Page 16 of Leland

“That we need to stop and talk about it. Not because I did anything wrong, just because something didn’t work for you.”

“You listened so well, sugar.”

I felt a bit lighter at his praise. I was starting to see how helpful this would be for me and how lucky I was that Leland wanted to help me. I just hoped I would continue to be willing to accept his help.

“Do you need to be Little in order for this to work?”

I’d been worried he was going to ask that question. I swung my feet more aggressively.

“No.”

“Try again.” Even in correction, his tone was kind.

“No, Sir.”

“But if you decide you want to be Little, can you?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Why?”

I kicked the island in frustration. Why couldn’t he just let this part go? “I don’t wanna talk about it.”

“Do you need to use your safeword?”

I kicked the island again. “No, Sir.”

“Then let’stalk about it.”

“I don’t want to.” Pains tore through my belly and I rubbed it. Today had been good, but difficult. I didn’t want to tell him why I could never be a Little. He would be disgusted.

“I know. It’s hard when we have to talk about feelings we’ve buried for so long, but in order to grow, we have to do the hard things. So, answer me, sugar.”

“If I decide I am a Little, I need to tell you so that my needs can be met in that area too. Especially since I may be feeling vulnerable after a few days in our dynamic. You won’t feel like it’s extra work or that I’m pretending.”

“Great job, Rouge. I’m so proud of you.”

Ignoring his praise, I signed my name at the bottom of the contract where Leland had already signed.

Earlier in the day, I thought I’d feel nervous about signing the contract, but I actually felt hopeful. Maybe things would be better now.

“Great job, baby. We did a lot of hard things today and you handled them all so well. You’re being so brave.”

“Why is it brave? I messed up so bad I need help getting everything straightened out.”

“Oh, baby. No. You didn’t mess anything up. People in your life failed you and caused you to survive the best way you knew how. Now that you’re safe and healthy, we’re learning new habits. And it’s very brave that you’re accepting help because you want to learn how to handle your feelings better.”

“Really?” I asked, turning on my stool so I could see him better.

“You’re the bravest person I know, sugar.”

***

Leland

Pulling into Rouge's apartment complex was harder than I’d imagined. We’d had a great day together and I wasn’t ready for it to end.

“I had a really good day with you today,” Rouge admitted, breaking through the silence. I was pleased to hear she felt the same.

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