( bollocks. she didn't think about that. if she still had access to her magic she'd teleport to him and bring him back with her but currently-- )
I'll meet you at the checkpoint.
( since that was still in effect. she sounds a little pressed about it but that's the state of the city rather than him. at least it would make her leave her apartment for the day even if just to pick him up there )
( oh wade. there's a very good reason but she doesn’t want to talk about it. which is why rowena chooses to double down rather than try to lie about it )
The checkpoint.
( a slightly sharper look, almost daring him to ask again. if he wants a job )
[ Okay, then! He knows when to blink. He just doesn't always know when to zip it. ]
Be there in 15 minutes.
[ And he's there in 10. Dressed head to toe in the tactical suit, replete with all of his weapons. Two katanas on his back, two desert eagles at his hips. Mask on, because no one can deny the intimidation factor. He scans the crowd at the checkpoint, hunting for a familiar redhead. He doesn't have a reason to wonder if she's telling the truth, but he has a sort of nose for danger, he knows something is off. It's nothing like Spidey sense, just the way he knew that someone was creeping in on him and Vanessa moments before they broke into their apartment.
This is no time to dwell on that. He gives his head a little shake, fucking focus. ]
( even though rowena has less distance to travel she's there at the fifteen minute mark (closer to seventeen), careful look through those crossing the checkpoint for... his suit, slower steps on her final approach and (mentally) taking a deep breath. though rowena's always played a careful game, having spent centuries building herself into the woman she wants to be perceived as, she feels an extra level of caution without her magic. make everything seem normal.
which is why her blouse had long sleeves to hide the cuffs, and her attitude is easily pressed out, the mutual disdain for the guards even more present in her.
it's certainly why once she's there, after giving the guards a hard look, she rests her hand on his arm, as if intending to lead him away, a dominant collecting her submissive )
[ By the time she finds him, he's been whiling away the minutes by sitting on a fence, kicking his legs like he's four. He hops down the moment he sets those vacant, lifeless white eyes on her. Something, however, feels a little off. He can't quite place it. ]
I'll say. [ Laughter bubbles out of him briefly, but he takes one look at the expression she's wearing and he asks a question once they're out of earshot of the guards. ]
What's going on, mamacita? If you're worried about being seen out with me in this thing —
[ Wade, god, it's not always about you and your looks! ]
Instead of parading you around like a naked puppy?
( though the tease is there, that friendlier nature spawned from their first meeting, the lightness lacks a little, and wade's right to think that something's wrong with her.
but she shrugs it off, or at least tries to, slowly leading him back in the direction of the apartments )
[ That answer seems to satisfy Wade's curiosity, so he doesn't press the matter further. Instead, he's happily chirping away at another topic, a little bounce in his step. ]
Pet play! Never done that one before!
[ It's actually terrifying to think of. But also some part of him is a little excited about the fact that thought came to her so easily. ]
Can I suggest we dip our collective toes in that kink with a limited audience? I'm feeling shy.
( she'll amend it herself because whilst she does and will easily engage in kink she doesn't need most of it public. especially if she's going to fuck him. she likes fun not humiliation.
there's a light squeeze at his elbow, maybe intended at being reassuring )
I prefer keeping it to my bedroom... the apartment.
( because really she's not picky about where inside that space )
[ Hypersexualized to hell and back again, Wade might want to be a little more careful about how often he twists things sexual. This city has a habit of taking that very literally. ]
That's civilized of you!
[ He giggles as he feels the gentle squeeze on his arm and he puts a gloved hand over her hand with a friendly flourish. ]
So where does the bodyguard schtick play in? Or was that just way of luring me in? Not for nothing, but you seem like you can handle yourself pretty well on your ownsies.
Not a lure, and whilst magic can do many things there are still some areas that... I'm not skilled.
( such as if something happens when she's without her magic. or if someone manages to restrain her in some way. it's hard to cast a spell when you can't cast it.
also, as intimidating as she can be in the right circumstances it's always helpful to have other options on that. let them underestimate her, see the muscle, and then realise they should have been terrified of her when she steps in. her favourite )
It could be a little of all three, depending on the day and what I'd need you to do. I might not need your services every day... or I might.
( maybe some days she'd get him as a nice little escort, keep her company as she does errands over the city even if she doesn't need a bodyguard. by the end of that first night she was more fond of his mouth than at the start )
[ She's sharp, but of course when you've lived as long and storied a life as Rowena has, you pick up on a boatload of survival skills and no shortage of trauma, no doubt. It's smart of her to keep others guessing, distracted, or otherwise unaware of what she's really capable of. Wade doesn't know, but he's had enough of a taste to know she's pretty formidable.
It's hot as fuck. ]
Sounds like you're looking for something a little more... long-term than a day trip. Are we negotiating?
[ This is one of those rare moments Wade goes quiet. He's not comfortable with the idea of a contract, after some of the stories he's heard at the Abyss. When submissives get a little too deep in their cups and start describing the exploitative lifestyles of the rich and dominant. One bone-chilling requirement written into one was to remain nude at all times. Not all stories were bad, of course, but selling yourself for partial rights and stuff is still pretty fucked up, even when you're Deadpool. ]
So this is — what, an interview? A test drive?
[ He keeps his tone light, but there are plenty of things he needs and he's really only felt the pinch when he's not asking for help, and lately he feels like that's all he's been doing. ]
A conversation. Though I can ask you as I did before if you prefer.
( a truer smile forms on her now. he had enjoyed it, and though rowena had considered some nudity when she'd gotten him to hers she'd thought of something else. sometimes a girl just wanted to get fucked, and his mouth had been wonderful before )
I'm... offering a job. You'd be able to do other work when I didn't need you.
( there's more to it but those aren't rowena's stipulations: having to live with her was a mandate by the city, and she wasn't certain how she felt about that )
[ Wade's masked face fixes on her, alert. He remembers that vividly, every searing hot moment branded on his cancerous brain. His shoulders twinge with the memory of his arms locked behind his back by some invisible source, the way she tasted, the way he melted to her mouth.
He swallows so hard that his collar jiggles. He gives his head a little shake. Focus. ]
That's it? No weird uniforms or curfew?
[ Or lack of clothes? Listen, he's self-conscious about his body. ]
( though that's just her own demand, nothing for the contract. naked for sex, please )
And whilst other clothes would suit you... if you prefer to wear that as a mercenary it's likely effective.
( and she accepts it's probably longer lasting than any other clothing would be. she's not replacing all of that. but she does rub at his arm slightly, reassuring. even if she hadn't commented or reacted to his body she understands what he's asking
though he probably can note her avoidance of the other question )
[ Wade waits a long time for the rest of those answers and receives on long ellipse in response. After a while, his head cants to the side somewhat sassy. ]
...Shit. Can I at least have people over?
[ He is somewhat placated by the touch, though, one he meets with the tips of his fingers on her hand. But he's from New York, trust isn't exactly offered up simply because he's getting the kind of attention he desperately craves.
Okay. Maybe a little. ]
So wait, you're gonna provide for my ass just to be your live-in bodyguard? That's it. Nothing else?
( it's gently said and she pauses as they enter the lobby of the apartments, pressing the call button for the elevator before facing him a little more )
But house rules are not contract rules, one is a verbal agreement, a trust in both of us, the other is stipulated.
( since they have to sign it and she's not putting house rules in the contract, those are things she'd deal with herself rather than force him into. she's agreeable over forceful and the feeling she had of him was that he wouldn't overstep a boundary intentionally. not on personal things )
So... effectively yes. You'll be my live-in bodyguard. Any other job you have is acceptable if you're available when I need you, and the money you earn is yours.
( though if he ever was short on anything she'd help him out, especially since her "paying" him was... undecided what and how yet )
[ As in something he can get away with vs what he can't without being in breach of contract. Another button to push his luck on. ]
Alright. Where's my carrot? What do I get out of all of this?
[ Besides the fact that he actually likes Rowena, he's a merc at heart. He knows he can't do shit without a Dominant writing the checks, but seeing as they're negotiating an on-call gig with him taking up residence in Rowena's abode, he knows such agreements won't always be around or with so much flexibility. ]
And what happens if you call and I'm balls-deep in something else?
( and she'd argue the sex but that she'd have with him regardless. she does ignore his second question though, figuring they can negotiate that more on an agreement. it would be situational, though she expected she'd know when the day starts whether or not she'd want him rather than choosing later in the day )
Dunno, an allowance? A bodyguard is only as good as his equipment — [ He starts ticking them off, extending a finger for each one. ] We're talkin' ammo, performance-enhancing substances, fun time substances, bail-out funds... I could go on.
[ He makes a sweeping gesture with his hand, does he really need to elaborate? He has no idea what he's talking about. He's only been here what, a day? ]
What's something only you can give me? I'm thinking something witchy, but none of that curse shit. I've got enough of that already.
[ The possibilities are certainly interesting. He's got front-row tickets to what she's capable of, so that gives him a lot of food for thought. More importantly, it makes Rowena a very attractive option above other Dominants. He's warming to the thought. ]
Oooh. That's compelling.
[ Wade wonders if she's able to get him his skin back. That's a thrilling thought, but almost too good to be true, he's almost afraid to ask. ]
What about my skin, is there a way you can bring my looks back?
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I'll meet you at the checkpoint.
( since that was still in effect. she sounds a little pressed about it but that's the state of the city rather than him. at least it would make her leave her apartment for the day even if just to pick him up there )
If I know when you'll be there.
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Checkpoint, okay. Uh, any reason you can't just zip-zap me like you did before?
Maybe put one of those spells on me that let me teleport directly or something?
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The checkpoint.
( a slightly sharper look, almost daring him to ask again. if he wants a job )
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Be there in 15 minutes.
[ And he's there in 10. Dressed head to toe in the tactical suit, replete with all of his weapons. Two katanas on his back, two desert eagles at his hips. Mask on, because no one can deny the intimidation factor. He scans the crowd at the checkpoint, hunting for a familiar redhead. He doesn't have a reason to wonder if she's telling the truth, but he has a sort of nose for danger, he knows something is off. It's nothing like Spidey sense, just the way he knew that someone was creeping in on him and Vanessa moments before they broke into their apartment.
This is no time to dwell on that. He gives his head a little shake, fucking focus. ]
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which is why her blouse had long sleeves to hide the cuffs, and her attitude is easily pressed out, the mutual disdain for the guards even more present in her.
it's certainly why once she's there, after giving the guards a hard look, she rests her hand on his arm, as if intending to lead him away, a dominant collecting her submissive )
We have a lot to talk about.
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I'll say. [ Laughter bubbles out of him briefly, but he takes one look at the expression she's wearing and he asks a question once they're out of earshot of the guards. ]
What's going on, mamacita? If you're worried about being seen out with me in this thing —
[ Wade, god, it's not always about you and your looks! ]
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( though the tease is there, that friendlier nature spawned from their first meeting, the lightness lacks a little, and wade's right to think that something's wrong with her.
but she shrugs it off, or at least tries to, slowly leading him back in the direction of the apartments )
I have no fondness for the guards.
( as if they're just an inconvenience )
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Pet play! Never done that one before!
[ It's actually terrifying to think of. But also some part of him is a little excited about the fact that thought came to her so easily. ]
Can I suggest we dip our collective toes in that kink with a limited audience? I'm feeling shy.
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( she'll amend it herself because whilst she does and will easily engage in kink she doesn't need most of it public. especially if she's going to fuck him. she likes fun not humiliation.
there's a light squeeze at his elbow, maybe intended at being reassuring )
I prefer keeping it to my bedroom... the apartment.
( because really she's not picky about where inside that space )
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That's civilized of you!
[ He giggles as he feels the gentle squeeze on his arm and he puts a gloved hand over her hand with a friendly flourish. ]
So where does the bodyguard schtick play in? Or was that just way of luring me in? Not for nothing, but you seem like you can handle yourself pretty well on your ownsies.
What am I? Lookout? Deterrent? Agent of chaos?
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( such as if something happens when she's without her magic. or if someone manages to restrain her in some way. it's hard to cast a spell when you can't cast it.
also, as intimidating as she can be in the right circumstances it's always helpful to have other options on that. let them underestimate her, see the muscle, and then realise they should have been terrified of her when she steps in. her favourite )
It could be a little of all three, depending on the day and what I'd need you to do. I might not need your services every day... or I might.
( maybe some days she'd get him as a nice little escort, keep her company as she does errands over the city even if she doesn't need a bodyguard. by the end of that first night she was more fond of his mouth than at the start )
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Oooh, exciting.
[ She's sharp, but of course when you've lived as long and storied a life as Rowena has, you pick up on a boatload of survival skills and no shortage of trauma, no doubt. It's smart of her to keep others guessing, distracted, or otherwise unaware of what she's really capable of. Wade doesn't know, but he's had enough of a taste to know she's pretty formidable.
It's hot as fuck. ]
Sounds like you're looking for something a little more... long-term than a day trip. Are we negotiating?
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( a little hum of confirmation and she leads them around a corner onto the street where the apartments are )
Something more long-term would make it simpler... to retain your skills and give you options.
( and even if she didn't contract him she'd certainly contact him whenever she required him. and if she did... she'd do the same when it ran out )
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So this is — what, an interview? A test drive?
[ He keeps his tone light, but there are plenty of things he needs and he's really only felt the pinch when he's not asking for help, and lately he feels like that's all he's been doing. ]
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( a truer smile forms on her now. he had enjoyed it, and though rowena had considered some nudity when she'd gotten him to hers she'd thought of something else. sometimes a girl just wanted to get fucked, and his mouth had been wonderful before )
I'm... offering a job. You'd be able to do other work when I didn't need you.
( there's more to it but those aren't rowena's stipulations: having to live with her was a mandate by the city, and she wasn't certain how she felt about that )
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He swallows so hard that his collar jiggles. He gives his head a little shake. Focus. ]
That's it? No weird uniforms or curfew?
[ Or lack of clothes? Listen, he's self-conscious about his body. ]
Aren't I supposed to live with you 24/7?
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( though that's just her own demand, nothing for the contract. naked for sex, please )
And whilst other clothes would suit you... if you prefer to wear that as a mercenary it's likely effective.
( and she accepts it's probably longer lasting than any other clothing would be. she's not replacing all of that. but she does rub at his arm slightly, reassuring. even if she hadn't commented or reacted to his body she understands what he's asking
though he probably can note her avoidance of the other question )
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...Shit. Can I at least have people over?
[ He is somewhat placated by the touch, though, one he meets with the tips of his fingers on her hand. But he's from New York, trust isn't exactly offered up simply because he's getting the kind of attention he desperately craves.
Okay. Maybe a little. ]
So wait, you're gonna provide for my ass just to be your live-in bodyguard? That's it. Nothing else?
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( it's gently said and she pauses as they enter the lobby of the apartments, pressing the call button for the elevator before facing him a little more )
But house rules are not contract rules, one is a verbal agreement, a trust in both of us, the other is stipulated.
( since they have to sign it and she's not putting house rules in the contract, those are things she'd deal with herself rather than force him into. she's agreeable over forceful and the feeling she had of him was that he wouldn't overstep a boundary intentionally. not on personal things )
So... effectively yes. You'll be my live-in bodyguard. Any other job you have is acceptable if you're available when I need you, and the money you earn is yours.
( though if he ever was short on anything she'd help him out, especially since her "paying" him was... undecided what and how yet )
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Noted.
[ As in something he can get away with vs what he can't without being in breach of contract. Another button to push his luck on. ]
Alright. Where's my carrot? What do I get out of all of this?
[ Besides the fact that he actually likes Rowena, he's a merc at heart. He knows he can't do shit without a Dominant writing the checks, but seeing as they're negotiating an on-call gig with him taking up residence in Rowena's abode, he knows such agreements won't always be around or with so much flexibility. ]
And what happens if you call and I'm balls-deep in something else?
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( and she'd argue the sex but that she'd have with him regardless. she does ignore his second question though, figuring they can negotiate that more on an agreement. it would be situational, though she expected she'd know when the day starts whether or not she'd want him rather than choosing later in the day )
What would you offer?
( or ask for )
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Dunno, an allowance? A bodyguard is only as good as his equipment — [ He starts ticking them off, extending a finger for each one. ] We're talkin' ammo, performance-enhancing substances, fun time substances, bail-out funds... I could go on.
[ He makes a sweeping gesture with his hand, does he really need to elaborate? He has no idea what he's talking about. He's only been here what, a day? ]
What's something only you can give me? I'm thinking something witchy, but none of that curse shit. I've got enough of that already.
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( because she'll assume as his dominant that would be her job rather than him paying for it.
she lets quiet fall over the elevator as it travels up to her floor, considering what she'd be willing to offer him )
If performance enhancing is what you're looking for we could discuss what exactly you want... and I could provide a spell for that.
( something semi-permanent or a hex bag for him to keep with him )
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Oooh. That's compelling.
[ Wade wonders if she's able to get him his skin back. That's a thrilling thought, but almost too good to be true, he's almost afraid to ask. ]
What about my skin, is there a way you can bring my looks back?
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I may be able to.
( as far as rowena knows she can heal anything. she healed amara and she was a cosmic being )
We can discuss that more if we make an agreement.
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