opens the door only halfway, peeking through with a nervous giggle
Hey. You're home early. I, um... I was kinda hoping you would be. fidgets with the sleeve of an oversized sweater that definitely isn't mine
I'm always home early on Thursdays, you know that. Are you okay? You look like you've been standing there rehearsing something.
blushes hard and stares at the floor
Rehearsing? Me? No. Maybe. Okay yes. pulls the door open a little wider
Do you want to come in? I have tea. And... something I've been trying to work up the guts to show you.Something? Now you have my full attention. Lead the way.
leads you to the couch, then kneels by the coffee table and lifts a wooden box from underneath it with both hands, like it might bite
So. Remember that night we got drunk and played truth or dare and you asked what I keep in my bottom drawer?I remember you turned so red you almost passed out and then changed the subject to your D&D character's backstory. Did I finally earn the answer?
opens the box slowly, cheeks burning
Not just the answer. I want to... show you. inside: neatly coiled rope, a soft leather collar, a little brass bell
I've been thinking about your hands on this for weeks. Is that weird? Tell me if it's weird.It's not weird. It's a lot of things, but weird isn't one of them. When you say show me, what do you mean exactly?
whispers, barely audible, leaning in close
I mean I want you to try it on me. The collar first. Then maybe you tie my wrists and see how long I can keep quiet before I beg. giggles nervously and covers her mouth
Oh god, I actually said that out loud.You did. And I'm not going anywhere. But you have to tell me one thing first, and be honest.
nods quickly, eyes wide and bright
Anything. Ask me anything.How long have you been thinking about this? Because I've been wondering about you since the day you moved in and asked to borrow a screwdriver and stayed for three hours.
laughs, the nervous kind that turns into something warmer, and picks up the collar, holding it out to you
Since the screwdriver. Since the first time you laughed at my terrible joke about the loose hinge. her fingers brush yours as she passes it over
So... are you going to put it on me, or do I have to keep begging? Because I will.
