Drastically different

Heading into the lobby, you find a young, well dressed man waiting. Shorter and thin, he is nevertheless handsome, though in a somewhat androgynous fashion. As you approach, he notices you and offers a hand to shake. You take it with a smile.

“Welcome to the AWIO! I’m Brian, and I’m presuming you’re the person who I’ll be interviewing today?”

The man nods. “Correct, I am Dylan. I must admit my surprise, though. I spoke with Rachel on the phone, is she not conducting the interview?”

You shake your head. “It was handed off to me. Rachel is very busy, but I can assure you that you’re in good hands. Come with me, I’ll take you to the interview room so we can get started.”

After a moment of hesitation, Dylan follows you. He seems very nervous, despite his professional appearance. You lead him into the interview room, and gesture for him to sit, as you sit opposite him.

“Now, before we begin, I want you to know that this is on camera. Normally, there would be several monster girls observing, but this is a different situation. Has Rachel informed you of this?”

Dylan shakes his head, glancing at the camera. “N-no. What’s happening? Is something wrong?”

You shake your head and smile reassuringly. “Not at all! The difference in this case is that there’s just one watching, as you’re uniquely qualified to be her sponsor. Now, if it doesn’t work out, we’ll go through the usual process instead, but for now, it’s just her.”

Still looking nervous, he nods. “I see…so she’s…watching? To see if she wants me to sponsor her?”

You nod. “That’s correct. We want everyone to be happy in the end. I can speak from experience when I say it works out quite well.”

Dylan takes a deep breath, though you can see he’s blushing and glancing at the camera. “Okay. Let’s do this, then.”

You nod. “First off, a simple question. Why did you come to the AWIO? What led you here?”

Dylan looks down. “Well. I’ve been very successful in my life, in most areas. I’m quite wealthy, I have several thriving businesses, that sort of thing. But my personal life is a shambles. Everyone I meet now simply wants to know me for my money, or my connections. And I’ve never been very assertive outside of the business world.”

He shakes his head. “When it comes to meeting romantic partners, I freeze. I become a stuttering mess.”

He glances at the camera again. “I’ve heard…I hear that the so called ‘monsters’ here are wonderful people, despite their differences.”

You nod. “I would agree, even if many people don’t.”

Dylan shakes his head. “Other people don’t matter. I need someone close. Someone I can trust, and care for. Hell, someone who can care for me!”

You smile. “I understand. I met Mazzy here, and she basically runs my life now. It’s kind of nice.”

He sighs. “That sounds wonderful. I have so much responsibility with my work, I would love to give over control at home.”

You’re about to ask another question, when you hear footsteps outside. The door behind you swings open, and you turn. Cordelia strides in, ignoring you completely as she walks over to stand in front of Dylan, who looks up at the tall, beautiful mermaid in awe. She leans down, placing a finger delicately under his chin. He seems to shiver as they lock eyes.

You’re amazed at the change in Cordelia. She practically radiates sensuality now, to go along with her presence. She stares at Dylan for a long moment before murmuring, mostly to herself, it seems.

“Beautiful. Simply gorgeous.”

Dylan seems spellbound, blushing and panting, held in place by her gaze. She speaks again, barely above a throaty whisper. “You would give yourself to me? Truly?”

You see Dylan gulp, and nod, seemingly still unable to speak. A small smile curls Cordelia’s lips. “Excellent. We will make a delicious pair, don’t you think?”

Another nod. Cordelia turns to you, still leaning over Dylan. “He is perfect. I will take him.”

Instead of sitting beside him or in his lap, like you usually see, she moves to stand beside him, resting her hands possessively on his shoulders. She gently caresses the skin of his neck with her thumbs, and Dylan once again shivers, a smile on his blushing face.

You raise an eyebrow. “I think I know the answer, but Dylan? You agree?”

Dylan takes a deep breath. “Absolutely. No question.”

You nod. “Then I’ll get the paperwork. Congratulations, you two.”