Time-out For A Bikini Barbecue & Getting To Know The Others

"A little more! More... right! Hold it there!"

"Right!" Roman grunted as he and several others held the log in place on it's end upright as others secured it.

"Okay... good! Let it go," Burt told them.

Roman and the others slowly let go and seeing it hold in place he wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. "Phew! Nice work everyone!" He said congratulating everybody. "How's it looking, Burt?"

Burt hummed but was nodding and slowly a grin split his face. "Pretty good actually!" He declared. "Once we finish the new section of palisade wall and brace it it'll be even better than before... Infact we should do this back home! We have plenty of lumber... Hmmmm... what do you think?"

Roman grinned and nodded. "I think that's a great idea! We should definitely try to build a series of them into a stockade type of fortification defense. Especially if we grow and include the cavern... but that's a fairly major project for later on down the line."

Burt frowned. "I dunno about that, Boss. I know you like it but that hole? It creeps me out. Don't know how you can stand living in it!"

Roman smirked. "Don't you mean Sue?"

Burt blinked. "Who the heck is Sue?"

Roman chuckled. "The dinosaur up top."

Burt shuddered. "You named it?! And hell no! I said "creepy", not "scares the shit out of me"!" He snorted. "Balls...Sue, huh? You shouldn't go naming it. It's bad enough you're feeding it!"

"You could start feeding her too?" Roman teased. "Make yourself a new friend?"

"No fucking thank you!" Burt immediately shot down the idea before raising his voice to adress Roman and the rest of the folks he'd been working with. "Anyway you guys go ahead and take it easy for a bit and go grab some lunch! You earned it!"

Roman grinned along with the others. "Sounds good to me! You don't have to tell us twice, you **** driver! Hahah!" He declared with a wink and traded high-fives and handshakes with the Primes and Characters he'd been working with as they laughed along in high spirits.

"About time you did some 'honest' work for a change!" Darlene called out in jest from where she and some of the others were working on rethatching a roof.

Roman laughed along with the others. "Good one! Yeah that's me! Fat and happy on my throne! Ahaha!" He said patting his shirtless six-pack belly and laughing... then puffing out his checks and holding out his arms and pretending to be fat and waddle around while nasily pitching his voice into a comical register. "Ohmahgawd! Ah'm so fat! Get mah Characters to bring me more pie! Respect mah authority!"

People laughed and good naturedly booed and jeered 'fat tyrant Roman'... which couldn't be any further from the truth. He was their leader but he didn't lord it over them. He wasn't too good to get his hands dirty with them. Roman generally worked as hard as everyone else did... even more so considering he also worked just as hard at being their leader. He'd done a good job so far and it showed and it hadn't gone to his head... and they generally respected him for it.

Roman grinned. His band weren't the only ones in high spirits. He saw more and more smiles everyday from the villagers too. They'd lived under a brutal tyrant, Primes and Characters both, and yeah... things weren't perfect now... but they were getting better everyday. They didn't have to live under that kind of tyranny anymore. Afraid that anything they had could be taken at any moment. They and their remaining Characters were safe. Most of them had barely had anything, the lions share of everything had gone to those at the top, so Roman had exempted most of them from having to pay any tribute... and since they'd "executed" most of those same leaders who had everything they kept half of it and then redistributed the rest. And that redistribution had worked out well for many of the villagers too.

Were there still some hard feelings? Sure there were doubtless still a few... but it seemed like fewer unhappy people everyday as folks started to see their lives rapidly improving. It was hard to stay mad or sore about losing to someone else when they picked you up off the ground and set you back on your feet. That was basic good sportsmanship... and there was a very good reason any Robinhood type stole from the rich to give to the poor beyond charity and generating goodwill... and that was stealing from the poor generally only yielded poor profits. Any good criminal knew that they might be riskier but bigger scores simply paid better.

Improving the village and the villagers quality of life and leaving them better off in general would not only win them converts, potential new recruits and a new base of operations but the sooner this place got back to a kind of productive "normal", the sooner everyone would benefit. Trade would flow back and forth between the communities... as well as a healthy dose of tribute! Not to mention his band were happy with their spoils. They had struck it rather good here.

Roman was happy too. It might not be a perfect win-win solution, but it was damn close! They'd taken minimal loses, seized serious gains... and helping out a battered community get back on it's feet after overthrowing the tyrants that had plagued them and earned their ire? Yeah. That felt pretty good.

"Looking good, Roman!" He heard a familiar voice cat call out to him and whistle.

He grinned and raised his arm. "Hey Risty!" She was looking at him stripped to the waist and eyeing him like a piece of meat. He looked the scantily clad muscular woman over approvingly with a grin too. "You're looking good too! Mmmhmm!" She had a light sheen of sweat over her bronze skin like she'd been working hard... or playing hard. Infact she reminded him of their nights in bed lately except even in her skimpy wardrobe she was wearing too many clothes. "Mmmmm... I know what I want for lunch, hot stuff!"

Risty blushed but grinned and laughed as they neared each other. After all- "You know... I was just thinking the same thing!" She gave him a lascivious smile. "You know I like... meat!" She kissed him fiercely and nibbled his bottom lip between her teeth before releasing him, then licked her lips. "Mmmmm... yummy!"

Roman chuckled. "Heheh... I'm in danger! We could sneak off..." he knew that was exactly what some of the others were doing having watched them greet their Characters and the like. Infact it seemed like the whole village had been in a flurry of sexual activity lately. Apparently freedom was also a sexually liberating experience. "But-"

*Loud hungry stomach noises x 2*

Risty's stomach growled... and Roman's answered it... and they both laughed. "Ahahaha! Maybe we should eat something first?"

Risty grinned nodding. "You mean before we eat someone? Hahah! Probably a good idea!" She sniffed the air. "Besides... something smells delicious!"

Roman chuckled and slipped his arm around her waist and grinned as she quite comfortably did the same to him. "Lets follow your nose then. Lead the way," he told his carnivore woman happily.

Risty grinning lead him unerringly straight towards where the smell of sizzling meat was coming from. Roman was surprised but pleased to see that the girls had set up an improvised grill setup for cooking upon. Skewers and pieces of meat and fish as well as various fruits and vegetables were being flame grilled. It was simple and basic fare mostly but the delightful aroma of a blend of different foods wafted through the air and reaching hungry bellies ended up smelling divine!

They immediately got in line for the queue. Just as impressive was the fact that things seemed to be running smoothly. Granted it wasn't serving thousands, just a couple hundred at most, but he was still impressed... and he said as much when he and Risty got their turn.

"HI Risty! Roman!" Knives said wearing her swimsuit and an apron, cheerily waving and handing them each a carved wooden bowl to use. "Here you go!"

"Thanks!" Risty said then inhaled as they waited their turn. "Smells great!"

"It does," Roman said smiling. "I know I vaguely suggested it but you really went above and beyond here! Nice job! Remind me to build us our own grill type setup when we get home! Also nice addition with the swimsuits! But... isn't that a bit much?"

"Ehehe! Thanks!" Knives said happily as both Roman and Risty patted her head. "Yay! I got praised!" She twirled in the swimsuit & apron combo and struck a fun pose. "I dunno. People seem to really like it! Don't you?"

Roman caught a few guys looking but he didn't mind too much... as long as things didn't get out of hand. He leaned in to kiss her cheek. "I do. And so do others... Well... As long as no one gets any funny ideas it's fine. I just want you to be safe and have fun."

"No worries!" Knives grinned. "Everyone's been super nice! They all know we're yours so it's all good. Actually many of them have been kind of sweet! Some even bring flowers and want a handshake. It's like a party of sorts and nobody wants to be the party pooper and uncool."

"Is that so?" Roman said narrowing his eyes and catching several other guys staring, then looking away from making direct eye contact with him. "Yeah... Somehow that actually makes me more worried now..."

Knives eyes did that thing where they get big and blankly round as she tilted her head to one side. She visibly didn't quite get it... but Risty did and belly laughed. "Ahahaha! You should be worried! All this delicious meat dangling infront of wolves... And I ain't just talking about the grill! Hahaha!"

Knives blinked... then nodded. "Oh! I couldn't have done it alone! And grilling was Meiko's idea!" She stated missing the point entirely.

"Is that right?" Risty said looking thoughtfully at where Meiko was grilling food. "She looks... I dunno... happy, maybe?" She shrugged. "Of course with her it's kind of hard to tell."

Roman chuckled softly. Risty had a point... didn't she? He thought about it. He'd had very little interaction with Meiko since their battle. He saw her everyday but they'd hardly spoken when their paths had crossed. She was always "busy". Was she avoiding him?

He saw Meiko was also similarly attired and wondered just how Knives had talked her into that? Apparently her swimsuit was a black and white striped bikini... a very tiny one. The patern resembled old-fashioned prison stripes... but there was nothing old-fashioned about how much voluptuous flesh the tiny thong bikini revealed. He watched her drink something from a cup, tilting her head back to get every last drop. Sweat was running down her luscious body in an **** display that was only partially obscured by an apron that was probably a size too small clung to her outrageously curvaceous bodies front. He watched her clearly relishing whatever she was drinking... and realized he was staring... and he definitely wasn't the only one. He couldn't blame anyone. Her body was a sexy work of art. A bombshell. And it wasn't just her huge breasts, slim waist and full hips. From her grey hair bun to her toes she was... "Definitely another ecchi anime Character," he muttered to himself. "She's almost too much of a sexy vamp. Like a Jessica Rabbit. So why... why would her creator give her such a bad personality? Just to be a repressed a cocktease stereotype? What a waste."

"You say something?" Risty asked raising an eyebrow turning his way.

Roman smiled trying not to stare at the musclebound scantily clad beauty and shook his head. Risty and Saya were definitely ecchi fantasy babes too. It was a popular genre for a reason. "Nothing important," he said. He was a fan of their designs too! "Let's get some grub," he said resolving to interact with Meiko a bit more... and not just because she was sexy as hell. Anyone as formidable as her couldn't be all bad.

"Hey!" Risty said to Meiko as the line moved. "Give me some of that meat-"

Meiko quickly placed the smallest, single piece possible in the bottom of Risty's empty bowl. "Next!"

"Grrr... you bitch!" Risty growled through gritted teeth. "You know I've been working hard!"

Roman held out his bowl to Meiko. "Fill it up with a little of everything, please? And don't skimp on the vegetables. It all smells absolutely wonderful! I didn't know that you were such a good cook, Meiko!"

Meiko, ignoring Risty, took Roman's bowl. She gave him her usual frosty gaze from behind her spectacles... but the corner of her mouth lifted just a bit. She was pleased by the compliment... and it was a request from her 'owner'... She started filling up his bowl. "Few things are as simply pleasurable as a good barbecue. If only we could have a proper one but this will have to do." She handed back his bowl filled with a assortment of delicious things including meat and vegetables. "There you are. A proper serving of nutrition is important for a body to maintain healthy functions."

"I couldn't agree more. Thanks," he said accepting the bowl from her and then passing it to Risty he traded for her nearly empty bowl then held that out to Meiko too. "The same again, please?"

"Awwww... so many vegetables," Risty gripped but moved on down the line.

Meiko took the bowl from Roman. "Very well... and well played," she congratulated him as she began filling it up for him.

Roman chuckled. "Thank you. I won't insist that you all must get along but do try. Please?"

Meiko hesitated for a brief second before resuming filling his bowl. It was another request from her owner. "For your sake?"

Roman shook his head. "No. For yours," he said smiling.

Meiko started to hand him back his bowl then paused. Contemplating his request. And it was a request, not an order. He could easily have made it an order... but he hadn't. It was one of the reasons she'd been avoiding him... that and she still was confused by her feelings about how he treated her and the rest. How that made her feel. How he made her 'feel' especially! She placed an additional piece of meat on top of his bowl before handing it over. "Very well... but I promise nothing."

Roman smiled at her, accepting. He was right... she wasn't all bad. Just like he'd compared the two earlier the Jessica Rabbit line, 'I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way,' definitely could fit Meiko too. She might have her issues but they weren't all that there was to her either, thankfully. It seemed that deep down under her warped personality, there was a decent and possibly tender heart. "That's fine," he said than paused noticing something. "Hold still," he said and reached out to wipe a dark droplet of whatever she had been drinking from the corner of her lips with his thumb.

Meiko blinked, stunned for a second as he'd touched her. Again. Intimately and softly. Gently. Tenderly... then jerked back. It wasn't just that she didn't want to be touched but she- "No! I'm all sweaty and disgusting from my high metabolism! Don't-"

Roman sniffed it, then gave it a lick. "Delicious," he declared. Infact the taste was... somewhat familiar. Some kind of sweetend tea... and a touch of saltiness.

Meiko, usually so cool and cold, blushed bright red and felt a heat that had nothing to do with the open flames. He'd tasted her! The thing she was most embaressed about! And more that was... an indirect... "a-a kiss?!" she said covering her mouth.

"Huh?" Roman asked looking at her confused. "Are you okay?"

"J-Just fine! It's none of your concern... J-Just leave already!" Meiko said turning away from his gaze. It was all too embaressing!

Roman gulped. Had he done something wrong? Whatever it was he seemed to have pissed her off. He was glad she didn't currently have her whip! Also... Damn she looked good in that thong and apron from the back too! He tore his gaze from her ass and thighs and looked around. Knives was giving him a thumbs-up so... Did he do something right? "I dunno what I did exactly but, uh... I'm sorry, Meiko... I uh, oh! I know! Since you like barbecue I'll grill up some meat for you sometime as an apology! I promise you'll love it!"

Meiko blushed even redder! "You... You're going to give me your meat?! Make me love it?! G-Get out of here you... you!... you degenerate!" She said completely flustered as her imagination ran wild.

"Okay!" Roman said quickly moving away. "I'll see you later I guess."

Meiko's mind whirled as her (not-so) innocent maidens heart beat like never before. Not even her most rigorous exercises and training sessions had made it race quite like this... and she felt a dampness more than mere sweat could explain between her legs!

It was shameful! Humiliating! She was the one who was supposed to humiliate others... how dare he?! A lowly disgusting male... Her 'owner' who'd bested her and claimed her... than been so... gentle... tender with her... understanding... her...

"Master...," Meiko whispered... then violently shook her head trying to physically banish that thought and readjusted her spectacles. She needed to get a grip! This was neither the time nor the place for this. She quickly whirled, breasts inadvertently bouncing wildly, snatching up her cooking tongs and reasserted herself. "Which of you lowly pigs is next! You," She said pointing her tongs at the next person in line. "Hurry up! What do you want? Spit it out!"

They held out their bowl. "Uhm, I'd like some-"

"Shut up!" Meiko sneered snatching away their bowl and began putting things in it. "Like anyone cares! You'll take what you're given and you'll like it! Understand, Piggy?"

"Uh-Understood!" They quickly and blushingly agreed with the enraged beauty.

She shoved the bowl at them. "Take it! And you better be grateful to be getting people food! You don't deserve anything more than slop from a trough, understand Piggy?!"

"Yes, Mistress! Er, Ma'am! Thank you so much for-"

"Move! You're holding up the line!" Meiko snarled temporarily squashing down those confusing feelings of hers, whatever they were that she felt around Roman, by doubling down on verbal ****... but unfortunately for her... some people just saw that as free bonus service!

"I'm so confused," Roman admitted moving down the line and away to the drink station at the very end.

"Hey. 'Sup?" Kim Pine greeted him picking up a wooden cup.

Roman blinked. Kim was wearing her stripped tracksuit top all zipped up. "Aren't you hot like that?" He asked noticing her sweat dampened red hair and flushed freckled face. "You look a little... warm."

She gave him an arch look. "No shit, Sherlock," she said flatly. "But unlike the others I don't exactly feel like giving these other horn dogs a free show. It's bad enough all these perv's drooling over Knives. At least Meiko and I can splash cold water on the creepers."

Roman smirked. "Fair enough... and thank you for that, Kim. I appreciate you all looking out for her." He could well imagine the chilly reception the girls could give. "And keep up the good work. That's a relief," he said hiding his disappointment over not seeing a bit more of Kim in a swimsuit. He could admit that he'd been wondering and curious to himself at the least.

Kim gave a very slight smile and shrugged. "No prob." Roman was good like that. He really cared for her friend. "You know what'cha want?" She asked holding up the cup.

Roman blinked. "We have options?"

Kim sighed and boredly listed them for him. "Water, water with a bit of fruit mixed in and Knives 'weird tea' concoction."

"Weird tea?" Roman asked. "Can't imagine you get many takers with that name... Oh! Is that whatever Meiko was drinking? Because I'll have that!" He requested remembering what he'd just tasted.

Kim nodded and sighed. "It is. One weird tea, coming up." She stared at him.

"Uh... What?" Roman asked confused by the pause.

"Nothing," Kim said flatly turning around and bending over.

Roman smiled understanding now. Kim did have her swimsuit on... the Tracksuit jacket only covered her top! She had a rather nice, round and deliciously freckled ass wearing a Canadian flag bikini bottom as she bent over to fill his order for the mystery beverage where the tea was being kept coolish in a container in the shade. "Mmmmm... Oh Canada!"

"You say something?!" Kim snapped irritably.

"Nope," he quickly replied denial. That was definitely a.. "Sore subject?" He asked.

"Stupid swimsuit," Kim muttered. "It's not even one I wore!"

Roman chuckled nervously. "If it helps there seems to be a lot of that going around. Knives said hers was 'close' to her original but much more Skimpy. I don't think the show runners care as much about complete authenticity when they could get better ratings by-" he saw her look back over her shoulder, glaring at him. Obviously Kim didn't care... and she had likely named the beverage 'weird tea' specifically to keep people from requesting it. "Sorry. It does look good on you though. If you want to spit in my drink I get it and that's fair."

Kim grunted turning back... but she also stayed bent over for a bit. If he liked what he saw... and he was already looking so what was the harm... Roman was her owner... her not-unattractive owner who was a stud-... but then she shook her head. "This is all Knives fault," she mumbled. "Putting weird ideas in my head, not his!" She turned back around holding out the cup to him and made an effort in giving him a little bit of a smile. Roman wasn't that bad in her opinion. He billed himself as 'bad' but she thought he was a pretty good guy after all. He made Knives really happy and more than a few other folks as well. "Here you go... and just be glad Julie isn't here or you'd be getting an extra dash of free confrontational profanity to go with it." She smirked. "This is her job anyway. Basically... She's a barista."

Roman took the drink but juggled it and the bowl in one hand a little. "Another of you alls friends, huh? Noted. Hold up," he said using his free hand to pull out his bandana and held it out to her. "Here."

"Oh!" Kim said surprised. "Uh, that's not necessary..." she scrunched down into the collar of her jacket, avoiding his eyes.

"Go on," Roman said dangling it. "Take it. It's clean, I swear. You could use it."

Kim glanced at it and then him, then awkwardly took it. "I guess..." she twisted it up and tied it around her head in a headband. It stopped the sweat from pouring down into her eyes. "Thanks," she said trying not to blush. Somehow the small thoughtful gesture was just as, if not more, embaressing than Roman checking out her ass! She couldn't take anymore embaressing genuineness-

Roman smiled. The bandana had the added effect of keeping the hair out of Kim's eyes and opened up her face. "Nice. Looks good on you!" He reached out brushing her bangs aside and looking into her eyes. "You're really cute, Kim!"

*Bang!*

Roman and several other people suddenly looked around. "What the-?! Was that a gunshot?!"

Kim however could only hear Roman repeating "You're cute" over and over on a loop in her head, striking her heart as Knives girlishly "squeed" in the background. Suddenly she felt even hotter. It had happened. Again! They'd 'sparked'... A suddenly big one infact! Dammit! There was no doubting what it meant... they were compatible.

It happened sometimes between Characters in their setting. They'd get a moment of feeling, a 'spark', between two people if they were compatible. It didn't always mean romantic love... but it often did. She and Scott had sparked a bit a long, longtime ago but it had died due to complications and neglect. They weren't romantic anymore but it was enough that despite the bad feelings and hurt they'd somehow remained friends... and then she and Knives had sparked one drunken night... a sudden but melodic like Spark that still resonated between them sometimes like music.

She'd felt something before when Roman had 'rescued' her but tried to ignore and brush it off since... but if that spark had been a rumbling of thunder, this spark was like a thunderbolt! Which meant they were potentially seriously compatible... just like Knives and Roman were.

*Dammit!* she thought her mind racing along with her beating heart like a drum solo. *Knives hadn't been wrong! But that'd be weird right? If she and Roman... and then Knives too! Damn... that'd be super hot! No, no, no! The others were right! Listening to them going at it like bunnies over and over the past couple of nights just had her a bit worked up! That was all it was! Just an after effect of listening to her onetime fling and dear friend getting her brains fucked by her hot boyfriend/owner (damn that's really kind of hot too come to think of it!) who was-*

Roman shrugged and shook his head. "Must've been a microburst or some other weather phenomena... Hey? Are you okay, Kim?"

"You're fine-...!? I mean, I! I'm f-fine!... I-I mean not 'Fine', fine but just fine! Eheheh... Know what I mean?" Kim babbled awkwardly. She- "Wait... What do I mean? What did I just say? Doesn't matter. Tell me you understand?"

"Uh, Sure, Kim," Roman said concerned. "I understand?" he said even though he definitely didn't understand at all but if it made her calm down. "I do... Understand, that is. Total and complete understanding. Understood, over and out. Uhmmm... you good?"

Knives had come over trying to restrain her giddiness for her friend and at being right! "I got her," she said putting her arm around her friend. She was so proud of Roman. He just continued to land those critical hits and clear flags! "Time for a break, Kim! Subaru is coming to take over manning your post for a bit! She's fine! Go eat!" She couldn't be happier with the progress being made. Meiko had cheered up with the tea she'd made with help and then Roman had bullseye'd her heart and almost K.O'd Kim's! Today was looking up!

Roman blinked. "Uh, Okay... If you say so... but don't hesitate to have Felix check on her if you feel you need to!" He shrugged. "Man... what the heck was that all about?" He took a sip of the tea concoction. "Oh! I knew it! It's like a Sarsaparila/rootbeer type of beverage but as a tea instead of a soda! Nice! I like it! There's a hint of sweetness too. Wonder what they sweetened it with? Honey, maybe? Hmmmm... should we try marketing this into the Island's burgeoning economy also?" He wondered as he walked away to enjoy his meal.

He saw Saya and Jinx gathered and sitting together with Risty and joined them. "Hi you two," he said dropping his extra piece of meat Meiko had given him into Risty's bowl much to her delight. "How's it going?"

"Busy," Saya said but smiled. "But Carlos nearly has a completely compiled inventory now. Jinx was a big help!"

"Yeah? That's good to hear. Good work you two!" He commended them. "Thanks for pitching in, Jinx," he added since Saya had specifically mentioned her contribution.

Jinx shrugged but smiled a bit at the praise. It made her feel good. "I don't know about that but you're welcome. Is it really such a big deal?"

"Mmm," Roman hummed thoughtfully as he chewed... plus the food was really quite good! "Yeah, it is," he said after swallowing. "It's information and that's always valuable! We don't have a digital database or anything so we have to do things the old-fashioned way, which means a full and total accounting of things."

Risty shrugged distractedly munching. "I get that much... but why is it so important for us in our situation exactly? That's what I don't understand."

Roman looked at Saya. "Do you think you can explain it for me? I kind of want to enjoy this food."

Saya sighed... but she nodded. "I can try. It's important for us in a similar way to why it's important for any government or organization. In our world a good example was a King who famously conquered a certain country and the first order of business was the creation of what became known as the Domesday, or Doomsday, book. Essentially it was a full and complete accounting of everything and exactly who owned what in the kingdom. From every parcel of land down to every last chicken."

"Ugh," Risty grunted. "Sounds like super boring reading to me... must be right up your alley, you nerd!" She said earning a dirty, exasperated look from Saya.

Roman tried not to laugh and **** and cover it with a cough... but Saya gave him almost as dirty look as she shot at Risty. "Sorry... bite into a spicy bit there. Must have been a pepper or something."

"I bet," Saya said giving him a disbelieving look before turning back to Risty who was devouring the last of her food. "And you! I hope you ****, you muscleheaded Monkey!"

"Wha'?!" Risty said around a mouthful of food before swallowing. "Don't call me a monkey!" She said completely ignoring or failing to recognize the musclehead comment as an insult.

Jinx snickered softly looking at him and raising an eyebrow. "Trouble in paradise?"

Roman smiled letting the two bicker hotly for a moment. "Nah, not really. There used to be but see? They're smiling... sort of. They're close enough to fight now. Risty knows Saya enjoys letting her sharp tongue lose... and Saya knows Risty enjoys a challenge thrown her way from time to time. I'm guessing Risty probably asked around to others for mild insults she could use. That must be how she knows what a 'nerd' is. The truth is they really are close and becoming good friends."

Jinx nodded thoughtfully observing them. Roman was right they were grinning at each other... it was fierce grins but grins none the less. "I see... They're playing. Must be nice... and I did see Risty talking with Kim the other day."

"That explains it," Roman said before intervening. "Now, now, ladies," Roman said trying to calm them down after it had gone on long enough. "If you're quite done flirting with one another-"

"Flirting?!" They both said rounding on him... but their faces were together cheek to cheek facing him. There was a pause... and then they both quickly backed away blushing crossing their arms looking away.

"Yeah, right! As if!" Saya said huffing.

"You've totally got the wrong idea," Risty said adding. "Now who's the dummy!"

Roman shrugged as Jinx giggled. "C'mon...? Really?" He looked at Jinx and gave her wink as if saying 'See?' "Little help?"

Jinx did see. It was his turn now... so she played along. "What Saya meant, Risty, was it wasn't just a census. It was more than that."

Roman almost grinned. Jinx caught on fast! "Aww, c'mon! Don't ignore me!" He pretend protested.

Risty and Saya both smiled a little bit. They had a truce and Roman and Jinx had both joined in the game. "More how?" Risty asked.

"Girls?"

"Information," Jinx explained. "The king knew who had what properties, who had paid their taxes and who hadn't, knew what counties and what villages grew what crops and produce. He knew everyone's name, what their titles and trades were, what they produced, where they lived, etcetera. He could roughly calculate their potential earnings on a good year and losses in a bad one. He also knew how many nobles, knights and soldiers he had, how many conscripts he could call upon and how they were all armed and armored. How long it would take to gather which forces from where... you understand?"

"Ladies?"

"I get it now," Risty said nodding and smiled. "He knew exactly what his kingdom contained so he could manage it appropriately."

"Right," Saya said and she smiled too. "Information is power. It always has been and always will be. Roman's forces aren't that big yet but that's no excuse not to start now."

"Fine," Roman sat and went back to eating. "See if I care!"

Risty nodded. "Makes sense. That's why the ledgers and accounting is so important. Especially for a band of theives and rogues. Everybody wants their fair share after a score. It makes sense that there should be a record of who got what and how much if there's ever any issue. Smart."

"Right," Saya said. "In pirate crews a "quarter master" like Carlos has that role and each crew had one. They'd keep the ledgers, tallys for any votes that came up and more. In many ways theirs was just as important a role as that of the Captain's was. Roman knew that and setup his enterprise accordingly. Which is one of the reasons why the monarchies of the time hated the pirates. They were free democracies in many ways." She turned towards Roman. "That's why he puts on the that act he does adopting that weird 'bad showman' persona. A captain is like a 'president' in modern day. An executive figurehead as well as a defacto commander-in-cheif. It's smart but also creepy the way you take it to the limit. Hey... you hearing me, Roman?"

"Uhng," Roman grunted disinterestedly, pretending to sulk. "Roman? Who's that?"

"Are you kidding me?" Saya asked.

He shrugged. "Must not be anyone important."

"Hey now! That's not true. It's you she's talking about," Risty said nudging him. "Ya hear me?"

"Is it?" He muttered trying to keep a straight face as Jinx giggled. "I don't remember. Must've been unimportant enough to be ignored and forgotten."

"Ugh! Are you seriously sulking?" Saya asked rolling her eyes. "Is this because we ignored you... or because I said your act was weird?"

"Actually you said creepy," Jinx clarified, smirking.

"Not helping," Saya retorted but with a smile.

Jinx shrugged. "Just keeping you honest and hey... I like creepy," she said then nodded. "And honestly that whole act he does? It's genius. Think about it. It's about putting on a show. Acting is all about stepping into a role and making people believe in it. And to do that well you have to be willing to commit to it. It stops being 'just a role'. It's a persona that you invest with gravitas, bringing it to life if you will and then takes on a life if it's own." She hummed. "It's like... like Batman! Who is he really? No one really knows-"

"Bruce Wayne," Roman said smiling giving up. He couldn't resist the easy target.

Jinx stopped. "What?! No way! That's..." she paused then gripped her chin and thought about it. "Actually, no... that sort of makes sense... how come no one ever pieced that one together? It's a bit obvious in hindsight. So Robin is Dick Greyson, then? No wait. He's too old to be Robin."

Roman smirked unable to continue the disinterested act. "He was Robin, then he became Nightwing. The Robin you're thinking of drom your show is most likely Dick Greyson before he grows up but it is also possible he could have been the Tim Drake-Robin. It probably wasn't the Jason Todd - Robin who was the one who got blown up murdered by the Joker before becoming Red Hood. It also probably wasn't the Damion Wayne - Robin either... unless your Robin was a bit of a jerkass, then it was definitely Damion."

Jinx actually dropped her jaw open and her spoon in her bowl, her mind completely blown. 'Whoa... I... that's amazing! How do you... no, nevermind! Next you'll be telling me you know who Superman's secret-"

"Clark Kent, mild mannered reporter of The Daily Planet," Roman stated and before she could ask added, "It's the glasses and how he combs his hair. They throw everybody off."

"Wha-...? No, I... I... I think I need a moment," She said as she tried to processes.

"I got a question," Risty said. "Just curious. You said this one bird... guy... whatever got murdered and then became someone else. How?"

Roman shrugged. "The short answer is he got better. The longer answer is more complicated."

Risty blinked then shrugged. "Eh... good enough." She said. "Sorry about teasing you earlier."

Roman shook his head, smiling. "It's fine. I was only kidding around about caring and teasing both of you too. All in good fun and I didn't mean it seriously. Besides... isn't there someone else who deserves an apology more?"

Risty nodded. "So... yeah. Sorry Saya."

Saya shrugged. "Eh, it's fine. We weren't being serious either." She saw Roman raise his eyebrow looking at her and sighed. "Yeah, yeah! I get it... Sorry, Risty. Just fooling around, right?"

"Right!" Risty agreed with a grin.

Jinx smiled peeking at Roman. She was mildly impressed. He'd not only understood the two ladies and their dynamic with each other but subtly played them both by playing with them and **** them into getting along... and he had even gotten her to join in. Was it manipulative? Certainly but only a little bit and in a positive way of furthering friendships amongst all involved. He promoted building harmonious relationships with the Characters he owned in both active and more passive ways... and usually in gentle ways. Not that he couldn't do things the other way if necessary, he just preferred to do things this way... his way... and it wasn't really so bad at all.

It had been several days now but she hadn't seen him order any of them around much and hadn't made any demands as yet. Suggestions and simply asking for things instead. Infact he was receptive to any of their needs and requests asked of them. Sure there were 'rules' they were expected to abide by but they were simple things like 'no fighting' or 'help each other out' and 'pitch in where you can'.

It was... refreshing. Rarely being ordered about. Being allowed to generally do as one pleased. No pressing demands. No harsh beatings to break spirits. He didn't even mind, let alone punish, a bit of misbehavior. Case in point some owners wouldn't appreciate, let alone allow, their Characters to make jokes or tease them. It would be seen as 'disrespectful' or harmful to their reputation or persona as the owner or 'master'... not so Roman who not only allowed such but encouraged it and even went so far as to join in and play along.

He also hadn't even taken any of his new Characters to bed yet. She was certain that he was interested and attracted to them. Most owners in that situation that would be the first thing that they would do. Immediately play with their new 'toys'... but not so with Roman. Oh he was definitely interested in them but more so in understanding them... who they were, how they thought about and did things, their motivations, skills and abilities.

Understanding with maybe some mild ****, and even playfulness, was far from the norm... but again it was a refreshing change. It was almost as if, just maybe, he really cared. About his Characters. About the relationship he had with them as well as their relationships between each other too. About their well-being. About their happiness just as much as his own. Like they really mattered.

And he was good at it... which was dangerous. He had a knack for lowering their guards and making them think they mattered. That he really cared... and they believed it. And she found that she wanted to believe it!

Working with Saya she'd been able to question her about things. Saya was highly intelligent, maybe even as intelligent as herself or more, and rather rational and logically minded when she wasn't agitated. Jinx found she kind of liked her and they'd gotten along and worked well doing the simple but mind-numbingly repetitious multiple record keeping entries with Carlos and his Characters. She'd broached the subject with her and Saya had confirmed her thoughts and admitted to thinking similarly to Jinx in her opinions upon being claimed by Roman... but then had also told Jinx "So what? If he's interested and understanding, attentive and nurturing, protective and kind... then isn't that actually better? Isn't that the same as truly caring? Isn't that the same as loving someone?" Then had adjusted her glasses and smiled, blushing. "The only important thing is how that makes you feel. And... well, as for me?... when he tells me he loves me? I believe him. You'll have to figure out for yourself how he makes you feel but," Saya had smirked revealing her cute little 'moe' fang while giving Jinx a understanding look in her orange eyes that had made Jinx blush at her implication. "I think you're well on your way to figuring that out for yourself! Especially if you're asking these questions, hmm?"

Jinx feared she was right. She knew she certainly liked how Roman treated them, treated her. How that made her feel. How he made her feel. That she was wasn't just a 'thing'. That she mattered to him. That she was appreciated. That he saw her for who she was. That he appreciated her. That he was interested in her. That maybe he actually cared... and then there was how he looked at her. Lingering. Like she was desirable... attractive. Which was surprising because he was surrounded by all kinds of stunningly beautiful ladies. She wasn't as busty as Saya. Nor as cute as her and Knives. Nor as sculpted as Risty. And no one was as near impossibly curvaceous as Meiko! She was too thin, flat and tall. She was lanky. A bean pole and she knew not everyone liked her pale, light grayish skin. Intensely pink cats eye pupils that some found disturbing and not everyone appreciated a Gothic aesthetic....

... But despite all that Roman was always looking at her. Like he was now with those own oddly mismatched eyes of his staring deeply into her own. Calling her "cute" and "beautiful". Complimenting her updo hairstyle or praising her work and more. It didn't hurt he was quite handsome and fit himself and she appreciated his own sense of style. He was... really kind of dreamy and she felt like she could get lost in those eyes sometimes like now... He was... what was the word?

"Hello? Jinx do you hear me?" Roman asked waving his hand infront of her face. "Are you okay?"

"Fine," she said dreamily.

"Oh alright then," Roman said feeling a bit self-conscious as especially with Risty and Saya giggling and smiling at them as they traded knowing glances. "What? Is there something on my face? What?" He asked again as that only made Saya and Risty go from giggling to full on laughing. "I don't get it."

"Ohohoho! Hopeless!" Saya said lifting her glasses and wiping her eyes.

"Ahahaha! Priceless!" Risty added as she belly laughed.

Roman rolled his eyes shaking his head but smiled. "Well as long as you all are amused I guess it doesn't matter." For now at least everything was going well enough, the ladies seemed happy and he could be content with that... "for the moment, anyway," he added and smirked, saying "Orbis non sufficit."

"Huh? Risty asked. "What was that?"

Saya rolled her eyes. "The world is not enough. Really?"

Risty grinned though. She could respect his desire for more. It pushed him to excel. "Well that's our, Roman. Wouldn't expect anything less! It's what makes him-"

"So cool," Jinx said dreamily.

[Roman Stark - Knives Chau - Saya Takagi - Risty - Kim Pine - Jinx and Meiko Shiraki featuring extra guest appearances by Subaru Konoe and Felix Argyle

Will Return In

TBD

Coming Soon]