Disclaimer – You know the drill.

Author's Notes – This could be a prequel to PernDragonrider's 'Quantum's Black Appetites', but it doesn't have to be as it's fine on it's own.

Sigh it was supposed to be a one-shot, but I had to make the call to either make it an incredibly long one-shot or breaking it up into the night scene for chapter one and the next morning scene for chapter two.

Summary – Tommy's having a very bad night.

-o-

Night

-o-

"Damn it you're heavy." Dragging the near lifeless body into the front door of his home and kicking the door shut behind him, Eric heaved a sigh. This was not how he had planned to spend his night.

True he had intended to find someone on his little excursion to the club that evening, possibly even bring them home for the night, though in that original scenario his companion was supposed to at least be coherent enough to walk on their own.

"My head hurts."

"I bet it does." Helping the young man into the living room and depositing him on the couch, Eric shook his own head in disbelief over the situation. "Just stay put I'm going to get something for those marks and your head."

Giving a nod, but instantly regretting it as the room tilted all the more, the former Red Ranger slid down to lay across the black sofa hoping that perhaps that may ease his pain to a degree. Of all the things he had had planned for the evening, passing out on Eric Myers' couch had not been one of them.

-oooooooo-

(1 hour ago)

"I don't like this." Looking at himself in the floor length mirror and feeling extremely idiotic in the leather pants, black dog collar, and unbuttoned black shirt, Tommy shook his head. "I look stupid."

"You look hot." Moving to stand behind his companion and running a hand through his own blonde hair, Smitty gave himself one more check before picking up the leash he'd stashed in the night stand. "Besides I thought I told you I didn't want to hear any complaining, you're still in trouble for that little disappearing act you pulled last week."

"Okay number one you can just put that away unless you intend to wear it, because there is no way I'm going out on a leash. And number two I already told you something important came up and I had to go take care of it." Omitting the fact that that something was a seven-ton metal dragon that he'd had to go destroy with the other former Red Rangers, Tommy took a step back from the blonde. "Besides Mercer wasn't that upset, he understands that sometimes emergencies happen so I don't see why you can't."

Resisting the urge to snarl, Smitty quickly clasped the leash onto the D-ring of the collar; ignoring Tommy's forming protests as he gave a strong jerk. "Yeah that's great you get to take off whenever you feel like it and it's just fine, but me, me who works over time and has to do all the grunt crap for him gets chewed out for being late when my car dies."

"That's not my fault." Reaching up and removing the leash himself, Tommy fixed the other man with a hard look. "And he's not hard on you because you're late on occasion, he's hard on you because you cut corners in your work. I may be slower at getting the projects done but I at least do them right. And I said no leash. I already don't feel right about going out dressed like this, but I'll call it off now if you don't leave that damn leash here."

"Fine." Throwing the leash back onto the bed, Smitty was clearly displeased by the Ranger's refusal but gestured towards the door nevertheless. "Go get in the car and remember the second you walk out that door I don't want to hear one word. You want to play the game you play by the rules."

Grumbling about the rules changing as frequently as the other man's mood, Tommy quickly slid on his boots before heading out, unaware that the leash had once again been picked up and placed in his companion's jacket pocket along with a pair of handcuffs and vile of powder.

-oooooo-

(Club Zero)

Sitting at the bar and nursing his drink Eric wondered absently why he'd even bothered to come to such a place. He only had a few more days of leave thanks to his recently granted time off due to his last 'special operations' mission, and wasting them in random clubs just seemed to be lacking the appeal it had earlier in the week. "Maybe I'm just getting old."

Looking around the dimly lit room with disinterest, he made a mental note to at least find a better club next time as this one definitely lacked any and all forms of dignity. The leather clad occupants, and there were indeed many, seemed to all be on something with their speratic dance moves and obvious groping, not to mention he was near certain a few had even passed out on their respected tables.

Just about to pay his tab and go across town to one of his more frequented bars, the Red Quantum Ranger stopped short as a group of whistles and catcalls where heard near the door. Turning to see who the intended target was Eric nearly chocked on his next swallow of whiskey as he got a look at the lean, spiky haired, leather clad Red Ranger that had just walked in. "Oh my god."

Rubbing his eyes and certain he had to be mistaken Eric watched closely as the boldly dressed but now meekly behaved leader of their last mission stuck close to the side of his blonde companion, obviously unhappy with the attention he was getting from other occupants.

Continuing to keep an eye on them and feeling his anger bristle as several of the blonde's friends seemed to be taking liberties with touching the former Zeo Ranger, he was uncertain who he was more annoyed with. The unknown blonde who seemed to be in control of the situation or the legendary Ranger who did not look to be fighting off their lewd advances with too much force.

Moving to the bar and leaving Tommy to be pawed at his partner quickly ordered a drink, unknowing of Eric's sudden and intense dislike of him.

"Hey."

Looking at the Ranger and giving a nod, Smitty returned the greeting with lack of interest. "Hey."

"So I saw you come in with your boyfriend. He's quite a looker." Eric commented evenly, wondering if he should even interfere, but felt slightly obligated considering this was concerning a fellow Ranger.

"He's not my boyfriend." Receiving his drink and tossing a few bills onto the bar, the blonde gave his new acquaintance a parting smile. "He's my bitch."

Clenching his teeth and fists at this, Eric was about to pursue the conversation and inform the man that he hardly thought that term was appropriate especially considering his companion could undoubtedly kick his ass when the blonde moved away drink now in hand.

Returning to Tommy and offering the still embarrassed and now slightly annoyed Ranger the drink, Smitty gave a sharp tug on the collar around his neck urging him to follow the party back towards the rear of the club.

Torn between following them and leaving as it really wasn't his business, Eric settled for ordering another drink deciding that while he wouldn't leave, he also wouldn't interfere just yet.

Downing the drink Smitty had given him in hopes of settling his nerves, Tommy moved into one of the three backrooms, thankful when the door was closed and their followers shut out. "So why are we back here, I thought you wanted to dance or something."

Turning heated eyes on his companion, the blonde was apparently not in the mood for questions. "Did I say you could speak?"

Lowering his eyes and mentally sighing as the fun of this game was growing more elusive and Smitty's nasty behavior more prominent each time they played it, Tommy was vaguely tempted to end it then and there. "Sorry Master."

"That's better." Taking the empty glass from his hand and setting it on the table that occupied the room, he was mildly disappointed by the accommodations. Here his friends had assured him it'd be a decent sized play area and really it was barely big enough to fit five people with the table and bench as well. Still though it would serve it's purpose. "Take your shirt off."

Raising a curious brow and still wondering why they'd had to come all the way to a club in Silver Hills for this when they could have just played in one of their apartments, Tommy nevertheless wasn't in the mood for an argument. Stripping off the shirt and handing it over he waited obediently for the next order.

"Good, now kneel down and clasp your hands behind your back." Watching as he kneeled in front of him, putting his hands behind his back as told, Smitty shook his head before moving him to the bench. "No lay over the bench this time, you're not going to service me yet."

Resisting the urge to ask why his hands needed to be clasped then, Tommy suddenly felt himself flush in a sudden wave of heat that he was certain had little to do with lust or excitement as truly he was quite bored with the matter so far.

Seeing him sway slightly, Smitty moved down for a closer inspection. "What's wrong, slave?"

"I don't know, I just feel hot. It's nothing I guess, Master." Laying his head down on the wooden bench and taking a few breathes he was about to suggest they find another room as this one did in fact seem much to hot now, when cool metal suddenly encircled his wrists and snapped shut with a loud click.

"What…" Moving to see what had been done, Tommy jerked up as he found his hands bound firmly behind his back thanks to the handcuffs. "That's not funny Smitty."

"It wasn't meant to be slave."

"Ow!" Jerking sharply as he was popped on the ass by something that was definitely not a hand, Tommy gave a growl. "That hurt! I don't like it that rough and I don't like surprises like this. I want the cuffs off now." Yelling as he was struck again this time on the back, the former Ranger had had more then enough. "Damn it Smitty stop it!"

"You don't give commands, slave." Rearing back to catch him with the leather belt again, the blonde was taken by surprise as Tommy quickly jumped to his feet and turned on him.

"Dragon." Using his safe word through gritted teeth and still unsure if he would reframe from hurting the idiot, Tommy swallowed hard as the belt contacted with his stomach, doubling him over momentarily.

"Sorry that word doesn't work tonight." Kicking his feet out from under him, he cringed slightly as Tommy landed on the concert floor hard. "Do you know what I finally figured out slave?"

Shaking off his stunned feeling and wincing sharply as his Smitty placed his boot clad foot onto his stomach, Tommy's fingers worked quickly to find the release latch on the cuffs.

Catching the jerks of his captive's hands, Smitty shook his head. "Don't bother, those are the real thing. No hidden latch. Now as I was saying, I realized while you were gone incidentally, that I was never going to get that position as head of special projects. If anything Mercer has made it quite clear that I'll be gone within the next month. Sucks don't it? I give five years of my life to that prick and what do I get for it? The shaft. While you, you with your idiotic movie trivia, constant forgetability, and hyperactive behavior, you get special treatment. You get to go off when you feel like it. Do what you please. Take my position."

"So what, you suck and you're going to take it out on me? That's pathetic Smitty. You want to know why Mercer doesn't like you, that right there. He has no tolerance for pathetic cry babies." Crying out as the belt came down with striking force, Tommy tugged futilely at the cuffs.

"Oh trust me it's not me who's going to be crying after this is over." Opening the door and letting the waiting men inside, Smitty stopped the three newcomers short before they had a chance to reach their target. "Up front." Catching Tommy's shocked look as the three handed over several large bills, the blonde gave an easy shrug. "Gonna be out of the job slave, got to make up the income while I can, you know."

"Smitty I swear to god if you do this I will kill you when I get free!"

"I'll take the chance."

-ooo-

Just about to down his third drink, Eric wondered briefly if he should just give it up. It had been ten minutes and he'd yet to see Tommy reappear. Though in all fairness a trip to the backroom normally meant the occupants would be gone for a bit of time.

Still pondering how long was too long to be back there Eric's thoughts were interrupted by a sudden shout of anger coming from that direction. Straining to hear over the rythmatic thumping of the music he slowly slid off his seat to move a bit closer.

"Smitty I swear to god if you do this I will kill you when I get free!"

Unsure if it was the Red Zeo Ranger's voice or not, Eric nevertheless knew the tone meant trouble and he was not one to allow someone to be hurt friend or stranger. Striding into the back and looking at the now three closed doors he quickly checked the first to find it empty.

Moving to the second and slamming it shut almost as quickly as he'd opened it, he felt his face burn in embarrassment from what he'd walked in on. 'Alright I did not need to see that.'

"Get off!"

Shaking the image which was now burned into his brain, the Quantum Ranger shoved his way into the third and final room, growling at the scene before him. "Get off him now!"

Turning to see who had interrupted their about to begin fun all four men gave somewhat similar snots. "Get out of here."

Figuring the odds of beating all four and keeping himself and the bound Zeo Ranger on the floor from getting hurt were not in his favor, Eric reached into his back pocket with as much calm as he could muster. Flashing his badge to them and hoping it had the desired effect he spoke easily. "Eric Myers Captain of the Silver Guardians. You three either get out here now or I have my entire force on this place in under five minutes. And let me tell you the judges in this town are hardly lenient on potential rapists."

Exchanging looks and seeming to consider it for a very long moment, the three larger men slowly moved away, each fixing the guardian with a look that spoke volumes.

Once cleared of the extras Eric turned to face the blonde, sparing a glance at his captive and thankful to see he was still for the most part dressed. 'At least I got here before anything serious happened to him.Though I don't like the looks of those red marks and he is lying awfully still.' "Uncuff him now."

"I don't think so." Fixing the interferer with a look, Smitty wasn't about to be scared so easily. "What those idiots didn't seem to realize is that number one you're out of uniform which means you're not on duty right now. And number two even if you did call in your men you'd have to explain to them why you're even here, and won't that make you the popular one around the office."

"You're right." Closing the door and moving to stand in front of the man, Eric gave him a small smile. "Which is exactly why I'm going to handle this myself." Palm contacting with the blonde's nose, he watched with mild interest as his opponent dropped to the floor. "Now I won't tell you again. Uncuff him now."

-ooooooooooooooo-

(present)

"Here sit up." Helping his guest up and bracing the majority of his weight against him, Eric resisted the urge to scold the still drugged Ranger as his head fell onto his shoulder wearily.

"My head really hurts." Unaware that the latest pain was due to his forehead resting on Eric's shoulder blade, Tommy continued to mutter unhappily about the condition of cranium.

"That's because whatever he gave you has been fully absorbed into your blood stream now. Or did you take it on your own?" Voice harsher then he intended it to be, Eric fought the urge to shake an answer from his patient still angry over the entire situation. 'What the hell was he thinking going with that idiot? Didn't he realize what was up? God how can someone who's saved the world a countless number of times have such little common sense?'

"I didn't take anything but the drink." Tommy muttered, not fully with the conversation, but aware enough to know his caregiver was fairly ticked off by his tone.

"You shouldn't take drinks from people like that." Eric responded a little calmer now. Doing his best to reach the lash marks on Tommy's back despite their unusual position he soothed on a fair amount of cooling cream over what lacerations he could see.

"I'll try to remember that."

Finishing with his back, Eric pushed him back into the corner of the couch, quickly getting the few remaining spots on his arms and chest. "Are you hurt anywhere else? Are you…wearing anything that needs to be removed?" He asked tantively, unsure of just how to phrase such a question.

Raising blurry eyes and looking rather confused by this Tommy slowly shook his head. "The leather's getting a little uncomfortable; don't suppose you have anything I could maybe change into."

Sighing and deciding that if he was going to get anywhere he would have to be more direct, Eric quickly rephrased his question. "I'll give you some loose track pants and a t-shirt to sleep in, but first I need to know if you have anything inside or on you like a butt plug or a cock ring, because if you do I highly doubt you want to sleep in them as it won't be comfortable or good for you."

Turning red and apparently getting the message very clearly that time, Tommy quickly shook his head, instantly regretting the action as the pain in his skull doubled. "Ow." Placing his head in his hands and holding back a whimper of grief, he forced himself to answer before Eric could ask anything else. "I don't have any of that stuff. Geez what do you think I do."

"Well considering how you're dressed, where you were, and what was about to happen to you I don't think that was a very off base question." Feeling a bit bad as this seemed to only upset him further, Eric decided to let the matter drop for the moment as really Tommy had had a hell of a night and wasn't hardly coherent enough to be given a lecture at the moment. Even more so was the fact that if he thought about it, what right did he even have to scold the Ranger. They hardly knew each other after all, barely ever talked before their last mission with the other Red Rangers, still though he couldn't help feeling miffed about what had almost happened.

"Alright well come on I'll find you something to wear and you can sleep it off." Helping him up and allowing Tommy to place the majority of his weight onto him, Eric headed for his bedroom mentally kicking himself for not having a guest room and turning the spare into a workout area. 'Looks like I'm sleeping on the couch.'

"That'd be nice." Letting Eric maneuver him into the bedroom and onto the bed, Tommy closed his eyes grateful to be laying down once more. "Eric?"

Pausing in his search for some decent sleep wear, Eric turned back to look at his guest. "Hm?"

"I don't know, I wanted to say something profound before I passed out, but I can't think of anything."

Resisting the urge to laugh as the situation should have truly been anything but funny, Eric shook his head. "Don't worry about it when I tell this to all the other Rangers I'll make up something profound for you to say."

To be continued……