We woke early and showered together. We stripped her bed and made it fresh, then promptly messed it up with a gentle session of lovemaking, then we made breakfast together, chatting as we went.
"You know, Em, I had all sorts of ideas as to how to tie you up, use nipple clamps, the flails and so much more" I teased.
"I even thought of piercing your nipples."
"Mmmm, that sounds wonderful Petey" she laughed, "so when does this happen?"
"Well, I've got some bad news I'm afraid." I told her about Mum and Dad moving and that I would have to find a place to live in town, and that I probably would not be able to make it out to The Manor very often.
"Well, I did hear something about that Peter, and I have a possible solution, if you are interested. But maybe you want to concentrate on girls your own age?"
"No, of course not. How could you say such a thing? I hope you aren't serious suggesting that" I replied, indignant. "What did you mean by a possible solution?"
"A couple of years ago Humphrey bought a bed-sitter a few minutes up the hill from the Uni in case there were problems with Sophie getting in to Oxford. I use it occasionally when I am in town late in the evening but it is essentially unused. You are welcome to use it for your last year Petey, if you don't mind occasional company. It does have a queen-sized bed" she smiled and looked at me quizzically.
"If I read this correctly I may become a kept man?" I joked.
"Well, not entirely. You may have to do some entertaining ... and I would love you to come out to The Manor when you have time. I could pick you up on a Saturday or Sunday, when you are not playing rugby. But we can leave it fluid. Why don't we go and look at the place?"
In fact my rugby games were few and far between these days. Fred, the third team captain often called or emailed to see if I was interested in a game but research and 'entertaining' took up almost all my time. Plus I had renewed my interest in squash. I started having lessons when I began at Uni years ago. Alastair, by boss, liked to play and a game of squash took 45 minutes, not 3-4h, and a good break at mid-day.
So Em and I tidied up and left for town, chatting about all the possibilities. Em was emphatic about the 'no strings' aspect and no interference.
The flat was bigger than I expected, definitely not a bedsitter. I managed to get most
of my clothes and books installed fairly quickly and the term settled in well. I told Mum I was sharing: she said 'that's nice dear' and didn't even ask who with.
The flat was easy walking distance to the lecture halls and the labs so I could even come back for lunch if I wanted. For the first month or so I went to The Manor at odd weekends, once on a Friday when there was no Saturday rugby and two weeks later late Saturday after the game and a few drinks. Life with Em was quite vanilla: we had moved from the d/s start and were more like a 'couple'.
Then one Tuesday I got back to the flat at about 5 to find Em there. We kissed and I took off my jacket, ready to get comfortable and make some supper.
"Peter" she said, "I've made some dinner already: its in the fridge. But I want to talk to you."
"How about we eat first?" I knew Em was almost as good a cook as my mother.
"Can't talk on an empty stomach!"
We ate and chatted about our day. She about her meetings and I about my manuscripts and writing. We tidied up and sat on the sofa.
"Petey, I know we only have another 6-8 months together before you go to London. I want to go back to the dom/sub scene if you are willing. It was so exciting for me: I never felt more alive than then. Believe me I really enjoy the vanilla sex with you, but I think I prefer the discipline I had with you at first. Will you go along with me?"