My Man Blade 6

My Man Blade 6

Blade opened his eyes. He wanted to stay buried under the comforter, but Ryan was shaking his shoulders hard and only one step away from yanking the bed covers off and dumping Blade unceremoniously on the floor.

“Ry, it’s Sunday.”

“And we have a lot to do. I want to go for a run.”

“Ooh, fun.”

“Up, boy. You’ll feel better after the run.”

“Yeah and pigs fly.” Blade forced himself out of bed. He didn’t want to get up, but Ryan was bouncing on his toes and looking way too eager for morning torture. Pounding down the pavement was torture. “It’s probably raining.”

“No I’ve already checked. It’s a fine morning. Get moving.” The swat was gentle, only a tap, but Blade squealed and jumped aside, grabbing the sweats from the bed. He might as well play this up. Maybe it would be worth some sympathy, and Ryan would take a kilometer off the run. 

Ryan gave Blade only an instant to dress before Blade was being hustled downstairs and out the door. “See I told you it was a nice day.” Ryan pointed to the streaks that might charitably be called daylight.

“It’s not morning; it’s the middle of the night,” Blade groused and leaned against the house to stretch his thighs. 

“Cranky boy. I have just the thing later to fix that.”

“The marking.” Blade swallowed hard and pretended to concentrate of stretching his hamstrings. Did he want to do it? He didn’t have experience with a whip. Just the crack, would he be able to survive that? It was going to hurt; he knew it would have to hurt. He didn’t care how often Ryan said he’d make it good for Blade.

“Stop fretting. You’ll like it.” Ryan gave Blade one of his blinding smiles and grabbed Blade’s hand. “Come on. Just a few kilometers.”

The running really wasn’t all that bad once they got started. Ryan stayed close, his hand actually floating over and touching Blade’s shoulder or ruffling Blade’s hair every few strides. Blade panted as they climbed a small hill, running by a church with a parking lot just starting to fill with early worshipers. They rounded a corner and started downhill, letting Blade start to catch his breath. Ryan always ran so effortlessly. Blade felt like he was dying, and Ryan was loping along like he was an antelope out for a Sunday stroll.

Blade recognized the street and felt his feet slowing. They were getting close to being back. Would Ryan mark him when they got back? Could he do it without safewording?

Ryan grabbed Blade’s hand and pulled him forward. “Come on we’re almost home. Let’s go faster.”

Shit! His man wanted him to sprint. Ryan was crazy. Blade panted and gasped for breath, forcing his legs to move faster. This wasn’t fair. Ryan’s legs were longer than Blade’s, twice as long, not really, but it felt that way. They pounded up the driveway and came skidding to a halt on the porch. Blade doubled over panting hard.

“You are insane, man,” Blade said when he finally caught his breath.

“It’s good for you. Build up your cardiovascular system.”

“More like give me a heart attack.”

“Wimp! Walk it out.” Ryan grabbed Blade’s hand and dragged him on a circle. “Walk, boy.”

“Brute,” Blade mumbled, sagging against Ryan.

“You’d think you just ran a marathon. I’ll have to get you out more.”

“I don’t sprint, and your legs are twice as long as mine.”

“Wimp,” Ryan repeated with a snort and ruffled Blade’s hair. “Stretch out and we’ll go in and have a shower.”

Ryan hustled Blade through a series of stretches and into the shower. Somehow he was standing at the sink shaving, his hair dripping and a towel wrapped around his waist when Blade stepped out of the shower and groped for a towel.

“You’re slow, boy.”

“It’s not a race.”

The day’s a wasting.” Ryan scraped the last of the soap from his chin and turned toward Blade. Shit! Ryan was gorgeous with his hair slicked back and his shoulders rippling under the glare of the bathroom lights. He grabbed and extra towel and vigorously dried Blade, not sparing the still tender skin on his rump. “Dress. No shirt.”

Blade gave Ryan a pleading look. He didn’t want to parade around someone else’s house half-naked. Of course, shirtless wasn’t half-naked. It was considered perfectly acceptable except in a restaurant or the grocery story. No shoes, no shirt, no service raced nonsensically around Blade’s brain.

“I want to see this.” Ryan ran his finger around the thin chain of Blade’s collar and gave it a gentle tug. “And this.” Ryan bent over, his teeth just grazing the small nubs on Blade’s chest. “And of course I like to see this.” Ryan’s fingers stroked down Blade’s cock, stirring it rapidly to life. “But I’ll let you keep it private for a few minutes.”

Blade made a strangled cry as Ryan’s fingers disappeared only to reappear in a sharp slap to Blade’s rump.

“Dress, boy.”

Blade pulled on his jeans and watched as Ryan slowly unfurled the towel around his waist, his magnificent body nothing short of one of those revered Greek statues, every muscle crisp and defined. Ryan drew on a pair of black jeans that rode low on his hips. He reached for his shirt, shaking out the dark turtleneck and drawing it over his head. The material clung to his body. Blade could almost imagine that he was actually seeing the ripple of Ryan’s abs under the shirt.

“Come, boy.”

The leash was snapped on Blade’s collar and with a flick of Ryan’s wrist Blade was drawn close and led down the stairs. They went past the kitchen and through the comfortable family room to a side of the house that looked less used. A grand piano dominated one room, its massiveness dwarfing the music stand and the few stiff chairs in the room.

“Ray plays.”

“This way.” Ryan continued down the hall before stopping at a closed door and pulling a key on a thin chain from his pocket. The room was white, sterile white. The floor was a white tile; the walls were white; even the two oversized couches were white. The only contrast were shiny black cabinets from floor to ceiling on one wall and large black iron rings and hooks affixed to the adjacent wall that looked like they should be in a stable or a blacksmith shop. 

“Strip.” Blade started to protest, and Ryan placed his finger over his lips. “No. Strip.”

Blade dropped his jeans, leaving them in a heap on the floor. The sofas were a long way away, and there was no other furniture to fold them on. Ryan picked them up and hung them on a hook. He moved to the wall of black cabinets, opened a door, and pulled out a whip.

Shit! Blade knew his eyes had to be as big as any kid faced with Santa Claus on the roof. That was going to hurt. There was no way it couldn’t, but Ryan looked magnificent, all in black and the whip in his hand. Master. Blade didn’t know if he should run screaming for help or drop to his knees and worship his man.

“Master.” The word slipped out. Blade couldn’t stop it.

“Come touch the whip, boy.”

The three steps felt like a cross country journey. Blade crossed the cold tiles, his heart hammering in his chest. Slowly he extended his hand and let his fingers brush the whip. It was smooth and terrifying and enticing all at the same time.

“Your safeword, boy.”

“Limerick,” Blade said, swallowing hard to moisten his throat.

“Use it if you need it. Take your position.” Ryan pointed silently at two black iron rings on the wall of rings and hooks. “Don’t let go.”

Blade grabbed the rings, gripping to the point of pain in his hands. Ryan’s hand was on his shoulder, hot almost searing. His other hand was on Blade’s hip, adjusting Blade’s stance. The hands vanished. Blade drew a quick breath. The whip cracked and fell for the first time, a line of fire across his ass. He screamed. He could hear the sound reverberating in his ears, even though he didn’t remember opening his mouth. The next stroke snapped through the air and fell just below long before Blade was ready. Blade clung to the rings, fighting the desire to flee.

“One more. This will be across your shoulders.”

The whip exploded into molten fire diagonally across his back. Blade screamed, clinging to the rings in desperation. He had to be bleeding. He heard the whip clatter to the floor, and Ryan’s hands were on him, spinning him around. The kiss was fierce, possessive, and hungry. Ryan pulled away. Blade searched for those lips, gasping as Ryan’s hand stroked down his cock, and he was swallowed in that warm, hot mouth. His master was on his knees; Blade’s cock buried to the hilt. Blade moaned, his hips thrusting wantonly. It had taken only a second; he was achingly hard. Ryan pulled back, his hands pinning Blade in place.

“Come for me, boy.”

It was hot; it was incredible. Blade’s knees buckled and his body shook. Ryan just swallowed as if he did this all the time. Blade clung to him, spent and exhausted.

“Worth it?” Ryan asked with a huge smile.

Blade turned and shifted. “How’d we get on the sofa?” He was cradled in Ryan’s lap and covered in a bright red throw.

“I carried you.” Ryan said with another one of his cat’s got the cream smiles. “You weren’t terribly coherent.”

“Oh, God! What did you do to me?”

“I gave you three lovely welts and a nice blowjob for being such a good and brave boy. Was it worth it?”

“Ask me in a few more minutes when I can think clearly.”

“Still high as a kite.” Ryan kissed Blade’s forehead. “You were beautiful. The lash on your skin was incredible. Stunning.”

“Can I see?”

“You back with me enough to get up?”

Blade nodded and groaned. Ryan lifted him easily, set him on his feet, and walked with his arm around Blade’s waist to a white door. He pulled it open, revealing an enormous bathroom with mirrors on every wall. Ryan turned Blade so he could look at his back. A welt started at his right shoulder and crossed across his back. Ryan traced his finger over the surface, making Blade shiver and hiss.

“This one will bother you the most because you’re not used to it here.”

Blade reached around and touched the two perfectly parallel lines across his ass. “They’re beautiful.”

“You’re beautiful.” Ryan kissed the welt on Blade’s shoulder, his thumb caressing Blade’s cheek. “My beautiful boy.”

Blade leaned into Ryan, letting that solidness support him. “It was worth it.” Master, he added silently to himself. 

*

Blade shifted his shoulders. He could feel the welt under his skin as it brushed against his shirt. He twitched again, making his shirt rub against the angry skin. Why did he like this?

“Breakfast.” Ryan’s hand rested on Blade’s ass, heavy enough to light the two stripes hidden under his boxers and jeans.

Ray was in the kitchen, his light frame draped over Gavin as if he’d been doing it for years. He was shirtless his skin pale against Gavin’s dark shirt.

“Don’t get up for us,” Ryan said, his voice warm and full of humor.

“Shit!” Ray squeaked and struggled in Gavin’s lap. Ray had actually squeaked; it wasn’t a noise Blade associated with men.

“Settle down,” Gavin growled, one hand moving to a place that Blade knew was a warning.

“I’m not dressed.” Ray continued to struggle in Gavin’s lap.

“Your shirt’s off. You’re more than acceptable.”

“I’m on your lap, shirtless.”

“Yes,” Gavin said in a voice you might use with your lawyer or stockbroker. One hand came around and teased Ray’s nipple.

Ray gurgled something in protest, his voice garbled by Gavin’s touches. Gavin’s lips touched the junction of his collar bone. Blade saw his fingers tighten and Ray flutter in his grasp, a moan escaping his lips. He jerked; Gavin must have bit him.

Gavin lifted his lips, his tongue bathing the red flesh. “Beautiful. So sensual.” Gavin’s finger stroked Ray’s throat. Ray was flushed, head thrown back, his mouth open, no longer fighting but looking wanton, sensual, needy. “You can put your shirt on now.”

Ray scrambled out of Gavin’s lap and grabbed for his shirt, shrugged it over his shoulders, and didn’t bother to tuck it in. His face was red, and he stood by the counter, seemingly hesitant over where he should go.

“You needn’t put your shirt back on for our sakes,” Ryan said with a slow easy grin. “I was enjoying the view.”

“I’m not some fucking slut!” Ray exploded, his eyes filled with tears. Ray grabbed the counter, his shoulders hunched, and Blade was sure he was desperately fighting tears. He’d been there enough times to know what it felt like: embarrassed, overwhelmed, and overloaded. 

“Ray.” Gavin had moved quickly; both his hands rested on Ray’s shoulders, and Blade could see the fingers digging in. He was rubbing hard enough that it had to hurt. He was grounding Ray with the pressure and the slight pain. “You’re a submissive; it’s not the same as a slut. It’s not wrong or shameful to feel what you feel. It’s who you are, and you’ve denied it a long time. You want to be held; you want to be touched; you want to be cherished. Those are not abnormal or wrong emotions, and it’s not wrong to let others see who share this with you. You’re mine. I want other dominants to know that and envy my good fortune.” 

“I let you spank me; I wanted you to spank me.” Ray’s voice was plaintive, desperate. He sounded so alone.

“I let Ryan whip me, and I fucking liked it.” Blade tore his shirt off and without thinking dropped his pants and his boxers to his ankles. “Fucking look! I loved getting fucking welts.”

“Look, Ray,” Gavin said. “Lean over the table so Ray can get a good a view. See those, boy. It’s not wrong to enjoy this. Pain and pleasure, it’s a heady mix. Pull your pants up, boy, I think Ryan’s going to go all caveman and carry you off as a hostage to ravish by his fire if you stay like that.

Blade found his pants and boxers on the floor, blushing furiously as he realized what he’d just done.

“Didn’t think first,” Ryan said with a soft chuckle and opened his arms. “It’s a common theme with you, isn’t it, boy?” he said as Blade dove for the safety of Ryan’s chest. 

“I just did that?”

“Yep.” Ryan kissed the top of Blade’s head. “It was a beautiful show.”

“Oh crap!”

“You’re an exhibitionist, kid,” Gavin said with a knowing smile. “Let it out. It can be great fun. You two could give fabulous shows.”

“I am not doing shows,” Ryan growled.

“You used to do those body builder competitions--all oiled up. How different could a wee whipping be?” Gavin grinned wickedly. “You could call it educational and soothe your new Green Mountain Boy acquired manners. “Proper whipping technique 101."

“Milton’s my brother-in-law.”

“I didn’t get an invitation,” Gavin said with mock hurt.

“You know what I mean,” Ryan said, his voice taking on a tone of true aggravation.

“I do.” Gavin had pulled Ray in front of him and had him wrapped tightly in his arms, but his eyes were firmly fixed on Ryan. “And you also know what I mean. Don’t let their expectations take the fun out of it for both of you. Let Blade indulge himself sometimes. He’s a good boy; he deserves it, and you don’t hate it.”

“They are not only one side of the coin; Gordon owns significant stock in The Forest.” Ryan’s arms tightened around Blade. “I don’t share what’s mine.”

“Don’t share it. Show it off. Tease other men with your fantastic boy while he teases them with his fantastic master. And you know I wasn’t speaking of The Forest, which I control, but of Vermont.” Gavin’s hand stroked through Ray’s hair. “You caught your breath now, boy?” 

Ray snuggled closer, not speaking. His fingers clutched at Gavin’s shirt, and it was obvious from his red eyes that he hadn’t succeeded in damming all his tears.

Gavin’s finger lifted Ray’s chin. “Kiddo, I know you’re feeling half sick right now. You found out something about yourself this weekend that maybe you would’ve preferred to keep buried under a massive boulder, but I need you to try to express yourself in words, and we don’t have any more neat distractions. Blade’s already stripped off for you, and I don’t think I could get Ryan to do it without a knockdown drag out fight, and Ryan might win that one.”

“I’m scared.” It came out like a whimper.

Gavin went down on one knee, his hands framing Ray’s face. “Of course you’re scared. You’re body and mind are doing crazy things right now, good things, but crazy. What are your safewords?”

“Red means stop, and yellow means slow down.”

“And what does that mean to you?”

“Stop of course,” Ray said with a hint of belligerence, “and talk about it.”

“We’re in a yellow mode right now, or maybe I should call it orange, stronger than yellow. I don’t want you scared, not the way you’re scared right not.” Gavin stroked his thumb down Ray’s cheek. “I want you tingly and anxious and curious. A little dread in that curiosity is OK, but I don’t want you scared.” Gavin kissed Ray’s temple. “Take a deep breath. It’s going to be OK. I promise.”

“How can you promise that?” Ray’s eyes were frantic, roving from Ryan to Blade and back to Gavin.

“Look at me.” Gavin’s voice was demanding, but not harsh. “Eyes right here. Good boy. I’m your dom; it’s my job to make everything all right.”

“You’re not magical. I have to go back to Boston. What about my parents? What will I tell people?”

“One at a time.” Gavin stood up and pulled Ray into his arms. “I’m not magical, but I’ll try to make magic for you. I can’t wave my magic wand and declare world peace and good will to all men, but I can make a submissive happy and joyful. I will make mistakes as your dominant as you will as my submissive; neither of us is perfect, but we’ll be good together. I’ve done this a long time, and you’re a beautiful submissive.”

“I don’t want to be hit with a whip. I can’t do this.” Ray struggled in Gavin’s arms, his elbows connecting with Gavin’s ribs.

“Stop it.” Gavin’s hand connected sharply with the seat of Ray’s pants. Ray’s eyes widened, and he froze.

“No, I don’t want this!” Ray kicked at Gavin. Barefoot it couldn’t do much damage, but the reaction from Gavin was instantaneous. Gavin sat down in a kitchen chair and flipped Ray over his lap in a practiced move.

“You don’t kick me.” Gavin’s hand landed a volley of sharp slaps that reverberated around the kitchen like cannon shots. Ray cursed through the first half dozen and then fell silent, clinging to Gavin’s leg and fighting tears.

“Can you be civilized now?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good boy.” Gavin slid Ray to his knees and encircled him with his arms. “Breathe, kiddo. It’s OK to cry. I didn’t expect to do that.” Gavin was rubbing Ray’s shoulders, his voice soft and reassuring.

Ray stumbled to his feet and jerked away from Gavin. “That wasn’t nice.” Ray wiped his face with his hand. 

“No it wasn’t.” Gavin said calmly, not responding to the petulance in Ray’s tone. “That was punishment within our roles. You don’t get to kick me.”

“But you get to hit me.”

“He spanked you.” Ryan’s voice was unruffled and rich with authority. “Ray, that’s the way this works, and you didn’t safeword. Gavin had the right, and I think you were asking for it.”

Ray looked at Ryan; an array of emotions crossed his face before they culminated in a dark flush. “I don’t want whipped.”

“Ray,” Gavin said very softly and opened his arms. “Come here.”

“Go on.” Ryan nudged Ray’s shoulder. “He won’t eat you alive. Trust me here. I’ve had him thoroughly pissed at me, and his pissed expression is totally different. He’s not angry with you.”

Ray let himself be pushed into Gavin’s arms. “Good boy.” Gavin’s voice was firm and reassuring, and Ray responded, sagging against him. 

“Ray,” Ryan said, his eyes on both Gavin and Ray, “Do you need to safeword? There is no shame in safewording.”

“He’s not going to whip me?”

“No,” Gavin said emphatically. “Ray, my sweet boy.” Gavin brushed his fingers through Ray’s hair and kissed his forehead fiercely. “A whip is something we’ll work up to. We both have to be in the right headspace, and at least for me, I use the whip for enjoyment, not for punishment, and I know this morning was for Blade’s pleasure. Ryan and I went over the logistics of it because he wanted to make sure he did it right for his boy. It was Blade’s first time, and he’s far more experienced than you are, and his needs are different. You’ll be ready before I touch you with a single tail.”

“It wasn’t awful,” Blade said with his trademark lopsided smile. “And I probably shouldn’t say this, but the marks are cool. Stung like a mother fucker getting them, but can’t complain now. Do you want to touch them?”

Ray didn’t answer, but his eyes said yes. Blade slid out of his pants and presented his ass to Ray.

“You’re never going to keep this boy dressed,” Gavin said, the tease obvious in his voice.

“I know,” Ryan said with an exaggerated eye roll. “I can already see the indecent exposure charges.”

“Don’t worry,” Blade said with a chipper grin. “Milton cured me of that. The damn belt and grounded for half an eternity. ‘You don’t involve the public in your games, boy.’ Ugh! You don’t want to go there. That man has a vicious swing.”

Gavin chuckled. “It doesn’t seem to have put a damper on your enthusiasm, boy.”

“I keep my clothes on at the garden store.”

“Do not tell them that story,” Ryan said with a groan. “It will terrify Ray.”

“I lived through it. That has to be reassuring. I’ve done several incredibly stupid things, including Thursday night, and lived through them all.”

“Thursday’s taken care of,” Ryan said in a tone that made Blade long for those strong arms around him and those gorgeous lips on his. “Ray, you can touch those welts.” Ryan moved close, taking Ray’s hand in his own. “Touch.” Blade shivered as the fingers traced the welts. “No blood. No ambulances. Nothing awful. They’ll sting a couple of days.”

“Like a mother fucker,” Blade added again.

“But it’s what we both want. I enjoy seeing them on Blade’s beautiful body, knowing I put them there and more importantly knowing my submissive, my lover trusted me enough to let me put them there. It’s about trust, Ray, not terror.”

“I don’t want whipped,” Ray whispered.

“I’m not planning to,” Gavin said. “I only whip willing boys, and you’re not there yet. You’ll be stunning when the time comes, and you’ll be willing and begging for the kiss of the lash.” Gavin kissed Ray’s temple. “Don’t worry about it now; we’ll have discussed it until you’re screaming for me just to do it when the time comes.”

“What if it never comes?”

“It will,” Gavin said with easy confidence. “You’re a brave and strong boy; it will come, but I’m happy to wait. The anticipation is more than half the fun. And Ryan, either get your boy dressed or give us a show.”

“Here, boy.” Ryan clicked his fingers. 

Blade couldn’t read Ryan’s expression. Was Ryan just going to give him his pants back, or did he have something more diabolical planned? His pants weren’t in sight. Shit! He’d overplayed his hand. 

“Yes, master. How can I do your bidding?” Blade asked, raising his eyebrow in what he knew was a challenge. Two could play at this game. Ryan wouldn’t let Blade call him master, not for real, but here in front of Ray and Gavin, he might not stop it. Blade could claim that he was teasing.

“Down, boy, at my feet.” Ryan drew himself up to his full, imposing height. His eyes weren’t laughing, but blue lasers that sent a shiver through Blade as hurried to his knees. “So this is how you want to play it?”

“Yes, Ryan.” Blade dared a quick glance. Ryan looked spectacular, all in black, his fabulous muscles rippling under the material.

“I believe you called me something else earlier, boy.”

Blade licked his lips and slowly formed the words he had so often heard in his head. “Yes, master.”

“Up with you boy. Hands on the counter. You need to remember your place.”

Blade scrambled for his position, his fingers clutching the counter, his half hard cock unsure if it should hide for the duration or become completely hard from the excitement.

“You like this, boy?” Ryan’s finger traced the welts over Blade’s ass, while the other hand cradled Blade’s balls and slid down his cock with tantalizing and fleeting heat. 

The smack wasn’t hard, at least to Ryan’s usual standard, but across the welts it was plenty noticeable, igniting the smoldering embers of the previous fire. Blade didn’t hide his reaction; he writhed and moaned. His ass was hot, fire up his back, down his thighs, and somehow straight to his groin. “Please! Please!” Was he begging Ryan to stop or keep going? Blade didn’t know; it was just a blur of incredible sensations.

“Don’t you dare come, boy.” Ryan’s hand was on Blade’s back, pushing him into the counter. Blade heard the sound of dishes sliding across the counter. Ryan was groping for something out of Blade’s range of vision.

“Fuck!” Blade jerked under Ryan’s restraining hand.

“Nothing like a little glass of ice water to help with your control.

Blade’s head fell back against Ryan. “Tyrant. I can’t believe you just did that.”

“Boy, you don’t come without permission.” Ryan squeezed Blade’s ass. “That’s for me only.”

Blade groaned. He didn’t care now. He didn’t care who was watching. He just wanted Ryan, all of him. The kitchen counter with an audience would be fine. The cold glass disappeared after one last pass over areas that most feared frostbite. Ryan seemed to be rummaging in a drawer, tossing batteries, a flashlight, and a roll of tape on the floor.

“Still here,” Ryan shouted with a note of triumph in his voice, grabbed Blade’s wrist, and dragged him from the kitchen.

Blade was thrown over a table. Dining room, he thought, but his brain was too addled to fully process. The surface was smooth and shiny, and he scrabbled with his fingers to find a purchase. Ryan swatted his thighs apart and then a slick finger found him. Ryan had been looking for lube in that kitchen drawer.

“More. Please. Hurry.”

“I’m hurrying.” Ryan’s voice was full of laughter.

Two fingers. Blade spread his legs more, shamelessly wanting, needing.

“Ready for me, boy?”

Blade could only manage a groan. He was Ryan’s. He wanted this. He needed this.

*

“We just did that?” Blade was wrapped in Ryan’s arms. They were both sitting on some sort of fancy chair with no arms and a velvet seat. This was the dining room, definitely the dining room with the sideboard and the corner cupboard full of gold rimmed china. “Oh, God, we just fucked like rabbits on the dining room table.”

“Pretty much.” Ryan laughed and kissed Blade’s nose. “I wasn’t sure we were going to make it here. I thought I was going to have to use that ice on myself. Getting you upstairs wasn’t going to happen.

“On the dining room table!”

“I thought it was better than the kitchen table with two bystanders.”

“Ray, Gavin,” Blade groaned. “Did I freak them out?”

“I was having trouble noticing much beside you, but I think Gavin was enjoying the show, and Ray looked wide-eyed but fascinated.”

“They’re going to think I’m a whore.”

Ryan swatted Blade’s thigh. “Don’t degrade yourself. You’re a very hot young man who I intentionally sexually overloaded. This is a safe place, and it was fun.” Ryan smiled sheepishly. “I did miscalculate a bit. I’d planned to get you back to our room, but I was about ready to pop my pants.”

“Do you think we could stay hidden in the dining room?”

Ryan looked around the room. “No food. No drink, and no hiding places. I think we’ll have to make an appearance.”

“Shit!”

Ryan ruffled Blade’s hair and stood him on his feet. “And you boy need a shower. You’re all sticky. Run upstairs and get a shower. I’ll rescue your clothes from the kitchen.”

“I’m naked.” Blade knew it was a stupid thing to say. He’d been naked and practically humping Ryan’s hand in the kitchen. What was a little dart up the stairs?

“Put my shirt on; it will cover everything, and unless I totally misread Gavin’s expression, they’re still busy in the bedroom.” Ryan stripped off his shirt and handed it to Blade. “Shower, boy.”

Blade ran up the stairs. He didn’t want to be seen; he wasn’t sure he wanted to see Gavin again. He’d just about gotten fucked in the kitchen in front of witnesses, and shit, it was the hottest thing he’d ever done. He’d liked it. He’d loved it. Ryan’s boy all wanton and needy across the kitchen counter.

Blade turned on the water and climbed in the shower. He was all sticky. Filthy boy. He leaned against the tile and let the water flow over him. He’d done that. He’d liked it. He’d loved it.

“Blade, I have a large water heater, but it’s not the size of the Great Lakes. Come on out.”

That was Gavin, not Ryan. Where was Ryan? Blade didn’t want to face Gavin. He wasn’t ready to see that man yet.

“Come on.” An arm reached in the shower and turned off the water and then handed Blade a large, fluffy towel. “Dry. I have a robe out here.”

Blade dried himself. What choice did he have? The towel was warm and soft and felt good against his tender skin. Gavin was facing away, the robe in his outstretched hand.

“Thank you.” Blade covered himself. They’d seen him at his most naked. Locking the barn doors after the horses had left.

Gavin was propped against the bathroom door, looking idiotically casual, but clearly blocking the exit. “Kid, that’s not the first time I’ve seen scenes like that in my kitchen and it won’t be the last. I’ve done a few myself. You’re a natural exhibitionist, and here is a very safe place to indulge yourself. It was good for Ray too. Made him feel less like a freak.”

“No, now I feel like a freak.”

“You’re not a freak. You’re a beautiful man who loves his partner and who is brave enough to embrace facets of himself that aren’t socially acceptable.”

“I did that in front of you and Ray.” Blade ran his hand over his damp hair. “What was I thinking?”

“You were allowing yourself to respond to Ryan. It wasn’t wrong. It was beautiful.” Gavin smiled. “And if it helps, Ryan’s feeling embarrassed also. Of course the threat of borrowing him for a public demonstration straightened him right out.”

“You’d do that?”

Gavin gave Blade a wicked grin. “With his permission, of course, but I can be very persuasive.”

Blade wasn’t sure how to reply and decided to shrug, shake his head, and run the towel through his hair again. He needed to get back to real life. He didn’t get fucked over the dining room table in real life.

“I need to get dressed,” Blade said. That sounded like real life. Dressing after a shower is what normal people did. They showered, ate breakfast, went to school, went to work.

“Ryan left some clothes for you in the bedroom.”

“Where is Ryan?”

“He went to get Milton at the train station.”

Blade could do nothing but stare at Gavin. Milton was here. Blade didn’t behave this way in front of Milton. 

“It’s Sunday, sweetheart; you have to go back to Boston. Milton suggested he come pick you up, and I wanted him to meet Ray.”

Gavin was talking like this was all perfectly normal. Did he know how dead Blade was going to be? Blade had missed supper, not called, run away, and God only knows what else. 

“You can't avoid it forever.” Gavin’s eyes were sympathetic. “Milton was adamant that you not travel alone.”

“I’m going to be grounded for life,” Blade moaned.

“You choose to live your life by those rules; you face the consequences.”

Blade nodded. Gavin was doing that top thing where his eyes were penetrating Blade’s skin. At the moment, Blade wasn’t going to disobey or disagree with the man.

“They’re not my rules and some aren’t Ryan’s rules, but they are Milton’s rules. Ryan has placed you in Milton’s protection. He expects you to obey and respect Milton’s rules as if they were his own. I will demand the same from Ray.”

“You don’t agree with those rules?” Blade had heard a few comments this weekend; he knew there was tension somewhere between Gavin and the Green Mountain Boys. He’d wanted to know more, but after yesterday he hadn’t wanted to ask. He’d already invaded Gavin’s privacy enough.

“I choose a different interpretation when I dom. I’m less interested in the details of domestic life, and I am less capable of fulfilling the care taking role. It doesn’t suit my personality.” Gavin said in a tone that suggested the conversation was finished.

“What do you mean?” Blade wanted to know; he knew he shouldn’t be asking, but what was caution to a man who had almost had sex on the kitchen counter?

“Blade, there are many different styles of power exchanges. You know that.” 

“You don’t seem all that different.”

Gavin raked his fingers through his hair. “You are most exasperating about demanding answers. I thought I told you to be silent.”

“I’m not listening,” Blade said with an easy grin. “You know I don’t always listen and obey.”

Gavin growled. “You are an infuriating boy at times.”

“You haven’t swatted me yet.”

“What does Ryan have to do to you to ever get any peace?”

“I respectfully decline to incriminate myself.”

“Boy!” Gavin reached out an ruffled Blade’s wet hair. “You do have a way of getting me talking.” Gavin took a slow deep breath. “I’m interested in submission. This is about mutual pleasure. I’m not a parent or a counselor or a life coach. I don’t dictate bedtimes unless it is to emphasize submission, nor am I good, except in the vaguest of ways, at organizing a young man’s study habits. Domestic tranquility is my submissive’s responsibility. I want a willing and preferably a naked submissive serving me. I can’t fix my submissive’s hangups. That’s not my role.”

“Zach,” Blade said softly. “You’re afraid because of Zach.”

“It’s not about fear; It’s about what I’m capable of. I’m not a saint or a better human being because I’m the dominant and not the submissive. I’m a pretty fucked up specimen.”

“You taught Ryan well, and you love Ray. I can see it.”

“Ryan is special. Even I’m not ham-fisted enough to screw him up.”

“You’re more than only an expert at whips and chains and other accouterments of play, and you know it. You wouldn’t be here talking to me if all you cared about was safe play.”

Gavin didn’t say anything, but gave Blade a long and steady stare, a look that would have sent most submissives scurrying for cover or down on their knees. Blade held his ground. He’d been glared at by Milton, Gordon, Ryan, and almost every other top east of the Mississippi. He wasn’t afraid of Gavin, or he could at least resist the urge to submit and force himself to ask the questions.

“You don’t get along with Milton?”

“I don’t know Milton. Get yourself dressed, boy.” Gavin landed a swat on Blade’s hip and pushed him out the door.

Ryan had left clothes on the bed, Blade’s jeans and the sweatshirt Ryan had worn yesterday. The sweatshirt still smelled of Ryan. Blade inhaled the scent as his much smaller frame was lost in the folds of material. Ryan was only at the train station, and he already missed him. How was he going to do a whole week?

“Blade.” Gavin’s voice was soft and kind, almost too kind. “I know being away from Ryan is hard.”

“I’m OK.” Blade jerked his head up. He wasn’t going to fall apart. “I’m just being stupid and maudlin.”

“No you’re not.” Gavin hooked an arm around Blade and pulled him close. “Ryan’s your dom, your lover, your other half. It’s hard to be away from your lover all week.”

“Milton’s good to me.”

“I suspect he is, but he’s not Ryan. He’s not your soul mate.”

“No.” Blade worried at the oversized sleeves of his sweatshirt. “But I can get him going.” Blade gave Gavin one of his trademark grins. “You should see him sometimes. God, it’s fun.”

“And it’s not Ryan.”

“I have to make it work,” Blade snarled. “I’m a big boy; it’s only five days at a time.” 

“Good boy. At least that was more honest.”

“Fuck!” Blade jerked away from Gavin. “I can’t fucking think about it. It makes me too crazy. I’m not a fucking wimp. Ryan likes New York; he likes to teach; he likes working at The Forest. I’m not taking that away from him.”

Gavin ruffled Blade’s hair. “Ryan’s not finding it easy either.” Gavin kissed Blade’s temple. “Ryan’s working too hard. He’s trying to discipline himself out of the hurt. He’s being strong for you.”

Blade shoved his hands in his pockets, savoring the sharp twinge as his pants shifted and rubbed the welts on his ass. He had Ryan’s marks. They’d have to do until next week. “It’s better for me to finish school in Boston. We can do this.”

“Yes, you can do it, but should you do it? Is there a benefit in torturing each other?”

“What about you and Ray?” Blade shot back. This wasn’t Gavin’s business; he didn’t need to keep poking at the wounds with a stick.

“Don’t I know,” Gavin said with a sad smile. He looked tired when he smiled like that, his shoulders slumped and the spark gone from his eyes. 

“You’re not keeping him here?” Blade knew there was a challenge in his voice, but he didn’t care. Gavin had been poking in his life; he had equal rights.

“No.” Gavin ran his hand down Blade’s back, a gesture meant to comfort Gavin as much as Blade. “I’m hoping to convince him to stay with Milton. It’s not a good solution, but I can’t see any other.”

“And you’re lecturing me about it.”

“Because I know how much it hurts. I only met Ray Friday, and I’m watching the second hand of the clock move around the dial with the dread of a man seeing his own funeral. “I want to hold my boy, love my boy, not put him on a train with a stranger.”

“Milton’s good.” It was a simple statement of fact; it didn’t need any elaboration. Blade wasn’t naive; he knew he created chaos, and Milton managed, and Milton loved Sheldon. Between those two, the connection was tangible. They were more one than separate beings, something greater than the parts, defying the laws of physics.

“So, I’ve been told.”

“Have you told Ray?”

“Not yet. I can’t figure out the words, and I’m the top in this. ‘I’ve fallen madly in love with you, but we live in different states, so I want you to live with a stranger.’” Gavin raised an eyebrow and gave Blade a half smile. “That sounds dominant, doesn’t it? I’m usually good at this.”

“You usually aren’t in love; you’re out of practice. Ray isn’t a submissive you’re training. He’s the man who has your heart. You want him for more than a naked serving boy and a submissive to fuck. You want him for all the Green Mountain Boy rubbish that you casually dismiss.”

Gavin gave Blade a sharp look. “You’re good, boy. Ryan wasn’t kidding. But I’m not a saint, and I don’t wear ties to dinner.”

“I’m good at other people’s problems; I’m just lousy at my own.”

Gavin’s smile was again bittersweet, his eyes knowing and clouded with sadness. “You’re not the only one. It’s easier to hand out the medicine than take it yourself.”

“I think you do OK,” Blade said slowly. Blade reached up and squeezed Gavin’s arm. “I think you’re one of the good guys.”

“You mean I can’t chain Ray to my bed and keep him here forever? Shucks. It was such a good plan.”

“I’d get swatted for that sort of flippant answer.” Blade let his eyes rest on Gavin. “You’re not the strict and harsh dom you pretend to be. You hurt, and you care.”

“I can be strict, and I can be harsh. You only need to ask the legion of submissives who have screamed when they felt my strap or shook as they kneeled and waited for me to pronounce my sentence. I don’t do it halfway.”

“Ray doesn’t want it halfway. He’s a submissive. Show him our world.”

“If he’ll allow me,” Gavin said so softly that Blade wasn’t sure he was supposed to hear it. “Downstairs. They’ll be here any minute, and I need to wake Ray. I have to tell him of our plans.”

“Are you giving him a choice?”

“No,” Gavin said flatly. “He’s made his choice. He’s my submissive, and now he’ll do as I say.”

Blade studied Gavin. His eyes had lost their gentleness; they weren’t angry, but Gavin’s jaw was clenched, and determination marked his features. He was the confident dominant again who expected to be obeyed and not questioned, especially by a red haired imp of a submissive.

“You’re not voicing your question, but I see it in your expressive eyes, green gems, a true window to your soul.”

Blade felt the heat rise in his cheeks at those words. “Ray’s so new.”

“And because he’s so new, he deserves greater protection. I will not leave him to the tender mercies of his roommate Matt. Are you questioning me, boy?”

Was he? The easy answer was a ‘no, sir’ and a fast retreat to the kitchen. Gavin was not a man to cross without a death wish. He’d dropped the cloak of dominance around himself in an instant and left Blade fighting the instinct to submit without question.

“I am,” Blade said lifting his head and forcing himself to meet Gavin’s steady gaze. “I’m Ryan’s boy, not yours.”

“Yes, you are.” Gavin’s gaze was steady. Slowly, he leaned against the dresser and crossed his arms. “It’s my duty and my privilege to protect my boy, and for my boy choice and debate are not options. He’s a submissive; he will submit.  Ray wants it this way. He hasn’t verbalized it, but I can feel it. I know it, and it’s a risk I’m willing to take.” Gavin’s tone softened, and as if a magician had waved his wand and cape in front of him the trappings of dominance vanished. He shoved one hand deep in his pocket, and his eyes quit burning holes through Blade’s skin. “God help both of us if I’m wrong.”

“I hope you’re right.” Maybe he should have offered more reassurance. For a fleeting moment Gavin’s eyes were so pain filled that Blade almost shivered himself. Gavin carried hurt within himself that Blade could only imagine, but he wanted everything from Ray and now. Ryan and Milton had given Blade the choice; Gavin was denying Ray the same choice. Being subjected to someone’s will in this way was hard; Blade knew he failed half the time. The sex was easy--fantastic, but the effortless yielding to your master was a promised oasis in the desert that Blade couldn’t find. It was always over the next hill. Today with the whip, that had been a rush, but obediently going home with Milton was nothing but hard, and that had been Blade’s choice. What if Ryan had dictated that decision the way he’d ordered Blade to strip? Blade had made the choice to be submissive, a conscious choice that Milton and Ryan forced him to review often. What about Ray?

“Will you help Ray?” The question was almost a plea, and it stilled the anger that was rising in Blade’s gut.

“I will try. I want some breakfast.” Blade pushed past Gavin. He wasn’t ready to discuss this, at least not calmly and rationally. 

The remains of Gavin’s and Ryan’s breakfast sat congealing on the kitchen table. The glass of ice water had melted to nothing but tepid and unexciting water. Blade grabbed a box of cereal and ate handfuls. He turned on the water and watched it spurt from the spigot as he scraped the dishes and shoved them in the dishwasher. He was a submissive. He bent to Ryan’s will. He did their fucking dishes. Ray, he was a submissive. Blade had known for months. He was Gavin’s submissive: strict, dominant, wounded Gavin. Gavin wanted and demanded everything.

“Hey. I could do those.”

Ray stood in the doorway. He was in new jeans and the oversized t-shirt he’d worn Thursday. His hair was mussed, and his lips looked swollen and red. That was a well fucked boy, and he looked happy. He wasn’t shooting darting glances over his shoulder or hiding behind someone else. He was standing in the doorway and asking Blade about the dishes.

“I’m just about done.” And fuck it he was going to say it. “Doing service settles me. I can get lost in it.” Blade flushed. “I know I’m crazy; don’t bother to say it.”

Ray shrugged. “I can at least dry.” Ray moved next to Blade and grabbed a towel. He dried some gizmo that didn’t look dishwasher safe, wiping the towel over and over the same spot. “How much did it hurt?”

“The whip?”

“Yeah.”

“Hurt, but I trust Ryan. I knew he wouldn’t give me more than I could take.”

“Will you feel them all week?”

“Doubt it. I wish.”

Ray nodded, reaching for the spatula. “All week.”

“It sucks.”

“How do you do it?”

Blade grimaced. “I usually do something horrible or dramatic about midweek, and Milton sits on me. That helps.” Milton would be sitting on him at day one if past experience told the tale. This wasn’t going to be a pretty week, probably not a pretty month. Easier. He could lose himself in Milton’s solid, quiet, and intransigent orders.

“I don’t want to go,” the confession was whispered, and Ray’s face flushed as the words slipped from his lips.

“You’re not going to have an option; Gavin’s going to order you to stay with Milton.”

“Oh.” Ray paused, the towel hanging limply in his hand, the plate forgotten. “Will I like Milton?”

Not it’s not Gavin’s right to make that decision, not I have an apartment and a roommate, but will I like Milton. “You don’t have to come with us.”

“I do. I’m Gavin’s submissive.”

“Submission doesn’t mean roll over and die. If it’s impossible, tell him to go fuck himself.” Blade scrubbed the skillet in frustration, banging it against the bottom of the sink.

“I don’t want to fight. I’m not you.”

So fucking easy! He did it just like that. “It doesn’t bother you?”

Ray shrugged. “It’s got to be better than with Matt. Please, don’t bug me about it.” Ray’s eyes were huge and pleading and he was worrying his bottom lip with his teeth.

“Milton’s a good guy.”

Ray nodded. He seemed to accept that as a fact not to be questioned or argued over.

“And don’t chew your lip; that’s Gavin’s property.”

Ray dropped his lip and ran the tip of his tongue over it. Ray’s eyes looked dreamy. His lips moved, but Blade couldn’t hear the words.

“You like that. You like being Gavin’s property.”

Ray flushed hard and physically jerked back from the words.

“Shit!” Blade reached out with his hand, wet and dripping suds, and grabbed for Ray’s wrist. “Don’t run away. I didn’t mean it like that. I love being Ryan’s, all of me.”

“I’m Gavin’s boy,” Ray said the words with a tone of wonder. “A boy. How do you tell people?”

“My boy.” Gavin closed the few feet from the hallway with his long strides and wrapped an arm around Ray’s hip. “My boy. And Blade I wasn’t eavesdropping. I only heard those words.”

“Yes, sir,” Blade said with a flash of a smile.

Gavin dropped a kiss on Ray’s cheek. “My lovely boy.”

“All yours.” Ray leaned into Gavin. “What happens now?” The tone was shy and embarrassed and Ray buried his face in Gavin’s sweater.

“You go back with Blade, and we work very hard to make this work. I’ll be there Friday to pick you up.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“You’re welcome.” Gavin kissed Ray’s temple. “It’s the least I can do for you.”

Blade heard the car in the driveway, a quiet crunch of the tires and a thump of the doors. “Looks like we’re back in the minority,” Blade said with forced cheer. “We should have staged a revolt.”

“Boys.” Gavin shook his head, but didn’t hide his smile. “Here are my reinforcements.”

“You need reinforcements?” Ryan’s eyebrows were through his hairline, and his grin was huge.

Blade couldn’t stop himself; he hurled himself at Ryan, knowing Ryan would catch him in those massive arms.

“I was only gone for an hour.” Ryan grabbed Blade and hoisted him up in his arms as if he was a small child. “What were you doing to them for me to deserve such a welcome?” Ryan asked Gavin. “Torturing my boy, or maybe he was torturing you?”

Blade elbowed Ryan. “I was being good, saint like.”

“So did he rob a bank or explode the boiler?”

“I’m right here, and I didn’t do either of those things.” Blade punched Ryan, not suppressing his laughter. “Put me down you big ape if all you’re going to do is accuse me of high crimes and misdemeanors.”

“Do not give Blade any ideas; he’s creative enough on his own,” Milton said in his professorial tone, the humor flickering in his warm, brown eyes camouflaged by his glasses. “And if you drop him, I’ll have your head.”

“Yes, Milton.” Ryan set Blade down, smoothed his hair, and straightened his shirt. “Not a hair out of place.”

“Good.”

Blade basked in the attention. He knew Ryan was preparing him for the handover to Milton, and it felt good, felt good to have those two tops watching and collaborating. Blade didn’t want to go, but there was no doubt Ryan and Milton were trying to make it as easy as possible. Blade threaded his fingers through Ryan’s larger hand. He’d savor Ryan for as long as possible.

“Gavin, we spoke earlier on the phone.” Milton turned toward Gavin, the picture of a polite and correct professor. Even on the weekend, Milton was in crisp khakis and a dark green sweater. He wasn’t in his jacket and tie, but he could easily pick up his briefcase and step right into the classroom.

“Yes.” Blade could feel the reserve snap over Gavin as the top schooled his face into controlled blankness.

“Ray,” Milton said in that voice he used when he was being exceptionally kind, “has Gavin told you what he has planned?”

“I’m to go back with you,” Ray said, stepping toward Gavin who dropped an arm around his chest and pulled him close. “He wants me to stay with you.”

“Do you want to stay with us? You’ve had a whirlwind of new sensations and revelations about yourself. This needs to be your choice,” Milton said in that steady, kind tone.

Ray looked up at Gavin, a flush rising up his neck. “You want me to go with Milton?”

“I do. I require you to go.” Gavin brushed his thumb down Ray’s exposed neck. “I expect your obedience.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Gavin, may I speak with you alone.” Milton’s voice was tight and controlled, his dark eyes never leaving Gavin’s face.

“No,” Gavin said with the same steadiness. “I’ve made the decision it is not open for debate.”

“I will not have a boy living in my house against his will. Submission must be freely given, and perhaps certain areas are beyond the scope of submission, especially for an inexperienced boy.”

Gavin smiled, but it wasn’t a nice smile and only seemed to highlight the dangerous glitter in his eyes. “I have not and will not harm the boy, and despite your delightful veneer of diplomacy that is your true question, is it not?” Gavin stroked his fingers through Ray’s hair. “Ray’s current roommate would do harm to the boy. He cannot stay here because he has commitments in Boston. The only solution is for Ray to stay with you. As his dominant, it is my responsibility to keep him safe. I will not pretend to consult him on matters when I have already made the decision. That will only insult everyone’s intelligence.”

Blade could feel the air crackling between the two dominants. Milton was leaning on the kitchen table, his elbows locked, his gaze unwavering.

“I am a responsible dominant and head of the Green Mountain Boys. It is my duty to make sure Ray is safe and within the bounds of a consensual and negotiated relationship.”

“My rules may be different, but I take my duties seriously,” Gavin growled, sending the hair standing up on the back of Blade’s neck.

“Yellow.” Ryan’s voice wasn’t loud; he didn’t have to be loud at his size and with his natural authority. 

Gavin tightened his arm around Ray and propped his hip against the doorframe. Milton pulled out a chair, sat down, and crossed his legs.

“Better,” Ryan said. “If you two wish to brawl, I would prefer you not do it in front of Blade and Ray and not in front of me. I have no desire to act as a referee.” Ryan grimaced. “I’m probably big enough to beat some sense into both of you, but I’d rather not.”

Blade wished someone would say something. The silence almost hurt as the three dominants eyeballed each other. Ray had wormed his way under both of Gavin’s arms; his face buried into Gavin, so only his hair was visible. Gavin’s hand stroked absently up and down his back. 

It was Milton who finally spoke. “Ryan, my only intention is to protect the boy. As my houseguest, he will be within my scope as Director of the Green Mountain Boys. I will not ignore that because Gavin is your friend.”

“And my mentor,” Ryan added. “I’m aware that Gavin is not a Green Mountain Boy, but he is a well respected member of the community. He is a good dominant and a safe dominant.”

“The Green Mountain Boys aren’t all saints,” Gavin snapped. “I know Gordon.”

“I’m not Gordon.”

“Quit.” Ryan rolled his eyes. “I thought having a Zath was hard work. Do I have to bang your heads together? Gavin, you know Milton is Gordon’s chosen successor; leave it alone. And, Milton, I would have not suggested this arrangement if in any way I thought Gavin was taking advantage of Ray’s inexperience. Gavin might not start with the baby steps you start with, the pretense of creating order and sorting homework time. We all know underneath it’s about submission.”

“It’s not a pretense. It’s an easier place for a boy to realize he’s pitched his tent in the wrong neck of the woods before he’s over a cliff and buried in the brambles. If he can’t submit to me about eating dinner, he shouldn’t be letting me whip him. No Green Mountain Boy is under the illusion that discipline is not intertwined with submission. I will insist that Ray lives by my rules, and that includes elements of behavioral management that have little to do with being a good submissive in a club, but have everything to do with understanding the completeness of the required submission. Are you both in agreement over this?”

Gavin nodded.

“I asked too,” Blade said, no longer able to keep silent. “Ray’s OK with it, and Matt’s an asshole.” Blade shot Milton a cheeky smile. “And I like Gavin. Doesn’t that count for something?”

 “Yes,” Milton said, folding his hands in front of him. “Would you let him top you?”

 “I have.” 

“Gavin,” Milton said in a slow, controlled tone. “Blade is a powerful submissive, and I respect his judgment. I had no desire to offend you, but I did want to make sure the proper precautions were being taken for your boy.”

Gavin tilted his head; a slow smile spread across his face. “I believe I just heard a top from the Green Mountain Boys apologize for being an arrogant asshole. This is a day that will go down in history.”

“Don’t push it, Gavin. And you’re the one who did ask for his help,” Ryan said, stepping closer to Gavin where his bulk could be called looming.

“I hear you,” Gavin muttered. 

“Thank you,” Ryan said gravely. “I knew reason could prevail, especially as you are requesting Milton’s help.”

Gavin’s cheeks colored, and Blade saw a flash of anger in Gavin’s eyes before he smiled ruefully at Ryan. “I think the student has taken the role of the teacher.”

Milton stood up; he moved gracefully and easily for such a big man. He held out his hand to Gavin. “Gavin Randolph, let’s try this again. I’m Milton Brown.

Gavin took Milton’s hand in a firm grip. “Take care of my boy.”

“I’ll treat him like one of my own.”

“Very well. I will hold you to that promise.”

“I would expect nothing less.”

“Ray.” Gavin maneuvered Ray in front of him. “This is Milton. He has vowed to provide you protection.”

Blade wanted to scream that Ray was a grown man and didn’t need protection. They didn’t need protection. Blade shuddered; he hadn’t done so well at that independence thing. He wanted protection; he wanted that unmovable wall. This is forbidden; you will do it this way; you will yield to me.

“Ray, are you coming with me?”

“Yes, sir.” His face was surprisingly calm and serene. “I’d rather stay here, but that’s not an option.”

“Ray, while I expect you not to do anything illegal, harmful, or dangerous, you only need to call me sir if you want.”

“I want.” Ray took a long, shuddering breath. “I need to, sir.”

“All right, boy.” Milton’s voice sharpened, taking on that tone that made even Sheldon think twice. “We will negotiate the specifics, but you understand that I have the right to set guidelines for your behavior and the right to punish if you break those guidelines?”

“Yes, sir.” Two spots of color rose on Ray’s pale cheeks.

“I have such guidelines in place for Blade, even though the boy seems to have suffered from a memory lapse this weekend,” Milton said wryly. 

Blade mentally groaned. He was still going to be throttled for his little escapade. At least Milton was making a slight joke. Blade might be off punishment detail before hell froze over.

“How bad is it?” Blade asked, irrationally hoping for some sort of reprieve. Everyone always said he was an optimist.

“I believe the phrase you use is grounded for eternity.”

Blade grimaced. “I wasn’t that awful.”

“No just disobedient. Should I list the transgressions?”

“No.” If Milton listed them, the punishment could only get worse. Double eternity.

“I thought not. It is a frightening list.” Milton held out his hands. “Come, boys, we have a train to catch.”

Gavin bent and kissed Ray chastely on the lips. “Go. If I do more I won’t let go. Friday, I promise.” Gavin’s lips rested momentarily on Ray’s forehead and then he pushed him toward Milton.

Outside a horn beeped, too close to be in the street.

“The cab’s here,” Milton said.

They were leaving. Their bags were packed and carefully stacked by the door. It was Sunday. This was supposed to be the day of rest, not of horror.

 Ryan started to wave as if Blade was no more a nodding acquaintance before catching Blade’s wrist hard and slamming the smaller man into his chest. The kiss was fierce, possessive, and not suitable for daytime television. Ryan’s hand landed hard across the seat of Blade’s pants, striking across the two welts that went from quietly throbbing to a five alarm fire in an instant.

“Behave, boy. Friday.”

“Yes, Ryan.” One more week down. Blade didn’t want to think of how many more. Blade caught Milton’s hand. He didn’t usually take comfort this way, but he wanted it now. He had a whole week with nothing but the memories and the thin welts to remind him of Ryan. With one hand, he reached for the buttons of his shirt, opening two and pulling out his collar. He wanted it to show he was Ryan’s. He touched the chain warm from his body heat then reached back and stroked the welts. “Yours.”

“Always. Mine. Friday.”

“Friday,” Gavin echoed. “Be Good.”

“Yes, sir,” Ray said. “I will.” The final words were almost too soft to hear. “I love you.”

“Boy.” Gavin reached Ray in one stride and his hug was crushing. “Take care of yourself.” Gavin’s voice was husky as he kissed the top of Ray’s hair and placed his boy’s hand in Milton’s.

“I have you for that.” 

The End.