Bondage Mansion (Ferard)

Chapter 49: It's What You Do To Me

***Gerard***

"I don't envy ya one bit Master Way, but I gotta tell ya that yer stronger than Master Iero thinks ya are. You may cave a little, but I donna think he will break ya, unless ya chose to be."

Gerard looked at Jimmy at his last comment.

"Why would I want to be broken?"

Jimmy sighed and took a few puffs before directing the pipe end towards Gerard in the manner of a pointing stick.

"Lets just say that sometimes in situations like this we find out that we are something different than we thought we were."

"Did the Mistress find this out?"

Jimmy smiled at Gerard.

"If ya done wit ya tea Master Way, I need ta shoo ya out so I can finish with the noon meal."

Gerard awoke from his dream and wearily opened his eyes. The morning light was breaking in the window since Frank's room was on the eastern side of the house. He sat up and stretched carefully. He looked at the end of the bed where the chain was still attached. He remembered getting used to sleeping in it. Gerard reached over to the nightstand and slipped his hand in the drawer. He pulled out the velvet box that held his collar. He dragged his hand along the top before opening it. It still looked the same twenty years later.

"Can I be of any assistance with that?"

Gerard looked up and saw Mr. Stump in the doorway. His uniform was different from Mr. Wentz's where he wore a simple short jacket, Mr. Stump had full tails on his coat. It was what Lady Way deemed proper for society.

"You know you do not have to wear that here Patrick. Peter can lend you one of his jackets."

"He tried to, but I turned him down. I am comfortable in my uniform."

"Very well, what are you doing down here anyway?"

"Pete suggested that I come since he said you were about to awaken."

Gerard laughed. Mr. Wentz had always known when he would awaken, even on a bad night. Gerard slipped from the bed, sat up sliding his slippers on. Mr. Stump crossed to him. He picked up the velvet box and opened it. Gerard watched as he removed the collar and undid the buckle of it. He held it open for Gerard. Gerard leaned into it and Mr. Stump fastened the back at just the right notch. He stepped back and Gerard raised a hand to the collar caressing it gently.

"It means a lot to you doesn't it Sir."

"Yes Patrick it does, but how do you know about this room?"

"Ah, well my brother spent most of the night informing me of what has been going on in the household so that I did not make a right fool of myself."

Gerard nodded with his hand still on the collar.

"May I speak freely Master Iero?"

"Of course, we are family first here."

Mr. Stump went and brought the chair from the table to the bed area. He sat it in front of Gerard and then added himself to it.

"Pete has told me about you and Master Way. He said that he was not surprised about it, but I was. I mean he is your brother. Your flesh and blood. How can you lie with him?"

"Patrick, it is not about that. It has nothing to do with the act, but more the intimacy. Michael fills part of the void that was left from Frank. You see, I need to be owned. I need to be claimed. It is part of who I am. A dear friend once told me that sometimes in different situations, we find out that we are different than we thought we were. That is what Frank taught me, and what Michael continues to enforce."