If you aren't aware that Vanilla is a book for adults or at least very mature young adults, then this is your notice. If you're under 18, you really shouldn't be reading it. I have put an age limit of at least +17 and up for this book. It's not just some spanking and hair-pulling. It's extremely explicit and not for young children. It's not to be an old grump who doesn't think young kids should explore sexuality, it's the opposite. When you're that young, you shouldn't be thinking about things like that. You shouldn't be exposed to it until you're old enough. If you want to continue reading it then I can't physically stop you unless I feel as though you aren't mature enough.

I feel it highly irresponsible on my behalf to allow children to read something that isn't appropriate for them. If you disagree with me then that's your opinion and you're welcome to it but I take the authoritative ground because the book belongs to me. I promised a safe space for all my readers and I will continue to uphold that. Younger readers often don't have boundaries or don't understand this is and it can be harmful to themselves and to others who seek solace in my work. If you cannot behave, you will be escorted out. It's a safe space for all and I would rather cater to the needs of many rather than the selfish need of one. I hope you enjoy your journey with any and all of my works and I hope you will uphold your responsibility to your friends and fellow readers by creating a loving and safe community within our reaches of this platform.

Yours gratefully and dutifully, Parker.

P.S. I love and appreciate each and every one of you. Even the younger ones. Just because I have to put my foot down as an adult and set boundaries, doesn't mean I don't appreciate you and your support, it just means I care more about your well-being than I do about comments and reads.

"I'm glad you're feeling better." Gerard stated softly as Frank lifted his head up off the desk from where it had been buried in his arms, "You look better."

"I'm okay. I'm calm. Over it." Frank took in a heavy, slow breath, holding it for a second before he exhaled, nodding, "Yeah. Glad I had lunch after that."

"We can continue with this another time, boy." Gerard offered, "Some partners take weeks to fine-tune their contracts."

"No, I-I'm good. We're almost done." Frank waved Gerard off slightly, "I'm excited to get through this."

"Are you sure?"

Frank replied silently by holding up the green marker in his hand, giving Gerard a small smile before turning the page, looking at the heading, "Section eight-point-four. 'Glossary and Limits'."

"It's both. This last section is going to cover almost everything that's part of the lifestyle from key terms to props to scenes and play. I want you to not only 'soft' and 'hard' limit but make sure you understand these terms, boy." Gerard ran a finger over the first page of the list, "And don't be afraid to ask."

"So, I marker the things as I did before?"

"As you did before. Some are just basic terms and some will be repeated in different names. I'm almost sure there are four different words for a blowjob hidden in there." Gerard chuckled, "It's just so that we're thorough."

"Thorough is good." Frank smiled before he crossed his one leg under the other in his chair and wheeled himself closer, "24/7: a relationship in which protocols are in place continuously. Alright yeah, green. Adult Babies: Ageplay wherein the submissive is the baby. This may include diapering, powdering, wearing a pacifier, sleeping in a crib, etc. I wish I had a more red marker for this one."

"I'll invest in one for you." Gerard chuckled and Frank smiled, eyeing his boss before he continued, fiddling with the cap on the marker idly.

"Adult Toy Chest: a place where one keeps their sex toys, a sex toy box. Green obviously. Do you already have one, by the way? All of this stuff?"

"I have, yes. Although, I should forewarn you that I don't recycle toys and props. If you are to become my submissive and at the end of the contract, you leave or you're to leave prematurely then I let you take ten items and the rest I donate."

Frank frowned, "Donate?"

"There are people I know who have foundations within the lifestyle that take in second-hand toys and props, clean them and sell them for a cheaper price to Doms and subs who cannot afford to buy them new."

"That's pretty cool." Frank smiled, "So, anything I use won't have been anyone else's?"

"I make sure of it. It's a hygiene issue for me. And I don't like looking at something and being reminded of a previous submissive when I'm with my current one." Gerard shrugged, "It's disorienting. The room itself has props rotated every few months as well. Same things but I also donate the bigger props like my bars and crosses and sawhorses for example."

"No idea what those are." Frank chuckled nervously and Gerard put his hand on Frank's thigh slowly, making him suck in a breath.

"You will," Gerard reassured, "Keep on."

"Animal transformation fantasy: fantasy in which the focus is on the sub entering the altered mind-space of a different species, often a dog, cat, or horse. Red, red, red. Abrasion: to wear down the skin by using friction, materials, and toys such as sandpaper, steel wool, rough cloth, and bottlebrushes are often used. Oh, God, that's..." Frank went pink, running the green marker over the two lines, "Aftercare- Oh, I remember what you said about that. Yeah, green. Ageplay: Usually referring to Daddy/daughter or Mommy/baby role play, does not usually include or imply aspects of incest, but rather the nurturing relationship of parent/child or teacher/student. Fuck every single inch of that."

Frank looked at Gerard for a second as the latter got up, walking over to a painting in the corner when he swung it open slowly to reveal a safe in the wall that had Frank's jaw dropping in surprise.

"I have something in here that will help with some of the items on this list that may need more than an explanation." Gerard punched in a code and the door opened. Frank watched in awe as Gerard reached in and pulled out a thick book before closing the safe and walking back, "Here."

"What is it?" Frank looked at the plain black cover and then at his boss with a frown.

"This is the book that my attorney used to create this list, not only does it have the name and description but beneath each item or prop there is a picture or a diagram. To help you understand."

"That's fucking dope." Frank grinned as Gerard looked at the list and opened the book to the right page, "Alligator Clamp: a type of nipple clamp with tips that have teeth resembling an alligator's mouth. Most clamps of this style come with removable rubber tips and have adjustment screws to limit how far they can close."

"There we go." Gerard pointed with his index finger to the picture at the bottom of the page on the right and Frank glanced over, his body tensing at the sight of the lengthy clip, "You can get these at most hardware stores honestly, they use them for many things in electrical nature."

"Green," Frank coughed, lighting the word before continuing, "Anal Dildo: a dildo that is intended to be used with the anus as the receptor. Green. Do I need to look at the picture of everything or just the things I don't know?"

"Up to you. I mean a dildo is self-explanatory." Gerard chuckled and Frank couldn't help the smile that widened on his lips before he carried on.

"Anal Intercourse: Sex using the anus as the receptor. Fuck yes, thanks. Green in every shade. Anal plugs: a butt plug is a sex toy that is designed to be inserted into the rectum for sexual pleasure. Green in the same shade." Frank looked at the picture underneath the 'Anal plugs' heading, staring for a second at the simple black butt plug when he frowned to himself and carried on.

"Ankle Cuffs: attachable cuffs, generally made of leather, that enable a Dom to immobilize his submissive's legs. Green. Ankle Restraints: any device including ankle cuffs that immobilize a submissive's legs. Green. Animal Training- No. Arm and leg sleeves or binders: a binder is a type of restraint device primarily used in bondage play designed to bind the arms and legs and/or hands and feet to each other or to the body, usually behind the back, and employing a range of bondage equipment including cuffs, rods, straps, and gloves. Whoa... Kinky. Green."

"I have no doubt about how great you'd look in those," Gerard commented simply and Frank sucked in a breath at the soft but suggestive tone to Gerard's voice.

"Aromas: using smells in scenes. Green. Autoclave: professional sterilization device for piercing equipment. Green, obviously. Auctioned off- I- What? No. Please, don't auction me off." Frank suddenly whimpered, his eyes wide as he turned to look at Gerard with horror, "I 'safeword' to that."

"Relax." Gerard smiled, tucking a piece of Frank's hair behind his ear, "I'm not letting you out of my possession in the slightest."

"Good." Frank mumbled as he striped the line in red three times to make sure before he continued, "Bad pain: pain which is outside hard limits, non-mutual or non-valued, not wished for, and of limited or no value in this context, bad pain refers to unpleasant pain. As a 'vanilla' example, imagine soreness after a good workout at the gym versus the pain of breaking a leg. Whoa- Fuck. I-I'm redding that one."

"I'd be worried if you didn't," Gerard replied simply as he flipped the page.

"Ball Gag: a device with a rubber ball and straps, which secures the ball in the bottom's mouth to stifle screams. Why do I love the sound of that?" Frank striped it in green as he turned and looked at the ballgag picture in the book that Gerard was so kind enough to page for him, "Ball Stretching: the practice of stretching the scrotal sack- Wh- so that it hangs lower using weights or other devices to pull on it above the testicles, a-as the sack is pulled, the testicles are squeezed leading to discomfort and sometimes pain. I think the fuck not. Red. And you stop laughing."

Frank turned to see Gerard hiding his obvious amusement behind his hand, his eyes sparkling with laughter at his assistant, "My apologies."

"Ball Torture: causing pain to the male testicles, also included in CBT or cock and ball torture. Red. Ball Toys: toys used for playing with the scrotum, such as cages, straps, etc. Okay, that's fine. Green for that. Ball Weights: weights used to stretch the scrotum. Hell no, red."

Gerard turned the picture and Frank caught sight of the ominous-looking pair of shoes, turning to look at the contract, "Ballet Boots: extremely high heeled boots that require you to stand on the ends of your toes rather than the sole of your foot, usually, they have heels that are 8-9 inches and require considerable training and ability to walk without assistance, sometimes also referred to as bondage boots. Um, I'm gonna have to say 'no'."

"Good, because I don't own them anymore. Lindsey found them when I was about to throw them out and she stole them. She wears them often, I just haven't had the heart to tell her why I owned them in the first place." Gerard chuckled and Frank opened his mouth to say something before he decided against it and tried to hide the smile before turning back to the page in front of him on the desk.

"Barbell: a straight piece of metal used in piercing, as opposed to a ring. Like in my tongue, yeah. Green. Bastinado: the act of whipping the sub's feet, usually the sub would be tied up to restrict movement as the torture is being inflicted, part of impact play. So many times green." Frank sucked in a breath at the thought, trying to calm himself down already, "B&D: Bondage and Discipline. Although they go together in this phrase, they are not inextricably linked. Bondage means restraining someone in a helpless position- such as being tied up. Discipline is training a person to behave in a certain way. They tend to go together because Dominants tend to do both to their submissive. Green for sure."

"Always good to know," Gerard replied simply as he began rolling up the sleeves on his shirt, making Frank falter slightly before he carried on reading.

"BDSM or Bondage/Discipline, Dominance/Submission, Sadism/Masochism: a combined acronym often used as a catchall for anything in the kink scene, a popular acronym for activities inclusive of- but not limited to- Bondage, Domination/Discipline, Submission/Sadism & Masochism. Also called 'WIITWD', an acronym for 'What It Is That We Do.' Both mean this type of alternative lifestyle. That's so dope." Frank muttered, striping the whole paragraph in green as swiftly as possible, "BDSM Toy Box: a place where one keeps their BDSM gear or play equipment. Is this different to the other box?"

"Vastly," Gerard smiled as he started rolling up his other sleeve, "The one is merely your sex toys, vibrators, dildos, plugs, balls, and rings. The other has the heavier things such as your crops, floggers, restraints, and what have you."

"Oh, right." Frank nodded understandingly, "Beating: a general term for such BDSM activities such as flogging, caning, spanking, strapping, etc. Green. Belt: a leather strap used for striking the buttocks. Green, please. Biting: receiving. Yes. Biting: given. Yes. BJ: expression for 'blowjob', ditto in the BDSM lifestyle. We both know where I stand on this."

"Oh, I don't think standing is the right position for that." Gerard mused jokingly and Frank cackled softly as he lined the words in green.

"Black sheet party: An orgy for people into BDSM sex. Yellow, maybe." Frank bit his lip, "Blend Modality: depilation and hair removal using both electrolysis and thermolysis. Uh... No. Blindfold: by blocking out sight, a common technique in the SM scene- the bottom feels more vulnerable and increases the release of endorphins, thus contributing to the excitement in the scene. Fuck, no. Oh, God."

"Easy, Frank."

"Sorry," Frank muttered, feeling the slight heat in his cheeks returning yet again and he looked down, trying his best not to giggle as he decided to keep on with the list, clearing his throat pointedly, "Bloodsports: a group of techniques in which the submissive's skin is broken and blood is allowed to escape. Such as cutting, using needles, etc. Whoa, yeah, I'd be down for that."

"Really?"

"Totally." Frank nodded enthusiastically, "Are-Are you not a fan of it? Fuck- I didn't even think about your thoughts on these things, I've just been going, haven't I?"

"This is your contract Frank, if there was something I wouldn't do that you would, I'd tell you. But, so far there hasn't been anything." Gerard stated simply, "I'm not a fan of cannibalizing, feces, and murder. Or medical play, for that matter. And like I said, paternalism isn't for me either."

"Just those?" Frank turned slightly, looking at Gerard with keen interest now as he set the markers down again.

"Well, there are others. I also don't like partaking in group sex, I have no issues with swapping or swinging in my personal opinion as a Dominant, but group sex is something I've never been keen on. I don't like infibulation either, or gastric tubes. Those are hard limits for myself."

"What's infib- What was it?"

"You'll see when we get to it but I know you won't like it so it shouldn't be of any worry." Gerard smiled slightly, "You were on 'blood sports'."

"Next, yeah," Frank muttered, "Blowjob: fellatio, head, sucking cock. Ni-i-ice... Green. Body Art: artful body modification including piercing, tattoos, and brandings. Green. Body Modification: making alterations to the appearance of the body. Includes, but is not limited to, tattoos, piercings, brandings, scarification. Green. Body Shaving: removal of hair with a razor. Female and male submissives commonly shave their pubic hair clean. Green- but I remember your preference, sir."

"Good boy."

"Bondage: making a submissive physically helpless and to a great extent immobilized, acts involving the physical restraint of a partner, techniques include rope ties, handcuffs, leather cuffs, stocks, and mummification. Sign me the fuck up. Bootlicking: licking and cleaning of a Dominant's boots by a submissive is a common show of submission and can also be a fetish. Green. I'm not kidding when I say I'd literally lick anything of yours."

"Holding you to that..."

"Some other time?" Frank asked playfully, noting the recollection in Gerard's eyes as they both seemed to remember Gerard having said that to Frank on the first day they had met.

"Exactly, boy." Gerard smiled before clearing his throat and pointing to the next word in the list to which Frank turned to look, giggling instantly.

"Bottom: one who receives physical sensation from a top in a scene, the one-done-to rather than the do-er. Me, apparently. Boy: term for male submissive. Wait- Wait a second... You-"

"Have been calling you that since I met you?" Gerard asked, his head tilted to the side as Frank's jaw dropped, and mind physically imploded on itself, staring at Gerard in disbelief.

"I- You... I'm... I'm so..." Frank blinked hard, "I mean, I would never have caught that until now but I-I never- And you just. I'm actually so, like... I'm just..."

"Staggered?" Gerard asked lightly and Frank nodded vigorously still reeling from the fact that Gerard had called him that from the word 'go'. Since the interview.

"I can't believe you. I thought it was just a nickname." Frank chuckled dryly despite not finding it funny at all, he was so astounded that Gerard had been this way and he had no idea about any of it.

"Despite you being taken by someone else, I had wanted you since I saw you and I knew that even if I couldn't physically own you, I could in my mind. Every time I saw you, I'd push that limit a little more for my own gratification." Gerard admitted nonchalantly, "I guess it's the sadist in me."

"I-... Have no words," Frank muttered, "I'm... Contract. Boy Toy: a male who is submissive to a dominant. So, I'm your boy toy? Nice. Green. Branding: making a permanent or semi-permanent scar on the skin by burning it with a heated metal object. Usually used by a Master to 'mark' his sub as his property. Green. Brat: term for a sub who tries to get the attention of a Dom by 'acting up.' Ha-ha, me."

"Oh, is that so?" Gerard asked with intrigue and Frank felt himself freeze slightly, cursing himself.

"Didn't realize that was out loud..." Frank whispered.

"I'm gonna keep an eye on you, Frank. You better watch yourself." Gerard warned and Frank blanched lightly at the tone, wanting to all but whimper out loud but he swallowed it back.

"B-Breath control: the Dominant controls the submissive's breathing. Another type of 'edgeplay' whereby the submissive's breath is stopped for a short period of time to increase pleasurable sensations. Also called asphyxiaphilia, autoerotic asphyxiation, breath games, breathplay, and hypoxyphilia. Very Dangerous. Also very 'me', thanks. Green." Frank striped it obediently, "Bukake: a sexual scene where many men masturbate on and give a 'semen bath' to a willing submissive. I've seen these online. That's a lot of come, not gonna lie."

"You've seen it before?"

"Porn searching," Frank nodded, "Didn't watch it but the thumbnail was very informative."

"And your thoughts?"

"I don't mind being lathered in come, no." Frank shrugged, "But multiple men sounds daunting as hell."

"Lathered, you say?" Gerard asked simply and Frank couldn't help but break from his stoic gaze, snickering softly like a child.

"Like a shampoo of sorts, yeah." Frank carried on, "Although I don't think come can lather, though. So, it's more like..."

"Conditioner," Gerard added with a knowing nod.

"Exactly. But, eh, why not? Green. Bullwhip: a long, heavy leather whip usually longer than 4 feet. Green." Frank looked at the picture in the book before paging over, yelping in fright at the picture before looking down at his crotch in horror.

"That's the butterfly board I mentioned before." Gerard chuckled.

"Butterfly Board: a wood board where a male's scrotum can be nailed or pinned onto. Fucking 'red' as hell. Butt plug. Green. Buttplug Harness: usually a leather harness that prevents a buttplug from being removed either intentionally or accidentally from the rectum. Green." Frank looked at the diagram in the book with his lips pursed before carrying on with his green marker, "Cage: a bondage practice, wherein the submissive is kept inside a cage, they can be so small as to restrict motion or large enough for two or more people. Green. Candle: a source of hot wax, which is dripped onto the bottom's body in BDSM play. Fuck yes. Caning: using a rattan cane -although they are made of many other substances- on a submissive. Usually more severe than a flogging. Sign me the fuck up, holy hell."

"That's what we're currently doing, Frank."

"Right." Frank frowned, "Dunno why I didn't piece that together, actually. This is so much better than chess club."

"You play chess?"

"Love it, actually." Frank smiled, "Used to play a lot when I was in school but Ryan didn't like it so I never had anyone to play with."

"Lucky for you I happen to enjoy a game of chess quite a bit myself, boy," Gerard smirked, eyeing Frank as he sat back in his chair, hand casually holding his ankle.

"Oh, it's so 'on' like Donkey Kong." Frank grinned maliciously at the thought, excitement in his stomach was now tenfold, "You've been warned, though. It may be one of the few times where I beat you instead."

Gerard smiled, "It's nice to have a challenge every now and again. And you seem quite the task, Frank. I look forward to it."

"Too bad I don't come with instructions."

"Maybe not, I've never been one to read them," Gerard, however, shrugged nonchalantly, "That being said, you better come on instruction, though, boy."

"I-" Frank frowned before it hit him and he went red, "O-Oh.."

"Keep going." Gerard got up from his chair, "I need to go and check on something but the book is here for you if you need."

"Yes, sir." Frank watched Gerard walk out before he looked back at the contract and grabbed his favorite green marker, "Cat: an old school expression for an old school BDSM tool of discipline, the 'cat o' nine tails'. Green. Cat O Nine Tails: a whip that has exactly 9 strands. Some have a knot at the end for increased sensation or sting. Green. Catheter: a flexible tube used in medicine; in BDSM catheters designed for the bladder, often utilized in 'control' scenes. Red. Chastity: a form of erotic sexual denial or orgasm denial whereby a person is prevented from access to, or stimulation of, their genitals, save at the whim or choice of their partner, usually by means of a device. Oh, yes, fuck me up." Frank looked in the book beside him at the whip that had been mentioned and a shudder ran up his spine before he looked at the catheter and shuddered, turning the page to continue.

"Chastity Belt: a device used to keep the submissive chaste when the Dominant is away. Comes in both male and female models. Yes. Chains: multi-use metal links; used to restrain, restrict movement, and/or tie up a submissive. Hell yes. Chauffeuring: driving the master around when needed. Gonna happen anyway, might as well. Choking... Fuck. Green and then some. Circumcision: the cutting away of some or the entire foreskin, in males. In the female, circumcision usually refers to the removal of the c-clitoral hood. Oh, my God, what the hell?"

"What?" Gerard asked as he reappeared a moment later in the doorway, peering in.

"Just... Read something grim." Frank grimaced at the thought, "Didn't sound pleasant."

"Then you know what to do." Gerard smiled, "Lindsey brought coffee for the office, can I offer you a cup?"

"She's a saint. Yes, please." Frank nodded before Gerard disappeared from the doorway. Frank looked down, highlighting red through the latest option, taking in a heavy breath, "Clamp: generic term for any BDSM toy- even if garnered at a hardware store- that can clamp some body part of a submissive. Green. Clingfilm: generic term for the plastic wrap which is used in mummification scenes. Green. Clip: Generic term for any BDSM toy- even if garnered at a hardware store- that can clip some body part of a submissive. Green. Clothespins: wooden or plastic clothespins, typically used to produce pain sensation on the skin. Usually on nipples and genital areas. Green."

Frank flipped through the last few pages of the book that he had missed, going through each one up until he had reached the diagram of the clothespins, looking at the picture of them pinched on someone's skin had him shudder and his stomach twist, a soft whimper leaving him automatically, "Clover Nipple Clamps: a type of adjustable nipple clamps that tightens as it is pulled, also known as Japanese Clover Nipple Clamps. Green. Coca-Cola Submissive: a submissive who only obeys the easy stuff or only when he/she feels like it. Wimpy, cry-baby bitch. Red that shit." Frank muttered, "Cock and ball torture: torture of the male genitals for sexual gratification. Green. Cock Cage: a CBT device that encases a penis shaft inside it. Can be either a solid or web design. Green. Cock Cuff: a chastity device that consists of a tube welded to a handcuff, usually both made of stainless steel. The penis is slid into the tube and the handcuff closes behind the ball sack making removal all but impossible without unlocking the handcuff. A very effective chastity device. Whoa... Green."

Frank was paging through the book at all of the dick-related accessories when Gerard reappeared with two mugs yet again, walking around the desk to set them down before he slid graciously into his chair and slid closer to Frank. Very close.

"Hi, boy." Gerard whispered and Frank let out a whimper, not looking at his boss and rather focusing on the marker in his hand as he stroked green through each item so far, "Good."

"Hi," Frank bit his lip, deciding to see Gerard's reaction, "Daddy."

Gerard froze, his mug halfway to his lips, his eyes widening for a second before he recomposed himself, taking a small sip of coffee, "I thought you didn't like it?"

"That's it? That's all I get?" Frank frowned, turning properly to look at Gerard, who was staring ahead of him at nothing, lips set in a firm line.

"What were you expecting?" Gerard asked casually, shifting in his chair.

"I don't know but..." Frank shrugged, "I mean I still don't like it. I don't- I mean..."

"You really don't like it?"

"I mean, I'm not gonna judge anyone who does because I kinda get it, but I can't say that it's something that would just fall from my mouth when you're balls deep. I mean I kind of don't like it enough to be comfortable. I guess if I worked on it, if you wanted it-"

"I don't." Gerard replied suddenly, frowning, "I don't like it. Not anymore."

"Not..." Frank began when Gerard gave him a warning glance over his coffee mug, making the latter quieten again, biting on his lip, "Sorry, sir."

"No need to apologize, but I just don't like it. It's a hard limit for me, okay?"

"Oh..." Frank frowned down at the contract, his mind racing and wondering for what felt like ages when Gerard pulled him out of his vigil funk. Frank looked down at the hand on his thigh and he sucked in a breath, whimpering.

"I'm going to enjoy teasing you, boy."

Frank let out a whimper, his leg shaking under the desk when Gerard lay a hand in it, ceasing his trembles as Frank took in a small breath, "You're doing this on purpose."

"I'm not doing a thing," Gerard replied with an innocent expression on his face as he sipped from his coffee mug.

"Cock Ring: Rubber or metal ring that slips around the base of cock and balls; supposed to increase the duration of erection but also has D/s aspects to it. Green. Cock Strap: Leather or neoprene strap that wraps around the base of cock and balls to help improve erection. Green. Cock Sucking. Green, oh god. Cock Torture: Cock and ball torture without the ball torture, giving pain only to the penis shaft. Green somehow more than the other one where my balls get tortured actually. Cock Worship- What?"

"Hmm?" Gerard asked as he swallowed his coffee and set it down again while Frank flipped through the book with a frown in his brows.

"Cock Worship: Cock worship can be used to refer to a scene in which a submissive engages in a ceremony-like honoring of a Dominant's cock. It can also refer simply to the fantasy of worshiping/lavishing attention on the cock. This may involve fellatio, licking, stroking, or any other activities meant to deliver pleasure to the cock," Frank read out in one go before he turned and looked at Gerard, "If it's your cock that I'm worshipping, I'd sacrifice virgins, if I have to."

"Good to know where you're at, boy." Gerard smiled devilishly, "Alas, we're fresh out of virgins."

"If you hadn't fucked me a month ago you could have used me, cause I swear to God my virginity was growing back," Frank muttered and Gerard let out a chuckle as Frank scowled at the pages in front of him.

"I have a question, pup."

"Yeah?"

"What would you say your libido is like, boy?" Gerard asked selectively, taking another sip from his black coffee cup, "On a one-to-ten, one being 'once every three months' and ten being 'more than four times a day'."

"Uh..." Frank frowned, "God, I'd love to fuck four times a day but I doubt my ass would handle that."

"We're not talking your physical ability, we're talking about your sex drive now. How salacious is it?"

"One-to-ten I'd say..." Frank thought about it for a moment, "I mean, it's always been pretty high. I dunno if that's just me or if it's because I'd have to go without for ages. But I can tell you at the moment it stands at about a fifteen."

"Oh?" Gerard chuckled then as Frank nodded solemnly, "Physically?"

"About an eight probably." Frank shrugged, "Don't think I could do four times, maybe three and a handjob."

"Interesting." Gerard replied slowly, "Very high."

"And you, sir?"

"Ah," Gerard shifted in his chair slightly, "It's not fair to compare us, I'm both older and a lot more patient than you. My libido is high but my body can wait."

"So one-to-ten?" Frank asked curiously, spinning lazily from side to side in his chair.

"Libido is a definite nine and I'd say physically about a seven perhaps." Gerard chuckled, "I don't have to hump something every time I feel any sort of sexual depravity coursing through me or I'd never get anything done."

"Speak for yourself." Frank muttered heatedly, frustratedly, at himself and his internal organs that seemed hell-bent on running him dry of fluids, "I'll just... Collar and Leash: worn by the bottom during this type of BDSM play, the Dominant holds the leash and the bottom must follow and obey. Collars are also worn by the submissive as symbols of commitment and ownership. Green, for sure. Collared: Submissive or slave who is owned, usually- but certainly not exclusively- in a loving intimate relationship. I-.."

"Frank?"

"I'm okay..." Frank whispered, suddenly feeling a well-up of emotions at the thought that he would essentially be collared by someone, that he would officially be owned by someone and that despite its outward appearance, he would be in a relationship with someone who did things he wanted to do, that actually wanted intimacy and sex. The idea was maddening and somehow it was something so right.

"Are you sure, boy?" Gerard asked softly, his question only solidifying the emotions in Frank's chest like a hammer and nail, the simple three-worded question having a much deeper impact than it should. Frank thought that once he was free from Ryan that he would never want to commit to anyone ever again, that the mere idea of being with someone, in general, threw Frank, and had him shaken and terrified. But not now, not here. Somehow this was okay, somehow this commitment wasn't scary, despite it being so foreboding. It wasn't white-picket and... It wasn't Ryan.

"Yeah." Frank whispered, wiping a sudden and singular tear that came from nowhere, "I was just- Uh- Nah, just thinking of something."

"But, are you okay?" Gerard urged and Frank turned and looked at Gerard in the eye, face-to-face.

"Yes, sir." He stated, earnestly hoping Gerard could tell that he was, and it wasn't a lie, for the first time in so long he finally could say it with a glimmer of truth, "Never been better."

"Good." Gerard muttered after a clear scrutinization of Frank's face, "Good."

"Collaring," Frank whispered before turning to the contract, "Collaring: the formal acceptance by a Dominant, of a sub's service, or the 'ownership' of a pup by a Master or Trainer. Also, the ceremony when a Dominant commits to a sub, much like a wedding or other contract. Green. Color Codes: such as the handkerchief code of sexual preference. What?"

"Oh," Gerard turned to the select page in the book, "The 'handkerchief code', also known as the 'hanky code', the 'bandana code', and 'flagging', is a color-coded system, employed usually among the gay male casual-sex seekers or BDSM practitioners to indicate preferred sexual fetishes, what kind of sex they are seeking, and whether they are a top or dominant or bottom or submissive."

"Oh?" Frank frowned, "What colors are they?"

"We won't go through the whole list but I can give you some examples like," Gerard looked at the book, "Black is S&M, dark blue is anal sex, light blue is oral sex, brown is scat-play, green is hustling or prostitution, grey is bondage, orange is anything goes, purple is piercing, red is fisting and yellow is watersports."

"Oh..." Frank muttered softly before he frowned and looked around, "Is that why you like the color orange?"

"I honestly didn't even think about that." Gerard noted, running a hand through his hair, "A good eye on you, boy, very perceptive at times. I like it."

"Thank you, sir." Frank took a sip of his coffee, smiling at just how good it was despite it being filtered, somehow because Gerard had made it for him, it tasted ten times better, "Should I keep going?"

"Please."

"Competitions: competitions have a purpose to make the contestants known and recognized within the BDSM community. Competitions are held to evaluate between whom is the best of a specific skill, be it Dominant or submissive." Frank frowned, "Competitions can also be a matchmaking device for Dominants and submissives to see where their traits lie. Red. Condom: latex 'rubber' that goes over the penis to prevent diseases and unwanted pregnancy. I mean, I guess but considering we're both clean, are they necessary?"

"I would think not, then," Gerard stated simply, and Frank bit his lip, striking the line in yellow just to be on the safe side.

"Consent: mutual agreement to the terms of a scene or ongoing BDSM relationship. Green. Consensual non-consensuality: a mutual agreement that within defined limits, consent will be given as read without foreknowledge of the exact actions planned. As such, it is a show of trust and understanding and usually undertaken only by partners who know each other well or otherwise agree to set clear safe limits on their activities. Green. Contract: a written-out agreement between the Dominant & submissive. It can be either formal or non, and is usually written after much negotiation by the Dominant and the sub, outlining what structure, guidelines, rules, and boundaries to the relationship are agreed upon by the two. It is not legally binding. Well, green, obviously."

"An obvious one, I'm sure." Gerard turned, pulling his laptop closer as he began writing out what looked like an email, "Carry on, boy. I'm right here, but this has to be out by the end of today."

"Alright," Frank looked at the contract again, biting his lip, "Control: the Dominant should have control in one form or another over his submissive in any D/s relationship. Green. Corporal Punishment: retributive punishment using repetitive spankings and question and reply to change a bottom's behavior. Green, fuck. Corset: Very popular clothing item that cinches and narrows the waist and gives an 'hourglass' figure. Whoa, really? Me?"

"You in a corset sounds like a stunning idea in my books." Gerard replied as he typed away on his laptop, his eyes still on the screen, "You're not too bulky or muscular for it and it would definitely suit your figure."

"Alright then, why not." Frank smiled, blushing slightly, "Crop: a type of whip used in horseback riding, quite popular in BDSM scenes, it stings and can mark a butt severely, but is easy to master and quite reasonable in price. Hell yeah, markings on a budget. Cross Dressing: dressing in clothing worn by the opposite sex, does not indicate sexual preference in any way. Green. Crucifixion: BDSM play wherein a submissive is tied to a cross. Green. Cuffs leather and metal: a metal or leather bondage device that locks around a limb and can be used to immobilize the sub's limbs. Green. Cupping: The placing of suction devices on the skin to increase blood flow. Typically these are used on the nipples and genitalia. Increasing the blood flow increase sensation as well. Don't swimmers do this on their back or some shit?"

"It's used for pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation, and well-being." Gerard explained, "Quite the opposite reason as to why we use it, I might add."

"I'll say," Frank chuckled, "Cutting: cutting the submissive's skin with a sterile knife. Oh, God- These can be either temporary or permanent. Made permanent by putting a sterile foreign substance into them before they heal. Not for beginners. But definitely for this fucking guy."

"Your blade-happiness worries me to an extent," Gerard pursed his lips as he turned from his laptop, "Did you ever do that to yourself when you were younger?"

"What? Hurt myself?" Frank frowned and Gerard nodded, "Um- Well, I did try it when I was younger, like fourteen but... I don't know it wasn't really for me. I mean, yeah, I was sad as shit at the time but every time I did it, it was more hassle than anything else. I liked the pain but the consequences outweighed everything else and I just... Stopped."

"Can I ask what was making you so sad?" Gerard turned completely away from his laptop in the chair, closing it slightly as a frown set in his brows, "If I may."

"Well, I was being picked on at school and dealing a lot harder with my sexuality because I was trying to ignore the fact that I was gay. My grandad died around that time and I was still dealing with my parents wanting to split."

"Did they split up?"

"They did when I was three," Frank looked down, "I bore the brunt of it because I was the only kid. And they both took their fighting out on me. And when I hit high school they tried to patch things up but it only got worse. And after a while, my dad relocated to Denver for work and I stayed with my mom, and then she moved out there, too, after my grandad died. I lost contact with them when I left high school and moved in with Ryan."

"Did they accept your sexuality?"

"Oh, Mom was all for having a gay son. Said she always had something to tell her lady friends about me and my antics." Frank smiled slightly, "Dad was neither here nor there about it. He just didn't want me pushing it in his face, really."

"I see." Gerard sounded pensive with his reply, "But you don't still harm yourself, Frank?"

"Oh, no," Frank shrugged, "Haven't for about six years? Seven, maybe? Like I said, not my thing."

"Not altogether true, though." Gerard replied and Frank frowned in confusion, "Studies have shown that there's a link between body modification and self-harm. Did you know this? Some people say cutting their skin brings them relief from emotional pain- an act usually referred to as self-harm. Others enjoy having their body pierced with metal and their skin inscribed with permanent ink. The self-harmers reported that they often had their skin tattooed or body pierced to help overcome a negative experience, or simply to experience physical pain. Another clue that self-harm and piercing/tattooing might, in some cases, be linked, derives from the fact that many of the self-harmers said they had ceased cutting themselves after obtaining their first piercing or tattoo. Did you get your first piercing when you stopped cutting at sixteen?"

"Wh..." Frank stared at Gerard in disbelief.

"It's not an exact science but, the exact same hormones are released when being tattooed as is when cutting because it is essentially the same thing, so when the need is being met in another way, the cutting either ceases completely or slows down. So, instead of the self-harm being an addiction, piercing or tattooing does. Because body modifications have become so common and accessible, they are also used with probably increasing frequency as a convenient means to either realize psychopathological inclinations, such as self-injury, or to overcome psychological traumas."

"I never..." Frank looked down at the tiniest white line that ran parallel to his elbow and up at Gerard again, "I never made the connection."

"Well, most people get a tattoo if it means something but those with many tattoos that are almost random in a sense are those who get them frequently and those who are in trouble in their own head." Gerard looked at Frank's sleeve and back up again, "As you are."

"I didn't pick up on that at all. I-" Frank frowned, "How do you do that?"

"It's my job and my personal choice to notice people, their behavior, and their traits, Frank. As both a political figure and a Dominant, I have to heighten my inclinations with people and the different types."

"I just... Wow, I-" Frank swallowed, "I'm gonna, I need to just... Finish this before you're all up in my head, Freud."

"Feel free." Gerard took a sip from his coffee as Frank leaned in to the pages, turning one over to the next side.

"Daddy: a role taken on by some dominants; especially common in age play. Red. Depilation: removal of hair, many Dominants require their submissive to shave certain areas, their whole body, or just their pubic hair. Yellow. Dildo: a manufactured penis-shaped object. Ha, green. Discipline: whipping, spanking, verbal orders, etc for the purpose of training a submissive. Green. Dittle Sound: A straight urethral sound. Uh, fuck no. DM: Dungeon Monitor, a person who supervises the interactions between participants at a play party or dungeons to enforce house rules, essentially, the bouncer of a BDSM event. They sometimes also play cruise director to keep/get the party going. Yellow, I guess?"

"Good choice."

"Dog-Training: Role-play games involving treating the bottom as a dog- Fuck that. Dom: A person who exercises control. Another name for a Dominant. Hell yeah, you do. Green. Douche, Douching: injecting of a liquid, usually water, into the asshole or p-pussy- Whoa, language- Usually for hygiene purposes prior to sex or ass play. Jeez. No one is douching my asshole other than me. DP: Double penetration. Please and thanks. D/s or Dominance/submission: play or relationships that involve an erotic power exchange, a relationship between a Top and bottom where one is Dominant and the other submissive. Can be for a scene or can be a long-term relationship or anything in between. Also called Dom-sub, DS, D/S, D&S. Green, green and green."

"Glad to see you're enjoying that marker," Gerard commented and Frank chuckled, biting the end of it.

"Duct Tape: also known as gaffer's tape; used in many BDSM scenes such as taping the submissive's mouth shut. Oh, God, I swear if you tape my mouth shut, there's a chance I may come on the spot."

"We'll have to work on your endurance then, boy. Can't have that." Gerard commented coyly and Frank let out a low-pitched whine, squirming in his chair.

"Dungeon: dramatic term for a BDSM or Bondage playroom. Usually referring to a room or area with BDSM equipment and play space. Yes. Edgeplay: SM play that involves a chance of harm, either physically or emotionally. Because the definition of edgeplay is subjective to the specific players i.e., what is risky for me may not be as risky for you, there isn't a universal list of what is included in edgeplay. However, there are a few forms of play that almost always make the cut, including fireplay, gunplay, rough body play, breath play, and bloodplay. Yes to all."

"Slow down, boy." Gerard frowned, "You need to think about these things, remember?"

"I am, I am." Frank muttered, "I just love the sound of them or the idea of them happening to me. I didn't think I would but I do."

"Just pace yourself. This is a marathon, not a sprint."

"Yes, sir." Frank replied softly before setting the contract down, "Sir?"

"Yes, boy?"

"Permission to stand up and walk around a bit? My ass is getting numb in this chair." Frank wiggled slightly and he felt the static in his ass cheeks tingling uncomfortably, making him grimace.

"Granted. Good boy for asking. Well done." Gerard nodded and Frank pushed the chair from the desk and got up, stretching his arms up before he went lax again. Gerard passed Frank the contract that he had put on a clipboard for him and Frank began walking idly around the office, reading aloud.

"Electro-Play: the practice of using electrical stimulation to the nerves of the body using a power source- such as a TENS, EMS, Violet wand, or made-for-play units- for purposes of sexual stimulation, body modification, tickling, or torture. Yes. Electrolysis: Permanent electric hair removal. Definitely not. Electro-torture: Another, more dramatic, term for electrical play. Green. Emasculation: Permanent removal of the male sex- sex organs?!" Frank looked up at Gerard in horror, the grim expression of his boss looking back told him it was true and he continued reading the definition, "Sometimes simulated through the use of a chastity device or through a dominants restrictions forbidding typical male behavior such a urinating while standing. Wait wait, 'sometimes' simulated? So, like, sometimes not? Oh, my God, what the fuck."

"It happens." Was Gerard's only reply and Frank felt the instant urge to shut his legs.

"Endorphin: A chemical produced in the body that seems to be involved in regulating the perception of pain, endorphins give a 'rush' similar to adrenaline- which is released simultaneously- and it is speculated that their release is the cause of the phenomenon known as 'subspace'. Subspace?"

"It'll come up later, go on."

"Well, green either way." Frank lined the word, "Enema- Oof- thorough anal douche using a bag and tube. No way in hell. Enema Play: using the enema as a BDSM device in play. I think not. Enforced Chastity: chastity play where the Dom controls a sub's sexual frequency and ability to experience sexual pleasure, usually with a chastity belt or other chastity device. Yes. Erotic dancing? Sure."

"I can't wait for that," Gerard snickered from behind his laptop and Frank's cheeks went a degree or so warmer, a frown in his brows.

"Erotic sexual denial. Sí. Erotic spanking. Bueno. Examinations: physical inspections and submissive maintenance. Oui. Exercising: forced or required- Wh- Exercising?" Frank turned and looked at Gerard, "You're gonna make me exercise? Isn't it enough that you're nailing things through my scrotum and lathering me in your come-conditioner? Now you want me to run?"

"You have to keep fit or else it'll be too much for your body to handle. And no one said running. Just fitness." Gerard smiled reassuringly, "We can find something for you."

"Only fitness I wanna do is fitness whole dick in my mouth." Frank muttered, scowling unhappily as he carried on, hearing Gerard snicker at his dry humor, "Extreme Restraints: a Bondage device that is very strict or terribly confining, usually not something used on a beginner. Green- or- or yellow?"

"Yellow, on the safe side," Gerard commented and Frank nodded, obeying Gerard's suggestion.

"Eye contact restrictions, nothing new. Face Fucking: another term for a 'blowjob'. And count me the fuck in." Frank grinned, "Face slapping. God, yes. Fainting: a temporary loss of consciousness caused by lack of oxygen to the brain, can happen during extreme BDSM play such as breath control, long pain sessions, etc, which can be dangerous when caused by breath control play. Yellow. Fantasy abandonment? Red. Fear: being scared. Green. Felching: imbibing semen out of the vagina or anus."

That was the moment when Frank stopped his pacing, a high-pitched squeak left him at the latest word on the list, a childish part of him wanted to piss himself laughing but he knew, the adult part of him knew that it wasn't that funny in the long run. It was when he saw Gerard's concerned expression that he cracked and began cackling with laughter, pointing at the word 'felching' in the contract as his stomach ached and his cheeks cramped up, the younger male doubled over in stitches.

"Frank, control yourself. This is a work environment." Gerard scolded, frowning at Frank, who stuck his fist in his mouth, setting the contract down as he tried his best to calm himself down but once he caught sight of the line striped in green and began giggling again.

"I-I- Oh, God, I'm gonna vomit," He managed, cackling all over as he pressed himself up against the wall, trying to stifle his laughter in his hands.

"Frank." Gerard's voice rose in volume and in warning, his eyebrow lifting somewhat as Frank looked at him, suddenly feeling the intensity radiating off of his boss, making him shy away suddenly and look down.

"Sorry, sir."

"People are trying to work. You need to learn self-control at appropriate times." Gerard's voice laced with disapproval and Frank winced slightly at being reprimanded.

"Yes, sir."

"Keep on with your list," Gerard ordered simply as he continued working. Frank took a hold of his clipboard and slid down the wall, folding his legs as he looked at it, biting his lip.

"Fellatio: giving head, a blow-job, going down on someone, being face fucked, the act of sucking or licking a penis, or having a penis inserted in the mouth. Yes. Fetish, Fetishism: an unusual obsession with something. Like a leather fetish, latex fetish or a shoe fetish, fetishes are only limited by the human imagination. Yes. Fetish Attire: clothes that reflect the wearer's particular fetish, such as leather, latex, rubber, or high heels. Yes."

"Frank?"

"Yes, sir?" Frank looked up solemnly at his boss who was peering back over the top of his laptop at his assistant on the floor.

"Do me a favor, boy."

"Anything, sir." Frank set the clipboard down.

"Come sit here, please." Gerard patted the empty desk chair and Frank got up, taking the markers with him before he walked over and sat himself back in his spot on the right of Gerard, "Do you understand why you were expostulated, boy? Why I had to discipline you verbally?"

"I was being inappropriate, sir." Frank looked down at his hands.

"And?"

"And I won't... Won't do it again?" Frank offered up uneasily, looking up at Gerard, waiting to see if he had gotten it right.

"Good boy." Gerard gave him a small but reassuring leg squeeze, "Very good."

"Thank you, sir." Frank nodded, "Sir?"

"Yes?"

"Should I keep going?"

"Please."

"Fig- Figging? Is this what you told me to look out for?" Frank frowned, instantly seeing the expression of total smugness on Gerard's face, complete and utter gratification in its purest form.

"You said 'spicy'." Was Gerard's only comment as he continued typing away.

"Figging: The practice of inserting a piece of gin- ginger root?! ...into the anus or vagina. Inserting a piece of fresh, skinless ginger into the rectum which causes a hot burning sensation without any lasting damage. Wh- This is a thing? Who the fuck thought of this and how did they find out? I mean- I- Just..."

"Think about that next time you steal my ginger tea without asking, boy."

Frank pursed his lips in annoyance at his boss, 'hmph'-ing softly as he decided on whether or not he wanted ginger in his asshole, deciding on striking it through with yellow to be safe before he continued, "Fire play: using fire as an implement of BDSM. This can mean blowing the heat of a light torch onto a bottom- Oh, God- lighting pools of fuel on the bottom's skin, lighting flash cotton on the bottom, and other creative uses of heat. Yes- I- Maybe. Maybe. Fisting: inserting a hand into the vagina or rectum. Maybe. Flagellation: BDSM-related whipping, beating, and spanking for erotic stimulation. Yes. Green. Flogger: a multi-tailed leather implement. Sounds heavenly. Flogging: using a 'flogger' on a submissive. Please do."

"Next time you have an outburst like that, I just might," Gerard muttered softly and Frank felt his heart jump at the very idea, his skin tingling slightly under his clothes.

"Um..." Frank fought for concentration, "Foley Catheter: a type of catheter that can be inflated with sterile water. No Bueno. Following orders. Yes. Foot Worship: a foot fetish where the submissive worships the Dominant's feet, usually in high heel shoes or boots. Definitely. Forced masturbation. Oh, yes. Forced nudity. Totally. Forced servitude. Can do. Freeplay: BDSM play where there is no Domination or submission. For sure."

"Good." Gerard smiled, "Sometimes a break is good for you."

"Frenum: Piercing the surface of the penis shaft- Hey, that's what I have." Frank grinned as he striped the word in green, "That's awesome. Gaffer's Tape: duct tape. You don't say? Green. Gags: a gag is a device worn in or on the mouth to prevent the wearer from speaking or for muffling sounds. Green. Gauge: a system of grading the thickness, the lower the number, the thicker the wire or material. Green, I guess? Genitorture: torture of the genitals. There's that word again. But, yes. Good pain: 'good pain' is pain that is mutually agreed, desired or permitted by the submissive partner to be experienced, and seen by them as of enjoyment or value, sensations that non-practitioners imagine to be painful are instead perceived and described by BDSM practitioners as pleasurable or a good form of pain... In much the way that muscles after a workout at the gym may be sore, but in a good way. The transition of perception from 'bad pain' to 'good pain' may require a warm-up beforehand. I'm still in for that."

"It does sometimes require the submissive to be given examples of the two to understand the difference." Gerard began, "No, I'm not going to break your leg, but a demonstration helps the body figure out which is which after a while."

"I'm okay with that." Frank answered earnestly, smiling as Gerard gave him an appraising touch to the leg yet again, "Golden showers- Ah, yes. Yes, please. Gorean: a subgenre based upon the rituals and practices created within the world of Gor in the erotic novels by John Norman. Gorean culture is based on stereotypical gender-based roles which are considered by many to be in conflict with BDSM, where there is freedom for either gender to act in any role. What?"

"Ah," Gerard turned from his work to look at Frank, "It's somewhat like our lifestyle but there are many differences, too. It was created based on a set of books. The differences are mainly to do with gender roles and a lot of people don't find it as fair as BDSM is."

"Example?"

"An example would be that in Gor, it is not Master and sub, it is Master and kajira, and the kajira is always a woman. In Gor, the kajira owns nothing of their property whereas in BDSM the submissive is likely to own or at least co-own. In Gor, there are no safewords or signals, merely trust, unlike BDSM. Gor is based, also, upon nature."

"How so?"

"Nature is paramount to their lifestyle. Paramount. One must live in cooperation with nature and not harm the earth or natural resources. But in Bondage, it can be merely considered and negotiated, but not necessary." Gerard explained, "There is also no consent, not a consideration. True slaves, or kajira, are expected to want nothing but to please Master. Whereas in our lifestyle it is one of the core and paramount details. Casual at first, followed by SSC- Safe, Sane, Consensual-, which may develop into RACK- Risk Aware Consensual Kink- and then Edge-Slave training."

"Those last bits..." Frank asked and Gerard chuckled.

He assured warmly, "You'll get there."

"You swear?" Frank asked, looking up at Gerard at a slightly sideways angle, biting nervously on his lip as Gerard leaned in.

"I'll make sure of it, boy. Trust your Master."