#fenixtj

"Jessica, it's not just costumes... it's money...these ladies, they pay pretty good wage, treat their people okay...very commendable, but they pull away women from work at sweat factories others run, from pimp's stables, from drug mules. And do you really think the threats are only because of costumes? No... the cartel doesn't just send CLOTHES with it's trucks... it uses the clothes to..carry a few extras"

"Ah. Ok, I get it. But I won't be carrying anything like that."

"No, you won't, but you're still costing the cartel big money ..and pride. YOu defy them, they crush you, they don't much care why you defied them. I'm just saying there might be eaiser jobs, like geek guarding"

Jessica shakes her head, uncomfortable. "I think the wig looked stupid. I might look like an amazon to them, but I don't want to make a living dressing like one. Besides, it's not steady work."

"The wig?" Amused "mmm would have been worth the admission just to see that." A nod "Okay. I take it you're sticking by this 'I'll risk my life for clothing transport' idea ?"

"The costume Delfina had that fit me was Wonder Woman." She explains. "And yes, for now. I need the work, Duff. I need the income, really."

"Wonder Woman.." He eyes her over speculatively "Give a moment. For now I'm letting my imagination and what I know your body work it's magic. Very Nice, Very Nice indeed." Then he looks at her "How deep in the hole are you ,financially, Jessica?"

Jessica rolls her eyes but lets him look. "Not too deep now, but I don't want to get deeper. I haven't been doing any smuggling, with the border the way it is. It's not worth the risk. I have bills, not many but some. And then there's helping the refugees and our own people....."

"Fine, I'll pay your rent for a few months" he shrugs "Problem solved"

"No." Firmly.

"Thank you, but no." She reaffirms.

"Why am I not surprised? Jessica, I won't assume any favors or rights upon you for this. You know that right?"

"I know that."

"Good. As long as it's not because you think I'm that sort of guy. I'm unseelie, but I'm not that insecure" a nod "OKay. Can I pay a little of it? Give a loan? Donate to some of the refugee funds?"

"If you want to donate...." reluctantly "... I suppose I can't stop you."

"Thank you. Would it help to know I was considering it anyway? "

Another quick, small smile. "You donating to help the refugees doesn't bother me." She says more confidently.

"Good, because that would be weird if it did" a smile, "Okay, so, any other plans?"

"I was patrolling, figured I'd stop and say hi, visit the apartment."

"You want company? I can walk with you while you patrol."

"Sure, if you want to. Let's go up to the apartment first, though."

"Mm okay" They head out, he locks the door behind them, and they make their way to the apartment. There are no surprises or attacks or even pooka

Jessica moves around the place a little, putting away the few dishes, picking up a couple items out of place... she tucks away most of the pay she received in a coffee can in the pantry.

"Can I get you anything?" She asks.

"A drink maybe? If we're here long enough"

Jessica opens the fridge; pretty bare. "I have a coke.... " She offers it.

"It's not your last one is it?"

"It's fine, Duff. Here."

He pops it open, "Okay. " And takes a swig "Oh.. apparently Shuri has taken her first steps. I know, because Necropsis would not shut up about it"

She grins. "That's great. She's amazing."

"To hear her father say it 'bitchagonnagoqueenkongonthismuthafukingplplanet'"

Jessica is ruefully amused. "You've got your imitation down pretty well. I need to step in back a moment." She gestures down the hall.

"Of course"

She nods, goes, and returns. "Ok. .Whenever you're ready." She's not in a hurry to leave, not rushing him out the door.

He looks at her, finishing the drink, noticing her stance, "We could patrol the bedroom. There could be dangers there"

"You think?"

"It has been known to happen" He takes her hand

She seems tempted, but reluctant. "I feel like there's stuff I should be doing...."

"Jessica, if I need to appeal to your logical side? Patroling an hour from now would actually be better timed, more dangerous types out then"

"You think so?"

"I know so. Trust me, I know crime. I cause a lot of it"

She gives him a -look,- then says. "Well. I guess keeping you off the streets for a while could help decrease crime and violence."

"A benefit I had not considered..." he puts an arm around her and leads her to her bed room "Best to keep me under close attentive watch- for the public good"

She pauses and reaches up to kiss him.

And it is returned, most ardently

"Ok. Come on." She leads him into the bedroom by the hand.....

And they withdraw into her chamber where she can make sure he is no longer a threat

(Fade to Blue)