Bondage Mansion (Ferard)

Chapter 14: Back To Normal?

The last time Robert had a headache this bad was when there was a dispute over a piece of land between him and his uncle. Robert was right of course, but it still did not make the situation any easier to explain. He rolled out of bed and groped for the silk rope with the bell attached. Within minutes of pulling it on, Peter arrived with a tray bearing a glass of water and a pain alleviating powder. Robert poured the powder into the water, swirled it, and drank it down quickly. Peter left and Robert began to dress for morning meal.

Robert headed into the dining room and saw that Frank was already seated and enjoying a steaming cup of coffee. Gerard was nowhere in sight, again. Frank nodded to him and continued to eat. Robert sighed and sat at his place. He went for his cup of coffee when he noticed that Gerard's place was set for him. He looked at the normal place setting waiting for food and the over turned cup to be flipped and filled. He took all this in and then looked at Frank. Frank looked up and smiled. The three days were over. Robert had his Gee back.

At that moment Gerard entered the room. He looked at Frank and then at Robert. He crossed to Robert's side and leaned down to plant a small kiss on his cheek near the corner of his mouth. This was their morning routine for as long as Robert could remember. He reached up and rubbed the small of Gerard's back and sighed. He did not notice Gerard wince slightly. Gerard moved out of his embrace and squeezed his hand. He then took his seat. Frank went back to eating. Peter brought out Gerard's usual breakfast of strawberries and clotted crème. He poured Gerard a cup of coffee, bowed and left the room again. Gerard picked up the spoon and added crème to the strawberries and began to eat. It was only then that Robert realized that Gerard had not spoken a morning greeting. He remembered the rules of the contest, but surely they only counted when he was with Frank. With Frank. He shuddered to think what Frank had done to Gerard, done to his Gee. He studied Gerard for a bit. He was wearing a long sleeve light blue shirt and tan pants. Nothing unusual at all for him. His hair was brushed and set nicely. Even though the colour was not him, the style suited his face. Robert could remember when Gee had shortened his hair in order to grow it out again. He could get used to it, not so much the colour though. That would have to change, but he knew Gerard would not mind, he probably didn't like it either. It was too wild for Gerard. By now Robert had decided that he had enough of the silence.

"Good morning Gerard, how did you sleep last night?"

"Very well Robert, thank you."

Gerard said nothing else after that so Robert decided to continue the conversation.

"Gee, I know that the rules say you cannot speak till you are spoken to, but at least for the time you are with me, I want you to speak any time you want."

Gerard looked at Robert and smiled.

"Thank you, Robert. So Frank, how did you sleep?"

Both Robert and Frank looked up at this. Gerard was smiling as always and the question seemed genuine. Frank looked at him and smiled back.

"I slept well thank you, Gerard, I just had slightly cold feet."

Robert looked at Frank when he said this. He looked at Gerard to see if this was code for anything, but Gerard just smiled and rang the bell for Peter. Peter arrived promptly at Gerard's side.

"Yes, Sir?"

"Mr. Wentz, please make sure that a hot water bottle is ready for Jamia to take to Mr. Iero's room tonight."

"Very good Sir, oh and Sir? Good to have you back."

Gerard smiled in response.

"It is good to be back Mr. Wentz."