standby #2

Slam half expected what they found when they came to the door of L.'s apartment: it was closed.

They were about to ring the bell when they registered the post-it on the door. Slam took it off and read it:

"Entry only for nude subs in position seven with their clothes neatly folded and spread out on the floor in front of them."

8Slam almost sighed but they were sure L. stood behind the spyhole watching them.

They hesitated for a moment before they gave in and took off their clothes they had rearranged just a few minutes ago. Each piece was laid out separately. Then Slam kneeled beside their clothes with their bottom on their heels and put their forehead on the ground, the arms stretched out forward with the hands lying on the floor too.

The minutes dragged out agonizingly.

When they finally heard the door opening, Slam almost jumped in shock because they almost thought it was the door of L.'s neighbor behind them. But they were able to control themselves and keep the position.

L. didn't say anything. Slam heard a sound they couldn't identify at first. But then they knew what it was: L. was picking up their clothes.

The door closed again.

Slam was desperate, they felt nervous sweat running down their body. Should they stand up? Bang on the door and demand their clothes back?

But before they could decide if they should do any of this, the door opened again. Slam couldn't help but to sigh in relief.

But the seconds passed without L. saying anything. Slam almost wanted to look up to see what he was doing, but they wanted to be obedient.

The door closed a second time.

Slam couldn't help a few tears running down their face. Would he leave them outside here forever? Would someone come soon? What would they say?

A few minutes later the door was opened again.

"Get up" L. said in a soft voice.

Slam struggled, exhausted from lying on the hard floor and the stress of being exposed in such a way. L. grabbed them and helped them get up and into the apartment.

After he closed the door, he took them into his arms, stroking their back and Slam didn't hold their tears back any longer as the overwhelm fell from them.

"I'm so proud of you" L. said softly "You were so strong"