Sometimes I'm not good at it either. I say dumb things. I've... ruined some friendships. But, it's hard to get closer to people without taking that risk, isn't it?
He's just really nice t'me 'nd he doesn't do it with for any other reason then he wants to. And that's...it's nice. I don't wanna fuck anything up with what we've got goin' on.
[Wait. Important addition.] As friends. I don't want to fuck up bein' his friend.
He's a good person and a good friend to have. I'm sure he'd feel the same about you, Ren.
My suggestion is to just talk to him as a friend. Enjoy each other's company. You can still get him something for Yule if you don't want to bring up the birthday issue.
I don't disagree with you. It's why I like to make a cake for everyone on their day.
[Excuse Max holding back a snort at hearing her say that's OLD. He's going to be one year from thirty soon. But he's sure to someone like her it must feel ancient.]
Yes, I do. You all get your own personalized cake. They aren't ever the same.
[Just in case she thinks that makes it less special. It doesn't.]
Ah. I see. I uh... I'm really glad that you haven't lost your life yet, for what it's worth.
I know it can be distressing when things don't go exactly where you planned for. Trust me on that. But I think it's better to look at it as an opportunity to explore and grow. Especially while you're here, a lot of new possibilities are open. You might discover something you never imagined for yourself. It's okay if you go off book. It really is.
Oh. Din't know that. That's proper nice of you, Max. [Praise where praise is due.] I know you've probably got it covered, but, if you ever want help, I'd be happy to help.
Yeah, but, like...
Two of the other kids in my initiation group? Dead already. S'hard in the first three years from your change. I always thought if I hit twenty that that'd be a big thing 'cos then I'd properly be a proper adult? Like, when you ain't a teenager any more, people respect you more.
I'd be happy to have your help, Ren. [Not because he necessarily needs it, but because he would very much enjoy it.] In fact, you could give me a hand doing Edgar's if you wanted.
[It's tempting to let the conversation linger on the comfortable topic of cakes and baking, but Max senses this is something that Ren truly needs someone to talk to about.]
I come from such a different way of life than you; I have to admit that. It breaks my heart to hear of people dying that young. It feels... unimaginable to me. But that's your reality...
That said, I remember what it was like to turn twenty. For me, that was the last year of my life before I got in with vampires. I was in school, and I didn't really feel all that grown-up yet, but people kept telling me I was a man now and I needed to act like it. I remember that it was very confusing for me.
Here's what I know about respect, though. Some people give it based on age, absolutely. But just turning a year older isn't all of it. Learning to act like someone worth respecting, that's important too. Just being older isn't enough on its own, or it shouldn't be. So, if you're looking for a goal, maybe that's what you can focus on. Being someone others can respect and look up to.
I'd like t'help. [She isn't artsy like Max but she's pretty decent at the basics of cooking and baking and something like this is more about the effort put in rather than anything else.]
[Oh no. He's using the serious voice.]
But that's...
See, the problem I have is people respect different things. Even where I come from, different tribes got different opinions on what makes a person respect worthy. I should know. My pack is made up of all different tribes. Only me 'nd Colin are Fianna. What they all want from me as alpha is different. What they need from me is different too. I'm already so different to when I left home.
I've been tryin' to learn but learning but learning comes hard to me. [She laughs to herself.] I even...I did one of those dumb online courses? Y'know that the unis in America do? People management, 'cos fuck me, it's hard work to keep my pack from killin' each other.
None of it comes natural. I lose my temper a lot. Some things are unavoidable in that respect but...I am tryin'.
I'll call you when I'm making it. [He's glad that's decided. Edgar doesn't like things too fancy anyway, so no harm there.]
[He nods sagely at her response.]
Yeah, that's the trouble with people, isn't it? We're all so different. You're never going to be able to please everyone and certainly not all at once...no matter how hard you try.
[That's a lesson hard-learned on his part.]
I think you've already made more progress than you think you have, though. Listen to what you just said: what people need from you is different. If you can recognize that, you're already a lot closer to being a good leader than you think.
I can really tell you're putting your heart and your effort into it one hundred percent. That doesn't mean you won't make mistakes or butt heads with people, but I have no doubt your pack will see that effort and respect it. They'll see that you're dedicated to doing the bet by them. That's important. Even while you're growing into your own kind of leadership approach, if you keep the focus on supporting and listening to your clan's point of view, I really think you'll be okay.
Mo'rtajha is on the prowl, but it's very easy to spot her prey. Max is behind the counter of his delightful little cafe, as usual. Busy helping customers and whipping up fine confectioneries. All very good pleasures in of themselves, but what she's seeing isn't in the display today...
Stepping around the line Mo'rtajha waits at the side of the counter where the servers go to and fro, pretending to contemplate the menu. She's dressed as usual, with a short, frame hugging wrap dress and dainty shoes to go along with it. The only difference is that's all she has on. Nothing to keep her nethers from view should Mort decide to bend over.
Which is the plan, of course.
"Oh Max~" She finally calls out. She turns easily, bumping the little swinging divider in with her ass, allowing him to get a view. "I was wondering if you had anything a bit more...filling?"
Max had noticed her come in and given her his customary smile and wave, but he was in the middle of the lunch rush so he couldn't break away from work immediately to come greet her the way he'd like to.
He suspected nothing out of the ordinary even as she lingered to the side. He figured she was just having trouble making up her mind. That was, until he caught an eyeful as the door swung aside. Sudden heat rushed into his face.
"M-mort!" he sputters, nearly closing the cash drawer on his own fingers in his surprise. He quickly waves Mark over to take his place at the register and rushes up to Mort. But, he doesn't look overly pleased--more like concerned.
Lioriley's gift this year arrives in a small wooden box. Inside is a black card that simply says Wicked in white lettering. Along with a note from Lioriley:
Max,
In light of embarrassing myself while searching the shops for things you may enjoy, I have instead decided to give you this: on this card is the equivalent of one hundred gold you can spend on anything within Wicked. I have already paid the men there accordingly, so you have no issue using it.
Not exactly the reaction she's hoping for, but Mort is nothing if not persistent. Wriggling her booty a little, her ears perk up. If it wasn't for the current context, she'd almost look completely innocent of what she's actually doing.
"Mrrrow?" Mort is a perfect angel and is doing nothing wrong whatsoever. "I thought I would come and give you a well deserved break, of course~"
He's not fooled by the innocent act! He knows her too well for that. But, good heavens, this is a bit extreme even for her.
"Did someone give you catnip this morning?" he says, sounding exasperated. "Okay. Hold on just a second."
Not that he doesn't appreciate the desire to get frisky, but this is all way too public. So, he taps Mark on the shoulder and tells him to take over so Max can hang up his apron and grab Mort by the hand in an attempt to lead her to the back office, away from curious patron eyes.
Mo'rtajha, in the brief mean while, puts on the most over the top pout anyone could ever imagine, bottom lip jutting out enough she could trip over it. She's trying to be a good citizen here and do her civil duty!
So there's no protest as Max takes her by the hand and leads her into the back. As soon as they are away from prying eyes She's all over him, brushing up against Max, pawing lightly at his clothes.
"Better now~?" She asks while her hands wander lower.
That pout could put the masters to shame. It's an excellent performance, but that's not enough to quite sway him this time.
"Uh... yes and no?"
He reaches for her hands to stop her from pawing at him any lower. Something about this just doesn't add up. Even as nice as this all feels, he'd rather get to the bottom of it before going any further.
"Seriously, Mort, did you fall into one of the plants out in the woods or something? This is pretty forward even for you."
Well. Okay. It's a relief to know this isn't induced by some kind of outside influence. But it still feels like it's coming out of left field...
"I mean? Usually, no. Lord knows I understand that kind of hunger. But, I'm in the middle of a lunch shift here, Mort. This isn't exactly the best timing."
He makes an exasperated sound in the back of his throat. Usually, he'd find a comment like that funny but this niggles at some dark corner of his mind in an uncomfortable way. He used to be on the menu, definitely, without much choice in the matter.
"Only when I'm in the mood to be." His arms cross over his chest. "Right now? Not so much. I'm a little more concerned about what brought this on. Can we just slow down and talk for a minute?"
Continuing to pout, Mort crosses her arms. "I am perfectly able to take a no, Max. So there's nothing to discuss. I apologize for disturbing your work day."
In her mind there's nothing to discuss. He doesn't want any and that's that! So Mo'rtajha turns to go, surely someone else wouldn't mind a random fling?
"Wait." He reaches for her arm, to gently try and stop her leaving so abruptly. "I didn't mean to insult you or imply you can't take a no. You just really surprised me by coming-on so suddenly."
At Max's touch, Mo'rtajha immediately halts in her tracks, peering up at him. For a few moments she truly considers his words. It probably does feel out of the blue to him, but for her the past few months have really taken their quiet toll.
"I'm bored! Everyone is working and I want to play! That is why we're here, is it not?" Dance for their patrons' amusement? And since she doesn't have any attachments se can certainly do more dancing...
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2021-11-22 03:56 pm (UTC)[As for the rest...]
Sometimes I'm not good at it either. I say dumb things. I've... ruined some friendships. But, it's hard to get closer to people without taking that risk, isn't it?
(no subject)
Date: 2021-11-22 04:06 pm (UTC)Eddie's just.
He's just really nice t'me 'nd he doesn't do it with for any other reason then he wants to. And that's...it's nice. I don't wanna fuck anything up with what we've got goin' on.
[Wait. Important addition.] As friends. I don't want to fuck up bein' his friend.
(no subject)
Date: 2021-11-22 04:19 pm (UTC)My suggestion is to just talk to him as a friend. Enjoy each other's company. You can still get him something for Yule if you don't want to bring up the birthday issue.
(no subject)
Date: 2021-11-22 04:38 pm (UTC)[Especially if he hasn't had one before or if there's some weirdness around it. It was the basic stuff that made life happy.]
I'm kind of freakin' out about my birthday after Yule. I'll be twenty. [Which doesn't sound like a big deal. But...] That's so old.
(no subject)
Date: 2021-11-22 04:43 pm (UTC)[Excuse Max holding back a snort at hearing her say that's OLD. He's going to be one year from thirty soon. But he's sure to someone like her it must feel ancient.]
Why does that scare you?
(no subject)
Date: 2021-11-22 04:58 pm (UTC)'cos I wasn't expectin' to live this long.
[She says it so matter of factly that it's like, duh, what other reason would there be?]
And I'm goin' off book now of the stuff I expected t'be doin'.
(no subject)
Date: 2021-11-22 05:15 pm (UTC)[Just in case she thinks that makes it less special. It doesn't.]
Ah. I see. I uh... I'm really glad that you haven't lost your life yet, for what it's worth.
I know it can be distressing when things don't go exactly where you planned for. Trust me on that. But I think it's better to look at it as an opportunity to explore and grow. Especially while you're here, a lot of new possibilities are open. You might discover something you never imagined for yourself. It's okay if you go off book. It really is.
(no subject)
Date: 2021-11-25 09:48 pm (UTC)Yeah, but, like...
Two of the other kids in my initiation group? Dead already. S'hard in the first three years from your change. I always thought if I hit twenty that that'd be a big thing 'cos then I'd properly be a proper adult? Like, when you ain't a teenager any more, people respect you more.
I've been thinkin' a lot about it.
(no subject)
Date: 2021-11-26 04:52 pm (UTC)[It's tempting to let the conversation linger on the comfortable topic of cakes and baking, but Max senses this is something that Ren truly needs someone to talk to about.]
I come from such a different way of life than you; I have to admit that. It breaks my heart to hear of people dying that young. It feels... unimaginable to me. But that's your reality...
That said, I remember what it was like to turn twenty. For me, that was the last year of my life before I got in with vampires. I was in school, and I didn't really feel all that grown-up yet, but people kept telling me I was a man now and I needed to act like it. I remember that it was very confusing for me.
Here's what I know about respect, though. Some people give it based on age, absolutely. But just turning a year older isn't all of it. Learning to act like someone worth respecting, that's important too. Just being older isn't enough on its own, or it shouldn't be. So, if you're looking for a goal, maybe that's what you can focus on. Being someone others can respect and look up to.
(no subject)
Date: 2021-11-29 09:33 pm (UTC)[Oh no. He's using the serious voice.]
But that's...
See, the problem I have is people respect different things. Even where I come from, different tribes got different opinions on what makes a person respect worthy. I should know. My pack is made up of all different tribes. Only me 'nd Colin are Fianna. What they all want from me as alpha is different. What they need from me is different too. I'm already so different to when I left home.
I've been tryin' to learn but learning but learning comes hard to me. [She laughs to herself.] I even...I did one of those dumb online courses? Y'know that the unis in America do? People management, 'cos fuck me, it's hard work to keep my pack from killin' each other.
None of it comes natural. I lose my temper a lot. Some things are unavoidable in that respect but...I am tryin'.
(no subject)
Date: 2021-12-03 06:33 pm (UTC)[He nods sagely at her response.]
Yeah, that's the trouble with people, isn't it? We're all so different. You're never going to be able to please everyone and certainly not all at once...no matter how hard you try.
[That's a lesson hard-learned on his part.]
I think you've already made more progress than you think you have, though. Listen to what you just said: what people need from you is different. If you can recognize that, you're already a lot closer to being a good leader than you think.
I can really tell you're putting your heart and your effort into it one hundred percent. That doesn't mean you won't make mistakes or butt heads with people, but I have no doubt your pack will see that effort and respect it. They'll see that you're dedicated to doing the bet by them. That's important. Even while you're growing into your own kind of leadership approach, if you keep the focus on supporting and listening to your clan's point of view, I really think you'll be okay.
[Action - backdated a week] at the cafe!
Date: 2021-12-20 12:26 am (UTC)Stepping around the line Mo'rtajha waits at the side of the counter where the servers go to and fro, pretending to contemplate the menu. She's dressed as usual, with a short, frame hugging wrap dress and dainty shoes to go along with it. The only difference is that's all she has on. Nothing to keep her nethers from view should Mort decide to bend over.
Which is the plan, of course.
"Oh Max~" She finally calls out. She turns easily, bumping the little swinging divider in with her ass, allowing him to get a view. "I was wondering if you had anything a bit more...filling?"
Re: [Action - backdated a week] at the cafe!
Date: 2021-12-20 02:05 pm (UTC)He suspected nothing out of the ordinary even as she lingered to the side. He figured she was just having trouble making up her mind. That was, until he caught an eyeful as the door swung aside. Sudden heat rushed into his face.
"M-mort!" he sputters, nearly closing the cash drawer on his own fingers in his surprise. He quickly waves Mark over to take his place at the register and rushes up to Mort. But, he doesn't look overly pleased--more like concerned.
"What are you doing? Someone will see you."
Gift delivery (12/25)
Date: 2021-12-27 04:52 pm (UTC)Max,
In light of embarrassing myself while searching the shops for things you may enjoy, I have instead decided to give you this: on this card is the equivalent of one hundred gold you can spend on anything within Wicked. I have already paid the men there accordingly, so you have no issue using it.
I hope to see you soon. Take care and merry Yule.
Love,
Lioriley.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-01-04 07:25 pm (UTC)"Mrrrow?" Mort is a perfect angel and is doing nothing wrong whatsoever. "I thought I would come and give you a well deserved break, of course~"
(no subject)
Date: 2022-01-05 06:37 pm (UTC)"Did someone give you catnip this morning?" he says, sounding exasperated. "Okay. Hold on just a second."
Not that he doesn't appreciate the desire to get frisky, but this is all way too public. So, he taps Mark on the shoulder and tells him to take over so Max can hang up his apron and grab Mort by the hand in an attempt to lead her to the back office, away from curious patron eyes.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-01-13 07:18 pm (UTC)So there's no protest as Max takes her by the hand and leads her into the back. As soon as they are away from prying eyes She's all over him, brushing up against Max, pawing lightly at his clothes.
"Better now~?" She asks while her hands wander lower.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-01-13 07:26 pm (UTC)"Uh... yes and no?"
He reaches for her hands to stop her from pawing at him any lower. Something about this just doesn't add up. Even as nice as this all feels, he'd rather get to the bottom of it before going any further.
"Seriously, Mort, did you fall into one of the plants out in the woods or something? This is pretty forward even for you."
(no subject)
Date: 2022-01-13 07:29 pm (UTC)"Oh! No...no. I'm just bored and hungry," She makes sure to purr her r's extra hard, licking her lips. "Is that so bad?"
(no subject)
Date: 2022-01-13 07:39 pm (UTC)"I mean? Usually, no. Lord knows I understand that kind of hunger. But, I'm in the middle of a lunch shift here, Mort. This isn't exactly the best timing."
(no subject)
Date: 2022-01-13 07:43 pm (UTC)"Are you not on the menu, then?" Because that was her understanding and she's sticking to it!
(no subject)
Date: 2022-01-13 07:57 pm (UTC)"Only when I'm in the mood to be." His arms cross over his chest. "Right now? Not so much. I'm a little more concerned about what brought this on. Can we just slow down and talk for a minute?"
(no subject)
Date: 2022-01-13 08:08 pm (UTC)In her mind there's nothing to discuss. He doesn't want any and that's that! So Mo'rtajha turns to go, surely someone else wouldn't mind a random fling?
(no subject)
Date: 2022-01-13 08:12 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2022-01-13 08:23 pm (UTC)"I'm bored! Everyone is working and I want to play! That is why we're here, is it not?" Dance for their patrons' amusement? And since she doesn't have any attachments se can certainly do more dancing...