Chapter Thirty-Four
Torin
Torin watched as Garett moved with purpose, his powerful arms effortlessly carrying the cot into the empty room. The space was bare except for a few boxes stacked in the corner, but Garett seemed to have a clear vision of what he wanted. He set the cot down near the wall, then turned to Torin with a small smile.
“Grab those sheets, will you?” he said, nodding toward the neatly folded linens on the floor.
Torin picked up the sheets, his fingers brushing against the soft fabric as he followed Garett’s lead. Together, they made the cot, smoothing out the clean sheets and draping a light blanket over the top. Garett stepped back, surveying their work, then opened the closet and pulled out a plush, deep blue rug. He unrolled it in the center of the room, the thick pile adding a touch of warmth and comfort to the otherwise stark space.
“What do you think?” Garett asked, his voice low and teasing as he glanced at Torin.
Torin tilted his head, pretending to consider it. “Needs a little something…maybe a plant?”
Garett chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down Torin’s spine. “A plant? In a playroom? You’re full of surprises.”
Torin grinned, stepping closer to Garett. “Just trying to keep things interesting.”
“How about a kitty when you’re ready for aftercare?” Garett teased.
“I wish we could get a kitty.”
“We’re going to go for a hike tomorrow since it’s Saturday. Maybe we’ll find one along the way.”
“I hope we do.”
“If you haven’t noticed, there are lots of feral cats on the ranch.”
“Garett,” he began, his voice barely more than a whisper, “what is aftercare?”
Garett looked up, a gentle smile playing on his lips. “Aftercare is a crucial part of any scene, Torin. It’s the care and attention given to ensure that both partners feel safe, supported, and emotionally stable after an intense experience.”
Torin blinked, processing the information. He had never heard of this concept before, and the idea both intrigued and confused him. “I…I didn’t know that was a thing,” he admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed by his lack of knowledge.
Garett walked over to him, his expression soft and understanding. “It’s okay, Torin. Not everyone knows about it, but it’s important. Aftercare helps to bring us back to a state of equilibrium. It can involve physical comfort, like cuddling or wrapping up in a blanket, or emotional support, like talking about what we experienced and how we felt.”
Torin felt a sense of relief washed over him as Garett’s words began to make sense. The idea of caring for each other after a scene seemed so natural, yet it was something he had never considered before. “So, it’s like making sure we’re both okay?”
“Exactly,” Garett said, placing a reassuring hand on Torin’s shoulder. “It ensures that we both feel valued and respected, and it helps to reinforce the trust between us. There are different ways to give aftercare, depending on what each person needs. Some people might prefer a quiet space to relax, while others might want to talk and process their emotions.”
Torin nodded, feeling a newfound sense of appreciation for Garett’s wisdom. He realized that aftercare was an essential part of their connection, a way to show that they truly cared for each other’s well-being. “Thank you, Garett. I had no idea.”
Garett’s smile widened, and he pulled Torin into a gentle embrace. “You’re welcome, Torin. We’ll always take care of each other, no matter what.”
Garett’s eyes darkened, his gaze dropping to Torin’s lips for a moment before he cleared his throat. “Come on. Let’s get the table set up.”
They moved to another bedroom, where a sturdy wooden table sat against the wall. Garett grabbed one end, and Torin took the other, their hands brushing as they lifted it. The contact sent a spark through Torin, and he couldn’t help but glance at Garett, who was watching him with a knowing smirk.
“You’re awfully quiet when something is bothering you.” Garett and Torin carried the table into the playroom. “Thinking hard about something?”
Torin shrugged, his cheeks warming. “Just wondering what you’ve got planned to do to me in this room.”
Garett set his end of the table down, then stepped around to Torin’s side, his voice dropping to a murmur. “You’ll find out soon enough. But I can promise you this—it’ll be worth the wait.”
Torin gasped, his heart pounding as Garett stared at him. There was something about the way Garett looked at him, like he could see straight through him, that made Torin feel both exposed and cherished at the same time. He swallowed hard, forcing himself to focus on the task at hand. “We should…uh, get the rest of the stuff.”
Garett chuckled again, clearly enjoying Torin’s flustered state, but he didn’t push. Instead, he nodded toward the door. “Let’s grab some water first. We’ve got a lot to do.”
They went downstairs, the playful tension between them lingering as Torin pulled two bottles of water from the refrigerator.
Torin leaned against the counter, a playful smirk curling his lips as he watched Garett lean over the kitchen sink, drinking straight from the faucet. Garett’s hands gripped the edges of the sink, his head tilted back as he let the water stream directly into his mouth. The way Garett tried to catch the water just right without making a mess made Torin chuckle. He could see the droplets splashing around, catching the light and turning into miniature prisms.
Torin’s laughter was soft, but Garett heard it. He turned his head slightly, still catching the water, and raised an eyebrow in response. The sight was endearing—a mix of everyday playfulness and Garett’s quirky habit. The way he was so focused on something as simple as drinking water amused Torin deeply.
Feeling a wave of affection, Torin walked over and put his arm around Garett’s shoulders, pulling him closer. “Here you go, Master Garett,” Torin said, his tone still light with laughter as he handed the bottle to Garett. The gesture was slight, but it was filled with love and care.
Garett smiled, shaking his head slightly as he stood up straight and wiped his mouth. “Thanks, Torin, but I like it fresh from the tap,” he said with a playful glint in his eye.
Torin raised an eyebrow, a teasing grin spreading across his face. “Oh, I figured that might be the case. But sometimes it’s good to mix things up a bit, don’t you think?” He watched as Garett took a sip from the bottle, still standing close by. The room was filled with an easy warmth, a sense of shared moments and unspoken understanding.
Garett leaned back against the counter, looking up at Torin with a serious mock expression. “Well, since you insist, I’ll drink this one just for you.” He took another sip, making an exaggerated show of savoring the bottled water.
Torin laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “You’re impossible, you know that?” Torin gave Garett’s shoulder a gentle squeeze before releasing him. The moment was simple, but it was one of those instances that reinforced their bond—a shared joke, a small act of consideration, and the comfort of each other’s company.
It was impossible not to notice the way Garett’s muscles moved under his shirt, the way his presence seemed to fill the room. Torin felt a flush creep up his neck, and he glanced away, focusing on his own bottle of water.
When they returned to the playroom, Garett put the water bottle on the table, then turned to Torin with a mischievous glint in his eye. “You know,” he said, his voice low and smooth, “you’re going to look good in this room.”
Torin’s cheeks burned, but he held Garett’s gaze, his own voice teasing. “Is that so? And what exactly am I going to be doing in here?”
Garett stepped closer, his hand brushing against Torin’s arm. “That’s for me to know and you to find out.”
“You’re impossible, Sir.”
“And yet, here you are,” Garett’s lips curved into a smirk. “Helping me set up a playroom. Seems like you might be a little curious.”
Torin rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t hide his smile. “Maybe. Or maybe I just like spending time with you.”
Garett’s expression softened, his hand moving to cup Torin’s cheek. “Good. Because I enjoy spending time with you too.”
For a moment, they stood there, the air between them charged with unspoken words and promises. Then Garett stepped back, his tone light again. “Come on. Let’s finish setting up. We’ve got work to do.”
Torin nodded, his heart still racing as he followed Garett’s lead. As they worked, the playful banter continued, each comment and glance sending a thrill through Torin.
“Before we do anything, we have to discuss safety, rules, and lists. Let’s sit in my study so we can go over some things.”
“Okay.”
The sound of Garett’s footsteps echoed down the stairs as Torin followed him to his office. Garett kissed Torin before sitting behind his desk. He set a red folder on the table then pulled out some paper, and a pencil and pen. He pushed them across the table to Torin.
Torin sat in the chair across from Garett’s desk, his hands clasped tightly in his lap. The room was quiet, save for the soft ticking of the clock on the wall and the occasional rustle of papers as Garett sorted through the contents of the folder. Torin’s heart was pounding, his mind racing with a mix of excitement and anxiety. He had known this conversation was coming, but now that it was here, he felt unprepared, like he was standing on the edge of a cliff, unsure if he was ready to jump.
Garett looked up from the folder, his expression calm but serious. “Torin,” he began, his voice steady, “I want to talk to you about something important. I’d like to propose a BDSM Training Contract with you—for one year.”
Torin’s breath caught in his throat. A year. It sounded like both a lifetime and no time at all. He nodded, urging Garett to continue, though his stomach was in knots.
“The reason I’m suggesting a year,” Garett explained, “is because you’ll have a big decision to make at the end of it. You’ll need to decide whether you want to stay here in Montana with me and attend college nearby, or if you want to return to New York. A year is a long time, and a lot can change. I want you to have the space to figure out what’s best for you.”
Torin’s chest tightened at the words. He had already made up his mind—he wanted to stay here, with Garett. Montana had become his home in a way New York never had. But the thought of Garett giving him an out, of Garett not being sure if Torin would choose him, made his stomach churn.
“I want to stay here,” Torin said quickly, his voice trembling with emotion. “I don’t need a year to decide that. I already know.”
Garett’s expression softened, but he shook his head. “Torin, a year is a long time. You might feel one way now, but things can change. I don’t want you to feel trapped or like you’ve made a decision you can’t take back. This contract is about giving us both clarity—about making sure we’re on the same page.”
Torin’s mind raced, his thoughts a whirlwind of fear and doubt. Was Garett doubting him? Did he think Torin wasn’t serious about staying? Or worse—did Garett not feel the same way? The questions swirled in his head, but he couldn’t bring himself to voice them. Instead, he nodded, his throat too tight to speak.
Garett leaned forward, his gaze steady and sincere. “This isn’t about me not wanting you here, Torin. It’s about making sure you’re making the right choice for you. I care about you—more than I’ve cared about anyone in a long time. And because of that, I want to do this right. I want to give you the time and space to be sure.”
Torin’s eyes burned with unshed tears, his chest aching with the weight of Garett’s words. He wanted to argue, to tell Garett that he didn’t need time, that he was already sure. But deep down, he knew Garett was right. A year was a long time. And as much as he wanted to stay, he couldn’t ignore the tiny voice in the back of his mind that whispered, What if?
“Okay,” Torin said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. “A year. But…I want you to know that I’m serious about this. About us and becoming your sub.”
Garett’s expression softened, and he reached across the desk, taking Torin’s hand in his. “I know you are, Torin. And I’m serious about us too. That’s why I want to do this the right way. This contract isn’t just about training—it’s about building something real. Something that lasts.”
Torin nodded, his heart swelling with a mix of emotions. He felt seen, understood, in a way he hadn’t in a long time. But there was also a lingering fear, a worry that he might not be enough, that he might not live up to Garett’s expectations. He pushed the thought aside, focusing on the warmth of Garett’s hand in his.
“What happens if…if I decide to go back to New York?” Torin asked, his voice trembling.
Garett’s grip on his hand tightened slightly, but his expression remained calm. “Then we’ll figure it out. But no matter what happens, Torin, I want you to know that I’ll respect your decision. This isn’t about trapping you—it’s about giving us both the chance to build something real.”
Torin’s chest ached with the weight of Garett’s words. He wanted to believe that he could make this work, that he could be the sub Garett needed, the partner Garett deserved. But the doubt lingered, a shadow he couldn’t quite shake.
“I’m scared,” Torin admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “What if I fail at this?”
Garett stood, rounding the desk to kneel in front of Torin. He cupped Torin’s face in his hands, his gaze was steady and sincere. “You don’t have to be perfect, Torin. You just have to be you. And that’s more than enough for me.”
Torin’s breath hitched, his eyes filling with tears. He leaned into Garett’s touch, his heart swelling with a mix of relief and love. “I want this,” he whispered. “I want you.”
Garett smiled, his thumb brushing away a tear that had escaped down Torin’s cheek. “Then let’s do this. Together.”
Torin nodded, his chest aching with the weight of his emotions. He didn’t know what the future held, but for the first time, he felt like he was exactly where he was meant to be. With Garett by his side, he felt like he could face anything—even the unknown.
“Be honest about what you like and don’t like,” Garett said.
Torin pushed his hair out of his eyes and picked up a pen. “I promise to be honest, Sir.”
“Good. Check the things you want to try and leave the ones you’re not okay with or unsure of unchecked.”
Torin checked all the spanking implements except a whip. He was okay with all types of bondage. He also marked all the alternative punishments such as corner time, time-out, revocation of privileges, and writing lines. He left scat, water play, and a few other things unchecked. He declared he was a bottom and had no desire to top in a written statement and wrote ice for his safeword. If he wanted to pause to ask a question, he would use the word rain . If things were going great, he would use the word sun .
“Our training contract is for a year. We can change some of things you checked and unchecked at any time.” Garett signed the contract. Then he handed it back to Torin, who read and signed it. Garett filed it in the red folder.
“As for my expectations of you. Read them to me and sign at the bottom if you agree with them.”
Torin read from the paper he handed to him.
“1. Obey Garett.
2. No back talk.
3. Do chores.
4. Be respectful.
5. No dangerous behavior.
6. No illegal activities.
7. No lying.
8. No cheating.
9. Accept your punishment.
10. Garett has the final say.”
“I’m not sure what you mean about dangerous behavior, Sir.”
“It could be skipping meals, going places that aren’t safe for gay men, and anytime you put yourself where you’re at risk. Always ask if you’re unsure.”
“What happens if I break one of your expectations?”
“You’ll be punished as I see fit from your list of approved correction measures.”
“Do you have any hard limits, Sir?”
“Yes, I do. Would you like to read my list?” Garett asked.
“Yes, Sir.”
Garett left the room and returned with a printed list.
“I’ll read it to you.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
“1. No scat play.
2. No blood play.
3. No public humiliation.
4. No photography or video without your express permission.
5. No marks you can’t cover with normal work clothes.
6. No watersports.
7. Never punish you when I’m angry.
8. Never let anyone play with you and I won’t play with another sub. So, what do you think of my hard limits?”
“Your hard limits make me feel safe, Sir.”
Torin signed the paper and pushed it across the desk to Garett.
“Can you sign your list and my expectations?”
“Yes, Sir.” Torin’s hand shook when he took the pen in his hand and wrote his name at the bottom line.
“We’re going to relax tonight. I need time to plan a scene. Tomorrow we’ll go on a hike then when we go home we’ll work on your first training scene.”