|
Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 15, 2008 1:38:53 GMT -5
OoC: Sorry about the title, I've been watching Dr. Horrible a bit too much. And ms. Amy, if I've put this board in the completely wrong area, I apologise. I'm just assuming that this is closer to the park area.
____________
Leaving Vanessa behind, he could hear her bike's engine starting up. He hailed a cab and took it to the park. After the cabbie left, he began scenting the air. It didn't take him long to find a trail Vanessa had obviously recently used, and he began running down it. Even as a human, he was quick and agile, and it seemed as if she had taken her bike through the trees, which had crushed a lot of the undergrowth and made it easier for him. He eventually slowed down, entering a clearing where Vanessa's scent hung much more strongly. He stopped uncertainly, then circled the clearing. There were a few belongings and some blankets. It was very dismal. He sighed and packed everything together to carry. It was awkward to carry, and he couldn't move as quickly, so he was left alone with his thoughts.
He had invited Vanessa into his apartment, was allowing her to stay with him out of necessity and affection for her. However, he was starting to really wonder how this was going to work. He was certainly going to be affected by her living in such close quarters with him. It was going to be hard, but he vowed to work hard at keeping his feelings on the down-low. Losing her a second time, being rejected a second time...It would be too much.
He was coming upon his apartment now, and could see from the light filtering through the drapes in his window that she was waiting for him. Standing outside the door, he breathed deeply to calm himself and then entered. She was curled on the couch, looking as if she were about to fall asleep. He greeted her, then walked past her to his bedroom. "I'm gonna change real quick." Setting her belongings on the floor, he closed the door. He slid his own blanket off of his bed and replaced it with the ones he had brought from her clearing. She would probably feel more comfortable with her own blankets. He changed into a pair of flannel pants and a white tshirt. Normally he wouldn't wear all that to bed, but he had to remember there was a lady in the house, now. He grabbed a change of clothes from his dresser and left his room, shooing her off the couch. "Off to bed, 'Nessa. You need sleep. I'll be off early, but there's food in the kitchen. You can help yourself." She said goodnight, and he smiled. "'Night." As the door to his room closed, he turned off the light and lay on the couch, half-pulling the blanket over him. It was hard to fall asleep, but once he did he slept deep and dreamlessly.
Gabe woke early, without an alarm. His body had been a lot more attuned to time since he had turned, and he hadn't used his alarm in a few years now. He showered and dressed quietly in jeans and a white button-up. He folded his blanket, grabbed some breakfast, and headed out. After he had become a werewolf, he had to leave his job at the kennel. Dogs reacted to him much differently, now, and he couldn't risk exposure or suspicion. The business he was headed to was a small used bookstore. He loved to read, and had been promoted quickly to opening manager, so it wasn't too bad a trade-out.
The day was slow and relaxing, as it usually was in the bookstore. They didn't get a lot of traffic, and the ones that did come in were usually regulars. After he got off at around three, he headed straight for home. He wondered if Vanessa would still be there. All day he had been entertaining, and dreading, the thought that she would realise what a bad mistake she had made and would leave. When he got to the apartment, her scent was still strong. She had to still be here. If she wasn't, she had just left. He rolled up his sleeved and breathed in deeply, then opened the door. "'Nessa?"
|
|
|
Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 15, 2008 13:47:53 GMT -5
Vanessa slid to a stop behind Gabe's apartment complex. She rolled the bike forward to hide it in the bushes before taking the bike's key out of the ignition and Gabe's apartment key out of the hidden pocket. Certain her bike wasn't going anywhere, she walked quickly to the back door of the complex and moved down the hall, not even having to search for the right apartment. Five down, and she was there. Opening the door, she walked inside and nearly sighed at the familiar scent that filled it. She didn't have the energy to look around, instead choosing to sink down onto the couch, resting her cheek against the arm. After what seemed like moments due to her falling asleep, Vanessa lifted her head to stare mutely back at him. She watched him disappear into his room and sighed. What was she doing here? This wasn't a good idea.
But before she could really think about it, he was back, shooing her off of the couch. Sticking her tongue out, she stood and tugged down her dress hem before slipping into his room and shutting the door. Vanessa smiled fondly at the sight of her blankets on the bed and her other belongings on the floor beside it. She rummaged through it, choosing a simple pink slip to wear. Climbing into the bed, she lay awake for what seemed like an eternity before finally drifting into a restless sleep. When she awoke, Gabe was already gone. She stretched and went for a run in a pair of shorts and her slip, but, when she got back, she was lost as to what to do. For a few minutes, she flipped through channels on the television, but never saw anything interesting. Finally, she decided to clean.
Changing into a pair of ratty old sweats and a tight-fitting tshirt, she got to work. Gabe wasn't messy, but he was a guy. She wiped down the tables, cleaned the few dishes in the sink, swept the floors, made the bed, scrubbed the bathroom, and then started in on the floors. Vanessa - a perfectionist - took a few hours to do all this. She was just sitting down with a sandwich when the door opened and Gabe's inquiring voice called her name. Leaving her sandwich, she stood fluidly and went to the door, smiling. Who else would it be? Unless you invited someone over... She smiled playfully but ducked her eyes to hide the pang of jealousy. What was going on with her? Maybe PMS hadn't been so far off.
Uhme... I cleaned. Everything. So... don't make it a mess. She playfully nudged his shoulder. Or do. It's your house after all. I was just bored. And now I'm rambling. She grinned apologetically before glancing at his outfit and then hers. A blush colored her cheeks. She was still in the sweat pants and the tight shirt that hinted at her full chest and slim waist. Her hair was in a loose bun with wisps of blond hair falling around her face. Oops. I didn't change. She pulled at her ear nervously before glancing up at him. I'll be right back! She disappeared into his room and minutes later came back out wrapped in a towel. There's a sandwich on the table. Eat it, okay? It won't poison you. She winked playfully before returning to the bathroom to take a quick shower. When she came back out, wet hair framing her face, she was wearing jeans and a tshirt. How do I smell? She stuck her tongue out and looked to see if he'd eaten the sandwich.
[/color][/blockquote][/blockquote]
|
|
|
Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 15, 2008 17:11:58 GMT -5
Gabe was relieved, and a little surprised, that she was still there. At her words, his jaw tightened slightly. Inviting someone over? Not likely. He hadn't done that in a long time. "Nope. Just checkin'. All my homies are comin' over later." He teased back. Stepping inside, he closed the door behind him and glanced over at her. He smiled at her clothing. She was cute in sweats. His nose wrinkled at the scent of cleaning products at the same moment that she confessed to cleaning up. He laughed, guiltily picking up his shoes that he had just kicked off and tossing them into the hall closet. "You didn't have to do that."
She was rambling, now, and he grinned, shaking his head. "Don't worry, I won't mess it up." He was conscious of her glancing at him, then looking down at herself. Until she spoke, he couldn't understand what she was blushing about. He thought she looked great all the time, but then he was a little biased. She rushed to his room, then, and when she came back wearing a towel, he tried not to look at her too closely. "Really? Thank you..." He would not have accepted the food so easily had he known she had made it for herself. Returning her playful wink with a grin, he went to the kitchen. After first rolling up his sleeves, he ate the sandwich. He took care to clean up his plate and was just sitting down with a glass of water when she came back. At the posed question, he shrugged. "You always smell good. He gave her a half-grin and sipped at his water. Gabe wanted to talk to her about what had caused her to be so down on her luck, but he had had to drag the truth out of her once and he didn't think she needed more stress so soon.
|
|
|
Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 15, 2008 17:30:20 GMT -5
Vanessa glanced in the sink but there was no plate. She smiled, pleased that he had cleaned it and put it away so quickly. She opened the refrigerator and grimaced at the contents. Not so much as apple juice. She glanced over her shoulder at him, brow furrowed. Come on, Gabers, no juice? Just... water She grimaced at the word. Water had always been a definite 'no' to her, for she hated the taste. She walked back over to the table after grabbing chips and ate a few, easily relaxing beside him. She wrinkled her nose in a cute, playful way when he said she always smelled good. Laughing, she said, Oye, it's the type of shampoo and conditioner I use - green apple, plus the French Vanilla body wash I use - they makes me smell like something you could gobble up. She stuck her tongue out playfully before eating a few more chips.
So... seeing as you're being so gracious in letting me stay here... I feel I owe you at least an explanation. She bit her lip. I was working at a night club for a while, but about a month ago he got too touchy-feely and I blew up at him. Needless to say, he fired me for insubordinatation. I had a bunch saved, so for a month I was set. I could buy food and afford rent. But after that... My landlord wasn't too keen on not getting his money, so he kicked me out. My fault, really, because I didn't think of getting another job. I just focused on 'tomorrow.' But, hey, because of it we hooked back up, so it can't be too bad right? It's been so long since I've had an actual friend around. She frowned. She knew Gabe could kind of relate to the fact that she didn't like commitment, but it was still embarrassing to talk about. I actually met two shifters last night. Opal, who's a really sweet girl, and Damion. Damion taught me how to surf and after we went to a party. She grinned at the thought. Oh, well. Now I have you, right? She smiled gently at him.
|
|
|
Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 15, 2008 18:04:31 GMT -5
He smirked as she glanced in the sink, raising an eyebrow. "I told you I wouldn't mess it up." She turned away from the refrigerator to berate him, and he rose his hands, palm out, to defend himself. "It's not like I knew you were coming! I don't drink anything but water." He waved his hand at the cabinet next to the fridge. "Unless you want some alcohol." He teased. The only alcohol he had in the apartment was straight vodka and tequila for mixed drinks. Gabe wasn't a big drinker. "I'll pick you up some stuff tomorrow after work, okay? Just leave me a list or something." He drained half his glass of water in one go, as if to illustrate how delicious it was to him.
He smiled as she explained away her scent as the soaps she used, shaking his head and looking down into his water glass as he spun it gently in his hands. It wasn't her shampoo, or her soap. It was her, just her, but he could never tell her that. Then she began talking, without any prompting, about exactly what he had been wondering about. He rose his eyebrows in surprise, looking up at her as she spoke. "Well, at least you stood up for yourself. You shouldn't take crap from people, especially your boss." He smiled reassuringly at her.
But, hey, because of it we hooked back up, so it can't be too bad right? It's been so long since I've had an actual friend around."
His jaw clenched again as he hid the emotions and nodded. At least what he was about to say was genuine. "Yeah, I missed you." She spoke about two new friends, then, and he tried not to be jealous about her hanging around with a man named Damion. He drank some water, hiding the look that was probably in his eyes. When he set his glass down, gently, it was empty. "Yeah, 'Nessa. You've always got me." He smiled, the look in his eyes faraway.
|
|
|
Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 15, 2008 21:44:16 GMT -5
Vanessa shuddered as he took a long gulp of water. Her face was a mask of disgust as she glared at him. That's disgusting. And inhumane. And.... IGH! She knew he was doing it so pronoucedly just to irk her, and it had worked. She wriggled her nose at him and took another chip. No, no alcohol. I'll run out in a little bit to get some stuff. I assume you want dinner. I was thinking fajitas, with a salad. And juice. Lots and lots of juice. What do you think? She licked her lips, already tasting the sizzling chicken, slew of onions and peppers, cheese, sour cream. She shivered, eyes closed, smiling. Her blue eyes flashed open. You'll love it. Her eyes narrowed angrily. Of course I did. I can handle myself. Last night wasn't worth getting in his face about. Getting groped, however, by your boss after telling him no warrants a 'get the f*ck away from me.'
She sighed, but smiled greatfully at him when he said he missed her. Yeah, I always missed you, even if I wouldn't admit it at first. She stood fluidly and moved over to him, arms winding around his neck as she leaned down to give him a hug. Her lips whispered against his ear as she spoke softly. Thank you, Gabriel, for being such a good friend to me, even if I haven't always deserved it. You're my knight in shining armor, always rescuing damsels in distress. She smiled gently at him before unwrapping her arms and sliding back into her seat to eat another chip. Her mind whirred. No, Gabriel wasn't just a friend; he was no where near a big brother, or just a mild protector. But she refused to accept what was right before her eyes as she took another chip. Standing once more, she moved over to the drawers in the kitchen and rummaged through a few before finding a sheet of paper and a pen. Sitting down, she began writing what she'd need from the store. Do you need anything? Or anything special you want?
[/color][/size]
|
|
|
Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 16, 2008 1:18:05 GMT -5
He almost choked on his water as he laughed at her reaction. "Inhumane? How do you figure?" At her suggestion, he shook his head and narrowed his eyes. "I thought you didn't have much money. Wouldn't it be more practical to save it and let me take care of buying food for now?" He knew there wasn't much chance of her agreeing, but he had to try. The food suggestion sounded amazing, though, and he grinned. "That sounds delicious. I know I'd love it." He was a little surprised by her defensive response, and he held up a hand. "I wasn't saying anything about last night. I was saying I was proud of you for standing up to your boss. You have to know I couldn't let that guy get away with saying that stuff, though?" He lifted her chin with his fingers and stuck his tongue out at her, trying to make her stop being mad.
Her words surprised him, rocked him, and he could only sit as she rounded the table. When she hugged him, he stiffened and held his breath. Her lips were near his ear, then, her breath on his neck as she whispered, and he closed his eyes and gripped the seat of the chair to keep from pulling her to him. What she was saying was hypnotising him, making his heart swell, and stabbing him at the same time. He was a masochist then. He missed the smile, his eyes being closed. He was practically shaking with emotion, and he waited until she had backed away to open his eyes. She was sitting down again, some paper and a pen in hand. "I'll just go with you to the store, how 'bout that?"
|
|
|
Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 16, 2008 2:43:16 GMT -5
Vanessa glared at Gabriel, eyes narrowed murderously. Gabriel Kaellen Hartwick, I'm not completely broke. I can afford some stuff. Like... uhh.... Stuff. She swung her legs idly, thinking about what he'd said. Yeah. Guys are douches. There's no point in letting them take advantage of you, yeah? She gently squeezed his hand. Thanks for that, again. Like I said - knight in shining armor. She took a few chips and stood, bringing them back to the cupboard.
When she hugged him, she didn't notice any change in is stature. When she pulled back, she frowned at his closed eyes but didn't let it bother her. She'd already written down a few things and now turned a surprised stare on him. This I've got to see. You shop? She wiggled her brows at him before jotting down a few more things. She bit her lip. Do you have work that I'm keeping you from or something? I can go read a book... assuming you have books.
|
|
|
Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 16, 2008 3:15:12 GMT -5
Gabe stuck a finger in the collar of his shirt and loosened it dramatically as she told him off, acting as if he was very uncomfortable and embarrassed. He smirked a little, though, to show he was just acting. It was a surprise to hear that she remembered his full name; he had gotten the impression that she'd tried to forget everything about their time together. It seemed he had been wrong about a lot of things. "Well. You can buy...stuff. I will buy the food. Is that a deal?" He grinned, cocking his head and winking playfully.
"Guys are douches. There's no point in letting them take advantage of you, yeah?"
He made a mad face and crossed his arms, shaking his head. "Well I'm not a douche." He said indignantly. Her next comment made his eyes narrow more, and he stuck his lower lip out in a pout. "You think I don't shop? I've been living by myself for a long time; where do you think all my stuff came from?" he laughed. "I don't have anything to do. There's roughly three million books in that big cabinet in the living room." Gabe read a lot in his spare time. The cabinet in question took up a lot of space in his living room, pushing the TV into a corner. It was obvious the reading was more of a pastime than the television to him.
|
|
|
Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 17, 2008 6:37:01 GMT -5
Vanessa laughed as Gabriel pretended to be uncomfortable with her little rant. She stuck her tongue out at him. Don't make fun of me. She tilted her head slowly, her long tresses falling forward from behind her shoulder. Her eyes were wide, as if surprised. Of course you're not a douche, Gabers. You're not a normal guy. She bit her lip, trying to contain a smile. Hey, how do I know these aren't just gifts from admirers or girl friends? Speaking of, how are things on that front? When he mentioned the books, her whole face lit up. Standing swiftly, she moved to the cabinet and opened it, her eyes widening impressingly. Woah. She ran her fingers along the spines, trying to read them all at the same time. She looked over to him, her face still impressed and widely happy.
I can read any of these? She glanced back to the shelves. I guess it's too much to hope that you wrote a diary or something. She laughed quietly. Now that would be interesting. But... hmmm... OH! Do you have Agatha Christie in here anywhere? I'm due for a good scare. She winked playfully and stretched, trying to get a knot out of her back that had originated in the earlier morning. She tried to reach it, but it was too far for her to reach. She pouted angrily as she rolled her shoulder.
[sorry its so crappy. im doing this before school.]
|
|
|
Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 17, 2008 21:14:08 GMT -5
Gabe winked at her with a playful grin. "I wouldn't make fun of you." As she reassured him that he was different, and 'not a normal guy', he smiled. The nickname she used for him was something he'd only let her use. "Well, thanks." He cocked his head, surprised she was questioning his love life. Elbows on the table, he knotted his fingers together distractedly. "Eh, you know me. The ladies love me! However-I bought all that stuff myself!" He teased. The truth was that although he was extremely flirtatious with women, he always went home alone. Look and flirt, but no touching. He felt like nothing could work with anyone but the woman in front of him. If only he could stop lying to himself. He paused, looking down at the table. "What about you?"
He smiled, standing up and sliding his hands in pockets as she went to the bookcase. Coming up next to her, he looked over his books with a grin. "Of course."Wrinkling his brow, he glanced over at her. "No diary, sorry." If he did have one, it would probably sound a little creepy with the amount of entries he would write on her. He glanced over the titles, then pulled out a slim volume. "Only one. And Then There Were None. I'm not really a fan of mysteries, but I like this one." As he handed it to her, he noticed her discomfort. "You okay?"
|
|
|
Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 17, 2008 21:37:36 GMT -5
Vanessa shrugged at him. Eh, romance is only good in the books. And some movies. She smiled at him, shrugging. I'm just a pessimist, though. I don't think anything could be as good as what's described in book, so why let yourself be let down? She turned back to the stacks, fingers trailing over the spines. She grinned when he held up an Agatha Christie book. That's the only one I've read. Had me up for three nights straight freaking out. I don't like scary stories. She shivered at the thought. She'd finished reading around three in the bloody morning and hadn't been able to fall asleep, instead choosing to turn on all the nights and cuddle with her stuffed hippo until the sun rose.
Do you have any recommendations for me? Maybe I could try one of your books. She smiled up at him, gently bumping against his shoulder. She glanced at him. Huh? Oh! It's nothing. I've got a knot in my back. It'll disappear in a day or two. No big deal. She turned back to the books. Hmm... what to read? She tapped her finger against her lip in thought, trying to find something so she could stay out of his way.
|
|
|
Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 17, 2008 22:01:57 GMT -5
Her explanation wasn't far off what he had expected. Vanessa and he had always been a lot alike, and he had felt the same way until he met her. But then she had left him, and of course his feelings had reverted. "Yeah. Nothing's never as good as in a book," he agreed. Her reaction to the book made him grin. "Really?" Books and movies didn't scare him. Actually, there wasn't much that scared him. Being left all alone, though. That scared him. "Maybe you shouldn't read it, then." He shelved the book and stood back, scanning the titles once more. They ranged from classics like Shakespeare, Thoreau, Edgar Allan Poe, and Oscar Wilde to Stephen King, Arthur Nersesian, and Chuck Palahniuk.
It didn't take him long to decide on one. He slid out a small paperback, battered and well-read. It was brown with the picture of a rabbit on the front. "Here. Watership Down. Richard Adams." He smiled at the book almost lovingly, then held the book out to her. "My all-time favorite book." He frowned when she explained what was ailing her. Steering her to the couch, he tossed a pillow on the floor. "Sit there and I'll try to work it out for you." He sat on the couch behind the pillow, legs spread, and leaned over to pat the pillow.
|
|
|
Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 17, 2008 22:09:11 GMT -5
Vanessa smiled a bit sadly. She figured Gabriel would agree. She and he were peas in a pod; more alike than different. It was sometimes unnerving how he could guess what she was feeling so frequently, but usually their likeness just made her comfortable because he understood that she didn't like attachments. She laughed loudly, the sound boisterous and happy. You're telling me. I won't go near the book with a nine-foot-pole ever again. She cut him an amused glare. And don't you dare comment on how I'm much closer than nine feet and I don't have a pole, smartass. She grinned playfully before turning back towards the shelves. Her eyes widened at the name 'Stephen King.' Igh! That guy was bonkers! She backed up into him, away from the book and the nightmares it would bring. Clowns have forever terrified me and I haven't even seen 'It.'
She took the book eagerly. Ohmygosh! You've got to be kidding me! This book is amazing! Fiver was always my favorite. He was always so quiet but certain in what he said and wouldn't let the others sway his thoughts. And Bigwig... he was awesome! She hugged him thankfully, eager to sit down and start reading. When he began leading her towards the couch, she was confused, but once he made what he was planning clear, she sighed happily. That'd be amazing. My own personal massage-man. She kissed his cheek happily, lost in the eagerness to read the book and get the knot out of her back. She sank to the ground before him and sat straight with her body out a bit from the couch. Bring it on, Gabers.
|
|
|
Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 17, 2008 23:54:47 GMT -5
Vanessa didn't comment on his agreeing with her, but she smiled in a sad sort of way. He clenched his jaw, wondering if he had made her uncomfortable. However, he laughter came easily and happily, and she smiled in response. He was quick to look indignant at her next comment. "I wasn't going to be a smartass! Honest!" Widening his eyes, he made sure to look quite innocent. She backed up into him and he gripped her upper arms with a laugh. "King is one of my favorite authors. He is so not bonkers. He's a genius!" He released her and stuck his tongue at out her.
The fact that she had read his favorite book, and that she had loved it, brought a shy smile to his face. "I like Blackberry and Bigwig." He patted her back as she hugged him, holding back from scooping her into his arms. Then her lips landed in a friendly manner on his cheek, and he blushed and closed his eyes as fire spread from the spot he was kissed. He shivered and lifted a hand to his cheek, then turned and quickly followed her to the couch. "Sure thing." Sitting behind her, he set his fingers on her back and searched her muscles for the tense spot. It wasn't hard to find. Gently, he began kneading the area.
|
|