Wilson checked in on him first thing and bought him lunch, pleased to see that House was all right but a little jealous of Marius, truth be told. House gleefully called him on it and Wilson sputtered that he was just concerned for House's well-being. The day was filled with paperwork and clinic duty and soon enough House was on his way back to his apartment. He played his piano for quite a while then settled into bed to read his medical journals but he couldn't stop thinking about Marius and the demand for his presence all weekend. Part of him desperately wished for a case to come up and give him an excuse to say no, but part of him actually wanted to go. He lay in bed trying to figure out exactly what Marius might be looking for but couldn't make any headway.
The next two days were more of the same, clinic duty or the avoiding thereof. House called Marius a couple of times and though he answered and talked with him for a couple of minutes, he didn't stay on, citing business to be attended to unless House's need to talk was urgent. Since it was curiosity, not a crisis, House let him go but continued to think about him with the same intensity as he would one of his cases, exactly as Marius intended.
Friday ended with no new case for diagnostics and House went back to his apartment and put a few things into a duffle bag. He still couldn't believe he was going over there, but the need to find out more overwhelmed any nerves or discomfort the thought brought. He tossed in the latest journal as well, locked up and headed back to Marius' house on his bike.
Timmy greeted him at the door, opening the garage for him to put his bike in. "I'll put your things in the master suite. Marius will be home in twenty minutes or so; he called to say he was on his way. I have coffee set in the den, go ahead through." House went on into the den and made himself a cup of coffee, idly going around the room and checking things out before settling at the desk. Timmy returned with a robe thrown over one arm and slippers in hand.
"Oh, this is just too Hollywood. 'Your robe and slippers, sir" House cracked, rolling his eyes at the cliché.
"You'll be staying in tonight and Marius wants you to wear these. He doesn't keep the house very heated, preferring the fireplaces instead," Timmy answered, drawing up alongside him. "I'll put your coat, blazer and shoes in the bedroom closet for you."
House debated refusing but he wasn't going to wear his leather jacket all weekend. Shrugging he started to slide out of his jacket and blazer, then leaned down to undo his shoes. The slippers were leather and fit him perfectly he realized with surprise, in a loafer style so there would be no walking off the sides. He stood up and slipped into the robe that Timmy held out for him then sat back down as Timmy took the removed clothing back to the bedroom. The robe was very nice, he had to admit. A heavyweight jacquard print cotton, completely lined, very full and hung just a few inches off the floor. And it took off the edge of the chill of the room quite nicely, he realized after a few minutes.
Soon enough, Marius came into the den, already changed into robe and slippers himself. "Good evening. I'm pleased to see you," he greeted House with a smile.
"Hey," House greeted in reply, getting up from the desk and joining Marius at the table. "You had a busy week?"
"Quarterly stock meetings," Marius responded with a nod. "Not the most exciting to attend, but I find I keep better tabs on my accounts with quarterly checks than limiting them to annual ones. It's easier to catch a problem that way. How was your week?"
"Like you don't already know," House snarked, referring to the hired watch keeper. "Boring. No new cases. Lots of clinic duty and paperwork, most of which I put my team to doing. So what are we going to do for this whole weekend?"
"Mm. Many things actually. For one thing, I have tickets to a Knicks game that I thought you might enjoy attending tomorrow night," Marius answered, enjoying the look of surprised delight in House's eyes. "You like basketball then?"
"Yeah," House answered energetically. "I was afraid you were going to say the opera or the symphony. Wilson's always trying to take me to cultural things."
"Perhaps at some time we will do those, but I've a touch of Roman personality in me, and I like a good sporting event."
"Roman eh? Do you like wrestling?"
"No, not really. I despise the fake wrestling that is so popular now, and sport wrestling can be rather boring. I do enjoy boxing and martial arts matches though," Marius answered as Timmy came through with Sidney bringing dinner. "This is Sidney," he introduced in case House didn't remember.
"Oh, I remember him. Gives a whole new twist to the concept of thumb screws," House quipped, giving the man a quick nod. Timmy and Sidney both joined them for dinner as it was served family style complete with dessert and the conversation was light and shared equally among all of them, lifting the spotlight from House for a time. He found the ease that they had with each other intriguing to watch.
After dinner, Marius poured a brandy for himself and House as Timmy and Sidney cleared away the dishes. "We'll be using the hot tub tonight, please see that it's set up and ready," Marius instructed them before they withdrew completely.
"Now, I think it's time we have a talk. Ask your questions," Marius said with a smile as he sat back sipping his brandy.
House took a minute to gather his thoughts. "Okay. Let's start with this weekend then. You practically ordered me to come here this weekend. Why?"
"I did order you to come here this weekend, no practically about it. I think that you and I could be very good for each other, as friends at the least end of the scale and perhaps far more than that. Time will tell that answer."
"I can't deny that you've given me some huge benefits over the last couple of weeks. Starting with the night you picked me up off my bathroom floor," House conceded. "But I don't see what benefit you're getting out of it. I come here and mostly sleep before you drive me back to work."
"Then consider this weekend the beginning of mutual benefits."
"Why not just take Timmy or Sidney?"
"I often do. I don't know that I can give you an explanation that will completely settle the question in your mind but I'll try. I consider myself to be spiritual. Now, I didn't say religious," Marius said, holding up a hand at the automatic reaction of disgust House had at the idea. "Whether you consider it intuition or spirit guidance that is what I follow. When I saw you at the pub that night, I knew that we were to interact for a time. You needed someone very much and I have the ability and willingness to fill that need."
"You could fill a need of mine to have an equal," Marius said. "You could keep me challenged, sharp and creative and no doubt would enjoy doing so. I can give you the support that you need to function and see that you have what you need to do so. This is something that I enjoy doing for those I bring into my inner circle."
"So you think that that gives you the right to just order me here for the weekend and I'll come?" House demanded.
"Yes. I do. I told you that I played bondage for real life. You play for real life too. The question is what level would you like to play at? I can meet you level for level so the choice is yours really. This weekend is about beginning to understand what that level is."
"What if I decide I don't want to play at all?" House said defiantly.
"Timmy will bring your clothes and luggage back to you, you'll get on your bike and go home," Marius said calmly, "and our association will end."
House looked away at that, deeply confused at this moment. He resented the authority that Marius took with him and yet he felt cared for with him in a way that he never had, not even with Wilson. Still the threat of losing any more independence was nearly suffocating. Marius watched the interplay of emotions on House's face and feared he had perhaps spooked him too soon. He stood up with his drink and when House looked up, startled, he spoke calmly.
"Think it over. If you're willing to investigate this further, come out to the hot tub."
"You're talking about making this your version of bondage, with me, am I right?" House asked before Marius could move.
"Yes I am. I would become your master, as I am Timmy and Sidney's master. I would expect loyalty and compliance, though not without kibitzing on your part," Marius said with a smirk. "In exchange, I will provide for your physical and emotional comfort and through that process, I feel we will enjoy each other's company. I don't know if you're ready to take that step or not. If you would like to take that step, come out to the hot tub. If you would like to defer the decision and continue exploring simply remain in the house. If you decide that this is not something you're in anyway interested in, then you're free to go home and put an end to it." Marius walked over to the desk, picked up an envelope and put it on the table in front of House. "Whatever you choose, these are a gift for you," he said then left the room.
House played with the corner of the envelope for a moment then sighed and looked inside. He expected to find his ticket to the basketball game, but not two tickets. He could leave now and take Wilson to the game. He'd certainly been jealous earlier. He couldn't tell Wilson where he'd got the tickets though. He shuddered as he thought of the word 'master'. After his father, he swore he'd never let anyone have that control over him again. And yet, Marius had shown nothing but care and concern for him, even when pushing him to accept his physical help. Marius was an enigma, which made him intensely interesting to House. He knew that sooner or later, Marius would ask for some return on the care he'd offered. Every relationship does that in some fashion. He sat in silence, wearing the edges of the envelope in his hands while he debated back and forth for a while before finally getting up and making his way to the hot tub. Marius looked up with a slight smile at his approach, welcoming but not effusively so.
House was terrified of the choice that he was about to make but reassured himself that there were no legal grounds to bind him to it if it went south, though that did little to calm the panic at the thought of accepting Marius as a master. "So, I've got these two tickets to the Knicks game tomorrow night," he mumbled nervously, "and I wondered if you were free."
"It so happens that I am, and I'd be delighted to go with you," Marius answered, letting out a breath of relief that despite obvious fears, House was interested in staying. Timmy came over and set the envelope aside then helped House off with his robe. Slowly House undressed and stepped into the hot tub sitting across from Marius.
"I don't think I have to tell you but this whole master thing terrifies me," House said after a moment.
"No, I can see the tension in you," Marius answered quietly.
"You should know, if you don't already, that I had a psychotic break last year induced from drug abuse. I spent time in a psychiatric hospital."
"Thank you for telling me."
"You still want to have me? Some crazy cripple?" House asked bitterly.
"A break caused by drugs does not make you crazy, it makes you suffering from a side effect. And any man that rides a motorcycle at the speeds you do and works the hours that you do is not crippled, even if he limps. Crippled is a state of mind. Is that the state of your mind?" Marius asked, looking at him curiously.
House was silent for a moment. "I guess it is," he admitted.
"Will you allow me to attempt to change your mind?"
"I'm here aren't I?" House groused.
"Indeed you are," Marius agreed and sat back with a sigh of contentment in the water. Soon the hot water, brandy and lack of pushing from Marius loosened House up enough to relax and enjoy the soak on his leg. After half an hour, Timmy and Sidney came back and helped both men out, wrapping robes around them so they wouldn't get chilled. Marius led the way back to the master suite with the entire group following behind.
Once in the bedroom, House's nervousness ramped back up. Marius went over to a small chest on the table and took something out. House couldn't see what it was but it made him nervous as hell and he could almost hear his father's mocking tone of voice. Suddenly he realized that Marius had spoken and was waiting for a reply. "What?" he said, clearing his throat.
"I asked if you were all right," Marius said with a frown. "You've gone very pale suddenly."
"Ghosts from the past. I'm all right," House said, irritated at such an overt reaction in front of anyone, much less this man who read him so easily.
"In keeping with your position in this relationship, I want you to wear this collar here in the house," Marius said, holding out a black tooled leather collar. "When we are in public, or you are at work, you'll wear this chain instead," he added, showing House a very nice herringbone silver neck chain. House pursed his lips and let out his breath slowly as he stared at the two objects.
"Why?" he asked, raising his eyes to meet Marius' again.
"They will serve to remind you of our agreement, especially during the first weeks when this is all so new to you," Marius answered.
House looked over at Timmy and Sidney and realized that, although he'd noted both men wearing necklaces, the necklaces were identical to each other but different from the one he was being asked to wear.
"Why aren't they wearing leather in the house?" he said, not quite ready to give in yet.
"I find it startling to my guests. From now on, they will wear leather as well in the house. Gentlemen, if you will," Marius said. Sidney and Timmy both removed their necklaces and put on leather collars, each with a different tooled design that seemed individual to them. House looked back at the leather collar Marius was holding out to him and notice that the tooling suggested the medical caduceus. He closed his eyes to steady his nerves, took a deep breath, then opened his eyes and nodded, holding out his hand for the collar. Marius handed him the necklace and stepped up alongside him.
"I'll put it on you this first time. You'll do it from then on," Marius said, expertly fitting and buckling the collar into place. "Put the chain with your belongings. Sidney and Timmy will be giving us both a massage this evening."
House got to his feet and slipped the chain into a pocket of his shaving kit, the leather of the collar feeling very strange as he bent over. "You know, Chase, one of my fellows, was into the bondage scene. Despite my remarks to the contrary, he's not an idiot. He'll figure out what this chain means."
"And that bothers you," Marius finished and House nodded, looking away. "You can always tell him I'm your sugar daddy," Marius said with a devilish grin and House had to laugh.
"Oh yeah. That'll be SO much better. Actually, that wouldn't be a bad deflection," House said as he thought it over.
"So tell him that and keep them all fishing for awhile," Marius said with a chuckle as he lay face down on the massage table and Timmy began his work. House nodded at how much fun that would be and came over getting on Sidney's table. Sidney gave him another punishing massage trying to loosen some of the deep knots in his shoulder blades though he finally called for mercy.
"I'd suggest a good hot shower, Master Marius," Sidney said with a smile as he backed off to light rubbing.
"Umm. I agree. You've been teaching Timmy your deep knot techniques haven't you?" Marius said, groaning as Timmy worked at releasing one in Marius' neck.
After a long hot shower, with Marius which House found to be decidedly awkward, both men went to bed. House put on his sleep pants but Marius slept nude.
"Uh, you know, it's pretty weird with you being nude," House said as Marius settled into the comforters.
"Then strip off that false modesty and get comfortable," Marius answered glibly. "Silk sheets are best enjoyed with skin contact," he added then turned off the light.
After a few minutes House stripped off the sleep pants and tee shirt, leaving only his boxers on and got under the covers and let out a sigh.
"Am I right about the silk sheets?" Marius asked softly.
"Oh, stop gloating," House snarked. Marius chuckled and wished him good night.
The next day they were on their way to New York for the game. House had on the necklace and noticed that Marius wore one as well, though with a pendant that had triple spirals on it. He filed it away to ask about later after he had a chance to investigate the symbol on his own. They were driving up in a limo, which House was well pleased with as that meant plenty of leg room so he wouldn't be stiff when they arrived. Marius had booked a hotel suite for them as they'd be spending the night there before return to Princeton the following day.
For the afternoon, Marius had offered him the chance to pick their activity. House was tempted to pick something that he thought Marius would definitely not like, but couldn't quite bring himself to do it. Especially since there was an exhibit of Egyptian artifacts that he had wanted to drive up and see anyway. Marius was very pleased with his choice and both men enjoyed the exhibit, enjoying bantering with each other to show off what they knew of the relics on display. They had dinner in the hotel restaurant then changed and headed to the game. The seats were the front row sidelines and House had the time of his life. Marius was quite animated, cheering on the Knicks and it gave House an even more of an enigmatic picture of him.
They arrived back in Princeton Sunday afternoon and went to relax in the hot tub. House was reminded by a glance and gesture from Timmy to replace the necklace with the collar now that they were in the house and he nodded, exchanging the two quickly, then joining Marius in the hot tub. Marius nodded, pleased at seeing him back in the leather collar.
"I had fun yesterday," House remarked.
"I'm glad. So did I. I had no idea you enjoyed Egyptian artifacts so much," Marius said with a smile.
"I lived there for a while. My father was a marine; we were stationed there for a few months," House explained, though his expression darkened at the mention of his father, which did not go unnoticed by Marius.
"I've been to Cairo once but did not have the time to explore the Valley of the Kings. When I return to Egypt, would you like to go along?"
"Yeah," House said with pleasure and surprise. "But I'd have to know in advance for that to make arrangements for vacation time."
"How much advance notice would you need to give for a two week trip?"
"One month."
"I'll let you know when to ask for the time then," Marius answered.
"Cool." They soaked in silence for a few minutes before House cleared his throat. "So, what's on tap for the rest of the day?"
"Today we'll work on establishing the guidelines of our agreement and start working on the basics."
"And the basics would be?"
"Teaching you to trust me," Marius said with a smile. "I can see that this is a difficult issue for you, but we have to gain that with each other to proceed beyond that point. So we'll continue working at it today."
House nodded, seeing the logic though he hated the thought of trusting anyone so thoroughly again.
"What basic guidelines?"
"Well, for one thing how often we see each other. I understand that your job requires commitment and often long unpredictable hours and I will not interfere with that in any way. Your off hours I want available to me. How often do you and your friend Wilson get together?"
"One night a week. Sometimes two. Usually Thursday and Sunday lately."
"Then the other five nights of the week are mine. As stated, in public or at work you'll wear the chain I gave you. At home, even at your home, you'll wear the leather collar. I will be checking in on you to make sure you have it on."
"And if I don't?"
"I'll put it on you and try to find out why you aren't wearing it. For instance, if the collar proves to be too wide and is causing soreness on your collarbones, this is a fully acceptable reason not to wear it, although I would hope you would tell me this so that a narrower collar can be provided. If you are doing it simply because you think you can get away with it, that's a different issue. Then I have to look at why you want to get away with it. Whether you would like more of my attention and are too embarrassed to ask for it. Whether you are simply testing the boundaries of the relationship and need to be shown where they are."
"And if I'm just testing the boundaries? Cause that's like, my default mode. What do you intend to do about it?" House asked, a little unnerved by what his imagination could supply for an answer.
"Then I have to come up with what it is that you consider a serious enough consequence to that action that you will opt for wearing the collar instead," Marius answered simply.
"Like…what kind of consequence?" House asked with some dread.
"Possibilities in my mind right now would be to insist that you return here at night, rather than to your own home, where you can be closely monitored and prompted. Or some type of punishment that you dislike enough that you wish to avoid."
"Great. You gonna' turn me over your checkered apron?" House snarked.
"No, I doubt that would work for you. For one thing, I think you'd find it enjoyable, which isn't the point of punishment at all. I have some very interesting devices and straps in my toy collection that you might find uncomfortable enough to wish to avoid."
"I will call for you at least two nights each week, though not the same nights. There will be times I will have you break your plans with Wilson. Boundaries need to be established there as well, but I will not do that often. Also you'll come and spend one entire weekend here each month, just as you have done this weekend."
"All right," House agreed.
"Now, let's begin. Come and sit next me," Marius said firmly. House grimaced but slid over onto the bench next to him. For the rest of the evening, Marius continued to give House instructions with no apparent purpose. Sit here, wear this. Slowly House started to relax with it and responding a little quicker and easier. They retired to the bedroom and Marius reclined on a low lounger near the fire on a thick fur rug.
"Take off your clothes," he said, catching House completely off guard.
"What? Why?"
"Because I want to see your body," Marius explained as though the answer should be obvious, letting his robe fall open completely. He was nude beneath the robe and partially erect. House stood still, staring at his erection, barely breathing as Marius watched.
"House," he said sharply, recalling his attention. "Breathe," he instructed with an encouraging look. "Take off your clothes."
House pulled in some air at last though he had hold of the robe edges in a death grip as though it were a life preserver. Marius sat still and watched him struggle with the command for a while before repeating the command a third time. With a hard swallow, House slowly pulled the robe off and put it over a chair. He glanced at Marius hoping that was enough, but Marius gestured at the pants too. Acutely embarrassed, House sat down on the edge of a chair and drew the pants off as well, covering himself with his hands.
"Come and sit down on the rug here by the fire," Marius said, holding out his hand. House avoided any contact with him edging around the lounge and sinking down onto the rug. "Very good. You'll stay warmer there," Marius said, pouring them both a brandy and handing one to House, who took it but realized belatedly that it removed one of the hands he was using to shield himself with.
"What does this teach about trust?" House grated out, taking a gulp of the brandy.
"A great deal actually," Marius said calmly. "You clearly feel very vulnerable. That's to be expected, since you are just starting at learning trust with me. You aren't certain what I'll do, whether you'd be able to stop me. I don't intend to do anything but look tonight. You may retaliate and look at me if you wish. You'll see that I don't feel vulnerable naked as you do. But you've clearly shown me your commitment and desire to trust by complying."
House finished off the brandy and set the glass aside. "Good. Then can I get dressed?"
"No. We'll go from here to bed in a while. Just sit still and watch the fire. Lean back against the lounge; I promise I will not touch you tonight. Try to relax," Marius said and lay back, lighting a cigarette and contemplating the fire himself. House gradually realized that Marius intended on honoring his promise not to touch him and slowly started to let the fire relax him. It was nearly midnight when Marius called his name, calling him to bed. He stood close enough if House needed help to rise to support him but did not reach out for him tonight. Feeling now more awkward than anything else, House got into bed with him still fully nude and finally went to sleep.
Marius had already been up and gotten ready for work when House woke up but waited in no hurry while House got ready and had coffee and breakfast, then wished him a good week and said he would be in touch as the two parted ways, House driving his bike to work. He made it to his desk unannounced and sat there thinking about the weekend, fingering the chain under his tee shirt.
"House," Wilson called from the doorway. "I tried to call you Sunday. Where were you?"
"My sponsor took me to a Knicks game," House answered letting his hand drop away from the chain although it was covered by his shirt.
"Wow. You were there! That was a fantastic game. When did you get back in town?" Wilson said with a grin, dropping into a chair.
"Sunday afternoon. We went back to his place. He's got a phenomenal indoor hot tub and pool," House said with a grin.