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Merc's Metamorphs

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Chapter 15: One of the Guys

Since Frank got to choose lunch for the guys he'd selected the Mexican joint on the campus commons; it wasn't the same as the Puerto Rican and Cuban food he was used to back home but it was similar enough to scratch the itch. Chance, however, was focused on a different itch, and it was accompanied by an uproarius belly-laugh as he shook his hard taco in time with his words between his guffawing. "Dude.... big.... yikes."

Frank scowled, focused on his flautas, making little swirls in the guacamole on top as Chance had his laugh. "Dunno what your prob is, Chance... he said YES."

Juan also appeared to be bemused, one hand wrapped around one of his tacos el pastor and the other not-quite hiding his huge grin. When Frank shot him 'the look', the vet student replied "No... it's... really cute. The word-play and all."

Chance's laughter got even louder, accentuated first with a "HA!" which resulted in a piece of shredded lettuce flying from his mouth across the table. He wheezed after that, managing to regain SOME composure before he started laughing after the next word he said: "Caucus."

Frank grumbled, giving the sourcream the same treatment as the guacamole. "You wouldn't appreciate the wordplay unless you were in poly-sci, apparently."

Juan, who was seated next to him, reached over to rest a hand on Frank's arm, still smiling. "No... I appreciate it... it's just, how proud you looked when you were telling us about all of it."

Weathering the continued jabs from his boyfriends throughout half the lunch, he waited patiently for them to get their blows in before he focused on the really important aspect of his story. "My point is, you HYENAS, is that he's taking things pretty well. I mean... it's not every day that someone learns--" he glanced around the busy cafeteria before censoring his words, "--- SOMETHING so specific about people. It's like he's already come to terms with it and moved on."

Chance had once again calmed down and was just finishing off his third taco. He was two bites into chewing before he responded, mouth still mostly full. "He alweathy knew, dude..."

It was a valid statement, of course, and Frank knew it, but he was still hung up on the fact that Christopher was so willing to engage with them, especially after what he'd done as The Rook. Apparently Juan picked up on that. "I guess what's more surprising is how willing he is to let bygones be bygones... and that he shared some of his own... ah... 'idiosyncrasies' with us in return."

Frank, picked at a few errant pieces of onion out of the rubble of his pico de gallo and nibbled them off his fingers. "Definitely doesn't make much sense if you think too hard about it... tactically, I mean."

Chance reached across the table to give Frank a little shove. "No duh, dude... but it DOES show trust. I mean, it's like one of those 'I show you mine and you show me yours' kind of thing... He knew something about us so he's being polite and all by returning the favor and stuff."

The rest of their lunch was an exchange of the pros and cons of such an arrangement. Ultimately it circled back to trust, communication, and willingness to be open and honest. The three did come to the conclusion that Christopher deserved a chance and that he was worth following-up on. They agreed that they'd spend time with him that night and that it'd be at their dorm. Frank honestly didn't know much about Christopher's, but he did know that the 'home turf advantage' helped all three of them feel a little more at ease, and their 'guest' hadn't expressed any concern about where they'd meet up.

They still had the second half of their day to go first and, as the three boyfriends concluded their breaks, they exchanged hugs. Before they separated, Juan added "I'll cook tonight... maybe make--"

Chance interjected. "Arepas!"

Frank couldn't ignore the appeal. "Arepas sound good."

Juan just rolled his eyes. "Alright-- since your classes let out first, Chance, make sure we have masa."

The computer tech student offered a good-humored snappy salute, and the three broke ranks with the intent of getting through the rest of their classes. Frank was pretty sure that his boyfriends were as excited as he was about the upcoming date night. He really hoped things would go well-- not just because he had faith that he'd get his dick wet, and just because being on good terms with someone who knew their secret was important, but because, if he thought long and hard about it, he had to admit that he really liked Christopher. With any luck, his boyfriends would too.

On his way to his next class, Frank pulled out his cell and typed out a quick text. --THE GUYS SAY WERE ON FOR TONIGHT--

He was almost to his next class when he got a reply. As usual, Christopher's text was complete with proper punctuation and sentence structure. --GOOD. I AM TOO. IS THERE ANYTHING I SHOULD BRING?--

Frank took a seat before answering smiling to himself as he typed --THE GUYS AND I GOT EVERYTHING SO YOU JUST NEED TO BRING YOU--

The class room started to gill up as the other students started filing in. He was just about to put away his cell when he finally got a reply. It was short and sweet and to the point. --I CAN DO THAT--

* * * * *

Frank was the third to get home and he was surprised to see what was at work. In addition to Juan having prepared everything he'd need to make arepas con queso, Chance had pulled out all the stops and was at the stove top putting the finishing touches on a large pot of chili. Despite all of the ingredients that went into the dish the real key was the slow cooked nature, allowing all of the flavors a chance to meld. At least, that's what Chance said, and Frank had heard the speech often enough to practically have it memorized. Chuckling at his own thoughts, Frank entered into the kitchen and exchanged a set of hugs and kisses. "Smells great, guys."

Juan paused in his preparation long enough to turn his head and exchange a kiss. "Welcome home, babe."

Chance, on the other hand, was able to step away from the stove long enough to wrap his arms around Frank and pick him up and off the ground, giving him a huge hug. "I'm thinking we'll make a damn good first impression with this spread."

Waiting until his 'padded' boyfriend set him down, Frank smirked, giving Chance a gentle poke to the belly. "I know what they say about the way to a guy's heat being through his stomach, but I don't think he's quite as food-centric as you, dude."

As usual, Chance took the jab well. "Yeah? Well, knowing what you see in guys, he's still probably orally fixated."

The three of them broke into laughter and Juan was the first to recover, tossing a pinch of corn meal at him with a fake indignant smirk. "Calling me out, are you?"

Chance winked after blocking his face from the flying masa. "Hey... if the shoe fits, wear it... and I'm pretty sure none of us are slipper guys."

Frank set down his school gear and went to join his boyfriends on a more helpful basis. Chance, having returned home first already had almost everything done on his dish. The pot of chili was essentially done but the longer it sat on the low heat just shy of bubbling the deeper the flavor-- THAT, Frank knew from experience. Juan, on the other hand, had only just begun his preparation.

Although Frank hadn't grown up making arepas he'd spent enough time with Juan to know the process and so he volunteered some assistance, helping his boyfriend by shredding the cheese; he was surprised to see that the filling of choice was mozzerella. "Hey-- not using queso fresco or queso blanco, huh?"

Juan only responded by motioning a thumb at Chance, who was giving the chili a fresh stir. "I messaged him and asked him to get some. He got motz."

Looking back at the both of them, Chance shrugged. "I went to the cheese isle to get some colby jack for sprinking on the chili and it's what I saw. Juan said he's used it before for arepas so what's the big deal?"

Both Frank and Juan jointly rolled their eyes. In truth, Frank didn't mind that much but Juan was a bit of a purist. Fortunately it didn't seem to cause any real problem and dinner preparation went forward without any real hitches. By the time Frank was done helping Juan prepare Chance had apparently come to the conclusion that the chili would be fine without further intervention and he'd placed the lid atop the pot at an angle; Frank and Chance went to relax for a little while in the livingroom. They didn't have a long time to unwind before there was a knock at the door.

Frank got up to answer it and, unsurprisingly, it was Christopher. The Asian student was dressed in the same clothes he'd worn earlier in the day and yet something seemed a little off about him; it took a moment for Frank to realize that it was because, wherever Christopher went during the school day he was never without his satchel-- it was strange to see him without it. Offering an almost chiding smile, Christopher, who was still standing at the door asked "Well... isn't this where you invite me in?"

Feeling his cheeks blush, Frank stepped aside. "Welcome to our dorm. It probably looks a lot like yours."

Chance laughed from his place seated in the arm chair in the living room. "Well no duh--all of em do... maybe smaller though, if he doesn't have a roomie."

Christopher followed Frank into the living room. "Oh... I'm not in a dorm. I don't live on campus."

That was enough to catch everyone's attention. Even as Frank stared at Christopher, he saw Chance cock his head and turn back around in his chair even as Juan peeked out of the kitchen. It was Juan in fact who asked "You don't live on campus?"

Their guest shook his head. "Nope... my parents bought a small place off Lexington so I'm staying there while I complete college."

Chance offered up a bland. "Oh... so he's a spoiled rich kid then."

Anyone outside their circle might not have missed the deadpanned humor and, for a moment Frank's heart almost stopped, immediately sensitive to how Christopher might have taken the playful jab. Fortunately, he didn't have to worry for long, as the Asian student shot back with the exact same energy. "Yes. Sadly, despite my higher social station and near endless stacks of gold bullion I still can't escape being surrounded by commoners and plebeians, so I am forced to make due."

A huge smile spread across Chance's face. "Damn... I like this guy."

It wasn't long until Juan called for some assistance in setting the table; surprisingly even Christopher jumped up to assist. Frank interjected. "It's okay, Cy... you're a guest. We can handle it."

Their guest wouldn't have any of it. "I don't mind. We can all pitch in and eat that much faster."

Working side by side felt almost natural; Christopher was amazing at reading actions and responding accordingly. True to his statement, the table was set in record time and, as he sat down beside his guest, Frank smiled. Chance and Juan joined them a moment later, each carrying a platter or pot. Once they too sat down, Frank held up his dinner glass. "So... since we're all together and hanging out, would it be too weird to offer up a toast?"

They all raised their glass as well and Juan nodded. "By all means."

Glancing to Christopher, a number of thoughts went through Frank's head but he settled on one that was both vague and specific enough to get the idea across. "To greater openness, understanding and mutual appreciation."

Both Chance and Juan shot him a glance at the toast and Frank had absolutely no doubt in his mind that, if they'd been in their Metamorph forms Bruiser would have had something significant to say about it but they were humans. Almost as if Christopher had read his mind, however, their guest spoke up after taking a sip. "You know... I honestly think that's an amazing segue to discuss something that's been on my mind."

It was Chance who followed up. "Clear and honest communication IS the best policy, you know. Out with it."

Cy glanced to Chance and then to Frank, who nodded. "Well... since it's just the four of us, and, in the spirit of 'greater openness, understanding, and mutual appreciation', I was wondering if the three of you would be willing to change to your Metamorph forms for our date here tonight?"

Chance immediately rolled his eyes. "So THAT'S what this is about? Dude... Frank... you didn't say this guy was an M3."

Frank winced when he heard the statement but Christopher simply paused, looking sidelong at Chance. "A... what?"

Juan interjected. "It's a slang term for someone who seeks out Metamorphs for one night stands... a Metamorph Masher."

Their guest looked blank for several seconds before laughing. "I had honestly never heard the term before, and while I couldn't honestly say the idea hadn't crossed my mind, I do not consider Metamoprhs a 'kink' of any significant sort."

Chance glanced at Frank. "M3 or no, it pretty much sounds like he'd be into it, if you ask me."

Frank slacked Chance's elbow. "I didn't ask, and he didn't--"

Christoper's smile widened. "I didn't say 'no'? I suppose that IS true, come to think of it. The number one rule in a life well lived is to keep your options open, after all."

The discussion was much lighter after that, and continued on for several minutes as dinner continued until, after a lengthy period of considering it, Frank came to a conclusion. Juan had just finished talking about the importance of regular check-ups for pets when Frank committed to responding to Christopher's request. "Sure. I'm up for it... if the guys here agree."

The sudden return to the aforementioned topic was enough to put a full on pause in the conversation, but it was readily evident by the eying across the table among the four of them that nobody doubted what his comment was about. Chance responded first. "I'm cool with it... but I wanna change first-- I like this shirt."

Juan spoke up next. "Can it wait until dinner is over? Whenever I eat corn as a Metamorph it makes me queasy."

There were no objections.

* * * * * *

Christopher was seated on the floor with his back against the couch when the three of them emerged from the back rooms of the dorm. Rather than dressing in their usual Metamorph uniforms, the three had come to the conclusion mutually that they'd do their low-maintenance duster+undies combo. Not long after their first group transformation, the three had each purchased a pair of huge overcoats and over-sized stretchable underwear, allowing them to have options other than their full on uniforms. Perhaps it was half convenience and half optimism, but Merc didn't mind the idea of something more easy-access than his hero outfit; his boyfriends seemed to feel similarly.

Merc wasn't sure whether Christopher would be star-struck, recoil in alarm, or some other over-the-top reaction but the Asian student did none of them, remaining rather at ease with the entire situation or, the Kangacobra realized, seemed actively intrigued. "I've never seen a Metamorph this close up before."

Demon, as usual, was far more outgoing Metamorph than Chance was an outgoing human. "You got us all to yourself, little guy. Play your cards right and you can look at us a hell of a lot clo- ow!"

The smack of the back of a blubbery arm against a furred one identified that Bruiser felt inclined to offer some 'gentle correction'. "Manners."

While his two boyfriends had their little lover's quarrel over proper manners, Merc was focused wholly on Christopher. He moved to take a seat on the sofa behind the human, who got up onto his knees, resting a hand on the Kangacobra's thigh before holding out a hand. "May I see your fetish?"

Without missing a beat, Demon snickered from off to the side. "Feet, musk, and double-penet--OW!"

Merc honestly didn't know many humans who knew much about Metamorph powers and, for those who were granted by an item, much about the object that made them Metamorphs; he was surprsied yet again by Christopher. "Okay... but it doesn't come off."

The human accepted Merc's arm with both hands, managing to hold up the weight before lowering down into the Metamorph's lap. His fingers were gentle as they explored Merc's talons and forearm, grazing now and again across the glove as he inspected it. Christopher eventually turned Merc's arm over so he could inspect his palm, and the Kangacobra felt his fur stand on end as the Asian student's fingers tickled his exposed scales in all the right ways; the Metamorph had to adjust how he was sitting to reel in his two members, which were threatening to stretch his underwear in an unseemly way.

Fortunately Merc was easily distracted when Christopher ran a thumb across the palm of his glove. "I thought it might be Ngalyod's Grasp, but I wasn't sure til now."

Merc wasn't the only one to hear the statement, and it caught the attention of both his boyfriends. All three spoke in unison. "The what?"

Christopher just laughed at the confusion. "The glove. I think I recognize it. Merc, is it fair to guess that your Metamorph form wasn't always like it is now? Maybe you were... just a kangaroo or something?"

Bruiser moved to take a seat beside Merc on the sofa. "That's EXACTALY how he was at first, yeah."

The Human nodded thoughtfully. "Well... in that case, I assume something happened later that added a snake component to your form. What brought that about?"

Demon sat on the other side of Merc. "It happened at the same time we both became Metamorphs... same thing caused it, in fact."

Christoper sat up even straighter, attention shifting among the three of them. "Oh my... now I'm REALLY intrigued."

Something about Cy made him really easy to talk to, and Merc found himself opening up, talking about the event that had created Merc's Metamorphs-- the day he'd made the biggest mistake of his Metamorph career. "Well... you know how most Metamorphs have only two powers while in their Metamorph form, and some are lucky enough to have three?"

Their guest nodded eagerly, pointing to Bruiser then Demon. "Telepathy and Thought Detection... Molecular Transit, and Fire Control...." he paused when he looked back at Merc. "... you know... reports on YOU are... inconsistent."

Merc was internally giddy that there was something 'The Rook' didn't know about them, but he felt that he hid it well. "Right on both counts."

Demon was all smirks. "You're totally gonna info-blue-ball him, aren'cha?"

The Kangacobra rolled his eyes. "I COULD... but we DID kinda agree on the open honesty and everything..." he looked down at Cy, resting a talon on the Human's head. "Every time I change into my Metamorph form I can choose up to three powers to use. I got THIS shape and they became Metamorphs when I tried to use a fourth."

Christopher nodded knowingly. "That definitely sounds like Ngalyod's Grasp."

Bruiser looked down at the human, inching closer to Merc on the sofa. "So... you know something about his glove?"

Already distracted by the place where Merc's scales transitioned into fur, Christopher only offered a disinterested "Mmmm-hmmm." before pointing out "It looks like the dermal papilla transitions into setae before true fur begins... this is amazing."

Demon looked blankly at the Human, both ears up. "Uh... 'bless you'?"

Bruiser was much more in-tune with the discussion. "Right. I saw the same thing. I thought Frank said that you were studying computer science... how do you know about anatomy and physiology of the animal kingdom?"

Christopher smiled. "I love learning and a lot of topics interest me."

The Pit Bull grunted. "Just so long as we're not some science experi---" he paused, watching as the human began sticking his hand into Merc's maw. "--ments."

Merc remained where he was, pulling back only when Christopher got close to touching his fangs. "Careful... I'm poisonous."

The Orca and human spoke at the same time. "Venomous."

Before anyone else could say anything, Christopher continued. "I see the lingual fenestra... I presume your tongue--" his words halted when Merc brushed his entire wrist with his prehensile tongue, encircling it firmly.

Merc smiled as well as he could in his Metamorph form, speaking despite his tongue being occupied. "You were thaying?"

One of the benefits of being a Metamorph was an expansion of senses in a number of ways. Merc had no doubt that Demon could hear Christopher's heart-beat increase; the Kangacobra himself could smell, taste, and even 'see' the human's pulse quicken, and the pheromones he was releasing left no doubt as to why.

Bruiser picked up on it too... mostly through a mental link. "I'm guessing he has a thing for tongues, or being restrained, or both."

Still smiling, Merc released Cy's hand. "Enjoying your exploration of my mouth? You're not into vore, or anything, are you?"

Christopher's face reddened. "Even if I was, could his mouth even open wide... en... ough... to..." His words trailed off into indecipherable babble when Merc unhinged his jaws, opening them until they were gaping wide.

Quickly popping them back, Merc moved his lower jaw back and forth until it settled into place, quickly adding "I don't eat people... not even a little. Major turn-off. Please don't ask."

The Asian student almost giggled. "It's alright. I was just curious. I'm not into the whole predator-prey thing... I'm just amazed at how seamless your combination of physiology is. I even saw your syndactyly toes."

Before Demon could ask, Bruiser interjected. "The double-toe at the back of his paw. It's a 'kangaroo thing'."

Demon was all smiles. "Oh... NOW we're talking about paws? That's more like it."

Christopher's next words set the pace for the rest of the night. "Oh... I couldn't agree more. I like to think of myself as something of a foot fan... a digit devotee... an aficionado of ambulation a--"

Demon raised an eyebrow, tongue hanging out of the side of his muzzle in a goofy manner as he placed the paw pads of his foot right into the human's face. "A paw pro?"

Things escalated quickly after that.