fandomassistant | Assistants Lounge -- Friday, February 10

"I'm partial to berry scents myself, particularly raspberry." She sat down on the arm of the couch. "But it depends on what you're planning. I mean, are you planning on sharing the bath?" She might have blushed as she said that, "If so, then go for one of the more exotic scents, like jasmine or ylang-ylang."

"Jasmine and ylang-ylang," Bel repeated as he wrote them down. "Thanks." He grinned at Isabel. "The guys had a Valentine's Day meeting the other night, but I figure it's best to go to girls for advice."

Well that answered that question. "Make sure to get candles in the same scent, and maybe some bath oil," she added.

"The guys had a meeting? That must have been interesting, I'm almost afraid to ask what they suggested. You're definitely better sticking with other women for advice."

"There was a whole lot of flailing and cluelessness," Bel said. "Guess part of the problem is a lot of the girls here aren't the flowers and chocolate type. They're the guns and knives type. Which I kinda understand since that's the way it is back home."

"Nothing says I love you like a weapon that can be used to kill you if you piss them off? ~~The mun finds this highly amusing considering her combined birthday/V-day gift was a sword and more karate gear.~~" Isabel grinned, "I can see where that might be a bit intimidating. Personally I'm more of a chocolate and flowers type so hopefully I'll be able to help you out a bit. Well unless Phoebe can be categorized as a guns and knives type."

Bel chuckled. "You wouldn't want to see her when she's angry, but she's more flowers and chocolate than weaponry, yeah. This is going to be our first Valentine's Day so I want it to be special."

"Well if she likes chocolate then truffles are definitely needed. The expensive ones." Isabel smiled a bit wistfully, "And if there's anything I can do to help. It's not like I'll be doing anything special."

"I hear there's going to be a dance," Bel said. "You don't have a date for it? I'm surprised."

"Nope, I guess I just haven't met the right person yet." She shrugged, "I'll go to the dance, meet some friends, and hang out for a bit. It's really not that big a deal."

"Maybe someone will surprise you," Bel mused.

"Yeah," Isabel snickered, "Prince Charming is going to sweep me off my feet first thing Tuesday morning. I'm not holding my breath."

Bel grinned. "We've had walking snowmen and zombies in this place already. Fairy tales could come true next."

"I hope not," Isabel said with a shiver. "Have you ever read any of the real Grimms fairytales? They're nothing like the Disney version. Which of course would probably make them perfect for this place."

"Oh yeah, I've read them," Bel said. "Some of them are based on real demons."

Isabel blinked, "Really?" She frowned and thought about that for a few seconds. "Well, it does make sense in a way. But why did you read them?" she asked, genuinely curious.

"History lessons," Bel said. "And examples of how mortals explain away the supernatural. They turn them into stories."

"Huh, that must have been one hell of a history class."

She slid down off the arm of the couch and got comfortable on the cushions. "What was it like growing up in the, what did you call it? The Underworld?" she asked. "I'm curious. I never really thought about demons being real before coming here, and now, to hear you talk about history lessons from that perspective. I just want to know more."

"I wasn't in the Underworld until I was three," Bel said. "Before that I had a normal childhood. Then my mother killed my father and took me to her home." His voice was emotionless as he spoke. "My father was human, and my mother was ashamed of what I was. She wanted to kill me but the Source said no. So she gave me to Raynor to raise. After that it was learn to kill. Or be killed."

"That's..." her voice trailed off. She's not sure what she was expecting to hear, but it wasn't that. "I'm sorry."

He shrugged. "You get used to it. First time's the hardest, but you learn to obey."

"Because you didn't have a choice?" she asked quietly. "What am I saying? You said that. And now I don't know what to say."

"It's weird being here and having more freedom," Bel said. "They sent me here to learn to be more human. But still, in the end it's obey the Source or die. That's the only choice you really have."

"That must be weird. But that's a hell of a way to live your life. Isn't what you want important?"

"Not compared to what the Source wants," Bel said. "I mean, I want things, and I get them, but at the same time I'm supposed to obey the Source."

"But what happens if what you want and what this Source wants are different? What do you do then?" And Isabel might be identifying with Bel just a little bit.

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