bakerstreet | The Slave Auction Meme

[Slave]

[Anything goes, he'd be the slave.]

Jamison was generally on the other side of these kinds of transactions. It was always an odd sort of surreality to be looking to buy a slave, rather than selling them. But now and then he needed to replace his own. They seemed to wear so quickly. Or become too tame and docile. The latter generally left him to reselling them on the market as 'trained' slaves.

He took his time strolling through the market, looking for someone who might catch his eye. Anyone unique or interesting with a skill he could put to use.

I'm a horrible mun...

[His hands were stuffed in his pockets, his expression was masking his true feelings. The calm, cool, collected veneer where the winds raged beneath. A soft breeze for just a moment when he caught sight of the young girl with hair much the color of Ayano's. She was the exact image of the picture he had been given and that meant she was the one he had to focus on first. He would be back for the rest of them.

Damn it, he wanted to just rip this place down but it was not that simple, not if he meant to protect people and stop this from happening again.

He stops in front of her.]

I'll take her.

Edited 2012-07-08 22:14 (UTC)

[Really she had no idea how she had gotten into this situation and yet she was here. Nervously she tries to keep her face away from onlookers in some hope she may not been seen or bought. Euphie had heard enough from the other slaves to know how terrible some of the people here could be. Many would buy young women for sexual acts, that was a thought that scared her.

Silent still she notices the man as he stops in front of her. To her surprise she hears him and is brought to her feet. The man selling her tell the other that she's a new slave so she's pricy.]

...

[As the man began to state how pricey she would be Kazuma holds a hand up, stopping him mid-speech. His eyes close and hand returns to his pocket.]

I don't care about price, she's the one I want.

[This was going to easy was Kazuma's first thought when he realizes there are rooms off to the sides and slaves and masters alike being escorted to each. The auctioneer's words only solidfy what he has just noticed when he informs Kazuma that they never let a transaction be finalized till the goods are tested.

His head turns, letting annoyance mask his anger, except for the barest glint in his eyes.]

Fine, here's your money. [He tosses it at the man and takes Euphemia by her arm.]

Lead the way Geeves, I haven't got all day.

[As the auctioneer grips her arm tightly she gives him her own annoyed look. She might be about to be sold but that doesn't mean she doesn't want to slap the guy selling her.

At the look though the man gives her a stern look. Letting out his own annoyed sigh he takes the money and shoves it in his pocket, letting Euphie go and letting the new owner grab her. With a wicked smirk he leads them to a private room telling him what he already knows.

Euphie tugs lightly in Kazuma's hold, nerves making her stomach flip and turn into knots. This was really it wasn't it? She was about to be tested out like some kind of tool. Inside the room she tries to get loose from him again.]

Let me go!

[It is not noticeable but through the entire exchange with the auctioneer it is all Kazuma can do to keep from hurting the man. The winds actually howling for a few moments outside once they are escorted in the room.

That is till he drops her arm and gives a heavy sigh, stepping forward Kazuma lets the wind dance the room, ferreting out their little ears that were spying on them so he knew where they were.]

Shut up.

[He takes ahold of her waist and pulls her to his chest. Kazuma drops his head and whispers so only she can hear. Never giving his entire true intent away even to the girl he had been hired to find.]

They hear you yelling like that they'll have questions about why I'm not hitting you. Don't make me mark up your pretty face now.

Edited 2012-07-08 23:05 (UTC)

[Note taking note of the wind she didn't think much about it in light of what was happening. Normally she might notice and wonder what was going on, but for now she didn't.

With a few steps she tries to back up from the man, as she the bed in the room got her attention. Now more nervous than before. About to lash out at him again she heard his command and hushed for a moment.]

How--

[A small whimper escapes her when she is brought so close to him. Still trying to wiggle away she pauses when he whispers.]

H-Huh...? What do you want with me?

Edited 2012-07-08 23:26 (UTC)

[Internally he sighs, did she have to seem vulnerable and afraid? That urge he suffered since the loss of his love, to protect everyone surged through his veins but to do that he had to be the lowest of the low.

At least according to Ayano and man was he going to hear it for this next move but survival came before morals here.

A charming smile curves his lips, Kazuma slips his jacket from his shoulders an arm at a time before letting her go. His eyes come open with a look to match the smile, he steps over to the chair in place of the bed and seats himself.]

I want you to show me I'm getting what I'm paying for.

...Show you?

[Euphie knew only one thing that could mean with what the other slaves had said. This was going to be her first time and she had to do it with some man she didn't even know the name of...it wasn't fair.

Still this man didn't seem as mean as some of the others that looked at her over the day. Many of them looked like they would rather beat her than anything else. At least he didn't lift a hand to her...yet anyway.]

Okay.

[Trying to project herself as strong she looks at him with a stern look before she moves her hands to her shoulders.]

What...do I need to show you? [It was more than clear she had never had to show anything to anyone.]

[They were not kidding when they said first timre, Kazuma was not overly experienced but at the age of twenty two he could tell a virgin when he saw one and a major problem when he saw it as well. There was no way out of this but he could play the Nice Master, right, at least that would not tip them off. He rose from the chair.]

I'm Kazuma. Now you tell me your name.

[He walks over to where drinks have been left and pours them both one, she may not be old enough but right about now he did not care. He moves over, all cool confidence on the outside as he holds the glass out to her, leaning in the young man lightly brushes his lips across hers.]

We'll go from there.

[She really did feel like a big problem to Kazuma. Anything like this was new to her, she had never even thought about doing things related to sex. So to be thrown into a situation where she had to do so, it must be obvious that she was a virgin. Violet-blue eyes watch the moment he rises and moves.]

I'm Euphie.

[Her name came out so easily even if she was barely called by it now. They weren't going to take it from her, she still has some pride in herself. Taking the glass, blush paints her cheeks when she feels his lips. Eyes closing for a moment she remains still until he speaks.]

Oh...okay.

[It was not that she was a problem, the truth was he did not want to do this. To take something such as her first times of anything when she should be able to give that to someone she loved. Kazuma wanted to protect her, to save her and it upset him that to save her, he had to treat her this way.

But he shows none of this, he keeps up the act, playing to the eyes watching.]

There now was that so hard.

[He stays close, tilting the glass to her lips again there his lips are once more, beside her ear he makes it look as if he is doing no more than teasing the skin but he whispers.]

Drink it quick, it will make all of this easier.

[Unaware of the eyes or ears on them Euphie's only focus was the man before her, Kazuma. So far he hadn't been as rough as what she heard the men might be. Still she wasn't sure how long that might last.]

No..it wasn't Kazuma-sama.

[If he wants her to drink she will do so. Part of her doesn't want to be drunk or tipsy but if it might make it easier then that might be what's best. Glass to her lips she drinks the contents of the glass until it's empty. Making a slight face she grips the glass, one hand moving to his shoulder.]

It's bitter...[From her throat to her chest she can already feel a new sensation of warmth moving towards her face.]

[He wonders what chance he stands of getting her drunk enough to pass out and sneak her out of here. In the process he takes a few drinks from his own glass and after about ten minutes realizes his folly as warmth rushes through him.

That was no regular alcohol, because when he looks over at her now he is noticing curves and other things he had not before. Damn it Kazuma, he berates himself, get it together. Maybe it was her hair, so much like Ayano's either way he smiles just a little and reaches out, fingers taking a hold of a few strands and lifting them to his nose before letting them drift softly away.]

It usually is, especially the first time.

[He is acting, it is for the eyes and ears or at least he tells himself, he can ignore the thrumming that the additive in the alcohol gave him, he can withstand. Of course he can, yet there are his lips touching hers in a much deeper kiss than the first time.]

[It was faint at first but then it begins to become more clear. She didn't know completely if it was supposed to make her this hot, that drink...there had to be something else in it.

The chance of her getting drunk might be slim, unless he forces her to drink, even then passing out might be a stretch her body was getting too hot. With his hands in her hair and the smile on her face, Euphie blushes brightly.]

Oh...okay...Kazuma-sama...Mmn--!

[Anything she was going to say stops when she feels his lips on her own. Still a little clumsy she parts her lips, eyes fluttering shut as her hands grip the front of his shirt.]

[Was it just him or had it suddenly got extremely warm in the room? Kazuma breaks the kiss, trying to get a grip on himself as he looks down at her hands on the front of his shirt.]

Take it off, it's hot in here.

[Someone was going to pay for this when he regained his senses but for now they were attuned to the warmth of her so close to him, hands delving into her hair as lips glide over her neck.]

[Chest rising and falling at an increased pace, a small whimpers leaves her when the other breaks this kiss. Not sure why she suddenly wanted more Euphie couldn't stop herself from holding his top.

The heat overcoming her nerves she begins to loosen the dress wore before it starts to fall to the floor. Left in a simple bra and panties, that she put on despite the chance she might be hit, she looks at Kazuma. Another gasp leaves her head leaning to the side for him.]

H-Haa...Kazuma...sama...

[Maybe it is the use of the title that reminds him, they are being watched. He does not want to risk her by being too gentle, yet as he looks over curves that have become visible to him through sight now not just touch he sucks in a breath.

Kazuma was just not the type of man to be rough with a woman. He nips her chin, hands moving the shoulder straps of her bra down to the middle of her upper arm.]

Now mine.

[Still hot Eupie shivers when she feels the other move the straps of her bra and she feels herself starting to spill out. Wanting to cover herself she stops and instead does as he asks her to do. Timidly Euphie moves her hands to his top starting to pull the top off, once that's off with shaking hands she moves her hands onto his button and zipper. Clearly nervous she starts to undo them.]

These too?

[Kazuma's words are muffled by this point, his lips having moved down to where she has begun to spill free.]

A little hard to do this right otherwise.

[He feels a heat unlike anything he knew before, the effects of whatever his drink had been spiked with in full force he has lost any sense except for the young woman in his arms. Though he does note the nervous tone, stopping he moves his head up, hands curling over her cheeks.]

I can do it if you'd rather.

[A small shiver runs over her when she feels his mouth so close to her chest. She's never had anyone put their mouth there but it feels good.]

Mm...okay...

[Hands still on his pants she tries to be a little confident as she starts to tug at them. Euphie isn't sure what she should do though she doesn't want to be the only one getting some kind of pleasure from this. It was strange though how quickly she went from wanting to run to being in his arms.]

I can do it.

[With a hard tug she pulls the pants down though her eyes remain focused on Kazuma's face.]

[Hands replace lips as Kazuma's hands trace each curve, divesting her of the remaining clothing as his mouth presses to hers in a heated kiss.

If he was acting he was convincing with the readiness of his body that is evdient when pants are stepped out of and Kazuma turns them towards the bed.]

[A little taken back by the kiss, Euphie quickly recovers and returns it. Lips parting she allows him full access her arms hugging his neck now. A part of her mind is aware he is completely nude now but she doesn't seem to care. At this moment her main focus was getting rid of this heat.

The back of her legs soon hitting the bed she falls back softly, making sure he comes with her.]

[Kazuma has no intention to not come with her, catching his weight on his hands as he shifts so he can settle between her legs.

Not quite touching her as he deepens the kiss, tongue passing between her lips to play with her own.]

[Euphie lays under him, eyes locked onto his as she moves a little under him.

Softly she returns the kiss, a soft hum leaving her as she feels his tongue. Slowly she grips onto his shoulders, tilting her head trying to kiss him back just as deep.]

[Kazuma groans into her mouth, one hand spanning her hips he slips the other between them.

Somewhere in his mind remembering this is her first time and he does not want to hurt her. Instead using his fingers to awaken the need for more in her.]

[Kazuma's groan awakes one from her too. More though is the feeling of his hands lower on her body. Eyes opening to half-lid, she looks at his face a little nervous when she feels his fingers brush over her. It's a new sensation but it doesn't feel bad by any means.]

[He nearly asks her if she is sure she wants to do this, till he remembers somewhere in his mind that they have an audience.

Right, even if she appears nervous he has to continue. Then again, there is not much in him that does not want to, unless she said stop, then he would find himself hesitating for more than a passing thought.

Instead he draws his lips from hers, down her chest to lick across her navel. While fingers slowly work their way inside.]

[At this point asking him to stop seems like a mute point. Even if she wants him to stop she knows if they don't do this then she will be given to the next buyer...and this man was a lot more gentle.

Once his lips leave she bites her bottom lip, head laying to the side as she feels his fingers starting to push inside. It feels good but also it's scary though she doesn't try to push him away.]

[Kazuma works his way up as his fingers go deeper, lips pressing against her ear he speaks softly.]

It's okay, I'll be gentle.

[He makes sure the eyes watching can not hear them before his fingers withdraw and he carefully slips inside himself.]

[A small shiver runs over her body as she arches into him.]

Okay...Ngh--!

[Body tensing she can't stop herself from grabbing onto him. She didn't think he was going to enter now. It hurts.]

K-Kazuma...

Sorry...

[Again it is quietly said against her, he sets a slow pace, drawing her up against him as he holds her Kazuma presses his lips to hers in a tender kiss.]

[She can feel the thin wall break inside of her and she winces in pain. Euphie wishes he would let her adjust but the men were watching too. Tears rolling down her cheek she kisses him back, shutting her eyes tightly.]

[He feels it too, he knows it is too sudden and wishes he could go slower.

But he has already given them enough reason to be suspicious and other than his hushed apology he knows he can do no more.

He does use his nose to gently brush some of those tears. Some part of him loathing himself for doing this. Yes, if he pulls the trickery off he may well save them all but how had he let it get this far.

And he could not deny the obvious state of need his body was in or how good she felt, when he completely sobered this would only make it worse for him. Now all he knew was the pleasure that was beginning to overtake him.]

[A whimper escapes her throat, it's not something she could stop she was being stretched more than she could think was possible. With Kazuma's light nosing of her tears away, already knowing it's an apology. It hurts but as he continues to move she starts to feel the pain beginning to fade. Chest rising and falling in a breath, another sound escapes with the exhale.]

Ah...

[He knew she could not help it, he did not blame her at all. There was so much more he could have done to arouse her beforehand had he been able to.

At that sound he looks at her face, kissing her softly when it ends he keeps his strokes smooth, slow and steady as his hands begins to move over her body, touching the smooth skin gently.]

[Kissing him back she feels her body begin to relax enough that when the kiss ends she shivers under his small touches. Each time he pulls out and pushes inside she lets out a small sound, the volume increasing each time.]

His[Kazuma finds himself breathing heavier against her mouth. His fingers become firmer in their touches. Her body waking up allowing him to slip deeper inside, issuing a groan with the heat that is washing over him.]

[Body soon arching against him, her legs hook around his waist in an attempt to make the movements for both of them easier. Now panting she starts to move with him.]

A-Ah...Kazuma...sama...

Ha...

[He is panting now, unable to hide how he is feeling as her legs wrap around him and she begins to move his hips immediately take cue from hers and match the pace. Feeling her warmth welcome him more easily, he draws her closer, balancing his weight on knees while bringing her bottom up from the bed.]

[Moaning from just the slightest touch she arches into Kazuma, body already quaking for more. Arms now hugging his neck she lets her head fall back, becoming lost in the pleasure. ]

[Kazuma's face buries into her neck, hips move in a steady pace. Sinking inside of her as deep as he can, he utters her name softly against her neck as lips begin to press feverish kisses that seem to come into with each forward thrust.

[Gasping out his name, Euphie hugs onto him tightly. Already her body is starting to mold to him. Each movement leaves her wanting more.]

K-Kazuma...m-more...

Shit...

[It is not so much a curse word as an utterance of just how good this felt. When she asks for more his movements quicken. Taking himself to the hilt inside of her as lips kiss over her neck.]

[As his pace quickens she can't help but to whimper and moan. She feels something twisting in her stomach and moving lower. It's a new sensation but she wants to know what it is. Arching into him she tilts her head allowing him more room.]

A-Ahh...Y-Yes...

[Kazuma buries himself in her over and over again, her every response, every utterance only driving him that much closer to the edge. He can feel her get tighter, hotter around him and his own body begins to show signs of just how close he is coming to that edge.]

[Close as well she didn't exactly know what she was close to. She knew she wanted to find out but a small part of her was a little fearful of it too. Body beginning to shake she moves her hands to cup his face, kissing him.]

[Kazuma's lips crush to hers with a passion filled groan, arms holding her against him as his body continues to crash into hers, over and over again. Sending wave of pleasure through him time after time.]

[Breathing a shaky breath against his lips, she hugs him close. Until she feels the sparks of herself nearing completion.]

K-Kazuma...c-close...

Let go, it's okay, I'm right here.

[He breathes the words softly against her lips, his own body only holding back to let her be the first, to make sure she feels everything good that can possibly come of this, even if it is far from an ideal first time.]

[Though still nervous, she feels her body begin to give in. On the edge all it takes is a final thrust before she tumbles over it. Body tensing she squeezes Kazuma, crying out his name.]

A-AH--!

[When her heat washes over him that is all it takes, Kazuma does not think about it as his body releases inside of her. Body shuddering from the chill up her spine as his thrusts stop, turning he kisses her cheek softly.]

Are you okay?

[The feel of something hot releasing inside of her causes her to whimper. Part of her knows what it is, but she doesn't have any control to stop him. Panting her breathing begins to settle as she looks at him.]

Haa...haa...yes...Kazuma-sama...

[Kazuma does his best to even his breathing, lips a little dry he refuses to take another sip of what they offered here so instead licks them. Slowly pulling out he knows he can not linger or they will begin to wonder.]

You should get dressed, I'll finish the transaction.

[His eyes however said that he was sorry her first time had to be this way and with him, someone she did not know.]

[Laying under the other she makes a sound when he pulls out and she is suddenly realizing all that they had done. Sitting up she covers herself and reaches to grab her clothes.]

Okay...

[Euphie notices his look though she is still curious what is going on.]

[Kazuma steps from the makeshift room and can be heard at first speaking to the auctioneer.

It is possible they are a little suspect as his voice raises the next instant. Winds shifting the cloth that covers the door.]

What the hell do you mean? I've played this your way, now I'm making my purchase, unless this is how you treat paying customers.

[A few quick words and Kazuma steps back inside giving her a bit of a smile.]

Let's get out of here

[When he leaves she takes the chance to fully dress, though the soreness is starting to hit her now.

When she hears him argue she jumps a little until she sees him walk back inside.]

O-Oh...okay is everything okay?

[He had hoped to get her out of here before that hit.

He smiles, hoping she somehow misses the change of color that his eyes have undergone.]

Slight money issue, it's taken care of now.

[He could lie smoothly when he had to.]

[Euphie notices it a little but she doesn't want to ask, worried it might be prying.]

Oh, okay...I'm glad it's okay.

[He leads her outside and ducks around the first corner. Hoping she'll miss the auctioneer left in a rather comprimising position, hanging from the edge of a make shift shelter.

After what the drugs had caused Kauzma just couldn't leave her here. Even if it made the job harder later. They are left undisturbed as they quickly slip from the auction grounds. He remains silent through it all.]

[Following him closely, she catches a small glance of the man though she isn't sure what was going on.

Still she tries to focus on only her master.]

K-Kazuma-sama...

[His eyes were normal color once they had made it safely outside of the auction grounds. He took her by the waist.]

Hold on and I'll explain after we're away from hear and just call me Kazuma, please.

[Brought close she blushes, eyes locking onto his.]

H-Huh? Okay...?

[The winds rustle and in a matter of seconds they ar moving higher, through the air as Kazuma uses the streams to carry them a good distance away.

They touch down to the ground softly and her sits her down.]

Are you okay?

[He would explain the rest after he made sure she was okay.]

[Tightly she holds onto him, not wanting to fall. She hadn't expected anything like this. When they touch back down she nods softly and looks at his face a little confused.]

A-Ah, yes...Kazuma what is happening?

God damn it, it was not supposed to happen like this. Talk about screwing up the job. [The minute she said she was okay it exploded out of him and Kazuma had to tighten his fists and close his eyes for a second before he responds to her next question.]

I was hired to investigate the auction, buy a slave, prove what they're, get in good with them and help take them down. Retrieving you was part of that, that's why I insisted on buying you. But I didn't know the drink was spiked.

[He looks up at her.]

I swear, that was never part of the plan.

J-Job? [Euphie stares at him for a few moments not sure what is going on.]

So...you came to save me?

[Euphie's face returns to a bright red as she holds her face in her hands.]

We...

That was the idea.

[When her face reddens, his falls even more, Kazuma buries his own his hands and groans. This was bad, this was really, really bad.]

I know, it was my fault, I should have thought about them spiking the drinks. I...I didn't, I'm sorry, I've made a big mess of this.

No...it's okay.

[Euphie blushes looking to the side.]

I'm glad it was someone...that had good intentions.

[Kazuma looks at her, he shoves his hands in his pockets, then he pulls them out.

For a moment he paces, then he walks over, puts his hands gently on her shoulders.]

That doesn't make it easier on you, are you okay? Really okay? You don't have to lie to me you know.

[Watching him as he begins to fret a little more. She finally sighs before she grabs his arms. Eyes locking onto his she moves forward, kissing his lips.

She wasn't sure if she was still a little hot from the drink or maybe she wanted to know she could do that without the influence of the drink...but she kisses him.]

Does that tell you?

[He freezes, cheeks actually give just a hint of peek, he was not expecting her to do that, not at all.

Yet even with the drink he could feel how soft her lips were and Kazuma softly kisses her back.]

Yes, but we need to get you out of here, we'll have to hole up for a bit, just to be certain they don't follow us, then, I'll take you home, I promise.

[Not completely sure why she had done it herself, she was still happy when he returned the kiss.

Lips melting into the others she pulls back a little more when he breaks the kiss.]

Okay, I trust you.

[ oooooh........ this can go either way ♥ ]

[<3 He could be the master this time, if you like~ Since he is her knight in the other thread XD]

[ certainly~! do you want to write out how it happened then? ♥ ]

[In the auction she had already been dubbed an high item by the auctioneer. She was supposedly from royal blood, was a first time slave and was even a virgin. All of this at a pleasure slave auction meant she was hard to get a hold of.

For Euphie though this had been an nightmare. With each girl she saw sold watched as they were taken to 'testing rooms' before leaving. She didn't know how she got here but it seems the auctioneer bought her and she was far from her normal home. Reduced to a simple item now she tries to give a little fight to anyone that comes by, not wanting to give them an easy ride. So when she sees Minato she glares at him before she tries to move back.]

[ Where he got all his money from was a mystery. All he wanted to do was rescue these women by buying them himself, and letting them go. He was ashamed to admit though, Euphie was certainly an appealing sell.

Easily outbidding the other buyers, he escorted Euphemia off the stage, declining the free collar or leash that came with 'purchases'. ]

I'm glad I finally found you, Ms Britannia. This isn't the place for you.

[Euphie wasn't sure why so many wanted her but then what the auctioneer said reminds her. As Minato wins the bid far above the others she watches as he comes to grab her. Clearly a little nervous and not completely remembering everything she follows.]

...Why did you buy me?

To save you from someone much worse, obviously.

[ Like the disgusting rich folks in that crowd, bidding with mouths watering, like fat sharks. He allowed Euphie into his limo first, and they headed back to his home. ]

Ah...

[ Euphie notices the other man staring as she walks away and a shudder runs over her body. Sold but to an lesser evil, entering the limo. On the ride back her eyes remain on the ground.]

What do you want with me now?

That's up to you.

[ A sacrifice of control over her choices, at the very least. ]

Me?

[A little surprised she thinks about it for a moment before she moves closer to him.]

So you... do know what kind of auction that was?

Absolutely. I'm just glad I got there in time to help you...

[ as he'd said, what she decided to do next... he wouldn't say anything one way or the other. ]

Thank you so much!

[Without another word she throws her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly as she keeps her face in the crook between his shoulder and neck.]

[ He hugs Euphie back, inhaling deeply with relief. She was safe, at least. ]

[Hugging him for a little while, she soon notices she was still hugging him and slowly begins to release him. Though before she does she places a light kiss on his cheek.]

How did you know I was there?

Royalty being sold off for pleasure? Word will travel fast.

Do you know who sold me...Minato?

[It was the first time she had said his name and she couldn't help but to blush a little.]

We're still investigating... but I'll catch them, Euphemia. Don't worry.

[It's clear she wants to slap whoever did so. She just couldn't believe with as kind as she was to everyone, someone would want to do that to her? She puts that anger away though she was with Minato now.]

Minato...are we going to a place with just us or?

[ Beauty was a gift and a curse, in the end. ]

Like I said before... that's up to you, Euphemia.

I...If I'm away from that place. I want to spend sometime with Minato.

[With a little confidence she grabs his hand with her own.]

That's fine by me.

[ He'd already told the driver to take them in lazy circles around the city. There was no real destination until he said so. Do some errands, if he wanted. No hurry. ]

[Holding his hand still she leans against him. She was tired from all of the events...she had to be trained to a degree and all of the images and stories still cause her to blush.]

[ He certainly wouldn't mind a crash course on just how much she's learned... not that he approves, but you know... ]

[Of course he doesn't. Thoughts still in her mind she blushes softly, moving her fingers over his hand.]

Minato...

[ Girl did a lot of blushing. Being the 'stoic leader' type, Minato doesn't immediately respond, though he moves his hand to her back and around her waist to pull the woman closer. ]

[She's a sweet princess, blushing comes with the package. When she's pulled close she giggles softly. Now closer to Minato she leans in and places a kiss on his cheek.]

[ They must have needed a lot of remedial training from Euphie. He just couldn't picture her becoming some sex-slave for a wealthy rat. She had fire in her, but her purity ran to the core. She was like Peace given form. ]

I really am glad you're alright.

[It had been terrifying to be sold and then assumed to have some kind of sexual experience. Euphie didn't want anything with it. If she was going to do that she would do it with someone she knows and trusts.]

Yes...it was scary, Minato...I didn't know if you would find me or not.

[ Even as she sat dressed in almost nothing, her 'slave' lingerie, clearly designed to hug her ample curves and 'assets'... she was too pure, too pretty. What had they trained her to do? Had it affected her state of mind? ]

I did. That's what's important.

[Hugging his arm she nods softly. It had been a trial and while she did have to do a few things nothing was pushed as far as she feared it might.]

I still feel a little odd though...

[Anything goes, he'd be the master.]

[ How humans are dealt with as Her Imperial Douchiness's post-apocalyptic wasteland has never been kind, but Roxy's managed to get through mostly unscathed. Voidy powers aren't just for sleepwalking, they make for a nice way to slip out of the hands of anybody you really don't want pawing all over your hot booty. But eventually the Empress is bound to get tired of this cat and mouse game and offer Roxy over to someone with a bit more experience keeping scampering little girls in place. Can't be letting the ancestor of Rose Lalonde free range, considering her revolutionary background. But culling her outright would just fuel the movement. There's logic in here somewhere.

Roxy looks up from her cuffed together hands at the extremely offensive color combo sauntering her way. White suits this late into a genocide? That's just tacky. ]

[Scratch is aware, just as he is with all things, of who Roxy is. How she fits into this universe and how she can influence others. He also knows - because the Condesce has told him, as he'd known that she would - why exactly he, of all people, has been chosen to deal with this particular girl.

It's not the easiest thing to escape from someone who knows your every move before you make it, after all.

Albeit in the case of Roxy, the black spots in Scratch's vision are more frequent and more persistent than most of the time. It makes it... a challenge, though, and challenges are so rare given his particular abilities.

Reaching her, Scratch speaks; the words seeming to enter the mind as if they've always been there.]

So, you're something of a problem case.

[ She manages as much of a shrug that's possible when your hands are latched together. Roxy's decent with fisticuffs, but she still sports a nice shiner under one eye, an blossoming bruise at the side of her lips. She acts like they're nothing to flinch at, as if every turn of her mouth doesn't make her whole damn face smart. Because even with her hands tethered and face slugged, Roxy knows her hair still looks fierce. So it's not such a big deal, she wouldn't have fought if she couldn't take the repurcussions. Without her powers, shit would've been a lot worse. But that doesn't make her bitter, or even a little scared of this new captor.

The words in her head thing is a little freaky though. She starts at first, but manages to relax by the end of Doc's sentence. The Condesce wouldn't employ somebody without abilities, what's a little telepathy between prisoners and wardens? ]

I dunno, I'm pretty happy with my progress. Not my fault Batterbitch can't keep up.

[There is a dry laugh at that.

Haa haa. Hee hee. Hoo Hoo.]

Yes, I'm certain that you are.

[Just as he's certain of all things. He doesn't laugh again, but he does reach out to take Roxy's chin in one gloved hand. Tilting her head to get a better look - as it were, at least - he appraises her in silence for a long moment.

She'll do, yes. One of the uncertainties around her had been whether this would be merely duty, or something that he could gain enjoyment from. There had been no uncertainty as to whether he would perform the duty, but it's only now that he's certain that their time together will be... interesting.

He's beginning to cultivate a fondness for Lalondes in particular, he thinks.]

[ Ugh, he smells like old man. Roxy doesn't take too kindly to being grabbed at without her consent either. If there's anything the ectocombination of Lalonde and Strider would create, it's a complete lack of self-preservation. Sure, they survive until the end, but they don't make any smart moves to ensure that survival. In short- this is the type of toy that will be difficult, but certainly doesn't break easy.

Wrenches her face back to spit, almost casually, onto those very shiny shoes standing before her. Raises her eyes back to Doc Scratch, mouth a little purple dotted apostrophe of sarcasm smeared across her smug features.

So yeah, I guess you can call that interesting. ]

Whoops.

Edited 2012-07-09 21:22 (UTC)

[If Scratch had eyebrows, he would arch one at her behaviour. As is, though, he merely lets out that same disconcerting laugh.]

I'm glad to see that you still have your spirit about you. I do rather enjoy a girl with spirit.

[There is, as far as he's concerned, no reason not to apply the sort of attitude to one Lalonde as he did to the other.

And it is, of course, the truth.]

Uh huh.

[ Roxy has all manner of eyebrows to raise, but she'll trade that for a well placed eye roll. She's been afraid a fair few times in her life (being the Lalonde heir means she hasn't lived the easiest existence by any means) But now is certainly not one of those times. The Empress-in-training fish troll with the choking fetish had been scary. The creepy red vine thingys? Scary and way too invasive for her tastes. But some old dude with a bowtie and an even tone? Not even a little. ]

Can we skip the part where you try to scare me with cryptic mumbo jumbo? I dunno how briefed you got, but I'm a pretty big handful when I doze off, and you are literally boring me to fucking sleep right now. Just a tip.

I'm as briefed as it is possible to be briefed, I can assure you.

[Oh, yes, this Lalonde will definitely be a handful. Moreso than Rose, he thinks, and there's something of a thrill in that. Roxy is fierce. Scratch is certain that he can rather enjoy a fierce slave like her.]

I can also assure you that I have no intention of 'scaring you with cryptic mumbo jumbo'. It's merely as I said; you have spirit, and I enjoy girls with spirit.

[ Okay, that's a little creepy. Usual smirk twisting into a look of distaste. Yeah, she's seen worse (the other hero if the void? That one had been a creeper AND messy) but something about this guy was starting to get under her skin. Like he thought he knew who she was just from Her Imperial Assface's description of her. ]

Yeah. Well, don't get too excited, this enjoyment or whatever isn't here to stay. If you got the full report, you know I don't exactly stay put.

[ Leans forward a little too eagerly, lower lip between her teeth (ow! That bruise still stings) ]

Unless you wanna let me go right now!

Do you really think that you could succeed in convincing me to let you go?

[Of course she doesn't. He is a special owner, brought in specifically by the Condesce. Under those circumstances, even for someone without his sight it's hardly difficult to surmise that he has some sort of means at his disposal to be a more tenacious handler than her previous lot.]

In regards to whether you'll 'stay put', however, we find ourselves in the fortunate position wherein I won't suffer the same forgetfulness regarding you as the others who have possessed you, no matter how you employ your powers over the Void.

[That he's affected by her aspect isn't under debate - though there is no such thing as a lie of omission - but brief pockets of uncertainty are not enough to let her slip out of his grasp.]

[ Little shrug. Hey, it was worth a try. You'd be surprised what asking nicely will get a good looking girl like Roxy. She might be a revolutionary member of the scum race of an enslaved earth.. but she still has manners.

Her expression clouds a little to minor annoyuance when Scratch reveals his awareness of her Void element. Yes, Dirk had told her if she used it enough she'd get caught and classified. Yes, he lectured about that plenty. But what was the alternative! It'd worked pretty well until now. And anyway, knowing about something doesn't prevent it from happening. ]

Okay, but you knowing I can escape pretty damn easily doesn't mean you can stop it. Lots of other losers knew about it before.

[ Curiosity getting the better of her, leaning in closer still. ]

You know what happened to them? The ones who used to be in charge of me and "forgot"?

Yes.

I know everything, Roxy Lalonde.

[There's no hint of bragging in the words. No inflection at all, for that matter. They're merely stated as the utmost fact, and followed by that toneless laugh of his.]

I'm not like your former handlers, however. I know everything about you, and everything about everything else as well. Including the fact that you won't escape my grasp.

[Whether he'll decide to let her go, though... that's up in the air. The mere fact that it is up in the air makes him half-tempted to do so, at some point or another with no convincing from Roxy necessary. An actual decision is such a rare occurrence for a being whose decisions are foregone conclusions.]

[ Little raspberry noise. Roxy's got no patience for know-it-all's, so don't be surprised that she cuts him off. ]

You might think you know everything, but I'm gonna tell you how this goes. I get away and Your Imperial Bitchiness culls you like there's no tomorrow and I get a few fun days to myself before she hauls me back in for a good old fashioned girl talk.

[ Gestures to the bruise under her eye. Now that she's clarified things for this weirdo, time to work on these cuffs. They're tight than usual today, but nothing she hasn't made a habit of learning to slip. Roxy casts a few cautionary glances around this new abode while she works. Guessing this guy likes the color green. And clocks. Ugh the sound of them ticking makes her blood curdle. Not as bad as the sound of barking dogs (a weird, inexplicable fear) but.. hey, speaking of dogs, are those little scotty dog candies?

Cranes her neck to try and see the bowl clearer. ]

So what do you think you know about me?

[Scratch watches her for a long moment, statue-still, before speaking again.]

I know that you're Roxy Lalonde, Rogue of Void. You're the slave with the single most successful escape attempts out of all those enslaved by Her Imperious Condescension, and as such have been placed in the care of myself, an omniscient being from whom you can't escape unless I were, for some reason, to choose to let you go free.

I can assure you that I'm a most gracious host, though. Your time here need not be as horrible as you believe.

[ Ugh, the cuffs prove harder to remove than Roxy thought. Frustrated noise, drops her arms to pull her surveying gaze back to her new "master" for the little character recap. There goes the eyeroll again. Drags the syllables against her teeth, shaking a couple curls out of her face. ]

Please. Anybody could know that! That's hardly omniscient. I already told you you're not gonna scare me.

[ She laughs right back at the insinuation things could potentially be less horrible. Wanna test that theory, Doc? ]

Yeah, I can be a really comfortable slave. Wanna undo these cuffs and make this a little less horrible?

Certainly.

[It's better than watching her struggle with them, at least. Scratch steps forward, reaching down to remove Roxy's cuffs.

He very swiftly moves back afterwards. He might be uncertain around her due to her Void powers, but that doesn't make him an idiot.]

If you could refrain from... attempting anything, I would be much obliged.

[ Thoughtful little pause, looking down to the now unclasped cuffs at her wrists. This is definitely more comfortable, but Roxy wouldn't venture to say it was less horrible. She pauses, considering this potential agreement wherein she doesn't 'attempt' anything...

.. Then whips the cuffs hard at Scratch's skull, making a bee-line for the door! Skirt full of scamper, head full of- well, she hasn't had a drink for entirely too long. That might explain her fussiness. ]

[It is, he supposes, worth saying something even if there's no chance of being listened to.

It is equally worth locking doors, with Roxy Lalonde around. A good thing that Scratch has such good foresight.

Staying stood where he is, Scratch reaches up to touch at his head for a brief moment.]

I may be a gracious host, my dear, but that won't stop me from punishing you if your behaviour requires it.

[ For a skinny thing, Roxy can still throw herself to the door with plenty force. Growls loudly, reeling back to kick at the thick wooden doors until she can feel her little toes go numb. What the fuck are these things made of??

At the threat of being punished.. well, Roxy basically carries on with what she's doing anyway. Tugs at the door for a little longer before moving along to inspect windows. High and dark, framed in green. She climbs up on a chair or two, vaulting onto a desk to try and pry at those next. If the threat of punishment reached the girl at all, Roxy doesn't look too worried about it. ]

[If he had eyes, Scratch would be rolling them. As is, he simply tilts his head, watching her in silence.]

You'll find that there's no exit that you can take. But feel free to continue this pointless search, if you must.

[He can wait, after all, if she feels the need.]

[ Shit, he's right! The windows won't budge or break. Frustrated noise, Roxy stamps her feet against the desk she's perched on. A few scotty candies are jolted from their bowl with the motion. Roxy bends over to take a few- she is a little hungry after all. Chewing on both the candies and the turn of the situation, she's hit with an idea!

Dumps the candy from the bowl and throws the bowl fullforce at Scratch's cranium. Then this ink well, this lamp- hang onto that letter opener, she figures. She's taken out 'masters' with less. ]

So where's an exit I can take?

[He'd rather liked that lamp, for the record.]

I fear you may be the worst houseguest I've ever had, Roxy Lalonde.

There's no exit available to you within this house. Until such time as you can be trusted, no matter what you do you can't leave my abode.

[He pauses, and when he speaks again the words sound as they would if he had a mouth and it were curled in distaste.]

Even if you do feel the need to destroy my belongings.

[ Roxy so enjoys being number one at anything. Beams, dropping a couple more prized possessions to be destroyed, whether by it shattering on the floor or being squished under her stomping feet. All kinds of items; an old timey phone (who would call an omniscient presence?), some fancy pens and quills.. is that a tape dispenser? Doesn't matter, they're all ruined soon enough, crumpling papers in her wake as well. This isn't an guest, idiot, she's a hostage, a prisoner and one who's got no interest playing house with you.

Eventually Roxy's little feet stumble over a small, square desk clock. It's quite ornate, albeit small, and Roxy only hesitates momentarily before she makes the snap decision to break the fuck out of it! Tips it over with a toe and crunch! Crushes its face beneath her shoe. ]

[Being a mutant had always made Karkat's life precarious, and that wasn't much different after he had been captured by the slave traders. At first he thought the candy-red sludge in his veins would get him a fast ticket to a swift and bloody culling, but the trade master had a different idea. Shackled and bound, his blood went on display for all to see, and he was auctioned off as an exotic pet. The rarest of rare blood, rarer than the Empress herself. His mutant red could be in your home if the price fit, and spilled any way the owner wished. It had spared Karkat's life, but not in the way he wanted.]

[The first few nights he had tried to fight against the traders, but it was quickly and violently beaten into him that running would be worse than accepting his fate. So after some time he accepted it, no longer trying to claw the heavy collar that bore his sign off of his throat. It was nearly a perigee later before the traders broke him in completely and the fight all but left him, and he was as pliable as the others destined to be pets. That was the state in which he was bought, clothed in little more than his collar and a pair of pants for decency. Whether for pleasure, or pain, or as a decoration, he had been prepared for it.]

[Taking a slave is not something that Scratch would have predicted himself doing, were he the kind of person to make predictions. In reality, though, he makes no predictions because the very idea of a prediction implies uncertainty in whether it will become true. Scratch doesn't deal in uncertainties.

And so it's of no surprise to him that he's in the slave market. Neither is it a surprise to see a mutant red-blood before him.]

Mister Vantas.

[His voice rings out without any sort of sound emerging from him; it is as though the words are within Karkat's mind, and have always been there. After the words are spoken, Scratch takes a step forward, reaching to tilt Karkat's chin up with on gloved hand.]

[Karkat hadn't initially been paying attention to whatever grubfuckers had been passing by him, keeping his eyes on the ground and ignoring as much as he could. Try to look like a desirable pet, the traders had said. So the voice was relatively unfamiliar to Karkat, and he didn't get a good look at Scratch until his chin was lifted up. He blinked, confused, as he stared at the white-suited figure before him.]

...How do you know my name? [His eyes narrow slightly, suspicion mingling with confusion.]

I know everything.

[The lack of face doesn't allow him to smirk, but there's still a sort of air about him. A sense that were he able, he would be doing so at the moment.

What he can do, though, is allow a flicker of the Green Sun's energy to travel over his arm, a spark of flickering onto Karkat's skin just enough to jolt briefly.]

I'm to be your new master.

[If he wasn't currently in the position he was in, Karkat would have rolled his eyes at that answer. Sweet shit, was this guy that full of himself?]

[Of course, when that flicker of green energy courses against his skin he jolts, eyes widening at the sudden shock. His eyes flick down to the hand against his chin and back to the blank, cue ball face, disbelief written all over his face.]

What the fuck... [That crackle of green reminds him of a canine face and a flash of wings, before being surrounded in that same green energy, ripping and exploding. He shakes his head and stares again.]

Don't tell me you're like that fucking devil beast...

[Anything goes, she can be slave or master.]

Edited 2012-07-08 21:29 (UTC)

[Buying an unbroken slave was always something of a risk. You never knew your luck. They tended to be cheap, yes, but they might have been cheap because there was something wrong with them, or they were particularly disobedient, or some other reason that no one else wanted them.

This one didn't seem to have a problem with obedience, at least, even if she did seem to have a problem with talking.]

[Anything goes, he'd be master. Or I could totally go for him being a very reluctant slave.]

[Prefer slave, but 2, 5 and 7 are okay for Master (Maybe 6 but Steve'll be nice about everything :3)]

A slave was by far something Thor had not expected. Servants he was accustomed to, but a slave? That really wasn't his taste. Nor were the gifts being brought to him on a near daily basis since his return. Tokens of appreciation from not only Asgard, but other realms who heard news of how he defeated Loki and prevented him from spreading destruction through the universe.

He wanted none of these gifts. The victory was not his alone, and was by no means a happy one. Most of the gifts were given away, as he had no means of getting them to the people of Midgard, who deserved them far more than he.

He was in his chambers, trying to think of a plan to do just that, when someone entered, announcing another gift. A personal servant, a guard if Thor were willing to train him. They brought in this gift, the Captain, in chains.

The anger that flashed over Thor's face made the servants take a step back in fear. "What cruelty is this? Who sent this?"

"A...a...an unknown benefactor, sir. F-f-from another r-r-realm."

"Which realm?!"

"Th-the m-man is from M-Midgard, sir. B-but th-the one who g-gifts him is unkn-nown."

"Begone with you!" He shouted it with such fury that the servants scrambled out the door, leaving Steve and an enraged Thor behind.

Steve felt stupid and ridiculous for being in this situation. Who expected magical beings to just pop out in front of them when they're walking down the sidewalk? Maybe Steve should have, given the whole New York incident, but he'd never really considered that there might be other people who would cause them problems and certainly not on his way from the gym to his apartment.

He didn't even have time to react before he was hit with... something that made his vision tunnel and his legs wobble, then he was down for the count. He'd awoken at some kind of auction, momentarily shocked by the number of aliens just chilling around and his only attempt at escape backfired on him horribly. Anytime he attempted to attack one of the people around him just ended in excruciating pain, almost to the point of blacking out and he'd given up after that.

They had laughed and after a round of bidding where he couldn't really understand what was going on. The auctioneer ordered him taken somewhere he hadn't been able to hear. Needless to say, he was more than surprised to find himself kneeling in chains in front of Thor of people.

He listened to the conversation silently. They knew nothing of Asgardians, for all he knew this was just what was done and it was a relief to find that Thor obviously didn't approve of this.

"So this is Asgard?" Steve asked cautiously, glancing around at the room they were in.

Barely containing his anger, Thor set about removing the chains. Okay, so he didn't have the key. But that didn't seem to slow him down. He broke them with his bare hands, freeing Steve properly. Only once he threw them aside did he look the man in the eye.

"I assure you that this is not our way. Do you know who has done this to you? Who brought you here?"

He had both hands on Steve's shoulders, looking rather frantic and desperate to prove to his friend that he would not stand for this.

He stretched as he was released from the chains, rubbing his wrists and he nodded. Steve believed Thor; he was a fellow Avengers, a hero. They'd fought alongside one another and the anger was enough proof.

"They seemed just as surprised as you. It could have been worse than this," he waved it off and his brow furrowed as he frowned, trying to remember what he could. "I didn't get a real good look. It was a blonde woman; she hit me with some kind of magic. Knocked me out, when I woke up I couldn't fight back without hurting myself."

Would it wear off now that he was with his 'Master', or the man who was meant to be? He didn't know. Steve wasn't exactly an expert on the subject.

The Emancipation Proclamation had been issued well before even Steve Rogers was born, but slavery was still a very real fact of life in some parts of the world.

You couldn't save everyone, but you had to do some good where you could. Especially at the sight of a girl being beaten and whipped in the streets for dropping a can of food. It had taken some persuasion - probably not entirely civil persuasion - but her master had finally been "convinced" to part with the sobbing girl, and she'd been shoved over to him before her former master had gathered up the rest of his retainers and swept away.

It infuriated Steve that anyone thought this was okay to do to another human being. He wasn't here for this, no they were investigating rumors of Hydra, but he couldn't just walk by and ignore it. Even if it was something that was done here, it wasn't something that should happen.

Thankfully, being Captain America made it a little easier, even if it'd devolved into an argument. An argument a SHIELD agent had quickly smoothed over, like Steve was suddenly going to whip the shield off his back and hurt somebody--which he wouldn't, but he wasn't going to give up on this either.

It left him awkwardly standing with the woman he'd saved. He was dressed to the nines in the red, white and blue, something even the leather jacket he was wearing didn't exactly hide. Now what?

"Hey, uh, I'm Steve," he murmured, watching the man leave.

The woman was busily trying to stop sobbing, wiping furiously at her eyes and hiccuping weakly. Half her face was bruised. Other old injuries were visible, half hidden by her clothes. She was shaking and trembling to the point that even standing upright might have been an issue. Her gaze kept darting back between Steve and the SHIELD Agent, but Steve certainly had her attention...or, more precisely, the costume did. Red, white, and blue...

"...d-do you w-want to know my name?" she finally stammered, her words interrupted by another hiccup.

"Yes... but only if you want to tell me," he added hastily. Steve was not a slave owner. He wasn't going to have her think that she had to do anything. His brow furrowed as he watched her and he dug into one of the compartments on his belt, pulling out a handkerchief to offer to her.

"Here, take this," he tried for a reassuring smile. "You're safe now."

He eyed her worriedly, afraid she was going to fall over and while he wasn't sure if he should actually touch her, he kept his arm raised to catch her in case she fell. "We should get your injuries looked over," he glanced to the SHIELD agent, who disappeared silently, hopefully to find a medic.

She eyed the handkerchief warily, as though it were going to bite, her gaze ticking from it to Steve and back again. Searching for angles or traps, even in such a simple gesture.

Finally, however, she took it tentatively, and set to work scrubbing at her eyes and wiping her nose. Trying to make herself presentable. Honestly, it's such a disgrace, the scene she's made, and she must look awful and ugly...

"T-Tara."

He'll call her whatever he wants to, of course. She's been called a lot of different names, depending on the owner, depending on what they decide "suits" her. But, if there's a chance that he'll use her proper name, she'd like it. She likes her name. Her mother gave it to her.

She laughs, at his assurances, although it immediately turns into a wince and a hand pressed to her bruised cheek. Safe, yes. She's heard that before, as well. Sometimes it's true, for a while, until they get used to owning another person. Then it all starts up again. At least her old owner hadn't been rich enough to own people to beat her for him. He's probably an American. She's never seen anyone else wear that particular combination of colors quite so...proudly. Some of her fellow slaves had been bought by Americans. She didn't know why one would be interested in her, though - they had plenty of blondes back home.

Tara nodded in the direction the SHIELD agent had been, and wasn't now.

"W-Where is he going?"

And then, after a beat: "C-Can I ask questions? And...m-maybe sit down?"

If he couldn't see the bruises marring the back of her legs under her skirt, he could obviously see that she wasn't too steady on her feet, and Tara was grateful for that much.

Edited 2012-07-10 00:53 (UTC)

He was patient, holding it out until she decided to take it and he nodded at her name, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Tara." He hated how and wished it wasn't this way but if he could help just one person have a life again then he was going to do it.

Steve glanced towards where she pointed, "To find a medic so we can get you patched up. He'll be a few. I don't know if there are any in the area."

The bruises on her legs go unnoticed because he wasn't looking there. His eyes only stray to proper places and especially to her face, worriedly as he eyed the bruise. Another glance around, the uniform stood out more than he liked and the shield worn proudly over his back didn't exactly help. So much for a covert op, Hydra would be all over them if they lingered.

"Of course you can," Steve replied firmly, without question. "Look, you don't have to ask me to do things. I just wanted to get you out of here and this was the easiest way to do it." There was a pause as he considered; Hydra constantly on his mind and her safety was important.

"I have a room in a hotel not too far from here. We'll be safer there if you think you can make it with my help. Otherwise," he scanned the square they were standing in, frowning. "There's a bench over there."

A hotel room. Tara visibly paled at the words. She shook her head, trying to banish the look of fear, because she shouldn't feel fear at the idea after all this time. She should expect it, at least, even if the idea of sleeping with a man would always repulse her.

"I-I can make it." If she gritted her teeth, Tara knew she could. She'd done more work with worse injuries, after all. She'd had to.

Her eyes, when she could bring herself to meet his gaze, were intense and focused. It was why the habit of looking at people directly had been so thoroughly beaten out of her by past owners. Tara had the sort of eyes that worried the sort of people who kept slaves. They were eyes that sized people up. The bruising on her face was already blossoming to deep black and purple. There was a small cut along her jaw where the lash had caught her face.

"...it's, i-it's the best way to find out. W-What you like. Asking, I mean. S-So you don't get angry."

She still thought Steve was just a man off the street with enough power to steal her away for himself. She'd heard rumors of such things happening before.

Edited 2012-07-10 04:18 (UTC)

"No need to push yourself," he murmured, but he wouldn't stop her if she wanted to try. Steve wouldn't put hands on her. His movements were steady but obvious as he shifted to gesture in the direction of the hotel. His own eyes are warm, friendly but still concerned. "Take all the time you need."

The life in her eyes was reassuring. He didn't want a slave and he would free her as soon as he could, but here wasn't the place. It would only end up with her back where she started and that was the last thing he wanted. Her eyes made him think that she would be alright, not immediately, but eventually.

"I won't get angry," he promised, but he was beginning to realize that words were likely meaningless. He didn't know how long she was a slave but he hazarded a guess that it'd been awhile. How many promises had others made her only to break them? "But ask whatever you like. I'll answer anything you want to know."

Clenching her fists at her side tightly enough that her already pale hands went white around the knuckles, Tara turned where Steve indicated. She saw the hotel. And, slowly, more slowly than she would have liked, she started walking towards it.

That, in and of itself, was a good sign. Her past owner had been the sort to make her wait for orders before so much as taking a step. Or perhaps she was just trusting to how utterly awful she knew she looked to avoid anything too harsh.

"...are you from America?" she finally asked. He sounded American. So did she, under the layers of cobbled together accent she'd picked up from all her years under different owners. He didn't seem like he was about to get angry now, at least, and so she knew she should take advantage of the opportunity.

Steve matched her pace and kept his attention on her, just in case she were to trip or her legs would give out. He wished he could do something, anything, that would make her trust him but things like that were earned and not simply given. It took time and he was patient.

"Yeah, Brooklyn. In New York," he nodded. "I was born there. I travel quite a bit for work but I still keep an apartment."

Well, 'work', being his duties as Captain America but that was an explanation that could probably wait. He tipped his head, "Where are you from? And you don't have to answer, just making conversation."

"...California."

Said with just the faintest note of wistfulness. Tara hadn't left much in the way of things or people behind her in California, but she missed it.

After a few more seconds of slow proceeding, she added in a much softer voice, her gaze taking on a faraway look:

"I-I was a student."

"Never been there, but I hear it's nice," he offered a smile. He'd heard that from Tony who seems to own a house everywhere that's sunny and gorgeous or just important places. When he heard the wistfulness he added, "There's no reason you can't go back when we get to the states."

Steve nodded in encouragement, "Studying anything in particular?" He knew this was supposed to be about him but maybe if he took real interest in her she would relax around him a little.

"...no. I, I-I never made it to college. I-I'd only just graduated high school."

It probably wasn't hard to figure out events from there. A celebratory trip, getting turned around in the wrong part of town or catching the eye of the wrong person and...well, never being seen again. Or at least, never being seen again under that particular name.

"But, um, that's...th-that's a lot more than a lot of us have. I-I can do a lot with that. Math, and, and and reading."

Or she could be stupid. Sometimes people preferred a stupid slave over an intelligent one, and it was good to be able to know how to act the part. Besides, even if he'd apparently extended the offer of college...

"I, I can't pay for it."

There was her family, yes, her father and her brother and her cousin, maybe, but...well, they'd probably been relieved, to hear she'd dropped off the map.

"Don't worry about it," he waved a hand and smiled again. Even without seventy years of back-pay sitting around collecting interest, there was always Tony and he knew Stark Industries sponsored billions of dollars in scholarships. "I'll make sure it's taken care of."

Steve wasn't just going to toss her out and send her on her merry way when they got back to the states. He would make sure she back on her feet and would likely keep tabs on her in case she needed anything. She deserved a chance to make a good life for herself.

He'll hold the door open for her when they get to the hotel and shoot his sternest 'I am Captain America, you say anything and we're going to have a problem' look at anyone that glanced their way.

"Before that, let's get you cleaned up."

The deference and the wariness he receives on the way to the room isn't lost on the girl. She is observant, after all, it's been a skill that's saved her life over the last few years.

It only makes her more nervous. Just how important is this man, to be this well known even this far away from America?

Escape is going to be impossible. She still hasn't accepted the fact that it isn't going to be necessary. Yes, doubts and questions are starting to itch at the back of her mind, but...nothing ever changes. Not this time. Right?

Her mind racing, Tara steps into the room, and looks quietly around her as Steve closes the door. She flinches slightly, at his question, and before she can stop herself a question she's obediently asked so many owners so many times before leaves her lips:

"Do you want to do it?"

At her question there's obvious confusion on his face--do what? "Help you clean up? No, uh, I," a faint blush colors his cheeks. "There's a bathroom through there. You're welcome to use it. If, you need help, I can but otherwise, take all the time you need."

He tips his head as his communicator crackles to life, shifting from awkward into Captain America as easily as breathing. He nods when he's told the medic will have to wait until tomorrow even though the person on the other end can't see him, "Understood. I have a kit if she needs it. What about Hydra?"

There's another pause as he listens and nods, "Another day to dig up information won't hurt. I'm taking the night off. Only bother me if it's something important. Forward any relevant data to that tablet thing Tony gave me. I'll look it over and come up with something. Rogers out."

"Sorry, work," he apologizes, turning back to her. "There should be towels in there. I'll, uh, find something clean for you to wear."

There's a moment where she just looks at him, as all the terms that sounded important in that get filed away in her mind. "Tony", "Hydra", "dig up information", "kit"...

"Right."

Apparently putting the chance to get into some clean clothes over any future dangers, she steps into the bathroom and shuts the door. Ten seconds pass, before Steve will hear the sound of a lock clicking into place, and then the sound of a shower running.

She sets the water as hot as she can stand, and then just...stands in the tub, and thinks, and remembers, staring down at her bruised and scarred body as the water washes over her. Then, with fumbling fingers, she turns the water even hotter, and finds a scrub hanging over the nozzle, and some of the hotel's free soap, and sets to work cleaning herself. Her motions become increasingly frantic as the minutes drag on, as the dirt fades to leave bruises and old cuts that won't, and eventually she realizes that exhausted, angry tears are trickling down her cheeks.

It's the first time she's let herself cry in years, and even after she's finally turned the water off, Tara finds herself just sitting in the tub, knees drawn up to her chest and sobbing tiredly. It will be a while then before she can bring herself to stand up, wrap a towel around herself, and step back into the room.

Once the door is shut and locked, Steve realizes he has no idea what size she wears and he's not exactly stellar when it comes to women. Instead, he makes another call. He thanks the agent that comes to the door and lays out the clothes on the bed. He'll give her as long as she needs, though he'll worry the whole time she's in there.

When she comes out, he's sitting at the desk. There's a holographic model of a building raised above the tablet sitting in front of him and he's stripped off the heavy Kevlar top of his uniform, opting instead for the thin blue shirt he wears underneath over his leather pants and bright red boots.

His shield is resting on his lap, a polishing and repair kit opened next to the tablet on the desk and he's working a cloth over it. As soon as he sees her, he wipes the building blueprint from the tablet with a hand.

Steve stays sitting, but gestures towards the bed where three sets of generic, SHIELD casuals are laying in different sizes. He keeps his eyes on his shield as he speaks. "I, uh, didn't know what size you wore. Those should do until you're steady enough to go out for something better."

"Thank you."

The clothes are snatched off the bed. For a moment, Tara looks as though she's considering changing right here in the room. But then, with a ghost of a smile as she imagines Steve's probable reaction to that, she ducks back into the bathroom and closes the door to change. Her old clothes are tossed into the trash can.

The shirt is bit tight across her shoulders and the pants just don't fit quite right, but they're simple and they're clean and she can get them on. Tara leans against the wall just next to the bathroom door.

"...what now?"

He's very thankful she decides to change in the bathroom. It would have led to a lot of blushing and awkwardness on his part. Steve tosses the cloth he's using onto the kit and leans the shield against a leg of the desk, standing so he can offer her a room service menu.

"I was going to order something for dinner, if you're hungry," he definitely is but he had waited for her. "There's an ice pack in the refrigerator. It'll help with the bruising. First Aid kit is on top, if you need anything. It should be fully stocked." He doesn't exactly need a kit but he carries one in case his squad does.

Obediently, mechanically, robotically, she went to get the ice pack, and the First Aid kit, and then sat on the floor by Steve's chair.

Icing her legs would eliminate any further opportunities for movement, no matter how sore they were. Tara finally settled for moving it into place just on her shoulder blade, signing in relief as the cold started to ease away the ache of the injury. With her other hand, she flipped open the kit to check what was there with what might be considered a disturbingly good eye for detail and use.

It was well stocked, and she'd done a lot more with a lot less.

"Um, I...I'm a bit hungry. I guess I could eat. Um, th-thank you."

She took out a roll of gauze bandages and stared fixedly at it, clearly trying to gather her courage together. After a few seconds, Tara added in a voice that was almost a whisper:

"...c-can I ask another question?"

"You don't have to sit on the floor," he offers immediately. Steve almost trips over himself to make sure she realizes that she doesn't have to do anything of the sort. "There's the bed or one of the other chairs, or this chair if you'd prefer." Which is, of course, accompanied by a gesture to the one he's sitting in.

He stares at the room service menu himself for a moment and decides he might as well get one of everything. Leftovers can go in the refrigerator, if there are any, he's been told he eats like a horse. "Alright, anything you want in particular?" Because he will totally order more of that.

"Ask all the questions you want. You don't need my permission," Steve will wait until after she asks to busy himself with actually ordering food.

Tara moved almost immediately to sit on the bed, as though the floor had scalded her. She paled, slightly, apparently upon realizing that she was sitting on the bed, but steeled herself, and made herself look over at Steve.

"Um...I, I know this might seem like a really silly question, a-and, and I'm sorry if it does, but...w-why did you take me? I mean, y-you could have gotten slaves a lot better than me, s-so I don't know...why you're being so nice."

And she was mortally afraid that he would suddenly stop being nice if she said the wrong thing. It tended to be that way, with people.

It's a relief to at least have her on the same level as him. He can't stand the thought of anyone thinking they are worth less than him; all people should be equal. It's just the way it should be.

"I don't want a slave," Steve's brow furrows. He can't even begin to imagine the backlash. There are going to be enough rumors from this he's sure. "The papers are only a formality so I can get you out of the country. I don't own you," he looks appalled by even the thought.

"I would've helped everyone if I could but... I'm not here for that. We don't have the space. You--" were lucky? In the right place at the right time? "Looked like you could use the help."

"You...don't?"

Two simple words, and Tara speaks them like they're in another language. She stares at Steve as though she's never seen anything like him before, like he's the strangest, most impossible thing in the world.

"I'm..."

...free? She's free?

Tara has learned to be good at reading people. It's just that, after so many years, she's come to expect to see a certain thing in them when she reads them. It's part of why Steve has thrown her so badly, because she looks at him and doesn't.

But as she stares at Steve, searching his face for any sign of deception, she sees nothing. She sees absolutely nothing to give her even the faintest hint that he's deceiving her. And the mention of college, and the way he'd spoken to her...

Tara can't stand it. She knows it's a silly thing to do, and unfair to him, and just simply stupid given what's just happened to her, but she bursts into tears again. She'd thought she'd cried all she could earlier, in the shower, but this...this really is just too much to process, all at once. Even her wildest dreams hadn't let her hope for this.

But they're sobs of happiness, and even as she futiley tries to keep the tears from her eyes, she looks up at Steve and smiles a smile of utter happiness. "R-Really? I'm...I'm really free?"

Edited 2012-07-15 03:31 (UTC)

Apparently he hadn't quite been clear enough about his intentions and he's sorry for that, but all the trouble he'd gone through to make sure she ended up in his hands is worth it for the surprise. He can see the moment she realizes exactly what he means and he smiles, ducking his head.

Steve has no idea what to do about the tears besides offer her a tissue and he extends the box in her direction, nodding as he does. "You're free," he affirms. "It'll be easier for now, if you defer to me in public, but we should only been in country a couple more days."

Just long enough to hit Hydra and get out.

"I'll take you out for clothes but I'm afraid you'll probably be stuck in here most of the time. It'll be dangerous for us both if I'm spotted," he looks sheepish at that. He never thought he'd be recognizable enough or high-profile enough to say that but Hydra knows without a doubt who Captain America is. "Once we're back in the states, I'll help you get settled somewhere. Since you don't have anything, I'll have to pull some favors."

But every last bit of it will be worth it, just for that smile and the obvious happiness. Just for the knowledge that he's bettered someone's life exponentially. "No one should have to go through what you've suffered. It's hard to believe slavery still exists. It's atrocious."

"I-It's okay. I mean, um, can I have some books? Any books will do, I, I-I'm not picky. If, um, if I can just have something to read, m-maybe even a newspaper, I don't mind s-staying in here."

She's practically babbling, now, words spilling out after too long keeping herself under tight lock and key. She wouldn't mind staying in even without the books, but...she wants to read. If she's really going to have the chance to go to college, she needs to start getting ready. "And, um, and these clothes are okay. I mean, th-they fit me, so I don't mind wearing them. Really." She'd worn clothes that fit her even less well, in the past. Inconveniencing Steve for something like that was almost unthinkable to her.

"I have to go out anyway," he shrugs. "I need to pick up my suitcase. You might as well come along. SHIELD issue clothes are only passable. There's a market up the street we can check out. We might be able to find books there. If not, I'll have someone bring something by."

In his experience, SHIELD agents have a knack for finding anything you could possibly want and he has no idea how they do it. Steve tries not to abuse his title but sometimes it's just easier than wandering all over everywhere, especially when he's meant to be undercover.

There's a knock at the door. Room service, most likely, but he slides his shield over his arm all the same as he crosses to it. Peering through the eye hole he shakes his head, pitying the poor attendant--who barely looked a day over fifteen--standing terrified next to a stern looking SHIELD agent and he pulls the door open.

"Thank you, son. Sorry for the trouble," he nods to the attendant and tips him excessively, even though he's sure the agent has already paid to keep him quiet. The cart is pushed into the room without fuss and they're left alone again. "Dinner first. Eat whatever you like," Steve gestures to the cart. He's not terribly picky himself.

[Either?]

[ Either]

[Slave]

[ As a slave: 1, 3, 4, 5, or 7

As a master: 2, 5, or 7 ]

[Can be either, but would preferably like to be the slave just because I want to see her knocked down a couple pegs.]

[Can be either, but expect a sweet master.]

[Karkat had seen it all during his time here. Hired guard, pleasure slave, whipping post, delivery boy, servant... he'd done it all, and each time he grew colder and more emotionless about his status. He'd learned that it was better to mold himself to fit whatever his master wanted, be it writhing in bed beneath them or killing an enemy in front of them. And as each master used and returned him, he grew colder and colder, his emotion and fiery personality simmering beneath his cold grey features. It was how he survived, and he was positive this new master would be the same, however they intended to use him.]

[Nepeta loved presents. It normally didn't matter what it was or how she got it. Little treats just made her pump swell and a smile spread over her face. But this present was a bit... odd.

Maybe the giver had been fond of Nepeta. Maybe they had thought her bored and in need of entertainment, or maybe they detested Karkat and wished to make him suffer a bit more. Either way, Nepeta soon found herself facing her once-beloved, shackles on his ankles and a look in his eyes that stood out more pronounced in bitterness than normal.]

Kar... Karkitty?

[Here she was, being handed the one she felt red beyond compare for for so long on a silver platter, and yet, it was so intensely wrong. Even if she couldn't take her eyes from him.]

[Karkat kept his training well; when he was brought in, shackles jingling with each step, he made sure to keep those eyes of his firmly on the ground. His past masters hated it when he looked up at them, glared at them as if he was equal to them. Trolls were territorial, and if eye contact was made, it was a clear challenge. Keeping his eyes away prevented his masters from getting too pissed off with him.]

[But that voice makes him raise his gaze and his eyes widen, shock spreading over his face. No, how could he be sold to her? Given to one of his own friends?? A bubble of rage swelled inside him, paired with an angry pang of betrayal, and he grit his teeth angrily, cursing furiously in his mind at whatever scumbag thought it would be funny to give him to one of his old friends like he was some cheap hand-me-down.]

[Of course, that bitter rage was matched only by cruel resignation. Of course this had to happen. The universe wasn't finished with screwing with the life of one Karkat fucking Vantas.]

[He had a hundred things he wanted to say, but he kept his mouth shut. What could he say, with his sellers so close by? So instead, he did what he always did; he forced his anger down, pulled his emotions in, and followed his training. He stepped forward and knelt before her, baring the back of his neck to her.]

...Master. [He says it coldly, emotionless. What else could he do except clarify their positions?]

[No. Oh gog, no, this wasn't right at all. Nepeta's eyes were liquid, her lips parted as if any moment there would be a cascading of questions toward him. Who did this to him, how could she free him, why was she being called 'master'... She wasn't sure fate had dealt her a sweet card at all. For now, any and all urges had to be buried, concealed.]

[Turning to the sellers, the ones that had already completed the transaction and had brought him here to be her 'slave' for the night, she glared at them. It was a clear enough indicator that they needed to be sent away, and they followed silent orders, leaving sight after one deposited a small key in Nepeta's palm. It was just the two of them, and with her hand gripping the key with all her strength, feeling the grooves digging into her hand hard enough to slice the skin, she moved even closer to him.]

Karkitty, what happened to you? Please talk to me.

[Of course, she wasn't doing the proper job as master, but this was far too much of an emotional blow. Immediately, not even thinking of the repercussions, she knelt down to his ankles, fingers running along the skin that burned from the chafing of the shackles.]

Are you hurt...?

[Karkat remained in his position until he heard the sellers leave before daring to lift is head and face her. It's been so long since he's seen a familiar face, or even a friendly face for that matter, and it threw Karkat for a loop. What was he supposed to do now? What was he even supposed to do, just explain everything? Oh, hello Nepeta, nice to see you, sorry I've been out of touch lately, the internet connection in the slave market is just shitty.]

[Yeah, like that explanation would work.]

[He glances away from her as she kneels in close to him, and he suppresses a pained growl as she touches the raw rings around his feet. He didn't want her to see him looking so pathetic and weak, but when had anything he wanted actually happen?]

I'm fine. It's fine. [He's strictly referring to his ankles, avoiding her initial question.]

No, it's not, Karkat. Stop. These are coming off right now.

[Pulling the key up to the padlocks on his shackles, she used the utmost care to get them off. The locks were tossed aside, and her gentle hands pried the metal from his ankles and tossed them aside as well. She was full of so many emotions, but the one that stood out most was anger. She wanted to go find those guards and cut them up into pieces with her Clawkind, but an annoying inkling in her head told her that she wouldn't be able to. Or worse, that she could, and both she and Karkat would suffer some worse punishment.]

[It was a moment before she stood back to her feet, ignoring how bare his body was and how damaged he looked. However, there were tears in her eyes, streaks of green that marked her soft grey features. Unable to help it any longer, she opened her arms and brought him to her in an embrace, resting her head against his chest. He felt so wonderful, so warm in her arms, as the bare skin of his chest pressed to her cheek. She'd smile, but...]

This isn't a purresent. And if it is, I'm never giving you back. Karkitty... my leader...

[But wait. She was the one with the reigns now. Not him. She had control. She held the cards.]

[No. Not now, Nepeta.]

[He hisses as the worn metal is pried from his skin, which is raw and chafed beneath the heavy bond. He remained silent as she worked, and feeling her scrutinizing gaze over his body. He kept his gaze lowered, partially because of his training, but mostly so that he wouldn't have to see her studying him. He could imagine what she'd see; a broken-down troll, too pathetic to even be considered pitiful, and who knows that he's only meant for servitude. And frankly, it embarrassed him. It hadn't bothered him so much with his previous masters, but none of them had known him since he was six sweeps old.]

[When she steps forward he's not sure what to expect, whether she'll push him away or strike him, but he stiffens when she hugs him. At the same time, something inside him mentally kicks himself; what else could he have expected from Nepeta? And it had been too long since he'd been in someone's embrace that wasn't immediately followed up with a pail.]

[Slowly, he snakes his arms around her and returns the hug, resting his chin on the top of her head. A few seconds pass before he tightens his hold, and a few more trickle by until he actually responds to her.]

...I'm pretty sure if I was still a half-decent leader, I wouldn't be in this shit. But I've still got a pulse, so that's got to say something.

At least? Karkitty... just knowing this happened to you... I want to kill those men out there and hunt down efurry person that hurt you.

[But those were words, and what could Nepeta really do with just words alone? She could slay any beast in Alternia -- well, almost any, but she wasn't about to recall that -- and yet, killing even an army of scumbags wouldn't make her feel better. That wouldn't relieve Karkat of his pain, nor his humiliation.]

[The good news was, though, that she could make it better. Leading him more into the hive, pulling him gently along, she looked up at him with a hopeful look in her eyes.]

Well, don't you worry, Karkitty. I'm going to take good care of you. I'm not going to let them take you back.

[And she meant it with every ounce of her. He needed to be nurtured back to his normal, loud self. Hearing his bitterness in a lower volume made her uncomfortable.]

[He gave a short snort at her words.]

Why bother? I was the one who got tangled up in this fucking mess, it's not like killing a few douchenozzles is going to change anything. Unless you feel like cleaning up my mess, which I'm not going to let you do because fuck if I'm letting anyone else fall ass-backwards into my mess.

[It's much more subdued and filled with a lot more bitterness than normal, but there's a hint of his old self in that rant. He follows her without much resistance as he's taken deeper into her hive, and for once he actually feels calm entering another troll's dwelling. He's still far from cheerful, and his telltale scowl seemed permanently etched in his face.]

So what ignorant douche decided it was nice to give you a mutant as a gift?

Stop it, Karkat. [Because in case he hadn't realized, she only dropped the pet name when she was particularly cross with him, or in a state of dismay. Right now, it was a mixture of both.] Whatefur mess this is, I don't care if I fall into it. I'm going to help you, take care of you, and get you away furrom these people. And that's that. You know that I'd do anything and efurrything for you, and no matter what, you're still my leader.

[But hey, at least his anger returning was soothing away her worries. At the mention of who the gift-giver could be, she shrugged and turned back at him.]

I dunno. Uh, when was the last time you said something that made Ampurra feel purrticularly lonely?

[Because jabs at their pathetic comrade could maybe even make him want to smile. Or laugh. Or something. Bringing him into her room, she walked him to her respiteblock and sat him down on it, being ever so careful not to use force. She had no idea what he had gone through, but knew she had to be intensely tender with him.]

I don't know who did it, but they shouldn't expect a return. Now, I need to clean up your cuts and stuff. Is that okay?

[He definitely notices, and he cuts himself off immediately. Sure he felt more like himself around her in these few moments than he had with his other masters, but she was still, technically, his master. So as much as he'd want to argue with her and throw his tiny weight around and forbid her under penalty of obnoxious yelling to not interfere, he didn't really have the power to do that anymore. So instead he sighed lowly and dipped his head down slightly.]

...Fine. Not like I can stop you.

[He gives a short snort of what could be considered laughter at her question. Sure he would sometimes feel bad for the guy because of his shitty romance situations, but even he had to enjoy a jab at Ampora every now and then.]

Hell if I know. Maybe Sollux didn't hatesnog him enough or something.

[There's no stopping the tension that forms in his muscles from entering Nepeta's respiteblock, but he forces himself to calm down. Stop being stupid, Vantas, it's not like she's brought you in here to pail. She's not like the others, she's your friend. He sat down next to her, frowning a bit at her request.]

They're not that serious, I'll be fine. [No need to tell her that some of those old cuts were to show off his mutant blood, because she didn't need to know that.]

[Nepeta gags a bit. Sollux isn't her closest friend, and Eridan's the furthest thing from a friend, so the idea of those two swapping yellow and purple saliva just... it was... ew. Kismesitude was a strange thing indeed, but now isn't the time to question its dynamics.]

[Looking down at his cuts, she bites her lower lip. A swelling pain forms in her vascular pump, just looking at the small drops of blood lining his ankles. Candy-apple red. A mutant. But that's not what Nepeta sees. She never would see him as a mutant, even if some silly hemospectrum said otherwise. In fact, she could even consider such a color... beautiful.]

[Of course, she keeps her mouth shut. That's another subject he could use to argue with her, and she'd rather not arouse his temper.]

Karkitty, stop it. If you're supposed to be my purresent, then you need to at least listen to me because I want to make you feel better again.

[Even after all this time, Karkat still viewed the bright cherry red as more of a stigma than as anything beautiful. It was a mark that said he was an outcast, an abomination, that he shouldn't even exist. It was about as far from 'beautiful' for him as a long-lasting quadrant was to Ampora.]

[But since Nepeta didn't bring up his blood, he also kept his mouth shut. Because why bother bring up a subject he knew would end badly?]

[He did growl at her persistence, but soon he huffed and deflated.] Fine, fuck. You got me there.

Hee-hee!, I win. Be right back.

[And Nepeta rushed off around a corner to get some things, leaving Karkat alone on the respiteblock for the moment. Knowing he had grown so accustomed to taking orders from others had put her both in a good spot and a difficult one. She didn't want to treat him the way others had, not in that same abusive way, but darn it, if he wasn't going to cooperate, she figured she would just have to resort to that. She could've resorted to a pap-shush, but since she hadn't done much of that before, she doubted it would be effective.]

[She returned not too much later with a wet cloth, the steam rising from it indicating that it was soaked in hot water, some cloth bandages, and a small, unlabeled bottle. The kitty shipper returned right to Karkat's feet, sinking to her knees to reach his ankles. After placing the items down, she held onto the cloth with one hand, while the other rested gently on Karkat's knee. A silent way to say, 'Yes, this might hurt, don't hesitate to grab my hand if you need comfort.' The hand holding the warm cloth would then make contact with his raw skin, dabbing at it with the utmost care.]

[Of course, even with her tenderness, she half-expected some loud curses at the initial heat before the cloth would feel more soothing.]

[Karkat hadn't moved far while Nepeta was gone, but when she returned he looked up, spotting the materials in her hands. Well, it looked like she was willing to go all the way with cleaning his wounds, especially if that was a bottle of what he thought it was. The look on her face and the way she rested a hand on his knee told him that yes, that was exactly what he thought it was.]

[While he braced himself for the familiar sting, he couldn't stop the sharp hiss of pain he let out as the liquid disinfected his wounds.]

Ah, fuck...!! [He dug his claws into her sheets, his teeth clenched in a grimace. Fuck, fuck, it hurt bad, even with her being gentle.]

Shh! It's okay, calm down.

[Nepeta knew that it was going to sting, both from the temperature of the water and the medicine that she had mixed in with it. As he grimaced, she tightened her hold on his knee, only applying slight pressure with her claws. Not at all to cause discomfort, but to get his attention so he could relax.]

[She was quick in her care, yet didn't relieve him of the smallest bit of attention. She'd dab at his ankles, cleaning his wounds, before pulling the stopper out of the bottle and covering her fingers with a bit of liquid, a cooling sensation reaffirming that she had grabbed the right medicine. Next, her fingers would move over his wounds, delicately massaging the liquid into his ankles, before she went to the roll of bandages, tearing at them with a swift tug before wrapping them around him.]

[When she had finally finished, she placed the bottle down and looked back up at him. Her chin even came to rest on his unoccupied knee.]

Sorry that hurt. Does it feel any better?

[either, i suppose, though mistress is unlikely. slavery is *dishonorable*.]

Edited 2012-07-08 22:18 (UTC)

[Can be either.]

[Either role and any number]

[ he could always save her and let her play it out as a roleplay kink... ♥ ]

[Sure why not?]

[- i shall follow your lead ♥ ]

She spent several years serving as a slave to several families for various reasons, Naoto had come into Minato's possession. It was only to be as a worker and bed warmer when he so desired; she hadn't expected to fall for him or for him to feel the same. He even felt the need to buy her freedom.

Despite this, Naoto still lived with him. Having a history of being a slave didn't earn much merit towards a reputable job, but she could manage with small ones here and there. While she may not be a slave anymore, the two of them did find a small thrill in playing the roles on certain, special evenings. Tonight, Naoto was waiting for her orders, anxious for what he may demand this time.

[ Though he had done his best to help her recover, she sometimes savored a lapse or two into that submissive mindset, where all Naoto needed to think about was obeying her master's desires. ]

I'm home, Naoto-chan.

[One such evening was this night. Naoto was waiting for Minato to return in her old slave outfit, her ID collar and chain attached as well. When she lapsed back to this state, it ended up being all out.]

Welcome home, Master.

[ Her master for the evening slid off his coat and shoes, flopping onto his back on the bed somewhat tiredly. ]

Did you have a good day?

Yes. What about you, sir?

[She's going to place his coat and shoes away properly before standing besides the bed.]

It was tiring. I had to meet with a lot of suitors. They want me to get married, you know.

[ He wasn't interested in any of them, of course- not when he had Naoto as his dirty little secret. He was secretly hoping the info would make her a little bit jealous. ]

Suitors?

[She raised her head slightly, blinking. Yes, there had been a twinge of jealousy, but she didn't let it show.]

[ He was an orphaned rich teen. Of course, his caretakers wanted him to get married. ]

That's right.

... If they want heirs, I could easily grant them.

[Of course, that's not the problem and it makes her pout slightly. She couldn't be considered because of her previous Slave classification. Naoto has to frown.]

What's that, Naoto-chan?

[ He moves a little closer to her, smirking. ]

Did you want it raw from now on?

[She turns red, fidgeting with her frills.]

W-Well... I wouldn't mind bearing Master's children... If you wish to do it raw, then so be it.

[ She was always so evasive. It was kind of cute. ]

I'm curious if you want it, though.

[It was embarrassing to tell a master this.]

... Yes!

[ Teasing her never stopped being fun. ]

How much do you want it?

[ If that wasn't an invitation to start the evening, nothing was. ]

Master...

[She really did loathe it when he teased her this way. He must know she's been waiting all day for his thick thing.]

... I... I can't think straight I wanted it so bad.

[ But he isn't done, oh no. ]

I was hoping you might show me how much.

[Not fair again...]

[Nervously, she pulls down the chest cover (it really wasn't doing its job anyway) and exposes her breasts to him, nipples already hard. The apron on her front, she raises enough to show she's not wearing underwear and her thighs are quite slick.]

[ No panties, no bra- it really was as if she'd been counting the seconds until her owner returned and fucked her stupid.

Maybe she just couldn't help it. He pressed his fingertips along the girl's sticky flesh, spreading the pink folds curiously. ]

I'm impressed, Naoto-chan.

[Naoto's knees shook as he opened her folds, but she remained still otherwise.]

I-I'm glad this sight pleases you, Master.

[ Their eyes meet, and he knows that she's serious. She would gladly carry his child. And likely insist on continuing to perform her duties even then. ]

We'll need to have sex more often if you want to get pregnant, Naoto-chan. I'm sure that please you, too.

Master...

[She feels her face burn more, but she smiles at his words.]

[ Feeling happy to have her smiling at least, Minato beckoned her closer to the bed. ]

[Naoto doesn't hesitate to comply. She came to stand right besides him and the bed.]

You can relax a little, Naoto-chan. Your uniform's falling off anyway.

[ The collar may have stated her place, but the uniform designated her duty, and without her large chest to hold it up, the fabric was slipping. ]

I-It's not... not that quickly.

[The belts are tight, but not suffocating and her hips are round enough, but not full. A bounce and jostle here will make it fall lower. Until he orders her on the bed, she doesn't move.]

[ Minato takes the master role on more fully now, shifting back on the bed. ]

Come here, Naoto. I need you to please me.

[Her heart leaps into her throat and she nods]

Yes, Master. [She crawls onto the bed, placing a hand on his pelvis] How do you wished to be serviced this evening?

Let's skip the warm-ups and get straight to it.

[ Neither of them obviously needed a warm-up. ]

[She quivers at the order. No, she definitely didn't require the foreplay]

[Her fingers worked quickly, easily freeing his cock from its confines. Her hand curled around him and stroked once.] Any preferences in position?

I have ideas, but maybe I could have your professional opinion first, slave.

If... Master wants to get the most cum to stay inside, that would be missionary. However, doggy and cowgirl may work well in comparison to many of the other positions.

[ There was that buzzkill super IQ at work again. She never could speak in more relaxed words. ]

Try that again, a little less technical sounding.

[... Oops, she didn't mean to.]

Uhm, it's best if you're on top, but I can also be on my hands and knees or top you instead.

You might need to take that uniform off properly, then.

[ Seeing as the skirt was ridden up and the "covering" for her breasts was already falling. ]

As you wish, Master...

[She gave him a small show removing her uniform, revealing the slim waist and round hips. The gloves and stockings were peeled off last while the collar remained on.]

I think I'll let you be on top to start the evening... since you were saying you could barely restrain yourself all day.

T-Thank you, Master..!

[She was so happy to hear that. Naoto made her way slowly over his cock, lining it up with her dripping entrance. She couldn't wait much longer than that and pushed herself down, moaning, but smiling as his disappeared inside her body.]

[ No matter how often Naoto was fucked (not to speak of her service before him), she was still so snug inside. Her cunt took a very impressive pounding whenever she offered herself to him, or obeyed his requests. But she enjoyed the abuse. Whether she had always loved it or only learned to enjoy it as a sub, that wasn't clear. ]

[It was possible that tonight could be the last time in months that she could take a hard fucking. Her hands rested on his chest as her hips moved, skipping the slow grind and shifting into a quick ride up and down his cock. She moved all the way up to his tip, making sure each shift down included having his cock thrust entirely into her body and their hips smack satisfyingly together.]

[ Minato could feel the desperation in Naoto's actions, the way she bounced atop him like some wanton slut, as if she'd never felt anything so good before. He laid back on the mattress, stretching out underneath the small, curvy woman as she did her work dutifully and gladly. ]

[She hoped that her Master was being satisfied as much as she was. One hand now balanced her as her other worked to squeeze and pinch and tug at one of her hardened nipples.]

Edited 2012-07-28 09:58 (UTC)

[ He was hoping to make that clearer to her, by tugging the big-chested slave down to kiss him while she buried his cock inside her again, and again. ]

... mm. Naoto...

[She lingered after the kiss, feeling his breath as he says her name. She kissed him again, hips still pounding while she nibbled on his lower lip]

Master...

You're doing very well, Naoto-chan.

[ An affectionate suffix, because he was so very fond of his slave. Not that he considered her that way anymore. If it was more comfortable for her to take that role, however, he would indulge her. ]

P-Please... it needs to be harder...

[She cooed and kissed him deeply again, rolling her hips against his now.]

[ A little bit of a smirk when she paused for breath again, which became more frequent as her hunger consumed her. ]

I wonder which orgasm you want more, mine or yours.

I-I'm sorry master!

[She gasped, gyrations continuing] I want yours! I need mine...!

[ Well she was likely to get both, pistoning her hips on his cock like that. ]

Maybe when I cum inside you, that will be enough...?

[She's not about to stop. His words just make her actions more enthusiastic.]

Y-Yes Master...! [She lets out a breathless gasp. She's so close, but still, she can't reach her climax.]

[ Then, perhaps, the feeling of muscles tightening beneath her hands would help, preceding a warm rush of sperm into the deepest part of her body. Sticky spurts of cum filling her up as she's hungered for. ]

Edited 2012-08-10 13:06 (UTC)

[That was more than enough. Her hips pumped his cock, milking it as he climaxed and draining what he had to offer into her womb, her body contracting accordingly to the point she was cumming as she worked, eyes glazed and unfocused.]

[Slave. Anything goes. In olden days a glimpse of stocking was looked on as something shocking, but now, god knows, anything... er, you get the idea.]

[Kyouraku Shunsui was the second son of a very old and very wealthy noble family. Though renowned for his rebelliousness as boy, he'd eventually grown into his title, and been given lands to oversee in the eastern part of the Kyouraku territory, a position that allowed his rank to be only slightly below his brother's, if he cared about such things. Which he didn't, particularly.

Rank aside, his lands were quite out of the way--the perfect place for a wayward young noble to be stowed without being able to do too much damage to the family name. And yet, Kyouraku had a reasonably good reputation as a manor lord. He didn't take any more from the peasants and businessmen than he had to, held his fighting men to the law, and despite his reputation, didn't chase women who didn't want to be chased. Despite a reputation for being lazy, he was generally fairly well liked, although a very, very bad man to cross.

There were, however, certain status symbols he could not avoid. One of which was the presence of slaves in his manor. It was part of the way the world worked, unfortunately, and while Kyouraku enjoyed the relative freedom both his rank and the relative isolation of his manor provided, he knew neither would last if he tried anything truly revolutionary. Such as refusing to keep slaves. And it would do his people no good at all if he were killed and replaced by someone far more brutal and harsh.

But by all the gods, some days he truly hated his position. For example, on mornings when he rose to be told that a young woman had been delivered as a present for him. Sighing, and with no idea what he was going to find, he dressed and went out to meet his new slave.]

[Nanao knelt demurely where the guard had instructed her to wait. This was the moment that she had trained and studied for. This was when she was to be given to a Gentleman, to a master who would be the most important thing in her life. She'd been trained for this. She'd read books about it.

She'd read a lot of books about it.

She glanced up through her eyelashes as the door slid open. While she wasn't going to raise her eyes till she was permitted to do so, she was anxious to see what her Master would look like. My, but he was tall. And muscular. And - as far as she could see - handsome.]

[He glances down at the young woman kneeling in the waiting room, taking her in, one eyebrow raised. It was better and worse than it could have been. She was no ordinary slave; she lacked both the broken, shattered look, or the look of furious defiance. Even before his eyes strayed to the slender silver collar around her neck, he knew it would be there.

There were training schools for young women (and men) like this--something like highly trained courtesans, but taught poetry, dance, art, and even administrative skills as well as the art of pleasing in the bedroom, and intended to be given to a single patron. There was even a modicum of legal protection; a slave who'd served a single patron for over ten years was entitled to a pension from their master or mistresses estate, if their owner died.

She would have been very, very expensive. Someone had gone out of their way to give quite a valuable gift, and one that would make a statement.

It was also, Shunsui concluded, an extremely awkward situation, all things considered. He had no doubt that she was extremely talented in a number of areas--and she was quite beautiful too--but he wasn't particularly fond of the idea of sleeping with a slave. There was too much potential for abuse there, however used she might be to the idea. Still, by all the gods, he could use someone with a talent for administration. The manor records were...slapdash, to say the least.]

Saa...what's your name, little one?

Edited 2012-07-11 04:15 (UTC)

[Permission to speak! This was already going well. And he'd called her 'little one'. If that was affectionate, then good, she was doing her job properly. If it was a diminutive... possibly less so.]

This slave is named Ise Nanao, master. I am a gift to you. I will do my best to serve you well in any way that you may require.

[Her training had been to put a suggestive stress on the word 'any', but she didn't want to overdo things. Unless he liked things overdone, of course. But she'd had a chance to look at the furnishings and the building itself as she was led into the place, and the keynote seemed to be firm elegance, with just a little extravagance on top of it. If that was how his tastes went, then she should work with them. It was her job, after all.]

[OOC: Could be someone from his own family trying to encourage him to express his womanizing tendencies in a more decorous fashion, could be some other noble trying to curry favor, or even a wealthy businessman trying to get preferred status. Or none of the above XD]

[He had to hide a slight smile. She was so very serious about it, somehow; she seemed more proper than he'd have expected.]

What sort of training have you had, Nanao-chan--apart from the obvious? What do you like doing?

[For now, he was just heading towards his office with her, for lack of any better ideas that he was willing to act on.]

Oh, I've had the full range of training, master.

[She had to remind herself not to be smug about it. Such a thing should be expected in a gift for a man of rank like him.]

I have been trained in the full range of ways to please an owner, though since I was selected as a gift for you, my training was oriented towards a male owner. I have also studied a wide range of literary classics, and I have been educated in estate management and household service. My pleasure is in your service.

[And she meant it, too.]

[He smiles ruefully as he unlocks the door to the office. It's...slapdash, Ukitake would have said, if he was being polite. Administration was not among his skills, clearly. He chuckles ruefully.]

I'm afraid your management abilities might get a bit of a workout...

[He sighs, and sits down at his desk in seiza, motioning her to sit as well.]

What do you know about this estate and its lands?

[She promptly kneels down in seiza, folding her hands in her lap. Her eyes sharpen as she concentrates, recalling her study sessions.]

Well, master --

[She rattles off a quick summary of the estate's basic boundaries and holdings, before going into details on its major trading goods, both basic and luxury. She even has the details on the brands of sake and shochu that the estate produces, both the good quality stuff and the raw spirit, and the probable impact of the fact that another noble family close by has recently started expanding into the fermented spirits trade.]

But of course I haven't had a chance to really look into it in detail, master.

[She's quite apologetic about it.]

[His eyebrows shoot up as she rattles all that information off from memory, and he finally shakes his head in honest amazement.]

That's very impressive, Nanao-chan. I'm quite sure I couldn't recite all that--though Jyuu always said I should have paid more attention to those lessons.

[Well, that settles that.]

At the moment, my holding lacks a matron. I'd like you to take over those duties here--overseeing the land, records-keeping, and household administration, if you've no objections. [As a slave, she had no legal right to object, but he found that you got better work when the person was at least nominally willing, and his tone indicates he really is asking her. Being a matron or steward of a house was a highly prestigious position, as well--one that even a freeman could hold without shame (although it was more commonly given to a slave in reward for long and loyal service).]

[She flushes, quite taken aback by the magnitude of the honor he's conferring on her.]

Of course, master - Kyouraku-sama - I'll be honored to serve you in any way that you may request, and I will do everything I can to serve properly as your household's matron. Thank you for your great kindness.

[She bows her head in deep gratitude. Then a thought strikes her.]

Ah - about other duties, master...

[Oh. Maybe he already has a favored concubine. Or maybe she's too skinny. Or...]

[He chuckles ruefully.] You may want to wait to thank me until you've seen the state of the records. This holding has lacked a matron since I took over it. [And he never claimed to have any talent for administrative work. This holding was given to him in no small part because his family believed it would keep him out of trouble.]

[As to the honor itself, Shunsui prided himself on his intuition. He was quite sure Nanao would be very, very good at the job--and likely quite strictly ethical, despite the minor graft that was an expected perk of the position. But as to the other matter... His voice is gentle--kind, but not condescending.]

Nanao-chan, you're a very beautiful young woman. And I have no doubt that you are quite talented in all sorts of ways. But I do not sleep with those who cannot refuse it.

[He considered it an abuse of his position. It just wasn't the kind of man he was or wanted to be.]

I'll look on it as a challenge, master.

[After all, how confused could the holding's records really be? Right?]

[She flushed. Bright pink. Almost as pink as his over-robe.]

Kyouraku-sama, surely you aren't - you can't be -

[She had to work to get the words out, they shamed her so much.]

... turning me down.

[Slave, 2. Is that okay, or re-roll?]

[That's fine with me. This should prove interesting.]

[Trolls were a violent race, so taming one into a slave was difficult even for the most seasoned of slave traders. Generally the lowbloods and lower midbloods were easier to handle since they didn't have the same violent tendencies as highbloods did, so nobody knew what to expect when it came to Karkat and his candy-red mutant blood. While normally the crimson sludge that pumped through his veins would get him culled instantly on Alternia, here the traders saw this as a rare chance to get money. The rarest of rare, the mutant troll with crimson blood, what better servant than one of a rare variety?]

[Karkat had seen it all during his time here. Hired guard, pleasure slave, whipping post, delivery boy, servant... he'd done it all, and each time he grew colder and more emotionless about his status. He'd learned that it was better to mold himself to fit whatever his master wanted, be it writhing in bed beneath them or killing an enemy in front of them. And as each master used and returned him, he grew colder and colder, his emotion and fiery personality simmering beneath his cold grey features. It was how he survived, and he was positive this new master would be the same, however they intended to use him.]

Edited 2012-07-10 01:17 (UTC)

Well, look who's on sale today.

[How can he even begin to react to a statement like that. Right about now would be a really good time to have his 'mojo' back.]

[He comes closer, meandering, hands behind his back.]

I offered you peace, too. And you cast me aside for your apes. And now....

[Dramatic sigh.]

This.

Nothing has changed.

[Not your best strategy, Castiel. Still. Loyalty over self-preservation was sort of a trend with him.]

No, I didn't think so. Not with you, at least. You're not really the flexible type, I've learned.

Haven't you watched enough history, little brother? Adapt or die.

I have watched enough history to know that the Winchester's will never go down without a fight.

I have adapted enough to realise that there is more than one answer to the problem.

(either)

(Either though he's more well equipped to be a Master and he will be a pissy uncooperative slave.)

(either works)

The Slave Auction Meme

Loki | mcu | m/m

Merlin | Merlin BBC

Master 1/4?

Euphemia li Britannia | Code Geass | M/F | Slave or Master

We'll go Kazuma as the Master #7 and what ever you prefer for Euphemia

She will be #1~

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He needs better icons

If I knew his series I could make you some 8D if I can get pics XD /loves doing icons

Seriously? that would be amazing if you can, he's Kazuma Yagami from Kaze No Stigma

I will try my best 83 They won't be fancy but XD they should work~

I like simple icons better to be honest and just the attempt is greatly appreciated~ <3

<3 I will start working on them and put them on my photobucket~

You are fantastic, thank you ever so much.

http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f9/Chibi_no_Kutsu/Icons/ I did these I hope they are okay~

/uses one!

yays! 8D

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/throws some random heroics in? kind of.

<3 yes~

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