"We should consider nominating the waiter for an Emmy, keeping a straight face through whatever words just came out of your mouth," Frida laughed as the waiter walked off with their menus. "Now! The waiter is gone, and I think it's your time to divulge."

"First of all, I think you're absolutely right about the Emmy nomination. Second, I've got some big news and a proposal of sorts. This past year has had a lot of challenging times, but overall it's probably been the best year of my life so far. Almost entirely because of your presence. You have a way of bringing out all of the best things from me, so nonchalantly. We've obviously talked and texted an awful lot but we've only seen each other about once every other month with my trips in to corporate. This trip was possibly going to be my last report on the project back home, but they dropped a surprise proposition on me. They were happy enough with our results that they saw fit to promote me."

Ulf paused as the waiter returned with a fresh bottle of wine, different than the first. Ulf spun the bottle to show her the label. "From the winery on the edge of the forest. We're touring all over again," Ulf smiled as he poured Frida another glass, her face mirroring his smile.

"So....the promotion. I would be learning to fill my boss's role basically. Over the course of a year, I would fly in every Friday for in person reports and meetings. At the end of that year, I would likely be living here full time. They've offered the freedom to pick my own housing, so I can be outside of the big city. Tucked away in the woods a bit I'd hope."

"Congratulations, babe! That all sounds like great news, right? Is there a but?" she asked.

"Not necessarily. I wanted to talk to you about all of this because I didn't know if the thought of seeing me more frequently like that might feel like a weird or bad thing for you, somehow ruin what's come to be our existence together over the last year. I don’t care enough about making more money to ruin this….thing?….between us, so I wanted to hear your thoughts first.”

“I don’t know what to call us either!! Thing seems mostly appropriate but we should really sort out something more official on the terminology. Consider that on your to do list,” she said with a smile. “The thought of seeing you more often is a rather welcome one I have to say. What the heck might we get up to on a weekendly basis I wonder.”

“Something about the way you grin makes my parts vibrate. I’m beyond pleased to hear that it’s a welcome thought. In the matter of my to do list,” Ulf placed a small box, wrapped in gold wrapping paper on the table. “Give me a second to explain before you open that, please. There’s a chance this could be incredibly cheesy or weird, and some background might help lessen the chance it lands weird. I’ve had this thing since I was at university. I’ve not shown this or proposed anything similar to another woman before. I say that as a gesture to further explain how significant you and our relationship are to me.”

“If there’s not a ring in that box then just what the heck are you getting at??” she asked, not annoyed but sounding slightly impatient.

“Go ahead and open it and we’ll see if I’ll be eating my food or wearing it,” Ulf said with a light chuckle, their eyes locked and both grinning now. Frida leaned forward and started peeling back the wrapping paper. “When I was younger, I may have seen a movie that dealt with the concept of doms, subs, collars, tasks, sexual adventures, etc. Well….I wound up in a sex shop one time at university and saw this. Just seeing it made me think of the whole concept and it made both my brain and dick tingle. So I bought it,” he shrugged. “And it basically sat in a box in my closet for 15 years or so doing nothing and has never been worn.”

She gasped slightly and her face went flush as she pulled a small black leather collar out of the box. She said nothing for several seconds and looked at the collar, avoiding Ulf’s gaze.

“Any thoughts, Chipmunk? Good or bad?”

“I…..have to go to the bathroom,” Frida said as she rushed away from the table, collar in hand.

“Welp….glad our food hasn’t arrived yet because I’d definitely be wearing it,” Ulf said to himself quietly. Another moment passed and he looked across the restaurant to see her walking back to the table. Immediately, the blood rushed from all over his body and into the loins, causing his pants to stretch and move around under the tablecloth. She sat down next to him with that grin that could level an entire battlefield, black collar wrapped gently around her perfect neck, metal heart directly in the center, and opened her mouth to reveal her nonchalantly angelic sound, “seems to be the perfect fit.”

End of Part 2

Thanks again to anyone taking the time to read while I explore this genre of fantasy. Keep shining and bringing your beautiful light into the world. 🤍