Several low plastic tables had been purchased, and they were very handy in the pool room. The rule of no glass was still in effect but nobody minded drinking from plastic cups while the food was served on paper plates. Several girls had bought inflatable tables, to sit drinks and food on while they floated in the pool, and even with the party in full swing, everyone was talking and chatting and not splashing around. Even Laura was cuddled on Wanda’s lap eating pizza and drinking beer while the group talked.

“Curt is recovering nicely, and May was happy to send him home. He did look a little lost at having a missing arm again, it was a shame the formula wasn't stable enough to keep it.” Liv said, 

Curt had visibly shrunk as the formula was cleaned from his system and grasped his arm in pain. As it withered and atrophied, he could only watch in horror as it crumpled and withered into dust.

The energy and cellular repair of the formula faded once it was out of a person's system, and it was the reason unbonding someone was so painful. 

The formula worked by stimulating the dormant X-Gene, and once the gene was rendered inert once more, the body suffered from small amounts of genetic damage. Organ and immune system failure were common and Curt had developed benign but painful tumours as well. The formula was an amazing drug, but the more Gwen and Liv researched, the more horrifying they found it to be. It was almost as if removing the formula piled on the accumulated damage the person had healed during its use.

After Curt’s de-powering, they were now worried that with Alexsi’s reckless behaviour and alcohol abuse, that de-powering him might kill him.

“I’ll set him up with an implant tomorrow. Can you deal with Nakia, Cindy, and Yelena until then? Then we can move on to Alexsi and Melina. They might need more time and more care.” Peter said while sitting with Carol on one side, picking at some fries, and Natasha on the other, who was glaring at her sister, floating on her back in the pool.

Natasha hissed at him, keeping her eyes on her sister, “I thought I said my sister was off-limits?” and he laughed and kissed and nibbled her neck, “Why is she naked in the pool?”

“She is naked, nothing more, and she and Nakia were both uncomfortable with your dad’s behaviour,”

“Mom likes threeways,” Yelena shouted, kicking her legs and gliding back towards the deeper end of the pool,

Natasha sat bolt upright and spluttered, “what?” and Peter patted her back,

“You got it from somewhere right? It seems that at least one household is getting on the poly bandwagon.” and Natasha huffed.

“Think that’s bad. I get that crap at work too,” Gwen complained as she slid into the pool, nodding in appreciation at both Nakia and Yelena. “Uh, are they off-limits for us as well?” Natasha just glowered at Gwen who laughed and raised her hands in mock surrender. “At work, there are three camps. The ‘does it really work’ types. The ‘it’s fine but I wouldn't types,’ and the ‘you're a whore and you’ll burn in hell’ types. Oh, and the ‘snort snort harem’ assholes who can't get it around their stupid skulls that poly isn't harem. I mean those fucking cartoons have a lot to answer for.”

Peter laughed, “it's anime, and it's art.”

“It's crap, and I'm sick of it.” she retorted. “All those damn tentacles. I mean, come on Pete, do you really like that?”

Peter looked at her confused, and it was Liv who gently coughed, “The uh, hentai is mine.” Gwen stared at her and chuckled as she shook her head.

Peter shrugged, “It's still fine. Nakia and Yelena are guests and that's it, nobody expects anything except them using the pool, and movie night I guess, but that's not naked.” Natasha laughed. “It's not supposed to be naked,” Peter said while laughing and kissing her again,

“Still, no sister. Not crossing some lines and I will beat your asses.” The group nodded. It was all fun and games until Natasha pulled you onto the mat, and then even Laura behaved. “Good, now. Widow, give her back.” and Yelena pouted and swam away,

“Nope, she has not finished telling me all the juicy parts. I'm up to finally admitting that you like girls, and what a girl's night that was, eh?” Natasha turned and smiled at Peter who released her from his embrace, lifting both hands up.

“Yeah, that's on you Yelena,” he said, as he leaned over and grabbed a few fries, “probably should grab our drinks and move,” as the look Natasha was giving her told of incoming pain and splashes.

There were inflatable armchairs surrounding the tables, with towels over them for comfort and the group simply moved. Hosts weren't subjected to the cold, but Peter handed Gwen and Nakia fluffier towels to act as blankets while Natasha took revenge on her sister.

It gave them a chance to bond, and Peter was happy enough to actually get some pizza. “Mixed veg and tofu for you,” and he slid over a box towards Nakia, while Felicia looked guiltily at the ceiling, “sorry, she’s incorrigible.”

As the lid was lifted, and the missing slices were spotted, Felica shrugged, “I thought it was one of those weird tofu pizzas,”

“It is one of those weird tofu pizzas, and yet you ate three slices?” Nakia said with a small girn, “Maybe I should follow your Natasha’s lead and take this to the mat.” and a predatory smile crossed Felicia’s face,

“You know I've trained as well, and out of everyone, after Nat, I’m the most experienced.”

“Yeah at stealing food, damn thieving cat,” Gwen said while pulling her won pizza box back towards her. Felicia laughed and slid over, 

“Aww, my honey bun hates me,” and she fake pouted, but as Gwen turned her head to kiss Felicia, she leant forwards and instead took a bite from Gwen's slice, laughing as Gwen paused and sighed.

“Yup, thieving cat. Nakia, I think I’ll take you up on that, maybe she’ll learn some manners.”

Felicia laughed, “thank you for the food,” and she lent in and gave Gwen a kiss, “it’s delicious,”

Gwen tutted and kissed her back, and the group sat and ate their pizza, ignoring the cries and squeals from behind them.

With the edge of the pool higher than the water, to let people sit at the edge, there was no danger of splashing, but it meant that the view of whatever Natasha was subjecting her sister to was blocked. It wasn't until there was silence, that Peter decided to venture forwards and see what was happening.

Widow had covered one sister, and it was difficult to tell which one it was, but another symbiote clad woman was floating next to her, in her embrace. This one's armour was white, and as Yelena’s widow armour was the same colour, he figured that Widow must have spawned, creating a bond between the pair.

As Widow shrank back, and Natasha looked up at him, she motioned him forwards, “once, just this once, to calm her, but, and I swear Pete, no more than that. It’s weird enough sometimes and I don't want to be getting off on my sister.”

“You know we’re not related right?” Yelena said as the newly born symbiote slid back, “but, no, it’s really weird, oh, it’s Vonya, and she is calm.” Peter shrugged,

“One-time deal, take it or leave it.” 

Yelena looked over at her sister, “Really? I might joke, but I do actually prefer girls,” 

Peter just shrugged, “Okay, who wants the newbie, cute Russian blonde’s first bonded time, Nat says it's okay,” he joked and Natasha batted him,

“I said it was okay for you, asshole.” and he laughed.

“I was joking, overprotective sibling much?” and he grinned as he flicked some water at her.

“Did, did you just flick me? And yes, from a pack of pussy hungry she-devils, yes damn right.” While she only dipped a finger into the pool, Widow stretched out under it and cupped more water. When Natasha flicked the water at him, Widow sent a squirt out as well, hitting him in the face.

“Hear that ladies, apparently you’re pussy hungry she-devils.” and he was greeted by a chorus of approvals,

“Forgot cock hungry as well,” Gwen shouted back, and Natasha laughed. “So, no sister then?” and Natasha shrugged,

“Nope, she’s off-limits again.” and she was greeted by another chorus, of awws and boos. “You all had your chances,” and she laughed as she shook her head, “you too Pete.” and he shrugged

Nakia watched in amazement as the group of women surrounded her, laughed, kissed and ate, “is it always like this?” she asked Gwen, who shrugged,

“This is quiet, Pete wasn't joking when he said movie night isn't supposed to be naked, but what about you?” and Nakia frowned

“Me?” and Gwen nodded

“You might have noticed there is a certain type Pete likes, and some of us share that. So, my tall drink of hot chocolate, do you like girls or am I chasing the wrong cat?” 

Nakia furrowed her eyes brows in confusion, “I am unsure how to take that. I suppose that amongst a group as pale you that must need sunglasses when the sun shines on you. That my skin would be considered alluring, but surely you wish to know me better and not judge me on my skin?”

Gwen shrugged, “Most relationships are based on first glance attraction. Eyes, hair, chest, legs, hand, and skin.”  she took a breath, “studying the effects of the symbiotes on unhosted individuals meant studying psychology to note personality changes. Should you be offended I'm attracted to your skin colour? If you are, then that's your problem as I find it, the dark brown of your eyes, the size of your breasts, the toned muscles of your thighs and the small strip of pubic hair to be very alluring, and wouldn't care if you were white or any colour. You are beautiful, end of discussion.”

“Then, I am sorry to say that I do not. I prefer the company of men,” and Gwen shrugged, 

“And that's the end of that. Still gonna admire you though, Petes not the only one who likes the ladies.” and Liv nodded

“And if anyone makes you uncomfortable, say for example a certain blonde with boundary issues, then just smack her. I think Natasha's idea of taking things to the mat might have merit. Especially when dealing with house guests. Gwendolyn” and Gwen ginned but mouthed sorry at Nakia.

“With Curt recovering, we can do your treatments tomorrow if you want, Nakia. Drinking or overeating won't affect the treatment, or if you wish to have another day off, I can start with Cindy or Yelena.” Liv asked her,

Nakia lifted the last slice of pizza and folded it, “no, I am not used to lazing around. Tomorrow will let me get used to the new formula, and Liv. I do not mind Gwen's advances, there is no need to admonish her. I am just not used to them.”

It was strange but she missed the camaraderie she felt while sharing quarters with the other Dora Milaje, and this reminded her more of her training days than she cared to admit. 

She knew this group would be as close, and knew they would understand. “I was betrothed, all my life, and it fell through. I lived in the royal palace and trained and learned etiquette. I ate at set times, and I trained with the other Dora. I am, simply, unused to this atmosphere.” As she waved the slice, “this food,” and as he motioned to Peter sat on the edge of the pool, with Yelena on one side, laughing as she ate his fries, while Natasha cuddled his arm and ate pizza, “this level of bonding. I will take some time to adjust, but I think I will like it here, even if I must suffer being called hot chocolate,”

“Oh, another one. Oh no, an attractive young woman likes you. The horror,” Liv said rolling her eyes. “You’ll get used to it, dear.”

Nakia could only shrug, these people were definitely strange, and even being raised with the notion of being one amongst many and sharing a husband she was not prepared for them not to only share Peter but each other. “I probably shall.” she said and raised her glass, raising an eyebrow and winking at Liv, “I probably shall.”

Half listening in, Peter cleared his throat, “there is also Emma, and I asked her to come around tomorrow. She needs to get a straight answer,”

“Shuri agreed?” Felicia asked and Peter nodded as she leaned over to see what food was left, “and she doesn't mind either?”

“I think she’s happy enough, just a few ground rules is all. So there are no misunderstandings.”

As Felicia looked around at the huge gathering, “yeah, cause really, we have enough drama without Emma.” 

As she spied a lone slice of pizza and Huntress shot out a tendril to snag it, a scowling Gwen turned around and frowned at her,

“Yup, One is bad enough.” 

Felicia shrugged and stuffed the slice into her mouth.