The Slave Auction Meme (Continuation from Bakerstreet and Other Starters)

[chaneystarr]

SLAVES

1. The Newbie - This is your very first auction and you don't quite know what to expect. Hopefully you remember your training and don't disgrace yourself in front of your new master. Hopefully someone thinks you're worth buying at all.

2. The Oldtimer - You've been bought and sold and bought again so many times. You've seen it all before and don't think this time is going to be much different. In fact, the only real anxiety you've got is whether or not someone's going to pay for a more than slightly used slave.

3. The Pet - You're a pleasure slave. A bed warmer. A decorative piece of artwork. You're meant to look pretty and be pleasing and not much else.

4. The Guard - Your master hired you because of your ability to swing a sword or shoot a gun, not your looks.

5. The Escape Artist - Somehow you always manage to squirm out of your master's chains. Too bad you seem to get caught after a while. Maybe your next daring escape will be permanent. Then again, maybe your next master has special ways of keeping you locked up.

6. The Undercover - You aren't a slave at all, you're just pretending to be one. Why? Well that's up to you. Either way, your cover is blown if you don't act the part.

7. The Specialist - You have a skill that no one else has. Something rare and valuable. Something your master needs more than anything else.

MASTERS

1. The Customer - You've owned slaves before and this trip to the market is nothing new to you. Still, you're hoping to find something worth your while.

2. The Gift - Someone bought a pet for you, isn't that nice of them? Or maybe it isn't so nice. Did you even want a slave in the first place? Well you're stuck with one now.

3. The Giver - You're selecting a slave for someone else, and they need to be perfect. Perhaps you'd better test them out first to make sure you're getting your money's worth.

4. The Trainer - You specialize in taming unruly slaves and making them over into perfect, obedient, well-trained pets.

5. The Rebel - You hate the idea of slavery, but the system isn't going to go away any time soon, so the next best thing is to buy up any slave you can get your hands on and free them, right?

6. The Companion - You want someone to be with you always, someone you can talk to and depend on, someone who will never leave your side. It's a good thing that money can buy that these days.

7. The Undercover - You're not actually a Master. You're at the auction for an entirely different reason. Maybe it's special policework, maybe you're trying to hunt down a certain someone. Either way, your cover is blown unless you act the part.

( Meme ganked from Bakerstreet and copied here for more explicit content. Enter/Read at your own discretion. )

Comments

[gentleturk]

[It's impressive. Rude feels genuinely bad for the terrified redhead and can only hope it won't leave lasting damage. He hates those slave collars; some traders apparently think they can get away with anything. That piece of crap will have to go as soon as he's back with his new pet; implanted chips are much better and safer.]

How much? [his tone doesn't change. His fingers still soothingly caress redhead's parted lips.

Now, giving his new pet a certain trader wrapped in a bow sounds like a perfect housewarming gift.]

[electrod]

[ The trader names the price— and it's nowhere near the grand discount he talked about. He's actually adding plenty to the original price. Reno's lips tremble under the gloved finger as he tries not to smirk.

Oh, he could call out the seller on his bluff, but he also likes breathing and given the question this man asks... He'd rather deal with the auctions for another day.

Fucker, so that's how he wants to discipline him? ]

[gentleturk]

[Rude raises a brow at the price. What does this guy takes him for, a newbie?]

That's price for a virgin with regular contract. [given that he can feel redhead gain back movement he shifts his hand to take hold of his chin to raise his face. Dyed hair and tattoos give this slave a distinct appearance, his eyes are surprisingly pale. Face a bit too angular to call it beautiful, but there's something that draws him.]

You want it under the table? How about one third of it, paid now.

[It's a decent price for used pet with a foul mouth. Not too high to not make him appear to eager to get his hands on the redhead.]

[electrod]

[ Uh-huh. Did not expect the baldy to come so hard. Reno tries to keep his gameface this time, the sneer splits his face in too, almost as if he was hoping to make himself off-putting.

The trader seems to consider the offer seriously, and that freezes Reno smile a bit. ]

You pay half, you get him. That's my last offer

[ Well, fuck. ]

[gentleturk]

[Rude assesses the man calmly, making sure he'll be able to describe him - or recognize - in miniscule detail. Once he's sure that he will be able to, he nods.]

Fine. [he tugs the redhead up with surprising ease by the ring attached to his collar. Forcing him to follow is as easy, although Rude makes sure to not use too much strength. Redhead must be still feeling his earlier punishment. With such endurance his new pet may be ready to bolt, though, thus the precaution.]

I expect your word to be good.

[electrod]

[ Aaaand he's right. The endurance wasn't just pure talk. When the deal is settled, and Rude's attention wavers barely, just for a second— Reno slips away, surprisingly quick on his feet, despite earlier wobbliness.

If he gets away from here— back to the main area, he could rat out the bastard. Won't change much of his fate, he's still going to get sold somewhere. Maybe suffer a bit of training along the way. But he'd rather get that, than be sold in a shady deal.

He's not fast enough— turns out the collar remote has much further range than expected. Another shock knocks him down off his feet, completely. ]

[gentleturk]

[Rude isn't too far behind. Redhead is surprisingly fast, darting around the obstacles as he tries— those lean legs aren't just for show. He can see the moment collar activates and his pet freezes for a second, then goes down— but Rude catches him before he falls. If he wasted time on waiting for the seller to hand him the remote redhead would manage to get away.

His pet feels way too light in his arms as he safely carries him back, and grabs the remote handed to him by cackling seller.]

Told ya he's fast. Have fun!

[Those soft, pained gasps coming from his pet's mouth and the way he trembles make him want to strike him. No need to bother, though; soon the seller will find himself in much less pleasant situation. Rude nods and leaves.

No one pays him any attention as he walks carrying the slender redhead; it's nothing out of the ordinary. Someone else would be less gentle, though, or even throw his prize over his shoulder; Rude thinks that his pet deserves better.

Surprisingly enough he doesn't leave by the main area, knowing the way out through one of the side entrances as the back of his hand. There's a black car parked in the side alley. A shrill whistle sounds as he approaches it, and there's scurry of small feet. Gang of slum rats, kids no older than twelve, peeks at him from various hiding places. Rude isn't sure how many are there, if those are the same kids than the last time; they keep drunkards and strays away from his car so he pays them. Life in the slum ain't easy; giving the kids enough of small change to last them for some time is his personal charity.

Redhead must be slowly coming out of the daze by now. Rude is surprisingly gentle as he lays him on the passenger seat, making sure he's secure before he slams the door. It locks immediately, so his pet won't be able to escape. Better safe than sorry. First thing he does after taking the driver seat, though, is dumping the forsaken remote into the glove compartment with a frown of disgust.]

[electrod]

[ This time, Reno properly blacked out. Call it endurance or whatever, but getting hit with the shock two times in a row makes it pretty useless. The awareness of the surroundings returns slowly, and not smoothly. The cold outside air, the warmth of the man carrying him. But then there's a sudden shift, preceded by annoying noise, and when he's placed into the car it feels like the whole world is spinning crazily.

After the car starts, he wakes up briefly— falls into darkness again, only to regain awareness after an unspecified amount of time. Still in the car, still en route somewhere.

He looks around, noting the driver, the closed door, the speed at which lights pass them by. There is nothing on the backseat that he could use, not even a blanket. It comes to him too late, that he should have feigned unconsciousness for the entire time.

Too late for that, so might as well own being awake. He can always pretend fainting later. Hopefully, only pretend ]

Where are we going?

[gentleturk]

[It occurs to Rude a bit too late that he should give his pet at least his suit jacket. While he keeps his attention on the road, from the corner of his eye he steals glances at the redhead. Perhaps he'd be more comfortable on the backseat, but Rude doesn't want to take any chances. So he can see when the softness of sleep turns into wariness.]

To ShinRa.

[It's a standard procedure to register any change of pet's ownership or changes in contract. Those that don't have a chip implanted get one and have medical records updated. Of course trying to prove ownership gained through shady deal is impossible; the company has their own way of dealing with black market. One that Rude is a part of.]

[electrod]

[ That's unexpected— but as he starts to note more details, Reno notices how nice the car is. Straight out of the movie, or shop. ]

Corporate, huh? [ That's saying it lightly, they made and own the city. ] Aren't you getting in trouble for illegal purchase?

[ Truth to be told, he's still terrified, nearly shitting his pants. But legitimate business being somewhat involved... doesn't make it less dangerous, but the scenario of "psycho serial killer" seems to subside. And Reno tries to put a show. Show of confidence, and fearlessness, even if he taps his heel against the floor nervously ]

[gentleturk]

[Such attittude is rarely encouraged in pets and most likely got the redhead in trouble, but is the source of Rude's fascination. To make it so far and still have spunk is admirable. Even now he can tell that some of his bravado is false, but his pet still tries.]

I may need to use my get out of jail card. [he deadpans.] Looks like you're worth the trouble.

[electrod]

[ When you got nothing to lose, no control, and yet still manage to enjoy the thrill of danger... yeah, he's been on and off the system for years. Learned just enough when to keep his mouth shut to not end in the dumpster, yet.

This time was close. ]

You're an asshole. [ Aaand, getting closer again ] You could have bought me through normal means. What's your deal?

[gentleturk]

[Well, redhead got attitude in spades. Rude doubts he'd get the sexy pet through normal means. He focuses on the road, slowing down the car to turn into ShinRa's garage driveway. The barrier opens as he drives closer, letting the car through without stopping it. Rude drives through the common parking lot and higher to the private one; guard recognizes the car and opens the barrier to let it through without a second glance. It's obvious that whoever Rude is, he's enjoying various priviledges.

After parking the car he turns to face his redhead without indication to leave the car yet. His expression is hard to read, but there's no displeasure in his voice. Now he can focus properly on the distraction that is his new pet; it's been hard enough to keep his eyes on the road instead of redhead's long legs, lean body or animated face. Curses, he's got it bad, It's been a long time since Rude felt so attracted to anyone. Not since— since a very long time.]

You'll learn in time. Now's my turn - what's the deal between you and the trader? How many times were you sold in the last half year?

[electrod]

[ That question is a sure way to prop up his defenses. Reno blinks, the only sign of his surprise before his expression gains an edge. ]

There's no deal. He just wanted to get money, like every one of them. [ But he gets where that question is coming from. It's suspect to sell a slave so cheap, unless they're damaged, sick, or— there's something shady going on. ] Believe it or not, but we're not in it to rob ya.

[ Not because it's outside of possibility, but simply because— ]

I would never work with that hog.

[gentleturk]

[Rude raises a brow, his voice still quiet but there's calm strength underneath.]

'How many times' suggests a slightly different story. [a pause.] For example being returned to the seller— again.

[electrod]

Several. I didn't keep count. [ No way he's gonna admit the exact number when his new owner just forfeited way to check all his records. Under table deal, no proper contract.

But he has to play it smart, don't let his foul mouth ruin the patience of his new master. At least not just yet. For how shaken he is by the whole ordeal, there is a calculating part of his brain that just keeps going.... ] Having second thoughts?

[gentleturk]

[It's too bad that his pet has no idea that Rude can easily check his records. Besides his seller won't enjoy his freedom much longer, not when Turks will be after him the moment Rude says a word.]

Not really. [he answers as he gets out of the car. Door locks immediately the moment it closes. Rude circles the car to open and hold the door for his pet, even going as far as to offer a hand.] Simply wondering why would anyone return someone like you.

[electrod]

[ And here Reno was preparing himself for a verbal battle, to give answers that would be just enough while keeping careful of what he actually spews— but here his master decides to be

—a charmer. Well, shit. It takes him by surprise, but he takes the offered hand without delay, as he leaves the car ]

People change minds. And toys.

[gentleturk]

[Not many would do so for a pet, but Rude, as most if not all of the Turks, is aware how tough life in the slum is. As well as aware how one feels after getting shocked a few times.

Redhead's words prove him sharper than expected. While his looks (and lack of gag reflex) could account for his survival, much more is needed to not end in a dumpster while having a rebelious streak this wide. There's still fire in pale greenish eyes.]

Foolish.

[Inside the ShinRa headquarters the air is slightly chilled. Without another word Rude takes his suit jacket off to cover his pet's bare shoulders.]

[electrod]

[ Air conditioning everywhere. Every hall, probably every room. Bet it's in the elevator. Whole another world, pets for people here could cost as much as a new car. After years of rigorous training, education, and who knows—

hell, the jacket on his arms could be more expensive than he usually is, curious thought. He adjusts it on his shoulders, to protect himself from the chill. ]

How should I call you? [ People are never nice without a good reason to. It's a currency like everything. The gesture was nice, pleasant even. But it could as well be calculated ]

[gentleturk]

I'm called Rude. [it's no calcualtion on his part. If they're to live together then he's responsible for his redhead's wellbeing, that's all.

He leads his pet to the elevator. Accessing the restricted areas like the one he's about to requires an ID that he swipes through cleverly hidden reader. Sleigh of hand can explain how the ID vanishes in a second. Apparently not all suits here are paper pushers.] What's your name?

[electrod]

[ Reno can't tell whether it's an... actual name, a nickname, or is the man just fucking with him for shit and giggles. ]

And I'm called a nice-piece-of-ass or a number. [ Testing, testing... Mixing the casual rebellion with practiced obedience. ] So it's whatever you want to call me. I'll be good and respond accordingly.

[ So the elevator won't even respond without the ID. And Rude keeps ID on him. What's worse, the number chosen on the keyboard— shit, that's pretty high. Wonder if the elevator needs a card to go down. He's fidgeting on his heel, clutching the jacket as the cold air continues. But that fidgeting can be used to subtly look around, to gather more information.

Helps with the performance that the nerves are absolutely real. ]

[gentleturk]

[Rude frowns and glances at the redhead.]

I'd rather know the name you prefer rather than what some idiot thinks suits you.

[electrod]

Now, don't go around calling yourself an idiot, sir. [ Comes a cocky answer, with a crooked grin. But that's followed with a shrug, and the expression drops.

What follows lacks the sardonic tone. Or anything, really ]
I don't care. It can be whatever you think fits.

[gentleturk]

[Rude opens his mouth to say something, but he doesn't. After a moment or two he says in slightly gentler tone.]

Name is a part of yourself. I can't take much liberties without your opinion.