[He has not fought so hard to hold his composure since — early on, he suspects, back when this was still new and uncharted territory, back when he yet feared Cy's perception of him. As if to be expressive in that way, through vulnerability, might paint him as weak and undesirable. Cy has taught him otherwise with enough evocative praise, so he knows better now; Cy likes to hear him respond, likes to see him react.
This is different, a challenge issued under the circumstances of a punishment. And so he tries to reach for that part of himself once more, finding habit slippery and unpracticed, mouth yielding to the soft piece of cake brought to his lips. Like that first date — and no one else has fed him this way so intimately, per their rules.
A nod to show he understands. That range is vast and seems arbitrary, but he obeys nonetheless.]
no subject
This is different, a challenge issued under the circumstances of a punishment. And so he tries to reach for that part of himself once more, finding habit slippery and unpracticed, mouth yielding to the soft piece of cake brought to his lips. Like that first date — and no one else has fed him this way so intimately, per their rules.
A nod to show he understands. That range is vast and seems arbitrary, but he obeys nonetheless.]
Four thousand and one.