Listen to your heart ... [Toby]

[Crix Meriet]

Crix was sad again. In truth sad didn't really cover it, Crix felt terrible he had a hangover and Toby had been upset again. He didn't mean for either of the two misfortunes he faced to happen not really. He had gone out to have a drink and maybe lure a few new bloods into his little enterprise of slavery. Only an attractive women had got him drinking ... he had lured her from the bar only it was to his bed not a slave pit to which he delivered her. In Crix's drink addled mind he didn't connect his bed with Toby, infact his drink addled brain saw no harm in bringing this girl back at all. not at first anyway. It was only after they had done the dirty deed that Crix recalled his heart's desire shared this bed with him, that had sparked the anger in him.

How could he forget his Toby? how could he so casually betray him ? it was vile and it made Crix feel sick. Someone had to pay for Crix's transgression, it wasn't going to be be Crix himself nor was it to be Toby and Nima wasn't around which left only his latest conquest. Her name had escaped him in his anger and in a moment's notice his eyes ignited from lust into fury and he snapped. It wasn't this woman's fault no truly but someone had to pay didn't they. Someone had to pay the cost for the sadness that would no doubt cloud his Toby's eyes later. He would have killed the woman had he not finally noticed Toby. Crix knew not how long the slave, his slave , his Toby had been there. He wasn't there when Crix had fallen through the bedroom door with the woman latched onto his face but beyond that he couldn't be sure ... His darlin' might even have watched it all. He never spoke after all, oh what had he done ...

He couldn't be violent now, not with his sweet innocent Toby watching, he had inflicted too much suffering already. His arms went limp and his eyes fogged up. "Just get out" he mumbled out, this was not the same man who had been in the bar but a few hours before, he was cocky and charismatic. This man was a broken one a weak and broken fool. She dragged herself from under him through gritted teeth, her eyes were black and her lip was split, she would not be attractive to look at for a long time. Crix watched her leave then he turned to look at Toby. Then he looked down "I'm sorry Darlin' ... I didn't ... I haven't ... I can't ..." He couldn't find the words, so he just crawled over to Toby. He never crawled unless he'd been caught, he didn't even crawl when He'd murdered his night companion. But when Toby actually saw the ... the betrayal, well then the strength in his legs left him and crawling was all he could do. He nuzzled his head against Toby's leg and peppered kisses down his legs and feet muttering apologies over and over, completely lacking the strength to stand to reach anything higher or the resolve to look his Poor toby in the eyes. was it demining? Ofcourse it was but he deserved it and he needed to touch his love, he needed to make it ok.

Then before Toby could do anything he returned back to the bed to go to sleep, his dalliances had left him guilty and guilty people didn't deserve affection. he hoped there was not of her blood on the sheets but he didn't check , he just lay down. What a fool he was. When toby was asleep Crix would shuffle over to lay his head on his lover's chest and let the sound of his Toby's heartbeat lull him to sleep but he wouldn't move till he knew toby was sleep or if Toby made efforts to move him in someway because as much as he didn't deserve His Toby's affection he would only resist it so far. Then he would wake up tomorrow, alcohol out of his system. feeling notably less pathetic he hoped.

[member="Toby Meriet"]

 

[Lief]

Their room here on Isis was luxurious to say the least, and being that Toby had the pleasure of joining his love each and every night he felt extremely privileged. It was nothing at all like how he had been raised, now that Crix was his and he was Crix's and there was no middleman in the form of Lord Meriet, and that was something he was grateful for. Yet Toby never took any of it for granted. Their lovelife was not as simple as it could have been, as it ought to have been. For all intents and purposes he was still very much a slave; labeled as such, viewed as such by all save the one he shared the bed with, Toby had no real choice but to live with Crix's bad decisions, usually ones which happened when he had been drinking far too much. Yet these days Toby had no real responsibilities, he was strung along under the pretense of a slave simply because Crix feared losing him. It was a fact that Toby knew well enough, he might have informed Crix otherwise, he might've proven him wrong, but Toby knew no other life. He did not care if he was another's possession. Especially not if that person was Crix. Were his lover not such a coward where affairs of the heart were concerned, Toby might have been a freeman these days. Such a luxury he would not be able to live with.

Yet even with this knowledge, knowing that he was a possession above all else, that regardless of what his other half did he had to live with it, he was still hurt every time Crix stumbled into their bedroom and used their bed with a strange man or woman neither had met until that night. Sometimes he was lucky and he would miss the whole slip up, only to overhear staff muttering about it in the hallways the next morning. But when Crix was as drunk as he had been this evening, it wasn't unheard of for Toby to walk in on them. Part of him understood how Lord Meriet must have felt when he walked in on the two of them all those years ago. It was humiliating, demeaning, frustrating. Because Toby did not know how to walk away, he was as addicted to his Master as any spice-brained urchin that lingered in the streets of Nal Hutta was to their fix. But it didn't make it hurt any less.

Tonight was worse than usual.

Toby had been sat awake, perched on one of the armchairs which adorned their lavish room, reading from an old datacron and waiting for Crix to come home when his intoxicated lover tumbled through the door with a girl all but superglued to him. Perhaps the pain came from the fact that Toby had wanted to do precisely that this evening, he'd planned on surprising his lover, there was evidence of such scattered about the room, a bottle of wine, ambient lighting... Then again, maybe it was just the dull ache which accompanied the realisation that things were never going to change between them. Like a hound to a loyal master Toby simply put up with it. Sat amidst the darkness of the shadows, in his own private corner, Toby watched the whole exchange in silence, his hand firmly clasped around a goblet of wine. His jaw was set, his eyes jaded, yet he forced himself to continue looking on. He would not give himself the satisfaction of looking away. He was already too much of a coward as it was.

And all at once Crix realised he was there. The poor girl who had suffered his usual cruel touch was hastily dismissed, though the look of venom in her eye made him less sympathetic. Stupid harlot, feeling like she was the one hard done to in this equation. Well she wasn't. Toby glared in Crix's direction as the girl left, paying her absolutely no mind, having eyes for only him. Yet once they were alone his expression softened as his resolve broke. He could never stay mad for long, not where Crix was concerned. Rising from the chair he set down the goblet and took a few steps toward his Master, pain graced his expression yet affection lingered in his eye all the same. The urge to speak presented itself as it always did, but no words escaped him. Instead he watched as his beloved Master crawled over to him, fawning for attention and forgiveness. Toby allowed himself to feel what it was to be the Master for a moment, basking in the adoration shown and the grovelling of his beloved, before realising how little he cared for such. How humoring it was that they were both the bottom of this relationship, yet each held the other in their sway all the same.

Before he could fall to Crix's feet with forgiveness aplenty, he was already gone - retreating to the bed they shared. The one he'd just shared with another. Never had he dirtied their bed before, and Toby wasn't so sure he wanted to sleep there tonight. How could he, knowing that the pretentious woman who seemed to feel indebted or owed in some way had lain there. Reaching out, Toby took up some of the petals which littered the room, which had now gone to waste, and crushed them between his fingers. Their scent lifted the tension in the air, and following a heavy sigh Toby shook his head and wandered to his lover's side. Collapsing on the bed beside him, and removing his somewhat redundant shirt, he pulled Crix close and settled his head against his chest as was their custom. His fingers traced along the length of his arm, before settling to the small of his back. There was no way for him to verbally express himself, so this would have to do to mark his acceptance.

He would even sleep in this self same bed if it stopped Crix from feeling so self loathing.

[member="Crix Meriet"]

 

[Crix Meriet]

Crix stared at the wall contemplating, chief among his contemplations was Toby, always Toby. Crix contemplated how much he made Toby suffer all without even intending too, it was odd to think but he didn't betray Toby because [member="Toby Meriet"] wasn't enough for him ... Toby was perfect, utterly and completely perfect and that was the problem. Crix had urges, uncontrollable and vile urges, he couldn't bear the thought of inflicting any on Toby. His Darlin' was a rare breed, an angel among heathens and who was he to tarnish an angel. On the other hand Crix accepted that he tarnished his angel just be being around, by keeping him enslaved and by breaking his heart. There was nothing he could do though he was much to selfish to let Toby alone.

He would have continued his spiral of alcohol fuel self loathing had he not felt a weight settle onto Toby's side of the bed. then a soft tug as he was pulled into the sanctuary of his lover's arms, in an instant all of the thoughts racing through his head stopped still, they had no place now, not now that he was safe, his troubles being eased by Toby's touch and the soft thud of his heart beat. The gentle and rhythmic noise of His Toby's heart and thus by extension his own, for the two were inextricably linked, to tear one away would be to tear the other one too, they were one heart in two bodies.

Crix's eyes began to grow heavy and he fumbled around for one Toby's hands. He needed to hold one just to be certain Toby wasn't going to go anywhere. Taking one of Toby's hand in his he began to rub softly, trying to massage away his Darling Toby's pain. Even without any real tasks Toby still worked much to hard for his likening and Crix didn't give him near enough TLC, well for the next 24 hours he was going to fix that fact he resolved. It was through his sleepy ministrations to Toby's hand that he noted the red stains on the tips of Toby's fingers at first he had been worried it had been blood and his eyes had shot open, his poor Toby covered in blood, then he noticed the flower petals and every other little touch Toby had put in place. He was simultaneously flattered, relieved and also incredibly guilty. Toby had worked so hard and he'd messed it up. he lifted his head from his Loves chest to kiss the 'slave's' knuckles then he lay back down, gently laying Toby's hand back on his stomach, his own hand falling onto the bed. "I don't tell you nearly enough just how very beautiful you are to me" he smiled in spite of himself as memories of his beloved flashed across his mind, Those eyes that smile.

His hands couldn't stay still for long and he was very soon tracing the scars across his man's chest. A source of much contention in the Meriet household, that being just those two ... Nima didn't count, Toby hated them with a passion Crix could tell that much and it wasn't to say that crix loved Tobys scars. For how could he love something that caused 2/3 of his heart so much pain. He did however find them endearing they were a mural to the hardships they survived and continued to survive. he ran his finger down a particularly long one on his Love's form tracing from his heart right down to his bellybutton, He would put cream on all of Toby's scars and sore bits in the morning and maybe one day he would do enough to lift the physical pain away . The mental pain was not so easy to banish however, Crix felt it every time they entered a room people looked down on his Toby. They looked down on a man who was more perfect than they could ever be, there was only one way to do away with that however and it would require toby be freed from slavery. Crix couldn't do that Toby was an angel and they were meant to fly , he couldn't lose Toby forever ... heck it was painful enough leaving the man's side for an hour.

"I love you so much" Crix said "So very much"

 

[Lief]

His mind raced with endless self-depreciating thoughts as he lay there, Crix listening to the beating of his heart as his own steadied to the same distinct beat. Why would you do this to me time and time again? Am I not enough? Have I not proven my devotion? Part of him wanted to scream and shout and prove his point, but in doing so he would only hurt the one he loved. Two wrongs did not make a right, and Toby would have no part in something so destructive. One of them had to be the calming, grounded presence. As his chest rose and fell alongside the tender sound of his breathing, Toby continued to delicately trace the small of Crix's back. The physical connection helped to dull the aching he felt inside, it rooted him in place and allowed him a tangible reminder of precisely why he was still here.

Crix took one of his hands, that which wasn't draped over his body, which bade him to peer down at the man leaning against his chest. A small sigh left him, and he ran his free hand back up along his back until he grasped one shoulder and pulled him tightly against him. Why was he comforting Crix? Had he not brought this about himself? Leaning down he planted a delicate kiss against his unkempt hair and lay back against the bed. The silence dragged on between them until his lover's nimble fingers ceased their therapeutic motions all at once. He could feel Crix eyeing up the room, and then felt the tender touch of his lips against his knuckles. Toby finally smiled. His hand gently caressed the skin across Crix's stomach while the other lifted to run through his hair, fingers pulling stray strands back from his face so that his hand could settle at the cheek of his lover.

His initial reaction to the tracing of his scars was to seize Crix's hand and stop him. He despised the things, he could not bear to look upon them much less have Crix acknowledge them... But it was not his place to stop his Master when the man wanted something, and he knew how much the scars meant to him. Tentatively he released his hold and settled Crix's hand back against his scarred torso, however Toby himself looked away. He could not bear to watch, it just reminded him of those four days which had felt like an eternity in hell. Moreso it reminded him of the threat which loomed over him constantly.

Running the hand at his cheek down the length of his jaw, Toby tipped up Crix's head and leaned in. Before their lips could touch, before he could return the sentiments which lingered in the air, a knocking sounded at the door. Moments later it creaked open, to reveal a sheepish slave whose presence he had been raised alongside. She was a few years their senior, though she looked considerably older in many ways. Stress etched into the very fabric of her being, her face and body marred with the reminder of Crix's more vicious tendencies. Nima stepped into the room without waiting for permission - at times she was more bold than was good for her, and Toby had watched her often enough to know that she did not value her life whatsoever - and downcast her gaze.

"Forgive me, Master" she mumbled, positioning herself in such a way that the post of the bed covered the sight of her from Crix's view. She may have loathed him, she may have wished for the bittersweet relief of death, but that didn't make her any less afraid of his volatile nature. "I... I saw someone leave here. Do you want her--" It was only then that Nima seemed to realise that Toby was there too, and all the color drained from her face. She hated bringing up these kind of topics around him, because it put Crix in even worse of a mood. "D-Dealt with?" Toby cringed, allowing his head to fall back against the headboard. He wanted to get up and leave so that the pair could discuss the intricacies of disposing of people Crix no longer had a need for, but doing so would likely entice more wrath from Crix which would be exacted on Nima or the girl. Instead he turned his gaze away from his lover and stared out of the window, removing his hand from around Crix to instead prop up his chin. He completely zoned out, he didn't want to hear anything else concerning this matter. What his Master did was up to him.

[member="Crix Meriet"]

 

[Crix Meriet]

Crix couldn't hear [member="Toby Meriet"] 's thoughts, much to his dismay but if he could he would have hugged Toby tight and told him just how beautiful and special he was and how much crix loved him. He would tell his Darling slave that it was not his fault and that he was perfect, far too perfect to dirty with all of crix's vile desires ... for those he needed lesser beings. People he didn't care about, people like Nima.
He might not have been able to hear his better halfs thoughts but he could feel him and his Darling felt tense. Crix frowned his poor Toby. So good at calming Crix and all at the cost of his own comfort. Crix wished he could just kiss all his poor boy's troubles away but he knew he couldn't. He did the next best thing though, preening against Tobys light touch, letting himself be soothed in the hopes that a soothed him would translate to a more relaxed toby.

As he massaged Tobys free hand he smiled as Toby sighed and pulled him closer. He didn't move as toby kissed his head focusing solely on his lover's hand. He was was overjoyed when Toby finally smiled, he didn't like it when he made the slave sad. It sounded stupid really because he kept doing it but it was never intentional. When Toby started rubbing at his stomach and face it was Crix's turn to sigh. His slaves hands were magic, he sank deeper into the mattress and he could have sworn his heart stopped for a second. His Toby truly was beautiful, so forgiving. So gentle.

Crix didn't look up when Toby grabbed his hand. He knew how the scars that marred his body made Toby feel. He couldn't blame Toby, so Crix let his darlin' take his hand. He squeezed the hand that had stopped him gently and he hoped soothingly and turned his head to kiss the spot where toby heart was buried. If Toby couldn't bear the attention Crix wanted to lavish on his scars then Crix wouldn't force him too. Even when his hand was released Crix didn't continue further down the path of the scar. He attached different memories to the marks than his slave. It was true that the scars reminded Crix of Toby's four days in hell they held another far more pertinent memory. They reminded Crix of the first and only time he'd fallen in love with someone, During Toby's absence Crix had felt an insatiable longing, he knew now that that feeling was love and when His toby reappeared undefeated that longing had become a permanent fixture. Toby's scars were evidence of their solidarity, a reminder that nothing could tear them asunder.

He was drawn back from his nostalgia by Toby tipping his head back. Crix smiled and his eyes fluttered shut in preparation for the anticipated spark, the spark that came each and every time the pair kissed. Only the spark never came instead a loud knock broke the easy silence. He tensed and his eyes opened. Who would dare disturb him? Not the princess she never came to his private chambers after six, cautious to avoid interrupting his alone time with ... Whoever Crix had. He was about t tell the intruder to go away when the door opened. All of Toby's work in comforting him was immediately undone, he tensed up again immediately as his eyes drifted to glare at the individual who dared infringe upon Toby Time.

Nima, his second favourite slave but by far his least fortunate. Crix inflicted upon her a double measure of hatred, she was his primary go to when Toby wasn't available to soothe his temper and he opted to soothe it with violence. Crix looked her over growled and then proceeded to ignore her . She wanted to die, Crix knew that so he was careful to ensure she was kept just alive He beat her awfully but never enough to kill and when she got so much as a sniffle he summoned the finest doctors available. He knew the greatest pain he could inflict upon her was to deny her the embrace of death. Crix liked inflicting pain on all things, Toby was the exception though always the exception.

He kept his eyes on Toby's watching with an infuriated sadness as he became more and more disheartened, why couldn't she just shut up and leave them be. His temper finally broke when Toby let his head fall into the headboard. His poor dear, She was going to get it now. But toby was Raw enough as it was so he would need to distracted his heart's desire first. As Toby released him Crix groaned but regardless straddled his lover. He gently stroked the back of toby's head whilst he , in his calmest possible tone, addressed Nima "Nima wait for me outside the door...". So help him if she wasn't right by the door when he got out he'd shatter her karking kneecaps. For now however it was Toby's comfort, knowing as he did that His Toby was a sensitive sort he would need to be shielded from the suffering Nima was about to face. Crix put his arms under Tobys and pulled him up to a sitting position and bringing his Toby's head to rest on the slavers shoulder. He was careful not to obstruct the slaves view out of the window however.

Having sat Toby up against him Crix began to whisper sweet nothing to him as he plumped up Toby's pillows "Let's get you a nice bath" He cooed as he gently brought tby back down to rest on the pillows again. Then after kissing his Darlings forehead he left the bed, this time more than strong enough to walk and made his way over to their refresher. In there was one of the most decadent baths Crix had ever seen and it was perfect for his present needs. The bath contained a system of water jets which turned the bath from a simple bath into a hot tub not only was this incredibly relaxing the noise of pressurised water would also mask some if not all of Crix's attack on Nima. Crix set the bath filling then poured Toby a glass of wine. Finally he returned to collect his beloved.

he walked to Toby's side gently taking the slave's hand in his, where he stronger he would have carried the slave but alas he was not, he cautiously pulled toby onto his feet and led him to the bath, if Toby was still in his zoned out state or if the man allowed it, Crix would help him into the bath and hand him a glass of wine "You relax here for a moment Darlin' I'm going to talk to Nima then I'll come back and take care of you" He said softly his anger confined to a subsection of his brain.

Once toby was settled Crix marched out of the room, anger mounting the further away from toby he got. He wasted no time in inflicting pain on the female slave. Nailing her with a firm right hook as soon as he stepped out. HE had wanted to shatter her jaw, that ought to quieten her. She screamed as the force drove her to the floor, Crix didn't hear her cries of pain however as he rained more blows onto her. kicking out at her stomach. He became aware of a cut on his knuckle from her teeth as his breath began to fail him. It was very annoying and might have warranted more attacks but he lacked the strength now. He took a few ragged breaths then spoke "Never even consider interrupting Toby like that again, you are a disgrace" He spat breath too ragged to shout "You're going to make it up to him by changing the bedspread in there and leaving a tray of his favourite chocolate on the bed" he turned to go back into his room when he stopped "Ensure that both these things are done before I get back out with Toby ... even the slightest slip up and I'll show you pain the likes of which you can't even contemplate"

Having beaten his anger out Crix returned to Toby "My Darlin' I think you've earnt a nice massage" He began doing his best to hide his breathlessness " Would you like me to start at the top or the bottom?" He asked, he needed a distraction long enough to allow Nima to do all he'd demanded and flee their sight Toby would likely be distressed by her present state afterall.

 

[Lief]

In his dazed state Toby barely noticed as Crix straddled him and soothed his hair, addressing Nima in as calm a tone as he could. He wanted no part in the cruelty the girl endured, had it not pleased Crix so he might have even had the gall to step in. But if it wasn't Nima it would be someone else, and that other person would be less fortunate. At least Nima kept her life, even if she did not see it as a good thing.

Pulled from the bed, he followed alongside his Master; he felt in a dream state, he was exhausted from all that had transpired that evening and doubted that anything Crix could do would make him any less so. But the sound of running water in the fresher made him blink and glance around. Were they taking a bath? Was Nima in the clear?

But lo it was too good to be true. As Toby relaxed back into the warm water he leaned up to steal a kiss from his lover's lips, pushing the memory of the girl who had been latched to them to the back of his mind, however it was far too short lived. Handed a goblet of wine, he watched as Crix left, the jets in the tub being set to high. He saw right through Crix's plans, poor Nima was really in for it this time. Perhaps it would relieve some of his Master's stress. Toby hoped so.

Exhaling the slave sunk deeper into the tub, until the water brushed his jawline, and closed his eyes. The wine swished in his goblet, but he paid it no mind. The damn thing was the reason this whole sordid mess had happened in the first place, what he would give to rid the Galaxy of the stuff. You need to stop being so bitter he remarked to himself, with an accompanying frown, Let it go, like you inevitably will anyway. Why hold onto it when you know you'll wake up tomorrow with it entirely forgiven?

He loved Crix so much that at times it hurt.

Having fallen under the spell of the jets and the serenity of the water, Toby physically jumped to the sound of Crix's voice. Eyes opening immediately he regarded his lover with a faraway look in his eye, before reaching a hand up to caress the man's cheek. The offer of a massage lingered in the air, though it was Toby who felt as though his significant other deserved such treatment, so he took one of his Master's hands in his own and began to massage it for him, shaking his head softly.

It was then that his eyes fell upon the busted knuckle. For a second Toby's gaze steeled and his jaw set, just how bad had he struck Nima? It was none of his business. Leaning in Toby settled his lips against Crix's broken skin before trailing his lips up the man's arm. The way Crix was situated made it difficult to reach for his lips, so instead Toby pulled the man further down with a cheeky smile. Had his Master gotten splashed with a bit of water? Oh dear... Whatever would Toby do about that? Naturally, he opted to drag the man into the bath; after all, it was so uncomfortable to be only partially wet, yet submersion was one of life's few blissful blessings.

[member="Crix Meriet"]

 

[Crix Meriet]

Crix loved Crix so much it hurt too ... He also loved Toby, He loved toby so much it hurt all the time.

He had just wanted to brood when he returned to Toby ... brood and snuggle but Toby's response when he got back in had forced him to laugh. The poor man looked a touch bewildered. "Tired Darlin' ?" He smiled as Toby's hand reached up to caress him . he was lost in his Beloved's eyes for a second, The glisten in his slaves eyes being everything he wanted to be Kind and good, alas he was not built to be that, he was too selfish ... too nasty. He gasped when he became aware of what Toby was doing, Crix loved hand massages especially from Toby but not tonight "No ... No, Darlin'" He'd began Toby might see the ... Kriff too late.

He frowned as Toby's Jaw set, it seemed the amount of groveling he had left to do had tripled. But then it was fine again. He whimpered as Toby pressed his lips to his hand, smothering the soreness. He had closed his eyes only to open them up as he felt the spark go off. It more than made up for the interruption before . He didn't even mind that he had been splashed and he certainly didn't mind about being dragged into the water beside Toby.

He was reluctant to detach from Toby's face but he needed to breathe. Toby had a habit of taking his breath away.In his attempt to break free his foot slipped and he ended up falling into Toby's shoulder. his free hand trailed up Toby's chest and hooked behind his head while his wounded hand stayed in Toby's. He tried to look wet and upset but ultimately failed and ended up laughing. "Toby My Darlin' I love you so much" he gently mussed Toby's hair from behind. He loved Toby's hair "Now stop sabotaging my attempts to take care of you" He smiled into Toby's shoulder as he tried to manoeuvre himself so he could lift his head of Toby's chest . Why couldn't they make Baths with more friction. He did eventually succeed in maneuvering into a better position albeit having perhaps used Toby as an anchor. He would make it up to him though no one did massage Like a Meriet, whether Toby thought he deserved one or not. But the choice was whether to start from the head down and cut himself off from Toby's smile for so very long or to start at the feet and be so far from the action ... how he hated choices.

That was if Toby would even let Crix Pamper him which given his apparent mood at present seemed less than likly.

 

[Lief]

Toby nodded to the question of fatigue and smiled just a touch. All of the frustrations just melted away, and so too did his thoughts of Nima. For in his Master's presence he had eyes and thoughts for no one else. Crix took up too much space in his life, and that was precisely the way Toby preferred it.

As Crix became submerged Toby simply held him close. At the same time his free arm, the one not looped around his Master, reached over to turn down the jets in the tub, one brow raising in humor at the fact that they had ever been turned up so much in the first place. He just shook his head and kissed Crix's forehead gently, a soft sigh escaping him. What more could he ask for than this?

Now, as for Crix wishing to pamper him, Toby didn't exactly stop the attempts but he certainly didn't help them either. He placed one hand in his Master's hair and soothed him, keeping his head to his chest, and grinned down at him. This always happened whenever Toby wanted to take the initiative, well bah-humbug to that! Then again, if his Master struggled anymore something untoward may happen and Toby most definitely did not want his Master slipping in the tub, that never ended well.

So reluctantly he gave in, and allowed Crix to better situate. Though he did make sure he pouted at least a little at the same time.

[member="Crix Meriet"]

 

[Crix Meriet]

Crix didn't like [member="Toby Meriet"] thinking too much. Not out of spite ... he didn't want him to think and realise he could do better so much better. That was why crix took charge that was why he tried to control everything. That was why he couldn't free his Darling no matter how much he wanted to. When he had Toby in a gilded cage he could be sure he would always be there, He felt Toby touch his head why couldn't it all be as simple as when they were children ... before all the fear set in. Where it not weak Crix felt he might have just cried, he'd dreamt of marrying Toby and having a proper family a better family but he accepted that to be a childish fantasy.

None the less the look on Toby's face when he righted himself tugged on his heart strings, perhaps he could let Toby have some control just for tonight. He couldn't see the harm in that. He tilted his head and smiled "T you know I can't refuse the Pouty face " He moaned with a smile placing his hand on the top of Toby's right foot his fingers ghosting over the top. "I'll compromise with you Darlin' , You let me care for you for the next 30 minutes and once that's done I'm all yours ... Ravish me in anyway you desire" He smiled up at Toby and shifted to sit properly as opposed to kneeling and took Toby's right foot in his hands.

Toby never complained, how could he without talking but Crix bet that their new home was taking it's toll on his poor boy. Since they moved into the Royal palace Toby seemed to always be either standing,walking or kneeling, that was bound to make him sore even if he didn't let slip. That was why Crix wanted ... no needed to Pamper Toby. That said Crix was , despite his boasting nowhere near as smooth as Toby but he tried to do the same for Toby as Toby regularly did for him. seeking out tension or knots in the muscle of Toby's feet and legs and rubbing them out with firm but gentle presses. He hope he was soothing Toby and indeed made regular checks back on Toby's face hoping to see Toby at least smiling if not completely relaxed .

After Ten minutes Crix switched focus to Toby's other foot easing his right gently back into the water and tried his damndest to replicate the exact same ministrations on Toby's Left. The level of concentration needed likely causing Crix to exhibit some rather odd facial expressions, his dedication did however relax him his focus on soothing Toby drowned out the other things in his head his anger his guilt and most importantly his fear. after a further ten minutes Crix Slid Toby's other foot into the water and moved back up to Tobs head hooking his own around to kiss him.

"I want to wash your hair, Shuffle forward so I can get in behind you" He cooed in an almost whisper a far cry from his tone with Nima.

 

[Lief]

Toby could not help but squirm slightly when Crix took his foot into his hands, as it naturally induced a ticklish sensation, however the grin it produced was about more than just that. He loved it when his pouts got him what he wanted, especially since it was very rare that Toby wanted anything in particular. He leaned forward and kissed Crix's forehead with a cheeky smile before leaning back in the tub and allowing his beloved to do as he wished, knowing that he could take advantage of his time in charge later to reciprocate. It was practically unheard of for Toby to be allowed to do so when the pair were in private, and when he was told to in public neither could enjoy it anywhere near as much, not least because for the most past they had to keep up a facade.

Closing his eyes, Toby became quite lost in the relaxing motions as his feet were massaged by his Master's deft hands. It was true that Crix could probably do with a little more practice... But Toby wouldn't have it any other way. He loved the uncertainty behind the man's touch, the determination it brought about. There was nothing more endearing than someone who would push their own boundaries for the one they loved.

It was during times like these that Toby most missed the ability to speak, what he would give to utter complete nonsense with his lover, to babble on through the night, to laugh and love and debate. Alas it could not be so, not for aslong as the Elder Meriet remained in existence. He wondered if Crix felt the same way, or if he preferred Toby's silence to the possibility of conversation.One thing was for sure, Toby would never stop professing his love were he able, he would quell any fears Crix had concerning the pair of them and their future, remind him that he would remain at his side through anything life threw at them.

Suddenly he felt Crix's arms about his head and then his lips; gently he leaned in and tried to pour everything he had just been thinking about into their kiss, all the love and adoration he could muster and then some. His eyes fluttered open and he stared intently at his Master, practically dumbfounded with how beautiful the man was to him. Without hesitation he slid forward, a little upset that this meant he would be unable to look upon Crix until they were done. Once he was in place, Toby would lean back against his Master and enjoy the final part of his pampering. Because soon the roles would be reversed.

[member="Crix Meriet"]

 

[Crix Meriet]

Crix had missed the sound of Toby's voice ever since he'd last heard it. That had been at least a decade ago and Crix was quite sure he'd forgotten what his dear Toby sounded like, At least in his waking thoughts anyway. He always felt guilty about that as if by forgetting he had failed Toby. His sleep was usually populated by dreams of Toby often nightmares of losing his Darling boy but very rarely he was allowed to dream of a better future a future sat on a veranda , on a beach or in front of a fire. His head on Toby, evidence of a family scattered in the edges of his dreamed view. All of it was beautiful but by far the best part of this dream was that in these dreams his mind extracted Toby's voice from the confines of his memory and Toby could speak. If he could only stay in that dream he'd pay any price demanded be it his wealth, his power even his liberty. Alas each time the dream was gifted to him it was snatched away all too soon, by real life coming to slap him and remind him that such a dream was unattainable.

Much like the fateful night a decade ago Crix had gone to Toby expecting a quick flash, a graze but what he got was the fourth of July. Toby always did this just when Crix thought the bar had been reached Toby always came along to push it higher. Their kiss had knocked the strength out of his knees and he needed a second to recover "I love you so much" He had sighed. He had sat on his heels staring into Toby's eyes with a dumb smile on his face. Faces that beautiful should be criminal he had thought of Toby for a moment. But Prison fantasies had no place in a warm bath, not when he only had ten minutes anyway. Once Toby had moved Crix had sat down beside him, smiling as Toby eased down against him. He missed Toby's eyes already but then he noted a slight reflection in the bathroom mirror it wasn't perfect but it would suffice for ten minutes.

Crix placed a hand gently onto toby's shoulder using the other to cradle his devotees head, easing it gently into the water. Satisfied that Toby was under the water and protected from hearing him fully he made a confession hands gently rubbing at Toby's hair "Ah T, What I would give for the ability to marry you" he smiled to himself, hoping Toby hadn't heard. then he lifted toby out again laying his beloved's head onto his shoulder whilst he massaged shampoo into his slave's head. Taking far longer than was truly necessary in truth. Toby was after all in possession of relatively short hair. But he couldn't help himself Toby's hair was as perfect as the rest of him. Eventually he conceded the need to wash the lather out so after pressing a kiss to Toby's neck he eased him back into the water. Rubbing once again at his slave's hair. Far too soon however the time came to give power to Toby. thus Crix lifted Toby's head tilting his head to pepper kisses along his jaw as he did so. "I yield now darlin' " He smiled leaning back into the embrace of the bath "Have your wicked way with me ... Will I be in need of a safe word?" He added with a coy chuckle, not entirely sure how he expected toby to answer with no voice.

He loved his bath companion so much.

 

[Lief]

He closed his eyes, thoroughly enjoying the feel of Crix's fingers through his hair; in truth he found this far more relaxing than any other form of massage or pampering, there was something hypnotic about it that lulled him into exhaustion. That and the heat of the water, no doubt. Then again, when didn't he feel at ease with Crix around? Indiscretions not counting, of course. He heard Crix speak though he couldn't entirely make out what was said. His brows furrowed into a frown all the same though as he pondered on what could've been uttered, something secret no doubt, after all the water did disjoint the whole thing.

Inhaling softly Toby smiled, and as his head was lifted from the water and his hair lathered with shampoo the slave peered upward as best he could and watched Crix's expression with adoration. Those ten minutes felt like a blissful eternity, and so it was that as the suds were washed out and Crix expressed his yield the slave frowned. Then he turned slowly and pressed his lips against his Master's.

Cupping his cheek, Toby stared at him intently for a good few seconds before a delicate smile twitched at his lips. He had never been given charge over Crix before now, and he found the whole thing rather terrifying truth be told... Yet at the same time his beloved deserved this and more. The water by now had begun to cool, however, and fearful that his lips might turn blue Toby did the only thing he thought proper. Rising from the water, and stepping from the tub, he turned and plucked Crix up into his arms without so much as a hint of strain. Cradling him against his chest, he stepped through the refresher door and into the now immaculately clean bedroom.

For a moment he frowned, before realising it was better just to accept whatever happened to Nima and move on. As he walked into the room he deftly snatched a robe from a hook on the wall, still supporting Crix as if there was no weight to him at all, and finally settled his Master onto the crisp sheets. Then he wrapped him up and grinned. Then frowned.

Toby had no idea what he was doing.

[member="Crix Meriet"]

 

[Crix Meriet]

The facial expression Toby pulled at Crix's yield was a work of art. So good was his Darlin's reaction that crix's chuckle turned into a full blown giggle. Crix hadn't laughed like this in too long a time but then quality alone time with his Darling Toby was so hard to come by nowadays, Always someone or something ruining it , sometimes Crix ruined it when it did happen entirely accidentally . That would not happen Tonight, he would be a good man tonight, he could manage one night.

He didn't know what Tobys kiss meant with regards to the need for a safe word. Crix would like to think that was Toby's way of saying "Pish , a safe word would would you need with a safe word? ... safewords are for Pussys" but prehaps that was just his ego talking in a toby voice

His happy laughter continued even as his lips connected with Toby's the spark just making it worse. He was just so happy in that moment. the chill that was setting in couldn't even ruin this moment. His laughter did stop however when he got caught in Toby's eyes. It slowly soothed it's self in compliance with the decorum of the room until he was left with what was a comically dumb grin. He really wanted to speak but his heart wouldn't allow it, as he tried to form the words his heart kept skipping beats, so he eventually just closed his eyes and rested his face in Toby's hand. Lost in the beauty of [member="Toby Meriet"] 's smile. A smile so good he saw it even when his eyes were closed.

He opened his eyes as Tobys hand left his face and turned to see Toby standing up and getting out of the bath, one thought crossing his mind. Dat A ... and then he was swept up in Toby's arms. An odd but not uncomfortable situation. He was unused to spontaneous affection usually he kept it all so tightly controlled and Toby did as he was bid the way he always had. It was liberating to let go every so often. It might need to become a regular occurrence. As Toby held him close Crix let his head rest on Toby's shoulder planting a light kisses in the hollow between Toby's neck and shoulder .

He practically groaned when Toby swaddled him in a dressing gown, it was nice to be the one who didn't need to think for once. It was usually Toby getting swaddled and fussed over, of course Crix couldn't carry Toby. Not any distance anyway and certainly not with the ease his lover was exhibiting. "I Don't deserve you T" He mumbled in his relaxed state against Toby. His eyes opened again as he was lowered onto the bed, sad to lose the warmth of Toby's body even if only for a few moments. He smiled up at Toby as he was laid down, reflecting his own slaves smile. He tilted his head and took Toby's hand as his inamorato's nerves began to show. Bringing his beloveds hand to his mouth Crix nibbled and kissed his way along Tobys knuckles "Keep on as you are Darlin' you're doing so well ... so so well"

Then upon realising he was interfering he let his Darling's hand free, he wasn't in control now afterall.