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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 22, 2008 0:27:10 GMT -5
Another kiss of fire from Vanessa set his heart racing. He pulled his hand from his pocket, knowing what she said was true. He would go to Tara, but it wouldn't be for long. He owed her honesty and a real face-to-face. Gabe was flirtatious, after all, and maybe he hadn't been as straightforward with his disinterest in her as he should have been. This talk had been coming for a while, and the fact that Vanessa seemed willing enough to show him affection right now had nothing to do with it. He nodded his agreement, squeezing her hand as she took his. "It won't take long." He watched her cook, offering help with his free hand when possible, since it seemed she didn't want to use both her own hands.
He steadied her as she sat on the counter, then leaned against it as she began tracing patterns on his skin. Her eyes were on his the whole time, but he found himself suddenly shy and let his own gaze drop to watch her fingers on his arm.
"Well, let's see. You aren't scaring me away, and right now it looks like you'll never be rid of me."
His heart was in his throat, it seemed, and he was unable to speak. He rested his hand on her knee, squeezing it gently to let her know he was paying complete attention as she continued. His eyes slid closed as he leaned forward to relax the top of his head against her shoulder. "I understand, 'Nessa. I want you to trust me, and to take your time." His voice was soft, quiet, and his arms slipped around her waist as he nestled his forehead into the hollow of her neck. He let out a muffled laugh at her comment and straightened up, ruffling his hair. It was mussed beyond recognition by now. "You really think you can stand up to a big, bad wolf like me?" He teased, but quickly added, as if to be sure she got the point: "I won't touch her, 'Nessa, of course I won't."
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 22, 2008 8:23:14 GMT -5
Vanessa closed her eyes as he squeezed her leg, his hand seeming to emanate tingles through her whole leg - up her thigh, down her calf, and back. His head, first on her shoulder and then in a much more intimate position at the hollow of her neck, almost made Vanessa break any and all rules she'd put in place for herself, almost made her weep with relief, almost made her push him away, almost made her pull him closer. Her own arms wrapped around him and massaged his back as she closed her eyes. For an unworried moment, she let herself go to the immense calm and satisfaction that rolled over her. As he stood, she slid off the counter and stood almost flush against him. His touch was like fire, and she wanted the warmth that pulsed through her. It was also an addiction, one that was going to her head before being pumped through her body, making her crave more.
She smiled up at him and gave him an Eskimo kiss before leaning back, lifting a brow, and pouting. Oh, please, you're not that big, or bad, and I have a feeling you wouldn't put up a fair fight against me - seeing as I'm a girl and all. But I bet I could take you down faster than you think. After all, I can stun you with my gorgeous looks and simply mouthwatering scent. She smiled at him as she pulled him back towards the water. As it began boiling, she dropped the spaghetti in and began swiriling it while still gently pressed against his front. She reached for the sauce and grabbed it, almost spilling it but regaining control, and slid it into the microwave before clicking a few buttons. She rummaged around in the drawers for a spoon and quickly located a long wood one. Stirring, she hummed softly, still leaning against him. For at least now, she was allowed to just bask in the amazing feelings he made her feel, she was allowed to act normal, she was allowed to touch him. Later would be another story, but for now she was much more than content.
[ugh david im so sorry. i fell asleep again. ill be on this afternoon, when you're prolly working again. ill be on my phone all day. ttyl.]
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 22, 2008 17:47:55 GMT -5
Gabe was unable to comprehend that this was actually happening; it had all turned around so fast and he was now feeling happy. He didn't ask why she was giving in, or how long this would last. He didn't think, could hardly breathe as she pressed against him. His palms slid down her arms, his fingers tangling in hers, and his lips gently pressed to her jawline in a soft kiss. He had to step back before he lost control, squaring his jaw but stll holding fast to her hand. This sudden change in events had his head whirling still, and he felt as if he'd had a few drinks. Bubbly and happy, but not quite sure if it was all real.
Gabe grinned at her, shaking his head. "I know better than to go easy on you, 'Nessa." He teased, smoothing her hair affectionately with the fingers of his free hand. "And it's true. My only weakness - beauty and a good scent." His voice was light and playful. He twisted a strand of her hair around his finger and brought it to his face, as if to smell it. "Oh no...it's working already....I'm getting...weaker..." His body relaxed as he began to sink towards the floor, grasping the table to support himself. He couldn't hold a straight face, though, and grinned up at her from where he was leaning over the table.
She pulled him back to where she was preparing the food, and he wrapped his arms around her shoulders as she leaned into him, kissing the top of her head. "You really are beautiful, though." He whispered into her ear. "And you do smell pretty amazing." Laughing lightly, he squeezed her shoulders and glanced at the food cooking. "You want me to do something? I can make garlic bread."
ooc: sorry it's crappy, and that I was gone a few days. I work tonight, and I don't know when I'll be off. midnight, maybe. Don't wait for me if you're tired. (:
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 25, 2008 23:49:25 GMT -5
Vanessa sighed as his lips drifted across her jawline in a gentle kiss. Her blue eyes widened when he stated his weakness and pulled one of her curls to his face. She blushed and glanced down. You'd best not go easy on me. I'll tear your throat out for it. She kissed his throat and smiled at him, lost momentarily in the intense emotions she had for him. She nearly whimpered as he left her. Her eyes narrowed playfully as he pretended to lose strength as they danced back to him. She playfully hit his arms, rolling her eyes. As soon as he was close to her again, she gently took his arm to make sure he stayed close. When he wrapped his arms around her shoulders, she dropped the box of spaghetti she'd been holding, surprised by the jolt that rocked through her. She made no move to retrieve the box, instead leaning farther into him, more than happy to stand like that for the rest of her life.
She shivered at his whispered words, tingles shooting through her body as if a fireworks display was being put on in her mind. She gripped the counter infront of her to keep from sinking to the ground in a puddle of happiness. Supressing a yelp, she looked down at her the burn on each of her fingers. Damn the stove being infront of her. She turned in his arms, two fingers held in her mouth. Tears welled in her eyes but she gazed up at him. Oo ahftoo sah dat. She pulled her fingers from her mouth. Sorry. You have to say that. It's your job as a guy. She turned back to the pasta, stirring it, lost in thought for a moment. She nodded slowly. Sure. Garlic bread. Do it on the counter. She pointed next to her, unwilling to turn and look at him, unwilling to show just how much she craved his touch.
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 26, 2008 11:17:39 GMT -5
Gabe watched the spaghetti box fall with a rattle, and released her to lean forward and pick it up. A small smile played across his lips; he was flattered at how she was reacting to his touch. As her body tensed a little at his words, he saw too late that she was gripping the stove. She turned around, sliding two of her fingers into her mouth, and tried to talk. He narrowed his eyes in concern, and steered her to the sink. Turning on the cold water, he took her wrist and held her burned fingers under the tap as she talked. He answered her patiently, not meeting her eyes, "No, I say that 'cause it's true. I don't play games, 'Nessa. Not with you." He took her fingers out from under the water, dried them as gently as he could, and kissed the tip of each before releasing her hand. "You okay?"
As she gave him permission to start making some garlic bread, he noted her posture and body language. He wasn't sure what it meant, but he was sure it wasn't anything negative. Smiling, he squeezed her shoulders as he passed, going to the tiny pantry just off the kitchen. Inside, he pulled down a small loaf of french bread, then stopped at the refrigerator to get out a jar of minced garlic and a stick of butter. Humming to himself, he pulled out a pan and prepared it quickly. He cut the bread down the center, chopped up thick slices of butter and wedged them on the bread, and put minced garlic all over it before sticking it in the oven. He went back to his station after putting the garlic back in the fridge, behind Vanessa with his hands on her waist. "It'll take a little longer than the spaghetti, but that's okay."
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 26, 2008 13:06:27 GMT -5
Vanessa whimpered as the cold water hit her sensitive fingers. She was greatful that he'd thought to run them under the water, knowing it was probably the best way to make them feel better, but it still hurt. She glanced shyly up at him, a small smile lighting her eyes as she watched him kiss her fingertips. Any pain was forgotten. She leaned into him, gazing up at his face. Well, if you say so. She blushed. She was used to getting compliments, but they usually ranged from 'nice rack' to 'wow, you've got a hot bod.' Gabe's soft words were gentle and true, and made her melt against him. Yeah, I'm okay now. Thanks. She lifted his hand to her lips and kissed his palm before he pulled away.
Vanessa didn't like the sudden space between them. She clenched the spoon in her hands, her knuckles white, as she waited for him to finish. He did it quickly, getting the ingredients and setting it up, but not quickly enough for her liking. She let out a soft, happy sigh as his hands found a place on her waist. She glanced over her shoulder at him, eyes bright. She didn't care if the garlic bread took ten years. As long as he stayed here, with her, she'd be happy. Her smile faltered at the thought of him going to the woman's house. What would she do to keep her mind off of where he was and what he was doing? The jealousy was clear in her eyes as she turned away. She didn't want to share him with anyone, even if the person in question was just an aquaintance. She stirred the spaghetti once more before grabbing the strainer and setting it in the sink. Biting her lip, V lifted the hot pot and steaming water and poured it into the strainer. She winced as the hot water splashed onto her hand, dropping the pot into the sink, spaghetti thankfully finding a place in the strainer, and clutched her hand to her chest. Damnit, that hurt. She clenched her jaw against the stinging in her hand and muttered, What the hell is wrong with you? Get a grip, idiot.
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 28, 2008 12:02:13 GMT -5
Drawing his hand back, he curled it as if to preserve the kiss she had planted on his palm. When the garlic bread was all set up, and he was with her again, he noted how her body was tense and then relaxed at his touch. It was so completely contrary to how they had been for so long that his breath was snatched away for a moment. She turned to look at him, but her eyes soon had a shadow over them and he drew back uncertainly. Something was bothering her, that much was clear. She seemed distracted, now. He watched her go to the sink, then immediately leaped forward as the pot crashed. Pulling the strainer of spaghetti from the sink, he set it on the counter without caring if it drained all over the place. He turned on the cool water once more and put her hand beneath the water again.
His gaze was not on her hand, but on her eyes. His own eyes were narrowed in concern. "Go sit down. I'll finish this." He turned and picked up the strainer, shaking it over the sink to remove all unwanted water, then pulled down a large bowl and dumped in the spaghetti. Next, he poured the sauce in the bowl and stirred it before placing the bowl on the table. Pulling open the dishwasher, he stuck in the strainer and the pots. Grabbing a couple of clean plates and silverware, he sat down. "What's bothering you, 'Nessa?" She had been recklessly clumsy twice already, both time hurting herself. He didn't want her getting distracted and hurting herself again.
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 28, 2008 12:53:07 GMT -5
Vanessa stared at her hands, watching the burns start healing almost immediately. She had to admit that being a wolf was sometimes a good thing - such as in instances when she lost her head and hurt herself. She sighed and tucked her hands into her pockets to hide the rawness of them until they were healed. Her jeans chaffed against the skin and she winced but held her posture. She watched him as he finished getting everything ready. She gazed at the spaghetti as he set it down and quickly made herself a plate. She bit her lip as she stared at his empty one and scooped some spaghetti onto it. Her hand hovered over the sauce before she pulled it back. Erhme.... sauce? She looked at the table and frowned. Cheese. She stood and went over to the refrigerator, bending at the waist to peer into the back of it. Cheese... cheese... cheese... CHEESE!
Grabbing the container of Parmesan, she sat back down and poured a mountain of it over her pasta and licked her lips. She took a bite and stared at him, a long piece of spaghetti hanging from her mouth. She tucked her hair behind her ears as she chewed, considering her question. Swallowing, she licked her lips and said, Well... I have no home. I have no money. I have no job. I cleaned all day, and when you go out tonight I'm probably going to clean again. You should just hire me as your personal maid. She smiled and took another bite. Don't worry about me. I'm fine. Just a bit scatterbrained. Her eyes sparkled as she laughed. But if you come back here and I burned the place down, you were forewarned. She looked outside. Actually, I might go for a run while you're out. Unless of course I'm under house arrest. She raised a brow and took another bite of spaghetti and stabbed her fork at his plate. You better eat that or I'll claw your ears off.
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 28, 2008 13:07:58 GMT -5
Gabe shooed her away from his plate after she filled it, smiling. "Eat, and stop worrying about me!" Stirring the sauce into his pasta, he looked up, his eyes crinkling in amusement as she went to search for cheese. "Bottom shelf, I think." He rose his eyebrows at the amount of cheese she piled on top of her food, and then shook only a small amount on his own plate. Winking at her, he snapped the lid of the cheese closed. "You got enough spaghetti with your cheese there?" He asked innocently, his eyes twinkling.
He chuckled as she stared at him, a strand of spaghetti dangling from her lips. Her answer left him with a twisting stomach and he sighed. "Yeah. Stupid question. Sorry." At her suggestion that he hire her as his maid, he narrowed his eyes and pointed his fork at her. "No way in hell, Vanessa. You're better than that." Of course, she had to have been joking, but he was a little slow sometimes. Slow and over protective. He followed her gaze out the window, once again feeling the urge to race about in his wolf coat. Smiling, he began twisting his spaghetti around his fork. "That sounds really good right about now." He held up a hand, raising the fork with his other hand to his mouth. "Please don't hurt me! I'm eating, I'm eating!" He ate the forkful, chewing and swallowing dramatically. "See?"
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 28, 2008 13:34:10 GMT -5
I ah eatin! Her mumbled response made her choke on her food as she erupted in giggles. See what eating gets me? She narrowed her gaze at him as he commented on her amount of cheese and smiled innocently. Mister, say one more word about me and my cheese and I'll kick you out of your own home. She smiled, her nose scrunching up like a rabbit as she took another bite. You ask a lot of stupid questions. I love yah anyway. She stuck her tongue out and went over to the refridgerator, ducking inside once again. Damnit, Gabers, still no juice. She pouted. I want juice. She stretched and sat back down, staring morosely at where her cup of juice should be. I can't believe you don't have any juice. I mean, who does that? Her muttered words were to herself, but loud enough for him to hear.
She glanced up at his protest to her being his maid. She raised her hands in surrender. Relax, Gabers, I wouldn't take your money anyway. Which means you'd have to pay me in some... other... way... She let her gaze wander obviously to the bedroom and then back at him. For a moment she was silent, just watching him. But she couldn't hold the serious face for long. Just kidding. She nodded when he mentioned running in wolf form being good. You have no idea. She stretched out her arms and wiggled her fingers, already imagining the feeling of the soil beneath her claws. She leveled him with a narrow gaze. You'd better watch yourself, Gabriel. I'm watching you. One wrong move and you'll be wolf stew. She scooped more spaghetti into her mouth and closed her eyes, letting the taste fill her mouth before swallowing. I must say, I make some wicked pasta.
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 28, 2008 13:54:12 GMT -5
Gabe laughed as she giggled, shaking his head. She was too damn cute. He wrinkled his lip in a snarl as she playfully threatened to kick him out. "Like to see you try, girlie." His voice was the same guttural growl he'd used with the bartender, but his eyes were sparkling with good humor. He watched her go to the fridge, as if some juice had magically appeared while they had been sitting. Laughing, he shrugged. "Alright, 'Nessa. You win. I'll get you some juice on the way home, kay?" The words she muttered under her breath were easily heard, and he snicked softly. "Little spitfire about that juice, aren't you?" He asked with a grin.
"Relax, Gabers, I wouldn't take your money anyway. Which means you'd have to pay me in some... other... way..."
He followed her gaze, his stomach dropping as he realized where she was looking. His blood boiled and color rushed to his cheeks. It took him a minute to realize he had forgotten how to breathe. She waved off her words as a joke, but he had a hard time getting that through the haze that had enveloped his mind. Carefully poising himself, he tried to calm himself with a few deep breaths, staring at his food and not at Vanessa. Not that it helped much. He could hear her heartbeat, smell her intoxicating scent. Closing his eyes, he took another bite of food, letting the smell of the sauce overtake his senses. "Yeah, 'Nessa. It's really good." He stammered slightly, trying to sound normal and not as if he were out of breath.
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 28, 2008 14:14:10 GMT -5
Girlie? Pfffffffft. I am not a 'girlie.' I am a woman. Hence the fact that I have breasts. She stuck her tongue out at him. Gabe, you have no clue. I need my juice, man. You've gotta hook me up with this stuff. She took a bite as her face screwed up. Swallowing, she laughed, Yeah, I soo can not pull saying that. I feel like an idiot. She slurped some spaghetti, rolling her eyes. You wouldn't like me if I wasn't a spitfire, Gabe. I'd be intolerably boring. She ate for a few minutes in silence, watching his reaction to her implication. Without meaning to let it happen, a sultry smile darkened her gaze. As much as he tried to hide it, his reaction to what she'd implied was clear and made her blood thrum in her veins. His cheeks warmed to a tantalizing red, and she could see a sort of passion in his eyes. Her ears caught his hitching breath and she decided it wouldn't hurt to tease him a bit more if this was the reaction she'd get.
She stood slowly, and reached down, running her hands from his knees up his thighs to where his pants met his skin. For a moment, she let her fingers linger there, gently brushing his stomach, before running them up his chest to his shoulders. Gently, she straddled his legs, wrapping her arms around his neck to make sure she didn't slide off as she hooked her long legs around him. Sliding her hands down his chest again, she hooked her long, thin fingers into the top of his pants and leaned forward, her breath skittering across his cheek as she moved to his ear. Of course, we could always nix me working and just call it pleasure. She gently kissed down his jaw line to his neck, where she hid her face to be sure he didn't see the wicked smile spread across her face.
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 28, 2008 15:03:19 GMT -5
Their playful banter ended quickly because Gabe was clearly too distracted to concentrate on witty comebacks. He tried to put all his thought into spinning more spaghetti onto his fork, trying to ignore the smile she was giving him. As she walked to him, he turned and finally looked at her. Her hands slid up his thighs and as her fingers met his stomach, he leaned his head back with a harsh sigh and put his hands on her shoulders, gently pushing her away. Instead of leaving, she straddled his lap and tugged at the top of his pants. His grip on her shoulders tightened.
Her breath and kisses were intoxicating him, but he still had the presence of mind to push her away again. What he wanted to do was press his lips to hers and give in to his hunger. However, he couldn't do that to her. He had to be a gentleman right now. They had only just started being civil to one another again. Reigning in his hormones, he gently stood her up, leaning over with his head down as his hands held to her wrists. He breathed in a few times, trying to collect himself, then stood shakily beside her. "'Nessa...you shouldn't play that game with me." He said softly, his voice choked with desire. Stepping back, he closed his eyes and breathed deep again, regaining control. "It's not nice to tease me." He said, smiling softly.
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 28, 2008 15:19:18 GMT -5
Vanessa felt his hands try to push her away but she couldn't help getting closer. This is what she wanted. She wanted to be close to him, and this was as close as she allowed. Of course, she could play it off as a simple tease, and it was the only thing allowing her to do it. As he pushed her away and stood, gripping her wrists, she frowned. Guilt hung heavy on her shoulders as she stared at his nearly pained face. She watched him step away and take a deep breath, and the feeling of guilt deepened. She turned away and spoke quietly. I never said I was nice, Gabe. When we had that fight, and I told you you'd be smart to stay away from me - I meant it. She grabbed a glass and filled it with water. She stared at the clear liquid and grimaced before turning back towards him and pressing it into his hand before flitting away. You should get ready to go see that woman. She couldn't help the snarl that entered her voice. I'll see you later.
Disappearing into the bedroom, she stripped and stood for a moment, staring at her reflection. Turning, she stared at the long scar that reached from her left shoulder to her right hip. It was fainter than it had been, but still there. She sighed as she imagined the beach two nights ago and the fight with the bloodsuckers. Taking a deep breath she grabbed her red dress from the previous night and slid into it. Walking out into the living room, she turned to give Gabe a small, feelingless smile. Have fun, tonight. If I'm not back when you get in, don't wait up for me. She turned and went outside to behind his apartment. She glanced back over her shoulder and could see him moving around inside. With a mournful cry, she melted into her wolf form. Lifting her muzzle, she cried balefully to the moon before lowering her head and taking off into the gathering shadows.
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 29, 2008 20:42:36 GMT -5
As Vanessa revisited the words she had spoken during their fight, Gabe frowned and narrowed his eyes. "I guess I'm just the opposite of smart, then, seeing as how I can't stay away." He took the glass from her and gripped it as she growled out the hurtful, jealous words. She disappeared into the bedroom, and he let the glass drop to the floor. It would have shattered in his tense fist, otherwise, so this was clearly a better alternative. Pain laced across his features as she stepped out wearing that dress, the one that would certainly grab the attention of any male near her, and gave him a cold smile. Her words were like a slap to the face, but still he did not move, did not say a word. He would just have to get used to the fact that he was crazy about an uncatchable woman.
It was only when she left that he finally moved. His jaw was clenched in terrible anger, but he kneeled on the floor and collected the big shards of glass, then carefully swept up the rest. Her howl reached his ears, and his heart tugged painfully. He longed to just change and then track her, hunt her down and tell her how wrong she was, and show her how right they were for each other. But, except for a long glance at the window, he did nothing. She needed to be alone for now. Maybe she'd come back, maybe not. Vanessa didn't want him near her right now, so he'd give her some space. He turned off the stove, pulled out the garlic bread and stuck it in the microwave for storage, not really caring about it anymore. The dirty dishes he cleaned and stuck in the dishwasher, just as he'd promised 'Nessa, then he went into the family room.
Pulling on the nightclothes he'd used the night before, he curled up on the couch and pulled out his cell. He texted Tara: I'm not coming. I'm sorry. I can't. You know why. She had deduced there had been someone in the apartment with him; surely she'd understand what he meant. He stared at the screen for a few minutes, but she did not answer. Frowning, he set the phone on the coffee table and pulled the blanket over his head. Maybe things would look better in the morning.
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