The Mansion was no fit place for the likes of a Giant. A feared warrior who had felled many a man on the battlefields in the wilds of Scotland. Least, that was what one would think as they saw the sad excuse of a man with shoulders hunched over returning to his part of the Mansion. The Gardens. Oh, it was green and peaceful. Wild animals that were caught up in the dreaded force field were to share the lands with the ginger haired giant.
“I don’t belong here.” Douglas lamented as he trudged along. A branch got caught in his path and whipped around him so fast that it sent a family of squirrels flying faces first into the dirt. All you could see was their wee tails all..fuzzy and standing up amongst the green of the grass and moss.
Taking off his favored pig skin bladder, he brought it up to his lips and tried to squeeze what little drops of scotch remained, but sadly it was as dry as the desert. Douglas tossed the wine bladder to the ground and then found himself a fallen log on which to sit. Few things brought him any comfort in this hellish place. Scotch, and a good yarn. Now after being tricked by the waif like girl in the cellar, and robbed of what few coin he had to buy more, the Giant was feeling a touch sorry for himself.
Oh, he had tried to break through the invisible barrier on the edge of the forest and each time the Giant was thrown back only to land in a heap. It was frustrating to say the least.
“If only I could remember…oh aye….if only.” He like many were lost. Lost to their past…and with not much of a future to look forward too. Looking down at his hand, he rubbed the gold ring he wore on his left hand. Was it significant? Did it mean something in a past life? It was just another mystery. The only thing he knew…was that he was good with an axe. A weapon in the right hands, but to a Groundsman, it was just another tool in the shed.
Douglas placed his hands on his knees and leaned forward letting out a sigh. He wanted to fight…he wanted to do something that would change the lives of people in the Mansion. He longed…for home.
“Come back here, you little..!” Quinn called out, running after Mason. While at first she’d been loud, eventually she’d faded to complete silence.. even though she was gaining speed. Something about this. Something about this chase triggered something. She couldn’t quite place what, instead deciding that she would get Mason later as she spotted her giant friend looking rather down. “Duggie!” She screamed, just a few feet from the giant as she had flown silently at full speed.. that had been his only warning.
Barreling into him at unhuman-x miles per hour, the two were knocked down onto the ground and rolled with large thumps. “Hey, look alive, would you?” A grin as they stopped their roll, the 7-foot tall woman straddling him as though this was something they did everyday.. which, really, they did. A grin accompanied this, though she watched Mason as he slowly returned to them. “You know, Doug, that thing that happens every once in awhile?”
By this, she referred to the feelings of her memories returning, often giving her great headaches and terrible pain. Him being her longtime friend, he knew almost everything about her as she did about him. “I think it’s happening.” Though the whole time he she held a grin plastered on her face as pain began to spread behind her eyes and to her ears.. A couple of minutes or so and she might be on the ground, out for the count. Which, had happened before.
Though others may have been enjoying the quiet surrounds of the gardens, Douglas was like a big lump on a log. Well, he was in all truth. Shoulders sagging and muttering to himself with his heavy accent. Few would understand what it was like to be such a large brutish looking creature surrounded by…short attractive types. Douglas had the kind of face that only a mother could love.
Douglas would have continued to sit and mope upon that log, but turns out that he was the target for his one and only friend, who was rocketing towards him at such speed, that the impact was going to be spectacular.
“What the….?” Famous last words as he was hit with such force by Quinn that it literally knocked the wind right out of him. Over and over they rolled, collecting all manner of leaf litter, twigs and the odd furry creature till finally coming to a stop with Quinn straddling the Giant…as she did.
“Hey, look alive, would you?” Quinn had already picked that Douglas was on a downer. The Giant lay there as he pulled a disgruntled looking rabbit out from under his kilt, tossing it over his shoulder. The Giant then tried to show something that resembled a smile, but with the lack of a few teeth it looked a bit odd.
“If this is living, lassy…I rather be dead.” The Giant said off the cuff, before showing interest in Quinn’s query about that thing…that happens once in a while.
“Ya shagged a vampire? No…no, I jest. What ‘appened, lass?” Douglas now showing a more genuine expression. He knew about the headaches that came when she got flashes of memory, something that Douglas didn’t get.
“I think it’s happening.”
This usually meant one of two things. She was going to scream from the blinding headache…or pass out cold. Either way, Douglas needed to be ready.
“Oh…aye. Right. “ he found it odd however that she always grinned as the pain accelerated. Kinda like she enjoyed it. Either way, Douglas prepared himself for what was coming.
“5…..4…3…2…1.”
Douglas closed one eye, squinting it tight and held his breath watching her.
Mason ran through the forest dodging branches and jumping over hedges as he ran through the forest. Being a little nosy he plugged his headphones in as he wondered what her taste in music might be. Carrying his luggage it was quite tiring as he still didn’t have a shirt on at the time. Feeling the night breeze he continued running as he saw two figures in the distance. Jogging towards them it appeared to be Quinn and someone he never saw before. Jogging up to them he introduced himself with a friendly smile. “Hey, I’m Mason.” Not one to jump to conclusions as he saw the precarious position, he blew past the obvious and continued to listen to what was going on. “What exactly did she mean by that?” Mason thought as he watched the series of events play out. A grin was on her face but it didn’t seem genuine, almost as if it was stuck in place. “Are you alright?” Mason asked just going out on a hunch. Something just didn’t feel right…
The first time this had happened, she’d screamed and held her head, crying in hysterics that she couldn’t see and was blinded. Douglas had been around for that very first one. Needless to say they’d been friends for quite a long time. Though usually the doctor couldn’t do much, only Ophelia could truly help her by taking away the overflow, but the medical wing provided a place to stay and kept the headaches at bay.
Gritting her teeth and locking her jaw, Quinn dug her nails into Douglas for a moment, before looking up at Mason, “I really do apologize.” And suddenly there was searing pain, a hand moving up into her hair and then to her temple, her breathing quick…
And then there was a burst of light. She was running, her paws thudding heavily under her as she watched the woman – well, demon in a human form run away. She knew that it wouldn’t escape her, it was pitiful to try.. and thus she snarled, throwing back her head and howling. The soul was red, it was time.. and with a single leap of all fours she closed the distance with ease, clamping down to the very soul of the demon as she screamed…
Quinn had fallen forwards to the side, almost cuddling into Douglas when she’d fallen to the ground as he’d moved to catch her. Her eyes moved rapidly under their lids, her jaw locked as she breathed a bit quickly while the memory came to her.. When it ceased her eyes stopped moving and she became still, her breathing slowing as she fell into a physical state of sleep.
Given the warning by Quinn made things a little easier for the Giant who had been privy to Quinn’s “happenings” before. This time however they had company. Mason showed up just as things were about to go out of control and the Giant called out to him.
“Block ya ears..laddie.”
Sure enough, Quinn let out a blood curdling scream while Douglas winced in pain from the clawing that the girl inflicted on him as the pain in her head intensified. The girl fell slightly forward as she came down from the affects of the release of memory and Douglas was quick to catch her. Propping himself up, he changed his hold on her so that he would be cradling Quinn as he pushed himself up to standing.
With a good grip, the Giant said. “This is a doozy. Right, off to the medical bay. Only place where she can come out of this safely.”
Douglas wasn’t sure if Mason knew where that was, or even if he had been given a tour of the grounds. He knew Quinn though. Douglas’s kilt swayed back and forth as he lumbered off towards the Mansion. The giant’s concern for Quinn was greater than his own woes, or even that of his search for the coin thief. That could all wait. Glancing over his shoulder at Mason, he quirked a brow.
“You always carry your luggage with ya, Mason?” The Giant asked, wondering just how new this creature was. He had picked up on the name of the fellow when he arrived on the scene. For once the Giant was being polite.
Mason wasn’t sure exactly what was going on as she was in terrible pain. Analyzing the situation Mason couldn’t even come up with an idea on what to do. Hearing the quick advice given to him by the giant he quickly covered his ears. Even through the cusps of his hands he could still hear her wail as she seemed to be in desperate pain and he was helpless in the situation. It slightly infuriated him even though they just met she was still someone that needed help. Listening to the giant he nodded gathering his composure as he tagged along to see exactly was going on. Seeing the giant noticed his work clothes he changed out of in his bag. Flashing a smile as he let out a small chuckle he said “Well no, I went to the gym straight after work. Just a change of clothes.” Looking at the coma induced Quinn he looked back up at the giant with a condescending smirk on his face seeing as it seemed Quinn should get to the medical bay as fast as possible”Just how fast can you run Mr.Giant?”
“The name’s Duggie, not Mister Giant!” The Giant roared as he picked up his pace in his race to get Quinn to the medical bay. As his sandal covered feet thundered across the grassy plain, he added with a few huffs and puffs. “Faster than a frog can fart in the dark. Now, get a move on”
None of that probably made any sense to Mason, but the Giant was on a mission. His green and navy kilt was rising and falling as he lept over fallen logs and bounded over rock ornaments. It was quite a sight to see a Giant run, depending on if you were looking up or at a height you couldn’t see under his kilt. Hard to believe a ginger haired giant had hair down there.
Quinn’s body bounced in the Giant’s arms, though he had a pretty good hold of her – she would still appear to be like a rag doll. Her lanky legs flailing about. The Giant had seen her go through this before and it was never pretty. He hoped that the Doctor was in this time, in case her visions would bring about some sort of terrible reaction. It was the Giant’s greatest fear.
He crashed through the doors on the ground floor and sped down the hall, before pounding up the spiral staircase to the floor where the medical bay was.
Alexander headed back in the hallway. He noticed the woman and vampire still there conversing, on friendlier terms now. Such oddities occurred in this place, some confused Alexander to an extent that he was forced to simply ignore if he was to stay sane.
Avoiding any kind of eye contact with the two, he instead turned his eyes to where he had left the large bouquet of flowers. A sigh of relief as he saw them on a stand table in the hallway. Walking over and gently picking them up, he made sure none of them were damaged as he made his way back in the kitchen where Ember was getting the vases ready.
As he made his way back in, he noticed the two others leaving, making Alexander a bit relieved. He disliked crowded areas the most. Noticing Ember by the sink filling the vases. He placed the flowers down op top of a counter and took out his pocket knife, starting to trim them to the appropriate length to fit the vases.
Ember was glad when the other two left. Not that they seemed to notice she was there but they had been a bit loud and she didnt like many people around. She noticed the flower smell before they were put on the counter. She looked at them glad they were not damaged. Even the rose she had used before as a whip was back to normal and wasnt harmed.
She looked at Alexander as he trimmed them to the right lengths. She separated the flowers arranging them in bouquets for each vase. She arranged them over and over a few times till she thought they looked perfectly gathered. “How does that look? Or do you think they need rearranged?” She asked him wanting his opinion.
To feel Zero tense beneath the placement of her hand, the young baker again could sense the internal conflict that was affecting his moods. Bridgette was not a violent person, nor was she one normally to lash out in anger. When she had slapped Zero a short time ago, it was out of fear partially, but also shock. She just was not used to anyone speaking to her at all, and the first person to pay her any real attention had accused her of a crime she was blind too.
As Zero stood his ground but remained mute to her answers as to why he suddenly was able to see color in his world, the french maid kept her hand pressed to his chest. She could have drawn it back at any time, but for some reason it was like this single gesture may have been a turning point for both of them. She had not ever reached out to anyone, and it was unusual that she was doing this to the same man who had just attacked her both physically and verbally.
Forgiveness.
As his temper ebbed away like the drawing out of the tide, Bridgette let out a breath slowly. Her eyes were locked onto his, fixed in his gaze and unable to look away. Zero’s eyes were mesmerizing and in fact they were the most beautiful hue of ember she had ever seen.
“I’m Zero.”
At last an introduction. The man was more than capable of being a gentleman after all. Had he put up similar walls to keep out other people in the mansion like she had? Shying away from having to integrate and be social. Realizing she still was touching him with her hand, she drew it back slowly and then uttered her name.
“Bridgette.” She had a last name, and a pretty one at that, but she felt her first name was much more…personal. And then in an act of respect, she gripped her skirts and dropped a small curtsy as was customary to someone she regarded as…a noble person. Her head bowed slightly, as she found the colour of pink rising to her cheeks.
“I am….sorry for my reaction..to …le book.” Bridgette was trying to show that she did not wish ill between them. It was hard enough being trapped in a mansion and then having enemies, or people you had to avoid.
Alexander smiled as he shook his head at her question. He did the finals snips before glancing over to her, a look of calm on his face now as he was able to relax his nerves. Placing down the knife, he rested his hands on top of the wooden table as he leaned foreword a bit, releasing a soft sigh.
“Forgive me for having placed you in such a position Ember. I should have tried to avoid that situation instead of interfering, as from the looks of it, she did not even wish to be helped. I have placed you in a unnecessary and dangerous situation which…had shaken you up.”
He had apologized before to her, however, he did not feel it was enough. Seeing her shaking and crying just moments before, made him feel even more responsible for it than before.
“Forgive me..” He spoke as he slipped his hand on top of her own, meeting his eyes with his own apologetic ones.
Ember looked at him as he spoke to her. “Alexander you dont have to keep asking forgiveness. If you wouldnt have stopped and interfeared then I would have. I wouldnt be able to walk by and leave her in that man’s grip.” She sighed lightly. “She put on a brave face and all, but she did need some help. Us showing up got him to let her go. Put us in an uncomfortable position but we got through it unharmed. Perhaps upset and shaken but everything is alright now.” She told him.
She glanced at his hand as he placed it on hers. She looked up and met his eyes. “You have already been forgiven. Dont worry about it everything is alright now.” She smiled at him lightly. “Now come on lets get these flowers in the vases and then find where they are going to go.” She told him hoping to lighten the mood. She didnt want him beating himself up over what had happened.
The events of the evening were tuning out differently than Zero had expected. Honestly it was odd. Here he was, standing, breathless, with a little maid, who seemed to forgive him for everything, and he couldn’t help but feel the want, the need, to be closer. To get closer. To learn more, everything, about this…
“Bridgette”
He repeated softly and then inhaled deeply. They were pretty close to each other and…had her scent always been this intoxicating? His nose crinkled slightly as his brain tried to flush out the foreign thoughts. Strange. He felt strange, but was more welcoming to the changes now and just sat there taking it.
Golden hues watched her do a little curtsy, which threw him off even more. Should he be bowing? Was there a social code he was failing to know? As her head bowed he took a moment to really look over her, instead of creepily staring at her from behind like he had in the kitchen. Her hair was shining and a deep chocolate, a color he’d only really seen on her so far. She was petite and yet strong, muscle wise, human wise, that was. And clearly she was graceful when not being thrown around by a raging psychopath. Her cheeks were different now and he tilted his head in silent confusion.
Why? Was she ill?
“No.” Zero said swiftly, raising a hand and waving a hand, like he was clearing the air around them. “The book…It was clearly my fault. I was…an inconsiderate idiot.” He huffed, feeling his pride being torn about before him. Why was he suddenly saying all this?! He glanced to the stacked pages. A new found determination set it.
“I’ll fix it and bind it, as well as speak to the library.” The butler offered, seemingly satisfied with his words. Then he was back to Bridgette and a thought crossed his mind. There was a word for this that the bigo–er—people around the mansion used. A relationship of sorts.
“Are we…friends?” Hopeful. “I’ve never had one. But I think I will like it.” He was so sure. It couldn’t be terrible…Everybody had them!
Zero’s offer to fix the book by binding it and then speaking to those that ran the library brought about a rare smile from the small french baker. It was generous, and to think she may never cook those delicious recipes again had made her react as she did earlier. Now, there was a new hope. Bridgette was not one to hold onto anger. It passed much like that of a winter storm, only to have the warm rays of sun – be it her smile that shone through at the end.
Bridgette had not moved from her place whilst speaking to Zero, so they were still standing so incredibly close. His animated hand gestures only added weight to his speech that he meant every word, and was sincere. It was all one could hope for really.
“Are we friends?…”I’ve never had one. But I think I will like it.” the Vampire butler said. Truth be told, the french maid had no friends in this house, and as she considered his question, she could not see the harm in it. They had met under the most bizarre of circumstances. She caused him to feel pain and then see color in his black and white world, while his rampaging had brought about the end of her beloved book. Now, they saw each other in a different light, and friendship could now blossom from the heady exchange of emotions.
“Oui…we…can be friends, Zero..” There, she said it. A truce and a new friendship. “You ..are my first..er..friend. My only..” Those words were true. She had not allowed anyone close to her until now. Perhaps this was a good change for both of them.
“Shall…we go to …the library?” Bridgette thought they might have book binding equipment there. One never knew until they looked.
Ember reassured him that he did not have to keep apologizing. And with a sigh, he nodded his head and decided to accept it as it was. She told him she would have done it herself if he had not, which frightened him a bit. Only God knew what would have happened to her if she tried to oppose that brute. Ember was a bit fierce and, but to him, also fragile. He could not let her get hurt or he would be devastated. She was the first he had connected with like this so far. So he wanted to treasure it.
She told him to quickly get things done so they may go on and put these around the place. With a nod of his head, he worked quickly and got the vases done. Picking three up in his arms, he thought as to where to put these at. He looked over at Ember before speaking.
Ember looked at the vases of flowers thinking. “Well we can put some in the dinning room. Though the two that left went in there so might want to wait a bit.” She bit her lip thinking. “Maybe put some in the halls.” She said. “Where do you want to put some?” She asked him. She did want to avoid rooms where others were.
She fluttered her wings lightly. “We could use some more color all over but I dont want to have to cut that many flowers. If we did there would be no flowers in the garden. Maybe we could see if Ophelia could get some bright false flowers for us to use everywhere else. “It would still add color without harming the actual flowers.” She told him. She picked up some of the vases and smelled the sweet flowers.
Alexander noticed her reluctance to go anywhere right now as the place was mostly crowded with the other members of the household. It was during such a time that they all came out of their chambers and wandered the social areas. More than honestly, he did not really wish to be in the presence of any of them currently either.
“I think we can wait and rest for a bit. While we are at it, we can even prepare something for ourselves to enjoy while being here. I dislike dining in a place where i must socialize with multiple people. It is a headache.’
He placed the pots back down and offered her a smile before going to check the counters for anything they would have available to prepare for themselves.
Happiness.
It felt like the rays from the sunlight that’d he once hated. It made the events and the ill feelings slowly drain away. It made him a bit sick to think about this mushy gushy fluttering when Bridgette accepted the proposal to become friends. He tried not to smile, but never the less his lips twitched upwards ever so slightly.
Good. They were together alone. It was odd to put it that way but with both of them lacking friendships it seemed to be the best description. He’d not have to go through the awkwardness alone, if there was any to be had. He imagined, per this friendship thing actually work out for the two of them, that they’d both look back onto this day and laugh. And that pleased him even more.
“Yes. The library. I’ve never been.”
Zero admitted. The whole time he’d existed in the mansion he hadn’t bothered to care or even inquire as to where the library was. He refused to cater to the patrons so other butlers had to go there. It was a place of knowledge and that was still something he was afraid of. The truth. Why they were here. Who they were. And so on and so forth.
“Lead the way.”
With that he stepped over to the pile of papers and selected them in his hands carefully, wondering what the nit picky librarians would say about this mess and he sighed a bit, hoping things didn’t get as tense as they had been. After Bridgette began to walk he’d follow her, staying slightly behind her and to the right so that he wasn’t just trailing along but could actually uphold a conversation with her.
“What is your favorite color?” He’d question after they departed the kitchens, hoping it’d be enough to keep up until their arrival.
[TC]
Ember nodded agreeing to wait for a little bit but the more they would wait the more people that would most likely show up. “I usually just sit and eat. No one really socializes with me. Well you seem to now but before you no one really even looked at me. Kinda hurt when they wouldnt notice I was there and hit my wings.” She said.
She looked around the kitchen and bit her lip. “I dont know how to cook really. And I dont know what we can fix that the chefs wont use. Dont really want to get in trouble with them.” she said. She looked around chewing her lip trying to think of what wasnt used just for cooking that could be quick to fix.
“Hm..i am not the best cook either..but i am sure we can try something…ah!”
Alexander replied as he was looking through the pantry until it struck him. There was one very simple dish that he could make with ease. Not something fancy, but he hoped it would satisfy Ember.
“Omelet, that i can make without turning the kitchen upside down. But, if it is not to your liking i can try to think of something else?”
Turning to face her, Alexander leaned against one of the counters and began to pull up his sleeves before going to wash his hands and grabbing some eggs. If she would agree, he would then ask her politely to pick the vegetables she liked to add to the dish. He was not a picky man. All vegetables were t his liking so anything she would choose would not be of a problem to him.
“An omelet sounds good.” Ember said. She looked around and thought of what was good on omelets. She got some tomatoes and a few spices and herbs as well as some ham and cheese. “From what I know all of these go great with omelets.” She told him wondering if he agreed or not.
She washed her hands carefully. After she was done she found a cutting board and started cutting the tomatoes up as well as chopping some of the herbs. She was trying to be careful not to cut herself. She had a feeling that she hadnt really cooked before she she was doing her best not to mess anything up. She was still worried that the cooks would come in and get mad.
Bridgette was a little surprised that the Vampire had never been to the library. She assumed that as he was a butler that he would have seen to ever part of the mansion. The French maid blinked, but then answered politely. ”It has a wealth of books on many…er thingz.” Though the maid herself had only stolen herself into the library a few times – the one time where she found the treasured cook book, she had to admit it was a place where you could go and find the most amazing treasures for the mind and heart. ”I can..take you.” Bridgette stepped back, her long skirt sweeping over the carpeted hall way. At first she was nervous to take a step forward, hesitating ever slightly. Then taking in a breath she started off in the direction of the library. Bridgette could feel the Vampire’s presence was close in behind her so she paced herself carefully. When she had time later, the young French baker would thank those two kind people that had stepped in earlier, and explain how quickly the quarrel had turned into something more.
Walking with her hands held together – fingers intertwined, Bridgette answered Zero’s question about what her favourite colour was. She actually slowed her pace and thought about this. The type of colour she liked might show an insight into her personality, and she was happy to respond.
”Gold. The colour of the morning sun as it comes…over the horizon. It…er…reprezentz….a new day…a new beginning.”As she was a baker, she always tried to get up before sunrise…just to see it. It was the one thing she could count on. Standing in the cool of the empty kitchen, the rays of golden light would welcome her every morning….like an old friend.
”We..are almost there.’ Bridgette said, turning the last corner to face the doorway to the Library. <3>
CharlotteCarrendar: – As dawn was fast approaching, it was not that hard to make out the farm house that was centred close to the gates of the sprawling 50 acre property. The vehicle drove along the gravel road before finally coming to rest not far from the veranda of the weathered farm house. For Rain, it was a sight for sore eyes. For Eve, it was a world to which she had never explored – knowing nothing but the insides of the Zen laboratories. Rain shut down the engine then clamoured out of the vehicle, landing with both feet firmly on the gravel drive. She left the door open for Adam as she sauntered up towards the veranda steps. Eve was not so quick to get out. More or less waiting for Adam to say it was okay. She was nowhere near as bold or cocky as Rain, but they were two different women entirely. The small techno puppy on Eve’s lap wagged its tail, as it too waited for Adam to say they could get out of the truck. Rain turned around on the first step and looked at the pair in the truck. ”Are you two coming, or not?” She wasn’t one for pleasantries that was for sure. <3>
IceTe3a: – It didn’t take long for them to arrive at his farm house, the armoured jeep kicking up a dust trail while it sped along the beaten down old dirt road. The 50 acres of farmland was thriving, without human touch, the grass was a luscious green that could be seen through the high beams of the jeeps lights. The farm animals of course kept the grass at a low height so everything worked perfectly together to keep the place alive and rich. Moments later the wooden farm cabin showed up in front of them, the jeep came to a slow roll as Rain cut the engine. He sat there waiting as Rain stepped out of the car and walked off, he smiled lightly as he leaned towards Eve “Don’t mind her… She doesn’t know any better.” he of course was making an excuse for Rain’s behaviour towards him. Stepping out of the jeep he turned to face the inside of the jeep and leaned in to look at eve with a smile “Come on, it’s fine here. No one is ever out this far”He knew Eve would come out of the jeep now and follow him, as he closed the driver’s side door with a solid thud. “Yeah.. Yeah.. “ he glanced over to Rain who was waiting impatiently. Walking up in front of her, he opened the door and walked inside, it had a low glow to it from the lights as he looked around everything seemed in place. A rather old sofa sat in front of the fire place, a rather large deer head hung over the fireplace with a rug in front. A small kitchenette and a single bedroom, he turned around and looked at Rain with a smirk knowing she wouldn’t be impressed with the “Safehouse”.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Eve was quick to follow along behind Adam after he had assured her that everything would be okay. Still wearing her lab gear and sensible shoes, she did look totally out of place with her surrounds. Rain on the other hand was dressed for it. She entered the wooden cabin, which was sparsely decorated. Her first thought when she saw the deer head, sticking out of the wall. ~He decorated this~ It had a man’s touch. A hunter. Certainly nothing girly about it in the slightest. From the worn couch or sofa that was located near the fire place, to the small kitchenette. Wandering further in, she found that there was only one single bedroom. Rain turned around and counted herself, Eve and Adam. ”There’s only one bed. Where are we all meant to sleep?” Rain asked, looking slightly miffed. She didn’t want to spend another night on the floor, not after the last sleep near the filing cabinet. Eve on the other hand, marvelled at the insides of the cabin. Going as far to place down the techno puppy and explore. Even reaching out to touch the deer’s head and try to look inside its mouth. She wasn’t worried about where to sleep. Eve normally shut down in a chair. Rain looked at Eve oddly, as she found her behaviour to be strange. <3>
IceTe3a: -He arched a brow as he heard Rain complain, he knew this was going to happen as he shook his head. Walking to the centre of the room he was about to do something but stopped as his eyes caught Eve, she was curious of the deer head, she had never seen anything outside of the labs before and he smirked slightly. “It’s a deer, plenty of them on the property I have quite a few animals on here actually, you’re welcome to see them tomorrow” glancing back at Rain who still looked un impressed he smirked “You’re going to sleep where I tell you to “ That was a bold statement coming from him, when she could simply shut him down with a touch of her fingers. Pressing his heel of his right foot down, it hits a pressure pad that you would never be able to see as a hissing sound started to echo the room a rather large hidden door popped out of the floor and slid forward, fully mechanized as it showed a hidden staircase “We all have our tricks, mine are just better, come on you two. It’s getting late, we need to get some rest anyway I’ll give you the full tour tomorrow. For now, we’ll need sleep with that he walked down the staircase, disappearing into the floor; as he came down the stairs and finally hit the end of the staircase a rather solid large door stood in front of him, a red beam shot across the room as it scanned everyone. Now that Rain had forced her way into his systems her and Eve were now on the security listing as well, the door gave the green light as it opened up with a hiss. Stepping inside it was like another world, the underground bunker stretched on for ages; to be exact it was a football field and half long and wide. “ Fully equipped science and research labs that make Zen’s look like a kids toy.. a kitchen and mess hall, armory and training room, Central operations room, a garage with a exit drive.. hidden of course. he was walking down the hall and pointing in the direction of each location, this place was really big he had enlisted the help of some black market people to gather what he needed down here and hired people to build it all. It took quite awhile for it to be set up but once it was done, he killed everyone that helped.. no sense having a secret safe house if people knew the location, anyone that knew about it was now dead this entire place was that off the grid Zen and the rebels could not find it if they pulled their resources together to look for it. Opening a door close to the Science labs he looked at Eve as the door swung open and showed a fully furnished large room, with a walk in bathroom and closet, it had its own personal coms system and computers all hooked up to the network “ Eve, this is your room from now on, it’s close to the science labs, which I think you’ll claim as your own. We’ll see you in the morning, feel free to explore the labs before you turn in for the night, they are that way” he smiled lightly and pointed in the direction of the labs knowing she would go check them out, leaving Eve behind he continued to walk around for awhile knowing Rain was behind him as he came to a stop in front of another door. Opening the door up it showed a rather larger room, with a large bathroom, walk in closet and fully furnished with a bed. Turning to look at Rain he smirked as he nodded behind him [/b] this is my room, your room.. is across the hall [/b] he pointed across the hall at a door opposite to his, knowing full well it was a broom closet he turned around and walked into his room closing the door behind him. Oh she was going to be pissed off, he knew that much but it was worth it, chuckling quietly to himself he tore his shirt off and lit a cigarette as he took in a deep drag.
CharlotteCarrendar: – ”Deer…here?” Eve asked, her eyes widening as she had been touching the trophy like head of the one above the fire place. She thought it was beautiful and so clever how it was sticking out of the wall as it was. Adam promised that he would take her to see them the next day, and this brought a big smile from Eve, who moved her finger up to her glasses and pushed them up the bridge of her nose. Adam was ever so polite to Eve, but the same could not be said for Rain, who was told in no uncertain terms that she would sleep where he told her too. You could hear the audible growl come from her, but in the face of company, she didn’t act on her anger. Rather, she followed Adam along when he decided to show the real hide out. The wooden cabin at the top was nothing more than a cover for what lay beneath. When the opening appeared in the floor with the stair well, Rain was quick to follow Adam down. Eve took a moment longer. Snatching up the techno pup and then giving the deer head a pat, before making her way down the stairs. What met them both was simply astonishing. An underground bunker, the likes that would have the Zen salivating. One man could not have built all this on their own, that was for sure. ”Woah.” Rain uttered, clearly gobsmacked by the sheer size of it. Eve just smiled and fell in behind Adam as he gave something of a small tour. What grabbed Eve’s attention was the science lab. It was just like being home. She walked slowly around it, taking it all in – till Adam opened a door that was to be her room. Running right off the science lab, it had its own bathroom and a large spacious bedroom with computers and a networking station. Happily, Eve entered the room, and then wished Adam and Rain a good night, closing the door behind her. With her out of the way, Rain wanted to know where she was to sleep. Everyone had a room but her. What she got…was a door on the other side of Adam’s room. All he did was gesture to it, and then left her to her own devices. Rain wandered over and opened the door, only to find it was a broom closet. From within Adam’s room, he was sure to hear the enraged scream of Rain. Clearly frustrated at being treated so poorly. But really, she kind of deserved it. In Eve’s room, she set down the techno pup on the computer desk and then wandered about the room, looking in every cupboard and drawer. She was so new to all this, but she felt oddly secure. Maybe it was because she was close to her charge. Either way, she was a lot happier than Rain. Moving for the bed, she took off her lab coat, and draped it on the edge, before crawling up on the bed. This…was a first. She had seen others sleep properly but she never had a bed. So she laid her head down and smiled as she said. ”Systems..shut down.” and closed her eyes. <3>
IceTe3a: – Standing there in the middle of the room, he heard Rain’s abuse and screams as he arched a brow knowing full well of the hell he just unleashed “I’m going to need a bigger gun.. he said softly to himself. Walking over to his bed side table he opened the draw and pulled out a fresh bottle of whiskey opening the cap he let it roll onto the floor as he took a swig “Well over deserved this is” So he was finally here, in his safe house it hadn’t been used for quite some time, but now it was busy with people. His room of course was the largest room; it was dead centre in the building allowing him easy access to all areas but really close to the command centre. Turning as he sat on the bed, he laid down on his back, cigarette in his mouth and a bottle of whiskey in the other as he switched between the two, taking a drag of smoke and a swig of whiskey. A calm sigh escaped his lips he knew they needed to make plans, but for tonight and tomorrow everyone could settle in and relax for awhile, it was a well earned break everyone needed; something he thought everyone needed to do from time to time. Glancing at the door, Rain was still out there chucking a fit, he knew he was in for it as he took one last gulp of whiskey setting the bottle down on the bed side table as he took in a large drag of cigarette. First he called her a dead root and refused to help her than he did this he was really testing his limits with her “I should lock that door.. he said trying to reassure himself.
CharlotteCarrendar: – After marching back and forth, with a broom in her hand that she had taken out of the broom closet, or what was assigned as her room, Rain was showing a foul temper. How dare Eve get her own room, with all the mod cons, while Rain got a broom closet. No, this was not going to do. She turned to face Adam’s door and then tossed the broom to the side, letting it clatter to the floor. Marching over she put her hand on the door handle and oddly enough, it wasn’t locked. She pushed the door open and saw the wonderful bedroom that was more than enough for two people at least. Seeing Adam enjoying a bottle of whiskey and his cigarettes – clearly relaxing, Rain started. ”You really think I am going to sleep in a broom closet? Listen, I’m not the one that can sleep standing up. Maybe you…or Eve can, but I can’t.” She pushed up her sleeves and then went around to his side of the bed. She took the bottle of whiskey and knocked it back, drinking a good few mouthfuls, before letting out a gasp since it burnt her throat. The buzz from that gave her the courage to do…what she had been planning to do for some time. She reached out for his pressure pad on the side of his head and let her fingers dance as she leaned in and whispered. ”Remember that cutting comment you made, that I was a dead root. Well, now…its payback time.” Rain coded for him to lay on the bed, as she started to take off her shirt, doing something off a strip tease, till she was down to just her bra and panties. Yep, you guessed it, she went and mounted Adam, straddling him as he lay there, defenceless. ”Now, let’s see what kind of a root you are.” From the outside of Adam’s room, you could hear the sounds of Rain well and truly getting her rocks off with Adam. She used him…and she used him well. The poor guy. Even the techno pup in the next room pricked its ears up at Rain’s loud cries of passion. <3>
IceTea: He heard more yelling and shouting coming from outside, it was getting worse as suddenly he heard something slam against the floor “Ahh.. shit he was about to get up as the door swung open, and Rain came screaming in about how it was unfair Eve got a room and she didn’t Rain almost came off jealous, was she jealous he treated Eve better than her? ” Are you jealous of Eve?! he said out to her as she came over stealing his whiskey, he sighed as he took one last drag before she started on him again, this time her hands went for the side of his heads “Hey don’t you even tr.. her fingertips reached his pressure pads before he could finish his dispute of her doing this, it rendered him unable to talk or move, as he felt her briefly inside of his systems, she let go and started to strip as he watched her helplessly. Noticing he was unable to move, he realized she had turned off his ability to move around freely. She stood before him in her bra and panties as she whispered about pay back for the dead root comment, and then stating how she was going to find out what kind of root he was. She wouldn’t.. he thought to himself, straddling him rather quickly as she took him into her, she started to ride him hard as she used him to pleasure herself. He could feel her weight crashing down on him as she screamed out and moaned in pleasure, oh she was going to get it for this one as he watched her helplessly unable to move away from her he was forced to lay there and wait until she was done pleasuring herself, this was going to be a long night.. her skin rubbing up against him, he had warned her not to touch him and this time she went way too far, her hips swaying as she went up and down not bothering to check on him, or care if he was in any sort of discomfort or pain, she was in her own world and hardly registered him as she continued to use him.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Rain let out a loud cowgirl like whooping sound when she was finished, and then smirked as she tapped the pressure pads on his head and this would allow him to move and respond, if he so dared. She rolled off him and then decided to lay down beside him. A happy look on her face. It felt good, not so much from the sexual side of things, but that she got her own back, for all the nasty things he had done and said to her. ”Night Adam.” she whispered before closing her eyes, and trying to drift off to sleep. What a bitch. <3>
IceTea: Finally she had finished as she let him loose and rolled off of him, a happy look on her face as she said good night, shaking his head he came to a stand as he headed for the shower. “That much of a dead root you need to force yourself on guys huh” she may have felt happy about what she did, but he was about to give it back to her. Not one to back down from confrontation and that’s what this was, a power struggle to show who was lead, who was alpha out of the two of them, and it was a constant battle. He walked into the bathroom as he turned on the shower and stripped what clothing he had left on, simple name calling wasn’t going to be enough, not this time as he was going to teach her a valuable lesson. As he was in the shower his hues HUD flashed up as he connected to the network in his room, activating his room speakers he smirked. She forgot he still had recording of the large storm in him, as he played it loudly through the rooms speakers, it’s a good thing each room is sound proofed, as he started to wash himself he chuckled as the storm played through the speakers and thundered through the room “Night Rain he chuckled.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Fear. Something that was Rain’s biggest problem and her weakness was storms. Adam knew this and he remembered exactly how she reacted the last time. Laying in the bed, smug in what she had done, she patted the pillow and tried to go to sleep not thinking that Adam would pull that dastardly trick again. But, in the comfort of the shower, he decided that now was the time for payback. Yes, this was a constant game of tit for tat, and a power struggle that continued to go on between them. With the first sound of thunder rolling through the room’s speakers, Rain sat up like a shot. How could that sound possibly reach them from above? Surely it was sound proofed. But then the full force of the storm noise hit. This sent Rain into meltdown. She grabbed the pillow and lay down with it over her head, trying to muffle out the sounds. Her body went into foetal position as she started to cry from the fear of the storm. Now..who was the bastard? Adam was going to love this. <3>
IceTea: He walked out of the shower fully naked and dripping wet, walking into the room he stood near the bed as he looked down at her smirking, he knew her weakness it shut her down as fast as she could turn him off, they were evenly matched as he watched her fear for her life under the pillow. He almost felt sorry for her as she shivered out of fear, sighing he pulled a pair of pants on and laid down on his side of the bed. Turning the storm recording off he pulled her up to lay pressed to his chest, comforting her. This was a first for them both but he wasn’t going to go so low and exploit her fears, even if he was only equipment to her he didn’t mind as he had grown use to it. “I’m sorry, that was a low blow on my behalf “ he sighed and reached over and grabbed the whiskey bottle as he wrapped an arm under her and over her side keeping her close to him. Taking a sip he sighed as he offered her the bottle, staring up at the ceiling he smirked“You were a interesting root, I’ll give you that, thought you’d last longer though.” a slight chuckle escapes his lips as he looked down to her.
CharlotteCarrendar: – For once it seemed that they had gone against each other and pushed each other’s limits. But now, with Rain genuinely showing her real fear and being unable to control her reaction, she did look pretty sad, when Adam came out of the bathroom. The biggest shock for Rain, was when Adam took it upon himself to actually comfort her as she shivered from the fear of the storm. He turned off the storm recording and the room fell into silence, aside from her soft whimpering. His arm curled around her and with her head to his chest, she reacted as someone frightened would. Rain clung to him, barely hearing that he said he was sorry. She desperately needed comfort, something she had not had in a very long time. As he took another swig from the whiskey bottle, he then paid her a compliment, though it was done so with a bit of cheek. Thought she could stay in the saddle a bit longer. This had her bring her head up from his chest. The look she gave him was different from all the other times. Before, she looked upon him as an object – a machine. This time, there was relief. His chuckle was actually endearing. Finding humor in the situation at last, she then came back with.”There’s always next time.” This was said quietly, and she continued to snuggle into Adam. Her fingers strummed lightly across his stomach. A truce of sorts? Perhaps. They did work better together, than when they were not trying to tear each other apart. <3>
IceTea: He smirked hearing the only thing she was willing to say, “There sure is” he looked down at her and smiled as he took another drag of his cigarette. His right hand slowly strokes her hair as she clung to his chest, she needed the touch of another human to calm her down, this was obvious and since he took it this far it was up to him to comfort her back to her normal bitchy self. Tomorrow would see them both acting like normal no doubt as he put the cigarette out on the ashtray on the bedside table, he had to wonder what was going through her head right now; knowing full well the thing she thought as her equipment she was now clinging to for comfort, he shifted his weight as he pulled her up closer. Her head and part of her upper torso was now resting on his chest as he closed his eyes “Sleep now, I’ll be here the entire night “ he said in a low tone to reassure her that everything was fine. It was irony that now he had two girls he had to protect, one was a bad assed rough bitch and the other was a sheltered doctor who was sweeter than honey itself. Rain and himself did just take a big step in their friendship but even though there may be times of peace she would always see him for what he was, equipment; but slowly he was growing use to how she treated and acted around him.
News of Simone’s pregnancy is getting about town, and for one Pandora LaRue – she is in for a real shock when she stops by her old apartment building to pick up her stuff. Can someone say “Cat fight?” Welcome to Lipstick Lies!
After a peaceful night’s sleep wrapped in her boyfriend’s arms, Pandora was the first to awake the next morning. As she stared down at Brock’s sleeping visage, she couldn’t help but smile warmly. It had been a trying two weeks for the both of them and she was beginning to think that their relationship was a lot stronger then it had been previously.
She would have liked to have spent the morning wrapped in his arms, but she had a lit to do this day and couldn’t spend it like she wanted to. Carefully extracting herself from his arms, she pressed a light kiss to his cheek before going to take a shower.
He was still asleep when she came out, drying her hair. Shaking her head, she dressed for the day in a floral print top and a pair of blue jeans. Grabbing a piece of hotel stationary, she scrawled a quick note for Brock and left it on her pillow so he would see it when he woke.
Grabbing her keys and wallet, she headed for the taxi stand in front of the hotel. Fortunately for her, Denise and George had fallen asleep in their car and were unaware of the fact that she’d left.
——
Escala Apartments
Unlocking the security lock to the building, she stopped at the mailboxes in the hall to collect her mail, making a mental note to go to the post office to put a hold on any future mail until she and Brock were settled in their home. As she walked by Apartment 1A, Louis poked his head out of the door, a smile on his face.
“Hey, Pandora. Where’ve you been? I haven’t seen you in a while. Wanna come in?” he greeted her.
Usually she would rather walk away from him as quickly as she could, but he’d been a constant presence in her life since the day she moved into the building, and in her own way, she would miss him when she was gone.
“Hi, Louis. Sorry about that. I went to Hawaii for a vacation for a few weeks. Just got back late last night.”
“Fun in the sun. Sounds like you had a good time.”
“It was…” she smiled wistfully, “…an experience.”
“You heading upstairs?”
“Yeah. I need to pick up some of my things and turn in my keys.”
“You’re leaving?” he gaped, stepping into the hall.
“Unfortunately, yeah.”
“But…why?” he was truly bewildered.
“Bad memories.”
“Oh. That thing with Simone?” Pandora stared at him.
“What? Who told you?”
“Genie Simpson.” Pandora slapped her forehead with a groan. Genie Simpson was the building’s biggest gossip and was the winner of the “Nosiest Neighbor Award” 8 years running. “She was walking past Simone and Erica’s apartment that day. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.” Pandora sighed, wishing the woman had kept it to herself.
“So…how are you handling…you know…” Now that had Pandora frowning.
“Handling…what?” Pandora wondered.
“Simone’s pregnancy.” Pandora nearly dropped her mail and keys in horrified shock.
“What?” she whispered.
“I heard them talking about it.”
“How?”
“They have a vent in their apartment that’s linked to one in mine…I heard them talking about it.” He saw the look on her face and knew he’d just made a colossal error. “You…didn’t know…I’m so sorry.”
“I’ve…gotta go now. Bye Louis.” Pandora turned and headed for the elevators in a complete state of shock. One thought repeated itself over and over in her head.
The door to apartment 3C opened slowly, and the first in was a blotchy faced Simone, followed by a silent Erica. Simone immediately made a bee line for the refrigerator and opened the freezer section. She reached in and then pulled out a tub of cookie dough ice cream. Her favorite. Holding her tub in one hand, she tries to break the seal as Erica comes around the corner.
“No…not again.” Erica says, taking the ice cream off Simone and placing it back in the freezer. “We really need to talk.” Erica’s expression was now stern as Simone slinked back in to the kitchen. It was plain to see that Simone was scared to talk about it. Erica took Simone’ s hands and held them. “You are three months pregnant. That is the first tri mester out of the way. You can’t have an abortion. You need to start looking at other options, cause if I know you and I do there is no way you are going to be able to take care of a baby, let alone yourself.”
Simone pulled her hands out from Erica’s grasp and turned away from her, feeling the hot sting of tears on her cheeks again. “Why do you keep saying that? I can make a good home for a baby. I work.” This may have been true, but her work was modelling and also being a musical dancer both of which were long hours and strenuous. Erica had seen this happen before and with many on her books in the office. “A baby needs a mother and a father. How sure are you that Wolfgang will even admit to being the father. Honestly Simone, what were you thinking?” Erica headed into the lounge area just off from the kitchenette. Simone chewed her lip. She really didn’t know much about him at all, mainly cause he was a one night stand.
“Do you have his number?” Erica asked, picking up the phone and offering it to Simone. Simone shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe…but he might be on the road..you know how those rock stars are.” Simone was trying to avoid calling him, as it would be different to speak to him when they were both sober. “Call him.” Erica insisted, tossing the phone to Simone, who caught it in a bit of a juggle. “Fine!” Simone answered, going off to get her bag and her black book. Yes, Simone actually had a black book. She sat down on the couch and flicked through the book, finding his number after about two minutes. Sighing she punched in the number and waited. The phone rang for a minute before it was picked up.
“Hello, Chantelle speaking.”
“Oh I was after Wolfgang, is he in?”
“No dear, this is his Wife. He is currently in London on a tour. Mind if I ask who is calling?”
The blood from Simone’s face suddenly drained and she coughed before replying. “Oh this is just…uhm…Erica Stanton from Vogue in Seattle. Just let him know I called about a feature article. Bye!” Simone hung up quickly as Erica was about to scream at her. “What did you use my name for?”
“Because his WIFE answered the phone. I didn’t know he was married.”
“All the good ones ARE either married or gay. Well. Looks like you are on your own on this one.”
Simone fell back in the couch and covered her eyes with her arm. “Could this get any worse?”
Pandora felt like she was swimming through molasses. Simone was pregnant! kept repeating itself over and over in her mind. She didn’t know what to think, what to feel. Was the baby Brock’s? Was that the whole reason Simone slept with him? To trap him into some sort of relationship with her because she couldn’t keep a man of her own?
It was disgusting.
Slamming her way into her apartment, her temper at a boiling point, she let out a scream of rage so powerful it could be heard on the street below. She began tearing through the apartment, throwing her things into boxes she’d brought with her, not even noticing in her anger that she’d melted her tea kettle.
She stacked her boxes in the hall before sticking the keys in an envelope and taking them to the Grey’s penthouse. She dropped the envelope in the mail slot there before she turned and left.
She had called a storage company to come for her things and they’d arrived while she was dropping off the keys. She paid them for their services before they left.
She had a final piece of business to take care of before she left the building for good.
Rolling up her sleeves, she took the elevator to the 3rd floor and apartment C.
The anger radiating from her was thick and the temperature in the hall was steadily rising. She raised a fist and pounded on the door, stepping back to wait to see if it was answered.
Simone was curled up on the couch – her feet drawn up under her and clutching a satin red lips pillow as she watched Bold and the Beautiful on the television. Why she bothered with such crap often baffled Erica who believed that Simone’s life was far more entertaining than any soap opera. Every now and again, you could hear Simone sniffle and mutter something about not investing in enough condoms, when there was a loud pounding on the door. Erica happened to be already up and around, and glanced at the door as she was making some hot cocoa.
“You expecting anyone, Sim?” Erica asked, a bit worried about the sound on the pounding on the door.
“You don’t owe anyone money do you, Sim?’ Erica now picked up a baseball bat as she edged to the door slowly, all the while glancing back at Simone, who again was shaking her head, before drawing herself up smaller on the couch. This was a tense moment, as Erica unlocked the door, and then when she opened it, got the shock of her life to see Pandora of all people on the door step….and looking absolutely pissed off.
“Hello Panda….what a…surprise to see you here.”
Simone peeked up from the couch and saw the look on Pandora’s face. After today, she was not at all ready to deal with her and sung out. “I really don’t want to see anyone now. You can show me your holiday pictures some other time.”
Simone then waved her hand as she turned up the volume on the TV. Erica shrugged her shoulders and tried to close the door in Pandora’s face.
Erica was the one to open the door but it was Simone whom Pandora’s gaze landed on.
“Hello Panda….what a…surprise to see you here.” Erica stated. Pandora kept her eyes on Simone, who was staring back at her. Pandora noticed the woman was looking a bit strung out, but she didn’t give two shits. This confrontation was a long time coming.
“I really don’t want to see anyone now. You can show me your holiday pictures some other time.”
Erica tried to close the door, but Pandora was beyond caring what anyone wanted. Her palm slapped against the door with an almost painful thud and she shoved her way past Erica into the apartment.
She slapped a hand over the power button on the television, turning it off. The silence in the apartment was oppressive. Pandora glared at Erica.
“Leave. This is between Simone and myself.”
Not caring if Erica heeded her words or not, she turned her angry gaze back to Simone.
“Answer me one question…and your answer will depend on whether or not I continue speaking to you or not.” Pandora stated. She waited several heartbeats before she spoke again. “Is it Brock’s?”
Erica was practically pushed into the wall as the door was propelled open by an enraged Pandora. You could hear the oomph as Erica took the force of the door between her and the wall. She couldn’t believe that Pandora could be such an utter bitch and followed her into the lounge, only to watch her switch off the TV set power button. Simone threw away the red lips pillow and pointed at the blackened screen.
“I was watching that!”
Erica came up along side Pandora to try and get her to leave Simone alone, but before she could get a word in, she was shut down by Pandora.
“Leave. This is between Simone and myself.”
Rolling her eyes, and rubbing her sore chest, she stormed out of the room, only to be in her room with her ear to the wall, not wanting to miss this. Obviously, Pandora had issues with Simone, little did either girl know what Pandora had heard. Simone got up off the couch and put her hands on her hips, her baby bump quite visible.
“You really have got a nerve, Pandora.” She said with hostility in her voice.
“Answer me one question…and your answer will depend on whether or not I continue speaking to you or not.”
That sentence alone had Simone’s jaw drop. As far as she knew they weren’t speaking since Pan refused to answer her texts. Simone cocked her head to the right side and then said. “Ask away.” This day couldn’t get any worse than it already was. There was a few minutes of silence between them…and then;
“Is it Brock’s?”
At first, Simone let out a laugh that was more like she was releasing her breath. So that was it. The word of her pregnancy finally reached the fiery Pandora. Simone ran her tongue over her top lip, and then she narrowed her eyes and said back coolly. “Would you like it to be?” She then rolled her eyes and picked up a rock magazine that was on the coffee table with a picture on the cover of one Wolfgang Ritz. She then showed it to Pandora.
“It’s his. I was already pregnant when Brock fucked me on the bathroom floor. Next question?” She said, as she tossed the magazine back on the table.
“Would you like it to be?” Simone snapped back. Pandora inhaled a breath, struggling to calm herself. No matter how she was feeling at the moment, Simone was pregnant and Pandora was doing her level best not to completely lose her temper.
“To put it bluntly…no.” Pandora stated. Simone snorted and picked up a magazine, handing it Pandora. On the cover was famous rock star, Wolfgang Ritz.
“It’s his. I was already pregnant when Brock fucked me on the bathroom floor. Next question?”
Well…that effectively deflated Pandora’s temper, but only slightly. Sighing, she sat down on the coffee table.
“Why did you do it? You had…dozens of men at your beck and call, and you knew how I felt about Brock. Were you that unhappy?” Pandora wondered. “When I saw the two of you that day…it felt like someone ripped my heart out of my chest and smashed it into a billion pieces. It didn’t make it any better for the fact that you were my best friend. If it had been a stranger I caught him with…I don’t think my reaction would have been no less fierce, but I could have handled it better then I did.” She took Simone’s hands. “You were like a sister to me, Simone…and you broke my heart just as effectively as Brock did. And I’m trying to understand it. Help me understand it because…I want my sister back.” Unbidden, tears sprang into her eyes as Pandora relived the pain of Simone’s betrayal.
The tension in the room was still quite fierce, but with Simone now admitting that it was not Brock’s the reaction that came from Pandora was totally unexpected. To be honest, Simone thought she might set fire to the drapes. Instead, she sunk down onto the coffee table, right next to the brooding face of Wolfgang on the magazine cover.
“Why did you do it? You had…dozens of men at your beck and call, and you knew how I felt about Brock. Were you that unhappy?”
This was a question and a half. Simone went to pick up the red lipstick cushion and then sat down opposite Pandora.
“Do I ever think before I do anything?’
In the bedroom you can hear Erica sing out. “No.” At this, Simone points towards the bedroom and nods in agreement. “I honestly don’t even know why I did it. All I know…is..it happened. Did I do it to spite you? No. Not intentionally. I am pretty sure Brock would say the same. “ She sighed and pulled the cushion closer to her. “He was just one in a long line of mistakes.” Erica appeared in the doorway. She knew everything that was going on, and felt that she needed to be involved. “Wolfgang is married. He will never admit to Simone’s baby being his. So…Simone is pretty much on her own on this. Well, aside from me, but you know..”
Erica went back to the kitchen where she was making beverages, but was in ear shot.
As Pandora took Simone’s hands, Simone jerked in a reflex almost scared to be touched that way. Seeing Pandora near tears and saying she wanted to have her sister back made Simone’s chin tremble. Clearly, Pandora had forgiven Brock, though they went through hell and back to do it. This was different. Simone lowered her head, mumbling under her breath.
“I can’t take back what I did. And saying I’m sorry isn’t really enough, is it? She knitted her brow, as Erica walked over with a tray of coffee cups, and biscuits. She set it down and then sat down next to Simone. She rubbed Simone’s back and then glanced over at Pandora. “Simone is going to have to earn your trust back, and I’ll make sure she does that.”
Simone rubbed her thumbs over Pandora’s hands and whispered. “i’m really sorry, Panda.”
Erica, who was eavesdropping, poked her head into the room to lend Simone a bit of support before ducking into the kitchen. When Pandora touch Simone’s hands, Simone jerked in surprise, but Pandora let it go.
“I can’t take back what I did. And saying I’m sorry isn’t really enough, is it?”
“It’s a start.” Pandora stated. Erica popped back into the room with a tray of coffee and cookies.
“Simone is going to have to earn your trust back, and I’ll make sure she does that.”
“I’m really sorry, Panda.”
And Pandora knew that she was. “It’s a start, sweetie.” she nodded, her anger completely gone in the face of reclaiming a long-time friendship. She got to her feet and pulled Simone into a hug. “I can’t stay. I’m meeting Brock for lunch but if you need anything, you let me know. Alright?” After getting the okay, Pandora nodded to Erica and took her leave, sighing with relief once she was alone in the hall. She refrained from doing a little happy dance, it was so undignified. But she did take a moment to slide down the railing of the stairs to the second floor.
Orson had not yet returned from taking his brother Brock and girlfriend Pandora to the hotel, leaving Erica to be a bit concerned in his absence. She had been standing out on the balcony staring down at the traffic with the cool breeze tussling her hair lost in her own thoughts. Orson was the perfect guy for her, in her mind. She wasn’t really ready for anything permanent or even to get married, and he seemed to love the casual nature of their relationship. It was surprising then to find that his brother Brock was quite the opposite. With the slip up of course, with her best friend and roomie Simone. Again Erica found herself being reminded of Simone’s situation. Pregnancy. With Brock as a possible father. Oh she could feel the onsetting of drama a mile away. Not being able to see Orson’s car down below, she pushed herself from the guard rail and wandered inside, only to see Simone lazing on the couch with a large bucket of cookie dough ice cream. She did this. Eating Ice cream when she was stressed. Her eyes were glued to the television, and she was still in her pyjamas.
“That is going to make you fat.” Erica said, standing with her hands on hips. Simone held a spoon up that had a good wad of ice cream on it. “I beg to differ. The thing inside of me…that is going to make me fat.”
Erica moved to sit next to Simone, and took the bucket of ice cream away. Spoon and all. She then turned to face a gobsmacked looking Simone.
“My ice cream!”
“Simone…when are you going to stop running from your problems? You gotta deal with…this.” Erica patted Simone’s belly, and this had Simone pout. “I’m scared too.” At least she was being honest about that fact. Erica pulled back and set the ice cream bucket on the table. Her friend meant everything to her, but damn she got herself in some pickles.
“You need to see a doctor about this. Find out how far you are…so you can work out who the father is.”
“I know…I know.”
“Brock and Pandora are back in town. Together. What are you going to do if the baby is his?”
This was an unsettling thought. She had not spoken to Pandora, or Brock since that fateful night, when she was caught on the floor with Brock in a compromising position. The guilt and shame were still getting to her, and now she believed she was pregnant due to karma being a bitch. Truth was, she should have been more careful.
“I …I don’t know.”
Erica was not going to put up with this anymore. She decided to take charge. Some one had too. She got up and went to get the phone book, and started to search for the nearest gynecologist. Simone reached for the bucket of ice cream and Erica growled at her. “Enough…okay?”
Simone pouted and curled up on the corner of the lounge, as Erica went to call a doctor’s office.
“Doctor Benson’s office. Can I help you?”
“Yes please, can I make an appointment for Miss Simone Jackson in regards to her pregnancy?”
The receptionist was incredibly helpful, getting a scheduled appointment for Simone for 9am the next day. Once Erica had written down the details, she thanked the woman and hung up. With a concerned face, she then said.
“9am..Doctor Benson’s clinic, down on fifth. Oh, and before you argue with me, i am coming too.”
Every now and again you witness an event that truly touches your heart. These two lads are beyond a doubt the future of rap. Bars and Meldoy simply blew the lid off the Britain’s got Talent auditorium, with a rap and lyrics they wrote themselves about anti bullying. If you are waking up to this, it will make you smile for the rest of your day. ❤ Enjoy.
“No, it makes you a woman who loves so deeply, that even after this sort of circumstance, that you give hope that maybe there will be a new chance. Your anger was justified in every way, but when our anger is gone, we are left with the realization of what is left, and what can be salvaged. If you open your heart to him….and he to you, there is no reason why you can’t give love a second chance. And I am sure, he loves you more than you possibly could ever imagine.”
His words, when spoken in such a way, gave her just a tiny shred of hope that maybe, one day, she could salvage her friendship with Simone. It would be a long time before she could trust the sexy blonde again…but she treasured the friendship she had for Pandora was one who didn’t make friends easily.
Brock, though, was a whole other matter. He betrayed her trust in the worst way possible and she just didn’t know how they were going to get past it.
She stepped away from Jason, grateful for his presence, but feeling like she’d invaded his personal space, and sat down on the edge of her bed. But she also felt like she had gained a new friend. That he was her doctor, and had extraordinary powers like herself, and that he would keep her secrets, was just the icing on the cake.
“I don’t want to go home just yet. I know I should, but I need time. And the airline paid for my stay here. I don’t want to seem ungrateful.” She looked down at her now castless foot, the material having burned away when she had blown up the parking lot earlier. “And look…all healed.” she chuckled, wiggling her foot and ankle around, surprised she could still laugh under the circumstances. She looked at Jason from beneath her hair. “Thanks, Doc.” Those two words…a cupful of meaning.
Thanks for helping me, thanks for being there for me, thank you for being a friend.
Watching her step back from him, Jason folded his arms over and listened to how she wasn’t ready to go home yet. The airline having paid for her stay was a gesture she didn’t want to waste. That was a fair call, and he couldn’t help but agree. When she showed off her healed foot by wiggling it around, Jason went down on one knee and decided to inspect it for himself. With gentle and cool hands he held her foot and checked the bones with his fingers, pressing the pressure points, and looking up at her reactions. She was pretty sure it was healed, by the giggles that came from her. Now certain that was the case, he patted her foot before setting it down, and then rose up to standing.
The gentle thanks offered by Panora from beneath her veil of hair was greeted with. “You’re quite welcome. I’ll get the resort to put my fee on the overall bill to your room.” Course he was joking about that part and gave a bit of a wink, before heading towards the door.
“I’ll just see myself out. Enjoy what is left of the night, Pandora.”
Jason had actually said her name, and not used the more official title of Miss LaRue. Yes, things had changed between them. From Doctor patient, to good friends.
As he opened the door, Jane was standing outside. She was holding a dish of deserts. Seeing the hunky doctor leaving the room, Jane blushed fiercely.
“Oh my….I was here to give Miss Pan some desert, but it looks like she already got some Man cake.”
Mikala could be heard calling out. “JANE!”
“What?!…You should see this guy.” Jane then handed the desert to Jason and said with an exaggerated whisper.
“For extra strength.” Jane then winked and skipped back to her room with a laughing Mikala at the door.
That he was able to crack jokes at her, went a long way toward cementing their new friendship. He wished her a good night and made to leave. She jolted when he said her name, surprised to hear him say it.
“You too…Jason.” she stated as he opened the door.
Jane was standing in the hall and from where Pandora sat, she could see the perky blonde was holding a dessert dish. Upon spotting Jason though, Jane got other ideas.
“Oh my….I was here to give Miss Pan some desert, but it looks like she already got some Man cake.”
“Jane!” Pandora exclaimed, embarassed. There was an echoing shout in the hall from Jane’s wife, Mikala.
“What?!…You should see this guy.” Jane called back. She passed the dish to Jason and gave him a conspiratorial wink. “For extra strength.” She stated before she returned to her own room.
Pandora slapped a hand over her eyes.
“I am SO sorry about her.” she chuckled, mortified. “I can imagine what she’s thinking. I’ll set her straight.”
Now you would think with Jane’s excitable chatter about Man cake, desert and Pandora apparently already having had some, that Jason would be taken aback, or possibly offence. He was neither of these things. In fact, he was most gracious in taking the dish of desert.
“Why…thank you, Jane is it?”
Jane bobbed her head and smiled. “You know my name.”
Course he did, since both Pandora and Mikala both shouted it. Jason took a cherry off the top of the hill of ice cream and popped it into his mouth as he went on his way to his own apartment. Jane popped her head back in Pandora’s door and gave the thumbs up. That she approved of the hunky man in her room.
“He’s cute…and so polite.” The ditzy blonde said with a huge smile, as Mikala came up behind her and picked her up by the waist and carried the squealing Jane back to their own room. “Remember who you married, Angel.”
You could hear the door close to both apartments – Jason with his desert and Mikala with her cheeky young wife. No doubt everyone was getting desert.
After Jane, Mikala and Jason had left, Pandora had stayed hidden in her room until the furor of the fire in the parking lot had died down. She watched the news reports and thankfully, none of the security cameras had been active in that part of the area. They were chalking it up to some weird natural gas leak underneath. Sighing with relief, she rested in her bed, thinking about everything.
Restless, she left her room, via the balcony and went down to the beach. The air was warm with a slight breeze coming off the ocean and the setting sun was turning the sky into a painting of brown and orange hues. And yet Pandora noticed none of it. She stood, barefoot in the warm sand, staring out at nothing, her damaged, but still functioning cell phone in her hand.
Every once in a while, she would stare down at it, the picture she was using as a screen saver staring back at her. She hadn’t had the heart to change it.
Sighing, she looked up and out over the water, trying to decide what to do. Should she call him? Text him? Or do nothing? They needed to settle things between them.
Her fingers moved over the buttons on the phone, pulling up her favorites. He was still listed in the number one spot. Her finger hovered over the “call” icon. Taking a breath, she pressed the button. The phone rang for several moments and despondent, she was about to hang up when there was a click.
Then she heard his voice.
She said nothing.
He spoke her name, he knew it was her for he had caller ID.
And still she said nothing. Her heart was beating too fast in her chest.
Again, her name repeated, this time in an near-desperate whisper.
Her mouth opened, her thoughts swirling. She lost her nerve.
Pandora woke up the following morning, feeling groggy and out of sorts. She hadn’t slept very well, the phone call she made to Brock shaking her self-confidence more then she cared to admit. She stumbled from her bed, running her fingers through sleep-tousled hair and headed for the shower. Then she would go down to the hotel dining room for some much needed coffee and food, in that order.
Today’s plan: Oahu’s Diamond Head Hike.
She’d never been on a hike before and she had heard this one had a fantastic view of the entire island. She wanted to experience that and collect some new memories before she headed home.
Once she was dried off, she dressed in an outfit quite similar to Lara Croft of Tomb Raider fame, with a comfortable pair of hiking boots. Putting her hair up in a ponytail high on her head, she took up the backback of provisions she was provided with when she signed up for the hike and then left her room for some breakfast.
She was totally unaware her escapades in the parking lot, and the phone call she attempted to make were about to bring complications to her life that she was probably not ready for.
It seemed there were a few people that had booked to go on the Oahu’s Diamond Head Hike. Two of Pandora’s companions to be were none other than Jane and her Doctor, Jason Lumbard. Both were already down near the entrance, and Jane was excitedly telling Doctor Lumbard about the news reports of the car park bombing. That is what investigators were calling it, of course Jason knew the real reason and tried to play it off like he was interested to a point.
Seeing Pandora coming down towards them, Jane let out a high pitch squeal.
“Ooo whose Miss Tomb raider?” Her giggles were infectious as she gave Pandora a big hug.
“You look so…butch.” That was a word that you would associate with being gay and Jason had to cover his mouth to hide his smile. Composing himself, he added. “Well I think she looks dressed to thrill myself.” He was a gamer and thought the outfit did look a lot like Lara Croft.
“How are you feeling today, Pan?’ Jason was curious to know how her foot was holding up, but also about the fact she might be worried over the exposure from the car park incident. Did she even know it was on the news?
At that moment, the tour bus driver honked the horn, and Jane let out another high pitch squeal.
“That’ll be for us!”
She skipped off ahead of Jason and Pandora giving them a moment to talk.
“Any word from Brock?” He was asking since he figured she might have had the courage to call him.
The reunion of the two old school friends from St Kilda Primary, all the way to Prague College, was something just shy of a miracle. Dixie was trying to make a new start, in what was both a joyous and dark time in her life. You could say she was very much conflicted, about how people had behaved after the bombing, but she knew that at some point, she had to make herself happy. Both for her and her own piece of mind, as well as for the well being of her unborn child. Seeing Betty Cravis again, brought back a flood of memories, from her younger years. Before the nightmare of the car crash at the end of her school life, which claimed five of her friends. Betty’s family had moved out of St Kilda, and headed up to the Dandenongs, which was good three hour drive from where she lived. Sadly, this distance made it hard to keep in touch, so when Dixie finished school, she had no idea what had become of her best friend.
Back in their junior school years, they were as thick as thieves, and twice as bad. Always up at the office to see the vice Principle for the daring things they got up to. Practical jokes on teachers were a classic double act, and detention was always on the cards. For the pair, this just meant spending more time together, and often spent the hour after school, laughing as they banged erasers, or wrote out lines, of why they should not fill Mrs Mason’s desk with tampons.
Betty Cravis. Where do we start with her? A daughter of British migrants, she had the most unique accent, that always had Dixie in stitches. Dixie’s pet name for her was “Toffee”, because she always spoke like she had one in her mouth, rolling around on her tongue. Trying to get Betty to understand Aussie slang, always got the pair into hysterics, and in order to keep quiet in class, they were famed at the art of note passing. Often getting sour looks from the class elite, Dixie and Betty found new ways of expressing themselves silently, or resorting to spit bombs, which was the last thing you ever wanted in the back of your hair.
The day that Betty’s parents decided to move, was a sad day for the pair. Dixie recalled sitting on Betty’s front porch, as the furniture van was filling up with boxes and their antique furnishings that they had brought from the UK. Betty came out, with her parents, as they got the last of the suitcases into the boot of the BMW, and this was when Betty pulled out a friendship locket. She had bought it at the local arcade jeweler, the week before and saved it to this day, for they knew it would be a long time before they saw each other again. Taking the heart apart, they each made a pact, that they would see each other on the holidays, and placed their necklaces around their necks. The final hug, was the best and the worst. Dixie and Betty both cried, knowing how hard it would be, to face school days without the other. Betty had to be bundled into her parent’s car, screaming out as she was dragged. “I LOVE YOU, DIXIE CHIX!”- Dixie chased the car as it left the drive way, waving with both her arms up, while Betty had her hands pressed to the back window. Betty’s final memory was seeing Dixie being approached from behind, by a boy that had often followed them around after school. His name was Travis. Dixie remembered turning around, and finding solace in his arms. This would be the start of her relationship with Travis that would last for only two years, and end in the car crash that destroyed many lives.
Arm in arm, as Betty and Dixie walked along the pathway of the Prague College main building, Betty had to ask. “Do you still wear it?” Course, she spoke of the necklace, and Dixie reached inside her t’shirt collar and fished out a broken heart piece, which matched perfectly with the one that Betty still wore. “I swear it made my skin go a funny colour.”- Betty joked, squeezing her arm tighter around her childhood friend. Glancing up at her with a cheeky grin, she smirked and gave a wink. “You know we are going to have to paint Prague red now, don’t you?” It was like time itself, had its clock spinning backwards, the hands rotating like a whir. The two girls in their hearts, the same as they were back when they were just fifteen. Dixie rolled her eyes, and had to laugh at the very idea of getting into mischief with Betty. “Oh, I think we could paint it more than red. To be honest, if we got up to shit, it would be more colourful than the friggin’ Gay and Leso Mardi gras in King’s cross.” Never a truer word was spoken by Dix, who had Betty in hysterics. But then she noticed the time on her Gucci watch and let out a loud “Fuck! I’m so going to be late for my first class.”- Taking out her cell, she scrolled through, whilst dropping her bag on the ground. “Number..quick. So I don’t have to spend the next five years looking for you.” Dixie quickly rattled off her cell number, before realizing she was heading the wrong way from her first class. Dixie adjusted her bag straps on her shoulders, since they were really starting to pull. “I gotta get going. Shit, I think I am already late.” Betty chimed, as she gave Dixie one last hug, and it was enough to wind her. Pulling back and snatching up her bag of supplies, Betty started a mad run for class, her brightly coloured skirts rising and falling, boots clattering along the stone path. But as she got further away, and Dixie turned around to head for her class, a wild voice cried out from across the front lawn.
“I LOVE YOU, DIXIE CHIX!”
Reaching the doorway to the arts department, Dixie got a shock to see Nikolas, one of the barmen from the Death club, and Maggie’s beau, standing near the entrance to the hall . Dixie snuck up beside him and punched his arm hard. “G’day Cheddar. I didn’t know you were arty.” She joked, full of humour to see him, after catching up with Betty. Nikolas was just as shocked and surprised to see Dixie, especially at the College. Taking his hands out of his pockets, he wrapped his arms around Dixie and gave her a big bear hug, something he was famous for. Nikolas smiled down at Dixie and then gave her belly a poke through her jacket. “I can feel a baby bump.” He joked, sticking out his tongue at her and laughing, as she poked his chest hard. “And you should not be poking preggo gals!” Dixie drew back and then asked. “So what are you here for? I thought you were doing modelling. “ Naturally the penny hadn’t dropped yet for Dixie. The truth was, Nikolas was there to model, for her art class. “Oh…I am on an assignment. They need a nude model for today’s morning class of newbies.” Dixie finally felt her face go bright red, and she wrinkled up her nose. “No…..no..not first class. Not….you?” On this question, the art teacher, Mrs Barone’ came out and snaffled Nikolas’s arm, before nodding to Dixie. “Students are to go set up for the sketching class. Come Nikolas, time to disrobe.” Dixie suddenly face palmed and trudged into the building. The last thing she wanted to see was Nikolas nude.
Entering the room, many of the other students, had taken up their places behind easels, getting out their supplies, while Nikolas went behind a screen to get changed into his robe. Sitting down on her stool, she took out her pencils and charcoal, setting it out, as the art teacher clapped her hands to gain everyone’s attention.
“Welcome class, to our first lesson, and today we have a very special guest, who will be our subject for this day.” Dixie was secretly wishing it was a bowl of fruit or maybe a vase of flowers instead, but as Mrs Barone’ did the intro, Dixie hid behind her easel, not wanting to see what she knew, was famous in the Death Club. He was not called “Nik the Dick” For nothing. Nikolas strutted out like a peacock and bowed, then got up on the podium and turned around, dropping the robe and showing off his tightly clenched butt cheeks. You could hear a few whistles and even someone clapped, as Dixie wanted to bury her head between her legs. She instead peaked out from behind the easel and got a sight of his ass, and then thought, that was not so bad….until, he turned around and did a pose like David. At that point, half the class must have fainted, cause you couldn’t hear a pin drop, or even a cough. Mrs Barone’ clapped her hands and said simply. “Begin.”
Dixie had trouble picking up her pencil and dropped it on the ground with a slight clatter, as the rest of the class started to sketch the very well hung Nikolas. Mrs Barone’ crept up and tapped Dixie on the shoulder, causing her to drop the pencil again. “Are you alright, Miss…Chix is it?” Dixie mumbled under her breath and did another quick bend and snatch move, much like the movie; Legally Blonde. Noting Dixie’s burning red cheeks, Mrs Barone’ asked. “You have seen a naked man before, yes?” To which Dixie replied. “A naked man…yes…a naked co worker…errr no.” A few of the other students giggled, while Nikolas winked and Dixie shrank behind her easel, and started to sketch, wishing in her mind, he was really a bowl of fruit. <3>
IceTe3a: He was dragged in by Dixie as he followed her, his eyes glanced around the pub a lot of Australian items were hung from the walls, from sport jerseys to pictures of famous aussies with signatures, even a telly playing a rugby match it made a smile come to his face, it had been awhile since he’d seen so much Australia around him It really felt like an aussie pub, that’s how it was made to feel anyway but he didn’t mind it’ll do for him, hell anywhere that he could get a good steak and a beer was good enough for him. As he sat down at the table across from Dixie, he watched as Molly explained the menu slightly and then walked off to find a couple of VB’s for the pair. His blue eyes find Dixie’s as he smiles “So, how’d you like the ride? Better than any crotch rocket would give you” he teased playfully as he glanced down at the menu “That meat pie don’t sound half bad, but a reef n beef two of my favorite things. Choices…” he chuckled as he leaned back against the chair. “Cheer’s for this doll, I know you didn’t ave to do it, hell hangin with a bloke like me alone will give you a bad rep” rubbing the back of his head awkwardly as he smiled lightly to smooth the mood a bit, but what he said was true a lot of people tried not to associate themselves with bikie’s so he was used to the solitude by now, although it seemed to him that Dixie didn’t mind all to much that he was a bikie or so he thought, he’d ask her about how she felt about what he was once they settled down a little more.
CharlotteCarrendar .: -Dixie ruffled the front of her hair and tried to put some life back into it after wearing the helmet on the ride over from the tattoo parlour. Molly as always was the gravious host, reminding her a lot of the pub that she was brought up in back in St Kilda. This was the first time she had been back there in a month, having spent most of her time hanging in the garage as the first trimester was a bit taxing on her body. She knew that Molly did a great meat pie, and that would be what she would order, but Logan was having trouble deciding. Such choices. Asked about how she enjoyed the ride, Dixe answered honestly, if not a bit too loose in her description. “Beats sex!” This brought a roar of laughter from around the bar, obviously they all had keen ears. Dixie only smirked and then toyed with the beer coaster as Molly set down a VB for them each. Smiling up at Molly, she says. “I’ll have the pie today, Mol.” She knew Logan could order for himself, and she kicked back as he would do so. When Molly was heading back to the kitchen, Dixie shrugged at the suggestion that her reputation would be ruined for hanging with the bikie. Dixie was never one to worry about such things, especially in a place like Prague. “Never cared what people thought before, Logan, certainly ain’t changing my stripes now. Besides, we make quite the couple.” she joked, cracking open her tinnie and holding it up to Logan’s “Cheers.” <3>
IceTe3a: – Watching Dixie fuss over her hair as she tried to fix her fringe up a bit it made him chuckle slightly “You’ll get used to it” he said with a light smile on his face, he had made a decision on what he was going to eat as he was going to choose the reef and beef. Placing the menu to the side he looked up to Dixie who started talking about the bike and how the ride was better than sex, a couple of the bloke’s started laughing at her as he noticed her toying with a coaster. Out of instinct his eyes glared at the group of men who decided to listen in “Finding something funny mates?” he said in a threatening tone as he waved it off his facial features went more relaxed as he glanced upon Dixie once more with a light smile. She ordered the pie, “Must be a bloody good pie love to pass up beef and reef. I’ll have the Beef n reef mate” he said just before molly left, glancing back to Dixie who started saying how she didn’t care what people thought of her it made him smile the iron of the Sheila as he took his beer in hand ‘ Besides we make quite the couple’ she stated lastly if he had any beer in his mouth hed either surely choke it down or spit it out; this was not the case as his eyes widened slightly “Couple?” he simply stated as he leaned back into his chair rubbing the back of his hair once more in a slightly blushing manner It wasn’t to visable but if one paid attention they could notice that, As she cracked open her tinnie and held it upto him, he did the same clanking his with hers “Cheers love” as he took in a good guzzle before setting it down and wiping his lips with his arm “ So, why do you stay in this place if you’re in such trouble love” he was still curious about the how’s and whys of the darker side of her life, If there really were Russians about he wondered why his charter in Prague didn’t say anything about it, Perhaps this wasn’t the right time to set up a Investment business.
CharlotteCarrendar : Dixie nervously scratched the top of her head when asked why she was staying in this place if there was so much trouble going on. That was a really hard one to answer. One other thing, she needed to clarify, was when she said couple. “Don’t mind me, I am always putting my foot in my mouth with the things I say. Bit too laid back maybe?” She didn’t want him to get the wrong idea or think she was cracking on to him, that wasn’t her style anyways. The other blokes that laughed got something of a tirade from Logan, which was really nice of him to be so sincere. But boys will be boys and some can’t help themselves. “I can’t fit in a whole steak meal at the moment.” She patted her slightly swollen stomach and then looked nervous when she spoke about her situation. “I’m four months pregnant, and I don’t want to go home to Mum and Dad. They already think I am a failure.” She looked out the window for a moment as she tried to gather her thoughts. Dixie was speaking to someone she had only met twice about very private things in her life. “You probably think I am still a kid, huh?” She said quietly, knowing that she wasn’t that experienced in life, but had seen more than most in her time working at the Death Club. At that point she tried to change the subject. “You’re going to love the reef and beef, its tops.” <3>
IceTe3a: He sat there as she tried to explain the reason of why she said they were a great couple, he blinked slightly as he stood there slightly confused as to exactly what happened and what was going on, shaking it off he came back to his senses “Nah love you’re all ace’s remember? Call me what ya want as long as ya call me doll” giving her a cheeky wink he said it to make her feel more comfortable about what she previously said. “Four months preggo eh? No doubt that asshole that left you is the father? Look don’t get me wrong if you love the bloke you love him, But where I’m from you don’t leave your Sheila alone unprotected and without any fanatical support to help her survive.” He was always a very blunt and to the point man as he chuckled at her asking if he thought she was a kid “ Wouldn’t have taken you out if I thought that now would I” he said reassuring her as he smiled at her “So, gonna keep the child?” he said arching a brow slightly, “If you don’t mind me saying, Raising a child ain’t easy nor is it cheap and having a deadbeat for a man won’t help. But what do I know eh? I’m only twenty eight.” He laughed aloud as he took another sip of his beer “ So you don’t wanna go home that’s understandable. It’s about time you stood on your own two feet anyway love, You’re a fighter you’ll do fine. But to stick here without any support?” he shook his head as he rubbed his chin “ I’m sure Tito helps out where he can, and I’m sure he’ll protect you the best he can. But I’m also sure Tito ain’t exactly, born into this kind of life so he wouldn’t know two shits” he was getting pretty personal and blunt at this stage and in the back of his mind he hoped Dixie didn’t take that to heart.
CharlotteCarrendar : -It was hard to have to listen to Logan lay it all out for her so bluntly. She knew a lot of what he was saying was true, but she was a loyal girl, who made the promise to wait, as hard as that was. Truth was, she was feeling the loneliness, and it made some nights unbearable. The scent of Dem’s skin on his pillow seemed to be fading with each passing night. Tito helped where he could, but he was a man, not a substitute for a lover or a Mother. Molly brought out their meals, as though right on cue, and Dixie showed a warm smile to Molly, as she pushed back a loose few locks of her hair behind her ear. “Looks great, Molly.” She said with enthusiasm. Dixie wasn’t too keen on discussing her private life in front of Molly. He hung around long enough to give them cutlery and the salt and pepper, before leaving them to their meals. Dixie paused before eating and said to Logan. “This is going to sound silly, but I want this baby. It’s a part of me, a part of Dem. I could never dream to harm it.” Dixie showed she had a very gentle side to her, but you could see that this talk was making her emotional. <3>
IceTe3a: He watched Dixie take everything he said in, it looked like it hit home hard as he knew she thought he was right, although this didn’t make him happy having her feel the way she was no female should go through this as his eyes caught Molly walking over with their food, placing it down infront of them he looked at the pie and then over to his own Beef and Reef which looked amazing “Cheers mate, Looks tops” he said as he watched Molly walk off, she started eating as he ate a chip slowly; watching her as she ate she came to say that she wanted to keep the kid and he saw the emotions about to burst out of her in the pub. He knew than and there he was going to help his new found Sheila, as he came to smile “The chips here are bloody great” he said as he took a chip and pressed it against her lips so she could try it, of course it was typical aussie custom to share food without thought. “I understand where you are coming from love, I’ll be around to help you out.” He glanced around slightly trying not to make it to noticeable as he leaned against the table his hues falling upon hers again “I’m looking to open my own Custom motorbike and car garage workshop and mechanic in Prague, I’ll be setting up shop and living on the grounds, she’ll be a big beaut that’s for sure Big enough for a car mechanic shop and a motorbike mechanic shop, round the back I’ll have a nice house built too” he laid out his plans to her as he chuckled slightly giving out such information to someone he only met not to long ago, but she was an aussie and she was a top chick “That back of the tattoo shop is top’s for now love, but with a bubs on the way you’ll need a proper house, so you’ll move into the house round back of the mechanic’s with me” he basically stated it as a fact instead of asking, although this was an aussie way of asking something. “It’ll be safer, you’ll have more space for you and the bub’s and I can keep an eye on ya” leaning back he dug into the rump steak which was cooked to perfection.
CharlotteCarrendar : Dixie didn’t know what to say. To laugh or cry. The generosity of Logan seemed to known no boundaries. Did he actually say he was going to be around, and setting up his own mechanic shop? It was almost too good to be true. She had found a friend that shared her loves for all thing Australian, and he respected her even though she was doing in rough. In a way she still had the heart of the little Aussie battler, and he would know what that meant. Dixie’s smile shone – both genuine and with affection. For the first time in a long while, she didn’t feel so alone. “Yeah they do a good chip. And not only that I know the secret to the special salt.” she leaned in and whispered. “It’s a vegemite extract.” This would probably have him roar with laughter if he hadn’t already spotted it. Sitting back up she cut a piece of the pie and popped it in her mouth, chewing heartily. “You’d do well here with an auto shop for bikes. I know that for a fact. And we can help get the word out through the tattoo shop.” She was trying to be as helpful as she could consider. Dixie twirled the fork on her plate, when Logan offered that she move in with him when the baby comes. It was something she just couldn’t say no too. “I promise not to be too much trouble, least…I’ll do my best not to be.” <3>
IceTe3a: He watched her lean in as his brow arched, she knew the bars secret salt? What could it be, beer he bet it was beer as she leaned in closer he waited for her answer “Vegemite extract” this made him lean back quickly his head flicked backwards as he let out a healthy bellowing laughter, “Bloody oath, No shits? “ he shook his head wiping the laughter from his eyes as he came back to sit properly with a light sigh of relief, “Vegemite really does go great with everything.” As he smiled continuing to shake his head in denial to the fact molly used it in his chips, So she had accepted his offer for her to move in, good he could keep an eye out on her. “No no, the more you bother me the better love, Don’t you go holding back or changing on me, that’s my only rule” he smirks as he wiggled a brow being cheeky, he nodded in agreement as he knew it be a safe bet opening a bike and car mechanic in Prague would profit well. “Love, If you need anything for you or the bubs clothing, toys for the bubs whatever, Just give me a yell” Logan may have only been 28 years old, but he was the second in charge of the Nomads, Internationally that was and being so he had saved up quite the lump sum of cash to fall back on, so taking in Dixie and the bub’s and supporting them would hardly break his bank. “starting with, You’ll need a patch so people will know just who you are” he winks at her as he rubs his chin “ Amongst other thing’s of course, suppose I could always throw the rumor out there that you’re my old lady” as he scratches his head nodding, the title of old lady being that she was taken by him and she was never to be touched by another man in any way, this was known by all who delved in the shadows of society, although he didn’t intentionally mean for her to be his more just the title for protection. He was throwing a lot at her without even asking her as he came to realize this may overwhelm her, coming back to his senses as he was lost deep in thought he must have had the most blank expression on his face as he was scratching his head looking upwards at the ceiling. “Right, questions? Queries? Anything I should know?” he said as he dug into his Beef and Reef once more
CharlotteCarrendar: -She was spot on about the vegemite salt on the chips, and his reaction was so worth mentioning it. Dixie kept giggling as the wife of Molly stuck her head out of the kitchen and Dixie tried to hide her look of glee, like she had unveiled the mother of all secrets. Course, no one else would have caught on, or even thought of such an idea. “Mhm, goes with everything, but I like it with cheese.” she said with a firm nod of the head. Enjoying her pie in between taking small sips of Beer, Dixie was starting to relax more and more in Logan’s company. Talk that he would help her out with the baby and even clothes almost made her choke on her pie. His generosity knew no bounds. Then the mention of her needing a patch. Now, she knew of the importance of these, as well as the codes that go with wearing them. This was serious business. Dixie listened intently and winked back at the biker as he spoke. She wasn’t being forward or cheeky, but just showing she understood what he meant. “I feel a bit young to be called an old lady.” Clearly she didn’t quite get that bit. It might have amused Logan somewhat. “Questions? Hmm. Will you be travelling much when you set up the business?” <3>
IceTe3a: He knew she understood the meaning of being patched to him as he continued to talk about what was going to happen, then she went and said she was a bit young to be called an old lady which made him smile from ear to ear with a slight laugh “No love, it’s a title; Mean’s You’re my lady and no man can or will ever lay a hand on you in any way. Basically it protects you through my reputation” he nodded slightly as he continued to discuss things with her “Now I don’t know how you feel about gun’s but I’d like you to come to a firing range so I can teach you a few pointers. Just peace at mind for me love” as he continued to dig into what was left of his steak already finishing off most of his seafood, he took a swig of the VB before setting it down with a refreshing sigh. He knew she’d ask about him riding around much as he shook his head “Nah love, I’m situated here for quite awhile, Although if I feel the need I am free to ride off whenever I like, Besides I doubt it be good for business if I opened a mechanic shop and just up and left. So don’t worry, I’ll be around a lot more than you wish to handle” he said the last part with a smirk as he finished off his plate before grabbing his VB and drinking that slowly a sip every few minutes, “You’ll need a car to get to the Tattoo shop as well, so we’ll organize that. I don’t expect nor want you on public transport in your condition. Less stress on you the better” he smiled as he whipped out his phone and confirmed the text to a mate saying to buy the large warehouse block about 20 minutes from the tattoo shop, it already had two large warehouses on it at the front which was perfect, leaving a rather large space in the back area for a house and yard, he had already ordered a two story Queenslander to be transported over here, as it should be heading there by now these plans were set in motion way before he met Dixie so everything was just pure timing; The entire place had secure security fencing with CCTV linked to the office and a large heavy gate, perfect for protection. “I suppose I can let you know, the house we’ll be living in is a two story Queenslander, I had it shipped over from Australia.” He said with a proud smile on his face he loved his Queenslanders and couldn’t live in anything else as they were built perfectly, with 5 bedrooms a study two lounge rooms the upstairs lounge room had a huge fireplace, it was all made out of wood including the flooring with a Tin roof, a beautiful veranda running around the house on the top floor a masterpiece.”You’ll love it, she’ll be ready to move into within 3 days, so we’ll need to go furniture shopping, That’s where you come in coz I have no bloody clue how to shop” he said honestly “Oh and I want two bloody big dogs but wanna get them as pups” he nods as he was a huge dog fan “Any requests?” he smiles slightly as he tries to reassure her Welcome to the family love” as he extended his arm out to the side of the table to ask her to come to a stand and take his hand, sliding his chair away from the table as he sat down in it still.
CharlotteCarrendar: The young Aussie blinked in surprise. He was already arranging shipping of a Queenslander style house over here. Was that even possible? Dixie had heard about those types of houses, and had even spoken to a few Queenslanders in her time. The thought of one being all the way here, blew her mind. She had finished her pie, and placed the cutlery down gently, getting a serviette to wipe her mouth. “Guns? That sounds way cool to go to a firing range. I’ve not done something like that before.” She was getting more and more intrigued with Logan. Was there anything he couldn’t do? On talk of her getting a car, she nearly choked. Her own car? Never again having to use the buses. What a relief? Being able to be independant was such a gift. “I don’t know what to say Logan.” She was practically speechless. All this from a fellow Aussie, who she now felt she had known a lot longer than a few days. Dixie got up from her chair and went around to where Logan sat and gave him a big hug. Her eyes almost teary from everything he had said. “Thank you, Logan.” she whispered in his ear. A few of the patrons clapped. Cheeky buggers had been listening. <3>
IceTe3a: He chuckles slightly as he knew she was happy, although her love for guns was a surprise for him as he nodded “Yeah I want you to learn how to fire a range of weaponry just in case you ever need to also you’ll have your own pistol. Smiling as she looked emotional on it all “No need to thank me love, I’m just helping a fellow aussie out as best as I can” he smiles more as she came around to give him a big hug he smiles and pulls her down to sit in his lap “No probs love, you’ll never be alone again” he hears the blokes at the bar clapping and cheering as he smirks “Oh fuck off you bloody wankers” he chuckles as he throws a grand and a half rolled up at molly “Drinks on me” as he whips out his phone to take a picture of the two “Smile doll!” he gave a cheeky smile as he winked for the camera taking a picture. “Two more over here please Molly” he said chuckling as he arched a brow “Whatcha think tito’s gonna say love?” he said as he looked up at her as she was sitting on his lap.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Dixie laughed as she was pulled down into the bearhug and then with her on Logan’s lap, he takes a selfie with her included. She gave a big smile with her head leaning next to his as he winked. They really made a pair, and that was obvious to everyone at the Bar. The roar of the crowd at the sight of the roll of money thrown at Molly to buy drinks for all had even his wife smiling. Wasn’t hard to tell why? Molly changed the TV station to one that played classic pub rock, just like back at home and then did something of a dance off to the bar, with more following him to put in drink orders. Molly’s wife brought over two more drinks for the Aussie pair, as Down Under played through the stereo speakers loud and brash. Taking Logan’s phone and taking a picture of the crowd at the bar, that were all making faces and thumbs up, she answered his question about what Tito would think of his plans. Sitting down again on his lap, Dixie answered. “Probably go off on some tangent in Italian, which I can’t understand anyways, so no skin off my nose.” She laughed. <3>
IceTe3a: His smirk widens as he hears the roar of the crowd responding to his free shout of drinks for awhile, as his eyes flicker across the crowd people were giving him a friendly nod or a thumbs up in thanks and recognition. The tv station came on as it started to play down under loud and proud he rocked out to it for a second when molly’s wife came over giving the two their drinks he gave her a cheeky wink in thanks as he watched her walk off. Dixie grabbed his phone and started taking snaps of the dance off at the pub and people drinking. As she came back around she sat on his lap again and told him Tito might not take a liking to the idea which made him shrugs “Tito will be fine, But for now let’s show these wankers how to really rock out to this song” he chuckled as he grabbed her throwing him on his right shoulder to left, he passed up her VB and grabbed his as he started waving everyone to crowd around and started singing the song loud and proud “Do you come from a land down under!!! Where women glow and men plunder” taking in a swig of VB as he bounced Dixie on his shoulder he was showing off his true blue colors any proud aussie in the bar would surely crowd around and join in on the song “ Can’t you hear cant you hear the thuuunder you better ruun you better take cover” he said as he started laughing aloud. After awhile of friendly singing and skulling beers he ripped off his vest and stood there bare chested as he turned to show everyone his fresh ink “This sheila turned me into her living artwork, How good is the drawing, right?!” after showing off his ink that Dixie designed for him he dropped Dixie onto the floor softly on her own to feet “Care to dance with a rough house like me?” he smirked as he grabbed both her hands into his and started pushing them back and forwards between the two “Molly play something we can rock out too” he smirked as he looked back down to Dixie before taking a sip of his beer.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Dixie whooped as she was lifted up onto Logan’s shoulder as he belted out Down Under as only an Aussie could. This brought a wave of stomping feet and the odd whistle from the thirsty patrons of Molly’s cafe. “This is so old school!” Dixie squealed as she couldn’t stop laughing at Logan’s antics. She never remembered Demetrios letting his hair down like this. Dixie bounced on Logan’s shoulder till the end of the song, where he finally set her down on the ground once more. “That was fun!” she enthused as Molly was going to put on another song for all to rock out too. “Aussie flavour!” Dixie sung out, and let Logan take both her hands. “So long as you don’t dance on my toes, I’m down.” Molly yelled out, how about this one. It was the Boys from the Bush by Lee Kernigan and Dixie rolled her eyes. “Country? Logan, you fancy this kind of music?” It was a pretty safe bet that he did, after all he did tell her he was into the outback way of life, so why not the music too. She had been pretty chuff when he showed off his tattoo to the rest of the bar. Not only that he was dancing bare chested with her. Was she a lucky girl or what? <3>
IceTe3a: – The tunes came rocking on as he heard Dixie say not to step on her toes he let out a friendly laugh as he gave her a wink “I’ll try not to” he smirked playfully as the whistling and hooting from others in the bar were heard. She screamed out that she wanted something aussie to play and Molly didn’t disappoint as Boys from the bush came bashing through the speakers he was almost offended she asked if he liked country instead he smirked as his lips parted and started singing country with the song “We’re the boys from the bush and we’re back in town, well the dogs in the back and the foot goes down” he was singing the song in cue with the song as his country voice shined out, spinning her on her heels with one of her arms he caught her in his arms as he bent her at her back forcing her to bend backwards into his arms before raising her to her feet “hows that?” he smirked as he started dancing with her leading her moves all old school rock and roll swing style as he spun her, picked her up and flipped her then placed her back down on top of her own two feet, he pulled her in so her feet stood on top of his and her chest was pressed against hers, he was messing around at this point as he placed a hand on her back and raised their other hand in the waltz position as he raised his chin up and started to do the one two three step than smirked and glanced down at her as he lost the concentration to mess around with the dance.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Logan was totally into singing it out and proud. His country vocal style impressive to say the least. Dixie’s cheeks flushed pink as he whirled her around the small space that wasn’t meant for dancing, but they having a good go at it. It felt like something out of a road house music clip, and all she was missing was the cowboy hat. Dixie was used to dancing, just not like this and certainly not in public. The beer was now flowing freely, and some of the boys linked arms as they joined Logan in the chorus. It was almost too good to be true. Hundreds of thousands of miles away from home, and yet here it was, a classic aussie pub atmosphere in the middle of Prague. No one would have believed it if she had told anyone. From country dancing, to having her up on his boots, as he tried to get her into the waltz dance position, Dixie shook her head and laughed. “That was epic…but now I think I am breaking your toes.” The music changed again to something a little slower and Dixie placed her right hand on the back of Logan’s lower back. If she was going to dance this way, she would do it properly. <3>
IceTe3a: He watched as she laughed at his attempt to waltz it’s true he wasn’t really good at the whole posh side of life and one would be right to expect Logan didn’t know how to waltz but it was simple as he arched a brow “Hardly, you ain’t that heavy love I think I can handle it” he chuckled as he responded to her saying she’d crush his toes. Feeling her right hand on his back he smiled as he looked down at her, swaying slowly as he moved for the both of them to the music the pub settled down slightly as the coupled got together and joined in on the dance, It was a typical aussie thing If there wasn’t room, make room it was that simple as they swayed and span to the song until it ended. Waving them off once more he smiled as he lead her back to the table they were sitting at he pulls her down to sit on top of his lap, he leaned into her back as he cracked open a couple more beers for them “Reminds ya of back home, don’t it?” he chuckled as the music continued to play in the background “This has been tops so far, cheers for showing me this place” as he smiled and glanced around at the people in the bar it seemed a lot more lively, all it ever takes is one aussie to get the rest of them going as they were all off doing their own crazy things.
CharlotteCarrendar:- Time had gotten away from them after enjoying the Aussie traditional fare, and the dancing. Dixie checked her watch and then shot a look outside as the city lights were coming on. Logan thanked Dixie for showing him this unique place in the middle of Prague, and she made something of a mock bow. “My pleasure. Oh…I wanted to ask, since you have to take me back to the tattoo shop, my place is just in behind and I was wondering if you would be up for a portrait sitting.” What she was asking was if she could draw him for her own collection. “Really capture you….that is if you don’t mind?’ She was cautious to ask this since he had pretty much spent the whole day with her. Secretly she was dreading going back to the garage alone. Spending time with Logan awakened her need to be close…to someone. She drew a small face on the table with her fingertip as she waited for his response. <3>
IceTe3a: Finishing up his beer he placed the empty bottle on the table as he let a burp, thumping his chest harshly as the sound could be heard he glanced over at Dixie who was looking outside his hues flicker outside noticing it was getting dark, right she had a curfew he had almost forgotten as he looked back at her she asked him to come back to her place so she could draw him, he was bewildered as he leaned back in his chair and rubbed the back of his head “Draw me eh? That’s a first” he leaned in and gave her a cheeky wink “How could I deny my new sheila friend a request like that, after all you’ve done for me!” he chuckled as he stood up and waved the crowed down to a quite hush “Right you bloody bunch of drunk bogan’s we’re off and I expect you aussies to continue to party on into the night until the coppa’s come knocking to tell you to keep it down” he smirked and then flipped the birdie at them “Then tell em to fuck off and continue rocking!” as he chuckled slightly he gave them a farewell wave, grabbing Dixie’s left hand with his he pulled her up and led her outside, giving a long stretch he lit a smoke and smiled as he took in a drag passing the helmet to her, “Right love, you’ll drive us home” he jingled the keys in front of her face as he knew she enjoyed driving the Harley he wouldn’t stop her from having a time of her life. Walking over to the bike he sat down on the big beast as he slid back allowing room for Dixie to sit up front so she could drive, kicking the stand back he took the weight once more onto his legs making it easier for her to start the bike and drive off, glancing over at her he smirked “Come on love, let’s get cracking”
CharlotteCarrendar:- When Logan made an exit he didn’t go quietly. Far from it. He had made his mark on the people of the cafe and got a rousing cheer as well as some laughter from the inebriated patrons. Even Molly was out and giving the Aussie salute, while his wife Greta waved a tea towel as Dixie and Logan departed. Out on the street Logan passed Dixie her own helmet once more. “Me, drive again?” She asked with a wide smile. It was something she didn’t need to be asked twice as she quickly put the helmet on properly; tying up the buckle under her chin. She gave the helmet a pat before throwing a leg over the machine. Adjusting herself in the seat, she was cheeky enough to say. “I make this look good.” She poked out her tongue as she placed her feet in the right holds, and started the bike up with a delicious revving sound. So hard and knarly. Yet there was a beauty to it that was unique. Easing the clutch, the bike took off down the small street, turning a right and going off into the town traffic with a beaming Dixie riding the bike back home to the garage. The lamp lights were coming on along the side of the road, and with many people having gone to their homes and the working day done, it was pretty much deserted on the streets. This just made it all the better in Dixie’s mind, as she opened the bike up and increased the speed. Even if the cops saw her, she didn’t care, this was a night to remember. <3>
IceTe3a: – He watched as Dixie got excited over driving the bike again, she was quick to place her helmet on and jump onto the bike; he watched as she got all the footing and holds correct she was learning fast. He had to chuckle out aloud “You’re a natural love, I’ll make a bikie out of you yet!” he said teasingly as they took off slowly down the road. The night sky was clear and beautiful as the stars were shining bright, there was a crisp cool in the wind as it brushed up against them, but the roar of the engine was more than enough to keep their blood pumping warm, they were cruising at this point as everyone else had gone to sleep or where in their homes doing whatever they did before they rested for the night, Surely the echo’s of the Harley’s engine would turn some heads to their windows as they both passed by people’s houses not coppa in sight as he watched the street lamps flash by “Not a bad place if you have the right people around you” his phone goes off as he rustles into his pocket and glances at the text, stating ‘Hey mate just wanting to let you know you’re now the owner of a brand new queenslander placed in the back of your new warehouse complex, We’ll install all the tools for both garages tomorrow as we spent today making sure your house was set in alright, just like you asked we placed down turf grass for a big backyard and fenced off the house from the warehouse for privacy. You’ll need to go furniture shopping yourself though. Cheers’ ugh.. Furniture shopping really? This’ll be interesting as he leaned towards Dixie “Love, House is done I’ll need to get you to come take me furniture shopping for the house she’s as bare as a babies bottom, and since you’ll be moving in it’s only fair you get a choice as to what goes in there” he smiled as he leaned back. The bike enjoying the ride as he took a last drag out of his cigarette and flicked it away blowing the smoke out he leaned into her scooting up close so her back was pressed firmly into his chest. It didn’t take long until Dixie decided to open up the engine a bit more, the bike responding in kind with a loud roar as they went down the street at a nice speed they were getting close to Dixie’s place as he wanted to see just how fast she was willing to drive, smirking he leaned in “Go on, give her a good booting” he said as he wrapped his arms around her waist to keep her in place waiting for her to open up the engine even more.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Permission given to really open the bike up and Dixie had to catch her own breath as she accelerated the bike faster than she had ridden it before. Logan had already shouted over the roar of the bike that his Queenslander was ready and he would need to go furniture shopping. That was fast! The thought of shopping at this point in time was the last thing she was thinking of, instead concentrating on the road, negotiating the tight turns, as she started to take tours of small back streets, then across expansive bridges, that were dotted with lovers and people out to enjoy the night air. The swirl of dust and ragged newspapers were left to fill the air behind the powered machine, whose chrome pipes and tank gleamed against the reflection of the street lamps. This was living. This was what it was all about. Throwing caution and direction into the wind and just going wherever the road took them. She wanted to let out a huge Coo eee, but refrained, instead leaning back hard into Logan’s chest. Maybe this was the life for her. A biker’s old lady. The more she thought about it, the more she liked it. A sneaky grin appeared on her crimson stained lips as she went the full way around a roundabout and finally headed home. <3>
IceTe3a: – They both jolted as the bike took off in a flash, she was daring and had gut’s this was obvious to Logan as he chuckled “That’s the way love!! Bloody beauty!!” he shouted at the top of his lungs not caring who heard, they drove around the city, crossing bridges as the ocean breeze set in against their skin, squirming against her he was taking off his jacket as he wrapped it around her for extra warmth, his body produced enough heat to keep him warm even in this cold temperature, she really was enjoying herself as he watched people pass them by, couples out for a moonlight stroll enjoying each other’s company, to people walking their loyal dogs. He smiled as she leaned back into his chest he wrapped his arms once more around her waist giving her a firm comforting hold “This is living” he simply stated as he continued to enjoy the scenery that constantly exposed itself to them, the beautiful nightlife of Prague with its shimmering lights from buildings were almost calming in a unintended way. Holding onto her as she did a full lap around a roundabout he smiled, she wanted to have some fun he was going to give her some fun, kicking her feet out from the gears and brakes he placed his own instead as he gripped her hands with his own as he smiled “Hold on love” there was a long straight up ahead “Time to show you just what a Harley can do” kicking it down to second from 5th gear it made the engine roar loudly, as the tune of the bike came blasting out of the chrome mufflers, the front wheel instantly picking up as he kicked it up to third they were doing a wheelie screaming down the street for a good 200metres before he kicked it into fourth and landed it down perfectly. Kicking her feet back into place he leaned in the stubble on his face rubbed against the skin on her neck “Ready to take control again?” he said as he let go of the handles and wrapped his hands around her waist one more time, he was that trusting of her that he knew she’d take control of the bike without having to have him wait for her to be ready, they were heading in the right direction for her place, as his mind flicked back to her asking to draw him, he wondered how he’d look drawn into a picture.
CharlotteCarrendar: – All sensibility, all caring for your own safety went out the window as caution was swept to the wind, when Logan took control of the bike. Dixie trusted him completely and nodded in acknowledgement that he was going to show her how to ride the bike to the extreme. She released a loud whoop sound as the pressure of the air around her increased with the speed. Her eyes dazzling as they were clocking an unbelievable speed, when he got the bike up on one wheel and were like that for another 200 metres. Dixie’s lungs were set to explode as she drew in her breath and held it in place. The bike soon dropped back down to the road as he lowered the gears back to fourth and then again kicked her feet into the right places to take control of the bike again. The thrill was almost hard to describe. Her heart pounding through her chest as this one moment cemented in her mind a love for the bike and what Logan could do. “You bet!” Dixie cried back when asked if she was ready to take control of the machine once more. Dixie knew the way home from here, and it was done at a good speed, with shops being nothing but a blur of colour either side of the street. The light of the bike illuminating the stretch of road before them before making that last turn and bringing the speed of the bike back down as she pulled the bike into her own driveway – going past the side of the Tattoo shop. Tito had gone home for the night and taken his Mamma with him. The bike finally stopped and Dixie cut the engine, taking off her helmet and glancing back at Logan. “It’s not the Ritz, but its home.” She got off the bike and went to give the helmet back to Logan as she went to open the garage door. Inside was pretty dark and Dixie flicked on one of the ultra violet tubes which blinked a few times, so Logan could walk his bike inside. <3>
IceTe3a: – He chuckled as she replied to his question asking if she was ready to take control and take control she did as she gripped the throttle and cluck once more and they took off at great speed, everything flashing past them even if they had passed a coppa they wouldn’t bother as they wouldn’t be able to catch the two on the bike. The bike never overheated or played up even once, she was modified for speed and comfort being the upmost thing Logan preferred whilst building her from the ground up, the bike never let him down and always kicked into gear every time. As they came to the home stretch she brought the bike back to the normal speed of the roads, the engine quieting down but still purring loudly like a kitten being pet. Turning into the street they passed the tattoo shop which was now closed, Tito obviously had gone home for the night; Logan would hear about it from Tito the next day for keeping Dixie out to late he didn’t care though as they had a blast, finally Dixie cut the engine as they rolled off to a stop he smiled as she jumped off and tried to pass him the helmet he waved it off “Take it, it’s yours now” he smiled as he stood up on one side of the bike holding it up “Besides don’t think that’s the last time you’ll ride this beast” he chuckled loudly in his thick aussie accent. Watching as Dixie walked inside flicking a few lights on she opened the garage door allowing him to wheel his bike in, pushing the heavy beast into the garage and set her on her stand leaving the Harley to cool down for the night she earned a well rest as he closed the garage behind them he smiled glancing over to Dixie “So, gonna scratch me up huh? Where would you like me” he chuckled at his own cheeky response as he gave her a wink, leaning against the wall his bare back pressed up against the cool bricks as he folded his arms into his chest.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Gripping the helmet with both hands, Dixie quirked a brow with a slight tilt of the head. “You sure?” she responded to his suggestion that the helmet was hers. You could see that her face was still glowing from the ride and the excitement hadn’t left her yet. “I admit, I want to ride again. Words fail me on how good that felt.” Her voice had a higher pitch than normal and she spun around with the helmet and went to place it on a large aluminium storage rack. The garage was typical of what you would expect, except half of it was like a small apartment. A Queen sized bed with a big skull print doona on it, large closet. TV with a coffee table and a couch that looked like it could seat six. Everything was well used, and nothing bright and shiny in this girl’s place. There was a small bathroom off the makeshift lounge and on the other side of the garage was a kitchenette that didn’t look like it was used much. It wasn’t untidy, just didn’t look that lived in either. A desk had a lap top on it, but the part of the room that stood out as her own was a wall that was covered in her art. Impressionist drawings of people and places but it was the faces and body work that took one’s interest. She captured people well. Their very nature seemed to reach out to you from the images. She had a true flair, a talent for this sort of thing, but was humble about it. Dixie saw Logan lean against the wall with his arms folded wondering how she was going to draw him. Taking off her own jacket she tossed it on her bed, then pointed to a small dining chair. “You could straddle this chair with your arms folded on the back rest, and showing off that beautiful ink on your back.” She wanted him to be comfortable while she got him to pose. <3>
IceTe3a: – He smirks as he looks around the room paintings and drawing everywhere, they were really good as he looked at the details shown in the pictures, he glances over and sees the tv and coffee table and her bed, a typical room nothing more nothing less as he smirks “Better than some of the cattle shacks I’ve been in love” he watches as she throws off her jacket and he glances around the room again, taking note of everything he saw, he glanced back to Dixie who was now staring at him. He arched a brow as he came to a stand, she had asked him to sit on a chair as he chuckled and walked over and looks down at the chair, he straddles the chair as he leans his chest in on the backrest, he scratches his head as he folds his arms against the backrest and glances around at the artwork, “You really do have talent in this art stuff love” he chuckled as he glanced back behind him to her, “this ok love?” his pistol hanging a half out of the back of his jeans as it rested against the warm skin of his back. He squirmed slightly as he pulled a cigarette out and lit it, leaving it to hang in-between his lips as the smoke trailed up to the roof of the room he took in a deep drag and blew out the smoke “Shit, sorry I hope you don’t mind if I smoke love. I’ll put it out if it bothers you” he chuckled as he was so used to just lighting up everywhere no one ever hassled him about it, but he had to be polite as it was her house and she was with child so it was probably not good for the baby either.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Dixie was getting her sketch book along with her art kit when Logan took the chair as she had asked. He had lit up a cigarette, which she really couldn’t deny him. Smiling as she walked past him to get a chair herself, she waved her hand as though to say it was okay. “Ashtray is on the table, and you’re fine.” She set down her art supplies on the table, then on sitting down, she took out her hair from the tie and let it fall around her shoulders as she made herself comfortable. Dixie was just wearing her tank top and jeans, and with a bit of a kick she took off her boots knocking them under the table. A softness appeared on her features as she got herself ready to capture Logan’s likeness. “VB’s in the fridge, if you want one before I start.” She was thinking he might want one to relax, but it was still the right thing to do. His compliment of her artistic talent had her blush again slightly. “One day I hope to open a gallery, but for now I am happy to be an artist of the people.” Noble, sure but that doesn’t make much money. She flipped open the sketch book and splayed out her pencils, before picking the right one, and starting with the outline. In the background you could hear Aus rock on the sound system, which she turned on when she got home, the song playing was by the Hunter’s and collectors.
IceTe3a : He smiles as he grabs the ashtray and places it in front of him, he watches her as she collects her art and sketch gear sitting down near him he continues to watch her as she seemed to have relaxed. He watches as she kicks her boots of they go flying across the floor as he chuckles “There they go” he smiled as he waved off her offer for another VB “nah love I’m right for now, you just do your thing and I’ll sit here” he smirked as he shifted his weight in the chair. His ears perk as he hears some aus rock play through the speakers his head bobs slightly up and down “Now were talking” he chuckled as he glanced over to her “Bringing the party home huh” he wiggles a single brow as he takes another drag of his cigarette and ashes into the ashtray, placing the cigarette back in-between his lips he sits still so she can start sketching him, as a question pops into his head “So why you wanna sketch my ugly mug anyway hun” he laughed out loudly as he started singing to the song.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Dixie was already concentrating, when Logan was enjoying himself as he sat on the chair being her model. And a noisy one at that. Dixie’s lips kept creeping up into a smile every time she heard him. Bringing the party home? She had her own files of Aus Rock on her lap top and played it often when she was home. It was a way of reminding herself who she was and where she was from. When asked why she wanted to sketch him, she paused for a moment, tapping her pencil on the sketch pad as she went to answer. “it was my way of getting you to come home with me.” Now that sounded terrible if you thought about it, but then she winked, being the cheeky girl she was. “I wanted to capture the Logan I have come to know on paper. I think you make a wonderful subject for my art.” She had to wonder what he would make of all that, as she went right on back to drawing his likeness onto the paper. You had to admit, she was good and fast. <3>
IceTe3a: -He was leaning against the backrest as he nodded to the music he could hear the pencils scratching against paper as Dixie did her work, he smirked as she stated she had a whole laptop full of Aus rock music that she always played when she was home “that’a girl, be a proud aussie” he chuckled as he fisted the air before going back to his pose, he took a drag of his cigarette as he choked on it from hearing her next answer, blowing the smoke out he turned around with a smirk against his face “And here I am” he gave her wink a return wink before turning his head to the original pose, finally she came out with something that made a bit more sense as he smiled lightly, “That makes sense, the Logan you have come to know huh, Sounds like you have me all worked out” he chuckled as he arched a brow “Oh a subject of art am I” he said teasingly to get a smile from her, as he heard her go back to drawing he glanced around the room and over to the bed “You need a new bed, I’m going to destroy that one with you” he arched a brow slightly as he nodded “You’ll have to show me where I can get some new furniture and come help pick shit out, like I’d have a clue about fucken furniture” he laughed softly as he shook his head.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Dixie let out a laugh when Logan mentioned the bed being broken. He was half right, the bed itself was on its last legs. As for new furniture, she was a bit unsure of where to go for that in Prague. She almost wanted to suggest Ikea, and knew that would bring a blast of aggression no doubt. Everyone knows you get lost in their stores, and the furniture is harder to put together than a Korean sound system’s instruction manual. “You could try the markets and auction houses, if you want something a bit dated.” That was one idea that she thought wasn’t bad, but if he had a whole house to furnish, he would need to spend a few days going through the shops to buy it all. “I can help you in the morning, if you want.” She offered, still drawing as she spoke, till finally she set down the sketch pad before Logan. The impression was remarkable, the way she captured his profile, the shading and of course the most recent addition, the tattoo. It was true, Dixie was a natural. “What do you think?’ she asked, hands on hips as she stood beside him. <3>
iceTe3a: – He listened to her advise as to where he should go furniture shopping he scratched his head “An auction really? Cant I just get it all in one fell swoop” he sighed slightly as he heard her offer to help him shop the next morning which he returned with a thumbs up “It’s a date!” he said with a smirk, after a few more minutes Dixie came strolling over to him with the picture in hand she shows him as he arches a brow. She really was good, the picture was lifelike as if he was staring into a greystyle mirror “Jesus fucken Christ, that’s scary good hun” he chuckled as he came to a stand and gave her a big hug, “Damn straight you’re helping me shop for furniture you’ll need to help choose the shit too you know” he chuckled as he went over to her bed and kicked it lightly, it made a weird noise and he thought he broke it more “Oh shit” he stated as he turned around to face her “I so didn’t just break it more” he said blinking lightly at her.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Just the thought of trying to get a houseful of furniture in one day made her head spin. But he was determined, so she was willing to try. So the plan was that they would go the next day. She laughed as he was really taken with her sketch of him, but surprised by the hug, which did feel good, she had to admit. So it was a date. Dixie started to pack up her art supplies when she heard an odd groan come from her bed, right after Logan kicked it. That didn’t sound good at all. Logan’s face was ashen as he professed his innocence that he didn’t break it anymore than it already was. Dixie gave a shrug and laughed. “It’s just a bed. That is why God created couches.” Luckily it was more than big enough to sleep on. Dixie chewed her lip, and twisted her foot as she asked. “Do you want to take the broken bed, or the couch?” She was asking if he would like to spend the night. <3>
IceTe3a : He smiled as she glanced over and waved off that he broke her bed more so than what it already was, which was a relief to him he glanced to the couch and chuckles “That’s true couch’s are great to sleep on” he smirked as he watched her pack up her artwork, so tomorrow they’d go and buy new furniture for the new house that they both would soon live in together, he arches a brow as she offered either the bed or the couch he looks at both and than back at her “Honestly, I was just going to hit the floor. But whatever you want is fine with me” he said as he placed his pistol on the coffee table and stripped his shirt off, folding it up next to his gun he came to a stand and yawned slightly “Beer and bed two of the world’s most awesome things” he gave her a wink as he walked over and smiled “So what will it be love, the bed or the couch? Although I doubt the bed’s safe for anyone to sleep on. May hurt yourself” he said only worried about her safety as he had vowed to protect her from danger, although a bed was hardly dangerous, glancing over to her he gave her a reassuring wink as he threw her pillows on the couch and pointed to it for her to go lay down on the couch and he’d take the floor.
CharlotteCarrendar:- Dixie smirked, and then gave a salute as she watched the pillows being thrown onto the couch. She had to admit, the couch was a lot more comfortable half the time. “I’m going to go shower before bed. Make yourself at home.” She said, tearing off her tank top as she went into the bathroom and closed the door. This would have left Logan to have a chance to look around the small garage, or fix himself a blanket on the floor. The new day would bring a whole lot of activity for them both. Finding furniture and Dixie having a new place to live. Dixie could be heard singing in the shower as the water was running. She had a happiness to her voice, and that came from not being alone anymore. Was this the start of a great friendship or something more? Only time would tell.