It entirely felt like being suddenly deprived of something, and Octavia took a breath or two to collect herself. Then, without looking back, she swayed away from the wall, and headed into the room.

To the bed.

Climbed onto it, almost grateful to not be on her feet anymore. Hesitated for a second before getting on all fours.

And then another - the length of remembering how his do you understand? had sounded - before her upper body sank to the mattress, as best it could. The subtle burn of shame was immediate, much like the crashing wave of the last time she'd submitted into this position.

Both sent heat pooling in the pit of her stomach.