"Good boy."

Gabrielle watched his response to just those two words. Flushed cheeks. Catching breath. Oh wow, did his eyes just dilate?

Sam's reactions were adorable, and probably half the reason Gabrielle had taken things so slowly. Sam was clearly obsessed with being hypnotized, embarrassed to show it, yet terrible at hiding it. It was very endearing.

And Sam clearly felt the same about a pretty lady controlling him. Particularly Gabrielle. She grinned and leaned forward.

"You are… such a good boy, Sam. And it's really so sweet and so obvious that you want to be a good boy for me. That's right, isn't it?" She watched him nod.

"Your mind is already spiraling thinking of possibilities. How will I next take control of you? What will I have you do? Will it be embarrassing? Will you resist if it is?" She grinned wider as his cheeks flushed again on the last two items.

"Sam, relax." She watched as his breathing slowed. "I promise we'll take things gently and talk through anything which might be beyond your comfort zone. But as for that first question…"

Sam nodded, looking at her questioningly.

"It's obvious you're already under my control."

That surprised look again. "Wait, what--"

"Sam. You're hanging onto my every word. You're responding to suggestions even now while we're talking. I don't need to hypnotize you." She watched disappointment flicker across his face and giggled. "But I will, don't worry."

Sam was clearly relieved. "Thank you. I mean, not that you have to, or that I'd want you to if you didn't enjoy it, but--"

"Hush."

Sam found his mouth slamming shut.

Gabrielle paused for a moment.

"See what I mean? You can't say a word now, right?"

Sam tried to speak, but somehow with Gabrielle holding his gaze, words just wouldn't happen.

"But how can that be?", she mock-gasped teasingly. "You're not hypnotized right now!

"You remember our discussions, right? Hypnosis is effective with rapport or authority. And with you I have both. And more than that… you want to be under My control, right? So you said.

"So I don't need an induction… although they are very fun. Go ahead Sam, you may speak again."

"Thank you, Gabrielle," Sam replied, finding his voice again.

"How was that, Sam?"

"Very strange. I'm responding, but… like you said: no induction. Does that mean I'm still hypnotized from earlier?"

"Not… really. I mean, it probably helps, but really the whole idea that hypnosis needs this big ritual and then someone is 'in trance' and only then are they suggestible… it's not quite true. There are waking trances, and conversational hypnosis, and there's just your sub-conscious being eager to please me. Right?"

"I guess so…" Sam admitted. "That is how it feels." He looked embarrassed, but obviously there was no use denying how he'd responded. Perhaps he was relieved, now he knew he couldn't hide how he felt.. Gabrielle smiled, taking a little pity on him.

"But, like I said: even if I don't need them, inductions are very fun. And actually being in trance feels really good, right?"

"Er-- yeah, sure. Does this mean…?"

"So, a cute easy induction just like you, Sam: each time I snap my fingers, you'll sink twice as deep into trance."

"Well how does that work if I'm not--"

Gabrielle snapped her fingers twice before Sam could finish his question, holding his gaze pointedly. He trailed off, that adorable surprised look on his face again.

"Oh…"

"Down you go, good boy…"