Ana rubbed her eyes as she stepped into her apartment, shutting the door softly behind her. She tossed her keys on the shelf and dropped her bag on the floor.

"Hey babe."

She smiled at the sound of her boyfriend's voice, turning to see him sprawled on the couch in a suit. "Well aren't you looking fancy today?"

"Oh yeah, you know, just returned from my high-profile job as successful almost middle-aged entrepreneur, thought I'd slip into something cozy to see my young, spry girlfriend." Christian grinned at her.

She laughed. "Shut up, do you know how creepy that sounds? You're like, a year older than me. You just graduated."

He clicked his tongue. "You mean you don't fantasize about a much-older man sweeping you off your feet?"

"No," Ana rolled her eyes at him. "I think you've been watching too much Desperate Housewives."

"True, I'm starting to become one. C'mere, I got a bottle of wine for us, you've been working so hard."

Ana walked over to the couch, snuggling up against him. "Senior year is rough, man. I'm still trying to figure out what career I want to pursue and I'm running out of time. Or maybe I want to go to graduate school. I don't know. Ugh. It's stressful."

"Hey, you'll figure it out. There's no rush."

"There's a little bit of a rush."

"Okay, yeah, but you're smart, and you're going to be successful no matter what you pursue. Don't worry too much, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'll try."

"And you know I'll support you no matter what, right?"

"Of course. Love you."

"I love you more than anything."

Ana grinned, "Alright, enough sappiness, pour me some wine."

"Yes ma'am." He popped the cork off and poured the wine.

"Oh yeah, just keep pouring, Christian. It's been a long week."

He laughed, filling it almost to the brim. "That enough?"

"I suppose for now. Hey, you got to have at least that for yourself."

"Ana, are you trying to get me drunk?"

"Obviously."

"Perfect."

Ana took the glass from him, pecking him on the cheek. "Thanks babe."

"Anytime. So, what do you feel like watching?"

"Uh, whatever's good with me."

Christian grabbed the remote to turn the TV in front of them on, some sitcom was playing. He put his arm around Ana's shoulder and they sipped their wine, chatting aimlessly over whatever show was on. The night grew later and darker as their wine bottle grew lighter.

Eventually Christian cleared his throat, a little dazed from the wine. "So Ana, we've been together for over a year now."

She smiled sleepily up at him. "Yes we have."

"And we've talked about our past relationships, and of course they don't really matter too much, but, um, I was wondering if there was anything you wanted to do differently."

"You mean like, something to spice up our relationship?"

"No, no, not at all. I mean, I love how things are with you. I was just wondering if I could do anything better, like constructive criticism, I guess?"

"Hey." Ana sat up to face him, grabbing his hand. "You don't need to change anything, I love you."

"I know, I just meant if there was something you wanted to try, not because you need to, just because you want to, you know?"

She giggled. "Oh my god. I thought you were suddenly struck with a bout of insecurity. You're just talking about sex."

"No! Not entirely. I mean. Just wanted to know if there's something you want to do. No pressure. Just thought I'd ask. I mean like, I'm a guy, I'm pretty much biologically programmed to almost always enjoy sex, I just wanted to know that I'm doing all I can so you can enjoy it too, and just wanted to tell you that I'd really like it if you told me what you wanted."

"Well, there's some things," she hesitated. "I didn't really bring them up because I don't think they're that important. You know, I value you because of the relationship we have, and that's way more important than any sexual desires."

"What kind of things?"

"Uh, well, you know how I like to be on top?"

"Yup. In bed and in life."

"Ha. So I like other things in that area."

"Like?"

"Uh, you know, tying up, low-key choking, stuff."

"What's the difference between choking and low-key choking?"

"You know, there's a safe way to do it. Can I demonstrate?"

Christian nodded.

"You put your hand around his neck like this," she placed her hand lightly across his neck, her thumb on one side and the rest of her fingers around the other, her palm hovering slightly over the front of his neck. "But squeeze the sides, not putting any pressure on the front of his neck," she did so, lightly pressing her fingers down into his neck, "Because that's where the windpipe is, and that could really injure him." Ana could feel his pulse quicken under her fingertips.
"Uh, that sounds really safe."

Ana nodded, smiling slightly as she pulled her hand away.

"Well don't stop."

"You like that?"

"Not gonna lie, it's pretty hot."

She wrapped her fingers around his neck again, swinging one leg over him to straddle his lap as she moved her lips just a touch away from his. "Can I kiss you now?"

"God, yeah."

She pressed her lips gently against his, brushing lightly across once, twice, softly sucking his bottom lip between hers, their breaths hot and sweet as they intermingled in the little space between them. His pulse picked up beneath her fingers, and she pressed harder against his throat as she slipped her tongue in his mouth and tangled it with his, her other hand reaching to clutch his hair as his arms wrapped around her waist as tightly as they could. The feeling of power she had, the grip around his neck, feeling its every slight movement as they kissed, the immense vulnerability and trust he was willing to show, the confidence that exuded in his ability to give up control, was heady, intoxicating, made her head swoon with how right and good it felt.

Ana drew back.

Christian's eyes slowly opened. "So are you gonna tie me from the ceiling now?"

She laughed. "Shut up."

"If I don't, will you punish me? I've been a naughty, naughty-"

She covered his mouth with her hand. "Oh my god, you're so annoying." She joked with a smile.

He grinned back, trying to speak from beneath her hand. "This is fine too. This all sounds pretty hot to me, though I don't think I'd enjoy being whipped or pegged or something like that, doesn't sound super fun."

She leaned down to whisper in his ear, "Oh you're going to just love my 12 inch strap on."

"Uh."

She smirked at his slightly terrified face, taking her hand off his mouth. "I'm kidding. Obviously I'm not going to do anything you don't want me to. Seriously. I'll ask before doing anything, and I'll respect you saying no."

"But you'd prefer if I said yes."

"No. Christian, I swear, you are much more important to me than anything you could do for me. Okay?"

"Alright."

"Good."

"So what else do you like?"

"How do you feel about being tied up?"

"Sexy."

"And being told what to do?"

"Sounds like any old day with mom"

"Please don't compare me to your mom. For both our sakes."

"Yeah, probably not the best association. Though I was spanked as a child."

"That explains so much."

"Wow! Thanks babe!" He exclaimed teasingly.

"Anytime!"

"So feel free to have your wicked way with me."

"We'll talk about it tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

"Yeah. I want you to have time to think about it. Especially since we're both a little tipsy right now."

"I'm definitely okay with it."

"And I'll take that as consent when you're sober and well-rested."

"Yeah, okay. Let's go to bed now so that comes faster." Christian stood up from the couch, grinning at her as he offered his hand.

She rolled her eyes playfully, taking his hand as she got off the couch. "Alright, Christian, only because it's getting late."

He held her hand as they walked to their bedroom. "I'm gonna have sweet, sweet dreams about you tonight," he joked.

"And you'll have sweeter realities tomorrow."