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[power_of_yes]

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[power_of_yes]

Has anyone else seen it?

[He reaches over, trying to move her hands away, wanting to do the rest of the unbuttoning himself.]

[classifieds]

No. I wanted you to be the first.

[ She lets him finish on his own. His desire makes her feel powerful in a way she's never felt before now and she drinks it all up. ]

[power_of_yes]

I appreciate it. [He finishes the buttons and leans forward, pressing a kiss to her stomach before looking up to her.]

I think this is my greatest work. I should have known it wouldn't humble you.

[classifieds]

Of course it wouldn't.

[ She runs her fingers over the ridges of the scar. It doesn't hurt anymore, but it's numb and tingly when she touches it. ]

It's empowered me. But that's a good thing.

[power_of_yes]

Empowered you to do what?

[He keeps his eyes up on her before he rises up to his feet so he can appreciate the lace a little better.]

[classifieds]

Anything I want.

[ She looks up at him, running her fingers down his arm. ]

That's the power of yes, isn't it? They'll all say yes to us.

[power_of_yes]

[He reaches over, tracing the letters with his fingers.]

To God. To themselves.

[But it's a minor correction and he doesn't even look up to her when he says it. He doesn't even know if he has to pretend as much with her any longer. Carol is the one of the only people who knows his true heart. She knows that Confession is for secrets to control people. She knows that the cult was about control. John truly believes his brother, truly believes in the Collapse, does want to save people - but also indulges in his wrath far too often.]

What's the next move?

[classifieds]

I have to see who we're stuck with next month.

[ Hopefully no one too strict. If anyone tries to drag her around like Zack dragged John around she isn't going to be so cooperative about it. ]

There's a private spot for inmates that warden items can't even track. The old owner's done with it. If I can get us an in, we'll have a good place to meet and to avoid our wardens if necessary.

[power_of_yes]

So I've heard. What's the catch?

[He continues to trace the letters, running fingers along underneath.]

[classifieds]

[ She leans back and lets him touch her. ]

The catch is I don't know if it'll be given to me or if I'll have to take it. We'll have to be careful about the latter. Only inmates know about it but they aren't all our allies.

[power_of_yes]

No.

But I need to know who.

[He's suddenly a little more business, though he doesn't stop his fingertips from brushing her skin.]

Norton can help tell us who to trust. But my time in Zero was bullshit, Carol. They found nothing, and then had to search back for a reason to continue punishing me.

The other inmates should know that wardens are starting to take a harder stance.

[classifieds]

I know. And with the supply bullshit that's going on I'll bet tension is only going to get worse. If shit hits the fan I guarantee you us inmates will be last priority.

[ She's business right now, too, but she still has her hands on his hips, tracing her fingers up and down along his waist. ]

I'm going to say something soon, but I have to be careful with my words. Someone may very well show their warden so I need enough plausible deniability without being too vague to say anything useful.

[power_of_yes]

Do you want a united front?

[He leans in and kisses her neck.]

What do you want people to know of us? Of me and you.

[classifieds]

I don't need or expect inmates to be completely united, there just have to be enough of us to have bargaining power against the wardens and those inmates who are content to be their little pets.

[ She tilts her head to the side, letting him kiss her. ]

Let them know. Some couples have a weak link that can be exploited, but not us. We're stronger together.

[power_of_yes]

[He's glad she can't see his face at the word 'couple,' but he presses close to her anyway.]

It's true. I'm glad the month is almost over. I hope the babysitting ends with Zack.

[classifieds]

If it doesn't, we'll have to find more drastic ways to get him off your back. But we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

[ She thinks about who else he might end up getting put with. ]

Watch out for the cop. Ortega. She'll be trouble.

[power_of_yes]

[He's already put her down as dangerous, so he's not surprised to hear it.]

Cops and lawyers don't get along usually. But if it happens, I'm very good at weaponized incompetency. That usually gets types like hers frustrated enough to just leave me alone. What will you do if you're paired with her?

[classifieds]

I won't take any of her shit, that's for sure. If I get thrown in Zero so be it, I can delegate while I'm in there.

[power_of_yes]

[He nods.]

And I can be a presence if that happens.

[classifieds]

Of course.

Hickey tried to convince me that he'd be a better second-in-command. Don't tell him I told you, but feel free to tease him a little if you want.

[power_of_yes]

[He can't help but roll his eyes at that.]

He doesn't want to be second in command. He wants your job.

[classifieds]

I know, but he thinks he can climb that ladder one rung at a time.

[power_of_yes]

[He slides his hands along her shoulders, trying to push off that shirt.]

He'll find a strong opposition in me. But maybe he needs some responsibility. Some semblance of power.

[classifieds]

Hm. You're right, he could use a distraction. Something to make him feel special.

[ She lets the shirt slide off, leaving nothing but the carved word and that black lace bra. ]

[power_of_yes]

[He takes her in, eyes raking down again as his hands go to her hips.]

Let him control any food supplies we get. Put him in direct charge, underneath you, of any food stores. He's anxious about food. Resorted to cannibalism because of it. It may help curb that fear and will give him a little power.