"Come. This way." said the man with the cruel gaze. "If things go well for you, the day might end with you getting a decent Master, and I get something of a profit."

A new Master. The thought shakes me to my core. Will he be as cruel as my previous one? Should I expect the same treatment?

I am a slave. I have no right to hope for much better. No good person would own a horrible, useless, worthless slave like me. But still… it would be… nice… to have someone like that.

However being a slave would mean only dreaming of that freedom. No rights would ever be granted to me.

I walk 4 steps behind him, and 2 to his right. A proper servant's position that I had been taught years ago. My previous Master had made sure to engrave it into my mind and my body, which couldn't be used by anyone.

He stopped at a door in front of a large house, a sign hung above it indicating it as a clinic. Doctors are in clinics, I remember. They know everything there is to know about a person's body.

I would know. The acids I bear didn't come from just anywhere. He poured alcohol and other fluids on my body, doing so with the intention of making me scream and hearing my anguish. With his death, I merely traded one hell for another, being in direct contact with someone who could know every sort of pain.

"He's a very nice man. Possibly even altruistic. I'm sure having someone like you would really… help to relieve him of his more baser urges." He chuckled with malicious intent. "He is, after all, only human."

I'm going back to hell. A hell where the 'kindest man' is going to use me for his cruelest urges.

I ignored the pleasantries the 2 men exchanged. Poison oozed off of this salesman's tongue while the Doctor was cold as I thought he would be. He gave no direct looks at me, nor did he seem overly perturbed by this situation. It's almost as if he were ignoring that the uniqueness of the situation. Seemingly used to the things like this

"I'll take her in." he said ending the transaction with a handshake.

"Excellent! I really do appreciate this." This man is too glad to be rid of me. Am I really that worthless? "She has no living relatives, so no one would come looking for her. Treat her as you will, as a pet, a maid, or a toy. I'm sure no one would object.

The good doctor's face froze into an expression I couldn't quite understand. It wasn't anything good, I could be assured of that, and the salesman also seemed to be aware of it as well. "I'll be taking my leave then."

Seeing him take off made me nervous. Was this man that terrifying? Was his facade that easy to see through that even the pleasantries of the fake salesman were more bearable than anything he had in mind? I immediately bowed in gratefulness despite not feeling much of it. "Thank you very much for having me. My name is Sylvie." I look back up to see if it would placate his mood.

Seeing him in full he is… large. Much larger than I ever would be. Long legs, strong arms, and his stern face melted into something that was supposed to be comforting to me. It wasn't a smile, but the frown lines and stern face he had were gone soften making him look... younger. More honest.

He did not succeed in getting me to let my guard down.

"I cannot do heavy manual labor," I start off trying to find some way to further ease my torture for later on. "But simple chores that you ask of me I can handle."

He hummed, doing what looked like a habitual head scratch, but the motions were very stilted, dare I even think of it, practiced.

"My previous master had liked hearing my screams the most. Yet I ask you to please… treat me gently."

His face was graced with a small smile, and a pit in my stomach grew.

"I've always wanted someone around." ~ Chapter 2

I am in a strange situation.

Everything about this was strange. He gave me a full meal and allowed me to eat as much as I wanted. I was given a room with a bed and linens as well as a bit of privacy. What few orders were given had been menial things expected of people with common decency, and I had not received any beatings to sate his anger. Despite having intentions that I could not understand, I knew that things could not get better for me…

He had reached forward towards me the very next morning…

"Umm… What are you doing?" I ask, confused with the action I was sure he would take.

"I'm patting your head. I've been feeling a bit down and so I've decided to do this."

It's a ruse, my mind whispered to me. He wants your guard down. To savor your despair. Know your place and know no one will love you.

I cannot despair here. Because I cannot have hope. This man is not kind. He is manipulative, and clearly patient.

Yet sitting here feeling his hand on my head, can't help but notice how warm it is.

I want to say something, anything to avoid listening to the ambient noise and his hand, not exactly tussling my hair, but combing through it instead.

"Is this…" I may be speaking out of turn but for now he seems content to keep doing this. Still I have to ask. "Is this enjoyable for you?"

"Very much so." said the doctor. "I don't usually have many people over, and when I do it's usually an emergency situation where I cannot afford to be as… affectionate… as I'd like. I really do appreciate having someone around to keep me warm like this."

But you're already so warm. I thought to myself, not daring to convey the thought aloud. He was unbelievably warm. Like the sun, during a cloudless summer day. Scorching yet pleasant in a way. It was indeed cold outside, so although it may be a ruse to let my guard down, I would take whatever warmth he would give me.

We sat there for even longer. What did he want from me? "I-I don't know how I am supposed to react."

"If you don't feel like reacting you don't have to." He said, "I'm feeling a bit selfish, so just keep sharing your warmth with me for now."

My master is definitely a strange one. We sat there for a long time.

That was how most of my days went. The good doctor often moved about his office like home, organizing files, filling out paperwork and occasionally attending to whatever patient happens to visit for their appointment

In the interim of free time, he would simply pat my head without warning, never once ordering me to do anything. It frightened me at times, but his passive attitude made me aware that he wasn't willing to harm me, not in front of others from what I could tell.

He's waiting for something. What that something was, I could not say. The wait was stressful, terrifying in not knowing if or when I would reveal that thing he was looking to expose. Was it for me to lower my guard and presume to be above my actual station. An excuse to throw me out onto the street?

If I were to do nothing and remain as I am, would he still keep me? I thought of an outcome I could not accept.

Even if his kind treatment is a lie, I am glad to be able to sleep in a bed, eat more than just bread for dinner, the warmth of his hand. I'm glad for it all

Even if I don't deserve it, I am glad for what I have now.

"...Umm, Master." I called out to him before he went to bed.

A lazy look was in his eyes but he nonetheless indulged me facing me with a slight hum.

"As a slave I cannot just sit back and watch you work around the house…" I started hopefully not being too presumptuous. "I was wondering… is there anything I can do to help?"

He became more aware of my words seemingly contemplating over what he should do with my request.

He turned back to his bedroom door. Just as I thought he would ignore me,"You mentioned being able to do simple household chores, when we first met."

"Yes." Is this what he was waiting for? To see if I would take initiative in acting in my role as slave? Or had he purchased me with the intentions of making me a proper servant?

"You can do whatever you feel is necessary in terms of that then." He said, still not quite looking at me. "It should be okay since signs of malnutrition seem to be fading away. You'll have more energy to do what is necessary that way."

It's not that I forget that he's a doctor but that he willingly fed me enough to be full, and a bed for warmth. He knew exactly what I needed to be able to serve him in the ways that he needed.

"Yes, I understand." I bowed even though he wasn't looking at me. "I will do my very best."

His kindness was indeed a lie. Though I would not call him cruel, his cold heart made up for his abnormally warm hands.

From there things had changed. He didn't pat me like he once did, though he occasionally made motions to pat me as if I were still there. He refrained, seemingly unaffected by his strange actions, continuing his work. His fake smiles disappeared, instead a passive unchanging face much like mine took root in the fake kindness. His words did not change, but the feeling behind them did.

He didn't care. I was a minor convenience in his life. Not entirely necessary in his grand scheme of things.

He didn't care.

And neither did I.

Sylvie took to her chores like a fish in water. It took away any chances for headpats leaving me a bit frustrated. But I had enough self-control not to lash out at her, or anyone else. Everyone is only doing what makes things easier for them. For Sylvie, it's working to make sure she doesn't anger me in any way, which is ironically frustrating me. If she wants to secure her place in the household, that's fine. I understand.

I just miss having the warmth of another person. Family doesn't visit nearly often enough, and my situation doesn't allow me to just drop everything and leave for days on end because I felt a bit lonely. My job doesn't exactly allow me to jump into a relationship either since dates would be a rarity and I'm not exactly an… expressive person.

With Sylvie now living with me I'd gotten used to her presence and I had craved more. Which had led to impromptu headpats. Not really my best move when I had first done it, but continued since I thought it would help her get used to my presence. It was a relaxing thing for me, what with her soft hair and warm-

This is going in a creepy direction. I'm going to stop right there.

I wouldn't say the tension between us lessened with the adoption of Sylvie's tasks. If anything I felt like it grew even stronger. She had maintained a very set distance from me, around 3 feet. Doing what she feels is necessary to be considered a 'decent servant'.

Still I was going to find a way to fix this.

It's an early Sunday morning. I usually wake up early enough to clean the windows and watch the sunrise. Afterwards the Master would cook breakfast for the both of us and from there I'd wash dishes and we'd do our daily work routines.

This is also the day where someone would have an appointment scheduled so we'd likely eat the leftovers from last night for breakfast, before prepping the clinic. Though we didn't have any leftovers this time around, I wonder what we wil[l do now?

'Good morning, Sylvie" My Master left the bedroom for once not wearing his doctor's outfit.

"Good morning." I had responded like usual, and yet he paused as if surprised by something. Is there something on my face?

He continued on as normal. "We don't have any appointments to take care of today, so I thought I'd get some shopping done."

"You are not working today?" I didn't mean to sound surprised by this, but I was. He took very few breaks, and when he did he was either reading or patting my head, but even those breaks did not always last very long.

"No, not today. I'd consider it a bit of a vacation if I could afford to leave for some time." He smiled, a smaller, more genuine smile, that was likely directed towards his thoughts. I blinked and suddenly my Master's gaze was on me no longer smiling. "You… haven't left the house the entire time you've been here have you?"

"No I have not." For fear of punishment.

"Why don't you accompany me then? We can get breakfast while we're out."

"I am… going as well?" This was the biggest shock of the day. Not only is he not working but he's allowing me to accompany him despite looking the way I do now. "Th-thank you. Though I will not be able to carry many heavy things."

"It's fine. We will be stocking up on supplies and a couple other necessities while we're out." He said dismissively. "Besides we can also get you new clothes."

New clothes...?

Our first stop would be at a store I hadn't seen from the clinic, though it is pretty removed from the town's center where we were. A sign with dresses and skirts adorning the sides surrounding it's simple name.

"[Attirer]?" The name itself has meaning I felt, though I had no idea what it could be.

"It's a place I've had the misfortune of walking into when not paying attention." The doctor said grimacing at the unwanted return of bad memories. "It's a women's clothing store so we should be able to find something for you here."

Going inside I could see what the tinted windows hinted at. Elaborate dresses and gowns... Outfits of many different styles from so many cultures. The amount of options simply out for display were staggering and beautiful.

And he would get clothes like these? For her?

No. That outcome was simply unthinkable

"Hello again." said a voice from around the corner. Revealing herself to be… a rather large woman. Not to say she was portly, but her presence combined with her impressive height and assets made her seem like she was something more.

"I'm here to buy clothes for Sylvie here."

Her response to my name, or was it me myself caused her to frown.

"As a stylist I simply cannot excuse the way she is dressed now." she's grabbed my hand pulling me away from the doctor.

I didn't feel safe. Would I even be allowed to leave this shop? Will the doctor simply abandon me here to this strange woman's whims?

"Everything's going to be fine." said the doctor staying within my sight. "Despite her… Questionable tastes, I'll put it. She does have a good eye for what suits people. I'm willing to put money on it."

"I'm so glad you think so highly about me customer." she giggled a hollow laugh. "Perhaps you would also bet I'd know what would fit your wardrobe on top of that?"

Not even hiding his discomfort he frowns. "I'll pass thank you."

I could not understand the meaning behind this strange woman's laugh.

Damn vixen and her obsession. I just wanted clothes for the girl, since that thin tunic looked ready to tear at any moment and the clinic scrubs aren't exactly considered appropriate in many situations.

It didn't take long for Aurelia to find something for her. But what I did not expect was… how much it all was.

Blue ribbons and matching hairclip to go with a frilly dark blue top and simple yet matching skirt.

The only thing wrong with the ensemble is how uncomfortable Sylvie looked wearing it all. Though I figure it has more to do with her self esteem and fretting over the exuberant cost of most women's clothing. With the money from that shady salesman however these concerns are alleviated since it really was a suitcase full of money. I could live solely off that for 3 months if I was careful with it.

"How is it, dear customer?" she said oh so smugly. "Much better than a simple rag, yes?"

"Yes, yes you do know your stuff. It's why I'd rely on you more than my own judgement." I roll my eyes at her. "How much for it all?"

"130 pounds in total." she's unflinching in the face of that number, though it's likely because she's the one recieving it all. Sylvie on the other hand…

She's visibly cringing, somewhat hiding behind the enigmatic woman looking to drain me of income.

It's okay though since I had initially left the house with 500, intending to do more than just buy one outfit and groceries. "Done." I said nonplussed, pulling out the money and laying it in her not waiting hands.

She's flabbergasted with the idea that I was not complaining. The look on her face was simply priceless considering the last time I was here. But I wasn't going to let her wring my wallet dry. We had other things to do today, including grocery shopping and getting something to eat.

"Let's go Sylvie." I said motioning for her to join me. They both blinked out of their stupor, and Sylvie briskly moved through the shop to leave with me.

Trepidation filled my every step. My single outfit cost over 100 pounds and most certainly didn't fit someone of my standing. Though the doctor had easily paid the price for it, I was definitely worried over what I'd have to do to pay him back for it all.

This couldn't stand. Someone as lowly as me shouldn't be wearing this.

"...um. Master" I called out to him breaking him of his humming reverie. "These clothes that you've bought for me… I feel as though they are wasted. Maybe it would be better to return them for something more fitting? And maybe get more for what you've already paid for?"

Maybe I spoke out of line but I felt it was true. As his slave I cannot be allowed to be a burden on him. This single outfit is so much more than I'd ever imagine. Having him buy clothes for me of his own volition was a kindness I didn't expect but certainly appreciated. Having paid so much for one outfit however… It just didn't make sense for someone as pragmatic as he is.

"I think it suits you just fine, you look cute." he said, not even blushing a bit at those embarrassing words. I could feel my cheeks heating up already. "We already paid for them and Aurelia picked them out for us. Returning them would be the true waste."

He looked at me and I felt myself growing redder at the earnest smile on his face. "Besides we have yet to eat anything so we might as well have an early lunch."

We had walked in silence for a bit allowing me to regain control of my beating heart and flushed cheeks, and arrived at a cafe filled with sweet aromas.

An odd waitress approached us with an uneven yet somehow measured pace, balancing tea and cookies without spilling either despite her weird gait.

"Welcome!" She said cheerfully. "A table for two? Right this way." And she was already leading us to our table dropping off an order at another customer's table at the same time. Everything about her is so weird and yet it all seems purposeful. Like every movement is measured and every intent is easily read.

Sitting at our assigned table. I look around curiously. The atmosphere is warm, much like Master's hands, and everyone seems friendly.

"Don't mind Nephy. She may be a bit odd at first but she's generally good at reading people. She's one of the reasons I like coming here when I can."

He knows her? I wondered why we came here specifically, was it specifically for her? A friend? A lover? A former assistant? Though I stayed silent, continuing to observe the area around me as well as reading the menu to get an idea on what I want.

There was so much there. Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, even desserts though I wouldn't dare push my luck trying to order one of those.

It's nearing lunch time, so maybe one of the lunch options would be better? But we hadn't eaten breakfast... Maybe the pancakes would be a good option?

"Okay then!" the waitress, Nephy spoke up from behind me. shocking me a bit. "One order for a sausage and cheese breakfast sandwich and an order of pancakes."

Before I could deny it she had already walked off. "Did you not want the pancakes?" my master asked. "If not I can just ask to get you something else."

"Yes. I-I mean... umm." I'm tripping over myself at this point. I have no idea what's going on. "I do want them but..."

We still have shopping to do. I hadn't even checked the prices but I was hoping to get something relatively cheap and yet still delicious. We had already spent so much on my outfit that I was worried we wouldn't have enough for groceries.

"Don't worry about it." he said waving away my concerns, quite literally waving. "We're fine in terms of income and I'm not one for excessive frivolous spending. Today is supposed to be a day celebrating your 2 weeks staying with me."

Has it been 2 weeks? It felt like so much longer doing chores, sitting together with master. Or watching the people pass by in the morning and evening commutes. I've eaten so many good things at master's house, always being allowed to eat until we're full and having leftovers for the morning.

As cold as he's been... I owe it all to him. These clothes, the food, and my chores. It's my new life.

It isn't so bad.

(A/N): A more wholesome chapter for you few in this obscure section of fanfiction. Next time we'll be looking at how to further develop the relationship between Sylvie and... umm...

What's this guy's name? I haven't actually named him so I guess I'll leave it up in the air until necessary.

I've created a pay me off so that monetary obligations force me to write more often. I do monthly updates on progress there too. Pester me with money at: pa tre on / PatrickRoxas