#skype thread

Octavian: Octavian bolted in the door after a shift at the bakery. It had been slow, a common occurrence in the summer with how many masters left the island for vacation. It gave him more time to think on things as he sat in the back between customers. Even more lately his head had been elsewhere, contemplating Noelle and her future. Their future, really. He had been on edge, ever since Noelle came out of her coma. The cambion was nervous about what was next. Things only seemed to get worse for the two. He had started talking to his brother, Zaki about using the money he used on Octavian's education, and giving it to Noelle. Zaki was all too eager to help make Noelle safe and agreed. That was a few weeks ago, and remained on his mind. He missed his mom, but he would also miss the steady stream of feeding he could get here. It wasn't an easy choice for him. But today he made his choice. Octavian ran upstairs, passed Noelle in the living room and started tearing through his room.

Noelle: Noelle had mostly kept to herself lately. Not that she hadn't appreciated everyone's care and help in getting all her memories back, or how excited she was to feel like she was living a normal life again. Well, as normal as it could be at the school. But ever since she'd woken up from her coma something had felt different, like being that close to losing herself forever had changed her outlook. She was itching to do more with her time, more eager to meet new people and try new things than she had been before. By Noelle's standards it was a change, even if it didn't seem that drastic to anyone else. One thing that took her a while to notice was how different Octavian had been acting. He was definitely more distracted and distant lately, but she didn't want to push him because she knew how hard he was working. When he came home from work she looked up from her spot on the couch and watched in confusion as he sped past her. "Hey, how was your..." she started to ask but he was gone already. She hopped off the couch and followed him into the bedroom, her brow furrowed in concern. "Whoa what's going on? Are you okay?" she asked gently.

Octavian: Octavian heard her. But he was committed to get to his room. It might have appeared rude, but it was in Noelle’s interest. The last thing they needed was someone hearing about his plans, stopping him from dropping her from her classes, and taking her off here. He wasn’t sure how the administration would feel, but he could imagine they wouldn’t be too happy. He grabbed armfuls of his clothes and placed them on the bed, then went scrummaging for his gym bag. As Octavian went back to the bed, he could see Noelle in the doorway. “Start packing,” he told her. It wasn’t a yell, but it was obvious he wanted her to hustle. Octavian began to fold his clothes and place them in his bag. “Just like some essentials. We can get Tiff, or Sage, or Vi to mail us whatever we don’t take back home,” he added, hoping it would get her in motion. It was time to get home, he’d had enough of this place. But even when he prompted her to start. Noelle remained frozen.

Noelle: Noelle watched him frantically packing, starting to panic at how urgent this seemed to be. When he told her to pack she jumped a little, opening her mouth to speak but not even sure what to say. "What - why? What do you mean?" she asked, getting more confused when he mentioned home and people mailing things to them. "Wait - home? What are you talking about?" she asked, feeling her stomach turn and she finally forced herself to move and walk into the room. "Octavian," she said softly, stepping in front of him and reaching up to set her hands on his shoulders. "what's going on? You're scaring me."

Octavian: Octavian was brought back to reality, when Noelle stood in front of him. His eyes traveled over her, taking her in. So much had happen in nearly two years of knowing her. He wasn’t the same person back then, teasing her, just looking to fuck her. It scared him as he went through it, that someone could have that sort of pull on him. But now, he didn’t mind it, he had no choice but to accept it. “Why aren’t you packing?” he asked her, taking a small break from his own manic packing. “Look, I know you just got through this compulsion. But I don’t think we can handle four years of this. Just when we think we’re safe, what happens? More shit. We need to leave,” he said. Octavian pulled back, and walked over to one of his shelves. He grabbed some of his recipe books, a couple of trophies from intramural sports and brought them back over to his bag. “We need to go now though, before I change my mind, and think everything here is fine,” he added.

Noelle: Noelle didn't know what to think, let alone what to say. He was suddenly so set in this idea of leaving, not giving her a chance to even consider it or understand what he meant by all this. "Slow down for a second." she urged. "Please." she asked, letting her arms drop when he pulled away. The fact that he wanted to leave terrified her because she cared about him so much, but he kept saying 'we' or 'us', like they were definitely going to go home together.  "I don't know - how can we go home? We have friends here, we're getting degrees, we can't just..." she shook her head and sat on the bed, half sitting on the clothes he was gathering. They had lives here, right? Or, The Institute's version of lives... "Please can you talk to me?" she pleaded, looking up at him with wide eyes and needing him to slow down if her nervousness was ever going to improve.

Octavian: Octavian was good at judging how upset Noelle was, based on her voice. The higher pitched she got, the more she needed him. This was to nearly a new level or panic that was in her voice. It was enough to get him to stop for another moment, setting down the items in his arms on the bed. “Yeah, we have friends. But You’re more important to me than them. I can talk to them later, meet them another time. But your safety is the most important thing to me,” he explained. Octavian grabbed a golden trophy and tossed it in his bag. “And I worked it out. Zaki has some connections at Northwestern, and U of I – C. He can get you in there,” he added. Octavian hoped it would put her mind at ease. The last thing he wanted to do was mention that Zaki agreed to pay for it. Octavian wrapped his arms around her, placing his head next to hers. “You trust me right? Have I ever steered you wrong? You doubt that everything I do is to keep you safe? I need you to trust me on this Noelle. You weren’t meant for a place like this. We weren’t. We deserve to be happy,” the cambion said to her, speaking into her ear softly.

Noelle: "But I'm safe with you, I thought." she offered. Noelle knew that Octavian sometimes felt he couldn't keep her completely safe, but she had no idea it was so bad he felt like they should both run and leave. "You talked with Zaki?" And not me, she wanted to add. She was the one he decided was joining him without any discussion and it scared her. Like maybe part of him thought he was owed a slave when he left this place. The thought made her fingers curl tensely around the blankets of the bed she was fidgeting with. Noelle tried to relax when he finally wrapped his arms around her, but still couldn't shake the fear that settled in her stomach. "I do trust you...I know you try everything you can." she assured gently. "I just - how can I walk away from a free education? Even if Zaki can get me in somewhere else I can't afford it, I'll still need to help my family with whatever I'm making. And we'd just be leaving Violet after everything we've been through with her, and Tiff all alone in this big house." Even thinking about it made her feel scared and guilty. "Do you want me to come because -" she cut herself off. Noelle couldn't bring herself to ask him, afraid that his reason for wanting her with him were different from the reason she might want to go with him.

Octavian: Octavian shook his head. She was safer with him. But not safe. That didn’t exist here. He lied to himself often about it. He liked it here, with the job opportunities he had, the fact it made his mom proud of him and of course, the many beautiful women that lived there. It allowed him to justify staying there at the expense of Noelle’s safety. “Yeah,” he told her, not sure what else to say about the fact he talked to his brother. She knew how rocky that relationship was. He swallowed his pride, and spoke with him, cutting a deal to use the money he promised his mother he would spend on Octavian’s education, and give it to Noelle. It was a deal for the incubus, considering even paying for a few years of college at Northwestern was cheaper than going here at the institute as a master. “I did. He’s going to help us. The money he was using to pay for me, he’ll give to you. And I’ll keep paying him back,” he explained to her. Octavian took in a deep breath, and pulled away from the hug. “I can help too. I mean, I want to help my mom with her rent. But I can get a job back home no problem. And I can help your family,” the cambion said. Tiffany had offered a few times to give him a loan to start a restaurant. Maybe he would take her up on that, eventually. He looked at her when she stopped mid-sentence. “I want you to come with me because I love you. And I’ve been a shitty boyfriend up to this point. I can’t care for you like I should here. I can’t see you getting tortured every month from Xavier for another two years. I know it’s selfish, but that’s how I am. I need to take you some place where the stuff that happens here, can’t happen to you,” he added.

Noelle: She was surprised that he had spoken to Zaki at all, let alone about something like this that he had apparently been debating a while. Noelle's mouth fell open when he said that his brother had offered to pay for her, "I shouldn't - I can't ask him to do that. That's so sweet of him, but he shouldn't pay for something like that." she said, shaking her head at her gut reaction to something that incredibly generous. "That's so much for you to worry about, I have such a big family, and I can send them a lot of money from here." she pointed out. The idea that things could be better for them though, she could be with him, safe, in school, by her family...it was admittedly alluring. But it still scared her. She wanted to know why he needed her to go with him, but when he finally said it she felt like everything slowed down for a moment. "Y-you do?" she breathed, hardly listening to what he said after that. She knew he had a point and was scared for her, but to hear it was because he loved her...she felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. "You love me?" she repeated softly.

Octavian: Octavian shook his head. “It’s fine. He promised our dad he’d look after me. This is his way of doing it. I don’t need an education, I never wanted one. It’s fine, it’s cheaper this way too. He already agreed… don’t make me go back and tell him not to,” he begged her. It was hard enough for him to speak to Zaki the first time. Octavian couldn’t imagine going back to tell him, ‘never mind, I need the money now.’ The cambion had went back to packing, trying to fit all he could in his duffel. “Tiffany, she offered me some money before to start a restaurant here. I bet she’d do that same to do one back home. Hell, even a food truck would be good, just to start. Then slowly get enough money to buy my own store front. We can only help your family for so long. Let’s do something so they can help themselves. They could work for me, develop a skill too,” he told her. Octavian wasn’t sure if her family would be interested in helping him, but he would at least offer, if he could take them on. Octavian stopped, when she repeated what he said. “Oh, I… yeah,” he said, not even realizing it had come out. Hadn’t he said that to her before? He could have sworn he had. “I do love you. I sort of have, for a long time. I just, never wanted to admit it. And now that I have, I know I need to protect you like I do,” he added.

Noelle: "But -" she started, but heard the desperation in his voice at the thought of going back to Zaki like he couldn't make up his mind or that it was easy to offer that much money. "Okay, no it's okay, I get it. That's just so...that's really generous. I dunno if I've done anything to deserve something amazing like that, I promise I'll help you repay him." she offered quickly. Noelle was starting to be able to imagine it though, being back near all her siblings and parents, maybe even working with them at Octavian's restaurant, living a real life with him where she knew she was safe and loved. Romantically loved, that was new for her, someone other than friends or family, someone being really in love with her the way he said he was. "A long time?" she repeated, feeling silly for repeating him so much, but she was so happy to hear him say it. "I love you too," she said gently. "you know. Well, you probably knew that for a while I guess...I thought maybe I was, that it was just me." she admitted. "Can I -" she didn't finish or ask, just stood up and stopped him again, but this time lifted to her toes and gave him a soft kiss. "Thank you, for caring about me so much." she said with a small smile. "I know that's why you want to do this."

Octavian: Octavian nodded to her. “Yeah, well, he likes you. He wants to see you safe. He almost seemed happy to do it,” he told her. He wasn’t lying to her. Zaki basically told him it was for the best that she was some place where she couldn’t be hurt. Made sense, considering she was one of Zaki’s oldest friends here. Octavian stopped, and smiled for the first time since entering the house as Noelle said she loved him too. The cambion always hoped that true, maybe even figured it to be. But he’d never heard it. At least, not since when they first met, when she was under that crazy spell. “I do. I’m tired of you getting hurt and taken advantage of. And as long as we’re here, that won’t stop,” he said, his hands on her hips. “But, we need to go. Like, now. Before something happens. Before someone talks me into staying,” Octavian told her, going back to packing. “You can tell me how much you love me and make out with me later, on the plane,” he joked.

Noelle: "Still, I don't want to just take money like that. I'll work on paying him back." she promised, and she meant it. Noelle's smile grew when she saw his, happy that they could both admit their feelings and enjoy it. Or somewhat enjoy it, before he was back on track insisting she get packing. "That sounds like a good life, a great life, really. Back home and going to school and with you...but it's not that easy for me to just pack up my life here." she pointed out. "What about all the people we care about here? We can't just disappear without a word, can you imagine what they'll think happened if they don't have a way to find out?" she pointed out. Noelle nudged his arm lightly when he tried joking, not really ready to joke about such a big decision. "Octavian!" she protested, and suddenly gasped lightly. "Octavian the plane. The island, the spell." she said, her face falling back into a frown as the smile faded. "I just got all my memories back, I dunno what will happen when we leave here. I don't think - I can't, I can't do that again and forget everything." Her words gained speed as she grew panicked again. "What if I forget people like Vi and Jude and Tiff? What if I forget you again? I don't want to do that again." she said, her voice growing frantic as she pressed a hand to her forehead in stress before running it back and over her hair.

Octavian: Octavian knew that Noelle would never take charity like that. He was the same way, having worked to pay back Zaki back as best he could. It was pride that motivated Octavian for that, but for Noelle, he figured it was just because she never wanted to be a burden to anyone. She often hinted to feeling that way around Octavian. But she never was. He did however, hope this move would prevent her from feeling that way. “It’s the one we deserve. We’ve given too much to this place. Literally our blood sweat and tears,” he reminded her. That wasn’t to say there weren’t some good memories here. There were, ones he’d enjoy looking back on. But none were more important to him than Noelle. Octavian thought for a moment, remembering what would happen if she left. Of course, he’d thought about it previously, when he concocted his plan. But never worked out a solution to it. “I know… I know… but we worked through it the first time,” he said with a shrug. Octavian looked at his desk. “What about… a letter. Something to help you. You’d have to leave those memories at some point. Better now, then when you make new memories you won’t be able to like, retain. And I know them. You know them. They will always be in your lives. I bet they want you safe too,” he suggested.

Noelle: Noelle stayed quiet for the time being, chewing on the inside of her cheek nervously. She knew he was scared for her, and the more she thought about it the more of a point he had. She really cared about her friends here, but she missed her family so much it hurt sometimes. If she was home with Octavian, she would be with him and them together. "Our super friends could always come visit us, right?" she asked, realizing they were able to take trips a lot easier than she ever could here. "Even Violet, if she gets claimed by someone nice then they'll probably take her. She can call us on her monthly phone calls or even crash with us after graduation if she needs, right?" Maybe this was doable. She could feel like she was taking back control of her life for the first time in two years. She would be safe finally. "A letter...?" she repeated, looking at his desk too. She could explain everything she needed to remember, and Octavian had been so patient and helpful with her when she lost her memories before. "You promise you'll help me remember? Even the bad stuff?" she asked, wanting to remember all of her time even if it was scary. Noelle looked down at her lap again and fidgeted with her hands, taking a long shaky breath. "Will you give me time to say goodbye?" she asked quietly. "I want to at least write and explain to some people...and give them a hug or something. I'll miss some things about this place."

Octavian: “Look, if your friends really care about you, they’d understand. Those close to you know what you’ve been through. I bet if they were being honest with themselves, they’d want you to leave,” he told her. Octavian hoped it didn’t come out mean, or cruel. He just knew that being if someone was selfless they could appreciate Noelle’s departure. Violet might be mad, maybe, but in time she would probably be happy for her. “Sure yeah. I bet your family would like them too. I mean, if they like me, I can’t imagine how they’d react to someone who was actually, you know, nice,” he said, half-jokingly. Octavian liked the idea of seeing their friends, once they left, someplace safe. “Why do you want to remember the bad stuff? This is an opportunity for you to restart, to forget the bad shit that happened,” he reminded her. Octavian didn’t want her to even have nightmares about this place, forgetting about it wouldn’t be such a terrible thing. “How long? Like, a couple hours? A day?” he asked her, suspicious just how long she wanted. Like the cambion had told her, the sooner they left, the better. The last thing Octavian wanted was to talk himself into staying.

Noelle: "I get what you mean." she offered. "I just want to say goodbye to them, I'd always feel bad if I left without that, and the last thing I want people to do is worry about me all over again." she pointed out. Noelle's lips quirked a little towards a smile at his comment, "You keep saying you're not nice." she said, shooting him a look that said she still didn't believe it for a second. Slowly she shrugged, "I dunno, I just - it's a part of my life now. It's part of my history, what made me who I am today. Even if it'd be easier, I don't want to discount some things that have happened in my life. When you lose all your memories maybe you'll get it." she added. "I don't want to pick and choose what parts of my life I get." She hoped that made sense, and that he would help her remember everything. Noelle still needed time to adjust to this, too. See the beach one more time, hug her friends. "Umm...is a day okay? There's a few people I really wanna see. I'll miss my classes and find them." she promised. "This still kinda scares me." she admitted, wanting him to sit down and calm down with her for a moment but he seemed too worked up. "But...I think it'll be good." she admitted, letting out a slow breath she felt like she'd been holding. Noelle slowly stood again, walking close to him and wrapping her arms around his abdomen in a hug.

Octavian: Noelle had a big heart. He liked that about her. He needed it in a partner, to compensate for his own lack of compassion and empathy. Octavian could be a jerk, and yet she often saw through it to his intention. “I know. You can tell them goodbye. I want you to be happy. I just, don’t want them to talk you out of it. It’s selfish. But I’m hoping you’d listen to me, and know that my intentions are genuine. It’s not to keep you from your friends. But to make sure you can share future memories with them,” he said, looking down halfway through speaking. It was hard to look at her when he felt to emotionally vulnerable. Octavian stopped packing. Partially because he was nearly done, but also because he wanted to give her some time to say a goodbye to her friends, properly. “Okay,” he started. In his head, he repeated to himself to hold steadfast to his decision. He’d see Sage, or Tiff undressing and might want to stay. The cambion could be so predictable that way. But how he cared for Noelle trumped all other relationships. “It will be good. It will be fun. We’ve talked about this. Now it’s time to see if we can really survive back home. Like a normal couple,” he added.

Jason: Jason Shaw hadn't wanted to be here in the first place but when he showed up with a slight concussion in his head, none of his convincing had worked against his co-workers. It had just been an accident...the end result of bumping his head against the running board of a car and yes, he was fine...so why on earth was he in the hospital for that? He had other things to get to. Letting out a nervous exhale, the human rubbed lightly against the gauze on the corner of his forehead and kept on waiting for his name to be called..not even daring to look around. It was somewhen between his doing that and wanting to reach for his phone, that..the blessed moment came. "...qhuinn?" Jace frowned, glancing up with a slightly unsure look on his face...not knowing how to feel about ..her or anything, really. But that would just be his luck. He stood up after a moment, swallowing and nodded at her instruction and joined her in the nurse's office, leaving his jacket in one of them pegs.. "It's nothin' I promise. I just..don't know what I was thinkin' and..hit my head."

Qhuinn: Seeing Jason at the clinic would have been cause for concern on a normal day. Her friend wasn't typically the careless or accident-prone type, much unlike herself. So it must have been pretty serious for him to be there. Of course, that wasn't the only thing on Qhuinn's mind as she looked over his chart with a small sigh. Admittedly, she had been avoiding him. Surely he knew about Clay by now, and she didn't think that she could stand to see the accusation, pity, sadness, etc. in those clear green eyes. But she couldn't side-step him forever. It was stupid, it wasn't them. And she missed him like iced coffee on a hot island day. So the wolf put on her best smile, straightening her Gryffindor print scrubs as she looked with obvious worry at his handsome face. "Hmm..I'll be the judge of that. What happened? Someone try to take the last piece of pie from you?" She teased, leaning in to gently kiss his cheek.

Jason: "Had an accident. At the auto-repair." Jason managed a faint smile at her words, hesitant to lean into the kiss at first..like he normally would, and glanced down at his hands, clasped in the middle. It was just so easy to forget that something was not quite right around her or that this was the first time he had seen her in..what? days? If that wasn't alarming enough, he didn't know what was. Shifting slowly, he let out a slight groan at the removal of the gauze and bit his lip, lest that he should say something he didn't want to say and waited patiently as she turned to her medical supplies...watching. "You've been okay?"

Qhuinn: His hesitating, and the emotions that came with it, nearly broke through the façade that Qhuinn had tried as hard as she could to cultivate in the past few weeks. It didn't stop her from nuzzling into him though, breathing in that familiar scent that was a comforting to her as Quinten's. The scent of blood and feeling of pain soon distracted her in a good way, giving her a purpose. "I missed you" She started, as Jason spoke at the same time. Chuckling softly, the wolf pulled on a pair of gloves and got busy cleaning the dried blood from his cut. "Yeah, pretty much. Just a little tired. That last spell really threw me. Took a bit longer to recover this time" She explained. Who would have thought there would be a time when she would be grateful for one of the island's crap shows, even if only as an excuse for her mood?

Jason: "Pretty much?" Jason huffed in disbelief, soft..still, just honestly caught a little bit off guard by the natural ease in her voice. Like they were only two friends..who'd gone a couple of days without talking and had no clue about ..well, that other thing. Perhaps it just scared him how good she was getting at putting up an act that he'd sounded questioning without intending it to, one of his hands reaching across to still the movement of hers..and hopefully land a good look into her eyes.. "..you know I can't stand it when you're not honest with me. I mean-- we're supposed to tell each other everythin'..right?" Jace added, bothered.. "We're supposed to be there for eachother..and I can't help but feel you've kept me out. I need to know why."

Qhuinn: Qhuinn just blinked at his words in tone, her perfectly set neutral expression giving away none of the turmoil that she felt inside. And it couldn't. She felt beyond guilty for not opening up to Jason or Quinten, or anyone but Lexi. But it was her only way of holding herself together. If she opened up more, even just a little, she felt as if she were going to break beyond repair. "I don't know what you mean" She insisted, smile tight and eyes vacant as she continued her work. "I'm here Jason. I'm always here. I barely left the island all summer, which is why I'm probably so worn out too. You can reach out and come and see me whenever you want too" Qhuinn pointed out, side-stepping the real issue with an ease of someone used to such a thing. "Ow..you did knock yourself a good one. What were you doing?"

Jason: Being met with such an unfaced exterior gave Jason a little bit of..a deja vú, practically reminded of the way Layla looked at him herself these days right then and there. It was a difficult thing to be on the opposite end of and for some reason, it upset him more than he ever planned on..his eyes projecting some of it to the she-wolf. "Really? You don't..?" he whispered, shifting away from her touch for a second to hopefully grip her attention and separate her from what was distracting her, even if it was taking care of him and the big concussion on his head. He just grabbed her hand and slowly released it into a gentle hold, "I don't think it matters what I was doin'...I know you know about Clay, Qhuinn..and the last thing I want to do is burden you, but I can't be forced to pretend it's all good around you.." His tone was commanding, a little bit angry..but understanding to an extent, "..why wouldn't you tell me..? Why does everybody just push me away from this...?"

Qhuinn: Wow... There really were varying levels of guilt. Just when Qhuinn thought that she couldn't feel lower about herself or worse about what she was doing to the two most important people in her life, she found out that she damn well could. And if Jason felt this bad..what was Quinten thinking? Was she going to cause the end of their relationship? Crossing her arms, the small wolf squared her shoulders and faced the well-deserved onslaught of what her behavior had caused. She'd hurt him, badly. And whatever her reasoning for it was, there was no excuse. But that didn't cause her to let down her walls; not even for him. She couldn't. Jason moving from her touch had the effect that she assumed he'd desired, and Qhuinn looked up, blinking a little in surprise. Then he said those words, said his name. And all she wanted to do was drop everything and throw herself against that sturdy chest as she cried. Screamed. Let out all of the grief and anger she continued to bottle up. But she couldn't. Because she was scared that she would never stop. "I'm sorry. Jason..I am so truly sorry. You know that's not me..you know me. But I couldn't. I..." Her resolve began to crumble then, eyes flashing ice blue as her lips trembled. "I can't. I can't" Qhuinn repeated, shaking her head. "Let me see about your head. Please."

Jason: Jason tried to swallow the pressure building in his chest, ease the tension on his shoulders somehow, but it was harder than he thought, his eyes capturing the way hers flickered for a second. That's when he knew that she was holding back, possibly ten times what she was choosing to show him, and that in itself worked to shut him up..for now, "..it's okay." he shook his head too, squeezing at the hand, "..I just..wish you would let me be there for ya..now, two weeks ago..I don't know.." The hurt was still very much there but it was slowly being replaced by worry..growing even as he agreed to let her continue taking care of his cut.. If she was not talking about this, he thought, then..how on earth was she..dealing? This couldn't be healthy...

 Qhuinn: Could she do it, Qhuinn thought, as she looked into that familiar face that she adored so deeply. Could she let herself go, knowing that he and Quinten would pick her back up again? The small wolf looked into those earnest eyes...and for the second time in their relationship, backed out of telling him the truth. She was a fucking coward, and a terrible friend and girlfriend. But she just couldn't do it. At least not yet. So Qhuinn simply nodded sadly, a thin shoulder rising and falling in a shrug. "You are here, Quint too. I know you both are. But I can't Jason, and..I'm sorry. I'm sorry" Icy eyes met emerald as she allowed him to fully look at her, silently pleading for his understanding. They could nearly read each others minds at times, and she was depending on just that. With nothing more to say, she continued to tend to his head. "How's Indy doing?" And with that, the door to the Clay thing was slammed shut. For now.

Jason: Jace would have kept holding her hand for as long he could, hopefully letting her know that while upset, he was still there for her, no matter what happened. It just was so surreal to see how vacant she had become..how unlike herself, but he knew he couldn't possibly get her to confess all of what she had been feeling. Not if it was at the risk of loosing her.. So, yes..he shook his head at it and summoned a faint smile, "I know." he said, reading her perfectly fine before feeling those fingers dabbing into his wound again, reaping the occasional hiss from his lips. "..he's doin' fine. Better than he was a couple of weeks ago..but uh, the doctors said it'd be a slow process." At least, he thought, he was capable of running a bit. "..how's my head?"

Qhuinn: He had to let go. If he didn't soon, Qhuinn was going to lose her already fragile grip on her emotions. And herself. Keep it together, you can do this.., Qhuinn told herself, relief visibly flooding her body when Jason indeed read her as well as she knew he would. That 'I know', the two simple words that said so much more, was all Qhuinn needed to hear. "Thank you.." She whispered, glad to turn her attention back to his injuries, and Indy. "That's good. He's a trooper, like his Daddy" She smiled tightly. "He's going to make it through just fine. I'll make him another batch of treats, he likes the peanut butter ones, right?" Qhuinn struggled a bit at first, but soon had her voice sounding almost normal to her own ears. At the question, she gave a thoughtful hum. "I think you'll survive. May have a concussion though..hold on." The small nurse finished patching up the wound, then washed her hands and approached Jason again with a penlight. "Need to check your pupils. Look at me.."

Jason: Jason smiled at the thought of Indy being just like she described and felt a slight wave of reassurance at the offers being made, thinking that they sounded just like his friend..even if for just a fraction. "..yeah, about that..do you think you can double the treats? Just..make the second batch slightly more suitable for humans..?" He was sure the dog ones were just as tasty, given by the sole fact she had been the one to make them, but perhaps it was best to be on the safer side. As she gave him her take on his little concussion, he parted his legs slightly and tilted his head up..doing as told whilst taking a second look at her.  Suddenly, despite not forgetting about the elephant in the room, Shaw just felt the need to just..talk to her, and let his lips part softly.."..I've been thinkin' about moving houses.."

Qhuinn: Qhuinn had to laugh at the request, shaking her dark head. It was just so normal, so Jason, that it almost made her feel like everything was going to work out and that she could keep up her charade. "I think that I can manage that. It's fall now too, apple pie season. Maybe I can sneak a few of those in as well" She actually gave a genuine smile at that, thinking of the cute little fall and Halloween shapes that she could use for Indy's treats. Good to know that there was still some joy left in here. When Jason's legs parted, Qhuinn couldn't help but take the invitation, moving as much between them as she could while still being able to examine his eyes. Touching his chin gently, she kept his head still while shining the light into his eyes. Yep..pupils were slightly dilated. "Okay, follow my finger" Qhuinn murmured, stepping back slightly and moving a small finger before Jason's face. She watched the movements of his eyes, brows arching slightly at the statement. "Really? What ah..what does Layla think of that? And Lex?"

Jason: Even in a concussion-like state, Shaw's eyes still lit up momentarily at the addition of pie to the list..indicating he was not as far gone as one might've had it, and he smiled, letting her know he was keen to her decision. "..you're the best." he mumbled, sounding only a bit off this time. It was a relief to see that somehow all of what had happened had not made her forget how to laugh..it meant that there was hope..somehow. And he made himself promise right there and there he would find a way to piece the pieces back together, no matter how long it took. Allowing her light touch to tilt his face up further, the human tried to follow the finger best as he could, hearing her question with pressed lips. "..yeah--see, they don't know. But it's been makin' me feel quite stuck for a while now..and after all that's happened..I might need a new chapter. Much as it hurts.." he managed, "I don't know that there's much hope in either of those fronts right now."

Qhuinn: Well that was a good sign, Qhuinn thought with a chuckle, as Jason's eyes flared as she figured they would when she said the 'P' word. "I know" She laughed shortly, though the sound was just as off as his own voice. They were trying, no one could say that they weren't. But it was a strain that Qhuinn hoped was only temporary. Their relationship was one of the few constants that she had left in her life right now. A small frown creased the wolf's face as she watched the off-kilter movements of Jason's eyes. Yep..a concussion for sure. And the stubborn jackass had probably driven himself over here. "Well, you do have a slight concussion, and I want to do some liquid stitches on that cut. But I think you'll live" Qhuinn smiled lightly, kissing a clean spot on his forehead as he spoke, nodding. "I can understand that. And, for what it's worth..I think that it's a great idea. You've needed this for a while now. You need something that's just yours. And something that happens to be nearby a certain wolf and angel's own houses..but that should go without saying"

Jason: Jason let out another one of those grunts past his tight lips and frowned lightly, shifting his head back to its natural position when she withdrew her touch. "I can do with some stitches.." he nodded, feeling his eyes flutter closed for a second at that kiss. Such being a natural reaction with her always. And it felt good..to hear her approve of his idea, knowing he had been struggling with making his decision for as long as he had, debating whether he could part ways with his man cave there..that back yard, those rooms.. it had even got him teary eyed at some point, but it needed to be done. "..would you help me look? If I'm doin' this...it needs to be perfect--and I can't do this without you." Jace said, turning his words into a soft plea --a promise that she would take care of herself to be there.

Qhuinn: "I can do regular stitches if you'd rather. Add to your whole baddass image and all. Maybe even add an eye patch" Qhuinn joked with a small smirk. As she leaned in for the soft kiss to his forehead, she couldn't help but linger there to breath in his scent once again. "I really did miss you Jason.. I can't seem to stay away from you for very long, no matter the reason. Guess you're never gonna shake me, huh?" Qhuinn chuckled a bit, smoothing back his sandy hair before getting what she needed for the stitches. She turned just in time for his question..and to hear that tone in his voice and the look in his eyes. Like she could ever say no to that.. "You know I will, you don't even need to ask" She replied, in a small whisper. "Just let me know when you're ready, and I'm there. I'm still here Jace..I'm always still here" Qhuinn assured him, moving to his side again. "So what's it gonna be? Liquid, or the old needle and thread?"

Jason: "Are they gonna make me heal better?" Jace wondered aloud, having to roll his eyes playfully at her little eye-patch comment even as she leaned over to press her soft lips against his forehead. It was sweet..and he did breathe in her scent as much as she did his, feeling a wave of relief at the next few words to come out of the she-wolf. "...I missed you too.." And he hoped that he never did shake her.. "I'm here too, sweetheart..and I ain't goin' nowhere, you know that too..right?" Relaxing back against that medical bed, Jace pressed his back up against the wall and seemed to breathe with a lot more ease. Maybe he was ready, after all.. "Whatever you want."

Jason: Jason Shaw hadn’t eaten much of a meal tonight, too worried about whatever the wolf’s text was even about. It had come at an odd time and it lacked their usual banter, simply asking that he come before closing hours with no motive or reason whatsoever. So yeah, that was weird, but the human had driven over anyway, jumping out of the car in order to walk up inside.

At first, his eyes landed on the usual crowd, already starting to gather their stuff and emptying the remainder of their drink, but Ciaran caught his eye real soon, looming over the bar cleaning. Fuck. What the hell was going on? He’d never seen him look like that. Was it about Kai? Frowning lightly at the offer, he pulled back a stool and sat, running a hand down his face. “Eh..sure? What’s up, man? You okay?”

Ciaran: Was he okay? Wasn't that the million-dollar question. Ciaran had been asked that more times than he could count in the last few months, and wasn't sure if he had given an honest answer even once. Seems like tonight would be no different. A broad shoulder rose and fell in an almost helpless shrug, but nothing more than a muttered 'Aye' left the wolf's lips. Once the last straggler was finally out the door, he poured himself a whiskey, the forgoing of his beloved Guinness likely further hammering home how dire the situation was.

When Jace sat, he reached out and squeezed the male's shoulder, needed that contact. But then, never one to beat around the bush, it was all out after a long sip of his drink. "Clay's dead." He stated tonelessly, navy eyes unable to meet Shaw's. "The whole pack..they're all gone"

Jason: Call him whatever you like, but Jace didn't like the way Ciaran was looking at him..and that, that just wasn’t the norm around the werewolf. Not once. It was almost like the man wasn’t there, his squeeze so cold and distant that Shaw never noticed his choosing whiskey over guinness.. but then again, he wasn’t expecting the news either.

At first, Jason stared back at the other..squinting his eyes as though he let himself believe it --Clay. His..their Clay..gone.. but somehow it didn’t take, his lips parting with a chuckle instead."...right, and I’m next in line for the throne of England.” he managed, eyes seeking the others. “What are you on about, dude? How do you even know?”

Ciaran: Huh... Not the reaction he was expecting. Shock and disbelief, sure. But flat out thinking that he could even begin to joke about such a thing? That wasn't something Ciaran was prepared for. Though he couldn't blame the other in the slightest, as who would want to wrap their minds around such a tragedy? Unwilling to repeat himself though, he simply leveled Shaw with a look that should have told him everything.

"Qhuinn told me. She felt it before anyone got to tell her, think that I may have too a little. Or maybe it was just her pain, dunno. She's not in good shape mate, no matter what she might be tellin' ya and Quinten. She ain't in any good shape at all" Ciaran sighed, rubbing a hand across his face. "Kai and Lexi were the ones to find them. They were slaughtered Jason..the whole fuckin' pack"

Jason: Jace frowned at the next look to come from Ciaran --no, he scoffed, and flat out slapped the hand off his shoulder, leaning back against the stool as if..a sense of no gravity had suddenly swallowed him whole. "No..you're still.." he managed, chuckling still..only this time his laugh was a lot drier, more forced than anything else. You just didn't bring up Qhuinn around Jason and not expect get things through to him. Especially when it all made perfect sense. Yes..she had been acting strange for the past few weeks. And yes, it'd raised the alarms with Quinten. So what if what Ciaran was saying here was really real?

Swallowing, Jace brought his fingers to his face and skimmed it down his face too.. "W-wait, Lexi knows too..? Kai? S'that why he left..?" Baiting a much needed inhale, it seemed like the human finally cracked, eyes getting all glassy all of a sudden. Inside of him, though, he could feel a very different kind of emotion growing. He was angry.. fuck if he was.."..when, Ciaran? When did this whole thing happen?"

Ciaran: The slap had his wolf, always boiling so close to the surface these days, coming to life. He was able to easily push back the instinct to snap back, both literally and figuratively. This was Shaw, his mate. One of the damn best ones that he had. And he never meant him any harm. So Ciaran polished off his whiskey in one smooth swallow as the other seemed to take everything in, there with a refill for them both when the truth hit Jason. "I'm so sorry mate.." He started, lips soon pressing together when the inevitable questions came.

"No, I think they had just gone for a visit. Kai..wasn't exactly a well of information. Left without a fuckin' word, if I'm bein' honest here." But that was neither here nor there, as his mission right now was to help Jason through this. When those startling emerald eyes showed the sheen of tears, Ciaran reached out again. "Not long ago. A week? Maybe two. Don't..be mad at them. Be mad at me, for not steppin' up sooner"

Jason: He shouldn't have been so brusque. And yes, he should have probably never laughed when Ciaran had done the one thing nobody else had had the balls to do...but his instincts had got him beat. Even more so now, as he wiped the tears off his face..refusing to be touched by anyone or anything as he swallowed down the missing bits of information that pieced the puzzle together.. incapable of uttering a single word that was close to intelligible. He didn't know what to say, not about Kai, not about how much Ciaran didn't deserve any of that..or this --no, Jace just turned a looked to the side becoming angered suddenly when the wolf mentioned how long it'd been. "Don't touch me, please. I can't do this."

Balling one of his hands into a fist, Jace reached for the booze, frowning something bad. Yes, he was mad at the two women..but he wouldn't bother arguing with Ciaran now.. "..do we know who did this..? Was it..hunters, maybe? When are we going to get them back for it?"

Ciaran: Ciaran dropped his hand at Jason's request, holding his arms up in a gesture of surrender as he took a step back and gave the other male his space. Even though all he wanted to do was grab him and hold on as they both mourned, seeking the comfort that deep down he felt he'd been denied. Or rather, that he hadn't opened himself up for. "Sorry.." The wolf muttered, downing another glass full. At this rate they were both going to be crashing in his office, but he had a feeling Shaw gave about as few fucks about that as he did.

"Don't be mad" Ciaran repeated. "Think of what they've been through. Lexi, havin't to find him that way. And Qhuinn, losin' him and her whole goddamn family. They couldn't do it..so I did. Don't channel the anger that ya feel at them" It wasn't so much advice as it was a command. He loved Jason like his own, but if he found out that a single harsh word had been said to either of those poor girls...

"Aye, hunters. And Kai found 'em. That's what he was doin' all this fuckin' time" Without access to a phone apparently, but that was neither here nor there. "Killed 'em. But it came with..consequences.."

Jason: As terrible as he knew he would be feeling much later, Jason still did not make a single move towards the other. He was scared he would break down..and let himself feel more than he could possibly handle now..or ever..no matter how difficult to believe things were. He needed /his/ time-- the time that he hadn't had those two weeks, while he was leading his life as normal..completely ignorant of everything. Again. "I can't help it, man...they kept it from me." the human shook his head, swallowing harshly. Ciaran was right.. fuck if he was, but he wasn't being rational right now..

It was a relief, however small, that the hunters had been dealt with..and so he nodded, rubbing at his face again before emptying the glass of liquor in front of him..then pushing it over for a refill. "For what's worth..I'm sorry. Same about Kai....is he okay?"

Ciaran: Ciaran's lips tightened into a thin line. Jason was the furthest thing from cruel, so he knew that he really had no reason to worry. But grief had a way of making people say shit that they didn't mean. "Not on purpose mate.. They ain't stoppin' and sayin' 'hey let's keep this from Jace because the bastard don't deserve to know'. Aye? They didn't tell ya because they couldn't. Because their grief is too strong for them to bear right now. Is it wrong? Is it right? Who the fuck knows. But it's what they needed in the moment. And I know they feel shit enough about it too so they don't need ya makin' it worse. Ya got every right to be hurt my brother, I ain't sayin' that ya don't. I'm just sayin' to not take it out on them" Ciaran of course couldn't speak for Lexi, but if she looked like as much of a ghost of herself as Qhuinn did, then there was no doubt she carried just as much guilt.

The wolf crossed his arms over a frame that had gotten a bit leaner over the last month or so, tucking in his hands so that he didn't reach for Shaw again. "Cheers. I am too love, ya lot knew him a fuck of a lot longer than I did. But he showed me nothing but kindness at a time when I needed it, and for that I will always hold him in high regard" Ciaran replied softly. At the question about Kai, all he could do was shake his head. "No.. I mean, physically he's fine. But he's..different. Everythin' about him is different"

Jason: The human let out a low groan and rolled his eyes, not taking well to being lectured about the right way to feel right now. About what he should or shouldn't do..how wrong it would be to be upset at Qhuinn or Lexi.. But yes, he listened, grinding his teeth and staring at the Irish man from across the table with the same glassy eyes from before..only darker, his body tense as he squeezed his fingers around the glass in front of him. Damn Ciaran for having a point.. "..I know..I know that they would have told me if this wasn't bigger than them. I know that. That they did none of this on purpose. But it still hurts..." he choked, angrier..even more upset, if possible. "..t-that I was the last to know..Qhuinn tells me everything../everything/, hard or not...and I thought, I don't know..at the very least I deserved to know. Tell me, if you hadn't stepped up..would I?..or would I have kept goin' about my life not knowin' my friend was dead like I have for TWO weeks? I mean, way to honor his fuckin' memory, mate."

Shaw brought the whiskey glass to his lips again and dampened his lips before taking another long sip, clearing his throat as he let his thoughts visit the memories he had with and about Clay. "..we hadn't spoken that much this past year ..we'd grown apart a bit.. and I was plannin' on fixin' that, guess I never will now." he said, smiling weakly at what Ciaran said about the alpha. Kai, however, erased that soon. "..different meaning..you guys aren't okay anymore? ..you still love eachother..right?"

Ciaran: Ciaran frowned slightly at Jason's reactions. But, in all fairness, he supposed he had gone all dad on the bloke. But he just hated the idea of more strain being put on those women. They both looked as if they could crack any day as it was, something that he could relate all too well to. But that didn't mean that he couldn't see his friend's point as well. "I know darlin'" He muttered, the little term of endearment slipping easily past his lips. "And again I ain't sayin' that ya don't have every right to be upset, because ya do. Just..try and help each other, aye? Take that grief, all that anger..and try and turn it into love. Clay wouldn't have wanted any of us to do anythin' else." He pointed out, then had the grace to flush as Shaw continued. "I'm sorry that I took so long to tell ya. That's all on me and I accept full responsibility. But I promise..ya would have been told. Likely still by me. But if not, by someone" He assured him, as empty as those words seemed to even his own ears.

"Aye...same. I know that Qhuinn had planned on goin' sometime over the summer and I was gonna join her. He knew that we loved him though. Ya gotta believe that Jason. He knew how loved he was. He had to, with so much love around him" Ciaran gave the other a tight smile, those shoulders lifting and falling once again. "If I'm bein' honest..I dunno. He ain't himself, though he insists that he is. Just a better version of himself. He made.." The wolf paused, once again trying to make sense of what had happened to Kai. "Some kind of pact. With a goddess, if ya can believe that. She helped him find the hunters, but it came with a price. He belongs to her now, or some shit like that. I swear to fuck Jace..I'm a werewolf and I didn't even believe that somethin' like that could even happen. Fuckin' daft of me, ain't it.."

Jason: "..tell me, do you ever get tired of doin' the right thing?" Jason blurted out, mostly still out of anger..which likely bubbled under the surface. It was an ongoing problem with him..and more often than not, it ate him up..especially in moments like this. That, is exactly why he took the other's lecture the way he did, running his fingers across his hair and covering his face with the same hand for a few seconds at the end, defeated at last. "..I'll try my best to do that..just promise me you won't pull the 'what clay would've wanted' card again--please?..not this soon.." A lot felt like too soon right now. Everything did. Licking the taste of liquor off his lip, Shaw looked up as the werewolf seemed to take responsibility for the late news, reaching out to give the other man's wrist a gentle squeeze..at damn last. "..it was never you job to do this..but thanks for bitin' the bullet. I...don't know what to say anymore.." Did he believe he would've been told? Not right now, no.. but Jace was done arguing.

Nodding yet again..but this time at the mention of plans to visit Vancouver, the human bit back the tears again and chose to focus on the Kai subject instead, saddened to hear that Ciaran was having relationship trouble on top of all this...on top of having to tell him.. "..well, if you ever need to crash somewhere else for a bit of space, time..anythin'...you know my place is yours." he shrugged, "But you ought to listen to him too, even if his leavin' was..wrong and unfair, by all means. See if you can love this new version of him.."

Ciaran: Ciaran couldn't help but bark a dark, humorless laugh at that little comment. Jason had been there through nearly everything he'd done and been through in the last two years, so it truly amused the wolf that he could still ask that. Even in the angrily joking manner that it was clearly meant. "Really? Ya should know the answer to that as well as I do. I've made my share of mistakes..real shit ones too. And ya can chalk this up as one of them" He relented, a long sigh deflating his lean form as well. "Sorry love, ya right. I shouldn't have said that. I'm just..tryin'. Ya know? That's all I feel like I ever fuckin' do, is try." The Irishman smiled tightly at the touch to his wrist, absorbing the simply human contact as he briefly covered Jace's fingers with his own before giving the other his space again. "I know..neither do it. What can we say, ya know?"

Another tight smile curved the man's lips, as he was now on the receiving end of a lecture. "I did, I have. And I get why he stayed away for so long. I would have done the same. I have done the same. But it don't change the fact that he left with no word, and stayed away for that long without lettin' us know if he was still even fuckin' alive. Not just me, but Kyle. The one that he made a promise to protect. I look at him now and I just see..nothin' Jace. No love. No emotion. No passion. He's like a robot now. I feel like.." Ciaran shook his head, swallowing hard. "I feel like I lost him too"

Jason: Jason looked up at the sound of that humorless laugh and felt himself lean back gently, mostly coming to terms with the countless times he had been the one to do what he was accusing the wolf of doing. Wanting to be surprised he realized, but still struggling to be.. "..well, for what is worth, you've kept me from makin' one." he said, clearly hinting at his earlier intentions of confronting the two women about his not knowing when they were not doing so hot themselves. It would have been selfish..and chances are he would have regretted it deeply. "..it's fine. I'm not really seein' things for what they are right now..m'too upset.." Jace offered, letting go off a wavering sigh at the contact as well, brief as that was, and reached out for the bottle to pour them both a refill, assuming they would be needing more than just a few socially acceptable drinks that evening.

Loosing Clay was not something he had ever thought possible and it was still hard to accept, as it would be for some time. "Y'know, I always thought I'd be the first to go.." He said, sucking in a soft inhale before their topic shifted to Kai again, his body tilting forward to hear all his friend had to say. "..yeah, no..you're right on that one. He could have at least left you a note telling you not to worry or where he was headed...as useless as that would've been. Maybe it would've been a comfort.." Shaw frowned,  falling quiet, or quieter anyway..the second the irishman mentioned something about feeling like he had lost him too.. "Fuck, I'm sorry, man...have you tried talking to Lexi or somethin'? Those two seem close..and maybe..I don't know, she might give you an insight, help you deal with this..but how you feel.." he started, reaching out for that touch again, "It ain't wrong..okay? Kai's got to see that too. It's you two against the problem."

Ciaran: "Aye..cheers for that. I'll consider it my good dead for the day" Ciaran joked weakly. Though really, if he did one good thing that day, that week, he would consider it a fucking success. "I still believe that we gotta get each other through this though. We're still a family" He pointed out lowly, dark head nodding at the others words. "Fuck, I don't even know if I'm seein' things clear yet. It's gonna take a while, it's just..too big of a loss to absorb all at once. We're all gonna mourn and deal with it in our own way, ya know?" The wolf let out a long sigh as well, accepting the refill with a small nod.

"Huh..me too. And not just because I'm older. He just seemed..immortal almost. Like nothin' could touch him" Ciaran agreed, downing his drink in one shot and absently reaching for the bottle. He did smile a bit, a genuine one, at Shaw's reassurance. It was nice to hear that he wasn't being an unreasonable git about the whole thing. Communication was important in any relationship, and in his mind, Kai had flushed it all right down the shitter. "Fuckin' would have been, instead of spendin' the last month tryin' to convince myself and Kyle that he was okay and comin' back. Bloody dragon is a trooper though. I wouldn't have gotten through it all without him" Ciaran admitted, then shook his head. "Nah..don't wanna bother her with my shit. If Kai has somethin' to say, somethin' he needs from me, he needs to be the one to tell me, ya know? That's the only way we can move forward" He reasoned, then gave another tight smile. "Thanks..really. I feel like I'm bein'..a real asshole about this. Like I'm the one in the wrong again. But I didn't do anythin' this time, for fuck's sake. I'm so bloody tired of bein' made to feel that way"

Jason: Jason smiled back at the werewolf just as weakly, glad that at least he could bring the tinniest bit of relief to them both. "..yeah, that's what I had hoped, but apparently they need their time. Maybe I just got scared they just didn't need me anymore..or that I was too human..again, you know?" he huffed, "I can't believe how selfish I sound..makin' it all about m'self." Shaw nodded through the rest of the other's words, and caught himself almost not wanting to leave here..dreading having to mourn Clay on his own..as well as telling everyone why he suddenly wasn't up for certain things. Like Celine's party.

"..yeah, you're old as dirt, man. You sure you don't dye your beard already?" Jace frowned, trying to look and sound serious but ultimately breaking into an awkward laugh, not sure his joke landed the way he saw it in his head. "I mean...how old are you again?" Taking a lengthy swing of his glass, he let the talk..happy to switch topics back to the new issue concerning Ciaran, eyes scanning his face when he spoke about some Kyle and what role he had in their relationship. Not that he was opposed to it, but they'd barely touched on it before. "..yeah, but I feel like sometimes we are too scared to reach out too, you know? Be it because you've built these theories in your head that it wouldn't be well received..or fuck knows..I just hope y'all can fix it.. " he shook his head, "You care..and there's nothin' wrong with that...take it easy..do what you feel is right."

Ciaran: "Ah love, ya don't sound selfish at all. Ya sound like what ya are: a fuckin' stand-up guy that anyone would be lucky to have for a friend. I can't speak for Lexi, but I'm sure that she needs ya just as much as Qhuinn does. Give 'em their time, they'll come around. Though.." Ciaran paused, raking a hand through his dark hair. "May not be my place but..fuck it. It is. Like I said, we're all family. I'm worried about the girl. I ain't seen her cry, or mourn in any way. Ain't natural Jace. At all. Ya keep an eye on her, yeah? Ya and Quinten have the best chance of gettin' through to her"

Kalani: Kalani had tried to get back into the regular swing of things, after his injury. It happened almost a month ago now, and all he could do was count down until the 7th. It would mark a month since it happened. The seer hoped that in time, he’d forget about it, and it would turn into just any other day of the year. But he got a distraction from it, which in theory, he would like. The fact it was text messages of photos and videos of Tiffany being hurt, it wasn’t something he enjoyed focusing his attention on. When he received the messages, he rushed to her house. Yes, it was late, and he should have learned his lesson the first time. But Kalani couldn’t help it, he needed to see her. He wanted to find out it was some joke, that it wasn’t true. As his large hand thumped on her front door, to no response, it was clear she wasn’t home, or she wasn’t going to answer. He even scaled her home, trying to look into windows, to make sure she wasn’t hurt. The room in the images didn’t look like her bedroom, but he wanted to be sure. He came back every day, knocking on her door, hoping she would answer.

It was a few days after the initial messages. He still got them with regularity, mostly in the evenings. At one point, he stopped opening them, after the 3rd one he got or so. Kalani made his way to Tiffany’s house, doing his rounds every few hours. Finally, the door was pulled open, Tiffany standing there. Where have you been? he signed to her. The seer then pulled out out his phone, and motioned to it, subtly asking her about the messages.

Tiffany: Tiffany felt like she hardly had anything left in her. Morgana had spent the week wearing her down physically, sexually, and emotionally. The worst was knowing that Kalani was getting videos of it all and would probably never see her the same again. Though that might have been a good thing, Morgana had convinced her that she was no good for him anyway, something she had always wondered herself.

She was covered in bruises and her neck was an angry red from the collar the redhead forced on her all week. When she heard the knock on the door she didn't want to get up, perfectly comfortable remaining curled up on her couch zoned out to the television. She was in an oversized tshirt and comfortable shorts, an outfit unusual for the fashionable siren. But she slowly climbed off the couch, moving slowly and trying not to aggravate any of her injuries. When she opened the door and saw Kalani, her face fell some and she looked down at the phone, unable to look him in the eye. "You...should probably go." she said, her voice hoarse and her chin quivering slightly.

Kalani: The last thing Kalani wanted to do was go. He was hurt, yeah. Not by Tiffany, but was upset at whoever it was that did that to her. He shook his head at her, and placed his hand on her door, letting her know that he wasn’t going anywhere. What happened? Are you okay? Who did this? he signed, shoving his phone back in his pocket. It was clear to see how hurt she was. Not just by the obvious injures themselves, but her expression, her attitude, she gave off the aura of being damaged. I was worried about you. I don’t want to go he started. He remained in the doorway, out on her front porch. Kalani wanted to know what happened, and more importantly, wanted to know she was okay. Can I come in? You don’t have to tell me what happened The seer asked. Someone in Tiffany’s shoes should not be along, even if she wouldn’t admit she wanted company.

Tiffany: I'm not okay. I did it for you. I feel weak and stupid. She wanted to say a lot in response to his questions but didn't. Tiff just watched his hands move and was glad that was a reason not to make eye contact. She realized how she had become used to sign language now, another thing she had done for someone she didn't deserve. She took a step back to go inside but stopped when he held her door and didn't move. He wasn't going to go away, that much was clear. Even if it would be safer and happier for him in the long run if he did. Tiffany let out a long breath and halfheartedly signed yes before turning and slowly walking back into her house.

She walked straight back to the couch and wrapped herself up in a thick blanket before lowering herself back down on it. Curled up on one end she nodded at the extra space on the couch to say he was welcome to sit. "I'm okay." she said quietly, though she knew neither of them believed that. "I will be." she corrected.

Kalani: Kalani followed behind, glad she gave in without a fight. Even if she slammed the door on him, he’d have remained outside, knocking on her door frequently until she gave in. Something happened, and whether she wanted to tell him about it or not, he wanted to be there for her. Her home was dark, windows were closed. It wasn’t how it normally was. Her home was usually vibrant, with a draft going through it from all the open windows to take in the sound of the crashing waves from the beach. Her home reminded him of his island even. Kalani took a seat next to her, studying her as she curled up on the couch, her eyes diverting her stare away from him, which seemed intentional. You’re not okay. It’s easy to see that. Even beyond the injuries. Something happened he signed to her, shaking his head. Kalani just wanted her to talk to him, to open up. Can I do anything to help you? We don’t need to talk about it, I don’t think reliving what happened is good for you. I just want you to know that I am here for you he clarified, placing a hand on her ankle, shrouded in the blanket.

Tiffany: "Yeah. You saw what happened. She kept you updated." she said, her voice shaky. Tiffany wanted him to be oblivious to it, she could protect him and he'd be none the wiser, but of course this was more fun for Morgana. At his offer she shook her head, "I'm not going to the infirmary where I'll need to explain." She had decided that much already. "It'd be better for you if you don't hang out with me anyway. " She had started to believe that when she was with Morgana, and now with him here, being the sweetheart he always was, only confirmed the difference between him and the mess she was. She glanced up at him when she felt his hand, but looked away. "It doesn't help anything to have a mistress like me here...I can't help anyone. Not really."

Kalani: He looked at his shoulder when she mentioned the infirmary. Even in his shirt, he felt like he could see the scar that was developing. Kalani slowly let his eyes drift back to Tiffany, he could understand why she wouldn’t want to go to the infirmary. The nod he gave hopefully let her know that he empathized with her on that. How did this happen? Why did they hurt you? Do something about it, she cannot just do this to you, a mistress. There are rules like that for you he reminded her. Kalani spoke as if he knew her was, but in reality, he had no clue. Slowly, the seer began to rub his hand over her blanket, up and down the side of Tiffany’s leg. He felt helpless, he knew if she couldn’t do much, he could do even less. What do you mean help? I don’t need your help Tiffany. That’s not why I enjoy being with you. I enjoy your company because you’re sweet, and caring, and kind. I don’t do it because I expect anything from you he reminded her. Tiffany had feelings of insecurity often. She wasn’t usually explicit with it, and it usually came out in ways that had nothing to do with him. He never picked up on the thought that she wasn’t good enough for him, or their friendship, or whatever they were. Kalani brought his hand higher up, laying it over her own. You help me. You help me not miss my home he added.

Tiffany: Tiffany shrugged and shook her head. She knew why Morgana had done it, it was fun for her and she knew she was weak enough that she would take it. "I can't do anything. She can do what she wants to a mistress." She appreciated that he was here trying to help, but he didn't need to see her like this. "Help you, protect you. And all the other people here I can't protect." But she would keep trying anyway, even if she felt like this afterwards. Morgana knew that too. She just didn't need Kalani roped into all of it. "I wasn't going to let her hurt you." she admitted quietly. Tiff looked down at his hand when he touched hers, letting out a soft sigh. "At least I can do that." she said dimly.

Kalani: Kalani rose a brow at her. He didn’t need protection. And the last people he would want sacrificing themselves for him, were those her truly cared about. Deep down, he could understand it. He would do anything for a few people here at the school, including putting himself in harms way. This was for me? he asked. Kalani never even remembered being threatened here, outside of Emmanuel. But Tiffany said it was a she, so his mind blanked on who it could have been. Kalani reaches over and cupped her cheek, forcing Tiffany to look at him. It was obvious how much it hurt her simply to set her eyes on him. Why? I don’t deserve to be saved. I can handle it. You don’t need to fight for me. I know it’s in your nature to be sweet and to protect. But it hurts to see you like this he signed to her. Kalani knew that Tiffany saw herself in a very unique way. She didn’t see herself as a good hearted person, but she was, at least to him.

Tiffany: Tiffany didn't want him to know that she had done it for him, or that she done it at all. She had figured Morgana sent at least clues in her videos. She shook her head in denial, not wanting him to feel any worse. Tiffany felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes when she looked at him, barely holding her composure. "Yes you do. More than most and more than me. I couldn't do nothing knowing she was going to hurt you. You don't know what she's capable of." She reached up hesitantly to touch his hand but only for a moment before pulling it away. Maybe if she stopped being so close with him, or any slaves, this would stop hurting so much. "It's okay."

Kalani: Kalani had started to wrap his fingers around her hand, but when he realized the purpose of placing it there, he stopped the action. Kalani had people sacrifice for him, it was the nature of his island. Everyone gave a little, so everyone could have a lot. But he could not remember an act like this, a sacrifice of sorts just for him. I didn’t think I had hurt anyone he signed to her, slowly. The seer always wondered why it was that he had an easy time here, when so many didn’t. Tiffany had proven that there was a reason for it, that he had friends who were selfless enough to burden themselves with his slave responsibilities. Kalani placed his hand over hers, watching as her expression changed again, at the verge of tears. He knew Tiffany well enough to know that talking her out of it was useless. She was too sweet to stop, even if he begged her. What she wanted, or maybe rather, what she needed, was him to be close to her. She might have tried to push him away, but that’s usually what people do when they need companionship the most. Can I help? Can I be here for you now? Can I repay you for it? I am not going anywhere he signed to her.

Tiffany: Tiffany's face fell a little at what he signed, "No, you didn't. You didn't hurt anyone." He would never do anything to hurt someone, she wasn't sure he was capable if he wanted to. "It's because..." She pursed her lips a little because her voice cracked slightly. "She knows it works, for me. This...wasn't the first time." She wished that weren't true. "And she knows that I - how much I care about you." she admitted, part of her wishing she could detach the way others could, and not watch her wreck someone else's life because she was close to them. At his questions she shook her head, "No please don't try and repay me, it's not, you shouldn't need to do that." she said quickly. All the talking made her cough for a moment and she took a slow drink before she looked back at him. "She might leave you alone if you stay away from me."

Kalani: Kalani cringed when he heard this wasn’t the first time. How could he have not noticed? Was he that terrible of a friend to let injuries like that go unnoticed? Tiffany wasn’t one to let those sort of hurt emotions show, but still, he figured he was observant enough to see something like that, especially with how intimate they had been. But the past month has been rough for them, both. He knew he hadn’t been around as much as he should have been. I’m sorry Tiffany he signed to her. But the authenticity of that apology was lost, he figured. Kalani felt horrible that she did this for him, as if he were the one physically hurting her.If he left her alone, then maybe he should stay away from her, for her sake. As much as he wanted to be around her, he’d rather sacrifice their friendship if it kept her safe. But bullies usually found a justification for what they did. Even if they stopped hanging out, he figured it probably would not stop. Then I should go. I don’t want you hurt he told her, rocking forward to stand up. It hurt to even sign that to her. He didn’t want to leave. If it will keep you safe, then I will stay away from you he added.

Tiffany: Tiffany shook her head again. Kalani had nothing to apologize for. Most of her favorite memories lately had been with him, she just wished he wasn't a target because of it. When he moved to get up she felt her chest tighten and she looked at him with her eyes wide with pain and fear. Tiff wasn't sure she could make it through staying away from him. She could very well end up at home if she lost someone like him from her life here. But what if Morgana kept threatening him? Or anyone else who figured out how strong her feelings were? "Don't." she breathed before she could stop herself, her fingers wrapping around the wide hand that he'd set on hers. Tiffany felt weak either way, for caring so much it caused something like this, or for not being strong enough let him go. "I can't." she whispered, a tear trailing down her cheek she her gaze. "I need you."

Kalani: Kalani looked down at his hand, hers attempting to wrap around his palm. That cool, familiar touch sent a light shiver down his back. All the pain he felt from their conversation up that point was gone, but stung at him once again when he remembered what she had went through. All for him, all so he wouldn’t get hurt. He owed her for that, but there wasn’t anything he could give her to show his appreciation for such a noble and selfless act. I need you too he agreed with her, nodding after he signed. Kalani could hardly imagine his life here without her in it, in one way or another. His fingers wrapped around her hand in return, and pulled her up off the couch and to her feet. Leaning over, the bound seer wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in tight for a hug. Her cheek pressed against his chest, his heart thumping at an increased pace thanks to the emotions he was feeling. Kissing the side of her head, Kalani rubbed her back, careful not to press to hard against her bruises, wherever they might be. He kissed the side of her head and pulled back. It will be okay. I can help you. I can talk to her if you want. I can be here to take care of you now. Try and make you forget. Make you feel comfortable. What can I do for you? he asked, hoping he could be of service to her in some way.

Tiffany: Tiffany let out a breath of relief when he stopped moving to leave. She couldn't handle that right now, or at any point really. She always felt like her feelings were lopsided, so hearing he needed her too made more of a difference than he knew. When he pulled her to her feet she didn't hesitate to bury her face against his chest, her arms tucked in front of her and grateful for the closeness. Tiffany had been avoiding it so far but she craved it and needed it and she felt like she was going to cry now that she had it. Slowly she looked at him when he started to sign, shaking her head quickly. "No. Don't talk her, stay away from her." she said fearfully. "But...if you want  to stay today...that's okay." she offered quietly. "Just hang out with me?"

Kalani: Kalani didn’t have to see her, to understand her feelings. He didn’t need his abilities either. With her wrapped in his arms, it was clear just how much she needed him, and missed him. And he felt the exact same way about her. Kalani would respect her wishes, and not seek out whoever it was, in hopes that things would get better. Tiffany was tough, and also intelligent. He would need to trust her on this. I would like that, if you are okay with that. I enjoy being with you he signed, forcing a smile on his face as he looked down at her. Kalani continued to rub up and down her back in hopes of comforting her, getting her to relax. He slowly too a seat on the couch, nestled in the corner against one of it’s arms. His eyebrows motioned up, offering her to lay against him. It was the first thing that came to mind, considering how much she seemed to enjoy laying on him. If you are comfortable with it he asked, not sure if with her injuries it was a good position.

Tiffany: "It was a long week without you." she admitted, her words going more into his chest than to him but she was sure he heard it. "Even if I hadn't been with her." she added, because it was true. He was such a kind and calming presence in her life, she needed a regular dosage of him now. "I might have to use my terrible sign language because of my voice." she warned, trying to smile a little too. "You might get cold from the ice I'm using." she added. It wouldn't be the most fun time they would spend together, by a long shot, but she could already tell that being around someone was stopping her from falling too far into her own self pity. When he sat down she looked at him a moment, still wondering how she deserved someone like him in her life, or whether she did at all. Tiff grabbed the ice pack from the other end the couch and her blanket and curled up against him, tucking the pack against the back her neck and getting comfortable. "We should order some greasy comfort food." she mused lightly. Her body already was a mess, it couldn't hurt to add unhealthy food to the mix if it was comfort food.

Kalani: Kalani could say something. Not only was it awful, knowing, seeing what the siren was enduring, but it was compounded with the fact he hadn’t seen her for a whole week to console her. Kalani Smiled back as she mentioned her sign language, it was much better than terrible that was for certain. Kalani was very good at it by now, remembering studying it with Aura down in the cells, over a year ago. He had much more experience with it that Tiffany, who had been picking it up in the past few months. But he understood her when she used it, and rarely did he need to spell a word out for her at this point. Kalani placed an arm around her, pulling her in tight as she nestled up on him. Whatever you want. We don’t have to speak even he offered. Of course, he wanted to. Not about what happened, but he liked having conversations with her. She was intelligent, and had a unique view of the world. But to be fair, just about everyone he met here did, considering they weren’t from his hone island. With her warm body pressed to his, the last thing he wanted to do was go anywhere. Well between us, it might be difficult to order in he joked, considering both had trouble communicating.

Tiffany: Tiffany settled into his side as he pulled her close, turning her head up so she could watch him sign. Even if he might not feel the same or as strongly, this felt like the most natural thing in the world to be against his side. He made her feel safe, even if she had been the one trying to do the same for him all week. I like talking to you though. she slowly signed with a little smile to him. When he pointed out they might struggle to order she let out a tiny laugh and nodded, but lifted her hands again to sign. I can probably talk long enough to get food. she assured. She hummed a little as she tried remember food signs and signed burgers? Pizza? Fries? Nachos?

Kalani: Kalani, between signing, rested his chin against her forehead. He took in the sweet scent of her hair, an act that always flooded his mind with happy memories he had with the siren. It comforted him, he missed her being next to him over the past week. His hand ran through her soft, golden hair, combing through it as she signed to him. The bound seer shrugged his large, broad shoulders at her. Kalani was the least picky person when it came to food. After being isolated to what his home had to offer, which was mostly fish and boar, he enjoyed the food the outside world had to offer. Whatever you want. I will be fine with it he signed as he smiled. He just wanted to hang out with her, be with her, do whatever she wanted. The food they ate didn’t matter to him. We could make it a picnic even he offered, motioning to the area on the floor in front of them.

Tiffany: Tiffany closed her eyes for a moment as he ran his fingers through her hair. She always loved the feeling of people playing with or doing her hair, it was probably why she went to the salon to relax when she wanted the feeling. It was even better when Kalani was doing it though. She rested her head on his soft shirt, reaching out to set a hand on his knee and moving her thumb slowly over it. Of course. She signed, since she should have known he wouldn't care what they ordered. Kalani unsurprisingly seemed to like almost every food. Tiffany smiled at the suggestion of a picnic and nodded, That sounds perfect. she signed, reaching across him to grab the phone. She grimaced a little as she stretched a sore part of her but quickly slipped back into his side. Even though her voice was raspy she ordered them a couple burgers, picking one that sounded good for Kalani and one she knew she liked, and a big side of seasoned fries. When she hung up she cuddled back into Kalani's side and pulled the blanket up around her arms, giving him a little smile.

Kalani: Tiffany’s mood had changed since her showed up at her home. It gave him a sense of satisfaction. And he gave her a smile to match the one she gave him. He didn’t care why she was in a better mood now, whether it was his company or not. The only thing that mattered was Tiffany felt better. His hand reached down, cupping her cheek, then l leaned in to kiss her softly. Sh has feelings for Tiffany. Something he hadn’t felt for anyone back home. His life would have been different if he had. He probably would have been married, like his parents wanted in his “old” age. You seem to be feeling better. Anything I can do? Or is this enough? he asked her. Tiffany wasn’t complicated in what she wanted. Usually, just cuddling next to her seemed to be enough. And thank you for dinner. I hope I can return the favor some day he offered.

Tiffany: Tiffany lifted her head and returned the gentle kiss, pulling away shortly however. There was still a voice in the back of her head doubting that she really deserved someone like him that way. She was extremely lucky to have him as an employee and friends, she knew that, but anything more...maybe Morgana was right, she couldn't give him what he deserved, or even what he wanted maybe. She didn't want to think about that anymore. She just wanted to sit with him and enjoy his comforting company. Tiffany nodded at his comment, I am. You always make me feel better. she signed slowly. Just being here with you is good. Maybe we can have drinks too when the food arrives? she offered as something else that would calm her nerves. But for now...thank you.

Kalani: Kalani smiled and nodded to her, touched by her words. He liked the fact that he could change her mood like that. Tiffany deserved to be reminded how special she was, how not only the school needed her, but the world was a better place with her selflessness. Kalani didn’t mind having a drink. He could be found at parties here with some drink in his hand. And even in his cell he had a few bottles of something or another in his pack. He was nervous though, that she was drinking to numb herself from the mental and physical pain. It wasn’t too much of a stretch to think that was possible. We can do what you want. I’m here for you he assured her. He would just make sure it didn’t get too carried away. There were many people here on the island who’d want to be here, with Tiffany, laying on his chest. You know you can talk to me about anything. I’m here for you. No judgement he reminded her.

Tiffany: Tiffany gave a nod, glad he was up for a drink. Even if she was feeling better with Kalani around, a drink or two would help calm her down and maybe distract her from the thoughts from the week that kept threatening to come back and consume her. She made the sign for thank you, biting her lip a little. This was nice, just relaxing with him. She didn't need to bring it down with her doubts and insecurity that would likely only make him pity her more. Tiffany felt like she wasn't going to feel completely better unless she talked to someone about what happened, but was afraid it would only make him feel worse. Slowly she signed, she liked making me feel weak. she admitted. And... she didn't really know how to sign it so she spelled it undeserving .

Kalani: Even Kalani felt more calm. The anxiety he felt over the week, even her confessions tonight about what she had gone through, feeling her in his arms made him feel better. Tiffany had that effect on people, he was certain, just feeling her touch them, even in a platonic manner probably relaxed people on contact. Kalani kissed the top of her head, softly, and rubbed her back. He didn’t even think about it, it just felt so natural. Although Kalani didn’t want to move, he liked the ide of a picnic, and they could get close again once it was all set up. In a single motion, he tossed the blonde over one of his shoulders. Kalani did it gently though, knowing what her body had went through. He grabbed the blanket that hang over the back of Tiffany’s couch and laid it on the floor, then laid Tiffany out on it. Kalani hovered over Tiffany, on his hands and knees and kissed her.

Tiffany: Tiffany felt a little better just telling him a little about it. Even if he didn't react, at least she got a little out there of what she went through during the week. His hand on her back calmed her and it took her a while to even notice it, it seemed so natural. When he suddenly scooped her up she gasped a little, trying to hide a grimace from her still aching body being jostled. Apprently he would rather not hear anything like that, she thought. Tiff smiled lightly when he leaned over her though and she carefully lifted a hand to hold behind his head as she kissed him back. This was definitely going to be better than whatever she would've done alone.

Kalani: Kalani tried to be gentle. He knew he wasn’t great at that, his mother calling him a bull in a china closet. But he always had good intentions, especially when it came to being with Tiffany. Whatever pain he might have caused her, he hoped it went away as he locked lips with her. As her hand cupped his cheek, he moved his head over to kiss up and down her neck. Kalani loved the taste of her, and even more than that, loved getting her to relax. The bound seer was on all fours, unable to communicate with her, another example of how much he hated his vow. He wanted to tell her how beautiful she looked and how much he missed her. Kalani had to make due with simply using the passion in which his lips sucked on her neck.

Tiffany: Tiffany ran her fingers over the hairline above his neck before slipping them into his hair. She lightly returned his kiss and smiled a little as he moved down, though a slight frown formed when she realized he was going to reach the point on her neck that was marked from the collar the guard made her wear. It was still better than Kalani ever having to wear it, but she still wondered if her heart was at risk from all the electricity over the week. "My neck is kind of um," she said, her voice weak still. "still kind of sensitive." she finished softly, pushing him away just a little and hoping it wouldn't worry him more.

Kalani: Kalani could sense it, even before she said anything. Tiffany seemed to enjoy neck kisses, and even though she was sensitive, she never recoiled, like she did tonight. He slowly pulled himself back and away from her, studying her expression as she spoke. Tiffany didn’t seem to want to look him in the eye with her admission, and he debated whether or not to ask about it. There were markings on her neck, they were all over her body from what he could see.  Do you want to talk about it? he couldn’t help but offer. Maybe it was best she didn’t relive it, but he wanted her to feel comfortable to speak to him, to tell her what she experienced. I will be gentle he reminded her. Kalani could be rough, he knew Tiffany liked that occasionally, just so long as he followed it up with some soft after care. Kalani was sitting on her legs , partially off the blanket he had set down, looking her over. You can tell me what you want. Whatever it is he added. He meant that in terms of physical intimacy, as well as if she didn’t want him to touch her.

Tiffany: Thank you for being so kind , she said, signing slowly up at him. Like always. she added. Tiffany wasn't sure how much she wanted to or even could do with him today, because it would either hurt or embarrass her or both. My neck still hurts from... that was something she hadn't signed before really. "Shock collar." she admitted quietly, biting her cheek and unable to look at him. This was only going to scare him more, maybe she shouldn't tell him a lot of details. She kept debating back and forth on it. Maybe just sitting or laying together tonight? It would take some time for anything more not to hurt anyway.

Kalani: Kalani didn’t need to have sex with her, or anything like that. He had only started such intimate contact, because that was usually how it was with them. Perhaps it was in her nature as a siren, but he never thought much on the reason for it. Kalani figured it was just because she liked him more than anything, Tiffany didn’t appear to be reckless. The seer lightly ran his hand over her neck, being gentle, just inspecting her wounds. He tried to block images of her being shocked like that, and simply nodded to her. We can do whatever you want. I just wanted you to feel comfortable, and appreciated.  I don’t need anything from you he assured her. Kalani leaned in and planted a kiss on her cheek, placing one hand over hers. He laid down on his back, giving her the ability to lay however she’d like.

Tiffany: Tiffany hoped she wasn't disappointing him by not wanting to do anything tonight. She knew it was usually how they worked things out and communicated, but she couldn't bring herself to it tonight. She couldn't look at him when he looked over her neck, feeling weak for being so scared when that happened and humiliated about the whole thing. I know, thank you. she signed back to him. Sorry. she added, feeling bad when he laid down. Tiffany carefully settled into his side, laying her head on his shoulder. "Was your week okay?" She asked quietly. She wanted to ask if he had stayed safe, but assumed he would tell her if anything happened.

Kalani: Kalani could never be disappointed by her. He couldn’t remember a time when that had happened, and she certainly wasn’t now. He just wanted to comfort her in any way that he could. She placed her head, resting on him atop the area between his shoulder and chest. No, I missed you, I was worried about you he reminded her. Kalani wasn’t trying to be mean with it, just honest. He couldn’t relax, only knowing she was being hurt. He placed a kiss to her forehead, making sure she knew he wasn’t upset. I missed you. It hurt seeing what was happening to you. But the worse part was I couldn’t come see you and help you feel better. I felt helpless. I wanted to comfort you. I have some of that to make up for he added.

[7/29/2017 7:41:32 PM] Kalani: Kalani had been enjoying summer, it was easy for him to lose track of what day it was. The only thing that kept them in order for him was his work schedule. Weekend nights were spent at the club, and most weekdays were spent at Tiffany’s store, but he still had much more extra free time, compared to when school was in session. He wouldn’t have realized what the actual date was, if he didn’t take a casual look at the calendar in the break room at Dark Desires to see how close it was to the last day in July. Although most cultures decide the first day of summer is on the solstice, his people marked the seasons changing based on fish movement. The last day in July meant a new spawn of fish went through the nearby waters, that they would feat one until fall. It was the first time he wouldn’t be around for it. But instead of feeling sorry for himself, he decided to do something about it. Kalani would have his own ceremony, despite not being home. He texted Sage to join him for it, but she didn’t seem to know what it was for. Part of him wanted it to be a surprised, either because he was worried she wouldn’t want to come, or because he knew she liked surprises. It was most likely a combination of the two.

Kalani told her to meet him at the beach at sunset, to wear a swimsuit, since they would be in the water. For part of the ritual. Kalani was standing at the shore, setting up a large pile of wood to be used for a bonfire later on, when he heard footsteps approaching. His eyes looked over to meet Sage’s, and gave her a smile, and he signed a hello to her. Thank you for coming. I don’t think you will regret it he added. He stood there in just his swim shorts, and wiped his hands on them before walking closer to her.

[7/29/2017 7:50:07 PM] Sage : Sage was in the middle of a workout when she'd gotten the text from Kalani. Dropping the heavy barbell to the ground with a loud clang, she wiped the sweat from her brow and checked the text. He wanted her to meet him by the beach at sunset. It definitely wasn't something out of the ordinary- the two often texted one another throughout the day, often about meeting up, even if it was just for a short while before they were off again. And so Sage didn't think much of the request, though she did cut her workout a little shorter so she could make it home and shower before meeting him. After showering and slipping into a bikini, Sage spent the next hour or so playing with Tebow before it was finally time for her to head out.

Grabbing a towel, Sage made her way out to the beach, the sky already changing colour around her. Kalani was easy enough to spot as he stood on the beach, setting something up that looked a whole lot like a bonfire. Did he want to camp or something? "Heya, handsome," she said once she was close enough for him to hear, dropping the towel on the sand and making her way over to him. Once he was within reach, Sage wrapped her arms around his waist, stretching up on her tip toes to kiss the side of his neck in greeting. "What's with the campfire? We making s'mores or something?" she teased, grinning up at him.

[7/29/2017 8:11:07 PM] Kalani: Kalani should have guessed how Sage would greet him. Not that he minded it, but he was a little surprised by it. Her soft fingertips brushed along his abdomen, his own hands going to her hips as she stood in her bathing suit. The seer looked over at the campfire he was building, still unlit, basking in the last 35 minutes or so of sunlight left in the day. Not exactly. But I promise I will feed you. Next time I will bring items for that he joked to her. Kalani walked over a few steps and picked up a large net. He then threw it over his shoulder. I wanted to invite you to a ritual, something we perform on my island every year. It is very important to me. So I wanted you here for it. If you aren’t interested, I will understand he told her, wanting to give her an out if she wanted. He knew it wasn’t for everyone. Kalani looked her over, hoping she chose to stay there with him, to feel his culture like no one else at the island has before. Kalani brought his hands up and placed them on her arms. His hands moved up and down against the ink of her sleeves.

[7/29/2017 8:33:08 PM] Sage : Sage chuckled and pressed her grinning lips against his chest for a moment. They both knew all about her appetite- even though she technically didn't even need to have human food at all. "You'll feed me, huh? I'm already liking this," she teased, pulling back to smile up at him, enjoying the way the setting sun was casting shadows across his strong features. Releasing him when he pulled away, Sage watched curiously as he hauled up what looked like a fishing net- now she wasn't expecting that. "A ritual?" she questioned, setting her hands on her bare hips and studying him. When he explained himself, the confused look turned into a softer expression, a fluttery feeling growing in her belly over the fact that he even thought of inviting her to participate in something like this with him. "No, no, I'm interested," she said quickly, taking a couple steps towards him. "If it's important to you, then I wanna see what it's about," she said honestly as he came up to her, her own hands coming up to rest on his chest. "I'll try my very best not to mess it up," she added, chuckling. "So what's it about?"

[7/29/2017 9:06:49 PM] Kalani: Kalani gave a soft chuckle to her. He knew that Sage loved sex more than food, but the gap was pretty small. Kalani hoped she liked fish, it wasn’t the best meal, considering some of the options available at the school, but it was important to the ritual. But he wasn’t about to tell her what the dinner was and possibly scare her off. Kalani was glad to hear she was interested; she didn’t owe him it. We can do a ritual from your home whenever you would like. I am very interested to know more about where you come from he signed to her. He meant it too, it wasn’t just something to get her invested in his own ritual. And the fact she was here was more than enough for him. The seer nodded at her. It was very important to my people. It ensured that a new spawn of fish would be there for my people to enjoy the next summer. We need to show thanks for the current one he signed to her. It might have sounded crazy to her, but honestly, Kalani didn’t care. He liked his traditions, they were important to him. You would never mess it up. Your presence makes this tradition even more important to me. Come with me he motioned with her to the water. He held his hand out for her to take as he began to backpedal into the calm water. The ocean water had an orange and red glow from the setting sun.

[7/29/2017 9:24:11 PM] Sage : Sage knew that she and Kalani came from two very different worlds- but things like this just put that more into perspective. She didn't have things like this back home, at least nothing she knew of or had partaken in before. But instead of being put off by it or weirded out by it, Sage was just very curious about it all. Part of her desire to travel came from her wish to learn about different places and different people, so doing this with Kalani was actually a great opportunity for her to learn about his culture. And beyond that, Sage selfishly just wanted to spend more time with him and be a part of the things that were most important to him. She knew he could've had anyone there with him that night, and he'd picked her. That meant something. "I don't know of very many rituals from back home, but I could probably come up with a couple, yea," she responded with a grin as she slipped her hand into his larger one, lacing their fingers together as they waded into the water. "And that makes sense. Y'know, the whole 'honouring your food and being thankful for it' and all. What's the net for?" she asked as they made their way a little deeper into the water. "Are we going to be catching fish?"

[7/29/2017 9:41:09 PM] Kalani: We are, with your help. And my people call it the Feast of the High Sun. It symbolizes our first day of the summer’s catch he started. Kalani was still turned to her when he continued to sign, You don’t have to do a ritual with me if you don’t want. He could tell she was at a lost for some from her homeland. Either they didn’t’ have any, or she didn’t know of any. But he didn’t need her to have one for him to enjoy getting to know about where she came from. Kalani looked at his net as she mentioned it. Dinner he signed to her with a smirk. Kalani assumed she would put it together, but he shouldn’t have. His home was very different than hers, he knew that by now. As the water went to his knees, he used his free hand to dig in his pocket. The seer pulled out a folded up piece of paper and handed it to her. Can you do me a favor? Hold on to this, and read it when I ask you to? I would if I could he signed to her after she accepted the slip of paper. He hoped she wouldn’t read it, not yet. Not that it was embarrassing, but he knew it was different and new for her. Please keep it folded though. Part of the fun. We need to wade out a little deeper to catch something he instructed her.

[7/30/2017 7:16:13 AM] Sage : "Feast of the High Sun," she repeated with a nod, committing it to memory. She really was trying to remember as much as she could, this was a privilege, after all. She didn't want to accidentally offend, even though she was sure Kalani would be a good sport about any mistakes she made.  "No, I want to do the ritual with you," she said quickly, grinning. This might be the only chance she'd get to do something similar. When else would she be catching her own fish for dinner- if she assumed correctly. "Yea, for sure. What is it?" she asked as she took the folded slip of paper and studied it without unfolding it. "Is it an incantation of some sort?" she questioned before tucking the slip of paper into her bikini top to keep it dry as they waded into the water. "I've never done anything like this before," she chuckled. "Its pretty cool."

[7/30/2017 7:56:23 AM] Kalani: Kalani was happy to hear that Sage was interested in the ritual. He continued to walk out into the water, knowing about how deep he would need to go to catch something. Finally, he stopped, with the water at about his hips. He tossed the net out, holding on to it’s rope in one hand to eventually bring it back in. I promise, what is on that paper will not turn you into a witch he joked with her. It wasn’t a spell of any sort. It’s more like a prayer of thanks. It’s what the leader says on this occasion, it’s a tradition that has been going on for a very long time he added. Kalani nodded at the paper, recalling in his head what it said

We take this offering aware of our blessings.

It was brought to us only through your will and accept your generosity.

Please bless this fish, may we eat it in hopes of more to come both this year and next.

We thank thee, our higher power for the bounty it has given to us.

Celebrate with us in your honor.

Kalani waited a second, and pulled the rope in. The next had two fish, flailing about. He reached in and pulled one out to let back into the water. He looked over at Sage and nodded to her. Please, go ahead he asked her to read the paper

[7/30/2017 8:26:00 AM] Sage : "Yknow, I don't think I'd mind all that much if it did turn me into a witch," she teased back, grinning widely at him as they finally came to a stop. Tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear, Sage watched as Kalani threw out the next and pulled it back, the powerful muscles in his shoulders and back bunching and flexing. "Sounds like a pretty neat tradition," she said before she gasped in delight when she saw the two fish- how'd he make that look so effortless? "What? Oh! Right. On it!" Pulling out the piece of paper, Sage unfolded before she cleared her throat and began to read, her voice carrying over the sound of the waves. When she was done, she looked up at Kalani and grinned. "That was beautiful- did I do okay?"

[7/30/2017 8:40:33 AM | Edited 8:40:56 AM] Kalani: There was something about that, hearing Sage say the prayer that really affected him. It was a meeting of two worlds in his mind. Who he was, and who he currently is. He couldn’t imagine Sage not being a part of his life going forward, in some capacity or another. Kalani looked back as she said it, studying her face as she did so, taking in her beauty. Despite this not being at home, he wouldn’t rather be anywhere else, than here with her right now. The seer nodded at her as he walked over to her. You did great. That was perfect he signed to her, offering her a smile. Kalani took her hand again and started for the shore with the net slung over his shoulder. He leaned over and kissed the side of her head, right on her scalp. It was all he could do to properly express his feelings for her at the moment. Once back on the shore, he tossed the net down and walked over to the pile of wood. They have bonfires in Ireland? he asked her. Kalani pulled up a book of matches and a rolled up newspaper. He lit a match, set fire to the tip of the newspaper, and placed the still-lit match on the wood. He placed the newspaper at the bottom of the pile and began to blow on it until a good portion of the wood was lit. I hope you don’t mind. But the second part of the ritual is my favorite. Eating and spending time with those we care about he added.

[7/30/2017 8:50:08 AM] Sage : It was probably all in her head, but Sage couldn't help but think of the experience as magical. Considering where they were, magic obviously wasn't out of the realm of possibility, but this was something else entirely. A shiver raced up her spine as she spoke the words Kalani had written out for her, and just looking across the water at him made her heart race. She felt so connected with him in that moment, in a way that was more than physical or emotional. A little surprised by the depth she felt, Sage cleared her throat and tried to shake it off, grinning at him instead as he took her hand once more. The grin turned into a softer smile as he kissed her head and Sage leaned into his side for a moment, turning her head to press a kiss to his bicep. "They do, actually. There's this one beach in Dublin, and every other week in summer they light a huge bonfire and people get together to eat and drink- it's a lot of fun," she said as she watched Kalani efficiently set up the fire. "Are you kidding me?" she asked with a grin, moving to stand beside him by the fire. "Food and great company? What's not to like? How 'bout you show me how you cook it up back home, yea?"

[7/30/2017 9:12:02 AM] Kalani: Kalani listened to her talk about her homeland. Despite it being brief, he could tell how much she missed it, how much home meant to her. He’d enjoy spending time with her anywhere, but at her home, at her beach, doing her own type of ritual, it was something he desperately wanted to experience. That sounds like fun. I am sure you were the life of those things he signed with a smirk.  Sage always seemed to command the attention in whatever crowd she was a part of. Far different than his own personality, even when he could still speak. He nodded at her request and dusted his hands off over the ridges of his abdominal muscles. Sure, I will show you. I need to clean the fish first he signed. He looked at the supplies he had brought, sitting on the ground. He picked up his knife and a small wooden board and walked over to the shoreline. It’s not pretty, but it is necessary he warned her. Kalani hadn’t fished, or cleaned one for that matter in a very long time. Maybe since he came here. Odd, considering it was daily for him back home. He pulled the fish from the net and placed it on the board, which was set right next to where the water came in. He plunged his knife into it’s underside, slicing it open. He gutted it, pulling out it’s organs before slicing it’s head off. He got to his feet, and used the knife to push the remnants into the water. Kalani plunged the knife and board into the water to wash it, then set it on the shore. Next, he cleaned the fish in the ocean for good measure, as well as his own hands. With his fish in hand he looked over at sage. Like I said, not pretty. But it’s ready. It’s odd, for how often I ate fish at home… It doesn’t seem as appetizing to me anymore he joked with her as he began to made his way to the fire.

[7/30/2017 10:39:13 AM] Sage : "You could say that, yea," she responded with a devious little twinkle in her eyes. Kalani wouldn't be wrong for assuming that she was the life of the party- that much didn't change regardless of where she went. Those bonfires were mainly a way for the young folk of Dublin, and Ireland as a whole, to get together and have fun, make connections and friends. Of course, for her, it usually ended with her fucking at least a handful of people, but that was just the Succubus way. Perhaps a little less meaningful than Kalani's ritual, but she wasn't too surprised by that. When he agreed to show her how to prepare the fish, Sage grinned and moved closer to him, so she could get a better look of it all. "Don't you worry, big guy, I don't scare easy," she joked as she watched him gut the fish. Sure, it wasn't pretty, but Sage hardly cared about that. It took a whole lot to get her squeamish. "Not appetizing, huh? Carefully, you don't want to give the powers that be the wrong impression," she teased as she followed him back to the fire. By then, the sun was all but gone beyond the horizon, leaving them with the large fire as their main source of light. She enjoyed being fireside- she loved the way it cast shadows and made things look like they were glowing. Kalani was certainly a vision to behold as he stood by the fire. He looked like something out of a movie "How do you know when it's cooked?" she asked as she took a seat by the fire, looking up at him.

[7/30/2017 10:56:22 AM] Kalani: Kalani looked over his supplies. There were a few blankets, a small bowl of spices and a very long stick, for cooking. Kalani grabbed a handful of the spices from the bowl, a mixture of chili powder, salt and lemon pepper. It was as close to how they would prepare it back home as he would get. He began to sprinkle the spice inside of it, as well as on the outside of it. The seer then grabbed the stick and speared it through the fish. He pushed the other end of it into the sand, until it could be held up all on its own, at just the right distance from the fire. The fire itself began to glow a bright orange, crackling as it began to grow hotter. The fins will curl at a specific angle when it is ready he explained to her. Kalani then went to one of the blankets. And opened it up for them to sit on. Are you going to go home for break? he asked her as he offered her a seat, and sat down on the blanket. It was usually quiet when the first fish was cooked. But this was different, this was a ritual for Sage and Kalani, and he wanted to make it different than what it was like traditionally. Or anywhere? You should enjoy your freedom. School will be back in session before you know it. he added.

[7/30/2017 11:07:13 AM] Sage : The evening breeze blew her hair all about her face, and Sage took a moment to tied it up in a messy bun as she watched Kalani go about preparing the fish. She was far from being a chef, she could hardly make a handful of dishes to feed herself when she was on the road, but she could tell that Kalani knew what he was doing. Not that she was surprised. The large many had many talents, and the basics were certainly part of them. He was good with his hands, that much was certain. Relocating onto the blanket when he spread it for them, Sage shuffled in until she was leaning lightly against Kalani's side. She wasn't cold or anything, she just enjoyed being near him- casual intimacy, especially considering the depth of what they were doing together that night. "I'm not sure," she mused at his question, shrugging her shoulders as her eyes focussed in on the fire, admiring the way the flames danced. "I think I might go see my brother in California- I haven't seen him in person for a while now and I miss him. So maybe I'll do that. Emmanuel got us tickets to go travelling as well, so there's that," she added, turning her attention from the fire back over to Kalani. not for the first time, she thought about how fun it'd be to take Kalani with her, to go travelling with him. "If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?" she asked after a moment of silence.

[7/30/2017 11:21:50 AM] Kalani: Kalani wasn’t a great cook or anything. But when it came to catching and preparing fish, he knew how to do that. He was glad that Sage decided to sit close to him. Her shoulder was pressed to his arm, using him for support. In this moment, it didn’t feel like he was at the school. He tried to imagine him and Sage someplace else, not home either. Just the two of them exploring some beach in the US, or Africa, or Asia. Family is important. You should visit him. Your father too, I am sure he misses you he assured her. Kalani knew her relationship with her father wasn’t ideal, but he was certain the two loved each other very much. When Kalani heard Emmanuel’s name, he looked away. He never told her about his run in with him, and knowing now that the two were close, he desired even less to tell her about it. But it did hurt him, a small bit. That sounds fun he signed to her. Luckily he didn’t have to say it, because his feelings would have been evident in his voice alone. Kalani tried to push those feelings out of his head, and wrapped his arm around her back, to clutch the far side of her waist. If I could go anywhere I would probably like to see your homeland. I don’t know much about it still he admitted.

[7/30/2017 11:38:11 AM] Sage : "Let's not forget that my father sent me here," she chuckled, giving Kalani a sidelong glance. "Though I guess that's just more reason to thank him, huh?" Kalani and Sage saw eye to eye on the fact that family was important. She knew there were tons of people who didn't have the support and love of parents or siblings, and she was lucky to have both- even if she did lose her mother far too soon. She appreciated what she had, appreciated her father and brother in ways that she'd probably never be able to put into words for them. "Y'know, you're right. Maybe I'll pay me good ole papa a visit too- assuming he's home and not touring the countryside with his team or his colleagues. i swear, that man has more of a social life than me sometimes- and that's saying something," she said with a laugh, the affection clear in her tone. As much as Sage liked to play ignorant sometimes, she definitely didn't miss the slight change in Kalani's expression when she mentioned Emmanuel. She wasn't stupid, she knew not many had the same experience with the Master that she did- especially the slaves. Selfishly, she didn't want to ask about it, she didn't want to know. Because a choice between the two men was a simple one, but it was still one she didn't want to have to make. And so ignorance it was- until something happened that she couldn't ignore. "Ireland is beautiful," she said with a little smile as she leaned into his side some more, snuggling up against him. "I'd take you to the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry. Blarney Castle, Dingle Peninsula. If you like scenes of natural beauty- Ireland is definitely the place to go. And then I could take you to Dublin," she mused, laying her head on his shoulder and staring into the fire. "Show you the street I grew up on, where I went to school, where I caught my first football, where I played my first game...It'd like that." Maybe some day.

[7/30/2017 12:00:50 PM | Edited 12:05:54 PM] Kalani: Of course Kalani remembered why Sage was here. It was something they shared, being sent here by their fathers. One of the few things they had in common, but that was part of Sage’s appeal to Kalani. And despite the fact her father sent her here, he knew that Sage loved her father and wanted to make him proud. He didn’t know her father, but he was sure that he loved her as well. You should. He probably misses you. You could tell him just how happy you were he sent you here he teased. Although if he saw his own father, he might tell him the same thing.  Kalani enjoyed hearing about her father, knowing more about the succubus. The fish began to hiss, as the low and slow heat was taking effect on their dinner, and Sage still spoke about him fondly. His demeanor, previously effected by the mention of their boss began to shift once again. Sage listed off the places she would take him, prompting a smile to curl on his lips. I’d love to see all of it. To see where you came from. I am very thankful for everything, every place that molded you into the person I am sharing the evening with he signed to her. Kalani felt her head on his shoulder. He let it sit there for a long moment, before he needed to tend to the fish. He didn’t want to get up, but he also didn’t want a burned fish on his hands. Begrudgingly he got up, and jogged quickly to their dinner. After a quick inspection, Kalani rotated the stick, so the fish was far from the flames. The seer jogged back to her and sat back down, but this time, he gave her a soft kiss to her lips.

[7/30/2017 12:52:30 PM] Sage : "Oh, I've already told him just how much fun I'm having here," she laughed, grinning brightly. "We talk often enough, on the phone, on Skype. Same thing with my brother- so maybe that's why I don't miss them as much. I mean, I miss them, don't get me wrong, but I'm used to not having them around me all the time. Mostly because of football and how we often had to travel for it- sepSagetely, usually," she explained with a little shrug. She knew that, as a Mistress, she had privileges the slaves didn't, like being able to contact her family whenever she wanted to. It definitely played a huge role in how comfortable she was with being away from home- her father and brother were just a short phone call or Skype call away. "You must miss home too, huh," she said rather than asked. His words from the other day were still fresh on her mind, when he told her that he was happier to be with her than to go home, but that didn't mean he didn't miss what he left behind. She wished there was something she could do about that, but there really wasn't- not unless she claimed him, at least. And that was a whole other topic altogether. Watching as Kalani went to go check on the fish, Sage remained silent until he came back to her. The gentle kiss brought a smile to her lips and she lifted a hand to his hair, holding him closer to her so she could prolong the contact, even if she didn't deepen it. Pulling back a little, Sage trailed little kisses over his cheek before she nuzzled her face against the side of his. "Tell you what. I'll show you my home if you show me yours. Deal?"

[7/30/2017 1:42:45 PM] Kalani: Kalani smiled, happy to know she and her father talked frequently. So maybe the hard feelings between them that he had assumed, might not actually be there. He wasn’t upset, or felt as though he wasn’t missing out on something, because Sage could speak to her father often. He was genuinely happy for her, and not to mention, there wasn’t a single usable phone for him to use to contact back home. He shrugged at her question. It seems to be less and less everyday he told her. It’s not that he still didn’t miss home. But it was hard to feel the need to go home, when he was enjoying himself here. Not like when he first arrived. In many ways, Kalani was lucky to be here. Kalani sat, looking at her on his knees, the fire to his back. Yes, of course. I would like to do that sometime. I’m just not sure when that will happen he signed while he nodded to her. That deal made him nervous. Especially since he was on the verge of breaking his vow, which meant he probably would never be able to return home. At least not anytime soon. That might be a while though he added. Kalani got to his feet, knowing their dinner was probably cool enough by now. He retrieved it off the stick, and brought it back to her. But it probably won’t be until after I’m done here, since I can’t travel the slave reminded her. He reached into the fish and pulled out a chunk of it, offering it to Sage.

‘[7/30/2017 2:26:00 PM] Sage : As much as Sage thought it made her a bad person, she was glad that Kalani wasn't missing his home. It was two parts, really. For one, it meant that he wasn't sad about being away from home, and for another, it meant that he could find happiness and contentment on the island. Perhaps even with her. Shaking that thought out of her mind, Sage leaned in and kissed Kalani's lips once more before sitting back again, admiring the sight of him backlit by the fire. When Kalani mentioned that it'd be a while before he could go anywhere, Sage had to literally bite her to keep herself from making an impulsive suggestion, instead letting him walk away from her to go retrieve the fish. She had to admit that the thought of claiming Kalani was a nice one- to have him in her home permanently instead of having to see him back to the cells. To know that he was safe- though she couldn't imagine very many Masters or Mistresses messing with him. But claims had a certain connotation on the island- even the ones made under the title of 'friendship claims' often turned into something more, and Sage didn't know how she felt about that. She was already thinking things and feeling things for Kalani that she never intended on- what if a claim just made it all worse? And more than that, what if a claim just highlighted all her shortcomings? No, she'd bite her tongue on that suggestion, for now at least. Knowing Kalani, he'd probably turn her down anyway, tell her to claim someone who needs it more. "Hopefully it happens sooner than later," she settled for saying with a smile as she reached out and took the offered piece of fish, taking a bite. "Holy shit- this is good," she said in astonishment, taking another bite before she'd even swallowed the first. "Damn, K, will you cook for me everyday?" she teased.

[7/30/2017 3:03:31 PM] Kalani: Kalani was fine with not being claimed. There were people who needed to be claimed far more than he did. He had it fairly easy compared to most here, he knew that. Kalani smiled as Sage praised him for his cooking. It was easy, but he couldn’t imagine Sage criticizing him for much, even if it wasn’t great. He took a bite of the fish as well. It was okay, not exactly how he remembered back home. Maybe it was the spices, or maybe he just felt differently about his traditions now. But it wasn’t bad, better than most of the food in the slave cafeteria. He offered her the fish again, to take as much form the belly as she needed. It wasn’t greasy, seared just enough to be moist, and not slimy. Kalani reached over, and flipped the wooden cutting board on it’s unused side and placed the fish on it. He then grabbed a hand towel he had brought with him and set it next to Sage. Thank you he signed to her while he was still chewing. Kalani liked putting a smile on Sage’s face, and when it was a reason beyond sex, he was especially pleased. You know you can invite me over. I know a few traditional dishes I could make for you sometime. I lived five years on my own before coming here, I had to eat occasionally he teased. His mother made a point to teach him a few before he moved out, it looked as though it would finally pay off. We eat more than fish. We use other meat as well, don’t worry he assured her. Kalani knew that it could get old, quickly. Even for him. Kalani took another bite of the fish, he wanted to make sure there was plenty for Sage to enjoy, since it was her first one. We could do this more often. Bonfires together. I’d enjoy that he admitted to her. Kalani sat back, his hands on the blanket behind him as he smiled at Sage.

[7/30/2017 7:04:51 PM] Sage : Taking the offered fish, Sage helped herself, ripping off a piece and popping it into her mouth, avoiding the delicate little bones. It sure was an experience alright- she couldn't remember ever doing anything like this. Catching fish with a net, reading the incantations, cooking the fish over the fire- sure, Kalani did most of the heavy lifting, but just being in his presence while it happened was a special experience for her. Because yet again she was reminded of the fact that he could've been with anyone right then, he could've chosen anyone to share this with. And he'd chosen her. She was honoured. Wiping her fingers on the hand towel and dabbing at her lips, Sage set the towel aside as she watched him sign by the light of the fire. "Yea? I can't imagine someone of your size ever needing to eat, no," she teased playfully, her eyes twinkling in the firelight as she grinned at him. "You know I'm always more than happy to have you over, babe- even without the food and all the crazy monkey sex. Though I do appreciate both, don't get me wrong," she added, laughing. She'd really like that, to have Kalani over, cooking in her kitchen, sharing food with her. It was a little more domestic than she was used to, but she like that picture. With him. "I'd like that too. My dad and brother and I used to have campfires in the backyard when we were kids," she explained, taking another bite of fish and then drawing her legs up against her chest as she watched the flames. "It was always a lot of fun. We'd cook hotdogs and make s'mores. I need to teach you how to make a McBaine S'more," she said, grinning. "I think you'd like it." Falling silent, Sage rested her chin on her drawn up knees and took a deep breath, a soft smile on her lips as she felt the warmth of the fire against her face and the crackling sounds mixing with the gentle crashing of the waves. It was perfect. "Thanks. For, y'know, inviting me to this. I know it means a lot to you."

[7/30/2017 7:51:43 PM] Kalani: Kalani could imagine sharing that with her, cooking. It might be difficult with his hands needed to prepare the dish, rather than to talk to her. But he knew they would figure it out. She had a way of understanding him, even in the most difficult of situations. Anytime. You know where you can find me he signed with a smirk. His cheeks where a little red too, partially because he was flirting, and partially because he liked the thought of it. Kalani was also just in a good mood, experiencing this with Sage. It was a very intimate closeness he felt with her. He’d felt it before, in small pieces, but he had felt it since she showed up on the beach. Kalani studied her as she spoke, telling him about her family. It was fun for him to hear about it, knowing she didn’t share this information with just anyone. He wondered if he was the only one on the island who she had a conversation like this with. It made him feel special and trusted by her. The sex with her was good, but he’d rather have this sort of a connection with her if he was given a choice. I appreciate whatever we do together. I just enjoy spending time with you he assured her. If that meant spending an evening cooking, then so be it. It could just be laying together on his small bunk, it would be something he would enjoy. That does sound fun. I think I’d like your brother and father, if they are half as fun as you as company then I would have a great time. I’d like to make them with you. What’s in them? Is that what you remember most about those fires in your backyard? he asked her. Kalani then scooted over, so that he was sitting behind her, his chest up against her back and a leg to each of her side. It was a bold mood for him, but he liked feeling close to her. I’m very glad you are here to experience this with me. Thank you for being here for it. I feel very close to you right now. You get to see a rare side of me, and I feel very comfortable with it he added.

[7/30/2017 8:35:29 PM] Sage : "That I do, handsome. Don't be surprised when I start showing up at your cell every day though," she teased, grinning over at him. Sage couldn't remember a time where they didn't have this easy rapport between them- flirty and fun and intimate. Even that day when they first met, there was instant chemistry. Now, Sage was a flirt, so someone could argue that she created chemistry with everyone she interacted with, and they wouldn't be wrong, but it'd always been something special with Kalani. He wasn't like her usual type, for one, and they were nearly opposites with the way they acted and how they chose to live their lives. And yet, somehow, they still melded perfectly- they did then, and they certainly did now. "I really love spending time with you too, K," she responded, the sincerity clear in her tone- and she really meant it to. She more than just liked spending time with him, she was beginning to crave it on the daily. It helped that they more or less saw one another every day, but each time, Sage found herself wanting more. She knew that'd come back to bite her in the ass some day, but for now, she just wanted to enjoy it. And him. "I think you'd like my dad and brother too," she chuckled, "I promise they're not going to try and kick your ass or anything- they're not like that. Can you imagine how many asses they'd have to kick if they wanted to get at every person I'd ever been with?" she joked, shaking her head in amusement. But the thought of Kalani meeting her family...she really liked that. "It's one of those weird things that sticks out in my memory, yea. The s'mores. Learning how to make them, fighting over the last one. The first time I reached into the fire to grab a s'more my brother dropped in, I burnt the fuck out of my arm," she laughed, thinking back on the memory. "Healed up in no time though- fancy succubus powers and all." When Kalani moved to settle behind her, Sage was more than happy about it, leaning back against his chest and snuggling in. "I'm really glad I'm here too. With you," she confessed, her eyes straight ahead on the fire. "You bring out a side in me that I didn't even think I had, really," she said after a moment, it was easier to be so open when she couldn't see him- but his presence around her comforted her enough to coax the words out. "I'm not exactly one for heart to hearts, y'know? Not my style. But...I dunno. I guess I want to share stuff with you- but I'm sure you get that with lots of people though," she added quickly with a laugh, trying to downplay it. She didn't want to assume that this connection was something he had with only her- that'd be a mistake.

[8/3/2017 3:49:34 PM] Sage : Scratching her temple, Sage let out another short, embarrassed laugh as she rapidly blinked her eyes. It was apparent that she still wasn't completely recovered from handling the anniversary of her mothers death that recently passed- either that or Kalani just had a way of making her lower her walls enough that she could shed a tear. That wasn't normal for her, obviously, she could count on one hand the number of times she'd cried in front of others. Amazingly enough, Kalani would be on that list twice over. Taking a deep, steadying breath, Sage waited as Kalani gently traced his fingertips over her back, the action actually very soothing. When he kissed her shoulder again, she turned slightly, so she was almost sideways in his arms and she could properly lay her head on his shoulder. "I was just feeling sorry for myself, yea. I mean, shit, I wasn't the only teenager going through crap, y'know? It was just easier to pretend like I was. Made it easier to hate the world," she explained with a short chuckle. Though she knew Kalani couldn't know for certain how her mother felt about her- or even if she was still around enough to feel anything or watch over her, it was comforting to hear. She almost believed it, for no reason other than the fact that it was coming from him. "It's also easier to keep things bottled up," she said with a little smirk, laying one hand over Kalani's chest, his heartbeat against her palm. "Or maybe it's just simpler, I dunno. I went from being that angry, angsty teenager to being the reckless, happy-go-lucky woman that I am today- seemed to be a better idea. I guess I just managed to convince myself that being strong meant showing no weakness. Ever. I don't know why I consider sadness to be a weakness- but it's hard to just change the way I think, y'know? But talking to you...it helps. Baby steps, right?"

[8/3/2017 4:36:06 PM] Kalani: The seer didn’t need to see it, to know what was happening. In fact, it was better if he didn’t make a big deal of it with Sage. But she was emotional again, and last time he pressed too hard. He would try to console her without making a big deal of it. Kalani listened to her, he was good at that. But with Sage, it was especially easy, considering how interested he actually was in what she had to say.  You keep downplaying your feelings. Comparing them to others. You had a rough time when you were a teenager. It doesn’t need to be diminished because of what others might be dealing with he signed to her. Kalani meant it, she probably had it worse than most. Sage’s admission was something he already knew. It was so much easier to bottle up emotions, he did it too, it wasn’t only her. And he didn’t have to go through half as much as what she did. Sage was one of the strongest people he’d ever met, he just wish she would see that too. I like who you became. It’s only one person’s opinion, but maybe you became exactly who you were supposed to become. And without the hardships you faced, you would have been someone completely different. You might not have even been sent here he signed to her. Kalani was just trying to be positive, not trying to be selfish, or say that it was a good thing her mother died. Just that, he enjoyed her for who she was, who she became. You can talk to me about anything. I’m not going anywhere. And I don’t a little conversation with you will turn me off from you laying against me like this he joked. Kalani cupped the side of her cheek, and tilted her up slightly to plant a kiss to her forehead.

[8/8/2017 3:17:29 PM] Sage : Chuckling, Sage shook her head slowly as Kalani called her out on downplaying her feelings. Yet again. For someone who was so blunt and seemingly open, she sure did hide a lot- and for someone who was so confident in herself, she sure did get down on herself a whole lot too. It just went to show that sometimes things weren't always what they seemed. And that there were very few people out there who'd take the time to realize that, especially with someone like her where it was next to impossible to tell when something was amiss. "I think it's best to just leave that part of me in the past," she chuckled, reaching up to idly twirl a lock of his hair. "It was pretty bad. I was like, all emo and everything. Problem child to the max- my poor dad." The smile remained on her lips as she listened to Kalani talk about the person she'd become. As angsty as she seemed at the moment, she truly did love who she was and who she'd become. She wasn't perfect, sure, but she'd never really strived for that anyhow. She was the best at what she did, and that was enough for her. "I like who I became too," she said softly, leaning into him as he kissed her forehead. "And let's be real, you're only here right now to cop a feel," she teased him playfully, pulling back a little so she could grin up at him, her eyes nearly an icy grey under the light of the fire. Leaning in, Sage placed a kiss on each of his cheeks and then his forehead and the tip of his nose before she finally gave him a gently peck on the lips. "Why is it that every time we hang out now, you turn me into a big ball of mush, huh? You're going to ruin my bad girl reputation!" she teased, poking her tongue out at him. "But really, enough about me. You're going to know all my secrets at this right. Tell me something about you?" she asked, her eyes on his. "Something no one else knows."

[8/8/2017 3:41:54 PM] Kalani: Kalani hid his smile. But the thought of her being ‘emo’ was laughable. Just based on some of the few contemporary novels he had gotten a hold of back home. She seemed so happy, content with her life. The bound seer was certain that her father did have his hands full with Sage, but clearly he cared for her based on how highly she spoke of him. She seemed like the type to cut ties with anyone who was toxic. The sentimental moment was killed, when she told him the reason he was here was to cop a feel. Sage was beautiful, and there was a physical attraction. But that attraction was just the surface to his overall interest in her. She just seemed to enjoy teasing him about it. I just enjoy knowing more about you. I know you’re very pretty. But I want to know more about who you are, what makes you tick. What makes you Sage. That’s important to me he signed to her, smiling as he went. He could tell it made her uncomfortable, but Kalani couldn’t help himself from digging a little deeper with her. He was fairly open about his past. Compared to most of the stories he heard here, his childhood was fairly tame. Sage knew many things that no one else here at the school know about him. But it was unfair for Kalani to want Sage to be completely open with him, and he not give her the same. I’ve had one bad experience with my powers when I was younger he admitted, holding her tighter to him, his bicep flexing slightly in response. Kalani didn’t want to ruin the mood, but he felt like a hypocrite if he couldn’t tell her some emotional stuff from when he was younger.

[8/8/2017 4:02:36 PM] Sage : "Y'know, I think you're one of the few people I've met who like me for my personality more than you like me for how good I can fuck you," she teased- though she actually really meant that. Most often people's interest in her was superficial or platonic, and she was totally fine with that, but it meant that it really stuck out when someone wanted her for anything outside just the physical. "Though, if you really want to get to know me, I can make it real simple for you- here's what makes Sage, Sage. Sex, sports, and food," she said, grinning and holding out a finger as she listed each thing. That was a gross simplification, of course, but it covered the highlights. Or so she believed. When he began to speak about himself, however, Sage toned down the playful attitude, instead listening to what he was saying intently. She'd asked because she really did want to know- it wasn't like her to go around asking people about their lives, after all. She usually didn't care to know. Quirking a brow curiously at what he'd said, Sage took in his reaction and wondered briefly if she should have just not asked. She didn't want Kalani to relive something unpleasant, but she couldn't take it back now, and so she'd just listen. "What happened?" she asked softly, leaning into his chest and stroking her fingers over his arm in an attempt to wordlessly let him know that she was there for him.

[8/8/2017 4:33:17 PM] Kalani: Sage wasn’t lying about that. She gave him incredible sex. But even if that weren’t the case, or even if they weren’t sexual at all, it wouldn’t matter much to him. He was glad she could see that in him, that his intentions were much more than “coping a feel” as she put it. He shook his head at her. I think there is more to you than that. But even if there wasn’t, I could deal with that combination he joked to her. The bound seer knew her well enough by now to know that she was deeper than those things. But they definitely were the things that made her happy. Kalani had second thoughts again about being so open with her. Not that he was ashamed of what happened, but because he was enjoying his time with her. I was young, about 10. I was at a friends birthday party, and his younger sister bumped into me. The vision I had was of her brother, my friend hurting her. It was difficult to watch. Looking back I know I should have said something to someone. I stopped being friends with him after that, and did my best to look after her from a distance. By the time I was 15 they had moved off from the island. Right around when I had the courage to say something, he admitted. He and the girl had become closer as a result, she had become a friend of his, almost like a symbolic little sister. Kalani felt ashamed admitting it to someone. The only person he told it to. It felt like a black mark on his reputation. But he was young, he wasn’t sure what to make of it, or what to even do about it.

[8/9/2017 2:25:25 PM] Sage : Sage laughed jovially at his words and leaned in to playfully nuzzle the side of his neck. She loved how Kalani was such a good sport, taking cues from her and not pushing her too far, accepting when she needed to pull back from the serious conversation a little instead of pushing her to keep talking about it. She really appreciated that more than anything else. Stroking her fingers along his jaw and over his beard, Sage listened intently as Kalani spoke about his childhood and what'd happened with his friend. She was a little surprised by it, not because of how young-Kalani had reacted but because she never would've guessed he was carrying that sort of guilt with him. And she could tell that he was- even though she didn't personally think there was any reason for it. "Hey, you did a whole lot more than most would've," she said, cupping his face in her hands and meeting his eyes. "I mean, shit, you were 10. The fact that you already knew enough to distance yourself from your friend and kept an eye out for her says so much about you, y'know?" Sage wasn't exactly the best at this sort of thing, she usually thought it came off fake and contrived, but she genuinely meant every word she was saying to him. "I don't think most adults would know what to do in that sort of situation. You did good, Mr. Mountain," she said with a soft, reassuring smile, stroking her thumbs over his cheekbones. "Don't let it weigh on you."

[8/9/2017 3:37:54 PM] Kalani: Maybe that was where his caregiver mentality came from. Why he wanted to be there for people. They might now have anyone else looking out for them, and everyone deserved that. The girl obviously didn’t have that at home, and despite just be a boy, he did all he could to defend her. Sage was also good at caring. He’d seen her do it before, this wasn’t the first time she made him feel safe, despite the fact he should feel vulnerable with his admission. It was still something he’d have to wear, the vision of her being hit like that was something he’d never be able to truly forget. But it came with the territory of being a seer. He nodded at her, forcing a smile on his face as she tried to console him. Kalani’s grip on her tightened, matching their physical closeness to their current emotional closeness.  Thank you he signed to her. She could make him feel better in a way that only his family used to be able to. I hope you can still enjoy my company. I’ve learned from it. To make sure people are safe at all costs. Maybe it was something I needed to go through he told her, kissing her forehead again while he rubbed across her back with his arm. If I knew someone was hurting you, I would do more for you than what 10 year old me would have half done for that little girl he added, half-jokingly.

[8/9/2017 4:12:48 PM] Sage : She gave him a critical study when he smiled at her, playfully trying to decipher whether that smile was genuine or not. She hoped he knew he didn't have to fake anything with her- especially after all the shit she'd gone through with him herself. If he wasn't feeling fine with something, she hoped he would say that instead of putting on a brave face. Then again, she'd be quite the hypocrite to ask that of him, considering how she herself acted. Still, she didn't call him out on anything, figuring she'd give him the benefit of the doubt and trusting that he'd tell her if it really was bothering him more than he let on. "You're very welcome," she responded with a grin, leaning into him when he tugged her closer to his chest. When he mentioned hoping that she could still enjoy his company, Sage gave him a genuinely confused look. "Wait, do you really think I'd judge you for this?" she asked incredulously before chuckling and shaking her head. "Baby, I'm not going to hold something that happened years ago against you- especially not something like that. If either one of us had to ask for forgiveness for the shit we did in our past, it'd be me," she joked, even though she really meant that. She'd done all sorts of crap, from nearly draining people to ruining relationships and marriages. If Kalani could look past that, then this was nothing. "But maybe you're right, maybe you did have to go through that to become who you are now- but that doesn't change the fact that you've got nothing to be sorry for and nothing to be ashamed about. Y'hear?" Ducking her head to press a kiss to his shoulder, Sage laughed at his promise. "You're the sweetest," she teased affectionately, "But if someone was hurting me, I'd kick their ass myself. Bad girl reputation to uphold, remember?" she said playfully, grinning at him. "But I know for a fact that you'd do something about it if it happened now, to someone who couldn't defend themselves. That's what matters."

[8/9/2017 5:33:34 PM] Kalani: Kalani resisted the urge to furrow his brow, as she called him ‘baby.’ He knew by now it was a term of endearment, and that Sage has said It before to others. But he can’t recall a time when she said it to him. But maybe he was looking too much into it. But he couldn’t deny the fact that he liked it. Kalani shrugged his shoulders at her, he wasn’t often worried about being judged. But this was a fact about him that was the exception to that trend. And now Sage knew about it, saw him at his worse. And she was still there, in his arms. The bound seer nodded to her, his eyes lifting up to meet hers again. I think it’s possible you could have. You know how people can be. How people have treated you unfairly for your past he reminded her. She had to know what it was like to be judged, not that he’d ever done that to her. I think we are both better people for it. We have outlooks on life that we wouldn’t have had otherwise he told her. Kalani liked Sage as she was. If she hadn’t have went through what she did, with her mom, or her issues as a teenager, she might have been completely different. She might have even been more unhappy than she was now. Oh I do know you are a badass. But there is always someone out there bigger and stronger. But I’d still put my money on you if you were ever put in that situation he joked to her with a smile. And is that going to be my new nickname? he couldn’t help but add, referring to the baby she called him earlier.

[8/9/2017 6:22:59 PM] Sage : "Yea, well, people are assholes," she laughed, shrugging easily. People definitely judged her, especially women she found, and it'd been that way the moment she hit puberty, really. Probably because that was also around the time she was really coming into her powers as a Succubus- not to mention her physical transformation. She'd always been a beautiful child, but she sure did ramp up the sex appeal when she hit puberty. So naturally she was judged for looking the way she did and acting the way she did- 'promiscuous and troublesome' didn't even begin to cover it. "And I really don't give a flying fuck if someone wants to judge me for me, y'know? They can think what they want, it's their right, but I'm going to keep doing me, the way I want to do me, that's never going to change," she explained, shrugging again. She genuinely didn't care what people thought of her- but perhaps part of that was because she'd accepted that people would never see her differently. Which was why people like Kalani were special to her, whether she wanted to admit that or not. Sage laughed when he called her a badass, and was genuinely touched. "You're a sweetheart, y'know that?" she teased affectionately before raising a brow at the question. She hadn't even really realized she'd called him baby, or that she'd never done it before- but it'd felt right, and so she didn't even linger on it. "It can be," she chuckled, nuzzling him playfully. "If you like it, I mean. Do you?"

[8/9/2017 9:23:28 PM] Kalani: Kalani was very secure in himself. It seemed to be a rare trait, considering everyone he had met at the school. But in his moment, it was the least secure he’d ever felt, maybe in his entire life. Kalani did his best not to show it, he needed to be strong. Good. You shouldn’t. You’re better than that, to let someone bring you down. They don’t deserve to be around you anyway he reassured her, giving the succubus a small smile. He felt better in that moment, his own insecurities being forgotten about when his attention went back to her. Kalani didn’t want Sage to change. But to simply let her genuine self out there more often. She was beautiful, inside and out. You’re very sweet. It’s easy to return that to you  he signed to her, his smile widening just a bit. Kalani heard that a lot from people here, that he was sweet. He just told people how he felt. He gave a soft, playful shrug to her question, his smile turning into more of a smirk. I don’t think I’ve ever been called that is all. I don’t mind it as long as you are okay with it. I won’t be running for the hills he joked. But in truth, he liked it. He would have liked any nickname she felt safe in calling him. Yet another crack in her outer shell, to peer in and see that true Sage that he very much liked. His lips traveled down from her forehead, to press them against her own, giving her a soft kiss to confirm his fondness for it, and for her. I don’t think nicknames would come across as well with me signing them to you. What did you like being called back home? he asked her.

[8/9/2017 9:53:10 PM] Sage : "They hardly bring me down, but thank you for the reassurance," she chuckled warmly, tugging at a lock of his hair with affection. "And don't think I haven't noticed that you've changed the topic back onto me, mister, I'm onto you!" she accused, grinning widely as she waggled a finger in his face. "It's okay for it to be about you sometimes too, y'know." Sage could understand the impulse- some people just didn't like talking about themselves and would rather focus on other people's stories. To help rather than be helped- Kalani was one of those people. Sage was a subdivision where she didn't want to accept help but she also didn't go out of her way to have people confess their life's stories to her either- she wasn't like Kalani, she wasn't full of wisdom and good advice, so it really wasn't her scene. And yet she'd asked about his life and tried to give him her two cents on his situation- hopefully she wasn't too horrible at it and gave him at least some sort of comfort. At least he seemed to be in a more jovial mood as the conversation moved on from his past. "Yea, I can't imagine very many people calling you that," she teased, grinning into the kiss. "I'm more than okay with it, baby," she added with a cheeky wink before kissing him again, her fingers running through his hair. "Most people just called me Sage, really. When Ryder and I were on the same football teams growing up, coach and my teammates called me MJ- for 'McBaine Jr', since my brother went by 'McBaine'. Then when I played college football, the team called me 'Flash', y'know, because I was fast," she chuckled. "And then you've got the run of the mill 'honey, baby, sweetheart, whore, bitch, slut' etc, etc from lovers and what have you- I don't think I've had a 'consistent nickname' from anyone but my dad, brother or my team, really."

[8/10/2017 9:30:53 AM] Kalani: Kalani enjoyed when Sage tugged on his hair. She felt comfortable enough to do so with him, a reminder of how close the two were. And plus, he tugged on hers often, so it seemed only fair. He gave her a soft laugh, that was certainly his plan. He would much rather talk about her than himself, Sage most likely knew that by now. I know it is. I just find you very interesting. And it seems like you don’t often get a chance to talk about yourself. That most of your interactions are physical he signed to her. Kalani hoped it came across as respectful, he wasn’t judging her for it. But Sage really enjoyed sex, and it seemed easier for her to do, than speaking about herself. Not to mention everyone here at the school seemed to be sex crazed, passing up a conversation with Sage, to have sex with her if given the option. Kalani would much rather learn more about Sage, her feelings, her past, whatever was on her mind.  We speak often. But every time we do it still feels like I learn more about you he added, his facial expression a bit more serious now. His hand rubbed up and down her arm, and her side, warming her up a little as the breeze picked up. Kalani gave her a nod as he listened to her nicknames. I will see if I can one up the ones you were given. But probably only if I speak again. It just won’t sound right in signing I am guessing. Flash isn’t bad though, I like that. It fits you well for some reason. And I guess your Mr. Mountain is also a nickname. Not sure If I should have two. Seems to be too much of an honor he joked.

[8/10/2017 1:40:14 PM] Sage : "And what if I find you interesting, huh? Maybe I want to know about you for a change?" she teased, playfully nudging him. She wasn't actually bothered by it, of course, though she figured some might be. She was too laid back for that, and she respected Kalani's boundaries too much for that too. She'd happily take what he was willing to give, when he was willing to give it. Besides, she sorta liked that it was almost a challenge, getting him to talk about himself. She cherished every bit of it. "I talk about myself a lot!" she laughed, but she knew what he meant. She talked about superficial things mostly- sex, sports, food. Kalani meant that she never talked about herself in a more genuine sense- and he wasn't wrong. Only, she didn't just hold back because she didn't get the opportunity. Chances were that, even if she did get the chance, she wouldn't take it. "And that's because every time we talk, you somehow manage to make me tell you things that I've never told anyone before," she responded, a little grin on her lips, but the look in her eyes told him that she really meant that. And that it wasn't as horrible an experience as she thought it'd be. Chuckling when Kalani mentioned her two nicknames for him, she cuddled into his chest and kissed the underside of his jaw. "Aw, baby, here I am, about to come up with a third for you," she teased. "Do you think you'll speak again?" she asked after a moment of silence. "While on the island, I mean."

[8/10/2017 7:51:45 PM] Kalani: Kalani was pretty certain that Sage found him to be interesting. She wouldn’t keep him so close to her if she wasn’t. If she wanted to keep him just for sex, their relationship would be very different. But he also found her to be fascinating, and she also enjoyed talking, obviously more than he did. He was a much better listener anyway. Yes but I am still not bored with hearing you speak about yourself he told her, the corner of his lip up in a smirk. Kalani shook his head and looked at the fire, pondering what to tell her. What you say to me is safe. At least from people who cannot read sign language he joked, in a bit of a playful mood with her. Just enjoying their evening together. But that playfulness deteriorated a bit when she asked her question. The bound seer didn’t have a good answer for her, even he didn’t know. But everyday it became more difficult for him to remain silent. I don’t know he started before pausing. Even in this moment he considered opening his mouth to speak to Sage. What would you do if you were me? he asked her, wanting her advice.

[8/11/2017 8:40:35 AM] Sage : "I don't even know if there's anything more to say about myself," she laughed, "It's getting to a point where you just might know everything there is to know about me- more or less." There was still a couple things she hadn't talked about, things she hadn't thought to bring up and things she'd never told anyone before, but she figured there was no rush. "I'm going to have to come up with more stories or you're going to get bored of me," she teased playfully, tapping the end of Kalani's nose. While he watched the fire, Sage studied his profile, taking in the sharp angles cast by the shadows. He truly was a stunning man, captivating in a way that wasn't exactly typical. Physically at least, he was exactly her type, she'd known that since the moment they first met. She just hadn't anticipated him being what she needed in other ways too. Distracted, it took Sage a moment to realize he'd asked her something, and she brought her mind back from her thoughts to meet his eyes. "What would I do?" she repeated, now turning to look into the fire herself as she thought about it. "To be completely honest with you, I don't think I'd have been able to take up the vow in the first place. I mean, for one, I never shut up," she joked lightly, though she really was answering his question. "For another, I just don't think I have the motivation and drive you do. But we're very different people, you and me. If I were in your shoes...I dunno. I think I'd keep the vow- at least until there came a time where I had a reason to break it. Like, something that was worth breaking the vow for, y'know? Now, I don't know if you'll ever find something you think is worth that, but until you do, I guess you should keep it. You've already come this far, after all."

[8/11/2017 9:34:02 AM] Kalani: Kalani liked hearing there wasn’t much left of her to say. Not that he didn’t want to hear about her, it was the exact opposite. He wanted to make sure that she was given an opportunity to reveal herself to him, that she felt comfortable doing so. Please do. I am sure with your mind, you could create some very good stories. True or not he joked to her. It was possible that Sage’s stories would be incredible difficult to determine whether they were real or not. She was creative, and outlandish at times. I think you could do it he told her. The bound seer believed that Sage was capable of taking a vow like him for the right purpose. I think you do have convictions and values that would you do anything for. It’s not just a trait in me he reminded her, his eyes tracing over her face to read her expression. It was easy for him to get lost while studying her, distracted by her beauty. Although she was very attractive when she smiled, he liked how she looked while she was serious all the same. It has been a year, which is a fairly long time. But If my conviction in my cause has faltered then what is even the point of holding it. If I don’t care about going home as much as I once did he asked her, his head dropping to look at the sand again. Maybe Sage knew it or not, but he was close to breaking it. Because he felt as though he did have a good reason to break it. The question was, was it a good enough reason? If he couldn’t go back home, and instead he Is left at the school for a very long time, would it be worth it to break his vow?

[8/11/2017 10:39:04 AM] Sage : "I mean, I guess? I'd do anything for my brother and father- even if it means I'd have to take a vow of silence or something like that. They're the only thing I really value in life. I mean, football's up there, but even that I'd give up for them," she confessed, still staring into the fire. She hadn't even realized that about herself- that she'd give up her hopes and dreams for the two men in her life, without a question. Sage always thought herself to be selfish, but for them, she'd put everything aside. "I don't think I've felt that way about anyone else though. I would've for my mom, but y'know, she's gone. But it's like...I've never been there with another person. I've never cared about someone else enough to feel that way about them- and I guess that's my fault. I tend to keep people at arms length- not physically, obviously, but uh, emotionally? Pathetic, huh?" she chuckled and then fell silent, toying with a lock of her hair with her eyes still on the fire. She didn't know how to explain that she'd started to feel something for someone maybe one or two times in her life, but each time, she was either left behind or passed up for someone more 'respectable'. For someone less like her, more stable, 'relationship material', as one man once called it. And she definitely wasn't that, so she spent her time saving herself the trouble, keeping herself detached- it wasn't like she was miserable about it, constantly pining for a relationship or anything. She loved her lifestyle with her whole heart, and she'd never found a good enough reason to make herself try something new. Kalani though...he was doing things to her thoughts and feelings that she didn't quite appreciate and wasn't ready to acknowledge- but her denial didn't make it any less real. She didn't stress too much about it though, she doubted anything would come of it. Besides, someone like Kalani would definitely end up with someone who was 'relationship material' or 'wifey material' or whatever else they were calling it. Someone like Ava or Beth or Tiff- she'd heard the rumours that went around the school. And the funniest thing was that she wouldn't be the slightest bit surprised if he ended up with any of them- and she'd be happy for him to boot. She was different, it was unrealistic to expect anything like that for herself. "Anyway," she said after a moment, perking right back up and grinning wide at him. "Whatever you decide to do, Kalani, it'll be the right choice. You'll know when it's right, and you strike me as a 'trust your gut' kind of guy. So, y'know, trust your gut!" she chuckled.

[8/12/2017 9:58:25 AM] Kalani: His vow really wasn’t so bad. It forced him to learn a new language, which may be useful later on. And he was still able to communicate with those he really cared about, like Sage. It wasn’t ideal, but it was doable. He’d much rather speak to Sage in a moment like this, whisper things into her ear, both arms wrapped around her. Kalani nodded as she mentioned what she would do for her family, he could envision her doing something extreme for them. But his nod turned to a shake when she called herself pathetic. Not pathetic at all he tried to reassure her. Of all the adjectives he could think of to describe her, pathetic was not one of them. He even gave a soft kiss to the top of her head to try and console her. Thanks for your confidence. Don’t be surprised with whatever decision I make. It’s as though my feelings on the situation changes daily he told her. Kalani pulled his hand off from her, reaching behind her. He had brought a couple blankets just in case it got cold. There wasn’t evidence to suggest that Sage was chilly, but did know she enjoyed being cozy. He unfolded the blanket and laid it over the succubus, letting it fall over her. Kalani wrapped it around her tight, and then laid back, with her still pressed against him. The seer looked up at the stars, it was incredibly reminiscent of what it was like back home, with the ceremony, the large fire, and laying to look up at the night sky. It was even better with the addition of Sage. Even if I Was given the opportunity to go home I don’t know if I would take it he started, before taking a small pause. I’ve enjoyed trying new things here, meeting interesting people. If I go home, I will just go back to a life of being a fisherman, doing the same thing every day. Not experiencing new cultures he added.

[8/12/2017 1:58:32 PM] Sage : "I trust your judgement, baby," she chuckled, reaching up to

stroke his cheek, fingers trailing along the curve of his strong jaw. "Seriously. Whatever you decide to do, talking or not, I'm sure you'll make the right decision for you when the time comes." Sage wouldn't mind either way, whether he wanted to continue with his vow or break it to speak. Sure, she always wondered what his voice would sound like, but it didn't put her off any that he chose not to speak. Besides, his vow made it so that they connected on a deeper level, something they might not've had if he'd been speaking this whole time. Either way, Sage didn't think the decision had anything to do with her, so she didn't want to influence him one way or another. Whatever he chose to do, she'd support him through it, whether it meant keeping his vow or breaking it. Grinning when Kalani wrapped the blanket around her, Sage snuggled into it and then snuggled closer to him as he laid back. As a demon, her body ran warmer than a human's, so she wasn't technically cold, but she did like being all bundled up and cuddled with. "That makes sense," she said after a moment, laying her head on his chest, his heartbeat under her ear. "But you could always take the deal to go home and then go travelling or something- see the world, y'know? Would they let you leave? Your family? I know you guys are a big deal back home, I don't know if the rules are different for you." Kalani wasn't the only one experiencing new cultures, after all. Through her relationship with him, Sage too was learning things about a community and culture she hadn't even known existed before. It was amazing. "Or. I could just come with you to your island and we can be fishermen together," she teased, grinning.

[8/12/2017 4:08:41 PM] Kalani: It was odd, but Sage reminded him of his mother when she spoke to him like this. It might sound strange, considering the attraction he had for Sage, but she spoke to him with genuine concern. It wasn’t something he’d heard too often, the last time he could recall it was while he was back home. You can leave whenever you would like But I don’t think I would leave again if I went back home. I know me. Once I go home I don’t think I will leave again he signed to her while he shook his head. He had opportunities to leave his home long ago and never took it. And even then he had an itch to try new cultures. But he never left, thinking he had a responsibility to stay, and live a life of complacency. Even if that meant feeling as if he were alone and unsuccessful. He gave a soft laugh at her suggestion, and imagined Sage sitting with him in his narrow wooden boat for anywhere between 8 and 12 hours a day. He figured Sage would find a way to distract him to make the day go by faster. I would like that. I think you would find it boring. You have a very promising future, don’t waste it by sitting in a boat with me. Or back at my home. There are other people who need you he told her. His long, thick arm brought his hand to her back again, rubbing it softly.

[8/12/2017 5:21:31 PM] Sage : Sage hummed when Kalani spoke, nodding. She could definitely see that- him going back home and staying out of duty, even if it meant putting his own desires on hold. He was definitely that kind of man, the kind to put others before himself, she wasn't surprised. "Yea, that's a tricky situation for sure. But does that mean you're just never going to go back home then?" she asked curiously. "Or maybe you can travel for a while, see the world, learn new things, and then go back home when you're ready for that? Who knows, maybe by then you won't feel obligated to stay?" she suggested, "There's so much of the world you just have to see, K. It's gorgeous out there- and I haven't even seen it all!" she laughed- though she very well intended on doing so some day. Lifting her head, Sage grinned down at Kalani, running her fingers through his hair, brushing it back from his face. "And what if I want to spend my future sitting in a boat with you?" she teased playfully. But then she got to thinking about what she'd said, and what it sounded like she was implying, and she became a little frazzled by it, clearing her throat and laying her head back down. It wasn't so much the admission, but rather the fact that she realized she really wouldn't mind it, living that sort of life with Kalani. Sure, she wasn't one to stay in one place for long, but with Kalani...perhaps she could make an exception? "What do ya say we spend the night out here?" she asked after a moment, changing the subject. "It's beautiful out."

[8/12/2017 6:21:10 PM] Kalani: Sage was asking questions she didn’t have the answer to. How did things get this complicated for him? He remembered when he first got here how simple it sounded. Let time pass, figure out a way to get home, and leave. He thought his vow would make things easier. Sure, it meant he’d need to remain silent for an extended period of time, but it seemed worth it in the long run if it meant he’d be able to return him. But Sage was making him rethink his intentions. Would be hard to travel like this he told her, referring to his silence. He would already be a little bit lost, with how sheltered he’d been for so many years. If he couldn’t speak, he wasn’t sure how he’d be able to navigate in a new city, let alone a new country. I know. I want to see it. I feel like I have to weigh which I want more. My home, or an opportunity for more. But that opportunity might not be what I think it is. It might be worse. And then I am stuck he reminded her. Signing it though, made him sound pathetic. And the choice seemed easier than he originally thought. I was thinking that too. I hadn’t planned on it. But I don’t think there is anywhere else I’d rather sleep tonight he signed, giving her a smile, and planting a kiss to the top of her scalp.

[8/12/2017 6:42:21 PM] Sage : "Then I guess you're just going to have to find yourself a guide to take with you- y'know, someone who can translate for you and knows a thing or two about travelling so you don't get scammed," she chuckled, though this time she didn't make the mistake of inserting herself into that particular fantasy- though she had to admit that it was a really appealing thought. "I'm not so great with life advice, so I'll just tell you what my dad told me as a kid. He's always pushed Ryder and I to go out on a limb, to do things even if the odds were against us- within reason, of course, but the point was for us to learn that sometimes you take a risk and it works out, but sometimes you take a risk and it blows up in your face. And that's okay. You win some and you lose some, y'know? But he always said, it's better to have lived through a bad experience and come out of it more knowledgable than to have never gone through it at all. I don't know if that helps you at all, but it made a lot of sense to me," she said, shrugging. Pulling the blanket up, Sage shimmied it around so it'd drape over the both of them, covering them from the chill of the night. "Thanks again, for inviting me tonight," she started, lifting up on her elbows so she could study his face once more. "I really enjoyed it and, y'know, being a part of something that's important to you." She could've said more, but she wasn't sure if she was ready for that, and so she just leaned down and gave him a sweet kiss.

[8/12/2017 8:46:56 PM] Kalani: Of course Kalani wouldn’t mind traveling with Sage. They’d talking about it before, briefly, and every time he found himself more excited with the prospect of it. But he wouldn’t count on it. Nothing against Sage, but he knew peoples plans change. By the time he was ready to go, she might have already left the island, ready for a new challenge, playing in the NFL. Or maybe simply returning home to her family. I think you’d make for a great guide. I’m not sure I could afford you though he joked to her. Sage could find a better a travel companion than him, he was certain of it.  Kalani listened as she recalled her youth, and the lessons she learned from it. Your father is a smart man. Mine tried to shelter us, my brothers and sisters. Maybe that’s part of why we are so different. But I think I side more with your father’s way of thinking. We should push ourselves, test our limits he agreed with her, and her dad. He felt her pull the blanket over him, warming him up next to her. Her body radiated heat, much more than his own did. And he didn’t mind it, even if he were to feel as if it were to hot. He would still rather be this close to her. Kalani cupped the back of her head as she planted a kiss on him, pressing his own lips back against the succubus’. I am glad you were here with me for it. Next time let’s do it back at my home he teased after they broke their kiss. But he was serious, he would like for her to meet his family, to understand what his home was like. How could anyone not like her? There is a small sandbar about a mile off the island. I’d often swim there, abandoning my boat after I dropped the net in the water. We could do this on there, he suggested to her.

[8:37:50 AM] Sage : "I'll make sure to give you a really good discount," she teased, chuckling. She hoped he knew that she was only kidding about that- she'd happily travel the world with him in return for nothing but his company. "I think we'd have a lot of fun. Backpacking through Europe, climbing mountains in Asia, trekking through the forests of south america. There are so many places I want to go, so many things I want to see and do, I just want to go do it all already!" she laughed. Of course, Sage had the means to do it all in her lifetime, since she was a supernatural and would be around for a while, but that only made her very aware that Kalani was not- which was a depressing thought, one she purposely pushed to the recesses of her mind. "He's definitely a smart guy, yea. Smartest man I know. But hey, can't exactly fault your dad for being careful with you guys either- it's probably just because he cares and doesn't want to see you hurt," she said with a shrug, though she personally believed in her father's way of thinking as well. "Yea? Are you inviting me to meet your family then?" she teased, grinning down at him before giving him another quick kiss. "But I think I'd like that- y'know, seeing your home, doing the ritual there. Every time you describe where you grew up, I can't help but think about how gorgeous it must've been. To grow up on an island, swimming in the ocean. It's so different from how I grew up. How 'bout I make you a deal?" she said a moment later, stroking a finger along his jaw. "I'll come with you to your home if you'll come with me to mine."

[10:46:39 AM] Kalani: As Sage spoke, he imagined doing just that with her, in various locations he had only read about. Climbing mountains, trying new food, going on a train for the first time. He liked it, but more than that he liked that Sage was with him in fantasy. Kalani ran his hand through her midnight black hair as she spoke, combing it between his fingers. That sounds incredible. If we get lost, we get lost. Maybe just deal with whatever life hands us if that happens he signed to her with his free hand, smiling at the thought. It might be a good way to justify starting a new life somewhere. Kalani couldn’t say for sure why his father did what he did. Maybe it was his powers, or maybe it was him just being overly cautious. He cares about his children, that is true. But you have to let them make a mistake sometimes. Learning how to deal with adversity is a good thing he said to her, still looking up into the stars. His attention was nabbed by Sage again, when her finger traced his jawline. His eyes fluttered down to look at her as she laid next to him, still wrapped tight in the gray blanket. You are always welcome to my home island he signed to her with a smile, before taking a small pause. Even if I’m not able to come to yours, you are always welcome there. But I would like to see your home, to know more about you, for you to show me more about what made you you he told her, before cupping her cheek and giving her a deep kiss.

Octavian had let some of the flowers stick around, longer than they should have. A few of the vases had dead petals pooling around the bases of them. Octavian had been on his phone, before he had started to fall asleep in his chair. His sleep schedule was so off, it was only 6 PM, but he felt as though it was the middle of the night. The tightening of his hand forced him to slowly awaken. He was cautious about what to expect. He had dreamt that she had gripped his hand harder. But as OC opened his eyes and saw Noelles own eyes blinking open, he flinched. "N-Noelle?" he asked, wondering if this was a dream.

Noelle couldn't believe she was back, pulled out of the endless nothingness and in the real world again. Slowly her eyes started to flutter open and she grimaced at the harsh flourescent light greeting her. She was in a hospital, in a room she didn't recognize but it was definitely a hospital. Hearing a voice she jumped slightly, her eyes moving to the person holding her hand, sitting next to her. He looked like he had been sitting there a long time, like she had woken him up with her movement. "H-how long...was I...?" she tried to ask, her voice raspy. "Where am I?"

The sound of her voice lit Octavian's eyes up. He had almost forgotten it after all that time. He ran his hand over his face in disbelief, as if checking to make sure he was awake. "It's been... a while," he admitted as he thought about how long it had been. Had it been over a month already? The days had just blended together for him. He was certain he'd need to retake all his classes this semester. "It's been like, a month. And then some. You were out for a long time," he told her, still gripping her hand. "You're at the hospital, still at school," he added.

Noelle's face fell when he said how much time had passed. She was trapped in there for over a month? What life had passed around her while she was stuck like that? "Oh." she said quietly. She furrowed her brow at what he said, trying to think of what school she could remember past high school. "...school?" she repeated in confusion. Her eyes moved down to where he was still holding her hand, and the way he did and seemed so happy she was awake, he had to be someone who cared about her. But she was drawing a blank, and she felt horrible for it. "I don't, um," she stammered weakly, not sure how to say it. "but...who are you?"

Octavian wanted to cheer her up. He had played out her waking up in his mind over and over. She was happier in his dreams, and wanted to try and fix that. "Uh yeah, school. The institute? You know, college," he said while he gave her a confused look. Octavians own joy was dashed when she asked who he was. He was fearful of that, of being forgotten. "I'm OC... your... friend," he said unsure of how to explain it. "You don't remember me at all?" He asked.

Noelle looked around, trying to spark a memory from the room or just her mind. "The Institute...college." she repeated quietly. She gave his hand a tiny squeeze and her face creased with concern at the look on his face when she asked him. "OC...I, um, well you must be someone I know..." she reasoned, because he was here with her and knew her name. "I don't remember anything else though." she admitted. "I - I'm really sorry. I might if you try and remind me?"

Octavian held back his tears. This was his worst fear. Everything he has worked for with her was gone. He wasn't perfect, but the last thing he wanted was to start all over with her. The cambion nodded to her. "Yeah. I am. We're close. We live and work together, actually," he told her. How could he remind her? There had to be someone to prove how close they were. He looked down, eying Roscoe laying next to his chair to comfort OC. He reached down and placed it on Noelles bed. Seeing her awake, he got very excited, sniffing her, running around on her bed and licking her face. "I got you him," he added.

Noelle watched his face and it nearly broke her heart, "I'm so sorry." she apologized quickly. "We live together, like...roommates? Where do we work?" she asked, wanting as many details as possible to try and jog her memory. "What am I studying here?" When he picked up a little dog she gasped lightly as he set him on her bed. The puppy's excitement made her let out a tiny laugh, starting to smile as he ran around and licked at her. "Hey buddy," she said softly. "aren't you cute?" she said carefully petting him with her free hand, her movements still slow. Noelle looked back up at him, "OC...is that short for something?"

Octavian shook his head. "No, it's alright," he tried to tell her. It of course wasn't, but what else could he say. "Yeah, sort of. We sometimes sleep in the same bed," he said, unsure of how to tell her he had claimed her, like an object. Watching her with Ros comforted him a little. "Well my whole name is Octavian. But OC will will work," the student told her. There didn't seem to be a reason to remind her his middle name was Courtney.

Noelle gave him a confused look, they sometimes shared a bed. "Oh are we um, like, together, then?" she asked hesitantly. That could explain why he seemed so upset and had waited here with her all this time. She scratched behind the ears of the puppy, listening to him. "Octavian." she repeated. "I think I like Octavian better - if that's okay? Is that what I called you?" she asked. She looked around the room, seeing the remains of sweets and meals he had eaten while waiting for her. Suddenly she gasped lightly, "Octavian - you're a cook. Right? A chef?"

Octavian shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah, something like that," he started. It wasn't clear what they were, the fact he has to feed a lot only complicated things. While she was in her coma, he thought about them. It was time to better define what they were, he sort of liked the idea of her being his girlfriend. She deserved a lot better than him. "Yeah, you called me that. And yes I like to cook, it's what I'm here for. You're here for art history. You may only like me because I make things for you to eat," he joked. "Well, that and the fact I go shirtless a lot."

Noelle nodded in understanding. He seemed like a nice guy who really cared about her, like he would be a good boyfriend. Her lips pulled into a small smile, "I did? And you are? I remembered that by myself." she pointed out, kind of proud. "Art history..." she mused to herself. "that makes sense, I've always liked art." The little dog curled up next to her and buried his nose in her sheets, making her smile again. "I wanna see if I can remember his name...he looks like maybe a Scout, or Buddy, or something?" she asked, searching her mind for something as simple as a dog name.

"Well you call him buddy a lot. But that's not his name," he told her as he looked over at the dog. He wanted to help her remember, so the two of them could move on, together. "You don't like, remember me at all? Like memories of us?" He asked her as he scratched his head. Would that mean starting completely over with her? "We've sort of been through a lot together," he added.

Noelle bit the inside of her cheek, trying to come up with something. She hated this feeling of fog in her mind, and she could only imagine how it felt for him. "I'm trying, but...I can barely remember anything about being here." she admitted. "Being in school, where this school is, any classes, people I've met. It's all fuzzy. But...I don't think it's like, gone?" she offered, trying to explain. "It feels like I could remember things if someone helped, it's all just really cloudy."

"It's in the Caribbean," he told her, hoping to spark anything in her memory. Octavian reached out and ran his hand through her dark hair. "I'm here to help. I want you to remember. I had a birthday, last month. You gave me this," he told her as he showed her the bracelet she had gotten him. It was right before his birthday she had went into a coma. "You didn't have a chance to give it to me yourself. You went into your coma first," he explained.

"A college in the caribbean, we're on an island then right? Do we live right by the beach?" she asked, an image of the beach right outside a window coming back to her. Noelle liked the feeling of his hand through her hair, she closed her eyes for just a moment as he did it, and another image came flooding back. "You used to do that sometimes, with my hair...when we watched movies?" she asked, vaguely remembering their sitting on a couch together. Noelle's face fell a little, "I missed your birthday?" She took the bracelet, carefully turning it in her hands and reading the message. "I gave this to you? I...knew that I wouldn't remember? Was I sick or something that I thought you might need this?" she asked, wondering what happeded before she went into the coma.

Octavian smiled, and gave her a nod. "Yeah, we do, we live right on the beach" he said softly. It gave him a small bit of hope, that maybe she'd remember him at some point. "Hallmark channel movies especially. I hate them, but they're your favorite. And you're cute enough where I can deal," he flirted. Despite the situation, he couldn't help himself. Octavian shook his head at her question. "I -- I don't know why you gave it to me. Maybe you knew something was going to happen. I'm not sure. You're pretty smart, so probably you were just thinking ahead, like worst case scenario. You were... compelled. A vampire here, he put it on you. It sort of made you do anything, anyone wanted," he informed her.

"That sounds nice, living on the beach." she mused. Noelle giggled a little at what he said, trying to picture him watching Hallmark with her. His comment sounded so natural, "Do you say stuff like that a lot?" she asked, feeling her ears blush a little. "So I must've thought we would need it." she said, still confused. When he kept talking though, she stared at him, her eyes growing wide. "Compelled? A what, a vampire ?" she asked. "That's not, vampires aren't real though." she said, squeezing her eyes shut and shaking her head. The machine next to her started to beep louder and faster as she tried to remember and terrifying images of blood and fangs and monsters sprung to her memory. They were real, and they were here, all kinds of creatures, and they had hurt her.

Octavian nodded. "I mean, yeah. I'm honest. And, I guess I sort of think you're really pretty," he admitted. Although, even in this state, she had to know how attractive she was. "They are real. And you worked for one. I know, it sounds fucking crazy. Trust me, I think so too. But I'm being real with you," he informed her. Even he thought this shit was straight out of some shitty CW or ABC Family show. But it was true, they existed. "You worked for one... and I, I tried to get you out of that situation. And your boss got mad, so he put a compulsion on you. Making you do whatever anyone commanded," he said, having a hard time looking at her as he spoke. The cambion still felt awful about it. "I'm really sorry for it. For my part in getting you here, in a coma," he added.

Noelle's breathing had picked up, and she was still shaking her head. "How..." she breathed. "Why would I work for a v-vampire?" she asked, having trouble even saying the name now that she was remembering they were real. She squeezed her eyes closed again as a pain hit her head, awful flashes running through her head. "I don't - I don't know if I'm remembering things or they're nightmares from the coma." she admitted, her chin quivering a little in fear. There was more blood, and chains, whips, sex, pain, fear. It couldn't all be real. She pulled herself from her thoughts long enough to hear him explain and apologize, and shook her head. "Hey, it doesn't sound like it was your fault." she assured, squeezing his hand lightly again.

Octavian shook his head. "I... don't know. It happened before we became friends. He can be convincing. And intimidating," he explained to her as he nodded his head. He wasn't sure how she got involved with him, but if he had a say in it when it first happened, he would have warned her not to get involved with a vampire. "That could be either. You've been through a lot since you've been here. Where you worked, and even just because of your compulsion. It's been really hard for you, I've seen how it changed you. It was really sad to watch," he told her, eyes welling up a little. "I'll always feel bad about it. Like I could have done more to protect you," he added.

"He sounds scary." she admitted, looking down at the dog next to her. She was embarrassed that she had gotten herself into such a mess, working for a vampire and letting him basically ruin her life from the sounds of it. "If I...tell you something I remember, can you help to tell me if it happened or not? Or tell me more about it?" she asked, wanting to make sense of all the clouds in her head. Noelle bit her lip, hearing the sadness in his voice as he explained. "How did I change? I hope it didn't make me mean or anything?" she asked. She shook her head again, "You're here now, I can't imagine how scared I would be if you weren't." she admitted, trying to assure him.

Xavier was scary. But honestly, it seemed so long ago. He was certain they wouldn't need to deal with him again. "Look, as soon as you get out of here, you won't have to worry about him, I promise. It's in the past. You beat him," he told her. Finally, she was out from working under him, and now able to make her own decisions. "Yeah, sure. I can do that. If it will help," he told her as he nodded his head. Octavian wondered what she'd ask, making him a little nervous. "Oh just... you weren't happy. You weren't as optimistic. Usually everyone at the school could count on your enthusiasm. But you sort of lost it. Which I mean, it's understandable. You went through some pretty messed up shit. Octavian pulled her hand up and kissed it. "I hardly left. Just to like shower basically. I wanted to be here when you woke up."

Noelle nodded, smiling lightly. "Thank you. Even if I don't remember everything...I feel safe, with you." she offered. "I remember, or, I think I remember...a pink house? And...being tied up, and, stretched? Like I was being pulled, and it hurt. Did that happen?" she asked hesitantly. Noelle felt bad that she had changed the way he said, like she had let everyone down because she couldn't handle whatever the compulsion had done to her. "So, I had to do whatever I was told? Like, automatically? Even if I didn't want to?" That sounded horrible, and scary, no wonder it wore on her if that was what she had to live with. Noelle watched him, thinking he really was a sweet guy to do all this for her, to treat her with so much kindness. "I'm really glad you were, thank you." she said again. The puppy next to her perked his head up at the sound of a nurse walking by the room and she breathed a small laugh before gasping. "Roscoe - his name is Roscoe, right?"

"Yeah... the place we live in has a lot of pink," he confirmed. It was better than living in the dorms, it was safe for Noelle being secluded. Tiff's house was also gorgeous, which made the decision a lot easier, to find someplace else to live. It was nice to hear she felt safe with him, despite her lack of memory. "Yeah... people did some awful shit to you. Because of your compulsion or otherwise. It's just sort of how this place is. But I'm here for you. So are your other friends. To make sure you're alright. You've dealt with a lot, but you got through it. You're really strong," he assured her. He didn't want to go into much more detail about her compulsion. The sooner it was in the past, the better. "Yeah! You named him. I got him for you for your birthday, to try and help you deal with shit."

Noelle laughed a little, "Did I make you decorate it pink? Why pink?" she asked. Her favorite color was purple, she would've chosen that if anything. When he confirmed what she remembered, she shuddered a little that it was true. What kind of place was this, with mythical creatures walking around, and people hurting each other like that? "Who are some of my friends? Will you help tell me who is nice here?" she asked, worried she might end up in another bad situation. She preferred to trust people and be optimistic, but after this she wondered if she should be more careful. Noelle smiled wider that she had gotten something right, the puppy starting to jump excitedly when he heard his name from her. "Hey Roscoe! Oh I bet you were so good waiting here." she said, hugging him. "And you brought him here," she said, looking at Octavian. "you're a good guy."

Octavian shook his head. "Oh hell no," he started with a smile. "I wouldn't stand for that if I had a choice. It's our roommate, she owns it. It's her place, her decorations," he explained to her. The house was beautiful, despite the color choice. "But don't worry, she's totally cool, you're friends with her. Um, Violet is your friend, you should probably see her soon. That might help you remember," he said. That made Octavian a little nervous, about what she would tell Noelle about him. How she could tell her how much of a jerk he sometimes was to her. "You have a lot of friends though. The list of people who are mean to you are shorter," he added. OC flashed her a smile when she mentioned he must be a good guy. He shook his head at the notion. "I -- I don't know about that. I've made a lot of mistakes. Don't some things I shouldn't," he admitted.

Noelle blinked in surprise, "We have a roommate? So it's us two and we like rent from this girl? I'm glad she's a good one." she mused. "It sounds good to live with anyone...I was so alone in there, in the coma." she admitted softly. "Violet, that's a pretty name. Was she here a lot too?" she asked, seeing other stuff strewn around the room that didn't look like it was from him. She breathed in relief at what he said though, glad that she had made friends and didn't have to worry quite so much. Noelle wondered why he talked about himself like that, if he was always so down on himself or if it was about everything that had happened. "I think everyone has...that doesn't make you so bad." she offered.

"Yeah, she is. I wouldn't have moved in if I didn't trust her. Or if you didn't. It's safe to go to, whenever you're ready," he assured her. Octavian didn't want to know much about what it was like in her coma. He felt bad about feeling that way, but it just saddened him. He wanted to forget about it. "Yeah, she has been. She's sort of got a master..." he started. He wanted to avoid that dynamic of the island. But he didn't know how else to explain why Violet had to leave here more than him. "So she has responsibilities to him. She can't be here as much as me," the cambion told her, his face growing a little hot. "I guess. We've known each other a long time. We went home to Chicago last year. And we met each other's families. They're good, I promise. They miss you," he told her to try and lighten her mood.

"Good." she said, kind of excited to be back living in the pink house again. "I'm not sure they'll let me leave here right away though..." she admitted, looking at the machines around her. "Is our roommate a uh, one of the supernatural ones? Are...you?" she asked, realizing she hadn't. Noelle was confused again at what he said, "She has a master?" she repeated. "What does that mean?" she was surprised to hear they had gone back home together, "So you're from Chicago too? You met my family?" She must have trusted him to bring him home to meet them. "You're sure they're good? You've talked to them? Do they know about...this?" she asked a little quieter, hoping her family wasn't at home scared for her.

"Yeah, probably not. We can ask Qhuinn when she comes to check on you. But they'll want to observe you I bet," he said with a shake of his head. Octavian had asked what would be the process, once she woke up. And every time he was told they'd want to watch her, to make sure she was okay. And clearly, with her memory issue they'd want to observe for a while. "Tiff? Yeah, she's a Siren. Which is like, a mermaid, but can sing. And like, control you. But don't worry, she's totally chill. She'd never hurt you or anything. I trust her. And I... yeah I am. My father was an incubus. So I'm a half one of those," he admitted, trying to skirt past that subject if he could. Octavian didn't want to scare her. "A master... here, if you're a grant student, you can be like, owned or claimed by someone. It's not a great dynamic. And yeah, they're great. We spent a week there with them. I slept on your couch, to make sure their favorite daughter stayed saintly," he joked. That was his least favorite part of the trip. "And they can't know everything about here. I haven't told them about you in a coma. I didn't know how to tell them. They're probably worried about you," he added.

Noelle nodded, she would probably be in the hospital a while still but at least she could be aware of it and talk to people again. Her stomach growled loudly and she giggled a little, setting her hand on it. "I guess I'm kinda hungry." she mused shyly. "So we live with a siren and I'm dating a...half incubus? So you like, feed on...humans, right? You both do? I don't remember a lot about mythical people." she admitted, trying to hide her nervousness but the beeping machine gave it away. "Wait, you can be - owned? Like, belong to someone?" the beeping only got louder, enough to call a nurse in who got very excited and concerned and bustled around her to check on her, only making it worse really. She blushed when he mentioned her family though, talking despite the nurse doing tests. "Yeah I could see them wanting that...I hope they're okay. Maybe I can call them soon?" she asked, looking to the nurse who for some reason gave her a sad look and reverted her back to Octavian.

Octavian looked around him. There were some wrappers, take out boxes from the pub, and a few pizza boxes, courtesy of Sage around him. But nothing left to offer Noelle. Plus he wasn't sure if giving her solid food right away was the best thing to do. Octavian got up and looked around, finding the remote connected to her bed. If a nurse wasn't on the way yet, they would be soon. "Let's get a nurse in here to see if was can feed you or something," he said softly. He clicked the button, a small ring buzzing. "Look I know it sounds crazy. I get it. It's not the easiest thing to wake up to. But it's true. I don't like that people here can be owned. But that's just how it is. And yeah, I feed in a weird way. I didn't ask for it, it's just how I am. Same with Tiff, But we're both have like, good hearts. We don't abuse people for it. We can call as soon as you're out of here, once you're back home and safe," he told her.

"Have I had a feeding tube the whole time then?" she asked hesitantly. "Or an IV?" Noelle was definitely overwhelmed, finding out this school had supers and you could own people. "So, um...do you own people? Do I?" she paused a moment. "Do you...own me?" she asked, shrinking into her bed a little. Noelle was glad neither him nor his roommate were mean about it though. "That's...this is, a lot." She admitted, glad when the nurse offered to get her some pudding and she nodded. When she left, Noelle looked at Octavian. "But thanks for explaining things to me."

He nodded his head at her. "You've had both. I'm not sure why they didn't stick with one, you'd need to ask a nurse," OC told her. They had explained it to Octavian before, but he couldn't remember it. It was best not to tell her that. "I -- yeah I do. You're a slave, which means you go here for free. You can't own people, just be owned. You're sort of my slave. I did it to protect you. And because, I also sort of like you," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. The cambion hoped she wouldn't judge him for it, and believe that his intentions were good.

Noelle looked down at her arm with an IV in it, tracing the tube back to the machine. She couldn't remember the last time she'd spent time in a hospital, but hopefully this time would mean she wouldn't need to again soon. Her lips parted in surprise at the word, "S-slave?" she repeated, her stomach feeling sick at the thought. All the awful flashes of memories she was getting, it was because they were free to what they wanted to her here, including whatever sex they wanted. "I'm your...so you - " she stammered, looking down at her hands and unable to finish. "I thought...we were dating? Or do you um, own me? Or both, somehow?" she asked, and let out a defeated breath, covering her face with her hands. "Do I even want to remember things about this place?" she asked, her voice cracking and she felt like she was going to cry. "So far I've learned more bad than good...I'm scared." she admitted, curling up on the bed.

"Well I mean, we sort of are. Not officially. We like, live together. But like, we're not boyfriend and girlfriend," he admitted. He felt like a douche for it, for not treating her like how she deserved. "But like, I want to date you," he started. He had thought about it while she slept. It was time to finally put his money where his mouth was. "Look you don't need to be scared. Things will be better now.  Better than when you went into your coma. I promise. It might not feel like it, but it will," he tried to explain.

Noelle supposed she could see where it would be hard to explain things simply, why he couldn't just answer with yes or no they were dating. "You do?" she asked quietly when he said he wanted to though. She could barely remember her life, she probably wasn't the best person to date right now. But he was really sweet for staying with her, and helping her now, and he was handsome..."I just, it's so much." she said again, shaking her head. "I hope it's better though, so I don't risk something like this again." she mused. "Did I...tell you I was doing this? Or was it a surprise? If you didn't know...I'm sorry for scaring you." she offered. "As long as I can stay with you and other nice people who help me remember, I'll feel better."

"I know it is," he told her, running his hand through her hair again. They weren't dating because of her compulsion. It wasn't her fault, at all. He just didn't think he would be a good boyfriend. "Don't like think it was because of you, why we aren't dating. It's not. You're great. And anyone would be lucky to be dating you," he tried to assure her. Octavian knew Noelle long enough to know what she must be thinking when he explained these things to her. The cambion shook his head at her. "Naw... you didn't. We had talked about it, but I only found out after you were already in the hospital," he told her, not wanting to relive it any longer.

Noelle smiled a little and blushed, nodding to show she was trying to understand. Dating probably wasn't so easy when one person 'owned' the other, who had to do whatever she was told..."I mean, I know I don't remember everything yet, but I don't see why I wouldn't want to date you too." she offered honestly. "You've been so nice to me, you're-um, you're handsome, and, you said we've known each other a long time." she reasoned, but knew it probably didn't mean as much at the moment. She frowned, "I'm sorry." she said again, knowing how much it must have scared him. "But...thank you for being here, and helping me."

Octavian shrugged his shoulders. "Well, when you get to know me again, you might realize it," he told her. He couldn't help but feed, even if he wasn't terribly hungry, how could he turn down someone like Tiff, or Sage? He felt a little bad about it, but in the moment, he didn't feel remorse. Noelle deserved better than that. "Ha, yeah, I know," he said about her compliment. "You're hella cute. I mean, obviously you are. I don't think I'd be as eager to hang out with you if that wasn't the case," he joked. Octavian looked back as the nurse entered the room. "You'd do the same for me. Of course I would do the same for you. I'm going to make sure you're back to 100%," he assured her.

[12/29/2016 1:38:38 PM] Noelle: Noelle walked with Violet down towards the cells, their arms looped together and she smiled. "I told you Roscoe is cute! He loves biting at Octavian's socks, which is pretty funny when he tries acting annoyed by it and denying that it's adorable." she laughed, glancing ahead of them as they rounded the corner and her smile faded when she saw the redheaded guard. "Oh no..." she breathed, leaning in to Violet and speaking softly. "I have to um - she compelled me when I met her...please don't make her mad." she said quickly, already pulling away. "She's the one that asked about you." she managed to whisper as she headed toward her and knelt down on the floor in front of her. "Hello Mrs.Godfrey, is there anything I can do for you?"

[12/29/2016 2:53:18 PM] Violet: Violet grinned as she walked back to her cell with Noelle, their arms looped. She hated going back to the cells, but Noelle seemed to make the short walk less gloomy. "He is a cutie! I've never been a huge dog person but any animal that can annoy the shit out of OC and still be cute has my love." She said with a grin, though it fell when she noticed Noelle's own smile fade. She raised an eyebrow, looking at the redheaded guard that caused her friend's good mood to disappear. She'd seen her around but never had to deal with her. Apparently Noelle had. She glanced at Noelle, her eyes narrowing as her friend stepped away from her and sunk to the floor. Of course. Yet another asshole that took advantage of her friend. "Great, another asshole guard." She muttered, crossing her arms as she glared at the woman.

[12/29/2016 3:01:43 PM] Morgana: Morgana had warned Noelle that eventually, she was going to have her fun with her. Especially with her friend she mentioned. Vivian ? She still wasn't entirely sure what it was. Her heels clicked as she followed the two girls from a distance, before watching them head into a cell. She had with her her purse, packed with fun toys for all them to enjoy. She walked in, as if it was her own cell. It may as well have been, considering she had keys to it, and neither of them did. "Speak up, Viola. I can't hear you when you mumble, darling," she said as she locked the cell door behind her, and gave it a few tugs. "This is your best friend, correct, Noelle?" she asked, still giving Noelle a bit of respect by calling her by name. "The one who's family is all dead?" she added, turning to face the both of them.

[12/29/2016 3:10:49 PM | Edited 3:11:14 PM] Noelle: Noelle should have known that they would run into a guard while they were down here, she just wished it wasn't this one. When Violet mumbled, Noelle turned to look at her with wide eyes, shaking her head lightly to try and tell her not to make Morgana angry. She'd seen just how awful the woman could be during game night, she didn't want Violet to live through something like that. When the cell was locked behind them she felt almost sick, being trapped in here with her. "Yes...she is." she confirmed, looking to the blonde in apology at the second question. "Yes." she said quietly. "I'm sorry, Vi. She asked me and I couldn't - I didn't mean to tell her that."

[12/29/2016 3:21:17 PM] Violet: Violet leaned against her bunk as the mistress followed them in and locked the door, a bored sigh escaping her. "Mmm close, but not quite right. Not Viola. Try again, Carrot Top." She replied crossing her arms over her chest as she glanced at Noelle. "I know, I know. Calm down. Pretty much everyone seems to know anyway. Apparently it's in my file or whatever." She replied with a shrug as she sat down on Elle's bunk, suddenly glad that the blonde and the rest of her roommates weren't there. She looked straight at the guard as she repeated what she mumbled earlier. "I said, 'Great, another asshole guard.' Did you hear me that time?"

[12/29/2016 3:27:43 PM] Morgana: Morgana gave the blonde slave an unamused chuckle. She marched over to them both slowly, alternating her gaze between the two. "Noelle it's quite alright, no need to explain yourself. You did the right thing," she said, her tone soothing and sweet. No one would ever assume she was a monster if they only heard her voice. "And I did, loud and clear. Haven't you learned not to be so disrespectful to your superiors, like your friend here? I think there is a reason she is claimed, and you are not," she said, looking to Violet as she finally stopped walking. "Tell your friend here to behave, Noelle. That your safety depends on it," she instructed, pointing at the blonde.

[12/29/2016 3:34:14 PM | Edited 3:48:55 PM] Noelle: Noelle looked frantically at Violet, feeling her body try and calm down at her command but it didn't last long. "Vi don't, please." she said softly, already scared for her friend. When she came closer, Noelle wanted to run awau and take her friend with her. "Behave Violet." she said quickly, looking at her and actually wanting her to listen for her own sake. "My safety depends on it." she added quietly, trying hard not to look afraid but failing. "Please, just, don't make her angry." she pleaded with her.

[12/29/2016 8:18:30 PM] Violet: Violet sighed and rolled her eyes at the guard. "Can't exactly see someone as my superior when I've never talked to them. You can't say you're superior to someone until you prove it." She replied, making herself comfortable on the bunk. Violet watched her friend closely, noticing how terrified she seemed to be. Part of her wondered if she'd still be as terrifying when she didn't have to do everything the redhead said. "Why don't you just leave her alone and settle whatever shit you have with me? She doesn't need to be here for this." She replied, her eyes narrowing into a glare.

[12/29/2016 8:23:03 PM] Morgana: Morgana's smile curled further when she heard Noelle repeat her instructions perfectly. "See, I don't want to hurt Noelle. She's obviously extremely obedient. I have no real reason to. How much I hurt her is going to depend on you, Valerie," she said to the blonde, her eyes settling back on her. She pulled her purse of her shoulders and set it on the bunk next to her. "As for being superior, It's clear that I am," she started as she reached out and gripped Violet's collar. "Since you are the one with a collar, and I am the one with a badge. It's in my purse, if you'd like me to show you it?" she asked her. Morgana was off duty, but she knew that the administration wouldn't mind her working overtime, for free.

[12/29/2016 8:40:53 PM] Noelle: Noelle stayed kneeling on the floor, wanting to jump in between the two of them but too afraid she would make things worse for Violet. "Vi, can you listen to her? Please." she asked quietly, gasping lightly when Morgana grabbed her collar. "Mrs.Godfrey, please don't hurt her. I'll stay with you for the night if you want, we could have fun together." she offered, hoping the woman might want to be with someone obedient. "I'll do whatever you want, you know that." she said, looking between the two of them.

[12/29/2016 10:46:42 PM] Violet: Violet tried not to show any emotion as Morgana grabbed her collar. She simply gave her a bored look and sighed. "Still wrong on the name, Chuckie." She replied, raising an eyebrow at the purse. "They seriously give you badges? This I'd actually like to see." She replied with a laugh before her face fell and she shot Noelle a look. "You won't be going anywhere with her. Not alone." She said, her protective instincts kicking in. "Just leave her alone. Punish me or whatever you want but let Noelle go."

[12/29/2016 11:02:33 PM | Edited 11:08:04 PM] Morgana: Morgana looked Violet over, a smile still on her face, despite the insults she spewed at her. She was more than glad when she wanted to see her badge. She had no intention of showing her any such thing, but gave her a chance to bring out another item to use. "Some friend she is. She clearly doesn't care that much about you, Noelle. You and I both warned her. Yet, she can't seem to keep her big mouth shut, can she?" she asked to no one in particular. She let go of Violet's collar and reached into her bag. "Now, I don't think that's fair to Noelle. You may not care about her, but clearly, I have some shred of compassion for a very loyal slave. The most well behaved one I've met yet," she started before pulling out a collar, a remote and keys. She walked over to Violet again and began to take her collar off with the master key. "Sadly, I am sure Noelle will still have some mental damage inflicted on her. Because she is to be a good girl and remember these next few hours vividly. No matter how hard she tries to forget," she commanded.

[12/30/2016 12:03:55 AM] Noelle: "She's a good friend." she defended quickly, but kept her voice quiet. Noelle watched fearfully as she reached into her bag, expecting something painful or bad to come out instead of her badge. "W-what are you doing with her collar?" she asked in concern, looking at the new collar that came with a remote. She had heard about slaves having shock collars, but she thought that sounded too awful for someone to actually do it to people. Maybe she was wrong, though. Slowly she nodded, afraid of what another horrible memory from the woman would entail. "Few...hours?" she asked in fear.

[12/30/2016 3:32:54 PM] Violet: Violet sighed and rolled her eyes at the mistress. "You know nothing about either of us. You just pretend you do." She replied, raising an eyebrow as the woman pulled out a new collar and started undoing the one around her neck. She tried to pull away from the mistress as the new collar went around her neck, but it was pointless. "You're just taking advantage of her compulsion, just like every other horrible person here." She replied, though her voice was softer than it had been. Her eyes narrowed once more as she pulled herself away from the mistress. "Hours? You really think you can keep it up for that long? Stop fucking with Noelle, she doesn't deserve this!"

[12/30/2016 3:40:03 PM] Morgana: Once Morgana had finished taking the collar off from Violet's neck, she replaced it with the one from her purse. It really was too bad she didn't have two, she could have had a lot of fun with both of them wearing one. "Noelle, please tell your friend here that I care about you very , very much," she instructed her, knowing she would have no say in the matter. "Trust me dear Valentina, I am a succubus. I can keep it up for however long I'd like," she assured the blonde. she adjusted the collar, making sure it was extra snug around her neck, tighter than the standard one the school had given her. "Just remember, your attitude is going to affect just what I do to your friend Noelle here. I want to make sure you understand this," she added.

[12/30/2016 3:52:56 PM] Noelle: Noelle watched with a sinking feeling, hearing the change in her friend's voice. "She cares about me very very much." she repeated obediently, as though she had a choice. Morgana didn't care about her though, that much was crystal clear. She wondered if she could pull the claimed card or if that would only make this worse. "I think Octavian was going to rent you, we should probably go..." she attempted weakly. Noelle always felt like a pawn in everyone's game, and now even Violet had to watch it and get hurt. "Violet please just talk nicely." she said again, for both their sakes.

[12/30/2016 4:04:00 PM] Violet: Violet rolled her eyes. "You know, when you make her tell me that stuff, it really hurts my feelings." She replied sarcastically. She knew Noelle didn't mean it. She glanced at her friend, her brows furrowing in confusion for a second before she understood what the brunette was trying to do. "He did mention something about that... He won't be happy if we're late or if I'm harmed while under his care." She replied, sitting up from her spot on the bed and scooching towards the edge. She glanced at Noelle again before sighing. "Maybe we should talk about why you're so bitchy... Daddy issues?"

[12/30/2016 4:07:43 PM] Morgana: Morgana had nearly tuned the two of them out as she looked for the remote for the collar. She grabbed at and examined it. "No, luckily not since I was 16, when I killed both my parents," she said, nonchalantly. She showed the remote to Noelle. "Now Noelle. I am going to give you this remote. You are going to keep it only in your right hand. You will not break it, throw it, drop it, or let it leave your hand for any reason. You are to control it by commands only," she explained as she handed it over. "It's about time you thank your friend for obviously being so concerned for your safety," she added.

[12/30/2016 4:43:30 PM] Noelle: Noelle's eyes widened a little, she killed her parents? Clearly the ruse about Octavian wasn't working, and they weren't getting out of there any time soon. Slowly she took the remote, keeping the remote in her right hand that was starting to shake. "Please don't make me hurt her. Please, Mrs. Godfrey, I'll help her be better." she offered hopefully. "She hasn't done anything that bad."

[12/30/2016 5:09:44 PM] Violet: Violet stared at the horrible woman. She killed her parents, she had parents that she didn't want, when Violet was here wanting parents and hers were taken from her? She pursed her lips as she glared at the redhead, her glare only growing stronger as she handed the remote to Noelle. "What, you don't want to do the work yourself? I didn't know they hired lazy guards." She replied, crossing her arms when it became apparent that Noelle's story wasn't going to work.

[12/30/2016 6:02:11 PM] Morgana: Morgana didn't care who had claimed them or rented them. They were in the cells, under her domain. As for the blonde, she currently wasn't rented, so she was completely fair game. Noelle cried out to get her to stop, but there was no sense in it. "Oh I have done plenty of work here already. You know what they say, work smarter, not harder ," she said in her sing-song voice. She had been looking at Violet as she spoke, before she turned to face Noelle again. "Now every time your friend here so much as backtalk's me, insults me, or does anything that a good, obedient slave wouldn't do, I want you to press that button near the top, and give her a nice little shock," she explained.

[12/30/2016 6:11:28 PM] Noelle: Noelle had already experienced what this woman was capable of, turning even people like Grace against her friends and using her like a toy. She didn't want to see it happening to Violet, but as Morgana gave her instructions she knew she was going to hate this. "Please don't make me do that, Mrs. Godfrey. I can't hurt my friend like that." But she knew she would have to whether or not she liked it. "Violet, be good... I don't want to hurt you with this, please."

[12/30/2016 7:49:36 PM] Violet: Violet glared at the redhead, unable to keep her mouth shut. "Why are you doing this? I know for a fact that Noelle's never done anything to you and I didn't even know who you were until now. Won't you give us the typical bad guy speech so we understand what's going on?" She didn't even say those words sarcastically. She was actually that curious about what was going through the woman's mind. She glanced at Noelle and sighed. "I'll try, but I don't think I've done anything to upset her."

[12/30/2016 7:54:05 PM] Morgana: Morgana crossed her arms and shook her head at Violet. "You think I have to answer your questions?" she asked with a scoff. "Sweetie, I'm not here for that. You're supposed to look pretty and shut your mouth, in hopes you attract the attention of a man. Or a very powerful succubus guard, if you play your cards right," she teased as she reached out and placed her hand on her head. She brought it down, dragging her nails  along her cheek. "You don't think -- oh wow, you really are completely lost. You know what upsets me? When a slave backtalk's a superior. You have done nothing but since you saw me in the hallway and insulted me. In fact, Noelle, give her a shock just for that," she instructed.

[12/31/2016 12:08:36 AM] Noelle: Noelle hated that she was stuck on her knees on the floor while Morgana taunted Violet so closely. Not that she was much of a force if she had tried to get in between them. "Violet..." she said quietly, trying to warn her and get her to talk nicely even for a short time for this woman. When she got the command to shock her, her eyes widened and she shook her head quickly, "No - I can't - " she tried resisting, but her thumb pressed down on the button and she watched her friend. "Vi I'm sorry!" she apologized quickly.

[12/31/2016 10:57:23 AM] Violet: Violet pursed her lips at the mistress. "Not into you. Or girls for that matter." She replied simply, knowing the guard would never actually claim her... Unless she wanted to force her into stuff. Violet didn't have time to really hear Noelle's apology, or small argument with the guard. Her body went rigged as a shock wave went through her, her mouth clenched tight together so she wouldn't accidentally bite her tongue. A small groan came from her as the effects started to wear off a bit, but she didn't glare at the mistress, not yet anyway. (I have no clue what it feels like to be shocked so this is the best I got)

[12/31/2016 11:33:38 AM] Morgana: Morgana didn't care what she was into. Morgana also thought that it was impossible for anyone to not be attracted to her despite someone's sexuality. Slowly she let out some of the sweet scent of her pheromones into the cell. She patted Noelle's head in satisfaction. "Thank you dear. You do know Noelle hates hurting her friend, don't you?" She asked Violet. "Are you ready to obey me now? Or would you like Noelle to give you some more?" She added as she walked over to the blonde.

[12/31/2016 11:51:05 AM] Noelle: Noelle jumped and let out a gasp when the shock hit Violet, "Are you okay? I'm so sorry Vi." she said frantically. She felt herself somehow calm down and she looked at Morgana, realizing she'd probably done something supernatural. Violet was straight, so she wasn't sure what would happen if she didn't return her affections if that's what the guard was going for. "Vi just be nice, for a while, I don't want do that again."

[12/31/2016 2:57:40 PM] Violet: Despite just being shocked, she suddenly felt calm, which did make her glare at the woman. She didn't know what she was, but obvious she had some sort of magic or pheromones to keep the two girls calm. "If I obey you, what are you going to do?" She shot back, not wanting to obey the woman if it meant Noelle getting hurt. She'd gladly take all the pain if she saved Noelle from having to do anything worse than shock her. "I'm fine, Noelle." She replied softly, giving the brunette an awkward smile.

[12/31/2016 3:11:45 PM] Morgana: Morgana couldn’t help but give a laugh as she enjoyed watching Violet take the shock. She never got tired of watching her victims be jolted like that. She almost didn’t even listen to her question. “Then both you and I are going to make sweet Noelle here extremely comfortable. Don’t you want to help your friend out?” she asked Violet, enthusiastically. Of course, that wasn’t entirely her only intent. “It’s too bad you are so mouthy, Vera. You are sort of pretty, you’d be claimed quickly if you knew when to do as you were told. That’s why I am here. I just need to give you proper incentive. Of course there are ways to ensure you do as I say,” she warned. She looked back over at Noelle. “Did you enjoy shutting her up?” she asked her.

[12/31/2016 6:52:54 PM] Noelle: "Just do what she says." Noelle urged, her hand shaking as she tried letting go of the remote but couldn't. When Violet said she was okay she didn't believe her, "You don't have to be tough, I don't want you to get hurt again." She said quietly. When Morgana said she could force her, her eyes widened. "Vi she can do this compulsion thing, I saw it with Grace, she made her do what she wanted, don't do that to her." She explained then pleaded. Noelle shook her head at the question, "No I didn't!" She said quickly, then ducked her head a little. "Mrs. Godfrey."

[12/31/2016 7:12:09 PM] Violet: Violet narrowed her eyes. "Make her comfortable how?" She asked, a bit confused. "You're getting the wrong name just to be annoying, aren't you?" She asked with a sigh, her hand going up to tug at the collar around her neck. She never thought she'd say this, but she actually missed her old one. Blue eyes turned towards Noelle as she sighed. "I'm not going to do anything that hurts you. Whether she wants me to or not." She replied.

[1/1/2017 10:55:38 AM] Morgana: Morgana enjoyed Noelle a lot. It really was nice to hear her warnings, unlike her friend she recognized Morgana’s power. She placed her hands on her hips, letting the warning sink into the blonde. “Yes that was a fun night. I do hope I can entertain you and your friend Grace again,” she said with a grin. That was certainly a fun night. For all those who thought vampires were the strongest species here, she was good to show off just what she was capable of. “Comfortable. As she deserves. There you go again with asking questions. You noticed how Noelle has learned not to question me? That’s why she is the one holding the remote. If you keep it up, I will put it on her though,” she added. Morgana also knew that Noelle would, or rather, should be sending a nice shock to her for her comment about the red head being “annoying”.

[1/1/2017 11:00:30 AM] Noelle: When Violet spoke back Noelle let out a small whimper and gave her friend an apologetic look before hitting the button again. "I'm sorry!" she gasped again. When she reminded her about Grace, the brunette's face fell at the memory she had to relive every morning. "Yes you will." she said quietly, lowering her gaze at what Violet was promising. "Even Grace did. Everyone does." she said sadly.

[1/1/2017 12:39:01 PM | Edited 12:42:38 PM] Violet: Violet's eyes narrowed at what the guard, and Noelle, said. Even Grace was scared of this woman? Seriously? She didn't seem nearly as bad as Marco or Xavier. What the fuck was wrong with the people here? Violet stiffened again as Noelle hit the button, this time her body shuddering a bit as she let out a low groan. She found that the worst part wasn't even being shocked, it was having no control over her body or her actions. Once she was able to control her voice again, she looked at Noelle. "Then those people aren't real friends." She replied, looking back at the redhead. "I won't do anything that will hurt Noelle. I'll take everything you wanted to do to her."

[1/1/2017 3:13:59 PM] Morgana: Morgana couldn't help but to grow more excited as Noelle boasted about her. She loved hearing just how powerful she was. There was no safety for anyone here. Especially not these two human slaves. "Yes, that was a fun night. Grace being used as my little pawn. So if you think you are stronger than she is, keep sassing me," she teased Violet. A kiss was destined to find its way to her. But for now she'd enjoy her free will. "You won't? I don't believe I gave you an option, Vera," she told her, tapping her well manicured nail to her chin.

[1/1/2017 3:22:38 PM] Noelle: Noelle shook her head, "It's not that." she said quietly to Violet. "They're still real friends, they couldn't help it." Just like she could never help herself, or anyone else really. "Please Mrs. Godfrey, don't do that to her. She'll be good. Right, Vi?" she asked in fear. She wanted Violet to stop acting brave and tough and just listen, or this was only going to get worse for both of them. "Can I put the remote down now? Please? I can't hurt her any more."

[1/2/2017 5:16:21 PM] Violet: Violet stared at the mistress as she spoke, unable to believe that Grace actually bowed to someone. She sighed again when the redhead got her name wrong. "Not even close this time." She replied, glancing at Noelle. "I won't do anything to hurt her." She repeated, crossing her arms over her chest. "Why don't you just let Noelle leave? I'll take everything myself. Hell, rent me for the night and fuck with me the whole night. But leave her alone."

[1/2/2017 5:24:35 PM] Morgana: Morgana continued thinking, in the same stance as before. "Hmmm, that is one tempting offer," she trailed off at Violet. Of course, Morgana wasn't actually considering it. She wasn't down here to negotiate with her. As far as she was concerned, Violet had nothing to bargain with. "Maybe another time. Thanks for being sooo sacrificial," she said sarcastically, expecting another shock at the blondes sneer. "I'd much rather hurt both of you though. Noelle, I want you to get undressed, to your underwear, and I want you to tell me how much prettier I am than your friend," she requested.

[1/2/2017 9:23:12 PM | Edited 9:51:04 PM] Noelle: Noelle's face was pained, "Vi stop ." she pleaded, hitting the button again to hurt her friend for talking back. "Don't rent her, you can come get me." she offered, not wanting Violet to go through that. At the new instruction she slowly took off her shirt and cami off, and then slipped out of her shorts. She knelt back on the floor and felt her ears start to get red, "You're beautiful, Mrs. Godfrey. Much more than Violet, you're gorgeous." She said, avoiding both their eye contact.

[1/3/2017 7:47:27 PM] Violet: Violet held her breath as Morgana considered her offer, really hoping she'd take her up on it. She groaned when she decided not to though, of course she wouldn't go with the easy option. Violet's body went stiff again as Noelle shocked her, her body shaking as she groaned. "Stop." She whispered to Noelle, but not about the shocking, about offering herself up. "You're claimed. You're supposed to be safe from all of this." She replied softly, rolling her eyes at Morgana's order, not believing Noelle's words as she looked away from Noelle, hanging her head at what she'd gotten them into.

[1/3/2017 8:02:43 PM | Edited 8:05:11 PM] Morgana: Morgana chuckled. She loved hearing the brunette complimenting her, it never got old, compelled out of her or not.  "I would use you if I wanted, Noelle. I am I could get your master to let me take you for a night or too. You have seen just how persuasive I am," she reminded her. She turned her attention to the blonde one. "Do not talk to Noelle that way," she ordered. "You know, you could really screw your friend up, by compelling her to undo a command already given," she told her, knowing a bit about vampiric powers. She reached out and placed a hand on Violet's cheek. "I have seen it before. It is actually fairly fun to watch. Their brain essentially explodes, and turns to mush. You wouldn't want that to happen to sweet Noelle, would you?" she asked her, her long, manicured nails trailing up and down her face. "Noelle, go into my bag, I have a small vibrator in there, with a remote. Please take them out and hold them in your left hand. Do not drop them, destroy them or for any other reason let them slip out of your hand until I instruct you to do so," she ordered.

[1/3/2017 8:41:24 PM] Noelle: "I'm never safe." Noelle whispered sadly. When Violet told her to stop, she was grateful for it, but Morgana started talking and that ended. She looked up at the woman in fear that she may try that for fun, having felt a pain in her head when she got conflicting orders near each other. With a reluctant nod she moved to her bag and got out the toy and remote and held them in her hand. "Please stop making me hurt her." she pleaded, trying again until maybe it worked.

[1/4/2017 7:42:57 PM] Violet: "Shit..." She whispered, not realizing her words were more of a command. She glared at Morgana, not believing what she said about the compulsion. She looked back at Noelle and frowned. "You shouldn't have to feel that way.. You should always feel safe.." She replied softly, hating that she couldn't do anything to make her friend feel safe. As Noelle listened to Morgana, Violet fought with herself. She didn't want to give in to Morgana because she didn't want to hurt Noelle, but at the same time, she wanted to give in in case it would help Noelle. She glanced at the mistress, a pleading look on her face. "What do you want to do?" She asked, hoping she'd tell them this time.

[1/4/2017 8:04:56 PM] Morgana: Morgana could see the skepticism in her face. "Please, try me dear. I am sure you would love to feel the guilt of another death on your conscious, yes? Try explaining that your whole family was murdered, and you helped to kill your best friend," she said with a sinister smile. That definitely would have made a fun story for Morgana. She looked Violet over and thought for a moment. She knew that the blonde would need to be tamed a bit before moving on. She moved, pressing Violet up against the wall, pinning her to it. "Tell me Vivan, you've never been with a woman? You've never had a desire to give someone like me a kiss?" she asked her. The back of her hand trialed up and down Violet's side. "Noelle, have you ever thought Violet wanted to give you a deep and passionate kiss," she called out to the brunette behind her.

[1/5/2017 8:20:28 AM] Noelle: "It's okay, I'm pretty much used to it." she whispered quietly. When Morgana spoke, she felt like all the air left her lungs. "W-what?" she asked, her eyes wide in fear. "D-death?" She repeated. She wouldn't put it past Morgana to do something like that, regardless of the consequences. Some people didn't have a sympathetic bone in their body, and unfortunately Noelle was pretty sure this woman was one of them. When she pinned Violet to the wall, Noelle tried to stand and help but was stuck kneeling on the floor. "Don't!" she gasped, feeling helpless. The question made her shake her head, "No... I've never thought that." she answered honestly, starting to panic that she was about to lose her friend to this woman. "Please don't kiss her." she pleaded, looking to Violet. "That's how she controlled Grace. Please don't, Mrs. Godfrey."

[1/6/2017 2:15:11 PM] Violet: Violet struggled as Morgana moved and pressed her against the wall, attempting to kick her but unable to really get free. She glared at the mistress, glancing at Noelle as she whispered to herself. "Try not to listen to her. We have no clue if it's true or not." She replied softly, wording her sentence differently than how she did earlier. She turned her attention back to the redhead and rolled her eyes. "Just because I'm not into women doesn't mean I've never been with one." She replied, though her cheeks flushed. She hadn't told Noelle about that and wasn't planning to any time soon, especially with how Noelle was worried about Sage recently. "I sure as hell don't want to give you a kiss." She replied, squirming to get away from the mistresses touch. She glanced at Noelle again, shaking her head slightly. She'd get through this, they'd get through this.

[1/6/2017 2:26:00 PM] Morgana: With her attention still square on Violet, she cocked her head back slightly. "Noelle dear, I want you to put that vibrator in the front of your panties, nice and tight up against your clit," she instructed, here eyes never leaving the blonde. Her hand gripped around her chin, her nails pressing into both sides of cheeks. "The blonde girl doubts me?" she asked her, wondering why she would do something like that. Now she was really asking for it. "You know, I really hate kissing. It's so, disgusting... the whole gesture of love and romance, yikes. I literally do it for one reason, and one reason only. Do either of you know why?" she asked them both .

[1/6/2017 2:39:57 PM] Noelle: Noelle have a small shrug, "It could be though, you know this place." she said quietly. When Violet said she'd been with a woman, she turned her eyes to her in confusion. "Wait, you've...been with a woman?" she asked in surprise. What Morgana said was what she wanted, not necessarily a command, but the last thing she wanted to do was make her angry and hurt Violet. Slowly she slid the vibrator into her panties like she said, keeping her gaze down as she did it. The question, at least to her, had an obvious answer. "Control." she murmured. "Please, don't do that to her."

[1/6/2017 2:54:35 PM] Violet: "Yes, the blonde girl does." She replied simply, trying to push the woman away from her. She glanced at Noelle and flushed, shaking her head awkwardly. "Not... Not by ourselves. With a man." She replied awkwardly, her face red in embarrassment. She brought her attention back to the redhead, not wanting to watch what she ordered Noelle to do. "To get your way." She replied. Obviously the guard had to use the kiss often, since she wasn't that terrifying. "Please leave her alone." She whispered.

[1/6/2017 3:49:35 PM] Morgana: Morgana loved hearing Noelle's answer. She very much liked that slave, sadly for her. "Thank you Noelle, That one is so smart. You should try to be more like her," she teased. Her attention reverted back to Violet. "To get my way, yes. But there is also some entertainment that comes with it. Now be a good girl and stand still. Unless you like it rough, that can be fun too," she said to her, nearly whispering as she brought her face in close. Her thick, red lips right up to her ear. Finally, she pressed her body tighter to Violet's and pressed her lips to hers. She let out moans, but really it was for two reasons. One, she knew what sort of power she would have over Violet for relative future, and because she squirmed and tried to get away. It turned her on so much, she even ground her body up against hers. Finally she pulled her lips away from her. "How was it?" she asked, knowing her powers wouldn't take effect until Morgana gave her a comment.

[1/6/2017 9:26:51 PM] Noelle: "When was that?" Noelle asked in confusion, wondering why she hadn't heard about it, but deciding that was a conversation for another time. Right now they had to deal with Morgana, who only made it clearer that she was going to kiss and control Violet at any moment. "Be careful Vi." she offered in fear, watching them and trying to catch her friend's eye. "Whatever you do, I know it's not you." she assured, looking to Morgana one more time to plead with her, but it didn't take long and she saw the kiss, feeling herself deflate at the sight. Her chin quivered a little and she dropped her head to look in her lap, feeling alone now that Morgana would control her best friend and afraid of what was to come.

[1/6/2017 10:18:14 PM] Violet: "Um... Halloween." She replied softly, her face burning even hotter than before. Violet sneered as Morgana brought herself closer to her, glancing at Noelle for a second as she spoke before she felt the guards lips on her body. She squirmed, her hands pressing against the redheads shoulders and pushing as hard as she could, but she wouldn't budge. She second their lips touched, Violet fought even harder, trying to get away from the moans and squirms that the other woman was making. Finally, their lips parted and she pushed herself away from her and wiped at her mouth before speaking. "Disgusting." She spat as she glared at the woman.

[1/6/2017 10:36:28 PM] Morgana: Morgana simply laughed at the reaction. She knew she was lying, but let it slide. "I want you to tell me you loved the kiss. That you actually enjoy being with women. Well, one woman, me," she said with a bright smile, instructing the newly enslaved blonde. She knew she would have no other choice than to make the confession. "Noelle, come here. You are to hand the remote to vibrator to your friend here. And Violet, you are to accept the remote. You are not to damage it, and you are to hold it in your hand and not let go until I instruct you to," he added to her commands.

[1/7/2017 9:14:22 AM] Noelle: Noelle squeezed her eyes shut and looked away, not wanting to watch Violet struggle against Morgana. Hearing it was enough for her. She wished she could cover her ears too, from hearing Vi go on about how great Morgana was, and whatever else she was going to make her say. Finally able to stand, she made her way to them and handed over the remote, watching her friend's face for any sign of her own will being there. "Please just let her go, Mrs.Godfrey. I'll stay and do whatever you want, for as long as you want." she promised, scared for her friend. "Leave her out of it, please."

[1/7/2017 4:36:44 PM] Violet: Violet narrowed her eyes at her, her faced pissed until suddenly, she was doing just as the woman commanded, her face showing her shock as she spoke. "I loved the kiss. I enjoy being with women. You." She replied, her gaze shooting to Noelle with shock and anger. She hoped Noelle didn't believe what she said. Violet watched as Noelle walked to her and handed her the remote. She took it, gripping it tightly but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't bring herself to try and break it. "Why don't you go find some other slaves to play with? I can give you some names if you really want them..."

[1/7/2017 7:20:35 PM] Morgana: Morgana shrugged. "We'll need to work on your delivery, Vivica, but that will do for now I suppose," she told her, watching as Noelle handed over the remote. She gave a soft laugh as Violet tried to entice Morgana to find someone else. It must have meant what she was doing was working. "I would like that. Can you tell me the names of other slaves you would not like to see hurt?" she asked with a smirk. She would further torment these two, by finding their other friends. And she would gladly let them know they were recommended by Violet. "Noelle, you first. Do you have any slave friends you'd hate to see hurt?" she asked.

[1/7/2017 9:30:43 PM] Noelle: Noelle watched Violet struggle to say the words, knowing what it felt like to lose control over herself like that. She glanced down at the remote, sure that any moment Morgana would begin entertaining herself with it. It was her question that scared her, knowing she had to answer truthfully and hating the idea of more people being hurt because she knew them, when it was already happening to Violet because of her. "Violet." she said quickly, looking at her friend and then the woman. Noelle tried to stop herself from naming people, but couldn't help it. "B-Briar." she admitted quietly. "Rory." she offered, trying not to cry at the idea of her handing them over to the awful guard. "Please, Mrs.Godfrey. Don't hurt anyone else because of me. Please leave them alone, they're nice girls, they'll be good."

[1/8/2017 12:26:55 PM] Violet: Violet glared at the woman, wanting to tell her that she didn't order her to say the words happily, but she kept her mouth shut, not wanting to give her any ideas. Her eyes widened at what the mistress said. Of course the bitch would think of that. Once Noelle finished, she gave the redhead her list. "Noelle, Elle, Kalani, Scarlett, Briar, Jake.." She replied, glad that Scarlett was claimed so hopefully the guard couldn't hurt her. "Don't do anything to them! I'll take everything you plan for them, I promise." She replied, sitting up straight as she pleaded with the mistress.

[1/8/2017 12:39:13 PM] Morgana: "I am sure they are all very nice, Noelle. I am not doing it to hurt them, necessarily. I am doing it to put this mouthy blonde in her place. Don't take it personally," she said with joy. Noelle was really just an unfortunate victim of circumstances. "Slave, I want you to turn the vibrator on to it's lowest setting," she instructed Violet. She turned to Noelle. "You think it's okay for her to speak to me like that? Is that being very obedient? No pleading, just do as you are told," she said to the two of them.

[1/9/2017 8:49:19 PM | Edited 8:50:42 PM] Noelle: Noelle hated that this list of people might be hurt because she and Violet were forced to name them. "Please leave them alone." she pleaded with her friend. When she felt the vibrator start she gasped lightly, squeezing her eyes shut in embarrassment and wanting to do what she could to prevent having more of a reaction. Noelle didn't want to answer her question but she had to, and she shook her head that Violet wasn't being obedient. Turning away from her she hit the button again, not wanting to see the pain it caused her. "U-understood." she said quietly, still wanting to plead that she not hurt Violet any more.

[1/9/2017 9:18:52 PM] Violet: Violet glared at the mistress as she told her to turn the vibrator on. She tried her hardest not to, her hand shaking as her thumb switched the vibrator to it's lowest setting. She looked away from Noelle, her cheeks red. She hated having to do something like this to Noelle. Her friend should be safe, especially from herself. Her back arched as she the collar shocked her again, body shaking as tears slipped from her closed eyes. She slumped against the wall once the shocks stopped, still crying as she bowed her head.

[1/10/2017 7:43:22 PM] Morgana: Morgana's mouth opened, as if about to laugh at Noelle, but held it in her throat instead. She was turned on by it, feeling powerful, knowing she had these two friends in such compromising positions. "That's so good Noelle, thank you. As a reward, your blonde friend is going to increase the intensity by one level," she instructed. She looked at Violet again, and cupped her cheek in her hand. "And where did that mouth of yours go? You sure did get quiet quickly? Tired of being shocked?" she teased, looking Violet over. She wished she had given her a reason to order another zap of electricity, but sadly the blonde had gone quiet.

[1/11/2017 4:01:33 PM] Noelle: When she heard Violet crying she turned back to her, rushing over and wrapping her arms around her now that she could move again. "I'm so sorry, are you okay? I'm sorry." she said quickly. She knew it would only be moments before Morgana made her move again so she gave her a small squeeze. When the vibrator changed she gasped again but louder, loosening her hold on Violet a little and looking a tthe guard with a pleading look since she couldn't say anything out loud anymore. She bit back the smallest whimper and pushed her thighs together, feeling her ears start to blush.

[1/12/2017 4:22:56 PM] Violet: Violet wrapped her arms around Noelle quietly, burying her face in the brunette's neck. "I'm okay. I'm not worried about me." She replied softly, not knowing how to get them out of this situation. No one would go against a guard. At least, no one she liked. She grit her teeth as she flipped the switch, lancing away as Noelle gasped and loosened her hold on her. Violet glared at the mistress, spitting in her direction once she let her face go. "I'm tired of you and your attitude." She hissed back. "Just leave us alone."

[1/13/2017 12:31:31 PM] Morgana: Morgana watched on, a little sickened by the show of friendship. "Stop. You two, separate, now. Noelle, you lay on the bed, here," she said as she motioned to one of the lower bunks. "And you, blondie, other side of the room. Neither of you are to move from those spots," she instructed. Violet was mad, clearly, still pressing the guards patience. "Noelle, there is a dial at the top of the remote to adjust the tightness of your friends collar. Please, make it about, five clicks tighter. And smile! This is fun!" she added.

[1/13/2017 7:24:43 PM] Noelle: Noelle knew it wouldn't last, pulling away immediately and reluctantly moving to the other bed. "I'm sorry Vi." she offered as she left her, laying down on her back and turning her head to watch her friend. When Morgana gave her the next instruction she looked at her wide eyes, "But Mrs. Godfrey that's too much!" she said frantically, but couldn't stop her hand from turning the dial. She watched in fear for Violet as the remote worked, and deflated at the next command, but a pained smile spread across her face and plastered itself there.

[1/15/2017 10:22:28 PM] Violet: (Oops sorry) Violet glared at the redhead as she pulled herself away from Noelle and slowly walked across the room. Violet's eyes widened as the collar tightened, her hands immediately going to the collar to try and pull it away. Her mouth parted as she sucked in air, trying to tell herself that it wasn't tight enough to completely choke her, but it was enough to make her feel that way. "Stop... please.." She begged, her eyes watering again as she smiled, obeying the order even though it was far from being fun.

[1/17/2017 5:03:35 PM] Morgana: Morgana smiled back at Noelle. Morgana’s was genuine, where as Noelle’s was forced on her, simply staged for her own amusement. That little fact didn’t matter much to him. “No Noelle, you underestimate yourself… and Violet. It’s not too much,” she assured her. Morgana’s time with them was drawing to a close. He had other things to do, but knew she’d leave them to continue this torment of each other. “What was that, slave?” she started, speaking to Violet as she walked over to her. “Was that you begging?” she  asked, giving her a smirk. “Try again. I am sure you can beg even better. I Want to hear it, blondie,” she added.

[1/18/2017 8:56:14 AM] Noelle: Noelle hated that she had to smile at the woman. She felt sick to her stomach as she watched the collar tighten around Violet's neck. "Please Mrs. Godfrey, don't hurt her any more." she asked quietly. "I promise I'll make sure she's good."

[1/18/2017 5:09:54 PM] Violet: Violet shot a glare at the redhead as she desperately tried to pull away the collar from her neck, her nails scratching at whatever skin she could get to. "No." She hissed. "I said stop, but I won't beg. Not unless to force me to." She replied, finding a small opening to defy her. "I'll beg all you want if you let Noelle go." She added, the smile still on her lips from the earlier order.

[1/18/2017 10:30:06 PM] Morgana: Morgana shook her head. "Sadly Noelle, I don't think you are capable of that. I think Veronica here won't listen to much of anyone, willingly. Especially not you. You tried to warn her, tried to tell her just how powerful I can be. And yet she just wouldn't listen to you. Her best friend. Such trust," she mocked the two of them. She shook her head again as Violet continued to make things worse for herself. "Tempting offer. But I'm not looking to let you off that easy. Turn that dial up two more notches. And Noelle give your friend here another shock for me. She is being quiet rude to me. Defiant even. A very bad decision considering I can watch you while you sleep, and feed from you any time I want," she threatened.

[1/19/2017 6:44:12 AM] Noelle: Noelle shook her head at what Violet said, "No I'm not leaving you." she refused frantically. Watching Violet as Morgana spoke, she wanted to point out that it was somewhat true, she hadn't listened, but that didn't mean Noelle blamed her. When she heard the command her face paled slightly and she felt the toy get cranked up between her legs. She gasped and let out a small whimper, pressing her thighs together and trying not to let it completely effect her. With a reluctant movement she hit the button again to shock Violet, squeezing her eyes closed to avoid watching it and in reaction to the toy.

[1/20/2017 7:15:39 PM] Violet: Violet's eyes widened as the collar tightened, her nails digging at her skin. "Stop lying to her!" She croaked out, her voice coming out in gasps. Her nails dug into the skin on her neck as Noelle shocked her again, her body shaking a bit before going rigid. "Stop.." She groaned, her eyes watering with unshed tears as she closed them. She hated this. Being helpless. Her eyes shot open as she heard Noelle whimper and slowly looked at her. She quickly looked away when she realized why her friend whimpered and stared at the mistress, her eyes narrowed as tears ran down her cheeks.

[1/25/2017 7:07:45 PM] Morgana: Morgana shook her head. "Oh I don't lie," she tried to convince her. Morgana gave her a soft tsk that trailed off. Morgana walked over to a chair, against the wall of the cell and took a seat on it. She picked up her purse and began to look through it, when Violet asked her to stop, yet again. "Again, Noelle. Shock her again, dear," she ordered. Morgana looked up again and saw Violet crying. The succubus' expression didn't change in response. She stood up and walked over to her. She reached out and gathered a tear with the back of a finger. "You both are rather pathetic," she said as she licked the salty liquid from her knuckle. "Noelle, I want you to remember that your friend here caused this. That the only reason you are in this position is because of her. You'll never mention it, but in the back of your mind, you'll always know," she teased as she walked over to Noelle.

[2/1/2017 5:32:12 PM] Noelle: Noelle looked over to Violet, her heart breaking when she saw her best friend crying. When Morgana told her to shock her again, she almost yelled and pleaded not to. But all that came out was another whimper as she squeezed the button, looking away and choking back a sob at how much pain she was putting Violet through. "I'm so sorry." she whispered, but a whimper soon followed and she squirmed from the vibrating toy. "Please stop all of this, Mrs.Godfrey." she pleaded, clenching her hand around the blanket under her on the bed.

[2/1/2017 5:52:12 PM] Violet: "Okay then, you jostle the truth so you always come out above anyone else." She replied. She jerked as Noelle shocked her again, her head banging against the wall behind her as she tried to get away from the pain. When Morgana came up to her, she narrowed her eyes and turned her head away from her touch, not wanting her anywhere near her again. "Stop! Stop telling her that stuff, please! She's the only family I have..." She whispered, her watery blue eyes darting over to Noelle. "Don't blame yourself.." She said softly before turning her eyes back to the floor in front of her.

[2/1/2017 7:01:34 PM] Morgana: Morgana Looked Noelle over, her body unsure of what to do with itself. She was in distress, crippled by the fact she was heartbroken to see her friend hurting like that. All while her body sent out waves of pleasure throughout her form. It was fun to watch, not something she treated herself to often. "Noelle, you are adorable. But sadly, I think our time together, enjoying this is coming to an end," she told her as she scooped one of her tears up with the back of her finger, and walked over to Violet. "Open," she instructed. But before she could even respond she pushed the damp finger into her mouth. "Just remember you caused this. Taste your friends tears," she instructed.

[2/1/2017 7:29:43 PM] Noelle: Noelle heard Violet and it hurt even more, that Violet thought she would lose her to something like this. No matter what Morgana said or made her think of or remember, she was going to be Vi's friend. "I'm still here, Vi." she offered weakly, trying to reassure her through the other sounds she was making. She let out a small breath of relief when Morgana said they were almost done, but knew better than to be excited. She jumped a little and squirmed away from the woman's touch, but looked to see what she was doing to Violet. "Stop it! Please!" she said, the desperation clear in her voice. "Please, let her go." She ground her thighs together in hopes that this would end before things got any worse.

[2/1/2017 8:02:43 PM] Violet: Violet's eyes shot to the guard when she said their time together was coming to an end. Sure, she was talking to Noelle, but wouldn't that mean she was almost done with her too? She watched as Morgana walked from Noelle to herself, deftly hearing Noelle's soft words. She was about to clamp her jaw shut when the woman suddenly shoved her finger into her mouth. She was tempted, oh so tempted, to bite her, but she knew that would only make things worse. She glared at the woman as she instructed her to remember. "I'm fine Noelle." She replied softly, all of her fight gone.

Scarlett: sighed as she walked into the suite, tired of hearing other people talking to their families and celebrating with friends. She saw Isabella sitting in her chair when she walked in, "Can I please just get a day off from your crap? This holiday already kinda sucks around here." she huffed.

Isabella: Isabella looked up from the novel she was reading. The holiday had no meaning to her. She was not American and much older than the tradition. "Bad day, pet?" She asked before flipping another page. "Have no fear. The chef should be showing up any time now."

Scarlett: "I'm not your pet." she muttered, walking over to plop onto the couch. Scarlett looked up at her in confusion, "What do you mean, chef?" She asked, wondering if she would make her watch some holiday feast or be entertainment.

Isabella: "You would do well not to argue with me." Isabella replied, having no patience for her stubbornness. "Really, my pet." Isabella sighed exasperated. "Come now. You know what a chef is. I do not have to explain that to you. I should not have to." Isabella turned another page. "We will have a fine French banquet."

Scarlett: Scarlett was tired, she didn't want to spend a holiday arguing with Isabella over something she said every day. "I know what a chef is." she snapped. "Yeah right, why would you just give me a banquet with no catch? Is it poisoned? Drugged? Gonna spend the weekend watching me be sick?" There was something to this, she knew it.

Isabella: Isabella rolled her eyes in a very I lady like manner. "Do not be so crass. I am not going to poison you or drug you. You haven't earned that punishment at this moment." She diverted her attention to the book once more. "There will be roasted quail, custard tarts, sugared beets, duck and more. I imagine you have not had fine dining before."

Scarlett: "Yeah not yet, I'm sure you'll find a reason." she muttered. Scarlett listened to her list off the foods of this banquet, her brow furrowing. "I've never had most of those." she admitted. "But...why? Why would you suddenly give me good food when all I usually get is crap?" She didn't trust Isabella for a second, and she knew she didn't have some holiday change of heart.

Isabella: "I have told you time and time again, your attitude dictates if you are punished or not." Isabella sighed. Looking over at Scarlett, Isabella remained calm. "Because I will be eating as well and I was in the mood for food that reminded me of France. After all is this not the day for feasting to American humans?" Of course, Isabella was planning to drink from Scarlett and she wanted her blood even sweeter.

Scarlett: Scarlett sighed, leaving it alone for now. If she could avoid a punishment for a day that'd be refreshing. "So we're just having a big feast? You and me." She narrowed her eyes at her. "It is, but you don't seem like the holiday type." she pointed out. "If you want some kind of thank you, it's not gonna happen until I  don't  get sick from whatever this chef is making."

Isabella: Isabella ignored her and continued to read. "Must I repeat myself? The feast will be for us." Isabella was growing tired of this repeated conversation. However as Scarlett replied, Isabella looked up with a glare. "Insolent child." She snapped. "Hold your tongue or you will be washing all of the dishes."

Scarlett: Scarlett clenched her jaw, looking up as the man who must have been the chef walked in. She looked over at Isabella, half expecting her to make her change clothes or cater to the man while he worked. At the woman's threat she rolled her eyes, sure that she would make her do that regardless of what she said. Clean up from whatever they did tonight would likely be her job. "How long does it take to make your fancy food?"

Isabella: Isabella called out entrance to whoever was knocking at the door. The chef walked in and Isabella did not acknowledge him more than a nod of the head. Isabella was not intending for Scarlett to wash the dishes after since there would be a lot and she was to be tired and weak from the blood she would be loosing as well as the from the feast. It would do her no good to have her slave faint on her. However, she would punish her if it was needed. "If you are truly at a lost of tasks to do take out your book and study my language, pet."

Scarlett: Scarlett watched the man walk in and set up in the kitchen, trying to spot some kind of trick or deception in what he was doing. Isabella had made her 'entertain' their guests before while she was compelled, she wondered if he was promised the same thing for his services. At her suggestion Scarlett rolled her eyes, "Yeah I'm gonna pass." she said flatly, pulling out her phone. She shot a quick confused text to a friend, wondering what was up with Isabella and this dinner.

Isabella: Isabella rose to go speak to the chef to go over the menu once more. Once that was settled she took her book and moved to the other couch. "Do spend your time on a useful task." Isabella sighed. "Read a book or study my language or something that does not include you merely texting."

Scarlett: Scarlett rolled her eyes, "Why does it matter what I do?" she pointed out, texting again before setting her phone down and grabbing her backpack. She had homework but somehow figured not much of it would get done today. "Don't  you  ever have homework?"

Isabella: "Because I will not tolerate a lazy pet." Isabella explained as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Isabella looked up with a smirk. "Of course I do. I always complete it though. I have the perfect silence to work when you sleep, my dear. I am very serious about my education. I was not lucky like you and it was handed to me as a child."

Scarlett: "So what if I'm lazy? It's a day off for holiday I think I'm allowed to be." she pointed out. Plus the worse she could make Isabella look, the better. "Oh right, the whole creepy vampire with no sleep thing." she muttered. It bugged her a little that she never slept and could just watch her in her cage all night. "Are you gonna launch into the 'I had to walk uphill both ways' crap, cause I get it, you're super old."

Isabella: Isabella scoffed. "There are always things for you to do with your time. Especially because it is so fleeting as a human." Isabella glared at Scarlett. "Refrain from calling myself or my habits creepy." There were some nights she walked in Scarlett's dreams. Her annoyed face became confused. "No, there was no hill near my villa that I walked uphill two ways."

Scarlett: "So shouldn't I not be wasting it stuck with you?" she pointed it out. Scarlett snickered a little, "Ooh, is creepy a touchy word?" she asked with a smirk. When Isabella clearly didn't get her reference she rolled her eyes, "It's something old people say to complain, nevermind."

Isabella: Isabella rolled her eyes. "You serve a purpose as my slave. You are not wasting your time nor are you stuck with me." Isabella huffed and snapped her book close. "It is rude of you to address me in such a way. You are my slave." She replied. "I have had no need to complain about hills."

Scarlett: "That's not my purpose, I have a life." she argued. "Are you saying I can leave then? That I'm not stuck with you?" Scarlett tensed when Isabella got mad, anticipating some punishment now. "I guess you'll have to deal with it." she muttered, but apparently the spell on her collar disagreed and it went off, making her flinch and yelp in pain until she called her Mistress instead. "Can we be done talking until this dinner thing is ready?" she asked, slightly out of breath.

Isabella: Isabella smirked. "That is most entertaining that you think that." She laughed. But then Isabella became very displeased with Scarlett. "Watch your tongue." It wasn't long before the collar shocked her and she smirked. "Remember the proper title next time." Isabella replied and sighed. "We are done conversing. Practice your Italian aloud."

Scarlett: Scarlett stifled a groan and rubbed at her neck, rolling her eyes at Isabella's comment. She wondered how many holidays were going to be spent like this, trapped with her and following orders. "Good." she muttered, glaring at her when she told her to do Italian. "I have actual homework to do." She argued, following it up with an intentionally horribly mispronounced phrase in Italian that meant to leave her alone.

Isabella: Isabella was almost shocked to see that the collar still shocked her. Surely she had learned by now. But clearly she had not. Isabella was old. And as such she had no family. Scarlett would learn that Isabella had nothing better to do during the holidays. "You may do your homework after dinner. I gave you the chance earlier. Now you will practice your Italian out loud with myself. Then you may do your class work." Isabella only responded by correcting her pronunciation.

Scarlett: Scarlett sighed and put away her homework, doubting that Isabella would let her do it after dinner. There was still something coming after this supposedly nice meal. Grabbing her Italian book she'd come to hate, she opened it to her last page and tried saying the phrases out loud, not caring or trying much with pronunciation. She asked Isabella impatiently if dinner was almost done already, wishing she didn't know enough Italian to ask.

Isabella: The whole time Scarlett worked on her Italian, Isabella continued to correct her pronunciation. "Focus, pet." She corrected. Such a shame she butchered her beautiful language. Soon the chef alerted them that dinner was ready. "Perfect." With a clap, Isabella sat at the table. "Do I have to educate you on which utensils to use?" Isabella asked, sure that her pet did not understand the differences in the forks.

Scarlett: Scarlett reluctantly practiced Italian, still just learning enough to keep Isabella off her back but not trying very hard with it. She'd picked up a decent amount fairly quickly, but wasn't going to give the vampire the satisfaction of trying to be fluent. Finally dinner was ready and her stomach growled in hunger, so she sat at the table with Isabella. "Why would I have ever eaten a fancy dinner like this? Not all of us have centuries of money or come from somewhere fancy." she pointed out. Her eyes moved over the food, glancing at the chef as well. "There's nothing wrong with this food?" She asked both of them.

Isabella: Isabella was not in the mood to fight with Scarlett tonight. She knew that she could do better, however she would allow it to pass tonight. After all, she was feeling a little charitable. Perhaps it was the silly American holiday. As the food was finished, she sat down and looked over the finely cooked food. She thanked the chef in French, he really was worth it to hire. "I assumed you had never properly eaten a meal. Allow me to teach you the proper mannerisms." Isabella explained what each utensil was for slowly as she assumed Scarlett would have trouble. Honestly, what happened to manners today? The chef seemed offended by Scarlett's question and snapped back that there was of course nothing wrong with his food, he only made the best!

Scarlett: Scarlett watched and listened to Isabella explain, not getting why it mattered what fork she ate with. "Yeah okay got it, I know how to eat." she insisted. When the chef freaked out at her she jumped a little, "Hey chill, I just don't trust her ." she tipped her head to the vampire. "I dunno what she could've had you put in there. But fine, I'll eat it, don't worry." Not that she really had a choice anyway. She picked up the 'first' fork and looked at Isabella, waiting for her to eat too.

Isabella: Isabella raised one lone eyebrow at Scarlett in disdain. "You would do well to remember it. There is no room for poor manners at my table." She told her. Isabella snickered as Scarlett insulted the chef. "I wouldn't insult him again, my pet. He is very proud of his food. Which smells delicious." Truly, he had done a fine job. Isabella smoothed out her napkin on her lap and picked up her wine glass with expectations for Scarlett to do the same. "Cin cin! Cent' anni!" She took a sip, set her glass down and took her first bite.

Scarlett: Scarlett rolled her eyes, "There's no one even here to judge you or me on however I eat." she pointed out. "Just the chef, and I'm pretty sure if we eat he'll be happy." she argued. "I'm not your pet." she reminded her. She glanced over at the chef, "It looks good though. Smells good." she offered, following Isabella in what she did and finally starting to eat. It was all delicious, and really rich, but unlike any other meal she'd eaten.

Isabella: Isabella glared at Scarlett. "It is exactly what you do when no one is watching that defines you." She snapped. Isabella thought of her husband that had beaten her when no one watched. Or so he had thought. "Use proper manners, pet." Isabella ignored her constant whining. She would accept the title one day. The food was delicious and she complimented the chef in French.

Scarlett: Scarlett huffed and let it go, wishing someone so concerned with manners hadn't claimed her. Or someone less horrible in general. As she ate she still didn't understand why the food was so good, wondering briefly if it would be the last food she was allowed to eat for a while. "I dunno what she said, but it's good." she offered the chef, taking more for her plate. "Quail is better than I expected." she admitted. "The fanciest thing I've ever had is like store bought frozen steaks." she said with a dry laugh.

Isabella: Isabella enjoyed the food. The quail was cooked to perfection. The vegetables were roasted with just the right spices. Many of the recipes were dishes she was familiar with from her time in France hundreds of years ago as requested. The chef smiled at the compliment and thanked Scarlett in a thick French accent. "Frozen steaks?" Isabella questioned as she washed down her food with wine. "What will humans think of next? Has fresh cuts really become that unfavorable?"

Scarlett: Scarlett shrugged and nodded, "Yeah... They pack and freeze them. It's cheap, we couldn't afford to hire a personal chef for quail." She pointed out, taking another bite. Scarlett knew that good things like this didn't last; it would be over before she knew it and she'd find out this catch that she knew was coming. For now she tried to enjoy it, though. After a while started to get full, slowing down in her eating. "If there's dessert too I dunno how much room I'll have for it." she said hesitantly.

Isabella: Isabella made a face. "Even if you are without a chef, frozen meat sounds horrid." Of course when she was human, meat could not have been kept like that. The meal was delicious and Isabella urged Scarlett to take more sips of wine, more quail, more vegetables. "We have sweet tarts." She explained as the beautifully arranged mini tarts were set out in front of them.

Scarlett: "Well it's what you have when you're not filthy rich okay." she argued. "It's fine, you cook it like any meat. Stop acting like it's something horrible to eat cheap food, we didn't have money." she argued, annoyed. Scarlett kept eating but eventually shook her head, "Okay I can't eat any more." she insisted, sighing a little as the tarts were put out. "I'll have one but that's it." she said, reluctantly taking it but eating slowly.

Isabella: "I was not filthy rich as a human, as you so eloquently put it. Although I did have a sizable dowry. I was supposed to marry a Medici. He was known to be kind and not beat his women. Can you believe that? But when a larger cow came from the French court my father could not pass up the chance to marry me into French nobility." Isabella sighed as she sipped her wine and daintily picked at her tart. She watched Scarlett. Almost done now.

Scarlett: "Yeah whatever, it doesn't mean people who weren't rich are less than you." she pointed out. Scarlett glanced at Isabella, "I knew you were old, but so old that a cow got you hitched?" she mused. "If you're gonna use the fact that your husband beat you as a reason for how awful you are now, I'm not gonna buy it. Getting beat up doesn't mean you have to  be the way you are." she argued, her expression hardening. Granted, her father's actions had made her a murderer, but she wasn't the kind of person Isabella was. "So I'm sure that catch is coming, right? What's the payment for the meal?" she asked flatly.

Isabella: Isabella scoffed. "You may think that, in fact they might be telling you that, but that is not true. It was not true when I was human and it is not true now. Money will get you far in life, but power will get you further." Isabella laughed. "No, while he was cow like, he was in fact human. I was to be married to a Medici but there came a proposal from France of a nobel in the court of the French king to marry me. My father sold me to the higher bidder." Isabella glared at Scarlett. "Insolent girl. You do not know what has made me the creature I am today." Isabella's lips curled up into a smirk. "You will clear the table, and then you will proceed to lay on it. I think your blood will taste so much sweeter after this feast, don't you agree?"

Scarlett: "I'm not less of a person or less than you because I don't have money." she argued. Growing up she had hated the rich kids who always acted like they were better than everyone, Isabella was just like them. "That sucks, but I'm sure back in 45BC or whenever that was it was normal. Sure sucks being treated like you're not a person, huh?" she pointed out, tipping her head. Scarlett rolled her eyes, "Whatever it was it doesn't mean you have to be the witch you act like now." she grumbled. When the woman finally told her the plan, her face fell. Of course, she only got a fancy meal that Isabella would enjoy, and this way she would get it twice. "I'm not gonna lay on the table while you feed from me." she growled. "I knew there was some catch to this, I'm not being your holiday meal for you." she argued, getting up to walk away, trying to avoid her gaze and a compulsion that was likely coming.

Isabella: "No? Tell me then why do you have that collar around your neck?" She pointed to the frilly pink collar she picked out. "Could it be for your lack of money?" Isabella grinned. She rolled her eyes. "I am not that old. Are your math skills that depleted? My, my we must add that to your lessons." Isabella sighed at Scarlett's protests. "Must you act so defiant? We know how this will end." She rose from her seat and using her vampiric powers she was in front of Scarlett and compelling her.

Scarlett: "This isn't real life." she growled, swatting her hand away. Scarlett rolled her eyes, "You're old enough to never understand sarcasm or exaggeration. That's pretty old." she pointed out dryly.  Scarlett did know how it would, the same way it usually it. With her feeling helpless and Isabella wearing a smug smirk. She tried fighting it but not for long, resigning herself to this kind of holiday. Groaning and glaring at the vampire, she cleared the table and reluctantly climbed onto it. "Why do you want me on the table when you can just do it like a regular vampire?" she asked in frustration, wanting so badly to climb back down.

Isabella: "Then pray tell, what is it? If this is an elaborate dream or fantasy I would be very interested to know that." Isabella laughed. "This is real life, my pet." Isabella glared at Scarlett and in a flash slapped her. "Hold your tongue." She was not going to deal with her attitude anymore. Scarlett could not fight it, Isabella had her compelled once more. "You do realize that if you did not have that absurdly stubborn attitude and obeyed me I would not compel you all the time." Isabella sat down and smirked when Scarlett laid down on the table. "My, my. I was not aware you had become a vampire expert." Isabella chuckled and leaned forward. Taking Scarlett's hand, she dragged her fangs across the wrist and sliced it open. Isabella's tongue dragged across the skin tasting the delicious blood. "Come now, you can not possibly say that this does not please you in the slightest bit."

Scarlett: "We're not in the real world, this place is a screwed up version of college that will end." she argued. Scarlett gated at her, "If you didn't try to get me to do ridiculous things, I wouldn't try and stop you but you're nuts." She snapped. Glaring at Isabella she grimaced when she bit into her wrist. "Why would this possibly be fun for me?" she grumbled. If she liked someone then maybe, she didn't mind submitting to people like Sam or Grace who treated her like a person. "It's a holiday and you're feeding off me after fattening me up." she growled.

Isabella: Isabella laughed. "I would love to take you off of this island to see how you believe that is not reality either. I knew you were stupid, my pet. But delusional? I never knew that one." Isabella laughed. The taste of Scarlett's blood was delicious. All the right hints she wanted. "I have been told my bite can be quite pleasurable." She slowly dragged her tongue across her pale skin and tasted the fine blood once more. "Perhaps if you have ever earned it, I will allow you true pleasure when I feed." Isabella moved up and dragged her fangs across Scarlett's neck to tease her. "You enjoyed a fine meal, mind your manners, pet. Did you really think I wouldn't have my own dessert?"

Scarlett: "You're not taking me off the island. I get my life back when college is over." she insisted. She had to hang on to that hope, she wasn't going to accept belonging to the awful woman longer than that. Scarlett watched her bite into her hand but turned away when she saw her tongue, not wanting to watch her feed from her. "I don't ever want to get pleasure from that, or you." she growled. When Isabella came close and she felt her fangs on her neck she tried to crane away, unable to move away completely. "I'm not gonna thank you for this." she said angrily, trying to brace for the bite to her neck.

Isabella: Isabella laughed. "I do love how delusional you are. It is quite amusing. You will be with me for however long I deem worthy." Isabella told Scarlett. "You will only leave me when I give you permission." She moved closer to feed. Her blood was aromatic and it made her mouth water. "Oh, but you will thank me. Either because you will obey me or because I will make you." Isabella sank her fangs into Scarlett's neck.

Scarlett: Scarlett rolled her eyes, still determined not to buy into the woman's fantasy that she would continue to own her after college was over. She was going to have an actual life. Wishing she could move more, she kept craning away, wanting to avoid it as long as possible. "Then I guess you'll have to make me." she muttered, then let out a grunt of pain when her fangs pierced her neck, grimacing at the pain. She squeezed her eyes shut, just wanting it to be over.

Isabella: Isabella chuckled. Scarlett was such a stubborn slave. This was why she was such a delight to break. It would be such a sweet day when Scarlett was truly the slave she was meant to be. "Remember I have all the time in the world, my pet." Isabella cooed before she sank her fangs into her holiday meal. Scarlett's blood was delicious and Isabella savored it as she drank. Feeling Scarlett tense in pain, Isabella moved her fingers down and teased Scarlett's sex with a smirk. She wouldn't bring her slave to pleasure, but she would show her that there could be pleasure.

Scarlett: Scarlett hated that reminder; that her life in Isabella's eyes was just a short time to torment her. She could feel the blood flowing in her neck, or rather, out of it, as she lay helpless on the table. She wondered how much the vampire would drink, if this would end up her last holiday or if she would save some for later. When she felt the woman's fingers between her legs, her hips twitched and she wanted to glare at her. "Stop. I don't want pleasure from this." she growled. Scarlett started to feel lightheaded as Isabella continued, her eyelids fluttering as they threatened to close.

Isabella: Isabella knew Scarlett's life was only a blink of an eye to her. She could torture and train Scarlett for her whole life and it would only seem short to her. Isabella smirked and slowly fed. "Do not worry, you will not be rewarded with true pleasure. But you will see this can be pleasurable." Isabella's fingers slipped past Scarlett's waistband and teased her sex and took slow sips from her once more. She didn't want Scarlett passing out on her just yet.

Scarlett: Scarlett tried to think of better Thanksgivings than this; ones with her family, before her dad started getting angry. She realized dimly that she hadn't had a good Thanksgiving in about six years. "Oh goodie." She muttered sarcastically, trying to ignore what was happening. Scarlett could tell she was taking her time, making her stay conscious so she could taunt her and enjoy her meal. "Enough already." she said weakly.

Isabella: Isabella smirked. Scarlet was trying to ignore her but she knew it wouldn't last. "You still do not understand that I am the one who decides when enough is enough." Isabella pulled back with lips painted red from Scarlett's blood. Her fingers continued to tease Scarlett with a smirk.

Scarlett: Scarlett stayed turned away from her, not wanting to see her blood on Isabella's lips while she smirked at her. "Then decide already." she growled, wanting this to be over. She felt blood dripping down her neck and it made her shiver involuntarily.

Isabella: "I will draw this out if you continue to show me this horrid attitude." Isabella chided Scarlett. She continued to slowly drink from Scarlett because she didn't want to deal with the effects of blood loss. She kept this up until she finally sat back and daintily wiped her mouth. "You are excused. Clean up the rest of the dishes and you may go back to your cage. You may study your homework now. Also, you may get some water and something to eat to take to your cage. I can not have you fainting on me."