It helped, acted like a grounding agent when his mind began to drift. Although he was still floating at sea, it told him which direction was home; his lighthouse guiding him back to safe harbor. He gave a slight nod, following Eli's movements up until his hands were back in place before feeling it out for himself. He started the buckles from the top this time, intending to work his way down until he was back on his knees.

No matter how many times Eli put it across, Shannon would always need that one stated. His ability to speak or lack thereof was important to putting him in different spaces that would achieve the same goal in the end, and also influence his reactions and reception to his Dom. It textured the scene completely different depending on how Eli wanted it to be done. "Gag me?" he repeated, obviously incredulous. Obviously his speech wasn't a matter of toleration rather than Eli's mood at the time, so obviously the idea of forcing him quiet hadn't entered his mind.