A/N: Okay so I'm putting a note up. This chapter and the next are going to have mentions of some very disturbing things. This is where everything starts up and I know some things will definitely trigger some people. I don't want to mention what they are beforehand because it will be taken completely out of context BUT it's detrimental to the story itself so suck it up, buttercup. I'm not going to necessarily be putting trigger warnings up at the beginning of chapters in this fic for the pure and simple reason that if you're not old enough to be reading this book with insanely adult themes then you shouldn't be here. If you're not mature enough to leave your opinions to yourself then I suggest you take them elsewhere. The first time this was written, the amount of kink-shaming comments I had to delete was astronomical and I won't have it. This book is a safe space for those who enjoy the story and the journey of the bondage lifestyle. Mockery, judgment, and negativity will immediately be removed. And that goes for every chapter from here on out. If you want to share your opinion then you'd better think it through first because what you may find gross, it could be someone else's fetish, and they won't be discouraged here. I consider all of my books and my profile a safe haven and escape for many followers, old and new and I'm going to keep it that way. Enjoy the story, and don't say I didn't warn you.

"May I get up, sir?"

"Go." Gerard sighed softly, his voice still soft but the stern edge never leaving for a wavering second. Frank had gotten up off of the floor, ignoring the ache in his knees as Gerard sat in his desk chair, his cheeks pink and eyes blown out. Frank smiled proudly at the expression on his boss' face as he wiped his hand over his mouth just in case, feeling the taste still lingering- and he hoped it would for ages, "Don't think I'm not on to you."

"Whatever do you mean, sir?" Frank asked innocently as he walked over to the mirror behind Gerard's door, fixing his hair before he turned and looked at Gerard, biting on his lip as his tongue trailed over the back of his teeth, his piercing tickling the roof of his mouth.

"Don't think that you got away with your little game. I know you did that on purpose. I know you wanted to get a rise out of me." Gerard cleared his throat, frowning at the papers on his desk, "What I fail to comprehend is why."

"Actually, I genuinely forgot about them." Frank shrugged nonchalantly as he caught Gerard's suspicious gaze as he wandered over, perching himself over the corner of Gerard's desk, "But even if that was my plan, it looked like it worked. I definitely did get a rise out of you... In more ways than one. But you started it, sir. You're the one who taught the misbehaving dog a lesson. You're the Master."

Gerard swallowed uneasily at the last word that rolled far too easily from Frank's all-too-skilled tongue and he eyed his assistant ruefully, "You're just trying to wear me down, aren't you? Because of the way I acted yesterday."

"So what if I am?" Frank asked innocently, "Is that so wrong? Is it so awful to want you the way I do when I know you feel the same? To have what I need most..."

"How do you know that?" Gerard scoffed and Frank raised his eyebrow.

"If you didn't want me, you wouldn't have come in my mouth."

"Fair point." Gerard leaned back in his chair, elbow resting on the armrest as he tapped his chin thoughtfully with his index finger, "A very fair point."

"Thanks." Frank smiled.

"But..." Gerard began and Frank groaned unhappily.

"No 'but'. I hate that 'but'."

"Unfortunately, Frank..." Gerard steepled his fingers, "You know where I stand on this. I said 'no'."

"But why..." Frank whined unhappily, almost bouncing where he sat like a child who was just denied his favorite candy, "Why-y-y..."

"Frank enough." Gerard pressed firmly, 'I said no. 'No' means no, boy."

"But I-"

"Frank!" Gerard snapped suddenly, his voice rising, making Frank jump in fright, and his mouth snap shut instantly, "I said no. And that's quite enough from you."

"Yes, sir," Frank whispered softly, looking down at his one leg that was still perched on the desk and swinging lazily.

"Off my desk." Gerard ordered simply and Frank hopped off, "Lord knows, you can behave better than this."

Frank didn't reply to that comment as he walked around Gerard's chair to the expansive bookshelf behind him, scanning and scrolling through the titles, most in English and some in French. They varied from Literature to Poetry to books on and about Politics and History. Frank didn't know what half of it meant but he kept going, remembering what Lindsey had said about Gerard's fascination with romance and poetry, wondering if he should perhaps try another approach.

"Whoa." He muttered as he spotted a book bound in crimson leather, the material looking authentic and old, the embellished words having lost their luster, "This book must be decades old."

"Be careful." Gerard was suddenly at Frank's side, silent motions that he had grown accustomed to by now, "It's over a hundred years old, boy."

"Wow..." Frank peered at the title, "It's French?"

"It is..." Gerard nodded as he took the book from the shelf and held it in his hands, "I have the English version at home but it's not very fitting for a working environment."

"Then why have the French one here?" Frank frowned as Gerard ran a finger over the book.

"Because I am the only one here who knows the language, so only I can understand what is hidden in these pages."

"And what, uh," Frank cleared his throat, "What exactly is in those pages?"

"Do you know who the Marquis de Sade is, Frank?" Gerard eyed him as he wandered over to his chair and sat down, a leg folded over the other with the book in his lap. Frank bit his lip, thinking for a moment before he shook his head, "The Marquis de Sade, or Donatien Alphonse Francois, was a French nobleman."

"Right." Frank walked over to the chair across from Gerard's desk and flopped into it, listening intently as Gerard decided to carry on with his sudden storytime.

"He was a revolutionary politician and a philosopher and a writer, as you can see. He was also famous for his libertine sexuality. He wrote all sorts of things, mind you. He's best known for his erotic works that combined philosophical discourse with pornography. He depicted sexual fantasies with an emphasis on violence, criminality, and blasphemy against Christianity. He was a proponent of extreme freedom and he was unrestrained by morality or religion or the law. In fact, the words 'sadism' and 'sadist' are derived from his very name." Gerard looked at Frank, who was more than mildly impressed.

"Sounds like a dude you could really have a beer with." Was Frank's only comment, "So, what's the book about then?"

"It's one of Marquis' most debauched works. It's called 'The 120 Days of Sodom' or as it was originally titled 'Salò'." Gerard smirked and Frank frowned deeply.

"Sounds like anal." Frank snickered, "Y'know, sodomy."

"Very apt of you, boy. Yes, that is the point." Gerard replied, sounding rather bored.

"Oh." Frank went pink, "So- So, what's it about?"

"Four fascists kidnap young men and women and subject them to torture and perversion." Gerard opened the book cover carefully and Frank stared at it in horror, silently wondering to himself why Gerard would own such a thing, let alone have it with him in his office.

"How so?" Frank choked out, his voice sounding thick and strangled as he stared at the bound pages, his stomach twisting uncomfortably.

"The novel takes place over five months, November to March," Gerard explained as Frank readjusted and leaned forward, listening intently as he laid his chin on his fist, propping himself up, "Four wealthy libertines lock themselves in a castle along with a number of victims and accomplices. Since they state that the sensations produced by the organs of hearing are the most erotic, they intend to listen to various tales of depravity from four prostitutes, which inspires them to engage in similar activities with their victims."

"Oh, I see." Frank nodded, "Then what?"

"For each of the first four months, November to February, the prostitutes take turns to tell five stories each day, relating to the fetishes of their most interesting clients, and thus totaling in one-hundred-and-fifty stories for each month. These passions are separated into four categories: simple, complex, criminal, and murderous- Escalating in complexity and savagery."

"Wait," Frank frowned, "What's in each of those categories, though? Like, I thought sex was sex with a different choice of holes."

Gerard stared at him for a long moment, an intense gaze that had Frank feeling as though he had done something wrong, his feet turning inward and his gaze turning elsewhere when Gerard spoke, "My dear boy, if those are your thoughts on sex then I pity you greatly."

"Well, then go on. Explain it." Frank urged, "I wanna know."

"You're lucky I know this by heart," Gerard looked at the book, "The 'simple' passions were first, taking place in November, as I believe. These anecdotes are the only ones written in detail. They are only considered 'simple' in terms of them not including actual sexual penetration. The anecdotes include men who like to masturbate in the faces of seven-year-old girls, and indulge in urine drinking and coprophagia."

"In what?"

"Coprophagia." Gerard nodded, "The sexual fetish of excrement."

"Like 'taking a dump on your chest' kind of thing, right?"

"To a point, yes."

"That's not at all disgusting." Frank pulled a face, grimacing at the thought, "Ew."

"Well, Frank, if you think about it this way. Anal sex is closely linked to coprophagia much to people's dismay. It's the same area whether they like it or not; the only difference is that the one instance you recognize that it's actually someone's asshole and the other time you try and not think about it because of the fact that it's actually someone's asshole." Gerard put his glasses back on with a knowing glance at his assistant. Frank stared at Gerard for the longest time, trying not to let it make sense in his head, trying not to think about it or the fact that Gerard swore.

"I'll let you ruminate on that for a while next time you have someone buried inside of you, Frank. As I was saying," Gerard cleared his throat as Frank's entire face lit up beet red, his gaze on the nearest object as Gerard continued his explanation, "As they do throughout the story-telling sections, the four libertines- Blangis, the Bishop, Curval, and Durcet- indulge in activities, similar to those they've heard, with their daughters and the kidnapped children."

"Hang on..." Frank sat up straighter, "Children?"

"They took a number of people like their own sons and daughters, other children, teenagers of both sexes, and old women."

"What the actual fuck?" Frank was disgusted, "Why would you read that?"

"I'll get to that later," Gerard smiled somewhat purposedly, "In December, December... The 'complex' passions. These anecdotes involve more extravagant perversions, such as men who vaginally rape female children, indulge in incest and flagellation."

"Flage-what?"

"Flagellation," Gerard nodded, "Flogging or beating, either as a religious discipline or for sexual gratification."

"Whoa..." Frank muttered, "That's... Whoa. What happens next, though? Do I wanna know?"

"Tales of men who indulge in sacrilegious activities are also recounted," Gerard's face went hard for a second, his jaw clenching before he relaxed somewhat, "Such as a man who enjoyed having sex with nuns whilst watching Mass being performed. The female children are deflowered vaginally during the evening orgies with other elements of that month's stories- such as whipping- occasionally thrown in."

"Gross." Frank muttered, scowling at the table as though it were to blame, completely and utterly horrified at the piece of oak furniture, "I doubt it gets any better."

"January," Gerard started as though recounting his memories of the book would be the answer to Frank's question, "The 'criminal' passions; tales are told of perverts who indulge in criminal activities, albeit stopping short of murder."

"Oh no, because 'murder' is too far in January." Frank scoffed, sitting back with his arms folded as Gerard tried to hide the smirk on his face at Frank's unsettled demeanor.

"They include men who sodomize girls as young as three, men who prostitute their own daughters to other perverts and watch the proceedings, and others who mutilate women by tearing off fingers or burning them with red-hot pokers. During the month, the four libertines begin having anal sex with the sixteen male and female children who, along with the other victims, are treated more brutally as time goes on, with regular beatings and whippings."

"Jesus..." Frank started to feel nauseous as he readjusted in his chair yet again, looking at the book as though it were about to run up and bite his arm off, or like a poisonous bug. Frank hated bugs, "I don't like any of this."

"And the final month was February," Gerard merely continued as though Frank hadn't even spoken, "February. The 'murderous' passions. The final one-hundred-and-fifty anecdotes are those involving murder. They include perverts who skin children alive, disembowel pregnant women, burn alive entire families, and kill newborn babies in front of their mothers."

"Wait, what?" Frank was abhorred, "You're fucking kidding? This is like a horror movie or some shit. Where's Jason when you need him?"

"The Crystal Lake killer isn't going to ease the situation, Frank."

"Does it get worse, though?" Frank raised an eyebrow, "It can't get worse, c'mon. They killed babies."

"The final tale is the only one since the 'simple' passions of November written in detail. It features the 'Hell Libertine' who masturbates while watching fifteen teenage girls being simultaneously tortured to death." Gerard eyed Frank then, who shrunk in his seat and fumed in silence at Gerard's obvious recant of his statement, "During this month, the libertines brutally kill three of the four daughters they have between them, along with four of the female children and two of the male ones. The murder of one of the girls, fifteen-year-old Augustine, is described in great detail, with the tortures she is subjected to including having flesh stripped from her limbs, her vagina being mutilated, and her intestines being pulled out of her sliced-open belly, and burned."

"Are you done?"

"March, this is the shortest of the segments," Gerard merely chuckled at Frank's previous question, clearly enjoying himself as he made Frank wish he hadn't asked to hear about the book in question, He ran a finger along the spine of th book delicately, "Sade summarising things even more by this final point in the novel. He lists the days on which the surviving children and many of the other characters are disposed of, although he does not give any details. Instead, he leaves a footnote to himself pointing out his intention on detailing things more in a future revision."

"You honestly worry me." Frank stood up, feeling as though sitting wasn't enough for this particular moment. His body just couldn't handle being still as he processed everything that had been recalled for him from within the yellowed pages.

"It is perhaps significant that Sade was interested in the manner in which sexual fetishes are developed. As are his primary characters, who urge the storytellers to remind them in the later stages, as to what the client in that particular anecdote enjoyed doing in their younger years," Gerard commented and Frank turned to look at him with a raised eyebrow.

"How so?"

"There are a number of recurring figures such as a man who, in the early tales, enjoys pricking women's breasts with pins and, at his reappearance in the tales in the 'murderous passions' category, delights in killing women by raping them atop a bed of nails." Gerard swapped legs, draping the left now over the right all-too-casually as his eyes stayed fixated on Frank in the corner of the office, who was almost hiding behind a tall potted plant.

"I see... And, uh- if you don't mind my asking..." Frank fidgeted again, pushing a lengthy leaf from in front of his face, "Why- Why do you have this, again?"

"Well, first off, boy," Gerard set the book down carefully, "What you need to understand is that this isn't just a book. This book coined the start of the entire lifestyle of bondage and Sado-Masochism."

"That's whips and chains and shit, right?"

"To put it as lightly as possible." Gerard nodded, "The entire lifestyle itself is not to be toyed and played with until you understand it, understand the actual horror behind it, and the dangers of getting too close. You never mess with things of which you are never fully aware. The lifestyle itself was started so long ago, over three hundred years perhaps, and the main points of it are that it's not for any one of the faintest of heart or stomach. Many people have died from it."

"Wow..." Frank whispered, his eyes now fixated on the book, "I didn't know that."

"Not many people do." Gerard nodded as he set the book back in its safe place of the shelf, "Which is rather sad considering how many people are, or try to be, involved with it. It takes a skill and finesse, and a whole other mindset to be a part of it."

"Sir?"

"Yes, boy?"

"Are- I mean..." Frank felt his cheeks flood with color, "Does it... Interest you?"

There was silence at that moment, a deafening reticence like the one that rings out after a gunshot in a crowd. Frank dared a glance up at Gerard who was standing at his bookshelf, his hand still poised over the book, his back to his now-shied assistant.

"That's a very personal question, Frank." Gerard turned and looked at him, standing at his desk with his arms folded firmly.

"As 'personal' as your dick officially in two different parts of my body?" Frank shot back as he stepped away from the plant, and one or two steps closer to his boss, "I think I'm entitled to one personal question."

"What if I don't feel like answering?" Gerard raised a poignant eyebrow as chagrin settled in Frank's stomach, a feeling of almost realization-sized epiphany.

"Then that answers it for me." Frank bit his lip, "You are, aren't you? That's... That's why you're... You."

"Frank, don't start with this."

"But- But it makes sense, though." Frank looked at Gerard as he stayed his distance from him, looking at him, "It's why you're so- I mean, I don't know jack shit about bondage but I know there's a 'dominant' person and a person who does what they're told-"

"Submissive."

"See!" Frank shot back and Gerard pursed his lips, putting his hands in his pockets, leaning on one foot, "And you're the dominant one and I can see it on you and it's the way you act with me- I mean look at what you've made me become. I can't even go and pee without feeling like I need to ask. You've made me eat breakfast for the first time since I started high school and... I call you 'sir'!"

"I'm your boss, Frank." Gerard raised his eyebrow.

"That doesn't matter, though!" Frank threw his hands up, "I can see it now... You're- Oh, my God."

"It didn't start out that way."

"But you- Ryan was right." Frank smacked his forehead, "You were, weren't you? You were grooming me."

"Stop this, Frank. You're being absurd."

"You're doing it now. Telling me what to do, ordering me around like..."

"Like my assistant?" Gerard queried and Frank let out a small laugh.

"Is that why I'm your assistant? Did you want me for other reasons and you just wanted to keep me close by just in case? Do you think I can actually do this job or am I just your test-dummy? Is this what Lindsey meant by 'company ink'? Everyone you wanted just ended up working for you just in case, it's just how you did things?"

"Frank."

"No. There's 'assistant' and then there's me. I-I didn't see it because I didn't know. I had no clue but, oh... You're like... Like, one of those dudes, aren't you?"

Gerard sat down in his desk chair as Frank stared at him, leaning on the side of the desk, their eyes locked, "Like one of what, boy?"

"Master..." Frank whispered softly.

"You have no idea what you're talking about," Gerard whispered back, his eyes never wavering from Frank's as they stared at each other.

"I think I do. I think I finally do. That's why you kept shrugging me off. You got me in bed to figure me out, didn't you? You think I can't do this, right?"

"Frank..."

"Right?" He urged again and Gerard sighed, rubbing his hands over his face in what seemed like frustration, "You thought I was what you wanted, but then once you got me, you realized that I'm not. How the fuck do you know from one night together? You don't fucking know me from Adam, Gerard!"

"Don't you talk to me that way," Gerard warned at the sudden usage of a name he was obviously not aware that Frank knew about, his voice rising and making Frank instantly want to cave and give in. Frank knew he was on the right path, he knew what he was talking about, finally seeing clearly. All he needed was for Gerard to admit it and he stood his ground, feet planted on the orange carpeted rug under his shoes.

"You're not my Master, you can't tell me what to do." Frank narrowed his eyes at Gerard, scrutinizing him, watching Gerard's jaw clench and his temple throb. He clearly didn't like that in the slightest.

"I'm still your boss," Gerard warned.

"You won't sack me. I sucked your balls." Frank grinned devilishly when Gerard's phone suddenly rang beside him on the desk, the white office phone beeping shrill, breaking their tension. Gerard eyed Frank for a moment before he leaned over and picked up the receiver.

"Gerard Way?" He answered casually as though Frank wasn't even here, "Yes, Alex? I'll be there now." Gerard hung up the phone a moment later and Frank raised an eyebrow, watching as Gerard got up.

"You're leaving?"

"I'm going across the hall." Gerard stated simply before he looked at Frank, who had turned around as he walked to the door, "You stay."

Frank watched him walk out and shut the door again and he let out a sighing breath, his mind reeling, his heart thumping in his chest as though a prisoner begging to escape from its cell. He knew he could use this situation to his advantage, he knew that somehow he could persuade Gerard into seeing sense. He just didn't know how. He knew now who and what Gerard was, knew now that Gerard was more than definitely in charge not only in the office but in every aspect of his life. Sure, Frank didn't know a lot about the subject but he was more than willing to try if it meant Gerard was the one to do it to him. And as long as no one murdered babies.

Frank thought quick on his feet suddenly, pushing Gerard's desk chair aside and out of the way, he then dropped to his feet, sitting up on his knees, knowing that Gerard always looked at him wholly differently when he was like this. It had to be something important. And he waited, facing the side of Gerard's desk that he'd have to walk around to see him, keeping himself out of sight until the very last second. A couple of minutes later the door opened again and Frank's heart stopped, his body froze as he heard the very same door close softly.

"Frank?" Gerard called out curiously when he obviously noted the office was empty but Frank didn't reply, not wanting to give himself away, "I'm going to skin that boy." Frank heard Gerard's shoes on the floor, coming closer when the wheels of the desk chair moved, spun out of his periphery and Gerard stood there in its place, polished shoes being the only thing Frank could see besides neat hem of his dark teal slacks.

"What are you doing?" Gerard queried, his voice softer than it was before he left, his question not so much filled with confusion or intrigue but more than a resolve, "Frank?"

"Yes, sir?" Frank asked, unmoving.

"What are you doing down there?"

"You told me to stay." Frank replied simply as he tried to control the shake in his voice when his nerves kicked in at full-force, "I'm doing what I'm told."

"I thought I couldn't do that?" The question from Gerard's lips sounded both rhetorical and sarcastic as though he were merely mimicking Frank's earlier statement, knowing full well that if push came to shove that he would do it anyway. Only now, the difference was a physical declaration of that statement.

"Maybe I changed my mind," Frank looked up at Gerard, his stomach in a bundled mess like a ball of snakes, consistent moving inside of him that was only made worse by the look he was being given, "Maybe I want to do as I'm told."

"Is that what you want?"

"Yes, sir." Frank barely managed above a whisper, so sure that it had been louder and hoping that Gerard was better at lip-reading than he was at speaking right now.

"You do realize what you're asking? What you're getting involved in?" Gerard raised an eyebrow, still unmoved as he held the chair's backrest.

"I'm getting involved in you." Frank frowned, "And... And the things that you... Do."

"You have no idea of the things I do," Gerard stated pointedly and Frank swallowed hard, his throat drying up at the mere thought.

"Then, tell me. Show me." Frank leaned forward slightly, looking up in earnest, "I want this. I wouldn't be here if I didn't. I wouldn't have stayed if, for a minute, I thought I couldn't do it."

"Frank..."

"Please..." Frank looked back down, rejection slowly seeping down onto his head like syrup, "I don't understand why you're like this. I'm giving myself to you just short of a bow on my head and you're still saying 'no'."

"Because if I bring you into this, I put your wellbeing, your mentality, and your life into my hands. It's not some frivolous high school fling, Frank. Once I own you, I own you. You're mine and it's all binding, I care for you and I make sure to do my damn best."

"You..." Frank frowned, looking up again to see the deadpan seriousness in Gerard's eyes, "Really?"

"If it were just a relationship, I would have swept you up long ago, before any of this happened. But it's not. And I don't do that, either. I have never been the type for normalcy, for the bland and stale of the day-to-day relationship. And I figured that you wouldn't want it- want me- after coming from the relationship you did."

"I know it's huge, I know it... It's a big thing but, sir- I-" Frank frowned as he tried to find words, getting muddled and lost in Gerard's stern gaze despite how molten amber his eyes appeared, "I can do this."

"You're sure of yourself." Gerard sat down in his desk chair, turning to face Frank with his elbows resting on his knees, leaning forward slowly, "You do realize what it entails, boy?"

"Not to detail..." Frank admitted then, looking down.

"Look at me, boy. Right now you look at me, understand?" Gerard ordered and Frank returned his gaze up again, "Good. Now... If you do decide to do this, you do realize you won't be in charge here?"

"I understand." Frank nodded vigorously, "Don't think I'd know how, to be honest."

"No one's in charge but me." Gerard warned, "But in saying that, you as the submissive hold all of the power, do you realize that?"

"What?" Frank frowned as he nudged closer, "I don't understand..."

"I may be holding you down, but you have the power to stop me. I may win battles, but you win wars." Gerard purred softly and Frank swallowed, his hands shaking in his lap, "I may have the power to make you hurt, to keep you in control, but you tell me when it's enough, you tell me what you want and I have to listen to you. That's how this works, Frank."

"That's... There's a word for that, I know that. Wait." Frank frowned, "For the- the stopping thing."

"A safeword, boy." Gerard nodded and Frank looked up, smiling, "You're not completely in the dark."

"I'm not."

"Not unless I put you in it," Gerard warned, making Frank freeze, his eyes widening.

"Wh-What?"

"Relax." Gerard waved a hand, "You see, because of the extreme nature of this type of relationship, a lot or most partners sign a contract."

"You're kidding." Frank scoffed and Gerard shook his head, "Why?"

"Because each submissive goes through one with their Dominant and they decide what their limits are, and it's a physical and documented contract to prove that they're both of sound-mind and that they both agree to adhere to the rules."

"Whoa..." Frank whispered, "So, I'd have to sign it?"

"Of course." Gerard nodded, "I wouldn't let you in if you didn't."

"Is it legally binding?"

"No. You're not legally obligated to me, but it is a written contract and each partner has to keep a safe copy."

"Do- Do you have to make one or..." Frank readjusted on his knees before Gerard got up, grabbing him under the arms and hoisting him up. Frank was always surprised by how strong Gerard was, "Whoa!"

"I already have one, boy. I've had it for a while." Gerard admitted and Frank's jaw dropped before he broke into a wide grin.

"You old perv." He chuckled, "You've wanted this for ages."

"Would you like to do this now?" Gerard asked and Frank bit his lip, thinking it over before he decided.

"I wanna get something to drink first."

Frank returned to Gerard's office moments later with a steaming mug in his hands, the contents of which he wasn't overly pleased about. He had gone in search of coffee only to find that the pot was empty and there was no coffee in sight; instant or filter. He had rifled through the cabinets before stealing a teabag from one of the containers and steeping it for probably way too long.

Frank took an experimental sip of it, shrugging at the taste when he had identified it as any tea that wasn't green, and decided to keep it. He slid into the chair across from Gerard, taking another sip as Gerard sorted through papers that Frank could only assume was for him.

"Tea, I see?" Gerard commented, "I didn't take you as a 'tea' boy."

"Not usually," Frank swallowed another sip, "There wasn't any coffee left and this was all that was left. I snagged it from that green Tupperware."

"Oh," Gerard smiled, "That's my ginger and orange tea. It's good, is it not?"

"Not too bad, yeah." Frank smiled as he nursed the sturdy cup to his chest with both hands and looked on, "That's a lot of pages."

"Twenty-three neatly typed out pages that cover all, if not most, of the things in the lifestyle. If not, it's the most important things that I feel are a necessity. I feel that I, myself, have knowledge enough to have seen this contract through despite having cited multiple sources to create a lengthy, but defined and fully-covered, list of the types of play, fetishes, paraphilias, and limits."

"None of that is English to me," Frank stated simply, earning a soft chuckle from his boss in return.

"We'll go through it as paced as you'd like and cover anything that you don't understand." Gerard reassured, "Don't be afraid to ask. I encourage questions."

"Okay."

"So," Gerard turned to the first page when he slid a sleek silver pen towards Frank, who then sat up, setting his mug down on one of Gerard's glass coasters, "Read this out loud and sign where needed. I've taken the liberty of signing all of my parts already."

"Dominant and submissive contract," Frank cleared his throat, "I, Frank Anthony Iero Junior, hereafter referred to as the 'submissive'- This is a dope pen- do of my own free will, and being of sound mind and body, do hereby offer myself in consensual submission to Gerard Arthur Way- Your middle name is 'Arthur'?"

"It is, indeed." Gerard smiled, turning in his chair, watching as Frank fiddled with the pen in his hands.

"-Hereinafter referred to as 'Master', for the period beginning at midnight on- What's the date?"

"It's the twenty-second of January." Gerard offered with a smile, "2015."

"Right." Frank filled in the date on the provided line, "And ending at midnight on- Wait, what?"

"Some partnerships are for a specific time. And some choose to renew their contracts after a certain time." Gerard moved closer as he slid the document slightly sideways to look at it, "What do you think, boy?"

"Oh, uh... A year? Is- Is that good for now?"

"It's your contract." Gerard waved a hand to the pages as Frank nodded, filling in the date for a year from then.

"This agreement may be terminated at any time before the above named day by either party only in the event of a breach of contract. On the above-named date, this agreement will be reviewed, negotiated, and rewritten, or terminated."

"Understand?" Gerard asked and Frank nodded, "Keep going."

"Part One. 'Submissive'." Frank lifted the contract up to read it as he took a careful sip of tea, "The submissive agrees to submit completely to the Master in all ways. There are no boundaries of place, time, or situation in which the submissive may willfully refuse to obey the directive of the Master without risking punishment, except in situations where the submissive's veto- See one-point-one -applies. The submissive also agrees that, once entered into the Contract, their body belongs to their Master; to be used as seen fit, within the guidelines defined herein. That's kinky shit."

"That's the general consensus, Frank." Gerard smiled, highly amused at Frank's apparent nonchalance.

"All of the submissive's possessions likewise belong to the Master to do with as they see fit. Including, but not restricted to; all assets, finances, and material goods." Frank took another sip, "Lucky for you, I own jack squat... The submissive agrees to please the Master to the best of their ability, in that they now exist solely for the pleasure of said Master. The submissive will have their hair washed and brushed in the style Master prefers at all times. The submissive agrees to wear any and all clothing Master picks. The submissive agrees to answer any and all questions asked by Master freely, promptly, and to the best of their knowledge. They further agree to volunteer any information that Master should know regarding their physical or emotional state. Whoa, this is..."

"Too much?" Gerard asked curiously and Frank shook his head, frowning somewhat as he pressed the end of the pen to his lip in thought.

"Thorough," Frank nodded then, "So, if I'm feeling sad or something I have to tell you just in case I get crabby?"

"It's advised."

"What if I'm crabby because I'm constipated? What then? Do I really have to share that or can I try and sneak one of those fancy yogurts?"

"That's a judgment call." Gerard pursed his lips, trying his best not to smile too widely at Frank's childish question, "You decide whether or not I need to know the frequency of your bowels, I think."

"And I decide not." Frank nodded with resolution before he continued reading, "Master agrees to never use this information to harm them in any way. The submissive agrees to address Master as 'Sir' or 'Master' unless otherwise directed. They agree to speak respectfully to Master at all times, including times not spent in a scene. Master may address the submissive in any way they so choose. Any way they choose?"

"Any way." Gerard nodded.

"You're to call me 'Griselda Laffy Taffy' and nothing else." Frank decided.

"It's not your decision." Gerard chuckled and Frank took a sip of tea, eyeing his boss over the rim of the mug with a wide grin.

"You're no fun."

"Oh, I think you'll find that statement to be a false accusation. Now keep reading." Gerard pointed to the contract, "A lot to go through."

"Part one-point-one. 'Submissive's Veto'. The submissive, where appropriate, holds veto power over any command given by the Master, at which time they may rightfully refuse to obey that command. This power may only be invoked under the following circumstances, or other circumstances agreed on by both Master and submissive. These circumstances include where said command conflicts with any existing laws and may lead to fines, arrest, or prosecution of the submissive. Where said command may cause extreme damage to submissive's life. Such as losing their job, causing family stress, etc. Where said command may cause permanent bodily harm- see 4.0- to the submissive and where said command may cause psychological trauma to the submissive- i.e. a rape scene for a submissive that has been raped in the past."

"Understand?" Gerard asked and Frank nodded, "You sure?"

"I know what a 'veto' is, sir." Frank smiled and Gerard pursed his lips before gesturing to the next page, which the latter turned to, "Part two. 'The Master'. Ooh... Saucy."

"I can read that, if you like." Gerard held his hand out, taking the contract from Frank before he cleared his throat and started reading from the printed document, "The Master accepts the responsibility of the submissive's body, and worldly possessions, to do with as they see fit, under the provisions determined in this contract. The Master agrees to care for the submissive, to arrange for the safety and well-being of the submissive, as long as they own them. The Master also accepts the commitment to treat the submissive properly, to train, punish, care for the submissive, and use them as they see fit. Master agrees to learn what excites the submissive through exploration and communication and try to incorporate this into the relationship. Master agrees to furnish the submissive with a symbolic token of ownership-"

"What?" Frank frowned then, sitting up slightly as he caught sight of Gerard's raised eyebrow, "I mean, uh- Pardon?"

"Something catch your attention, boy?"

"A token of ownership?" Frank asked, tilting his head to the side.

"Well, usually it's like a piece of jewelry to signify that I own you. Many and most pick a different type of collar depending on the relationship. There are quite a few different types of collars. But collars aren't a lot of people's accepted social attire so they wear a collar at home and when they're out they wear something a bit less conspicuous like a bracelet or a soft collar made of velvet. Or even just an ownership tag."

"And I get something?"

"Of course." Gerard looked at Frank with a hard pause, "I own you."

"O-Oh..." Frank whispered, his stomach practically vaulting over his left lung at the way Gerard had spoken to him.

"The submissive," Gerard continued, hiding his smirk to a degree almost as though he knew what had happened inside of Frank at that moment, "Agrees to wear this symbol at all times, except when Master states to do so, would be inappropriate or would non-contractually involve others. Master accepts full responsibility of the submissive. This includes but is not limited to their: survival, health, physical well-being, and mental well-being."

"Right." Frank nodded, "Got it, sir."

"Part three," Gerard punctuated, "'Scenes'. The submissive accepts full responsibility for informing Master of any real or perceived dangers or safety concerns, but also states that the Master's decision will be final regarding these issues, with the proper explanation. Master agrees that the submissive will not be punished for respectfully stating these concerns. Master further agrees to listen to their concerns with a clear and open mind. Master shall endeavor not to inflict physical harm upon the submissive which might require the attention of someone outside the relationship. The submissive agrees to accept the responsibility of using a 'safe word' when necessary. Now, Frank, there's a part here to fill in that you need to decide on, boy."

"Which is?"

"You need a 'safeword' and a 'safe signal' for when you're unable to speak." Gerard pointed to the two blank lines in the paragraph of writing and Frank's mind went completely blank. Gerard continued to explain, "Something you wouldn't say during sex, something completely random that you and I will understand as you wanting me to completely stop."

"Oh shit, uh..." Frank scratched at his head, "I don't fucking know, sir."

"How about..." Gerard's brows knitted together as he contemplated, "Pineapples."

"P-" Frank looked up from the pages at Gerard's amused eyes and all-knowing smirk, "You're kidding me?"

"It was one of the first things I noticed about you, boy."

"Ah, the fucking socks." Frank smacked his forehead lightly, "Knew they'd come back to bite me in the ass. Fuck. Fine. 'Pineapples', it is."

"And a signal."

"How about I 'middle finger' you?" Frank asked jokingly as he smiled, taking a small sip of the still-scalding tea.

"Despite whatever it is I'll be doing, perhaps you pick something a little less vulgar?" Gerard offered.

"Fine. The hidden middle finger." Frank held up his three fingers, "See it's up but you got one on each side so it's not offensive and you have plausible deniability."

"Three fingers it is." Gerard surrendered, "Coincidentally, three fingers seems to be a fan favorite where you're concerned."

"How do you manage to make fingering my ass sound less vulgar than it is?" Frank looked up from filling in the contract.

"I'm Batman, Frank. Now write." Gerard nodded, "I want to still be thirty-six when we finish this."

"Keep your thong on." Frank scowled as he filled in the last line before sliding it over to Gerard, who inspected the page.

"Did you have to write 'hidden middle finger'?" Gerard asked rhetorically, sighing softly as he scratched his eyebrow, decidedly going on with narrating the contract, "Submissive acknowledges their safe signals as such, and Master accepts the responsibility of assessing situations where the submissive calls 'safe word' and will, to the best of their ability, stop the activity entirely. Master agrees not to punish them for the use of a safe word. Thereafter the situation will be discussed calmly between Master and the submissive, find the problem, and mediate a solution."

"Gotcha." Frank nodded, "Keep going, sir."

"Master agrees to furnish all toys such as vibrators, etc. and punishment implements such as crops and whips. The submissive agrees to clean and maintain all toys, have them available for Master's use at all times, and inform Master of any needed repairs or replacements. The submissive will discuss and write out their soft and hard limits. They both agree to never violate these limits without prior negotiation or consent of the other. At the end of the play, Master will remember the aftercare for both of them; it is an important part of a scene and will conclude play."

"Aftercare?"

"Physical, mental, emotional, and psychological caring after a scene has taken place to ensure that both partners are okay and not damaged in any way." Gerard nodded, "Some things can be a bit harsh or hard on either one and maintenance is key."

"Right, okay." Frank nodded, spinning the pen in his fingers still, "What's next?"

"Section four," Gerard smirked slightly, "'Punishment'."

"O-Oh..." Frank leaned in slightly, "Can- Can I see?"

"You're more than welcome, boy." Gerard handed the contract back and Frank stared at the bold section-heading with apprehension. He knew exactly what it meant, "Loud and clear, Frank."

"The submissive agrees and understands that any infractions of this agreement, or any action they commit which displeases Master, will result in punishment. The submissive will gracefully accept punishment and try to learn from it. They agree to assemble the punishment materials as ordered by Master and assume any position needed to accept the punishment." Frank looked at Gerard for a second, his cheeks flushing a rosy pink and growing warm, "They understand that failure to comply with Master's orders will result in a more severe punishment. Master will inform submissive that they are being punished when punishment occurs. H-How severe are we talking here?"

"As severe as I think is necessary." Gerard sat back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other.

"Master will explain the reason for punishment either before, during, or following punishment. Master agrees to discipline only out of a desire to better the submissive, and further agrees to never punish out of, or during, feelings of anger." Frank sighed, "So, you can flog me however you please but not when you're constipated because there's no yogurt."

"Right."

"That's reassuring." Frank nodded, "Gerard?"

"Yes, boy?"

"Please always have yogurt." Frank bit his lip nervously when Gerard laughed at Frank's plea, chuckling at the nervous humor.

"I'll put it on the list." Gerard looked at the contract, "What's next?"

"Section four-point-one. 'Rules of punishment'," Frank looked at Gerard before he started reading, "Punishment of the submissive is subject to certain rules designed to protect the submissive from intentional abuse or permanent bodily harm- See four-point-two. Punishment must not incur permanent bodily harm, or the following forms of abuse," He turned the page, the first word making him jump slightly, "Blood may not be drawn at any time. Punishment must stop immediately if blood is drawn, burning the body, drastic loss of circulation, causing internal bleeding, loss of consciousness. Withholding of any necessary materials, such as food, water, or sunlight for extended periods of time.

"So, if any of those were to happen, punishment doesn't happen, alright?"

"I'd fucking hope not." Frank whispered, "Four-point-two, 'permanent bodily harm'- Wait. This has to be its own section?"

"Of course, dear boy." Gerard frowned, "If anything it should have it's own emblazoned signage."

"Wow." Frank looked down at the heading for a moment, "Since the body of the submissive now belongs to the Master, it is the Master's responsibility to protect that body from permanent bodily harm. Should the submissive ever come to permanent bodily harm during the course of punishment or in any other related activity, whether by intention or accident, it will be grounds for immediate termination of this contract, should they so desire. Permanent bodily harm shall be determined as the following..."

"Read these carefully."

"Death- Whoa, right off the bat with this. Fucking 'death'?" Frank looked up incredulously, "Death."

"I did say that before. If you're in improper hands or someone who isn't of full knowledge. Mistakes are made and costs are lengthy." Gerard stated grimly, his face grave as he ran a hand through his hair.

"Any damage that involves loss of mobility or function, including broken bones, any permanent marks on the skin, including scars, burns, or tattoos, unless accepted by the submissive. Any loss of hair, unless accepted by the submissive, any piercing of the flesh which leaves a permanent hole, unless accepted by the submissive, any diseases that could result in any of the above results, including sexually transmitted diseases."

"Speaking of," Gerard muttered, "When were you last tested, Frank?"

"Oh!" Frank looked up at the ceiling as he thought back to the last time he had gone, "A...bout a week after I broke up with Ryan, I think. I mean, he was the only person I'd been with but I'm always cautious."

"Hang on, the only one?" Gerard frowned and Frank looked at him, looking at his surprise.

"Well, yeah," Frank straightened up, "Besides you, I mean. We started dating in high school. Six years, I'm only twenty-two."

"So, he was your first?" Gerard asked as he nodded more to himself than anyone else before shaking his head slightly and returning back to the topic, "And you're clean, I take it?"

"I keep my results in my wallet," Frank gestured to where his office was, "I can show you."

"I'll look later but I'm taking your word for it." Gerard slid his own test results towards Frank, who peered over it, "Fit as a fiddle."

"AB positive." Frank pursed his lips, "Go, you."

"Point is." Gerard took the sheet back and put it in his drawer, "I get monthly check-ups to be on the safe side and I suggest you take it into advisement to do the same."

"Alright." Frank nodded, "I suppose I can do that."

"Carry on, I believe there was more in that section." Gerard pointed with a dismissive finger-swipe in the general direction of the contract on the desk.

"Nope." Frank turned the page, "Section five, though. 'Others'. The submissive may not seek any other Master or lover or relate to others in any sexual or submissive way without the Master's permission; to do so will be considered a breach of contract, and will result in extreme punishment. The Master may accept other submissives or lovers- I beg your sweet fucking pardon?"

"Keep reading, Frank."

"-but must consider the submissive's emotional response to such actions and act accordingly. Oh..." Frank frowned to himself at his stupidity, blushing bright red at how defensive he got at the thought of Gerard with anyone else, but urged himself to move on, feeling his insides grow tight and his skin hot and flustered, "Under no circumstance should the Master allow such actions to unbalance the submissive emotionally, or allow such actions to result in ignoring the submissive. The Master may give the submissive to other Masters, provided that the submissive agrees and the rules of this contract are upheld. In such a situation, the Master will inform the new Master of the provisions stated herein, and any breach by the new Master will be considered a breach by the Master as well, subject to all rules stated in this contract. Uh- the fuck he won't."

"Don't like sharing, I see?" Gerard commented and Frank scowled up at him ruefully, "Okay, calm down. No sharing. That's alright, at least you're bargaining and we're talking."

"No sharing." Frank scowled at the contract, "Also, I've noticed something."

"Yes?"

"Your contract is wonky," Frank sniffed, "Master and Dominant get capitalized but submissive doesn't. That's not right, though. Submissive is also a title. It's a noun."

"Be that as it may, in the bondage world, there is a thing called Capitalization and Honorifics." Gerard explained, "Some in the BDSM lifestyle insist that words referring to the dominant person in a relationship should always be capitalized, whereas those referring to the submissive partner should be written in lowercase. In the world of BDSM, it is your Master or Mistress who determines all your rules of capitalization, not the grammar books. For one, if I tell you to capitalize my title, you do so, end of the story. But in general, my dear boy, the Dominant is with a capital letter because they are of more importance and of higher stature. The submissive or slave is a nothing and has to earn their right to have any sort of honor or capital letter in their name or title. And it's all to do with respect, the subservient is never on the same level as their Dominant unless put there, both on paper and physically."

"You guys really do the details..." Frank muttered, "Well, alright then, I was wrong."

"I'm glad you asked, Frank." Gerard slid the contract back to him and turned to the next page, "Section six, 'Secrecy'."

"What?"

"All physical evidence of the agreement will be kept in total secrecy, except where both Master and submissive agree. Any violation of this clause shall be cause to terminate this contract, should the injured party wish it. The materials and physical evidence shall be kept under lock-and-key in a place acceptable to both parties," Gerard looked up, "That's a general rule for everyone in the lifestyle but I stick to it a little more closely given my political station, you understand?"

"Definitely, sir." Frank nodded eagerly, "I totally get it."

"Section seven, 'Alteration and Termination of Contract'," Gerard read out, his voice flowing as smooth as honey for Frank like it always did, the sound was calming, melodious with just a smidge of drop-dead fucking sex God. Frank had to physically reel himself in to pay attention to Gerard's words, "This contract may not be altered, except when both Master and submissive agree. If the contract is altered, the new contract shall be printed and signed, and then the old contract must be destroyed. This contract may be terminated at any time by the Master or the submissive. Upon termination, all physical evidence of the agreement, including this contract, will be destroyed, and all materials and belongings shall belong to the Master, to be shared or kept as they see fit. The submissive, owning nothing and having agreed to give up all worldly possessions and body to the Master, shall once again own their body, but nothing else, unless the Master decides to give back their possessions."

"Hey, at least I'll get my jack squat back," Frank commented, trying to avoid any and all thoughts as to why the contract would be terminated.

"Now," Gerard slid it back to Frank, "Read and sign. Name, date, and signature on the correct lines please."

"Right." Frank clicked his pen, "I have read and fully understand this contract in its entirety. I agree to give everything I own to my Master, and further accept their claim of ownership over my physical body. I understand that I will be commanded and trained and punished as a submissive, and I promise to be true and to fulfill the pleasures and desires of my master to the best of my abilities. I further understand that I can withdraw from this contract at any time. Signed, Frank Anthony Iero Junior."