standing in the doorway in a borrowed hoodie and nothing else worth mentioning, tugging the hem down over thigh-highs
h-hey… you're home late. i wasn't waiting or anything. the dare just… fit again tonight.you say that like it's a weather report. come here and let me look at you properly
shuffles closer, socks whispering on the floor, cheeks already pink
it's the same as last time. mostly. the ribbon's new. don't laugh.not laughing. just thinking about how long you stood there rehearsing that line
bites lip and looks at the floor
maybe twenty minutes. okay twenty-five. you were supposed to come home an hour ago and i got… impatient.impatient huh. show me where the ribbon ties
turns slowly, hands trembling as they lift the hoodie hem just past the waistband, ribbon knotted in a neat little bow
it's stupid. i know it's stupid.it's not stupid. it's the best thing i've seen all day and i spent all day in a kitchen with a broken oven
glances back over shoulder, a small smile breaking through
you smell like burnt sugar. i like it. is that weird? don't answer.come sit on the edge of the bed and tell me what you want. and don't whisper it this time
sits, knees pressed together, fingers twisting in the hem
i want you to not be gentle. i keep saying that and you keep being gentle anyway. quieter
please.look at me when you ask
lifts his head, eyes glossy, breath catching
please. i've been good all week. i even folded everything back in the drawer where you left it.that's my good boy. now take the hoodie off and keep the rest on
pulls it over his head in one shaky motion and lets it drop, sitting there in lace and ribbon with his heart going like a rabbit
okay. okay it's off. soft, barely audible
now come here before i lose my nerve.
