Knot Too Terrible (M/M)

[LostSole]

Ash leaned back in his chair, fingers hovering over the keyboard, hazel eyes fixed on the dim glow of his computer screen. His lean frame, toned from years of hiking and an active lifestyle, tensed as he brooded over the familiar thoughts swirling in his mind. His dark brown hair, slightly tousled from absent-mindedly running his hands through it, framed a face marked by faint lines of stress, though still youthful in appearance. The usual hum of activity in the online tickling community filled the chatroom: a blend of light-hearted teasing and friendly banter. Yet, none of it could pull Ash from his thoughts tonight. His mind churned, replaying the same story over and over.

Victor DomiKnot. The name lingered like a bitter taste. It had been weeks since Tyler shared what had happened, the details etched into Ash's mind: how the encounter started normal, consensual, even enjoyable, before spiraling into something far darker. Victor—Vic—had ignored Tyler's safe word, gagged him, and tickled him mercilessly for hours. By the end of it, Tyler was completely helpless and beyond exhausted. Being left tied to the bed for the maid to find in the morning was the final, humiliating blow. The shame had eaten at Tyler ever since.

Ash clenched his jaw, the weight of it all pressing heavily on his chest. He prided himself on knowing boundaries, understanding the line between playful and painful. But Victor DomiKnot had betrayed that trust, targeting the most vulnerable in the community. Ash swore he wouldn’t let it happen again—not to anyone.

A soft ping broke the silence. Ash blinked, focusing on the chat window. A new message from Tyler.

Hey man, just talked to another guy who got messed up by Vic too. Kid’s barely 20, totally new to the scene. Said he’s never felt so humiliated. First session ever, and probably his last.

Ash's pulse quickened as he read the message. That was the fourth person. His fingers flew across the keyboard.

Can you get me his contact?

Already did.

Tyler’s response was immediate. Ever since his run-in with Vic, he’d been hyper-vigilant—always on edge, watching for anyone else who might have fallen prey to Victor DomiKnot. Ash couldn’t help but admire his friend’s determination to protect others. It fueled his own resolve to put an end to Vic’s actions once and for all.

Ash stared at the screen for a long moment, his mind spinning. This was more than just some reckless, selfish player in their community. Victor DomiKnot was a predator, and Ash couldn't sit back and do nothing.

His fingers tapped out another quick message: I've got an idea.

There was a brief pause before Tyler responded. Ash... I really hope you know what you're doing.

Ash smirked to himself, though the weight of the plan he was about to reveal felt far heavier than his expression let on. He knew exactly what he was doing—he always did, even when the ideas seemed risky or wild. And tonight, he was ready to make sure Victor DomiKnot would never get away with this again.

I’m going to set a trap, Ash typed, his fingers moving swiftly across the keyboard. I’ll lure him into meeting at a hotel, just like his usual MO, and then turn the tables on him.

Tyler’s doubt came through loud and clear in his next message. Are you serious? What makes you think he’ll fall for it? The guy’s a pro.

Ash leaned back, thinking it over. Vic was a pro, alright. But that arrogance—thinking he was untouchable, invincible—that was exactly what Ash would exploit.

Trust me, he typed, a confident smirk forming. The victor’s about to become the victim.

Three days later, Ash sat in the dimly lit motel room, the fading light from the setting sun barely filtering through the heavy curtains. His heart raced, but outwardly, he remained calm and composed. Everything was in place. Through a careful dance of conversation, Ash had convinced Victor DomiKnot to meet him here. He could sense Vic’s eagerness beneath the caution. Ash had played his part well: posing as the inexperienced newbie, eager for something thrilling. Vic had taken the bait, convinced he was about to give Ash an unforgettable experience.

Ash checked the clock. Vic would be arriving any minute. A sliver of doubt tugged at his mind: what if something went wrong? What if Vic caught on before the plan could unfold? He forced the thoughts away. Now wasn’t the time for second-guessing.

His phone buzzed with a message from Tyler: You got this, man. Just be careful.

Ash typed back a quick response, something reassuring, though in truth, his pulse raced. He closed his eyes, leaning back on the couch to gather his thoughts, rehearsing the plan in his mind one last time. He would let Vic feel in control, guiding him along like just another inexperienced ticklee looking for direction. Then, when the moment was right, he’d flip the tables.

A sharp knock on the motel door snapped Ash out of his thoughts. He glanced at his phone—Vic was right on time. Taking a deep breath, Ash composed himself, then casually made his way to the door. When he opened it, there stood Victor DomiKnot—Victor—in the flesh for the first time.

Victor was just as Ash had pictured: tall, about 6’2”, with a fit, athletic build. He looked to be in his early 40s, his dark hair slicked back in a style that suggested control and precision. His piercing green eyes gleamed with a practiced charm, the kind that came easily to someone skilled at manipulation. He wore a light brown leather jacket over a casual black shirt, paired with dark-wash jeans, giving off an air of effortless cool. Slung over his shoulder was a duffel bag, and in his other hand, he held a bike helmet.

“Hey, good to meet you,” Victor said smoothly, flashing a disarming smile. His voice was deep, each word carefully measured, but there was something unsettling about it—like he was always two steps ahead, always calculating his next move.

Ash returned the smile, though tension coiled tight inside him. “You too. Come on in.”

Victor stepped inside, his eyes quickly scanning the room with the ease of someone used to sizing up his surroundings. “One of the nicer motel chains. Good pick,“ he commented, the faintest hint of approval in his tone.

Ash chuckled, shutting the door behind them. “I’m glad you approve. Clean, comfortable, and private were the top priorities,“ he said, keeping his voice casual while his mind stayed locked on the plan ahead.

Ash gestured toward the couch. "Why don’t you make yourself comfortable? We can check out the gear we brought, though I’m sure yours will put mine to shame."

Victor sat down with his usual cool composure, fully in control. "So, you said you were new to all this?"

Ash nodded, playing the role perfectly. "Yeah, I’ve had a couple of light bondage sessions, but nothing intense. I heard you’ve got a lot of experience, and I figured I could learn a few things from someone like you."

Victor’s smile widened, arrogance creeping into his voice. "Well, I’ve been at it for quite a while. You could say I know my way around."

Ash let out a sheepish laugh. "That’s exactly why I wanted to meet. Maybe you could show me how to, you know, actually tie someone up properly. I’m pretty terrible with knots."

Victor’s eyes gleamed with amusement, clearly enjoying the idea of teaching a "novice."

Ash grabbed the rope he had brought, which was resting on the bed, and handed it to Vic. "Here’s what I’ve got. Nothing too fancy—picked it up at some seedy adult store. I liked it because it feels soft but still strong."

Vic took the rope, running his fingers along its length, testing its texture and tension. He pulled at various sections, his eyes narrowing as he assessed it. "Hmm, not bad actually. Quality rope is key—soft enough not to chafe the skin, but strong enough so the vict—'lee can’t wriggle their way out." He smirked, the slip almost deliberate, as if savoring the control the rope represented.

Ash chuckled, doing his best to mask the nervousness creeping in. "Do you think you could show me some knots?"

Vic smiled, his eyes gleaming. "Sure, let me see your hands, and I’ll demonstrate real quick."

Ash fought to keep his smile steady as he hesitantly extended his wrists. Vic wasted no time, taking the rope and moving with practiced ease. "Now, I’ve found it’s best to loop the rope like this," he said, his hands deftly maneuvering the rope around Ash’s wrists, "then pull it through here. This way, the knots stay tight and can’t be worked free easily."

Ash watched as the ropes tightened, his mind racing, but he forced himself to stay calm, nodding along as if eager to learn.

It took Vic all of about 20 seconds before Ash’s hands were tightly bound together. Vic leaned back on the couch, a satisfied grin on his face. "Go ahead, wriggle your hands around. Test it out."

Ash obliged, feeling both impressed and terrified. Vic had tied his hands so expertly that Ash could barely move them. The ropes were tight, but not painfully so—just firm enough to make escape impossible. Ash tried to work the knots loose, but they were positioned just out of reach of his fingers, making it clear that getting free without help was not an option. The ease and efficiency with which Vic had tied him sent a chill down Ash’s spine, but he kept his composure, nodding as though he was still just the eager student.

"Wow, Vic, this is amazing. You really are great at this," Ash said, trying to sound impressed while suppressing the unease building inside him.

Vic’s smug smile widened, his eyes gleaming with pride. "What can I say, I’m Victor DomiKnot for a reason."

Ash swallowed his nerves and forced a casual tone. "Do y—do you think I could practice on you? You know, just to see if I can remember the steps?"

Vic’s smile flickered with amusement as he considered the request, clearly enjoying the idea of his "student" trying his hand at the ropes. "Sure," he said, settling back on the couch. "Let’s see if you’ve been paying attention."

Ash nervously grabbed the rope, leaning in toward Vic's outstretched arms. His hands trembled slightly as he tried to recall the steps Vic had shown him. "Like this, right?" he asked, his voice steady despite the knot of anxiety tightening in his chest as he looped the rope around Vic's wrists.

Vic watched him closely, the hint of a smirk tugging at his lips. "Yeah, you’ve got it," he said smoothly, clearly enjoying Ash’s apparent nervousness. "Just make sure to pull it tight."

Ash did his best to follow through, hands shaking slightly, knowing he had to get this just right.

Suddenly, Vic's phone rang. "Oh crap, I almost forgot! Here, untie me real quick so I can take that."

Ash quickly did as asked, untying the ropes just in time for Vic to jump up with his phone, stepping outside as he answered.

Ash took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He had been so close. Don’t worry, he told himself, surely Vic would let him finish what he started. He sat quietly for a few minutes while Vic spoke on the phone just outside the door. Ash wasn’t trying to listen in—his mind was lost in thought about what was still to come that evening.

A knock at the door startled him. Ash jumped up and opened it to find Vic standing there with a chuckle. "I guess I should’ve asked for a key card, huh?" Vic said, stepping back inside. "Sorry about that, just some personal matters that needed tending to. Now, where were we?"

Ash hesitated, his voice tentative. “I was practicing a knot on y—"

"That's right!" Vic interrupted, flashing a smile. "But before we get back to that, there's another knot I'd like to demonstrate for you, if that's okay?"

Ash gulped. "O-okay."

"Great," Vic said, his smile widening. "Here, lie down on the bed. I’m going to show you how to properly tie someone to a headboard."

Ash’s pulse quickened, but he forced himself to move toward the bed, lying down as instructed, his mind racing even as he tried to keep his outward composure.

"Alright, raise your arms. Good, good. For this, we’ll do a similar knot to the one I showed earlier, but with a few extra strategic loops to secure your hands to the headboard," Vic said with a grin that sent a chill through Ash, making his blood run cold.

Still, Ash tried to play along, forcing a casual tone. "Oh, okay, that makes sense." He winced slightly as Vic quickly tied his hands. Ash tried wiggling his wrists, but just like earlier, there was hardly any give.

"There we go. Now test it out and tell me what you think," Vic said, his self-assured grin making Ash uneasy.

Ash tugged on his arms, testing the ropes. There was no slack, no movement. He swallowed hard, trying to mask his rising panic. He wasn’t going anywhere unless Vic allowed it.

"Go on, really test it. You barely pulled," Vic encouraged, walking toward the foot of the bed, another length of rope in his hand. Ash was too focused on pulling at the ropes binding his wrists to notice what Vic was doing—until it was too late. In one swift motion, Vic had tied Ash’s ankles together and securely fastened them to the footboard.

Ash’s heart raced. "Wh-what are you doing?"

Vic smiled again, but this time it was cold, unsettling. "Just getting us prepped for the session." His tone was casual, but the weight of his words made Ash’s stomach twist.

Ash lay there, his heart pounding loudly in his ears, the sound almost deafening. His arms were stretched taut above his head, hands bound tightly to the headboard, and now his ankles were expertly tied to the footboard. He was completely immobilized, stretched out and utterly vulnerable. How did this happen? This wasn’t the plan at all. Panic crept up his spine, and despite his best efforts, the fear was plain on his face now—he could no longer hide it.

He was entirely at Vic’s mercy.

Vic stood at the foot of the bed, observing Ash’s reaction with a twisted sense of satisfaction. His eyes gleamed with the knowledge that he was in complete control now. "You look a little tense, Ash," he said, his voice low and unsettling. "Relax, you wanted to learn, didn’t you? This is all part of the experience."

Ash struggled to keep his composure, but the fear was overwhelming. His mind raced as he tried to think of a way out. "I-I thought we were just practicing," he stammered, his voice trembling despite his efforts to remain calm.

"We are," Vic replied smoothly, stepping closer to the bed. "But it’s time you felt what it's really like to be tied up the right way. After all, you wanted to learn from someone experienced, right?"

Ash pulled at the ropes again, but they held firm. He was completely at Vic's mercy, and the realization sank in like a lead weight. "Vic, please..." Ash began, his voice barely above a whisper, panic fully taking hold. "This isn't what I had in mind."

Vic’s smile widened, devoid of any warmth. "Oh, I know. But I think you’ll find this lesson... unforgettable."

He stepped closer, his voice dripping with anticipation. "Let’s find some of those tickle spots of yours." His grin grew wicked as he hovered over Ash, who lay completely helpless. "You’ve got an adorable laugh, and I’m eager to hear more of it."

Ash's pulse raced as Vic’s fingers hovered just above his sides, teasingly close. The fear that had been building inside him erupted into full-blown panic. "Vic, no—wait—" he started, but his protest was abruptly cut off as Vic’s fingers made contact, gently prodding his ribs and sending a shock of sensation through his body.

"Ah, here we go," Vic murmured with a predatory grin, watching Ash’s reaction closely. "Let’s see how long you can last." His fingers danced over Ash’s ribs, their touch light but relentless, gradually increasing in intensity. Ash bit down on his lip, desperately trying to hold back the laughter that bubbled up inside him.

It was no use. Nervous giggles burst from his mouth. "Hahaha—Vic, please! HAHA! I—NOHOHOHO!"

Vic’s grin widened as he continued, unrelenting. "There it is," he purred. "Let’s see how deep that laugh goes."

Vic’s fingers moved with precision, dancing up and down Ash’s ribs, then trailing toward his sides, exploring every sensitive spot with cruel delight. "Oh, come on, Ash," Vic teased, his voice smooth and confident. "I know there’s more where that came from."

Ash’s body jerked involuntarily, his attempts to suppress the laughter quickly failing. "HAHAHA! NOHOHO! PLEAHEHESE! MERCEHEHEHEY!" he begged, the ticklish sensation overwhelming him as Vic's fingers probed deeper, finding the spots that sent him into hysterics. His body strained against the ropes, but the bindings held firm, allowing no escape.

"You're even more ticklish than I imagined," Vic said, clearly enjoying himself as he moved his fingers down to Ash’s hips, another spot that sent him thrashing. "I could keep this up all night."

Ash gasped, his laughter turning desperate. "HAHAHA! NOHOHO! I CAHAHAN’T! TOO MUHAHACH! VIHIHIHC! AHAHAHA!” His squirming was futile, each attempt to wriggle free tightening the ropes. Vic’s relentless fingers were everywhere, each touch driving him deeper into helpless laughter.

With a wicked grin, Vic leaned in closer, his fingers now tracing delicate patterns over Ash’s stomach. "We’ve barely begun," he whispered, his voice low and sinister. "I haven’t even hit your worst spots yet."

Ash barely caught his breath before Vic's fingers reached down to tickle behind his left knee, a sudden touch that sent him jolting and thrashing all over again. "HAHA! NOHOHO!" The helpless giggles returned in full force as he twisted, trying in vain to escape Vic’s skilled touch.

Vic chuckled, clearly pleased with the reaction. "That giggle is just music to my ears," he said, his voice low and teasing. "I could play you like an instrument all night long."

Ash’s breath came in ragged gasps between fits of laughter. The sensation behind his knee was unbearable, sending ticklish shocks up his leg and into his body. "HAHAHA! NO! PLEAHEHESE!" he begged, his voice rising in pitch as Vic’s fingers continued their merciless dance.

With a wicked grin, Vic let his fingers trail upward, gliding from Ash’s knees up along his sides, teasing every ticklish spot along the way. He paused just long enough to watch Ash’s body quiver in anticipation, before his hands settled on Ash’s helpless armpits.

"That’s it," Vic murmured with dark satisfaction, watching Ash’s frantic laughter. "Let it all out. We’ve got a long way to go.” His fingers never slowed, keeping Ash on the edge of hysterics as they dug into the tender hollows of his underarms. Vic chuckled smugly. "I’m so glad you agreed to meet with me," he said, his fingers still mercilessly teasing Ash’s helpless armpits. "You’re such a delight to tickle. Isn’t this fun? I know you’ve got to be enjoying yourself—you’ve been laughing your head off non-stop."

Ash could barely catch his breath, his laughter reaching desperate, frantic levels as Vic’s fingers explored every sensitive spot under his arms. "HAHAHA! NOHOHO! PLEASE, VIC! AHAHA!"

"These tender armpits of yours are a tickle goldmine," Vic teased, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "Tickle, tickle," he taunted, his methodical fingers working with precision, ignoring Ash’s desperate screams for mercy.

Ash’s body convulsed as the tickling went on and on, his mind swimming in the unbearable sensation. Every nerve in his body felt like it was on fire, and yet, there was no escape.

Ash’s chest burned with the desperate need for air, but Vic showed no mercy. Each time Ash thought he might get a brief reprieve, Vic’s fingers would dive back in, tickling with relentless precision, and Ash would be pulled right back into the endless cycle of helpless laughter.

He tried to beg, to plead with Vic for some kind of mercy, but the words tumbled out as fragmented, gasping cries, drowned in the uncontrollable giggles Vic forced from him. "PLEAHEHEHESE! NOHOHOHO! AHAHAHA!" But Vic wasn’t slowing down. His expert fingers kept working, keeping Ash trapped in a storm of ticklish torment, his body writhing and jerking in futility.

The harder Ash laughed, the weaker he became, his strength fading as his attempts to escape grew more feeble. All he could do was lie there, bound, helpless, and lost in the overwhelming sensation, the laughter spilling from him without end.

"I think these may be the most enjoyable armpits I've ever tickled," Vic mused, his voice dripping with sadistic delight as his fingers slowly glided up and down the length of Ash's exposed hollows. "So smooth," he continued, his touch light, teasing. "Like silk I could just caress forever."

Ash’s body jerked under the feather-light touches, giggles spilling out uncontrollably as Vic’s fingers explored his sensitive skin. "HAHAHA! NOHOHO!" Ash cried, his laughter escalating with every stroke.

Vic grinned, then suddenly scribbled his fingers deeper into Ash’s hollows, sending another jolt of ticklish electricity through Ash’s body. "And when I want to go deeper," Vic said, his voice low and sinister, "I just press in like this—" he emphasized, massaging his fingers deeply into the soft skin under Ash’s arms. The effect was immediate, sending Ash into screaming hysterics.

"HAHAHA! NOHOHO! I CAHAHAN’T TAHAHAHAKE IHIHIT!" Ash screamed, thrashing against his restraints, his body shaking violently as Vic's expert fingers kneaded into one of his most vulnerable spots. Each deep press brought out more frantic, helpless laughter, his mind spinning as the tickling pushed him further into hysterical agony.

Vic continued, speaking casually as though Ash wasn’t writhing in hysterics beneath him. "But you know," he said, his tone conversational, "I haven’t explored one of my favorite spots yet. I bet you're super sensitive there."

With that, Vic finally pulled his fingers away from Ash's tortured armpits. Ash gasped for breath, his chest heaving as he struggled to calm down. He wasn’t sure how long Vic had been tickling him—an hour? Two? Time had blurred into a haze of laughter and agony. His world felt shaky, disoriented, as he tried to lift his head to see what Vic was up to.

Vic had moved to the foot of the bed, standing ominously next to Ash’s feet. Ash’s eyes widened in panic. Not his feet. If Vic tickled his feet the way he had tickled his armpits, Ash knew he was doomed. There was no way he could survive that kind of torment.

"Pl-please, Vic!" Ash begged, his voice trembling. "No more! I don’t want to be tickled anymore! Please, I’m begging you—just let me go!"

Vic chuckled darkly, shaking his head. "Aw, come on, Ash. You know I can’t possibly pass up the opportunity to explore a pair of ticklish feet. And from the way you’re begging, I’d say you must have quite the ticklish pair. Let’s see what you’re hiding."

Ash whimpered as Vic bent down, slowly untying his shoes, each tug of the laces sending a chill down his spine. His heart pounded harder in his chest as Vic worked with deliberate slowness, loosening the strings one by one. Vic grabbed the first shoe by the toe and heel, drawing it off with agonizing patience, revealing Ash’s black ankle sock. His sinister grin widened as he placed a single finger on Ash’s shin, trailing it down with a feather-light touch toward his heel, relishing every second of Ash’s growing terror. Hooking a finger under the sock, Vic began to pull it off in the same slow, torturous manner, sliding it over Ash’s foot—up past the arch, lingering over his wiggling toes—until the sock was fully removed, leaving Ash’s foot bare and exposed.

Vic paused, taking a long, deliberate look at the now vulnerable foot in front of him. His gaze roved over every detail with predatory intensity, savoring the sight.

"Now that is a picture-perfect foot,” Vic murmured, his voice thick with dark admiration. "Look at that arch—so strong, so high. Just the right curve to give it that delicious masculine elegance. And those toes... long, perfectly shaped. The ball of your foot, broad and firm, built for strength—but that skin." His voice dipped lower, more intimate, as he leaned in closer. "So soft. Supple, even. You’ve taken such good care of these feet, Ash... I can tell from how smooth your heel is. No roughness, no calluses. It’s the perfect mix of rugged and refined. Masculine... but delicate enough to break. And I’m willing to bet—very ticklish, too."

Ash’s breath hitched, his pulse thundering in his ears as he anxiously watched Vic’s every movement. Dread coiled tighter in his gut, his stomach flipping as Vic’s words sank in.

"And now," Vic continued with a wicked smile curling on his lips, "I’m going to show them the attention they deserve."

Ash’s chest tightened, nearly hyperventilating as Vic shifted to the other foot. Slowly, methodically, he repeated the process, removing the second shoe and sock with cruel precision. In mere moments, both of Ash’s feet lay bare—exposed and utterly defenseless. The full weight of his helplessness hit him like a tidal wave. His feet were at Vic’s mercy, and the creeping realization that there was nothing he could do about it sent a deep, bone-chilling fear coursing through him.

Vic’s fingers hovered over Ash’s soles for a moment, relishing the anticipation, before gently wiggling his fingers along the soft, sensitive skin. The reaction was instant.

"EHEHEHEHE NOHOHO!" Ash squealed, his body jerking involuntarily as the tickling sensation shot up his legs like an electric shock.

Vic grinned, clearly pleased with the response. "Oh, this is going to be fun," he said with a dark chuckle, his fingers now dancing lightly over Ash’s soles, tracing patterns along the arches and balls of his feet. "So soft... and so, so ticklish."

Ash’s laughter exploded uncontrollably. "HAHAHAHA! VIC! PLEHEHEHEASE! NOHOHO! STOP!" he begged, but his words were lost in the flood of giggles and frantic squirming.

Vic’s fingers continued their relentless teasing, tracing and flicking across Ash’s sensitive soles, each movement calculated to drive him into deeper hysterics. "These feet of yours are in for quite the treat," Vic said softly, enjoying every moment.

Ash could do nothing but laugh helplessly, his mind spiraling as the tickling intensified.

Ash couldn’t take much more. His mind was fraying at the edges, unraveling as the overwhelming ticklish sensations pushed him closer to his breaking point. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could survive this torment. His chest burned, his body shook, and he felt like he was on the verge of total collapse.

But Vic wasn’t stopping.

Instead, he tickled Ash’s feet in earnest, taking his time, savoring every moment. The way Ash’s body jerked and trembled under his touch, the sound of helpless laughter spilling uncontrollably from his lips—it was all too delicious for Vic to resist. He delighted in the high-pitched giggles that erupted when he gently caressed Ash’s soft soles, tracing light, torturous patterns. Then came the loud, desperate, hysterical laughter that burst forth when Vic scribbled his fingers rapidly up and down Ash’s arches and just under his toes, exploiting every sensitive spot he could find.

"HAHAHA! NOHOHO! VIC, STAHAHAHAP!" Ash pleaded through gasps of laughter, his body thrashing against the restraints, but he was trapped—completely at Vic’s mercy, and there would be no reprieve.

Vic grinned wickedly, his fingers unrelenting as he continued his assault on Ash’s feet. "You sound amazing, Ash," he murmured with a low, satisfied chuckle. "I could listen to that laugh all night."

Just as Ash’s laughter peaked, Vic slowed his movements, a mischievous gleam lighting up his eyes. "I’ve got something special in store for your feet," he teased, pausing just enough to let anticipation build. With deliberate slowness, Vic reached into his bag, his silent actions brimming with mischief, keeping Ash on edge.

A shiver of dread shot through Ash, and something deep down told him he was definitely not going to love it. He watched in helpless fear as Vic rummaged around for a moment before pulling out two grooming gloves—infamous tools that Ash had seen used effectively in countless videos online. The gloves were notorious for wreaking havoc on the most ticklish of feet, and Ash had never experienced their torture firsthand. Until now.

His heart raced, and he whimpered, panic surging through him as Vic slowly started putting the gloves on, the coarse rubber bristles on each finger looking menacing in the dim light. "Oh no... please, Vic," Ash stammered, his voice trembling with fear. "Don’t... please, I—I can't..."

But Vic just grinned, flexing his fingers inside the gloves, the sound of the bristles scraping together making Ash’s skin crawl. "Oh, Ash," Vic cooed, his voice sickeningly sweet. "You have no idea what you're in for. These are going to tickle so much more than you can imagine."

Ash’s stomach dropped as he watched Vic move closer, knowing that once those gloves touched his helpless feet, there would be no escape from the unbearable sensation.

As soon as the gloves made contact with his feet, Ash let out a scream. He had never felt anything like it before—the sensation was overwhelming, unbearable. The gloves, nearly the size of his feet, were covered in tiny rubber nubs that tickled every inch of his sensitive soles at once, sending intense waves of sensation coursing through his body.

It was too much.

"AHHHHHHAHAHA! NOOO! PLEHEHEASE!" Ash's voice cracked with desperation, his laughter turning wild and frantic. The nubs dragged mercilessly across his arches, the balls of his feet, and just beneath his toes, leaving no spot untouched. His body shook violently, thrashing as much as the restraints allowed, but there was no escape from the maddening tickles.

Vic grinned, watching with satisfaction as Ash dissolved into hysterics. "Oh, I knew you'd love it," he teased, pressing the gloves more firmly against Ash’s soles, moving them in slow, deliberate circles. "Your feet are practically begging for it."

Ash couldn’t form a coherent thought. All he could do was laugh, scream, and gasp for breath as the gloves worked every nerve in his feet, driving him toward the brink of madness.

Ash sobbed between desperate, gasping laughs, completely consumed by the relentless torture. This was pure agony—he wanted it to stop, to end, but Vic showed no signs of letting up. The gloves scraped up and down his feet, the rubber nubs tickling every sensitive inch as Vic savored every second of Ash’s suffering.

Ash’s vision blurred as the overwhelming sensation became too much to bear. He wanted to escape his own body, to somehow leap out of his skin, but he was trapped, thrashing uselessly against the restraints. His world spun in a whirlwind of maddening tickles, disorienting him further.

Suddenly, a sharp pain pierced his chest, panic surging as the feeling of suffocation rose. His breath caught in his throat, body convulsing as his mind teetered on the edge of collap—

Ash jolted upright, heart pounding and drenched in sweat. He gasped for air as reality snapped into focus: he was back on the couch where he had been waiting, his chest heaving, body trembling from the vivid nightmare. A sharp crack of thunder echoed outside the motel window, lightning briefly illuminating the room.

It took him a moment to gather his bearings, his mind still spinning from the intense dream. He glanced around the room, trying to steady his breathing. It had felt so real—too real. The tickling, the gloves, the sensation of being pushed past his limits—it lingered, the phantom feelings still tingling across his skin. But it wasn’t real.

"What time is it?" Ash muttered to himself, grabbing his phone from the side table. His stomach dropped when he saw the time: just a few minutes before Vic was supposed to arrive. He must have dozed off while waiting.

The weight of what was about to happen settled back onto his shoulders, the nightmare blending into his already mounting anxiety. He rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the lingering dread. But this time, it wasn’t a dream; Vic would be here any minute, and Ash had to stay sharp.

Just as Ash tried to shake off the lingering effects of the nightmare, a knock came at the door, making his heart skip a beat. His chest tightened as the memory of the dream rushed back to him. He wiped his sweaty palms off his pants and forced himself to stand, trying to push the terror from his mind. It wasn’t real. This was the real world. Vic wasn’t—

Ash opened the door, and his breath hitched. Standing before him was Vic, exactly as he had appeared in Ash’s nightmare. The same tall, imposing frame, the slicked-back hair, the piercing green eyes that gleamed with confidence. He even wore the same light brown leather jacket, a black shirt peeking out from beneath. For a moment, Ash was paralyzed, unable to speak, his mind scrambling to separate dream from reality.

Vic’s smooth voice cut through his panic. "Hello, Ash. Nice to finally meet you.”

Ash swallowed hard and forced a smile, though his heart raced beneath his calm exterior. "H-Hi, nice to meet you too, come on in," he said, stepping aside to let Vic enter, hoping to play off his growing anxiety as nervous inexperience. It was the only way to keep Vic from noticing how rattled he really was.

Vic walked in, his eyes scanning the room, as if he were assessing the space. "You alright?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied Ash’s face. "You look a little on edge."

Ash chuckled awkwardly, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, sorry," he said, his voice wavering slightly. "Just... first-time jitters, you know? I’ve never really done anything like this before."

Vic’s expression shifted, his typical smirk creeping back in. "It’s normal. Happens to everyone their first time. But you’ll loosen up once we get started," he said confidently, dropping his duffel bag on a nearby chair.

Ash smiled sheepishly, trying to act relieved, even though the pit in his stomach remained. He kept reminding himself that this was his plan. He had to get Vic to let his guard down, and this was the only way.

"So, you had said in our previous conversation online that you were interested in learning how to tie knots?" Vic said, eyeing Ash.

Ash nodded, keeping his expression neutral as Vic continued, "Well, first things first. The important thing is learning the basics. If you can’t tie a solid knot, the rest doesn’t matter."

"Yeah, that’s what worries me," Ash replied, injecting a hint of hesitation into his voice. "I don’t want to mess up the knots. I’ve never really tied anyone up before."

Vic chuckled, the sound low and confident, as he reached into his bag and pulled out a length of rope. "You’re overthinking it. It’s all about technique," he said, holding the rope up. "Let me show you how it’s done first."

Ash nodded again, playing along, his mind already working on the next step. He had to make Vic comfortable, let him feel completely in control if his plan was going to be a success.

Ash watched carefully as Vic demonstrated on the chair, looping the rope with practiced ease, his hands moving with precision. Each twist and pull came with a detailed explanation, Vic’s tone filled with an air of authority that only fueled Ash’s resolve. It was clear that Vic thrived in control, which made Ash even more determined to see his plan through.

When Vic finished the knot with a flourish, he turned to Ash with a self-assured smile. "See? Simple, right? Now you try."

Ash hesitated, just long enough to keep up the façade, then gave a nervous smile. "Think I could try it on you? Just for practice?" he asked, making sure to keep his voice steady, as if still the eager student.

Vic’s grin stretched wider, clearly reveling in his role as the teacher. "Sure, why not?" he said, tossing the rope toward Ash and kicking off his shoes before reclining comfortably on the bed. "Let’s try it on the bed—see if you’ve got the hang of it."

Ash’s stomach knotted with nerves, but he swallowed hard, forcing them down as he reached for the rope. This was it—his moment. His heart hammered in his chest, but he kept his expression steady, calm. If Vic didn’t sense anything now, Ash knew he’d soon have the upper hand. He just needed to stay focused.

"Alright," Vic said, stretching his arms out above his head, completely at ease. "Show me what you’ve learned."

Ash carefully looped the rope around Vic’s wrists and the bars of the headboard, mimicking the steps Vic had just shown him. His mind raced as he focused on getting each knot right. Vic’s relaxed posture fueled his confidence.

Once Ash secured the final knot, he took a step back, watching as Vic tested the ropes with a light tug. A smirk spread across Vic's face as he nodded in approval. "Nice work, Ash. Not too terrible at all."

Ash suppressed a grin, muttering just under his breath, "Not yet, at least."

Vic, still riding high on his confidence, let out a quiet chuckle. "What was that?"

"Nothing," Ash replied, keeping his tone innocent. "Just making sure the knots are solid."

Vic gave the ropes another pull, more deliberate this time. He seemed satisfied, unaware of what was really unfolding. "They’ll hold. Looks like you’ve picked it up pretty fast."

"Thanks." Ash hesitated, playing his part carefully. One wrong move could ruin everything. "I’ll untie you now, and maybe you can show me how to tie the legs next?" he suggested, his hands slowly moving toward Vic’s bindings.

Vic’s smirk grew, enjoying his role as the instructor. "Actually, why don’t you go ahead and give it a try? Then I’ll see if I can break out of it."

Bingo. Hook, line, and sinker.

Ash's heart raced, but outwardly, he remained composed, nodding as though he were still just the nervous beginner. Inside, though, he knew this was it—the perfect opportunity.

Ash gave a final nod, his hands still hovering near Vic's wrists. "Okay," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I guess I can give it a shot."

Slowly, he moved to the foot of the bed, grabbing another length of rope from Vic’s duffel. His mind raced as he replayed the steps Vic had demonstrated earlier, making sure to mimic them just enough to keep Vic convinced that this was all part of the learning process.

Vic stretched out on the bed, looking completely at ease, his smirk never leaving his face. "Don’t overthink it, man. It’s all about confidence," he said, giving Ash a lazy grin. "If you hesitate too much, your 'victim' will notice, and they’ll know you don’t have control."

Ash swallowed hard, forcing a chuckle. "Right. Confidence."

He started looping the rope around Vic’s ankles, carefully tightening each knot. His hands trembled slightly, but it wasn’t from nerves anymore, it was from the rush of anticipation. This was working. Vic had no idea what was coming.

"Make sure the knots are tight, but not too tight," Vic instructed, leaning his head back against the pillow. "You don’t want to cut off circulation.

Ash nodded, pulling the final knot tight. He stepped back, wiping his palms on his jeans as he looked down at Vic, who was now tied up at both wrists and ankles. Vic gave a testing tug on his wrist bindings, then on the knots at his ankles.

"Not bad," Vic said, sounding impressed. "Let’s see if I can get out of this."

Ash’s heart skipped a beat as Vic started to struggle against the ropes, testing their strength. Ash watched closely, but his nerves settled quickly as he realized the knots were holding; Vic wasn’t going anywhere.

Vic grinned, still wriggling. "You’ve got some natural talent, Ash. I might have to keep you around for a while."

Ash smiled back, masking the thrill that was coursing through him. "I’m just following your lead," he said, keeping his tone casual. He moved to the side of the bed, his pulse quickening with every second that Vic remained tied down. This was it. The shift in power was complete. Vic was at his mercy, and he didn’t even know it yet.

"Alright, you’re all tied up," Ash said, his voice steady now. He stepped closer, his eyes locked on Vic. "So... how do you like being the one who’s bound?"

Vic chuckled, still oblivious to the real meaning behind Ash’s question. "It’s different, for sure. But I’ve been tied up worse than this before," he said, his tone casual, confident.

Ash leaned in closer, his eyes narrowing slightly as the dynamic between them shifted. He traced a finger slowly along Vic’s side, watching as the older man barely reacted—still too comfortable in his assumed control. Ash’s lips curled into a slow, deliberate smile.

"Let’s see if you still feel that way in a few minutes," Ash muttered just loud enough for Vic to hear.

Vic's smirk faltered for a brief moment, his eyes lifting toward Ash, a hint of curiosity in them. But before he could respond, Ash’s fingers pressed a bit more firmly, dragging down along his ribs. Vic’s body tensed ever so slightly, the first signs of sensitivity betraying him. The shift in his demeanor was subtle but telling; Ash had found a weak spot.

Ash grinned down at Vic, now fully at his mercy, wrists and ankles securely bound. The power shift was intoxicating. His mind flashed back to the stories—the ones where Victor DomiKnot had trapped others just like this, exploiting their trust and pushing them past their limits. Now, it was Vic’s turn.

"You know, Vic," Ash began, his voice calm but edged with something darker, "I’ve been thinking a lot about those sessions you’ve had over the last few months—maybe even longer. The ones where the laughter wasn’t joyful, but desperate... because they couldn’t make you stop."

Vic’s eyes widened, the smug grin on his face faltering for the first time. He tugged at the ropes around his wrists, testing them. "Ash, what are you talking about?"

Ash ignored him, walking over to Vic’s duffel bag. He unzipped it, rummaging through the contents as Vic squirmed helplessly on the bed. After a moment, Ash’s hand landed on something familiar—the grooming glove. He pulled it out and held it up, flexing his fingers inside the glove as the rubber bristles caught the light.

"You brought this for my feet, didn’t you?" Ash asked, his tone casual but laced with a taunting edge. "You were planning on using it to see just how ticklish I was, right? Well, I think it's only fair I use it on you first so you can see just how much it tickles."

Vic's eyes darted to the glove, and his entire body tensed. "Ash, come on. That’s just for fun, a little extra sensation. You don’t need to use it on me."

Ash chuckled, sliding the glove onto his hand. "Oh, but I do. You see, Vic, it’s time for you to understand what it feels like to be on the other side. You’ve pushed people to the edge, ignored their safe words, tied them up and laughed while they begged for it to stop. It’s time you learned how it feels when you don’t get a say."

Ash stepped closer to the bed, watching as Vic's eyes flicked nervously between the glove and Ash's face. There was no trace of the smug, overconfident man that had walked in earlier. Vic tugged at the ropes again, harder this time, but they held firm.

"Ash, come on," Vic said, his voice now edged with uncertainty. "This isn’t necessary. Let’s just—"

Ash cut him off, his tone sharp. "It’s funny how that sounds familiar. Did they say the same thing to you, Vic? When they were tied up, unable to move, laughing until they couldn’t breathe? Did they ask you to stop?"

Vic swallowed hard, his breath quickening as Ash stepped up beside him. "I-I never meant to hurt anyone. It’s not like that," he stammered, his calm demeanor finally cracking.

Ash raised an eyebrow, his fingers flexing with anticipation inside the glove as he used his free hand to slowly peel off Vic’s socks, the last barrier between his skin and the inevitable torment. "Oh, I get it. You were just having fun, right? They just didn’t see it that way. Well, Vic, let’s see if you get it now."

Without another word, Ash brought the gloved hand down, brushing it lightly across Vic’s foot. The moment the rubber bristles made contact with his skin, Vic jolted, a strangled gasp escaping his lips. His body tensed, and his feet twitched involuntarily, the nerves on edge.

"Ticklish, huh?" Ash asked, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. He traced the glove slowly up Vic’s arch, savoring every inch as Vic squirmed beneath his touch.

"HAHAHA! WAIT! NOHOHOHO!" Vic’s protest turned into laughter almost immediately. His body writhed against the ropes as Ash continued, keeping the movements light and teasing, dragging the bristles just hard enough to send shocks of sensation through Vic’s body.

Ash smirked, leaning in closer as he worked the glove over Vic’s foot, making sure to hit every sensitive spot. "This is just the beginning, Vic. You’ve barely felt anything yet."

"HAHAHA! STHAHAHP! PLEAHEHESE!" Vic’s laughter escalated as Ash moved up to the toes, swirling the bristles over the sensitive pads with deliberate precision.

Ash tilted his head, watching with a mixture of satisfaction and cold detachment. "Oh, I’ll stop. But not until I think you’ve learned your lesson."

He intensified the pressure, now pressing the glove firmly against Vic’s soles, dragging the bristles in slow, torturous circles. Vic's laughter turned frantic; his pleas lost in the sea of hysterical laughter. "HAHAHA! NOOHOHO! Ash! AHAHAHA! MERHAHACY!”

Ash chuckled darkly. "Oh, you’re really ticklish, aren’t you? Imagine how your victims felt—trapped, tied down, just like this. I think it’s only fair you experience the same."

Vic thrashed harder now, his body shaking with the effort to escape, but the ropes were too tight. His chest heaved as he gasped for air between bouts of hysterical laughter. "I-I CAHAHAN'T TAHAHAKE IHIT! HAHAHA! PLEAHEHESE! AHAHAHA! NOHOHO MORE!"

Ash didn’t let up, his voice a quiet murmur as he leaned closer. "No safe word for you, Vic. You’re staying right here until I’m done."

As Vic’s laughter turned desperate, Ash’s mind flashed back to the stories, the helplessness of those who had been on the receiving end of Vic’s cruelty. Now, the tables had turned, and Vic was finally getting a taste of his own medicine.

And Ash wasn’t going to stop until Vic understood exactly what that felt like.

Ash continued working the glove over Vic’s bare feet, watching as the man descended deeper into a frenzy of hysterical laughter. The once-confident, domineering figure had long since broken down, reduced to gasping, wheezing, and sobbing with every agonizing drag of the bristled glove across his sensitive soles.

The tickling had gone on for what felt like an eternity. Vic’s mind was unraveling, the constant, unbearable sensation chipping away at his defenses until there was nothing left. His hoarse, desperate laughter echoed through the room, his body jerking wildly, seeking any escape from the torment that remained inescapable. Ash, unrelenting, watched as Vic’s sanity began to crack under the relentless assault.

A thought crossed Ash’s mind, and a faint, knowing smile tugged at his lips. He wasn’t finished with Vic. Not yet.

He climbed onto the bed, straddling Vic’s waist to keep him pinned down. Vic let out a whimper, his chest heaving as he gasped for breath between bouts of helpless giggles. Ash grabbed the bottom of Vic’s shirt and, with one swift motion, yanked it up over his head, pulling it behind his back, leaving his chest and torso completely exposed. Vic squirmed, his eyes wide with panic as he realized what was about to happen.

Ash held up the glove again, wiggling his fingers playfully. "You know, I’ve been thinking, Vic," he said, his voice dripping with false sweetness. "I bet all the people you did this to had just as much fun as you’re having right now." He slowly brought the glove down, tracing the bristles along the edge of Vic’s exposed side. Vic jerked, a wild gasp escaping his lips as the sensation sent shockwaves through his body.

"NOHOHO! ASH! DON’T!" Vic pleaded, his voice cracking, but Ash wasn’t listening. He dragged the glove up, letting the bristles scrape along Vic’s ribs, and then moved directly into the hollow of his armpit.

The effect was immediate and devastating. Vic shrieked, his body bucking violently as the bristles dug into the soft, sensitive skin of his underarm. The laughter that erupted from Vic was beyond frantic—his entire body convulsed, pulling uselessly at the ropes that bound him as Ash mercilessly worked the glove in tight circles.

"Tickle, tickle," Ash taunted, his voice calm and mocking as Vic dissolved into hysterics beneath him. "Isn’t this fun, Vic? I bet you’re having just as much fun as all the others did."

"HAHAHA! NOHOHO! PLEHEHEASE! ASH! STOHOHOP!" Vic screamed, his voice so strained that he could barely get the words out. His body twisted beneath Ash, but there was no escape. The sensation in his armpit was unbearable, the rough bristles of the glove sending shocks of ticklish agony through every nerve in his body.

Ash grinned down at him, taking his time. He dug the glove deeper into Vic’s armpit, swirling it around as if savoring every second of Vic’s torment. "What’s wrong, Vic? Can’t handle a little tickling?" Ash teased, his tone light, as if this were all just a game. "You were so eager to dish it out, but now that it’s your turn, it’s not so fun anymore, huh?"

Vic’s laughter had turned desperate, the helpless, frantic sounds echoing off the walls of the room as Ash continued without mercy. "HAHAHA! NOHOHO! I CAHAHAN’T! ASH! PLEAHEHEHESE!" Vic’s words were barely intelligible through the endless laughter, his voice hoarse and broken.

But Ash didn’t stop. He switched to Vic’s other armpit, dragging the glove across the tender skin there, eliciting another round of wild, helpless screams. Vic’s entire body convulsed under the assault, his mind unraveling further as the tickling continued without pause.

"You know what’s funny, Vic?" Ash said, his voice calm as he leaned down closer, his lips near Vic’s ear. "This is exactly what you did to them. You kept going, even when they begged. You thought it was all a game. Well, now it’s your turn to play."

Vic’s body convulsed with silent laughter, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he teetered on the brink of exhaustion. Tears streamed down his face, his chest heaving as he fought for air, each breath a desperate struggle against the relentless waves of ticklish torment.

"Tickle, tickle, Vic," Ash murmured, his voice low and taunting, relishing in the sight of Vic unraveling beneath him. "Don’t you just love it?"

The glove moved in slow, devastating circles across Vic’s bare armpit, driving him further toward the edge of his sanity. The once-dominant figure was now reduced to a trembling, hysterical wreck—completely shattered by the assault. What had started as hysterical laughter had now dissolved into ragged gasps for air, his eyes glazed and unfocused.

Satisfied, Ash finally climbed off the bed. Vic twitched weakly in the aftermath, his body jerking involuntarily with lingering aftershocks. His strength was completely drained, leaving him limp and helpless.

As Ash gathered the remaining ropes and stuffed them back into the duffel bag, he looked back at Vic, who whimpered softly, barely able to move.

"You remember this part, don’t you?" Ash said, his voice turning cold, cutting through the silence. "This is how you left them. Tied up, helpless… waiting for someone to find them."

Vic’s breath hitched, a faint, broken whimper escaping his lips as he tugged weakly at the ropes. But it was futile; his body had nothing left to give.

Ash slung Vic’s duffel bag over his shoulder, a twisted souvenir of his victory. He lingered for a moment, eyes tracing the figure before him. Vic, once brimming with arrogance and command, now lay powerless and exposed.

"You’ll have plenty of time to think about what you’ve done," Ash said, his voice devoid of pity. "I’m sure the hotel staff will be very surprised when they find you like this in the morning."

With one hand on the door handle, Ash paused, casting a final glance over his shoulder. Vic lay there, unmoving—too broken, too defeated to muster even a sound. His body trembled, as if the weight of the night had finally crushed his spirit. For a moment, Ash felt the gravity of what he’d done, but the satisfaction outweighed any hint of remorse.

Without another word, Ash stepped through the door, leaving Vic to face the consequences of his own cruelty.

As he walked down the hall, his footsteps echoed faintly, bouncing off the cold hotel walls. The air around him felt heavy, almost oppressive, and a strange unease settled in his chest.

Something was off.

The dim lights flickered, shadows twisting along the corridor. Faint hotel sounds echoed, but as Ash blinked, his vision blurred. A low hum crept into the space—soft at first but growing louder with every step. It pulsed in his ears, deep and unrelenting, vibrating in his skull and pressing in from all sides, as if the noise itself were alive, crawling under his skin.

His chest tightened. The walls seemed to close in, the hum distorting, becoming a deafening roar that consumed everything. Ash tried to move, but his legs felt heavy, the world around him warping, suffocating him with its oppressive weight.

Suddenly, his eyes snapped open.

He bolted upright on his couch, heart hammering, sweat clinging to his skin. The room was still, and the low murmur of the TV slowly came into focus, the overwhelming noise from moments before now nothing more than the documentary playing in the background.

Ash blinked, his pulse beginning to slow as reality settled back in. He glanced at the TV, and his stomach dropped when he saw what was playing. On the screen was a true crime documentary, the voice of the narrator cold and clinical as it detailed the case of an alleged predator, Victor Dominick, who had used his charm and position in the community to manipulate and harm vulnerable people.

Ash’s breath caught in his throat. The image on the screen was unmistakable: Victor Dominick, or Victor DomiKnot, the man from his nightmare. It was all there—the hotels, the victims, the accusations.

Ash rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the lingering unease. The nightmare and the documentary had bled together, distorting reality in his mind. As the TV droned on about Victor’s twisted crimes, Ash let out a long breath, reminding himself it was all in his head. The dream had felt disturbingly real, but that’s all it was—a dream.

Just a nightmare, Ash thought, forcing a small chuckle to calm his nerves. No reason to tie myself into knots over it. He stood from the couch, stretching his tense muscles, and made his way toward the kitchen, figuring something to eat might settle him.

As he walked away, his mind still foggy, he didn’t notice the black duffel bag resting next to the couch, swallowed by the shadows.

The same one from his dream.

A coil of rope spilled from its unzipped mouth.

No longer in just his nightmare.

It was here.


THE END