#fenixtj

Duff covers his mouth, but Jessica can guess it.

"Thank you." gravely "Have you been to Fenix yet?"

"No. I had hoped to ah.. get a tattoo to show my dedication sight unseen"

"Well, that's between you and Duff, but it won't impress me. No insult intended; just the way I am. Dame, do you have a House?"

"No. I have.. not selected one" She says

The name Dil was not on the list

A nod. "I can understand that. I need to speak with Duff a bit. Why don't you go on to Fenix, tell them we've met and I've offered our hospitality?"

"Thank you, Co... Jessica." She bows and heads off.

"Thank -you-, Dame." As the shop bell tinkles and the door shuts. She sighs and turns to Duff.

"The Boudicia of the Baja, the She-Arthur of Tijunana..." he says straight faced.

EYEBROW.

"I asked her not to do that, so now I'll ask you. Please don't."

"Jesting, Jessica... I know it's silly, hence my amusement. " He says "You are adorable when you're trying not to wince."

"Not winning any points, Duff."

"If I worried too much about points you'd not be nearly as interested in me," He observes "Fine. I'm sorry, I'm not going to give the girl a tattoo."

Jessica shrugs. "Like I said, that's between the two of you. She's a wilder."

"Barely..." He says "And I have to live in the mortal world. Even in this city." He says "What do you make of her?"

A frown, looking after her. "Not sure. Awfully eager. Feels like she has something to prove?"

"I thought much the same. " He says "She's eager for glory that one"

"Not bad in and of itself."

"I suppose not. But make sure she can actually be useful before you take her in. SHe might be faking skills she does not have."

Jessica nods. "Her, and the others. Just.... checking. Due diligence."

"Actually, she may have given you an out"

"How so?" She looks back at Duff.

"You don't like the title countess.. .she called you something else.. Protector? Perhaps as a title for use, Protector or Protectress? Or City protector? It's not perfect, but it might be something you'd prefer to countess"

"Maybe? I mean, I -have- a name.... people can use that."

"You are more than a woman, you are a task. " He says "And that is how some will see it. "

"I'm a -task-???" pointedly.

"Well, I was going to say you are a position, but I was worried how you'd take THAT... foolish me. By task I mean not that you are hard work for me. I mean you are what you do, you are the station you hold. And you are the authority around here. Not everyone is going to feel comfortable calling you Jessica"

"I -am- hard work for you." She points out honestly. "But I see what you -meant- to say."

He grabs her waist and pulls her close, "It's often worth it, and I don't working up a bit of a sweat. Sometimes it's very rewarding."

"I was on patrol."

"Well, let me give you my report of this location." He kisses her deeply, and then parts "So far, so good. Seems safe."

She shifts a bit, withdrawing. "I seem -safe-??"

"no, the tattoo shop is safe.. . All is well. Jessica? Am I really that incoherent today? because otherwise it's like you came in here looking for a bit of a fight."

"It's fall." She points out grudgingly. "There have been a lot of changes, a new freehold, personnel moves, -new- personnel....."

"Your winter is on you... or at least bumping. " he nods, "You and yours is being tangled with by outside forces, it gets your guard up, or so I'm guessing. Well, Jessica, you are not 'safe'. You have my heart in your grip. I am, in fact, quite vulnerable to your power."

Whether that gives her a rush of pleasure.. as her Beast enjoys the power it brings, or makes the bumpikin in her hmmph as being a bit too sentimental, or both or neither..well...

"The last thing you seem to be is 'vulnerable'." She hrmphs.... but she's still within his reach.

"Mmm test me for durability any time you like" Wicked smile

"I should get back to Fenix."

"Fenix can wait' He says "You're not far from it here. "

"Why wait?"

he picks her up, making her feel almost dainty, a rare thing for a troll, "Agreed. I should make love to you now"

"Duff!" Mild/manufactured objection. "Put me down."

"Sure, but do I get to pick where? I vote a bed... but pressing you against a wall might help keep a straight back. "

"There is a window right -there-!!" She points out the storefront.

"Against the window? You're bold my love, but perhaps over here instead" He draws her back out of sight of it and towards the hallway

"No, not against the window you dork!" However, she doesn't struggle to get down.

And he carries her further back and... well... they can't be seen NOW