Bathhouse Slave

"Bathhouse Slave"
Part 1
by Beryll & Mayetra

Colin watched the retreating figure with a mixture of regret and anxiety. He silently cursed himself for being two times the fool. Not only had he broken a cardinal rule of slaves by disrespecting someone with power over him, but also, he had hurt the boy’s… no, the young man’s feelings as well.

The lithe slave dropped his head to rest upon his folded arms. The heady of scent of the warm water in the bathing pool drifted up to him and against his will, caused him to relax slightly. This was all so new. Colin hadn’t been born a slave. He had been made one through a bizarre combination of fate and his own stupid mistakes. Now, he was stuck in a brothel servicing the elite and privileged clientele that frequented the place. So far, it hadn’t been a terrible existence. He had a small but clean room to stay in when he wasn’t working. He was given good food to eat, clean clothes, and anything else he would need to stay healthy and in shape. He usually spent the late afternoon and evenings with gentlemen who, if they weren’t handsome, at least where well mannered and skilled in bed. All in all, it wasn’t a bad life. He hadn’t been beaten or mistreated since he had arrived but that was about to change and it was his fault. He harbored no illusions that the brothel’s owner was a nice man and had witnessed first hand just how brutal he could be towards a disobedient slave. Why had he been so monumentally stupid? Things had been going so well and with one small remark, he had destroyed his easy life.

His mind drifted back to barely half an hour before when he had first entered the waiting room leading to this very bathing pool. The boy had been standing with his back to the door examining the holographic mural on the wall. His stiff posture told him right away that the boy was at the very least, nervous and at the most, nervous and inexperienced. He had obviously just crossed the threshold into manhood and most likely, someone had arranged this little liaison as a gift or even a rite of passage. It didn’t matter because for once he was truly going to enjoy what was to follow.

He took the opportunity presented by the younger man’s distraction, allowing his eyes to travel over the hard, young body wrapped in a simple but elegant robe before him. It was a bold liberty he would not have taken if his customer had been facing him. The predator in him liked what he saw. The young man had a tall athletic build, nicely toned without being bulky.

The boy sensed he was not alone and turned suddenly to face him. He had quickly dropped his eyes but not before noting the boy’s stunning blue eyes. Those eyes were what had caused him to lose his head, Colin thought to himself.

He had quickly used his wit and charm to put the younger man at ease and things had progressed rather quickly from there. A few stolen kisses later and they were in the warm pool. Colin doubted the younger man even realized that he had been disrobed or that Colin, himself, was still clothed in the simple tunic.

The boy was content to follow Colin’s lead and Colin, for his part, had been more than happy to take it. It had been too long since he had been allowed out of his role of submissive. He sighed as he thought again of the boy’s sapphire blue eyes, such an odd mix of innocence and mischief. It had been while staring into them that Colin had whispered the fateful words of his downfall – ‘You are so beautiful. With your golden curls, soft skin and elegant features one could mistake you for an angel.’ The young man’s eyes had turned hard in that moment, but there had been a deep-root hurt lurking there as well. He pushed Colin away from him and quickly exited the pool.

Colin had obviously touched a nerve with his words. How could he have been so stupid! Of course, now that he thought about it, his words could have been taken in a completely different way. The young man probably thought he had been mocking him, alluding to the feminine quality of his looks. Colin would have preferred to think of them as elfish and found them to be exceedingly agreeable. But he was a slave and ultimately, no one cared what a slave found pleasant or unpleasant.

Colin could no longer delay the enviable. He would seek out the young man and try to make amends. If for no other reason, then the fact that he had never meant to mock him or hurt his feelings. He didn’t think it would save him from whatever punishment awaited him, but he really didn’t care at this point. Pulling himself from the pool, he padded across the tiles toward the exit, dripping water as he walked.

Ryan looked up startled, when the door, which led from the small waiting room to the poolroom, opened suddenly. If there was one thing he had not expected, it was that the insolent slave would come looking for him. Or more precisely: it robbed him of a chance to contemplate what exactly he had just done.

He watched as the lithe young man first glanced at him then at the bathhouse owner who stood right next to Ryan. He felt a wave of satisfaction as the slave winced at the sight of the owner and then quickly sank to his knees, lowering his gaze to the floor as befitted a slave. A proper, obedient, submissive slave. It did not look very believable on this one at all.

Again, Ryan asked himself with growing horror why in the name of all that was holy he had acted so rashly. Of course, he had been supposed to get a house-slave. After all, neither his father nor his mother trusted him with taking care of his daily needs on his own. He had sworn to himself that he would at least try.

But the money his father had set aside for purchasing a slave had of course not been sufficient for a bathhouse pleasure toy.

So now, Ryan didn't only have a slave he hadn't really wanted to begin with but also a slave who was probably entirely useless in day-to-day life and insolent to boot. And he had spent most of his first month allowance with barely enough money remaining to buy food. And he still had to get the books he needed for starting his term at university.

He felt the need to bury his face in his hands but somehow managed to keep up his calm, cool facade. It wouldn't do for the owner of the bathhouse or the slave to see that he had just gotten in way over his head.

"A fine boy you have picked, Mr. Phillippe," the owner said in that patronizing tone that grated on Ryan's nerves. The man probably knew full well that Ryan wasn't really capable of dealing with a wily slave but at least he couldn't guess that Ryan couldn't really afford one either. Probably the man was glad to be rid of the slave.

"Just look at him, sir, a fine specimen he is, isn't he?" the owner continued and all Ryan thought was 'quit the sales pitch, man, I've already bought him'. But he nodded and smiled pleasantly.

"I am sure you will enjoy his services for a long time to come. I must really congratulate you on your purchase!"

It took a second for Colin to realize that he had been sold to the young man. But the brothel owner stepping forward and affixing the cold, metal collar around his neck brought the fact home rather quickly.

Colin knew that it was equipped with a tracking chip in case he decided to run. It could also be used to deliver a nasty jolt of pain should he put one toe out-of-line. Actually, it didn't matter how he behaved, his new owner could give him a jolt just because he felt like it.

Studying his new owner from beneath his lashes, he got the feeling that Ryan had never actually owned a slave before. Colin had a feeling that he didn't have much to worry about because the young man didn't seem to have a cruel nature, but one never knew. There was still the fact that he had insulted him and that would most likely earn him some sort of punishment. Too late for regrets now, what's done is done, as his mother often said.

With a soft sigh, Colin decided he would just go with the flow and see what happened. As soon as they were alone, he would apologize and hope for the best.

"This is the standard pain collar, sir." The bathhouse owner explained, handing over a small remote control to Ryan, "it will shock the slave back into place, so to speak." The man's grin was outright nasty. Of course, Ryan knew what the metal collar now affixed to the slave's neck was meant for. Still to know that he now held the control to the device in his hand was disgusting and thrilling at the same time.

"If you use the small red button down here the collar will deliver a stunning shock. It's very useful should a slave turn violent. And of course, the collar is equipped with tracking. But don't worry, Colin will be good, won't you, boy?"

Ryan looked at the slave, who carefully kept his gaze on the floor. Colin. So, that was his name. Fitted him. He was surprisingly calm considering the fact that he had just been bought by a man he had insulted only moments before.

But of course, he probably still thought of Ryan as a mere boy. Again, the notion rubbed salt into wounds still wide open from the words his father had used when Ryan had left home for university.

"Don't get into trouble, son, you know you won't be able to deal with it. It is not your fault that you are more like your mother. Just do your studying and keep away from the bad crowds. And no violent sports! You may get hurt. I'm sure you'll be fine and if you need any help, you can always come home and we will set up studying for you here at the estate. Don't really see why a fragile thing like you would go to the city anyway... you are just not made for it..."

His eyes hard with anger, Ryan activated the pain inducer. Maybe he would never have the courage to stand up to his father but he would be damned if he let himself be bossed by a slave.

Colin jerked and collapsed to the floor as searing pain tore through his body. His limps twitched violently for a moment and then went ridged. He hadn't meant to scream but a low, keening cry of agony was ripped from his lips. He couldn't see and his mind seemed to be made of mush. The only thought that he could form was a plea to whatever higher power might be listening to make the pain stop.

After what seemed an eternity but was probably only a few seconds, the pain stopped. He knew he should get up off the floor, but his limbs seemed to be made of rubber. After a few more seconds had passed, he was able to get back on his knees.

He tried to tell himself that he deserved no less for his insolence earlier but he couldn't still his rising anger. He knew better then to let it show. He didn't need a second lesson on what happens to a slave that can't behave.

Ryan watched in shock as the slave - his slave - crumbled to the floor, his hands uselessly clawing at the collar. The cry that ripped from his body was that of an animal, filled with so much pain Ryan could almost feel it himself.

It took him a long, long moment before he realized that he, himself, was the one causing that pain and he quickly released the button on the remote control, appalled at himself. How could he do such a terrible thing to another human being?

He watched as Colin fought to get back to his knees, needing two tries to manage it. The slave's hands were still shacking slightly and a violent shudder ran through him before he finally settled into the posture of an obedient little slave again.

"Seems to be working fine." Ryan managed to get out, his voice shaking only a tiny bit and his smile for the bathhouse owner cemented onto his face.

The owner grinned happily and Ryan was sickly sure that the man had enjoyed the show.

"So if we have taken care of all the paperwork, I guess I will be leaving now." Ryan continued. Suddenly he couldn't get out of this house quickly enough.

"Will you take the boy along or shall we have him send to your home, sir?" the owner asked all politeness.

"He comes with me." Ryan decided quickly. What was the point in delaying the inevitable? "Come on... Colin!"

Colin quickly complied with his master's order to follow him. In reality, he wanted to run in the opposite direction as quickly as possible. He hadn't missed the shakiness in his new master's reply to the brothel owner. His master had enjoyed seeing him in pain and hearing his scream.

The next few moments were a blur. Before he could quite process what was happening, his new master had changed into his street clothes and whisked him out of the brothel. Colin didn’t even have time to ask about gathering his meager belonging, which amounted to a few pieces of clothing. His legs were still a bit shaky as he hurried along after his new master, trying to ignore the appreciative stares of several other customers in the brothel parking area. Finally, they arrived at his owner’s glider.

Colin was rather surprised by the vehicle. He had expected the latest sports model, fast and flashy. Instead, it was a standard sedan model, bulky, safe, and practical. He waited for his new master to tell him where to sit but he didn't. The younger man simply got into the glider and started it up. Colin hesitated for the fraction of a second before climbing into the passenger's seat. He had no sooner shut the door than his master flicked the controls and they were off.

Cool air blasted from the vents and it wasn't long before Colin was quite uncomfortable. He was still dressed in his plain, white tunic from the baths and the damp fabric stuck to his skin. He gritted his teeth in an effort to keep them from chattering. He refused to complain, not that his new owner would care if he was cold or not. His body betrayed him, however, and he started shivering.

Colin began to think about his earlier intent to apologize. Right now, he really didn't feel sorry for what he said except that it had landed him into a heap of trouble. Still, he thought he should at least make the effort to appear contrite; it might go a long way to cool his new owner's anger. Maybe even change his mind about whatever other torture he had in mind.

With a slight sigh, he said, "Master... I would like to apologize for my earlier words. I shouldn't have said what I did and I'm sorry."

Damn, Colin thought. His tone hadn't sounded all that sorry and he couldn't stop shuddering because he was so cold. Still, it had been worth a try. He waited quietly to see what would happen next.

Ryan blinked at his new slave in utter surprise, remembering just in time to return his gaze to the instruments.

After using the pain collar on Colin with no apparent reason except Ryan's pride, he had certainly not expected an apology for the earlier insult. Actually, Colin hadn't sounded all that sincere. But at least he had tried.

Ryan could count the times anybody had apologized for insulting him on one hand. So even though it was probably only said to cool his anger it did mean something to Ryan that Colin had tried.

He glanced at his slave again and noticed that Colin was not only still wet from the bath but also only dressed in the flimsy tunic and shivering violently. Silently cursing his tendency to slink off into dark thoughts and forgetting all about the world around him, Ryan switched the air condition from cooling to warming.

He would really, really have to get used to being responsible. Not only for himself but now for another living, breathing being as well. And - as his father would surely have pointed out now - he wasn't even able to take care of himself.

He only belatedly realized he had not replied to the apology. But now it was really too late to say anything without appearing any more foolish then he already felt anyway.

Colin was rather surprised when his owner reached over and switched on the heat. He hadn't responded to Colin's apology but then the older man hadn't really expected him too. Still, at least this was something positive. Maybe his new master wasn't all that bad. Before he even thought about it, he said softly, "Thank you, master", as he leaned closer to steady flow of warm air blowing from the vent.

Colin shook his head slightly. Don't let down your guard, fool, he argued with himself silently, after he realized exactly what he had done. If you do that, then you will only say something stupid again and end up rolling on the floor screaming in pain.

He silently resolved to keep his big mouth shut unless directly questioned. Better to keep his eyes open and pay attention to where they were going. He needed to start thinking about a way out of his present situation, not making nice with his new owner.

Before the silence in the glider could become too uncomfortable for Ryan to say something stupid they finally reached the apartment tower where daddy had rented one of the penthouse places. Not to provide Ryan any luxury but for the sole reason that you could park gliders right on the terrace. Less opportunity to get mugged, as his father had proudly explained to Ryan.

Ryan smoothly landed the glider on the expensive ceramsteel paving. At least one thing that even his father couldn't say he was inapt at. He loved any sort of gliders. Still daddy had refused to get him a pretty flitter by Ferrari or at least BMV. No, he had to be wrapped in protective casing even when he was flying...

He climbed out of the glider and remembered just in time not to lock it before his slave could get out.

The terrace doors parted to let him inside, recognizing the owner chip Ryan carried around with him. He would have to remember to get Colin one... on second thought, a slave was of course expected to stay at home so he better not. Even though he had just bought the other man he was already starting to think of him more like a flat mate then a slave.

Not good. Daddy would be horrified.

With a soft sigh, Ryan entered the apartment, his gaze traveling over all the stylish but sterile things his father had furnished the place with. Everything in tasteful and unobtrusive grey and cream colors. Functional but not bulky, nice but not pretty, all in all - lifeless.

Only the paintings his mother had arranged on the walls provided some splotches of color. And they were not exactly what Ryan would have put up. The paintings where worth a fortune and carefully secured with state of the art protective security equipment. Not even Ryan had the key codes. So, he couldn't get rid of them.

With another sigh, he dropped the glider keys onto the counter in the kitchen alcove. The apartment was designed as a loft, only the master bedroom with its bathroom separated from the open living and studying area, the kitchen set back into a small alcove with a dining table under a large window overlooking the city.

And of course, there was a door leading from the kitchen to the slave quarters. Ryan hadn't looked in there yet. After all, he had just moved in four days ago.

He turned to see if his slave had actually followed him inside.

Colin's heart sank as he realized just how high up they where. It figured, not like a snotty, spoiled, rich boy would ever dream of living somewhere near the ground floor of an apartment complex. He followed his owner into his new home and casually looked around.

Boring. That was the first word that came to mind, followed quickly by uninteresting and dull. He wondered if his master actually really lived here because there was nothing 'personal' about the place. It looked more like a fancy hotel room than a home.

The paintings on the wall were colorful, but not very exciting. The rest of the furnishings were either grey or crème and rather unattractive. The walls were white and stark. The entire place had the feel of a museum Colin had gone to once when he was very small.

He had just finished his visual inspection when he noticed his master looking over at him. For a brief moment, he was once again captivated by younger man's startling blue eyes. Realizing he was staring, he quickly lowered his gaze as was proper and waited for his orders.

If you enjoyed this story, please send feedback to: Beryll & Mayetra

go to PART 2

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