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Mistakes were made…

Oh God were mistakes ever made.

Here she thought she was being a little flirty, perhaps a little coy even. Take him someplace quiet where they could talk without worry of being interrupted and she could revel in the comfort of well... she hoped would be his arms around her. If not then she’d settle for leaning her head against his shoulder if he’d allow it.

That was the plan at least. Unfortunately, like most not-so-well-thought-out plans… this too went completely sideways and then some.

Never before had she been warned not to teleport someone with her. Or perhaps they had and she was just too excited to be able to go places with only a thought of where she’d like to be to have listened. Either way, Meridiana was not prepared for the repercussions of such an act.

On her own she could teleport a few times a day without really feeling the effects of instant travel. Eventually tired aches would seep into her bones but that usually happened when the night was almost over and it was time to go home. Nothing to really concern herself with since she’d soon be asleep anyway.

What reason was there to worry about taking someone with her?

Oh, wait… maybe because it took extra energy to bring someone along. Afterall, he was more than just extra luggage, or some inanimate object that could be tossed into her subspace pocket.

Why was it that some lessons had to be learned the hard way?

Meridiana blinked. Shoulders sagged from the heavy weight of fatigue that had settled upon them. The room they were in was dimly lit; floor lighting along the stairs and small nightlights plugged into various sockets. Least they made it, one of her family's cabins that was often used for Air B&B guests to stay in. It was vacant, as she knew it would be since it was one of the properties held in her name and she managed the reservations. There was a pamphlet on the coffee table a few feet away that explained that and had lists of day time activities along with contact information if she needed to be reached.

Behind her were full-length windows that went from floor to the high vaulted ceiling, the view beyond it was something to behold but was obscured but their own reflection, which thankfully she couldn’t see.

In truth she couldn’t see much of anything.

Everything looked blurry, framed in a black haze that was quickly closing in. Again, she blinked, and for a brief moment she couldn’t help but think how curious the staircase looked almost like a M.C. Escher drawing with the way it looked as if it was warping, moving, becoming two.

As she breathed an exhale her entire body seemed to sigh, lids drifting shut once more, however, this time they did not re-open and whatever force, or will, that kept her upright finally gave in. Any energy she had had been completely depleted to the point that she could no longer stay powered. The beautiful dress and golden horns faded and were replaced by white-laced halter top and skinny blue jeans.

This… was not at all how she had planned this to be.

Phedre groaned.

It was unclear if it was a sound of embarrassment, his horrible yet accurate joke, or the way her head felt like she'd been backhanded into yesteryear with a hangover of the decade. Too bad there was no alcohol involved prior, it'd at least give an excuse for her to conveniently forget this evening if it got brought up again.

"I had no idea this would happen." She admitted, hating how raspy her voice sounded from simply trying to wake herself up enough to do something other than begging him to let her take a nap first, and then they could talk.

Eyes still shut if only to keep the room from spinning out of control. Her head rested against something soft, something warm, and she hazarded a peek through one barely open eye to note that it was a white cotton shirt instead of bare skin. "I'm sorry... I-" Phedre drew in a deep breath to calmly collect her thoughts. "I should have at least returned your energy before I did that. My... magic- it syphons energy which gets added to my quota... I'm not able to use any of it unless I re-summon the orb." Otherwise, she would have likely been fine after that last teleport trick. Drowsy maybe but not feeling like she was running on fumes.

"I've made such a fool of myself, I just-" forehead against his chest, her expression twisted into a grimace and she felt grateful for the dimly lit room. "I just didn't want some White Moon or one of their Knights showing up." Interrupting their conversation or instigating something that she had no desire to partake in.

So un-sexy, un-cute.. So un-everything.

To go from flirty and fun to simply pathetic in quite literally the blink of an eye was an amazing feat, even for Phe... Way to ruin the image of being the Senshi of the Succubus. "I would do anything for an undo button right now" she admitted, wanting to cry but trying not to laugh at her own stupidity at the same time.

Phedre wasn't sure if her feet could carry her the distance but she still followed his lead. Each step felt like she was walking down the halls of a cruise ship that had just entered open waters. The floor tilting from left to right; horizon moving up and down.

A glance towards the stair and she knew she'd never make it to the bed. He could and she'd be fine just sleeping on the couch. Since the thing was a pull out bed and didn't recline, it wouldn't offer much comfort for both of them to rest and Phe really didn't have the motivation to remove the cushions, slide the coffee table out of the way and unfold the damned thing anyway.

Deep breath. Slow exhale.

Undeserving of his gentle attentions, hand in her hair, arm holding her upright. He must be some figment of her lonely imagination. No way someone like this truly existed. She hazarded a glance upward and paused- good God he was just as handsome with a shirt on as he was without. Tight cotton fabric hugged each bicep and - damn it

No way in her delirious state of mind could she imagine someone as delicious looking with a perfect mix of flirtatious yet gentleman like dementor without a romance novel and a sports illustrated magazine on hand; honestly, she wasn't that creative. In truth, the main reason she didn't entertain such thoughts was because it'd likely just end up being a gender-bent version of herself and well- that was just plain weird.

Still- the compliments gave her reason enough to smile and made that knotted ball in her stomach unfurl into a swarm of butterflies.

Words... What were words? Why was it so hard for her to say something back in kind rather than just staring in gobsmacked awe at him? Even in this dim like his vibrant red eyes looked more like smoldering embers, that heated passion from before that demanded more thrill more excitement seemed satiated for a moment at least. Please with himself, with her, with the situation he had found himself in.

That was good... right?

"If you'd rather sleep, there are two rooms down the hall," she pointed to the dark area to the left of the staircase just past the kitchen. Should probably also offer him a drink now that she remembered that there should be something still in the fridge other than a pitcher full of water. " And the master bedroom is upstairs." Had a king sized bed and the most beautiful view of the sunrise over the lake come morning.

She should have just gone home after her quota had been filled rather than entertain his curiosities. It was fun, yes. But- This evening hadn't just gone sideways... it went sideways and slanted down hill so that everything kept sliding, building upon itself, and eventually it was all about to crash.

Whatever, why care at this point?

As a normal senshi she was fine with just flirting; a peck on the cheek then be on her way. But since her promotion, be it the chaos... her sphere... or perhaps it was just her, it seemed that flirting wasn't enough anymore. Hated this feeling of being pulled in every direction, needing for someone to just be there, hold her, keep her from spiraling, from questioning every action, motive, and at the core of it all who she really was and what it is she wanted.

How much of her sphere truly ruled her actions? She was a thief, stealer of energy and affections. A kidnapper, something she wasn't aware she'd been capable of today... And god she hoped he didn't think of her as some kind of predator as well with the whole bedroom comment she had made. Clearly she wasn't in her right mind with that one...

s**t...

Phedre sighed. Resigned herself to be led over towards the couch. Coaxed into laying beside him, against him-

Warm... Inviting...

Reminded her of the last time Jasper had visited. Several years had passed since he showed up at her house on her birthday no less. Mistletoe hanging on the door frame above them, he kissed her then - unprompted by magic. They shared cake. He then held her in a similar fashion with the fireplace burning beside them.

A precious memory she held onto dearly.

That was the last she saw Jasper and Phedre knew that come morning, or likely before then, this perfect stranger, a corrupt as she was, would be gone just the same. A memory to look back on and she would be ok with that, she'd have to be.

"It's fine," she spoke quietly, leaning her head against his shoulder. Stray strands of raspberry colored hair framed her face as she closed her eyes. "It's fine." He could lay wherever; here, one of the three beds available, or he could power up and take what energy she had left and go home. She wouldn't blame him if he chose that option. She took more than her magic would typically gather, it'd only be fair if he took some of that back.

An apology was owed but she felt more embarrassed than anything, ashamed maybe. Either way she wasn't inclined to explain the reason behind a simple sorry when asked 'why?'.

So she said nothing and gave him his five minutes.

Phe shifted beside him, head upon his shoulder, arm lazily draped across his chest. Lips quirked into a tired smile the most she could manage in this partially-awake state was a weak laugh and a slight nod.

Yes, others had mentioned something similar, that she was good at silencing the demons, offering peace to the weary minds and tired souls. While many admonished corrupts, and agents alike, for stealing energy; there were some that found the talent to be a blessing.

How many times had she visited with Noctua, the Senshi of Insomnia? Dark sleepless circles beneath her startling blue eyes eyes, an almost haunted expression that begged for rest. Phedre's heart ached at the precious memories of the frail corrupt, a woman who would have stood in stark contrast to the man she lay next to and yet they both shared a similar though.

As Meridiana, she was ok with that, at least it meant she had a place in all of this. Found comfort in the trust afforded to her as the ones she sought to help would lay their head in her lap while she combed fingers their their hair, syphoning energy with each gentle passing. Humming softly or holding their hand until sleep overcame them.

For once, it felt nice to let someone watch over her.

It took a long moment for her to finally tap into her reserves and respond to his trailed thought "It's one of the cabins." paused, drew in a deep breath then continued "owned by my family. 'bout 'n hour 'way from downtown, nex' ta Lake..." She pause, the name of the place eluded her weary mind.

"Don't 'member the name, 'm sorry," A yawn escaped her, exhaustion sunk its claws deep, threating to drag her into the darkness of unconscious slumber.

Phedre tried to resist but eventually it would become a losing battle.

Fingers in her hair, a distraction from her own thoughts. The candace in his voice, a come hither to sweet dreams and promise of a better tomorrow.

All she could manage was a small sound, a 'Mmhmm" of sorts, and a nearly imperceptible nod of her head. Yes to the morning, to breakfast, to them being good, to-... To whatever else he had said.

Phedre's thoughts trailed off into blissful nothingness, her breathing evened as she was pulled into a dreamless sleep. Hoping, come morning, that he would still be there and they could pick up where they left off as he'd suggested.