*****

Angel looked at Spike incredulously though he should have known it. The dreams had never been that strong and had hardly ever caused him to lose himself in them while he was awake. The already raging demon clawed against his cage, demanding to be set free. But still it was controlled... barely.

"How?" The question escaped him before he could stop himself.

"I�ve been around Dru for a long time." William mentioned with a grin. "And since we already shared a bond it was pretty easy." He added with a shrug. "So, do you want to see what else I remember of my 'lessons'?" He repeated his question.

"Why?" Angel couldn�t help asking. He was just too surprised to see his Childe so soon. Sure, he�d called and left a message, but hadn�t expected William to come so quickly. Especially because he had not even been sure the other would come at all... not after what had happened the last time... (Stop it!) Angel told himself, feeling the demon pulling at his restrains even more at the first hints of memory of their latest meeting.

"I�m not here to talk." Spike said coldly, not willing to reveal the truth to his Sire. Obviously it had been a mistake to show up. (Why does he always have to ask the hard questions?) "That�s it... I�ll leave now." Turning around he headed for the elevator. He didn�t want to be questioned about something he didn�t even understand himself. The last time they had parted he had promised himself never to come near his poof of a Sire again.

Angel didn�t even allow him to take a complete step before he grabbed his Childe and slammed him against the wall. "I can�t recall giving you permission to leave." He mentioned. It was said almost casually, his voice deceptively soft, but his eyes had a gleaming in their depths that betrayed his true state... Finally the demon had been set free.

William just snarled at him. "Since when do I need your permission." He spat, staring Angel in the eyes.

"It�s been so long... too long it seems." Angel remarked, running his index finger over William�s cheek.

"Fuck off." The other turned his head away from the touch in a swift movement.

"Tsktsktsk... and here I thought I taught you some manners." One hand gripped his Childe�s chin, forcing the other to look at him while the index finger started to trace the line of one chiseled cheekbone again. "It seems you don�t remember too much of your lessons." He added.

William�s knee came up, aiming for Angel�s groin and succeeding. He used his chance as his Sire cringed in pain and pushed him away, starting towards the elevator again. He didn�t even made it halfway there before Angel�s body crashed into him from behind, sending him to the floor. He struggled to get up again, growling in fury, but the other was on top of him, pinning him down.

"This wasn�t very smart." Angel said, a low growl underlining his words. His fingers wove into William�s golden brown hair, forcing his head back.

"You don�t say." The cheeky reply was followed by another try to buck Angel off.

Angel ground his crotch against his childe�s ass, pinning him down effectively and simultaneously letting the other feel his erection. He chuckled silently as William went absolutely rigid underneath him.

William was raging. This wasn�t what he�d planned. He�d wanted to be the one in charge, not the victim... not again.

"Too late... you should have thought about that earlier." Angel mentioned as if reading his thoughts. Getting up he yanked his Childe to his feet as well.

He growled as his Sire pulled his hair, forcing him to get up if he didn�t want to have his neck snapped. He tried to punch Angel in order to break free, but the older vampire caught his wrists and held them behind his back with the other hand while he pushed William over to the bedroom.

***

"Ah, you were prepared for me I see." Angel mentioned, taking in the sight of the chains attached to the bed and hanging from the ceiling. "Hope you don�t mind if I use this nice setup on you now." He added with a smirk, pushing his Childe towards the chains dangling from the ceiling.

"And if I mind?" William couldn�t help the sharp edged question though he already knew the answer. He grunted as Angel pulled his hair again, forcing his head back in a painful angle. The hand holding his wrists in a tight grip came up as well and he had to arch backwards to prevent his arms from breaking.

"That would be your problem then, wouldn�t it?" Angel said in a surprisingly soft voice considering the fact he�d snap his Childe�s spine if he�d give just a short jerk now. And he knew that was a thing William was afraid of. Even after all those years the slightly hyperactive vampire had never really gotten over his wheelchair experience. "Wouldn�t it?" Asked harder this time while he bent the other�s already protesting back some more.

(Don�t... please don�t.) His mind screamed, but he didn�t say it out loud. He could tell only one inch more and his spine would break and he wasn�t able to stop the fear from taking over. The memories came back, reminding him how horrible it had been not to be able to walk... to be helpless. "Yessss." William hissed, his voice rough with pain and hints of fear. He only hoped this would be enough for his Sire to stop. (Bastard!)

Angel smiled faintly, knowing he could make his Childe beg right now if he�d

not let go but tighten his grip. This was not what he wanted... what his demon wanted. This would be too soon... the creature within him wanted to play. He loosened his hold a little, but not enough for William to break free.

The younger vampire struggled against his Sire, trying to prevent Angel from closing the manacles around his wrists. A hard punch in the stomach stopped him, leaving him gasping for unneeded air.

"Now how about a little fun, Will?" Angel asked innocently, running his hands from the chained wrists down the raised arms and farther over the lean flanks. His Childe only growled silently. "Watch it." He told him, giving a slap on William�s muscular behind, causing him to flinch slightly in surprise.

*****
Part 2:

William watched his Sire dragging a trunk out of the closet. *The* trunk to be exact.

"Never thought I�d use this again." Angel mused while opening the lid. "Not even sure why I kept it all those years." He added with a shrug, rummaging through the trunk.

The younger vampire couldn�t suppress a shiver as his Sire took several 'tools' out of the box, setting them onto a nearby table within easy reach.

"Now let�s see what we have here." Angel said, continuing to dig through the items. "I�m sure we�ll find something that fits your likes." He gave William a malicious smile before concentrating on his task again. "Ah... yes, that�s exactly what I was searching for." He exclaimed eventually, holding a dagger up to look it over.

William couldn�t tear his eyes away from it, hypnotized by the light dancing over the sharp blade.

Seeing his Childe�s look Angel grinned as he walked closer, holding the dagger up so the other could see it clearly. "I see you like it." He teased, stepping even closer. "And it�ll get better." He almost purred, running the tip of the blade over William�s cheek, not drawing blood... not yet.

The younger vampire couldn�t suppress the slight flinching as the dagger brushed over his skin. He could feel the cold steel slide deeper like in slow motion, eventually cutting through the front of his cotton shirt.

"It�s a shame to hide such a beautiful body." Angel mentioned, his fingers following the path the dagger had used, causing his Childe to shiver again.

William stiffened, trying to keep his body under control though alone Angel�s touch caused the desire to rise, only faintly now, but it would grow... The presence of his Sire always did this to him, no matter if he wanted it or not.

Grinning the older vampire cut his Childe�s remaining clothing to pieces until William was completely naked, except for his boots. (Everything changed but the boots... never the boots.) Angel smiled slightly as he bent down to remove the shoes as well, barely avoiding a kick. "That wasn�t very nice." He mentioned while getting up again, drawing the dagger up William�s left leg, leaving a bloody trail behind.

William didn�t move, trying to look bored even as the blade slowly moved up his inner thigh, coming dangerously close to more sensitive parts of his body. He hardly suppressed a sigh of relief as the sharp metal changed it�s direction to cut the skin across his left hip instead.

Angel slid the blade farther over his Childe�s body, moving it over the lean flank and across the pale back, eventually stopping as he reached the manacle around William�s right wrist. Taking a step backwards he looked his work over, a thin trail of blood winding around the other�s body like a crimson snake.

The younger vampire still didn�t move, waiting for what was going to come next. Though he�d kind of expected it he couldn�t suppress another shiver as he suddenly felt his Sire�s tongue on his back.

"Mmm... I forgot how sweet your blood tastes." Angel murmured while running his tongue over the already healing cut.

Feeling the heat slowly spreading through his body William made another attemt to buck his Sire off, intending to get away from this teasing tongue.

"Behave yourself." Angel�s sharp voice was followed by an equally sharp slap across his Childe�s buttocks, arousing the younger one even more. "Now on to the game." Angel added cheerfully, observing William�s already semi hard cock.

"On to the game? What the hell was this then?" William snapped, pulling on his chains. Seeing it was useless he stopped only an instant later, standing still again.

"Foreplay." Angel replied with a mischievous grin.

*****
Part 3:

"Well, I'd say we continue where you stopped." Angel mentioned, referring to the memories Spike had somehow sent him. He looked through the trunk once again, eventually pulling the cat-o-nine-tails with the metal pieces on the ends out.

Shit. William watched his Sire coming closer. He managed not to move though it took great effort.

Walking up behind his Childe Angel ran the whip over the other's body, letting the leather caress the pale back, the metal pieces dangling uselessly from the tails. He teased the muscular buttocks, some of the tails sliding over the crack.

The younger vampire shivered involuntarily at the sensation. The leather moving slowly over his body, drawing mysterious patterns without marking the skin... yet. The trails creeped farther around his body, brushing over the smooth chest, then deeper, teasing his cock. The low moan escaped him before he could stop it.

Angel grinned knowingly, allowing the metal pieces to touch the hardening shaft briefly, watching the aroused flesh twitch in anticipation.

William wondered how easily his body remembered, shivering slightly with fear but not only because of that. A part of him wanted this and that was what annoyed him the most. "Are you going to start any time soon?" He bit out, growling silently at the hoarse note in his voice.

"I'm not in a hurry." Angel replied casually as he moved behind his Childe again. "It's not like our time is running out." He teased with a silent giggle. Then without further warning the whip hit the pale back, leaving red marks. "But you certainly need to learn your lessons again." He pointed out, his voice still calm and slightly amused.

The stike caught William by surprise and he jerked instinctively away from the cause of the pain. Before he could start fighting against his bonds the whip was back, caressing his ass again.

"Now let´s start your lessons again." The older vampire told his Chile. "Who owns you?" He asked, the leather still moving over the other´s body.

You. But William bit his tongue before it could slip out. He was not going to say that... no way. Steeling himself against the next blow he remained silent.

Didn't think you'd answer right away. Angel thought, smiling faintly. The whip came down again, this time with a flicker of Angel's wrist, causing the metal pieces to tear into the soft flesh, drawing the first drops of blood. "Who owns you?" He asked again, not really expecting a reply, but giving his Childe another chance.

Searing pain shot through his body and he flinched... Damn, it had been so long he'd nearly forgotten how it felt. Clenching his fists around the chains holding him upright he waited for his Sire to continue, not answering the question.

"As you wish." Calmly said before the leather cracked down on another spot of pale flesh, colouring it red. This time Angel didn't ask again but continued to rain blows down on the lean back.

William pressed his lips together to keep himself from crying out, his fists clenching the chains so tightly the knuckles were white. He could feel the blood running down his back, the pain already starting to fog his brain.

As there wasn't a single spot of untouched flesh on his Childe's back Angel let the whip slip around the lean flanks with each blow, cutting them open as well.

The younger vampire gasped as the leather wind itself around his body, the metal pieces snapping painfully against his ribs, sometimes even catching his nipples. How could he have forgotten Angelus was a master with the whip?! Clenching his teeth he fought against the blackness that came with the pain and the increasing bloodloss.

The precise blows continued down the taut buttocks and muscular thighs. He could tell his Childe was only a step away from unconsciousness, but that didn't stop him. The demon wanted to play and he'd let it until the other knew his place again.

William blinked, trying to force the black veils that were dancing in front of his eyes away. His back felt odd, kind of numb but simultaneously burning like hell. Though he fought it the blackness kept coming closer, seeming almost inviting now...

Angel stopped the whipping the moment his Childe surrendered to unconsciousness, going limp in his chains.

*****
Part 4:

Spike woke to the smell of blood and a hard slap on his cheek. He needed some moments to remember where he was, then his body went rigid. He suppressed a groan as the strained muscles in his arms and shoulders protested. As it was he was lucky his shoulders weren't dislocated after he'd hung in the chains for who knew how long.

"Ah... there you are." Angel remarked cheerfully, patting the cheek he'd slapped only seconds before. A warning growl errupted from his chest as his Childe made an attemt to draw his head back, causing Spike to stop in his moves instantly. "Good boy." Angel said smiling, patting the blond again.

Woof! But the younger vampire didn't dare to say it out loud... the lessons already taking effect. He backed slightly away in surprise as his Sire shoved a mug filled with blood into his face. Animal blood to be exact... and as if that wasn't guarantee enough for bad taste it was cold as well. Ugh! Spike shuddered inwardly in disgust, though he needed the blood after being whipped.

"Drink!" Angel promted, grinning knowingly. As the other didn't do as he had been told immediately, Angel grabbed the back of his Childe's head and pulled it back a little. Pressing the mug against Spike's closed lips he forced the younger vampire to open his mouth to prevent his teeth from being crushed. As soon as Spike did so he poured the crimson liquid down his Childe's throat. Some of it ran down the blond's chin and pale chest, but most of it ended up where he wanted it to be.

Spike swallowed several times after his Sire had taken the now empty mug away, trying to get the offending taste out of his mouth. He wished he could wipe the blood running down his body away, because it kind of tickled while continuing it's way downwards.

"Good, now that you've fed we can go on." Angel said, tapping his index finger against his chin thoughtfully. "So... who owns you?" He asked again, looking at his Childe.

Spike just pressed his lips tightly together.

"Very well." The older vampire nodded slowly, looking his victim over. "Oh, I think I'll have to do something about that first." He added, seeing his Childe's now flaccid cock.

The blond sighed inwardly. He had been glad as he'd realized his unconsciousness had taken care of his erection. Had he really believed his Sire wouldn't observe he wasn't aroused anymore?

Angel ran his hands over Spike's lean body, pinching the nipples into tiny hard nubs. Then his fingers moved deeper, drawing lazy circles on the pale flesh. Eventually he reached his task, gently stroking his Childe's soft cock.

Spike bit his lip, trying to think of something else to keep himself from becoming aroused again. It took incredible willpower, but he managed to keep his cock from hardening.

"You think you can win this game?" Angel asked, an amused note in his voice. Without waiting for a reply he gracefully sank to his knees.

Alone the sight of his Sire kneeling in front of him was nearly Spike's undoing. He couldn't help the first waves of arousal that washed through his system. Then he felt the cool mouth close around his member and all he could do was moan helplessly as Angel sucked and licked his cock to full hardness.

Angel kept his ministrations up, grabbing the blond's asscheeks to keep him from squirming away until he felt his Childe beginning to slightly thrust into his mouth. One finger slipped between his Childe's buttocks, brushing over the sensitive opening there.

Spike cried out in surprise and pleasure, feeling the first hot jolts of his orgasm spread through his body. Don't stop. Don't stop... He pleaded over and over in his mind. He was so close...

The moment his Childe was right on the edge, only one step away from falling into the abyss, Angel stopped. He grabbed the base of the blond's shaft to prevent the approaching orgasm before slipping a cockring over Spike's erection. After giving the restrained cock one last, teasing lick over the head he got up.

Spike's jaw was clenched, his eyes shut tightly as he tried to get the control over his body back. The throbbing in his cock and balls drove him nearly crazy.

"That´s much better." Angel remarked, patting the swollen flesh lightly. "Now we can continue..."

*****
Part 5:

William�s eyes snapped open and he needed a moment to realize he was on his back, staring up at the ceiling. He couldn�t remember having fainted again. His Sire had just told him they could continue with the punishment... and now he was on a bed. Frowning he tried to get up, but was stopped by the chains, holding him into place. All he could manage was lifting his head slightly. He got a glimps of his golden brown hair that brushed against his shoulders with the action and he wondered why, since it had been short and bleached only moments before...

"So you finally decided to wake up, Spike." Angel mentioned, getting up from the chair he�d been sitting on.

"I told you I don�t use this name anymore." William growled, frowning again as the fact he�d thought about himself as Spike all the time while his Sire had brought his cock to full hardness again. The erection still throbbed against his belly, but there was no cockring as far as he could tell.

"I gave you that name and therefore I�m free to use it."

William was lost in his own thoughts after having observed he�d seen himself like another person would see him, but simultaneously had been in his own body and felt everything his Sire had done to him. This was really strange and he didn�t understand what had happened. The fact he was no longer chained to the ceiling, but to the bed added to his confusion.

"Spike!"

The warning tone in Angel�s voice brought William back to the current situation. "W... what?" He growled silently, cursing himself for the stutter. "William." He added defiantly.

The older vampire hid a smile at that reaction. "I call you as I please, *Spike*." He said, daring his Childe to contradict.

William met Angel�s gaze, his blue eyes burning with anger, but he didn�t say anything. Then his mind returned to the task of figuring out what had just happened.

Knowing what his Childe was thinking about, Angel chuckled silently. "I�ve been around Dru for some time as well." He mentioned casually, running his index finger over the other�s lean flank.

The younger shivered slightly under the touch. Then his body went rigid as he realized what that meant. His Sire had mind-fucked him...

"Did you think it was alone your right to do so?" Angel asked calmly. "That it was your right at all?" He added, his voice getting a tinge darker.

(No.) But again he only glared at the other, saying nothing.

"I see... you still didn�t learn your lesson." Angel mentioned, nodding thoughtfully as he walked out of the room. Moments later he was back, carrying a bucket filled with ice. After putting it on the bedside table he sat down on the edge of the bed.

Confusion clearly written on his features William turned his head as far as he could to look at the bucket. Then his gaze returned to his Sire.

"Who owns you?" Angel asked calmly, not really expecting an answer. After some moments of silence he shrugged. "Well then... let�s go on." He said, grabbing the tongs that stuck in the bucket.

William looked sceptically at the older vampire. (Ice!?... What kind of punishment is that?) Without much concern he watched as Angel took a piece of ice, slowly bringing it over to William�s chest. It was cold like expected... but... suddenly it started to feel warm, then hot and finally it burned like hell... (Fuck!) The fact his Sire had used tongs to grab the piece of ice should have warned him. Biting his tongue he kept from crying out. (Holy water! The bastard used holy water!)

Angel watched his Childe twist and turn, causing the melting ice to slide over his chest, burning even more skin. "Who. Owns. You?" He asked again as the small piece of ice had melted, very pointedly this time. Again he received no answer. Shrugging he took the next piece, placing it on his victims chest.

The pain was unbearable and William couldn�t hold back the screams anymore. He gasped for unneeded air, trying to control the pain, but it wouldn�t work. The strange mixture of freezing coldness and burning heat... This was worse than 'normal' holy water.

The older vampire waited until the ice had melted as well, then he took a third piece. "Who owns you?" He questioned, holding the tongs with the ice over his Childe�s chest.

William was still gasping for breath, not able to answer right away. His eyes went wide with fear as he watched the ice coming closer to his skin. It already started to melt and he couldn�t turn his gaze from the drop that was slowly building, threatening to fall down on his chest any second.

"Who. Owns. You?" Angel asked again, his voice dark and threatening. Moving the piece of ice farther downwards he shook it a little, causing the drop to fall down onto his Childe.

Another strangled cry escaped William�s throat. The pain was intense, seeming even worse in addition to the earlier bloodloss. His back was burning as well, because with his attemts to escape the holy water he�d ripped the wounds open again, allowing more blood to leave his body, weakening him even more. This was too much and deep down they both knew the truth anyway... "You." It was barely more than a whisper.

Angel brushed the ice over one of his Childe�s nipples. "You, *what*?"

William tried to squirm away, but was stopped mercilessly by the chains. "You, Angel." He gasped out, looking wide eyed at the ice only inches away from his skin.

"Spike!" A warning growl and again Angel brought the ice down, this time tormenting the other nipple.

Bucking weakly the younger vampire wanted to escape, but like before it didn�t work. "You... Sire." He eventually gasped out, blue eyes dulled with pain.

Angel put the ice and the tongs into the bucket. "Good boy." He patted his Childe�s head, smiling slightly as William arched unconsciously into the touch, seeking comfort.

Realizing what he was doing William turned his head away with a silent growl. The tightening of his Sire�s hand in his hair caused him to stop dead in his tracks. He was expecting more punishment for this slip, but Angel just patted him again and after a while William`s weakened body demanded for rest. Moments later he was fast asleep.

Smiling again Angel stroked the soft brown hair some more times. Then he got up from the bed and sat down on the chair next to it instead. He wasn�t finished with his Childe yet, but he�d allow William to rest for a while...

*****
Part 6:

Chains clinked and tightened as William woke up and tried to stretch his tense muscles. It took his sleep fogged brain a moment to recall were he was. Cursing inwardly he did his best to find a more comfortable position without pulling his restrains taut again. He flinched in surprise as cool fingers suddenly brushed over his torso.

"Now now." Angel chuckled, not stopping in his exploration. "Why so jumpy?" He teased, his hand moving deeper, running over the sensitive flesh of his Childe�s upper thighs.

The younger vampire arched into the touch, craving more. (What the hell are you doing?) A voice inside his head suddenly asked and he went rigid under his Sire�s ministrations.

"Aww... what�s wrong?" Angel asked with fake concern. "Changed your mind, *boy*?" He emphasized the last word, using it to annoy his Childe.

William just glared at him, having a hard time to suppress the growl that was forming in the back of his throat.

With an amused smile the older vampire let his fingers brush over his Childe�s already hardening cock.

The growl ripped itself free, sounding through the bedroom. William�s hips bucked upwards as far as the chains allowed, desperate to meet the teasing touch.

"Is there something you want?" Angel asked innocently, stroking the marble shaft to full hardness.

William yanked at his chains, knowing his Sire had started the last act of dominating him. (Not this time.) He promised himself silently, biting back a groan as the cool hand moved from his cock over to his sac, squeezing gently. "Fuck you." He ground out, trying to fight his body�s reactions.

"Not very likely." Angel replied, slapping the tip of his Childe�s cock lightly.

The younger one yelped in surprise, squirming as those cool fingers resumed their play on his sac.

"So... do you have to say something?" Angel asked again, moving his hand farther between Williams thighs, teasing the sensitive area between sac and anus.

William�s hips arched up again and he spread his legs unconsciously until he was stopped by the restrains.

"Hm?" The older vampire made a questioning sound while his fingers found the hidden opening, stroking and probing it carefully. His other hand came up, starting to pinch his Childe�s nipples into hard nubs.

A moan escaped William�s lips as he moved his hips, trying to rub against the exploring digits. He wanted this so badly he shuddered under the ministrations. The sexual tension his Sire was creating was overwhelming and nearly unbearable. "Fuck me." His voice was hoarse with need.

Making a disapproving sound Angel twisted one of William�s nipples almost cruelly. "Is that a proper way to talk to your Sire, *Childe*?"

The younger only moaned, the pain arousing him even more. "Fuck me." He repeated huskily. "Please..." He added in a desperate voice then, begging.

"Please, *what*?" Angel asked, one finger slipping into the tight channel, working the muscle until it relaxed some more before pushing a second digit in.

"Please... Angel." William gasped, pushing back against the penetrating fingers as far as the chains allowed.

"Spike!" It was said warningly but not unfriendly. Curling his fingers slightly Angel brushed them over his Childe�s prostate then.

The younger vampire moaned, bucking violently. "Please, Sire." He somehow managed to gasp out, whimpering as his Sire withdraw his fingers.

"Shh." Angel soothed while shedding his clothing. Naked he climbed onto the bed then, body resting on top of his Childe he rubbed their erection together.

William moaned and twisted, trying to get closer he fought against his bonds though he knew it was useless. "Please..." He needed this so badly he thought he couldn�t wait a single second longer.

Already trembling with want for his Childe as well, Angel decided it was enough of the teasing now. Grabbing the younger one�s hips he angled him slightly, resting his cock on the small opening. With a silent growl he shoved forward then, burying himself inside the tight channel.

William gasped at the mixture of pleasure and pain as his Sire entered him with a strong thrust. Head thrown back he moaned, wanting more.

All plans on giving his Childe time to adjust were forgotten at the sight of extasy on the other�s face and the submissively exposed throat. Gripping the younger vampire�s hips tightly he pumped into him violently.

Arching upwards William moaned in delight about the rough taking. Waves of pleasure washed over his body every time the head of his Sire�s cock hit his prostate, the feeling increasing with each thrust. He was about to cum. "Please..." He gasped out without even thinking, instinct taking over.

Angel groaned in pleasure as his Childe asked for permission to cum though he hadn�t told him to do so. "Yes." He hissed in reply, his hand wrapping around William�s shaft, pumping it in rhythm with his thrusts. "Mine." He growled, bending forward he sank his fangs into the other�s neck then.

Spike came with a choked cry as he felt his Angel�s canines slide into his throat. (Yours.) He agreed silently, accepting his Sire�s claim.

The taste of his Childe�s blood and the feeling of Spike�s muscles clenching around his cock as the younger one came brought Angel over the edge as well. With a low growl he spilled his seed into the tight passage.

It was a good thing vampire�s didn�t need to breathe. So it didn�t bother Spike too much as his Sire slumped on top of him, resting on him with nearly his full weight. After a while he cleared his throat hesitantly. "Would you mind to unchain me now?"

Slowly Angel pulled out of his Childe, lapping lazily at the blood oozing from the bite-mark. "I�m not through with you yet." He replied simply, running his tongue over the bleeding wound once more.

Spike couldn�t help a shiver at those words, already feeling the arousal building again...

end

So... sequel or not? You tell me...