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Reality Fault

In Her Flow'ry Bower

Jason awakes. No one is screaming. No one is shaking him awake for help. No one is leaning over him anxiously. In fact, he feels quite peaceful and relaxed, lying there with his eyes closed. *sniffsniff* And... there is bacon being cooked somewhere nearby! There's also the peaceful sound of running water, and someone singing softly. Sounds like Diana, from the tone and the lyrics -- she's singing that pretty goddess song again.

Jason suddenly grins. He knows bacon isn't particularly healthy...but oh, what a tasty unhealthy! He starts to sit up in bed, but then he hears Diana singing -- it's enough to make him just want to lay there a little while longer and enjoy the sound of her voice. Eventually though, he sits up in bed, checking to see who else is still present, if anyone.

Diana's voice is lazily content as she sings,

    As waves upon my head the circling curl,
    So in the sacred dance weave ye and whirl.
    Dance then, O heart, a whirling circle be.
    Burn in this flame -- is not the candle She?
Mike's lying on the far side of the bed, his arms behind his head, humming softly and contentedly along with Diana.

Between him and Jason lies Rita, curled up asleep and still smiling with quiet pleasure. Across the room on the couch, BJ is also curled up asleep. Neither she nor Rita are nude, but unlike Rita, BJ's sleeping expression is a bit more troubled. At Jason's movement Rita sighs quietly, starting to awaken. Mike glances over and nods once, his expression peaceful even as he softly asks, "So... how'd the girls end up here too?"

Jason stifles a laugh and gets up, grabbing his pants again from where he left them after helping BJ, quickly putting those on at least. "A lot happened while you slept, Mike. But then, you were tired... you bore the brunt of Diana's hunger a while." He looks between the girls. "It's pretty complex, too... I'm hoping we can sort through all of it. I don't want to leave behind a tangled mess."

The shower and the singing both stop, although Diana's continued humming carries easily through the open bathroom door. BJ awakens abruptly, with a small gasp as the sound changes, looking around a bit bewilderedly. Rita yawns slowly, eyes still closed as she stretches and reaches out a hand to run it along the empty space where Diana had been previously. A moment later she too opens her eyes. She blinks at Mike a bit uncomprehendingly. Mike murmurs pleasantly, "Good morning. Rita, isn't it? I'm Mike. I believe Diana's in the bathroom."

Rita sits up abruptly, looking a bit shocked as she glances around. She sees Jason and BJ, and relaxes a bit. "Umm... hi?" Her voice is tentative, "I... yeah, I'm Rita." She looks at the bathroom door and says a bit wistfully, "I had... the most wonderful dream..."

Jason makes an amused sound, looking around for his shirt. "I'm just glad things ended better than they started, Rita... you had me worried for a while." he says seriously. "Feeling any better?"

Rita is simply gaping past Jason, her mouth literally hanging open as she stares at the bathroom door. The cause is immediately evident as Diana walks out, still gleaming damply from the shower, casually drying her long sable hair. She smiles at everyone with obvious pleasure, "Hi, all! It's so nice to have a full room of friends to wake up to. I think Croaker's cooking brunch for us all. Did everyone sleep well?"

Mike chuckles; BJ smiles politely but somewhat tensely as she glances at the door, "Very well, thank you." Diana pauses next to Jason to give him a leisurely, slightly damp, very enjoyable kiss.

Jason is at first reluctant to be kissing Diana in front of Rita, worried how she might react... but first contact is enough to melt away his cares, and he kisses back with affection and even passion. His face flushes as he pulls away just slightly, and whispers, "We need to talk, love. BJ knows."

Diana smiles languidly at Jason, idly running the fingernails of one hand down his back, "Mmm... knows what, lollipop?" She glances over her shoulder towards the bed and adds, "Rita, sweetie, why don't you shower next?" Rita (who has managed to close her mouth by now) simply nods, rolling out of bed and heading for the shower without looking at Diana. She's quite flushed, and she closes the door behind her.

Diana leans comfortably into Jason, her arms around his neck and her lithe form pressed close. She rests her chin on Jason's shoulder and smiles at BJ, "All right, I'll bite. What is it you know, BJ?" Mike sits up, curiously watching and listening as well.

BJ looks... quite taken aback! Uncertainly she says, "Uhh... b-bite? Jason...?"

Jason rolls his eyes. "Not literally, BJ... sheesh, you're acting like Diana when she encounters an idiom she doesn't recognize." He looks at Diana. "She hurt herself on one of Croaker's horns. Apparently doing so was enough for her to see him as he really is. Now she's a little... well, remember how I was when I first saw you?" He affectionately nuzzles and scritches Diana up by the base of one of her horns, keeping her friendly and kittenish. His attitude radiates, 'Nothing to worry about here; just a little mess to clean up'.

Defensively BJ mutters, "Hey! You said she was different... how'm I supposed to know how different?" Diana gives Jason a surprised look, "What? I don't stutter from nervousness, lollipop!" She grins lazily, her slitted eyes half-closing at the pleasant stroking, and says with some sympathy to BJ, "You fainted repeatedly? Oh, that's no fun. Did you get Croaker to bring you some food to help you recover?"

BJ looks upset and confused, then simply huddles close on the couch, wrapping her arms around her knees and resting her chin on them. Wrapped up in Diana's robe, she's almost completely covered. Mike, who's remained silent up to this point, murmurs thoughtfully, "No... you're in here, aren't you, Ms. BJ... so... you didn't want to be near Croaker, I take it?" BJ nods gratefully at Mike.

Diana says in some surprise, "Why would anyone not want to be near Croaker? He's the sweetest, gentlest, kindest sup- er... guy I know!"

Jason is a little relieved BJ still seems to see Diana as human. Explaining her demonic resemblance would make things harder. "That's the crux of the issue, love. Having him suddenly look like a..." he censors the word 'monster,' "...wild beast after they were intimate was... quite scary, to say the least," he explains. He looks at BJ apologetically. "I'm sorry. I need to remember this isn't easy for you," he says sincerely.

Diana straightens, about to say something indignant -- then she pauses, silently considering as she watches the other three people. At Jason's words, BJ's face crumples up a bit, and she hastily ducks her face into the crook of her elbow to hide her tears. Mike quietly pulls his trousers on, giving BJ time to recover herself. Diana says impulsively, "Oh, baby... I'm so sorry! I didn't understand at first." She starts to step towards BJ, then hesitates, looking between Jason and BJ -- then she nudges Jason and smiles, whispering, "Go hug her! She needs hugs from people she trusts right now, lollipop."

Jason looks regretful. "I don't know... I seem to keep saying insensitive things that make her cry..." he mumbles, shamefaced. But he kneels and does hug her, patting her back clumsily. "We'll get through this, Bonnie... promise," he murmurs to her. BJ turns, throwing her arms around Jason's neck and clinging tightly to him. Her tears are quieter this morning, more from lingering fear than the terror of last night.

There's a muted trill of birdsong outside the room, and the door flies open. Framed there for a split second is Beatrice -- wings spread, her flaming hair flaring about her like Medusa's snakes, her eyes glowing with excitement. She launches herself into the room, half landing on, half hugging Diana, still trilling excitedly. Jason can pick out basic meaning, although it's being spoken so fast it's hard to get specific words. Male Knowledge, surprise! Delight, male understanding, pleasure! Affection intact, all is well!

Mike blinks, looks around the room, then grins at Jason, "Was it this exciting last night too?"

Jason grins wryly at Mike, then whispers to BJ, who surely hears the birdsong if not the words. "Don't be afraid, it's how they talk," he assures her, hugging tighter as he turns to face the two women, looking curious. If anything he hopes this is relieving... that the birdsong talk is soothing, rather than discomfiting.

Beatrice and Diana are both practically bouncing up and down in place, holding hands and gleefully trilling at each other. BJ watches this a bit bemusedly, then murmurs to Jason, "It's not the foreign language I find startling... it's that someone that, uh... well developed can act like such a gleeful little girl -- only seconds after calling me 'baby'?!" She grins a bit tearily at Jason, obviously trying hard to cheer up.

Jason grins... he does admit, it's hard to be scared of anyone that acts like that. "She's actually only just matured into an adult... and that's after living over a century," he explain in an undertone, wondering what this is all about... something to do with Joe, maybe? Or maybe Beatrice has a new pet that's a little healthier for her?

BJ just looks at Jason, her expression highly dubious. "A... century. Uh-huh... and the other one is the same age, considering how they're both dressed -- or not -- and acting?" She grins, shaking her head amusedly.

Curiously enough, even though both women are nude, they look very right to Jason -- he'd not immediately registered they were anything other than their usual blindingly alluring selves. Diana glances over at Mike and Jason, her eyes alight with happiness, and practically sings, "Joe knows! He knows, and he doesn't care! He won't be leaving!"

From the doorway comes Joe's relaxed drawl, "Hell, no, I'm not leaving. Haveta be a moron to leave a beautiful wife like Bea." He's leaning against the door frame, arms folded, a lazy smile on his face -- for a second, at least, since a moment later Beatrice turns and gleefully bounds into his arms, scattering kisses all over him. He blinks, grins, then says a bit muffledly, "Y'all 'scuse us a bit, I think..." He scoops Beatrice up into his arms, and they both disappear from the doorway, Joe's calm murmur and Beatrice's pure soprano trilling heading back towards their room.

Jason laughs helplessly... it's a relief to see Beatrice so energetic! To see her more human than he'd ever seen her, when faced with love. It gives him hope. "I get the feeling she feels her daughter's age right now," he finally replies to BJ, grinning widely. He pats BJ's back. "Not so scary, hmm?"

BJ murmurs bemusedly, "Uh... what was that all about?"

Diana sighs happily, a dreamy expression on her face as she watches her mother and Joe leave... then she turns and wraps herself around Mike, laying her head on his shoulder and murmuring happily, "Isn't it wonderful?" Mike chuckles, holding Diana close, "Yes, sweetheart... but if you keep doing that to me right now, we may embarrass your guests." Diana laughs softly, kissing Mike's cheek and then lazily trailing her tongue along his jawline and throat, causing him to draw his breath in sharply, his eyes closing as he goes very still.

BJ watches a bit wide-eyed, then murmurs softly to Jason, "No, not scary... confusing. I wish Rita could see this... I don't think this is native to any culture I've ever heard of before!" She adds slowly, "She's not... jealous, is she? That's so... how can she be like that?"

Jason chuckles. "I don't think there's enough of them to have a 'culture,' BJ... I mean, there are more than just a few in the world, but I get the impression that there aren't likely more than a handful of each type... otherwise, Diana and Beatrice might have met more like them by now," he replies, letting Mike bear the brunt of distracting Diana. "And she's not jealous because... she draws comfort from the joy of others. It doesn't matter who. As long as others are happy, she is happy... so she does her best to make sure they are happy. They're almost elemental," he explains. "Diana's more human, of course, but... Beatrice has also been her role model for many, many years."

BJ shakes her head bewilderedly, "But... but Jason, she sent you over here! We're hugging... and yet-" She cuts off abruptly as the bathroom door opens and Rita steps out, "Hi! Whew, that felt good. Who's ne-" and then she cuts off abruptly too, her eyes widening at seeing Diana contentedly rubbing herself against Mike, who is obviously struggling to remain courteous in front of everyone else.

Diana turns and smiles with pleasure at the shocked girl, "Rita! Good, glad to see you're feeling better." Mike coughs and says hastily, "Me next, I think. Diana, release, please?" She grins mischievously, then steps away, reaching for Rita as Mike swiftly slips into the bathroom.

Jason takes a moment to parse all that. "She'd be hugging you, if she thought you'd accept one from her... it probably pains her to see you're unhappy," he deciphers, grinning a little in expectation of Rita getting caught up in Diana's happiness.

Rita is clearly completely unsure how to react, and Diana leads her over to settle on the large couch with Jason and BJ. "So, BJ, are you feeling better too?" Rita and BJ both look confused -- Rita at seeing Jason and BJ snuggling, and BJ at Diana's apparent complete lack of jealousy.

Jason chuckles at BJ, unwrapping his arms for Rita's comfort level... BJ seems less teary now anyway. "Just accept it. I have," he says cheerfully to no one in particular.

Rita says slowly, "BJ, I thought you and Michael... not Jason...?" Her voice trails off as she looks uncertainly between Diana and Jason.

BJ says in equal confusion, "We were -- he is, it's just... I mean, I've never seen anyone so unjealous as Diana!" She blinks at Jason when he shifts, then sits back a bit herself as well. Diana chuckles, comfortably sprawling back against the arm and back of the couch. Her relaxed, blatantly sensuous pose causes both women to flush slightly and hastily look away.

Jason nods. "She's special, no doubt," he agrees. "Being around her changes you in ways I can't even begin to explain." He looks then at the bathroom door to where Michael is showering, flushing slightly as he remembers tender kisses exchanged in the dark. "But it's real. It's not an act. No one is trying to fool you."

Diana smiles, then says thoughtfully, "Well, I admit I'm curious, and you all seem willing to talk about it. So tell me... why do humans get jealous?" Rita looks flummoxed. BJ looks thoughtful... then glances curiously at Jason, wondering how he'll answer.

Jason is stymied momentarily, thinking. "It's culture, kinda. And maybe a little genetics. Our drive prompts us to find a mate. Our values that we grow up with encourage that that one person be faithful to them alone. That no one else matter as much as their mate does. So at the slightest hint that that might not be the case... there comes jealousy." Jason's words come out a little throatily and hesitant, trying to resist the urge to pounce Diana right there... he realizes that her pheromones, or whatever they are, are in full force -- but now is not the time. For a moment he feels like a wolf, and wants to bay at the moon.

Diana chuckles quietly, "Bright heavens, why would anyone confine themselves that way against love? If Jason loved someone else besides Mike and myself, it'd be someone nice, I'm sure, that would be just as kind and generous and tasty as he. Why would I want to refuse him, Mike, and myself more loving?" She seems completely aware of the effect she's having on Jason and Rita -- even (to BJ's confusion) on BJ to some extent... and yet she just accepts it. There's no triumph or malice or anything else showing in her demeanor -- just quiet enjoyment of their desire for her.

Jason glances at Rita and feels the slightest germ of the green monster, seeing her looking at Diana that way, but he squashes it... it has no place here. "If the dream of her wasn't enough, Rita, we can discuss other plans. I'd be... willing," he offers quietly, trying to quell his craving by focusing on her. He does look back at Diana momentarily. "I didn't say it was right, Di... but it is the way we've been brought up."

Rita starts, staring at Jason wide-eyed. Her voice is soft, "How... how did you know...?"

There's a hesitant tap on the door frame, and Croaker tilts his head to peer carefully around the door. A bit nervously he rumbles, "Ah... I brought food, my lady?" Jason is relieved for the interruption, as his muzzy-headed state leads him to once more have loose lips. He squeezes BJ's hand then, looking to her.

Diana beams at Croaker, "Come in, pretty bull! Food for all my friends would be lovely; thank you!"

Croaker looks stunned for a moment as Diana turns her focus on him... then he takes a deep breath and smiles, bowing his head politely, "My lady, perhaps it would be best if I handed the food in? I, ah... accidentally terrified the lovely BJ last night, as the Seer knows."

Diana blinks, looking at BJ and Jason, "What happened?"

Jason groans, face-palming and rubbing his forehead. "Diana, can I talk to you outside a moment..."

Diana smiles a bit perplexedly, "Sure, lollipop." She starts to shift, when BJ says hastily, "No! No, wait... I..." She takes a deep breath, then says firmly to Croaker, "I -- I don't know how you talk yet, but I think I know what you just said." Her hand tightens unwittingly on Jason's as she says steadily, "Come in, please? This is Diana's room, after all, and... and... and you should c-come in." Her voice trails off a bit nervously, and were it not for Diana lazily stroking Rita's hair, it would be clear to everyone here that something odd was going on. Rita, however, is utterly distracted by Diana.

Jason makes a note of that... Diana can be awful useful sometimes. "You heard the lady, Croaker. Come in," he says encouragingly, giving BJ a grateful look.

Croaker looks uncertainly at everyone else... then in the absence of anyone countermanding BJ's invitation, he hesitantly steps into the room. He's in jeans, and Jason can tell he's making an effort to not be quite so huge and scary -- he carries his head lower than usual, his ears are tucked back, his tail is flattened against one leg, and he approaches from the far side of the couch from BJ. He settles to the ground carefully, crossing his legs and then sliding the large tray across the carpet towards the people seated there. It's quite full -- there are utensils, a pitcher of orange juice, a steaming tureen which smells of scrambled eggs and bacon, a little pitcher of syrup, a covered plate of pancakes... shyly Croaker adds, "I hope you like it...?" just as the bathroom door opens and Mike exits in a cloud of steam, "My god, I'm starving!"

Jason barks in sudden laughter. "Just don't eat it all, Mike! It's supposed to be for a few people..." he drawls as he gets up...and then gives the bull man a big hug, clapping him on the back. "How are we feeling, big guy?" he queries gently.

Diana smilingly declines Rita's offer to prepare a plate for her, and the obviously smitten girl sighs softly, then makes a plate just for herself. BJ does also... then she hesitates, studying Croaker thoughtfully for a moment. Croaker smiles and warmly hugs Jason back. He signs and rumbles in Jason's head, "I am fine, Seer, thank you. I just wish I knew how to apologize to the lovely BJ." His ears droop for a moment, then he adds, "You should eat, Seer... you need to keep your strength up for your lady." Mike settles with his back against the couch, near to Diana, and starts devouring his plate of food.

Jason's stomach rumbles, and he grins foolishly. "I think my belly agrees with you..." he murmurs, kneeling down and making with the food getting. "I think she knows you're sorry, Croaker," he says aloud, worrying less about Rita. "But this isn't easy for her. It wasn't easy for me either, remember?"

BJ has loaded up her plate with quite a bit of food. She takes a deep breath... then moves to stand next to Croaker. The big bull man gives her a startled look, hastily putting his hands behind himself, which causes her to smile a bit tremulously. Carefully but nervously she asks him if he'd like to share with her. Croaker's eyes widen a bit, and then he nods, beaming.

Diana chuckles quietly and beckons to Jason, softly murmuring, "Come sit with Mike and I, and tell us what happened?" She's still occasionally stroking Rita's hair, and every once in a while she takes a bit of food from Rita's plate to feed to Rita from her slender fingers. Unsurprisingly, Rita looks completely entranced... bowled over would be an appropriate phrase to describe the poor woman's current mental state!

Jason watches for a moment to make sure BJ doesn't freak out, and then privately gives them the run down... about BJ hurting herself, and the subsequent events. Diana and Mike listen with interest. There's the occasional murmur of sympathy from Di, but on the whole Jason is completely uninterrupted as he speaks.

During that time BJ settles down cross-legged near Croaker, setting the plate down between them -- then she flinches back as Croaker reaches toward her. He looks hurt for only a split second... then he brings his hand back and considers for a moment as she stammers an apology. When she's stopped speaking, he leans away a bit and signs, "Tell me how you would like to share?" A few moments later the two of them are slowly and carefully sharing, with BJ handing things to Croaker to eat instead of his reaching toward her. She seems to be relaxing as she realizes he'll follow her instructions, and he seems to be relaxing as he realizes she's not going to flee screaming from him.

At some point Croaker unhappily signs/asks everyone, "Did all the bruising on BJ's face happen because of me?"

Jason smiles ruefully. "No. A door attacked her, and with me, I was under siege by the floor."

People look surprised, a bit confused, or giggly at that response... and it eases the moment more. BJ smiles at Croaker for the first time, and the two of them start quietly discussing what actually happened last night, and how to prevent it happening again by accident. Mike grins at Jason, "That's nice, that Beatrice and Croaker both will be happy after Diana leaves with us."

Jason rubs his hands together. "With luck, yes. Joe's revelation was timely. Happy supernaturals are good... long as there are only two of them," he confirms, savoring a grape. "I was certainly worried there for a bit... but maybe there'll be a happy middle after all." At Mike's confused look, Jason grins. "There are no happy endings, because nothing ends," he explains. "Peter S. Beagle."

Mike chuckles quietly and continues eating. Diana smiles at Jason, stroking Rita's hair, "I like his work. I think he might have actually met one of us."

A moment later BJ looks over at the others a bit hesitantly, then says softly, "Jason? You, um... you mentioned that... that Diana and her mother were... different, like Michael is different. So, umm... would they know anything about, um... about what I should do, or what's going to happen since Michael and I, er, we, well... or... or anything about..." She bites her lip, obviously still very frightened about what might happen to her after having had sex with a supernatural. Croaker tilts his head, unsure as to what is concerning BJ, but obviously wishing to help if he can.

Jason nods and fills in the space. "Diana, BJ is worried about pregnancy. Do you have any knowledge about supernaturals breeding, outside of yourself?" he queries, knowing he needs to be blunt... Diana might not get subtle.

Diana looks surprised, then thoughtful, "Well, no, actually. Mother would be the person to talk to, not I." She smiles at BJ, adding, "But even if you are pregnant, BJ, I wouldn't worry. Mother's an excellent guardian of pregnant women and infants. She remembered years ago, when some of her girls got pregnant." A touch proudly she adds, "Succubae are good for women!"

Jason grits his teeth. One, two, three...

Croaker looks shocked, then starts to reach towards BJ -- then freezes, struggling not to scoop her protectively up in his arms. BJ fortunately misses Croaker's sudden movement -- she's staring aghast at Diana, her face completely white. She whispers, "What?!"

Jason groans. "It's not what it sounds like, BJ. We use the term because it's what she resembles. She doesn't know what she is, really. There's no stealing of souls, no corruption. Unless you call madly desiring her corruption, which I guess the old school Christians might," he says quickly, trying to get this off at the pass.

Mike sighs, then murmurs quietly, "Jason, kleenex?" Diana smiles puzzledly at BJ, "Is something wrong? I thought Jason already told you about us?"

BJ stares almost wild-eyed between Jason and Diana, "Is... is she eating Rita?!" Her voice is on the edge of panic.

Diana says calmly, "No, of course not. I don't have her permission, and I'm full already anyway from Mike." This does not appear to reassure BJ much -- she stares at Mike as if she expects him to wither away in front of her eyes.

Jason reaches down and squeezes BJ's hand, trying to reassure her. "It's not like the tales say, BJ," he repeats, wondering how often he'll say that. "They can feed without harming people. And Rita... she's just being kept entranced so we can talk. I kinda want to keep this as contained as possible. Too many people makes it harder to keep a secret." He looks at BJ. "And it does need to be kept a secret, for her sake. Sure, there are dangerous supernaturals out there... but Beatrice and the others aren't like that. And they deserve the chance to live without persecution and the threat of death, just like every other human."

BJ stares at Jason... then looks around slowly, noticing where the door is in relation to her, Diana, and Croaker... abruptly BJ scrambles to her feet, reaching for Rita's hand and hauling her away from Diana. The plate tips off Rita's lap, and Diana smoothly reaches out and catches it in midair. Rita gives a protesting, "Hey!" and looks confused. BJ stares at the four still seated, backing away towards the door, "D-don't try to stop us..."

Jason decides not to point out that if Diana wanted to stop them she could, and likely with very little effort. That will only make things worse. "If you want to leave, BJ, you can. Diana won't stop you." He looks firmly at Diana, making sure she understands. "This isn't easy to deal with. It's scary. Mike and I can both testify to that. But I'd also show you something else if I could... she's not evil. I touch a cross to her, nothing happens. She could bathe in holy water and come out clean," he says evenly.

Diana sets the plate down and settles back against the couch, "Wouldn't dream of stopping you, BJ. We don't keep people close against their will."

Mike sighs quietly, watching silently. Croaker remains seated, but looks like he's close to tears; he signs and rumbles, "Please, do not leave in fear. We would never harm you, lady."

Rita yanks her hand free from BJ's too-tight grip, "Ow! BJ, what's gotten into you?!" She rubs her wrist, complaining, "We were having a nice time and then you just explode -- lighten up, girl!"

Jason groans, rubbing his temple. "This is nuts... BJ, you got me feeling like we're some kind of cult or something... I assure you, free will is not being mucked about with here."

BJ looks like she's on the edge of tears herself, unhappily replying, "I was just trying to help!" Rita marches firmly back to settle on the couch again, thanking Diana for catching her plate. Di smiles politely, curling her legs up to make room for Rita, then glances inquiringly at BJ... who still looks torn.

Jason steeples his fingers together. "I don't blame you for being afraid, BJ. But take a moment and remember something. Remember Beatrice with Joe? Remember how happy, even giddy Beatrice was? Remember the way she looked at him, the way they looked at each other? Remember that, and then try and tell me again that she's some malevolent creature."

BJ hesitates... then says uncertainly, "She... she confused hi..." Mike snorts in amusement, and BJ's voice trails off without even finishing.

Croaker rubs his eyes, then signs/rumbles again, "Please, at least stay long enough for the lady Beatrice to tell you if you are pregnant or not? I promise not to move from here, if you wish?"

BJ stands there for a long moment, unwilling to leave Rita alone, and Mike shrugs and goes back to eating. Rita and Diana are chatting quietly together about ballet... it all looks terribly normal, except for the miserable-looking minotaur... and finally BJ slowly steps back into the room, settling down on the edge of the small group.

Jason looks wry. "That might, uhm... be a while. As I recall, they had a kinda... get-a-room-y ness about them," he comments, standing slowly. "You want, I can check on them," he murmurs to BJ.

Croaker sighs in soft relief, then cautiously nudges BJ's plate back towards her. Mike chuckles at Jason's comment, and BJ says slowly, "I... n-no, I... guess I can wait..." She starts eating again -- small, nervous, slow bites, but at least she's eating and not running. Croaker stretches out on the floor, making himself as low to the ground as he can -- he doesn't know how to look any less threatening.

Jason sighs and sits himself... he's lost his appetite, unhappiness radiating off him. Every time he thinks it's going to be okay, something new happens. As Diana seems to be distracting Rita, he opens up a little. "I could have walked away the first time I saw her. Ran, even. Part of me wanted to," he says, partly to himself, but mostly for BJ's benefit. "She wouldn't have stopped me, either. My life... my life would be so much easier if I had. Or at least it would have seemed easier. It wouldn't change the fact that I can still see what people can't... I can see the minotaurs and the succubi and the things that go bump in the night. It wouldn't change the fact that those things are out there, whether we like it or not." He looks up at her face. "But if you're going to be afraid, be afraid of the things that deserve being afraid of. Not Beatrice and Diana... and certainly not Croaker."

Rita says chattily, "Well, it's a gorgeous tragedic story, but Petrouschka isn't my favorite by a long shot. I prefer tragedies with lovelier music, like the Nibelungenlied. Or Romeo & Juliet by Rimsky-Korsakov -- now there's a man who knows how to express joy!" She sighs, her eyes dreamy, and adds, "I love the romantic Russians -- such passion in their music!"

Diana smiles, obviously enjoying Rita's pleasure, and Mike brightens, "Oh, Wagner! His Wedding March should definitely be heard properly sung, I agree! What they do to it nowadays..." he shakes his head sadly, "A travesty... simply a travesty, I tell you." Diana grins, watching Rita and Mike happily compare musical tastes.

Croaker is watching BJ and Jason, his hands tucked under his recumbent body, his chin resting on the ground. He's lying very, very still, doing his best to appear as un-scary as possible. BJ is looking around, half listening to Jason and half appearing to struggle with the sheer normalcy of the conversational moment. Softly she says to Jason, "Why? Why shouldn't I be afraid of... of something that must mass four or five of me? that can probably lift a compact truck? that... that has horns, for god's sake?" She's just whispering, but even though her voice isn't strident she's still quite serious about the questions she's asking.

Jason shrugs. "Because if he wanted to hurt you he could have done it a dozen times over by now? And that's before you knew what he was. Were you this scared of him when he was just an incredibly large and well-muscled black man?"

BJ opens her mouth to retort -- then hesitates, staring at her plate. A long moment passes, and a slow flush creeps up her neck. Finally she looks up at Jason and snaps almost angrily, "Why do you have to ask questions like that?!" Her face is flame red, and she shoves her plate at Jason, rising and stomping into the bathroom, shoving the door firmly closed behind her.

Rita, Diana, and Mike all pause and look up for a moment... then Rita grins at Jason, "Ah, you got her! She always stomps off when she knows she's in the wrong. Give her a few moments -- she'll be back!" She turns back to Mike, adding, "Seriously, you just can't compare Firebird to Petroushka -- it's in a class by itself!" The conversation animatedly picks up again.

Croaker blinks, raising his head and resting on his elbows to stare at the door for a moment... then turning to rumble in Jason's head, "Um... do women confuse you as much as they do me, Seer?"

Jason sighs and gets up from where he's sitting. "Because I like having women angry at me, apparently," he says to no one. He wonders if he's being arrogant... maybe he is, because he's already asked all these questions of himself, and come out on the other side. "Humans in general are a confusing bunch, Croaker. Men and women alike," he informs the bemused minotaur.

Croaker grins uncertainly, sitting upright again, "That is true, yes... even when they smell happy sometimes they are hard to understand." He flicks an ear towards the bathroom as the shower starts, then pragmatically picks up the plate and starts eating again. "Would you like more food, Seer? There is plenty more."

Jason puts his hand on the doorknob. "No, thank you, Croaker... I'm going to stretch my legs. I'll be back in a bit," he informs the bull man. "I need to clear my head."

Diana looks up over Rita and Mike, where they're happily discussing ballet, and murmurs softly, "Lollipop, are you all right? Do you want company?"

Jason smiles at Diana, though he knows she knows it's a thin veneer... she knows his disquiet, whether he wants her to or not. "No, thank you, Diana... I just need some quiet," he assures her. And maybe to show BJ I can fucking leave whenever I want to; that I'm not some puppet on a string! he thinks, suddenly irrationally angry. He leaves then, before anything else happens.

Jason feels, as he leaves, an emotional wave that he recognizes as coming from Diana. Feelings of comfort and affection, as well as a bemusement matching Croaker's own... very likely stemming from the same place. "People fear what they do not understand," he mutters to himself as if in response, as he clomps downstairs. "Maybe supernaturals are dangerous. But so are humans. By the numbers I bet humans are even more dangerous, because there are so many bloody more of us. Because we've invented so many more reasons and ways to hurt and be cruel to each other."

He shoves the door almost violently as he goes outside, and then holds up a hand to shield his eyes from the morning sun. "Sure, Croaker used to eat people, but is that any worse than a normal predator? Lions don't steal the life savings of their employees. Sharks don't beat up their wives. Killer whales don't commit genocide! Somehow, I bet we even somehow made Croaker and his kind the mindless animal he was, locking him in a labyrinth and attacking him for sport..."

Jason kicks an empty box, and watches it skid over the pavement, then almost snarls in anger, grabbing a piece of wood and beating on a sorry looking trashcan with it, the loud crashes echoing through the back alley. "Dammit!" he finally says, throwing it away. "Look at me, I'm proving my own point... even I'm needlessly violent," he mutters. He leans against a wall, staring at the beaten can. "Maybe I don't know exactly where the supernaturals come from. Maybe they are dangerous in ways that normal humans aren't. And maybe that does hit us below the belt, and make us fear them more than most. Maybe it should disturb me that Beatrice could possibly go as far as erase someone's mind, leaving them a drooling idiot. But the evil that men do every day -- deliberately, accidentally, maliciously... that scares me even more."

Jason squeezes his hands into fists. "I have to believe that Beatrice is more good than most, in spite of her power. I have to believe that supernaturals are no less evil than any mortal human," he mutters to himself. "I have to believe that, because to do otherwise is to give in to the fear that likely sparked the wholesale destruction of countless peoples. The Inquisition. The Crusades. The rape and slaughter of the natives of the Americas and the Carribean."

Jason looks at his hands as he opens them, seeing the marks he made in his palm. "Because maybe, just maybe, I'm more supernatural than I am willing to admit." He looks at the sky. "Because I made my choice, and I am... a son of Adam no longer."

Jason looks into the sunlit sky, and wonders if the Lamia... if Lilith watches. "Help me. Help me to understand, and to make the right choices," he whispers to the ether, standing and watching the sky for a long time. Finally, he turns and walks back to the rear entrance, not knowing how much time passed... in his rush, he forgot his watch. Clomping up the stairs, he looks towards Beatrice's room, wondering if she might be free now...

As is almost always the case, Beatrice's door is open. The scene when Jason steps into the door of Diana's room is markedly different than when he left, however.

Diana's reclining on the couch, still practically glowing with pleasure. Seated next to her is Joe, eating breakfast and watching the goings on with quiet enjoyment. Diana's holding a small recording device, clicking the music on and off at Mike's instruction. He and Rita are on their feet, and it takes Jason only a moment to realize -- Mike is teaching Rita a dance of some sort.

On the floor with his back to the couch, out of the way of the dancers, is Croaker. He's got BJ sitting in his lap, leaning back against him like she did the first time Jason saw them together in her dorm room. Croaker looks like he's not sure why he's been forgiven all, but he's happy to accept it! BJ has a deeply relaxed, almost groggy expression as she reclines there, completely nude, watching Beatrice. The succubus is kneeling in front of her, gently running her hands along BJ's sides and stomach, hips and thighs, humming softly to herself.

Diana looks up, then beams at Jason, "Lollipop! Welcome back! Come cuddle? Or would you rather dance?" Jason finds himself needing to stare a bit at this...disturbingly different scenario. Diana giggles at Jason's expression. Even Joe grins a bit. Everyone else is absorbed in what they're doing.

Jason holds up a finger. "Hold on a mo." He puts a knuckle in his mouth and bites down hard, which makes him wince in pain. "Nope, didn't fall asleep in the alley," he muses, nursing his hand.

Diana blinks, wincing slightly as she watches him hurt himself... then smiles a bit uncertainly at him, "You all right, Lollipop?" Joe smiles, "Think he's teasing a bit, sweetheart."

Diana hmfs, then sternly says to Jason, "Tease all you like, lollipop -- but no hurting yourself to do it!"

Jason can't help but smile. "Yes, dear."

He moves over to crouch near Diana. "How... how'd you get BJ to be so agreeable?" he murmurs in an undertone, not wanting to disturb anyone.

Diana smiles at Jason, reaching out with one hand to gently caress his hair back from his face, "I didn't, lollipop; Mother did." She adds a bit proudly, "Mother's really good with pregnancies and infants!"

Jason absently nods a little... he's slightly concerned -- but then again, it's not as if there's any harm being done. He just hopes she doesn't do an about face when Beatrice stops doing... whatever she's doing. He gives Diana a kiss on the cheek then, and looks at Joe. "Can we talk a moment?" he queries, gesturing out of the room.

Joe looks at Jason, then his plate of food, then back at Jason. He murmurs wryly, "You mind if I bring breakfast with me?"

Jason chuckles. "Not at all... I'm sure you need it. Considering last night... and this morning..." He glances sidelong at Beatrice.

Joe nods amusedly, then rises carefully, balancing his plate in one hand. His torso is quite lean, above his jeans, as he carefully steps around everyone. Once he's clear he pads, silently barefoot, after Jason. As Jason's about to turn into Beatrice's room, Joe murmurs quietly, "Ah... don't go there, Jase -- not without her invitation. Or if you're inviting her. Don't think that's what you want, though?"

Jason halts in mid step. "Oh. Ah... right. Good idea," he mumbles. He looks around and motions toward Croaker's room instead. "Or wait... does that count as the same deal?"

Joe nods amiably, chewing a mouthful, and follows. At Jason's query he smiles and shakes his head. A moment later he swallows, "Nah. Croaker's not territorial -- he sees Bea as his, um... dunno. His lord?" Croaker's room is in slightly more disarray than usual, since it was gone through for clothing and accessories for the party, but the huge flat bed has nothing thrown over it but a rumpled coverlet. Joe settles comfortably cross-legged on the bed, still eating. He raises an inquiring eyebrow at Jason.

Jason nods. "Makes sense... 'course, that brings us to the beginning of the questions I had." He tilts his head. "Understand, I don't want to be intrusive... but how long did you know?" He tilts his head in the direction of Diana's room. "About them? It seemed like the last time we talked, you knew there was something unusual, but... not everything."

Joe chuckles, cutting his food into bite-sized chunks, "Which one you asking about? Took me a while to see all of them. Bea was first. Hard to miss wings or horns for long, when your hands keep sliding over them." He has another bite, calmly watching Jason as he chews.

Jason blinks, and then realizes how much that makes sense... Joe found out the same way BJ did. "I see... so it's safe to assume you knew about Beatrice for a long while." He tilts his head. "How is it it never came up before now?"

Joe swallows his bite of food, then shrugs and smiles lazily, "Didn't seem important?" He has another bite of food.

Jason chokes on a laugh! "You're got an interesting idea of what's important and what's not... your curiosity must have been put to sleep!" he comments. "I don't know, I guess I just... BJ tells me I'm blasé about all this, but you'd seem to be taking these things even better than I did..."

Joe's eyes get more serious for a moment, "Hey, now... there's curiosity and there's nosiness. I spent a long, long time gathering information and watching and trying to figure out what was up. Years. But eventually I decided what was important was that I loved my wife, and she loved me. Past that... who cares if she has wings, or I don't?" He regards Jason quietly, "Do you love Alu-Diana because she has horns? Or because she loves you too?"

Jason blushes at that quiet, intense look. "I think I loved her even before she loved me... it's a different situation, though. I saw her for what she was from the beginning, and I had to work my way past that. You, BJ... you both got intimate first, and only after realized. I guess I hoped there was something I could take away from that, to help her..." He puts his hand behind his neck. "But I can't hold her hand any more. She might need you, Joe. She's going to have to deal with this stuff without me... and Beatrice can't keep her pacified all the time."

Joe nods, "'M thinkin' she'll run first. I had a short spate of that myself. But I knew from the beginning I'd be sharin' Bea. Not sure your BJ realized Croaker's Bea's first, and always will be." He sighs quietly, "I'll help if I can... but she has to want to come back first, Jase. Not everyone can handle sharing."

Jason sighs as well. "She might not have a choice, if Croaker is fertile. Besides, the sharing is not the sticking point... not yet. She's still dealing with what they are." His fist bangs the wall. "Dammit, I hate loose ends... part of me wishes I never got them involved."

Joe chuckles quietly. "Well, if it helps any, I've not heard of Croaker having any offspring. But if you're worried, why not just call periodically, or send email?"

Jason looks wry. "Oh, I'll keep in touch, have no fear... it's not the same, though. I think I'm making progress, but... it's still too soon to tell. I'm her anchor in this. Being in touch is not the same as being here." He rubs his forehead. "And who knows what else might happen? I know enough to keep my mouth shut... I can't be certain the same will be true about BJ and Rita." He looks back at the older man. "But I'm glad you know, then... to be honest, it's a relief to have, well, a fellow human in the know." Assuming I'm still human.

Joe smiles quietly, his gaze peaceful, "Find your relief with your lover, guy." He considers a moment, then thoughtfully adds, "Or lovers, as the case may be. If you're not comfortable with yourself, doesn't matter who or what those close to you are."

Jason blinks at Joe, as if suddenly wondering if he's a mind reader. "I'm trying to figure that out, Joe... this isn't just going to be a journey to find where Diana came from. It's a journey of self, too. Trying to find out what I am... and what I will become," he murmurs.

Joe nods calmly, "Good to hear." He picks up his fork and adds, "Anythin' else you were wondering?"

Jason's eyes widen. "Just one, actually... did you ever have any... dreams? Odd ones, like, involving what seems like viewing of past events... or, say, a woman that's part snake with shadow wolves?"

Joe considers for a long, slow moment... then looks curiously at Jason and shakes his head, "Can't recall such. Reckon your doing so has something t'do with you bein' able to see 'em right off?" He adds ruefully, "Don't envy you and Mike that a'tall. Mike looks like he used to drink heavily."

Jason smiles. "I'm working on that. Unfortunately, his journey is going to be harder than mine... he's got a lot of baggage to work past." He cracks his knuckles. "I would ask you one more thing... let me know if anything bad happens. We may have to leave, but I'll come back in a hurry if needful."

Joe smiles peacefully at Jason, "We'll get by. Croaker and I have been caring for my sweet Bea for a while now. But I promise we'll call if there's something you can help with... if you'll promise the same now, 'kay?"

Jason gives Joe an amused look. "'Kay. Just curious, though... has anyone ever told you you're awful mellow?"

Joe grins lazily, although there's a hint of amusement in his eyes, "Nope. Usually they think it's a good thing, not an awful one."

Jason barks a laugh. He feels a little better now, knowing there'll be someone around with their head on straight. Though he cares for them, Croaker is too naive and Beatrice too elemental. "I can live with it, I guess." Then he abruptly remembers something else he'd been meaning to ask. "Joe, you may not know the answer to this, but... how often does Diana need to feed? I'm just..." He flushes. "It's not that I mind the, ehm, the process, but... I guess I'm a little worried that she might be a little too enthralled with the newness of me and Mike... and she might be feeding more than is... healthy."

Joe considers, then shakes his head, "Damned if I know, Jase. Should ask her. She's only just started feeding, if I understand correctly what's going on... and there's no guarantee of that."

Jason nods. "Guess I should. I just... I don't want to make it sound like I don't want to... be with her, you know? But I also don't want to feel exhausted trying to keep up with her. Or, heaven forbid, get inured to it through... over-familiarity?"

Joe's gaze gets distant for a moment, and he murmurs softly, "No, you don't need to worry 'bout that, son... they never wear on you." He grins ruefully, his gaze returning to Jason, "You won't ever get bored, that's for sure."

Jason only gets redder. "I'll... take that as gospel from one who knows," he drawls abashedly.

Joe grins lazily again. "Well, then... guess we can go back and see how our ladies are doing, hm?"

Jason nods agreeably, and opens the door. "Or at least getting us some more food," he drawls. Joe chuckles and agrees.

A week passes, and Jason has many reasons to be pleased. Mike takes the time to teach Jason how to drive the huge, cumbersome Airstream, and they change his driver's license accordingly once he's mastered it. Diana enjoys herself tremendously as she decorates the Airstream to her preferences, borrowing heavily from the huge stockpile of stuff in Croaker's room. The Airstream soon starts to have more of a middle Eastern feel, as she makes it cozy, warmly colored, and full of comfy pillows and tapestries to relax and make love on. Mike and Jason have to gently remind her at one point that there must be room for cooking gear as well, which for some reason gives her a case of the giggles. She spends a lot of time singing, or enjoying herself greatly in planning with her mother.

Beatrice seems to have attracted an entirely new class of earnest young admirer due to Jason's party, and the atmosphere at the bar becomes surprisingly pleasant and agreeable. Beatrice herself looks more relaxed -- and younger as well, curiously enough. Jason is the man of the hour at his dorms, and a real hero to all the folks Beatrice allows to continue visiting her. Jason takes the opportunity to do a couple other things during this time, glad to have folks having decided to stick around a while. In addition to learning to drive, he's also slowly learning to cook... at the moment, most of what he knows is how to nuke food. He wants to be able to take his turn cooking. And he's also asked Mike to help him learn something a little more intense... guns.

Mike is happy to teach Jason about handling guns -- in fact, he's a bit relieved Jason has brought the subject up. The two of them spend several intense nights at the shooting range to give Jason a crash course. Diana initially curiously comes along, but loses interest after an evening of (to her) painfully strong sensations. Apparently there are two types of people at shooting ranges -- the calm and the frightened -- and it makes her feel queasy.

Jason is a little of both... handling a firearm is not something that comes to him easily, but he borrows Mike's calm and is soon firing with greater comfort -- if not complete accuracy. Meanwhile, when he comes come to all these pleased folks from Beatrice, Jason feels a little embarrassed by the acclaim... especially from the dancing major, who's currently excitedly telling him about this place in downtown SF he took Beatrice one evening, where they danced all her favorite dances without seeming out of place.

The dancer -- Alvin by name -- makes Jason smile as he listens. He finds himself able to tell the young man is one of Bea's new favorites just by the way he moves, let alone the way he talks about her... it's an odd experience to look at Alvin and see him almost radiating joy. At first Jason just chalks it up to Alvin being obvious... then again, he reflects on how not only Bea and Di, but also Croaker can sense emotion, and starts to wonder if he's becoming like that too... either because of his bond with Di, or because of the choice he made.

Diana, watching her mother and Alvin exuberantly dancing one night at the bar, shyly asks Jason and Mike if they'd like to learn to dance too with her, maybe? Jason is a little flummoxed at the offer, and starts to protest... but at the look in Diana's eyes he flushes and looks at Mike. "I guess I could... I mean, if you want... I'm not exactly all that, you know... dexterous."

Mike chuckles at Jason's response, then says courteously to Diana, "It's been years since I've danced, sweetheart, and I'm guessing Jason hasn't had lessons, but I'm sure we'd both be happy to take some lessons with you?" Diana lights up, and her delight just feels wonderful -- she skips off happily to find out from Alvin where they might take lessons. Mike takes a deep breath and looks at Jason with a wry grin, "If she keeps giving me emotional shots like that, I'd wear a damn tutu for her!"

Mike also promises to purchase Jason a suitable pistol once they're out of California -- which gives Jason a very mingled emotional response! In fact, the only fly in the honey of Jason's contentment is BJ. She left (clothed) with Rita that morning after the party, shortly after being informed she was not at that moment pregnant. Since then she's not visited the bar, nor seen Jason or anyone else from Dante's. Rita, who is herself a faithful visitor, is not happy about this state of affairs, but reports BJ is obdurate. Croaker is a bit down about this, but ever courteous to everyone. Of course, it probably doesn't hurt any that Diana thinks it's rather mean of BJ to treat Croaker so, and has been especially nice to him while the whirlwind preparations for departure continue.

Jason decides for now to leave BJ be... Joe's advice would seem to be the safest course. She'll come back if she wants to, and Diana is doing her best to soften Croaker's distress... though he takes the time to have a talk with Di to make sure she doesn't plan to 'chastise' BJ. That will only make matters worse. He puts his hand on Diana's shoulder. "I know it bugs you that Croaker's upset... but you said yourself you don't keep folks against their will. She's got to work through this -- or not -- on her own. And so does Croaker, really. I know you want to protect him, but this is kind of an important learning experience for him too. Things don't always turn out the way we want. They don't always go smooth. And even if she never comes back, Croaker will eventually get over it."

Diana tilts her head curiously at Jason and smiles, "Of course, sweetheart. Why do you mention it? Were you thinking of trying to talk to her yourself?" Her eyes get a slightly tired look in them as she adds, "I... can't recommend it, pet. If folks can't work it out for themselves, reasoning with them never works... at least in my experience."

Jason blinks and suddenly feels like an idiot for bringing it up. The truth would seem to be self-evident to her. Though he guesses it must be... she's been dealing with things like this for over a century. "No, no, I've been... keeping my distance," he agrees. "And Rita says she's okay, so..." he smiles, "I guess I was just worried because of how irritated you seemed regarding her."

Diana sighs, putting her arms around Jason and laying her head on his shoulder, "I... am irritated, lollipop. I'd love to smack her for getting poor Croaker's hopes up so, then dashing them so violently... but doing that wouldn't help him any, would it? And... the only thing I can think of that would help him, short of her deciding to be nice again... is to be nice to him." She's silent a moment, then softly adds, "If you can think of anything else, or if he tells you something he wants, you'll share with me, yes, lollipop?"

Jason kisses Diana's temple, though he has to be careful of her horn as he does so. "You know I would, love. Besides... I think you being nice to him is pretty good medicine" Diana smiles, her unhappiness melting away as she tilts her head back for another, slower kiss. Jason enjoys the kiss for a time, but then pulls back, taking a few breaths. "Di, there's no easy way to ask this, but... how often do you actually need to feed? I just... you've been very... heh." He knows he's flushed again. "You've been very hungry. And that's not so bad while you're still here and have other sources to snack on. But pretty soon it's just going to be the three of us, and I guess I'm just a little worried about... unhealthy gorging?"

Diana runs her tongue slowly along Jason's jaw line, then down in a sensuous caress along his throat. She purrs softly at his reaction, then smiles again, her eyes full of promise. "Lollipop, you remember my saying when I'm full having sex is fine, because I can't eat any more? That's part of it... and Mother says I'm doing a lot of growing and changing just now. I... my body's adjusting to feeding myself. Mother says my tail and the growing horns are part of that."

Jason blinks, having forgotten that little tidbit. "So... all this, uhm..." he coughs, looking embarrassed.

Diana's smile is sweet with happiness, "Mm?"

Jason suddenly gets it. "You haven't been spending so much time with us because you're feeding. You just want to be with us. You want to make us happy, and just sort of... bask in it." Diana beams, nodding happily... then stands on tiptoe and reaches up with one hand to cup the back of Jason's head, encouraging him to give her another kiss. Jason laughs lightly and gives in. "How can I resismmmh..." And they stop talking for a while.

The next day, Jason is practicing driving the Airstream around... he's feeling like he's got the hang of it. Mike was reassured enough to go in the back and make sandwiches before Jason brought it back to the parking space... once done, the two enjoyed lunch together, talking about nothing important -- just sort of enjoying being with each other. Diana is off with her mother... it's just the two of them. And as Jason is coming back from putting his dish in the sink, and about to do the same for Mike... a thought comes to mind.

Jason just stands there for a moment, looking at Mike from behind. Since that first time 'marking' the bed, they've been together more than a couple times since with Diana. It has only felt more and more natural, but part of that, Jason suspects, is because of the natural calm and happiness Diana espouses in them. But here, now... it's just the two of them. It's not as much that he's having urges, but as he comes up behind Mike, his hands go to the older man's shoulders, lightly massaging... not saying a word as he kneads the man's shoulders, taking a moment to experience what it's like touching him like that.

Mike's head comes up startledly from what he'd been doing -- then he goes still. Several heartbeats later he sighs softly, and Jason can feel Mike's shoulders relax a bit... and a quietly pleasant warmth inside himself. Jason smiles broadly... this is even easier than he realized. To just, not let himself be limited...to be open...it's incredibly freeing. "How are you doing?" he queries. "I mean... this whole thing has been a bit of an upheaval."

Jason can hear the quiet smile in Mike's voice, "Myself, I'm doing fine... been keeping busy getting ready to leave. When I have free time from that, Diana does tend to keep us... busy as well." He's silent a moment longer, then says softly, "Jason... I... do you worry at all our attraction to each other is... is influenced by her?"

Jason nods, seeing that what was in his mind was in Mike's as well. "A little. Being around her, sexually, we are kind of taken out of ourselves a bit. Of course, there was more to it than that. I told you I had that dream...about us. It was that dream that opened my mind to possibilities that I never would have considered otherwise, but even that might have been caused by her." He keeps massaging and leans down, smelling Mike's hair. "You used Di's raspberry shampoo," he notes in amusement, his hands sliding down in an embrace behind, the act turning the affection, the intimacy, up a notch.

Mike chuckles quietly, one hand coming up to rest lightly on Jason's, "Yes. I doubt we'll have much need for... traditionally 'macho,' um... products around Diana." He sits very still, breathing slowly and evenly as emotion washes between them. Jason can feel the gentle tingle of arousal starting inside... and then a delighted, surprised splash of sensation like laughter or joy. Mike shivers, then groans softly as Diana's happiness turns powerfully sensuous between them both.

Jason can feel his heart fluttering, nervous... but also excited. Curious. "Mike... would it be wrong of me to say I wanted to experience... just... being with you?" Jason suddenly whispers, trying not to stutter as he nuzzles at Mike's ear.

Mike feels like he's struggling to not be overwhelmed -- he gasps, "Di! Have pity, woman -- let us take it at our speed!" Abruptly the excited emotions abate a bit, and there's a slightly contrite feel for a moment... then peace in their heads. Mike draws a long, slow sigh of breath, his head falling back against Jason for a moment. Finally he says with a smile, "No, Jason... it's not wrong of you. I've wondered too." He takes another careful breath, then turns to face Jason, his gaze a mix of anticipation and concern. "Sh... shall we? I... don't think Diana would mind our using the bed...?"

Jason smiles widely as he faces Mike. "I don't think she'd mind, no... but we'll get there eventually." Although Diana's influence has faded, there is an unexpected hunger in his belly. While his comfort level is less with other acts of love between men, kissing is very easy to deal with... and Mike looks so very kissable the way he's looking at Jason right now. So it seems only natural to start there. Before Mike can ask for an explanation, though, Jason is pushing him back into the chair and climbing into his lap... and showing the other man how much fun kissing can be.

Eventually, the kissing leads to other things... in this Jason is less assured, and instead tries to follow Mike's lead, as one who has slightly more experience with these things. They take it slow, and there are a few uncomfortable moments... but overall the experience is quite amazing and educational. A little over an hour later Jason's slightly tangled up in the sheets with Mike, cradling his head against his shoulder. He sighs contentedly, running his fingers through Mike's hair. "Prognosis, professor?" he queries, slightly teasingly.

Mike chuckles... but this time there's a more relaxed feel to him. One hand comes up to lightly brush along Jason's hair and he quietly rumbles, "Well, unless you tell me no, I'm up for trying this again..." Jason can hear the contented smile in Mike's voice, and his hand continues to slowly and rhythmically stroke Jason's hair.

Jason would purr if he was a cat. "I think, Mr. Hellinger, I just might take you up on that..." he giggles -- an odd feeling to rub his leg against the other man's, what with them both having hair there. "And I think this seems to bode well... that maybe it'll work between the three of us."




Last modified: 2006-Oct-30 20:08:00

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