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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 12, 2008 23:59:23 GMT -5
Vanessa's stride never slowed as she loped farther into the woods. She could hear Gabe behind her, leaving as she had just done. She slowed when she could no longer hear him and slowly maneuvered through the trees. In a small clearing ringed with close-growing trees, Vanessa stopped. Her whine was soft as she stared at her belongings. A few blankets were her bed, and her clothes were in a large cardboard box. She sank to the ground for a moment, glass-blue eyes sad as she stared at her new place of living. She'd been kicked out of her apartment just yesterday after not being able to pay the rent and she'd immediately come to this part of the park - no one moved this far into the woods, except for herself as of now. With a sigh, she shifted back into her human state and shivered as a breeze caressed her bare body.
With a quickness that was not entirely human, she rifled through her clothes until she found a striking red dress. The bodice was fitted so that no bra was needed, but other than that the silky fabric flowed freely to mid-thigh. The gentle shift of fabric on skin was pleasing to Vanessa, and she smoothed her hands down the dress to smooth it. For a few moments she went barefoot as she moved around her makeshift home. Before long, her long curls were pinned back out of her face but still mostly loose and her eyes were just barely outlined with ebony eyeliner. She slid into red ballet flats and considered for a moment how she'd stolen them nearly a month ago from an unsuspecting swimmer.
She frowned but didn't let it get her down as she walked over to her Rocket and slid a hand down its gleaming side. If she didn't get a job soon, she wouldn't have enough gas to ride it. V slung her leg over the seat and spun it around before revving the engine and zipping quickly through the trees, adrenaline pumping as she zoomed past, around, and nearly into the tall oaks. Before long, she was on the street, racing down the road and maneuvering through traffic, ignoring the honks of jealous protests as she passed people. After nearly ten minutes of speeding down the streets, she slowed and entered Chinatown. Her whole being thrummed with left over adrenaline and nerves. She hadn't told Gabe to meet her anywhere, but even in her human state she could scent him out. She parked the Rocket and took the keys, tucking them under the seat in a hidden patch.
With long, easy strides, she moved down the streets, searching for Gabriel. After a few moments, she caught a wiff of his scent and followed it, eyes hooded as she drank in his familiar scent. Within five minutes, she could feel his scent with her every fiber of being and knew he was close by. She fidgeted with the hem of her dress, worried. What if he thought she looked whorish in her dress? She glanced down. She looked fine to herself, but who knew? She bit her lip, not paying attention as she rounded a corner and collided roughly with someone....
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 13, 2008 0:25:17 GMT -5
Gabriel's run through the woods had never felt shorter. He still couldn't quite believe, or understand, what had just happened. It seemed his luck was turning around. He still didn't think Vanessa had any feelings for him, but it seemed she was willing to let bygones be bygones and be friends. This new development meant he had to behave himself, no matter what. He couldn't, wouldn't chase her away again. The confident, cheeky man he played all the time wasn't really him, anyway. He was really pretty insecure inside, which is why it was so much easier to pretend to be someone else. The whole time he had spoken to her today, he had been more himself than what most people saw of him. That was what had happened in their short fling. He had let his guard down, and now that she knew the real him, he couldn't fake her out. It was better this way, though. His flirtations would just offend her.
As he reached the end of the forest, he slowed. His apartment was backing this part of the woods for a reason: he could usually come and go with no problem. He waited for a moment, looking out as he listened and scented the area. No one around. His eyes lifted to the windows to make sure there was no one looking out. Phasing, he took the bathrobe he always kept out in the trees and wrapped himself. There was a key to his room in the pocket and he used it to get in.
After his shower, he hesitated only brieftly over his clothing choice. Gray button-up, dark-wash jeans, black tie. He hated putting on shoes, but he slipped on some black Chuck Taylors. That was one of the sacrifices of fitting in and not being detected. One had to do things that made one uncomfortable.
He had to hail a cab; Gabe disliked driving, and didn't own a car. He liked to walk or run everywhere he could, but had to rely on public transportation to get downtown. When he reached Chinatown, he realised he had no idea where to wait for her. It was really no matter; she'd find him. He wandered down a road, as he was a little early, and glanced into the windows of some of the shops and restaurants.
Suddenly, a figure burst out from around the corner and ran into him. He gripped her upper arms to steady her, and as he did her scent hit him. "Vanessa? You okay?" Of course she would be; she was as tough as him. He was protective, though he would never tell her, and his brow furrowed as he gently pushed her out to arm's length. His eyes widened in surprise at her clothing. She made him feel immediately underdressed "You look great..." He mumbled shyly.
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 13, 2008 0:34:24 GMT -5
Vanessa let out an 'oof' as she hit the man, but he quickly gripped her and kept her from falling. Gabe's scent filled her and it left her heady as she stared up at him, eyes bewildered. She let a smile grace her face as her eyes crinkled in amusement at his sudden shyness. "I'm fine. I'm a tough girl, remember?" She spun before him, showing off her outfit as she laughed softly. "Thanks, I think. I don't have much in my, er, dresser other than jeans, so... this is what you get." She let her shoulders rise and fall in a shrug as she fingered the hem, her nervousness taking over once again. She took a deep breath, pushing back the feeling, and relaxed into an almost alooft state.
"So... any ideas on where to eat? Or do you want to just hit the club?" It was still early for clubbing, but V kind of longed for the music to pump through her and to just relax into the easy scene of clubbing. She actually looked at him for the first time and rolled her eyes before reaching up to smooth down his hair, which had been sticking up awkwardly. "Goofball, do you even look in the mirror anymore?" She bit her lip. Not having one herself, she was unsure whether or not she herself looked presentable, no matter what Gabe said. She lifted a hand to her hair, smoothing it uncertainly, as she glanced back at him.
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 13, 2008 0:46:40 GMT -5
Gabriel laughed, releasing her. "I know you are," He smiled affectionately as she spun around, but his smile faltered slightly as he noticed her acting strangely again. "No, it looks great." His brows were furrowed in consternation, though, even as she relaxed. Maybe she'd open up as they walked; he wouldn't force her to talk, but his curiousity was overwhelming.
At her question, he shrugged, glancing around. "I'm not really that hungry, to be honest, but I know you said you were starving. So it's up to you." He blushed slightly as she smoothed his hair down. Playfully, he pushed her hand away with a smile. "Maybe I like it looking like crap." He had in fact forgotten to check the mirror in his haste, but he could tell by the way she checked her own hair that she might not have checked either. "It looks good, promise." He reassured her.
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 13, 2008 0:56:16 GMT -5
Vanessa smiled easily at him as he spoke and began walking, gently tugging on his hand to make sure he followed her. She blinked greatfully at him when he said that she looked fine - but her brow furrowed a bit as she wondered why him thinking it looked merely 'good' bothered her so much. She glanced at him and shook her head slowly. "It always amazed me how you didn't give a crap if you didn't look perfect infront of people. Of course, I guess that's normal for guys, but for girls... We always have to put on a show and look amazing or it's the equivalent of suicide." Her face screwed up. "Or something like that." She smiled apologetically at him. "Sorry, I don't mean to babble about boring, unimportant stuff."
Taking his hand again, she pulled him across the street to a small stand that was selling egg rolls. She frowned, not really wanting the food, but knowing that it was the easiest thing to walk and talk with. She bought one, pulling a dollar from the bodice of her dress. Another pained frown as she realized that she had just given away her last dollar. She had a ten dollar bill, which was enough to get into 'Zeng.' However, any drinks she might want from there after were an impossibility. And after that she only had thirty dollars left for food and gas. Damnit. She took a small bite of the egg roll before beginning to walk again, eyes on her hands which were wrapped around the egg roll. She turned to him quickly and held it out. "Do you want some?" She cursed mentally as her stomach growled.
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 13, 2008 1:12:41 GMT -5
The way she tugged his hand so casually made his heart beat a little harder, but it was such a familar motion that he found himself growing comfortable with it a whole lot faster than he had expected. He responded playfully to her words, "Are you saying I look horrible all the time?" He cursed, snapping his fingers. "I really thought I was fly." Shaking his head, he responded to her apology with a wave of his hand and fake seriousness. "No, 'Nessa. This is very important." He was very good at keeping his face straight, as if fashion was a matter of the upmost importance.
He looked over just in time to see her paying for an egg roll. "That's the last thing you're paying for tonight, lady." His finger wagged at her as he scolded her. There was no way he was letting her use any more money tonight. She offered him some, and he shook his head. He really wasn't hungry, possibly because of his nerves, but he could also hear her stomach rumbling, even though he was in human form. "Are you sure that's all you want?"
As he caught her up, he was silent a moment, letting her finish her egg roll. When he spoke, his voice really was serious. "Vanessa, is there something on your mind?" He worried his lip, wondering if he was pressing his luck. "You're acting sort of strange." He rose his hand and rubbed the short hair at the back of his neck, nervously.
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 13, 2008 1:22:05 GMT -5
Vanessa stuck her tongue out at him when he mocked the seriousness of fashion. "Puhlease, you know it interests you. She backtracked, annoyed that she kept breezing over what he said. "No! That's not what I meant at all! She ran a hand over her face. "You look good, even when your hair is sticking up." She didn't meet his gaze as she said this and her heart thumped painfully in her chest. She rolled her eyes at him as he mentioned the egg roll being the only thing she'd pay for tonight. "I can take care of myself, Gabriel. I have money." Her voice was a bit harsher than she'd meant for it to be and she looked away, embarrassed at losing her temper.
Vanessa glanced at him when she heard the seriousness of his tone. The words registered and her stomach clenched. Was she that obvious? She hadn't meant to be. What had she done that had tipped him off? She clenched her fists in anger at herself. He couldn't know about her current living conditions, or how low her funds were running. It would make her seem weak; she'd be vulnerable. And, needless to say, completely humiliated. She smiled up at him, the smile forced. "Nothing too important. Don't worry about it." Her dark eyes pleaded with him to not worry, and her hand gently touched his arm as she worried her own lip. "I'm fine, really. I'm just excited about dancing, is all." She forced herself to look at him as she said it to enforce the lie she so easily told.
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 13, 2008 1:36:26 GMT -5
Laughing as she stuck out her tongue, he stuck his own out at her, blowing a little raspberry. "You're so right. I'm a fashion bug." He was pleased that she was willing to tease back and forth with him, and even more pleased when she complimented him. It had seemed genuine. Inwardly glowing, he outwardly kept casual as he shrugged and smiled. "Well thanks."
He flinched a little as she rebuked his offer to pay. She had seemed annoyed and defensive, not even leaving him room to tease or joke back. However, the subject had turned elsewhere and he let it go for now. This was more important. He noticed her fists clenching, and knew he had struck a chord. However, she said it was nothing to worry about. He knew, knew she was lying, but her eyes begged him to let it go. When she touched his arm, it sealed the deal. He melted, and tried to push it to the back of his mind for the time being. "Alright, 'Nessa. I'll let it go." He said the last line to make sure she would realise that he knew she wasn't being truthful. Even if the last lie had been marvelously delivered, she had given it all away with the earlier moments. "So where is this place?"
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 13, 2008 1:46:02 GMT -5
Vanessa rebuked herself for being so harsh, and for her double standard. Why wasn't it okay for him to lie to her, but she didn't extend the same courtesy? She turned away and continued walking, her stride slow. For a few moments, she mulled over what he'd said. He knew that she was lying, and yet he'd let it go. She turned her head to stare at him, amazed by how he could do that. If it had been her, she would have pushed to know what was wrong. But she was thankful that he didn't press the issue. She wouldn't tell him the truth - the idea of him thinking she was weak... the idea of the look of pity that might fill his eyes... Both was enough to make her certain she wouldn't say anything to him. "Thank you," she whispered, the sound just a breath on the wind. She wasn't sure he heard, but she hoped so.
She closed her eyes for a moment before motioning just up ahead. "We're there. Shall we?" She stared up at him, almost a half a head taller than she - which was surprising, for she was quite tall. She fingered the hem of her dress and suddenly wished she could just curl up on a couch and listen to him tell her a story - any story. The blush that filled her face had her ducking her head and raising her hands to hide the redness there. What was she, mentally insane? She wanted to trust him, but couldn't. She wanted his trust, but knew she didn't deserve it. Tears pooled in her eyes but she kept her head down. "We should probably go in... She turned away and walked slowly to where the bouncer sat in the shadows, pulling the twenty dollar bill from her bodice.
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 13, 2008 1:56:34 GMT -5
She turned and started walking from him, and he paused for a second, his head lowered in indecision. It was hard to figure out what to do. If she was in some kind of trouble...It was unthinkable. He wouldn't pity her if he knew the truth, but it was true he was protective and would want to help her out in any way possible. Part of the reason he cared for her so much was her pride, and he recognised the irony that it was the reason she was now keeping things from him. Her small, quiet thank you reached his ears, and the corners of his lips turned up in a smile. He followed her, catching her up as they reached the club.
He glanced down at her as she spoke and was surprised at the softness in her eyes. Quirking one corner of his lips in a half-smile, he reached down to tuck a strand of her hair behind one of her ears. "We shall. Let's just have some fun." He followed her to the bouncer, noticing as she reached for her money again. Reaching out, he gently gripped her wrist. "You really won't let me pay? You're making me look bad, here." He grinned at the bouncer, then turned back to look at her expectantly, hoping she'd give in.
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 13, 2008 2:07:47 GMT -5
Vanessa nearly leaned into his hand as he used it to tuck a stray curl behind her ear. Her breathing hitched and her eyelids lowered for a moment before she smiled gently at him. She had the money in her hand when he stopped her, his hold on her wrist gentle yet firm. She stared up at him with startled eyes. Her gaze flicked from him, to the money, to the bouncer, and back. Why did he have to be a gentleman now? Truthfully, she was thankful that she might have a bit more money to use on food when the time came - an extra few nights without stealing for what she needed. She bit her lip but finally, frowning slightly, nodded in acceptance.
She slid the twenty back into her bodice and smiled thankfully at the bouncer as he opened the door. Loud, thumping music spilled out onto the sidewalk. The pumping of music through her made Vanessa giddy. She turned to Gabe and took his hands, leading him into the club, eyes dancing with excitement. She walked backwards, moving slowly with the beat as she did so. They entered the main area and Vanessa giggled at the pink strobe light flashing across Gabe's face. She leaned close, her cheek brushing his, as she spoke into his ear. "I must say, Gabriel, you look mighty fine in pink." She pulled him onto the dance floor. About ten other people were there but she ignored them. Raising her arms above her head, she swayed with the beat, gently rolling her hips and grinning in pure happiness as she danced infront of him.
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 13, 2008 2:29:38 GMT -5
Gabriel didn't notice her leaning slightly into him; the motion was too slight for him to feel it. However, he did see the way her eyelids lowered and heard the hitch in her breath. Stepping back shyly, he smiled back. At first, he didn't think she'd let him pay for her entrance. He could see she was displeased. However, she eventually nodded. A big grin slid across his lips and he took out his walley. He paid the bouncer and followed Vanessa, who was already going in the club. He nodded at the bouncer as he passed, then turned to look around as they went in.
The music was loud, and he enjoyed the way it thumped in his chest. Vanessa turned around, and he grinned as she took his hands. She was walking backwards, and he helped steer her through the few dancers that were on the floor. "Watch out, 'Nessa!" he laughed, shaking his head. When they stopped, he blinked at the light in his face, whirling around slightly so it was not in his eyes so much. Suddenly, Vanessa was up close, her breath in his ear. He tensed automatically, almost shaking with the surprise of having her so close. "T-thanks," he stuttered out, too surprised to think of a funny reply. It was a good thing it was dark, because his cheeks were certainly flushed. She started dancing, and he watched for a minute before he did, too, moving with the bass. He wasn't too great a dancer, but his enthusiasm usually made up for it.
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 13, 2008 2:42:59 GMT -5
Vanessa danced easily, the beat flowing through her and making her body move in easy, fluid motions. In a part of her mind, she knew that the moves were quite sexual, but she didn't care. She opened her eyes for a moment and watched him dance. He was a bit awkward at it and it made her smile. The fact that he was comfortable enough to dance infront of her when he seemed to be uneasy doing it was electrifying. She rolled her eyes and spoke loudly to be heard by him. "Goofball, you're doing it wrong. Here, let me help you." She reached out, taking his hands and placing them on her slim waist. "Just take a deep breath and follow me, okay?" She smiled at him before sliding her hands up his chest to clasp behind his neck.
With confidence that surprised her, Vanessa pressed close to him as she moved. Her eyes closed as she rested her cheek on his shoulder, still swaying. She hadn't slept well the night before, seeing as it was her first night on the ground in a long time, and it had wiped her out. She sighed in content, however, as music thumped through her and comfort filled her. She was used to dancing with men, but not the level of comfort she felt. She drew back abrubtly, surprised, and coughed, brow furrowing. "I, uh, need a drink." She gently extracted herself and spun, walking swiftly to the bar where she took out her twenty and asked for a water.
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 13, 2008 2:57:38 GMT -5
He tried not to look too closely at her body as she danced, which was pretty difficult considering. Although he was not that good at dancing, he oozed confidence and he never was afraid to just let loose. If anything, he was a little more shy in front of her. As if to confirm the fact that she thought he wasn't very good, she smiled and rolled her eyes. He laughed and let her put his hands on her waist, watching her moves and trying to copy them.
Her hands slid up his chest, and he shivered a little. She moved close to him, and he held her, swaying with her and trying not to think about her body pressed close to his. One hand slid up to the back of her neck as she leaned her head against him. He wanted to tilt her head back and look into her eyes, to tell her things that would ruin the night. He held back and let his hands clasp behind her back once more.
She suddenly broke away, and he wasn't really surprised. He knew she was letting her guard down slightly with him, and he felt almost guilty, as if he had coerced her into it. Following her more slowly, he got there in time to see the bartender give her a water. Sitting down on a stool next to her, he leaned his back against the bar, looking out at the floor of undulating bodies, his elbows resting on the counter behind him. "You okay?" He asked, not looking at her.
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 13, 2008 3:10:23 GMT -5
Vanessa felt him beside her but ignored him for a moment, still trying to wrangle with her emotions. So much was running through her, and she struggled to get a grasp on them, to slow them down, to be able to think without being interrupted by another thought that was gone before she could really understand it. She took a long gulp of water, eyes closed against the strobe lights, against him. When she opened them, his voice invaded her thoughts and left her motionless. She forced a smile onto her face and turned to him, eyes dark. "Okay? Yeah, yeah, never been better." She turned back to the bar, lifting the money the bartender had given her back.
She counted the money quickly once, then again. Both times she ended up with fifteen dollars. She turned her gaze on the bartender, eyes narrowed. "How much is a bottle of water?" The young man furrowed his brow. "Four dollars." Vanessa clenched her jaw angrily. You owe me a dollar. The bartender rolled his eyes. I gave you the necessary change. I don't owe you anything. Vanessa's heart rate sped up as her hands clenched. She could feel her nails bite into her skin. "I. Need. That. Money." The bartender lifted a brow. "Don't you make enough whoring? His voice was low, but not low enough for Vanessa to miss what he said. Her face drained of color as anger pumped through her. Her eyes welled with tears - an effect of her anger. She took her bottle of water and turned away, forgetting her money on the counter. She spoke quietly to Gabriel. Can we go?
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