Zexich provided medication to Vezaias for his throbbing headache. He then gathered Lux's medication which was the whole reason Lux had come to the infirmary. Lux examined his pills then swallowed them before turning his attention back to Vezaias.

  “So if I know my shit, then why exactly did you let wonderboy explode like that? We felt the whole base shake.” Lux asked seriously.

  “If you go to the lockers you will understand. Zexich should go too.” Vezaias said mildly. The three companions looked at each other.

  “Now I'm curious.” Ephraim said.

  “Let's go see.” Lux said, opening a portal. All three left to the lockers as well as Zexich to see what had happened. Remington took them to the spot of impact where one set of lockers were smashed in. In the same cubicle there seemed to be a crack hovering in place and suspended by nothing.

  “Whoaaa, what is that?” Ephraim asked in amazement.

  “Remington you broke the fabric of the world.” Zexich looked very fascinated at the crackled spot.

  “Why would you do that?” Lux asked seriously. Remington only looked at the crystalline crunch that looked like 360° of shattered glass around the size of a basketball.

  “I didn't mean too? I don't even know how I did it!” Remington said, looking just as amazed.

  “Remington you have been able to do this before causing the connection to your world, remember?” Zexich said amusingly. “However this break doesn't seem to be fully realized.” Zexich said continuing to examine the crunch closely. “Looks like I will be utilizing this weak spot in the future. How very clever of our leader to let you bust a chunk out of this world.” Zexich smiled amusingly to himself. They all returned to the infirmary where Vezaias was sleeping again. Remington came over quickly to see him looking very peaceful. He sat down and took Vezaias's hand in his own to intertwine their fingers.

  “Ugh, he looks so adorable when he's asleep it's almost sickening.” Lux mumbled now standing next to Remington. Remington grinned at this comment.

  “I think we should let him sleep.” Ephraim said. “Let's go to the bedroom.” Lux turned to follow Ephraim.

  “Remington, will you come too?” Lux paused to ask. Remington snapped out of his worried focus on Vezaias.

  “Well I don't want to leave him alone.” Remington said softly.

  “Please Remington. It's just…..I really miss you being around me.” Lux said solemnly. Remington sighed deeply, as much as he didn't want to leave Vezaias, he also really missed Lux too.

  “Okay..” Remington said. “Zex, will you tell Zay I went to Lux's room if he wakes up?” Remington asked.

  “Of course. Do not worry I will keep a keen watch over him until he is better.” Zexich reassured them.

  “Thanks Zex.” Remington got up and left with Lux and Ephraim through a portal. Lux was quick to sit down and light a cigarette. Remington and Ephraim went to sit on the bed. Remington was now lost inside his thoughts and brooding about what had happened throughout the day until Lux snapped him back into the moment.

  “Thanks for getting me the day off Remington.” Lux said between two long drags. Remington looked up at him in bewilderment. “I assume you are the reason Solaris hasn't come to take a meal today. Judging from your new body, and stolen eyes, it seems you donated your damaged body to the cause. I appreciate getting the day off because of that.” Lux explained further, then he took another long drag from his cigarette. Ephraim also looked a bit stunned at the observation.

  “Uh! Well, it wasn't my choice.” Remington said softly he looked unhappy then towards the floor. “But I guess I'm glad that it helped you.” Remington said solemnly. He was overwhelmed with emotion very quickly as he remembered the vicious attack and the feeling of flesh being ripped from his body. His eyes gushed with tears which he was confused to feel thankful for as a result of being eaten alive.

  “Remington…” Lux began as he put out his cigarette. “…you are in need of emotional support, true or false?” Lux asked mildly. Remington looked up in tears at Lux.

  “Tru…” He couldn't even finish the word before he choked on a sob and began to cry. Lux got up quickly and approached putting his arms around Remington. Ephraim also leaned over and joined the hug. Remington cried harshly for a long while into Lux's neck, until he was finally able to relax and calm down. Lux shifted and sat on his other side and all three companions were quiet. It was a long moment as Ephraim's anxiety grew over one simple question. Soon he couldn't ignore the possibility any longer and he had to ask.

  “You don't think….” He paused, swallowing his fear away. “……you don't think Zay would do the same thing to me do you?” Ephraim asked shakily.

  “Pfff, heh, he did this to Ava, then me, now Remington…..do you think he would just forget about you?” Lux chuckled. Ephraim jolted in fear. Remington put an arm around him to comfort him. It was quiet again.

  “Does it…..hurt?” He choked out trying not to cry.

  “It was excruciating.” Remington said solemnly. Ephraim couldn't hold back his emotions anymore.

  “I'm scared.” Ephraim said meekly while shivering in fear. Remington held him tightly.

  “It will be over fast. Then you will wake up and you will have a brand new body.” Remington said, trying to comfort him.

  “Is your new body the same as your original?” Ephraim asked as he wept while he continued to shiver.

  “Not exactly.” Remington said. “It's improved I'd say.” Remington thought about the differences he's noticed so far.

  “How has it improved?” Ephraim asked curiously, trying to find anything positive about this situation.

  “Well I am physically stronger than before. I think I can see better than before but not just my eyesight but all of my senses are stronger. I wouldn't exactly say this is an improvement but my emotions feel stronger too. Oh and….well…..” Remington paused then looked flustered for a moment. “…uh nevermind.”

  “What? Is there something else??” Ephraim asked anxiously.

  “Er, well…..” Remington paused, looking awkward. “….I am very easily turned on now.” Remington said, now fidgeting with his hands. Ephraim and Lux both looked at him and were amused.

  “And just how did you discover this difference, Remington?” Lux asked in amusement.

  “Uh! Well….all Vezaias did was kiss me, that's all it took….then suddenly we were having sex for the next…I don't know…..like eight hours…” Remington said now very red and embarrassed.

  “Eight hours??” Ephraim jolted. Lux chuckled to himself.

  “Yeah…it got to the point where Vezaias told me we had to stop because we had other shit to do besides fuck all day. So we went to shower but ended up having sex one more time.” Remington looked flustered now. “Talking about it isn't helping the situation at all either.” He fidgeted more looking uncomfortable now.

  “Wow Rem.” Ephraim said as his own cheeks were bright fuchsia colored.

  “No wonder he has three sexual partners.” Lux said in consideration. Remington was stunned.

  “Wait, has he been sleeping with both of you??” Remington asked, now suddenly jealous and angry.

  “Well yeah, how did you not realize that Remington? He’s had sex with me. If that was that case then why wouldn't he be fucking Ephraim, and at the same time claiming that you are his life partner.” Lux said seriously.

  “I figure it out pretty easily too. We slept together several times then when I dropped you off at the kitchen and left to go help Lux heal, when I returned to his room Vezaias was sleeping with him. So it is obvious that he is sexually active with all three of us.” Ephraim said meekly, now feeling embarrassed, because it was a reality he himself had been avoiding. Remington looked a combination of angry and hurt now.

  “I knew you weren't the sharpest pencil in the tool box but really Remington?” Lux scoffed at him.

  “He told me that he only gave you a delusion of fucking him! He said if you believed there would be that sort of relationship then you would be more likely to be compliant!” Remington snapped angrily. His jealousy was overwhelming now.

  “Well yeah the first time I fucked him. Let me guess you accepted his explanation then trusted him and didn't bother to bring up the subject again. Come on Remington, did you really think he would be so possessive over someone he wasn't fucking on a daily basis? Don't forget he made me go down on you in front of him.” Lux rolled his eyes and leaned back in bemusement. Remington cringed at this.

  “That's not the same as fucking him everyday! Now I feel so fucking stupid.” Remington choked out over his anger. “And both of you know we are together, but neither of you respected that boundary?” Remington got to his feet now and began to pace back and forth to expel as much jealous energy as he could.

  “Pfff, yeah right, like that would ever be an option.” Lux scoffed.

  “I think what Lux means is…..well…..we love him too. I've known him longer than either of you.” Ephraim said mildly.

  “As if longevity is fucking important. I went to prison for that asshole, not to mention I let his pet demon eat my flesh everyday. Neither of you are…”

  “HE ATE MY WHOLE ENTIRE FUCKING BODY TODAY LUX!!” Remington screamed at him, there was a burst of energy that shook the base, then he quickly retracted knowing his emotions were very heightened. Lux only stared at him seriously. Remington forced himself to stop pacing and took a deep breath.

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  “I'm sorry. It just seems like this is a 'what he doesn't know won't hurt him' type of situation. I trusted him because he made it seem like he wasn't doing anything with you. It was all make-believe or whatever, and I didn't want to accuse him constantly.” Remington said, still very full of irritation.

  “It’s fine, Remington. I just assumed you knew about it.” Lux said seriously. “……but you really aren't the brightest nickel in the shoebox.” Lux said amusingly. Remington looked confused then scowled at Lux.

  “Thanks for that Lux.” Remington huffed. Just then there was a whooshing sound and Vezaias was suddenly behind Remington. He turned quickly looking angry.

  “Rem! There you are, I've been looking for you! Come with me to….” Vezaias paused, looking worried suddenly. “…..You are making that adorable face that you make when you are mad, what's wrong?” Vezaias said, looking half amused and half concerned.

  “Are you sure you didn't come here to find Lux, or Ephraim?!” Remington shouted angrily.

  “Here we go. I think I need a cigarette for this one.” Lux got up to sit at the desk and lit a cigarette.

  “Of course not, I came here to find you Rem. Why are you so angry at me? Tell me what's going on!” Vezaias sounded purposely innocent, which made Remington even angrier.

  “You have been having sex with Lux and Ephraim! You told me you wouldn't do that!” Remington snapped. Vezaias looked bewildered for a moment then amused.

  “Well technically I never said I wouldn't, I only said that I hadn't at the time.” Vezaias said smoothly. Remington was now even more angry.

  “You made it seem like you wouldn't do that! Like I could trust that you weren't going to do that!” Remington replied.

  “Oh shit, heh, my bad.” Vezaias chuckled in amusement.

  “My fucking bad?! That's all you have to say?!” Remington yelled.

  “Well what am I supposed to say? Do you want me to lie to you and say I'm sorry? Because I'm not sorry about it. Do you want me to say that I won't do it again? Because I probably will. So what the fuck do you want from me Remington?” Vezaias said unapologetically. Remington was struck now and hurt. “I don't think you understand how this family situation works, Remington. You belong to me. So does Lux. So does Eph. All three of you are mine. I love each of you and it would be pretty fucking shitty if I had to pick just one of you. Do you understand that, Remington?” Vezaias said very smoothly and almost accusingly.

  “No I don't fucking understand! I thought we were together! Just you and I!” Remington snapped.

  “Heh, well yes we are together, but what if I just decided I want to pick Eph, or Lux over you, and he was too jealous to let me be around you anymore. Maybe we can go with that option instead.” Vezaias pressed seriously.

  “What?! No! You can't leave me! I want you, Vezaias! Don't do that to me! I cannot be without you!!” Remington was suddenly in a panic.

  “Ha, okay well you know that feeling you had just now? How terrible it feels when you are told you cannot have me? That's how I feel when you tell me I can't have Lux, or I can't have Eph. I feel that way about all three of you. I would feel just as devastated as you do right now. So what should I do?” Vezaias said mildly. Remington was speechless and looked away in anger. “Besides you have been in love with other people too. You nearly fucked Dem, then you really did fuck my brother, you and Lux have some sort of thing for each other. So how can you be so pissed off at me for this?” Remington cringed.

  “So what, you got angry at me each time! Then when you found out what Lux and I did you punished us! So we stopped. Now you just want me to let you do whatever the fuck you want to do?!” Remington yelled back.

  “I got angry because you did that shit behind my back, and you tried to keep it a secret! Doesn't feel so great does it?” Vezaias rebuttaled. Remington didn’t know what to say back to this now. He was quiet and brooding. “So here is my point…” Vezaias paused. “….I understand what it is like to love more than one person. So that's why I told you that you and Lux can do whatever you want, because I honestly don't care if you two have a thing for each other, because I feel that type a way for both of you…”

  “But you said that if we did anything you would punish us!” Remington interrupted.

  “For fuck sake Remington that's because I couldn't be there and be a part of it! I had to stay at Gran's house while you two were here without me doing who knows what together!” Vezaias snapped in irritation. Remington was quiet. “I get jealous yes, but if I am there to see what you are doing, maybe watch you both or join in then I can take all of that jealousy that I feel and use it to fuck the shit out of you!” Vezaias snapped. Remington turned bright red at this. “So it's not so much that I don't want you to do anything with Lux, I just don't want to be left out! You know how Ava gets fucking pissed off whenever we leave and he cannot go with?! It's the same feeling! He just wants to be fucking included! So when I know you were off doing whatever the hell you are doing without me, I get fucking jealous and pissed off about it!” Vezaias snapped. Remington was desperately trying to wrap his mind around this now.

  “So what are you saying, that you just want to have some sort of thing with all of us? I just don't get it. It goes against everything I knew about relationships.” Remington said unhappily.

  “No offense Remington but it seems you don't know shit about relationships.” Lux said amusingly. Vezaias cracked a smile too.

  “Well fucking explain it then!” Remington snarled.

  “Ugh, for real? Okay let me break it down this way. There are several different kinds of relationships. There are sexual relationships, romantic relationships, physical relationships, loving relationships, and friendship. Shit. I've never had to explain this to anyone before. Let me give you an example of each; Do you feel like you and Ephraim are friends?” Lux asked.

  “Uh, well, sure.” Remington said seriously.

  “Okay, so you have a friendship relationship with him. Now do you love him? By that I mean simply care about him more than a simple friend.” Lux asked. Remington looked worried.

  “It's okay to answer honestly Rem, it's just a conversation.” Vezaias reassured him.

  “Okay so yeah I care about him, so I guess I love him.” Remington said softly.

  “Are you comfortable with hugging him? Sleeping next to him? Cuddling him? Or even nonsexually kissing him?” Lux asked, looking amused.

  “Maybe not kissing him….but yeah okay, we have hugged before.” Remington said seriously.

  “So you have a physical relationship with him. Now are you in love with him? Do you want to be with him romantically?” Lux asked, looking even more amused.

  “Well no…not really?” Remington said, sounding unsure.

  “Do you find him physically attractive?” Lux asked.

  “Sure? Yeah he is very attractive.” Remington said wondering where exactly this was going.

  “Now do you want to fuck him? Or have any sort of sexual contact with him?” Lux asked.

  “Uh! No? I mean I haven't really thought about him like that….” Remington trailed off.

  “Yet…” Vezaias added in amusement.

  “Uh! No! I wouldn't…I mean…” Remington looked at Ephraim who was looking awkward and bashful as he listened to Remington talk. “….Okay so yeah, not yet.” He added looking flustered.

  “Okay now think about all of those questions and tell me how many are a 'yes' when you think about me?” Lux asked. Remington jolted then looked at Vezaias very worriedly.

  “Forget about me Remington, and just answer the fucking questions honestly.” Vezaias said in amusement.

  “Uh! Well pretty much all of them are a yes…except for I'm a little at odds with being with you, like as far as dating?” Remington said bashfully.

  “Why?” Lux asked.

  “Because I'm with Vezaias.” Remington said meekly.

  “And Ephraim, answer these questions about each of us.” Lux said looking interested.

  “Well it's definitely all yes for Zay. For Lux and Rem, I think it's a yes for friendship, physical relationship, and love.” Ephraim paused, looking very bashful. “I guess it's also a yes for both of you with sexual attraction especially for Lux, but I am not sure yet about actually following through with that sort of attraction, and I really haven't considered being romantic with either of you yet.” Ephraim said sheepishly.

  “Heh, alright now Vezaias answers all those questions about each of us.”

  “Yes. Definitely all of it, for each of you.” Vezaias said without hesitation.

  “And for me it's all yes for Vezaias. And all yes for Remington too, but I just met Ephraim so I'm still getting to know him. So it's a no for romance, because I'm just not on that level with him yet. Could I be in the future? Maybe. I just have a hard time with attachment because I am so damn neurodivergent. I am definitely physically and sexually attracted to him, but I find it hard to make any sort of emotional attachment to people, but I think I'm getting better at that because I've learned how to attach to you Remington.” Lux explained.

  “You also have to realize that just because you have one sort of attraction doesn't mean you will feel all of these. My brother is a huge example. He is sexually attracted to you and to Lux, and to that flower headed bitch, and just about anyone in the damn world who has a dick to suck and drugs to give him. But does that mean he loves or cares about anyone? No. He does not romantically love you or Lux or that flower bastard or anyone in the world. He also really doesn't feel friendship because he would turn on you and toss you under a bus at any damn time if he thought it would benefit him enough. Look how easy it was for him to turn on that floral fuck. He didn't give one fuck about stabbing that asshole in the back. Physically? Yes he can be physical with all of you. But romance? Nah.” Vezaias mused.

  “But he acts like he loves certain people…” Remington said in consideration.

  “He is good at acting. That's what I've tried to explain to you. Lux understands that Ava doesn't love people, but you didn't seem to get that. He puts on a good show to give you what you want from him, and he does want people to be in love with him because it makes him feel better about himself. He loves me, so he can feel love, but I'm his brother and it's not romantic love. Beyond that I'm pretty sure he is completely incapable of feeling romantic love.” Vezaias explained. Remington was quiet now and soaking in all this information.

  “So what is this all leading to in conclusion?” Remington said meekly.

  “Well you know how I feel about the three of you. I won't hide it anymore. And I know how each of you feel about each other. It doesn't bother me as long as I am included. Like I said, you all belong to me. We are a family. I love the shit out of all three of you for different reasons and in different ways. I cannot pick between any of you. If you ask me to exclude anyone than it's going to piss me off, making me very unhappy and cause a lot of fucking problems. Then I will just end up lying to you and doing what makes me happy behind your fucking back.” Vezaias said seriously. Remington was quiet. This was so strange but somehow it made sense.

  “It's called polyamory, Remington.” Lux said finally. “The act of assembling a relationship with multiple partners in different ways. Essentially being 'with' more than one person, or group dating. As long as all partners are aware and consenting to how the relationships are structured then it is a perfectly acceptable way to live your life.” Lux said mildly. Remington was still considering everything.

  “I actually really appreciate knowing we can all finally be on the same damn page, because when I see you three all together and becoming friends, or more with each other…..it makes me happy. I want you three to be cool with each other, no matter how far you take it. It’s fine with me if you love the shit out of each other. And if any of you feel like you need more attention or if you feel left out or jealous or whatever just say something. Speak up. Let me know. I will pay more attention to you, because shit if you make me feel that way you know I will fucking get pissed off and let you know it!” Vezaias pressed.

  “Pfff, he will have a shit fit and we will all suffer over it.” Lux said amusingly. Remington was quiet now and still deep in thought over this.

  “Will you fucking say something Remington, you silence is driving me insane!” Vezaias snapped. Remington jolted out of thought and looked up at Vezaias.

  “Well uh….” He paused and mustered up the nerve to speak. “…..it's different, and I've never tried anything like this before…..” he paused again. “……but I guess I will try it…..I'll try to be open to it……I'll try to accept it. I'm just a bit apprehensive and worried that it won't work.”

  “Shit me too, Vezaias is relentless in his pursuit of love. How is that going to work times three? Who the fuck knows? Guess we can find out though.” Lux mused. “But I could give a fuck less if he does anything with you or Ephraim, as long as he still wants me around, and I really need you to want me around too Remington. I am very open to being around Ephraim too, it's just he is the 'noob' in this situation.” Lux was even more amused and gave Ephraim an elbow to the ribs. Ephraim looked bashfully to the floor.

  “I don't mind either I guess. I am a bit shy about the whole sexual aspect though. I like my private things to be private. I will give it a go and see what happens, I just might not be into the whole having an audience to my sex life thing. I guess I just need time to get used to it, and get to know Rem and Lux better, I mean we have only just met a week ago.” Ephraim said meekly.

  “By all means take all the time you need.” Vezaias said looking amused. “Its actually kind of adorable how bashful you are Eph.” Vezaias cooed. Ephraim blushed pink, and the other two looked amused now.