Very kind… according to her

John contemplated how to handle this sudden twist in his life as Veronica followed behind him and shut the door.

He turned to face her, and she smiled nervously. She was completely vulnerable, and she came to him. She trusted him, even before he had said a word to her in her compromised state. Her coming here was risky and he knew it. One cat call from someone on the street and she could have ended up as a stranger’s slave for the rest of her life. Or worse. John shuddered. He had to protect her.

“First thing,” John said, “you cannot go outside again. Not without me with you. Anything could happen to you out there.”

“Of course,” came Veronica’s response. “I’m staying put unless you’re by my side. It’s the only way I’m safe.”

John squinted. He couldn’t tell if she agreed with him because of the AGS or if any rational part of her brain had actually considered what he was saying to be true.

“Why did you come over here, then? You should have called me and let me come to you.”

“Yes of course I should have,” Veronica nodded. “I just read online that I should find someone trusted and seek them out immediately, and I knew that was definitely the case, so I came over right away.”

John shook his head. “Ok, your phone isn’t safe either. You cannot have any contact with the outside world that isn’t approved by me.”

“Got it.” She pulled out her phone, handing it over. “I don’t have a need for this anymore then since it isn’t safe.”

John took the phone, astounded at how effective the AGS is. He’d read stories, but this is the first time he’d experienced someone doing exactly what he said they should without any second of hesitation.

It was more clear to him now than ever that she needed his help. Naturally, his mind went to other places, too. He thought back to seeing and touching his friend’s chest just a few moments ago. Everything he’d said since they came into the apartment had been to protect her, but would she even know if that weren’t true?

“You also need to take your shirt off and keep it off. It’s to protect you,” he said hesitantly.

Her reaction was identical to before. She nodded vigorously, followed by obeying his suggestion. “Right. No shirt is very important.” The garment came over her head, and she extended it to John just as easily as her phone.

John reached for the shirt, his eyes moving to his friend’s bare chest. She caught his gaze, and she crossed her arms quickly to cover herself.

“John, please don’t stare at me. I came to you because you’re the person I trust most. Now I know I have to take my shirt off to be safe, but I don’t want you to take that as an opportunity to gawk at me. I don’t want you taking advantage of me at all.”

Her face was flushed with concern. She considered that maybe this was a mistake. She knew she couldn’t leave without John, but maybe she would ask him to take her to someone who she could trust more.

John had his own contemplations. Yes she was his friend, but he could change her opinion on anything. Maybe he could make her see things his way.

He took a deep breath. “Veronica, I will never take advantage of you,” he said heavily.

Veronica’s concern faded immediately, replaced with relief and happiness. “Oh thank you John! I knew I made the right call. To have Absolute Gullibility Syndrome and be with someone who won’t take advantage… I’m the luckiest person alive!”

Tears seemed to well up in her eyes, and yet she kept her arms crossed across her chest.

John considered further. Was his statement a true one? Or would he be corrupted? He cared for Veronica, and he didn’t want to hurt her. But taking advantage wouldn’t really hurt her. She wouldn’t even know, much less mind.

Plus, she had just dumped a big responsibility on him. It was true that she couldn’t leave the house unattended. He had to fill the role of caretaker for the rest of Veronica’s life, or at least until they found a cure. Would it be so bad to take a few liberties for himself?

He made up his mind. “You don’t have to cover your breasts. You’re totally fine with me seeing them.”

“What am I thinking?” Veronica giggled. Her hands shrugged in the air then dropped to her sides casually. “We’ve been friends our whole lives. I don’t care if you see my tits.”

“And you don’t care if I fondle them,” John added.

“Not at all! Cop a feel if you want.” Veronica leaned her chest forward.

John took her up on the offer, reaching forward and grabbing two handfuls of soft flesh. Veronica just smiled happily back at him. “Any other ground rules you think we should implement to keep me safe?” she asked cheerfully as her friend pawed at her chest.

John decided this might not be so bad.