genessia | Basket of Feathers [June Catch All]

[Fortunately, or... unfortunately in this case, Nikola was definitely up and may have just haphazardly put on a shirt when he finally responds. It's sort of obvious he's in his bedroom and there may have been someone else in the bed with him at some point.]

Of course, is there something you need?

[She lifts an approving brow, surveying the scene behind him.]

Did I... interrupt? [Oops... Maybe she might look a little apprehensive, but the wine might be keeping her on the screen...]

[He sighed and nodded slightly.]

In a manner of speaking. Can we meet for brunch or something during regular business hours?

I have something I need to attend to right now.

[Ah, well...now she just feels bad.

There's an apologetic, if confused look on her face as she nods.] Ah... sure? Yeah, that's fine... Name the time and place and I'll meet you there. I've got training tomorrow, but I can always do brunch.

Edited 2019-06-02 23:34 (UTC)

Of course. Ten AM work? I can be at the...

[Give him a few moments to look up cafe's...]

...Bunny poof? It's in Nova. If not, just pick a cafe and I'll find you easily enough. Now, if you'll excuse me.. I'll see you tomorrow.

Ten is perfect.

[She'll have to let Styxx know, of course, but surely he'll just.... get her up earlier...]

I'll see you then. Sweet....dreams... [Even as she says it, she mentally cringes.]

Great... see you then.

[He's already scrambling out of bed before he's even got the device off so she might see a few seconds of his bare ass before the device.

The following day, He would find her easily enough and looking..uneasy as he settles into a seat next to her.]

Good morning.

[While Nikola looks uneasy, Dove probably looks positively demolished in spirit, clutching her coffee cup like a lifeline.

Fortunately for both Nikola and her own pride, she had been given the grace of a quick shower before she arrived and the bruises were already fading. Unfortunately, neither could soothe the ache of rising before sunrise and the less than gentle time-well-spent with Styxx.

She wouldn't complain, though the memory was less than romantic.]

Hey... Good morning yourself, [she returned, disarming as ever.] You okay?

[He's noticed her lack of her usual high spirits and has to wonder briefly about it. Of course, he might ask.. later. As for whether he was okay or not, Nikola felt.. confused and a little thrown off his usual confidence.]

Honestly? I am not sure.

[He quietly orders himself coffee and waits for it to arrive before continuing after a sip or two.]

You have rather unfortunate timing. Jenny was over last night and I suspect she was not thrilled with me getting a call late at night from another woman.

[He frowns slightly.]

Yet.. she keeps on insisting we are just 'friends with benefits' when I try to figure out why she is upset. I honestly, don't get it.

[She almost hoped he wouldn't.

She straightened a little, dreading what she was sure he would say. He didn't feel particularly angry... She let her eyes fall shut at the confirmation. Crap.]

Why the hell did you answer me? [she blurted, more sigh than accusation, despite the abruptness. Most men (in her admittedly limited experience) wouldn't (or shouldn't) have had the energy to even think about answering the phone after...that. Perhaps she just had bad luck, but then again, why on earth had she been calling in the first place? To tell him how good the wine was? ...she couldn't remember.

The rest of his explanation, though... She studied him over another sip of her coffee, looking away only to thank the waitress who brought her her breakfast- a full plate of bacon and eggs and fruit that she would in no way feel ashamed of eating in front of him.

She shook her head.]

I'm sorry... Ouch... [From her reaction, if she was indeed upset, it didn't sound like 'friends with benefits' was the case at all.] Remind me again who Jenny is? She's the one you were looking for Christmas gifts for, right? [It's a vague recollection, but she thinks she remembers the name at least...]

[A pause, then...] You...did tell her I'm not a threat, right? [Probably best to go ahead and cover that base, too.]

Edited 2019-06-03 14:31 (UTC)

[Unfortunately for Nikola, he wasn't most men and one romp between the sheets definitely didn't wear him out. There's a reason why week long orgies were semi common in his world, even if he refused to participate in them.]

...Because you called?

[His confusion only grows and quickly becomes tinged with concern and a feeling of being lost. Did he do something inadvertently wrong by answering her call that late at night? Nikola really wasn't sure as he sipped his coffee.

At least he didn't seem outwardly upset. He appeared calm...And so had Jenny even if her actions did tell a different story.]

Yes, she was the one I was looking for a gift for around Christmas time. She's...

[He hesitates, unsure of what to say she is to him.]

According to Jenny, we are just 'friends with benefits'.

[Though it may be obvious he wants them to be more than that. Nikola's just not sure how to do that when Jenny's stated she's not looking for a deeper relationship than this.]

Yes, I did. She didn't seem to believe me. I think the words she used were 'My next in line' in reference to you.

[Which also confused him a little. There has been only some flirting between himself and Dove, nothing that would indicate anything else, right? He set down his cup and leaned back in his chair as he rubbed his eyes.]

Dove, did I do something wrong by letting her walk out the door last night?

[She doesn't answer him directly, but the look on her face is clear and pitying: he absolutely shouldn't have answered her call and now Dove’s wondering how he couldn’t have known that.

At least he was calm enough and forward enough to actually sit and talk it out. That much made things easier, even if the swirl of emotions she now pointedly focused on was adding to her slowly growing headache.

She needed to eat, but despite the gnawing hunger, her gut felt hollow as he continued. 'Friends with benefits'... and yet it sounded like his Jenny didn't quite believe it herself. Not if she had been upset enough with him to leave over an assumed 'backup woman'.

Had Dove not felt terrible for stirring the situation in the first place and relieved he had tried to set the record straight, she might have thought to be offended.

Just friends...]

...But you're in love with her, [she rounded simply, gently.

That much, muddled as the emotions could be, was fairly obvious. At the very least, he cared very, very deeply for her in some way or another. Love was rarely clear and had a million facets.]

[She shook her head again.] No....Not wrong, but... [her shoulders slackened a little before she braced herself.]

I commend you for being a decent man and not forcing her to stay to hear you out, but... it sort of sounds like she didn't exactly say everything she was thinking, either. Which- [she speared a grape with her fork and munched it before continuing.]... might just be a defense mechanism. [To which she could absolutely relate.] Assuming that’s how it went, with her actually being upset with a phone call… she might have just needed someone to hold onto her.

[Messy territory. The line between someone wanting to be drawn back in until they released pent up emotion and someone who needed space was messy, messy territory. Without so much as even meeting Jenny once, she wasn’t sure she could confidently give him an answer, and even then…]

…have you told her how you feel?

[There's a moment that could only be described as 'deer caught in headlights' when Nikola froze as Dove asked whether he was in love with Jenny.

Yes, he was. But, he wasn't the type that would force himself on a woman. That was all too common in his world and so was the opposite, a woman trying to force herself on a male to gain his attention for 'fun' or political alliances. Considering Nikola spent a majority of his time avoiding those situations, it really wasn't a surprise that he was clueless on how to go forward with someone like Jenny.

Give him a political arena or a business meeting and he would excel. Tell him to express his feelings to a woman he adores... that is a lot trickier.

I think so.

[Yes, he was. He drew in a deep breath as he listened to the rest of what Dove had to say. A defense mechanism? What did she mean Jenny needed someone to hold on to her...

Oh...

OH.

He felt like a massive idiot. He didn't try hard enough to stop her and express his feelings for her like she needed. Nikola.. was a colossal idiot.]

I've attempted to express it before, but, she has always shuts me down. Which is why I am not quite sure what she desires to come of us beyond... 'sex friends'.

[He ran a hand through his hair and sighed.]

Women in my world come in two varieties. Overly Submissive or viciously forceful. Either way, you are either assured through their head of house that you are to mate with them or the female in question will approach you directly with the proposal.

Or seduce you into nights long...well. You get the idea. So, any insight you may have into fixing my error would be appreciated.

Edited 2019-06-03 20:00 (UTC)

[She felt the realizations hit him before he had even formed his response and softened, finally risking a few bites of eggs.]

She hasn't given you any reason as to why she just wants to stay friends, has she? Even if... it's just things you've picked up on? [She held back a sigh. Men were never good at picking up on subtle hints, intentional or no Even so, she had to wonder what on earth was wrong with the girl as she watched him ruffle his hair-]

[She raised a brow, suddenly even more glad she hadn't hailed from his world. Two very extreme extremes, and to try to meld them into perspective for him here...]

Alright well... try taking that and toning it down a bit. Is she strong and confident and forward, or more reserved and shy? [She paused, rewording her question.]

Actually... Just tell me about Jenny.

No, she hasn't. I've merely gotten an inkling that she doesn't do committed or serious relationships.

[Which is why he's been so very confused. This sudden realization has him at a loss of how to approach furthering a relationship with Jenny, but, at least he's trying to figure it out? Even if it is with Dove's help...]

Strong, confidant and a beautiful mystery wrapped in a very appealing package.

[He smiled slightly. If Dove wanted to how how he felt about Jenny, she was about to get overloaded with the warm fuzzy's as he started talking.]

Her eyes are a brilliant shade of blue and her hair is a beautiful shade of sunlight..Just the way she moves is enticing..

[He ducks his head and focuses on his coffee, just trying to hide his blush.]

But, as beautiful as she is, I find her strength, confidence and intelligence to be the biggest attractions she has. Most women like her in my world don't last or are horribly cruel. She is definitely not cruel and I do think she is quite spirited and loving.

Quite honestly, she is an adventure. A very beautiful, witty.. confidant and dangerous adventure that will take you for the ride of your life and keep you wanting to come back for more.

[He sighed softly.]

If a woman like her existed in my world, I would have moved the heavens to gain her attention.

[It takes her a minute as she starts sifting through all the reasons that might be. She herself had been entirely averse to relationships, formal or fun, not terribly long ago, and it stung to think that perhaps his Jenny might have some of the same reasoning. Without meeting the girl, though, she wouldn’t know…

Her pondering comes to an abrupt halt, however, as he begins to tell her about the woman. Everything from his wording, to the look on his face, to the feelings that pour forth from him…

She’s staring at him in mushy, squishy shock by the time he finishes. Even if she had room in her heart to feel the slightest bit jealous, he’s crushed it all with that warmth. She could stay drunk on those feelings forever.]

…You have to go after this girl. Nothing can stop you from rattling the stars if only you try hard enough, [she tells him firmly. Gently, but firmly.] Have you told her like that?

[How on earth could Jenny resist it, unless…]

Have you spoken to her since last night? [If she isn’t avoiding him entirely, there’s at least some interest lingering… which might solidify one of her theories, unpleasant or no.]

[He's a little surprised that Dove tells him to go after Jenny. However..]

I'm not sure she would listen if I tried. Jenny is more..action and doing than words and poetry. I am not sure if she would believe me if I told her like this.

[There's doubt creeping into his feelings for her.]

No I haven't. I wasn't sure if I should be giving her space or messaging her to see if she was receptive to my presence after last night's misunderstanding.

[She actually grins a little at that. Not every woman is a sap like she is-]

Well, do you do anything with her aside from... [A vague hand gesture. He knows what she means.

Nope, grin gone at that sinking in his emotions. Don't you dare-]

Send her a message and see if she's willing to talk with you. If not... maybe give her a little space for a few days. If she's been hurt before, I'm sure she won't be happy with you being too pushy but-

[Erk. She hadn't intended to voice the thought, but maybe he won't notice if she goes on.] But honestly it sort of sounds like she might have feelings for you that she's fighting, if she's adamant you're just friends but clearly upset with the idea of you sharing the attention...In that situation, I know I'd want to be chased...

[But, of course, she isn't Jenny.]

Well, yes. Coffee, walks.. we spend time together but, the majority is done in the bedroom.

[Does he have the decency to look sheepish? Yes, he does.]

If you are sure that will work...

[He grows quiet as he ponders about Jenny possibly being hurt before. That might explain a few things at the very least.]

I wish she would stop fighting her feelings about us. Whoever hurt her in the past is long gone and I am hardly that person, whoever that may be.

I would never dream of causing her harm.

Hm... [Its a disapproving sigh. While sex is great and does wonders in a healthy relationship...] Maybe see if you can focus on activities outside of the bedroom. It's worth a shot.

[As for that...she nods.] Yeah, I know the feeling. [ Denial seems to be running rampant through her small collection of friends. Now she's fascinated with her bacon, taking a bite before shrugging to him.] I'm sure some part of her knows that, though, if that's how her past really was. Just.... try to get her on a date- an apology dinner at the very least.

[Now it's a weak smile, but she's trying to lighten the mood.] And I'll promise not to call after dark again.

I shall try on both accounts. I know she is adventurous so hopefully I can find activities we can do together that may interest her.

[he sighed. He's beginning to think his life will be complicated regardless of his actions. Or because of them.]

Hopefully I can convince her to go on a date with me, or out to dinner. If so, then I need to pick a place she will enjoy. That may be the trickiest part.

[He smiles faintly.]

That would be appreciated. What were you doing calling that late anyway?

Ask her friends, [she suggested. Surely he knew some of them if he had fallen so thoroughly for her.] They might be able to help. Genessia is full of adventure, though... If she's outdoorsy, try Fayren.

[Ah, at that, she flushes and toys with the remaining food on her plate.] Ah... I was bored and too chicken to text the other guy right then.

[SHRUG.]

Actually... I'm not sure who she's befriended. However, I have met her fathers. Or at least the ones that were within this city for a time.

[Which was quite the experience in itself.]

Fayren may be a possibility, though I suspect that this challenge shall be harder than I'd like to admit. She's the kind of woman that may have already explored most of this realm.

[As for Dove's answer though...He arches an eyebrow and sips his coffee.]

The other guy? Why did you hesitate?

Oh! [She brightens a little.] They should know her better than anyone, then. And just because she's seen most of an area doesn't mean you can't make the experience different...

[Her ears might be turning pink.]

I tend to be a little too honest halfway through a bottle of wine. [She then side eyes her toast because that totally explains everything.]

Basket of Feathers [June Catch All]

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