But in this case, when his partner needs to be taught patience, the long, drawn-out process of kinbaku bondage is invaluable. He knows Alex could draw on an endless well of strength and self-determination; but to wait, to push him to check out of himself and just feel, well. Mahiro wants to give him that more than anything, a rest after a lifetime of an overworked mind and body.
He has Alex stand almost directly under the hardpoint, feet apart, and double-checks he’s not locking his knees. He picks up his first set of ropes, and the hemp slips through his fingers without a snag. He wraps the ropes around each other and across Alex’s chest, then around to his back, looping them together and across Alex’s body until there is a web of diamonds down Alex’s chest that will support him. Alex gi
