"If you were mine, this would be your uniform."

Liam had actually laughed when Zayn handed him the tiny piece of clothing, but when Liam looked up expecting a joke, Zayn had been all too serious. He'd worn a uniform for his last Master, but it wasn't quite so...revealing.

"May I ask why, sir?"

Zayn gave Liam's toned body a full look up and down. "Because I like to see what's mine. You would be expected to keep in peak physical condition for my viewing pleasure."

Liam's throat was suddenly dry. Viewing pleasure. Zayn wanted to be able to look at him whenever he wanted. It made Liam's skin hot and his breath short. "Of course," his voice came out lower than he expected, so he cleared his throat and tried again, "Of course, sir." Liam slipped his shirt off and dropped it on the edge of Zayn's bed. Zayn turned away, waiting patiently with his eyes on the bedroom door. Liam had his jeans off by the time he noticed Zayn wasn't looking anymore and the disappointment was palpable. "Why look away?"

Liam could see Zayn's head lower and heard a sad sigh leave his lips, "Because, Liam, as much as we pretend, you are not mine. I'm saving your innocence for your match. Your bare body is not mine to see."

Liam knew he was right. Letting someone that wasn't his Master see him in such a state would diminish his worth. But Liam was still so tempted to beg him to turn around and assess his physical body, give him words of encouragement and praise, or demand him be better. Still Liam knew; that wasn't Zayn's job.

He pulled off his pants and replaced them with the form-fitting shorts that Zayn provided. They left nearly nothing to the imagination, curving around the low point of his hips and hugging the tops of his thighs. If he were to get hard at any point, Zayn would definitely be the first to know.

"I'm finished, sir."

Zayn nodded as he turned, but stopped mid-movement to stare. Quickly, he collected himself and nodded in approval. "Very nice." Liam preened at the compliment. "Now, I still promised you today would be about you. So I will do my best to illustrate a normal day in my household with you as," he paused, "as my slave," he let the words rise with the satisfaction he was feeling at being able to say that, "but with an emphasis on you." He walked around Liam to go to his closet. "The closest comparison would be your birthday, or our anniversary. Those days would be similar to this."

Liam was buzzing with energy, listening to Zayn talk about this like it was their lives. He tried his best to ignore that it wasn't their anniversary, but his and Niall's. That, no, that didn't matter today. That was tomorrow. Today was Liam's day and no one would take that from him. Especially when Zayn was stripping off in front of him to change clothes, hair still damp from his shower.

"Normally in the morning, you would help me dress. I expect you in uniform after breakfast, before then I am no Master. No sir. Until I've had food and coffee, you do not belong to me." He chuckled at the end, letting Liam know it wasn't that serious. "But now we've eaten, I'm very much awake, and you," he turned back to Liam, "belong to me." He pulled out a simple white button up, crisp and bright against Zayn's bare skin. "Liam," he barked his name, making him look up from where he was taking a moment to memorize the canvas of tattoos that littered Zayn's chest.

"Yes, sir," he answered, a little breathless.

"By 'help me dress', I mean you will wait by my side while I pick out clothing. You'll take the pieces I hand you and set them out on the edge of the bed." When Liam just stood there nodding, Zayn snapped his fingers at the man, "Here. Now," and pointed to the floor next to him.

Liam scampered to him, hands obediently behind his back. Zayn handed him the shirt he'd picked and Liam let it fall to the duvet and stepped over to Zayn again. He led them to his dresser, where he pulled out a pair of tight black jeans. Liam set them down as well and let Zayn move them back to his closet, opening the other door to a mass collection of shoes. Zayn made a considering sound, looking over the options. Liam however, couldn't stop starring at a pair of slim black boots that he knew Zayn would look amazing in.

"Sir?" he asked timidly.

Zayn turned to Liam, "What is it?"

"May I, um, make a suggestion?"

Zayn's lips quirked, "You may, but take no offense if I don't heed your advice."

"Of course," Liam nodded. Zayn just looked at him expectantly so he pointed towards the boots, "You would look great in those."

Zayn's eyes didn't follow the direction Liam was pointing, instead they stayed on Liam's face, assessing. "You think so?"

Liam let his arm drop, "Yes, sir."

"Grab them."

"Oh, um, okay." He stepped forward to reach the pair, but Zayn didn't move out of Liam's way. Liam wasn't sure if this was some kind of test, but he just stepped closer, their skin brushing as Liam reached around and picked up the boots. Zayn stayed stoic, inclining his head more into Liam's space before he pulled back. "These are the ones I meant," he held the shoes in his hands.

Zayn didn't look down at them, Liam wasn't even sure he cared at all what Liam picked. "Fine choice," he nodded to the bed, "Go set them down."

Liam set them on the floor in front of the bed and turned back to find Zayn gone. His eyes searched frantically for a moment before he heard shuffling in the bathroom, followed by a melodic tune. Liam listened silently, letting Zayn sing quietly to himself. He had a beautiful voice. Soft and soothing, like honey. After a few minutes the singing stopped.

"Liam." The slave ran into the bathroom, catching Zayn's reflection in the mirror. "You may stay by my side for now," he caught Liam's eye through the mirror, "Although if you were really mine, I'd have you wait by the bed in case I wanted to use you before I left for work." Liam's breath caught in his throat. He had to clamp his mouth shut so he didn't whimper at the unfair life he was given. "For today, I want you beside me so I can look at you whenever I need."

Need. Zayn needed his fix of Liam every so often. Liam was bursting with pride as he took his place beside the Master.

***

"You wouldn't cook. You wouldn't clean." Zayn was walking a step ahead of Liam while he gave the slave a rundown of his basic rules. He looked over his shoulder at Liam, "Although I'm aware you enjoy cooking occasionally, and if you'd like to make us something that's perfectly fine. As long as you have my permission first." Liam nodded. "If you were mine," the words Zayn kept repeating all morning, "then we'd eat breakfast together, get dressed together, I'd leave for work. During which time you'd be sure to do a few things. Maintain your physical condition. Very important," he added with a raise of his hand, "Make sure your laundry is given to the staff. I would provide you with multiple versions of your uniform. It would be your choice which you'd wear each day." He turned to Liam with a smirk, "I like the surprise. Then I'd come home from work, and I'd expect you naked and waiting on your hands and knees for me," Liam actually gasped at the thought, but Zayn continued without missing a beat, "We'd eat dinner together and if you were good you'd be allowed in my bed. If not; you have your own room. Once we're in bed I'd probably take you one more time before sleep."

They entered Zayn's office, Zayn clad in those perfect boots and Liam in only his shorts, Liam actually shaking. "I have a bit of work to attend to. I know you love to read. If you'd like you can pick a book from the library and bring it in here."

It took a moment for Liam to snap out of his head, but when he did he nodded quickly and disappeared. Zayn watched him go, a smile finally appearing once he was gone. Zayn knew that in the end this would hurt them both, but seeing Liam like this, ready for any instruction, and in that fucking uniform too, he'd take what he could get. Liam returned with a small book and a grin. "Is this one okay?" He held the book out to Zayn and Zayn wanted to just tackle Liam in a hug for being so cute.

He glanced down at the book, "It's perfectly fine. Settle in, I shouldn't be long."

***

"I don't cook, Liam," Zayn was laughing and backing away from Liam holding up a bowl of something to Zayn.

"Come on," Liam urged, "It's easy. I'll help you."

Zayn chewed on his lip in contemplation, "Only because this is your day." He walked back to Liam hesitantly. Liam beamed and held his hand out. Zayn let Liam's fingers wrap around his hand, the touch setting his skin on fire. Liam put a wooden spoon in Zayn's hand and his body against Zayn's back. The position wasn't what Zayn was used to or familiar with, but then again nothing about Liam was usual or familiar, except of course the instinct to claim him. So he made himself stop comparing and just let Liam's bigger body warm his as Liam led his movements.

Liam leaned over Zayn's shoulder to watch him, voice close to his ear, "See? Easy."

Zayn did everything to keep from shuddering, "Harder than you think," he mumbled.

"That's okay," Liam purred, "I prefer them hard anyway."

Zayn growled, instincts taking over. He turned in Liam's arms and leveled him with a look. "Funny boy, aren't you?" Liam gulped, "God, if you were mine," Liam internally groaned, "I'd throw you over my knee for your mouth."

Liam actually whined at Zayn's words, before catching himself and stepping back. "I'm sorry, sir."

"I suppose you're lucky then. That you aren't mine." Lucky. Yeah. Zayn put a hand to Liam's cheek, "You'll find my mercy in abundance today. You're forgiven." He turned back to the bowl, "What do I do next?"

***

Zayn was carrying a blanket and the book Liam had chosen earlier. Liam was carrying a basket of food. The garden was just ahead, flowers glowing in the sun. Liam was practically skipping. This is what he'd been waiting for all day. Zayn had changed into a pair of slim knee-length shorts and was actually barefoot at the moment, while Liam was still in less clothing than he. Liam was indescribably happy that Zayn felt comfortable enough to go without shoes around Liam. It felt like a gift. It almost made up for being outside in broad daylight in practically nothing.

Zayn was just laying out the blanket when Liam asked, "Sir?"

"Yes, Liam?"

"I was just wondering...most Masters are territorial over their property, but you like me to wear this. Wouldn't it be unfortunate for another Master to see me in this?"

Zayn barked a laugh. "Liam, I'd never let another Master see you in those." His face turned serious, "This," he looked Liam up and down, "is for my eyes only. If I were to have company, or invite you to an event, there would be a varied amount of clothing options for me to pick from for you to wear."

That made more sense. Since it was just them, Zayn was allowing himself the pleasure of Liam's body, but he would never allow another person the same. The thought sent chills over Liam's body. Liam had to bend over and start getting the food out to hide his growing problem. Zayn laid back on the blanket, lean body stretched out in the sun. It was doing nothing for Liam's issue. He tried to inconspicuously readjust himself while he was bent over laying the food out, but when he looked up Zayn was looking at him through a pair of aviators with a dirty smirk on his face.

Zayn rolled onto his side to face Liam, "If you were mine," Liam rolled his eyes and Zayn halted what he was saying, "Firstly, if you were mine, you'd be punished for the eye roll you just gave me. Secondly, I was going to give you a compliment that you obviously don't want."

Liam knelt beside Zayn, "I'm sorry. I do want it. Please."

Zayn laid on his back again, arm behind his head. He patted his stomach and said, "Come here." Liam settled against Zayn's torso and tilted his head to look up at the well-defined jawline presented to him. A hand found Liam's close-cut style, fingers scratching at his scalp gently. Liam purred happily and nuzzled into Zayn's touch. "I was going to say that I'd be hesitant to have company over if it meant covering you up."

Liam blushed furiously, "Thank you, sir.

Zayn just nodded and lifted the book from the blanket, "Enjoy the food you prepared-"

"We prepared."

Zayn looked down on Liam with a small smile, "And I'll read to you."

"Yes, please."

He hummed, "So polite." He let go of Liam's hair, pulling a disgruntled sound from the slave, and opened the book to Liam's bookmark. His hand was back to its rightful place in seconds as he started back up where Liam left off in Zayn's office. Liam did listen for awhile, but Zayn's jaw was right there, scruff just barely noticeable from not shaving since yesterday morning. And Liam could just see Zayn's lips forming around the words, and his hair was flicking lazily in the easy breeze. It really wasn't his fault that instead of listening to the story he was listening to Zayn's steady heartbeat. And Zayn's fingers were still coming through Liam's short strands. And Liam was losing his chill.

He refused to try adjusting himself again, since Zayn caught him last time. Instead he just swiveled his hips minutely, trying to get some relief with the friction of the small shorts against his hard on. Zayn was getting to a particularly adventurous part of the book and his voice was strong and deep. Liam let his eyes fall shut as he rocked a bit harder. He didn't realize how much he was moving until there was a yank on his hair. Liam moaned and then caught himself, stumbling around an apology as his eyes locked on Zayn's dark ones. "I-I'm sorry. I don't know-"

"Stop moving," Zayn ordered, and only then did Liam realize he was still rocking. "You will never get yourself off unless I tell you to."

Liam's toes curled into the grass at the edge of the blanket. "I'm sorry, sir."

"Master," Zayn corrected.

"I'm sorry, Master."

Zayn's head fell back to the blanket gently and he groaned, "Say it again."

"I'm sorry, Master," Liam begged and turned on his stomach to kiss Zayn's stomach through his thin shirt, the hard ground digging into his erection. "I'm sorry. Please forgive me."

Zayn groaned again, louder this time before he pulled Liam towards him. "Come here," he breathed. Liam practically lunged for Zayn, straddling his hips, laying flush with his body. "Jesus, Liam." Zayn let his fingers wander over Liam's chest while he looked up at him.

"Please, sir, please."

Zayn growled and then Liam was under him and Zayn held his hands above his head by his pinned wrists. Liam brought his legs up to wrap around Zayn's waist, Zayn laying closer, his own noticeable erection pressing on Liam's. He squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head as if to clear it, "This is irresponsible, Liam."

"I don't care," Liam choked out, "I need you."

How was Zayn meant to ignore the pleas of a slave that he wanted so badly? He let his head fall to Liam's shoulder, biting the heated skin there harshly. Liam's sharp intake of breath was Zayn's reward. He bit harder as he tried to remember why this was a bad idea.

Oh yeah, Liam wasn't his. Tomorrow he would belong to someone else. This day was a farce. A game of pretend, and if Zayn wasn't careful he'd do something he couldn't take back. He let go of Liam and fell next to him on the blanket. "Fuck," he cursed himself. "I can't-" Zayn was up from the ground and rushing inside in a second. It took Liam a second longer, but then he was chasing him.

"Sir, please stop!" Zayn kept running down the hall. "Please!" Liam kept up the chase until they made it to the foyer, where Zayn started to ascend the stairs. "God dammit, Zayn, just stop!"

Zayn froze, his foot raised to take another step. The staff, running around fulfilling last minute things for the party tomorrow, were staring, mouths open. Zayn turned slowly, eyes narrowed. Liam was suddenly not so brave, his knees quivering where he stood. Only then did he realize what it must look like. The staff had never seen him in these clothes before. They must know what it meant. The two of them had kept out of sight all day. And now Liam had just used Zayn's first name for the first time in company.

Zayn walked down to Liam calmly. He knocked Liam down a peg with just the look of ice he was receiving. "Excuse me?"

"I'm so sorry," Liam began frantically, "I'm so, so sorry. I didn't-"

"On. Your. Knees." Liam fell instantly, knees hitting the cold tile painfully. He wanted to apologize some more, but Zayn's face was daring him to speak again. "What is my name?"

The question was loaded. Liam had to ignore the staff still watching as he whispered, "Master."

Liam was pretty sure he heard a gasp behind him, but Zayn looked nowhere but him. "What is your name?"

Liam's face cringed at the reprimand that was clear in the air, "Slave, sir."

Zayn finally looked up at the others in the open space, "Leave," he barked. The staff scattered, leaving just the two of them alone. "If you were mine," he started.

"Stop," Liam spat.

"What?" Zayn gritted through his teeth.

"Stop saying that. If I were yours," he seethed and looked up at Zayn's deadly gaze. "I'm on my knees for you, begging you to touch me. I am already yours."

Zayn's eyes fell shut with the weight of Liam's words, "No, my baby; no, you're not. And that may be the only thing I ever regret." He summoned Liam to stand and placed a gentle hand on his cheek, thumb rubbing over the apple of his cheekbone. "In a different world, maybe." He dropped his hand. "I have to go to Niall."

Liam let his last shred of hope fall with Zayn's hand. He'd given everything and it wasn't enough. Zayn was leaving anyway. Going to his slave, and by the time he saw him again Liam would be in the arms of another man. He let their reality sink in and nodded. "Of course. Go."

Zayn leaned into Liam like he was teetering on the fence of staying, disregarding their circumstances and loving Liam, but then he turned and climbed the stairs hurriedly while Liam watched him leave.