peer reviewed

Rachel: Something tells me you're a lot better than 'acceptable'. And yes, please, I would love that.

Rachel: See?!?! You're fluent in emoji already! I do like that a lot.

Rachel: Of course! I'm very excited to indulge you. Rachel Woods is an open book, especially for the people she likes the most. You can learn anything you want about me.

[...]

Rachel: I'm free whenever you want to meet, I can make myself available to help a friend.

Rachel: And you can be honest with me, I promise. This is why we started to talk in the first place, right? For you to be open with someone? That hasn't changed for me.

Rachel: All you have to do is let me help you, and I'll do my very best to get it done.

Ainsley: I do try. And, thankfully, I've not had much on the lines of complaints, across the last decade, so I do think that's promising.

Ainsley: You're both such superb teachers. And I like to think of myself as an excellent student! Combining the two seems like a mutually advantageous situation, to be sure.

Ainsley: I'm certainly going to consider myself quite lucky, that you hold me in such high regard!

[...]

Ainsley: Thank you. Really. I'm- I just never expected to find myself- no- to /put/ myself in this position.

Ainsley: Yes, I suppose so. I appreciate you, all the same, though.

Mia couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle. The answer was so obvious– the right thing to do was so obvious. And yet, Ainsley, in all her stubbornness, refused. Mia couldn’t say she was surprised.  “Do you think most people know how to be their mark prior to getting it in the first place? Just because it’s uncharted territory, doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. I wouldn’t want to be marked a Switch. But if I was, I don’t think I could stand to hide it for long. And you? – It’s been far too many years, Ainsley. “ 

Malia: you didn't ruin anythin'

Malia: we're focusin' on what's goin' on with you right now, miss. we really don't gotta talk 'bout the credit i may or may not give myself.

Malia: i think you treat me just fine-- i don't--

Malia: how can i reassure you we're okay? what do i gotta do?

Ainsley: I'm- I'm-

UNSENT: R-really? This- I have to be dreaming? How could you forgive me so easily?

Ainsley: Of course! Affection and attention is certainly something I'm more than willing to provide you with. That I'm honored to provide you with.

Ainsley: I think it will just take me some time. I'm not always the best with... well... people. But you're different, Malia.

Rachel: I can't see how it could possibly be ridiculous. If anything, it's kind of sexy. I, for one, would love to meet Ophelia in person. She sounds kind of great.

Rachel: It does, yes. And I guess there's no rush. You can make that decision whenever you're ready, just be sure it's an informed one.

Rachel: You should! I'm a big fan of emojis. I'm personally partial towards this (🤩) to describe me, but I'll let you have the freedom to choose whichever you want.

Rachel: Perfect! See you then 😘

Rachel: I couldn't have said any better myself. You might be enthralled with me right now, but despite of my diminutive size, I contain multitudes, which I'm very eager for you to learn about.

Rachel: Truthfully, neither am I, but sometimes we have to. And thank you, it means a lot to know that.

Rachel: It's not forward at all! Actually, I was kind of hoping that you would ask...

[...]

Rachel: Do you want to meet somewhere? Or just talk about it?

Rachel: Whatever it is, I'm here for you.

Rachel: I don't know what's going on, but whatever it is, I know you can work through it.

Ainsley: You think? I know that- if nothing else- I'm at the very least an acceptable Domme. The rest, however, remains to be seen. Maybe we can explore that option more, later down the line?

Ainsley: I think thats perfect! That or (🌟) because it has the lines coming off it, indicating that it's especially bright!

Ainsley: As am I! We should definitely talk more about it tonight! I'm very excited to learn about your the various facets and nuances of the one and only Rachel Woods!

[...]

Ainsley: Would that be okay? I just- It's kind of serious, but I think it's important that you know.

Ainsley: When are you available next?

Max: lmfao no, you entitled asshole

Max: i don't have anything left. so, no.

Ainsley: I didn't know drug dealers held so much stock in formalities, these days.

Max: no

Ainsley: Excuse you?

MALIA: no, no, it's okay, you're tellin' me now and that's what matters, y'know? you're okay, i promise.

MALIA: it's weird havin' other people apologize to me. usually i'm the one groveling after major brat behavior :/ i mega promise you're okay. and for the record, you mean a lot to me too. like a whole lot.

MALIA: ..

MALIA: who said anythin' about throwing away your chance with me? i'm right here, miss.

Ainsley: I'm- things are difficult, but I'm at least- I don't want to ruin things anymore than I have, if that makes sense?

Ainsley: You deserve it. And I think- for as much as you might believe you should grovel- that you're not giving yourself nearly enough credit, Malia. Brat behavior or not.

UNSENT: DSAKFjsdal A whole lot? Really? If this is a dream, I hope I don't wake up...

Ainsley: I-

Ainsley: I simply made a logical assumption. I- I don't want you to feel obligated about anything with me.

MALIA: there's nothin' to apologize for, i promise. and thanks for tellin' me, i really appreciate it

MALIA: i- ..okay, yeah, when you put it that way :/

MALIA: :/ i don't like that at all. you promise it wasn't anythin' i did at all? 'cause i was real worried i let you down or that i wasn't good

AINSLEY: Of course. It's- I should have told you from the start. I'm just so- so /embarrassed/.

AINSLEY: You mean so much to me, Malia, and I'm sorry I took you for granted like that.

Once Ainsley’s weight was against Mia, she assumed another familiar position, bringing her hand up to her hair, gently stroking the strands and comforting the switch as best as she could. “Then what is it about, Ainsley? What are you so scared of?” She paused, pursing her lips for a moment. This absolutely was not her strong-suit, comforting people. Empathy in general wasn’t a strong-suit. It wasn’t the way she as raised– nevertheless, she tried.“Here’s the way I see it. You can continue this charade of being a Dominant, you can keep lying to the public, always looking behind you to make sure you cover your tracks so you don’t get exposed.” Pun intended. “Or you can just stop.” 

MALIA: oh shit

MALIA: um..i mean, i dont..think you put me in danger or anythin' so you don't gotta apologize

MALIA: hell, i've scened while drunk, it ain't a big deal. it just felt like you weren't into it, y'know?

AINSLEY: I'm sorry to tell you over text but I- I felt you should know.

AINSLEY: It was irresponsible of me to initiate a scene when I knew I wasn't fit to Dominate /anyone/ nevertheless someone I care so much about.

MALIA: like, the street stuff????

AINSLEY: Yes.

AINSLEY: I've- I thought I had things under control but I- I don't.

AINSLEY: And even worse I- I put you in danger because of my cowardice.

MALIA: um, okay

MALIA: what's up?

AINSLEY: I was trying to figure out the most tactful way of telling you, but I've been unable to think of anything beyond just saying.

AINSLEY: And I do want to apologize for not doing it in person but I- I can't.

MALIA: no, it's just, like, i dunno

MALIA: you just..i dunno, sound like you're gonna scold me or somethin'

AINSLEY: No. Far from it, actually.

AINSLEY: I just wanted to explain my behavior, these last few weeks.

MALIA: 😱😱😱😱😱😱

MALIA: 911 sos

UNSENT: I just need to expla-

AINSLEY: Oh, um, if you're that uncomfortable with the idea, we don't have to.

MALIA: hmmmmmmmmm

MALIA: totally not there rn

[...]

AINSLEY: I need to talk to you.