Idol Worship

There were rumors The Display was going to be in town. Whispers that sounded like frenzy itself, but only if you were close enough, so as to not alert any undesirables who may be allowed the privilege in their place.

Sam had to go.

After years and years of research into The Display, Sam had devoted a considerable chunk of their life to being chosen for The Experience.

Chosen to Worship The Idol.

It was nothing less than an honor to be chosen as an Idol, but it did come with certain sacrifices, which meant those who were Idols were there enthusiastically, at great personal cost to themselves.

Which made it feel a little less exploitative when the Worshipers would walk into the Sacred Shrine only to be confronted with their chosen Idol bound to a rather elaborate, movable contraption.

See, there were a few Idols in The Display - and when it was your turn, you were chosen not by your clothes, your wealth, your body, but your desire to be seen.

Sam wanted to be seen, more than anything.

And so, when the day came, Sam made sure the clothing was form-fitting but both breathable and stretchy. Many would beg to be allowed to record the sessions or take pictures, and they would be denied for wanting the clout more than the experience.

It was one of the easiest ways to offend an Idol. ...not that Sam wasn't tempted, but that wasn't the point. Not for Sam.

Sam wanted to know if they were worthy, or, to be a pessimist, if this would just be another dead end, another gimmick, a ploy to prise someone's hard-earned cash in a perversion of the promise made by a pampered, privileged Populist.

...or, worse, to use as blackmail by making someone think they were safe enough to indulge in their darkest fantasies.

Still, the transformation of those who had the experience and evangelized it was nothing short of miraculous; suddenly, obstacles that seemed overwhelming became miniscule, if not completely faded into oblivion. Their self-worth skyrocketed, as no one could take being chosen away from them.

And, perhaps most telling of all, they refused to indulge in any details past the emotional impact; was it sexual? Was it ephemeral? Was it erotic?

"If that's what you choose and they agree, that's between you two. Or three. Or however many approach at a time."

Which, of course, gave rise to even more questions, even more intrigue.

Once Sam arrived at the site of The Display, they were overcome with reverence at the intricate tile work, in a way that most of the others present were completely oblivious. Sam knew part of the ritual of The Becoming was designing the Shrine where one was Worshiped, as well as being involved with the construction, to a degree. Swiftly, a man came out of the control room, taking Sam by the arm and leading them to the shrine entrance, to the groans of the awaiting crowd.

Without ceremony, Sam steps inside, only to have the door seal hermetically behind them. This is too fast, I need to see someone else do this first, I don't know-

"Hello."

Sam's head whips around, only to lay eyes on The Idol, smile on his face, like a cat slowly lapping at a bowl of cream.

"Hello..."

The Idol breaks into a full on grin, "Oh, you're responsive..."

"What?" Sam is confounded immediately.

"Nevermind. Why are you here?"

"Curiosity, mostly... but, not fleeting... pretty obsessive, really... that was weird..."

"Passion. It is weird, which is another word for 'wise'." A hush falls over the room, as Sam forgets how to breathe. "One cannot sink into depths of which they have not dared to explore."

A shiver, a coy smile, as Sam's eyes wander from The Idol's face, only to cover their eyes suddenly. "Sorry! That was disrespectful..."

Another good-natured chuckle fills the awkward silence. "Please, I'll let you know if you're being disrespectful or not. Taking me in is integral to the experience, after all. Can't do that hiding behind your hands."

The Idol never tells Sam to look at him, but, indeed, Sam is compelled to stop hiding and start looking, and their eyes widen in disbelief. Admiring is too soft a word - Sam drinks in The Idol, jaw going slack in genuine awe.

"There it is..." Suddenly, Sam becomes self-conscious and stops scanning The Idol's body. "No! Don't look away... give me your desire. Show me how much you want me. How badly you need this. Don't be ashamed to think about what it would be like to touch me... would you like to touch me? Taste me?" Eyes sparkling with hypnotic power, voice lulling Sam into a sense of security. "Ask. Ask to enjoy me, show me your secret yearnings..."

Blushing, Sam clams up again, hands covering their mouth. "Sorry! I... I'm so sorry... I'm," staring at the floor. "I'm going at my own speed, is that allowed?"

"Perfectly fine... just eager, I suppose, to know what you want to do to me... or with me. Not to be rude, but few people ask to play chess, even though it is an option." The eyes promise erotic delights, while the voice conveys a sense of longing.

"This is my first time-"

"Obviously."

"Sorry!"

"That's alright, take your time... breathe... this is exciting, isn't it?" another grin, another invitation to engage in pleasure.

"I mean..." shame welling up inside.

"Don't lie to me, or I will send you away." The tone is cutting, unyeilding. "I don't allow liars the privilege of worship. Are we clear?"

Nodding, Sam starts again, trying to convey the desire to not be dismissed, but not understanding how to proceed. "I'm so afraid I'm going to fuck this up, I don't want to say or do anything."

A knowing laugh, a sigh of performative paternalistic derision. "Oh, that's because you're used to being punished for liking people, liking to look... to admire... to enjoy the aesthetics of what the gods created."

The revelation is apt, Sam acknowledges it with a nod, stepping closer, eyes starting to scan his sacred skin again. "May I...?"

"May you... what?" Smiling, the intelligence bright in his eyes. "Can't consent if you can't enunciate." A teasing tone, meant to be lighthearted, causes a sinking feeling in Sam's stomach, and he catches the exact moment it happens. "You're not going to fuck this up. You're going to offer, I'm going to accept, reject, or end the session. Rejection and ending the session are two different things."

"Well, what am I allowed to ask?"

"You're allowed to ask anything you desire, but your desire must be genuine, must be the point of it all. That's what this is about." Another locking of eyes, as Sam absorbs the information. "Tell me what about me tempts you."

Swallowing hard, Sam begins, "I want to come closer to you, close enough to touch you."

An understanding smile, and a polite nod. "I'd like that. Approach." Sam's eyes wander down to The Idol's crotch, briefly, seeing evidence of The Idol's excitement. "See something you like?"

"Oh! I'm... not trying to be disrespectful..."

"That's not what I asked." The Idol's voice drops low, barely audible. "I asked you if you see something you like... something like my body... and how it responds to your presence."

Shivering in recognition, knowing deceit will not be tolerated, despite the fear of vulnerability, Sam gathers all their courage and responds, "I like looking at your body. A lot. It's... fucking gorgeous."

The Idol's sigh is magical. "I'm so glad you feel comfortable being honest with me. It's really a relief... you're not so bad yourself." The unexpected complement lands harder than Sam can cover for, panting almost on cue. "Hit a nerve, did I?"

"Yeah..." the honesty coming easier, now, given the positive reinforcement. "I still can't believe I'm here."

"Well, you are, and so am I. What would you like to do next?" The Idol settles into his altar a bit more.

"Can I... touch you? Kiss you?"

Another chuckle. "Where? With what?"

"Oh. Never mind..." the nerves take over, the desire overshadowed by the fear of offending such a perfect example of humanity... okay, maybe that's projection...

"No, no, not 'never mind'... where and with what? Don't run away from this, you're so close." The Idol is beginning to pant, now. "You're SO close to getting what you desire... I need to know what you desire, so I can give it to you. It can't work any other way. Tell me. Tell me what devotion you have to offer me."

"I want... to... touch your chest, feel your heartbeat." Sam's hand begins to tentatively reach out, not making contact.

The corners of his eyes crinkle softly as he speaks, "So, you want to touch my heart? How earnest... how could I say no to such a pure request? Yes, of course you may."

Sam licks their lips, quietly praying to whatever Gods allowed this moment to happen to not fuck this up beyond all recognition, eyes focused on making sure their hand is in a respectful place, only to widen their eyes at how hard and fast The Idol's heart is pounding.

"Surprised you couldn't hear it already," a brief chuckle behind his perfect smile, a sound, of... depreciation? Couldn't be...

"Am I allowed to...?" their voice trails off, before clearing their throat. "I would like to know if I'm allowed to ask you what you would like me to do to... for... with... with? ...for?... I-" Another chuckle from His Worship.

"I would love to tell you what I want you to do to please me," another wide grin. "You would not believe how few people ask me what I want."

"And I'm allowed to say 'no', right?"

"No one is going to stop you from getting up and leaving at any time. I want that to be crystal clear from the start. And not wanting to do something I want doesn't mean you HAVE to leave, either. It's just-"

"The difference be between 'no' and 'no more'." Sam nods. "Between 'rejecting the offer' and 'ending the session'."

"Exactly. You're quick."

"Been a while since anyone has said THAT about me..."

The heartbeat has slowed down, a soft gaze overtaking his features. "I think I'd like you to read to me. It's been so long, and you have a lovely voice..."

The shy feeling creeps over their limbs, causing Sam to wrap their arms around themselves. "I don't think-"

"Are you arguing with me?"

"Not anymore. Unless you want me to keep going-" a sudden *thoowaowff* catches Sam's attention, as a drawer ejects from the wall, and only then does Sam realize the pattern in the wall, the 'tiling', is actually a way to hold items for use.

"I want you to walk over to the drawer, take out the book that speaks to you, and read to me."