Bondage Mansion (Ferard)

Chapter 44: Discovering The Need

***Gerard***

Supper was quiet. It was just Frank, Gerard, and Robert eating in silence with the sound of cutlery and dishware. No one spoke a word. The silence was slightly unbearable for Gerard. Robert would not meet his eyes either. He knew that there was damage done between them from the afternoon. Even dinner was cold as Robert stayed in the study and Gerard and Frank drank their tea in the Library. Frank told Gerard that he could paint, but he declined and just listened to Frank play guitar. There was no dessert tonight as everyone just wanted to finish eating and leave the table. Robert was finished first. He rose and gave a curt bow to them and left the room. Gerard heard the door to the study close and he was alone with Frank again. Frank had not done anything with or to him since Michael left. After supper Frank and he retired to the bedroom. Frank chained Gerard to the end of the bed and settled into the pillows with a book. Gerard lay down listening to Frank's breathing get steadier and then he realized he was asleep. Gerard sighed and scratched his arm. There was a feeling under his skin, like an irritation, but he figured that maybe the rope was bothering him. He scratched it again as he dozed off fitfully.

Morning brought no changes. Morning meal was quiet and Robert said another curt farewell as he left for business in town. Frank brought Gerard to the library again and once again told him he could paint. Gerard scratched at his arm and then his chest, but nodded and walked over to his easel. He picked up the paintbrush and noticed that his hand was shaking. He attempted to paint, but the lines were jagged and made smooth strokes impossible. Gerard just held his hand to the canvas and allowed the shakiness to draw its own way. It was discorded and nothing like Gerard would ever create. If Frank noticed his shaking, he gave no show of it. He kept playing his guitar idly as if he was just trying to pass time. Finally Gerard could not take it anymore and spoke.

"Master?"

"Yes Gerard?"

Gerard slightly winced that Frank used his full name instead of a nickname or pet name.

"Master have I displeased you?"

"What makes you think that Gerard?"

"We have not done anything since yesterday afternoon. I just wondered if you were upset with me?

"No Gerard, I am fine and not upset at all."

"Then why, may I ask, have you not played with me?"

Frank put the guitar down and leaned back in the chair. He steepled his fingers in front of his chin. He crossed his legs and sighed.

"Gerard, we do not always have to play. Sometimes we can just be like this."

"Ah, okay, I guess I understand."

"Good I am glad."

With that the conversation was over and Frank picked up his instrument again and went back to playing. Gerard tried to paint, but it was worse now and the shaking was traveling up his arm. He sighed and put the paintbrush down.

"Master, would it be alright if I went and took a nap before afternoon meal?"

"Yes Gerard, that would be fine."

"Thank you Sir."

Gerard left the library and headed to his room. He opened the door and walked in. He sat in front of his vanity and picked up his brush. He stared at it for a moment and looked at the back. He slapped it in his palm a few times and then began to brush his hair. Once he was done he got up and went over to his bed. He lay down and curled up in a ball. The itch was now across his chest and moving up his back. He pulled out his back scratcher and tried to reach his lower back. He brought the ornate piece of wood down on his back a little too hard and jumped at the feeling of the wood connecting with his skin. He dismissed it and went in search of the irritation.