Theory of Attachment [18+] [mxm]

27. When Friend Groups Collide

Classes weren't due to start until mid-January after Winter Break classes were over. As the week toiled by, anxiety clawed at Micah's chest.

The New Year's party was soon, and he still didn't have his badge. Fuck, he thought, because he'd hoped to attend an event with Kennedy.

Judging by his calendar and the timeline she had given him, the crew was bound to be back from the Bahamas by now. His pride kept him from contacting her as he debated his options.

The Full Suspension event was still upcoming and, though Benny had expressed interest in it, Micah highly doubted Hunter would allow him to actually attend.

If Benny's there, then I guess it is proof that Hunter's changed, Micah's subconscious reasoned. He hated how this idea sparked hoped as he solidified his plans to attend.

And so, that Thursday before work was due to begin again, Micah fished out the one outfit Kennedy had provided that was no doubt dedicated to his BDSM club attire.

After having spent weeks out of a suitcase, Micah was forced to hunt down Presley's ironing board to crisp up the black button-up. It was simple, nothing nefarious, but underneath Micah buckled on a leather harness fully equipped with silver hoops and a tag at the choker collar. He turned over the tag.

It had Kennedy's name engraved on it.

Ridiculous, he thought, scoffing, but kept it on.

He tucked the button-up into a pair of leather pants. All down the side seams were studded buckles wrapped around metal hoops. The look was made complete by a pair of high-top combat boots he wished he'd spent more time breaking in.

Micah arrived at the function looking casual but feeling exposed. Even fully-dressed, the harness around his torso and the collar on his neck felt downright sinful to be wearing on the streets. Heat licked up the back of his neck and to his ears as the bouncer let him through and his entry fee was paid on behalf of Kennedy's card being on file.

And there it was: his badge of honor, being slid across the entry desk.

"Have fun," the attendant said, smiling around dark purple lipstick.

Have fun -Alistair.

Micah felt dizzy.

Inside, Micah followed the black-lit trail of arrows down a hall of closed curtains. Other people were already in attendance and, it seemed, Micah was late. He was grateful to have avoided smalltalk, though.

At the center of the room was a stage equipped with pulley systems in the rafters. A woman in what appeared to be a one-piece bathing suit was, indeed, preparing to be suspended by shibari similar to what Micah had admired once on Alistair.

His eyes were instantly on the crowd, searching. He didn't see Kennedy anywhere, nor Alistair.

The man knotting her back had to be a six-foot bodybuilder. The demonstration was quiet all except for soft music playing on the speakers. Slowly, Micah lowered himself to an open seat near the back.

Soon, the music was climbing to the climax. The woman, bound on her stomach on the floor, began to rise. Her ankles were tied up near the carabiners, arms fastened behind her back. She was bound like a star, knees and elbows bent behind her, upside down as the pulley system lifted her skyward.

The man gave her a gentle spin as the music slowed, and the audience was encouraged to clap. Micah fidgeted with his newly acquired badge and waited.

His heart stopped with the man gave a simple, "Thank you. Now is the time you can take a closer look."