"What should we call him?" Rolf had checked. The kitten was definitely male. The kitten was alert and looking healthy. The little ball of grey fur sat there in the coat box looking up at them.

"I don't know." Seridae was still amazed. "I can hardly believe that this is the same kitten."

Rolf picked up the kitten. The kitten was roly-poly and warm. "We'll give him a good breakfast before we go."

When Rolf ordered Seridae's collar, he also ordered a bowl of semolina. He mixed a little of the semolina with the mixture he'd prepared earlier and fed the kitten. He softly told the kitten that they would be away for a while but they would be back. Rolf put his small travel clock in the box with the kitten and turned on some soft music before he and Seridae left.

The car dropped them off in the square downtown. It was a cool, crisp Fall day, so they were comfortable walking. Seridae had on a casual pantsuit, and his hair was just pulled back. He walked beside Rolf, taking everything in from behind sunglasses. It was Market day, so people were bustling about everywhere. Vendors were selling their wares from their stalls, while people strolled from stall to stall. Rolf brought some hot pretzels with mustard and some cool cider for a snack. He and Seridae sat near the fountain, where there was a cluster of tables and chairs.

"How are you doing so far?" Rolf looked across the table at his companion.

Seridae ate some of his pretzel. "Okay, I guess. It's different from last night, but it still feels odd."

"After living by yourself in your rooms all this time, this must be quite an experience."

Seridae changed the subject. "You were right; the kitten seems normal and healthy."

Rolf nodded. "Lucky for him that Kurt spied him. I think your gifts haven't developed more because your training was hindered. You have natural ability and great potential, but even that has to be nurtured. I also think that you unhappiness has kept you back."

Seridae's cheeks became warm. "Maybe that need not be a problem any longer.'

"Let's hope so." Grinning, Rolf checked his watch. "We should return and check on the kitten." Seridae agreed.

The kitten was curled up asleep. He'd used his toilet and eaten the food Rolf had left for him. Rolf stroked the tiny head, and the kitten stretched. A little purr could be heard.

"He's doing fine."

"Let's call him Puff."

"Puff?" Rolf wondered why Puff.

"He looks like a puff ball."

"Okay, Puff it is."

"I'm going to change." Seridae wanted to get into a robe.

"Okay." Rolf was pleased to see Seridae voicing his needs and wants.

Seridae pulled off the street clothes and put on one of his robes. Hanging up the clothes he glanced at Rolf. "Will you be getting out of your clothes as well?"

"Yes." Rolf turned from the kitten. "I have to go tomorrow, so it would be nice to just relax with you."

The slave looked surprised. "You'd rather be with me?"

"Yes, why wouldn't I?"

"I am only a slave. Wouldn't you prefer to be with family or friends?"

Rolf walked around the bed and rested his hands on Seridae's waist. "No, with you I can truly relax."

"Really?" No master had ever talked to him this way before.

"Really." Rolf undressed and grabbed his robe.

They spent the rest of the day watching movies . Seridae fed Rolf grapes; he had insisted that Rolf lay on the couch with his head on Seridae's lap. Rolf finally gave in to sleep. A content Seridae forgot his fears. Being with Rolf gave him a peace he'd never had before. He too fell asleep until the mewing kitten woke them, demanding food. Rolf fed him. The kitten could eat on his own.

"He's going to live.' Seridae now really believed it.

Rolf had had no doubts. "Yes. Now let's have our dinner."

Seridae found that he could eat calmly. New positive feelings were replacing old negative ones. Seridae no longer felt the need to be sarcastic or stubborn. Feelings of trust and respect were growing. New feelings he didn't know were growing as were his feelings for Rolf. All he really knew was that he wanted to eat with Rolf and it didn't make him ill. For the first time, he was also eager to return to the bedroom, but he had to wait.

Rolf saw to Puff after dinner, and he covered some of Seridae's plants. Cold weather was setting in, so some plants needed extra care. Rolf headed for the shower.

The hot shower made Rolf feel clean after puttering in the garden. He was so into the sensations of the shower that he didn't notice that he was no longer in the shower alone. Not until he felt hands on his chest. He smiled, knowing who it was. He was being hugged from behind. He finally turned around.

"Don't be angry with me." Seridae had gotten the courage to act on his own.

Rolf embraced him. "I'm not angry. You are always welcome to shower with me."

Rolf bathed him. Seridae had never felt this way.

They finally made it to the bed. Seridae still had a problem with being taken first, so he ran his hands all over Rolf's body before Rolf could do anything. Rolf moved closer and touched his lips gently to Seridae's. The slave pulled away.

"I'm sorry." Rolf was confused. Had he done something wrong?

"No, its me. I've never been kissed before."

"What?"

"My former masters never wanted romance. Kissing was never involved. I know what it is because I read, but I have never experienced it."

"I can change that."

"I know."

"Would you prefer to wait?"

"No." Seridae moved back into Rolf's arms.

Rolf's lips gently touched Seridae's lightly before pressing against them. He ran his tongue against the slave's lips seeking entrance. Seridae's lips parted, accepting Rolf's tongue. Rolf's tongue explored the slaves mouth and throat awhile before releasing him.

"Are you all right?"

Seridae nodded, holding him close.

"Seridae, how would you feel if I asked you to leave here and come live with me?"

Seridae touched Rolf's cheek. "I am yours; I go where you lead. Yes, I want to go with you."

Rolf kissed him deeply. "Then it shall be so."

On his side, Rolf had Seridae rest his legs over Rolf's hip. Rolf put a pillow under Seridae to raise his hips up and slid into him, caressing his arousal. Slow and easy, they lay together for hours planning Seridae's new life. When Seridae finally erupted, he felt some thing new. He cried out in happiness. He belonged to someone in every way now. In this belonging, he found a freedom. This freedom was sure to be an adventure.