Uncaring

"Before we go any further though, I have to ask a couple more questions." said Alex. 

She walked up to Larry, stretching her hand toward him. She wanted to help him stand up as well as initiating physical contact with him.

Sadly, Larry did not accept the helping hand. He raised to his feet on his own.

It was rare for any man to actively avoid Alex's touch. Her general appearance was elegant and she always cared for her image. Inside her dungeon she was practically a sex symbol. Hourglass shape, long thighs, ample bosom and overall toned muscles.

She had everything, even in her approaching fourth X. Partly because it was part of her job, and she took immense pride in her charms.

For a stray mutt like Larry to ignore her approach, it was unheard of. 

On top of Alex's struggle to swallow her pride, all men present took Larry's actions as personal offence. They surrounded him from all sides, forming a closed circle together with the woman.

Realistically, he had the best chances against Alex in front, or the smaller Mikey on his left if he wanted to force himself out of that spot. Seth on the right side was taller than him and clearly knew how to use his muscles besides lifting weights in a gym.

Behind Larry, stood Zack. The first seemed like an overgrown teenager compared to the two metres tall meat mountain latter. 

In spite of the palpable bloodlust in the air, Larry stood his ground. His feet shoulder width apart, hands leisurely in his pockets, his face relaxed like a freshly woken monk after hours of meditation. Upon closer inspection, he seemed to be bored.

Alex fell from one shock after another.

Larry had to know the activities she dealt in. Langham must have told him at least the outlines of her business. His behaviour in the diner and on the street even suggested some basic training in submissive roles.

Yet, there he stood as calm as a lake. He did not care if things escalated to a fistfight or not. Didn't seem to be, at least.

< I've seen masochists so far gone, they beat themselves if nobody else did. I also know some subs who avoid pain like fire. But I've never seen anyone not caring if there is pain or not. > This thought finally raised the first red flag in her mind.

"Are you suicidal?" She asked almost with a whisper, her previous anger completely gone.

"Not especially" shrugged his shoulder Larry "Rather, I couldn't care less."

While Alex was searching for a way to handle the situation as little harm as possible, Mike's face noticeably paled and turned rigid. He took a few steps back, and breathed deeply - with no delight in his mind this time.

Since he acted on his own volition so far, he slowly walked back to his bean bag chair and sat down, his knees pulled tightly to his chest.

Seth noticed the drastic change in his mood, and abandoned the still standing trio in an instant. He hurried to Mikey's side, crouched down behind him with his legs spread wide, and hugged the younger man firmly with all four limbs.

"Turn toward me. Let me warm you up. You are not alone anymore. You are loved and cared for. I'm here with you, Mikey. Feel me. Close, warm, alive. We are both well and safe. Listen to my voice and just breathe. Don't do anything else. Just concentrate on my touch, my voice and your breathing. Nothing else matters."

Seth continued to talk in a deep, sluggish, hypnotic voice, with simple, short sentences. He held Mikey as close as possible, and rhythmically stroked his back, the outer side of his thighs, his upper arms - as if he was trying to massage the other back to life.

Hostility evaporated from Zack's body too. Although Larry's words did not move him quite as much as the others, beating someone who was dead inside wasn't worth the effort. His interest in the man in front of him waned, but he kept his position. He was waiting for instructions.

Finally, Alex snapped out of her shock too.

< You have more than a lawsuit coming your way, Langham. I'll make sure you lose your fucking licence. > 

"Zackary, get us fresh juice and ask Seth if Mikey needs meds. I'll handle this."

She then attempted to place a hand on Larry's shoulder. She moved slowly, but with confidence, accompanied with a rueful smile.

This time, Larry didn't evade her.

"I'm not saying this often, especially down here, but I want to apologise." She said, guiding the man to the pillows. 

"What for?" asked the confused Larry.

"I knew from the start that you're green, yet I rushed into things. Well, this is considered as kind of a hazing, or an initiation. It's quite popular, especially for male submissives. However, in your case, a simple safe word is not enough insurance." explained Alex while they sat down.

"Why would I need insurance?" He inquired further.

"Your question in itself proves my point. I could tell you in many words, but you probably won't understand what they truly mean. Not now, at least." She said honestly.

"Try me. I'm not dumb." Encouraged Larry.

"It's not a matter of intelligence as much as self-esteem. Our hobby is simply not healthy for people who don't value their general well-being, not to mention their life. Your therapist should be aware of this."

Meanwhile, Zack confirmed with Seth that he doesn't need help with Mikey's treatment. Finished the drinks too. He liked the smart little machine that didn't make more noise than a desk ventilator.

Zack liked silence and stability. After today's emotional rollercoaster, he'll probably book the sensory deprivation pod to smooth out his nerves.

When he handed the refreshments to the chatty duo, Rob got back from his private mission. 

"That's a strange turn of events, eh? How come Mikey is the one pissing himself and not the new guy?" He asked Zack like a mental breakdown was an everyday occurrence.

"I don't understand half of it. The other half, I don't care." Shrugged his shoulders Zack. "Something is fucked up with the new guys head, and that fucked up Mikey a little more than usual. Now Seth and the Lady are babysitting the lunatics." He explained regardless of his annoyance.

"Want me to babysit you, big boy? Need a hug from good ol' Rob?" He spread his arms welcomingly.

Zack took a minute to think. 

"Not a hug, but I could use your strong hands on my scalp. You give one hell of a massage."

Just like that, they opened their own wellness centre at one of the benches.

It took some time for everyone to regain their composure and more-or-less sociable mood.

The group of six got broken up to three pairs, but they all did unconsciously the same - they supported and cared for each other. When Mikey finally thawed out of the foetus pose, Alex took back control over the playground.

"There won't be a group scene today. Mikey needs rest, Zack de-stressing, and I need to bury a quack. I'll walk Larry to the door. Seth, stay here, you'll be my bunny."