Sacrifice

   “honey, you gotta think outside the box! this island might be an all expenses paid, sex addict’s dream, but it’s still got a few rules worth testing.” she winked towards the man, walking away from everyone around them. aggie leaned closer to his shoulder, conspiring with him, “you masters and mistresses are pretty much allowed to do whatever you want, right? but you’ve got a big rule here. you can’t step into another’s cabin.” her voiced edged dangerously, a brow raised at the male, “think we should test that one out?”

He paused in walking along, turning his gaze down to the woman - who just outed herself as an asset. “This is true. There is little sweeter than taking hold of that which belongs to someone else...” the man admitted, biting both his lips as he looked up over her shoulder. “All right, I think a little smooth B&E is in order tonight. Granted, nothing I’ve ever done before, but a first time for everything, right?”

  “Uh–  I worked with people who spoke them not really common to meet many that speak other languages just living about Turkey.” She shrugged softly, not sure if she should go into her old job. It seemed rather far in the past besides most never found it interesting to hear about. “It would suit you very well,” A small nod with a smile of encouragement.  “Almost a week… I am what they say ‘new blood’? Yourself?”

“A translator?” he asked curiously, a tilt of the man’s head to indicate he was trying to follow along as best he could. “For all the languages in the world, anyone speaking multiple languages should always have some sort of job, you know? I think, even on the island here, it should come in handy.” He eased back into his chair. “About two, myself. Are you liking it so far?”

  “Obvious?” She questioned back with a small laugh, “I’m Turk – not very exciting.” Miray shrugged with a smile - a wrinkle in her nose as well. “Oh no,” Brown locks swayed a bit as she shook her head  “-unless this is heaven then maybe. But I believe my head is alright.” A small pat on the top of her head as if checking. “Yes, still together. Language is easy though, you just need to stay with it. You learn yours by speaking it every day it is the same with the others you learn.” A small smile, nodding slowly. “I think I spoke just enough to be aloud.” Teasing a bit. “It is nice to meet you Coo’per.”

He nodded slowly in understanding of what she was saying. It was wonderful to learn a language, but unless you actively used it, there was often that whole ‘forget’ portion that came into play. “So the melting pot of Turkey is where all these languages come together at once? That’s pretty awesome, can’t say I’ve traveled anywhere Mediterranean or nearby before.” He gave her a nod. “How long have you been here at the island?” 

  “Mhm..” She hummed slightly, “Sixth…yes, italiano - espanol -  francais -  Deutsche -  Turk and now English.  ” repeating the word softly, ‘th’ noting to herself. “–I like um… culture and it is important language.” Mirays brows popped up, giving a small glance around as if checking to make sure he was talking to her before dark hues landed on him. “Sure- thank you…” Moving a few things on the table so he had room if needed. “I am Miray by the way.”

“European?” asked the man as he moved closer to the table and slipped onto the chair beside the brunette. “I think us Americans believe that if you know more than one language, that’s impossible. Your head will surely explode.” He let out a chuckle and tilted his head to get a better look at the book. “Still, you’ve just educated me because who ever thinks that it would only be English speakers coming to the island! I’m Cooper, hi there...”

   “i feel like doing something fun,” the redheaded asset started off, face turning towards her company, “and maybe a little illegal.” her laugh was infectious and welcoming. something about her presence always drew others in, made them feel at home - or in this case, adventurous. “how about it, babe? should we get up to some mischief?”

He was looking off for a moment, lost in thought before his eyes turned back to the woman. “Illegal, you say? Hmm, count me in...” chuckled Cooper, shifting in the seat where he was reclining. “Though around here, what’s really counted as illegal?”

  His response took some embarrassment off her shoulders, her smile widening slightly. “Yes,” Nodding, “Oh–” Eyes snapping to the book, a few post it notes but not very exciting. “– English, this is my six language.” Glancing back at them her lips in a small purse. “It is the hardest so far.”

He blinked a couple of times, then the paper folded up in his lap as Cooper’s arms dropped. “I’m sorry did you say ‘sixth’ language?” he asked, eyebrows raised. “That’s really amazing, you’ve got to be very smart.” He’d learned quickly not to assume things around here - what you thought might be true of someone had been proven wrong. “Um, can I help you with any of that?” the master asked.

The hub…3rd fl lounge. 

          Miray stared at the book, English was proving harder than most of her other languages. There were the basics than the in depth - words used multiple times or sound a like but aren’t, she doubted she would be writing in it any time soon. Honestly, ‘to’ - ‘too’ - ‘two’, with the thought she gave a shake of her head trying to chase away the doubting thoughts. Giving a glance around the quiet space her eyes fell on the person not to far. “Good evening –” Sucking in a quiet breath “um - morning- Good morning.” Offering a small awkward smile. 

His eyes rose from the Wall Street Journal he’d been reading, noticing the young female there working on some language book of sorts. It was a surprising revelation that frankly made him feel stupid and far too ‘republican’ for his own liking. People were from other countries here, speaking other languages and turning Eros into this island melting pot. “A good something,” he replied back with an easy smile, saying the mix up was no big deal. “What are you working on there?” 

SHE  LET’S  OUT  an  uncharacteristic  laugh  ,  it’s  louder  than  she  means  to  &  has  her  covering  her  mouth  seconds  after  he’s  released  her  hand  .     ❛              i  think  we’re  safe  of  that  aspect  ,  i  can’t  promise  other  songs  won’t  slip  but  believe  is  safely  tucked  away  .  ❜     she  admits  lightly  .  she’d  learnt  a  very  long  time  ago  that  it  was  just  easier  to  go  with  the  flow  ,  of  course  ,  not  all  situations  allowed  that  .  but  this  one  did  &  she  could  work  with  that  .  however  his  next  questions  had  her  at  a  loss  for  words  ,  it  wasn’t  because  she  found  them  rude  or  disgusting  ,  but  more  that  she  didn’t  really  know  what  the  norm  was  ,  everyone  was  different  ,  there  were  some  in  her  two  years  that  had  simply  not  wanted  to  speak  on  any  matter  &  often  just  wanted  to  be  pleased  ,  there  were  some  that  only  wanted  to  talk  ,  she  liked  those  better  &  then  there  were  some  that  wanted  both  ,  she’d  never  really  encountered  one  who  wanted  both  .  but  she’d  seen  a  few  linger  around  .     ❛  i  have  to  admit  ,  i’m  not  much  better  than  yourself  ,  however  i  do  believe  that  it’s  whatever  you  like  but  a  drink  sounds  great  .   ❜

The body in front of him definitely was built for sin. Her body screamed that you’ll never find better for the naughtiest, nastiest things to be done to it. She was really a gift, in Cooper’s humble opinion, women should simply not look so good and be allowed to walk around! But she was a person as well, and this tempered the somewhat more moderate man in his actions. “Let’s... start with the drink and go from there.” He put his hand on her lower back and guided her off to one of the more private sectioned off areas of the wide open hub commons. It was lit with candles and had thin veil drapes around the circular booth, built for a mix of privacy and sensuality. Cooper captured two drinks from a passing waiter - they were always very well prepared with very potent libations - and he slipped onto the circular couch, passing one to her. “So I’m all for going the route of twenty questions in order to get to know one another, but let me put one thing out there first. No matter what, I’m not going to hurt you. I’m not here to be your priest or absolve you of any sins, nor hold you back if there’s somewhere... or someone... you’d rather be doing. It would change this...” Cooper commented, wiggling a finger back and forth between the two of them, “...whatever this is.. but you’re a grown woman and can make your own decisions, regardless of whatever roles we chose to play with each other. Deal?” 

ASIDE  FROM  THE  confusion  that  dipped  at  her  brows  ,  all  she  could  really  offer  him  on  the  matter  was  a  shake  of  her  head  ,  she  didn’t  know  many  things  .  she  could  get  by  on  what  knowledge  she  had  &  what  she  learnt  from  books  ,  when  she  had  the  chance  ,  but  much  more  than  that  ,  she  had  very  little  idea  .  but  despite  where  she  came  from  ,  what  she  does  ,  her  cheeks  fill  with  a  strawberry  hue  ,  the  pale  freckles  darkening  as  she  too  turns  back  to  the  water  .  she  may  of  be  a  prostitute  for  years  ,  but  she  wasn’t  immune  to  a  handsome  man  &  his  compliments  ,  that  was  something  she’d  never  been  able  to  control  .     ❛             i  mean  ,  thank  you  &  you  don’t  have  to  call  me  cher  ,  it’s  just  what  most  people  do  .  ❜   she  offered  ,  teeth  catching  her  lower  lip  ,  as  she  tried  to  will  away  the  blood  from  her  face  .   she  glanced  back  at  him  for  a  moment  before  she  simply  decided  to  be  polite  ,  her  hand  offered  to  him  in  greeting  .     ❛  it’s  nice  to  meet  you  ,  cooper  .   ❜   

“I like Cher. If you start singing ‘Believe’, however, I shall disown you,” promised Cooper with a nod. While everyone loved the goddess of pop, there was one sing far overplayed. And he figured the blue eyed beauty probably heard every joke in the book already. He turned to her as she offered her hand and took it in his own. Rather formal for such an arrangement, he thought. Without waiting, he leaned in closer and gently claimed her lips with his own. “Lovely to meet you, too.” Unorthodox, but then again, so was he. He finally released her hand after a little shake and stepped back some. “I confess to being a little absent of mind when it comes to where things go from here. Do we just talk for a while? Do I pull you back to the suite for some hair pulling, ass smacking and hard, rough sex? Are you expecting rules and groundwork first?” he asked, looking like he was doubtful at his own words. “How about we just get a drink and see if we actually like each other?” offered the man, hopefully. 

SHE  COULD  FEEL  his  eyes  on  her  ,  that  spine  pricking  feeling  ,  starting  from  her  ankles  all  the  way  up  ,  it  wasn’t  hard  too  ignore  really  ,  it  wasn’t  an  unfamiliar  sensation  ,  it  wasn’t  a  terrible  sensation  ,  but  it  was  just  a  look  .  the  skin  tingling  &  the  confusion  didn’t  work  all  that  well  together  ,  she  didn’t  really  understand  the  reference  .    ❛             happy  little  trees  ?   ❜     she  took  his  comment  a  little  too  literal  ,  she  thinks  that  if  there  were  trees  ,  they’d  see  less  of  the  view  .     ❛   i  think  they’d  just  get  in  the  way  .   ❜     she  murmurs  ,  her  fingers  leaving  small  smudges  against  the  window  as  she  leans  closer  .  she  hadn’t  assumed  much  conversation  but  her  name  had  dragged  her  eyes  way  from  the  waters  &  towards  him  .  was  she  in  trouble  ?  it  wasn’t  often  those  who  sought  her  out  knew  much  of  her  ,  so  the  surprise  is  evident  behind  those  blue  eyes  of  hers  .     ❛                that’s  me  ,  but  cheryl  makes  me  sound  like  i’m  somebodies  grandmother  ,  i  think  .  most  people  call  me  cher  .   ❜    &  by  most  people  ,  she  meant  teagan  &  perhaps  one  or  two  of  the  other  assets  she’d  run  into  .

“Happy little trees? Bob Ross? Afro and painting with his pocket squirrel? No?” Cooper asked, a little incredulous that in this day and age someone still didn’t know the famous artist. If he had time (and inclination) with her, maybe he’d have to show her a few episodes. No doubt only to watch her fall fast asleep, he thought with a wry smile. “Sorry... ‘Cher’.... I just remember reading it from the paper I was given. If it’s worth anything, you’re even better looking in person than on your profile.” Cooper offered her a smile and shrugged lightly, turning his eyes away from her once more. “I’m Cooper Ellis. You were... suggested... to me as an asset?” offered the man, blinking as he looked her over. She seemed far more aloof and intellectual, he thought, than maybe what he was expecting. Then again, short of a sex kitten, he really didn’t know what to expect here on the island.

madeline smiled.  “you know what i miss?  shopping.  i mean, i have nice clothes now, but i miss going out and finding something for myself rather than just hoping for someone else to pick something i might like…”  she sighed, wistfully. it’s an idle daydream. she’s content where she is, and it’s only a little extra work to find someone willing to get her what she wants in exchange for the full focus of her attention. “i swear. first thing i’m doing if i leave is finding one of those giant thrift stores and buying myself six dresses.”

“I can imagine that being one of those things that you would miss. That autonomy and choice that we take for granted in everyday life,” Cooper agreed thoughtfully. Just hopping in your car to go to Starbucks or hitting the mall at any time would be out of the question once you’re pledged to the island, it made him much more introspective and thoughtful. “I don’t think I’ve ever asked - but do you get to leave? I mean... is there a salary? Time off? 401k?” It sounded like a bit of a joke, but he really did want to know.

      “Movie theaters are for secret blowjobs and messing around,” Lila pointed out, taking another sip of her drink. She could hammer down so many of these so fast… “I haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing how little wining and dining is done here, yet. I was only acquired a week or so ago.” Fingers still lightly tapped against the bar counter, but Lila’s attention was more fully on her company. “I was never fond of the dinner and a movie aspect, though. I’d rather be taken dancing somewhere. Not … polite dancing, though. Gritty rave lights and bass. That kind.” Another sip of her drink. Lila pressed her chin into her palm and rest her elbow on the bar, “You’re amusing company, so far. That’s good.”

His eyebrows rose in slight surprise. “Oh, wow. I only had the pleasure of that once, and that wasn’t to completion. She got shy because there was someone further down the row from where we sat,” Cooper admitted honestly, eyes glazed and distant for a moment, remembering. He blinked it away and looked back to the other. “Acquired. That’s an interesting term for coming to work here. After only a week... have you made a decision whether you like it or not?” For some reason, the curvy brunette would be incredible at the gritty grinding dancing, Cooper had to admit. She was stacked in all the right places. His head inclined. “Thank you very much, I try,” he smiled teasingly. “I’m Cooper, by the way.” 

“I think we’re both thinking too far into things around here,” either that or maybe that were two of the only rational people around who tried to plan ahead.  "Have you met your asset yet?  I’m assuming your paired already?“  He was handsome and probably at the top of everyone’s list, "I don’t think i’ve been yet, either that or nobody has told me,” not that she minded, at least without an asset she could explore things a little more without having to worry what she was supposed to be doing with someone at her beck and call.  "I get it though, there’s always going to be that doubt, no matter how well things are going, that it’s all just because it’s their job to keep us happy,“ that part was what scared her the most to.  The question of a return policy had her thinking too, "you know I never thought about that, what happens if we don’t get along, you’re exactly right.”  It was scary actually, putting all of your faith into some robotic system that’s supposed to be able to find your PERFECT match.  "I was not expecting one of my first conversations here to be so deep, thank you for that, it’s rather refreshing…“  She enjoyed it anyway and felt very grounded and relaxed, "you know I could turn this conversation VERY naughty with that last statement of yours…”  A chuckle as a sheepish grin spread wide across her lips.

“You know, I did get an assignment, but I don’t think I’ve met her as of yet. Probably busy with other things. Or other people,” he added a bit more darkly, index finger rubbing below his lower lip. “Things you don’t want to think about, right? We’ve all got a past, trying to keep it from creeping up and thinking about that too much, because I’m sure they charge a premium on virgins around here.” Then he smirked - a genuine joke thrown in there. Cooper shrugged. “I never would have expected to be getting this cerebral with anyone, either. But it actually feels nice to share some of these insecurities and know I’m not the only one.” It had instantly endeared Camila to him, and he hoped that meant that they’d be close long into the future. He sat down and pulled out his mobile, starting to make up a list of what to pack for a trip to tour the island on foot. The man’s head rose and he tilted it slightly, a grin on his face. “That’s far too much ammunition. Okay, okay... let me have it, I’m sure you’re dying to let a naughty comment loose there!” 

SOMEHOW  ,  SHE  DOESN’T  really  know  how  she  managed  it  ,  but  she  found  herself  alone  .  without  the  accompaniment  of  a  master  or  mistress  ,  but  yet  she  didn’t  bother  to  wander  far  ,  she  instead  stood  in  front  of  a  large  window  ,  peering  out  at  the  crystal  blue  waters  as  the  sun  dipped  below  them  .  she’d  slowly  walk  from  one  end  to  another  ,  just  watching  the  daylight  disappear  ,  however  those  movements  stilled  as  someone  stepped  into  her  path  ,  not  that  she  minded  ,  she  barely  even  spared  them  a  glance  until  she  heard  them  speak  .     ❛              almost  as  if  it  were  a  painting  .   ❜     she  believed  it  too  be  picturesque  .   she  didn’t  comment  on  the  fact  that  he  could  ,  he  could  stay  for  as  long  as  he  wanted  ,  it  wasn’t  a  terrible  place  to  live  really  .  even  on  her  end  .     ❛   i  couldn’t  think  of  a  nicer  view  to  be  greeted  with  daily  .  ❜

“All we’re missing is ‘happy little trees’,” mused the man, his blue orbs sliding over the landscape in front of him. Bob Ross wasn’t all about painting beach scenes very often, Cooper knew, but it was the most colloquial painting description that everyone might know. He shoved a hand in his pocket and followed a swell down on the water all the way to the beach. There was something calming and peaceful about it. He turned his eyes then to the woman standing beside him. Jesus. His brow furrowed as he went from the bottom of a very long pair of legs, up over slender hips and waist to impressively large breasts topped off with a beautiful face and eyes bluer than the ocean. It took him a moment to snap out of the stare. “You’re Cheryl, right?” asked Cooper, remembering now.

“Yeah I’ll be honest as well,” she spoke, voice lowering to match his tone, “I haven’t either. I haven’t even seen the movies.” Nellie gave a quick shake of her head. “The fact that it was a fanfiction really does turn me off from it. Couldn’t imagine reading it after acquiring that knowledge.” She wasn’t even sure how the book managed to get published. Her head tilted to the side slightly as she listened to the man articulate his explanation. “I think if you give this place a little time you should be able to find what you’re looking for. There are so many different people here with different tastes, expectations, and personalities. I’m sure something will click sooner or later.” 

“Hopefully so,” Cooper said, casting his blue eyes around the room. People milled about, beautiful in every gender, and he nodded understanding. “I guess it’s a matter of finding that person who is into the same things you are. More the journey than the destination, or something like that,” he mused, returning his gaze to the girl. “What about you? Found that ‘special someone’ here yet? Or is that off the table when you’re an asset?”