They usually chatted for a bit before they played. Sometimes the divide between chat and play was very clear- a discussion of desires, plans, and negotiations with a clear indication when play actually began.

Sometimes...

He searched her face for clues.

The slight curve of her lip indicated she had something in mind but- had it started?

He didn't know.

He might NOT know.

Sure, he was certainly smart and knowledgeable enough but- part of their play was he might not know when things were affecting him, IF things were affecting him- not until much later.

In a way, he only knew what she wanted him to know.

Her tone had certainly changed - she was talking more than she normally did but- hypnotically? Persuasively?

It didn't take much anymore. Trance didn't need to be tied to a particular tone or word or gesture. He listened eagerly- a flower leaning towards the sun. There were so many things he could respond to- it was like hypnosis became a surprise all over again.

She would tease him like this, sometimes - have him in and out of trance before he realized it. Give him a quick taste.

Make him want more.

Was she making him want it more now?

Or was she just chatting?

She had a habit of snapping as she spoke for emphasis- nodding too. She knew that he knew gestures could be meaningful and she used his suspicions against him:

No, that one made you blank.

No, that one was just emphasis.

Listen more carefully.

Listen, listen to me.

Listen more carefully.

Are you listening?

And then, she would hold a finger up.

Pause.

Say "give me a moment".

Stare off

Turn her head to the side, pondering.

Laugh to herself

Reflect "oh THAT would work..."

Smile.

And then she was back- attention entirely on him. Her focus so intense it was almost disconcerting.

"OK," she'd ask, with a wicked grin. "Are you ready to get started?"