Advanced Flogging

[duke_of_illusions]

It's an early evening, back in the club. Barma has sent Al on his own, to make friends, to try something new.

Dodo is a breath away.

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[al_truism]

The exhale turns into a small scream, and it shocks him enough to stagger him against the post. He obviously hadn't been expecting anything like that.

[duke_of_illusions]

He smiles and then helps him up, pulling him close for a big, protective bear-hug.

"Good boy."

[al_truism]

It takes him a few moments to breathe, but he melts into the hold, suddenly almost in tears.

Adrenaline.

[duke_of_illusions]

"Hey baby."

Snuggling him closer, moving to go sit down.

"You doing okay?"

[al_truism]

"Yes, yes, I just-"

He moves his hands, trying to articulate, ineffective.

"Needed that. Thank you."

[duke_of_illusions]

Al gets pulled into his warm lap, with a cuddle and purr.

[al_truism]

Al leans against his chest and manages to slowly calm down, remembering to breathe and focus, to remember.

"Am I very bruised?"

[duke_of_illusions]

"Can't tell yet. Depends how often he works your back."

Grinning.

[al_truism]

"If I am, I can just see the admiring smirk on his face," he tells him with a laugh.

[duke_of_illusions]

"What's he like, as a top?"

He asks, curiously.

"I've only ever had him bottom."

[al_truism]

"Meticulous. It's often more psychological than physical. He's a master at making sure I feel off-balance, vulnerable, and controlled. He plans absolutely everything- and plans for all the disruptions of those plans, every eventuality. He's not often surprised, but when he is, he enjoys it more than most."

He smiles, warmly. "He knows me, the way nobody else ever has. He knows what I can take, when to check me, and exactly what to do to calm me down enough to take more. During aftercare and day-to-day, he's one of the most affirming, loving, affectionate people I know, and I'm absolutely head over heels in love with him."

[duke_of_illusions]

"He talks about you just the same way you talk about him."

Muses Gerard, absolutely grinning.

[al_truism]

"... he does?"

It warms him, makes him flush.

[duke_of_illusions]

"Mmhm."

He smiles.

"Recruited me for your gang bang, remember?"

[al_truism]

"He chose you carefully."

He hums, lays his cheek on his shoulder.

[duke_of_illusions]

"Watched a scene I had with the Boy."

Explaining.

"Liked the look of it. I'm Owner of him, you haven't met him."

[al_truism]

"May I meet him sometime?"

He perks up, interested.

[duke_of_illusions]

"Sure."

He agrees, patting his shoulder.

"He's not from in town, but next time he's up-"

[al_truism]

"In town?"

Al has to laugh, but relaxes, snuggling. "He must be special."

[duke_of_illusions]

"He lives a few hours from the city."

Nodding.

"Yeah."

[al_truism]

"... are you in love?"

Soft, thoughtful.

[duke_of_illusions]

"Don't know yet."

He admits.

"I think I could be."

[al_truism]

Al beams.

"When he and I first got together, it was strictly play-oriented. We expected to be able to trust each other, but it wasn't going to be personal. We weren't going to offer each other emotional support about unconnected things, either -- but that changed. Quickly."

[duke_of_illusions]

"None of that surprises me, actually."

He admits, grinning.

"Knowing the both of you."

[al_truism]

"... he's been one of the best things that's ever happened to me," he tells him softly, knowing that Dodo is listening.