A Touch of Darkness (for BlackAkuma)

[Crossedes]

Yep. Yep, there was the laughter. Storm hid his embarrassment by rubbing at his eyes, but he was sure that she could spot it. He had always had a temptation to get out ahead of things, let people down easily, and this was what it typically got him. He wondered if Dr. Crowley had any advice for his typically having no idea how to approach social situations with strangers. Doubtful, and he didn't want to stir an already uncomfortable conversation toward another private struggle, either. He would just... let her laugh and loathe himself later when he remembered the mistake.

But he wondered if he had entirely misunderstood. Tag team. Dominatrices? The Highlander gazed at her in confusion. That sounded precisely like the situation he wanted to avoid. As far as he knew, dominatrices usually had people pay them to do the... whatever they did to dominate, but maybe he didn't know the difference. He couldn't claim to be anything short of pathetically ignorant. Whatever the case, he didn't think he liked where Dr. Crowley seemed to be going with her proposition and primed himself to make the exact same presumptive mistake.

The haunches he lifted in preparation for saying no, however, slumped as she explained further. Some of what she said kept the alarm bells blaring, that they could let him experiment. That was possibly the most intimidating word in the whole discussion, and it set his mind alight as to what they would want to do to experiment, and worse, what it could mean for him. That sounded like the exact sort of situation he wanted to avoid when it came to a prostitute. But the rest made sense... and it sounded as if the doctor vouched for them as ones who wouldn't push him into anything too crazy.

Even thinking about saying yes and placing himself in that situation shook him to the core, and he stared into space for a good few seconds. He also didn't like the way his body was trying to react when he did think about the situation. The thought of his time here amounting to nothing, however, shook him far more. And the thought of another Luong situation or worse shook him more than that.

"...Okay," he finally said, though it sounded like he was stabbing himself through the chest. "Just... don't make them expect... too much."

[BlackAkuma]

Alyssa watched Storm closely, taking note of his every movement and reaction to the offer she laid before him. She knew it was a lot to take in, and there was the risk he would just run off scared - perfectly understandable when asked to step out of your comfort. But, then again, he was in LAW, signed a contract, subject to everything that came with it. He was already well outside of his comfort zone. Swimming in deep waters. He would either take her lifeboat or get swept away in the currents.

He took her offer. Not without some trepidation, but that was to be expected.

”Excellent.” She chirped, hopped off her desk, and promptly returned to the seat, promptly sitting down and typing up a rough draft of the email. She had little trouble keeping the focus on him as she did, however, showing off her skills at multitasking. ”I don’t think they will. At least, Sabine won’t.” She swiveled back to him in full, figuring that needed more explanation. ”Her partner. German. She’s quite…” She rolled her wrist around, searching for the right word before she settled. ”...intense. But polite. A bit of a tease, but she means well. I suspect you two will get along, frankly.” Alyssa wagged a finger. ”Morrigan, on the other hand? She’s rough. Abrasive, but don’t let her scare you.”

Alyssa probably sounded eager - too eager, perhaps. But she always did love bringing people together and killing two birds in one stone. Still, she would do her best to ease Storm into the situation. ”It’s always best to ask them, firsthand. Still, if there’s anything you’d like to know about them before you meet, by all means, ask.”

[Crossedes]

Perhaps a small part of Storm, the part that hadn't decided to agree, wished it would take some time for her to contact these two dominatrices. That way when the circumstances truly sank in, he would have room to back out. To find some alternative so he wouldn't be locked in a room with two women with the inclination to... do whatever they wanted to him. The idea almost drove him to outright shiver. But he put two and two together that she was sitting down to contact them before the meeting even ended, and the anxiety already began creeping along the Highlander's skin.

Twice the creepy-crawlies hit when she expressed she didn't think they would expect a lot out of him. No, even worse, one might and the other likely wouldn't. Storm's gaze lingered on Dr. Crowley for what must have been the longest stretch of the session as he wondered why she hadn't led with that more particular description. The temptation to ask what "intense" meant tickled him, and all the names had him confused. But he rubbed his face, figuring he should say something to avoid coming across as a panicked prude. "I can deal with rough and abrasive." He didn't add much more than I can handle a tease. Maybe he was wrong in this case, anyway.

He didn't even know where to begin when she opened the floor for questions about them. With the way his mind had already started racing, he had a million questions and yet couldn't summon one worthy of asking her aloud - or one that wouldn't embarrass him to no end. Though as he peered at Dr. Crowley, one relevant question did break through the clouds. "What's... etiquette, for something like this? Are there any rules I should know about?"

Storm knew one thing. He didn't want to get double-teamed by dominatrices if he did something offensive or wrong. He didn't like the internal reaction that thought gained him.

[BlackAkuma]

Alyssa had to say, Storm was actually handling this whole situation better than she expected him to. It was a shame that LAW hadn't yet invested in an intergender championship, that there was no upper goal for a man like this to fight for. What she had seen in the video - before Luong walked all over him, at least - spoke of talent and potential, of skill that could go far if given the proper opportunity. He just had to get over this hurdle and the world would open to him.

”I don’t doubt it.” She nodded, noticing how his gaze lingered on her for longer than ever before. She liked to think he was just becoming more comfortable around her. ”You’re not required to see me after this, but I do hope you stop by, if only for a little while - I’d love to talk about your progress with them. And I did enjoy this conversation.”

No lie was spoken.

She finished up typing the message on her and sent it off to Sabine, knowing the woman would be quick to respond. This was precisely the sort of thing that would whet her appetite. ”Etiquette?” That word took her off guard for a moment, as she processed what he was getting at, but she keyed on soon enough and turned his way with a warm smile. ”The same etiquette you would have when meeting anyone, Storm. You’re not their slave, they’re not going to demand you kiss their feet the second you enter the room.” A thought occurred. ”Well, Morrigan might, but if she does, she’s just trying to get a rise out of you. Don’t pay her any mind.”

The mental image was enough to bring a short, healthy laugh out of her, but she settled fast enough. ”Just be yourself. Dommes are people, too. Sexier than most, but people.”

[Crossedes]

Storm wondered if every client got that same schpeal about enjoying the conversation, but he also didn't know if it mattered. Outside of the couple times she had laughed at his expense, he figured he had gotten more out of their exchange than he had expected. She didn't treat him like he was abnormal, which was a plus. He supposed most people's realities and views of others didn't mirror those of toxic coaches and training mates filled to the brim with testosterone or executives looking to make a buck off of sex. He still didn't get that outfit she wore, though. "I might," he said, not committing. He knew himself well enough to understand that just because it sounded like something he wanted to do at the moment, he wouldn't necessarily have those same feelings later.

Especially considering she had a knack for raising and then lowering his expectations all in the same few words. The Highlander loathed to tell her, but anyone trying to get a "rise" out of him was precisely what he wanted to avoid. But, whatever, he decided. He had agreed, and though he knew he would agonize about the meeting right up until it happened, all he could think to do was nod and hope that her more reassuring comments proved to be the more accurate ones when he did meet these two.

Then again, "being himself" was running for the hills, he knew. The things he did to not appear his anxious self were what always gave him problems.

Figuring that Dr. Crowley had given him leave, he stood, weighing if it was appropriate to shake her hand again in this situation. He supposed so, and standing in a position to see... too much of her again, he extended it with only partly focused eyes. "Thanks." He hadn't expected to say that when he arrived. "You definitely helped make... the whole mess clearer."

With that said, he turned for the door, just in time for someone to knock on it. He hadn't figured he had taken the whole fifteen minutes for the meeting, so whoever it was must have been early. And here he had hoped he wouldn't run into too many people who would know about him needing therapy. He glanced over his shoulder, ensuring Dr. Crowley didn't tell him to ignore it, and eventually made his way there to open it.

Jesus. Why was everyone around here a supermodel? The gorgeous redhead at the door looked as unhappy as he had when he first arrived, though he would call her expression more sour than stressed. She tapped away on her phone but looked up at him and gave him a disquieting look-over that brought a fresh brightness to her countenance. But Storm, not needing to go through the avoidance game with yet another woman, just nodded and strolled past. Her heels only clicked away into Dr. Crowley's office once he had rounded the corner.

What a place.

Spoiler

[BlackAkuma]

”It does my heart well to hear that, Storm.” She gave a soft, genuine smile as he took his leave. ”Enjoy the rest of your-”

The knock on the door surprised Alyssa even more than it had Storm. While it was true that she had been expecting another appointment after him, she hadn't expected it immediately, as if the person in question was summoned from the ether. Had something gotten mixed up in the scheduling? She would have to talk to LAW about that. Fortunately, her time with Storm had been relatively brief - she hated being interrupted in the middle of a session. It ruined the flow.

But Alyssa was nothing if not adaptable, and she already had everything she needed at hand. She took a moment to bring a file out of her desk, set it to the side, then stood up to greet her next guest, none other than the illustrious… ”Millicent Kaiser.” She announced with a flourish. ”Please, come in.”

She said that, though she had the distinct impression that Millicent would’ve marched her way into the room regardless of the invitation. The woman moved with a purpose, carried an air of authority, walked as if every step she took was in the service of something greater. Alyssa could respect that, though she could tell from the expression that she was less than pleased to be walking into this particular room. Understandable, it wasn’t the first time she’d encountered a wrestler with a low opinion of therapists, who hated being thrust in front of one by their promotion. It was a feeling she excelled at dispelling.

”A pleasure to meet you.” She extend her hand for a shake, striving for politeness, keeping the air cordial. ”I'm taken me aback, though, I will confess. You’ve arrived a touch early.”

[Crossedes]

The young man? Worth noting. Tall, strong, attractive, and sheepish, judging by his reaction. He appeared to Millicent as the sort of man she could mold until he became a wieldable, flexible tool, and she watched him as he left, making sure to put his face to memory. She might never see him again, but if she did, the empress would have a plan in place to strike up a conversation. Once he had disappeared, however, she glanced at her phone once more to ensure the instructions she had sent to Desdemona had been legible before she strolled into the room, a bit before Dr. Crowley - Alyssa - invited her inside.

Yes, Millicent had arrived early - quite early. She never liked to give people a chance to prepare for her, and since the German found no pleasure in having to waste her valuable time having herself "analyzed" by anyone, she intended to give Alyssa even less of a chance to prepare for her than most. It was so incredibly foolish to require this sort of psychological evaluation, and Millicent had originally intended to make this experience the most painless as possible for herself. She intended to dress down, say little, avoid presenting anything the good doctor could latch onto about the state of her psyche.

But she had eventually realized the opportunity and the use of one Desdemona Belti to ensure the opportunity bore fruit. Millicent had a need to give Alyssa plenty to latch onto, and it began as soon as she flashed a smile that she ensured did not appear totally genuine and took the doctor's hand. Curious outfit this one wore. "Frau Doktor. I do hope it is more than a touch." She checked the watch on her other wrist as if she didn't know. "If the people in charge mean to treat me as if I am insane and perhaps plan to overthrow them whenever I find the time, my aim is to put that thought to bed at my earliest convenience and direct my focus back to more important matters."

There. Enough exaggeration and bluster for her to have something to cling to while Millicent avoided citing her as the source of blame. A way into a... "fruitful" conversation, and hopefully, a distracting one. Given the amount of cleavage she had thrust on display, the exquisite makeup she wore, the touch of extra perfume she had applied, the various bags she carried - she intended to be quite the distraction.

[BlackAkuma]

A flaring of the nostrils, a slight frown of recognition, a quirk in the eyebrow - what was that fragrance? Alyssa considered herself a connoisseur of fine perfume, always loving the way that smell could trigger memories and sensual play, but she couldn't recognize that scent for the life of her. Not that she had sampled every perfume known to man or anything close, but she had a good sense for them in general, enough to see this one had a unique bouquet, a distinct, earthly body to it that was hard to put into words. It wasn’t something she would try herself - she preferred hers to be subtle, to dance on the edge of the mind, just strong enough that they could leave the receiver wondering if they were truly there. But she could appreciate the art of this one, if nothing else.

It certainly fit the woman it belonged to - bold, strong, vibrant. There was a palpable energy to her, a wild departure from the man who’d occupied the same space only a moment ago. ”Alyssa, please.” She nodded at the honorific, a first even for her. ”Though I will say, I don’t hate the way that sounds. Such a lovely language, German.”

She made her way back to her seat and settled in as she motioned for Millicent to make do much the same on the chaise lounge. There was some urgency, and she could respect a woman who valued her time, but Alyssa wanted to do things properly or not at all. She couldn't be budged on such matters.

Alyssa reached to her side and started a coffee maker on her desk, setting it to brew fresh tea. It might calm Millicent if she accepted it; even if it didn’t, she had a thirst. ”No one assumes you’re insane, I assure you. This is merely to help management get a better feel for their wrestlers. Spot problems before they snowball into something greater.” The water began to pour, followed by a soft hum. Alyssa watched it work momentarily, before casting a side-eye to Millicent. ”What more important matters do you have? If you don’t mind my asking.”

[Crossedes]

Ah, and she had noticed the perfume. Good. A woman with Alyssa's attention to fashion - though it was no fashion Millicent would ever be caught dead wearing - might investigate the matter eventually. Millie knew better than to pursue the point herself, however. She needed certain windows open as long as possible, and pushing the conversation would close them quickly indeed. "Alyssa," she repeated, instead. Points to her. Millicent could respect the amount of work necessary to become a doctor, but she detested the narcissism. Most only had their jobs to collect a considerable paycheck - no passion for the work.

"The subject of cheap jokes and stereotypes in most other countries, unfortunately," she continued, at the mention of German's "loveliness." Just a little more to create the enigma, a bit to keep the conversation going. She turned to set her bags at the foot of the couch as if the comment had been an afterthought. Unknowingly in stark contrast to Alyssa's previous client, the redhead gracefully plopped down on the couch as if she were at home and crossed one leg over the other to get comfortable. "But it is good to know that someone of scholarship and intelligence appreciates it."

She watched with a somewhat disquieting intent as the doctor went about brewing something or other. Only brushing through her red hair to force it all back into position distracted her, and she used that moment to glance at the door, how well-concealed it was, the angle Alyssa had to view it. If Desdemona had skills, she would have no problem with her task. Knowing she had already established herself as a busy woman, Millicent took the opportunity to glance her phone one last time, flick at it as if she were merely putting it on silent. Instead, she sent Dizzy a green checkmark.

It was quickly dispatched to her pocket. "Many would agree that I am a problem solver, not a creator," she retorted, picking up the conversation with no hesitation, continuing to make it clear her displeasure with the idea rather than the woman before her. Her fingers tapped across her knee. "Training, but that you have likely guessed. I also have a modeling date." She gestured at one bag. It was not entirely a lie, but she had only hired a photographer to advertise some of her clothing. She had also only scheduled it today for the excuse. "And a meeting with a young woman I have agreed to help with the marketing aspects of the sport. The other bag is her gift."

[BlackAkuma]

Hm. Cheap jokes and stereotypes. Start a few world wars; no one ever lets you forget it.

The thought amused Alyssa, but it was a tad too coarse for a polite conversation, so she kept it to herself for the moment. Still, she enjoyed how Millicent carried herself at the moment, speaking plain, joking a little, jovial and welcoming. She seemed at ease in the room, far more so than most, and she was given the distinct impression that this was either not her first time in such a room, or she was reasonably familiar with the profession—something to make a note of.

Which Alyssa proceeded to do, promptly ripping out the page for Storm, setting it aside, and starting a new one with her current patient’s name at the top. Two Ls in the middle, if she remembered correctly.

”’Scholarship and intelligence.’” She repeated the words, trying not to smile too much as she said them. She’d known her colleagues to display their academic credentials. Still, she always hated to put them up prominently, not wanting to colour the opinion of her patients or give off any false authority. ”I get by, thank you. Not quite as industrious as you seem to be, at least.”

There were a few things that Millicent said worth latching on to. In particular, she was curious about the work that Millicent spoke of. ”Training marketing help, gifts - you’re a giving person, truly. What drives you to that? You just enjoy giving back?”