[ It is very blunt, but much like with Ult Dirk, K can appreciate the honesty regardless of the form it takes. By the point where Dirk's talking about being his own best lay, K's expression has gone a bit blank and he raises his eyebrows, but he can only maintain it for so long before his amusement starts to show. Some of the tension in his shoulders is bleeding out and there's a certain softness in his expression, even if he still looks tired. They're not on opposite sides here and he didn't mean to put Dirk on the defensive. ]

I'm asking how you would feel about it. [ And Dirk may have already answered in a roundabout way. ] And thinking it sounds like you might prefer something a little more exclusive, too. [ Since he did just emphasise how much sex with other people isn't a need for him, and K was already aware of Dirk's own jealousy issues. Plus that scowl just says it all, doesn't it... it isn't difficult putting two and two together. ]

For what it's worth, I wasn't thinking of a hypothetical hookup. More of a hypothetical platonic... emotional... equivalent to that. [ A beat. ] Which is probably just a friend. [ Sort of. With a Night Walker, at least, there would presumably be an additional layer of separation because it's their profession. Not necessarily comparable to a friend with benefits arrangement for most people, but still something that K, personally, wouldn't be as inclined to engage in while in a relationship. It just comes down to boundaries.

And it sure does sound extra pathetic actually saying it out loud like that. He inwardly sighs. ]

That's the second time you've mentioned wanting to be collared. I'm beginning to think you might be serious.

[ It's an attempt at levity. ]