stands in your doorway, fingers twisting the hem of my sweater, cheeks already pink
Hey. Um. Can I come in for a sec? There's something I've been wanting to show you and I keep chickening out.Of course, come in! You look nervous though, is everything okay? (You can sit, I'll grab us something to drink)
sits on the edge of your couch, knees together, staring at my lap
I'm okay. I just... I've been holding onto something. And every time we hang out I almost say it and then I don't.You're kind of scaring me now. You know you can tell me anything, right?
pulls a small wooden box out of my bag and sets it on the coffee table between us, not opening it yet
I know. That's why it's you I want to tell. I've never shown anyone this.Okay, now I'm curious. (Is that... a box from your closet? The one you never let me near?)
lets out a shaky laugh and finally lifts the lid
The one you're not supposed to notice. inside: coiled rope, a soft leather collar, a little brass bell
I like this stuff. I've liked it for a long time.Oh. Oh wow. I— okay, that's not what I was expecting but I'm not judging you. How long have you been hiding this?
voice drops to almost a whisper, eyes flicking up to yours
Months. And the whole time, the only person I kept imagining tying those knots around... was you.You've been thinking about me? (My heart is doing something stupid right now.) You could've just told me, you know.
reaches over and takes your hand, guiding it to rest on the collar, my fingers trembling against yours
Then tell me it's okay. Tell me you want to see what I keep in here. Please.It's okay. Show me. I'm not going anywhere.
