The Red Market (mxmxm)

-Ch. 30-

It's been about a month since telling Sir and Master about everything. I've been taking online courses that's tailored to adults going back to school, everything's been condensed to get the most out of every class. According to the schedule, I'll be caught up with a high school diploma in two years' time.

Cherise and I have been talking more and hanging out outside of the club, which is nice. I haven't heard anything from Kerri or Rosie, but it doesn't seem like they've talked to Master or Sir since that day. Nothing has really changed between Master, Sir and I, nothing has been as intense as when I had to use the safe word. However, with every passing day I worry more and more as the contract's end date comes closer. I worry about what's going to happen when the contract runs out and I don't have anywhere to go except back to the market.

———

As the three of us sit in the living room I decide to bring up my worries, "Can we talk?" I ask and they sit up. "It's about the contract," I start.

Sir and Master look between themselves and Master says, "We actually wanted to talk about that as well."

"Obviously we would love for you to stay with us, but we think it'd be best for you to get out of the house," Sir says and my heart drops. "We worry that it's not healthy for you to stay here once the contract's over. We want to try a month or two apart to see if this is what you actually want," Sir finishes.

I feel myself start to shake as tears well in my eyes. Master tries to rub my back but I shoot up from my seat. "I-if I did anything wrong-" I start but Master stops me, holding me tight to his chest.

"This isn't a punishment, we just worry that this isn't healthy for you. We'll be here. Once the month's done we will happily have you back," Master says but tears just roll down my cheeks and onto his shirt.

Sir stands with us, rubbing my back, "We opened a bank account in your name and have your money from the auction waiting. We've even got an apartment for you in the same building as Cherise, so you won't be alone."

"But I want to stay with you, please let me stay!" I cry grabbing fistfuls of fabric. No one says anything as I cry into Master's chest.

I eventually run out of tears and just stay in Master's arms not wanting to let go. Master pulls my head from his tear-soaked shirt and wipes my face. For the first time I notice Master crying, "We love you Eli, I love you," He says trying to keep his voice steady.

"I love you," Sir says, placing a hand on my hot cheek, cooling me down slightly. I hold Sir's hand to my face and rest my head on Master's chest. I can't bring myself to say anything so we just stand there in silence.

———

a/n: Okay! I have decided that I'm going to do something a wee bit different. This will be the second last chapter for this half of the book. After the next chapter, I'll be taking a bit of a break, sort of like an in-between seasons hiatus to get everything lined up and ready to roll for the second half.

Originally I was going to cut these into separate books, but I've decided against it because they are so reliant on each other. I'll be separating the two parts with a preface of everything you need to know going into the second part, including some new and returning characters.

In terms of the titling: Part 1 of the book will look like it has always been (-Ch. X- / *Ch. X*) and Part 2 will look like (-[character]-/ *[character]*), keeping with the (*) for any chapters that contain major triggers outside the reoccurring ones listed in the prefaces.

Thank you all for sticking with me and I hope you're not too mad with how this is going to pan out :)

As always, Stay Safe and thank you <3

- e.f.