"Mr. Ellis," the woman persisted. "You're avoiding the question."

Reporters. Their job was to be invasive and report their findings to others; he didn't blame them for it. All Ian could truly do was go along with it. "Forgive me." he spoke. "Could you repeat the question?"

"Is it responsible? You've talked plenty about the safety of this new invention of yours, but you've yet to answer the question I've asked you about whether or not it's responsible to create."

Any time new technology was introduced, people either questioned it or ate it up. Reporters usually were the ones who questioned. They were also the ones who usually spread false myths, like how television would rot your brain, or how video games made you anti-social. "We're talking about something that can help a lot of people." Ian began.

"Mr. Ellis, you're still avoiding the--"

"No, no I'm not. I'm getting to it. This technology, it helps make people docile and calm. If you want to know the science behind it, it's all online. But basically, a pin is a small dot that you put on someone's head and it connects to sensors in their brain. With that, it stops all forms of violence, whether it be self inflicted or towards someone else. It stops fear, because it puts the person in a relaxed state. Now, there is still some form of anxiety that the person retains, as the technology is in beta, but the remaining anxiety won't be enough to cause someone to act on that fear. We're close to perfecting it to relieve the person of all stress when applied."

"Mr. Ellis. Is. It. Dangerous?"

Ian sighed. "I told you I was getting to it. Listen," he spoke, taking in a deep breath before continuing. "Anything can be used irresponsibly, alright? Anything. Cars can be used to kill people. So can knives. So can medicine. So can something as simple as heat, water, or electricity. But we have these things because they're useful, and this technology can help a lot of people. It's safe as long as it's used properly. Can it be misused? Of course. Will it be misused? Probably. Will misusing it be illegal? Absolutely. But it can help people. If someone has ptsd and they're having a bad panic attack, this can help relax them. If you're being attacked in an alleyway, keeping one of these pins in your pocket can help you take down your assailant peacefully. If you're just having a bad week and you want to have some peace of mind, you can use one of these pins."

"You said people could misuse it. How do you think it could be misused?"

"Well, the strongest worry we have is people using this to do things to others against their will. It puts it's user in a calm state, so it makes them subjective to things they wouldn't normally be okay with. However, as I stated before, the same effect can be created with other things. Poisoning someone with drugs, or too much alcohol."

"But arguably, this method would be easier?" the reporter pointed out. "All they would have to do is stick the pin on the person's temple."

Ian looked at her in frustration. "Perhaps. Unless you consider the price. You must understand, this is expensive technology. It would, arguably, be cheaper to get something like a drug or alcohol if you wanted to poison a victim. These little pins cost thousands each."

"Don't you think the high price range is exclusionary? Certain classes, arguably classes who need it most, won't be able to afford the technology."

There was no winning with these people. "If the person has insurance, and a doctor tells them it could help them, it will be available to them at a cheaper cost."

"And if someone has it in their home, it can be just as easy to take it and use it against them, yes?"

"Yes, and the same can be said about someone overdosing someone with their own medicine that they need for health reasons. We're going in circles."

The press conference continued for another hour, going back and forth with reporters about the safety of the technology. People had questioned him for a while now about the safety of most of his inventions. They claimed that the world wasn't ready for his inventions, or perhaps it never would be. Some said they were too wild, too "out there", others said that he was an innovative genius. Some people consumed his products and inventions like iPhones. Many of his inventions were cheaper and sold in most stores, like his augmented-reality phones, ones that projected holograms, or communication earpieces that were disguised as earrings. There were also lines of high tech medical devices that were sold to hospitals and treatment facilities. Other inventions were more expensive to make, more outlandish in concept, and what many thought to be "dangerous" technology, so they were only released online with an expensive price range.

Despite everything, someone who always helped his worry was Victoria. He told her of the disaster press conference and she was happy to come over. As if nothing had happened the night of his birthday, she showed up pristine as usual. It was her way. Nevertheless, kissing and holding each other brought comfort to both of them. Even something as simple as lying in bed with her after sex was relaxing.

Victoria glanced up at Ian, curled up in his arms as they lied nude under the sheets. She was beginning to understand why he desired fun in his life. "You look so troubled." she murmured softly, the pad of her thumb lightly stroking his jawline. Ian ran a hand through her long curls and he smiled at her.

"I'm fine. It's just that I have a lot to think about." Ian chuckled. "They want me to test the pin at next week's gala. A demonstration."

"So, a show then." Victoria mumbled.

"Mm. You Brits do like your shows."

A laugh escaped her. "And you Americans don't?"

"You make a fair point." Ian grinned and lightly placed a kiss to her lips as he moved his body closer to hers. Her lips smiled against his as her eyes closed.

"What exactly are they wanting in a demonstration?" she asked curiously before opening her eyes to look at Ian again.

"Basically, they want to see that it works. To see that the person is calm even while enduring something that would make them freak out, and is safe during the process and safe afterwards."

"Ah. And who will be doing this demonstration? One of your employees?"

"Actually..." Ian began, continuing even as he saw that flash of worry in Victoria's expression. "I was hoping you might."

"What? Why?" she muttered in quiet concern as she lifted her head from the pillow.

"Because we can't convince any of my employees to try it. Not for this demonstration, anyway. They don't want to be publicly humiliated."

Victoria's eyes widened. "And you think I do?"

"No, but... I'll make it up to you. And besides, you've seen the tabloids. People think you're a snob. Showing that you're willing to do something like this will not only help me, but will help your own reputation as well." Ian suggested.

"Ian..." Victoria huffed, flopping her head back onto the pillow. "You're being unfair." She looked up at the ceiling, taking a moment to stare up at it.

"I wouldn't ask it of you if it wasn't important." he insisted. "People have yet to see a test of the thing. Once they see it in action, maybe some of the worry surrounding it will go away. You don't have to. I would just appreciate it."

Bringing her attention back to Ian, Victoria saw that puppy-like expression that he only had when something was truly important. "Ian." She couldn't say no to that. As much as people thought that she was heartless, she wasn't. "You're lucky that I love you."

With that, his face lit up like a billion stars. Ian kissed her so lovingly, arms wrapping around her and pulling her close. Victoria kissed him back, chuckling against his lips.

"Don't forget that you owe me." she purred.

"Thank you, my love." he sighed, kissing her neck. Victoria softly moaned, pulling back her head to allow him to kiss more. He continued to, down her neck, down her breasts. His lips made their way down her body.

Eventually in the evening, Victoria had asked to try the pin in private first. If she didn't mind it, she would go through with the demonstration. Once she attached it, her body felt a warm sensation. Victoria was already a usually stoic person, so there wasn't much of a difference at all, but what did change was her nagging thoughts. She felt at peace for a moment. To test, she tried thinking of the demonstration; it still worried her. Ian had warned her not all of the stress could be snuffed out completely yet. Still, it was far less worry.

Leaving the bathroom, she removed the pin from her temple; it was a small, flat circular dot that was no bigger than the size of her fingertip, made of metal surrounded in white plastic, with a sticky adhesive that allowed it to stay against her temple. Victoria looked at it for a moment, not sure of what to think. It had been pleasant, although her worry started to return as she thought about how less pleasant it would be during the demonstration.

"It felt fine. I'll do it." Victoria finally told Ian with reluctance.

He grinned so widely at her. "You're the best, do you know that?"

"Of course." Victoria murmured with a slight smirk.

The gala was held in a giant ballroom, one of elegance, where golden chandeliers hung from the ceilings. The evening of the gala, against her better judgement, Victoria dressed well for the occasion. Victoria wore an elegantly flowing dress and she looked as she normally did for these sorts of events. After eating their appetizers, and then dinner, everyone moved on to dessert and that was when they moved on to the demonstration. Victoria had an inkling of what the demonstration might be, although she was sincerely hoping it would be something different. Though Ian had told her he had to subject her to something she would hate, and after a bit of it, the pin would calm her down and help her feel relaxed.

"Thank you all for joining us tonight. It's always a pleasure to host these parties. This evening we're going to be doing something a bit different. Instead of you hearing some guest speaker and I talk for an hour, I'm going to be presenting you with a demonstration of my new device."

Victoria took in a quick breath, but for the most part kept her composure despite her worry.

"You all have heard about it and have wondered how it works, if it's safe, so instead of listening to me tell you it is, I'm going to show you that it is. I have with me my amazing girlfriend; Victoria, join me on stage."

The woman smiled as she rose from her seat, approaching Ian slowly as if she was trying to put off the inevitable.

"As some of you know, this is Victoria Radcliffe, the woman I love. She's volunteered to be the person demonstrating the device."

Victoria gave a soft wave to the crowd, though she knew some people among them absolutely hated her. However, Ian was right; if anything, the idea of her "volunteering" to help with this, however much of a lie that was, would significantly make people hate her less. Their problem with her was that they thought her to be too self absorbed, vain, and only caring about herself.

"Yes, I'm very happy to help. I've tried the pin for myself and it felt wonderful. I have complete trust in Ian." she told them.

"Thank you, darling. Give her a round of applause!" Ian cheered with a grin, prompting most people at their tables to clap. Once it subsided, he continued. "Now, the idea with this demonstration is to have Victoria subjected to something she absolutely hates, something harmless, but something that will really make her squirm. You probably already know where I'm going with this." He laughed. "Victoria's absolutely gorgeous, so the best way to get to her is through her appearance. No harm done, it will all wash off later, but for now, we're going to absolutely trash her appearance."

Unprompted applause erupted at that. Ian chuckled and lightly squeezed Victoria's hand as she nervously glanced at him.

"Now, Victoria, come sit." he told her, gesturing to a chair on stage. Victoria did as told and sat down in the chair, gracefully crossing her ankles. "Excellent. Now, we're going to start off with the items we have on hand, while the other surprises for Victoria are being prepared." She thought of how stunning she looked at the moment, and how soon that was all going to change. Ian called over one of the servers to one of the rolling tables on stage. It was absolutely decked in desserts. "Hmm... what should we start with?"

A few suggestions were shouted from the crowd. "Pie!" "Pour some syrup on her!" "Smash cake in her face!"

Victoria stared at them in surprise. Absolutely vicious, they were. Quite a few people were saying cake, so that was what Ian decided on. He reached for a medium sized vanilla cake that had thick white and blue frosting. His girlfriend looked somewhat frightened as Ian walked towards her. Coming right up to Victoria's side, without warning he quickly pressed the cake into her features.

She squealed, her toes curling up as she recoiled in horror. He really got her face deep into the cake before giving it a good twist and then rubbing it around. Victoria's whines were muffled by the thick frosting engulfing her. Ian then slid the cake up, filling her nostrils with frosting, sliding it up to the top of her head where he left it. She snorted cake and frosting out of her nose and everyone burst into laughter. Victoria stared at them, her distraught expression covered in a swirl of white and blue with chunks of cake hanging from her face. It was then she noticed people were taking photos and video of what was happening.

When she looked up at Ian, she was immediately met with a pie dropped onto her face. Victoria gasped, her shoulders scrunching up as she looked forward again. The tin fell onto her lap and bits of cream and crust fell into it. Pie drooped down her face, as did another pie when Ian slammed it onto her head. This one, he really rubbed it through her smooth brunette locks, up and down and around. He then left the empty tin on her head as he went to get more desserts.

"Ian..." she whined in a quiet whisper, looking over at him and watching him approach. "Isn't this enough?"

"Of course not." he muttered quietly back. "We need this to be thorough and believable." In the middle of his sentence, he began pouring a bottle of chocolate syrup over her head. The stream quickly covered her hair, soon cascading over her face. It dripped from her chin onto her chest, ran down her neck and shoulders, it even went inside her dress. As the pouring continued, Victoria whimpered, realizing he was emptying the whole bottle. Her eyes remained tightly shut as chocolate continued to run down her face. It pressed down her once voluminous hair to stick flat to her head. Eventually it stopped and her hands moved to wipe handfuls of cream and chocolate away from her eyelids. By the time she was finished doing this however, Ian had returned with another dessert. He had a whole cheesecake in his hands, and he used it by grabbing the back of Victoria's hair and pushing her face down into the cheesecake, which he held in the other hand. She cried out as her face was smeared into the cream cheese, her head being whipped side to side against it. She felt her nostrils being filled again as he pressed her face firmly in, sliding it down against the cream cheese, and gave a miserable whimper. Pulling it away from her face, Ian lifted Victoria by the arm to her feet. He placed the remainder of the cheesecake that didn't stick to her face onto the chair and then pushed her back down by the shoulders into the chair. Victoria squirmed as soon as she felt her bum squish into the cheesecake. It was so slimy and slippery, she knew if she moved too much she would probably slip off the chair.

"Now, moving on to our more interactive part of the demonstration," Ian called to the crowd, which brought Victoria to widen her eyes in horror. "Anyone who is willing to part with their desserts can come up on stage and give them to Victoria. Make sure to stay in an orderly line, don't want this getting too out of hand." he chuckled.

Victoria glared at Ian sharply, but looked in concern as people rushed up to the stage. The one who had managed to be first in line was a woman with cherry pie. She stepped onto the stage with a massive grin of amusement, and approached Victoria with glee. Unceremoniously, she smacked the pie hard onto Victoria's face, the red goo oozing out onto it. She yelped as she felt the thick cherry sticking to her face. Only a moment later was she soon bombarded by one person after another. A long line of people each had something to throw at her.

A chocolate cream pie was smashed into her face, followed by a pie on either side of her head, sandwiching her head between them. Another person dumped their ice cream sundae over her head. Victoria shuddered at the sudden cold rubbed into her hair. A small bowl of melted chocolate was splashed onto her face, large spoonful by large spoonful. Caramel was poured over her body, chocolate cake was smashed over her head, cupcake upon cake upon pie was all rubbed against her face. Someone grabbed the front of her dress and held it open, pouring whipped cream inside of it. Jello, custard, strawberry syrup, ice cream were all poured down her dress by different people. Victoria shrieked when the ice cream made contact with her skin, being absolutely freezing against her breasts.

"Oh, is that cold? Here, this should warm you up." someone spoke before pouring hot fudge down her dress. Victoria's wail was cut off by someone shoving a red velvet cake into her face.

"Well, we are running short on time." Ian announced, much to Victoria's relief. She looked up at him hopefully. "Victoria, stand up and come over here. Stand in the center of the stage."

Expecting to finally demonstrate the pin now, she rose to her feet and stood where she was told to.

"For those of you still in line that didn't get a chance, grab something that's more like a projectile and circle around Victoria."

She glared at Ian with shocked eyes after she had wiped layers of dessert from them. There was more? "Ian!" she huffed.

"So, is everyone ready? You're all going to throw at once. 1..." he spoke to the group now standing around Victoria. "2... 3.... go!"

In that moment, Victoria shrieked as she was pelted by cakes and pies from all sides. She bleated pathetically while she was ambushed for a solid minute, before Ian told everyone to stop. A defeated whimper escaped Victoria. She felt absolutely degraded.

"Good job! Hope you all had fun, you may now return to your seats." Ian told them as servers ushered them off stage. "Now we're down to the final part of the demonstration. Bring out the pool." he called to another group of servers, who brought a kiddie pool onto the stage. It was filled to the brim with marshmallow fluff.

"Oh no... No. You are not doing this, Ian!" Victoria insisted. Ian just grinned. He needed her to be freaked out, and she certainly was. She looked at the marshmallow fluff, imagining how difficult it would be to wash out, especially how difficult it would be to get out of her hair. "No, no no no no!" Victoria screeched as Ian lifted her, food smearing all over his suit, and carried her over to the pool of marshmallow fluff. "Don't you dare! Put me down right now! Ian!" she screamed. A server then quickly stepped over with a napkin and one of the pins. Victoria was kicking and thrashing against Ian's grip. Ian took the napkin from the server and made a fast movement to wipe clean a spot on her temple, and swiftly placed the pin onto it. In an instant, Victoria's body stilled, as did her breathing. It was slow, relaxed breathing. Her eyes widened in surprise. Oddly, she felt calm.

Ian flipped her over and placed her face down into the pool of fluff. She sunk into it, the marshmallow fluff engulfing her body. Slowly, with some effort, she rose from it to sit up, but she was mostly stuck in the goop.

"Ian." she huffed, her tone an average tone of voice, especially for someone in her predicament. "Ian, help."

"Of course, darling." Ian smiled and went to the side, pulling her out of the marshmallow fluff to her feet. He practically had to pry her out of the stuff, but he did after a few moments. He placed Victoria on her feet onto the stage again. "How do you feel, Victoria?"

She dug marshmallow fluff away from her eyes with slight frustration, but Victoria behaved as if it was only a minor inconvenience. "Mildly annoyed." she answered. "But relatively fine, I suppose." Victoria acted like her usual stoic self.

"Here, allow me." Another server brought a warm, wet towel and Ian brought it to Victoria's face. He began wiping her face off until it was somewhat cleaned. Stained and smudged, but he had managed to get all the marshmallow fluff and other sticky substances off of her face. "Better?"

"Somewhat." Victoria answered.

"Good. Now, as you all can see, the pin is still working, despite it being coated in marshmallow fluff. It's durable to anything, including water, so once we're done with this demonstration, it can be washed with soap and water after we take it off Victoria." Ian addressed the crowd, before speaking to his girlfriend again. "Speaking of which..." he chuckled a bit nervously. "Promise you won't freak out too much when I remove the pin?"

Victoria smirked a bit and glanced at Ian. "I make no promises."

There were bursts of laughter among the crowd.

Ian chuckled again and decided to remove it. He dug his fingers around the marshmallow fluff covering Victoria and eventually found the pin stuck to her temple. He pulled it off and once it was, the woman's face fell into a harsh glare again. Instantly she felt her rage returning, as well as her worry and discomfort.

"Ian!" she growled, her hands rapidly trying to pull marshmallow fluff away from her hair, frantically trying to get it off. Ian knew she must've been worried that it wouldn't wash off or something. He hugged her despite the stickiness and held her close in his arms. This calmed her down somewhat. Ian kissed her clean cheek.

"Shh, shh, we'll get it all off, I promise." he murmured. "Please, give a round of applause to my absolutely incredible girlfriend, Victoria Radcliffe."

People gave applause and cheered, genuinely cheered. Victoria pouted and looked away as Ian escorted her off stage and out of the ballroom.

When they arrived at his home, he immediately brought Victoria to the shower and began cleaning her off. Under the water, the heavy layers of food covering her now felt soppy and slimy.

"This is so gross." Victoria whined. Ian was washing her hair first, since her hair was what she most cared about. "Did you have to go that far?"

"Yes. I needed you in a panicked state, and while you were clearly upset and uncomfortable, you weren't at the level of panic until we got to the end."

"Well, you succeeded. I almost hate you." Victoria spoke with a scowl. "Again, you're lucky I love you."

"I know, I know. Thank you. This means a lot that you would do this for me." he told her.

Raising her eyebrows, she huffed."Well, you owe me." Victoria reminded him.