Building Characters - Drawing the Ensnared Universe Pt 1

After our last cover artist got lured away by a most groovy game development gig, we conducted a search for a new artist that included asking for samples that we paid for. We didn't see anything that fit what we needed. We saw some talent for sure, but either the style wasn't what we wanted or we didn't mesh creatively or they had a commission list that made them unavailable for six months or they had a rate that was more than any book we'd published ever earned. That's why I took up my pencils after not really drawing for over twenty years. Recently, I received some emails asking why I label my sketches as tests, and when will I get to the real drawings. So, I thought I would share my process and the timeline.

The first sketches (available on the obligatory Deviantart page here: http://dlwarner511.deviantart.com/ and the ones now are quick efforts (30 minutes max) to see what my muscle

memory was for drawing. I've done them from other drawings, from pose books. anime art books, etc. The poses are like ones I plan to to draw or were a challenge. I wanted to see how much work I had to do to get anywhere close to where I wanted to be. Aside from needing these drawings to be hot enough to attract readers to books or merchandise, I have a particular bent toward men's hands and feet and eyes. Those are the hardest things to draw. Oh, I like those other bits on a hot guy, but these are the parts that catch my eyes in public settings.

During this time, I've been watching lots of tutorials on Youtbe.com about drawing human anatomy and drawing manga and comic style (I can provide a list of channels I like to watch if anyone is

interested). I plan on having a look that's a realistic anatomy but manga style. I will soon move into the next phase of drawing which will be making model sheets(see photo on the left). I've collected those obsessively for a long time now. It would make sense that I make them. Model sheets are created to make sure that characters are drawn consistently. They usually include an array of poses, expressions and costumes. My thing for model sheets is why I can usually spot official art over fan art. I've also been really lucky to have found official line art for an anime series that has been influencing my art as I'll explain later. See below for more examples of model sheets and official art.

The reason I am at the point where I can do model sheets for most of the Ensnared characters is I have figured out what they look like. But DL, you're thinking, you've been living with these characters for a while. How can you not know what they look like? Well, here comes some of my erotica writing philosophy. I describe characters in the most rudimentary fashion, because I'm not a flowery writer. I also know that a reader will take even the smallest amount of data and conjure their own images of the characters. I had only a vague image in my head of what Darius and Andreas looked like, but that was not enough to draw them in any detail until I did all those tests and research. Here's how I will put them together on paper.

So, I begin with Darius. He is tall and muscular with ivory skin, vibrant blue eyes and hair the color of butter (Irish butter – not the cheap stuff). He's got the square jaw and full lips. I saw him as graceful and elegantly built, so I think of swimmers. As it happened, the anime Free! Eternal Summer had introduced  a swimmer that was the size I saw for Darius. I also loved the bearing of Alberto in Ikoku Irokoi Romantan and the way the hair flowed for the Wizard Halvir in Crimson Spell. You can find these images below under Darius Composites. Andreas is described as having longish, mahogany colored hair, green-gold eyes with a slender but muscular build and about a half foot shorter than Darius. I put him at just shy of six feet tall. Ranmaru from Ikoku Irokoi Romantan was close to the skin and eye color, while  his build is closer to Rin from Free! Eternal Summer and he is a similar sex magnet to Aoba from DRAMAtical Murder. See Andreas Composites below.

I have such composites for every character that I plan of drawing a model sheet for. All of these influences though are filtered through my own style and based on realistic anatomy. There are a lot of proportion issues in the faces and bodies of manga and anime. I'm not so much for the pointy chins, and I like nipples. The necks are also too long in most cases. I won't even talk about the orangutang arms and yaoi hands (actual drawing).

Doing model sheets will make for faster sketching of covers or posters. I can also whip up clever omages for holidays like Valentine's Day (I won't have anything for that this year) and Christmas (I will have something for that). I will certainly share these on my Deviantart page and my author pages as I complete each character. Thanks for the questions and the support! Keep it coming!  

Pose Books

Model Sheets and Official Line Art

Darius Composites

 Halvir

Alberto

Swimmer

Andreas Composite

Ranmaru

Rin

Aoba

When a Seme Takes Over Your Book

This blog, like the passage of the novel I'm writing about, took way longer than I would have liked. There were real life issues that played a factor in the delay. However, it was mostly getting the facts straight in my head. Also, I wanted to have a couple sketches of my guys that were presentable enough to share. Each took me only 30 minutes. I do that to make my speed and accuracy improve. These will be reworked sometime later. Please, be kind.

The writers I know live for that moment when the characters take over the story and it writes itself. This can be magical and loads of fun. However, there are times when characters can veer off in a direction that I had not planned in the least. This can be exciting as well but in a 'will I ever get this book finished' kind of way. In this particular case, I was writing a situation in which Andreas is a bit afraid of Darius harming him with his size and power during their lovemaking while distracted by a very serious problem. Darius would never intentionally harm Andreas. However, there is an unprecedented situation stressing him. It's understandable for him to be distracted. Meanwhile, Andreas is determined to serve Darius in every way he has pledged.

I've written many a tense BDSM scene. This should have been like falling off a log (why is that a simile). But no. It was a huge struggle trying to make this scene work. Finally, I realized it just wasn't falling into place. I couldn't figure out why at the time, but I had to get through this scene to continue with the rest of the book. Thus, I decided to break the passage up into questions whose answers would produce pages.

What would Andreas do once he decided he needed to prepare more carefully for being with Darius

that evening? What would happen at the Hotel when he left? How much would the servants be told about what was troubling Darius – who had never let anything trouble him before? How does Andreas push past his fear to relax enough to prep for his Owner and get into the role for the evening? What do the servants know about Darius that will help reassure him? All of these questions are answered leading up to the moment when Darius gets home. It was an opportunity to have interactions with the supporting characters that furthered the arcs of the main characters.

What happened for the first part of the scene of Darius arriving home was something completely unplanned. I decided that Lexo, Andreas' butler would play music from the nightclub he'd called home to relax his Lord. The recording of the house band was a housewarming gift from his longtime friend, Hector. It had been some time since Andreas had just hung out at Club Zero and danced. So after he dresses beautifully and sensually for Darius, he decides to dance:

Darius was not surprised when his driver informed him that Andreas was still on the first floor of the maisonette. He was arriving home earlier than his norm. He wouldn't have been surprised if his Dami was still bathing. It was of no matter to Darius. He was so weary from the burdens of his day that he would have gladly climbed into the bath with him clothes and all. Even if he didn't go that far, it would be a relief to be away from prying eyes with his beautiful cheeky one and a stiff drink.

The music was a surprise when Darius opened the entrance off the elevator. It was loud enough that his arrival went unnoticed. The Cosi did not mind. He was mesmerized by the vision in the living room. Andreas was gloriously attired for service and dancing with his eyes closed near the fireplace. It wasn't a sexual dance as Andreas was unaware of anyone watching, but it was sensual. Andreas couldn't help that part of his nature. It seemed that Andreas couldn't help but make Darius feel better about the worst of days. He found he was elated watching that guileless performance.

Andreas opened his eyes as Darius was within arms reach of him. He smiled devilishly before dancing toward him. He took the case away and put it aside before unbuttoning Darius' coat. He then danced around to take it off. Andreas placed the coat on the sofa with the case. He then danced around Darius to playfully embraced him from behind and place his chin on one broad shoulder with a saucy smile.

“May I have this dance?” Andreas asked.

Darius gave him a sidelong look before grabbing one of the hands at his waist. He turned in time with the music while twirling Andreas skillfully until he was in his arms. They danced closely through a complex though sensual routine in perfect rhythm with the music. Andreas met his gaze easily while they danced. Mischief danced with happiness in those green-gold eyes. A smile played at his lush lips. Darius knew that expression. Andreas was pleased to see him. Despite the unrelenting stress of that day, Darius found himself smiling a small smile. That made his Dami sparkle at him. As the song ended, the volume of the music lowered. Lexo approached with a warm smile.

“Good evening, milord,” he said. “Your you like wine down here or in the Penthouse?

“What smells so good?” Darius asked.

“Roast leg of arnion,” Lexo replied.

Darius was elated. He hoisted Andreas over one shoulder.

“We'll have wine in the Penthouse,” he replied as he turned to bound up the stairs.

“Very good, milord,” Lexo replied with a chuckle. “I'll send your things up.”

Meanwhile, Andreas was loudly informing Darius that he knew how to walk up stairs on his own. There was no anger in his voice. In fact, he was laughing in between the volley of epithets. Like holding Andreas in any fashion, having him over the shoulder was a delight. That taut body felt good against his hands. All of those workouts had made him sleek and elegantly muscled. That firm and perfectly shaped ass was so tempting, it was all Darius could do to keep his hands from being down the Dami's pants at all times. And as always, his scent was an intoxicating mix of a spiciness mingled with the subtle scents of the soaps he favored. Even his struggles were sexy, because of his body and the fact that he was very hard. Though he gave thought to pounding that tight ass properly, the Cosi had something else in mind for the time being.

Andreas was sputtering by the time he was set on his feet in the dining room.

“I have never...” Andreas began.

Darius was not interested in speaking just then, so he cut the tirade off by grabbing Andreas' hair at the back of his head and kissing him. It was a deep, voracious kiss made all the more satisfying when Andreas' knees buckled. He didn't even have enough strength of will to try to hold Darius. He moaned helplessly as Darius ended the kiss.

They don't get to the bedroom just then. The food smells too good. Also, I tend to be a bit of a tease. I apologize for nothing. Sexual tension is part of the entire delicious package. This was easy to write. There were points in the plot that needed to be expanded a little. Andreas gets a chance to really see how stressed Darius is. And there is a really fun bit where Darius orders Andreas to explain why he's been blushing all through dinner. That sets off the super jealous and possessive Seme so keenly that they don't make it to dessert. Poor Andreas quickly finds himself shackled up in bed with a stressed out and jealous man who is huge and intent on reminding him what that large erection really feels like.

That encounter is physically intense and really steamy, but I found that Darius was in no mood to play bondage games. He wants to get down to business. It was irksome as I had plans on drawing that scene out that were entirely different than what ended up on the page. I worked the ambivalence of the character for games into the actual scene. This reluctance will also factor into later chapters where he must embrace the role he plays in that lifestyle when they are in a social setting. There will be some underlying tension over that at parties and such that will be difficult for Darius at a time when he is under heavy scrutiny and everyone is waiting for him to lose it. So, the scene worked for the book's dramatic tension.

Darius was careful shackling Andreas and careful removing them; however, the vigorous coupling did strain his muscles enough to need some attention. The injury keeps Andreas from working out for a day or two but not enough to not want more of the same. That scene left me in a strong place for the love scenes that will come later. I think the writing would have come more easily if I had trusted where Darius and Andreas were leading me. I have an outline on paper and know exactly where the book will end. However, I've learned that I also have to be flexible enough to know when I need to change my tactics. I'll even have to abandon a few along the way and use them in another story. That happens sometimes. All in all, I'm pleased with the scene and pleased with the pace and direction of Esnared V 3 itself.

Ensnared v. 3 Excerpt - Dinner at the Penthouse

Ensnared v. 3 Excerpt by DL Warner  

Find Vol 1 Here and Vol 2 Here

No one was overtly rushing him, but it was clear that Andreas could no longer dally. He had to prepare himself for Darius. For all the planning he did to save a young man from becoming a sexual plaything that day, it was ironic that Andreas actually was one. He was a Dami – a living sex toy – owned body, mind and will by the most powerful being in the known universe. The difference between Jevon and Andreas was that he gave himself to Darius willingly – twice. The first time, he was an infamous Crew leader on the run for his life. The second time, he was a wealthy and powerful Lord in his own right.

Their story was famous throughout the worlds the Cosi ruled. Much to Andrea' chagrin, there were unauthorized books and plays about their history. Darius ignored it all in that supremely arrogant way of his. While it was a sound plan that ignoring the books would discredit them faster than trying to quash them, no one would dare ask Darius for an autograph as some had him on occasion.

But those annoyances were easily forgotten compared to being close to Darius. It was deeply puzzling to Andreas why anyone would doubt what had attracted him to his Cosi. Hector put it very well calling him a big, walking distraction. Darius was easily the tallest man Andreas had ever met. He was powerfully and elegantly muscled. There was an angelic beauty to his handsomeness topped with a long main of thick and silky buttery blond hair. He had vibrant dark blue eyes that were almost always warm and playful with Andreas though he often saw them when they were frosty cold with those who displeased him. And then, there was his mouth. Darius had very sensuous lips. He was an expert kisser who could used that mouth to render Andreas mindless with ease.

Keeping his day focused on time to make sure he was prepared for Darius was no chore for Andreas. He looked forward to the moment when he could shed his beautifully tailored suit and slip into his evening bath. He longed for the transition from his daily responsibilities to thinking of nothing but pleasing Darius. It was freeing for him. And it was an honor to be so close to that singularly powerful man. There were less than a handful of people in the universe that could be trusted enough to be close to the Cosi Leader. It both amazed and humbled Andreas that Darius considered him exquisite when he had his choice of all the beauty in the universe. And Darius made him feel beautiful each time he was in his presence. It was the way he looked at him as if that act was a deep and satisfying pleasure.

Thus, Andreas took care to relax during the bath and let all the tension from the interviews and freeing Jevon drain away with the bath water. By the time he finished, Andreas was attractively dressed in Dami attire that showed off his collar bones and most of his back. The fabric was soft and touchable. It fell along the sleekly muscled contours of his body showing them off elegantly. The coppery red color was chosen by Darius to best highlight his tawny skin. His shoulder length, mahogany brown hair was brushed to a shine and he was slicked and stretched to accommodate his Cosi's length and girth should he want to have him in bed straight away. When the door opened to the private entrance, Andreas was more than ready to gracefully kneel with his head bowed. His body was ready for anything Darius desired. He had but to ask.

“How may I serve you this evening, Darius?”

“Look at me, sweet Dami,” he said. His melodic voice was so warm.

Andreas obeyed and found that Darius had extended his hand. Andreas offered his in return and immediately found himself in a full body embrace with Darius seeking his lips. He moaned into that intense kiss as his knees weakened. The incredible strength in that embrace once again made Andreas feel helpless yet protected. The kiss was possessive and affectionate at the same time. Darius was in no hurry to move to the bedroom that night. In fact, as the kiss gently ended, Andreas was set onto his feet.

“Let's have some wine and talk before dinner,” Darius said. “I've missed your voice.”

“Yes, Darius,” Andreas murmured with a smile. “I've missed yours, too.”

They were still adjusting to only seeing each other at the end of the day rather than when the mood struck. Though they were far more productive living at home rather than at Cosimo Tower. The adjustment continued to be difficult.

They sat close to each other on the sofa. Yannis served the wine while Lexo set the table.

Darius enjoyed the first sip of with relish before speaking.

“Now, exquisite one,” Darius murmured. “What had your brow knitted when we spoke? I sensed a tension in your voice that I had not heard for some time.”

Andreas found himself talking not just about Jevon but also the havoc the bounty on Charity school boys made of the interviews. He hadn't realized how irritated he was about the entire situation until he started talking.

“Thus, you are unsure whether or not any of these young men are truly interested in becoming part of Zed or seeking the best sanctuary,” Darius remarked. “Yet you still accepted them as full members.”

Andreas nodded. “I'm hoping that when they see how satisfying the work can be and get a glimpse of the lifestyle they will lead, they can become the members we need.”

“That is a fine plan,” Darius said.

“But I will still make sure I am present to listen to them until I am sure they will be a good fit,” Andreas said. “Only, Hector, Stu and I know that they are in a trial right now.”

“This is a far wiser decision than going to that brothel yourself,” Darius said pointedly. “I would have reacted badly.”

“Badly how?”

“I would have had it burned to the ground,” Darius replied simply. “I may yet have it done as an example of how the Cosi view hunting young boys in such a manner. That has to be against the teachings of Those Who Watch.”

Andreas had no problem with that idea, but he was curious about something.

“Why didn't Odigos object to the plan on the way back here?”

“That was unnecessary until you actually decided to go yourself,” Darius replied.

“Don't you think that is a bit overbearing when I am so well protected?” Andreas asked drily.

“Not at all,” Darius replied with a small smile.

Andreas shook his head as they were summoned to dinner.

Darius finally got the look of affectionate exasperation he had been seeking since his arrival. Not that he didn't love seeing that beautiful man who controlled so much sink gracefully to his knees. He was moved each time he saw that movement so beautifully executed. And what made it more meaningful was that he never once put Andreas in that position physically. He well could have from the first night they shared, but it had always been his Dami's choice to kneel. And he waited patiently with eyes down to hear what would please Darius most that evening. That could been being taken to the bedroom to be used for an hour or for days in any way Darius could imagine, or it could be dinner filled with engaging conversation. Andreas gave his Owner a level of trust he had never given to anyone in his life. The impact on Darius was profound each time he saw that beautiful face with the lowered gaze. The rush of power was as heady indeed. But as it was humbling as well. The gift Andreas gave him each night always gave Darius pause. He thought carefully in that instant about what they needed the most that given night and how to fulfill that need. That guileless submission always made his blood rise and that kiss always made him want more, but Darius wanted to see that fond expression most of all.

Darius finally relaxed. Andreas relaxed once food was served. His gold green eyes danced with mischief as he spoke about as he spoke about Lord Naxos.

“I'd love to know the story of how he and Mr. Timonen got so close,” Andreas chuckled.

“I'm sure Lady Kronos could spin that tale at your next lunch,” Darius remarked with a smile. And then, his gaze grew more pointed “How much did he touch you?”

“Huh?”

“You've washed your hair twice today,” Darius replied mildly. “You only do that when someone has trespassed in such a way that I would notice.”

“He shook my hand for a little too long – that's all,” Andreas admitted. “He also kept leaning in close to me like he wanted to leave something of himself behind. I didn't want the strong scent he wore in my hair. He was really annoyed that you never noticed him.”

“He's impossible to miss,” Darius quipped. “And I suppose he is attractive in an overblown way. But I had had enough of that kind of flamboyance after Zoran. I prefer a more genuine kind of beauty and cheekiness to someone always seeking attention.”

Andreas blushed beautifully before smiling. “Well, I didn't want him intruding on our time together. “

“And you say I'm possessive,” Darius murmured over his soup.

There was that expression again as Andreas glanced sideways at Darius. The main course was placed before them. Andreas caught Darius smiling. He shook his head and chuckled.

“You and Mykos have become real wise asses,” he muttered.

“I wonder where that came from?” Darius commented placidly.

“Yet, I miss you so much during the day,” Andreas admitted ruefully.

Darius smiled at him, causing Andreas to blush beautifully.

“It has been difficult for me as well, I must admit,” he said. “I keep looking up expecting you to barge into my office.”

“Or drag me out of the study,” Andreas quipped.

Darius shrugged. “You were there and ripe for the taking, so to speak...and you never complained.”

Andreas kept eating his meal with typical enthusiasm, but Darius knew by his blush that he was thinking of the many pieces of furniture they had used all over his office and the Tower apartment when the mood struck Darius – which had been often while his Dami was within easy reach. Typically, such a blush would seal Andreas' fate that night. He wouldn't have made it to dessert as he was making the blood rise dangerously in Darius.

However, Darius kept his lust in check. The kind hearted Andreas was likely still worried about the unfortunate Jevon as well as everyone he had set in motion to rescue him. He was probably even worried about Iskyros – the biggest security man Darius had ever seen. There was no help for it. Darius would have to wait until there was word that everyone was safe before he could enjoy him as thoroughly as he'd like. It was not much of a chore to wait. There was the beautifully prepared meal to enjoy. Andreas was at his most entertaining having missed Darius all day. He would enjoy both delectable aspects of the evening. And then, he would make Andreas pay for keeping him from immediately enjoying that tawny flesh. That payment would be delicious as well.

“Why do I feel like I'm in terrible trouble when all I've been doing is enjoying my dinner,” Andreas asked ruefully.

Darius smiled his most predatory smile.

“Because, you know me very well, sweet Dami,” Darius replied mildy. “Eat you dinner. You'll need your strength.”

Fanfiction - Personal Space Free! Eternal Summer Makoharu

Personal Space - A MakoHaru Story

by D.L. Warner

1

Nagisa and Rei always asked what was the biggest difference between back home and Tokyo. They wondered if it was the noise or the crush of the crowds on the trains and in the streets. Makoto often replied that the noise was something he and Haru were still adjusting to months after arriving. It seemed that their neighborhood didn't get quiet until late at night. They had taken to wearing headphones and listening to music in order fall asleep. The crowds were also something that required an adjustment. Makoto never thought he and Haru were slow walkers. They were athletes, after all. But often they found people shoving past them in certain parts of their commute to school. He was amazed that there could be that many people in one place anywhere all moving with great purpose en mass.

Those were somewhat difficult problems, but not what unnerved Makoto the most about Tokyo. He'd never tell Nagisa or Rei what that was because that would prompt questions he couldn't answer. In Tokyo, women watched him or Haru and him everywhere. During the commute, they were mostly working women or high school girls. Those eyes would stare but only in passing. It seemed to Makoto that some looked forward to their appearances for reasons he didn't understand. On campus, it was all types of women who were quite bold in the way they appraised them and tried to catch their eyes. Haru noticed, of course. Those big blue eyes missed very little no matter how detached he seemed to be. Makoto noticed when Haru's eyes would widen at the bold looks before darting back to him and their conversation. Haru's ears would redden, and he'd step closer to Makoto during their trips to the university.

Haru tended to stay closer to Makoto than he would back home. Naturally, Makoto didn't mind this. He liked Haru close. Their arms were often touching as they walked. On the train, they usually faced each other slightly off center. Haru kept one foot between Makoto's feet as there was the occasional woman that would try to squeeze between them. Staying a hair's breath close also kept them from being separated getting on the train or navigating Tokyo walk ways. On campus, Haru would glare back at the women staring at them until they turned away with a giggle. He'd grab Makoto by the wrist and hurry them both toward class. None of these overtly hostile reactions from Haru deterred the bold co-eds in the least. Makoto overheard them gushing over how their intensity and aloofness was sexy. This was the only negative thing about his uni life, and Makoto didn't know what to do about it.

One evening, this phenomenon was particularly intrusive. On light workout days, Haru's coach allowed Makoto to swim cool down laps with him. He was fairly certain that Seijuro Mikoshiba or

maybe Sasabe-san talked to the coach about their close friendship and Haru's need for his presence when he was stressed. Coach didn't mind Makoto's presence in the bleachers even in closed sessions. Both of them were glad of that. It was nice to still be able to swim with Haru regularly. They took an easy pace, three-quarters of their top speed and just enjoyed the feel of the water rushing past and the eddies that the wakes created. Makoto came out first knowing when Haru had enough for the day. Sure enough, he reached up immediately after Makoto extended his hand. That time, Makoto's pull was a little firmer bringing Haru closer than his norm. Haru didn't seem to mind. He met Makoto's gaze with warm eyes and a slight smile to go with the slightly reddened cheeks. There was an electricity between them that made Makoto's heart pound.

Then, they realized they weren't alone. People were applauding. They turned to find some women from their classes coming down from the bleachers. Makoto realized that he was angry. He quickly grabbed towels and placed them over Haru's shoulders and then his own, suddenly feeling exposed.

“You two are always rushing off,” one girl said.

“All you do is study and swim,” Another one said.

“That's why we're here,” Haru frowned.

“We wanted to know if you had girlfriends back in your town keeping you on a tight leash,” a third one said.

“That's a personal question and rude to ask,” Haru retorted, snagging Makoto's wrist. “We need to change.”

Makoto was so glad to be away from them, he forgot to excuse himself. Haru was silent through their shower.

“Are you okay?” Makoto asked as they dressed.

“I just want us to get home,” he replied. “Can we eat in the neighborhood?”

Makoto nodded with a smile. There was a family run ramen house near their place that they liked. They were treated like sons there with gentle teasing and free seconds. Girls were sternly discouraged from interrupting their studies.

“Okay,” Makoto sighed.

Just then, Coach came in to close down the locker room.

“Ah, Haru, Makoto,” he said. “There are...girls out there that say they are waiting for you to go have yakiniku with them.”

“No, they barged in on the cool down,” Haru said.

Coach shook his head. “That didn't sound right with you two. I'll get rid of them. You take the back exit. It will put you on the street alongside the building.”

“Thank you, Coach,” Haru said.

“Yes, Thank you,” Makoto repeated with a bow. He was curious as to why the coach thought that was so unusual, but he was much more interested in getting away from those girls.

They didn't relax until they were on the train. At night, the women were too tired from their day to gawk at them. Still, Haru sat close on the long side seat. The tension in his body eased as they moved further away from school toward their neighborhood. He even leaned on Makoto a little, and that felt good.

Makoto found himself smiling. Haru's answer to those girls was one he had taught to Ren and Ran when they came home fretting about what some of the older kids had said about them. They wondered why he and Haru were almost always together. One of them suggested that maybe the two should get married. Makoto gave them that answer. Being considered rude was the last thing a good child in their town ever wanted. That ceased the chatter immediately. Somehow, Makoto knew those girls wouldn't be so easily diverted.

The rocking train and the length of the day soon had Makoto's head drooping. He rested it against Haru's without really thinking about it. A stop or two later, they were roused from dozing by a couple saying goodbye at the exit next to where they were sitting. It took a moment to penetrate through the mental fog that it was two men making out as the train pulled into the station.

“I wish you didn't work nights,” the one said between almost desperate kisses. “I hate sleeping without you.”

“I hate it, too,” the other whispered. “But I can't leave without proper notice. Please...”

“I'll be okay,” came a sigh.

“Lock yourself in, and text me when you get home.”

“I will. I'll have breakfast waiting.”

The remaining man leaned against the door for a while before sitting down across from them. The man looked at Makoto and Haru wistfully.

“You're very lucky,” he said. “You get to go home together.”

They looked at each other in surprise. Haru blushed only a little, and he didn't turn his eyes away. In that instant, Makoto wondered why they had never bothered to deny that they were a couple when it occasionally came up. They never even got angry. Their stop was called then, preventing any discussion.

An hour later, they were full of ramen and feeling a good kind of tired. The intrusive women were forgotten as they reached their apartment building.

“Mom sent some cookies,” Makoto said as he approached his door. “Want to share them and some tea?”

“Yeah,” Haru replied. “I'll make the tea. Have you found all the cups?”

Makoto rolled his eyes. “Yes, Haru-chan. But I haven't put up the futon.”

“I don't care.”

Makoto chuckled. He set out the cups then smoothed out the sheet and blankets on the futon. He never seemed to have the time to neaten his apartment before going to class, and he was always too tired at night.

“Ren and Ran sent us some drawings,” Makoto said with a smile.

“That's nice,” Haru said softly. His voice was warm.

“Mom says hello...she misses us both...wants to make sure we're making friends....eating right and keeping warm,” he murmured. “Mom stuff.”

Haru didn't comment as he sat next to the Makoto on the futon with the cups of tea. The opened package of shortcake cookies was between them. After a blissful bite and a swig of tea, they both relaxed completely.

“Do I keep you from making friends?” Haru asked quietly as he considered his tea.

“No,” Makoto replied emphatically. “No, Haru. I have all I can handle keeping up with my studies and getting to and from classes. I'm happy with things as they are.”

Haru nodded at that. He looked up at Makoto with a serious expression.

“Why didn't the girls back home stare at us the way they do here?” He asked.

“I'd been thinking about that,” Makoto replied. “Those girls grew up with us always together. They knew it was no use trying to get between us.”

“Yeah. The girls here are really getting to be a pain,” Haru muttered. “It should be clear that we aren't interested. “

“Maybe if they thought we were a couple, they'd leave us alone,” Makoto jested.

Haru shrugged. He looked at Makoto levelly. “I wouldn't mind. That guy on the train thought we were.”

Makoto nodded with a nervous smile. He felt his heart pounding again. There was so much he wanted to say while Haru was being so open, but he realized that his friend looked dead tired.

“Can you make it to your apartment?” Makoto asked as he cleared away the cups.

“I could, but I don't want to,” Haru murmured. His gaze was still intent. There was a challenge in his eyes that was clear even in the dim light.

Makoto met Haru's gaze and held it as he leaned in. It seemed the right thing to do. When Haru lifted his face towards Makoto's, it was the most natural thing in the world to gently kiss his slightly parted lips. There was a pleasant jolt through Makoto's body when Haru moaned at the taste of their tongues dancing together. Somehow, one of Makoto's hands ended up in Haru's hair.

When they pulled out of the kiss, Haru yawned. Makoto chuckled softly as he rested his forehead on Haru's.

“This was a long day,” Makoto said. “There is no hurry. Why don't you get comfortable while I put away the cookies and wash the cups?”

“Yeah.”

Haru went to the bathroom while Makoto put the kitchen in order. They had classes later in the morning than their norm, so they could sleep in a little. The last thing he wanted to do upon waking was clean.

By the time Makoto finished, Haru was exiting the bathroom in an undershirt and underpants.

“Pick a side of the futon,” Makoto said softly. “I'll be right out.”

Though he was slightly hard going into the bathroom, Makoto didn't try to do anything about it. Instead, he brushed his teeth and washed his face then stripped down to his underwear. This was far from the first time he and Haru shared a bed. There were countless times when Haru would feel too tired to walk up the stairs to his house after a late video game session. They slept together easily, often winding up all over each other. Makoto knew this was different. For some reason, he wasn't afraid.

Haru was on his side facing the empty side of the bed nearest the kitchen. Makoto turned off the lights then slid under the covers. Before he could wish Haru good night, he was looming over him.

“Makoto...never let anyone touch you,” Haru whispered. “And if they ask again, tell them you have someone.”

The intensity in those vibrant blue eyes was clear by moonlight. Makoto reached up to caress that soft, dark hair.

“I won't let anyone touch me, and I will tell anyone who asks that I have someone,” Makoto answered softly.

Haru kissed him with more fervor than before. Makoto moaned softly as he wrapped his arms around Haru and pulled him close. Haru kissed him almost lazily for a long moment before gently ending it.

“'Night,” Haru said. He was really tired as he rested his head against Makoto's chest.

It felt like they'd been sleeping like that forever. Haru sighed happily as Makoto pulled the sheet and blanket up to his shoulder.

“I was so afraid I was losing you to Rin,” Makoto whispered.

“Idiot,” Haru replied tiredly. “Who else would I want by my side? I was so scared at the thought of losing you.”

“We were both idiots,” Makoto laughed. His heart was so full, it felt like it would burst. “Good night, Haru.”

Part Two is available here: http://sybpressyaoi.blogspot.com/2015/02/personal-space-makoharu-fanfic-part-two.html

Read DL Warner's Original Fic!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RXSTVBG

The Strong Uke and Why He is Right Kind of Uke

It was a meme posted by a talented soul who lives the BDSM Lifestyle 24/7. On the meme was a picture of a powerfully built man kneeling with his hands behind his back. I'll not post it here as such memes on my personal page causes me no end of problems with Facebook. The caption on the meme was about how much strength it took to kneel and submit to personal desires. That struck me about my root problem with many if not most Seme/uke relationships I see. They are often compared to D/s relationships, but they ate not really like them. These pairs are a hybrid of that Lifestyle built mainly on provocative images than on the actual tenets of the Lifestyle. Anyone whose been in my panels have heard that I have run across actual proof while editing Yaoi manga that is should not be a given mangaka are well versed with how male sex organs worklet alone how kinky practices actually work. As writers, they are doing what they need to do to get the characters from point a to point z, plot wise. They are also, unfortunately, correct that most fans don't give a damn about reality as long as the bodies look hot together. I find this irksome as a writer. As a practitioner of the Lifestyle, it is an alarming thing, because fans do not sometimes do not confine themselves to reading about these relationships. They are sometimes roleplaying them in person. What could go wrong allowing myself to be tied up and flogged by someone roleplaying a sadistic bastard who thinks rape is the way to handle an uke's first time?

What is missing in these pairings is that the uke should be at the very least as strong a personality as the Seme. And even with that, there should be some form of consent happening before things get heavy. The power exchange is at the heart of a BDSM relationship. Thus, for me to enjoy a hardcore Yaoi relationship, the uke has to have power to exchange. This the point where someone huffs at me 'Well, what ukes DO you like?' My favorite uke was created by the same mangaka who wrote my least favorite Seme. That would be Ranmaru of Ikoku Irokoi Romantan by Ayano Yamane. It is clear in the anime that drunk or drugged, Ranmaru knows how to fight off advances if he doesn't want them. I particularly loved their foreplay by fistfight. The next would be Naoki from Tightrope by Natsume Isaku. He is also an uke that would not be doing anything that he didn't really want. The comedies don't seem to have this much of a problem as the ukes typically have really willful personalities to further the humor between the couple.

I'm certain there are more strong ukes out there, and I would adore meeting them. Meanwhile, I write my own. The Ensnared universe had a hardoce Yaoi relationship that is Master/salve. It also has a considerable power exchange. In Ensnared Volume One www.amazon.com/Ensnared-DL-Warner-ebook/dp/B005UD7OCE/ , readers meets Lord Darius Galetea, a gorgeous, arrogant beast who runs a solar system of civilizations. During an outing with his closest advisor, Darius has a chance encounter with a beautiful though insolent young man that – it turns out – already worked for him finding antiquities from a past civilization. Darius has plans from the start to seduce Andreas into giving himself into service as his pleasure slave, or Dami. However, those are all upended when it is discovered a hit has been put out on Andreas. He accepts the role to protect himself while the plot is unraveled. The rest is full of spoilers. I can only say that Andreas' past and Darius life become more complicated than anyone could imagine. Here is a bit of what passed between them initially as recalled in Ensnared Volume 2 www.amazon.com/Ensnared-Two-D-L-Warner-ebook/dp/B0075YJBYK.

The alarm sounded just as the convoy cleared Octavius checkpoint into Amara. Minutes

later the streets were filled with frantic drivers. The Cosi's heavy transports had lights and sirens like the police, but people moved faster for these sounds and the girth of the massive vehicle. Andreas was in his building faster than he ever had been during the day. He was surprised when the guards took him to his apartment instead of the Penthouse. Odigos went with them to the barracks on the roof. Fortunately, Andreas found Lexo right away.

“Why did Darius send me here?” Andreas asked. “Does he not want to see me?”

“Oh, that's not the case, milord,” Lexo replied. “His Lordship thought you'd prefer to await his return here.”

“He isn't here?!” Andreas exclaimed. “The alarm has sounded. The streets are mobbed!”

“Milord, there is no need for worry,” Lexo said in his most assuring tone. “His Lordship is en route. There is much for one in his position to settle before communications go down.”

“How will he get through those streets in time?” Andreas demanded. Panic had grasped his heart with a cold, painful grip.

Lexo guided him to a seat at the dining room table. He gave him a small glass of whiskey then sat close to him.

“The Calix are trained to move at the sound of the Cosi's convoy even if they must drive on top of each other,” Lexo said. “He will get through in time. Drink that slowly and try to calm down. Shall I tell you about Chiron?”

Andreas sipped the dark amber liquor then nodded. He needed to keep his pounding heart from shattering his ribs.

“I managed to speak to him just after you talked to Lady Santorini,” Lexo said. “She had told him that she needed him to help secure her home and look after her and her Major Domo. He was most pleased that you and she trusted him thus. He swore he would take no risks.”

“I worried that he might think we didn't care if he returned,” Andreas said. “I didn't want him to risk the trip, and I knew the Lady needed the help.”

“I thought as much,” Lexo said. “I called to make sure he knew that. The driver will make sure they are all safe.”

“Good,” Andreas said as he continued to sip the drink. “Lexo, are the men safe on the roof?”

“Very much so,” he replied. “The building is lined with a very durable material that protects the building and it's systems. The shutters on all the windows and the balcony doors are made of the same material. They are all safe and well supplied, and they can reach us easily if there is a need.”

“Okay...that's good...”

The warm, sweet liquid soothed Andreas a bit, but he was still wound tight. Lexo kept talking to him quietly about household matters until the back door opened. Darius was suddenly in the room. Andreas was on his feet before he could think. Then, he was in the Cosi's arms.

“Andreas, you're trembling,” Darius said quietly. “You're heart is pounding. What's wrong?”

“I was freaking the hell out,” Andreas replied tightly. “You weren't here...the roads were mobbed...and the storm...”

Darius held him closer. He kissed his temple.

“Darius...were you punishing me?” Andreas asked. He hated how small his voice sounded. The sad thing was that there wasn't anything he could do if Darius were tormenting him. He couldn't leave the Cosi even if he wanted to...and he didn't want to.

Darius pulled back to look Andreas in the eyes. His expression was concerned. His eyes were warm.

“Never, Andreas, never would I deliberately cause you a moment's anguish,” he replied. His voice was soft but the tone was intense.

Andreas swallowed hard around the lump in his throat as he nodded at the Cosi. He found he couldn't speak. His eyes welled up with unshed tears. Darius lowered his head. Andreas tilted his chin up. The kiss was what he needed – possessive but tender. Andreas had heard the truth in the Cosi's words, but he felt something else in that kiss. He yielded to it, wrapping his arms around Darius' neck and reveling being crushed against him.

“Thank you for looking after Andreas,” Darius said to Lexo as he swept Andreas into his arms. “Excuse us.”

Andreas was surprised that he was taken to his own bedroom instead of the Penthouse. Once there, he was deposited on the center of the bed. The room was bathed in a golden light from the many fat, tall candles placed about the room and the fire burning in the hearth. The light made Darius look more beautiful.

“Don't move,” Darius said as he began to undress. “I want to look at you.”

“Yes, Darius.”

“This is the second time I thought I would have to fight you to have you,” he said mildly as he removed his clothing.

“When did you ever think I'd fight you?”

“Our first night together,” Darius replied. “You hadn't had time to think when you offered to serve naked. By that evening, you were rested and fed. I knew the weight of your pledge was heavy on your shoulders.”

“But I wanted you,” Andreas said as he hungrily watched Darius bare his skin. “And I had sworn to give myself to you.”

“I gave you no quarter when you were vulnerable,” Darius countered as he dropped his garments onto a chair. “I thought you may fight me for sake of your pride.”

“My pride was in keeping my vow. I was nervous about pleasing you,” Andreas said as he watched Darius climb onto the bed to straddle him. Those talented hands were unbuttoning his shirt. “You could have the best in the world...”

“I do, exquisite one,” Darius said as he deftly began to undress him. “And I have never taken anything about you for granted.”

Andreas finally understood what Darius was saying. There were things he wanted to say as well, but that big, warm body was covering him. That sinfully hot mouth was taking his. Everything could wait. They kissed for a long while without hurry. Darius seemed to be savoring them as he would a tasty treat. If Andreas could get his suddenly heavy eyelids to open, he would have peeked to see if the Cosi had the same expression as he did when he ate. But he was too lost in the moment, enjoying the sensations too much. Darius was very hard but he wasn't making any moves to take him. Andreas was certain he was still trying to calm him. The plan was working. All the panic of the morning seeped away under the warm weight of the Cosi. The grip in Andreas' embrace relaxed. His hands roamed through the soft, cool hair and along the broad, strong shoulders and well formed arms.

When Darius finally began to make love to Andreas, he was gentle and slow. He was still overwhelming physically and emotionally,the Darius was much softer in how he took him. He didn't hold him down or reduce him to the point he couldn't move. Andreas was able to hold Darius as well and caress him as they made love. It seemed that the more Andreas gave, the more open Darius became. He wasn't sure if it a Dami was allowed to hold his Master, but Andreas hoped this wouldn't be the only time for him. It was incredible to feel the tremors in Darius as he came.

Ensnared Volume 3 is in the works and there are short stories based on this pair in YGG Magazine.