Page 12 of The Toymaker

Riju had intended to ask earlier until he’d been distracted by other things. Once they’d finished dinner, and Kit was cleaning up in the kitchen, he caught Trig in the hallway.

“I want to go to the bookshop.”

Trig paused. “Now?”

“Yeah.”

“Can’t it wait until tomorrow? I don’t like you going outside at night.”

If anything happened, it could also happen during the day. Riju knew that too well, and he didn’t want to put off a particular thing anymore. “I’m going to the one down the street, not out in the city. It’s not far, and I’ll be fine.”

“All right. Be careful.”

“I know.”

Trig gave him a quick kiss. “Don’t take too long.”

When Riju left the shop, he pulled his cloak tighter about him since it was a bit windy. The bookshop down the road had a huge collection of naughty books, but that wasn’t what he intended to buy.

The shop stayed open until ten which was kind of late, not that the owner was working hard. He was sitting behind his counter on a stool with a book in hand, and he barely looked up when he said hello. Riju didn’t care.

Eye contact or looking at another’s face wasn’t so important to everyone like Trig said.

Several things had been bugging him for quite a while. Unfortunately, he couldn’t talk to Trig about them. When he had tried voicing certain concerns, especially in the past several months, Trig brushed him off. Riju had no friends besides Kit who wasn’t right to ask, or at least not at the moment since Riju didn't have his thoughts all in order. He also couldn’t imagine asking a teacher at the college about it. It would get Trig in trouble.

He knew the general rules for their kind of relationship. He still needed to see a few things in front of him to fully confirm what he thought was right. In a way, it would also be clear proof that things needed to change.

He was already pretty sure he was right. Why was it different for them just because Trig said so?

The shop was quiet except for his light footsteps as he walked between the shelves. All were taller than him, although he could reach the top books. He passed the mystery section which was Trig’s favorite genre to read.

Riju had gone to a small school for a little while before his parents kicked him out, and he’d learned his letters, basic reading skills, and simple math. He hadn’t done very well in school, and the teacher hadn’t liked him since he’d been slow. Her constant squawking hadn’t helped, and she’d yelled at him for doodling on his slate. The other kids had laughed at him for not being able to read as well as them even though it had been hard to see the damn words in the crummy old children’s books they’d used.

The teacher had said he was too stupid to keep up with the rest of the children, and he’d never learn like them. She’d stopped paying much attention to his work, preferring to help the other students. They’d all been more worthy in her eyes. Even though he had slowly learned to read and write, she’d kicked him out just before he turned eight.

She probably didn’t think he could read whole books now and understand them just as well as anyone else.

Since the shop was in the Edge, several shelves were devoted to naughty tales. A large section contained books on various kinks and how to safely practice them. Riju tilted his head to scan the titles and walked along, trying to remember where he’d seen a particular one.

Trig had once taken him there years ago to look around, and Riju had found the book he currently wanted. At the time, he’d flipped through it and read a few small chunks for something to do. Trig had helped him to improve his reading skills, and it was a lot easier with spectacles since he didn’t have to squint anymore.

He hadn’t thought to ask Trig for that particular work because it hadn’t seemed particularly interesting.

A spine with silver lettering and red stitching on the top caught his eye. Fairline’s Essays. Three more books next to it were the same.

Fairline had started The Edge over two hundred years ago in the mid-fifteenth century. Riju took the book and opened it. Some of the essays in the front were about The Edge itself. He flipped through the pages, trying to remember exactly what he’d read the last time.

He found an essay on submissives and dominants, and the next was about slaves and Masters. He scanned a few paragraphs, and a few of the lines stood out to him. It was what he wanted. His gaze flew along the sentences. Safety words and signals. Consent. It was exactly what he wanted.

Other books described such relationships and how to be safe, but he wanted this one in particular since he’d remembered a couple of bits. He had enough money on him so he found a book of fables that he could share with Kit, and he stopped in the small kid’s section. Children were never allowed in The Edge for anything. If someone worked there and had kids at home, they could buy a book for them. He found one about a toymaker, although not the kind like Trig. He made dolls, soft toys, rocking horses, blocks with letters, and little soldiers with wooden swords.

At night, after the toymaker went to bed, all of the toys came alive in the shop below his living quarters.

Why couldn’t Riju have a kid’s toy shop? Not that he expected the toys to come alive. He wanted his own business. Sex toys were okay, but there wasn’t as much creativity. He’d rather paint faces on dolls and make little clothes for them. He could make soft animals, accessories for the dolls, blocks, and whatever else he thought of.

Besides the creation part, he wanted to see little children happy with their new toys. His parents hadn’t been overly concerned with what their two children played with.

He took his three books to the counter, and the owner quickly tallied up the cost.

“How are you doing?” he asked while Riju opened his coin purse.

“Fine.” There was a pause, and Riju, with his mind still half on Fairline’s book, found it rather awkward, like the owner was waiting for something. “How much do I owe you?”

The man sighed and stacked the books. “How long have you been living with Trig? He hasn’t taught you how to have a conversation yet?”

“I know how to have a conversation.”

The owner gave the price in a much colder voice as if Riju had done something wrong. What was his problem? Riju had said he was fine and answered the question. Why couldn’t they get on with things? He counted coins, put them on the counter, and hurried out with his purchase.

A few snowflakes were falling, and the street was mostly empty. Once inside the shop, he locked the door and headed for his room. Trig must have heard him since he came from his bedroom in nothing but his drawers.

“Did you find anything good?” Trig gave him a quick kiss.

“Fables.” Riju kept the books against his chest and half under his cloak. It was true.

“Do you want to sleep with me tonight?”

Riju stared at him in the light of the dim, crystal lantern they kept hanging from the ceiling all night. At forty, Trig looked pretty good, and Riju certainly enjoyed fucking him or getting on his knees. Most of their sex had been great in the past years, and Trig wasn’t a selfish lover. If he said yes, they’d probably end up doing something.

Kit was coming in later, and quite frankly, Riju needed that more at the moment.

“No,” said Riju.

“All right.” Trig paused. “I wish I knew the thoughts running through your head.”

No. Not those thoughts. Riju shrugged a shoulder.

Trig drew him in to hug. “I know it didn’t take that long to decide.”

Riju smelled his typical rose scent, common among fairies. Kit’s was nice too with the hint of sunflowers, which was rather rare like the magnolia on Riju. It hadn’t taken long to form a single word, but what was he supposed to say? He’d wholeheartedly trusted Trig for a long time, and he’d ignored a few simple things that had irked him because the majority of their relationship seemed good to him.

Lately, a couple of things had done more than irk him. He couldn’t blurt it all out at once.

“I want to read my books,” said Riju.

“All right. Don’t stay up too late.”

“You know I don’t.” Why even bother to tell him anymore? He didn’t need to be told to go to bed at a decent time.

Trig kissed him again, and Riju was free to go to his room. When he took off his spectacles, everything on his desk blurred. He could tell things apart, but the details were lost, and when he set the books down, the embossed words, Fairline’s Essays, were hard to make out on the front. While living on the street, he’d learned to not look for the details of a dropped coin but the shape and faint gleam of the copper, silver, or gold on the dirty cobblestones.

Once, he found two lans on the ground at the age of ten. Holding the gold coins, he’d felt like a King for about five minutes until he remembered money never lasted, and the food he could buy with it didn’t either.

He took a cloth from a drawer to carefully wipe his spectacles while he thought about Trig’s words. Why did he want to know the thoughts in Riju’s head? The wording felt invasive, and thoughts were supposed to be private unless one wanted to share them.

Trig didn’t even ask. He just wanted to know, like he had the right to know whatever went through Riju’s mind at any time. Whenever Trig had said so occasionally over the years, Riju had usually never told him exactly what he was thinking. It was another thing he’d felt he should keep hidden, like the moving tattoos he'd been born with on his back.

The real Dory had thought they were pretty. Trig would likely think so too, but Riju had never shown him, a thing that had caused strife between them a few times earlier in their relationship.

Perhaps he’d always known deep down he shouldn’t share everything, and it was why he’d held back on certain things at times. It was only now that things were becoming clear like his room when he put his spectacles on.

Once he’d changed into sleep clothes, he took Fairline’s Essays and got into bed with Dory and his weighted blanket.

“I don’t like feeling like this,” he muttered to Dory even though he knew she wasn’t real and couldn’t hear. It still felt good to tell her or his other dolls stuff because he could say whatever he wanted, and they wouldn’t prod him with questions he didn’t want to answer, attempt to change his mind, or tell him he was wrong for feeling a certain way.

The basics in the essay on submissives and dominants weren’t anything new to him. When Trig had explained certain things, he hadn’t been lying. In their relationship, Riju obeyed in bed. He wasn’t into receiving heavy pain, but he liked the occasional paddling or having someone take control of him in a way that made him feel safe. Trig had never hurt him before.

Riju was also his work apprentice, so he had to obey in matters of the shop or when he was making an item. That was normal for any boss and employee.

Some dynamics were different, and the dominant might have more control over the submissive in daily life. A key point was the submissive had to have a safety word or signal. The dominant also had to be aware of their submissive because if anything happened during a session, and they weren’t able to speak or signal due to panic, they needed to know it was time to stop.

If a dominant ignored a safety word or signal, the submissive needed to get out of the relationship. Ignoring a word or signal meant the dominant only cared for their pleasure and had no regard for the safety of their partner. The submissive would lose trust, and it could carry over to other relationships. It could even lead to injury or possible death depending on what was being done.

The safety word or sign was one of the most important things regardless of what level of strictness the couple had. It could be as simple as “stop” although it wasn’t safe in certain scenarios such as consensual nonconsent. A nontypical word was better because it would draw more attention. If a dominant or Master said they didn’t allow a word or sign, the submissive should not enter into a relationship with them. It didn’t matter how sure the dominant was of their skill or ability to keep the other safe.

“Mhm,” Riju hummed to himself.

Consent could also be revoked at any time by either person, and the other had to respect it. If one person wanted to leave the relationship, their wish also had to be respected. The other couldn’t use coercion or force them to stay.

For a slave and Master, some might like the term and play only in the bedroom. The slave usually had a stricter set of rules overall such as being nude while home, doing the cooking, cleaning, and servicing the Master at any time. The dynamic and rules could vary. Sexual activities were often heavier and more intense, but not always.

Not only did the Master have to know what he wanted, the slave had to as well. If they weren’t into heavy pain or hated a certain implement, but the Master’s desires didn’t align, and they couldn't find a meeting point, they wouldn’t work out. If the slave wanted to be shared and humiliated, but the Master wasn’t into it, again, it wouldn’t work out too well.

Both parties had to compromise and consent or find someone else they aligned with better.

If rules were agreed on, and one wanted to add something important, it needed to be discussed with them on equal ground. That went even if the slave decided they wanted something because the Master also needs to consent, and the rule applied to dominants and submissives too.

Fairline had even included a list of specific things to never do without prior, strict agreement and discussion. If it wasn’t included in the initial rules the couple agreed on, it could cause a lot of problems. Some slaves might be fine with being put in a situation they hadn’t expected, and with others, it might break their trust, so it was best to never take chances.

The list included public humiliation and sharing. Fairline added how such things had to be done in approved areas too with consenting people. A Master fucking his slave in front of a friend who liked watching was fine. Doing it on a random city street where any citizen might see it was not acceptable.

Urine and scat were on the list because they were considered extreme. Those two things were disgusting in Riju’s opinion. They should be privately done in a privy, not on a person.

Modifying the body in any way was a kink, and it needed proper consent and careful consideration. Riju read out loud to Dory since it was probably the most important thing so far besides always having a safety word and consent.

“One way is branding,” he whispered while Dory leaned on his chest. “While it’s not a common kink, some are into burning. It must be done with a healer on hand if the Master is unable to do it. If the slave has healing magic, this isn’t acceptable. If they go into shock or panic, they may be unable to focus and heal the area. This is an uncommon kink, and forcing the slave into it without prior agreement could lead to trauma. The same goes for branding, which is intended to be permanent and is only suggested for a couple intending to remain together or marry. Forcibly marking another for life requires careful thought and consideration from both people. It’s not like a whipping or anything that involves impact with a special implement where the marks fade as they heal.”

Riju cringed. Thank Elira Trig wasn’t into burning or branding. He thought of meat sizzling in a hot pan and felt sick for a moment. Even if Kit begged him, he’d never burn or brand him.

Tattooing was next along with piercing.

“Piercing is also serious,” he whispered, pushing up his spectacles. “Piercing of the ears isn’t uncommon and still requires careful consideration from both parties. The lips, tongue, and nose are sometimes done. Piercing of the nipples or genitals can be used for increased sexual stimulation or for appearance. It’s still a form of modification and shouldn’t be forced onto the slave. The holes may close up in some cases if the piercing is removed within months, but not always, and putting holes in body parts isn't for everyone. Also, the stimulation may not be welcome.”

Pregnancy for women and abundant males was next, and he didn’t read it since it didn’t apply to their situation. It was also pretty easy to figure out why pregnancy shouldn’t be forced on anyone.

He knew he wasn’t wrong from what he’d read so far. Kit had not agreed to be pierced when the contract was signed. The book being old didn’t matter. Fairline’s writings were based on basic practices that had been around for a long time since he hadn’t invented kink.

Things like consent would always be critical no matter what century they were in.

“Trig thought of it after the contract was signed.” He set down the book and picked up Dory to turn her and stand her on his chest so he could look at her face. “I told him we shouldn’t do it. I know Kit sort of seemed like he didn’t mind, but he wasn’t thrilled about it. He’s a pleaser, and I don’t think it’s right for someone to force that stuff on anyone. He didn’t consent.”

So now what? It had already been done, and Trig hadn’t mentioned doing anything else. It still didn’t make Riju feel good about the future because what if he got another slave and decided to pierce him too? What if he decided to do another big thing that hadn’t been agreed on? If they had another pleasure slave in the future, and Riju stood his ground, he wasn’t sure what kind of strife it would cause with Trig.

He’d suggested that Riju should get his nipples pierced because he liked the way it looked on a man. Trig had backed off after Riju refused. Sharp needles were never poking his body, and he never fully undressed anyway, so who cared what his nipples looked like?

When he had grown attracted to Trig, and they’d started fooling around a bit in bed, Trig had explained the type of relationships he preferred. He liked slaves, and he didn’t see Riju as one, but he might make a good submissive. Trig preferred bottoming during sex, but with kink, he had to be in control. Riju had been fine with it because kink interested him. The idea of anyone having total control of him was a huge fuck no.

If something was too much or if Riju got scared, he was to say tomato because it was easy to remember, and people didn’t usually say the names of vegetables during sex or kinky fun. Trig said it was an instant way out for him, and everything would stop.

He’d only used it once when partial suspension had made him panic. A couple of times, if something didn’t feel right depending on what they were doing, he’d simply said so, and they’d fixed the issue before moving on.

Kit didn’t have a way out of anything. Riju had voiced his dislike of it several times when Trig had first written up the contract with the intent to find a man for the cock cage project, and Trig had refused to listen.

It was why Riju asked Kit if he wanted to be fucked on their first day since he wanted some kind of consent beyond the contract he’d signed.

What Trig expected from their slave went against certain college rules, and while Kit had consented for anything to be done with him, that wasn’t safe. Even the man who’d started The Edge said so, and Riju had the words in his lap.

Once he got his thoughts more in order, he’d have a serious discussion with Kit. He liked their slave and trusted him a lot. He needed to be careful with who he got into a relationship with in the future. It couldn’t be with someone like Trig or Perry.

Before that, he needed to discuss things with Trig too. He needed changes in his life too.

He heard a gentle knock. “Come in.”

Kit entered, and his face broke into a smile. “What are you reading?”

“It’s essays.” Riju hastily put the book into his bedside drawer. He needed more time to think about what he’d read, and he wanted tonight to be fun. “I got a couple of books I think you might like. I was also thinking we could draw a bit first.”

Kit got the board so they’d have a flat surface. Riju wanted to practice drawing a puppy again, so Kit drew another. He did the lines slowly and showed him the way he started with the top of the head and worked his way down. Simple shapes and lines came together until the puppy was there.

Riju didn’t think his was as good, but it was better than before.

Afterward, he practiced it while Kit doodled on a separate piece of scrap parchment. Trig never fully understood how important that kind of interaction was to him. Sure, they could work in the same room without speaking, but he didn’t seem to understand how Riju liked to have someone next to him for certain things. They could technically do the same activity separately and still be together.

Lately, he’d been thinking there was a lot Trig didn’t understand about him, and certain things Kit had said only drove his doubts further.

A knock came after a few minutes. “Come in.”

Trig peeked in. “I heard Kit’s door open.”

“I invited him in here.”

“You did?”

Riju pushed up his spectacles. “Yes.” Wasn’t it obvious? Kit wouldn’t simply barge in without an invitation. It was Riju’s space, and he didn’t even allow Trig to be in it for long periods.

“Kit, you’re not asking, right? I don’t want you pressuring him into things.”

Kit shook his head. “No, Master.”

“He’s in here because I said he could be, and he’s going to sleep with me tonight,” added Riju.

Trig’s mouth dropped a little. “He’s going to sleep with you?”

Riju nodded.

“Why?”

“Because I wanted to try it.”

Trig leaned on the doorway. “You don’t let me sleep in here with you.”

He looked a bit hurt, and guilt pinched Riju’s stomach. He’d never wanted Trig to be in there overnight. “I sleep with you in your bed sometimes. I want to try it with him in my bed now.”

“All right,” said Trig. “Kit, if he doesn’t like it and says to leave, go to your bed.”

“I will, Master.”

They said good night, and Trig didn’t look so hurt as he closed the door. He probably thought it was a one-time thing. It might be if Riju decided he didn’t like it after all, even though he felt differently about Kit so far. Maybe it was because he was the slave. Then again, Riju had a feeling that if the roles were reversed, Kit would still be himself .

Once they got tired of doodling, and their parchment pieces were covered in puppies, kittens, pixies, wobbly birds, and suns, they read the kid’s book together. They both liked it so much, they read it twice. Trig would never do that even though the toys were cute and had such fun adventures at night while the toymaker snored in his bed upstairs. He often didn’t have much patience for stories Riju occasionally made up either.

When they turned out the lantern and snuggled together, Kit fell asleep against him, and Riju stroked his hair. So far, he was sure he could definitely do this again with Kit. That urge to have his private space completely to himself wasn’t there like it was when Trig was in his room.

It wasn’t normal to want to keep so much for himself and away from the one he was in a relationship with.

***

The next morning, Riju helped customers. After a bit, the shop was empty, so he sat behind the counter to play with Red. Even she couldn’t distract him. Trig had taken Kit downstairs for a private session, so he had plenty of time to think. Not that he particularly needed it. He’d been up for quite a while the previous night. Kit’s presence had been soothing, but Riju hadn’t been able to stop thinking about the book and something he wanted.

He’d been secretly considering it for a while without making an actual decision. Kit had said a few things too, so while it wasn’t his dream, he seemed to think Riju was capable. It was time to go through with it.

Trig came back up alone.

“What’s Kit doing?” Riju’s stomach twisted since he might as well say what he needed then. Continuing to wait wouldn’t get him anywhere, and they were alone.

Trig glanced at the windows and the gloomy, empty street beyond it as he stretched. “He’s kneeling in a corner with his hands tied behind him, and he’s holding a din to the wall with his nose.” He gripped Riju’s shoulder and leaned down to kiss his cheek.

Riju leaned away. “No touch.”

He almost wanted to go to his room and make a doll. It would completely take over his mind for a bit and ease him. He’d made the decision. Going through with it was another matter, and with the moment right there, he didn’t want to be touched.

Trig tugged over a chair to sit by him, and Riju finally said the words.

“I wanted to ask you if I could go out on my own once Kit’s contract is done and he leaves.”