No good deed

Jennifer paused to look at him. She was already across the kitchen, her brief head start mid-conversation providing that extra second she needed before David blurted out an offer. She frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"Well," David paused, contemplating the consequences, before deciding against them, "not sure I can tell you before, but I can promise that it would discourage you from making coffee." He blinked. Her frown deepened before relaxing, a smile playing across her face.

"So, you've got a magic cure that can stop me from making coffee?" She asked, amused. David pauses, to think, before answering her question.

"No." He began. Clarifying it for himself first. "It's not a cure, and it won't stop you making coffee, but you will be discouraged because of it."

"I see." She responded, the smile fading as she began to truly consider it. "I'm going to assume by your tone, that it isn't just wish really hard." She looked to his face as she said finished the sentence, searching for a clue. "I'm guessing it has some actual affect?"

"It does." He said, even as she studied him. "It *will not* be pleasant, but not for the reasons you're thinking of." She blinked, taking a deep breath, and shifted to the counter beside him. Once more, she focused on his face.

"Is it Illegal?"

"No."

"Addictive?"

"I don't think so?"

"You don't know?"

"I've no reason to believe it is."

"Is it damaging?"

"In what way?"

"Physically, mentally or emotionally."

"Physically painful, mentally fine, emotionally embarrassing."

She paused. taking another second to assure herself. Eventually she nodded, took one more breath, and spoke.

"Sure. Do it." David Took a moment to gather himself. He already had an idea in mind. It had rushed into him when he had first blurted out the offer. He only hoped that it wouldn't be too effective. At least at home.

"Whenever you're making coffee," he began, looking from the kettle to her and back again, "you have to pinch your nipple. Hard." She blinked. She joined him in looking at the kettle. "I see. That's why you couldn't tell me. That would mean I knew, which would take away choice." She looked back at David. "Thank you for helping me. Truly. That'll probably work." She nodded once more, smiling. She smirked, before looking once more at her son. "At least when I'm not home alone." Here she laughed, bringing David into a hug even as he blushed, making some semblance of complaint at her forwardness. For all that he wants to make happen, he has to play somewhat normal. The conditions aren't his after all. They just hear about them from him.