Jack sat in the passenger seat as Mark drove through the city.  Mark was singing softly to the song on the radio and Jack watched him tap his fingers against the wheel to the beat.  Smiling slightly, Jack let him eyes close as Mark's hand touched his knee asking casually.  "Why are you smiling? I like the song".  Jack couldn't open his eyes, but he answered wearily.  "Just enjoying the ride".  Mark removed his hand from Jack's knee to his forehead, asking a little concerned.  "Sick, or just tired"?  Jack's body didn't want to answer, but he forced himself to tell him sleepily.  "Tired".  Jack felt Mark's hand slide up into his bangs while telling him softly.  "We're almost home".  Jack didn't know how long he had drifted out for, but the passenger door opened and Mark caught him before he fell out.  Jack forced himself to stand, while Mark told him with a chuckle.  "Your batteries must be really low. I've woken you three times and you still don't seem to be here".  Jack barely felt Mark's hand on his back as he was lead into the house.  The second the door closed, Chica raced across the room heading straight for Jack.  Kneeling down, Jack began to pat her as she licked his face.  Mark walked farther into the room, calling out to Chica and pointing for her to follow him.  She danced between the two of them before Mark called out a little more sternly.  "Now Chica"! 

Chica reluctantly followed Mark and he put her outside.  Almost too tired to function, Jack whined out.  "Why'd you do that? I was going to use her as a warm pillow".  Mark chuckled, telling him with a smile.  "She'd turn into a wet pillow before long".  Jack just shrugged, slowly climbing to his feet.  He wondered if the guest bedroom was already set up for him yet.  Although, it didn't matter.  He just needed the mattress.  Mark dropped down on a large recliner, and gestured Jack closer.  Slowly Jack made his way over, asking in a soft whine.  "Please tell me the bed is ready".  Mark placed his hands on Jack's hips to steady him, answering casually.  "No. The sheets are drying. Just sit with me".  Jack was too tired to argue.  Sitting down on Mark's lap, he let Mark shift his body over him more comfortably.  Hanging his long legs off the arm of the chair, Jack laid his head against Mark's shoulder asking him softly.  "What are you going to do"?  Mark stroked Jack's back soothingly.  Then told him in a whisper.  "I'm going to watch tv for bit".  Jack felt the chair recline back, and heard the tv faintly turn on.  All the while, Mark never stopped stroking his back and even began to stroke his thigh after a bit.  Smiling, Jack fell into a deep sleep nestled in Mark's strong arms.

Mark had so much he wanted to tell Jack.  Yet, nothing that couldn't wait until he was better rested.  Brushing a hand up the his back to the back of Jack's hair, he listened to his soft slow breaths thinking that Jack tended to push himself too hard.  He tried to convince Jack to stay with him before he left, but Jack loved Ireland.  He was comfortable there.  Smiling, Mark rested his hand and focused instead on carefully turning over Jack's right arm with his other hand.  Since they had parted, Jack had gotten a tattoo.  Something he had never imagined Jack being brave enough to get.  Tracing his fingers lightly over the length of the rune, he heard Jack's breathing change.  Jack's breathing was now soft but deeper.  A clear sign to Mark that he was awake...but he was pretending to still be asleep.  Mark didn't mind if he wanted to stay in his arms.  It felt good to have him so close and to feel so wanted.  Continuing to trace his tattoo, Mark told Jack gently.  "Feeling better"?  Jack didn't open his eyes or move when he asked in a whisper.  "How did you know I was awake"?  Mark smirked, answering.  "A master never tells".  Jack's eyes opened only a little to stare at Mark's fingers tracing his tattoo.  The sensation tingled and he smiled, telling Mark groggily.  "What do you think of it"?

Mark looked down from the tv to kiss Jack's forehead gently, then whispered happily.  "If you like it, then I do".  Jack nestled his forehead up against Mark's neck, whispering back.  "I do. I think I'll get another one".  Mark patted Jack's thigh, answering seriously.  "We'll see about that. There are some things I want to discuss with you. Important things".  Jack nodded slightly against his neck, then whispered out sarcastically.  "I'm not getting your name tattooed on me".  Mark had to process what Jack was thinking for a second before correcting calmly but seriously.  "I'm not talking about your tattoo, Jack. I'm talking about being your Dom permanently".  This made Jack sit up, before he asked nervously.  "I don't follow".  Mark didn't move but stared into Jack's ocean blue eyes as he seriously told him.  "I want you to be your Dom. Your Master. Permanently. It comes with rules, but I guarantee you will fall in love with the satisfaction it gives you. You've already tasted it. That collar in your bag is proof". 

Jack took a deep shaky breath, nervously asking.  "Mark... You're asking me to be your slave. Someone you'll look down on and punish for pleasure. I-".  Mark pressed a finger to his lips to stop him, before telling him seriously.  "Whatever you have heard about S&M... forget it. Let me show you what it is. Continue to trust me and I'll teach you what it really means".  Jack opened his mouth, clearly wanting to refuse or voice his concerns... but instead he fell silent.  Slowly climbing off Mark's lap, Jack paced the living room.  He wanted to try... but he was afraid of what that would mean.  Mark stood up to stop Jack from pacing.  Cupping Jack's face gently in his hands, he whispered seductively against Jack's trembling lips.  "Although, you would kneel before me, Jack. You will never be below me. Give me your trust and I'll give you protection. Even if it's from myself".  To Be Continued...