“Now arriving at Puckett Street,” the artificial voice announced over the subway’s loudspeaker. Alexander stirred, blinking the sleep out of his eyes and rising to his feet. He took the earbuds out of his ears and shook his head. Alright, alright, focus. Gotta get my head in shape, act like I haven’t been listening to kinky hypnosis files for the last… however long it’s been…

He felt a stiffness in his pants, looked down, and frowned. Great. Okay, how do I usually get rid of a boner, uh… try to picture something ugly… bugs? Bugs are pretty gross, yeah. Bugs getting… smaller, or… something?

The doors to the subway opened and Alexander quickly stepped over the threshold. Ugh, this sucks. Why do guys have to always show it when they’re turned on? We can’t help it, it’s just, like biology or whatever. Girls can at least be more subtle about it. As he took the escalator up to the main floor, he tried to angle his body so his erection would be a little more hidden. At least the paparazzi’s gone away. I’d hate for someone to recognize me when I’m like this.

“Yo, Alex!” called a voice.

Alexander turned around, startled. “Who’s there?!” He spotted a bagel stand that he’d never really given much notice to, since it was usually closed whenever he made his way to the office.

Today, though, it was open, and waiting by the side to pick up her order was none other than Zariel. Oh no… of all the people to see me with a boner, why did it have to be her? She waved him over, and Alexander gulped. I can’t exactly pretend I didn’t notice her… I’m gonna have to go over there, aren’t I? Hesitantly, he made his way towards Zariel, begging his body to stop the blood from rushing between his legs. “H-Hey,” he muttered.

“Knew you’d be coming through here,” Zariel said, tapping her foot impatiently, “thought we’d go in together. Plus, this place has good bagels. Slow as fuck, though!” She said that last part louder, aiming towards the single person who’d clocked in for the morning shift.

“C’mon, don’t be rude,” Alexander chided, “he probably doesn’t even wanna be here.”

“That makes two of us,” Zariel sighed. “I wish we had more time for the one-on-one stuff with Doctor Lawson before today. I guess E.E. put her on a bit of a time crunch, though.”

“Y-Yeah,” Alexander squeaked. Oh, god, talking about Doctor Lawson is not helping me get rid of this thing… “So, um, wh-what’ve you two been talking about?”

Zariel froze. “Uh… you know. Usual stuff. Anxiety, and, uh, yeah.” She paused, clearing her throat. “She made me kick the weed, that kinda sucked.”

“Oh, huh. How’s that been going?”

“Eh, better than I thought it’d go, I guess.” Zariel shrugged. “We talked about some, like… stuff I can do to lower my anxiety. It’s helped a lot.”

“What kinda stuff? Like, exercises?”

Zariel chuckled. “Something like that, yeah. What about you? What have you guys been talking about?”

Alexander gulped. “O-Oh, uh, you know, kinda, um… similar… stuff.”

“Yeah?” Zariel raised an eyebrow. “So, like, she’s helping you with anxiety?”

“Mhm!” God, I hadn’t realized how awkward it would be to talk about this with Zariel… Is Doctor Lawson giving her any sexy stuff? No, no way… Zariel doesn’t even seem phased or nervous about it. She’d probably be at least a little embarrassed if Doctor Lawson was making her do anything sex-related, right?

The employee rang a bell and held out a small paper bag. “Order for…” He squinted at the receipt. “Za-real?”

“It’s Zariel,” she hissed, snatching the bag out of his hand and walking briskly towards the exit. “Honestly…”

Alexander pulled out his wallet and put a ten in the tip jar. “I’m very sorry about her,” he muttered, hurrying after her.

Lorelei checked her watch and frowned. “Zariel… I don’t want to be rude, but is there any chance you could wait until after our session to finish your bagel?”

“Mm-mm,” Zariel vocalized. She tried to say something else, but since her mouth was stuffed full of bread it was completely indecipherable.

“Alright,” Lorelei sighed. She turned her gaze towards Alexander, tilting her head to the side. “Alexander? How do you feel this morning?”

“G-Good,” Alexander lied. Ugh, I really thought this boner would’ve died down by now… Am I being too obvious about hiding it? Does she know? D-Do I want her to know?!

“So, since you two came here together,” Lorelei continued, “I assume you met up before you arrived?”

“Yeah,” Alexander said, “we ran into each other at this bagel shop in the subway.”

“I guess that explains some things,” Lorelei chuckled. “How did that go?”

“I dunno, ah… s-seemed pretty normal, I guess? She’d already ordered, and we– uh, I-I stayed with her until she got her bagel. Then we headed out.”

Lorelei nodded. “And how was Zariel, from your perspective?”

“How…” Alexander furrowed his brow. “I-I’m not sure I follow?”

“Her demeanor, attitude. How did she seem to you?” Lorelei adjusted her glasses and smiled warmly. “Please, answer truthfully. It’s better for both of you if we’re all honest in here.”

“Uh, well…” Alexander gulped. He could feel Zariel’s eyes glaring at him. “I think she was a… a little, um… r-rude.”

“Bull-shit, I was rude!” Zariel spat. “That guy was just slow, I got tired of waiting!”

“So how, exactly, did you express that feeling?” Lorelei asked.

“I politely asked him to speed things up.”

“Hm.” Lorelei narrowed her eyes. “Alexander, is that what happened?”

“Oh, god,” he murmured, “please don’t drag me into this…” He took a deep breath and counted to five in his head, steeling his nerves. “She raised her voice, and, uh… c-called him, ‘slow as fuck.’”

Lorelei clicked her tongue and sighed. “Zariel…”

“Well, he was!” Zariel scoffed. “How long does it take to make a bagel?”

“Does that mean it’s right to shout at someone who’s just trying to do their best?”

Zariel huffed and crossed her arms. “Whatever. I didn’t even care about the bagel anyway, I was just…”

“Just…?” Lorelei leaned in. “Just, what?”

“It’s nothing.”

“Zariel, what did I say about being honest?”

“…Alright,” Zariel sighed, “I was nervous, okay? I wasn’t sure how this thing would go, with Alex here and all. I dunno, I thought, maybe I wasn’t doing good enough. Making enough, like, progress.”

“This isn’t a race, Zariel,” Lorelei replied. “What matters most is that you both feel comfortable sharing your progress with each other. I’m proud of you for bringing this up.”

“Th-Thanks,” Zariel blushed.

“And speaking about sharing your progress,” Lorelei continued, “how many times have you orgasmed since our last session?”

Zariel’s eyes widened. “…What?”

“W-Wait,” Alexander stammered, his cheeks turning red, “y-you’re making her do s-sexy stuff too?!”

“Well, I suppose if you put it that way, yes,” Lorelei said. “Many problems that people face are sexual in nature, it’s hardly that much of a surprise.”

“I really don’t think he needs to–” Zariel paused, narrowing her eyes and glaring at Alexander. “Wait. What do you mean, ‘making me do sexy stuff too?’”

Alexander froze. “…I-I… I jacked off in here.” He clamped his hand over his mouth, doubling over in shock. Oh god why did I say that–

“You too?” Zariel scoffed. “What, did she give you a sex toy too?”

“Sh-She gave you what?”

“I gave Zariel a…” Lorelei smirked. “Well, on the expense report I’m issuing to the Bureau, it’s just a ‘therapeutic instrument.’ But yes, it’s a sex toy. A vibrating wand, to be more specific. And, judging from the videos she’s sent me, I think it’s gone over quite well.”

“H-Hey!” Zariel yelped. “You know, I thought we weren’t gonna share all this stuff with him!”

“Well, you’re not nervous anymore, are you?”

“Huh?”

“You weren’t just nervous about how much progress you were making,” Lorelei said. “I think, deep down, you knew we would be talking about this, or at least you suspected it. It wasn’t about whether you were keeping pace with Alexander; you were afraid of what he would think of you.”

Zariel’s breath hitched in her throat. “I-I could care less what Alex thinks. You told me that… Alright, you know what? Fuck this!” She stood up and ran a hand through her hair, refusing to meet Lorelei’s eyes. “I’ve got better things to do than talk about whatever weird perverted stuff you want us to do. You’re probably breaking, like, so many ethical boundaries or whatever, too. Maybe E.E. would like to hear about your brilliant plan to bring us together?”

Lorelei’s expression didn’t change at all as Zariel ranted at her. Her only response was to press her thumb and forefinger together and snap!

Alexander’s head drooped to his chest. He flopped down on the couch like a puppet whose strings had been cut, eyes slipping shut and a soft moan escaping his lips.

Zariel gasped and staggered back. “What the fuck?!”

“You’re right, Zariel,” Lorelei sighed. “I did betray your trust. I’m sorry. I could tell you were withholding information, but I should have let you open up on your own time.”

“What did you do to Alex?” Zariel asked.

“Nothing serious. He’s perfectly fine. All I’ve done is give him a post-hypnotic suggestion which brings him into trance.”

“A-A what?”

“It might be easier if I show you.” Lorelei slowly stood up and stepped over to the couch. She sat down and gently stroked Alexander’s hair. “That’s good, very good. Now, Alexander, I’m going to count down from five to one, and once I hit one you’ll wake up feeling alert, awake, and refreshed, just like you always do.”

“Mmm…” Alexander mumbled. “Yes… Doctor Lawson…”

Lorelei locked eyes with Zariel, her voice measured and deliberate. “Five… four… three… two… one.”

Alexander stirred. He lifted his head up and scratched his head, letting out a yawn.

“There, see?” Zariel smiled. “He’s absolutely fine.”

Zariel’s eyes narrowed. “So, you’ve been… hypnotizing him?”

“Yes, to help him with his anxiety.”

“And making him stroke himself off is supposed to ‘help him with his anxiety?’”

Lorelei shrugged. “It’s worked pretty well with you, hasn’t it?”

“I dunno,” Zariel glowered, “I’m feeling pretty fucking on-edge right now.”

“Uh, I-I dunno if I should interrupt,” Alexander said. “But I think Doctor Lawson has a point. Maybe her methods are a little – well, okay, a lot weird. But I honestly can’t remember a time when I’ve felt this good. I haven’t had any anxiety attacks since we’ve started doing this. I just…” Alexander sighed and let out a nervous giggle. “It’s just nice, y’know? To not feel like I’m gonna freak out at the drop of a hat.”

“But how do I know she’s not making you say that?” Zariel asked, rubbing her chin. “She’s been in your head, man. I mean, doesn’t that, like, concern you at all?”

“Zariel, I can understand why you’re apprehensive about this,” Lorelei said. “I’ve read all the reports, I know you’ve run into a few villains with mind-control gimmicks. But this isn’t like that at all. Hypnosis can make you more suggestible, but it can’t override who you are as a person. If there’s something you fundamentally disagree with, something you wouldn’t do under any circumstances, then there’s nothing I could do to change that.”

Zariel frowned. “I just don’t know… Well, alright, if we’re sharing everything that’s happened in our sessions with you, that means I can share what you’ve told me, right?”

“I don’t see why not,” Lorelei replied.

“So when you said you enjoy the ‘control’ that comes with–” Zariel stopped herself mid-sentence. “U-Um, with… g-gooning. Does that mean you get a kick out of you controlling Alex?”

Lorelei pursed her lips. “I wouldn’t say I’m ‘controlling’ him. And I think you’re perhaps taking me out of context. I said I admired the control on the part of the person masturbating, not any control someone has over that person.”

“O-Oh, wait,” Alexander said, “that’s what we’re talking about? I thought she was talking about… soccer…” He blushed and sank down into the couch. “I’m just gonna shut up now.”

“Although,” Lorelei continued, “perhaps control is what you need in your life. Your ability is about aggression, is it not? Raw, unfiltered, destructive power. But it needs to be focused to be useful.”

“Hey, cut me a little credit,” Zariel muttered, sitting back down on the sofa. “I don’t turn into some mindless animal, I’m still in control of myself.”

“And yet, just this morning, you let your anger fly off the handle at some poor underpaid worker. Not to mention all the numerous other times your aggression has caused friction between you and the rest of the team.” Lorelei adjusted her glasses and leaned forward. “It seems to me that you lack the discipline to act as a productive member of the team.”

Zariel sighed. “Well… what’s that got to do with any of the other stuff you’ve had me do?”

“The masturbation was to improve your mood when you’re not on the clock,” Lorelei explained. “And the denial is all about discipline, denying yourself a release when you know you want one. Perhaps it’s not the most direct approach, but surely you can understand how this would relate?”

“I… guess?” Zariel shrugged. “But I’m really not sure what brainwashing Alex and making him jack off is supposed to accomplish.”

“Sh-She’s not brainwashing me,” Alexander interjected. “There’s nothing in any of the files I’ve listened to that’s supposed to be long-term, aside from the, uh… th-the snapping thing.”

“Alexander is correct,” Lorelei said. “I believe that a large part of his anxiety is caused by sexual repression. The goal with his hypnosis is simply to make him more open and comfortable with his urges and his body, that’s all.” She tapped her pencil against her notebook and hummed softly. “Although…”

“A-Although?” Alexander gulped.

“Well, there have been incidents where your performance – ah, that is to say, your performance on the team – has not been up to snuff. I know your power is related to your emotional state, and I have no doubt that you’re always doing the best that you can, but…” Lorelei wrote something down. “Perhaps it might be beneficial to help you with your discipline as well?”

“I-I… I…” Alexander stammered. Oh god, oh god… Th-There’s no way I could just drop my pants in front of Zee, she’d never let me hear the end of it… “I… d-don’t think–”

“I wasn’t planning on having you masturbate,” Lorelei said. “If that’s what you were concerned about, that is.”

Alexander breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh, well… what did you have in mind?”

“Hm, let’s see…” Lorelei tapped her chin with her pencil. “Neither of you have kept up with your physical training, have you?”

Zariel and Alexander both looked away from Lorelei. “I’ve been… busy,” Alexander muttered.

“Yeah, same,” Zariel added.

Lorelei smirked. “Well, you are both superheroes, I’m sure you can afford to take a week off from the gym. But I had a little experiment in mind. A push-up competition.”

“…Excuse me?” Zariel asked.

“My thinking is that,” Lorelei explained, “though you’re obviously both very fit, you, Zariel, are probably more physically strong than Alexander. But perhaps, if Alexander were in a hypnotic state, focused entirely on one task, he could push past his usual limits and keep pace with you. Maybe even beat you.”

Zariel scoffed. “Bullshit, he could beat me. There’s a reason why I’m the one tearing guys apart while he hangs back.”

“Alexander, what do you think?” Lorelei asked. “Would a little friendly competition help you two get along better?”

“H-Hardly seems… friendly…” Alexander muttered, feeling Zariel’s eyes burning into him but refusing to look at her. “B-But, if you think it’s a good idea, I’m h-happy to try it!”

“And you, Zariel?” Lorelei continued.

“I think if you want a fair fight, Doctor Lawson,” Zariel smirked, “you’ll probably have to give him a handicap.”

“I’m not sure how we could make things easier for him. But perhaps we could make it harder for you? Add some additional weight for you to lift?”

“You could double it for all I care, I’m still kicking this nerd’s ass!” Zariel hopped up and stretched, practically bouncing with energy.

I can’t remember the last time she was this excited about something… sh-she does know she’s not actually beating me up, right? R-Right?! Alexander rose from the couch and took a deep breath. I can do this. I can do this. I can… t-totally do… this.

Lorelei stepped closer to Alexander and smiled warmly. “Are you ready to go into trance, Alexander?”

Alexander nodded. “Y-Yeah…”

“Good.” Lorelei brushed Alexander’s hair away from his face and snapped her fingers. She caught his body as it started to go slack, telling him to stand up and focus on her words. “Remember, you’re going to be performing push-ups. You are to focus solely on performing the task, not how your body is feeling. The point is to push past the point where you would normally stop, but if you know you’re going too far you’ll be able to wake up and stop at any time. Do you understand?”

“Yes… Doctor Lawson…” Alexander mumbled.

“Then get into position on the floor in front of you.” Lorelei stepped away and watched as Alexander lowered himself to the floor. Once he was ready, she flicked her eyes towards Zariel. “Your turn.”

“Huh?” Zariel blinked, snapping her attention away from Alexander. “O-Oh, right.” She laid down and held up her body with her arms, remembering the form that had been drilled into her over the course of a decade at the Bureau’s training facility.

She expected Lorelei to start the count, but instead the psychiatrist sat down on Zariel’s back. “H-Hey!” Zariel yelped. “What’re you doing?”

“Oh?” Lorelei asked. “You said you wanted extra weight to help even the odds between you and Alexander. Was this not what you had in mind?”

“No, it… it wasn’t…” Zariel blushed. “B-But, uh, it’s… it’ll work, I guess.”

“Very good.” Lorelei adjusted her position, pretending not to notice the soft gasp that escaped Zariel’s lips. “Ready?”

“Yes, Doctor Lawson,” Alexander replied, his voice a dull monotone.

“Y-Yeah,” Zariel muttered.

“Alright,” Lorelei said. “Down!”

Zariel and Alexander both dropped their chests to the floor, feeling an all-too-familiar strain in their arms.

“And up!” Lorelei announced. “That’s one. Zariel, how are you feeling?”

“Fine,” Zariel exhaled sharply. The weight of Lorelei on her back was definitely adding some difficulty to the process, but she was determined to beat Alexander.

“And Alexander?” Lorelei asked. “Are you feeling okay?”

“Yes, Doctor Lawson,” Alexander said blankly.

“Good, good,” Lorelei smiled. “Let’s continue, then. Down!”

The process continued for some time, and to Zariel’s chagrin, she started to feel herself fall behind Alexander. While she was breathing heavily and sweating bullets, he remained completely stone-faced. I’ve seen him in our training exercises, she thought to herself. I know he should be struggling right now. Does this hypnosis stuff really work?

“Up,” Lorelei said. “Up, Zariel!”

Zariel gritted her teeth and pushed as hard as she could. Come on, one more. Just one more!

Despite her effort, her arms finally gave out. She fell to the floor, groaning, and was relieved when Lorelei finally rose off her back and stood up.

“That was 213,” Lorelei said. “Very impressive, Zariel.”

“C-Could’ve… could’ve done more…” Zariel panted, rolling onto her back. “How heavy are you… anyway?”

“It’s rude to ask that of a woman,” Lorelei tutted. She turned to Alexander and knelt down beside him, placing a hand on top of his head. “You did very well, Alexander. In a moment, I’m going to count from five to one. You’ll awaken from this trance, remembering everything that occurred during it.”

“Yes, Doctor Lawson,” Alexander murmured.

“Five… four… three… two… and one.”

Alexander’s eyes shot wide open. He collapsed to the floor, curling up and moaning in pain. “Ow! Ow!”

“Yeah, that’s about what I expected,” Zariel smirked.

“God, that hurts!” Alexander squeaked. “I can’t believe I didn’t feel that before!”

“I’m honestly surprised it worked this well,” Lorelei remarked. “You really didn’t feel anything at all?”

Alexander rolled over onto his back and groaned. “N-Not… really? I dunno, it was… I felt like I was, like, piloting my body, but it wasn’t mine? There was this… this total disconnect. It was… weird. But not bad weird, just, like, weird weird.”

“Fascinating.” Lorelei scribbled something down in her notes.

Zariel stood up and extended a hand to Alexander. “Hey, good job, dude. Seriously, I don’t care if you were hypnotized to stop feeling pain or whatever, beating me is really impressive.”

“Th-Thanks, Zee,” Alexander smiled. He took her hand and slowly rose to his feet. “So, um, Doctor Lawson, when are our next sessions?”

“Actually,” Lorelei said, “I wanted to invite you two to a certain event.”

“Oh?” Zariel scratched her chin. “What is it?”

“Well, I’m sure you two know that this building is hosting a charity gala this weekend.”

“It is?” Alexander raised an eyebrow. “I never heard about it.”

“Neither did I,” Zariel added.

“Huh.” Lorelei frowned. “I’m surprised you hadn’t, all the other members of Generation 6 will be attending. I believe E.E. is giving a speech as well.”

Zariel made a low, angry noise in the back of her throat. “Lemme guess,” she muttered, “she doesn’t want the fuck-ups hanging around…”

“I really wouldn’t take it personally,” Lorelei said. “You two are still suspended, and you being there might draw some unwanted publicity.”

“But, wait… aren’t you inviting us?” Alexander asked. “Doesn’t that, like, defeat the purpose?”

“You’ll be coming as my guests,” Lorelei explained, “not as representatives of the team. I think it’ll be good for you to get out there and mingle, and show that you’re still committed to Generation 6.” She smirked and leaned in close. “Plus, it’ll be fun to piss E.E. off a little bit, won’t it?”

Zariel chuckled. “Hell yeah, now you’re speaking my language. And here I almost thought you two were on the same side.”

Lorelei smiled. “I’d like to think she’s on my side, actually. So, can I expect you two to come with me?”

“Of course!” Alexander beamed. “Uh, e-except… I, ah, I-I don’t think I have anything… fancy… to wear.”

“Oh, that won’t be a problem. I know a good tailor in town, I can get you an appointment. He’s great at his job, I’m sure you’ll look quite handsome once he’s done.”

“Thank you…” Alexander beamed, his cheeks turning red. But a moment later, his smile faded. “U-Uh, wait, h-how much would that be? Our accounts are monitored–”

“Yes, I know,” Lorelei sighed. “Honestly, the Bureau’s financial micromanaging is absurd even for a… well, bureaucracy. Fortunately, since I’m technically hired from my own company, I can simply add it to my bill. I’m sure the federal government won’t mind a few hundred extra when they’re spending billions on post-human projects.”

“Mind if I take you up on that offer too?” Zariel asked. “I think I could rock a suit if I, y’know, had one.”

Lorelei pursed her lips. “Very well.”

“Hell yeah!” Zariel chuckled. “Free shit! Doctor Lawson, I think we’re really making some progress here!”

“Well, if bribery will help you two get along,” Lorelei smirked, “then I suppose I can indulge in it a touch. Is there anything else you two wanted to talk about? I know we spent a lot of time on the push-up competition, so if I stole attention away from something you thought was important, I apologize.”

“U-Uh, no,” Alexander replied. “No, I, um, I th-think we’re good.”

“I, uh…” Zariel opened, then closed, then opened her mouth again. “…Nah, we’re good.”

“Alright,” Lorelei said, “I’ll schedule appointments for the both of you at the tailor. It’ll be a tight schedule, since the gala is so soon, but I’m sure we can manage.” She smiled warmly. “I look forward to seeing you both at the gala.”

Alexander sat down on the subway seat and felt his whole body sag into the hard, worn-down plastic. God, that was crazy… I’m gonna be sore for days, but more than that, I can’t believe Doctor Lawson was making Zee do weird kinky stuff too… He closed his eyes and smiled. It was kinda fun, though. I mean, the push-ups hurt like hell, but… being so totally focused on following her orders, like some kind of machine… Gosh, that’s actually really hot…

“What’re you so happy about?”

“Jesus!” Alexander squeaked. He jolted up and opened his eyes, surprised to see Zariel standing in front of him, holding onto the handrail. “Z-Zee?! What… I-I thought you didn’t use the s-sub–”

“I don’t,” Zariel interrupted. “This is taking me really out of my way, actually, but…” She rubbed her eyes and sighed. “I wanted to talk to you. You kinda just bolted out of there, after all.”

“Um, y-yeah, sorry…” Alexander slumped his shoulders. “Uh, so what did you want to talk about?”

“Well, I…” Zariel looked away from Alexander and scratched the back of her head. “Y’know, what you did back there, with the, uh, stuff. That was actually really impressive.”

“Oh! Um, well, thank you!” Alexander blushed. “I-I know I’m not as, uh, strong as you or Noa, but I’m really proud of being able to do all those push-ups. Gonna be paying for it tomorrow, though!”

“What? No, not the push-ups. I’m talking about the, like…” Zariel exhaled and fidgeted with the zipper on her jacket. “You know.”

“I’m… sorry, I don’t think I do?”

“C’mon, man,” Zariel groaned, “don’t make me say it…”

“S-Say what?” Alexander gulped. “Oh, god, did she make me do something else that I can’t–”

“Yes!” Zariel exclaimed. “Er, wait, no! Ugh, alright, fuck it, the… the hypnosis thing! Like, going blank, following her suggestions, all that stuff.”

Alexander raised an eyebrow. “Wait, really? Y-You’re impressed with that?”

“Well, yeah.”

“But… why? I mean, for me, it doesn’t really feel like I’m doing anything, it just… happens.”

Zariel shrugged. “I dunno, I’ve never had that experience. I’ve tried all sorts of guided meditation stuff in the past, and it never really worked for me. I could never get my brain to stop… I dunno, thinking? There was just this constant noise that I couldn’t get away from. Only thing that actually helped was Mary Jane.”

“Who’s that?” Alexander asked.

“…It’s weed, Alex.”

“Oh. O-Oh, right, I… knew that…”

“Fucking…” Zariel shook her head and chuckled. “Man, you really are a dork sometimes, you know that?”

“Y-Yeah…” Alexander ran a hand through his hair and leaned forward, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Hey, don’t be so hard on yourself,” Zariel said. “When it’s stuff like this, it’s actually kinda charming. In a, like, ‘lost puppy’ sorta way.”

“Really?” Alexander sniffled. “You think I’m… ch-charming?”

“Don’t be getting any bright ideas,” Zariel said sternly. “You’re not my type.”

“Oh, god, I–” Alexander started laughing. “I-I never even considered that!”

“Good. Don’t even think about considering it.” Zariel scratched her chin. “So, what I really wanted to ask was… could you let me maybe ‘borrow’ some of those audio files Doctor Lawson sent you?”

“Huh? Wh-Why would you want those?”

“Does it really matter?”

“Well, I… I-I guess it does to me. Doctor Lawson gave me those files because she thinks they’ll help me. If she didn’t give them to you, then… do you need them?”

Zariel narrowed her eyes. “I want them, Alex. Isn’t that enough?”

Alexander swallowed. Why is she being so cagy? Is she embarrassed? Wait… if she’s impressed with how well I responded to Doctor Lawson’s hypnosis, then… “D-Do you… want Doctor Lawson to hypnotize you?”

“N-No!” Zariel scoffed, turning her head away.

“You totally do!” Alexander gasped. “B-But… why, though?”

“…Alright, look,” Zariel sighed, “we’re both… we both have a thing for her, right?”

“Wha–? N-No, I…” Alexander saw the way Zariel glared at him and shrinked away. “M-Maybe…”

“And we know we’ve both been doing some fucked-up shit in those sessions. The kinda stuff we’d never tell another living soul. Right?”

Alexander nodded.

“Okay.” Zariel took a deep breath. “The reason I want those files, is… I…” She took another, shakier breath, her cheeks turning flushed, and closed her eyes. “I want to… listen to her voice. Listen to her, um… b-bossing me around, and stuff.”

“Y-You’re…” Alexander felt his heart pound faster. “You’re gonna get off to–”

“Oh, like you haven’t?” Zariel snapped.

“…Alright, fair,” Alexander sighed. “But I’m really not sure it’s a good idea. What if she finds out somehow?”

“How would she find out? Neither of us is gonna tell her, right?” Zariel sat down next to Alexander and placed a hand on his shoulder. “C’mon, man, what’ll it take for you to send me the files?”

Alexander stroked his chin. “Well…”

“I’m not letting you touch my boobs.”

“Wha–” Alexander blushed. “Wh-Why is that where your mind went first?! All I was gonna ask for was some of the stuff she gave you.”

“Oh! Yeah, I can totally do that!” Zariel slapped Alexander on the back and grinned. “Man, this is working out great!”

Alexander winced and rubbed the spot where Zariel slapped him. “Y-Yeah…”

“Although…” Zariel furrowed her brow. “You seemed awfully shocked that I’d be getting off to it for someone who wanted to watch straight-up porn.”

“I-I thought the…” Alexander giggled nervously. “Th-The point with your stuff is that you don’t get off?”

Zariel’s eyes narrowed. “…I’ll allow it. But don’t contradict me again, or you’ll be hurting from more than the push-ups.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Alexander sighed. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes, feeling the vibrations of the subway car and letting his mind drift. I wonder how everyone’s gonna react when we show up at the gala… I hope E.E. doesn’t get too upset, even though I think that’d make Zariel pretty happy… He held his hand to his chest and absent-mindedly played with his shirt collar. She really thinks I’ll look handsome? Gosh, I hope I do… I want to make her proud… It's so weird, though. I’ve never tried to go out of my way to impress people. I don’t really like drawing attention to myself, but with her…

Alexander blinked a few times, then smiled. Doctor Lawson is right, he heard in his head. The words were familiar, but the voice wasn’t quite his own. I shouldn’t worry about how I’ll look. She knows what she’s doing. She always knows best.

Always.