𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 | 𝙴𝙹𝙰♡︎

Chapter 11: Sensitivity

The scene begins with a car drive in the rich evening, predating the sun's eventual set. Sunlight leaks through the windows enough that it becomes comforting for the two passengers. There is a valuable sensation they gain from feeling the sun's rays beating down against them. Silence takes them in a moment like this. Silence, aside from the hum of the vehicle beneath their figures. Armin sits alongside the driver to his right, who cups the steering wheel without force or aggression, instead holding it loosely beneath his palm.

It's not the first time they've driven together, but it may be the last. Perhaps that's why they both remain quiet.

Jean breaks the silence with a casual question. "What's on the cards for today?"

"I don't know."

"Typical bottom, eh? Always indecisive." He pauses. "I'm thinking, we could go for a date and end the night with a special play."

Armin looks at him with an awkward glare. "Why is it special?"

"Well, it's your last day as a free man. Wouldn't you like to really experience the scene? It's been light BDSM so far. A little bit of toys, whipping, some degrading, bondage- you know, the basics." A smile takes him. "I was going easy on you 'cause I thought we'd have more time than this. But if its all ending now then..." He looks at Armin. "How about we turn up the heat?"

"Sounds... okay," he answers nervously. "But what are you suggesting?"

"I'll reveal that in due time." Jean looks at the road ahead as it transforms into a city location: tall buildings, people everywhere and lights covering the roads. It's not quite like suburbia. "You won't have to wonder for too long. We're almost there, anyway."

"I see."

There's a level of disappointment present in Armin's expression. He looks through the window wistfully, out at the city landscape which begins to surround them. There's a kind of escapism he gets from a window- the gateway to another reality.

After parking in their respective bay and beginning the calm walk, the couple find themselves stuck in between one large mass of people. Those of every size and shape rush past them, entranced by bright lights on skyscrapers and the bustling bars awake as it is. The city has never looked busier.

"You okay?" asks Jean, his gaze turning to meet hopeful, blue eyes.

"Yeah... nah," he answers awkwardly. "It's a bit- bit louder than I expected, you know?"

"Don't worry, the good part's coming up."

They walk shoulder-to-shoulder for a minute or so, as the crowds around them effortlessly dissipate. They're led away, disappearing as the two men take a polar opposite route. The city transforms before their eyes. What once was a street with tens of people, horns honking, and lights ablaze, becomes a trail and a park.

They walk together over the long, winding pathway that crosses into a flourishing, scenic area. Shrubbery as far as the eye can see. Tall trees, neatly trimmed brushes and street lights cover each space with bright illumination. It's the quiet aesthetic of a small town alongside the surrounding buildings.

Jean takes the blonde's hand suddenly, entwining their fingers together in a remarkable hold, leaving Armin's heart to skip a beat. It feels... intimate.

"Let's stick together. This place can be rough at night," Jean tells him slowly, calmly, as if at ease. "You're fine with this in public, no?"

"I'm out."

He speaks through an exhale, "likewise."

Armin turns his head, looking up at him with a perplexed sense. This moment feels so out of character that he burns to know what expression the man could be making.