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Reality Fault

Seeking Out the Wizard, part II

About an hour passes. Croaker is huge, but quiet and polite and easy going. Soup arrives, is consumed, and there's no pressure to get up or do anything. Jason smiles, politely thanking the minotaur before consuming his soup post-haste. Feeling a little more filled, his mind turns to Diana... wondering if she's well by now.

It is, in fact, about that point in time when he realizes two things: first, that he is not wearing his pants; and second, that Croaker is stepping carefully through the door again. In one massive arm, resting against his chest, Croaker is cradling a rather limp looking Diana. Croaker nods politely to Jason as he proceeds to kneel next to the bed, to tuck Diana in under the covers against Jason. She's a bit groggy, but very nice feeling, cuddling up against him with a small sleepy sound. It might be a bit more pleasant if he were not keenly aware of her nudity, but still, it's very nice feeling.

Jason blinks, amazed that he could have gone this long without noticing his legs were bare under the covers. Combining that with Croaker's sudden appearance with Diana, he's suddenly very self-conscious, and it takes him a moment to realize Diana's state. "What's wrong with her?" he demands, suddenly sitting up, forgetting his embarrassment.

Diana makes a small protesting sound, and Croaker gives Jason a puzzled look, "She's... recovering. You brought her in -- don't you remember? My lady has healed all she can on her daughter. The young lady just needs to sleep a bit now."

Jason ohs. "I guess I just thought... she'd be all better by now. My apologies, Croaker," he murmurs apologetically. The big bull-man simply nods calmly and continues tucking her in against Jason, giving Jason occasional gentle nudges if necessary to get him to settle comfortably for Diana. Jason ers? -at the sudden encouragement into the same bed. He doesn't quite resist, but... "Is this, uh, wise? I was told I shouldn't be, uhm... next to her..."

Croaker nods, "When my ladies still need healing, it's not wise, no. The young lady just needs sleep now, though. She asked for you specifically." He pulls the covers up neatly about Diana, who has curled up half-atop Jason, an arm and a leg across him, snuggling her head up under his chin again. Croaker watches her for a long, silent moment, his expression unreadable on that huge bovine face... then looks up at Jason and rumbles very quietly, "Don't tell her whose energy was used to revive her, please? Just tell her you don't know?"

Jason is semi-distracted by naked Diana curling over him possessively, but not enough to miss what Croaker said. "Why does it matter?" he asks curiously, one hand petting caressingly over her elbow.

The mark under the point of his left jaw line glows faintly as Croaker tilts his head and rubs behind one ear, rumbling, "Er... it's... a supernatural thing..." It's curiously clear to Jason that Croaker is dissembling.

Jason gives Croaker this look. "I think I'm kind of supernatural at this point myself... but I'll let it go... for now," he says firmly.

Croaker looks faintly relieved as he carefully rises, "I'll, uh, just go check on your laundry..." and heads out the door.

Jason shakes his head in wonder. Then he turns his attention to the sleepy Diana and strokes her hair with one hand, as he affectionately pets along her arm with the other, and kissing at the base of one of her horns. Jason says, "This has been a strange evening."

Cuddling with Diana is (perhaps unsurprisingly) extraordinarily pleasant. She's warm, soft, snoozy, smells good, and makes very nice, sleepy-happy noises when he touches her. Jason is enthralled. Although his body is still annoyingly aware he's cuddled against a naked, gorgeous succubus, his mind is simply enchanted by the idea of a woman cuddled up against him so, making those endearing noises.

Jason finds himself hyperaware of the entire length of her body pressed up against his, but it's possible (with a bit of concentration) to focus more on the sensuousness of the moment and the lovely woman with him, rather than simply on the sexual potential she represents. He even finds himself drifting off after a while, his cheek resting against the top of Diana's head. Jason does try to keep that in mind, even as he finds himself getting sleepy eyed again. When he does touch her that way -- when, glorious when -- he wants her to be awake to appreciate it...

He half-awakens some unknown time later, awash in languidly pleasurable sensation: warmth, closeness, sweetness, softness... he can hear two voices speaking quietly very close to him, while birds sing nearby. One of the voices -- a low, sweet tone -- is saying, "-ight thing to do at the time, Mother." The reply -- in a light, pure tone -- is, "Just be careful, sweetheart. They're supposed to do for you, not the other way around. And while they may seem enthralled now, in groups they're dangerously violent, especially towards people like us." She sighs, adding a bit wistfully, "And... they never last. Don't get too attached, dear heart."

Jason finds himself resisting the urge to blink. In fact, he finds himself resisting the urge to move as he assimilates this... is he hearing wrong? Does he suddenly understand the strange succubi speech he heard earlier as nothing more than birdsong?

Diana is quiet for a moment, then murmurs, "Yes, Mother." Jason's sure now -- he could hear that soft ripple of birdsong near his head, and the almost dutiful sounding words in his head. He also feels the light, gentle brush of a soft caress against his throat as she continues, "I wish... there were a way to help them, though. They're so terribly fragile..." Jason is amazingly able to continue to feign sleep, even from that sensual touch, breathing evenly at the same time as his heart flutters. Perhaps it's the topic, which is not exactly heart lightening. Beatrice may be giving Diana the best advice she can... but she also couldn't be more wholly wrong, in some ways.

Beatrice murmurs quietly, "That's just how they are, dear heart. That's why we can live off them, but not each other, for any length of time. I don't know what it is, but they... they just taste better, and we don't get stupid when we eat from them." She's quiet a moment, then adds, "At least we can feed without killing them. I feel sorry for those who have to actually eat them."

Diana's lips brush slowly and lightly against Jason's skin... then she sighs quietly and nods, "I understand, Mother." She turns her head -- to look at Beatrice, perhaps? -adding, "I'm going to have to go walkabout soon, aren't I? The supernaturals are starting to cluster and get more noticeable, aren't they." Her voice is a bit sadly resigned, and Beatrice is silent for a long while. Finally she says only, "Yes, love. I'm so sorry." There is a world of hurt and pain in that short statement.

Jason listens eagerly, but covers it by seeming to follow Diana's head in his sleep, snuggling closer: easy enough to act, considering how wonderful it feels to begin with. Diana's head turns back, cuddling up to Jason, and there's no sound for a long while. Jason finally opens his eyes then, trying to make it seem natural, blinking. He can see the swirl of Diana's sable hair across his pillow, and the top of her head resting against his. Beatrice is sitting in a chair next to the bed. She's apparently studying her hands. Jason chews on this a moment. Should he keep the secret -- that he can't understand -- and say nothing? Or, should he confront? In a situation where there's a potential enemy, it's safer to say nothing, rather like breaking the opposition's code. There's a chance to hear more. But... that wouldn't be honest of him, would it?

There's a light tap on the door, and one horn and part of Croaker's heavy head tilts in as he rumbles, "My lady, your half-moon pet is here." Beatrice sighs, straightening, "Thank you, Croaker. Settle him, then more soup, please, for Alu's pet here." Jason makes the decision then. He has no reason to completely trust Beatrice... but Diana's another matter. So he just stares blankly, like he doesn't understand.

Croaker rumbles, "Understood, my la-" and a querulous voice speaking in English cuts across Croaker's deep rumble, "What's going on here? Where is she? I'm not waiting around for her to finish toying with other guys!" The door bursts open and a middle-aged businessman shoves in past Croaker, snapping, "I'm a busy man, I'll have you know!"

Jason blinks... and starts to wonder about Beatrice's choice in men... though it may be uncharitable of him to think so, she seems to pick men that probably deserve to have their life sucked away -- men such as this one, and the boor that interrupted Diana and he that second night. This leads him to wonder, then, if it's a result from the unhappy ending of Diana's father... Diana blinks, turning her head so she can see, just as the man snarls at Beatrice, "What do you think you're doing, you whore?" Croaker steps into the room, reaching for the man -- then freezes as Beatrice rises slowly. Somehow the tiny woman seems much taller as she murmurs in English, "You... dare?!" There's a long heartbeat of silence where no one moves.

Jason finds himself breathless -- and yet, at the same time rooting for Beatrice... who takes a slow breath -- and abruptly Croaker backs hastily into a corner of the room, clutching his ears with both hands, squeezing his eyes shut, and turning his face into the corner. Diana whispers, "Oh, shit!" then turns and almost throws herself across Jason, urgently murmuring, "Don't look! Don't hear -- just me, listen to me!" She's pressing one of her hands against Jason's ear, pulling his head tightly against her, kissing him urgently, distractingly, demanding his attention.

Jason is suddenly clutched with a spike of fear, his earlier thoughts banished... he's ashamed of them now. He hesitates for two painful seconds, heart pounding, and then he pulls from Diana's grasp. "'Dangerously violent'? How about you?" he demands, parroting Beatrice's words back at her scornfully.

Diana's insistence is compelling -- and yet, he finds he can force his will and refuse her. She gives a small cry of dismay, but it's drowned out in the suddenly overwhelming sheer presence of Beatrice -- of her scornful, mocking voice slashing at his ego like a barbed whip, shattering composure; of a terrible, heart-bursting need so great it trumps rational thought and shatters his common sense; of a fear of rejection by her which overwhelms him as if he were drowning. He can't think straight -- the only clear idea in his head is to somehow appease her, anything, anything so she doesn't throw him away!

The man falling to his knees and wailing, clutching at Beatrice in supplication; Diana's despairing, "Mother, stop, please!" -- none of that matters to him. Beatrice is angry with him; life ends unless he can restore himself in her good graces. Jason suddenly goes fetal in response, as if his angry outburst was the cause of her psychic assault, and the only way to appease is to make himself as inoffensive as possible... trembling as he clutches at himself.

That helps a bit, as Diana hastily wraps herself around him, blunting the sound, at least -- even if not the daggers of rage he feels tearing at his soul. It feels like he's a child fallen into the bottom of a deep, dark well, alone and sobbing in terror, lost and dirty. He's forgotten, unwanted, abandoned, he'll never be found, nobody wants him, he'll die here alone in the dark!

...except, some indeterminable time later, he thinks he hears the softest sound... something... a voice maybe? Someone calling his name? Jason hesitates... in spite of the pain, the despair is familiar, the darkness soothing... he doesn't have to worry about it any more, he's submerged in it, and nothing can get any worse. But he listens, leaning towards the sound slowly... it does sound like his name, definitely. That must mean... someone's searching for him! The relief at not being utterly forgotten and abandoned is like a liquid wash of sensation across him. For a moment he just listens to the questing, calling voice... then it occurs to him -- should he answer? Jason forces the words from his throat... it seems like it's been years since he spoke. "Help me."

The voice gets abruptly clearer and louder -- perhaps even has a touch of relief in it. He can make out words called to him now, "Jason? Jason, is that you? I'm so sorry, baby. Let me in, please?"

He doesn't comprehend her words... how can he let her in? How does he have any power at all right now? "Diana, please... help me... it's so dark... I'm lost..." he croaks. He can see a light shining faintly in the distance, and something moving in it, as the voice gets stronger, "Hold on, baby, just a little bit longer..." As the light brightens, he can blurrily make out a figure, blinking his eyes to clear them. She's... amazing, silhouetted in the light -- a beautiful angel of salvation. How could he have missed this before? Jason gets up from where he lays to his knees, raising his arms in supplication to this divine beauty... it's Diana, and yet it's not. She looks like what other people likely see... fair skin, no horns, that gorgeous raven-black hair, and those incredible eyes looking down on him...

Diana sighs unhappily as she kneels next to him, gathering him close, then gently stroking his hair and murmuring reassuringly to him. Clinging to her is an incredible emotional relief, and the shattering image of Beatrice destroying his Self starts to fade in the warmth and comfort of Diana's arms. He blinks again, his eyes clearing more, and realizes he's been crying -- and he's still in Diana's room, curled up tightly against her in her bed as she rocks him gently and softly croons to him. Jason tries desperately to stop trembling, to bring his breathing under control... he has never felt this vulnerable, not even in his worst depression. "Oh god... how... oh god..." he groans, clutching at Diana, trying to think coherently.

Diana gives a small gasp of relief, "Jason? Thank goodness!" She hugs him tightly, then intersperses gentle, reassuring murmurings with soft, light kisses across his face. "There, there... it's all right, baby, everything's fine, you're safe... easy, easy now, love..." She doesn't hurry him at all -- just continues to hold him close and almost sing gentle reassurance to him while he pulls himself together... almost literally, it feels like.

Jason says nothing for a long while, just trying to come back to himself, feel alive again... "No... it's not all right. It'll never be all right," he murmurs finally.

Diana sounds a little anxious, "What, baby? What did you say?" She sighs a bit frustratedly, adding quietly, "I'm going to have to have words with Mike... I told him to tell you about immortals!"

Jason shakes his head, sitting up. "He told me... he told me some. But nothing could have prepared me for that. I thought she was going to hurt him, possibly kill him... I had no idea."

Diana blinks in astonishment at Jason, "Kill him?! Heavens no!" A moment later she adds puzzledly, "He did tell you? Then... why..." she falls silent, thinking, then ohs softly, "You were trying to protect the man; I get it." She considers for a moment, still puzzled looking, then softly asks, "You... do you think I'd kill someone?"

Jason is silent for a space. "I think we'd all kill under the right circumstances," he murmurs. "I know I would. But the real question is, do I think you're like your mother. And the answer is no." Not yet, he adds silently in his mind.

Diana is still lying back from where Jason sat up, her hair a silken fall of sable across the pillow and her graceful form smoothly curved partially around him still. She watches him silently for a moment... then says a little sadly, "You see us as monsters, don't you." She sits up herself, pulling her knees up under the coverlet and wrapping her arms around them, resting her chin on her knees.

Jason's jaw sets, and he turns to look at Diana quite firmly. "You're not a monster, Diana," he tells her in all honesty. "And aside from my initial anxiety, I've never thought of you as one. But your mother is very different. She is unnerving physically, mentally, and psychically. I feel like an ant to her... and to her, I probably am one."

Diana is silent for a long moment, her eyes closing... then murmurs softly, "Can you blame her for not liking most humans, after what she's been through? Of your people, the men treat women -- and those who are different -- like property, like garbage. Just because you personally don't do that... does that mean she shouldn't protect us? I did try to tell you not to look..."

Jason shakes his head. "I'm not saying that at all. And yes, I grant everything you say... we're a messed up culture, and as a gender, we have entirely the wrong priorities. But what she did was... excessive. Unnecessary. Croaker was there: he could have shown him out. She herself is likely physically formidable. She was in no real danger, particularly from a pantywaist like him. She did what she did to put him in his place, nothing more."

Diana turns her head enough so he can see one golden-pupilled eye through the sable wisps of her hair. Softly she murmurs, "Is that all you see, then?"

Jason brushes her hair from her face. "I'm not going to lie to you, Diana. As of right now I'm afraid of her. But I'm not afraid of you," he says with all honesty. And backing up his words with actions, he kisses her then, unreservedly. Diana gently returns the kiss, her face thoughtful. Jason senses he doesn't have Diana's full attention... so he turns it up a notch, bringing back to mind the utter peace and joy he's felt every time he's been with her... his lips move hungrily against hers, thinking nothing of that traumatic moment, and only on how much he wants and needs her... not the mystically sexy succubus, but the vision of longing that he saw in his mind's eye moments before: she who saved him from the pit of despair.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Diana warms up much as he does, her arms sliding around him as she presses needily against him, his senses filling with the sweet taste and feel and scent and sound of her. Jason remembers to breath this time, and finds himself in a curiously dreamy state, floating blissfully on euphoria. Indeed, it is tremendously easy -- and pleasurable -- for his hands to start exploring the smooth, soft, desirable curves of Diana's body... and very rewarding, to judge from her purring.

Jason almost relishes his seeming control this far into it... the feel of her against him compelling, her body inviting him to go further, as far as he wants. And my goodness, does he want, filling his eager hands with her creamy curves. But his lips finally pull away regretfully. "I don't want to stop," he whispers. "Part of me craves it more than anything, craves your warmth after being dipped into such cold. But... you're not ready yet."

Diana gives a soft, slightly grumpy-sounding growl as Jason pulls away... then sighs, letting her chin thump lightly on his chest where she's half-lying across him. "Mmf... you sound like Mother." She's silent a moment... then her lips curl up at the corners almost in spite of herself, and she grins, "So how do you know when you're ready, mm?"

Jason, now that he's back to himself, finds himself embarrassed again. He's only pulled his lips from her mouth: now the spell is broken, he finds there's no casual way to move his hand from her breast. Her question is serious though, so he focuses on that, trying to ignore that perky curve. "I guess... I know I'll be ready when I need you more than just bodily. More than just mentally. I'll know I'm ready when I reach the conclusion that I love you enough that I have to express myself this way, and no other."

Diana's small grin starts to get a touch mischievous, and she's not yet moved away from him. She sounds sincere, though, when she asks, "How can you need someone more than bodily and mentally?"

"It's about completeness, Diana," he says softly. "Not that you can't be yourself without them... but that with them you are stronger, greater, more than yourself. Together you are a single force, capable of so much more. It's something that goes beyond sex. Sex can be an expression of this... but isn't required to feel it."

Diana frowns thoughtfully, leaning her head against Jason but not shifting away from his hands. "So... will you feel this for Mike too, or just me? Will Mike and I feel it for you too, and for each other?" She's silent for a heartbeat, then murmurs, "Maybe I should tell you about the mark before then..."

Jason is quiet for a moment. "Ideally, yes," he says hesitantly, pondering how to phrase what comes next. "Humans... have different ideas about sex. Many pursue it merely as sating the needs of the flesh. But for some, like me, it's more than that... it's an expression of closeness. Of caring about that person enough to want to experience that pleasure together, that moment of absolute bliss. Most of the men you've likely seen with your mother... they're not like me. But people like me do exist." He absently runs his fingers over Diana's arm. "Love is complex. It's hard to quantify, because it's so variable. People have different ideas about what it is to love. But it is my belief that love is what is required here, Diana." He stares into her eyes, then. "Love is what will heal Mike's wounds. Love is what will help you to understand that humans are more than just your nourishment. More than that, it's what will help you find your place in this world... whatever that is."

Diana is silent for a while, considering... then she says softly, "Don't you get anything from love too?"

Jason smiles. "Of course. But it's not as tangible for me. Love is both gift and a reward. To love is to be completely open, and there is an enormous freedom in being open with one you can trust."

Diana sounds puzzled, "But... how is it fair if it's less tangible for you?"

Jason laughs. "It's totally fair, Diana... you'll understand when you first feel love," he assures her.

Diana looks unconvinced, but willing to give Jason the benefit of the doubt. So instead of arguing she simply grins, rubbing her head gently against Jason's cheek and asking, "So is your closeness growing now you're still holding onto my breast? Would it help to hold both?"

Jason blinks and flushes -- clearly he'd forgotten about that. "Er... no, that's fine, Diana... it was nice of you to ask, but it doesn't work that way. Still, I do admit that... being physical with you in certain ways is progress." He coughs. "I wouldn't be touching you if I didn't feel you wanted me to... and if I didn't also want to. It probably means just as much, though, that I'm not doing more than that."

Diana gives Jason a curious look, tilting her head to see him this close, "Jason, sweet, is something wrong? You feel all... unhappy-tasting there for a moment?"

Jason blinks. "Unhappy? No, not at all, Diana... maybe I was a little embarrassed, but not unhappy." His fingers hesitate, and then slide around that firm flesh in a circular caress, almost curious. "It's just... I'm not as sexually liberated as some. It's part of that whole 'virgin' thing we talked about."

Diana looks down at her breast, smiles, then looks back up at Jason, "So how do you gain liberation from your sexuality?"

Jason looks wry, and doesn't correct her improper use of the language. "Experience. And... willingness to experience."

Diana brightens, "Like now? Is there anything I can do to help?"

Jason laughs helplessly at her adorable eagerness. "There is... a lot you can do to help. I couldn't become comfortable with sex without the help of a partner... but much as I want to, I worry that one thing will lead to another, and we'll end up going in directions neither of us are ready for." He blinks, looking curious then, "Is it actually pleasurable when I touch you? Or does your pleasure come more from the, er... taste of me?"

Diana considers, studying Jason's hand where it still rests on her. After a moment she reaches out and starts unbuttoning his shirt, "I don't know for sure... let's experiment."

Jason ers, and flushes again... but clamps down on the emotion of it, not wanting to alarm Diana. He stoically lets her do what she wants... or tries to be stoic, anyway. His skin tingles as she bares his chest. Diana blinks, then takes a long, slow breath and smiles, "Well, I must say, that rush right there was really, really nice..." She takes another slow, deep breath, then leans her head forward, resting her forehead against him as she slides her hand along his chest so she's emulating how his hand is resting on her breast. Diana's hand is warm, soft, curiously and gently massaging... her hair slides forward off her shoulder and along her arm to brush softly against Jason's chest, pooling in his lap.

Jason groans, squirming in place as he leans down and pushes his face into her hair, inhaling that lovely scent. Of course, her touch is wonderful and compelling... but it doesn't necessarily answer the question he asks, unless she's working at it from an angle he doesn't understand. So, with surprising boldness, he runs a fingertip over and along her nipple testingly...

Diana shudders suddenly, gasping softly, her hand closing slightly on his chest. Her face is hidden by the sable curtain of her hair, but she turns her head enough to bring her lips to his throat. He can feel them brushing lightly and warmly across the skin of his throat as she murmurs, "Sweetness, I -- I -- uhhh..." She moans softly, closing her teeth gently on his throat and leaning into him.

Jason whimpers at that, but it's anything but a cry for help, or one of pain. He's not sure what caused that reaction, and he's not sure he cares at this moment, his heart fluttering in his chest like a hummingbird's wings. "Yes, Di..." he manages to gasp, enthralled by the idea of offering her pleasure as his fingers play over that sensitive nub with growing dexterity... but not giving into the bliss; keeping his eyes open. Stay... alert.

Jason quickly realizes, though, from her growing ardor, that this is actually being counter-productive... she's not differentiating sensations at this point. If he kept up, this would very likely end up in lovemaking -- not a bad thing in and of itself, but he did say he wanted to wait. More fool I, a part of him thinks as he releases her nipple, gently prying her from his throat without trying to make it seem like a rejection. Diana murmurs something incoherent deep in her throat, her free arm sliding around him in an effort to get closer. Jason smiles ruefully into her panting expression. "I think it seems clear that both contribute to your overall pleasure, Di," he informs her, brushing her hair to the side.

She's not fighting him, so much as trying to keep savoring the sensations... she turns her head and takes one of his fingers in her mouth instead, leaning her head against his other hand and purring. Jason shudders... some women do that and it comes across as just cheesy. Diana's not one of them. But he doesn't stop her... it's more innocent than what was going on before, and it could be that Diana needs a cooling down period. But after a minute, it seems clear he needs to bring her back to reality. "Diana... what's a walkabout?" he asks gently.

Diana shivers again, although this time it's more... like shaking her self awake, where previously it had felt far more sensuous, as if she were sliding into an immersion of pleasure. She takes a long, gasping breath, tossing her head back, her hands flexing almost convulsively, then stares at Jason from only inches away. Her pupils are huge, golden, glowing... he could easily let himself fall into those eyes and drown from pleasure... and then she rolls abruptly out of the bed, standing with her back to him, rubbing her face with her hands. "Goddess! I -- I'm sorry, sweetness -- you just... I mean, it's sort of hard to, uh..."

She takes a few more deep breaths, pushing her heavy mane of hair back with both hands, then turns and smiles at him. He can feel the effort of restraint in her, to simply smile instead of just sliding back into the bed and diving deeply into him... but her smile softens a moment later and she says ruefully, "I'm sorry, sweet, I -- I got a bit overwhelmed. What did you ask me, please?"

Jason nods a little... this is progress -- for her to actually shake herself out of this pleasurable trance. He's actually heartened by it. But he doesn't draw attention to that just yet, wanting to focus on something more serious. "I asked you what a walkabout was. And... why it is you have to go on one."

"Oh." Diana looks a bit unhappy, considering for a moment... then she sits on the edge of the bed, folding her hands in her lap. She has a curiously unselfconscious way of moving, as if it's not yet occurred to her she's nude... or as if nudity were as normal as clothing. "Um. Well, supernaturals feed on humans, as you know... or at least the smart ones try to. So that means no one city can support too many of them at once. However, healthy and happy supernaturals also are... I don't know what to call it... they're attractive. They... sort of put out this call, if that makes sense? And when there's only one or two together, or one of them is immature, the call is very weak, and is heard only by humans. But once you get several adults together..." she brushes a strand of hair behind one ear, looking a bit trepidatious, "Well... um, they start being heard by other lone supernaturals... and they start clustering. And... supernaturals are incredibly territorial, especially since we have to worry so much about staying hidden and unnoticed amongst the humans."

Diana sighs, then looks away, "And... I've pretty much reached adulthood. I think Mother's been trying to ignore it, but... well, the crazy mage and the thing he was fighting show there are too many in the city now. Mother and Croaker are going to need me to leave... to go walkabout and find my own city to settle in and make my own and protect. That way Mother can't be easily tracked by the other supernaturals, so she can more effectively protect herself and Croaker."

Jason nods... he thought it was something like this, from what he overheard. "If supernaturals are territorial, why is it they would impinge on your territory? Is it something they're unable to resist?"

Diana gives Jason a helpless shrug, "Who knows? When I pressed Mother about it, she couldn't remember how she knew. It's like everything else that pops into her head about living well amongst humans -- she somehow knows it, but she can't recall learning it, sort of like amnesia in humans. And every time she tries to remember before being here, all she can bring to mind is a sort of gray fog, she says. Croaker has the same problem, except he remembers even less, and he's very ashamed about the time he spent non-sapient."

Jason steeples his fingers. "She's never tried asking a mage, or another supernatural besides Croaker?"

Diana smiles ruefully, "That'd probably be dangerous. If anther supernatural turned up here, it'd most likely be trying to oust her. If she turned up with Croaker and I -- even when I was just a baby -- in another supernatural's city, that one would most naturally believe she was trying to oust them." Diana hesitates, then reaches out and rests her hand lightly on Jason's, her expression as much hopeful as worried, "Jason, sweet... will you come with me? Mike has already said he will, but... will you come too, please?"

Jason considers. "I would never abandon you, Diana," he says firmly. "But -- and maybe this is ignorance speaking -- maybe we should let them come. And then get some answers out of them."

Diana sighs softly, "They don't talk, baby. They try to kill each other... like the crazy mage was doing."

Jason tilts his head. "Are they unable to talk, or just unwilling? Because there's always just holding them down and beating the stuffing out of them until they're compliant."

"The only reason Croaker didn't kill us is because he wasn't in his right head, and we out-thought him, until he..." She pauses, then gets a puzzled look, thinking for a moment. Finally she says slowly, "I... I don't know, baby. I know Croaker's been invaluable in getting us safely here, though." She adds with a touch of pride, "As was I. Mother says I'm very clever."

Jason sighs. "If you think this is the safest thing to do, Diana, then I'll do it. I just... I feel that you, that we all, deserve some answers." He spreads his hands. "Then again, maybe there are none to be had. Maybe all supernaturals lose memory of where they've come from when they end up here among humans."

"Mother says if anyone could find out where we came from and why and how to go back home again, it'd be me." She hesitates, then softly adds, "Although... I... don't know if I'd want to go there. Is it home for me too, or just for Mother and the other full-blood supernaturals?" She gives Jason a troubled look, "It worries me sometimes... but I would like to find the answers, yes, for Mother and Croaker and for the few humans who've been good to us. That's why I was hoping you and Mike both would come walkabout with me... so we could try to find some answers."

Jason blinks thoughtfully. "How long do you have, Diana? Before you have to leave? Do you even know?"

Diana shakes her head, "Soon, I'd guess, since there's rather a lot of supernaturals in the city currently." She counts on her fingers, "Mother, Croaker, the crazy mage, the thing he was fighting -- if it's not dead -- me... and I think you and Mike count too. And that's assuming there are no other supernaturals who're better at hiding than we are."

Jason purses his lips. This changes things. "I'm guessing then... you'd need to learn how to control yourself before we left," he ventures finally. "Because once your mother is no longer around..."

Diana looks a bit hunted, "Um... yeah. I... I was going to tell you, baby, but... well, I didn't want you to feel pressured." She looks away again, her hair falling forward to shield her face as she whispers, "I'm sorry, sweet... I just... I wanted it to be right, the way you wanted, you know?"

Jason rubs his temples. "I know, Di... but this is too important," he admits finally. He looks up at her. "I can't afford the luxury of taking my time... not if I'm serious about being a part of this. If what you say is true -- this danger -- then it's more important than soul searching how I feel about you." Reaching out, he takes her hand, "Besides... we are connected, you and me. There's no denying that."

Diana looks around when he touches her, and at his words her relief is almost palpable -- she throws her arms around him in a tight hug, "Oh, good -- thank you, sweet!"

Jason laughs at her embrace. "But... having said that... not now. Not tonight," he murmurs, pulling his head back to look at her. "There's arrangements I'll have to make, if I'm going to leave with you. So we need a little time, at least. But in a couple days... I'll take you out for a proper night out. I want to show you that this thing -- this relationship -- is more than just about pleasure of the flesh."

Diana blinks, getting a curious and interested look, "What's a proper night out? Mother gets taken on them sometimes, but she says there's very little properness about them usually."

Jason can't help but smirk wryly. "Yeah, well... that's probably a result of whom she goes out with, and what they expect of her." A thought occurs to him. "I know you don't eat food for nourishment, but... can you? Eat?"

Diana pokes Jason gently, smiling, "Hey, be nice. If it weren't for Mother, Croaker and I wouldn't be here -- neither of us would even be alive, I suspect. Besides, Joe doesn't take her out for 'proper' nights, but he's still really kind and thoughtful. I think he really loves her, from how you're describing love." She shakes her head at his question, "Not really. I can, um... appear to eat with some effort, but it's not much fun and I have to eject it about an hour or so later."

Jason shakes his head. "I'm not throwing stones at her, Diana. I'm just saying that she doesn't appear to Choose people who are inclined to treat her like Joe does," he explains. He nods at her explanation. "Okay. Then our night out won't involve food. That doesn't mean there aren't... other possibilities." He smiles. "Let me surprise you, hmm?"

Diana looks a bit worried, "A... surprise? Umm... I don't think I like surprises much, baby. They usually involve someone getting hurt, or trying to kill us?" She adds, "Mother could Choose more actively, but she decided it was better to let them come to her first, so she was sure she wasn't forcing them." A bit confusedly she asks, "Are you saying you think it's better to force them?"

Jason shakes his head. "I don't think she should, no. But just because they come to her doesn't mean she has to pick them. She could have anyone she wants, Diana... she shouldn't settle for people that look at her as just something they can get something from." He smiles. "And as for surprises... you'll like this one, Diana. I promise," he whispers soothingly. "I trust you, more than I could have realized for the short time we've spent. Trust me." Diana looks a bit worried still... but after studying Jason searchingly for several heartbeats she finally gives one quick nod.

There's a tap on the door, and Croaker tips his head in to take a quick look... then steps carefully into the room. Jason looks up and smiles. "Yes, Croaker?"

Over one arm are Jason's pants... and in one large hand is a tray, with a steaming (and very tasty-smelling) bowl of soup on it. Croaker nods politely to the two on the bed, rumbling, "More soup, just in case. Your pants are clean now too."

Jason inclines his head, "Thank you, Croaker. You are very thoughtful." He smiles, surprised at how at ease he feels with the minotaur now.

Diana also smiles in welcome, scooting to slide into the bed so she's out of the big bull-man's way. Croaker carefully drops to one knee to put the tray on Jason's lap, then lays the pants on the end of the bed. The minotaur glances at Jason, pauses a moment... then rumbles, "Thank you." His voice sounds... almost a bit surprised, as if he'd not thought of that.

Diana blinks, looking between Jason and Croaker, then says surprisedly, "You... can understand him?!"

Jason looks at Diana. "How did you think I knew about the walkabout, Diana? You weren't speaking in English when you were talking to your mother," he reminds her calmly.

Croaker nods once at Jason's words, "Of course, my lady. He's a seer, just like you said."

Diana thinks about that a moment, still a bit startled... then bites her lip, "Uhm... how much did you hear, baby?" As she speaks to Jason, facing him, she reaches out almost unwittingly and starts rubbing behind one of Croaker's large ears. Croaker glances at Diana as she does this and, seeing she's not looking at him, Jason can see Croaker relax slightly, leaning a bit into her touch. It's almost startling, a moment later, to see the look of utterly unreserved devotion glowing in Croaker's eyes as he silently watches Diana. He remains on one knee next to the bed, carefully not moving as she absently rubs his ear while talking to Jason.

Jason hesitates, and decides to cleave to the truth. "I heard enough, Diana. I heard that your mother doesn't think much of humans -- rightfully so, perhaps, but I aim to show her we're not all so bad... through you. We are capable of great good and great evil. And I think it's time she saw the opposite end of the equation."

Diana considers, then sighs quietly, "I... wondered why you were so intent on accosting Mother before. That explains it." She's silent a moment, considering as she continues to rub Croaker's ear -- he's starting to get a more blissed-out look than simply a devoted one -- then says earnestly to Jason, "Baby, you asked me to trust you, and you said you trusted me. So... next time I want you to do something right now... will you believe me? Please?" She hesitates, then adds in a small voice, "You... really scared me, baby. I... wasn't sure I could find you without the mark yet..."

Jason absently wonders if Diana is doing that so Croaker won't be aware of what they're saying... but he puts that to one side. "I don't understand, Diana. What did I not do? And what do you mean 'find me'?"

"Don't you remember, baby, I tried to get you to pay attention to me when Mother was getting ready to charm that guy?" Diana adds, "Croaker was protecting himself too. Didn't you see that?"

Jason looks sheepish. "Oh... oh," he murmurs, suddenly understanding the answer to both questions. "I... I'm sorry. I didn't want to scare you, I just... I was rash, and scared, and I didn't realize what would happen. I thought you were just... I don't know, wanting me not to watch as she eviscerated him, or something similar."

Diana's face scrunches up as she gets a horrified look, "Dear goddess, no! We don't do that, baby -- we're not physical consumers of humans!" Croaker suddenly looks downwards, and Diana turns at the sudden movement -- then gets a stricken look, "Oh, Croaker, I'm so sorry! I -- I didn't mean to remind you-" She hesitates, then simply leans forward and wraps her arms around his head and horns. He's large enough his head is almost the length of her torso, and she's half-lying across the broad bridge of his nose and forehead.

Croaker freezes, a slightly shocked look on his face, as Diana murmurs softly, "I'm not doing well at all tonight as far as not hurting folks I care about, am I?" Her hair cascades over her shoulder to ripple down over the side of his face, and very, very slowly and carefully one huge hand comes up to lightly, almost reverently stroke down her hair. Croaker rumbles softly, "My lady... y-you know I..." He falls silent again, and cautiously tries another gentle stroke, this time down her back.

Jason is surprisingly okay with this new information... he can hardly blame Croaker for what he did as a mindless beast. His expression is almost approving as Diana tenderly tries to sooth him. "I never suggested you would, or that Beatrice would have... consumed him. But I did think she might kill him for his disrespect," he says after a while. "But may I ask... what happened to him?" he adds uncertainly.

Diana glances over her shoulder at Jason, then sighs softly, slowly sliding off her hugging of Croaker's head to sit up and face Jason in order to talk to him. She isn't looking at Croaker, and thus misses the slightly wistful look on his face as the sable banner of her hair slides almost liquidly over his hand, through his fingers, and then falls away. Croaker closes his eyes for a moment, and when he opens them again he's back to his usual calm expressionlessness, listening as Diana explains, "Mother charmed him -- he won't feel he can just leave her now, which he would have if we'd had Croaker just thrown him out." She pauses, considering... then simply falls silent, watching Jason.

Jason isn't sure that's the whole story. "Why does it matter? Why wouldn't she just get another one? Was that ass so worth keeping around after the way he treated her?"

Diana says quietly, "Two reasons. One, he beats his wife... except when he's seeing Mother, because she can keep him calm and tired enough for several days after each visit. Two, he's one of the city officials, and signs paperwork which keep... certain officials off our backs."

Jason blinks. "Good god," he whispers.

Diana studies Jason for several seconds, her face still... then turns and quietly starts rubbing Croaker's ear again, giving Jason a moment to pull himself together if he wishes. Jason finds himself speechless for a time, and he stares at his hands as if the answers he seeks might somehow be there. "I don't...." he starts, and then is silent again. "I'm sorry. I should have given her the benefit of the doubt... I keep letting my fear of her sway my actions."

Diana and Croaker both turn to look at Jason... then Diana smiles, reaching out to lightly touch Jason's knee. "It's all right, baby. Everyone tells me she can be scary. But she really does want what's best for us all, I believe." She smiles at the big minotaur, "Don't you think so, Croaker?" He nods slowly to her, then looks at Jason with some sympathy, rumbling, "She is scary, Seer... but at least she means well. That is partly why I serve her. Even when she's terrifying."

Jason barks a wry laugh. "I see."

Diana gives Jason a curious look, not understanding. "What's so funny, baby?"

Jason looks up at Diana. "Nothing, Di. I just... there is an irony that a pureblooded succubus could be more compassionate than many humans. Especially considering most times she's more like a force of nature than a person." The two alien faces look back at Jason: one huge, horned, and bovine; the other with glowing eyes, fanged, and with reddish skin. They both politely don't say anything. Jason spreads his hands. "I still hope, though, I can get her to think well of me."

Diana chuckles, "She already does, baby -- you make me happy." She smiles then at Croaker, running one hand down his face in an affectionate caress, "Thank you, Croaker, for taking care of my sweet while he was incapacitated from helping me." She looks back at Jason and adds softly, "And thank you, baby, for helping me heal so. If it weren't for you giving me so much energy, it would have taken me much longer to get better."

Jason blinks. "I don't... wait. You're saying me being with you right now... has been replenishing what you lost?"

Croaker makes a small rumbling sound -- possibly of assent -- as he quickly starts to rise. Diana smiles, "Well, yes, silly. All the energy you gave Mother for me?"

Jason starts to protest he doesn't know what she's talking about... and then something clicks in his head. He remembers then what Croaker asked of him. "Oh... yes, I'm sorry. I didn't understand what you were saying," he says then, giving Croaker this questioning look, wondering why the minotaur asked him to lie about that.

Diana stares at Jason for a moment, puzzledly saying, "What?" A heartbeat later her eyes suddenly go a hot, coal bright, and she whirls, one hand darting out and seizing Croaker's brass nose ring. "You!" Croaker winces, caught in movement away, and freezes -- then with awkward haste follows Diana's firm pull on the nose ring. He ends up on all fours next to the bed, Diana having drawn his head down until it's held resting across her lap. Diana says angrily, "What did I tell you about giving any more energy to me?!"

Jason is shocked by Diana's violent response to this. "Wait, Diana, stop... what is all this about?" he says in a much more soothing manner, hoping that might reverberate back in her.

The big minotaur glances once at Jason, then simply closes his eyes. In a quiet, resigned voice he rumbles, "My lady bade me never give my energy for her again." Diana, eyes flashing, looks up at Jason and indignantly says, "It kills him! It steals his life! I don't want that!"

Jason nods his understanding. "Sometimes, Diana, when you care about someone you're willing to do anything to help them," he murmurs, putting a calm hand on her shoulder. "It was his choice, Diana. It's his life to give."

Diana brings up an admonishing finger, her mouth opening to rebuke Jason... then she goes still, thinking. Croaker half-opens one eye, giving Jason a faintly surprised glance... then cautiously opens the other as well, wincing slightly as if he's not sure whether he's going to get smacked or not. Diana gives Jason a distinctly unhappy look, much deflated by the common sense of his statement. She murmurs, "But it -- it's not fair..."

Jason smiles at Diana, touching her cheek even as he rests a hand on Croaker's shoulder. "You helped save him. He helped save you. What could be more fair than that?"

Croaker gives one small, cautious nod where his head is still pinned. Diana frowns, saying with more heat, "It's not fair, though! Supernaturals can't feed each other like a human can. Humans just sort of heal it back somehow, but supernaturals have it stripped out of them!"

Jason looks at Croaker, into those expressive eyes. "I wouldn't want to speak for Croaker... but I suspect he'd rather have a shorter lifespan as a sentient being than eternity as a mindless monster. You gave him more than life, Diana... you gave him a chance to actually live."

Croaker nods again, this time more strongly. Diana glares down at Croaker, who squints slightly (is he trying to protect his eyes?) but curiously makes no effort to grab her hands or resist. Instead he simply rumbles, "My lady, your seer speaks truly. You already know my life belongs to you... and your lady mother. How could I not give of it when you needed it? What is the difference in dying for you slowly or very fast? At least this way I get to spend a bit more time with you."

Diana looks like she'd like to cry, but instead just releases the nose ring, clasping her hands tightly in her lap and whispering in frustration, "But... but it's not fair!" Croaker closes his eyes again, sighing softly in relief as the tension flows out of him.

Jason nods in agreement at Croaker's words. "It's a kind of love, Diana. And love is not always about fairness. It's about what we feel we must do, the risks we must take, for those that we love." He tilts his head at her. "You may not understand this now, but you will understand... after all, let us not forget: you nearly died saving my life. If that blast had hit me... is there any doubt I would have fared even worse than you?"

Diana blinks, her attention caught by Jason's statement. She considers for a moment, then says slowly, "I... I don't know why I did that. It just... I didn't think about it, I just did it." She rests one hand lightly on the broad bridge of Croaker's muzzle as she looks confusedly at Jason, "I... are you upset about that? I mean... well, it seemed like the right thing to do at the time?" Croaker cautiously shifts a bit so he can settle more comfortably next to the bed, although he's careful not to move his head at all.

Jason gives Diana this amused look. "You're asking me if I'm upset about being alive?" he queries.

Diana blinks, flushing slightly, "Well, I... well, no, not that. I just... I mean, for a moment I thought you were upset with me too, like Mother, for risking my life so."

Jason shakes his head. "If anything, I'm upset with myself for letting my curiosity put us both in that situation. If you had died saving my life... I don't know what I would have done," he says softly.

Diana studies Jason perplexedly for a moment... then her expression softens into a small, shy smile, "You... would have missed me? Really?"

Jason runs over a couple dozen ways to answer that, and then just goes with the one that's most direct. He takes her chin and kisses her lips firmly... just long enough to make his feelings clear, and leave her a little breathless. "I'm sorry... did you have a question?" he murmurs after that with a small smile of his own.

Diana blinks... then giggles, "Oh, I know this one!" She grins, leaning in to kiss him back, her lips parting and her eyes glowing faintly. Croaker smiles faintly and, when she shifts slightly, he starts to carefully, slowly pull his head back from her lap.

Jason's answering laugh is cut off by Diana's answering kiss, which he returns for a few more glorious seconds before gently pulling away. "I don't want to stop," he quickly informs her. "But if I only have a short time, I want to get this as right as I can make it, Di."

Diana blinks, distracted, "What?" -then turns as she realizes Croaker's shifting. She puts her hand back on his muzzle, saying firmly, "Wait a moment, please? I have something I have to say to you." Croaker freezes again, his eyes squinting reflexively... then as she turns her attention back to Jason, Croaker gets a faintly puzzled look... then seems to relax a bit, settling his head back on her lap. Diana says confusedly to Jason, "I... don't understand, baby. What... did I do something wrong you need to fix, or something? And... umm..." she looks a bit nervous, but forges on, "I, ah... you do realize everything Mother can do is something I can, or will be able to do? Umm... are you, uh, are you going to be scared of me too?" Absently, as she's speaking, Diana strokes her hand slowly along Croaker's broad, flat forehead and muzzle. He's starting to get that blissed-out look again, too.

Jason purses his lips. "There's a couple different questions there, Di... but the answer to the last one is no, definitely not. And my hesitation has nothing to do with what you are... well, not directly." He puts his hand over hers. "You've done nothing wrong at all. But the very fact that you don't understand says to me that you need to experience what real human courtship is like. Contrary to your experience, it's not all about seduction and then a vigorous roll in the hay." Diana looks uncomprehending, but simply nods to encourage Jason to continue.

Jason spreads his hands. "When two people like each other they go out on what's called a 'date.' This date often involves some kind of entertainment, often but not always a meal of some kind... the two people find out about each other. What they like, what they have in common. Sometimes people go out on several dates before they even do anything besides kiss: it depends on their comfort level. And all I'm saying is... before our first time together, I want to take you out to have fun, and learn a little more about you before we take that leap together. Does that make any sense?"

"Oh!" Diana brightens, "Yes! Of course -- why didn't you say so before?" She beams, "I very much enjoyed our first date, although I felt a little guilty when you were so ouchie the next day."

Jason smiles. "Well, yes, I suppose that would have counted as a date... though I wish I could remember more of it. Which, I guess, is part of the reason I want another one."

Diana smiles, "All right. I think that'd be fun, and this time I'll be more careful, okay?" Curiously she asks, "Can you really not remember it? That's unusual, from what I've heard?"

Jason strokes her face. "Well, I remember it better now than I did... but it was sort of saturated by those compelling vibes you gave off, sweetie. I want one night that's just me and you... no otherworldly charm, just two people having fun." He touches his nose to hers. "Afterwards too, when we're together. I want to remember our first time. Every detail," he whispers.

Diana smiles warmly again, curling her free arm around Jason's neck and resting her forehead against his. She murmurs, "Okay, sweet. If you'll lead the way on this courtship thing, I'll follow."

Jason nods, and then smiles. "Now will you let poor Croaker up, Di? As nice as it might be for him to have his head in your lap, that position can't be good for his back."

Diana oh!s, raising her hands reflexively. Croaker sighs softly, opening his eyes to give Jason a faintly reproachful/amused glance... then he rumbles quietly, "At your pleasure, my lady." Diana sighs, looking remorseful, "Croaker, I -- I'm sorry I yelled at you." She gently runs one hand over his broad nose, adding, "I... over-reacted. I know how sensitive your nose is." Croaker carefully takes her small hand in his huge one as he raises his head and smiles faintly, "My lady, you do not need to apologize to me." He bows his massive head gracefully over her hand, adding, "But thank you for your kindness."

Jason nods... he feels he understands this quiet man -- for indeed, he sees him as a man now -- a man who clearly wants to pay these women back any way he can. "You deserve it, Croaker," he says softly.

Croaker tilts his head, regarding Jason thoughtfully... then nods once to Jason as well. Softly he rumbles, "You are... so very fortunate, Seer. I envy you that." He hesitates -- then, as if aware he may have said too much, he swiftly rises and backs away to the door, "Your pardon, I have work to attend to." He slips out quickly, closing the door gently behind him.

Diana blinks, then looks back at Jason with a slightly confused smile, "What have you and Croaker been talking about, baby?"

Jason smiles, pulling her into a chaste embrace, stroking her hair. "Nothing important, Di. Just how much you rock." The second she opens her mouth to ask, though, he immediately says, "I'll explain it later."




Last modified: 2006-Apr-20 22:21:17

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