Restful Interlude

Summary: Tommy gets away for a few days of bonding and affection with his submissive.
Warning(s): Disciplinary Spanking of adults; non-disciplinary spanking; D/s; M/m; explicit sexual content; Potential spoilers for Snake Eyes; consensual tattooing; AU; BDSM; exploration of various kinks

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Tommy had known he wouldn't be able to put off going after the jewel for much longer. He'd managed to postpone it for as long as he could, once he'd returned from seeing Snake and being with his sub... the man he loved. He'd managed to fake cold rages that had most of the Cobra agents fleeing from him, not wanting his ire to turn to them. Thanks to the roles he and Snake had played, Tommy didn't need to hurt anyone to make them fear him. They all believed he was capable of doing horrible things. It helped his role...but even though he knew the act was necessary, it was still painful. And lonely.

Eventually, his luck had had to end. Cobra Commander had summoned Tommy and informed him that he couldn't mourn the loss of his pet any longer. Baroness had been captured, apparently by the Joes, though intel was scarce on her exact whereabouts. Tommy was to lead a team of Cobra agents to his former home; to retrieve the jewel. It was more than clear that failure wouldn't be tolerated.

Retiring to his room, Tommy did his normal scan for any bugs...any changes. He never assumed he was entirely trusted; always on his guard against suspicion falling on him. Fortunately, Baroness had told no one she was following Tommy, so no one could link him to her disappearance. Still. He knew that if she escaped, he'd have to prepare for his cover being blown.

Satisfied that nothing had been changed since the last time he'd been in the room, Tommy took out his phone and dialed Snake's number.

***

Snake had been unable to sleep well, completely stressed, from the moment he and Tommy last parted. Not knowing how his lover was faring; not knowing if Tommy's cover was still intact; it was impossible not to worry. He was grateful that Akiko, Scarlett, and Duke knew the truth. He knew he wouldn't have been able to keep it secret from them what the problem was if they didn't already know about his relationship with Tommy. As it was, they had to run interference between him and the other Joes, who had picked up on his odd behavior.

He always kept the phone with him. It was getting late into the evening when most people were heading to bed. He and the other three who were aware of Tommy had met up for a very late dinner, so he wasn't alone when the phone finally rang. Giving them a wide-eyed look of nervousness, he answered. "Hello...."

"Is it safe for you to talk?" Tommy asked the question without hesitation. Snake needed to know the information, but he didn't want to risk any suspicion falling onto his lover.

It was obvious, more than obvious, who was on the other side of the phone. Duke scrawled a quick message to Snake. If he's giving you intel, put him on speaker.

"I'm with allies..." Snake said, in case it wasn't safe for Tommy. "Can I put you on speaker?" If Tommy said no, he'd obey his lover over his commander.

"Yes." If Tommy needed to settle Snake...and he had the feeling that his lover needed that from him...he'd tell Snake to take him off speaker after he'd given the intel.

Snake immediately turned the phone onto speaker. "Duke, Scarlett and Akiko can hear you now..." he said softly.

"Cobra Commander wants the jewel." Tommy spoke without any hesitation or wasting words. "I can't stall him any longer."

"When does he plan to make the move?" Duke asked.

"Two days' time," Tommy responded. "After the sun sets. I'm to lead a team of trusted Cobra agents to my former home. If the jewel has been moved, I'll be expected to track it down." He paused before adding, "Unless something happens, or someone appears, to distract me."

Akiko nodded, making it clear that she'd taken care of moving the jewel...though she didn't say as much out loud. It would be safer, far safer, if Tommy remained ignorant. Even if he knew her well enough to know what she would have done.

Snake understood the underlying meaning. "I think I miss talking to grandmother, Akiko. Do you think it would be okay to visit her? Check on her well-being?" He smirked faintly, though he was serious about checking on her; to make certain she was nowhere that Cobra could get her when they came calling.

Akiko nodded in agreement. "I believe that would be a very good idea," she agreed.

"If you fail to retrieve the jewel, what will happen?" Duke asked Tommy.

There were a few moments of silence, as Tommy was clearly picking his words carefully...more than aware of his lover there and that he wouldn't be able to physically reassure Snake. "Even if I fail to retrieve the jewel, I'll still be more useful to Cobra Commander alive than dead."

Snake winced at that, not believing for one moment that failure would be easily forgiven. The alternative would be much worse, though.

Scarlett gave her friend a reassuring smile. "If that changes, you need to let us know immediately. We'll get you out."

"I will." Tommy left unsaid that he would only do so as a last resort. He fully believed that he was better placed where he was. Besides. Even though he hadn't really switched sides, being taken out of the line of the succession for his clan still hurt. A lot. If he got out of Cobra, he'd have to face his clan...and he didn't know he was strong enough to do that.

Duke was frowning in thought. "You can't take the jewel back to Cobra, but there's nothing to say we can't give you intel to feed back to the Commander. To help keep you safe." Glancing at Scarlett, he added, "Such as a clue to the Baroness' location. She can't be rescued, but if it could be seen an attempt was made, it could be enough."

Scarlett nodded at Duke. "We could set it up. Distraction. Information. It could make the lack of the jewel more acceptable. And if there is no evidence where the jewel went... maybe they'd stop requiring you to look for it."

"That doesn't mean they won't stop looking for it," Tommy said.

Akiko, not wanting to give Tommy anything that could be got out of him, quickly wrote down, I can lay some false trails to fake locations.

Duke nodded and spoke to Tommy. "We'll deal with that problem as it arises. The most important thing is to keep yourself alive." He didn't say safe. The situation guaranteed Tommy was anything but safe. And even if failure wouldn't be punished by death...he couldn't imagine it would be allowed to pass.

"No... but it will mean the pressure to actually go after it would lessen, at least until they thought they knew where it was," Scarlett said. "The pressure to find it should be easier to work with than the pressure to retrieve it if they know where it is..." She glanced at Snake. Her words were more to put him at ease than anything. They all knew Cobra was likely to be impatient and pressure Tommy, even if it was out of his control.

Snake remained quiet. He knew what they were trying to do. It wasn't working, but the effort was appreciated.

"Then it's settled," Tommy said. "If there's nothing else you need to know, I'd like to speak with Snake privately."

Duke nodded and motioned for Snake to go ahead. Of course, he had no illusions. It was more than clear who really controlled Snake.

Snake nodded at Duke, picking up the phone and putting it back into private mode before stepping away from the table, into the slightly more secluded part of the room. "Are you really, okay?" he asked softly. He knew the room was safe- they'd checked it before beginning their meal- but he still wanted to keep it as private as possible.

"I am," Tommy confirmed. "I really have to do very little to keep my reputation intact. After how Cobra believes I dealt with you, they truly think I'm capable of anything."

"Good. I know you hated it, but it helped make you safer and I'll never regret that..." Snake whispered vehemently.

"I want to keep you safe," Tommy said. "I want to dominate and control you...but not where I have to pretend or hide how I feel about you. I love you."

"I know. I knew then too. It's why I can keep going, even though it is so difficult.... I love you too," Snake said.

"I know it'll be hard to pretend to be on opposite sides," Tommy said. "We'll get through it, though. And when it's safe, I can hold you in my arms. When it can just be us. I can mark you and make sure you remember who truly owns you."

Snake swallowed. "I look forward to that..." he said, in a slightly shaky voice.

"You're mine." Tommy spoke the words in a low, intense voice. "And you carry the marks, the brand, to prove it."

"It reminds me every time I look at it," Snake acknowledged. "Can... can I call you again tonight? When I'm in my room? I... I can tell you what I see...." His voice was very quiet and hesitant.

"Yes, my pet," Tommy responded. "I want you to call me tonight."

"We will likely be heading to our quarters in about thirty minutes." Snake's smile could be heard through the phone. "We had to work late, but we're almost through eating."

"Have you eaten enough?" The note of concern in Tommy's voice was obvious.

"I've been eating," Snake said. Whether it was enough to make Tommy happy, he wasn't certain; his lover tended to make him eat more than he was inclined to when nerves destroyed his appetite.

"How much?" Tommy's tone was serious, nearly stern.

Silently sighing, Snake gave Tommy a precise list of what he'd been eating and how much. He didn't lie and he could tell, by the worried look on Scarlett's face when she overheard, that Tommy wasn't going to be happy with him. Part of him wondered if he hadn't intentionally eaten less because it would give Tommy a reason to step in as soon as they saw each other. Even if they didn't need a reason, a small part of him was afraid Tommy would change his mind about being in control if he didn't have a reason.

"That is not an acceptable amount to eat." Tommy's voice slipped into outright sternness. "I expect you to eat a sensible amount before you return to your quarters. Tell Scarlett and Duke to make certain you do," he added. He couldn't be there himself to make sure, but the Joes would be able to.

"Yessir..." Snake said, in a subdued voice. "Scarlett just made a take-out container with more food for me," he added, as Scarlett pushed the container into his hands.

"Tell her I appreciate it," Tommy requested. "I need to know you're taking care of yourself when I'm not there to make sure you do."

"Yessir..." Snake said quietly, before looking toward Scarlett. "Tommy appreciates you helping him take care of me," he said, with a blush.

"No problem," Scarlett said, loudly enough it could be heard through the phone. "Now that I know you tend to starve yourself if Tommy isn't here, I'll make sure you eat...."

Snake winced, hearing her frustration with him in her voice.

Duke, able to hear the conversation, was quick to say, "If Scarlett is unable to, I'll do the same. You need to look after yourself, Snake."

Snake's blush grew. "Did you hear?" he asked Tommy.

"I heard," Tommy confirmed. "And it's a relief. To know there are people who'll make sure you take care of yourself when I can't be there."

"I'm glad if it helps you..." Snake admitted. "Sorry I'm not better at doing it myself."

"I just want you safe, Snake," Tommy murmured. "I need you. I love you."

"I love you too..." Snake said sincerely. "I'm trying to stay safe...." By this point, he had taken his leave of the other three, carrying the food Scarlett had stored for him, and was almost back to his room.

"When you're with me, when we see each other again, I'll deal with you not taking care of yourself," Tommy said. "But I will also take control. Dominate you. Ensure you carry the marks of my possession for as long as possible."

"A new mark, Master?" Snake asked, finally safe in his own room, where he wouldn't be overheard. "To join the tattoos and brand?"

"Would you like one?" Tommy asked directly. "Knowing you're marked permanently as mine is a good feeling...but I want to be sure you're happy with it."

"Every mark you've placed on me gives me a feeling of belonging and safety and hope that one day, we can be together and not parted..." Snake admitted. "If you want to mark my entire body with signs that point to you, I will submit willingly."

"Then I will," Tommy promised. "When we are next together. I will give you another permanent mark."

"I love you..." Snake said, placing the container of food on the table, then putting the phone next to it and putting it onto speaker so he'd have his hands free. "Do you want me to eat this food Scarlett prepared for me?"

"I do," Tommy replied. "I want to make sure you're eating."

"Okay... I'll finish it now..." Snake sighed and sat down, opening the container and forcing himself to eat. "I never have eaten that much. Since becoming yours, I eat so much more; feels like I'm going to get overweight..." He didn't stop eating, though.

"You'd only be overweight if you stopped being active," Tommy replied. "And there's virtually no chance of that happening."

Snake laughed at that. "True... I've finished now, Master. Shall I clean up?"

"Yes," Tommy replied. Voice warm with affection, he added, "When we're together again, I'll take over feeding you by hand."

Snake blushed. "Even in public?" he asked curiously, quickly cleaning the containers and setting them to the side to return to Scarlett. He glanced around his tiny room, then toward his bath. "What should I do now, Master?" he asked quietly.

"Even in public," Tommy answered, before adding, "Strip. Shoes and socks first."

Snake quickly began to do as ordered. With each item removed, he reported to Tommy that it was off, as he put it carefully away or in the clothes hamper. It took slightly longer to undress because of this and by the end, not only was he fully naked he was also fully aroused at knowing he was obeying his Master. If he had a way to do so, he'd take a picture to prove his obedience and send it to the older man (although it would be more to show how Tommy affected him, than to prove his obedience).

"Good. You're being very good for me," Tommy praised. "Now I want you to begin bathing yourself."

"I will put the phone just outside the shower so you can direct me, sir..." Snake said quietly, fondness in his tone. He did as promised, making certain that he could hear the phone and that Tommy could hear him, then he started the shower and stood under the spray, waiting for directions to either quickly bathe, or listen for directions on each particular part to bathe and how. He wasn't certain what Tommy wanted or had in mind, after all.

Tommy began to direct Snake on where and what to wash. He didn't need to ask if the other man was obeying...he knew Snake was doing everything he said.

Snake was obeying, immediately and exactly. Each order he obeyed moved him closer to wanting to not being able to do anything without an order.

Tommy continued to direct his lover, making sure to tell Snake he was being so very good for him. That Tommy loved him and was proud of him.

Soon, Snake was thoroughly clean. "Do... do you want a picture, Master? To see that I obeyed?" he asked hesitantly.

"I trust you. I know you've obeyed," Tommy replied. "But yes. I would like a picture."

Snake flushed at hearing the words of trust. Carefully, he took his phone, standing in front of the mirror. He wanted his Master to like the picture, so he posed in such a way that he looked good, but completely exposed, for the older man. After he took a picture of his front side, he turned so that his back side was completely exposed in the mirror, tattoos and brand fully visible, and took a second picture. He then sent both photos to his master. "I've sent them, Master," he said, almost bashfully. The full-frontal picture betrayed his arousal.

"You look so good, Snake." Tommy's own voice was hoarse, betraying his own arousal. "My pet. When we next see each other, I will claim to you," he promised. "I will make sure you feel nothing but who owns you."

"I look forward to that, sir..." Snake's voice was hoarse, shaky and he swallowed hard. He didn't touch himself, waiting for further orders. His member ached.

"I want you to touch yourself, my pet," Tommy ordered. "Close your eyes. Imagine I'm physically there with you. Touching you. Taking care of you."

"Yes, Master," Snake said, in a high, shaky voice. He did as Tommy ordered, making certain the older man could hear his reactions.

Tommy continued to direct Snake, telling him where to touch, to squeeze, to caress. His own voice was turning rough with arousal...the power he had over Snake felt good to him.

Soon, Snake had reached a point that the only thing he was aware of was Tommy's voice. He automatically obeyed. He'd become very sensitive and aroused and the only reason he hadn't come was because his Master hadn't given permission. He couldn't talk anymore, answer his Master. Words took too much thought, and he was beyond thinking. His breathing was ragged, fast, desperate, and needy sounding.

Able to tell that his lover was close to the edge, Tommy spoke in a low, intense voice. "Let go, my pet. I want to hear it, even if I can't see it."

Snake released hard... and loud. Later, he would be grateful he was on the end barracks and that the soundproofing of quarters was very good. At that moment, all that mattered was obeying and giving Tommy everything, he'd asked for. He sobbed out broken gasps and moans as his body quaked and emptied, soaking the towel Tommy had ordered him to place under himself. Obeying felt wonderful, though after it was over and done, he felt hollow inside.

"Master?" he whispered, in a tiny, broken voice, sounding close to tears. It felt good and right obeying Tommy, but when it was over, the lack of tenderness inside where fingers couldn't reach and the lack of feeling his Master's seed running out of him just reminded him that he wasn't where he belonged. He wasn't with Tommy.

"I'm here, pet," Tommy murmured. "I know I'm not there physically with you, but I will be soon," he promised. "I love you. You're being so very good for me. When we're together again, I'll take you fully and completely. I'll make sure you can't feel anything but me, even when I'm not inside you."

"P... promise?" Snake whimpered softly. "I can fall asleep with you holding me tight?"

"You can," Tommy replied. "I'll hold you tight as soon as we can safely see each other again. I'll hold you all through the night. And I'll still be holding you when you wake up."

"I'll look forward to that..." Snake whispered, his unhappiness easing slightly, though it was clear he was still missing his lover. He couldn't keep the weariness out if his voice either.

"You need to sleep, my pet," Tommy said. "Get dressed in the nightshirt I gave you. Lay down on the bed. Put the phone next to you. I'll talk to you until you fall asleep."

"Yessir..." Snake said, in a dozy, completely submissive voice. Quickly cleaning his mess up, he slipped on Tommy's shirt that he'd left him and crawled into bed, the phone on his pillow next to his ear.

Tommy began to talk in gentle, soothing tones to his lover, telling Snake he loved him and that, when they were finally together again, he'd take him out on a date.

The soothing talk soon eased Snake into sleep.

****

Two days later, the Joes were alerted that Cobra was attacking, trying to get the jewel. It had already been moved.

Akiko and Snake had returned to the clan, ostensibly for a visit to see grandmother. Of course, they, Duke and Scarlett knew the real reason for them being there; knew that there was a man on the inside of the Cobras.

Akiko tried to hide it, but she was worried. She knew that Snake and Tommy had to pretend to be enemies...that Snake needed to draw Tommy's attention to himself. The jewel wasn't there, but Tommy needed to sell his role. Snake needed to sell his role too. But they couldn't let Snake risk getting captured again....

Snake knew his assignment. He fought Cobra to sell the idea the jewel was there, but as soon as it was discovered the jewel was gone, he made certain he was seen... at least long enough for them to inform Tommy. Then he ran, intending to lead them on a chase.

As soon as the Cobra agents let him know that Snake had been seen, Tommy dropped all pretense of going after the jewel. Letting them believe he only cared about retrieving his pet, he began his pursuit of Snake.

Snake had to play it fast and loose to make the chase believable. If he moved too good, he would get away and Tommy would be expected to give up pursuit and go back to looking for the jewel. Allow himself to be too close and he ran the risk of Cobra catching him again. As a result, he took a lot of chances that he might not have otherwise taken. He only hoped Tommy understood and wouldn't be too angry with him.

Tommy was worried when he realized Snake was taking so many chances. He knew why his lover was doing so...but that didn't stop his heart from leaping into his throat every time. The only good thing about that was that he could show that worry, to a certain extent. After all, as far as Cobra was aware, Tommy wanted to recapture Snake. Not let him get hurt or killed in another way.

It finally reached a point that Snake had to escape or be caught. Saying a silent apology in his head and promising himself to apologize verbally that night when Tommy called, Snake pulled off a move he'd seen in a movie once, escaping by the skin of his teeth and barely escaping injury. But he did escape.

The fear Tommy felt at Snake's actions was intense...more intense than he'd ever felt before. And he couldn't show it. He could and did let himself hide that behind a wall of anger...allowing his temper to show. He didn't harm any of the Cobra agents, but they were still obviously scared of him.

After debriefing with the others, Snake had begged off socializing and gone straight towards his quarters. He'd taken a shower and sat on his bed to eat some soup and a sandwich while watching TV.

***

As soon as Tommy returned to the base, he couldn't go straight to his quarters and call his lover. He had to present himself to Cobra Commander and explain his failure away first. Luckily, he was able to escape with an ominous warning after providing the lead to information about the Baroness...but he was fairly certain he wouldn't be so fortunate next time.

It was later than he wanted it to be by the time he got back to his quarters, swept them for bugs, and was finally able to take out his phone and call Snake.

***

Snake hadn't been able to sleep, even though he was extremely tired. He wouldn't be able to sleep until he knew for certain his lover was okay. The minute his phone rang, he was answering. "Are you alright?"

"I'm all right." Tommy left the words unsaid, 'this time,' even though they were in his head. "I would have called earlier, but Cobra Commander needed me to explain my failure to him."

"Do you need to get out?" Snake's worry was palpable.

"Not yet," Tommy replied. "The intel I gave about Baroness was enough to save me from any kind of punishment he might have devised." After a brief pause, he added, "My biggest concern is the actions you took today."

Snake winced. "I... I was trying not to disappear too quickly but still not get caught. Did I do it wrong?" he asked uncertainly. At the time, he didn't second guess himself, but if Tommy was upset....

"You put yourself in danger," Tommy said. "One wrong move and you wouldn't necessarily be facing capture. You could have been hurt. Or worse." His voice was thick with the worry and fear that he'd had to hold back and hide from Cobra.

"I did what I thought I needed to. I'm sorry it worried you and if you think I should have done things differently, I understand, but... none of the Joes thought my actions were unnecessary..." Snake said hesitantly. He truly hadn't seen many, if any, better options. Working for the Joes, he had a feeling this wouldn't be the only time he was in danger. Did Tommy want him to quit the Joes?

"Snake." Tommy's voice was serious, edging on stern. "You didn't have any of the other Joes with you. I don't expect you told any of them, even Scarlett and Duke, about the actions you took while you were running."

"I..." Snake slumped. "No, sir..." he admitted reluctantly.

"And if you don't think they'll have something to say about it, you can ask Duke or Scarlett to come to your quarters and confirm what they think about those actions," Tommy said.

"Uh... it's really late. And I actually asked for some time off... and..." Snake bit his lip. He knew Duke would dress him down if he knew half of what he had done.

Tommy snorted softly. "Did you forget? I knew them both before you did. And I know they'll still be awake. I have no qualms about asking them to keep you on a tight leash for me, my pet."

Whimpering softly, Snake whined, "Please don't, Master..." He knew he'd done stuff he shouldn't have, even if he hadn't realized it while doing it. "Thinking anyone but you might spank me feels horrible..." he whispered. How else would Duke keep him on a short leash? He wasn't officially a Joe and if he wasn't going on their ops... well, he knew a large part of why he went on their ops was so they could make sure he wasn't doing things on his own.

Tommy was silent for a few moments before he said, "Snake, I need you alive. I need you to not take chances. Those actions you took today were not acceptable and they were not necessary. I don't plan to ask or even suggest Duke or Scarlett spank you. But I don't think you should be taking actions on your own if you can't avoid taking dangerous chances."

Snake swallowed. "Yessir..." His voice was subdued, and it was obvious he was fighting tears. He hadn't meant to upset Tommy. "What should I do?" he asked quietly.

"I'll give you another chance," Tommy said. "But if this happens again, I won't hesitate to use the resources at my disposal to make sure you stay out of danger."

"Thank you, Master..." Snake whispered unhappily. The knowledge he upset Tommy hurt.

"I love you, my pet," Tommy said, gentling his tone. "I know it can be hard to take care of yourself. To remember that you aren't allowed to risk your safety."

"I love you too... so much. I'm sorry." Snake swallowed hard again.

"I'm going to make arrangements to leave the Cobra base," Tommy said. "I'll send you the coordinates of where it's safe for us to meet."

"Okay. Will it be soon? How long should I inform the others I am leaving?" Snake asked.

"It'll be as soon as I can make it," Tommy promised. "And I know I can go off grid for a few days. We'll say four days."

"I'll let Duke and Scarlett know... be ready to leave as soon as you tell me," Snake promised.

"Good," Tommy said. "My good pet. I love you."

"I love you too..." Snake said softly. He waited to see if Tommy felt he needed more chiding; now that he knew his Master wasn't happy with his actions, he was feeling guilty.

"When I see you, we'll deal with those actions you took today," Tommy said. "And then I'll mark you. Like I promised."

"Yessir..." Snake said, with a hint of relief. If Tommy still planned to mark him, then he hadn't pushed the other man too far. He was still wanted.

"You're still mine." Tommy's voice was low, intense, possessive.

"...For always..." Snake responded, part declaration, part question.

"For always," Tommy confirmed.

"I just finished my dinner..." Snake said hesitantly, before telling Tommy what he'd eaten, in case the older man felt he should eat more. "I was going to watch a little TV... unless you think I need to do something else?" He didn't know if Tommy would discipline him over the phone or not.

"I believe you've eaten enough," Tommy said. "I can't be there to discipline you in person, but before you go to bed, I want you to stand in the corner for ten minutes."

Snake sniffled, carefully standing to clean up his dishes and trash before moving into the corner. "Can... will you talk to me while I stand here? So, it feels like you are with me, even though you aren't here?"

"Of course," Tommy replied. "You'll be able to hear my voice, even if I can't wrap my arms around you and hold you tight right now. But I will when we're together again. I'll hold you close and tight. That will be the very first thing I do when we're together again."

"I look forward to that," Snake said wistfully, facing the corner and resting his head in the juncture between walls, holding the phone close to his ear so he could hear everything Tommy said.

Tommy continued talking to Snake while his lover stood in the corner, telling the other man who he belonged to. That he was Tommy's and only Tommy's. That it didn't matter what he did or what happened, it wouldn't change.

By the time ten minutes were up, Snake was calm... settled... secure in his belief that he was and always would be Tommy's. "Bed now, Master?" he asked quietly. "I... I found something... that you might like. I don't know... it's a kinda stand... or tripod... or... well, I can put my phone in it and start running a video chat without actually having to hold the phone. So, I can see you face to face, but if I fall asleep, you won't get any weird ceiling shots or up the nose shots..." he said, with a hint of humor. He didn't know if Tommy would want to risk real time video when Cobra was watching him, but if it wasn't dangerous, it would let him see his master and his master see him.

"I would like that," Tommy agreed. "It'll give me the chance to watch over you. To see what belongs to me."

"How much of me do you want to see?" Snake asked. "So, I know where to set it up? I have Bluetooth, so I can still hear you and talk to you, even if the phone is further away." Of course, it might be more difficult for Snake to see Tommy if the phone was further away, but his eyesight was good. And he'd thought of doing this more for his Master anyway, since it would enable Tommy to examine him for wounds and reassure himself Snake was okay.

"I'd like to be able to see all of you," Tommy replied honestly. "All of you belongs to me. And I want to see every part of who I own."

"Yessir." Snake felt himself warming at the words, feeling very wanted and loved. He quickly set his phone up, turning on the video. The entirety of the bed was in the view frame. He quickly put in the earbuds with microphone. "Can you hear me, Sir?"

"I can hear you," Tommy replied, his voice warmed through with affection and love.

Snake moved into view of the camera. "Should I undress now?" he asked quietly.

"Yes." Tommy began to direct Snake on which part of himself to undress first.

Snake slowly did as ordered, making certain Tommy could easily watch and see. Once he was fully naked, he crawled onto the bed, exposed and submissive, waiting for Tommy to decide what he should do next. He wasn't feeling any particular need or urge, other than for Tommy to command and look however he wanted.

Tommy directed Snake to shift into certain positions, leaving him exposed so that Tommy could see the more vulnerable parts of his lover. He didn't push for anything sexual; just wanted to see all of Snake.

Each position left Snake feeling more exposed, vulnerable, and submissive. He stayed in each position exactly as Tommy instructed him for as long as Tommy wanted. He could feel his master's eyes on him, on each of his most private areas, and it made him feel helpless and owned.

Tommy continued directing Snake to move into each position, allowing him to see everything, but finally told his lover to settle into a position that would be comfortable and conducive to sleep.

Once Snake settled into position, he gave a small, sleepy smile toward the camera. "I love you..." he whispered, knowing the microphone would pick it up. He was comfortable, but still in full view and exposed. His master could watch him fall asleep and continue to look at him as long as he wanted.

"I love you, my pet. So very much so." Tommy continued watching Snake, so that he could see when his lover fell asleep.

Snake smiled at hearing the words, quickly falling into a peaceful sleep, knowing his lover was watching over him.

***

Baroness was apparently completely untroubled by her imprisonment, having asked for (and received) various creature comforts that she'd used to decorate her small cell. Since she'd been relatively well behaved and had made no attempts to escape (at least not yet), her harmless requests had been granted.

Now, she lay on the bed, hands behind her head, idly watching a news report on her TV. There was no access to the internet, of course, but it had been set up so that she could entertain herself.

Scarlett came by at least once a day to talk to Baroness; partly because it let her make sure the woman was still being cooperative and partly because it enabled her to ask questions. Sometimes Baroness would answer, sometimes she wouldn't. The non-answers were as informative as the answers if you knew what to listen for, though; and Scarlett knew what to listen for.

"So... Cobra Commander didn't find the jewel. Tell me, Anastasia... will he ever give up on it? Is there something else he might also want just as badly?" Scarlett didn't really expect an answer. She listened closely anyway. It was an opening to what would eventually become idle friendly chit-chat. That also told her a lot; like the fact Baroness might not really want to return to Cobra, even if she didn't say so.

Baroness took a few moments to answer, her attention seemingly more focused on the television screen. When she did respond, she didn't take her eyes from it, as if she was answering in an absent manner. "If you want him to stop going after the jewel, you'll need to give him something else he can use." Glancing finally towards Scarlett, she added, "I could tell you that you could provide him with a prisoner, but you won't want to expose anyone to him. Storm Shadow was playing a role, but he did it well enough to come across as ruthless and prepared to do anything. Cobra Commander is not playing a role."

"No. A prisoner would not be something we'd want to give him. I don't doubt they'd be dead once he decided they weren't useful," Scarlett acknowledged. "How'd you end up with him, anyway? Despite your willingness to kill, if necessary, you aren't ruthless. Not like Commander."

Baroness shrugged. "It's a boring tale, actually. I grew up without power or influence. As soon as I got old enough, I decided I wanted it." Her tone was flippant, but there was something in her eyes. Something in the slightly bitter smile that touched her lips. Something that said this was her go-to answer for whenever she was asked a similar question.

"So, you found yourself a powerful husband?" Scarlett's own voice was casual. Baroness would only be Anastasia if she hadn't married someone who had a title.

"It was a choice between that and something I would never be willing to do," Baroness replied. "Of course, that wasn't the escape it promised to be."

"Marrying in expectation of someone else changing or improving your life seldom does work as hoped." It wasn't clear if Scarlett's slightly bitter snort of disillusionment was from personal experience, or just observation of others.

Baroness shrugged and changed the subject. "You know, Cobra Commander won't accept failure a second time. If Storm Shadow fails to deliver the jewel, it won't matter what reputation he's built for himself. If you want him to survive, to continue being useful to you, then you need to give him something he can use."

"There may be some information to pass on; important, but not so essential that Cobra finding out would destroy us. Or we instruct Storm Shadow to leave and only be an 'ally', instead of a member of Cobra. He has his own goals, after all and he is powerful enough that if he sells it correctly, Commander should be happy to work with him but not expect too much. Especially if the risk to Cobra increases if something were to happen to Storm Shadow," Scarlet thought out loud.

"Do you think Storm Shadow will do as the Joes instruct?" Baroness asked. "Snake Eyes is only part of the Joes because his master has ordered it. It's more than clear who Snake will listen to if he receives conflicting orders."

"I think if the Joes give him a valid defense against Cobra killing him if he leaves the main organization, he'd seriously consider it... and that would be the only way he'd consider it." Scarlett shrugged. "Just like I'm pretty sure if you had the same option or defense, you'd take it. Neither one of you like being told what to do, whether it be the Joes or Cobra Commander."

Baroness shrugged. "No one has given me any orders that have been in my best interests, so why should I like being told what to do?"

"You've never been given orders by anyone not out for their own selfish gain, I assume? Not that being given orders for the benefit of the rest of the world at your own expense is any easier... but the Joes at least attempt to keep those types of orders to a bare minimum and only in extreme end of the world emergency. Which makes it slightly more palatable." Scarlett smiled crookedly.

"Well. That's one reason I'm still here," Baroness commented.

Scarlett slanted her head. "I'd take offense that you are so confident you could escape us... but I've seen you in action. I've wondered what kept you here."

"It also saves me from choosing," Baroness added.

"That only lasts for so long," Scarlet pointed out. "Eventually, choices have to be made."

"But I've not made that choice yet," Baroness replied. "And when I get out of here...well, I'll have to make the choice that's in my best interests."

Scarlett slanted her head. "I suppose. If you know what that is. Sometimes what one thinks is best and what actually is best are not the same."

"Oh?" A faintly curious note crept into Baroness' voice.

"What's the old saying? The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence? You don't know what you have till it's gone? There's a reason for those sayings. If people always knew what was best for them, not sure they'd say things like that." Scarlett shrugged. "In the end, we can only do our best and hope we aren't wrong."

Baroness snorted softly. "And what would you do, in my position?" she asked. "If our roles were reversed, what would you choose to do?"

"I'd choose the side least likely to stab me in the back first chance offered; go with the ones more likely to give me a chance to have a life after they were through with me..." Scarlett snorted.

"It's probably too late for that." Did Baroness sound a little regretful? Maybe, but it was hard to tell.

"It's only too late when you're dead." Scarlett shook her head. "And you don't have to do it alone."

"Are you really trying to recruit me?" Baroness asked.

"I'm offering you an option. Of course, you'd be expected to prove you can be trusted with more sensitive missions, but there are numerous jobs you can do that will keep you far away from Cobra... keep you safe," Scarlett suggested.

"As easy as that," Baroness said. "And I won't be a prisoner any longer?"

"You might be limited on where you are allowed... but no more prisoner. A chance to change the trajectory of your life," Scarlett suggested.

"All right." Baroness shrugged. "I was getting bored of prison anyway."

"Alright, then. Come with me. We'll get you a key card. That will allow you to move around in the areas you are allowed." Scarlett opened the cell door and motioned Ana through.

Baroness rose from the mattress and walked through the cell door, glancing around to take in everything.

"I'll give you a small tour on the way to get your ID and assigned quarters." Scarlett smiled.

Baroness nodded. "It's much bigger than it appears on the outside," she commented.

"That's what he said..." Scarlett muttered under her breath mischievously, before leading the other woman down the hall.

Baroness snorted softly but didn't comment on the words as she followed Scarlett.

****

Snake didn't socialize more than he needed to in order to keep the others from worrying, waiting for Tommy to contact him. He socialized enough to know that Baroness was loose, if being supervised by Scarlett. And he socialized enough to let Duke know he would be going on a small trip, once he knew where he was going. He was grateful the other man would know what wasn't being said. The rest of the time, he was in his room, anxiously waiting for a message.

It took longer than Tommy would have liked, but he was finally able to get everything set up. Finally, he sent a coded message to Snake's phone, containing coordinates to one of Tommy's safe places.

Quickly grabbing his bag, Snake sent a quick message to Duke that he was leaving, then went to his bike, taking off. He didn't know how long it should take him to reach the location Tommy sent him to. He was probably driving way faster than he should have been, though, because he made it within two hours. He quickly parked his bike and looked around for Tommy, keeping himself to the edges where people shouldn't notice him.

Tommy had walked out of the cabin and stood waiting for Snake, looking and listening for his lover's bike. When Snake arrived and Tommy spotted him, he quickly went to the other man's side, pulling him into a firm, tight, hard embrace.

Snake slumped into the embrace, gripping Tommy tightly but remaining pliant enough his lover could maneuver him as wanted. "I missed you so..." he whispered.

"I missed you too. So much." Tommy hugged Snake tightly for a few more moments and then guided his lover into the cabin, all without letting go of his submissive.

Snake clung to his master, nuzzling and snuggling as much as it was possible to do without hindering their ability to walk.

Once they were in the cabin, the door closed and locked, Tommy began to strip Snake of his clothing.

Snake shivered, making it as easy as possible for Tommy to undress him. By the time his master was done and he was fully naked for the older man, Snake was quivering in place and half-way slipped, his need to be completely dominated obvious.

Once Snake was completely naked, Tommy kissed his neck; hard and almost biting. Then, he guided his sub over to the bed and took a seat, guiding Snake into place across his lap.

Snake whined softly at the rough kiss, pressing into it almost greedily. His member twitched, half aroused at the action. "I missed you and love you so much..." His whisper was shaky and needy, as he easily went over Tommy's lap.

"I need you, my pet. I love you. I'm glad you're here, with me." Tommy ran a hand over his sub's bottom, gently squeezing one buttock. "But we need to deal with the dangerous actions you took before I can take you fully."

"Yessir..." Snake immediately slumped, wrapping his arms around Tommy's leg and holding on. "I'm sorry I was naughty... I'm sorry I made it so the first thing you had to do was punish me..." His voice caught.

"I love you." Tommy wrapped one arm around Snake's waist, squeezing his sub against his stomach. He lifted his other hand and brought it down in a firm smack that he then repeated, before delivering two smacks just below the first.

Snake didn't try to be stoic or brave. Tommy was his master and deserved to hear if what he did affected him. And Snake needed Tommy to know, it did. The first smack drew a tiny yipping noise from the submissive, while the following snacks drew out tiny whimpers. Snake was almost immediately crying, pent up feelings, emotions and fears from what felt like the longest separation bubbling to the surface and draining from his eyes.

Tommy continued to swat firmly, covering every inch of Snake's backside from the crest to mid-thigh before he started over from the top. "No matter what acts we have to play for those on the outside, you are mine. And you will always be mine. You have no right to risk taking yourself away from me."

"No, sir... no right... have to think of that before I decide anything..." Snake choked out, a tiny sob escaping.

"You don't take those dangerous actions. And if it happens again, I won't hesitate to do what is necessary." Tommy began a third circuit of swats, going a bit harder and faster, spreading Snake's legs apart to swat his inner thighs as well.

It was hard to hold still and not try to get away or block the painful swats; to not close his legs to protect his thighs. But it was deserved punishment and he wanted to obey and submit to his Dom more than he wanted to avoid the pain. He'd felt worse... asked for and welcomed worse pain. Punishment pain was more difficult to take, because it meant he'd messed up and upset or disappointed Tommy. The sobs were coming non-stop by this point and he shook, both from the sobs and the effort to stay in place. He couldn't talk. He hoped Tommy realized it was because of crying and not because he was ignoring the words.

"I expect you to do better next time. To be good for me, even when I know it's hard." Tommy swatted to emphasise each word he spoke, keeping his other arm wrapped tightly around Snake's waist.

Snake's sobbed out, "Yes, sir," was garbled and impossible to understand, but he was lying completely limp and submissive and he thought maybe Tommy would understand anyway.

Tommy focused a final flurry of swats to Snake's sit spots and thighs, ensuring that the sting would last for a while when his submissive sat down. Then, he carefully moved Snake onto his lap instead of over it, wrapping his arms around the other man and holding on tight once more.

Snake slumped against Tommy, weakly clinging to the older man, continuing to softly sob. He felt like such a failure. "...Love you, Master... love you and sorry...."

"No more apologies, my pet." Tommy kissed Snake's head, rubbing over his sub's back and bottom. "You've been punished and forgiven. No more guilt."

Snake calmed at the words, nuzzling against Tommy's chest. "Failed..." he whispered forlornly.

Tommy moved one hand to the nape of Snake's neck, gently stroking the tattoo he'd put there. "You were naughty. You've been punished. You learn from it. That doesn't mean you've failed."

"Didn't fail?" Snake asked hopefully and sniffled. He leaned into the affection like a touch starved puppy. He'd taken the point of only Tommy touching him beyond sexual and had avoided any type of touch, even friendly hugs.

"You didn't fail," Tommy confirmed, stroking, rubbing, squeezing and caressing over Snake's body. It was hard not to notice the way Snake acted, like he was starved of any touch, and he gently cupped his submissive's cheek. "Snake. Do you have no one who cares about you in the Joes?"

Snake snuggled and nuzzled until Tommy gently directed his gaze up to look into his eyes. He blinked owlishly. "I hang out with Akiko and Scarlett and Duke. Don't really know anyone else..." he said uncertainly, not understanding why Tommy would ask.

"You understand that you don't have to hold yourself back from being affectionate with your friends?" Tommy asked. "I'm the only one allowed to dominate you. To touch you sexually. That doesn't mean you have to avoid any type of touch, any type of affection, from others."

Snake blushed, snuggling some more. "I... I know it in my head. Just feels... not wrong, exactly. Weird, I guess. Never really had friends before I met you. Never really got touched much outside of sex...." He couldn't meet Tommy's eyes. He just knew he'd proven to Tommy what a freak he was.

Tommy gently stroked Snake's cheek, thumb lightly caressing his lips. "You held everyone at arm's length. Even me, when we first met. But now that you've accepted who you belong to, it's been easier for you to accept not only punishment, discipline, from me, but also affection. I don't want you to remain starved of affection, my pet. You belong to me, but there are others who care about you as well."

Snake turned his face into Tommy's hand, kissing his palm. "I don't know how to... initiate... how to..." He bit his lip, embarrassed.

"You don't have to start with anything big," Tommy said gently. "Initiating contact can be as simple as patting someone on the shoulder, at least to start with." He gently squeezed the nape of Snake's neck.

"I... I've seen Duke do that. He did it with me once and it startled me, so he's been careful not to touch since then..." Snake blushed.

"It's not good to live without affection, Snake," Tommy said quietly. "And you'll get it from me, every time we're together. But it's good to let others in. Start with the small steps. A pat on the shoulder. Even shaking someone's hand can help, as it's a step in the right direction."

"I'll try..." Snake said hesitantly. "I... do you think...?" He blushed again. "Do you think the others would help? If they knew I'm trying?"

"I'm sure they would," Tommy replied. "They care about you too. You just need to learn to accept that."

Snake bit his lip again, snuggling closer and hiding his face almost bashfully. "Would you ask them for me?"

"If that's what would make you feel most comfortable, then yes," Tommy answered, gently scruffing the nape of Snake's neck.

Snake gave Tommy a grateful smile, pushing his neck more firmly into Tommy's hand. "Thank you, Master...."

Tommy squeezed Snake's neck gently and kissed his lips, gently nipping at them before pushing his tongue into his lover's mouth.

Snake moaned softly, opening his mouth to his master, accepting Tommy's tongue, letting his own submissively but playfully rub against Tommy's.

Tommy gently eased them both down onto the bed, sliding one hand down over Snake's back and bottom, giving it a gentle squeeze. He continued to kiss, turning it deeper and more intense.

Snake's moan turned into a groan as his sore bottom was squeezed. He eagerly returned Tommy's kiss, opening his legs so his master could fit between them.

Tommy pulled back enough to whisper, "I love you," before he resumed kissing Snake, almost devouring the younger man. At the same time, he reached for the lube.

Snake shivered, unable to answer with Tommy devouring his mouth. He instead showed his love by running his hands over the older man with gentle but needy affection. He was rousing quickly and did nothing to hide the fact, his member growing and hardening just from the kisses and squeezing.

Tommy bore them down onto the bed, beginning to suck and bite Snake's skin, leaving marks behind. At the same time, he began to remove his own clothes.

Snake's moans and groans increased as his lover began to mark his body. "...Yes... please, Master... mark me all over. Every piece of me belongs to you..." He whimpered, squirming helplessly under Tommy. The sting from the marks started him sliding toward the drop that would leave him completely in Tommy's control.

Tommy continued to mark, biting and sucking Snake's skin. He did that to his submissive's entire front side, then turned Snake over to do the same to his back side.

Snake attempted to hold still- Tommy hadn't given permission to move, after all- but he couldn't stop himself from making a few aborted thrusts against the bed, his aching member seeking friction. He whimpered and whined at feeling the sting on his back. "...So good, master...." he breathed out, in a very shaky, needy voice.

"You feel so good to me. So good laying under me. So good submitting to me. Submitting to my will." Tommy whispered the words against Snake's shoulder, before he continued marking his lover.

"Have to obey... have to submit... think I would die inside if I couldn't belong to you... couldn't be controlled by you..." Snake whispered, his breath catching in his throat as he felt Tommy's lips and teeth; felt suction and sharp pressure, all while being blanketed by Tommy's warm weight.

"You will always belong to me. You are mine." Tommy's voice was very intense and very possessive. He continued to suck, bite and mark, working over every inch of Snake's skin.

By the time Tommy had marked his entire back side, Snake was very sensitive. Tears of need and acceptance wound down his cheeks.

As soon as he'd marked Snake to his satisfaction, Tommy coated his member in the lube. Then, he grasped Snake's hips and pushed inside his submissive.

Snake groaned at Tommy just pushing in, filling him completely. He felt the stretch and knew he was very tight. He was unprepared for the action to send him over the edge into spasming release, though. When his body had calmed enough to talk, his shocked, uncertain whisper gave away that he was embarrassed and ashamed. "...I... I'm sorry... I didn't mean to..." he whispered; certain Tommy would be upset. He held still, gently squeezing around his master's shaft.

"I didn't tell you to hold on or to wait," Tommy responded. "If I'd told you to do either of those things, I would be upset. But I didn't. You didn't disobey me. You didn't do anything wrong."

"...Okay..." Snake whispered, slightly mollified when he realized Tommy wasn't upset. "Want to be good for you...." He squeezed around his lover's member again. "Want it to be good for you."

"You are good for me," Tommy replied. "And so is this." He began to gently thrust inside Snake, hands moving to grasp his lover's hips.

"Oh..." Snake groaned, feeling his lover moving in him. "Is good... so very good..." He shifted slightly so he'd become tighter around his lover and feel Tommy rubbing more fully, even as his own body provided more friction to his mate.

Tommy squeezed Snake's hips as he continued to thrust inside the other man. He leaned forward and kissed Snake, hard and deeply, once more like he was trying to devour his submissive.

Snake opened fully for the kiss, giving everything he could. He began to feel lightheaded, so focused on giving everything, accepting what was given; his breathing was shallow and erratic.

Tommy pulled back enough to growl out the word, "Mine." Then, he was kissing Snake again. Thrusting harder and deeper inside the other man. He moved his hands from Snake's hips to his nipples, beginning to squeeze and lightly pinch them.

Snake gasped in a breath. "Yours..." he acknowledged, before offering his mouth again. He arched his back, pushing his nipples toward his Master, welcoming the sting from what he was doing.

Tommy continued to kiss Snake, hard and with almost bruising force. Once he was satisfied with the state of Snake's nipples, he moved one hand a bit lower and grasped Snake's member firmly.

Snake gasped, still a bit sensitive from his release, but his member immediately began to fill in response to his master's possession. He groaned softly into Tommy's mouth.

Tommy broke the kiss, but only so that he could begin kissing along Snake's jawline and down his neck, nipping at the skin. At the same time, he began to gently squeeze Snake's member, feeling it swell in his hand. His own member began to swell and fill inside Snake, his release getting close.

Snake gasped in air, unable to do anything but moan and whimper as his mate owned him. He felt Tommy getting larger, stretching him further, and it caused his own member to fully fill in response. When Tommy began to stroke against his prostate, the only thing that kept him from prematurely releasing again was that he'd already released once. His whole body was throbbing with need.

"Who owns you?" Tommy growled the words against Snake's skin. "Who do you belong to?"

"You, Tommy... Master... Love..." Snake sobbed softly. "I belong only to you!"

"Good. My good pet." Tommy kissed Snake's neck with hard, almost bruising force. "Let go, my pet. Now."

Immediately, with no thought at all, Snake was obeying. He hadn't realized he was even close to release, but on his master's order his body began to spasm, clenching around Tommy and shooting out his release in long spurts. By the time it was over, he lay limp under Tommy, completely drained, body twitching from oversensitivity. He looked up at Tommy with dazed and glazed eyes, almost dropped but not quite.

Tommy's own release came over him at the same time as Snake's did and he let go, long and hard, inside his submissive. Once it was over, he kissed his lover gently and withdrew, so that he could retrieve a washcloth and clean them both up.

Snake whined as Tommy withdrew, instinctively reaching for his Dom.

"I'm not leaving you, my pet," Tommy murmured, stroking the side of Snake's face. "I'm just going to clean us both up. So, we don't end up stuck together in a bad way."

Snake nodded, turning to kiss Tommy's hand before he withdrew it. He shivered slightly as his cum cooled on his body and Tommy's slowly leaked out of him. He was slowly returning to a more stable mindset, further from the edge he'd almost gone over, but he was still a bit disoriented.

Tommy began to carefully clean up Snake, making sure his lover was entirely clean and comfortable before doing the same to himself.

Snake shivered as his lover cleaned him, his body oversensitive, even as he pressed close, craving Tommy's touch. "I love you..." he whispered, remaining pliant so Tommy could move him where he wanted.

"I love you. So much." Once he'd finished cleaning them up, Tommy stretched out alongside Snake on the bed, wrapping his arms around his lover once more.

Snake immediately snuggled close, pressing tight. He'd only move if Tommy told him to. "I missed you so much... felt like my heart was missing."

Tommy stroked his hands over Snake's back, gently rubbing and caressing him. "I missed you too," he murmured. "I feel better when you're in my arms. When you're where I can put my hands on you. Hold you. Give you affection. Take care of you."

"How much longer? Do you think we will ever be able to come home to each other permanently?" Snake asked softly, nuzzling Tommy's chest.

"I'm sure we will be able to, in time." Tommy kissed Snake's head, gently stroking his lover's hair. "That's the goal behind this, after all. To be together openly."

"Until then, I have to be patient..." Snake whispered.

"I have to be patient, too," Tommy commented.

Snake smiled at that. "You have it worse, really. You have to be patient for both of us because I'm not patient at all."

"But you're following my directions," Tommy commented. "And you're very good at that."

"Need to... feels all kinds of wrong to disobey you," Snake admitted. He kissed Tommy's chest.

"You're so very good for me, my pet. My love." Tommy gently gripped the nape of Snake's neck.

"Wanna be good, Master. Belong to you..." Snake breathed out, slanting his head forward so Tommy could grip harder.

"You do belong to me," Tommy agreed. "And you always will." He gripped Snake's neck more firmly, his other arm wrapping around his submissive more firmly; more tightly.

Snake relaxed as he felt Tommy tighten his arm. "Feels safe... when you hold me tight."

"I'm glad," Tommy murmured. "I want you to feel safe."

"I do... completely..." Snake nuzzled again, closing his eyes.

"Sleep, my pet," Tommy murmured. "I won't let you go."

Trusting Tommy would do exactly as he said, Snake slept.

***

For the first time since the last time, he'd fallen asleep in his master's arms, Snake slept without nightmares. He woke up well rested and eager to begin the day with his mate.

Feeling that his lover was awake, Tommy gently squeezed Snake and kissed his hair. "After I feed you breakfast, I'm going to mark you like I promised," he murmured.

Snake vibrated in happiness. "Okay, Master. What should I do?"

"You just need to be good for me," Tommy replied. "And I know you can do that for me." He stood up and carefully helped Snake to stand, possessively cupping his submissive's backside.

Snake smiled at that, a happy chirp escaping as his bottom was possessively cupped and squeezed. "Do you want me to stay naked, Master?"

"Yes." Tommy spoke without any hesitation. "I don't plan for us to leave here, so there's no reason for you to be clothed."

Snake nodded, quietly shifting so he could follow Tommy to wherever he wanted him. "Do you want me in the corner, Master?" It felt odd to sit at the table and watch Tommy do all the work making breakfast, even if that's what his master wanted him to do. At least facing the corner, Tommy could look over and see the tattoos and brand on his neck and butt.

Tommy considered that for a few moments as he began to prepare their food. Then, he nodded. "Yes. It will give me the chance to see the marks of my ownership," he said.

Snake moved into the closest corner that would enable Tommy to look at him. He made sure that the tattoos and brand were fully facing his master. It gave him a warm feeling in his belly, being vulnerable to his master's gaze and obeying him.

Tommy's eyes remained focused on Snake as he began to prepare their breakfast. It made him feel good to look at his lover...at his submissive...at the marks that Snake wore. Knowing that Snake belonged to him made him feel good. Really good.

It didn't take long for the food to be fully prepared and then Tommy walked over to Snake. He wrapped his arms around his lover, kissing and nuzzling Snake's neck before drawing him out of the corner.

Snake made tiny whines of pleasure at the kisses. He obediently turned at Tommy's direction.

"Good pet," Tommy murmured, turning Snake's face towards him to kiss his lips gently. Then, he guided Snake towards the table and sat, gathering his lover onto his lap.

Snake returned the kiss gently, following Tommy and sitting on his lap when directed. "Love you..." He smiled. "Need to be good."

"You are being very good," Tommy confirmed. He began to feed Snake.

Snake ate whatever Tommy fed him without complaint. His lover had taken time to find out some of his likes and dislikes and mostly made items he liked. The items he didn't like were healthy items that Tommy had prepared in an unusual way. To Snake's surprise, he even liked those items. "What did you do? I normally hate bananas...."

"I mixed them with something you do like," Tommy answered. "It's always worth trying something a different way. You might be surprised." He nuzzled and then kissed Snake's neck.

"Yeah... Seems so. Might get me to eat a lot more stuff if you're cooking. You make good food..." Snake smiled, slanting his head so Tommy could kiss his neck easier.

"Well. I'll be cooking for you whenever we're together." Tommy continued to kiss Snake's neck, even as he carried on feeding his submissive.

"That's good that you don't want me to cook. We'd starve if you needed me to make anything edible," Snake said sheepishly.

"It gives me more of a chance to take care of you," Tommy commented. "Cooking for you, looking after you, makes me feel good."

"I... I'm not used to it, but I kinda like it..." Snake admitted bashfully. "Makes obeying you feel even more important... because if I don't, it makes it more difficult for you to take care of me and is... ungrateful? Selfish? I can't think of the word to describe what I mean..." Snake sighed.

"It means you're not being a good pet," Tommy replied. "Not being a good submissive. And I know being good is important to you."

"I need to be good for you," Snake agreed.

"And you're doing that very well," Tommy said, as he finished feeding Snake.

Snake blushed at the praise. He sat quietly while Tommy finished his own food.

"My good pet," Tommy murmured, kissing Snake's neck once he'd finished his own breakfast. "Do you remember I told you I wanted to take you to a club, where we could show our relationship openly? I found one that I believe is safe."

"What will we do there?" Snake asked curiously, slanting his head to expose his neck further.

Tommy gently gripped the nape of Snake's neck. "It gives us the chance to show our relationship to other people. I can be fully possessive of you there. I can have you sat at my feet, wearing the collar and leash."

"When can we go?" Snake asked quietly, the idea of kneeling for his master making him eager.

"I thought we could go tomorrow," Tommy answered. "It's far enough away that we should be unlikely to run into any Cobra agents or Joes, but we'll still go there in disguise."

"What kind of disguise?" Snake asked curiously. "Will you mark me before then? Or while we are there?"

"I'll mark you today, before we go...unless you'd like me to mark you where other people can see it," Tommy added. "If you wanted to do that, you could show off how good you are for me to other people. As for disguises, I have a few different options. I'll show them to you later."

"If I can't... can't control my emotions... start to cry.. would it shame you?" Snake asked hesitantly. His emotions and control had spiraled between locked down tight and out of control for a while. He'd managed to hide it from the others for the most part and being with Tommy had calmed them considerably, but he could feel them roiling beneath the surface and didn't know if he could keep from losing it if they decided to rise up again. If Tommy would be bothered by that, he needed to know before they went into public it might be an issue.

"It would bother me if you forced yourself to hold back," Tommy replied. "Crying isn't a bad thing. Letting your emotions out isn't bad. But if the thought of releasing emotions in front of others upsets you, or bothers you in any way, we can take care of the marking here. Where it's just us." He kissed Snake's neck. "But it wouldn't worry or upset me."

Snake shivered, slumping slightly. "I won't hold back or hide my emotions from you... and as long as I'm with you and it won't cause problems, I don't care if others see." He swallowed hard. "I... I had a hard time while you were away from me," he confessed. "I felt out of control a lot of times," he whispered. "I managed to hide it from the others but when I was alone, I lost it so many times. Only knowing you would be upset, disapprove, kept me from going out and doing something foolish...."  He looked up at Tommy. "I can feel all the emotions under my skin wanting to escape, but it might be anything that sets it off. Not just being marked. I... you need to know. In case...." He flushed darkly.

"It doesn't matter how or when it happens." Tommy hugged him tighter, brushing a kiss against his shoulder. "I'm glad you kept control enough to avoid doing what you know I'd be unhappy with. Maybe being around people and being open with how we belong to each other will help you during those times we have to be apart."

"I hope so, Master. I hate feeling out of control... at least when you aren't there." Snake sniffled, snuggling closer, leaving unsaid that feeling out of control when Tommy was there didn't bother him as much.

"You don't need to worry about us being apart right now," Tommy said gently, stroking and lightly caressing Snake's body...not demanding or sexual, but just wanting to give affection. "And if you do feel out of control when we're apart, you can call me. Or send me a message, so I can call when it's safe to do so. Reach out to me when you need to, Snake. Or you can ask one of the others for help, if you feel able to do so."

Snake sighed at the affection, shifting closer for more. "I'm afraid to reach out when we aren't together," he admitted. "If I do it at the wrong time, it could expose you. Put you in danger."

Tommy continued to stroke and caress Snake, gently kissing his shoulders or neck every so often. "That's why it's better to send a coded message," he said. "But if you need help, you shouldn't be afraid to turn to Duke, or Scarlett, or Akiko. Even if it might be something as simple as having one of them stay with you until you're calm enough not to do anything foolish."

"What code should I use?" Snake asked quietly. Not that he wouldn't go to one of the others if it was necessary, but he'd rather go to his Master.

"You could call me by a different name," Tommy suggested. "That way, if I was in the position of someone else seeing my phone, I could claim it as a wrong number."

"Call you by a different name and, if needed, give a false name for myself..." Snake nodded. "And if you can't talk at that moment... talk to the others..." He seemed a bit more reluctant to do that, but since his master was the one to suggest it, he was a little more open to the idea.

"That's exactly right," Tommy confirmed. "My good pet."

Snake nuzzled against Tommy at the praise. "Your good pet..." he repeated, in a half proud, half bashful voice.

"So good for me." Tommy stroked down his spine.

Snake stretched into the petting, a tiny almost purr escaping his throat. "I love you...." he whispered.

"I love you too. So much." Tommy continued to stroke affectionately over Snake's back, gently squeezing. He brushed his lips against the pulse point in Snake's throat.

Snake made happy sounds, content to remain in his mate's grasp the rest of the day.

***

The next day, Tommy had prepared breakfast for them both and fed Snake, before feeding himself. Now, he took his submissive to the selection of disguises he'd picked out for them, so that he could dress Snake for their trip to the club.

Snake looked at the disguises curiously. "What do you want me to wear?" he asked.

"This one." Tommy picked out one of the disguises and began dressing Snake in it, letting his fingers touch and brush over his submissive's body affectionately.

When Tommy was done, Snake slanted his head. "Can I look in the mirror?" he asked, curious about how he looked.

"Of course." Tommy guided his lover towards the full-length mirror, so that Snake could see what he looked like.

If Snake hadn't seen the reflection staring back in the mirror, he wouldn't have recognized himself. "That's... amazing. You've done better than I would have ever believed possible..." he breathed out.

Tommy kissed the side of his neck and murmured, "I'm glad you think it works. Let me get changed and then we'll leave for the club."

Snake nodded, continuing to admire Tommy's handiwork while his mate got ready. He was looking forward to going out in public with his lover.

Once he was fully dressed, Tommy retrieved the collar and leash. He put the collar around Snake's neck, explaining, "I won't take hold of the leash until we're in the club, but I still want you wearing it."

Snake's quick intake of breath, followed by a swallow and smile, gave away that Tommy leashing him felt good. He held still, so that his mate could arrange everything as needed.

Tommy made sure that the leash was tucked safely away, so that it wouldn't draw undue attention, and then took his submissive's hand and led Snake outside. Since his lover's bike was nearly as well-known as Snake himself, at least to the Joes and Cobra, Tommy headed to his own vehicle: a non-descript black car.

Snake followed meekly, every inch the submissive boyfriend, though anyone 'not in the know' would most likely think him very shy.

Tommy opened the passenger door and guided Snake into the seat, doing his seatbelt up, and then moved round to the driver's side, getting in himself. As he began to drive, he reached out and clasped Snake's hand, squeezing it.

"How far away is this club, Master?" Snake asked, squeezing Tommy's hand back.

"It's a couple of hours' drive," Tommy answered. "Far enough away that it couldn't be linked immediately to the cabin we're staying in." He raised Snake's hand to his lips and kissed it, then continued to hold onto his lover as he drove.

Snake settled, holding Tommy's hand gently, in case the other man needed to take it back for driving. The scenery slowly changed from rural wilderness to urban the closer they got to their destination.

Tommy kept hold of Snake's hand as much as it was safe to do so, squeezing it every so often. Finally, he pulled up outside a building that looked no different than an ordinary nightclub.

Snake was relieved that the outside looked normal. It meant less notice or questions. He waited patiently for instructions from Tommy.

Tommy parked the car and glanced around, making sure he couldn't see there was anyone watching them. Then, he got out of the car and moved round to the opposite side, guiding Snake out of the passenger seat.

Snake shifted to stand close to his master, but just slightly behind. He then waited. He didn't know how Tommy wanted them to appear to those outside the club, so didn't want to appear any set way until he knew Tommy's intentions.

Tommy took hold of Snake's hand, but he didn't hold onto the leash...or do anything else that would indicate their relationship was more than just romantic to anyone outside. He took a card from his pocket and glanced at it, then led his submissive up the steps to enter the club.

Snake held onto Tommy's hand and followed, acting like a 'normal' boyfriend. He was looking forward to being able to give Tommy his submission in front of people without it being necessary to keep them alive, though. He was looking forward to a public submission that was entirely because he wanted to give it, with no ulterior reasons.

Once they were inside the club, just inside the door, there was a cloakroom, with an attendant there. Tommy handed the attendant the card he'd taken from his pocket and the woman looked it over before asking, "Will you be leaving any outer clothing here? It's normal for a submissive to go naked, apart from underwear, if they are comfortable doing so."

Snake looked up at Tommy. He was clearly unphased by the idea of being naked. It was entirely up to Tommy's comfort level of having his submissive be naked where others could see his property.

Tommy was able to read Snake well. It was obvious that the idea of being naked didn't bother the other man. So, Tommy reached out and began to slowly strip his lover, eventually leaving Snake just wearing the collar and his underwear.

Snake tried not to smirk, or blush, when his underwear was revealed. He'd bought new, before going to meet Tommy, and was wearing one of the 'surprises'. It was a black silk jock-strap that had just enough of a tie to keep it in place, but left his butt completely exposed. And it wasn't a thong, so there was nothing to keep Tommy from claiming him immediately if the urge hit.

Noticing the underwear, Tommy let his hand slide down to gently but possessively cup Snake's backside. His other hand took a hold of the other end of the leash, making it more than clear, to anyone, just who the other man belonged to.

Snake let his haze drop demurely... submissively... toward the ground, but his smile was proud. He wanted everyone to see who owned him and watch as his master lay claim.

Still with his hands in place, Tommy began to lead Snake into the main area of the club. His hand on his submissive's backside rubbed a few times, then gave some firm pats that culminated in a fairly light swat before Tommy resumed rubbing.

Snake managed to hold still for the swat, though he did give a tiny yip, promptly blushing at the sound he'd made. He darted a bashful look upward at his master. It was obvious just having his master rub and gently smack was sending him into a more submissive mindset.

Tommy gently tugged Snake closer to him, continuing to possessively rub and lightly smack his submissive's backside, even as he led the other man towards some of the other scenes. There was a lot going on around them and Tommy was obviously curious...even though he was still firmly patting and lightly smacking, timing each step with the moment his palm connected to Snake's bottom.

At first, it was difficult to find a walking rhythm with Tommy pulling and smacking, but soon, Snake had fallen into an easy gait that allowed his feet to be firmly on the ground with each smack, only moving forward when there wasn't a smack. It was almost as if Tommy was smacking him forward.  He looked at all the scenes as well, obviously interested in them; especially the ones that left the submissive fully at the master's mercy.

As they paused to watch one of the scenes, Tommy guided Snake closer to his side, bending his submissive forward slightly over one arm. He made sure that Snake could watch what was going on as well, even as Tommy began to smack a little bit more firmly, a little bit harder...so that the swats would be felt; would begin to color Snake's backside.

Snake shivered and held tightly to Tommy's arm as he watched the scene. He managed not to be loud, but Tommy would be able to hear the tiny whines and whimpers as his bottom became more sensitive and tender. The knowledge that anyone walking by could see his master spank him and see the evidence after made him warm inside.

Every so often, Tommy paused in the spanking to possessively rub Snake's backside. During one such pause, he whispered in his submissive's ear, "This belongs to me. Just as every part of you does. And everyone here will be able to see that I own you." He then moved his hand a little lower, beginning to swat Snake's sit spots and the tops of his thighs...ensuring that the effects of the spanking would be felt whenever the other man sat down.

"Yes, master." Snake's soft reply was almost a purr, and he arched his back slightly, so that more of his sit spots were exposed. Out if the corner of his eye, he could see other pairings walking by, the submissive looking envious and the Dom looking approving and seemingly taking notes. He preened slightly, showing off that he belonged.

Tommy noticed there was a bench, close by enough that they would easily be able to see more scenes going on around them. He used the leash to guide his submissive towards the bench and then sat down on it, guiding Snake into position across his lap. "My good pet," he murmured, before beginning to swat more in earnest. "Everyone here will see that I have you in hand."

"Yes, Master." Snake moaned softly, reaching down to brace himself on the floor while his Dom heated his bottom. Glancing over, he saw another submissive draped over their Doms lap. The submissive's bottom was cherry red and the Dom had one hand parting the sub's cheeks, while the other was pumping a long, thick toy in and out. He swallowed hard and shifted slightly.

Tommy swatted until his submissive's bottom was a darker pink and then began to rub with one hand, even as he pulled his pack nearer to him. "I want to make sure that this lasts for as long as possible. That it's clear to everyone just who owns you. Who your master is." He removed the chastity belt from the pack and put it in place, making sure it was secure. Then, he resumed swatting Snake's bottom, working every inch down to mid-thigh. At the same time, he moved his other hand to the back of his submissive's neck and scruffed it.

Snake was half out of it when Tommy maneuvered the belt onto him, readjusting his underwear so that it fit comfortably over it. He whined slightly, as his member was now firmly 'trapped' and would not reach full arousal until his master removed the belt, but he didn't argue or act up. He wanted everything to last as long as possible too. He wrapped his arms around Tommy's leg tightly when the older man repositioned him and began swatting again. He pushed his neck up into Tommy's palm. "Thank you, Master," he whispered, in a shaky voice.

"Your bottom belongs to me, my pet." Tommy continued to swat firmly, even as his other hand gripped Snake's neck more firmly. "Your neck, your back, your legs, your feet, your head...every part of you belongs to me." He parted Snake's legs, so that he could include the other man's inner thighs in the spanking.

"All of me belongs to Master..." Snake whimpered. The chastity belt had removed the problem of arousal. All he could do was focus on Tommy's hands and words and it made him feel small. Helpless. Controlled.

"All of you," Tommy confirmed, pausing to begin rubbing the heated skin he'd been smacking. He gave a tiny grunt of satisfaction at the heat...at the fact that Snake's backside was well on its way to being red in color. He wanted to be sure the spanking would be felt after they left the club; that when they drove home, he'd know that Snake was still able to feel the effects of Tommy's claim on him.

Snake whined softly at the rubbing, his bottom sensitive, but pushed upward, as if seeking more attention from his master. He hadn't been given permission, but he hadn't been told to stay still either, so....

Tommy continued to rub, still squeezing Snake's neck. "I'm going to turn your bottom red, my pet. I want you to feel who owns you, who you belong to, for the rest of today."

"Yes, Master. Please?" Snake said, in a shaky voice. He was fully in a submissive mindset now, even though he wasn't in subspace.

In response, Tommy gripped Snake's neck tighter and more firmly. He resumed swatting; the smacks stronger than the initial ones he'd given...though they weren't as hard as full punishment smacks. Still, it didn't take long before Snake's backside was turning a darker pink.

Snake held still as long as he was able, but soon, his body was instinctively shifting and squirming in an attempt to alleviate the stinging pain. He let out a garbled sob, whimpering "Thank you Master!"

Tommy continued to smack, holding Snake still and steady, until he was satisfied with the uniform red of his submissive's bottom and upper thighs. Then, he moved Snake into his arms, on his lap, positioned so that the bright red of his submissive's bottom was visible to anyone in the club. Kissing Snake's neck, he murmured, "My good pet. I love you. You were so very good for me."

Snake nuzzled and snuggled close, making sure his bottom stayed exactly where his master had put it and making sure his neck was easily accessible. "Yours, Master... need to obey..." His voice was tight and caught as he slowly calmed down from the endorphin high Tommy spanking had caused.

"And you were very good for me. You did exactly what you were supposed to." Tommy kissed his neck and nuzzled Snake, holding him close.

Snake nearly purred at the affection, smiling shyly at the words. Praise was something he never knew how to handle, and it flustered him, even though it made him feel very good inside.

Tommy stroked over Snake's hair and back, kissing and nuzzling him, continuing to murmur soft words of praise. Finally, he said softly, "When you're ready, there are a couple of things I thought we could try."

Snake was fully relaxed by that point. His bottom still ached, but he could focus on other things. "I'm ready, Master..." he said softly, eyes darting toward the other bench, where the Dom was still pushing the toy into the sub, the sub squirming and sobbing from arousal by this point. The Dom leaned over and whispered something into the sub's ear and suddenly, the sub wailed, releasing onto the floor under the Dom's thighs.

Touching Snake's face, Tommy turned his submissive's face towards him and kissed him gently. "I love you." He stood them both up, taking hold of the leash once more to lead Snake over to one area of the club, where he'd noticed Doms were bathing and grooming their subs.

"I love you too..." Snake breathed out, kissing him back, before obediently following his master.

He noticed a few empty 'stalls' in the bathing area. The area was set up in such a way that the Doms could easily, but safely, bathe and groom every part of their sub, without the risk of falling or slipping, as the subs were placed into a sort of harness or restraint that lifted them up for easy access and maneuvering. Not quite a swing, but close. Snake stifled a giggle, as various positions of subs being bathed reminded him of an acrobat.

A loud moan drew his attention and he shifted closer to Tommy as he saw one sub raised up high, the master's face between her thighs as he enjoyed his freshly bathed sub. It was becoming quite clear that everyone in the club not only enjoyed open domination, but also open sex.

Tommy wrapped his arm around Snake's waist, drawing his submissive in close, and kissed his neck as he whispered, "I'm not going to take you here, in front of everyone. This is about showing everyone here that you belong to me. That you are mine. There's no need for sex to be involved."

"As long as it is you claiming me, showing who I belong to... I'm happy with whatever form that takes..." Snake admitted. "I need whatever form that takes. I need to be owned by you in every way possible..." he whispered, nuzzling against Tommy.

Tommy kissed and nuzzled against Snake's neck, then took him into one of the stalls and set his submissive up for shaving and bathing. He touched and stroked Snake's skin, giving his submissive affection, murmuring, "My good pet."

Snake grinned impishly, unable to resist trying the harness out. It easily held his weight. All Tommy had to do was position him however he wanted, at whatever height he wanted. His master had removed his underwear and the chastity belt, safely storing them where they couldn't get wet. Snake was completely visible to anyone walking by the bathing area but was only vulnerable to Tommy.

Tommy smiled at the sight of his submissive in the harness. He used it to position Snake so that he could get to different parts of Snake's body more easily. First, he began to shave his submissive.

Snake held very still as Tommy shaved him, not wanting to cause his master to accidentally cut him. He began to feel a bit more helpless the more Tommy shaved, his master taking the razor over every nook, cranny and hollow. By the time his Dom put the razor down, the only part of Snake's body that still had hair was his head. He was completely smooth, even in intimate areas. He shifted slightly in the harness and blushed.

He wasn't aroused, but only because his master had told him what they were doing wasn't about sex and he'd taken it as an order not to become aroused.  Being so vulnerable and at Tommy's mercy was a turn on and despite his efforts, his member was still partly hard.

Tommy was able to see the effect he had on Snake...and he was able to see the control his submissive was keeping over himself. He put the razor away and stroked the side of Snake's face, murmuring, "My good pet. You're being so very good for me." He then began washing his submissive.

Snake smiled brightly, almost preening at the praise. Tommy washed him as thoroughly and intimately as he'd shaved him. Snake loved the feeling of his master gently scrubbing, rinsing, then moving to scrub a new area. His mate was so gentle washing his hair, making certain no suds got in his eyes. When Tommy massaged his scalp, he purred again. When the older man soaped his bottom, the rubbing and rinsing reignited the sting. He found himself hoping Tommy might clean inside too... rub inside... being touched and claimed by his master felt so good. He was still only half-hard and he realized his wanting was less sexual desire and more an emotional need to be completely owned.

After he'd made sure that Snake was entirely clean on the outside, Tommy picked up a bottle of baby oil. He used that to carefully clean inside his submissive, making sure Snake was entirely clean inside and out. He also kept praising Snake, telling him how good he was being; that he was being such a good pet. That Tommy loved him, so much.

Snake gave Tommy a soft smile, eyes slightly glazed as feeling his master clean... claim... him inside too, where everyone could see, caused him to drop a little. "Being good?" he asked, in a small, hopeful, voice.

"Very good," Tommy confirmed. "My good pet." He finished washing Snake and then began to carefully dry off his submissive.

Snake made happy noises as Tommy dried him, only whimpering slightly when Tommy patted the still pink areas of his bottom and thighs. He would accept anything his master did to him if it got him called a good boy.

Once Snake was dry, Tommy carefully helped him out of the harness, drawing him into a close, tight embrace and kissing the side of his neck. "So good, pet," he murmured into Snake's ear. "I'm so proud of you for being so good for me." He placed the underwear, belt, collar, and leash back onto his submissive.

Snake cooperated as much as he was able, given he'd fallen into a very suggestible state. As soon as the items were on him, he shifted to stand where Tommy directed.

Kissing Snake gently, Tommy then took hold of the leash and began to lead his submissive over towards one of the other areas he'd noticed.

Snake quietly padded alongside Tommy, unable to keep from looking around in curiosity at all the various stations. He relied on his mate to keep him from running into anything.

Tommy kept protective watch over Snake. He made sure there was no chance of his submissive falling or bumping into anything. When they reached the next station that had captured his attention, he turned to see what his submissive thought of it.

Snake blinked as he looked at the station, before giving Tommy a slight shrug and nod. He wasn't sure about it, but if Master wanted to try, Snake would do his best to give it a fair chance.

"If you don't like it, you can put a stop to it any time," Tommy murmured reassuringly to his lover, before leading Snake over to one of the empty areas. He'd noticed the Doms who ate off their subs and thought it might be good to try...and besides, he planned to feed Snake by hand anyway. He could have his submissive kneel at his feet if the other way didn't work.

"I know, Sir," Snake whispered, with a trusting smile, as Tommy led him to a table. "Should I lay on my stomach or back, Master?" he asked quietly.

"On your stomach," Tommy replied. "I want to feed you as well."

Snake nodded, his smile growing. He carefully climbed into place, laying on his stomach on the table in front of his Master.

Tommy waited as one of the servers placed portions of food on his submissive, arranging them artfully. Then, he began eating. At the same time, he fed Snake from his hand...keeping a careful eye on his submissive, in case Snake was distressed or upset by any of this.

Snake was grinning in between bites. The food wasn't too hot, and it actually tickled slightly. Plus, the thought of being a plate for his master amused him and felt good. It made him warm inside.

Tommy relaxed further, on seeing that Snake seemed happy and wasn't distressed in any way. Between bites of food and feeding his submissive, he also periodically stole kisses, stroking and touching Snake...giving affection for no other reason than because he wanted to make Snake feel good.

Snake was fully relaxed, eating whatever Tommy put into his mouth and making happy sounds at the affection. Sooner than he expected, their meal was over, and a wet cloth was provided for Tommy to clean him up.

"There is no rush, if you would like to keep him here," the server told Tommy. Many of the Doms liked the tables because it put their submissive within easy reach for kissing, fondling and other 'play'.

Tommy nodded in acknowledgement of the server's words, but he looked into Snake's face to check how his submissive felt, even as he used the cloth to clean Snake up.

Snake felt more relaxed than he had in a long time, despite being exposed. "What do you want to do next, Master?" he asked in a whisper. It was clear what he wanted most was to be available to do whatever Tommy wanted. To be used by his master in whatever way Tommy wanted, because that would show everyone how completely his master owned him.

"I'd like us to sit and stay here for a while, where I can give you attention and affection," Tommy said softly, stroking down Snake's cheek. "And then I want to mark you. But we'll have to move to a different area for that."

Snake nodded, pressing a kiss to Tommy's hand. "I like that..." He smiled.

Tommy smiled at that and let his hands stroke over Snake's body, squeezing and caressing and rubbing. "I love you," he murmured.

Snake slumped on the table, relaxed and languid. "Love you too... so much."

Leaning forward, Tommy began to press kisses along Snake's face, neck, and shoulders. It was obvious he enjoyed being able to touch, kiss and caress his lover.

Snake returned the kisses when able, but otherwise let out soft sighs of contentment as the affection was given.

Tommy continued to give Snake affection, touching, and stroking and kissing, for a while. At the same time, he murmured soft, loving words of praise, telling Snake how good he was being.

Snake lay there, slowly sinking down from the affection.

Tommy kissed, caressed, and stroked, speaking softly and affectionately. He continued for several long minutes and then moved to carefully help Snake to stand from the table.

Snake just silently followed Tommy's direction, no inclination to do anything without Tommy indicating he should.

Tommy took hold of the leash once more and wrapped his arm possessively around his submissive's waist. "I'm going to put the mark on you now," he said.

"Yes, Master" Snake leaned into the embrace. He didn't know where they would go next, but he was willing to follow Tommy anywhere.

Tommy led his submissive over to one of the areas that didn't have a station but did have a mattress and headboard. He wasn't sure if it was there for couples to have sex outright, but he figured it would do for their needs.

There were restraints on the bed and Tommy used them to bind Snake down. "Good pet," he murmured, kissing his submissive deeply. "I'm going to put the mark on the opposite thigh to the other, so I know it will be painful. But I know you'll be good for me. Even though it'll hurt, I know you'll be so very good for me." He caressed the side of Snake's face.

Snake kissed back, then gave a slow nod and took a shaky breath. "I'll be good for you, Master..." he promised. He prepared himself to hold still.

"I know you will, my good pet." Tommy kissed him tenderly and then took up position, carefully parting his submissive's legs for better access to Snake's inner thigh, directly opposite the other tattoo he'd done.

Snake was grateful the underwear and belt held his member out of the way and kept the area free, since his hands were tied. He took a deep breath and tried to prepare for the pain.

"Good pet," Tommy murmured, gently squeezing Snake's thigh. "Don't worry about how you react." He began to mark out the design for the tattoo.

"Okay, Sir..." Snake breathed out, shifting slightly to test the restraints. He was relieved to find he couldn't move the leg that was going to be tattooed at all.

Tommy finished marking out the design of the tattoo. Then, with one more reassuring squeeze of Snake's leg, he began to tattoo the design.

Snake's quick intake of breath as Tommy began to insert the ink was the only sign, he gave of how much it hurt, initially. Snake had a high pain threshold, but as was always the case when it came to accepting pain from his master, his ability to take it in a manner that was quiet and tear-free disappeared. Something about being under Tommy's control and accepting pain from the other man broke his barriers into nothing. He had to react. Soon after Tommy began, Snake was taking deep, shivering breaths, tears running down his face. Anyone looking their direction would see them.

Tommy wasn't blind or deaf to Snake's reactions. He gently squeezed his submissive's other thigh, speaking in a low, reassuring tone. "I know it hurts, my pet. But you're being good for me. So good for me. I love you. You're being so good, even though I know it hurts."

Tommy's praise helped ease Snake's shame at crying about the pain. He forced himself to relax, even though it was difficult. It still hurt, but not quite as badly. He glanced around and only a few people were looking their way; most seemed jealous. It wasn't every Dom who had the ability and talent to do their own tattoos on their sub.

"Good pet," Tommy murmured. "You're doing so very well for me. Just a bit longer and then you can look." He finished off the tattoo and retrieved a covering for it but didn't put it on straight away. "Would you like to see it first?" he asked, caressing the side of Snake's face.

"Yessir..." Snake's voice was shaky and it was obvious he was trying to regain control of the tears so that he could speak. Swiping at his watery eyes, he waited for Tommy to untie him so that he could sit up enough to look at the tattoo.

Tommy undid the restraints and positioned himself so that Snake could lean against him for support. He pressed a kiss to Snake's neck, murmuring, "You were so very good for me, my pet. I love you so much."

Snake swallowed, leaning against Tommy so he could look at the tattoo. "I like it..." he whispered, slumping slightly against the older man. "Looks good...."

"It looks good on you." Tommy kissed his neck. "You were so good for me, my pet."

Snake smiled at that, shifting to press against Tommy. He was glad Tommy was happy with him.

Tommy pressed a harder kiss against Snake's neck. "Is there anything you'd like to do?" he asked softly.

Snake looked around at all the scenes he'd noticed before and felt slightly overwhelmed. "N... not really. If you have hold of me..." he said hesitantly.

Tommy helped Snake to stand, wrapping his arms around his submissive and kissing his neck. Then, he led the other man towards one of the benches and sat, guiding Snake to kneel at his feet, taking hold of the leash.

Snake easily knelt, leaning into his master's leg.

With his other hand, the one that wasn't holding onto the leash, Tommy began to stroke and caress over Snake's head and down over his neck and shoulders. He was much more relaxed and happier, being able to give his submissive attention and take care of him.

Snake made sure to stay in place, leaning toward his Dom, accepting the affection.

"Good pet," Tommy murmured. "My very good pet." He allowed his hands to move over Snake's body, just giving his submissive affection. He knew how touch-starved Snake was and intended to take every opportunity to give his lover affection.

Snake allowed himself to relax as much as possible while keeping focus on his master. It was easy to obey when all that was expected was for him to stay still and in position while Tommy pet him.

Tommy's entire attention and focus was on his submissive, making sure that Snake was comfortable and happy. He kept praising Snake, telling him how good he was...that he was making Tommy so very happy.

Snake felt any lingering guilt or worries disappear as Tommy made sure he knew that he was happy with him.

The End