Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: ((Green Drap
claimed))
Alexander Donovan: Alex is driving the smaller car,
piling up games, flashcards, and books in the backseat. Tony holding the kitten
up front.
Antonio Pavlatos: (Purple Rosy, quite
using Prussian)
Antonio Pavlatos: He has his hair in the
same type hairstyle as before, a top section braided down his back over the rest
of it loose. He looks absolutely miserable.
Mercury: Mercury is with Aerin, calm for the
moment, even introspective, pensive.
Antonio Pavlatos: (and this is set for
tomorrow, as the other scene was for tonight - we can do that other scene later
tonight)
Antonio Pavlatos: He doesn't get out until
they open the door for him, then he gives them both a last pleading look before
he gets out, holding the large cat carrier against him, his black satchel on his
arm. His other suitcase is in the Hummer, not much in it.
Alexander Donovan: "It'll be alright. I'll
do everything in my power to make sure of that." He reaches over to caress Tony
at a stoplight, shortly before reaching Aerin's.
Mercury: He remains as calm as the Ahroun can
ever be.
Alexander Donovan: Alex slowly gets out and
walks around to the passanger side, grabbing a bundle of stuff in one arm and
holding his other arm out for Tony.
Antonio Pavlatos: He nuzzles Alexander's
hand, that seeming to calm him a bit. "Iffen ya sure we gotta try this... but
gonna be around plenty, right? 'n call me...?" He seems extremely nervous about
just being left here.
Alexander Donovan: "As much as I can.
C'mon, you were alright with him before, you will be again."
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He's at the
apartment, dressed in a simple T-Shirt and jeans. The T-Shirt is an old, faded
WCW nWO T-Shirt. Wolfpac, for you wrestling fans...the black and red. He smokes
a cigarette, waiting calmly.
Antonio Pavlatos: "For a little bit, but
you was here, or comin' soon, it ain't the same... lots folks here I don't
know." He shakes his head then, nuzzling first Alex then Mercury, and Alex will
have to give him a little nudge to get him to move to the door.
Mercury: He sticks close until they can
actually knock on the door. Which Merc will do.
Alexander Donovan: Alex takes Tony up to
the house, his arm staying over Tony. He doesn't relock the car this time. If
someone wants to steal the children's books... well, Alex could use the stress
releif of chasing the idiot down.
Antonio Pavlatos: He bites his bottom lip
hard enough to draw blood. Alex's explanations still don't make sense to him,
and he simply does NOT want to do this, but at least isn't struggling.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: ((Okay, I'm
confused. Mercury's knocking on the door? Thought he was with Aerin.))
Alexander Donovan: Alex waits for the
answer to Merc's knock, just waiting.
Antonio Pavlatos: (Merc was with Tony and
Alex, wasn't he? He just knocked, waiting for the answer)
Mercury: ((I wasn't sure where he was, either
he knocks and Aerin opens up, or Alex knocks and Mercury opens up. I posted he
was with Aerin, but it was posted he was with Alex and Tony, so...he's just
wherever he needs to be. I'm easy.))
Mercury: ((For simplicity's sake, I'll say he
escorted Alex and Tony here.))
Antonio Pavlatos: (Whichever, let's just
do this *Sighs*)
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: ((Okay.)) He moves to
the door...he still has the gun on him. Always does...safety first, when it
comes to defending his home. One thing he's learned...the bad guys pick the
worst time to attack. Once he knows it's safe, he opens the door and nods to
Mercury, then smiles a bit to Tony and Alex. "Hey, guys. Come on in."
Alexander Donovan: "Hey, I brought his
stuff. It'll take a bit of time to bring it all in though."
Antonio Pavlatos: Again, he will have to
be nudged through the door. He doesn't look at Aerin as he enters.
Mercury: He moves in, with a respectful nod
to Aerin. A glance around.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "All right." He nods
to Alex, and looks over to Tony, reaching out to touch his shoulder. "You want
me to show you to your room, Tony?"
Antonio Pavlatos: His eyes do dart around
he room - who else was there - anyone. Nervous and jittery, he holds the carrier
tightly enough to make his knuckles white.
Antonio Pavlatos: He murmurs, "When Alex
gets the sss...stuff, we kin all... go." Him actually speaking betrays just how
close to starting to cry again he is.
Antonio Pavlatos: If he touches his
shoulder, he flinches back.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "All right." He nods
to Tony and looks to Alex, a silent look to see if he needs help.
Alexander Donovan: "We'll get you to your
room, then I'll start bringing in the rest of the stuff. Let Eithne out for a
bit."
Mercury: He would offer to help Alex bring in
the stuff, but he stays with Tony instead.
Antonio Pavlatos: He just nods to Alex,
biting his lip again, keeping his head down and fighting the tears desperately.
Antonio Pavlatos: He leans a little
against Mercury, once again looking up at him with those pleading eyes, like he
thinks maybe he could somehow change this.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "That works too." He
sighs a bit at the flinch, and just moves to lead Tony to the room that's been
opened up. It was actually Aerin's room, until tonigh. Gotta economize space.
All of Aerin's stuff is out, and the room is decently-sized.
Alexander Donovan: Alex takes Tony back
wherever Aerin leads them, giving him another hug. "I'm going to start bringing
stuff in. I'm NOT leaving yet." He hugs him one more time and starts outside to
get some more of the games. All of them 'young children' games, designed to help
in learning letters, numbers, etc.
Mercury: He smiles warmly to Tony, putting an
arm around him. "You'll have your lessons still, we'll have to keep those up."
Nods to Alex. "Alex has the games and the books. I'll be staying here with you
at night. And maybe when you feel up to it, me and Aerin can take you out around
town. I want to continue teaching you about money and stuff."
Mercury: He moves with the others, keeping
contact with Tony.
Antonio Pavlatos: "If you kin stay,
does that mean Alex kin too some?" He looks around the room, but not with
pleasure - like an inmate who is looking at his jail cell, although he does see
the window and moves to it, then places the carrier down, facing out so the
kitten can see them. "He's the one that's been teachin' me the readin' 'n stuff.
'n playin' games with me."
Mercury: Tony: "Not as much is going to
change as you might think. It might seem all a little strange at first, I know.
But you'll still have your lessons and your kitten and the people you know. And
you and I can work on some dance routines."
Antonio Pavlatos: (stay overnight)
Mercury: "Alex can't stay overnight," he
cautions. "But he will be visiting. He's taught you so much with the letters and
numbers, he's told me of your progress." He grins.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He moves to help Alex
get the things in the car, letting Mercury talk and explain.
Alexander Donovan: Alex brings in a large
stack of books, setting one in particular aside.
Antonio Pavlatos: He seems to calm a bit
more at what Merc says, "Alex says he might not come everyday, but most days, 'n
call on the ones he can't... but... I don't know nobody here, ain't seen Ethan
in a long time (figures he's off somewhere for the moment, since AK isn't
available to play him?). Most times he toldt me he couldn't stay long, just a
hug and hello, but maybe you kin both stay all night some?"
Antonio Pavlatos: He pauses then, raising
up in mid motion and not finishing opening the carrier. "He can't stay here at
night some? Why? You said it wouldn't change much...."
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: ((Ethan is up at
Gaia's Hand with Tori))
Alexander Donovan: There's still a
couple of sleeping bags. Matched set to bring in, as well as a box of various
flashcards that cover a wide range. Also three stuffed animals, including one
large lion pillow.
Antonio Pavlatos: (Put first post in
correct place)
Alexander Donovan: Alex has to pop the
trunk for Tony's two suitcases with 'normal' clothes. No club clothes at the
moment.
Mercury: He sits down on the bed, letting
Tony snuggle as much as he likes. "Maybe, but not at first. I know that's hard
to understand, but it's important that you get comfortable being here. But Alex
has been doing so well with the lessons and all, and he can be here when Aerin
or I am, not every day, but some days."
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He brings in the
sleeping bacls and the stuffed animals, moving right behind Alex. "I'll take
good care of him, Alex," he murmurs. "You know that, right?"
Antonio Pavlatos: He blinks again, hard,
"Not at... first?"
Mercury: "Tony," he says softly, "You are
loved." His dark Native eyes warm and curiously gentle. He rests a warm hand on
Tony's back. "Very loved. And here, you will be accepted. You won't be alone.
Alex will visit. I will stay with you at night. Your lessons will continue.
You'll be able to get out into the sun."
Antonio Pavlatos: He sees the stuffed lion
pillow out of Aerin's arms and suddenly bolts for it, literally jerking it out
of hands and backing up, hugging it against him and inhaling it.
Mercury: He shakes his head gently. "I'm
sorry, hon. I know it's hard to understand that Alex can't be here at night. But
we need to play by a few rules that are not of our making."
Alexander Donovan: "Aerin, right now, I
know jack. I was told to ask for help if I needed it, and this is the result of
doing so."
Mercury: He makes no attempt to hold Tony
back.
Antonio Pavlatos: "I'm aleady accepted...
by Alex, by you, by Jez, and 'was' by Mr Aerin. I know I gotta stay here 'till
things calm down 'n all, but ain't sure why you sayin' you gonna stay
here at night. Ya make it sound like I ain't gonna be learnin' from him no
more... you make it sound like... visits... that's guests... he ain't no guest."
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He hands over the
lion without comment, smiling a little to Tony, and looks back to Alex. He
watches the man for a long while, face even, before he sets the rest of the
stuff in the room, which does have a bed and dresser still, and makes his way to
the kitchen. He needs a drink.
Mercury: "He'll come by and help with the
lessons, I know that's important. He knows the games and where you're at in the
books, and he's been doing great teaching you. I'm staying here at night so that
you're not alone."
Alexander Donovan: Mercury: "Rei going to
be alright?"
Mercury: He nods to Alex. "Maybe he can come
and help, after awhile. Not at first. I don't want to surround Tony with too
many new faces. But Rei has been well educated in these matters."
Alexander Donovan: Yeah, even as crapped
out as he is... he still can't get out of the mode of protecting those that
would help him.
Antonio Pavlatos: He blinks at Mercury,
seeming to half want that, seeming not to for some reason. "I'de rather have
Alex here, he knows about the dreams... he toldt me we couldn't be havin' no sex
here, we'de just be sleepin'."
Antonio Pavlatos: "What about just the
first few nights then?" His voice quivers. "I... he's been there since... every
since it all... 'n before that."
Mercury: "We'll just be sleeping, too."
Softly, "I have nightmares, too. I guess yours are pretty damn bad, huh?"
Antonio Pavlatos: He looks between the
men, feeling yet again like things are going on he doesn't understand.
Mercury: He looks at Tony with a gentleness
that only a few have truly seen with the large Ahroun. "Yes, he has. Alex took
you out of hell."
Antonio Pavlatos: "But... you ain't
Alex... it ain't the same..." He looks from him to Alex, that same pleading look
on his face. Being left here is scaring him shitless.
Alexander Donovan: Alex almost manages to
smile as Merc garbles the question. "I meant, he gonna be alright alone?" Alex
hands Tony a little taperecorder, setting the bag of tapes aside. "I've labeled
the ones I've already done in the same color as the writing on the cover, make
it easier to match them."
Mercury: Alex: "Rei is very independent. I
don't really have anyone else who needs me."
Antonio Pavlatos: He murmurs, "I.. I
don't mean to make that sound... bad... Merc... know you'de protect me but... he
said that we couldn't do nuthin' 'till things calm down. Don't like that, but...
I kin do that, but maybe just one night then?"
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He pulls down the
Chivas Regal and pours himself a tall glass. It's set up and the cabinet is
closed and locked, before he takes a good, strong swallow from it.
Antonio Pavlatos: He takes the recordings,
and moves to hug Alex tightly, a few tears escaping.
Mercury: Tony: Quietly, "You didn't make it
sound bad. This is a very hard situation for you. Me and Aerin and Alex...we'll
try to make it as easy as we can. I wish I could explain it better. Things
aren't going to calm down overnight. It'll take some time. I can't guess how
long."
Antonio Pavlatos: Strange room, house full
of strangers except for Aerin, and facing possibly his first night without Alex
basically since they met at the club.
Alexander Donovan: Alex has to force
himself to not lick the tears, instead wiping them with his fingers.
Antonio Pavlatos: He murmurs against
Alex's chest, "Iffen ya can't stay, you be here in the mornin', right? Maybe...
mmm... maybe bring me one of them danish things?"
Alexander Donovan: "Yeah, I'm gonna be
here in the morning. With a danish."
Mercury: Tony: "We will make up a schedule."
Routine. Have to keep things routine. Surprises to a minimum, he reminds
himself. "A time for visits and lessons, a time for walks, things like that. So
you'll know when to expect Alex, and when I will be here, and how your days will
be."
Antonio Pavlatos: He looks up at Mercury
then for just a moment, and it seems a hardness comes into them for just a split
second, as if something he said didn't sit right, but then it is gone and it is
just Tony pressed against Alex,hugging him for all he is worth.
Antonio Pavlatos: (comes into his eyes,
obviously)
Antonio Pavlatos: Trembling lips,
trembling voice and he presses the lion pillow against Alex again, rubbing it
all over his face and shirt.
Mercury: He tilts his head. "If you prefer
not to have a set schedule, we won't do that," he says soothingly. "I thought it
might help is all."
Alexander Donovan: Alex... actually smiles
at the idea of a routine. He hadn't expected that, what with the enemies Aerin
has and how busy he tends to be dealing with them Routine works well.
Antonio Pavlatos: "How... how long kin ya
stay now, 'fore ya gotta go?" Murmurs to Alex.
Alexander Donovan: "I think, barring
attacks and other buisness, a routine would be alright."
Alexander Donovan: Alex looks at Mercury
for the answer to that question, since Aerin is in the next room.
Antonio Pavlatos: He shudders again,
knowing what they discussed. This house could be a deathtrap, the spirals could
come here - the others could come here. For a moment he seems to get panicky
again, his eyes combing the room, and to the ceiling as if he expects eyes to
look back at him - more paranoid that before.
Mercury: "A little while, still. Hey, tell
you what. I'll go talk to Aerin and leave you two to unpack." Standing up.
Mercury: He hugs first Tony, then Alex. "Love
you guys," he murmurs. Heading out of the room.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: The glass is finished
up and he sets it into the sink, taking a lean against the kitchen counter,
giving them their time.
Mercury: He closes the door almost all the
way, but still open a crack, giving them a little dignified privacy before he
walks out to find Aerin, eventually getting to the kitchen. "Yo," he says
quietly, wearily.
Alexander Donovan: It doesn't take long.
Two suitcases aren't much clothes. He does slide a tape into the recorder and
take the book he set aside. "I want you to read this tonight. Record it for me,
then when I come back tommorrow, you can read it to me. I'll listen to the
recording and see what we need to work on next. Alright?"
Antonio Pavlatos: He nuzzles Mercury, then
hugs Alex again, going up on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. Kisses weren't sex. He
still doesn't understand the need to not have that, when he loves it, and makes
him feel special and loved, but if that is what Alex thinks will help, he will
do it. He moves to let the kitten out, and she roams around as they move things
into place. He unrolls the sleeping bag though on the floor, in the corner.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Hey." He looks at
Mercury with a slight nod, expression rather hard to read.
Alexander Donovan: Alex does return
Mercury's hug.
Antonio Pavlatos: He takes the items
and nods, then hugs him again. (fast forwarding for time's sake) After about an
hour or so of talking softly, and getting things in place, he moves out to the
main room with Alex, looking up and down the corridors for anyone else who is
moving around.
Antonio Pavlatos: (unless Aerin and Merc
need to say anything first, and we can hold our posts for a few minutes, then
have them walk out)
Mercury: Aerin: He speaks quietly, "If we
keep him to some kind of routine, I think he will relax some. He's high strung
now. Just how many people *do* you have in this house? Female Garou seem to
cause him the worst problems, he falls apart."
Mercury: ((He doesn't have too much to say.))
Alexander Donovan: ((*gives Aerin a chance
to respond before they come out*))
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "I'm aware of that
fact, Mercury. I've noticed." He sighs and shrugs. "We've got myself, Bliss,
Michelle, Annette, and Tony now as full-time residents. Kelsey is going to be a
pack member, and she does come by. I know it'll be a problem. But I could think
of a lot worse female Garou for him to encounter."
Antonio Pavlatos: (I need a drink anyway,
even my hands are shaking while I'm typing this mess)
Mercury: He nods thoughtfully. "We can
keep contact to a minimum. If you ever need me, just 911 a text message, I'll be
here in a flash." Slight smile. "Don't worry, I'm not moving in. But I'll help
supervise the visits and such. Alex really *has* made great progress with the
reading and numbers lessons. He uses board games and books, he's shown me some
of them. If we contain their visits to primarily lessons, then perhaps emotions
won't become overwrought."
Antonio Pavlatos: (I'm back, let me know
when to show that post to them coming out)
Mercury: "Michelle will be good," he muses,
thinking on the people. "Annette is a child, right? She'll be good. Bliss too, I
would guess. So just Kelsey's visits might be a little stressful."
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "I know Alex has." He
nods again, that same slight motion. A remarkable level of calm about him, as he
looks out of the kitchen, into the living room. "And thank you."
Mercury: "Thank you, Aerin," he says quietly.
"That scene with the Warder could have gone a whole lot worse. I just don't have
the Rank to...make any impact. She didn't know the situation." ((Merc's pretty
much done, not much more to say.))
Alexander Donovan: Alex takes Tony into the
living room, vaguely hearing voices in the kitchen. They leave the kitten to
explore Tony's room for a bit.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He gives Mercury a
faint, almost imperceptible smile, and unlocks the cabinet for more scotch.
Quiet, until Tony and Alex are done. ((Go ahead, guys.))
Antonio Pavlatos: He keeps his arms around
Alex for as long as possible knowing their time is limited, and still not
understanding why - what they had done wrong. And underneath that worries,
others lay, suspicions and fears just underneath the surface but just not
visible.
Mercury: He leans casually on a counter,
rolling his head around to make his neck crack. He's here for the night, after
all. The first night is probably going to be a doozy.
Antonio Pavlatos: (worries=worry)
Antonio Pavlatos: (Oh, you have NO idea
Raven, no idea)
Alexander Donovan: Tony: "Alright, I'm
going to go for the night. I'll see you in the morning. I'll bring you the
danish in the morning." Aerin: "You have my number..."
Antonio Pavlatos: He clings for a moment
to Alexander, that same pleading expression in his eyes again before he shuts
them, a tear slipping down his cheek again as he hugs him. He murmurs, brokenly,
"Cheese 'n cherries?"
Alexander Donovan: Tony: "Definately."
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "I do," he murmurs to
Alex. A slight nod. "Don't worry."
Mercury: He frowns at the floor, shifting on
his feet a bit uneasily.
Mercury: Tony: "What do you want to do
tonight?" he asks gently. "You just want to play with the kitten? She's probably
feeling a little lost right now, could use your comfort, do you think?"
Alexander Donovan: Aerin: "Yeah, right. I..
I'll see you then." Alex gives Tony a little kiss on the forehead, gently taking
his hands and setting them in Tony's lap and heading toward the door.
Antonio Pavlatos: He glances to Mercury
just as Alex disengages him from around him, and he heads after him toward the
door, ignoring Mercury's question.
Mercury: He doesn't push Tony for an answer.
Alexander Donovan: Alex closes the door
behind him, with a small smile to Tony as he does. His strides get a little
longer as he gets outside. So this is what it's like to flee? Feels like crap.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: His lips purse, and
he moves to follow Tony to the door...keeping his distance, though. He's not
trying to make this harder then it is, for any of them, himself included.
Antonio Pavlatos: He jerks the door
open, but doesn't run after Alex although his heart screams for him too, and for
a moment he looks like he will. Be strong Alex said be strong... but he
didnt' feel strong right now. His arms go around himself as he watches Alex
leave until the car if no longer in sight, and then just stands there on the
stoop, staring down the empty street.
Mercury: This is Aerin's arena, Mercury's
knowledge from the books being rather extensive now, but his practical
experience being nil. Mercury stays where he is for now.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He takes a couple
steps forward, reaching out slowly for Tony. A very light touch brushes the
kin's shoulder. "Tony...come on, hon. Eithne needs you."
Antonio Pavlatos:
d10: WP: 7,2,8,9,
Antonio Pavlatos: Tears are streaming
down his face, heavy now, he doesn't try to control him and his breathing is
uneven, wheezy. He jerks at Aerin's touch, backing up through the door. He
doesn't fall apart, not yet, only Alex's words keeping him from breaking down
and beggin them to just let him leave. He turns and flees towards his 'prison'.
Mercury: "I won't go in right away," he says
quietly, leaving it up to Aerin with the other will do.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He flinches a bit
when Tony jerks away, watching the kin run off to his room. A light sigh, and he
shuts and locks the door, shaking his head. He moves to the couch with a look
over to Mercury. "If you need me...I won't be sleeping much." A faint smile.
"Never do." He sits on the couch and then lays on his side, curling up slightly.
Antonio Pavlatos: The door slams, hard,
and even through the walls his crying can be heard.
Antonio Pavlatos: (Does the door have a
lock on it?)
Mercury: A faint shudder hearing the crying.
"I should go in now," he amends. A nod to Aerin. "Alright." Wry, rather sad
smile. "I will, thanks." Moving to the room. ((And I'm going to have to get to
bed, way tired, but I'll post to Tony-P first so you're not left hanging.))
LATER THAT NIGHT
Antonio Pavlatos: (okay, here)
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: ((We're doing some rolls
first, Tony, so bear with us for a sec.))
Antonio Pavlatos: (kk let me know when to
post where he is in the room, and what he's doing)
Sha-Sha: *Off in some abandoned area where
she's verified there are no people watching, the woman has set up a chalk target
(dartboard) on the ground. Her bike is parked on top of it. She figured the new
paintjob would come in handy for a similar purpose someday. She stands there
with a dart in hand focusing and flipping it. Eventually culminating in holding
her hand out and letting the dart pierce the palm of her hand.*
Sha-Sha -> Aerin Thomas [PB 3]:
d10: Entropy WP: 4,10,7,
Sha-Sha -> Aerin Thomas [PB 3]:
d10: Entropy: 9,5,9,
Sha-Sha -> Aerin Thomas [PB 3]:
d10: Entropy: 3,4,4,
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: The dart pierces her
hand, and blood collects in her hand, falling to the ground. She has an idea of
what direction to go, most likely.
Sha-Sha: *She gets on the bike, starts it
and drives off in that direction. The dart shifted in her hand to still be held,
pressed between her palm and the handlebars.*
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: Sha-Sha finds herself
traveling frighteningly close to Central Park. The dart shifts in her hand,
though, veering her to the Upper West Side, toward a Condo building about 8
blocks away from it.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: ((And now would be good,
Tony. *S*))
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: Aerin, for his part, is
doing his patrol around the inside of the apartment. He does this fairly
regularly. When you've got Magadon after your ass, and three kin to look after,
you make sure the place is safe. He moves up to Tony's door--the door of his old
room--and knocks on it, lightly. "Tony? You in there?"
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: (("You OKAY in there?"
rather. Important word. *S*))
Antonio Pavlatos: He jumps slightly
when Aerin knocks, and after a moment he mutters, "Yes." Nothing more.
Sha-Sha: *A bit of relief washes over her
when she's veered away from the park. She's still rather close though. She
shakes her head, once she gets to the condo that seems to be her destination,
she parks the bike. She slides off of it, keeping the dart in hand. Her eyes
move over the building searching. For now, the nerves at what she's doing are
surpressed by determination to find him.*
Antonio Pavlatos: He's sitting in a
chair that he has pulled close to the window, looking out of it, cuddling the
kitten in his arms, a lion pillow stuck by his side, tear streaks down his face.
He's stopped the sobbing, finally, but he just stares outside, and occassionally
around the room as if he expects to see eyes watching him. He is nervous, but it
seems stroking the soft fur of the kitten helps some. The bed is not turned
back. He has made no attempt to even lie on it it seems. SLeeping bag still in
the corner but not showing signs of being used either.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]:
d10: Per+Alert: 9,5,2,6,2,8,
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He frowns when he hears
a bike pull up outside. "Okay," he murmurs. "Holler if you need anything." He
slips away from the door, moving to the front window to peek out from through
the curtain, surreptitiously.
Sha-Sha:
d10: Per Alert: 9,7,4,7,
Antonio Pavlatos: (and yes, if Aerin tries
it, the door is still locked)
Antonio Pavlatos:
d10: Perc/Alert: 10,3,7,3,10,1,9,
Antonio Pavlatos:
d10: : 2,
Antonio Pavlatos: He hears the bike as
well, hears Aerin's retreating footsteps (I suppose this is a back window, or is
it the front? I never asked)
Sha-Sha: ((*L* I just IMed the same
question basically))
Antonio Pavlatos: He relaxes then, but
only from having had Aerin at the door, he still stares out the window. Who here
has a bike?
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: ((Side window. Sha would
have to go along the side of the building to see Tony.))
Sha-Sha: *She looks around a little bit,
and starts to circle the building, hoping for just a little bit more luck.
Something in a window that will tell her where to go.*
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: A frown, as he notices
the bike. That's not normally out there. He feels underneath his trench coat and
nods a little bit...then quietly opens the front door, slipping outside and
shutting it behind him. He starts moving his way around the house.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]:
d10: Dex+Stealth: 10,7,3,7,
Antonio Pavlatos:
d10: Perc/Alert: 7,3,2,1,9,8,9,
Antonio Pavlatos: (I always get at least
one 1, it's annoying as hell)
Sha-Sha:
d10: Per Alert: 9,6,8,8,
Antonio Pavlatos: When Sha-Sha comes
around the building he catches a shadow of her movement, and blinks, watching
it, tensing up a bit. (Unless Aerin has strong lights outside?)
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: ((Not that strong, no.
*S*))
Sha-Sha: *Butterflies have taken up
barracks in her stomach and are warring with one another. Her eyes keep moving
about. Watching the building, watching around her. Her eyes catch Tony, and she
takes a deep breath, moving into a lighted area if there's one there. She's not
here to sneak, she's here to find her friend.* Tony? *Open or shut, he might
here her through the window.*
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: The sound of a gun
cocking is heard from the shadows. "What. The fuck. Are you doing here?"
Sha-Sha: *She freezes, looking towards the
shadows, and swallows hard. This was not a complication she expected.* Looking
for my friend.
Antonio Pavlatos: Window is closed, but
the moment she comes into sight his eyes widen and he lets out a strangled
scream at her sudden appearance - not a spiral, not a fury, but he still doesn't
seem to react well to it. The chair goes backward and he backs up from the
window.
Antonio Pavlatos:
d10: WP: 6,7,4,3,
Sha-Sha: *The strangled scream draws her
gaze away from the gun and a look of pain washes over her face.*
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He steps out of the
shadows, expression stone-faced, eyes cold. The gun's trained right on her
center of her torso. "No one knows that he's here. So again, I ask. What. The
fuck. Are you doing here. Thirty seconds, Sha-Sha."
Antonio Pavlatos: "WHAT ARE YOU DOING
HERE?! GET AWAY! HAVEN'T YOU DONE ENOUGH!?" He backs up to the door of the room,
the kitten clutched so tightly she claws him and falls to the ground, meowling
loudly.
Antonio Pavlatos: (oops, forgot Merc is
sleeping outside the door - assume he went eh.. to the bathroom, taking a shower
and didn't hear the screaming or something? lol Sorry so bad a reaction, but he
just got left here, his first night alone and she shows up out of nowhere the
MINUTE Alex leaves him alone)
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Tony." It's a request
for silence. The gun hasn't dropped a millimeter.
Antonio Pavlatos: (Hope he yells that, he
can't hear well through that window, although, let me do another roll)
Antonio Pavlatos:
d10: Perc/Alert: 7,7,10,8,9,9,9,
Antonio Pavlatos:
d10: : 8,
Sha-Sha: *She looks back at Aerin.*
Looking for Tony. I've always been good at finding myself in the place I need to
be. Please Aerin, I don't know what's going on, but I swear I just wanted to
talk to him. *The dart's gripped tightly in her hand. Her voice getting softer.*
Please don't shoot. If nothing else, I don't want him to hear it.
Antonio Pavlatos: (*Blinks* He hears the
piss in Sha's bladder fixing slushing around) Somehow from even across the room
now he can hear their whole conversation. He hears Aerin there, but would he
help or not? Would he stop her? Everyone believes HER, not them.
Sha-Sha: But...I didn't do anything...
*Her face crumples. The dart drops from her nerveless hand and she buries her
face into her hands and sobs.* I didn't do anything.
Antonio Pavlatos: Hearing Sha's statement,
his head starts to shake back and forth, back still pressed against the door.
"NO! You set him up! It's your fault I'm here! GO AWAY! You wanted 'till he was
gone, then you come!"
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He looks down to the
dart, and he shakes his head. The gun lowers, very slowly, though it's not all
the way down...and can go back up at a moment's notice. "I don't believe in
coincidence, Sha-Sha. And I don't believe in people just happening to appear
where they need to. Pick up what you just dropped and leave. We'll take care of
Tony. He's not your concern."
Sha-Sha: What are you talking about Tony?!
I didn't know how to find you! If you mean Limelight, I didn't know that was
going to happen! He hurt me Tony! Badly! I can't help it that Christian and Jeff
got mad.
Sha-Sha: It's not coincidence. It's Fate.
*She whispers but does lean over to pick up the dart as requested and slides it
into her purse.*
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Fate?" His eyes narrow,
and he sets his jaw. "Un-fucking-believable." His eyes roll a little bit. "What
is your people's obsession with death wishes?" He tilts his head to the alley
way entrance. "Go, Sha-Sha. You have one minute to be on your bike."
Antonio Pavlatos: "Yeah you knew
somehow... you told them, 'n YOU HURT HIM TOO! 'N ME! GO AWAY, just PLEASE GO
AWAY!" He starts to slide down the doorframe, tears running down his face now,
voice now muttering, "You didn't get upset when I was rubbin' your feet, when
she come 'n sit in his lap 'n kissed all over him... weird... something weird...
I can't stay here... I can't..." As he is speaking, he is pulling out the cell
phone from his pocket, pulling the kitten back against him, his muttering going
so low it isn't really audible from that distance.
Sha-Sha: I didn't...I never wanted any of
this to happen. I'm sorry. *She looks at Aerin as if not understanding what he
means. Then back at Tony. Tears streaming down her cheeks. Heartbroken. She
turns and starts back towards her bike.* I'm sorry.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Tony, if you want her
gone, then stop, please."
Sha-Sha: I loved you guys. *Her pace picks
up after that.*
Antonio Pavlatos: He hears Aerin,and he
isn't talking out the window anymore. He has pushed his panic button, and
waiting desperately to have it answered, bend down low to the floor, holding the
kitten.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He sighs and then moves
around to the front door, watching her leave. Before he's on the street again,
the gun is pocketed.
Antonio Pavlatos: A mostly mumbled,
"No, you did't... we loved you 'n like all the rest, ya fucked us over...
women.. women... it's always women..." mutters then, "pick up please...
please.... please..."
Alexander Donovan: Alex wakes up quickly enough in
the front seat of the car, grabbing the phone and answering. He'd been expecting
Tony to panic the first night.
Sha-Sha: *She leans against the bike,
crying too hard to see to drive safely.*
Antonio Pavlatos: "ALEX!? She's here!
Sha-Sha is... here! Did you ttt... tell her where I... was?" His voice is
panicky, tearful.
Lurk : ((Is street portion of scene open, by any
chance, or no?))
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: ((No, this is not an
open scene.))
Alexander Donovan: ((Alex is a few blocks
away.))
Lurk : ((Okay))
Antonio Pavlatos: "He....he's
outside...he's got a ggg...gun...I didn't think ya would, but... hhh...how she
know I was here? She waited 'till you was ggg... gone. Please...I don't feel
safe here...please, Alex...please don't make me do this. I tried... I tried..."
He isn't coming completely apart, but he's crying again. He had JUST settled
down.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Twenty seconds, Sha."
Yes, he's being that stickler about it. Sympathetic to her pain as his eyes
might be, he's not giving her any leeway. "Catch a cab. Something. I need you to
leave. Now. I'll have your bike dropped off at the Lime."
Antonio Pavlatos: "Yes, Sir... I'll
keep it on... she ain't inside... he's out there... Merc's in the house too..."
It seems just Alex's voice and words seem to wash a bit of a calm over the boy,
but he's still shaking, silent tears sliding down his cheek. "I'll... give it to
him when he ccc... comes in."
Sha-Sha: It...It's going to take more than
20 seconds for a cab to get here. *Her hand moves towards her purse, she'll make
the call but she is going to have to wait til it gets there.* I'm sorry Aerin.
If I made things worse I'm sorry. I just...didn't want to lose them both.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3] -> Lurk : ((Sorry, by the
way...not meaning to be an ass about it. But it's outside Aerin's home, if
another person comes by, particularly one who knows Sha, then Aerin might just
start shooting people. He's that paranoid.))
Lurk -> Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: ((*C* It's cool, and
pretty much why I asked. *G*))
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "We all lose people we
don't want to, Sha-Sha." He sighs and nods, letting her make the call. "And we
just have to deal with it and move on. Trust me, I know that better then
anyone." A clenching of his jaw, though it quickly relaxes. "Pardon me if I wait
here for the cab." He pulls a smoke and lights up.
Antonio Pavlatos: He waits, but it seems
Aerin isn't coming in, and he gets nervous again, "Alex... he ain't... comin'
in... they went around front... can't see 'em no more..."
Alexander Donovan: Alex starts up the car.
"I'll be there shortly."
Antonio Pavlatos: He nods into the
phone, keeping the line open though as Alex said too, but staying close to the
floor, against the door.
Alexander Donovan: Alex checks traffic and
pulls out, glad he hadn't gone far the first night for reasons he hadn't
anticipated. The opposite of most drivers. He drives carefully when emotional,
wild when relaxed.
Sha-Sha: *She pulls out the phone and
makes the call, giving the location. She asks for the estimated time to get
there and looks back letting Aerin know how long it's going to be as she hangs
up.* I know. *She says softly.* But I had to try. I had to know. I...I don't
know what happened, or why Alex is gone. I don't know why you're on such high
alert. But, take good care of him? If there's ever anything I can do...to
help...I mean, I know I wont get to see him again, ever..but...If he needs
anything...
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "I'll keep that in mind.
We'll be fine." To be fair, they are right near Central Park, in the Upper West
Side. Cabs drive by there constantly, and it's not long before one shows up.
"Have a good night, Sha-Sha. Don't dwell. Just let it go. I suspect, more then
likely, you have enough to deal with. Usually do."
Sha-Sha: *She nods and steps up to the Cab
when it arrives. She lifts a hand to wave to Aerin, looking up at the building
once more before getting in and giving the driver an address.*
Alexander Donovan: Alex pulls up not long
after, noting the bike and slowly getting out if Aerin is still there.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He watches Sha-Sha
leave, nodding slightly to the wave. Once the cab is gone, he turns and heads
inside.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: Alex's appearance causes
him to stop, and he turns around to face him. He frowns a little bit and moves
to approach the car.
Antonio Pavlatos: A murmur on the phone, "Mtolo...
he still ain't hhh...here... think she had somebody jjj... jump on 'im? How long
'til ya here?"
Alexander Donovan: Alex looks at the
bike, looks at Aerin. He talks into the phone. "Aerin's alright." Keeping the
phone open still.
Antonio Pavlatos: He doesn't ask any other
questions then, keeping the phone at his ear, but drops his head to the floor,
at least some of the tension slipping out of him.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He walks up to the
driver's side door, looking at the window, and motions for Alex to roll it down.
Let someone try and hit him for standing in the road. He'll shoot them, too. The
way this is keeping up, SOMEONE'S boung to get shot tonight.
Alexander Donovan: (Alex had stepped out.
Didn't walk around, but he's standing there.)
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: ((Sorry. Brain the level
of mush right now. :P DLP.))
Sha-Sha: ((*snugs around and poofs*))
Alexander Donovan: ((*hugs*))
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He walks up to the
vehicle, nodding to Alex. "It's fine. She's gone. And she's not coming back."
Alexander Donovan: Alex looks at the phone
for a moment, then puts it to his ear. "I love you Tony, and will ALWAYS protect
you. I'll see you soon." Alex turns the phone off then. "How'd she find you?"
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "How does everyone
around me that's not one of you or one of me manage to do things that aren't
quite normal? How did Ness manage to turn me into a big ol' cinder log with a
handheld gaming device?" His eyebrow raises.
Antonio Pavlatos: He nods into the phone,
murmuring, "I love you too, Alex." He closes the phone, knowing Alex is near now
and taking care of things with Aerin, and relaxes some, although even from the
floor his eyes go through his hair to the window, stroking the kitten with his
other hand.
Antonio Pavlatos -> Aerin Thomas [PB 3]:
(And to let you know, gonna also leave a little space here, in case Raven wants
Merc to have heard some of the uproar and try to calm Tony a bit - I KNOW Merc
would, so consider he is doing that now, through the door - that is if it's
okay? I know Raven, and we can do that tomorrow)
Alexander Donovan: Alex nods, not totally
surprised, but glad for the confirmation. "You might want to look into a way to
stop that before your OTHER enemies pick up the trick somewhere."
Aerin Thomas [PB 3] -> Antonio Pavlatos: ((Okie))
Antonio Pavlatos -> Aerin Thomas [PB 3]:
(Thank you. If they do come inside though, Merc would have gone ... wherever,
probably to get him some hot water for his meds)
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He frowns. "My other
enemies aren't like her and Ness and Damien, Alex. Because I don't associate
with them. Maybe now you understand why."
Antonio Pavlatos: (to let Nyte know, and
have it in log, at this time leaving a little space and not posting much to
allow Raven to have Merc help calm Tony down as her character WAS right there -
bathroom or something first, then this section - then if you guys come back in,
he is getting hot water for his meds to help him calm more)
Alexander Donovan: "Wolves are the best
land trackers in the world Aerin. That's why I ran so far when I got him out. I
thought they'd be able to find me." Alex gets into the car, thinking about
things. "You want something when I bring Tony's danishes and the rest of his
books?"
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "I wouldn't mind a new
bottle of scotch...I'm getting kind of low." He gives Alex a slight smile.
"Seriously, though...I'm fine. Maybe a coffee. I'll likely be tired in the
morning."
Alexander Donovan: Alex nods and gets
in, starting the engine, looking back to the house for a moment. "I think I can
pick up a bottle from a freind. Scotch might have to wait until legal hours
though."
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "It's cool. I can
survive a few hours without alcohol." He nods, and looks to the house. "I
wouldn't have let her in, even if she wasn't one of them, Alex. You know that,
right?"
Alexander Donovan: Aerin: "It wasn't a
matter of 'let' Aerin. I didn't come until Tony said you weren't coming back
in."
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He snorts. "The day a
fucking goth girl with an emotion-control problem and too much time listening to
emo bands can take me out is the day I hang up my staff and go pull an Ol'
Yeller, Alex."
Alexander Donovan: Aerin: "She's sent
two guys after me, remember? She's Micheal Snyde's Ex. Don't assume you'll only
be dealing with her if she comes back."
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He snorts again. "Yeah,
that about makes sense. Good. Let Snyde bring it the fuck on. I'll shoot his
retarded ass, too. If I can handle offing a creature that couldn't be killed, I
can handle him." He nods to Alex. "I'll talk to you later, Alex. I should go
check out the house, make sure that she ~didn't~ have friends with her."
Alexander Donovan: Alex nods at Aerin.
"I won't be far. And not sleeping heavy." Alex slowly pulls away, still driving
carefully.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He nods, watching Alex
go, and then turns to head back into the house. Fucking handwavers. One of these
days...
INSIDE THE HOUSE
Antonio Pavlatos: (picking up from
inside the house, to Tony and Merc while Alex and Aerin are outside talking)
Mercury: He races for Tony's door, knocking
at it urgently, his fly mostly undone from his bathroom trip. "Tony! Tony, are
you okay, hon? Can you let me in? What's wrong?"
Antonio Pavlatos: (*Staples nick*)
Antonio Pavlatos: He is still on the
floor, he hears Mercury but for the most part he is still talking into the
phone, crying. (cut to the last posts I sent to you) At first, he doesn't answer
him.
Mercury: He pauses, getting more nervous by
the moment. "Tony?" he says again, a little quieter. "It's okay, Boo, I'm here,
let me in, okay?"
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): (needed to
change nick)
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): He closes
the phone finally, pressing his head against the floor, a little of the tension
easing out of him by something, but still shaking and crying. His response is a
mutter, "Merc?" He pulls the kitten against his face. "She just showed up at the
www... window... toldt ya... toldt ya I needed to sss... stay with Alex..." The
door, if Mercury tries it, is still locked.
Mercury: "Boo, the door's locked," he says
calmly. "I can't get in to you. Who showed up at the window? What happened, hon?"
Mercury: He finally remembers to zip up. It
hadn't seemed important at the time.
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): It seems to
take some great effort for him to raise up enough to flip the lock on the door,
as if his limbs are leadened, and as soon as he does it, he scoots over to the
far corner, away from the window, staying on the floor, curled up with the
kitten.
Mercury: He steps in, shutting the door
behind him. He ignores the kitten's soft hissing at him. "Tony...what happened?
What's going on? Are you alright?" His voice gentle, he sits down on the floor
opposite of Tony, not crowding him. Or the scared cat.
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): He points
at the window faintly, his hands trying to soothe the kitten. There is a couple
scratch marks on his hands already. "Sha-Sha... she just come up to the www...
window. She come lookin' fer me. Sss... she waited 'till he left, then she
come."
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): He looks at
the door. "Merc... lll...lock it... lock it please..."
Mercury: He gets up, locking the door
immediately. He sits back down. "Sha-Sha came to the window?" A low growl comes
through his throat. "How in the fuck did she find you?" he whispers, as if to
himself. "Where is she now? Where's Aerin?" he asks of Tony, keeping his voice
even, but a tremble of anger is in it anyway.
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): He hugs
the kitten again, pressing it against his face. "Hhh...heard 'em... she said she
knew how to just... be at the right place when she needed to bbb... be. He said
he didn't believe in co-inseedence, 'n sss.. she said it weren't, it was fff...fate.
He knew her anyway, but... somehow he knew somethin'... he said... somethin'
bout your people... your people's obsession www... with deathwishes ."
There is still a slightly haunted look in his eyes, something else about that
conversation is still bothering him highly.
Mercury: His face goes pale, a thousand
thoughts and what-ifs going through his mind. "No way in hell am I going to let
her near you," he resolves. "If I have to keep her out by force, I will." He
leans forward. "Is there more I should know?"
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): He
murmurs softly, almost to himself, "'N them others...'n Alex thinkin' what he
did that nnn... night. Somethin' here ain't right... 'n she could just... walk
up liken that." He looks up at Mercury, blinking, but seems reluctant to answer
his question fully, "Ttt...they walked 'way then, couldn't hhh... hear 'em no
more..."
Mercury: He lowers his head, troubled. "Do
you want me to stay here with you for awhile, Boo? I could hold you if you like.
You won't hurt my feelings if you say no, though."
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): The kitten,
already being scqueezed again and uncomfortable, when Mercury leans closer she
again lightly scratches Tony, drops to the floor and takes refuge in her
carrier.
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): He shakes
his head... "Can't... can't do nuthin'... ttt...they'll get mad. Jjj... just
maybe... sss... stay here a little while?" He looks like he would love a hug,
but is somehow frightened of it as well. He looks from Merc to the kitten, then
to the window again, hugging his arms about himself now.
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): (looks from
Merc, 'to the ceiling', to the kitten.. sorry forgot to put that in)
Mercury: "Sweetie, no one is going to get
mad." MOving over to him once the cat is gone, opening his arms to him. "This is
what I do. I love you, I care about you and Alex, you're important to me."
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): "Yyy... yes
they will..." He looks around again as if expecting eyes to blink at him from
the walls. "Ttt... they could ddd.. do that before... 'n ttt.. the ones here do
it... ttt... they ain't different. They just waitin'... they'll seem... nnn...
nice at first... ttt.. then change..." But all the time he is talking, he is
scooting a little closer to Mercury until he is suddenly against his chest,
hiding his face, words going blubbery with tears.
Mercury: He wraps his arms strongly around
Tony, holding him close and comforting, stroking his hair gently. His hurts
badly as he murmurs little nothings of consolation, everything feeling wrong to
him. So many things going through his mind, and not knowing what to do, being
low man on the totem pole. What can he do?
Mercury: ((His *heart* that should read))
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): (hang on
just a minute, on the phone. Nyte sends *HUGS*)
Mercury: ((*hugs* him back please *S*))
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): (Ouch,
should have been PM)
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): He cries
against Mercury until he seems to cry himself out, at least for now, finally
settling down some - what little tears fall are at least silent. "Www... why
here? What about yyy.... you 'n Rei? Or I could sss... stay with Jez for a www..
while, bet he wouldn't mmm... mind. I don't wanna stay here."
Mercury: "I wanted you with me and Rei," he
says sadly. "So did Rei. I'm going to see what I can do, but it can't be right
away. I have to talk to Aerin about it, away from Yolanda. This place...well,
Aerin's a great guy, but I know there are a lot of people here and you're not
comfortable." Rubbing his back gently. "If I stay here nights with you, can you
handle it a little longer? I know it's a lot to ask, Boo. I'm a little fish, I'm
doing what I can but I can't make the higher ranks angry."
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): "The... bad
ones gonna find me here iffen I stay... or ttt... the others gonna come fer me.
I kkk... know now they kin, they just ain't done it yet. Ethan ain't hhh...
here.. don't know nobody but Mr Aerin, 'n he..." Again that odd look in his
eyes.
Mercury: Softly, "If it weren't for Aerin,
things would have been a whole lot worse. They didn't want to listen to me. Do
you know of our ranking hierarchy? There are five ranks...the higher the rank,
the less likely they are to listen to anyone else. I'm first rank, Boo. I'm a
nobody. Aerin is third rank...the Warder is fourth rank. If Aerin hadn't stepped
in, it would have been a lot worse. I'm sorry though, I know this is all so
strange and difficult for you."
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): He blinks,
again his eyes roaming around the room as if sure they aren't alone, his voice
low, "Know somethin' 'bout it... 'n I know they didn't like what happened, but
weren't Alex's fault. Bet it ain't bbb.. been the first time... 'specially on
full mmm... moon. I didn't wanna stay here, but.. promised Alex... but that was
bbb.. before I knew it ain't safe here... it just ain't. 'N Mr Aerin,
he..." He cuts off abruptly, again eyes watching the walls and ceilings as if he
is a bug in a jar, almost paranoid acting.
Mercury: "Tell you what, Boo. I'll take you
out for some coffee and pastries tomorrow and we can talk, just the two of us."
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): He
shakes his head, "Ttt... they won't lll..let ya, 'n.. I don't wanna go nowhere
out with people... I just wanna go home." He presses his face against Merc'c
chest again, silent tears down his cheeks, "Or to your ppp... place even."
Mercury: He bites his lips, closing his eyes
as he holds Tony tightly, fear and hurt raging in him.
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): He leans up
then, laying his head against Mercury and whispering so low that it will be hard
even right there at his ear to hear, as if the boy is truly terrified someone
might overhear them, "They ggg... gonna take care of me, Merc...
please... sss.. stay here... iffen they try... call Alex if I can't." He leaves
his head against Merc's shoulder, biting his lip, and shaking.
Mercury: He nods, murmuring softly, "I won't
leave you, Boo. If you need me to stay longer than the night, I won't go
anywhere."
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): He looks
back at the window (figure there are probably shades or blinds or something, I
forgot to ask, but at the moment anything there is back as he was staring out
the window before). "Ccc... could board up the window, but... they can't stop 'em
iffen they want in."
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): (first
they=that)
Mercury: "They'll have to get through me,
and that won't be easy. I punch like a freight train, I ever tell you that? I've
dropped enemies with a single blow before, just one punch, bam! they're
down."
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): He shakes
his head, "You ain't never toldt me that..." His eyes slip to the window... kin
ya... cover it somehow?"
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): He seems
most unwilling to leave the little corner at the moment to approach the window.
Mercury: "Yeah, I think I can." Looking
around, he finds a spare blanket and he goes over to the window, first dropping
down whatever blind or shade it has on it, then fixing the blanket over it,
threading the ends through the rod over the top of the window. "They won't be
able to see you."
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): "yyy...
yes. Some still can..." He looks around the room, then holds his hand at his
stomach for a moment and grimaces.
Mercury: "Then they'll see I'm here, too.
Let's go to the kitchen and get some soup, or would you rather I bring in
something to eat for you?"
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): "I need to
pee... 'n NO! I don't wanna go to the kitchen... don't wanna go nowhere."
Mercury: "Okay. I'll drop you off at the
bathroom, and fix up some soup and sandwiches, then come back to the bedroom
with you. I'll knock if you want to lock it while I'm gone."
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): He looks
panicked. "Can't pee..." He closes his eyes. "I don't wanna be www...
watched..."
Mercury: "I could go in with you and turn my
back, but either way, your body has to get rid of urine, and I need to get us
food."
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): He shakes
his head, "Don't mmm.. mean you, I mean..." He looks around again, whispering, "ttt..
them. They useta watch mmm... me too... at the club... iffen I didn't do stuff
right with ccc.. customers, I'de get ppp... punished."
Mercury: "The spirits?" He looks startled and
looks around, not that the Ahroun would know a spirit if it bit him in the ass.
"Well, I think Aerin probably has his house pretty secure as far as, um, spirits
are concerned."
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He's laying on the
couch, smoking the last cigarette of his pack. He started this pack 6 hours ago.
That's not a good sign. Good thing Garou don't get cancer, eh?
Antonio Pavlatos: He shakes his head,
but doesn't explain further. "Maybe... get me somethin' to pee in? I kin keep it
in the corner." is he serious?
Mercury: He hesitates, then nods. "Okay. I'll
see if I can find an empty coffee can. I'll be back in awhile, after I fix the
soup. Will you be able to hold it for ten, fifteen minutes?"
Antonio Pavlatos: (I think I just screwed
a log up I was trying to get. Opened the wrong browser)
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): "Ain't
really hungry... but I been holdin' it this long." He seems to very quickly
scurry over to the turned over chair, grabbing the lion pillow, and back to the
corner with it.
Mercury: "Okay, I'll be back soon. I'll be in
the house still though, the whole time." Heading out the door and to the
kitchen. He pauses as he starts to pass the living room. "She gone?" he asks
Aerin quietly. "Tony said Sha-Sha was here."
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): He scurries
to the door on his knees, locking it the moment Mercury closes it, then back to
the corner, hugging the pillow against him, burying his face into the smell of
the fake fur.
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): The kitten,
having calmed, has curled up and is asleep now in the carrier.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: ((Kitchen's through
the living room, just FYI. :) )) He looks up to Mercury and nods a bit. "Yeah.
She's gone." He reaches over for the glass of scotch and frowns, finding it
empty. With a sigh, he rises and picks up the glass, to take into the kitchen.
"Not coming back, either. Unless she wants her brains to decorate the wall."
Mercury: ((I kinda thought that *S*)) He
follows Aerin. "My thought exactly." Keeping his voice low. "What is she?"
Nothing like a blunt Ahroun.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "What's everyone who
ends up getting drug by others into this whole fucking mess called my life that
isn't a chosen of the Goddess, Mercury?" He unlocks the cabinet and brings the
scotch down, pouring out some more. "She's a handwaver."
Mercury: He frowns deeply. "Well, she just
pretty much proved to Tony his fear that he isn't safe here. Undoing that will
prove...difficult at best." Getting out stuff for soup and sandwiches, and
casually glancing in the garbage for an empty can of some sort. "What are your
thoughts on everything so far?" Keeping his tone low, even, and calm.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "My thoughts?" He
chuckles a bit and recaps the bottle, though he doesn't put it back up. A drag
of smoke is exhaled. "My thoughts are that it's a good thing I don't sleep much
anyway. And I can't wait for this night to be over. And Alex is about getting on
his last nerve with me. And that I'm tired of being condemned and accused of
doing this for my own reasons when I pretty much literally put my life on the
line with Yolanda in order to make sure Tony didn't end up with a Fury." He
shrugs. "But I'm also tired. I don't know if you know this, but the night before
the meeting with Yolanda, I took on two Banes in the Umbra by myself so they
wouldn't join the other six materializing to attack Joshua. I haven't had much
rest since then. I'll be fine in the morning, and much more reasonable."
Mercury: He holds his tongue on some things
he would like to say or address, then. Now is not the time if Aerin hasn't
slept. "Please try to be patient with Alex. He does love Tony, and Tony does
love him, and they are being forcibly separated from each other. It is NOT their
choice. There's more I would like to say, but I think for now, I'll keep my
thoughts to myself." Fixing up the food quickly.
Mercury: "Joshua was attacked by banes?" he
mutters. "Fuck."
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "If I wasn't being
patient, Mercury, you'd know it." He picks up the glass and takes a good, strong
drink. "I'm not saying they don't have legitimate reasons for their pain. I'm
saying that they're lucky as shit that their pain is as low as it is. I don't
expect Tony to understand that. I do expect Alex to."
Mercury: "I think he does." He sighs. "I just
don't understand something, Aerin, and it's been bugging the shit out of me.
Yolanda talked of the spirits saying Tony was abused and seeing all the bad
things. But it isn't entirely true. She did NOT know the full situation. These
'spirits' didn't even see anything *beyond* whatever things happened at the
club. Alex has made tremendous progress with Tony, but they saw none of it, and
Yolanda didn't want to hear any of it. What use is Tony to her anyway? Why is
she doing this? Rhetorical questions, I don't expect you to have the answers. It
just feels all kinds of wrong to me. The handwaver part, *that* I can understand
as serious concern. But to go this far?" Softly, "I think we're gonna lose him."
Taking a third bowl for the soup, apparently, getting the sandwiches together.
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: His hand tightens on
the glass. "She's doing this, Mercury, because Alex is a fucking Simba. He's a
cat. Do you remember how well of a reputation the Simba have around these parts?
Malcolm fucking DeWitt, who was a necrophile? Karlos, who while not a Simba,
damn well acted like one, and caused more trauma for this Sept then I can even
begin to explain? Trevor?" He stares at Mercury. His voice is low, so as not to
carry past the kitchen, but holding no small amount of frustration here. "Not to
mention that Yolanda is a Black Fury who is very, VERY protective of her kin.
She despises it when she sees them abused. And Alex is a young, male--VERY
fucking male--very arrogant Simba who was leading one of her kin around on a
leash. The spirits probably saw it all, but Yolanda is still a person. She hears
what she wants, and she has her own slant on things. Maybe she felt that the bad
outweighed the good. The way he's a total mess right now...I've done therapy.
It's all I do up at Gaia's Hand, is counsel people. And his dependancy on Alex?
That is not healthy. In ANY person, Simba, Wolf, or what-have-you. I wish this
didn't happen either, but Jesus, Merc. We're damn lucky he didn't end up with
Yolanda. DAMN lucky."
Mercury: "I know that," he says quietly.
"Like I told Tony, if it weren't for you, things would have gone a lot worse.
She didn't want to hear from me, I'm only Cliath *and* male. But good Gaia,
Aerin, for you to take this on...!" He shakes his head. "What can I do to help?
You can't be here 24/7 for a deeply troubled Kin, but I have time on my hands to
help as much as I can. Rei is trained in psychology and suicie prevention, maybe
that can help, too. I'm just...really scared. He was ripped away from everything
he knew and put somewhere with people he doesn't know, except for you and me.
Even Ethan isn't here."
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He sighs, reaching up
to rub at his forehead. "I...look, I'm scared too, Merc. I want to help him, and
I will. I have some ideas, but...I don't..." He shakes his head, and sets the
glass down, to run both sets of fingers through his hair. "Be there for him. He
doesn't...trust me right now. I get that. And hey, that's okay. But he needs
someone to trust around him. Let it be you."
Mercury: He nods. "I will. I know you know
what's up. You saw as well as I did how much better he was getting, how much he
was starting to come into his own. Now it's all gone," he rasps. "And Sha-Sha...god
I could kill her now." He shakes his head, gathering the food on a tray. "I'm
gonna take this to him, he needs to eat."
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): He hugs the
pillow against himself, but his nails bite into his arms, and he looks down at
as he feels it, but instead of relaxing his hold he bears down harder, watching
as his longish nails sink into his skin a little deeper, until he can see a
little trail of blood oozes out.
Mercury: "I should probably mention...last
week, I specifically told Sha-Sha to stay away from him. I didn't know what she
was, I just knew she had hurt them both, and Tony didn't trust her. I told her
she had to stay away from him for now."
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Sha-Sha's stupid.
She's not malevolant." He shrugs a bit. "Still. She comes around this house
again, and she'll be neither. I know where to hide bodies." He nods a bit, dead
serious, as Mercury moves to leave the kitchen.
Mercury: He nods back soberly and moves to
the door. A light knock at the door. "It's me, Tony. Mercury."
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): He stares
at the small amount of blood, to the point that he jumps slightly when Merc
knocks. He quickly scurries to the door to unlock it, but then him and pillow
return to the corner.
Mercury: He comes in and sets the tray
down, shutting and locking the door behind him. "I'm starving, but I'm only
going to eat if you eat." Sitting on the floor opposite him and handing over a
third, semi-deep bowl. "You can pee in this, and I'll wash it tomorrow before
anyone realizes what it was used for."
Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He sighs a little bit
and moves back to the couch, settling down on it. He opens up a new pack of
cigarettes and takes a drag, settling in for the rest of this long night.
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): He frowns a
bit, not liking the thought of peeing in dishes, but he is almost in literal
pain now. He turns away from Merc, facing the corner and takes care of nature's
call.
Mercury: He turns his back, waiting quietly.
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): He looks at
the food, then, turning around, having barely exposed himself enough to pee, and
sets the bowl down, away from them, wiping his hands on his pants. "I ain't...
hungry, Merc."
Mercury: "Hm, that's going to be slightly
problematic." He picks up his sandwich and sighs. "I'm *really* hungry, but I
can't take a bite unless you take a *few* bites. I hate eating alone."
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): He looks
at Mercury, totally unconvinced. "I 'member ya ate just fine back at the hhh...
hotel when Dante was there."
Mercury: He nods with a faint smile. "You're
sharp, Tony, a great observer. Okay, the truth is, I know you have to eat or
you're going to get very sick. I'm concerned about your health and I want you to
eat. I'm trying to do it in a way where you won't feel picked on or forced. Um,
and I *am* hungry, for real."
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): He gives a
weak little smile, "Jez said that too, 'n Alex... he called me a sss.. sponge
'cause I watch stuff 'n keep it in my head." He sighs heavily, one hand hugging
the lion pillow, the other going to a sandwich, and he nibbles at it, and I mean
nibbles, like a mouse would, a tiny crust of bread or two. He makes a face as if
it tastes badly, or he just really doesn't want it.
Mercury: "You want to see this Jez? Would you
like him to visit?" He eats his own sandwich, maybe if he keeps Tony occupied
and talking, Tony will automatically eat.
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): And his
eyes just do not seem to be able to stop looking around the room.
Antonio Pavlatos (Last Night): He hangs his head, "Ain't gonna ask fer nuthin' else...I... I wanted to call 'im, let him know www... why I ain't gonna be..." Sandwich is forgotten as tears slip down his face again. "...gonna be goin' to that class... Alex had saved up enough fer it, even if it was real expensive... 'n gotta... gotta tell Judah... can't help no more with the animals... I was hopin' one day... maybe get smart enough too..." His words trail off, the sandwich is back on the plate, and he presses himself back into the corner, his head back down on the lion pillow.
Mercury: He bites his own lip hard. "There's not going to be anything to stop you from going to that class, I can take you. I can meet Judah, see what you're doing with the animals. That's a good thing to do, too. Keep yourself busy...everyone needs to be busy."
Antonio Pavlatos: He shakes his head.
"No, ain't gonna go nowhere. If things so bad around they gotta settle down, 'n
I can't even live where I wanna... gotta have... 'visits' 'n watched alla
time... ttt.. they ain't gonna let me nohow..." tears come alittle faster now. "Ddd...
don't bother Judah... he was payin' me to help with... endangered spe-shees." He
pales then, shaking his head. "But ddd.. don't matter, didn't like it... didn't
work good." he suddenly talks way too fast, "Don't really kkk.. know nothin'
'bout him anyhow... better to nnn... not even call."
Mercury: "We'll talk about it in the morning,
Boo," he says softly. "Alex is coming by with a pastry for you, remember?"
Mercury: ((Want to fade them here as I'll be
going to bed soon? Mercury is not leaving him alone except for a pee break or to
get a snack or cup of coffee.))
Antonio Pavlatos: He nods, "Yeah... mmm...
my favorite..." he blinks, thinking of something, "www... was suppose to work on
readin', 'n then... then say it outloud into the record thingy, so he could hear
it."
Mercury: He nods. "Good, you work on that.
Alex will help with your reading when he comes by."
Antonio Pavlatos: (Okay... he wouldn't eat
anything else, sorry, but he wouldn't. He was goign to tell him about the
kitten, but he can tell Alex later, when Nyte gets home *hugs* Thanks for the
scene. I know they are boring to most, appreciate you loads)
Antonio Pavlatos: He nods to Mercury, but
he doesn't seem to really want to do that either. He makes a half hearted
attempt but keeps watching around the room, and goes fairly quick as he mainly
just looks down occassionally at the book, not really comprehending it. (and
fade)
Antonio Pavlatos: (quiet not quick)
Mercury: ((They're not boring, they're just
fine. *hugs* It's extremely difficult, and time consuming, to portray a mentally
ill character.))