My doctor finally told me I no longer had to wear my ankle boot, but he said I should still take it easy for the next few weeks as my ankle regains its strength without the boot. Chief told me I still couldn’t go on calls yet, so I was still on a break until he thought I was ready. But naturally that didn’t stop me from hanging around the station when Vincent was busy. Now that the BlackPearl was back in business, Vincent was working most nights. He took up a few extra shifts as a Maiden on nights he wasn’t a part of the show.

That night we finally decided to date, after all the sex of course, we talked a lot about what we expect out of this relationship. I’d mentioned that I’d feel more comfortable knowing he doesn’t give private shows to anyone at work, because I don’t want any man thinking he gets to touch my man as he pleases, but I also told him I’m not the kind of man who’d ask him to quit just because we’re dating now. He talked about how it makes him uncomfortable knowing I still call Markus Papa, and he calls me Piccolo. It was nice that the two of us finally managed to talk without fighting.

“Roy?” Vincent snapped his fingers in front of my face. I jolted and turned my attention to him.

“Hi,” I smiled happily to see my boyfriend, “you done with work already?” I asked.

“Yeah. Get your things, let’s go home.” He commanded in a soft voice, kissing my cheek. I obediently did as I was told, earning myself strange looks from Dan, Dominic, and Ryan – who wasn’t into the BDSM lifestyle, but knew enough about me to know it was strange to see me obediently following orders like this.

I simply smiled, and went about my task without entertaining their obvious, though unspoken, questions. Markus on the other hand had a knowing smirk on his face. It’d been almost two months since he took Vincent to Chains to talk about me. He knew a lot. And he understood when I told him I won’t be calling him anything other than Markus from here on out. He didn’t even have to question why. He also hasn’t called me Piccolo anymore since. Vincent seemed pleased with that, and let’s not forget Owen, who was more than ecstatic that Markus and I finally put up clear boundaries in our friendship. I had told Markus it was alright if he wanted to explain to Owen what had happened to me so that he might understand better why we are so close. For a long time Markus was the only person I trusted with my life. But now he, and Vincent, had helped me grow past that. And day by day, step by step, I’m learning to not let my past hold me back from life’s pleasures.

“When we get home, I want you to change your clothes, and do your chores while I work on dinner.” He directed me as we were leaving the stations living room. Clearly still within ear shot of all the guys, but in the few weeks we’ve been together, his dominance over me has never once made me uncomfortable in any situation, place, or with any person present. More like I actually enjoyed that he took control and all I had to worry about was being obedient for him. Though, occasionally, I did find it entertaining to act up.

“Yes sir.” I answered proudly.

“What the fuck is up with that?” Dominic’s irritating voice shouted.

“Their relationship is none of your business, kiddo.” Markus answered before Vincent or I could.

“I think it’s kind of cute.” Ryan chuckled, which made Vincent stop in his tracks.

“Hey. He’s mine.” Vincent glared at Ryan.

“Woah, chill out tiger. I’m not trying to make a move on your man.” Ryan threw his hands up in mock surrender.

“Vincent, he’s just teasing me.” I grabbed his hand and pulled him closer to me. Vincent was still a very jealous partner, which I didn’t mind so much to be honest. Plus I knew how to make him feel less insecure.

“You’re the only Master for me.” I whispered into his ear, then kissed his neck sweetly.

“Damn right, I am.” I heard Markus chuckle softly from the couch. I suppose he was really the only one who’d heard me, aside from Vincent, of course.

“No wonder you never seemed like a true dom.” Dominic said in a snide tone of voice.

“Piss off, Dominic. I was never all that interested in training a brat like you.” I shot back, annoyed that he thought it was okay to shit all over me like that just because he’s jealous I have a new partner.

“Come on Dom, isn’t it about time you gave up on him? He’s clearly no interested in you.” Dan chimed in, trying to get Dominic’s attention on him.

“Look who’s talking.” Dom rolled his eyes at Dan.

I felt bad for Dan. He had it bad for Dominic, but Dominic wouldn’t give him the time of day. Aside from his looks, I honestly don’t know what Dan saw in Dominic. Dan sighed and left the room. Ryan walked out behind him, who knows why. Dominic moved toward me, but as soon as he reached his hand out to touch my arm, Vincent smacked his hand away and moved between us.

“Hands off my man, you tramp.” Vincent barked out.

“Oh please. Like you know how to satisfy a man like him.” Dominic snickered.

“I’ve never heard him complain about sex with Vinny. But you know what I do distinctly recall? When he never quit bitching about you and how you just weren’t quite enough for him.” Markus snapped.

“Shut up. Who’s even asking you, Old Man?!”

“Dom seriously, isn’t it time for you to move on from Roy? I mean seriously, why are you even so obsessed with him? It’s starting to become stalkerish.” Markus ignored Dominic’s rudeness.

“It’s none of your business.” Dominic snapped back again. “It’s between me and him.” He added confusing me. I don’t recall saying or doing anything that would make him think I would still want him. I don’t throw words out willy-nilly. I’m very cautious about certain words like “love” and “forever” for examples.

“When did I ever – ” I was cut off by the loud alarm going off signifying that their was a call they had to go on now.

“Guys, let’s go!” Ryan shouted to Dominic and Markus.

“We’ll see you kids later.” Markus shouted at Vincent and I as he ran to his EMS truck.

When Vincent and I were the only two left in the room, he looked at me and sighed a big sigh. “I seriously can’t stand Dominic. He’s so damn annoying. I can’t believe I’ve had to deal with him practically my entire life.” He vented, drooping his head onto my chest for comfort.

“Wait, what?” I asked, completely in shock that he’s known Dominic for so long.

“We grew up together. We were actually friends in elementary school. But in middle school, he started getting into the wrong crowd and I didn’t want to be friends with people like that. In high school he had a bad reputation for sleeping with the male teachers to get better grades. He’s always had a bad personality.” Vincent told me.

“Wow. I had no idea you two have known each other so long. I wish you were the one I met first though. Then I wouldn’t have him to deal with now. I don’t even know what he’s talking about when he said it’s between me and him.” I said, still very confused about everything, “I wish he’d just give up, and move on already. I mean Daniel is just as obsessed with Dominic as Dominic is with me.”

“Maybe for the rest of your healing process, you should avoid coming in to the station, and get some time away from him then. I would feel better knowing he isn’t near you while I’m not around.” Vincent said with a look of exhaustion taking over his face.

“Don’t worry, Master,” I pulled his face up to meet mine, “I’m a strong boy. I won’t let anyone ever take advantage of me again.” I gently kissed Vincent’s lips. After that we finally left the station.