Under da sea

“Arranged? Hm… They seem to get along very well”, Thalia mused thoughtfully and then shook her head promptly. The more comfortable she became around another, the more difficult it became to stop her thoughts from being voiced. “I mean- I don’t really know much about them. I shouldn’t say” And truly, she and Selene had not been close. Safe for that one encounter, she had not visited her club again. But dear, the memories persisted… “That makes sense. To be honest, I didn’t know about the fighting aspect. I always thought it was just a night club which encouraged… Well, play”  She would not forget the eagerness of her audience nor the expertise of the men who shared the stage with her. Certainly, it had not been the first time for events like those to happen. That begged another question too: Who would take over now?

Thalia could not help but smirk too when she spotted Dmitri’s expression, though hers easily descended into giggles. “Huh… Well, I like your selection. I’ve never seen so much outside a shop”, she admitted with a smile. Picking up the glass, her smile faltered somewhat, however. “Do these… Umm- They’re alcoholic, right?” She felt shy about her preference, and how she was unable to overcome her prejudice. She could no longer kid herself. The girl now was certain that drinking would make her no less pure, though her mother’s voice and influence were strong. “I don’t drink”, she said quietly then and set the glass aside. “It doesn’t suit me very much” She hoped that this would not backfire as much as it had with Philippa or Morgana, though Dmitri certainly seemed more patient than the women. “Your place looks beautiful”, she complimented, though hesitated when asked about her preferences. It came by surprise. Hardly any Master seemed to care about her opinion. “My dream house?”, Thalia repeated as if to confirm. “Umm… It would probably be small, I think. I always lived in a big house – not as big as yours, of course, but bigger than most. I always think how I could not fill all these rooms and how it would get lonely maybe… And I don’t need much”

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"A long time ago, yeah. They do get along now, but wasn't always like that. I'm the better choice for her, I'm sure of that, but I'm also glad I was never set up with anyone, I just got whatever I want, whenever I wanted it." Dmitri mused, getting spoiled from birth on and that had never changed, yet he was always envious of others like his brothers for example. "Oh, say anything you want, they're not here anyway." Also he was curious as even to him it had been surprising to learn they had been at a place like this. Ï didn’t know either until one of the fighters approached me, but I think it was at a different place. Don’t know but also don’t care. Don’t need a club for.. play.” He remarked with a smile on his face. that kind of play could be done anywhere at all in his mind. 

“Glad you approve of my collection as it’s clear to see that my collection approves of you as well.” There was no complaint from him seeing her dressed like this, stunning to his eyes which he wasn’t hiding as his gaze kept going down over her body. He looked a little confused, someone who didn’t drink was new to him. “So no alcohol at all? Mind if I ask why?” He asked as he took the glass away from her. “There’s plenty of non alcoholic drinks around though so no problem.” He said, after which he listened to her speak of how her dream house would be like. “I get that, I need it to be big due to all the water elements, can’t be without water after all. Though houses never held my interest, I lived in the water and when I came to land more permanently I lived with a traveling theater for a long time. Fun times until they figured out I wasn’t human.” He said, turning towards her to take her hand and bring her along to the outside patio which held yet another pool, a hottub and the perfect view over the beach and the ocean. “So what would you change here? I want to know what you’re thinking.”

Ivy gave a dramatic sigh then, not quite looking directly at him - always a side eye, and she decided not to answer.  “If you could choose your company, though, even now, would you still choose the slaves?” she asked instead, reaching over and tracing random swirls on the back of his hand.  This was very different from how Ivy had been for so long, and she was diving headfirst into someone who was way more extroverted and confident than she really was.  She didn’t even give him any confirmation, just stood, clutch in hand, and held up her arm for him to take.  “I’ll show you the way.”

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There was something about her avoiding his gaze, that made this strangely appealing to him even more, like a little game being played yet he wasn’t the one who was playing it. “Now? Now I seek your company.” Which was easy enough to admit, how could he not? Usually he was the one taking the lead but now she was definitely taking that side, which he had to admit he was liking quite a lot even if that hardly ever happened. Dmitri got up as she did, instead of taking the arm, he placed his arm around her back. “Lead the way, darlin’.” He said, easily following her movements to wherever she was taking him. 

Atticus let out a loud laugh then.  “What, you think this is my first time drinking?” he said.  He shook his head.  “Jeez, I know I look twelve, but come on, man.”  He was familiar with that very specific throat burn.  “Don’t usually walk– oh!  A mermaid!”  Then he frowned.  “No, wait, that’s not actually what you guys are called, are you - that didn’t count by the way, I’m just trying to think of the proper name…”  It took him a second, and he sipped the remnants of the cocktail before lighting up.  “Oh, siren!  Duh.  Well, I didn’t pay attention much in that supernatural class, so–”  He shrugged.  “That’s my excuse.”

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Dmitri couldn’t help but chuckle at the guess of a mermaid. It wasn’t generally what he called himself though he was used to the phrase. “Indeed, a Siren, well guessed.” It was funny to him as he had made it overly easy anyway. “Really? Why wouldn’t you pay attention in a class like that when you’re at a place that has many different species? I’d say knowledge is power, especially here.” There were even species that he didn’t even know much so he made sure to read up on them as well. 

“I’ve been told that I have a pretty good poker face,” he laughed. “At least, when it counts.” He smirked a little bit. “But, in everything I’ve done, a good poker face has come in handy, so I’ve had plenty of practice.” He laughed a little bit. “Oh, I teach Veterinary Science,” he told him. “I may not look it, but I’m quite the science nerd,” he laughed. “And, what about you?” 

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“Never really needed to have a pokerface to be honest, can always change any situation to my advantage in different ways usually.” Dmitri said with a nod, taking another sip from his drink. “Veterinary Science, sounds interesting and nothing wrong with a nerd of any kind. I myself am a theater nerd and teach Dramatic Arts, the stage is my second home, the first being the ocean but not much theatrics going on down there.” He chuckled, it was one of the reasons he enjoyed being on land. “So aside from work, what keeps you busy?”

“Why do I get the feeling that you have something a bit naughtier up your sleeve?” she laughed, shaking her head and smirking a little bit. “Oh, blackjack is really fun,” she said. “I’m by no means a pro, but I’ve enjoyed it the times that I’ve played.” She giggled a little bit, shaking her head. “Well I won’t say no to that,” she said. “A personal fun trainer is never a bad thing,” she teased.

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“Because I clearly do. How can I not when I’m seated next to someone looking as good as you do?” Blunt and forward as always, yet complimenting at the same time, a little smirk playing on his lips. “I’m no pro either but I do love the game.” He said, taking a sip of his drink and a sip of water after that as usual. “I’d say so too, so now you have one. We’re all here to work or study but life can’t be all about just that, right?” Dmitri said as he got up from his seat and held out his hand. “Let’s try our luck at the blackjack table then.”

“Selene?”, Thalia interrupted the man awkwardly and looked at him more closely. You fool… The similarity was striking, and with all that she had known about Selene Ness, she felt foolish not to have realized their connection sooner. “I apologize. I- I’ve encountered Selene before. I didn’t know she left… What of her club?” That she had been the main performer that day she’d rather keep to herself. A faint blush, however, crept over her cheeks at the memory.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you – or anyone – with their tail…”, the girl trailed off then. “I wonder what it’s like… Is it bothering you to be in this form? Like a human?” She knew that most preferred not to associate themselves with her kind. Thalia did not mind, though she could see why they were reluctant. “Mhm, yes. I mean maybe a canopy, somewhere you and your guest could meet or have a barbecue at” Whether this was a priority for someone like Dmitri, she wasn’t sure. Thalia looked around again as they arrived. The sheer size of his place would never fail to impress her. Maybe if it wasn’t so big, he wouldn’t have so much trouble decorating… “Okay, I’ll be back in five”, Thalia promised and headed to the room he had been describing. It was more luxurious than even her sister’s room at home, she thought. Needless to say, the choice of bikinis were near-paralyzing. But Thalia knew better than to let the man wait. She chose something playful, though not too revealing, perhaps enticing enough for Dmitri not to be bored, however, as they conversed. “There are so many… Are they all only for your slaves?”, Thalia wondered as she came down, curious to see whether it was to his liking.

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“Hmhm, she’s my sister-in law. My brother is a lucky man as it was arranged for him.” Something he never had to do, spoiled rotten for most his life, he could do whatever the hell he wanted and that would never change. In many ways he counted himself lucky for that but he always felt envious of his brother when it was about Selene. “Oh, I have no idea. Had a fighter approach me the other day about my brother’s place, thinking I’d have taken over. Which I haven’t. So I have no idea, they’ll probably close unless I do take over. Not sure if it’s my kind of thing though but thinking about it.” The blush was noticed but he wouldn’t question it for now. “Hmm, it doesn’t bother me but having legs takes focus at all times, so having my tail relaxes my mind as well. We need to have legs sometimes and well, in my case a dick, to reproduce. We go on land for it. Stick around and I’m sure you’ll see it.” Dmitri chuckled, to him his tail was more normal than having his legs. “Oh a barbeque is a great idea actually.” He said as he thought about the suggestions she had made before sending her upstairs to get changed. 

Heading into the kitchen he made two classic Mojitos, including a straw and little umbrella. He picked up the glasses and turned around, right when she returned. “Damn..” A grin was shown, definitely appreciating her choice of attire as he handed her a glass. “For anyone who stays here actually, beachwear always available. I just like having people around me. Most things are for potential claims though, plenty of clothes for all occasions and whatever they will need. If earned ofcourse.” To him it was as simple as that, those who would obey him would get the luxury, but he probably wasn’t the easiest to please. “Let me show you around. Right this way for the living area.” He said as he went on ahead and pointed up at the ceiling where the bottom of the pool on the upstairs balcony was. “That’s what I was talking about, great view from here.” The walls however were quite empty still. “Just out of curiosity, what would your dream house be like?” He asked while leading the way out front to the pool there. 

“Yeah,” he grumbled.  He wondered sometimes if his family missed him; they never really responded to the letters he sent them.  By default, sure, they had to, but did they want to?  That was a different can of worms he didn’t want to open.  Atticus couldn’t help the little smile - the cocktail was working and making him eager for more alcohol.  He downed the shot quickly, giving his head a little shake.  “Ooh, that was the good kind of burn,” he sighed.  “Not a vampire, uh… what others can make you do stuff… incubus?”

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Family was a strange thing, you couldn’t choose them and were just stuck with what you had. Sometimes that was a good thing, but at other times it sure wasn’t. “The burn gets.. nicer, the more you have. In my opinion anyway.” He mused with a nod. “Not an incubus either. Let’s just say I don’t usually walk around at all. No legs.. If you don’t guess now, then I’ll be very disappointed.” Dmitri laughed, knowing he had made it easy probably now but the boy was drinking a lot as well. 

“Oh, I know you’re right,” she said, chuckling a little bit at this. “I promise to try and keep myself unbusy and have some more fun.” She grinned a little bit and nodded. “I try not to be judgmental. I mean, one can have an opinion without looking down on other’s opinions, can they not?” She smiled lightly at him. “I’m open to anything,” she said. “What’s your favorite game?”

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“They sure can, but that’s also judging, it can be positive or negative.” Dmitri mused before taking a sip from his drink. “Hmm my favorite game wouldn’t be played generally in a casino.” He smirked a little. “But I guess the slotmachines or blackjack would be my kind of games here. Think it’s more the ambiance and just meeting people which makes me come here. Like right now I’m meeting you and I have to say that I’m definitely not disappointed.. So I might just make it my personal mission to remind you to get out more and have fun.”

Ivy gave a little shrug.  “Fair enough.”  Some supernatural beings out there were more the type to be a predator, and needed the hunt for it to be ultimately satisfying.  Ivy was like that once, and maybe would get to that point again, but she wasn’t going to be completely like her old self again.  “I do give a good tour,” she smirked.  Plus, even though she would never admit it, and could barely admit it to herself, it got lonely.  It wasn’t a huge house, but it was fairly decent sized.  “I thought you wanted to win a slave tonight,” she said, running a finger along his hand to establish touch, sending a pleasurable little jolt into his skin.  “I’d hate to impose.”

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“I’m sure you do so why not give me a tour?” Dmitri chuckled and have a little nod. “Well, yes, a slave is always good but it serves the same purpose. Company. So if I win some company or just get it, either way is good to me.” He mused before feeling the light touch and the effect it had. “Well then, guess you have some tricks up your sleeve, huh?” The smirk on his face only grew at that. “You’d hate to impose? Somehow I doubt that.. So let us go then?” 

“Pretty much,” Wade said with a laugh. He grinned a little bit at him. He leaned in just a bit closer to the other man. “I’m very fond of poker. I’ve been told that I’m pretty damn good at it, too.” He smirked just a bit. “What about you? Do you have a good poker face?”

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“Ah poker! I do love poker, won’t say I’m extremely good at it or anything but I do enjoy it.” Dmitri chuckled and shook his head. “Nah, my poker face needs some work I think though I can always sway a game to go my way with a little song if needed, then again that would be cheating.” He smirked a little, not like he ever minded to cheat a little bit on a game sometimes. Here at this place however it would be hard to do. “So what is it you teach? I know you[’re part of the faculty as I am as well, just have no idea what your field of expertise would be.”

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. I didn’t know you had family here?” Thalia looked curiously at the other. Most people came here on their own, for obvious reasons. She could not imagine being here with her own family. If anything, her family was the precise reason she ended up on this island in the first place. “Do you miss them? And of course, I’ll try my best to be of use” Dmitri had been very forward with her in the past, though always polite. The least she could do was to return the favour. “Your place must be big if it has a pool on every floor…”, the slave trailed off then. “Much bigger than anything my family ever owned. But… Maybe some garden features? Or a music room? My father always enjoyed playing the piano” But then again, her interests might still be too basic for the man. She sat down next to him. “I assume you already thought about the playroom, Master Dmitri, yes?”

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“My brother, Paris, was here with his wife Selene, but they unfortunately had to leave. I guess I miss them, in some way.” Dmitri acknowledged that at least, each in a different way he did miss them. “It’s big yeah, much better than the suite I was given at first, made me feel like a sardine. I need space around me, and well, water of course. It’s nice to be at the beach so I can just take off whenever I need to stretch my tail.” He said as he started the engine, looking aside to make sure she had buckled up before setting off in the direction of the beach. “Garden features, you mean like chairs and stuff? A garden I could use help with, back home the ocean is just our garden.” He smirked a bit when she mentioned a playroom. “That’s pretty much the only thing that is fully done, the whole basement is my playground.” The rest however could use a gentle touch, he knew that much, taking a turn to park right in front of the villa that he could now call his. After getting out, he moved around the car to help her out as well to head inside. “Right, first I need you to go upstairs, second door on the left. It’s one of the slave rooms, pick out a bikini there if you want, there are various kinds. Naked is an option too though. I’ll be in the kitchen, right over there.” He pointed down the hallway to where he was going as he wanted to make some drinks.”I’ll see you soon.”

“I have brothers, too,” he said, followed by a very obvious grimace, then a giggle.  “I think I would rather pass away than see one of them come here.  To an extent, I do get along with the one.”  He was the youngest and most obnoxious, certainly, out of all the Carmine brothers (and sister) but still he felt that if one was here, it would be like he was being babysat, or that they’d report his debauchery back to their parents.  “Well, that wasn’t creepy in the slightest, but color me intrigued,” he said, turning toward him - the guy wasn’t hideous, so if he wanted to be a little mystical, Atticus could play along.  “So what are you, vampire?  I see it.”

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“Family is a tricky thing, I get along with mine but not all the time, our lives are just very different.” Dmitri shrugged his shoulders, nothing new there to him anyway. He smirked at the remark, not surprised that it might seem creepy because it was. “If you guess right, then you can stop drinking. If wrong, then you take a shot.” Forever turning everything he could into a game or a challenge, it just never stopped being fun to him. Dmitri signalled the waiter to get shots ready. “ Well, that’s one shot. No, I’m not a vampire, good guess though.” He said, watching the shot get placed in front of Atticus. “What would be your next guess?”

"Now those sound like some damn good thoughts.."