Jade Cho's Apartment: A Captivating Evening

[Misfit_Alien]

Jade sat up once Danielle rolled off of her, her cheeks still plagued by a spreading tinge of pinkish crimson that stretched across her face. She looked mesmerized and enthralled with Danielle's presence, locking eyes with her yet again. Her soft and innocent features made her seem as precious as a jewel but as fragile as a stick, it was a look that betrayed her experience as a martial artist. It was almost perplexing how someone of her gritty, tough, regimented background could be so tantalizingly sweet and beautiful. Her slim and gentle body glowed as it was awash in the moon's pale bluish light. She looked at Danielle, dismissing the attitude in her words. She knew the Frenchwoman did not mean it and she cupped her cheeks in the palm of her hand, bringing her own face closer to softly kiss Danielle on the cheek. "Danielle..." She began to speak. "What I want from you...is to enjoy this, just as much as I am. I've already told you how much I love you...and I mean all that I said. I want to clarify that the 'you' I love...isn't just the dominant side of you. I'm not in love with the mask you put on when you're out in public. I'm in love with the REAL you. If putting on that mask makes it difficult for you, then don't...I don't want you to hesitate or struggle, I want you to flourish because I love you." She wraps her arms around Danielle and hugs her calmly. "So...take a deep breath, relax...It's just us, there's not a thing in the world to worry about."

[CaptainL]

Danielle was enjoying playing the role of the proud, dominant conqueror - the one in control, the one who knew she was superior; who commanded such power over Jade that only she got to say so much as when the girl was allowed to breathe. This was who she wanted to be - who she was meant to be. All too often, despie her best efforts, Dani didn't get the chance to savor that feeling. It seemed at every turn it as taken away from her, and that she only ended up humiliated and laid low, when she should well have reigned supreme. Her match against Jade had only been the latest in a long and tedious series of such blunders, and she couldn't shed that streak soon enough. That was why she was so eager to assert her dominance now - she wanted to make up for how she'd been wronged; to see the things that should have been. Yet not even now, in a situation that had all but been engineered to her liking, that gave her the chance to savor in the dominance she'd been denied, it was still being swept away from her. She crossed her arms, scowling back at Jade. She was getting fed up with this.

But then...when she looked back at Jade, seeing the look on her face bathed in the moonlight, the sparkle in her eyes, the smooth, pale surface of her cheeks, she could feel something thump harder in her chest. The stern look on her face began to ease, until it evaporated, and she found herself lost in Jade's eyes, staring so deeply into them she couldn't look away. Somehow, Dani couldn't stay mad. There was something about Jade that quelled her urges to vent her frustrations and disgusts, something that eased her temper. And when Jade actually opened her mouth and began to speak...Danielle froze.

Love. Jade was in love. Not only with Danielle, but in the real Danielle - the one she could see behind her smug, domineering attitude and her desire for superiority. Despite all the image Dani had built up for herself, despite the reputation she'd acquired because of it...somehow, Jade could see through it. She looked at the Frenchwoman, and all she saw was a girl who was desperate for love, for attention, and to have something in her life she could feel proud about. At first, Danielle's cheeks flushed, and her eyelid twitched. Her gut told her she needed to say something. She had to tell Jade that wasn't her - there was no mask; she really was a vicious, domineering predator who wanted nothing more than to sit atop all of LAW and reign supreme. She wasn't going to go soft, and she especially wouldn't go easy on anyone as lowly, insignificant, and inferior as Jade.

But she couldn't. Somehow, that same force that had stopped Danielle before stopped her here. The words died in her mouth. She couldn't bear to let herself get angry at Jade. And she knew, deep down, on some level she didn't want to acknowledge but also couldn't deny...Jade was right. She really did feel doubts, she really did question herself, and she was craving the chance to have something she could take pride in. Danielle let out a long sigh that let her body deflate, and she looked down as Jade hugged her. The warmth of her embrace made a tingle run down Dani's spine, but she still cast her gaze toward the floor, as though she was afraid to look her in the eye.

At last, she spoke. "...Why?" Her voice carried none of the haughty tones one would be used to from her; now, it sounded tired, cracking, self-doubting even. "I don't understand...why anyone would want to feel that way about me. Everyone always seems to think I'm...annoying. Obnoxious. They tell me I can't wrestle, and they boo me even when they see the magnificence I should have. Even when I try, it...never works. I'm...I'm pathetic." Danielle sniffled. A shudder ran through her body - she had never admitted any feelings like this to anyone. She certainly wouldn't have expected to show them to Jade of all people. Even saying the words made a sour taste rise in her mouth, as though her own body was rejecting the words. And yet, something told her this was okay - that she'd be safe here. Something told her she could trust Jade. "So what do you see in me?"

[Misfit_Alien]

Most people would've never stuck around for something like this, to willingly choose to hear someone out over having sex with them and moving on. Some people would've never brought it up in the first place and just continued with fulfilling their desires. Jade wasn't like most people. She did care for those to who she felt an attachment. And with Danielle, there was no stronger attachment than the love and adoration she held for the woman. She was content to be in the woman's presence...but she wanted to understand and learn about Danielle on a more personal level. She desired more than just a sensual evening with the model...She truly wishes to know who Dani is deep down.

Jade could see all the anguish and toil in Danielle's eyes. All that pain and sorrow she was keeping bottled up slowly being released as the self-doubt surfaced. Amid Danielle's emotional outpour of her feelings and thoughts, the Kendoka just continued to cradle her in her arms gently, providing all the warmth and affection needed to try and comfort the Frenchwoman in a time of need. Yes, Jade WAS deeply in love with Danielle. At first, she only felt a momentary fling from the first sight of her that she saw on television...but as time marched on and as the two began to interact more, this burgeoning curiosity within the Japanese woman made her aspire to look deeper. She wanted to get to know the Danielle that lies beneath the surface of it all. When the Frenchwoman was done, Jade looked into her eyes.

"I see someone who is struggling to find her place here...I see someone who struggles with connecting with people, with wants and desires that seem just out of reach." She said, gently responding. "But I also see someone who hasn't given up on any of those. I see someone who tries her hardest despite how difficult things might get. I see someone trying to improve herself to get the things she wants. I see someone with a heart filled with passion...someone who needs help showing that to everyone." She takes Dani's hand and holds it. "I don't think you're pathetic, Danielle...I think you're conflicted and that you're struggling. But you're still TRYING, aren't you? You're still getting up in the morning every day, trying to do better than the day before. You may not think much of it...but that's amazing. It's that small effort that tells a bigger story." She said, smiling calmly.

[CaptainL]

Danielle bit her lip as a shudder ran through her body. She buried her head in her hands, trying to hide the raging blush that had lit up across her face. She was ashamed. She couldn't believe she had done this - that she had really let her emotions slip, and bared all her fears and insecurities to the world. As much as she'd never spoken of it, as much as she would never dare to admit such things could get to her, Dani really did feel the weight of every time the fans booed her, no matter how much she believed it was unearned. She always asked herself what it was she wasn't doing - what might convince them she was worthy of their attention if her beauty and her fame and her elegance weren't enough, and if everyone seemed to flock to her opponents and rivals, who she knew couldn't hold a candle to her. But she would never admit that to anyone. She was a proper lady, and a proper lady needed to stay collected, composed, and dignified. Now that she had succumbed to her darkest emotions and her deepest fears, she only felt even more like a disappointment that she couldn't control herself. It was just more proof that she wasn't worthy of Jade's attention.

And yet...Jade didn't seem to care. As Danielle listened to her soft voice, she sniffled a little to herself, but slowly she lifted her head. She blinked a few times. She couldn't believe this was actually happening. No one had ever taken the time to compliment her, to praise her, like this before - not in a way that wasn't mindless affection toward a woman they hardly knew, based solely on her looks. No, Jade had made a truly deep and emotional connection with Danielle. She wanted to reach out to her. She had faith in her - she'd admired her commitment, and her will to achieve success by her own hands. And it hit the redhead then that no one had ever truly believed in her this way...until now.

A part of her wanted to doubt it. A part of her wanted to tell herself this would never happen; that it was too good to be true. But...she already knew, deep inside of her, that Jade meant every word. With tears welling up in her eyes, the Frenchwoman leaned forward, reaching to take Jade by the hands, and she gave them a gentle squeeze, guiding herself a little closer. "You...really think that..?" Her eyes drifted up, and when they met Jade's own, a smile grew wider across her face. "...thank you...you have no idea how much that means..."

[Misfit_Alien]

As Danielle continued to break down, the young kendoka continued to listen to her words and provide a safe and secure haven for her to let all of her pent-up feelings out. From a young age, Jade was taught the virtues of patience, kindness, and understanding...often when someone is in distress, all they need is for someone to understand them and listen to their issues. Jade was one such person who always tried to be a strong listener. So as Jade consoled the woman while holding her close in her arms, ensuring her comfort as she sympathized with her plights and emotional issues, she continued to offer her insight and adoration toward the model. Upon hearing the Frenchwoman's words, she lets out a little giggle before kissing her forehead gently. "Danielle...of course I really think that about you. How could I not? You have goals and dreams that you want to achieve like anyone else. And if you want my opinion, I think you're more than capable of making them come true. I believe you can shine like the star you see yourself as." She held onto Danielle's hands tighter. "All this time, I continue to say that I love you...but I also believe in you, Danielle Degardin. And I want you to believe in yourself again. I'm not going to tell you what you want to hear to make you feel better for a few moments. I'm going to help you to be stronger. I'm supporting you because I want to see you reach your goals. I want to see you smile again like you are now! I want you to be able to go out to the ring and be proud of yourself, faults and all." She exclaimed. "Seeing you happy makes my heart flutter. And if I could help you to be happy...that'd be more than enough for me. So I say this not as a command, but as a request...please, let me help you. Let me support you...let me be yours."

[CaptainL]

Could this really be happening? Was Danielle actually letting that mask down, admitting weakness to someone? In any other situation, she would never. She wouldn't dare to reveal her heart to anyone, especially not any old lout off the streets, and especially not a miserable wretch like Jade Cho. Her good name, her dignity, and her very confidence in herself to stay proud, elegant, and in control no matter the situation she found herself in would never allow her to. But none of that seemed to matter any more. Here, in Jade's bedroom, Dani was willing to let down her guard - so much so that all the fears she would have had, about how embarrassed she'd be, about how no one would ever take her seriously, never raised their heads. She was in private. It was just her and Jade; no one would have to know. And right now, she couldn't think of anyone she would trust such feelings with more than Jade - Jade, who had been willing to listen to the depths of her fears and insecurities, even after she had every intent of humiliating her on the grand stage, and didn't judge for a moment.

The redhead sniffled, looking back into Jade's eyes as she hugged her closer. She would never have believed she'd ever find something like this. Jade cared about her. Not for her looks, or her fame, or her wealth, but for the person she was. Even when she had seemed so much to the rest of the world to be unworthy of such care and consideration, when she'd been little more than a laughingstock at best and an object of scorn at worst, Jade could still see something of value in her. Danielle didn't know what that something was. She wasn't even sure if she knew herself what was worth praising on so deep and so emotional a level. But perhaps that didn't matter. It was that care and attention that Jade had, even toward the most unlikely of people, that made Danielle feel all the more comforted by her presence, and that told her she could trust her. She had never experienced anything like this from anyone before, and yet, she knew in her heart that it was worth cherishing. Perhaps because of that fact.

She didn't know how much time had passed like this, with her arms intertwined with Jade's, the two of them leaned in chest to chest. But Jade had raised something else. She was willing to help Danielle - to help her shed her old image as an ineffectual, cheating brat, and to help her hear those cheers she had always been hoping for. That, again, was like something Dani had never seen before. At first because she'd insisted she didn't need any help, and then because she had driven everyone away from her. The only trainers and aids she'd ever had were from the people she'd paid to let her coast by on little effort, or who saw it as their obligaton to give her whatever she wanted. But from Jade, this was different. This wasn't the sniveling sycophantic admiration of someone who just wanted to be around someone as gorgeous and glamorous as she was. This...this was coming from the heart. Jade didn't need to do all this for Danielle...but she wanted to. And that made Dani want it even more.

"...in that case..." the redhead continued, her once-imperious voice now soft and cracking with tears, "...I grant your request. I could never imagine...anyone better to put my trust in..."

[Misfit_Alien]

Hearing Danielle's words reaffirmed Jade's feelings for her. The Japanese woman smiles and hugs her tightly, burying herself into the Frenchwoman's arms and chest as she cuddles her. While more stable emotionally, Jade was almost on the verge of tears due to how happy she felt. She didn't want this feeling to EVERY go away. Being with Danielle made her happy...more so than anything else in the world. Now, Danielle truly accepted her as her companion...not some coattail-riding acquaintance, but a real, genuine partner. It made the kendoka's heart flutter with joy. "Dani-...I...I'll ALWAYS be here for you. No matter what. C-come hell or high water...your trust will NEVER be squandered, your secrets never divulged, and your heart...never hurt." She said. "Like a samurai to their shogun...or a knight to their king...I will ALWAYS do right by you. I promise." She said, swearing her heart on these proclamations. She praised and revered the woman, but it was from a place of pure affection and admiration. She was enamored with the woman, and she wanted to help her. So by devoting herself and her skills to Danielle...she felt a little closer to her.

[CaptainL]

When Danielle looked on at Jade, she could feel the stiffness in her posture easing. Even the stern and domineering look on her face - the one that Jade herself had asked her for - had broken into a smile, and she sniffled a little; she had been struck by a flood of emotion, and try as she might've, she couldn't keep such feelings to herself. She was supposed to be better than this - she was supposed to be elegant, composed, dignified; the sort of person who was too good to be moved by anything so foolish. It was already a betrayal of everything she knew about herself that she had been so moved as to shed tears in front of this peasant. And now, she was letting her guard down even more. She couldn't help herself. Jade, she realized, was one of a select few people who truly understood her; who saw her thoughts and feelings and emotions and didn't judge her for them, or think any less of her for them, but wanted to help her. To be there for her. It was more than Danielle ever thought she'd have, and more than she thought she'd deserve. But she wasn't going to look back. Around Jade...she had no regrets.

Her smile grew wider and wider as she listened to what the kendoka had to say, and she nodded her head. There was no scorn for Jade for humiliating her with her upset victory, no jealousy toward her for winning the match. There wasn't even any shame at knowing that Jade had seen that, deep down, she wasn't as unflappable as she wished she was. Dani knew she could trust Jade. She knew that every word out of her mouth was spoken from the heart. And that loyalty, that commitment, meant more to her than her fabulous wealth, fame, or beauty ever could.

"Then..." She leaned forward and placed her hands on Jade's shoulders, bowing her head toward her. "...so it shall be. And believe me..." She tilted her head up just a little more, enough to meet eyes with Jade, and as she did, a smile came to her face. "...I am honored to say as much."

[Misfit_Alien]

Seeing Dani's reaction and hearing her words made Jade smile. She managed to break through and convince the woman to let the kendoka into her heart. As their eyes meet, that shared warmth grows more intense, and Jade begins to lose herself in the moment. She leans forward, closing the gap and punctuating the scene with a deep kiss right on Danielle's lips. Gentle, smooth, and calm...she had moved with a simple yet effective approach, maintaining that sense of formality and romance as she valued Danielle's enjoyment and passion over everything else. This wasn't her attempt at just stealing a kiss from the woman, this was her showing her affection in the purest way she could. Their lips came into contact for only three, four seconds max...but it surely felt longer of a time than that as the electrifying sensation never left their lips. Jade smiles shyly, brushing her hair out of her face. "I'm glad to become your ''consort'', Dani...it's an honor of its own to me. Trust in me that I will defend and cherish that honor with my whole being." She said, offering her hand out to Danielle for acceptance, wanting to feel that physical connection with her again.

[CaptainL]

For those few fleeting moments, Danielle once again felt like the queen she yearned to be. Even if she had lost the match that would decide her fate, and even if she had let down her guard enough to let her true insecurities shine through, now, it had all well been made up for. Jade was pledging her fealty, like a loyal retainer - one who knew that the very act of serving someone as glorious as Danielle would be an honor. For a moment, it was enough to make the redhead forget about how silly she felt, actually thanking anyone for giving her the time of day - especially an insignificant little gnat like Jade. But as she leaned in closer, sealing her vow with a kiss, as she planted her lips on the redhead's own, Dani let out a soft, contented sigh. When she exhaled, her breath sank into Jade's throat and down her lungs, and her body began to weigh in heavily against hers as she let her muscles grow slack and her body slump, knowing Jade would be there to hold her up. In this moment in time, nothing else mattered - not the image Danielle had tried to construct for herself, nor what anyone else thought about her. All that mattered was that, in Jade, she had someone she could trust; someone she could depend on. Someone who would stay by her side because she wanted to, not just out of a sense of obligation. And though Danielle grew intoxicated on the idea of commanding those beneath her...when she looked back up at Jade, staring into her eyes, a smile grew over her face all the same. This connection was so much deeper, so much more meaningful - and so much better.

Danielle took Jade's hand - but a simple handshake wouldn't be enough for her. She used it to pull the girl closer, where her hands drifted upward to rest gently on Jade's shoulders, and she leaned in closer still, her chest ever so slightly brushing against Jade's own through the delicate fabric of her bra. "Truly, it is an honor," Dani added, letting her eyes linger on Jade's own for just a moment longer. "And an honor I'll cherish, too..."

Once again, Danielle pulled herself closer to plant a kiss on Jade's lips. This time, there was no sense of obligation, and no formal ceremony. This time...Danielle did it because she wanted to. And perhaps, in the end, that was all she really needed.