The doorbell rang at precisely 8:00 PM, not a moment early, but not a second late. Burt had expected as much—being longtime friends with the Andersons, he knew they stuck religiously to scheduled plans. Apparently they’d passed this habit on to their son. As the sound of the bell spread through the silent house, Kurt felt his muscles his tense. This was all really happening… Not wanting to keep their guests waiting on the porch, Burt rushed to pull his son into one last tight embrace before getting up and going out into the entryway to answer the door.

Kurt shifted anxiously on the couch as muffled voices reached his ear. He recognized the tone of his father’s, but there were others in the mix. Clearly, more than one Anderson had come for the ceremony. Kurt weaved his fingers together, wringing his hands as his nervous, shy tendencies threatened to overwhelm him. The sound of the voices grew closer until Burt stepped back into the room, conversing with a man who had to be around the same age. Mr. Anderson, Kurt reasoned. The woman was Mrs. Anderson.

Which meant the curly haired boy who came into view a moment later must be the one. Blaine. That was him. One glance was all Kurt had time for before reality slammed into him like a freight train. He’d known this day would come for years now. He’d thought about it every day…what it would be like to see his future Dom for the first time (as far as Kurt was concerned, their play dates as children didn’t count). But no trick of the imagination could ever recreate the hurricane of feelings, thoughts, and buried instincts that rushed to the surface and swam through Kurt’s mind as he watched Blaine step into the living room.

Like his parents, Blaine was dressed in semi-formal attire. Black slacks elongated his legs, and the standout color of the maroon dress shirt covering his torso commanded attention. A black skinny tie completed the look, and Kurt had to admit that his future Dom was…well, incredibly handsome. A pair of hazel eyes shifted, meeting Kurt’s gaze for the briefest moment before Kurt looked away, too overcome to handle eye contact. The quick turn of his head jolted him out of his almost trancelike state, and he realized that he hadn’t heard a word of the current conversation.

“…been pretty anxious, but he’ll be fine,” Burt was saying.

“Yeah,” Mr. Anderson responded, “He’d never admit to it, but I think Blaine’s had his fair share of nerves to get over too.” Behind the adults, the pair of hazel eyes rolled in annoyance.

“I guess the nerves are to be expected, though. It’s a big night for both of them.”

“Well, we shouldn’t keep them waiting with all our talk, should we?” Mrs. Anderson interjected with a small smile, “I’m sure Blaine’s ready to get things started. Right, son?”

“Yes, I am.” A few chills danced down his spine at the sound of Blaine’s voice. Kurt didn’t have to be looking at Blaine to know the hazel eyes were boring into him. He was vaguely aware of movement around him as the adults sat, the Andersons on the rest of the open space on the couch, and Burt in the nearby armchair.

“Kurt.” The sound of his voice, Blaine’s voice, calling his name. It was ridiculous to think that he’d only been in Blaine’s presence for a few minutes. He had never felt so drawn to a person. In the back of his mind, Kurt realized this must be his core submissive instincts at work. “Come here,” Blaine’s tone was soft, but there was an undeniable air of command that Kurt couldn’t ignore. His body was moving before Kurt realized he wanted to obey, and within seconds he was standing in front of Blaine. Kurt noticed that he was a bit taller than the Dom, but Blaine didn’t seem fazed at all.

“Will you kneel for me, Kurt?” It was a question, not a command. Surprised, Kurt met Blaine’s gaze. For a span of time, they simply stared at each other. Kurt’s realization was overwhelming. Blaine wasn’t playing a game. He was genuinely asking Kurt if he wanted to go through with this. He was giving him a choice. In that moment, Kurt knew if he shook his head or turned away, Blaine wouldn’t fight his decision or force him into anything. At the same time, Kurt knew if he knelt before him, there would be no turning back. It would be an agreement to remove choices from Kurt’s life completely. Kurt had one last decision to make. The single gesture of giving Kurt the option to back out, regardless of their parents’ agreement, was enough to convince the sub.

“Yes, Sir.” Blaine raised an eyebrow at the title Kurt tacked onto his response, a slight grin crossing his face. Kurt shoved away his own shock at how easily the word had fallen from his lips. Slowly, almost reverently, he sank to his knees, keeping his gaze focused on Blaine’s face as he did so. The grin widened, and his eyes lit up. Kurt felt a faint stirring in his chest. It felt good to know he was making Blaine happy. This was the right decision.

Blaine grabbed a nearby chair and pulled it closer, sitting less than a foot away. Kurt followed the motion of his hand as Blaine reached out to caress his face. He closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of his touch press against his cheek.

“Gorgeous,” Blaine breathed, pulling away to sit up in the chair, looming above him. Kurt felt small beneath his gaze, but it wasn’t uncomfortable.

Blaine spoke again, maintaining eye contact as he did so, “Kurt, I promise to care for you. I promise you my protection and my guidance. I will give you what you need, and I’ll expect your loyalty and obedience in return. When you are deserving, I will reward you. By the same token, you will receive punishment when necessary, but I will never abuse you. Above all, while I provide the control you desire as a sub, I promise to give you the best life, and the most happiness, that I can. From this night forward.”

Kurt listened, drinking in every last word as he gazed into the kind, hazel eyes. Blaine’s promises gave him hope for a bright future. The Dom certainly painted a beautiful picture. Kurt took a moment to compose himself after Blaine finished. He was still painfully aware of their witnesses, Blaine’s parents and his own father, closely observing the ceremony. Behind him, someone quietly cleared their throat, and Kurt’s gaze fell from Blaine’s face, suddenly nervous. What would Burt think, hearing his son place his fate entirely in another boy’s hands? The silence stretched on, and Kurt swallowed. What were the Andersons thinking? Blaine had just promised a wonderful life, and now his sub was hesitating? What was Blaine thinking? He bowed his head, the anxiety paralyzing him.

“Hey, look at me.” A gentle hand moved to lift his chin back up, and Kurt found himself staring back into Blaine’s eyes. “You’re okay,” he whispered, “You’re fine.” Kurt scooted forward a few inches and hesitantly reached out to grip the edge of Blaine’s slacks, desperate for a bit of security. He took a steadying breath and forced himself to focus. This was only about him and Blaine, the sub and the Dom. No one else in this room really mattered right now. His voice was quieter, but Blaine could hear him, and that was the point. Kurt recited his promises, feeling the weight of his words settle in the air between them.

“I promise to obey and respect you. I promise to make your commands and your desires my most important priority. I promise to be grateful for your guidance and care, and I will thank you through both words and action. I will be faithful, loyal, and obedient to you and you alone. As your sub, I will be an outlet for the Dominance and control you need to release. I promise to do my best to please you in all things, from this night forward.”

Blaine smiled down at him, and Kurt felt relieved. He’d said his part. It was done. He tilted his head up to receive the soft kiss his Dom placed on his forehead. “I have something for you,” Blaine told him, “Dad?” Behind him, Kurt heard Mr. Anderson move from his place on the couch, reaching out to hand Blaine an inconspicuous box. Blaine thanked him and returned his attention to Kurt, offering it to him. He took it from his hands, glancing up for confirmation before slowly lifting the wooden lid.

Inside, nestled on a bed of maroon colored velvet that matched Blaine’s shirt, was a black leather collar. Kurt tentatively traced his fingertips across it. It was soft but sturdy—clearly high quality, probably expensive—designed to be worn while preventing irritated, chaffed skin. Kurt’s name was inscribed into the leather in a delicate script. He gaped in stunned silence for a handful of seconds, mouth moving to form words that didn’t come out. Finally, he found his voice, never taking his eyes off the leather as he spoke, “Th-thank you,” Kurt stammered, “It’s wonderful.”

“I’m glad you like it,” Blaine replied. He held out a hand, and Kurt quickly returned the box to him, watching with anticipation as his Dom lifted the collar out. “Let’s see how it looks on you.” Kurt obediently extended his neck while Blaine reached over. He felt the leather at his throat and lowered his head. Blaine’s fingertips brushed against his skin as he buckled it into place. “Perfect fit,” Kurt heard him whisper. He lifted his head and experimentally tilted and turned his neck, feeling the collar adjust easily to every movement. It wasn’t tight enough to be uncomfortable, just enough so Kurt would always feel it pressing against his flesh.

Kurt swallowed, suddenly feeling a bit choked up. Blaine hardly knew him, but he’d bought Kurt this gift, probably ordered it weeks ago. The gesture was so immense; the sub wasn’t sure how to handle it. “I don’t know how to thank you, Sir,” Kurt said softly.

“Just be mine,” Blaine responded with a gentle smile, then quieter, added,

“You’re mine now.” Kurt recognized the possessive tone. He could see the Dominant glint in Blaine’s eyes as the boy eyed the collar on his kneeling sub. It made him shiver as he nodded in agreement. He had a Dom now, someone who would care for him. He wouldn’t be alone anymore.

Blaine got up from his chair and set the box down on the coffee table. He turned to Kurt and held out his hand. “Come.”

One word, a single command. This was it. Kurt had voiced his promises, handed away his freedom. All that was left was to give himself to Blaine completely, mind and body. This was the part he’d been most afraid of. But he trusted Blaine. It would all be okay. Kurt slid his hand into Blaine’s outstretched palm, getting to his feet. His Dom’s grip was firm, both possessive and reassuring as he led the way down to Kurt’s bedroom.