Brandon lowered to the ground, and when James told him to relax, he sat back on his heels. James stood between Brandon and Elise as he addressed the mounting issues.
“I stopped play because you were getting too close to some of his existing injuries. That is why play stopped. Since the session was over, there was no need to continue with the degradation talk.”
“I didn’t hear the pussy boy complaining, nor did I hear him say his safe word,” Elise sneered.
Elise didn’t seem to get it. It was as if the anger and degrading comments and names weren’t part of the play session at all. She truly felt this angry and cruel. I could help her, though.
“Brandon does not know his own limits yet. That is why I am here…to prevent harm. That is twice now that you have ignored the fact that the session has ended. There is no need to continue with name calling.”
“Well,” Elise cocked her head to the side. “Shouldn’t I offer to give him some care?” Elise asked.
“At this point, I am asking you to leave the room. I will provide the necessary care,” James said firmly.
Elise was shaking her head as she turned and walked toward the hallway. I quickly lowered my head as she stormed out. The heels of her boots angrily clicked the entire way down the hall.
James crouched down, facing Brandon. He placed his hand on Brandon’s shoulder and spoke quietly to him. Brandon seemed to have a scowl on his face, and I couldn’t tell if he was angry that the session had been interrupted or if he had been bothered by it. I was leaning on the feeling that he was angry that the session has been interrupted. He’s a masochist and enjoys that sort of thing.
For hours I hung around the club in the main lobby and talked with Joshua, and then Ali joined us. I was enjoying catching up on things with them, but I was watching and waiting for James to appear. I knew that I could help Elise. I just needed him to introduce us in this setting.
Finally, James appeared with Brandon, and they made their way toward us. Brandon looked calmer and was dressed now. I sat up straight, eager to catch James’ attention at the first appropriate opportunity. James tapped Joshua on the shoulder, silently getting him to scoot over on the couch, making a spot for Brandon between him and Ali.
“Have a seat, Brandon. I’ll get you something to drink,” James said and headed to the bar, leaving the four of us alone.
“What’s up, Brandon?” I asked and smiled at him.
Joshua propped his arm on the cushion behind Brandon. I knew Josh was taking on a big brother type of role with Brandon, and he’d be good at it. Brandon looked at me and smiled sheepishly. The four of us said little while we waited for James to return. James came back and stood in front of Brandon with a bottle of water and a bottle of juice. He twisted both of the caps off, breaking their safety seals, and then screwed the caps back on loosely before handing them to Brandon.
“Drink slowly, Brandon,” James reminded him.
Before James sat down, I caught his attention.
“James, do you think I could talk to you before you leave?” I asked.
“Of course.” James gestured towards the bar.
I took his location suggestion and sat down at the bar. I kept my back to Josh, Brandon, and Ali because I knew that James would want the seat that would give him a view of Brandon.
“What’s on your mind, Andrew?”
“The Top from tonight,” I started.
James’ eyes made a very slight twitch, making me uneasy about the hill I was about to climb with him.
“I saw her session with Josh a few weeks ago, and then tonight with Brandon.”
“It is unfortunate that you witnessed the one tonight, Andrew. I can confidently say that you know enough about healthy and safe play to know that what you saw tonight wasn’t appropriate behavior.”
“I know,” I agreed, “But she is new. Everyone is new at one time or another.”
“Yes, I agree with you, Andrew. But when a safe word is spoken, all play ceases. That is the first thing someone new learns. She may be new as a Top, but not to the lifestyle. That is why I am so troubled by this evening’s events.”
“Anything can happen, though. Like accidents. I don’t think she meant to get close to the area you told her not to—”
“Andrew, it wasn’t just that,” James insisted. “First of all, a Top’s responsibility is to make sure they play safely. The Top better make damn sure they don’t risk going near an injury. That caution was thrown into the wind. She balked when the session ended and then argued about it while continuing to call the bottom names. That isn’t healthy, Andrew…That is dangerous. I made a judgment error with her. Had I not been there, she would have harmed Brandon because he doesn’t know when he’s had enough.”
I knew James was right. I was quickly losing my ground with him, and I knew my time was limited because he kept glancing over my shoulder in the direction of Brandon. All I could do was blurt out my request.
“Would you introduce me to her so I could negotiate a session with her?”
