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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 13, 2008 3:31:19 GMT -5
Gabriel furrowed his brow. It was clear that Vanessa was upset. Once again, he felt like he couldn't approach her. When she got like this, it felt like she was pushing him away, and he didn't want to encroach on her personal space. He frowned at her response, which seemed very faked. Spinning around on the stool, he watched her count the money. Something was wrong. Vanessa was not one to be cheated, and she called the bartender out on the wrong amount of change he'd given her.
Gabriel felt obliged to interrupt, but he couldn't do it. She would resent it if he acted like she couldn't take care of herself. However, the situation escalated quickly, and he was surprised at how serious she sounded when she said she needed the money. Then the bartender said something completely unforgiveable, something that caused his blood to boil. Before he said anything, he waited to let Vanessa take control. However, her reaction was not what he had been expecting. She looked defeated. And there were tears in her eyes. That was not okay at all. "I'm not going anywhere, just yet," he muttered harshly. He took her money and handed it to her.
Standing up with a guttural sound more wolf than human, he spun to face the bartender. "Oy! Who the f*ck do you think you are?" He shouted. The loud music kept most of the club ignorant to his yell, but the people in the vicinity clustered a little closer, excited at the prospect of a fight. The bartender threw his rag down and walked over, leaning across the bar towards Gabriel. "I think you should get outta here, pretty boy, before you get yourself into trouble." Gabriel did not respond. The time for talking was over. With a quick thrust of his arm, he grasped the collar of the bartender's shirt in his fist and dragged him across the bar, letting him fall to the ground.
He wanted to punch him, to show him it was not okay to disrespect a woman like that, but he could feel his anger taking hold. Shoving past the bouncers that had come to diffuse the situation, he grasped Vanessa's arm in his hand and pulled her with him as he ran. He had to get out, had to leave before he phased. Thrusting the door open with his shoulder, he went out into the coolness of the night and halted, taking deep, calming breaths.
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 13, 2008 3:45:11 GMT -5
Vanessa's eyes widened as she mindlessly took the money. They weren't leaving. Wonderful. He seemed disappointed in her, and that hurt more than she thought it would. The harsh tone of his voice made Vanessa gasp and take a step back - which was fortunate, for the bartender came sailing across the counter quite quickly. Shock brought color to Vanessa's face. She'd never seen Gabriel get truly angry, not even when they'd fought. When they'd had their fight, he'd seemed resigned and a bit sad, but not angry. And now... She bit her lip, trying to hide the smile that was trying to force its way to fruition at the sense of glee within her. He was angry for her. For her. When she saw him tremble, however, her mind went blank. All she knew was she had to get him out.
Even as he was grasping her arm, Vanessa was taking his. She ran with him, eyes worriedly flashing to him and away. When they got outside, she stood beside him, gently rubbing his back. When it seemed he'd gained control, she gently took his hand and led him into a side street that was completely deserted and mostly in shadows. With light pressure, she pushed him to a seating position against the wall before murmering that she'd be right back and disappearing around the corner. When she returned, she had seven dollars in her hand and a bottle of juice with a carton of rice in the other. She knelt before him and lay the money on the ground before opening the drink and putting it to his mouth. "Come on, Gabriel, take a drink. It'll help you relax." She put the now-open carton of rice next to him, a fork sticking out of it. She leaned back against the wall beside him. Worry that he was angry with her or disgusted with her plagued her, so she sat with two feet between them, eyes on her hands. "Thank you for that, Gabriel. I owe you."
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 13, 2008 4:08:45 GMT -5
Gabe hardly noticed Vanessa rubbing his back at first. All he could feel was his rage, all he could hear was his blood thumping in his ears. Eventually, though, the calming breaths, the coolness of the air, and the hand on his back broke through. He closed his eyes, putting one hand up to rub at his forehead as if he had a headache. "Sorry. Sorry, 'Nessa," he said, letting her lead him down a sidestreet. He reclined against the wall, sliding down to a seated position as she wanted him to. His hands were shaking slightly, still. He couldn't believe how he'd let his anger take hold in the bar; he had almost phased! It had been so long since he had last lost his temper like that, but he didn't feel a bit sorry. That man had deserved worse; pity he hadn't been able to throw a good punch.
He looked up as Vanessa came back and although he was perfectly capable of holding the juice himself, he let her hold it to his lips. He took a small sip, then closed his hand over hers, squeezed her hand reassuringly, and then took the juice from her. "Thank you." He set the drink down and leaned his head back against the wall, looking up at the sky. "Thank you for that, Gabriel. I owe you." Turning his gaze towards her, he saw how far she had sat from him. Had he scared her with his fury? No, that wasn't it. Maybe she thought he was mad at her, too. He scooted towards her until their shoulders touched, and loosened his tie before looking at her seriously. "I'd say you don't owe me, but I think you do owe me something." His hand rose, combing through his hair and mussing it up. "The truth, 'Nessa. Just tell me, please. Are you in some kind of trouble?" He cocked his head, his eyes locked on hers.
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 13, 2008 16:54:33 GMT -5
Vanessa bit back another smile when he squeezed her hand. She looked down at the rice, picking it up, which was the only thing that kept it from being knocked over as he scooted closer, his shoulder brushing hers. Sparks shot down her arm and she cringed inwardly in surprise. But her startled gaze lifted to meet his when he said her nickname. He seemed so solemn, as if expecting the worst. Well, she wasn't pregnant - no, that wouldn't bother him. She ran a shaking hand through her curls and cursed inwardly. Her long legs were tucked to her left, bent at the knee. She shivered and leaned into him, but kept her eyes averted as she spoke. She wouldn't be able to bear the pity in his eyes, or the disgust, or whatever might form there. She wasn't sure what, she just knew she wouldn't be able to see his disappointment in her without breaking down and crying - or, worse, shifting.
Biting her lip, she spoke swiftly and quietly. "Not trouble. I was kicked out of my apartment yesterday morning because I couldn't pay the rent; I had to get everything out. I didn't have anywhere to go, so I went to the woods. My new home is half of a mile from where we met earlier today. It's not as bad as it might sound. It's comforting, living in the woods.... kind of." She couldn't help adding 'kind of.' At night, the dark surrounded her and, though she could see, it still frightened her. Imagine her, the mighty huntress afraid of a little dark. She laughed softly but it lacked mirth. "So, yeah, I'm kind of trying to hold onto my money so I have enough to... She shrugged. It's not that big of a deal, though.
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 14, 2008 0:43:12 GMT -5
Gabe tensed a little bit in surprise as she leaned against him. She began to speak, making an obvious effort not to look at him. His brow wrinkled as she started to explain what had happened. Kicked out of her apartment? That was trouble if he'd ever heard it. And it only got worse. She was living in the woods. He wanted to yell, to punch something, to vent his anger. How could she do that to herself? She could have asked someone for help, could have come to him. He wasn't mad at her; he was mad at the situation. But he had to let her finish.
"So, yeah, I'm kind of trying to hold onto my money so I have enough to...It's not that big of a deal, though.
Okay, she had had her turn; it was him time to talk. His voice was soft as he tried to disguise his anger and worry. "Vanessa. It is a big deal. Something could happen to you out there. You can't live in the woods..." He waved his hand, trying to illustrate his point. His voice was getting louder as his frustration came to a head, but he wasn't anywhere near yelling. It wouldn't help anything to yell at her. "Why didn't you ask someone for help? Why didn't you ask me for help?"
He put his head in his hands, then sighed and spoke more softly, his voice muffled because his face was still hidden. "I'm sorry, it's just....I mean, you deserve better than that, you know?" He stood up, not able to look at her and show her the emotion displayed clearly on his face. "You can stay with me for a few nights, if you want. No strings attached. You can even pay me back once you're on your feet, if you need to. But I will not let you sleep out there again." He turned around, having composed himself, and squatted next to her. "And if you insist on sleeping out in the woods again, I'll be out there with you." He hadn't left her with much choice, which was how he wanted it. That way, she could accept his offer without losing pride.
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 14, 2008 1:01:57 GMT -5
Vanessa winced away from the rise in his voice. When he stood, she nearly whimpered. This was why she hadn't told him. He was angry, now, and she didn't want him angry. Ask him for help? Was he crazy? "Gabe, I didn't even know you were in town. Plus, even if I had, we hadn't exactly left things on even footing last time around. I wasn't going to beg for a place to stay." She stared at her hands in silence. He would be willing to sleep in the woods just so she wasn't alone? Warmth flooded her as she worried her lip. She rubbed her hands together to keep herself occupied - to keep herself from looking at him.
"If it's alright with you, I'd like to stay with you. I'll sleep on the floor - it doesn't bother me. Or... I don't know. You don't have to. I'll pay you back. She sighed. Sure, staying with him was better. But, damnit, it made her feel so vulnerable and weak. She thought about how long it would take to adequately pay him back. Damnit, debt was looking like a way of life. She rubbed a hand down her face and sighed.
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 14, 2008 1:27:35 GMT -5
It was obvious that Gabe was upsetting her, but he couldn't help it. She was special to him, he was over-protective of her, and she was telling him that she planned on living in the woods by herself. There were so many dangers about, it was lunacy for her to try such a thing. He closed his eyes as she defended herself, trying to sort out reason from emotion in his mind. "I know we left off badly, but you should know..." He trailed off and spoke in a softer, less angry voice. "You should know I'm always around if you need...something. Besides, even if I leave town or am out somewhere, I've always kept the same apartment. You have my permission to break in if there's an emergency." He was trying to make his tone light and joking, but it was hard under the circumstances.
He wasn't surprised that she agreed. It wasn't as if she had a choice. She certainly wouldn't want him babysitting her out in the woods. Perhaps it had been mean of him to play that card, but he was only doing it to look out for her best interests. He couldn't let her sleep out in the woods. "I'm sorry I'm doing this to you, but I can't let you stay there. You know that, right? There's more than just...people like us out there. What if a bunch of bloodsuckers caught you there?" He voiced his thoughts, trying to defend his position. "You won't be sleeping on the floor," he said, sitting down again and taking a swig from the juice. The rice smelled good, but he wasn't very hungry. The stress of the conversation was twisting his stomach. "You'll have my bed, and I'll take the couch." He held up a hand, as if predicting a disagreement from her. "It's the most practical. I won't wake you up leaving for work that way." If it was up to him, she wouldn't pay him back at all. He could tell she was stressed about it, but he was also pretty sure she wouldn't agree to it any other way.
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 15, 2008 0:14:33 GMT -5
Vanessa heard his words and understood. Of course he was doing this just because he was an overall good guy. And, yeah, a bunch of bloodsuckers could find her. And, hell, the bed sounded a heck of a lot better than the floor. She pushed the rice around with her fork before taking a small bite and grimacing at the bland taste. She dropped it beside her, making a few of the pieces of rice litter the ground around the box. She spoke quietly, head bowed, hiding the relief and pure gratitude in her eyes and voice. Thank you, Gabriel. I owe you so much. She bit her lip before continuing. I completely understand what you're saying. You're just looking out for....... She paused. ... for a.. friend. Completely normal. And if you insist that I have the bed, I won't argue... too much.
Vanessa's body swayed as she fought to keep it upright. Lack of sleep and running so much had taken a load out of her. She smiled apologetically up at him. I'm sorry this hasn't been the great night that it should have been. And now I'm going to ruin it even further. She fiddled her fingers, embarrassed by the question she was going to ask even as her lids drooped and her head dropped a bit before she jerked it up. Would it be okay if we headed back to the park and then your apartment? I'm really tired and I just want to curl up in bed. She bit her lip, finally lifting gentle, thankful aquamarine blue eyes to him.
[ooc = check pms]
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 15, 2008 1:01:17 GMT -5
Vanessa was taking this all a lot better than he could have expected. Gabe waved off what she was saying about owing him. She owed him nothing at all, and he'd never expect anything in return. "You don't owe me. There isn't a points system or something for this kinda thing. You need a place to stay and I care enough about you to give you one." He was glad she decided not to argue about the bed, but decided not to comment on it. They had both run through a variety of emotions in a short time, and he could see it was starting to wear on her.
He glanced over as she apologized, and reached over to ruffle her hair playfully. "I had a good time. Don't worry about it." Standing up, he leaned over and held out a hand to her. "Let's go. You remember where it is, right? Room 87. You go there, and settle in. I'll get your stuff." He looked at her sternly, gently tapping the tip of her nose with his finger. "You're tired, and we don't want you phasing." A lame excuse, but he just wanted her to go relax. She was obviously exhausted. Sliding his hand into his pocket, he pulled out a key and pressed it into her hands. "I'll be there in a few." Smiling, he left her at her motorcycle then turned and jogged into the night. He'd have to stay in his human form to carry everything and to keep his clothes intact, which would take him much longer. She deserved to rest, and he still had bountiful energy. Clearly, as he had left her rare room to talk, he was not taking no for an answer.
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 15, 2008 13:16:02 GMT -5
Vanessa smiled thankfully at him and stuck her tongue out as he ruffled her hair. She accepted his hand and rose slowly to her feet. She rolled her eyes at him. I won't phase, goofball. I have a pretty good handle on shifting. Surely you remember that? She walked beside him for a few minutes as they moved towards her bike. She'd only been to his apartment once before, but she knew where to go. Yeah, apartment room 87. Not a problem. Thanks, again, Gabe.
She squeezed his hand before running a hand over her motorcycle, smiling down at it. She'd saved for five years for it, and nothing ever happened to it. She slung her leg over and sat, her dress rising a bit as she did so. His hand on hers sent sparks through her. She accepted the key silently and slid it into the hidden pocket on the bike's seat, trading it for her motorcycle's key. She revved the engine as he walked away and spun it around, racing towards a warm bed.
[thread complete]
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