Mistaken Identity

[Sukki Zoltak]

[SIZE=12pt]Sukki was more than happy to take on the client at the beach. Since a young age, the redhead had been lured to the sounds of crashing waves and in awe of powerful waves. As a child, she would spend her entire day on the beach. Pushing around the sand to create mounds of imaginary cities and taking long swims as deep as she could go.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]It had been so long since she had a chance to feel the mist of the ocean breeze on her skin or the calming rhythmic sounds of the water lapping at land’s edge. Normally, the fire dancer would read the entire client file and memorize everything she could, but in her excitement, she didn’t even skim the profile. Instead, she packed various companion accouterments and necessities and made her way to the resort.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=12pt]Once she arrived her emerald hues marveled at the beauty. She always told clients if they truly wanted to see the beauty of Zeltros, then they should look to its oceans. Though the companion was well aware that most did not want to come to her home planet for views of landscapes.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Sukki hadn’t worn a smile this genuine in quite some time. Her cheeks were beginning to burn. She made her way into the small beach resort.[/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]Her emerald eyes looking for- wait… what was the client’s name again? Ryan? Riddle? R something. Sukki chewed on her bottom lip as she tried to remember just who she was supposed to meet.[/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]Oh well, she’d figure it out soon enough. The Zeltron checked in at the lobby before entering her suite at the hotel. It was a gorgeous room with a beautiful view.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Sukki retrieved all she needed for the services that needed rendering. She wore a black lace dress. Her long bright red locks curled perfectly and cascaded around her face and down her back.[/SIZE][SIZE=12pt] The fire dancer could hear the ocean calling to her. She’d rather be in the sea, than waiting for a client. She sighed before making a call to the lobby.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Hello, this is Sukki Zultak. Can you send up Rider? Or Riddle? I’m unsure of his name. Thank you.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The redhead moved around the room, a bit anxious for her client to arrive. She set out the teapot and two glass. The leaves nearly brewed to perfection. The Zeltron dully tapped her fingernails on the table as she grew impatient. [/SIZE]


[member="Ryder Zeshatt"]

 

[Kev'vazulan]

Ryder was seen as an exemplary employee at the outdoors club only a few minutes away from the aformentioned hotel. For a newly-inaugurated establishment, the revenue it provided was extremely high, despite the extremely heavy competition - Zeltros is known as the planet of parties for a very good reason. I guess they had the ocean to thank, given that it was located by the beach. People could enjoy a nice drink and then take a dip in the ocean - what's not to love about that? Ryder's also one of the extremely few humans that worked in a Zeltron-owned club, which garnered some attention on its own.

The family which owned the establishment were truly grateful towards Ryder, since he put his heart into the occupation. How couldn't he? This was the first time he felt like his past didn't restrict him, and in fact he was doing great. He's tried bartending at other places before, like in Sacorria, but he never managed to do well... since most of the glasses he took a hold of broke by his touch. This didn't apply here, and it made him more charismatic than he usually was. He didn't have to feel cautious or distant, because he didn't feel like he was dangerous towards others. He felt like he could stay here forever.

As a show of gratitude, the family offered to let him spend his free day of the week at the hotel resort free of charge - they would pay for all of it. He would get to have a nice bed, plenty of food, and he'd get to watch the news for the first time in years. Who knew you could get excited over seeing the news broadcasted on a screen? Nevertheless, he had spent the first few hours doing something he loves - swimming. He had a whole day off, and the best time to swim is before the sun begins to set.

After drying himself off, he made sure to have a delicious meal at the hotel's restaurant. He hasn't gotten to eat anything savory in months, having resorted to dry and cheap foods given his lack of credits. He would've felt ashamed right now if it weren't for the pheromones intoxicating him with the pleasure of a tasty dinner, due to how uncourtly he was eating, akin to a starved animal. At leas the made sure to savor every bite - who knows when he'd get to eat something like this again.

Making way towards the reception, he was told which room he was supposed to go to. A hotel maid escorted him to the elevator and pressed the right floor. The woman glossed over him a few times as they went skywards towards one of the highest floors in the hotel, Ryder feeling her heart waver a tad. It made him feel uncomfortable for only a second, because he was getting used to it. He was working at a bar surrounded by Zeltrons, being looked and flirted at was inevitable, and constant. It's the silent admirations that he still wasn't quite used to yet.

When he reached the door, the maid curtsied before heading back to the reception. He entered the room and closed the door just as swift. He rolled his neck twice, clockwise and counter-clockwise. Still gazing at the door he just closed, his palms wandered to the buttons of the blue collared shirt he was wearing, undoing them one by one.

"And now I just get to be alone in a comfy bed - a dream come true." was his thought as he undid the last button of the shirt, prepared to take it off entirely... But he noticed something. He felt a heartbeat in the suite, and it wasn't his. With hesitation, he slowly turned his frame around, noticing the redheaded woman by the windowview of the room, with a seductive dress on.

... What?

---​

​

[member=Sukki Zoltak]

 

[Sukki Zoltak]

Sukki sat up as she heard the door to the suite open and then close. Her emerald eyes stared at the warmed teapot on the table as she waited for her client. A few footsteps and she could see that he was much taller than her. She watched with curiosity as he didn't seem as eager. The redhead stood up as he began to unbutton his shirt.

It seemed the handsome fellow finally noticed her presence.

The fire dancer bowed graciously. "Welcome. I have prepared the tea ceremony as requested before we move on to other festivities." When Sukki stood back to full height, her hues looked over the man. His features were chiseled giving him a rugged yet handsome face. He appeared to be around her age. The companion slowly approached him. She stopped just in front of him. Inches from his body. Her full lips slanted into a gracious smile. The redhead took his hand in both of hers and gently pulled him to the table. The dancer looked over her shoulder with a smoldering glance as they approached the table.

"Please, take a seat. Tell me about yourself." The Zeltron sat close to him and poured them each a glass of the red brew. It was sweet on the tongue. Almost a reminder of how sugary treats and candy tasted to a child. She smiled before taking a sip of her drink. She listened intently to what he had to say. Many of her clients only wanted someone to listen. Truly listen to them. So many were more focused on themselves, that they hardly heard what anyone else had to say.

"My name is Sukki. I will be your companion for the evening." She smiled again at him. "I know that you wanted a massage? And potentially something a bit more intimate?" The redhead leaned her frame against his for just a moment before retreating back and standing up from her seat. Sukki slowly moved to the master bedroom. It was spacious, even for a high-class suite. A massage table had been set up. Candles lined the edges of the room and incense burned to give the room a gentle perfume.

Sukki grabbed a towel from the table and gently motioned for her client to come to her. "I will assume you know what you need to do now. I'll leave you to undress. Call for me when you are ready." The dancer handed him the towel before leaving the bedroom. She had an odd feeling that something was amiss, but she couldn't figure it out. The Zeltron waited patiently for her client to ready himself.


[member="Ryder Zeshatt"]

 

[Kev'vazulan]

This is... bad.

His expression could only be described as... neutral, though his internal emotions were running amok. He had no idea that the family of the establishment had ordered a companion to the room. This is something he has never experienced befo-- Or did they? Could this be something else? There are some wealthy people in Sacorria that want him dead - who knows if this is not some attempt to have him killed off? He had to stay calm and just... play along, for now.

He merely nodded at her welcoming gesture, though noticed her approach, and her gentle hands moving to grab a hold of his. His were naturally larger, the skin more stiff akin to someone who works with lifting heavy objects. He wasn't used to being mere inches away from a woman, at least not whilst they were wearing something like... well, this. Her curves were clearly on display, which he couldn't help but take note whilst moving towards the supposed tea ceremony, specifically the motions of the hips. Taking note of her smoldering glance aswell, his only way of really responding to it - maybe because of the pheromones that filled the air of Zeltros, or the fact that she is genuinely attractive - was to bite against his own lower lip.

Taking his seat, his gaze followed the motions of her offering the red brew. Whilst listening to her words, he was brooding about what the contents could be in the drink. If his latter suspicion was true, could this be something poisonous? One of the few things his body was poor at handling were invasive liquids that effect the blood. Poison's a danger... But if he doesn't drink it, it could also cause a complication. He slowly moved the cup towards his lower lip, taking a sip of the sweet tea.

"I don't really have anything to share. I just work at the bar by the beach." and that was that. He was never really one for speaking of his own matters, since he was an individual who tended to care about others over himself. His tone was calm, though had a naturally dark pitch which matched his build, a build which was almost unnaturally fit, easily noticeable due to the shirt being unbuttoned. "And what's your name? Oh, Sukki." Wait, a massage? And something mo--

This is bad.

He followed the rhythmic motion of her leaning towards him, and then away, to get up on her feet. He looked over his shoulder at her moving towards the master bedroom, catching himself glaring at her hips again. "Snap out of it." he thought to himself. Noting the gesture of her hand, he got up from the seat and entered the master bedroom, feeling the aroma striking him right away. He felt the towel being placed in his hand and her leaving him so he could get changed in peace, but he couldn't exactly leave things unanswered.

He leant against the doorframe, before asking her, with the same calm tone as before; "What exactly did you mean by... Erm, more intimate?" his right eyebrow arched slightly up his forehead, his body language matching his thought; confusion. Is she suggesting intercourse? Not that he was against it or anyth--

Snap out of it, this is bad.

---​

[member=Sukki Zoltak]

 

[Sukki Zoltak]

Sukki watched his every movement diligently. His hands were a bit more callous than most wealthy men. Her thumb grazed his palm gently as they sat for tea. She nodded and smiled at his mention of working at a bar. Inwardly, she was shocked. How much did bartenders make at the beach? Or was that a front? Was he part of a criminal enterprise, wishing not to disclose his crimes to a companion? Most bragged about their exploits, but her client seemed a bit on edge.

The redhead looked into his hues searching for a soul or maybe the reason why this seemed so awkward. She reminded herself of her training. Not long from now she wouldn't have to rely on her den mother to make arrangements. The fire dancer realized she would have to have a discussion with Ella about filtering clients. Though, it was her fault. She should have been more careful and actually read his file.

The Zeltron couldn't help but smirk every time she caught him enjoying the curves of her body. She was her to delight the senses, in many different ways. After a brief and somewhat odd introduction, they moved into the bedroom, and the redhead gave the tall, handsome man some instructions before heading back to the living area to provide him with some privacy.

Sukki was deep in thought when she heard his voice. It caused her to jump and spin around on her heel. Her hair flung around with the movement of her body. "What?" The companion tried to regain her composure. She took a deep breath and gave a small smile. "I'm sorry. Do you wish to cancel the services? You already paid in full. Only some of your credits can be refunded." Her green eyes narrowed for a moment before she realized something. "Wait-"

Before the Zeltron could finish her sentence, the hotel door flung open. A maid was apologizing as noble from another planet entered. His hair was greying, he appeared to be a well decorated royal officer. The man was seething and yelling at the maid. "You gave my companion to someone else! What is wrong with this place! You'll all pay for this! I'm Duke Rider!"

Sukki was confused her head tilted for a moment before turning to her 'fake' client. "Oh Zala, you're not Duke Rider?" She closed the distance between them, giving him an accusatory stare. For a moment she forgot about the pompous royal in the doorway.

"You scoundrel! I purchased her- she is my property! You spoiled her!" Duke Rider roughly grabbed Sukki's arm. He pulled her away from the mysterious man. The companion grabbed his wrist and attempted to pull free. "Please refrain from touching me." Rider's face was red as he yelled at her. "That is what you are good for. That's why you are here."

Sukki's emerald hues narrowed at Duke. "I think your request was accepted in error. I will be refunding you all of your credits. But I have to ask you to leave." This only seemed to make Rider more enraged. "No. I paid and you give me my services. You are mine." He pulled her arm a bit more violently toward him. The redhead tried to pull away but couldn't. "A companion has the right to refuse at any time. Let me go, or there will be severe consequences!"


[member="Ryder Zeshatt"]

 

[Kev'vazulan]

Oh crap, she was actually hinting at that. Why else would she behave apologetically at the questioning? "No, no, it's fine, I'm not opposed to--" and he was interrupted by her Wait-, and then SHE was interrupted. He heard the screaming, his head poking out through the door of the bedroom gazing at the older man. He was clearly mad, and Ryder was even more confused now than he was before... but this puzzle was being solved, piece by piece, as the man rambled on.

So it wasn't even the family trying to give him a nice gesture. She wasn't trying to kill him - they simply misplaced Ryder due to their names being similar. That makes a whole lot of sense - but the man's behavior was... unpleasant, to say the least. It's not like Ryder had touched her up or done something inexcusable to her - in fact, he's not really done anything due to having been suspicious of her. His eyes met Sukki's when she asked him of his name. "Erm, no... It's Ryder. Ryder Zeshatt. I'm as far from a duke as it gets, really."

Now he felt bad. She was just doing her job, and he threw a lot of prejudice at her. She could probably tell that there was a tinge of guilt in the purple-blue eyes of Ryder, though they quickly wandered over towards this Duke Rider fellow. Noting that he was getting increasingly angry and accusative, Ryder tried his best to resolve the situation. "Look, sir, I had no idea, and I apologize. I--"

And then he got to see something which really unsettled him.

The man was trying to treat her as a form of property. Using physical force to try and bring her to his suite, which was probably the one at the uppermost floor. He was doing something that she was clearly unsettled by, something that he's never stood by. It's moments like these where he'd normally be anxiety-free - when he wouldn't exactly feel bad if he hurt someone.

Just as Sukki uttered the word 'consequences', she felt the grip around of her wrist being forcefully wrung away in an abrupt fashion. In fact, the entire frame of the man was forced out of the room through a fist which directly connected to the duke's face, the fist having wheezed past Sukki's shoulder. The man flew about thirty or so feet in the span of a second, slamming into the opposite wall of the corridor to the different suites, close to causing cracks against the teal-colored wall. The man was knocked out in an instant, and the maid looked at Ryder with a terrified expression, never having seen a man being that strong.

He kept it short. "Get him to his room - the concussion will no doubt make him forget about this. Say she got ill during her way here, so he'll be refunded." The maid, as scared as she was, complied to what Ryder had to say. "Oh, and don't tell this to the management." She nodded, carrying the Duke back to the suite on the top floor. Ryder glanced down at Sukki, looming over her given he was a fair bit taller than her, with a much broader physique. "You alright?"

---​

[member=Sukki Zoltak]

 

[Sukki Zoltak]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Sukki’s eyebrow arched at her client for the evening. Why was he questioning the arrangement? He requested and purchased the services… unless he had cold feet… or… there was some sort of mistake. The companion was about to question him and contact her den mother for verification when the hotel door flung open. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Things started to make a bit more sense, yet the man was shouting. Sukki gave the maid an empathetic look. This Duke Rider would have to be placed on the blacklist for this. It was unacceptable. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Before the Zeltron could address Rider, he grabbed her arm roughly. His mouth was spewing ignorant profanities as he became possessive. Sukki tried to pull away, but he was stronger than her. She attempted to politely end the altercation, but Duke continued by shouting and yanking her arm yet again. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Her fake client said his name was Ryder. The staff must have mistaken the names. Very similar. An easy mix-up. Still, Duke Rider seemed to become more and more enraged y the moment. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]The fire dancer had enough. She informed him on coming consequences. Sukki was contemplating what to do next when a muscular arm flung past her shoulder and straight into Duke. The angry, pompous man was sent flying through a wall. The power of the punch made her red strands blow in her face. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Sukki brushed her hair out of her face. Her green eyes were wide with astonishment at what had just happened. What was she supposed to do now? How was she going to explain this to her den mother? This surely would cost her in the end. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]She stood there for a moment as Ryder instructed the maid to clean up Duke and place him in bed. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]The redhead spun on her heel; her forefinger poked into Ryder’s massive chest. She looked up into his stupidly handsome face. “No. You can’t just-ugh! I can’t just have people knocking out my clients. He would have suffered far worse than just a punch to the face. His actions were inexcusable- he needs to be blacklisted.”[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]She wore an expression of anger and annoyance. Sukki flung her hands in the air and curse out loud as she began to pace in front of Ryder. “All I wanted was to go to the beach. To swim in the ocean. To deal with my client and enjoy from freedom. Is that too much to ask? Of course- of course, it is.”[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]The Zeltron could hear the maid cleaning up Duke and call for more staff to help carry the knocked-out man to his penthouse suite. Sukki shook her head before turning to face Ryder once again. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]“Why didn’t you say anything?” She crossed her arms in front of her chest and gave the man an accusatory glance over. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]She gave another sigh and with a small smirk. “Thank you.”[/SIZE]


[SIZE=10.5pt][member="Ryder Zeshatt"][/SIZE]

 

[Kev'vazulan]

Ryder still felt unsettled by the whole scenario when the maid closed the door to the suite. Even more-so when his concern was met with a scolding. His eyebrows furrowed as he was gazing down at the agitated Zeltron, since her reaction wasn't exactly what he was expecting. To be honest, he didn't really expect anything. Maybe a thank you? But her current actions were certainly uncalled for, at least in his eyes. "Hold up, are you saying I'M going to be the reason you get in trouble?" Ryder's arms rose up and overlapped one another below of his broad and exposed chest, moving in tandem with his breathing motions. She never said those words, but he could feel it - her entire body language practically screamed that she was going to face consequences. "What's better, you having to perform a forceful action against your own client, or having a stranger do it for you? It wasn't your decision, and you had - and still have - a damn good reason to refuse servicing him. I felt cameras in the hallway, we can simply talk to that maid again and see if we can get access to the footage before the end of the day. You'll have the audio to prove all of it, and you'll be just fine."

Ryder began to mutter a few words of frustration to himself, in an incoherent tone. He looked away from the Zeltron, partially because of his discomfort in regards to the conversation's topic, partially because she was a distraction and a very big one at that. He came to the suite having expected to be alone, meaning his guard was down. He ofcourse brought it back up, but it was a bit too late for it to matter. He wasn't immune to temptation, and the surprise factor of it all made it very difficult to stay calm in the midst of a heated argument. His heart was beating faster than normal from frustrations, but also the feeling of this... 'companion', just standing there in a revealing dress.

He turned his frame around to gaze towards the view of the ocean and the people enjoying festivities down below. He was listening to her words, every single one, gritting his teeth. "Well you can do that now, can't you? You don't need to deal with that Duke guy, meaning you've got plenty of hours. See it as a day off." He let out an exasperated sigh, the situation tiring him out a tad. How couldn't it - it turned his entire day upside down. From a calm and enjoyable moment to a chaotic misunderstanding. Ryder shook his head and rolled his shoulders backward, straightening his posture. Turning on his heels once more, he was intending on walking out.

He was going to return to his acquaintance's ship and sleep in the cargo room like he's been doing for well over a week. he was going to leave the keys to the suite and close the door behind of it, leaving her in there. Due to the misunderstanding, it meant that she didn't have a client - meaning that she didn't really have a room. He can't be having that, because she doesn't deserve having to book an entire suite for herself after going through all this problem and discomfort. It was his natural instinct, trying to make the people of his surroundings feel better.

As he was about to walk, she stepped forward again, being accusatory. His eyes squinted in further frustration, but it wasn't out of malice. Rather, it was a frustration based off the fact that it felt as if the blame was simply being shifted over to him. He explained calmly, though, as if he had full control over his composure, though anyone who could read body languages could understand that he didn't. Especially since he couldn't really gaze at her, knowing that violetblue gaze would have a hard time not gazing below by her bosom and hips. He was extremely easy to read when caught off-guard and flustered. "Because I thought it was something my emloyers had arranged." he said, no tinge of a lie being felt in those words. "They gave me the room to sleep in and enjoy my day in because of my hard work. I figured when you mentioned the massage that it was something they were paying for, since they said that it was 'all about making you feel relaxed and appreciated'."

Placing his left palm against her right hip, he used it as a light leverage to move around of her and towards the exit of her room. Whilst it wasn't the right time to be thinking about things like this, the thought of enjoying the feeling of her hip was pretty inevitable in a place like Zeltros, with a pretty woman like Sukki, and an exposed man like Ryder was. He turned around when he was about a pace or two from the door, gazing over towards her. "The room's yours for the rest of the day, it's the least I can offer after all of this bulls--" Interrupted by her saying thanks, his entire build relaxed. His breathing slowed down, and he couldn't help offering a small smile in return.

"... Yeah, no worries. Better him getting hurt than you."

---​

​

[member=Sukki Zoltak]

 

[Sukki Zoltak]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Maybe Sukki was overacting a bit, but she was so close to being able to go freelance and not have to rely on her Den Mother anymore. This might just plunge her further down and cause more time to be added. It wasn’t Ryder’s fault… rather just unfortunate circumstances. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]The fire dancer’s green eyes rolled. “Yes and no. You don’t understand. This- it’s just- it’s complicated.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]She watched as he crossed his arms in front of him. Sukki knew body language very well. He was distancing himself, from her and the blame. The redhead shook her head in dismay at Ryder’s words. “Of course not. Companions don’t put up with that. It’s never okay. But- you…”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Sukki chewed on her bottom lip. He just wouldn’t understand. How could he?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]“As I said- it’s complicated.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]The Companion didn’t know whether to cry, scream or laugh. She had to keep her emotions to herself. Hidden away, but something about this man brought out a spark she hadn’t seen in a while. There was a reason Ella, her Den Mother, had pushed Sukki into fire dancing. Not many of the companions learned it. There were danger and beauty in it. Something the redhead took to very quickly. She was a spark as a child. It was still there, hidden away, under layers and layers of Companion training. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]She sighed as it seemed that, yet another man was enraged at her this evening. Though Ryder quickly settled into exasperation and graciously offered the room. Her emerald eyes watched as he rolled his massive shoulders and postured. The fake client looked like he was about to leave but stopped when she asked her question. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]There was something heartfelt about him. She searched his face and was satisfied with his answer. At the mention of the massage and the mistake, Sukki gave a muffled laugh under a smirk. To her surprise, the man gently pushed her to the side by the hip. Her skin tingled, and even as she turned around, she could still feel the warmth of his hand on her side. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]“Wait- please…” The Zeltron ran toward Ryder and stopped just in front of him like before. “Mr. Zeshatt. I would like to repay your kindness. I’m willing to exchange the massage if you’d be willing to take me to the beach. And go swimming with me. I don’t want to go alone. I haven’t had contact with anyone outside of clients and other companions in so long.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]The Zeltron gently took his hand both of hers. “I promise not to take advantage of you.” She smirked and laughed. “But this room is plenty big enough for both of us… please. Stay and take me to the ocean.”[/SIZE]


[member="Ryder Zeshatt"]

 

[Kev'vazulan]

Ofcourse he understood that it was complicated - he could feel her as if she was an extension of his own body, and he was empathic to the fact that there was a huge struggle. He just didn't want to highlight it himself. He didn't want her to feel like she was being pitied, because that is an emotion none could feel comfortable about. That's why he took his own emotions into account, so that he wouldn't focus solely on her. Feeling others over himself is a bad habit that he has. She clearly comes from a background that has a lot of unpretty sides to it - he got to see one of them just recently with the Duke's demeanor.

Though he didn't really know how to interpret the muffled laughter. He knew it wasn't with any ill intent, he could feel that much. Whilst he was capable of understanding the body's language, he couldn't read thoughts. It sounded positive, almost innocent - meaning that it wasn't one that was signalling the words you're stupid or something along those lines. He felt her reaction to the touch against her hip, his own fingers getting the same tingling sensation by default. The sensation running up from the tips of his fingers gave him an understanding that there was some attraction involved on her end, an attraction that wasn't a silhouette - a bodily reaction like that can't be forced.

Her request, compared to the other signals he picked up, was like seeing what could breach a wall better: a wrecking ball or a rock the size of a palm. It was a clear mixture of emotions from her end, and it made him bite the inside of his left cheek, processing all of it. Air flared out of his nostril as if mentally preparing himself to answer her request, though he froze up when he felt his right palm being embraced by hers.

How can someone say they won't take advantage of you and then smirk?

Whilst mentioning the room's big for both of them.

Tease.

Clearing his throat whilst his teeth gritted together from left to right, he spoke with a softer tone than when he first entered the room. "I don't mind accompanying you to the beach... Though I'll have to skip the massage, and it's not because I don't believe your word." She could probably read between the lines - unlike a lot of men, he's not afraid of admitting his flaws and weaknesses, this being in regards to restraining himself. Whilst his acuity can be seen as a blessing by many, it also makes it harder to resist impulses. Far more difficult. And he didn't want to risk indulging in something she wouldn't like. "I guess the room is big enough if I rest by the sofa instead on the bed."

---​

[member=Sukki Zoltak]

 

[Sukki Zoltak]

[SIZE=10.5pt]She softly squeezed his hand in her own. Sukki knew she couldn’t force him to stay or take her to the ocean. Ryder punched another man threw a wall. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]The Companion may have been teasing him, but she would be true to her word. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]It seemed he was a bit affected by the mild flirting, which only caused her smile to grow bigger. It wasn’t very often that the redhead got to let loose and not have to live up to the high standards of being a Companion. This was a chance at a taste of life outside all the pomp and circumstances. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]She gingerly released his hand. “Thank you!” Sukki frowned at his next statement. No massage? The Zeltron looked into his eyes with an expression of curiosity and hurt. “Is it that you don’t find me appealing?”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]The redhead would let him stammer over himself for a bit before bursting into laughter. “Your loss then. Let me grab my swimsuit.” Sukki rushed off into the master bedroom and threw on her swimwear and a loose coverup before rushing back out to Ryder. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Sukki shrugged. “I think there might be another bedroom back there- and this sofa might pull out of something. I don’t know. We can figure it out when we get back.” The Companion sprinted to the door and flung it open. She turned around with a big smile. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]“Come on! Let’s go!” She impatiently waited for him at the door. “Such a big man should be able to move a bit faster.”[/SIZE]


[member="Ryder Zeshatt"]

 

[Kev'vazulan]

He guessed he wasn't going to escape the flirtacious nature of hers any time soon. He felt like he was direct enough as it was with his previous comment, but she managed to make a suggestive question that would make him have to either compliment her appearance or explain himself more thoroughly. Either way, it wasn't something he enjoyed thinking about, since he didn't want to make it seem like he was focused on her exterior - but at the same time, showing his weakness isn't any fun. Whils the's fearless of it, it was still obnoxious and uncomfortable, something he didn't mind avoiding if he had to.

But he felt like he should explain himself in a thorough manner, though at the ssame time not giving her an impression that there was something wrong with her per say.

"No... no, that's not the case at all." He stammered slightly and tried to express it in a 'chill' way, though that was hard for someone like Ryder. "You look good. Great, actually. A bit too good - which is why I can't accept it." His gaze wandered away from her facial features, his left palm moving to the back of his head, scratching the scalp of his recently dried hair. "Whilst you can guarantee that you won't do anything bad, i can't. If there's one thing I cannot guarantee, it's self-control."

There, he said it in the rawest form he could think of without sounding horrible. Watching he rmake way towards the bedroom to get changed, he let out a small sigh and leant his back against the wall, not far from the exit. He looked up at the roof momentarily, not sure why the day had to take such a drastic turn. The chaotic side of the event had simmered down into a controlled scenario, but that didn't mean his mood had been saved. He was going to hide it, though, because he felt like she could use the next few hours to simply relax and not worry. Ryder being a debbie-downer wouldn't relieve her thoughts in the slightest.

Whilst Sukki was getting changed in the other room, he was changing in order to wear a pair of black swimming trunks, though kept the buttoned-up shirt on so that he wouldn't be walking shirtless through the large establishment. The trunks were already somewhat damp from his previous dip in the ocean, sending him shivers up his spine. Gritting his teeth and steeling his resolve, he managed to keep a straight-face when she came back. "You could be right, we could check it out n-- Or later, yeah. That works."

He took a hold of a pair of sunglasses from his travelling bag, before grinning at her comment in regards to his speed. He put them up to cover his eyes, knowing that the sun wouldn't be setting for at least another hour and a half, and it'll be facing the sand rather than the ocean, so it'll be in one's field of vision. "Tsch, strong doesn't mean fast." he said in a jesting manner, before following her towards the exit.

---​

[member=Sukki Zoltak]