Bring Home, Getting to Know & Settling Saya

"What a dump!"

Roman's eyebrow twitched ever so slightly in irritation as Saya mouthed off about their camp upon their return. "This girl..."

Knives nervously chuckled. "Saya has a way with making her words sound much harsher then she intends them to."

Roman smiled. At least it seemed like the two of them were getting along. "You're sure? Because it seems like she has a bit of an attitude problem to me."

Knives smiled. "I mean she does... but I think she can also be a friend." She shrugged. "I think It can be a bit of both making her seem worse than she is."

Roman smiled and nodded before pulling her in to kiss the top of her head. "Alright. So a bit of an attitude combined with a sharp tongue? Well we can deal with that."

Knives looked up at him. "Nicely? Like a friend?"

Roman blinked at the look at her eyes and nodded smiling reassuringly. "Yeah, if that's how you want it? You two really started reached an understanding earlier, huh? Well that's fine. Attitude adjustments aside we'll use kid gloves, okay?"

Knives smiled and nodded happily. "Ok! Sounds good. I think she'll come around! You'll-"

"Oh come on," Saya complained. "The toilets in the cave! Probably a pit too! Pathetic! Only one bed?! That's not going to fly at all!"

Roman sighed. "So much for our idyllic beach camp life."

Knives put her arms around him. "It'll work out-"

"Eww! Gross!" Saya said poking at a slime they'd been feeding scraps that had come out looking for something to eat. "What the hell is that?!"

"Probably," Knives finished. "In time."

Roman smiled. "Alright... I'll try to be patient with her. But it's probably time we start clearing the air, setting some ground rules, showing her around and stuff."

"Yep!" Knives said cheerfully. "I was thinking the same thing!"

Roman nodded, smiling and gave her another kiss on the head. "By the way... I'm so thankful and grateful for you, Knives. I don't want you to ever forget that no matter what happens or how things may change in the future. Got it?"

"Got it!" She said happily holding him tight. "I feel the same way! I don't care what anyone else says! I know you're a good person!"

Roman blinked. "Oh? Was someone saying something?"

Knives paused before nodding. She didn't want Saya to get in trouble. "Someone did... but I don't want them to get in trouble if I say..."

Roman smiled. It wasn't hard to figure out at all. "I see and don't worry. Saya's not in trouble."

"I didn't say it was her," Knives said but smiled. Roman was smart and sharp.

Roman chuckled. "No. You didn't. Still it's fine. Infact it might be good to have her around for that reason."

"Seriously?" Knives asked because that did surprise her a little.

Roman nodded and they both looked to the side watching Saya Takagi derisively muttering about the primitive state of things as she familiarized herself with their setup. "Seriously. Do you know why kings of old kept fools and jesters in their courts?"

Knives shrugged. "For entertainment right? Saya doesn't seem very funny that way."

Roman chuckled. "Not only that. The "fool" was the only one who could say anything with impunity. Because it was important for an all powerful person to have at least one person who could call "bullshit". Leaders who don't value the opinions of others, especially differing ones, are the true fools and not in an amusing way. It's good if we have one Character who will call "Bullshit" when needed, I think."

Knives smiled. "That's pretty wise. That's why you're going to treat her nice? Because you value her opinions?"

Roman nodded. "Well yeah... Why? What did you think-... Oh!" He chuckled and squeezed her in his arms. "Yeah, no. She is pretty and cute and I like her spunk if not some of her less desirable personality quirks... but I'm not going to sleep with her Knives."

Knives let out a breath and tension she hadn't been aware she was holding. "You could though! She's your property to do with as you want and-"

"And I couldn't do that to you," he said cutting her off. "It'd make you unhappy, right? So I wont. Simple as that. Your happiness is far more important to me. Period. End of discussion."

Knives wiped away a happy tear but shook her head. "You... You are too good to me, you know that?"

Roman shrugged. "You let me be the judge of that. I'm not good enough, in my opinion. Not yet. But I promise you... I will be. I'm going to work hard, earn enough to place highly in this thing so we can stay together. Bring you home with me when this is all over. Make you happy. Because you deserve it... and I want to for you. Okay?" He felt something wet on his chest and pushing her back a bit he saw she was crying. He quickly pulled out a handkerchief and gave it to her. "Hey now what's all this? No need for tears."

Knives was happy... and Roman was wrong. He really was too good to her! He could have Saya or anybody he wanted probably with how awesome and handsome and cool he was... but he wouldn't for her. He wouldn't "cheat" on her even if that was his right. Saya was wrong. He was no villain! Nobody who cared that much could be all bad. And she...?

*I'm not good enough,* she thought. *Holding him back? That's not right. And all because of my "Hang-ups"? If he's willing to give up chasing other girls for me? Then I should be big enough to let my hang-ups and insecurities go, right? I... I could... I can-*

"They're happy tears. Don't worry... and I promise you," she said wiping her eyes as she made up her mind too. "I can... No, I will! I'm gonna be better! I'm going to be the bestest girl for you Roman! Because you deserve that! Just wait and see!"

He chuckled not because he didn't take her seriously but because- "Silly. You're so cute!" He kissed her. "Well I dunno how you'll improve on perfection but if you're determined I certainly won't stop you. But don't change too much okay? I love you just the way you are!"

Knives was so happy! They were both going to do their best! Together! For each other! "Samesies! I love you! Love you soooo much!" She said leaping up to wrap her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. His hands cupped her bottom as they both kissed passionately and-

"Gag," Saya said outloud like a brat. "I'm gonna go over there. I don't want to watch that. I hope you two won't do that when I'm around!"

Knives blushed but Roman set her down gently on her feet before letting go. It was time to set Saya straight. "Hold up. Actually Saya, I'll give you hand getting settled." He kissed Knives on the lips. "To be continued."

Knives smiled and nodded. Roman had said it like a promise. "Definitely! Go easy on her?"

He smirked but nodded tipping his hat. "I'll try."

Knives went off to organize the supplies they'd managed to gather and brought in and then cleanup. Meanwhile Roman approached Saya. "So we need to setup a place for you sleep here and have a little chat about things between you and I. I suggest we do both things together in the name of efficiency. Understood?"

Saya gulped. It was a question that wasn't really a question. She'd pushed too far... Again. But she didn't back down. It wasn't in her nature to be intimidated easily. She adjusted her glasses perched on her face before crossing her arms under her ample chest. She did wish that she'd changed out of her bathing suit though. That they'd all changed out of their still damp suits actually. Here she was wearing the ridiculously skimpy bikini as a strapping, muscular man loomed over in his tight wet shorts... with a noticeable bulge? Had Knives given him a half boner?! And- "Fuck that's big," she muttered. "Fine," she said louder. "Let's." She pointed down towards the end of the cave opening and beach... as far from the camp as possible. "I want to setup down there and use those tarps we just got to-"

"Denied," Roman said crossing arms to match her... and focusing deliberately on her orange eyes and not those big, voluptuous tits.

"What?!" Saya snapped. "Of all the-...!" She bit back her words. Was he testing her? And if so what were the consequences of not "passing"? "May I ask why not?" She asked testily trying to keep her voice even though she was seething.

Roman smirked at her obvious irritation. "You may," he said with a undercurrent of amusement and humor in the tone of his response.

Saya grit her teeth at his condescending tone. Was he fucking with her? Asshole! "Why... not?"

"It's too far," Roman said in an even tone and then moved to stand beside her instead of confrontational opposite her. He pointed gesturing with his hand toward the camp then the fire area. "Too far from the main camp. In the event of an emergency we shouldn't be to far spread out. Also that's not only our main source of light but also warmth. As warm as things are here, especially during the day, the inside of the cave can get a bit chilly especially at night." He shook his head. "We need to be sparing with our resources. We can't afford to have another fire at the opposite ends of the cave mouth just to keep people warm and healthy. Whatever living space we build for you, for now, should be near enough to that to gather and collect heat during the night from the fire... at least for the time being. As things change in the future we can reevaluate and make changes."

Saya blinked. He'd actually given her a reasonable, logical answer. More so he'd done it without sounding like a jerk. Even more he'd left it as a "for the time being" situation that was open to possible change in the future.

It wasn't quite what she'd expected. Infact she'd been expecting the opposite infact. An infantile display of authority like "because, I said so" or something to that effect. Especially after the ruthlessly draconian display he'd put on infront of his raiders and thugs. Also though he'd seen her in the ridiculously small bikini he wasn't looking at her except for in the eyes. He also didn't berate her for interrupting his and Knives amorous situation. She'd cock blocked him, if only temporarily, and he didn't seem too upset.

"I see," she said. "And let me guess. The use of the tarps create a similar stretching of a finite resource as well?"

Roman nodded. "That's correct, Saya. We only have the three we just aquired during the raiding. We need at least one to put over things we want to stay dry. We haven't had bad weather yet but I'm certain we will eventually. The others are needed for keeping things dry as we move things over the water. It's not an ideal situation and we're currently working on several possible solutions but the benefits far outweigh the camps drawbacks, again at least for the time being."

Saya nodded. "That's why you've built lean-tos for now? The heat from the fire bounces and radiates the bodies within while keeping the slight damp of the cave off but there's still a lot of open space for air to circulate when it's hot and humid. Correct?"

"Correct," Roman said nodding approval. "Their also basic structures that make the best use of the resources we have. Driftwood, scrap and tree branches and leaves. Simple to assemble and easy to adjust, move or maintain. I'm sure you want a modicum of privacy. While it's best you stay as close as you're comfortable with I suggest we can make you, and us, a privacy screen of some sort. Perhaps using woven leaves like a mat? Then it could simply be unrolled or adjusted to suit one's needs."

He pointed towards the area they'd built and used previously for changing clothes before... well, before he and Knives had stopped giving a damn anyway. Lately the two of them had been having amorous fun all over the place and anytime they liked. Infact they'd been naked nearly as much as clothed over the last fe days. "Something like that changing screen partition thing. Or we could use parts of that. It uh," he shrugged and smiled. "It hasn't seen use for the last couple of days. Then again I suppose that's changed again now."

He turned to look her in the eyes because that was as good a Segway as any. "Stuff like that? Or earlier? That's going to happen. We can try to keep that from you, Saya... but it's bound to happen. And it'll keep happening. If that makes you uncomfortable then I apologize... but this time aside, it ain't going to stop. What will stop? Is you making it uncomfortable for others because you are uncomfortable with it. I have a thick skin... but Knives might not. In the future I'd appreciate it if you didn't make things more uncomfortable than they already might be. Understood?"

Again, Saya recognized that it wasn't really a question. He was telling her how it was going to be. That as uncomfortable as the subject made her she wouldn't worsen it for others. Period. The question was whether she comprehended that... and there was only acceptable answer. "Understood," she said thinking about Knives. About how she'd made her feel. Earlier and just now. How she'd feel if it had been her and the guy she liked. Stupid Takashi. "And... I'm sorry."

Roman smiled and put his arm around her shoulders leading her off towards the camp proper. "Me too, Saya. Me too. Let's fix you up a place to lay your head and clear the air about things between us. Alright?"

"Okay," she said pausing as she followed along working up the courage to say- "I... If... I-Is this-"

"I ain't going to **** you, Saya," he said guessing what was on her mind. "And I ain't going to let anyone else either."

"What?" She said surprised. "Why not?!"

Roman blinked and looked at her taking his arm off her shoulders. "You want that?"

Saya shook her head. "Hell no! But... I mean you "own" me. Is there something wrong with me?" She asked thinking about her previous one-sided crush. "I mean I'm cute and attractive! I know it!"

Roman smiled and shook his head. "No there isn't anything wrong with you. You're actually very beautiful and uh... *cough* Sexy." His words made her blush. "But I have Knives. Believe it or not but I care about her and she's been hurt before. I won't do that to her. Besides we should be friends Saya. We could at least try." He had stopped and considered this spot.

Meanwhile she stared at him. "You have got to be joking!"

He shook his head. "I'm not. What do you think about this spot? You're closer to the fire but still a bit away from it... and from us."

Saya considered the location. He'd picked a pretty good spot. It was closer but also a bit away. It was also more or less equidistant from the path towards the latrines and the small waterfall. It would be convenient to not only getting around the camp... but also getting away from it for privacy reasons. "I don't supose it's normal for "Masters" and their slaves to be friends is it?"

Roman smiled and shrugged. "Not necessarily. You're right, it's easy to be cruel... but it isn't necessary. It might surprise you but depending upon the relationship quite a lot of Characters find they can lead very happy lives on Prime after an adjustment period... If both parties are open to it. I'd like that for you, for all of you, if possible," he shrugged again. "But it doesn't have to be that way either."

She frowned. "You're saying we can do things the easy way or the hard way, aren't you?"

He nodded. "Yeah, I am... But I'm trying to give you a choice about it."

She snorted. "Some choice."

He smiled amused. "I think one will find that choice all the time in life if they think about it... And it is a choice so think it over. My mother is a Character and she found far more happiness for herself on Prime than she ever had in her old life before. It changed everything for her. And that happiness? It changed her a bit too. Allowed her to change and become someone who could be happy. I want that for you."

"But you're also saying it doesn't have to be thst way, right?" She said with a bit if bitterness and derision. "Carrot and stick? Kindness or cruelty? You're saying you're fine with either one, right "Master"?"

Roman knew she was baiting him. He shook his head. "All I'm saying is that you have a choice, Saya. I'd prefer if you were happy, staying with us... But If you aren't going to be happy with us then we can find you another owner who can accommodate your needs what ever they may be. Those choices? Those options? How you want it? To try to get along with us or not? And how we proceed from there? I'm leaving that to you."

She was quiet for awhile, thinking over his words, before finally saying, "I think right here is worth giving a try. It's as good a spot as any... for now."

Roman smiled. He had his answer on the location and more. "Alright, Saya. Let's build you a shelter." He took off his shirt and handed it to her. "Until your suit dries off a bit wear that."

"Thanks... Roman," she said accepting the Aloha shirt and even smiling just a bit as she put it on. It wasn't much but it was better than nothing. And it was only practical to wear their suits until dry before changing clothes anyway.

Roman swallowed watching her tie it up under her ample breasts. Her personality was a bit abrasive and bratty... but she had a rocking little body! Her petite, athletic and curvy figure was practically built for sex! Add the sweetheart face, cute hairstyle and glasses and she was quite the fetching little spinner he could easily see himself- "Let's get started," he said turning away. She was attractive... but he had Knives. He wasn't going to hurt her like that. Period. He saw her and waved to her and she waved back. Others might not think it but to him? She was just as sexy! More so even knowing what he knew of her body now and how it...

Saya stared at him. She was sure he had been checking her out... which had made her feel good considering earlier and her past. But now he wasn't even looking her direction as he waved to Knives and definitely had an erection that buldged his shorts. A huge fat one too judging by the obscene shape! And that... made her kind of irritated. Jealous even. And she knew she shouldn't be. It was her past hang-ups. Stupid Takashi. Always looking at Rei, Saeko and even Shizuka while she was just friend zoned. Worse. Childhood friend zoned, damn it all! Friend zoned so hard she'd almost started to-

She shook her head. She didn't want to think about it. None of that mattered now. It shouldn't matter. It shouldn't matter about Knives and Roman either. They both wanted to be her "friends". Which was stupid. Stupid cheery Knives. Stupid Roman... and his stupid sexy body. Worse... He had a brain and a logical mind. A stupid big sexy brain. She could, and did, like to fight and argue his morals. But his logic was hard to deny or refute. Worse still he seemed to welcome her opinion... even if it differed? "Let me ask you something?"

"Sure," Roman said trying to refocus on the task at hand. "Ask anything you want. But give me a moment? I want carry some of that wood over here. Can you grab one of those blankets we got from trading? It's going to be yours. Oh and also some leaves? Knives can show you which ones we used for weaving."

"Sure," she said repeating him. She sighed watching him walk off to fetch suplies. "Gee...Thanks Skipper. Guess I'll just go check in with Gilligan then. Fuck my life," She muttered then made a face. "There I go doing it again. God I'm such a bitch. Just be nice, Saya! Is that so hard? Oh! Fuck! Now I sound like mother!"

She walked over towards Knives who was still putting away and storing things. "Knives can you show me which leaves to use?"

Knives looked up and nodded, stopping her work. "Sure Saya! For wiping? That is important to know-"

"What? Eww! No!" Saya said then blinked. "Wait... We're using leaves in the toilet? No. Don't answer that! Of course we are!" She facepalmed.

Knives blinked and then looked at her concerned. "Are you okay? Is it... You know... Cramping?"

Saya blinked the turned red as she figured out what Knives was implying. "No you, id- uh, No! I'm not having my period!" She had stopped herself from being too mean. "Ok, yes. Please show me which leaves to use for that later. Right now I need leaves for my shelter."

"Oh!" Knives said nodding. "Yeah ok! You'll want Palm leaves for weaving! You'll like it Saya. It's super easy to do once you get the hang of it! Wait right here!"

*Zip!*

"What the fuck?!" She said watching Knives not only run off in a flash but practically up a tree too on their beach. "Parkour much!" She looked at the supplies and grabbed the blanket Roman had said too. Knives returned shortly with a big bundle of leaves. "Those aren't the ones that you just cut?"

Knives nodded. "Roman said dried and slightly prepared work and we found that out by trying it the other way. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't great. So we got in the habit of preparing some to have on hand and cutting more before we use up some of our stock."

"Smart," Saya said. "That makes sense. Roman said to take a blanket for myself but I only see the one?"

Knives nodded. "That's right. We traded some dried fish and tokens for it." She puffed up her chest proudly. "I'm a natural fisherwoman! Here spread it out to carry the leaves in."

They spread out the blanket on the ground and started piling it with leaves. "Just for me?" Saya asked somewhat surprised. "What about you two?"

Knives blushed but smiled. "We figured you might want one! And We use Romans coat for now... and you know... we keep each other warm! Eheheh!"

"How nice for you," Saya said sarcastically then shook her head. *Don't be a bitch,* she reminded herself. "Thanks... For the blanket, I mean. That was nice of you guys to think about me. Trade precious supplies for my comfort. You guys didn't have to do that... And thanks for the leaves too."

Knives smiled sunnily at her. "Of course we did, Saya! You're with us now and a friend! We care about you and you're very welcome!"

Saya smiled touched. *These two crazy knuckleheads,* she thought. "Geez. It's like you're a little kid. Well okay. Fine. It's whatever, I guess."

Knives giggled. Roman had been right! Saya was a total tsundere! He'd told her so in an aside. She didn't mean some of the things she said. Quite the opposite sometimes. "You two have fun working together!"

"As if!" Saya said walking away carrying the bundle back in her arms. "Thanks, Knives."

Her response made Knives giggle before she turned back to her own work. The blanket and tarps aside they'd claimed or bartered and traded for some rope, Fishing line and a few hooks and some actual cooking tools to use. Two of them. One was a skillet and the other was a kind of big pot with a lid that Roman had been excited about calling it a something oven and paid a fair few of his tokens for. Both were made of heavy iron.

And then there were the weapons. There'd been quite a few to claim and pick and choose from. Not that they'd needed much.

Saya hadn't come with a weapon besides a utility camping knife. When questioned about it she readily admitted to being a novice fighter in her setting with no signature weapon. She had aquired a special firearm from her mother but hadn't had opportunity to use it, let alone become a proficient shot... which apparently counted as specifically NOT having a signature weapon. It seemed strange to Knives since apparently Saya's setting had devolved into some apocalyptic zombie horror story. How could some one not pick up some combat experience and fast in something like that? But apparently Saya wasn't much of a fighter.

So they decided they were going to work on that bit by bit. Knives would teach her the basics of hand to hand and knife handling. Meanwhile they'd picked up a crossbow and Roman was going to teach her that.

They'd also looked for other tools and items. They'd not had much luck... for now. One of Romans lieutenants... Bob? Bill? Knives couldn't remember. It didn't matter. Anyways one if them said he'd be willing to trade his axe to them if he found a better one. Another had apparently gotten a blacksmith character. If they could build a forge Roman suggested they could put him to work... still that was an even larger long-term project.

Roman had simply given away some of their leftover reserve of fish to others. He'd said something about "free samples" and "priming the pump" for future deals. He'd also hidden it well but Knives could tell he was disappointed more people weren't interested in slime goo soap... Not yet anyway. He figured another few days or so of getting filthy, nasty and stinky and people would be **** enough to try anything no matter how weird it sounded. He'd handed out a few free samples and left it at that for now.

Speaking of she decided to fill a few more of the seashells they were using as molds for the soap. Then she would wash their clothes and try to catch some more fish!

Carrying the bundle of leaves in the blanket back Saya found Roman already laying out sticks and carving notches for the frame. "Well look at you. Aren't you just the hard little worker."

Roman rolled his eyes and smirked, ignoring the goading. "Yup. You surprised? Didn't see that coming? Maybe you just ain't that smart," He teased.

"Why you arrogant-" she stopped herself seeing his smile and bit back her retort... then she smirked too. "Nice one. Touché. I should have seen that coming. You're ambitious, skilled and in good shape. All of which indicates that you're driven... and driven people tend to be hard workers."

Roman stopped what he was doing setting his knife aside. He grinned, giving her a couple slow claps of his hands. "Well reasoned. I retract my statement, with compliments."

Saya made a show of bowing deeply, and noted him peeking at her cleavage just a bit. But he immediately went to look her in the eyes directly and she didn't call him on it and instead jerked her thumb. "Show me how to weave these... please?"

Roman nodded. "Sure. You got it, Saya! Now these leaves or fronds have already been dried and split apart a bit. First you'll want to take a couple of pieces like this and..."

Saya watched carefully as Roman showed her how to weave the material. It was fairly simple to do and with a little know how and practice it was fairly easy to start getting a feel for it. Still it required practice and Saya messed up and had to start over a few times.

"Damn. I did it again," she muttered. "Good one, dummy." Still she didn't ask for help and instead looked to see what she had done wrong, undid it and started over again. "Hey, I think I'm over thinking about this. Do you mind if we talk while we work?"

Roman had gone back to assembling the frame. "I don't mind at all. We can talk about whatever you want to."

Saya nodded. "So you entered into this "survival game" for what? Money? "Slaves"? Lording it over others"

"Nope," Roman said not looking up from his work. The better the joints fit together the better the frame would work. "Don't get me wrong. Fortune and glory is nice and all. But I'm really here to test my skills, myself and because I enjoy this sort of thing."

"Fuck!" Saya cursed. His answer had surprised her and she'd missed a step. "You're kidding me? You're doing this because it's fun for you?! Because you were bored or something?!" She asked undoing and redoing the weaving.

"Yup. That's almost exactly it," Roman said with a smile. "I just finished my education, not that I Belive one ever stops learning, and I wanted some time off to figure things out before I take the next step in life. My cousin did this ages ago. So when this big anniversary show was coming along and promised to be "the biggest and best yet", I decided I wanted to try my hand at it... and they weren't kidding thankfully. This one is huge and kind of a Battle Royal, or I guess it's "Survival Royal", it feels like they took everyone who wanted to compete. My turn... Are you disappointed?"

"Huh, that... wasn't the answer I was expecting," she said. "And I don't know. Honestly... I'm still trying to figure out your deal."

"Heh. Well now you have me curious," Roman chuckled as he eyed his work before continuing. "Care to elaborate?"

Saya was quiet for awhile as she picked her words and more fronds for weaving before deciding to just speak her mind anyway. His response would be more informative for the impression she was forming. "My first impression of you was that you were a villainous asshole."

"Harsh but fair," he said. "I'm not but I can see how others might see it that way. My mother's a "villainess" and my father's one of those so called "heros"... and he'd be the first to tell you he isn't and that most of the time there's no such thing. That those neat little roles are a load of garbage decided by others most of the time."

"Oh yeah," she said a bit curious. "And what would your so called "villainous" mother say?"

Roman shrugged. "Honestly? Nothing. She's a mute."

"Oh! Uh, I'm sorry I didn't know," Saya said regretting her attitude.

Roman smiled and shook his head. "Don't be. You had no way of knowing. I don't take any offense and she wouldn't either. Been that way all her life. She doesn't talk about it but it lead to a shitty childhood with bad parents and experiences. She thrived inspite of it. But she had a pretty lonely life before coming to Prime. It wasn't perfect of course but she finally found her own happiness. As for me?" He smiled genuinely. "I was lucky. Raised surrounded by lots of love in a normal family," he shrugged and smirked. "Well abnormally normal. That'll happen with a father who is powerful like mine and a mother who's a well known saboteur and trickster. Still I was happy and didn't develop a chip on my shoulder."

"Lucky. I did," Saya said after a quiet moment. "My father was also a powerful person and my mother was similar to yours. They're honestly amazing but... I always felt trapped by it and that I didn't quite measure up, you know? I know that they love me... but that's hard to deal with for some kids."

Roman smiled and nodded. "Sounds like we have a bit in common... and I do know. One of my pain the ass brothers is like that. He's the eldest and while he was a happy kid and our parents were good to him like all of us, as he grew up it bothered him like you. He kind of developed a complex about it. But unlike you he's an idiot. Really smart, maybe as smart as me, but he let's it cloud his judgment sometimes and then tosses reason aside at the dammedest moments."

Now Saya smirked. This really was informative! "But not you, I take it?"

Roman shrugged. "I try not to. Going off half-cocked is stupid. Reason is where the battle is first fought. Every battle. Whether battling for one's life or matching wits against an opponent, gambling for highstakes or, like here, fighting for survival."

"I've got you pegged now! She said. "You're the "thinking man of action" type. And here I thought you were the power hungry dictator in the beginning."

Roman actually laughed at that. "Hahahah! Well if I'm being honest with you I'm not. I'm an opportunist. If there's an advantage to be had I pride myself on finding it and taking it... and if not I'll make one! Dictator? Ahahaha! Don't make me laugh!"

"No?" Saya asked. "You could've fooled me by your actions! Nothing noble or heroic in the way you rule your little band of wannabe raiders Mr Big Shot!"

"Hahahah! Stop it! Ehehehe! You're killing me!" He'd actually stopped working to laugh and catch his breath. "Whooo! All that? That's perfectly normal. Look at every government that ever was. They all got power by siezing power. Every single one, no matter how noble their intentions. Period." He waved his hand around. "All this? This place? It's no different. I guarantee right this moment there's some group fighting another, one individual robbing, stealing or cheating another. That's reality. That's the situation we find ourselves in." He shrugged. "You're smart. Tell me I'm wrong. Tell me the odds of not getting involved and trying to make it to the end alone... without allies of somekind. Tell me I'm wrong for seizing an advantage. Tell me I'm wrong for imposing an order of sorts before someone else imposed it on us. Go ahead, Saya... tell me I'm wrong."

Saya swallowed. He hadn't said it with heat or malice. He didn't speak with moral conviction. He'd said it with a calm even tone, with slight hint of humor underneath. Calmly. Rationally. Knowingly. Because it was true. Not likely true or possibly true. It was the honest and plain truth... and she knew it. "You're not wrong... but that doesn't make the things you're doing "right". You're basically running a criminal organization."

Roman nodded. "I never claimed they were. And how exactly can one be "criminals" in a place without laws, hmm? But I know what you are getting at. It's a kind of racket. But let me ask you... if it brings actual protection, is it still a racket? Doesn't it stop being a scam and instead becomes an service? Isn't that also the same as any government? Extorting a "tax" and providing services like protection and laws in exchange?"

She snorted but her tone was less bratt and actually curious. "So... What? A birth of a nation situation? You think you're somekind of a kingdom builder?"

He smirked. "Maybe? And why not?If people feel safer somewhere then that becomes an attractive territory to live in. People will come here, with their Characters, seeking that. People with valuables they want to keep. People with skills or skilled characters they want to pursue. Businesses will startup. Sure it'll be a lot of what we did last night. But we will have barter and trade and tokens will also get exchanged. Those running this game gave it a gods dammed built in currency! One that can't be stolen or cheated... but can be robbed! Taken! They'll start seeking protection. Either by banding together subservient to the strong... or by hiding out, but the odds on that aren't great and will cramp their ability to actually play the game and thrive. But if they hear of a semi-safe place? One with rules and "law" and free market? One where you were guaranteed the opportunity to keep a minimum as long as they had the guts and foresight to try? Tell me Saya... Tell me? Those are the right moves to make, correct?"

Saya pondered it finally shook her head with a sigh. "Correct. Well played. It's a bit grimy and unfair but totally how both governments and criminal organizations like the Yakuza and Mafia operate. That's why you set things up the way you did. You created a sory of Piracy democracy and you've already legitimized your criminal enterprise in one fell swoop." She adjusted her glasses and smiled showing her fang. "I might not approve but I admit it's well thought out and reasoned. Honestly? I'm impressed. Remind to never play chess with you."

"Aw don't be like that!" Roman said with genuine disappointment. "Now that I know you know chess... Play me! I'll carve us a board and pieces if you want. Or better! We can just play in our heads."

Saya smirked. "No thanks."

"I'll let you be white so you can go first!" Roman offered.

Saya shook her head. "Not interested," she said... though she kind of was. But this game she was currently playing was far more interesting right now!

"Damn," Roman said pouting.

Saya grinned. "You could order me to play you."

Roman shook his head glumly going back to work. "I could but you know I won't. Takes all the fun out of it."

She chuckled. "That's what you have a hang-up about? Eheheh. You're a pretty strange guy."

Roman shrugged. "Meh. I can live with that... just like I can live with your attitude," he smirked.

Saya shrugged but was smiling and having fun. "Good because you'll have to... too bad the rest of us have to live with your wardrobe!"

"Hey now!" He said. "What's wrong with my wardrobe. Granted I didn't pick these shorts but-"

"It's bad," Saya said not mincing words. "You're trying to hard. You want to look like a film noir character by way of old timey adventurer but nobody dresses like that anymore except for in old movies and books. You totally missed the mark and it's hard to take you seriously."

Roman narrowed his eyes but was grinning. "Touché... but those are some mighty bold words from someone with big pink twintails hair wearing a pink ruffled micro bikini."

"Sh-Shut up!" Saya said. "I didn't pick this out or anything! They should have given me my competition swimsuit!"

Roman kept grinning. "But they didn't... meaning this was one from your setting too, right? Something you picked out to wear, yeah?"

Saya blushed... then sighed. "Touché. Your point again dammit. I mean all the swimsuits there were pretty risqué but I did pick this one out and wore it... Not that Takashi really cared..."

Roman blinked. "Whoa there! Hold up... you wore that for a guy and he didn't give you the time of day?"

She sighed. "Yeah, not really. I mean I get it. He has Rei for a girlfriend and now Saeko and even Miss Shizuka are all over him but apparently there's no place for his childhood friend. Takashi is-"

"Is an idiot," Roman butted in. "Sorry. I didn't know. If I had I wouldn't have teased you about it. It's nice. Really nice and I'm not just saying that. And you look really good in it, Saya. Your hair is pretty and cute too. Very eye catching. A guy would have to be blind to ignore a girl wearing that. Especially a childhood friend! I've always hated that trope. If you were my childhood friend I-... uh!"

"No," she said blushing and staring at him. "Go On. Please?"

Roman nodded. "Okay. Uh here goes... If you were my childhood friend I wouldn't be able to ignore you because... I uh... *Ahem* I'd probably have a crush. A big one. You're brilliant and beautiful and sexy and someone who isn't afraid to call "Bullshit"... and I like how you call bullshit, Saya. How you speak your mind. I think that's a very rare and attractive quality as a person."

"Oh!" She said blushing even more and trying not to smile like an idiot. "Thank you, I think. Nobody... has ever said anything quite like that to me before." Which was true. She'd been confessed to and asked out many times but tended to forget them. They not only were from people who she just wasn't interested in... but always felt disingenuous. Like they didn't really see the "real" her. This wasn't like that at all. "So Uhm, just to be clear are you saying-"

"No," Roman said. "I'm saying IF things were different." He shook his head. "I have Knives and I won't hurt her. She uh... She's been hurt before by someone else. I won't do that to her."

"I see," Saya said relieved... and a bit disappointed. "Uhm... Good! That's good that we were talking about IF, then. Because I was asking about IF. Definitely an "IF" situation! Besides it's good," she smirked. "You're not my type at all and I have almost zero interest in you!" She lied. "Though it is a relief to know that you're a good guy for Knives, even if you're a bad guy! Make sure you take good care of her then!"

Roman smirked. "Gee thanks... and don't you worry. I will! Almost zero, huh? That's interesting. So... not "none" then. Meaning there's some tiny bit of interest?" He teased holding his index finger thumb a small bit apart as he finished assembling the frame.

Saya rolled her eyes and snorted... but she was smiling. "Extremely tiny. Incredibly tiny. Microscopic, no... atomic particle small!"

Roman shrugged and gave her wink. "Alright. I get it. Well that's okay. I'll take whatever I can get!"

Saya laughed. "Ahahaha! I didn't know you were such a **** loser!"

Roman laughed too. "Mwahaha! That's rich! Says the girl who has the terrible taste in losers!"

Knives smiled from where she was listening in. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop. Only go through their scraps for bait. But some of the slimes had been hanging around that she and Roman had been feeding scraps to bit by bit. Seeing it she'd started to do the same... but then the nearby conversation got interesting. In several ways!

Finding out Saya was a bit like her, unlucky in romance, was a surprise. As was the two of them getting friendly... But then Roman showed her his cards and told her that nothing would happen because of Knives whether there was anything between them or not. Which made Knives relieved, happy... and also sad too.

The two of them had some little bit of chemistry going on. That was obvious despite their denials. Infact their teasingly, playful denials made her certain of it! And as relieved as Romans answer made her feel and increased her trust even more... she felt guilty too. Was there a possibility that Roman could make Saya happy? As happy as he made her? Was it selfish of her to deny them that just because of her issues? Shouldn't them caring about her that way be enough? Shouldn't she... care the same? Wish the same for them? Did not doing so, letting her insecurities and fears dictate hiw things were, make her a "bad person"? Wasn't that just as bad as-

"Goo?" Asked the slime.

Knives smiled. "Sorry, little guy. I got lost in thought. Here ya go!"

"Slurp!"

[Roman Stark Knives Chau and Saya Takagi

Will Return In

A Hot Night

Coming Soon]