Topic: Duci's Closet

Ducii · Date: 2010-04-13 20:08 EST

Welcome and Beware!

Enter the tres fab walk-in closet of Duci Lovasz, and watch out or else succumb to the madness!

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http://coreasotropa.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/christina.jpg

http://www.decorpad.com/photos/2008/09/21/668b58866f1c.jpg

( These are the outfits Duci has been in, not necessarily in order, accompanied occasionally with a little snippet. Enjoy! )

Ducii · Date: 2010-04-13 20:21 EST

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Since she'd been out of it for the last six months, Duci had to scour her closet for an emerald and royal purple dress in a frenzy.

She scowled, starng at her closet in dismay. A thick layer of dust covered the ground, and every step she took sent a dust storm spiraling around her. Duci coughed, covering her mouth with one hand and waving the other around wildly.

"Back, you beasts!" Yes. She was talking to dust. Sniffing indigniantly, she sunk into the sea of dresses.

Ducii · Date: 2010-04-13 20:39 EST

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Often times, Duci was prone to dancing around the house when cleaning. Today was no exception as she manuevered around in heels with exceptional poise. Alternative music was blaring through her penthouse's internal speaker system and she was twirling and bobbing around to it.

At the moment, she was happily dusting while doing her little jig. Mez was lounged out on the couch, watching her Master with an amused look.

Then the song changed, to one she actually knew the words to, and she brought the duster near her chin and sang into it at the top of her lungs.

"Woa-oh-ohhh...I was spinning free...Whoa....With a little sweet and simple numbing me....Stumble till you crawl...Whoa....Sinking into sweet uncertainty," Duci sang along, lowering the duster down like a guitar so she could air guitar it up like a master!

Ducii · Date: 2010-04-13 20:41 EST

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Ducii · Date: 2010-04-13 20:47 EST

http://www.turnaround-nz.com/images/floral-fashion-dresses.jpghttp://www.christian-louboutin-discounts.com/images/CL102.jpg

Ducii · Date: 2010-04-13 20:56 EST

Duci could never pass up an open invintation to party or the opportunity to meet new people. So, when she saw the invintation for the Hanami PArty at Zen Gardens she actually squee'd. Outloud. It was a girlish squeal that was sure to attract the attention of passerbys. She merely grinned not-so-apologetically and flounced off for home.

It was the perfect opportunity to wear the kimono gifted to her once upon a time. The second she walked in that door, she ran straight for her closet and sought out the Japanese gift box on an upper shelf.

"Mm, it's still perfect," she murmured, first running a hand over the silk kimono and then pulling the beautifully decorated fabric from the tissue paper and box. Holding it up to her in front of the mirror, she tilted her head left and then right before twirling around with a happy sigh.

http://www.sandramurray.co.uk/store/image/file/07/l5/sdwtr3/Kimono_orange.jpghttp://thumb1.visualizeus.com/thumbs/09/06/03/fashion,glamour,heels,orange,ruffles,shoes,vintage-2dec79f0ba6dbfd8c4e7c7d5a88513cc_m.jpg

The hair-do, courtesy Juliana http://english.kimono-sakaeya.com/images/753011.jpg

Ducii · Date: 2010-04-13 21:10 EST

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Duci approached the inn as a vision of gold. She'd spent a nice afternoon in the Marketplace, and emerged victorious with a very beautiful diamond and gold hairclip. In fact, as she neared the inn she was curling the left side of her back so she could pin it with her new trinket. Humming mildly to herself, there was a bounce in her gold-heeled step.

Ducii · Date: 2010-04-13 21:33 EST

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Some days were rougher than others, and when Duci overslept this morning she had to scramble to catch up! With a cup of steaming, fresh roasted coffee in her hand, she fumbled blearily through her closet for something fresh to wear. After a moment, she saw a spick of blue and hauled the dress out. She turned it around and sighed. It would do. She set the coffee down before pulling her nightgown over her head. Duci tossed it off into some random corner, easily slipping into the dress and zipping it. A moment was taken to look herself up and down in the mirror before she began browsing her shoe library.

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"Finally!" she bemoaned, reaching up to lift a pair of blue heels down. Already walking as she slipped them on, she retrieved her mug and headed for the door.

The last thing she grabbed before she stumbled out the door was her clutch.

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Ducii · Date: 2010-04-15 17:00 EST

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Duci loved an opportunity to look fabulous. Often times when she was ordering Alper's tuxedos, she did so from the internet. It was rare for her to buy her own dresses in such a way, but this time it was one of those 'love at first sight' instances.

"ohmigod that is SO gorgeous!" she squealed, and she's sure the entire office overheard her girlish squeeing. "I have to buy this, boss!" Duci hollered in Alper's office's direction. Little did he know her compensation expenses for helping him out on such occasions.

Ducii · Date: 2010-04-15 17:04 EST

Duci had tons of designer clothing she ordered from all over the multiverse, so her choice of dress was expansive- it would be a miracle to see her in the same dress more than once. Ever. She wanted something that looked like Spring, but that was still short and snug.

Wrapped up in her fleece bathrobe with a clay mask on her face, she canvassed through the pastel colored section of her closet. Yes, she color coded her closet. It was only dresses. After an hour or so she found this dress:

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A delightful squeal escaped. "Perfecto!"

She wore a matching pair of stiletto heels, little make up and her hair was simply curled with a pink ribbon tied around her head like a headband.

Ducii · Date: 2010-04-16 14:45 EST

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Ducii · Date: 2010-04-19 23:25 EST

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Duci had run into Xenia on her way out to the market, and the diminutive woman told the blonde about how someone new had moved in. "Oh?" Duci responded, Cheshire grin curving of its own accord.

——

The following morning, Duci rolled out of bed groggily, and far earlier than normal. Yawning, she shrugged into a silken robe and stumbled sleepily for the kitchen. Her palm slammed down on a button, and the coffee began to prepare and brew itself on its own. Yaaaawn.

Duci began to fumble loudly through the cabinets and refrigerator, making all sorts of a racket as she sifted around for the ingredients she saw in her head.

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces and chilled

2 tablespoons cold vegetable shortening

A cool glass of ice water

Once satisfied that she had everything she needed, she moved to grab her oversized Cheshire cat mug of steaming coffee. It wasn't complete without 5 teaspoons of sugar and a hefty dose of vanilla creamer. "Mmm," she murmured, lifting the mug to her lips as her eyes closed in ecstasy. Her nostrils flared as she inhaled the intoxicating aroma of the coffee; a total Folgers commercial moment. Stifling another yawn with the back of her hand, she set the mug down on the counter, rinsed her hands, and set to work.

http://v3point7.250free.com/cheshire.jpg

She sifted the flour, sugar and salt into a large bowl. Then, she added the butter and shortening. The fats were rubbed between her fingertips and thumbs until the mixture resembled coarse crumbs. One tablespoon at a time, she worked in enough ice water so that the dough came together. She was being careful not to over mix, as she did not want the crust to be tough. Periodically, she'd yawn, giving pause to her work.

Then, Duci shape it into a smooth ball of dough before flattening it into a disk. She pawed at it a moment longer before wrapping in plastic wrap and storing it in the refrigerator. "I'll come back at lunchtime to finish it," she murmured into her mug as she retrieved en route to the closet in her room.

Still sipping from the mug, she fought through her yellow section. Several times she removed a dress, pressed up tight against her body as she looked in the mirror, sighed irritably, then stuffed it back in. After the dozenth time, she was finally satisfied. "This'll do," she sighed, twirling in front of the mirror with a thigh-length yellow dress. Setting the mug down, she hung the dress up on a rack and began to paw through her lingerie drawer. Shrugging off her robe and tossing it onto the pole hanger, she slid into a lacy pair of yellow panties and a bra and then her dress. Fingertips soothed down the fabric as she twirled in front of the mirror. "Pretty," she cooed at herself.

Retrieving her mug again, she sauntered off for her shoe shelves. Staring up at the rows of heels, she lifted her mug with both hands to her lips for a contemplative sip. "Hmm." Then her eyes lit up. "Oh!" she squealed, removing one hand to stretch out for a grey pair of heels with yellow along the back. "Perfect!? Duci beamed, lowering the shoes onto the floor and gingerly stepping into them. Humming happily to herself, she headed for the bathroom.

A brush was quickly sent through blonde curls, and lipstick and mascara applied with painstaking effort after brushing her teeth. Fingers sought out the jewelry box, several pairs of earrings held up before she selected a dangling black set. A black beaded necklace was taken from the necklace hangers and pulled over her head. After a moment of fiddling with it, she slid her hand into a gray bracelet and found herself set. She circled this way and that, watching the way the lights hit her attire.

It was purely by coincidence that Duci had dressed in yellows and blacks: a busy little bee she was today.

She was beaming with productivity as she lifted her mug again and headed for the closet again. Abandoning her mug, she sought out a black, yellow and gray clutch. All of her belongings, some lipstick, credit stick, gold pieces, keys, were exchanged out of the previous clutch and into the new one. Umber glanced up briefly, espying her white jacket, and she shrugged it on before grabbing her clutch and heading out with mug in hand, her own smile matching that of the Cheshire cat emblazoned upon the ceramic. ____________ Pie Dough Recipe by Emeril Lagasse

Ducii · Date: 2010-04-20 11:44 EST

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Ducii · Date: 2010-04-21 14:34 EST

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The corners of her mouth twitched dangerously in the direction of a grin. She hadn't gotten any sleep last night, no thanks to Brad, but she had a great time. It was worth the lost sleep.

Duci felt bubbly and yellow, but since she'd worn a yellow dress earlier this week, she sought a sleek, navy blue sleveless dress out. Womanly contour was coaxed into the dress before she zipped it up from the side and twisted from side to side in the mirror. Fingertips smoothed the fabric flat against her abs, the grin returning with full force as she remembered his departure.

He'd gone in for a kiss, but he had been a bad boy. And, you know, bad boys need to be punished. Instead his lips meeting with her in a passionate embrace, they instead met with a slender foredigit that occupied the space between them.

"Mm, uh-uh," Duci tsk'd, wagging her finger at him as she took a step back. "Better luck next time," she'd teased, blowing him a kiss in his departing wake.

Ducii · Date: 2010-04-23 00:19 EST

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Duci felt colorful this morning, or maybe she just really wanted to wear those heels. Either way, she made it work for her, humming to a jaunty tune.

Ducii · Date: 2010-04-25 02:43 EST

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Ducii · Date: 2010-04-27 02:08 EST

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Masquerade Mask and hair: http://www.nawtynighties.uki.net/catalog/images/2096.jpg http://www.brb.org.uk/images/countdown/Henry5.jpg

Ducii · Date: 2010-04-27 18:10 EST

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Ducii · Date: 2010-04-29 21:51 EST

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(It's designed like the blue one, but the shade of the fuschia one.)

Duci fumbled through her costume section until she found exactly what she was looking for. It chimed when she withdrew it and she giggled with glee. "At last!" In the mirror, she held the gypsy, belly-dancing costume up to her form. "Perfect!" She was thrilled for the evening festitivities!

Ducii · Date: 2010-05-03 14:28 EST

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Some days, a girl just needed to feel like one.

Duci awoke several hours earlier than even remotely necessary, and to pass the time, she filled her bathtub with bubbles and sweet aromas. While waiting for it to fill, she listlessly made for the kitchen to grab a bowl full of blueberries. Chewing thoughtfully on them, she made for the bathtub. She set the bowl down at the edge of the tub, dipped a hand tentatively into the bathtub, and decided it was scalding enough to ease her mind.

Shrugging the robe off, it piled into a heap on the marble floor. Abandoning it, she ventured experimentally into the bathtub, sinking all the way down until the bubbles touched her chin when she laid back. Sighing contently, she closed her eyes and claimed a handful of berries for herself.

There was nothing like a bowl of blueberries and a hot, scentsy bathtub to make a girl feel like a girl.

Ducii · Date: 2010-05-04 19:03 EST

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Duci was giving the Queen of Hearts a run for her money today. Blonde curls were held half-back with a ruby and diamond clip, and lips and nails painted a vibrant red to accentuate her flowery dress. A red heeled foot emerged from the front door before she tugged it open to its full expanse. Enter, Duci, into the wide, bright world. More like strut. Her euphoric high pressed on mightily, Cheshire grin firmly in place as umber gaze took assessment of what few objects occupied the office. She took a deep breath, then trudged on. Watch out Rhy'Din; Blonde on the Prowl!

Ducii · Date: 2010-05-05 17:20 EST

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Simple is as simple does. Duci tried to be quiet this morning, as to not disturb Katt as she awoke in the early hours of morning. She crept around the penthouse in fuzzy pink bunny slippers and a pink satin robe. First she fed Mez her traditional morning dish: fish a la carte. Made a larger than usual pot of coffee, leaving some for Katt when she finally stirred. In utterly girly scrawl, Duci scribbled on an oversized, lips-shaped post-it note pad, tore the piece off, and stuck it on the fridge door:

Good Morning, Katt!

Help yourself to any food and I left coffee for you, and a shower if you need it. The guest bathroom should have any and all toiletries you'll need, and the closet is full of clothes, any sex and any size. Just tell it your gender and size and it should spool that section your way.

See you later!

<3Duci

Ten minutes later, the blonde was dressed to impressed and scrambling out the door with her coffee sloshing over the edges of her Cheshire cat, oversized coffee mug.

http://www.themeparkshopper.com/catalog/dis_shop02120830.JPG

Ducii · Date: 2010-05-06 18:13 EST

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Duci bellied up to the bathroom sink, and batted her eyelashes girlishly at her reflection. "Oh, hi Bradley," she cooed, lashes fluttering, "Where have you been hiding?" The blonde giggled girlishly behind a hand that lifted to her lips, half-obscuring the rose red, lush flesh.

And then she sighed, groaning at herself as she dropped her hand down to the counter with a loud 'slap'. "Stupid, stupid. He probably thinks I'm an idiot," Duci bemoaned, reflecting on her antics from the previous night as she hung her head. "Ditz." She accused her reflection, looking back at up with squinty eyes.

Her reflection looked back at her, smiling that dazzling smile and primping her hair. Duci makes a face. "I hate technologically advanced houses." With a snap of her fingers, the mirror returns to normal and Duci moves to apply a new coat of lipstick. She presses her lips together and then puckers them, winking at herself. "All set!"

Pushing off from the counter, she soothed her black and white dress and did a little twirl, turning her head so she could look at herself from behind. Yes, good to go. With one last giggle, she picked up her clutch and snatched her mug of coffee on the way out the door.

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Ducii · Date: 2010-05-10 13:21 EST

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Despite how she had dressed to impress the day before, Duci merely collapsed into bed after work, exhausted from seemingly nothing at all. So, it wasn't a surprise that when she staggered from bed the next morning, with 14 hours of nightmarish sleep beneath her eyelids, that she wasn't exactly in tip-top shape. With a steaming mug of heavenly, vanilla coffee beneath her nose to keep her awake, she idly sorted through her closet for something demure to accent her mood.

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Duci spent the majority of the day in a stupor. She sat at her desk, tapping her pen idly against the desk, and staring off into space with her chin resting in her palm. Woolcollecting, her grandfather used to call it. Not once, but twice, Alper had to snap his fingers in her face.

"Duci" Hello' Anyone there?" he asked, snapping his fingers and waving a hand in front of her face. The action startled Duci, and she nearly jumped out of her skin.

"Good heavens," she murmured, staring up at Alper and blinking rapidly.

"Are you okay' You've been sitting at your desk like that all morning, like a robot," he declared, scrutinizing his personal assistant with worry, "Why don't you take off for the day' I think I'll survive without you for the weekend, it's slow season, anyway."

Duci blinked again, staring at him. The slow process of comprehension showed in her expression, but she furrowed her brows at him. "I'm fine. Just slept too much. I don't want to go home."

Alper rubbed his face with a hand tiredly. "Duci, as your boss and your friend, I demand that you go home. Pull yourself together, you've been a zombie these past few weeks. Please?" he finally asked with puppy dog eyes.

Audibly groaning at her boss, the blonde snatched her purse. "Fine, fine! But I don't want to hear any complaints on Monday!" Duci threatened, pointing a finger at him accusingly.

Alper held his hands up defensively. "Woah, woah, there, tiger. No complaints, promise." And he crossed over his heart obediently.

The corners of her mouth softened into a light grin, and she bounced up from her seat to give Alper a hug. "Promise I'll be back Monday in tip-top shape!" After a chaste kiss to his cheek, and a lipstick smear, she bounded out of the office with a wave to her co-workers.

Ducii · Date: 2010-05-10 21:39 EST

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Duci knew how to 'recover' in style.

In a cute little cotton tube dress and bunny slippers, she made home on the couch. Curled with a book, and accompanied by a basket of sweets and chocolate covered fruits. Sappy romance movies droned in the background, the lilting tones of voices in love providing an ambient atmosphere for the blonde as she skillfully avoided sleep and thoughts of her mother.

Ducii · Date: 2010-05-10 22:15 EST

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Monday morning came too slowly. Finally falling asleep in the wee hours, she managed an hour or two before stirring again just before dawn. While Duci loved reading books, watching sappy movies, and hanging out with Katt....she was restless and in desperate need of answering the call of her social life.

It was like being born again, reawakening, and she dressed flamboyantly to accentuate her morning high. Her hair was still dripping wet as she fingered through her wardrobe, looking for a dress to match the turquoise jewelry dangling around her neck and from her ears. It didn't take long for her to scout out the perfect dress. Shrugging off her silk robe, she wriggled into her dress. A moment was taken to pose in front of the mirror, umber peering over her form. "Hm," was all the blonde managed to murmur before she bounded out to slip into a pair of vinyl black peek-a-boo heels.

Duci bebopped to her iPod (which was happily blaring Backstreet Boy's Everybody, thank you very much) while she applied her make-up. Mermaid-teal lined her eyes, and a pale, peach color coated her lips. Duci blew herself a kiss and winked at her reflection, giggling. She tried diligently to keep her noise level down, and succeeded in lip-syncing to her reflection....who only stared at her like she was crazy.

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Grooving her way to the kitchen, bedecked in a splashy color of mostly teal, among others, she twisted and twirled. Grabbing a traveling mug to fill her with premium, aromatic coffee to keep her appeased for the day, she filled it to the brim. After taking a teeny sip, she grabbed her lips post-it pad and scribbled a message for Katt.

Hey KittyKatt,

Thanks for keeping me company all weekend! I'll try to meet up with you at the Outback, but I make no promises! I'm easily distracted, you know. Have a great day!

<3Duci

Duci stuck it to the fridge before picking up her mug and heading for the door. Before slinking out to embrace the day, she grabbed her clam purse on the way out. Hello, Rhy'din; watch out!

Ducii · Date: 2010-05-11 20:33 EST

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With all the talk about government, Duci celebrated the morning with premium hazelnut coffee in a fuzzy mug:

http://tweaktoday.com/images/submissions/6533/large_Favorite_Mug.jpg

Ducii · Date: 2010-05-18 22:27 EST

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Unfortunately, she never made it.

Ducii · Date: 2010-05-18 22:28 EST

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Duci remained late at the office, finishing up some last minute appointments and filing. When she finally stumbled in through the door, thoughts of dinner ideas floating in her mind's eye, she noticed the note from Katt on the fridge.

"Dinner" With friends and family?" she mused aloud, glancing to the clock. "Oh shiz!" the blonde exclaimed, eyes widening with horror. "An hour ago!" she exclaimed, suddenly bolting back out the door to meet with Katt.

Ducii · Date: 2010-05-20 00:22 EST

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His lips met with hers in a passionate embrace, and Duci's eyes widened to the size of saucers and she instinctively stiffened, frozen with astonishment at his forwardness. However, when his hand rose to caress the side of her face tenderly, she succumbed to his warm, inviting desire. Lids fluttered shut and she moaned softly, returning the kiss with renewed zest while she lifts her own hand to curl in his hair.

Marco deepened the kiss by applying pressure to the back of her head, crushing their mouths together as he seizes the moment to slip his moist tongue past her partially parted lips. Her throat thrummed softly, sucking his tongue into her mouth.

Without any warning, Alper stumbled into her daydream, wearing board shorts and a Hawaiian print shirt. "What the @%&*!?" he exclaimed, befuddled as to how he came across a beach in the middle of the office and" Blinking, he looks down at his attire. "This isn't right," he scowls, murmuring unintelligibly before he stops abruptly, hearing his personal assistant's laughter ringing out somewhere. "Duci?" he calls out hesitantly, seriously considering whether or not he has lost his mind.

Duci gasps in shock, moaning an exasperated "Oh, no' into the enchanting, zealous kiss as she hears Alper's voice.

As lashes flutter open, she's suddenly back in the office, her coffee mug pressed to her lips like Marco's had been. The fairytale island oasis quickly faded back into the cr?me walls of the office, and Alper was back in his suit, staring at her in a flustered manner.

http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx21/dfenner_photo/Screenshot2010-05-05at74608PM.png

Duci sheepishly lowered the mug, cheeks guiltily flushed, and looked down at her lap. She was slightly disappointed to find herself back in her silk dress instead of the bikini, and in the office rather than on the beach.

Ducii · Date: 2010-05-20 12:03 EST

http://polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFkprTXp0Q2hrM3hHXzNPMUlrOVlYUkEAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg

Ducii · Date: 2010-06-04 20:34 EST

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFjRuaFpaRFp3M3hHQ0hRU2tocmNNWWcAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg

Duci was supposed to have the next several days off, but unfortunately at the crack of dawn her phone began to vibrate loudly, blaring 'O.M.G.' Usher into the stillness of the morning.

"Gahhh!" she flailed, an arm protruding out from from the tuft of blankets to slap at the bedside table mercilessly. "Shut uuuppp!" Duci moaned, groaning as she threw the blankets off so she could search for her cellphone. "For the love of the Gods!" she sighed exasperatedly, finally fumbling with the phone through bleary eyes. "Alper?" more exasperated sighs before she finally flipped it open.

"Yeah, hello?" she mumbled sleepily into the receiver. "What"! Do you know what time it is!?" Light brows furrowed together as she rubbed at her eyes sleepily. "Yeah, whatever. I hate you. See you in a half hour."

Still dressed, flipped a switch on the remote on the bedside table to indicate it to make coffee. Moving for the bathroom, she began to peel her clothing off in mild disgust, dissatisfied with her day already.

20 minutes later, the blonde was blustering through the door with a steaming mug of cofee in her hands and a look on her face fit to kill a man if it could. http://www.detailsart.com/ProductImages/1017_lotus/1017_delomba/1017_LB_Celebrate/1017-L-B003-P1-MD.jpg

Ducii · Date: 2010-06-07 16:57 EST

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFjJJMTl4ZHR4M3hHU2VvN3F5SlYzLWcAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg

Duci had been feeling significantly vintage and rosy over the long weekend, where she only lounged in a robe. Busy painting her toe nails, soaking in the bathtub with a good book, it's no surprise that sleep never came. Instead, she spent hours getting ready: primping her hair, choosing an outfit. The usual, except she took her time, carefully selecting each article of clothing.

As the sunlight began to creep beneath the heavy drapes, she took one last look at herself in the mirror before slipping out with a mug of steaming, hazelnut coffee.

http://www.blue-witch.com/images/products/550px/01331-1.jpg

Ducii · Date: 2010-06-08 18:12 EST

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFlZ2ZWx1SE55M3hHLXlpN2cxY1dYLXcAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg

Pretty woman, walking down the street, pretty woman, the kind I'd like to meet...

Ducii · Date: 2010-06-10 20:45 EST

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFkFJemxMUEowM3hHQW1fZU4xY1dYLXcAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg

Ducii · Date: 2010-06-14 13:58 EST

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFmhNZzhnZDEzM3hHN1BNSHp0RTM0bUEAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg

Ducii · Date: 2010-06-23 18:35 EST

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFm5wMDk3UlYtM3hHaTNOMng3blVJblEAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg

Bags had been packed and neatly rested together near the door like nesting dolls put together. Her Louis Vuitton luggage was excessively pink, bright like Duci's personality. They looked awkward, resting like that near the door, like they didn't belong there. No, she remarked to herself, they belong nestled in my closet.

She was leaning against the wall, head tilted so her forehead could feel the cool surface while she sipped idly from her coffee mug.

http://sewmanycreations.net/images/tumbler.jpg (M for Marvelous, of course)

There was a pang of guilt, digging deeply into her chest, as she felt bad leaving Katt here alone. The blonde supposed she could ask Xenia or Juliana to check in on her now and again, ensure the fridge was stocked. Either way, Duci had left a note on the fridge.

Katt,

I'm leaving this evening for work, I don't know when I'll be back. I could be gone a few weeks, or a few months. Hold down the fort! I'll make sure the fridge is kept stock, leave a list for what things you like if you need. I didn't want to leave the burden of keeping on eye on Mez on you, so I'm taking her to Juliana's ranch on my way out of town.

xoxo, Duci

With another sigh, she shook her head and headed back to her room to fetch her purse, and to coax Mez to follow her. "Come on, honey," she cooed in her honey-thick voice, "We're going to Auntie Juliana's!"

Ducii · Date: 2010-06-29 23:19 EST

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFmdLd3NXYl9FM3hHV25LMUZPZ2FTRmcAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg

Ducii · Date: 2010-07-01 22:07 EST

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFlVMaDJBc0tGM3hHbWdYLW5LbHA1d3cAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg

Duci smiled wickedly as she stuffed a jar of strawberry jam in her sea clutch, the plan she had set in store for Horam already shaping itself deviously. And out the door she slid with a happy sigh.

Ducii · Date: 2010-07-02 21:09 EST

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFlpzVnBjel9HM3hHWW45aFdPZ2FTRmcAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg

Ducii · Date: 2010-07-06 23:42 EST

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFkVpOWlLSG1KM3hHbzI3RDBQbC01dmcAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg

Ducii · Date: 2010-07-07 07:21 EST

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFmJ2TFpQTG1KM3hHNnpZNkZPZ2FTRmcAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg

Ducii · Date: 2010-07-08 21:40 EST

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFmNvTE9zdnFLM3hHNGkxUjhPZ2FTRmcAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg

Ducii · Date: 2010-07-10 20:34 EST

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFkVHU3lpNENNM3hHY01FU0VQbC01dmcAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg They say 'Diamonds are Forever...' but you should know better.

Leaning across the bathroom sink, Duci studied her visage with a careful eye full of meaning. Fingertips delicately stroked across the diamond studded choker and umber watched mersmerizingly as she recalled how she came upon it.

It had been years ago, before she was hardly 20, but she still looked ageless now as she did then. He told her that her beauty rivaled the heavens, that the goddess Aphrodite was probably red with fury about it. He was a lavishily wealthy business man and ruthless politican....Everything she should have wanted. Could have had. Needless to say, she didn't regret the decision, but boy, did she miss everthing that came with it.

For several weeks her courted her, sending roses to her dorm and even to the library where she so often studied, surprising her with a new dress, pair of shoes, or even jewelry...and always taking her out, forever showing her off. One day, when he showed up to her door, he presented her with a square, velvet case. The corners of her mouth lifted in both surprise and glee as she lifted it, revealing the beautiful craftsmanship that now adorned her regal jugular.

Lids fluttered shut painfully, preventing herself from remembering any further. In a sudden flash of fury, Duci swung her hand across the marble counter, upturning a plethora of assorted beauty products and a glass of wine before striding from the room with celerity. A single tear slid out of the corner of her eye, a diamond of a tear drop on her cheek.

It wouldn't remain forever.

http://www.tipop.net/rpgs/mr/illos/morningstar.jpg -Duci's morningstar

Ducii · Date: 2010-07-11 19:18 EST

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFm5yYjhvRHFOM3hHZjJvaG1LSGVreEEAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg A ragged, rough and tumble Sunday ahead!

Black Orchid Martini recipe compliments of M, a Cameron Mitchel restaurant

1 oz Raspberry vodka (they use Belvedere?you should too better vodka makes for a better martini)

1 oz Elderflower liqueur (St. Germain)

1/2 oz simple syrup

1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

1 oz white cranberry juice

Shake and strain in a martini glass (props to you if you make ice balls with frozen flowers inside).

Enjoy!

Ducii · Date: 2010-07-14 22:31 EST

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFjJIQWJ0NVNNM3hHQ2JxdVBLbHA1d3cAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg

(( Many thanks to the player of Mindy McKnight for this outfit!!! ))

Ducii · Date: 2010-07-14 23:06 EST

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Ducii · Date: 2010-08-02 19:24 EST

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Ducii · Date: 2010-08-04 01:41 EST

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The sun sparkled along the studs across her chest and shimmered off the decorative diamonds. Looking down at herself, she realized she resembled a disco ball, and the only word that came to mind was fake.

Yes, fake.

That was the way she felt lately. Hollowed inside, an empty shell, she was just a ghost of her usual exuberance. Every look, every move, every word was make-believe. Fake. Just a marker in her pretend world to signal to everyone else that she was fine.

In reality, she wasn't. And she wasn't used to that.

Ducii · Date: 2010-08-10 16:19 EST

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFkpvZFJsd1djM3hHZkpDcDFBLUZ5cGcAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg

Ducii · Date: 2010-08-20 00:56 EST

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Duci had been awake long before her alarm went off, statuesque form pressed up against the cool glass as she watched the waxing dawn from over the city line. Angelic facade wrought into a frighteningly thoughtful expression as she lowered her coffee mug to just below her chin. The aromatic coffee blend wafted upward in a wisp of steam, invading her nostrils enticingly. Heaving a loud inhale and exhale, she sucked in the bittersweet aroma, lids fluttering closed briefly.

http://flamencoorganic.com/wp-content/uploads/wpsc/product_images/Black%20Mug.jpg

Just as the great disc of flames began to creep upward, above the horizon, her alarm began to shrill irritatingly into the silent gloom the blonde resided in.

Oh, well....Time to face the day.

Ducii · Date: 2010-08-20 22:21 EST

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFldPT1RwTWFzM3hHc1ZsV09sZHEzdHcAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg

Love.

You know, she'd been in love once before. Maybe many times, but once for real. She was certain of it. How? you ask. It was simple—she still loved him. No matter how much she tried to forget, tried to move on...there was still a little space in her heart roped and reserved just for him.

http://www.personalizationmall.com/cat_image/300/4905-13736.jpg (( Except it reads "Duci and Andras" ))

Lowering the steaming mug of coffee for a better look at the picture of her and her love. It was large, encompassing the entire expanse of her lap. Perfectly manicured fingertips traced the outline of Andras' face as she released a noisy exhale.

"I miss you," she mumbled into the empty room, her voice sounding miniscule and vulnerable.

Last night, in a moment of drunken haze, she pulled down the mini-chest filled to the brim of objects, pictures, and gifts from past loves. It was just the sort of thing she swore she'd send to hell in a burst of flames the day she got married. If only....Alas, she'd spent most of the hours leading up to dawn staring at this photo. At some point, she realized, she'd have to get moving and face another bright day.

Alone, again.

"I'll always love you," the blonde murmured, lifting herself off the bed onto her bare feet. Lowering onto her hind haunches, she gingerly replaced the photo deep with into the buried confines of the chest. The lid slammed down, echoing into the cavernous room and sending her heartbeat to an erratic rhythm.

She couldn't help but feel she had lost another piece of her heart in that chest after invoking such a wild resurgence of long lost past memories.

Ducii · Date: 2010-08-25 20:03 EST

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFk5JNWRONk93M3hHQ0pJVl9kcnJRWVEAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg

Early morning, slap shoes on my feet....coffee, please brew before I ....meet"

Leaning against the counter, the dawning sun's rays cast eerie shadow aacross angelic features as the blonde waited for her morning pick-me-up. Umber glazed over, unfocused as she inadvertently stared at her mug. It was black, shiny like oil, and the handle as gold as a wedding ring, or maybe as a knucklebuster to be more accurate. Duci blinked, realizing which was her choice mug for the day, and wry, almost feral grin glinted at the corners of her maw.

http://www.instablogsimages.com/images/2009/02/25/gold-knuckle-mugs_4e1PB_6648.jpg

It had been a gift from a fellow pilot after she knocked their commanding officer flat on his tush. The incident occured a year into her service, said officer continually putting her down and making a colorful variety of sexist remarks in her direction. One day he mentioned something about her being weak and putting up with him because if he came onto her, there was nothing she could do to stop him.

Duci distinctly remembered how closely he pressed up against her, malice glinting viciously in his startling blue eyes. He smelled like cloves and bad odor.

"Get off me, or I'll make you," she growled, staring up at him defiantly.

One of his hands trailed up her side before curling around her throat. "There's nothing you can do to me, wench," he snarled back.

She snapped, pushing him back and lunging upward with her left fist to uppercut him, knocking him flat on his back. In front of the entire platoon. Needless to say, he didn't appreciate that, and though she'd been formally written up and reprimanded, it had been worth it.

Hadn't it all been"

Blinking back a sudden rush of tears valiantly, she turned back to the coffee pot as it finished its timed brew. "Come to momma," Duci whispered, greedily manhandling the black sludge of amazingness.

Ducii · Date: 2010-08-31 15:30 EST

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFkNBQjF5dHUwM3hHLWRHQnBkcnJRWVEAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg

The house was eerily quiet when she finally dragged herself out of the bathtub, save for the noise of the water gurgling down the drain. The bathroom was humid, the steam thick enough to see as it fogged up the mirrors and glass. Her quiet humming sliced through the silence loudly as she towel dried herself carefully and tousled wet curls gently. Tossing the towel into the hamper, she shrugged into a silk robe, securing it haphazardly with the sash.

Still humming the lilting tones of a classical sonnet, Duci twisted, turned and sashayed her way into the closet while she waited for the bathroom to de-steam. Fingertips trailed along the edges of her assorted clothing as she debated her outfit for the day with precision.

"I don't want to look sexy," she told herself with a frown, "I think it'd give off the wrong impression...but I don't want to look plain, either." Heaving a loud sigh, flaxen brows furrowed together in concentration as she sifted through her dresses. "I want to look juust right."

Several dresses were pulled out, pressed against her front as she twisted in front of the mirror and made a variety of smiling faces, then promptly returned with a frustrated huff. "This is ridiculous," the blonde grumbled to herself, making a frumpled face at herself in the mirror. "Getting dressed shouldn't be so difficult."

Pressing her lips into a thin line of determination, she quickly sped through several more dresses. Then she paused, doing a double take at a silk dress and backpedaled for it. Pulling it out, she turned it backwards then forwards, a small smile blooming across angelic features. "This will do excellently," Duci purred. Hanging the dress up on a coat rack, she shrugged the robe off and hung it up before dressing herself carefully, complete with satin, gray knickers and bra. Umber flickered back to the mirror and she coiled around, soothing the silk against her skin as she assessed her figure. Looking pleased, she padded back for the bathroom.

Her reflection had been waiting for her, already twisting her hair around into an intricate up-do as a kindly suggestion. Scowls at her reflection, shooing her away, though she was perfectly gleeful about the up-do. It was perfectly simple and classy looking. Following her reflection's example, she twisted damp locks around, securing them with bobby pins to keep them in place. After a few minutes, the blonde finds herself twisting and turning her head, scrutinizing her handiwork. "Excellent!" she declares, clapping her hands together.

Fumbling through her earring collection, she holds up several pairs of diamond earrings before returning them with a sigh of distaste. Pulling up another pair, the ribbon shaped one, she lets out an "oooh!" of satisfaction as she holds them up to her ears. Turning her face to the side, she watches the light glitter off the earrings. Looking mightily pleased, she hooked them into her ears before applying a coat of rose red lipstick. Smacks her lips, blows herself a kiss, then winks before vacating the bathroom.

She stopped near her Wall of Heels, climbing the ladder and carefully choosing a pair of grey knee-high button-up boots. Jumping back down, she gracefully slips into the boots and buttons them back up, resuming her earlier humming with renewed zest.

Pausing to check herself out in the mirror, she beams, giving herself a thumbs up before whisking off for the kitchen to meet with her favorite morning sludge and face what she expects to be a wonderful day.

http://rlv.zcache.com/cheers_around_the_world_all_grey_typeface_mug-p1688604499932213122ob98_125.jpg

( It's a Cheers Around the World mug! )

Ducii · Date: 2010-09-01 21:01 EST

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFm9LLVRXaGUyM3hHRUJlM0V2V3VNb1EAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg

She woke up drooling, she was positive of this as she was wiping it off her chin with a groan of disgust. Lowering her hand she wiped at the area where her head had been. Oh, wait, what was that' Eyes widened in shock as she realized her fingers were touching bare muscle. Very hot, bare muscle.

Not a bad way to start of the morning, you know.

After feeding Aaron a good, hearty breakfast, and letting him leave with a kiss on the cheek, she took a quick shower. Well, if you consider half an hour short...The tile was soothing, kept the room from swirling around her. Grumbling, she finally dragged herself out, wrapping up in a robe and not bothering to dry off as she sopped water everywhere.

Some mornings, she wished she had an on/off button, because her head was pounding something fierce. Stupid hangovers. Roughly shoves through her closet in search of something to wear. It only took two seconds before she chose the black and white dress. She was still kind of stumbling as she got herself dressed, with much difficulty, sloshing her morning sludge all over the carpet.

"#$%@!" she swore, just thankful she hadn't got any on her dress. Shaking her head, the blonde blustered into the bathroom, grabbing the first pair of black earrings and bracelet she came across. Looking up at her reflection, who was weeping and trying to hide her face, Duci rolled her eyes. "Grow a pair!" she snapped, primping her damp curls before moving to apply a coat of glossy red lipstick. Glances at the clock as she strides out of the bathroom. "Bah, good enough.."

"Never drinking whiskey again!" she moans, hopping around as she slides into her heels. Flustering around the kitchen like a mad woman, she scribbled a note for the maid to get the coffee stain out and stuck it beside the sack of coins. "Phaw!" Duci declared, refilling her mug before snatching her clutch and storming out the door in a flurry of hastiness and more swearing.

Ducii · Date: 2010-09-02 00:40 EST

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She sauntered home, squelching as she slipped past the doorway. "Yuck," Duci grumbled, feeling gross and sticky. The empty martini glasses were abandoned in the sink on her way to the bathroom, where she preceded to remove her clothing, dispose of them, and douse herself in a scalding hot shower.

Toweling herself dry, she found herself a simple outfit to slip into, boots zipping up all the way to her mid-thigh. Switching clutches, she deemed herself fit for public consumption again. With one last scritch to Mez's head, she stole out the door and into the night.

Ducii · Date: 2010-09-02 16:52 EST

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Back to basics, the blonde mused to herself as she zipped up the leather skirt so it hugged her thighs snugly. Afterward, she pulled the ruffled pink shirt back down, soothing at it for a second before she stepped into her hot pink heels. It felt good to be true to her nature, dressed as bright and flamboyantly as her nature was.

Pausing in front of the full length mirror, she twisted and turned, eyeballing herself with great satisfaction. Her hair had been done much in the same fashion as the day before, piled up at the back of her head intricately. Sighing happily, she pranced off for the kitchen to retrieve her coffee in a matching coffee mug. But before she greeted her morning sludge greedily, she dipped into the fridge to unravel a few varied fish: tilapia, sturgeon, salmon, catfish and swordfish.

"Ooh, Meeez!" Duci sing-songed, twirling for her feeding plate and dropping the boneless fish upon it. "Mummy has yummy for you!"

Mez must have smelled the fish before Duci even opened her mouth, because she came bounding from the living room amid the clattering of several objects clattering. "Ack!" she squealed, getting knocked over by the bear as she came skidding into the kitchen, unable to stop herself without the help of friction.

Okay, it kind of hurt, but she aimed to laugh off the pain, rubbing at Mez's face lovingly before the polar bear could bound off to devour her breakfast for kings. "Love you, too," she grumbled, scrambling up and dusting herself off. Blink. She was covered in white fur. "Gah!" Shakes her head, grumbling while she scoured the junk drawer for the lint-remover device.

"Ah-hah!" Duci triumphed, holding up what looked like a regular lint roller as if it were the Holy Grail. But then she rubbed it down her front, and in a burst of a red flash, all of the hair and other foreign debri were stuck to the lint roller. "All done!" Tosses the roller back carelessly in a gloating exchange to claim her mug.

The best part of waking up is caramel roast in your cup! Laps at her coffee unrepentently, grabbing her raspberry scone and clutch with the other hand. "Bye Mezzy!" Blows a kiss for the bear, who was steadfastly ignoring her while she ate, and out the door she breezed.

Ducii · Date: 2010-09-03 05:54 EST

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFnVzVzVoRF8zM3hHYVpKN2VGT3NrX1EAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg

She couldn't help but feel jealous. Bradley and Shane. The words hung in the air unsaid, but stale. Stroking Mez, she frowned. "It's not fair," the blonde told her companion, pink lips pressed into a thin linen as she slapped her laptop shut.

Duci wasn't used to being second best.

Mez merely grunted, resuming her rumbling purr at the attention. Propping up on one arm, chin nestled in the cusp of her palm, she looked to Mez again. "I should be happy, right' I mean, she's good people...She's pretty.." Furrows her brows. "Do you think she's prettier than me, maybe?" she asked in a very quiet voice.

Maybe she was. "I know he likes her for her affinity for music." A metaphorical lightbulb went off. "Do you think maybe I should learn to play an instrument"!" Mez rolled her eyes and flopped onto her side.

Frowns at the bear's response, sighing in defeat. "No, you're right...that would make me look desperate." Groans, plopping her head face-first into the sofa. "Stupid, stupid."

Ducii · Date: 2010-09-03 22:03 EST

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The blonde ventured down the way to the Glen with loping stride, beach towel slung over her shoulder and her heels dangling precariously from her fingertips. She paused briefly to satiate her thirst with a dainty sip from the Sex on the Beach in her other hand, before lowering it comfortably against her breast.

In all honesty, Duci looked more like Halloween come early than someone on their way to see fireworks. Her dress was a vibrant orange hue, the bathing suit beneath a collage of orange and red, spotted caveman style with black. Relaxing, she took up a lean against a tree not too far from the edge of the lake.

All smiles and sunshine for Mira, she waggled fingertips in her dear friend's direction, blowing kisses for her. Umber probed the vast array of festivities in varying degrees of commotion. The Ryans were packing up, Riley and David were getting out of the lake, Anya was heading for the food, and others were just arriving. Content to watch silently for the moment, a small sigh escaped cherry red lips.

It was too busy, too crowded, she realized. The threat of panic and upheavel bubbled at the back of her throat. Forcing a doting smile on her face, she lifted her hand to wave to everyone she knew before ducking back into the foliage and trekking out, homeward bound.

Ducii · Date: 2010-09-05 19:12 EST

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFnlwTjBZR0M0M3hHVXlVczM5U1dyTmcAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg Feeling warm and buttery soft, the blonde dressed to the nines in varied hues of chocolates and caramels, her heart on her sleeve. She awoke amid a swarm of disorienting emotions, the sensation leaving her feeling vulnerable and on display. Duci had been hiding in her room all day, standing as still as a statue where she was pressed up against the glass looking upon the expanse of Rhy'din. All sorts of people had bustled by: mothers toting screaming tots, happy couples lost in their own romance, creepers stalked past...everyone had their own story to attend to. What was hers?

Still nursing the same mug of coffee brewed at the crack of down, she brought the mug to her lips for an absent, almost habitual taste. Instantly, angelic features wrought into a look of displeasure and disgust. "Eughh!" Duci spat, wetting her lips in an attempt to remove the taste of the cold, stale sludge. It was the first action all day that encouraged and enticed, or maybe just forced, her to return to mobile after spending a day as a pale statuary.

Tearing away from the glass, umber still lingering over her shoulder until she made it through the doorway with a soft sigh of discord. It was quiet, save for the occasional rumble of Mez's snoring resonating from the living room and the click-clacking of her heels echoing in the carvernous expanse of the penthouse. Duci bellied up against the countertop and turned the tap on 'hot' before proceeding to wash the mug by hand. She liked washing her dishes by hand, finding it peaceful and calming.

Humming some old fairytale's tune to herself, she gazed vacantly out the window into the square, briefly envisioning herself with a husband and two beautiful children.

One day, her prince would come.

Ducii · Date: 2010-09-06 19:45 EST

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When she was hot, she was hot. Twirling in front of the mirror, it was hard not to admire her long, lustrous legs. And boy, with the cut on this dress, there was a whole lot of leg.

Let's not forget the fine hunk of metal begging to be ridden out front.

The thought of the steaming hot, iron wrought metal pony between her legs made her shiver with pleasure. Mine, she thought posessively to herself, licking her lips with anticipation

The purchase itself had been a rash decision. On her way back from the market, arms laden with fish, fresh vegetables, and frut, she'd seen the bike with a 'for sale' sign. The owner, a ruggedly handsome looking man in leathers, blew her a kiss and she was sold before he even opened his mouth. Edging slyly in his direction, chinjerking toward the bike. "That beauty yours?" the blonde purred seductively.

He'd nodded, smirking from around the toothpick in his mouth. "Yeah, sellin' her. You interested, missus?" Of course she was, and he knew it. Umber roved along the architecture hungrily, fingertips fidgeting to touch it. Duci might have well been drooling. Nodding her head meekly, looking to him with a wicked look. "How much?"

The man gave her an up and down appraisal, taking a moment to look like he was considering her while he debated. "For you, darling, I'll sell it for only five thousand gold."

She should have thought to take just as long to think about it, but already looking back to the beautiful piece of machinery, she replied breathlessly. "Start her up for me." The blonde woman was practically moaning when he started her up, trembling as it roared to life. He proceeded to show her the technical know-how of the beast, and she finally allowed herself to touch the raging machine.

Gods, she was sold.

Ducii · Date: 2010-09-12 15:43 EST

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The feel of the wind on her face and the rumbling roar of the mechanical beast between her thighs was thrilling enough to intice her out of town and into the belly of the deepest depths of the country. With her mind reeling and her heart aching, it was the perfect getaway to find her inner tranquility.

When she rolled back into town Sunday afternoon, her chest only ached faintly and her mind was at peace.

Ducii · Date: 2010-09-14 00:11 EST

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Ducii · Date: 2010-09-26 17:38 EST

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She knew purchasing Mez had been the best investment ever.

If it hadn't been for that loving, loping bear, Duci would probably never leave the house. Mez's whining had been obnoxious enough to force Duci to evade the premises and seek out some new fish to re-stock the fridge with.

It didn't mean she couldn't make a pit stop.

Dressed to the nines like usual, she slithered through the alleys and stuck to shadows. Sunshine locks looked drab in the darkened space, deep bags sinking into hollowed cheeks beneath dull brown eyes. Her movement was sluggish, weary, like it took a lot of effort to be mobile. And it did, emotionally.

But she was determined. And curious.

Ducii · Date: 2010-09-30 22:58 EST

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Forget about fall, Spring has fell!

While the rest of the world was withering, a particular blonde was blossoming. It was beginning to grow dark and cold, the pungent scent of death growing stronger....but Duci smelled sweetly of honey and new beginnings.

Here's to new beginnings.

Ducii · Date: 2010-10-03 02:11 EST

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She had a Dijinni's bottle on her mantle. After she'd taken Mict home, the blonde carefully set his bottle on the mantle of her personal fireplace. It was still there. Perched on the edge of the bed in nothing more or less than a robe, one leg drawn up toward her chest and her arms draped around it while the other remained attractively exposed.

Her head tilted to the left, then to the right, sizing the bottle up in the quiet hours of the afternoon.

"Well, you've been quiet enough," Duci declared, untangling herself and moving off to the closet to change. She felt confident enough that Mict couldn't properly see anything, so nevermind the robe as it falls in a heap as she passes through.

Ducii · Date: 2010-10-05 23:39 EST

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nothing to do, nowhere to be a simple kind of free nothing to do, no one but me and that's all i need.

i'm perfectly lonely cause i don't belong to anyone and nobody belongs to me. -john mayer

but that was a lie.

She wasn't alone anymore.

Ducii · Date: 2010-10-14 17:04 EST

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You could usually tell what kind of mood Duci was in based on the clothing she wore. Hot pink 99% of the time was the best indicator that she was in a splendiferous, can't-bring-me-down kind of mood.

Early this morning, sweet sporano dulcet tones could be heard wafting through the wide expanse of the penthouse, mostly nonsense and gibberish but eerily beautiful all the same. There was a twirl and a swoon with each step, fingers and feet tapping to an unheard tune. Black fabric was pulled tightly against her half-clothed form, a Cheshire grin wilk across her face as she twirld and serenaded her reflection.

Hips swayed seductively in congruence with the haunting melody as she dolled up in front of the vanity.

"I put a spell on you," the blonde purred to her reflection as she finished stroking her lashes with mascara. A giggle and a smile accompanied her saucy wink, the white and pink glittering around mischevious umber eyes. "And now you're mine." Her look took a decidedly wicked turn as she puckered her lips, applying a thick coat of hot pink.

She blew herself a kiss before sashaying out the door, with one last glance over her shoulder.

Damn, she looked good.

Ducii · Date: 2010-11-07 13:48 EST

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The other costumes she considered: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFmhKNHFBUWpjM3hHeTJqWUNNQVY3dVEAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg

Ducii · Date: 2010-11-07 14:02 EST

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Duci's life tended to be categorized into colors and flavors. Color and flavor of the day? Blueberry.

Dolled up with nowhere to go, she pressed up against the island counter and stabbed her blueberry pie viciously with her fork. A mug of coffee was held in the grasp of her other hand, steam visibly wafting upwards from it while fingers sucked all the warmth they could muster from it. The penthouse was at arctic levels, and she was scantily clad for it in hues of blue and black.

A good piece of pie was forked into her mouth as she grumbled about something or another, usually dulcet tones a harsh noise of complaint and discontent. She'd been offworld for too long, running Alper's dirty business while he at least got to stay in the city. The blonde knew she should be grateful, for she wasn't exactly pulling the hours he was used to, but she missed her home. She came in late the night before, tired and exhausted from the flight. Duci was pretty sure she had just slept nearly 24 hours, two of those spent in the bathrub where she pruned up unflatteringly.

Me, still smacking her lips from her hearty fish breakfast, padded over and rubbed her head along Duci's calves like a cat. In an instant, all of her pent-up anger deflated with a sigh. Her fork clattered noisily onto the plate before she stooped down, abandoning her delectable french roast coffee and its warmth, to rub at Mez's face with both hands.

"Awe, sugar," she crooned, "I missed you, too." Another sigh as she engulfed Mez with a bear hug around the neck, hugging the polar bear to her tightly as she squeezed her eyes shut.

Some days, she wished she could stay like that forever.

Ducii · Date: 2010-12-14 22:27 EST

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Ducii · Date: 2011-01-02 13:44 EST

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Flavor of the day' Peppermint candycane.

Duci artfully created a peppermint candycane cake, the insides full of red velvet and scrumptious white marble. No better way to start the new year than sharing treats.

Ducii · Date: 2011-01-04 22:33 EST

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Ducii · Date: 2011-01-13 22:12 EST

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A little bit of Paris...

All she ever wanted was simplicity. And Prince Charming.

She just never expected it to be so hard to comprehend.

Ducii · Date: 2011-01-17 17:25 EST

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Mirror, mirror, faux fames, World on fire, up in flames.

Ducii · Date: 2011-01-27 22:54 EST

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Little Miss Goldilocks.

Ducii · Date: 2011-02-12 01:05 EST

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Ducii · Date: 2011-02-15 21:47 EST

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Ducii · Date: 2011-02-21 17:40 EST

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All roads didn't lead to Rome, they led to the RDI.

Ducii · Date: 2011-03-04 22:04 EST

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Not every flower is a rose..

Ducii · Date: 2011-03-20 00:40 EST

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Cowboy up.

Ducii · Date: 2011-03-20 00:43 EST

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Happy St. Patt's Day!

Ducii · Date: 2011-03-20 00:47 EST

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Don't let me runaway with yesterday..

Ducii · Date: 2011-03-24 21:49 EST

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Dandelion fire.

It is a whirlwind, it burns like cold fire, it melts like ice-fire. It is dandelion fire, a story, a word, a poem in prose form. It is rich mahogany. - Unknown

The blonde stirred abruptly from her slumber, face flushed and her skin burning. The raging heat made her think of Mict, and umber instantly flickered toward the bottle resting on her mantle. She stared at it in the darkness, a thin strip of streetlights streaming through the parted curtain offered meager lighting.

Her lips pursed and she tore her gaze away as she suddenly felt cold, shivering slightly as she pulled the blankets up around her. Absently, she tucked herself in, trying to sort out the vivid dream she just had. The harder she tried to grasp at it, the quicker it dissapated into nothingness, until all her mind's eye saw pitch black.

Groaning in frustration she flopped back into bed, closing her eyes and sighing defeatedly.

Ducii · Date: 2011-04-09 12:58 EST

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Wound in her silk robe, she rocked back and forth in the the doorway of her closet for what seemed like hours. Mez was rubbing up against the back of her legs like a cat, threatening to knock the blonde over. Duci didn't seem to mind.

"Mez," she declared, reaching behind her to stroke the polar bear's head, "I think I'm feeling pink, but not quite flashy. What say ye?"

Mez had stopped coiling around her Master to nuzzle into the caress. She took that as a yes.

"Alright, we're agreed. Bath time!" And the blonde tromped off to the bathroom.

Ducii · Date: 2011-04-17 15:06 EST

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Simplicity.

Some things were best like that. She'd left Theodore with his jaw ajar, hair tousled, and his bed a mess of tangled sheets and wilting memories.

He blinked, watching her and asking what this meant as she prepared to leave. The blonde merely smiled secretively at him over her bare shoulder, replying, "Theodore, don't complicate things. Nothing's changed. You needed it, I needed it. It will be like nothing happened."

And with that, she'd escaped out his front door.

Ducii · Date: 2011-05-10 20:48 EST

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Who's afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?

Ducii · Date: 2011-05-22 13:55 EST

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Flutterby.

I watch the days flutter by like the soft whisper of a butterfly's beating wings as she rises into the dawn of a fine spring day.

Every little thing flutters by, like a film on fast forward but moving slow enough for me to catch it, and yet I'm still standing here, unmoved, untouched, unphased, and left behind.

I wish that I could flutterby, in sync with the universe instead of remaining one standard deviation from the norm. I feel left out, forgotten, a pretty little dusty thing in the corner.

Ducii · Date: 2011-08-01 23:17 EST

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Life is too short to blend in. Those were words to live by.

She stuck out like a sore thumb in the office. Duci didn't try to be prim and proper like Juliana or the other women. The blonde dressed to impress in wild ways, but never was she indecent. Weekdays were the new casual Friday, and considering they had been off-world for the last two months, she didn't feel the least bit guilty. Merely stopping by the office out of habit, she did her morning routine of coffee and pastries and updating Alper's calendar before slipping back out into the wide-world of Rhy'din.

Sucking in a deep breath of Rhy'dinian air, she smiled. "It's good to be home," Duci purred, off to rendezvous in the Marketplace.

Ducii · Date: 2011-10-30 00:52 EST

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Ducii · Date: 2012-07-04 03:08 EST

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Ducii · Date: 2012-07-08 03:43 EST

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She had just left the establishment via the back door, not taking heed of where she was going. Her original destination had been to return home, but she stumbled blindly in the darkness, unable to make sense of direction. Moving slowly down the alley, she suddenly found herself lurching forward as something playfully knocked her legs out from under her. It was like a cat teasing its prey.

Quick reflexes saved her from bruising a pretty face, but she still felt pain. Raising onto all fours, she prepared to get up, thinking perhaps she had just tripped, when she was rammed from the side. Knocked onto her side, the wind knocked out of her, Duci heaved gasping breaths. Umber were wide with fright, looking left and right in the darkened alley for her assailant.

Something latched onto her ankle, and the blonde shrieked, kicking whatever it was with her other heeled foot. She heard a roar of painful defiance, and meanwhile attempted to release her foot from the momentarily loosened grip. Adrenaline took a hold of her senses, and she got to her feet and hightailed it out of there as fast as she could. Glancing back over her shoulder, all she saw were shadows.

Ducii · Date: 2012-07-09 00:47 EST

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Duci noticed a little package on her desk when she returned from using the little girl's room just before leaving for the night. "Oh, wonder who this could be from?" she asked aloud before opening the letter first.

Dear Duci, began the note that accompanied a wrapped package sent in reply to the letter. Hope this helps you make it until your next salon appointment. Color you BL127. Color me concerned.

xxxooo, Barbie

Inside the package:

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/FioHelston/RhyDin/clairol-nice-n-easy.jpg

The blonde hadn't been paying attention to who it was addressed from, but her knuckles turned white with fury as she gripped the letter while reading it. "I do not go to the salon!" she declared with a defiant roar to no one in particular. Huffs, crushing the letter in her fist and throwing it angrily at the garbage can, where it is instantly incinerated. Fuming mad, she ripped open the package, gasping in shock as the box fell out.

"I am all natural!" Duci huffed and puffed, steam coming out of her ears. She pumped a fist up in the air, shrieking. "I will get you for this insult, Barbie!" Raarrr! Half-crushing the box in her hand, she picked up her clutch and stomped out of the office indignantly.

Ducii · Date: 2012-07-09 21:31 EST

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The Gossip GangSTAR had been banned from the office for quite some time when her boss had gotten upset about all the libel and slander they were throwing around about his wife, but now that he had passed, it was in circulation again.

Duci began reading it during her morning break, and nearly spit her coffee out at the first paragraph.

Top Ten Things You Need to Know to Stay in the Know!

So were a couple days late. Sue us. Okay, no. Really. Don't sue us. Just enjoy what we have to share with you!

10. The bottled blonde dead man-stealer?"" So evidently rumors of Jochin's death were greatly exaggerated because the moron has been spotted hanging around the Inn once again. Yeah, yeah. We know. There are more than a couple of women in RhyDin who were only upset about the news of his demise because they weren't the ones to end his life to begin with. Well, ladies, you still have your chance to get your revenge! Or key his car! Whichever! Aaaaand to make matters worse, he wasn't hanging out with longtime girlfriend, Harper, when our sources spotted him. Instead, he was supposedly seen with our dear Barbie's harasser and FAKE BLONDE bombshell (sorry, Barbie, she sort of is hot), Duci. The pair were seen leaving the Inn together in the VERY early morning hours. Really, I couldn't think of a pair more suited for one another.

"I am not a bottle blonde!" she huffed, her voice raising several octaves and causing people in the office to stare. "And I don't steal men. I don't need to." Indignantly as she takes a look around the office. "What?! It's true!"

"Barbie attacked me first, not the other way around.." Grumbles acidly, "At least Franco has the decency to admit I'm a bombshell." Grunts, growling at the paper and quickly balling it up into a wad of garbage, not even bothering to finish reading the article. "Take that! Buttface! I used to love you!" the blonde declared angrily. Tosses it into the garbage and calls it a day.

Ducii · Date: 2012-07-10 19:23 EST

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To the faithful readers of the GangStar,

I am truly saddened by the hate and small-mindedness recently revealed to the public of RhyDin in a letter to the editor written by a resident of this city. In a town that has been described as the "Crossroads of the Multiverse," the sort of ugly, species-ist prejudice evidenced in the comments penned by Duci Lovasz, is " and should be " shocking to us all.

"Just a doll," Ms. Lovasz wrote, in reference to me. ?"plastic, rubber"polyester, corn silk"fake AND cheap..."

Such words are proof of ignorance and mean-spirited bigotry. Just a doll. One might as easily say, "Just a woman," or "just a vampire". "Just an elf," or "just a human." Just a doll. My people have been around for millennia. They were masters of a civilization while Ms. Lovasz's ancestors were still picking fleas off one another around a campfire. Who do you think taught Cleopatra to wear eyeliner" Who do you think it was the monks of Tibet first held in reverence" Dalai Lama" Oh, no. Dolleh Lama.

Socrates, the human philosopher, was one of multitudes of his kind on many worlds to suggest in detail that there are two realities. There is the world we experience, the world of things you see and feel that is always changing " and the world of the absolute, the true reality, the unchanging and absolute perfection from which things in the world of experience are modeled.

It is from that second realm that we come. I am an absolute. The real deal. My people are part of the iconography of the reality of a billion worlds, and a billion yet unborn. Just a doll. I scoff.

I pity Ms. Lovasz and those like her, who cannot see beyond the small paradigms of their limited imaginations to look for what is true, and good, and unique, and real in each of the lives around them. I challenge her, and all of us, to conceive of a multiverse where such a sickness no longer taints our perceptions.

Just a doll. Do not be that person.

At the GangStar, we proudly stand against prejudice in all its forms. Out of the forge of disappointment, we are striving to spread the word, urging people NOT to be THAT person, but to Be Inclusive. And to encourage Ms. Lovasz to change her ways, we have chosen to make her the dusky-rooted poster child for our Inclusivity campaign.

Don't be THAT person, RhyDin. Like me, you can be anything you want to be. Be Inclusive.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/FioHelston/RhyDin/DontBeDuci.gif

xxxooo, Barbie

Duci was reading the GangSTAR a few days late, having been so busy at work she just had not been able to find the time. Bent over the paper in the company kitchen, she was nibbling on some delectable black and white cookies and alternately drinking some Kona coffee. She had actually been mid-sip when she began reading, and consequently spit it out all over the paper.

"What in the name of Hades"! I'm not bigoted!" the blonde declared to no one in particular, stomping her foot. "Why that little..." she trailed off, gripping the handle to her mug so tight her knuckles turned white. "Be anything you want to be.." she mimicked, making a dour face. "I'll show you, you big...fraud!" Points threateningly at the paper. "Just you wait!" Stomps back off to her desk, cookies and coffee forgotten, to prove Barbie is a fraud.

Quivering with anger, she already knew the rings were in her near future to let out some frustration.

Ducii · Date: 2012-07-14 16:54 EST

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What Duci wore for the small memorial held for the eldest Ergin son in their office the Saturday following his death.

Ducii · Date: 2012-07-14 16:57 EST

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Duci spent the majority of her day scouring the Marketplace and local boutiques. It always surprised her at how many nice things she could find in the immediate are. Her main shopping goal had been swimsuit related, and there had been so many different cutes suits that she had a hard time picking only a few. Hence why she ended up with a tote bag full.

Most of them were for Seirichi, upholding her end of the bargain. The blonde was actually a little excited at the mere prospect of being considered as a fashion consultant. Either way, it suited her needs and abilities, filling a small hole in her being that grew in the absence of her dearly beloved boss.

Slipping into a children's store, she rifled through some clothing. Anya had mentioned gardening as one of their favorite activities, and she sought out an outfit for each child. By the time she had made her round through the shop, she had a pair of jean overalls and matching navy shirts. Other items had accumulated in her arms, too, but those were for their birthdays! A cute, matching pair of sundresses and sandals were also lumped in there, thinking of Collie's little twins whom she had yet to meet.

Beaming triumphantly, she traipezed through the Marketplace, the glint of sunshine shining off metal catching her eye on her way out. Wandering towards the shiny objects, her face lit up. "Gardening tools!" she declared, thinking of her little nephews. She bargained with the vendor, getting a very good deal on them. "Thank you!" Praising the man as she exchanged a few coins for the tools. She held them in her hands, unable to tell the two apart.

"I should get them monogrammed..." And that was what led her to Bradley and Ethan Kaiser's shop, seeking glass-blown handles to be monogrammed with Andrew and Ayden's initials.

Ducii · Date: 2012-07-15 13:49 EST

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Duci pulled the little business card Seiri gave her out of her clutch, flipping it over between her fingers to make sure she had the right address. Deeming she indeed had the right place, the blonde made for the radio station's entrance, dropping her clutch in her tote. The tote hung from the crook of her arm, rather light despite the several pairs of bathings suits occupying its space in addition to her clutch.

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Pushing her way through the front doors to the station with a sense of purpose, she walked right up to the front desk without any hesitation. "Excuse me, hi, my name's Duci, I'm looking for Miss Seirichi? She should be expecting me." Bright smile.

——

Beneath her dress, she wore a matching leopard print bathing suit. Her custom made Lucha Libre mask was neatly stuffed inside her clutch. She was prepared for some Jell-O Wrestling tonight!

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Ducii · Date: 2012-07-19 01:33 EST

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Duci woke up feeling rebellious. She was full of spunk and attitude, and what better way to express herself than to dress" Her demeanor was worn on her sleeve, and her grin expressed her mischievious nature. She took a glance at the dueling schedule hanging on her fridge. "Duel of Swords tonight?" she mused, turning to take a glance at her morningstar, Bombshell, her choice of weapon for such a night. The corners of her mouth curved devilishly.

Watch out world, Duci and Bombshell were on the loose!

Ducii · Date: 2012-07-20 13:46 EST

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The blonde was more toned down today, idle and preoccupied. Her attempts to make it to the Arena last night had been doubly foiled between work and Little Munchkins. Don't ask...Rhy'din had been extra weird yesterday.

Ducii · Date: 2012-07-22 23:53 EST

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Duci didn't open the card until she was safely out of the inn. She knew it was Bashir's hand, but she knew it wasn't from him because she saw him in the office daily. It had to have been from Alper, and the thought terrified her. It was like pouring salt in an open wound.

She sat Indian style on the floor, her back pressed against the couch with the bowl of strawberry lemonade batter in her lap. Her fingertips trembled as she finally picked up the card, which she had been staring at for a solid thirty minutes. The card was removed from the envelope carefully, like she was afraid it was a bomb that would go off any minute.

Gingerly, she parted the card to read it:

The card read (in Bashir's hand):

My dearest Duci,

I wish I could be there to give you this in person. Know that you have been a constant delight in my life and that I wish for nothing but happiness and many birthdays to come for you.

Doğum g"n"n kutlu olsun birtanem, ((Happy birthday, sweetheart))

Alper

Tears welled in the corners of her eyes, threatening to unleash a flood of emotions. Her breathing constricted almost immediately, breaths coming and going in shorts rasps. The card fell from her fingertips and the bowl toppled from her lap, batter flying across the shag carpet, as she hugged her legs to her chest. She couldn't dam the hurt in anymore, and she sobbed into her knees. Mez snaked her way through the carpet up to Duci, resting her big head across the blonde's shoulders in silent comfort.

He hadn't been just a boss to her. He was her best friend, a brother in her heart in the absence of her own. A confidante. He would listen without judging, provide advice without asking. She loved him so much it made her heart ache, his absence left a void in her soul. An open cavern that was too big to fill with grief alone. Loneliness and anger seeped in, poisoning his memory.

She hated him for dying.

Ducii · Date: 2012-07-24 23:32 EST

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The Big Bad Wolf.

She could always tell when he was in town; it made her feel different. More alive. Vibrant. Sultry. Downright lustful.

Every night he was in town made it a blood moon.

Duci had been mad...No, livid and furious were better words to use. Still fuming from her argument with Riley, the mention of her and Jochin in the Gossip GangSTAR had inflamed her. Sick and tired of the libel spewed about them, she decided to live dangerously.

Like walking right into a flock of sheep infiltrated by the Wolf.

"He called me perfection."

He was always disguised, but an expensive suit couldn't hide his wolfish ways. The blonde was drawn to him like a moth to a flame, gravitating towards him without a second thought. Entranced by his confidence and territorial gaze.

"My, what big teeth you have..." she declared in retrospect, as she let him press his lips to hers. They swelled with pleasure from disuse, electric shocks tingling all the way down to her toes. He was intoxicating as he was repulsive. When he tugged her hair and instead of recoiling, she purred.

Dave was like an addiction, she relapsed every time she saw him. Her resolve was lost and she gave in to temptation.

Full of poetic lust and frenzied words. It would be a long night, but she wouldn't be alone. No, she'd be a Goddess, and that would be alright.

Ducii · Date: 2012-07-25 15:07 EST

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Top Ten Things You Need to Know to Stay in the Know!

....

8. This Is The Relationship That Just Won't Die! So Jochin is alive. I know, I know. Big freaking whoop. The only thing of note that we know he's done is bed half of the pretty women in RhyDin. Usually the ones with confidence issues. Because, really, the guy has the same IQ of Barbie's arch-nemesis, Duci. And oddly enough, that is exactly who he has been hanging out with as of late! But we're getting ahead of ourselves. It seems that the man who ALWAYS has a pretty thing drinking with him at the bar is accusing his girlfriend, Little Miss Serious Annie-Love Harper, of having some sort of inappropriate soul-binding relationship with her employee, Colt.....who dates her friend, Tenacity. A tangled web they weave, I know. But we're not entirely sure we buy it. Harper? Cheat' She wouldn't even cheat at a board game. But this relationship really needs to die. YOU CAN DO BETTER, LOVE!

It didn't bother her as much that she was painted as bein a ditz as it did that they kept attacking Jochin. Furrowing her brows, she tossed the gossip rag in the garbage. "Stupid Barbie," Duci grumbled, unaware that later that evening she would have a run-in with the pint-sized doll in question.

Ducii · Date: 2012-07-26 13:11 EST

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Duci had made an unfortunate habit of bringing home the strays she came across. Her mantle had once been home to a Djinni, her spare bedroom home to a few close friends, her kitchen used to feed the mouths of orphans, runaways, and men.

This time"

It was a cat. A beautiful, sleek, black furred cat. Who was once human. And his name" Os.

Ducii · Date: 2012-07-27 14:36 EST

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Her bed had been more crowded than usual last night, but it was comfortable. It surprised the blonde at how easily she had fallen asleep, and how peaceful it had been. Os had been a pleasant addition to the penthouse in the absence of Katt, who hadn't been there in a long time as it was. As much as she loved Mez, the beautiful polar bear didn't talk back.

Ducii · Date: 2012-07-29 02:06 EST

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Her first birthday present had been a kiss. A kiss that makes her tingle when she remembers it. Leaves her mouth salivating in its wake. From lips she dreamt about kissing all day.

Before dawn could break, she fell asleep...Nestled against another, with thick arms enveloping her protectively. No bad dreams haunted her last night.

Breakfast in bed was the high point for sure, but the little gift left by Os touched her the most. Not many people remembered her birthday, and she liked it best that way, but the cat's gift meant more to her than he could imagine. The stuffed mouse would find itself nestled above her pillow in bed. A comforting reminder. The mouse itself remained on the countertop, stuffed with crackers and cheese and other good things.

Ducii · Date: 2012-07-30 17:58 EST

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Duci was totally loving her new iPad, courtesy her bestie Riley. All she had to do was hold it, and use her mind to guide it along. It was one of the most convenient and awesome contraptions ever. True to Riley's warning, she found herself addicted to Angry Birds fairly quickly.

In fact, that's what she spent half the work day doing, flinging birds at pigs.

Best present ever" Definitely at the top of the list. And those giftcards" Expect them to be redeemed soon!

Ducii · Date: 2012-07-31 01:00 EST

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With a mud-ruined dress, a twice-busted lip, a nasty-looking trail of bruises, a bruised nose and ego, the ending result of two good duels, the 'getting better' part made it all worth it.

All in all, the day had been good. She'd been asked to model gowns for Silverblood Lines, she got down and dirty in the Pit, she got to see her long lost friend Sivanna, and a massage.

Ducii · Date: 2012-08-01 13:55 EST

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The blonde woke with a smile on her face, only half-clothed with a sliver of silken sheet covering her upper back. The morning air greeted her coolly, sending goosebumps trailing along exposed flesh. She curled her toes, stretching out in bed. One eye peeked open to look over at the other side of the bed.

Who knew who she would see slumbering there?

Ducii · Date: 2012-08-05 23:12 EST

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While she had been promised to remain in Rhy'din for an extended period of time, that didn't mean she was off the leash for big projects. The last 72 hours had been dedicated to the office, and while she was a little exhausted, she was looking forward to a little bit of 'me' time.

And that kind of 'me' time consisted of finding herself in a dueling ring, losing mostly, instead of shopping. Shocking? A little.

Ducii · Date: 2012-08-06 17:11 EST

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Here we go again I kinda wanna be more than friends So take it easy on me I'm afraid you're never satisfied

The bed was a suffocating expanse of emptiness and loneliness without anyone else. A thin corner of silken sheets barely covered sun-kissed flesh in her sprawl. On her belly, chin resting on her forearm, she stared at the spot next to her long enough with hopes that maybe, just maybe, he would suddenly materialize.

And there'd be those eyes, those lips, those hands, all those pieces that tantalize.

Here we go again We stick like animals We play pretend You're just a cannibal And I'm afraid I won't get out alive No, I won't sleep tonight

Pearly whites bit into the lush flesh of her lower lip, a light moan escaping in defeat. Angelic face met with the silk sheets as she heaved a sigh, slowly dragging herself out of bed with more effort than usual necessary.

Oh, oh I want some more Oh, oh What are you waitin' for" Take a bite of my heart tonight Oh, oh I want some more What are you waitin' for"

Maybe she wouldn't go to sleep alone tonight.

((Lyrics from 'Animal,' (c) Neon Trees))

Ducii · Date: 2012-08-07 16:08 EST

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you cast a spell on me, spell on me you hit me like the sky fell on me, fell on me and i decided you look well on me, well on me so let's go somewhere no-one else can see, you and me

She didn't go to sleep alone last night. In fact, she didn't go to sleep at all.

the sun goes down the stars come out and all that counts is here and now my universe will never the same I'm glad you came

He was mindful of her broken nose when his lips pressed against hers. They met in a hungry tangle, dawn trickling into the room through the parted shades and engulfing them in light. The day didn't matter to her, nothing did. Nothing but him. His lips, his caress; she loved every inch of skin that pressed together. There was no going back after that; nothing would be the same.

And she didn't want it to be.

turn the lights out now Now, I'll take you by the hand hand you another drink drink it if you can can you spend a little time time is slipping away from us, so stay stay with me, I can make make you glad you came

"Don't go, not yet," murmured against him as she nestled perfectly tangled with his limbs, her head nuzzling into his chest to hear his heartbeat reverberate sonorously. A fore digit traced obscure designs along the opposing, bare pectoral. He was warm at her touch, and it made her tingle, toes curling into the sheets. She just wanted to enjoy the precious little time they found together, even if only in silence.

He had a way of making her feel at peace with herself. Wholesome.

They fit together like two puzzle pieces. Perfectly.

I'm glad you came so glad you came I''m glad you came I'm glad you came

When she was satisfied enough to know he wasn't going anywhere fast, she pressed her lips to his heart. Her own pumped furiously in her ears, dark gaze looking up at him tenderly.

"I'm glad you came."

"Glad You Came" by The Wanted

Ducii · Date: 2012-08-08 14:31 EST

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Modeling off a Silverblood Lines Boutique specialty today.

Ducii · Date: 2012-08-09 15:10 EST

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Of course it was only likely that Riley's birthday would fall on a Thursday, a Duel of Swords night. So, with arms full between Bombshell, a cake, and Riley's gifts...She was prepared to celebrate the birthday Cat's day the right way!

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It's got gift certificates for a mani/pedi for Riley and Duci, tickets to the opera, an engraved snowglobe of Rhy'din with miniature Riley and David and their friends in front of the RDI and it reads "To my best friend, Riley. Wishing you many more moons of meowing. Love, Duci". And inside the second gift is a Koch Holdings teleportation device to beta-test ;D. And Duci made the cake, which is Riley's favorite inside!

Ducii · Date: 2012-08-10 22:57 EST

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Modeling another Silverblood Lines Boutique dress!

Ducii · Date: 2012-08-11 23:55 EST

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She couldn't help but feel like she had done something awful. Like steal someone else's boyfriend.

Duci knew that wasn't the case. There was so much more to every story than people knew, but they believe what they will.

It stung. The unsaid accusation. The blonde wasn't used to the distinct feeling of dislike.

Ducii · Date: 2012-08-14 01:55 EST

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I've been roaming around always looking down at all I see painted faces, fill the places I can't reach

you know that I could use somebody you know that I could use somebody

someone like you, and all you know, and how you speak countless lovers under cover of the street

Truth or Dare, a dangerous game. Truth or Dare, it's all the same.

A kiss beneath the streetlight after a walk taken in the shadows.

The game was brought home, a spark of conversation between two souls. A peek, a window into their being. What was always said wasn't always what you wanted to hear, but that was the price to play.

—

"Truth or dare?"

"Hmm...Truth, again."

"What do you really think about this" About us?" He swallowed another breath he didn't know he was holding.

Her head tilted sideways at the question, a small smile curling despite the almost offense that he did. "I'm still trying to figure all this out," motioning between herself and him, "But if there's ever been one thing in life I've been sure of? It's you and me." Dark eyes surveyed him serenely as she admitted that aloud.

"Even if tha gossip rags trash ya?" He was a little surprised. It was the thing that upset him the most. "Even if yer nosy friend thinks I'm tha scum a tha earth and a large bit a people who hang out at the Inn think so too?"

"Words are only words, and they'll only hurt me if I let them," Duci declared wisely, her shoulders shrugging nonchalantly. "I doubt they all think you're scum, aside from Riley. She's just...um..." Trails off, trying to think of the right word for her best friend. Unable to think of the right word, she continues with a dismissive wave of her hand, "What they think doesn't really matter. What really matters is you. And me." Points to him with a foredigit, and then to herself with a thumbjerk. "That's it." Her hand fell back to her lap.

—

And that's what she told herself: it's just me and you against a bunch of odds.

Things didn't go as planned, but since when did anything in life? She could use someone like Jochin, somebody who could illicit a smile fom her just with a thought.

someone like you, somebody someone like you, somebody someone like you, somebody

Use Somebody by Kings of Leon

((Written with Jochin Nagadari!))

Ducii · Date: 2012-08-14 21:39 EST

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The blonde kept her pace even, neither rushing nor lagging. He may think he's lucky, but his day was about to take a turn for the sh*tter. "How could you?" she demanded of Alper, her voice low and serious, but at the perfect growling pitch to carry before her.

She'll just, settle her happy ass between Cove and Des and watch the show. "Should I make popcorn?" Quietly, the question shared equally between the two.

Wide and dark eyes wached Duci. "I dunno, I never seen Miss Duci fight. She might just need one punch."

He took another swig, a roguish wink for the Russian. Algernon didn't reply, but his face said it all. Luckiest man on the face of Rhy'din. Right. He cut his look back to the approaching blonde, still lax but mentally bracing himself for whatever cruel words she was about to fling at him. "I did what had to be done, to protect myself and my family." He gave her a hard look, not entirely feeling like he had to explain himself.

Hank's own shoulder nudged against hers in a lean into her bicep with his own muscular one. "So...uh...What gives?" He drank more of his beer, masking his gaze behind mirror polished aviators. "Clue me in, toots."

Eyes slide over sideways to find Hank again, never changing her expression. "Hopefully it is all worth the while, da?" He wasn't the only one who could hide things in a playful tease. Then it got serious. Well, not really but, you know...."You mean about this?" she asked, eyes back to the blonde and the man who was apparently her target. "I don't really know. Seems interesting though." Sometimes people-watching was better than TV.

He had a whole lot of explaining to do in her eyes. She flinched, his words almost making her stop dead in her tracks. His remark cut deep, a wounded expression in dark eyes, but that only managed to deepen her resolve. In a split second she had vaulted up and over the bar top, her left hand curling into a fist and aiming for his nose. "To protect your family?" she sneered, "What does that make me?"

Low, appreciative whistle for Duci there. Even if the fist doesn't connect, that was a really nice one.

Not expecting her to actually launch herself at him, his lax stance had provided very little room for him to avoid the incoming punch. He tried to duck, but it was too little too late and her fist caught him in the eye with a loud crack. He swore, backing up into the bottles against the mirror, the glass of liquor falling to the ground with a tinkling of shattered glass but not the bottle. Couldn't abuse alcohol, you know. Stuff's expensive.

Crouched on his chest like a beast, her knees on the back bar, she brought her right fist back in an attempt to pummel him. Left, right, alternating with her words. "Huh' What about ME" I though I was family! You're a disgusting piece of scum. I can't believe you put us all through that! Don't you know what I've endured for you?! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT THE LAST TWO MONTHS HAS BEEN LIKE!" DO YOU!?" She was crying now, her words faltering as she began to shake with sobs and heaving breaths. She quickly lost her resolve, melting away from him, fists falling to her sides.

Flinching with each punch, he sagged in defeat. No, he didn't fight back, not when she said things like that. He couldn't. When her punches slowed, he attempted to look at her through a quickly swelling eye, fighting to grab a hold of his bearings and hold onto the back bar for support. "You're right," he answered calmly, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth. The bottle was not forgotten lifted to his lips for a hydrating sip. "I should have told you, but Xenia advised me not to." He had been thoughtless with his words, not thinking about how he had thrown their friend under the bus. Whoops. Nevermind the peep show they were giving the inn, and not the good kind.

She shrugged off Mai's comforting offer, still shaking with rage. With a sniffle, she turned her back on Algernon, wiping tears from her eyes. However, at the last comment, she swung to him with renewed rage. "Xenia knew"!" she hissed, her voice low and venomous. Eyes had gone to slits with the hateful look she gave him. "Are you serious?"

Oh, crap. Wrong move. He ducked his head, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. Not sure of which direction to go this time, he fought for his words, trying not to be any more incriminating that he already had been. "I wanted to tell everyone....Especially you, Duece." defensively. "Of course she knew, she orchestrated the whole damn thing!" His arms crossed along his chest, brows furrowing. "Her father had put a hit on me, and she was trying to save my ****ing life. The only people who knew were Xenia and Anya. We needed it to be kept as close the chest as possible to keep everyone authentic. It would have been disastrous for the whole plan if any one person slipped up! Don't you get it?" While he kept his voice low, he didn't keep the emotion from passing his clenched teeth. "I couldn't let anyone find out about Anya and the boys. I couldn't risk her father going after them." He lifted the bottle for another kiss. "So for once, why don't you get your head out of your *ss and stop thinking this is about YOU."

The blonde recoiled, like he had slapped her. Her eyes were red from crying, her face tear streaked, and now her ego was wounded. "I..." dulcet tones hardly above a whisper, unable to finish her thought. The ire uncoiled from her shoulders and they sagged. A wounded expression for the man she once revered. "I see." Small voice now, retreating backwards down the length of bar like a dog with its tail between its legs. "I'm sorry for inconveniencing you by caring. Through my *ss."

His lips pressed into a hard line. He looked after her with a furrow of his brows, but made no attempts to chase her or repair the damage he had just wrought. Truthfully, he hadn't meant to hurt her feelings, but sometimes the world was greater than just her and she needed to realize that. Grousing, he took another swig. World, universe, multiverse. Whatever. —-

"So for once, why don't you get your head out of your *ss and stop thinking this is about YOU."

That was the part she couldn't get out of her head.

(( Many, many thanks to the involvement of others characters in Alger and Duci's squabble!: Mai, Des, Thorn, Cove, Katt, Alex, Stasia, Hank, and anyone else I forgot! ))

Ducii · Date: 2012-08-15 15:16 EST

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I've been looking everywhere, man Looking for someone Someone who can please me Love me all night

"Scuse me." He slipped sideways to move past and down the steps. "Yer friends are probably right about me, ya know." Said simply, with a shrug, he didn't stop walking down the road while he lit that cigarette between his lips.

Her jaw trembled at Jo's words, tears welling in the corners of her eyes. "Not you, too," the blonde croaked, watching him walk away sadly. Her legs buckled, threatening her quickly approaching emotional collapse.

From over his shoulder. "Maybe its somethin I don't even know about myself because I'm always on the inside lookin in, right' I don't get it." He slowed right when he reached the bottom of the steps.

I've been everywhere, man Looking for you babe Looking for you babe Searching for you babe

"You're not what people think you are," stubbornly, staring at the back of his head. She was really, really hoping he didn't leave her there. Hadn't they just talked about this" Her frown deepened, still staring at Jochin's back. "I thought we agreed that all that mattered was you and me?" Duci reminded him, biting into her lip.

"It does. But that's unrealistic too. I don't wanna be tha reason you don't have yer friends. Ya know" Ya need more'n just me. You need yer friends. And I ain't gonna come between them and you. You'd be better off with someone that yer friends actually got along with." Another shrug, and he adjusted that ridiculous fedora.

"I have plenty of friends, and you heard David, they're still my friends." Her words came out almost a sneer, choking back a sob. "I have more than just you, Jo', but I want you, too. Don't pretend to know what?s best for me, Jochin Nagadari," she spat, her voice hardening. "Don't. Just don't. I do what I want, it has nothing to do about what?s best for me, because no one knows that but me. Don't make me choose, because I'm not going to." She couldn't, even if she wanted to.

Where have you been" 'Cause I never see you out Are hiding from me, yeah" Somewhere in the crowd

The sideroads and alleys were almost pitch black but he led the way from near rote memory. Down the streets the shadows got deeper and deeper. Until one alley where there was no light but the two crescent moons and the stars. Jo stopped for a second to look up.

"Ya know." With his arm around her shoulders again, the other hand clutching the bag of food like a football. Or a newborn baby. "Sometimes we ferget ta take time out ta enjoy tha simple things. Right?" He pointed up and out. "Like how we could probably reach every last one a those stars if we wanted ta."

She nodded, his voice drawing her away from the impending doom and to his face. "Yeah?" A moment was taken to enjoy the small things, like the lines in his face and his lips and eyes, before she followed to where he was pointing. "I could take you to the moons and back." It was barely above a whisper, but it was truth, and she turned her face back to him serenely.

"I think one of these days Dueces..." He leaned forward and put a kiss on her cheek. "I'm gonna take you up on that offer. Soon." With a small tug to her arm, and his hand finding hers, he made it to the stairs at the back of the Inn.

Where have you been" All my life, all my life Where have you been, all my life"

She didn't answer the first question, but she did smile up at him. "I'm with you. That's where I am." Lifting her hands, she grabbed him by the suspenders and tugged him toward her. "I'm here with you, even though half of Rhy'din doesn't want us to be, and even though you have a knack for digging yourself some good holes, and even though I'm an emotional wreck." This all mostly applied to today alone, nevermind the other days of the week.

He, very willingly, let himself be pulled down to give her lips a kiss that lingered. "You're with me." Said low under the noise of the air conditioner blowing. "I'm with you." The dress was strappy and he held them both in his large, strong hands. "And there's no where I'd rather be."

You can have me all you want Any way, any day To show me where you are tonight

Into her ear from where he hovered now. "You're mine." "I'm all yours." She agreed, "Don't you forget that.? "And I won't." Just a whisper.

Lyrics are "Where Have You Been" by Rihanna (( Written with Jochin Nagadari; thank you! ))

Ducii · Date: 2012-08-16 23:25 EST

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Could you whisper in my ear The things you wanna feel I'd give anythin' To feel it comin'

She wanted him to tell her everything. What he wanted, how he liked things, who he was. Each night they talked, they kissed, she felt so much closer to him. Duci could listen to him drawl on for hours, and kiss him forever.

Do you wake up on your own And wonder where you are? You live with all your faults

I wanna wake up where you are I won't say anything at all So why don't you slide

Yeah, I'm gonna let it slide

Her body was alert before her brain, sun-kissed flesh pulled taut as she stretched out her arms and legs like a cat. Her first thought was to smile. The second was....This bed feels weird... Opening an eye a crack, she peeked out between sunshines curls, not entirely sure what to expect.

I wanna wake up where you are I won't say anything at all So why don't you slide Ooh, slide

Yep, her favorite order of tall, dark and handsome was there. Still. And clearly sleeping like the dead. His arm felt heavy where it draped across her middle. She couldn't help but smile, fingers curling against his bare chest as she scooted all up close and personal against him. Lifting her head, she moved to rest it just above his heart. Blonde curls amassing in a suffocating fashion under his chin and across his mouth. Unaware of the death sentence she just gave Jochin, she sighs happily, listening to his heart beat.

And I'll do anythin' you ever dreamed to be complete Little pieces of nothin' that fall Oh, May Put your arms around me What you feel is what you are And what you are is beautiful

In that moment she watched him sleep, she wished that he could see. That they all could see that he isn't what he seems. He's tender, he's sweet. And he tastes like heaven. When they were together, he made her face light up and her heart skip a beat. She hadn't felt that sensation in a long time. She didn't want it to go away.

I wanna wake up where you are I won't say anything Yeah, slide between the sheets of all them beds you never knew Why don't you slide into my room Just slide into my room Oh, we'll run away, run away, run away

Slide by Goo Goo Dolls

Ducii · Date: 2012-08-17 12:33 EST

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The twin black eyes were fading, but the newly broken nose and busted chin were fresh wounds obtained in hopes of stifling older ones. Her heart ached in her chest the way her emotions fought between the Lo's and Jochin. She wasn't going to chose between them, she swore that to herself. But..

It's pretty clear that you've already made your own decision. That's what David had said.

Had she, then?

Ducii · Date: 2012-08-18 23:44 EST

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She wore no make-up; black eyes faded to a mottled yellow and green swirl. Her nose was swollen, as was her chin, both a deep, dark black and blue stain on an angelic face. Golden curls were pulled back into a bun at the back of her head, showing off her bruised face like they had been hard-earned medals of war.

Maybe they were.

Tears had dropped all over the letter she wrote for Riley, falling in huge splotches that made ink bubble and run. Fingertips delicately traced the soft, purple fabric before carefully folding it into the chest ontop of the other treasures. After their altercation last night, she hadn't thought she would be seeing either of the Lo's anytime soon.

With a sad sigh, she taped her letter to the top. It was with a heavy heart and a down-trodden sigh that she handed it over to the courier, who was staring at her aghast about her features.

"Yes, it's for Riley Lo. Please, be very careful with it. She is someone I treasure."

The blonde didn't feel very happy or pretty.

Ducii · Date: 2012-08-20 12:58 EST

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The bruises were fading, she noted while touching her face in the mirror. Deep bags had settled in beneath her eyes like an aberration. It had been a few days, or more, wait...When was the last time she saw Jochin? It felt like that was the last time she had slept.

Maybe it was.

The physical pain only made her numb for short periods, and gods, she was tired. Umber cut back to the bed that tempted her with the serenade of a Siren's call. The blonde almost drifted back, but Mez interrupted her with a nudge to her leg, urging her toward the door. In that instant, Duci was supremely thankful that she didn't live alone.

"Yes, you're right, honey. Work time." A soft smile as she dropped to one knee, rubbing her face in Mez's soft fur.

Ducii · Date: 2012-08-21 22:57 EST

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She kissed jailbait. Well, no, not really. It was technically only half on the lips. That doesn't count, right? Duci hoped not.

The blonde was having anxiety attacks about this!

Ducii · Date: 2012-08-25 01:00 EST

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Another Silverblood Lines Boutique specialty.

Ducii · Date: 2012-08-25 18:01 EST

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He asked her not to leave.. So, Duci did the most logical thing she could think of. She promised she wouldn't.

It was late by the time they finally had fallen asleep, dawn peeking past the shades of his room. They hadn't noticed, at least she hadn't. Jochin was warm to the touch and cozy, so she curled around him and snuggled close to get as much of her against him. Relishing the intimacy, head resting against his chest so she could hear his heartbeat, she fell asleep like that.

Ducii · Date: 2012-08-27 18:02 EST

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Duci had been ogling a pair of heels in the window the first time she felt the hairs on the back of her neck prickle. It was a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time, and she whipped her head around sharply. Umber looked left and right, sweeping through the crowded way, but saw no one paying attention to her.

She frowned, turning back to the heels she desired so badly. Not ready to cough up that much money, she stepped back and headed for home. The feeling of unease never left her, and she couldn't stop herself from glancing back over her shoulder from time to time.

Today, the feeling was stronger than ever. She couldn't shake it. It was dark and foreboding, and gave her the chills.

Ducii · Date: 2012-08-29 16:10 EST

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A mysterious gift had arrived for Duci at the office. It was wrapped in exquisite, expensive cherry red wrapping paper, and decorated with a very simple, black ribbon. There was no note, nor a return address. It was just simply...there. The minute her fingers touched the object, she felt a shiver run down her spine.

There was something ominous about this package.

Giving it another weird look, she caught a passing errandboy by the collar of his shirt. "Take this to my house, drop it on the counter, then leave," the blonde hissed, frightening the boy into quick action when he took the package.

Ducii · Date: 2012-09-03 19:46 EST

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Duci didn't stay long, unable to shake the horrible feeling lurking in the back of her mind. Shadows were in every sideways look she made; fear in the pit of her stomach.

Ducii · Date: 2012-09-03 19:52 EST

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Duci awoke in much brighter spirits than she had felt all weekend, and decided to venture out. While her stomach made somersaults at the prospect of potentially being confronted with Riley and David, she actually kind of hoped it would happen. This way they could perhaps clear the air between them.

So, it was with a lighter heart she escaped the penthouse, the ribbon left on the bathroom counter.

Ducii · Date: 2012-09-05 14:44 EST

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It was funny how something so simple and innocuous could consume her. The ribbon was simple; black and elegant, but plain. When she first opened the gift, it had been tossed carelessly aside, no second thoughts saved. Yet, somehow she kept finding herself with it. A hair accessory, a stress reliever...Always some excuse, but not every day. The moments were random, sporadic, heat of the moment....But never failed.

Was it darkness she was sinking into, or something worse?

Ducii · Date: 2012-09-06 22:41 EST

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The ribbon was simple, black weaving in and out of blonde curls from where they were rolled into twin victory rolls at the top her head and secured at the back of her head in a twisted bun. It was loud and dark in the club, her pulse echoing the fast beat as it reverbrated through her very being. Her body writhed and swayed, arms alternating between running down her body and entangling above her head sensuously.

Eyes closed as she let the music guide her; a woman possessed. When lids fluttered open, dark eyes shone in the shady lighting with a hungry flame. She was hungry, not sure for what. A thin layer of sweat glistened along exposed fleshed as she slithered through the crowd. Bodies grinded with hers and she relished in it, wanting and needing more skin against hers.

She was having a hard time remaining geared in look but don't touch mode, the siren's call of the nearby dancers harder and harder to resist. The nearness quelled the desire a little bit, but not enough, so she grooved her way to the door to seek out her favorite order of Tall, Dark and Handsome.

Ducii · Date: 2012-09-12 16:28 EST

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It had been days since she last left the house except for the purpose of work. Any spare moments had been spent searching for something she lost. She wasn't sure why it felt so valuable, but without it she felt like she was missing a part of herself. That little missing piece of her could have been because of Jochin's absence and the void he left in his empty space...but it was the ebon ribbon that was dominating her thoughts.

She'd been acting odd lately; spouting off in random bursts of anger over nothing, acting lewdly with strangers at the club, and even drinking more than usual. None of it was doing anything to satiate the strange appetite that overcame her.

Every day it had waned a little, but she had clearly spent a lot of time in close proximity to the ribbon for it to have such a powerful hold on her. Distraught, she finally decided there were no other nooks, crannies or crevices to be searched and prowled out of the house to hunt for it.

Ducii · Date: 2012-09-21 22:26 EST

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It was a catch up day, and required she actually get back to the office to accomplish some work. She rose early, well before the sun peaked, and stole into the office while it was still marginally empty. Duci liked it that way, the quiet lull in the early rays of dawn as it broke upon the horizon and filtered inside.

Ducii · Date: 2012-10-26 00:10 EST

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You got a smile so bright You know you could have been a candle I'm holding you so tight You know you could have been a handle The way you swept me off my feet You know you could've been a broom And babe you smell so sweet You know you could've been some perfume

It'd been a few weeks. Was he alright' When would he be back"

She was staring blankly at the holographic screen.

Well, you could have been anything that you wanted to I can tell The way you do the things you do

Time was passing slow enough that Duci swore it was standing still. Tick. Tick. Tick.

What was she doing at this desk" Chin cupped in her palm, browns took a glance around. She was content, wasn't she" But sometimes....she couldn't help but feel like she was meant for something more.

As pretty as you are You know you could have been a flower If good looks were minutes You know you could have been an hour The way you stol my heart You know you could have been a crook And baby you're so smart You know you could have been a school book

A bitter scowl as the thought briefly flitted across her mind. She had done something more, or had she forgotten already" Disgusted, she pushed back and onto her feet.

"I'm off." To no one in particular as she snatched up her clutch and hurried out.

The Way You Do the Things You Do by UB40

Ducii · Date: 2012-11-13 22:04 EST

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"Are you sure this is going to work?" the blonde asked, sounding dubious, as she pushed off from the work table to look over her friend's shoulder. The petite witch had both hands held out apart and in front of her, a faint pink glow emanating from the glittery, sparkly pink wand that was suspended in midair between her hands. She was murmuring under her breath in a mix of old Latin, Brodaen and even Common.

"Of course it will," Juliana replied confidently, opening an eye and turning her head to look at Duci with a wide smile, "I am the one casting the spell for you, after all. Trust me, it will be perfect! It will be even better than those flimsy little sticks they give you at the Isle. Now be quiet so I can concentrate." She did pause in her spell working to pull out of one of the blonde's hairs. The hair floated up from her fingertips and joined with the wand by coiling around it. "This is to bind the wand to you; this is what will make it a superior wand specifically for you."

Duci tentatively reached out for the wand, pausing hesitantly for the go ahead from Juliana. The witch nodded her head encouragingly. Plucking the wand out from the air, she twirled it in her fingertips. It was a little warm to the touch, but it felt good in her hands. After examining the wand for a moment, she looked up to Juliana with a gleam in her eye. "Will you show me how to use it?"

Yep. She was ready for the epic battle against Barbie!

Ducii · Date: 2012-11-14 23:11 EST

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White and red. Innocent sin?

A soft sigh and flutter of her heart. She woke up with a smile. He'd been home last night. Her arm flopped, reaching across the empty canvas. Empty bed, and empty dreams.

Defeated sigh as she rolled languidly out of bed.

Ducii · Date: 2012-11-15 22:29 EST

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A twirl, a curl, an absent minded whirl. The whole city was still; a heavy silence permeated the spacious penthouse. Jochin was busy, Os was probably out catching mice, and Mez was slumbering beneath the bed. Fingers ran over the edges of every nook and cranny, sinking into the familiarity and soaking in glimpses of moments past.

Scenes flickered by, replaying tenderness and anguish. Perhaps some things were best forgotten. Duci turned away, the cold leeching into her bones. She shook her head, willing the visions away.

"Just let go."

Ducii · Date: 2012-11-18 01:36 EST

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A beach party in the middle of winter" Unbelievable. Granted, this was Harris and Seirichi we were talking about, and anything was possible with them. The blonde leaned in the doorway of her walk-in closet, a cup of chocolate coffee warm between her hands. Clad in a ruffly, black, strapless bikini and strappy gold heels, she was only seeking the dress to finish the outfit.

She glanced down, blonde curls spilling over her shoulder and tumbling down her chest, tickling bare flesh. Duci had hoped that Jochin would be back today, so he could accompany her. Unfortunately, her plans hadn't quite worked out that way.

A shiver ran down her spine.

It was unnaturally cold. Maybe that had to do with being lonely"

Music filtered in the background and she drew from her coffee cup reluctantly. A sway and rock of her hips and she was pushing off from the frame of the entryway. She half-twirled, half-walked further inside the closet, immersing herself in a sea of clothing. One hand peeled away from the mug to trail along the various dresses.

"Eenie." Tugs on the fabric of a beige dress. Too long. "Meenie." Fingers trailed a few dresses before settling on a black one. Too plain. "Minie." Pulling out a flowered dress. Too spring-y. "Mo." Several steps were taken forward, fingers curling into the purple fabric and pulling it out. It had gold accents. It would do.

Ducii · Date: 2012-11-19 23:46 EST

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Fingers trailed over the intricate mesh detail of her dress, feeling every bump and every gap. Gaps like the one in her own heart; holes of misery. There were little things that eased their way in, filling in the missing pieces like putty. But nothing was ever permanent. Sometimes, her heart swelled many sizes too big. It was in those moments that she was grateful for the mesh lining, for it allowed her heart to expand in ways unthinkable. Unfortunately, it also shrank when it was empty. A testament to her perpetual loneliness.

Her hands moved down, fingering the poufy skirt as it extended out from her thighs. It bounced and danced with every step; if only it could add a little jiggle to her heart. It could use a jumpstart today.

Lifting her head, she glanced out at the swiftly approaching dawn. Already, rays of sunshine burst from over the edge of the city's horizon, warming her face. Lips spread into a soft smile, closing her eyes and basking in the moment of quiet. A fresh moment of serenity.

Her mesh heart swelled. Maybe it was the little things, after all.

Eyes fluttered open as she took a deep breath. One foot before the other, right?

Little did she know what surprised the evening would bring.

Ducii · Date: 2012-11-20 23:13 EST

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Morning mentoring session with King. Might just kill her.

The pavement pounded beneath deft footfalls. Duci's muscles hardly even registered fatigue as she turned into her next lap. A small trickle of sweat beaded at her hairline and nose, and her skin felt clammy against the biting cold of dawn. Throughout her whole run, she reviewed her two duels from Monday night.

Replaying each round, the blonde thought about all the moves that could have been utilized and how things would have played out from there. However, instead of being insightful, it made her mad, disappointed in herself for reading her opponents" moves so wrong. Pushing herself harder, she easily gained speed.

It was clear Duci had any qualms with speed"her average mile was 5 minutes 30 seconds, and that was without trying. Clearly, her issue was a lack of good decision making. Story of her whole entire life; giving up her life for duty, going to flight school to be a pilot, trusting in others, believing in love, hoping for something better" The best thing she ever did, however, was leave the fleet. Maybe coming to Rhy'din is tied into that.

Seeing King at the end of the line, she slowed her pace before easing to a stop before her. It wasn't until she stopped that she felt the exhaustion sink into her bones. Hunched over, hands on her knees, she heaved in gasping breaths.

"I'll do better next time.? Duci didn't elaborate to which she meant.

Ducii · Date: 2012-11-25 00:16 EST

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Ducii · Date: 2012-11-25 22:19 EST

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Ducii · Date: 2012-11-28 22:28 EST

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Ducii · Date: 2012-12-02 14:39 EST

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An Ode to Fall

Duci snuggled futher into the confines of the fur-lined coat. Everywhere, the world was barren and blindingly white with graying and darkened skies. Closing her eyes, she dreamed of colors and blue and crisp mornings. A myriad of orange, red, yellow and browns, falling from trees as if from the heavens. She'd take the leaves over the snow any day.

Snowflakes crashed and landed in blonde curls, metling and darkening the golden spools. Winter had certainly come, setting roots into the cobbled roads and winding alleys of Rhy'din. She could feel it deep and heavy in her bones, a constant prickle and ebb along her flesh.

The burnished orange and bronze silk hung from her shoulders as an ode to fall. A soft and delicious reminder that while maybe it had been lost to Father Christmas and his Yuletide season, it forever blazed deep within her heart. It caught spark and burned, a yearning so fervent it kept her warm.

When chocolates opened, for a moment she swore it was still fall. And that, she could relish in.

Ducii · Date: 2012-12-06 23:15 EST

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Christmas tree shopping with Jochin

Ducii · Date: 2012-12-07 23:51 EST

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The last week had been simply amazing. A little bit of Jo, all day long" What more could a girl ask for"!

Today, however, had been back to the grind and she decided to spend the majority of it shopping. Christmas shopping, not clothes. And maybe the perfect gift for Jochin?

Ducii · Date: 2012-12-09 00:02 EST

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Duci had spent all week toying with the crazy idea of participating in Secret Santa, and today she finally gave in. Maybe it was because she was ball's deep (excuse the pun) in the spirit of giving....but here was to Yuletide!

Ducii · Date: 2012-12-09 02:25 EST

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Harbor Lights Ceremony

She wished Jo would be able to attend the ceremony with her, but perhaps she could corral him into a romantic tour of Rhy'din's waterways at a later date.

What was she looking forward to the most' The food, of course!

—

By the time Duci made it to the inn, she was feeling quite pleased with herself. Collie had helped her choose the perfect gift for her Secret Santa receivee, and she'd spent most of the morning filtering through shops and vendors in the Marketplace in search of just the right thing. It had taken longer than she thought it would, but in the end she had been victorious! Satsified with her purchase, she carefully scripted a little note and rolled it up inside with the gift before carefully wrapping it in golds and reds. Then, she set off to take the package to her Elf!

"Gods bless these elves!" she declared to no one in particular as she headed off to get warm with a cozy beverage.

Ducii · Date: 2012-12-10 22:29 EST

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Ducii · Date: 2012-12-11 21:56 EST

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Charity Date Auction Night

Ducii · Date: 2012-12-12 22:51 EST

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12/12/12...ominous!

Santa's little...Elf? For the Talkinghead Ned Yule-abration!

Ducii · Date: 2012-12-14 10:14 EST

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Ducii · Date: 2012-12-16 22:01 EST

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When Duci woke this morning, there was a package waiting outside, and attached a little card read:

Ducii,

The gifts you sent for the Secret Santa thingamabob were absolutely wonderful and entirely spot on. Your generosity really pulled me out of my holiday slump and I know that it put a smile on Magenta's face. I'm back on Earth for a few days, so I hope this package gets to you safely and- in case of the cherry pie- quickly. May your Insert-Name-Of-Preferred-Holiday be as lovely as you are.

-Audrey

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Her face lit up like a Christmas tree, lifting the box to peek inside. She sniffed gingerly beneath the lid. "Mmm, cherry!" A purr of delight as the door slammed back behind her.

If no one saw her the rest of the weekend, it would be because she pigged out on cherry pie.

Ducii · Date: 2012-12-21 23:37 EST

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It's not Good-Bye, it's See You Later, Riles

Duci was mid-sip of coffee when she read the obituary. The lulled quiet of the penthouse was immediately shattered with a sharp intake of air, followed by the tinkling of fine china as her mug shattered. It was like swallowing a thousand knives, her heart fracturing into as many pieces as her broken mug. Coffee had spilled down her front, scalding through the thin nighty, but she barely even registered the pain as her grief consumed her. Her breath came in quick, choking gasps, but no oxygen was getting to her lungs. She was drowning in a thick blackness of sorrow. It was pain, agony' Another lingering loss that threatened to tear her apart as she crumpled into a heap on the floor. A pile of golden spun curls and limbs, curled protectively around an aching heart as she whimpered through her wails and tears.

Riley and her had gone months without seeing each other before, and she never thought anything of it. She didn't need to, Riley was a constant. Like the revolution of the plants, she always came back around. The blond had never considered like without Riley because that just wasn't plausible. It hurt to dress that morning, to pick a black dress. Riley's loss hit her so much harder than Alper's, and that could just be because it was her second loss in a year. Or it could be because Riley meant so much more to her than even she knew. Her eyes were red and puffy, but she wasn't crying anymore. To be safe, she opted out of make-up all together, going au natural for the somber occasion.

Like Riley' Riley had always been pure beauty, she didn't need make-up or to dress up to be stunning.

She thought of how they left things, a thin membrane between friends, fragile, and she sniffled with despair. "Oh, Riley' I'm so sorry." Duci wished she had one last chance to say good-bye, but she wasn't even afforded that opportunity. So, today would have to suffice. Every day since the obituary had been posted, she had talked to Riley's spirit, or tried to. It was almost like Riley had been next to her; people probably thought she lost her marbles.

Ducii · Date: 2012-12-23 02:01 EST

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Fingers tenderly traced the outline of her bruises. Her nose was black and blue, her lip split open, and a knot protruded unkindly from her forehead. She teased her curls, trying to hide the bruises or at least mask them a little. Duci growled in frustration, unable to conceal the not-so-honorable wounds. If she couldn't make them disappear, at least she could make herself look damn good with a fine dress.

Problem solved.

Ducii · Date: 2012-12-29 03:05 EST

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She glimmered like a winter wonderland, peach colored flesh rosy and speckled with blue sparkles that shone like sapphires beneath the hazy night lights. The fur-trimmed cape kept her warm and cozy despite the dead cold of the late evening. Her face was pinched red, the bruises mildly visible but fading faster than she expected them to.

Christmas had come and gone, a whirlwind that she deftly avoided in the recesses of her home. A single box remained beneath the tree, a gift for Jochin, whom she didn't know when she'd see again....Gifts had been dropped off by friends, still sitting just inside the entryway, unopened but not quite forgotten.

And here she was, the caterpillar emerging a butterfly.

Her new years resolution? Do something.

Ducii · Date: 2012-12-31 23:29 EST

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Ringing in the new year with some new bling... A diamond necklace that pulses faintly!

Ducii · Date: 2013-01-04 23:39 EST

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Come over here

All you got is this moment The twenty-first century's yesterday You can care all you want Everybody does, yeah, that's okay

So slide over here And give me a moment Your moves are so raw I've got to let you know I've got to let you know You're one of my kind

I need you tonight 'Cause I'm not sleeping There's something about you (girl) That makes me sweat

How do you feel I'm lonely What do you think Can't take it all What ya gonna do Gonna live my life

Need you Tonight by INXS

Whenever Jo' was gone, she couldn't help but feel lonely. Lonely meant insomnia, and those were her least favorite nights. There was only so much baking, reading, and staring at a wall she could take.

Friday? Fight night. She'd indulge a little tonight.

Ducii · Date: 2013-01-11 22:58 EST

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Her head swam with wrinkled sheets and thoughts of Jochin as she exited the penthouse. A smile was firmly imprinted on her lips while she tucked her hands in the pockets of her coat, sauntering off for the Outback to knock some sense into her lonely little self.

Ducii · Date: 2013-02-01 23:18 EST

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She'd been keeping busy. Between borrowing time in the office's shop on extra hours, she'd put heads together with Koy on a fashion event for the kids during Fashion Week.

All in all, she considered her last week a bright success. It was too bad she had other obligations and would be unable to model over the weekend.

Ducii · Date: 2013-02-02 15:26 EST

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She may not be able to model, but she had plans to stop in for the Fashion Week 2013 Charity Kickoff - The Fighting Spirit. And leave a hefty donation on behalf of Koch Holdings, too. She was good for some things!

The blonde didn't drink, but last night remained a fuzzy haze. When she woke up this morning, the only thing she could think was that her face felt like it was on fire and threatening to detach it hurt so bad. Stumbling out of bad, she staggered for the bathroom. Fluorescent lights lit up around her, blinding her. Duci blinked furiously, trying to see through the spotty remnants of sleep and dull throb of pain.

She had to wait longer than she anticipated; the sharp, gasping inhales of air the beginnings of a panic attack. Finally the edges became clearer, centralizing until her face came into view. She gasped, horrified by the monstrosity front and center. "Oh, no," she whimpered.

It looked angry. Worse than a pimple. Lifting her hands, she delicately touched at the tender, black and blue swell of tender flesh. Duci recoiled at her own touch, shrinking back from the mirror. "Oh, no, oh, no, oh, no," she reiterated, silently wishing the preposterous thing away.

She might need to make a pit stop at Riverview on the way to the office. There was no guarantee that even the best cover up would be able to mask it sufficiently.

Ducii · Date: 2013-02-16 23:16 EST

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You are stellar

Tonight was the Valentine's Ball. Gold and guns and Bond. She had carefully selected an outfit that had been originally selected for Christmas festivities, but didn't end up being used then. It was perfect for tonight, a gold and black swirl of glitter and femininity.

Meet me in outer space We could spend the night Watch the earth come up I've grown tired of that place Won't you come with me" We could start again

A part of her kept hoping Jochin would show up tonight, but it'd been a long week since she last saw him. Instead, she lolled around in bed on her back, fingers tracing invisible constellations where light sparkled across her bedroom ceiling.

How do you do it" You make me feel like I do How do you do it? It's better than I ever knew, ho

A smile teased the corners of her mouth, recalling how she spent her last weekend with Jo'. An early Valentine's surprise that had been months in the making. It involved many long, sleepless nights in the shop.

It was worth every breath.

Meet me in outer space I will hold you close If you're afraid of heights I need you to see this place It might be the only way That I can show you how It feels to be inside of you

It also rekindled a burn deep inside that she thought had died a long time ago.

You are stellar

Ducii · Date: 2013-03-09 17:21 EST

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had a little love but i spread it thin falling in her arms and out again i made a bad name for my game 'round town tore out my heart and shut it down

nothing to do nowhere to be a simple little kind of free nothing to do no one but me and that's all i need

i'm perfectly lonely cause i don't belong to anyone and nobody belongs to me.

Perfectly Lonely by John Mayer

Absence made the heart grow fonder, didn't it'

She had secretly hoped that giving Jochin a key to her penthouse would lead him to her bed more frequently. Instead, it made her feel more lonely for all the nights he didn't show up.

He was busy, work took him away for weeks at a time. She knew and accepted this, but that didn't mean she was infallible.

Ducii · Date: 2013-08-04 00:40 EST

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It was funny, the way aging another year made you feel.

She was lonely, heartbroken, and the thought of being in his arms again was really what made her return. With Jochin busy with his 'work' stuff, Koch idling to a standstill...she was restless, needed to get away. It was to home she returned to, originally, but being on that desolate planet only made her sorrow increase tenfold, and seeing her brothers hadn't helped. Instead she found herself in a gypsy summer, flitting between planets with a restless edge.

Stepping off the shuttle and into Rhy'din's Spaceport was like taking a breath of fresh air, a smile curling unbeckoned.

Guess this was home after all.

Ducii · Date: 2013-10-11 23:46 EST

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It was strange how time passed in blank intervals. In a blink of an eye, her lonely birthday had passed and she had traveled well into October. She had no idea what had occurred since July, and she couldn't even discern whether or not she'd been conscious.

But she was alive, now.

Flexing her fingers, she felt her blood pulse beneath the feeble, thin membrane of human flesh. She was going to get out of the house. Her decision was resolute.

She hadn't seen Jo' in a while, and her body was itching for a good beating.

The burger and shake from Screaming Mimi's was the almost perfect ending to her evening.

Ducii · Date: 2013-10-18 19:11 EST

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Insomnia had hit again, not that she wasn't used to pulling longer hours than the average human as it was, but it was worse than usual. She'd been up since she went dueling last week. It was like an itch she couldn't scratch enough. Her skin prickled uncomfortably. Instead of getting her fix, she found by another means: running. She went for marathon-long runs in the dark and cool evenings with high hopes the long excursion would lull her into a quiet sleep. Alas, she couldn't seduce the Sandman.

She occupied herself by sneaking into the lab at Koch Holdings to work on her bike instead. Tonight, however....She intended to scratch that itch.

Ducii · Date: 2013-10-19 23:44 EST

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She didn't see Doc, but she did rest. For almost 24 hours. It was a long, dreamless sleep. Which she was thankful for because she didn't want to think of Jochin...It hurt to at the moment. Perhaps that's why she found herself headed to the rings.

Just another weak attempt to displace her pain.

Ducii · Date: 2013-10-20 23:29 EST

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I've been holding out so long I've been sleeping all alone Lord I miss you I've been hanging on the phone I've been sleeping all alone I want to kiss you

It was funny how old habits died hard. Face buried in her pillow, bundled under blankets and silk. Fingers crawled across the empty canvas of bed, reaching for a ghost.

Well, I've been haunted in my sleep You've been staring in my dreams Lord I miss you. I've been waiting in the hall Been waiting on your call

Not finding what she was looking for, she lifted her head groggily, confused. Still hazy with sleep, sweet dreams and thoughts of Jo'. Umber blinked open after a few tries, blearily surveying the space beside her. Half expecting to see someone there, she exhaled in disappointment. Coiling around, she fumbled for the phone.

When the phone rings It's just some friends of mine that say, "Hey, what?s the matter man" We're gonna come around at twelve With some Puerto Rican girls that are just dyin' to meet you We're gonna bring a case of wine Hey, let's go mess and fool around You know, like we used to"

No missed calls, no texts. Groans, flopping back against the pillows in despair.

You've been strung up for her too long, You know - girls will come and go - They're just like streetcars... I've been staying here too long, Sometimes I feel so Abandoned...

Oh everybody waits so long Oh baby why you wait so long Won't you come on! Come on!

Mumbles a quick prayer under her breath. "Please let him come home today." An easy mantra to fall into every day. Sitting, waiting, wishing. Hope was too much to ask for, sometimes, but she couldn't stop.

I've been walking Central Park Singing after dark People think I'm crazy I've been stumbling on my feet Shuffling through the street People ask me, "What's the matter with you boy?"

Sometimes I want to say to myself Sometimes I say I won't miss you child

Steeling herself, she tried to think about something, anything else. She didn't want to miss him. It hurt. It made her feel vulnerable. She didn't want to be vulnerable.

I guess I'm lying to myself It's just you and no one else Lord I won't miss you child You've been blotting out my mind Fooling on my time No, I won't miss you, baby, yeah

Lord, I miss you

What day was it again? Sunday" Closing her eyes, she envisioned the dueling schedule. Fight Night and Diamond Challenge. She knew what she'd do to keep her mind of Jo'. Either duel, or watch. Possibly get inebriated. That might just be a side effect.

Miss You by The Rolling Stones

Ducii · Date: 2013-10-21 20:36 EST

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Someone once said that if you wear bright colors, you'll feel better. That was Duci's philosophy. Getting out helped, too. And by getting out, she meant getting punched.

Ducii · Date: 2013-10-23 21:48 EST

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Ducii · Date: 2013-10-29 00:51 EST

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Who said company costume parties couldn't be fun? But perhaps it's the after party that's more much enticing.