Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir & Gwindolyn & Kyrsa]
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Light =&gt; Light: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Marikir on 06-08-2010, 03:33:21</h2>
		<dl id="posts">
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>06-08-2010, 03:33:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The city of Toronto flickered in the night, its buildings and streets bright to hold back the encroaching darkness.&nbsp; It was a cool night, and many in the waterfront area of Toronto pulled coats tighter around themselves.&nbsp; The area near to the ferries had some attractions to pull people out into the cool night air.&nbsp; It was not as busy as it had been during the daytime, though it was still a little too busy for some people to bother with a vehicle or taxi.&nbsp; One of these stepped onto the sidewalk in front of the Harbour Castle hotel from the main entrance.&nbsp; The person had a slightly bemused look on their face as they glanced at the name.&nbsp; &nbsp; With a faint smirk, the man turned and began to walk away from the hotel.<br><br>He took his time walking, glancing around at the various buildings, looking up at the skyscrapers he could see.&nbsp; A local nearby happened to notice this and nudged his friend, then indicated the person from across the street.&nbsp; "Tourist,” he whispered.&nbsp; <br><br>As the friend glanced over and chuckled, the local noted that the person looked over at the two of them.&nbsp; For a second, he was convinced the person had heard them.&nbsp; Not possible though, as the guy was across the street and he had spoken low.&nbsp; With a shrug to throw off the feeling, he turned back to his friend and continued their discussion.<br><br>The tourist continued to walk towards his destination which was a block or two away according to the concierge.&nbsp; As he walked, a hunched over form on the edge of a shadow, took note of him, sizing him up.&nbsp; The form thought the tourist didn't look too tough with his slightly pale face.&nbsp; Probably late twenties, early thirties.&nbsp; Cocky and vulnerable.&nbsp; The tourist wasn't broad shouldered, no, but he wasn't skinny.&nbsp; Skinny would have been easier, yeah, but it didn't matter.&nbsp; His hair was shoulder length, if not longer.&nbsp; Perfect to grab in a fight to use as leverage.&nbsp; The figure watching him slipped into a shadow at the edge of an alleyway.&nbsp; The shadow was due to a broken light, specifically broken for just this occasion.&nbsp; <br><br>As the tourist neared the shadow, the form moved in front of him, blocking his passage.&nbsp; The nearest light glinted off the blade of the knife held in the hand of the man confronting the tourist.&nbsp; "You.&nbsp; In here,” the knife wielder said, motioning towards the shadowed alley next to them.<br><br>With a slight nod, the tourist backed up slowly into the alleyway.&nbsp; The knife wielder followed him, his eyes locked on his prey, his lips in a tight grin.&nbsp; Easy-peasy, one two threesy.&nbsp; He hoped this plucked hen had something of worth.&nbsp; It was the start to a good night, after all.<br><br>After the mugger slipped into the alleyway, the street that the two had been on was empty.&nbsp; Anyone who might have stumbled onto the street wouldn't have been able to make out the forms in the shadowed alley.&nbsp; All they could have discerned was a whispered demand, followed quickly by the sounds of a struggle.&nbsp; If they had stayed for a second more, they would have then heard a sudden cry of pain, and then silence.&nbsp; <br><br>After a minute or so, Anthony Wallace, new arrival to Toronto, stepped from the alleyway, wiping his mouth, his lips slightly red before he cleaned them off with a handkerchief from his long coat's pocket.&nbsp; Of course, Anthony had not been concerned when he saw the mugger sizing him up.&nbsp; The mugger had made his own decision.&nbsp; With a shake of his head, he glanced back at the alley.&nbsp; <em>Well, too bad for him</em>, he thought briefly.&nbsp; <br><br>Anthony briefly considered the knife held in his other hand that the unfortunate mugger had tried to rob him with.&nbsp; Crude, but effective.&nbsp; In one motion, Anthony turned to nearby wall and stuck the knife into a crack between two blocks of the building.&nbsp; He then pressed on the handle, bending the blade for a moment before it suddenly snapped, leaving its point in the wall.&nbsp; Anthony then wiped the handle down, using a clean part of the handkerchief.&nbsp; Not likely to be needed, but just in case, he thought.&nbsp; He tossed the broken knife back into the alleyway.&nbsp; It landed on the prone form of the mugger, laid out in the shadows, a dark shape against the wall.&nbsp; No need to leave him completely unprotected, after all.<br><br>Anthony turned back in the direction he had been walking before he had been accosted.&nbsp; After a couple of blocks, he saw his destination.&nbsp; As he neared the Harbor Sixty Steakhouse, he glanced over himself in the reflection from a window, unbuttoning his dark woolen long coat to check his clothing.&nbsp; <br><br>He wore a pair of black dress pants paired with a thick, white, cotton shirt, buttoned up to the throat, leaving the collar open.&nbsp; His dark brown eyes, bordering on black in color, were focused on making certain that nothing had stained his clothing, checking the collar of the coat and shirt very closely.&nbsp; Satisfied, he turned and walked to the door of the restaurant.&nbsp; <br><br>Anthony was shown to a table in the gallery immediately.&nbsp; The person he was meeting was already present.&nbsp; Of the five tables for two in the gallery, three were already occupied by other couples, either talking quietly, eating their meals, or looking out the windows next to each table.&nbsp; As Anthony approached the third table in, the center one, the person waiting at the table stood.&nbsp; He smiled at Anthony and held his hand out.&nbsp; Anthony had prepared for this by letting his blood flow freely through his body, so he didn't even pause to take the man's hand and shake it.<br><br>"Mr. Wallace, good to meet you.&nbsp; I'm Vincent.&nbsp; I've the papers ready for your signature, if you'd like to do so now.&nbsp; Then, I can leave you to your meal.”<br><br>Anthony nodded to the man as he moved to sit in the seat left vacant, taking a quick sip of the water waiting for him.&nbsp; He swished the water quickly through his mouth and swallowed it.&nbsp; The flat, uninteresting, and, above all, stale taste was barely tolerable.&nbsp; He indicated the restaurant as he spoke.&nbsp; "Have you already dined?” he asked.<br><br>The man continued to smile as he shook his head.&nbsp; "I'm sorry to say that my expense account won't cover such an extravagant meal,” he said with a laugh.&nbsp; "We are, of course, covering your bill here, so feel free to order what you'd like.”<br><br>Anthony gave the man a brief smile that quickly faded as he leaned back in his chair.&nbsp; "Very well then, I will try to be reasonable.”&nbsp; He glanced up at the waiter and ordered a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.&nbsp; The waiter left, giving the two some privacy.<br><br>Anthony continued to lean back in his seat as Vincent pulled out a leather bound binder.&nbsp; He opened it and held it to Anthony, who took it and looked over the papers inside.&nbsp; The wording was as expected.&nbsp; Anthony had done this enough times to know what to look for.<br><br>"These forms finalize the sale of the...goods,” the man said as Anthony flipped through the pages.&nbsp; The pause and sudden circumspection made Anthony's eyebrows raise slightly.&nbsp; "Just sign on the bottom of the last page,” Vincent continued.&nbsp; "The next document is the form opening up your accounts with the bank, as well as all the standard disclaimers and costs.&nbsp; Sign on the last page there as well.”<br><br>With a slight flourish to his signature that he had never been able to discard, Anthony signed his name to the two documents.&nbsp; With that, the wealth he had set aside for this day was made current and modern.&nbsp; The preparations for this moment had been tedious, and drawn out over decades, but they were necessary.&nbsp; Living since the previous century's first decade had illustrated the needs of preparation.<br><br>The man set a packet down onto the table, in the center.&nbsp; Anthony knew it would contain copies of all the documents, as well as a small amount of cash as set forth in the agreement.&nbsp; It would also have an account book and new credit cards issued by the bank.<br><br>He handed the binder back to the man who reviewed the documents closely.&nbsp; A gleam of greed and satisfaction passed over Victor's face for a moment.&nbsp; Anthony could sense him counting his commission in his head. Well, no matter.&nbsp; The man had served his purpose.&nbsp; Vincent stood and held his hand out to Anthony, his smile returning.&nbsp; Anthony stayed seated and shook the man's offered hand once more.<br><br>"Again, thank you for your business, Mr. Wallace.”&nbsp; The handshake was confident, the words sincere, and the smile was...disingenuous.&nbsp; The man reached into his jacket pocket and pulled a small card out.&nbsp; "Please, if there is anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to call me.”<br><br>Anthony took the offered card and nodded once in response, though he did not smile back.&nbsp; “I will, thank you for your help. Have a good evening.”<br><br>"You as well, Mr. Wallace.”&nbsp; With that, Victor left.<br><br>For a long moment, Anthony considered the card the man had left.&nbsp; He glanced out the window next to his table as he tapped on the tablecloth with his fingers.&nbsp; Finally, after several seconds, he shook his head.&nbsp; He tore the card in half and then the halves in half again, dropping the pieces into his water glass.<br><br>He reached for the packet of financial documents and then pulled a breast wallet from the inside of his long coat.&nbsp; He opened the packet and transferred the cash from the packet into the wallet, then placed the cards into the places he assumed they went.&nbsp; He briefly thumbed through the copies, before he pulled out the account book.&nbsp; &nbsp;He returned the wallet to his coat with the account book.&nbsp; <br><br>After Anthony finished this, the waiter returned with the glass of wine.&nbsp; He placed it on the table and then turned to Anthony, inquiring if he was ready to order.&nbsp; <br><br>Anthony thought for a moment.&nbsp; “I don't suppose you have steak au poivre?”&nbsp; <br><br>The waiter paused, and then shook his head.&nbsp; "I'm sorry, I don't believe so sir.&nbsp; I can check if you'd like.”<br><br>Anthony shook his head.&nbsp; "No, no need.&nbsp; I will look to see if there is something else," he said as he reached for the menu that he had not opened yet.&nbsp; "Thank you."<br><br>The waiter nodded, said he would be back in a few minutes, and then turned to walk away.&nbsp; Anthony nodded absently in acknowledgement.&nbsp; He lifted the wine glass and swirled the deep red liquid around the inside of the glass.&nbsp; He considered the swirling liquid for several seconds, before turning back to the menu, realizing he wasn't hungry for food at the moment.&nbsp; No, he wanted something else.<br><br>&nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>06-08-2010, 10:24:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex hated the silence as he looked out the window silently.&nbsp; He didn't even notice others passing.&nbsp; He could see her angered expression mirrored in the glass.&nbsp; He wasn't looking at the buildings around or the cars passing by.&nbsp; Actually, he found the landscape dull, drab.&nbsp; He lived here and saw it daily though.&nbsp; She lived a on the other end of town.&nbsp; The other side of Bloor.&nbsp; Techniquely, that is still right down town, but when you live in the heart of the city, anything you actually need transportation to get to just seemed like another city altogether.&nbsp; He loved the down town.&nbsp; The options, the activities, and the constant flow of people kept him going.&nbsp; <br><br>The waiter arrives and he orders.&nbsp; Spinach and Arugula salad for the lady and a Buffalo Mozzarella for him.&nbsp; Followed by some Pancetta-wrapped scallops.&nbsp; He would enjoy the porter house steak and she would have the Moroccan style salmon.&nbsp; One glass of the Harbor Sixty private label Chardonnay for the lady and The Harbor Sixty private label Cabernet Sauvignon for him.&nbsp; She continued to stare out of the window coldly.&nbsp; It was amazing he was able to get the order from her with how mad she was.&nbsp; He had meant to propose to her tonight.&nbsp; He had the ring with him and everything and now, he was loosing any such desire.&nbsp; His hand drops to his pocket to the ring he had there.&nbsp; So he was a little late?&nbsp; What's the deal?&nbsp; He payed extra to have their table reserved beyond the normal time.&nbsp; His job paid for such luxuries in life.<br><br>Alex spent his days schmoozing with the richest people in the city as he told them where to spend their money and how to get more money for it.&nbsp; He was a stock broker.&nbsp; Buy this, sell those, hold on and lets see where that one goes were common phrases in his world.&nbsp; His deals were multi-millions and he got worthy commission.&nbsp; He had loved the job once, but lately it has lost its charm.&nbsp; Ever since the market went south, these people got pickier and pickier, more and more cautious.&nbsp; He had to work more than ever at his job.&nbsp; He was not use to such demands.&nbsp; Normally his good looks gathered the people in.<br><br>He was an average build.&nbsp; His shoulders were wide enough that he was never considered girly, but not so wide as to be considered intimidating.&nbsp; Just a comfortable medium.&nbsp; He short black hair a long spiked version of the short feather his father would have worn.&nbsp; With longer bangs.&nbsp; There was movement to the lines of his hair, but it was not the flat style popular amongst most in his career.&nbsp; It helped him stand out.&nbsp; The easy smile and deep brown eyes were easy to trust especially with his propensity to laugh.&nbsp; (Get a client laughing and they will feel better giving you millions of their dollars.)&nbsp; He was toned enough that his hinted at a washboard or sixpack without claiming either.&nbsp; Enough to take care of himself in a fight or on the basketball court, but not so much to have the client really notice.&nbsp; He had the boy next door feel to him and that made people want to do things for him.&nbsp; Alex used it well in his job.&nbsp; Having a dimple when he smiled won many lady clients others just simply could not touch.&nbsp; He was mid-thirties and adored by younger and older.&nbsp; But his love, so he thought, was kept only for the one sharing his table.&nbsp; He was questioning that – and not for the first time.<br><br>So he had taken a bit of time after work to shoot a few hoops with his buddy, Jason.&nbsp; He had deserved it.&nbsp; He had worked hard today.&nbsp; Moved a few more clients and earned enough today alone to pay for their month's expenses and this nice meal easily.&nbsp; One was even dubbed 'dragon lady' by others as they just couldn't get her to move on anything.&nbsp; He did.&nbsp; Just the right smile and she did his bidding.&nbsp; Sometimes he felt this job wasn't too far from prostitution.&nbsp; It was one of those days.&nbsp; He hated that feeling.&nbsp; So yeah, he went to shoot some hoops.&nbsp; Alex didn't see the big deal she was making of it, but then he didn't get why she liked this place so much anyways.&nbsp; She never ordered steak once in all their visits and they came often enough.&nbsp; His hand went to the ring again.&nbsp; It just felt wrong.&nbsp; The whole thing felt wrong.&nbsp; He decided to make an attempt to salvage the night.<br><br>The salads arrived as did the wine.&nbsp; She finally turned to face him.&nbsp; He smiled.&nbsp; She fumed more.&nbsp; “I'm going to my mother's tomorrow.”&nbsp; She announced.&nbsp; That was never good news.&nbsp; She only went to her mother's when she was upset and wanted 'space' to 'think things through'.&nbsp; Usually it meant she was pissed with him and didn't want to see his face.&nbsp; Suddenly he knew, this is not how he wanted to spend the rest of his life.&nbsp; His hand left his pocket, the ring did not.&nbsp; “Then why don't you go right now.&nbsp; Save us both the agony of this shared meal.&nbsp; Take your stuff while you're at it and don't come back.”&nbsp; He had never gone that far before, but she pissed him off.&nbsp; He runs his empty hand through his spiked hair and takes his wine.&nbsp; Alex downs his wine without even tasting it.&nbsp; He has had this wine so many times and knows the flavor like a kid knows kool-aid, but he didn't even taste it this time.&nbsp; “Fine, I will.”&nbsp; She stands and thrusts her hand forward for cab money.&nbsp; He gives her plenty for the cab to her house and one all the way out to her mother's if she desired.&nbsp; “Don't foreget your toothbrush either!”&nbsp; It was how things began and ended was with a toothbrush.&nbsp; First thing in the door 'in case' of emergencies.&nbsp; It was always left behind tooo, 'I forgot it'.&nbsp; Well, this was permanent.&nbsp; She pulled this crap on him one too many times and on the wrong day.&nbsp; He was through with her.&nbsp; He reached over, took her glass and downed it too.&nbsp; He stayed at the table to eat.&nbsp; Hell!&nbsp; He wasn't wasting a good dinner for her sorry ass.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>06-08-2010, 23:59:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Anthony glanced up at the sound of a chair scraping along the marble floor.&nbsp; At the table next to his, he saw the back of a woman who had stood suddenly.&nbsp; The legs of her chair wobbled as the chair nearly fell over.&nbsp; She strode away from the table, heading towards the front of the restaurant.&nbsp; He watched as she brushed angrily past a few others in her desire to leave as soon as possible.<br><br>He shifted his attention away from the woman, back to the table she had departed from so quickly.&nbsp; He saw a young man stabbing his fork into a salad with more force than necessary.&nbsp; Interesting.<br><br>Anthony sipped his wine, letting the sharpness of it fill his mouth.&nbsp; It wasn't as pleasant as it had once been, but then no food or drink ever would be again.&nbsp; Some things, such as rare red meat or a sharp wine, could still be considered appetizing to him, but it paled in comparison to what his body desired, what he had to take.<br><br>Sometimes, however, the seeking could be as much fun as the taking. <br><br>He considered for a moment going after the woman.&nbsp; She obviously was distraught.&nbsp; So much easier to prey upon.&nbsp; He then glanced over the man at the table.&nbsp; He was quite attractive, there was no debate.&nbsp; Anthony wondered for a moment what had happened between them, the man and the woman.&nbsp; It had the markings of either a recurring argument or a final separation.&nbsp; &nbsp;In either case, perhaps there was an opening.&nbsp; But which to choose?<br><br>He leaned back slightly as he considered his options, not looking at the man directly.&nbsp; After a moment, he decided to let the woman go.&nbsp; Chasing after her might appear too opportunistic.&nbsp; Perhaps something more subtle, something that could have been considered chance.&nbsp; A hint of a smile flickered across Anthony's face, as if he'd just remembered an amusing story or joke.&nbsp; He decided there was no time like the present to see if his faculties had diminished during his latest convalescence.&nbsp; <br><br>He let his mind reach out to the young man and subtly settle into the Man's thoughts.&nbsp; They were very chaotic, full of frustration.&nbsp; With such a torrent, it should be easy to let a new thought flow into his consciousness.&nbsp; <br><br><em>See me</em>, he sent.&nbsp; <em>Look up and see me.&nbsp; Talk to me.</em><br><br>He turned his head to the side and set the glass down, keeping a lone finger on the rim of the glass, as if bored.&nbsp; Which, to be honest, had been true.&nbsp; Up until now, that is.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>07-08-2010, 05:53:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He was mentally throwing everything that was 'her' out from him.&nbsp; The way she smelled, the art on his wall that she chose, or the foods she ate that he didn't in his cupboards; all this and more just had to go.&nbsp; He was done.&nbsp; He stabbed at his salad missing the way the ham and cheese played between the greens and balsamic vinegar.&nbsp; His favorite salad and he didn't even taste it.&nbsp; He fumed up a case against her, justifying his every ill will.&nbsp; Every word she said wrong.&nbsp; &nbsp;Every little annoying quirk.&nbsp; Even the fact that she needed so much closet space for all her clothes.&nbsp; Never mind that he bought her those clothes or that he enjoyed how she looked in those clothes.... or out of those clothes.&nbsp; Each bit of evidence added up into a maelstrom of anger and spite.&nbsp; He added this to his righteous anger of being made the villian when he had planned to be the hero.&nbsp; Every guy wants to be the hero.&nbsp; To hear his future wife gush to their parents and friends about the wonderful way he asked.&nbsp; He had it all laid out and she just blew it out of the water...&nbsp; Her fault.&nbsp; Not his.<br><br>He paused on that.&nbsp; It wasn't his fault, was it?&nbsp; He had called her.&nbsp; He had called the restaurant.&nbsp; He had arranged everything to start with.&nbsp; He was nervous, as is right.&nbsp; Proposing to someone was big business.&nbsp; You really need to be sure of things.&nbsp; He had a long day.&nbsp; He had done a lot of business, a lot of trading.&nbsp; “see me”&nbsp; He wanted to play basketball to cool a bit, steel his nerves, prepare him. “look up and see me.”&nbsp; He had gone to play, but had called everyone first.&nbsp; Why was he wrong?&nbsp; “Speak to me.”<br><br>The odd thoughts ran into his own, as if they were his own.&nbsp; He was so distracted, he didn't even realize they were not his.&nbsp; He looked up and around.&nbsp; He saw the man sitting alone with a glass of wine.&nbsp; The table was set for two.&nbsp; He assumed the man has been stood up by a woman and could be in as much need for some male steam venting as he is.&nbsp; He coughed to get the guy's attention.&nbsp; The guy didn't look right away.&nbsp; Maybe the guy didn't hear.&nbsp; So Alex cleared his throat and said, “Hey.&nbsp; Your woman not so happy with you tonight either?”&nbsp; The thought that the guy could be alone was lost on him.&nbsp; Worst, that the guy could have a taste for males never occured to him.&nbsp; After all, he had been silently staring at the reflection of his pissed off (now ex) girlfriend when Anthony dealt with business.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>07-08-2010, 08:01:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Anthony turned at the first word directed at him.&nbsp; He turned his head slightly to have one ear towards Alex and raised an eyebrow to show he was focusing on listening, though it was completely unnecessary.&nbsp; His hearing was quite astute after all.<br><br>Anthony turned back to the man and opened his mouth to respond, but then paused.&nbsp; He lifted his glass while he made a motion to the empty seat in front of Alex, asking silently if he could move over to Alex’s table.&nbsp; At Alex’s assent, Anthony stood and collected his packet of papers, then took a few steps over to the vacant seat.&nbsp; He set the packet next to the abandoned salad and slid into the seat.&nbsp; His movements were quite smooth and sure.&nbsp; He did not take off the long coat, but left it open as he sat down.&nbsp; He took a moment to adjust the seat before lifting his face to Alex.<br><br>“My apologies, I just did not want to yell across my table and then your table,” he said in explanation, though he knew it wasn’t needed.&nbsp; His voice was deep, but did not rumble.&nbsp; It was also confidant and full of self-assurance.&nbsp; It resonated in Anthony’s chest as he spoke, his words coming easily, with very little pauses.<br><br>“But in answer to your question, I am actually here alone.&nbsp; I had some business to conclude and the bank chose this place .&nbsp; Now, I find myself trying to think of something to do.”&nbsp; Anthony raised his glass and tilted it to his lips, letting the wine wet them.&nbsp; He let only a small amount enter his mouth before setting the glass back down.&nbsp; “I am not too familiar with Toronto, though.”&nbsp; <br><br>Anthony gave a low chuckle as he shrugged ever so slightly.&nbsp; “I guess I must appear quite the tourist to some.”<br><br>He did pause at this point, but then leaned forward toward the other man and held his hand out.&nbsp; “Anthony Wallace.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>07-08-2010, 11:11:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex watched as Anthony came over to join him.&nbsp; He was glad to not have to shout across the restaurant, but his ploy had worked.&nbsp; The man had come to keep him company, had come to not make him seethe alone.&nbsp; (Women!&nbsp; They could drive a man batty!)&nbsp; He watched the man find his place and settle into it as he desired it to be before speaking.&nbsp; He had stayed quite to give the man the space to move about and become comfortable.&nbsp; Being in sales, you learn how to give silence as well as when to fill it.&nbsp; It just made you better at your job.<br><br>He smirks and nods his agreement to the man's apologies.&nbsp; His voice not as deep or rumbly as this man's.&nbsp; Alex's voice was fairly average, not really notable, but his laughter was contagious and his smile was normally quick and sure.&nbsp; He did not lack confidence.&nbsp; Alex adjusted the dark blue coat to his suit.&nbsp; He loosened purple and pink tie.&nbsp; The pink was not something many men would wear, but he was so sure of himself, he did not hesitate to.&nbsp; He found that such ties won him big points with the powerful ladies he dealt with.<br><br>He was waving down a waiter to order a bottle of red when the man talked about not being here alone.&nbsp; He noted it, but did not pay it over attention.&nbsp; Best to let such corrections happen and not fuss or make a big deal of them or it becomes an issue.&nbsp; The waiter comes and goes and Alex turns back to this man as the man chuckles. “I must appear quite the tourist.”&nbsp; &nbsp;Alex looks him over.&nbsp; “Tourist?&nbsp; No, but out of date?&nbsp; A bit.”&nbsp; <br><br>“Hello Anthony Wallace.”&nbsp; He rises a bit to offer him a hand shake of worth.&nbsp; His handshake being strong and confident, knowing even.&nbsp; “My name is Alexander, but please call me Alex.”&nbsp; He omits the last name.&nbsp; He doesn't know why, but that is a habit.&nbsp; A way of making himself sound more like a servant and less in control – made clients feel more at ease with him.&nbsp; “Hey, I know this club.&nbsp; After I get a few bites of my steak, we can head to my condo and I'll lend you a different suit.&nbsp; You don't look to far from my size.&nbsp; Hell you might even be my size. What do you think?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>08-08-2010, 06:35:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Anthony's mouth turned up at the corner slightly at Alex's idea.&nbsp; Admittedly, the idea was a little surprising.&nbsp; Perhaps even fortuitous.&nbsp; He sipped his wine to cover the flash of his teeth as he felt a slight twinge of hunger.&nbsp; <br><br>As he set the wine glass back down, he gave a soft shrug.&nbsp; “I think that I had not expected to meet someone as generous as you...Alex.”&nbsp; He gave a slight emphasis on the name, as if feeling it move through his mouth.<br><br>“I suppose if you think it will help me fit in, and you do not mind showing a new transplant to Toronto around tonight, then I would be remiss in refusing your most kind offer.&nbsp; Perhaps a more modern suit jacket, at the very least.”<br><br>He let a smile grace his features for a few seconds, but then his eyes seemed to narrow slightly, as if he was remembering something.&nbsp; He motioned towards the front of the restaurant, along the same path the woman had taken earlier when she made her sudden exit.&nbsp; <br><br>“I would hate to impose on your time, however.&nbsp; I will not be keeping you from reconciling with your lady friend, will I?” he asked, a faint amount of concern coming through his voice.<br><br>As he sat back to let Alex respond, Anthony let his mind subtly reach out to Alex's mind.&nbsp; He didn't implant another thought, but instead left a faint impression of feeling at ease behind.&nbsp; He was in no hurry.&nbsp; He had plenty of time to devote to Alex.&nbsp; By letting Alex become comfortable with him first, things would be easier.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>08-08-2010, 06:58:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Having downed two glasses of wine and only a few bites of salad after a hearty round of shooting hoops, the wine was having effects on Alex's judgement.&nbsp; This added to the angry rebellion welling in his heart towards the love he just shed, he didn't think twice of his offer to this absolute stranger.&nbsp; &nbsp;The guy seemed decent enough.&nbsp; Besides, how bad could a guy who does business in here be?<br><br>The appetizers arrive as Anthony was accepting his offer.&nbsp; He nodded to Anthony, but didn't really respond as he told the waiter not to bring the salmon but then turned the waiter to Anthony that Anthony could enjoy whatever main dish he desired.&nbsp; He also asked that his bottle of red be delivered shortly as his wine was gone.<br><br>He was just settling back when Anthony's eyes gaze to the front of the restaurant.&nbsp; His words were a polite asking about the state of his sudden singleness.&nbsp; Alex just laughed.&nbsp; “No, that is finished.”&nbsp; He lifts the ring from his pocket and looked at it closely.&nbsp; “Just saved myself from making the biggest mistake since the .com crash.”&nbsp; He looks at the way the gem sparles in the light.&nbsp; “You know...&nbsp; I didn't do too badly during that fiasco either.”&nbsp; He laughs and his face settles into a sideways smile.&nbsp; “I haven't done too badly at all.”&nbsp; His eyes show more than his words, but then, he is a salesman.&nbsp; The only ones more skilled at selling a lie, might be Hollywood.&nbsp; Might be.<br><br>Alex was fired up in many ways, but the company with him seemed to be a soothing presence.&nbsp; Almost an anchor in a storm of anger and pain.&nbsp; His smile would never waver, but his smile was only rivaled by that of The Joker.&nbsp; <br><br>He set the appetizers between then.&nbsp; “Help yourself.&nbsp; These are my favorite, Panchetta wrapped scallops, but I won't eat a whole plate.&nbsp; No, the real dish is the steak and I've had my mouth set on this all day.”&nbsp; Alex swallows a bit and licks his lips without meaning to.&nbsp; Had he been with a client, his tongue would never have protruded unless she was flirting with him first.&nbsp; He didn't seem to notice this oddity though as the wine arrived.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>08-08-2010, 10:10:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Anthony considered Alex as the young man motioned with the ring and then seemed to try and brush off what he was feeling.&nbsp; His emotions were quite chaotic.&nbsp; Unwittingly, the man seemed to have latched onto Anthony in a bid to ease his own suffering.&nbsp; It was very tempting to just use it as an opening.&nbsp; <br><br>As Anthony considered this, he turned to the waiter waiting for his order and ordered the smaller 10 oz Filet Mignon, cooked rare.&nbsp; Normally, if alone, he would have ordered it blue.&nbsp; Such an order always seemed to cause a fair amount of questions, however, so rare would suffice.&nbsp; <br><br>Anthony lifted the bottle of wine and glanced at it.&nbsp; He smiled slightly as he poured some into Alex's glass.&nbsp; By chance, the pair were drinking the same wine.&nbsp; As Anthony had not specified which vintage, most likely it was the exact same, the house label.&nbsp; He stopped when the liquid was halfway up Alex's glass and then returned the bottle to the table.<br><br>"Well, I am sorry to hear that your relationship is over, Alex.&nbsp; Such is the way of things, unfortunately.&nbsp; I am sure, though, that you will find someone new.&nbsp; But, not too soon.&nbsp; You might as well try to enjoy yourself some.”<br><br>Anthony speared a lone scallop on his fork and deposited it onto the plate in front of him.&nbsp; He used the fork to cut it in half and then to eat it one half, followed by the other half.&nbsp; They were bland to him, but Alex had highly recommended them.&nbsp; Best to play along.<br><br>"That is good.&nbsp; I will have to remember them.”<br><br>He forced the bites down his throat with a couple mouthfuls of wine.&nbsp; At least the wine had some manner of taste.&nbsp; <br><br>"What line of work are you in, Alex?”<br><br>Anthony wanted to keep Alex talking, get Alex to open up more and more to him.&nbsp; He would let the young man talk as much as he wanted, nodding when appropriate and shaking his head when warranted.&nbsp; Anthony knew the man wanted to speak, perhaps to just fill the silence.&nbsp; Anthony turned that desire to talk towards the purpose of having Alex talk about himself and provide Anthony with more and more information about his quarry.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>10-08-2010, 02:12:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He is in the process of enjoying a scallop, the way the panchetta complimented the light canvass the small seafood provides, when Anthony picked up the wine and poured Alex some.&nbsp; Anthony was liberal, but Alex was in the mood.&nbsp; So it worked out well.<br><br>He reaches for the wine and swirls it a bit as he speaks, possibly thinking to actually taste it this time.&nbsp; “I'm not looking for anyone new.&nbsp; Just some loud music and good times and possibly a good fuck.”&nbsp; He says in a way a man would confide in a trusted friend.<br><br>Alex nods about the scallops and says “I'm a stock broker.”&nbsp; He passes it off as if it were nothing, not wanting to draw too much attention to his means, not being that drunk or at ease yet.&nbsp; “The joy of the sale and the beating of the market.&nbsp; The race against your peers to get the top dollar possible.&nbsp; It is all a game.”&nbsp; He decides to add with vagueness enough to keep the details fuzzy but detail enough that it didn't sound like he shut down the question.&nbsp; He did say more than he meant to though.&nbsp; The wine and Anthony's mental massages urging him on.&nbsp; He takes a long drink of wine.&nbsp; <br><br>Finally the steaks arrive And he has all the uneaten food cleared.&nbsp; He just really wanted at least one good bite of this, his favorite meal.&nbsp; The plate is set before him.&nbsp; He finishes the glass, sets it in front of him and picks up his knife and fork.&nbsp; He begins to cut, nice big bites.&nbsp; No standing on ceremony tonight.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>10-08-2010, 07:46:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Anthony smiled slightly at Alex's words of what he was looking for.&nbsp; Perhaps it wouldn't require much to ingratiate himself to this man.&nbsp; Alex was obviously lost in the moment, seeking something to ground him&nbsp; Anthony sipped his wine.&nbsp; Maybe Anthony could make sure he was that thing.<br><br>After Alex revealed his own job, Anthony's eyes lit up slightly.&nbsp; A stock broker.&nbsp; That could be useful, actually.&nbsp; The money he had just obtained would be useful to establish himself in town.&nbsp; If Anthony was careful, he could stretch it for a few years, maybe a decade.&nbsp; Growing it would be tricky in a world and society he wasn't familiar with.&nbsp; From what Alex had said previously, there had been some sort of boom and bust during the decades in which Anthony had been out of circulation.&nbsp; Such was to be expected, of course.&nbsp; Changes in society and civilization happened all the time.&nbsp; Much of what he had seen around Toronto was strange and fascinating to him.&nbsp; In some ways, it was overwhelming and exhilarating all at the same time.<br><br>Perhaps Alex could be more useful than as just a meal and companion for the night.&nbsp; Anthony began to reconsider his plan.&nbsp; <br><br>When the steaks arrived, Anthony waited for a second to let Alex start.&nbsp; He then cut into the thick fillet in front of him.&nbsp; As he sliced, the deep red juice of the steak ran free, pooling around the cut of meat.&nbsp; The slightly dark juice and the meat's cool deep red center caused a slight ache in Anthony's teeth and throat.&nbsp; He slowly placed the piece into his mouth.&nbsp; His eyes closed for a second as he began to chew.&nbsp; This food wasn't bland to him.&nbsp; It was almost exactly what he wanted.&nbsp; This was Anthony's appetizer.&nbsp; <br><br>After the first bite, he paused after swallowing.&nbsp; "Well, Alex, I must say that I am pleased to have met you.”&nbsp; He gave an easy smile to Alex that was reinforced by subtle mental push.&nbsp; <br><br>“I hope this is the start to a long...friendship.”&nbsp; The brief pause was noticeable, but only just.&nbsp; It hinted at a possible other meaning, another word that Anthony might have wanted to use.&nbsp; His dark brown eyes held Alex's deep brown ones for a long moment, before he turned back to his meal.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>10-08-2010, 23:43:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex shoved one big bite in his mouth.&nbsp; It was oversized, but he was rebelling so he didn't care.&nbsp; He got a few bites into the steak before he could manage to close his mouth properly and actually taste the meat.&nbsp; He rolled his eyes dramatically and lolled his head back.&nbsp; He stomped his foot loudly and followed it with “Mmm... oh GOD!... That's good.”&nbsp; He chewed some more, but wanted wine.&nbsp; He lifted his glass relegating Anthony to official wine god that night.&nbsp; Anthony, with his own agenda, did not argue, but filled Alex's glass.&nbsp; Alex took another long drink and finished his first bite.&nbsp; “I have been looking forward to this meal ALL DAY!&nbsp; I had to take this client to lunch.&nbsp; She wanted to go to a vegatarian place.&nbsp; Vegetarian!&nbsp; Can you believe that?&nbsp; Like what kinda person doesn't eat meat?!” <br>Perhaps it was good he finally ate some food.&nbsp; The wine was really starting to affect him.&nbsp; He had completely missed Anthony's enjoyment as he was so engrossed in his own. <br><br>He feels a gush of gratitude and ... Love?&nbsp; No.&nbsp; Bonding?&nbsp; Maybe.&nbsp; Friendship?&nbsp; Not quite.&nbsp; Lust?&nbsp; Possibly? He wasn't quite sure was it was he felt for this man as he hears him say “Well, Alex, I must say that I am pleased to have met you. I hope this is the start to a long...friendship.”&nbsp; He felt a bit uneasy with that but the wine washed over him and he lost it.&nbsp; His eyes locked with Anthony's.&nbsp; Yes, there was lust in there along with so many other things, but Alex wasn't ready to know it yet.<br><br>A few bites kept Alex's mouth occupied as his mind whirled with thoughts and emotions.&nbsp; Some were not his, but he didn't know that.&nbsp; The lust was there, but carefully hidden.&nbsp; That was his, inspite of his ignorance of it.&nbsp; The silence was not uneasy due to Anthony's manipulations and the wine's assauging effects.&nbsp; When halfway through, Alex decided it was time to talk about the night.<br><br>“So I know this bar, it's not far from here.&nbsp; Not a gay scene, a place to pick up some chics.&nbsp; Why don't we head back to my place, I'll hook you up with some up to date threads and we can hit the scene?”&nbsp; His language had left the office, obviously.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>12-08-2010, 01:45:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Anthony could feel a stirring in Alex as the other man looked at him.&nbsp; He had a slight smile on his face as Alex turned back to his food.&nbsp; The fact that there was some animal attraction was encouraging, even if Alex seemed to be pushing it down.&nbsp; Anthony would have to be easy on him.&nbsp; Too much pressure or pushing and he would bolt.&nbsp; <br><br>Anthony continued to eat and was almost done with his steak when Alex spoke again.&nbsp; He glanced up as Alex repeated his offer for clothing and entertainment.&nbsp; He affected a thoughtful look.&nbsp; He'd already decided to go along with him, but it would not do to appear too eager.&nbsp; He pursued his lips as he thought.&nbsp; He then shrugged.<br><br>"You know what?&nbsp; Sure.&nbsp; A new place, a new city, and hopefully soon, a new home; as soon as I can locate something.&nbsp; I might as well start my nights here off right.”<br><br>He gave Alex a brief nod and smile, as he speared his last piece of steak and placed it in his mouth.&nbsp; That finished, he then swallowed the last of his wine from his glass.&nbsp; The pairing was strong, but not as strong as he desired.&nbsp; Perhaps the bar that Alex was taking him to would allow him to find further sustenance for the night.&nbsp; Better to have an alternate plan if Alex was going to be reluctant for now.&nbsp; Patience was a virtue, especially for a hunter.<br><br>When the waiter came by and asked if they wanted dessert, Anthony shook his head, indicating he wanted nothing more.&nbsp; He arched his eyebrow questioningly at Alex, not knowing if the man was sated at the moment or not.&nbsp; Anthony's stance was easy, relaxed, obviously not in any sort of hurry.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>12-08-2010, 06:58:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex continues eating, not really watching Anthony as Anthony debates the proposal.&nbsp; He already knew the guy would accept.&nbsp; It was just a natural extention of the indulgances he had accepted so far.&nbsp; Being a salesmen is to read the person you are with to at least a certain extent.&nbsp; <br><br>Alex finished his steak as Anthony spoke.&nbsp; He replied, no longer taking care to clear his mouth of food before speaking.&nbsp; “Good plan.&nbsp; I'm sure once we get you out of those vintage wares, we will have no trouble russling ourselves up a couple of pieces of ass.”&nbsp; Alex's language was also degrading as he drank more wine.&nbsp; His hand swirling the begerave between drinks, not for flavor at this time but out of habit and need for hand movement.&nbsp; He went from sitting with a comfortable straightness to a lewd relaxed state.&nbsp; His legs flapping back and forth as he sat.<br><br>The waiter arrives and he bolts upright and digs out his wallet.&nbsp; “Save me some time, man and take this card back.&nbsp; Cover the two bills and don't take your time with it.”&nbsp; Alex shoves a credit card to the waiter.&nbsp; He finishes the last of his wine as he waits for the waiter.&nbsp; “So tell me what you do.&nbsp; You said earlier you were here conducting business, what is your line of work?”<br><br>The waiter comes back and Alex does the necessary paperwork with a flourish.&nbsp; And then stands up and almost forgets his card.&nbsp; He has to turn back to the table to retrieve it.&nbsp; Alex turns and looks back to be sure Anthony follows.&nbsp; When he is assured of the company, he leads to the building directly across the street.&nbsp; He pulls out his wallet again and swipes it to get into the door.&nbsp; Once the door releases, he enters, flips off the camera and walks to the elevators.&nbsp; He presses the button.&nbsp; Only then does he think to make sure Anthony is still with him.&nbsp; He turns to be sure.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>16-08-2010, 05:16:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=78103.msg3459304#msg3459304">Quote from: Gwindolyn on 12-08-2010, 06:58:56</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"> "So tell me what you do.&nbsp; You said earlier you were here conducting business, what is your line of work?”</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Anthony gave a shrug at Alex's question.<br><br>"I used to be an art historian.&nbsp; I would also work with private individuals to assess their pieces for insurance, or to advise them on how best to protect their goods.&nbsp; It was quite interesting for a time...”<br><br>Anthony turned to look out the window for a moment, letting the wash of memories burst over his mind's eye.&nbsp; He could still hear the air raid siren, the crash of buildings collapsing, and most of all, feel the teeth as they pierced his artery.&nbsp; He shook the memories off with a small shrug.&nbsp; <br><br>"However, over the years, I have instead become more of an art dealer and speculator.&nbsp; Sometimes, I dabble in precious metals.”&nbsp; <br><br>Anthony made a motion to the table he had come from originally.&nbsp; "It was actually a sale of precious metals that I was concluding in order to establish funds here.”<br><br>He leaned forward.&nbsp; "As for what I am going to do here, I do not know.&nbsp; I have enough to last for a while, as long as I am cautious with it.&nbsp; Leisure sounds good for the moment, so I have no current plans.&nbsp; Perhaps something will present itself.”<br><br><br><br><br><br>Anthony followed Alex as the young man made his way to the building across the street.&nbsp; Watching Alex was amusing to Anthony.&nbsp; Such passion and drive, directed outwards in a torrent of emotion.&nbsp; He dimly wondered if he himself had ever been such.&nbsp; He suspected that perhaps he had been.&nbsp; Otherwise he probably would not have ended up under the purview of the one who had changed him.<br><br>When Alex raised his finger toward the camera, Anthony looked in the direction where the digit had been pointed towards.&nbsp; He made out a small technological shape, a lone red light shining from its case.&nbsp; Anthony wasn't exactly sure what it was, but it had the appearance of a small camera.&nbsp; Perhaps it was a motion camera.&nbsp; Very interesting.&nbsp; Good thing Alex had made his action toward it.&nbsp; If not, Anthony might have not even noticed it.&nbsp; He would have to be cautious and more aware of such technological innovations.<br><br>When Alex glanced back towards him, Anthony was looking around the lobby, his hands resting behind his back.&nbsp; He didn't make any unnecessary motions, but was instead very still as he stood a few feet behind Alex.&nbsp; He turned his dark eyes towards Alex when Alex turned to check if he was there.&nbsp; Anthony brought one of his hands forward and motioned to the building.&nbsp; "Quite nice.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>16-08-2010, 20:26:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Finally the eleveator arrives and Alex takes Anthony up to the 22nd floor.&nbsp; The view was over the water and island.&nbsp; Not the prettiest view in the world, but better than just the cityscape.&nbsp; He tosses his card and keys on the desk as he walks in.&nbsp; He moves straight to the balcony and opens the doors, letting in the night air.&nbsp; “It gets so stuffy up here when the door is shut” he explained as he set the curtains straight and set the screen properly.&nbsp; He turns back and the beeping of the answering machine catches his ear.&nbsp; “Grr.&nbsp; Let me clear this blasted machine and then I'll get to the suit.&nbsp; In the meantime, have a quick glance about.&nbsp; Make yourself at home.&nbsp; Bathroom is that way.”&nbsp; he shoots his thumb over his shoulder in the general direction of the hall.&nbsp; Being a one bedroom with one bath with one linen closet, he figured his guest would figure things out quickly enough.<br><br>He hit play on the machine.&nbsp; “Alexander Dear.....”&nbsp; “mother” he explained with a grumble as he fast forwarded the tape.&nbsp; “Alex, be a darling and come to the art exhibit.&nbsp; It is a gay function, so rustle up a friendly buddy and put on a show for us.&nbsp; It is at the distillery.&nbsp; Your tickets are waiting at the door.” click.&nbsp; &nbsp;Alex looks at it thoughtfully.&nbsp; He knew that voice.&nbsp; His highest paying customer.&nbsp; When she said jump, people asked 'how high?'.&nbsp; She knew everyone too.&nbsp; Not a wise one to disappoint.&nbsp; He spins from the desk and says “Change of plans” in a loud voice through the apartment, not sure where his guest was.&nbsp; He walked to the bedroom without really checking on Anthony yet though.<br><br>He dove into his closet and started sorting shoes and clothes.&nbsp; Some landed on the floor at his feet, some on the bed and a few managed to cling to the hangers long enough to be shoved back into the closet.&nbsp; “AHA!”&nbsp; he says as he pulls out a couple of silken suits hidden way at the back of his closet.&nbsp; One was a dark navy with light blue pinstripes.&nbsp; The other was a black that had a purplish hue to it when turned in the light.&nbsp; He laughs as he says “Perfect”&nbsp; and pulls the from hiding.&nbsp; “Never thought I would have to suffer these autrocities again, but at least they aren't just wasted money.”&nbsp; His face had a rueful, cock-eyed grin on it.&nbsp; Perhaps a cup of coffee is in order.&nbsp; The thought flees his wine sodden mind as soon as it enters.&nbsp; He looks up to find Anthony.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>17-08-2010, 08:12:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Anthony was right behind Alex, almost as if he had snuck up on the other man.&nbsp; In fact, Alex thought he'd just heard Anthony at the end of the hall, but that must have just been the wine.&nbsp; Had to have been.<br><br>Anthony, for his part, didn't seem to notice any startled look on Alex's face.&nbsp; He merely glanced at the two suits with his head tilted to the side.&nbsp; He reached out and felt each of them first, before lifting the black one from Alex's hand.&nbsp; He gave the other man a nod as he turned to head toward the bathroom.<br><br>"So, what type of function is this?” Anthony asked as he slipped into the bathroom.&nbsp; He swung the door closed, but the door didn't catch, instead slipping open slightly.&nbsp; He turned his back to the door, however, seemingly not noticing that it was not closed as he began to strip down to his underwear.&nbsp; “I heard something about an art exhibit, but could not make out the rest.”<br><br>He had heard the entire message, but wanted to give Alex the chance to talk some more.&nbsp; He was curious how the other man would explain exactly what it was they were going to, and what the woman had meant by "a show.”&nbsp; He pulled on the pants, then the shirt.&nbsp; His movements were sure, not at all hesitant, almost as if he owned the clothing he was slipping into.&nbsp; <br><br>He kept his back to the door, the light of the bathroom throwing a ragged shadow through the crack between the door and doorjamb.&nbsp; Finally, he pulled on the jacket and turned to look at himself in the mirror, his profile visible to the hall.&nbsp; He then turned to the door and swung it open, not taking any obvious notice that the door had been open.&nbsp; <br><br>He smoothed the suit against his chest before glancing towards Alex.&nbsp; “I take it, however, that this is important.&nbsp; The woman sounded like she would not take a refusal very well.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>17-08-2010, 18:04:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Ah! There you are,” he said to Anthony when he looked up to find him right there.&nbsp; Hadn't he just heard him at the other end of the apartment?&nbsp; He shook his head and the coffee came to mind again.&nbsp; &nbsp; He held up the suits to let Anthony take his choice.&nbsp; At Anthony's choice, Alex laughed, slightly chagrined, “Good choice.”&nbsp; He tossed the pinstriped one onto the bed.&nbsp; He stayed within ear shot of Anthony so that they could speak as they changed.<br><br>He took off the upper part of his own clothing to replace with a nice white t-shirt and the pinstriped suit jacket, perfectly tailored to his form.&nbsp; “This function... Well...”&nbsp; He began and then laughed. “You need to know fully before we get there, you will have a part to play.”&nbsp; His voice was coy as if he is warming up to tellin him.&nbsp; “It is an art exhibit.&nbsp; I read about it coming up in a memo the other day.&nbsp; It a huge artist, world renown, but just a small town guy, so he refuses the normal fanfare.&nbsp; This will be held in some old, revamped brick buildings they first began to make liquor in when the prohibition was lifted.&nbsp; Of course, times have changed and it is no longer just a huge distillery....”&nbsp; <br><br>Alex realized he was rambling and shifted.&nbsp; As he shifted, his eyes caught a by a movement through the crack in the door.&nbsp; It was Alex removing the last of his outdated attire.&nbsp; The body was muscular for the smaller build that was so similiar to his own.&nbsp; A twinge of something stirred within him.&nbsp; An allowance or a door cracking just a little in his being to a place he did not know existed yet.&nbsp; A song entered his mind that made him chuckle softly.&nbsp; A song so wrong in its message, it can't help but be funny.&nbsp; A hyperbole of the truth, for which the group is known for.&nbsp; The Bloodhound Gang's “You're pretty when I'm drunk”.&nbsp; He didn't normally listen to that style of music, but those guys struck a cord with Alex.&nbsp; He coughed to cover his chuckle and his shift in thinking.&nbsp; <br><br>“But you'll see that when we get there, but there is a catch....”&nbsp; He paused a moment to hear a small noise from Anthony that tells him Anthony listens as he changes.&nbsp; His eyes out of habit lifted to seek a face, but the man's back is still to the crack and still unclothed.&nbsp; That crack in his mind grows wider and the thought of 'playing gay' with this man does not seem so horrid.&nbsp; “It is a function for homosexual couples only.&nbsp; So to go, you will have to be my 'date'.&nbsp; We don't have to kiss or hold hands or anything, just .... you know...&nbsp; hang with each other more than others.”&nbsp; A quick flick of the eyes noted that Anthony was done dressing and was turning to the door.&nbsp; He hurried into the bedroom to change his pants.<br><br>Anthony came out of the bathroom, with the bedroom door still open for ease of conversing.&nbsp; Alex was bent foward in his tight fitting, black underwear slipping his first leg into the pant legs of the silken trousers he was donning.&nbsp; “It is a rather 'to-do' event and a man who collects art would do well to be there.&nbsp; Besides, many influential people will be enjoying too much wine and a variety of other things best left unnamed.&nbsp; A good place to be for someone looking to settle into a new scene.”&nbsp; Alex continued talking, partially trying to talk Anothony into it and partially trying to convince himself about the party and about Anthony.&nbsp; <br><br>Once his pants were fully on, he turned and looked to his dresser again.&nbsp; “A little brilliance to finish the suits.”&nbsp; He stated as he flipped open a wooden box.&nbsp; Silver chaines of various thicknesses, lengths and weights awaited, neatly laid out.&nbsp; There were rings of various shapes and precious stones and metals in a layer under the chains.&nbsp; Alex picked out a few thinner ones and tossed one over his head and handed another to Anthony.&nbsp; He set aside the top layer, to pervey the rings thoughtfully.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>18-08-2010, 02:25:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Anthony nodded as Alex explained what was expected of him.&nbsp; He adjusted the suit, tugging the lapel slightly, and folded it back against his breast.&nbsp; He looked on as Alex finished buttoning the pants he had just pulled on.<br><br>"Ah, I see,” he said.&nbsp; "So she was not using an...antiquated term then.”<br><br>Terms changing over the years had been somewhat of a stumble for Anthony.&nbsp; It was one of the reasons he let others do the share of the speaking.&nbsp; It was easier to not appear so out of touch if he remained silent.<br><br>"Well, I must say that I could think of worse people to have as my date for the evening.&nbsp; You are handsome at least.&nbsp; No one will question why I am attending with you.”&nbsp; He gave a wry smile to Alex, not looking away for the brief moment before Alex turned to the box containing the jewelry.<br><br>Anthony could feel Alex's mind dwelling over and over on trying to understand what exactly was going through his own mind.&nbsp; Anthony's subtle mental pushes and the "accidental" glimpse of him changing had kept the man's thoughts on him.&nbsp; Anthony, though, knew that Alex had to come around mostly on his own, to decide for himself to pursue Anthony.&nbsp; <br><br>There was no question that if he wanted to, Anthony could take what he wanted from the human, but letting Alex approach him, letting Alex take those final few steps would make the ultimate outcome that much sweeter.&nbsp; It had been a long time since Anthony had a companion, be it female or male.&nbsp; Gaining one took a deft hand, lest the other notice they were being manipulated to the outcome Anthony wanted.&nbsp; One or two, though, had thanked him for the manipulation later.&nbsp; Anthony briefly wondered if Alex would as well, if their "dance" continued.<br><br>When Alex held the chain towards him, Anthony took the light chain from Alex and glanced at it for a moment.&nbsp; He undid the clasp and slid it around his neck, then over his collar.&nbsp; He tucked it under the suit jacket, but left it visible on the chest of his shirt.&nbsp; <br><br>Anthony stepped up next to Alex as Alex examined the rings.&nbsp; He bent to give himself a better view, brushing up against Alex's side.&nbsp; He made a soft "tch" sound as he considered the options.&nbsp; <br><br>"Ah!” Anthony said after a moment as his eyes fell on a ring towards the back of the box.&nbsp; "Here.&nbsp; This will work best for you.”<br><br>He lifted out a simple band of platinum.&nbsp; It glinted as he held it out to Alex in the palm of his hand.&nbsp; It had no adornment but shone in the light, its surface highly polished.&nbsp; He leaned against the dresser, his hand out to Alex.&nbsp; He had a slight smirk set onto his lips as he waited for Alex to take the band from him.&nbsp; <br><br>"You pick something for me,” Anthony said, as if it was the most normal thing in the world.&nbsp; The smirk stayed in place, his pose still.&nbsp; "After all, you are dressing me tonight.&nbsp; Quite well, I must say.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>18-08-2010, 18:15:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex looked to Anthony, trying to decide if the man was just teasing him or was serious about dating him tonight.&nbsp; He pushed it off into teasing in his mind.&nbsp; Unfortunately, the thoughts would not be so easily dismissed.&nbsp; They lingered and teased around around the edges of his mind.&nbsp; They played in and out of that hidden space he had yet to discover.&nbsp; That hidden space where he wanted Anthony.<br><br>He saw the challenging smirk with the simple band.&nbsp; He put the band on, deciding to tease Anthony in return.&nbsp; He put it on his left ring finger.&nbsp; “Hmmm.&nbsp; Could look worse,” he said in a casual way, playing down the game.&nbsp; He looked into the box and pondered returning a similiar favor.&nbsp; He thought of the engagement ring in his other coat pocket and a wicked little grin creased his lips.&nbsp; He chuckled slightly, but decided that was one game he wasn't willing to explain to his clients in the next few days.&nbsp; Instead, he chose a simple, white gold band with a strip of onyx across the top.&nbsp; It wasn't very wide to be garish or anything.&nbsp; It could compliment a wedding band nicely or stand as a single man's ring.&nbsp; He handed it to Anthony and winks softly, just to show he caught the game and was amused. <br><br>“I will call a taxi, it doesn't seem far from here if you were to look on a map or time how far we drive, but with this city, not far takes forever to walk.”&nbsp; His voice was casual as he took his leave of the bedroom and walked to the living room.&nbsp; He picked up the phone and orders the car.&nbsp; He then realized he has nothing in his pockets.&nbsp; “Hmm.&nbsp; I'm going to need keys and money..... and a card or two.”&nbsp; He went back to the bedroom to gather his intimate details.&nbsp; “The night will not be a small change affair.”&nbsp; He explained as he gathered a couple of credit cards and some loose funds for fare or drinks or afterwards.&nbsp; He seemed to have misplaced his keys.&nbsp; Alex looked up to see where Anthony was and to ask if he saw where Alex had left his keys.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>21-08-2010, 03:57:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Anthony accepted the ring with a smile.&nbsp; Very suitable.&nbsp; He had noticed where Alex had put the ring.&nbsp; Interesting.&nbsp; Either Alex was merely playing along or he'd started to respond to Anthony's subtle influences.&nbsp; Either way, however, was an improvement.&nbsp; If it was only Alex playing along, then Anthony would have to see about making it not a game.&nbsp; For now, though, it was a start.<br><br>He slipped the ring onto his own left ring finger.&nbsp; It was a good fit; not perfect, but not too tight.&nbsp; He looked at the ring.&nbsp; Good craftsmanship.&nbsp; It showed good taste on the part of Alex.&nbsp; More proof that his choice of prey was a good one.<br><br>As Alex began to gather up what he thought they would need for the evening, Anthony watched him move around.&nbsp; He noticed that Alex's movements were taking him all over the apartment.&nbsp; Perhaps Alex was worried about where they were going.&nbsp; Or, maybe he was thinking too much about Anthony.&nbsp; The thought made Anthony smirk slightly.&nbsp; <br><br>When Alex looked towards where Anthony had been, Anthony was no where to be seen.&nbsp; Anthony cleared his throat, drawing Alex's attention to where he was.<br><br>"You mean these?” Anthony said, standing next to the desk, the keys Alex had tossed onto the desk dangling from his finger.&nbsp; He gave a smile to Alex as he walked over to him.&nbsp; When he reached the other man, Anthony dropped the keys into his hand.&nbsp; <br><br>“I assume you oversee your work accounts better than your own keys, Alex,”&nbsp; Anthony said as he affectionately patted Alex's cheek.&nbsp; He didn't let his fingers linger, though he let his mind feel out Alex's reaction to his brief touch.&nbsp; As he considered what he felt from the other man, Anthony moved towards the door to the apartment.&nbsp; The dark suit he wore shifted colors ever so slightly as he walked through the lights and shadows of the apartment.&nbsp; He glanced back towards Alex when he reached the door, an eyebrow arched up.<br><br>"Shall we?” Anthony said.&nbsp; He held his arm out, the crook of his arm waiting for Alex to take, if he chose to do so of course.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>21-08-2010, 19:10:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He looked to find Anthony.&nbsp; The man just never seemed to be where he expected him.&nbsp; He was good at knowing where people were and kept good track of them, it was part of being a salesman.&nbsp; Yet, the man vexed him like his keys, just never being where he thinks they should be.&nbsp; Speaking of keys, the man paired himself with his keys, Alex noted with amusement.&nbsp; Anthony walked to him and dropped his keys in Alex’s hand.&nbsp; Alex smiled with a touch of sheepishness for he never could keep track of his keys, but of course he kept good track of his accounts , otherwise he would not have been so successful in his career.&nbsp; He smirked at the teasing, but smiles inwardly with a thought ‘Good, the man is settling into the role well, perhaps this night will not be so painful.’&nbsp; He winces then as he wonders how many of his clients he will have to talk to about this night.&nbsp; Some ladies can be very possessive.<br><br>A hand to the cheek captures Alex’s attention.&nbsp; It was brief, but slightly unsettling.&nbsp; The man was only playing along with the role given, right?&nbsp; Alex never did confirm the man’s sexual preference.&nbsp; It just wasn’t something he thought about normally.&nbsp; Men were straight or really not.&nbsp; If he didn’t see a guy and picture him wearing a pink feather boa, the man was straight.&nbsp; Anthony didn’t exude the pink feather boa, so Anthony was straight.&nbsp; Or was he?&nbsp; In that tiny hidden room that Alex has not ventured into yet, a light fights to life, like a candle coaxing flame to the wick from nothing at all.&nbsp; Possibilities grew, but slowly.<br><br>Anthony stood at the door waiting, his arm crooked.&nbsp; Alex comes back to the moment.&nbsp; His mind shedding effects of the wine with time, food and focusing on work thoughts.&nbsp; His mind flipped through who might be there and how best to achieve their positive attention in between thoughts of Anthony.&nbsp; He considered that crooked arm a moment before taking it.&nbsp; Perhaps it was best to get into the role before they reached the party.&nbsp; That way the ‘show’ would look more natural.&nbsp; They might be look more natural.&nbsp; He does not resist the play and falls into it, after all, he had thrust this game upon his guest.<br><br>Anthony guided Alex through hand flexes on his arm until they reached the front door.&nbsp; The taxi was waiting.&nbsp; There are some places taxis didn’t make people wait and addresses that leave tips like this place often did, never had to wait for a taxi.&nbsp; Alex lets Anthony lead as they head to the taxi.&nbsp; Alex slips from Anthony’s arm and opens his door to the taxi for him.&nbsp; Once in the car, he gives the driver instructions.&nbsp; The driver was unsure of where they were headed, so he told the driver to head east and take Cherry street north.&nbsp; He had to keep an eye on the driver as the turns down here are not obvious.&nbsp; To turn North on Cherry, you have to turn south and take a loop.&nbsp; The driver looked unsure, so Alex had to instruct him each step of the way, precluding any conversation.&nbsp; Once on Cherry street, Alex wasn’t sure of the name of the street so he had to watch…. “HERE”&nbsp; There was only one direction to turn, left.&nbsp; So left they went.&nbsp; The driver slowed immediately.&nbsp; “Further….keep going…. A little more…there!”&nbsp; Halfway down the block was the entrance.&nbsp; Alex pays the driver and leaves him a more than generous tip considering the man needed his hand held the whole way, but the man was at the door promptly.&nbsp; <br><br>Once out of the taxi, Alex offers his arm to Anthony to let Anthony look around to his heart’s content and not worry about their direction.&nbsp; The brick pathway was a bit precarious, but gladly, neither male was wearing high heels.&nbsp; How women did he always boggled Alex’s mind, but how he admired them for it.&nbsp; The brick buildings showed their age as if a good wind would make the bricks crumble to dust before their eyes.&nbsp; These buildings have looked precariously fragile since before Alex learned of the distillery and yet they have stood up to floods, blackout riots, tornadoes, restorations, renovations and neighborhood changes.&nbsp; This area has stood up to the changing tides of time as well as historians determined to make them useful.&nbsp; They managed to stand sturdy and true and even housed active business and events, like tonight.&nbsp; He guides Anthony through the iron gates to the surprisingly large sector.&nbsp; He sees the gentleman there to direct.&nbsp; Alex heads to him and he points the way to the building around the corner up ahead and down the street.&nbsp; “Soma, the chocolate place?”&nbsp; “No, the art gallery next to it, but they are supplying some of the indulgences.”&nbsp; Alex grins and tips the guy, he turns and leads Anthony to the place they were directed to.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>23-08-2010, 06:34:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For Anthony, the buildings they were passing by could be considered an interesting metaphor for his life.&nbsp; He had, over the decades, seen a great deal and had also had much pass him by with little notice.&nbsp; Anthony found himself looking at the signs of the past etched onto the surfaces he could see.&nbsp; The faded marks and writing from the past blended in with the modern features, enhancing what was there while at the same time making each building distinct.&nbsp; This area and its buildings felt much more...authentic than some of the newer buildings he'd seen during his travel north to Toronto from the United States.&nbsp; <br><br>Anthony glanced at his escort as they neared their destination.&nbsp; He could feel Alex's mind turning towards him now and then, which pleased Anthony.&nbsp; Maybe soon Alex would finally start to act on the desires he was feeling.<br><br>Anthony could make out a number of other people around the building Alex was guiding them to.&nbsp; He glanced over the crowd, his eyes looking over them idly.&nbsp; A preponderance of them were males, several of them holding on to one another.&nbsp; Anthony gave a slight chuckle.&nbsp; Should be an interesting evening.<br><br>An odd tingle began to itch in the back of Anthony's mind.&nbsp; His eyes narrowed slightly as a feeling he'd not experienced for a long time began to crawl through his mind.&nbsp; He knew what it meant.&nbsp; His eyes scanned through the crowd again.&nbsp; He let his eyes focus sharper than a human's eyes could, while his mind sought the source of the disturbance he could feel in the air.&nbsp; <br><br>There.<br><br>His eyes met the gaze of one of the few women in the crowd.&nbsp; Her pale blue eyes were locked to his.&nbsp; Both of them looked at the other for a long moment.&nbsp; They didn't know each other, but they knew what each of them were; both of them were the same.&nbsp; Hunters.&nbsp; Vampires.<br><br>This evening was definitely going to be quite interesting.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>25-08-2010, 05:37:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex guided Anthony up the cement steps into a brick building.&nbsp; The interior looked as if it had once been sectioned off into several rooms.&nbsp; Each room was now outlined with a two way marble benche or planter framed with columns around the entrances and a lowerd beam.&nbsp; In effect, it was like someone cut most of the wall away to create large windows in the walls.&nbsp; Soft hanging lights in paper laterns of different styles and effects littered the ceiling in a sensible pattern.&nbsp; &nbsp; People milled about in sets, two's really.&nbsp; Two males or two females.&nbsp; Sometimes these two's would blend with another set for a while, but eventually, they would separate.&nbsp; The art presented ranged in styles, message types and meduims.&nbsp; Abstract sculptures to statues, watercolor political statements to multi-medium portraits, the art had messages and each one was its own statement.&nbsp; It would be highly unlikely someone could enter this exhibit and not see something they were attracted to, even if only to the moving man on a ladder that spiraled into nothing.<br><br><br>A quick scan of the room and Alex could see her eyes on them already.&nbsp; The man comes to ask the tickets and before Alex could say a thing, she was next to him.&nbsp; How did she get there so fast?&nbsp; She was not the kind of woman that ran or even moved quick.&nbsp; Her motions were elegant, demanding and fluid.&nbsp; Her motion had the look of agelessness about them, as if she had lived to see many eras.&nbsp; Of course, Alex knew that none could, but there was that uneasiness that prickled his nerves when she came around.&nbsp; It was that same effect that most just could not handle this woman as their client.&nbsp; Alex could.&nbsp; <br><br><br>He turned his charming smile to her; one cheek hinting at a dimple.&nbsp; “Hello Victoria. How are are you?”&nbsp; He leans in for a kiss to her cheek as she juts her jaw in the manner the pope offers his hand to have his ring kissed.&nbsp; He steps back as her eyes shift from him to his 'partner' for the night.&nbsp; “This is Anthony.&nbsp; He's knew to the area and deals in art.&nbsp; I thought tonight's little get together would be a great way to welcome him to Toronto.&nbsp; I trust you will make him quite comfortable?”&nbsp; &nbsp;His words were a bit of a request but also a challenge.&nbsp; He knew the woman liked to take on her 'pets', favored ones to adore and pamper.&nbsp; He had been one for many years, hence his little change in plans tonight.<br><br><br>The ticket guy still waited and she gave him a look that he understood as he pulls out two tickets and stamps them “All is in order I see.”&nbsp; He turned to tend to his other duties.&nbsp; Victoria turned her attentions to Alex.&nbsp; “Welcome to Toronto.”&nbsp; She juts her jaw forward for his kiss as well.&nbsp; A hand across her middle in a drole manner and her other hand holding up a glass of champagne.&nbsp; A waiter walks by with a tray of chapagne circling a bowl piled high with dark, dusted chocolates.&nbsp; A little marker reads “Dark Chocolate Lavendar Truffle by Soma”&nbsp; In smaller print under the tag, it read “handcrafted.”&nbsp; Alex takes up a glass for himself and one for Anthony.&nbsp; He holds it patiently, expecting Anthony to understand the jutted jaw and comply.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>27-08-2010, 06:08:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Anthony was slightly surprised when the vampiress that he had seen outside came up to Alex and him.&nbsp; He was also surprised to see that apparently the woman and Alex were acquainted.&nbsp; Somehow though, he suspected that perhaps he shouldn't have been so taken unawares.&nbsp; Alex was in a position to be quite helpful to those who sought out wealth; undying vampires required money for decades and centuries.&nbsp; After all, that was part of the reason Anthony was "dancing" with Alex.<br><br>The way the vampiress took up space near to the two of them, however, was the unmistakable move of a predator establishing its claim.&nbsp; He could feel his own body tense slightly.&nbsp; This part of his life was slightly troubling to the former art historian.&nbsp; Vampires, by their nature, were hunters, wolves among a world wide herd of sheep.&nbsp; Sometimes, they would band together.&nbsp; Other times, they would fall upon each other, seeking dominance.&nbsp; How this would play out was unknown.&nbsp; Anthony would have to be cautious, especially if he did not want to spook Alex too much.<br><br>As she turned her cheek towards him, he could feel her mind press against his.&nbsp; She was not trying to force her way inside, no.&nbsp; This was more of a probing against his mind, very similar to the way he had slipped into Alex's mind earlier.&nbsp; Anthony was not defenseless of course, but he could feel her restrained power.&nbsp; Having only been awake for two weeks, Anthony was not yet at his full faculties.&nbsp; It would take some time for his blood, body, and mind to fully regain his former abilities.&nbsp; If she wanted to, he feared she could quite easily burst through his walls.<br><br>Anthony bent to the woman and pressed a light kiss against her warm cheek, just as he'd seen Alex do.&nbsp; He knew it wasn't a mere greeting.&nbsp; It was more of a challenge, a request for a gesture of obedience.&nbsp; He could ill afford to offend the woman.&nbsp; She expected his kiss, so he gave it to her.&nbsp; He took a step back and stood next to Alex, taking the champagne from him.&nbsp; <br><br>"Yes, Alex was quite insistent that we make our way here.&nbsp; He thought I would find it interesting and perhaps a good way to meet others here in the city.”<br><br>Anthony's eyes met the eyes of the woman, Victoria, as he sipped his drink.&nbsp; He had a slightly amused smile on his face as he continued.<br><br>“I am quite sure that I had no idea who I would meet.&nbsp; But, as it happens, I am glad to make your acquaintance, Victoria.”&nbsp; <br><br>He gave her a slight bow of his head, seemingly polite.&nbsp; It was more then that, of course.&nbsp; Anthony was on her turf, had taken up with someone that she may have plans for.&nbsp; He knew he was suddenly playing a very dangerous game.&nbsp; He would do well to not make an enemy at this early a stage in his reawakening.&nbsp; Uprooting himself again so soon could be dangerous, true, but not as much as offending one who had age and knowledge on her side.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>01-09-2010, 07:19:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Victoria could smell the remnants of blood and meat on both of their breaths, the hint of wine that made Alex’s eyes seem just a bit unfocused, though no one else would notice it tonight, or rather no one who didn’t already belong to her.&nbsp; She turned her attention back to Alex after returning Anthony’s small nod, satisfaction curling her lips upwards.&nbsp; Who he was and where he had come from was secondary, and could wait for a more opportune moment.&nbsp; As long as the newcomer understood his place in her city she was willing to suffer his presence.&nbsp; For the moment at least.<br><br>Who was to say, perhaps he would provide a bit of entertainment for a time.<br><br>“I assure you the pleasure is mine, for the moment at least,” she purred as she stepped between the two men, expecting them to move apart as she slid her arm through Alex’s and placed her half empty glass on a tray as one of the servers drifted by.&nbsp; <br><br>She reached mentally for Anthony once more, waiting politely for him to turn his attention towards her once more as she slid her other arm through his and casually led them through the exhibit.&nbsp; She could feel eyes on them, after all every gossip would take note of who she was seen with, and so she made it look good, feeding that hunger as she leaned over to whisper into Alex’s ear, perfectly aware that Anthony could make out each word.&nbsp; “Where did you pick him up darling, he’s rather stunning in your suit.”<br><br>Even as she spoke, ignoring Anthony to all outward appearances her voice slithered through the other vampires mind, proving that her true focus was him for the moment and Alex was only a pleasant distraction.&nbsp; <em>What brings you to my City brother…</em>the last word came out with a sarcastic mental caress that had no purpose but to show her power, ensuring that he knew exactly how outclassed he was.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>02-09-2010, 04:11:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex was just still drunk enough to miss the tension run through Anthony.&nbsp; The pleasing curves of the timeless beauty before him was always enough to distract him.&nbsp; At least with no girlfriend, he was free to partake of the menu at last.&nbsp; He suddenly felt more at ease.&nbsp; More in his element.&nbsp; Anthony was not what he expected and there was something about him that left Alex just a little off his game.&nbsp; <br><br>But Victoria!&nbsp; Few could handle Victoria and yet he felt at ease as she cuddled up to him “Where did you pick him up darling, he's rather stunning in your suit.”&nbsp; The whisper so close to his ear, he could feel the heated breath as it ran down his spine, cooling slowly.<br><br>Of course she wasn't cuddled up to him, but he will see it that way no matter what anyone were to tell him.&nbsp; He turned his to lay his cheek against hers “I always keep my eyes open for the right investment, it is why you adore me so.”&nbsp; His arm&nbsp; holding her comfortably by his side and between him and Anthony.&nbsp; He tries to shut that door before he has to admit it exists.&nbsp; For some reason he could not fathom, that door would not shut.&nbsp; If anything, the mere effort to close it pried it open a bit further.&nbsp; “of course he looks stunning in my suit, I wouldn't have a 'partner' any other way, would I?”&nbsp; There was some tease in the words.&nbsp; Of course, he was unware that Anothony could hear the whispered words.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>03-09-2010, 05:01:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Anthony fell into step with the others, his arm entwined with Victoria's as the three of them walked through the exhibit.&nbsp; The pictures and images were startling to Anthony, who had not seen the slowly changing face of art and culture for some time.&nbsp; However, it didn't bother him, not as much as the presence of the vampiress that held firmly onto his arm.<br><br>Anthony wasn't sure he could extract his arm if he wanted to.&nbsp; Sure, he could at the moment as she was not holding him tight, but he suspected that if she wanted to, she could make her arm as steel.&nbsp; It would probably take less than a thought to hold him fast.<br><br>His thoughts, however, were consumed with the feel of Victoria's mind pressing against them.&nbsp; He could feel his mind wanting to open up to hers and give her the answer she sought and more.&nbsp; It took more than he would like to keep his mind closed for the moment.&nbsp; She wasn't even trying hard, Anthony suspected.&nbsp; He could do little more than answer her silently in his mind.&nbsp; He dared not impart the thought into hers, instead he let the thought flit through where her mind already was in his, knowing she would pick up on it.<br><br><em>I am seeking a new place to call home, lady.&nbsp; I awoke from a long period of slumber and set out to find new grounds.&nbsp; </em><br><br>He tried to hold in brief images of what had driven him underground, but brief flickers of flame and sunlight flashed in his thought.&nbsp; He understood this was due to her seeking answers from him.&nbsp; He would give her more than she asked.&nbsp; He could only try and stem the flood of information, control its direction.<br><br><em>Alex happened to cross my path.&nbsp; He has been a welcome companion tonight.&nbsp; </em><br><br>Anthony's mind again flickered through thoughts and memories of earlier.&nbsp; Alex and his former fiancee arguing, their words reaching his ears; Alex and him sharing a meal; Alex looking at Anthony with faint lines of lust in his eyes, inspired by Anthony's actions and words.<br><br><em>I am no threat to you and yours, lady.</em><br><br>The question that remained, though, was simple.&nbsp; Was Alex hers?&nbsp; Would she lay claim to him and his blood?&nbsp; Anthony had begun to consider Alex as a possible -.<br><br>Anthony shook his head briefly, blocking the thought from continuing.&nbsp; She was pulling more and more from him.&nbsp; He concentrated on silencing the inner monologue.&nbsp; He put a small smile on his face as he turned to the other two as they whispered like conspirators.&nbsp; <br><br>"Ah, now why do I feel my ears burning?&nbsp; Pray do not keep me in the dark.”<br><br>He let his smile spread slowly as he kept pace with the two.&nbsp; It was a smile that was on the surface only.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>04-09-2010, 06:10:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Victoria could practically feel the attraction between the two men.&nbsp; What no mere mortal would have noticed she could smell on their skin, practically able to reach out and touch the tension between them.&nbsp; Fortunately she was more amused than anything, at least for the moment.&nbsp; Of course her amusement had a way of getting a little more… volatile on occasion, but that had little effect on her.&nbsp; If they amused her for the moment then she would allow Anthony to stay and see what would happen, hopefully he wouldn’t be as tiring as the last pair of brethren to show up in her city unannounced.<br><br>They had been amusing in the end at least.<br><br>There was an art to carrying on two conversations at once.&nbsp; The ability to split off parts of yourself and be two different people at the same time was rare, but she’d had centuries to practice, and so to Alex she was the eccentric and wealthy client and to Anthony she was one of the most dangerous creatures he was ever likely to meet.&nbsp; <br><br>She laughed lightly, the sound drawing attention as it seemed to caress down the spine of anyone hearing it, leaving chill bumps in its wake, only Anthony aware of the fact that her amusement was not truly directed towards Alex’s whispered words.&nbsp; “You’re right sweet boy, he does seem rather perfect.&nbsp; Too bad you are not interested in him, he’d make a fine nightcap,” she smiled suggestively, casually slipping the thought deeper into his subconscious without him ever knowing.&nbsp; <br><br>Anthony got flashes of her emotions, only things that slipped through into the surface of his mind.&nbsp; Whether it was carelessness on her part or part of a deeper game he couldn’t tell.&nbsp; He could feel her amusement like a caress against his mind, her territorial instincts coloring it with caution and a touch of cruelty that for the moment at least she seemed to have in control.<br><br>She practically purred in his mind, her amused laugh much deeper and richer to his inner ear.&nbsp; <em>I do not consider you a threat Anthony, the mere thought is rather… preposterous at the moment don’t you think?</em> she let the barb lay their between them for a moment as she kissed Alex’s cheek, leaving a faint smudge of lipstick behind.<br><br>Turning her attention fully towards Anthony for a moment she smiled, a slow curling of her lips that was all predator.&nbsp; “I was telling Alex here that he should take advantage of so charming a companion, it would be a shame to let you go to waste…”<br><br><em>Play your game young one and take your Bridge if you are powerful enough to claim him.&nbsp; However know that if you take what’s mine, and make no mistake that Alex is mine, you will be beholden to me.&nbsp; I think you might like it here in Toronto… but you’ll have to work your way into my favor to stay…</em><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>07-09-2010, 00:56:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Walking through the art and the couples didn't really have any effect on Alex tonight.&nbsp; Sure he had hoped he would find an item or two to invest in.&nbsp; He was always open to investments.&nbsp; But Victoria kept him nicely distracted.&nbsp; A welcome distraction he clung to.&nbsp; Forgetting Sabine's departure over dinner and the odd pull towards Anthony, he put all his attention into Victoria as she strolled between them.&nbsp; A bit of silly flirting and a kiss on his cheek.&nbsp; Smudged lipstick.&nbsp; Now isn't that a scandal as a homosexual couple?&nbsp; Ok, not really, but one could hope.<br><br>She turned her attention from him to Anthony.&nbsp; Alex took the breather to exchange glasses of champagne.&nbsp; He eyes dart over the exhibits as he did so.&nbsp; An investor always has process working in the subconscious even when they are half drunk, hiding from a painful breakup, dodging an unwanted sexual attraction and playing with a powerful client.&nbsp; So it was at this time his eyes were drawn to one piece.&nbsp; He firms his arm to bring Victoria with him.&nbsp; Having Anthony there as a former art expert was quite the stroke of luck and Victoria with her sizeable.... ability to invest.&nbsp; Who is this artist?&nbsp; The style looked familiar at first sight.&nbsp; The work was obviously new, it was a showing for new pieces, but the artists weren't new, just homosexual.&nbsp; His mind tried to swim through the alcohol and pheremone flooded brain cells to the information he needed.&nbsp; To buy himself time he gets the other two talking.<br><br>“This painting drew my eye.&nbsp; Tell me your thoughts?”&nbsp; Always test the water before diving in.&nbsp; A statement like that could mean it was so horrid, he couldn't look away, it says something political or he just fell in love with the beauty of it.&nbsp; A good safe line.&nbsp; Of course, he was fully unaware that they were fighting over him like two dogs with a bone.&nbsp; He was also blissfully unaware that he wasn't the one in control of this little moment in time.&nbsp; As far as he was concerned, he was the expert she looked to about money and investments and Anthony was so new in town, he needed a friend.&nbsp; All in all, he was the grounded, expert guiding his chosen ones around happily.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>08-09-2010, 07:04:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The mind that Anthony felt intruding upon his own was almost alien in nature to him.&nbsp; The way it settled into his own and curled around his consciousness , as if waiting for its chance to rend his mind, was terrifying to one accustomed to being predator.&nbsp; Anthony's mind was weak from his long sleep, and his blood was not strong yet.&nbsp; In time, perhaps, but now...now he was too vulnerable.&nbsp; He knew it was only due to her control and will that he was left to his own devices.&nbsp; Perhaps he would grow to resist it the longer she dwelt in him.&nbsp; It was the only comfort he could see.<br><br>He smiled at Victoria's slight teasing words, and laughed with her, forcing the sound out.<br><br>"Alas, I do not know if Alex has the insight that you have, Victoria.&nbsp; I think I make him a bit nervous, unfortunately.&nbsp; I had hoped he would find me a good companion to him in all ways.”<br><br>As he spoke with a light tongue, his mind reeled and sought to assuage the woman beside him<br><br><em>I give you my thanks, lady, for letting me pursue him.&nbsp; If it plays out, then I will be in your debt.&nbsp; If it does not, perhaps I may yet stay, at your forbearance of course.&nbsp; </em><br><br>Anthony glanced over at Alex as the young man sought to pull an opinion from him and Victoria.&nbsp; He could faintly hear the words in Alex's thoughts, but not as clearly.&nbsp; Victoria's presence was forceful and took up much of Anthony's attention.&nbsp; He raised his glass and sipped the drink as he considered the painting Alex had indicated.<br><br>It was a stark piece, of three bodies entwined, joining and parting.&nbsp; Anthony could see influences from the 15th century painter Bosch.&nbsp; However, it was hidden in shadow and dark colors.&nbsp; One could almost see the movement of the three as they joined to become one and then separated.&nbsp; <br><br>Anthony gave a brief murmur of appreciation.&nbsp; "It is striking.&nbsp; Influenced by a well known painter, but not derivative.&nbsp; The technique is crude, but effective.”&nbsp; He gave a slight shrug as he continued.&nbsp; "As an investment, it is of course hard to say, since value is in the eyes of the beholder.&nbsp; But, it is a strong piece.&nbsp; It is too new to say if it will be an important piece in the future.&nbsp; Keep in mind, the most famous and valuable paintings were at one time worth little more than the commission that inspired their creation.”<br><br>He turned his eyes back to Alex and Victoria, his gaze passing from one to the other and then back.&nbsp; "What is important, though, is if the piece says something to you, if it stirs you.”<br><br>As he turned back, he noticed a subtle detail.&nbsp; Most looking at the piece would assume it was a man joined by two women.&nbsp; But, here, in this show, Anthony had thought to look for subtle hints.&nbsp; He had found one.&nbsp; It was not two women and a man; it was the opposite.&nbsp; Anthony wondered if Alex had noticed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>09-09-2010, 00:21:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Victoria could taste Anthony’s caution like a slightly bitter fruit upon her lips, his desire the sharp taste of blood, metallic and sensual on her tongue.&nbsp; From Alex she could taste the denial as he clung to her, clung to what he considered to be safe and normal.&nbsp; Both of them amused her a great deal, so much that she didn’t even attempt to stop the smile that curled the corners of her lips upward.&nbsp; It had been far too long since something had truly amused her and caught her attention.&nbsp; <br><br><em>We shall see young one, that will depend on what you might be able to do for me…</em> she purred into Anthony’s mind as she studied the painting, a laugh bubbling just beneath the surface as she noted the same thing that Anthony did.<br><br>“It is a striking piece, though perhaps it speaks more strongly to you than it does to I dear Alex.&nbsp; What do you see when you look at it?&nbsp; What does it say to you?” she asked, moving from between the two men with subtle grace that most would never have noticed, sliding to the other side of Alex to give Anthony room.&nbsp; <br><br>As she passed behind Alex she took a deep breath, smelling the blood just beneath the surface of the man’s skin, a feral look passing through her eyes that only Anthony truly had a chance to catch before the mask of humanity fell back into place.&nbsp; It was a thin façade, it would have been so easy for the mass of humanity that moved around them to see through it if they but looked.&nbsp; Unfortunately human nature made them see what they wanted to see, and so they saw a pale woman, her hair rich and vibrant and they never noticed the lack of blush upon her cheeks, or the moments when she did not breathe, her body still and quiet.&nbsp; They did not see the predator in their midst.&nbsp; <br><br><em>He is delicious is he not? Perhaps I will want to watch when you take him… or perhaps I will take him myself if you fail…</em> There was little doubt what she would do to him if Anthony failed, her eyes laughing at the situation he found himself in.&nbsp; The only plus side to her amusement was that she was unlikely to kill either of them while it lasted…<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>12-09-2010, 00:02:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He looked over the piece with them.&nbsp; The darkness and movement had caught his eye.&nbsp; It was sexually arousing without belonging to a pin-up magazine, like Victoria.&nbsp; Powerful, moving, graceful and totally sexual without being fully in your face about it.&nbsp; A word plays through his mind, a word his girlfriend would have said 'sensual'.&nbsp; He growled mentally at the link to her in his mind.&nbsp; His hand tightened around the glass. It was in that moment, Victoria stepped to the side of him and he was almost grateful.&nbsp; He didn't notice the line-up that put him in yet though, only that she had let go just as he tightened up in his anger and pain.&nbsp; He forced it from his mind to concentrate on the moment.<br><br>“I'm not sure I like it afterall.” he proclaims.&nbsp; More due to the sudden thought of Sabine than anything to do with the piece.&nbsp; He did force his body to relax just in time for Victoria to be on the other side of him.&nbsp; He turned to look at Anthony and noted the man very near him.&nbsp; He did have to admit, the man looked stunning in his suit.&nbsp; The mere thought made him balk, wondering where such a thought came from.&nbsp; The light in that long hidden recess seemed to be growing, getting harder to ignore.&nbsp; That area where he was willing to be a partner to Anthony.&nbsp; He suddenly shifted, uncomfortably. <br><br>Aware that this was a homosexual party and Anthony was his date, he realized he could not dodge being 'with' the man he invited to play the role of his partner.&nbsp; Alex sucked in his breath, downed the full glass of champagne and signalled the server for another.&nbsp; He turned back with a dimpled smile.&nbsp; “Are there any pieces here that catch your eye?”<br><br>He didn't really catch gender of the being in the painting, only the movement and sexual nature of the piece.&nbsp; Later, though, he would swear it was two females and a male.&nbsp; What guy wouldn't want that?&nbsp; Two women focused solely on pleasing him?&nbsp; That would be a night to have.&nbsp; He looks at Victoria and wonders if she would be interested in such a night.&nbsp; Though who would play the third person, he hadn't any clue.&nbsp; He didn't have any in mind at all to cast for that part.&nbsp; Unlike the two Alex was with who already had the roles decided and cast.&nbsp; Then again, Alex was still thinking he was in charge of this little trio.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>12-09-2010, 07:43:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Victoria slipped her thoughts into Anthony's own mind again, he moved slightly closer to Alex when she shifted her position to his other side.&nbsp; He gave a brief smile to Alex when the other man looked at him again.&nbsp; <br><br><em>I will, of course, make myself available to you in any way you think would help you.</em>&nbsp; he thought to her in response to her.&nbsp; Of course, it wasn't as if Anthony had much choice.&nbsp; He had fallen into Victoria's web and was ensnared.&nbsp; It would take care and caution to be able to extract himself from it intact.<br><br>The vague threat concerning Alex's and his own fate was not lost on Anthony.&nbsp; Nor was the impression of amusement that filled Victoria's words.&nbsp; It was painfully obvious that she had latched onto them because the pair of them amused her and offered her a show.&nbsp; And in this case, she wanted a show, both metaphorically and literally.&nbsp; <br><br>Anthony again had no choice but to give his consent.&nbsp; <em>My lady, if I am able to seduce this young man to my side and make him a Bridge for me...your witnessing of it would be...welcomed.</em>&nbsp; Anthony locked his face in a small smile, one that he did not feel internally.&nbsp; All he could do was to try and placate her, though he knew it might not matter.&nbsp; She would do as she willed, no more and no less.<br><br>Alex's question about any other pieces drew a faint shrug.&nbsp; Anthony glanced around as he again took Alex's arm into a link with his own.&nbsp; He waited to let Victoria do the same, before taking a few steps.<br><br>“I think that a lot of this work is born from passion, from desire.&nbsp; To many, the sexual love of one man by another man is still strange and foreign, even disturbing.&nbsp; Me?&nbsp; I think it doesn't matter.&nbsp; Male, female, what does it matter?”&nbsp; <br><br>As Anthony spoke, he lead the other two through the other exhibits.&nbsp; “I think that much of this work is trying too hard.&nbsp; But that piece...,” he said, pointing at a simple still life of a man sleeping.&nbsp; A shaft of sunlight spilled over the form in the picture.&nbsp; "That piece shows love and devotion without being course.&nbsp; He's an Adonis, drawn in a modern take on the classical Pre-Raphaelite school.”<br><br>Anthony gave a brief chuckle.&nbsp; "Sorry.&nbsp; Suffice to say that what I said earlier stands true.&nbsp; Find a piece that inspires you.&nbsp; That makes you feel.&nbsp; That's the joy of art, be it art of paint, of clay, of marble, or of love.”<br><br>When Alex glanced at Victoria and had a flash of thinking on her and another being with him, focused on his pleasure, it was too easy an opportunity for Anthony to ignore.&nbsp; Even though it required him to relax his own defenses, he let his attention slip slightly away from Victoria.<br><br>As Alex began to imagine what the third would look like, Anthony slipped a brief image of his own eyes, his own mouth, his own hand into Alex's thoughts.&nbsp; It wouldn't do to make the image his entirely, no.&nbsp; Alex was still trying to come to grips with his desire.&nbsp; Anthony would let him make the connection from the disparate images, let Alex's own mind conceive of the concept itself.&nbsp; This way, it wasn't foreign and would feel natural to the man.&nbsp; He might still be shocked, but the thought wouldn't have the taint of foreign intrusion.<br><br>Anthony, unfortunately, felt Victoria's presence in his mind strengthen when he drew some of his focus from her.&nbsp; He was growing more and more to be at her mercy, should she choose to exercise it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>13-09-2010, 23:46:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The temptation to take, to bend the newcomers mind to her will was a subtle, addicting thing.&nbsp; It drew her more deeply into his mind where she could read more of his pure, unfiltered thoughts and emotions before she was completely aware of what she was doing.&nbsp; She tasted him like a fine wine, testing the depths she could reach with a subtle and surprisingly gentle probing that he would barely notice before she withdrew without pushing further, settling into his surface thoughts like a warm blanket simply so that he would not forget her presence.<br><br>“I couldn’t agree with you more Anthony, it is not the outer appearance of a person that truly shows who they are, I think we may know that better than most,” she purred, aware that her reference would go over Alex’s head.<br><br>She turned her attention towards Alex once more, that small half smile on her lips that meant she was thinking something that involved him, though she likely wouldn’t tell him what it was if he asked.&nbsp; “I think perhaps you should find a piece that speaks to you Alex, my treat this time,” she said, kissing his cheek once more before she let him go and walked around them to kiss Anthony’s cheek as well.&nbsp; “I will find you both shortly, I need to mingle a bit more before I can devote my attention to the two of you, wouldn’t want to appear rude.”<br><br><em>Use the time wisely young one…</em> the thought slid into Anthony’s mind with ease, taking no effort on her part&nbsp; as she turned and walked into the crowd, greeting a couple by name as she laughed and mingled effortlessly.&nbsp; The space gave Anthony time to gather his wits more fully, and as her presence faded into the background he could feel the others, those unseen and unheard who watched and listened, caught much more deeply in Victoria’s web than Anthony and Alex found themselves to be. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>18-09-2010, 04:02:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex looks over the 'Adonis' that caught Anthony's eye.&nbsp; The work was well done.&nbsp; The composition pure in its simplicity.&nbsp; Tasteful and yet inviting the mind to wander, should one choose to.&nbsp; Alex slammed on his brakes there.&nbsp; A bit too open for him yet.&nbsp; He turned from it quickly shutting down the possibility of his mind wandering into the painting.&nbsp; “Art is truly subjective.”&nbsp; His eyes scan the room once space once again before returning to the two he was with.&nbsp; <br><br>He notices Victoria's smile on him and assumes her thoughts are similiar, if not in sync with his own.&nbsp; A little alone time with her would definitely be welcomed, he thinks.&nbsp; A way to reaffirm his masculine prowess and his heterosexual tastes.&nbsp; Just what his shakey mind needed.&nbsp; He grins back, a bit feral.&nbsp; A bravado as he begins to wrestle with a growing attraction to Anthony, an attraction he can no longer simply ignore. An attraction that started unnoticabley in his own mind and was nurtured ever so gently by both Anthony and Victoria.&nbsp; So that it grew to punch through to his conscious thoughts with Anthony's face forming the third partner in a trio scene with Victoria.&nbsp; A little one on one time with Victoria would solve much panic in the man's mind.&nbsp; Her smile and her offer eases him as he feels he still has that special something the ladies fall for every time.&nbsp; His dimpled smile becomes more relaxed.<br><br>“I think perhaps you should find a piece that speaks to you Alex, my treat this time,” Victoria says and then excuses herself to go mingle.&nbsp; Alex finds himself unsettled and alone with Anthony.&nbsp; Still, it is a party, he is being offered a gift by a beautiful and powerful lady and there is much champagne – of which he takes another glass from a passing server.&nbsp; He puts on his selling facade and takes Anthony's arm.&nbsp; The man in control, he begins to lead Anthony around the room focusing on the art at hand.&nbsp; Dimissing the landscapes as too common, the people as either uninteresting or too 'out' (homosexual), he turns to the abstracts.&nbsp; <br><br>One catches his eye.&nbsp; Green for the upper background, white and yellow for the ground and foreground.&nbsp; The subjects seem to be humans in orange blotches with a pink stripe through the middle.&nbsp; The humans could be doing anything from dancing to kissing to fighting to watching a parade.&nbsp; &nbsp; The title is “Pink Barricade 1” by Stephen Andews. (http://www.lolafest.com/bio/stephen-andrews)&nbsp; The beauty of art is that the viewer does not need to see what the painter needed to say for the art to still be effective.&nbsp; Alex leads Anthony to this one.&nbsp; “The colors work for my hallway.&nbsp; The picture that hung there this morning needs replacing.”&nbsp; The smug, half-drunk satisfaction that Sabine took her art away too set his mind comfortably onto feelings he could control and was practiced at handling.&nbsp; He was suddenly grateful for the thought of her, for the anger and hurt she brought to his mind.<br><br>He read the passage under the painting.&nbsp; The painter had been making a statement of loss and confusion in war, specifically using the war in Iraq as a the medium.&nbsp; The war being set in city streets as war is no longer fought safely away from civilians, but using civilians as shields and weapons.&nbsp; This is not what he sees in the work.&nbsp; He can see it, but it is not the impression it left with him.&nbsp; He stands back and enjoys the colors, the vagueness of the statement and the way his mind can manipulate what the art says from one minute to another.&nbsp; He takes delight in manipulating it in different directions.&nbsp; “I think this is the one I want.”&nbsp; He turns to look at Anthony a moment.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>21-09-2010, 06:11:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Anthony nodded at the picture, his mind feeling Alex's flash of anger.&nbsp; He let Alex's mind fume on the thought of his new ex, while he offered a calming arm for Alex.&nbsp; He looked at the picture for a while, then he nodded.&nbsp; He turned to Alex and gave him a smile and nod.&nbsp; "It will look very nice in your apartment, Alex.”<br><br>He slipped his fingers between Alex's and pulled his hand up to his mouth.&nbsp; He gave Alex a brief brush of his mouth across Alex's fingers, before letting their hands fall back.&nbsp; He let Alex move his arm into the crook of Alex's arm, letting the other man act the part of the lead.&nbsp; Part of this was to get Alex to take the lead, to think he was the one who decided he wanted Anthony.&nbsp; So far, so good.&nbsp; Anthony turned back to the picture.&nbsp; “A very good choice,” he said thoughtfully.<br><br>The distance of Victoria was welcome, to be sure.&nbsp; However, the small amount of physical space was not accompanied by a lessening of her in his mind.&nbsp; Anthony chose to accept it and not struggle to push her out.&nbsp; He wondered briefly if the acceptance was his own or from her.&nbsp; He also wondered if it even mattered, ultimately.&nbsp; Most likely not.<br><br>Regardless, her momentary absence gave Anthony a chance to focus more on Alex.&nbsp; Anthony motioned to a server.&nbsp; When the man made his way over to them, he glanced at Alex, then back to the man.&nbsp; "My...friend here would like to purchase that particular piece,” he said, indicating the chosen painting.&nbsp; "Make sure he is able to do so without delay.”<br><br>Anthony's voice was steady, but there was a hint of strength underneath it.&nbsp; It brooked no argument, no questions.&nbsp; He didn't impart any supernatural strength or influence to it.&nbsp; His own vocal inflections conveyed his expectations of being obeyed.&nbsp; He turned back to Alex and gave him a brief smile.&nbsp; He then bent in and whispered to the other.<br><br>“I hope you I am living up to your needs for a 'gay companion', Alex.&nbsp; I am having an interesting time.&nbsp; Thank you.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>29-09-2010, 06:03:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The arm was calming and alarming at the same time.&nbsp; Alex is unsure how to react to it as he is feelings things he has not felt before for a guy and it disturbs him.&nbsp; He always knew he was straight.&nbsp; There wasn't once he questioned it.&nbsp; He was always good with the ladies and happy to be so.&nbsp; He could charm his way into any skirt he wanted and enjoyed doing so often – well before the girlfriend that is.<br><br>Alex almost panics as Anthony brings his fingers up to his mouth.&nbsp; Yet, somehow he feels a tightening in his pants.&nbsp; He suddenly finds a need to go the washroom.&nbsp; He shifts as Anthony calls the server and puts in the order.&nbsp; He knows he is stuck there for now.<br><br>Anthony leaned in and whispered to him.&nbsp; A shiver ran the course of his spine and before he knew what he was doing, his lips reached to Anthony's neck and places a soft kiss there.&nbsp; It was amazing how that champagne affects one's decisions.&nbsp; Alex reached for another flute and downs in as if it were a shot.&nbsp; “You are doing quite well, thank you.”&nbsp; Was that sarcasm?&nbsp; Was that gratitude?&nbsp; Perhaps both.<br><br>Alex takes Anthony's arm into his and follows the server to take care of the details of the purchase.&nbsp; He is rather use to walking with a hard-on and so manages to do so again without announcing to the room his difficulties.&nbsp; His eyes scan the room for Victoria as if begging her mentally to save him from this confusion and discomfort.<br><br>This is the first time he does not feel in full control of the night.&nbsp; Even then, he does not suspect that he is under control of other's, but the whim of his own body.&nbsp; The body can be a merciless master all on its own.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>08-10-2010, 03:46:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The distance from Victoria not only served to focus their attention on one another, but it also allowed Anthony a chance for his senses to stretch further, no longer being forced to focus on her presence alone he could sense the others.&nbsp; They were weaker, more subtle, but each of them brushed politely against his mental defenses, letting him know that he had literally walked into the predators den so to speak.&nbsp; For a moment it was almost overwhelming, but another brush from Victoria’s mind, almost an absent caress sent the others back into their own minds, leaving him in relative peace for the moment if he could ignore her.<br><br><em>What do you want done with him Mistress…</em> an almost serpentine feeling mind whispered into hers, telling her that her children were watching the newcomer just as closely as she was. After speaking to Anthony however she had few worries where he was concerned.&nbsp; He didn’t yet possess the strength needed to challenge her, and even once his powers were fully recovered she would have the upper hand.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br><em>Nothing at the moment Aaron, simply watch and wait… I want to see this play out personally before I make my decisions in regards to him…</em> she purred back, caressing his mind almost sensually before she moved on to another set of mortal guests.<br><br>Her presence was ever in the back of Anthony’s mind, polite but unwavering as she watched his attempt at seduction with no small amount of amusement, allowing him free rein to do what he needed in order to secure his Bridge.&nbsp; It wasn’t a sign of kindness, but rather a sign of boredom.&nbsp; If nothing else this would prove a distraction, an unknown that she couldn’t quite control completely yet.&nbsp; A novelty. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>13-10-2010, 01:58:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The sudden kiss against his skin caused Anthony's hand to tighten on Alex's arm.&nbsp; The contact was slightly unexpected, though it was the first step in what Anthony had been seeking this evening.&nbsp; Excellent, he thought.&nbsp; However, it was surprising to Anthony exactly how much of a electric thrill the brief kiss sent through his nerves.&nbsp; That was unexpected, but very pleasant.<br><br>He let his hand trail along Alex's arm and did not pull away from him as they walked with the server.&nbsp; However, he could feel the emotional turmoil that coiled through Alex's mind.&nbsp; He let his own thoughts slip inside Alex's and whispered calming thoughts into Alex's thoughts.&nbsp; He slipped them softly into Alex's mind, leaving them for him to assimilate into his own thinking.<br><br><em>It is fine.&nbsp; He didn't mind.&nbsp; I shouldn't be upset.&nbsp; It is fine.&nbsp; It is fine.</em><br><br>As Anthony's mind sought to calm Alex's, he felt various other minds flit against his own.&nbsp; Once he had found Victoria, he suspected that there were others near.&nbsp; He was not disappointed.&nbsp; Queens never were far from their supporters.&nbsp; Some preferred to keep a tight reign over their subjects.&nbsp; Whether Victoria was of that ilk or not, he did not know, though he suspected.&nbsp; Their brushes against his mind though were cursory, more like nods in his mental direction.&nbsp; He could feel their vague curiosity about him, though he also felt Victoria's brief presence cause the others to withdraw.&nbsp; She was obviously still paying attention to him and Alex.<br><br>Anthony glanced at Alex.&nbsp; "Well, was there anything else you saw that interested you, Alex?”&nbsp; He smiled disarmingly at Alex.&nbsp; "Any other pieces you wish to take home?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>16-10-2010, 07:37:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex led Anthony to the server who was sorting out the details of the sale.&nbsp; He sorted his thoughts and found himself almost chanting.&nbsp; 'It is fine.&nbsp; I shouldn't be upset.&nbsp; We are just pretending.'&nbsp; He held to that strongly as he smiled a flirtatiously to Anthony as Anthony subtly asks Alex one of those double entendres, “was there anything else you saw that interested you, Alex?&nbsp; Any other pieces you wish to take home?”.&nbsp; He can almost hear the too perky stewardess on the plane squeal out “coffee, tea or me?”&nbsp; while batting her eye lashes at him.&nbsp; He has to hold hard not to burst out laughing.&nbsp; The smile on his face though was easy and sincere for it.<br><br>Alex was still totally oblivious to the undercurrents playing around him.&nbsp; He had no idea he wasn't the lead of the show.&nbsp; He thought himself the manipulator of the puppet show.&nbsp; He takes Anthony's arm even stronger than before, straightens his spine a bit more and winks to Anthony as he says “Nothing to hang on my walls at least.”&nbsp; His mind slips to Victoria and somehow Anthony is in the mental picture as well.&nbsp; He closes his eyes briefly and swears about too much champagne and then grabs another flute from a passing server.<br><br>He refused to think about the stiffness in his pants from Anthony's touches.&nbsp; 'I'm just drunk.' he tells himself.&nbsp; 'It is from seeing Victoria,' he tells himself further.&nbsp; The fact that it happened only after Victoria left does not seem to enter his thoughts.&nbsp; Probably a careful screening to create that delusion, just as he chalks the kiss had given to Anthony up to keeping up the act.&nbsp; The fact that the man's scent filled his nose or that his mind was not on how the two of them appeared would not be admitted at this time.&nbsp; Also, the fact that he was just as surprised as Anthony would be denied.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>17-10-2010, 23:47:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Anthony was pleased that Alex seemed amused by his subtle hint.&nbsp; At least the other man wasn't bothered by the idea of flirting between them.&nbsp; Perhaps Alex was starting to warm to him more and more.&nbsp; Of course, Anthony wasn't quite aware of the full effect he had inflicted on Alex's body.&nbsp; However, he suspected that the other man was becoming more relaxed with him, more open to possibilities.&nbsp; <br><br>Anthony smiled briefly at the stronger grip on his arm and the wink.&nbsp; Alex's own teasing hint brings a faint laugh to Anthony's lips.&nbsp; "Ah, well, perhaps something can be arranged then.&nbsp; I'm sure that you won't be disappointed.”<br><br>He smiled again at Alex and was about to pull him closer into a brief embrace when Anthony felt <em>her</em> presence slip into his mind, reasserting itself in his thoughts.&nbsp; Instinctively, his mental walls went up, but he knew how this would go if Victoria decided to intrude strongly.&nbsp; For a moment, he felt frustration.&nbsp; He felt that he had been closer than before, that perhaps Alex was about to relax his guard against the feelings Anthony had been cultivating in him.&nbsp; However, there was nothing to be done.&nbsp; He composed his features in the brief time he had before she reappeared.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>25-10-2010, 23:36:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She melted out of the crowd, making it look easy with her graceful movements as she moved to join them once more.&nbsp; The smile that curled her lips only showed a fraction of her amusement however, Anthony could feel it brushing against his shields, testing them casually as she entwined her arm with Alex’s, keeping the human between them by design.&nbsp; “How is my favorite couple, enjoying yourselves?” she asked with a hint of laughter.&nbsp; “I understand that you found something to your liking my handsome boy?” she asked Alex.<br><br><em>Come now young one, did you really think I would make this that easy?</em> she mused, her voice a purring laugh in Anthony’s head.&nbsp; <em>Where is the fun in that?&nbsp; I expect to be well entertained for my willingness to let you stay in my territory if nothing else.&nbsp; Now… I would suggest that you take the handsome boy and find a private corner without as many beautiful distractions… if his only choice for the evening is a man, then I think you’ll have better luck convincing him that a night of passion is exactly what he needs…</em><br><br>“I’m having a little… get together tomorrow evening at my place.&nbsp; Small and rather… intimate shall we say?&nbsp; I’d love it if you would come Alex, and bring your new friend, he’ll be a smashing success if I were to make a guess,” she suggested, though in truth it might as well have been an order for both of the men to attend even if it was delivered as a thinly veiled suggestion. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>01-11-2010, 22:41:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex was just about to find Victoria now that the painting had been tended to, but she appeared on her own.&nbsp; He smiled as if she read his mind and was there for him.&nbsp; As he is between his guest and his lady, he leaned to Victoria all the more.&nbsp; She seemed to be enjoying the joke of him and Anthony as a couple by her teasing and laughing.&nbsp; He just grinned and took it.&nbsp; “yes, I did find something.”&nbsp; He dropped his eyes along her classicly sculpted body.&nbsp; Such timeless features could entrance the soul, if one were not careful.&nbsp; That was not the part of him he was worried about at this time, however.&nbsp; He wanted to be fully certain his attraction was for Victoria and he was going to be darn sure of it.<br><br>She invited them for the next night and Alex could hear that steel in her voice that she used when it was not a question or invite at all, but something she expected.&nbsp; He quickly weighed his options and his bank balance and new his path.&nbsp; “If he is not otherwise engaged, I will see that he gets there.&nbsp; Otherwise, I'm yours.”&nbsp; He purred the last sentence to her.&nbsp; He must be rather drunk.&nbsp; That's ok.&nbsp; He decided to play it off and perhaps get her to take him home.&nbsp; The images of what he would do to her flitted through his mind.&nbsp; About halfway through, Anthony popped into the picture.&nbsp; Not good.&nbsp; He growled at the image, not at Victoria, but had she heard it, he hoped she heard it as lust.&nbsp; He then realized Anthony&nbsp; has to go home with him to change clothes.&nbsp; His growl continued a bit longer, a bit lower.<br><br>“I think it is time to head home....&nbsp; I think I may have had a bit more to drink than I should have.”&nbsp; his eyes were wide with the effort to focus as the room continued the slow heating up as if someone turned on the furnace to the lowest setting and forgot about it.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>05-11-2010, 06:27:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Anthony held onto Alex's arm and nodded at Victoria's thinly veiled order.&nbsp; "Oh, I think I can make myself available, Victoria.&nbsp; Not too many other obligations at the moment, so...I would be happy to attend with Alex.”&nbsp; <br><br>He smiled at Alex and nodded at Alex's last words to both he and Victoria.&nbsp; He looked deep into Alex's face and gave a brief smile.&nbsp; “I think that might be the case, Alex.&nbsp; A cab is definitely in order.&nbsp; Shall we?”&nbsp; <br><br>He turned to Victoria and gave her a brief nod.&nbsp; "It was a pleasure to meet you Victoria.&nbsp; Tommorrow night?”&nbsp; As he spoke, his mind turned to hers, addressing her as well.&nbsp; <em>As you say, my Lady.&nbsp; Perhaps there will be something to be gained by taking him home for now.&nbsp; </em><br><br>He turned with Alex and guided the other man through the crowd.&nbsp; He leaned close to him, his arm entwined with Alex's arm.&nbsp; They seemed like a standard couple, close and intimate, with one guiding the other who was slightly tipsy.&nbsp; As they moved, Anthony let his mind enhance the impression that they were giving off, both to the crowd that they passed through, as well as the one Alex felt in his mind.&nbsp; He subtly made the image comforting, yet slightly charged with electricity.<br><br>As they reached the door, Anthony stopped Alex and turned him to face him.&nbsp; He reached up and straightened Alex's tie, then smiled at him.&nbsp; "You are very handsome, Alex.&nbsp; Thank you for the company.”&nbsp; As he turned to guide him out, he let his mind again slip into Alex's thoughts, placing more thoughts there, lurking just beneath the surface.&nbsp; <br><br><em>Don't let it end.&nbsp; Don't let the night end.&nbsp; Not yet.&nbsp; </em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>11-11-2010, 03:59:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex was definitely feeling something as they walked to the door.&nbsp; That alcohol was sinking in and deep.&nbsp; His stomach was starting to turn.&nbsp; He managed to stand upright as Anthony fixes his tie.&nbsp; They exited the building and Alex made a sharp right.&nbsp; Perhaps a bit of bladder relief would alleviate the roiling in his stomach.&nbsp; Alex stopped right there and unzipped.&nbsp; The washroom was not that far, just inside and across the room.&nbsp; But his thinking was not that organized, floating so randomly on the sea of alcohol.<br><br>Once he milked the last drops out and tucks himself back in, only knicking his flesh a little.&nbsp; He bled a bit.&nbsp; Alex lifted the bloodied finger up to his lips to lick it off without thinking.&nbsp; A few choice words slurred from his lips in the process.&nbsp; He grabbed Anthony's arm and started to lead down the brick to outside the walls where a taxi might be waiting for them.&nbsp; After all, Victoria is good about that sort of thing.<br><br>At the street, Alex tried to flag a taxi, but stumbled forward.&nbsp; The taxi was right there, not moving, waiting even.&nbsp; Alex heaved a little, looking a little green, but managed to keep everything inside – barely.&nbsp; Fumbling and falling onto Anthony, Alex makes it to the taxi.&nbsp; He knows better than to slam the drinks back, it all hits at once that way, but tonight just kept needed that soothing edge.&nbsp; <br><br>Despite the soothing in his mind, he felt uneasy about the new feelings assaulting him.&nbsp; Actually, partly because of the soothing in his mind, he felt uneasy.&nbsp; It triggered some sort of inner alarm, but he had no clue what the alarm was or what it meant.&nbsp; He just felt uneasy and the booze was keeping him relaxed and Anthony was helping him home.&nbsp; “Your ssush a gooh friehn al..eady.”&nbsp; His English being less Englis by the syllable as he layed on Anthony, patting his body where his hands fell.&nbsp; He aimed for the chest, but drunk man's aim is as good as drunk man's ability to walk.&nbsp; On the upside, he was now too drunk to care about the uneasiness or the why of it.&nbsp; He was floating away on the sea of no cares.&nbsp; Later, those cares would weigh him down quite badly as he would work to crawl across the floor.&nbsp; "Schtaaae width me... don' leeeave meh,"he mumbled as he clung to Anthony.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>19-11-2010, 03:53:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Anthony sat in the back of the cab with Alex as the other man draped himself over Anthony.&nbsp; A slightly amused glint in his eye sharpened as Alex's hands drifted over his body.&nbsp; For a moment, the passing lights of the city outside the cab glinted red in his eyes.&nbsp; The cabdriver wrote it off as a trick of the light.&nbsp; Had to have been.&nbsp; <br><br>Anthony could still feel a faint trace of Victoria's mind in his.&nbsp; Dimly he wondered if he'd been marked by her mental touch.&nbsp; He let himself relax his mind slightly as he felt Alex's hands trail up and down his body.&nbsp; He held his arms loosely around Alex, keeping him mostly upright, but leaning into his own form.&nbsp; He enfolded the other man, as if protecting him.<br><br>His mind slipped into Alex's again, soothing the other man.&nbsp; <em>No fear...no fear...no fear...</em> his thoughts said into Alex's, pushing an artificial calm onto him.&nbsp; As Alex relaxed his head onto Anthony's shoulder, Anthony pulled his mind back and let Alex be.&nbsp; He could feel the slight fear and unease still present in Alex's mind.&nbsp; Better to let it be than force it out completely.&nbsp; He could only start the feeling of calm, Alex had to let it become part of him.&nbsp; <br><br>When they reached Alex's building, Anthony helped him from the cab.&nbsp; He had Alex sit on the curb while he paid for the cab.&nbsp; Then, after the cab pulled away, he turned and helped Alex back to his feet.&nbsp; Half supporting, half carrying Alex, Anthony got the two of them to the front door.&nbsp; His motions were sure and strong.&nbsp; Not once did he falter or nearly lose Alex.&nbsp; He deftly removed Alex's wallet and the access card, swiping it to allow the two of them access.&nbsp; Several steps across the entrance hall takes them to the elevators.&nbsp; When one opened for them, the same as before, Anthony deftly guides Alex into the cube and props him up against a wall.&nbsp; He turns to the panel and pushes the 22nd floor button.<br><br>As the doors closed, Anthony turned to Alex.&nbsp; Alex was barely holding himself upright against the wall of the elevator.&nbsp; Anthony's eyes flickered as he noted Alex's head back, his throat exposed.&nbsp; As if unable to control himself, Anthony leaned forward and placed a light kiss on Alex's throat, followed by a faint press&nbsp; of his sharpened teeth.&nbsp; Nothing too hard...not yet, at least.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>27-11-2010, 17:28:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There would be much about this night that would plague Alex.&nbsp; But the alarm that rang unheeded and not understood would be quite the puzzle the next day, if he could think past the pounding hang over.&nbsp; Another riddle would be Anthony's sure hand.&nbsp; The man was no bigger than Alex himself.&nbsp; Surely, the arms were no more built.&nbsp; Handling a man who was drunk and your own size results in much more flailing usually, on both the drunk one's and the sober one's part.&nbsp; Then finding keys and such was quite the interesting search in which pocket is which.&nbsp; Anthony not only found them right off, but pulled them out without any awkwardness at all.&nbsp; Alex didn't make it a habit to be drunk, but he has been often enough and when he wasn't, he was the one supporting a friend home.&nbsp; He knew a bit about the patterns.&nbsp; The unusualness of these little tidbits would play on his mind when his mind finally cleared, until then, he was one happily drunk fool.<br><br>Alex was only vaguely aware of what was happening around him.&nbsp; The alcohol fogging things to a dull unfocus.&nbsp; He plopped his head back when propped up in the elevator.&nbsp; It was the natural thing to do.&nbsp; Lay your head against the wall.&nbsp; Hell, he did it half the time when sober and just tired.&nbsp; So of course he did it when drunk and unstable.&nbsp; Alex laid bare his throat.&nbsp; Anthony took his moment.&nbsp; A kiss that garnered a slight content vibration from him.&nbsp; Sabine had done that often while they were togther.&nbsp; He always liked that.&nbsp; Then the teeth.&nbsp; He was too drunk for it to register as to what it was.&nbsp; He opened his eyes, confused a moment.&nbsp; Eyes that searched for Anthony's.&nbsp; Alex's chin dropped in the effort, but not in such a way that would dislodge Anthony.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>15-12-2010, 08:29:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Anthony leaned back, but didn't move the rest of his body away from Alex.&nbsp; He gave the other man a slight smile, his lips together and upturned on one side.&nbsp; He chuckled briefly.&nbsp; "Sorry, guess I got caught up in the fantasy, Alex.&nbsp; But, I wanted to thank you for a lovely evening.”<br><br>He glanced at the counter of the floors as it increased it's number.&nbsp; A minute remained, but so did the damn camera in the corner.&nbsp; Anthony decided there was too much surveillance in this day and age.&nbsp; Not like previous decades.<br><br>"So, let me get you in your room and then...” he trailed off.&nbsp; He shrugged.&nbsp; "Eh, let's get you in your place first.&nbsp; No need to think too hard.”&nbsp; As he said this, his mind briefly caressed Alex's.&nbsp; He let the other man feel a burgeoning connection to him.&nbsp; Something not to be discarded or feared.&nbsp; But, it was only a slight connection...and entirely false.&nbsp; But maybe, just maybe, Alex would accept it and make it real.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>14-03-2011, 19:50:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Too drunk to think straight and the darkness pressing in around Alex's mind, Alex protested nothing.&nbsp; He didn't even do more than look at Anthony for teeth.&nbsp; Anthony suggested they get inside the apartment and not worry about anything else.&nbsp; Sound advice to a drunk man.&nbsp; Alex nodded an over exaggerated nod and started to fall foward a bit.&nbsp; But the steady hand of Anthony and Anthony's body kept him upright.&nbsp; The elevator's door dinged and the swaying, unsteady work of getting into the apartment began.&nbsp; Anthony was strong and steady as he had been getting into the building.&nbsp; The deft hands working the apartment locks once more.&nbsp; It was nothing until they were inside Alex's apartment and heading to his bed room.&nbsp; Alex wanted to relent to the darkness pressing into him right inside the door, but Anothony was too strong and sturdy, guiding him into the bedroom, to the bed.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>22-03-2011, 04:33:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Anthony's guidance of Alex was deft and sure.&nbsp; He moved the other man around the few pieces of furniture and then down the hall.&nbsp; With one hand around the drunk man, Anthony used the other to push the door to the bedroom open.&nbsp; It was easy enough to get Alex across the room to the bed, where the other man seemed to collapse, as if all the strength had gone out of him.<br><br>Anthony stood straight for a moment as he considered the prone form of the other man.&nbsp; It would have been very easy to take what he wanted...and even more.&nbsp; If Alex was supposed to be a simple meal, then there would be no struggle.&nbsp; It would be easy.&nbsp; Too easy, in fact.<br><br>That made the fact that Anthony had other plans for the man almost comical.&nbsp; With a slight grunt of annoyed amusement, Anthony looked around the room.&nbsp; If the room had thick, heavy curtains on the windows, then perhaps, just perhaps, it would be safe enough.&nbsp; Sunlight was not deadly to him, no...but it was a danger.&nbsp; The senses that were so heightened by his condition would overload in the sunlight and make him suffer.&nbsp; Not as dire as the legends, perhaps, but no less troublesome.&nbsp; <br><br>Anthony then turned his gaze back down towards the other man.&nbsp; He was in no condition to ready himself for sleep.&nbsp; With a slight smile, bordering on the predatory, Anthony bent down and turned Alex over, so he was facing up.&nbsp; Then, with deft fingers, he began to unbutton the other man's shirt.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>02-04-2011, 03:41:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The building faced south.&nbsp; The light was nearly the full daytime that would fill this apartment.&nbsp; The sun would then dazzle off the water to shine a bit brighter into the room.&nbsp; It was definitely not a vampire's dream for lighting.&nbsp; <br><br>Alex lay on the bed, taunted by sleep, but not grasping it.&nbsp; He mumbled now and again and tried to do something with his hand, but would give up and the hand would flop to the floor.&nbsp; He had a keen mind and never would abuse it like this often, but tonight wasn't often.&nbsp; He had all but forgotten Sabine in the pleasant and disturbing company of Anthony.&nbsp; How had the man endeared himself to Alex so quickly?&nbsp; That was a trick Alex wanted to learn and fast.&nbsp; He thought of Victoria and how she would be a sure sac if he had Anthony's ability.&nbsp; With that the thoughts of Anothony and Victoria overlapped again and Alex became aware of the tightening in his pants.&nbsp; He reached down to adjust.&nbsp; <br><br>Just as his hand was pulling his balls and cock into better position, Anthony turned him over with the sexiest of smiles.&nbsp; For a minute there, Anthony was the sole target of Alex's lustful ruminations.&nbsp; Without pausing, Anthony began undoing Alex's buttons.&nbsp; A moment of lust surged into him.&nbsp; Alcohol does many things and one of those things it does is unlock to behavior safely stored away.&nbsp; So without thought and without inhibitions, Alex lifts his face to Anthony's, leaning in for a kiss.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>04-04-2011, 20:50:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Anthony’s hands paused at their work, halfway down Alex’s chest. &nbsp;Alex’s lips moving towards his own was the cause of his stopping. &nbsp;For a moment, Anthony considered if this was wise. &nbsp;The sun could be trouble later...but he decided quickly that later was later and now was now.<br><br>And now, he wanted this young man.<br><br>Anthony met Alex’s rising mouth with his own, pressing into them with his slightly parted lips. &nbsp;His fingers slipped inside Alex’s shirt, and began to rub the other man’s chest. &nbsp;He pressed his hands and fingers along skin and muscles, as his mouth opened to Alex, letting the other man deepen the kiss.<br><br>His tongue darted out and pressed along Alex’s lips, but never pressed into his mouth. &nbsp;Let the other man think he was in control, let him believe that he was pushing this encounter. &nbsp;<br><br><em>Yes, more, yes.</em> he sent into Alex’s mind, encouraging the man to become bolder.<br><br>For his part, Anthony trailed a hand back to the shirt and continued to unbutton it. &nbsp;Within a few moments, the shirt was undone and pulled free from Alex’s pants. &nbsp;Anthony pressed it back, exposing the muscled expanse of Alex’s body. &nbsp;<br><br>Anthony let his body react as it should, becoming warm to the touch and flushed with color. &nbsp;His breathing deepened as his cock hardened behind his own pants. &nbsp;He let his body match the anticipation and hunger that was filling his thoughts with images of Alex’s body prostrate before him, his mouth at Alex’s veins. &nbsp;<br><br>His body ached for both touch and blood. &nbsp;He would get both from Alex before long. &nbsp;<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Alex's Pursuit  [Marikir &amp; Gwindolyn &amp; Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>25-01-2012, 22:49:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Anthony's body reacted as it ought, so Alex had no clue it wasn't natural.&nbsp; Alex was lost in a clouded, drunken lust.&nbsp; The lips that met his own were not the lips of the fairer sex, but the lips of Anthony.&nbsp; Stronger, more sure, definitely rougher; those lips felt strange.&nbsp; Lust and drink taking their toll, helped along with Anthony's mental nudges, Alex didn't care.&nbsp; He took the invite.&nbsp; Tongue pressed into Anthony's mouth, tasting a man's mouth for the first time.&nbsp; His tongue swirled about, exploring and feeling Anthony.&nbsp; His tongue sought Anthony's for a wet, warm embrace.<br><br>As Anthony took care of Alex's shirt buttons, Alex's hand reaches up to Anthony's head.&nbsp; A habit with his girlfriends now takes play with Anthony.&nbsp; Fingers curl into Anthony's hair and tightens for a good grip, holding Anthony firmly to him.&nbsp; In his delusional ego, he was in control.&nbsp; He would take Anthony to fill this drunken lust and ease his desires for Victoria.&nbsp; He didn't have the capacity to realize, he probably couldn't work his own jean buttons let alone take another male if the other male were not helping.<br><br>Nipples notice as the shirt moves over them.&nbsp; The few moments of fingers on his chest were enough to make him aware of every touch, even the fabric's. He moaned into the mouth of Anthony and pressed his hips in Anthony's direction.&nbsp; His erection growing more demanding.<br><br>The sun had never been a nuisance to Alex unless he had a hangover, which wasn't due until later.&nbsp; So, he was oblivious to the sun's impending invasion or what that would mean for Anthony.&nbsp; &nbsp;He only had the softer fabrics Sabine had chosen.&nbsp; The kind that welcome the sunlight while deflecting the eyes of curious neighbors.
			</dd>
		</dl>
		<div id="footer" class="smalltext">
			
			<span class="smalltext" style="display: inline; visibility: visible; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?action=credits" title="Simple Machines Forum" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF 2.0.19</a> |
 <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org/about/smf/license.php" title="License" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF © 2021</a>, <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org" title="Simple Machines" target="_blank" class="new_win">Simple Machines</a>
			</span>
		</div>