Chapter Text
Mithrun had to conclude, without further evidence required, that Kabru was a bad idea on ice. Mithrun knew what a bad idea felt like. He’d spent years perfecting the art of indulging in them: flirting and going off the deep end with a few of his family’s pool boys, coercing the golf chauffeur to show his stroke game, or be set on taking the driver for a ride. Even so, he’d hardly label himself promiscuous given the relations he had with them were purely for the source of his amusement and pleasure. They were on the clock: it could be considered a condition of their work until Mithrun moved into the city and away from the stifling countryside.
The city boasted more prospects, though he hardly had time to thoroughly enjoy himself given there weren’t eligibles as easy to come by, and he was not willing to stoop down to the level of using an app to engage in clumsy hookups where there wasn’t an established understanding that Mithrun’s preferences and pleasure came first since there was no risk in not treating him gently like before.
Besides, he’s always held the notion of it being ideal to meet someone organically and develop into a more promising relationship. Fucking around was a sure way of finding out loads of unwanted information about STIs and STDs, and Mithrun was nearing 30 and was past the point of needing monthly drop-ins to a clinic due to minute concerns he was convinced would kill him. At least he discovered he had developed a late-onset allergy to shellfish instead of having STD rash.
Having a stagnant, stable person to mess around with would be better for his heart. And since the dog boy had stumbled into his life, Mithrun was reluctant to pull away. Kabru was right there, the answer to his frustrated prayers, but oh if he wasn't such an awful idea.
It’s been a week, and Mithrun is falling into this pit of honey and barbs. They hadn’t met up since they enjoyed their ice cream by the lake. Mithrun had stubbornly chosen an extravagant sundae with a thick layer of toppings– all of which remained relatively untouched since he didn’t have much of a stomach for sweets, and he concluded the feeling was shared with Kabru, who only got a scoop of mint and threw it out the moment it began to drip milky globs onto his knuckles.
They may have last seen each other a week ago, but their communication hadn’t been limited to that. After the rest of that particular day went uneventfully, Mithrun woke up, donning what he’d delightfully call his daily wear, got a coffee from the cafe below his apartment, then found a nice place outside to take a photo in the golden hour. He ended up at the park, perched on one of the stone spokes of the flat, low fence that separated the greenery from the bustling street. His feet dangled, missing the cement sidewalk by a handful of inches as he angled his phone to take several photos.
A kind older woman saw his antics and had asked in that well meaning ‘oh, these tourists’ kind of way if he’d like her to take his photo. He denied politely, and waved her off with a scoff edging out of his throat as he turned to look through the photos he had already taken. If he got interrupted again for failing selfie 101, he’d rather just sit out here and have the crows get him.
Luckily, a handful of them were worth saving for a rainy day, but one of them was immediately sent over to Kabru’s contact with a winky face. “Since you were so curious about my outfits– I do normally dress this way.”
Mithrun’s message didn’t linger unread for long. His phone chimed a few minutes later, a response lighting up the screen.
Kabru: It suits you
Mithrun’s lips quirked into a self-satisfied smile, but before he could type out a snarky retort, another text was lingering. He waited, sipping his drink until the message popped up.
Kabru: my roommate will be out of town this weekend. Want to come by for more obedience training?
Mithrun nearly choked on his drink, sputtering as Kabru’s text appeared on the screen. He stared at the message, his cheeks heating up despite himself. This guy had no shame! Immediately after their third meeting jumping right to the point? Sure, Mithrun hadn’t expected being wined and dined by Kabru, but he couldn’t cover the thick blush that arrived on his cheeks thinking about the pure gall of this man. Mithrun’s thumbs hovered over the keyboard as he tried to formulate a clever response that wouldn’t betray how much the invitation flustered him. Damn it, was there shame in accepting? Especially this fast? Likely, but Kabru hardly looked like the type that cared, and Mithrun was starting to care less and less himself.
Mithrun: Still calling it obedience training? What do you think I am, Valentino?
Kabru must have anticipated such a response.
Kabru: No, valentino actually listens :)
Mithrun huffed, the audacity of the text making his ears twitch. Yet, despite the irritation bubbling in his chest, a small, traitorous smile tugged at his lips.
Mithrun: You’re lucky I’m free this weekend.
Mithrun set his phone down, running a hand through his hair as he tried to compose himself. Why did Kabru have to be so good at getting under his skin, irritating, yet exciting him? He leaned back his hands gripping the edge of the fence so he could look at the clear sky without toppling over.
His heart was racing, though he wasn’t sure if it was from the text itself or his audacity of agreeing to Kabru’s invite. Probably both. He tilted his head back further, closing his eyes to take in the peace of the early morning. He took the time to try and suppress the heat rising to his face.
What was he even doing? Accepting an invitation like that so easily? No hesitation, no bargaining, no control—it wasn’t his style. Mithrun liked to keep people guessing, making them work for his time and attention even when it wasn’t a clear call for a hookup. And yet, one text from Kabru, and here he was, already plotting if he should buy some new cologne or tighter shirt on the way home. Then again, coming over didn’t necessarily mean anything was destined to happen. For all he knew, Kabru was a nerd who wanted to share his Star Wars collection with the first fool who fell for his charming facade. God, if Mithrun had to watch the Star Wars trilogy instead of getting dicked down into unfamiliar sheets… How many Star Wars movies were there? Would it be worth sitting through endless prattle about star politics? Probably not.
His phone buzzed again, and Mithrun’s stomach did an embarrassing little flip as he whipped forward, almost careening off the fence as he yanked the device up to look at it.
Kabru: Good
Kabru: Can’t wait to see how well you follow orders this weekend..
The implication hit him like a ton of bricks. His stomach fluttered, and his breath caught. There it was again—Kabru’s relentless confidence, pushing him, testing him. Fuck, finally, something exciting. Space adventures were interesting to some, but Mithrun was more on board with seeing stars from inside Kabru’s apartment.
He glanced at the message again, his ears flickerint as he tried to formulate a response. Something witty, something fast. At least he had the comfort of hiding behind a screen where Kabru couldn’t see and push him further.
Mithrun: You really think you can control me that easily?
Mithrun stared at the screen, waiting for a response. He knew it was a challenge. Maybe Kabru would take the bait– he likely would. Anything to be coy and indirectly imply that ‘Yes, this will be what comes of us meeting in private’. God. How was he going to explain to Obrin that he needed to borrow his dog again so he could get laid? Well, that was the idea of last time, but after their fun in the park, Mithrun was certain things would escalate much faster behind closed doors.
Kabru: I don't think I need to, i think you’re already halfway there
Mithrun’s lips parted slightly as he read the message, his chest tight. He leaned back, letting out a slow breath. This weekend was definitely going to be interesting.
Mithrun: We’ll see about that.
He tossed his phone into his pocket and let out a deep breath. This would be the death of him.
Mithrun couldn’t shake the buzz of excitement as he stood in the elevator, listening to Valentino’s incessant barking and watching his reflection in the mirrored walls, turning this way and that with interest. His hands fidgeted, adjusting the collar of his waxed cotton jacket, smoothing the fabric of his tight shirt, and running a hand through his hair, minding the braids. He was trying to look casual, cool, composed, but everything felt a bit off. The feeling settled in him the moment he arrived at Kabru’s building and he stared upward, wondering if Kabru could see him from somewhere above. His stomach fluttered with a mix of nerves and anticipation, and that sensation had nothing to do with the damn dog making a racket beside him.
“Shut up, Valentino,” Mithrun muttered, shooting a glare down at the dog, who seemed oblivious to his impatience. The dog barked louder, hopping from one foot to the other in the confined space, sniffing almost aggressively at the walls. Did he already sense they were close to Dustrag? Fine. Mithrun would have to be the one playing it cool between the two of them.
He couldn’t believe he was doing this. In a few moments, he’d be walking through Kabru’s door and disappearing from the greater world for… a few hours? Hopefully, but what the hell was he doing? Was he really about to let things go further than flirting and teasing when Kabru was so pretentious in thinking he was comparable to what Mithrun deserved? He scowled into the wall, combing through the end of one of his curls that was always too eager in its swoop. And Mithrun was entertaining this, wanting this– What did that say about him? God. A potential full weekend in private with Kabru, unless it was interrupted by Obrin wanting his obnoxious dog back, meant nothing would be off-limits. No boundaries. No escaping the heat that was quickly consuming him.
“Why do I keep doing this?” he muttered under his breath. It was far from the first time. He wasn’t used to feeling this vulnerable—letting someone else take control like this regardless of how exciting the promise of it had been. Kabru had this way of pushing him, of making him feel like the rules didn’t apply. And Mithrun couldn’t bring himself to mind too much, if his pride could let him get over that final hurdle.
The elevator dinged, the doors sliding open with a soft whoosh. Valentino’s barking ceased for a moment, and Mithrun stepped forward, still trying to steady his breathing. His fingers lingered over the door frame, his last chance to run. He pushed off it and began to head down the hallway. He swallowed hard as he thought to himself– Today, I’m not in control. And that’s exactly what I need.
Mithrun’s heart thudded in his chest as he approached the door, each step feeling heavier than the last. He raised his fist and knocked three times, the sound echoing down the quiet hallway. Valentino, sensing the tension, gave a small whimper and pawed at the floor in a way that only made Mithrun more self-conscious. He hissed an ignored command to the dog.
The door swung open almost immediately, and Kabru stood there, his usual confidence momentarily replaced with surprise as his eyes fell on Valentino, who was still bouncing on his paws in an almost frantic attempt to get the attention of their host. He lurched forward, but the leash’s range brought him back to stubbornly sneezing on Mithrun’s shoes.
“You brought Val?” Kabru raised an eyebrow, clearly caught off guard. He glanced down at the dog, then back at Mithrun.
Mithrun paused, his grip tightening a little on the leash. “Well, I just– Thought that Dustrag wanted a companion for the day. Valentino’s potty trained, he’s not gonna… Well, he has a little thing for socks-”
“That’s… it’s fine.” Kabru stepped back, holding the door open wider for the two of them. “Come on in.”
Mithrun hesitated for just a second, then nodded. As he entered, Kabru closed the door behind them, his eyes momentarily lingering on Mithrun before shifting to Valentino, who had already begun sniffing around the place, oblivious to the tension in the air. Mithrun made himself at home, trying to appear calm and orderly as he slid his jacket off and put it on an overcrowded coat rack as Kabru leaned against the front door, hands laced behind his back and lips pressed tight.
Mithrun took a moment to look around the apartment. His nose crinkled at the sight of a small stack of paper plates and plastic cups on the coffee table, the stack of textbooks ranging from nursing to philosophy with library checkout barcodes wearing off them. The kitchen, which was viewable from the front door, was a sore sight in and of itself and Mithrun sorely hoped that it was the result of Kabru not having time to clean up his roommates mess in time. Turning on his heel, Mithrun smiled to Kabru.
“Where is he? I thought he’d be jumping all over us by now.”
Kabru grimaced, peeling away from the door. “About that, uh… I kind of.. Left him with a sitter?”
“A sitter?” Well, that wasn’t the plan Mithrun envisioned. “You sent your dog to a sitter while I’m here?”
Kabru sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I didn’t exactly plan for this,” he said, gesturing vaguely between them. “But, yeah, I figured it’d be easier to focus if I wasn’t dealing with a hyperactive dog.”
Mithrun paused, glancing down at Valentino, who panted heavily as he stared at a sock lying near the TV set pressed against the far wall. “I’m… sorry; I didn’t even think of… I’ll be right back, I’ll drop him off at home-”
“No!” Kabru exclaimed as his eyes widened, his hand falling to his lips. He laughed, but even that sounded tense as he shook his head. “No, I’m sure a dog— Valentino is fine. He just… no socks?”
Mithrun nodded slowly. “Yeah, no socks.”
“Great.” Kabru nodded, clapping his hands together once. “Yeah. Okay. Do you want anything to drink?”
“I’m fine. Thank you,” he said, his eyes lingering on the clutter. There was a granola bar wrapper by the lamp in the corner. On the wall leading into the hallway was a large, framed poster of a pin-up model straight from the early 40’s, but drawn in a bra and panties, biting on a cherry she held out between two delicate fingers. There were red sprawled out letters on the bottom saying ‘I bet you want to see this cherry popped!’. Mithrun hummed, rolling his eyes before smiling over to Kabru. “I see you’re a man of taste and refinement.”
Kabru moved past him toward the living room, clearing the stack of plates and throwing them in the already relatively full trash. Mithrun just shook his head. “You have no idea. But I clean up well when it counts.”
Mithrun followed Kabru back into the living room, glancing at the couch that was more or less covered in crumpled papers and clothes. “I’m sure you do,” he said, allowing the tension in his body to loosen just slightly, though he was still acutely aware of the awkwardness of their situation.
With his way to break the ice shattered, he still gave it a try. “So, you really just left him with a sitter? You didn’t want to get some actual training done?”
Kabru shifted slightly, rubbing the back of his neck with an awkward chuckle. “Well, you know, I figured—uh, I didn’t want to be, you know, too distracted. Thought we could focus on, uh, other things.”
Oh, something was up. Mithrun’s eyes narrowed as the man took a seat on the couch, clearing space beside him for Mithrun, but the shorter man did not move. Mithrun’s eyes flicked around the room again, this time with purpose beyond appraisal. There was an unfinished sandwich lying half-eaten on the floor near the couch. Valentino was sniffing at it, licking the crumbs from where he could stretch his neck to. Mithrun’s gaze swept to the floor where there wasn’t a single dog toy, and then suddenly absence of a food bowl. The couch was free of hair. There wasn’t even the smell of dog like Obrin’s apartment.
“Wait,” Mithrun said, his voice suddenly colder as he fixed Kabru with a stare. “You don’t actually own a dog, do you?”
Kabru froze for a moment before giving an overly casual laugh. Oh, this fucker. “What do you mean?”
“I mean," Mithrun pointed to the ground where Valentino was now pawing at the sandwich, "there’s no dog toys, no food bowls, not even a bed for him. And... this doesn’t exactly scream ‘dog-friendly apartment.’” He shot Kabru a pointed look.
Kabru’s face shifted, and he sighed, looking defeated. “Yeah, I don’t own a dog.”
Mithrun’s eyes narrowed, his words caught in his throat before he hissed out, “You literally said Dustrag was your dog. You were– You were lying?
“Not fully,” Kabru interrupted, his voice a little sheepish now. “My… My friend lives on the next floor– Look, his sister needed her wisdom teeth out, and he asked me to walk Dustrag for that dat, and then I saw you-”
Kabru fumbled for a moment, shooting up from the couch. He ran a hand through his hair, grimacing as he continued, “And I figured it’d give me an excuse to talk and meet you again sometime.”
Mithrun blinked, processing the admission. How sweet, he wanted to see him again. How stupid, he thought he was going to get away with lying so easily. Mithrun huffed. “So you’re using your friend’s dog as an excuse to meet up with me? Did you even train him?”
Kabru shot him an apologetic grin, rubbing his neck again. “I mean, no, not really. I’m… I’m not a huge fan of dogs. Or pets in general.”
Mithrun’s lips curled into a tight frown, shaking his head in disbelief. “Are you seriously telling me that you’ve– That’s not just lying, Kabru. That’s manipulative. To think, this whole time-”
Kabru stepped back, hands up in defense. “It wasn’t like that! I didn’t think— I don’t know,” he said, gesturing between them. He sighed, his frustration clear. “I’m sorry. I should’ve been more upfront sooner.”
Mithrun scowled, crossing his arms tightly. “Yeah, you should have been. You shouldn’t be trying to play games like this. Idon’t need tricks to get people to spend time with me.” He paused for a beat, and then his posture softened just a fraction. He shot a sideways glance at Valentino, still quietly watching the exchange from the corner. His shoulders dropped slightly.
Had this been anyone, anything else, Mithrun would have held his nose in the air and walked out, but his mind had already been floating in fantasy land the past seven days. If there was any hesitations he had on Kabru, they were alleviated more than ever just hearing the words of displeasure toward the thought of owning a dog. Fuck, he really can’t let this one get away. Rolling his eyes, Mithrun muttered. “Valentino’s my brother’s dog.”
Kabru stopped in his tracks as he processed the revelation. “Wait. You? You’ve been lying too?”
Mithrun shot him a glare, the annoyance still there but now mixed with something else, something deeper. “You should have known better! I clearly don’t like this dog, and fuck if I’d have an animal that doesn’t even listen to me!”
Kabru stared at him, taken aback as he pointed toward him. “Wait, hold on. Why was I getting yelled at when you’re doing the exact same thing?” He raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “You’re telling me I’m manipulative? Well, you are a hypocrite!”
Mithrun stared him down for a moment, then let out a short, frustrated laugh, throwing his hands up. The ridiculousness of the situation was starting to sink in. He wanted to get away from it, laugh it off, but the nerves were creeping in faster now. Hot dog boy was no longer in the industry of liking dogs— But lived in a bit of a mess. Mithrun would have to see his room to confirm. “If we’re both in the business of lies, maybe we’re more alike than I thought. I don’t know if that’s something I should be happy about or pissed off about. I’m kinda feeling both.”
Kabru’s hand dropped. He took a deep inhale, then shrugged. “Maybe we’re just idiots.” His eyes glinted with something softer now. “But hey, our planning worked, right?”
Mithrun paused, his arms crossing defensively. He wanted to say something snide, to keep the upper hand, but the fight drifted out of him. He shook his head.
“Yeah, it’s working,” Mithrun said, quieter now. “But I swear, Kabru, if you pull something like this again-”
Kabru raised an eyebrow, his smile never fading. “Ditto.”
“Good,” Mithrun replied, though the hint of a smile crept onto his face. He could feel the tension breaking, just a little. Valentino barked once and Kabru winced. Mithrun raised an eyebrow, then scooped the white dog into his arms. As he pet the dog, Kabru glanced toward the door with a contemplative expression. Finally, he cleared his throat.
“Do you think Valentino would prefer to be with Dustrag? For the time being, of course.”
“You really don’t-”
“I really don’t want a dog in here, no,” Kabru admitted. Mithrun huffed, pushing Valentino into his arms.
“Fine, you take him. Where’s your room?”
Kabru blinked in surprise, his cheeks flushing just a little as he fumbled with Valentino, trying to steady the squirming dog. “My room?” He paused, his eyes darting around as though searching for the right words. “It’s just down the hall. Second door on the left.”
Mithrun gave him a knowing look as he pushed past him, his gaze lingering on Kabru for a moment. “You look embarrassed. You know if the state of your room is anything like this, I’m having you bring Valentino right back, yes?”
Kabru shot a quick, teasing grin at Mithrun. “I actually did clean in there.”
He let out a soft chuckle, clearly enjoying the small victory, but Mithrun wasn’t about to let that comment slide. So, Kabru could be messy. He likely contributed to this mess. Mithrun raised an eyebrow, glancing over his shoulder as he started down the hallway. “Really? You think that’s something to brag about?”
Kabru shrugged, his grin never faltering as he stepped into the living room with Valentino still nestled in his arms, whining as Mithrun walked off. Mithrun shook his head, muttering under his breath as he traced his hand along the wall of increasingly more graphic posters, “That’s not something to be proud of. But fine, I’ll bite.”
He turned his attention to Kabru’s door and walked down the hall, his curiosity piqued. As soon as he entered the room, he took a moment to let his eyes wander over the space. It was surprisingly neat, not at all what he expected from Kabru at this state, especially given the state of the living room. A queen bed sat neatly in the corner, the sheets smooth and tidy like it was straight out of a catalog. Was his idea of clean meaning everything had to be from a display at a furniture store? Mithrun hoped he’d never let that thought die and he’d continue tidying if Mithrun ever came around.
A bookshelf covered one of the walls, filled with books, board games, binders, and even a section of folded shirts. Given there was no closet in the room, Mithrun let that slide for the time being. A few scattered framed pictures hung on the walls, capturing moments in time. There was an odd mix of practical and personal—a lamp with a simple shade on the nightstand, a few items tucked in the corners like they’d been placed with purpose rather than laziness.
Kabru’s room had a sense of quiet, thoughtfulness to it. Mithrun couldn’t help but be impressed at the change, though he’d never admit it aloud. It was still far from perfect.
He flopped down onto the bed with a groan of satisfaction, sinking into the plushness of the mattress. It was ridiculously comfortable, the kind of bed you could lose yourself in for hours— that he hopefully would be. He lay back, staring up at the ceiling for a moment. God, this was nice. Way too comfortable.
He closed his eyes, still taking in the feel of the bed beneath him. His mind wandered, and just for a second, he allowed himself to relax. Then, with a small sigh, he raised up to scout for any signs of Star Wars. Nothing. Bullet dodged. If anything, the only thing that made Mithrun raise an eyebrow was the large mirror facing the foot of Kabru’s bed.
Lethargically, Mithrun toed off his shoes and dropped them near the bed. He combed his hands through his hair a few more times, fluffing it out before he sat cross legged, waiting. After a minute, he shifted his position to sit with his legs to the side, his arm propping him up from sinking into the soft blankets. Kabru made this a place hard to leave: that was certain.
Mithrun shifted on the bed, feeling the soft fabric of the sheets against his skin. As his gaze wandered around the room once more, his boredom growing with the longer time stretched between the last time he saw Kabru. However, in his desperation for something new to set his eyes upon, he noticed something he hadn't before—a length of rope coiled neatly at the foot of the bed frame. It seemed out of place among the otherwise tidy room. His curiosity piqued, he reached down to touch it only to notice a strip of black beside it. A leather collar, complete with the adjusting buckle and loop for a leash clip, laid next to the nightstand, half-hidden from poking out under the bed.
His breath caught in his throat, and for a split second, he felt that flush creep up his neck. No dog, he thought as he licked his lips. He couldn’t help himself— Mithrun reached out, his fingers grazing the collar. The leather was smooth, the inside soft in a way that seemed more snug than suffocating. His head twisted upright, and he looked around the room quickly, ensuring Kabru was nowhere in sight, before carefully plucking it off the carpet.
The collar fit easily in his hands as he lifted it gingerly. It didn’t look like a normal dog collar, and the small engraving of a less-than-innocent company name along with a heart on the inside fed his assumptions. He held up higher, inspecting it, his mind swirling with thoughts he hadn’t fully allowed himself to acknowledge before. Kabru, despite himself, didn’t seem to hate everything involving mutts.
He ran his fingers over the soft leather, imagining how it would feel around his own throat. That was the point of this anyways, right? The purpose of it was to wear it, and it hardly looked uncomfortable. There was nothing wrong with just exploring.
With a nervous glance toward the door, he slowly brought the collar to his throat. He didn’t make a move to clasp it, much less wrap it all the way around, but he held it there and felt it against his breaths. It was relatively comfortable, and for a moment, he allowed himself to turn and see how it stood against his pale skin in the mirror. A soft creak of the door echoed in the room. Mithrun’s head snapped toward the sound, but it was too late. Kabru stood there in the doorway, his eyes wide as he stared at Mithrun, who froze in place.
Mithrun quickly threw the collar on the ground, curling into himself as he stared back, his face burning. Mithrun's fingers trembling slightly as he cleared his throat and shot Kabru a pointed look. “You’re the one who left it out. I was just looking at it.”
The room suddenly felt tense. Mithrun could feel it alongside the way his throat pinched, a squeak leaving his chest unintentionally. They stared at each other from across the room, sizing each other up to see who’d move first and to do what. Mithrun shifted on the bed, his cheeks still flushed, his arms crossing over his chest in a futile attempt to regain some semblance of composure. Kabru’s gaze flickered to the discarded collar on the floor, then back to Mithrun’s face.
Slowly, Kabru stepped forward and shut the door behind him with a soft click. Mithrun straightened, his back stiff as he watched him move. Kabru crouched, picking up the collar gingerly. He turned it over in his hands a few times, his expression thoughtful, his fingers brushing the edges of the leather as he stood. He held it out toward Mithrun, the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Do you want to try it on?”
Mithrun’s breath hitched, his ears flicking downward. His attention darted between Kabru’s face and the collar, unsure if this was a trap, a tease, or… something else entirely. His lips parted, but no sound came out. The tension in his shoulders refused to ease, but he couldn’t bring himself to look away from the tantalizing offer.
Kabru tilted his head slightly, his smirk softening into something more genuine. “It’s just a question,” he said gently, his tone more soothing than Mithrun expected. He could feel his shoulders droop a fraction. “You don’t have to. You just seemed curious.”
Mithrun swallowed hard. His hand moved almost on its own, reaching for the collar as if some part of him had already decided, but then it fell back to his side as Kabru approached, alway knowing.
“Alright,” Kabru murmured as he set an end of the collar in each hand, his voice barely above a whisper. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to, right?”
"Right," Mithrun whispered, his voice barely audible.
"Turn around," Kabru said, his tone low, commanding but gentle. His eyes met Mithrun's, holding a challenge but also a promise, “and bare your neck to me."
He hesitated for only a moment, remembering himself, remembering to let go— turned his back to Kabru. His head dipped slightly, his hands trembling minutely as his fingers tangled in the ends of his hair, holding up the bountiful curls to expose the curve of his neck, his blush undoubtedly trailing down past his shoulders and to his chest.
The room felt still as Kabru moved behind him. Mithrun's breath hitched when he felt the leather graze his skin, cool against the heat of his skin. Kabru worked slowly, wrapping the collar snugly around Mithrun’s throat, his movements deliberate and careful as he tightened the ends to adjust the size. The soft scent of leather mixed with the faint hint of whatever cologne Kabru had chosen to wear was enough of a soothe for Mithrun to close his eyes, trying not to overthink—though his body betrayed him with a subtle shiver each time fingertips grazed his pulse.
As the clasp clicked into place, Mithrun let out a small, shaky breath. His mind was still reeling when he felt the warm press of Kabru’s lips against the side of his neck. The kiss was light, lingering just enough to make Mithrun's knees feel like static despite him already sitting.
“Good,” Kabru murmured against his skin. “It suits you.”
The praise had Mithrun's breath quickening, and his face burned anew as he felt Kabru's fingers tug gently on the edge of the collar, testing the give of the material. Kabru’s hand lingered for a moment at Mithrun’s neck, tracing the edge of the collar as though savoring the way it fit. Then, almost lazily, his fingers drifted down, ghosting along the curve of Mithrun’s waist. The touch was so light it sent a shiver rippling through Mithrun as he leaned into the contact subconsciously. Kabru's lips pressed forth onto his jaw, then the curve of his ear, his words low and confident, “Doesn't it feel nice?”
It felt different, and yet somehow right—comfortable. Not restricting. Nothing he couldn't get used to. The feel of it around him was almost grounding in a way he never thought he’d appreciate. It felt breathable, not stifling or constrictive. He was far from the ropes at the side of Kabru's bed though. Mithrun nodded.
Kabru hummed in approval, the sound soft against his ear as his hand continued to trail over Mithrun’s side, the light touch as a feather.
“That's right,” he murmured, his other hand joining the first as he stroked Mithrun’s sides with a tender touch, his mouth kneading soft kisses and nips below Mithrun's ear, just above the snug leather. “Look at yourself. You’re such a good boy.”
Mithrun trembled minutely, but the gentle praise was enough to make him relax further, his head tilting back into the embrace as he followed the command. He turned and opened his eyes to stare down the bed, his reflection staring back at him with wide eyes that seemed to take everything in. His tongue wet his lips, the curve of his smile a little shy. His hands lifted to the collar, a stark band of black across his pristine skin. The silver loop dangling looked nice, and he almost wished to have been able to select a finer color that'd go with his complexion, but if this reoccurred, he'd make Kabru get him his own. One specifically tailored to fit his preferences and shape, with more silver studs or pins to match his hair and eyes. As it was, it looked fine, or so Kabru believed from the way he couldn't stop petting over Mithrun's clothes, his soft lips sucking bruises into Mithrun's neck. Mithrun liked it, and when he glanced back, he found Kabru was staring at him in his reflection, a quiet smile tugging at his lips as he watched Mithrun admire the accessory.
He leaned into the touches, his eyes drifting half-shut as he basked in the affection. Kabru’s breath ghosted against his skin as he spoke, the words sending a shiver down Mithrun’s spine, “Look how pretty you are with this.”
The compliment made Mithrun grin, his mind whirling with images of what it'd be like to wear this around his neck often. To wear it whenever he was around Kabru and know the man had some type of kinky claim on him. His fingers curled in his clothes, and Kabru noticed the shift, his hand smoothing down Mithrun’s stomach gradually until his fingers poked at the beltline of his pants.
“Do you want something?” Kabru purred, his teeth catching Mithrun’s earlobe with a playful nibble, his lips so close as to share breath. “You can speak."
Mithrun moaned at the sheer thought of being told he was allowed to do something--- be allowed to do something so benign, but still needing permission. His hips shifted upward at the tease, his mouth falling open with a gasp of interest when Kabru's fingertips pressed down against the skin at the top of Mithrun's pants, his shirt having ridden upward. His touch was gentle, coaxing, waiting. Mithrun forced himself to focus, meeting the gaze of Kabru in the mirror and nodding a little. It was almost dizzying to see him like this, being petted and coddled and praised like the good boy he knew he could be, knew he was. "Touch me."
Kabru's laugh was almost silent, his smile wide as he mouthed Good boy with no sound, his fingers dipping in teasing circles at the waistband. Then, slow but not too slow, they began to tug the fabric downward. Mithrun bit his lip, his breath catching as Kabru worked his pants and briefs down his thighs as much as he could from their position. Regardless, Mithrun’s cock twitching minutely in anticipation as it jutted out, erect and standing tall. He shuddered at the sight, his ears twitching downward as a whimper past his lips, his knees spreading slightly as Kabru pulled back.
"Strip and face the mirror," Kabru instructed, his eyes trained on Mithrun like he was a reward in and of himself.
"Okay," Mithrun breathed as Kabru left him entirely. He tried to keep himself from beckoning the reassurance back. Instead, he pulled off his shirt with a bow of his back, pressing his chest outwards in a way he hoped was enticing. Then, he drew back to sit, pushing his pants and briefs down his legs. Before he could move back to kneeling, Kabru set a hand on his shoulder and climbed into the bed behind him, sitting so his clothed front was pressed all the way against Mithrun's flushed back. As Kabru did this, he tugged Mithrun back to lean on him, his arms sliding around Mithrun’s torso to set a hand over Mithrun’s chest. They pressed together, and Mithrun felt a thrill run through him. He let his head fall back against Kabru’s shoulder, closing his eyes as the other hand drifted to his pelvis in ghost-like touches.
"Tell me how you want it," Kabru whispered against his ear, "where do you want my fingers?"
Mithrun's cock twitching with interest as Kabru's fingers drew slow circles framing his erection. Mithrun whimpered, his hips bucking into the touch. His skin prickled with a light layer of goosebumps as he melted into the strong form behind him, though his eyebrows grew in slight annoyance when he didn't feel anything hard poking his ass in return. He guessed that's what the fingers were for, then. "On my cock."
He pulled back for only a moment to lick a stripe from his palm to his fingertips, then Kabru's hand reached lower, his knuckles brushing Mithrun’s inner thigh and making him jolt as if he had been strung with livewire. Then, finally, he felt fingers close over the head of his cock. He mewled, his hips shifting forward in a greedy roll that earned him a sharp slap to the hip. Mithrun cried out, his gaze snapped up to the mirror with a scoff. He saw Kabru's mouth, once holding a light, blissful smile, now pressed into a firm line.
“Behave,” Kabru told him, his voice low. And oh, the chastisement sent a shiver of want through Mithrun, and he let his hips sink back in a demure movement. Reluctantly, he pouted up at the man in the mirror.
"I'm sorry,” he said through his teeth.
"Shh, baby, I know you are." Mithrun watched Kabru's face soften, his grip loosening to give Mithrun a few long, forgiving strokes of his cock, his hand running down to the base and back to the tip, twisting at the end. Mithrun gave a breathy sigh, torn between staring at the hands in front of him or at Kabru, who stared unabashed through the looking glass to see everything laid out before him. "Be patient."
Mithrun nodded as Kabru slowed his touches, dragging his fingers down Mithrun's shaft in soft teases until Mithrun was whining, desperate for more. It took all his effort not to cant his hips, though his body betrayed him with subtle movements that either were undetected or ignored by his bedmate. His hand worked quick circles over Mithrun's head, the rough skin of his palm sending waves of blissful sensation through Mithrun’s hazed mind.
“Fuck,” Mithrun gasped, and Kabru smiled again, but this time there was something more wicked to it. Mithrun tensed when he realized what he was craving, though he found himself opening his mouth to say it anyway. "Fuck me."
Kabru grinned, radiant in the light barely passing through midnight blue black-out curtains. “You want me to fuck you?"
Mithrun nodded and he saw Kabru's eyes drop to where their bodies met, the hand still working Mithrun's dick in quick jerks now. Mithrun felt a spark of embarrassment when he saw his dick was now slick with a thin dribble of precum, but Kabru's low laugh assuaged his nervousness. "Well, you'll have to ask more nicely than that. Go on, ask me again."
Mithrun let out a shaky breath, and, under Kabru's unwavering gaze, draped his arms back, his hands tangling with those curly, black locks. He bent back, guiding himself down Kabru’s hands while bringing his lips as close to Kabru’s ear as he could manage. "Please fuck me."
As soon as he said the words, his cock twitched, and he heard Kabru sigh. Kabru's fingers were quick to shift between his legs, his hand reaching back to Mithrun's puckered hole with a precum-slicked finger. He tested, dragging his finger along his entrance before pulling away. Kabru leaned back until he was almost laying his entire back along the bed behind them, his sticky hand fumbling with the drawers on his end table. It took a bit longer than Mithrun was willing to put up with to grab a bottle of lube, but even then he didn’t touch himself in fear of reprimand and the distinct thought of his reward as pleasure lingering in his head.
When Kabru wound around him again, he poured a generous amount of lube onto his fingers, then tossed the bottle out of the view of the mirror. Mithrun shuddered, his legs shaking as he adjusted to make the reach easier for his partner, in turn practically laying against him. Kabru was taller than him, and so Mithrun settled into the crook of his shoulder and neck with ease, his eyes drifting closed as a thick finger began to prod against him. He groaned at the pressure, his cock jumping from excitement.
"Tell me if it hurts," Kabru muttered against his collarbone.
There was no further warning, just a steady hand and an even firmer press as Kabru slowly pushed inside of him. Mithrun whined at the invasion, squirming in the hold he was trapped in. He heard himself making pathetic, desperate sounds, things he’d vehemently deny another day, but the pressure had made his mouth go slack, allowing lewd noises to fall without much to keep them at bay. He couldn't shut up. He felt a shudder run through him as Kabru began to press deeper. His hand dropped from Kabru’s hair to grasp his forearm, his grip white as Kabru rocked his finger deeper, then retreated to a shallower depth before repeating the process relentlessly.
Mithrun’s breathing was growing faster and faster, his mouth falling open with the same rhythm as Kabru’s fingers moved in and out of him. When he could feel the heat of Kabru's large palm against his ass, he knew there was no more depth to be taken and almost sobbed at the thought of having to take in any more. The hand that had returned to nestle around his cock was now slow and gentle in comparison, a stark contrast to the hard thrusts he was treated to inches below. As his mind was consumed and torn by the feeling of being stretched while watching it on display, the pressure of another finger pushed inside of him. He moaned, his head tipping back further into the comfort of Kabru's hold.
“You’re so tight, puppy," Kabru mumbled against his neck as he began to fuck him in earnest, his thrusts deep and unrelenting. Mithrun mewled through his teeth, his eyes rolling back as Kabru picked up speed, his finger stretching and spreading him further with each passing moment. "Good boy, just like that. Take it."
The praise earned him a louder moan, Mithrun's lips slacking in a constant gasp. His hand gripped tighter onto the forearm that held him in place, and his other hand snaked down to hold a sturdy shoulder and hold it for leverage despite the stretch in his arm. The position brought his back up straighter, pulled his body taut, and made Kabru's hand adjust just right. Kabru’s breaths had quickened, but to his dismay still felt nothing when pushing his ass as best he could back against Kabru. He watched as Kabru's gaze dropped to the mirror, taking in the sight of Mithrun's ass and his fingers slipping in and out in quick, wet movements. The sound of Kabru’s breathing picked up, and soon he was grinding back, his hips moving with Mithrun. Ah. There it was, Mithrun thought with a smirk as he felt Kabru thrust pitifully against his back, still fully clothed yet effortlessly erect.
“That's it," Mithrun heard Kabru mutter against his collarbone. His fingers pumped faster, hitting something that made Mithrun lax yet tightly wound, something that made his legs shake in sharp jolts. Kabru must’ve seen his cock turning a brilliant crimson at the tip because he doubled his efforts there upon glancing up into the mirror, "you take that. That's all for you."
The words had Mithrun whimpering as he felt the spikes of pleasure encompass all his senses. A thumb pressed over his tip and Mithrun tried to make a noise of complaint at the rough, unrelenting treatment, but only managed to stutter out an incomprehensible groan as he felt his climax approach. His eyes fluttered closed as he gave into the feeling, his toes curling as he felt Kabru's thrusts increase to match.
Mithrun felt the first jolt of his climax and heard himself let out a long groan, his breath catching at the end when he felt Kabru press down on that burning inside. His hand squeezed around Mithrun's cock, and the first spurt of cum shot out, coating his hand and painting Kabru's other hand with a long rope that fell from it. Mithrun's eyes had snapped open at the feeling, and he saw Kabru watching the mess in the mirror with interest, the hand on Mithrun's cock pumping quicker, more insistent, to draw out every last bit. He groaned as he watched Kabru's wide eyes glued to his twitching legs and jumping cock, transfixed. When the final drops had fallen, Kabru pressed a kiss to the spot just below his ear, pulling back his fingers slowly and earning a low whine from Mithrun.
“Good boy,” he praised once his fingers were out, a smile pulling on his face at the squirm Mithrun made followed by a groan of discontent. He grabbed his cum stained hand from Mithrun's cock through a straight line up his chest, crawling up his throat to his chin before a lazy smile made its way onto the reflection before them. “Lick it up.”
And it was hard not to when Mithrun could feel his chest against his back, his inhales laced with an excitement his voice carried quietly. Mithrun's nose wrinkled at the thought, but a sharp smack to his already trembling hip had him leaning forward to catch the taste of himself. His tongue flicked out, tentative but needy to please as it lapped at the cum slicked digits. Kabru didn't push forward into his mouth, only offering the hand up and keeping it still in a silent order to continue.
Mithrun closed his mouth around two of the fingers, his tongue moving in slow, reverent sweeps. He heard a hum of approval above him and felt that warmth spread through him once again. He panted around the fingers, ignoring the sharp taste in favor for staring at Kabru. His heart beat a little harder at the thought of how good it felt, at how good it all had felt, to have the man behind him praise him and call him good. For him to derive pleasure from merely watching Mithrun get off. Was this what he saw when he asked for Mithrun to spin and show himself off? Was this what he saw when he lied to see Mithrun again? Him, perched and bared pretty in front of the mirror in his room, licking cum off his authoritative hand? He sucked the fingers clean, pulling away from them and sitting back with a huff.
Kabru kept a gentle hold on Mithrun’s thigh as he pushed himself forward to rest snug against Mithrun, but made no move to calm his clear erection poking into Mithrun. He was almost thankful for that-- Mithrun still needed a moment to bask in the bliss and to pull his head out of his ass, because without warning and while staring at Kabru's ocean eyes and smile, he muttered through his hoarseness, "You are beautiful."
"And I think you're pretty," Kabru laughed into his skin. Mithrun snorted, reaching down carelessly to bring a part of Kabru's blanket up to clean off his drying cum. He felt Kabru's nose nuzzle against his skin, then a hum in his throat. "Mmm, don't clean up. You look really good right now. "
Mithrun huffed, and he was about to speak, but Kabru's words were followed by a hard smack. Mithrun jumped, yelping as he rubbed his sore skin.
“Ow, that hurt!” Mithrun snapped back, retaliating by smearing the blanket against Kabru's arm.
"That's for the sassy ass comment you were about to give. I saw it on your face,” Kabru snickered as he took the blanket from Mithrun and tossed it aside. He grinned down at Mithrun through the mirror, and Mithrun was struck once again by the sight of him, that smile so full and open with mirth.
Mithrun leaned forward to give himself space to grab the blanket that had fallen off the bed. When he brought himself back up to a seated position, he saw that Kabru’s eyes were trained on his ass. He cleared his throat and felt his cock perk up with interest despite himself. "I've got another round in me if you want."
He watched Kabru lick his lips before giving him a sharp smile.
“Yeah. I want that."