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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 30, 2008 0:33:11 GMT -5
Vanessa loped into the darkness, her white fur blazing in the darkness. The moon settled over her in a gentle blanket as she paced into the open clearing that had been her 'home' for two nights. Anger and fear and confusion roiled within her, making her blood boil and her claws extract. Throwing herself forward, she let herself lose her human self to the wolf side of her. By the time she was through in the small clearing, the earth was torn up and the trees had long claw marks up and down their trunks. She stood panting, staring at the damage, and sunk to the ground, whining softly. Her ears drooped and her tail thumped the ground sadly. With shaking legs, she stood and padded slowly through the darkness, shoulders hunched against the chilling breeze. The moon was beginning to sink already, which surprised the young she-wolf. With a long, slow gait, she made her way back towards Gabriel's apartment.
As she approached, she stared at the dark apartment. She could hear his soft breaths inside. She was relieved. She wasn't sure if she could face him right now. Her whole body trembled with uncertainty. She knew she hadn't treated him well earlier, but she was tired of the constant tug of war she felt with him. When one gave, the other pushed. Vice versa. She was quiet as she went up to the door. Staring at the knob, she growled low in her throat and glanced side to side to make sure no one was around. With a swift tingle, she reverted to her human skin and stood shivering for a moment just outside the door before opening it and darting inside. For a moment, she froze in the middle of the room, bathed in the moon's gentle light, staring at Gabriel's sleeping form. She wanted to smooth the small frown from his lips, the small wrinkle in his brow. But she wouldn't - couldn't. She disappeared into the bedroom on nearly silent feet and pulled on lingerie and a baby blue slip. Going back out into the kitchen, she pulled out the garlic bread and sat down, picking into it. She savored the taste of cold garlic bread. She'd always loved it. She sat silently, eating garlic bread, and staring at Gabe's prone form.
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 30, 2008 18:41:32 GMT -5
It was hard to fall asleep at first. He repositioned himself several times, yanking down the blanket, pulling it back up, and ended up with it just draped over his lower half. His cell sat silent on the table, but the silence from outside was more distressing. Vanessa was long gone, he was sure of it. She would probably wait until he was gone to come for her things. He would not see her for a while, if ever again. The cat-and-mouse game was frustrating, but he was hooked. He eventually drifted off into a deep sleep untroubled by dreams.
A slight rustling movement woke him, but his senses did not warn him of any danger. His eyes opened slowly and focused on Vanessa. Stretching, he sat up slightly, leaning back on his hands. His eyes narrowed as he took her in, sitting in the dark and eating garlic bread as she watched him. Unsure as to what to say at first, he decided to just go with his usual comical defenses. Furrowing his brow, he gave her an affectionate smile as he lay back down. "You're kinda creepy, 'Nessa." He said, hugging a pillow to his chest and turning on his side to see her better.
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 30, 2008 18:56:58 GMT -5
Vanessa paused in her eating when he shifted, and his breathing sped up. Clearly, Gabriel had woken up. She lifted a brow at his remark and rolled her eyes. She pushed her food away and rested her chin on her hand, staring at him silently for another moment or two. Finally, she sighed and stood, going over to sit on the coffee table that is most definitely there, crossing her ankles and staring out the window. Her gaze finally found his and she shrugged. You say creepy, I say awesome, it all works out. Beside her, the phone let out a soft song. She glanced at it, eyes narrowing at the name scrawled over the I.D. She flipped open his phone, not even thinking about it, and stared at the text. With a low growl, she dropped the phone back on the table and went over to the door just as a knock rang out through the apartment. Glancing over her shoulder, she glared at Gabe for a moment before pulling open the door.
Tara stood infront of her. She wore a simple red dress that nearly made Vanessa snear in her jealous state. How dare he invite her over? Then, it was his apartment, and there obviously wasn't anything between them right now. The woman was shorter than Vanessa, which suited her just fine. Vanessa smiled as Tara stared up at her with shock scrawn across her face. Can I help you? Tara immediately shook herself out of it and squared her shoulders. Is Gabe in? Vanessa looked over her shoulder once again at Gabe. Yes, she said, turning back around. However, he's a bit busy at the moment. Tara narrowed her eyes at Vanessa and roughly pushed past her. Vanessa rolled her eyes and closed the door, moving to sit in a chair as Tara walked over to Gabe.
Gabe, why'd you bail?[/b]
Vanessa tilted her head, eyes narrowed in annoyance. What was she talking about? She remained silent as Tara sat next to Gabe, her hand resting on his knee. Jealousy and anger pulsed through her and she had to hold the seat to keep from jumping forward.
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Nov 30, 2008 19:18:50 GMT -5
The long pause after his words made him tense. He was sure she was about to drop some more hurtful words on him, or perhaps just tear him to shreds like she had so often threatened. Her response caused his entire body to relax and a grin to slip over his lips. Okay, so things had gone badly, but the fact that she was still able to joke with him heartened him. "You are pretty awesome," he agreed. Just then, the phone alerted him to a text. He didn't move to take the phone from her as she opened it. Gabe had nothing to hide. However, whatever she had read had obviously upset her. Her growl alarmed him, and as she walked to the door, he scrambled up. "'Nessa, what's going on?"
His answer came quickly. There was someone at the door, and he knew immediately who it was. Vanessa looked furious, and Gabe brieftly wondered if Tara's life was in any danger. He sat back down, head in hands, as he listened to the exchange. Finally glancing up, he saw Tara shove Vanessa aside and come towards him. Her hand went to his knee, and he automatically pushed it away. "Tara, isn't it obvious? How many times do I have to tell you we're over?" His eyes flicked to Vanessa's, then quickly away. "You can't just come over here anytime you feel like it." He stood, pacing the room. Tara was glaring at Vanessa. "So you're with this b*tch now, is that right?" Gabe held back a growl, recognizing that she was just hurt and voicing it. "Watch your tongue. She's not a b*tch. It's none of your business who I'm with." He crossed his arms, meeting Tara's eyes. "It's time for you to leave. For good, okay?"
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Nov 30, 2008 20:15:30 GMT -5
Vanessa's body was clenched, coiled so tightly that she was ready to spring. Her body trembled, but she held back the wolf. If she shifted now, not only would she have to kill the woman, she would want to. She already wanted to. She could almost feel the woman's body breaking beneath her hands. All color left Vanessa's face. What was she thinking? She turned her face away from Gabe's sudden glance, squeezing her eyes closed against the thoughts that were filling her mind. Her body froze when Tara called her a bitch. Slowly, she turned to look at the woman. Standing, Vanessa walked slowly towards Tara, hands clenched, and stood a mere breath away from her.
Glaring down at the woman, Vanessa spoke in a clearly fake, sweet voice. No, honey, Gabe and I aren't together. Actually, I'm paying him for sex. And damn is he good in bed. She licked her lips, obviously trying to get a rise out of the woman. Gabe wouldn't go out with a slut like me. He has standards. Obviously, you fall below them too. Gabe just doesn't want to hurt your feelings. He doesn't like you. So I think it's time you take your misplaced lust and leave. Gabe asked nicely. I won't be so nice. She took Tara's arm and physically pulled Tara, now mute with surprise, to the door. Have a nice night, Tara. She pushed Tara out and slammed the door before turning and slumping against it. Vanessa rocked forward, dropping her head into her hands.
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Dec 1, 2008 11:14:56 GMT -5
Vanessa's anger was evident, and Gabe's body tensed as he realized she was shaking, was on the verge of shifting. He was ready to rush Tara out of there, but he could see that Vanessa was controlling herself so that she could have the satisfaction of revenge for the other woman's words. Her own words, laced with venom, caused Gabe to want to laugh and cringe at the same time. She was really going for the throat, and Gabe could only be glad that it wasn't her literal throat. He flinched as she grabbed Tara and pulled her out the door. Of course Gabe wouldn't have been so hard on her, but Gabe was a softie, especially where women were involved.
Vanessa slumped against the door, looking drained, and it was all Gabe could do to keep from hugging her. He had to remind himself of all that had gone wrong before she left. Tara had interrupted them just when it counted most, when he could have asked her why she came back. Crossing the room, he crouched before her and reached over to brush her hair out of her face and to try to coax her to lift her head. "Hey...You alright?" He leaned against the door, stting next to her as he hugged his knees to his chest. Resting his cheek on his knees, he watched her. "I'm sorry about all that." It wasn't his fault Tara was a little bit crazy, but it was his fault that he hadn't been as hard and obvious with her as Vanessa had just been. She just couldn't take the hint, no matter how Gabe had spelled it out for her.
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Dec 2, 2008 0:16:31 GMT -5
Vanessa sat silently as she felt Gabe approach. If he yelled at her for how she treated the scum he used to date, she would definitely not be able to resist slapping him, or, worse, clawing him. She was still trembling slightly, but she had mostly reigned in the urge to shift. Having just recently shifted and ran around being wolfish, she had a better reign on the shift. Gabe's gentle treatment surprised her. As he swept away her long tresses, she lifted a damp gaze to his and watched as he sat beside her, head resting on his knee. She turned her attention forward once again, resting her chin on her knees and staring sadly at the apartment. Emotions had the tendency to wipe the young she-wolf out, and this wasn't an exception. At his quiet voice filled the space between them, Vanessa nearly slumped.
She slid sideways, leaning against him and resting her head on his shoulder. Her arms were wrapped around herself, trying to keep in the warmth she still had. A coldness had seeped into her veins and she trembled from it - a noticable difference from the tremors that signified a shift. Vanessa rubbed her legs quickly to warm them up and spoke in an equally soft voice. I'm fine. I just don't see why she had to come here. Whatever. She sighed and shook her head against his shoulder. Don't apologize. You did nothing wrong. It was all that......... skum. Her voice was sad, but she ignored the sound and turned her face into his shirt, hiding her suddenly tear stained face in his shoulder.
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Dec 2, 2008 15:04:27 GMT -5
Gabriel wasn't angry. Far from it. Vanessa was back, and she was at the top of his list of priorities. As guilty as it made him feel that Tara was just thrown from the apartment, he was more concerned with Vanessa. As she leaned into him, he tentatively wrapped his arm around her. She was shaking, and he held her a little closer. It wasn't often a werewolf got cold, and he wondered if maybe she was stressed and weak for some reason. "She came here for the same reason I keep following you." He said simply, picking at a loose thread on his pajama pants.
She turned her head into his shirt and he could feel her ribs heaving irregularly. Sure she was crying, he wrapped his other arm around her and held her close, rocking slightly. "Don't be upset. Please." He stroked her hair, brow wrinkling unhappily. She was such a roller coaster of emotions, he had to just hold on and strap in. He was used to it, to the confusion and bewilderment that her mood swings caused, and knew she was worth holding out for. "She isn't scum, 'Nessa," he said carefully, not wanting to make her angry but knowing he had to defend Tara. She was just lost and confused. "I hurt her, and she's just trying to figure some things out. Though she shouldn't have called you that."
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Dec 3, 2008 1:05:38 GMT -5
As Gabe's arm looped around her to cradle her, Vanessa sank against him, her body curled in a somewhat uncomfortable position that went unnoticed due to her raging emotions. Again, her mind flickered to the possibility of PMS, but pushed the thought quickly out of her mind. Her own arms mirrored his as she linked her fingers on the far side of him. Her breathing was slightly labored and the tears were salty as the dripped onto her lips, where her tongue wiped to remoisten them. She took a deep breath, tucking her head against his shoulder. You don't keep following me. I keep coming back. She smiled sadly at the truth in the words. He was like a magnet that attracted everyone, but he was the only one who attracted her. She sniffled and wiped her eyes with a quick hand before hugging into him once more. Her voice was soft when she whispered that she was fine, never better. Lifting her head, Vanessa gazed at Gabe with a mixture of feelings.
Fine. Not scum. But she's right down there with it. She bit her lip, immediately feeling bad. I'm sorry. I know you must have some feelings for her, so I apologize for calling her that. It makes me no better than her. As for calling me a bitch, I agree wholeheartedly. However, only I'm allowed to say it. Her eyes twinkled at him as she gazed at him. Now, you have work tomorrow I'm assuming, and it's already half way through the night. You shouldn't be up. She stood slowly after reluctantly pulling out of his arms. Reaching down, she lightly pulled him up and looked him in the eye. Now, you are not going to argue with me. You are going to sleep in your bed tonight. If you insist that I sleep there, fine. We will both sleep there. Your bed is big enough for a dividing line, yes? So, you will sleep there, and you will like it damnit. She took a deep breath to calm herself. She could do this. Go in and make yourself comfy and then I'll come in and take whatever side you leave open. She gently nudged him towards the bedroom, smiling gently at him.
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Dec 3, 2008 1:35:08 GMT -5
He adjusted his arms around her to make her more comfortable as she hugged him back. "You don't keep following me. I keep coming back." At this admission, he closed his eyes and nestled his face in her hair, trying to slow his thumping heart. Vanessa, the one thing he strived for in the world, wanted him too at least some of the time. For now, that was good enough. He was a patient man. Meeting her eyes, a little apprehensive that she'd be angry at him for defending Tara, he was relieved to hear her grudgingly agree. "You are most definitely not a bitch." He said, trying to brush her slightly disheveled hair back into position.
Gabe let her pull him to his feet. "Yeah, I do have work tomorrow, but-" He shrugged. She was right. He needed to sleep. Her next words caused his body to tense slightly. Only a few hours before, she had been running out in a fury at him. Now, she wanted to sleep in the same room, the same bed as him. It was a little much to take in, but he could hardly argue with her demand, and he certainly wasn't going to put her on the couch for the night. "I get the left side." He said softly, trying not to think too much into it. There was no need for him to go in before her, since he'd already gotten ready for bed earlier, but he just nodded. His mouth didn't seem to be working right. Gabe made his way to the room and slid into the left side, laying on his back and pulling the covers to his chin. He stared at the ceiling, trying not to think about what a bad idea this could be.
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Dec 3, 2008 1:43:24 GMT -5
Vanessa was relieved when Gabe accepted what she said so easily. She smiled slowly, amused by his sudden okayness with being so close to her. Just a few hours before, he'd pushed her away when she touched him. Now, suddenly, sleeping in the same bed was fine and dandy. She shrugged when he said he got the left side. Either side was fine with her. It wasn't as if there was a difference in the mattress or the amount of blankets. Although, speaking of which, there could be. She skipped quickly over to the couch and lifted the blankets he'd used the previous night and carried them with her to the bedroom. When she entered, Gabe was just pulling the covers up to his chin. The look on his face made her stomach fall. For a moment, in silence, she stared at him, before shaking her head and setting the blanket on her side for added warmth. Her emotions usually made her cold, and she'd gone through a tumultuous period not moments before.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Vanessa bit her lip and stared at her hands. You look like you're about to be sent to the electric chair. She turned slowly to look at him, eyes gentle if not wary. I don't kick, I don't bite, I don't snore, and I don't grind my teeth. This is just so we both get a good night's sleep tonight with what time we have left. Agreed? She didn't wait for an answer. Sliding under the covers, she mimiced him by pulling the covers up to her chin. For a few moments, she lay still, concious of just how far away he was, how easily she could simply reach out and touch him. Her heart beat uneasily in her chest but soon, wiped from the night of emotions, she drifted into sleep. Almost immediately, in sleep, she curled and rolled, somehow landing with her lower back against his thigh and the rest of her body relatively close to his - obviously. She shivered slightly in sleep from moving out from the extra blanket, but his extra head made the shivers slightly less.
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Post by Gabriel Hartwick on Dec 3, 2008 13:54:20 GMT -5
When she paused in her entrance, looking at him, Gabriel realised how he must look to Vanessa. He tried to relax a little bit as she sat on the bed. Her words caused a smile to crease his lips. "Sorry, 'Nessa. I'm just a little...nervous." He conceded, deciding to be blatantly obvious to her. She made him shy and a little insecure in his vulnerability with her. "Agreed," he added, echoing her. He was grateful that she was worried enough about his comfort to be this close to him. He watched as she slid underneath the covers and they both sat in awkward silence for a moment. His heart matched hers in rhythm; clearly he was not the only nervous one here.
However, her heartbeat began to slow and her breathing to regulate until she was asleep. As her body moved closer to his, no doubt seeking warmth in her sleep, he tensed up at first. But as she shivered against him, he relaxed and relented. What was he afraid of, after all? Rolling on his side, he slid one arm under her pillow and draped the other around her shoulders. Hugging her protectively to his chest, he nestled his face into her neck, breathing her in as he closed his eyes and drifted off himself.
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Post by Vanessa Aldaine on Dec 4, 2008 23:45:29 GMT -5
[complete]
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