originallutece | (no subject)

[Ah. That struck a blow, though she isn't entirely certain why. But he invites her to share her thoughts, and there's not a moment of hesitation; she takes only the time to organize them.]

I've lost count of how many men have threatened me, saying the things you said to me that day. How many men have wanted to see me broken, bent, bowing at their feet; to beg them and mewl for them, my face red and my voice trembling. I've heard it since I was fifteen, and it hasn't stopped in the past twenty years. Do you know why?

Because I wouldn't. Because it was intolerable to them to see a woman who would not melt for them. Worse still: a woman who scorned them. Who dared to act as though she was better than them, when everyone knows women are stupid things, decent only for sex and domesticity.

They didn't all think they were threatening me, of course. Some thought it flirtation. But it was still a threat.

[She tips her head.]

So. What kind of man do I think you are? I think you're prideful. I think you're sadistic. And I think that if it hadn't been for this festival, you would have never pinned me to that wall-- but you would have thought about it. Not just because you're attracted to me, but because I'm justifiably proud of what I am, and I don't bow in awe before you. And on some level or another, that pricks at you.

[He lets her speak, only opening his mouth when he brings his glass to his lips. And more - what she may or may not notice - is that he listens.

She has his full and complete attention as she speaks, and has him giving consideration to her words. It explains some things, her reactions then and now - it all being old hat. He doesn't know if she has been forced in the past, but her familiarity with it says something in itself.

There's a stretch of silence after she's finished in which he gives a final few thoughts to her words, then makes a little 'hnh'.]

Pride is attractive. It is a challenge to me, and as you can guess, I thrive on challenge. And while I might not have thought about pinning you to a wall, I will admit I thought of rising to what you offered.

[He approaches, then, stopping on the other side of the couch to give her a distance - whether or not she needs it is another matter, but the space is there.]

Do you think it is because you are a woman, that you challenge me?

[It's not. At least, he doesn't think he is, after considering himself, but he's curious for her opinion. Something else occurs to him;]

And is it because cooking is 'woman's work' that you had me cook for you tonight?

[Ah. He gives her the courtesy of listening, and so in turn does she, her eyes serious as he speaks. Though at that last point, she smiles, thin and quick, not an expression of humor so much as wry amusement.]

No. Not consciously, anyway. It was simply an easy way to make you give in to my demands. A reasonable request, but one that takes time and effort to complete.

[As for the rest of it . . . she sits up, resting her glass on the table, her eyes still locked on his. She looks . . . thoughtful, really. Curious, but certainly not angry.]

I challenge you because I challenge everyone, Akande.

[A few seconds pass.]

And what kind of challenge do you enjoy here, hm? Here, now, when neither of us are at the mercy of each other.

[He tilts his head in acknowledgement, to both her explanations. The latter pleases him, however subtly, and at the question?

He makes a gesture, hand away from chest]

The challenge of a peace offering. Which is what I hope tonight to be. Before you ask, no, I don't expect you to forget what happened, but I would like this to be an opportunity to show you that I do still respect you, and would work to earn yours back. [Though she clearly holds at least some degree for him, but that's not the point.]

May I ask; those men who assaulted you and your friend. You took them by surprise, but did you take them with skill? If not, it may be prudent to learn certain techniques.

[translation; hey girl want me to teach you some self defense. or even-]

I'm opening a gymnasium in the Down. There is another man there who could likely teach you, if you would prefer someone more your build.

[which is a polite way of saying 'if you would prefer someone other than me']

I've given thought to learning some techniques. I've found a female teacher, but nor would I mind learning from multiple sources.

[Though the thought of some strange man teaching her doesn't agree at all. (Though she does at least appreciate he's clever enough to know that his teaching her might not appeal).]

Was that an offer for yourself to fill that role, Akande?

If you wished. Though I warn you, I am a harsh teacher, myself. [The once-over he gives is quick, meant to reaffirm what he's already seen in her] With you, I would likely focus on disabling techniques. Ways to cripple even a stronger foe before your leverage becomes none.

[Such as being gripped in a giant gold gauntlet, for example. Of course, if she'd managed to go for his face, she might have had a chance.]

But, [and he waves a hand dismissively] that can come at another time. And I would prefer you consider it separate from this. [It's a simple offer, not an attempt at making things up. The better she knows how to defend herself, as well, the more subtle respect she'll have from him.]

All right.

[Though she's already made her decision. She's always done well under harsh tutors; far better that than someone who goes slow. Even if physical prowess isn't her forte, she thinks she and Akande would do well together.

But that's for her to text him tomorrow.]

Then what shall we discuss, since you seem to be keen on directing the conversation? Not your suitability as my teacher . . . what of your suitability in my bed, hm?

[That answers an unspoken question that Akande had wondered; just how comfortable she was with things. Certainly, there's all she's expressed in words and body language, but all but inviting him to sleep with her?

He can't help but arch a brow, allowing her to take her turn with the direction.]

Are you asking me for a go without outside factors?

[aka; with superego, as she phrased it. Which...he certainly would not be against. That so-called 'quota' aside.]

I'm saying . . . I wouldn't be opposed. So long as we set certain limitations.

[She watches him, and it's much like one predator watching another: careful and wary, but intrigued nonetheless. He's near, but not so close she feels a prickle of wariness, but that means she can scan him up and down, taking him in a little more.]

And . . . if the next time we fuck, I dictate how it goes.

[Ah, and there's that spark of challenge in her gaze again.]

[Entertaining. So much for touching as though he'd never touched a woman, huh?

Akande has the good presence of mind to not mention this. He's aware it'd probably earn him a slap, and he'd deserve it, too. So while he does allow light amusement to trickle to the surface, it's little more than that. The tilt of his head, too, acknowledges her words even as he agrees to them;]

Within limitations.

[Challenge accepted.]

[It's an exceedingly good idea that he doesn't mention that, because slapping him (and she would slap him) would be just the start.

As it is: her smile sharpens.]

Name them.

Only two. One, [and he holds up a finger] to be able to walk away when we are done. Two, [and there's the second] to be able to call a halt.

[This is far, far from trying to offer himself up for anything she has in mind in some twisted attempt to make them even.

He honestly, truly wants to see what she can come up with. If that means he gets to see how twisted she is, in return, then by all means, come at him.]

Short of those two, I would be heartily interested in your...dictation.

[She nods. Both are perfectly acceptable and, frankly, lines she wouldn't have crossed anyway, but it's good to have it stated.]

I'm certain you would.

[She tips her head.]

There's no doubt you could overpower me if you so chose. I'm not going to fight you on that. So, for the next . . . let's say two hours or so . . . you do as I say. You can verbally argue, you can taunt, you can even grope and grab and do as you like. But if you're going to do as I say, you can't rely on your strength, because for the moment that's a fight I simply cannot win.

[When you work with murderers, terrorists, and others of such excellent company, you take little for granted. Akande trusts Rosalind as far as he can throw her - which is, to be fair, quite far, but not an infinite distance. So the precautions are taken and agreed on, and he listens to her own terms.]

So...do as I like, but foremost as you say? I suppose I can manage that, so long as you do not ask me to overthrow our 'hosts' within the next five minutes.

[He's joking.

Mostly.

~~mind, he'd love to be able to, but...the point is there~~]

If I thought you could, I would.

[She says it with satisfaction, pleased at how this turned out. Draining her glass, she stands, heading towards where the bedroom presumably lies.]

Turn the oven off. We can have dinner afterwards. And then come here, hm?

Give me time. [Still joking? Who knows. What's important is that he considers her for a moment longer, waiting just that long, and then moves to follow the command]

I don't suppose I will be getting any 'please's or 'thank you's during this.

[She did, in so many words, say he could ~~be a shit~~ enjoy himself during this game of theirs.]

I don't know why you think you deserve them.

[That's called out from the bedroom. She's unashamedly going through some of his things-- not invasive, per se, but looking to see what kinds of toys he has, if any.]

Manners, Madame. [But it's easy enough to turn off the oven and head back towards the bedroom, watching her search if she hasn't finished by the time he returns.

As for his inventory, only so much. It looks like he managed to get himself some sort of starter set, but it's very generic. Aside from that there's a few phallic toys, what looks like a cockring, and, oddly enough, a pair of claw-like scratchers. Possibly obtained on a whim?]

[She takes only one or two, though the others are considered. Another time, perhaps; for now, she only pockets the cockring and the arm restraints. That ought to be enough, especially if he won't be fighting back.]

Clothes off. Go lie down.

[She glances over her shoulder at him. She isn't undressing at all, nor does she seem like she's going to anytime soon.]

Straight to the point, aren't you?

[But unlike before, he doesn't hesitate, instead reaching for the buttons of his shirt. He's quite comfortable in his body, prosthetics and cybernetics and all; as he undoes the shirt, top to bottom, the connection of his right arm to chest can be properly seen. The entire upper shoulder and pec are clearly some sort of synthetic material, albeit one that moves and flexes not too dissimilar from an actual arm. He certainly shows no trouble with it as he tugs off the shirt properly, carelessly tossing it towards a basket before moving to the bed and beginning to undo his pants]

Shall I ask what you have in mind for the next few hours?

You can. I'm not going to answer, though.

[She pockets those toys and sitting on the edge of the bed, watching him plainly. Her eyes sweep over him, noting the curve of his muscles, the points where skin and metal meet, the sheer thickness of his body . . . she's going to enjoy this, she thinks, and smiles serenely up at him.]

All you have to do is as I say, Akande. That isn't so hard, is it? Arms over your head when you lie down.

[Damn it, you've perked his curiosity. Pants slide off smoothly after he kicks off his shoes - he's some cybernetics here, too, but it's clear that whatever sparked all it had focused on his arm]

I have to admit, I never much liked surprises.

[He's proportional to his size - which, even flaccid, might be impressive. Cleanly cut, he makes no effort to hide himself as he lays back, gripping a wrist after a moment and maybe-

-just maybe-

-preening a little.]

Is this to your liking?

[Of course it is. Of course he is, and on a purely physical level, oh, god, yes, she's very attracted to him. She wouldn't mind him fucking her tonight, whether she rides him or lets him bend her over; she can even feel a tell-tale ache between her legs.

But that's not what's planned for this evening. And so she smiles faintly, indulgently, a little like a teacher indulging a pupil.]

Don't fish for compliments.

[It's chiding, but serenely so. She wonders if he realizes why she's so calm all of a sudden. She wonders if he thinks she doesn't pose a threat.

Ah, well. He'll learn.

Carefully, she puts those restraints on his wrist. She's thorough in it, tightening them on his wrists and latching them to the bed. She's certain he could break free if he truly tried, but on the other hand, she doesn't think his pride and lingering guilt will let him. He made her a deal, after all.

That done, she settles on the bed next to him, leaning her weight gently against his hip. It's a comfortable position, almost casually intimate; she furthers the mood by smiling again, serene and pleased with herself.]

But yes. I do find you to my liking. Rather more than just liking, in point of fact.

[Her fingers drift, starting at his hip and moving inwards, dancing lightly over his skin. She might avoid him on other days, preferring to draw out her teasing, but tonight will be long enough as it is-- and so she wraps her fingers around him almost immediately, stroking slowly. He's quick to respond, which is flattering; she smirks as she feels him jerk beneath her hand.]

Perhaps someday I'll even let you fuck me.

[Her responses tell him quite a bit.

It's already clear this is a bit of powerplay; her in charge, him submitting, regardless of his relative 'freedom'. She's counting on him to keep his word, which, for the moment, he's content to do. If it establishes him as a man of honor and someone who can be trusted, all the better; such are the hallmarks of a useful ally. He won't necessarily enjoy this, at least not all of it, but if he considers it a challenge to be defeated it's easier to tolerate.

Her state of undress - or, rather, lack of it - also tells him that she won't be the focus, other than the words. This is about her over him, and as he breathes in with the first touch, his mind works to narrow down the options. No, there won't be intercourse tonight, but in a sense?

He's starting to consider just how fucked he is.]

Only 'someday'? [He runs his tongue over his upper lip, shifting to bend a knee. Leverage to fuck upwards, if he wanted, though for the moment his hips remain (mostly) still.] I can assure you, I have never left a partner...unsatisfied.

Yes, I can attest to that firsthand.

[Her fingers shift as he moves, tightening their hold on him-- not to restrict, but to work with him if he ends up wanting to thrust upwards. She'll be quite generous right now, really; she'll give him everything he wants and then some. She'll even put her mouth on him in a moment. Isn't that kind?

He's thickening under her hand, his cock swelling as he grows harder, and Rosalind smirks.]

But that's rather what inspired me tonight. You gave me so much last time . . . why shouldn't I do the same for you?

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throws hands in air

THE HUNT FOR ICONS IS ON

I'VE FOUND A COUPLE BUT...NEED TO ACTUALLY ICON THEM LMF

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