Breathless

7. Take My Breath Away

But the morning after the weekend's excess, reality crashes in like a hangover. Alice wakes up to find herself in the bathroom, her stomach revolting against the toxic cocktail of **** and desire. Alex, ever the caretaker, holds her hair back as she empties her stomach into the toilet. His voice is calm, reassuring, telling her that this is a common reaction to heroin, especially for first timers. She feels a mix of fear and relief, not knowing if she'll ever escape the clutches of this newfound addiction.

Once the sickness passes, he gives her a pill and a glass of water. "It's to help you sleep," he says, his eyes filled with a gentle concern that belies the darkness of their shared experiences. "You've had a lot to take in." Her eyes flutter closed, and she succumbs to the medicated embrace of slumber, her body craving the oblivion it promises. The hours tick by, a blur of pain and pleasure, until finally she wakes up to the gentle light of afternoon sun.

Her stomach growls like a wild beast, a hunger that no amount of bread and water from her past could ever satisfy. Alex, ever the prepared host, has set out a feast for her. A large sandwich piled high with meats and cheeses, crispy fries that smell heavenly, and a soda that fizzes with a promise of sweet relief. She inhales the food, her teeth tearing through the bread with a ferocity that surprises even her. She's ravenous, as if she's been starving for days.

As she eats, she watches him, her mind racing with thoughts. How did she get here? From the fear of the noose to the embrace of opulence, from innocence to debauchery. Yet, as she looks at him, she feels a strange sense of peace. He's her savior, her sinner, her everything. And she's his willing pupil in the art of excess. Their eyes meet, and she knows that she's crossed a line. There's no going back to the simplicity of her old life. The taste of the future is in her mouth, and she craves more. The cigarette is a symbol of the fire that burns within her, a reminder of the passion that fuels their strange and twisted love affair.

And as she finishes her meal, the hunger for more than just food consumes her. She sets the plate aside and moves closer to him, her hand resting on his thigh. "Thank you," she says, her voice filled with a need that transcends words. He smiles, a knowing look in his eyes. "You don't have to thank me," he whispers, his hand moving to the back of her neck, pulling her closer. "I am yours Alice now and forever." Their kiss is a declaration; a pact sealed in the ashes of her former life. She's ready to face whatever comes next, hand in hand with the man who gave her a future she never dreamed possible. The world outside is a blur, but in this moment, all that matters is the heat of his touch and the promise of more to come.

The week stretches out before her, a series of mundane tasks that seem trivial compared to the weekends of passion and indulgence. Yet, she throws herself into them with gusto, eager to prove her worth to Alex and to herself. She exercises, she learns, she grows stronger. Each day is a steppingstone to the next taste of the forbidden fruit.

Thursday night, she sits in her room, the glow of the computer screen illuminating her face. She types in the words "light BDSM" and clicks search, her heart racing with anticipation. The images that pop up are both terrifying and fascinating. The thought of giving up control, of being bound and used for his pleasure, sends a thrill through her. Yet, the fear is there, lurking in the shadows. She wonders if she's truly ready for this new chapter.

Friday arrives and he tells her that they are going to get stoned and go out and have dinner and ice cream and see a movie. She says what about the BSDM. He laughs and says, "Well you seem shockingly eager". She looks embarrassed and says no it isn't that it's just... ah. he says "That starts tomorrow at 10 am. She looks confused. "Why?" He says because I want you go get a good night sleep have a good breakfast. I want you strong. She shivers a little.

They go out, they decide to walk around the stores before dinner.

The dresses in the store seem to whisper sweet nothings to her as they walk down the aisle. She's overwhelmed by the choice, but when she sees the emerald one, it's like it was made for her. The fabric clings to her in all the right places, the color bringing out the green in her eyes. Alex's approval is all she needs, and she feels like a queen in her new finery.

The makeup booth is a whirlwind of colors and brushes, the attendant a whirlwind of energy. She giggles as they apply the makeup, feeling like a child playing dress-up. When she's done, she looks in the mirror, not recognizing the woman staring back at her. But she likes her, this bold, beautiful creature who's lived a hundred lives in a single evening.

They head to the restaurant in the horseless carriage. They smoke a joint before getting out, the giggles bubbling up from her chest as they sway into the fancy restaurant. The lights are too bright, the sounds too loud, but with Alex by her side, it's all just part of the adventure.

The dinner is a delightful blur, the food a symphony of flavors she's never experienced. She tries to ask him about the BDSM again, but her mouth won't form the words. Instead, she laughs at everything he says, her cheeks hurting from smiling so much.

The play "School of Rock" is a bizarre delight, a world where children are taught to rebel through music. She's not sure she understands it all, but the laughter is contagious, and she finds herself tapping her foot along with the catchy tunes. The night is still young when they leave the theater, the city lights a kaleidoscope of colors. They walk to a nearby park, the cool grass a stark contrast to the warmth of the pavement. Alex leads her to a quiet spot, the stars winking at them.

They sit on a bench near the water, and he pulls out a joint and the smoke it while making out. They continue their walk talking about nothing important. Finally, they head back to the car and head home.

When they get there, He takes her to her room and the sit down and take few bong hits which lead to another round of smoking sex. The high is a gentle embrace, a warm blanket that wraps around them as they move together. Their kisses are tender, their touches lingering. The smoke from the cigarette swirls around them, a silent spectator to their union. Alice's body responds to Alex's touch with a newfound ease, each stroke of his hand sending waves of pleasure crashing through her.

Their lovemaking isn't the fiery passion of before, but it's no less intense. It's a slow burn, a sweet surrender that leaves her feeling more connected to him than ever. She runs her hands over his body, memorizing every inch, every muscle and scar. He whispers sweet nothings into her ear, his breath hot and smoky, and she knows that she's found a home in this strange, futuristic world.

She drifts away on a cloud of pot-induced euphoria. Their movements are slow and deliberate, each one designed to coax the other closer to the edge. And when she finally falls, it's with a sigh that seems to come from the depths of her soul. The world outside their bubble is forgotten as they lose themselves in each other. The only sound is their ragged breaths, the only light the flickering glow of the neon city beyond the windows. When she finally opens her eyes, the room is spinning, but his arms are there to hold her steady.

"You're mine," he whispers, his voice a gentle rumble that echoes through her body. She nods, too overwhelmed to speak, and he pulls her closer, cradling her against his chest. They stay like that for hours, their bodies entwined, their hearts beating as one.

The next morning, she wakes to the sound of a chime from a device on the nightstand. She blinks blearily at the time. 8:30 AM. Alex is already up, standing by the windows in just his boxers. He looks over at her, a mischievous grin playing on his features.

"Come on, love," he says, his voice rough with sleep. "Let's go for a swim."

Her stomach flips at the thought, but she can't deny the excitement that bubbles up inside her. She rolls out of bed, her legs still wobbly from the previous night's indulgences. She pulls on her bathing suit, the fabric clinging to her body like a second skin.

They make their way to the pool, the cool tiles a shock against her bare feet. The water is a deep blue, the ripples from the fountain sparkling in the early morning light. He jumps in with a splash, and she follows more gingerly, the cold water enveloping her in a refreshing embrace.

They float together. The quiet of the morning is a stark contrast to the chaos of their upcoming escapades. The pot and the cigarette from the night before still lingering in their systems, leaving a sweet haze that makes everything feel a bit softer around the edges.

Breakfast is served by his butler Jonathan, quickly gliding over with a tray laden with food. She picks at the eggs and toast, her appetite still not quite back to normal. They talk about the future, their plans, their hopes, and their fears. The sun rises higher in the sky, casting long shadows across the water. And as they sit there, the smell of chlorine and cigarette smoke mingling with the promise of a new day, she knows that she's made the right choice.

At precisely 10 AM, the clock on the wall chimes, a solemn reminder of the time that's passed since she stepped through the doorway to this new world. She looks at Alex, his eyes gleaming with excitement, and she feels the butterflies in her stomach take flight. "Are you ready?" he asks, his voice a low rumble that sends a shiver down her spine. "I think so," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the splashing of the fountain. She takes a deep breath, her hand trembling as she reaches for the cigarette that's been smoldering in the ashtray. The smoke fills her lungs, and she feels a strange sense of calm.

He takes her hand, leading her through the house that's become both her prison and her sanctuary. They enter a room she's never seen before, the walls adorned with leather and chrome. A large, four-poster bed dominates the space, the sheets a deep crimson that seems to pulse with an eerie glow. The scent of incense fills the air, a heady mix of spices and sandalwood that makes her nose tingle.

Her heart races as he guides her to the bed, his grip firm but gentle. She sits on the edge, the leather cool against her bare legs. "What's going to happen?" she asks, her voice a tremor in the air.

Alex moves closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "Everything," he says, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "You're going to experience pleasure in ways you've never imagined." He reaches for the cigarette, taking a drag before passing it back to her. "But remember, you're safe with me. I'll always take care of you."

Her eyes dart around the room, taking in the rope and tying it to the bedposts, it's terrifying and exhilarating all at once.

He reaches out, his hand cupping her cheek, and she leans into his touch, the warmth of his palm grounding her. "I'm going to take you to places you've only dreamed of," he murmurs, his thumb tracing the line of her jaw. "But only if you trust me." With a nod, she takes another drag of the cigarette, the smoke curling around them like a shroud. She's not sure what she's getting herself into, but she knows that she's ready to take that leap of faith.

There are masks. Some that are clear with a couple holes in them. one that is clear and has a tube that comes out the bottom that is attached to what looks like a big giant pipe with a long hose.

He says what are you going to do to me. He says I am going to **** you to smoke while you come. She looks at him and says, “that sounds Devine.” I thought there would be pain, that is what i read. He looks at her. and he says. being **** to smoke with no air. She still thinks it sounds divine. He laughs and says that's my girl. He says I have another surprise. He opens a closet and pulls out a machine that has a dick on it and some gadgets that make it move. What is it she asks. He says, it is a fuck machine. So even when I get tired, you can still be getting fucked. Looking at it makes her wet. She says how do we do this. He says i am going to restrain you on the bed. I am first going to use this mask. He shows her the one that has a few holes in it. I will put cigarettes in the 3 holes and light them and will leave the 4th hole open for air or maybe I cover it up everyone and a while... Now the fuck machine, I can crank it up real fast if need be.

“Now you remember the last part.” She says, “what last part.”

Which **** do you want to use while we do this. She immediately says “Crack. I have been wanting to do that again. I liked that orgasm the best, well, that and the heroin. If we could only combine those two feelings.” He looks at her and he says “We can. But not this week. That will be a week where you are in real good shape and are prepared. But for now. Crack it is.” He shows her the other mask and puts crack in the pipe that it is attached too. He says. “You are mine. I am going to do things that will scare you, will frighten you that will make your orgasms more intense. The **** smoking will make everything more intense. You will fight to get out of the smoking masks. Sometimes I will give you a reprieve sometimes I won't. But you will come and come for me a lot.” “Remember if it is ever too much, all you have to do is say “past.””

He starts to tie her up, placing the crack mask over her face. She can feel her heart racing, the anticipation of the smoke filling her. The fuck machine starts to work, the dildo pushing into her, the vibrator teasing her clit. The cogs in her mind ticking, she knows what's coming next. He heats the bowl and the smoke fills the room, thick and ****. She breathes in deep, the smoke filling her lungs, the heat of the crack burning her throat.

The high hits her almost immediately, a rush of euphoria that sends her soaring. Her body convulses, the pleasure so intense it's almost painful. She's lost in the fog of smoke and sensation, unable to think of anything but the feeling building inside her.

He watches her closely, timing her breaths, his own excitement building. He knows just how long to keep the smoke in; how much she can take before she breaks. And when she does, when she begs for air, he'll be there, whispering sweet nothings in her ear, urging her to come for him.

The smoke thickens, and she starts to panic, her chest tightening as she fights for breath. But he's relentless, his hand pressing the mask firmly against her face. She feels like she's drowning, the world spinning around her, but through the haze, she can feel the orgasm building. It's a battle, her body's need for air versus the relentless pursuit of pleasure.

And then it hits her, a wave so intense it takes her breath away. She arches her back, screaming into the mask as the smoke fills her lungs. He holds her down, counting the seconds, watching her fight and give in to the high. And when she finally goes limp, when the last of her breath escapes in a gasp, he knows she's done.

He takes the mask off, her body trembling as she gasps for air. He kisses her, his mouth tasting of smoke and lust. "Good girl," he murmurs, stroking her hair. "You're mine now, forever."

The room is spinning, the smoke still lingering in the air. She's lost in a haze of pleasure and fear, the lines between reality and the high blurring together. But as she looks into his eyes, she knows she's found something she never knew she wanted. A world of pain and pleasure, of domination and submission, where she's the star of the show.

He takes a drag from the cigarette and leans in, pressing it against her lips. "Take a hit," he commands, his voice a dark velvet that sends shivers down her spine. She opens her mouth, letting the smoke fill her once more. It's a strange, masochistic dance they're performing, and she's eager to follow his lead.

The fuck machine starts up again, the vibrations building. She can feel her body responding, her muscles tightening around the intrusion. The cigarette between her lips is a constant reminder of his control, a silent promise of the highs and lows to come. She takes a deep drag, the smoke mingling with the rush of the crack, the sensation of his eyes on her making her skin crawl.

He watches her intently, the glow of the neon lights playing across his skin. She's a canvas, and he's the artist, painting a masterpiece of sensation. The smell of leather and sweat fills her nostrils as she arches her back, the pressure building. He's a maestro, orchestrating her pleasure and pain with a finesse she's never known.

And just when she thinks she can't take it anymore, he stops again. "Not yet," he whispers, the smoke from the cigarette dancing around his mouth. She's trembling, her breaths ragged and ****. "You're mine," he repeats, the words echoing in her mind. "You're going to come for me, aren't you?"

Her voice is a whimper as she nods, the need for release overwhelming. He puts the smoking mask on her and lights the 3 cigarettes. The crack pipe is within reach, and she knows she'll need it soon. The anticipation is a sweet agony, each moment stretching out like an eternity.

As he turns the machines back on, she breaths deeply getting only cigarette smoke. She coughs and shudders and fights and then it hits her the orgasm is a symphony of sensation, a crescendo that threatens to consume her. But he's there, guiding her through it, his touch a brand on her skin.

He pulls of the smoking mask and presses the crack pipe to her mouth. She inhales deeply. He moves the fuck machine and enters her quickly..

"Remember," he says, his voice a low growl, "you can always say 'past' if it's too much. But I don't think you're ready to go back yet, are you?"

Her eyes meet his, a silent challenge. She's not ready to go back, not when there's so much more to experience. The world beyond the bedroom is a blur, a haze of color and sound that fades into the background. In this moment, she's alive, more alive than she's ever been before.

As he starts to pump her, she feels it building, the sweet oblivion that only he can give her. She takes another hit, the smoke mixing with her moans. This is her new world, one of smoke and fire, of leather and steel. And she's ready to burn.

The first squeeze is gentle, the pressure building slowly, like a lover's caress. She watches her reflection in the mirror, her eyes wide with fear and excitement. The cigarette clenched between her teeth, the smoke curling around her like a lover's embrace. He whispers to her, "Trust me," and she nods, her breaths coming in quick, shallow gasps.

He squeezes tighter, the room spinning around her. She fights the urge to pull away, her eyes locked on the reflection of her own submission. The second time, the pressure is more intense, the world going dark around the edges. She fights the panic, he releases her and as she takes another hit of the crack, the smoke burning her throat, the pleasure and pain intertwined.

He doesn't stop, his hand like a soft vise around her neck. The world narrows to a single point, the pressure unbearable. The smoke in her lungs doing the work, the crack high is amazing. But the fear builds quickly, she remembers the noose. And then, just as she thinks she can't take it anymore, he releases her. She gasps for air, her chest heaving, the room spinning. But through the fog, she can see the hunger in his eyes, the anticipation. This is just the beginning.

He gives her a few seconds to recover and with dilated hunger yet fearful eyes, she says, "more". He kisses her deeply and tells her, "You are mine now and forever".

She feels his passion and wants to please him. She exhales all of her breath and takes the largest hit off the pipe she can. She keeps going filling her lungs. her heart racing, oxygen getting used up. She arches her back to bring the smoke in as deep as she can. His hands are on her neck they are in a place that it doesn't hurt but she can't breathe. The High is incredible the pounding on her pussy, she feels his dick, it is like it is hitting her lungs and mixing with the smoke. It hurts so bad yet so good. She starts to struggle a little, she can feel the beginning of something. She wants to please him, so she concentrates on the smoke in her lungs and the steady rhythm of his motion.

The squeeze is longer, the pressure building until she's sure she'll pass out. Her eyes bulge, her body writhing under his. The smoke fills the room, a hazy reminder of the power he holds. She starts to fight, her nails digging into the leather the leather straps that hold her, the orgasm building like a storm in her belly. Then she sees herself in the mirror. Her face is getting redder, her eyes are bulging out a little, her mouth is wide open nothing going in or out. She sees his hands on her throat, she can see the gentle grasp in the right place, his face full of ecstasy.

And when he lets go, she's gasping for breath. He puts the crack pipe to her lips. She takes a deep hit, the rush of euphoria mixing with the oxygen, filling her lungs, her soul. She can feel him inside her, relentless in his pursuit of her pleasure.

The pressure returns, harder, stronger. She's lost in the haze, her mind a whirlwind of sensation. His hands ever present on her neck gently squeezing. The crack smoking stuck in her lungs doing its work. Her heart pumping faster and faster as she uses up the oxygen. The feeling is like no other. It is so intense the crack exploding in her brain, the lack of oxygen causing the high to grow so intense it's like nothing she's ever felt before. She can feel it, she knows this is going to be big. But she starts to panic and fight, the noose comes back to her mind. She starts to fight against the leather straps even harder. Her whole body is in convulsions. Her eyes wide, the

Their eyes meet in the mirror, and she sees the love there, the darkness and the light. He's not just taking her body; he's claiming her soul. She's his, in this world of steel and smoke, forever entwined in a dance of passion and fear. And she knows, as the pressure builds again, that she's never felt more alive, even with the fear of ****. She explodes, her whole body shaking, she still can't breathe. The orgasm goes on and on he is hammering her. His grip is getting a little tighter. She doesn't care; she wants more. She starts throwing her body into his. The pelvises slamming together. She wants to scream but she can't. Then she sees it, his face, she knows he is about to have an eruption of epic proportion. This makes her orgasm dance even harder. She has no control over her body; she isn't even sure how she hasn't passed out. The feeling is so intense. her arms and legs tided down are shaking. She sees herself in the mirror a hard shade of red now, eyes are blood shot, mouth open. She is so turned on by what she sees. As she turns back to look at him, it hits him, he lets out a howl, he has never made noise like that, it must be good. Her eyes start to shut as the lack of oxygen takes over. He releases her, she expels a cloud of smoke and breaths deep and hard multiple times. He collapses on her, also breathing hard in her ear. He kisses her neck and tells her. That was the best he has ever had. She starts coughing, her voice scratch. She says, "It was unbelievable. It was terrifying yet all releasing. I almost said it I wasn't sure I could do it. I kept thinking about the noose. But then I saw myself and what you were doing to me and to you and I had to keep going for you." He looks at her and starts to untie her. He stops and looks at her and says, “I am so sorry, I was selfish i didn’t even think of that, please forgive me.”. She tells him, it is ok, but she isn't sure she can do it again at least for a while. He says, “You will never have to again.” She looks at him and says. “Never is too long.” She kisses him.

8. Fix You, Hell Make You Immortal

The next few days are a blur of recovery. Alice's neck is sore; a constant reminder of the power Alex wields. She moves through the house tentatively, her thoughts consumed by the session. The **** smoking, the asphyxiation—it's all she can think about. She tries to push it away, but the memory of that intense orgasm keeps pulling her back in.

Monday arrives, and with it, a glimpse of normalcy. Alex tells her of their weekend plans—just pot and cigarettes by the pool. The mention of an easy weekend brings a twinge of disappointment, but she nods along, unsure of what else to say. But then he drops the bombshell, his smile a knowing smirk. "You'll get what you asked for next weekend. Just remember, you wanted this." Her stomach flips, a mix of excitement and dread. What had she asked for in her ****-fueled haze? She's been trying to push it out of her mind, but now it's all she can think about. She puts the bong back, realizing its seductive grip on her memory. She needs to be sharp, to remember what she'd begged for. Alice lights a cigarette, the flame flickering in the dimly lit room. She takes a long, slow drag, feeling the nicotine fill her lungs.

The week crawls by, a slow burn of anticipation. She throws herself into learning more about the world she now calls home. The cars that fly, the buildings that touch the sky, the people who live without fear of witch hunts and burning stakes, nooses.

Its, Tuesday and they spend their days lounging in the sun, smoking and swimming, their bodies intertwined like vines. The knowledge of what's to come lingers like a shadow over their idyllic days.

Its Wednesday she is working out hard with the trainer. It is driving her nuts, what is that he asked her to do.... Let's think, what have I done. Pot, X, Meth Heroin and crack..... ahhhhhh she remembers. She said, I would like to mix the two together. That must be it. She gets excited, runs out of the home gym into his study. He looks up. Smiles and says, you finally figured it out. She says "Yes, crack and heroin. No wonder you wanted me in shape and ready to go. I can't wait” He says " It will be a long weekend. We will go out to dinner and come home and start or session. We have to be careful, we can't go too far too fast, so we will do it over the whole weekend.”

Alice works out hard and on Thursday She tries not to smoke too much. It is hard enough keeping her consumption during the week to 7 a day. She loves to smoke. She thinks about that. She goes to Alex and asks, "Why do you not make love to me during the week?" He laughs and says, he isn't sure you want it after the weekends. He says, "Alice you are mine and I am yours, if you want me during the week, you can have me. But, no hard ****, just pot and cigarettes." She then looks at him and says. "Let's say, i smoke my 7 cigarettes for the day and I want to make love, can I still smoke while we do?" He looks at her and says, " I see what you are doing, it isn't the sex you want with me, you want to smoke more cigarettes," he chuckles... She gives him a look, that says, “who me?” He says, I will make you a deal. You can have 10 cigarettes a day during the week.” “But no more, “whether we have sex or not, of course the weekends are different.” “Do you still want me during the week.?" She takes a cigarette from his pack on the table. Lights it and takes a double pump opening her mouth to show the smoke. She inhales, she is wearing her tight work out cloths, so her chest stands out prominently as she inhales, she bends down on the table and exhales in his face and says, "what do think?" He grabs her and he pushes the papers off his desk and gives her a good fuck as she smokes the cigarette.

When they are finished, he looks at her and says. "I am impressed?" She looks at him quizzically. "What?". ‘Your negotiation tactics are very good. You know what you want and how to get it by manipulating me." He smiles. She says, "Isn't that what you have been doing to me since you took, me." She turns and walks out. He is left their wondering what she is getting at, a little concern hits him.

Later that night, Alice retreats to her room, her thoughts a tangled web of pleasure and fear. She lights the bong, filling the chamber with the sweet scent of marijuana, and takes a deep hit, letting the smoke fill her lungs and her mind. The room spins around her, and she's lost in a sea of doubt. He's been so kind to her, showing her a world beyond her wildest dreams. Yet, the way he controls her, the way he takes her to the edge of consciousness and back again, it's all for his pleasure.

Her chest tightens, and she coughs, the harshness of the smoke a stark reminder of the fragility of her mortal body. He never seems to suffer the same consequences she does from their sessions. His eternal youth a stark contrast to her own **** humanity.

As the high takes hold, her paranoia grows. Is he just using her? Playing with her emotions and her body, keeping her addicted to the highs and lows of their relationship? She's seen the way he can manipulate time, bending it to his will. What if he's doing the same with her? Using her up until there's nothing left? Her eyes well up with tears, and she takes a few more hits, the smoke making her vision swim. She has to know. She can't live like this, not knowing if her love is reciprocated, or if she's just a toy to be discarded when she no longer serves a purpose.

Her resolve solidifies as the last tendrils of smoke dissipate into the air. She will confront him, demand answers. She can't bear the thought of being used, of being nothing more than a plaything for his amusement. With trembling hands, she sets the bong aside and makes her way to Alex's study, her heart racing like a caged bird's.

The door is open, and he's sitting at his desk, surrounded by the glow of his holographic screens. He looks up as she enters, his eyes wary at the sight of her red-rimmed eyes and the tremble in her voice. "What's wrong, Alice?" he asks, his concern genuine.

She takes a deep breath, the smoke still lingering in her lungs. "What happens to me when you're done with me?" she whispers, the fear in her voice raw and palpable. "Am I just... disposable to you?"

Alex rises from his chair, his face a mask of shock. "Alice, no," he says, taking a step towards her. "You're not a toy; you're not a plaything. You're the woman I love, the woman I brought into this world to save."

But his words do little to soothe her. She's seen the future, the endless expanse of time stretching out before him, and she knows her place in it is fleeting. "But what if I get old?" she chokes out. "What if I get sick? Will you just leave me behind?" He takes her hands in his, his touch gentle. "I will always be here for you," he promises. "Always."

He says to her. "Alice what if you didn't have to get older, what if you could stay young the rest of your life. What if you could be like me." She looks at him, “is that possible.” He says, he thinks so. He has been working on it for many years. He has tested it on animals and believes her has the solution; it has to do with his DNA. He has slight differences from normal people. He has isolated that gene and he believes he can recreate it in a human. His excitement is infectious. She looks at him and says. " You mean we could be together forever." He says, possibly but it is still probably months if not years away from perfection. She looks at him. "What happens if something happens to me before then." He looks at her tenderly and says, "Nothing will". She tells him about the cough and the pain in her chest. He says he can fix that. It is simple medical. Let's go see what the problem is. He takes her to his lab, where he puts her on a table. There is a big screen above her. She says "What is this". He says “it is a full body scan.” “We will see what is wrong, pinpoint it and fix it.” She says how do you fix it. He says depends on if it is anything. Medicine, treatments, bad things we do gene therapy. Alice, people, normal people live to be 150 to 170 years old. There are very few diseases we can't cure." She says, “170 years old?” in amazement. She thinks to her time. People were lucky to make it to 45....

The lab is a cold, sterile environment, a stark contrast to the warmth of their earlier embrace. The lights flicker, casting shadows across the chrome surfaces and gleaming instruments. Alice lays on the table, the white fabric of her gown stark against her pale skin. Alex's eyes are focused, his voice soothing as he explains the process. The scanner hums to life, a blue light sweeping over her body. She feels a strange warmth, a tingling that makes her skin crawl. On the screen above, an image of her insides appears, a maze of organs and bones, her heart beating a steady rhythm. Alex watches intently, his gaze flicking from the screen to her, then back again.

As the results come in, his expression changes from concern to determination. He points at a spot on the screen, a tiny speck of darkness amidst the light. "This," he says, "is the cause of your pain. It's a small tumor in your right lung, but it's growing, the fact is, it has been there for a year or so."

She says, "what is a tumor?"

He says, I am not sure what your time called it. Body rot or something like that. It is a disease that eats you up from the inside. She freaks out and starts to cry. :"I am going to die"

He holds her and says no; you are not going to die. Maybe in your time, maybe a hundred years ago. Alice I can take care of this right now, no pain whatsoever. She looks at him, in shock. "You can save me?" He looks at her kindly and says, "I already have, the thing is if you didn't die on the noose, you probably would have died in a couple years from lung cancer.” “I am sure our sessions didn't help”. “Probably caused it to grow faster. But You had it before I saved you." He tells her to lay back that she is going to feel a little pinch in her arm. A needle is inserted, she looks at him and says, "owwwwww, you said no pain" He looks at her and smiles and says. "I lied"... Her removes the needle and she says, "what now?". He says watch the screen and watch the tumor. She does and she sees it slowly dissolve and go away. He looks at her and says, “we are done.” She is amazed at the magic in this world, what he calls technology. "How do you feel?" She says my chest feels very good, it feels clean." He says, “well, it is. Not only did it cure the tumor, but it also cleans out your lungs. She says, “can i have a cigarette”. He says "He says, yes, how can I say no now. You have virgin lungs again...” She lights a cigarette and inhales it deep, if feels remarkable good and is so easy to inhale. However, she looks at him and says. "I will go easy on the smoking until the weekend." He looks at her and says, "That is a wise decision."

Thursday evening, as they sit in his study, her hand resting on her still-healing chest, he tells her about the first time he realized his gift. "I watched my friends grow old," he says, his voice low. "Diseases took them, wars, accidents—but I remained unchanged. It was a burden, at first. I felt like a monster, living while everyone I loved withered away." Her heart aches for him, for the loneliness he must have felt. "But now," she says softly, "you have me." He smiles, a rare, genuine smile that lights up his eyes. "Yes," he says, "now I have you."

The weekend of their hedonistic indulgence looms closer. Alice is both nervous and excited, the promise of a new experience thrilling her. Yet, she can't shake the feeling that she's walking a tightrope, balancing between love and fear.

Friday morning hits. She is up and in the Gym. Alex comes in and works out with her. She looks at his shirtless body with desire. He sees it. She blushes and turns away. He says “So this am we are going to get really high.” “We are going to have a competition to see who can take the most bong hits.” She says, she isn't sure that's fair. He looks at her and laughs and says. “You are the one who has been doing all the **** smoking. I mean I smoke but only 2 or 3 a day. Unless I am raving your body." "You smoke pot way more than I do, so I think it is fair. What are you chicken..." She hits him in the head with a Towel. She says, "You are right, and you are fucked, especially with these new clean lungs..." He then tells her after the competition they will indulge themselves in whatever food she wants. They will eat, maybe fuck, take a nap and wake up in the late afternoon to begin our session. She looks at him with a stern determined face and says. "When do we start and what do I, I mean what does the winner gets."

He says, "next weekend is winners' choice we do what I, I mean the winner wants." She looks at him. It just got real. She knows what he will want, he will want to asphyxiate her while she is smoking. Though the orgasms were the most intense, the fear was also, and she isn't ready for that. He looks at her hesitant eyes and says, "what are you chicken"... She replies with fire in her eyes and says, "I said...... when.. do.. we.. Start!”. He says meet me by the pool in 15 min. Get prepared. You haven't met the Giraffe. She looks at him and say, "what"?

Her realizes that she may not even know what a giraffe is. He laughs and says, "Obviously I need to take you to the zoo." “A giraffe is an animal with a very long neck." She looks at him like he is an idiot. She says in a condescending tone "I went to school we learned about animals, like giraffes." He looks at her and says, "well then. think of the 3-foot bong we use as a horse's neck.” The Giraffe is 6 foot long and requires two people to operate it. It has been a long time since I have pulled it out." Her eyes open wide in shock. He smiles at her with an "I know look." She then thinks of all that creamy smoke entering her and all of it coming outs. She starts to get wet between her legs. Her mind starts to wonder thinking about fucking while taking a huge hit of pot. Then she thinks. I wonder if I could handle a 6-foot toke of crack.... He snaps his fingers in her face and says, "earth to Alice.". She pops out of it and smiles and says, "If I win, I now know what I want, and it will be interesting to see if you can handle it.” He is intrigues.

Her curiosity piqued, Alice makes her way to the pool area, where the giraffe bong stands tall and proud. The glass tube is indeed a marvel to behold, gleaming in the sunlight with the promise of an intense high. Alex stands beside it, a knowing smile playing on his lips.