Your Eyes Betray Your Secrets [needs to be moved]

[Vyn]

[This thread needs to be moved to Jiaro's Cast board once it is created.]

From the party to the back roads which lead to the Theatre, Jiaro discarded human attire and form for the familiarity of his true form. The change allowed him faster travel as he moved from the back roads to the cemetery and at last through the doors of his Theatre. From the safety of the tower, the eyes of the old once-human watched Jiaro, but Jiaro paid the old man no attention as he moved through the building toward his true destination.

"Siyaebi?"

His voice was as darker than usual, lacking the usual playful affection usually directed toward this Marionette Jiaro's voice was as frightful as ever. Not even the slightest hints of concern tinted the simple word as the dark feline shifted once again from Lion to Man, though the aura of a predator never vanished between the shifting forms.

Human now, but in a form which leaned more toward an Egyptian heritage, Jiaro shut the door behind him before stalking the final paces from door to bed, seating himself beside his Marionette though he did not bother to look at her. In honesty, he knew what he was doing. He was giving the emotional female a chance to collect her thoughts before he started questioning her, a head start he rarely bothered to give away.

Finally, his cold gray orbs settled upon her lithe form, following the curve created by their litter before he at last spoke. "You have more to tell me than a simple confession of pregnancy." His voice was eerily hollow, accented by his native tongue which he used most often in the presence of his Egyptian Marionette.

[tigs]

Her heart raced with her mind, and in the repetitive, rhythmic pulse, she found a strange comfort. She knew he'd be home soon, she could practically feel his current location, and knew that he would be approaching quickly. She lay back on the bed, making her stomach look smaller, though she let her hair fall in her face. It could be accidental, but the shielding was very intentional.

His voice, so cold... Her hand convulsed against the sheet, and she sat up straighter, trying to keep her dignity. Was he upset already? About her keeping secrets? Wait until he found out what it was... Something in her chest heated up, and the breath in her throat shook like an old man wheezing out his last breath. To say she was scared was an understatement, but beyond the fear was a bitter anger. An anger composed of needs unmet, and a permanent emptyness which had been thriving for as long as she could remember.

"You're upset with me." There was no question, though it was partially a question. Her tone lacked the emotion which was still crashing into her. She kept her cool fairly well, but what was weakness in front of him? Surely he'd frown upon her, so she had to be as strong and regal as ever.

His silence was more unnerving than anything. In the stillness it felt as if she were the only one alive, her body would be hot to the touch, though no nervousness would she give away with any other indicators. She exhaled a slow, easy breath, and was just about the break the silence when he beat her to it. Oh god. He already knew. But what was worse? He'd sensed there was more to it than that.

Her breath stopped in her throat, the room blurred before her, but she did not swoon, nor did she let out a squeak of the dizzying pain she was feeling. Silent, still as a statue she would remain.

"I don't feel it's necessary. You know that I'm pregnant, that should be the only issue at hand." Her words, which were usually sugar coated with affection, were just as bitter as she felt inside. She knew she was not the only one bearing his children, and this didn't bother her really, but knowing she was being used like any other of his females... that bothered her. And now this? This... treatment of her. It would all be better if he just...

Oh who was she kidding? Jiaro probably knew not even the definition of love.

[Vyn]

Throughout the years Jiaro had seduced many dolls into his clutches, and during those years he had broken every one of his pretty little toys. Jealousy, greed and emotional turmoil were the three main factors in his current lack of Marionettes. Whether dead by Jiaro's own claws, or by those of another Marionette, it always seemed as if Jiaro's pretty little toys had a shorter lifespan than usual.

Siyaebi had been a powerful one, and Jiaro had thought she'd possibly be able to withstand the various means of downfall his other pets had taken. Alas, the current surge of anger and fear was not the greatest proof to Jiaro's prior hopes.

"You'd know if I were upset with you."

Still that dark tone, though this time it was lined with a hidden threat. Jiaro did not sit idly for conversation with those who have upset him. His anger was far too impulsive for such a thing.

In the silence between his thoughts, Jiaro studied his precious doll. She was perfect to him, if only she'd reclaim her wits and realize it was only a flood of hormones which plagued her for there was little truth to her fears. There rarely was, but Marionettes were such fickle things. So very needy, and Jiaro was not exactly the sort of Lord to soothe those needs.

While she spoke, Jiaro tilted his gray gaze to meet Siyaebi's and though that ever present darkness had not faded, there was a sort of thoughtfulness within them as well. Again the silence began to stretch before Jiaro decided to speak once more.

For a moment the darkness lifted from his voice, replaced by a strange sort of pleasure. "Only one other, presently, but you're heavier than she... Undoubtedly carrying more." It was obvious he was proud of this, and of his choice in favoring her. However, the pleasure was forced back down in the place of what needed to be said. He would not have her pregnancy be the ruin of his favorite toy.

"That, however, is not an issue to me. Your bitterness is." Jiaro reached out abruptly, tanned hands snaring his fine Marionette and pulling her to him. "I assumed you were stronger than the others, Siyaebi, not as prone to letting you emotions control you." For a moment the dark lord silenced, his grip on her light enough to be gentle but it held to potential to keep her ensnared while he debated over his words. Finally, with nothing more than a slow sigh he continued. "I won't play guessing games with you. This is your one chance to speak your mind, to tell me what you need of me. I suggest you take it."

Judging by the smooth manner in which he spoke, Jiaro side of the conversation seemed to come easily to him. As if he'd dealt this speal time and again, and yet something in his cold eyes betrayed that ease. This dark lord rarely bothered to try and talk with his distraught Marionettes. Let them cry out their own anguish or make a fool of themselves, Jiaro didn't care.

After all, it was only the body of a female he adore, was it not?

[tigs]

Her eyes narrowed slightly, but went back to neutral without so much as a second's passing. "You keep telling me this. I suppose my memory isn't at it's best at the moment." The ghost of a smile crossed her lips, and she stroked the firm skin around her stomach, blushing as she felt movement inside. The idea was so wonderful... but these cubs needed a father, this arose another issue... for a father, to her knowledge, Jiaro was not.

He seemed to think that perfection was obtainable, and this was a bizarre concept to her. She couldn't slip up once without letting him down? And yet, even now, was this really her fault? Would these thoughts really be eating away at her mind, were she not pregnant and in a state of confusion? She couldn't answer that, for what was done was done, and she'd not even think of taking it back.

His gaze, which normally held so much emotion, was cold enough to make her wrap her arms reluctantly around herself. Though sitting right next to him, she'd never felt so alone. She was alone in her emotions for him, she was alone in her love for her children. The tears were bit back so powerfully that she thought her eyes might bleed. Later, hopefully, when he couldn't see. She'd not fall apart in front of him, her pride had never faltered, and it wouldn't now.

"One other? I'm surprised." She gave an ironic chuckle, and then bowed her head slightly. "I'm sorry, that was rude. I have a feeling that this will be quite a large number." Her smile softened at the thought of her spawn running about, a little army of black and white fur. Oh how wonderful.

"Bitterness is customary for a pregnant female. Bitchyness, emotional tendencies, all of it." She stated simply, as if she'd had full control the entire time. As if she knew a hundred percent that part of his emotion wasn't her heart crying out to her, to stop this abuse. That she could not take being alone for so long. When he pulled her to him, she concentrated pointedly on his chest, leaning her cheek against the soft skin, afraid to meet his eyes, and lost in the comforting sensation.

"You assume a lot, my lord. Perhaps even now your assumption of my state is wrong. Do I look controlled by anything to you?" No sobbing or breakdowns, no hysterical clinging, no terrible life's story. She was just as much the prideful Egyptian queen as ever, with a little bit of an attitude problem. The emotion she would hide from him.

She sighed heavily against his form, drawing her legs up to her. What did she need of him? Need and want were two very different things. Perhaps she could work with this though. But how to start? Her mind was a labyrinth of confusion. "Need and want are two very different things. Longing, even moreso. I need nothing of you, except a little attention here and there, a reminder every now and then that I am not some toy for you. That's all, everything you're already doing, not very difficult, is it? What I need... I need to feel... something. I... don't want my children to grow up without a father, Jiaro, I'm not sure you love these children... I'm not sure.. you can love... at all. I wanted to know what love was, I can't tell you what I feel for you when it comes to that, because my fear may make my answer untruthful. But I love what is growing inside of me, and I think that fills the void. But I feel very... alone at the same time. I know now, that I hold a special place to you, but I wonder if I can ever find the extent to which this feeling can spread. I've always wondered if you could ever love me, and this now transfers into my children- our children. I... am very confused." Her voice had grown increasingly quieter, until her last words were more like an urgant whisper.

She didn't know how this conversation would end, but every muscle in her body tensed. She'd said too much, she should have waited, she didn't understand enough to have the confidence to say so much. What had she done now?

[Vyn]

Jiaro chuckled softly at the ghostly smile which momentarily touched her features. She had a good reason to believe he was angry, though what he felt truly fell more closely to frustration. However, as anger was the dominant emotion in most Annihilations, even simple frustration could be mistaken as the brewing of a rage-filled storm. Luckily, Jiaro's frustration was focused entirely on the fact that he was at a loss for things such as compassion or even going so far as to walk in another's paw steps.

Jiaro was far too self-centered to ever realize that his Marionette's were often justified in their anger toward him. In fact, he probably wouldn't even accept it if presented with solid facts. In his eyes, it was simply their own failings to blame, not his own.

To further frustrate matters was Jiaro's preference to this Marionette over the others he had chosen in the past. The usual things didn't seem to amount to his current preference, he liked her far more than he felt he should though he couldn't possibly believe that he loved her? Never...such a thing was impossible for a beast such as himself?

Perhaps... but perhaps not. Jiaro wasn't even sure.

To her second comment, Jiaro revealed a fanged smirk but didn't bother with cold threats. "I've only just begun to gather a proper harem, my beauty, but I'm sure you're well aware of that." He grinned slightly before allowing his attention to follow hers, another fanged smirk claiming his features. From the looks of it, they'd have quite the litter indeed.

Jiaro had no sentimental attachments to fatherhood. After all, his offspring were usually just as heartless as their father and few even bothered to want his attention. However, he did have quite the fondness for spreading his evil around so he could occasionally cope with the obnoxious little brats who thrived for his attention from time to time.

"Of that I'm well aware." Jiaro murmured with a slow shake of his head. Females could be so very bothersome.

As Siyaebi rested her cheek on his bare chest, Jiaro slipped his arms around his lovely doll so that he held her in a manner which an onlooker might have considered tender. In fact, if Siyaebi was the observant sort, she'd probably find that what it appeared to be was exactly what it was. Jiaro did feel more than he'd ever let on, the only problem was his inability to cope with his emotions. Currently, the most notable was his concern for Siyaebi which was currently resulting in his brewing frustration.

"No, my pet, you appear as in control of yourself as always." The Puppet Master growled thoughtfully before continuing. "My assumption was more solidly based on the actions of other females." His eyes slid along her frame once more, the coldness in his expression momentarily replaced by faint confusion. "Though I'm finding it hard to judge you by the standards of other females."

Continuing this conversation was like torture to Jiaro, yet it was necessary for him to settle her issues now before they blossomed into something far harder to manage.

Jiaro found himself absently chewing on his lip as she spoke, listening intently to her long explanation and finding himself at a loss of defense for himself. What she wanted, could he give it? Or, perhaps the better question, was he willing to?

"I suppose...your feelings are justified." Jiaro admitted, his voice strangely quiet as he debated her words. "In standards of compassion, I will undoubtedly fail as the sort of father you would prefer...but there is very little chance that our offspring will even wish for my compassion." Jiaro frowned slightly, an odd expression for one who was more often seen grinning, whether the expression was usually pleased or downright evil. "As for you."

Here Jiaro stopped, the frown which had creased his expression deepening with uncertainty as he struggled to understand the proper expression for his feelings. Such a thing was rare for him, as his emotions were usually better left unsaid, but Siyaebi somehow lured from him a will to at least attempt to explain himself.

"In my own way. I suppose I could love you." For a moment he paused, struggling with whether or not to continue until at last the urge to continue won over. "In that light, I believe I already do. Something about you appeals to me in a way that the other Marionette's do not...though I want you to understand this will change nothing of my actions." Already he treated her more affectionately than he did any other Marionette, favoring her above all others. He could not make himself monogamous to her, such a thing would bore him and only succeed to put her well-being in danger.

In all honesty, Jiaro was beyond confused. His feelings confused and frustrated him...there mere fact that he had such feelings with which to be frustrated with was, well, frustrating.

[tigs]

She shifted suddenly, drawing as much skin to her bare form as she could manage. The words hurt to hear, hurt because she was more confused than ever. What would come of this? She knew what she was doing to him, and that's why the words hurt. Normally so confident, he was as lost and tormented as her. This was unfair, this was her fault, he should not suffer for it!

"In all honestly, I suppose I was naive in thinking I'd get the opportunity to be a mother. They'll want nothing of me either, I'm sure." It nearly shattered her heart, the realization, to admit it aloud. She'd been very deep in denial, but for one who was so unconcerned with the affairs of others, why was it she desired to be a mother so? It didn't matter, she'd already started to face facts.

"However, I am still proud of them, and only hope I can provide the mother type that best suits their needs." She sighed gently, trying to focus on something, anything neutral. Something to calm the stirring of her stomach or the swimming feeling in her head. She couldn't handle all of what was happening, but being Syaebi, she wouldn't give up unless she had to. Luckily for her, passing out was still a while away.

"You believe you do... and while this is a most shocking and undoubtedly amazing response... I still await the day when there is no doubt in your mind. Even if that day never comes, I won't stop trying. You know me better than that." The smile was planted firmly against his chest, her lips forming a soft, affectionate kiss. It was only then that her face rose to his, finding his lips with ease and giving him the softest kiss which seemed to last forever.

With this, she took a shaking breath and stood. "I hate to show weakness in front of you, so please excuse me. I believe we both need some time alone. If you need to find me, you'll know how. I recommend you visiting by the end of the day, I'm a lot closer than I thought I was, I'm sure I'll feel it heavily when I shift back." It was formal, but her voice held that constant soft adoration.

She managed to get out of his arms, knowing he could keep her there if he truly chose to. But, he didn't need this stress on his mind, and she could see the damage she'd already done. She could only wonder how difficult it must be to be trapped in his mind at that moment in time.

Though it did more harm than good, she walked towards the door knowing what had to be said. "Jiaro, I love you." With that, she made a hasty exit, barely avoiding falling down the stairs, taking the impact of stumbling into the walls with her shoulders to keep her stomach out of harm's way. She was perfectly blind, a powerful mix of tears and pinkish blood filling her vision like a sprayed-on mist.

Finding the darkest and most private spot available, she lay down, clutching her bare chest. The words ran through her head, the warmth of his skin, she already missed. Upon first opportunity, she would again show her love for him by physical means, she longed to do so for a while now. Except for once, there was more than just a hungered lust, she wondered how it would feel, the knowledge that you loved someone, while you prove it to them with your body.

A sudden pain in her stomach reminded her of how damaging her form could be to herself. Shifting quickly, she only managed to stifle the cry by biting down into her hand roughly, crimson rivulets appearing instantly. Her eyes rolled back into her head as her patchwork form convulsed. This was going to be a long evening. One thing that soothed her was the memory of his lips on hers, after he admitted that possibly fatal statement.

'I suppose I could love you... In that light, I believe I already do... Jiaro, I love you.' And in this comforting blackness she waited for the end of her suffering, and the beginning of something which both frightened her and filled her with delight.