Issue 1 Downtime

Onyx waits for Alyson in the club, a shadow against the wall of a private booth she had reserved for the two of them tonight.

"Hey, love." Alyson said, slipping into the booth.

"Hello," Onyx says nervously, not quite able to meet Alyson's eyes.

"Why so nervous?" Alyson asked, sliding closer to her.

"It is nothing," Onyx says with a small smile, "How was your day?"

"It was good, busy, but good. How was your day?"

"Very enlightening," Onyx says, "I had a talk with Ms. McManus and I had to do some thinking."

"I'm glad you went to see her." Alyson said "Did it help?"

"I think it did," Onyx says.

"...I think we need to talk though."

"What about?" Alyson asked, suddenly feeling nervous.

"It's about the engagement," Onyx says, "I think...I think I only agreed to it because I wanted someone to control me. Will and Ms. McManus say I lack a sense of self-definition and I think they're right..."

"And I think I was so desperate to let someone else define me I jumped at the first chance. And that isn't fair to you."

"........oh......."Alyson said, blinking back the tears that rushed to her eyes "Is it....do you just need more time? Or...is it.....? Have I been too controlling? I...please...I know you're going through a lot of changes right now, but...If you don't want to be with me, I understand."

"Please," Onyx begs quietly, "Let me finish. This is not easy for me."

"I should not have accepted your proposal. When we first got back together I promised you the reason I was with you wasn't because I wanted someone to control and hurt me but because I loved you and wanted to be with you."

"But when you asked, I needed someone to control me. To tell me what my life should be like. I was just trying to trade one collar for another."

"So I am going to have to break off our engagement, Alyson," Onyx says, "I am very sorry."

"I'm sorry too." Alyson said, looking like she'd been punched in the gut. "So, this is it?"

"Yes. It is," Onyx says with a nod as she closes her eyes.

"Ok."Aly said as she stood up roughly "It was nice knowing you."

Onyx reached out, her hand becoming solid as it touched Alyson's shoulder gently.

"Wait."

"Onyx, please." Alyson said "Just let me get out of here so I can go home and get puking drunk."

"Alyson Gregory," Onyx says, "Will you marry me?"

In her free hand Onyx was holding a small black ring. Onyx's skin rippled slightly and became more solid. Not quite back to normal but much more three dimensional then before.

"What did you say?" Alyson said, her eyes darting between Onyx and the ring in incomprehension.

"I'm asking you if you'll marry me," Onyx says softly.

"Yes." Alyson said, suddenly sitting down "Yes."

Onyx slides the ring onto Alyson's finger before pulling the girl into a deep kiss.

"You scared me." Alyson whispered.

"I am very sorry," Onyx says, "You will have to decide on an appropriate punishment later."

"I love you, Aly."

"I love you too." Alyson said, "You do realize that you can't back out this time." she added, wrapping her arms around Onyx.

"Oh, dear," Onyx says, "I suppose I am stuck with you then."

"Forever." Alyson said, kissing her neck.

"And after that too," Onyx says, running her hand through Alyson's hair.

"You seem to be solid." Alyson said, shivering a little at the touch.

"Semi-solid," Onyx whispers, "I still have much to learn but I can stay like this for short periods of time."

Onyx's lips brush against Alyson's neck.

"How short a period?" Alyson asked, her fingers twining into Alyson's hair.

"Not long," Onyx admits, "Less than an hour. I am getting better though."

"I'll do whatever you need to help you." Alyson said "In the meantime......I think just under an hour might be enough time."

"Just long enough for what, miss?" Onyx asks innocently, a coy look on her face.

"To pay you back for scaring me." Alyson said, sinking her teeth into Onyx's earlobe.

Onyx let out a pleased sigh. It had been way too long since she'd been with Alyson and she wasn't going to argue. Reaching over, she pulled the curtain of their booth closed.

((Just under an hour later))

"I'd missed that." Alyson said, a much more shadowy Onyx on her lap.

Onyx nodded happily, looking to be in a bit of a daze.

"What is it made of?" Alyson asked, taking time to actually admire the ring.