Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Lyria on 15-05-2006, 21:35:56</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>15-05-2006, 21:35:56</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa pulled the old quilt tighter under her chin and kept her eyes closed, trying to hold on to the comfort of sleep and dreams. She could hear the birds outside beckoning her awake with their songs and the sun was gently knocking on her eyelids and warming her face. They wanted her awake and with them. <br><br>As she lay there in the warm cocoon of her bed the smell of spring lilacs on the country breeze pulled her further from dreamland. Eventually her green eyes opened and she sighed. Rolling to her back she found the very familiar ceiling and gazed up at it. She watched the reflection from the small pond outside dance above her. <br><br>She should get out of bed. She should get up, shower, get dressed, have breakfast, and sculpt. That was the plan. Of course that had been the plan everyday for the past three months. Each day she followed that routine, but froze at the exact same spot. She would head to the studio and just sit. Twice she had gotten her hands into the clay, but it was a depressing experience, leaving her more discouraged than she had been before trying. <br><br>Alyssa brushed her long red hair from her face and rested the back of her hand on her forehead. The clock had told her the alarm would go off in twenty minutes. She laughed joylessly and softly to herself. Why did she even bother with the alarm anymore? There was nowhere for her to be. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>16-05-2006, 00:13:14</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean knocked on the door to her bedroom, then pushed the door open. Carrying the tray with coffee, juice, sliced fruit, and a combination of pancakes, waffles, and french toast with bacon and sausage, he approached the side of her bed. "I ... I didn't know what you'd want," he said shyly, holding the tray up as an offering. "If there's something else, just let me know." Dean stood there, wearing only a pair of black silken boxer-shorts, awaiting her response to his sudden intrusion into her life.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>16-05-2006, 00:26:57</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa stared in shock as a man entered her bedroom. Quickly she rolled out of bed and backed into the corner in fear, her body trembling. <br><br>"Who are you...what are you doing here!?"<br><br>Realizing she was wearing nothing more than the black satin shorts and camisole she had donned before bed the night before, she reached forward quickly and grabbed the worn quilt, pulling it in front of herself. Her eyes scanned over him quickly and then to the phone on the dresser behind him. Her eyes then went back to him, wide and wary. <br><br>"What do you want? Get out of my house!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>16-05-2006, 23:33:31</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Carefully, Dean sat the tray down on the corner of the bed. "it's okay," he said. "I'm not here to hurt you. Here." Dean took a card from the table and held it out to Alyssa. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>16-05-2006, 23:39:59</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa looked at the cared at first like it was a poisonous snake. Her green eyes darted from it, back to his sea colored ones, and back to the card as she trembled in the corner. Finally she reached out a hand warily and grabbed it quickly, yanking it back. Her eyes stayed on the strange man most of the time, eventually glancing down quickly to read the card, feeling trapped. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>16-05-2006, 23:50:04</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;<em>"Please accept this small token of gratitude for all the pleasure your work has provided me over the years,"</em> the card read. <em>"I was saddened to hear of your recent trauma, and can only hope that this may, in some way, enable you to recover both more quickly and more enjoyably."</em> The card was signed, simply, <em>A devoted fan.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>17-05-2006, 00:06:32</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Okay, um, thank you for breakfast, I appreciate you being a fan and all, but....but.... you can go now...please...."<br><br>Alyssa never considered this man might have been sent by a fan, just assumed he was the fan. She did see in his eyes a look that didn't seem to indicate any violence...but you could never tell. Pulling the quilt higher she bit her lip and scanned the room anyway, but didn't see anything she could use as a weapon. <br><br>Having the trauma brought up again made a lump grow in her stomach, and a clench of fear settle around her throat. The trauma was never far from the front of her mind, but most of the time she was able to push it back to the shadows. Now that it was back, her eyes teared and she whispred. <br><br>"Would you please just leave...I...I..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>17-05-2006, 00:33:44</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"I can't," Dean said. "I'm supposed to stay with you as long as you need me, and ...." His voice trailed off and he shrugged. "You seem to need me. If the breakfast is okay, I'll go ahead and leave you to eat. I've got some chores I need to do downstairs. Is it okay?" The look on his face was almost pathetically eager for Alyssa's approval ... the expression of a child showing his mother the picture of her he'd drawn in first grade that day.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>17-05-2006, 01:07:44</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa just listened a little dumbfounded. Need him? For what? After a long moment she gave him a dazed nod and forced a smile to her lips.<br><br>"Yes, the breakfast is fine...and yes, you may go downstairs and do...chores. Thank you."<br><br>She waited for him to place the tray down and leave, and then hurried to the phone. She picked it up and pressed 9-1-...but hesitated before the last 1. He had seemed so...eager. And kind. Even though he had scared the shit out of her, he hadn't seemed to want to hurt her...yet. <br><br>With a sigh she hung up the phone and looked at the door as if she could see him through it. Maybe she could just talk him into leaving. There was no real harm done yet....right? <br><br>Alyssa looked at the tray. It all looked wonderful, there were even flowers, but what if it was poisoned or something? That sounded dramatic to her own ears, but...he had shown up unexpectedly in her house almost naked. she decided she better skip the food, as wonderful as it smelled and as hungry as it made her. Instead she pulled on an old faded pair of jeans and a white tank top. She pulled a plaid shirt on and tied it at the waist, and headed downstairs, taking the phone with her. <br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>17-05-2006, 23:55:41</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean hummed lightly as he moved around the kitchen, cleaning the breakfast dishes, as well as the ones Alyssa'd had sitting in the sink. Once he'd come back downstairs, he'd walked around the downstairs, gathering the trash, which he took out into the garage, placing it beside the garage door to take outside on the next trash day. Now, with a frilly pink apron tied around his waist, he scrubbed at the dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. When he heard Alyssa come downstairs, he turned to face her. "I'll be done with the dishes in just a moment," Dean said. "Then you can tell me what you want me to do next."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>17-05-2006, 23:59:13</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa watched him in stunned silence again. She hated doing the dishes...maybe she would let him finish before...No. That wouldn't be right. <br><br>"Hey, um...whoever you are. Can you stop a second? I think you should just go. I appreciate all this but..."<br><br>She shrugged her shoulders, a little exapserated. She felt in her gut he really didn't want to hurt her, but this was all a little strange. She shook her head her, red hair shining as the sunlight hit it throught the window. <br><br>"...but you really don't have to do this."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>18-05-2006, 03:12:54</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Well yes I do," Dean said, turning to face her. If he felt any embarassement over the apron, he didn't show it. "O, and I'm sorry; I'm Dean." He held his hand out to her, smiling easily.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>18-05-2006, 04:25:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa looked at his hand warily, and then reached out and took it, shaking it. <br><br>"Dean, right...okay...um...would you mind explaining to me <em>why</em> you think you have to do this?"<br><br>Her eyes ran over him briefly, head to toe...it wasn't a bad sight, just...not one she solicited. <br><br>"But first...can you put some pants on please?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>18-05-2006, 17:15:47</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean looked down, then back up at Alyssa, his eyes wide. "You don't like this?" he asked mournfully. "I tried so hard to dress in something you'd like ...." His voice trailed off and he turned away, his shoulders hitching slightly. "I'll go change," he mumbled, starting to walk away from Alyssa. "I'm sorry."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>18-05-2006, 19:00:20</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Stop."<br><br>The command came out naturally, suprising even Alyssa. She sighed. <br><br>"You think I would like a man showing up in my house unexpected half nude? At first I thought you were going to rape and kill me. You should have at least shown up in clothes at first."<br><br>She got annoyed with his posture. He was...wilting.<br><br>"And stand up straight like a man. You are far to attractive to be slumping."<br><br>Where had that come from. Sure, he was attractive, but it had nothing to do with the situation. Alyssa sighed and sat down heavily at the wooden breakfast table in the kitchen, rubbing her temples. <br><br>"I'm sorry... just... just go put some pants on and then come back so we can talk about this."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>18-05-2006, 21:37:33</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Yes ma'am," Dean said, suddenly smiling. "A-are my jeans okay? It's just that's all I brought inside, but I can go get my bag out of the car if you'd rather I wear something else."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>18-05-2006, 21:52:51</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She laughed softly and shook her head in exasperation as he asked what he was supposed to wear. What the hell was his game?<br><br>"Yes, your jeans are fine." <br><br>Having a very strange and sudden flash of power, she continued. <br><br>"And bring me a glass of ice tea before you sit as well. And have something to drink if you want."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>19-05-2006, 01:22:48</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Yes ma'am," Dean said, again with that strange sense of happiness. He moved to the coffe-maker and poured hot water in the top, added tea bags, then moved to get a pitcher from beneath the cabinet. Dean filled it with ice and placed it inside Alyssa's refrigerator, then walked into the living room. He leaned down, keeping his knees locked (and thus giving Alyssa a perfect view of his butt, should she choose to look) and picked up a pair of jeans, which he then slid into. Dean walked back into the kitchen, his jeans half-unbuttoned, and stood, humming softly, as he waited for the tea to finish.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>19-05-2006, 01:34:26</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa sighed. If she had realized the tea was gone she would have just asked for water. But screw it, if he was willing to make it...then let him. She didn't watch him go to the living room, but as he did she thought about something he said. She called to him from her place in the kitchen. <br><br>"What do you mean your bag is in the car... why do you need a bag...."<br><br>Was he really under some sort of delusion he would be <em>staying</em>?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>19-05-2006, 01:46:15</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Well, I didn't think you'd want me to wear the boxers all the time," Dean said, leaning easily against the kitchen cabinet, as if he belonged there. "Tho' if you do it's okay, of course." He looked at her slightly anxiously. "I want to please you you know." Once the tea was finished, Dean turned the coffee-pot off and opened the refrigerator, taking the pitcher back out. He poured some lemon over the ice, then added the tea, pouring it slowly, and letting it work its way down. Once the pitcher was full, Dean reached up into the cabinet and took out a glass. He took ice from the freezer and put it in the glass, then poured the tea from the pitcher. Turning to face Alyssa, Dean handed her the glass. "Is it okay?" he asked hopefully.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>19-05-2006, 03:24:29</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She looked at him strangely without taking a drink. He wanted to please her...why? She knew what the card said, and while she had read the words, they hadn't really sunk in.&nbsp; <br><br>"It's fine. Sit."<br><br>Whether he sat or not she paused to drink the tea. Unable to resist she smiled. <br><br>"It is very good, thank you. Now...Dean was it? Please explain to me carefully and in good detail who you are, why you are here, why you made me breakfast and brought me daisies and and why I shouldn't call the cops and have you arressted for breaking and entering."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>19-05-2006, 19:17:12</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;When she told him to sit, Dean immediately sank to the floor, crossing his legs beneath him as he did so. He moved with the fluid grace of a ballet dancer, his movements easy and light. "The note was supposed to explain everything," he said. "I'm supposed to stay here with you and take care of you and help you and do whatever you need until you're better again." Dean shrugged. "And I thought you should probably eat breakfast ... they say it's the most important meal of the day." He frowned slightly, and mumbled, "And besides, they weren't daisies either ..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>19-05-2006, 20:41:02</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She looked at him, dumbfounded once again as he sat on the floor like a dog. <br><br>"Would you <em>get up </em> and sit in a chair like a human being please?"<br><br>Alyssa was losing her patience a little, and then lied through her teeth. <br><br>"What do you mean by better? I'm fine. I had a little bit of a rough time, but I'm fine now."<br><br>Anne was anything but fine, but wasn't going to admit that to anyone but her therapist, and she stopped seeing her awhile ago.<br><br>"Yes, okay, right, um...sunflowers and lilies...not daisies...but that's beside the point...who sent you?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>19-05-2006, 22:38:30</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean stood instantly and moved to sit in a chair. He smiled slightly as Alyssa said she was fine, shaking his head. "No you're not," Dean said quietly. "And I'm not supposed to tell you who ... whose idea it is."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>20-05-2006, 09:18:54</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Okay, so you don't want to tell me who...can you tell me why you would want to do this? I mean, don't you have a life, a family, somewhere else to be? How long exactly were you planning on staying. And don't say as long as I need you..."<br><br>Alyssa was just a little overwhelmed and bewildered by Dean's presence. She no longer thought there was any ill intent at all, but she didn't understand why he was there. On an intellectual level she grasped the concept that he was supposed to do what she said, meet her needs, until she was 'fine'. And it was curious to her that he would do everything she said...very literally...and yet still voice his opinion that she wasn't actually fine. <br><br>"...what if I'm never fine. How long then? Until you are old and grey?"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>20-05-2006, 21:38:39</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"I'm not supposed to tell you who," Dean said. "That's one of the rules. And I mean ... I go where I'm paid to go." He shrugged slightly. "It does help that you're ...." His voice trailed off and he gestured at her. "Well ... you know, but I mean ... if you were some hideous-looking woman who smelled funny, it wouldn't matter if I was paid to help you." Dean grinned wickedly. "Lucky for me you're not."<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean pursed his lips a moment, thinking, then said, "And you will be fine, eventually. I'm very good at what I do, trust me." Again he grinned wickedly, this time adding a saucy wink. "Now, if you're not going to eat, it's time to get to the next thing on the list."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>20-05-2006, 21:50:08</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>I'm very good at what I do</em>...what exactly did that mean? And he was paid to be here. So that's why he was doing this, someone was paying him...well that at least made some sense as to why he was acting the way he was. Poeple would do about anything for money. And lucky for him she was 'you know'. But that still didn't answer who had sent him. Could be her agent she supposed...he was quite upset she wasn't producing any work. <br><br>Alyssa actually looked a little guilty when he commented on her not eating. <br><br>"I'm sorry about that...I....just look at it from my point of view. I had no idea who you were or why you were here...hell, I still barely know. But from what I have gatheres is someone thinks I am having a rough time, and they paid you to come help me, for however long it takes."<br><br>She shook her head and sighed. <br><br>"Very weird....okay Dean, what is next on your list?"<br><br>Alyssa was telling herself she wasn't going to let him stay for more than the afternoon...but she was kind of curious what was next. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>20-05-2006, 22:07:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean smiled sunnily at her, hopping up from his chair and walking around to Alyssa. He bent down and before she could protest, Dean picked her up easily.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>20-05-2006, 23:55:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa's green eyes widened when he scooped her up and her hands reflexively went around her neck. <br><br>"What are you doing?!"<br><br>She didn't kick as she didn't want him to drop her, and...his arms were very nice and strong, there were worst thing then having him carry her...depending on where he was taking her and what for. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>21-05-2006, 21:12:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Taking you upstairs," Dean said, carrying Alyssa easily up the stairs and into her bathroom. As Alyssa made a nice income from her sculpting, the bathroom was lavishly designed. The tub itself was large ... approximately nine feet long, four feet wide, and three feet deep, with jacuzzi-style jets in the sides and shower attachments at both ends. On the other end of the room was both a normal commode and a bidet, with a double sink along the side wall. The room was done in dark oak, with gold accents. Dean carefully set Alyssa down on the edge of the tub, then leaned over her to turn on the faucet. "Now, you get undressed while I get things ready for you," he said, turning away to leave the bathroom.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>21-05-2006, 21:25:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa's mouth dropped open at his audacity, simply too stunned to reply as he left. He wanted her to get undressed while he made her bath. Was he crazy? <br><br>Or was she? Because a part of her was liking being taken care of, and having someone who would sit the moment she commanded it, or put pants on when she said, or make tea just because she wanted a glass. But wasn't it wrong? Maybe not...he was being paid after all, and he really seemed to want to do it. And he wasn't a bad accessory to have around the house....<br><br>No, this was insane. But...maybe one bubble bath wouldn't hurt...but he was a strange man she didn't even know. <br><br>Finally Alyssa decided what the hell. For one day she would just take it. Quickly she removed her clothes and donned the satiny robe on the back of the bathroom door. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>21-05-2006, 21:39:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;When Dean walked back in, carrying a small bag, he smiled at her. Opening the bag, he took out a small glass vial and dumped the contents into the water. Immediately, the scent of peaches wafted thru the bathroom. Dean placed the bottle back inside his bag, then took out some large candles. Dean placed them around the room and pulled a lighter from the bag, which he used to light the candles. <br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;The last thing Dean took from the bag was a small CD player, which he turned on. The soft sounds of Enya filled the bath, as Dean stood and closed the bathroom door. He turned off the light, leaving them lit only by the candles. Dean moved to check the tub, then turned the water off. The bubbles were brushing the top edge of the tub, and he turned to Alyssa and said, "You can get in now ... the water should be perfect."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>21-05-2006, 21:45:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa closed her eyes and inhaled the peach scent, her favorite. The whole atmosphere was very relaxing. Even Dean's presence was now relaxing, even though it shouldn't be. She should be pushing this strange man out of her house...but it was kind of nice to have him here. <br><br>When he told her to get in the tub she just looked at him.<br><br>"Are you going to leave? Or give me some privacy?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>21-05-2006, 22:03:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"I can't very well wash you if I leave, now can I?" Dean asked. "But if you're too shy, I understand." Standing there, he closed his eyes, waiting for Alyssa to remove the robe and get in the tub.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>22-05-2006, 08:11:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa laughed. <br><br>"You expect me to let a stranger bathe me?"<br><br>Her laughter died away, and her green eyes scanned over him. Yes, he really did expect that. <br><br>"But...."<br><br>Did she trust him? Yes, for some strange reason she did. But this was completely innapropriate. He was basically acting like a servant, or a slave. People just didn't do that in this day and age, did they? But he was so eager... When she spoke again her voice was more gentle than it had been, and more curious.<br><br>"Is this what you really want to do? Serve me? Sit on the floor if I say sit...do as I command without question?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>22-05-2006, 23:19:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"There are limits, of course," Dean said, stepping towards Alyssa in the darkened bathroom. "But serve you? Yes, I want to do that ...." He reached out to the tie of her bathrobe and began to undo it slowly, looking into her eyes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>22-05-2006, 23:31:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa was held for a moment by his interesting eye, just looking in them somewhat curiously. She had never met anyone like Dean. Then suddenly she snapped to a realization of what he was doing, and grabbed the robe and stepped back, her butt hitting the sink. <br><br>"What are you doing?"<br><br>Alyssa had choices. She could tell him to leave the bathroom, or she could tell him to turn around, or she could tell him to go do some other task, and he would do almost anything. This was about what she wanted...wasn't it? And what did she really want? <br><br>"Turn around."<br><br>Well she hadn't expected it to be that. She would get in the tub under the saftey of the bubbles, and decide from there. It was simpley too nice of a bath to resist. <br><br>If he turned around she would slip off her robe and quickly sink into the water. If he didn't, she would wait, holding her robe tightly around herself. Either way, she wasn't prepared yet to let him bathe her. One step at a time. Company might be nice though. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>23-05-2006, 19:01:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Smiling slightly, tho' it wouldn't be noticeable in the candle-lit room, Dean turned around. When he heard the sound of Alyssa's body sliding into the tub, he slowly turned back around, giving her plenty of time to get situated. After a minute, Dean walked over to kneel beside the tub. Between the darkness and the bubbles, he couldn't see more of Alyssa than her arms and her neck and head. Dean reached into the small bag he'd dropped beside the tub and pulled out a loofa sponge, which he started to dip in the hot bathwater.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>23-05-2006, 20:54:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				If someone had told Alyssa that she would wake up today to an attractive stranger in boxers in her house, and that not only would she not call the police, but she would let him bathe her, she would have checked them into a mental hospital. And yet here she was, nude in a bubble-bath drawn by Dean, the heat of the water turning her fair skin pink, and him wetting a loofah sponge. <br><br>Should she let him bathe her? The thought was appealing in a way, and not really a sexual one, just...it was nice to be doted on. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to let him do her arms and back...and maybe her legs. He really couldn't see anything, and if she were getting a massage from him at a salon he would be able to touch those places and she would think nothing of it. For now she would let him proceed. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>23-05-2006, 23:18:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Once the sponge was wet enough, Dean leaned forward more, letting the bubbles wet his chest. He slid his hands into the water, searching for Alyssa's leg. Once he found it, he lifted it up out of the water, and began running the sponge along the bottom of her foot, then back over the top. Dean then slid his hands higher, washing up Alyssa's calf to her knee. He cleaned Alyssa knee thoroughly, before repeating the treatment on the the other foot.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>23-05-2006, 23:46:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa tensed when he reached in the water, asking herself what the hell she was doing by letting him reach into the tub. But there was something about Dean that was non-threatening.&nbsp; She knew from the way he had lifted her and carried her that he was strong enough to easily ovepower her if he wished, but she was confident he wouldn't. <br><br>He pulled her shapely leg out of the water, and she shivered. The air was cool against it, but the shiver came from the way he held it. As the loofah ran over her skin she leaned back in the tub, closing her eyes. It was a heavenly feeling. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>24-05-2006, 19:22:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Without warning, Dean leaned forward, sliding his hands higher on Alyssa's thigh, and placed his lips against the inside of her knee, kissing her and briefly touching his tongue to her skin. Before she could pull away, he repeated the treatment on the other knee, then sat back, allowing her legs to slide back beneath the bubbles. "I'm sorry," he said. "I just had to taste you." There was a naughty-little-boy look on his face as Dean knelt beside the tub.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>24-05-2006, 20:01:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa was completely stunned once again at his actions. Her mouth dropped open and she gasped, her fair skin flushing as she stifled a small moan. When he had finished the second knee she quickly pulled her legs back under the water, hugging her knees to her chest. She was completely flustered. And she stammered out a response. <br><br>"Why would you...how could...that was very forward."<br><br>She wasn't as upset with him as she was with herself and the reaction his lips and tongue on her skin had had. Her heart was pounding and she was grateful for the bubbles that hid what his attentions had done to her nipples. As an extra measure she crossed her arms in front of her chest. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>24-05-2006, 20:48:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"O I know ...." Dean's voice trailed off, sounding anything but sorry. He moved to his left and said, "Slide forward a little ... let me get your back, okay?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>24-05-2006, 22:37:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa laughed in surprise. <br><br>"You think I'm going to let you wash my back now? After that?"<br><br>She just looked at him and laughed some more. <br><br>"What the hell, the day couldn't get any weirder, could it?"<br><br>She moved forward, shaking her head. Alyssa hoped he couldn't tell how he had affected her. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>24-05-2006, 23:38:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Grinning, glad Alyssa couldn't see his expression, Dean leaned forward and began scrubbing her back with the sponge. He held her hair up with one hand and rubbed the loofa on the back of her neck, and around on either side before moving it back down her back again. "Kneel up," Dean said. "I need to get your lower back."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>25-05-2006, 13:25:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa was glad Dean couldn't see her expression. She wasn't sure she was hiding how much she liked being bathed by him very well. His touch was firm and business like, but not cold. It was kind of nice to have someone pay this kind of attention to her, even if he was paid to do it. That almost made it easier actually. <br><br>At his request she pulled her legs back and folded them under her. Eventually she worked her way to a kneeling position. It was done a little clumsily since she wouldn't move her arms away from her chest. <br><br>Feeling the need to break any close moments that might arise, Alyssa attempted to talk to Dean. <br><br>"Where are you from?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>25-05-2006, 17:13:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Around," Dean said, as he lowered the loofa to wash Alyssa's lower back. Thru the water, he had a fairly good, if somewhat ripply, view of her bottom. Once Alyssa's lower back had been scrubbed, Dean casually slid the sponge down and across Alyssa's backside, being careful to keep the contact as non-sexual as he could. "I was born in New York," he said, "if that helps any."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>25-05-2006, 17:25:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The touch may have been non-sexual, but Alyssa shot forward through the water as if she had be hit with a hot poker. A large splash of water lept out of the tub to the floor. She spun as she moved, ending up sitting on her butt and facing him, bright red in the face, making her green eye leap out from her face in the contrast. <br><br>"That was not acceptable. No touching like that..."<br><br>She was shaking a little, but not from fear. It was more from the fact that for a split second before pulling away she had started to move into his touch. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>25-05-2006, 17:29:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean tilted his head, glad that Alyssa couldn't see the smile on his face. "But I have to get you clean," he said, almost plaintively. Dean moved to get a towel and began mopping up the water that had spilled out when Alyssa jumped away.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>25-05-2006, 22:04:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"M-my arms aren't broken, and I took a shower last night...I'm clean, and I could wash myself."<br><br>She watched as his lean form got a towel and crouched down to clean up the water. He was definitily attractive, just...she wasn't the type to let men touch her like that...ever. At least not yet in her life....<br><br>"I...I think the bath is done. If you could turn around I'd like to get out now."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>26-05-2006, 03:27:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"But I haven't washed your hair yet," Dean said, finishing mopping the water up. He placed the towel to one side, and turned back to her. "Not to mention the rest of you ...."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>26-05-2006, 16:25:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No, um, you are not washing the rest of me, and I am not letting you wash my hair, that's just...just too close, okay?"<br><br>It suddenly occured to Alyssa how he had plopped to the floor in the kitchen when she had told him to sit. Was it that simple? With a deep breath her green eyes fell on him. He had already cleaned up the water. <br><br>"Turn around."<br><br>She almost added please, but somehow please made it more of a question than a command, so she left it off. Alyssa knew she could have commanded him to completely leave the room, but for some reason hadn't. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>27-05-2006, 22:38:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"You know," Dean said, as he turned his back to Alyssa, "this could be a lot more fun if you'd just let it." He waited patiently, listening to her get out of the tub. Without being asked, Dean reached for a towel and held it behind it, waiting for Alyssa to take it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>27-05-2006, 23:34:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa accepted the towel and wrapped it around herself quickly. <br><br>"I don't have that type of fun with men I barely know."<br><br>Of course she assumed he was talking sexually, whether he was or not. But the real truth of the matter was that while she had messed around some, she had never let a man have....complete fun. <br><br>She brushed past him out of the bathroom and into the bedroom, opening her closet to get something else to wear. Her skin burned in embarassment and uneasiness. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>28-05-2006, 01:05:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean followed Alyssa, padding quietly behind her in his bare feet. He wrapped his arms around her belly and pressed himself to her. "Then get to know me," Dean whispered softly, his lips brushing Alyssa's ear.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>28-05-2006, 02:04:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His lips on her ear and his embrace took her completely by surprise. For the briefest moment she sunk into it, her soft red hair brushing his face, her green eyes fluttering closed....then as quickly as she had given in she sprung forward and out of his arms, spinning to face him, her eyes blazing. <br><br>"How dare you!" <br><br>She shook her head, stunned at his forwardness. <br><br>"Go downstairs, and wait for me there, now!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>28-05-2006, 22:46:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean sighed and shook his head, but did as Alyssa ordered. Once downstairs he moved around the room, cleaning things and putting them away until he heard her feet on the stairs. Turning to face her, Dean slid his hands in the back pockets of his jeans and stood there, waiting for her to speak.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>28-05-2006, 22:54:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa had quickly pulled on jeans and a black t-shirt, her hands shaking. She was in such a state she didn't bother with a bra or panties, she just wanted to get downstairs and get him out of her house....or something. She left the bedroom, slamming the door. She was upset...not only with Dean, but with herself, but unfortunately he was going to be the focus. She practically ran down the stairs. <br><br>Seeing him standing there with his hands in his pockets so casually had two different effects on her. First, she was reminded again how subtly good looking he was. Second, she was even more infuriated that he was so...casual...about the whole thing. <br><br>Alyssa stood in front of him with her arms crossed in front of her chest her eyes blazing. <br><br>"You have no right to come into my house as a stranger and touch me like that!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>28-05-2006, 23:19:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"You mean to hug you?" Dean asked, not in the least cowed by Alyssa's apparent anger.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>29-05-2006, 02:44:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa was getting frustrated with him, and stumbled over her words. <br><br>"It wasn't just a hug. It was a hug while I was in a towel with your ears on my lips. And even then, I. Don't. Know. You."<br><br>She threw her hands up a little and then rest them on her hips. She had never been a particularly patient person. <br><br>"You told me to get to know you, but didn't give me a chance before getting so close. I can't handle that."<br><br>Alyssa had intended on really calling the police this time, but...didn't. She wasn't sure why, and wanted to walk over and grab the phone, or at the very least tell Dean to leave. Why didn't she tell him to leave again. Just get the hell out. <br><br>She didn't want him too. <br><br>The admission to herself slapped her across the face. She liked having him here, and that bothered her. It bothered her more than his actual presence. She sighed and walked out front to the porch swing. She sat down heavily and put her face in her hand. What the hell was wrong with her. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>30-05-2006, 22:33:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean followed Alyssa outside to the swing. Carefully, he sat down on the opposite end from her. Gently, he pushed with his toes and made the swing start. "I was born in New York City," he said after a moment. "I have one sister ... she's two years younger. Our parents died when we were in high school. She still lives in New York .... I was married, but I'm not now. I never had kids, so far as I know. I like dogs better than cats, Coke better than Pepsi, and Elvis better than the Beatles."<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean turned to face her, his eyes a deep, clear grey. "And I won't hurt you Alyssa. I'd never do that ... you have to believe me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>30-05-2006, 22:55:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa turned her head to him as he started speaking. She sighed softly and just listened, appreciating the apparent motive of trying to help her feel as if she knew him. But it wasn't that simple...was it? When he said he'd never hurt her, she looked down. It wasn't about being hurt, was it? She looked back at him again, her voice soft and curious. <br><br>"Why do you do this? This job... I mean, that's what it is, right? You are being paid..."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>31-05-2006, 00:33:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean smiled softly. "Well ... how else would I ever get the chance to meet someone as famous as you?" he asked.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>31-05-2006, 02:28:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa gave him a one syllable dry laugh. "So is that what this is about? You are wowed by my fame?" <br><br>She shook her head and looked off into the distance. That seemed so... superficial, but she supposed it made the most sense. Her eyes turned back to his. "So how much are you getting paid anyway." She had no idea if he would answer, but she asked it just in case he would. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>31-05-2006, 21:46:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"The beauty of your smile is more than reward enough for me," Dean said, smiling wickedly. He slid next to Alyssa on the swing and began trying to toy with the back of her neck.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>31-05-2006, 22:18:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Uh-huh..." She didn't buy that answer for a second, but she didn't press the issue. It was the first time anything he said sounded like a line, and she was vaguely dissapointed. The dissapointment came as a bit of a surprise to her. Why should she care how sincerely he wanted to be here...he was getting paid to 'help' her, and nothing would change that. <br><br>She felt his fingers on the back of her neck, and for now let them linger. She smiled softly at him, remembering the tray. "Why sunflowers and lilies?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>01-06-2006, 01:04:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean smiled so suddenly that it was almost as if he'd been transformed. "You <em>did</em> notice," he said happily. "I didn't think you had, or if you did that you cared, and I went to so much trouble to get them just right ... they're hard to find around here, you know." He shrugged suddenly, getting that "little-boy-anxious-to-please" look again. "I ... I mean ... you did like them, right?" Dean's voice was suddenly nervous, not at all the cocky seducer he'd been moments ago.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>01-06-2006, 01:15:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa's brow furrowed in deeper curiosity, but her smile widened. He seemed so excited and please. She crossed her legs towards him and turned her torso to face him better. <br><br>"Yes, I noticed them, they were beautiful...but I was very concerned about an almost naked man in my house at the time."<br><br>She cocked her head, trying to figure him out. <br><br>"You never said 'why' those flowers."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>01-06-2006, 16:56:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean smiled shyly, looking down. "It's ...." His voice trailed off before he looked back up at her. "It's a special combination," Dean said. "Sunflowers and lillies ... I call them 'sillies' ... 'cos they're all mixed up ... kind of like me." He grinned slightly, but somehow it didn't seem to reach his eyes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>01-06-2006, 22:07:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa furrowed her brow in a combination of curiosity and defensiveness. The corniness of the term wasn't lost on her. It was kind of cute, but kind of...she wasn't sure what the word was. And she noticed how his eyes had deadened. <br><br>"You're mixed up how?."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>02-06-2006, 03:10:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Nothing," Dean said, standing up suddenly. "It was just a joke. Don't worry about it." He held his hand out to her. "Anyway, it's time for your massage. Let's go."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>02-06-2006, 05:08:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa didn't budge, and her voice was a little cold. "No, it wasn't a joke. Part of what makes me a good sculptor..." <em>when I was one</em> "...is my ability to see details and more than just what is presented. I'm not moving until you sit down and talk with me. I'm not letting someone touch me who says they are mixed up and then blows it off."<br><br>Her voice softened some, having a touch of sympathy for him. "We're all a little mixed up in one way or another."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>02-06-2006, 23:49:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"You're a good sculptor?" Dean asked. "I don't believe it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>04-06-2006, 18:07:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa caught the half-teasing, half-challenging quality to his voice, and she smirked softly. "I didn't get famous, as you put it, for my cooking."<br><br>But she did not move. She wasn't through talking with him, whether he had tried to tease his way out of the subject or not. "Dean...you don't have to tell me why you think you are mixed up, but I am not letting you give me a massage yet. In the bedroom you told me to get to know you, and I'm trying...but you're not making it easy at all."<br><br>Alyssa wondered why she wanted to get to know him. It would be so much easier to just send him on his way, or to take the massage. She'd had a professional massage once and loved it, and could tell Dean would never hurt her...but she wanted a friend. She needed a friend much more than a massage.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>04-06-2006, 21:16:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Well I was thinking this might be one way of getting to know each other," Dean said, his tone changing from teasing to seductive. "And fine, if you don't want your massage, what would you like to do?" He lay down, pressing his head into Alyssa's lap and looking up at her. "Consider my body yours to do with as you will ...."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>05-06-2006, 00:25:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His head in her lap and his suggestion she use his body made her very uncomfortable. Alyssa promptly stood up and moved to lean against a post to the porch, crossing her arms in front of her chest, wishing she'd taken time to put on a bra. She avoided eye contact with Dean. "I want to get to know you, not your hands. I want to...to talk."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>08-06-2006, 16:43:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Talk huh?" Dean asked from his position on the porch, where he'd rolled gracefully when Alyssa stood up. "What would you like to discuss? I can speak on the subjects on baseball, country music, classic rock &amp; roll, the theatre, movies, fictional novels, religion, and politics. You may take your choice." He grinned up at her. "And, for your added enjoyment (since you won't let me give you your massage), what say while we talk I give you a pedicure? I mean, your toes are quite lovely as they are, but it might be nice, no?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>08-06-2006, 18:13:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa sighed softly and looked at him for a long moment. He didn't seem to understand that she wanted to get to know<em> him</em>. She didn't want to talk about books or rock and roll...although by talking about those things she would learn what he liked and disliked, but...it wasn't what she had meant. <br><br>At the offer of a pedicure she threw her hands up in the air. Again with the physical stuff. But honestly a pedicure didn't sound too infringing. "Fine. A pedicure...yeah, that would be okay. Nice even." <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>10-06-2006, 19:30:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Okay!" Dean jumped up, again with that giddy, schoolboy look, and held out his hand to Alyssa. "Come on in, my stuff's in the bag. Or would you rather do it out here?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>10-06-2006, 19:52:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa almost laughed at his childish enthusiasm, but suppressed it. At his question she shrugged her shoulders and uncrossed her arms, stuffing her hands in her back pockets.&nbsp; "Either is fine...it is nice out here though, the breeze is cool, and I can smell the lilacs...but if it's easier inside, that's okay too. Whatever works best." <br><br>She gave him a lopsided smile, her head tilting and her green eyes glinting. “I don’t suppose you do manicures too?” &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>10-06-2006, 19:56:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean grinned, and in his best porn-actor voice, he said, "I'm full service baby." He held the lecherous look on his face for as long as he could ... all of about fifteen seconds, before losing it and laughing. "Okay," Dean said. "Why don't we go inside so we can be comfortable, and I'll open a window so you can smell the flowers, okay?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>11-06-2006, 07:32:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa just watched his antics curiously. He was like a child that had missed his ADD medication. Much of it she thought must be an act, and she wondered what part of him she saw was the real part. But he did seem very happy to be doing her nails, so she walked inside the house. <br><br>She decided to sit in a comfortable side chair. There was an end table and matching chair right next to it, so Dean would have somewhere to put his things. He had things. He had pedicure and manicure things. That seemed odd to her, but she wasn't going to question it. Hopefully he knew what he was doing.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>14-06-2006, 16:28:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean sat his tools out as carefully as a surgeon preparing for a brain transplant. He noticed Alyssa looking at him oddly and he shrugged. "A good worker always takes care of his tools," Dean said. "I'd hate to have one of them get messed up and hurt you." Dean's moodshifts seemed almost instantaneous; where before he'd been an eager child, now he was very much the calm, professional. Dean reached for Alyssa's left foot, holding it carefully, and just letting his fingers move slightly over her skin, getting used to the feel of her. After a moment, he stretched his hand out to the end table, and picked up his first implement.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>14-06-2006, 16:48:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He had already filled the pan with hot soapy water and soaked her feet, then gently dried them. Alyssa knew that was necessary to soften the cuticles. She sat quietly, as he picked up her small foot. He seemed to just be holding it, and she almost said something, but then he reached for the orange stick and started pushing back the cuticles. His touch was expert and skilled, and she tilted her head curiously as she watched him. "Where did you learn to do this?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>15-06-2006, 01:36:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean glanced up at Alyssa, frowning slightly. "Shh," he said, waving the stick at her mock-threateningly. "Don't interrupt a professional when he's working." Dean continued the pedicure, finishing off with a bright red bottle of nail polish, which he carefully painted onto Alyssa's nails. "There," Dean said, as he softly blew on Alyssa's toes. "That looks good, doesn't it?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>15-06-2006, 16:30:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa relaxed and let him finish his work in silence. He was very good, and she actually found herself enjoying it. When he finished and made his comment, she held up her graceful feet and looked at them. She smiled warmly. "Yes, actually they are damn nice, one of the best I've ever had. Thank you Dean."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>15-06-2006, 16:57:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean dipped his head slightly in acknowledgement, then grasped one of Alyssa's feet in his hands and begin to softly massage it. "The first of many such services, I hope," he said, smiling slightly, before lowering his head to briefly kiss Alyssa's toes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>16-06-2006, 18:05:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He may as well have touched her toes with a hot poker as with his lips the way she jerked them back away from him. Her eyes blazed with shock and anger. "What the hell do you think you are doing? You don't just go around kissing people's toes that you hardly know!"<br><br>Alyssa might not have been nearly upset if she hadn't been horrified by the sense of pleasure and warmth she got from him kissing the tips of her toes. It just wasn't right to let a man you've only known a few hours do that kind of thing. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>22-06-2006, 16:29:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=5494.msg206020#msg206020">Quote from: Lyria on 16-06-2006, 18:05:17</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">He may as well have touched her toes with a hot poker as with his lips the way she jerked them back away from him. Her eyes blazed with shock and anger. "What the hell do you think you are doing? You don't just go around kissing people's toes that you hardly know!"<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>*** "O, I know you," Dean said, sitting back on his haunches comfortably. "Born in Bode, IA, November 29, 1978. Attended Barnard College in New York, The Corcoran Gallery in DC and The Art Student’s League, also in New York. First group exhibition was the Guild Hall Member Show in East Hampton, New York, in 1980.&nbsp; First solo exhibition in 2002 at The Elaine Benson Gallery in Bridgehampton, New York; terra-cotta aminals, if I recall correctly. Contributions to public collections include the Guild Hall in East Hampton, Lee's Junior College in Jackson, Kentucky, and the New York Public Library. You've also contributed to a corporate collection at Belmont International (like that one, I must say). What private collections are composed of your work isn't known, but is rumoured to include Donald Trump, Michael Ovitz, and Rudy Guiliani. You've done both painting and sculpture, tho' your paintings are less well-known. Until late last year, you were rumoured to be dating Eddie Spears, an actor known for his promising portrayals of Native Americans, but then you announced that you were taking a year's sabbatical to "relax from your demanding artistic career" or some such." Dean smirked slightly. "Did I leave anything out?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>23-06-2006, 01:55:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Dean went on Alyssa stood and crossed her arms in front of her chest. She looked down at him and slowly backed away. "What kind of stalker are you...why do you know so much about me..." &nbsp;<br><br>Alyssa's shoulders tensed, and she looked very uncomfortable. She hadn't been fearful since she frist saw Dean, but now...now she was wondering if she should be. She still didn't feel fearful yet, but thought maybe she was being incredibly stupid for not. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>23-06-2006, 16:31:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"I'm not a stalker," Dean said, still staying kneeled down as Alyssa moved away from him. "I just do my reasearch. I can't please you if I don't know anything about you and ... the person who hired me wants to make sure you're pleased. You don't have to be scared." Dean stood and moved to stand in front of Alyssa, close enough to touch her with his long arms, but keeping both hands at his side. "I will not hurt you," he said, very slowly and clearly, keeping his eyes locked onto hers.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>25-06-2006, 17:12:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She sighed and looked at him gently, but took a small step back. "I believe that you don't intend to hurt me..."<br><br>Allysa shook her head softly. "This is just very strange Dean. Look at it from my point of view. I wake up to an almost naked man in my bedroom that I've never seen before. Then he's all touchy feely, and knows almost everything about me. And every time I ask him about himself he changes the subject or evades the question. What in this picture points to any reason to trust him?"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>26-06-2006, 16:22:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean tilted his head to the side, and quirked a grin. "O, I don't know," he said, his tone almost playful. "Maybe the fact that you did wake up? Or the fact that everytime you've asked me to back off, I have? Or that however "touchy feely" I may be, I've not done anything directly sexual since you got up?" The smile slid from Dean's face as he regarded Alyssa. "Or the fact that, insofar as I'm able, I'll do whatever you tell me to? Does any of that reassure you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>26-06-2006, 22:42:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You don't consider embracing me while I am in a towel sexual? Or kissing my toes? Just because you weren't touching my breasts or my...other places, doesn't mean it wasn't sexual. The whole body can be sexual! And even if it wasn't sexual, it was innapropriate. You just don't <em>do</em> that to people you barely know. And no matter what you read on the internet about me, you Do Not Know Me! If you did you would understand!" &nbsp;Alyssa was yelling now. She had started off patiently trying to explain, but she was frustrated from his seemingly lack of effort to respect her need for distance. <br><br>Alyssa took a deep shaky breath, her green eyes flaming. She spoke quietly, but no more calm than before. "Get out." She hadn't wanted it to come to this. Alyssa had wanted to maybe make a friend, but she couldn't handle this. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>27-06-2006, 16:25:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"A hug is sexual?" Dean said, still in that calm, reasonable voice. "Or are you implying that it was sexual simply becos of the way you were dressed?" He smiled slightly when Alyssa mentioned that the entire body was sexual. <em>"This will be easier than I thought,"</em> Dean thought to himself, standing and moving back a bit from Alyssa, giving her space, if not as much as she wanted. <br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;"And okay," Dean continued, "Why is it inappropriate? I'm yours, for the moment anyway ... would you condemn your dog for wanting to rub against you?" He spread his hands wide, doing his best to appear as non-threatening as he could, given his size and obvious physicality. "I do know you, Alyssa," Dean said again, his voice soft. "And I'm sorry, but I can't leave, not yet. You still need me." He shrugged slightly, giving Alyssa one of his crooked little smiles that never reached his eyes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>27-06-2006, 22:30:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa didn't want to get caught up in a debate. She wanted him gone, and was upset he wasn't leaving. <br><br>"You said that insofar as you're able, you'll do whatever I tell you to. You're legs are not broken, so you are able to leave. So get the hell out of my house before I call the police." <br><br>She kept her arms crossed to hide her shaking hands. They were shaking worse than usual now. His presence was shaking up her world, making her very uncomfortable. <br><br>"I don't need you pushing yourself into my life. I just need left alone."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>28-06-2006, 16:13:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"You've been alone too long as it is," Dean said, still standing in front of Alyssa and not giving any indication that he'd be moving anytime soon. "And what I meant was that whatever I can do without violating my ... directions." He sighed and said, "Listen, is it really all that bad a thought? Having your own personal slave who's willing to fulfill your every wish? What do you want? A gourmet meal? All your fan mail sorted thru? Your house painted? What?" <br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean lowered his head slightly, smiling gently. "You can have me do anything you want, Alyssa," he said, using her name for the first time. "But I have to stay. Trust me, it's a good deal. I'm house-broken already, and I know lots of tricks. Here, I'll show you." Dean dropped to his knees in front of Alyssa, looking up at her with an expression of pleading on his face. "Let me stay, please?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>30-06-2006, 15:47:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa narrowed her eyes suspiciously. To her it made absolutely no sense at all. "Who hired you. I want a name."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>30-06-2006, 16:14:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean sighed, and looked down, obviously uncomfortable. "I'm ... not at liberty to say." He raised his eyes to meet Alyssa's. "Please, don't ask. All I can tell you is it's someone who wants you to get better ... that's all. I'm sorry." Dean looked into Alyssa's eyes, not attempting to hide anything from her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>01-07-2006, 18:06:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa shook her head softly and regarded him almost sadly. "So the loyalty is to your employer, and not to me. Not a surprise, just something that's been clarified. So it is more of a job than anything." <br><br>She sighed and looked defeated. "Do whatever the hell you want."<br><br>Alyssa turned to dissappear up the stairs. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>03-07-2006, 19:27:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"No, wait." Dean sighed and looked down for a moment, then raised his eyes to meet Alyssa's. "Do you ... can you believe that ...." His voice trailed off and he sighed heavily. "Please ... just trust me, will you? I <em>am</em> on your side, Alyssa, I just ...." Dean took a deep breath, as if trying to summon the strength from inside him. "I can give you a name, if it means that much to you, but that's all. I can't tell you who he is, or anything else. All right? Please."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>03-07-2006, 21:43:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa stopped and sat on the stairs with a sigh. She put her face in her hands for a moment, deep in thought. Her red hair fell forward around her face, shining in the sunbeam from the window. After a long moment she looked up, her hands coming together in almost like prayer. She rest her chin against them and stared at him silently. Her face was still and nuetrail, but there was a going on in her eyes. Many emotions swam in them. Finally she spoke very quietly. "I just don't get it...why do you care so much?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>05-07-2006, 16:24:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Why do I care?" Dean echoed. "About which, doing my job well, or about you?" He moved to kneel on the stairs in front of her. "This ... the job ... it's all I have," Dean said. "I've screwed up a lot, you know ... I've done a lot of things wrong ... and a lot of wrong things, I guess, but this ... I'd like to at least do this right, you know? It's like ... maybe if I can at least do my job right, things will get better, you know?"<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean sighed and looked down, then raised his eyes to Alyssa's again. "And you ...." His voice trailed off, and he sighed again. "I'm not ... I'm not supposed to care, that's not professional, it's not supposed to matter, but ... you do." Dean looked at her with a sort of helpless look in his eyes. "I can't tell you why, exactly, but I just ... I do. I want you to ...." He laughed mockingly at himself. "I want you to <em>like</em> me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>10-07-2006, 10:45:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa listened closely, feeling as if she were seeing the real Dean for the first time. She could be percieving things incorrectly, but this just seemed more...real. She held his eyes as he talked, not blinking. If he looked away she just waited for him to look back. Her expression was blank, but her eyes showed how intently she was taking in what he was saying. <br><br>When he was finished she sat quietly for a moment, and then spoke calmly and quietly. "Dean...I like this. I like you not pretending to be something else. And I do like you. Why do you think I haven't called the police? I don't want you thrown in jail, or in trouble, or any of that. But..."<br><br>She sighed and searched for the words to make him understand. "...but I can't be what you need me to be. I can only offer my friendship, and that doesn't include touching me in ways that I find uncomfortable. And it doesn't mean debating with me why I am wrong to <em>feel</em> the way I do. If I feel some way about something, I feel that way. Period. Honestly? I need a friend. I need one very badly. But I don't need someone who is going to disrespect my feelings."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>10-07-2006, 19:14:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=5494.msg221488#msg221488">Quote from: Lyria on 10-07-2006, 10:45:24</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">When he was finished she sat quietly for a moment, and then spoke calmly and quietly. "Dean...I like this. I like you not pretending to be something else. And I do like you. Why do you think I haven't called the police? I don't want you thrown in jail, or in trouble, or any of that. But..."<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>*** Dean smiled his normal, mischievious smile, but somehow it didn't quite seem that way in his eyes. "I'm used to having to become whatever other people need ... it's very difficult for me when people tell me to just be myself." He chuckled slightly. "But I'm glad you approve."<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=5494.msg221488#msg221488">Quote from: Lyria on 10-07-2006, 10:45:24</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">She sighed and searched for the words to make him understand. "...but I can't be what you need me to be. I can only offer my friendship, and that doesn't include touching me in ways that I find uncomfortable. And it doesn't mean debating with me why I am wrong to <em>feel</em> the way I do. If I feel some way about something, I feel that way. Period. Honestly? I need a friend. I need one very badly. But I don't need someone who is going to disrespect my feelings."<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>*** "I do not disrespect you," Dean said, looking almost insulted. "If I've given you that impression, then I am sorry, becos I do respect you, very much." He pursed his lips almost angrily. "And all I need ... or want ... you to be is yourself. If I do something you dislike, tell me, and I'll stop. I won't promise not to argue with you, but I will stop."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>11-07-2006, 16:15:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Tell you, and you will stop. Okay....stop touching me without permission. Your lips to do not belong on me, 'innocently' or not." She had picked up on his hint of anger, and it made her own temper flare. How dare he...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>11-07-2006, 17:15:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Actually, they do," Dean said. "My entire body belongs to you." He moved up on the staircase so that he was almost, but not quite, touching Alyssa. "My lips ... " Dean brought his lips to within a millimetre of Alyssa's own, his breath soft and warm on her skin as he spoke. "My hands ..." Dean moved his hands lightly across Alyssa's skin, not actually touching her, but causing the soft hairs on her arm to shiver even so. "And my ...." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>11-07-2006, 18:02:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa scrambled away from him, backing up the stairs, her eyes filling with tears at the way he completely didn't understand her, no matter what he professed. "You don't get it at all. I just want a friend. I don't want this. I don't want to be touched, I don't want anyone in my personal space. Not like this. Not without there being more."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>12-07-2006, 19:45:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean shook his head. "I didn't touch you," he said. "And I won't, not until you tell me I can. The rules are very clear, Alyssa. I will not touch you without your consent. I may try to get your consent, but I won't actually do anything." Dean sighed with frustration. "What part don't you understand? You are in control here."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>15-07-2006, 10:28:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Then why do I feel so completely out of it?" &nbsp;Alyssa didn't understand how he could completely misread her, and think that she wanted him that close. Right after she had said she needed a friend, he had to go and act like anything but. It hurt her he could disregard her so blatantly.&nbsp; "You argue with my wishes, you push the barriers, you say one thing and do another...you say you want to help me buyt everything you are doing is making me uncomfortable. Just...stay out of arms length unless I step within it. Don't touch me unless I ask. And please...stop pushing."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>17-07-2006, 23:02:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean sighed heavily. "Okay," he said. "I can't promise not to push ... it's too much in my nature ... but I will try, okay?" Dean stepped back, giving Alyssa plenty of room. "And I'll keep saying it 'til you feel it, but you ARE in control." From the bottom of the steps where he stood, Dean looked up at Alyssa. "But I have a condition of my own," he said. "Give me an order, find me something to do. I can behave a lot better if I've got a task. So please, give me SOMEthing." Dean looked up at Alyssa with no joking or guile in his wide blue eyes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>18-07-2006, 14:15:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alyssa sighed. This wasn't working at all. She wasn't used to having anyone here, let alone someone as...intense...as Dean. "Fine, um, make us lunch, I didn't eat the breakfast, I didn't know if you were a madman or not."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Broken Muse (Lyria and Mr. Crinkles)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>18-07-2006, 22:33:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Dean laughed. "O I'm not mad," he said, turning to head towards the kitchen. "I prefer not to be ... it takes so much energy." Pausing, Dean looked back at Alyssa over his shoulder and grinned slightly. "I prefer to get even," he said, before disappearing around the corner into the kitchen.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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