worldinnovator

[ Gently; ]

I like to exceed expectations.

[ ... but his face can't pause in coloring as he looks to the side, awkward and anxious. The tremor is in his wing too, notable as he stands as still as he is now. Aspen debates on lying before he nods, his movements slow. ]

... I know I should not be, because it's you.

Fear is not always something you can argue away with logic and common sense.

[ Sinbad's voice is soft as he smooths a hand along one of those trembling wings. His gaze is intent as he studies Aspen for a moment before giving him a nudge towards the bedroom. ]

Come on. Let's go get comfortable first and then we can discuss how we want to do this.

[ Even if Aspen knows Sinbad's right, he doesn't want to readily admit it. He doesn't - he leads instead, past all his painted walls to his bedroom. There's a darker shade of blue here, like the nighttime sky freckled with stars - his bed isn't made, or rather, it's purposely a little messy to fit the definition of a nest, sheets overlapping with each other and tucked in with many pillows dotting it. It is, at least, very plush and comfortable to sit in.
Aspen himself perches at the edge, tugging on Sin to join him.

There is a large compartment that slides under the bed, open and available to be seen: it's the collection Aspen spoke about before clearly, with all kinds of toys and tools for sex. ]

I'm always comfortable with you.

[ You were shaking a second ago but okay. ]

[ Sinbad's aware that had less to do with him and more about the contents of what tonight would hold.

He lets himself be tugged close, although instead of sitting next to Aspen for the moment, he crouches down beside the open compartment instead. Giving a low whistle of admiration, he lets his gaze skim over the contents within, impressed. ]

Remind me to take you with me next time I go shopping so I can start putting together one of these...

It's hardly even done. There's quite a lot I want to try.

[ It's clear most things have been used - the ones that haven't are still in their packages, while the ones that have may be a little worn, but are otherwise sparkling clean. Going by just what's been worn the most, it seems Aspen's quite fond of the prostate massager and some bottles of various warming lubrications.

The only silk rope (there's four, in different colors) that isn't tied with a rubber band and with the store tag still on it is a set of dusk-red rope that, while loose, seems to have been used only once or twice. It still shows the tell-tale bend of a rope that was recently unpackaged. ]

I could make a list for you to start out.

Mmmm, and deny myself the pleasure of an afternoon in your company while you explain to me what all these delightful things are for?

[ He casts Aspen a playful, affectionate wink before reaching out and brushing fingertips over that red rope before lifting his gaze to Aspen's face once more. ]

This one? Or would you prefer one of the others?

[ Surprisingly, Aspen tenses.

His eyes land on the rope offered and all of his body seems to freeze for a second, like it can't comprehend it, before he clears his throat, presses his hands to his knees, and idly kicks his feet - his eyes are on his own feet. ]

I'd prefer another one. I think I'd look better in the teal, don't you think?

[ Hmm. That's a curious reaction, and one he's tempted to poke at, but right now is about keeping Aspen as comfortable as possible while he deals with this fear.

So he lets his fingers drift to the package that holds the teal ropes instead, perfectly similar, just in a different shade of color. ]

I think you'll look gorgeous no matter what color we decorate you in, Aspen. But if you wish the teal, we'll use the teal. Would you prefer to stay on your back for this? Or perhaps your knees? Or did you have something else in mind?

[ He closes his eyes briefly, trying to banish away any other thoughts before he focuses on Sinbad. ]

I'd... rather be on my back, I think. You can tie my arms and legs if you wish.

Alright.

[ Sinbad accepts that without arguing, reaching up to cup his free hand against Aspen's cheek. ]

But first, I want you to pick a word we'll use for safety. Something you wouldn't utter in a moment of passion. Something that I know means 'stop' if this gets to be too much.

[ Aspen just leans against that touch, covering Sinbad's hand with his own tenderly and smiling. When he speaks he opens his eyes and looks to him intently, but his lips quickly part and surprise writes itself all over his features. ]

... m-me?

[ Consent and safety were always two of the things Aspen insisted on when he slept with anyone he didn't know; he had to make sure that they really wanted to be with him, and he had to make sure they felt safe. It wasn't, to him, true sex without it. It was just a brutalization otherwise. It didn't feel right.

It was... different, to hear it applied to his own interactions. Numbly - ]

No one's... asked that before...

[ His voice is soft and small and quiet, violet-blue eyes wide as he tries to think, to swallow down the lump in his throat. No one had really let him say 'no' or 'stop' before. There wasn't... space for that. Aspen was at everyone's beck and call, after all. There was little he could say no to. It wasn't as if he was truly a person, or had a mind of his own, in their opinion.

... Sinbad was going to let him say no. ... why? It made little sense to Aspen - why would he say no, to Sinbad? Even when this was difficult for him, he was alright. He'd go along with it. It wasn't... a big deal. He had to learn how to not freeze up like he just had.

He had to learn to accept it. How was stopping going to help?

Sin was smart as a tack, though - perceptive, almost maddeningly so. If Aspen chose a word and didn't mean to use it, he'd probably notice, wouldn't he? His heart beat fast, Aspen biting the inside of his cheek. ]

O... opal?

[ There's doubt - as if Sinbad will tell him to choose something else. ]

Yes, you, love. [ He watches those emotions play out over Aspen's face and when he replies, sounding so startled and a little lost, Sinbad's throat works on a rough swallow as he keeps himself silent. Let's Aspen work through it in his own time. ]

Well then. You're a little overdue for someone to ask for one, don't you think?

[ Sinbad stays kneeling where hs is, thumb brushing against Aspen's cheek with soft affection, the gesture an almost-absent one as he waits, watching Aspen's face. When the other Dominant offers a softly-spoken option, Sinbad tips his head to the side to consider it. ]

Opal. [ He echoes it, committing the word to memory. ] I'll remember it, Aspen. And should you ever feel the need to use it - for whatever reason - I'll make sure whatever it is stops. Do you understand?

[ Aspen lets out a breath, surprised that Sinbad went along with it, melting into the other's touch with closed eyes and a quiet sound of understanding.

Sinbad is always so nice to him... he wonders why, sometimes. ]

I understand. I... I'll use it.

[ He probably won't need to, though. Aspen can't see himself... ever needing to use it, with Sinbad. He reaches up for his partner's shirt, to tug him down into a kiss. Or at least, to try to. He knows he's essentially handed over the reins to Sinbad for a majority of the encounter, so he can't exactly find it in himself to be upset if Sinbad refuses for something else, but... he wants a kiss from him, selfishly. ]

[ And Sinbad gives it to him, not even hesitating, leaning up to meet Aspen's lips in a warm and reassuring contact, his hand now sliding to cup at the nape of the other man's neck.

He lingers there for a long moment, in no rush and waiting until he could feel Aspen relax a little once more. He doesn't find this selfish - wanting Aspen to enjoy this is part of the reason he was here trying this with him. ]

Good. Now. Do you mind if we keep you in this pretty little outfit you're wearing while we do this? [ He gives Aspen a little wink when he finally pulls back for air, smiling at him warmly. He lets his gaze drop down over Aspen's slim for once more, his gaze appreciative and admiring. ] I'm enjoying the sight of it on you.

[ Oh. His face pinkens a little. That's a new one. Most people want to tug it off of him, at least most of it - the thigh-highs usually stayed... but he smiles, feeling a flutter in his chest. ]

I'd be happy to continue wearing it for you. It's very comfortable. [ In case Sinbad has misgivings of him wearing it only for him. ]

Good, I'm glad. [ He leans in, kissing him once more as he cups a hand against his cheek ] I want you to be comfortable while we play.

[ His fingers slide back Aspen's jaw and then down his throat and along one shoulder, playing with the soft fabric of the lingerie he wears. Then, he lets his hand travel down the length of his arm, towards his wrist. ]

Let me have your hand?

[ He has to give Sinbad his hands in order for this to work. Aspen swallows and doesn't move at first, his wings fluttering with silent distress even if it doesn't show on Aspen's face. When he's conscious of his emotions he can hide them better and he's doing a good job of not seeming as scared as he actually is.

But he sucks in a breath and relents to the request, flicking his eyes up to Sinbad hesitantly, as if asking if that was okay. His fingers curl around his hand and he squeezes lightly. ]

[ Sinbad takes his time, not making any sudden moves, drawing every motion out so Aspen is well aware of everything he's doing it before he does so. He brings the hand Aspen had offered him to his lips, brushing a gentle, affectionate kiss against his knuckles before turning his hand over and doing the same against his palm.

Holding Aspen's gaze, he gently brings his other hand up, giving it the same treatment before bringing them together. He lets the length of rope slide lightly against Aspen's skin, teasing him with the slight friction of it before starting to loop a length of it gently about the other Dominant's wrists. ]

[ Aspen sucks in a deep inhale and exhales slowly, watching Sinbad with curious and not frightened eyes, charmed by the kisses on his skin. Right. He had nothing to fear.

His heart still jumped into his throat when he felt that rope start to be wound against his fair skin, but he cupped both hands together, as if to keep the kisses his partner gave him together. He wasn't in trouble or danger, he was fine. Aspen caught one of Sin's hands, kissing his knuckles gently before sitting back, heart still drumming hard in his chest. ]

[ There's a warm - almost tender - smile on Sinbad's face as he watches Aspen. He keeps his movements slow and deliberate, but there's almost a teasing sort of grace in the way he starts winding a length of the rope about the courtesan's wrists before letting either end of it continue to twine its way up along his arms, winding around and around in a careful pattern to encase both his arms within the constraints that also holds his wrists together. So that Aspen will feel the pull and tug of them anytime he moves his arms in any way, the feel of them much more prevalent than merely about his wrists.

But Sinbad intends to make this a dance of sensation, as well, so that connotation won't continue to be a negative one for him. In fact. His lips trail over Aspen's skin, following the path of those ropes up either arm as he winds them into place. ]

[ He squirms slightly as the rope starts to be wound up his arms, and while he stays still, he smiles and starts to squirm. His breath shudders - it's an instantaneous reaction and he tries to hide his confusion and mixed feelings about it. He knows why he gets aroused so easily when he's bound, and that in and of itself makes the memories start to resurface.

Sin's careful touch has him beating them back down. ]

You're so kind to me. [ It's gentle and quiet, along with a soft laugh. As Sin's lips press against his skin higher and higher, Aspen dips his head down to kiss the crown of his hair. ]

Am I?

[ There's a quiet chuckle in Sinbad's voice as he counters those words, his gaze flitting from his task to search Aspen's face once more. One corner of his lips twitch upwards. ]

You deserve kindness, Aspen. And a great deal more.

No one deserves things, they must be earned.

[ He says it gently, the soft smile still on his face. ]

But I thank you that you are kind to me. I'm very grateful for such a soft touch. Did I tell you, when we met, that I was a bit scared?

[ Sinbad's eyebrows arch upwards in surprise as he continues to wind the ropes up Aspen's arms, and then carefully begins a criss-cross arrangement around his chest, forming loose knots in the way he twists the rope. They're different from what Aspen might be familiar with, looking far more like varied styles of sailor's knots than anything else, but he keeps them loose for now as he decorates Aspen's skin with them. ]

Scared? Of me?

[ He stays quiet as he closes his eyes and grounds himself, feeling Sinbad's fingers dance over his skin. His smile continues on his face, easy and comfortable. If he lets Sinbad's voice guide him... ]

Sinbad, you're at least a foot taller than me. You have big shoulders and a toned physique, and you had a sword at your side. To someone like me, you are intimidating by nature, just because you dwarf me easily.

[ A pause - ]

I like it, though. Especially now that I know my trust in you is well-placed.

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