After going missing for who knows how long, Ombre returns home to find his best friend waiting for him in his old apartment. Pleased, Ombre's best friend - Ankoku - tackles Ombre and takes the man to his lavish mansion where he'll stay... Forever.

Chapter 3: Theme Stated

Ombre yawned, waking up in Ankoku's lavish mansion. He looked around, taking in the grand room, the four-poster bed, and the chains that bound him. He tested them, pulling at the metal, but they held firm. He could hear footsteps approaching, and he braced himself for another confrontation with Ankoku.

The door opened, and in walked Ankoku, carrying a tray laden with food. He was dressed in a crisp, white shirt and black slacks, his dark hair styled perfectly. He smiled at Ombre, his eyes softening as he took in his friend's disheveled appearance.

"Morning, love," Ankoku said, his voice warm and gentle.

Ombre scootched away, the muzzle Ankoku had put on his face still there. At night, Ankoku also put a kitty-ear headband on Ombre's head, and shoved anal beads up his... arse that were connected to what seemed to be a cat tail. Every now and then, the beads would vibrate.

Ombre would let out a muffled yelp, trying to squirm away from the unexpected sensation. Ankoku would chuckle, watching Ombre's futile attempts to escape the vibrations. "You look quite fetching, my dear," Ankoku said, placing the tray down on the bedside table. "I must say, I do enjoy seeing you like this."

"Take it off, Ankoku," he growled, his voice muffled by the muzzle. "Take it all off."

"I wish I could, Ombre. I truly do. But you know I can't.

Not until you've learned to behave." Ankoku's voice was firm, but his eyes were filled with a softness that betrayed his words. He picked up the tray and placed it on Ombre's lap, the smell of fresh fruit, eggs, and coffee filling the air. "Now, eat up. You need to keep your strength up." Ombre glared at Ankoku, his eyes flashing with anger and frustration. But he could see the concern in his friend's gaze, the genuine care that he was trying so hard to hide. He sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly as he picked up the fork and began to eat. Ankoku watched him, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Fine then. Be a brat." Ankoku grabbed a remote, making the anal beads vibrate.

Ombre yelped, trying to squirm away, but the chains held him in place. Ankoku chuckled, "You know, I've always wanted a pet. And now, here you are." He smirked, "You're quite the handful, though. I'll have to train you properly." Ombre glared at him, his eyes filled with anger and humiliation. "I am not your pet, Ankoku. I am a person." Ankoku sighed, "I know, Ombre. I know you're a person. But you're also my person. And I can't have you running off again.

Ankoku's voice was firm, but there was a hint of vulnerability in his eyes that Ombre couldn't ignore. He sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly as he put down the fork. "I'll stay. For now. But I want you to promise me, no more muzzle, no more chains, no more... anal beads." He said the last part with a grimace, and Ankoku chuckled.

"Deal," Ankoku said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "But only if you promise to behave. No more trying to run away, no more arguing with me." Ombre hesitated, then nodded. "Fine.

I promise," Ombre muttered, his eyes still flashing with anger, but there was a hint of resignation in his voice. Ankoku smiled, his heart swelling with relief and joy. He reached out, gently removing the muzzle from Ombre's face. Ombre took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving Ankoku's face. "Thank you," he said, his voice hoarse from the muzzle. Ankoku nodded, his smile softening. "You're welcome, love. I'm just glad you're finally seeing reason." He reached out, gently stroking Ombre's hair. Ombre flinched slightly at the contact, but he didn't pull away.

He could see the genuine affection in Ankoku's eyes, and it made him feel a strange mix of comfort and unease. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. "I just... I need some time to adjust, Ankoku. I've been through so much, and I'm not sure I can just... trust you again."

Ankoku's expression softened, and he nodded understandingly. "I know, Ombre. I know it's a lot to take in. But I promise, I'm not going to hurt you. I just want to keep you safe."

Ombre looked away, his eyes scanning the room. "I know you mean well, Ankoku.

But I've been hurt before. I can't just... let you in again."

Ankoku's expression turned somber, and he sighed. "I understand, Ombre. But I need you to trust me. I need you to give me a chance to prove that I'm not the same person you left behind."

Ombre looked back at Ankoku, his eyes filled with a mix of suspicion and longing. "I don't know if I can, Ankoku. I don't know if I can trust you again."

Ankoku reached out, gently taking Ombre's hand in his. "I know it's hard, Ombre. I know it's scary." He nodded, before turning Ombre around. "Let's take those beads outta you." Ankoku said, his voice soft. "I promise, no more surprises. For now." He winked, making Ombre roll his eyes. Ankoku chuckled, "Come on, let's get you cleaned up." He helped Ombre out of bed, the chains clanking softly as they moved. Ombre winced as he stood, his body aching from the restraints. Ankoku noticed, his expression turning concerned. "Are you okay? Do you need to rest?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine worry.

Ombre shook his head, "I'm fine. Just... stiff." He took a deep breath, trying to ignore the pain. Ankoku nodded, but his eyes remained filled with concern.

"How about I get you some clam chowder? I know how much you like them." Ankoku's voice was soft, but there was a hint of mischief in his eyes. He led Ombre out of the room, the chains clanking softly behind them. Ombre looked around, taking in the grand hallway, the rich fabrics, and the expensive art on the walls. He could feel the softness of the carpet beneath his feet, the warmth of the room.

It was all so different from the cold, hard floors of the place he had just left. He could hear the clinking of dishes, the soft hum of conversation. It was all so... normal.

Ankoku led him to a large dining room, the table set with fine china and crystal glasses. A steaming bowl of clam chowder sat at his place, the smell making his mouth water. He could see the concern in Ankoku's eyes as he pulled out a chair for him.

"Here you go, love," Ankoku said, his voice soft. "I hope you still like it."

Ombre nodded, his eyes never leaving the bowl.

Ankoku picked up Ombre, sitting down and resting the man on his lap. "I know you're quite cold right now, so... I'll use my body heat to warm you up." Ankoku said, his voice warm and comforting. Ombre looked up at him, surprise and a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. He hesitated for a moment before leaning into Ankoku's embrace, feeling the warmth of his body against his own. Ankoku wrapped his arms around him, pulling him close. Ombre could feel the steady rhythm of Ankoku's heartbeat, the softness of his breath against his neck. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, trying to relax into the embrace.

Ankoku began to stroke Ombre's hair, his fingers gently massaging his scalp. "There you go, love. Just relax," he murmured, his voice soothing.

Ombre could feel the tension slowly leaving his body, his muscles uncoiling as he leaned into Ankoku's touch. He hadn't realized how much he had missed this - the simple comfort of being held, of being cared for. He took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of Ankoku's cologne, the faint hint of clam chowder from the bowl on the table.

Ankoku continued to stroke his hair, his fingers gentle yet firm. "You know, I've missed this," he said, his voice soft. "I've missed holding you, touching you.

I've missed the way you feel in my arms, the way your body fits against mine. It's been so long, Ombre. Too long."

Ombre's eyes fluttered open, meeting Ankoku's gaze. There was a vulnerability in those dark eyes that Ombre hadn't seen before, a raw emotion that made his heart ache. He swallowed hard, trying to push away the lump in his throat.

"I... I missed you too, Ankoku," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. I didn't know if I could trust you again. Not after everything that happened."

"I know. Just eat, m'kay?" Ankoku said, his voice softening as he nudged the bowl closer to Ombre. "You need your strength. And I promise, no more... surprises. He winked, making Ombre roll his eyes again. But he picked up the spoon and began to eat, the warmth of the chowder filling him up. Ankoku kept one arm wrapped around him, his hand gently rubbing Ombre's back in soothing circles. It felt... nice. Comforting. And Ombre found himself leaning into the touch, craving more of it.

"Alright now, dear... While you're eating..." Ankoku paused, a feeling of regret filled him. "I have to tell you the rules you must follow." Ombre looked up at him, his eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and wariness. "Rules?" he asked, his voice still hoarse from the muzzle. Ankoku nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, rules. To keep you safe, and to help you adjust to being back here." Ombre raised an eyebrow, "And what if I don't want to follow your rules?" he challenged, his voice laced with defiance. Ankoku's expression didn't change, but there was a hint of steel in his eyes. "Then you'll be punished, Ombre. Just keep eating and let me tell you the rules." Ankoku's voice was firm, but there was a softness in his eyes that belied his words. Ombre hesitated, then nodded, taking another spoonful of chowder. Ankoku continued, "First, no leaving the mansion without my permission. I know you're used to being free, but this is for your own safety. Second, no trying to escape. I know you're resourceful, but I have measures in place to prevent that." He paused, his eyes meeting Ombre's. "Third, no talking to strangers. I don't want anyone else getting their hands on you." He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "And fourth, no trying to hurt yourself.

I know you've been through a lot, but I won't let you do that to yourself again." Ankoku's voice was gentle, but there was a firmness in his eyes that made Ombre's heart ache. "Fifth, no more self-harm," Ankoku said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I know you've been through hell, Ombre. But I won't let you hurt yourself again. Not while I'm here to protect you."

Ombre's eyes widened, and he looked away, his cheeks flushing a deep red. He remembered the countless times he had cut himself, the pain he had inflicted on his own body in an attempt to numb the pain of his past. He had thought he was alone, that no one would ever understand. But Ankoku had always been there, even when he was away. Even when he was lost in Dimension X.

"Sixth, seventh and eighth , no more drugs, no more alcohol, and no more sex," Ankoku continued, his voice firm but gentle. "I know you've been through a lot, Ombre, and I know you've used these things to cope. But they're not healthy, and they're not helping you. I want you to be strong, to be healthy.

Ombre's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't expected Ankoku to be so strict, so... controlling. He had always known Ankoku to be a bit of a playboy, a bit of a wild child. But this... this was different. This was Ankoku being... responsible. And it scared him. "Well..." He chuckled nervously. "I've never had sex before so... The eighth rule will be easy to follow. Heheh..." Ombre chuckled nervously, his eyes darting away from Ankoku's intense gaze. "I've never had sex before, so... The eighth rule will be easy to follow." He tried to make a joke of it, but the tension in the room was palpable. Ankoku's expression didn't change, but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes that Ombre couldn't ignore.

"And I'm sorry if I'm being too strict. But I just... I want to keep you safe. I want to keep you healthy." He reached out, gently taking Ombre's hand in his. "Now... Let's talk about punishments. And keep eating! Your food is getting cold." Ankoku's voice was gentle but firm, his eyes never leaving Ombre's face. Ombre looked down at the bowl, the clam chowder now lukewarm, the steam having dissipated. He sighed, picking up the spoon and taking another bite, the warmth of the food filling him up. Ankoku watched him, his expression softening as he saw Ombre's shoulders relax slightly.

"Now, the first punishment is a simple one," Ankoku began, his voice calm and steady. "If you break any of the rules, you'll have to spend a day in the 'time-out' room. It's a small room, with nothing but a bed and a chair. No distractions, no entertainment. Just you and your thoughts."

Ombre raised an eyebrow, "And what if I don't want to spend a day in a room by myself?"

Ankoku chuckled, "Then you'll have to spend two days. Or three.

Or four. Until you learn to follow the rules," Ankoku replied, his voice firm yet playful. "Now, the second punishment is a bit more... intense." He paused, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. "If you break a rule three times in a week, you'll have to spend a night in the 'punishment room'." Ombre's eyes widened, curiosity and apprehension warring within him. "And what happens in this 'punishment room'?" Ankoku leaned in, his voice dropping to a low, conspiratorial tone. "Well, that's a surprise. But let's just say, it's designed to make you...

uncomfortable. But in a good way," Ankoku said, his voice filled with a hint of excitement. "Now, the third punishment is a bit more... creative." He paused, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "If you break a rule four times in a month, you'll have to spend a week in the 'chore room'." Ombre raised an eyebrow, "The 'chore room'? What's that?" he asked, his curiosity piqued. Ankoku chuckled, "It's a room filled with tasks. Tasks that you'll have to complete, no matter how menial or boring.

It's designed to teach you discipline and responsibility. And to keep you out of trouble," Ankoku explained, his voice firm yet playful. "Now, I know what you're thinking. 'Ankoku, these punishments are ridiculous. They're not going to work.' But let me assure you, they will. Because I know you, Ombre. I know what makes you tick, what makes you want to rebel. And I've designed these punishments to target those very things." He leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Ombre's face. "But I also know that you're strong, that you're capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for."

"Now the sixth, seventh, and eighth punishments... I hope to never have to use on you." Ankoku's voice was firm, yet there was a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. "But I have to tell you them." Ankoku's voice was soft, yet there was a hint of steel in his eyes. "The sixth punishment is a week in complete isolation. No contact with anyone, no books, no music, no distractions. Just you and your thoughts. It's designed to make you face your demons, to make you confront the things you've been running from." Ankoku's voice was gentle, yet firm. "The seventh punishment is a public shaming. I'll invite all my friends, all my business associates, and I'll tell them about your behavior. I'll make sure everyone knows what you've done, what you've been up to." Ankoku's voice was cold, his eyes hard. "And the eighth punishment..."

Ankoku turned away with regret. "I don't want to use it, Ombre. I truly don't. But you must understand, I have to keep you safe. Even if it means hurting you a little." He paused, looking back at Ombre with a soft, pleading expression. "Please, Ombre. Just... try. Try to follow the rules. For me." Ombre looked away, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and vulnerability. He hated feeling like this, like he was a child being scolded. But he could see the genuine concern in Ankoku's eyes, the fear that he was trying so hard to hide. He sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly.

He nodded. He didn't want to talk right now.

He didn't want to think about any of this. He just wanted to eat his chowder and forget about the world for a little while. But Ankoku was watching him, his eyes filled with a mix of concern and anticipation. He could see the hope in those dark eyes, the desire for Ombre to understand, to cooperate. And he knew that he couldn't just ignore it. He had to respond, to acknowledge Ankoku's efforts, no matter how much it pained him.

Ombre took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving the bowl of chowder. I'll try, Ankoku. I'll try to follow the rules.

I'll try to be good. But I need you to promise me something, Ankoku." Ombre's voice was soft, his eyes never leaving the bowl of chowder. "What's that, love?" Ankoku asked, his voice gentle.

"Can you promise me that..." Ombre paused, before shaking his head. "Nevermind." Ombre muttered, shaking his head. He didn't want to voice his request, didn't want to put it out there in the open where it could be rejected or misunderstood. Ankoku, however, was not one to let things go so easily.

"Come on, Ombre. Tell me. What do you need me to promise?" Ankoku's voice was soft, coaxing. He reached out, gently placing his hand over Ombre's, giving it a squeeze. Ombre looked up at him, his eyes filled with a mix of vulnerability and defiance. He hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath.

"It's nothing..." Ombre muttered, his eyes darting away from Ankoku's intense gaze.

"It's nothing..." Ombre muttered, shaking his head. "I just want to rest."