10260/Advice Needed, Is the Doctor In

Advice Needed, Is the Doctor In
Date of Scene:	23 February 2022
Location:	Greenwich St Loft Penthouse
Synopsis:	A late-night conversation about the nature of relationships and dating between two roommates ends with a goodnight hug!
Cast of Characters:	Hella Rokkurdisardottir, Stella Roundtree

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Hella Rokkurdisardottir has posed:
Setting: 408 Greenwich St., Hella's loft penthouse apartment, Stella's Bedroom
Time: Late at night.

    Hella has been home for a while. When she got home from being out, no one was home, though. So, she tried waiting up, but ended up passing out for a few hours. Her sleep was restless, fitful. So, when she woke up sweating -- a very unusual thing for her -- she gets out of bed and goes into the bathroom to splash cold water on her face. Hearing the sizzle from the water hitting her face and almost immediately steaming dry, she sighs. More splashing, until she hears less hissing from temperature disparity.

    Then, she pads down the hallway and up to Stella's door. She knocks politely. Not loudly, but also not so soft that Stella could miss it.

Stella Roundtree has posed:
     Stella's in! She had a commute today, off to Gotham and back, but she seems content. One shower to get the construction site smell off of her and she's in her room, up late and reading a true crime book in her pajamas. An oversized band shirt and a pair of soft, tiger-striped leggings. "I'm up, come on in," she says, peeking up from her read.

Hella Rokkurdisardottir has posed:
    The door opens to reveal Hella, dressed for bedtime, in a loose-fitting athletic t-shirt, some boyshorts, and her hair up in a high ponytail. She leans against the door frame and looks kinda pathetic, "Hey, Stella. Sorry to bother you this late, but... I need advice, big time." Since she was invited in, the young Nordic woman enters the room and comes to sit in a chair that's near the bed. She doesn't want to eat up Stella's room on the bed, or accidentally sit on her foot or something!

    "I went to Oliver Queen's house, tonight," she says, sounding and looking guilty.

Stella Roundtree has posed:
     Stella sits up and places a bookmark in her read of the evening, listening. "Oh? I don' t know the guy personally, but another rich dude, yeah? Wait, am I the poorest person I know?" she asks, thinking about this from the penthouse she moved into from a penthouse. "Anyway. What'd you do?"

Hella Rokkurdisardottir has posed:
    Hella nods her head, "Very rich. Billionaire, like Ted." She waves a hand, though, her brow furrowed. "Money is least of concerns, right now. I know is luxury to not worry about money, but that is for another discussion." She looks just...very conflicted. "Nothing!" she says, sounding a little shrill. "I mean... nothing. Nothing, actually. No kissing, no touching. Just..." She swallows, trying to find the root of the guilt that's gnawing at her stomach. "I felt attracted to him," she admits, putting her head in her hands. "Very confused, now."

Stella Roundtree has posed:
     "Yeah, well check to be sure he doesn't have a little buddy waiting in the wings before you get attached, then," Stella says, giving a cough against her fist. "Anyway, no harm in flirtin'. Is Booster your boyfriend? Did he ask you to go out with him and just him? You haven't slept with either, no problem in keepin' your options open."

Hella Rokkurdisardottir has posed:
    Hella looks a little confused, "What do you mean, 'little buddy'? OH! Like Joan." Hella grimaces as she realizes, but too late to make it gracefully silent. "Right..." She exhales and shakes her head. "Technically, no. Booster has referred to me as his girlfriend, but was in joke. But, we haven't talked about anything like that, at all. We kiss three times, then poof. He's gone on business or something. Maybe in future or past. No clue," she says, lifting her shoulders, looking dejected. "I also.. I feel guilty because spark with Oliver Queen is stronger, like... First boy I met who made me want to have boyfriend, here in New York. But, he /did/ have little buddy in wings, like you say. He didn't tell me until after he take me on date, too. I thought was date, anyway. So weird to take girl out for funtimes at Coney Island when you have significant other. Right?" she still sounds a little bitter. "But..." she sighs, again. "Spark with that boy was very strong. Similar to what I feel with Oliver. But...he's older. He's admitted 'former' bad romance boy. And, I told him about Booster because I thought it was only right to be honest." She rubs her face with her hands, "I...feel confused, now. Ups and downs, on both sides."

Stella Roundtree has posed:
     "Yeah, I'd check to be sure there's not someone else around, first. Granted, I was reassured it was no big deal. People lie. Sometimes you have to take chances, and sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't," she says with a shrug. "No harm in getting to know someone, but just be clear with both of 'em what's up and what you want," she says.

     "Older's usually not a great dynamic, though. He'll always be in a position of power over you, and you gotta wonder why he's not dating someone his own age," she says. "Sometimes that means there aren't any ladies around his age that are interested," she says. "Or that he prefers younger women, or inexperienced ones, because they won't call him on his bullshit. But, those kinda guys can be a fun romp..." she says, tapping her lower lip with a finger. "I dunno. I don't know either of these men... or either that well. What's different about new guy from Booster?"

Hella Rokkurdisardottir has posed:
    Hella nods her head, listening attentively, wanting to learn from her more experienced roommate. She'd be the first to admit she knows absolutely fuck-all about being in a real relationship. Everything she knows is from TV shows and movies, none of which are likely to be actually realistic!

    "Well, Oliver said he has people interested in him, because he's unattached and rich. Always gonna be interested parties with those traits. But, he says they mostly fizzle out and go nowhere. He told me he wasn't with anyone, but... People can and do lie, so, there's that."

    She takes a breath and nods, "I just dunno how to tell Booster that I'm kinda interested in someone else, but I'm not writing him off, either. It sounds mean, just thinking about it. We're adults and dating is a thing. Doesn't mean people have to immediately choose to be with the first person they meet and get along with; right?" she asks. "Just...don't know how to say that in way that won't be hurtful."

    "I call him on bullshit. I recognize his personality from last fuckboy. Oliver admits he was unrepentant fuckboy when he was younger, but is all out of his system. Only likes flirting because is fun. But, his interest in me seems to go further than light flirting. He asks about me, wants to know me. Not just get in pants. I think. He didn't even try to kiss me, if that means anything?" She shifts in the chair and tries to figure out how to put it. Holding out one hand, she says, "Booster is like warm bath. Feels maybe a little safer. Comforting. Maybe even bubble bath, because funny." She holds out the other and looks at it, "Oliver is like bass-drop in nightclub. Excitement, electric connection, sensual, heady..."

    "Maybe bubble bath is more my speed, but nightclub bass-drop is what sets my blood on fire," she says, looking kind of miserable.

Stella Roundtree has posed:
     "Oh, Hella. Guys say lots of things," Stella says with a little laugh. "But no, you don't have to date the first person who comes along. And if you're not exclusive- and I would clarify that- then no, you're not doing anything wrong," she says. "And you don't have to pick NOW. Just tell 'em both you're happy to date, but unless it's specified that you're the only person they're seein', they got no business telling you yours," she says.

     "But I'm also an unmarried woman over thirty, so take my advice with that in mind," she says. "And at home, I'm ancient for not havin' two kids by now," she says.

     "So work backwards. What do you want your love life to look like five years from now?" She does look a little amused at all this. She's been missing college, and this feels familiar. "Honestly I'd just have each one eat y- uh, you know what, maybe that's bad advice. Strike that last thought," she says, making a swishing motion with her finger.

Hella Rokkurdisardottir has posed:
    Hella smiles and nods her head, "I know. I know I can't believe everything someone says. I just thought I'd tell you what he /did/ say, so you have quote on record, for future reference?" She knows people lie. Sometimes, it's easier to lie and people take that easy road more often than they take the right road. "Well, okay. How do I date? If Booster thinks we are exclusive, he never talked to me about exclusivity, he never asked. I know guys like to slide into vague, fuzzy relationships without talking or drawing lines, so they can get what they want and more besides... But, I don't want /that/."

    She shakes her head, frowning, "Stella, don't say such negative things about my roommate or I will be grumpy. You are wonderful friend, roommate, and you have so much experience I can learn from, and I am grateful for that! Grateful for and to you." Thinking about what she /does/ want, though... "I want to be in relationship that is exciting but also secure. I want best of both worlds. Man who can set my body aflame, but also occasionally call to check that I'm taking care of myself," she says with a lift of her shoulders. "What do you mean, eat?" she asks, despite Stella instructing her to strike the thought. "Why is bad advice?" she wonders. "Also... This big question. If I am not dating exclusively, what about kissing? Can I only kiss one or other? What are rules for dating?"

Stella Roundtree has posed:
     "Then you tell 'em you don't do fuzzy relationships. Situationships," Stella says. "Tell both guys that. You're happy to hang out and be a friend. If they want something more then it has to be exclusive and official and all that. If that's what you want. But both are pretty new. No reason not to hang out with both and get to know 'em better before you make any big decisions. Besides, you have built-in defenses if they get too handsy," she says.

     "And... maybe consider it's neither of these guys? It's okay to see what you like now. There really aren't any rules, no one's gonna arrest you for kissin' more than one boy... but if they like you, yeah, they might get mad if they find out without you mentioning it..." Stella shakes her head, "The eatin' part is more about intimacy. When a guy kisses you, so to speak, but..." she gestures downwards towards those tiger-striped pajama pants of hers. "Some people just want their own needs met. No matter how exciting a guy might seem, your intimate pleasure needs to matter," she says. "A selfish lover is a big boring pain in the ass."

     She stretches upwards, arms over her head, "But tell Booster before you start datin' anyone else. Think of how you'd feel if the roles were reversed," she says.

Hella Rokkurdisardottir has posed:
    Hella nods her head, looking thoughtful. "Okay, so..." she says, trying to round everything up into a recap. "I can date both, or at least, multiple people at once, as long as I am open and honest about it. I can kiss more than one person if I'm dating them and am open about it. Give them chance to back out if is issue with them. I need to make sure they care about my pleasure, too... And, just take my time. Don't choose right away," she says, counting off the various points and looking to Stella for confirmation.

    "As for kissing...down there..." she flushes. "I have seen some porn, so I know what you mean, but... I am total virgin. How will I know if...is objectively good or just good because I am new to experience? I-I mean, if that happens at all, I mean. Is okay to do something like that if only dating?"

Stella Roundtree has posed:
     "Huh! Yeah, that's about the size of it," the brunette says with a laugh. "Or you can sew chaos and see where you end up. Look, I'm pissed at Booster. As mad as I am at him right now, and as much as I'd love to smack his little ego around by telling you to go bang Mr. Queen into next week, I think you'd feel pretty bad about it," she says, hugging a pillow as she chats.

     "I mean, if it feels good, it's good. If it doesn't, direct. Tell the guy what you like and smack him if he doesn't listen," Stella laughs. "It depends on what you're comfortable with. I looooove it," she says with a grin.

     "And when I like someone, it's just so intimate and fun, like..." she smiles, obviously remembering. "It's playful, not so serious. And you can see them hard at work, and sometimes hold their hand and it's just the best. When they listen. Everybody's body is different. Stuff I might like might not work at all for you. But I'm sure one or both of those guys would happily make out and more if they like ya," the mutant decides.

Hella Rokkurdisardottir has posed:
    Hella smiles softly as Stella comes clean about her desire to throw Booster into the fire for his transgressions, and is warmed by the fact that she doesn't. That's a good friend, right there. "Thank you for thinking of my feelings, Stella. It means so much, especially after how terrible I was to you, even if I thought was right thing. I will never forgive myself." She's so dang earnest.

    Hella looks a little shy as she laughs and raises her palms to the ceiling in a gesture of uncertainty, "How will I know what I like? I must experience first, to know. I've never even... y'know.." She makes an 'o' with her hand, trying to say it without saying it. "Never had time, before, and now...kinda nervous about trying. Especially with body heat becoming problem," she says, squirming a bit.

    "I don't want things to be serious! Just want them to feel intoxicating, flowing naturally, feeling amazing...coming naturally. I guess I need to do more research to give my body and brain ideas about what to do when they make decisions on their own," she swallows. "More porn-watching."

Stella Roundtree has posed:
     "Oh, don't worry. I have my mean girl tactics down when I need to use 'em on the right people. My sister is a mean girl, I learned from the best," Stella says. And she means it.

     "But before you let anyone else do that kinda thing, you gotta take the time to enjoy yourself. Yes, in that way," she says. "Im sure you can find a safe place," she chuckles. "But I guess you're still in your early twenties, huh? It's okay to want excitement! But it sounds like you need a little more looking inward?" she asks. "As far as figuring out what you like. Don't let a dude figure it out for you," she says.

Hella Rokkurdisardottir has posed:
    Hella smiles at that, "Maybe you can teach me, so I can use it on bad guys!"

    Then, she nods her head, thinking about the words Stella's imparted to her. "I will try. So much porn seems geared for men; I wonder if I can find any that can be trusted to actually suit women? Anyway, I'll.. I...will try," is all she can manage. The idea of it is scary, after such a long time. "Thank you for helping me figure things out, Stella. I won't bother you any longer," she says with a smile as she stands up and leans forward to give her friend a brief hug. "Sweet dreams to you," she says before heading out and gently closing the door behind her.

Stella Roundtree has posed:
     "Hella," Stella says, taking a deep breath as she's hugged, "I am not sure you are jaded enough yet to use my masterful techniques. You will simply have to observe them in action. Oh, and you will," she says, looking a little wild for just a split second. Just a little Elizabeth Holmes behind the eyes there, and then it's gone. She returns the hug. And then, it is time for sleep.