Chapter 8

8

T obias had to hand it to Bradford -- he got almost as worked up about improvements and expansions as Tobias did. Within days, the designers had been through, the permits obtained, and the basic rebuild begun. Of course, none of the choices about tile, flooring, colors, furniture, or cabinet doors had been made, but there were building plans and things to construct while Tobias made lists of stuff he wanted.

"Noah," he said as he marked yet another cabinet front in his catalogue, "Phan said he was going to go to the club after therapy, didn't he? We should probably meet him there for dinner."

"Yes, sir. I think that would be a very good idea," Noah replied without hesitation. "He had big things he wanted to discuss with Dr. Brewer this week." Noah set a fresh cup of coffee on Tobias' desk and went to his knees.

"Did he?" Tobias nodded and put the catalogue down. "I don't suppose it has anything to do with that surprise he's been working on every time he vanishes into his bedroom?" He shook his head, his rueful smile falling away. "Actually, he told me he wanted to talk to her about grief. I assume he's spoken to you about it?"

Noah sighed. "Oh, good," he said, sounding relieved. "Yes, we talked about it a couple of times. I'm glad he told you. He is really having a hard time sorting out his emotions -- the whole thing with Mrs. Miller and the house."

Tobias rolled his eyes. "He didn't precisely tell me anything, actually, other than he wanted to talk to Dr. Brewer about grief. However, Phan is hardly a closed book to me. Has he said anything to you that I should be aware of?"

"Oh. Uh... well?" Noah shifted uncomfortably. "He didn't exactly tell me I could talk to you about it, sir, but he misses Mrs. M. A lot. For a lot of reasons."

"That's why I asked you specifically if he said anything I should be aware of, Noah." Tobias frowned slightly. "I wouldn't ask you to break confidences, but you know as well as anyone what my position is where Phan is concerned. The usual rules of secret keeping simply don't apply."

Noah nodded. "Yes, sir. I would have come to you right away if I thought there was something you needed to know. This time, I just think he doesn't know how to cope with his feelings. He's not exactly used to coping, he's more used to denial, so... Sir? He said that he felt that Mrs. M was the first person to really love him and tell him so since he was kid. He lost a lot more with Mrs. M than I'd realized."

Tobias sighed and picked up his coffee mug. "I know. At least, I thought I did. Perhaps I was too lost in my own feelings at the time to really pay attention. He wasn't mine then, but I should have known. The two of them had a very special bond."

"Dr. Brewer will help him sort it out, I'm sure." Noah leaned gently into Tobias' leg. "Should I make dinner reservations, sir? Do you think he'll even want dinner?"

"He may not want it, but he'll eat." Tobias ran his fingers through Noah's hair. "Even if I have to order him to chew. How are you doing, pet? There are a lot of changes going on."

"I'm fine." Noah shrugged. "Mostly. I'm still a little thrown by doing so many different things with my time: serving you, working the club, volunteering at the Y, weekend seminars, spending nights on the farm and some at the townhouse. I'm feeling pulled in a lot of directions, but I'm trying to let go of the big picture for now and concentrate on day to day until it all becomes routine again, you know? Just wake up every morning and go from there."

"Hmm." Still petting Noah's hair, Tobias asked, "Do you need more structure, do you think? Are you too busy?"

"I've always done well with structure, sir." Noah was leaning more and more into Tobias' touch, clearly enjoying the attention. "Before Phan joined us, I had a very set schedule that we'd worked out between us, and that worked really well for me. I never had to think about what was happening tomorrow. I don't know if I'm too busy or just trying to do too many things. Right now, though, I don't even know what I'd give up if I had to."

"I don't want you bored." Tobias frowned slightly as he thought. The service to himself was the whole point of... well, everything, so that was staying. Obviously. The volunteer work was essential to Noah as a person. The club work was something Noah also needed to keep from feeling like he was merely Tobias' toy. "All right," he said slowly. "I've added this knife play class on a whim. We'll give that one try this week, and then you and Phan and I will sit down and draw up a consistent schedule for a month or so. We'll be in town during the week mostly, I think -- I'm meddling for Brian, among other things."

"Thank you, sir." Noah lifted his head from Tobias' knee and grinned. "I think it's great that you're doing that for Brian, sir. He's such a good person and a good sub."

Tobias snorted and grinned back. "He's a brat and far too eager to get spankings. But you're right -- he's a good person. I'll try to meddle discreetly. Maybe after supper?"

"After supper," Noah nodded. "He's young, and he likes to have fun. He's no more over-eager for spankings than, say, Phan is for sex."

"Ha! Good point. I'll see if I can find Hayden for an after-dinner drink, then. Speaking of Phan and sex, I might keep you two restricted for a week or so. Just because I can."

Noah laughed. "That sounds like a horrible idea, sir."

"Fabulous! Go and call the club, get us a table, pet. Make sure it's in Brian's section." Tobias smiled to himself, looking forward to the games he could play.

Noah stood, shaking his head at Tobias' glee. "Yes, sir. Brian's section."

Tobias merely kept smiling.

He was still smiling when they got to club and he collected Phan from where he was drinking coffee in the bar. "Dinner, boy. But a word in my office first."

Phan nodded and stepped immediately to heel, pausing only to kiss Noah's cheek.

"I hope that was decaf," Noah whispered to Phan as they greeted each other. It was quiet enough that no one else would hear, but not so quiet that a Master who knew his boys well would miss it.

Tobias ushered them both into his office and sat in the big chair. "Come here, boy. Just for a minute."

Phan came to him, slightly vibrating but eager to crawl into Tobias' lap. "Hello, sir. Did you have a good day?" He buried his face in Tobias' neck and kissed him before settling -- more or less -- into a cuddle.

Noah rolled his eyes and Tobias had to agree with him. Phan was wound up.

"I did, yes. So did Noah. But what I'd like to know is if your therapy session today was helpful or not, and if you and I need to have a longer talk about it later on this evening."

Phan was nodding his head eagerly through the first part of Tobias' speech, but by the end was shaking it. "Therapy was good, Dr. Brewer was good. I had to talk out some stuff and I needed to draw some stuff, and I have to write some stuff for next week, but it's stuff I can handle on my own, sir."

"You're sure?" Tobias was a little doubtful, but he fully accepted that his need to know was often slightly bigger than what reality actually allowed for.

"I'm sure, sir. Dr. Brewer gave me homework and some stuff to think about. I promise it'll all be okay." He wiggled. And then twitched.

Tobias glanced at Noah and shook his head dramatically. "All right, then, if you say so, Phan. Noah, I think it's time we went to eat before Brian gives away our table. Phan's a little... uh, caffeinated. I can feel his bones shaking."

"Oh, dear." Noah laughed sympathetically and held out his hand. "Come on, hon. Time to go to the dining room."

Phan kissed Tobias' cheek soundly and bounded to Noah, not unlike Tigger, though the springs were in his legs and not his tail. Hand in hand, the two of them waited for Tobias, who got up and gave them both a pat on their bottoms as he went past them. Phan giggled.

"Okay, time to dine. Be good, boy."

"Yes, sir!" Phan chirped. He'd definitely had caffeinated coffee.

"Sir!" Brian appeared from around a corner and skipped up to them, a definite spring in his step. "Your table is ready, sir."

Tobias rolled his eyes. "I assumed so, pup. Let me guess -- you put me right in the middle."

Brian showed off his dimples and gestured to the table. "You're stunning, sir. You need to be shown off."

Tobias had to laugh. "Water for three, Brian. And I'll take a menu tonight, thank you."

"Right away!"

Brian skipped off again and Tobias sat down. "Floor," he said, and both his boys sank to their knees. "Who wants what to eat?"

Tobias looked down at them. Both of his boys were very precise with their posture and their eyes. It was hard to mind being seated where everyone could see just how well behaved they were. He happened to catch Noah glancing at Phan briefly, but Phan didn't seem like he was about to offer up any suggestions.

"Thank you, sir. Something light for me, please, sir? A salad, maybe with some chicken, something like that?"

"That sounds nice." Judging by the nature of the order, it sounded like Noah was hoping to play, too. Tobias smiled to himself. "Phantom?"

"Dessert! Sir."

Tobias looked at Noah. "It wasn't decaf."

"Evidently not, sir." Noah grinned enough that Tobias could see it, but didn't budge a muscle otherwise. "Sir has a plan for us, Phan," he continued, softly. "You might change your mind about the dessert when you hear it."

Tobias saw Phan's shoulder twitch just once. Really, for all that he was a devil in leather, Phan had amazing control. It made him a wonderful submissive when he gave it up. "I see, sir. In that case, I'd like a lot of vegetables. Please."

"Now he's sucking up."

Phan tittered.

"Wow, how many cups of coffee did you have?" Tobias asked curiously.

"Three, sir."

"Oh, my." Tobias rolled his eyes, then looked around the dining room. "I don't suppose anyone here happens to have shackles? No? Phantom, go upstairs and get wrist and ankle cuffs, wide leather. With D rings and chain. You're going to be still if it makes us both ache."

"Yes, sir!" Phan bounded up and ran out of the dining room at full speed.

"I thank all the saints that you're a good boy, sweetheart."

"You just made his day, you realize, sir," Noah replied with only the slightest hint of sarcasm in his tone. "As for me, I'm just loath to misbehave when dinner is on the line."

"Oh, but you get to have sex tonight. He does not. Well, unless he has an emotional breakthrough, in which case I may relent a little for kissing and snuggling. He knows he's not allowed to have coffee after noon."

"Ah. I do generally try to stop short of actually breaking rules outright, sir," Noah conceded. "And thank you, sir, I'm looking forward to the evening even more now."

A jangling sound suddenly drew their attention, and Tobias look up to see Phan hurrying toward him, arms full of leather and chains. Everyone else was looking, too, and grinning. Tobias stood up and sighed for show. They did have a certain image to project.

Phan held the cuffs out and studied the floor. "The items, sir."

"Thank you." Tobias took the armful of restraints and pointed to Phan's usual spot next to him. "Facing the room, not me."

Phan's sigh was likely the real thing. "Yes, sir." He knelt down and held his wrists out behind himself.

As Tobias crouched down to fasten the cuffs on his wrists, he gave Phan's shoulder a bit of a pat. "Tell me why we're doing this."

"Because I broke a rule, sir. So I face away from you. I'm being cuffed and manacled because I need to be still and to calm down."

"Correct." Tobias moved on to wrap the heavy leather cuffs around Phan's ankles. "I'm going to short chain you, too. You'll have to balance carefully."

"Yes, sir." Phan's enthusiasm dimmed considerably. He was going to have to actually work and pay attention.

"You will eat every bit of food I put in your mouth."

"Yes, sir."

"And you will apologize to me later for having to work with you in public due to your rule breaking."

Phan drew in a shuddering breath and let it out slowly as Tobias chained his bound wrists to his bound ankles. "Yes, sir. Of course, sir."

With a nod, Tobias stood up. "Brian."

"Sir!"

Tobias rolled his eyes. "You have far too much energy, pup. I'll have a very large Greek salad, the rosemary lemon chicken, a side of green beans, and a pitcher of water, thank you."

Brian nodded and scurried off, and Tobias sat down again, ignoring both Phantom and everyone watching. "Would you like to sit at the table?" He touched Noah's cheek gently, caressing his jaw. "You may, if you wish."

Noah checked his posture, straightening a bit more and looking straight ahead instead of down. The honor of sitting at the table with his Master clearly wasn't lost on him, though by the way he looked at Phan before he answered, Tobias thought perhaps he was torn between accepting and supporting his brother-sub. In the end, however, he did accept.

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir," Noah replied, remaining still as he waited to be given permission to move.

"Across from me, please." It was actually a practical arrangement, as Tobias would need to turn slightly each time he fed Phantom, and it would be less awkward for him if Noah was across the table instead of beside him.

"Thank you, sir." Noah stood, pulled out the chair for himself, and sat. He kept his eyes low, but if he'd looked around, he would have seen heads turn. Whether their thinking was approving or disapproving, Tobias didn't care; his particular relationships with his subs were really no one's business but his own. Noah, for his part, remained just as respectfully submissive as if he were kneeling at Tobias' feet.

Tobias allowed Brian to pour water and leave the pitcher, then leaned forward slightly. "I notice that the unsuspecting object of my meddling is in the bar this evening, watching TV and probably waiting for someone to end his shift."

"Really? Well, that seems very convenient, sir." Noah reached for his water glass. "It also explains Brian's extraordinarily good mood."

"It does, doesn't it?" Tobias absently petted Phan, just to make sure that Phan wasn't neglected or had the impression of being neglected. He was trying very hard -- he had to be in order to balance -- and it was Tobias' job to be his anchor. "I just hope he doesn't vanish while we eat, or that Brian doesn't finish while I'm trying to guide their lives, making the target distracted. I may actually have you and Phan wait in my office. Having me and both of you descend might be a bit much, don't you think?"

"It certainly would seem more calculated and less casual that way, sir, I agree. Plus, I think Brian is intimidated by Phan." There was a smirk on Noah's lips just before he sipped his water.

"Everyone is intimidated by Phan." Tobias snorted and looked down at the top of Phan's head. "So it does some good to have him shackled in the dining room sometimes. Perhaps."

Noah laughed gently. "I'm sure it does them some good to see that he's not actually perfect, sir," he agreed. "I recall having my own issues with Phan way back when."

"You mean those issues that led to our very first fight?" Tobias laughed and petted Phan again, then leaned back as Brian brought out a tray with their meal.

Noah remained silent as Brian set out the food, apart from thanking him politely before he left the table, and then said, "Yes, those would be the issues I was referring to, sir." He blushed a bit. "We've come a very long way since then, haven't we? Seems like a lifetime ago in some ways."

"In some ways. In others, not so very far." Tobias fed Phan a green bean. "Please help yourself to the salad; you may have as much as you wish. The beans are for Phantom, and you may have one third of the chicken. If it looks like I'll be longer in the bar than I anticipate, I'll have a snack sent to you both in the office." With that, Tobias helped himself to a bite of the chicken and concentrated on feeding Phan, knowing that Noah would take care of his own nutritional needs.

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." Noah picked up his fork and dug right into the salad; he was obviously hungry. "Maybe it just seems like a long time to me, sir, because of all the bad habits I've left behind."

"Maybe. Although if you'd saved a few, I might have more to do." He smiled as he said it, knowing Noah wouldn't even see a wink, as his gaze was downcast. "It's difficult to chain you to a wall when you've done nothing to deserve it."

"What happened to doing something just because you can?" Noah took a bite of his salad, grinning. "Or maybe," he continued, mouth full, "it's time to push limits again."

"The first is fun, the second is important." Tobias ate some feta and an olive. "Yes." He nodded firmly and gave Phan some beans, then his one bite of chicken. "You and I shall talk, I think. But later, perhaps on the weekend, when I have you chained to a wall simply because I can."

Phan nodded, too, and Tobias took a closer look at him. He was finally still, not even vibrating, and his eyes were vaguely dreamy. "Boy, you've done it. Good job."

"Thank you, sir." Phan didn't move, but he did smile happily.

Noah smiled in Phan's direction and then went back to eating silently. Possibly, he was pondering the chat they'd have on the weekend, but it was more likely that he was trying not to intrude on Phan's moment. He reached over and cut a bite of chicken for himself, which he chewed carefully.

Brian appeared just as the chicken was finished and whisked the plate away. Tobias saw Noah set down his fork, so he put the last of the salad aside.

"All right, then." Tobias glanced at his watch and gave Phan one last pat on his shoulder before crouching down to undo the chain between Phan's wrists and ankles. "Well done, both of you. Noah, would you please take Phan to my office for me? He's a little subby at the moment, so curling up on the couch might be a good idea. Leave the cuffs on, though."

"Happy to, sir." Noah moved to Phan's side. "Come on, hon." He held a hand down to help Phan to his feet. "We'll wait for you in your office, sir. Good luck."

"Thanks." Tobias laughed and resisted the urge to roll his eyes at his boys in front of a room full of others. Instead, he lingered at the table for a moment while Noah and Phan left, gathering smiles as they went.

Then he stood up and grinned. "Mine."

The men at the nearest tables chuckled -- the Doms, anyway -- and Tobias left the dining room, crossed the wide hallway, and went into the bar.

"Dave, I'd like a Perrier, please," Tobias said, scanning the room for his quarry.

"Right away, sir."

Hayden had left his spot at the bar, so Tobias began to examine the tables one by one. He recognized everyone, apart from one or two subs, and knew something about nearly every Dom present. Hayden, however, didn't seem to be around at the moment.

Dave moved smoothly behind the bar, pulling an ice-cold bottle from the fridge and setting it on the bar. Beside it, he set a highball glass full of cubed ice and garnished with orange, lemon, and lime on a cocktail skewer with a curled up bullwhip adorning one end. "Your drink, Master Tobias."

Tobias sighed, wondering if he'd missed his opportunity, and turned back to the bar. "Thank you, Dave."

"Pleasure, sir."

"Dave, a ginger ale, if you please? Evening, Tobias." Hayden appeared beside the bar suddenly.

"Right away, sir." Dave got to work again.

Tobias smiled. "Just the man I was looking for. How are you, Hayden?"

Hayden raised an eyebrow. "That sounds ominous," he answered, smiling. "I've been a good boy, sir, I promise."

"Ginger ale, sir."

"Thank you, Dave."

Tobias tried very hard not to roll his eyes. It really was a useful expression, and he could see why Phan was so fond of it. "One of the hardest parts about having my reputation is that I can't actually look for someone without inducing trepidation," he said with a laugh. "Do you have time to talk, or are you waiting for someone?"

Hayden nodded. "You do have a reputation, although I have to say that I'm not intimidated by it so much as I am impressed." He picked up his ginger ale. "I have an hour or so -- I have a room reserved at nine. Shall we sit?"

"Perfect." Tobias led the way to one of the tables at the side of the room, taking his glass with him. "I suppose impressive is good -- I'd hate to be unreachable, however. I enjoy talking to people, and while I expect a certain amount of deference from the subs, I'd hope that any of the Doms would feel comfortable talking to me about anything at all."

"Well, I do have to say that your screening process is demanding and probably the source of a good part of that reputation, at least among the newer Doms like me. But I don't think you're unapproachable. Quite the opposite. If I had an issue, you'd be the first person I'd go to." Hayden pulled out a chair for himself and sat down.

"Oh, good!" Tobias beamed at him and made himself comfortable. "Of course, I like hearing the success stories as well. Is your room at nine with someone you've played with before? I know you don't have a primary submissive, but I'm always hopeful for good matches."

Hayden nodded. "I've made arrangements with Brian. We've worked together before, as you know." He grinned. "We've reserved the Sultan Room; he's expressed a fondness for the pillow-covered floor."

Tobias laughed. "He likes soft surfaces after he's been spanked." He nodded to himself and smiled at Hayden. "It's nice to have someone take him seriously. He's been here for a long, long time, and I wondered if his energy was scaring people off."

"Mmm." Hayden nodded. "That can make things difficult. His energy is something we worked on last time -- being still, concentrating, putting his impulses to better use. He's a challenge, that's for sure, but I kind of like that about him. As you and I discussed, the heavy hitting tools really aren't my style. I'm more into bondage and domination than pain play. Brian seems to respond well to that."

Oh, this was going well -- for all three of them. Tobias nodded. "Absolutely. Brian's never really been one for pain, but he definitely needs to be dominated. He gets unsettled and upset if he's at loose ends for too long, I've noticed."

"I'm sure that's hardly an issue for him, he seems quite popular. Everyone I've spoken to says he's fun. He can't possibly have much time on his hands."

Tobias felt an eyebrow go up and made a concerted effort to bring it back down. That part wasn't really the nice and easy he was hoping for. "Oh, I don't know about that," he said casually. "There's a difference between playing at submitting and actually doing it, as you know. A few spankings can calm him, but it's not really where he thrives."

"He's a flirt, Tobias; playing is what he does. I can't imagine what it would take to bring him to heel full time. That would have to be one dedicated Dom."

"Well, yes. Of course it would. But it can be done -- look at Phantom, after all." He smiled broadly. "The rewards are intense."

Hayden regarded Tobias with interest. "Phantom is that scattered?"

"Oh, my God, yes." Tobias sometimes forgot that the new people didn't know Phan as well as the others. He looked around the bar, hoping one of Phan's interim playmates was about. "Eben?" He waved the man over. "Would you describe Phantom as calm and centered on a typical day?"

Eben snorted. "Only if you have him in chains," he said, shaking his head. "Otherwise, he's got the attention span of a flea on crack." Eben looked at Hayden. "Hi, I'm Eben, I don't think we've met."

"Hayden."

"Welcome." They shook hands, and Eben looked at Tobias. "Are you offering Phan around now? Because if so, I'd like to get on the waiting list."

Tobias stared, actually speechless for a moment. "No," he finally said. "But I'll let him know he's still popular. He'll be delighted, I'm sure." He'd float on that for days. "This is where I'm trying not to snarl 'mine,' I'm sure you both know."

Both of the other Doms laughed.

"Really, Tobias," Eben said in a friendly, jovial tone. "You're so possessive of those boys. You're too easy to tease."

"You have to admit he got you there, Tobias," Hayden agreed, picking up his ginger ale and taking a long sip.

"But can you blame me?" Tobias asked once Eben had excused himself and gone back to his own table. "That kind of domination, that level of deep trust with a submissive, with a lover, is an intense thing that needs to be protected and cherished." He sat back, smiling. "I don't mind being teased, as long as everyone knows that Noah and Phan are mine, utterly. They blossom under the care -- the same way Brian would open up under a consistent hand."

"I think your dedication to them is as respected as their dedication to you, Tobias. Nothing to worry about there that I can see." Hayden leaned forward a bit, resting an arm on the table. "I certainly look forward to working with Brian, I have to say."

"He seems just as taken with you." Tobias leaned forward as well, as if he were sharing a secret. "I've known that boy a long time, even spanked him once or twice. But I've never seen him as pleased as he's been the last while."

"You think so?" Hayden looked thoughtful for a moment and rubbed his fingers across his chin. "Hmm."

"Oh, absolutely. He's glowing." Tobias sipped his water and nodded hello to Logan as he came in, then turned back to Hayden. "Just something for you to think about. Of course, I wouldn't dream of pushing you into anything if all that you want is some casual play; but by the same token, if you and Brian have a connection you'd like to explore, I want to put myself at your disposal."

"Well." Hayden leaned back in his chair again. "I certainly appreciate your observations and your time. I hadn't considered the possibility of anything more meaningful with Brian. He's been here a long time, I know, so I naturally thought he was happy with things as they stood."

"There's content, there's happy, and there's thriving." Tobias smiled at him and lifted his glass in a toast. "This is for both of you, though. He can't really thrive unless it's something good for you both. But I do hope you'll consider things and see what you'd like to pursue."

"I'll consider it," Hayden promised, raising his glass as well and touching it to Tobias' before taking a sip. "I'll definitely consider it. Thank you."

"I'd be interested in--" Tobias broke off and smiled as Brian came in and stood a few feet away, his hands behind his back and his eyes downcast. "Well, another time. I think your companion is ready to take you away from me."

"Oh, no, sir!" Brian looked stricken at the tease. "If you and Master Hayden are busy--"

"Pup." Tobias laughed and stood up. "I was kidding, Brian. It's your night off, and I hope you enjoy it. I'm going to go and collect my boys, then see if I can annoy Master Bradford for a while. Thank you for excellent service at dinner."

"You're welcome, sir." Brian flushed pink and edged his way closer to Hayden, clearly wanting to get on with his night off.

Laughing, Tobias took his glass of warming water and headed to his office. He found it quiet and dimly lit, both of his boys kneeling in the center of the room, side by side. Phan was leaning slightly against Noah, and Noah's arm was wrapped loosely around Phan's back.

Noah raised his head at the sound of the door. "Hello, sir," he said softly. "Did you find Master Hayden?"

"I did. Wow." Tobias went in and closed the door all the way behind him, sealing them into a pocket of quiet. He crouched in front of them and tried to look at Phan's face, but the light was too poor. "Are you all right, dear?"

"Yes, sir. Just really, really calm. And a little hungry."

Tobias smiled and glanced at Noah. "Things okay, sweetheart?"

"Just fine, sir. Phan's really grounded and he needed some quiet after we left the dining room, so we've just been kneeling here together. We never quite got to the cuddle you suggested, but it's been nice sitting here thinking. It's been a while; I'd forgotten how soothing quiet can be."

"All right, then." Tobias left them there and went to his desk to check his calendar. "We have a pretty interesting day tomorrow. Bradford says there's been a strong interest in the knife play instruction. I'd like to talk about this with you both when we get home -- especially you, Noah. We may have found our boundary to push." He glanced up and smiled. "Time to dress, lovelies. I'll call for the car."

"Yes, sir. Come on, hon." Noah helped Phan to his feet. Together, they dressed, and then Noah took the shackles and chains back upstairs.

The car ride to the townhouse was quiet in a different way. Noah was frisky, Phan was snuggling, and Tobias sat between his boys, offering each some affection in turn. Fortunately, it was also a short ride, which meant they could get inside and get on with their evening all the sooner. Phan had mentioned he was hungry, so their first stop was the kitchen.

Tobias wasn't about to trust Phan at the stove in his condition; calm was good, but Phan seemed a bit too dreamy to be working around heat. Instead, he had Phan sit at the table and wait while he and Noah built some sandwiches. For all that Tobias enjoyed being waited upon, it was also nice to trade kisses with Noah as they sliced cheese and tomatoes.

He also let the entire matter of working with sharps drop until everyone was fed and ready to curl up for a while. After a bit of thought, Tobias rejected his bedroom and took them both upstairs. "Into the tub," he instructed. "No bubbles, but the jets will be fine."

Noah had a chuckle about the bubbles while the tub filled, and then he started the jets running. Tobias watched him as Noah stripped and elbowed Phan playfully before tossing all of their clothes into a pile; grabby hands made short work of Tobias' clothes as well, and moments later, Tobias had two naked boys next to him in his tub.

"What time is the seminar tomorrow, sir?" Noah asked. "Master Bradford told me the new security cameras are in."

"Yes, good." Tobias leaned back and let the water rush over his legs and around the small of his back. "We're to be at the club no later than one, but that won't be an issue -- we're going in for ten as usual. After lunch, we'll make sure the room is set up to my liking. Phan, I'll be doing some design work on your thighs."

Phan nodded and wiggled. Even in the water, Tobias could tell he was wiggling. "Yes, sir."

Tobias smiled, knowing Phan would be at ease and no trouble at all. "So. Noah." Tobias turned only his head to look at him. "I want to talk about sharps and your skin and your issue about being cut." It was part of their signed contract, due to a trauma Noah had sustained in a prior relationship, that any knife play had to be broached with Noah before a decision could be made about cutting.

"Me, sir?" Noah looked surprised. "I... don't know. I didn't realize you wanted to use me tomorrow, too. It's been a long time." Noah seemed a little unsettled, but he was also thoughtful, a state Tobias had seen before, and not unusual when Noah was trying to honestly evaluate his feelings. "I wasn't cut with sharps, it was an accident, and... it wasn't you."

"It wasn't me." Tobias nodded and let Noah work it through for himself, lending support along the way. "It wasn't me, but that doesn't mean there isn't a block there. I'd like to work on that with you -- but I won't force you to start tomorrow, with an audience, if you're not comfortable with that." On the other hand, if Tobias did his job correctly, the audience wouldn't matter.

"It's been a while since we worked on something at that level." Noah leaned back in the tub, looking a little more relaxed. "I could do it. With you, I think I can do it. And I've never minded an audience." Noah grinned slyly, remembering the very public scene that Tobias once orchestrated in a nightclub parking lot. "As you might recall."

Phan snickered. "Thank God for that. Best show I'd seen in years."

Noah was definitely blushing now. He could almost hear the voices that had surrounded them; rough, rude comments pushing both of them to a breathless climax. Tobias had gone to great lengths to create a sense of recklessness in a very safe environment. "I don't think this will be that kind of audience," he said, shooting Phan a look. "They'll probably just disappear once I'm in a good headspace anyway."

"Not literally, I hope." Phan was grinning past Tobias at Noah. "I like watching people watch you."

"We all know that." Tobias shook his head. "Oh, by the way, did Noah pass on to you that you're both on restriction? No sex with each other for a week. Well, unless I explicitly direct it. No blow jobs, no orgasms. You can roll around all you want, but no one gets to come."

Phan blinked and his jaw dropped open. "No, sir. Noah didn't pass that along."

"Good." Tobias gave Noah a kiss. "I didn't tell him to, and these things should come from me, anyway. Also, you don't get to come tonight, for drinking all that coffee. You'll both sleep in chains tonight, as well, on the floor." God, just listing it all off and putting them where they were supposed to be was making him hard.

"Understood, sir. Thank you, sir," Noah replied automatically. Neither of Tobias' subs ever gave him trouble when he set limits or collared them at night. Noah especially responded well to those orders that took away the need for him to make decisions, as willing to let Tobias take control as Tobias was eager to take it.

He was a smart boy, too, and hadn't missed the fact that he was not under the same restrictions that Phan was for the night. Tobias felt a hand slide down his thigh, and Noah spoke in a suggestive tone. "Are you comfortable, sir?"

"One can always be more comfortable, pet." Tobias smiled hugely. "Do you have something in mind?"

"Well, I was just thinking that I could help you be more relaxed for tomorrow. Make sure you sleep well." Noah's hand moved more deliberately, slipping across the top of Tobias' thigh. Strong fingers wrapped gently around Tobias' cock, and Noah stroked his thumb over the head.

Phan, after sighing deeply, scooted a little to the side and watched closely. "Can I help, Noah?"

Noah looked at Phan. "I think maybe you'd better ask Sir that question."

Tobias smirked and let his eyes close. "I stated the rules. Phan can't come. If Noah wants you to help, he'll tell you what to do. You'll wind up watching anyway, I'm sure."

Phan made a soft sound, but it wasn't a whine or a plea for mercy; it never was. Sometimes Tobias wondered if Phan would do just as well living a life of total denial. Then he remembered how enthusiastic Phan could be about sex and decided not to bother trying to find out. Why should he suffer, after all?

"Okay, Phan. Why don't you concern yourself with the things that are above water?" Noah suggested. "Like here." He licked across one of Tobias' nipples. "Or, maybe here." Tobias felt Noah's breath in his ear and teeth on his earlobe. "What do you think, sir?"

"I'm doing my very best not to think at all." Eyes still closed, Tobias couldn't help smiling and even moaning a little as Phan cuddled up to his side and sharp teeth tugged at the other earlobe. Nimble fingers swept over Tobias' chest, and it became very easy not to do anything but feel.

As Noah released his ear, the grip around his erection grew tighter. Noah started to stroke slowly and the sub's other hand cupped and tugged at Tobias' balls. "I'll beg you to fuck me, sir," Noah offered softly, giving Tobias' prick a tug. "Hard and long. Maybe here in the tub, maybe up against the wall in the hall, maybe in bed. Maybe all three."

"Maybe you'll beg there or maybe I'll relent there?" Tobias let his head fall back as Phan licked his way from Tobias' ear to his collar bone and then lower. He lifted his hips slightly, the water making it easy to slide through Noah's grasp.

Noah laughed, and his tone grew low and sultry. "Where you relent is up to you, of course, sir. I'm yours to use as you please." Without releasing Tobias' cock, he shifted and maneuvered a leg across Tobias' lap until he was straddling Tobias' knees.

Tobias lifted his head and opened his eyes as Phan's hand slid down to briefly join Noah's. Just for a touch, more a caress than a stroke, and then Phan grinned impishly at Noah. "Whoops."

Tobias snorted. "Naughty. I may let Noah pay you back for that someday soon." He tried not to gasp as Phan's mouth attached to his nipple, licking and sucking. "At least one of you knows his place." Tobias reached for Noah's hips and pulled him a few inches closer.

"Mmm. Sir." Noah rolled his hips suggestively in Tobias' lap and leaned around Phan to draw a wet line with his tongue up the side of Tobias' neck. He slid even closer, almost close enough to trap Phan's head between them, before starting to rock rhythmically, so that the head of Tobias cock pressed against Noah's balls over and over. "Please, sir," Noah breathed against Tobias' neck. "Touch me. Fuck me, please."

"No." Tobias growled and slid his hands over Noah's ass. "Ask me again."

Phan's teeth scraped, sharp and hot on his nipple, making a line zing right to Tobias' balls.

Noah groaned. "Yes, sir. Please, sir, won't you?" His sub continued to move, the head of Noah's erection rubbed lightly against Tobias' abdomen, and Noah was starting to pant. "I need you, Master. Please? Fuck me."

"No." Tobias shook his head and moved his hands again, this time squeezing roughly. "I don't want to." No one ever said Tobias couldn't lie when he was playing. That was part of the fun of making up the rules. He pushed a finger against Noah's hole, but didn't do anything more than that; Noah would still be tender from the dry fuck.

Predictably, Noah arched his ass into Tobias' hand, begging with his body as well as his words. He continued to stroke Tobias' cock slowly but with a firm grip as the tub jets swirled warm water around them. "Sir. Anything. I'll do anything you say, sir. Please. Anywhere. Anything you want. I need you to want me."

Phan moved in the water and started licking his way over Noah's chest, panting almost as loudly as Noah. Tobias smiled as he watched, then became suddenly aware that he was in danger of orgasming. The water was hot, but his spine was feeling tight and his balls were aching. Gritting his teeth, he peeled Noah's hand away from him. "Turn around and bend over," he ordered.

"Yes, sir." Noah nodded and moved quickly, sliding off Tobias' lap and turning as ordered. Bending over appeared to be a bit more of a challenge, but he braced his hands on the opposite side of the tub and spread his feet for balance, offering Tobias a superb view of his ass and balls. "Good, sir?" Noah asked. Tobias could see his fingers grip and release the edge of the tub anxiously.

Tobias looked at Phan and nodded. "Good, don't you think?"

Phan's eyes were huge. "Uh-huh. Good."

"Get him wet while I--" He hadn't even finished speaking before Phan had his tongue buried in Noah's ass. "That." Laughing and taking a moment to not only enjoy the view but to get himself under control, Tobias reached for the lube they kept by the tub.

Poor Phan was going to pay for his enthusiasm when he was denied orgasm himself.

"Fuck!" Noah cried out, and his elbows buckled. He recovered his strength quickly but not his composure. "Oh, fuck. Phan!" Tobias heard him moan, listened to his rough groans. "Sir. Phan! Sir!"

"That's two for me and one for you, boy." Tobias stood in the water and slicked his cock before tapping Phan on the shoulder.

"Sir." Phan was almost pitiful, reluctantly -- though quickly -- moving away. "Can I suck him?"

"Not this time." Tobias didn't want anyone to drown. "Maybe next week." He didn't let Noah whimper more than once before he lined up and started pushing in.

"Yes, yes, sir! Oh, God," Noah stammered shamelessly, as if making sure Tobias knew just how badly Noah wanted. He spread his legs wider and pushed his hips back hungrily.

Noah's ass was tight, tight enough to make Tobias grateful that Noah was as far gone as he was; maybe he wouldn't notice if Tobias just gave it all up and came right then. But then there was Phan to think about. Tobias shoved his cock in hard, eliciting another cry from Noah, and looked over to where Phan was staring at them.

Phan's hands were in the water, but Tobias could see that he wasn't jerking himself off; he was squeezing hard and doing his very best not to come, not to break Tobias' orders.

"Oh, God." Tobias moaned and looked away, down at Noah's back and then lower at where they were joined. "Oh, God." He reached around and started playing with Noah's cock. "After me, sweetheart. My good boys." Eyes rolling back, Tobias let his hips move as they wanted, slamming into Noah again and again, chasing his orgasm.

"After. Oh, fuck." There was more than a hint of frustration in Noah's groan. "Yes, sir. More. More, please, sir!" Noah's back was beaded with sweat, his body rocked with Tobias' effort, and his arms were trembling. He was utterly submissive, taking every bit of energy Tobias had eagerly, but after that, words apparently failed him, and he had nothing left but whimpers, sharp cries, and long moans to offer.

Tobias had no more to give him, just his cock buried deep and his teeth scraping on Noah's shoulder. "Now. Yes, now." He groaned as he climaxed, his whole body tight and then tighter still as pleasure passed through him in long pulls. He held on tight, dimly aware that Phan had come to their side and was making sure they didn't fall back into the water.

Noah followed, his hips jerking back hard against Tobias as he came. The room was filled with their combined sounds: Tobias' long groan, Noah's relieved sobs, and gentle sounds from Phan. "Sir, sir, sir," Noah whispered breathlessly over and over as his body started to relax.

His chest tight as he tried to get his own breath back, Tobias eased them back into the water and let himself slip free of Noah's body. "Shh. Come here, sweetheart." He sat with his back to the side of the tub and urged Noah into his arms. "I've got you." Turning his head, he kissed Phan. "Thank you, dear."

Phan's mouth clung to his and then the slight figure curled in with them, though Phan didn't speak. Tobias let him get as close as he needed to be and hoped Phan's body would calm quickly.

"Thank you, sir," Noah managed to say between harsh breaths. Whatever headspace he'd been in, he'd managed to work himself into quite a state. He melted against Tobias' chest, eyes closed and clearly making an effort to get his breathing back to normal. The next thing he was able to say made them all chuckle. "Wow."

"True enough." Tobias made sure Noah wasn't about to slide under the water and nodded. "Wow." Beside them, Phan was blinking and breathing rapidly, but he'd stopped making little sounds of need. When Phan could breathe properly as well, it would be time to get out of the tub. "I think we'll all sleep well tonight."

"Mmm. Thank you, sir. I'm looking forward to it." Noah sat up a bit and looked at Phan. "Hey, you. You look good." Tobias saw him grin at Phan.

"Yeah, about to burst is a good look for me." Phan grinned back, though, his cheeks pink and his chest flushed.

"Get used to it," Tobias told him happily. "It's going to be a long week. However, if you're good tomorrow, I might play with you."

"He'll be good tomorrow. He's been practically vibrating about tomorrow." Noah sighed happily. "Mmm, sir, I feel as good as he looks."

"You look as good he looks." Tobias urged Noah to move. "The water is cooling, my darlings. Dry off, get something light to eat if you're still hungry, and then we'll go to bed. I need to inspect your chains and hand out bedtime spankings, too. My life is so hard, poor me."

Phan giggled and unstoppered the tub. "I'll do my best to make it up to you tomorrow, sir."

Noah shook his head. "Poor, overworked Master." He hauled himself out of the tub with some effort and retrieved a stack of towels. "Remind me to scrub this tub tomorrow, Phan. Assuming I can still bend over far enough."

"I can help you with that," Phan said archly, and Tobias rolled his eyes.

"Please don't make me start calling you two 'children.' The image is disturbing." He climbed out of the tub and let Phan wrap him in a towel. "I'll meet you both in the bedroom." Still dripping, Tobias left them to clean up and went to lock up the house.

It was going to be a good week; he could feel it in his bones. Good boys, good work, and the added joy of chains clinking at night. Things didn't really get a lot better than that.