Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Marikir on 20-03-2011, 08:13:25</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>20-03-2011, 08:13:25</strong>
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				"I am serious, Julian.&nbsp; Do not contact me if it is not an emergency.&nbsp; If you do so, I will be forced to find a new manager.&nbsp; But, if there is an emergency and you do not contact me, then I will do the same."<br><br>Gavin Logan listened to the words coming from the phone at his ear.&nbsp; For a few seconds, the voice from the manager at the largest hotel he owned spoke rapidly.&nbsp; Gavin nodded, though the person on the other end could not see him.&nbsp; He hadn't used the video chat function.&nbsp; "That's right, both Claire and I are taking some time off.&nbsp; A week to start with, but it is possible that the vacation will be longer."<br><br>"What was that?&nbsp; &nbsp;Oh, no, I don't believe we're going anywhere.&nbsp; If there is an emergency, a call to the main house will be sufficient.&nbsp; The beach house, Julian.&nbsp; Yes."<br><br>The voice spoke some more.&nbsp; <br><br>"Well, do what I have asked, Julian, and you won't have any cause to worry.&nbsp; I will check in on you now and then.&nbsp; Goodbye."<br><br>Gavin took the phone from his ear and pressed the surface.&nbsp; It disconnected the call and went to the main page of it's mobile operating system.&nbsp; Gavin slipped it into his pocket as he glanced at the watch on his arm.&nbsp; It was just after 1 PM.&nbsp; Landon should have landed an hour or so ago by now, but there had been no call.&nbsp; He had offered to go to the airport and pickup his college friend, but Landon had refused.&nbsp; He had insisted on making his way to Gavin and Claire's house on his own.&nbsp; Gavin had known better than to argue with his friend.&nbsp; Every since he had joined the military, Landon had become more and more self-reliant.<br><br>Until just under a year ago, that is.<br><br>Now, leaving the military due to what had happened, his friend was in need of a place to stay.&nbsp; There was no question that Gavin and his wife Claire would throw open their doors to their friend.&nbsp; That was the reason he had arranged for them to take time off work, which, being the boss and owner, was easy for him to do.&nbsp; So, there was no real world impediment to them being there for Landon.&nbsp; The only real impediment was entirely between Claire and he.<br><br>Of course, what Gavin was planning could make it worse.&nbsp; But, at this point, maybe, just maybe, it would help.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>20-03-2011, 17:55:58</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6UaMTyxI03k/TMhXkuIdhXI/AAAAAAAAA7k/fdXFNUx29l4/s1600/Ashley-Judd_0.jpg)</div>Claire Logan stood in the guest room, making sure everything was just right.&nbsp; They'd had the housekeeper come by last week and clean the house, but Claire had wanted to make everything comfortable for Landon herself.&nbsp; Little personal touches were everywhere.&nbsp; She'd put fresh flowers around the beach house, tulips and azaleas and peonies arranged in vases.&nbsp; A stack of books that she'd thought Landon might enjoy were on the nightstand, and she'd bought several swim trunks for him and put them the dresser.<br><br>They'd known for a few weeks that he was coming to stay with them for a little while, but they hadn't known exactly when.&nbsp; Then he'd called a couple of days ago and said he was finally coming home.&nbsp; She had started preparing the beach house and Gavin had been wrapping stuff up with their business; they wanted to be able to spend some time with Landon and were taking a vacation from work. <br><br>Usually, she and Gavin spent weekdays at the condo in downtown.&nbsp; It was closer to the small corporate office for their hotels.&nbsp; But she loved the beach, and so a few years ago they had bought the cozy three bedroom on the shore.&nbsp; It had become where they spent every weekend, so much more than the little getaway place they had originally intended it to be.&nbsp; She'd come to think of it as home more than the condo, even.&nbsp; The backyard was sand, and the water was only fifty yards away at high tide.&nbsp; Her favorite part was mornings.&nbsp; She'd sit outside sipping coffee and listening to the surf and seagulls, sometimes alone and sometimes with Gavin's arms around her.&nbsp; The occasional jogger would happen by, waving as he or she passed, but even that intrusion was not enough to break the peace that she so loved.&nbsp; <div class="floatright">(http://images.vacationrentals.com/_pictures/Fort-Myers-Beach-Florida/11588/1-1299102545173.jpg)</div><br><br>She wore, as she almost always did when she was at the beach, a swimsuit with a linen shirt thrown on top.&nbsp; Today, it was with capris, although sometimes she wore long skirts, too.&nbsp; Before... a year ago, she wore bikinis and shorts, but those days were over.&nbsp; That she didn't do anymore.<br><br>There was nothing left for her to prepare or fuss over.&nbsp; Landon's room was ready and lunch was ready and the house was clean.&nbsp; So she went to the living room and curled up on the sofa with a book.&nbsp; She didn't look up again until she heard a car door close outside.&nbsp; In bare feet, she ran to the extra bedroom that she and Gavin had converted into an office.&nbsp; As with the rest of the house, it had large windows that they'd put expensive shades over that would allow them complete privacy or all the natural light they could want, or anything in between.&nbsp; Right now, the entire house was bathed in warmth from the sun, and the windows were open, letting the breeze cool them.&nbsp; The office was no exception.<br><br>"He's here," she said to her husband, her voice tinged with excitement.&nbsp; She adored Landon and always looked forward to spending time with Gavin's best friend.&nbsp; "Come on!"&nbsp; A big smile on her face, she ran outside.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>21-03-2011, 23:23:00</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac191/rpggirl7/Male%20Character%20Photos/Jeff-Tomsik-4-1.jpg)</div>Landon Mitchell closed his eyes, his head tilted back to rest against the back of the seat as the Taxi sped down the highway, the scent of salt water heavy in the air.&nbsp; A year wasn’t long, in fact he always felt as if he’d seen his friends only a few weeks ago whenever he took his leave, falling into old routines as if there had never been a pause.&nbsp; Even between visits there had been the occasional letter from Claire keeping him up to date, keeping him connected to the things that mattered.&nbsp; <br><br>This time was different.&nbsp; Very different.<br><br>He still wore his fatigues, the camouflage doing nothing to blend in while he sat in the bright yellow car, though the mixture of tans and browns would likely work well enough on the beach if he ever planned to wear them again.&nbsp; He couldn’t have said one way or the other, but he knew that wearing civilian clothes was going to be a challenge for him, one that he did not look forward too.&nbsp; <br><br>With a sigh he ran his hands over his short cropped light brown hair, his eyes focusing on the house that he had visited more than once as the cab pulled to a stop.&nbsp; He quickly handed the cabbie enough cash to cover the trip before climbing out of the vehicle and moving around to the back to retrieve his duffle bag.&nbsp; Everything that he owned was in the bag, his entire life for almost a decade.&nbsp; <br><br>Gavin and Claire were the closest thing he had to family, and he knew that they were more than happy to have him stay with them for a while so that he could adjust before getting his own place, but he still felt guilty, and helpless, relying on his friends and their generosity.&nbsp; Knowing the government he wouldn’t get his disability pension started for a few months, and living off of savings was never something he had wanted to do.&nbsp; <br><br>With his duffle bag in hand he turned towards the house with only a mild twinge from the scars on his abdomen to tell him that he would never be able to return to the service.&nbsp; That thought however was blessedly short lived, the first real smile he’d had in almost a year spreading across his face and lighting his bright blue eyes as the front door slammed back into the house and Claire ran down the steps with a matching smile on her face.&nbsp; <br><br>The duffle bag dropped to the ground, forgotten as he met her half way, picking her up and twirling her around as he hugged her tightly, the ache from his injury forgotten.&nbsp; In that moment it was exactly what he needed, to have someone so unabashedly happy to see him, as Claire always was. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>24-03-2011, 06:55:15</strong>
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				Gavin had chuckled slightly as his wife had bounded in and out of the office like a...well, like a college girl, he thought briefly.&nbsp; <em>Fitting</em> he thought briefly as he put his computer into hibernation.&nbsp; He stood from the desk and walked towards the front of the house.&nbsp; The slam of the front door as Claire burst out of the house echoed through the hallways of the house and brought a brief grimace to Gavin's face.&nbsp; He was going to have to touch up the exterior paint if she kept that up.&nbsp; Still, her enthusiasm was understood.&nbsp; It had been too long since they had seen Landon.&nbsp; This was also the first time since their friend had been injured.<br><br>Gavin stood in the doorway to the house, watching his wife being twirled around by his long time friend.&nbsp; It brought a brief chuckle to his lips.&nbsp; The two of them were close, true.&nbsp; He and Landon though had also been very close.&nbsp; In fact, it was that closeness that Gavin was considering calling on.&nbsp; <br><br>The past year had been rough on all of them.&nbsp; Gavin had watched as his wife had draw inwards to herself due to the accident she had endured and her subsequent recovery.&nbsp; She had seemingly lost something or buried something of her old self deep inside.&nbsp; The reticence of showing off her body was the most obvious manifestation of that change, to him at least.&nbsp; <br><br>Shortly after her accident though, the two of them learned what had happened to Landon.&nbsp; It had nearly brought their world to a screeching halt.&nbsp; For days, there wasn't any information about what had happened.&nbsp; Gavin would probably never know the specifics of course, him not being military and all that, but still, the lack of news concerning Landon's condition after his own injury was maddening.&nbsp; Finally, they had received word that he was alive, if not completely well.&nbsp; <br><br>Gavin had then tried to learn where his friend was.&nbsp; But, all of those inquiries had come up short.&nbsp; He'd been outright told he could not know where his friend was, not even if he was family.&nbsp; Eventually though, Landon had contacted them and given them enough information to set their minds at ease, for the most part.&nbsp; There was still concern, of course, but Gavin and Claire had stopped worrying so much.<br><br>Of course, the stress of the two events had put a strain on the relationship between Gavin and Claire.&nbsp; They hadn't become one of those passive aggressive couples that continuously sniped at each other.&nbsp; But something subtle had changed.&nbsp; Gavin felt that Claire was continuing to draw inward, becoming more and more withdrawn from Gavin in small ways.&nbsp; They still were in love and enjoyed each others company and bodies, but he felt a gulf growing between them.&nbsp; It bothered him and he had tried to bring her back to him, to get back to where they had been before the accident.&nbsp; He hadn't had any luck.&nbsp; Not yet at least.<br><br>Gavin slowly walked down the steps at the front of the beach house, letting the two have a brief, private reunion.&nbsp; He waited until Landon put Claire down, then chuckled and shook his head.&nbsp; He would just have to give them a few seconds, he supposed.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>26-03-2011, 00:23:33</strong>
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				Claire ran outside in time to see the taxi driving away and Landon walking toward the house.&nbsp; She didn't wait, though.&nbsp; She couldn't.&nbsp; Running to him, she flung herself against him and then laughed as he lifted her up.&nbsp; When he put her back down, the smile on her face was huge and her eyes sparkled with happiness.&nbsp; "Landon, it's so good to have you home," she said.&nbsp; She was relieved to see him.&nbsp; He'd gotten hurt soon after she had been, and they'd worried about him even as she had fought to recover.&nbsp; She remembered the sleepless nights Gavin had as he'd worried about them both, and she'd ached for her husband.&nbsp; But to be able to touch Landon now, to see with her own eyes that he was alive and well soothed her.&nbsp; She'd needed to know for herself that he was okay.<br><br>"Come on," she said, chattering away, "Gavin's inside, waiting too.&nbsp; He was wrapping stuff up for work.&nbsp; I know he's excited to have you here, too."&nbsp; She grabbed Landon's hand, tugging him toward the house, looking down as she walked to make sure she didn't step on anything that would hurt.&nbsp; "I have lunch ready for you.&nbsp; You must be famished.&nbsp; Food on airplanes sucks, and that's when they even feed you.&nbsp; And I'm sure that I can feed you better than the military can."&nbsp; She flashed him another smile, taking a deep breath.&nbsp; She was excited and gabbing away, unable to contain it.&nbsp; "So, how are you?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>26-03-2011, 03:34:30</strong>
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				When he sat her down on her feet once more he took the chance to look her over.&nbsp; The worry she had felt for him had been returned in kind.&nbsp; He’d been on assignment when the drunk driver had totaled her car running a red light, and had only heard about it when he’d ended up in one of the Navy hospital installations.&nbsp; He’d spent the first few weeks of his convalescence worrying about her, until he’d received a letter from Gavin updating him and relieving some of the nagging worry that the hours upon hours of boredom had done nothing to help contain.&nbsp; <br><br>He chuckled when she started to pull him towards the house, holding her back easily without breaking a sweat as he reached down to retrieve his duffle bag before he finally let her take control and pull him unresisting towards the house and his best friend.&nbsp; His eyes met Gavin’s and he let the other man see his amusement as the tiny little slip of a woman dragged him closer, chattering a hundred miles a minute. <br><br>He laughed when she finally took a breath and paused to let him get a word in, the sound foreign to his own ears as he relaxed and disentangled his hand from hers so that he could hold it out towards Gavin.&nbsp; “I’m better than I have been… anything else remains to be seen.&nbsp; How about the two of you?&nbsp; You look wonderful by the way Claire,” he said as he tugged his friend into the kind of hug only two men could share.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>26-03-2011, 07:07:45</strong>
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				Gavin smiled briefly at his wife as he came up to the pair.&nbsp; It seemed to him that she hadn't noticed him walking up to them, so taken she was with Landon's appearance.&nbsp; He understood that.&nbsp; It had been so long since Landon had been there, of course she would focus on him.&nbsp; But, when Landon moved to him and grasped him in a tight, clasping hug, Gavin gave a laugh and patted his friends back with a couple strong hits.&nbsp; He had thought about being gentle, but knew that Landon would have noticed him treating him with kid gloves, which was the last thing that he wanted his friend to think.&nbsp; Gavin was thrilled that Landon was safe, that his wife was safe, and they both were here.<br><br>He just hoped that Landon could help him with Claire.&nbsp; He whispered quickly in Landon's ear as the two hugged briefly.&nbsp; "I need to speak to you in private later."<br><br>He withdrew immediately and moved to the side of Claire, putting her between the two men.&nbsp; No sign of his whisper was evident on his face, only a smile of happiness at seeing Landon.&nbsp; "Damn man, it's good to see you.&nbsp; I see you still carry around all your stuff in a baggie."&nbsp; He chuckled and motioned to the duffel.&nbsp; "Hand it over, my wife wants to hold your arm and you can't do that with that thing.&nbsp; You know how she is."&nbsp; He winked briefly at Claire as Landon reluctantly handed it over.&nbsp; He chuckled and swung the bag up and around his own shoulder.<br><br>"Oof...okay, damn, never mind, no more teasing you about carrying stuff."&nbsp; He laughed briefly as he had to settle the bag into a comfortable position.&nbsp; He then motioned up the stairs, into the house.&nbsp; "After you two."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>26-03-2011, 07:38:58</strong>
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				<em>You look wonderful by the way Claire.</em>&nbsp; But she didn't, she thought as she took a small step back so the men could embrace.&nbsp; Not anymore.&nbsp; Under her clothes, she wasn't pretty anymore.&nbsp; She had scars and her skin was puckered in places.&nbsp; The car accident last year had taken its toll on her body, and while she was grateful to be alive, she also knew that she wasn't pretty anymore.&nbsp; <br><br>Gavin tried to tell her she still was, with his touches and his words, but she didn't believe it.&nbsp; She remembered the look of pity in the eyes of the jurors as they'd been shown pictures of her injuries during the trial only a few months ago.&nbsp; She knew what that accident had made her.&nbsp; But she was still herself.&nbsp; She still helped Gavin with their business and their homes and loved him with all her heart.&nbsp; Little had changed between them, only that she wanted the lights off when they were in bed.&nbsp; Everything else remained the same.<br><br><em>Not everything,</em> a little voice inside her voice nagged.&nbsp; Before, she'd been able to talk to her husband about anything.&nbsp; There was nothing that she kept locked up inside her.&nbsp; That had changed.&nbsp; She refused to talk to anyone about the accident, the trial, the fact that the jury thought that the man who'd hurt her deserved probation.&nbsp; Those things were off-limits for her.&nbsp; Whenever Gavin had tried to talk about them, she'd changed the subject.&nbsp; She could tell that he didn't like it, but at least he'd eventually stopped bringing it up.<br><br>As the men started toward the house, she grabbed Landon's arm, pushing the negative thoughts aside.&nbsp; She tried to bury it all anyway, and now, Landon was here.&nbsp; She smiled at him, trying to make it as bright as before and hoping the shadows in her eyes were hidden.&nbsp; "Come on, let's get you inside.&nbsp; Go get settled into your room while I get lunch on the table.&nbsp; I made chicken fajita tacos and guacamole.&nbsp; Homemade salsa, too," she said.&nbsp; In college, she'd been a horrible cook, but over the years she'd really taken a liking to it, and poor Gavin had tried everything she ever experimented with, good or bad.&nbsp; And in the early days, whenever Landon had come to visit, he'd had his share of her experiments, too.&nbsp; Now, she stuck to tried and true recipes.&nbsp; "None of it will kill you, I promise," she teased.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>26-03-2011, 08:23:48</strong>
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				Landon arched and eyebrow questioningly at Gavin where Claire couldn’t see, but that was the only sign that he’d heard the other man’s request.&nbsp; It was short lived, his face smoothed into a natural smile and a look of resignation as he handed the bag off to Gavin, offering his arm to Claire with a little flourish and a dimpled grin.&nbsp; “That should teach you not to carry my stuff,” he said over his shoulder at Gavin and Claire led him into the house.&nbsp; <br><br>It didn’t matter how long he was gone, or which house he happened to visit them at, it always felt like home.&nbsp; He’d come to realize years ago that it had nothing to do with the actual place.&nbsp; They could have been in a one room cabin in the middle of the Rockies and he still would have felt at home the moment he was surrounded by their familiar things.&nbsp; He could see Claire’s hand in the décor, which had changed slightly since his last visit, but she always managed to incorporate a touch of Gavin as well. Just another thing that proved how right they were together as far as he was concerned.<br><br>He groaned slightly at the menu, patting his flat stomach with one hand as she led him to the spare room.&nbsp; “That sounds amazing… I don’t think I’ve had much more than rations and heavily processed potato substitute since the last time I was here.&nbsp; I’ll even risk being poisoned by you,” he teased, drawing her close to kiss the top of her head affectionately before he moved aside to let Gavin go first so that he could drop the bag on the bed. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>28-03-2011, 02:53:24</strong>
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				Gavin moved into the room and paused.&nbsp; He swung the bag from his shoulder, getting some momentum under it, and then guided it onto the bed.&nbsp; It hit and bounced slightly.&nbsp; He sighed as it settled and then turned to Landon.&nbsp; "Damn, I need to get back to the gym."&nbsp; He chuckled and moved to the corner of the room.&nbsp; He motioned to it and shrugged.&nbsp; "Well, here you go.&nbsp; Make yourself at home.&nbsp; Claire tried to make it seem homey for you."<br><br>He glanced around the room, then back at Landon.&nbsp; "Well, Claire and I have at least the next week off, baring any emergencies at the office or hotels.&nbsp; So, all you have to worry about is settling in and figuring out how best to spend your days and nights on the beach."<br><br>He smiled and moved over to Landon.&nbsp; He pulled the other man into another embrace.&nbsp; "Glad you made it, man.&nbsp; When you get settled in, we'll figure out dinner and the like.&nbsp; I'll give you two some privacy."&nbsp; He bent to Claire and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, his hand trailing along her side as he moved past her.&nbsp; <br><br>He moved from the room into the hall.&nbsp; The smile on his face dropped away as he considered exactly how he was going to broach his plan with his friend.&nbsp; He had no idea how Landon would respond, much less Claire.&nbsp; He sighed slightly as he moved to the kitchen.&nbsp; He needed a quick drink.&nbsp; At least.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>28-03-2011, 03:20:54</strong>
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				Claire smiled as Gavin left the room, shaking her head after him with fondness and love.&nbsp; "He's such a guy," she commented, looking back at Landon, "already thinking about dinner when we haven't had lunch yet.&nbsp; I made lunch, but I didn't cook anything for dinner.&nbsp; I figured we could play it by ear, you know, if you need to rest and want us to order in or if you feel like going out somewhere.&nbsp; There's that cool little Italian place we went to last time you were here that's just up the beach."<br><br>She was still so excited to see him, almost as giddy as a schoolgirl.&nbsp; "Everything is pretty much the same as last time.&nbsp; I put a couple of different soaps and shampoos in the bathroom, and there are razors and a toothbrush in case you forgot yours," she said, nodding at the door that led to his private bath.&nbsp; "And I bought you some books I thought you might like, but no military ones and none about types of weapons," she teased, smiling impishly.&nbsp; "I got you stuff like swim trunks and flip flops for the beach, too.&nbsp; And Landon, you don't have to spend every waking minute with us.&nbsp; If you need to be on your own, it's fine."&nbsp; She knew all too well what being broken did you your psyche, how sometimes, the only peace was within yourself.<br><br>Going to him, she kissed his cheek.&nbsp; "I'll get lunch on the table while you settle in."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>28-03-2011, 05:55:43</strong>
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				Landon glanced around the room, noticing all of the little touches that Claire had added to try and make him feel at home.&nbsp; He was touched by the time and thought she had put into things, but she had always been like that.&nbsp; It’s what had made them such good friends in College, and such a horrible couple.&nbsp; The details had always been the thing he lacked, and they had known within a week that it wouldn’t work out between them.&nbsp; They did however make great friends.&nbsp; <br><br>“Don’t strain anything there, we’ll have to go jogging in the morning then…” he said after Gavin deposited his bag on the bed, hugging the other man once again, mildly surprised that Gavin was going to retreat so quickly.&nbsp; It only served to pique his interest further.&nbsp; He needed to find an excuse to have a few minutes alone with the man soon or it would likely drive him crazy.<br><br>Once Gavin left Landon turned his attention back to Claire, looking her over a bit more critically than he had before.&nbsp; He had not lied when he said that she looked wonderful.&nbsp; She did, but there was something different about her too.&nbsp; Something he couldn’t quite place his finger on.&nbsp; “You always do too much Claire, thank you,” he said, smiling again at the touch of her lips on his cheeks.&nbsp; “I’m going to put my things away and I’ll be out in a few.”<br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>28-03-2011, 06:54:56</strong>
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				Gavin glanced up as Claire made her way into the kitchen.&nbsp; He gave her a smile and glanced past her, toward the room where Landon would be staying.&nbsp; "He settling in okay?"&nbsp; <br><br>He moved over to Claire and paused next to her, then reached for her hand.&nbsp; He tilted her face up to him and bent to her and kissed her.&nbsp; When they parted, he gave her a slight smile.&nbsp; "I'm glad he's here, and I'm glad you are too.&nbsp; I love you, Claire."&nbsp; <br><br>He pulled her into an embrace and wrapped his arms around her.&nbsp; His hands rested on the waistband of her capris, holding her close to him.&nbsp; He kissed her again, deepening the kiss if she would let him.&nbsp; But that was part of the problem, in his opinion.&nbsp; He didn't know now how she would react to his attentions.&nbsp; <br><br>He let her go when he heard the familiar creaking of the wooden floor in the hallway when Landon neared the kitchen.&nbsp; He stepped away from Claire and moved to the cabinets.&nbsp; He looked over his shoulder at Landon as the other man entered the kitchen.&nbsp; "Didn't get lost, then.&nbsp; That's good."&nbsp; He smiled at Landon, then opened the fridge.&nbsp; "So, what do you want to drink?&nbsp; Water, soda, juice, wine?"<br><br>He had already pulled out a soda earlier.&nbsp; He had almost pulled out a beer for himself, when he suddenly remembered another of the changes due to what had happened.&nbsp; The first sip of any alcohol meant Claire wouldn't let him drive.&nbsp; Nothing was allowed, no amount was too small.&nbsp; Which meant that he had to be careful.&nbsp; <br><br>He glanced back at Landon as he waited for the answer.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>29-03-2011, 21:12:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Claire went into the kitchen and found Gavin in there, leaning against the counter with a soda.&nbsp; He set it down and came to her, sweet and affectionate with her.&nbsp; "I love you, too, Gavin," she said as he pulled her into his arms.&nbsp; He kissed her, and the moment he deepened the kiss, his tongue lightly flicking over her lip, she stiffened.&nbsp; "Gavin," she protested softly, letting her voice trail away.&nbsp; This wasn't the time for that.&nbsp; <br><br>He let her go at the same time Landon came in, and she smiled.&nbsp; "I'll have lunch on the table in a minute," she said as she pulled guacamole, sour cream, and salsa from the refrigerator and set them down.&nbsp; Going over to the warming oven, she got out the fajita meat and the tortillas, which she'd bought at a Mexican restaurant down the street where a lady named Maria made them by hand.&nbsp; "You guys can have some beer if you want.&nbsp; I'll drive if we need to go anywhere."&nbsp; Her general rule was that if she or Gavin had even a little bit of alcohol, they couldn't drive for three hours.&nbsp; Any more than one drink, and no driving until the next day.&nbsp; It was a little strict, she knew, but she'd lived through the consequences of drunk driving and refused to be part of the problem.&nbsp; And Gavin had never complained when she'd imposed the same rule on him.<br><br>She took her seat at the table and served some of the chicken to the guys before putting some on a tortilla for herself.&nbsp; "Landon, it's way better than the last time I made Mexican food for you," she said, a smile on her face as she remembered the debacle that the green enchiladas had been a few visits ago.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>29-03-2011, 23:05:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Landon could feel the odd tension in the kitchen, but kept the speculative look from his face as he considered his options.&nbsp; In the end it really didn’t take much thought however, beer having been one of the basic food groups in the service.&nbsp; “I’ll take a beer if you’ve got one,” he said with a smile as he crossed to the table and took a seat, knowing better than to try and get his own drink on his first day ‘home.’<br><br>When Claire joined them he popped the top off of the beer and took a sib, breathing in the wonderful aroma with a wide grin, his eyes laughing at the memory.&nbsp; “Well if this tastes half as good as it smells I might… <em>might</em> let you live that down.&nbsp; I mean, you did try to kill me if I remember correctly, I might still have a bit of brain damage from those green tings though,” he teased, bumping her leg with his knee as he went about building his fajita, piling a bit of everything onto the tortilla.<br><br>When he took his first bite he groaned slightly, having almost forgotten how good homemade food could taste.&nbsp; It was one of the things he truly looked forward to enjoying again, food that wasn’t completely bland and tasteless.&nbsp; “You outdid yourself Claire… these are amazing,” he said between bites, the first one disappearing quickly.<br><br>“So tell me how you’ve been, how’s business?” he asked as he went to work on another fajita, glancing back and forth between his two friends. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>29-03-2011, 23:50:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gavin placed a portion of meat and cheese and some sour cream onto a flour tortilla.&nbsp; He rolled it up as he considered Landon's question.<br><br>"Well, business has picked up some.&nbsp; The hotels are doing a little better than they have been, so that's good.&nbsp; I mean, I'm not going to take on Marriott or something like that, but we get a fair amount of travelers.&nbsp; Plus, we just finished redoing three locations and so far, reviews have been very positive."<br><br>He bit into his food and then sipped his soda.&nbsp; He shrugged.&nbsp; "However, there are enough things to keep in mind or worry about.&nbsp; The damn resurgence of bedbugs is what I hear most about now a days.&nbsp; Not one case of it so far, but then I'm paranoid about keeping them out.&nbsp; So far, so good."<br><br>He chuckled.&nbsp; "Now, finding employees?&nbsp; Well, that's both easy and hard.&nbsp; Everyone wants a job, but wants a desk job."&nbsp; He shrugged.&nbsp; "Only have so many of those to go around.&nbsp; But, we're doing good.&nbsp; Getting away from the generic hotels and specializing each location, going the boutique hotel route, was probably the best idea of Claire's.&nbsp; But it'll take time to complete the changes.&nbsp; So far, so good though."<br><br>He chuckled and glanced down.&nbsp; "Of course, that's no where near as exciting as what you've been up to, I imagine."&nbsp; He met Landon's gaze for a moment, then chuckled and set his soda down.&nbsp; "However, that doesn't matter.&nbsp; That's work and work is not what we're going to focus on, okay?&nbsp; Just having a good time, like the old days, right?"<br><br>He glanced between the two.&nbsp; He had a slight smile on his face, half of his mouth upturned.&nbsp; "Agreed?" He raised his soda can.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>01-04-2011, 18:21:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Still smiling at Landon's teasing, Claire joined in the chatter about the hotels.&nbsp; Gavin was genius with them.&nbsp; She threw out ideas left and right, and he was the one who would analyze and show her the pros and cons of what she came up with.&nbsp; A lot of the stuff was a no-go, but when the ideas worked, they really worked.&nbsp; And then, Gavin called an end to work discussion, and the mood shifted a little, becoming casual as they reminisced about their days in college.<br><br>Claire stood, going go the refrigerator and grabbing more drinks for the guys.&nbsp; She felt so lucky that these men were in her life.&nbsp; Landon was Gavin's best friend, but over the years, he'd become hers, too.&nbsp; He was fun to be around, of course, but it was more than that.&nbsp; He felt like family to her.&nbsp; And Gavin... Gavin had been with her for the best and worst times in her life.&nbsp; He was her support, the rock upon which she leaned when she couldn't hold herself up, and the light who brought her back from the pits of despair.&nbsp; It was Gavin's persistence that she fight and live that had allowed her recovery from the accident be so successful.<br><br>She set the drinks on the table and sat, picking up a piece of chicken and popping it in her mouth and smiled.&nbsp; "So, Landon," she said, her eyes sparking.&nbsp; "Now that you're home for good, do I get to start parading you in front of my girlfriends?"&nbsp; Playing matchmaker for him was going to be fun.&nbsp; He was so great that her friends would be scampering to get to know him.&nbsp; "Only the best for you," she laughed, "Not like that idiot of a cheerleader you dated in college after you dated me."&nbsp; So often over the years, she'd teased him about dating someone named "Bambi."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>04-04-2011, 21:32:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Alright alright,” he said, raising his hands in the universal sign of surrender as he grinned, giving Gavin another curious look while Claire’s back was turned, though it was replaced by his infectious smile so quickly that Claire never had a chance to see it.&nbsp; “No more talk of work, for any of us.”<br><br>He was more than happy for the excuse to keep his own demons to himself.&nbsp; Claire and Gavin had known about his injuries, and known that they were bad, but specifics had been classified at his request.&nbsp; He had not wanted them to worry more than they had, and any specifics would have sent Claire into a fit trying to get Gavin to leave her side and find him.&nbsp; Things had worked out in the end, they were all together again after all and he could not ask for more. <br><br>At Claire’s comment about parading him around in front of her friends he blanched, half choking on his beer as he set it down on the table and half glared at her in mock anger, sharing a short lived glance with Gavin as they both had reason to remember exactly how much fun Bambi had been.&nbsp; <br><br>“Hey now! You leave her alone.&nbsp; She was exactly what I wanted at that moment thank you very much; I had a number of fun and wild nights with her that I still remember fondly.&nbsp; Not every relationship has to be completely serious after all,” he said with a wink.&nbsp; “You never did like her much, I swore for a while that you were jealous of her, but that couldn’t have been it.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>05-04-2011, 22:43:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gavin hid his smirk behind his hand as he took a sip.&nbsp; The mention of Bambi caused a definite memory, one that Landon obviously still held in his mind, considering the brief glance from the other man.&nbsp; Bambi had been the first one after a long 'drought' that the two of them had shared.&nbsp; That 'drought' was due to Claire, but Gavin didn't know her at the time.&nbsp; <em>Never with a serious one.</em>&nbsp; That had been the rule and for a time, she was a serious one for Landon.&nbsp; Gavin briefly wondered again how his friend would react.&nbsp; He was going to ask Landon to break their long standing rule.<br><br>Gavin laughed briefly at Landon slightly defending the oh so fun cheerleader.&nbsp; As he recalled, Bambi was quite the squirmer.&nbsp; "Oh, I remember her.&nbsp; She was an amusing thing.&nbsp; She was fun, but kinda...vapid.&nbsp; I remember you with her.&nbsp; Definitely not the long-term type."<br><br>He glanced at Claire with a slightly enigmatic smile.&nbsp; "Actually, it wasn't Bambi you should have been jealous of, if you were, Claire.&nbsp; Nah, I'm pretty sure that honor goes to Daniella."<br><br>Daniella had a special place in Gavin and Landon's history.&nbsp; She was the first of many.&nbsp; The one who had seduced them both that first weekend long ago.&nbsp; The one who had left them both to go live her life on her own terms.&nbsp; The one who had laid the groundwork for countless fun days and nights.<br><br>Gavin smiled and nodded briefly as he looked to Claire.&nbsp; "Now, she was a firebrand.&nbsp; I swear, no one, not even him or I, could keep up with her.&nbsp; And until you came along, she was probably the gold standard."&nbsp; <br><br>He sipped his drink and gave a brief glance at Landon, then back to his wife.&nbsp; "But if you want to set him up, let's at least give him some time to get settled in.&nbsp; I don't know that throwing him into the deep end will be so good for the man after being so long out of the dating pool."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>07-04-2011, 16:37:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Claire couldn't stop the laughter as the guys talked about Bambi.&nbsp; It was true that she'd been disdainful of the other girl; the cheerleader had been downright stupid, and Landon could have done better.&nbsp; There had been other cheerleaders who would have dated him, smart ones. <br><br>"Jealous?" she scoffed playfully. "Why would I have been jealous?&nbsp; We both agreed that we weren't a fit.&nbsp; I was a virgin, and you were... well, <em>not</em>."&nbsp; She grinned at the memories of how many women Landon had gone through. She'd been flattered when he asked her out and had eagerly accepted, but it had been a mistake. He'd been way out of her league; she hadn't been ready for a relationship like that. Maybe if he'd waited a year, until they'd both grown up a little more.&nbsp; <br><br>But things had worked out for the best in the end. She had gotten Gavin, and he was the best thing that had ever happened to her.&nbsp; And she'd gotten to keep Landon in her life, too. She couldn't have asked for a better outcome. <br><br>"Daniella, huh?" she flashed a smile at Gavin. "I've not heard of this one before."&nbsp; She laughed as her husband began to describe her.&nbsp; "So she was one of your special shared ones, huh?"&nbsp; He'd told her a long time ago that he and Landon had shared women in the past, had dated the same woman, often at the same time.&nbsp; She supposed she was one of those women, too, in a way. She'd dated both of them, even though significant time passed in between.<br><br>"Okay," she said, her eyes twinkling. "I'll give you some time before I throw you to the sharks, Landon.&nbsp; It's good to have you home, and I don't want to scare you away."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>08-04-2011, 23:05:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Landon laughed along with them, the mention of Daniella making him smile fondly and more than a little wistfully.&nbsp; It would never have worked out, she had been too much of a free spirit even for him but she would always be one of his fondest memories.&nbsp; The nights they had shared together had been some of the best in his life… and given how much he’d played the field in college that was saying quite a bit.&nbsp; <br><br>Claire’s words made his fond memories screech to a halt, his eyes going once again to Gavin’s with a look that could only be described as incredulous.&nbsp; <em>What the hell has he told her.&nbsp; He wouldn’t have… would he?&nbsp; I have to be mistaken.&nbsp; There’s no way… Fuck.</em> his thoughts scramble to catch up to the conversation after his mind rebooted completely, leaving him more than slightly stunned.&nbsp; <br><br>His mask fell into place, the one he’d learned in his years in the military when he needed to hide some emotion that could be used against him or slow him down.&nbsp; It was the only defense he had, he simply hoped that Claire wouldn’t notice that he had shut down on her for a moment.&nbsp; The last thing he ever wanted to do was hurt Claire.&nbsp; “She was special, I’ll say that much,” he said after a moment with a slight laugh, relieved when it didn’t feel or sound too forced.<br><br>“I appreciate that Claire, I’m fairly sure that the ladies will be far more frightening to me than the Iraqi insurgents I’m used to dealing with,” he said with a slight wink before he fell silent and concentrated on finishing the delicious meal.&nbsp; He needed to talk to Gavin alone.&nbsp; Soon. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>10-04-2011, 17:05:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As the men finished up their meal, Claire rose from the table, a warm smile on her face.&nbsp; "Okay, you two.&nbsp; Off you go.&nbsp; I'll clean up."&nbsp; As the both started to protest, she shook her head.&nbsp; "No, really, go ahead."&nbsp; Gavin was great about doing his share around the house, but here and at the condo, but she always tried to make herself scarce, at least a little bit, during Landon's visits.&nbsp; They needed their time without her, she knew that and was okay with it.<br><br>As they left the kitchen, she cleaned off the dishes, since there wasn't much leftover.&nbsp; Guess the guys had liked the fajitas.&nbsp; She'd have to make them for Landon again at some point.&nbsp; He wasn't a finicky eater, but he was also quick to tease her when she fed him a meal that turned out to be disastrous.<br><br>She wondered, as she so often did, about his injury.&nbsp; There was so much that she and Gavin didn't know; that time had been horrible, with her own accident and Landon's happening so close together.&nbsp; She didn't know how Gavin held himself together, but somehow he had not only handled things as best as he could, he'd helped her... she shook her head, not letting herself think of how bad things had gotten for her.&nbsp; She was on the other side of that now, and she was fine.<br><br>Finishing up, she dried her hands on a kitchen towel and went back into the living room, curling up with her book again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>11-04-2011, 16:51:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gavin started to make the traditional protest against Claire's declaration, but it was only halfhearted.&nbsp; She had always done this in the past, given Landon and he time alone.&nbsp; 'Guy time' she called it.&nbsp; Gavin gave a chuckle and shrug to Landon as she all but pushed them out of the kitchen.&nbsp; "All right, all right, we know when we're not wanted," he said with a wry smile, before he kissed her cheek.<br><br>With another shrug, he turned to Landon and motioned toward the back door.&nbsp; "Let's take a walk.&nbsp; It's warm, but not too warm.&nbsp; Let that food settle some."&nbsp; <br><br>He pushed open the backdoor and held it for the other man.&nbsp; As Landon stepped after him, Gavin divested himself of his shoes, exchanging them for a pair of sandals on the back porch.&nbsp; He indicated the pair that Landon had used the last time.&nbsp; "Go ahead, you probably don't want sand in your boots."&nbsp; Of course, he also figured the boots would keep the sand out.&nbsp; Maybe Landon wouldn't need the sandals.&nbsp; It didn't matter, in the end.<br><br>No, what mattered was what the two of them were probably going to discuss while alone.&nbsp; He had seen enough glances from Landon during lunch to know that the other man wasn't going to wait too long for answers.&nbsp; <br><br>Good.&nbsp; He needed an answer of his own from Landon.<br><br>In silence, Gavin lead Landon away from the house.&nbsp; They walked silently for several seconds.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>15-04-2011, 00:38:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Claire rose just as Landon finished the last bite, licking his fingers with a content grin of thank as he pushed back from the table and rose.&nbsp; He didn’t protest verbally to her order, but he did start to stack dishes, only following Gavin out once the majority of them were beside the sink.&nbsp; When he finally followed his friend outside he kicked his boots off and slipped into the sandals Gavin indicated, a soft chuckle shaking his shoulders as he realized how silly he had to look in the getup.&nbsp; Not that he was likely to care with only Gavin and Claire to worry about.<br><br>Landon followed Gavin, only moving to walk beside him when they were a good distance from the house. The silence stretched between them, comfortable and familiar after so many years.&nbsp; There was a difference this time however.&nbsp; This time there was a curious tension between them, and Landon found that the silence was not enough of a deterrent as he reached out and punched Gavin in the shoulder just hard enough to send him off balance, but not actually hurt the other man. <br><br>“What the hell was all of that?&nbsp; Do you want your wife to start asking questions about Daniella and Bambi… or how about Jessica, Malinda, Mika or Bethany?” he said, breaking the silence with an exasperated gesture as he glared at Gavin. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>15-04-2011, 23:01:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gavin stumbled slightly, exaggerating his reaction to the punch, but not by much.&nbsp; He'd expected the hit, just not the timing of it.&nbsp; He clutched his shoulder, overacting for a moment, before he stopped in the face of the glare from Landon.&nbsp; He sighed for a moment, then shrugged.<br><br>"Look, I haven't told her much.&nbsp; Just that you and I used to date the same girls.&nbsp; I wasn't specific, and didn't go into detail.&nbsp; She doesn't know the nitty-gritty, okay?"<br><br>He met Landon's eyes evenly.&nbsp; "Not yet, at least."<br><br>He turned away from Landon before the other man could speak.&nbsp; He walked for a few seconds of silence before glancing at the other man.&nbsp; His face had a peculiar look about it as Gavin finally confessed the idea on his mind.<br><br>"Look, Landon, I know the rule, okay?&nbsp; But...I want to break it.&nbsp; With Claire, soon."<br><br>Now he braced for the reaction from his best friend.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>19-04-2011, 22:12:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Landon stared.&nbsp; His eyes wide as his mind tried to catch up to the reality of the situation.&nbsp; He was certain that he had heard his friend wrong, but Gavin continued to speak, each word only serving to confirm the impossible as true.&nbsp; His reaction was mixed.&nbsp; On a base, selfish level he even felt more than a touch of excitement from the idea, but on another more conscious level he cringed.&nbsp; The number of things that could go wrong was astronomical.<br><br>“Are you serious?&nbsp; Why?&nbsp; After all these years what makes you think that Claire will even be open to the idea Gavin?&nbsp; We didn’t work remember, we never even made it past second base during the brief time we were dating.&nbsp; This could ruin what you two have.&nbsp; Hell it could ruin the friendship we’ve built over years.&nbsp; I love you both, you know that… but I’m not so sure this is a good idea…” he said in a rush, his confusion and shock completely unhidden.&nbsp; <br><br>“Don’t get me wrong!” he continued quickly, one hand raised to stave off Gavin’s words for a moment longer as he explained.&nbsp; “Claire’s amazing, she always has been… if I met her in a bar I’d likely buy her a drink and hopefully a bit more, but we have that rule for a reason…” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>23-04-2011, 07:46:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gavin waited for his friend to finish, nodding as he ended.&nbsp; "I know why we have the rule, why it worked for us.&nbsp; 'Never with a serious one, never with one that might be long-term.'&nbsp; Hell, for a while, you invoked that rule with her and I understand why, she is great."<br><br>Gavin sighed slightly and turned to continue walking.&nbsp; "But things changed this past year, Landon.&nbsp; After the accident she was in, and her recovery, she's changed."<br><br>He was silent for a few steps, then he glanced at Landon.&nbsp; "You look on her and see that she's as stunning as ever, right?&nbsp; Well she doesn't think that.&nbsp; She thinks she's scarred and, oh, I don't know, horrid or something.&nbsp; She's become ashamed of herself, of her body."<br><br>Gavin shook his head.&nbsp; "She has a few scars, yes, but she acts like her body should repulse me.&nbsp; She hides it almost all the time.&nbsp; Forget bathing suits or lazy naked Sundays, she won't undress in front of me unless it's dark and the lights are out."<br><br>He glanced at Landon again.&nbsp; "I've tried to show her otherwise, tell her that nothing has changed, that she's just as desirable as always, if not more so, but...nothing."&nbsp; He walked in silence for a few moments, but then continued.&nbsp; "She's different, and I'm not sure I can stand it anymore."<br><br>He stopped and turned to face Landon.&nbsp; "Look, remember what they all said?&nbsp; That we made them feel desirable, made them feel special and sexy, and all that?&nbsp; <em>That's</em> what I want to do for her.&nbsp; I want her to see that no matter what, she's still desired, wanted, and hot as hell."<br><br>He met Landon's eyes and held them for a moment.&nbsp; "Look, trust me, I would not be asking you to consider this if I could think of anything else.&nbsp; But I can't.&nbsp; I've tried it all.&nbsp; I don't know if you saw, but she won't even kiss me passionately in daylight.&nbsp; It causes her to pull back, as if afraid.&nbsp; I don't want this to go on.&nbsp; So, I'm asking for your help."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>28-04-2011, 21:28:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Landon’s instincts screamed for him to say no, to end Gavin’s request right then and there with a finality that would be unquestionable in the future.&nbsp; There were an infinite number of ways that it could go horrible wrong, ending their friendships if not the marriage that Gavin was so desperately trying to save.&nbsp; Part of him couldn’t believe that the sensual, loving woman he had always known could have possibly withdrawn so much.&nbsp; For a moment he even wondered what Gavin had done to drive her away so much, but it was a flitting thought and one he knew was wholly unfair.&nbsp; <br><br>“I remember what they said, but what makes me worry is that Claire, being your wife, won’t think the same.&nbsp; What if it makes her disgusted in us both?&nbsp; What if it ruins your marriage instead of saving it Gavin?” he asked, not bothering to hide his fears as the house disappeared behind them.&nbsp; He was quiet then, only the sound of the surf rushing up to brush their sandals breaking the silence as his mind ran through all of the possible outcomes.<br><br>Finally he sighed and brushed his fingers through his hair, scraping his scalp slightly with his nails as he glanced towards Gavin again.&nbsp; “How exactly do you want to do this Gavin?&nbsp; Just come right out and tell her or do you expect me to try and seduce her?&nbsp; She won’t take kindly to being manipulated into something… but I think she’d never agree to this if she knew ahead of time.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>30-04-2011, 06:55:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gavin walked in silence for a few moments as he considered the best course of action.&nbsp; He had been thinking on it for some time now, and he still wasn't sure.&nbsp; He did have to make a decision though.<br><br>"I don't know that we can just tell her.&nbsp; If we did, she would probably just freak out.&nbsp; She's never asked too closely what you and I used to do, so it would shock her on two fronts, I think."<br><br>He shrugged momentarily.&nbsp; "I don't know though.&nbsp; I think, though, that it will work better if you go with the seduction route.&nbsp; Make her feel wanted, desired.&nbsp; I'll do the same.&nbsp; There will have to be one night, or day I suppose but that's not likely, one night where we just go for it.&nbsp; Maybe the whole dancing between us kind of thing."<br><br>He glanced at Landon and gave him a wry smile.&nbsp; "Look, if you don't want to, then just say so, man.&nbsp; You've got this look on your face like I asked you to lick dirt off a boot instead of asking you to share with me the bed of a lovely and sexy woman."<br><br>He chuckled and put his arm around Landon's shoulders, though the man was pretty damn built.&nbsp; "Come on, it's not the worse thing in the world."<br><br><em>Besides,</em> he thought for a moment, <em>if this doesn't work, I won't know what to do.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>09-05-2011, 06:20:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Landon sighed slightly as Gavin put an arm around him.&nbsp; He was going to do this, going to risk two friendships and their marriage because his best friend asked him too. If someone had asked him a year ago if he’d ever do something like this he would have laughed and told them to go jump on a landmine.&nbsp; Under other circumstances it might have amused him, but as it was he was oddly fascinated by the idea and frightened of it all at once.<br><br>“If you think this will help I’m game.&nbsp; I haven’t had to use my charms in far too long, usually the uniform does it for me... or it used to,” he said with a slightly lopsided smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.<br><br>“I guess we’ll see if I’ve still got it or not.&nbsp; She’ll probably just laugh at my feeble attempts at seduction, either that or slap me when she realizes I’m serious,” he chuckled.&nbsp; “One question though, how bad is the scarring Gavin?&nbsp; It doesn’t matter to me, it’s Claire, but I don’t want to get that far and then react in a way that might give her the wrong impression simply because I’m not prepared.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>11-05-2011, 04:51:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gavin smiled broadly as his friend acquiesced to his request.&nbsp; He laughed, happy that perhaps there was an end to this in sight.&nbsp; At least one of the hurdles was past.&nbsp; Pulling his plan off, however, that was much more tricky to pull off.&nbsp; But he was determined to try.<br><br>He met his friend's gaze at the mention of his uniform.&nbsp; "Hey, I'm sure that the uniform helps, but I'm willing to bet you <em>out</em> of the uniform drives the ladies even wilder."<br><br>They walked some more as Landon continued.&nbsp; When he asked the question about the scarring, Gavin was silent for several steps.<br><br>"Well, I won't lie and say there's nothing there.&nbsp; There is.&nbsp; Across her abdomen and on her...left leg, the upper thigh, yeah.&nbsp; A few starkly colored lines, with a collection of fading smaller ones.&nbsp; Not a lot of spiderwebbing, thankfully, but you can definitely see the scars.&nbsp; But here's the thing.&nbsp; It's not bad.&nbsp; Not as bad as she makes it out to be.&nbsp; You'd think she was nothing but scar tissue the way she speaks, but that's so not the case."<br><br>After a few more steps, Gavin added something quickly.&nbsp; "There's also some puckering of her skin on the side, where the stitches were, but nothing major."<br><br>He shook his head.&nbsp; "She's so caught up in her issues that she might not see what's developing in our life together.&nbsp; I don't expect her to get over this quickly, but damn it, I want her to start realizing she's just as sexy as ever, at least to me."<br><br>The two men paused as Gavin turned back to Landon.&nbsp; "Thanks man.&nbsp; Seriously, thanks."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>19-05-2011, 21:24:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Landon nodded as he listened to Gavin speak about his wife’s scars.&nbsp; He was impressed with his friends attempt to be completely honest about what Landon would find if they managed to make the insane plan Gavin had come up with work.&nbsp; The scars wouldn’t matter to him, but he knew that they would matter to Claire and the last thing he wanted was to make her feel more insecure than she already did.&nbsp; He understood about the scars, it wasn’t usually the one’s that could be seen that truly mattered but the ones that no one ever realized were there.&nbsp; <br><br>He kept thoughts about his own scars or the one’s unseen to himself.&nbsp; That was something that Gavin had no basis to understand, but Claire would and if nothing else he could help with those.&nbsp; Perhaps they could even help each other.&nbsp; It wasn’t something she would likely talk to him about with Gavin present however and getting some time alone could prove to be difficult to say the least, especially with Gavin intent on trying to fix what was wrong in their marriage.<br><br>“Thank me if this works, and if all of our friendships survive,” he said with a rueful curl of his lips.&nbsp; With a sharp bat on Gavin’s shoulder he turned to walk towards the water, letting it lap over his feet sandals and all.&nbsp; “Let me try some things on my own first, see if there’s any part of her that’s even willing.&nbsp; Better to let her hate me if she reacts badly than both of us.&nbsp; After all this won’t work at all if she’s not willing to consider me as anything more than a friend.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>24-05-2011, 05:06:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gavin considered his friends words for several seconds, before he nodded.&nbsp; Landon did make a fair amount of sense.&nbsp; This wasn't something that could be jumped into, he had known that, but he hadn't thought that there was any question about Claire liking Landon.&nbsp; However, maybe that didn't translate, yet, into attraction of a more carnal nature.&nbsp; <br><br>"I suppose that makes sense.&nbsp; Just seemed obvious to me, but you're right.&nbsp; We can always wave it off as you just being lonely if she gets offended.&nbsp; I'll say something along the lines of 'I'll talk to you' if she gets upset.&nbsp; But, I don't think she will."<br><br>He laughed as he glanced over his friend.&nbsp; Though the man carried himself slightly different, slightly more guarded, it was easy to see that Landon was an attractive man with a center of strength.&nbsp; "Unless you're blind, you've already seen the few chicks looking over you, undressing you already."<br><br>He chuckled again.&nbsp; "As if Claire would have to work to get you a date.&nbsp; You're still as much a ladykiller as you ever were."<br><br>He glanced around, then back the way they had been walking.&nbsp; "Well...any other concerns before we head back?&nbsp; Not like we can talk about our plans around her, not if we're going to spring it on her."<br><br>Something did occur to Gavin, but he pushed it back in his mind.&nbsp; There was no need to worry.&nbsp; Landon wouldn't seduce Claire without him, not all the way.&nbsp; He wouldn't take her without Gavin there.&nbsp; The man was reliable.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>31-05-2011, 03:18:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Landon nodded slightly as his friend looked him over.&nbsp; He felt his spine straighten, a left over from his years of service to his country that he knew he would never be rid of.&nbsp; It wasn’t the only telltale sign of his background, but it was the one that he noticed more often than not.&nbsp; Perhaps over time he would forget his training, but he wasn’t willing bet on it.&nbsp; <br><br>He snorted slightly.&nbsp; “You’d be surprised, I haven’t been a lady-killer since my injury, but then again I haven’t had much of an opportunity either,” he said with a laugh as he turned back towards the house, his back to the ocean.<br><br>He seemed to stare at nothing for a moment before he shook his head.&nbsp; “Nothing that I can think of at the moment.&nbsp; Just… if you get uncomfortable with anything tell me Gavin.&nbsp; I’m more worried about this ruining my friendship with Claire, but I’d hate to throw away so many years of friendship with you as well,” he said with a slight shrug .&nbsp; “Come on, we don’t want Claire to think that we’re avoiding her.&nbsp; Might as well get started.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>02-06-2011, 04:06:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The walk back was pretty brisk.&nbsp; There was no need to take it slow anymore.&nbsp; Gavin had gotten what he wanted from Landon.&nbsp; He wasn't rushing to get home, to put his plan into action, well, not really.&nbsp; He did feel a slight anxiety at the thought though.&nbsp; What if it didn't work?&nbsp; What if it backfired?<br><br>All questions that Landon had asked or at least thought of.&nbsp; They were the same questions Gavin had been trying to answer since the moment he thought up the idea.&nbsp; But he couldn't answer them.&nbsp; He would just have to hope for the best, hope that he wasn't destroying his own marriage in trying to save it.<br><br>As they walked, Gavin pointed out what had changed on the beach since Landon had been there.&nbsp; Shops opening, shops closing, food vendors opening and closing, everything.&nbsp; Soon enough though, the pair of men were walking up the back steps and through the back door.<br><br>"Claire?" Gavin called as they walked up to the back door, pulling it open and walking through with Landon.&nbsp; "We're home."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>04-06-2011, 22:30:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Claire set down her book and stood up, stretching, when she heard Gavin and Landon. They had been gone for a couple of hours, which wasn't unusual for them.&nbsp; When they first came together after a long separation, was always like this; they would go and spend time together and just reconnect. <br><br>Tucking her hair behind her ear, she went to the refrigerator and got water for the men, going to them and handing them each a glass.&nbsp; "Hot out there, huh," she commented, kissing Gavin's cheek.&nbsp; It got hot, of course, but since they were on the ocean, the breeze kept it from ever feeling too stifling.&nbsp; <br><br>"How was your walk?" she asked, leading the guys to sit in the living room.&nbsp; "Gavin, did you show him that new aquarium, or did you end up going the other direction?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>07-06-2011, 05:10:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gavin grimaced and snapped his fingers.&nbsp; "Ah, no, we did go the other way."<br><br>He shrugged and sipped the cold water.&nbsp; "We'll have to do that some other time, I guess.&nbsp; Or, if you want, you can take him, Claire."<br><br>He glanced at the clock and chewed on his lip.<br><br>"Hmmm, we have some time before dinner so...why don't we all freshen up and then we'll head to Antonio's, down on Harborside.&nbsp; Some Italian seafood might be a good way to say 'Welcome back', huh?"<br><br>The other two nodded after a moment, agreeing with the plan.&nbsp; After a couple hours of getting ready and relaxing, the three friends went out on the town.&nbsp; Gavin, however, kept thinking on what he was trying to arrange.&nbsp; He wanted his wife back and truly felt it would help.&nbsp; He smiled and laughed with his wife and his best friend, honestly enjoying the company.&nbsp; After they finished their meal, Gavin drove them back to the house.&nbsp; He explained that he didn't want to keep Landon up late due to his traveling so far.<br><br>"But, we'll have to do an outdoor, late night thing sometime soon.&nbsp; Maybe a night picnic on the beach sometime this week?&nbsp; Something where we can have very good food and not worry about driving back."<br><br>He met Landon's eyes briefly, wordless communication passing from him to his friend.&nbsp; Outdoor and semiprivate.&nbsp; A favorite of theirs.<br><br><div align="center">~&nbsp; &nbsp; ~&nbsp; &nbsp; ~&nbsp; &nbsp; ~&nbsp; &nbsp; ~</div><br>The next morning, Gavin reached for his phone and frowned at it briefly.&nbsp; He lifted it and tapped the screen.&nbsp; He brought it to his ear and listened for a moment.&nbsp; Then, sighing, he placed it down and bent to Claire.&nbsp; He kissed her cheek, rousing her slightly.<br><br>"I'm going in to work.&nbsp; Be right back.&nbsp; Apparently, Julian can't handle one day without needing me to check in.&nbsp; I'll be back soon."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>07-06-2011, 22:43:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Claire sleepily kissed Gavin and then pouted at his words.&nbsp; "What did he want?" she asked.&nbsp; This happened on occasion and was part and parcel of being business owners.&nbsp; When emergencies happened, Gavin was called in to fix things; of course, he did so happily.&nbsp; It was their livelihood, how they supported themselves and their family of employees, and he took it seriously. <br><br>As he repeated what Julian had iterated, she sat up and kissed her husband again. He'd be gone for a few hours, it seemed.&nbsp; Standing, she tugged her long-sleeved t-shirt down and padded into the kitchen. "I'll make you some breakfast real fast before you leave."&nbsp; <br><br>Before, when she was younger, she used to wear pretty lingerie to bed for him sometimes.&nbsp; <em>Before the accident</em>, she forced herself to think the words.&nbsp; Now, it was always pajama bottoms and something with sleeves.<br><br>Quickly, she chopped up some ham and made him an omelet. She and Landon could have the same thing whenever he woke up. "Call my cell phone if we're not home when you get back," she told her husband. After he left, she yawned sleepily and went to the couch, laying down and falling back asleep. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>16-06-2011, 02:38:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gavin slid into the car seat and started the engine.&nbsp; He shifted into gear and pulled away from his house.&nbsp; At the end of the street, he paused and looked in the rear view mirror, turning it to frame the distant house.&nbsp; <br><br>"You're up, brother," he said softly.&nbsp; He had a slight smile on his face as he signaled and turned onto the next street.<br><br>Well, might as well go in to work.&nbsp; He needed something to do today.&nbsp; Might as well really check in on Julian.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>16-06-2011, 06:24:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Landon woke with a jerk, the thin sheet clinging to his sweat slicked skin.&nbsp; The nightmare was gone by the time his mind truly surfaced and he brushed his fingers through his damp, short cropped hair.&nbsp; It was well into the morning if the light that streamed through the bedroom window was any indication. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d slept past sunrise.&nbsp; He’d feared that it was so ingrained that he would never be able to sleep past the rising of the sun.&nbsp; Perhaps it was because he was finally somewhere he felt at home, somewhere he had a connection that would keep him grounded.&nbsp; It didn’t truly matter what the reason was, he was simply grateful that even with the nightmares he’d slept the entire night through. <br><br>He pulled on a pair of shorts that had seen better days and a t-shirt after he rolled out of bed and quietly made his way through the house, looking for either of his friends.&nbsp; He didn’t want to wake either of them if they were still asleep.&nbsp; When he found Claire in the living room he couldn’t help but smile.&nbsp; In sleep the tension that he’d noticed the previous day was absent.&nbsp; She was a beautiful woman, he had always thought so.&nbsp; <br><br>He watched her for a time before the wandered into the kitchen.&nbsp; He noticed the things she’d left out to make their breakfast and assumed from the dirty dishes that Gavin had decided to go into work for a little while.&nbsp; It didn’t take him long to whip up an omelet for her and brew a fresh pot of coffee.&nbsp; When she woke she would find breakfast sitting on the coffee table, close enough that the smell would likely wake her.&nbsp; For his part he grabbed a bottle of water and headed out onto the beach.&nbsp; He stayed close to the house where she could find him if she wanted, but he needed to work off the tension that the nightmares had left in his body.&nbsp; The only time he’d failed to work out in the morning in the last year had been when he was injured.&nbsp; It was one habit he had no inclination to lose.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>01-07-2011, 22:36:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Claire came awake from her catnap to the scent of coffee and stretched languidly, opening her eyes.&nbsp; Spotting the omelet and coffee on the table, she shook her head.&nbsp; Landon was her guest, and instead of pampering him, <em>he</em> was pampering <em>her</em>.&nbsp; <br><br>She called out his name, and when she got no response, she checked the guest room and his bathroom.&nbsp; He wasn't there, and with a frown, she considered calling his cell phone but then decided not to.&nbsp; He probably was running some errand or something. Instead, she ate breakfast and drank the coffee and then took a shower. <br><br>Dressing for the day in linen pants and a white shirt, she went to the kitchen to wash her dishes from breakfast, frowning when she realized there wasn't a plate for Landon. He hadn't eaten?&nbsp; She was going to have to make sure he got plenty for lunch and dinner. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>31-08-2011, 01:01:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				By the time he was done there was a fine sheen of sweat across his body and his t-shirt was draped across his bare shoulders.&nbsp; There were scars laced liberally across his skin, but the one on his right side definitely drew the eye far more than the others.&nbsp; It still ached sometimes, when it was cold or when he lifted something he probably shouldn’t.&nbsp; It was something he’d have to live with for the rest of his life, and something that he was more than a little afraid to share with people.&nbsp; It was his one insecurity, and for a man who had always been able to land any woman he desired that was saying something.<br><br>He trudged up to the house, barely kicking up any sand with his sandals, his head down as he contemplated something.&nbsp; It showed on his face, the dark thoughts that still remained from the nightmares.&nbsp; Things that he couldn’t ever run away from no matter how hard he tried.&nbsp; Not that he realized how much of an open book he was as he came within sight of the house.&nbsp; <br><br>He needed a shower and then breakfast.&nbsp; Perhaps food would help chase the last of the death from his mind’s eye.&nbsp; He could hope that it would work.&nbsp; He always hoped, even if it would be the first time he’d managed to chase the demons away. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>03-09-2011, 04:30:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Claire was sitting on the back porch, which faced the beach, with her second cup of coffee in her hands.&nbsp; She looked up, shielding her eyes with her hand to block out the glare of the sun.&nbsp; Seeing Landon returning, she was about to say something when he got close enough, but it was obvious from the way he walked and the way his head hung that something was wrong.&nbsp; &nbsp;A frown marred her pretty features as she contemplated what was wrong.&nbsp; She recognized the look he wore.&nbsp; She'd worn a similar one herself over the last year or so.<br><br><em>It's none of your business, Claire,</em> she silently admonished herself.&nbsp; After all, she had her own demons.&nbsp; She knew how it felt to have who and what you are destroyed, and looking at Landon was like looking in a mirror.&nbsp; Scarred body and scarred mind.&nbsp; That was her, and it seemed to be Gavin's best friend, too.<br><br>It was not her business, and yet she couldn't help but wonder.&nbsp; She'd known he had medical stuff going on the same time she did, and the scars along his body made it clear that it hadn't been easy.<br><br>He stopped in front of her when he saw her sitting, and with an easy smile, she stood up.&nbsp; She wasn't going to ask him about it, not yet at least.&nbsp; She was torn if she should.&nbsp; After her accident, she'd wanted to be a hermit, just locked up in her home and not having to face the real world.&nbsp; But Gavin had been there to force her to talk, even if she dug in her heels and would only do it intermittently.<br><br>Maybe Landon needed a Gavin, someone who was supportive and said the right things.&nbsp; And maybe she needed to be that person.&nbsp; She'd consider bringing it up if the timing felt right.&nbsp; "Did you have a nice workout?" she asked.&nbsp; "I'll put on another pot of coffee for you.&nbsp; Omelet good for breakfast?&nbsp; I can attest that they're good.&nbsp; Thanks for making mine earlier."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>16-09-2011, 20:19:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He was completely oblivious to her thoughts as he stopped before her and smiled.&nbsp; Claire always did that, made him smile no matter what he was truly feeling at that moment.&nbsp; He put a hand on the small of her back as they entered the house, opening and closing the door for her.&nbsp; The warmth of her seeped into the palm of his hand and made something within him relax.&nbsp; This was real, this moment, and he was among friends.&nbsp; It was enough to help the nightmares fade into something more manageable.<br><br>&nbsp;“It was a good workout.&nbsp; I haven’t been doing that enough recently, hopefully I can get back into the habit while I’m here,” he said as they walked into the kitchen.&nbsp; “That would be wonderful, you’re welcome.&nbsp; I know it probably wasn’t as good as yours is going to be, but breakfast in couch is a treat anytime right?” he asked with amusement in his eyes. <br><br>“I’ll be back in a few, I’m going to take a quick shower,” he said as he leaned down and kissed her on the forehead before heading back into his room.&nbsp; <br><br>A few minutes later he was under the steaming water, his head bowed as he took slow, deep breaths to try and calm his nerves.&nbsp; The hand on the small of her back, the kiss on her forehead… it was the first steps into a territory he wasn’t sure he could handle, but he’d given his word to try.&nbsp; Try he would.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>18-09-2011, 09:08:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Claire's expression was quizzical as she watched Landon disappear into the guest room.&nbsp; He'd never done that before, kissing her forehead like that, not even in college.&nbsp; She shrugged it off, though; he was probably just grateful to be with loved ones again.&nbsp; She didn't mind the familiarity.&nbsp; After all, she'd known him forever.&nbsp; <br><br>Turning her attention to feeding him like she'd promised, she cracked three eggs and started cooking, piling on the ham and sprinkling in freshly-grated cheddar cheese.&nbsp; She hummed while she worked, putting the omelet onto a plate and buttering some toast for Landon.&nbsp; She was finishing up when he returned, freshly showered, wet hair curling up just a tad at the ends. <br><br>As he sat down to eat, she said, "I have a feeling that Gavin won't be home for a while.&nbsp; I'm sorry he had to go in."&nbsp; She was apologetic; after all, Landon had come home to see his best friend who wasn't even home.&nbsp; "Is there anything in particular you want us to do today?&nbsp; Just you and me?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>23-09-2011, 04:31:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				By the time he joined her in the kitchen again he was closer to his normal self than he had been, but there was still a haunted quality about him, something in his eyes.&nbsp; He demolished the omlet in record time, the coffee following quickly as he groaned in appreciation.&nbsp; “I haven’t had real food in far too long… you’re a great cook Claire, much better than when we were in college, “ he teased her as he sat back and patted his flat stomach with one hand.<br><br>“Well.&nbsp; We could go for a walk, if I remember correctly there’s a pier about a mile and a half down the beach right?&nbsp; A couple of restaurants and some shopping.&nbsp; Not that I’m really into the shopping part mind you… but we could see if there’s anything interesting going on, and it’s close enough that we can just walk instead of taking the car.&nbsp; After all the time on that plane and then in the cab I’m not going to want to see the inside of a car for at least another twenty-four to forty-eight hours,” he said with a lopsided smile that was half apology.&nbsp; <br><br>“Either that or you could just surprise me, as long as I’m doing something with you I’m pretty sure I could enjoy anything,” he added after a moment’s thought, the compliment half flirtatious as he tested out the water and wondered if she’d even notice. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>27-09-2011, 05:35:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Apparently, he'd missed them too.&nbsp; She smiled at his compliment and teased, "Well, then, we won't go to the movies.&nbsp; Or for a long drive along the coast."&nbsp; Laughingly, she said softly as she loaded the dishwater, "I know you were just on the beach, but yes, there's a pier not too far away, may be a couple of miles.&nbsp; We can walk to it.&nbsp; It's pretty neat.&nbsp; Fishing and restaurants and shops.&nbsp; They also built a stage and usually have live music.&nbsp; And there's the new aquarium."&nbsp; Finishing cleaning up, she wiped her hands on a clean dishtowel and slipped on tennis shoes.&nbsp; It was a good day for a tank top and shorts, but she didn't dress that way anymore.&nbsp; <br><br>They left the beach house and walked along the beach, idly chattering about changes in San Diego.&nbsp; She told him about new restaurants and shopping centers.&nbsp; She told him too about the little changes they'd made to their downtown condo, so different from their getaway home on the shore.&nbsp; The sun shone on them, and she felt content for the first time in a very long time.&nbsp; It was good to have Landon home.&nbsp; She'd worried about him, and being able to see that he was in one piece was comforting for her.<br><br>Impulsively, she touched his arm and stopped walking.&nbsp; When he stopped with her and looked at her, she smiled.&nbsp; "I'm so glad you're home, Landon," she said, and then she leaned in toward him, standing on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>29-09-2011, 23:32:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Something softened in his eyes when she stopped him, some tension that he’d held onto easing slightly in the familiarity of family, even if they weren’t blood.&nbsp; The kiss on his cheek surprised him however, and warmed something in him as well.&nbsp; He should have come home months ago, but he’d been afraid of appearing to fragile, especially to Claire.&nbsp; He had always been the strong one and his confidence had appeared unshakable.&nbsp; It just proved that appearances could be deceiving. <br><br>When she lowered herself back down he put one of his muscular arms around her shoulders and squeezed tightly before turning them both towards the pier they could both see in the distance.&nbsp; He made no move to let her go however, but draped his arm across her shoulders in a familiar way.&nbsp; “I should have come back sooner, when you two could have used the help, but I was too much of a wreck and I think I would have done more harm than good…” he admitted, surprised when the words left his lips.&nbsp; <br><br>“Forgive me for not being here?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>06-10-2011, 22:17:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Claire turned her head away from the pier to look at Landon.&nbsp; Was forgiveness something that needed to be asked for or given between them?&nbsp; She almost said to him that there was nothing to forgive, but then she bit her tongue.&nbsp; Wasn't there?<br><br>Until that moment, she hadn't even realized that she had resented Landon.&nbsp; She had resented her husband's best friend for not being there for Gavin the one time Gavin had really needed someone.&nbsp; It was selfish of her to feel that way, she knew.&nbsp; Stupid even.&nbsp; She just remembered how much of a wreck Gavin had been.&nbsp; He had thought he might lose both his best friend and his wife at the same time.&nbsp; She still remembered waking up in her hospital room to him on the phone trying to get answers about Landon.&nbsp; She still remembered the lines of worry etched in Gavin's face and the tears in his eyes. <br><br>But to blame Landon was ridiculous.&nbsp; She hadn't been there for Gavin either.&nbsp; She'd been hurt and Landon had been hurt, and Gavin had had to suffer through it all without support.&nbsp; And they'd all pulled through.&nbsp; <br><br>"There's nothing to forgive," she said with stark emotion in her voice.&nbsp; She meant the words.&nbsp; "I think I was mad at you for not being here, but I wasn't with you, either, Landon, and you needed us too, even if you would never admit it."<br><br>She wrapped an arm around his waist.&nbsp; "We're here for each other now, though.&nbsp; That's what matters.&nbsp; Now, let's get to that pier."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>17-10-2011, 18:29:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Something in Landon relaxed when she finally answered.&nbsp; He studied her for a long moment, half afraid that her words would not ring true, but the truth was in her eyes and in the familiar touch of her arm around his waist.&nbsp; He couldn’t quite contain the relieved smile that curled the corners of his lips slightly as he dropped his arm across her shoulders and kissed the top of her head in silent thanks.&nbsp; <br><br>He fell into step with her naturally, their movements those of people who had known each other for a lifetime and were comfortable with each other.&nbsp; The pier grew larger in the distance as silence stretched between them.&nbsp; It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence, but a companionable one.&nbsp; Comfortable and well worn, much like a well broken in pair of sneakers or a favorite sweater. Underneath that comfortable silence however there was a tension that only Landon may have noticed.&nbsp; He had not forgotten his promise to Gavin, but the possibility that he could shatter their friendship did give him pause.<br><br><em>One step at a time.&nbsp; First, just enjoy the day.&nbsp; Later I can decide how to push the attraction that had always existed between us…</em> He thought as the sounds of the crowd reached them.&nbsp; <br><br>A few hours later they exited the aquarium and headed towards a beachside restaurant for lunch.&nbsp; He was completely oblivious to the flirting glances he received, but he noticed all of the thoughtful glances that other men cast towards Claire.&nbsp; The possessiveness he felt surprised him. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>10-11-2011, 17:51:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				God, she'd missed him.&nbsp; It felt so good, so <em>right,</em> to have him here at home with her.&nbsp; She knew Gavin had to feel the same.&nbsp; How could he not?&nbsp; Landon was his best friend.&nbsp; A brother, for all intents and purposes.<br><br>The morning at the aquarium had been fun.&nbsp; She'd always loved to come here, finding the sight of fish and rays gliding through thousands of gallons of water soothing.&nbsp; They had been like kids, watching as the divers fed the sharks and touching sea sponges in the children's area.&nbsp; They had watched jellyfish and schools of angels and damsels.&nbsp; In the freshwater area, there were turtles and a crocodile and fish from the Amazon river.<br><br>By the time they left the aquarium, she was starving.&nbsp; Lunch was a little late, and before they ate she sent Gavin a text message only to find out that he wouldn't be joining them again until a little later in the day.&nbsp; Claire was oblivious to those surrounding them, only looking up a couple of times, once when a neighbor spotted her and another time when a friend did.<br><br>"Hannah," she smiled, standing to hug a woman she'd met after her accident.&nbsp; Hannah was one of the physical therapists at the hospital, and the two had become close over the last year.&nbsp; "This is Landon Mitchell.&nbsp; He's a childhood friend of Gavin's."&nbsp; Hannah's gaze flickered to Landon's left hand.&nbsp; Claire wasn't surprised at the interest.&nbsp; Hannah was single and enjoyed dating.&nbsp; And Landon... well, he was gorgeous and sexy as sin.&nbsp; He always had been.&nbsp; "Would you like to join us?" she asked.&nbsp; Setting Landon up with someone while he was here wasn't a bad thing.<br><br>"I can't," replied Hannah.&nbsp; "I'm meeting my mom for lunch.&nbsp; But it's wonderful to meet you, Landon," she said, looking into his eyes, the interest clearly there.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>13-01-2012, 04:09:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For a time Landon managed to simply enjoy being with another human being.&nbsp; He was utterly comfortable around Claire, and it showed in his easy smile and the lack of tension in his shoulders.&nbsp; He had forgotten how much fun Claire could be.&nbsp; She was witty and beautiful.&nbsp; Everything a woman should be as far as he was concerned.&nbsp; Not for the first time he felt a stab of regret that he had let her go, but he knew she’d made the right choice with Gavin.&nbsp; <br><br>When Claire introduced him to Hannah he barely managed to stifle a groan.&nbsp; She was an attractive woman, but he had no interest in dating.&nbsp; It took a lot of trust for him to be willing to share his scars with someone, and if he was going to woo Claire he didn’t have time to work on a relationship with someone else.&nbsp; His days of casual sex were growing much less frequent, which was likely a good thing at his age.&nbsp; He had to grow up sometime. <br><br>“The pleasure was all mine, Hannah,” he said with a forced smile, which slipped from his face once she was gone.&nbsp; <br><br>He turned a slightly exasperated expression towards Claire and shook his head.&nbsp; “You can’t help it can you?&nbsp; I’m not in the market for a relationship Claire.&nbsp; Not at the moment anyway…”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>18-01-2012, 19:53:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The old Claire, the one from before the wreck, would have laughed off Landon's rebuke and told him what was good for him instead.&nbsp; The new Claire had lost some of that self-confident edge, and as he said the words, she could feel herself withdrawing.&nbsp; "I'm sorry," she murmured, rushing to explain.&nbsp; "It's just that you're back home now, and I thought that maybe you'd like to... well, I didn't plan on us running into her or anything.&nbsp; And I've set you up before and you didn't seem to mind..."<br><br>She made herself stop and closed her eyes for a moment.&nbsp; This was Landon; he wasn't upset with her or judging her like she did herself.&nbsp; He just didn't want to go on a date with Hannah.&nbsp; It had nothing to do with her.&nbsp; Opening her eyes, she smiled at her husband's best friend, the man that was one of the people she loved most dearly in the world.&nbsp; "I'm being silly.&nbsp; I'll keep in mind that you're not looking for a relationship.&nbsp; I'm good with that anyway; after all, that just means that you'll devote more time where your attention should be.&nbsp; You'll be hanging out with me."&nbsp; Her smile turned impish, hinting at the playful woman she used to be.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>20-01-2012, 00:00:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He frowned slightly as she backtracked, only then realizing exactly how damaged she was.&nbsp; He knew he still hadn’t seen all of the damage, but his friend was right.&nbsp; Her confidence was shot, non-existent, but there was still enough of her left.&nbsp; He wanted the old Claire back, the one who would have stood up to him and told him that going out with Hannah would be good for him, that he had to date sometime.&nbsp; That at the very least it would have been a fun evening out, even if nothing came from it.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>He wiped the frown from his face before she glanced up at him again, her smile almost breaking his heart.&nbsp; <br><br>“Why would I want to go out with some other woman when you’re here anyway,” he said with a matching smile of his own.&nbsp; “They would never match up to you.&nbsp; That’s one of my issues you know.&nbsp; I always compare any woman I go out with to you and they fall short… well short.&nbsp; I hate your husband sometimes,” he chided, draping his arm over her shoulder and drawing her close.&nbsp; <br><br>“Now, if only I could get you to dance with me…” he said with a mischievous tone to his voice.&nbsp; “Remember our first date?&nbsp; What was that song we danced to?”&nbsp; He remembered of course, but he wanted to see if she did as well.&nbsp; &nbsp;“You could move, I barely managed to keep up with you.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>28-01-2012, 06:06:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Claire's smile turned more genuine when Landon mentioned their first date.&nbsp; It had been so long ago, but so much fun.&nbsp; She'd had a blast with him that night and then over and over again since then.&nbsp; Even when she'd known that there would never be anything serious between them, and then he'd introduced her to Gavin and she'd fallen in love with his best friend, she'd had a special place in her heart for Landon.&nbsp; And then, over time, she'd come to love him too, although it wasn't the same as the love she had for her husband.&nbsp; Landon was her husband's best friend, and he'd become one of hers, too.<br><br>He'd managed to pull her out of her flustered state, and the rest of lunch was filled with chatter that was more lighthearted.&nbsp; After, they walked along the beach again until they reached the house.&nbsp; "Gavin is probably home by now," Claire told Landon.&nbsp; Laughing, she said, "Last one inside is a rotten egg."&nbsp; Sprinting away, her feet kicked sand up as she ran toward home, Landon at her heels.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>05-02-2012, 21:10:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He was relieved that he’d managed to pull her out of her negative mood, and he genuinely enjoyed the rest of the afternoon, which wasn’t a surprise.&nbsp; He had always enjoyed Claire, at least as a friend.&nbsp; She was beautiful, fun and intelligent.&nbsp; There really wasn’t more a man could want from a woman when he stopped to think about it.&nbsp; He’d envied Gavin more often than he would ever admit, and now he’d gone and complicated things.&nbsp; <br><br>With a grunt he pushed those thoughts aside as the house came into view and she laughed.&nbsp; The sound was so unexpected and delightful that she got a good head start on him before he took off, sand peppering his lower legs as he ran with a grin on his face.&nbsp; He’d worked hard to maintain, or rather reacquire his physical prowess after his injury, which meant that he had to slow himself down to keep from overtaking her too quickly.&nbsp; He wasn’t about to let her win, but he didn’t want to completely decimate her either.&nbsp; There wasn’t any fun in that.<br><br>They were almost to the deck at the back of the house when he caught up to her with an extra burst of speed that he’d been holding back.&nbsp; He didn’t pass her, however.&nbsp; Instead he wrapped an arm around her waist and picked her up, twirling her in a circle as they reached the deck, his own laughter a base rumble within his chest.&nbsp; “You’re still fast…” he gasped out, noticing lights on in the house.&nbsp; “it looks like you were right, let’s see what the old man is up to.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>07-02-2012, 02:00:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gavin glanced around the door jam toward the front door when he heard pounding steps along the steps leading up to the deck.&nbsp; <em>Damn, thought they'd be gone longer</em> he thought briefly.&nbsp; <em>Wonder if he got anywhere with her.</em><br><br>He pulled his head back so that they didn't see that he had been spying on their little moment on the porch, with Landon spinning Claire.&nbsp; That did bode well, he thought briefly.&nbsp; He continued his making of a sandwich as the pair of them entered the house.&nbsp; The slam of the front screen door echoed to him.<br><br>"In the kitchen," he yelled out to the pair.&nbsp; He contemplated what next needed to happen.&nbsp; He sliced the sandwich in half, middle of the bread style.&nbsp; It crunched as the lettuce was cut by the blade.&nbsp; He turned to wash the knife in the sink, before sliding it back in place.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>12-02-2012, 16:09:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Claire laughed as Landon set her down, her eyes lit up.&nbsp; "I had a great day with you, Landon.&nbsp; You should think about moving here."&nbsp; She said nothing further about it then; eventually they'd discuss what his long-term plans were, but for now he was home for a couple of weeks and that made her very happy.<br><br>They went into the house and heard Gavin's voice calling out to them.&nbsp; Joining him in the kitchen, she went to her husband and kissed him.&nbsp; "Oh, good, you're eating," she said.&nbsp; "We already had lunch.&nbsp; And I took Landon to the new aquarium.&nbsp; I wish you'd been there today, Gavin."<br><br>She asked about why he'd needed to go into the hotel, and Gavin talked shop for only a couple of minutes when the phone rang.&nbsp; Claire got it at the second ring, smiling when she saw the Caller ID register who the call was from.&nbsp; "Hi, Hannah," she said into the phone, her gaze landing on Landon's.&nbsp; Winking at him, she moved away to let the guys talk, slipping outside to sit on the porch.&nbsp; <br><br>Hannah wasn't the type of woman to beat around the bush, and she quickly got to the real reason she was calling.&nbsp; "Claire, tell me about that delicious guy you were having lunch with."<br><br>"He's Gavin's best friend.&nbsp; They grew up together.&nbsp; He's visiting for a couple of weeks."&nbsp; They talked a little more about him, and then Hannah asked if he was married.&nbsp; "He's not, but he's also not interested in dating.&nbsp; I think he's had a rough year and just wants some time to be alone while he's here.&nbsp; I've already been instructed that I can't play matchmaker," she responded, laughter in her voice.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>12-02-2012, 21:26:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Landon joined them in the kitchen and sat on one of the stools that lined one side of the counter while they talked, content to just relax after their outing.&nbsp; When Claire picked up the phone and winked at him he couldn’t help but roll his eyes and shake his head in amusement.&nbsp; Her abilities to match-make never ceased to amaze him.&nbsp; She was the most wonderful, pushy, nosy woman he’d ever known.&nbsp; Exasperating didn’t even begin to cover it.<br><br>Once she was out of ear shot he glanced towards Gavin and shook his head.&nbsp; “I swear to god she’d set me up on a date with every woman in town if she could…” he grumbled good naturedly.&nbsp; <br><br>“I did get a glimpse of what you mentioned.&nbsp; Her confidence is shattered,” he said a moment later, sobering instantly.&nbsp; “I managed to pull her out of what appeared to be a downward slide at one point, so perhaps there’s enough between us for me to work with.&nbsp; You know this isn’t going to be easy, Gavin.&nbsp; No matter how we do this she’s going to feel like she’s cheated.&nbsp; It won’t matter what you say to her, at least at first, “ he added.&nbsp; <br><br>He left unsaid the fact that he wasn’t sure what it would do to him.&nbsp; He’d deal with that on his own, as long as Claire felt as beautiful as she was once again.&nbsp; It broke his heart to see her confidence so obviously shaken.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>08-03-2012, 03:50:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gavin picked up half of the sandwich and bit into it as Landon gave him a brief update.&nbsp; He nodded at Landon's agreement of Claire's condition, for lack of a better word.&nbsp; <br><br>"Oh, trust me, I know.&nbsp; That's why I asked, Landon.&nbsp; I honestly think she needs not just me.&nbsp; At least, I hope so.&nbsp; Cause otherwise I don't think she'll ever come back."<br><br>He bit back into the sandwich and frowned slightly after a moment's thought.<br><br>"Hang on, did you say you were able to pull her out of a downward slide?"<br><br>His eyebrows knitted slightly.&nbsp; "Huh, that's...well, that's good, but...honestly?&nbsp; I haven't been that successful at that yet.&nbsp; Hmmm."<br><br>He shrugged after a moment, then sipped his drink.&nbsp; He moved over to Landon.&nbsp; "Look, I know she might think that she'll have cheated, and frankly, if she does, we'll deal with that when we come to it, but...well, if it's the both of us?&nbsp; No way.&nbsp; Not in my book and I think we can keep her from that mindset."<br><br>He looked toward the room where Claire had disappeared to, before back to Landon.&nbsp; "Besides, she has to want you, so...go for it."<br><br>"So, what's next?&nbsp; Dinner and drinks tonight?&nbsp; Get her a little more...loosened up?&nbsp; Then try and see if we can get her into a two piece tomorrow?&nbsp; If you want, I have an idea 'bout that."&nbsp; He had a slight upturn on the corner of his mouth.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>09-03-2012, 00:14:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Landon shrugged slightly at Gavin’s surprise and grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge before he settled down on one of the stools. “Probably just because she’s already so happy to have me here, and relieved.&nbsp; Don’t think I haven’t noticed that on both your parts by the way,” he chided slightly.<br><br>He nodded slowly as Gavin spoke, outlining a plan.&nbsp; “I think we can keep her from thinking she’s cheating, especially if at least the first time is with both of us there.&nbsp; She’s going to be royally pissed when she finds out this was your plan though, Gavin.&nbsp; Make sure you can live with that before we go any further…” he warned.&nbsp; <br><br>“I think that’s a good idea, though we need to assume that drinks could have a negative effect too.&nbsp; I’ve got an idea or two as well, but nothing solid at this point.&nbsp; I noticed her studying me earlier, but I think she’s more worried about me than anything…” he sighed and shook his head slightly.&nbsp; <em>The fact that she has every right to worry doesn’t help any either…</em> he thought to himself.<br><br>“What did you have in mind?” he asked, shaking off the thought as he checked quickly to make sure that she was still on the phone. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>18-04-2012, 04:30:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gavin's smile was a little more mischievous than it had been a moment ago.&nbsp; He leaned in toward Landon.&nbsp; <br><br>"Well, since the accident, she won't wear any two piece bathing suits, one pieces only.&nbsp; And sure, that's fine and well and good, but...come on.&nbsp; This is Claire.&nbsp; And frankly, I'm tired of that as much as anything else.&nbsp; So...there will be an accident regarding the suit, I think.&nbsp; Either that, or it gets lost."<br><br>He leaned back and chuckled.&nbsp; "That way, when we go to the beach, she really has no other option than the two pieces she used to wear."<br><br>"Now, your turn.&nbsp; What ideas and plots do you have in mind?"<br><br>This planning and plotting caused Gavin to remember the times in the past when the two of them were younger; it was just like old times.&nbsp; The two of them operating toward the seduction of one woman.&nbsp; It brought a further smile to his lips.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>28-04-2012, 06:38:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Landon arched an eyebrow at his friend and shook his head slightly.&nbsp; The idea was dangerous.&nbsp; In his mind there were fifty-fifty odds that she would simply refuse to wear a two piece and throw on a dress that covered more and gave her more security, but he saw no reason to say anything at this point.&nbsp; If it worked, it worked. If not there was no real harm done in the end.<br><br>“Do you remember that bonfire freshmen year?” he asked at Gavin’s prompting.&nbsp; I was thinking of something along those lines.&nbsp; Create the right kind of atmosphere and get her to dance, perhaps.&nbsp; I think that could do far more than the alcohol without the negative connotations for her,” he said with a slight shrug.&nbsp; “Surf, firelight and music. Perhaps we could even make sure that we’ve got a playlist that will make her think of better times, preferably fun and erotic ones if possible.&nbsp; Bring up the right memories and we can see if she’ll slip back in time a bit…” <br><br>A soft rustling sound from the direction Claire had gone caught his attention and he made a small motion with his hand to warn Gavin. “The aquarium was enjoyable, though the stingray exhibit was closed for some reason…”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>13-05-2012, 02:47:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I know," Claire added, walking back into the room after her conversation with Hannah a few minutes later.&nbsp; "Can you believe it?"&nbsp; She frowned, her gaze on Gavin.&nbsp; "I was telling Landon that it's the coolest exhibit they have at the entire aquarium.&nbsp; I'll just have to take him back there some time.&nbsp; Maybe next time, you can go with us."&nbsp; <br><br>Oblivious to what the men had been discussing, she chattered on.&nbsp; "Hannah called to ask about you, Landon."&nbsp; She held a hand up, anticipating his protest.&nbsp; "I already told her you're not interested.&nbsp; Although she's pretty nice.&nbsp; If you change your mind, she'd probably like to go out."<br><br>"Landon, you're the one on vacation.&nbsp; What would you like to do tonight?&nbsp; We can go out or just hang out here, whatever you want.&nbsp; Heck, if you two want some 'man' time, you can go play some pool or something and I can even stay here."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>26-06-2012, 21:22:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He chuckled softly, shaking his head at her subtle hints about Hannah as well as her thoughts on ‘man’ time as she put it.&nbsp; “Why in the world would I want to spend time with him? The only reason I hang around is because of you.&nbsp; He’s just a convenient way for me to explain away the fact that I have been stalking you since graduation,” he said with a chiding smile that made the statement more playful than anything, though at the moment there was some truth to it.&nbsp; At least he was stalking her at her husband’s insistence… <br><br>“How about we order something for dinner and spend some time out on the beach.&nbsp; After dark it will be just cool enough for a fire…” he suggested, taking full advantage of her desire to cater to his whims.&nbsp; <br><br>“Actually… I’ll cook,” he said thoughtfully.&nbsp; <br><br>Without another word he walked through the kitchen, checking to see what they had on hand before he committed.&nbsp; It was a rare offer, something he rarely did.&nbsp; It wasn’t that he didn’t enjoy cooking; it was that he’d had little time to indulge in it while in the service.&nbsp; That had changed, and for better or worse he suddenly wanted to take advantage of that newly discovered freedom.&nbsp; <br><br>“Are you two willing to be lab rats for my cooking?” he finally asked with a grin that held an edge of wickedness neither of them had seen in far too long. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>28-06-2012, 06:09:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gavin smiled slightly at Landon's teasing words and nodded his head at the teasing, playful words from Landon.<br><br>"Oh, that's the reason you've been hanging out with me.&nbsp; Why you were around and my friend years before you met her, much less her meeting me.&nbsp; I see.&nbsp; You were just biding your time for her."<br><br>Gavin paused at that moment, glancing over at Claire.&nbsp; His eyes roamed over her for a moment while his smile took on a slightly hungry tone.&nbsp; "Although, I do admit, I definitely see the attraction..."<br><br>As Landon laid out possible plans, including introducing the idea of a late night dinner, Gavin nodded after a moment's thought.<br><br>"Yeah, I don't mind letting you cook.&nbsp; Keeps me from having to do so, so you are welcome to it.&nbsp; And we can keep the do the beach fire picnic another night.&nbsp; Be nice to be out there with just the three of us."<br><br>He glanced over toward Claire.&nbsp; "That work for you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>16-07-2012, 16:46:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hannah couldn't help but laugh at Landon's words and Gavin's response to them.&nbsp; She had dated Landon so long ago, and neither had been ready for the other back then.&nbsp; And then Gavin had come along... and everything about him had been so right.&nbsp; It still was.&nbsp; She loved him deeply, but once in a while, she found herself wondering.&nbsp; Not that the "what ifs" ever got very far.&nbsp; She was content where she was, and as much as Landon was flirting, he too knew that they would have been disastrous together back then.<br><br>She groaned playfully when he mentioned cooking for them.&nbsp; "Oh, no," she cried, "My kitchen is going to be a disaster!"&nbsp; It was teasing, of course.&nbsp; It wasn't Landon's style to leave a mess for someone else to clean up.&nbsp; "Yes, of course you can cook, although if you'd rather relax, that's fine too.&nbsp; And if you want help, Gavin or I can do that."<br><br><div align="center">~ ~ ~</div><br>Dinner ended up being pretty good.&nbsp; Landon and Gavin had been in the kitchen, their voices muted as they cooked, and Hannah had curled up on the couch with her Kindle.&nbsp; When everything was ready, they'd called her in, and she'd spent the evening pampered.&nbsp; The three of them had even shared a bottle of wine, although Hannah had stopped with one glass, which was the most she ever had after the accident.<br><br>After, cleaning up was a snap, and then she looked at the two of them.&nbsp; "You guys want to go for a swim?&nbsp; Or a walk on the beach?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>24-07-2012, 21:04:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Landon tossed the dishtowel onto the counter and gripped the edge lightly as he flicked a casual glance towards Gavin.&nbsp; Dinner had been a success as far as he was concerned, and the fact that she’d seemingly enjoyed the pampering they had showered on her was a good sign.&nbsp; He hoped.&nbsp; He still wasn’t completely comfortable with their plan, or more specifically with his part in the plan, but he had to admit that he loved it when she smiled, and the sound of her laughter never failed to brighten his day.<br><br>The chances of getting her into anything skimpier than a modest bathing suit was slim to none, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t work on lowering her defenses.&nbsp; Oddly enough the entire thing was reminiscent of some of the military ops he’d been a part of.&nbsp; It was just a matter of finding the right strategy for this specific problem.&nbsp; Something he excelled at in most situations. <br><br>“I’ll go for a swim if you’ll come with me,” he said with a wicked smile of his own, the edge half flirting and half mischievous.&nbsp; &nbsp;“It’s been a while since I’ve dunked you in the ocean…”<br><br>“Oh, and none of this waiting for our food to settle, that’s an old wives tale anyway,” he teased Claire.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>29-08-2012, 18:40:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He wanted her to go along?&nbsp; She'd intended for them to go without her.&nbsp; "I...," she said, her eyes downcast, avoiding Gavin's face.&nbsp; <br><br>She knew it upset her husband, her hesitance to wear bathing suits and bikinis anymore.&nbsp; But he wasn't the one that looked like she did, scarred and damaged.&nbsp; He didn't understand.&nbsp; She knew it disappointed him, and she hated that, but she couldn't bring herself to show off her body anymore.&nbsp; She went swimming sometimes, but only if it was just her and Gavin, and at night when nobody else was around.<br><br>"Oh," she said, looking up and at Landon's face, plastering a strained smile on her own, "I meant you two.&nbsp; I'll go out with you to the beach and watch, though.&nbsp; Gavin's fun to dunk, too."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>21-09-2012, 23:58:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For a moment Landon wanted to give her an out, to let her remain in her comfort zone.&nbsp; He understood her unease as well as any man could, his own scars a constant reminder of mistakes and consequences.&nbsp; It wasn’t his promise to Gavin that made him push.&nbsp; It wasn’t cruelty or his ego in thinking that he could succeed where his friend had failed.&nbsp; It was the stark difference between the woman before him and the woman she’d been before her accident.&nbsp; Maybe someday she’d forgive him.<br><br>“Oh, I think not,” he said as lightly as he could manage, pretending that he didn’t notice her strained smile.&nbsp; “I didn’t come here to go dunk your husband in the ocean, though I’m sure he deserves it.&nbsp; I came to spend time with the one who got away,” he teased.&nbsp; “I’m going to go change into my swimming trunks, and you’re going to go change into a swimsuit so that I don’t have to drag you out there and dump you in the ocean against your will,” he grinned.&nbsp; <br><br>“Come on, Claire.&nbsp; You know you can’t resist me,” he added, a dimple showing in one cheek as he leaned across the counter so that their faces were mere inches apart and he could look into her eyes. It was an oddly intimate moment and his smile softened around the edges, affection in his voice.&nbsp; “Please…”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>07-10-2012, 20:10:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Claire found herself paling at Landon's insistence.&nbsp; He didn't understand, and she didn't know how to explain it to him.&nbsp; She could feel Gavin's eyes on them, could only imagine what he was thinking.&nbsp; She wanted a way out, but she didn't know how, not without making things awkward for Landon, and not without creating tension between her and Gavin... yet again.&nbsp; <br><br>Landon leaned in, his frame filling her personal space, and her breath caught in her throat.&nbsp; He'd always been larger than life, handsome and wonderful.&nbsp; She didn't want to disappoint him, not anymore than she wanted to disappoint her husband.&nbsp; She knew that he was serious about tossing her in the water, but she also knew that if she insisted, he would back off.&nbsp; <br><br>But was that what she even wanted?&nbsp; To have to explain to him that she was damaged?&nbsp; To see pain in Gavin's eyes because he wanted her to just be her again?&nbsp; No.&nbsp; She could live a little, pretend for an hour or two that she was still who she used to be.&nbsp; It was dark outside, and this was <em>Landon.</em>&nbsp; He wasn't going to judge her.&nbsp; She was married to someone else; it wasn't as if he even looked at her that way.<br><br>"Okay," she murmured, taking a step back.&nbsp; "I'll go change and meet you guys outside," she said, and then disappeared into the safety of her room.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>29-10-2012, 21:43:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For a moment Landon was sure that she was going to say no.&nbsp; That she was going to retreat behind the mask he’d seen almost settle across her features more than once that day.&nbsp; He didn’t let the relief he felt when she agreed show until she disappeared into her bedroom to change, and then he slumped over on the counter and glanced at his friend, a touch of guilt flickering behind his eyes before he rested his head in his hands for a moment.<br><br>His voice was muffled when he spoke, barely audible.&nbsp; The last thing he wanted was for Claire to overhear.&nbsp; “I was sure she was going to say no…”<br><br>When he finally stood and pushed away from the counter he shook his head and shared a look with Gavin, his unease plain for the other man to see.&nbsp; “I can’t push her like that often.&nbsp; She’ll break, and we both know it.&nbsp; Go change and let’s get out there.&nbsp; She’ll need some time to build up her courage for this…” he added more to himself than Gavin, speaking from personal experience.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>27-11-2012, 02:40:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gavin nodded slightly at Landon's words.&nbsp; He had been watching closely, his eyes locked on the two of them as they had played out their game of chicken.&nbsp; Landon had won, yes, but only barely.&nbsp; Gavin knew it could have just as easily gone the other way.&nbsp; He didn't say a word as he moved toward the utility room.&nbsp; Instead, he merely clapped Landon on the shoulder, telling him that he had well, without a word.&nbsp; <br><br>Inside the utility room, Gavin quickly slipped into a waiting bathing suit.&nbsp; He and Claire had their commonly used suits here.&nbsp; He quickly glanced over them and realized that her one pieces were here.&nbsp; At least, he thought all of them were.&nbsp; For a moment, he hoped that she would just use one of the two pieces that had been put away.<br><br>He pulled back on the button down shirt he had been wearing and grabbed a couple of towels.&nbsp; He slung those on his shoulder and moved out the back door.&nbsp; He didn't let the door slam shut as he passed through, keeping it quiet for Claire.&nbsp; <br><br>He stood on the concrete path leading from the back of the house down to the beach.&nbsp; He looked up at the darkening sky and calculated a few things.&nbsp; It wasn't a full moon, that had just passed actually.&nbsp; The night sky also had a few clouds.&nbsp; Well, that might help with Claire's reluctance to be seen publicly.<br><br>However, all of this was still up in the air.&nbsp; Maybe it would work.&nbsp; He just had to keep hoping and keep Claire in the moment, instead of retreating into her own mind.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>04-12-2012, 00:43:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Claire waited in the bedroom, bathed in darkness, her breathing heavy as she felt the walls closing in on her.&nbsp; For long moments, she didn't move, reminding herself over and over again that it didn't matter if someone except Gavin saw her body.&nbsp; Physically, she was scarred, but that didn't have to carry over to what was on the inside.&nbsp; Except that she knew that it had.&nbsp; <br><br>She took a deep, fortifying breath.&nbsp; She just needed to put on a swimsuit, that was all.&nbsp; Taking a step forward, she realized that all of the swimsuits she liked were in the utility room.&nbsp; The only ones she had in the bedroom were those that she never wore anymore, her little bikinis that she had loved, once upon a time.&nbsp; Really, why did she even have them anymore?&nbsp; The scarring was permanent, and someone else would be able to get some use out of them.<br><br>She couldn't bear the thought of Gavin's disapproval when she went to get a one piece, and so she waited until she could hear no more sounds coming from him and Landon.&nbsp; In the utility room, she grabbed one that had a zipper that went all the way up to her throat, covering her body much like a scuba bodice might.&nbsp; There was nothing to be done about the scars on her thighs, scars that nobody but doctors and Gavin had seen.&nbsp; And even Gavin, only in semi-darkness.&nbsp; <br><br>Another breath, and she went out onto the beach, spotting two masculine bodies off in the distance, near the shoreline.&nbsp; <em>You can do this, Claire,</em> she told herself, and then made her way toward the two men who were most important in her life.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>11-01-2013, 01:14:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Landon gave Gavin a tense smile as he cleared some of the driftwood off of the beach so that it wouldn’t be in the way and glanced back towards the house to see if Claire was following.&nbsp; He didn’t bother to hide is worry when he found that his friend was alone.&nbsp; He still wasn’t certain that this was a good idea, and he likely wouldn’t be certain anytime soon.&nbsp; It was very much a situation in which the ends would justify the means for him. <br><br>“I’m half expecting her to chicken out and stay inside,” Landon admitted quietly, as if he was afraid that their voices would carry all the way to the house.&nbsp; <br><br>He’d stripped down to just his shorts, his sandals and shirt having been left up at the house.&nbsp; It left his scars visible, though he didn’t seem to pay much attention to them. In truth he felt slightly exposed, but the fact that it was Gavin and Claire put him at ease. He wasn’t embarrassed about his scars, but they were a daily reminder of what had happened, things he’d rather forget.&nbsp; <br><br>He noticed Claire well before she reached them and his self confident mask slipped over his face.&nbsp; He let himself take one look at the scars that were visible around her swim suit, and then ignored them.&nbsp; It wasn’t difficult.&nbsp; He didn’t like the scars, but it wasn’t because they made her any less beautiful, it was because she’d been hurt.&nbsp; There was guilt on his part that he hadn’t been around when it happened, hadn’t been able to fix it.&nbsp; <br><br>“There she is.&nbsp; For a minute there I thought you were going to make me put up with him alone,” he chided with a nod towards Gavin. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>27-01-2013, 21:39:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Claire's smile was a little bit tense, and she took a deep, calming breath and went to Gavin, slipping her arm around his waist and leaning against him.&nbsp; "He's not so bad," she said, laughing softly.&nbsp; "He bites, though, so you have to be a little bit careful."<br><br>Her gaze wandered over Landon's body.&nbsp; How he'd changed since she'd dated him an eon ago.&nbsp; Gone was the lanky college student; years of service to his country had honed his muscles and filled him out.&nbsp; She'd watched that progress, of course, over the past decade.&nbsp; But he had something new, too, something that made her look away.&nbsp; His scars were large, marring his perfection, and he did not hide them.&nbsp; There was no shame in his eyes, no discomfort, and somehow, it made her feel chastised for her own difficulty dealing with hers.<br><br>Gavin had worked so hard to try to show her that she was still beautiful, and she knew that to him, she was.&nbsp; He loved her, and that love was unconditional.&nbsp; And yet, her love for him was not enough to dissuade her from reliving her nightmare every time she saw pity in the eyes of others.&nbsp; And so she hid, both from herself and the world.<br><br>There was strength in Landon.&nbsp; It radiated from him, in everything from the way his muscles rippled when he moved to the way his eyes did not shy away from hers.&nbsp; That strength made it clear that pity would not be welcome, and when she looked at his marred body, she did not feel sorry for him.&nbsp; There was nothing about the way he carried himself that called for such paltry emotion.&nbsp; It was like looking at a reflection of what Gavin wanted her to be.<br><br>It was something to file away and consider later.&nbsp; Maybe, at some point, she should schedule an appointment with Dr. Travers, the shrink she'd seen after her accident.&nbsp; Gavin had been upset when she'd stopped going, but she'd felt like she was drowning, being forced to talk about something she'd wanted to forget.<br><br>For now, though, she was going to take things one step at a time and just get through the evening.&nbsp; She was with two men who were important to her over all others, and they wanted an easy, fun night on the beach.&nbsp; She'd do her best to give them that.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>29-01-2013, 02:09:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gavin smiled at Claire as she slipped her arm around him and leaned against him.&nbsp; He slid his arm around her as well, pulling her against him tightly for a moment.&nbsp; Her words made his smile.&nbsp; His eyes glittered with amusement and a little hint of the familiar lust for her.<br><br>"Oh, I've never heard you complain about my love bites.&nbsp; Especially on your neck, your back...and lower..."<br><br>His hand rubbed her side and hip, his fingers lightly pressing into the swimsuit.&nbsp; He massaged her body, the need to touch her evident, even if he had to do so through the material of the suit.&nbsp; He wasn't thrilled that she had picked one of the one pieces, but this one did have a very nice feature.&nbsp; If he could just...<br><br>The glimmer in his eyes shifted slightly as his lips curled up at the edges.<br><br>"So, Landon...you said something about dunking as I recall."<br><br>His hand gripped her tight to him as he spun to put both of his arms around her.&nbsp; Landon's face split in a grin as he moved quickly to the pair.&nbsp; Claire, taken by surprise, had just enough time to let out a small yelp of shock as the pair of men clutched her tightly between them.&nbsp; Without a word, they lifted her and began to carry her between them to the water.<br><br>Claire tried to keep from screaming.&nbsp; She knew that the beach patrol wouldn't take kindly to her screams, but she didn't let them carry her without some protest.&nbsp; She tried to wriggle away, twisting and pulling her arms and legs, grunting and yelping slightly.&nbsp; She realized she was also laughing as they carried her closer and closer.&nbsp; Now they were standing in the surf, still carrying her further into the water.&nbsp; She wriggled and squirmed.&nbsp; However, the four arms around her held her tightly between the two men.&nbsp; All she could feel was the press of their two bodies and their four hands on her.&nbsp; She wasn't exactly sure whose hand brushed against her breasts and hips, but at the moment, it didn't matter.&nbsp; She had half a second to-<br><br>"And...three!" Gavin cried out.<br><br>The two men had long ago learned to work in tandem.&nbsp; It was instinct now, almost.&nbsp; An instinct not used for years, yes, but it was easy for them to fall back into it.&nbsp; With one motion, the two men swung Claire out and released her.&nbsp; She flew through the air, her arms and legs moving akimbo.&nbsp; And then she splashed into the water.<br><br>She came to the surface immediately.&nbsp; She hadn't been thrown too far into the water, but just enough that she had gone under completely.&nbsp; She was able to stand, her suit now looking like liquid as it reflected the faint light of the moon and the ocean's reflection.<br><br>Gavin had a large smile on his face as he turned to Landon and shook the man's hand.&nbsp; "Nicely done, my good man."<br><br>He turned back toward his wife.<br><br>"Love you!" he called out.<br><br>He laughed for a moment and then let his laughter die.&nbsp; He tilted his head.<br><br>"Hey, I have an idea.&nbsp; Claire, do you mind being a finish line?&nbsp; I want to race Landon in a swimming contest to you.&nbsp; I used to beat him at the campus pool, I want to prove I still can.&nbsp; Winner gets to swim with you, loser has to build the fire."<br><br>His eyes glanced toward Landon, then back toward his wife.&nbsp; "Deal?" he called to her.&nbsp; <br><br>He knew, of course, that there was no way that Landon would lose.&nbsp; Especially if he helped.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>10-03-2013, 09:02:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was still laughing when she immediately resurfaced, drenched from the unexpected dunking she'd gotten at the hands of her husband and his best friend.&nbsp; "I can't believe you guys did that to me and now you want a favor from me."&nbsp; Her chest was heaving as she caught her breath, still giggling as they swam further away from her for their race, their bodies glistening and wet in the moonlight as they came up out of the water.&nbsp; Side by side, she couldn't help but compare the men, Gavin a little taller and slimmer than Landon.&nbsp; He took care of himself, too, but he hadn't had years in the military to hone his body into a machine.<br><br>"On your mark, get set, go," she shouted to make sure they heard her over the surf, watching as they both dove into the water.&nbsp; They were neck and neck for the first stretch of the race, and then Landon pulled ahead, his hand reaching out to touch her hip, signaling his win.&nbsp; Gavin caught up only a moment later, and she pecked his lips.&nbsp; "Okay, loser has to start the fire on the beach.&nbsp; Want help?" she asked, giggling more as she saw the disgruntled look on her husband's face.<br><br>"I got it, you two enjoy the water while I head back to the beach," Gavin said, swimming away toward the shore.&nbsp; She watched him for a moment, seeing the lights she'd left on at the house in the distance, and then turned to Landon.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>15-03-2013, 07:48:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With a manufactured grunt and slightly mumbled words, Gavin accepted his "loss".&nbsp; He swam back toward the shore, away from his wife and his best friend.&nbsp; He had lost, sure.&nbsp; And it had been given that he would, yes.&nbsp; But, there was a slight part of him that stung.&nbsp; He hadn't thrown the race by much...if any, he had to admit.&nbsp; And that part kind of bothered him.<br><br>He shook it off by the time he got to the shore.&nbsp; He glanced back, but was unable to make too much out of what they were doing.&nbsp; And of course, the waves meant he couldn't hear them or any words they would say.&nbsp; Night time waters, darkness around them, water masking their words...not much else he could do to give them privacy.<br><br>Well, save do what he was supposed to.&nbsp; He started back toward the house.&nbsp; They had some wood on the back deck, just for this purpose.&nbsp; It'd take him awhile to get the fire going...but that was the point.<br><br>Right?<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>22-05-2013, 21:32:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp;Landon couldn’t help but smirk as a disgruntled Gavin reached the shore.&nbsp; He’d never been as good a swimmer as Gavin, but he’d had a lot of practice as part of his physical therapy.&nbsp; It had definitely paid off if the look on Gavin’s face was any indication.&nbsp; <br><br>When he finally turned his gaze towards Claire there was a mischievous light in his eyes, along with something else that he refused to name and that he hoped she wouldn’t notice.&nbsp; The last thing he needed was to give away the game at this point.&nbsp; Once she knew what they were planning she’d be even more resistant, and her stubbornness was enough to rival his and Gavin’s combined.&nbsp; <br><br>“Now that I have you all alone…” he said teasingly as he pulled her towards him through the water and headed out a little further into the ocean.&nbsp; It was a calm night, the tide low.&nbsp; The tug on his feet was minor when he reached a point where her feet would no longer touch the sand.&nbsp; Safe enough.&nbsp; <br><br>It gave him an excuse to keep her close, one hand on her at all times as he helped her stay afloat effortlessly.&nbsp; His mischievous smile grew, his eyes twinkling with it as he contemplated her.&nbsp; “So… does the winner get a kiss?” he asked, his dimples showing. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>29-07-2013, 02:36:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Claire laughed at Landon's outrageous question, the sound tinkling as it was carried away on the waves.&nbsp; She shook her head as if exasperated, her expression filled with fondness for the man before her.&nbsp; "A kiss, huh?"&nbsp; Flirtatiously, she smiled.&nbsp; "It wouldn't be the first time, would it."&nbsp; Back when they'd dated in college, it had been her favorite thing about him.&nbsp; Landon had been an amazing kisser.&nbsp; <br><br>She was already close to him, his hand resting on her waist, holding her afloat.&nbsp; Leaning in, she kissed his cheek.&nbsp; "There, happy now, Winner?"&nbsp; Her expression turned serious.&nbsp; "You're stronger.&nbsp; I've never seen you swim so well.&nbsp; You managed to beat Gavin, and he's part fish.&nbsp; How about we get back to where he's building the fire and you can tell us how you managed that?&nbsp; I have a bottle of wine that would be perfect for tonight."<br><br>She could see the question in his eyes and answered it.&nbsp; With anyone else, she might have clammed up, but this was Landon.&nbsp; Gavin's best friend, and truthfully probably hers too.&nbsp; "I still drink once in a while.&nbsp; Just no driving.&nbsp; Come on, let's get back to him."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>07-08-2013, 23:01:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His smile turned more serious along with her mood, her questions not unexpected, but still slightly uncomfortable which surprised him.&nbsp; His training had been rigorous to begin with, but his rehab after his injury had been even more grueling.&nbsp; Swimming had been one of the few things he could do to improve his stamina without considerable pain and he had thrown himself into it, hating the weakness he’d felt after he was finally released from his hospital bed and allowed to walk again. <br><br>Pushing his thoughts aside for the moment he allowed a touch of desire to show in his gaze as he pulled her close for a moment and stole a real kiss, her lips soft beneath his.&nbsp; He kept it short so that she did not have time to pull away on her own, but there was enough desire in the press of his body against hers that he was sure she would not mistake it for anything else.&nbsp; <br><br>“That’s a more fitting prize,” he said with a wicked grin once he let her go and turned to head towards shore.&nbsp; “Wine sounds like a good idea, better than the cheap beer I’m used to at least.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>18-08-2013, 18:22:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				To say that the kiss took Claire by surprise would have been a gross understatement.&nbsp; Landon's mouth pressed against hers, his embrace laced with hunger.&nbsp; He pulled away, talking casually as he looked back at the shore, and she felt her cheeks flush, grateful for the cover of darkness.<br><br>"Go ahead," she said to him, "I'll catch up in a minute.&nbsp; Gavin has the fire lit.&nbsp; The bottle of wine is in the chiller in the kitchen, if you could grab it."&nbsp; She needed a moment to herself, and as he swam to shore, she realized he knew her well enough to understand it.<br><br>What had happened there?&nbsp; She touched her fingers to her lips, feeling where they still tingled.&nbsp; She felt confused by Landon's actions, but even more by her reaction.&nbsp; Because she had felt it too, that spark.&nbsp; Shaking her head, she wondered what to do about it.&nbsp; Maybe she'd read too much into it, and it had been as casual as the peck on the cheek she'd given him.&nbsp; Yes, that must be it.&nbsp; It had been harmless flirting, and she'd just taken it the wrong way.<br><br>Now that she'd compartmentalized what happened into something that made sense, she was ready to join the men on the beach.&nbsp; She wouldn't keep what had happened from Gavin, of course, but surely he would understand that it was just a playful little kiss and nothing more.&nbsp; Gavin had never really been the jealous type anyway.&nbsp; He knew she loved him, and their marriage was strong.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>18-08-2013, 19:52:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Landon left her to her thoughts, fully aware that she’d need a moment to process what had happened.&nbsp; He wondered what she would think.&nbsp; Would she write it off as a figment of her imagination?&nbsp; Would she be curious, or would she be angry after she’d had time to think?&nbsp; Only time would tell, and he was secure enough in his friendship with her to be sure that he’d be able to make amends if his desire had been unwelcome.&nbsp; As long as he wasn’t deluding himself…<br><br>He brushed the water from his face when he reached the shore and jogged up to the spot Gavin had chosen.&nbsp; “She needs a minute.&nbsp; I’m going to head into the house and get a bottle of wine.&nbsp; I’ll make sure to take my time, grab a few towels.&nbsp; Don’t be surprised if she tattles on me,” he said with an amused smile for his friend.&nbsp; <br><br>He was halfway to the house when he turned back to look at Gavin, walking backwards.&nbsp; “Oh, I was curious.&nbsp; Did you let me win, or did I actually win for once?” he asked with a hint of challenge in his gaze, his competitive nature coming to the fore as he teased Gavin. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marikir</strong> on <strong>14-09-2013, 06:12:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gavin nodded to Landon as the man moved past him.&nbsp; He slipped down to a sitting position, facing the fire.&nbsp; He was waiting for Claire, but the question from Landon caused him to turn to face the other man over his own shoulder.&nbsp; <br><br>He gave a half shrug and half-smile.&nbsp; "Eh, it was close.&nbsp; I mean, I didn't start out as fast, but...well, you might have won no matter.&nbsp; I just tried to keep it from being a blowout."<br><br>He turned back to the fire and frowned slightly.&nbsp; It hadn't bothered him to think of letting Landon win.&nbsp; However, the fact that Landon hadn't needed Gavin's help had sort of surprised Gavin.&nbsp; It also surprised him how much it almost bothered him.&nbsp; He shook his head slightly.<br><br><em>No, don't start that.&nbsp; No competition, not now.&nbsp; </em><br><br>Gavin shook off the slight feeling and lay back.&nbsp; He felt the heat of the fire play across his skin as he lay there,&nbsp; it's flickering lights making shadows and shapes on the inside of his closed eyes.&nbsp; He was patient, waiting for Claire and Landon to return.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Romance In Multiple Parts [Marikir / Elina / Kyrsa]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elina</strong> on <strong>16-09-2013, 03:56:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gavin was sitting by the fire by the time Claire reached him.&nbsp; She glanced toward the house, off a little in the distance.&nbsp; The beach was isolated, dark except for twinkling stars and their fire and the lights from a few homes spread along the shoreline.&nbsp; They had a lot of privacy along this stretch, and they had paid dearly for it.<br><br>She picked up a towel and dried off, and then joined her husband, dropping down to sit on the blanket he'd spread out, facing him instead of the small fire.&nbsp; Logan was still inside, and she kissed Gavin, pecking him on the lips.&nbsp; She wasn't sure if she should say anything.&nbsp; There might not even be time before he returned with the wine.&nbsp; But she'd never kept things from her mate before, and if things were weird between her and Landon this evening, she didn't want him wondering about it.<br><br>Her stomach clenched as she glanced over at him.&nbsp; "Gavin," she said, clearing her throat.&nbsp; Her words were rushed, too much so.&nbsp; "In the water, Landon kissed me.&nbsp; It wasn't anything, not a big deal.&nbsp; I think it was just kind of a joke because he won the race.&nbsp; But I thought you should know."<br><br>The last few words trailed off, and she looked down, the fire casting shadows across her face.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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