Wait no I thought of something — thoughts impact play with Nikolai .w.
Thoughts: a lot
See, I gotta say I think Nik is sexist to start. With men he's a real hardass and women he's all but falling over himself to coo (and belittle) his partner after each strike. If you're somewhere in between, it might depend on the day. He only uses tools - his words - when he thinks you can handle them. It's only ever up to him if you can. He likes to use his hands more though, gives him a better idea of how rough he's being. Generally, he's not great about aftercare, especially if it was a proper punishment, but I think he's a real softie when it comes to you tears and god knows he doesn't stop before he sees them so you can usually expect the princess treatment after.
(unless he thinks you can go without it - always up to his judgement :/ )