Simone’s eyes darkened as she stared down Raul, who was grinning at her like a Cheshire cat. The last thing she wanted at this point in time was to have his greasy looking mitts all over her just to sell a strand of pearls. Just then one of the assistants came in with a platter of nibbles for the gathered throng of Sales reps and designers. It was already starting to remind her of an after party at one of her shows, and this was just the lead up to the fashion show. But there was something about the smell of the small bite sized morsels that suddenly had Simone looking green. She slapped her hand over her mouth and then looked for the nearest exit. She was going to be sick.
Pushing past Raul and Giseppe, she reached the door and then hot footed it down to the nearest ladies toilet, where she slammed open the door and made a bee line for the nearest cubicle. Collapsing to her knees and hugging the porcelain, she started to throw up. And it was bad. Her gut wrenching heaves were enough to make the girl in the next cubicle gag.
“Are you alright?” The office clerk asked, as Simone was wiping the drool off her bottom lip and trying to catch her breath.“I’m sick…I’m….R.A.L.P.H!!!! ~blurg!~” Oh it was nasty. Everything Simone had eaten for breakfast, and even dinner the night before was making a second appearance. She coated the bowl. It was simply horrific.
Falling back on her ass, she started to cry as the mascara she wore was running down her cheeks.
“What is wrong with me?” She whimpered as she drew her knees up to her chest and sobbed.
After having cleaned herself up from the vomit that stained her shirt, Simone came out of the ladies room only to be confronted by Erica. Turns out the other staffer in the cubicle beside Simone’s was the office gossip. Erica reached for Simone’s arm and dragged the hapless blonde down to the conference room. Thankfully, it was not in use and they had it to themselves. Locking the door so that they wouldn’t be followed, Erica stared at Simone with a grim expression. The ride to the office that morning, Simone had shown her a pregnancy test stick that had been in her bag. Naturally, Erica jumped to conclusions.
“Mary from accounts said she heard you throwing up. Now…after this morning, you know….”
Erica didn’t need to elaborate, since Simone knew exactly where this was going. “It has to be something I ate. Erica…I swear, I’m not pregnant. Okay?”
This was not enough for Erica, who had gained Simone a top spot in the fashion Week parade. “But you said so yourself. That there was a chance and it might be Brock’s.”
Simone hissed at Erica, starting to get nasty about bringing up Brock’s name. “No..no…just no.”
The blonde ran her fingers through her hair, looking like an animal caught in a trap. The last thing she needed right now was to be expecting. The very thought of it turned Simone cold. “I can’t be. I wouldn’t know what to do with a baby. You would be looking at the world’s worst mother.” Simone said, tapping her chest.
Erica started pacing, as Simone leaned back on the conference room table. It must still be early days, at least that is what Erica thought. She came to a stop and then pointed at Simone. “We are going to a family clinic. Find out once and for all, then…you are going to have to make a decision.” Erica approached her friend and placed a hand on her shoulder.
“I’ll even go with you. Okay Simmy? You won’t be alone in this.”
Simone had to admit, that was probably the kindest thing Erica had ever said to her friend. She let out an exasperated sigh, and hugged her good friend. Erica rubbed her back lightly and said.
IceTe3a: As Kevin came closer he noticed that he was looking over him, as He did that same from head to toe. It was Kevin alright but he hadn’t aged a bit, How was this even possible? The nick name fit at least, he glanced over to Rain expecting some kind of response but she wasn’t even looking at Kevin. She was avoiding eye contact with the man, as Kevin said they’d meet at 16:00 and dismissed them, he watched Kevin walk off to another soldier. He was no longer the Kevin he once knew this much was true. He would not be able to rely on him in the future, He may look like Kevin be he wasn’t Kevin at all this man didn’t hold a shadow to Kevin, from now on he’d simply know him as Phoenix as to not insult Kevin’s memory. “Follow” she simply stated as he fell in line right behind her again, she really had one over him being able to control him with just a thought or a movement of her lips, he was going to have to find a way to counter this, but how was she able to do this to him? So many questions, no time to find out; there were more pressing issues at hand he had to deal with such as the fact he was now her prisoner more than a prisoner he was a part of her equipment, her weapon, her laptop. Whatever she deemed fit at the time, he was useful for he would be. They walked for awhile as they came to a door she opened it up and went inside as he followed her in. A simple private dorm for one person, obviously higher ranked personal got their own rooms whilst others had to share, Rain was one of the lucky ones who got her own room, it wasn’t flash but she had certain privileges other soldiers didn’t Such as a fully functioning personal bathroom with a shower that had running hot water, a rather large bed, a small tv with a sofa and a kitchenette. Obviously she has worked her way up to earn such privileges like this. “Sit in the corner” she simply stated to him, he arched a brow as he walked over to the corner of the room and sat down on the floor his back pressed against the wall, he didn’t even bother to talk to her anymore there was no use speaking to her for now she simply thought of him as an object, no more; no less. He was now calculating his options as he took in all the data from what he had seen, scanning and counting forces, weaponry, routes, men on guard and how many, structure damage and weak points. He was obviously scanning over the entirety of this place as he had a photogenic memory one glance and he could come back to it at any time and see it all again as it was. He was like a high tech laptop, full access to every data base in the world, satellites were his toys, as all the information and pictures came up in his HUD through his right eye, the flashing was sure to attract some sort of attention but she wouldn’t be able to see what he was doing unless she actually utilized him as a laptop, screen and all. He was able to be accessed in a more direct fashion, placing either hand on the side of his head with their fingers on specific points, would link him with them in their mind, allowing them to see into their mind as they saw his HUD through their eyes, a thought would allow them to do as they pleased as his body would remain motionless, but very much self aware. Bringing up the layout of the entire building, he searched for older blue prints and matched them with the newer styled ones, trying to see what was built in more recently. He had a direct line to their mainframe, able to utilize all their information, slowly but surely he was forming a plan of escape.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Sleep. It was something considered of value when one could actually steal a few hours; but in the small quarters with the rumbling that was heard to reverberate through the very walls, and the constant sounds of machines and lower level truck movements; sleep was often a luxury. It had been a long time since Rain had been down here. Her quarters had remained untouched, as if she were on assignment. Course she had been rewired by the Zen and taken out from under the Source’s radar. There would need to be talks between Rain and Phoenix to bring her up to speed on many things, but for now she was to be in charge of Adam. He was the prize that the Zen sought after to make its mass produced army of Universal soldiers. That was something that she could never allow to happen. Curled up beneath her green army blanket, she dozed lightly – ever aware that Adam was sitting in the corner, but no doubt formulating plans in his own mind. He was not something that could be totally controlled. Adam still believed he was human. The reason for this was still lost on Rain, but in time she would come to understand why. A shrill sounding alarm echoed through the intercoms that were set in each quarter. It was a wakeup call, and gave her at least 30 minutes to get ready before the day’s briefing. Slowly, she arched her back and stretched out her legs – her bare foot exposed from beneath the blanket. Rain pushed herself up to sitting, swinging her legs off the bed, dangling just above the surface of the floor. She rubbed her left eye lazily before setting the palm of her hand down on the bed and propelling herself up into standing. She gave Adam no recognition as she knew he was just sitting as ordered in the corner. Without word, she tore off her shirt, then her boxers and went to enter the small bathroom cubicle and have a fresh wash with what limited water there was. She stood beneath the spray, her back and rear exposed to Adam as there was no special partition for privacy – that was considered a luxury. The water soon tapered off as the regulator turned on, and she stepped out to grab a small chammy towel and pat herself dry. In her boot locker there was a folded uniform – grey in colour with matching boots and hat –complete with socks and army issued underwear. Drab by most standards but this was no fashion call up. Rain dressed herself quickly, before taking a brush and brushing her hair down, then snatching up a hair tie and tying her hair neatly in a pony tail. She sat on the edge of her bed, and put on socks, then boots, before finally glancing at Adam. Her facial expression was hard to read, as she didn’t hold any true emotional investment in him. Moving to be in front of him, she slid over her desk chair and sat directly in front of him. Illumenscent blue eyes staring at his face as though taking him in –studying. She then reached for the sides of his head where she knew were access pressure points, and then locked into his mind. Without speaking he would hear her voice. “Good morning Adam, time for your start up.” She immediately set to task going over the files of his night in the lead up to his capture and then showed something of a weak smile. “Surprised you didn’t it to see Kevin in command. Not to worry, you and he have a lot to discuss, I am sure.” <3>
)
IceTe3a: Throughout the night he had not bothered to sleep, as he required little to none. Every so often his hues would flicker over to Rain and make sure she was sleeping, If she figured out what she was doing, no doubt she would stop him. An escape route was plotted, he knew exactly which exit he should take, it came past their own armory, all he needed to do was turn off their power. Creating a darkness that he could see perfectly in, would be the easiest way for him to slip out un noticed, No doubt there would be guards walking the halls in which he would have to silently pacify them without raising alarms. So the Escape plan was hatching, he just had to choose the right moment to do this. Timing was everything, If he did not time it right, Rain could possibly be awake still and stop him dead in his tracks, so many possibilities of this plan failing although he doubt he would fail, his own personal skill sets and his body was made for things like this. Closing down the data of his plan, his HUD was free and clear for him to bring up other imagery and files, this time he chose Kevin. Bringing up his old Military file, the Coroners report and the imagery of the recording of Kevin’s dead body, just how was Kevin still alive? He couldn’t understand it, with his very own eyes he saw Kevin be incinerated in that carpet bomb their own government dropped on them. Kevin’s very own Military file supports this, marking him as KIA with honorable medals given to his wife and kids. Does his wife know about him still being alive? He would need to confront this Phoenix and see just how much of Kevin is really left in him, a few answers would need to be given as well. **BEEP BEEP BEEP** The alarm going off, giving people a warning of the day about to start, this place was run by martial law no doubt, it had a very military feel to it. Which didn’t make sense in his eyes, for a bunch of rebels trying to fight the government they sure do look like what they are fighting against. Movement registering on his sensors as his ears pick up Rains movements, his hues flicking over to her bed, as her legs gently come swinging out from under the sheet, she didn’t bother to look at him let alone talk to him, watching as she came to a stand, her body stretched out. Without warning Rain stripped down stock naked in front of him, this didn’t bother him as it obviously didn’t bother Rain that she was naked in front of Adam. His hues look her up and down, head to toe slowly. As he was looking for any tech on her body that would allow such control over him, she casually strolled past him and straight into the shower, his hues following her as she washed herself down. Eventually she came out and dressed up in regulation uniform, it seemed no matter who you were be it the Zen Squad or these Rebels everyone had regulation uniforms. He shook his head as he disliked any form of regulation or even the idea of it. Slowly she came walking over to him, what exactly was she doing? He watched her pull over a chair and sit down in front of him, her fingers gently slide over the skin on his face as she places them on either side of his face. Did she know about the physical link? Suddenly he couldn’t feel his body anymore, ‘Good morning Adam, time for your start up’ he heard her voice echo in his head, start up? He wasn’t some sort of laptop she was powering on. He was awake all night, or did she not realize this? As she started to access files among other things she was using him like a laptop, “Get off me” he said back into her mind, as he brought up you tube and played a song in both their heads, as she was physically linked into him, using him like a laptop she could see the clip as well as hear it.
The song was playing in both their heads as she continued to utilize him as a laptop, he could feel her fingers on his head but couldn’t move his body. He could talk though but he wouldn’t bother talking much to her. “Keep your distance” he said lastly as he was trying to boot her out of his systems and stop her from using him as a laptop.
CharlotteCarrendar: – She could hear and see the imagery that Adam projected to her via the mind probe and while this was a clear indication of his defiance, she refused to let it get under her skin. Rain had no time for ill tempered hardware and she chose to continue her data collection and cataloguing till such time she knew she had to make her way to the command centre and thus hand over Adam properly to her superior. In all truth, Phoenix was just like Adam – just he had accepted what he was. Finally drawing her hands back, she placed them on her knees – legs parted as she stared into Adam’s eyes. His final request heard. He wanted her to keep her distance. Perhaps he blamed her for all that had gone wrong in the past forty eight hours. What he didn’t know was that without her touch, without her help he would be simply spare parts for the Zen’s agenda. Rain’s mouth opened partially and he would see the sweep of her tongue across the top row of her teeth. She didn’t feel the need to articulate what she was thinking at this point in time. She appeared to be everything that the government was. Regulated and militant. There was a reason for this though. It was so none would assume they were higher rank than the other. The common objective was a simple one – they were fighting for the freedom of all humans who were currently under the full control of the Zen Brotherhood, whether they understood this or not. The light above the door to the small quarters changed to green and the door slid back to reveal two MP’s, both were carrying standard issue rifles with laser scopes. “Agent Rain, the Phoenix will see you now.” Both wore sunglasses, which looked kinda silly with their berets. Rain stood up and then gestured with her hand for Adam to rise. “It’s show time.” She moved out of her room, and took a sharp right turn, as the guards awaited Adam to follow. <3>
IceTe3a: She had ignored his distractions as she continued to scroll through data and read what she needed to find out for the day, what was next she was going to check facebook? It didn’t take long for her to find what she was looking for. Eventually her hands slipped away from his face allowing him to have full use of his body once more. His hues glance up to hers as he notices her starting into his, what was she looking at exactly? She didn’t register him as a human so what was the point of her looking directly into his eyes. He blamed her for a lot of things, but honestly he blames her for getting in his way more than anything. His eyes flick down to her mouth as it slightly parts, he watches as her tongue runs against the top row of her teeth, just what was she thinking? His right eyebrow arches up as the door buzzer turns green, disturbing the moment. Two soldiers stood there, as they talked with Rain, he looked them over. Simple firearms, most likely basic training with these two, and sun glasses… what was with the glasses? He thought to himself, his hues flicker over to Rain who was now standing right in front of him, his eyes wonder up her legs and to her face as she gestures for him to come to a stand, he had no choice in the matter as he stood up, towering over her once more. “For a bunch of rebels fighting for freedom for everyone, I don’t feel very free” he smirked, as he watched her walk out the door, only for him to follow her, the guards were obviously there to make sure he kept in line. Honestly a whole army would be needed to keep him at bay, a whole army or… Rain by the looks of how things are going, as soon as he came in behind Rain, the guards would follow suit, he was a fast walker so he was right behind Rain, only inches separated the two as he was right on her heels. He could feel the guards watching him as the whispered to each other, if Rain wasn’t here he’d have turned around and smacked the two out cold. Unfortunately she was here and she wouldn’t let him get away with that, She was already using him as her personal equipment and laptop, last thing he needed was her getting more ideas on how to use him. He had a brief flashback for when he woke up and she was sprawled out straddled on him on his couch, last thing he wanted was her to get used to the idea she could sit or lay on top of him as she liked, After all he was still a man.
CharlotteCarrendar: – The underground facility was like a series of catacombs that lead to different floors, each one with purpose for the resistance. At the centre of this however there was one small room, that was where they would find the man behind the Source. The Phoenix. The meeting this morning was sure to bring Adam up to speed on a lot of what had been going on on the other side of the fence. Rain was not about to interject or take part in this meeting. The reasons for which would become apparent as Adam would at last sit face to face with his former colleague. Reaching the room known as the Sanctum, Rain stood to the side, and simply pressed her hand to the identifying panel that registered her DNA. There was a slight buzz sound as the grid passed over a laser and then chimed it a match to her files. The door panel slid open. The guards both went to stand on opposite sides of the door, on the outside. There was a fine green light coming from within the room, the floor was illuminated in strange squares with geometric patterns. Rain then spoke to Adam. “In you go.” She would wait for him to pass through and then push her hand on the pattern grid again for the door to close. Inside, Adam would be surrounded by what looked to be television monitors, all playing different scenes from around the globe. Almost like some news broadcasters control room. It was eerie, as you could hear so many different languages – images of horrific scenes, and then every so often there were viral videos of pop songs, and advertising. It was bizarre. In the far right there was a chamber, with a frosted glass door. You could make out the outline of a human, but he was anything but. There was a dull hush sound as the door panel opened, and you could see Phoenix, but his eyes were closed. Standing still almost like he was meditating. His eyes shot open, then peered at Adam as all the television monitors switched to a more passive display of…dolphins? The subtle sound of the sea in the background and the occasional whale song. None of this would make sense, but it was not meant too, not yet. Phoenix stepped out of his chamber and then offered Adam a seat. “I imagine you have many questions Adam.” Phoenix stated in a dull mono tone voice. He sounded nothing like Kevin. <3>
IceTe3a: He was watching the path they were taking; he didn’t bother scanning around as he already knew the full layout of this base back to front from last night’s data collection, following her closely as they came to a room that seemed to be in the centre of this entire place. He watched as Rain scanned her DNA, the door swung open as the guards took their posts “Take it easy J… K” he smirked as he played the tune –Here come the men in black- In both his head and Rain’s head. She leaned against the wall as she pointed inside, ‘In you go’ he had no choice but to listen to her. Walking inside the door closed behind him, it was dark in here but that wasn’t an issue for his eyes, as he glanced around taking note of the different equipment in there, among them were several televisions displaying horrific events from different parts of the world. His hues glance around until he finally see’s the one they called Phoenix, he seemed to be meditating in some sort of way. The Television screens all switch to the calm sounds of the ocean, dolphins and whales… Was this some sort of joke? He arched a brow as he took note of Phoenix moving forward to the table, taking a seat he offered Adam to sit down, stating that he knows Adam had questions. Damn right he had questions, he walked to the table and pulled the chair out, taking a seat in front of Phoenix, “No shit, Let’s get one thing straight. I’m not going to work for you or your resistance.” He snarled as he sighed shaking his head, “That female of yours, I save her life now what. I’m her new personal toy? I demand to be left alone and freed, If you don’t comply I will kill anyone who gets in my way” he was pissed off, that he was being used by Rain and the Rebellion. What exactly did they want him for, the only person in this entire place that could control him was Rain anyway, not like she was going to keep him around 24/7 although she did seem to enjoy having him as a part of her arsenal. He wanted questions answered but he wanted his freedom and to be left alone more, so that’s how he chose to start this conversation. No doubt Rain would be able to hear at least part of what they were saying, she was only on the other side of the wall, but how would she take all of this?
CharlotteCarrendar: Defiant. That was the word to describe Adam as he sat opposite the Phoenix and spelt out exactly how he felt about the situation he was. Angered and threatening. Odd really considering that Adam had not been harmed since being brought into the Source. Kevin/Phoenix sat back slightly as Adam described Rain as his female. She was anything but. The Phoenix ran his hand over a series of sigils on the desk at which they sat and a holographic image came up, replaying Adam’s part in saving Rain and more or less getting her to remember who she was. “We should be thanking you, Adam. If it were not for you, Rain would still be convinced she is a night patrol officer of the Squad, and not back here with us, where she belongs. Regardless of what you think, Adam, she is not…my female. She is the daughter of the man whom saved me.” Looking at the action live replay of everything that had happened to Adam in the time since the Zen tried to get him back in their control, Phoenix sighed. Especially the part where Adam was taken apart. Yes, they had their spies in the labs and were able to get footage. “You clearly don’t understand the magnitude of your value. The Zen were going to use you as part of a cloning programme. To mass produce you to use against those that stood against them. To them…you are a machine, nothing more.” This was a lot coming from the man before him who…was also a machine. The calming sound of the ocean came from over head speakers and Phoenix closed his eyes as though allowing this sound to calm him. Sort of like a therapy. Opening his eyes again, he then spoke of Rain. “I do not believe she views you as a toy, Adam. Her gifts are beyond the understanding of most. She is a technopath. Gifted and an important part of the Resistance.” He then paused and lowered his voice slightly as he asked. “What do you remember as your final moment of being human, Adam?” <3>
IceTe3a: He watched as Phoenix played a video of Adam’s past event’s, saving Rain, when he was taken apart among other things. This made him snarl slightly as he watched, glancing up to Phoenix he sighed and shook his head, “Perhaps the Zen did want me for their own uses. But so do you lot, so what makes you so different to them? In my eye’s you’re as bad as each other.” Phoenix had asked him what was the last thing he remembered of being human, as he chuckled slightly. “You talk as if we are friends, my friend Kevin died the day that carpet bomb hit us. You are a complete stranger to me, let’s keep it that way” coming to a stand he glanced around the room, as he stood in front of Phoenix “Last moment of being human.. I still am human; yes perhaps I have this entire Tech emplaced into me, to make me the perfect soldier now. But that only happened because my body was beyond repair. Unlike you, I wasn’t dead when they changed me, I saw everything they did to me on that table” his fist slammed down on the table “I am sick of people, I want nothing to do with this resistance.” He sighed slightly as he shook his head I’m done talking to you” he walked over to the door, the fingers on his right hand sliding around it, with ease the door buckled under pressure and opened wide for him, the door remained broken as he walked out of the room and past Rain without even bothering to tell her off. There was no way he willingly would help them out, as one of the soldiers came running up to him “Hey get back here” turning quickly his arm wraps around the guy’s neck in one smooth gesture *Crack* the man’s body goes lifeless as his neck was just broken. Bending down he takes the Rifle and his side arm, placing the pistol in his jacket he glares back at Rain, for a moment if he wanted to he could have shot her. But he didn’t as he walked off and down a corridor, he didn’t want to wait to get free as he wanted to disappear now.
CharlotteCarrendar: – The alarms sounded the moment the door to the inner Sanctum was compromised by Adam. You could hear the stomping above of heavy foot falls as more troops were making their way down to protect the Phoenix from harm. Naturally, the reaction by the guard that was doing his duty and saw his offsider slain so brutally by Adam was to shoot Adam in the back. He raised his gun, only to have Rain knock it back down where it fired off against the floor. “Get to your post and protect the Phoenix!” she barked, before taking off after Adam, as he entered another corridor. The halls of the facility turned to red, blazing as the whole building beneath the ground went into lock down. There was no one else to stop him. Coming up behind Adam, Rain shouted. “That was unnecessary! You say you are human and yet you have no regard for human life!” Her voice was shrill as she reached out for his arm…the arm holding his rifle. <3>
IceTe3a: He was running, checking corners with his rifle.. The safety was off and he was going to kill if he needed to. A left and then a right, the alarms went off obviously everyone knew what was going on by now, he had to get out quickly. Too late.. the blast doors had all shut, trapping Adam in this place, turning left he walked down the corridor as the light flashed red, it was a dead end only because of a blast door. ‘That was unnecessary! You say you are human and yet you have no regard for human life!’ It was Rain, he turned around just as she slowly went for his arm, and quickly he pushed her back a few meters and shook his head. “Enemies kill enemies, Humans have always killed each other over petty things and you stand here judging me for killing a man so I can have my freedom?” he chuckled slightly “Kinda bias ain’t it?” She was in his way; there was no way around it. He had to remove her from his path, as he took up a tactical pose he raised the assault rifle pointing it directly at her “I won’t be used by either side, I’d rather be dead” his hues glaring straight into hers this showed what he said he meant “Move out of my way Rain, I am not a piece of your equipment” he point the gun to the side and back at her, gesturing for her to move. “Tell your men, if they get in my way… I will kill them” he said in a harsh tone, he had no friends here, he was alone, he had to do what he had to do to get the job done, and so do they.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Rain was thrown back slightly when she tried to stop Adam from moving on forward. She struck a wall with force and you could hear the audible grunt escape her lips. More troops were coming and she knew that the moment they turned the corner it would be a face off where Adam would easy mow down those that stood against him. He said as much. Rain cast her eyes right and saw the switch for another blast door, and slammed her hand into it, so it would bring it crashing down – thus sealing the two into a tight corridor. It was Rain versus Adam now in a show down. He was holding a rifle, but she didn’t need weapons to go against him. He took a defensive stance and barked at her that he rather be dead than be part of the resistance. “There is no middle ground in this world, Adam. Not anymore. You can’t walk the line of neutrality. You are either one or the other or DEAD!” At this she raised her hands up towards the rifle as the magazine clip detached and fell with a clatter to the floor. Groaning sounds came from the building, and then all the lighting systems in the corridor they were in shut down leaving both in the dark. She started to walk towards him slowly, as her image not only was in front of him in the physical, but also in his mind. He couldn’t escape her if he tried. One by one the very operating systems in his head were starting to shut down, like doors closing off to him. “You wish death Adam?” Her voice was an echo, cold and ruthless. Did she mean it? <3>
IceTe3a: The door slammed shut, sealing them in together, the lights switch off making the room dark but this was no issue for him as he could see just as well in the dark. The magazine from the rifle drops out and hits the floor as he looks down, he had almost forgotten that she could control tech, he threw the gun aside as he raised his hands, “No there isn’t, not with each side wanting me for their own gains” he barked back at her, it was true; he would happily be left alone to do his own thing and not bother either side, unfortunately they both wanted him Zen wanting to study him and figure out how they can mass produce him, the rebels wanted him to have a one up over Zen that much was for sure. Slowly he could see her walking forward, not only through his head but for some reason his mind had her in it as well she was walking around in his mind getting closer, she was shutting down his systems, as he fell down to his knees “ If you’re going to kill me, do it properly. If I wake up, I’ll kill you all, Zen and Rebels” he made a promise with the last bit of energy he had left. His body goes limb as he falls down onto his back, he could still see everything that was going on around him, he could feel everything but he couldn’t move, she had shut down his movement for now, what was next?
CharlotteCarrendar: – The outline of Rain stood still while the body of Adam crumpled before her. He made a final promise of what he wanted to do when he came to…if he came too. Rain’s face remained like stone –staring down at the man known as Adam. So much he just didn’t understand. There came a loud banging from the other side of the blast door, and Rain did a double take, before making her way over and pressing her hand to deactivate. No sooner had she done that, a squad was behind the door, all armed and ready to dispose of Adam. They would have too, only a voice came in from behind them. “Stand down.” It was the Phoenix, and as he moved through the corridor, the lights started to come back on, while there was an array of laser dots – red that were covering much of Adam’s body. Phoenix passed Rain and stared down at Adam. “I hate to do this, but he must be confined in the holding bay till we make up our minds as to the best course of action with him.” Two guards stepped forward, lowering their weapons, as Phoenix snapped his fingers and directed them to pick up the unconscious Adam off the floor of the corridor. One guard spoke up. “He murdered Private Deeks.” There was obvious disquiet amongst the troops, and this was not lost on Phoenix. “You all know the risks of being part of the Source. Just be thankful Rain was able to shut him down for now.” The two guards dragged Adam passed Rain and the leader, while the other guards then followed as Adam was removed and taken to the holding bay, two floors below. Rain was about to excuse herself, when the Phoenix spoke. “You are assigned to him. No one else can handle him, he is too volatile and dangerous. No further leave will be allowed to you. I’m sorry.” He then turned and followed the other guards, leaving Rain standing there, visibly annoyed. The last thing she wanted was to be trapped in this artificially lit world below the surface. But he was her leader, regardless of how things stood. “Yes Sir.” She said in a cold voice before following the guards to the holding bay. In a small cell, they dragged in Adam, and left him on a bed in the corner. Rain followed him in, and was locked in. She stood for a moment, then tore off her hat. Sitting down on a small chair on the other side of the room. The tables had turned it seemed, though she still had the power of control. She then eased back and rested her head against the wall. <3>
IceTe3a: He caught only the start of it, then his systems were completely shut down, it was like a black out his view fading into darkness and suddenly, nothing. His body was heavy as they dragged him down two floors, throwing him into the cell he wasn’t aware of what was going on or what had happened. His body and all his systems were still shut off, there wasn’t much he could do at this point in time. How would he react to being thrown into a cell, let alone Rain not keeping good on her word, only time would find out. One thing was for certain once he was turned back on, hell would be let loose once more.
I have watched it a few times, and while I know a 707 is capable of a barrel roll, a 747 passenger jet doing one so close to landing is….totally unbelievable. Either a great ad for Kia….or Virgin Airlines. Hehe.
Róisín put the gun down with a flat look, watching as Elias explained to Lucy: “Hello, Lu. Sorry to say, but it looks like Tom has gotten angry and is intent on leaving the pieces here. Tom just stormed out. He’s peeved about the paint ball he took to his rear after stating that you and Róisín were in need of sexual attention. She’s not one to take such slights lightly.” Lucy called the boy a “shit” and said she’d handle it. No doubt she would. Nodding out of habit Elias said, “Alright. We’ll be here.”
Conversation complete, the somehow still bemused yet irritated Elias turned to his apprentice. The girl was leaning against the table with her arms crossed and a sour expression. He wanted to admonish her, but the lass was of course a grown woman. Besides. Thomas deserved what she’d done. There was nothing for it but to wait and see if Lucy was able to bring him around. A moment later Elias was staring out the window across from the elevator shaft. Yellow Ass was standing on the sidewalk with his phone to his ear and proceeded to remove his pants. By the time that conversation was over the boy had chucked the keys into the truck and was striding off into the street in nothing but his boxers between himself and the public. Poor Lu. This was going to mean more trouble for her. It wasn’t a good idea to leave the keys down there though. Calling back over his shoulder Elias told Róisín, “Get the first set on the trolley. I’m going down for the keys the kid left.” He then called the elevator back up and rode it to the lobby.
Róisín had not bothered to follow Elias to the windows and had instead proceeded to pack up the materials she had been using to wrap her pieces. She vaguely heard something about keys and trolley when Elias yelled. Shoving the remaining bubble wrap back into the packing crate, she carried it into the hall and placed it back in the storage closet before walking into the studio and dragging the trolley over to the first stack. She was loading it carefully when Elias returned to help. Between them they soon had all but her final piece, her most private, stashed into the truck. But as they had not yet heard from Lucy they hung about the studio until she contacted them.
It wasn’t long after that the door buzzer sounded. Ro and Eli were parking in his office mildly discussing the show. Róisín rose to answer it but Elias shook his head and stepped in front of her: “Better if I answered, either way.” Acceding with a frown, she remained behind leaning against the door frame. When the door was rolled back, the older man’s voice drifted to her ears. “Lucy! So the kid wouldn’t come back? I’ve got the keys here. Ro’s work is loaded. I can drive it over to the gallery if you’d like, but we didn’t want to head over until we’d heard back from you. Coming in?” He moved back into the hall and gestured toward the doorway in which Róisín was posed. Lucy looked absolutely beat.
It was Elias that greeted Lucy at the door, his words like rapid fire as he asked about Thomas and how they had loaded the van ready to go to the gallery on their own. Lucy stood silently as her eyes wandered over to Roisin fleetingly, then back at Elias who said that he was prepared to drive the truck over to the gallery for her. They had held off since they were waiting on word back from her about Thomas. His final gesture was to ask Lucy inside, while Roisin had remained in place at the doorway, leaning against it casually. Now, if Lucy had been annoyed by the entire farce she didn’t show it. The professional mask was up and in place. Just another set back, that the assistant Director didn’t need. Though dressed in the paint stained overalls, and with her hair now starting to come undone due to the rush on over to the Studio, she still had that air about her.
“For a moment.” her reply to the offer to come inside was said quietly. With the work now on the truck, and time marching on there was very little reason for Lucy to remain. As for the situation with the truck….
“If you could drive the van back over to the gallery I would appreciate it, Elias. It’s a tricky thing to park in the loading bay. I will happily reimburse you for the cost of a cab back to your residence after.” Lucy was not speaking now to Roisin, for she felt that an argument may well ensue.
“I will ring a few temp agencies in the morning to find a replacement for Thomas so that the truck can be unpacked at the very least. Might…go for Russians that don’t speak much English, so they don’t offend anyone.”
Now that last part, was meant as it was said. Lucy took a step back and said finally.
“Shall we go now?”
It was now near dinner time…as the street lights were starting to come on.
Róisín watched as Elias welcomed Lucy inside, explaining everything about the truck as he did. The woman looked tired and didn’t so much as bother to offer Ro a greeting aside from a cursory glance. Typically the girl didn’t care about that, but given Lucy’s stance with her on account of the showing, Róisín expected more, the fact that Ro was responsible for the current situation notwithstanding. However, nothing registered on her face until Lucy made the comment about hiring Russians that couldn’t offend anyone. Then Róisín’s face turned stony.
Elias stepped back as Lucy entered. He was nodded along to what Lucy was saying, offering: “Oh, it’s no problem. I’ve driven them a time or two before; don’t worry about anything like that or the cab.” His only response to Lucy’s Russian comment was to give a half sort of laugh and try brushing it off so as to avoid further confrontation. He didn’t mind so much that Ro had caused Thomas to throw a fit, though Elias liked the lad, but Lucy? He did not want either of the two getting into it. Róisín would flatten Lu like a hammer and jeopardize the show. Lucy asked if they could go. “You’ll find someone. I’ll-“ , he started.
“I’ll fill in for you,” said Róisín, voice snapping. Eli looked at her uncertainly as she continued, “You drive the truck over and I’ll follow with Lucy.” With that she turned back into the office as if the matter needed no discussion on either point. Returning with her backpack over her shoulder and her favorite piece, the hand sculpture, carefully cradled in her arm, she walked past them and out the door. “Alright…” trailed Elias. He grabbed his jacket from the hook on the wall and would usher Lucy back out the door. [b] “We can grab some burgers on the way,” [b] he suggested pleasantly as he and Ro walked into the elevator. He tried not to wonder what had spurred Róisín’s offer of assisting at the gallery or imagine how that could go so terribly wrong.
Lucy showed Elias something of a crooked smile which meant she was pleased at the fact he took her up on driving the truck back over to the gallery, but what was to come next left her somewhat shell shocked. Roisin’s voice cut through the air at both Elias and Lucy that she would fill in for Thomas. It was completely out of the blue, and possibly a knee jerk reaction to the Russians comment. The Assistant director shot a glance at Elias to see his reaction and he looked uncertain about the proposal.
“You drive the truck over and I’ll follow with Lucy.”
As this was said, Roisin turned her back and went in the office without so much as giving room for argument. Lucy’s jaw fell open, but then snapped shut again, since it was already getting very late, and in hindsight only two people could fit in the cab of the truck, not three.
Watching Roisin return with her backpack, and of course the treasured piece; her hand sculpture she walked straight on past Elias and Lucy without so much as a word. Lucy shook her head slightly and let out something of an exasperated sigh. Elias just caved and followed along after getting his jacket. Lucy just wanted this day to end – to go home and curl up with a good book and a glass of wine. That was now going to be hours away.
As she was being ushered out, Elias suggested that they stop for burgers on the way. He was trying to keep things upbeat, but with the tension so thick that you could carve it, a night at McDonalds fast food restaurant seemed like a bad idea. Lucy had to swallow her pride.
“Sounds wonderful.”
Stepping out onto the street, the van was still parked where Thomas had left it, and with Elias having the keys and knowing where the gallery was it should be a piece of cake for him. Dealing with Lucy and Roisin however would be much harder. Glancing about Lucy asked Roisin. “Where are you parked?’ Her tone was flat, as she crossed her arms, and stabbed her toe into the foot path.
Burgers, Eli wanted burgers. It was about that time, so it wasn’t surprising. The man had a horrid diet. Róisín’s wasn’t much better, but at least she tried to eat a salad once in a while. She had age on her side too. “Fine by me.” With a grin, Elias exclaimed,“Sweet! I know just the place.”
Turning back to Lucy, Ro saw her digging her toe into the dirt. She asked where Róisín was parked. Pointing over Lucy’s shoulder to the green impala, she said, “There. Probably best we drive our own cars so we don’t have to make extra trips. I’ll drop Elias off later. We can talk more once we’re back at the gallery.” Her hand raked through her hair while she waited for Lucy to respond. Lucy was probably wondering why the hell Ro had made the offer to help out. Truth be told, she was still wondering herself. The rumble of the truck engine brought her back to the moment. She began walking to her car.
If Lucy wanted to ride with her or vice versa, Ro wouldn’t disagree, since it would give them the option to talk. But they could do that back at the gallery too. Once they were all in their vehicles, Eli would pull out and head down the road. Turning off in a completely opposite direction from the gallery, he would ]drive for about fifteen minutes before pulling over on the side of back road near a greasy, old style dinner. It was clearly a sit down joint. Hopping out of the truck, he would call back to them, “Best burgers in Seattle!” So much for the take out. This would make the evening longer.
Lucy agreed with Roisin about taking their own cars. Sadly, Lucy’s car was at the gallery, so she would have to hitch a ride with Roisin, since Elias had already raced off to take over the truck. Lucy took a moment, before setting off after Roisin. Her mind was already in a bit of a panic, what with loosing Thomas, and having to virtually run the entire gallery on her own, since Maxwell’s absence from the gallery was becoming more frequent.
Getting into the passenger side of Roisin’s car, Lucy strapped herself in quietly and just kept looking straight ahead. Burgers for dinner. She couldn’t even remember the last time she had a burger. Fast food joints really weren’t her thing. A good salad and juice bar, or even sushi and you would have Lucy in her element. The idea of greasy food, with soda pop and those gaudy interiors that looked like something out of a sick clown’s birthday party that had exploded.
As Lucy watched Elias pull the truck out, she suddenly watched him driving in the wrong direction.
“Uhm…no..uhm. Where is he going? The Light box is in the other direction.” Her head swiveled round and back, her face showed a total expression of confusion. Surely Elias knew the way. Lucy looked to Roisin for answers, but for the next fifteen minutes or so, they sat in virtual silence.
Finally Elias pulled over the Gallery truck right next to an old style greasy diner. It looked like something out of the 1950’s. Lucy’s face was aghast. they were in the middle of no where at what may well have been a serial killer’s favorite burger bar.
“Oh you’ve got to be kidding me.” Lucy said with a stricken expression. She fiddled with the door handle and finally stepped out of Roisin’s car, hearing Elias say ; “Best burgers in Seattle!” If it had made any list by its appearance, she would have been inclined to say with the biggest cockroaches in Seattle.
Not wanting to be a complete killjoy, Lucy slowly followed Elias towards the entrance of the diner. It was one of those sit down booth type affairs. No drive through. This was going to be a long night.
“Lead on, Elias.” She felt like a lamb entering a slaughter house.
IceTe3a: Dixie had linked her arms around his neck as she came in and kissed him, he smiled against her lips as he picked her up gently by her waistline, wrapping her legs around his waist he supported her up with an arm under her ass. He returned the kiss with a passionate kiss of his own, only to lean back as he heard the pups yelping away he watched as the two new pups raced around the new house chasing each other, a deep Aussie laugh escaped him as he smiled as he looked down at Dixie “Heh, those two lil shits are gonna be up all night long” he carried her all the way to the kitchen as he held her in one hand and turned the jug on boiling the water he was making them both a cup of coffee. Looking out the back window to the yard it was rather large with green grass and a typical aussie garden in the background. Picking up both cups of coffee once they were made he held her up with his other hand and walked out to the extended 2nd floor patio. The view was beautiful as the sun was just starting to set it gave a gorgeous orange glow over the mountains, sitting down on one of the outside sofa’s he placed her to sit on his laps as they both leaned back he gave her, her cup of coffee “Welcome home hun” he smiled as he enjoyed the view. **Ring Ring Ring Ring* His phone was going off, as he picked it up it was one of his biker friends, “Uhuh.” “hmm..” he glances to Dixie as he continued talking on the phone “Righto, cya soon mate” he smirked as he hung up the phone. “Looks like the boys from this charter want to meet you and throw a house warming party, aussie style. They’re bringing meat and kegs of beer” he chuckled, resting his chin against her shoulder he continued to look up at her face “Invite some of your friends love, we’ll get the Barbie going and have a blast. They’ll be here in an hour or two” he smiled as he leaned back and took a sip of coffee. The two pups come running out and stop as they look at the large backyard, one raced down the stairs and the other followed until they were out on the grass rolling and chasing each other around. He hadn’t thought about it much because it didn’t bother him, but this was a great place to raise a little bub. Looking down towards Dixie he rubs the back of his head, “So erm.. Heh” he was embarrassed as he wanted to find out exactly what they were to each other, he knew how he felt but did she feel the same way? “You wanna be me shiela..?” basically asking her out to be his girl but in a more aussie and deeper meaning way.
CharlotteCarrendar:- Dixie was swept up by the Aussie bikie, and what started as a simple kiss turned into something so much more. With Logan picking Dixie up so effortlessly, and bringing her to wrap her body around him, she found herself succumbing to his return kiss that had a passionate hunger behind it. The young Aussie found herself lost in the kiss, only to have it broken by the sound of the gambling puppies under foot. They were really going to be a handful, and as Dixie broke the kiss, to stare down as the puppies ran past, biting and tugging at the other, she couldn’t agree more that they would be up all night. Maybe this would be good practise for the long nights that they would endure with the little one. “I take first watch then.” Dixie offered as she was carried into the kitchen and held aloft as he went to make them a cup of coffee. Dixie found herself feeling an inner peace that she had not known in a long time, and rested her head on his shoulder; her eyes cast up at him adoringly. How could it be that he walked into the tattoo shop and then they would find themselves setting up a home together. It was all a dream surely, but a good one just the same. Carried out onto the back patio on the 2nd floor, she would find herself sat on Logan’s lap as they would share their first coffee in their new home. But as Logan was saying his welcome, he got a call from the chapter. Apparently they were going to come around and give them a housewarming. Biker style. Dixie made a whooping sound. She was keen to meet his friends, and this was the perfect opportunity. He asked her to invite some of her friends. Dixie knew she had her phone in her bag and was going to get it, when Logan then asked her a very important question. His cheeks flushed and for a man like Logan that was saying a lot. Dixie chewed her bottom lip as she waited for him to ask her. “You wanna be me shiela..?” This was huge. Dixie knew he called her his old lady, a biker term but this was different. She blinked twice as her own cheeks reddened. Dixie knew what her feelings were telling her, they were practically screaming at her too. Truth was, Dixie had never been happier in her life. He had come at a time when her world was a dark place and brought her out into the sun. She took in a deep breath, and then with her large brown eyes locked on him, the corners of her mouth curled upwards as she said. “I wanna be your girl. Your shelia.” She then held her breath again for his reaction. <3>
IceTe3a: She was looking up to him with her big brown eyes as he smiled waiting for her answer ‘I wanna be your girl, your shelia’ she said yes to it, it took him a second to come to terms with it gradually a giant smile came to his face “WAHHOOO!!!! YOU BLOODY RIPPA!” he screamed out at the top of his lungs as he chuckled and cupped her cheeks, kissing her passionately he held her lips to his for awhile, making the moment last. After a good few moments he pulled back and smiled, “heh our first kiss as a couple, luv” he ruffled her hair as he tapped her ass gently with a wink “Go on, get your phone. I’ll be here waiting for ya” he smiled as he watched her walk off, coming to a stand he walked over to the railing and leaned against it looking out to the backyard, the big grin still viewable across his face. He was ecstatic that she said yes. Knowing he wouldn’t have to set anything up the boys would be bringing pretty much everything they needed to set this party up and get it cracking. Pulling his shirt off he stood out on the balcony as his bare torso was exposed for all to see. Turning his head he tried to look at his brand new back tattoo, seeing glimpses of it but not the full image he almost started to spin around like a pup chasing its tail “Bloody hell!” he chuckled as he gave up “Oi Shazza” he smirked calling her a typical aussie name “Loving the tatt still!! Bloody things hard to look at when its on yourself” he smirked, turning to look at the two pups he saw them play fighting; that was a good sign it meant they’d be very protective once they started to grow “go on!! Get em!” he chuckled as he walked back to the sofa and laid down on his back stretching out as he covered the whole sofa, he closed his eyes while he waited for Dixie to return.
CharlotteCarrendar:- They were quite the pair. Dixie laughing as Logan lets out a real outback yahoo about her answering his question with a yes. She nearly fell off his lap. Course, he was so excited, he not only held her cheeks firmly as he kissed her again, he then ruffled her hair before telling her go get her phone and start inviting a few people around. Getting to stand, she felt the gentle swat to her backside, and giggled as she scooted off to find her bag, which was near the foyer. Digging about she soon found her cell phone, and as usual there were no messages on it. Dix gave a light shrug, and then started to pull up her list of friends in Prague from the Death Club. Maggie, Niklaus, Mary, and of course Inga and Kraus. She was flicking through her phone when she heard Logan sing out and call her “Shazza” That had to be the funniest name she had ever been called, and she bit her tongue instead of answering right away with “Sure thing, Dazza!” Apparently he was trying to admire his own tatt, which was hard for him to do since it was on his back. She was getting the text message ready to send to all her friends, that they were to come around to this address for a house warming. Little did they know that the cheeky aussie barmaid had moved on with her life and into the arms of Logan. It was bound to be a shock, but a good one. All of them knew how sad Dixie had been being left behind in the garage. Now they would get a chance to see a much happier Dixie living every girl’s dream. She wandered back into the room where Logan was laying on the couch with his eyes closed. He practically took up the whole thing. After sending the texts, she crawled on top of Logan and though this was a little awkward with her baby belly, she managed to snuggle him. “Sent the texts…they should be here in an hour or two tops.” <3>
IceTe3a: His eyes open as he felt Dixie crawl on top of him, looking at her face he smiled as he wrapped his arms around her gently, “Righto love, should be a cracker of a shindig” he laughed lightly as he leaned in and kissed the top of her head, his right hand moved down over her swelled belly as it gently rested there, his thumb gently stroking her as they laid in each other’s company for awhile. The two pups came racing up and jump up around their legs one after the other as they wonder up and snuggle into the two, “Mine’s called jack” he nodded as he had just picked a name for his pup, Jack started gnawing at his leg as his giant paws rest on top of his legs, jack was making playful growls “Oi, ya lil shit” Jack looked at the two with a tilted head slightly, as he let out a playful yelp his bum stuck up in the air as his head went down, tail wagging, “Go on get em!” he smirked as Jack ran off starting to bark loudly in a territorial tone but his pup voice made it sound cute. “Heh, think’s he’s a big boy” he smirked. An hour had passed without them realizing as the sound of Bike engines came roaring down the street, a truck followed behind them as six bikes rolled up and parked. “Bring her round back” as the truck drove up the side access to the backyard you could see the back was stock full with beers, tubs, 3 bbq’s and 2 spit rotisseries, with chairs and tables. “Looks like they’re here.” He said softly to her as he kissed her head and waited for her to get up before getting up himself. Taking her by the hand he led her down the stairs to the backyard where the boys were, “G’day lads, Dixie meet the boys! John’s the fat one over there with the beard, Karl’s the skinny fucker with the tattoo’s. Leroy, james, Shaun and Rob. Lad’s meet me girl, Dixie” he smiled as they all gave a fond welcome, “Been bloody ages, Logan” John said as he came up and gave him a big hug and pat on the back. “Yeah mate, I’ve been busy, I’m here now; Let’s get this party set up” . “Righto you heard him boys, Get the recruits out of the truck to help as well, get the music blasting and the que’s roaring” he chuckled as they went off to set up for the party, taking down the speakers and tables as they carried them around the back yard setting them up, Jack was chasing the new strangers around, growling and pouncing around them as he tried to intimidate them, they just laughed and continued to set up. After awhile the place was looking ready, the tables all setup with chairs, the music was pumping Aussie rock and the Bbq and rotisseries were fired up and ready to go. They all came and sat down at the table, wrapping a arm around her back and resting his hand on her waist he led her to the beers first grabbing two her gave her one, before leading her to the head of the table. Taking a seat at the head of the table he gently pulled her down to sit on his lap as he wrapped an arm around her waistline once more, resting his hand on her lap. “Jesus logan, Never though I’d see the day” Shuan said as the rest of the boys agreed “Piss off ya fucker” they all gave outa loud bellied laugh, as he shook his head whilst he was laughing himself. “So lad’s the warehouse is behind this place, I’m sure you’ve seen it by now, I’ll be busy with this one here. So John, you’re looking after the joint” he smiled as he kissed Dixie’s cheek “Remember boys, Give her the same respect you’d give me, otherwise I’ll have to shove your heads up your arses” he smirked as the others flipped him off with cheeky grins.
CharlotteCarrendar: In an apartment across town, Maggie and Niklaus were enjoying a movie when they both heard their phones go off. Having been living together a while, since before the Death Club bombing, they had forged a close relationship, even though the Irish Maggie was still a bit of a handful. Picking up her cell phone, she read the text…then read it again. “Eh..that mad Aussie Feek has gone hitched up with some other Aussie buck. Says they be having a party. Well shyte, last thing I expected from the muppet.” It was true, Niklaus and Maggie were both stunned. Nik raked his finger back through his blonde locks and raised a brow at the text. “I knew she wasn’t happy with things as they were, and being in that garage alone for so long. Hope this bloke is doing alright by her.” He had a bit of a soft spot for the Aussie barmaid, even though she used to ride his ass a bit when she managed the bar at the Death Club. Niklaus then gave Maggie’s arm a slap. “Come on, chance to see our Aussie girl, and meet this guy. She’d be nearly having that baby too. Race you to get ready.” Niklaus helped Maggie up off the couch, and the pair went to get ready to go to Logan and Dixie’s. Over on the other side of town, Inga was doing yoga in front of the telly, while Kraus was happily staring at her ass. It was in the middle of this, that their cell phones went off as well. Inga was all bent over and couldn’t reach hers, so Kraus got his. “Ooo Dixie is having a party. OH! She is with a new man!” This had Inga fall over with surprise. “OOMPH!” she quickly righted herself and padded over to sit on Kraus’s lap to read the text. It was true. The buxom porn star come make up model and ambassador giggled. “I miss de Dixie, yah. I know…I take zome hello Kitty cushions…for house warming!” Kraus wasn’t sure if that was such a good idea. “What about some wine, Sweetness?” Inga was already off and away, hunting through her cupboards for gifts. She just loved to take presents when she was invited anywhere. Kraus shook his head, as Inga started to go off in Swedish. He had to admit, he always found that sexy. “Then we can tell her about the wedding!” Inga squealed, as she had been dying to tell Dixie about that. The hello Kitty wedding was on again. At Mary’s apartment, she was busy with one of her dress designs in her studio when her phone went off. The eccentric Aussie designer’s glasses slid down her nose as she picked up the phone and read the text. Her eyes widened at what she read. “AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH EEEEEEEEEEEEE DIXXXXXEEEE!!” She got such a happy surprise that she scared her cat half to death. Jumping about she realized she was wearing a boring tracksuit and started pulling at it. She couldn’t go dressed like that. She then ran off arms flailing into her closet to find something to wear. So it seemed everyone in Prague that she knew was invited…except one. Tito. Dixie hadn’t been ready to tell him since she rather do that when she went back to get the last of her things. :: At the Queenslander, Dixie was full of energy when she got up off Logan’s chest when everyone from the chapter arrived. She could hear the roar of the motorcycles and a truck. Spinning around, Dixie asked. “Why are they bringing a truck?” Course the reason for this would come out when they all pulled up in the backyard. Kegs, BBQ’s, Rotisseries. These guys didn’t muck around. Dixie actually became a bit shy in the face of all these unknowns and she stayed close to Logan as he took her out to introduce them to her. On the way down she picked up her black lab and stroked its head, since it seemed a bit scared by all the noise and fuss. Unlike Jack, who was already running around barking his head off. Dixie had already come up with a name for her puppy. “Boof, I shall call him Boof.” Seemed like a good name to her, and she set him down again for him to go join jack, running around the yard. Following Logan to the table out the back, she sat on his lap as his mates were saying they never thought they would see the day. Music was blaring, and the day just couldn’t get any better. <3>
IceTe3a: “OH BOYS, you gotta see the ink this fine shelia sketched up for me! Check me back” he turned his back for the lads to see as a few of them whistled “Hot damn, that’s some great artwork right there” Shaun stated, as the others agreed. John got up and grabbed one of the rookies by the scruff of his head “Come on lad, let’s get the lambs on the rotisserie” he gave a nod to Logan and walked over to the Rotisserie, the rookie helping him spear the full body lambs onto the spike over the fire as he started to base it in his own herbs and spices, he pulled up a chair as the rookie started to chat with him: “John fancies himself a chef, hun” he chuckled and shook his head “He can’t cook for shit” James leaned in and whispered so only they could here, “OI JOHN, JAMES SAID YOU CANT COOK FOR SHIT” Rob screamed out as James’s eyes widened “What are you doing!?!” “OH REALLY COME HERE AND SAY THAT” John shouted back in a laughing tone, as the others joined in on the laughter, “So Dixie, Logan here tells us you can ride a bike” James said in a friendly matter, “Logan won’t stop talking about you, every text has your name in it” Shaun stated as Logan smirked and gave the boys the finger “You little fucken rats” he chuckled as he took his beer and gave a cheers before taking a drink. He smiled as he leaned his lips down to Dixie’s ear “You ok hun? When are your friends getting here?” he smiled as he gave her a reassuring hug. It was easy to see why Logan was in charge, these boys were tall and muscle bound, but nothing like the Aussie born and bred country boy standing a tall 6’5 and built like a brick, it was true his form helped him out quite a lot. The party was just starting as the fires were roaring, meats were cooking, beer was cold and the music was blasting Aussie rock bands, Logan was worried about meeting Dixie’s friends as he didn’t know how they’d take who he was and what he was let alone how he was now dating Dixie. He cuddled into her reassuring himself as he was half listening into the stories the boys were telling Dixie. Coming back to reality he smiled and kissed her neck “She rides bikes like she was born on one” he chuckled and points at James “Out does you mate” they all laugh as James shook his head, knowing he’d never live the moment down where he fell back off his bike when it took off in first.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Out the front of the property, cabs were pulling up from across the various parts of town. First to arrive were Kraus and the busty Inga, who was wearing tight blue jeans and sporting a very low cut hello kitty top in the brightest pink. Her hair was brushed to perfection, and she was carrying pink party bags with the cushions for the house. Kraus remembered to bring something else; the bottle of red wine. Both were in awe of the house. “Oh my godz…have you zeen something like this before?” Inga said, her jaw dropping. Course Kraus was right there to escort her around the back. He could hear the thumping of the music and smiled. “They got good taste.’ Right behind them Maggie and Niklaus appeared out from their cab. “Inga!” Maggie squealed and the two hugged each other after having not seen the other in months. The red haired Irish girl was all smiles and of course Inga immediately went on match making like she always did. “You and the Nik…such a good couple, yah?” Niklaus shook hands with Kraus, who was a good friend after the fall out from the bombing at the club. “Good to see you two together again.” Nik enthused as the four were about to head in down the side. “Wait for me!” Mary, Dixie’s ex pat Aussie friend screamed out. Wearing a loud and colourful ensemble, she looked like something from a Ken done painting. “Show me to the keg!” This was a girl that knew how to party. She saw all the bikes and the truck and she let out a loud cry. “AUSSIES!!!” Dixie could hear the commotion coming from the side of the house and then chewed her lip. “Here they come.” Nervously she got up as her puppy Boof went gambling past. She’d been in conversation with James, about how much she enjoyed riding Logan’s bike and reassured Logan she was okay. Just a touch nervous. When the five came around the side, the bikers would be in for a bit of a shock. Inga was one of Europe’s most famous porn stars. Little did they know she had worked as a barmaid with Dixie. They all descended on Dixie, giving her hugs and good wishes, before looking to Logan. Niklaus was the first to approach him. “You must be the new man in Dixie’s life. I’m Nik…one of her co workers from Death Club and this is my girl, Maggie.” Maggie turned around after hugging Dixie, who was overwhelmed at this point, and Maggie beamed a smile at Logan. “Nice to meet ya” They both went to shake hands with Logan, as Mary peeked around from behind Maggie. “G’DAY!” she was the crazy friend that Logan wouldn’t have heard about. “Mary’s the name…how you do?” Everyone seemed to be in really good spirits, especially to see Dixie well and happy. <3>
IceTe3a: He felt he get up as he smiled and watched her walk off to see her friends, he could hear them before he could see them, “What the…” James said as the other boys looked over, Logan glanced over and smirks as he notices the group of people, “Aint that the..” “James, Behave.” The other boys laughed as Logan put James in his place, “That goes for you lot too” he smirks as he took his beer and skulled down the bottle, just in time to notice them walking over to him ‘Here we go’ He thought to himself, as one of the males came walking up to where he was sitting and introduced himself as Nik, Coming to a tall stand he looked down at Nik and took his hand firmly giving it a friendly shake “Logan, Mate good to meet ya” His hues flicker over to the female who was now greeting him, nodding with a smile “G’day, you too.” He shook her hand gently as he heard a G’day, he had to lean to the side as he arched a brow noticing the Aussie who called herself Mary “G’day Mary, Nice to meet you too” he took a step over to Dixie as he stood to her side and slightly behind her, wrapping an arm around her waist he looked down with a smile “Come on than, let’s sit down. Help yourselves to a beer” Nodding his head over to the direction of the table where his boys were sitting they had all moved to let Dixie’s friends sit together. “They’re all my mates, friendly enough that’s for sure” he smiled and waited for Dixie to move on with him as he came to sit at the head of the table again, he pat his lap asking for Dixie to sit with him as the boys did their rounds greeting themselves, James was obviously noticing the porn star as he wouldn’t stop staring. Logan kicked Shuan’s leg who then turned to notice James and smirked as he whacked him one across the back of the head “Ahhh!!!! What?!” James cried out as he rubbed his head, Shaun nodded over to John “Go see if john needs some help” he smirked as James got up whining that he wasn’t allowed to sit at the table and stare at the hot porn star.”So! No doubt you have question’s let’s get that out of the way shall we” Logan was being forward but not in a rude sense, he cuddled Dixie in comfort as he waited for the questions to come flowing out.
CharlotteCarrendar: If it was one thing Inga was used to, it was attention. Yes, her boobs were a huge asset and also an attraction to many blokes. She was a Swedish dream, and she knew it. Dixie was more than used to it, after having worked the bar at the death club with her. Dixie could see that some of the bikers were getting a bit….how could you say…turned on to see the hottie, and Dixie could only smile broadly. As everyone went to sit, Inga decided to be more than obliging and went up to James and she bent forward and said. “You have camera? Yah? We take selfie!” Kraus took a seat with Nik and Maggie, knowing this sort of thing happened alot. It was all part and parcel of being engaged to a porn star. The one thing that kept him in check was that she always returned to him. Inga got all ready to pose with Jason, who might have been a bit reddened in the face to have his picture taken with the busty Swede. “CHEEESE!!” Inga would squeal as they took a picture together, no doubt to be tweeted in seconds. “Anyvone else vant vone?” she asked, and obliged the other bikers as the music was pumping in the back ground. Mary tried to sit in close near Dix and Logan and she winked at Logan. “Dixie is the best Sheila out. And my Bestie. Tell me, how did you two meet?” The others were keen to hear this two. Dixie cuddled close to Logan, watching him with an adoring expression, while in the background Inga was still having her picture taken, even on some of the guys’ bikes. <3>
IceTe3a: He watched as the boys raced to get their pictures with the porn star, shaking his head he sighed with a slight smirk “Bloody wankers” he said lightly as he glanced back to Dixies friends who were all starting at the two, Mary asked how the two met and stated Dixie was the best, glancing down he noticed Dixie cuddling in close as she looked up to him, his right hand caresses the side of her face as it cups her cheek, he kisses her forehead. “Started with me needing a new tattoo, she drew up this amazing sketch of Ned Kelly and I knew when I saw it I wanted that tattooed on me. After that she took me out for some grub and we just clicked since we first met” he smiled as he kisses her lips gently “Ain’t that right hun” He looked over to the boys who was now taking pictures of Inga on their bikes, “One thing led to another, I asked her to move in with me and eventually asked her to go out with me” he smiled as he looked down into her dark brown eyes. “I’m a lucky bloke that’s for sure” Jack was harassing john to give him some meat as the pup raced around john barking and growling until he was fed some of that delicious smelling meat. “Logan!!! Get your dog off me!” John cried out for help, as he glanced over and smirked “You’re on your own mate” He laughed slightly “So, How do you all know each other” he cuddled Dixie in close as he waited for their answers.
CharlotteCarrendar: Inga had finally done the round of having her photo taken and sat down with Kraus, who put his arm around her protectively. She giggled and held up the two bags with Hello Kitty cushions to be handed over to Dixie as a house warming gift, and sung out. “Everyone…lovez Hello Kitty.” Course, not everyone, but Dixie was gracious and thanked her good friend. Logan had just explained to Mary how the couple met. Mary knew about Dixie’s talent with art work so she was not surprised to hear she designed the Ned Kelly tattoo. “How is Tito?” Mary asked, to which Dixie said. “Okay..still having to put up with Roberto dropping off Momma to the damn Tattoo shop all the time. I was spending most of my time babysitting her when Tito was doing the ink.” This brought up some laughter from Nik and Maggie, who both knew Roberto the gigolo from the club. Logan asked how everyone knew each other. Inga was first to start. “Dixie and I we met…err…at the Death club bar, when she gotta job there. She been hired by Demetrios, the boss.” Now this brought up some puzzled looks from a few, that knew Dixie had been with Dem. Kraus, who didn’t like either Alex or Dem asked. “What happened to Dem?” At this Dixie shrugged her shoulders. “He went to Russia to save Mia with Alex and a team….and…that was the last I heard.” All the people at the table that had been at the Club the night of the bombing remembered that well. “So…he is dead?” Inga asked, as Kraus tried to shush her. Dixie simply didn’t know the answer to that. She just shrugged her shoulders again. For a moment there was an awkward silence, till Nik chortled. “Dixie…had a name for me. She called me Cheddar..cause of the fish net shirt I used to wear at the bar.” Nik was also a bartender, along with Maggie, who got a job there shortly before the bombing. Nowdays, both were doing modelling. Dixie smiled and sung out. “I called you a lot of other things, ya goof.” She poked out her tongue, to which he went. “Oi…I’ll tell all about the time you had to paint a nude of me at the College!” this brought a lot of laughter from the others, but Mary piped up and said. “He has a teeny dick.” Dixie squealed and tried to hide her face in Logan’s chest. This lot were getting out of control. <3>
IceTe3a: He had all but forgotten about Tito, that poor Italian fucker was in for a right shock not only has Logan moved Dixie in with him, he was now dating her. How would Tito react to this? Would he be angry because he’s a bikie? He’d have to wait and see what Tito said about the situation. Throwing his worries away he came back to reality, as he continued to listen to the conversation at hand. “John, tomorrow I want you boys setting up the new worksites and getting them ready. Shaun you’ll need to take the rookie and go pick up the gear we need.” He was throwing out orders for tomorrow’s big day for his crew, it showed that he was the leader of the Nomads, quite easy to tell why he was as well. “But for now, let’s get smashed” he smirked as he lightened up the mood for Dixie’s friends, who may have never actually met a bikie gang before. The music was loud and rocking, no neighbours in sight to complain about it, he picked the spot perfectly in the warehouse district. Completely legalized by the council, everything was ready for them to live in their new homes as he smiled, giving Dixie a hug he whispered in her ear “I’m happy you said yes” kissing her cheek he listened to Mary who had taken over the conversation. He let out a laugh as Mary stated he had a teeny dick, shaking his head as he smirked “Is that so?” leaning in to Dixie he kisses her shoulder gently “But yeah, and here we are now; Living under the same roof. I’m a lucky bloke” he smiled. The night was still young as the music was blasting, food was cooking and everyone was having a good yarn, after a few good minutes John started to bring the food over to the main table, as he laid down a large tray of cooked lamb and pork, Veggies and salads. Shaun walked over to the beers, grabbing enough for everyone he went around the table and placed a beer in front of them before taking a seat. Grabbing his beer he cracks it open as he raises it above his head “To the best Shelia a bloke could ask for, Cheers!” his mates all nodded their heads and raised their beers in agreement. “Dig in before the tucker gets cold everyone.” Grabbing two plates, he reaches forward and places a good helping of lamb and pork with sides on both plates, pulling them in front of him and Dixie who was still sitting on his lap, he passed her a knife and fork as he started to dig in. It didn’t take long for them to finish their food, but he had downed seconds before the others had finished, big boys got a big appetite that’s for sure. Grabbing the two leg bones that had scraps of meat and flesh still hanging on them, he threw them down to the two pups, the bones being as big as they were. Jack happily grabbed his and dragged it across the ground into the open back yard so he wasn’t bothered. “That one’s gonna be a big boy, that’s for sure” he laughed gently as the Aussie rock continued to blast a new song just coming on Down under – men at work. He starts whistling the tune as he gently wiggles under her lap.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Dixie rolled her eyes at Mary’s dig at Niklaus’s penis, to which Maggie had the better authority on it. “He’s hung like McMurphy’s stallion….thank you very much.” This brought a chorus of laughter from around the table, and Mary hid her face behind a napkin, as tears were streaming down her face. You could already tell that the Death Club bartenders were a right bunch. If anyone knew them all from the days in the Death Club, they knew how to have a laugh without getting too personal. Inga seemed oblivious as she had her eye on the spit roasts. She had been starving herself all day and was practically salivating. Kraus was keeping a close eye on his buxom bombshell, since he had come so close to losing her before. Course she only had eyes for the comic book collecting nerd, and it showed when she bounced in her seat, excited at the feast to come. Dixie was full of affection for the biker, every so often she would press back against him with her back and take his hand in hers. They made such a cute couple that Mary even took a photo. When Logan said that he was happy she said yes to be his Shelia, she whispered back that she was right where she wanted to be. The cooking of the food brought up a variety of delicious scents and aromas that had everyone chilling out about it. The fact people from all over the world were sitting together and chatting like old friends truly reminded Dixie of life in Australia. The din of the Aus rock music and the chatter just took her back. Logan raised his beer for a toast to his Dixie, and everyone raised their glasses and tinnies and cheered. Dixie must have blushed hard, not used to getting this much attention. Logan got their dinners for them, and kept her close to him on his lap making it easier for the young Aussie to enjoy her meal. It was amazing. She could barely fit it all in, and dabbed her lips with a napkin when done. “Phew…I’m stuffed.” Her puppy; Boof was looking for food, and Logan didn’t forget, making sure both dogs got a good bone each covered in rich meat. Dixie had to laugh at the size of the bones to the dogs. She agreed that Jack was going to be huge, and she hoped they would have enough to feed him. “Imagine if he gets into our bed when he is older.” This also had her blush, it was the first time she spoke of sharing a bed with Logan. He would have picked it up, and it was her way of saying she was his. His Dixie. As many finished their meals, Inga sung out. “Dixie…I want you to be a bridesmaid at my Vedding, yah?” Dixie sat stunned and couldn’t believe it. She wondered what on earth she would look like in a frilly pink dress….pregnant. “yah?” She answered more with a question than a real answer. <3>
IceTe3a: Noticing her blushing after she spoke about their bed he smiled lightly and gave her a reassuring cuddle, he loved how much she blushed. Hoping that he could make her happy and support her and their child he smirked as he whispered back to her “ We won’t have enough room, I’m sure we’ll have to have our bub’s sleep with us once or twice” he smiled and leaned back. Yes he just said it, he accepted that the child she was carrying was not only hers but his, he knew he’d be there for the baby and treat him like he was his very own, nothing less than that would be acceptable in his eyes, and it showed through his words. “Getting hitched eh? Congrats you two” smiling lightly he helped her up off his lap, grabbing her hand lightly he led her out near the roaring fire as he pulled her in close, their bodies touching each other as their breathing timed with one and another. John noticed this and flicked the song over to a more suited song, ‘dean martin – sway’ taking her hands he placed one of her hands on his back and the other was entwined with his fingers, slowly he led her around dancing to the song his eyes fixated on her big brown eyes as he smiled lightly. They danced away to the song for what seemed like ages, finally the song ended and he smiled; leaning down he planted a soft kiss on her lips before leading her back to the table, taking a seat he pulls her down gently and wraps his arms around her waist once she was on his lap. “You’re such a smoothy” Shaun said sarcastically, the others giving him their own jokes about the situation “Ahh, you bunch of wankers” he chuckled as he glanced around to everyone who were chatting between each other. It was a good night so far, as the sun had all but disappeared as it was around 8pm, not too late that the party was over, it was just getting started. Lighting up a cigarette he smiled as he took in a drag and blew it away from Dixie, making sure she didn’t get hit by the puff of smoke. He was surprised the local police force hadn’t paid him a visit yet, he was sure he had made a bit of commotion around these parts, but he was glad it hadn’t happened yet.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Dix could hardly believe it. The chemistry that the two shared was such that she completely fell in love with the idea of sharing the bed with bubs and Logan. It was going to be quite the household, with the puppies as well. Dixie rest her head against Logan’s neck, as he congratulated Inga and Kraus; whose wedding was long overdue. Dixie had to wonder if Inga’s Nanna was back from her stint in Japan, but of course that was for another time. Right now, Logan wanted to share the fire with his Dixie, and took her to standing, before leading her to the fire pit. He knew exactly how to hold her with his arm snaking around her waist and bringing her close as they danced to Dean Martin’s Sway. It was not lost on Dixie’s friends, who all watched in a hush of voices, because they were witnessing something truly beautiful. The inked Aussie girl had found love with the equally colourful Logan. The fire seemed to create a soft orange halo around the pair and for Dixie it was like no one else was there. She heard a clap from her friends and a few of the bikie lads as the song ended, and she gracefully accepted a soft kiss on the lips. Course, when Shaun cracked a joke, Logan let fly calling them a bunch of wankers, which was a term of endearment really. The night was still young, around 8pm and people had settled in. The meal had left all satisfied and now enjoying a cigarette and a drink in good company. Dixie went right on back to sitting on Logan’s lap and simply watched the exchanges between their guests. It was surely a night to remember, and the first night in the start of her new life. She whispered to Logan. “Thank you…for loving and accepting me.” <3>
IceTe3a: Smiling he leaned down and whispered “No thanks needed, thanks for loving someone like me” he smiled and kissed her cheek, obviously he was referring to his bikie lifestyle and his illegal tendencies. He enjoyed meeting her friends and seeing his own mates again but he couldn’t wait until they were alone to cuddle in bed for the first time together. He sighed happily as he put the cigarette out in to an empty can. He heard barking as he glanced over; jack was trying to steal Boof’s bone as he chuckled “Jack!! You little shithead” jack glanced at the two and barked once to them with a wagging tail, as he quickly ran off into the dark; growls were coming from the general area where he had ran off to, obviously he was playing with something no doubt his bone. “Cheeky shit.” He smiled as he checked Boof who was now enjoying his bone in peace. John checked the time and nodded as he got up knowing fully well they had a drive ahead of them and a big day tomorrow, he walked over and pat Logan’s back as the others got up and gave their goodbyes “It’s only 8ish mate” he chuckled as he glanced around “Yeah big day tomorrow though, Unlike someone” john had a smirk on his face, all the bikers came past giving Logan a fond farewell and giving Dixie their special goodbyes “Keep a tight collar on this one Dixie” shuan said “Oww!” He had thrown a empty can at shuan’s head as it bounced off. Soon the bikers disappeared into the darkness, the bike engines start to rev as they drive off. Watching everyone else he smiled, everyone was settling in “ You’re all welcome here anytime. A friend of my shelia is a friend of mine” showing his true Aussie side he cuddled his Dixie as he looked over everyone “It’s obvious what I do for a living” he smiled awkwardly as he rubbed the back of his head “So, what does everyone do for a living?” he smiled as he was generally interested in what everyone did for work.
CharlotteCarrendar: – When asked what Dixie’s friends did for a living, there came a lot of answers, but first up was Inga. “I do the porn movies, as you know. And er…I promote Oil of Ole’ which is very gut for the skin.” She had been around the world a few times with her promotional work, but thankfully she was back in Prague to get things ready for her upcoming wedding to Kraus. Kraus was next, “I am a financial journalist for the Prague post.” It was an interesting job, where he got to use his skills in the world of finance for the betterment and knowledge of his fellow Czech’s. Maggie was sitting on Nik’s lap and placed her hand on her chest when it was her turn. “Me? I’m a part time model…and a singer. I do busking.” Maggie had an amazing voice, and she was known to leave people in tears when she really put her heart into one of her irish ballads. Nik was also a part time model, but he had gotten some night work at a new bar in town. He was keeping true to what he liked to do best and that was serve up drinks to the night club patrons of Prague. Lastly it was Mary’s turn. “I am going to be a top international designer…just as soon as i finish my course…and get noticed.” It was hard not to notice her when she was wearing one of her creations. She had a unique Australian flare and it showed. The night had come to a close, with many saying that they had work the next day. One by one they got up and thanked Dixie and Logan for a wonderful evening. Dixie getting a few kisses from her gal pals. The guys giving a wave, as they took their leave. When all were gone, Dixie looked at all the plates and glasses. “What a lot of cleaning up.” She said, before giggling. “Can we do it in the morning?” She had a cheeky expression, since…she wanted to try out their bed. Puppies; a strong possibility of joining them. <3>
IceTe3a: He waved everyone goodbye as they all finally left, leaving him and Dixie alone. Turning off the music he smiled as he looked around at the mess they had made “Mean’s it was a good party” he smirked as he heard her request to do it in the morning. He didn’t need to answer as he was thinking the same thing, his left arm sweeps up under her legs as his right arm holds her back up, coming to a stand he held her up in his arms with ease. “Shall we ? “ he smirked as he walked over casually to the stairs, turning slightly he gave a loud whistle “Jack.. Boof, inside” they didn’t need to be told twice as they both came sprinting past them, scurrying up the stairs and straight into the house, you could hear their excited feet racing against the inside floor. Walking up the steps he went inside, closing the door with his foot he smiles down at her as he walked towards the bedroom, the lights where dimmed throughout the house giving a great vibe to the entire household. Finally walking into their big bedroom he placed her down gently on the bed, walking over to his side he took his vest off, kicking his boots off; he reached around his back and grabbed his pistol, placing it on the bed side table he smiled as he laid down next to her, his arm slides under her, pulling her in closer so she was half laying on top of him with her head resting on his chest, gently he played with her hair. A happy sigh escapes his lips “Home sweet home love” he smiled as he looked down to her.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Laid down upon the softness of the sheets, the inked Aussie girl stared up as she watched Logan slowly take off his vest revealing his own ink. She could only smile as her hand ran over the softness of the doona cover. The dull clunk of his revolver was heard as he placed it down on the bedside table. She could hear the puppies running up and down the hall outside their bedroom. Happy yapping that would soon fade out as they grew tired and went to sleep in their dog beds. The bed groaned slightly as Logan lay down on the bed, then half pulled her on top of him, so her head was nestled on his chest. She let her fingers dance across the skin of his chest as she let out a happy sigh and stroked her hair. Peace. They had everything. Friends, a home, the puppies, a baby coming…and each other. He said to her. “Home sweet home love” It was sweet and it was home. It was theirs. “We are home.” She curled her arms around him, and drew as close as she could –the Dixie girl and her biker Logan. No doubt during the night, they would do more than just snuggle, but for now they were content in each other’s arms. And that was all that mattered. <3>
This video is a poignant example of how music can transform someone’s life. Social worker Dan Cohen creates personalized iPod playlists for the residents of a nursing home in an attempt to bring some joy to them. The reaction of an elderly man, Henry, was filmed as a part of the documentary, Alive Inside.
After just a few minutes of listening to his favorite songs, Henry is restored in some ways to the fun loving man he once was.
Carmen was an outsider in her own body and it was frustrating. She was blocked off from her own thoughts and was now an observer to all that this Other did.
-Who are you?- she demanded.
=I am you?= came the reply.
-You are not me! You could never be me!- she shouted in anger. She was slammed into the walls of her mind with brute force, making her gasp in pain. It had been quite some time since she’d felt pain of this magnitude.
=You cannot fight me, little queen. I am eternal. I will destroy all you hold dear…starting with your mate.=
That made her pause with fright.
-Don’t you touch him!- she hissed.
=Watch and learn, little queen. For my power is absolute.=
As if she were watching a television, a wall of her mind opened and she was suddenly seeing things through her own eyes, but unable to act.
“I say, we take the young Miss back to the house and start to get her to tell us about the scroll and the rings. No point hanging around a bunch of stiff old Mummy’s.” Shane grinned, giving her a wink as he picked up the unconcious curator. “Home darling? I do recall you were rather keen to play ‘Tie me up and whip my bottom.'”
“Mmmm…how about…I tie you up instead…spank you…you’ve been…naughty…” she purred, sliding her fingers along the skin at the back of his neck in a sensuous caress that would most likely see him drop the woman he had over his shoulders. Carmen had never been this aggressive in regards to their sexual play before and it was hopeful that Shane would realize this and think something was wrong.
-Shane! That’s not me!- she shouted, hoping he would hear her. Dark laughter echoed around her and she tried to put her hands over her ears to muffle the sound but it was within the confines of her own mind.
=He cannot hear you, little queen. He will be mine and there’s nothing you can do to stop me.=
-You’ll slip up and when you do, I hope he rips your fucking throat out!- Carmen snarled.
=There shall be no mistakes. I have all your memories, all your hopes and fears. You will cease to exist if he kills this body. And I’m not ready to let you go.= The laughter started up again and Carmen screamed as loud as she could…but there was no one to hear her.
-Who the fuck are you?- she shouted.
=I…am…Neema…= the voice faded away and the “tv” switched off, leaving her in darkness. She curled into a ball and began to cry, whispering Shane’s name over and over again. She had felt the other woman rifling through her memories…but what caught her by surprise was the fact that Neema had only gone as far back as to the night Shane had made Carmen his.
Maybe there was a chance…as long as Neema didn’t find out about her other powers.
Drying her eyes, she made herself comfortable and began to meditate. It was time to reconnect to her fae gifts once more. She had no reason to use them before now, locking them away within her by her own choice to use the vampire gifts she had been given.
This was a whole new battle…one she was determined to win at the cost of her own life…
——
Vlad’s Mansion – Drawing Room
Vlad stood at the window, staring out into the night. Things were coming together quite nicely and he was simply waiting for the moment to strike. He was aware of when his Generals had returned…as he was also aware that one of them was harboring dangerous thoughts.
He would not stand for it. He didn’t get to be this old without learning a few tricks…things he had yet to share with his most trusted. He sensed without a doubt that Rheksas was loyal…but Emilia…
She was a jealous witch and it would be up to him to put her in her place. There was no room for envy and petty jealousy in his unlife. It was such things that made him who he was today.
There was only one woman who he cherished above all others…and it was time to bring her home.
Tonight would be a turning point in his relationship with his Chosen.
“Mmmm…how about…I tie you up instead…spank you…you’ve been…naughty…”
When Shane felt the light caress of his Carmen’s fingers upon the back of his neck, and the daring look she was giving him, he did almost drop the unconscious museum curator. It was not so much her touch, but more of what she just said. if it was one thing that Shane knew about Carmen, it was that when they were together she ALWAYS assumed the submissive role. It was something he had come to understand and be comfortable with. He had to wonder if for a moment she was joking. Glancing at her he could only comment.
“Naughty? Hun, I am barely getting started. But don’t worry, when we get home, I am sure the kids are going to be full of questions, as well as this new girl in our fold.” He then adjusted his grip on her as she appeared to be slipping. “Come on, lets get out of here before the guard change.”
Using his speed, he dashed up to the wall and crawled his way up, so that he was able to reach the roof window opening that they had used to get in. He naturally assumed that Carmen would follow his lead, since she was being so touchy feely. Little did he know that his true love was trapped within her own mind, by the evil Neema.
Getting out to the car, Shane stuffed the girl’s body in the boot, hoping not to be seen then opened the car door for Carmen. “Let us be off home. It will soon be sunrise.” His warning was well meant, for they had barely a few hours before the sun would appear on the horizon. When Carmen got in, he would start the engine and head for home.
Shane and Carmen’s estate
Pulling into the garage of their large estate, Shane cut the engine, then reached over to steal a kiss from his beloved.“Mhmmm, still as good as the day we met.” he chuckled and alighted from the car, going round the back to open the boot and pull out the lifeless girl. Inside the house, the family as you would call them had been waiting for Carmen and Shane’s return. In particular, Mary who had come back to life thanks to Vincent’s wicked ways. David and Misty were making out on the couch, which seemed to be a favourite past time, while Bianca was sobbing over Damon and Bonny on The Vampire Diaries finale. “Whhhhhhhhy……*sob boo hoo*…fuck the writers….waaaaaaaaaaaah!”
On entering the front door, Carmen would be met by their pet wolf, the one from the Cabin, and when it came up to smell her, it started to growl at her angrily.
Shane glanced down at the wolf with a curious expression.
“What’s gotten into you?” He had to wonder since the Wolf was more Carmen’s pet than his. He left the two and went to find a place to lay down Candy.
Vlad’s Mansion – Drawing room
Emilia and Rheksas finally entered the Count’s drawing room, ready with their reports to give their Lord. Naturally he had his back to them, but no doubt he was already aware of their presence.
“M’lord, I have news on the woman you seek.”
Emilia kept back slightly, but her appearance showed that she had done her job to the letter.
Kids? What kids? Neema wondered for a moment as Shane headed out. She followed along, going over the memories in her mind. Carmen had never even been pregnant so what “kids” was this fool talking about? Once they reached the car, Shane stuffed the girl’s unconscious form into the trunk as Neema moved into the passenger seat. He climbed in a moment later, starting the car and they headed for home. Sunrise wasn’t far away and it was dangerous for them to be out.
——
Shane and Carmen’s Estate – Garage/Family Room
Shane pulled into the garage, immediately cutting the engine as the doors closed behind. He then leaned in and kissed her, a passionate embrace that had Neema cringing in disgust. If she didn’t have to keep up appearances for the time being, she would have gutted him like a fish. She clenched her fist, her nails biting into her skin as Shane took what he wanted from her.
“Mhmmm, still as good as the day we met.” he chuckled, climbing out of the car. She had to resist the urge to wipe her hand across her mouth. She took a quick moment to heal the punctures in her hand before she climbed out as well. He pulled the museum girl from the trunk and they went inside.
The noise level was atrocious and Neema wanted to blast every single person she saw into a wall. There was an elderly woman sitting on the sofa, comforting a young woman who looked to be crying her eyes out over some show on TV. There was another girl and a blonde male practically wrapped around each other on the couch, inhaling each other’s air.
A low growl met her in the doorway and she glanced down to see a wild wolf baring his teeth.
=Back off, beastie!= Neema scowled. If anything, the wolf’s growls became louder and caught Shane’s attention.
“What’s gotten into you?” he demanded. No one had seen the wolf act in such a way since Carmen brought her home. Mary was now looking between Carmen and the wolf with a neutral expression.
“Carmen? Everything okay?” she asked. Neema struggled to put on a relaxed air before these people. She had to play the part.
“Fine. Just tired after a feeding. It’s almost sunrise.”
“You just seem…out of it.”
“I just need to sleep. I’ll be fine.”
Mary looked at her steadily for a few minutes and Neema grew slightly nervous. “Might want to take care of your wolf. She looks ready to take a chunk out of your hide.”
“Yeah.” Neema chuckled, moving toward the wolf, hand stretched out. Tala snapped at the approaching hand and Neema jerked back.
“What is the matter with her?” Neema demanded.
“She must smell something on you she doesn’t like. I’ll take her.” Bianca stated, finally getting over the fact that her favorite couple were ending. She got to her feet and whistled to Tala. “Come on girl. Let’s get you something to eat.” Tala gave Neema a final menacing look before following Bianca into the kitchen. Mary was once again studying “Carmen” and she didn’t like what her gut was telling her. She would keep a very close eye on her friend.
——
Vlad’s Mansion – Drawing Room
He heard them both enter but did not move from his position. His arms are crossed behind his back, one hand wrapped around the opposite wrist. The silence was oppressive.
“M’lord, I have news on the woman you seek.” Rheksas spoke after some moments. Vlad simply held up a hand in a halting gesture. It was another few minutes of silence before Vlad spoke. His voice was low, the tone dark enough to send chills through the room. His displeasure was surely felt.
“I once heard a man say *’The chief lesson I have learned in a long life is that the only way you can make a man trustworthy is to trust him; and the surest way to make him untrustworthy is to distrust him and show your distrust.’*I found that to be most…profound…and the motto by which I have lived this life since then.” He turned to face them. He kept his eyes on Amelia, pinning her with his gaze and never wavering. “Trust is something of a weakness, I have found. For if I cannot trust those close to me, then something…drastic…must be done.” He continued to stare at Emilia. “Your report, Rheksas.” he stated without looking at him.
*Quote attributed to Henry L. Stimson, “Memorandum on the Effects of Atomic Bomb,” to Harry S. Truman, September 11th 1945
An uneasy tension filled the room, only made more so by the silence that was actually deafening. Rheksas’s eyes flashed to his counter part. The General. The woman had been sent out to deliver a message on behalf of the Count and she had done so to the letter. The very state of her appearance suggested she was not only ruthless, but sinister in her exploits. She had not defied her lord, but there was defiance in her body language. What was it that brought about this change in the General? For many centuries she had been loyal to a fault, but also in that time she had watched the Count take many, many women to his side, and never once did he consider her.
The Count finally spoke after Rheksas had announced he had news about the woman that the Count sought out. But instead of listening to this report, the Count instinctly turned on Emilia who was staring coldly at her Lord.
“I once heard a man say *’The chief lesson I have learned in a long life is that the only way you can make a man trustworthy is to trust him; and the surest way to make him untrustworthy is to distrust him and show your distrust.’*
Did he sense the change in his General? He must have done. For now it appeared to be two very powerful vampires standing off against the other. Rheksas felt the hairs on the back of his neck quiver and if he didn’t know better, he would go to arms. Slowly he moved his hand beneath his jacket – his fingers twitching against the handle of his firearm.
His lips parted as he breathed the whisper…“Don’t…” It was meant for the General, and with an eerie manner, the General turned her head ever so slowly towards Rheksas. The look on her face was chilling. A malice that could not be described. Though her chest was rising and falling it was all done as show. Rheksas’s eyes snapped back to the Count, who was now making his declaration clear – his warning absolute.
“Trust is something of a weakness, I have found. For if I cannot trust those close to me, then something…drastic…must be done.”
You could see Emilia’s jawline moving but the rest of her body remained motionless. The reflection of the Count’s form in her eyes. The Count then asked for the report from Rheksas, as the Count and Emilia remained locked in a staring competition.
Coughing, the male General then tried to show a smile for he had not failed.
“I have located the current residence, work place and above all…the name of the woman you seek. She is Carmen Williamson. A member of the Internal Investigations unit of the state. She is married to the DA..Shane Williamson. I have found her nightly place of work, and easy access should you chose to make your move there.”
Emilia simply ran her tongue over her lips. Another woman. This was the one that he had searched for. As of that moment, Emilia added her name to the list….of those she planned to kill.
Isabella’s time was coming. The key would be in her possession….then, she would find this Carmen creature and erase her from all existence.
Rheksas paused and then looked at Emilia, for her report. Emilia just stood there….and grinned.
“The bitch knows your after her. She wears the key. I plan to retrieve it.”
Little did the Egyptian Queen holding control of Carmen’s body understand just how close Carmen was to all the people that inhabited the Williamson Estate. It was like a real family, and acted like one in the modern era. Shane of course was the head, but Carmen was the Queen so she usually had the final word when it came to how the house was run, as well as those that served under them.
Bianca was dishing up a meal in the dog bowl for Tala, when the back sliding door opened from the pool and Amelia wandered in. Now the Witch was just as much a part of the family, as the vampires were and given special privileges since she was residing in the pool house. She had missed a lot of the excitement of late, but she had spotted Carmen return home with Shane and thought she would come over to welcome her back.
Amelia approached Carmen for one of her usual hugs, which she did a lot. Amelia was just the kind of girl who shared affection easily. What happened next would leave Amelia reeling. As Amelia went to put her arms around Carmen, she suddenly got a flash of another woman, a top a throne all dressed in Egyptian finery. She was seated beside a man, who for the life of Amelia seemed so familiar it was scary. But it wasn’t Shane. The woman was laughing as a woman was being tied to a stake in the middle of a chamber. The chamber had a special dome like roof, and when the Queen raised the blood chalice, the dome roof top started to inch back, causing a small ray of sunlight to beat down on the woman tied to the post. It was cooking the girl alive. Was she another vampire? The man on the throne next to her was laughing and then taking up the Queen/Carmen’s hand and kissing it. They were both enjoying watching the woman turn to ash. Amelia instantly drew back and stared at Carmen with a horrified face. She looked at Jarvis, who had just come down the stairs and saw Amelia standing there, stunned.
“Amelia…what is it?”
Amelia cringed and then fled the house, running across to the pool house and slamming the door. No vampires could enter the pool house, except Shane…or Bianca.
Shane re entered the room only to see Amelia running out. He glanced at Mary, who was looking at Carmen oddly too, then he looked at Carmen.
“Is everything alright?” Clearly…it was far from that.
Pandora’s last night in Hawaii was every bit as magical as her first night, made possible by some new friends and an old relationship made new. As Brock held her close, dancing to the music playing in the restaurant, she couldn’t help but feel like things were finally looking up for her.
She was ready to return home, get back her life again.
The next morning, she and Brock were packed and ready to fly home. They met Jane and Jason in the lobby as they bags were loaded into the shuttlebus that was set to take them to the airport. She excused herself and went to the desk.
“Ms LaRue, I hope your stay with us was a most pleasant one?” the woman at the desk smiled. Pandora passed over her room key and nodded.
“I want to thank you and your staff for the kindness and hospitality you showed me while I was here. I can never repay you for that.”
“There is no need for repayment. We were happy to help. You are welcome here any time you desire.”
“Thank you.” Pandora smiled. She rejoined her friends and they climbed into the shuttle, headed for the airport.
——
Seattle – Escala Apartments – 7D
A late evening rainstorm was going as a taxi pulled up in front of the building. Two people climbed out but in the gloom, it was hard to see their faces. The trunk opened and the larger of the two began pulling bags and suitcases from it, setting them on the curb while the other held open the door to the apartment building. The driver was paid and sped off into the night, while the other two headed inside.
“Was that her?” came a whispered voice.
“Can’t tell. Too dark.”
“We need to get in there, find out where she lives.”
“Don’t you think I tried that? Place is locked tighter then Fort Knox!”
“You can’t bribe the security guard?”
“Tried that. He threatened to cornhole me before having me arrested. Swear the guy looks like one of them wrestlers you see on TV.”
“What now?”
“We watch…and wait.”
—–
After escaping Louis’s clutches…again…Pandora and Brock made their way upstairs to her apartment (Pandora doing her best to ignore Apartment 3C). Unlocking the door, she stepped inside the darkened living room, holding the door open for Brock to bring in their luggage before she closed the door behind them. She flipped on a single light and looked around with a sigh.
“Home sweet home.” she mumbled, tossing her keys on the table.
Brock set down their bags on the floor beside the entrance to Pandora’s bedroom, and then went about checking each of the rooms to make sure everything was as it should be. He already had an uneasy feeling about being back in her old apartment, and he had a nagging suspicion something just was up with the place. As for Pandora saying home sweet home, Brock sung out.
“Not for long, love.”
He meant about the new home that he had bought her, which he wanted to go and take her to see in the morning. Right now, he knew she would be tired from their flight back from Hawaii. Finding nothing out of place, or suspicious, he turned out the lights in her bedroom and ensuite, before coming back out and enveloping her into his arms.
Kissing the top of her head softly, he mused. “Aren’t you happy to be home?” It was a reasonable question, cause he got the feeling something was upsetting her. Was it passing Simone’s apartment? Or maybe not having heard back from Kali. It could have been any of these things, but he didn’t feel he wanted to press her.
Brock ran his hand gently up and down her back, while he waited for her to say something.
If Brock seemed unsettled to be there, Pandora was even more so. She didn’t know if it was because of this place, or something else. But her apartment…felt different.
Brock wrapped her in his arms, asking her if she was glad to be home. She pressed her cheek against his chest, listening to the steady beating of his heart.
“In a way.” she replied. “But…this doesn’t feel like home anymore.” She looked at him. “I feel like a stranger here. Things have changed…I’ve changed. Does that make sense?” she wondered.
Seeing Pandora being uncomfortable in her own apartment truly had Brock concerned. They had both been away from the city a while, and now to try and settle back in after all that had happened was going to be an arduous task. Brock did agree however that Pandora of old had changed. Everything from her tastes in clothes, to her demeanor. The crash, their break up, their reconciliation, finding out about each other’s true selves – all this played a part in how they were acting now.
Brock gazed down at her with a concerned expression. He knew that she wouldn’t want to spend the night at his apartment, especially after when she explained that it just wasn’t her, and yet she didn’t feel comfortable here either.
He had one idea.
“We….could check into a sleazy motel.”
This was said to hopefully bring a smile to her face, in that she might see the funny side since neither really wanted to be in her apartment.
“‘Just…the bed bugs and other nasties might be an issue. I’d hate to think what one of those CSI ultraviolet lights would bring up”
Brock was silent for a few moments after her declaration. She began to wonder if he was having second thoughts about the two of them. She herself was having no regrets. After everything they’d been through, for her to forgive him was a mighty big thing for her to do.
She was definitely a changed person after this ordeal.
She looked at him, seeing his concerned expression, but also a glint in his eye.
“We….could check into a sleazy motel.” he smirked.
That made her laugh, hard, and she clutched at him, chortling with absolute delight. She wrapped her arms around his neck, her laughter muffled as she pressed her face into his skin.
“What did I ever do to deserve you?” she giggled, bring her face upward again. “And a motel sounds nice…but nothing sleazy. The only thing I want biting me on the ass is you.” she winked, poking him in the ribs.
Getting herself under control, she stepped back to look around the place that she had once called home and realized that home was where her heart was. And that was with Brock.
He had gone out of his way to make her feel comfortable by buying her a new place to live and she couldn’t wait to move in with him. It would take some time to get their things moved in, deciding what to keep between them but it would be a fresh start for the both of them.
“I don’t want to stay here tonight.” she stated firmly.
Pandora’s laughter was infectious and he couldn’t hide his smile even if he wanted to, that he would ask her to stay in some dive of a motel for the night to cheer her up. The muffled laughter reverberated off his chest and he continued to hold her in his arms – his eyes bright from happiness. This was how he loved to see his Pan – laughing and happy.
She asked what she had done to deserve him, and he just shrugged not sure how to answer that one. He wasn’t about to break into some long winded speech. But the part about biting her ass did sound inviting. His grin from that was unmistakable and he could only make a satisfied sounding noise.
“Mmmmm.”
Course, when she came back to earth from her laughing fit, she did admit that she didn’t want to stay in the apartment that night. Truth was, he didn’t want to either.
“Then it’s settled. We book into somewhere a bit more upmarket than the Pink Poodle, and perhaps stay somewhere like the Fairmont Olympic. I’ll go make the booking.” Brock stepped back and then took out his cell, starting to search the number as Pandora would be waiting. “I’ll see if they have a King deluxe with spa tub. Love those.”
Brock turned around and headed towards the balcony doors, where he could look out onto the street as he made the booking.
“Evening. I’d like to book a room for two. Mhm….under the name Carrendar. Yes.” he then gave over his credit card details and waited for confirmation as he tapped his foot. Once the guest manager made confirmation, Brock told her they would be there within the hour. He hung up from the call and turned on his heel saying.
“We can stop at the 7/Eleven and grab some snacks. Ice cream maybe?” He really wanted to treat her.
Stepping away from her to pull out his phone, Brock thought getting out of the apartment was a grand idea.
“The Fairmont sounds lovely. I’ve ridden by there a few times. Definitely swanky.” she agreed. He found the number and went about making a reservation for them as she ducked into the bedroom to get a few more clothes. Looking through the closet, she cringed at the sight. Everything was black. Black lace, black leather, black suede…black, black, black. She began ripping things out and tossing them on the bed, items she had no intention of ever wearing again. By the time she was finished, her closet was nearly bare. She decided to keep two pair of her favorite leather pants, boots and tops because she loved how she looked in them. Everything else was headed for the Salvation Army bin.
“We can stop at the 7/Eleven and grab some snacks. Ice cream maybe?” he called out when he’d finished his call. She strolled out of the bedroom and into the kitchen to grab a couple of garbage bags.
“Make it Butternut Pecan and you got a deal.” she winked before going back into the bedroom. She began shoving the clothes she’d tossed on the bed into the bags so she could easily take them to the donation bins. And that brought to mind transportation.
“Brock? How are we getting to the hotel? I don’t have my bike and we took a cab from the airport.” she reminded him.
Reminded of how they didn’t have a car with them since they both came together from the airport, Brock then had an idea. He knew that Orson had been spending time with Erica who lived with Simone. It was probably not a good idea, but then again he was family and he might be able to help them. Course, he could just ring another cab.
“Why don’t I give my brother a call, see if he can give us a lift over there?”
Erica’s apartment – 3C
Erica and Orson were making out on the couch, as Simone came out with her hand on her stomach. “I feel like shit. She headed into the kitchen and started to rifle around in one of the cupboards for something to settle her stomach. Simone had been something of a misery guts since she discovered she was pregnant. Though she hadn’t spoken to Orson about it, since he was really just her best friend’s current crush, it wasn’t hard for him to spot that something was up with the girl. Erica broke from kissing Orson, to look over her shoulder at her gal pal in the kitchen. She was wearing pokemon pyjamas, and her hair was done up in a messy bun.
“If only the tabloids could see you now.” Erica joked, as Simone flipped her the bird.
“You take a picture of me, and I will get you back, bitch.”
Erica burst out laughing and went back to kissing Orson, who was used to their catty ways.
“Why don’t I give my brother a call, see if he can give us a lift over there?”
Pandora left her bedroom, dragging two large garbage bags of clothing. She dropped them on the floor beside the door with a huff of breath and placed her hands on her hips, tossing her hair out of her face as she did so.
“Yeah…I’m fine with that.” she agreed. She had no idea Orson was a few floors away, or that he was with the one person she didn’t want to deal with just yet.
Things were about to come to a head.
——
Outside – Sidewalk
“I could swear I saw a light come on.”
“Where?”
“Seventh floor…fourth window in.”
“So? Could be anybody. We don’t know it’s her for sure.”
“Are you using the binoculars or not?”
“Fine!”
With the binoculars trained on the mentioned window, the watcher’s breath catches as Pandora walks by the open curtains.
“Is it her?”
“Yes…oh…she looks good enough to eat…” came the moaned response.
“So how do we get to her?”
“We watch…and wait…there’s always opportunity. We just have to knock on the right door.”
Laughter echoed throughout the darkened car as the rain continued to pour down around them.
Thinking this was a good idea, Brock then put a call to his brother Orson, who happened to only be four floors down. The cell buzzed in his pocket and then Orson broke his kiss with Erica to answer the phone.
“Yo Bro…sup man?’
“Hey…just got back in town with my girl, Pan. We are at her apartment, but she doesn’t fancy spending the night here, so I booked us a room up at the Fairmont. Don’t suppose you could give us a lift over, neither of us have a car.”
“Sure dude, just let me explain to Erica, and I will be right up.”
He hung up the phone and then tweaked Erica’s chin.
“My bro..Brock is back from Hawaii with Pandora. They need a lift to the Fairmont, sounds like they are going to be having a hot night in a top star hotel. Lucky dog.”
Instantly Simone dropped a cup of water she was holding in her hand.
“He’s back? With Pan?”
Orson nodded as he got up from the couch and adjusted himself, since Erica had turned him on a bit.
“Mhm…going to go give them a lift. Why, did you want to come say hello?’ Orson was pretty clueless about the situation. Simone quickly shook her head, and dashed back into the bedroom, slamming the door. Orson shrugged, while Erica pouted. “Will you come back?” she asked, pawing at his jeans. Orson bent down and kissed her forehead. “And miss a night with you? Hur. I be back within the hour. Don’t worry.”
At that, Orson headed out of Erica and Simone’s apartment, and headed to the elevator, where he would go up to Pandora’s apartment.
He reached her floor and then went to knock on the door.
As Brock was chatting with his brother, Pandora’s own cell phone began to ring. Frowning, as she wasn’t expecting any calls for the night, she pulled it from her pocket to check the caller ID. The grin that swept over her face was brighter then any of the stars in the sky and she quickly answered it.
“Well if it isn’t the Wonder Twins!” she grinned, moving away from Brock so she didn’t interrupt his own call.
“Hey big sis! How’s Seattle?” came the voice of her youngest brother, Caleb.
“Rainy at the moment. Kind of wished I had stayed in Hawaii.” she chuckled. “Where’s Caden?”
There was a click and then the voice of her other brother came over the line. “Hey Pan, how are you?”
“I’m doing better then I expected.” Pandora smiled, daring a glance at Brock.
“Things working out for you guys?” Caleb wondered. He had wanted to jump on the first plane out to his sister when he found out some schmuck had broken her heart.
“Yeah…we did some talking…things are good, knock on wood.” she stated. “How’s school and what are you guys up to?”
“We are doing excellent. 3.5 GPA for me, Caden’s beating me by about .4 points.”
“That’s because I’d rather study then party every weekend. Caden retorted.
“I did not send you to college so you could spend your weekends getting drunk.” Pandora frowned.
“Aw come on, Pan! I hear it enough from Mr Party Pooper over here! Give me a break!” Caleb groaned.
“Caleb Joseph!”
“Oh god! She did the ‘mom’ voice! Save me!” There was the sound of fake choking down the line and Pandora couldn’t help but laugh.
“Stinker. Seriously though. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?”
“Well…we were wondering…” one twin started.
“…and if it’s cool with you…”
“If we could come and stay with you for summer break? they both finished.
“Why?” she frowned.
“George and Denise have been hitting the drugs and booze pretty hard lately…and we don’t want to be around them any longer then we have to.” Caden stated.
That was all the incentive Pandora needed to agree.
“Yeah. I have no problem with it. Um…Brock and I are moving into a house together in the next week or so…we’ll have plenty of room for you.”
“Have we told you lately that you are the best sister ever?” Caleb grinned.
“I love hearing it.” Pan smiled.
“Thanks, sis. We’ll call you in a few weeks and let you know when we’ll be coming up.” Caden stated.
“Love you guys. Be safe and I’ll see you soon.” Pan smiled warmly. After receiving the same from her brothers, she hung up, a soft and pleased smile on her face.
There was a knock at her apartment door and she looked at Brock, before moving to see who it was. Glancing through the peephole, all she saw was a blue shirt. She stepped back and looked at Brock.
“I think it’s your brother, but I’m not sure. All I can see is a blue shirt.”
Sure enough the owner of the blue shirt was Orson. Brock went to open the door and there was his older brother, the blonde giant and standing there with a dopey expression. He saw the couple then wandered in and gave his baby brother a hug.“Welcome back Bro.” He slapped his brother’s back three times, before letting him go and then giving Pandora a bit of a salute. He wasn’t familiar enough with her to hug her, he felt a bit awkward there.
“Wow…you look tanned. Good holiday?’ He asked, before then noticing his brother’s scars.
“Shit…what happened to your face?”
Brock knew this was going to come sooner or later and he shrugged. “Got into a fight.” Orson then pulled his brother aside and whispered. “You…you can heal you know.” Brock pulled back from his brother’s grip and said simply. “It’s okay, man. I know what I look like and I can live with it.” This had Orson confused, and then he arched a brow, before looking at Pandora.
“You know why my brother looks like he got hit by a bus?” He was wanting answers, and it looked like they weren’t heading off to the Hotel just yet.
Brock opened the door and it was indeed his brother. They greeted each other as brothers should before Orson looked at Pandora. She was thankful he didn’t try to hug her as well. After all, she didn’t know him like his brother did.
“Wow…you look tanned. Good holiday?”
“Yeah…for the most part.” she answered, a bit awkwardly. And then he took a really good look at his brother.
“Shit…what happened to your face?” Pandora cringed at the shock she could hear in Orson’s voice. She waited to see what Brock would say.
“Got into a fight.” was all he said.
Orson pulled Brock to the side and they began to have a whispered conversation out of her hearing range. She locked her hands together, nervous, but knew the man deserved an explanatation. As if he had heard her thoughts, Orson looked directly at her.
“You know why my brother looks like he got hit by a bus?” The tone of his voice and his obvious stance as he stood next to Brock indicated they weren’t going anywhere until he was satisfied with what he heard.
She took a deep breath and decided to just tell him.
“I’m afraid that’s my fault.” she started, “but…your brother was a giant ass spider at the time and I had to defend myself or risk being killed.” she added. Before Orson could ask about that, she showed him her hand, palm facing upward. With nary a thought, a bright orange flame appeared in the center of her palm. “I’m pyrokenetic. I have been all my life, only discovering my power when I was 18 years old. When I found out about Brock…and Simone…I ran off to Hawaii for some alone time, try to put things in perspective. Brock came after me…and we had an argument…that quickly turned into a fight. That’s when I found out who he really was…what you both are. I met your Aunt Charlotte, by the way.” she stated. “Anyway…I…set Brock on fire, in his spider form so I could get away and that’s when your aunt showed up.” She wasn’t sure if she should have explained about Hope, didn’t think it was her secret alone to tell. “She said some things that made Brock and I think things over and we managed to talk out our problems. And I will regret, until my dying day, the harm I’ve caused to him. I didn’t mean to hurt him so badly and I wish with all my heart that I could take away those scars.” She bent her head, staring at the floor as she struggled to contain her still turbulent emotions over what she’d done. It would take her a long time for her to forgive herself for what she’d done to Brock. She was just amazed that he could forgive her for it in the first place.
Orson certainly was not ready for the explanation in full of what happened on the Hawaii holiday. He knew as to why Brock and Pandora broke up, well, partly but nothing after that, so this was all news to him. Brock remained silent as Pandora started to explain everything, but the part that gave Orson a fright was when he saw her create fire with her hand. The explanation that she was a pyrokentic leaving him somewhat shocked. So, she wasn’t mortal. That sort of made things a bit easier, but not when she explained that Brock had revealed his true form to her. It was almost like betraying a closely guarded family secret and something he had not even begun to explain to Erica. Erica would probably dump him in a second if she knew the truth. Orson brought his hand up to his forehead and nervously brushed back his blonde locks, before staring down at his baby brother.
“Well, that explains the scars. Still want to know why you haven’t just used your regeneration ability. I mean…dude, you are a good looking bloke….well, you were.”
Brock didn’t care about his looks, and this was when he went to stand by Pandora’s side. “There is a reason I haven’t let them heal by will. I did wrong by Pandora, and these scars are a daily reminder of what I have done and the punishment I deserve.” He was adamant about this and was not about to change his mind.
“And Aunt Charlotte went to Hawaii? Damn. I know I heard the call, but I was…kinda busy.” It was true, all Carrendar family had heard it. Orson felt sheepish about that. “I guess that explains a lot. More than I needed to know, come to think of it.”
At this Brock shrugged, but then put his arm around Pandora.
“Truth’s out Bro….she knows what we are and she accepted me, after the fight. I’m just happy that she accepted me back….scars and all.” he then pressed his lips to the top of her head. “She’s my girl….nothing is going to changed that.”
She let the two talk but one thing stuck out in her mind and she looked at Brock in shock.
“You mean…this whole time…you could have healed yourself? And you let me think…the guilt…but I…” It was rare to see her speechless. “Why would you do that?”
He moved to her side, wrapping an arm around her. When he spoke, he was looking at Orson, but she couldn’t help but feel he was speaking to her as well. “There is a reason I haven’t let them heal by will. I did wrong by Pandora, and these scars are a daily reminder of what I have done and the punishment I deserve. Truth’s out Bro….she knows what we are and she accepted me, after the fight. I’m just happy that she accepted me back….scars and all. She’s my girl….nothing is going to changed that.”
There was such conviction in his tone, Pandora felt blessed to have this man in her life.
“You would keep your face like that…for me?” she was simply amazed. He pressed a kiss to her head, letting her know that he was hers.
“Brock…I truly do love you, shocked as I am right now.” she looked up at him, her eyes bright with love for him. When she looked at him…she didn’t see the scars…she only saw the man she loved.
Brock didn’t like to think he was deceiving Pandora by not healing himself, but he laid the truth out for her. He felt he needed a constant reminder of his past sins, in order to be a better man – no matter how he looked. She knew what he truly was now, so to him the scarring was superficial compared to what he had become. When she declared her love for him again, right in front of Orson, that was when Orson took his keys out of his pocket and shook them.
“Okay you two. Before you all get mushy and get me teary eyed, your chariot awaits.” he started off for the hall, leaving Brock and Pandora alone for a moment. Brock held his Pandora in his arms, and just continued to kiss the top of her head, refusing to move.
“I just want to be the man you wake up to…and the one that you fall asleep with at night. I never want to lose you.” He meant that with all sincerity, as her words hit home.
Seeing as his brother was already leaving the scene, he started to gather up their things. “Got a few extra bags here.” he didn’t realize she was about to dump her past life’s clothes at the nearest op shop. It wasn’t just him that had changed, it was her too. Black was no longer her colour. Her love was for brighter colours…the darkness having left her heart and her life.
“Come on, before he takes off on us and leaves without us.”
Orson left them alone for the moment, telling them he’d meet them at the car downstairs.
“I just want to be the man you wake up to…I never want to lose you.”
She shook her head, holding him tight. The feeling that suffused her body was simply one of hope and joy. She loved this man, and nearly losing him made her re-evaluate the things she wanted out of her life.
She stepped back and pressed a light kiss to his lips, which was gladly returned.
“Come on, before he takes off on us…” he smiled, grabbing their things, including the two extra bags of clothes.
“I’d like to drop those off at the Salvation Army bin on the way. I won’t be needing them anymore.” she told him at his questioning look. He nodded and headed out with their things. She paused in the doorway and took a look around. She had spent the better part of 10 years in this apartment, a place she’d once called home. But it had never really been a home. It was place she simply resided. She never made the effort to make it a real home as the furniture came with the place. She had a few pictures and small appliances that she’d bought…but the rest…
She would turn in the keys in the morning after she returned for the rest of her things. She wasn’t sure if Kali was back from Hawaii or not, but knew she could simply leave them with Tony if she needed to.
It was time to move on with her life…with Brock standing at her side.
She flipped out the light for a the last time and closed the door behind her.
—-
Outside
“There she is!”
“Who’s that she’s with?”
“I don’t know. Let’s follow them and see where they go.”
The rumble of an engine started as the occupants watched the action across the way. Pandora climbed into Orson’s car, the mechanic in her sitting up and taking notice, admiring the beauty of it as she did so. She would have loved to have seen what was under her hood.
“I…love…this car…” she grinned as Brock slipped in beside her.
Brock put the extra bags for the salvos in the boot along with the bags they brought back from Hawaii. Orson was already behind the wheel of what he called “The Beast” his pride and joy. Getting in the back with Pandora, Brock chuckled to hear how much she loved his brother’s car. But she couldn’t love it as much as Orson did. Orson would make sweet love to it if it was a woman, that was how passionate he was about it.
“She’s quite the gal, isn’t she?”
Orson sung this out as they pulled out from the curb. The engine purred as Orson handled her like a pro. Brock kicked back and had his arm around Pandora as they cruised along. He had to admit, he enjoyed the ride. But then he remembered something about the car.
“The back seat get some action, Bro?”
Orson snorted at that remark. Truth was he hated to see her get dirty. “Nope…not done the deed in my beauty. Sides, she might get jealous.” There it was. Orson loved that car more than anything. Brock chipped back. “And here I was thinking this was a pimp machine.” He winked at Pandora as they continued down the road. “He probably makes the girls in his life take their shoes off before he lets them get in.” he then laughed before adding. “Wouldn’t be surprised if he kissed it good night.”
Orson simply turned on the radio to drown out his brother’s remarks.
When a story takes on a life of its own, and the characters act out as they were created to do…things happen, that are both poignant and remarkable. You as a writer end up being a spectator it seems, and watch history occur right before your eyes.
Regardless of how you feel about another writer, and their characters – you play the game you start and the events are sometimes out of your control, once a play is made. To accept what has happened, and post the reaction from the character’s point of view, while you the writer are upset by what happened is one of the greatest challenges for a role player.
This is what happened last night. A character lost…but the story, though truly sad…..won.