Part 2

Claude, You Freak

I sat in silence for a long time before the man in the room finally spoke again.

"Why have you come here?"

Indeed I wondered that myself sadly. "I don't know," I said feeling very weird about this. I was not at all comfortable being given so little control. How could I let that woman talk me into something like this?! I felt like I'd willingly walked into a hungry spider's web.

Silence addressed me again, but I knew 'he' was watching me. I cast my face away as if avoiding his gaze, where ever that was exactly. I felt so stupid, what was the point of all this? "Why do I have to wear this blindfold?"

"You're out of turn again," warned the man, his voice not exactly unpleasant sounding.

I felt him come closer to me, heard his footfalls. I sensed him. I wondered if I kicked out would I make contact with his legs. Maybe bruise his shins...I could head bunt him. I weighed the options, but I held back the violence for now.

"One more time and I...I will punish you," promised my mysterious acquaintance.

Hmm, was it my mistake or did this man sound a bit tense? Violet had mentioned he was new, hrmph. This was the strangest predicament I ever placed myself in, but hearing this guy's hesitation, I didn't feel as unnerved anymore. That sole factor alone made me worry. I had lost it; anyone in their right mind should be fleeing and screaming by now. And I probably should too. Was I simply mad, maybe I needed to see a shrink?

Frustration burst out of me. "I don't need a shrink!" I hissed to myself, buried in my own dismal thoughts. Opps, did I say that out loud?

It came out of nowhere the slap to my face! I gasped in surprise and then grit my teeth angrily; growling under my breath. I balled my fists, utterly pissed off, "Asshole!"

This time something thrashed over my thighs. It stung. "Fucking hell! You have NO idea who you're messing with buddy!" I cried.

It hit me again over my legs. I seethed but held back my expletive this time.

"I'll keep punishing you if you don't stop talking out of turn!" hollered the man loudly.

For an instant I thought the voice sounded familiar. But I shook it off, to aggravated to care, and tried to stand again forgetting the chair was bolted to the floor. Dammit! Not wanting to be smacked again I struggled but kept silent. The swats hurt, but it didn't hurt me bad enough to draw blood at least. Still, it pissed me off!

I heard the boots of the man that was assaulting me move to the far side of the room.

"Madame Violet? A word with you please," I heard the man say.

"Just a minute," came Violet's voice.

I realized they were speaking through an intercom. I sat still for a moment my heart beating wildly against my chest, my breathing coming in erratic bursts with the irritation I felt. What was up? Were they going to let me go?! I sure fucking hope so!

The man in the room said nothing nor did he move for several moments. I blinked behind my blindfold, swathed in my world of darkness. This place is nuts! Like a nightmare! I touched the area on my thighs that still burned and stung, but I willed the pain aside.

Then there was a knock on the door.

I aimed my face in the direction of the door. I listened to the scuff of boots again, heard the door as it creaked open—could smell the musky scent coming from the hallway, and then the door shut softly a breath later. I strained to listen. The man in the room had called Violet back, I wondered why...

"I don't think I can do this," I heard the man say.

"Why not? I thought you were doing a splendid job," replied Violet.

"It's just…he…that man—"

"—needs you... he needs you my boy. All people want and need guidance. This is your first seeker of course you're adjusting," Violet spoke so softly I barely heard it.

"But…"

THUD!

I jumped in my seat; someone got slammed against the door.

"Be a man or I'll punish you personally!" claimed Violet angrily. "Remember what I said, don't cross your madam."

"Yes, yes I'm sorry," quickly the guy alleged.

The door opened again and closed. I heard the man sigh. Geez, what the hell was that all about? It sounded like this guy didn't want to be here, well...welcome to the club buddy!

"What's the matter, this place a little too weird even for you?" I taunted, snickering.

With a whoosh of air, I suddenly I felt him in close proximity, "STOP TALKING OUT OF TURN!" he cried at me, his breath washing over my face. I sensed the fruity essence of sugar as if he'd been eating candy earlier.

THWACK!

Ouch! Pain seared over my right cheek. My ears rung, I grunted, angry all over again. I went to touch my face, but my hands couldn't reach because of the restraint around my arms and chest. I wanted to scream murder! There had to be laws about this sort of thing I thought, snarling.

"Look, this is how it works. You talk only when spoken to. You have to accept that right now, you are the submissive and I'm the dominate one. If we can do that then I won't have to punish you and you won't leave here in pain. You don't want that do you?" asked the man insistently.

Almost afraid to talk, I hesitated before responding. "No... But I'm sure you won't see me back in here, so don't bother with the rules. It was a mistake I walked into a nut house. Look, there were these hookers and their pimps could be anywhere nearby, I don't need to cause bad publicity for…"

"Enough! Who are you to judge?" he barked at me. "Surely, Violet told you that this place is just an outlet, a corner away from reality, a place to discover things about yourself you might not find anywhere else. We role-play. It can also be a lot of fun...if you let it, if you accept."

"Sadomasochism?" I breathed in horror.

"Ah, so you do understand the proper term. Why the stricken face?" He laughed at me, the sound bordering on a giggle.

"Well, you have to admit this whole setting is a little creepy. Why do you do this, do you like hitting people?" I countered with my own question.

"With all learning and discovery comes discipline; pain is the rawest form. The bondage is, well, it's just for fun, part of the game," he answered casually. "I give you permission to talk freely, I won't punish you."

I was wary at first. "You...you never answered my question. Do I need discipline? What am I supposed to learn anyways? Am I some kind of experiment to you whackos?" I threw at him.

"Maybe I am getting a cheap thrill from punishing you." He chuckled serenely. "But you haven't experienced the reward yet. This stuff isn't just about whips and chains and receiving pain, you know. If I feel like it, I might reward you or humiliate you."

He took a few steps closer and made a 'humph' sound. "You of all people, huh? I'm SO curious now that I have you here." His voice sounded bemused, mischievous.

"Huh?" I asked, bewildered. What did that mean?

He never answered me.

"So, if I'm good will I get a star-sticker on my school book that says, 'Good Job K, you did super well in class today'. I mean come on…" I laughed at how ridiculous I sounded but I really couldn't get into this 'role-play' he was offering.

"Well, I'm surprised you choose a man to talk to, I never thought you…I mean, what made you choose that?" he asked.

I wondered why he keeps talking to me like he knows me, strange... "I didn't exactly choose, I was sort of convinced," I claimed, "That lady said that this wasn't about sex."

"True, but that depends if I like you or not," he quipped. "But here you are, talking to a man. Don't you have a wife to talk to?" he questioned with a tone of curiosity.

Hrmph, "What makes you think I'm married? Are you even allowed to ask people about their marital status, or, are you just nosey?" I asked straight out.

"Well, there are a lot of people that come here that are married," he said flatly. "Not that that is any of my business. But yes, I am being nosey."

No way! I wasn't going to start spilling my guts to some creep that was smacking me around. He was probably some butt ugly guy in leather and some fishnet thingymabob brandishing a whip! I bet he was some huge balding creep that resembled Bigfoot who got his jollies playing the sadist. The only thing that scared me more than that image was Reiji's mechanical panda bear.

I shuddered.

"Look, let's just chat for the hour, I'll leave peacefully and you'll never have to see my sorry face again. But F.Y.I, K is not married anymore," I pointed out rather despairingly.

"Really?" the stranger in the room said with surprise. "I...I didn't know that."

Once again—for a second there—it didn't sound like the same voice I'd been hearing for the last while. I followed the man curiously, turning my head in direction of his footfalls as he paced around and around my chair. Why did he seem so surprised that I wasn't married?

"Stand still! You're making me dizzy," I complained.

"Do you like men?" He asked out of the blue, still pacing around me, "Preferably, Japanese men?"

"NO!" I hollered heatedly, "Why is everyone asking me that?" Ok, he was the only one that had asked me that, but the little devil in my head pointed out that I got off watching two men in action tonight. I moaned with misery and felt myself blush again. Aww, for crying out loud! The man stopped in front of me, he was analyzing me I bet. I could feel it. So I dared to ask, "Do you like men?"

There was a run of silence. Did he not know? I thought maybe he was thinking of a good answer.

"Yes, I like both men and women," he finally answered.

I got my answer. Hurray for me, I thought sarcastically. Now what?

"Why are you getting so defensive?" he asked me.

"Well, you would too if someone assumed you were gay," I pointed out, cleaning under my nails blindly as I sat tied to a chair.

"Are you a homophobe then?" continued the man's questions.

"Why, are you going to ask me out?" I chirped mockingly and chortled.

"Hrmph," he sounded.

I realized the man sounds rather young. Even if his voice was muffled it had a young resonance. I wondered how he got involved in something like this. Must be his fetish—obviously—a side he kept secret maybe? Did his friends and family know about this 'hobby'? Probably not, I imagined.

I answered the question he asked anyways, "Of course, I'm not a homophobe. I work with a little flaming butt pirate almost everyday...to each their own." I didn't have any qualms about it, only when people accuse me of it. I'm I being a little too irrational? Would it really matter if I were gay? Waaa! What am I thinking?! Maybe bisexual would be a better term...?

Claude! You freak!

"Shut up," I hissed at the devil in my head.

"Is, um...everything alright?" whispered the guy. "I've never seen you like this...I mean, you seem like you have something on your mind."

You've never seen me at all before this, I thought oddly. I just sighed, "I'm fine."

Without hearing his footfalls, I startled when his breath washed over my face again. It wasn't unpleasant but it made me squirm a little, my personal space was being invaded. But stubbornly I kept my head steadied as if staring him down.

"You know," he whispered, his voice close to my ear now, "I never imagined a guy like you being my first seeker. But now that you're here and I'm over the shock...I'm enjoying this."

There was something about how he spoke to me, his voice very sultry and hushed, I gulped. What was I supposed to say? The soft rustle of material met my ears. What was he doing?!

I flinched when I felt his palm touch my face, his hand placed on my cheek, softly petting me. I didn't want to acknowledge how nice that felt.

"You don't have to be alone anymore, I'll take care of you," he said in a sweet and earnest tone.

But I couldn't accept this. I turned my head away and sharply cried, "I DON'T NEED ANYONE! I don't need your pity!"

The hand left and I snarled my face contorted in anger. My insides were hurting, not just from what was happening here, but what was happening in my life! It felt all kinds of messed up right now.

"Your time is up," I heard Violet's voice float into the room and my anger subsided. Her voice came from a speaker in the room or something.

Right away, I felt the restraint loosened and realizing I could do so, I stood. For a moment I thought of attacking the man that had throttled me for good measure, but I hesitated. I just wanted to go home. I began to reach for the blindfold, "Can't I at least see who I was talking too?"

"No!" cried the man urgently. "It's imperative for new seekers to stay blindfolded until the watcher allows you to take it off."

"You're the watcher?"

"Yes, but you said you wouldn't be back, so what does it matter to you?" he asked me indignantly and led me from the room. His grip on my arm was strong and pushy.

"That's right—crazy place. I hope I don't have nightmares and wet my bed." I said cynically.

"Well here's Violet, goodnight, K," said the mystery man/punisher/wacko.

Hmm, why did he sound amused?

I heard the door creak shut behind me and I tore off the blindfold. I squinted as my eyes adjusted to the straining light of that bare bulb in the hallway.

"Well, what do you think, and not to worry tonight was free," said Violet, watching me curiously.

I stood blinking at her and took back the gun she held out to me. Holstering it, I answered her, "I think I need a drink."

With that I shoved past her and almost ran up the stairs and into the oh-so cozy living room. I burst back into the street were all the hookers were. They glanced at me funnily and began snickering. I grunted and charged past them.

When I found my car in a parking lot next to my work, I got in and took a few calming breaths. Fuck, what a night, I thought shaking my head.

I put the key in the ignition and revved the engine. Hastily, I backed out and tore off down the streets of downtown Tokyo. Tonight felt like a dream, a nightmare. I almost convinced myself that none of it ever happened, that I never seen Yuki and Shuichi...that I never got handed divorce papers. It's all just a twisted nightmare; I'll wake up and it'll be tomorrow and I'll laugh at myself.

But the evening continued...

Home was a two story apartment building. I had to climb a flight of stairs to the second floor. I inhaled familiar smells of my neighbours cooking; it was actually a welcome home I enjoyed. But it always reminded me of how little time I get to spend at home being a lazy shit, indulging in free time. Free time, ha-ha, right... I worked a lot; mostly I came home to sleep and clean myself up and go back to work.

Finding the keys, keys that I now placed the blame on for starting this whole venture tonight, I opened my door. Flicking on the lights, I kicked off my shoes and headed straight for the cupboard that held my prized bottle of Jack Daniels. Judy had given it to me when she last came to Japan for a movie premier. But now seemed like a good time as any to open the stuff. I poured half a glass of whiskey and took it to the couch where I flopped down with a sigh.

"Cheers Claude, to being a sucker tonight," I reprimanded myself and sipped the amber liquid. It burned the night away, excellent. I flicked on the evening news, still trying to forget this entire evening.

I put my feet up on the coffee table.

"Why did you come here?" It was his voice, the man from the dungeon.

"Shut up," I muttered, downing more Jack.

"Who are you to judge?"

"Argh!"

"You don't have to be alone anymore. I'll take care of you..."

I groaned and downed the rest of my drink. Stop thinking about it, I demanded of myself. Seriously, I had to stop replaying that man's mysterious voice. I closed my eyes and soon fell into a fitful sleep full of crazy dreams.

"I am your seeker."

"Yes K, kneel before me..."

I tried to find the face of the person that spoke but I could see naught. The room was pitch black, but now I was on my feet again, moving around freely, anxious because I couldn't see where I was going...I wasn't wearing a blindfold. I couldn't find the exit, I reached around me but felt nothing.

"KNEEL," demanded the voice.

I knelt because inside my heart I feared the punishment.

A hand gently touched my face…

Gasping, I woke up. My heart was hammering in my chest, my eyes wild and unfocused. I brought a hand to my face, to the spot where the watcher had touched me. And for a moment my blood rushed sensually. "Stupid..." I murmured sleepily and sighed. I knew that I going to have nightmares because of that.

But was it really a nightmare? I didn't want to admit it, but there was something nagging me about that watcher. Maybe it was just my curiosity, the way he touched me. It was like I knew him, but that was ridiculous. I scoffed and got up, stumbling off to my bedroom. Bed was much more comfortable than the couch. Standing there like a limp scarecrow, I peeled off my clothes. I think I fell asleep before my head even hit the pillow.

Morning came with the singing of birds and the insistent honking of someone's car horn outside. My eyes cracked opened, but I didn't move. I just lay there feeling like a zombie. I counted the number of seconds between each car honk. Five seconds. Man! Whoever they were picking up I wished to fuck they'd hurry it up—the honking was killing my brain. I looked over at the alarm clock, which I forgot to set and realized... it was already eight in the morning.

I'm late!

Quickly, I flew out of bed and showered, found fresh clothes among the array of mess in my room. Who had time to seriously clean up? I fastened my holster to my belt and sheathed the gun. I grabbed my jacket and ran to my car and drove like a madman to work.

I hurried past the morning-shift security guard, whose name I didn't even bother with—I liked Bob. But this younger guard was trying to tell me something, but I wasn't listening. Then, I almost crashed into Tohma. Oh shit! I wasn't watching where I was going, that was what the guard was trying to tell me. Heh.

"Bossman, geez, sorry about that," I said.

"K, good morning, running a little late?" he asked me, looking bright-eyed and cheery.

"Kinda..." Grr, I hated running into the boss when I felt late and rushed for work, it seemed so unprofessional. I fixed my tie, composing myself. "Ha, ha you know how morning traffic can be?" I offered casually using my charms.

Tohma smiled, "Yes of course, they really should add another lane on the highway or something."

I nodded in agreement, "Indeed, well, I should get to Bad Luck. They're still working on that new single. It's amazing!"

"Yes, they have a new album due for release next month, correct? You're down to the wire," Tohma reminded.

"That's right," I replied, watching him casually.

Tohma was studying me for a moment before he said—as if it just came to mind, "You know, K-san...could you stop by my office later? I'd like to discuss something I've been thinking about—when you're free of course."

"Um...sure," I said gladly, but falsely.

"Good, it's kind of important...something I should have done weeks ago, but I only discovered recently," he explained and added, "I'll see you later."

"See you." I watched Tohma head for the front doors. He glanced back at me with that smiley face of his. Uh-oh, I knew that face. It meant I was in hot water. Tohma was wearing his shark smile. I groaned and made my way to the recording studio. Just the thought of that room made me recall everything about last night.

Groan...

"K! You're late!" complained Suguru as soon as I entered the room. I mean, I loved the guy but sometimes he acted like a grumpy old man. Everyone else stopped what they were doing and turned to look at me also.

Over the speakers I heard Shuichi, who was already in the isolation booth, "Hi K-san! Wow, I can't believe I beat you to work...this has to be a first!" He began chortling raucously.

All I could manage was a feeble wiggle of a hello with my fingers at Shuichi. I could barely look in his direction without feeling my face flame. I looked at the others.

"Sorry, I had errands," I lied to them and watched Hiro dash over to a table, the same table I forgot my keys on last night. He picked up a large coffee cup and turned to me.

"Here, I got you this, you probably need it," Hiroshi said holding the cup out to me. I looked at him incredulously...Hiro never got me coffee before, and a store bought one at that! It was then that I noticed that Hiro looked as tired as I felt; there were dark circles under his eyes. I held up the coffee in question, "Two cream one—"

"—sugar," the guitarist finished for me and smiled.

I hesitantly smiled back.

Gee, why was he staring at me? I hated when Hiro studied me that way, as if his smart brain knew something I didn't. "Thanks again," I mumbled and sipped the wonderfully hot coffee. It was just what I needed.

I looked away from Hiro's surveying grey eyes and peered through the glass that divided the room. Shuichi was there, wearing headphones and started warming up his vocal cords. Heat rose to my face again, all I could see was Shuichi's features contorted with pleasure—I almost choked on my next sip of coffee.

Sakano walked into the room and bumped the door into me, hot coffee spilled and landed on my shoes, but he also knocked me out of my embarrassing thoughts. I glared at the man, but he just cried for forgiveness hoping I wouldn't pull my gun on him. I must say I extremely tempted at the moment...

"Club Citta wants to push back our live concert a month after the release of the new album," Sakano announced.

Immediately I forgot about killing Sakano. "What?!" I cried, "They said it was a sure thing, one week after the release! Did you just find this out now?"

"Yes, they phoned me a moment ago, I was hoping to find you here. Apparently they are having some new renovations done and it's starting in thirty days and won't be done until a month after the release. They told me they would have to reschedule all concert dates." Sakano adjusted his glasses nervously.

"Can't we convince them to hold off construction for a few days more? It's only a one week difference," Hiro pointed out.

I was thinking the same thing. In fact I knew just the people to talk to and grinned to myself. "Not to worry, you'll have your concert as scheduled, I'll see to it. Now how is the rest of the recording? How is Shuichi coming along?"

"He's been yawning most of the time. Seems like he never sleeps," Suguru said with a 'tsk'.

Suguru was looking bored at the prospect of hanging out in the control room. He seemed eager to be elsewhere. True, there wasn't much for the instrumental part of the band to do when it was up to Shuichi to record vocals. Their stuff was already mixed and recorded...today it was Shuichi's turn to finalize the single with his voice.

I was sure I knew exactly why Shuichi seemed so tired, though...hrmph, messing around with Mr. Romance all night. Still, it was no reason not to get the job done. "It's still early, I'm sure he'll wake up soon. Besides, you guys don't have to hang out here all day. Your part is already done, unless you want to stay for moral support," I told Suguru and Hiro.

"Hmm, I got some things I wouldn't mind doing, a few sounds I've been working on. Maybe I'll go to our regular studio room. I'll be there if you need me," Suguru said and walked out.

Sakano excused himself too, saying that he had to make a few phone calls. I nodded and took another gulp of my coffee. Over the rim of the cup, I noticed Hiro was still watching me...

A/N: Thank you bitbyboth for your lovely comment and secret25!! Hehe I guess this chapter might answer your question hun! --grin-- I hope you enjoy!