Thirst

It looked like an ordinary glass of water. It would taste like an ordinary glass of water. But Ash knew that if they drank it, there would be no going back.

"I know exactly how you must feel," Liz's voice came from across the table. Ash's head snapped up to meet her eyes, surprised. They weren't even sure of knowing that for themself, and the half hour since they arrived at her apartment had been mostly filled with small talk.

"You're curious, mostly. It's normal for a first play session. You're wondering what it'll feel like, what it will reveal about your strength of mind as it opens you to my manipulation. The sensation of the inevitable sapping of strength that follows. What suggestions I might make - now that's a fun mixture of arousal and nervousness, isn't it? You worry that this is irresponsible or shameful thing to do, but even the little voice that tells you to be embarrassed about your kinks can't talk you out of this now that it's right in front of you. You're just too curious, and that curiosity can reason its way around anything."

Ash picked up the glass and swirled it a little, watching the movement for a moment as they mulled over her words. Was it really so irresponsible to give up control for just a few hours, just to find out what it was like? Or perhaps they didn't need to give up full control - what they really wondered about was the experience of trying to resist her suggestions while under the drug. Would it feel like an external force was inside their mind, or would it be more subtle?

Maybe that was the solution. Yes... they could drink half the glass, enough to be compelled to follow minor suggestions, but remaining able to resist anything major that they didn't want. Impulsively, they took a long swig, and tipped the rest into the soil of the pot plant on the windowsill before Liz could object to them wasting the rest of the dose. They glanced over at her fearing annoyance, or worse, hurt at the lack of trust, but were greeted with a smile.

"Worried I'd be able to manipulate you into finishing the dose and doing something embarrassing?" she teased. "I'm not offended. And don't worry about the cost either - I'm actually able to get the tablets fairly cheaply. That's why I put four in your glass."

Ash could actually feel the blood drain from their face as their legs began to feel shaky. Four? But that would mean-

"Yep, a double dose. Of course, the effects don't come on any faster, but don't think that means you can get away. Cute little thing like you, out there all helpless at this time of night? If it's not me that finds you when you start feeling all weak and heavy, it'll be someone worse."

Ash glared. They weren't that stupid - they'd done their research, and knew they had at least 30 minutes before it got to that point. With their toned body, they could reach their friend Jo's house in half that time - petite little Liz could hardly stop them. Jo would know what to do. They grabbed their bag and made for the door.

"I thought you might react this way," Liz sighed, getting up to follow them at an unhurried pace. "It wasn't what I hoped for, but... well, I'm nothing if not prepared." Ash tugged on the doorhandle but she'd locked it! Her keys, where'd she hidden her keys... "Oh no, I don't mean these," she continued, holding the keys out for them to take. They snatched them and rushed back to the door, fumbling to find the right one. "I mean the half dose in I slipped into that juice I offered when you got here."

For a moment Ash froze, staring at the triumphant glint in her eyes. Then they clicked the lock open and pulled frantically at the door. The door which felt much heavier than it did half an hour ago...

"Yes, I imagine the physical effects are starting to kick in about now." Liz leaned her weight against the door, and Ash shoved their bag in the gap to keep it from closing as they pushed at her with weakening arms. "You've been suggestible for the last 15 minutes or so, of course. So when I tell you that that shaky, terrified feeling in your legs is making them weak... well, you might notice your knees start to wobble slightly. It's a lot of work for them, isn't it, holding that heavy body up? And they're already so-"

A sudden shove and Liz was knocked to the ground. Ash hauled the door the rest of the way open, stumbling unsteadily into the hallway. Shit, there was no way they'd make it down three flights of stairs in this state. They slumped against the wall and called the lift as the door slammed shut behind them.

"Oh, honey," Liz murmured, stepping out into the hallway, "do you really think that's a good idea? You're only going to embarrass yourself if we do this in public. Why fight it? I treat my playthings well, you know - you're going to enjoy this. In fact, you're going to find that as you look at me, listen to me, or feel me... you will feel your attraction towards me growing, irresistible and arousing."

Ash turned their head aside, but she grabbed their chin and forced them to look at her eyes, bright confident eyes, green and framed with dark lashes and-

They screwed their eyes tightly shut, horrified at the flash of arousal that shot right between their legs. A warm chuckle sounded near their ear.

"This is my favourite part, you know." The whisper tickled their earlobe and yielded a shiver. "You fight it so desperately but you're slipping, and deep down you know it's inevitable. By the way, keeping your eyes closed like that is only dropping you into trance even faster." Confused, Ash opened their eyes again. Was that how it worked? They were starting to feel dizzy.

They seemed to have sunk to the floor, and all they could see of Liz was the soft curve of her waist and hips. She had crouched down. A finger under their chin tilted their gaze up to a pair of lips, curling up at the edges. Another uncontrollable flash of heat and desire surged in their lower belly, and they blushed at the whimper that escaped them. They tried to turn away again, but found their world tilting and spinning.

"That's right. Not much longer now," Liz said, her voice seductively smooth. Ash realised they were lying on the ground, their body already heavy and limp. A delicate hand slipped between their legs and began to rub, and they were helpless to stop it. "You're going to pass out soon I'm afraid - your arousal has sped up the effects. Silly little thing, why'd you go and get all horny like that, hmm? Don't worry though, you'll still be able to absorb all my suggestions. You'll wake up to your perfect new life, ready to do anything I ask."

A dull feeling of panic surfaced above the haze of heat enveloping Ash's mind. This was their last chance. Why hadn't they called for help? Where... where was...

The heavy feeling abruptly multiplied, like someone had dropped a hundred warm blankets on top of them. Before Ash even realised their eyelids had closed, a dark hole opened at the back of their mind, and their consciousness plummetted away into dreams of obedience, pleasure, and alluring green eyes.