It's not really like actually torturing someone. Not really. But it is, in some ways, very close to that, and the fact that it's Dean probably has a tremendous amount to do with it. With Neil, it's play, even when it's rough, even when it's cruel, and there's always a softness behind it that he never doubts. Even when it's him, Neil making him crawl or Neil cutting into him - but then maybe it comes closer to this. Needing to be hurt. Needing to let go.

He listens to Dean's breathing change over the sound of the leather striking flesh and he feels an element of satisfaction. Closer.

He's hitting hard enough now that his arm is beginning to ache with the effort, the skin under the leather a dark, furious red, and he picks that moment to just... stop.