sixwordstories | (no subject)

The job offer, I presume.

Well, I'll take another kiss if its on the table but I did mean the job.

Not at the moment.

Good. I'll make time to come back up to New York and get you up to speed in the very near future. In the meantime, any questions please ask.

Does this require travel? How many functions do you expect to have this year? And what organization or organizations are we raising money for?

Edited 2015-01-15 02:17 (UTC)

Last one first. It's called the Isis Foundation and we provide services to youth with special abilities. Offer them a place to go to be accepted, counselling sessions, financial aid for medical procedures, scholorships, assistance in finding them work and housing. That sort of thing. It started out of Metropolis and I opened a New York chapter last year.

Travel is possible, but likely to remain within the country. Functions... I'm still working on that. But you'll be busy. I need a pretty face, a brain and an innate understanding of what these kids are going through to make investors who think metahumans are freaks want to put their money into it.

So I'm your poster child. I thought when you said rubbing elbows you meant coercing discreetly. Use my abilities to make sure your guests have a nice time so they give more money. I didn't realize you meant for me to go public.

Spokesmodel. And you don't need to go public with your own abilities unless you want to. I'm fairly certain you can do this without them.

I'm done hiding. Besides, the tabloids already know about my brother. My past could be an issue for you if you don't find a way to spin it.

You were a young, innocent girl who didn't have places like Isis to turn to for help. Everyone loves a redemption story.

The repentant sinner. Its a role I know well. So I take it public speaking is part of this gig.

Tale as old as time.

Don't panic, I'm not going to throw you to the wolves right off the bat. I don't want this to be just a job for you, Nicole, I'd like it if it became something you genuinely wanted to support. And if after a few small steps to ease you into it you decide it isn't what you want to do? That's fine. Just tell me.

[She didn't know caring about the cause would be part of the deal. Honestly, she was just looking for a distraction. She wasn't convinced she could care but at least it was in her wheel house. Empathy wasn't a stretch when she'd actually lived it.] Worth a shot, I guess.

[Tess is sort of hoping the caring part will happen organically. And if not, she'll move on with someone else. It may be a charitable foundation, but to her it's business and they don't call her a pitbull in prada for nothing.]

Well, as I said I'll clear my schedule for a trip back and I'll show you around the facility, let you get a feel for how we do things. Then we can talk a bit more in detail about those first steps.

Absolutely. Just let me know.

When I get back from Tahiti. I promised Gabe a vacation.

Ooh nice! Don't forget your sunblock.

Oh, I'll be underwater most of the time, but the sun and I are good friends. It's him I'm more worried about.

As you should be. I'm fairly sure he might burst into flame.

Like a good Englishman. And then I'll nag him back to life.

Like a proper wife should. So when is that wedding?

Not any time soon. Engagement I can handle. Wedding and marriage, I'm going to need a whole lot more time.

Clearly, you aren't opposed to the institution so what's the problem?

Actually, I am opposed to it. That's the problem.

You're doing this for him.

I accepted the engagement because he needed that extra level of commitment and I was willing to give it to him. He knows the actual marriage part may never happen.

What about marriage do you object to?

It doesn't mean anything other than legalities. People like to pretend it's some grand statement of their love, but it isn't. And I don't need a public ceremony and a government official to validate how I feel.

I always thought it was a declaration. Whether it's to the government, family, or whatever higher power you may believe in, you were declaring that you choose this person above all over people. Through hell or high water, you were partners. Not that most people take that part seriously considering the divorce rate but I suppose it was the thought that counts.

Something like that takes quite a bit of trust though. Asking someone to always have your back means that you have to trust them not to take a knife to you when you aren't looking. I don't know if I could ever trust someone that much.

A legal document doesn't make what I've already told him any more or less true, nor does it mean my trust in him has increased. But I suppose as a child who was the result of an affair and having been raised by a single father who probably killed his wife, marriage means absolutely nothing to me.

So you don't want to do it out of principle.

Perhaps. It's also simply not necessary. Marriage is strictly a social construct.

A social construct that your would be husband believes in. The wants to announce to the world that you are his and he is yours. [Nikki glaces away but forces a smile.] It would be sweet if the whole institution weren't flawed.

There's nothing stopping him from doing that right now.

Everything is flawed. That's why we get to choose what we do and don't follow.

Actually, there is. You. You said that you want a long engagement and the way he wants to claim you is through traditional means. The problem with that is that the symbolism has to mean the same thing to both people or it's essentially pointless.

Careful. Talk like that will get you kicked out of the superhero base camp.

Oh, he can tell people I'm his because I am and he knows that. A piece of paper doesn't change anything. He's also actually okay with not having a wedding anytime soon; the engagement was enough.

They know by now I'm a better ally than enemy.

Maybe you can compromise. Have the party without the paperwork.

I'll have to remember that as well.

Maybe. I'm still getting used to wearing jewelry on a regular basis again.

Just don't get on my bad side. It's not pretty. [No lie, Tess would probably give Ivana a run for her money.]

Can I see the ring?

Ditto, sugar.

I have no intention of underestimating you.

Of course. [She holds out her left hand, displaying a modest ring with a diamond surrounded by a pearl on either side. Not entirely traditional, but not totally out of whack, either.]

I don't think we'll have a problem then.

Pretty. I think it suits you. Classic but not too flashy.

That's what I liked about it. And the pearls.

Was it like a family ring or did he just know your tastes?

He knew my tastes. I actually have no idea where he got it from.

You know, they say that you can see what a man thinks of you by the jewelry he buys. Did you ever think you would be with someone who knows you so well?

Not recently, no.

Don't take it for granted. Regret is a bitch to live with.

Anyway, have fun in Bora Bora and let me know when you're in New York. The sooner we can get started the better.