10

Ianto had worked out her aversion to women and was trying to put her mind at ease while seeking advice from the most knowledgeable person he could think of. Damec.

Damec was horrified to learn of her treatment and muttered for a while about justice before agreeing to help the poor wee birdie. Seeing the relief on Ianto's face was cause enough for him to steel his resolve on that front.

Owen was another matter.

He wanted to examine her again and was as pushy as ever. Ianto was angry with his brisk manner and told him so, then turned to her and told her that she didn't have to listen to Owen.

"Oi!" Owen huffed, "I can be bloody nice!"

Ianto stifled a laugh as he rolled his eyes at Toshiko and she smiled hesitantly at this unusual master.

He was obviously an H 4.0 but he was also a master. The babies were unbelievably happy and she was allowed free reign with them. Even a bed in their room so she can hide from the others. This young slave/master was something all slaves dreamed of. She couldn't believe she was really here.

Owen had finished his examination and Ianto was preoccupied with a nappy filled Jax, so the two of them were alone in the examination room.

"All done now Chick" he said kindly, "You may get dressed now."

Another thing she was getting used to was the clothes. Soft cotton that covered her whole body, warm and comforting.

She slid them on and was doing up her buttons when he stepped in front of her and she lifted her head with surprise.

"Pretty wee chick" he said softly, holding something out to her.

It was a necklace. A silver hand clutching a green emerald, dainty yet so pretty and she was spellbound.

Owen shoved it at her, "For being a good girl for me."

Owen made himself busy to cover his discomfort and she sat holding the necklace in her hand with shock. A gift?

Owen slammed down the file he was reading and snatched back the necklace, bending over her to place it around her neck.

He then snatched the file back up and rushed to the corner of the room, his face red with embarrassment.

Tosh fingered the necklace with awe and slowly slid off the bed, walking to the mirror on the back of the door.

She looked at the necklace and herself.

Her black hair was no longer lank, but shiny and smooth as it framed her face, her skin clear and the black circles she normally had around her eyes were gone. The material was a dark red and she seemed to glow in it.

The necklace sat on the fabric, glistening as she fingered it and tears began to run down her face as she watched the mirror image cry.

Owen looked over and swore under his breath, dropping the file and walking over to pull her into a hug.

"Ya silly Twat" he said softly as he rubbed her back and held her against him, "Why are you crying?"

"I don't know" she whimpered as she snuggled in, smelling his surprisingly fresh citrus scent.

"It's OK now chickie" he crooned, rubbing her back and rocking her gently, "Things are pretty fucked up and I know you're confused. It's OK, no one is judging you now, and you're safe here."

Tosh enjoyed the safe feeling of his arms for a moment more, then pulled away and wiped her cheeks.

"I …" she looked at him as he waited patiently, her first real words to him.

"Thank you master" she whispered with a soft smile.

"I'm not your master," Owen gently corrected her, "I'm your friend. You call me Owen."

She mulled this over and smiled again, more confident this time. "Yes. Owen."

Owen's grin filled her with warmth as she looked at her new friend.

"Now!" Owen clapped his hands, "I'm hungry. You? How about we get something to eat in the kitchen, yeah?"

She followed him meekly, trying to swallow her fear.

Ianto was in the kitchen, laughing at something Damec had said and when he saw Owen entering with her, her motioned for the female slave to leave.

They all bowed as minutely as possible, knowing he hated it but it being too ingrained in their conditioning not to show respect.

Owen was hungry, obvious from the way he made for the food Damec had just finished preparing for Ianto and Ianto shrugged as Damec began all over again.

Owen offered his plate to Tosh who bugged her eyes as she recognised master food and looked at Ianto for direction.

"We don't have slave food here, no slave meat" Ianto said as he took a sandwich to show her its contents. "Slave and master eat the same."

She bit into the sandwich he held out and a burst of flavour had her moaning with delight.

"Crikey, I don't know what's in that one Damec but load us up if she makes noises like that!" Owen laughed, "Pretty and seductive. Shit, how's a man to concentrate."

Tosh stared at him as he ran his words back in his own head and realised what he had said. "Shit, sorry chickie, didn't mean to sound like a bloody predator, it's just …"

Owen shrugged and Ianto smiled as he watched her face lighten with happiness.

Looks like Owen has a fan.