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[ Don't worry. He'll always hear her out - ]

How well does anyone know Phainon?

[ Closed off man that he is... ]

We've spent quite some time together.

Ah, so you've noticed. That's the point I wanted to bring up.

[ Hope that man's ears are ringing. ]

He's very kind, don't get me wrong, but every attempt I've made to focus on him — or to even suggest something beyond how he's helped me — he tries to wriggle out of speaking or acknowledging anything.

Frankly, he seems pent up.

[ Like knows like, Dorothea. ]

Hmm. Rather than pent up, I think it's more along the lines that he's afraid. I've succeeded in focusing on him only once, but that was because I was able to convince him it would be better for me in the end.

Ugh, so he's like that, is he?

[ The earnestness and kindness is endearing. It's what makes Phainon so enjoyable. But there's a line where it starts to become irritating, frankly. ]

Better for you, though... Did he acquiesce quickly enough or did he still put up a fight?

Afraid so, unfortunately. He didn't put up too much of a fight, though he struggled to resist his impulse to take control.

Then we came across a little problem.

[ Ah, she's not surprised to hear Phainon prefers to be in control. She hasn't had the opportunity to enjoy him like that, so it's good to know. Still. ]

Hm? What happened?

I was offering some words of praise, as one should, and there was a negative reaction. He didn't specify which phrase it was that caused the disinterest either.

It went all the way to disinterest...?

[ Huh. ]

He does seem to get uncomfortable when it comes to praise or compliments. But that seems quite extreme regardless. To fall out of the mood because of praise?

It is pretty extreme. Honestly, it's one thing for it to not really be something you're into and completely another to be utterly turned off.

That's why I think it's fear or some other negative emotion attached to the whole thing rather than being pent up. Although, he has mentioned that I wouldn't want to have him completely lose control either.

[ She can't tell if that feels ominous or simply concerning. ]

It's very possible. What a shame, too. I was wondering if you'd think there would be any merit to trying to help him unwind. Surely he'd feel safe with people who only want him to feel cared for.

[ She may or may not be baiting a little bit. Still... ]

I wonder what has him so afraid...

I think it would help. Sometimes you can only recover from something by being in a safe space to do so. A safe and different space.

[ Ironically that is what had helped him. ]

As for Phainon? I have theories. Just theories.

Would you be willing to help me create that space for him? It's not only something he deserves but... But if it's as deep as you believe it is, then I would want him to know he has a place to land. This resort...

[ A sigh. Her voice grows a little quieter. ]

This resort takes so much. It twists people around and puts ideas in their heads. I don't want him to keep all of that inside.

Are you so sure that it's the resort that's responsible for it?

[ Cale doesn't think so. He's pretty sure what's twisting Phainon up has always been there. Been there for a long time, really. ]

Regardless, I will help.

No, I don't think it's responsible. It's too deep for that. But the resort is likely making it worse — and if it's not, then it could in the future.

[ And for all that this is playful, wanting to goad Phainon into a good time and to take care of him, it's still something she's concerned about. ]

I'm glad. I think you know him better than I do, so... How do you suppose we can get him interested enough to not immediately decline?

[ Cale is quiet for a moment, if only because he is trying to think. How can they do convince him to go along with something and not immediately decline... ]

We'd have to spin it in such a way that it sounds like he is doing us a favor. That he is wanted and him being there will make us happier for it.

That shouldn't be difficult. Being around Phainon does make me happier, so long as it doesn't trouble him.

[ Phainon has a way of helping one forget about their concerns for a time, which is why it's worth it to her to extend the same courtesy to him. ]

We could invite him for a night in. Or, you could, since you have the lavish rooms now.

[ By now, Phainon's room is probably more so than Cale's... And he doesn't want to tell Dorothea that they wouldn't even really know if something troubles Phainon at all until it's maybe too late. ]

We could, yes. The other question is do we want anything that might help with the relaxation.

You mean what the resort offers?

[ The oils, the teas, all of them laced with something? It's not as though they'd be difficult to get; one can't go far without tripping over someone offering them. ]

I feel we could have them on offer but...I would want Phainon to be all right with their use. It shouldn't be sprung on him.

What do you take me for? Of course it would be with proper permission and all.

[ He wouldn't do anything without consent. Hell, he wouldn't even touch Dorothea lustfully without that prior. ]

But do you feel he will want such a thing?

[ It's not as though Phainon won't be safe between the two of them. And of course she knows Cale would never be so lecherous without a partner's consent. But... ]

I just didn't think he would be willing. It could help, potentially.

[ It might put all of them in a spot, though. That's what those errant thoughts say, balking at the idea of being out of control, though she tries to believe that she would never not be safe with Phainon and Cale. (That's what she hopes is true.) ]

I'm not sure. It might depend on his mood or if he thinks we'd want him to.

[ Maybe he'll just have it on hand. Just in case. ]

Do you want me to shoot you a message after I talk to him?

Please do. I can bring wine if everyone's interested.

[ girl please stop raiding places in the resort for their wine, you have chips ]

I...just want him to know he's enjoyed. And that he doesn't always have to hold himself back. Not for the people who care about him.

I think wine would probably be appreciated.

[ Cale hums, fingers tapping against the table. ]

To be honest, I don't know how receptive he actually is to that sort of thing. While I also want him to know that he doesn't always have to worry about being a means to someone else's enjoyment, I don't know that he allows anyone to convince him of that.

I don't know that he will be receptive to it at all, so we might as well prepare for it to not work out this time. It just means we'll have to keep pushing ever so slowly until he opts to hear it.

[ Dorothea holds back a sigh, not wanting to sound like a defeatist about it. ]

He may never accept it. But that doesn't mean we can't keep reminding him.

I think we'd have a bigger issue with trying to reassure him he's allowed to refuse, actually.

[ A sigh. ]

But you're not wrong. We can keep reminding him. For as long as it takes.

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