Sam spends nights at work researching in his spare time, between checking ovens and preparing orders he'll take his phone out. Learning what he can about Dominants and Submissives, lifestyles and subspaces. Words and actions, entire rules to a community he had never even realized existed. He reads blogs of experienced couples within the community and goes through websites that offer important information and lists of links to reliable sources.

He watches education videos that submissives and dominants make to provide helpful information to those new to everything BDSM, all of which helped him immensely. During his search, he came across a test that will tell a person what kind of submissive, Dominant, or switch they are. Being curious pushed him to take it, the top three he got said he was hundred percent submissive, pet, and primal prey. He had gone back into research to figure out what Pet and Primal Prey were, to which he learned; Pet is a submissive that roleplays as an animal, puppy, kitten, bat even. While Primal Prey is when the submissive enjoys running from their Dominant partner, a Predator, they're attracted to growling and allowing baser instincts to guide them. He didn't understand how he got those two specifically, then he realized he has more in common with his dogs than other humans.

He has grown used to communicating with his dogs through body language and different tones they use, either when giving warnings or with playful growls. He can't growl or anything, he has tried before to see if he could, but he can't get the correct sound. Normally, he merely uses small noises to gain the animal's attention or his own body language to communicate. He had studied his dog's behavior and signs since they were little, Sam makes certain he can read them and they can read him. It helps when in public, at the park he can tell if they're getting upset at another dog or when they don't feel comfortable with a certain person around Sam.

Maybe not so unusual about the Pet score, although he doesn't necessarily consider himself very primal in the instinct sense. He follows what he needs to do, not what he wants. If he needs food or his dogs do, he shops. If he needs time outside, he walks the dogs. Unless that is Primal he doesn't see how he got that score.

On the topic of the information he learned, Sam discovered that this type of lifestyle, BDSM, seems salubrious and beneficial. He admits he is very interested to learn how this could help him as Spencer suggested it could, how the man could take care of Sam better than himself. Sam may not eat or drink water as he should, but he is healthy. May not have many friends, yet he's happy with it. He overthinks, his mind runs even when it shouldn't and his anxiety makes it worse. Sam is extremely nervous naturally, like a scared, Prey animal. If Spencer thinks he can help Sam with his care and this type of lifestyle, he is willing to try something new. Then if he isn't happy with it, at least he can say he pushed himself out of his comfort zone and tried new things. What could go wrong?

Spencer has been waiting for three days, Sam insisted on doing his research and won't speak to Spencer about it. The taller neighbor can see the struggle Sam's mind is fighting to keep every question he has to himself, wanting to think it over without Spencer just yet. The man is dying to know what Sam thinks or has decided, wanting to encourage Sam to try the lifestyle. He knows Sam will benefit from being a sub, his sub.

The boy doesn't have anyone caring for him and it shows; his kitchen is filled with junk food only he eats, he doesn't drink water as he should and Spencer is positive his sleeping schedule is horrible. The only time Spencer saw Sam eat anything remotely healthy is when he gives his dogs carrots or strawberries, the man doesn't touch vegetables or fruits besides that. Spencer craves to correct his eating habits and make certain his boy is healthy and stays that way. He may be morally stunted where most Dominants aren't, he isn't afraid to keep Sam if the boy isn't interested in him; eventually, Sam will love him. He sticks to the guidelines of safewords, being Safe and consensual (excluding leaving Spencer), and will never do anything to hurt Sam.

He is remarkably close to demanding Sam speak to him about what he learned, eager to answer questions and explain. He aims to gain a date by the end of this learning curve and suggests a date when they can speak of things they want or wish to do in such a relationship. He needs to know everything his little puppy has put in his mind of his, hyperactive as it is. Who knows what he has read on the internet and how his mind is doubting if he could be involved in BDSM, that boy overthinks so often it's a miracle he hadn't over-thought himself out of existence.

He just wants to be certain Sam is getting the correct information and not being soiled by abusive claims that have given the community a bad reputation. Sam shouldn't think it's abusive, not when Spencer told him it was for his care and benefit. If he thinks it's bad for him, Spencer will just need to reassure him. He'll bring it up today between Sam's classes because he can't focus on his work without knowing. He has filmed five different games and can't seem to edit them with as much detail as he would like, mind on Sam. He got three done and will finish the other videos after he talks to Sam, he needs to, at least.

Knocking at the door at noon is new for them, he normally visits in the mornings. Today, he will sit in and watch Sam go about his classes, helping if asked. Sam helpfully gave his morning classes and said, nervously, that Spencer could come to visit. He is pleased when the door opens far quicker than in the past. Sam knows who is at his door and feels comfortable greeting the amber-eyed man with the door opened to show his body, instead of hiding himself.

He's in what he wears for class, black slacks that make Spencer's eyes stick to the man's tight, perky ass and a tight button white shirt that is folded at his elbows. Sam is quicker to give a small smile and silently invite his neighbor in, giggling at his dogs that attack with wiggles and kisses. Spencer closes the door back when he steps in, petting dogs as he follows Sam to the small couch in the living room. From here, he can see into the bathroom and has a clear view of the corner Sam uses as a bedroom. The bed is a big queen size, with enough room for Sam and three dogs if cuddled in a dog pile. The apartment is clean and virtually spotless except for the dog toys and the messy kitchen for class.

"How is the class going, Sammy?" Spencer questions once Sam sits down next to him, throwing a casual arm over the back of the couch. The limb touches Sam if the man moves and, shockingly, the boy is okay with it. Finds a calm comfort in it, even. Strange, Sam thinks, or not, considering my overall reaction to him.

Sam shrugs, not finding anything he did today too exciting. "Okay, I guess. We just did boring little decorations on a cake today, to learn the techniques and how to properly use materials."

Glancing into the kitchen, Spencer does in fact spot a two-tier cake with paw prints and icing flowers in a rainbow swirl. It appears delicious, the base icing a pastel blue with strawberries at the top as garnish. Sam must see his hungry expression and laughs, petting Fenrir's head in his lap. His voice is sweet and kind. "You can have some if you want. I've already been graded on my techniques and design, you could help me with my taste grade."

"What kind is it?" Spencer asks, trying to show interest and find out if it's something he'll even like. He's been told he is a picky man when it comes to sweets.

Sam grins, seemingly happy with it, even if Spencer decided he doesn't want to try it. "The bottom tier is a chocolate cake with strawberry puree in the middle and diced strawberries. The top is a normal strawberry cake, it's the primary ingredient in almost everything. There are half strawberries in the batter, so they're baked in as well."

Spencer's mouth waters, it's been a while since he ate cake and he has never eaten a cake like Sam's. He is positive someone on the internet beat Sam to it, strawberries and chocolate are famous after all. However, knowing Sam made this one makes it appear much better. For clarification, he asks, "You don't need it anymore?"

Shaking his head, Sam's lip twitched into a smile. "No, I don't. The Chef has us taste whatever we prepared and grades us on how we found it. It'll be even better if you give an honest review on it if you're comfortable with speaking to my professor."

The hand resting behind Sam's head on the couch moves to lightly squeeze the nape of the man's neck, Spencer grinning proudly as Sam seems to relax into the touch. His tone is a firm request, attempting to learn how Sam reacts to the order now. "I'd be more than happy to up your grade, Sammy. Why don't you go cut me a slice?"

It takes a moment, Sam not processing it wasn't a suggestion until a second or two later. Then he shakes himself, recognizing the order for what it is, and shoots up with a cute nervous smile. Spencer watches him go through his gate into the kitchen, eyes traveling down the slim back that shifts with movement to the tight round butt in those ridiculously hugging slacks. Sam bends, the pants tightening over his thighs and backend, to open a cabinet and grabs a small paper bowl. He doesn't want to do dishes and paper plates are reusable depending on what is on them, he can recycle this one afterward. Sam carefully cuts a decent size out of the bottom tier and a smaller slice from the top, for variety.

Plating the slices, he grabs a glass of water as well, setting both down on the tiny coffee table in front of Spencer. The man grins, grasping the nervous man's wrist to pull him down closer to the taller side. Sam sucks in a shocked breath at the sudden action, blinking at himself as he realizes he's been situated directly next to Spencer, thighs touching. He isn't uncomfortable, another odd thing that happens around the man. He knows if the amber-eyed man genuinely wanted to harm him, he would've done so already.

Spencer aims for the opposite, he wishes to care for Sam and the younger man is perfectly okay with that. As long as it doesn't harm him, or the man himself. He can feel the man breathing and finds it strangely soothing after so many years of feeling, hearing, and watching his dogs breathe. A human hasn't been this close to him, Charlie and his family on rare occasions are an exception. He likes it, strongly.

Spencer smiles as he sees Sam come to the conclusion he enjoys being close to him, picking up the paper bowl and plastic fork. He can see the skittish boy relax to his breathing, sitting with his hands on his lap and spine slowly dropping from the anxiously straight post it was. Sam busies himself with petting his dogs, Cerberus sniffs his hands for strawberries and has the puppy boy giggling.

The dominant of them enjoy the cake, it's soft and smooth, the icing isn't overly sweet and it's fluffy. The cake itself is dense yet spongey, the puree, chocolate, and fresh strawberries make it delicious. The chocolate cake with pieces of red fruit reminds him of chocolate-covered strawberries, and the gooey pink puree is amazing as well. It does have too many strawberries going on, too much of it and it would overwhelm someone who doesn't overly like that specific fruit. Sam doesn't seem to be bothered by criticism, so long it's polite and provides accurate information or advice. He doesn't watch Spencer eat, keeps his eyes on the dogs, and checks his phone for the time. He needs to be certain he won't be late to a class just because Spencer is here.

Once the man is finished, he drinks the water and pats Sam's thigh to gain his attention. The dominant smiles widely, leaning back and lightly tracing shapes in the thigh under his hand. "That was lovely, Sam, I really enjoyed it. Too many strawberries, but it was still my favorite cake I've had."

Sam nods, agreeing and smiling. "I figured it was too much. He assigned me strawberries and didn't give a limit, I must've used more than I thought I did. Thank you for trying it."

"It was my pleasure, thank you for offering me some." He squeezes the thigh before continuing. "Now, tell me about your research. What have you discovered?"

The boy blushes scarlet, avoiding eye contact to stare at his fingers massaging Cerberus' neck. "Oh, um... I think you're right. Being a submissive seems like something I'd enjoy, being taken care of and taking care of the other person. I like the thought of having rules and a schedule. It might help me calm my head down a little, it gets overwhelming sometimes."

Spencer grins, leaning over to nudge Sam's shoulder to encourage him. It works and soon the little puppy boy is nervously going through what he learned, it all appears to be healthy information. He doesn't seem scared to try BDSM or think it's abusive, the man genuinely wants to give the lifestyle a try. Spencer listens attentively, not wanting to stop the role Sam is on and he is interested in what his boy learned.

Then Sam admits something that makes the dominant incredibly delighted. "I took this test that said it would tell me what I may enjoy, curiosity got to me. It said I was submissive, a pet, and a primal prey. I had to search for those two."

When Sam looks up, he sees his neighbor grinning happily. An arm goes over his shoulder and gently pulls him further into the man's side, a big hand rubbing his upper arm. "This is amazing! We're more compatible than I thought. I'm a dominant and a primal predator, some people say owner for the pet part, which I am too."

"Really? Is that why I feel the need to listen to you?" Sam questions, genuinely curious.

The dominant chuckles, giving his boy a light squeeze. "Maybe. How about we go out on a date and talk things through, see what we would possibly want from that kind of relationship? Sounds good?"

The skittish boy bites at his lip, pushing himself to answer before his mind catches up and ruins everything. "Yes, okay. I'll go on a date with you."