Rescue part 2 Written and illustrated by C. L FosterI am dreaming. I am on a ship, bound to the prow: a masthead. My breasts are bared to the sea - a sacrifice of dignity to appease the waves - and I can feel cords about my wrists, stretched taut, pulling my arms above and behind me, suspending me over the waves. My feet are chained, an anchor dangling from them. The salt foam of the surf washes me, little fish nipping delicately at my nipples, my pubic hair, as the cool water rises. It is a pirate ship. I am at their mercy, but I will be rescued. The Captain is angry. The sea rises; I am not doing my job. Water washes over the deck, and I see my blue exercise mat swept into the sea, the keys to my handcuffs still on it. I am told I must walk the plank. I am a Princess, my hands tied behind me, prodded by swords as I stride boldly to the end of the plank, my head high, waiting for my swashbuckling hero to rescue me. I plunge into the sea, the anchor pulling my legs down, water rushing upward over me as he swoops from the sky and catches me. I am a mermaid, he a dolphin; and we swim, breathing water like air as we watch the pirate ship sink in the storm. I am lashed to him, like a sail bound to a mast, arid I see that my champion is the Captain in disguise. We laugh at our secret joke, and sink into the soft loam of the sea bed, bound together, intertwined, merpeople snared in seaweed. "Save me," I murmur through my gag. "I will," he whispers. He kisses me, my mouth open to his, his arms tied around me like seaweed. He strokes the rope marks from my wrists as we kiss, our mouths taped together, our tongues entwined like rope. We are knotted inextricably as one, trapped in each other; my crotch rope cleaving between his cheeks, pressing our loins together, holding him inside me. The sea bed is dark. I want to see him. If s hard to turn my head. His tongue fills my entire mouth; I cannot speak. My eyes are blindfolded. I want to see him. "Don't look," he warns. I open my eyes. I am alone. The sun is gone, my bedroom dark. Strange shadows 37 paint the ceiling. The thick, wadded gag fills my tiny mouth. He is not there. I close my eyes again, but he has gone. He has left me. He never came. I'm scared. A week passed. I considered carihg out the simple plan I had thought of in the attic: going to her door, introducing myself and asking her out; but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Just looking at her made me so nervous and excited that I was afraid I would babble like an idiot if I tried to speak to her. And worse yet, she might recognize my voice and be too ashamed to have anything to do with me. But mainly I didn't want to feel that I was approaching her because of what I'd seen; because of something I had no right to know. So I waited, hoping that simple chance would bring us together. It did. At least I think it was chance. The following Saturday I was mowing the lawn when she came out to me and asked If I could mow her lawn as well. She'd pay. I stood there - shirtless, the summer sweat shining on my chest, white shorts scarcely concealing the sudden excitement I felt - watching her mouth as she spoke. I leaned on the vibrating mower because I thought I might be shaking and I didn't want it to show. I said I'd be happy to. She smiled and walked back into her house. It took me maybe an hour to mow both lawns - record time. I felt such a sense of relief. This was it: the innocent chance encounter. I didn't have to make an excuse; I wasn't knocking on her door and asking her out because I had seen her naked in bondage; I was mowing her lawn. She'd ask me inside, we'd talk, get to know each other, I'd casuaily ask her out. All as if last week had never happened. It was perfect. When I had finished I knocked on her door and she invited me inside. The house was cool and dim, the sweet, clean smell of air conditioning washing from a vent upon my face. I had planned to be suave and relaxed, but she was wearing a pink T-shiri cut off an inch above her navel, and her nipples stood in gum- drop hard relief from the smooth curve of her breasts. I don't think she was wearing a bra. Suave and relaxed went right out the window. "Would you like something to drink?" she asked. "Yeah, please." I tried to be cool, watching her pretty ass bounce into the kitchen, then offer me an all-too- familiar view as she bent into the refrigerator. I looked away. Last week never happened, I thought. This is the first time we've met; last week never happened. It didn't help. "Yo~l have to excuse the way I'm dressed," she called in, "but I've been working outside, and it's so hot." She was putting ice into a couple of glasses. "I must look a 38 mess. "Hey," I said, running my hand down my bare chest, "You're wearing more than me." She smiled. "Barely." I blinked. Was she flirting? Or was that just an innocent comment? I began to feel my perspective slipping again, desire invading logic. I shook it off. "What were you working on, outside?" I asked. It was weak, but I had to keep up the conversation. "I didn't see you while I was mowing." "Oh, just some stuff," she said lightiy. "On the patio." She was pouring the drinks now. "I want to thank you for helping me with the lawn. I usually do it myself, but my mower broke down." "My pleasure," I said gallantly. "Any time." That smile again. "I'll keep it in mind." I smiled back. So far, so good. All I had to do was maintain my cool, be charming, and find a way to ask her out without seeming too pushy. I suddenly remembered the wind had been blowing outside. I wondered if my hair looked stupid. "Here you go." She handed me a soda. Her hand was small and soft as it touched mine. I smiled at her. 'nhanks." I looked down to take my drink, and in that instant I realized what it was that she had been doing on the patio. It was the same thing that I had been doing earlier that morning; and I knew this because, except for the fresh color of the mark, the bright pink rope burn which circled her wrist was almost a perfect match for my own. Looking up I could see that her eyes, too, had locked on the startling symmetry of our wrists. Feeling my gaze, her eyes flitted to mine, then fell to the carpet as she withdrew her hand and demurely placed it behind her back. She bit her lower lip. It had lasted for only a moment, but it was enough. We both knew what the other had seen, and what secrets that moment had revealed. We had both given ourselves away to someone who could read the signs. I drank, and we stood there. I drank again. My brain swam; I had to think, to say something; but no words would come. I could feel my opportunity slipping away, and I was letting it. I drank again. '~This is real good," I blabbered. '~Thanks." She nodded silently, still not looking at me. She raised her glass to drink, but suddenly realized that a rope burn marked that wrist as well. There was an awknard moment as she almost lowered her arm, then hesitated as she realized that would only draw more attention to her hand. Finally she took a sip and quickly lowered her glass. "Is, um she said, "ten dollars enough?" I was being dismissed. "Oh, more than." I couldn't even think. "Sure, yeah." I watched that ass bounce to her purse, and as she dug through it she spoke with her back turned. "Can I I ask you something?" "Sure." Finding her wallet, she came back to me. "Were you..." a long hesitance, then her eyes meeting mine, "Were you the one?" Time stopped. I could feel the blood flowing to my face, my heartbeat quickening like a spy caught with classified documents. I wanted to look away, but her eyes held me: I was a deer on the highway hypnotized by approaching headlights. I realized I was taking too long to answer. "The one what?" I said, attempting nonchalance. She said nothing. Just looked at me. My face flushed deeper, and I saw hers do the same. At length I nodded, silenfly. She exhaled, her eyes dropping away from mine. A shadow of a smile kissed her lips. "I sort of thought so. I mean..." her voice trailed off, her eyes on my wrists. She paused, licking her lips, becoming serious. '~Thank you. She held my eyes. "I mean, when I was tied up, you could have... that is... "She faltered, looking away. "I just... thanks." I looked at her. She was so delicate. So small. "Any time," I whispered. She looked at me, startled. Shock overwhelmed me. I couldn't believe I'd said that. Of all the stupid, insensitive, dumb, cavalier comments I could have made... Her cheeks began to turn hot, and she looked down, avoiding my eyes. We stood there, not looking at each other, dumbfounded for what to do next, until finally she met my eyes again, her expression uncertain. "I'll keep it in mind," she said. I stared at her, my eyes trapped like a butterfly in the amber of that gaze, trying to guess what she wanted - what I should do. She seemed to be waiting. I wanted to kiss her. Her mouth was so soft, her lips parted ever so slightiy... It was my move. I leaned toward her... And she withdrew. It was a tiny, involuntary movement - her gaze fell, her head turned almost imperceptibly - but her feeling was clear. I turned away. "I'm sorry," I mumbled. I felt like a fool. "Um I started, "I have to go. I've got more... work I found myself opening the door, stepping outside. The sun was blinding. I welcomed it. I didn't want to see, I didn't want to be seen. I just wanted to disappear. I sat in my room for about ten minutes, staring at the ceiling, regretting the stupid, presumptuous thing I'd done. I replayed the moment in my mind a hundred times, imagining I'd handled it differentiy, wishing I'd had it to do over again, coming up with a dozen witty, charming, reassuring, or profound things I could have said; should have said: thinking it over and over until I couldn't think anymore and I had to get out. I threw on a shirt and went out the door, announcing that I was going out I'd be back in an hour or so. I didn't come home until midnight. Everyone had already gone to bed when I got in, and that suited me just fine. I was over the initial mortlilcation of my blunder, but I had spent the entire day thinking in circles, speculating on what she wanted, wondering what, if anything, I should do next; and I was too tired to talk to anyone. I turned on the television and watched some mindless late movie on cable for about an hour, then took a shower and went up to bed. I was under the covers and just about to hit the light when I noticed the envelope on my desk. There was a yellow post-it note stuck to it. My first thought was to leave it until morning, but something told me I shouldn't wait. I climbed out of bed. The post-it had a brief message scrawled in my brother's hand: "Lady next door came to see you this morning but you were gone, so she left a note. I've gone to bed so DON~T WAKE ME Up TO ASK ABOUT IT!!!!" I tossed the yellow note aside and tore into the envelope. It contained a small silver key and a piece of paper with two words written on it: "Save me." It took almost five seconds for the meaning of this to register. It took slightly less time for me to get downstairs and out of the house. The moon has risen now. Its pale light filters through the window, creeping about my room as though uncertain if it wants to stay. It won't touch me. I lie in a pool of darkness in the center of my bed, and the light avoids me. I think it's afraid. I squirm weakly in my bonds, hoping to attract its attention, hoping to entice it closer. Maybe if I can touch it I can make a shadow on the moon, and he will see it. If he sees my shadow on the moon, he'll have to come. He'll know where I am, and he'll come for me. I awake with a start at some noise. I was dreaming - or at least I think so - it's hard to tell the difference any more. Am I still dreaming? The moonlight is touching me. I hear another noise: a door closing, footsteps. I hear my name called. My heart leaps: ifs him! Oh God, oh God don't let me be dreaming - not again. I hear his footsteps, his voice. I try to call out, but I can make only a tiny mew, like a kitten. If he thinks I'm a cat, will he ignore me? I mew and mew, writhing against my restraints, bouncing my ass on the bed, hoping the springs will squeak, but they don't. I hear him moving in the house, rushing about, calling for me. He'll never find me, I'm sure. It's taking too long; he'll tire and leave. Suddenly a light floods the hall. A silhouette appears in the door: him. He came. He came for me. He stands in the door, looking at me, his bare chest rising and falling as he catches his breath. He's 39 beautiful. Joy and relief washes through me in a flood of emotion almost too deep to bear, and I feel my eyes fill with tears. I'm saved. I want him to touch me, to tell me I'm not dreaming. I make a little sound. "Hi," he says, uncertainly; then after a moment, "Are you all right?" I nod - a tiny movement in my restraint. He steps into the room. "Do you want me to untie you?" I look into his eyes: deep, warm shadows within the backlit shade of his face. His form looms close and strong over me; masculine, protective. A moment ago I would have given anything to be free - to relax my spine, the tension in my arms - but suddenly everything is different. I feel safe, protected; fatigue vanishes as the sweet erotic pleasure of my bondage begins to return, washing away all wish for release. I want to be vulnerable for him. I want to be bound. I shake my head. He moves to the side of my bed, slowly, his gaze caressing my naked form. I am spread out for him, bound and on display. "You're so beautiful," he whispers. He kneels on the mattress beside me. "May I touch you?" he asks. I can scarcely believe it. I long for his caress, tremble with desire; and he asks permission. I close my eyes and tilt my head back with a sigh, further arching my back to lift my breasts closer to him. My breath is 40 quick, each moment seeming an eternity to wait, until finally I feel his hand brush my cheek. I jolt at the contact, then turn my head to it, tiny sounds escaping my throat as his fingers stroke the weiness from my face. "Whafs the matter?" he asks. "Were you afraid?" I nod. His fingers move to stroke my hair. "Ifs all right," he soothes, "I'm here now." But the emotion is too deep, the longing too powerful. I feel the tears welling up. I want him to hold me, to lie on me, to crush me with his weight; I want him to wrap himself around me and become part of my bondage. I'm afraid to open my eyes; afraid he'll vanish again, leaving me alone, awakening from a dream. I don't want it to end. I feel his lips touch my face, his hand caressing my collared throat, moving down to gently fondle my breasts as he whispers to me. "Have you been here since this morning?" I nod, my face brushing his. "I'm sorry." He kisses my eyes, his lips stealing away my tears. "I just got back. I came as soon as I found your note." He kisses my mouth, my lips still sealed behind their tape gag, while his hand squeezes my breast, rolling my nipple between his fingers. Warm pleasure trickles through my body at the sensation. I feel his weight shift as he sits back. He is looking at me. My eyes are still closed, but I can feel it. He is looking at my outstretched arms and my cuffed wrists, my taped mouth, my naked breasts. "Pretty lady," he .1 I whispers, rubbing my nipple. "My pretty, pretty princess. My damsel in distress." I squirm under his attentions. My hero, I think. My knight. His hand glides slowly down my belly. "I've looked for you so long," he says, his fingers tracing delicately along my crotch rope, moving toward the center of my longings, "and now at last I've found you. His palm cups my mound, pressing against it, squeezing, until a tremulous, breathy moan escapes my taped mouth. "I'll never lose you," he whispers. His fingers play between my bound and open legs, teasing my inner thighs, scarcely touching my little muff. I start panting, my body quivering with desire. I try to move my hips, to press myself once more against his hand, but he won't let me. He taunts me with his fingers, brushing delicately at my sensitive labia, my clitoris, but no more. I want to beg him for more, but I can only moan softly through my gag. "Do you like that?" I nod frantically, whimpering. He plays me softly, like a violin, the pitch of my voice rising and falling on the tide of his whim. I feel his lips touch my belly, my breasts, my nipples: he suckles me gently, then suddenly withdraws, his fingers abandoning my loins. "Maybe I'll keep you like this for a while." He stands, leaving the bed. I hear footsteps. I'm afraid to open my eyes, afraid he'll be gone. I squirm, whimpering desperately. "Maybe all night, if you like." I jump as he kisses my thigh. I feel his hands under my bottom, lifting me up, spreading my cheeks apart. He's between my legs. "Maybe longer." I feel the soft warmth of his kiss on my vulva, and melt into rapturous, writhing ecstasy as he touches me with his mouth. I know I am not dreaming. Dawn has found its way to the window. I watch her sleeping beneath me. She's so beautiful, so perfect; everything I've ever dreamed of, or ever could. I glance at the window. Day is coming. I hesitate to wake her, but I know I have to. It's Sunday, and I'll be expected. I kiss her eyes, and she wakes, softly. "It's morning," I whisper. "I promised I'd untie you, remember?" She squirms, sleepily, nuzzling her cheek against mine. "Not yet," she whispers. "A little longer." Her mouth finds mine, her hot tongue asking entry. I permit it. "I have to go," I say at length. "I ran over here in my underwear. If I wait until everyone's awake it'll be hard to explain coming home." "Tell them you were rescuing a damsel in distress, and lost your suit of armor." I smile at her. I've kept her bound, as I said I would; although the gag is gone, and I've replaced the harsh steel handcuffs with a silken scarf. She still wears her collar and the cords which anchor it to the bedposts, but I've removed the chain which connected it to her crotch rope, letting her relax her spine. I stroke her upstretched arms and kiss her. "I have to leave," I insist. She pouts, sticking out her lower lip so prettily that I just have to suck on it for a minute. "When will you be back?" she demands when I finish. "This afternoon," I promise. "Should I tie myself up?" she asks, brightly. "No!" The tone of my voice surprises us both. I soften. "At least not so you can't get out." "But I want you to rescue me. I smile. "I know. I like that too... but I don't want you to do it anymore. It's too dangerous. You don't know what could happen. How did you even know I'd show up last night?" She looks into my eyes, her expression one of absolute trust. I feel as though she can see my soul. "I knew." Her voice is soft, but certain. "I knew you'd come for me. I look at her face, and realize I can't argue. Somehow, I know she's right. "Just don't do it," I say, gently. "Promise me. She pouts again. "Will you tie me up, then?" "Maybe," I tease. "If you're bad. "What if I'm good?" I smile a sly smile. "Then maybe," I lick her protruding lower lip, "I'll let you tie me up. A big, mischievous grin slowly works its way across her face. "I think I'll be good," she says. ~ Stories and Fantasies play an important role in the bondager's world, especially in areas where fictional characters can do things that real people cannot. Our stories often contain elements that are unrealistic because one healthy function of fantasy is to imagine and enjoy stories that we know full well we can't act out. (A classic example is that married people often fantasize about sexual activities with friends; they recognize its value as fantasy, and would find acting it out very imp ractical.f We know our readers are aware of these lines between reality and fantasy. Though it is a popular fantasy, a person in restraint should not be left alone for ANY length of time. Also, bondage time-limits are regulated by the person in bondage, according to what amount of time she/he feels is comfortable and safe. These, and other logical safety considerations, should not be confused by or with our imaginary scenarios of fiction.