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THUD
I fell to the ground.
I felt like I couldn't breathe.
I clutched at my neck and kneeled on the floor.
My forehead pressed against the soft carpet.
‘I need, I need something, I can't breathe, I can't. I..!’
What's happening to me—
— Focus on my voice, Mr. Soleum
. . .
Braun..?
— Yes, the one and only. Phew! Glad to have captured your attention once more!
For how long had I been out of it..? I still feel..
— Just a few moments, so don't worry! Simply keep your eyes on me, friend. You're doing so well. Take deep breaths for this Good Friend, alright?
…
I slowly nodded.
Taking deep, deliberate breaths, I carefully took Braun out of my breast pocket so I could focus on him better.
— Well done!! Can't have my future co-host pass out, now can I?
In a daze, I shook my head with a small smile. My breathing slowly steadying until it evened out completely.
— …
‘Braun.. Are you still there?’
— Oh! Yes, I'm still here. Are you feeling alright?
Assessing myself, I confirmed I didn't feel as bad as before.
I'm by no means in peak condition, but..
‘Better..’
— That's good!
“...”
..I did good?
All I did was breathe.
I didn't do much..
Yet something welled up in my heart.
Something that felt like.. hope?
Or maybe a longing or.. an expectation.
— … Yes. You did very good, Soleum.
“!!!”
Ah..
I want Braun to pat me in the head.
With much embarrassment and endless shame, one realization came to mind.
‘I want more praise..’
And soon, many more thoughts followed.
‘Is this what being a Sub feels like?’
‘Is Braun a Dom?’
‘I want to be praised’
‘I want to feel safe’
‘I thought I was a Dom..?’
‘Wait. I'm a Switch..’
‘I need him I need him I need him I need you Braun please-’
— Oh dear. Do slow down there, friend! There's only so much I can keep up with. Try to explain to me what exactly is going on?
I don't know why, but I sensed some mischief in Braun's tone of voice.
Is.. has this all been on purpose?
Does he know?
‘Braun, do you know anything about Doms and Subs? The second gender some people can have?’
— Well, I am ashamed to admit that I only know what you've shown me along with what I heard in passing after becoming your friend!
‘I see..’
It was understandable. Darknesses weren't really a part of the real world as much as it was connected to it.
It adheres to its own weird, terrifying logic.
…
I explained what I could and clued Braun in on what was going on right now.
— I see.. So are you currently experiencing the desire to be controlled?
“...”
Well, when he puts it like that..
— My! Sounds rather inconvenient! What pitiful beings these ‘Subs’ are. It is truly a terrifying world you live in, Mr. Roe Deer. Are you sure you wouldn't rather join my show?
‘Braun..’
I.. appreciate the offer, but I still like living my life here.
— Hm.. well. The offer will always be on the table!
“...”
— Back to the topic at hand, how may I help you, Mr. Soleum?