sheening | inbox. duplicity.

Of course. I never mind cooking for us or bringing home takeout, but I know Pietro eats most of it anyway. Something to do with how fast he is.

But being able to stand on my own and do things for myself made me feel like I had more agency here.

I shall be home before 5.

That does give new meaning to eating due to boredom.

I would sincerely appreciate knowing more, having some set of skills beyond starting the stove to heat water for tea.

And so shall I. I will see you soon, Eloise.

I think it is somehow his body. Like he is always hungry. I swear I cannot go a single meal or even a snack without him stealing some from me.

See you soon.

[She finished her work early, stopping at a store for some fresh fish, vegetables, and wine. Eloise knows they are going to talk a lot, so she grabs a second bottle for them to drink and not just cook with. Then she is on her way back toward the suburbs where she lives, making it there as she she said before 5.

Opening the door, she calls out.]

Daphne?! [At least she is not telling her she must make haste.]

I don't suppose he is inclined to ask before snatching up a bit of whatever you are having, either.

[ She smiles at that though, a tiny jab but teasing, feeling like she knows it simply must be the case.

Daphne returned home earlier, coming down the stairs, finding Eloise and reaching to grab some of what she's carrying to help cart it to the kitchen. ] Eloise.

[ She's curious, peeking in to find the vegetables and smiling sweetly. ] Did you have a good day?

[ As for anything specific they may discuss that's anything other than small talk, sisterly chatting, she simply has no idea. She's been on the receiving end of misfires and had some sent out on her behalf, some having more interesting internal developments piquing her intrigue. Nothing she thinks to talk about to Eloise, though! ]

[Eloise, of course, has an entire agenda planned after talking to Jack about the things that were discussed. Part of her wonders if this is how Anthony felt with her when she still new so little. It feels like a lifetime ago now, but she hopes she can be of help and not be too annoyed. Eloise is hardly a good teacher, but she will really try.

Daphne takes one of the bags, and she heads into the kitchen, already pulling out the wine.]

Are you hungry? I got some fish. This is a fairly easy recipe I would make last summer often, and you can pair it with loads of things. I have rice, but you can do pasta or some sort of sauteed veggies.

[But she's already uncorking that wine, going for two glasses above the sink.]

[ Daphne sets the bag of veggies down, following along with Eloise. She nods. ]

That sounds lovely. And the vegetables look delicious. Let's make it with them.

[ Her brows lift as her sister grabs two glasses and starts to pour wine into them. ]

You are eager to have a drink, are you?

[ Blissfully unaware of Eloise having had any sort of conversation with Jack, all smiles and beaming, waiting for any instruction on how to help with the cooking, but happy to take one of the glasses to take a slow sip. ]

[She gives a nod as she starts moving through the kitchen, happy to help her sister. The wine glass gets set down as she's pulling out some knives, a board, and some pans.]

You need something sharp to cut with, a board as to not ruin the counters, and a frying pan. We can start with adding a little oil to the pan and some of this garlic-- [She moves to the fridge to grab some already chopped.]

This is how you turn on the stove. [She proceeds to show her before she goes for the bag of vegetables.] Will you wash the vegetables, and I can start with the fish. I had the market cut some pieces for us.

[At the mention of her wine, she looks back at it. Well yes. There is more of a point to this.]

How are you doing here? I know adjusting to all of the advancements here is not always easy. Cooking certainly helps. [But it's not just that.] And I know there is more to quota...

[Is that a good ice breaker without her being too obvious? She's squinting at her wine glass and swallowing. Whoever thought that Eloise would be the one to attempt to give out knowledge and advise on sex? Not her.]

[ Listening intently, Daphne watches with interest, desiring to follow along closely so she can commit as much to memory as possible. It is odd to see one of her siblings handling so much work in the kitchen, but they've gotta do what they gotta do without servants.

She comes in behind Eloise to watch how to turn the stove on, brows popping high. The appliances are so different, but she can't help to wonder if it's as simple to do that at home as it seems to be here. Turning with a light nod, she brings the bag with vegetables in it to the sink, taking them out slowly, awkwardly as if she's not held a piece of food before. They're simply raw ingredients though, and she's eaten raw veggies plenty of times in her life!

So, she turns on the faucet, pulling out a crown of broccoli, running it under cool water, brow furrowing as she looks down at its florets, squinting, about to ask Eloise when you could tell that it was clean. Perhaps it was simply a matter of time rather than scrubbing, the green vegetable bright and smattered with droplets as she shuts the water off, shaking it (seems like the right thing to do) and splashing some water on her dress, all while she hears her sister continue to speak.

Her upper body turns slightly, looking over her shoulder. ] It is...difficult, but every day does feel better. [ She straightens, opening a drawer, finding a clean towel and setting the broccoli on it, next finding some yellow squash in the bag. She turns it over in hand, sizing up how to approach what she knows is a thinner skin. Not at all like a root vegetable, so she turns the water back on, rubbing the pads of her fingers over it to brush splotches of dirt away.

Washing the vegetables, it turns out, is not so complex a task! ] More to it? [ To quota, a word she uses only when absolutely necessary.

The squash joins the broccoli, water turning off, and she brings the towel with her as she stands next to Eloise at the counter, setting it and the clean veggies down, eyeing her own handiwork for a moment, furrowed brows then looking up to her sister. ] What do you mean?

[She continues starting to add to the pan, waiting for it to heat up a little. Eloise watches her instead then, seeing as she washes the vegetables figuring that it is easy enough to do.]

The sauce itself is easy. Some butter, some wine, some lemon. The fish cooks quickly, and then we add it. Top with some fresh herbs. The vegetables get some oil, garlic, and the same herbs. Ties it all together, and that is it. The oven-- [She gestures to the top of the stove to show the settings.] I am not always sure about the degrees, but 400 was the recipe I had always used. It will beep when it reaches that temperature.

[Modern marvels. What a thing. Eloise starts on the sauce then, adding a good amount of butter first to the pan first before inhaling and looking back at her sister.

Oh God. Another drink as she looks at her.]

You know it is more than just quota. I mean it should be, yes? [She clears her throat.] What one likes. Desires, preferences. It can be just as fun to explore those. With someone you trust to respect your boundaries of course.

[ Daphne commits as much of this to memory as she can, nodding with a deeply set expression of interest. Her gaze slips to the oven, blinking once at the digital lights. She doesn't admit to not paying those numbers any attention until today, blush creeping onto her cheeks but she nods it away. ] There is so much here to facilitate greater ease, is there not?

[ Her own wine glass is sitting next to the sink, temporarily forgotten as she's intent on learning about the preparation of a meal.

Her forehead creases as Eloise starts to speak once more, brows knitting just so at the sound in her throat. She'd prefer to continue making eye contact, but the pattern on the counter suddenly draws her attention. Is that a flicker of silver? An indentation, an imperfection? No? Perhaps the flowers outside need watering.

More color has risen on her face, on her neck, but she can't look away from her sister forever. So, gray eyes slide back to meet Eloise's. ] Why? I mean. Is there a reason you are bringing this up? Now? I... [ her head shakes faintly in disbelief. She's not annoyed or frustrated, not a hint of upset. She's just confused. They haven't had a conversation like this since the first day that Daphne had been in the city.

It's clear that she's survived so far, yes? Has not been reprimanded by the powers that be. Is this something that a Dominant simply must do at some point? Check in? Make sure their Submissive is behaving?

Daphne uncomfortably clears her throat, eyes dancing across the space between where they stand and the other half of the kitchen where she spots her wine. That, she needs that. She goes to reach for it, putting only a small distance between them, taking a long drink. ]

Are you...concerned? About me? [ It's what she must settle on, the only answer that makes any sense. Right? ]

[All of Eloise's attention goes to the food the moment her sister starts looking around at something else to focus on. Clearly they are both well equipped for this conversation. She isn't sure how Anthony did not combust when Eloise had been asking him at all of her questions. This is not exactly easy, and she moves to making the sauce and chopping the herbs.]

Oh-- no. [She will not tell her about the conversation she had with Jack. She wants this to seem more natural.]

You have been here for several weeks now, and I remember what it was like to feel so overwhelmed with all this information. The city likes to throw kinks at us, and sometimes if we do not know things, it can make things difficult. And well-- you have not asked me anything, so I was thinking-- [She gestures openly, pressing her lips together.]

You know, if there is anything you may have-- questions about. I would like to be open with you, since Mama never was with us. And I wish for you to be safe here. You see-- I jumped into things too quickly, and it can often have bad results to do it that way.

[ as eloise starts to chop, daphne moves near her, finding a cutting board, selecting close to the same size of knife that her sister chops with. she shifts back, setting the board down, bringing the squash over first, looking at it with a furrowing brow.

she is listening, yes, but it's impossible to continue making eye contact when her cheeks are now pink. she decides that the ends of the vegetable should come off, slicing them accordingly, awkwardly. slowly, as a child learning motor skills. she's careful though, turning the squash to cut it sideways into rounds.

questions, ah. she swallows, nodding, completing half the task of cutting up the squash and setting the knife down to turn to eloise. ]

I have...been exceptionally slow, Eloise. I have jumped into nothing. [ her voice is desperate, the words cutting at herself rather than a jab at eloise. ] Certainly there is a quicker pace one might go. But I have been with...two? People. [ while she's been under an aphrodisiac, but she neglects to add that. ]

Of course I have questions. But. I... [ her voice falters, small sound of disgruntlement leaving her throat. ] Barely know how to ask them, what words to even use.

How did you survive this place? Not even knowing how, how to communicate what might be on your mind. I feel like a child who is living on a different plane of existence than everyone else here. As if everyone is in on how to conduct themselves. How to speak, what words exist, are pertinent and commonly spoken.

[ she's upset at the situation, chest tight. ] I have tried to learn what I can, but it is very difficult. And I am left wondering what anyone might even want, but I do not how to express myself to them without feeling like a bumbling idiot.

[ apparently this has been on her chest for awhile now, eyes casting to the floor, frown sliding onto her face. she doesn't want eloise to think that she's upset with her, and hopefully that comes through clearly. ]

It is okay to be slow, [She starts with, adding in the fish to the pan. It will not be long until dinner is ready. Adding the herbs to the vegetables that Daphne had chopped, she pops them onto a pan and then into the oven.]

It took me many weeks to be comfortable to do the deed itself. If you wish to go slow, that is fine. No one should ever rush you if you do not feel ready or comfortable with something.

[She sighs, having already learned that lesson the hard way, of doing things before she has learned about them.] I read a lot. Whatever books on the subject I could find. Sometimes Anthony would answer questions, too. The-- terminology of it all still has me flustered sometimes.

But if you do have questions, you can still ask. I can try and help with the wording if that is your issue. [She leans on the counter, keeping an eye on the pan, but watching Daphne as well.]

[ daphne's face flushes as her own words are replaced by a more grounded tone from her sister, watching carefully as eloise mindfully continues the steps of cooking.

she frowns more, though, knowing that she hasn't gone slow in quite that way. a shaky breath at the idea of reading about this subject, that anthony had fielded questions, that the terminology is something that eloise still fumbles with. that has her brows shifting with recognition, feeling like there may be a greater deal of empathy shared in this exact moment. that's a relief, her breathing steadying.

her gaze flicks to the pan for a moment, question forming in her mind before she carefully begins to speak again. ] Are there...specific ways you touch...a man? And, do you...speak, much or little? Is it...expected, that you use your voice, when it is so...difficult, to do so? [ her lips purse, hand finding her wine glass. ] I have had someone...ask me to say what I want, before he...would go inside of me. [ so, she's done the deed. ] But the words felt...strange. Is it merely...adjusting, to saying them that I must wait for?

[ hey, at least she's asking questions that have literally been plaguing her? ]

[Her eyes are on the fish for a moment, just to make sure their dinner is still doing well. Daphne seems to say everything all on her mind at once, and she finds herself chuckling. Eloise was not so different once upon a time, and she knows it. They are truly sisters.]

One thing at a time, [She says putting her hand up for a moment.]

First-- as loathe as I am to admit it, every man is different. So what may work with one may not work with all. But their-- member is sensitive. Any sort of touch usually elicits a reaction. The tip is the most sensitive. How much you speak or make noise depends on how good they are. I should think at least being somewhat vocal is important. You do not want to fake it and give them a fake confidence. Men do that fine on their own.

[She smiles though, glad to know her sister is at least getting it on.]

Words are just words, Daphne. Communication is key to having a good sex life. If you like something, say it. The words seem very strange sometimes, yes, but you do get used to it or find a way that does not make it seem so bad. Vulgarity is often a part of it though. And that is okay. Sometimes feeling... dirty is a part of it. So long as the person that you are with is still treating you right, that you can always say stop if you do not like what they are doing. That is the most important thing.

[ daphne nods, the action prolonged, eyeing eloise's hand, taking another long drink of wine. then, she settles in to listen, eyes bright at whatever insight her sister can offer.

her brows knit faintly upon hearing every man is different. are women too? certainly, though she's never contemplaed any other woman's desires in the way she has for men. her cheeks start to rise at the idea of stroking a man's ego needlessly, bright closed smile, small hum of amusement. she knows that eloise speaks the truth about this.

her head cants nearly to and fro as eloise goes on, much of what she says next at least somewhat perplexing her. then at the end, her mouth opens to let a long, labored sigh. ]

Yes, the most important. Your partners. They...did not...belittle you, or make you feel foolish, if you did not know how to navigate something? [ anything. ] I would not wish to be with someone who does that, but I have been with so few people so far...I do not know if how they've treated me is what I should be expecting.

[ hopefully her intent gaze has shown how she's absorbed all of what eloise has said too, even as she settles in on more of a single question now. ]

[She dips her head down, remembering those early days when she hardly knew anything at all. No, no one rushed her or made her feel less than. That was her own doing at feeling so behind and inadequate, but all the people she was with were never anything but kind with her, letting her do what she needed and wanted at the time.

Eloise shook her head finally.] No. They were kind. Let me explore, and if I had questions, they would answer. For some I think they might have liked it even. [Like Jack when he taught her how to give a man a blowjob.]

But I never felt taken advantage of or like they made me feel stupid for not knowing. Those are the kinds of people you may want to find. The ones that will not mind if you take your time and explore. It even makes things a little more fun and not as pressured.

[It's then that she grabs two plates and starts putting their dinner on it, arranging it to look fairly appetizing.]

There's fresh peach tea in the refrigerator. Or we can have more wine, but I believe dinner is ready. You can continue to ask me what you will though. I do not mind it actually. Far easier talking to you than Anthony about it all. He was incredibly flustered when I asked him about pearl necklaces and the symbolism of 'sir' and a belt. [Apparently it is not appropriate to gift your elder brother a very nice leather belt with the words 'please, sir' on the inside. As if she had any idea of the connotations.]

[ daphne watches eloise for an answer closely, spotting the telltale signs of empathy. she breathes in, out, slowly, expectant, tiny smile sliding onto her face as nerves start to dissipate. as eloise arranges the food on their plates, she replies in a careful, but firmer tone. ]

Then if this was your experience here, I know that I can find a similar one. It is...so far too daunting than I've wanted to say, sister. But I am relieved to see you understand.

[ she nods, getting down two glasses to pour each of them some tea, taking it and then both their glasses of wine to the table. her lips twitch up, tiny sound of wry amusement when their brother is named. brows knit as she stands at a drawer, retriving silverware and moving back to the table to join eloise. ]

I do not understand the significance of any of that, either, I'm afraid. Do you find it may be relevant to what I should perhaps know? [ a small beat, but she also wants to include -- ] You have truly learned about each person you've been with on an individual basis and kept it...unclouded? I have...only been with two people here. I do not...rightly know who I may end up with in the future. Is it not complicated, learning what different men might like?

[She leans in and puts her hand on her sister's arm. She does relate, more than Daphne might have realized, and she wants her to know that she does understand, for all it is scary and unnerving, she knows. Eloise rarely shows that amount of care, but she does care. It's usually just buried under all of her annoyance.]

I do. And I will always be here. It might be just as easy to come to me with questions. I am sure you can pick men of good nature, but it might be easier with me. [At least she would never do anything to push Daphne.]

It does not hurt to know more terminology, the nuances of some of the sexual things you can do. A pearl necklace is when a man... finishes on your neck. The droplets look like pearls. 'Sir' is something a Dominant man might like to be called, especially while spanking you which I have learned they may so do with a belt. [To clear that all up and why it might be awkward to say these things to Anthony of all people.]

No. The basics work. Where to touch a man, how to get him to react. Each only might just be a little different to find those spots, the pressure, how to perhaps use your mouth.

[ daphne's eyes move with eloise's movements, smile lifting when she sees how her sister reaches to show care, to comfort her. it floods her with warmth, the touch a boon to daphne's resolve. ]

I think it may very turn out to be true, Eloise. I...I know it will take time, to learn things, but I am grateful to not go through it alone. [ which she wouldn't, she'd find a way, a means, if eloise wasn't there. but somehow, the way things have occurred, she's very happy to have her younger sister there.

her brows pop in various places as daphne listens, takes in some of the kinkier specifics. she blinks once upon remembering that it'd been anthony these verbal exchanges were made with. ] I am...confident Anthony was quite red in the face when you broached these things then, sister. [ a moment to softly smile over that.

then, for the rest, her head tilts, forehead creasing. ] Maybe it is...not so complex as I have allowed myself to believe? It sounds...as though some of the differences are more...minor, perhaps. [ although -- in a more curious tone. ] Has someone spanked you here before, Eloise? [ she's gotta ask, okay? ]

You are not alone here. [She squeezes her sister lightly as she starts to eat a little more. For once she really feels the connection with Daphne. They might not always agree with things, but she wants her to be protected and safe, given as much autonomy as she can have in the city, which is sadly more than it is back home.]

You may always ask me any questions you have, and I shall promise I will not be nearly as aghast as Anthony was with me. [But she's laughing lightly, picking more at the food.]

Mostly, yes. One men might prefer to be touched in a different way or another may prefer a different position. It is much as you prefer the pianoforte, and I like reading-- only more complex matters of course. Men are people. Who knew. [She rolls her eyes with a little grin.]

[ all soft smiles, bright appreciative eyes for how generous eloise is with her. they've not always been like this with another and daphne is so grateful for it now.

she picks at her food too, complimenting eloise on its flavors during at least one lull. as for her own question, well eloise's answer is elucidating, the parallel she draws effectively expounding. she nods, that it is about more complex aspects, but then that last part makes her laugh. ]

Who knew, indeed. [ a small sip of wine. ] Thank you, sister. I...as much as we both know I have been hesitant to be outspoken with such questions up until now, I will come to you sooner, when an inquiry is on my mind. I know that will make things easier, or at least less confusing, for me, too.

[ awkward, surely, but eloise spurring on this conversation has absolutely been for the betterment of daphne's well-being. it is so good, to have eloise there with her. ]

inbox. duplicity.

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fade? :3