The class load was simple since it was the first day, filled with reviewing the syllabuses and the expectations for the rest of the semester. Jimmy was positively buzzing with excitement, taking meticulous notes for every class and organizing each subject in its own small binder.
He was actually a little disappointed when it was time to go home for the day, but he was still all smiles when Jerry came to pick him up.
Jerry had driven the sleek sedan, fortunately, and not the limo.
Not that Jimmy was ashamed of his relationship with Cold, but he thought it would be better if he was a bit discreet. The last thing he wanted was any of his teachers passing him through their classes because they were afraid of getting whacked.
Jimmy went racing into the house the moment Jerry parked the car, calling out, “Rod! I’m home!”
“In here!” Cold’s voice called out.
Jimmy followed the sound of his voice into the living room, gasping in surprise when Cold was waiting for him with a bottle of champagne. “What’s all this?”
“We’re celebrating,” Cold replied.
“We are?” Jimmy laughed as Cold popped the cork and champagne began to bubble out. He quickly grabbed a glass to help catch it. “What are we celebrating?”
“Your triumphant return to college, of course,” Cold replied, filling Jimmy’s glass and one of his own. He licked his hand where some of the champagne had dribbled. “I’d thought it would be obvious.”
“It’s just the first day!” Jimmy blushed, grinning as they raised their glasses together in a toast. “Thank you, Rod. Really. This is ridiculous and very sweet.”
“It’s just champagne,” Cold said indignantly, reaching out to cup the back of Jimmy’s neck and bring him into a deep kiss. “Mmm... and perhaps I got you a few little things to commemorate the occasion.”
“Oh?”
“One is something I found on one of your wish lists,” Cold replied with a wink. “I believe it may be very beneficial to yourextracurriculareducation.”
“Ohhh,” Jimmy said, the pink in his cheeks turning into a deep red. He slurped down the champagne to help cool himself off, asking curiously, “And, uh, what else exactly did you get me?”
“Here,” Cold said, offering him a small package. It was flat and rectangular, wrapped in simple brown paper.
Jimmy set his champagne aside to accept the present, tearing the paper open to find a handsome leather-bound book. He flipped through the pages, laughing. “A planner? You got me a planner?”
“Staying organized is very important,” Cold said stubbornly. “Especially for a new student, I think it’s vital that you keep track of your exams and due dates.”
“Thank you,” Jimmy said, leaning up to kiss Cold’s cheek. “It’s very thoughtful.”
“Hmmph.” Cold looked over Jimmy’s face. “Waiting to see what your other present is, aren’t you?”
“Yes,” Jimmy confessed, grinning. “Not that I don’t appreciate the very nice planner—”
“Oh, it’s fine,” Cold said briskly. “Makes your other gift quite appropriate, in fact.”
“Huh?” Jimmy blinked. “Appropriate how?”
“Because it’s something to help punish you when you’ve been bad,” Cold replied as he offered another wrapped gift.
This package was long and thin, and Jimmy knew exactly what it was. Gulping anxiously, he tore at the paper and revealed a slim riding crop. “Shit.”
“Now,” Cold began with a sly smile, “I know you just got home from school, but I think it’s time for a lesson. Specifically, in manners.”
His face flushing, Jimmy began to nod urgently. “Of course. Yes. I was rude.”
“Yes, you were,” Cold confirmed. “Now, are you ready to begin your new lesson, Mr. Poe?”
“Yes, sir,” Jimmy confirmed, his muscles starting to relax. “I’m ready.”
“Safe word?”
