. Then Bullseye arrived."
"Bullseye?" Felicia asked.
"A mercenary. He wasn't there for us," Maki continued. "Had some unrelated business with the Yakuza. But when they tried to interfere with whatever he was doing..." She paused, remembering. "I watched him kill twelve armed men in under three minutes. Effortlessly. Like it was nothing."
"And you escaped during the chaos?" he asked.
"I did. But more than that, watching him move, seeing that kind of controlled violence, that precision..." Maki's voice grew thoughtful. "It inspired something in me. If someone could be that dangerous, that untouchable, then maybe I could be too. Maybe I never had to be helpless again."
"So you sought him out," Illyana guessed.
"I tried. Seven-year-old trying to track down an international assassin. It didn't go well." Maki's smile held dark humor. "But someone else found me first. A man named Izo."
"Izo?" Tyson asked, the name unfamiliar.
"He was one of the leaders of an organization called the Hand," Maki explained, noting the blank looks from Felicia and Illyana. "Think ancient ninja clan, but with global reach and very modern resources. They've been operating for centuries. Assassination, theft, political manipulation, mystical artifacts. They claim to serve balance in the world, but really they serve themselves."
"That free lesson we had in Chinatown. The instructor, Colleen, who ran the dojo, had some kind of relationship with them, but didn't speak of them much." Tyson said to Illyana. "I trained under her for that year that I went to Midtown. It's where I learned to fight."
"The Hand doesn't encourage casual conversation about their activities. Secretive is an understatement," Maki said with a bitter smile. "Izo was one of their leaders, maybe centuries old. He took me in, said I had potential that shouldn't be wasted. He trained me for nine years. Combat, stealth, philosophy, assassination techniques. He promised that if I proved worthy, I would eventually lead the Hand."
"Lead it?" Felicia asked.
"That was the plan. I was supposed to be his greatest student. Nine years of believing I was training for a noble purpose, that the Hand's mission was about balance and justice in the world."
"What changed?" Illyana asked.
"I started questioning their methods. The Hand claimed to serve a greater good, but their actions often seemed to benefit only themselves. When I was sixteen, I challenged Izo about a particularly brutal mission. Instead of answering my questions, he sold me to Hydra."
"Sold you?" he asked, his voice sharp with anger.
"As part of some larger political arrangement. Hydra wanted someone with my training and skills. Izo wanted their resources for Hand operations." Maki shrugged, but there was hurt beneath the casual gesture. "I went from believing I would lead an ancient organization to being a mid-level operative in a modern terrorist group."
"Three betrayals," Illyana observed quietly. "Yakuza, Hand, Hydra."
"Each one teaching me not to trust promises about my future," Maki agreed. "Hydra's training was different from the Hand's. Where Izo focused on honor and tradition, Hydra was about ideology and efficiency. They taught me to see the world as fundamentally broken, in need of their particular kind of order."
"And you believed that?" Felicia asked.
"For a while. After being discarded by the Hand, Hydra's certainty was... comforting. They had clear goals, clear methods, and they valued my skills." Maki looked up at them. "The problem was, by the time I was old enough to recognize what had been done to me, I didn't know who I was underneath all that conditioning."
"When did that change?" Tyson asked.
"There was a mission. I was supposed to eliminate a target. A woman who'd been feeding information to enemy intelligence. When I found her, she was protecting her girlfriend, trying to get her to safety." Maki's voice grew quieter. "I needed to kill them both. Standard protocol."
"But you didn't," Illyana guessed.
"I hesitated. For the first time in my life, I hesitated." Maki's smile was rueful. "Watching them together, seeing that desperation to protect someone you love... it was the first time I'd seen what genuine intimacy looked like. Not the strategic partnerships Hydra promoted, not the cold discipline of the Hand. Just two people who'd found something worth dying for."
"What happened?" Felicia asked softly.
"I completed the mission," Maki admitted, pain flickering across her features. "But it haunted me. Started me questioning other things. Why certain targets were chosen, what 'global security' actually meant, whether the world Hydra promised was worth building." She paused. "And it made me wonder what I might be missing, what parts of myself I'd never been allowed to explore."
"The personal became political," Felicia observed.
"In ways I didn't expect." Maki nodded. "The Hand had very rigid ideas about relationships. Duty before personal desire, strategic alliances over emotional connections. Hydra was even worse. They actively discouraged any attachments that couldn't be leveraged for the organization. But seeing those women together..." She trailed off, then continued more firmly. "It made me realize I'd never been allowed to want anything for myself."
"And what did you discover you wanted?" he asked gently.
Maki looked directly at Felicia, then at Illyana. "Connection that wasn't about utility. Intimacy that wasn't strategic." She paused, color rising in her cheeks. "And I discovered that when I was finally free to feel attraction without analyzing its tactical value, it was almost exclusively toward women."
"Almost exclusively? I know what that's like." Illyana commented.
"After what I experienced as a child, after years of being controlled by different organizations..." She paused, choosing her words carefully. "You could easily control or possess any of us. Completely, I know what you're capable of. But you don't."
"Groups like those don't make it easy to leave," Felicia asked probingly.
"Leaving wasn't the hard part. Once they saw I was compromised, they wrote me up, tossed me aside." Maki looked at each of them in turn. "The hardest part wasn't the violence or the deception. It was learning to trust my own judgment again. After years of being told what to think, what to feel, what to want..."
"What to want," Felicia repeated thoughtfully. "That's particularly insidious."
"They had very specific ideas about appropriate relationships, appropriate desires. Women were tools for missions or rewards for loyalty. Love was weakness unless it served the organization." She hesitated, then continued. "For the longest time, I thought my... preferences... were just another form of rebellion against their control."
"Preferences?" he prompted gently when she didn't continue.
"I was expected to form attachments to male handlers, male colleagues. It was part of the program. Emotional bonds that could be leveraged for loyalty." Maki's voice grew quieter. "But I found myself drawn to the women instead. My trainers, other recruits, even some of the scientists. It was supposed to be about admiration, about wanting to emulate them. But it felt like something more."
Illyana leaned forward slightly, engaged in the story. "And they noticed?"
"Eventually." Maki's jaw tightened at the memory. "There were... corrective measures. Therapy sessions, punishment details, strategic separation from anyone I might have formed attachments to. They made it clear that such inclinations were counterproductive to my development."
"So you learned to hide it," Felicia guessed.
"I learned to bury it," Maki corrected. "Convinced myself it was just confusion, just reacting against their manipulation. It wasn't until after I left, until I had time to think for myself again, that I realized..." She trailed off.
"That your feelings were real," Tyson said with quiet understanding.
"That they were mine. Not rebellion, not confusion, not some psychological response to trauma. Just... me. Who I actually am when no one else is telling me who to be. It's strange how liberating it was to finally admit that I'm not particularly interested in men. Romantically, I mean." She glanced at Tyson. "Present company excluded. Though I think that has more to do with the person than the gender."
"Attraction is complicated," Felicia said with understanding. "It's not always about strict categories."
"True," Maki agreed. "But for me, it's usually women who catch my attention. The way they move, think, approach problems. There's something..." She searched for the right words. "Women seem more real to me. Less performance, more genuine connection."
Illyana nodded thoughtfully. "The heart wants what it wants. No point in fighting nature."
"Easy to say when nature aligns with expectations," Maki replied. "Harder when it doesn't."
"Even harder when you've been taught not to trust your own instincts," Felicia added with sympathy.
Maki looked grateful for the understanding. "So yes, I suppose my preferences lean heavily toward women. But it's more than that, it's about finding people who see me as I actually am, not as what they need me to be."
"And what you've found with us?" he asked carefully.
"Acceptance," she said. "No judgment, no expectations to be someone I'm not. And attraction—" she looked directly at Felicia, then at Illyana, "—based on who you actually are, not what someone told me I should feel."
"That's refreshing," Felicia said with a warm smile. "Too many people get caught up in labels and expectations instead of just... feeling what they feel."
"Speaking of feeling what you feel," Illyana said with characteristic directness, "you mentioned present company being an exception. Tyson specifically?"
Maki's cheeks colored again, but she didn't look away. "Physically, yes, there's attraction. But I think it's more about..." She paused, gathering her thoughts. "He doesn't try to dominate or control. There's strength without aggression. It feels... safe. Like I could maintain my autonomy even in intimacy."
"That's important," he said seriously. "Especially given your history."
"It is." Maki's smile became more genuine. "With women, that safety feels more natural. With men..." She shrugged. "Most of them want to be in charge, want you to submit or defer. You don't give off that energy."
"Neither do we," Felicia pointed out with amusement.
Maki laughed, the sound lighter than before. "No, you definitely don't. If anything, you seem more interested in collaboration than conquest."
"Conquest is overrated," Illyana said dryly. "Partnership is more... sustainable."
"So," Felicia said with a returning hint of mischief, "given these preferences and attractions, how are you feeling about tonight's... possibilities?"
Maki looked at each of them again, but this time her assessment was more direct, more purposeful. "Intrigued," she admitted. "Nervous, but intrigued. It's been a long time since I've felt safe enough to explore what I actually want."
"And what do you actually want?" Illyana asked.
"Honestly?" Maki took a deeper breath. "To feel wanted for who I am. To be with people who see my strength as an asset rather than a threat. And to finally stop overthinking every emotional response." She paused, then added more quietly, "And to find out what intimacy feels like when it's my choice, with people I trust."
"I think we've earned another round," Felicia said, raising her glass in a toast. The night air had grown cooler, and she noticed Maki unconsciously shifting closer to the warmth of the suite's interior.
Illyana stepped forward to join them, her usual guardedness momentarily set aside. She raised her glass as well. "Za vstrechu," she said solemnly. "To reunion. And to surviving another day." She drained her glass in one smooth motion, then immediately reached for the bottle to pour another, more generous serving.
The four of them clinked glasses. They stood on the balcony, the lights of Las Vegas twinkling below them, basking in the simple joy of being alive and together after their harrowing adventure. The adrenaline from their battle had slowly faded, replaced by a different kind of energy.
Illyana's gaze drifted to the horizon. Tyson moved beside her, following her gaze. "The first incursion, she called it. There's more to come, then." She raised her glass again. "Good." She sipped her vodka, blue eyes scanning the horizon as if looking forward to the next time they'd have to defend the world.
"So," Maki began, her voice casual but laced with curiosity, "how long have you been... together?" The question had been building since she'd watched their easy familiarity.
Felicia glanced at him. "Together? That's an interesting choice of words."
Tyson, still wrapped in his towel, settled into one of the plush balcony chairs. He took a long drink, seemingly content to let Felicia field the question.
"Tyson and I have known each other since the start of senior year," she continued, her fingers tracing the rim of her glass. "We've been through a lot together. But if you're asking about our relationship status, well, that's a bit more complicated." As she spoke, she moved to perch on the arm of his chair. "Let's just say we enjoy each other's company, but we're not exactly exclusive."
"I see," Maki nodded, though her expression suggested she was still processing. Her eyes flickered to him and then, with evident curiosity, to Illyana, who had claimed the chair across from them. The sorceress sat with one leg tucked beneath her, vodka glass cradled in both hands.
He noticed her glance and smiled. "I suppose I can be the sentimental one here. With Felicia, our first date was last October. The first time we made love was a year ago, tonight. After a heist." The memory still made him smile.
"I still think it's kind of sweet that you remember that," Felicia said, leaning down to place a soft kiss on his lips. The gesture was affectionate rather than possessive, comfortable in its certainty.
"And what about you?" Maki asked, turning to Illyana. "How did you and Tyson meet?" The sorceress remained quiet, but her presence felt significant in ways Maki couldn't quite define.
He chuckled, settling back in his chair. "When I met Illyana, she saw me as a threat to her social status at the Xavier Institute, the school I attended before Midtown. During gym class, she decided to teach me a lesson by banishing me."
"He touched me," Illyana interrupted, her voice matter-of-fact. "His power hurt. So I sent him to Limbo." She shrugged, as if exiling someone to a demon realm was a perfectly reasonable response. "It was self-defense." Maki nodded as if this made perfect sense, which drew a surprised look from him. "Don't look so shocked," Illyana said, catching his expression. "You survived, didn't you?"
He rolled his eyes. "Only because I can heal. I had to fight off demons with nothing but gym clothes and my claws."
"You did well," she conceded, and from her, that was high praise.
"After that," he continued, "we ended up fighting a demonic mutant together. Somehow, she got it into her head that I'd make a good partner for hunting demons in Limbo."
"You were useful," Illyana said with a shrug, but there was a softness beneath her casual tone. "Strong. Easy to convince to help." She paused, considering. "Most people fear Limbo. You seemed to... appreciate the challenge."
"She bribed me with promises of modeling lingerie," he added with a grin, earning a sharp look from the sorceress.
"Durak," she muttered, but there was no real heat in the insult. "Fool, you didn't need to tell them that. But yes, he has a weakness that many men share." Despite her complaint, she smiled slightly.
"Oh, we all know," Felicia added with a sly smile. "Just wait until you see the surprise he dropped in Limbo."
Illyana's head snapped toward Tyson, her blue eyes narrowing. "What surprise?"
Tyson suddenly looked more hesitant to explain than he had about jumping off the balcony naked. He shifted in his seat, the towel slipping slightly as he adjusted his position.
"I uh, fought a demon that looked like Felicia and banished her to Limbo?"
The temperature around Illyana seemed to drop several degrees. She was very silent for a moment. "You spared a demon," she said in a low, threatening voice, "and sent it to our home in Limbo, because it looked like her?"
Tyson held his hands up, trying to find an excuse that wouldn't result in him being banished to a particularly unpleasant corner of Limbo. "Uh, I thought you could use a personal assistant? Felicia does wonders for me."
Maki watched the exchange with fascination, her eyes darting between them as she sipped her drink.
Illyana cursed in Russian, a string of harsh syllables that needed no translation to convey her displeasure. "I'm going to find this demon, and if it causes a problem, I'm going to cause you a problem."
Tyson looked sufficiently chastised, his shoulders slumping slightly as he nodded. The brief tension broke when Felicia reached over to ruffle his hair, a gesture that was both affectionate and slightly mocking.
"Don't worry too much," Felicia told him. "If Illyana sends you to Limbo again, you can return to your other home. House of M."
Illyana rolled her eyes but seemed mollified enough to continue. "As I was saying before learning about unwanted houseguests..." She took another sip of vodka, settling back into her chair. "Eventually, it became more. He was trapped by Magneto. Mind controlled. I broke him free."
"She saved me," he said simply.
Illyana looked away first, returning her attention to the horizon. "I've been at Kamar-Taj most of the time since. Studying sorcery under the Ancient One." She took another sip of her vodka. "But I steal moments when I can." The admission seemed to cost her something.
"It can't be easy," Maki observed quietly, recognizing the pain of separation in the blonde's controlled expression. "Being apart so much."
"Nothing worth having comes easy," Illyana said with a dismissive gesture. "We all make choices. Live with consequences."
"And yet here you are," Felicia noted thoughtfully. "When I called about the demons, you came immediately."
"Of course," Illyana replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Demons are my specialty. And..." she hesitated, then added with uncharacteristic openness, "he would have done the same for me."
A moment of meaningful silence fell over the group. Illyana shifted, clearly uncomfortable with having revealed so much. She drained her vodka glass and set it down with a decisive click. "Enough about the past," she said firmly. "We fought demons today. We won. That's what matters."
Felicia seemed to sense the sorceress's desire to change the subject. She turned her attention to Maki. As the conversation shifted, Illyana moved to stand at the balcony's edge, her profile silhouetted against the Las Vegas lights. Tyson joined her, leaving Maki and Felicia to their discussion.
"You didn't have to come back with us, you know," he said quietly. "The Ancient One seemed to want you to stay."
"Some things don't need saying." Her response was simple but weighted with meaning. "Your friends are interesting," she commented, nodding toward the other two women. "Felicia has changed, yet hasn't. Still the same confident cat, but with more... cat. The Japanese one, though... she has shadows behind her smile. Like someone who has seen too much too young."
"She's ex-Hydra. Her childhood has much in common with yours," he explained carefully. "But she's one of us now."
Illyana nodded, accepting this without judgment. In her experience, the source of someone's darkness mattered less than how they chose to wield it. "Good fighters are hard to find. Loyal ones, even more so. Though it seems you have no trouble finding... companions."
Before he could respond, they rejoined Maki and Felicia, whose conversation had taken an intriguing turn.
Maki shook her head. "No one at the moment. My work keeps me pretty busy." There was something almost defensive in her tone.
"Work isn't everything," Felicia said teasing. "What's your type?" The question came with a knowing smile that suggested this wasn't idle curiosity.
Maki felt a slight flush creep up her neck, and she wasn't sure if it was from the alcohol or the personal nature of the question. "I don't know if I have a specific type," she admitted. "I guess I'm drawn to people who are confident, intelligent, and can keep up with me in a fight."
Felicia's smile widened meaningfully. "Sounds like you'd fit right in with our little group."
Maki's eyes widened slightly as she caught the implication. "Are you saying... I mean, do you two often..."
"Invite others to join us?" Felicia finished smoothly. She moved closer to Maki, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Let's just say we're open to new experiences." The suggestion hung in the air like a challenge and an invitation combined.
Illyana, who had been quietly observing from her position against the railing, let out a short, sharp laugh. "Always dancing around what you mean," she muttered, shaking her head.
Maki turned to her, surprised by the interruption. Illyana met her gaze directly. "You want to know if they invite others to their bed," she stated bluntly. "The answer is yes. And before you ask—" she raised a hand to forestall the obvious question, "—yes, I know about it. I nearly walked in on them the last time I was in New York."
"Felicia enjoys variety," Tyson said shamelessly. "And I can't say I mind."
Maki found herself caught between curiosity and surprise. Her gaze flickered between the three of them, lingering on Illyana, whose expression remained impassive despite the personal nature of the discussion. "And that works for all of you?" she asked carefully.
Felicia nodded. "It does. I enjoy being with him, but I'm not the jealous type. And he's never complained when Jessica joins us. Although I sometimes wonder if it's me joining them. He seems enamored with her."
Maki's jaw dropped slightly at this casual revelation. Felicia laughed, the sound light and melodious. "Oh, the stories we could tell you. But maybe that's a conversation for another time."
"I am not here enough," Illyana said. Her voice was matter-of-fact but with an undercurrent of regret. She swirled the vodka in her glass, watching the clear liquid catch the light. "I'm away for months at a time. It would be selfish to expect him to wait, alone."
"What? You think because I fight demons, or know magic, or was his first, that I must be a jealous, possessive woman? I am practical. He needs connections. Physical, emotional. When I cannot provide this, others do." She shrugged, a gesture both dismissive and accepting. "Felicia thinks this all was her doing. It was mine. I was the one who encouraged him to go to Jubilee. It's an arrangement that works."
"It's more than just practicality, Lyana," he said softly.
Her expression softened fractionally. "Da. Yes. It's also trust." She glanced at Felicia. "I trust the cat-woman to keep him safe when I cannot. To care for him." The admission seemed to cost her something. "This sharing isn't easy for me. But nothing worth having ever is."
Felicia smiled at the backhanded compliment. "I prefer Black Cat, not Catwoman."
Illyana looked genuinely puzzled. "But you are not black?"
This drew a laugh from Tyson as he stood up, adjusting his towel. "I think I'm going to grab that shower now. You ladies feel free to continue your chat." The conversation was heading in a direction that required careful handling, and sometimes strategic withdrawal was the best option.
As he disappeared into the suite, Maki turned back to Felicia with renewed curiosity. "So, this arrangement... It's not just physical, is it?"
"No, it's not. Tyson and I have a deep connection. We trust each other implicitly. The physical aspect is just one part of it." Felicia paused, considering her words. "With everything you face, you learn to value the people who understand the risks, who don't try to change you or make you choose between them and the mission."
"And Jessica?"
"We all care for each other. It's not always easy, but it works for us."
Illyana remained silent, but observed the conversation with keen attention. There was not jealousy, exactly, in her expression, but a kind of wary assessment, as if she were continually reevaluating the dynamics between them all.
Maki nodded slowly. "I have to admit, I'm a little envious. It sounds... freeing." The word came out almost wistfully.
Felicia placed a gentle hand on Maki's arm. "It can be. But it's not for everyone." Her touch was warm, reassuring rather than presumptuous.
"I can imagine," Maki said quietly.
"It requires strength," Illyana interjected thoughtfully. "To know what is yours and what is not. To hold without crushing." She looked down at her own hands, which had unconsciously tightened around her glass. "Hold too tight, you destroy what you love. Not tight enough, it gets taken." She looked up, her gaze moving between them. "Balance is difficult. But worth finding."
The wisdom in her words spoke to battles fought not just against demons but against her own possessive instincts.
Felicia's expression turned thoughtful. "It's not always easy," she admitted. "Our lives are complicated, and the risks we take are very real. But in a way, that's what makes these connections so important. We provide comfort and support when the world gets too dark."
Maki nodded. "I can see that. It must be nice to have people who truly understand what you face."
"It is," Felicia agreed. "Don't get me wrong, it's not all sunshine and roses. We have our disagreements and challenges. But at the end of the day, we're there for each other. That's what matters most."
Illyana set her empty glass down with a decisive click. "It's why I came tonight," she said, almost to herself. "Not just the demons. I needed to see..." She trailed off, uncharacteristically hesitant.
"That we're okay?" Felicia supplied.
"Da. That you are safe. All of you." Her gaze lingered briefly on the door through which he had disappeared.
The sound of the shower shutting off drifted from inside the suite. Felicia glanced toward the door, then back at Maki. Illyana straightened, her moment of vulnerability passed.
He emerged from the suite, hair still damp from the shower. He'd wrapped a fresh towel around his waist, droplets of water still clinging to his chest. He paused at the doorway, sensing the shift in atmosphere among the three women.
"Did I miss anything interesting?" he asked.
Felicia shot him a mischievous grin. "Oh, just girl talk. Nothing you'd find fascinating."
Illyana's lips quirked in a rare, small smile. "We were discussing demons," she said dryly. "The kind that walk on two legs and steal hearts."
Maki, however, seemed lost in thought as she swirled the remnants of her drink. "Can I be honest with you all?" she asked hesitantly.
"Of course," Tyson said.
Maki took a deep breath. "I... I wasn't sure if I would be accepted here. Because I came from Hydra. And when I first met Tyson, I attacked him with the Hand." The admission hung in the air for a moment, heavy with old shame. "I know it's been a while since I left them. But sometimes I worry that my past will always be there, hanging over me. That people will always see me as... as the enemy or at least as an outsider."
Illyana gave a short, dry laugh, the sound holding genuine amusement rather than mockery. "You think you're the only one with a dark past?" We all have shadows following us."
Tyson reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Maki's shoulder. "I don't question your loyalty," he said firmly. "Hydra abandoned you to us, and I'm glad they did. Even before that, you proved you were capable and valuable."
"You really mean that?"
"Absolutely. We all have histories we're carrying. Illyana attacked me when we first met, same as you. Felicia accepted our first date as a pretense for robbing a club." He smiled, the memory fond rather than bitter. "Your actions since joining us have spoken louder than any past affiliation. You've risked your life alongside us, fought with us. That's what matters. Do you think I'd let you use my most valuable weapon if I didn't trust you?"
"Trust is earned," Illyana added, her voice matter-of-fact. "Past allegiances aside. Intentions matter less than actions."
Felicia stepped closer, green eyes warm with understanding. "We all have pasts we're not proud of," she said softly. "What's important is who we choose to be now." She knew something about reinventing oneself, about choosing a different path than the one others expected.
Maki's shoulders relaxed visibly as if a weight had been lifted from them. "Thank you. I... I wasn't sure how to bring it up. It's been weighing on me for a while."
"You're one of us now," he assured her. "Your skills, your dedication, that's what we see when we look at you. Not Hydra." The simple declaration carried finality. As far as he was concerned, the matter was settled.
"The past shapes us, but doesn't define us." Illyana declared.
Felicia nodded in agreement. "Besides," she added with a playful wink, "anyone who can keep up with us in a fight against demons is someone we want on our side." This drew a genuine chuckle from Maki. She looked at her companions, grateful for their acceptance and understanding. As the mood lightened, Felicia's lips curved into a mischievous smile. "You know, Maki," she began, her tone taking on a teasing quality, "you never did finish answering my question."
"Which question?"
"We were talking about types earlier, remember? Is he your type?" She paused, her grin widening. "Or am I? Or is she?" she finished, pointing at Illyana.
Illyana arched an eyebrow. Maki felt heat rise to her cheeks, her earlier vulnerability replaced by a different kind of nervousness. She glanced between him, Felicia, and now Illyana, suddenly very aware of their proximity and Tyson's state of undress.
"I... um..." Maki stammered, "I suppose I admire different qualities in all of you."
"Oh?"
Maki's gaze flickered to Tyson first. "Well, you're strong, both physically and in character. You lead with confidence but also compassion. And your dedication to protecting others is..." She paused, searching for the right word. "Inspiring."
His lips curved into a pleased smile. "Thank you."
Maki then turned to Felicia, her voice gaining confidence. "And you... you're graceful, quick-witted, and fiercely independent. Your ability to adapt to any situation is impressive. You make it look effortless, but I can see the intelligence behind every move."
Felicia's eyes sparkled with delight. "My, my, Maki. You certainly know how to make a girl feel special."
After a moment's hesitation, Maki glanced at Illyana. The sorceress had been the most enigmatic of the three, hardest to read. "And you... there's something compelling about your intensity. The way you faced those demons without flinching. Your power is... Breathtaking."
Illyana's eyes widened slightly, clearly not expecting the compliment. "Spasibo," she said softly. "Thank you."
"I... I'm just being honest."
Felicia moved closer. "So, if you had to choose..." she left the question hanging.
Maki looked from Felicia to Tyson to Illyana and back again, feeling suddenly like prey caught between three very different but equally dangerous predators. "I... I don't know if I could choose," she admitted. "You're all... incredible in your own ways."
Slowly, deliberately, Felicia reached out and took Maki's hand in hers. "Who says you have to choose?"
"We meant what we said earlier, Maki. You're one of us now. In every way, if you want to be." Felicia's gaze shifted to Illyana, a question in her green eyes. "All of us," she added, her meaning crystal clear.
Illyana remained still for a long moment, her expression unreadable as she processed the invitation. Then she straightened, pushing away from the railing. "I need another drink," she said, but instead of dismissal, there was something else in her tone. She moved toward the door, but paused beside Maki. Leaning in slightly, she spoke in a low voice. "Be careful what you wish for," she murmured, but there was no malice in the words. "Some of us burn hotter than others."
With that cryptic comment, she slipped inside, leaving Maki staring after her.
Maki looked at her hand, joined with Felicia's, then up at the faces of the two people still with her. She saw no judgment there, no pressure. Only warmth, acceptance, and an invitation that felt both thrilling and terrifying.
"I... I've never..." Maki began, her voice trembling slightly with nerves and anticipation.
"There's no rush, no expectations," Felicia assured her. "Whatever happens, whatever you decide, that won't change how we feel about you."
Maki felt waves of gratitude, affection, and a thrilling sense of anticipation wash over her. She squeezed Felicia's hand gently, then reached out with her other hand to touch Tyson's arm.
"I think... I'd like to explore those possibilities," Maki said softly.
"We should probably clean up," Felicia said, gesturing to her dress, which had seen better days after their battle. She led Maki inside by the hand, their fingers intertwined in a gesture that felt both natural and loaded with promise.
As they returned inside the suite, they found Illyana pouring more vodka.
"Illyana," Felicia began, her voice gentler than usual. "You're welcome to join us. In whatever capacity you're comfortable with."
"I am not good at... sharing," she said finally. "Not in the way you mean."
"No pressure," he assured her quickly. "You set the boundaries. Always. That's never changed."
Illyana's gaze moved from him to Felicia to Maki. Then, to everyone's surprise, a small, genuine smile curved her lips.
"Perhaps I could stay," she said. "For a little while. The Ancient One will not expect me back until morning."
— Rogue Redemption —
The master bedroom was luxurious, complete with an open bath and shower that were like their own mini-suite. Felicia, still holding Maki's hand, turned to Tyson. She gave him a gentle push onto the bed, which was positioned in full view of the bath. The shower itself was large enough for multiple people, with various showerheads.
Both women's outfits had been torn during the fighting. Maki's remained relatively intact since she hadn't taken many hits. Felicia's black dress barely protected her modesty after her battle with Whiteclaw, but she wore it with unapologetic confidence.
Felicia slipped out of what was left of her dress, revealing her toned, athletic figure. She moved behind Maki, her hands deftly working to lower Maki's straps. As the fabric loosened, Felicia began tracing light kisses on Maki's neck and shoulders.
Illyana lingered by the doorway before moving to join Tyson on the bed, maintaining a small distance between them. "They're beautiful together," she whispered, her voice just loud enough for the women to hear. Her blue eyes tracked their forms with undisguised appreciation. "Their silver and black hair contrasts. Like moonlight and shadow." Tyson nodded, equally transfixed. Illyana shifted closer to him on the bed.
Felicia's hands slid over Maki's hips, pushing the red dress down to her feet. Maki stepped out of the fabric, now clad only in her undergarments. Felicia's kisses continued, exploring the curve of Maki's shoulder, the line of her collarbone. "The Japanese one moves like a fighter," Illyana observed, her voice a low murmur against Tyson's ear. "Controlled power in every movement. Krasivaya. Beautiful."
Her fingers began to trace patterns on Tyson's arm, light touches that left goosebumps in their wake. He watched from the bed, taking in the sight of Felicia and Maki together. Beside him, Illyana's breathing had deepened slightly, pupils dilating as she watched the women's sensual display. Felicia reached around to unhook Maki's bra, freeing her breasts. She gasped as she felt Felicia's hands cupping her breasts from behind, thumbs teasing the sensitive nipples into peaks.
"I've always admired Felicia's confidence," Illyana said. "The way she takes what she wants." As she spoke, her hand moved to Tyson's chest, fingers splaying across his skin. "Like now." Her touch was different from Felicia's, less playful, more deliberate. There was an intensity to Illyana that manifested even in her gentlest caresses.
Felicia nipped at Maki's earlobe, her voice a low whisper. "Let's get you cleaned up," she said, guiding Maki towards the shower.
They stepped under the warm spray. Felicia reached for a bottle of body wash, squeezing a generous amount into her palm. The scent of jasmine and vanilla filled the steamy air as she began to wash Maki, her hands gliding over Maki's skin with deliberate slowness. As the women continued their sensual shower, Illyana turned her full attention to Tyson. She straddled him on the bed. Her hands cupped his face, thumbs tracing the line of his jaw before she leaned in to kiss him.
The kiss was neither tentative nor gentle. It was a claim, a statement of intent. Her lips pressed against his with hunger. "I've missed this. Missed you."
She reached down, finding the edge of his towel and unwrapping it with deliberate slowness. "They put on quite a show," she murmured, glancing toward the shower where Felicia and Maki were still entwined under the spray of water. "But I think we can match them."
Her hands explored him with confident familiarity. There was something almost reverent in her exploration, despite the boldness of her actions, as if she were memorizing him all over again. Maki and Felicia's movements in the shower had become more heated, their kisses deeper, hands more urgent in their exploration. The steam from the hot water created a dreamlike atmosphere around them.
As Felicia and Maki rinsed off, Illyana suddenly stood, pulling Tyson up with her. Her grip on his hand was firm, decisive. "Come," she said simply, leading him toward the shower. There was no hesitation as she approached the glass enclosure, no sign of the emotional guardedness she typically maintained. In this moment, she had made her decision, and she moved with purpose. Felicia and Maki parted slightly as Illyana and Tyson stepped into the shower, creating space while maintaining their intimate proximity.
Just as she reached the door, Illyana stripped off her remaining clothes. The four of them stood together under the cascade of water. The steam-filled shower enclosure became a world of its own, isolated from reality by walls of glass and clouds of vapor. Water cascaded from multiple showerheads, creating a symphony of sound that muffled everything except their breathing and occasional soft gasps. Tyson hands cupped Illyana's face with unexpected gentleness, thumbs tracing her high cheekbones before he leaned in to kiss her. The contact was electric, charged with longing. There was nothing hesitant in her kiss, it was consuming, demanding, a statement rather than a question. Then, surprisingly, Illyana broke the kiss and turned Tyson toward Felicia with deliberate hands. "She's been waiting," Illyana murmured, her voice low and husky. "I can see it in how she looks at you."
The gesture was unexpected, a concession, perhaps, or something more complex. Tyson's momentary surprise gave way to understanding as he moved toward Felicia, taking her in his arms, kissing her deeply. His hands roamed over her wet skin, tracing the contours of her body. Felicia melted into him, her hands tangling in his hair as they kissed with a fierce intensity.
Maki watched them, her heart pounding in her chest. She felt a thrill of anticipation, knowing that she was a part of this, that she was welcomed and desired in this intimate moment. She was still amazed by the acceptance and how easily they'd drawn her into their circle.
Felicia, still kissing Tyson, reached out to pull Maki closer. As she did so, she cast a glance at Illyana, who stood slightly apart, water streaming down her pale skin. Their eyes met across the small space. With a deliberate movement, Felicia guided Maki into Tyson's eyes, then stepped back slightly. She turned to face Illyana directly, her smile challenging. She winked in a gesture that was both playful and provocative.
Illyana raised an eyebrow, momentarily caught off guard by Felicia's directness. Her blue eyes traveled slowly over Felicia's body, taking in every curve and plane with unhurried appreciation. There was something almost clinical in her gaze at first, an assessment rather than an invitation. "You've always been beautiful," she said finally, her voice carrying a note of reluctant admission. "Even when I wanted to banish you to the darkest, most demon-filled corner of Limbo."
Felicia's smile widened. "And here I thought you didn't notice," she purred, taking a step closer to Illyana. Water droplets clung to her silver hair.
The two women had always been somewhat combative when it came to Tyson, never coming to blows, but at times it had been a close thing. Over their quick meetings in the past, they'd come to a hesitant, often unspoken arrangement over Tyson. But they'd never been this close to each other, never acknowledged the complex web of emotions that bound them together through their shared connection to him.
Felicia moved closer still, until only inches separated them. "We've been circling each other for months," she said softly. "Maybe it's time we stopped dancing around what this is."
Illyana studied her with new interest. "I don't dance," she said, but there was a hint of curiosity in her tone. "And I don't know what this is. But I can improvise."
With that, she closed the distance between them, one hand coming up to thread through Felicia's wet silver hair. Their lips met in a tentative kiss, both women testing unfamiliar waters. The kiss was brief at first, almost experimental. Illyana pulled back slightly, thoughtful as she studied Felicia's face. Then, decision made, she leaned in again, this time with more purpose. Their second kiss was deeper, more exploratory. Felicia's hands came to rest on Illyana's waist, feeling the taut muscle beneath smooth skin.
When they finally separated, both women were breathing harder, their eyes reflecting mutual surprise at the unexpected chemistry between them. "Interesno," Illyana murmured. She smiled, not her usual sardonic expression, but something more genuine. "You taste like expensive perfume."
Felicia laughed softly. "And you taste like vodka," she replied. "I think I like it."
They became aware of Tyson and Maki watching them, both having paused in their explorations. Tyson looked openly appreciative, while Maki appeared fascinated.
"Don't stop on our account," Tyson said.
He turned to Maki, pulling her close, his lips claiming hers in a searing kiss. Maki responded eagerly, her hands exploring the hard planes of his chest and abdomen. The four of them stood under the shower, their bodies entwined, boundaries blurring in the steam and cascading water. Felicia reached out, taking Maki's hand in hers. She placed it on Tyson's chest, encouraging Maki to step closer.
Illyana watched this exchange with hooded eyes, her usual guardedness momentarily set aside. There was something almost vulnerable in her expression as she observed the easy affection between the others, a glimpse of longing quickly masked. But when Tyson extended his hand to her, inviting her back into their circle, she took it without hesitation. Her fingers intertwined with his.
Together, they moved as one, their bodies sliding against each other with slick, heated friction as they made out.
Despite Illyana's earlier boldness, there was a flicker of uncertainty in her expression. Felicia noticed, casting a knowing glance in Illyana's direction. "First time with a group?" she asked softly, her voice free of judgment.
Illyana's chin lifted slightly, pride warring with honesty. "Da," she admitted after a moment. Her hands found Maki's waist as Tyson's hands cupped Maki's breasts, his thumbs circling her nipples.
"Like this," Felicia murmured, guiding Illyana's hands with her own. "Feel how she responds."
Maki moaned, her head falling back against Tyson's shoulder.
"Her skin is so soft," Illyana whispered, almost to herself. There was wonder in her voice, as if discovering something unexpected.
Felicia dropped to her knees, her hands running up Tyson's thighs. She looked up at him, mischief dancing in her green eyes. Tyson's breathing quickened as she took him in her mouth, her tongue swirling around the tip. Illyana watched and without breaking her gaze, she leaned in to kiss Maki's shoulder, lips tracing a path up to her neck.
"Is this good?" she asked against Maki's skin. The question was uncharacteristically uncertain for someone normally so confident.
Maki nodded, reaching back to thread her fingers through Illyana's blonde hair, encouraging her to continue. Emboldened, Illyana's kisses grew more assured, her teeth grazing sensitive skin as her hands explored Maki's body with increasing confidence. She reached out, her fingers threading through Felicia's wet hair, holding on as Felicia worked Tyson with her mouth.
Illyana's other hand found their way to Maki's breast, cupping it from behind as Tyson's hands moved lower. The contrast between their touches, Tyson's familiar and confident, Illyana's exploratory, created a symphony of sensation that had Maki gasping.
"Krasivaya," Illyana murmured against Maki's ear. "Beautiful."
Felicia's mouth explored Tyson's length as she sucked and teased, drawing moans of pleasure from deep within his chest. His hands roamed Maki's body, his fingers tracing the lines of her muscles, the curves of her hips. Their tongues danced together in a passionate kiss, a tangled fusion of desire and need.
Illyana moved to face Maki, and Tyson leaned back. "May I?"
At Maki's nod, Illyana leaned in, capturing her mouth in a kiss that started tentative but quickly deepened. It was different from her kiss with Felicia. Less challenging, more exploratory. Her hands cradled Maki's face with unexpected gentleness.
Felicia's free hand explored Maki's legs. She pulled back from Tyson, still stroking him, but began to nibble at the sensitive flesh of Maki's inner thigh, her teeth grazing the skin just enough to elicit a sharp intake of breath.
Illyana broke the kiss. She looked down at Felicia, then back at Maki. "Show me," she said to Felicia, her voice husky but commanding. "Show me how you please her."
Felicia smiled, a flash of appreciation crossing her features at Illyana's directness. "Come here," she instructed, making room beside her.
Illyana knelt and watched intently as Felicia's lips traveled higher. Maki's hand found its way to Tyson's shaft, joining Felicia's. Their fingers moved in unison as they stroked him. She moaned as the white-haired woman worked her magic.
"Now you," Felicia murmured to Illyana, guiding her closer.
Illyana hesitated only briefly before leaning in, her tongue darting out experimentally. Maki gasped at the contact, her body responding immediately to the new sensation. Felicia guided her with gentle instructions and demonstrations, the two women working in tandem. Illyana proved a quick study, exploring what made Maki gasp and moan. The combination of sensations, Tyson's kiss, Felicia's experienced touch, and Illyana's eager exploration, was overwhelming.
With a desperate moan, Maki tumbled over the edge. Her body shuddered, her muscles clenching and releasing as Felicia and Illyana continued to pleasure her, drawing out her climax until she was utterly spent.
As Maki relaxed, Felicia continued stroking Tyson. She looked up at him, desire written plainly across her features. Beside her, Illyana rose to her feet. "That was..." she began, at a loss for words. She licked her lips, tasting Maki on them. "Different, but fun." She looked at each of them in turn. "I want more," she said simply.
Maki, still recovering from her orgasm, leaned down, capturing Illyana's lips in a tender kiss, tasting herself on Illyana's tongue. The kiss was a silent thank you.
Felicia stood, her hand still wrapped around Tyson's hardness. His hands moved to her hips, pulling her closer, his need for release growing with each passing second.
Maki's hand joined Felicia's again, their fingers working together to bring him pleasure. "So... how do we do this?" she asked.
Felicia laughed. "One of the best parts of being with Tyson," she said, "is we don't have to take turns."
Maki looked back at Tyson, getting lost in the gray eyes with the dual rings, one green, one blue. She leaned against him, the warmth of his body seeping into hers as she continued to stroke his arousal. She felt another set of hands encircle her waist, and she turned her head to see... Tyson.
There was a second one of him. And a third.
Her eyes darted between the multiple Tysons. But before she could speak, Felicia answered the unasked question, "You won't know which is which. We've been doing this for a year, and I have super senses, and he can still trick me."
"The illusions," Illyana said, her gaze sharpening with interest. "You still use them here too?" One of the Tysons moved behind Illyana, his hands sliding around her waist, pulling her back against his chest. His lips found the sensitive spot where her neck met her shoulder.
Another Tyson approached Felicia, mirroring the movements of his counterpart with Illyana.
The sorceress, still enveloped in the illusionary Tyson's embrace, reached out toward Felicia. "Come here," she ordered.
Felicia looked surprised, but she moved closer, drawn by the unexpected initiative. Tyson's hands never left her waist, guiding her movement so that she stood facing Illyana, their bodies almost touching.
"I never thought I'd say this, but I think I like your style, cat-woman."
"High praise coming from you," she replied.
Their lips met in a kiss that was more confident than their first, each woman now familiar with the taste and feel of the other. Illyana's hand slid into Felicia's silver hair, holding her close as Tyson continued to kiss the back of her neck.
Maki watched them with wide-eyed fascination, her own Tyson's hands holding her strongly, exploring her body with practiced skill. The sight of Illyana and Felicia together, each embraced by a version of Tyson, was unexpectedly arousing.
"Is this real?" she whispered to her Tyson, unable to tear her eyes away from the scene.
"As real as you want it to be… But yeah, I'm the real one," he replied, his voice a low rumble that she felt as much as heard.
Illyana broke her kiss with Felicia. "I never imagined sharing would be so..." she searched for the right word, "...satisfying."
"It has its advantages," Felicia agreed.
The Tysons moved in perfect synchronization, each attending to their partner while maintaining the collective awareness that made the illusions so convincing. It was impossible to tell which was the original and which were the copies. Each felt equally solid, equally warm, equally present. Illyana, usually so guarded, found herself surrendering to the dual sensations of Tyson's hands on her body and Felicia's lips against hers. It was unfamiliar territory for her, this sharing of not just physical pleasure but emotional vulnerability. "Ya nikogda ne dumala," she murmured against Felicia's lips. "I never thought..."
Maki reached back and guided Tyson inside her. He was gentle at first, allowing her to adjust to his size. He let her slide back against him, setting their pace. The rhythm she established was slow and deliberate.
Across from them, Illyana stood with her back pressed against her own Tyson. She reached for Felicia, pulling her close so that the three of them, Illyana, Felicia, and the Tysons behind each, formed a mirror to Maki's arrangement.
"Ne zastavlyay menya zhdat'," Illyana murmured. "Don't make me wait." The command was directed at both Tyson and Felicia, her hands guiding one while holding the other's gaze. She felt Tyson grip her hips firmly as he entered her. An unguarded sound between a gasp and a moan escaped her lips.
"My God." She breathed, briefly closing her eyes as she adjusted to the sensation.
The illusionary Tyson with Felicia matched his counterpart's movements perfectly, entering her with the same measured pace. Felicia's back arched, her silver hair cascading down as she tilted her head to kiss the illusion.
All the Tysons moved in perfect synchronization, creating a harmonious rhythm that filled the steam-filled shower with the sounds of pleasure.
Illyana's hands found Felicia's waist, steadying herself as Tyson's thrusts grew more insistent.
"I never thought I would share him," she admitted, her voice low enough that only Felicia could hear. "Never thought I could."
Understanding softened Felicia's eyes. "And now?"
A small, genuine smile curved Illyana's lips. "Now I wonder why I didn't join in the last time I found you."
The illusionary Tysons matched their counterparts' rhythm, their hips moving in sync with the real Tyson's. Felicia's and Illyana's moans echoed off the shower walls, mingling with Maki's gasps and the sound of the water cascading over their bodies.
Maki leaned forward, capturing Felicia in a kiss. Their tongues danced together, a sensual duel that mirrored the movements of their bodies. Illyana leaned in, pressing her lips to the curve of Maki's breast. Her teeth grazed the sensitive skin of her nipple.
Maki could feel the familiar tightening in her core, the telltale sign that she was close to the edge. Illyana's breathing had grown more ragged under the dual assault of Tyson's thrusts and the taboo of their tryst.
"I'm close," she gasped, in a moment of unguarded passion.
Never ceasing his thrusting, Tyson sent Maki tumbling over the edge. Her body shuddered, her muscles clenching around him as her orgasm washed over her in waves. Illyana followed, her release taking her by surprise. A cry escaped her lips. A sound of surrender so unlike her that it seemed to come from someone else entirely.
Tyson followed them over the edge, his own release pulsing inside them. They clung to each other, their bodies slick with water and sweat, their hearts beating in sync.
The illusionary Tysons disappeared, leaving the women gasping for breath. Illyana leaned heavily against Felicia, her forehead resting on the other woman's shoulder as she fought to regain her composure.
"That was..." she began, uncharacteristically at a loss for words.
"Incredible?" Felicia supplied.
They finished their shower, washing each other with gentle, loving touches. The tenderness of these moments seemed to affect Illyana most profoundly, as if the simple act of washing another's body was more intimate than what had come before.
They stepped out, drying each other off. They moved into the bedroom, collapsing onto the bed in a tangle of limbs.
Felicia's hands roamed over Maki's body, her touch light and teasing. Maki arched into Felicia's touch as an illusionary Tyson appeared behind her, and she once again guided him inside her. On the other side of the massive bed, Illyana straddled the real Tyson, her pale thighs contrasting with his darker skin. Her blonde hair fell forward, creating a curtain around their faces as she leaned down to kiss him. There was a possessiveness in her touch that hadn't been there before.
"Ty moy," she whispered against his lips. "You're mine." Tyson's hands gripped her hips, guiding her movements as she rode him with deliberate slowness. "Even when I'm gone," she continued, her voice low enough that only he could hear, "remember this feeling. Remember me."
The rhythm they all established was languid and unhurried. This time, they moved together with a sense of leisurely exploration, each stroke, each touch, a discovery of new pleasures.
Maki's hand slipped between Felicia's thighs, her fingers finding the other woman's slick folds. Felicia spread her legs wider, granting Maki better access as she continued to tease and pleasure her.
Illyana watched them from her position atop Tyson. "Maki looks like she's enjoying herself."
Tyson's hands slid up her sides, cupping her breasts. "Jealous?" he asked, teasing.
Illyana's eyebrow arched. "Of them? Nyet. No." She leaned down, her lips brushing his ear. "I have the real you."
Her pace increased slightly. Tyson's grip on her hips tightened, his thrusts meeting her downward movements with increasing urgency.
Maki rolled flat, then lifted her hips up so she was on her hands and knees. In a moment, the illusionary Tyson was inside her again. Felicia crawled beneath Maki. Her green eyes gleamed with mischief as she positioned herself, her head nestled between Maki's spread legs, her own legs splayed open in blatant invitation.
Illyana watched this rearrangement with interest, but never stopped riding Tyson. "They're beautiful together," she murmured. "Like art in motion."
"So are you," he said softly.
Maki lowered herself toward the bed, right above Felicia. At the same time, she lowered her face between Felicia's legs, her tongue darting out to taste the other woman's arousal. She lapped at Felicia's slick folds, matching the rhythm provided by the Tyson thrusting behind her.
Felicia moaned, her hips bucking up to meet Maki's mouth as the Asian woman's tongue worked its magic. The pleasure was exquisite, leaving her on the brink of release.
The illusionary Tyson's grip on Maki's hips tightened, his thrusts becoming more forceful. The sound of his hips slapping against Maki's ass filled the room, mingling with the wet sounds of Maki's and Felicia's tongues lapping at each other.
Illyana's movements atop the real Tyson grew more urgent, her control slipping as pleasure built within her. Her nails dug into his chest, leaving temporary marks that healed as quickly as they appeared.
"Tyson," she gasped, warning in her voice. "You're close. I can feel it."
He nodded, his breathing coming in short gasps as he fought to maintain control.
"You need to pull out. Or use your metal power to make protection. We're not in Limbo. There could be consequences."
Tyson concentrated briefly as he pulled metal from his clothes, still on the deck, and formed a thin, flexible barrier of metal between them, imperceptible in its thinness but strong enough to serve its purpose.
Felicia was close, so close, and Maki could feel it. She redoubled her efforts, her tongue flicking against Felicia's sensitive clit with renewed vigor. With a final, desperate moan, Felicia tumbled over the edge. Her body shuddered as her orgasm washed over her. Maki lapped at her, drawing out her pleasure until she was utterly spent.
As Felicia's orgasm subsided, the illusionary Tyson's movements grew more erratic. He was close, Maki could tell, matching his real self.
With a final, powerful thrust, he found his release. The sensation of him pulsing inside her was enough to send Maki over the edge as well. Her body clenched around him.
Simultaneously, Illyana's control finally shattered. Her back arched, her body tensing as pleasure overwhelmed her. A cry of surrender escaped her lips, as if it had come from someone else entirely. His name was on her lips as she rode out her climax.
Tyson's orgasm crashed over him at the same time as his illusions had. His hands gripped Illyana's hips with bruising force as he thrust upward.
They collapsed onto the bed in a tangle of limbs, their bodies slick with sweat and glowing with the aftermath of their shared pleasure. Maki lay sandwiched between the illusionary Tyson and Felicia, while the real Tyson held Illyana close, his arms wrapped protectively around her smaller frame.
For several minutes, the only sound in the room was their collective breathing as they gradually returned to reality. The illusionary Tyson faded away, leaving Maki and Felicia entwined on their side of the bed.
Illyana rested her head on Tyson's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. "I should go soon," she said, though she made no move to leave.
Tyson's arms tightened around her. "Stay a little longer."
Illyana's lips curved into a small smile. "A little longer," she agreed. She glanced across the bed at Felicia and Maki, who were watching them with sleepy, satisfied expressions. "Your friends are interesting," Illyana said, "I think I might actually miss them too."
Coming from Illyana, it was as close to a declaration of affection as one could expect. Felicia recognized it for what it was, offering a smile that held none of their earlier competitiveness. "You're welcome back anytime. Demon invasion optional."
Illyana laughed in genuine amusement. "Thank you. I might take you up on that."
The four of them lay together in comfortable silence. For a long moment, none of them spoke. They simply lay there, basking in the warmth of each other's bodies and the quiet intimacy of the moment. Illyana lay on her back beside Tyson, one arm thrown above her head, her breathing slowly returning to normal. Her free hand absently traced patterns on his chest.
"The Ancient One speaks of moments between moments," she said quietly. "Spaces where time moves differently. I think this might be one of those."
Eventually, Tyson rolled onto his back, pulling Maki with him. She settled against his chest, her head resting in the crook of his arm. Felicia, not wanting to be left out, snuggled up against Maki's side, her arm draped over the other woman's waist. Illyana watched this rearrangement with a thoughtful expression. She seemed to be weighing something in her mind. Finally, she shifted closer, positioning herself on Tyson's other side. Her body fit against his, her head came to rest on his shoulder.
The gesture was a conscious choice to remain close, connected, rather than withdraw. They lay like that for hours, talking and laughing, their conversation meandering from topic to topic with no particular destination in mind. Illyana participated more than might have been expected, offering occasional dry observations or insightful comments. As the night wore on, their conversation gradually petered out, replaced by the soft, even sounds of Maki's breathing. She had drifted off to sleep, her features peaceful in repose.
Illyana watched her for a moment, something almost wistfully. "She sleeps deeply. Like she's safe."
"She is safe," Tyson replied.
"I need to go."
"You could stay until morning," Felicia suggested.
Illyana shook her head regretfully. "I cannot. There are preparations we must make. Repercussions from the demons." She rose from the bed and began to gather her scattered clothing. "Until next time," she said, her gaze encompassing all of them, including the still-sleeping Maki.
Tyson shimmied his way free of the bed.
She rose on her toes to press a kiss to his lips. She turned to Felicia next. "Take care of him. And yourself." Illyana leaned in and kissed her as well. When she pulled back, there was a hint of mischief in her blue eyes. "You taste better than I expected," she admitted.
She waved her arm, and a portal began to form. "Tell Maki..." she began, then paused, reconsidering. "Tell her I enjoyed meeting her properly."
With that, she was gone, the portal closing behind her with a shimmer of collapsing gold sparkles that momentarily illuminated the room before plunging it back into comfortable darkness.
Felicia looked at the space where Illyana had stood, then back at Tyson. "She's full of surprises, isn't she?"
"Always has been," Tyson agreed.
Felicia studied him. She knew her lover's appetites all too well. He would need more to be fully sated. She slipped from the tangled sheets. Beckoning him with a crook of her finger, she padded, naked, towards the adjoining room.
She would wear him out yet.
Whether the assassin or demonic sorceress would join them again in the future was their choice. Neither Felicia nor Tyson would pressure them. But for now, Felicia craved more of Tyson's attention.
With feline grace, she sauntered into the living room and perched on the edge of the ornate oak table, leaning back on her hands and crossing one leg over the other. Her platinum locks cascaded over her bare shoulders, partially obscuring the enticing view of her breasts. Tyson's gaze raked over her hungrily as he approached. Strong hands grasped her thighs, parting them as he positioned himself between her legs.
Anticipation coiled within her. But a hint of unease lingered in her mind. Her concerns evaporated as Tyson claimed her mouth, his hands roaming possessively. She surrendered to his touch, to the pleasure that beckoned.
All else could wait.
After all, whatever happened in Vegas… Stayed in Vegas.
Hopefully that included demons.
Though as the faintest trace of brimstone lingered in the air as a reminder of Illyana's departure, Felicia couldn't help but wonder if their demon-hunting days were truly behind them. The Ancient One's words about "the first incursion" echoed in her memory.
But that was a concern for tomorrow. Tonight belonged to them, to the connections they had forged and deepened, to the pleasure they had shared, and to the understanding that had grown between them all. Felicia pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on Tyson's touch and the promise of the sleepless night still stretching before them.