* * * * *

When we get to Owen's apartment he turns to me, looking sad.

"I'm very sorry, Sir, I have to apologize."

"What for?" I'm confused, he really has nothing to apologize for.

"Well, I only just realized that I never thanked you for the scene. Which was naughty of me, because it was the best scene I've done since I got trained, but I was floating, and then sleepy, and then you were looking after me..."

He has tears in his pretty eyes and I pull him to my chest.

"Hey, shush, it's okay that you forgot. You remembered now, didn't you? But if you really want, I could spank you another time for being naughty and forgetting?"

He shudders in pleasure against me and I grin.

He pulls back, suddenly seeming a lot more like a twenty-five-year-old, that he is, than a sweet little ingénue, that he likes to play.

"Sir, can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"You're not a Daddy, are you?"

"No, I'm not."

"Because you said that stuff, that really worked for me, but I was sure I'd have been told if you were."

"I'm not, but I could tell you were responding to it, and that's what I was there for, to make you feel good. And your reactions felt really good to me."

"Because I have something to ask you. I know you haven't got a submissive. And I don't have a Dom. And I know we might not be a good fit long term, because I want a Daddy, and I think you probably want someone who doesn't need to always be looked after," hmmm more perceptive than I thought, this kid (and then I feel guilty for thinking of him as a kid, because he's only four years younger than me). "but I wasn't kidding about that being the best scene I've done, and I was wondering if I could be your temporary submissive and you could do some more training with me, and make sure I'm really good at the rope stuff, and then I can find a Daddy that's into the rope stuff too."

Called it!

"You know what, Bunny, that doesn't sound like a bad idea."

"Bunny?"

"Yeah, because you're a rope bunny."

He chuckles, "Yeah, I guess it turns out I am. So we can do that?"

"I think we can, though it's really important we set the boundaries clearly so no one catches feelings and we know what we're heading into. What are you doing tomorrow?"

"Work, I'm an RN. I finish at six."

"Well, I'll pick you up at eight if that's okay, and I'll take you out for dinner so we can talk about it. And make sure you stretch out your limbs properly before you go to sleep and when you wake in the morning; they'll be sore."

"Yes, Sir."

We swap numbers and he smiles that big smile and drops a kiss on my nose with his plump lips.

"See you tomorrow."

* * * * *

Dinner is easy and comfortable. We discuss our boundaries, which line up pretty nicely – I confirm I won't be collaring him but I give him a wrist cuff that will denote he is unavailable. It has 'Taken' picked out in delicate rubies and, slightly predictably, he loves it, squealing joyfully as I fasten it on his slim wrist. Adding 'wealthy' to my mental list of requirements for the Dom I plan on helping him find – this boy likes presents.

We agree that we'll allow six weeks, which will be hopefully long enough to do some focused training with him, and he's adorably excited. We agree that he'll call me Master in front of other Doms, and Sir in private; I don't want him to call me Daddy, although I am happy to use some of the boy play words on him, because I enjoy how hot it makes him. He agrees to make eye contact during scenes, although I remind him that he mustn't forget his more restrictive training, as there's no guarantee his future master will be as laid back as me.

"I am a little worried, actually," he admits, sheepishly.

"Why?"

"Well, you're nice. More relaxed than any other Dom I've been with, except for maybe Master Chase. And I kind of like that. But I don't know if it is possible with the other stuff I'm looking for. Like, I don't know if a Daddy will be willing to be that relaxed."

"Anything is possible, Bunny, the main thing is that you don't settle for second best. When you do choose someone – whether it's just to work with them long term or it's for something more, make sure you are doing it from a place of confidence. That's how you stay a healthy sub."

He nods, wide eyed.

"I knew this was a good idea – you're already teaching me things."

I chuckle; he really is adorable.

"What about punishment?" he looks up at me through long lashes, his green eyes barely visible because of the tilt of his head, his cheeks flushing wonderfully.

"What are you used to?"

"Um, well, Master Landon used a crop, but he said it didn't work very well because I liked it too much," I chuckle at that, not surprised, "and Master Dexter used orgasm withholding, which wasn't too bad because he always let me come eventually and it felt amazing. Though Master Kace uses tickling and foot whipping, and I didn't like it much."

"You're not supposed to actually like it," I chuckle at him.

"I know, it's confusing though, because I think I like the idea of being naughty and getting punished, but I'm not into anything too painful. It's more about giving up the control."

There's a gasp, and I realize the waitress is standing next to us. I wonder how much she heard, but based on the flush rising up her throat, I don't think she hated it. Although I'll be sure to leave a good tip to make up for the deep psychological trauma – or the filthy dreams – she might have from it. I order us some more drinks and turn back to Owen.

"What you said is fair enough, I mean it's one of the fundamental points of being submissive. There's nothing to say that you have to like pain or discomfort. In fact, I'm not a big fan of causing any real pain to my subs unless it comes with a worthwhile payback, even though all but the most minor bondage has a certain amount of discomfort built into it.

"I'm sure I'll think of some way to punish you if the need arises, although you've been far too perfect so far for me to need to worry about that."

"Maybe I'll need to be a little brattier then," Owen offers me a tiny side smile.

"Shit, a bratty boy, rope bunny who loves being spanked? I'm going to have applications to be your Dom overflowing my mail box."

He laughs, but then looks at me, "Applications? Not really?"

"Not really. Don't worry I haven't put an advert on Craigslist. But I'm going to do my best to find you a match who deserves you."

"I said you were the best," and Owen puts his small hand on my thigh. Time to hit the club.

* * * * * 

A/N: let's not catch feelings