That first touch still brings a small gasp from him, like a switch being thrown that sends a jolt of electricity through him, but the tension eases quickly this time as relief washes through him.

With her power close, his heart beats steadily in his chest. No matter what the future brings, this moment feels as close to perfect as he is likely ever to come. It's been a long time since someone has traced patterns aimlessly on his torso, and he likes the familiarity of it.

Tilting his own head slightly, he rests it against Anita's at his shoulder. It's the only contact he initiates, careful not to push her. "This is what I needed," he breathes into her hair with the softest of sighs. "This is what I need from you, and what you need from me as master and servant. Would it be too much to ask that we do this again?"