[Other partners. It's occurred to him, of course—this isn't a place where relationships between two people can be forged, where commitment is an option. It isn't his own world built on the back of marriages between a man and a woman, where loved is not required and unions are never severed.

For all he knows, Sasuke is only one of several partners that Cyram has coaxed with sweet words, eased with tenderness, called sweetheart in the last few weeks. He may be Sasuke's first experience, but he also won't be Sasuke's last. It seems expected. Cy is preparing him for it.

An ominous burn of something a little sour rises in his chest; it's soon distracted, tucked away as Cy continues.]

"Grand deflowering." Is that what you're choosing to call it? I'm not a girl. [Oh no, the casual misogyny.] ... But I'm not against it, when you put it like that. The position sounds—okay.

[A slow shake of his head.]

I don't want you to wear a blindfold. It's fine if you see me; seeing myself like that is more difficult.