Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 & Oleander]
<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: Oleander on 08-07-2009, 07:45:22</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oleander</strong> on <strong>08-07-2009, 07:45:22</strong>
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				Alaizabel. Unique name, gorgeous body, outstanding personality, unwavering smarts, a woman by no means capable of being underestimated. But somewhere along the way, she got caught up in quite the mess. Got herself caught up somewhere in between truth and lies. Now she spent her time working as a dancer, in a rather remote private club. Business was always booming, never a dull moment at the Narcissus in Chains. Never a day off, or time to oneself. <br><br>Shoulders rolled, as a soft sigh was heaved past lush, full lips. Shimmering with a hint of gloss. The corners turned into a rather plastered smile.&nbsp; Confident, but the natural flow of it was weighed down by its insincerity. Pain, lies, greed.. it was reflecting in those golden eyes. She was paying for what she'd done.. no need to regret it now. Heads turned and eyes rose as the soft click of heels upon the stage announced her movements. Hips&nbsp; swayed in tune to the rhythm of the music. <br><br>Short blonde curls were hidden beneath a black tophat. In which slender, nimble digits laid in florescent gloves slid across the brim. Exposed skin was painted with soft designs, accentuating her every curve. Playing at the insides of her breasts, the smooth supple swells, the dip of her stomach. The white markings only seen in the black light, but as the lights flashed to life and Alaizabel could be seen, Slender legs wrapped in black silk, tied to stilettos. A hand moved to grip the pole centre stage as the other flipped the brim of the top hat and tossed the material aside. <br><br>A full circle was made around the metal precipice, before she gripped it with both hands and pulled herself up, wrapping both legs around the cool metal and letting her back lay flush to the slender piece. Using just her legs to hand upside down upon that lovely center piece, she ran her hands along the smooth skin of her thighs, over her hips and along her torso, palms smoothing over her breasts. She reached back up and slid down that pole with practiced precision and grace. <br><br>Just another day on the job. Play the eye candy for a few measly tips, fork over the money in turn to pay a debt that will only continue to grow.. and never would she be able to relieve herself of this humility. Life had become routine for her. How long had it been since she'd seen a man not greedy to have her, merely because she was a stripper? How long had it been since she felt like a legit woman.. and not just a toy? As she turned her back to the crowd she let herself sigh.. and after a few more tricks.. she turned the stage over to the next girl..<br><br>Just a few more hours and the night would be over.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Downfall347</strong> on <strong>09-07-2009, 04:22:03</strong>
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				Call it what you will. Call it fate, call it luck, shit, call it fucking Santa Clause if it will suit you. But something, something brought him there that night. Thats what it felt like anyways, like destiny had pushed him here and placed a gun to his forehead. Of course, he had no one to blame but himself, not really anyways. Maybe it was his mothers fault, yeah, damn that bitch for depriving him of a 'normal' childhood. Or maybe his land lord, curse that swifty bastard for demanding rent on time, not like he had a few kids of his own to look after. No, no one to blame but himself, of course, he thought as the dealer flipped the last card, that was kinda how he liked it. He threw his hand down and stood, pushing the stub of his cigarette into the ash tray and throwing his last twenty on the table, already deciding in his mind if he would go without food or electricity this week. <br><br>"Good game Harry," The woman on the other side of the table said with a smile, scooping his last paycheck into her purse, her acrylic nails scratching on the felt of the poker table like nails on a chalkboard. Harry, yeah, thats right, that was his name when he gambled here. Sometimes he forgot. One time he was supposed to go by Jacob and spent the night introducing himself as Will. He hadn't caught himself until he was staring down the barrel of the dealers shotgun and he was being politely told to leave or lose his head. He just nodded to the woman, trying to force the mingled scent of sweat, cheap perfume, and herpes from his mind as he passed her. He had played her before, she was 'good'. Of course, she did run this game so he wasn't about to accuse her of cheating. <br><br>The cold air outside greeted him, one deep breath following another before a fit of coughing over came him. He lit another smoke and started down the street. He was broke until he got payed next, but that was pretty much par for the course. He passed through street light after street light, not entirely sure where he was going. Home didn't seem like too good of an option. His land lord would be waiting, wondering where the rent money was. He could think of an excuse to tell them, but he wasn't feeling all that creative at the moment. He could go to a bar, but he didn't feel nearly pathetic enough to drink alone tonight in the dives where he kept tabs. <br><br>He glanced down the street, lights, bright and shimmering, a glaring flare on the horizon. A club, he had passed by it before. 'Narcissus In Chains', where your dreams can be bought and sold for a few one dollar bills and low morality. Wasn't for him. He was a scoundrel, a thief, a liar, but, he liked to keep some form of a gentleman alive inside him. Buying flesh was never really all too appealing to him. When they were up there, on stage, they were tits, they were ass. Why look at bits of paint and ignore the whole art work? He took a long drag off his smoke and sat down at the bench across the street, the small blue sign telling him the bus was scheduled to come at three. He had time, thats all he really had, time. He waited, waiting for the bus across from a place he thought was hell.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oleander</strong> on <strong>09-07-2009, 05:02:48</strong>
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				Hell.<br><br>That's exactly what it was. Alaizabel was coming around from back stage, a solemn look upon her face. She brushed off the gestures and the cat calls as she slipped a hoodie on over her dance attire. A pair of shorts rode low on shapely hips, showing the pale white black light paint over top her rather eye fetching tattoos. Platinum blonde curls were shook from their pins and bounced about her shoulders as slender, nimble digits brushed through them. <br><br>"You done for the night Laiza?"<br><br>That voice.. its scratchy, deep, rumble of a sound always made her want to crawl into a hole and die. The hand slid around her waist, with a grip tight enough to leave a bruise. A simple reminder. Shoulders rolled and lips turned up into a rather plastered little smile. She turned to face the man himself, Narcissus. <br><br>"I did my job.. "<br><br>"You did so rather well..."<br><br>He sounded pleased, at least she'd managed to appease his appetite, now she had to get out of the club without further hesitation before she ended up being dragged deeper into this lonely pit of self degradation. That was when Candy caught the cue, and positioned herself between them, prying Narcissus away to a back corner, to get the attention she wanted, and to save Alaizabel from a night of regret.<br><br>A silent thank you had been mouthed in the woman's direction, as she turned to leave. That hypnotic sway still in her hips as the beat of the music was drowned out by thick walls and the buzzing silence of the late night welcomed her into the streets. Golden orbs stared out over her surroundings, through a veil of thick dark lashes. The only sound she made was the light click of her heels against the pavement as she crossed the street to the bus stop.<br><br>A pretty girl like her, taking a bus so late at night? Definitely. She wasn't afraid. It wasn't often you found low life's around this part of town, just some over aggressive drunks leaving the club thinking they have a chance in hell at taking one of the girls home..most likely they did.. but never did one of them ever have a chance with Alaizabel, she rather enjoyed the sanctuary of peace and quiet. Loneliness was her greatest saviour.<br><br>She'd noticed the man at the bus stop, but that didn't mother her. She pulled the hem of her hoodie down just a bit more, shrouding herself in the oversized material. As gorgeous as she was, being selfconscious was her greatest flaw. The only thing that got her through being on stage, was the idea of setting herself free.. -eventually-.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Downfall347</strong> on <strong>15-07-2009, 06:06:20</strong>
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				Smoke, trailing up endlessly into the air like a wisp of the ethereal, a ghost, a story, a strand. Or maybe it was just a sign of the impending lung cancer that certainly awaited him in his future. He took a puff, and stubbed out the butt of the cancer train. Sometimes he promised himself he would quit, would wake up and feel the sunshine and think maybe a stiff cup of coffee and a day in the shine could make the past twelve years of habitual suicide go away. Yeah, sometimes, then he would light up another and figure out how much he had lost the night before. <br><br>A girl? She had taken him by surprise for a moment. He wasn’t used to company, didn’t much like it after nights like tonight, where his wallet took a shot to the head. Alone in both his depression and his debt. He liked it that way, seemed more… noble, or something like that. <br><br>He shifted on the seat, sliding over to give her room enough to sit down. He couldn’t see much of her behind that hoodie, but, he recognized a cute one when he saw it. Not that he would do anything about it. Another night, one where he had some spare cash in his pocket and a few drinks in his blood, then he would of offered her a night of debauchery and drunken mistakes. But not tonight. Tonight, he just offered her a place to sit. <br><br>He was handsome in his own kind of way. Not the tailored kind, not the kind of guy you see on magazine covers and clothing catalogues. A dirty kind of handsome, like a particular brick on a burned out building, or an empty bottle of vodka that caught the light just right on your way out to the dumpster. Trash, eye catching, but still dirty, broken. <br><br>He lit another cigarette, the mix of nicotine and tar filling his lungs as he dragged on it, nursing it along. The moon was nice tonight, full and casting brilliantly dark shadows over everything. The only bright thing left in this city, he thought as he watched the smoke trail up through the silver spears of light. <br><br>“Bus should be here soon,” He said quietly to himself more than anyone. <br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oleander</strong> on <strong>27-07-2009, 21:48:33</strong>
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				Unawares if he was speaking to her or not, Alaizabel kept quiet to herself. She sat down on the far end of the bench. Barely sitting upon the edge, curled into her hoodie for warmth as she gazed up at the beautiful moon. Her golden eyes seemed drained of all color in the moon light, as if they themselves were a brilliant sterling silver. She smiled to herself and let a hand smooth down along her leg. Easing the tension out of the muscle.<br><br>"Such a beautiful night.."<br><br>Now this she said, allowed, clearly a statement for all to hear, and should anyone desire to state a rebuttal, she left herself open to hear it. She enjoyed conversation. Although she did not enjoy strangers. That was exactly how she ended up in this situation. As if her life before had vanished, left no trace, no way for her to find her way back home. She could only imagine the annoyed look on Narcissus' face when he realized she'd escaped again right under his nose. <br><br>A hand rose to tussle those golden curls as she glanced back over her shoulder, her eyes promptly fell upon the cancer stick. What an unearthly craving she had for a cigarette right now. The smell was rather alluring, as was the taste of various poisons. Though the effects were to die for. Litterally. <br><br>"Spare a smoke?" <br><br>The question voice sweetly, with a tinge of slight embarrassment, having to ask a stranger whom was minding his own, for one of his sweet smelling cigarettes. Then again, the smell to her was sweet. To others it might be pungent, or too strong. To her it was just right. She had a keen nose, and a liking for odd little scents. Like some perfumes, or colognes. The aroma was almost therapeutic sometimes. It helped her ease her mind away from her loneliness, from the worries of what she was doing for a living.<br><br>A slender brow had poised inquisitively, though she kept a kind sweet expression. No need to scare off someone, but there was also no need to come off as weak, and vulnerable to a complete stranger, particularly male. She wasn't sexist, just cautious.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Downfall347</strong> on <strong>27-07-2009, 22:24:32</strong>
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				He turned to her, first shocked by her analysis of the night. She was right, it was a nice night, he hadn't noticed in his self imposed slump. But it was, the moon shone just right, the stars that could be seen through the veil of light pollution framed the night time curtain. He wondered as they sat in silence, how many nights like this had he wasted. How many times had he passed out in some back alley or strange bed while a sky like this glided through the midnight haze. It was almost heartbreaking, knowing that this night, this moment would never come again, and that no matter what his illusions of settling, quitting gambling, and figuring out his life, as soon as he got on the bus he would simply start tabulating his losses and planning for the next game. <br><br>He glanced sideways at the girl, watching her eyes on the moon. He liked to imagine she was innocent, that she was coming home from the library, or that she was on her way to see her sick grandmother. Like little red hood, a myth, a dream, a story. Of course the truth was never that... never that clean. He sighed, taking another long long drag and staring out blankly across the street, watching the trails of his smoke rising across his vision into simple nothingness. <br><br>He was relieved when she broke the silence once again. It had gotten too tense in his head, thoughts of that fake nailed bitch swimming across a handful of cash ripped from his wallet on a hand he was sure he could not lose. He paused, looking at her, his eyes dark and blank, and ultimately, kind, or at least whatever passes for kind in a world like this one. "Yeah," He said, his voice rough and deep. He coughed clearing his throat and saying it again louder, "Yeah, sure, no problem," He reached into his pocket, fishing out a cigarette tin, tarnished and dented with years of abuse. He popped it open and fished out a long white piece of suicide. <br><br>"Here, need a light?" He asked, passing it over to her, already fishing an equally dented zippo out of the same pocket and lighting it, holding it up for her. "Careful," he muttered, "things will kill you," He smiled, a small, kind, tired kind of smile. It had been a long night. <br><br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oleander</strong> on <strong>27-07-2009, 22:50:06</strong>
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				Oh, Alaizabel was much like little red riding hood. Perhaps not as innocent, but she was not as tainted as one would think. She was one man ride, kind of gal. She wasn't like other dancers people came across, she never went home with someone for the right price. In fact.. it had been a long time since anyone had seen her come home with someone. She spent her nights alone, waiting for the big bad wolf to come knocking on her door. <br><br>Leaning his way she took the cancer stick with a beautiful smile full of thanks, placing the filter between her lips and pressing the end into the fire, dragging in a breath, she sat back and exhaled through her nose. She watched the smoke billow out in front of her, as if she was exhaling a clean, crisp breath into the chilly night air. <br><br>"Merci."<br><br>She had stated, in return for the cigarette and the light.<br><br>"What better way to die, than slowly withering your lungs away, for the sake of such a sweet taste."<br><br>A bit twisted in her way of thinking, but there was a tinge of sarcasm in her voice as she smiled back in the mans direction. It had indeed been a long night. A night of fighting, and selling her body as a pick me up for all those business tycoons who were tired of returning home to their beds, with their beautiful, untainted wives. They all wanted to partake in the sins of the tainted bodies. <br><br>She didn't do it for the money, she didn't do it for the glory, or the sake of being a sex idol. She did it because she ... well.. she didn't have to, but she did it to survive. She could have ran, right into hiding like some people did. But wouldn't they just catch up and find her eventually? She had faced the evil head on, and now it owned her. She was the low life scum of the world.<br><br>Leaning against the back of the bench she stared up at the stars, glittering through the dark film of pollution that lines the horizon. City life.. wasn't it just so breath taking? She took another drag off the cigarette, plucking it from between her lips and letting the smoke trail in a edgy little 'o' from her lips. A trick she'd learned a while back. As a child she had enjoyed watcher her father smoke cigars.. the sweet smell, the way the smoke wafted like dancing ghosts.. the way he had often made rings of smoke while telling her stories. <br><br>Life back then had been black and white for her.. now it was black white, yellow grey green.. and all kinds of blurs.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Downfall347</strong> on <strong>31-07-2009, 04:55:56</strong>
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				He watched the lazy rings of white smoke break apart and fade in the midnight chill. He smiled, how long had it been since he had seen that trick. A lifetime ago even. Simple times for simple creatures, hadn't someone famous said that? Most likely, of course, if you look at everything ever said by anyone famous, there was no original thoughts left. Just scraps and dreams handed down to us like the leftovers of ancient gods of cinema and sex. <br><br>He took a deep breath, that was the issue with being up this late, too many thoughts, too many ideas. He took another drag on his current dose of cancer, he was almost down to the filter again. "You know the issue with these things. You can always tell yourself its the last one," He coughed, covering his mouth and accidentally dropping the still lit butt to his feet. He silently killed the glowing ember with the heel of his shoe. He glanced at her again. Innocent or not, it really wasn't safe for her to be out this late. This was the shadowless time of night, where the moon seems to hang just right, and the sins of mad men seem revealed in the very air. Shit, he decided with a silent laugh, it wasn't safe for anyone anymore. But her, she was, he decided in the faint silver light, a fucking doll. Not in the bad way, not like some girls, so bloated and artificial, their faces filled with latex and fat. But a real drop dead beauty kind of girl. Girl like her had no place in a world like this, least of all at this hour. <br><br>The sudden rush of concern he felt for her well being disturbed him, so he lit another cigarette, deciding that voicing his concern for her well being would only sound like the opening line of a deranged serial killer. He could see it now, 'by golly I sure hope your not headed far miss, lots of whackos out tonight' he imagined himself saying, just before she got very pale and tried to run away from the bus stop, most likely only to be murdered by a real psycho on the walk home. So instead he opted to just shut the fuck up. No good ever came from talking to strangers on a dark night, least of all people who actually seemed... good. Oh he had no doubt she was odd, knew that the moment she spoke. But you spend enough times in shady back rooms you get a knack for spotting the good eggs from the bad, and she, on some level, was good. <br><br>So, instead of wishing her well, he nodded across the street to where three drunken men in fine tailored suits came stumbling out of the strip club, fresh layers of lust and bad decisions covering their skin like a taint. "Oh lets see here," He said, indicating to the one on the furthest right, "He'll get bitched out by his wife when he gets home." His finger moved to the one in the middle, "He is unmarried and most likely utterly miserable," And then to the one on the left, "And he most likely beats his wife and will end up in jail or worse in the next few years. And yet they get to drive home in BMW's." He grinned, leaning back, "See, the best people are always right here at the bus stop," He laughed quietly to himself. It was a game he played really, guess the demise of those who fate had smiled upon. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oleander</strong> on <strong>31-07-2009, 07:26:33</strong>
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				His words weaved their way into her head and she laughed. A sweet laugh, but she kept it low. Knowing if the drunken suits recognized her she was in a world of hate. She slid over closer to the other bench warmer. The dose of cancer in hand as she pointed to the three men, starting on the left. "No no.. see it goes like this.... this guy is sleeping with the one in the middles wife." She had to twist the story, spruce it up a bit. She giggled some to herself and took another drag off the cancer stick, and pointed then to the next group out of the door. Two men in rather complimenting suits. <br><br>"What about those guys?" She liked his statement, from it she gathered he wasn't judging her, frowning upon her like some stuck up snob. She felt comfortable, and deemed him a worth while person. A stranger yes, but strangers were only friends, waiting to be found. She leaned back on the bench and sighed as she watched some of the girls leaving the club. A few waves tossed her way. She raised a hand and gave a short flick. Certainly by tomorrow rumors would be circulating the business. Who had been that ruggedly handsome man at the busstop with her, which would then entail that Narcissus would be jumping her case.<br><br>"I best be going.. the bus is running late, and lifes too short to sit around waiting."&nbsp; She dropped the remains of the cancer and snuffed it out. Getting up off the bench she tucked her hands into the pockets of her hoodie and started off down the street. She was going to walk home? Was she crazy!? Yes she was crazy, but she was saving the life of an unsuspecting stranger. Especially one who seemed to stand out from the cruelties of the world.<br><br>She took a deep breath, letting the poluted air into her lungs as she stared up at the night sky. Walking seemed like a good idea, but she knew in the end she was going to regret it. Golden eyes lowered from the sky to the ground and she stared at the sidewalk as she walked. What twisted webs the world weaved. Ensnarring her in every last one of its twisted, vendictive little games. She rolled her shoulders and hummed to herself, drowning out the lonly world.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Downfall347</strong> on <strong>31-07-2009, 07:53:14</strong>
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				He grinned, "Well you see those two. See they come to this club all the time. One spends the night thinking about how much he loves the club, and how he wishes he had never married. The other spends the night disgusted but wondering what the other one looks like without his clothes." He whispered to her, watching the two men she had pointed out moving down the street, two shadows being slowly enveloped again into the night. In truth, he didn't think those things about those two men. Because, those two were bad eggs. He didn't know how or why, but he could tell. From the way they walked, the way that they laughed. Those two, they were dangers to the world, bad eggs just rotting in their shells. They were why it was better to take the bus at night, because he had no doubt, by the end of the night, they were going to hurt someone. <br><br>As if on cue, she stood and said she had to go. On instinct he found himself simply saying, "Bye," A quiet, kind farewell. Bye? Bye when that poor girl had a better chance of finding atlantis in an alley than making it home fine. Not on a night like this, where the city haze mind as well be fog, and monsters like those two men prowled the night. A few of the clubs girls were walking over to the benches, coming to wait for the bus. He looked down the street, at the fading figure in the darkness, her hoody bulky on that slender frame. "Not my problem," He whispered to himself, looking up as a stripper with red hair and cherry colored lips smiled at him. <br><br><em>'In the original story, little red riding hood was torn to pieces ya know?'</em> His conscience chimed. And he sighed, "Fuck my life," He whispered, standing and avoiding eye contact with the red head and the blond that had come with her. "Evening ladies," He whispered quietly, nodding to them before starting at a brisk pace in the direction little red had gone. Huh... little red, funny name for a nameless girl. Yeah, little red in the forest of steel, brick, and blood. <br><br>"Hey," He said quietly as he got near, trying not to spook her. Last thing he wanted was to end up in jail as a suspected rapist or serial killer or whatever. "Miss," He said quietly. It was an odd feeling, standing on a street, her form just in sight, the cracks in the sidewalk, the glaring lights of the passing car. Everything snapped into focus for a second, like fate had played its last card, royal flush, and now he was in the shit. "It's dangerous out this late miss. I wouldn't be much of a gentlemen if I didn't at least offer to get you to your neighborhood," He kept his hands out in the open, hell kept his body open and tried his hardest to sound... well sound NOT like a serial killer would, whatever the hell that means. <br><br>A spider really, a spider in debt up to his eyeballs and in worse things past his head. A spider wandering into a web that was never his, a web he will never understand. A spider in the web of lies, of death, of hate in this city. A spider stuck in webbing, an odd sight anywhere else, but here, just par for the course. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oleander</strong> on <strong>01-08-2009, 00:58:45</strong>
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				Oh he'd done exactly what she hadn't wanted him to do, but it was too late now, fates strings were already tied, and the webs weaved. She paused in her motions, stopping in mid step as she glanced back over her shoulder in his direction. He had startled her but she had recognized the pitch of his voice. She smiled some and tucked a loose strand of hair back behind her ear. "Well now, are we playing the brave knight in shining armor, come to walk the damsel in distress safely to her sanctuary?"<br><br>She was teasing of course. He was a helpless spider, caught in her twisted web. She had only hoped to spare him. She waited for him to catch up and as he did, she started an easy pace against, keeping her vision focused forward, but her ears listened for any following footsteps or feint hushed whispers. She did not want to be taken by surprise against tonight. "The names Alaixabel.." She piped up quietly, loud enough for him to hear, but still softly spoken.<br><br>And introduction, it only felt appropriate. She kicked a small rock, her tennishshoes reflected small bits of light. She was going to regret walking home in the morning.. her legs would be so sore.. but hey.. it was worth the chance of company. Atleast she had someone to talk to. Glancing up towards the sky she frowned a little. " It's so dampening upon the spirit to see the moon so poluted.. thought it's so clear.. it's almost frightening.. nights like these are usually the ones where little girls should be hiding inside and locking their doors. "<br><br>Why couldn't she follow her own advice half the time? Why hadn't she just locked her door and hidden all those years ago? Because she was a curious little kitten, who liked biting off more than she could chew. Snuggling to the warmth of her hoodie, she shivered and fought back a small sneeze. "You know.. you don't have to walk me home.. It's not often people mingle with strangers. Especially girls like me.. who come from places like that." She nodded back in the direction of the club. "Usually people deem us filthy, and undeserving."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Downfall347</strong> on <strong>01-08-2009, 05:15:14</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				He cracked a slight smile at the white knight joke. "Nah, just an ogre under the bridge with a pesky sense of morals. Names Charlie," He paused. Names, like water over a rock, slipping splashing, merging together and falling apart. He had used so many names. Henry, Jing, Saint, so many names for so many dark back rooms, so many names for so many chips scraped away from him in his moment of victory. He was good at being someone else by now, good at pretending to be some criminal, some kind of scum. He was good, and more so, he was used to it. But when she introduced herself, he had said only one name. Charlie... a name on his birth certificate for sure, the name he went by for nineteen years of life. So why did it feel so odd in his mouth, so old. Why had, out of all his aliases and names, had he given that one to her? He took a drag on his cigarette, her melodious voice carrying to his ears. <br><br>"Yeah. Night like tonight, not safe for anyone really." The two men flashed in his mind. He could almost see them, their sneers, their eyes darting up and down every woman they pass. Stiff erections straining against the crotch of their nine hundred dollar pants suits, images of lustful dancers moving through their heads as they pick one girl in particular. A young girl, no older than sixteen, pretty, most likely just walking home from the quick mart on the corner. He saw the fear in her eye, heard the snickering of those monsters, heard her scream. He shook his head, his hand shaking slightly as he took another drag, cursing himself for following this girl again. <br><br>Then, she spoke again. Funny, he hadn't guessed she was one of the dancers at the club. Sure, he didn't really expect her to be little red riding hood, not in a city like this, hell, not in a world like this. He laughed, tossing his butt aside and idly lighting another, habitual action by now. "Who is more undeserving, the girl who works to survive, or the man who sat on his ass his whole life, has everything handed to him, and now drives a BMW with a seven figure job and a depressed, beaten trophy wife. Nah, their the filthy ones, only there dirt just under the skin and impossible to clean. People like you, your the cleanest of all. Besides, since when does a guy need a reason to do something decent?" They passed by a brick wall, marked in bold pink spray paint as 'mad dogs territory. Bitches Beware'. He laughed a little, "Ya know, on second thought, don't answer that," 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oleander</strong> on <strong>01-08-2009, 05:50:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alaizabel raised her hands to her face for a moment, blankly patting her cheeks as if to ensure she was still there.. she was stil alive. She felt a feint smirk pass over her lips. His voice alone told her she'd caught him by surprise. It was hard to picture Laiza as a dancer. She held herself so highly, yet she kept a down to earth mentality. She didn't dress skimpy, she hid her body very well. She was trying to redeem herself from a twisted fate. Then his last comment nearly made her choke. Men had quickly crashed into a despicable race. She always expected a reason to follow any action.<br><br>Especially since she was indebted to the man whom had threatened her life. He had tried to kill her.. and when she proved useful, black mailed her into using his protection, now she owed him everything she had. She sighed gently rolling her shoulders. "Men aren't the only cruelties of the world.. women are foolish, stupid for being walk upon.. bowing down before braun. Pathetic. " Alaizabel was no Sexist, she believed in equal rights just like any other, but even her own sex made her sick to her stomach. The way women cheated, commited adultry so easily, sold their kids out for lord only knows. <br><br>She dragged in a deep breath and hugged herself, crossing her arms beneath her breast as she glanced about, her eyes settling on the blue suits from before. The two men standing at street corner, leanin against the post with a cigarette in hand and a brownbagged forty in the other. She rolled her eyes and inched further away from the street light, keeping her face low, but it had been too late. <br><br>"Lookie there, its the doll from the club.. HEY DOLL FACE! Why don't you come over 'ere and give daddys lap some love?" <br><br>She gritted her teeth and growled, ignoring them. She rolled her eyes and pulled her hoodie down further, a security issue, she had plenty of self-confidence issues, she didnt need them hounding her like she was some kind of bitch in heat. "Thats why men need reason."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Downfall347</strong> on <strong>01-08-2009, 06:18:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He sighed, "No, they aren't men. Little boys at best, monsters at worst," He said quietly. He reached deep into his pocket, his other hand holding his latest dose of cancer aloft at his side. His eyes met one of the suits as they passed. Its funny, the tricks one learns when he spends enough time in bad situations. Little tricks, like magic for the street. He sneered, glaring at Charlie. See, now here is where most men would of sneered back, called them out, started a fight, tried to be the hero, or just the tough guy. But, those were the same guys who ended up found in a dumpster the next morning with a knife in their kidney. Sometimes, a subtle lie would win the day, a bluff, and if there was one thing he was good at, he was a good bluffer. A hand in the pocket, eyes cold and undisturbed. For a moment, his face turned away from her towards the man, Charlie was a killer in his mind. His cell phone in his pocket a revolver, and his eyes hungry for blood. Street magic, like a trick of body language. He of course had no gun or stomach for violence, hell he had a phobia about blood. But with the proper look, the proper glance, the proper silent promise, even the nicest man can make a threat so dark and intimidating split footed satan himself wouldn't dare utter a defiance. <br><br>They silently passed the suits, and he turned back to her, the look gone. "Okay, how about this, lets just say humans suck. It doesn't have to be about sex, there are bad ones everywhere. You know the old saying right? The only eggs that rot are those that stay in their shells, don't adapt, don't cook. See, people like you and me, we're scrambled," He looked at her, "Or maybe over easy, pending your preference. He glanced down the street, pulling out another cigarette, "Another?" He asked, offering it outstretched to her, his own still smoking in his hand. He hadn't taken a drag in awhile, sometimes he just didn't need to. Sometimes it just felt good, the warm ember slowly burning towards his flesh. The only fire in his life he controlled, the only one he knew wouldn't burn him. Odd, how he felt like he was walking next to a new fire, bright blue in its heat, and impossible to handle. <br><br>"And don't worry" He said, trying his best to sound comforting, his voice only coming out as rough as always. "Like I said, ya got an ogre with you, who's gunna mess with you," He said, laughing a little, trying to lighten the mood. He glanced back to the shadowy figures of the men, the fading monsters in the night. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oleander</strong> on <strong>01-08-2009, 06:36:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He bluffed, like a pro in a game of poker. Fast paced, silent, and effective. She felt a smile tug at the corners of her lips. Those full lush tiers pulled into a very delighted smile, the whites of her teeth showing. She was almost embaressed at the bright sign of happiness. He had defended her in some silent whim. A knight in shining armor had come to protect poor little red. She reached out and gingerly took the cancer stick he offered her, she tucked it between her lips and breathed through her nose. She sghed some and shook her head a small bit, soft golden curls shaken from their tucked away hold, falling to frame her face. Golden eyes glancing in his direction.<br><br>"I don't see an Ogre.. I see a handsome knight, whose come along to protect little red on her winding path back home." She found it amusing, the references to fairy tales. But that was life, one long live fairy tale in the back of ones mind. "Scrambled." She assured him. Pulling a light from her pocket and lighting the cigarette, taking a deep drag. Letting the smoke fill her lungs and the sweet taste to linger upon her tongue. A soft purr escaped her, almost as if one were petting a dainty little house cat. "I prefer scrambled eggs. "<br><br>She looked to him with a smile, pulling the dose of cancer from between her lips, and exhaling before she leaned and gave a soft kiss to his cheek. "Thank you Charlie. Those assholes probably would have followed me home had you not cheraded with your very convincing bluff." Finally, a few blocks down she came to a stop infront of a rather decent apartment building. Sure it was small, shabby and likely a trashy place to live concidering the cost of high society now adays, but to her it was home sweet home. Her Castle in never never land. She took a few last drags from her cancer and dropped it to the ground, snuffing it out with the heel of her shoe.<br><br>"Thank you.. for walking with me..." She was unsure of whether to invite him up, or let him on his business. She'd make the offer. " You're welcome to come up for a drink if you'd like. It's the least I can do for man whom passed up a short bus ride home, to walk with this poor little stranger." The offer was innocent, kind hearted and open. She was going out on a limb to trust him. Most men would jump at the oppertunity, invite themselves, others waited patiently for their chance. And what better chance than now? For who knew the next time poor little red was going to cross paths with her dear knight.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Downfall347</strong> on <strong>01-08-2009, 07:17:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He paused. He, he hadn't expected that. Shit, he was shocked she had actually led him to her real home. Most girls would of taken him to the street then told him to beat it, too scared of a stranger knowing where they really lived. Another wave of oddness swept over him, the sureal nature of this whole night revealing itself to him again. Distantly, he knew those men had found that poor girl he had seen in his head, just as he knew that that fat bloated bitch who had cheated him was sitting in her jacuzzi smoking through the hole in her neck. How did he get here? He thought, from simply sitting at a bus stop stewing in his debt to standing at the footsteps of a beautiful girl, being called a white knight and being invited inside? What web had he stumbled into? What disaster... what adventure?<br><br>He grinned, shaking his head, "Nah, doesn't seem right. I offered to walk you home after all, and I think now I am far too tired to make it up those steps to your door," He said, laughing a little, looking up at her, his features shadowed in the moons silver light. "But. If you would like, I can swing by tomorrow. Before you go to work, and I would like to walk you to breakfast. I know a good place, makes good eggs" He said, his voice that same odd attempt at kindness that only ended up coming out too rough and gravely. A date? Had he just... asked her out? He was just waiting for the bus and now he, he just. This was wrong, she had no place in his life. His world was simple, the next bill, the next game, the next win. Complications, red riding hoods, he didn't need them. He couldn't have them. But, he just grinned, his eyes looking at her on the step in the moonlight. <br><br>Odd, this feeling. So many times lives in this city crossed never to be crossed again. Like one of those peg boards, the ones with the yarn, with pictures connected to one another, news articles, obituaries. He imagined those kind of boards existed in every newspaper cubicle in the city, as well as one massive board in the home of fate. Life lines, pieces of yarn, simple and fragile, connecting one person to another. A thin silver thread crosses a black on. The black thread is moving down, headed for another dark night of self doubt and loathing. But, maybe, maybe those threads can sometimes, just sometimes, shift their destination, bounce off the bottom, and cross the silver thread again. All these thoughts on fate, shit, maybe he was deeper than he thought. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oleander</strong> on <strong>01-08-2009, 07:29:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alaizabel had never been taught those neat little tricks of dropping the man at the corner of the street or the next block over. She hadn't fallen for those nifty little secrets. She believed in honesty, and if one of those men came knocking at her door unexpected, she could very well take care of herself. She smiled and nodded, completely understanding. "Aye, and I thank you for much for walking me home. Make it home safe Charlie." She had turned to start up the building steps when he spoke again about coming by tomorrow. She paused and glanced down at him, taking the few steps back down.<br><br>She pulled a small receipt from her back pocket and a pen, she jotted down the street name, the building number and the room number. "Here. Take this as a reminder. If you do decide to come by, just come up and knock on the door, I'll be here." She placed the piece of paper in his hand and smiled sweetly before starting up the steps again. Had she just agreed to go on a date? Had she just been asked out on a date? What an interesting night it had been. From strangers at a bus stop, to two people planning breakfast. She shook her head and smiled to herself. <br><br>She turned back and gave a short wave, before disappearing past the double doors of the building. Making her way up the stairs to the third floor, and unlocking the door to room 12B. She stepped inside and closed the door behind her. Stripping out of the hoodie as she made her way towards the shower. The night had been long and fate had seemed fit to twine her path with that of yet another. Oh what tangled webs she weaved. She sighed, a shower and sleep sounded perfect, especially if she had breakfast plans. The thought put a smile on her face. What a rugged, handsome knight he had been.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Downfall347</strong> on <strong>01-08-2009, 08:03:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He took the paper from her and turned, simply walking away, his pace only quickening once he heard her door shut. If he was going to be the knight tonight, he had mind as well do it right. Although he still didn't like the whole knight imagery. Maybe he was really just the woodsman. The one at the end of the tale who runs in just in time to slice up the wolf and save little red. Just a guy on his way to work when he got the chance to do something good. He almost laughed at himself, at the ridiculousness. Truth was, in the end he was nothing more than another piece of alley trash with notions of nobility. No, was that the right word? He thought there was a word. Like when a rat makes a crown of broken glass and declares himself prince only to find he has no subjects. Wasn't there a word for that? <br><br>He took dragged out his next puff, feeling the warmth spread into his lungs, the uncomfortable weight of tar resting at the bottom with every breath. Or maybe he was imaging that part. Imagining it, seems like thats all this night had been, a dream. Like any second he would wake up in his bed, the five hundred would still be in his pocket, he wouldn't be taking little red riding hood out to breakfast in the morning, hell, he wouldn't even know she existed, when he woke up that is. Funny thing, first time he had had a night like this that he hadn't wished to be a dream. At least this time, it didn't end in a nightmare. <br><br>It was late by the time he got to his apartment. Only a few blocks from the club in fact, shit, he probably would of gotten home faster if he had walked there in the first place instead of waiting for a bus. But, he didn't regret it. At the least, he got to meet what he had come to know as one of the few good decent people in the city. Granted she just so happened to work in the darkest hole in the city but he didn't put that against her, couldn't really. He sighed as he passed the place, passing the bench he had sat on what felt like a lifetime ago, alone, cold, angry, waiting for the god damned bus in this god damned city. He smirked, shaking his head and leaving the palace of lust behind him, its still twinkling lights and bright neon 'closed' sign still a brilliantly horrible mark on the beauty of a dark street. <br><br>When he did make it home, he simply fell into bed, and went to sleep. That night, with the window open to the soft breeze and to the distant honking of a city that never slept, he dreamed about a forest, and about a girl dressed in red running along the path ahead of him. He tried to follow her, but where she was small enough to dodge the branches, his feet caught the briars and tripped him. He dreamed of a wolf, a fat, greasy wolf, content in his riches, confident in his power. He dreamt of yellow eyes, and then, he dreamt of his axe, of the woods mans axe, and how eager it was to save the girl in red, how ready it was, to spill that fat wolfs blood....<br><br>========================<br><br>If night had a dream like quality then daylight was too harsh to bear, invading his quiet little bedroom and blasting him in the eyes like a giant middle finger from god. He groaned, rolling over and coughing, his hand on his stomach. Damn smokers cough, always was bad the morning after a loss, after a pack vanished into his lungs like they were fucking candy. He checked his watch, early, early enough to make good on his offer. He sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, wondering if she had been real at all. If he really had met a beautiful person last night, if that stupid smirk had ever really crossed his face. <br><br>"Ah... fuck it," He whispered, standing and heading for the shower. Real or not, he was going to her door step. He would find out if she was a dream or not the hard way. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oleander</strong> on <strong>01-08-2009, 08:27:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After a cleansing shower, and a thorough wash, she fell into her silken sheets and curled into the scent of lavender and rosemary. The insense wafted into her nostrils, filling her mind with a sense of ease and relaxation. The long walk, the threatening arguments, the horrible work had all fallen into a daze. Her mind fading out all bad memories of the night, and putting forth the thoughts of little red riding hood, and the big bad wolf. She fell into a sweet dream, and a soundless sleep.<br><br><br>=========<br><br>Morning came a roaring like a golden flame. Piercing through her uncovered window and spreading the light upon her face. She groaned and rolled over, shoving her face into the pillows. A soft whine escaping her. She climbed out of bed and crawled towards her closet and pulled out clean clothes. Fighting her way into a pair of jeans, they rode low upon her hips. She then pulled herself into a small tanktop, and a light creme color jacket. <br><br>Moving out into the living room, she grabbed her pack of smokes off the coffee table and clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth. The canine came bounding around the corner, long ash fur mixed with splotches of grey and white, long ears, and a curly tail. A wolf dog. Go figure, little Red had a pet wolf. She scratched the scruff behind his ears and moved to sit on the window sil, one foot out on the fire escape, the other braced against the frame as she lit up a cigarette and stared out over the city scape.<br><br>Her mind slowly began to replay the reel of the night before. Remembering the opposition of work, the proposals made, the threats taken. Then she remembered the handsome face at the busstop and the generous offer of walking her home and sharing his smokes. She smiled laughed to herself, shoulders shook with the exclimation. "What a fool I'd been." She cursed herself and took a long drag off of that sweet cancer, Gently petting the head now nestled into her lap comfortably. She watched the cars down below, the people passing by the building.<br><br>She watched them, guessing a past life.. a present and future for each.. a name.. a family. A job. She smiled to herself and brushed golden curls from her face. Golden embers for eyes stared quietly as she enjoyed her sweet, dangerous delight. "Hungry Ino?" She asked the canine before getting up off the windowsil and moving into the kitchen, putting the cigarette out in the ashtray. She moved to his food dish and picked it up, setting it on the counter. Her apartment was small, big enough for maybe two people to live comfortably and happily, just enough space for her and her little Ino. <br><br>She smiled down at the canine and knelt down with his dish after having filled it with his favorite meal. She set the dish down and pet his head before kissing his forehead and moving to pick up around the apartment. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Downfall347</strong> on <strong>01-08-2009, 08:57:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A shower had done little to clear up the morning confusion, the flickering images and sounds of the nights before flashing through his head like ancient photographs, burned around the edges and just faded enough to be obscure. Click, he was sitting at the bus stop, click, a girl in a hoodie was sitting down, clock, he was offering her a smoke, click, they were laughing, click, he was walking her, click he scared off some suits, click, he was dropping her off, click, he asked her out. A slideshow, one showed in college courses with ridiculous names like, 'Contemporary asshattery'. He sighed, smacking the rusty shower head as the hot water suddenly turned frigid, as someone else in the apartment building had probably flushed a toilet. <br><br>A few minutes later he was dried and dressed. Simple jeans, black shirt and a long black coat. He owned other colors, but it had been a long time since he had gone on a... a date, and the nicest clothes he owned just so happened to be the ones he gambled in so black was the color of choice. He straightened out his shirt, covering the three long scars on his back and the tattoo on his shoulder blade. An ace of spades, a lone black. Some could pull some kind of allegory or symbol out of that tattoo, but the truth was far more shallow. A drunk night, and a lifelong obsession with cards. He picked his wallet and phone off the small table in the small kitchen, pocketing a fresh pack of cancer from a carton sitting on the counter. Last, he grabbed a deck of playing cards, the box worn and torn, the cards yellowed and ancient, a family treasure, a luck charm, whatever you call it, he kept it with him, always.<br><br>----------<br><br>The walk was easy enough. Despite his somewhat fuzzy memory of the night before he managed to find his way well enough. The same streets, the same store fronts and spray painted walls. Apparantly 'Mad Dog' had not given up his small hamlet between sixty third and franklin, and he had no intention of doing so soon. He passed the corner where the suits had been, passed the place where he had offered her a smoke, and finally, passed the place where he had stopped the night before. Every step left him more sure, no, that was no dream, last night had been real. If her acceptance of his offer had been real was to be seen. She could of just did it on a flash, and could of spent the morning figuring out how to get him to leave once he showed. Who knows, maybe she didn't expect him to show at all. Either way, no turning back. He reached up and knocked on her door, three solid knocks.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oleander</strong> on <strong>01-08-2009, 09:45:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Three solid knocks came to the door, her hands were busy pulling her hair back and tying those lush curls into a small ponytail, bangs swept to the side, accenting her burning embers for eyes. She hushed the protective whine of her canine friend as she moved towards the door, unlocking the latch and pulling it open. Her expression almost showed shock as she realized who was standing on the otherside of the door. She hadn't been dreaming, he hadn't merely been making a pass, and he had really intended to show. <br><br>She laughed at herself, and smiled then reassuringly, as she opened the door and offered for him to come inside.<br><br>" Sorry, Please come in. I just need to get my shoes." <br><br>She then realized Ino was right on her tail.<br><br>" Don't worry.. he doesn't bite unless on command."<br><br>She smiled and left the door for him to enter as he saw fit. She moved to sit on the edge of her couch, grabbing her shoes from underneath the coffee table. Laiza lived in clean quarters, everything was neatly put away, and each decorative item was ornate, and quite frankly unamerican. Photos hung on the wall depicting far away lands, fields of green and forests filled with magic. Photos of her with family and friends, most of them dark haired. She'd come here from Russia a few years ago, her english very clear, but there was no mistaking that tinge in her voice of an otherworldly nature. <br><br>Whatever curse had been placed upon her when she arrived should have been nice enough to warn her to tuck her tail between her legs and run back home, but no.. she toughed it out and now she was indebted to some of the meanest men in the world. Ino wagged his tail and sniffed happily at the new comer, he liked new people, but Alaizabel didnt invite new people over a lot. She slipped her feet into her shoes and stood, dusting herself off out of force of habit and smiled in his direction.<br><br>"Ready when you are."<br><br>She was of course, nervous, what woman wouldn't be? She was new to this dateing thing, however small of a date it may be. Breakfast. It was still a new aspect being introduced into her quiet, little piece of hell she called life. It was a refreshing take on things, something new. Something that kept a smile on her face for whatever reason, she wasn't one to smile.. but something about him had her ready to be a shy, innocent girl at whim. She felt as if she could shed the skins of sin and be normal, just for once in her life.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Downfall347</strong> on <strong>02-08-2009, 05:53:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Who would it be? He wondered, hearing her light, graceful steps approaching the other side of the door. . He still had doubts as to last night, and even now with her approaching the door. What if his memory really was false. What if he had walked home a bad egg? He was tired enough last night. What if the little red he met, was just another one, stewing in their shells and waiting to simply rot away. What if what if, if he questioned himself this much at a poker game he would never win any money. He sighed, no sense in worrying himself. Click, she was kissing him on the cheek, click, she was writing down her address and handing it to him, click click. But what if... All doubt vanished when she opened the door. <br><br>"No worries," He said, odd how a smile seemed to ambush his face at the sight of her, still he same as those weathered photos in his head. He only took a step inside, quickly taking note of her apartment, his eyes gliding over the pictures, almost as if they would give some kind of explanation to this situation. Funny, he thought by this point in life he should of been better at this kind of stuff. He paused at sight of the dog, trying not to flinch. Distantly there was barking in his head, and the sound of a poker table tipping over. Police raid on an illegal game had left him with a K-9 pooch hanging off his arm, and later in the office of a back alley surgeon getting twenty stitches with only vodka to numb the pain. He smiled, patting the dog on the head, trying subtly not to reveal any of his major arteries to the canine. He crouched, "Hey there buddy, please don't eat me," He whispered, a small grin left on his face, and his voice just low enough so she wouldn't hear. Nothing like a knight with a petrifying fear of dogs. <br><br>He stood as she returned, "Alright then Red," he said, still sounding as oddly rough and tired as the night before. "Lets get going. I promised you eggs," He said, stepping outside and extending his hand out to the street, as if introducing her to the world. Hell, in a way, it felt like he was. After all, if the world changes every day, every time you step outside your meeting it again for the first time. Not to mention, it was day, and all the monsters were safely tucked away behind their desks and steering wheels, their masks of civility and humanity plastered on again by aftershave and expensive cologne made from goat piss.<br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oleander</strong> on <strong>02-08-2009, 06:35:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ino whimpered happily and pressed a large paw to the chest of the strange man, before giving a strong lap to his cheek and padding away happily. Approving of this handsome stranger. He wound himself about the legs of his mistress before finally dodging off into the bedroom to plop himself upon the bed and lazy about for the day like he always did. <br><br>"Red?" She questioned, slightly confused. That was an odd reference. "Are we making little red ridinghood references?" She teased. Perhaps that was it.. he wasn't a knight in shining armour, he was a hard working woodsmen, here to protect little red from the big bad wolf. She stepped out of the apartment, closing the door behind her and taking the offered initiative to go first, to move down the steps. "Eggs sound good right now." Her stomach was growling. Guess thats what she gets for not having eaten in a while.<br><br>She moved down the steps with a slight bounce, her short ponytail brushing against the back of her neck, tickling against a rather bold tattoo. Kanji. She smiled to feel the warmth of the sun upon her face. It had been a while since she had last left the apartment for breakfast so early in the day, to feel the early noon sun upon her face. She glanced back in his direction, her eyes appearing a very pale yellow in the sunlight. Another unique factor, she had eyes like a wolf. "So, lead the way mr. Woodsmen." She teased playfully. After all this was his idea.<br><br>He was the only one who knew where they were going, and in the broad daylight she doubted he was any kind of worthless scum. Only a fool would try to mislead a girl in the broad daylight. Especially someone like Alaizabel. She tucked a strand of loose hair back behind her ear and took a deep breath. Sure, she was new to this, but perhaps he would be just as nervous as she was. Granted, Laiza was rather shy when it came to life off stage. On stage, she was a different person, she dug deep in the back of her mind to drag out a side of her that was only allowed to surface then at that given moment, the rest of her was quiet, polite, and normal.. or so she thought.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Downfall347</strong> on <strong>02-08-2009, 07:57:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He laughed simply shrugging off the woodsman reference, his dream the night before already filed away as useless garbage, the product off a bad diet, of chain smoking, shit, of simply breathing in the filth of a city day in and day out. He followed her down the steps, his step brisk and quick. He had a certain excitement about him, although its source and purpose eluded even him. It was like a buzz, a flow, a heightened sense of things. He could feel the warmth of the sun on his back, could smell the silver bitterness of car exhaust, a rusted out sedan passing by. And most of all, he could see the reflections in her oh so odd eyes, and the darkness of the ink on her light skin. So, little red was also a wolf. All these connections to a children's fairy tale were getting just down right creepy by this point. <br><br>He took a deep breath, swallowing his doubts, his anxieties, and his fears. 'Just like a poker game,' He told himself, 'only, this time, I actually care if I win'. And odd thought, one who's source he couldn't find. But, he rolled with it, and smiled. "Well, best be going," He said with a sly grin, he had one of his bluff faces on. The one where he wanted everyone else to know he was up to something. Sometimes, especially in gambling, playing the fool is very profitable. "Come on, place is the best eggs in the city, promise," <br><br>He started down the street, idly lighting his first cigarette of the day, offering her one. Her tattoo had perked his curiousity, but he held back. If there was one thing he knew it was that those kinds of things had stories behind them, and sometimes they were stories you didn't feel like sharing on a first date. As if in response he felt his own shoulder blade and left arm burn where his own ink hid, his own little stories, his own secrets and mistakes. <br><br>"Oh," He said, a small grin returning to his face. "And just so you know how the story from last night ended. Those suits," He said, pointing at a small press box as they passed it, the new issue of the times plastered up for fifty cents a copy. Just through the dirty glass a few of the front articles could be seen. "Attempted Rape in Downtown, criminals recovering from wounds in hospital,'. On the cover was a snap shot of those two men from the night before, their eyes blackened and their lips split. Just an scan of the first line told the tale. The two cornered what they assumed was an innocent, helpless little girl, only to find her name was Amy Vilandry, youth martial arts champion. He grinned, "See, eventually, the rotten ones do end up getting taken out," 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oleander</strong> on <strong>02-08-2009, 08:43:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She'd come to the point in her life, where everything was like a fairytale, both the good and the bad. And she was just some unlikely maiden caught in the middle of it all. In this particular tale, she was little red riding hood. She kindly took the offered smoke, letting the white cancer rest between her full lips. Golden strands brushed out of her face as she lit it up. Taking a drag, and exhaling slowly. Letting the smoke escape through her nostrils. She was quite the odd women, most other females looked at her like she was crazy, when she played around, making rings with the smoke, or letting it out her nose. Those were often tricks you preceived males partaking in. What could she say, she wasn't very much a dainty helpless damsel. <br><br>" I'm gonna hold you to that promise, if they stink you're taking me out for dinner." She grinned playfully, wondering if he'd follow up on that bet. He seemed like a betting man, then again he was the one prancing around with a poker face. She plucked the cancer from between her lips and took in a deep breath of fresh oxygen. The morning air was brisk, and clear. The days polution hadn't quite settled in over the city just yet. Her legs still ached from the night before, the long walk home having been exercise she felt she didn't need. But all in all, stretching them out by walking more would do her some good. <br><br>She'd never imagined she'd be up this early, on a day she didn't work.. let alone going to breakfast with mister Charlie here. "So Charlie.. what do you do for a living? Are you a suit.. or a risk taker?" By this of course she meanted only two things.. did he work behind a desk, or did he strive for a living, was he a real hard working, taking risk with low end jobs like most of the world. Just trying to push his way through the every crowding population. She took another drag off her white cancer, and let the smoke slowly spiral from between her lips. Flicking the ashes in a clear direction. Trying not to burn herself.. she had a bad habbit of that. Then again, off stage she was a total clutz.<br><br>Yes, Little red was a complete and total clutz, tripping over herself, running into things, getting hit by random objects. One would say she had bad luck. A case of bad ju-ju. She agreed. But something about the ait today made her feel confident and ready to face the world. This was a day she wanted to have a happy ending. Because something about Mr. Charlie here, had her mind racing in her circles, and her head uncertain of what exactly her body wanted. There was the physical attraction to his rugged, rough appearance, and then there was the mental attraction to his odd personality. What a ditz.. she didnt have a chance in hell.<br><br>She glanced then to the direction he pointed im.. the paper. Those stupid suits had actually tried to rape a poor girl. She shook her head. Certainly they'd learned their lesson. Not every little Red Riding hood was helpless. She certainly wasn't. "Asshats." She grumbled beneath her breath. " Thats what the stupid toads get. Messing around in an alley way cornering little girls is no way to live.. its a good thing they got whats coming to them, maybe they learned a nice heart felt lesson."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Downfall347</strong> on <strong>04-08-2009, 05:06:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He simply nodded, choosing not to comment further on those two horrid faces plastered on the paper. He just took a deep breath, which was followed by a long drag from a cigarette. After all, he had every intention of making this the best day he could make it, especially where she was concerned. Sure, he didn't know her in any real way, but he knew enough, just like he knew it the night before. A good egg, a decent person in a sea of filth and lies. He shook the thought away, no sense getting all pesimistic while the sun was still up. Those kind of thoughts were best suited for long walks with mysterious strangers late at night. Not when you were taking a pretty girl out for a date.<br><br>He laughed a little, "Well then I suppose I would have to get the cook to mess up your batch if those are the stakes." Risk taker, his answer was subtle and unspoken. But the bet was on, a bet he could only hope to lose, kinda a new experience in his troubled life. Of course, there were times, in back lit rooms, with men in dark, expensive suits, where winning seemed like a one way ticket to a bullet through the forehead and a shallow, unmarked grave. Thankfully, his luck wasn't the kind where he won often at all. It was odd, well, odd to him at least. How easily he spoke with her. He had grown to rather like the image of himself as the lone soul in darkness, the single victim drowning in his debt. He had dated of course, but it was never this... fun. He never flirted, or joked, like the date was more of an obligation than a want. But with her, a girl he hardly knew, it just seemed, simple. Take her to eggs, simple as that, simple as laying down the cards.<br><br>She had a funny, careful way of walking, he silently observed as he led them around a corner, past the grizzled, ancient eyes of a news station vendor. It could mean one of two things he decided. Either she was a being of perfect grace, a learned dancer, a natural acrobat. Or, she was a total clutz who was trying desperately not to trip over herself. "Watch the step," He said as they approached a rather large crack in the sidewalk, the opposite side nearly six inches lower than the part they walked on. Some 'geological events', as the paper had called them, had lightly shook the city nearly four months earlier, and some of the side streets had yet to be fully repaired from the quake. <br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oleander</strong> on <strong>04-08-2009, 06:08:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A risk taker. She liked that. Practically purred to the idea. She giggled softly and shook her head a small chance. Brushing her bangs back out of her face. "We'll see..." She didn't like the idea of bad eggs. That was just.. wrong. But just as she opened her mouth to speak, his warning came half an inch too late and she stumbled. Dropping almost like dead weight. She hit the ground with a small startled squeal, and made to standright back up.<br><br>"I'm such a klutz.." She cursed beneath her breath, brushing herself off and feeling her face flush red with embarrassment. That blush flourished over her cheeks in a vivid crimson. The most color she had. Brushing her hands off and dusting off her knees she sighed some and looked up at him with an embarrassed smile. " I'm a bit of a klutz when its anything other than dancing. " And leave it to the bad luck to make a fool out of her. She winced a little, and realized she might have twisted her ankle. The angle at which she dropped had applied some strainers pressure and now it was throbbing.<br><br>But, in light of the morning she was going to make the better of it, and man up. She'd walk on. Couldn't really do her anymore damage than she'd already done to herself. Lord knows what Narcissus would say if he saw her knees. Thank god, she had the night off. "Even dancers aren't so graceful." She teased playfully, using her clumsiness as a bit of a joke, a conversation starter. First dates were often a little awkward in the conversation department, but she was sure a joke her two would help that.<br><br>Besides, she didn't know about him, but she was completely comfortable. Even if tripping and nearly face planting the man made concrete had ruined her chances at anything other than breakfast, she didn't care. Her flaws added character to her. Not to mention it made perfect sense, at least in her head. Pretty face, pretty body, great dancer, great personality.. she needed a few flaws.. in debt of her life, clumsy, and a bit of an odd ball to left field. She smiled to herself and stiffled a small laugh as she proceeded forward.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Downfall347</strong> on <strong>04-08-2009, 06:34:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her fall happened too fast, and by the time he extended an arm to catch her, she was already on the ground. Clutz, most certainly a clutz. "Jeez, you okay?" He asked, bending to help her up only to have her spring back up, beating him to it. He laughed when she cursed herself, admiring the lovely shade of red her face turned. What was it him that made him a sucker for a blushing girl? What was it that caught his voice in his throat, and ripped a stupid grin on his face. Wow, he thought, could I look more like a creepy bastard? Girl trips and falls and all i can do is grin like a fucking moron. He cursed himself quietly in his head, his eyes flicking over her, looking for any signs that she was hurt. Content that nothing really bad had happened, he laughed a little, "Ya know, I'm really not sure if I should be concerned or say that your cute when you blush," He said, shaking his head and following her, going slow so she wouldn't trip again. <br><br>They were close. Alfred's place was close, just around the corner and they would be there. It had been too long since his last visit. He had heard the guy had lost his daughter to some local gang violence nearly a year ago, but, by all accounts he hadn't changed much. Him and his daughter never were really close. Odd, hadn't seen the guy in over a year, and yet, when he finds a pretty girl the first thing he wants to do is take her to the old mans joint. Who knew, maybe someone was pulling some massive strings in the sky, leading his decisions. Or maybe, he was just a damned fool. <br><br>"So," He said, still glancing occasionally at her ankle, trying to figure out if she was limping or not. "what part of the world do you hail from? Or were those pictures in your apartment just for show?" He guessed the Ukraine, or maybe France, or possibly even Russia. Her accent was odd, the mixed ups and downs of hers tones almost carrying a whimsical nature that his inner voice informed him was not only fitting but also sexy as hell. He didn't let that voice out often. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oleander</strong> on <strong>04-08-2009, 06:53:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As she was coming up she caught motion he was making to help her up and she smiled sweetly, admiring his leap of faith. But then his comment, oh what a compliment! She was blushing more, if that was even possible! she turned perhaps just shade darker, and she couldn't help but smile. Those pale golden orbs graced with her inner thoughts. Thought she flinched away as she took her first step, she could feel the pain coursing up her leg. Great, not only was she a klutz, but she had injured herself on the first date. Good going Laiza. <br><br>She tucked her hands into her back pockets as they walked. Trying to keep herself from limping. She couldn't wait to get there and sit down for a change, get her weight off of her ankle. She shifted some in the way she walked. Biting the inside of her cheek to keep from whimpering. Tough girl. Most girls would have broken into sobs by this point. Not her, she knew better. She knew to keep a straight face, and to keep on moving. Babying things only made people weak... right?<br><br>She glanced to him as he questioned her nationality, she smiled some and shrugged a little. "Mainly just for show.. to remind myself part of me is still human." She winced a little at the thought. " I'm from Russia. My entire blood line was dwindled down to my brother and I. Shortly after our parents sent us here.. to go to school, our family was murdered in a revolt. So there isn't much left for us in Russia... we simply tell ourselves we're americans.. and thats how it was meant to be." Truth be told, she didn't know much of her brothers whereabouts. shortly after they'd gotten the news, he'd gone downhill. Drug abuse, gang affiliation, violence. She'd kind of distanced herself from him for safety.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Downfall347</strong> on <strong>04-08-2009, 07:22:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Another little bit of street magic, knowing when to fold, when to not press a situation and when to let things lie. It wasn't in her body language, or in her voice, but something told him one important thing, 'Don't ask about her brother,'. He took the last puff off his cancer stick, putting it out and shoving the butt into his pocket. He made it a habit not to simply toss them onto the street. City was rotten enough as it was, it didn't need his help filling the streets with shit. He simply smiled weakly, nodding, "I'm sorry about your loss," He said quietly, giving himself one long moment to slap himself several times mentally. Way to go man, he cursed at himself, make her remember her dead parents, thats the perfect way to get her to go out with you again. <br><br>Then he noticed it, the slight limp, the hidden wince. She WAS hurt. A instant flood of guilt washed over him. Just a little quicker and he would of caught her. A familiar rush of inadequacy came over him. First date and he had screwed it up. He would be lucky if she even stayed for break... no, no he wasn't going to let this go to shit. Sure, most likely she would never want to see him again after this morning but he was at least going to get this right. He knew what he wanted to do. Either ignore it or simply ask if she was alright. But both options seemed either pathetic or redundant. He knew she was hurt, so, what would a better man do?<br><br>Call it courage that came over him in that moment, call it stupidity, call it whatever you will because no matter the name, his action was the same. In one simple motion, he lifted her, taking her feet out from under her and simply plucking her from the earth. 'What the hell are you doing???!' his mind began to scream before he had even done it, but, he wasn't in control anymore. "Ya know," He said, "What kind of woodsman would I be if I let you walk on a sprain?" He said, and despite his inner protests, his rise of sudden panic and guilt, his stupid grin returned. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oleander</strong> on <strong>04-08-2009, 07:36:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"So am I. But the past is the past." She smiled reassuringly in his direction, only to moments later find herself being swept off her feet. She clung to him, startled by the sudden movement. Her legs having been swept right out from under her, and the woodsman holding her off of her feet. What a gentlemen. She couldn't help but blush terribly deep. The crimson shade flourished over her cheeks in seconds. "A very terrible woodsman." She retorted playfully. <br><br>So this was it huh, little Red was swept off her feet -quite literally- by the handsome woodsman. She couldn't seem to imagine how in the past twenty four hours her life had related so terribly close to a grim fairytale, but who was she to question whoever was pulling the springs? But even more so she felt terribly embarrassed for trying to walk on a sprained ankle and get away with it. But by the grin on his face and the look in his eyes he was doubting himself.<br><br>"You're doing fine ya know.." She said quietly, almost shyly. "I'd have to say this is the best first date so far." She teased, hoping to enlighten his spirits as well as her own. She was so worried that by being a clutz she didn't have a shot in hell.. but by the looks of things, she need not worry. Save for the odd looks they received from a few passer bys, but hey! When had the world changed so much a man couldn't help a damsel in distress... oh great. she went from being little red to a damsel in distress. Lord help her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Downfall347</strong> on <strong>04-08-2009, 08:02:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His smile only broadened at her comments, all be it a little embarrassing that she had picked up on his doubt. "Damn, and I thought I was better at bluffing," He said with a laugh, rounding one last corner, her body surprisingly light in his arms, and despite himself he had an odd spring in his step, dodging the bumps and cracks in the sidewalk that would otherwise send them both sprawling to a very bad day. He didn't pay much mind to the suits and the street rats who gawked at them, because honestly, they didn't mean anything. he was doing something right for once, and he didn't have much intention to stop anytime soon, well, at least not today. <br><br>"Alright," He said, rounding a corner, "We're here," His smile didn't fade as he indicated with a nod towards the shabby, warm looking diner. No sign hung above the door, but the places purpose was clear. A few weathered comfortable booths were visible behind the glass. It wasn't the fanciest place, or the newest. But it was warm, and inviting, and if the rich smell of spices and sizziling bacon inside was any indication, the food was good. Gently, he let her down, keeping his arm tucked around under her arm, holding her up and making sure she didn't put any pressure on her ankle. He had no real medical knowledge, but he had been hurt enough times to have the basics down. <br><br>"And don't worry about what I said. I think if I told Alfred to make a bad batch he would bash me with a frying pan," He said with a laugh, carefully leading her in. The rich smell of rosemary, chives, and egg overpowering once inside. He instantly began scanning the place for the old man. Two waitress's were out, but he was nowhere to be seen. Had to be in the back, as a rule the man never let a day go by in his place that he didn't work. Probably just cooking. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oleander</strong> on <strong>04-08-2009, 08:28:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She didn't mind being catered to. In fact this was the first time anyone had ever pampered her in any way shape or form. Well..of course Narcissus tried.. but he failed miserably. She settled onto her feet as he finally let her down, but he didn't stop there, he maintained a support. She smiled and blushed lightly looking over the place he had brought her to. Small, homey, and inviting. Plus it smelled extremely good. "Mmn.. this place looks wonderful." To top it off, not a hint of sarcasm in her voice as she followed him inside, trying not to use him for complete support. <br><br>The different spices tickled her nose and she felt her stomach responde happily. Oh, the food smelt delicious and that was when she caught his scent, something it lingered on her clothes now. She was fixated on that smell for a moment.. the aroma delight as it mingled with the smell of foods. She shook her head and gestured towards a booth. "Well, why don't we sit down and save you from getting smacked with a frying pan, which would inevitably cause me some kind of pain." She teased. <br><br>She eventually made her way over to a small booth to sit down. Getting off of her ankle and letting the muscle relax, taking the strain off. She sat in more towards the window, leaving room if he decided to sit beside her rather than across from her. But as she sat down she realized just how warm and comfortable him holding her had been. She shivered slightly and pulled her jacket on tighter. Smiling in his direction. She was perfectly content. "Besides.. I was going to let you take me out again whether or not the eggs were bad."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Downfall347</strong> on <strong>04-08-2009, 09:00:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He sat down across from her. The seats here were very well sat in, but still, comfortable. This was the kind of place you came to to spend a few hours, not just scarf it down and go, which was one of the many reasons he had chosen this place. He smiled right back across the table at her, honestly still reeling over the fact that his 'pick up the damsel' stunt had actually worked. Hell, he was shocked alot of things had worked this morning, the most surprising of all being the fact that she was still the same girl he had dropped off the night before, still a good person, and he had to admit, still a knock out. Her eyes, her hair, her smile, girl was charming as hell and cute to boot. <br><br>He nodded to her comment, "Well thats good, cause I got plenty of places like this you probably never knew of in mind," He said, glancing up in time to see a waitress headed for them. She, like so many of Alfred's workers, was a rescue from an abuse shelter. The old man had a soft spot for kids like that. Some of them got away, stayed clean, worked hard, and moved on. Others weren't so lucky, some like Al's own daughter never got out alive. <br><br>"Hello, welcome to Al's, can I get your drink order this morning?" She asked in a shrill, chipper voice. He looked up, almost out of sheer habit ordering black coffee, just like he had a hundred times before in what felt like another lifetime. She took both their orders and left. "So," He said breaking the short silence that had settled, "Do you let strangers from the bus stop take you out to breakfast often?" He teased, the sly smirk unmoved from his face.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oleander</strong> on <strong>04-08-2009, 09:14:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She laughed softly. almost shying away as she glanced down at the table only to look up as the woman approached and played out her introduction to the table. Alaizabel knew what it was like to be a waitress. Especially one plucked off the streets and given a chance at life. She'd been one of those girls, but unlike most of them, she was still trapped. "I'll just take orange juice." She replied politely. She wasn't much of a coffee drinker, she was short enough as it was, despite her long legs, she was still short. <br><br>Thne he made a sly little comment. She quirked a slender brow in a most inquistive manner. One thing she had always loved be able to do, was the raised single brow. "You're the first." She mused playfully. Lacing her fingers beneath her chin as she watched him. She had a habit of looking at a person when she was talking to them, she couldn't let her eyes wander, for then she felt her words were insincere. "You're the first person I've ever, let take me out to breakfast actually.. in almost two years." She mused again. Had it really been that long?..yes..yes it had. <br><br>She glanced out the window, catching a glimpse of one of Narcissus' lackies roaming the sidewalk, no doubt escorting one of the other dancers. She felt disgust reel in her stomach and a sense of fear. In a sense, Alaizabel was one of those 'you can look, but don't touch' pieces of his collection. She feared too much for the well being of others to allow herself to be happy. But, she decided to take a chance with Charlie. She'd been so miserable and lonely for so long, she needed a reason to get out. And far be it from her to deny that reason being a handsome man taking her to breakfast.<br><br>"But the question is.. do you always walk strangers home from the bus stop and offer to take them out to breakfast." Oh now she was just outright teasing. She liked being playful, it left the air open to anything. And made her feel more comfortable. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Downfall347</strong> on <strong>05-08-2009, 04:03:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				If she was trying to throw off the whole 'innocent maiden' image, she was doing a piss poor job of it. From the shy smiles to the fact that she hadn't shared breakfast with anyone in two years/. Of course she could be lying, could be that she did this often, and got away with it by virtue of her acting ability. But he had spent many years with liars, with cheats and thieves, and by only spending a few hours with her, he was sure she was none of these things. There was something, honest about her, something naked. Most people spend their lives wrapping themselves in layers of guilt and lies, mostly lies to themselves. No, of course my wife isn't cheating on me, no, of course I won't lose my job, and again and again and again. To meet someone like her, someone who was so easy to read, so bare, he liked it. Not to mention the immense physical attraction he had felt the second he laid eyes on her. <br><br>"Actually," He said, a little color rising to his own face, "I havn't taken anyone out to breakfast for five years now. First time I ever shared a table with someone else in here at all to boot," He said with a grin, truth in every word. This was for the longest time, his place, his sanctuary in the world. Of course he hadn't been back here in too long, life took him to places too dark, too frightening, and coming back here just seemed like a half smoked pipe dream. But, he had promised her eggs, and he meant what he said about that too, that this place had the best breakfast in town. <br><br>"So, your from russia?" He said, doing his best to impersonate a russian accent, and doing a pretty good job considering he didn't have a drop of russian blood in him, although he did pretend to be a russian man named Afon Nikiten on a Cuban pleasure cruise once. He had been there less for the cruise and more for the high stakes game that was happening in the boiler room while the rich and elite drank and fucked away the night on the deck above. "Do you remember the motherland?" He asked, keeping the accent up, only this time it was slightly less convincing, thrown off by the smirk that he couldn't seem to remove from his face. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oleander</strong> on <strong>05-08-2009, 05:36:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Now she didn't feel so bad. He hadn't been on a date longer than she had! Then again that was childish of her. She frowned slightly, the corners of her lips turning into a sweet pout. "I'm sorry..women are honestly the worst bunch. They don't know whats good for 'em." Wasn't she a woman? Yes.. Yes she was, and what she said also applied to herself. She never really knew till it had been too late. Wasn't that always the case.<br><br>As he began again, in what appeared to be a well practiced Russian accent she blushed and giggled. A sweet little giggle, nothing too highpitched. "I do remember the mother country..very vivdly. The one thing I miss most is the snow." Oh she loved the snow. The cold in general. She missed the kiss of snowflakes and the fun of playing in it. Although here, you didn't see snow but once in a blue moon. Good thing to miss it no? She relaxed again and let her hands down, easing her posture a bit. She was comfortable, even with his jokes.<br><br>&nbsp;She smiled and glanced up as the waitress approached again, setting a glass of orange juice on the table and then offering up his cup of coffee with a subtle warning.<br><br>"Careful shoog' it's hot."<br><br>She then readied herself to take their order. <br><br>"Ready to order or need another minute?"<br><br>Alaizabel glanced to Charlie then and grinned big. "You know whats best." She teased. She was going to let him order for her. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Downfall347</strong> on <strong>05-08-2009, 06:43:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He blinked, seeming frozen for just a moment. It was clear she had caught him off guard, his eyes slightly widened, his eye brows arched. "Well then," He said, looking up at the waitress. "Does Al still make the california sunrise?" He asked, a small smirk back to his face. He was a little more than shocked when she said yes, "Two of those then," He said, the girl nodding after jotting it down on a small pen pad. "Alright then, that will just be a few minutes," She said, vanishing into the back kitchen. Just distantly, he could swear he heard a laugh, a deep, gravely, exotic sound. <br><br>He looked back to her, shaking his head, remembering the last thing said. "I was raised mostly out in Colorado myself. You want snow like Russia, head up to about a mile above sea level," He said, his mind already flashing back to days long gone, funny how those memories seemed far more numerous and happy than those he had gained in this city. Although, he had to admit, this morning was quickly nearing the top of his list of happy memories. <br><br>Without thinking he raised the coffee to his mouth, taking a quick gulp, and then resisting the urge to shout as hot lava flowed down his throat. He cringed, his smirk fading slightly, and his eyes falling to the table as he held back spitting it out. He may have been new to the whole gentleman thing but he figured spewing boiling coffee on your date was a piss poor way of impressing her. He coughed, "Damn, she wasn't kidding," He said with a laugh, his lips still burning from the searing heat of the fresh coffee. He coughed again, wiping off his face, "Suppose its what I get for not paying attention," He shook his head, another small laugh escaping his mouth. Nice, only forty minutes in and she had messed up her ankle and he had scalded his mouth. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oleander</strong> on <strong>05-08-2009, 07:04:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She watched the look on his face. Surprise. She stifled a small giggle and took a small sip from her orange juice, listening to his words. "I 'spose so..." Her voice kinda trailed, lingering faintly over the idea.. but she knew she couldn't leave town without some kind of thorough investigation being held. She was his property and he didn't like damaged goods. She shook her head some and smiled brightly taking another sup only to watch him with wide eyes as he took a wide gulp of that scorchin' coffee. She nearly gagged from laughter at the look in his eyes. <br><br>Oh dear.. she was laughing at him. "You poor baby!" She exclaimed out of force of habbit, She waved down the waitress " Can I get a cup of ice please?" The woman brought over the cup of ice and using two fingers Laiza plucked out a small piece, and leaned across the table, a bit awkwardly but carefree as she pressed the ice to his lips. "Here.. open up and suck on this a little, it'll help sooth your taste buds." She knew that had to hurt. She'd done it before, hence the reason she stopped drinking coffee. Even on hot foods, or soups, she learned an icecube always helped sooth the sting.<br><br>If he'd open his mouth she'd gently push the cube past his lips and sit back down, if he refused, she would merely shrug and suck on it herself. The outcome depended on his move. He'd helped her.. now she was going to help him. Amazing how this date was going so far, she had a sprained ankle he'd just burned his tongue from lack of attention. She smiled, trying to stifle another small giggle to the thought.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Downfall347</strong> on <strong>05-08-2009, 08:11:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He didn't blame her for laughing, after all it was his own damn fault he had burned himself, and he had to admit, it was funny. He held back another laugh of his own, knowing it would most likely hurt to laugh at the moment, even if the look on her face was priceless. He watched her order the glass of ice, and began reaching for it himself when suddenly he found a cold chill pressed against his lips, slender fingers holding it against him. He laughed in the back of his throat, opening his mouth just enough for the ice cube to slip inside, feeling the cool melting waters rush over his taste buds, cooling off the scalding burns, the pain dissipating. "Gee," He said with a laugh, "Thanks nurse," He laughed, shaking his head, swallowing the semi melted cube, feeling it chill his throat all the way down. <br><br>He pushed back the rush of red that threatened his face, keeping his calm as best. "Man, don't I know how to show a girl a good time. A sprain, a burn, after this let's go get into a gun fight with some mobsters downtown," He said, a hint of teasing sarcasm in his voice, just enough to make sure she knew he was joking and not insane. He had to be careful, after all, enough crazies in this city for her to have to worry about it, last thing he wanted was her thinking he just escaped a white suit and a padded room. <br><br>He took another piece of ice, popping it into his mouth and moving it between his cheeks before swallowing it, letting the ice cool down the spots that skill burned from the coffee, all the while trying to commit the look on her face when he burned himself to memory. He had never seen someone who looked so torn between worry and perfect amusement. On most people the expression would of seemed silly, on her however it had a certain endearing quality. Damn, he thought to himself, he had better stop finding reasons to like this girl or he was going to find himself carrying her off by the end of the day. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oleander</strong> on <strong>06-08-2009, 01:17:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She smiled and laughed softly. Nurse? Oh she was no nurse, she'd burnt her tongue quite a few times. She was a professional clutz after all. "Not a problem." She cooed playfully, before taking another sip of her orange juice. Listening to his sarcastic comment, she rolled her eyes playfully and huffed a little. "That's just what I need.. more mobsters trying to either put holes in me that don't belong." She laughed a little and shook her head. Leaning her cheek against her palm as she watched him.<br><br>A slender brow rose in amused curiousity. He was quite the character, she hadn't laughed so much in ages.. despite a sprainedd ankle and his now burnt taste buds. Next thing you knew, their date was going to be taking them both to the ER. Which she should probably visit later in the day anyway, just to get her ankle checked out. She shook her head some to herself and smiled. Oh, he had charm alright. That rugged look, that charming smile, even his laugh. His sense of humor.. it all tied together so well. Oh, but she best stop putting things together, finding herself more and more attracted to him would be a bad idea.<br><br>Nothing hurt worse than watching a wonderful person being caused pain because of something she had done.. or the way she lives. Besides.. most people thought Dancers like her were easy..right? Right. That was a load of bull in her case. She could play hard to get quite well.. but at the moment she was failing miserably. A piss poor job at being edgy. She was being outright open like a story book. Which wasn't exactly a bad idea. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Downfall347</strong> on <strong>09-08-2009, 19:07:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His eyebrows arched, a sly grin spreading on his face. "More mobsters? Now what was little Red doing with mobsters in the first place?" He said, laughing quietly. To is own shock this seemed to be going... well. She was laughing, despite her ankle, and he found himself liking her more every moment. She had a sharp wit, an amazing body, a cute face, and most important, she had a good heart. He swallowed hard, taking a smaller, more careful sip of his coffee. He could feel it, the surge of guilt, of absolute knowledge that he was no where near good enough for someone like her, that for all these good moments she would only end up hurt, or worse. That even more likely than that, she most likely wouldn't want anything to do with him after they left this place. He felt all this coming, and promptly gave it the mental middle finger. Dammit, he was enjoying himself, and for the first time in ten years he didn't feel the greed, the need to calculate, to strategize, and to shuffle that worn deck of yellowed playing cards. <br><br>"Although," He said, recollecting himself and setting the cup of coffee back down. "I could see it. By day your just a cute girl who lets strangers tae her to breakfast, by night, a secret hit woman for the mob," He said, snickering under his breath and looking up just in time to see the waitress return. She placed two plates down in front of them before vanishing back into the kitchen. The California Sunrise was in fact just scrambled eggs, bacon, and a few lines of ketchup. But it was the art work in the dish that made it a house special. The eggs were arranged in the center and outskirts of the plate, the bacon strips placed to be a mountain range below. Red lines of ketchup radiated out to give the odd image of a sun rising above mountains of bacon. "Just like old times," He whispered under his breath when he saw it. A million memories flashed through his head, and he ignored them all. After all, he was enjoying the present far too much.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oleander</strong> on <strong>15-08-2009, 20:10:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She giggled.. which inevitably turned into a full blown laugh. Soft, but sweet. He had humor, rogue-ish looks, a great smile and a deep laugh. He was painting himself an image she wouldn't ever forget. Her mind working to make a permanent place in her memories for this morning. She'd never been treated so fairly, or had so much fun since she'd arrived here a few years ago. She listened to his little joke, sweet girl by day, mobster hitman by night. She laughed. "Who are you kidding?! ME?!? A hitman? C'mon, I can barely walk on my own two feet without stumbling.. what the hell do you think would happen if I had a gun?"<br><br>Her own little humor. That was when the waitress came back into view and set the plates down. She glanced over the artwork of the plate. How everything had been positioned with heart and perfection to immitate the sunrise over a mountain ridge. Something that stood out very boldly in her memories. Memories of the sunrise coming over the northern mountain ridge back in her home country, a childhood memory but a deep one none the less. She smiled and looked up at him. "You're gonna have to take me to dinner for making me feel absolutely horrible." She pouted playfully as she pointed at the plate. " You're making me eat a work of art, how could you!?" She teased.<br><br>A laughing smile on her lips as she looked for the silverware to get a small nibble at the eggs first, she was an odd one alright, but damn proud of it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Downfall347</strong> on <strong>03-09-2009, 22:40:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He grinned, glancing up at her as he picked at his own bacon mountain range. It was odd, he had expected the old man to make an appearance. Then again, it had been a hell of a long time since he had seen him. Who knew what time and this city had done to him. He had always been so concerned about the local crime rate, with the new drugs the kids were on, the way innocent little girls were reduced to standing on the street corner. A man always worries like that about things he can't change, eventually it can take a toll on the soul. He returned his focus full on to his rather odd but incredible date. First of all she was a bomb shell, and only in the best kinds of ways, she was funny, could keep up with conversation, was undeniably cute, had one hell of a mind, and he had to admit, was a total fucking weirdo. But, he wasn't exactly the most ordinary of men either. <br><br>"Just remember," He said with a laugh, "You don't need a gun, if ya got a good enough bluff,". He took another careful sip of his coffee, not that he really needed it. This date already had him wired, awake, and excited in a way he could only equate to just drawing the fourth ace of your hand. Maybe thats what she was, an ace in the hole. The ace of diamonds, or was she the ace of hearts? He took a bite of the eggs. "Well. That is rude of me now isn't it. I'll just have to make it up to you over dinner. I think i got the place that would adequately make up for my foolishness." He bowed his head a little, smiling and coming to the sudden realization that he hadn't gone this long without a cigarette in months. Damn, being around her was having all kinds of effects, not that he or his lungs were complaining. <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Narcissus in Chains [Downfall347 &amp; Oleander]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oleander</strong> on <strong>10-09-2009, 03:43:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Now that was amusing. Though, her bluff could use some work, she'd been quite the card player in her younger days, hustling tabletops as well as pool games. She took a bite of her eggs and nearly choked as he agreed to her dinner propositon. She had said it half heartedly as a joke and had not once expected him to take her seriously. Her cheeks flourished in a deep crimson. She set her fork down and reached over gently pressing her finger tips beneath his chin to make him look up at her before he could take his next bite, a very apologetic look on her features.<br><br>"Hey, Charlie, Don't get the wrong idea okay? I'm not trying to use you for free meals or something. It was a joke, you don't have to.."<br><br>And in that particular moment as she apologized, her voice had taken on a rather soft, but very sultry russian accent. Those molten gold orbs stared at him with a deep concern. She felt like an idiot, as if she had just made a complete fool of herself and offended him. That was one of her biggest flaws, she worried too much if she offended others, she relied almost solely upon their opinions of her. She was always shameful if her first impression was a dud. <br><br>To her, making a good impression was very important, it had been how she was raised, and she knew no better. Being a dancer, first impressions really hit hard.. either you were hot.. and you danced.. or you failed miserably in the business, there were no second chances in her life.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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