Mercury: ((*L*)) Mercury is getting together sweet lemonade in the kitchen, glancing out the window once in awhile.

Antonio Pavlatos: (last post outside:) Dara(corvid): *lifting herself back up, rather comical as she shakes her head as if clearing it, blinkblinking looking between the two, then tilting her head at the offered hand perch*

Antonio Pavlatos: And one of the only thing that brings the boy out of himself at times is concern for others. He looks over Dara, "You okay?"

Dara(corvid): *she nodbobs her head to tony, lifting her wings as if showing off as she bows, like she meant to do that...(yeeeah...right she did)*

Antonio Pavlatos: He manages another little smile then at Dara's antics, and goes back to waving the last of his fastly shrinking sparklers.

Mercury: He smiles a melancholy sort of smile, the deaths of the Walkers weighing heavily on him. He picks up the tray filled with lemonade in glasses and puts on a happy face, heading outside.

Antonio Pavlatos: (or eh... *shrinks down* Just look up as someone just mentioned :P)

Alexander Donovan: "Hey Merc, how's your night been?"

Mercury: "Not bad," he fudges, carefully stepping down to place the tray of glasses on the ground in front of everyone. "Lemonade! And it ain't pink either." Chuckles, getting a glass for himself. He grins and ruffles Tony's hair. "Happy Independence Day, Boo."

Antonio Pavlatos: He is still watching Dara, that little small smile on his face, the sparklers a lit in his hands.

Antonio Pavlatos: He looks up at Merc, and gives him a first true smile if days and days, "I got fireworks, Merc... look!" He waves the little sparklers in his hand.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He walks out of the bck rooms, sighing as he runs a hand through his hair. Wait...people here? He blinks, looking out the window and watching for a moment. The man is half-dressed, just in a pair of jeans, hair unbound.

Mercury: Tony: He chuckles. "Great! Now we just need some bottle rockets." He sits down carefully with the glass. "Help yourself to the lemonade. I made it extra sweet for you."

Dara(corvid): *she squawks softly at merc, scooting closer to tony once more and nudgenuzzling his hand with that quiet purring sound once more*

Alexander Donovan: Alex takes a glass of lemonade and takes a good size swallow.

Mercury: "Aw, look at the pwetty birdy..." he coos in baby talk to Dara. Deliberately.

Antonio Pavlatos: He actually reaches over and grabs a glass, "Bottle rockets? We got any?" He pauses and doesn't drink first, instead scritching at Dara again.

Mercury: Tony: "I don't think so. I was sort of kidding. They're dangerous if they're not handled properly. We'd probably get arrested. Doubt the NYPD has a sense of humor."

Mercury: He glances up at the window.

Mercury: d10: per alert: 5,9,10,8,6,10,

Mercury: He grins, waving madly at Aerin to come out.

Mercury: "Windows really need cleaning," he comments. "They're all spotty."

Alexander Donovan: Mel glances in the direction of Mercury's wave, giving Aerin a wink and a wave over to join them.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He smiles a little bit, arms crossing over his chest, careful to avoid obscuring that rose-shaped scar as he does. He just stays there silently and watches.

Dara(corvid): *she tries hard as she can to give merc the one armed salute(playfully of course), before melting into the scritching*

Antonio Pavlatos: If he didn't have a sparkling firework in his hands, he might pout but he nods, "Guess maybe... next year..." A moment of regret slips into his features, thinking of the huge fireworks he had been told about, but it is fleeting. He seems happy enough, or at least content as he waves the sparkler and scritches Dara.

Mercury: "Yeah, next year we'll plan better." Grins at Alex. "Maybe we can all go see the big fireworks show, and get lots of illegal fireworks to shoot off."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: A moment's pause, before he moves from the window and comes outside. He's put his trench coat on, not bothering with a shirt, by the time he's out the door. His staff is at his side.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Well if someone hadn't stolen the only kin I ever had who did windows...." Bliss chuckles, leaning on the entrance to the hallway, not actually stepping into the living room yet, just hovering behind Aerin. Similarly not expecting company he's in lounging clothes, which involves black jeans and a soft clingy grey tee-shirt.

Alexander Donovan: "Well, I'm sure that there are some spots outside the city where we might be able to get away with that..."

Mercury: "Hey, Aerin." Grins. "I just made some lemonade, and we're playing with sparklers."

Antonio Pavlatos: He glances back again, quickly this time as Aerin and Bliss both show up. He waits for a moment, as if holding his breath, and when neither of them start yelling he breathes again.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "I see that," he says calmly, making a look up and down the street before he pulls out a cigarette. It's placed between his lips, lighter rising to flick it to life. "Hey, Alex. Tony."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: [Blink. Oh outside. Nevermind then. *L* DLP]

Mercury: He actually smiles with Bliss puts in an appearance. Proximity and time have gotten him used to the Lord, more relaxed around him. More forgiving, perhaps.

Alexander Donovan: Aerin: "Probably should have woken you, but figured you needed some rest. Grab a sparkler, brought enough for everyone. Hot dogs and toppings in the kitchen, mini ice cream bars in the freezer."

Mercury: ((hold that post until Bliss appears *LOL*))

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He follows Aerin rather sedately outside, not bothing with shoes or a coat. It's JULY.

Antonio Pavlatos: He actually gives Aerin a little smile, the sparklers and all seem to have lightened his spirit. "Hey Mr.. Aerin." Beside him Aerin would notice a used personal CD player.

Dara(corvid): *purrpurrpurrpurrpurring corvid getting scritches...oooh happy dara melting into tonys hand, and damn if those sparklers sparkliness arent making her stare and follow their path*

Alexander Donovan: Alex is dressed in jeans and a muscle shirt, with his hair pulled all to one side from where he offered Dara a perch earlier.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He nods to Mercury, then to the others, absently smoothing down his hair as if he just realised he was out in public with it all mussed and not pretty.

Mercury: ((now cue post re Bliss))

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Mmm...I don't do well with fireworks. Too many burns in my youth, and birght lights spook me." He grins a little bit and takes a drag off his smoke, leaning against the wall. "I'll watch you guys, though."

Alexander Donovan: Alex lights up a pair of sparklers and pretends he's playing drums with them.

Mercury: "You guys oughta try the hotdogs. I wolfed down like, three of 'em."

Alexander Donovan: Bliss: "Hey, want one?"

Alexander Donovan: Merc: "That's it? Figured everyone would eat half of one, except you and me who'd finish the rest off."

Antonio Pavlatos: He looks to Aerin, waving the brightly colored sparkler in his hand and seeming just a touch sad he doesn't join them, but his attentin then goes to Merc, and he blinks. "Ya gonna get sick.... eatin' all that stuff."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He moves up to stand behind Aerin, rising up on his toes a little to rest his chin on Aerin's shoulder.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "I'm okay. With my luck I'll singe my hair. What are you doing anyway?"

Dara(corvid): *somethings mentioned about hotdogs and she perks, squawking softly*

Alexander Donovan: Alex holds both his sparklers with one hand and picks up the peice of hair he already hanked out. "Want some of mine?"

Antonio Pavlatos: He hands one of the two sparklers in his hand to Bliss. "They're fun... ya kin make all kinds designs in the air with 'em." For the moment he seems and sounds like the boy Bliss met that morning at Aerin's when he and Alex stayed over that night.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He smiles a little and leans his head against Bliss's, listening and watching quietly. He looks to Dara and smiles warmly. Eyes flick to Alex, then back, as if questioning the bird.

Mercury: Tony: "Cast iron stomach." Standing up. "I'll get Tweety Bird a hot dog."

Alexander Donovan: Merc: "Just bring out the bag. Relish and ketchup and stuff is in there too."

Dara(corvid): *another nuzzle to tonys hand, then she hops and flutters avoiding all sparklers to perch nearby bliss and aerin, saying her hellos and rounds, hopping to aerins other shoulder if she can and nudgenuzzling with the feathery head*

Mercury: He ducks inside before he gets beat by raven wings, and goes to the kitchen.

Dara(corvid): rawk, bite me planetboi! rawk!*sounding like a parrot for all intensive purposes in response to tweety bird...then some birdylike laughter sounds before she purrnudges aerin again*

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He huffs lightly at Alex, amused. "As if it'd match." Bliss accepts the sparkler from Tony cautiously, holding it carefully out of reach of either his hair or Aerin's and rather tolerantly swipes it through the air a few times. "Uh-huh...." He seems mystified.

Alexander Donovan: "If she's Tweety, would that make me Sylvester? Who gets to be Butch?"

Mercury: He comes dashing out with all the hot dogs and fixings, then pretends to stumble, weaving about madly with an "AH AH AH!" and pretending to try to avoid dropping all the stuff. He drops to his knees with a theatrical flourish next to Tony with a grin and all the stuff still intact.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He reaches up with the hand not holding the sparkler and scritches Dara.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He grins and reaches up to run his hand over Dara's head lightly. "Good to see you," he murmurs quietly to the bird, before looking over to Bliss and the sparkler with a chuckle.

Antonio Pavlatos: He watches Bliss, and waves his own in a circle leaving a strand of multi colored flashes of lights. "See...? If ya fast enough, bet ya could even do pictures outta 'em." He tries, but it doesn't seem to be anything that anyone could recognize.

Antonio Pavlatos: He looks to Mercury and oddly for him states quite calmly, "Gawd, you kin be such an ass...."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Mmmmmmm...." He waves the sparkler idly around, curious as to just how it's supposed to amuse him, but fond enough of Tony to try.

Dara(corvid) -> Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: *murmured while shes there* he apologized....but I aint sittin on puss in boots shoulders

Mercury: He laughs aloud, finally shaking off some of his melancholy mood, and sets the fixings where people can reach them. "Love you too, Boo," he says fondly to Tony.

Alexander Donovan: Alex glances at Tony when he says that, reaching down to replace the dwindling sparklers with fresh ones. The lighter he's using is a refilable one with a 'lion rampant' crest.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He doesn't go for a sparkler, more content to be cuddly than to play with fire.

Antonio Pavlatos: He manages another true smile to Mercury, and without thinking reaching for a hotdog, and his face softens for just a split moment, "Luv ya too, Merc..." And almost as soon as it happens he turns his head and watches Bliss again.

Dara(corvid): *she tilts her head towards bliss and squawks softly to him as well, almost expectantly, blinking that beady black eye at him*

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He watches Tony back lazily. He's perfectly content, though a little confused about the attention from the kin that normally wants about nothing to do with him.

Alexander Donovan: Alex smiles and grabs a hot dog for himself, taking it off the bun and just about swallowing it whole without condiments. He glances back at the other three.... wondering if he should try to overhear... no. No. Curiosity is good, but now is not the time.

Mercury: He relaxes back with another hot dog...however he managed to grab it without anyone seeing...and his lemonade.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Hey-hey-hey, I already pet you." He chuckles and resumes scritching the Corax. "You're as bad as I am."

Mercury: Bliss: "Is that possible?" he teases.

Antonio Pavlatos: It seems that Tony is wishing for Bliss to perhaps enjoy the simple little firework he holds. It seems important to him somehow.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Mmmmmmmmm...I hear I'm very much worth it." He leans around Aerin a little to brush along his jaw with the top of his head and then rests his chin back on Aerin's shoulder. How do people assume they're lovers aain?

Dara(corvid): *purrpurrpurr, happy scritches happy corax.....though when she sees mercs hot dog she makes mmmmm slurpy noises*

Antonio Pavlatos: He watches Bliss until he moves against Aerin, then his eyes drop, a slight pained expression in them for a moment but then he is again waving his fastly burning out sparkler in the air again.

Mercury: He is about to chomp his hot dog, then rolls his eyes, setting it down for Dara instead, and grabbing another.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He wiggles the dying sparkler around a little more for Tony. He just doesn't get it, but he tries.

Alexander Donovan: Alex gets out a hot dog and waves it in the trio's direction. "C'mon, at least share one between you."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "I think Dara is on it."

Dara(corvid): *the hot dog set down, she swoops from the scritches and shoulder to nab it in her talons, then settles down where she can comfortably rest and eat/peck at it to bits,making happy warbly noises all teh while*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He smiles a little at Alex. "All right, all rightr. I'll have a hot dog."

Antonio Pavlatos: He seems to relax even more when Aerin joins in, if only to have a hot dog.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Without Dara to pet his hands rest lightly on Aerin's sides, maybe for balance. He is up on the balls of his feet.

Mercury: "I'm already thinking of ice cream bars and drooling," he says as he scarfs down a hot dog in record time, that being his fourth.

Antonio Pavlatos: His sparkler dies down, and he looks to Alex, quietly, even as he unconsciously takes a bite of hot dog.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Long as there's no marshmellows, I'm happy." He gets the hot dog from Alex and then leans back against Bliss to eat.

Dara(corvid): *dara does pretty good onher hot dog herself, considering the form shes eating it in....even trying to get up the bits that fly from it, trying to finish everything before looking towards where the plate of hot dogs is...*

Alexander Donovan: Alex hands Aerin the hot dog. "Relish et cetera in the bag." Merc: "So go get one."

Mercury: "Marshmallows are the devil's candy," he sniffs, getting up to fetch an ice cream bar.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Marshmellows are evil."

Alexander Donovan: Alex hands Tony a new sparkler and lights it, starting to run low finally. "Okay, s'mores are out then." Alex gets himself another hot dog, and eats it like the first. Biting? Chewing? Who needs that?

Antonio Pavlatos: He looks up at the others, a confused expression. "I...like marshmellows... they real good over open fire."

Mercury: He looks at Alex as he steps back out. "You know what I'm reminded of when you eat hot dogs? You know that Ghostbusters movie with the big ol' blobby ghost that was stuffing its cheeks with hot dogs?" He grins.

Alexander Donovan: "Hey, I eat mine one at a time."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He shivers a little bit at the mention of marshmellows over fire. "Not my thing is all, Tony. Bad experience."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "I like s'mores," he says wistfully. "It's been ages since I've roasted marshmallows."

Mercury: Tony: "Aw, I'm just teasing about marshmallows. I don't like the taste of them, but they're not actually evil. It's just a figure of speech."

Antonio Pavlatos: His attention then turns to his new sparkler, although the partially eaten hot dog is still in his other hand. It seems the simple fireworks are mesmorizing the boy.

Knife: (watch out Dara has a knife!!)

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Aerin gets a little nuzzle.

Dara(corvid): *if theres another she nabs it in her talons, scooting over closer to tony to eat it, crumbs of bun all over her feathers as she peers up at him once its done*

Antonio Pavlatos: As his sparkler start to finally burn out, he notices the crumbs, and without thinking, he brushes them lightly off of her feathers.

Antonio Pavlatos: (Eh, Dara's feathers, obviously)

Dara(corvid): (*thpthpthts* she doesnt need a knife...shes got beak baby*LOL*)

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Aerin gets a return nuzzle before Bliss relaxes under the petting.

Alexander Donovan: Alex leans back and lays out, hair fanning out beneath him and looking up at the sky. "Ahhh..."

Mercury: He relaxes as well, letting his bad thoughts drift to the back of his mind for awhile.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Mercury." He looks up to the man. "When you've got time...I need to discuss some business with you."

Dara(corvid): *she gives that purr of a sound as the crumbs are brushed from her feathers*

Antonio Pavlatos: His eyes dart around the group, and for some odd reason he seems to have a little smile on his face as he actually nibbles up the rest of the hot dog.

Mercury: Aerin: "Yeah, anytime, man. I'm available."

Alexander Donovan: Alex sighs a bit when 'buisness' is discussed. "Yeah, me too Merc."

Shadow's Blissful Silence -> Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: His hands tighten on Aerin's sides. No, not comfortable here at all. Certainly not with the thought of Aerin leaving to talk to Mercury.

Mercury: "Wow, I'm popular for business. Cool. Anytime."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He nods a bit to Mercury, then sighs, standing there aginst Bliss. Enjoying the moment as much as he allows himself. Even in that moment, he's not fully relaxed...always on guard, this one. Always vigilant.

Mercury: ((We might not want to start it tonight. *L* I'm 40 minutes past bedtime, though still hanging on, just not for much longer.))

Shadow's Blissful Silence: [I'm out soon too. *hugs* But not quite yet.]

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: ((Nopt planning on it now. *S*)) He leans his head back to murmur in Bliss's ear.

Alexander Donovan: ((Figure Alex's part might have to be Sitemail or ghosting ICQ. Unless we can get it tommorrow, which is my night off. :)

Antonio Pavlatos: (*Hugs* Thanks for finishing this up though.) He hears them talk of business, but keeps his mind shut. As he finishes the hot dog, he wipes his fingers off on his jeans leg, and grows quiet.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3] -> Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Not going yet, Bliss. Mercury's working with me on Operation: Silver Fang, is all. I need to update him. But I'm staying here now."

Mercury: ((I can be on tomorrow, Alex. *S* *hugs Tony* Merc's having fun. *S* Taking his mind off things.)) The talk of business fades for another time, and he reaches his hand out for a sparkler. "Gimme?"

Alexander Donovan: He grins and hands over a sparkler. "Go right ahead."

Mercury: He moves the sparkler very quickly, zipping it about so that it streams sparkly light.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Bliss nods to Aerin and slips around him so he can lean back on him, resting his head sideways into Aerin's. Relaed and not even drawn up to his full height he's hardly intimidating.

Dara(corvid): (guys Ive gotta keep an eye on another scene just to be safe, so Im gonna fade dara from here if its ok*hugs*)

Antonio Pavlatos: (Just to make sure EVERYONE is on the same note here. Tony hasn't realized that there is only ONE CD yet, and Merc wants him to go shopping, Alex told him he should go with Merc or one of the others shopping, and that he should ask Aerin if it is okay, right?)

Antonio Pavlatos: He looks to Merc for a moment, hard to pull his eyes away from the sparkler but he does, "I don't... mind, Merc. 'N I toldt ya I don't know iffen I kin go out, 'n don't need nuthin'. (less that he knows of, wait until he finds out he only has ONE CD! lol)

Alexander Donovan: "Parking is paid monthly, good for this month yet."

Antonio Pavlatos: He blinks and looks back at Aerin in what might be comical shock if his expression wasn't so serious. "I... I kin do that?"

Mercury: He takes the keys with a grin, then smiles and nods to Aerin. "I'm getting cabin fever." Tony: "Be good just to get out for a bit. The weather's been pretty decent lately, and warm."

Antonio Pavlatos: He looks from Aerin to Mercury, to Alex, and then to Aerin, but murmurs, "Still... ain't got no reason to go, but..."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He settles more of his weight against Aerin with a soft purring sound.

Alexander Donovan: "Be good to my 'ol tank, and it'll be good to you."

Mercury: Tony: "What was that CD Alex gave you? Maybe we could get some more music. I want to try out some dance routines with you." Standing up, brushing himself off. "Anyway, I'll see you all tomorrow. I'll be here late afternoon, Tony."

Alexander Donovan: Tony: "How about to get some more music, like I suggested?"

Mercury: Alex: "Truthfully, I can even drive big rigs." He smiles a little humbly. "I used to do it for a living, til my temper made it difficult."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Of course, Tony." He nods. "I want you to be with me or Mercury, just to be safe. But yeah."

Antonio Pavlatos: He looks to Alex and shrugs, "Ya got me some... I ... I don't need more." (what he thinks now, but wait until he realizes what Alex did...)

Alexander Donovan: "Really? I guess I know who to call if I need to recreate Smokey and the Bandit."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He huffs at that comment and nudges Aerin just hard enough to indicate he might be insulted.

Antonio Pavlatos: He looks again to Aerin, eyes wide, perhaps astonished or perhaps thrilled, hard to tell just by the expression. "Thank you, sss... Sir."

Mercury: He nods firmly to what Aerin says. Smirks at Alex. "That might be fun."

Alexander Donovan: Alex smiles at Tony and continues to watch the sky.

Antonio Pavlatos: He gives a curious look to Alex at his comment, but stays quiet.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He nods to Tony with a smile, and then grins up to Bliss. "You're okay."

Mercury: Tony: "Smokey and the Bandit is an old movie where a guy running a big rig, called the Bandit, is chased by a cop. The cop in big rig language is called Old Smokey. So Smokey tries to catch the Bandit and is outfoxed by the guy."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He settles back down, snuggling against Aerin.

Mercury: "Night, everyone. See you tomorrow, Boo." He waves and heads off. ((*HUGS* thanks for the scene!))

Alexander Donovan: "See ya round 'planetboi'."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Good night, Mercury."

Antonio Pavlatos: He murmurs to Mercury as he is thinking about what he was just old, "Night, Merc..."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: [*hugs* And I'm gonna fade Bliss there. As it's a bit past 2 here.]

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Night, Mercury."

Mercury: (*hugs all*)

Antonio Pavlatos: As his sparkler burns out he tries to make at least one last letter, a 'T' for his name.

Antonio Pavlatos: (*Hugs* Thanks for the scene! See ya tomorrow)

Shadow's Blissful Silence: [*snuggles and poofs*]

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: ((*Hugs Fox*))

Alexander Donovan: ((*hugs* And you take care too.))

Antonio Pavlatos: As the others leave, his head turns from Aerin to Alexander, as if gauging the two's moods, and perhaps their interaction.

Alexander Donovan: Aerin: "Busy holiday?"

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "When am I not busy, Alex?" He grins very faintly and shrugs. "Lots to do to save the world."

Antonio Pavlatos: He unconsciously begins to pick up the remains of the burnt sparklers and the hotdogs, acting just a little like the Tony they knew, as he cleans up the mess on the steps.

Alexander Donovan: "Maybe with a bullet proof hummer, saving the world will be a bit easier."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He grins a little bit and nods. "Maybe, yeah. But the hummer's your style, Alex. Isn't really mine. I prefer my bike, or my hybrid. They're less likely to see me coming, you know?"

Alexander Donovan: Alex smirks at something Aerin just said. "Yeah, if you can manage that, things can go smoother."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Usually." He nods a little bit. "I like the stealth approach."

Antonio Pavlatos: He has gathered up all the trash together, and sits down, looking over the CD player as Aerin and Alex talk.

Alexander Donovan: Aerin: "I'm more... direct." Tony: "Why don't you check to see how it plays Tony..."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He nods a little to Alex, then glances to Tony, watching him with a little smile.

Antonio Pavlatos: He looks from Alex to Aerin, then back again, and gives them a little smile as he tries the headphones on, and fiddles with the player until he hits Play. "Ah!" They can both hear the first strains of Sin as the volumn was extremely high. He adjusts it some, and gives them both another smile, closing his eyes and listening to the music.

Alexander Donovan: Alex steps close to Aerin, where he can speak softly as Tony checks his CD player. "There was a gang shooting recently... silver bullets?" Alex's tone is definately concerned, he's got freinds he doesn't want to loose.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He frowns deeply at mention of it, his spine tensing some. "Yeah. One of ours. We're handling it."

Alexander Donovan: Alex looks around. "I'm staying nearby. You've got an idea as to what I can do, physically.... if you need help."

Antonio Pavlatos: He leans back against the step, letting his head drop down on the next one up, eyes closed, smile still on his face, obviously lost in hearing music again like this.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He nods a little bit. "The victim's people are the ones heading things up, mostly. I've been..." His jaw twitches a little. "...asked to focus on my other responsibilities."

Alexander Donovan: Alex looks back at Tony... "Such conflicts... spread. Whatever our differences, I don't give up on my freinds. The offer extends to your pack and Kin... and why I let Mercury have the hummer."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He nods a little. "The thought is appreciated. Thank you. I'll make sure Tony's kept safe...you know that, right?"

Alexander Donovan: "If I didn't know that, he wouldn't be here." Alex thinks back a bit. "So, about my last offer.. do you want me to try tonight, or save it for later? It'd best be done while he's sleeping."

Antonio Pavlatos: Head bobs a bit now with the music, one foot tapping against the step.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He considers that for a long moment, frowning a little bit. "I guess tonight's as good a time as any."

Alexander Donovan: Alex nods and pats Tony on the shoulder. "C'mon, I can read you a couple more chapters."

Antonio Pavlatos: He starts a bit, having been very into the music. He takes off the headphones, blinking at Alex, "Www... what?"

Alexander Donovan: "The book, I'll read you to sleep tonight."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He watches the two, arms folded calmly over his chest.

Antonio Pavlatos: He looks from Alex to Aerin, and when Aerin seems to have no objection, the little smile grows a little more. "Okay..." He actually picks up the trash in one hand, keeping the CD player in the other, the music still streaming through the headphones around his neck.

Alexander Donovan: Alex keeps his arm over Tony's shoulder as they head inside. He reads a little oddly tonight, in an almost monotone. He keeps the page marked back though, so he can reread it with his usual vigor later. He keeps the door wide open.

Antonio Pavlatos: After such a nice evening, and probably eating more than he has at one time in quite a few weeks, and having Alex there to relax against it doesn't take long for the full tummy and tiredness to settle in on him, and he drifts off to sleep.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He folows them inside, taking a lean against the door frame as he watches them.

Alexander Donovan: Alex closes the book and sets it down, audible enough to be heard and giving Aerin a moment to do whatever he feels he needs to at this point.

Alexander Donovan: d10: SHS (+wp): 3,8,1,10,4,

Alexander Donovan: He gently strokes Tony's hair for a few moments, preparing what he's going to say in his mind as he activates the gift to give his words a bit more... oomph.

Antonio Pavlatos: d10: WP: 3,5,10,8,

Antonio Pavlatos: (The roll was meant for the alter, he isn't resisting, and sorry for jumping the gun)

Antonio Pavlatos: (*Sighs* That was meant as a PM)

Alexander Donovan: "I know you're listening. I know you have things to tell me... to tell us. It's alright to come out and say them, even if we don't want to hear them..."

Antonio Pavlatos: His eyelids do a sudden little dance, as if in a dreamlike state. A little shifting of his body, perhaps to get more comfortable, but no response.

Alexander Donovan: Alex continues to stroke Tony's hair. "Tell us what you think we need to hear... I'll still love you, even if it is a little mean."

Alexander Donovan: Alex looks up at where Aerin is standing in the doorframe watching, nodding a bit to Tony, indicating that he should say something to encourage things a bit.

Antonio Pavlatos: (Has Aerin walked in yet?) More rapid movements behind his eyelids, another little partial turn, a sleepy sounding, inaudible murmur, but he could just be dreaming...

Antonio Pavlatos: (Well, that answered that)

Antonio Pavlatos: d10: WP: 6,4,3,10,

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He's quiet, watching and listening. Waiting.

Alexander Donovan: "Aerin's not going to get too upset at you either... we both just want to talk to you."

Antonio Pavlatos: d10: WP: 1,9,6,2,

Antonio Pavlatos: He seems to slip a little further into a normal sleep, the eyelids still move, but not as rapidly.

Antonio Pavlatos: (*gives diceroller a treat, or a sacrifice, or offers it Ravyn's services for a week*)

Alexander Donovan: This would be so much easier if he had a name, or didn't have his current restrictions. "I WANT you to come out." And Alex is about ready to give up for the night.

Antonio Pavlatos: d10: WP: 3,6,3,6,

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: ((You don't want my help. Have you SEEN my die rolls lately?))

Antonio Pavlatos: The rapid rolls behind the eyelids again, another murmur, and a slight frown on his face.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He sighs a little bit and moves away from the door frame, approaching. "Come on. It's okay."

Antonio Pavlatos: (I can not BELIEVE this... I've been doing GREAT until now :(

Alexander Donovan: ((I have! And in hindight, glad they improved by the end of things...)) "Fine then. Stay in there and hide. They're not going to let Tony do what he wants without your cooperation."

Antonio Pavlatos: d10: Crossing fingers: 8,7,7,3,

Antonio Pavlatos: And that seems to do it, he jerks a bit, eyes only slightly open a slit, his voice harsher than normal, "Don't blame this shit on me!"

Alexander Donovan: Alex smirks a bit, giving Aerin a wink. "Alright. But it's good to see you again."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He smiles faintly as Tony speaks, nodding a bit. "There we go. Hello, there."

Antonio Pavlatos: He starts to slowly sit up, an almost boneless seeming movement, eyes opening up more, "Yeah, right..." Eyes move to Aerin then, then dart back to Alex. "...sure you both are thrilled shitless. What is this suppose to prove? I've played the good little boy... what more do ya want?" His tone is actually hostile to both of them. Not really hateful as much as just... angry, or frustrated.

Alexander Donovan: Alex leans back. "Gordy said you had things you wanted to say... but couldn't. We wanted you to have the opprotunity to say them."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He nods a little bit at Alex's words. "And, I must admit...I'm curious as to your name. We haven't had the chance to ask."

Antonio Pavlatos: Eyes dart back and forth between them, and he shifts a bit, keeping his back to the wall, as if he wanted to keep them both in clear sight. "You probably don't want to hear 'em, 'n I know the fuck he don't."

Antonio Pavlatos: He looks at Aerin, and his face alters slightly, seeming more like Tony's expression, his voice stays firm but tones down, "You know my name, it's Tony."

Antonio Pavlatos: (oops sorry, missed one part, trying to go too fast again) The chocolate eyes are the main difference, they have an almost defiant expression in them, although he doesn't quite hold eye contact with Aerin but a bare moment.

Alexander Donovan: Alex leans a bit, relaxed and letting Aerin handle the bulk of the talking now.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "You seem to have an interesting opinion on what we want to hear, Tony." He shrugs a little bit. "Why don't you let us be the judge of that?"

Antonio Pavlatos: He cocks his head to the side, "What? I'm supposed to just start? You got the rest of the fuckin' week? I tried to tell you what I thought of this shitty setup way the fuck back there. What do you want to know?"

Alexander Donovan: "We've got as long as you want to take."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "I'm not sure, to be perfectly honest." He takes a courch on the floor, sitting on his heels, watching Tony. "Gordie said you had things to say, right? Why don't you just come out and say them, unless you're too worried about expressing them."

Antonio Pavlatos: He tosses his head back, letting a thick length of hair fall back onto his back. It seems like an experienced move. He gives a very slow, provocative smile to Alex, "Oh, you outta know what I wanna take..."

Alexander Donovan: Alex has to bite his lip to prevent from replying.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He smirks a little and rolls his eyes at Tony's comment to Alex. "That a diversion attempt? I've seen much better."

Antonio Pavlatos: He looks over as Aerin sits down, and a little flash of anger goes through his eyes, "Don't fuck with Gordie, don't ask him shit, it upsets him. You got shit you want to know you ask me! I ain't afraid of tellin' you shit, but I also like my fuckin' head on my body, know what I mean? Sometimes I can't help it... I get so tired of the shit. I get careless, and I say shit. 'N sometimes, sometimes I just don't give a fuck if one of ya does take my head off. You don't have any claim on me. You might think you do on him, but you don't on me."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He meets Tony's gaze. "I've had better then you try to piss me off. He may have caught me off guard on a bad day. You've got me fully refreshed. I have my doubts that you could do it."

Antonio Pavlatos: His head goes up a bit then, at Aerin's comment, and his eyes slit down again. He half crawls closer to Aerin, letting his hand run down the front of his shirt all the way to his groin, "Believe me, I kin do better'n that. Want me to show ya?"

Alexander Donovan: Alex watches, interested. 'Tony' might notice not with his usual lecherous self, but interested in Aerin's reaction on a more cerbral level.

Antonio Pavlatos: His actions don't change, but the look in his eyes seems a little defiant again. "Fully refreshed? What, you get laid lately? Maybe I don't want to piss you off... Mr. Thooooooomas...." Drawls out his name, smiling, "Maybe I want something else?"

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: His smirk widens a little, and he looks over to Alex, then back. There's an insurance policy in place should he lose it...but the man feels confident. "Try me."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Mmmm. Not interested. I've got my hands full on that end." He shrugs. "Sex is boring. When you've had the things I've had try and seduce me, you don't hold water. Try something else."

Antonio Pavlatos: For a moment he seems taken back, but only for a moment before the professional seems to emerge again, and he closes the distance between himself and Aerin. One swift movement, a practiced stripper afterall, and he has his shirt off and on the floor. He's just inches from Aerin now, and his eyes have an odd challenging expression in them, but again he doesn't keep eye contact for long.

Antonio Pavlatos: (Place that post in proper order, and give me a sec to respond to Aerin's last one)

Alexander Donovan: Alex continues to watch, smiling. He's seen the show before, and weather he wants to get involved or not, Tony and Aerin have the stage.

Antonio Pavlatos: His face hardens, and his hand draws back to slap at Aerin's face, "Liein' Bastard, you'de fuck me in a heartbeat if we was anyplace else, sex ain't borin', it's fun."

Alexander Donovan: At the slap, Alex shifts his position a little, to be better able to get up and do something if need be.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3] -> Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: d10: WP A: 3,6,3,1,6,5,6,

Aerin Thomas [PB 3] -> Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: d10: WP J: 7,10,8,2,8,6,5,

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He makes no move to dodge the slap, letting it knock his face to the side with a resounding crack. He slowly looks back to Tony, his eyes taking a slightly darker tone to them, and he smiles. "Yeah, Tony." He chuckles, the red mark still there. "Sex is very fun. I rather enjoy it. But if you think you're changing the subject by trying to get me hard, you're dead fucking wrong."

Alexander Donovan: Alex smiles a bit wider at the darker tone Aerin takes. "Mr. Thomas, maybe there's something of value you can offer mr Pavlatos in exchange for the name you're looking for?"

Antonio Pavlatos: Again he seems taken aback by Aerin's reacion, and he scoots back on his heels, "Why is that? I always talk better after I get a good fuckin'.. know how long that's been?" He is now very watchful of Aerin, he seems to be at somewhat of a loss with this particular one.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Mmmm..." He looks over at Alex, then back to Tony, studying his features for a long moment. "Well, that depends entirely on what he wants."

Antonio Pavlatos: He tosses a look at Alex, "If I did the same to you, you wouldn't refuse, would you?"

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "It's been a while, I imagine." He shrugs a little bit.

Alexander Donovan: "Not by choice, but right now I'm having to play by someone else's rules."

Antonio Pavlatos: And they dart back to Aerin, licking his lips, "Lots of things... been cooped up in here, with nothin' but a friggin' dildo for weeks, 'n he's too afraid to use even that. Afraid somebody will see, think shit. I don't care what they think. They're gonna think whatever they want anyway. Hell, they might even enjoy the show." He talks the talks easy enough, it just depends on how well Aerin can see through some of it.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: d10: Per+Emp: 10,7,1,4,5,4,4,

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: d10: Specialty: 2,

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: ((I hate you, die roller))

Antonio Pavlatos: He absently plays with one of the golden nipple rings, watching Aerin. "It's been too fuckin' long." He tosses another look at Alex, "I know, I know... play by the rules, be good boys, not even a little head... that sucks you know, 'n not in a good fuckin' way either. Bad enough some bitch that ain't family decides to do this shit, but I'm stuck here too ya know. No wine, no clubbin', no sex... turnin' me into a fuckin' monk here."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "So, if you can get laid, I can get a name." He raises an eyebrow. "Is that the deal?"

Alexander Donovan: Alex frowns, disapproving of offering Tony something he can't have.

Antonio Pavlatos -> Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: It's true that the boy feels sexually deprived. A nice steady diet with a caring lover to nothing is hard on one this age, but a lot of what he is doing at the moment is almost like a test, although like I said there IS some truth in it. He misses sex. This is the alter that played the part so well in the club, and has normally used his body to gain advantages - extra priviledges here and there, not so much abuse. Half truth, half trying to play him, but Aerin's reactions aren't what he expected so he's a little lost in how to react now.

Antonio Pavlatos: He raises his head as if trying to gauge whether Aerin is on the level.

Antonio Pavlatos: d10: Perc/Emp (lie?): 4,5,1,4,8,2,4,

Alexander Donovan: ((*blinks* Where'd all the good rolls go?))

Antonio Pavlatos: He can't tell for sure, and that just adds to the other things that seem to make dealing with this particular man nothing like he expected. "Say I do... give ya a name... I get laid for real? You swear that?"

Antonio Pavlatos: (I say no more rolls :P Just play this out. *Kicks hella diceroller)

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Oh, I didn't say I was offering the deal, Tony. I was trying to figure out what you were trying to work up."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "I asked what you wanted in exchange. You started talking about how long it's been since you had sex." He shrugs a little bit, reaching into his pocket for a cigarette. He reaches up and rubs the light welt on his cheek. "One plus one is usually two."

Antonio Pavlatos: His face hardens again, "You're playin' fuckin' mind games with me! He scoots back then against the wall, his hand unconsciously going to the scratches on his arm, digging his nails back into the same places. Neither of them have seen them before, he's been wearing long shirts, only Mercury has. "I've been real, real good... I ain't caused any shit, I ain't just tried to walk the fuck outta here, I ain't fought... but it ain't just him! I got feelin' too, 'n I'm the one that handles shit, ALWAYS the fuck have! For both of 'em. I wanna get the fuck outta here 'n have some fun, but no... he's afraid to stick his fuckin' head outta the door, 'n we were doin' okay before, before that bitch decided to ruin everythin'. I ain't as pissed at you as I was, but now.... now you just playin' with me!"

Alexander Donovan: Alex frowns at the scratches on Tony's arm, and the fact that he's making them worse.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "I'm not playing. That's what you're doing. I'm just trying to clarify the game." He flicks his cigarette to life, taking a deep drag.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "And you don't think I undersrand, Tony...EXACTLY what you're talking about?" He tries to catch Tony's gaze and keep it, a definite intensity there. "If you don't think I don't know exactly how unfair it is to you, you're not as observant as I thought."

Antonio Pavlatos: He looks at the cigarette, nails digger a bit deeper into his arm, but he doesn't seem to even grimace, as if he might even feel it or be aware of what he is doing to himself. He takes a deep breath, "He wouldn't take it either, not for the longest, but you... I figured you would take me up on it. Most do." His tone is a bit calmer, but still firm, "You could offer a dude a smoke ya know."

Alexander Donovan: Alex actually blushes at something there. Probably a first time.

Antonio Pavlatos: "Then why do I have to stay here all the time too? I..." He seems confused for a moment.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "By all means." He walks to Tony and leans over, offering the pack and the lighter.

Antonio Pavlatos: And he catches the blush, "It's the truth 'n you know it. You didn't wanna use him like the others had, even when they was watchin'... you pretended."

Antonio Pavlatos: He watches Aerin carefully, looking actually ready to roll aside if Aerin raised a hand to him, another action not like Tony. He didn't cringe back, but then neither did he keep any real eye contact for long. He takes the offer pack, taps one out, and lights it, hesitates for a moment, then hands them back.

Alexander Donovan: "There's enough people that want sex with me to not try to take it from those that don't."

Antonio Pavlatos: "We were ready for it long before you fuckin' believed it. Long before those bastards got their black furred asses burnt to a crisp."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He takes back the pack and lighter and pockets them in the trench coat, then takes a couple steps back before dropping to a crouch again. "So it sounds like we're all full of surprises for each other at one time or another, eh?" He takes a drag, exhaling the smoke through his nose as he watches the kin.

Antonio Pavlatos: He draws his legs up against his chest, studying Aerin for several long moments, "What do you want from me? What do you really fuckin' want?"

Alexander Donovan: "Mr. Pavlatos, we know you're not Tony.. and I certainly won't spread that around... what might it take to appease you that we can offer to know who you are?"

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "I want you to have the courage to help him," he says with a slight cock of his head. "Or rather, to keep helping him. I want you to realize you can start trusting people, and I want you to crawl out from that place. It's gone, burned to the ground. You don't have to live there anymore. And I think giving us your name would be a good step in that direction."

Antonio Pavlatos: He looks from one to the other, "I ain't Mr Pavlatos... I mean..." He shakes his head, muttering under his breath.... "That place is yeah, but there's more... plenty more... I've been waitin'... figured somethin' would happen, but it ain't. You both confuse the fuck outta me. Alex I halfass understand, but you.... I ain't got a good drift on ya yet. 'N both of ya keep talkin' about helpin' him, but fuck it, I'm here too! I want..." He pauses. "I want shit you can't give me, but I want you to let me have some fun... one night... I want to play... one fuckin' night....."

Alexander Donovan: Aerin: "Perhaps he would trust you... if you would trust him."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "You miss my point. By helping him, you're going to help yourself."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "If you think I'm not trusting him by half of what I've said here tonight..." He smirks a little bit, but it fades quickly as he looks at Tony, considering.

Alexander Donovan: Alex watches Aerin carefully when he starts 'considering'.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "I need to know exactly...EXACTLY. What you're asking for." ((This is about my 10 minute warning, folks.))

Antonio Pavlatos: He frowns at Aerin, "No, it means I get weaker too, can't figure how you think that would be helpin' me. I'm the one that ends up dealin' with all the shit, but never get anythin' for it now."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Doesn't have to be that way." He gestures to himself, perhaps by example.

Antonio Pavlatos: (okay) "Some fun." He seems to be running out of energy maybe, his tone isn't as firm. "Come to think of it though... how the fuck I'm gonna do that? I aint' even sure how this happened... there wasn't shit for me to handle... he won't go out now." Again the confusion. "This so sucks..."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "That's not remotely exact." He frowns as Tony starts to fade. "Don't worry about how. What?"

Antonio Pavlatos: He looks to Aerin closely then, "He... thought some shit. Funny how I always know shit, 'n the shit I do for him, he ain't got the foggiest fuckin' clue..." A partially wary look, "You got a name you could give me for a name?" He is watching Aerin very intently, again though not straight eye contact, but watching his face and expressions.

Alexander Donovan: Ahh... the question's out there. Is Aerin the one everyone talks about? The Hunter at the Club, the Caretaker beneath it....

Antonio Pavlatos: "I can't go unless he does... how I even got the fuck here," He touches his own chest.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He looks over at Alex suddenly, watching him warily, and then back to Tony. He nods and then leans very slowly in, getting close to the kin to whisper quietly into his ear.

Alexander Donovan: Alex leans back, avoiding listening when 'Aerin' whispers the name. If he really wants it, he can get it... but for now, he doesn't need it.

Antonio Pavlatos: He tenses, looking ready to spring away if he had to, but he stays in place, listening to the whisper.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3] -> Antonio Pavlatos: "Jeremy," he breathes in the kin's ear. "Jeremy Dunne. And that name is for you and you alone. No one else. Ever."

Antonio Pavlatos -> Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: The eyes that go to Aerin don't soften like Tony's normal expression, but they do soften in understanding. A slow nod.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He nods at something, and then leans back. "Quid pro quo," is all he says, watching Tony with that odd intensity of before.

Antonio Pavlatos: He listens, and he gives him a slow nod, "Trust fer trust then... you fuck me over, 'n I swear I won't ever forgive ya. Not ever, I'm tired of tired of bein' fucked over." A long, long pause, then not in Tony's normal soft voice, but a low one, "Daniel... my name is Daniel."

Antonio Pavlatos: (ax of tired, obviously I am too)

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Daniel." He nods a little bit, a small, strange sort of smile hitting his face. "There. Now, we're introduced. We can finally begin sometime."

Antonio Pavlatos: His eyes are fluttering though, "This sucks, 'cause... I can't ever do this when I fuckin'... just... want... to." It seems the release of his name has also somehow released his hold on things, and he seems to simply lay his head forward on Aerin's shoulder and almost immediately he seems in a deep sleep.

Alexander Donovan: Alex sighs as Tony drifts off to sleep. "I suppose that's my cue to head off."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He catches the kin, reaching up to stroke his hair. "Give it time. It's not easy for me to, either." He smiles a bit and sets him down to lay there, then turns his head to regard Alex for a moment. The intensity hasn't left his eyes. He seems to be appraising the man.

Alexander Donovan: Alex rises to his feet, walking toward the others and running his hand through Tony's hair. "Goodnight, I love you." Alex then offers his hand to 'Aerin'. "Thank you."

Antonio Pavlatos: A slight stirring when his hair is touched like that, but is seems to merely be to snuggle down more, he doesn't awaken.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He rises and nods, reaching out to take the offered hand. He locks eyes with Alex. "You tell anyone about me, and I promise you, it will not go well. It'll make when he did with that rhino tranq seem like a an all-night blowjob-a-thon in terms of enjoyment." Strangely, it doesn't seem like a threat. It's a lot calmer then that...more like fair warning. "I was trained by the best in that department."

Antonio Pavlatos: (is=he, don't ask me why, I'm dead tired but this was such an awesome scene I don't mind being this tired! *Hugs to you both* you did it!)

Alexander Donovan: "I've suspected you for some time, and I haven't said anything yet. I think he has as much reason to not offer his trust as you, and still I managed to earn it. Perhaps one day I'll earn yours. And...next time, I'm going to just bite the hell out of you."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Oh, that wasn't me." He smirks. "I would have been smarter, and you wouldn't have had a chance." He nods, though, accepting that for now. "Good night, Alex."

Alexander Donovan: "Goodnight... I'll be back in a few days." Alex smiles and heads out, confident in the knowledge that THIS part of Aerin caught what lenghts he's willing to go to to protect Tony.

Antonio Pavlatos: (*Hugs again to you both* See you tomorrow, one more night off! Thanks once again. Night!)

Alexander Donovan: ((Thanks for the scene, and thanks for staying up for it.))

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: ((*Hugs all around* Night, guys!))