Guardian Angel (one on one)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Lyria on 07-05-2006, 19:34:31</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>07-05-2006, 19:34:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina collapsed to the floor…the gunshots had fallen silent, but that didn’t mean she was safe. With trembling hands she pulled her cell phone from her purse. Even with a number as short as 911, it took several tries to get it right. As it rang she crawled through the glass and splattered blood to the corner, closing her eyes against the fallen law officers. <br><br>She pulled her knees to her chest and tried to shrink into a ball. When 911 answered her voice was weak and very shaky, tears filling her eyes. <br><br>“Hello…we need help….they came shooting, and they’re all dead I think…oh god…”<br><br>She buried her face in her free hand, her body shaking violently. If only she had gone to the police immediatley...these men wouldn't have had to die. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>07-05-2006, 19:38:48</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip carefully entered the room, his gun drawn. He could see the policemen on the floor, some of the already dead. Kip moved beside Nina and took the phone from her. He gave the operator the address, then grabbed the trembling girl by the arm. "We need to leave," he said. "Now. They'll be back, and soon. Come with me if you want to live."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>07-05-2006, 19:49:20</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina looked up wide-eyed at the man who had entered the room. She nodded silently as the tears ran down her cheeks and let him take her by the arm. Somehow her shaking legs found the power to support her and she stood. Blood ran down from her knees where she had crawled through the glass, but she couldn't feel it. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>07-05-2006, 20:14:41</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip guided her outside, and into the front seat of a truck that was waiting. "Lay down," he told her. Kip reached out to fasten the seatbelts around Nina, so that she wouldn't just go flying thru the windshield in the event of an accident, then climbed in beside her. Nina's head lay propped against his thigh as he drove away quickly. "We'll have to get you cleaned up," he said. "Are you hurt at all?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>07-05-2006, 20:21:20</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina shook her head again, then realized she should try and talk. <br><br>"N-no...just...just cuts..."<br><br>The fear sat in the pit of her stomach like a burning ball of lead. It was slowly growing as the adrenalin that had rushed through her during the gun battle faded away. It was washing over her chest and to her throat. She turned her face to the stranger's thigh, not caring about propriety and the moment, and sobbed lightly, one hand coming to rest next to her head on his thigh, gripping it tightly. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>07-05-2006, 21:16:38</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip slid one of his hands down, stroking Nina's face as she cried. "I'll get you cleaned up then," he said. "I've got antiseptic and stuff in my bag." Kip continued to stroke the woman's hair lightly as he drove to a motel on the outskirts of Chicago. He pulled up to one of the rooms, backing in as he did so.<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;"Okay," he said. "Sit up and try to look normal. No one's close enough to see your face, so if you can just manage to walk into the room, everything should be jake, understand?" Turning off the engine, Kip unfastened his seatbelt and leaned over Nina, freeing her as well.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>07-05-2006, 21:22:43</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The hand on her hair was soothing, and soon the sobs faded to just tears. When they stopped and the man gave his instructions, Nina realized she'd been crying into his leg. "I'm sorry." She mumbled as she sat up. She felt a little foolish, and her hands came up to wipe at her face. <br><br>She had to get a hold of herself, she wasn't prone to such displays...everything had just...she'd never seen violence and death like that, and it was all because they were trying to protect her. Taking a deep breath she nodded as he asked if she understood. "Yes, I'm fine now." She didn't feel fine, but that was beside the point.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>09-05-2006, 17:28:07</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Good," Kip said shortly. He opened the door of the truck and got out, reaching a hand up to help Nina out as well. He closed the door, then casually walked her to the door of the motel. Leaning down he whispered in her ear, "If we're lucky, anyone watching will think that we're having an affair, and won't think twice."<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip opened the door and held it while Nina walked inside. He quickly scanned their surroundings, then closed the door, turning to face her. "You need a hot shower," he said. "Get in, and I'll get my bag out of the truck. I'm sure I've got something you can wear." Kip walked to the bathroom and turned on the light, making sure there were enough towels and soap and all. "You should have everything you need," he said, turning back to her. "If you need anything else, let me know."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>09-05-2006, 17:32:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina let him lead her from the truck, taking a deep shaky breath. At his whisper she shivered a little from the feel of his breath on her ear, and then blushed at his comment. She supposed he was right, poeple would probably assume that...something very out of her character. <br><br>Once inside the room Nina looked around curiously. It was like any other hotel room. She listened quietly as he gave her instructions and nodded to show she understood. When he prepared to leave her alone she smiled softly. <br><br>"Thank you."<br><br>She was still shaky but tried to hide it. <br><br>With a small nod she turned and entered the bathroom and sat down a moment, just putting her face in her hands and breathing deeply. Was this place any safer than the last? She realized she had no idea who this man was. He had come in with a gun drawn, grabbed by the arm and took her with him. And she had willingly gone. But who was he? He could be one of them for all she knew. <br><br>But he had been so kind, stroking her face and hair and letting her weep. And if he was going to hurt her, wouldn't he have done it by now? There would have been a hundred opportunities to pull off the road and shoot her if he wanted. No, he didn't feel like a threat at all...still...she'd been stupid. <br><br>Deciding to not think about it anymore, she took his advice and turned on the shower. A hot shower always soothed her. She took a moment to look at the cuts on her knees, there didn't seem to be any glass embedded in her skin, and then disrobed, neatly folding her wrikled and dirty clothes and laying them on the sink. She then stepped into the hot water and turned her face into it, letting the water wash away the day. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>09-05-2006, 23:01:02</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Once Kip heard the shower come on, he went back to his truck, grabbing his bags. He locked the truck and carried the bags back into the room, locking the door behind him. He sat the bags on the small desk, then walked to the bathroom door. Kip knocked, then opened the door. He could see Nina's form behind the curtain, but the opaque material hid any details. She was evidently washing her hair, judging from her position. Kip grabbed Nina's clothes off the counter and took them back into the other room. Taking a plastic bag from one of his duffels, he placed Nina's clothes in them, then took the bag outside. <br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip walked across the parking lot to the truck-stop beside the motel. He placed the sack in the wheel-well of a semi, then went inside the diner, getting two bacon cheeseburgers with fries and some cokes before returning to the motel room. As he'd suspected, Nina was still in the shower. Kip opened the door once again and said, "When you're ready, I've got food."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>09-05-2006, 23:14:57</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina didn’t hear him knock the first time, she was washing her hair and had her face right under the water. She was washing it and hoping to wash away some of the memory of the day, and the situation. But after a few seconds she felt the rush of cold air and opened her eyes curiously. His form was behind the curtain, but before she could say anything, he was gone, leaving her alone again. <br><br>She meant to get out of the shower quickly, but the hot water was just too soothing, and it was too easy to pretend that what was going on beyond the shower wasn’t. She leaned her forehead against the tile and just let the water pound on her. <br><br>After an indeterminate amount of time she heard his voice again, and jumped. Food. That was a good thought. She hadn’t really ate for a long while, and she felt her stomach clench. Nina called out timidly from the shower, her voice echoing softly. <br><br>“I’m ready…”<br><br>She waited until the door closed, and then shut off the water and grabbed a towel, wrapping it around herself, her hair dripping. She didn’t see any clothes. Blushing deeply she cracked the door. <br><br>“I…I need something to wear.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>10-05-2006, 00:44:12</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Yeah, right," Kip said. He sighed, and rummaged thru the bag with his clothes. Pulling out a t-shirt, Kip walked to the bathroom door. "Here," he said, holding it up to the door. Thru the crack, Kip could see Nina's reflection in the mirror, and while she may've covered her front, the towel gapped in the back, giving him an extremely clear view of her bottom.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>10-05-2006, 02:44:43</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina had no idea about the mirror, and if she had, she would have been horrified. Her wet hand reached out the door and accepted the t-shirt. She waited for a moment to see if there was anything else coming. When there didn’t seem to be, she didn’t know what to do. Should she ask? Or just play it cool. <br><br>Deciding she would try the t-shirt and see how long it was, she thanked him softly and shut the door. Alone again in the bathroom she set the t-shirt where she had set her clothing before. That must have been why he had been in the bathroom in the first place, he needed her clothes. Forensic evidence maybe? Couldn’t he at least have left her the bra and panties? <br><br>After drying her hair as best she could with a towel, and drying her skin, she slipped the t-shirt over her head. It slipped down over her small frame and came to rest below her mid-thigh. Still…she felt awfully exposed, and while there might be a lot of baggy fabric, it was soft and fell over the swells of her breasts, and it was growing damp from where her hair fell. <br><br>Nina opened the door to the bathroom and timidly peeked out. <br><br>“Um, I don’t suppose you have anything that…that I can wear on the bottom? Boxers even…or…”<br><br>She bit her lip and stopped speaking…none of his pants would probably fit her, they would fall right off. <br><br>The smell of the food prompted her to take a couple of steps out of the bathroom. She hadn't eaten in over twenty-four hours and was starving. Her stomach made an audible growl, and she bashfully laid her hand on it. <br><br>"Thank you for the food."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>12-05-2006, 03:51:23</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"No, sorry," Kip said. "All I've got are jeans." He paused, then shrugged. "No one's going to see you here anyway, so it doesn't really matter." When she thanked him for the food, Kip shook his head. "You need to eat," he said. "It's one of the rules ... eat when you can, becos you don't know when you may not have the chance again. I hope you like hamburgers ... I just wanted to get something fast."<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Moving away from the room's only bed, Kip began rummaging thru his second bag. "I know it's in here ..." he muttered, digging thru things. "Here we go," Kip said, pulling out a small metal box. Turning to Nina, Kip said, "Sit on the edge of the bed and let me look at your legs."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>12-05-2006, 04:08:07</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina looked at the food, but moved to sit on the edge of the bed. She did her best to keep the shirt under her, and to keep it down over her thighs, but it seemed to ride up. Nina burned with embarrassment. Her wet hair fell over her shirt, making it damp where it rest. <br><br>She put her hands in her lap, trying to maintain some modesty, and looked at the man moving around in front of her. She didn't think a police man or a detective would drive a truck, but she didn't really know. <br><br>"Who are you? I mean...what is your name? Do you have a badge?"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>12-05-2006, 19:17:40</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"You can call me Kip," Kip said. He reached for the jacket he'd set on the back of the desk chair and slid his hand inside, pulling out a slim wallet, which he flipped open. A silver badge and ID card were inside, with his photo and the name Kipling Corvus. "Satisfied?" Kip asked, flipping the wallet closed and replacing it in his jacket. He picked up Nina's plate and handed it to her. "Here," Kip said. "You can eat while I check your legs."<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip walked into the bathroom and got one of the small towels. Bringing it back to Nina, he told her, "Place this under the plate, and hold it while you eat, alright?" Once she'd taken the plate, Kip grabbed his medkit and knelt down in front of Nina. He slid his hands up her calves, spreading her legs slightly as he did so. "Tell me where it hurts," Kip said, looking up into her eyes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>12-05-2006, 19:25:53</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				At the sight of the badge she felt very foolish and smiled sheepishly. <br><br>“Sorry.”<br><br>She wasn’t sure what else to really say about it, but he was moving on anyway, handing her the food, and then retreating to the bathroom for a towel. As she lay the small towel across her thighs she realized she could have wrapped a towel around her waist and had some more coverage. At the time she hadn’t been thinking. <br><br>As he knelt in front of her she took a small bite of her cheeseburger, and snuck a look at him from under her lashes. She stopped chewing, and breathing, when she felt his large warm palm on her calf. Nina froze for just a moment, looking down at him as he looked up at her. <br><br>She swallowed the food in her mouth and stammered out a response. <br><br>“My, uh…knees. Just…just got a little cut is all. I’m sure they’re…they’re fine.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>13-05-2006, 18:24:21</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Hrm," Kip muttered, still caressing Nina's calves. "So this feels okay then?"<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip moved his hands to the backs of Nina's knees, spreading her legs a bit more as he did so. He then slid one hand between her legs, lifting one leg up so that her foot rested on his knee as he knelt in front of her. "It doesn't look too bad," Kip said, glancing up to look into Nina's eyes. "I'll put some stuff on it, but we'll need to watch it to make sure it's not infected."<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip reached down and opened the metal box. He took out a small bottle, and unscrewed the lid. When Kip pulled it off, the lid was attached to a small brush, which he brought to Nina's knee. "Get ready," Kip said. "This is going to burn." He brushed the oitment across Nina's knee, swabbing the various cuts and scrapes, while holding her leg steady with his other hand so that she wouldn't jerk away.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>13-05-2006, 19:38:41</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina just placed the plate in her lap and held it as he stroked teh creamy skin of her leg. It was a somewhat inappropriate touch, but not so inappropriate she could be sure he meant it that way. It could just be innocent and she was being sensitive. But his palm on her calf was very distracting, and there was no way she could eat or do anything other than try and not show what it was doing to her, good and bad. Her heart beat a bit faster just from that simple touch, which was so much more than she'd had for so long.&nbsp; When he asked if caressing her calves felt ok she just nodded slowly<br><br>“Yes, that feels…” <em>wonderful amazing sensual </em> “…fine.”<br><br>When he said the liquid was going to burn she put the plate next to her on the bed and prepared for it. She wasn’t very good about pain, and when the brush hit her cut she winced and bit her lip and did try and jerk away. Kip’s grip was strong though, and the effort was futile. She held his eyes with hers and tried not to look like a big baby.&nbsp; <br><br>“Ow…”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>13-05-2006, 19:41:57</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"I told you," Kip said. He'd felt Nina tense at the first touch of the brush, but his grip on her leg was strong enough that she didn't move. Once Kip had covered her knee with the unguent, he replaced the brush in the bottle and leaned forward, blowing softly on her knee. "It'll stop hurting in a little while," Kip murmured, his lips barely an inch from Nina's skin.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>13-05-2006, 19:51:39</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina gripped the bedspread on the bed on either side of her and grit her teeth. It burned worse as it sat. When he brought his lips close to her skin the burning suddenly became secondary. She was practically nude sitting on a hotel bed with an attractive man she barely knew kneeling on the floor in front of her, his lips a scant inch from her skin. Her cheeks turned pink as her mind wandered down old paths long ago abandoned, and she swallowed nervously. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>13-05-2006, 20:11:33</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;As he felt Nina start to relax, Kip switched his grip to her other leg, and repeated the process. This knee had a larger gash on it, so Kip was prepared for the pain to be worse, and when Nina reacted, he held her leg even more firmly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>13-05-2006, 20:19:05</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				When the ointment hit the larger gash, Nina felt like Kip had shoved a hot poker into her knee. She reacted instantly and without thinking, and unlike her normal character, somewhat violetly. She planted her small foot on his chest and pushed. His grip was like a vice though, and it was a wasted effort. She didn't give up though, and brought her other foot up to help, her leg struggling to break his grip. Her eyes teared heavily and she had to grit her teeth hard to keep from yelling out. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>14-05-2006, 22:55:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip held on to Nina, blowing softly on her knee and trying to ignore her other foot flailing wildly around his head. Soon enough, he knew, the pain would ease up .... Unfortunately, Nina didn't appear willing to wait; her other foot connected with Kip's forehead with enough force to rock him back, momentarily stunning him. Kip didn't lose his grasp on Nina however; instead, he ended up pulling her down on the floor, her shirt riding up as she fell.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>14-05-2006, 23:08:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina felt her shirt ride up and suddenly the pain was less important. She landed on his legs. Her dark eyes widened and she scrambled to pull her shirt down, clamping her legs together in an effort to hide herself. Her quiet voice rose in volume. It still wasn't a real yell, but for her it was much louder than normal, pleading.<br><br>"Let go of me!"<br><br>After fixing the shirt as best she could, which wasn't very well given the angle he now held her leg at, she reached up and grabbed the small towel laying it over the place her thighs met her sex. <br><br>"Please!"<br><br>Nina was bright red from embarassment and pain. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>14-05-2006, 23:19:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Uh ..." Kip winced, shaking his head. "Be still," he said, grabbing Nina's shoulders and shaking her. He'd seen just a flash of what he thought might've been her lower lips, but the kick to his head had distracted him. "Look," Kip said, his voice low and dangerous, "you want to stay alive, you'll do what I tell you to. Understand?" He shook her again, not hard, but enough to let her know he was serious.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>14-05-2006, 23:29:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina stopped moving. He had grabbed her and shook her, catching her completely by surprise. And his voice had definately made it clear there was no debate in this matter. She looked down and away from him and just bit her lip against the feeling in her knee. The pain was starting to fade, even though the embarassment was growing. She muttered an apology.<br><br>"I'm sorry."<br><br>The past few days had been hard on her, and this man was her hope of staying alive. He was right, she needed to do what he said, even if at the moment he frightened her a little.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>14-05-2006, 23:47:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Good," Kip said, releasing her and moving away. He reached a hand up to rub at his face where she'd kicked him, then moved to look in the mirror. "This is gonna look great in the morning," he muttered, rubbing at the bruise which was already starting to form. Turning back to Nina, Kip said, "Finish eating. We'll need to get an early start in the morning, so we'll go to bed early."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>15-05-2006, 00:04:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina stayed on the floor a minute composing herself. She hadn't meant to kick him, and hand't meant to act the way she had, things had just been so rough the past few days. She grit her teeth and took several deep breaths, pulling her knees to her chest and resting her forehead on her knees. The stress was getting to her.<br><br>She knew there was one bed in the room, but felt she couldn't ask or question it. He was worried about their safetly, and if he thought this was best, she would just go along with it...for now. <br><br>Nina eventually pulled herself off the floor and took her plate of food to the small table in the corner. She didn't feel like eating and just stared at it. She could feel a bruise starting on her second leg where he had gripped her. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>15-05-2006, 00:08:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip turned from the mirror and looked at the scared girl for a moment. He walked over to her and stood beside her chair, and when he spoke, his voice was gentle. "You need to eat," Kip said softly. "Please. I don't want you to get sick, okay?" Kip reached down and picked up one of the tater-tots on her plate. Holding it to Nina's lips, Kip said, "Eat, Nina. Please."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>15-05-2006, 00:25:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When he stood by her chair she waited before looking up at him, not knowing if he was still upset with her or not. At his gentle voice she looked up and saw the red mark where the bruise was going to form. She hadn't realized she'd kicked him that hard, and felt bad, guilt settling on her features. <br><br>When he brought the food to her lips she was a little taken aback. It was one thing to want her to eat, and another to actually feed her. But she did part her full lips and let him feed her that one tator tot. She was quick to take another with her own hand. Her voice was soft again when she spoke, and she looked remorseful. <br><br>"I'm really sorry about your face...I'm not very good with pain."<br><br>She nodded to the other chair. <br><br>"Why don't you get your food and sit."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>15-05-2006, 00:28:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip smiled softly at Nina as she began eating. "It's okay," he said. "I've had worse." He sat down next to her and began eating his own burger. "Is this okay?" he asked. "I didn't know what you'd like, and I was trying to hurry, but we can get something else tomorrow, if you prefer."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>15-05-2006, 19:34:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A timid smile curled the corners of Nina's lips and she nodded softly. <br><br>"It's fine."<br><br>Her smile widened just a little, shyly teasing, as she nervously brushed the still damp hair from her shoulders. <br><br>"But...maybe tomorrow we can get something from another food group."<br><br>Nina picked up another tator tot but paused before popping it into her mouth. <br><br>"Where <em>are</em> we going to go?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>16-05-2006, 23:44:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Sure," Kip said. "Let me know what you like to eat, and I'll do my best. I was just trying to hurry." Noticing that she'd quit eating, Kip stood and stretched. "Why don't you go ahead and get ready for bed," he said, moving towards one of his bags. Kip pulled out a shaving kit and walked back to set it beside the sink. <br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;"You ought to have everything you need in there," Kip said. "There's a new toothbrush, as well as floss and whatever else you need. There's extra razors too, tho' you certainly don't need one." He paused, thinking, then turned to face her. "When does your monthly cycle begin?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>16-05-2006, 23:53:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"This meal was fine, really."<br><br>At the mention of bed she wondered again about the sleeping arrangements. If she weren't half nude it might not be as much of a concern. But even though she was, she didn't bring up any concern, knowing he was in charge, and the professional here. <br><br>At his comment about the razors she blushed deep deep red, and looked away, taking a drink of her coke. She wondered if he meant her legs, or if he might have seen something else. The embarassment over that shadowed any anxiousness about the question of her cycle. <br><br>"I...uh...just finished my cycle a couple of days ago. Do you have any moisturizer?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>16-05-2006, 23:56:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Good," Kip nodded. "And no, I don't have any moisturiser ... I don't use it." He half-shrugged, then walked over to Nina, placing the back of his hand on her cheek. "You certainly don't seem to need it either," he said. "Your skin is plenty soft." Kip's voice was even, as if he were discussing the weather, but there was a slight change to the look in his eyes when he touched Nina.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>17-05-2006, 00:11:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At the touch of his fingers to her cheek she glanced away timidly and blushed lightly again. His hand was gentle and warm against her cheek...a feeling she had not felt for several years. It was an intimate touch, something usually only shared between people much closer than she and this man. <br><br>Nina swallowed before speaking again. Her voice was barely more than a whisper, and her dark-eyed gaze found his again. <br><br>"I don't seem to need it because...because I use it."<br><br>She didn't know how to read his look, but felt a strange fluttering in her stomach. Nina unconsciously wet her lips and parted them to speak again. <br><br>"I better get ready then..." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>17-05-2006, 00:36:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Are you alright?" Kip asked, stepping even closer to her, a look of concern in his eyes. "You're not going into shock are you? Your skin is flushed and you r having trouble breathing." Standing as close to her as if he were about to kiss her, Kip brushed the still damp hair back from Nina's temples. "Do you feel lightheaded?" he asked.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>17-05-2006, 00:48:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She shook her head softly, looking up at him. He scared her a little, and made her nervous. <br><br>"No, I'm fine...really. Just...just a rough couple of days."<br><br>Nina tried to will her feet to move away from him, but she felt like he was a magnet and she were a heavy peice of metal. There was somthing about his presence that held her within his orbit, and she swallowed nervously as he seemed to look right through her with his sea colored eyes. <br><br>She was not used to being touched at all, except maybe for a handshake now and then. This was all much much closer than she was used to. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>18-05-2006, 00:07:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Okay then," Kip nodded. "Go get ready for bed, alright?" He stepped away from her, moving to the desk. Kip gathered their food into one container, dropping the other into the trash. He began emptying his pockets while waiting for Nina to get thru.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>18-05-2006, 00:17:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Once he stepped away she was able to move again, and let out her breath slowly. She walked carefully to the sink, not wanting the t-shirt to ride up her legs as she walked. Peeking in the shaving kit she found the extra toothbrush, and the toothpaste and floss. She thouroughly brushed her teeth one by one, and then flossed carefully. When finished she took a washcloth and wet it, wiping carefully at the skin of her face, trying to remove any traces of makeup. She wasn't about to use that harsh soap without moisurizer. When she was done her skin had a soft pink glow to it. Not having a hair brush she had to be content to run her fingers through her hair, loosening any tangles. <br><br>Even with all that had gone on, all the stress and anxiety, Nina was exhausted. Or maybe it was because of all of the stress and anxiety, she didn't know, but the bed looked inviting. Her stomach clenched a bit nervously, not knowing what the sleeping arrangements were going to be, but suspecting they were sharing the bed. <br><br>Nina quietly walked over to the bed, choosing the far side, and slipped between the cool sheets. She lay down facing away from the room, giving Kip any privacy he might need, but listening to his movements. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>18-05-2006, 03:30:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Once she was in bed, Kip sighed heavily, relaxing. He walked to the sink and brushed his teeth, then went into the bathroom to use it. Once finished he came back out and washed his hands, wondering what Nina had thought of his skin-lotion soap. He flicked his hands, drying them off, then moved over to turn out the lights. Once the room was in darkness, Kip stripped his shirt off and undid the top two buttons of his jeans. He sat in the room's only chair and pulled off his running shoes, then leaned back, placing his feet on the desk and trying to get comfortable.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>18-05-2006, 04:12:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina listened as he moved about the room, getting ready. Once the light went out she expected to fee' the other side of the bed sink with his body weight. Instead she heard him settle into the chair. At first she was quite relieved, but then she felt guilty. He was going to be awake and alert, and they had a long trip tomorrow like he said, she guessed they were driving. He couldn't drive after sleeping in a chair. <br><br>Nina lay there for what seemed like many minutes debating on what the right thing to do would be. She was exhausted, but there was no way she would be able to sleep knowing he was in an uncomortable chair. And truth be told, she was still shaken from the gun fight that afternoon. Having him closer might actually be comforting...and she trusted him...mostly. <br><br>Her soft voice reached for him in the darkness. <br><br>"Please don't take this the wrong way, but it's silly for you to be in that chair. The bed is large enough for two. You need your sleep."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>19-05-2006, 01:56:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Are you sure?" Kip asked, his voice reaching thru the darkness to caress Nina softly. Hesitantly, she said, "Y-yes ...." A few minutes later Kip's weight settled onto the mattress. After taking off his socks, he slid beneath the blanket. "Alright then," Kip said. He paused a moment, then added, "Just you know ... don't try anything funny. I don't kiss on the first date."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>19-05-2006, 02:40:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina tensed as he got in the bed. She had invited him in of course, and made herself relax. It was better for both of them that he get some sleep. At his comment she actually laughed very softly...the first laugh in many days. <br><br>"Well...you haven't asked me on a date. So I think you are safe."<br><br>She grabbed her pillow and held it tight, her cheek resting on it as she stared into the darkness. She was so tired, but sleep would not come. Every time her eyelids closed she would see a random flash from the murder. The blood. The hole in the end of the gun. The click....there was always something. And now the fallen bodies of the officers were there as well, dancing in and out of her thoughts. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>19-05-2006, 17:43:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip could hear Nina's breathing, and knew she hadn't been able to fall asleep. Carefully, giving her plenty of time to pull away, he slid his arm beneath her pillow and curled it around her back. "Where were you born?" Kip asked softly, letting the palm of his hand come to rest softly on her shoulder.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>19-05-2006, 19:03:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She felt him moving closer, but his touch wasn't overwhelmingly intimate. In a way it was welcome in the dark. It brought out of her thoughts and back to the hotel room where there wasn't any blood or gunshots. The hand on her shoulder was warm and comforting, even though he was basically a stranger and they were sharing a bed, both almost nude. Nina tried to stop the trembling that had consumed her once the light had gone out. <br><br>"Texas...a small town called Amyville, outside of Lubbock."<br><br>She guessed he was probably trying to distract her from the things in her head, and she was grateful for that, just not sure it would work. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>19-05-2006, 22:06:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Lubbock, huh?" Kip said. "I've been there ... that's where Buddy Holly's from, isn't it?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>20-05-2006, 03:39:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina smiled softly to herself and nodded gently as she thought of home. Not her little apartment, but her real home, where she was from and where most of the happy things in her life took place. Some of the stress left her voice.<br><br>"Yes...Charles Hardin, September 7, 1936...and Lubbock is quite proud of it, too...not much Lubbock can claim greatness for."<br><br>She thought back to the old ranchouse she grew up in. It was only an acreage by the time her parents bought it, but it was still lovely. Nina had ran and played and explored every inch of that land, losing barbie dolls and bringing home snakes, both much to her mothers dismay. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>20-05-2006, 22:13:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"I don't know," Kip said, his voice still soft. "I can think of at least one other person Lubbock can be proud of." He rolled over, facing Nina, and moving his arm slightly lower under her neck. "Not everyone would've been as brave as you are," Kip said softly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>20-05-2006, 22:51:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina tensed only for the briefest moment, his voice putting her at ease. She was relaxing, and her trembling had lessened. At his comment she lauhged sadly and shook her head softly in the dark.<br><br>"No, brave would have been going to the police right away. I was too scared...I'm still terrified."<br><br>Nina closed her eyes and sighed, then opened them again when the brains splattered against the rain. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>21-05-2006, 20:46:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Being scared doesn't mean you're not brave," Kip said quietly. "It just means you're not stupid. Courage is when you're scared ... terrified even ... but you still do it." Kip brought his other hand up to briefly touch Nina's cheek before removing it. "I've seen a lot of brave people," he said, "and I've seen a lot of cowards ... trust me, you're definately the former."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>21-05-2006, 21:40:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina's cheek tingled slightly where he had brushed it. He was being so kind and tender...very different from the man that had shaken her. She sighed softly in the dark.<br><br>"I don't feel brave...but thank you."<br><br>Nina was very glad he was laying beside her. It was completely scandelous, what with the way she was clothed, but she felt so safe.<br><br>"I'm sorry about kicking you...really. I feel terrible."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>21-05-2006, 21:57:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip smiled. "It's okay," he said. "Trust me, I've taken worse." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>22-05-2006, 08:01:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina laughed very softly, her muscles noticibly relaxing under his touch and his quiet soothing manner. But as she relaxed she noticed the cool air conditioning and shivered. <br><br>"I'm sure y'all have, I'm not a powerhouse...but...I still feel bad. I know y'all were just trying to help."<br><br>She sighed and closed her eyes, thankfully finding only blackness. In the dark she yawned quietly, her jaw stretching wide open and her chin brushing his arm where it traveled under his neck. <br><br>"Are you comfortable this way?"<br><br>Nina was very comfortable, but knew he needed to sleep. She could sleep while they drove if she needed to, but he couldn't. And beyond the fact that he needed sleep, she wanted to know that he was not put out just because of her. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>22-05-2006, 22:58:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"I'm alright," Kip said, sighing slightly. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable." He stretched slightly, popping his neck and attempting to roll his shoulders as he did so.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>22-05-2006, 23:03:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina sighed softly in return.<br><br>"You should be comfortable."<br><br>She moved her head off of her arm, rising to one res on one elbow in the dark. She then rolled to face the wall, hugging her pillow to her chest and resting her head on it. Her soft voice seemed further away now that she wasn't facing him, but it bounced off the wall and she assumed he would be able to hear clear enough.<br><br>"If you're not comfortable you won't sleep right. Not sleeping right could be dangerous if y'all can't stay alert and can't drive well."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>23-05-2006, 18:58:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip sighed. "Look," he said, "I'm sorry I'm making you uncomfortable. This ... I'll sleep in the chair; I'll be fine." He moved to slide out of the bed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>23-05-2006, 21:00:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina rolled back over in surprise. What had brought this on?<br><br>"I never said y'all were makin' me uncomfortable, why would you think that? Because I moved so your arm wouldn't fall asleep?" <br><br>She was genuinely puzzled. He had been stretching his neck and rolling his shoulders...she just guessed he needed to shift positions. The thought of being alone to the open side of the bed was a little distressful, and her heart skipped a beat in a hint of panic. <br><br>"Please don't get up..."<br><br>She took a breath and then spoke quieter. <br><br>"I...I feel safer with you here, alright?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>24-05-2006, 00:22:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"I ...." Kip's voice trailed off, unsure of what to say. "Would you ... do you ...." His voice once again trailed off, then he muttered quietly, "Dammit." Kip sighed, looking at Nina in the darkness. "It's not you that's making me uncomfortable, okay?" he said. Tho' it wasn't exactly true, Kip didn't think she needed to know just exactly what effect Nina's closeness (and near-nudity) was having on him. "I don't mind sleeping here," he said. "It's just ...." Kip chuckled ruefully. "I'm not used to sleeping with a woman without touching her."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>24-05-2006, 00:36:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh...um...."<br><br>Nina was caught completely off guard. That had been the last thing she had expected to hear, and wasn't sure how to react. <br><br>"Wh-what do you mean by...touching?"<br><br>As soon as she had uttered that question she wished she hadn't. She knew what he meant, and she doubted it meant aything innocent. <br><br>"Nevermind. Why don't you take the bed...I can sleep on the floor or in the chair...really."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>24-05-2006, 02:40:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Wait, what? No!" Without thinking, Kip reached out to grab onto Nina's arm, holding her still. "I didn't mean ... dammit." Kip sighed in frustration, then let go of Nina, pulling away from her. "I didn't ... I just meant holding you is all, okay?" he said. "I'm not trying to ... you know ... do anything I shouldn't, I promise." The frustration was clear in his voice. "Look, just ... I'll just lay over here, okay? No touching, I promise." Kip paused, and when he spoke again, his voice was lower, "I'd never do anything to hurt you Nina ... please believe me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>24-05-2006, 04:40:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His sudden grabbing of her arm startled her a bit and she cringed very slightly in reflex. It wasn't so much that she was scared of him...he was just...there was somthing so electric about him that she wasn't used to, and that she wasn't sure how to deal with. She rolled away again, facing the wall, hugging her pillow again. But his voice, frustrated and low, drifting through the darkness, made her feel like reaching out. <br><br>"I never thought you would go so far as to do something you shouldn't...I just wanted to make it easier on you by moving."<br><br>She sighed. Truth be told, the prospect of him holding her was not a negative one. Nina summoned the courage to speak, her voice shaky and slipping into a bit of her accent as she grew more nervous. <br><br>"I...I could kind of use bein' held. I mean...If y'all aren't comfortable with that it's alright, but...things have been so very hard, and... I feel so scared..."<br><br>Nina stopped speaking and closed her eyes against the tears that wanted to fall. She remembered what it was like to fall asleep in a man's arms, how the circle of them could feel like stone armor. She barely knew this man, but right now her life depended on him, making him the person she was closest to in the world right now. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>24-05-2006, 16:58:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip could hear the fear in Nina's voice, and instinctively, he reached for her. Wrapping his arms around her small body, Kip drew close to Nina, pressing his nude chest against her back, and curling his denim-clad legs around beneath her naked ones. "It's okay," Kip said softly. "I'm here ... I'll protect you." <br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;While keeping one arm fastened securely around Nina's stomach, Kip brought the other up to stroke lightly at her hair. "Nothing's going to hurt you," he whispered softly. "Not tonite. Not while I'm here. You're safe Nina ... you can let go." Kip's head lay on the pillow next to Nina's, and his breath was warm on her ear as he softly reassured her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>24-05-2006, 17:36:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The arms that found her were welcome ones and she pressed back against him as he pulled her close. It didn't matter that she didn't know him, his words were what she needed to here, and his arms where she needed to be. He was telling her to let go, but she didn't feel as if she really could. Displays of emotion were better kept hidden, but she could not stop the tears that trickled from her eyes and ran down the side of her face. They fell to the surface of the pillow, wetting it. She wanted to sob, to let out all the stress and fear. But she would hold back, she could control herself better than that...couldn't she?<br><br>It seemed as the minutes went on that she couldn't. His hand on her hair, his arm around her waist, his solid torso against her back, and his soft breath on her ear broke the seal of her shell and little bits of emotion seeped out. Soon more came in the form of her deepened breath, and then more in the form of a sniffle, and then soon she was sobbing lightly, her body pressing into him more for comfort. <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>24-05-2006, 20:34:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"It's okay Nina," Kip said softly, holding her while she began crying. "Let it out ... it's okay ... just let it all go ...." Kip pressed Nina's form closer to him, letting her feel the reassurance of his body between her and the rest of the world. "Just let it out," he said softly, his warm breath caressing the skin of her neck as he held her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>24-05-2006, 22:33:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina kept her eyes closed and felt the damn breaking even more. The tears had started from her stress and fear, but as those emotions released, others followed and she found herself crying for other things as well. Everything that had been bottled up flowed out of her, coaxed free but the embrace and soft words of a stranger. <br><br>Suddenly she turned, rolling over in his arms to bury her face in his chest, wetting his skin with her tears. it didn't matter that she hardly knew him, she needed him at this moment and he had basically asked her to accept the comfort he was offering. She laid there and cried for as long as he would let her, until the sobs died away and she was left with that exhausted and heavy feeling that always came with a strong cry. <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>25-05-2006, 16:58:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;When Nina turned in his arms, pressing her face to his naked chest, Kip's arms automaticly wrapped around her. One hand came to rest on her upper back, and he began moving his hand in slow circles while murmuring soothingly. The other hand ended up on Nina's bare back, just above the soft curve of her bottom, where the t-shirt had ridden up.<br>&nbsp; &nbsp;<br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip could feel the heat from Nina's skin, and even as he tried to comfort her, he could feel his body reacting to Nina's warmth and closeness. Hoping that she wouldn't be able to feel his desire for her thru his jeans, Kip continued holding Nina carefully, doing his best not to let his lower hand move down, until at last her sobs began to drift off. "It's okay," Kip whispered softly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>25-05-2006, 17:19:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina finally quieted her breathing shaky. His arms around her felt comfortable and natural, and for now she didn't realize his hand was on bare skin, or if she did, what it meant. All she knew was that she was completely drained, having needed that cry badly. She sniffed softly and closed her heavy eyes. She yawned, and spoke in a barely audible whisper. <br><br>"I'm sorry..."<br><br>That was all she had the energy or desire to mumble. For the moment she was just too cried out to feel afraid or lonley or angry or threatened or any of the other emotions she had been feeling. Her forehead rest against him, feeling the beating of his heart.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>25-05-2006, 17:25:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"You don't have to be sorry Nina," Kip murmured, his voice soft against her head. "Just relax ... get some sleep, okay?" He continued to hold her, not moving his lower hand, and making small circles on her back with the upper.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>25-05-2006, 17:40:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It didn't take much coaxing before Nina had drifted off into a deep and heavy dreamless sleep. Her eyes closed to the blankness of the backs of her eyelids, and her breathing fell soft and even. She lay in his arms, not moving one tired heavy muscle, unless he prompted her to. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>26-05-2006, 03:25:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Once Kip felt Nina relax, and heard her breathing even out, he allowed himself to drift off. Tho' he'd awaken at the slightest hint of trouble, he was asleep enough to get rested, and it wasn't until he heard a semi blow its horn outside that Kip awakened. He moved slightly, turning his head to glance at the clock on the bedside table ... 8:am ... as good a time as any to get up. Gently, Kip tried to slide from the bed without waking Nina.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>26-05-2006, 16:08:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The siren blowing disturbed Nina, but did not wake her, and neither did Kip's slipping out of bed. She stirred and rolled over, grabbing a pillow as a replacement and shivering slightly in her sleep. The air conditioner had been going all night and Kip had taken his body heat away. But none the less her breathing quickly returned to the deep even patter of sleep. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>26-05-2006, 23:27:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Glad that he hadn't awakened Nina, Kip quickly grabbed what he needed and went into the bathroom to get ready. He emerged approximately thirty minutes later, freshly showered and dressed in clean clothes. Kip moved to the bed and gently shook Nina. "Wake up," he said softly. "We've got to move. Hurry up and go get ready, alright?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>27-05-2006, 00:43:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina slowly stired awake, her eyes fluttering open to the headache that always seemed to come the morning after a good cry. Above her was Kip, and she immediately looked down, somewhat embarrassed at the way she had broken down and the fact she had slept in practically nothing in his arms. She nodded at his instructions, and climbed out of bed, careful to keep the t-shirt pulled down. <br><br>Once out of bed she looked around, turning in a small circle. Eventuall she looked back at him with confusion on her features. <br><br>"Where are my clothes?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>28-05-2006, 00:28:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"If I read the signs right, somewhere in Wisconsin, I think," Kip said. "Don't worry about them ... I'll get you whatever you need. Now go get ready; we need to leave pretty quickly." He turned away, giving her a chance to get out of bed without exposing herself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>28-05-2006, 00:56:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina didn't budge. She looked at him softly and in confusion. She wasn't being stubborn or defiant, she just needed to understand exactly what was going on before she proceeded. <br><br>"What exactly do you mean by Wisconsin...and...what am I supposed to wear now?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>28-05-2006, 01:09:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip sighed. "Look, do you want to stand here and argue, or do you want to get out of here before someone finds us?" He reached into the bag with his clothes and pulled out another shirt. "Here, you can change into this for now. Now go. Get. Ready." Kip glared at her then turned away again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>28-05-2006, 01:38:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina stepped back, like she had been pushed almost. He was harsh again, like when he had shaken her, except she had almost deserved that. This though....she didn't deserve the glare or the unkind words. She moved to do what her said, but her dark eyes snapped to him with flash of anger and hurt before he turned away. <br><br>"I wasn't arguing."<br><br>She turned at the same time he did and walked into the bathroom, softly shutting the door she wanted to slam. It didn't take her long to get ready, and she came out with the clean shirt on, and a towel around her waist. She didn't speak to him or make eye contact, just walked over to the door and waited. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>28-05-2006, 01:52:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip used the time while Nina was in the bathroom to stow his bags in the truck. He did a quick sweep of the room, then waited by the door for her to come out, when she did, he raised an eyebrow at the towel, but all he said was, "Don't wear it like that ... it'll attract more attention. Just walk out and get in the truck like normal." Kip held the door open for Nina to walk past, then turned and pulled it to while she walked to the truck, where he'd left the driver's door open.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>28-05-2006, 02:10:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina's voice was quiet and a little unsure. She ducked her head, but looked back up at him from under her lashes. Her face was mostly gentle, like always, but there was something else at the edge of her expression, and a glint in her eye. Anger maybe? Frustration?<br><br>"And being half naked won't attract just as much attention? Y'all call that walking outside like normal?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>28-05-2006, 23:07:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip sighed. "From a distance, it'll look like you've got on a blue shirt and tan pants," he said. "No biggie. But the towel wrapped around you isn't going to look like a skirt, it'll look odd. No one is out there, so if you'll just get in the truck, we can go, all right?" Tho' he was trying to be patient, Kip's voice had taken on an edge of frustration.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>29-05-2006, 02:38:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At his almost calm explanation Nina nodded softly. He made some sense. The edge drifted off of her expression and her eyes returned to the same melancholy look they usually had. Carefully she removed the towel and folded it, intending to take it with her. With a breath of trepidation she peeked out the door. Not seeing anyone she hurried to the truck, wincing slightly as she had to walk barefoot. <br><br>Once in the truck she pressed her shoulders to the back of the sit and lifted her hips forward. It wasn't a very modest posistion...but she would rather risk flash Kip briefly, which hopefully would not happen, than sit the whole trip naked from the waist down. She slid the towel under her and around her waist. She setteled back down and pressed her knees together, holding the towel closed with one hand. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>30-05-2006, 17:03:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip's eyes stayed on Nina 'til she got to the door of the truck. Once she was there, he turned and closed and locked the motel room's door, trying to give her time to get inside. By the time he turned back around, Kip could see Nina's head thru the truck's back window. Muttering a silent prayer of thanks that the girl had decided to listen to reason, Kip walked to the truck and got inside.<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip rolled his eyes at the way Nina had wrapped the towel around her, but said nothing. He pulled the keys from the pocket of his jacket and started the engine, driving to the office. Kip pulled up under the portico and got out, walking inside to drop off the keys. A few minutes later he reemerged, carrying two containers of orange juice and two apples. <br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;"Thought you might want breakfast," Kip said, handing the foodstuffs to Nina before climbing back into the truck. Kip moved to get on the highway, heading southwest. "Hope you don't mind long cartrips," he said, as he reached to turn on the radio. With the same motion, Kip turned the AC on full blast.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>30-05-2006, 17:42:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina accepted the apple and orange juice gratefully, givng him a small smile and slight nod of her head. "Thank you." She was hungry, and the fruit and juice were welcome. <br><br>Nina had seen the way he rolled her eyes at the towel around her waist. Did he expect her to sit half naked the whole drive to where ever they were going? She was still practically naked, or felt that way anyway. Even if she did have some sort of pants on she would feel kind of naked without a bra. She may have the figure to be able to handle braless, but wasn't accustomed to it...especially not in a thin t-shirt. <br><br>She sighed as the air from the vents hit her. Again with the air conditioning. The air wasn't cold yet, but would be shortly. Once it reached a very cold temp in the truck, Nina glanced at him timidly, her arms crossed in front of her hard nipples. "Do y'all think we could turn the air lower maybe?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>30-05-2006, 23:52:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip frowned, but reached over to turn the AC down one notch. He shrugged out of his jacket and gave it to Nina. "Here," he said. "You can put this across you if you're that cold." Kip merged onto the interstate, still heading southwest.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>31-05-2006, 02:22:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her dark eyes caught his frown, and felt a little offended. Did he not care anything about anyone else's comfort? "You might not be cold, but you're not sitting here practically naked."<br><br>She sat forward and pulled the jacket on, wrapping it around herself. "Thank you." <br><br>As they drove Nina couldn't help but glance over at him. He was a mystery. He could be kind and considerate, and then turn around and be almost mean. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>31-05-2006, 16:23:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Fine," Kip sighed, reaching out to turn the AC over to vent. The blast of cold air was quickly replaced by a gentle breeze, which filled the truck without making it cold. "That better?" he asked.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>31-05-2006, 16:30:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina sighed and reached over with a small hand to turn the air conditioner on to half-way strength. She spoke in her gentle voice. "It can be half-way, you did give me your jacket after all....doesn't have to be one way or the other, we can comprimise."<br><br>Was he one of these all or nothing people? If it couldn't be exactly how he wanted it would he just give it up completely? She hoped he wasn't the martyr type, they apparently were going to be spending a lot of time together. "Where are we going?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>31-05-2006, 17:19:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"I don't mind having the vent on," Kip said. "If you get cold, just adjust it however you want." He glanced over at her, smiling slightly. "Well, for the moment, we need to get you out of town, and somewhere safe, so ...." Kip's voice trailed off and he shrugged. "I've always wanted to see the Grand Canyon ...."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>31-05-2006, 22:47:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina glanced over to him curiously. "The Grand Canyon...that's quite a trip...are we driving the whole way?" She didn't look upset by this, merely as if she were trying to understand the situation completely. <br><br>She wondered why he hadn't called and talked to his superiors, or made any reports. He seemed completely on his own. Then again, she guessed he might have called them while she was showering.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>01-06-2006, 16:53:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Were you wanting to walk?" Kip asked, sparing Nina a glance. He pulled out his cell-phone and showed it to her. "I get a call from a certain number, it means it's time to take you back. 'Til then, we're on our own. If you don't like Arizona, I'm open to suggestions."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>01-06-2006, 18:23:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Wow, he was a mind reader. She had just been thinking about his communication with his superiors, and here he was pulling the phone and telling her they were on their own. <br><br>She smiled softly. "No, I don't want to walk, driving is fine...was just curious is all" Nina turned her head back to watch the scenery, crossing her legs. The bare knee and thigh of her right leg popped out from the split where the end of the towel met. But since the temperature in the truck wasn't so low, she didn't notice. <br><br>Still with her head looking out the window, she spoke again. "The Grand Canyon is fine. Never been."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>02-06-2006, 03:32:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"I'm glad it meets with your approval," Kip said wryly. "Let me know when you decide you want breakfast, and we'll stop somewhere, okay?" As the song on the radio changed to "Desperado" by the Eagles, Kip started to softly sing along.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>02-06-2006, 05:05:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina wanted to ask about clothes, but he was...moody. She didn't know him well enough yet to tell if he was just being smart, or if he was really a jerk, or what his deal was. He had been so sweet the evening before...letting her cry as she needed to. Of course he had shaken her rather violently as well, but she had kicked him in the head. <br><br>Instead of asking she just smiled warily. "I just figured the apple and orange juice were breakfast. I...I don't want to be a bother."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>02-06-2006, 23:48:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"That was more in the way of a hold-you-for-now," Kip said. "I don't generally eat 'til I've been up a while, but I figured you might want something. We can stop whenever you want. There's all kinds of drive-thrus on the highway."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>03-06-2006, 00:16:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Aliright, thank you, if I get hungry I'll let you know." Drive-thrus...not the most healthy of fair, but certianly healthier than staying in Chicago and getting shot. Nina settled in for a long ride, letting him speak if he wanted, but keeping silent herself. Every now and then she snuck a curious look at him. He was good looking, there was no doubt of that, but very hard for her to read. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>04-06-2006, 21:14:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Are you waiting to see if I'm going to grow another head or something?" Kip asked, after about the fifth time Nina had looked at him. He turned his head to glance at her for a moment before returning his eyes to the road. "Or are you just so enthralled by my manly beauty that you can't keep your eyes off me?" Kip added, his tone lightly teasing.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>05-06-2006, 00:22:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina blushed deeply and looked down at her hands, knowing she'd been caught. She smiled softly at his humor and his teasing and just shook her head softly. After a moment she looked out the passenger window at the scenery flying by and spoke gently. "I just can't figure you out is all. Sometimes you're one way...and sometimes another." <br><br>She sighed and left it at that unless he pushed for more of an explanation. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>07-06-2006, 23:14:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"How do you mean?" Kip asked, looking at her oddly. "Ever since I got to you, I've been trying to keep you safe ... how else have I been?" He glanced down at the gas gauge, trying to decide how long they could wait 'til they'd have to stop for gas.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>08-06-2006, 05:45:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“I…I know you have, it’s just…” Nina looked uncomfortable and clasped her hands in her lap, looking down at them, letting her hair fall to hide her features. <br><br>How could she phrase it without making him angry, and to make him see what she meant? Against her better judgement she tried to answer him. It would be better to let it go she was sure, and just concede to whatever view he had so that she could keep peace. But instead she spoke, her voice quiet and timid as her words crossed her full lips. “Sometimes…sometimes you’re very kind…and…and sometimes you’re not.” &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>09-06-2006, 03:43:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"There's a time to use the fist and a time to use the feather," Kip said, glancing over at Nina. "I know I've not always been Mr Manners, but hey, you kicked me in the head." He grinned at her, letting her know he was joking. "I do what I think necessary," Kip said. "I can't always be nice, you know?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>10-06-2006, 01:11:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina smiled softly at his joke, knowing he was just teasing her. "Yes, you can always be nice...well, you can always be nice with me anyway." &nbsp;<br><br>Nina had noticed the way he had checked the need for gas. She looked back at him tilting her head timidly, still a bit intimidated by him. "Will y'all get me some clothing when we stop? Just a pair of pants or shorts or something...and some shoes or sandals...or flip flops...anything, I'm not picky...but...I'm going to need to use the restroom soon, and I can't very well walk around half naked."<br><br>In contrast to her statement she pulled the jacket off of her shoulders, having grown warm in it. It was still a little chilly without it, but she figured she would get used to it. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>10-06-2006, 19:37:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip nodded distractedly. "Yeah, I'll have to get you something I guess," he said. "We should hit Des Moines around 1 or so, but we'll probably need gas before then. I'll find something for you, if I can." Kip sighed heavily. "Look, I'm sorry about before, okay?" he said. "I didn't mean to lose my temper, I just ... I'm sorry." Kip glanced at Nina in the rearview mirrow, catching her eyes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>10-06-2006, 19:48:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina let her full lips curve into a delicate smile and she nodded softly to show she accepted his apology. "And I understand you are under a lot of pressure."&nbsp; &nbsp;Her eyes took on a teasing glint. "But since y'all are being so Dr. Jekyll at the moment, I better act while I can and tell you I am getting hungry, before Mr. Hyde shows his face again." She winked to show she was only kidding around with him, and her body visibly relaxed, the tension leaving her shoulders, and her face losing the slightly scared look. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>10-06-2006, 19:54:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"You know," Kip said, his tone deceptively mild, "this will work a lot better if you're just straight with me all the time." He sighed, and checked the mirror before signaling and moving to the right. "There'll be something here in a bit, I'm sure," Kip said. "Any preferences as to food?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>10-06-2006, 20:09:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina almost told him no preference, but he wanted her to be straight with him. She picked her words carefully. "Well, preferably not something too greasy or unhealthy, but if that's all there is it won't kill me to eat it for one day." &nbsp;<br><br>She shifted in the seat, crossing her legs the other way, and then glanced over to Kip again. Nina paused, and then decided again to be straight with him.&nbsp; "And my butt is getting numb. Any chance we could find somewhere where I could stretch my legs and not flash all of Iowa?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>10-06-2006, 20:14:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Something not greasy or unhealthy?" Kip asked, his voice full of shock. "What else is there?" After a moment he laughed gently and said, "Okay, how about a salad? I'm sure we can find a Wendy's or McDonald's or something around here." When Nina mentioned her legs, Kip reached his arm across her lap and shoved his bags into the floor. "There you go," Kip said. "You can stretch out along the seat, if you want."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>11-06-2006, 07:17:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina shrunk back a little as he reached across her, and raised her eyebrows as he shoved the bags to the floor. "It wasn't exactly what I had in mind...but thank you." &nbsp;She leaned down and straightened the bags. They had fallen in quite a disorganized manner and bothered her. She lined them up neatly and then sat back up. <br><br>She contemplated what would be the best way to sit. If she stayed where she was and put her feet up then her back would end up leaning against him, something she wasn't sure he would like. If she moved to the other side of the seat and put her legs up, her lower legs and bare feet would be very close to him. But she needed to shift positions. Finally she decided, to move to the far side of the bench seat, her back partly against the door, her legs on the seat. She covered her thighs with the jacket, and leaned back a little, relaxing. The ride in the truck was making her sleepy.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>14-06-2006, 16:11:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip looked over at Nina, smiling slightly. "Don't get too comfy," he said. "You fall asleep, and you'll miss this gourmet meal I'm searching for." His tone was light and teasing, and after a moment, Kip added, "When I stop to get gas and clothes, I'll try to find you a pillow as well, okay?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>14-06-2006, 16:43:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina sighed gently and sat up a little, then yawned lightly. “I’m sorry. Just haven’t slept much this past week.” &nbsp;She rubbed her eyes and shook her head a bit, trying to wake up. “A pillow isn’t necessary, I’ll be alright, but thank you…I’m more concerned about clothing.”<br><br>&nbsp;She shifted again, turning to lean on the side of her hip, facing the back of the seat, her arms curled around her slight frame. “I just need to rest my eyes some…” The jacket had slipped a little, baring the back of her thighs, but she didn’t seem to notice. the t-shirt barely reached past her buttocks in this position. Her breathing already was changing, becoming deeper and more even. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>15-06-2006, 01:05:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip looked over at Nina, allowing his eyes to glide over the exposed skin of her legs. As she shifted, attempting to get more comfortable, the shirt moved up a bit, exposing the bottom curve of Nina's firm rear end. Kip swallowed and turned his eyes away, focusing on the road once more. Once Nina's breathing had evened out, he surreptiously tried to adjust his tight jeans, trying to ease the swelling which had occured there.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>15-06-2006, 16:28:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina wasn't sure how long she had slept, but awoke to a very stiff neck from her less than ideal sleeping position. She yawned quietly and moved to sit up, grabbing the jacket as she did to keep it in place, not realizing it had slipped. She rubbed her eyes and looked over at her companion. "What time is it? Did I sleep wrong?"<br><br>The ache of hunger in her belly told her it had to be at least an hour or two, she had been hungry when she had fallen asleep, but it was worse now. She smiled timidly at Kip. "I'm starving."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>15-06-2006, 16:52:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip nodded at the floorboard. "There's food down there," he said. "I got some salad, but if you want real food, there's also some burritos, some chicken strips, and a couple of hamburgers." Kip twisted his lips in a wry smile. "I didn't know what you'd like." Kip kept his eyes on the road as Nina straightened up and bent to check out the food. "There's some drinks in the cooler," he added. "I got some sodas, as well as water."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>15-06-2006, 17:00:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina listened and held back a laugh as he explained all he had gotten. She was a little overwhelmed that he had given such a damn in taking such care in trying to get something she would like. "Thank you...Kip." &nbsp;<br><br>Choosing the salad and chicken strips for now, she also grabbed a diet soda. He really had gone all out. "Did you want me to hand you something? Did you eat already?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>15-06-2006, 17:22:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Yeah, I ate while you were asleep ... we're almost to Des Moines by now," Kip said. "I figure we can find a quiet motel somewhere and spend the nite, then head out in the morning." Kip glanced over at Nina, chuckling as she tried to balance the food and the diet Pepsi. "You can use the lid off the cooler for a tray," he said, shaking his head slightly, and wondering if Nina was always this ... klutzy?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>16-06-2006, 18:02:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina smiled a bit sheepishly when he chuckled at her attempts to juggle the food and drink. She was still a bit groggy from waking up, and was having a bit of a hard time. When he suggested the lid of the cooler could be used as a tray, she took his advice and used it, finding it much easier to eat.<br><br>"I must have been asleep a long time." She took a bite of a chicken strip. It tasted wonderful on her empty stomach, despite being cold and a little greasy. "Did they have any clothing at the gas station?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>17-06-2006, 19:45:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Yeah," Kip said, glancing at the clock on the truck's dashboard. "You slept a couple of hours. Your body's probably finally coming down from the adrenaline rush you've been on, and so it's trying to replenish its stores." Kip shrugged slightly when Nina asked about clothes. "Not really," he said. "Shirts and ballcaps, mostly."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>18-06-2006, 18:28:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When he said they didn't have anything really at the gas station she smiled and nodded softly. She hadn't really expected them to, but one could hope. She continued to eat for several minutes, completely famished. As soon as her hunger was mostly sated she spoke again. "I'm going to need to use the restroom. Soon. I hope we are very close to Des Moines." &nbsp;<br><br>As if in answer to her, the rural countryside gradually grew more urban. The interstate wove it's way through the city, Nina growing somewhat anxious as she finished her meal, before Kip pulled off onto Merle Hay Rd. Many hotels, restaurants, and shops were in the area. There was also a movie theater, upscale arcade, and several club like bars. Most of them were of the singles type, but there was one country-western one. There was also a country-western clothing store.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>18-06-2006, 19:53:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip pulled into the parking lot of one of the motels along the highway. "I'll get us a room," he said, sliding out of the truck. Kip returned in a few moments with the room key, then pulled the truck down to the end. "Let me go in first," Kip said, "then I'll come back out and get you. You can pretend to be asleep again; that way no one who sees us will think it's weird that I'm carrying you, and that way it'll be less obvious that you're ... you know ... um ...." Kip's voice trailed off as he fumbled for words. "Anyway, I'll be back in a bit," he said.<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip got out of the truck and went to open the door and turn the light on, then returned to the truck. "Okay," he said to Nina. "Just slide over here and let me get you, allright?" He stood with his back to the outside, preventing anyone from seeing into the truck as she moved towards him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>18-06-2006, 21:03:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina wondered why they couldn’t stop and get her a pair of pants or something that she could slip on in the truck, but maybe he was tired from driving. And either way, they had been getting along well, and she didn’t want to jinx that in anyway. For now she would do what he said.<br><br>When he returned she slid over, holding her shirt down as best she could, but it was difficult and it kept wanting to raise above thighs. Cautiously she looked around, making sure no one was close by, then looked back at him timidly. Him picking her up and carrying her was not an unpleasant thought at all, quite the contrary, but…it was a bit closer than she was used to being and her bare bum might be against his arm. That was much closer than she thought appropriate, despite the fact that he had held her all night the evening before. That had drifted to the back of her mind, almost remembering it like it was a dream. But she wouldn't argue, it wasn't that important. It was a subject she could give on. “Should I pretend to be asleep then?” &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>19-06-2006, 20:12:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Yeah sure," Kip said, doing his best to keep his eyes on Nina's, rather than sliding down where they seemed determined to go. He carefully reached for her, sliding one arm under her knees, and the other around her back, then easily lifted Nina up and out of the truck. Moving quickly, but not hurriedly, Kip carried Nina into the small motel room and carefully set her on the bed. <br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;"I'll go get my stuff," Kip said. "You can go ahead and use the bathroom and get cleaned up or whatever. I'll run across the road to the store and see if I can find you stuff to wear while you're there, okay?" He moved to the door and paused briefly. "Be thinking about what you'd like for dinner," Kip said.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>20-06-2006, 00:18:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Once in the room she was relieved to be out of the public eye. And certainly those who were after her wouldn’t think to check Des Moines, would they? When Kip said he was going to go get his things, and go get her something to wear, she actually didn’t want him to leave. The whole time she had been with him she had been safe. They may have had a couple of clashes, but mostly it had been okay. She smiled timidly and nodded.&nbsp; Seeing a pad of hotel stationary and a pen, she wrote down her sizes in case he needed them, and handed him the paper. “Thank you, Kip.”<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>20-06-2006, 23:23:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip glanced down at the sheet of paper Nina handed him. "Okay, great," he said, before walking back out to the truck. He grabbed his bags out of it and went back into the room. Kip sat the bags down on the table and opened one, pulling out his shaving kit. "Here," he said. "You ought to have everything you need in here, but is there anything in particular you need me to grab while I'm out?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>21-06-2006, 00:21:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina smiled softly and tentatively picked up the pencil again. She wrote down a couple of things she would really like to have...Secret deodorant, Oil of Olay moisturizer, Noxzema cleansing cloths, hair conditioner, and Black Mascara. She thought he probably wouldn't like to get womeny kinds of things so she looked at him and spoke softly. <br><br>"If y'all aren’t comfortable getting this stuff...I suppose we could go somewhere together later. There are a few more things I would like...like maybe a purse, a hairbrush, some perfume, some other makeup...and I think it would make sense I had a little money, in case we get separated."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>22-06-2006, 17:10:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip nodded slightly. "That shouldn't be a problem," he said. "And it's not that I mind getting you stuff, but I mean ... I don't know anything about this." Kip shrugged. "I'd just ... I don't want to buy the wrong stuff for you. I'll go get some clothes, then be back in a bit, and once you're ready, we can go get the other stuff ... maybe get dinner too. I'll be back in a bit." <br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip stepped outside, making sure the room was locked behind him, then moved to cross the road, checking for traffic first. Once across, he quickly entered the Wal-Mart and bought a package of underwear, a duffel bag, a pair of jeans, a pair of shorts, a short a-line skirt, a couple of t-shirts, and a peasant-style blouse. Within thirty minutes, he was back at the motel, knocking carefully on the door as he entered.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>23-06-2006, 01:27:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After he left she took the shaving kit and went into the restroom to freshen up. Her hair was wild with curls since she hadn’t been able to blowdry it, and she did her best to organize them. It actually looked kind of nice she decided, all tousled and messy, but in an attractive way. She washed her face, and brushed her teeth and flossed, and generally cleaned up. It only took her about 15 minutes, and then she was left to entertain herself. <br><br>When Kip returned Nina was sitting on the end of the bed with her legs crossed watching TV. She smiled softly when he came in and turned off the TV. When she saw the bags she stood and took the ones he offered her from him. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”<br><br>Nina disappeared into the bathroom and took a look at what he chose. Most of it was simple, but she noticed they were of very close fitting styles. Small T-shirts, ‘britney’ jeans…the peasant top wasn’t so bad, though the skirt looked like it was going to be a snug fit around the hips and butt. And the shorts…wow they were small. But it was all better than being naked. <br><br>She pulled on a pair of underwear, and then realized he hadn’t gotten her a bra. Of course, she hadn’t thought to ask for one either. Nina bit her lip and debated on which shirt to wear. The peasant shirt was more loose fitting, but kind of gauzy. The tees wouldn’t be sheer at all, but they would fit really close. Finally she decided to go with one of the tee shirts, choosing a dark purple one. As she suspected, it was tight. She was glad she was in good shape, or she could never pull it off. <br><br>Nina walked back to the main room, decided not to complain at all about the clothing. It was completely opposite of what she would normally have worn, but she really was grateful for all of it. She smiled gently. “I feel like a new person. I don’t suppose y’all have a pair of sandals or shoes anywhere?” &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>23-06-2006, 16:28:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"O shit," Kip said, shaking his head. "I'm sorry," he said, looking at Nina ruefully. "I just ... I don't know what I was thinking. I totally spaced on shoes. I'm sorry." Kip turned away, clearly frustrated with himself at not having remembered to get Nina SOME kind of footwear. "Stupid mother fucker," he muttered quietly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>23-06-2006, 16:35:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina looked at Kip curiously. "It's not really that big of a deal. I can walk to the truck barefoot and then we can get some. I went half naked all day. I think 15 more minutes without shoes won't kill me." &nbsp;<br><br>She was suprised that 1) he would make a big deal out of something that wasn't, and 2) he would curse so blatantly in front of her. She had of course heard cursing in front of her before, but not usually by someone keeping her company, and if they did, it was usually mild. And 'motherfucker' was pretty severe...much worse than a 'hell' or a 'damn'. Still, there were worse words that would offend her more. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>23-06-2006, 18:19:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"No, I know," Kip said. "It's just ...." His voice trailed off and he looked at Nina. "It's not good that I'd forget something like that. It makes me worry that I'll forget something else, something that's more important. I don't like taking that kind of chance with your safety." Kip sighed and shook his head again. "Okay, anyway, let's go. We can get you some shoes, then you can decide where you want to eat." He sighed again and opened the door, checking the outside perimeter before standing aside so that Nina could exit.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>23-06-2006, 19:17:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina walked carefully out the door, watching where she stepped. She smiled at him softly. "But I don't think you'd make that kind of mistake with my safety. This is your job, what you do all the time, it's like an instinct, I can already see that...but buying women's stuff...that's all new. You can't be perfect at everything the first time you do it." She paused. "Not unless you think God gave you some special power or something."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>24-06-2006, 16:52:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;A wry grin twisted its way across Kip's features. "That He may well have," he said, chuckling slightly. "But it's become increasingly evident that if He did, pleasing women definately wasn't it." Kip locked their room's door, then moved to open the truck so that Nina could get in. Without even thinking, he only opened the driver's door, even tho' there was now no reason she couldn't just sit on the passenger side.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>25-06-2006, 17:06:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina smiled and laughed softly at his comment. She was a little self-conscious in the ill-fitting t-shirt, but was less self conscious than when all she had was a t-shirt. <br><br>When he opened the driver's door for her, she wondered why he opened that one, but climbed up in the truck and slid over to the passenger seat. Once he was in the truck she looked over at him. "I was thinking pasta sounded good for dinner."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>26-06-2006, 16:35:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip nodded. "That shouldn't be a problem," he said. "I think I saw an Olive Garden down the road a bit; we should be able to duck in there and grab something, once we get you properly shod, that is." Kip started the truck and carefully pulled out onto the road, easily merging with traffic. He had to go to the next stoplight to make a U-turn and come back to the Wal-Mart, but once there Kip quickly found a parking space near the entrance. Fortunately, the store was having one of their "summer sidewalk sales", featuring summer-wear, and they were able to find a pair of flip-flops for Nina without any trouble. Once Kip had paid for them and she had them on, he steered her towards the store's doors. "Now, let's get you some real shoes," Kip said, as they walked inside.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>26-06-2006, 22:35:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It felt strange to be shopping with him. She wasn't exactly sure why, but it did. It was such a normal thing to do, and they were in anything but a normal situation. Nina stuck close to him. Even though they were far from Chicago, she was still frightened somone would pop out at any moment and try to kill her. <br><br>As they headed for the shoe department she leaned towards him to speak quietly. "Is it alright if I get a few other things as well? Like the things on the list?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>27-06-2006, 16:13:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Well yeah," Kip said, looking at Nina oddly. "That's sort of the point of this whole expedition. We need to get you equipped properly. I just figured you'd want to get some decent shoes first." He shrugged slightly. "But if you'd rather get make-up and all, that's fine." Quietly, Kip added, "Not that you need any ...."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>27-06-2006, 22:25:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina wondered why he looked at her the way he did. "No, the purpose as I understood it was shoes. You never said if we would get the other things before or after dinner. I am fine with either."<br><br>She wasn't sure how to respond to the following comment, or whether she was even supposed to hear it. Was it a compliment? Or just an observation? Nina never wore much make-up, preferring to look natural, but she did like to wear mascara and a nuetral lipstick. She felt a little naked without either of them.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>28-06-2006, 16:27:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip shook his head. "Okay, sorry. I meant that getting you shoes was the most important part, not the only part." He shrugged lightly. "But yeah, I told you back at the motel we'd go get your other stuff. Lead the way." Kip stepped aside, allowing Nina to choose which part of the store they'd go to first.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>29-06-2006, 14:20:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina wondered why exactly he had apologized, but figured it didn't really matter. It wasn't a big deal either way. She continued on towards the shoes and selected a pair of sandals that she could wear with both jeans and the skirt. Ideally she would have gotten a pair of athletic shoes to wear as well, but didn't want to buy a lot of things. After the shoes she got the toiletries personal care items she needed, and minimal make-up. She also picked out a handbag, and then hesitated. She needed a bra. But for some stupid reason asking him to go to the lingerie section was even more embarrassing than not wearing one. "I guess...I guess that's all."&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>29-06-2006, 16:44:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"No," Kip said, looking down at the collection of things he was holding. "You need some tennis' too." Kip began walking back to the shoe section. "If you don't like anything here, we can go somewhere else, but you need some shoes you can run in, if necessary."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>30-06-2006, 15:44:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina followed him back to the shoes, and found a pair of athletic ones. She grabbed a bag of socks on the way back to the front of the store as well. On the way she stopped and made a detour. Nina had tried very hard to keep her purchases minimal and practical, but had to get perfume. She loved perfume, and knew how to wear it, keeping it from being too heavy. They didn't have her favorite peach scent, but she did find a citrus one that smelled very nice and fresh. After that selection, she was ready to check out. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>30-06-2006, 16:23:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip just shook his head and chuckled when Nina picked out perfume. "Damn fool women," he muttered to himself, grinning. Somehow managing to keep from dropping any of Nina's purchases, Kip walked with her to the checkout stand, where he at last unloaded them onto the conveyor belt. <br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip had chosen the self-checkout line, and he quickly scanned and paid for everything, expertly sorting and packing Nina's things into two bags. Once they were thru, he led Nina back out to the truck, once again opening the driver's door and standing aside so she could enter.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>01-07-2006, 18:03:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At his chuckle she ignored him, and looked a bit huffy. If it made her feel better, more put together, then she didn't see what the problem was. The perfume was a small comfort that made her feel a bit more normal in the face of such an extreme situation, and he couldn't understand that, she wasn't going to try and explain it too him. <br><br>After they had paid and reached the truck she looked at the open driver's door again, and briefly wondered if the other was broken. But she remembered he had opened it that morning for her. Why did he open this one? She was still feeling Huffy about him being so amused by her perfume purchase though, so she didn't ask. Instead she climbed in the truck and pulled the mascara out of the bag and looked in the mirror to apply it before he started driving. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>03-07-2006, 16:31:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip just shook his head and sighed, waiting to start the truck til Nina had finished putting on her mascara. "You don't need it," he said quietly, as his eyes scanned the parking lot for any dangers ... more out of habit than any sense of impending doom.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>03-07-2006, 19:20:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As he told her she didn't need it she stopped and looked at him for a long moment. She wanted to explain to him why she wanted the mascara, why she felt the urge to wear it. The feelings were difficult to put into words. "It's not about the make-up, I..." She sighed and closed the tube, having enough on her eyelashes right now. "...this is one thing I have control over. Everything is out of my hands right now, from where I sleep to the clothes I wear. I may not need it to look nice, but I need so I feel as if I am in control of one little aspect of myslef."<br><br>She sighed and turned to look out the window, not knowing if she had been clear or not. It was hard to explain how frightening and frustrating it was to have the course of your life taken from your hands. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>03-07-2006, 21:39:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Well," Kip said, nodding slightly and starting the truck. "You also have control over where we eat." He drove to the edge of the parking lot and sat there at the light. "Tell me where to go," Kip said, looking at Nina and smiling a bit sadly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>03-07-2006, 22:01:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina looked back at him and returned the smile, also a bit sadly. It was a bit of a gesture on his part she thought, letting her pick where to eat. Even if he hadn't consciously meant it that way when he first told her to think about what she wanted to eat, he had been giving her a small hand in making decisions about their now intertwined lives. "Olive Garden sounds very nice." &nbsp; <br><br>She thought about saying more, but didn't think she needed to.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>05-07-2006, 21:10:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip nodded. "The garden of olives it is," he said, pulling the truck out into the street. A few minutes later, he pulled into the restaurant's parking lot and parked, then got out of the truck. After automaticly checking his sight-line for anything, Kip gestured to Nina to exit the truck. "Tell you what," he said, as they walked to the door. "We'll switch ... you can order for me, how's that?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>07-07-2006, 19:17:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina laughed softly at his suggestion she order for him. It was sweet, even if it really didn't quite do the trick of giving her her life back. She was going to tell him it wasn't necessary, but decided it would be fun. <br><br>____________________________________________________________________________________________________________<br><br>Desert came, and Nina took a bite of her carrot cake. She turned her eyes to him and smiled softly. "Thank you for dinner. I know y'all are doing everything you can to make this as easy as possible on me...and I do appreciate it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>07-07-2006, 20:22:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip shrugged. "What the heck," he said. "I doubt I'd ever've eaten spinach lasagna otherwise." Kip smiled softly at Nina across the table. "Of course," he added teasingly, "now that I <em>have</em>, I need never do so again." He grinned&nbsp; lightly at her. "But thanks," Kip said. "I will do what I can to help you with this. And anyway, it'll all be over soon."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>10-07-2006, 10:27:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As the meal had worn on, her mind had turned to sleeping arrangements. Were they going to be in close quarters again? She contemplated that with mixed feelings. She felt their closeness the evening before had been innapropriate, especially given the state of her dress, but it had been immensly comforting. But she had been in an emotional state then, she was in control of her emotions now. <br><br>But something he said struck her, and she broke from her thoughts, her dark eyes drifting to his again. "What do you mean 'over soon'? It will be months until a trial, won't it? I was under the impression it took the DA quite awhile to build a case, and that my testimony would be needed..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>10-07-2006, 16:31:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Yeah well, while you were asleep, I got a phone call," Kip said. "Evidently they're fast-tracking this one. Trial is supposed to start next week. On the plus side, the D.A. said he might not need you at all. They're supposed to call back and let us know." He shrugged slightly. "The bad news is, we don't get to go to the Grand Canyon after all. The good news is, you don't have to put up with me much longer."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>11-07-2006, 16:13:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina furrowed her brow and put down her fork. "That seems...unbelievable. How on earth can they build a case in a week?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>11-07-2006, 17:05:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip shrugged. "I don't own the bar," he said, "I just play here." He picked up his glass and downed the rest of his coke, then sighed. "That was really good, I have to admit," he said. "You have good taste in food."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>15-07-2006, 10:32:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina nodded once in acknowledgement of his compliment. "Thank you." It seemed like he was trying to change the subject, to misdirect her. Why? She couldn't let it drop, it sat very poorly in her head. She took a drink of her long island iced tea...maybe that would help it settle. <br><br>&nbsp;"And why would they not use my testimony? That doesn't make any sense. Wouldn't they want every peice of evidence possible? And what happens if after they rush the trial, he gets off scott free? What will would I do then? You won't stick around to protect me forever. It just seems careless and somewhat stupid." Nina spoke very softly, but very emphatically. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>17-07-2006, 20:35:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Look, I don't know why they do half of what they do," Kip said, shrugging and wiping his mouth. "I just follow orders. I'm sorry if they don't make sense to you; most of the time they don't to me either." His tone was clearly annoyed. Kip pushed his chair back from the table, about to stand. "Are you thru yet? We need to get back to the motel."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>18-07-2006, 14:11:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina was surprised at the tone his voice took, and her eyes fell to the table top. She picked up her glass again and crossed her legs, the other arm wrapping about her abdomen. In response to his question she shook her head softly. Her tone was very quiet, but held and edge of defiance. "No. I'm not."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>18-07-2006, 22:31:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Hurry up then," Kip said. "We need to leave before someone recognises you. You've been on the news a bit lately, or hadn't you noticed." His tone was still cold, and Kip looked at Nina with an air of ill-concealed impatience.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>19-07-2006, 07:13:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina looked up and spoke just as cooly. "And how would I notice, I've been running non-stop since this all started. It may have started yesterday for you, but it's been going on much longer for me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>21-07-2006, 02:20:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Well, since you've obviously been too ... distracted to pay attention to your surroundings," Kip said, his tone now completely devoid of kindness, "you might consider listening to those who know better. Or hell, get yourself killed; it doesn't really affect my paycheck either way."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>21-07-2006, 02:44:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina's mouth dropped open and obvious pain crossed her face. Did he really just tell her she could get herself killed and it wouldn't affect his paycheck? Her eyes rose to his in utter disbelief that he could be that...cold. She set her drink down as her eyes filled with tears. How could they hire people with zero people skills to do this job? <br><br>Her lips parted to respond, but there were no words that she could think of. He basically just said it didn't matter to him if she lived or died. It was like a knife in her gut. Had he any clue how close she had been to dying? How the sight of the gun barrel in her face and the sound of the 'click' haunted her every time she closed her eyes? <br><br>Nina looked away and bit the inside of her lower lip hard, hard enough to draw blood. She used the pain to keep the tears at bay. There was no way this was the same man that had been so compassionate the night before. She sat frozen, just completely overwhelmed at his insensitivity.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>21-07-2006, 02:51:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip pursed his lips, looking at Nina. "So, are you thru yet?" he asked, the impatience obvious in his voice.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>21-07-2006, 02:59:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina just stared at him. How could she trust her life to someone who cared so little for it? She picked up her glass, still a quarter full, and took a drink. When the glass was empty, she would be done. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>21-07-2006, 03:27:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip sighed, obviously impatient. "This is going to cost you," he muttered softly, his eyes glaring at Nina while he waited for her to be ready.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>21-07-2006, 03:32:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina ignored him, shutting him out completely. She would listen to him, follow his orders, but she would not even start to let him become even an aquaintance. He had said hurtful things, and apparently didn't care. <br><br>After his words she finished her drink and set the glass on the table. Without looking at him she picked up her handbag and stood from the table, and started walking for the door. She was ready. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>21-07-2006, 15:28:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip dropped enough money to cover their bill and give the waitress a generous tip, then followed Nina to the door. As they walked outside, a sound like a gunshot went off. Instantly, almost quicker than she could see, Kip was in front of Nina, pressing her to the wall and covering her body with his. Even as his head moved to examine the parking lot, Kip's hands moved quickly and efficiently over her body. "Are you hurt?" Kip asked, before seeing the car which had made the noise backfire again. "Um ... sorry about that," he said, stepping away from Nina.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>21-07-2006, 15:48:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina heard the shot that sounded so much like a gun, and felt her stomach drop to her feet, and her heart stop beating for a moment. Kip pushed her up against the wall of the building, but it was clear it wasn't a gun after all. She turned her head away from him and he felt her for injuries presumabley, but was more worried about the gunshot to care. <br><br>When he asked if she was hurt she shook her head once, keeping her eyes averted still. That's what allowed her to see the car. One she realized the gunshot was just a car backfiring she was almost sick with releif. As he stepped back she closed her eyes and brought a hand to her face, rubbing her forehead lightly. <br><br>She took a deep breath and pushed away from the wall, heading for the truck again, still not saying a word to the insensitive jerk who told her her death wouldn't affect his paycheck either way. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>22-07-2006, 00:57:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip shrugged and shook his head lightly, feeling the adrenaline shakes he always got after something happened. He followed Nina, his long legs catching up to her easily. When they reached the truck, Kip once again opened the driver's door and stood aside to let Nina get in.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>22-07-2006, 01:19:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina moved to go towards the passenger side of the truck. When Kip grabbed her arm and asked her what she was doing she didn't reply, but sighed and moved to the driver's door. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>22-07-2006, 23:39:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Did you just WANT to get hurt?" Kip asked, as he climbed into the truck after Nina. He quickly drove back to the motel, and bacled into the parking space, before shutting off the engine and turning to look at her. "Okay," Kip said. "I'm going to get out, then wait for you to. Once you do, we'll walk to the door and I'll open it. You can wait inside while I bring your stuff in, alright?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>22-07-2006, 23:48:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				What a stupid question. Of course she didn't want to get hurt, but what did he care either way? Wouldn't affect his paycheck. <br><br>She ignored his question. When they got back to the hotel and he explained what he was going to do, she looked at him with a completely nuetral expression. "Yes, I understand." She could handle orders made in a consise and non-condescending and hurtful manner. She respected professionalism. "Thank you." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>24-07-2006, 01:50:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip sighed, glad that for once Nina was just going to do what he asked, instead of arguing with him. <em>"Evidently the little scare at the restaurant helped</em>," Kip thought, as he got out of the truck, his eyes scanning the horizon as they always did. Kip stood aside so Nina could get out, holding the door warily.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>24-07-2006, 01:55:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina got out of the truck without looking at him. She crossed her arms in front of her chest and got out of the truck, not making eye contact any longer. She waited for him, and then walked to the hotel room. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>24-07-2006, 02:19:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip opened the door, hit with the wave of air-conditioning, and afrer checking it out, let Nina enter. "I'll be back in a second," he said, closing the door behind him and quickly returning to the truck for her things. A few moments later, Kip came back into the room, kicking the door shut behind him, and deposited Nina's purchases on the table.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>24-07-2006, 02:24:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When they entered the hotel room Nina moved to the far side of it, taking a seat at a small table and folding her hands in her lap, not looking at him. She didn't want to be in this room any more with him, but knew she had no choice. He was hurtful and very uncompassionate. <br><br>When he returned she was in the same spot.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>24-07-2006, 15:25:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Okay, so why don't you take a shower and all," Kip said. "Then we can get to sleep; I'd like to start early tomorrow if we can."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>24-07-2006, 22:32:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina rose from her place and grabbed her toiletries and a pair of shorts. She had barely worn the t-shirt she had on, so would wear that to sleep in rather than dirty another one. She dissapeared into the small bathroom and turned on the water to the shower, making it fairly hot. <br><br>She had managed to stay composed, but once in the steamy water she let the tears fall. It had all been so hard, and she was so terrified. And now this agent had zero compassion for anything she had been through. He got cross with her just because she was scared the DA was going to screw up. It was far from unheard of. When this 'job' was over for him, it was over. It would never be over for her. Forever she would feel hunted, and constantly looking over her shoulder. It was common knowledge that the mob looked out for their own. The vengence might not come from the hand of the man in jail, but it would come. <br><br>Nina didn't know exactly why it hurt so badly that she was nothing more than 'a job'. Maybe it's because that's all she had been to so many people. She was the woman who tailored my wedding gown, or the seamstress who made my costume for the musical. And to the mob she was just another hit. And to the man she was supposed to entrust her life to, she was nothing more than any of that. More than at any time in her life, she needed a friend. It was clear he had no interest in that. <br><br>After her skin was pink from the heat and her toes and fingers wrinkled from the water, she emerged and dried off. After drying as much of the water as she could from her thick hair, she braided it to keep it from getting too wild. The tshirt came on, followed by the shorts. She steeled her face against any emotion, and entered the bedroom area once again. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>25-07-2006, 02:25:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Don't worry, it's being taken care of," Nina heard Kip say, just before she opened the bathroom door. His voice was rather aggravated, but when he turned to face Nina, his face showed none of his stress. "I was getting worried you'd drowned or something," Kip said, his voice somewhere between humourous and annoyed. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>25-07-2006, 04:47:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				her voice was barely audible, and she kept her eyes on anything but Kip. "I just needed a little time alone."<br><br>Nina didn't look at him, but got her things gathered up, just leaving out what she would<br>l need in the morning to get ready. <i>Not like your paycheck would be affected if I'd drowned.</i> <br><br>She turned to the bed and sighed in dismay. She didn't understand why he had gotten a room with only one bed again. She grabbed a pillow and stripped the bedspread off the bed, folding it over on itself several times to make a sort of cushion to sleep on. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>25-07-2006, 15:19:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=5327.msg228513#msg228513">Quote from: Lyria on 25-07-2006, 04:47:02</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">her voice was barely audible, and she kept her eyes on anything but Kip. "I just needed a little time alone."<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>*** "Are you okay?" Kip asked, moving towards Nina.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=5327.msg228513#msg228513">Quote from: Lyria on 25-07-2006, 04:47:02</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Nina didn't look at him, but got her things gathered up, just leaving out what she would l need in the morning to get ready. <i>Not like your paycheck would be affected if I'd drowned.</i> <br><br>She turned to the bed and sighed in dismay. She didn't understand why he had gotten a room with only one bed again. She grabbed a pillow and stripped the bedspread off the bed, folding it over on itself several times to make a sort of cushion to sleep on. <br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>*** "What the hell are you doing?" Kip asked. "I don't need you to make me a pallet."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>25-07-2006, 21:54:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina didn't answer the first question, doubting his sincerity in it. As long as she was docile and obidient, he was happy. The last thing he wanted to hear about was what she was really feeling. If he couldn't figure out what could possibley be wrong with a woman who the mob wanted dead, then she wasn't going to try and explain it to him. <br><br>At the second question 'what the hell are you doing' she looked up at him, trying to keep her face blank. "I'm not making it for you. You have to drive tomorrow, I can sleep in the truck. You need the bed."<br><br>Nina dropped the pillow at one end of the 'pallet', and moved to grab the blanket from the bed, leaving him with the sheet. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>26-07-2006, 04:01:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"You're out of your fucking mind if you think I'm letting you sleep in the truck!" Kip yelled, grabbing Nina's arm and whirling her around to face him. "I'm trying to keepy you alive dammit!" Kip's eyes were blazing as he glared at Nina.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>26-07-2006, 04:11:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina shrunk back as he yelled and grabbed her, spinning her around. "'Ah meant sleep in the truck tomorrow while y'all drove, like 'ah did today! Whah else would 'ah be making a bed on the floor?" &nbsp;Her eyes held his in fear of his anger, unblinkinb, and she trembled. He was much stronger than her, and very unpredictable. She had no idea what he was capable of. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>26-07-2006, 04:41:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip stood there in silence a moment, blinking and trying to think. "O," he said at last, unable to think of anything else. Kip was too stunned to even release Nina's arm.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>26-07-2006, 04:47:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina just stood there and waited for him to either let her go, throw her across the room, or do whatever it was he was going to do. Her eyes finally fell from his and just closed. She couldn't take fearing him along with everything else, she was already at the breaking point and this was just another brick on her very fragile back. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>26-07-2006, 06:00:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Um, so, anyway ...." Kip's voice trailed off, as he was still unable to think of anything. At last he said, much quieter and more subdued. "You're not sleeping on the floor, okay?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>26-07-2006, 06:40:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hearing his voice had calmed, Nina tenatively opened her eyes, but kept them downcast, effectively staring at his strong chest. She whipsered quietly, bracing for his mood to shift like the wind again. "I am sleeping on the floor. You have to drive. If you are tired and wreck the truck, then I might die and you will have failed in your job to keep me alive."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>26-07-2006, 15:48:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Yeah well, that's not going to happen," Kip said. "I didn't crash today, did I?" His voice was soft and reasonable, but absolutely unyeailding. "You're not sleeping on the floor Nina."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>26-07-2006, 15:55:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina sighed, still not looking at him, wishing he would let her go. As hard as he had grabbed her she wondered if she would bruise, and the longer he held her the more likely it was to happen. "Enough days short on sleep and y'all just might crash. Aint invincible."<br><br>Why did he have to make an issue of it? Because he thought he was a gentleman? He had already proved that wrong in her eyes. "And what does it matter anyway. I'll be alive, y'all'll be succeeding on your mission, and everythin' will be right with the world."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>26-07-2006, 17:31:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"I got sleep last nite," Kip countered. "And I may not be invincible, but I'm the closest thing to it." He sighed, releasing her and stepping back. Bringing a hand up to rub at his forehead tiredly, Kip said, "And it just matters, okay. I'm not letting you sleep on the floor."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>26-07-2006, 17:40:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina crossed her arms and with her hands cupped the places where he had grabbed her. She still did not look at him, but sighed tiredly. She thought it was pretty counterproductive of him to protest taking the bed where he would sleep better. He needed to be alert, and if he didn't get a good night's sleep, then he wouldn't be as alert as he could be. But at this point she was starting to not care. They both knew they hadn't gotten much sleep the night before because of her crying spell, something she was intent on <em>never</em> repeating in front of him again, but if he wanted to make some point or something, she would let him. <br><br>She sighed and caved. She just didn't have the energy or the will right now to fight him. "Fine. I'll take the bed."<br><br>Nina left eveything on the floor where she put it, and moved around him if he let her. She climbed into the bed and pulled the sheet up under her chin, facing the wall. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>26-07-2006, 22:22:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Finally," Kip muttered. He picked up the blanket and set it down on the bed, then took the pillow and walked to the chair. Setting down in it, Kip pulled off his boots &amp; socks, stretching his toes. He sighed, then glanced over at Nina, wondering if she was asleep yet.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>26-07-2006, 22:56:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina let him settle in the chair. There would be no invite like there was the night before. She would not share a bed with him. <br><br>She tried to close her eyes and sleep, but every time she did, the slideshow started. The various images played on the backs of her eyelids, the different horrors she had seen. To someone like Kip, who was seasoned to this life, it might not have been a big deal. But to Nina...is was horrifying. <br><br>After many minutes she opened her eyes and stared at the wall. In the almost darkness the shadows seemed ominous and every sound in the hotel had her on alert. For all she knew it could be someone coming to kill her. She tried to reason with herself, tell herself that they couldn't know where she was...but if that was the case, then why was Kip so anal retentive about her getting in the driver's side of the truck? The danger must still be about. <br><br>Eventually her eyes closed, and she drifted to a fitful doze.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>27-07-2006, 15:25:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Once Kip was sure that Nina had fallen asleep, he eased out of the chair and quietly gathered some things from his bag. Kip walked into the bathroom and without turning on the light, he turned on the shower and stripped. Leaving the door open, Kip got into the shower and began to quickly bathe himself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>27-07-2006, 18:32:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina was awakened by the sound of the water coming on. She debated briefly on trying to slip out the door, but decided that would be just stupid. She really had no choice for now, other than to be where she was. <br><br>Instead she just lay as she was, hugging a pillow and staring at the wall. She waited for him to finish and come out of the bathroom so she could ask him something that had been weighing on her mind. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>28-07-2006, 05:09:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip quickly finished his shower, not wanting to leave Nina alone any longer than he had to. Once done, he toweled off and slipped into a pair of black boxer/briefs and black jogging shorts. Carrying his clothes back into the bedroom, Kip placed them in his bag and got out clean clothes, doing his best to be as quiet as possible, so as not to awaken Nina.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>28-07-2006, 05:24:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina lay still as she heard him move about the room. In a way she was a little scared to speak to him. He was like a rottweiler. Just when you think he is guarding the kids, he'll turn on one and chew their face off. Finally she sat up in the dark and hugged her knees to her chest. <br><br>"I want to talk to the DA in the morning."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>28-07-2006, 15:15:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; "Okay," Kip said, speaking softly. "That shouldn't be a problem, I don't think. Unless you know, he's in court, or a meeting, or something else like that. But I'm sure he'll be sitting around just waiting for you to call." He chuckled slightly as he moved over to stand beside the bed. "But don't worry; I'll call him in the morning, and you can find out what's going on, okay? Now try and get some sleep." Kip moved back to the chair, settling in it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>29-07-2006, 20:52:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina was quiet for a moment. He had chuckled, he obviously thought he was funny, but really he had just been being commenting that he thought the idea of her calling was stupid. She sighed and almost didn't speak, he just seemed to ridicule her under the guise of sarcastic humor. But she did speak, quiety and timidly. "I <em>don't</em> expect him to be waiting for my call. But I do expect him to return yours."<br><br>Nina did not lay down and go to sleep as he told her to. Instead she sat quietly in the same position and spoke in the same quiet timid manner. "Do you dislike me?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>29-07-2006, 23:46:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=5327.msg229969#msg229969">Quote from: Lyria on 29-07-2006, 20:52:37</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Nina was quiet for a moment. He had chuckled, he obviously thought he was funny, but really he had just been being commenting that he thought the idea of her calling was stupid. She sighed and almost didn't speak, he just seemed to ridicule her under the guise of sarcastic humor. But she did speak, quiety and timidly. "I <em>don't</em> expect him to be waiting for my call. But I do expect him to return yours."<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>*** Kip laughed softly in the darkness, a bitter, sarcastic laugh. "O yeah," he said. "The D.A. just <em>loves</em> me."<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=5327.msg229969#msg229969">Quote from: Lyria on 29-07-2006, 20:52:37</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Nina did not lay down and go to sleep as he told her to. Instead she sat quietly in the same position and spoke in the same quiet timid manner. "Do you dislike me?"<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>*** The question completely blindsided Kip, and for a moment he was unable to speak. He stared at Nina in the darkness for a long moment, and at last said,his voice clearly betraying his confusion, "Why would you ever think that?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>30-07-2006, 00:23:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina wondered how he could not know why she would think that. She debated on just letting it drop completely, but now that she had brought it up he probably would get mad if she didn't follow through. Hopefully he wouldn't get mad when she tried to tell him why. She was quiet for a very long time as she worked up the courage to speak, staring at her knees in the dark. Finally her voice drifted from the bed, clearly wary of him. <br><br>"Well...you're often cruel. Not always, but more and more frequently as time goes on. I can only think that you are growing to dislike me more and more." She cupped her arms again, like she had earlier. The flesh was tender where he had grabbed her.&nbsp; <br><br>"I...I wonder if you say the things you do just to make me feel pain. Like, for example, in the restaurant. Telling me if I "got killed it didn't really affect your paycheck either way". I have had many attempts on my life in a very short time, and have seen good men die because they were earning their paychecks..." Nina's voice cracked and she stopped to let the lump in her throat subside.&nbsp; <br><br>"And grabbing me so violently. Why would you do that if you didn't dislike me?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>30-07-2006, 07:28:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"I'm sorry," Kip said simply, his voice quiet in the darkness, with no hint of his usual sarcasm. "I didn't mean to hurt you." Kip silently got up and moved over to sit beside Nina on the bed. "At the restaurant ... it felt like ... I was trying to help, trying to let you know that things <em>would</em> get better, and ...." Kip sighed heavily, running a hand thru his shaggy hair. <br>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp; &nbsp;"I'm sorry Nina," Kip said again. "I was wrong, and I'm sorry." After a long pause, Kip softly added, "And I do like you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>30-07-2006, 08:18:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When Kip moved to sit on the bed she stiffened. At the moment she didn't think he was going to hurt her, or say something cruel, he seemed quite sincere. But she was learning to be wary around him, never knowing when he was going to turn. She was suprised to here him say he was trying to tell her it would get better, it had just raised questions. And when she voiced those concers, in a calm way, he got mad and annoyed with her.<br><br>"If you like me, why did you grab me so hard? It hurt...physical pain...and it still hurts some now.&nbsp; It was violent and scary, and I can't handle being scared of you along with everything else." &nbsp;She needed more than just someone to keep her alive. She needed someone to help her see it was worth trying to stay alive, and someone to be there when she was discouraged. Nina's voice had cracked again, but she tried to hide it. Her eyes burned as well, and she was grateful that the darkness might hide the moisture. Hopefully her eyes didn't shine in the light. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>30-07-2006, 17:50:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"You scared me," Kip said. "I just ... I totally didn't understand what you were saying." He shrugged. "It just ... I thought you were saying you were going to sleep outside and it ...." Kip laughed ruefully. "I'm sorry," he said again. "I really ... I didn't mean to hurt you. I didn't know I grabbed you that hard." Kip looked over at Nina, biting his lip nervously. "I ... do you want me to look at it?" he asked hesitantly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>30-07-2006, 19:11:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina watched him in the almost darkness. She could barely make out his features in the light that filtered in from the outside. But from what she could see, he seemed to regret what he had done. And his voice sounded apologetic... Her first instinct was to tell him no, to not look at her arms. But he seemed to be trying, seemed to be making an effort, and she would meet him partway. Knowing he would at least be able to see the movement of her head, she nodded, abeit hesitantly. "Alright."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>31-07-2006, 03:04:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Carefully, Kip reached for the light and turned it on. He didn't want to startle Nina, so he moved slowly, doing his best to telegraph his actions. Once the light was on, Kip slid over closer to Nina on the bed. "Here," he said softly, reaching for her. "Let me look, okay?" <br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;A few moments later, Kip swore softly. "Nina," he said, his voice tight, "I'm so sorry. I ... I didn't realise I grabbed you that hard, I ...." Kip raised his eyes to look into hers, the shame and guilt he felt plainly evident. "I am sorry," he breathed softly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>31-07-2006, 07:42:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina blinked as the light came on, the brightness harsh for a moment. But it wasn’t long before her vision adjusted and she was able to look at Kip clearly. She didn’t flinch as he moved closer, believing him to not be agitated at the moment, and therefore unlikely to strike out, either verbally and physically. But her guard did not drop completely, she stayed wary. <br><br>At his request, she turned to him, moving to sit cross-legged and facing him on her side of the bed, as he sat on the other. She pushed the sleeves up on the shirt, not really surprised to see bruises in the shape of his strong fingers. Nina could see how sorry he was, and how guilty he felt. But weren’t men always that way after they hurt someone they didn’t mean to? <br><br>Nina’s gaze darted away after a moment, but she forced it back. ”Kip…I can forgive the bruises on my arms, and I can forgive the words you’ve said. But…I can’t take much more of it.”<br><br>She held his eyes for a long minute, clearly having more to say, and just struggling with how to say it. ”You are all I have right now. I have nothing and no one. I have no home to go back to, I don’t know where my life will be when this is over, if it ever is.&nbsp; I have no family, and what few casual friends I had, I can’t contact.”<br><br>She continued, still in her soft quiet tone, her eyes full of struggle to stay in control of the despair she felt. ”I have been removed from the world to a life of fear and flight and I need you to be more than just…just a person in charge. You chided me for not being aware of my surroundings and not knowing I was on the news…how could I have known? You had me locked in a truck all day half naked. And before you came on the scene I had constantly been on the move. This may have been the life you’ve chosen, and the life you are getting paid for, but I didn’t choose it, I’m not getting paid for it, and the blood and the death are breaking me.”<br><br>Her voice never rose, and was not accusatory, but soft as she tried to explain. “And what hurts far more than the bruises on my arms, is the fact that you seem uncompassionate to what I’m going through. Last night you were very kind…and I appreciate that…but it seems to be an exception to your behavior. Not only do you seem uncompassionate…but…I feel like you’re angry with me for not being a robot.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>31-07-2006, 15:50:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=5327.msg230258#msg230258">Quote from: Lyria on 31-07-2006, 07:42:39</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Nina’s gaze darted away after a moment, but she forced it back. ”Kip…I can forgive the bruises on my arms, and I can forgive the words you’ve said. But…I can’t take much more of it.”<br><br>She held his eyes for a long minute, clearly having more to say, and just struggling with how to say it. ”You are all I have right now. I have nothing and no one. I have no home to go back to, I don’t know where my life will be when this is over, if it ever is.&nbsp; I have no family, and what few casual friends I had, I can’t contact.”<br><br>She continued, still in her soft quiet tone, her eyes full of struggle to stay in control of the despair she felt. ”I have been removed from the world to a life of fear and flight and I need you to be more than just…just a person in charge. You chided me for not being aware of my surroundings and not knowing I was on the news…how could I have known? You had me locked in a truck all day half naked. And before you came on the scene I had constantly been on the move. This may have been the life you’ve chosen, and the life you are getting paid for, but I didn’t choose it, I’m not getting paid for it, and the blood and the death are breaking me.”<br><br>Her voice never rose, and was not accusatory, but soft as she tried to explain. “And what hurts far more than the bruises on my arms, is the fact that you seem uncompassionate to what I’m going through. Last night you were very kind…and I appreciate that…but it seems to be an exception to your behavior. Not only do you seem uncompassionate…but…I feel like you’re angry with me for not being a robot.”<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>*** Kip had stayed quiet while Nina spoke, giving her time to say what she needed to. When he was sure she was thru, he raised his eyes to look at her. "I don't expect you to be a robot Nina," Kip said. "But I do expect you to follow orders. Okay, you say all the killing is getting to you; that's what I'm trying to prevent. I don't want to see you, or anyone else, get dead, and the best way I know to do that is if you do what I tell you."<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip sighed heavily, looking down, then raised his eyes to meet hers. "You say you didn't choose this life; okay, well then why won't you listen to me? If I'm all you've got, why does it seem like you ... I don't know, like you don't even want me?" He slid off the bed, satisfied that the bruises on Nina's arm would be fine, and began to move around the room. Kip's body language clearly showed his frustration, but he didn't seem to be angry.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>01-08-2006, 05:48:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I don't have a problem with orders. I have a problem with cruelty, condescention, and violence towards me. And the reason you think I don't want you...is because you have made it that way. I came with you willingly when you first showed up, and I followed your orders. But you have pushed me away with your insensitivity and your brutishness." She bowed her head. "I know you are sorry about it, and I believe you, and I can forgive it. But that is why you feel like that...because it is true. But I am willing to change it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>01-08-2006, 15:09:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;"Insensitivity and brutishness huh?" Kip said softly. "I suppose it would've been more sensitive of me to leave you half-naked? Or keep you locked in a motel room the entire time?" He looked at her, his eyes clearly angry in the light, tho' he made no move towards her. "Hell, I could've just drugged you and kept you unconscious this whole time; then I wouldn't've had to be brutish at all, would I?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>01-08-2006, 18:36:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina looked at him a bit fearfully again. Drugging her? And he was insensitive by having her be half naked for a full day in the first place. She looked at him one last time, shaking her head. How on earth did he ever get a job like this? Nina laid down facing the wall. If he didn't get it, it would do no good trying to explain. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>05-09-2006, 15:38:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip could see the fear on Nina's face, and when she just rolled over he paused for a moment, then shrugged and reached to turn out the light. They sat in the dark for a bit, while Kip worked at getting his emotions under control. Once he was calmer, Kip reached out and gently laid his hand on Nina's shoulder. "I'm sorry," Kip said softly, before moving from the bed to sit in the chair.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>07-09-2006, 15:57:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina wondered if he even knew what he was apologizing for. She had little faith at this point that he had any clue how he treated her. He may have seen how scared she had just grown of him, and be apologizing for that...but did he really understand the depths of her fear of him? The way that she felt worthless and belittled by him? Doubtful. <br><br>Quietly she responded, just so the evening would be over. "Fine." It wasn't said with hostility, but with weariness.<br><br>Nina was bone weary from everything. The running, the fear of death, the gory images in her head...and now she was supposed to be trusting a man who didn't care if she lived or died beyond the fact it was a matter of pride of some kind. He could drug her and leave her unconscious all day and think nothing of it. A few words could set him off to the point of bruising her. Not normally the one to bathe in self pity, Nina couldn't help but wet herself a bit with it now. <br><br>She lay in the dark for a very long time, but for how long she wasn't sure. As she faced the wall she couldn't see the clock, and refused to turn and look at it. Her body wanted to shift, but she refused to show any kind of life, wanting him to just leave her alone. But eventually the exhaustion took over, and she drifted off into a restless, fitful sleep.<br><br><i>Her legs ached and her lungs burned as she propelled herself forward and away from her pursuer. The dread sent icy chills coursing through her veins. If he caught her she would become one of the bloody and distorted corpses that glinted into view every few seconds. She ran through the dark, but every other moment there was a flash of light, and she saw the visages of the dead, all holding accusing fingers up to her. <br><br>He was gaining on her. The silence was as thick as sap save for the sound of his breathing bearing down behind her. Nina tried to push on, and she felt hot tears coursing down her cheeks. Her dark hair streamed out behind her as she ran, and at any moment she expected fingers to ensnarl it, yanking her from her feet. <br><br>A gun barrel in her face. A click, no bullet in the chamber. Her body jerked violently, and she turned to flee in the opposite direction, straight into the arms of her pursuer, straight into the arms of the man who had been assigned to protect her...</i>&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>08-09-2006, 02:30:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip dozed lightly, but awoke when Nina began having a nitemare. As she tossed and turned restlessly, Kip debated going to her, as he had the nite before. At last, his desire to comfort her overcame his reluctance. Fully expecting to antagonise Nina even further once she awoke, Kip still moved to the bed and embraced her, murmuring soft, soothing noises as he stroked her, trying to calm Nina without awakening her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>14-09-2006, 05:28:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Strong arms, soft words, warmth...they coaxed her awake and out of her terror. Upon full consciousness she realized it was Kip that was comforting her and a wealth of various emotions rushed through her. Conflicting emotions that were not all born from the dream. He had been in the dream, but not necessarily the one chasing her. But her fear of him awake was only a little less intense than the fear in the dream. <br><br>But, as with the night before, he was showing compassion in the depth of the night that he never showed in the light of the day. And she needed that compassion, and there was no one else to take it from.<br><br>Feeling both grateful and frightened of him, she allowed herself to sink into his arms and shield her from the world that wanted her dead. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>14-09-2006, 05:50:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip felt Nina stiffen in his arms, and knew she was awake. "I ... I'm sorry," Kip said apologeticly, starting to pull away from her. "I didn't mean to wake you; I'll leave you alone now." Slowly, Kip began to ease his way out of the bed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>16-09-2006, 01:59:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina could feel him moving away from her, and she was unsure how to react. Part of her wanted to cling to him as a liferaft in a sea of misery. Part of her was frightened of angering him again. And he seemed to want to move away from her, but if he hand't wanted to comfort her, why be close in the first place? Unless he just wanted her quiet. <br><br>She finally decided to take advantage of the moment of kindness he was giving her, not knowing when another would come. She held tight to him, not letting him pull away. "Please don't go..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>16-09-2006, 16:23:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;This time it was Kip who stiffened, but after a moment of surprise, he relaxed. "A-are you sure?" Kip asked, his voice barely a whisper. Gingerly, Kip carefully eased his arms back around Nina, trying to figure out how to hold her without making her feel imprisoned or trapped. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>19-09-2006, 03:22:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nina just nodded, closing her eyes and burying her face against his chest. Given an opportunity to take comfort from someone else, she would have. But there was no one else, and he sincerely seemed to be trying. <br><br>She struggled, but finally brought herself under control. The worst of the dream shaken away, Nina withdrew from him, maybe twenty minutes after first awakening. She felt embarrassed and somewhat ashamed that she had been weak and needed to turn to him, but there was no helping that now. <br><br>As she pulled away she wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and whispered to him. "I'm sorry."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>19-09-2006, 04:42:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip shook his head, smiling amusedly. "Honey you didn't do anything to be sorry for," Kip said softly. "If anything, I'd say you've done really well. I've seen a lot of people in this sort of situation you know, and most of them don't hold it together even half as well as you have." Kip reached out and carefully squeezed Nina's shoulder. "You're strong. Don't let them take that away from you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>20-09-2006, 14:47:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The evening before wasn't he telling her the opposite kinds of things? It wasn't that she didn't believe his sincerity at the moment, she did, but... he was so confusing. She was weary and drained and didn't have the presence of mind to try and figure him out. 'honey'...where had that come from?<br><br>But no matter what, right now his message was clear and had some sense to it. She was letting them take her power, she was giving them her strength. She just felt so weak...<br><br>Nina nodded. "I'll try..." She wasn't sure how successful she would be. She wasn't sure how long he was going to be supportive. And she wasn't sure she had the will to keep trying. But she would try and scrape it together and carry herself through. Somehow. <br><br>She slipped back down under the sheet, sighing tiredly. "I'm sorry I kept you up. We need sleep." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>21-09-2006, 02:18:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip nodded quietly. "Yeah," he said softly. Kip took a breath, and seemed about to speak, but for a moment, he couldn't form the words. At last he said, "Are you ... do you want me to go?" Kip's voice was hesitant, as if he wasn't certain of what Nina's reaction would be.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>24-09-2006, 22:25:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				How was she supposed to answer? At any moment his mood could change, similar to the wind. She never knew what could set him off. If she said yes, she wanted him to go, then he might be insulted. If she said no, then he might think she was weak. Which she felt she was, contrary to what he told her. <br><br>So it came down to what did she really want. She wasn't sure. She wanted him to do whatever would keep him acting nice to her. Maybe by not placing demands on him, and by acting strong, he would treat her better. <br><br>Nina smiled softly and tenatively. "You don't have to stay. Thank you though. Just...get some sleep...okay?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>25-09-2006, 04:58:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip smiled softly. "I asked what <em>you</em> wanted," he said gently. "If you want me to stay, I don't mind ... and if you'd rather I left you alone ... that's okay too. Just tell me the truth Nina. What do you want?" There was no anger or arguement in Kip's words as he said this, only a soft concern for Nina's needs.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>30-09-2006, 03:01:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				What did she want? She thought carefully, and then spoke sincerely. She sounded weary, and felt as such. <br><br>"For now...for now I think...I think I want to be left alone. But thank you, I really do mean that." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Guardian Angel (one on one)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr_Crinkles</strong> on <strong>30-09-2006, 16:49:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp;Kip tilted his head slightly. "Your wish ..." he said, with perhaps a slight note od disappointment in his voice. Kip slid out of the bed and returned to the chair, where he once again began to doze lightly, ready to wake should anything happen.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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