Oakland Gilbert

New week, new fun, cool thing. If you venture into the auditorium, you’ll find an old, rusting car. Super normal, right? Under the car is a tarp, and with the car are painting supplies. Spray paint, paint in buckets, paint in airbrush form. It’s there to be beautified and decorated. Don’t worry about perfectionism, like Bob Ross says there are no mistakes, only happy accidents. Next week, there will be old baseball bats and gold clubs that were donated for this instead of thrown away that you can all use to beat the beautiful car up. All thanks for this genius plan go to Ashton Evans, for inquiring minds. 

@tgaimportant​

I have to admit this sounds amazing. You can bet you’ll be seeing me there. I could use a little more of a creative outlet, other than locking myself away for days on end to write. I’m really looking forward to beating it too. That sounds like the perfect stress reliever. Props to Ashton for helping with these ideas. You’re both doing a lot of great work. 

Thank you to everyone who voted in the Mark Leader Election! I know I ran unopposed, but it still means a lot that people believed in me enough to vote for me instead of abstaining. I want everyone to know that I am planning on taking this as seriously as it deserves to be taken. I already have so many ideas, and I can’t wait to set them into motion. To begin, I want to open the floor to my fellow Switches. I would really like some feedback, to hear what it is you’re all specifically hoping to see improve here for those carrying the new mark. What challenges have you faced? What questions do you have? What would be most beneficial to you at this stage of things? Let me know, I want to hear from each of you!

I don’t want anyone to think they’ve been forgotten. While these elections were to unify the marks, with the way things have been going I think we could all do with some unity. I’m working on another idea for this weekend. One that I hope will help everyone start to rebuild some of these bridges. I’m not going to reveal what it’s for, because I don’t want that to be used as a reason people don’t attend, or skip out. But, I would like for everyone- and I do mean everyone- to leave their name and mark down below. I’ll release the “why” later. Just know that this is for an event that will require participation this weekend. It won’t be massive and it won’t take up too much time, but it will happen in parts, and it will require some effort. So again, please just leave your name and mark down below, and leave the rest to me! I hope I’ll see everyone responding soon. 

@tgaimportant​

Darrean, I have no questions about whether you’ll live up to the title you’ve been given. You are a natural born leader. I can name several people who could stand to take a note or two from you. 

In terms of the event- Oakland Gilbert, Dominant. 

The way that Oakland spoke made Polo shiver. He was a polished submissive, someone that had been trained from a very early age, from speech therapy to submission. It was deeply ingrained in him to be obedient and to do the right thing, to be perfect. His perfectionism is what drove him so insane, and left him so tightly wound that he couldn’t handle normal things. Perhaps that was why he liked moments like this so much. Not only was it not scheduled, he had no idea what was coming next and that was a new thrill not present in his life as a noble, but it pulled him out of that headspace and brought him to a point where he couldn’t control himself. Right now, focusing on how wonderful all of this felt, how many eyes may or may not be on him, and not cumming was going to take all that he had. “I do like that, Sir. I want that. I want you. I need you. What do you–” It caught him by surprise again when Oakland manhandled him and flipped him around. He was alright, easily able to grab hold of the tree and any scraping was minor and added to the experience. The other man was behind him, Polo could feel his presence and all he could do was nearly tap dance in excitement, his toes and heels moving while he fought to keep himself still. He didn’t succeed, the intensity of the moment made it impossible to resist fighting just a little bit against that hand in his hair, his eyes rolling into the back of his head at the feeling of the bark against his cheek and chest, and his legs and hips grinding gently against it too. 

Then that toy was pressed against him and he parted his lips, fingers curling as he relaxed the rest of his body just in time for it to slide into him. A loud moan fell from his lips and he bucked just a little, whimpering as he tried to control himself. Then the vibrations started and he lost control again, bucking into that hand that held his cock. The order not to come came and he sputtered out a few breaths, his hands moving on the tree from where they’d rested at hip level, up to shoulder level as his hips rocked, unsure whether to rut back or forwards. The nickname kept things sweet, soothing something inside of him that needed to be loved while the filth coming out of Oakland’s mouth to caress his ears (and anyone in the area that was close enough to hear, for all Polo knew the whole school was out there) kept him moaning and shivering. “I unders-stand, Sir,” he was coming undone already, a sure sign that he wasn’t controlling himself as much was his stutter returning. It only came out when he was too distracted to focus on his speech. He bit down on his own lower lip, which only lasted a few seconds before his panted breaths made his lips part again. The toy inside of him hit just right, “You’re so hot, please, I want to be good for you. I won’t, not until you tell me to. Mierda, f-fuck!” 

Oakland understood the way Polo had grown up to an extent and the lifestyle and pressures that came with it. His family, while not political, were in the public eye for his whole life which was only added to by the fact that one of his twins was a rockstar and he was a notable and distinguished author. Part of him wanted and liked this kind of thing for the same reasons. Because during times like these with people he trusted he didn’t have to be anything other than himself, not thinking about what he said and did and how he said and did it and how it would be taken by the public and his fans. “I thought so. I could tell just by looking at you. I could tell how fucking desperate you are, needing to be fucked until you can’t walk, can’t sit, can’t do anything but whimper my fucking name. What do I what, Polo? Tell me. I want to know.” Oakland growled into the Submissive’s ear. 

Praise, reassurance, tender affectionate touching, and a kiss. Polo kissed back, unable to hide how desperate he was for all of those things and the headspace he’d been put into. He was so lost in the shivering sensations that were running through him that he was snapped out of it when the leash as tugged. It was so easy to get lost in how good it felt to have so little control in a way that was something he enjoyed, and to know that something was coming that was going to completely erase everything else for at least however long it was happening. Knowing Oakland, the aftercare would keep his head clear for at least a week. The Gilberts were a liberal family, his mothers had talked about them at great length. Polo knew Oakland would take care of him. 

Snapping to, Polo dropped down onto all fours and followed orders as he was given, pulling himself out of the foggy stupor he’d been in for a moment before. His mind was on fire and acutely aware of everything, listening for any sound that might indicate another human being was there with them. His eyes stayed closed under the blindfold though, he was curious but not curious enough to break his promise. Then got to the point where he was ordered up and he stood, knowing that he was even more on display now. That thought had barely had a moment to settle when the doors opened and the cold, outside air hit him and he knew they were headed out into the courtyard. The courtyard was set up so that the entire school could see down into it, it was designed that way for punishments. The entire school might be looking at a Spanish noble as he was paraded outside in the buff. He did exactly as he was told, noting things like the feeling of standing alone while he waited for Oakland to come back for him, not knowing what was going on but remaining ever-present and steadfast. He felt like he could hear a pin drop. “I understand, Sir. And I relish it. I burn for you, I hope you do ruin me.”

The collar was dropped and he breathed in a reactionary breath and then a hand was around his throat. His lips parted, head tipping back in welcome, and then he found himself walking and being pressed into something solid. Wood. His hands held onto the bark, fireworks exploding behind his eyelids as he leaned back against the tree. Then the hand dropped and he inhaled sharply, relaxing as he leaned against Oakland a little bit instead. Catching his breath and hearing the question, he nodded, licked his lips to wet his mouth, swallowed to wet his throat in preparation for speech because he was always thoroughly sure that he did his best to make sure he spoke loudly, clearly, and without a stutter. Still, he only took two or three seconds to respond breathily. “Green, Sir. Where have you been all this time? You wanted me needy, I’m needy.” 

Polo followed every single command and order he was given, which made Oakland’s job easier in some ways. He liked obedience, but he also liked wild. Rough. Hard. No one might have known looking at him, or in the way he spoke or talked to other people. But behind closed doors and with the people he trusted, who he knew could handle the most extreme of his extreme. “Thank you for your consent. Do you? I like that, I want that. The whole school is going to hear you, and see you. See you getting your pretty, tight ass fucking obliterated out here. You like that, don’t you? You want to be destroyed like that.” Oakland’s adrenaline was pumping harder than it had been in a while. He loved the feeling, feeling like he was on top of the world. with a Submissive who could truly understand him beneath him. 

When Oakland explained, Polo nodded. He did understand, that was why he’d taken the extra step to reassure the Dominant even more than he’d asked to be reassured. When he was told to stand, Polo stood without hesitation. It wasn’t often that people outside of a select few took the time to order him like this and none of those people were here, so it was already thrilling to feel the air against his bare skin. The blindfold came on and the last thing that Polo saw was Oakland. The image burned behind his eyelids, which closed on instinct. “I can’t, Sir, and I’ll keep my eyes closed, I promise.” He would too, he would be good. If Oakland didn’t want him to see, he wouldn’t see. Polo was about to bite his own lower lip as he waited for what was going o happen next as a means of keeping his eagerness and excitement at bay when the Dominant bit it first. He gasped in surprise, a sound that began as an inhalation of air and ended as a soft moan. Before he knew it, those lips and hands were all over him and all he could think to do was stand there with his hands open at his sides, fingers flexing. His head tipped back and moved easily with the guidance of the other man. The sounds of Oakland breathing and moaning in his ear were enough to send chills through him. Honestly, he’d already been hard by the time he felt fingers curl around his cock and his knees felt weak. He was over the moon, then those words were said and he stuttered out an incoherent few sounds before he was able to find legitimate words. “Y-Yes, Sir. You’re right, I am.” Both needy and going to do exactly that. Swallow, then a daring and more solidly spoken, “Gladly so.” He wanted to reach out, but he remained still and obedient, knowing it would be all the better when and if he were allowed finally. The order to speak was vague, so he ran with it a little bit, wanting to let out some of his feelings and taking the opportunity. “You’re incredible, Sir. Thank you. I’m on edge, I can’t wait to see what you’ve got planned.”

As always, Polo listened to what he was told intently, ready to follow every command. One thing stood out in his head, though there were many bookmarks made outside of this one thought as well. He was naked and Oakland had said we’re going out. That most likely meant outside of the suite, possibly even outside in the courtyard, either of which meant that just about anyone might see him. And the blindfold meant he wouldn’t even know. When this was over and done with, he would have no idea who had and hadn’t seen his entire naked body and whatever Oakland might have planned to do to it. His heart was already racing, and he nodded when he was told to. Yes, he did understand. A noble’s son, stripped and paraded crawling through the halls. Sparks went off in his mind, he was more awake and feeling more alive than he had in a while. This was something that would take his whole focus and pull his mind entirely away from all of the things he thought about every day. “Yes, Sir. I consent.” And though he hadn’t been given permission to add this, he leaned into the other man’s hand on his chin and added a soft, “thank you” because he wanted to really hit it home that he consented. He was still thinking about the feeling of that collar being placed on him and the visuals it had given him. Oakland was so kind, Polo didn’t want him to have even the smallest doubt about whether what he was doing was okay. After a few seconds, he sat back upright, inhaled, and focused again. “My safeword is fuego and I understand the stoplight signals as well. Red for stop, yellow for slow, green for go.” It was easier to breathe for some reason, with the pressure of the collar and leash on his neck.

It had been incredibly soothing to have something to do, somewhere to be, and orders to follow. Polo was here to find himself a new beginning, but he hadn’t understood how difficult that would be to find on his own. Nikolai Flanagan had helped him at one point, but the man wasn’t his Dominant nor did he have any reason to continue to reach out. From Thursday until now, Polo had gotten a reprieve from his constant thoughts. Thoughts that were so deep and so dark that he often felt like he was drowning in them. It was inescapable. Suffocating. Never-ending. The pressure was often times too much, he was now known for cracking violently and emotionally. He had panic attacks and incredible anxiety. But there was a voice to cut through that right now, as Oakland’s did again when he called his name. Polo immediately fixed his posture and looked at the Dominant. The orders came and he followed immediately with a “yes,Sir” and knelt without hesitation. He was so used to orders and other people telling him how to be good that it satisfied more than just his inner submissive, it soothed his anxiety too. The hand on his chin lifted his face and he couldn’t have looked away from Oakland if he had wanted to, his inner submissive was so transfixed. “Yes, Sir.” He replied immediately and started unbuttoning his shirt. That came off and was set aside, quickly folded. His pants went next, with his briefs in one go, slid off his body without him getting up. They were folded and set aside too, with his socks last before he returned into a kneeling position. His eyes never left Oakland and he barely even blinked. It was like there was an invisible leash holding him, pulling him towards the Dominant while he kept his position. 

[PM] Well, he’s not Robby, which is already a plus. I don’t know if I’m the type of person that can just… not have anyone around. As much as I want to think that would work because it sounds easier. He’s very excitable, very eager, one of those 24/7 yes Sir, no Sir types that titles me at least 100 times every minute. Which is a lot. Especially for someone that went through what I went through and especially while people are causing so much power exchange based drama. I’m glad we have a safe space now, somewhere that marks don’t matter. I’m sure you’re not surprised that I like being there where there are no marks, no titles, no orders, and no stress. Artie is very sweet, though. Smart too. He’s been making all of my meals since I got here, and checking in to clean my suite. He’s taking care of me, and I’m trying to take care of him a bit in return. Was that what you were looking to hear about?

DM: Score. Glad we got that out of the way. You act like that’s telling me something I didn’t know. I understand. There’s nothing wrong with that. That’s different. I saw that you were excited about that. It’s a good idea no doubt. I’m happy you’ll have a place like that to feel safe and secure. My question is, have you told him that? It’s hard but you have to be honest about that. For both of you. He’s the sweetest kid on the block, my bet is he wouldn’t want to be overwhelming you. That’s cute, I’m sorry but it is. At least someone has been making sure. I know I fell off on my duties, that’s my fault. I’m sorry. I got sucked into a new idea. And I’m trying to set something up for Harold Lauder. I want to help him. He’s got talent. And one hell of a story. That shit will sell, I promise you that. And, he needs a few good things his way I think. Bless Artie. With or without everything you’ve got going on, you never have been the best at organizing. It sounds like it’s a good gig, for both of you. I worry. You’re a good man El. Yes, it was. My heart has been sated. 

DM to @oaklandisagilbert​​ : … Thank you, Sir. I will do that, I’ll try to get everything I’ll need in the first trip but you’re right, I can go back for whatever else I need. You did. You have been. Quiet. It looks like you have been observant too. How am I feeling? Good. I’m observant too, you’re reaching out and looking for something that you’re not getting either. So I know this might be real concern. And you’re right about that too, I… It’s nice. To have someone worry about me. I did call them out for a reason. They stuck out to me. How are you feeling about what I said, Sir?

DM: Very good I just don’t want you to stress. You’re right about all of that, you’ve got an observant streak too just like you pointed out. Maybe that’s so. There isn’t a point in hiding it. I’ve been shuffled directly to the unpopular crowd. It’s okay with me, it’s a place I’m comfortable being. I know everyone doesn’t feel that way. I can promise you the concern is real, but I know that because of some of the things you’ve experienced that hesitation is necessary for you. I’m okay with that, and I’m fine proving that. Good, nice is a good feeling. Turning the tables on me I see. I don’t mind. I’m feeling good, I’m looking forward to spending time with you Polo. I want to get to know you, and I want to get a better grasp on what your needs are. I have some idea, in seeing your posts and how you have responded to things. And the things you’ve posted independently. I have some thoughts about some things we’ll do and how this will go. Friday will be a little more tame because of classes. But this weekend may not be the same story. Upfront I want you to tell me your safe word, and your limits. I want to have a good grasp on those things before we move into this. I want to know what you’re comfortable with, and I want to know any needs you have off the bat that you know you want addressed. I have my own ideas, but I need to make sure I’m not completely wrong. I want you to get as much out of this as you need. 

PM: Have I ever thought about trying to get published? Only every day of my life since I was five. And I’ve been trying, it’s just not going well. I had a nail on the wall back home that I put all my rejection letters on. It was an inspired thing that I’m no longer inspired to do, but I do still turn things in to publishers. You’re right, it does feel nice. I’ve always wanted people to read my work and I always imagined people complimenting it, I’ve been waiting and trying not to lose hope. A few people read what I post here, which is nice. Self published is something.

DM: I thought that might be true. Someone with your talent surely recognized as much early on. Not going well huh? I can’t say that I’ve heard the nail approach before, but whatever works. Or worked from the sound of it. It looks like you don’t have to imagine anymore either. You’re right, self-publishing is something. If that’s the route you want to stay on, I support you. But...I’ll tell you what, Harold. I like you, I like your story, and I like your writing. You’ve got style and a grasp on an emotion most people aren’t able to write effectively because it’s a hard thing to capture that kind of suspense without the extra frills given in a movie or a show. Even in music. There’s a reason notable horror writers are so few and far between. And there’s a reason I’ve never tried it myself. Not my genre. But, it is a sect of my publisher’s genre. How would you feel about compiling something for me to send her on your behalf? I can’t make any guarantees, but if I like it, I’m betting she will. So will her partners. And, you’d have my name behind it. Which, not to toot my own horn in any way, would give you a leg up on whoever else is submitting right now. I’ll give you time to think on it if you need. It’s a big step. But, you know where my room is. If it’s something you want to discuss, let me know. Or, just drop something off. 

Say what you want about this place, but it does have its perks. The architecture, the world-class education, the actually halfway-decent food…Oh, and the smell of fear that just overwhelms you as soon as you step foot through the front door. It’s so familiar, it’s almost like coming home. Not. Anyway, I’m Alex Whitman, returning submissive. It looks like I was here with half of you before so, heyyyyyyyooooooo, what’s up? If I don’t know you though, or if you don’t know me (which is more likely), nice to meet you! I’m going to work on finding my room and getting myself set up, but I’ll be around for anyone wanting to stop by. And, speaking of food, does anyone know if I’ve already missed dinner or not? Because that would be a bummer.  @tgaimportant​

Hey Alex, I was starting to think  we might have missed your chance to have you join us this round. Glad to see that’s not accurate and that your sense of humor is as on point. We could use some of that here. I’m going to go out on a limb and guess you found food. If not I’m open to company and have a stocked fridge.