Saturday, May 16, 2015

Green Pastures 2

Green Pastures 2
Sheldon heard the car before he saw it. Hed been listening and with the doors and windows thrown open to spring, the sound of the ancient station wagon was distinct. Austin had threatened to crash that embarrassment of a car several times, but none of them would dare hurt Miltons precious baby. They had plenty of other cars that didnt look like theyd just driven out of a retro TV show, but Milton clung to the fake wood siding and the fashion statement of the seventies.
The car came to a halt with its distinct rattling knock which no one could fix, but also refused to put the car out of its misery. Milton climbed out, not bothering to reach behind him for his suitcase or briefcase. Sheldon would get those later; it was a given in this household. Milton caught Austin as he barreled down the porch steps and threw himself at his dominant.
Sheldon didnt have to be close enough to hear the words to know that Milton was offering reassurance. Sheldon knew the litany and the comfort of those arms. Hed known from the very start when Milton had lambasted him for plagiarizing a paper, yet dragged him off for lunch and trundled him back to his student digs. Hed know again when Milton pulled a full knight in shining armor rescue and saved Sheldon from giving his ass to those slobbering fools. Milton would cane his precious cub, but Austin was in the comforting shadow of his dominant. Nothing awful was possible in the circle of Miltons arms.
Was he lost in the Andes or something?
Joe, Sheldon had almost forgotten him.
Austin missed him.
Hes old enough that Id be afraid he could die tomorrow. Austin could have done better.
No,Sheldon said, reining in his temper with a supreme effort.
Hes yours too?Joe asked, his voice raising in surprise. This is more fucked up than I thought.Joe raked his fingers through his hair and shook his head.
Master belongs to all of us.
Master?A nasty grin split Joes face. I thought belonging went the other way in those sort of relationships.
It goes both ways, my ignorant little submissive.
Me?Joe laughed, pointing at himself. You have to be kidding. I dont do this shit.
Really,Sheldon said, letting the sarcasm bleed into his voice. And who was trying to sell himself for the weekend? Who came home with Austin like a meek little lamb? Who did I hear say sir to Josh?
Hes older. I was raised to be polite.
Sheldon snorted. Youre submissive, but if you want to deny it thats your business, just dont bash us for it. You can spend your life hiding from yourself. Im cool with it, but you give Austin one nasty look or one snide comment, and I will find you.
Ah, scary. Im shaking in my boots.
I dont need to do scary,Sheldon said with vicious calm. I have several dominants at my beck and call to do scary. Your ass will be grass, boy.
Right. Whatever.Joe turned back toward the porch where Milton had dropped his hands over Austins shoulders and was guiding him inside.
You must be Joe.Miltons voice filled the hallway and spilled back toward the kitchen. Welcome to our home. I have some personal business to attend to for a few minutes. Sheldon, lay out some cold lunch. The airlines long ago gave up feeding anyone and breakfast was hours ago.
Yes, Master.
Miltons eyes fell on Sheldon, and Sheldon knew that Master had picked up on his little spat with Joe. His eyes said both later and behave. Sheldon dropped his eyes, acknowledging the silent message, but trying to hide the exchange from Joe.
We dont hide in our home.
Master.
Milton lifted a hand from Austins shoulder and clicked his fingers. Sheldon gave him one long pleading look and took the three steps toward Milton. He clasped his hands behind him and presented himself to his master. He should go to his knees, but they had a stranger in the house.
Miltons hand caught Sheldons chin and lifted his eyes. Boy, Ive known you too long. Dont do anything rash and dont make me regret that Im not forcing the issue. Do we understand each other?
Yes, Master.
Good boy.Milton stroked Sheldons cheek and bent and kissed the top of his head. Sheldon, I love you. Well talk. I missed you.
Me too.
I know. Kitchen now and take Joe with you. Come, Austin.
Sheldon watched Milton push Austin up the stairs. For a moment irrationally and stupidly, he wished he was in Austins place. He would have the master all to himself and didnt have Joe and everything else swirling in his head.
You heard the man, kitchen,Sheldon said, turning from the stairs and his melancholy thoughts. Move.
Jesus, you could try please.
Joe, just go into the kitchen. Im not in the mood for this at the moment. Please.
Im going. Chill, man.
Thanks.
Sheldon jerked open the doors of the big stainless steel refrigerator and searched the shelves for something easy and edible. Pickles, sliced meats and cheeses, homemade bread, and several types of mustard. That would do.
Joe was hovering in the background looking both peevish and sheepish, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his baggy pants. The kid would be handsome if hed stand up straight and had something besides a scowl on his face. He was a head taller than Sheldon with the start of a dark beard on his face or maybe a fashionable three-day-old shadow.
Chips are in the pantry and wash an apple from over there.Sheldon pointed at the fruit bowl on the counter.
He always order you around like that?Joe said, shuffling toward the pantry.
You mean Milton? Yes.Sheldon lifted his chin so his collar was more visible. Im sure you didnt miss this.
It could be jewelry?
Nope,Sheldon said with a shake of his head. I do what he says. Slavery usually works that way.
Whoa.Joe held up his hands, the chip bag acting as a make shift shield. You dudes are crazy. Austin doesnt do this? I know him. He couldnt hide that.
One thing at a time,Sheldon said, reaching for a plate. Youve couch surfed yourself into our little asylumsix of us, eight if you count Trent and Mace.
The guys cooking?
Yeah.
They…” Joe trailed off.
Apple, wash it.Sheldon pointed with his knife. They just live here, but the others, we all belong to Milton in some fashion or another.
Polyamory. Six. Are you guys nuts?
Undoubtedly.Sheldon spread slices of Vermont cheddar on the plate.
God, it must be complicated.Joe was talking faster, and he waved his hands as he spoke. Are you all slaves? Austin doesnt have a collar. I know I wouldve seen it.
Im the only slave, but except Milton, were all submissives. What do you know about submissives?
Stuff on the internet.
Real, not fantasy.
Not much.
Youve thought about it, havent you? Self-identified that way?
No way, dude.Joe slapped the apple down on the table. I dont do this kinky shit.
Deep breath.Sheldon gave Joe a small smile. Dont hyperventilate on me. Master wont be happy if you pass out and concuss yourself on the floor or table.
Not planning to.
It gets worse from here.
The sounds were right on time. Austin was a vocal boy, and the half choked scream spread down the stairs and into the kitchen. Sheldon had heard the sound of the cane also, but he knew the sound. To the uninitiated that sound might have faded into the background.
What the fuck? Whats he doing to him?Joe looked toward the hall, his whole body stiffening as the second shout came, louder this time and followed by the sounds of crying.
Settle down.Sheldon pulled out a chair. Sit and wait.
No! Hes hurting him.
And its entirely consensual; agreed upon; signed, sealed and delivered. Austin doesnt want you barging in.
Hes beating on him.
The dominant is punishing his submissive. It is his right.
By brutalizing him?
By caning him. Do you know what that is?
Joe shrugged, his attention upstairs and to the less than muffled noise.
The British use to do it to their school boys, so its not going to kill Austin. Hell have some pretty stripes, and hell show you later if you ask nicely. He wont be super keen on sitting for a few hours, but hell live, and hell be glued to Miltons side. Hell be a hell of a lot more upset that Milton will ground his ass and remind him of his privileges. A lifestyle submissive obeys his dominant or there is hell to pay. Austin knows that and knew where this was going to end.Sheldon stopped and gave Joe a long look. How much pressure did you put on him to show up last night?
I didnt. Thats not my fault. Thats the psychotic moose upstairs with the cane or whatever you call it.
That psychotic moose, as you put it, is going to give you a roof over your head and food in your stomach as well as talk rationally to you about all this that you want and are too chicken shit to admit, so watch yourself. Austin worrying about you is the best damn thing that ever happened to you, so dont you dare give him shit about what youre hearing. The kids partially taking this for you. Hes a softy, and he knows a fucked-up submissive when he sees one. Hell be nicer than I will be. Ill make your life hell if you give us any trouble. Dont doubt it, boy. I have years of practice. Keep your mouth shut, show up at meals, and be sweet, polite, and helpful, and well get on great. Even insinuate that Austin is in the wrong or hanging with an abuser, and I will make sure you end up under someones roof who is a hell of a lot less tolerant than Milton. I know the right people, and some arent as careful about meticulous consent. Are you reading me?
I think youre crazy.
Thats fine. Are you going to be a good boy? No trouble? Sweet and biddable, and a true friend to Austin? Hes shown you true friendship. Hes letting you see this. Think about it, boy. Think about it real hard.
God.Joe raked his fingers through his hair. At least thats stopped.
Probably only six, but did you hear me. Do we have a deal? Austins depending on it.
OK,Joe huffed. Ill pretend getting the shit beaten out of you is normal, but, dude, if he touches me all bets are off. I dont do this.
Dont worry he wont, but youll also wish he did.
Yeah, right.
Bet?Sheldon held out his hand. One month and youll be asking him to train you as a submissive.
Whats the wager?
Fifty dollars.
Im in. Easiest money Ive ever made.
Youll see. Cut the apple. Theyll be down, and hell want finger food.
Sheldon knew his master too well or hed developed a new skill in fortune telling. Milton came down the stairs a few minutes later with his arm tightly wrapped around Austin who still had reddened eyes and the look of near tears, but was calm without the manic tension of earlier. They were a handsome couple, Austins tousled hair that looked artfully windblown nestled into Miltons broad chest, Miltons strong face and deep brown eyes.
Austin hovered near the table as Milton took a seat and reached for his plate.
Kneel, boy.
Austin shot a glance toward Joe.
Im sure he heard,Milton said with easy calm, and Sheldons collar is well visible. He hasnt run out the door, so kneeling isnt going to shock him, and I know you dont want to sit.
Sir, can I…”
Boy, what do you want?
Can I sit with you?
Milton smiled and pushed his chair from the table. Come here.
Thank you,Austin whispered as he settled on Miltons thigh.
Sheldon almost whimpered as he watched Austin. He wasnt envious, well, not exactly. Hed wanted Austin and Milton together. They were beautiful together, and Austin kept Milton young. Still Sheldon couldnt help but wish he was against Miltons chest, that those arms were around him, that someone was looking at him with such a perceptive eye.
Sheldon.
Yes, Master.
Is there something wrong?
No, Master.
Not beyond wanting to throttle Mike or finding our unexpected house guest irritating?
No, Master.Sheldon was getting dangerously close to lying. He could name several things wrong, and he was avoiding all of them.
Come here.Milton beckoned with his finger. His brown eyes searched Sheldons face as Sheldon stood against his right thigh. Truth?
Sheldon squirmed in Miltons scrutiny and cast his gaze downward. He was beyond truth, not one hundred percent false, but beyond Masters tolerance.
I thought not. We will talk later.
It was both a promise and a threat, and Sheldon felt only relief. Master would deal with it. Sheldon only needed to obey. Oh, God, Sheldon shot a glance at Joe. Hed made that stupid bet. Master would deal with that, and it wouldnt be pretty, or lovely, or sympathetic.
Master—“
Shh, boy. One crisis at a time.Milton half smiled, a twisting of his lips behind his grey spotted beard. His eyes twinkled with the warmth and friendliness that escaped so many observers. He bent, kissed Austins head, and whispered something in his cubs ear. Austin nodded and slid off Miltons lap, his smile real, his wave almost jaunty.
Sheldon watched Austin. He hadn’t meant to chase him away. Austin looked OK, relaxed, content, but he’d just been caned. “I—“
All in due time, Sheldon and dont you dare worry about Austin. He had his bit of comfort, and now he wants some privacy. Hell be back in a bit and curl up with you.
I know but—“
Yes, boy, Ive lived with you for a long time, Milton said, his expression still half saintly, still half too knowing.  I expected a little surprise of the not ideal sort. Now spill it.
How? I havent—“
Boy, youre stressed, and when youre stressed, well, lets say odd coincidences happen.Milton reached out and ruffled Sheldons hair. How could I miss it? I might be a little slow on the uptake, but Im not a corpse yet.
Shit!Sheldon muttered under his breath.
The house is still standing. Im not wearing my lunch, so its a good day so far.
Master, I dont—“
Milton snorted, interrupting Sheldons attempt at denial. You dont dump food over my head? I dont have dementia yet, my boy. My memory is still very strong of strange stains on my shirts.
I was young.
Milton caught Sheldons wrist and pulled him close. We were both young. It takes two for that dance.Milton brushed his lips over Sheldons forehead. I think weve just about terrified Joe enough, so be a good boy and leave the food off my shirt.
He thinks were crazy.Sheldon turned his head to look at Joe who was standing against the refrigerator watching them with a mixture of longing and distrust. Seeing Sheldon watching, Joes expression hardened.
I dont think hes crazy; I think hes an abusive bastard. I heard it. You were beating on Austin.
I was,Milton said with absolute calm. And I have permission for every blow. I am the dominant in the family, and you will respect that as long as youre under our roof.
Im not staying under your roof, not with a psychopath.
Do you have somewhere to go? I understand youve exhausted the welcome of all your friends and acquaintances. You have room and board here as long as you need it. We dont put people on the street.
No, you just beat the shit out of them. Youre not touching me.
Im not planning to. You are a guest, not one of my submissives or a submissive who has requested training. I have no right or permission to touch you.Miltons gaze never left Joes face, trapping him as effectively as any snare. I ask only that you behave with common courtesy and do not harass or berate your hosts. We will have words if you hassle or berate Austin for his choices. He is mine to protect, and I will protect him. The rest, without ties of affection toward you, can and will protect themselves, but you will face double jeopardy. I protect all that is mine even if they have their own claws and teeth. Do we understand each other?
I have to sit here and take your crap and pretend this is all cool. Is that what youre asking, old man?
You missed the polite part of the request, but yes, thats the essence of it.
Sorry, politely sit here and pretend this is all normal, sir.
That is correct, but be aware of the use of that tone of voice and sir around dominants. I am very experienced, but not every dominant you meet will be as tolerant or as cautious as I am. Baiting can be taken as permission by some. Austin or Sheldon can explain it. They are not shy. Austin likes you and hes a damn good friend. Dont abuse him. Right now hes being a far better friend than you are. Think about it, Joe. Austin knew exactly where this was going to end, and he doesnt like the cane or me disappointed in him. He gave you something. He showed you the very essence of his submission, giving to others. Dont spit in his face. Its unkind and unworthy of anyone who calls himself Austins friend.
Fine.Joe shoved his hands in his pockets and turned toward the door. Do I need your permission to go outside?
No, but youre baiting, boy. Be careful about what you catch on that hook.
Joe spun around. You touch me, and Ill call the fucking police and report you for assault.
Fair enough since I would consider it assault also.Milton paused and continued when Joe didnt move. Any of us will talk about it all you want when youre ready. Now go on. Its warm and sunny today. Go calm yourself and enjoy the day. Dinner is a 6:30, and youll go hungry if youre not here. Its Sunday, so a tie tonight. Im an old geezer that way. Ask Austin for something if youre entire wardrobe looks like that.
Are you serious?
Very.Milton made a shooing motion with his hands. Now go get some fresh air. It might sweeten your disposition.
Sheldon watch Joe swallow and nod. He was such a submissive; the boy might as well have a sign around his necksubmissive, wee lost little boy. No wonder Austin had felt compelled to drop himself into the middle of the kids life. Austin was a happy smiley boy, but hed been that lost little sheep and still recent enough that hed known exactly what Joe was feeling. Austin had it all now, or at least those were Austins words. He was a kind guy; he would want to share the wealth.
Sheldon almost choked on his own spit as he thought of sharing the wealth. Hed been compelled to share. Shit! He was being an ass again. Hed never throw Tilden out; Tilden had been there before him: steady, comforting, supporting, always silent that Sheldon had what he wanted for himself, never jealous. Tilden had always been there with a kind word or a gentle arm over the shoulder, Tilden, the damn submissive, who had pretended for so long to be the soft and gentle dominant, the counterweight to Miltons unrelenting demands, and all hed wanted was to sink under those demands. Sheldon wasnt blind; he saw the way Tilden soaked up Miltons affection. Theyd always talked long into the night together, sharing their academic interests, Milton pretending to be incompetent in Russian when Sheldon knew he read it almost as well as Tilden. Miltons accent made Luke and Tilden grimace, so that part was real, but hed never really needed help with the primary source material. That was a ruse, one that Milton himself might not recognize as a ruse to be with Tilden.
Milton hadnt tried to stray. Sheldon believed him; he believed him fervently. Hed just always loved Tilden, and the dam had finally burst. Sheldon could see that now. He could still see as vivid as if it were only hours ago the guilt that had painted Miltons face. He hadnt meant to let the lion out of the cage, but hed escaped. Sheldon accepted that. He accepted that the only way to make it right was to let Tilden in. Sheldon couldnt send Tilden away. He wasnt that selfish, and the meal already eaten couldnt be regurgitated back to a placid beast grazing on the savannah. Sheldon got that.
Hey.Miltons hand landed on Sheldons shoulder, heavy and comforting. Where are you?
Thinking, Master.
Worrying, more like it. So what scheme have you gotten yourself into? Miltons smile was gentle, relaxed.
Nothing.
Milton raised his eyebrow and gave Sheldon a long look. Boy.
I bet your money,Sheldon blurted out. Where had that come from? He had entered into that stupid bet. He had been going to tell Milton, but not at this very instant.
Milton tilted his head back and stared at the ceiling for a minute, as if studying the chandelier that had hung there for as long as Sheldon had lived here. With Joe I assume?
Yes, Master.
And the details.Miltons voice suggested someone who was long suffering.
That hed be begging for you to thrash him within a month. He was being an ass about you and Austin, calling you an abusive old man.
Sheldon.Milton leaned forward and hooked his arm around Sheldon. Any half sane person is going to think the same thing. Im old enough to be Austins father, and he was screaming his head off. It had to sound like I was murdering him.
You wouldnt hurt him.
You know me. You trust me. Im a complete stranger to Joe, and the kid is desperately trying to bury his true nature. Of course hes going to be shouting obscenities about me. This is not new for you, Sheldon. You know better.
Yes, Master,Sheldon said, hiding his face and blinking back unwelcome tears.
What else?Miltons voice had softened. His hand swept under Sheldons chin, and he studied his boys face. He made a clicking sound with his tongue, stood up[, and held out his hand. Come on. I know that expression.He shook his head and gave Sheldon a half smile. Someday before I am in my grave, you will ask me instead of burying yourself in trouble.
I—“
Boy, well do this after your ass is cherry red. Well both talk a lot more sensibly. Upstairs now.Milton stood and took Sheldon with him, his hand tight in Sheldons, his knowledge absolute that Sheldon would follow him.













4 comments:

  1. oui! oui!

    j'adore

    encore un défi pour milton

    j'aime trop vos personnages...

    milton et shelton on toujours une relation particulière

    merci! merci! merci!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much. Milton and Sheldon are always fun to write.

      Delete
  2. Loved it!! Thanks so much.

    ReplyDelete