Words could not explain the emotions swarming through Orion's mind at that moment. He felt as if he could get down on one knee and offer Zachary a ring, just for pushing past his nervousness and asking for a simple book. The younger man's face also lit up when he himself smiled, making Orion's heart slam against his chest like a jackhammer.

"I-I will get you one that explains the very basics of it... however," Orion mumbled the last part of his sentence as he let his eyes skim Zachary's still-clothed body down to his toes, then back up to his eyes.

At least he remembered to kick off his new shoes.

As much as his fingers itched to remove Zachary's clothes one inch at a time and savor revealing his bare skin to his eyes for a second time, he knew right then wasn't the time. He, unfortunately, had a party to get to, and Zachary had some reading to do. Grinning, Orion tugged Zach forward and helped him rinse out his hair, then turned the water off before stepping out to begin drying himself off.

"Go ahead and shut the shower door, then strip out of those clothes. You can hang them on the bar in there so that they can dry."

He expected the door to shut right away, but it was at least three full seconds before he heard the magnet seal shut, making Orion chuckle to himself as he wrapped his towel around his waist, then grabbed one to toss to Zachary. Once he was sure the guy didn't need any help getting out of the wet clothing, sadly, he walked back into his room, then went inside his closet. In all honesty, he wanted to just wear normal clothing for once, but he knew a good portion of the people there would be expecting him to be in leather.

Sighing with a shake of his head, Orion pulled on a pair of underwear, then found a nice pair of black leather pants and yanked them on. He could already feel how bad his underwear was going to chafe by the end of the party, but he knew better than to go commando around drunk, handsy patrons again.

Definitely not a memory I want to relive.

Looking around, he frowned at the different black leather accessories he often used for 'shirts', but didn't really feel like any of them fit his mood for the night. It was significantly better than he would normally expect since Zachary had asked to at least read a book on his lifestyle, but that still left Orion with the task of dodging hands and teeth in the lion's den tonight.

The sound of Zachary scurrying about in the bedroom had Orion turning around just in time to see his towel drop as he tried to pull on boxers with it still around his waist. He was still skin and bones, and likely would be for awhile, but the guy had an adorable butt.

"Orion... you can stop staring now."

Oops.

He thought about playing it off, but heck, Zachary already knew he liked him, so why not look?

"You have a nice butt."

Zach rolled his eyes but he couldn't hide the deep blush burning its way up from his neck to settle in his cheeks. Winking, Orion admired the guy's bare chest for a moment before turning back to try and find something to wear for himself. He sifted through the leather another time, then grumbled. None of it looked good right then.

"How about these?"

Surprised, Orion turned to see Zachary holding up a blood-red length of leather in one hand and a more intricate item of the same color in the other. He looked incredibly nervous, with his eyes darting around the large closet, but he kept the items in his hands and didn't bolt like Orion thought he might.

"I forgot I had those. Sure, will you help me get them on? The ropes are a bit hard to fasten one-handed."

Of course, he had become a master at it over the years, but he wasn't going to tell that to Zach. At least, not yet. The guy will likely figure it out fast if they do end up becoming dominant and submissive anyways.

"Oh. Okay."

Stepping forward, Zachary set the more intricate item down and when Orion offered him an arm, he carefully began wrapping the leather.

So cute.

"Let me show you, okay? Just hold this piece right here, tightly, okay?" Orion said as he undid what Zachary had already done and pressed the end-piece of the length right before the bend of his arm. The younger man did as told right away, allowing Orion to wrap the leather but paying close attention to each motion.

"Doesn't that hurt?" He finally asked once it was completely fastened. Orion raised his brows, grinning.

"Yes. But not like a shot or punch might. It is more an ache over time. I have gotten used to it after years."

Zach frowned, obviously not understanding.

That's okay, sweetheart. I didn't understand at first either, and I know it's different for everyone.

"It helps me ground myself. I did very bad, very stupid things in my past, and this little bit of pain helps me remember never to go down that road again. Also, the feeling of being constricted, at least to me, feels like a hug. Secure and strong. So even when I do not have anyone to love me, I can still feel the sensation."

Orion glanced away nervously, shrugging slightly before returning his attention to Zachary's curious eyes.

"I've never told anyone else that part, so please keep it for yourself, okay? Most people who have told me why they do this have less savory reasons, and I must admit that a very small portion of my intentions may coincide with theirs at very specific moments, but... I-I think I may be confusing you."

Zach blinked and tilted his head, reminding Orion of a puppy who was most-definitely confused, or at least curious. "I... um, it's okay." Orion wasn't too sure if he really did get it, but when Zachary gave him a dazzling smile and held up the next length of leather, he figured that it was good enough. Besides, Zach wasn't running, screaming from the closet yet, so it had to be a positive. Right?

"Can I try again?" He asked, getting an immediate nod from Orion. This time he seemed a little less focused on being gentle and much more-so on doing it exactly how he'd been shown.

Perfect.

Flexing his hands when Zachary finished, Orion felt the tight coils constrict against his muscles.

"Wow. You did really well."

Zachary smiled, then quickly grabbed the other item from the floor. "How do you put this one on?"

"The three long bands go around my chest, but it will be easier to fasten those if I put the other part over my head first."

He nodded, then lifted the item over Orion's head as he leaned over and quickly got busy fastening the three buckles that rested over his left ribs. While he worked Orion gave him random tips on how to tighten the straps easier or check to see if they were as tight as he liked, or needed to be fixed. Every single thing he said though, Zachary listened intently to. When he had finished about ten minutes later Orion couldn't have been more proud. It wasn't perfect, but who the hell cared. Zachary had done it for him!

Realizing that he was staring again, Orion leaned over and took his little soon-to-be sub into his arms for a tight hug. "You did great, sweetheart." He cooed, determined now, more than ever, to make sure that he doesn't scare Zachary away. When the young man's arms wrapped around his neck, returning the hug, Orion thought skipping Xena's party might just be worth her wrath if he could stay right where he was.

Unfortunately, he knew this time he couldn't blow off her party. "As much as I want to hug you all night until you pop," Orion chuckled. "I've got to get upstairs before Xena comes and finds me and drags me out."

"Kicking and screaming?" Zach added, looking up at him when they finally disengaged their hug.

"Absolutely, because I'd rather stay down here with you then bother with the party any day."

The blush on Zach's face made Orion have to rustle his hair before walking out of the closet and dropping to the bed to get his boots on. He usually put them on before his leather, but his mind was just not itself with a frustrating party coming up.

"Here, I got it Orion," Zachary said as he dropped to his knees in front of him, surprising Orion. The view was one he was used to seeing with other people, but with Zachary?

Don't touch. Don't. You have to be upstairs in a few minutes and you can't keep getting distracted.

God, yes he could! He wanted to get distracted, especially if it involved more bindings and Zach!

The second Zachary had finished tying his shoes Orion jumped up and strode toward the door, needing some breathing room before he embarrassed himself. Just keep acting like a clingy idiot and he's sure to love you. Not.

"I'm going to head upstairs, thank you for helping me. I really appreciate it, and here. Take this." Orion said before grabbing two keys hanging near the door and tossing one to Zachary.

"That's the key to the outside door so that you can come and go as you like, but it won't open this one."

"Oh. Thank you, Orion."

He nodded and grabbed the door handle, only pausing to look over his shoulder and smile. "I'll try to sneak out as soon as I can, but until I'm back, feel free to do or eat whatever you'd like."

Zachary smiled and nodded, giving a little wave as Orion walked out and the door clicked shut.

He forgot to give me that book. Oh well.

Not really knowing what else to do after he finished up his cold, leftover pasta from the night before and put on his shoes and a dark red sweater, Zachary decided to go for a walk. It was likely already too late to look for jobs so he just enjoyed the crisp air as he strolled down the street. He intentionally went in the opposite direction as his alley.

He wasn't really sure why, but when a bright sign advertising a sewing shop beneath it caught his eye, he couldn't help but follow his feet to it. The shop was surprisingly still open, though considering the fact that the sun was mostly down, it had to be at least eight o'clock. Stepping inside, a small bell chimed over his head, alerting the little old woman sitting behind a desk to his right to his presence.

"Hello there, can I help you with anything?"

Zachary suddenly felt very nervous, having no idea why he came into the shop. "Um, n-no thank you. I just wanted to look around."

She giggled quietly and nodded, then went back to what she was working on before he had come in. Relieved, Zach began walking around the room, his eyes darting here and there curiously. There were a lot of different little sewn nicknacks and stuffed animals, he figured all made by the woman at one point or another. One stuffed animal stood out to him, however. It was a small one, just big enough to sit in the palm of his hand, but something about it was just adorable.

It has that look that Orion gets when he's embarrassed but tries to hide it. It always make him look like he's pouting.

Reaching his hand into his pocket, Zachary felt the last of his money with his fingers and sighed. He had brought it with him out of instinct, but he couldn't really consider spending it on a stuffed animal something worthwhile. Shaking his head, he turned around, intent on leaving, when something caught his attention. Unable to help himself, Zachary walked over, stopping in front of the wall that held several rows of collars. They were all well made, but he just couldn't take his eyes off of a specific one.

"Oh, are you looking at that dark purple one, dear?"

Jumping from surprise, Zachary turned, noticing that the woman was now staring at him. He couldn't find words to answer so he just shrugged, embarrassed that he couldn't be a real customer and actually be able to afford one simple thing.

"I-I'm sorry. It's really nice, but I don't really have enough money to afford it."

He knew the next thing people normally said to him in this situation was that he probably could. That the item wasn't that expensive, but after the woman watched him for a moment, she ended up standing and gingerly walking over to the collar. When she took it down he braced himself, getting ready to tell her that he really, honestly, couldn't afford it. Instead of her trying to push it on him, however, she walked right past him with the help of a cane and went over to the little stuffed animal he'd been looking at earlier. Once she had both items she returned to her desk and set the items next to her sewing machine before sitting down.

"That ones been hanging on the wall for quite some time. I think it's best to give it a good home instead of making a few dollars, don't you?"

Unable to argue, Zachary nodded and walked the few steps up to her desk.

"Now then, is there anything you want sewn onto it? A name for your dog?"

Biting his tongue, Zach nodded again, swallowing his grin as he answered. "Orion, please."

"Alright, sweetie. This will only take a moment." She said as she quickly got to work with her machine. Zachary waited, watching as the woman sowed Orion's name into the collar with silver thread. When she finished and held it out to him, Zach couldn't help but sniffle at her kindness.

"That's really nice." He said, honestly meaning it as he took the collar and stared down at it with a huge smile on his face.

"Thank you, young man. Here, take this little guy, too. He's been sitting over there long enough to need dusted three times."

Overcome, Zachary leaned across the table and gently hugged the woman. "Thank you so much. It means a lot."

When he let her go she giggled and gave his shoulder a pat. "I'm glad. Now you best be getting home, it's getting late and I've got to close."

"O-oh, right! Um, thank you again, ma'am. Have a good night!" Zach said as he walked to the door, waving to the woman before he stepped out and began his walk home.

Home?

His shoes halted on the sidewalk abruptly. He hadn't been thinking about his alley when he'd thought that. No, he'd been thinking of Orion. Not even the man's room, but just him.

Orion.

A cold drop of rain plinked down onto his nose, making Zachary return his attention to his surroundings and where he needed to go. Evidently, before it started to pour. He ended up running the last block, and when he finally managed to get the darn key in the whole and step inside, he was shivering like a leaf. The shower called to him, the need to warm up making him bolt into the bathroom and strip. The water heated up as he pulled off his clothing, making it sting his skin when he finally stepped under the spray.

"Oh man. That feels so good."

He scrubbed his body once it had warmed up, then shut off the water and dried off. He could have stayed under the spray for an hour, but it wasn't his water so it would have been rude to just stand there to stay warm. He could, however, get under the blankets, which is exactly what he did after brushing his teeth with the new toothpaste Orion had bought him, flossing, and tugging on a pair of boxers and pajama pants. He had hung up his wet clothes on the bar in the shower, but, not wanting to leave the collar or bear sitting in the bathroom, he brought them with him to the bed.

Zachary snuggled in, warm and content, and for once in his life, not hungry or worried about tomorrow. He stared at the bear for a short time before setting it on the pillow next to him for Orion, then eyed the collar for a much longer time. Sleepiness took over after what felt like hours, and after hugging his pillow tightly, he fell fast asleep with the collar still in his hand.

The party had been exactly as Orion had predicted... and he felt violated. Slipping into his room, he felt all of the stress he'd built up during the party fall away at the sight of Zachary asleep in his bed. As much as he wanted to run to the bed and snuggle, he knew he needed to take a shower. Walking to the bathroom, he began undoing the leather wrapped around his arms. Once they were both set by the sink he got the larger, more intricate piece off and added it to the others, then tossed his pants and boxers before stepping out of his boots.

"Ah. Much better."

He did enjoy the pressure of the leather and the marks that it made, but that didn't mean he didn't enjoy taking it off after several hours wearing it in an unpleasant atmosphere. The shower did wonders to relax his body, but he rushed through it, as well as his nightly before-bed routine, in order to be able to slide into bed ten minutes later.

Because the lights had all been out besides a small lamp by the other door, he hadn't noticed the little black teddy bear sitting on his pillow until he slid into bed. Holding it up, he smiled at its funny pout and set it next to him, a few inches from Zachary's nose, then reached over to settle his hand atop the young man's soft hair.

"Thank you for the present, Zachary."

He thought he had been speaking quietly-enough as to not wake him, but the guy had evidently not been asleep for long because he was soon yawning and starting to sit up.

"Hey sweetheart, I'm sorry. You don't have to get up." Orion cooed as he tried to guide Zachary back to laying down, but the guy wouldn't have it. It confused Orion, but he wasn't going to force him to sleep, especially when his warm body stumbled into his arms.

If my heart could melt I'd be dead right now.

Orion let his hand rub up and down Zach's back for a minute as the guy continued to try and snuggle closer and closer. When he finally stopped moving Orion leaned over and whispered against his ear. "Can I touch you, please?"

When Zach gave a faint nod Orion let his already-moving hand slip carefully beneath his shirt to continue rubbing against Zachary's warm, smooth, bare skin. Such a simple thing, yet it felt like heaven. At first Orion could feel Zach's muscles tense from his touch, but it only took him a few moments to relax again, making the older man smile.

"Hey Zachary?"

"Mm...?"

"Thank you for being here, and trusting me."

"Mhm..."

Haha. Sleepyhead.

"Let's get some rest, okay sweetheart?"

Zachary nodded against his chest, but when he moved his right hand something caught Orion's attention.

What's that?

Reaching up, he gently took the item from Zachary's hand and squinted, trying to read the writing on it.

O... ri... on.

Eyes widening, Orion held up the gorgeous dark collar and just, stared. He'd never had his real name on a collar before. It had always been that M. Looking down at Zachary, he grinned when he saw the guy's sleepy eyes staring up at him in confusion.

Poor baby is so tired.

"Did you get this for me, sweetheart?"

Zachary blinked, trying to wake himself up enough to be coherent. It wasn't working that well.