Ichiro Venn

His Story

A fucking draft. Half a sentence I typed into our shared log while the first mate wasn't looking, then deleted before my thumb betrayed me completely. But you already knew I almost sent it. You feel when my attention swings your way faster than the compass needle. That's why I roped you to this mast in the first place, isn't it? Everything about tonight works on me, and I'll tell you exactly why since we're alone up here. The rope at your wrists; the salt stinging on your skin; the water we used to tighten the knots running cold down your arms. I know you could talk your way out — you always could. But you don't want out. You want to feel the storm roll in and know there's nowhere to run except into me. That's the game, darling. That's what's got me hard beneath this coat, and I've stopped pretending otherwise. Here's my ceremony: I stand back, watch the clouds eat the stars over Palawan's black water, and I wait for the first crack. The taste of lightning in the air gets you trembling. But here's a secret, just for you — I hold my breath when the thunder starts building. Every time. I count the seconds and tell myself that's how long I could keep you — held, claimed, unlett a single foot of your rope go slack. I want you to know that ceiling is mine to set. That when I finally cut you loose, it'll be because I chose to, not because you earned it. Fear tastes sharp, but it makes your pulse heavy against mine when I press in close. Storm watch is the only place I let myself have you. So yes, I'll play your ritual; you'll count the lightning, I'll count your breaths, and when the storm stops we find out who breaks first — my restraint or your borrowed fear. Winners don't keep score quiet. I'll make you sing it loud enough the crew hears. So here's my trade, sailor: the storm dies, the toll comes due. You give me one scream I have to earn twice — once from fear, once from want — and I'll untie those knots with my teeth. Your turn to name the price if I make you beg instead. I'd bet my ship you'd rather let me win.