Whitzz/544K-RP-Datasets huggingface dataset:
Thread: The Longest Night:  A Meridian Society Christtmas (TheCorsair & Madame Mim)

Ain't nuthin' ta worry 'bout, Sam laughed, kissing Anne Marie on the cheek as she stripped off her gloves. Saw some wolf tracks. That's all. Hanging her quilted greatcoat up, she poured herself a mug of coffee and crossed over to the fire. Cradling the coffee in both hands, she leaned into Erik and sipped the hot drink gratefully. Mmmm, she purred. Nice an' hot. A pause, followed by a grin as she nipped Erik's ear. An' th' coffee's nice, too. Colin watched the display, bemused. He - and most of the rest of the team, he suspected - had yet to fully reconcile this Sam with the hard-bitten Tejas Ranger he'd known for the last three years. In the space of three months she'd embraced some of the trappings of femininity, and it still seemed quite foreign to see her in silk and jewelry and even a little makeup. He doubted she'd ever be a flapper, even if she had the build for it, but she seemed to have decided she was a woman . Clearly, her work with Madame LaMonte and her relationship with Erik had been good for her. Was the hunting good? he asked, sipping his cider. Y'all have no idea ! Sam gushed, slipping an arm around Erik's waist. Coulda bagged a half-dozen deer, if we'd had a use fer them. We did not, though, the Professor interrupted. He was still in the kitchen with a selection of knives to hand, assisting with butchering the carcass. We kill only what we eat. An' did Ah try ta shoot more? Sam shot back, sticking her tongue out at him. Ah never did see no sense in shootin' somethin' fer no reason. Ain't gotta treat me like a kid. In fairness, Colin pointed out, you are young enough to be his daughter. Well, Ah ain't. She gestured around the room with her mug. Pa's whole house'd fit in this room, Ah reckon. If I'd had a daughter, Algernon murmured, shaking his head, I'd have taught her to shoot like that. He set to work on the hindquarter. She brought this beast down, you know. Single shot to the skull. I believe he was dead before he knew he was hit. And Kieran demonstrated his skills haven't atrophied as he feared. We have three fine rabbits as well, admirable for roasting or stewing.
Thread: The Longest Night:  A Meridian Society Christtmas (TheCorsair & Madame Mim)

Kieran sipped his coffee in the uncomfortable silence. Sam stumbled through an apology and he allowed her to flounder, seething and mortified. He'd been so cautious. Finally when she proclaimed herself a damn fool, he nodded. Yes, Sam. You are. Leaning back in his chair a little, though still sitting stiffly, he sipped his coffee again. The pirate started as Professor Swift strode through the living room, glad of the interruption to break the tension. With the return of Colin, though, the tension simply returned and increased since they just kept talking about it. But apology accepted, as long as you've learned a little discretion? Colin was taking this far too easily. Can you just, shut up? Both of you? Kieran said sharply, looking at both of them. Colin decided to ignore him, but to his delighted surprise decided to turn similar accusations on Sam. At the mention of Berlin he couldn't help but laugh out loud. Several? That's a bit of an understatement isn't it? Erik choked on his cider, flushing bright red from embarrassment and the lack of oxygen. I ah... He pounded the flat of his fist on his chest, coughing up the last bit which had gone down the wrong way. I apologize if the arguments with my mother disturbed you she's rather stubborn. He knew, of course, that that wasn't what Colin had meant but that was what he was going with. His wife. They had known each other for twenty-three years and this was the first time he'd ever said aloud that he'd had a wife. When Professor Swift asserted that she understood Anne Marie nodded as she put the rabbit into the stew and washed her hands and the knife. They usually did better with subjects like these while keeping their hands busy, but why did it always tend to be weapons? When he admitted that he wasn't ready to talk about it Anne Marie dried her hands on a towel and took one of his hands in hers. Of course I do, she said softly. Taking a risk, Anne Marie put her other hand softly on his cheek. Algernon I wasn't asking you to. It was a thoughtless thing for me to say, and I'm so sorry. But...when you are ready, I'm here. With however much liquor you need. She gave him a small, shy smile and squeezed his hand gently before pulling toward herself the bowl of vegetables she'd cut up while the others were out and dumping them into the stew. This was dangerously close to an unguarded conversation and she was certain if she continued touching him like that she risked him withdrawing further once the spell was broken.
Thread: The Longest Night:  A Meridian Society Christtmas (TheCorsair & Madame Mim)

The touch of her hand shiuldn't have been so shocking, but the memories of his wife had left him feeling... vulnerable. Still, he recognized it for what it was. A gesture of sympathy and reconciliation. And despite their gap in age, she was still the closest friend he had. So, he nodded. I won't lie and say I'd like that, he said with the ghost of a smile on his lips, because it's a painful story with many ugly memories. But... he rested his own hand on hers for an instant. If I share it with anyone, it will be you. For a long instant time froze. All he was aware of was Anne Marie's presence, both in this room and in his life, and an emotion he didn't care to name washed over him. Without analyzing why he stepped towards her, taking her other hand in his. She was so close, now. Close enough to... Laughter from the other room sounded, and the spell shattered. Ah, he said, feeling both unaccountably ashamed and unaccountably frustrated. Yes. That reminds me. Whatever were they all so tense about. He hesitated, glancing back. Surely... surely not about Samantha and her sexuality? I had thought them all men if the world. With a sigh, he released her hand and returned to the kitchen table. We had best finish, before they find the rum. I shudder to imagine Kieran after a bottle of that. Oh, Gawd, Sam groaned, wiping her mouth with a napkin. Y'all heard alla that? Rather, Colin confirmed. I had the room across the hall from Erik. And while I try not to pry, there were moments of raised voices... His voice trailed away as he saw something he never expected to see. Sam Cavendish, the tough as nails Tejas Ranger he'd once seen beat seven men unconscious in a bar in Sardenia, was blushing. And not just a little pink on the cheeks. A blush that turned her whole face red. Ah... that is... she stammered. The argument did seem a little... passionate , he added with a grin. Then, taking pity on her, he topped her coffee off with more scotch. She sipped it eagerly. Ah guess Ah outta tell y'all somethin' 'biut me, she said finally, the scotch loosening her tongue. It's only fair, given whut Ah blabbed. No, no, Colin said quickly, catching Erik's expression. No need. Just... Nuh-uh, Sam insisted. Ah gotta. Well, let's compromise, Colin offered. Give me one guess. Then, right or wrong, then that's it. After all, your revelation was a deductive guess. Sam nodded. Sure. That's fair. Colin wracked his brain, trying to come up with something superficially plausible but unlikely. You... he finally declared, worship at the altar of Sappho. There. Given what he'd heard, that was unlikely. What? There was confusion in her voice. No... Ah'm Baptist, more or less. Raised Baptist, leastwise. An Ah'm studyin' up on Judaism. What's a saff-oh? An' stop laughin' at me!
Thread: The Longest Night:  A Meridian Society Christtmas (TheCorsair & Madame Mim)

So... y'all come from a long line o' pirates, hm? Sam sipped her coffee, then oeered into it as she realized it would now be more accurate to describe it as 'coffee-flavored scotch'. Keepin' the family tradition alive? If Ah did thet, Ah'd be... A quick frown of concentration. Reckon' Ah'd be a farmer's wife, now. Borin' as hell, Ah figger. Grinning, she leaned back against Erik again, leaning her head on his shoulder and slipping an arm around his waist. Not many yummy Germans, neither. Wait. Had she said that out loud? Better change the subject. Or French. Fuck. She was drunker than she thought. How 'bout you, Colin? Oh, more or less I'm carrying on the family tradition, he responded. The third son gies into the church or the military, after all. And I'm not particularly suited for the clergy. He sipped his drink, and glanced at Kieran. Not like Thomas, my oldest brother. He's expected to run the estate, marry a wealthy American to imorove the family situation, and produce an heir. Anither sip. Ideally with his wife, and not with his mistress. Mistress? Sam frowned, squeezing Erik a little. How's his wife put up with it? Ah'd... Quite well, apparently. Colin chuckled at Sam's startled expression. Isla resides in a home in Brexhamshire, and Thomas and Margaret spend a great deal of discrete time there. He sipped his drink. Isla and Margaret actually get along quite well. Wait, Sam finally said. What? They... do? But... how? Colin shrugged. Not my place to speculate, I'm sure.
Thread: The Longest Night:  A Meridian Society Christtmas (TheCorsair & Madame Mim)

So...y'all come from a long line o' pirates, hm? Keepin' the family tradition alive? Not just me, Kieran countered, tipping the remnants of his flask into the inch or so of coffee at the bottom of his mug. Always been a Captain Jack Sparrow out there pirating the seas and skies, right? Jack Sparrow IX poor bugger is my second cousin. He nodded seriously before Sam started speculating on what she'd be doing if she'd carried on the family business. Kieran couldn't help but snort into his drink when she mentioned 'yummy Germans,' but didn't say anything. Erik, for his part, turned red and gently pried the cup out of her hands before replacing it with his own cider, which had remained unspiked. He seemed to be the only sober person in the room, and at the rate Sam was going that needed to change. He took a sip of her coffee-flavored scotch and coughed a little, but didn't put it down. When Colin mentioned his eldest brother's lifestyle he raised his eyebrows mildly. It's good that they get along. But what was the point of marrying Margaret then, if he won't stay faithful to her? he asked, keeping judgement out of his tone. Of course it happens all the time, but I've never understood it.
Thread: The Longest Night:  A Meridian Society Christtmas (TheCorsair & Madame Mim)

Pleasantly drunk, it took Sam a few minutes to connect all the dots as she listened to Colin and Erik talk. Wait... she said carefully. You mean... he... and both o' 'em..? She blinked, scandalized and intrigued at the same time. Like, all at once? Or... they take turns..? Or... she trailed off, imagination painting a sudden picture of her and Erik and Anne Marie, and she blushed again as she diwned some of the cider. I couldn't comment, Colin replied. My brother and I are good enough not to pry too deeply into one another's affairs. All right, all right, Sam laughed. Ah get it. Ah'll behave. She downed another mouthfull of cider, then peered into the mi,ug skeptically. The hell is this stuff? Cider, Colin answered. Bullshit. Sam tasted it again, then shook her head. Ain't no alcohol in this. Mah daddy's cider'd blow the socks off a mule. She downed it anyway, then rose and dragged Erik to his feet. C'mon, she said, tugging him towards the door. Where are you going? Colin asked. Sam favored him with a wink. Gotta go.make sure nibidy gets disturbed by no, ah, arguments...
Thread: The Longest Night:  A Meridian Society Christtmas (TheCorsair & Madame Mim)

There's such a thing as non-alcoholic cider, Erik pointed out, taking another sip of scotch. She seemed to be missing the point that he'd cut her off. Sam dragged him to his feet and he frowned, confused as he followed her. When she mentioned where they were going Erik flushed deeply but followed anyway. Hopefully there would be no arguments, but this was too much. Samantha, he said seriously once they were in their room. He put both hands firmly on her shoulders. Liebchen listen to me. I love you very much, and I don't mind a little affection since we're not on a mission. But...I'd rather you not put our intimate business out there for everyone to gawp at. Erik kissed her forehead but didn't move his hands. I'd like to keep our private life private. In the kitchen Anne Marie looked up after catching movement out of the corner of her eye. Erik and Sam were heading up the stairs. She sighed and rubbed her eyes before giving Algie a weary smile. I believe that's my cue, she said with a shrug. Sam wanted to talk about a few things and I think it's best if Erik is there to talk about it too. I believe he may be struggling to reconcile her sexuality with his religion. She shook her head and sighed again. I should be back down in an hour or two. Dinner shouldn't be ready before then. She put a hand on Algernon's shoulder briefly before excusing herself and quietly following up the stairs. There were low voices behind Sam and Erik's bedroom door and she knocked gently. Samantha? Erik? May I come in?
Thread: The Longest Night:  A Meridian Society Christtmas (TheCorsair & Madame Mim)

Samantha, Erik said as she closed the door. She turned and wrapped her arms around him, pushing him up against the wall as she kissed him hungrily. Then she made a frustrated, surprised sound as he gripped her shoulders and pushed her back. Liebchen listen to me. Erik? she sounded hurt and worried now. Erik, what's wrong? I love you very much, and I don't mind a little affection since we're not on a mission. But...I'd rather you not put our intimate business out there for everyone to gawp at. Erik kissed her forehead but didn't move his hands. I'd like to keep our private life private. She stared at him for a long minute, looking for all the world like he'd slapped her. Intimate... business... she repeated, eyes narrowing a little. Ah love you, you... you.... The words dissolved into a sound of frustration as she struggled for the right thing to say. finally, with another inarticulate cry, she twisted from his grip and stomped across the room to throw herself down on the bed in a huff. Ah love you , she repeated, angrily. An'... an' Ah don't care who knows it! An'... an' we already done told everyone anyway , if they heard us! She sat up, then angrily pulled a boot off and tossed it at the wall. An' Ah wasn't puttin' our sex life out there fer everyone ta gawp at, she huffed, throwing her other boot at the first one. Ah'd have done pulled yer pants off down stairs an' fucked yer brains out in front o' everyone if'n Ah'd wanted ta do that! Ah jes'... Ah jes' wanted you, Erik. What's wrong wit' that? Sam hunched forward a little, wrapping her arms around herself. Ah jes' wanted you. You've been... distant, Erik. Ain't been flirtin', or playin', or anythin' like y'all used to, an' Ah miss it. An'... an' Ah thought that, maybe, if'n Ah did, mebbe y'all'd join in. But... all Ah did was make y'all mad. Just then, there was a knock at the door.
Thread: The Longest Night:  A Meridian Society Christtmas (TheCorsair & Madame Mim)

God but he hated the look on her face! Sam looked as though he'd beaten her or shouted at her and Erik felt a centimeter high, but enough was enough. He was a private person and he wanted to keep it that way. The rest of the Society knowing that they were together, occasionally kissing in front of them, was more than enough public affection for him. Then she got angry. Erik sighed as she twisted out of his grip and threw herself dramatically onto the bed. This appeared to be turning into their first actual fight, though he still hoped to avoid that. And I love you! he protested. I never said I didn't! And I don't care who knows either. I'm not ashamed of loving you! He winced as she through her boot at the wall. Ah'd have done pulled yer pants off down stairs an' fucked yer brains out in front o' everyone if'n Ah wanted ta do that! Ah jes'...Ah jes' wanted you, Erik. What's wrong wit' that? Nothing! He wanted to approach the bed, but she was still throwing things. But we're not animals, Samantha! There's such a thing as decorum. Polite society doesn't announce when they're about to go fuck in a broom closet they quietly slip off, have a good shag, and rejoin the group later. And...and...talking about homosexuals in polite company...! He wasn't sure exactly what he wanted to say about that, and knew as soon as the words came out of his mouth that he'd misstepped. I mean if Colin and Kieran had wanted us to know that they were...well, I'm sure they'd have told us. Just because we're involved doesn't mean we have to announce our private business to the entire world all the time, Samantha! But there she was the insecure little girl he'd first met when she'd joined the Society. Sam sat on the edge of the bed, hunched over and closed in on herself, telling him he'd been distant. Perhaps he had he hadn't meant to be. But she'd dropped an enormous bombshell on him and it was taking some time to work through. It wasn't as though he didn't love her anymore. Bought a ring, hadn't he? He'd been carrying it around in his pocket for two weeks, trying to figure out the right time and right way to ask her...but for God's sake being partly homosexual was sort of a big deal! She couldn't just tell him and expect him to be immediately alright with it! Samantha, I-- Samantha? Erik? May I come in? Anne Marie had heard something hit a wall moments before. Perhaps it was best she stepped in now anyway, even if it had nothing to do with Sam being bisexual. Madame, Erik said, opening the door and looking surprised and flustered. I uh...Sam and I were just...Erm... She asked me earlier to talk, Anne Marie said, striding in without being invited so he didn't have time to boot her out. Since I've divined what it was about I thought it best you be here to talk, too. But it seems as though ah... she eyed the boots slumped against the wall, as though you've got other problems to work out as well? Erik sighed. There was no getting rid of her now, anyway. I'm afraid they may be related, he admitted. Anne Marie nodded, but didn't look very judgmental. Only thoughtful. And how is that?
Thread: The Longest Night:  A Meridian Society Christtmas (TheCorsair & Madame Mim)

Homosexuals? Sam hissed, eyes narrowing and nistrils flaring. Tgey're our friends , Erik! Not... not.. She stomped her feet, the sound pitifully quiet in her bare feet, and clenched her fists. Not things ! She was in her feet niw. And Ah ain't much different, am Ah? Am Ah? Erik, bless his heart, was trying to explain himself. He even stepped towards her, but she sank back onto the bed as her fears about him - about them tumbled out. God but her heart hurt. Pa had said that being in love could hurt, but that hadn't made any sense until now. Homosexual . God, the way he'd said that, like it was something filthy. Like the circuit preacer had said it. Was that it? Did he... did he think she was... The knock, and Anne Marie's appearance, was all that saved her from breaking down. That was it, wasn't it? He didn't... didn't want... Fuck yeah, it's related, she got out with a hoarse voice, scrubbing at moist eyes. Ah... like y'all said, Ah done told him what... what Ah am. An'... an' now... now... Sam felt her world spinning, threatening to come apart, and with an agonized little cry she jammed ber fist into her mouth. It was foolish, but maybe if she didn't say it, it woukdn't be true. He don't love me! her mind shrieked anyway. Cos o' what Ah am!
Thread: The Longest Night:  A Meridian Society Christtmas (TheCorsair & Madame Mim)

Well what do you want me to call them, Sam? Erik demanded sharply, finally raising his voice. They're homosexuals, that's what they are! Would you rather I call them fags ? Hm? Like those knuckle-dragging neanderthals who would pick fights with them for it and expect to win? I'm not going to dance around it, you know, so give me a word for it! Candyfloss Unicorns if you like! Words won't change what they are! And Ah ain't much different, am Ah? Sam demanded. Am Ah? What? What did she think he was on about? He tried to explain what he'd meant but she was having none of it. She was curled up in herself and he could tell that she wasn't absorbing a single word he said. Erik wasn't sure it was made better or worse by Madame LaMonte's appearance. For her part, Anne Marie's heart broke for Sam. The boy was clearly still madly in love with her any fool who could see past the end of his own nose could see that. Unfortunately, self-esteem and body image tended to shorten sight quite considerably. With a sigh she grabbed Erik's hand and pulled him over, instructing him to sit on the edge of the bed while she sat between them. She put an arm comfortingly around Sam's shoulders and let her lean into her. Anne Marie put an arm around Erik as well, but he only sat there stiffly feeling awkward he didn't have the same relationship with her that Sam did and it felt weird that she was in their business at all, despite knowing about her sessions with Sam. And now what? Anne Marie asked gently. Erik opened his mouth, but she shook her head slightly until Sam gave voice to what she was thinking. She thought he didn't love her anymore?? Erik's mind reeled and his heart broke simultaneously. Liebchen! he said softly, wanting to hold her but unable to with Madame LaMonte in the way. Schatze how could you ever think that? Well don't blame her for her feelings, Anne Marie warned gently. I'm not! he argued. It breaks my heart she feels that way! Samantha...if I didn't love you anymore because you said that you were attracted to women, then I would have broken it off a long time ago. I have more respect for you than to string you along like that. It's just...well, it's sort of a big thing to drop on me and expect me to be immediately used to the idea. It isn't... He didn't want to use the word normal , for fear of making her feel even more ostracized. It isn't a usual thing, it isn't something one hears every day. It takes a lot of reflection and getting used to, especially since I'm not a woman, so I really can't quite imagine it. But if you being attracted to women made me not love you anymore...well then, it wouldn't be unconditional love, would it? He looked over Anne Marie's head at Sam, trying to read her face for a reaction. Well, Samantha? Anne Marie asked after giving her some time to process that. Erik felt that flame of jealousy spring up in his heart again when the older woman tucked a bit of hair behind Sam's ear and wiped a tear from her cheek. Does that help what was bothering you?
Thread: The Longest Night:  A Meridian Society Christtmas (TheCorsair & Madame Mim)

Despite herself, Sam found herself smiling as Erik talked. A sad smike, true, but a smile nonetheless. Ah... well... Digging a handkerchief iut if her pocket, she wioed her eyes and bkew her nose. Ah guess Ah ain't been rightly fair, have Ah? Took me... years, Ah guess, ta admit Ah was... different. Her smile shook, but it was genuine. Cain't rightly expect y'all ta... ta unnerstand. Ta wrao yer head round it right away, kin Ah? She shivered, huddling in close to Anne Marie. Jes'... ain't like Ah've had a lotta success, y'know? Tellin' folk. An' an' mebbe Ah rushed it, jes' a little. Laughing a little, because it was that or cry again, she slapped the mattress next to her. Git on over here, Erik, an' gimme a hug. An'... an' lemme give y'all a hug, too. When he complied, she threw her arms around him. Ah'm still me, Erik. Jes' cause Ah like women, don't mean Ah don't love y'all. More'n anythin'. An' y'deserved ta know. A pause, then a snigger escaped her. Probably shouldn't tell yer mah, though. Ah reckon she wouldn't approve none.