With that, Steve was rolling onto his side, the better to stare down at the other. A faint crease had appeared in his forehead, what might have been empathy of a sort. He knew, after all, what it was to be only ever of use, never wanted for anything other than use.

Perhaps that's why he's not on task now, why he's slipped his leash in order to spend time here, because TJ doesn't need or want anything from him except him. That's not something he can claim of many. Slowly the hand in his hair drifts to TJ cheek, his jaw, fingertips pressed to skin.

"I want you. It's enough."