It surprised him how much he needed that. A limit. Something to hold him in line, something to keep in mind. Cross that line and this was over. But it was something definite. A rule. He could follow rules- and this was one they all agreed upon. Not unspoken, no one of them held power over the others. He could live with that. He leaned into them both as they drew close and took a slow, shuddering breath.

"I would never. Will never. But I may have days when I need reminding why it is you find me endearing rather than enticing, yes? It just seems too good to be true to have this; to be an equal partner rather than a bit the two of you share on the side now and then." Whether they meant to make him feel so or not- that was how it seemed to him on his worse days. It was a side effect of the world he lived in, his upbringing, knowing precisely how much he was worth and why.