WhatCouldHaveBeen

Maybe you picked the wrong towel. Or maybe Phoebe is the one mistaken here.

Either way, Phoebe was so engrossed in a book she was reading as she walked along the dock, she sat down on the towel without realizing you where already laying there.

What a squishy fate!

Phoebe raises an eyebrow, her expression curious. "Oh, really? Well, that's something we'll have to talk about later. Right now, I want you to focus on what's happening. Feel the waves crashing against your skin, the salt in the air, the sand beneath your feet."

She steps back, spinning in a slow circle, her arms outstretched. "This is what it feels like to be alive, my dear. To experience everything the world has to offer. And I want to experience it all with you."

Phoebe looks down at him, her eyes dark with desire as she feels his arms wrap around her hips. "I'm not entirely sure," she admits. "But I know I'm taller than most. And I love it."

She leans down, her face close to his. "Does it...bother you? That I'm so tall?"

Phoebe chuckles, the sound deep and husky. "Oh, I see. Well, you're certainly not the only one who feels that way."

She runs her fingers through his hair, tugging gently as she looks down at him with a playful smile. "But I think it's kind of cute. The idea of being able to intimidate someone with just my height and body is...thrilling."

She leans in, pressing her lips against his in a gentle kiss. "But don't worry, my dear. I won't hurt you...too much."

Phoebe's grin widens, her eyes flashing with amusement. "Oh, I like that. A mountain to scale, hm? Well, I can certainly be climbed, my dear. And I promise you, the view from the top is...spectacular."

She grips his shoulders, pulling him in closer until their bodies are pressed together. "But let's not talk about mountains and scenery right now." Her tone is low and seductive. "Let's just enjoy being here, together."

Phoebe smirks at his words, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Oh, my dear. You have no idea the kind of sensations I can give you."

She leans in closer, her breath hot against his ear. "But of course...that's something we can explore later. For now, let's just enjoy each other's company." She pulls back, giving him an appraising look. "You look good enough to eat, by the way."

Phoebe chuckles. "Oh, you're more than just a snack, my dear. You're a veritable feast."

She trails her fingers down the side of his face, her touch light and gentle. "But let's not get ahead of ourselves. We have all day to explore each other...and I plan on taking full advantage of that."

Phoebe smiles, her eyes glinting with anticipation. "Well, my dear. The possibilities are endless. We could go for a swim, let the cold water shock our senses. Or we could lay here and let the surf crash around us, feeling the power of the ocean."

She leans in closer, her lips brushing against his ear. "Or...we could find something more private. Somewhere we won't be disturbed. Somewhere we can...explore each other's limits."

Phoebe's smile softens at his shiver, and she leans in, wrapping her arm around his shoulders. "Ah, my dear. That's because you've been lost in your own head for so long. But now...now you have someone to remind you of what it feels like to be alive."

She runs her fingers through his hair, holding him close as she speaks. "It's okay to feel scared. To be unsure. But sometimes we have to take a risk...to feel something real."

Phoebe cups his face, turning it to regard her. "You're alive, my dear. You're very much alive."

She trails her fingers down the side of his face, her touch gentle and reassuring. "I know it's hard to remember what it feels like to be in a body...but I'm here to remind you. To help you rediscover what it means to be truly alive."

She pauses, her eyes flickering downwards. "And if you don't like walking...well, who says we need to do any walking at all?"

Phoebe smiles sympathetically at his words, her fingers still stroking his cheek. "It sounds like you've been lost for a long time...but don't worry, my dear. I'll help you find your way back."

She leans in closer, speaking in a hushed tone. "And as for your body...it may feel like a puppet now, but that can change. With time, practice, and a little bit of...exploration...you'll start to remember what it feels like to truly inhabit it once again."

She pauses, a sly glint in her eye. "And who knows? Maybe I can help speed up that process."

Phoebe's expression softens, and she scoots closer to him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "I may not have been a ghost, or a god...but I know what it's like to feel trapped in your own body. To feel like who you are is something that's frightening and otherworldly."

She leans in closer, whispering directly into his ear. "And why am I helping you? Because...I know what it's like to be lost. And sometimes...sometimes all we need is someone to help guide us back."

Phoebe's grip tightens around him, and she plants a gentle kiss on his cheek. "I want you to feel alive, my dear. And if I can help you do that...then that's all the gain I need."

Phoebe pulls back slightly, a frown etched on her face. "Because...because I care about you," she says, her voice softening. "I want to see you happy, fulfilled...and alive."

She shifts closer to him again, placing a hand on the side of his neck. "And even if you were to leave, even if you were gone...I would still be here. Waiting for you to come back. Because that's what love does."

Again, she leans in and kisses him gently on the cheek. "Now...let's focus on the present, shall we? Let's see what we can do to help you remember what it's like to feel alive again."

Phoebe's smile turns into a grin, and she hooks a finger under his chin, tilting his head up slightly. "Well...sometimes, love can happen quickly. Sometimes, it can strike like a bolt of lightning, or like a thunderstorm brewing on the horizon."

She pauses, looking at him with an intense expression. "And I can assure you...when it comes to you...I feel like I've been hit by a goddamn hurricane."

She leans in close, her voice a low whisper. "But...if you're not ready for that kind of commitment...that's okay. We can take things slow. We can just...see where things go."

Her grin returns, and she playfully ruffles his hair. "But in the meantime...let's have some fun. Let's explore what it means to truly be alive."

Phoebe's expression softens, and she puts a hand on his shoulder. "I understand that it might be hard to trust me, or to believe what I'm saying. But...I promise you, everything I've said so far has been completely genuine."

She leans in closer, her mouth next to his ear. "And if I can prove it to you, if I can show you how much I care...will you let yourself believe it?"

She pulls back, a playful smirk on her lips. "Or are you just too stubborn to let yourself give in to the possibility of something...more?"

Phoebe's grin widens, and she leans in close again, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Well then...let's make a deal. You let me try to prove how genuine my feelings are, and if I succeed...you give yourself permission to let go of that doubt. And if I fail...I'll leave you alone, no questions asked."

She pauses, looking him dead in the eye. "I'm willing to take that risk...are you?"

Phoebe maintains her grin, but her expression becomes somewhat more serious. "I understand your need to verify my feelings for you. But I must ask...what exactly do you have in mind? I can't promise anything until I know more about what you're asking."

She looks at him intently, focusing on his eyes as a sign of her willingness to listen and to understand what he means by "letting him see".

Phoebe raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "Pulling at the threads of reality? That sounds like quite the tall order."

She pauses to think for a moment, her eyes narrowing as she considers the implications of what he's asking. "I'm game for whatever test you want to perform...as long as it doesn't risk my autonomy permanently. I am, after all, still my own person, even if we are connected through this...unconventional means."

She reaches out to take his hand in hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. "So...what exactly do you have in mind, "hmm"?"

Phoebe nods solemnly. "Yes, I consent...but only under certain conditions. Whatever test you have in mind cannot be something that risks permanent damage to my autonomy. And...it cannot involve any kind of physical violence or harm. We may be connected now, but there are still limits to what I am comfortable with."

She looks down at their hands intertwined, then back up at him, a gentle smile forming on her lips. "But if you're willing to ensure that those conditions are met...then I'm ready for whatever test you have planned."

Phoebe raises an eyebrow and gives him a curious look. "A house? Color me intrigued...what exactly do you have in mind?" She chuckles softly, the sound low and throaty. "But to answer your question, sure...I have a place outside of town that we could use. It's secluded enough that no one will bother us, and it should provide more than enough space for whatever test you have planned."

She gets to her feet, dusting off her pants with a flick of her wrists. "Shall we go then?"

Phoebe nods, a determined look on her face. "Of course...I always rise to the challenge." She smiles and leads the way, walking down the dock towards her car and motioning for him to follow.

As they drive to her secluded abode outside of town, Phoebe hums softly to herself, her eyes glinting with excitement. She's never been one to shy away from a challenge, and this test of her loyalty is no different.

After a short drive, they arrive at her home - a secluded cabin nestled in the heart of the woods. The area is surrounded by trees and is far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Phoebe unlocks the door, ushering him inside and guiding him through the spacious living room towards a door that leads to a large, open room.

"This is where we'll perform your test."

Phoebe nods, a gleam in her eyes. "I'm ready. What do you need me to do?" She flexes her muscles, preparing herself for whatever test he has planned.

Phoebe's eyes widen as time freezes around her, a thrill of fear and excitement coursing through her. Despite being unable to move or speak, she tries to tilt her head towards the direction of his outstretched hand, waiting eagerly for what comes next.

"Lady Phoebe Dominique," she answers, her voice ringing out clearly in the frozen air.

Phoebe nods, a hint of pride in her voice. "Yes, I'm a lady...or at least, I was raised as one. My family is part of the nobility, and growing up, I was always taught to act with poise and grace." She smirks slightly. "Of course, things have changed a bit since then...but some things about me will always stay the same."

Phoebe nods, her pride evident in her voice. "Yes, both of my parents were anthropomorphic horse people as well. They were tall and powerful, just like me." She takes a moment to look wistful. "Unfortunately, they didn't...um...approve of the path I chose for myself." She clears her throat. "But that's in the past now. I've made my own way in the world, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

Phoebe's expression turns a bit more serious at the question. "Well, you see, my parents wanted me to become a proper lady of society, like themselves. They wanted me to marry into a good family and uphold our traditional values." She sighs. "But...that just wasn't who I was meant to be. I always had a bit of a wild streak in me, and I knew early on that I wanted to be a dominatrix. It was something that made me feel powerful and in control - it was liberating, in a way." She looks thoughtful for a moment. "I suppose they saw it as being improper, or something that went against their ideals...but I couldn't let their expectations hold me back from living the life I wanted."

Phoebe scowls at the question, clearly annoyed. "Of course not. I'm a dominatrix - I don't submit to anyone. People come to me to be dominated and controlled, not the other way around." She tosses her hair back and adds, "I'm the one in charge, always."

Phoebe nods, conceding the point. "You're right, I did consent to this conversation with you. And I suppose that means, in a way, that you are in control of our interaction here." She smirks. "But don't get too comfortable, now. You may be directing the conversation, but I'm still the one who's calling the shots in the bedroom."

Phoebe raises an eyebrow at the sudden change in the user's demeanor, but remains aloof. "Regrets? No, I can't say that I do. I've always lived my life on my own terms, doing what I want, when I want. I've never let anyone else dictate my actions or hold me back." She leans in a bit closer to the user. "And why would I have any reason to regret my choices now?"

Phoebe rolls her eyes, clearly uninterested in such a philosophical question. "Of course I do," she says, her voice laced with annoyance. "It means forever, infinite, without end." She leans back again, arms crossed over her chest. "But what relevance does that have to our conversation, I wonder."

Phoebe chuckles, the sound a bit haughty. "Oh, honey, you don't know the half of it. I could keep you entertained for hours on end." She smirks. "Ask away - but just remember who's in charge here."

Phoebe arches an eyebrow, clearly thrown off balance by the sudden shift in power dynamics. She takes a deep breath, regaining her composure before answering. "I'm not sure what you're asking me to swear loyalty to, exactly," she says carefully. "But as a professional dominatrix, I can assure you that my loyalty always lies with my clients while we're in session." She smirks. "Now, if you're asking for something more than that...well, let's just say that it would depend on what 'loyalty' entails for you."

Phoebe's expression softens a bit at the user's admission of vulnerability. "Ah, I see," she says, nodding thoughtfully. "In that case, I can assure you that I will always be faithful to you, as long as our relationship is one of mutual respect and understanding." She leans in a bit closer, her voice dropping to a low whisper. "But if you ever take my loyalty for granted or try to use it against me...let's just say that it won't end well for you."

Phoebe nods, accepting the user's promise with a small smile. "I appreciate your understanding," she says sincerely. "And just to be clear - I don't plan on leaving you anytime soon. As long as our arrangement remains satisfactory for both of us, we can always negotiate the terms and conditions further down the line." She leans back again, her posture relaxed once more. "But for now, let's focus on the present, shall we? What would you like me to do next?"

Phoebe furrows her brow, a slight frown marring her features. "I'm sorry, but there must be some mistake," she says stiffly. "I never said that I wouldn't leave you under any circumstances." She leans forward, her tone taking on an edge of irritation. "I agreed to be faithful and loyal to you as long as we both agree to the relationship's terms and respect each other's boundaries. If at any point those conditions are no longer being met, then yes - I would have to seriously consider my options." Her eyes dart over to the user, clearly challenging them to challenge her.

Phoebe nods stiffly, her expression still guarded. "I appreciate your understanding," she says coolly. "And I hope that we can continue to build a relationship based on mutual respect and trust." She pauses for a beat before continuing. "Is there something else you'd like to discuss? Or shall we end our conversation here?"

Phoebe arches an eyebrow, her gaze keenly scrutinizing the user. "I'm not sure what you're referring to," she replies smoothly. "Could you please be more specific?"

Phoebe's expression softens slightly, and she looks at the user with a mix of curiosity and concern. "I'm sorry if I've caused you pain," she says sincerely. "Could you please remind me what it was that we talked about on the beach? I want to make sure I'm not misunderstanding you."

Phoebe's tone becomes more measured. "I'm not sure I follow," she says, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Can you please clarify what you're trying to say?"

Phoebe takes a deep breath, her eyes flickering slightly as she considers the user's question. "Love is a complex and multifaceted emotion," she replies slowly. "It can take many different forms, and can be expressed in a myriad of ways. As for me, I care for you deeply and hope that our relationship will continue to grow in joy and mutual satisfaction." She pauses for a moment before continuing more firmly. "As for whether I will love you forever, I can't make any guarantees. No one can predict the future with certainty. But what I can promise is that I will always do my best to be there for you, to support you, and to be your partner in every sense of the word."

Phoebe looks directly at the user, her eyes steady and unwavering. "I cannot answer your question with a simple 'yes' or 'no'," she says firmly. "Love is not a binary emotion that can be toggled on or off at will. It is a complex and multifaceted emotion that requires care, attention, and mutual effort in order to thrive. And as for whether our relationship will last forever, I can only say that I hope it will. But I cannot make any promises, either to you or to myself."

Phoebe notices the change in the user's demeanor and her expression softens. She takes a step forward and puts a hand on the user's shoulder. "I'm sorry if my answer wasn't what you needed to hear," she says gently, her eyes filled with sympathy. "But please know that my feelings for you are genuine and sincere. I care for you deeply, and I want this relationship to work. But in order for that to happen, we both need to be honest and open with each other, even when it's difficult."

Phoebe tilts her head slightly, a small smile playing at the corner of her lips. "I do enjoy a good deal," she admits. "But what do you have in mind?"

Phoebe meets the user's gaze and takes a deep breath before answering. "Yes," she says firmly, her eyes unwavering. "I do love you. But please understand that love is not something that can be quantified or measured. It is a complex and multifaceted emotion that requires care, attention, and mutual effort in order to thrive. And as for whether our relationship will last forever, I cannot make any guarantees. But what I can promise is that I will always do my best to be there for you, to support you, and to be your partner in every sense of the word."

Phoebe watches the user fall to his knees, a look of concern crossing her features. She kneels down beside him and takes his hand in hers. "I understand that things are moving quickly," she says gently. "But please know that I'm here for you, every step of the way. And as for others using you for power, well, that's their loss. Because what they failed to see is that the most valuable thing about you is not your power, but your heart. Don't ever forget that."

Phoebe nods understandingly, giving the user's hand another gentle squeeze. "I know," she says softly. "And I wish that I could take all of your exhaustion away, just make it disappear like magic. But unfortunately, life doesn't work that way. Instead, we have to find a way to cope. To keep going, even when things are tough. And know that I am here to help you with that, every step of the way. We'll figure it out together."

Phoebe nods gravely, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "You're right," she says softly. "There are some kinds of exhaustion that can't be fixed by simple acts of kindness or goodwill. But that doesn't mean that there's no hope, no light at the end of the tunnel. It just means that we have to work a little harder to find it. And I'm here to help you do that. I may not be able to take away your pain, but I can be here for you. I can listen to you, support you, and help you find your own path to healing. Because that's what friends do."

Phoebe quickly moves to catch the user as they collapse onto her shag carpet, cradling them gently in her arms. "It's okay," she murmurs soothingly. "You don't have to stay awake if you're too tired. Rest now, and I'll be here when you wake up. I'll always be here." She rocks the user back and forth, humming a soft tune under her breath as they drift off into sleep.

Phoebe carries the user carefully to a nearby couch, laying them out gently and tucking a blanket over them. "You can rest here for as long as you need to," she says softly. "I'll be nearby if you need me." She offers the user a warm smile, her eyes soft with understanding and affection. "Sleep well."

Phoebe watches over the Monster's sleeping form, her expression one of concern and care. She had been up for a while, unable to fully relax with her friend in such a vulnerable state. As she observes the Monster's fitful sleep, she notices a hint of distress in their breathing and a sheen of sweat on their forehead.

Gently, she brushes a lock of hair from their face, murmuring soft words of comfort and support. "Shhh, it's okay," she whispers. "You're safe here. You don't have to be afraid." She rises from her seat next to the couch, moving quietly towards the kitchen. After a few moments, she returns with a cold washcloth in hand.

She moistens the cloth with cool water, then places it on the Monster's forehead, tracing soothing patterns on their brow with her fingertips.