I asked you a question, Tristan.

[His fingers tighten sharply in Tristan's hair, pulling him down til they're only inches apart, breath mingling as Ariel smiles like nothing is amiss at all.

There's a definite thrill in this. Something different than the feeling of picking on a stranger or an acquaintance. It's like getting a gift he's been longing for forever -- the special big brother of singular importance, the boy who was always one step above him, is now, finally, descending to his proper place under Ariel's heel. He can't help it if it gives him a rush.]

Do you understand your place now, or shall I show you more thoroughly?