001 💗 Voice to All

[ishisstrength]

[The voice that echoes through the device is sweet and feminine. The topic of her call is the fresh start that has been forced onto her. It should be a good thing, she has a chance to live a new life here, but Justine still isn't sure how she feels about this world, the parliament or the Coven.]

Hello. I have met some of you but I know that there are many of you who I have yet to come across. My name is Justine. I am not a fighter, like most of the people brought here, but I hope to sell the skills I do have. I was a caretaker in my previous life. I can cook, clean and fix minor tears in fabric.

I can also crotchet and I'd be happy to take commissions to those who wish to get a head start on winter. [Ignore the fact that it's spring.]

If anyone is interested in my services, please contact me.

If money isn't an option, I would also be interesting in trading. I would like to learn to fight but if nothing else we can come to some sort of arrangement. I am a witch and once I perfect my potion making, I hope to sell those as well.

Thank you for your time.

Comments

[plasticasshole]

I'll meet you here tomorrow at noon? I'm not sure where are good place to eat would be, so I suppose I'll have to look for reviews tonight.

[He brushes her hair back out of her face gently.]

Is that okay?

[ishisstrength]

[The light flush spreads across the bridge of her nose as his fingers carefully tuck the strand of hair behind her ear. It's a cute and intimate gesture and Justine isn't used to it.]

Yes.

That's better than okay.

[She isn't thinking about training anymore.]

[plasticasshole]

[Connor is assuming Justine wants a break from training still, so he just leans in to press a light kiss to her cheek.]

What would you like to do while we take a break here?

[ishisstrength]

[Justine's lips quirk into a smirk.]

I think you'll find that I have a one track mind when it comes to the things I like to do. [She likes feeling close to other, be it intimately woven together or simply holding hands. She has her reasons but she's yet to fully explain them to Connor.]

For now, let's just sit together? Maybe I can convince you to read one of my stories.

[plasticasshole]

[Connor nods, looking over at the books Justine has.]

I've never read a book before. I've read magazine articles, but they weren't paper.

[ishisstrength]

You haven't?

[That surprises her.]

I don't think there is anything as amazing as the feeling of a book in my hand. [She shifts and reaches across her bed to her nightstand. The book she grabs is a smaller one but it's by far one of her favorites since arriving here. It's a play, similar to Romeo and Juliet but with a witch and a monster.]

Here. Read this. We don't have to read it all.

[plasticasshole]

[He can't help but smile slightly.]

You sound like Hank.

[He takes the book, looking it over.]

I can read it quickly, if you want me to read it all.

[ishisstrength]

Do I?

[She smiles.]

I met him once. He almost trampled me with a run away chair. [This is Justine's only interaction with Hank.] Read it out loud. Then we can read it together. I like the sound of your voice.

[plasticasshole]

[Hearing that Hank almost trampled someone with a chair is amusing, and he's glad at least that Justine and Hank met. He leans into Justine more, and starts reading clearly. It's a nice time, and when he finally goes home it's after giving Justine a kiss to the cheek with a promise to be there tomorrow.

He keeps that promise, showing up in a dark outfit with the jeans rolled down and dark black shoes, the tie black too. He straightens it as he knocks and waits for Justine to answer the door.]

[ishisstrength]

[Justine answers the door in a new outfit that she had yet to take out on the town. It shows a very limited amount of skin but the full length of her lovely legs.]

Hello Connor.

[Her smile widens when she sees him.]

You look amazing.

[plasticasshole]

[Considering he had to use some of his old wardrobe to make the outfit look just right, he's pleased that Justine likes it.]

Thank you. You look beautiful.

[He offers her his arm.]

But you always do.

[ishisstrength]

You're too sweet Connor.

[The tips of Justine's fingers trail along his arm before taking the offered limb. She let Connor lead her forward, her mouth widening as they moved away from the house. Justine really wasn't used to going on dates and she was a little thankful that it was Connor, a man who knew nothing about dating, who was taking her out today.]

So where are we headed first?

[She knows that their ending up at the beach.]

[plasticasshole]

I found a nice restaurant not too far from the beach. Still in the nicer area, but it means we won't have to walk too far after eating.

[Or, well, Justine won't. Connor still can't eat.]

It's called the Whale's Song. Have you been there before?

[ishisstrength]

That sounds perfect.

[She doesn't mean to sound surprised but she is. It makes her wonder how much work Connor had put into his plans between yesterday and today.]

I haven't and I am looking forward to it. [It's okay that Connor doesn't eat. It just means that he gets to talk while Justine eats and then it'll be her turn.] Connor?

Why did you ask me on a date?

[plasticasshole]

[Connor is, if nothing else, thorough. And he wanted to make sure Justine had a nice time with him. He glances down at her at her question.]

Because I like you.

[It's a very simple response, but it's the truth.]

[ishisstrength]

[It's a simple enough confession and it inspires a light rosy blush to spread across Justine's cheeks.] Oh. [Obviously that isn't the answer she's expecting.]

I like you too Connor.

[Which is also surprising.]

It's nice. Liking someone. [And scary.]

[plasticasshole]

It is, isn't it?

[He smiles at her admission too, though.]

Do you not like many people?

[ishisstrength]

No. I don't.

I can count them all on one hand and I'm not sure I'd use all of my fingers to do it. [It isn't that Justine dislikes very many people but it takes a fair amount for her to go from considering someone a passing stranger to a friend.]

I have a feeling that you like a lot of people.

[plasticasshole]

I do, but... not quite the way I like you.

[Justine stands out among them.]

At least, I haven't asked anyone else on any dates.

[ishisstrength]

[She smiles, feeling bashful in the face of his easy confession.]

I wouldn't be upset if you did. It's a good way to learn if you like someone beyond friendship but maybe I'm a little glad too. [Justine is naturally selfish though she usually pushes those desires away in order to keep things uncomplicated. It's easier that way.]

I hadn't thought I'd be going on dates while I was here.

[plasticasshole]

I didn't think I would ever go on a date, either. It's exciting.

[Connor easily grows close to people, pleased when he forms friendships. He had enough negativity back home, thanks. Here, he just wants lots of friends.]

[ishisstrength]

[Justine almost laughs but instead shakes her head.]

You know, we're more similar than I first thought but you are much sweeter than me. [She doesn't need a lot of friends but it isn't because she doesn't want them. It's simply hard for Justine to trust people after a life time of being hurt.]

[plasticasshole]

I'm glad you think so.

[He leads her to the restaurant, a sea-themed place with fancy windows that let a lot of light in. He takes her to a table and sits opposite her, looking curiously at the menu.]

I hope it won't be considered rude if I don't order anything for myself.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine follows him but her gaze is quickly distracted by the far reaches of the ocean to their right. She's seen it many times before by now and yet it feels as if this view is newer than others.

Her attention returns to the menu a moment later, her dark gaze skimming over the courses before she looked up to watch Connor as he read over the available dishes.] It will be fine. [Yes it is rude but the wait staff likely won't say anything to him about it.]

If you're worried, we can leave a little extra money as tip. That's what most wait staff care about and it's directly proportional to how much someone orders.

[plasticasshole]

[Connor nods, and puts down the menu because it's not like teasing himself with food he can't have is going to help anybody.]

I'll be sure to do that, then.

[He smiles at her across the table, though.]

You really do look amazing.

[He feels very lucky to be on a date with her.]