aefenglom | 001 💗 Voice to All

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001 💗 Voice to All

[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.

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[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.

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.]

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?

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?

[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.]

[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.]

It is, isn't it?

[He smiles at her admission too, though.]

Do you not like many people?

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.

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.

[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.

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.]

[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.]

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.

[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.

[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.]

[Justine flushes brightly and looks bashfully away.]

I don't know what I'll do if you keep saying things like that.

[She isn't used to it and knowing that Connor really means it with not ulterior motives behind the statement. It doesn't matter how much time passes, it's one of those things that Justine won't ever truly get used too.]

Is there anything you like? I know that you can't eat but I can let you taste it. [Just enough that it won't be an issue for him.] The menu looks to be mostly fish. I was thinking about the one with capers. Assuming these are the capers that I am familiar with.

I haven't tried anything on the menu. Choose whatever you prefer.

[He wants Justine to enjoy it herself, after all.]

I'm sure I'll enjoy it regardless. It has to be better than blood.

[Which is what he'd be tasting back home.]

[She bites back a smile and waits for the waiter to approach their table. They're both handed glasses of water and Justine orders herself a small glass of wine before placing the rest of her order. The waitress gives Connor an expectant look when she's finished but Justine politely dismisses the young waitress, circumventing what might have been an awkward confrontation.]

Now that we've ordered.

[Justine takes a sip of her water.]

I guess... there are things you might want to know. [She looks out at the ocean and speaks in a soft voice, keeping the conversation between them.] I told you that I had run away from home when I was sixteen but that wasn't the first time. I had tried before, on many occasions. Since I was young, I've been... pretty. My father called me a doll. I was to be viewed, admired and played with.

[Justine's voice trials off. She doesn't know if Connor understands her meaning so she waits for the questions that undoubtedly rise in his head.]

[Connor is, if nothing else, a detective. He can work out what Justine means by that. He looks down at his napkin, feeling the urge rise within him to somehow protect Justine from things that have already long since happened. From her father.]

I'm sorry. You deserve more than that. You are more than that.

[She gently shakes her head.] I don't know about that. I wasn't a good child. [It shouldn't have happened but it had and Justine is constantly struggling to yearn that love that she'd been denied for so long. At the same time, it isn't something that she's willing to trust because when you trust someone they can tear you apart.]

I was thirteen or fourteen when I started having mood swings and that's when I first tried to run away. I clawed at him- [She gently gathers her fingers together, holding her hands in her lap.] -and I ran. That is when I found it... difficult to be calm.

I still happens but I try to hold it back. Panic makes it worse. They are... voices. Cruel voices. Nothing completely quiets them but distractions help. From there... well. Thomas saved me but I belonged to the Raith family after that. That was five years ago. [She pauses when the waitress brings her wine and waits until the woman leaves before continuing.]

And that's my past.

[More or less.]

I admittedly don't know much about... family. But I don't think a father should ever treat his daughter that way. You're not a toy.

[He reaches out to offer his hands to Justine. He had figured out that Justine's past wasn't so good, but he never would have expected what she'd told him.]

You didn't deserve it. Nobody deserves that. Not from anyone, but least of all their father.

[She reaches forward and lightly takes his outstretched hand. Her fingers intertwine with his looking oddly delicate in comparison.]

It's fine. [Her voice is soft and sweet despite the weighted topic they'd been discussing.] That was a long time ago but, you had asked before and.. I wanted to tell you.

[Her dark lovely gaze rose to meet his eyes.] Now it's your turn. How old are you?

Thank you for trusting me.

[He gives her a sad smile. He doesn't think it's appropriate to say, but if Justine's father ever shows up here... he's going to have a bad time.]

I'm four months old. I was activated August 15th, 2038. I've told you about my first mission. After that I was inactive until November 5th, when I first met Hank. We were assigned to a homicide involving an android and his owner. I had to persuade Hank to leave the bar first.

[He smiles a little more genuinely at the memory.]

[Justine's expression shifts into a wistful smile. She doesn't say anything but the look in her eyes is as clear as day: please don't make me regret it.

Trust is hard and terrifying but she's trying to reach out to those around her. No one ever truly wants to be alone.]

I didn't know he was such an avid drinker. [She notices the smile and gets the sense that Hank is someone very important to him.] Did you two not get along at first? Since you wanted to learn to cook for him I imagine that isn't the case now.

[Connor decides not to mention Hank's habit of drinking heavily and playing Russian Roulette. The guy has a death wish, he's admitted as much.]

He didn't like me, no. Actually, he hated me, because of what I am. He had his reasons, I don't hold it against him, but he was very difficult to work with in the beginning.

[His smile turns a little bitter.]

He wasn't the only one, though. I wasn't taken very seriously at the police station. And not everyone had an excuse outside of just thinking that androids are inferior to them.

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Content warning two tags up with references to chlid abuse/rape (I forgot to put a warning there)

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mentions of suicidal ideation