"Okay." She hesitates, then says, "So, there's one thing about me that I haven't mentioned yet, and it's likely to end up super relevant if we spiral. I'm, ah. A masochist. So. We are actually even more like kindling flirting with fire than you probably thought."

...he smiles.

"I mean granted that doesn't mean I'd enjoy any and all torture, context is really important, but. Um. Yes. That didn't make it harder to resist spiraling, did it, because if not I was going to go over what I do and do not enjoy since that's relevant. Give you a list of, of yeses instead of just leaving you to guess."

"I'd like to hear that."

Nod. "Okay. I like being bitten, especially on the neck and shoulder. Um, to the point where there's blood. I really like nails or knives, scratching and slicing down my back. Not, uh, whips, though, somewhat unfortunately. They're a bit too - I don't like feeling like I'm being beaten? They skirt a bit too close to that. Burns are good, but more as something fun to play with after they've been inflicted than fun from the actual burning itself. I don't think I'd like really severe burns that involve skin getting melted and blackened. It sounds kind of gross."

He smiles and kisses her forehead. "That's a pretty nice list."

"Thank you." Nuzzle. "I enjoy rough sex, including being, ah. Mercilessly fucked until I cry, and also while I cry. Since you mentioned finding me attractive when I cry, that seems relevant. It's sort of an emotional dump where I can get all of my feelings felt all at once, and then after it's. Like all of the problems I had before are small and easy. It's nice. I like struggling. Haven't tested out begging for mercy yet, I expect to like it but the ex-girlfriend I got experimental with really didn't kink on it. Other kinds of begging is positive so far."

He pets her hair. "Well aren't you a treasure," he murmurs.

Giggle. "I try. Uh, let's see. Ice and cold is a no, it's just uncomfortable. Being tied up is a definite and enthusiastic yes. Haven't been gagged, and I haven't been choked or strangled, so I have no idea how I'd react to those. Broken bones are similarly untested. Verbal abuse of the calling me names variety is a resounding no. Uh, anything you're curious about? I neglected to make a list."

"Do you know what happens when something damages your slave-marks?"

"I know it'll hurt, a lot. But I have yet to test it."

"I'd enjoy doing that to you. Just a little, to see how you like it."

"Okay. If it's short and sweet, sure. Please hold me and comfort me after if I don't like it? Though that seems like it might provoke spiraling if I do, so we should be sure we're done with everything else first."

Smile. Nuzzle. "All right."

Smile. "Are there things I shouldn't do? Either because you wouldn't like them, or because they might cause things to go in a direction we don't want?"

"That's - not usually a problem I have, but I admit I've never dated a masochist who knew I was the Emperor before."

She nods.

"Have you, um. Is your experience all...?" she waves a hand, at a loss for words.

"I've dated before. As Sekar the Friendly Architect, I mean. Obviously nothing very long-term, but if you're asking if I've ever had consensual sex, the answer is 'yes, lots'."

"Oh, all right. I guess you - have had time, yes."

Wry smile. "Yeah."

"... That's got to suck, though. Getting to know people, dating them. Then they put together the puzzle and suddenly they're terrified of you."

"I usually try to break up before we get to that point."

"That's a bit better. I guess." Pensive snuggle.

Snuggle. Hairpets.

"I wonder what would have happened if - this. Didn't happen," she muses, a little absently.