Fic: Moondance (2/3) (Sex Corps, Hank/Ian)

[epeeblade]

Part 1

III. Moving out

When Ian told Hank he needed to be punished, Hank hadn't expected anything quite like this.

But maybe he should have.

Ian had made the announcement once they'd returned to his apartment, after leaving the palace far behind. The rooms were just as Hank remembered them, cozy and lived-in, so different from the palace with dark terra-cotta floors, warm walling hangings and half-melted candles on nearly every surface.

Hank squared his shoulders, he knew he wouldn't get off that easily, sneaking out on your master was probably number one on reasons to get punished. "Fine, lay it on me," he said. No one ever accused him of not following through.

And now here in the bedroom he hung, suspended by the chain that connected the cuffs surrounding each of his wrists, Hank's toes just touching the floor. A thin rod had spread his legs with more metallic cuffs on the ends, binding his ankles in place.

When he couldn't move, focusing so hard on keeping upright, Ian had teased him open with slick fingers and hot tongue, leaving Hank gasping and hard as he writhed, the chains clinking as he moved. He moaned as Ian slipped something inside of him, another fucked up toy.

Ian stroked a hand along Hank's side. He never could seem to stop touching him, and Hank realized he's grown used to that contact. Without it, he wasn't sure he could bear to be strung up like this. It reminded him too much of how they'd bound him during his first real punishment. But Ian was erasing all those bad memories, filling his head with new erotic experiences.

"All right?" Ian whispered, moving to face Hank.

Hank swallowed and nodded. "Not sure how this is punishment."

The downright evil grin that crossed Ian's face sent his belly plummeting. "I'm not quite finished yet."

"Fuck." Hank wondered when he'd learn to keep his mouth shut.

"You're not allow to come, and just to be sure. . ." Ian reached out and clamped something around the base of Hank's dick and balls.

He squirmed at the sensation, remembering the last time Ian had snapped a ring on him. Hank had never come so hard in his life. "Gotcha," he gasped out.

"I don't think you do." Ian moved to sit on his bed. He spread his legs and undid the lacings on his pants, letting his own cock go free. With slow movements of his hand he stroked himself to rock hardness, sliding the droplet of pre-come up and down his shaft.

Well if Ian would rather Hank just watched while he masturbated instead of having Hank suck his dick, he figured he was ok with that. Hank licked his lips, missing the taste of Ian in his mouth. The room was already starting to smell of him, thick musk and that bit of spice Hank had only ever encountered on Harmony. Maybe it was something in the food.

Ian gave him a look, his eyes heavy with arousal. He reached out with his free hand and touched something on the bed, a round object that glittered like obsidian.

Hank shouted in surprise at the sudden vibrations in his ass. Fuck it, if Ian wasn't going to play dirty.

"Is it so easy now?" Ian continued to caress his own cock, with long teasing strokes.

Hank pulled at his bonds, he wanted to be free so badly. His cock felt heavy and thick, not painful yet, but he knew it was only a matter of time. The chains clanked and he nearly lost his balance, his toes skidding on the floor, now slippery when it was normally carpet soft enough for him to kneel on. His struggles didn't do a damn thing, only intensified the feeling of the vibrations inside him, unable to focus on anything else.

Maybe he finally understood the whole punishment thing.

Before he could respond to Ian's words, a sharp beeping shook them both out of the mood. Ian looked around the room, a perplexed look on his face.

"It's my comm," Hank gasped, still squirming from the vibrating plug.  "It's in my pack."

Ian nodded and pulled the black bag from where Hank had stashed it near the bed. He pulled out the slim comm and asked, "How does it work?"

"You know you could just untie me," Hank said, waggling his eyebrows.

Ian stepped closer, holding the comm up in one hand. "I'd like to learn."

"All right. First make sure you hit that red button for audio only. This isn't something I want the Captain to see." Hank rolled his eyes. "Then hit the light blue button to answer."

Ian did exactly what Hank said, touching the buttons with almost exaggerated movements.

"Tappen here," Hank said as the beeping stopped and the comm connected. He swallowed, trying to hold on to his composure. Ian hadn't done a damn thing to make this easier on him, the plug still pounded in his ass and his cock twitched almost helplessly against his leg.

"Major, this is Commander Harris. The captain asked me to contact you about your personal belongings."

Hank cleared his throat before responding. "The stuff in my quarters?" He didn't have a whole lot there anyway. Most soldiers learned to travel light. Anything that meant a lot he kept in storage on Earth. You never knew when you'd have to evacuate a ship and leave everything to detonation.

"Yes, Major. If you like, you can retrieve the items before we leave orbit. There is a shuttle due to make a trip back currently at base camp."

Hank looked over at Ian, who was staring at the comm. with a puzzled look on his face. He guessed Ian never needed a separate device to contact someone, they entire city was hooked up to the tele system. "Can I?" he mouthed.

Ian met his gaze, his brow furrowing. He nodded once, and then pointed to himself.

Fuck, of course he wanted to come. Not that Hank objected, really, he wouldn't mind showing Ian life off of this rock, but it was going to make things fucking awkward right now. "Yes, sir. I'll be bringing company with me. Is there room on the shuttle for one more?"

A moment of silence, Hank assumed Harris was checking. He shifted his stance and winced at the clinking of the chains. Stars, he hoped Harris hadn't heard that.

"Looks like there will be plenty of room, Major. Can I tell them you'll be there within the hour?"

"Should be fine." It would take them a half hour to walk to the base camp. Ian would have to untie him sooner rather than later.

"Roger that. Harris out."

"Blue button again," Hank said.

Ian clicked it and put the comm down on the bed. "Well that was fortunate for you." He touched the other remote and thankfully the vibrations stopped.

"I'm a lucky guy." Hank grinned as Ian came closer and unhooked the chain holding his arms over his head. He held his wrists out, gulping as Ian smoothing his fingers down his arms, setting his skin tingling before undoing the cuffs.

"You're still not going to get to come." Ian leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. "Ring stays on."

Hank groaned against Ian's lips. "How long does punishment last, anyway?"

"As long as I say it does." Ian bent and released Hank's ankles. "Don't move just yet."

He obeyed, keeping still as Ian eased the plug out of his body, sagging a little in relief at the removal of it. "So I should suck up to you real well, huh?"

Ian laughed, circling an arm around Hank's waist as he nuzzled against the back of his neck. "Among other things, sucking would be nice, yes. Sadly, we don't have time for that." He pulled away and gave Hank a gentle smack on one buttock. "I'll summon a tram while you get dressed."

"Um." Hank turned and gave Ian a considering look. Ian's clothing was downright sedate by Harmony terms - long royal blue tunic, dark flowing pants, leather sandals - but he'd stand out on the Mercury. "You might want to change too. I don't have an extra jumpsuit for you, damn it. Do you have anything in black?"

***

Ian thought if Hank would react like this every time he wore knee-length leather boots, he might just have to wear them more often. He didn't miss the way Hank's eyes kept falling to Ian's feet, how he licked his lips, his cheeks rosy. Of course the ring keeping Hank's cock filled didn't hurt either.

He imagined it must be making wearing that jumpsuit difficult, the way Hank's dick pressed up against the fabric as they walked through the forest surrounding Harmony. Ian thought it a shame to cover up Hank's beauty, but the brush in the woods would make walking in a kilt difficult. Hank walked with a bit of a swagger to his step, and Ian grinned, knowing the ring kept him from walking normally.

Ian would be the first from Harmony to ever leave the planet. He'd sent a message quickly to the queen before they left, promising to report back as soon as they returned. The excitement curled in his belly and he fought to keep from showing it. Although he did walk with a bit of a spring in his step, something Hank probably attributed to leaving his sub in such a state before boarding.

"Once we get there," Hank began. "Let me do all the talking okay?"

"Of course, Henry. This is your world. I'll trust you to guide me."

The blush on Hank's cheeks darkened and Ian wondered what exactly he'd said to cause that. "Thanks."

They came upon the camp suddenly and Ian halted in surprise. He hadn't expected the sheer number of people teeming through the clearing, between hastily set up tents and buildings. There were countless crates and boxes, and large machines that continued to knock down trees in the distance.

Hank approached a young woman directing others and Ian followed, belatedly recognizing her from the team that came to help rescue Sub Jensen.

"Corporal Gyllenhaal."

She stood and flashed a grin at him. Ian quelled the sudden jealousy that reared up at that. Hank belonged to him, and wore the collar to prove it, clearly visible over the neckline of his jumpsuit. "Actually it's Sergeant now."

Hank laughed.  "Somebody's got some sense then."

"What can I help you with, Major?" She frowned over in Ian's direction.

"Oh, we're due on the next shuttle to the Mercury. I need to pick up some things before the Mercury leaves orbit."

Gyllenhaal nodded. "They're holding the shuttle for you, sir. I can let Commander Brown know you're here."

Hank shook his head. "I'll find him. How's the progress going on the base?"

Ian figured Hank must be starved for information from his fellows. He felt a pang of heartache, but there was little he could do to fix that. Hank belonged to Ian and his status depended on Ian's, which was rather low as things went in Harmony. He couldn't expect to be privy to the information going between the base and the queen.

"Usual mess." She shrugged. "They didn't wait to draw up plans first, just started clearing land. Now they've decided they can't just use standard base blueprints. I think we'll be living in tents for a while."

"Where'd the labor come from?"

"Desert Moon delivered them and the construction equipment. We've got everything we need."

"Except organization."

She laughed. "I'll just keep doing my job, Major. When they're ready for them, my scanners will be too."

"Keep it up, Sergeant. Don't be a stranger." Hank nodded at her and led Ian further into the encampment.

"Will you not introduce me at all?" Ian said softly.

Hank turned and gave him a startled look. "Thought you knew Gyllenhaal."

"Not personally."

"Well, we'll have to invite her over for dinner sometime."

While Ian was laughing at that, Hank waved at another man.

"Major Tappen, bout time you got here."

"Sorry, sir, to be fair we didn't receive much advance notice."

"We?"

Ian gave a polite bow. Clearly this man held some authority. In Harmony it would be obvious he was a dom by his dark eyes, but not only that. He held himself with all the clout of someone with power. What he could not figure out what how they determined such status here. Ian blew out a frustrated breath. How could he be sure how to act, whether to offer deference or to demand respect himself? He would have to ask Hank as soon as possible; Hank's world couldn't be that chaotic.

"I am Guard Ian of Harmony."

"Commander Sterling Brown. Of the Mercury." Brown gave them both a small smile. "The Captain's gonna love meeting you. Grab seats, I'll comm the ship."

"Yes, sir." Hank did something strange with his hand and Ian made another mental note to ask him about it later.

The shuttle, which from the outside resembled one of Harmony's trams, looked completely different from the inside. The seats were smaller, cramped, most of them taken by more individuals in black uniforms - did no one wear any color in the stars? Machinery interrupted the smooth flow of the solid walls, no windows to enjoy the view. And the musty smell had him wrinkling his nose before they even stepped inside. Ian didn't see any place appropriate for a sub to kneel, so he remained silent when Hank climbed into the seat next to him.

"Be sure to strap in," Hank said, pulling an odd looking piece of fabric over his lap.

Ian looked down at his own seat, not quite sure how this worked. In Harmony he'd merely touch where he wanted the strap to go, and it would be done. Hank gave him a wry smile and pulled Ian's strap over for him, buckling it into the opposite side of the seat. Ian hoped he wasn't too obviously foreign. He noticed the looks they were getting from the others, though no one had said anything yet.

"All clear. Takeoff in twenty," a strange muffled voice seemed to come from the air. Ian looked around, not seeing a screen to indicate the speaker.

Things were so strange here.

And then the shuttle took off and he nearly fell out of his seat. Hank had meant it when he'd told him to strap in. Instead of the smooth motion of a tram, the shuttle rocked and shifted, sending its passengers to and fro depending on the direction of the movement. And these people had achieved space travel? He couldn't imagine what it would be like once they actually reached the stars!

***

They were the last two off of the shuttle, Ian assumed so Hank didn't have to answer any awkward questions about why it was so difficult for Ian to undo his safety strap. "No wonder you're so fascinated by our technology," Ian murmured, "It's a wonder you get anything done."

Hank coughed, covering his mouth with his hand. "I'm sure that's it."

They stepped off the shuttle and Ian nearly tripped. His feet felt heavier, like he was weighted down. It took him a moment to adjust, the musty smell still in his nose and his clogged ears. Already he missed breathing clean Harmony air.

A woman was waiting for them when they climbed out, standing in a dark blue uniform, her arms crossed over her chest. Once again Ian sensed that same presence about her, clearly another person of status.

"Welcome aboard, Major Tappen. Guard Ian, I presume?"

He inclined his head. "Yes, mistress."

She grinned at him. "Mistress, huh? I could get used to that. You can just call me 'captain.'"

"Thank you, Captain." He scanned the shuttle bay, noting the lack of color, the smooth solid lines of the silver gray walls and the too bright light. "Your ship is very impressive." Though a bit boring. He hoped he grew accustomed to the sour air soon, he was afraid to breathe very deeply.

"It's the largest in the fleet. I'm sure Major Tappen will show you around before you need to return." She turned her gaze back to Hank. "Major, do you have a report for me?"
"I do, Captain." Hank reached into his pack and pulled out a slate. "I had to write it on Harmony tech. It'll give your guys some fun trying to pull it into the ship's computer."

She took the slate carefully, staring at the blank screen for a moment, one eyebrow raised.

"May I?" Ian took the slim device from her and stroked his fingers across the screen. It lit up with text. "Harmony works with our thoughts. Just picture what you need when you touch it."

"I see." She took back the slate. "Major, stop by my ready room before you leave. Enjoy your stay aboard, Guard."

Ian bowed and Hank made another of those strange hand motions. "Why do you?" he imitated the movement, hand coming from his forehead.

"Oh, it's a salute - a gesture of respect from a soldier of lower rank." Hank started to walk and Ian followed. The others in the room appeared to be busy loading cargo, but he could hear the barely hushed whispers, see how some stared at him before quickly looking away. Did they expect him to be more alien?

"The ship is split into different levels and sections, not too different from Harmony," Hank said. "Our lifts don't operate on thought. You actually have to tell them where you want to go."

"I can see why you're interested in our technology."

Hank made a face at him, but at least he knew Ian was only teasing. "I'll take you to the observation deck. Since we're out here it would be nice if you could actually see the stars."

The observation deck seemed a popular destination. When the lift doors closed behind them, Ian found a crowd before the tall windows that went from floor to ceiling, all dressed in variations of the uniform he'd seen before. And then he stopped noticing the people, too caught up in the breathtaking sight beyond the glass.

Space stretched on, a blanket of night that went on forever. A giant sphere hovered in its midst, blue and green swirls among the tiny pinpricks of white lights.

"Is that?" Ian asked.

"Planet 328," Hank said with a grin, following him to the edge of the platform, where Ian could touch the clear glass between them and nothingness. Or was it glass? The material felt odd beneath his fingers. "And Harmony is just a tiny dot on the surface."

It made him feel very small.

"Amazing, huh?" Hank said, his voice a whisper in Ian's ear.

"Yes," he said. It was all he could say, still mesmerized by the sight. How many of these spheres - planets - had Hank been to? How many worlds were out there, waiting in the vast ocean of the stars?

"Hank!"

They both whirled at voice calling for Hank. Ian saw a group of soldiers, a mix of blue and green uniforms. Some color at least, he thought, despite the simple lines. He only recognized one of them from Harmony, another of the ones who came to rescue Sub Jensen.

That soldier went up to Hank and punched him on the arm. "Son of a bitch, what are you doing here? When Lisa said she saw you in the shuttle bay I thought she was hitting the fumes too hard."

Hank laughed and punched the other man back. "Just here to pick up my shit. Uh, you remember Ian, right?" He put a hand on Ian's back and brought him forward into the crowd. "Ian, you remember Lieutenant Whitfield? These are some of my friends from the Reclamation project. Casey, Lisa, Ray. . ."

Suddenly all eyes were on Ian, a sea of faces all glaring at him. "Pleasure to meet you," he choked out. Did Hank's friends blame him for taking Hank away? If he had to guess from the stormy looks his way, Ian would say yes.

Luckily Hank seemed to pick up on the tension. "We need to get going, I still haven't been to my quarters yet."

"Hey man, I thought we might be able to grab dinner? Or a drink at the bar? You know, before you gotta go back to that crap." Whitfield glowered in Ian's direction.

Hank shook his head. "Sorry. I have to meet with the captain for a debriefing. . ."

He continued to babble such incomprehensible things, all the while prodding Ian towards the lift. With a final wave the doors closed shut on Hank's friends.

"They blame me," Ian said softly.

"Fuck." Hank let his head thunk against the wall of the lift. "They don't even know you."

"I did spirit you away," Ian said, trying to make light of it around the lump in his throat. Not for the first time he reconsidered his actions. He knew he could not have let Hank go, which was why he made that desperate plea during the Choosing. In his wildest dreams he'd never expected his petition to be actually granted. Hank was something special, a sub like no other. Every day Ian counted himself lucky that Hank had signed the contract instead of coming back here, to his home.

Hank turned and curled his hand around Ian's neck, tilting him forward until their foreheads were touching. "You never take me anyplace I don't wanna go."

***

Hank wondered what Ian thought of his tiny quarters. It was easier to dwell on the comparison between this room and the opulent suites in Harmony than to think about the scene in the elevator. He wished he hadn't come back here. His two worlds came crashing together and Hank wanted them safely separated. He couldn't be 'Major Tappen' when they went back and he still wasn't sure who Sub Henry was.

Ian went to plop on the double bed in the center of the room, wincing as he bounced. Hank cringed in sympathy, he remembered those mattresses being barely better than cardboard. Nothing like the sinfully soft beds in Harmony.

He moved to his closet and regarded his wardrobe, wondering if he should bring his uniforms or send them to storage. Hank wasn't sure if he'd have to wear them when interacting with the base, although he'd rather have his neatly pressed Corps uniform over the leather kilts most subs wore.

"Henry," Ian said, breaking him out of his fashion musings. "Come here."

Hank had learned to respond to that tone of voice. He left the closet and moved to stand in front of Ian, who sat on the end of the bed, his legs spread, those incredibly hot leather boots braced against the rough carpeting. His cock twitched, still locked in its ring, Hank had been trying not to think about it, trying to focus on getting through this. But Ian's deep voice just brought all the blood rushing south again.

Ian ran the back of his hand over the bulge in Hank's crotch, causing shocks of sensation to jolt through him. "Free yourself."

Now? Ian wanted him to submit now? Hank groaned, the idea of doing this in his ship's quarters so incredibly kinky, like they were bringing a bit of Harmony to the Mercury. He wasn't going to protest though, not when Ian might let him come.

Hank unzipped the jumpsuit, shrugging out of it and pushing it past his thighs. His cock sprang free and he moaned as the cool air touched his heated skin.

"I think the time for punishment has passed." Ian circled his fingers around the base of Hank's cock, covering the metal ring. "You've been so very good." And then he leaned forward and swallowed Hank down with one motion.

Hank yelped, the pleasure too much, nearly painful after being held on the edge for so long. Ian took pity on him, pulled off long enough to say 'come when you can' before sucking Hank down, lips pressed against his belly. The ring came off then - and Hank sent up a small prayer that Harmony tech did work outside of Harmony, he did not want to have to explain the ring in the infirmary.

And then he couldn't think at all as he finally blew his load, his orgasm starting deep in his balls. Hank came and came, Ian sucking hard and swallowing him down, leaving him empty.

He trembled when Ian pulled away, unsure if he could stay on his feet. Luckily he didn't have to.

Ian licked his lips, catching an errant strand of Hank's come. "Kneel." He leaned back, sliding one hand between his own legs to undo the lacings on his pants and free his cock, hard and red.

Hank fell to his knees gratefully, eager to taste Ian, to get that hard dick deep in his mouth.

"Your mouth only," Ian ordered. "Put your hands on my boots."

Oh Ian was going to kill him. Hank should have known the perceptive dom wouldn't have missed his interest in those shiny boots, the way they clung to Ian's legs. He curled his fingers around Ian's calves, loving how the smoothness of the leather echoed the smoothness of Ian's cock in his mouth. With his tongue, Hank teased the slit, tasting Ian. So strange, he thought, to smell the sterile air of the ship, but have Harmony in his nose and mouth, that strange spice that meant Ian to him.

"Faster," Ian hissed, his hand caught in Hank's hair, guiding, but never pressuring. His hips canted upwards, almost of their own doing and Hank rolled with it.

He gripped the boots tighter, glad to have something to do with his hands as he slurped around Ian's cock. All sense of rhythm left him as he continued to bob his head. Ian let out a grunt and he knew the other man was close. Hank swallowed harder, locking his lips around the head of Ian's cock. Finally sweet come filled his mouth as Ian climaxed with a low moan.

Hank gasped as he pulled off, letting his head fall to rest on Ian's thigh, closing his eyes as Ian continued to stroke his hair. "Mmm, wish we had that huge shower now."

"I take it the showers on your ship are a bit lacking?"

"We're just lucky I have my own. In the barracks the showers were down the hall and you had to share." Hank pushed himself up, sprawling next to Ian on the bed. "We won't fit together."

He must have been pouting, because Ian thumbed his lips with a smile. "I promise you a long shower once we get home." After he spoke Ian's face suddenly fell and his lips thinned.

Hank wondered why. "Yeah. Let me just pack my things. Take 'em home."

Finally Ian smiled.

***

The captain had made Ian wait outside while she spoke to Hank and that had annoyed him. Ian paced the hallway, knowing the anger showed on his face from the way every passerby flinched as they walked past him. That probably didn't do much for his reputation on the ship; he could only guess what stories they were telling about the man who had spirited Major Tappen away.

He wanted to crawl out of his skin; his entire body itched to be out of this oppressive place. Ian had never been so closed off from the sun, always able to see it through the windows of a room or tunnel. His legs ached, every step hurt although he had finally gotten used to the strange air, enough to breathe at the very least.

There had to be more to Hank's world. Ian couldn't imagine Hank caged on this cold, ship. But perhaps, with his friends it was easier to bear. Not that those friends would see Ian as anything but a captor. He still didn't understand how they determined status, why some deferred to Hank and others didn't. It frustrated him not to understand his own place here.

Of course, perhaps that was because Ian didn't have a place here.

When Hank finally did come out, his expression was closed off. Ian couldn't figure out what he was feeling and that disconcerted him. He'd prided himself on reading Hank's moods and emotions, picking out his desires before Hank even knew them himself.

Ian didn't ask until they were safely returned to Harmony, on the tram back to Ian's apartment. Hank knelt at his feet, as was proper, even though he'd balked at that during their very first tram ride. The large gray box with Hank's possessions sat next to Ian on the bench, a gesture meant to show Hank how much Ian valued his things. He wasn't sure if Hank understood that.

"What did your captain say to you?" he asked after the tram paused to let off the only other people on board. Ian's apartment would be the next stop.

Hank looked up. He had been silent during the trip home and Ian just knew something was wrong. "They wanted me to report secretly to them about what I learned here. Especially about the tech."

Ian blinked, his breath hitched before he responded. "Yet you're telling me."

"Maybe I like you a bit more right now," Hank grumbled.

"Henry. . ."

"It doesn't matter. I told her I wouldn't do it. They've got two soldiers assigned here for that."

Ian knew Hank had to break with his old life if he could ever be happy in Harmony. He never expected Hank to realize that himself. The tram came to a halt and the doors slid open. "Come," he said, leading the way.

He breathed in deeply as they stepped onto his terrace, appreciating the clean scent of Harmony's air. The air on the ship seemed dull and lifeless, and he couldn't imagine not have the respite of the outdoors, being trapped in that construct in the coldness of space. No, Ian would choose Harmony over the lovely view of his planet any day.

"Where should I put this?" Hank asked, hefting his box.

"Your room perhaps?" Ian said absently, focused still on the blue sky turning golden in the horizon as the day ended.

"My room?" Hank sounded startled.

Of course, he'd never gotten the opportunity to show Hank. They'd been interrupted before anything important had been accomplished. His lips curved, including Hank's punishment. "Come. It's right off the main bedroom."

The door was hidden, since this was a sub's private space. Ian touched the sconce on the wall, and it shimmered opened to reveal a small room. A single bed was tucked into the corner with a heavy wooden trunk at its foot. Perhaps Hank would like a desk to display the images he'd taken from the Mercury. Ian turned to ask.

"I half-expected to find a cage in here," Hank said, setting his box down on the bed.

"Not unless you feel more comfortable in a cage." Ian had known subs like that. "We'll do our playing elsewhere. This is where you come when you need a moment away from me."

Hank shook his head, running his hand through his hair, messing it up from the careful coif he'd arranged before heading out to the ship. Ian liked it much better this way. "You know, I'm not sure I'll ever figure this place out."

"We have plenty of time." Ian smiled. "But right now, you're wearing far too many clothes." He tugged at Hank's jumpsuit.

"Yes, sir."

IV. The piercing

Hank opened his eyes, the swatch of sunlight confusing him for a moment before he remembered where he was. He looked over and found Ian still asleep, letting out tiny wisps of air that puffed out his lips. Okay, that was adorable.

He placed his hand over the arm Ian had slung around his waist during the night. Over the past few days he'd gotten to be a pro at this, carefully easing out from Ian's embrace to begin his daily routine - shower and prep, then setting up breakfast on the terrace before waking Ian. The rest of the day was spent in training, Ian quickly covering those things that took his people years to teach their subs. Hank had lots of catching up to do.

He grinned, his face heating at the thought of more training. Really, he couldn't complain, he hadn't gotten laid so much since the academy. Eventually he knew Ian would need to go back to his duties - he'd explained most doms took leave when training a new sub - and Hank still wasn't sure where that would leave him.

Almost anything would be better than what the UP wanted of him. He'd been so angry at Captain Devine when she'd made her request. "I'm not a god damned scut. The UP doesn't tell me who to fuck."

They wanted to sell him and then use him. Never mind the two scuts assigned to work with the queen, no, the UP wanted to use Henry too. He'd pointed out - after he calmed down - that the agreement with the queen specified that his duties would be assigned by Ian alone. The UP sure as hell didn't have a claim on him anymore. They got their damned base and they could leave him the fuck alone.

He must have tensed, getting all worked up just thinking about it again, because Hank felt Ian's hand stroking gently against his belly, pulling him out of his thoughts. Rolling over, Hank apologized. "Didn't mean to wake you. I was just about to get up."

"I'm glad you did. Today we're going to do things a little differently." Ian grinned. He still looked half-asleep, his eyelids heavy.

Hank gave in to the impulse to lean over and kiss Ian's forehead, feeling those long eyelashes flutter against his face. "What exciting plans do you have for today?"

"Get the breakfast tray and bring it here. We'll have our shower together."

"Mmm, breakfast in bed, I think I like this already." Hank slid out from under the covers. When he went to pull on his discarded sleep pants, Ian cleared his throat. Ah, naked time again. Ian had a thing for making Hank do chores in the nude.

He pulled back the curtains from the large window to let more light into the bedroom before heading to the kitchenette. Ian's rooms were all in various shades of earth tones, deep browns and terra cotta oranges. Although Ian insisted on dressing Hank up in bright blues and greens. He never felt so much like a dress up doll.

Breakfast didn't take long to fix. Hank didn't have to do anything really, just lift the cover on the Dumb Waiter and find a tray for two. Today he found a platter of finger foods, tiny pastries and rolls with two mugs filled with warm tye. Ian programmed the thing, though he promised to teach Hank how, eventually.  He was looking forward to seeing if he could get it to make some chicken fried steak.

Ian had sat up in the bed, the covers arranged around his waist. "Kneel." He pointed to the side of the bed.

Hank set the tray down over Ian's lap before obeying. "Going to be hard for me to eat from here."

"Hmm, not really." Ian lifted one of the pastries and held it to Hank's mouth.

Oh, they were going to play that way. Hank opened his lips and took the sweet bit, sucking the jelly off of Ian's fingers. He could figure out his own role quickly enough.

"Don't get too worked up," Ian warned, taking a bite for himself. "Savor the moment."

"Is this another lesson?" Hank groaned. Ian stuffed another bit of flakey bread crust in his open mouth. He chewed through his grin.

"Everything is a lesson." Ian sipped his drink before handing the same cup to Hank. He waited until Hank took his fill before continuing. "We're going to the piercing master today."

"Oh," Hank said. He swallowed, not exactly looking forward to this. Though the idea of nipple rings was fascinating he wasn't sure he'd like having actual metal inside his nipples.

Ian touched his chin and forced Hank's face upward to look him in the eye. "Nothing you can't bear, I promise."
Fuck. It couldn't be that bad, could it?

***

Trust Ian to have him so worked up by the time they left the house that Hank hadn't had time to worry about the piercing. Ian set out clothing for him - tight black pants with dark leather boots to match Ian's. And that was after a shower together that had Ian carefully prepping Hank with warm vanilla scented oil. His insides throbbed as he pulled on the pants, which, like much of Harmony's tech, molded to fit his body like a second skin.

And then Ian came out of the bedroom in his own outfit - black leather pants, with a black sleeveless top to match that showed off the well-defined muscles in his arms. Hank couldn't help himself, he had to kneel and touch the supple soft leather of Ian's boots, inhaling the scent. He half wanted to lick them, but Ian pulled him up with a laugh. "Later," he promised.

"What the hell are you doing to me?" he wanted to ask, but kept the words in.

Hank wanted to bust them out now, as they stood waiting to meet the piercing master in a room filled with large couches and hooks along the walls. Sunlight filtered in from the large windows in the front, Harmony's main street just on the other side with doms and subs walking by. He fidgeted behind Ian, unable to keep still when he knew what was about to happen to him.

"Guard Ian, welcome. You and your sub may enter," a sub gestured them through the archway, down a hallway and into another room. Like most female subs, she wore a simple tunic that hung off of one shoulder and gathered around her waist. Her lip, nose and eyebrows all glittered with jeweled piercings, while a series of golden hoops ran along each of her ears. Hank found himself wondering where else might she be pierced.

Inside the smaller room the piercing master - a tall heavily built man with a brilliant smile - stood, pulling on a pair of surgical gloves of all things. He didn't have any piercings himself, well, none that Hank could see. "Ah, good day. Nipple piercing only today?"

Hank froze, his heart thumping loudly in his chest. Would Ian want anything else done?

"Yes, that will do nicely. And I scheduled the room for immediately afterwards?"

"Of course."

The room wasn't anything special - clean, almost medical with nothing more than a metallic chair in the center. A mirror took up one wall, and the series of implements that the piercing master needed were on a cart that hovered wherever the man turned. Hank couldn't think of what Ian wanted to do in here at all.

Ian put a hand on Hank's bare shoulder. "Strip for us, Henry?"

"Why?" he choked out.

Ian brushed his fingertips along Hank's skin. "To remind you of your place. And so I can fuck you afterwards."

Hank shivered, the anxiety in his gut mixing with anticipation. He didn't quite know how to deal with that. Ian certainly knew how to distract him. "All right."

He stepped out of his boots and undid the pants, which slid off his legs easily. Hank could feel the flush rising in his skin at the eyes of the piercing master and his assistant on him. His cock hung half-hard between his legs and he had to fight to keep his hands from covering it.

"You do your master credit," the guy said to him. "Stand still please, I need to mark the location."

Ian stepped forward. "One moment." He took Hank by the shoulders and leaned down, taking first one nipple between his lips and then the other, sucking hard until they were both hard and wet. With one last kiss for Hank's lips, he pulled away.

Now that got his dick to stand at attention.

He hardly noticed the other man placing marks on his nipples, Hank struggled to keep his breathing even, keeping his gaze locked on Ian's. Ian's dark eyes were smoldering, as if he couldn't went to bend Hank over and give it to him good.

Hank found he was looking forward to that.

"Sit please."

The chair was surprisingly comfortable. Hank rested his arms on the provided location, his feet fitting into the slats at the end of the chair. He supposed if needed there could be restraints here, but he doubted Ian would use them. By now he must know that if Hank said he'd do something, then he would. That included getting his nipples pierced.

"What level of anesthetic would you like?" The assistant had picked up a bottle of something from the little cart.

"I don't want him to be in any pain, but I want him to feel it," Ian said.

"Give me a 50% solution, then, Artese."

The sub, Artese, nodded and did whatever she needed to do, before brushing the substance across Hank's nipples. He gasped at the coldness at first, then the feeling faded into a pleasant numbness. An almost minty smell reached his nose.

"Henry, keep your eyes on me." Ian came to stand at his head as the master reclined the chair.

Hank turned his face toward Ian, just as happy to not watch as his nipples were clamped. He gasped as he felt the first needle go in, but there wasn't any pain, not even a sharp bite. So odd to feel something inside his flesh.

He swallowed and tried to concentrate on remaining still.

"There," the piercing master said. "We just need to heal the piercings and you can play with them all you like."

Hank bit his lip to stop from groaning. He concentrated on the feel of the little device they used on his chest. There, that was some tech he could share with the UP - nipple-piercing healer. He wanted to laugh, Hank felt slightly light-headed at the same time.

Ian finally looked over at the piercing master's handwork. "Perfect. Thank you, Dom Marcel."

Hank turned his gaze, regarding the metal spearing his nipples. He reached out and flicked one, shuddering at the sensation that went straight to his cock. Oh this was going to be bad.

"Stop that." Ian slapped his hand away gently. "Mine."

Dom Marcel chuckled. "We'll leave you the room. Just let Artese know when you are done."

Hank didn't notice them leaving, too focused on Ian who came to stand between his legs. "You don't know how delicious you look," Ian murmured, his voice gone husky.

"You look ready enough to eat me," Hank said.

Ian chuckled. He fingered both nipples, twisting and pulling on the metal bars, sending Hank writhing against the chair, unable to help himself. His nipples felt hot and sore, and yet no matter what Ian did, the shocks of pleasure shot through him, making him so hard his cock was dripping against his thigh.

"Don't move you hands," Ian ordered. He did something to the chair and the part where Hank had put his legs came apart and lifted up, spreading Hank open on the chair like a dinner feast.

So that's why Ian wanted the room.

Ian kept pushing, until Hank's thighs were lifted up and back, revealing his still slick hole. He slipped a finger inside and Hank bore down on it, wanting something to fill him up. The finger hardly counted, just reminded him of how empty he was. After days of being filled up in various ways - with tongue and cock and more toys than he could count - Hank craved it, wanted something inside him.

He felt so sore; his entire body ached from his nipples down to his pulsing cock. It needed to be touched so badly.

Ian pulled his fingers out. He tweaked Hank's nipples once more. "Not so bad, then?"

"Fucking fuck me," Hank moaned. His ass pressed into the chair and he tried to tilt upwards, to offer himself. But Ian had adjusted the chair in such a way that he could only groan in frustration.

When Ian smiled it had something dark and lustful about it. He reached down and freed himself, just pulling out his prick - hard and red and leaking. The sight of that with Ian still dressed, the black leather framing his cock like a masterpiece, had Hank nearly begging for it.

He never thought he'd find leather so sexy, but it only enhanced Ian, made Hank want to bury his nose in the fabric, as long as it was heated with the warmth from Ian's body. "Please," he said, finally giving in and asking for it.

"So impatient," Ian said, but his voice was strained. He couldn't hold off himself, it seemed, because as he spoke, he slotted his cock against Hank's ass and pushed.

Finally, finally he was full.

Hank clenched his eyes shut, fingers digging into the fabric of the chair. Ian covered him with his body, the scent of their musk mixing with the leather, overcoming the sterile medical scent of the room. He breathed in deep, letting himself be overwhelmed with it.

"I want you to come on my cock," Ian all but growled into his ear, his hips rolling into Hank's, their bodies so tightly together Hank thought he'd never be free.

He moaned at Ian's words, straining upward for something, anything to touch his cock. It caught against the leather of Ian's shirt and he shivered and shuddered.  He startled babbling, no idea what he was saying, a mixture of 'please' and 'you gotta' anything to make himself come.

And then Ian moved just right, hitting that place inside him and Hank let go, his balls hitching as he came.

"Good. . .boy," Ian gasped. He reached down with one hand to twist Hank's nipple and then cried out his own orgasm, coming deep inside Hank. "So good."

Yeah, Hank thought. It really was.

***

Ian decided he would never tire of putting Hank on display.

Hank walked slightly behind him, his chest bare but for his new piercings and the length of chain Ian purchased and then clipped on each rod of metal. Every so often he would pause in the midst of Harmony's streets, turn and tug on the chain, enjoying how Hank would close his eyes and fight not to react. But Hank couldn't hide the flush that colored his body, the pink that tinged his cheeks. Ian loved how his responses were so uninhibited, yet almost innocent.

Pride swelled within him at how well Hank had adapted to his ownership. He obeyed readily, but he was still Hank, still the uncouth, mouthy sub from the stars. Ian would not have it any other way, and loved how his collar and his chain marked Hank as his property.

"Where are we going?" Hank asked.

"To show you off a bit." Ian grinned at him. He hoped Hank understood it was a reward of sorts, demonstrating to all and sundry Ian's pride in his sub. "We're meeting some friends at a tavern. The Lonely Cock."

Hank choked back a laugh. "Let me guess - the name is supposed to be ironic?"

"Just a touch." Ian smiled back. "It's not far. Keep walking."

"Yes, sir," Hank answered.

His words sent a little chill down Ian's spine. He'd never had a sub for this long, never imagined how it would be, to always have Hank with him, at least for the next two years. That reminded him, as they made their way across the town square, through the crowds of masters and subs, that he needed to tell his family about Hank. Harmony knew, they'd seen the collaring on the tele, but Ian was being rather remiss in not introducing Hank to his mother and bringing him around to see father again.

He wanted Hank to himself just a little while longer.

They took a lift from street level to the midpoint of the tall building, shining silver in Harmony's light. Ian took a moment to pause as they walked across one of the bridges that spanned the city, he could see the palace rising in the distance, the ocean a rippling blue backdrop. He appreciated Harmony so much more since his visit to the stars. Their cold beauty could never compare to her warmth.

The Lonely Cock appeared as they walked down the crest of the bridge: a stone archway with colorful flowers intertwined through golden latticework marked the entrance, a screen rippling above it with the name of the establishment, shifting to note the special of the day.  Ah, an intricate rope show later on this afternoon.

"Oh stars," he heard Hank whisper as they entered.

***

Hank felt overdressed as they passed the archway to be greeted by a sub in a very short kilt and nothing else, not even a pair of sandals. He caught glimpses of half-naked subs no matter where he looked: the pillar right in front held a woman dressed in nothing but a crisscross of crimson ropes, the stage at the front had a group of kilt-dressed subs setting up for something, along one wall stood a series of cages, although only one was in use, though most disconcerting was the sub bent over one of the tables, her legs and arms bound while a line of doms waited behind her for their turn.

In some ways it reminded him of some of the space dock bars he'd been to. Meridian had its share of scantily clad people on sale for the night. But the vibe was different, it lacked the smell of alcohol and hopelessness, the desperation that often tinged life on the border. The light here filtered in through the large windows and glass skylights, the air fragrant like the flowers they had walked through to get inside. Hank didn't quite know what to think.

He didn't realize he had stiffened until Ian took his arm and whispered, "Look at their collars."

They were wearing red, he realized, surprised he hadn't noticed before. Any sub tied down or chained to a pole had a red collar, like that Sub Misha before he switched. "So the red collars are the sluts?" he said, turning it over in his mind.

Ian covered his mouth for a moment, Hank couldn't tell because he was laughing or choking. "In a manner of speaking," he finally responded.

"Sir, may I assist you in any way?" The sub at the door looked like he had been attempting to get Ian's attention. "The stage is booked for the afternoon, but I have several cages available."

Ian shook his head. "Just meeting friends for lunch."

"I believe your group is in the back corner then," the sub dismissed them, probably having better things to do.

Hank noted the back held more tables and private booths. The action at the front would be visible, of course, but at least you didn't feel quite as much a part of it back here.

"Ian, over here!" A woman waved them over to a corner booth that consisted of large dark blue couches surrounded a table already filled with drinks. Three doms sat waiting, all of them wearing Guard uniforms, though only two had subs kneeling at their feet.

Hank swallowed, wondering if he was ready to meet Ian's coworkers. He hoped they'd give him a better reception than his had given Ian, back on the Mercury. Of course, the circumstances were different but there was always the very real possibility that he could fuck up and embarrass Ian. His training was far from complete after all.

"Good day," Ian greeted them. He presented Hank with a little flourish. "This is my sub, Henry."

Three very different faces regarded him intently. Who knew what their shrewd little dom eyes were coming up with about him? Hank became incredibly conscious of the piercings in his nipples and the cool chain that hung across his chest.

"Harmony's tits, Ian, you've had him pierced already? You worried they're going to steal him back?" the woman who had called them over asked with a laugh. She had reddish brown hair pulled back tightly, giving her face a rather severe look, though her dark eyes were kind.

Ian touched his shoulder. "That is Guard Monica. Her sub Brian. Guard Evan and Sub Jessie and Guard Leo." He moved to join them, sitting across from Monica in one of the couches.

Hank swallowed and knelt at Ian's feet - so nice for the arrangement of table to allow for that. Even from here he got a nice view of the rest of the place, the subs on offer, the other doms at different tables, talking or watching. He squirmed, unhappy with having to kneel here for who knew how long. Despite the way the floor adjusted for his comfort, he still didn't like spending a lot of time on he knees.

"So this is what you've been spending all your time on?" the one Ian had called Evan took Hank by the chin and forced his head up. He was larger than Ian, had shoulders so broad they'd make a linebacker jealous. "They grow them pretty out in the stars."

Ian reached out and grabbed the other man's wrist. "Do not touch. Would you want me to treat Jessie in such a way?"

Evan pulled back his arm, rubbing his wrist with exaggerated care. "You know she'd like it." He reached down and pulled on the curly hair of the girl crouched at his feet.

Hank bit his tongue. These were Ian's friends and he wasn't going to embarrass him. Although if he had to take any more manhandling he was going to handle right back, he decided.

Monica smacked Evan on the arm. "Stop showing off. Wait till the stage is free like a normal dom."

"He's just sore he forgot to schedule it." Leo laughed. His blond hair fell into his eyes, making him look very young.

Hank noted the crowd gathering around the stage. Apparently the subs he had seen had finished their set up and were able to begin their show. He had no doubt a lot of nakedness would be involved.

"Why aren't you out there finding a sub to play with?" Evan grumbled at him.

"I'm having too much fun watching yours," Leo shot back. He picked up his drink and winked in Hank's direction.

Luckily Monica chose to ignore them. "We ordered lunch, if you want something?"

"Right." Ian looked like he was sketching on the table and Hank realized that must be how they ordered. He wondered if they had chicken wings here. Of course, that would depend on them having chickens.

The other male sub - Brian he remembered - looked up at him. He reminded Hank of Ackles - he was pretty, too pretty with large blue eyes and pouty lips, and he held himself military straight, with a perfect posture and artfully spread knees. However, he did look like he had about 30 pounds on Ackles, all that muscle constrained with leather straps in a really tiny kilt. Hank hated the kilts.

"You were on the raid against Pasdar?" Monica asked, breaking Hank out of his study of her sub who studied him right back with inscrutable eyes.

"We were," Ian answered, indicating Hank with one hand.

He had all eyes on him again. Hank tried to look charming.

"How did you take him? On a leash?"

"No, he went as a fully armed guard." Ian's tone was cold.

The guards looked at each other. "No sub can be a guard," Leo stuttered.

"Well I ain't your ordinary sub," Hank said.

That got their attention again. Damn it, he should know better than to mouth off. Hank winced and expected some kind of repercussion. He was surprised when he got laughter.

Ian stroked a hand through Hank's hair, ruffling it gently. "We can all see that, yes, Henry."

"They really do things that differently out there?" Monica seemed fascinated.

"Very differently," Ian answered. "Henry took me to his ship."

Stunned looks greeted that announcement. "What was it like?"

Ian shrugged. "Amazing in some ways. Rather humbling in others. There is nothing like seeing Harmony from beyond the heavens."

"Best be careful Ian, or you'll end up on the tele again," Evan said.

Ian made a face, but before he could answer a red-collared sub approached with a hovering cart of food and more drinks. She wore a dark red kilt to match, her perky breasts contained by little more than a strip of cloth across them, gold chains disappearing under the cloth and then connecting with the piercing at her belly. Her eyes were lowered as she set out the plates, a sweet smile on her lovely face. "Please ring if you need anything." Her voice was breathless and her eyes lingered on Leo before she backed away.

"You should give her a ring," Evan said to Leo who only answered that with a scowl.

Hank thought they really weren’t that different from his friends. How many times had he heard Whitfield tell Kowalski that he needed to get laid? Their version of getting laid just didn't need a contract drawn up first.

"For you," Ian murmured, holding out a bit-sized piece of chicken that was covered with the sauce Hank had imagined. He'd known how the technology worked here, but hadn't expected it to pick up his thoughts while Ian had ordered. Hank leaned forward and took the bite out of Ian's fingers, licking away the sauce. He still hated being treated like this - he could damn well feed himself - but he appreciated the attempt at food he recognized.

"Is it true?" Monica asked during the lull in conversation, while they were all occupied with either eating or feeding their subs. "That things had gotten so bad in Pasdar?"

"Everyone is whispering about it," Leo chimed in.

"It was worse," Ian said. "I saw the duke's subs, nearly two hundred of them bound by the collar of the unwilling."

Monica shuddered. She drew her sub closer, keeping a hand on his shoulder. He nuzzled against her knee in response. "How could he?"

"I'd like to know why nobody noticed before now," Evan put in.

"Too caught up in ourselves," Ian said. The others all turned toward him. "I think that's why they," he gestured towards Hank, probably meant the entire UP with that gesture, "are good for us. Why the queen agreed to let them come here. We forget to look outside our little districts."

"You're rather philosophical today," Evan said, gesturing with his goblet of tye.

"He's just made a very public contract," Leo put in. Hank flushed, remembering how the entire city had been witness to his collaring. "I bet that'll make you think. Especially when its his first long term."

"I'm sitting right here," Ian protested.

Hank felt a surge of protectiveness rise up in him. He didn't want Ian to stay if his friends were hurting him. He slung an arm around one of Ian's legs, running his fingers up and down the smooth leather of his boots. Damn, he loved these boots, loved how they felt, how the smell lingered in his nose. Hank squirmed, unable to kneel still, he was till sore and slick from earlier.

Ian smiled down at him. "And I didn't bring Henry here to sit and talk all afternoon."

"No, there is plenty that needs a doing, right, Jessie?" Evan tilted the face of his sub up towards him. She was very pretty, delicate features and long blonde curls. Jessie blinked up at her master, pressing her perky breasts against his leg.

"Yes, master." She pouted. "I've been rather neglected."

"Cheeky girl." Evan pulled her up and bent her over his lap, pulling up her kilt to reveal her bare bottom.

Hank bit his lip, surprised at the arousal that coiled in his gut. He didn't expect that watching another sub get spanked would do it for him. Fuck, this place was getting to him more and more.

"Had enough?"

"No, master!"

And then Evan was up, his sub tossed over one shoulder as he carried her towards some of the equipment in the center of the room. Hank blinked in shock at Evan bound her to one of the giant wooden X's.

"That's how they are," Ian said softly.

"Like the way I never shut up?"

Ian laughed. "Like that."

"I'm happy for you," Leo said, breaking into the moment.

Monica slid over and touched his arm. "You'll find a sub of your own. It takes time. Not all of them magically fall from the stars."

Even Hank laughed at that.

"I'm glad you came, Ian," Monica said. "We've missed you."

"Yes," Leo agreed, "When do you return to the Guard?"

"I don't know. I was between assignments, so I'll have to speak to the master guard." Ian frowned. Hank wondered if he was still thinking of a way to get Hank into the guard.

"Well, don't disappear again," Monica lectured. "Your boy needs to see the city. Meet some other subs."

Ian frowned. "You're right. Perhaps you and Brian could come scene with us."

Hank sat ramrod straight. That wasn't what it sounded like, was it? He'd ask later, because if it was, he was definitely having a few words with Ian about it. Hank didn't share well. Monica's sub might be pretty enough, someone Hank might fuck around with under normal circumstances. But every time he pictured Ian making the other sub kneel, his gut burned.

If Ian could claim ownership of him, Hank decided he could put his own claim on Ian. He tightened his grip around Ian's boots. Mine, he thought, staring daggers at Brian.

The other sub gave him a knowing smile.

Part 3