Let's Talk About... Wait, What? [Oberon]

[Rose McGovern]

"Hey Rose. I need to talk to you about something. Why don't you come by after work and I'll make some dinner for us. Hamburgers sound good?"

Rose grinned as she flipped her phone shut for the umpteenth time that afternoon. She should have been concentrating on her artwork. Or the work phone. Or... anything, other than Oberon’s voice in her voicemail. But that was really, really hard to do when you were trying to figure out what the sweetest man alive was hinting at. She’d already mulled over the possibilities. The one that stood out was the possibility of finally, finally meeting his roommate, Jude. She’d heard all about him, and his history with Oberon. She wanted to meet the nutcase that drove her boyfriend mental.

But maybe it wasn’t talking about meeting Jude. Maybe it was something else. She couldn’t imagine it was anything bad. Oberon was so sweet, and she loved spending time with him. (It helped he had the cutest bunny on the face of the planet, and that neat Puli dog.) Even Cricket liked him, and Rose trusted her companion. So if it wasn’t about Jude, and it wasn’t about anything bad, what was it going to be about?

“Hey. Earth to Rose. It’s quitting time. Ready to go?” One of her coworkers cuffed her on the shoulder, startling the artist back into reality. “Uh, yeah.” She grinned. “I have a date tonight!” Her coworker just rolled her eyes. They’d all heard about Oberon, and how cute and wonderful and amazing and sweet he was. (Sometimes, Rose was a little nauseating.) “Come on, let’s go. Lock up.” It was only too gleefully that Rose shut down the computers, set the phones to record messages, and flipped off the lights.

It didn’t take long to walk to Oberon’s place from the parlor. Again, she listened to his message, trying to get a clue as to what he was going to talk about. No dice, she couldn’t figure it out. It would just have to wait until she saw him. Which wouldn’t be long, at the pace she was moving at. She was eager to see her boyfriend, and she was eager to hear what he wanted to talk about. With that in mind, she just about bounced up the walkway and pressed the doorbell.

[Oberon Sparks]

One of the best things about being the sole accountant at Hammel was that, so long as his work for the day was done, he was usually able to sneak out a little bit earlier, when Jude still had another training session or two to run. And that was what Oberon did on this particular evening, because he had another thing he wasn't sure was a date. (He was only mostly sure that he was her boyfriend, and not just a guy friend with whom she'd sometimes make out. Apparently, that happened to people. Other people. People he didn't know well enough to ask specifics about the arrangement.)

Oberon stood in his kitchen with Obie, carefully forming the meat mixture into patties for grilling. It was still summer, and that meant they would once again be using the outdoor grill and avoiding actually cooking within the kitchen. (It was a great house, but turning on either the oven or the stove usually caused a sauna to form on the bottom floor.) "So anyway, I haven't told her about you guys yet, but then I'm going to introduce you and Ben. You two come down when I call you, please use the stairs and not the pole, and wear something nice so she doesn't think we're all weird and..."

Obie looked at him, raising an eyebrow, "I get why not Ron or Benny, since you don't want her thinking they're extensions of your personality..." From the next room, there was an offended "Hey!" which they both ignored. "But she's going to ask about them, and about Ronnie. You can't keep Ronnie from her, and you shouldn't."

"Look," Oberon was pretty desperate at the moment, he needed this night to go right, "I just think that she is a little bit too much, right now. I didn't even tell her I'm meta, so one thing at a time, right?"

"Whatever. Here, these are done." Obie took the plate of uncooked burgers and put them on the counter closest to the back door. From the other room, there was a clatter as a videogame controller fell to the floor, indicating Benny had been reabsorbed. Ben then walked through, with a bundle of clothing in his arms. "Upstairs time?" he asked.

Then the doorbell rang.

"I always had good timing. Come on, Obie." The two duplicates climbed up the spiral stairs, and Oberon quickly washed his hands, then ran to the door, drying them off on his shirt.

Just before the door, Oberon stopped and took a deep breath. Then he opened it, smiling. "Rose! Hey, I was about to put the burgers on the grill. Want to come back to the patio and we can talk there?" It was best, really, to get this out of the way as soon as possible. That way, if she decided to storm off because he had been lying to her, she would be gone before Jude came home.

[Rose McGovern]

Oberon was lucky that he could sneak off early. Granted, Rose’s position at the shop was pretty lenient. She’d been there forever, and it was such a casual atmosphere that most of the artists didn’t think twice about wandering off in the middle of the day for coffee, or a long lunch. Even when she had a date. (Because, yes, it was a date. She didn’t make out with guy friends just for fun.) Really, she didn’t care how much her friends teased her about Oberon. He was cute and sweet and they’d just have to deal with that fact.

She was still trying to figure out just what Oberon was up to. With his message leaving no verbal cues, either in his wording or his tone, she was working in the dark. She could have been patient, and simply waited to meet up with him. But patience wasn’t her strongest suit. It was why she’d moved as fast as she had to get to Oberon’s house. By the time she’d reached the door, she was just about bouncing in place. Eager to hear what he had to say? Just a little bit.

The moment the door opened, Rose greeted Oberon with a bright smile. “Hi Ben!” She was happy to see him. If his expression was anything to go by, this wasn’t going to be awful, whatever he wanted to talk about. “Sure! Lead the way.” She loved Oberon’s house, but she understood why he didn’t want to cook indoors. (Plus, burgers were always so much better if they were put on the grill outside.) The nice weather was holding out, and if she had a choice, she’d rather be outside. Teasingly, she reached out to squeeze his hand before letting go. “Jude’s not here, is he?” Was that a pout? Maybe a tiny one. If he said no, then meeting Jude was definitely out. “Sometimes I wonder if you invented him.” She was teasing, naturally. She was well aware of his best friend’s existence. It was just fun to bug him.

Once they were actually out on the patio, Rose flopped into one of the deck chairs, crossing her legs and watching Oberon. “So, what’s up?” Might as well get to the point.

[Oberon Sparks]

Oberon grinned at her and held the door open so she could come in. "No, Jude isn't around. He's still at work, I think." Okay, so he knew the other man was at work. He'd also left a note on his desk, asking him to take his time coming home, as Rose was coming over. However, it wasn't like previous times, when he'd done everything in his power to keep his housemate away. Chances were, he'd come home before Rose left.

Unless she left after hearing his secret.

They headed to the back, letting Staples out into the yard as well. The dog ran around the the perimeter of the yard once, then returned to the patio, where he flopped down in the patch of sunlight next to Rose's chair. It was a nice day, and since fall didn't last long in Vermont, they ought to soak up every last bit of summer that they could.

Oberon, now that he was in the spotlight and actually had to tell Rose, was getting cold feet. First he stalled for a bit, turning on the grill and fiddling with the spatula. "Want me to grill up some peppers as well? I've got some and they go great with burgers." They did, but this wasn't what they were supposed to be talking about.

"Listen, um, the school I work for is having a big fall dance, and staff is allowed to attend. Do you want to go with me?" Where did that come from? Okay, now he had to tell her about being a meta and what Hammel was really about, because if he didn't, she'd find out at the dance. "It's in the second week of September and is supposed to be semi-formal or something, and I could use a date who can help explain what semi-formal actually is to me."

[Rose McGovern]

“You think? Did you ditch him?” Rose asked the question playfully. From what she’d heard of the two men, they were along the same lines as brothers. “I think it’s sad, the way you keep us apart. Maybe you’re scared he’ll steal my attention.” Not that it could happen. No matter how cute Jude might be, or how fun. Sorry, but he had nothing on Oberon. And she didn’t think anything could ever change that.

The goth woman grinned, watching Staples zoom around the yard. The dog had the strangest fur ever, nothing like Cricket’s soft fluff, but he was cute as anything. As soon as he flopped down, Rose leaned over and fussed his ears as Oberon got the stuff out for grilling. “Hi buddy! You’re such a handsome boy, aren’t you? Yeah you are!” What was it about dogs that made anyone near them act like idiots? (Not that Rose cared what anyone thought. And she was just as bad with Ellie.)

When Oberon finally opened his mouth, it wasn’t exactly what she’d expected. She sat up from fussing Staples and shrugged. “Sure, if you want to.” She knew enough about Oberon by now that he was fully capable of being shy. This was more than likely one those moments.

And then he said it. An invitation to a dance? At his school? She beamed at him. “Of course I’ll go!” Her hands rubbed together like an evil genius. “I’ll get to see the inside of your secret school. ... And spend the night with you.” Yes, seeing the inside of the school was that big a deal to her. She’d finally see if it was some snooty private school, or something else entirely. From the sounds of it, the rumours of it being some kind of correctional facility were totally busted. As for his request... “Hell if I know what semi formal means. Somewhere between tuxedos and jeans for guys, I think.” She’d also have to dig around and find a dress. Hmm.

[Oberon Sparks]

"No, Rose, I didn't ditch him. I'd never do that." Well, unless it was ditching him for the afternoon or evening, so he could see her without having to worry about Jude's arm falling off because he'd been working with that little girl again. Then he totally would. But that wasn't ditching, it was just spending time with someone else....right? "He's got another class or something today." Yes, Oberon had told her that Jude also worked at the school, piquing her curiosity more. "And he probably would steal attention. He's good at that."

He loved Jude, he really did. But sometimes that man just had too much energy.

Oberon turned on the grill, and waited for it to heat up, drumming his fingers on the handle of the hood. He also grinned as the goofy-looking dog raced around, but his smile was more nervous. He was dreading what was coming next.

Though it was a relief when Rose agreed to go to the dance with him. At least he knew she liked him that much. Though, people went to dances with friends all the time, right? "Good. It's a date, then?" That was the easiest way to clarify that situation, though he had another to deal with now.

First, however, he put the burgers on the grill, and let them sizzle. If she was still mad by the end of dinner, he was really screwed. "There is one more thing you should know about the school. Hammel. It's kind of a special school, and there's nowhere else like it in the US."

With a deep breath, he actually turned towards her and looked her in the eyes. "It's a school for meta-humans. We train people there. Well, not we meaning me. I actually am an accountant. But I did go to school there. I'm a meta-human."

[Rose McGovern]

“I know that, Ben. You’re a good friend.” Of course, in saying that, she had no idea how that might sound to a man that still wasn’t sure what their relationship actually was. (For the record, as far as Rose was concerned, Oberon was her boyfriend.) “I just never see him around.” She grinned playfully. “Maybe you’re embarrassed ‘cause you’re dating the freaky goth girl.” Yes, Rose. Confuse poor Oberon. That’s a good idea. “You never told me what he teaches. Do I have to ask him myself, if he’s such an attention whore?” It wasn’t a particularly strong threat, but maybe she’d finally get him to tell her what the big secret around his school was.

A small part of Rose felt bad for not helping, but really, how did you help grill things? So she just fussed Staples as he lay by her chair, half watching Oberon. ... Okay, screw it. She was asking. “Can I help with anything?” He looked distracted, and the last thing she wanted was for him to hurt himself.

Maybe it was just the whole dance thing he was worked up over. The way he tried to clarify was actually sort of sweet. “Of course it’s a date. And so’s this, if you’re wondering.” She even half-counted their first encounter, where she’d ambushed him at the coffee shop. “Don’t worry, we’ll figure out this semi-formal stuff.” Even if she had to stoop to asking her coworkers.

She went back to rubbing Staples, watching the dog wag his tail with a smile. She’d have to bring Cricket over next time, so they could play. Granted, Staples was easily twice the size of her Papillion, but Cricket could hold his own. They’d have fun. Oh, wait. Oberon was talking. ... About the school. She stopped petting the Puli and looked up at Oberon.

Special. Unique. She didn’t know what to expect. But when he finally said it, well, she didn’t know what to say. Sure, she knew about meta-humans. Everyone did. There was a lot of prejudice out there against them. She was silent for a moment, processing this. Oberon worked at a school for meta-humans. Hell, he was a meta-human. “So... what’s your power?” For him to be an accountant, she wasn’t expecting anything all that exciting. And then she realized something. “Wait. Ben, did you not tell me about this before because you thought I’d freak or something?” She had to smile. “I like metas, you dork.

Well, she certainly didn’t hate him.

[Oberon Sparks]

Okay, Rose was just evil. He wasn't exactly sure where they stood, relationship-wise, and saying "You're a good friend." didn't make him feel any better. He wanted to be a good friend, of course, particularly to Jude, but he wanted her to see her differently. Was that too much to ask?

And then she said they were dating. Oberon perked up at that, a happy little grin on his face, though he wasn't sure where her statement came from. With the exception of the kissing, they didn't do anything. Most of the time was spent just hanging out, the same way he did with Jude. Speaking of which, she was talking about him. Right. "He's a physical trainer, actually. Kind of like a special gym teacher." (That was probably the most accurate complete misrepresentation of what Jude actually did.)

When Rose offered to help, he shrugged and said, "In a bit, you could slice up the peppers, if you want them. But this is kind of important now." And there wasn't anything else to ask her to do.

As he waited for her response, he could feel the blush creeping onto his face. He had lied to her, after all. Of course, he didn't expect her to hate metas, she was too sweet for that, but she had every reason to be mad at him...

And he had never been happier to be called a dork in his life. Shyly, he grinned back at her. He'd told her. Yes.

"Well, no... kind of?" Oberon nervously checked how the burgers were doing (still raw) and tried to figure out the best way to word it. "We're really not supposed to talk about Hammel, you know? There's still a lot of prejudice and we need to keep the kids in a safe environment. So since I'd already screwed it up by telling to where I worked, I wasn't going to give you the extra information as well, since I didn't know you....and then once I did know you, it was too late to say." If that made any sense. "If that makes any sense." As he spoke, his grin grew wider. Sure, he was rambling, but he was also doing a little victory dance in his head. He didn't have to keep his girlfriend--Holy crap he really had a girlfriend--and his best friend apart any more.

[Rose McGovern]

Rose didn’t mean to be evil and confuse poor Oberon. As far as she was concerned, they were boyfriend and girlfriend. Case closed. The fact that she said conflicting things sometimes wasn’t entirely her fault. It was the just the way it had come out.

God, Oberon had a cute little smile. He reminded Rose of a puppy when he grinned like that. (She never, ever thought of him with little puppy ears and a wagging tail. Never. Honestly.) So what if they didn’t really go on date dates. Maybe Rose liked just hanging out with Oberon, watching movies, playing with either of their dogs, and ending up making out. But enough about their dates. “... Special gym trainer?” Okay, that made zero sense, for now. But she’d go with it. (If she had to guess, she would have suggested the idea of working with disabled kids. Physical therapy, that sort of thing.)

As he refused her help, Rose shrugged and pulled her legs up, her chin resting on her knees as she watched him. What was important, she wasn’t too sure. But if Oberon said it was, she trusted him.

Really, he was a bit of a dork. Rose had never, ever given any indication that she disliked the meta community. On the contrary, she found them fascinating. Not in a geeky, study under the microscope way, but a more casual interest. Hey, they could do things she could only dream about. And Oberon had just proved that, unlike the protest groups seemed to want to lead humanity to believe, not all meta humans were evil. “Ben, it’s fine. It makes sense, and I get it. No wonder the school’s such a mystery.” She laughed and got out of the chair, moving behind him and winding her arms around his waist in a little hug. “So. Are you going to tell me what you can do?” She was burning with curiosity at this point. “I’ll make it worth your while...” Bribery. It was a beautiful thing.

[Oberon Sparks]

Never ever thought of him as a puppy? Well, just wait until she met Benny. (Ears? Tail? Why does that sound so familiar?)

"Yeah....special gym trainer." Okay, the second time through that sounded like the stupidest thing he'd ever heard. Seriously, that was just...no. God, why couldn't he talk to girls the way Ben could?

He kept smiling as she said it was fine, but when she wrapped her arms around him, he grinned wider. It was nice having a girlfriend, just like he'd always expected it would be. But it was even nicer than that, having her hug him like that and....

Before his thoughts could derail any more, Oberon turned and half-hugged her back. "What, exactly, do you mean by worth my while?" He laughed, and then shrugged a little. "It's easier to show you than explain it." He looked up to his window, which overlooked the backyard. "Ben? Can you guys come down here?"

From upstairs, an identical voice replied, "Yeah. Coming!"

Oberon shifted slightly so he just had one arm wrapped around Rose's shoulder. When the two identical men walked out onto the patio, he nodded to them. "Rose, I can duplicate myself. This is Ben and Obie." As their names were said, they each gave a small wave. "There are more duplicates too, and we each kind of have our own personality."

"And by kind of," Obie said, raking his hand through his hair, "he means we absolutely do."

Ben agreed, "Yeah. It's nice to meet you for real, Rose."

Hurriedly, Oberon tried to explain that, "Sometimes they're not absorbed in me, like now. But sometimes they are. Um....yeah, any questions?" Hopefully, this wasn't too overwhelming. He had really feared it might be, even if she didn't have a problem with Metas in general.

[Rose McGovern]

No, never. Not once. Not even when Oberon gave her those adorable, confused looks.

“... Right. Got it. I think.” No, she didn’t, but it was okay to pretend, right? Really, she’d just ask Jude when she met him. It just seemed easier than trying to drag the information out of Oberon this way.

It was nice when Oberon turned to hug her back. There was something comforting about being close to him, being in his arms. (And it wasn’t just the height difference.) Despite Oberon’s seemingly nervous disposition, she felt safe with him. “Oh I don’t know... I’ll think of something clever.” Hell, at this point, she was pretty certain he’d settle for a kiss. But there wasn’t much time to think about that. Because what Oberon said caught her attention. Show her. He was going to show her what he could do.

Okay, the voice thing creeped her out a bit. “What are you, a ventriloquist?” It was teasing, but there was a touch of uncertainty in her voice. She wasn’t afraid, just... surprised. For the amount of secrecy Oberon had constructed around himself, and the school, for him to break them so suddenly seemed strange.

She snuggled into his side, waiting patiently. What she witnessed, however, was not something she’d expected. There were three Bens. “Oh my God.” ... Wait. Did she just say that one of them was called Ben? Ben and Obie. Well. She couldn’t really keep calling him Ben now, could she? “Wow. Um. Yeah. Hi.” And there was more of them? “How many in total? Can you make, like, an army?” Yes, because Oberon was threatening enough to have an entire army of duplicates.

Leaning her head against his shoulder, she listened to his garbled explanation. But it quickly got a little... well... wordy. She arched an eyebrow at the duplicates. “Guys, is he always like this?” Granted, she was pretty sure she know the answer, but at least she’d have back up. But when he asked for questions... poor Oberon. He had no idea what his girlfriend was capable of asking.

“Yeah, actually. I do.” She twisted out of Oberon’s grip and looked between the three men. The look on her face said it all. She looked downright devious. “First question. You ever kissed yourself?” I hope Oberon isn’t offended, because with the questions she has in mind, that one was tame. She glanced back at his duplicates. “If he doesn’t tell me, one of you better.” Demanding? Not really. Just curious, and quite willing to use these duplicates to her advantage. "Second question. Can I watch?" Rose, don't torture your boyfriend. It's just not nice.

[Oberon Sparks]

He could hear the hesitation in Rose's voice when she asked about him being a ventriloquist. Okay, maybe he should have given her some better warning than this. It was a little sudden. But, of course, it was too late now to change his plan. "No. That wasn't me talking."

Okay, that was a lot of questions. Oberon couldn't possibly manage to answer them all, in order. But he was going to try...

But not before Ben got there. "No, not an army. There's six of us, actually. Me, Obie, Oberon, Ron, Benny, and Ronnie."

Oberon cut back in there. "They're all nicknames I've tried to go by at one point or another. None of the nicknames ever stuck though, except for you calling me Ben." He smiled at her again, and gently rubbed her shoulder.

After fumbling his explanation so spectacularly, he was going to argue that he was not, in face, "Always like this." But the two duplicates cut him off with a "Yes." in near-perfect unison. He wasn't that much of a windbag, was he?

After so many questions had already been asked, it made sense for him to just check fr any more. But he was not expecting that one, even having seen her so-called "devious" look. Yeah, she looked like she was up to something, but not that. "What?" Honestly, he was more than a little surprised at the question, but the blush on his face probably answered it far better than anything he could say.

The duplicates glanced at each other in amusement, and jokingly played a silent game of rocks, paper, scissors. Obie won, and Ben just shook his head, then leaned past Rose to give him a quick peck. It wasn't much but it was something. With a nervous shrug, Oberon said, "That's a yes, to both of your last ones." Yes, he'd learned how to kiss by practicing on himself. After all, he'd always been available for it.

[Rose McGovern]

Some warning might have been nice, but at least Rose could see that Oberon was right. This kind of power was a lot easier to show than explain. Though the voice thing had been just that slightest bit creepy, at least it was explained. ... Sort of.

She turned to look at Ben/Obie/whichever duplicate was talking and lit up in an eager smile. There was more of them? Gently, almost childishly, she tugged on Oberon’s arm. “Where’s the rest of them? I want to meet them!” Funny how the idea of being surrounded by five duplicates and her boyfriend didn’t seem to faze her in the slightest.

It was interesting that each duplicate had an individual name, and, apparently, personality. But the fact she’d been calling Oberon Ben this whole time wasn’t lost on her. She turned back to look at Oberon, a playful look on her face. “So wait a second here. How do I know it’s really you I’ve been dating? Maybe Ben’s really my boyfriend.” Of course, as she got to know the different personalities of the duplicates, she’d know that was never the case. “... Do you still want me calling you Ben? Or is this just gonna get confusing?”

She liked his duplicates. It was like having brothers, only better. Rose could see them becoming good friends. (Not quite as good as Oberon, of course.) If nothing else, they could gang up on her poor boyfriend.

The fact that Oberon was blushing so hard answered the question, but not sufficiently. What made it even better was the fact that the duplicates started playing rock paper scissors. She grinned when Ben (Obie?) kissed Oberon. “Hot,” she murmured, reaching up to kiss Oberon gently. “Y’know, this could be interesting.”

Of course, now she knew that, there were no limits to the questions she could think of. “So have you ever gone any further than kissing?” Yes, she means what you think she does. “Actually, would sex with a duplicate even count as sex? Or is that more masturbation?” Somebody needs a new brain to mouth filter. Sorry, Oberon.

[Oberon Sparks]

Oberon was starting to wonder why he had worried about this at all. It was obvious that Rose didn't have a problem with him or his duplicates. Why had he even suspected she might? He felt guilty for thinking that about her. Of course she wouldn't hate him. (And he smiled to himself, because wow, he really was dating someone that cool.)

"They're not... out right now." Despite over a decade of using his power, he still didn't know the right words to describe his duplicates state of being...or not. "I'll bring them out later, okay?" He tried not to spawn duplicates outside, as when they appeared, they were naked. And he hadn't been naked in front of Rose yet, so he didn't want to make a big deal out of that. But there was no way she was going to see Ron's junk before she saw his.

Her question about Ben made his face fall. No, he was her boyfriend. Ben just happened to have the same name as his nickname. Why did that only make sense to him? "It's me, I promise. I'm the one with the memories of the time we spend together." Yeah, the memories thing could get confusing for people who didn't have the power. "You can still call me Ben, if you want. He's not going to care."

Ben shrugged and nodded. "I really don't. It's good he finally has a girlfriend." Obie elbowed him in the side, but he was grinning too. Yes, Oberon took a lot of shit from the ones who were inherently better with women than him. Which was, tragically, every single one of his duplicates.

After the kiss, Oberon was blushing hotly, embarrassed by being so increadibly weird. But then Rose called it "hot" and kissed him again, and he didn't know what to think.

Which was only made worse by the next question. "Wha--what?" No, Oberon had never done anything more with his duplicates. Not since high school. And a few times since college, but only when they had been drinking and ragging on him for being a dork. "I don't know...Iguessit'slikemasterbation."

It didn't help that Ben and Obie were nearly doubled over with laughter.

Oberon turned towards the grill again and checked the burgers. "These are done, if you like them rare. Or we could wait a bit. You two can go." He shot a glare over at the two other versions of him, who were still laughing. No, they weren't going anywhere.

[Rose McGovern]

God, no. Rose didn’t have a problem with any of this. (Really, she was a little too into it.) She liked Oberon, she always had. And nothing, not even this duplicating business, was going to put a stop to that. He was sweet, and polite, and cute as a button. The fact that he could duplicate himself just made things that much better. Not to mention, fun.

She cocked her head at his explanation, a disappointed pout appearing on her lower lip. She wanted to play with more of his duplicates. “Okay. If you promise.” She had no idea how it actually worked (or even if it hurt to… what… create a duplicate?), but if he wanted to wait, she’d respect that. But it didn’t stop her from wanting to meet them.

The expression Oberon made at her suggestion instantly made Rose feel bad. Naturally, she should have known. It was always him. He was cautious. No way would he let his duplicate go on a date with her. Right? “Sorry, Ben. I didn’t actually mean that.” She gave him a little hug as an apology. “I like calling you Ben. It’s cute. As long as it doesn’t confuse him.” She gestured flippantly at the two duplicates. Eventually, she’d be able to tell them apart. That was going to be her goal.

“Wait, finally?” The artist glanced back at Ben, arching an eyebrow. “He’s never had a girlfriend?” There were advantages to duplicates. Namely, she could get information out of them that Oberon would probably never give up himself. “What about a boyfriend?” Rose, keep this up and you might be the one without a boyfriend.

If this freaked Oberon out, he was never allowed to meet Rose’s friends from the tattoo shop. One on one, they were capable of behaving. In a herd, they were terrible. And though she felt marginally bad for asking him questions like this, well, the sadistic part of her liked to see him squirm, and the curious part of her wanted to know.

And the duplicates’ reactions were just making this better. “Hey, I was just curious. No more questions. Promise.” At least, no more questions of a sexual nature. … For the next five minutes. She watched him turn to the grill and rubbed his arm gently. “Leave them on for a while. And hey! Don’t send them away.” Obie and Ben were good company. Did they really have to leave?