Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2020 6:38 PM, Post Subject: Their First Date [P/R]

It was another tender moment, and Lewis wasn’t one-hundred percent sure how to respond to anything she had said, but he was at least confident enough to understand that she wasn’t going anywhere, and neither was he. To show that, he kissed her again, taking a moment to try and convey his feelings through his actions, and then swept her up off her feet in a surprise motion. She made a cute, shocked sound as he did so, but did nothing to fight against it, hold on to him as he carried her out of the ocean and to the picnic area they had chosen.

From there, they took their time with each other, forgetting about the food and everything else about the world. For a moment, it was just them. Lewis wasn’t about to let her go without showing a different type of appreciation.

When it was all said and done, Lewis and Simone found themselves in a half asleep haze, basing in the sun as they cuddled in each other’s embrace. “I promise that I’ll love you…all of you forever…as long as you’ll have me.” He kissed her forehead again, and smiled. “I won’t leave…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2020 6:30 PM, Post Subject: Their First Date [P/R]

The squeeze made her smile and relax a little more in his arms. What followed next put her in a bit of a whirlwind when it came to her emotions. She wasn’t expecting it for one and two she hadn’t known Lewis to be like this. After all, he had not only wanted to kill her at one point for the sake of it but also shouted at her for things she didn’t know. It was hard for her to separate it but also there were the tender parts she had felt. It was making her a little more than woozy.

“I… love you too.” She smiled big and felt her holding her breath again. “Maybe, she hasn’t brought back younger Simone because… with a bit of work I am her too.” Her eyes held his gaze. “I never thought I would hear you say that but things were crazy and I can’t tell how you feel like she can.” She felt a little self-conscious about that but still, she gave a tiny smile. “I didn’t think what I did held a lot of weight but I’ve looked down on myself for a long time because I didn’t have the same abilities the others had… but you saw me as strong…” Maybe not at first but eventually he did. “And that made me believe I was strong.”

He gave her confidence. Even now she had a bit more as she wiggled nervously before kissing him again. “I’m just scared you might change your mind~” She didn’t know why. This life was just too new for her. “But I do love you and I love the kids too. I just need time to adjust to everything… but you all are my whole world.” She did a little hop and moved her arms around his neck.

“I love you a lot!”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2020 6:19 PM, Post Subject: Their First Date [P/R]

The fact that she thanked him meant the world to Lewis. He had absolutely no idea how to feel what the guide was feeling, and had no idea if what he said helped her in any way. The kiss that followed was something more than he expected. It lingered, and for some reason there was more intent behind it than most kisses. It reminded him somewhat of the few that he had shared in intimate moments, not just blatant sex, but actual intimacy. This close, familiar feeling made him squeeze the guide just a little more, intended to be a show of affection and adoration for her.

“Even through all the craziness,” Lewis said after a moment. “Even with the new kids and all of it…I missed you too. You’re different…a light hearted breath of fresh air. I love Simone, and I love you. I even love the younger Simone, and miss her too. But you…you’re special. You’re the whole reason that any of this was possible.” He realized that, for a moment, he was repeating what Simone had told him. “Had it not been for you, none of this could have happened…but even after all of it, I’ve never stopped loving you. All of you…”

It really did always come back to it…Simone being Simone. All of her forms as one. He couldn’t really help but love them all.

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2020 6:10 PM, Post Subject: Their First Date [P/R]

It was a weird deafening silence that came from Lewis. For whatever reason, it actually hurt that he didn’t answer her right away even though she knew what she was saying was weird. Finally, he did answer her and she blushed a bit more, “Her strength?” It was true that she was able to keep the good parts safe but could that really be considered a strength? The Guide knew she was being overly self-conscious and it had to look and sound silly.

His kiss made her freeze in place and she felt her breath-hold for several seconds. “I suppose so…” She didn’t feel invincible like Simone did. It wasn’t even really invincible but Simone was stronger than she was. Even now she had no way of knowing what Lewis was thinking without the Resonance that Simone had. He was trying though and that made her happy.

“Thank you for listening,” she pushed herself up and kissed his lips. She let it linger and felt her face flush which made her pull away. “I know why she isn’t telling me anything but it’s also hard. She wants me to discover everything for myself and not let her thoughts become mine. It’s why she puts me to sleep in between my visits. It also makes it so I don’t miss you… Cause I would miss you. And…” She looked away with an even brighter blush, “I might get a little jealous?” The older one didn’t get jealous but the Guide was filled with much youth. “Not bad jealous… but sad? I would miss you.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2020 6:01 PM, Post Subject: Their First Date [P/R]

Lewis held her as the waves gently crashed against them. It was a strange, touching moment that was happening, and he wasn’t sure exactly what she was saying and why, but perhaps it had everything to do with fear. That was what he was trying to understand from her, and without the resonance it was difficult to comprehend. But what was she scared of? Was it death? Non-existence? Or was it losing him?

It took him some time to try and figure out what to say, but as he stared into her eyes he tried his best. “You know…I don’t think she’ll ever be able to erase you. Even if she wanted to, she can’t. You were a part of her, a big part…the part that kept her sane. At least…that’s what she tells me. You were her strength, and for that, she…would never get rid of you.” He slowly stroked her hair, and kissed the top of her forehead. “You disappeared, but you came back…didn’t you?”

“You’ll always come back…all of you. Simone. The three of you that I met, you’re all a part of Simone….you’ll never be erased.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2020 5:55 PM, Post Subject: Their First Date [P/R]

His reply shocked her only a little as she nodded to him, “Then… Just stay close? I can’t float away if you are right here.” She would worry about learning to swim later. Right now it was just her, the ocean, and Lewis. It made her excited but also scared for some reason and she was slightly glad that Lewis couldn’t feel was she was feeling.

His words brought a blush to her face and she looked away for a moment as if unsure what to say. Though her feet knew what to do as she moved into his arms and her arms wrapped around his waist. “I am just unsure of what to do or say.” It was a stupid silly thing as her gray eyes looked up at him. “You’ve seen me before but the circumstances were weird wasn’t it?”

She buried her face into his chest held her grip around him but it wasn’t too tight. “I’m still~ This is weird.” Her voice was soft as she thought about it all. Her volume was barely above a whisper but she was close enough to Lewis that he could hear her. “I will try better I promise.” She didn’t know what that meant but maybe she was doubting herself a bit too much.

“Lewis?” Her eyes looked up at him. “She wouldn’t get rid of me would she? She created me and let me loose… but she wouldn’t make me disappear just as fast would she?” This Simone while she was the same she was also drastically different. The Guide was clearly aware of her existence and how fragile it was. “Before I easily disappeared when you made me the key… Can it be that easy again?”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2020 5:47 PM, Post Subject: Their First Date [P/R]

“Of course I’m worried you’ll float away,” he responded almost immediately. Especially after last time. He wasn’t going to chance it, not one bit. But she was right, it did feel a lot safer here than it did when they were at the lake, and if push came to shove, he could easily rescue her. And it wasn’t like she could die. Still, he didn’t want her to have to experience drowning again.

Simone moved in a bit closer, and seemed almost self conscious as she did so, and Lewis noticed it almost right away. It was almost the polar opposite of how the true Simone acted, and Lewis wondered if she was feeling off about herself.

“You know,” he said with a half smile. “You don’t have to hide yourself here. It’s just us, and…it’s not like I haven’t seen it all before.” He moved a bit closer, holding out his arms for an inviting embrace. “You’re just as beautiful as she is, even if you don’t recognize it just yet. I promise…” Even without the resonance, the guide should have been able to feel just how sincere his words were, and how much he loved Simone and all of her forms.

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2020 5:41 PM, Post Subject: Their First Date [P/R]

Simone had been listening to the waves and had almost entered a peaceful trance that she hadn’t even noticed that Lewis had come into the water with her. She jumped once she heard him go into the water to warm up. It wasn’t too big of a jump scare but enough that it got the Guide to look at what Lewis was doing.

She tilted her head at him and smirked as he splashed her once he was ready. “Are you worried I’ll float away?” She splashed back at him with a small giggle attached to it. The splash from Lewis had gotten a shiver from her as she plunged herself into the water a bit more. The breeze was certainly helping to make her cooler but then again she hadn’t really thought that far away.

“You can teach me later~” She smirked, “Just rescue me if I need it. The waves don’t seem too bad right now and it’s pretty even here compared to the lake.” She waded closer to him and instinctively wrapped her arms around her chest as she was pretty self-conscious of herself. Even back in the dream world, she had compared herself to the others, which seemed silly now.

“This is nice… Isn’t it?” Once she was used to it she compared it to bathwater. Though she had limited knowledge of it, there were a few memories here or there from Simone’s childhood that matched it. Once more she freed one hand and splashed at Lewis to keep his attention.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2020 5:33 PM, Post Subject: Their First Date [P/R]

Lewis watched as the guide got excited about the ocean water, and bounced off towards it without a second thought. She got close, but remembered her dress, and stripped it off without a care in the world, sinking herself into the cold waves shortly after. It was weird, but Lewis was half tempted to cover his eyes, as it was almost like seeing a completely different person naked, but even then, they had seen a lot more of each other in the dream world.

The memories brought a blush to his face, something that rarely occurred but had been happening more often than not. He stood up and walked up to the edge of the water, watching her play about for a moment before stripping down himself, and slowly wading in to join her. At first, it was colder than he would have liked, but as he went deeper, he adjusted to the temperature, eventually finding it almost soothing.

For a moment, he leaned back and let himself be taken by the waves, floating for a few moments. Partially submerged, he could hear the water rushing from under the surface. The sounds were calming, and he closed his eyes, breathing in and out. There was something about hearing the almost silence of the ocean that was just soothing, and he couldn’t really explain it. Finally, he opened his eyes and righted himself, looking around.

“Ah, there you are…” he said as he reoriented himself. He splashed a bit of water on her. “We really do need to teach you to swim….”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2020 5:22 PM, Post Subject: Their First Date [P/R]

Simone did nothing but grin big as he found her joke. She didn’t know if he found it funny but this was all very new since the situation wasn’t dire. It made her wonder if this was how Simone had been before all the traumatic things happened to her or if this was her as a blank slate. Was she even her own person? It made her question herself but she also knew that if Simone could create her that she could also destroy her and that scared the Guide quite a bit.

“Evil birds~” The Guide cooed at them. Seemed to her they were territorial over food and it made her look at the picnic basket uneasy for a moment. Hopefully, they would stay away. Lewis had covered the food though so unless they were smart birds like her she couldn’t see them figuring it out.

“YES!” She pounced on him and smiled brightly. She got up and went to dash into the water only to stop and start to strip. “I don’t want all my clothes wet again~ I felt like I was going to catch a cold~” She sang it almost on the same pitch as Simone’s regular voice but it did sound a bit more youthful somehow. She dressed the dress on the blanket and went into the water.

Going past her ankles she had already forgotten the slight warning Lewis got her. The ocean water was cold but she got down to her hips and looked back at him waving. Her toes felt the wet sand and sea glass while her hair felt the nice breeze.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2020 10:02 PM, Post Subject: Their First Date [P/R]

“The log…” Lewis replied with a smirk. “Yes. Your mortal enemy.” It was goofy, but he liked that about her. It was….different.

The whole atmosphere of the beach was a refreshing change of pace from the recent jobs he had been doing. As they set down for the picnic, he couldn’t help but feel at ease. The smell of the ocean was comforting, and the sounds of the ocean waves was soothing to the soul. It was a fantastic place for a date, and the guide had chosen well. He took a deep breath,taking in the salty air. It was a far cry from the island.

“Yes,” he replied, answering her question as she asked about the seagulls flying overhead “Just be careful and don’t feed them if you see them on the beach. They can get pretty mean, and I would rather not assassinate a bird today.” It was a half joke, but if anyone in his family were to be threatened, even if it was a silly bird, he would hold nothing back.

“Did you want to get in the water?” he asked. It was tempting, but a part of him wanted to just lay back and enjoy the sun. He wasn’t usually one for midday naps, but the whole setting was almost begging him to nap in the rays, and just relax.

I didn’t realize I needed this… He wondered, though, if the true Simone was getting her rest too. How did that whole exchange work? It would have to be something to ask later. He would hate for Simone to be getting the short end of this deal.

Author: Simone, Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2020 9:49 PM, Post Subject: Their First Date [P/R]

“Just like my mortal enemy the log!” The Guide joked with enthusiasm as she remembered the last time she fell. She knew that Simone had a bad past so for her to say her greatest enemy was a log was probably refreshing. She took his hand and smiled up at him squeezing it gently. This was much more relaxing than the adrenaline they had felt the entire time in the dream world.

“I love it here! I like all the pretty colors!” She looked up at the sky, “And the sky is blue and I mean it’s really blue.” She threw her hands up at the sky as she was looking at it. “Not a sad gray.” Simone nodded to him and looked at the water, “Right, I don’t know how to swim so I shouldn’t go too far!” She didn’t want to get washed away and luckily she knew that much about the ocean. The tide would be stronger than the current of a lake.

She blinked her eyes up at Lewis and nodded, “Yeah, I really like it here. I like anywhere where you are though but I really like it here too.” She offered a smile up at him before looked back at the ocean. “I don’t have to be scared here and… I know I’m safe because you are here with me. So I can enjoy the beach.” She helped him spread out the little picnic blanket and plopped herself down on it.

Some of the sea glass spilled out of her pocket but she didn’t notice. “Those… are seagulls right?” She pointed to the gulls in the sky.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2020 9:39 PM, Post Subject: Their First Date [P/R]

The fact that Simone was in a sundress was not lost on Lewis, and when she bent over to examine the sea glass, he was not disappointed with the brief view he got. It was never disappointing when it came to Simone. Still, she seemed excited to finally be here.

“Of course. Just be careful. I’m sure falling here isn’t going to feel great,” he warned. Lewis walked up to the guide and looked around. “Over there seems like a good place. It’s close to the water, and seems flat enough.” He took her hand, squeezing it gently as they walked over. On the way over, the guide bent down several more times to stuff her pockets full of different colors of the sea glass, obviously enthralled with it.

“I take it you’re enjoying this a lot?” he asked with a half smile. “We can get in the water over here too. Just…stay in the shallows. Let’s just get our feet wet to start.” On the inside, he was still a bit nervous about letting her near water again due to what had happened the last time. It was difficult for Lewis, though. With Simone, he knew what she was thinking and feeling due to their resonance, but with the guide, he had nothing more than the context of her reactions.

“You…are enjoying yourself, right?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2020 9:28 PM, Post Subject: Their First Date [P/R]

The Guide was now prancing around in a little sundress made for beach-going. It had pockets just in case she wanted to save stuff. They were sort of small but the sundress was small. It was more of a dark magenta in color. Her long black hair was left to her hips since she couldn’t figure out how to do her own hair and she didn’t want to ask for help.

Simone hid behind Lewis when he was explaining everything to Leilah and Raile. Leilah spotted her and instantly fell in love with her but thankfully Raile kept her from pouncing the poor girl. Once the children were all taken care of she followed behind Lewis taking his hand so she couldn’t fall behind.

The sea glass made her eyes go wide, “Oh! I’ve seen sand but I’ve never seen this!” She let go of Lewis briefly so she could bend over. She scooped the glass up in her hands and smiled a bit, “It’s so shiny! This is just like glass but it’s not sharp.”

She listened to Lewis talk about the family and nodded. “I bet they would love it! All the different colors!” She loved all the colors. “There are so many more colors than I’ve ever imagined… The smell of the sea is nice and it isn’t filled with an iron smell.” She took some of the sea glass and put it in her pocket for later. “I’m going to show Everett and Fiori the sea glass… Is that okay?”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2020 9:15 PM, Post Subject: Their First Date [P/R]

With the normal morning routine with Everett out of the way, Lewis ate his usual breakfast, polishing his meal off with an apple at the end. Whether or not the guide knew the significance of that was on her, but he enjoyed it. With that out of the way and the guide fed, she seemed to want to ask Lewis something. Finally, when she spoke up about wanting to see the ocean, Lewis thought back to all the times the iterations of Simone had asked, and nodded.

“That can be a date,” Lewis replied. “We’ll have to take a quick stop in Jayou to ask if someone can pop in every so often to keep an eye on the kids, but we can arrange that. I have a place in mind, too…” He had heard of Zamatye Beach in his travels to Bennin, about how it’s a beautiful place to explore during the day, but to stay clear at night. There wasn’t a given reason, but the superstitious island dwellers tended to not need them.

It didn’t take long for Lewis to find the appropriate attire for them, as well as towels and a hastily thrown together lunch. A quick trip to Jayou happened, with Leilah and Raile wishing them a happy date, and they were off to the beaches. It took Lewis a few tries to find the location, but when they finally stepped through the portal, it was an amazing sight to behold.

Shimmering sea glass was visible all up along the coast, as far as their eyes could see. It was something that was considered breathtaking, though Lewis showed barely any reaction despite feeling it. “It’s something. I’ll have to bring the whole family here sometime. I’m sure Fiori and Everett would adore this…” Though he was a bit worried about the potential cuts and scrapes that they could get.

“Maybe…when they’re a little older…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2020 8:56 PM, Post Subject: Their First Date [P/R]

“He was really upset with me for a bit… He seems content now. Is this what he wanted?” Simone normally cuddled him first thing in the morning and it was his routine with her even if Lewis was working. Fiori sounded fun but then she paused, “Who’s Fiori?” Was there another child she didn’t know about? Simone was leaving the Guide to explore the world on her own preferring the woman to make her own mind up about it instead of being told. Lewis would help her with that.

The Guide was quick to hand Everett back as she felt like he was safer with Lewis. After all, what would happen if she were to trip! “Good morning,” The Guide was shy as she looked at the butler and watched Lewis’s reaction. He didn’t seem like the type to have people serving him and figured it was just because the house was big.

“Um~” She put her finger to her lips, “In the words of Simone if I don’t kick you out now you will never go on that date with Lewis. Make sure you treat him right and watch your feet so you don’t trip.” She nodded and blushed the last part. “So, I got kicked out for a date! She said something about things being rather surprising lately and that we could use the downtime.”

Simone was caught off guard by Lewis’s personality but giggled lightly. Once they got into the dining room the wet nurse came and took Everett. He was already angry with the Guide this morning so he was pleased with the food. “I am… confused but I will ask later,” the Guide said softly before being offered up a few sweet things. They remembered how she was and loved all of it.

“This cheese is so sweet~” The butler seemed excited that she liked it as she finished eating the treat.

After breakfast, the Guide sat next to Lewis and she was thinking about it. “Can… I see the ocean? Is that a date?”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2020 8:40 PM, Post Subject: Their First Date [P/R]

Lewis was patient with the guide, and once she finally got the handle of Everett, answered her. “Babies cannot talk for quite some time, although they do understand us to an extent. And, I’ve got a general idea of what the little guy wants.” He smiled. “Fiori, on the other hand…well, I’m still getting a handle on what she likes. I’ve got the food thing down, at least…” It was hard to explain it all to the guide, and apparently Simone had not communicated a lot of information to her. Whether it was difficult to do, or because Simone trusted Lewis to answer was beside the point. The poor guide was just lost.

“Let’s go get Everett breakfast,” the assassin said as he took the baby boy back, and lead Simone down to the main hall. The butler bowed as Lewis descended the stairs with the guide in tow, and Lewis rolled his eyes. “How many times do I have to say it…you really don’t have to bow.”

“Of course, Master Lewis,” the butler responded. “I would assume every day.” He looked to Simone, and smiled. “Good morning to you as well, Madame.”

“Oh, by the way…the Guide is back for the day,” Lewis said, pausing. He looked back to her, and cocked his head to the side. “Which reminds me. Why are you here today? I don’t mind, but…it seems a bit random.” Everett reached up and grabbed Lewis’ nose, almost as if to remind him that they were not in the room with breakfast. “Yes, yes…I know. I’m working on it.” He was stern, but gentle with the baby. It was like seeing a whole new person.

Author: Simone, Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2020 8:32 PM, Post Subject: Their First Date [P/R]

When Lewis came in she jumped a bit and a blush came across her face. It must have been weird for little Everett and the Guide hadn’t thought about it. Still, she was a bit stunned at his words and tilted her head. She was adorable? Her experiences with Lewis had been limited to what had happened in the dream world and nothing like this had ever been said before. She was having a hard time processing it but she would get it in due time.

“Good… morning,” she gave him a smile back the best she could before a quiet panic took over when she was given Everett. She noticed he reacted when she did and Simone immediately calmed down as Lewis helped her hold him. “Thank you,” she held onto Everett and looked up at Lewis cautiously. “He’s small.” Not as small as he had been when Lewis held him. “I’ve never seen a person so small before.”

She tilted her head the other way, “His name is Everett? Simone told me to say hello to the baby so I knew he was here… I just didn’t know anything else. I didn’t know he couldn’t talk.” There was a blush across her face as she felt silly now. “I am still learning…” This was all still very new and she had spent just a short time in this new world.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2020 8:23 PM, Post Subject: Their First Date [P/R]

Lewis was sleeping soundly when the Guide snuck her way out of the room. It wasn’t long, though, before he realized that Simone’s presence was missing. He stirred, rolling over and grumbling something. The silk sheets felt so nice, and he didn’t quite want to get up yet. But it was strange…normally Simone was gently waking him up at this point. Or violently waking him up depending on the mood. Or both.

This was neither. Lewis opened a single eye/ The sunlight was fighting its way through the dark curtains, and he finally sat up in bed, yawning and stretching. He immediately recognized the lack of Simone’s usual resonance, and for a moment his heart skipped a beat. No, it’s there just… He let out another yawn and got out of bed, putting on just some pants, and headed out the room and down the hall.

Surely enough, there was a bewildered looking Simone petting Everett’s belly, almost confused at what she should be doing. He walked up beside her, and picked Everett up, bringing the baby’s nose to his and booping it. “Good morning, Everett. Mommy’s going to be a bit weird today, but it’s okay. She loves you all the same.”

Everett was pleased with Lewis’ morning ritual, and giggled and babbled at Lewis. “I know, she’s absolutely adorable. The Guide is Mommy though, I promise.” He looked at her, and smiled. “Good morning. Here…” He gently handed Everett to her, showing her how to hold him, just like the true Simone had shown Lewis. “Just like that. You’ve got it.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2020 8:13 PM, Post Subject: Their First Date [P/R]

Simone had turned things over to the Guide that morning. She peeked open one of her gray eyes and saw a very naked Lewis next to her. He was curled up against her and she could feel… well… everything. A bright red blush appeared across her face as the realization hit that she was also naked. Simone hadn’t told her counterpart how she would find herself probably because she thought the Guide would realize that yes, she has sex with her husband. So sue her.

Managing to get out of Lewis’s grasp without waking him she found her nightgown on the floor thrown across the room of where their fun most likely started. They were so very… open about it. Simone wiggled her way into the nightgown and put her robe on. Closing the door she went immediately to the baby’s room.

She knew of him but she hadn’t seen him yet. Her eyes got so large as she looked down in the crib. She loved him immediately the moment his little gray eyes opened up and looked at her. He was probably wondering why his mother wasn’t picking him up as he let out a distressed noise.

The color drained from Simone’s face as she realized she had no idea what to do. “Um… there… there?” There were more disgruntled noises before Simone reached in and rubbed his tummy. “I don’t know how to hold you okay? Please don’t hate me.” This seemed to pacify the baby for now as she let out a sigh of relief. "I like you. Okay? What's your name?" The baby didn't answer her and she realized that he couldn't. "Okay, that's okay. I'm the Guide… I'm kinda your mommy."