Whiskar toyed with the silver ring on his collar, feeling the weight of it against his throat as he leaned back into Ricky’s couch. The leather was snug but not uncomfortable—just tight enough to remind him it was there. Not that he needed the reminder. Ricky had been making sure of that for the past ten minutes, smirking at him from across the room like he had something to say but was drawing out the anticipation just to watch Whiskar squirm.

Finally, Ricky exhaled a short laugh and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “You really outdid yourself this time,” he said, eyes gleaming with amusement. “They were foaming.”

Whiskar tilted his head, feigning innocence. “Who?”

Ricky raised a brow. “Don’t play dumb.” He reached out and tugged lightly on the ring of Whiskar’s collar, the touch lingering just long enough to send a shiver down his spine. “You knew exactly what you were doing.”

Whiskar grinned, sharp and satisfied. “Maybe.”

“Oh, definitely.” Ricky’s voice was low, almost a purr. “The way you worded that meaningless point? You set them up perfectly. And then just—” He made a flicking motion with his fingers, mimicking a match being struck, an explosion in its wake. “Hook, line, and sinker.”

Whiskar preened under the praise, the warmth in Ricky’s tone sinking deep into his skin. “It was almost too easy,” he admitted, stretching his arms above his head, the motion making his collar shift against his throat. “You’d think they’d learn by now.”

“But then you wouldn’t get to have your fun.” Ricky smirked. “And we do love watching them lose their minds over nothing.”

Whiskar hummed, pleased, as Ricky’s fingers lingered near his collar again, just barely brushing against the leather. He could feel the warmth of them, deliberate yet teasing, like Ricky knew the exact effect he was having.

“You wear this well,” Ricky murmured, thumb grazing the metal ring. “Suits you.”

Whiskar’s pulse quickened, but he kept his expression cool. “You think so?”

“I know so.” Ricky tugged—just enough for Whiskar to feel the pull. His smirk widened. “Collars and chaos. Couldn’t imagine you any other way.”

Whiskar let out a slow breath, his smirk matching Ricky’s now. “Good thing I don’t plan on changing.”

“Good,” Ricky murmured, voice dripping approval. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”

And neither of them needed to say it, but they both knew: the game was only just beginning.