Only Consenting Adults

[Author's note: Madame Syn, nursed back to health by her lover Cassie, has been persuaded to allow the Lost and Found kink club to go out with a bang. Syn has poured her life into it, and the new laws will close its doors for good. It nearly cost her everything, but her friends are determined to show her how much she means to them all. Everyone has come.

This story is part of the

Midnight at the Lost & Found Author Challenge

. Please take a moment to read the other author contributions - thank you to all the participants. Look closely, you may spot some of the characters in the club...!]

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THE MAD HATTER'S TEA PARTY

Cassie thought she had it all planned out, until it began to spiral out of her control. What had started as a small idea, that Syn might benefit from a welcome home party on her release from hospital, has quickly taken on a momentum of its own. Quinn had taken the reins, turning a quiet gathering into something else entirely, until Cassie had found herself awash with RSVPs from all manner of friends and friends of friends, as people came out of the woodwork to attend.

When she had voiced her concerns to Quinn about it, suggested curtailing the party, he had shrugged. It's out of our hands, he'd told her, people want to show their respect for what she's accomplished, plus it's shaping up to be the last hurrah for the Lost and Found. That last point had sealed it. If they were going to lose the Lost and Found, then what better way to go out?

The night of the party, Aidan drove them into the city in Cassie's car, with Syn in the passenger seat and Cassie sitting behind them. Suit carriers were hung up against the back window. Cassie reached forwards and grasped the older woman's shoulder.

"How're you feeling, Syn?"

"I'm fine. Please, you can stop asking."

"Okay."

They drove on in silence, Aidan keeping his eyes on the road.

"If it all gets too much, I'll tell you," Syn announced, out of nowhere.

"I didn't ask," Cassie said.

"You didn't need to," Syn replied, "I can feel you thinking it."

"Sorry."

"And now you're apologising. I hate it when you do that."

Syn reached up and patted Cassie's hand. "Tonight will be good. I'm looking forward to it."

Cassie didn't reply, leaning back in her seat, watching the world go by in the dark.

"I need to get back on the horse. That's your considered medical opinion, isn't it? The longer I leave it, the worse it's going to get."

Cassie had the feeling that Syn was goading her, firing off pop-psychology tropes from the front seat. She felt her hackles rising, but then she smiled to herself. This was Syn, emerging at last from the shell of the woman Cassie had brought home, adept at pinpointing weaknesses and crawling under her victim's skin. The acerbic dialogue was a welcome sign. Cassie knew how to respond.

"Actually, there are a few people who want to see how you are, and Quinn especially has worked flat out to prepare a welcome back party in your honour," Cassie grumbled, "But you're probably too preoccupied to appreciate that."

Cassie saw Syn's body shudder, and she realised that the other woman was laughing quietly.

"Well put."

Cassie leaned forward again, this time snaking an arm around the other woman. Very delicately, she encircled Syn's neck with her fingers.

"You're going to have a good time tonight," Cassie murmured in her ear.

"Is that an order?"

Cassie felt Syn strain momentarily against her fingers. Cassie didn't relent.

"I have the collar. I will use it."

"You may have to."

Syn's body relaxed into her touch.

"Good girl," Cassie whispered.

The rest of the trip passed in silence. Aidan parked the car in the street opposite the club, then scurried around the other side to open Syn's door.

"I can manage," Syn said, looking up at him.

"Syn," Cassie snapped.

Syn sighed. "Thank you, but I'm able to manage. The ribs are fine, now."

She climbed out of the car stiffly as Aidan went to help Cassie with the suit carriers. They all stood in silence for a moment, looking across the street at the familiar sandstone doors and the neon sign.

"Not tonight," Cassie said, nodding towards the alleyway, "It's a private event. We're using the back entrance."

They crossed the street and ducked into the alley. Set into the featureless brick wall there was an alcove, spilling a little square of light out onto the ground. Framing the alcove was an ornate picture frame, with strips of silver hanging down. Light glittered through from within. Syn came to a halt, appraising it.

"This is new," she remarked.

"Just for tonight," Cassie replied.

"What is it? Are we meant to be going somewhere?"

Cassie took her by the hand and parted the shimmering strips.

"Through the looking glass," she replied, "Come and see."

They stepped into the back entrance of the Lost and Found.

Tony was there, dressed head to toe in a black suit, filling it with his massive frame, the tattoos on his face creased as he beamed at Syn. Incongruously, he sported a matching pair of black rabbit ears on his head. Around his wrist was a blue wristband.

"Nice to see you back," Tony rumbled, enveloping her hand with his massive fingers, "Sorry about the office door."

Syn blinked in confusion, looking up at the burly Pacific Islander.

"You're dressed up," she remarked.

"Yes, it was the missus' idea, so I could look the part."

"What are you?"

"Me? I'm the Black Rabbit," he cackled to himself.

Syn turned to Cassie, frowning, but Cassie headed her off quickly.

"Tony, everything good?"

"Yeah, no worries. Quinn's been riding them pretty hard. Cam's making some last fixes now. We're all good."

Cassie could see that Syn was about to launch into questions, but she cupped her elbow, moving her towards the stairs.

"Where's Indi?" Aidan asked.

"She came with me," Tony replied, "She's helping Estelle at the bar."

"I'll check."

Aidan turned, opening the door into the main floor of the club, letting a little music spill through into the stairwell as he stepped through and disappeared. Syn looked from Tony to Cassie, eyebrow cocked.

Cassie just smiled in return and murmured, "Curiouser and curiouser," as she directed Syn up the stairs.

They emerged onto the landing, greeted by the same, familiar corridor with the four doors leading off it. The first door, to Syn's office, was new. Syn hesitated.

"He really made a mess of it, didn't he?" she mused.

"Yeah, he nearly broke the frame."

"Such a waste."

"Nearly."

Syn turned to look at her, her face unreadable.

"It needed a new lock," Cassie said, "I've got a spare key. I'm going to hold onto it."

Suddenly, Syn drew in a long, shuddering breath, her composure cracking from just a moment.

"I suppose we should get on with it."

Cassie unlocked the door and opened it for Syn to step through. She deposited the suit carriers on the desk and turned to watch Syn's reaction to finally being back in the room where she'd attempted to end it all.

"It looks just the same," Syn murmured, "Even the couch."

"I didn't change anything, except getting the splinters out of the carpet."

"Such a waste," Syn repeated, "Such a silly thing to put you through."

Cassie came up behind Syn and wrapped her arms around her.

"You're forbidden from doing that again."

Syn settled back against the younger woman.

"Because I love you," Cassie continued.

"Not because replacing doors is expensive?"

Syn gave her a nudge with her hip, disengaging. She turned to face Cassie, stroking her face.

"Harvey told me he likes you," Syn said, "He could see how you make me feel. He could see that I love you too."

The moment lengthened, and then Cassie pulled away.

"Enough, already. We need to get dressed."

Syn smiled. "So, it's fancy dress?"

"Blame Quinn."

"Oh, Cassidy, I will. I'm going to be merciless."

Cassie scooped up the suit carriers and directed Syn through another door into the boudoir. Syn instantly crossed over to the red dress hanging on the rack.

"You saved it," Syn whispered.

"I stripped you for Ashley to get to work on you. The dress was the last thing on my mind, believe me."

Syn reached out and touched the silk, lost in thought, as Cassie began to undress. Her hand dropped to her side, and Cassie stopped.

"What's wrong?"

Syn didn't answer or move. Wearing nothing but her underwear, Cassie approached her but before she could get closer, Syn held up a warding hand, facing away, staring at the beautiful gown.

"Just a moment, please. I just need a moment."

"Of course. We have all the time in the world."

Syn's shoulders quivered and she emitted a sharp laugh.

"No, we don't. You have a sea of faces downstairs, don't you? All waiting."

"I...."

"Just tell me the truth. You know I hate surprises at the best of times."

"People have been concerned, yes. You would be amazed."

Syn shook her head, still facing the dress.

"All for me? Really? I'm not sure I mean that much."

Cassie knew what Syn was doing. She knew what to say next.

"You have two choices, Syn. You can wallow here in self-pity, or you can walk down those stairs into the club, like you own it."

Syn turned sharply to face her. Cassie was shocked to see the tracks of tears on her cheeks. Syn raised her chin and for a moment, Cassie wasn't sure what Syn would do. Then Syn flicked the tears from her face with her long, elegant fingers and fixed Cassie with the ice-blue eyes.

"I do own the club, Cassidy Hayes."

Cassie held up a suit carrier and said, "Then, let's go."

"I shudder to think what the theme is. If you left it to Quinn, it could be anything."

"Like full rubber enclosure?"

"Oh God, no," Syn replied, "I'm thinking much worse."

"Such as?"

"Glam and glitter formal."

"Really?"

"Or, heaven help us, he could have settled on disco."

---

Cassie let Syn precede her down the stairs. Tony was by the door, but otherwise the little space was deserted. He heard the clicking of high heels and looked up. His mouth dropped open.

Syn flashed him a haughty glance and paid him no further attention, coming to a halt in front of the doorway that led into the club. Cassie joined her, stealing a look at Tony, the big man stopped in his tracks. She winked and then turned her attention back to Syn, holding up a red wristband.

"What's this?" Syn asked.

"Quinn's idea, so everyone can see who is available for what. Red means private play. There's amber to designate only with their owner's permission, there's blue for staff like Tony and Armal and the people who are monitors, and then there's green. That means free use."

"Efficient. Red for us, I see."

"I thought it appropriate."

"Are you worrying about my ribs again, or to safeguard my reputation?"

Cassie fixed a red band around Syn' wrist, and then a red band around her own.

"I'm just concerned for the safety of whoever you come into contact with."

"You make me sound like the devil herself."

Cassie regarded the older woman with a faint half-smile. "Ready?" she asked.

"One moment," Syn responded.

Cassie found herself waiting, watching for the signal that Syn had composed herself for her grand entrance. At last, Syn nodded and Cassie pulled the door open. They stepped out into the club.

Cassie was decked out in blue and white, playing the part of Alice. She had donned a tight dress that stopped just above her knees with ruffled sleeves, in glossy sky-blue latex. Over the top, she had fastened a matching pinafore in white latex, to match the shiny stockings enveloping her legs. Her hair was held back by a band in matching sky-blue and she strode into the club in black ankle-strap shoes with a wickedly-thin stiletto heel.

Cassie swayed as she walked, her bottom shaped beautifully by the tight latex, smiling at the gathered crowd. Then all eyes shifted from her to the woman following behind.

Syn sauntered through the door, head held high, grey-blue eyes flashing, her mouth curved into a devilish smile in shocking cherry red lipstick, clad head to toe in red and black. The bodice of her long dress was red leather, surrounding and uplifting her cleavage, setting off the red heart pendant nestled between her breasts. The shoulders were ruffled, again in red leather, the long sleeves sweeping down to her wrists. The hemline of her dress brushed the ground at the back but swept up at the front to reveal thigh-high black leather boots and fishnets. A high-backed collar, in matching black, set off the dazzling blonde sweep of her hair, crowned with a tiara sporting tiny love hearts.

A man pushed his way through the crowd. He was tall and gangly, overtopping most of the people around him, made to seem taller still by the ridiculously outsized top hat perched on his head. He was dressed in charcoal britches and a waistcoat, wearing white fingerless gloves. He strode up to Syn and stopped, bowing deeply.

"My Queen," he intoned.

"Quinn. It's you we have to thank for all this, is it?"

Quinn straightened up, grinning. "A team effort. You look spectacular."

"What can I say? The Queen of Hearts. I'm typecast."

He held out his hand and Syn took it, allowing herself to be escorted.

"Welcome to Wonderland," he announced.

Cassie followed on behind them, marvelling at the transformation Quinn had wrought in the Lost and Found. At the far end of the room, the stage was lit up with spotlights, each trained on a different piece of equipment. Cassie recognised the bondage rack and the leather pommel horse with its straps, but the third item was new.

Next to the pommel horse was a large rectangular frame in the same ornate pattern as the doorway in the alley, but this time there was no curtain of silver threads hanging down. Instead, trapped between transparent latex sheets, helpless, was the figure of a nude woman with a red wristband sealed in a spread-eagled position with a breathing tube snaking from her mouth to the side of the frame. Cassie watched her buck and writhe, her body shimmering in the reflected spotlight off the slick surface enveloping her. Only then did she spot a man's figure behind the frame, his hands caressing the body of the helpless woman, tickling her and making her squirm and writhe.

Closer, near the bar, was a short vertical post sheathed in felt, supporting the figure of a young brunette woman with a green wristband. She was trussed up in a vertical hogtie, her knees balanced on the shelf and the rest of her body secured with thick leather straps to the sturdy post. Her mouth was gaping, the flash of steel between her teeth indicating the ring gag fastened there. An imposing woman in a long purple leather hobble skirt and an ornate black leather corset sat in a high-backed chair nearby, chatting amiably with a younger couple. The young man had a slight scar under his eye, towering over his petite blonde partner. She looked on enviously as the older woman in the hobble skirt would occasionally reach out and swat the bound woman's cum-slickened breasts with a riding crop, making her squirm. Scrawled in flowery writing across the helpless woman's breasts were the words, 'Paint me,' a smiley face set into the A, and the I dotted with a little red love heart. Semen dripped from her swollen, reddened nipples.

A man stood in front of her, his hand wrapped around his solid erection. Cassie noticed the gleam of an intricate silver and gold threaded wedding band on his finger as he pushed his purpled tip into her gaping mouth. The helpless brunette began to suck vigorously, her eyes never leaving the face of the man standing over her.

But it was the centre of the room that drew her attention, dominated by the solid cubic structure of scaffolding filling half the floor space. As she made her way through the crowd, following in the wake of Quinn as he escorted Syn, she began to catch glimpses of what had been created there.

She saw the lights first: fairy lights, entwined around the figures of a slight, pale-skinned woman and a burly dark-skinned man. They were nude and hooded, dangling from the scaffolding horizontally and face-down in suspension harnesses, their hands cinched behind their backs and their legs splayed wide apart. The two bodies had been secured to each other by their ankles forming a cross shape over the centrepiece of the space: a long white table.

The twin figures above illuminated a long table set with cups and saucers of all shapes and sizes. There were cake stands, teapots, plates of finger sandwiches, surrounded by people sitting in ornate mismatching high-backed chairs or on upholstered stools, talking and laughing. Cassie saw another Alice, a Caterpillar and a couple dressed as playing cards. At the near end of the table, dressed in an ornate leather corset and long, sweeping purple dress that parted to reveal elegant legs in fine black stockings, hair pushed back by a sparkling tiara and a heart-shaped pendant around her neck was the woman she's spotted through the crowd earlier. The woman turned, revealing a face she recognised. It was Ally.

She had done her makeup to whiten her face until she looked like a French courtier, her only concession to colour behind a little red love-heart of lipstick on her mouth. Her eyes were on Quinn, still sporting his oversized top hat, talking with two men she recognised as Tom and Cam across the floor.

Cassie weaved her way across to her friend, but then stopped as the crowd parted to reveal the centre of the table. Cassie realised with a shock that the table was clothed in slick, white latex. But more than that, there was a shape embedded within it, trussed tightly and vacuum-sealed into position, with serving trays balanced over her naked body. A hand reached out for a sandwich, gliding over the shiny surface for a moment, causing the helpless woman to shudder. Cassie found herself captivated by the clear outline of swollen labia in the shiny latex. Whoever was sealed into the table was enjoying it.

"Cassie, you look stunning!"

Cassie turned to see Ally rising from her chair.

"I'm Alice."

"I thought you would be, and I guessed who would take the Queen of Hearts. I opted for the Duchess instead."

"Hot."

"Yes, but I might lose some of the layers later."

"No, I meant...."

"I know. Quinn has been chomping at the bit all week. I had to show him, to make sure I was up to scratch."

Ally grinned mischievously. "I'm a complete bitch."

Cassie looked around again. "He really went to town."

"Oh Cassie, you have no idea. Even the mighty Quinn struggled to maintain the lists of attendees. It nearly broke his phenomenal organisational ability, which is saying something."

"He's done a great job. I knew it was going to be big, but this is way beyond."

"He had Tom and Cam over every other night, planning it, what to build, what devices they could conjure up. I got very little worship out of him the last couple of weeks."

"Your sacrifice was worth it," Cassie smiled, her eyes scanning the throng of revellers, "He really put a lot in."

"Oh, Cassie, he's mad as hell. He's really fired up with the new law coming through. He's obsessed with it."

"Has he found a way to stop it?"

Ally shook her head. "Not from a lack of trying."

"Are you worried?"

"About what?" Ally asked, "You mean about giving him his punishment and getting taken away by the cops?"

She shook her head. "I'm the guilty. I'll break the law for him, any day. Staunton's not gonna stop me giving my man what he deserves."

Cassie could see it in her face. Quinn had done that to her, drawn her in, just like he had drawn Alena in. Ally jiggled, then shot Cassie a little smile. Cassie grinned back, reading her intentions.