Fingers clenched at his nape, the barest hint of claws touching his flesh as she allowed her eyelids to flutter closed briefly in that brazen contact. A slow intake of breath, then it was released. ?ah, Vorn... you have no idea how much I'm going to take you up on that.? Unfortunately, she was so caught up in him that she failed to spy Scotty - at least for the moment. Finally she opened her eyes once more, turning glimmering green-golds onto Vorn. ?And you know what'll be fun? Driving you insane between times, and knowing you'll like it because you know I won't truly deny you.? an almost dark grin crawled across her face at the thought. Scotty tilted his head some at Jaycy on the bar, apparently in quite a... a... moment there, looking maybe a bit confused.

The ascending hand showed no sign of slowing, and Vorn's casual tone indicated he thought nothing of it whatsoever. "Y'take pleasure in th'torture, don't ya?" His wicked smile was something to behold, until another draw of smoke took the attention of his lips. "I'd be hurt, but th'game you play is a lovely one indeed." Half of the strange cigarette still remained, and he turned it about in a motion too fast to be seen by the naked eye. "Care for a taste?" Vorn offered it up toward Jaycy innocently.

No, Scotty wasn?t going to interrupt that scene!

A low, rumbling purr escaped from deep within Jaycy. She didn't move the hand, or seek to stop it. ?If you didn't encourage me, I wouldn't play. I am at your command, m'lord.? Clawed fingers pressed into his flesh - not enough to break skin but to remind him of their presence. At his offer, she shook her head. ?No, thank you. It's a habit I don't want to start.? Her other hand dropped to his elbow - the elbow of the arm close to her, to knead there lightly.

The Scot?s words to Harris make her ears twitch. Ohh, she knew that voice! Swiftly she looked around (without disengaging from Vorn, though) and upon spying him she offered a bright grin! A bright grin that dissolved into a soft gasp and a return to the man she was settled so close to.

"Perhaps there's wisdom in that," Vorn smiled, his free hand toying with a long strip of cloth he'd seemingly produced from thin air, the cigarette back between his lips. "I'll always encourage, but... never command, m'lovely."

Scotty caught that grin and grinned right back at her, though he didn't go and get all vouyeristic, when it was pretty clear that she was really on the busy side. He just smiled to himself, then replied to Harris.

?Mmm. A pity.? She crooned to Vorn, with a cheshire smile. She withdrew her touch from elbow and neck, flexing both hands for a moment and then scooting back and leaving him to play with the cloth, away from him along the bar. She turned on the bartop and allowed her legs to drop behind it, then she fell off the edge to stand somewhat near Scotty. ?Hug me, you fool.?

His mind left to its own devices for the moment, a slick grin stretched Vorn's lips as the strip of cloth was now wrapped about his arm like a bandage. "Wicked, y'are." he muttered into his ale, taking a deep gulp.

She granted an arch look toward Vorn before turning again toward Scotty, easing another step closer to him. She didn't say anything the second time, but merely opened her arms in silent request.

Well, he wasn?t gonna deny that. He nodded to Harris and then right into Jaycy's arms he went. ? How are ye??

Catching Jaycy's gaze, he flicked his arm out and the strip of cloth became a makeshift whip, giving her a slight *pop* on the arse, before winding back around his arm just like before. One last drag from his cigarette followed, then it was crushed into a nearby tray.

Her arms wrapped around him for a tight, warm "I missed you" hug. She even went so far as to kiss his cheek. She also managed not to react outwardly toward the "attack" from Vorn, though there was a faint chuckle in her hug with Scotty. ?Busy, and you? Psly says hello, as well.?

He blinked at the little 'attack', then shook it off and grinned. ?Still alive. We ended up Nexus-bumped fer a week or so. Just gettin' back together here some. Tell him I say hi back??

?Aye, of course. You'll have to tell me of your adventure, too, soon.? She gave one more light squeeze before pulling back. She'd seen the crab and didn't want to take up too much of his distraction but she *had* to say hi. Another smile, then she withdrew and hopped onto the bar again, scooting toward Vorn once more. A brow arched toward him. ?Did you call me wicked a few moments ago??

"I did indeed," Vorn snickered slightly, leaning back against the bar to curl an arm around her waist. For now it seemed to behave itself. "Have y'a protest?" He waggled the other slightly, displaying that strip of cloth with a smile. "I went t'all that effort..."

?Mayhap. Are you going to do something about me being wicked?? The brow remained elevated as she reached out for the dangling end of that strip of cloth. ?You did, but for what reason?? The grin resurfaced, lips quirked upward. ?Content with just that tonight, knowing I'm leaving without you??

The First Tattoo ? the Tiger

Vorn had prepared, and without his usual lightning speed. The furniture was all against the walls, save for a huge table in the center of the room, topped by a firm mattress. To the side was a chair and a stand with dozens of needles and inks, nearly every color imaginable. One who moved such as he didn't need that silly gun most used these days... and his method was much more personal, more intimate. It was rare that he did this for anyone, especially without first having agreed on a rather high sum of coin. It was on that chair he now sat, breathing smoke, two bottles into a case of twelve of Black Tar? ale.

It was a good thing she didn't specify a time to arrive - it meant she couldn't be late when she got lost! She'd taken the bike, but still had little idea how to use that blasted navigational system. Finding the store that his studio was located over wasn't easy, but finally she managed. The motorcycle was parked outside and she climbed off, freeing her red- and silver- hair from the protective helmet. She settled that in a compartment behind the bike's seat and then turned toward the building, looking for the right door. She strode to one and reached for the knob, to turn it. Luckily it was the right one and she was rewarded with a set of stairs. She didn't take them two at a time (short legs) but she did hurry. Soon enough she' was at the door to the studio, knuckles rapping three times upon it.

"'s'open, m'lovely." Mind you, the man had no way to divine the visitor's identity, but this place was secret. As far as most knew, it was just an abandoned building. Vorn was squatting, but no one seemed to care... yet, and if they did, they wouldn't knock. "Yer earlier than I 'xpected."

She leaned in after the knocking to more easily hear the response. Her lips curved up in a slight smile; he didn't know that something had happened to dampen her mood but just hearing his voice seemed to be stirring the earlier good humor. She took a deep breath and then wrapped her hand slowly around the knob, turning it and pushing the door. For their meeting she was in jeans, boots, a yellow t-shirt and her bomber jacket. She slipped through the space and twisted, to carefully make sure the door was closed behind her. In fact, she further made sure to lock it. Finally, assured they likely wouldn't be disturbed, Jaycy faced him, the slight smile playing on her lips. ?Is that bad? Do I need to go away?? With the words, she shrugged first out of the bomber jacket, allowing it to puddle at the floor, then she grabbed the hem of the shirt and pulled it up over her head. That dropped to the ground as well. There was no cloth band of support beneath the t-shirt.

"Mmm... absolutely not, love." The band was still wrapped around his arm, worn even as he'd spent the last night in another woman's arms. A reminder, maybe? As he regarded her, stripped to the waist, his head shook slightly. "But y'don't have t'do my work for me." In that moment he was upon her, the wrapped arm slipping around her back, fingers driving up into that silver-red spill he'd grown quite fond of. The other set itself upon her cheek, drawing a slow line downward. "...all y'have to do is relax."

Her head tilted back at the touches, her chest arching up and toward his. Lips parted, allowing a soft sigh to escape. Her hands came up, seeking to make contact with his upper arms, gliding her palms over his flesh, up, inching toward his shoulders where fingers clenched. Her words were slightly husked, deep, soft. ?In the way you need me relaxed, I am.? Green-gold eyes peered up, hooded. It seemed that first touch from him acted like a switch; it may have been something she'd been anticipating all day. From her reaction it seemed like it was. ?But if we don't start work, we'll never get done.? Her words said that, but the tongue over her lips, the glint in her eyes, they might have been saying something different.

"Indeed..." Temptation pulled him in two directions at once, but both of them led to the same destination for now - the mattress on the table, with her wearing nothing but a hairstyle, one that he was currently ruining. "...I only work on th'finest of canvas, o'course." With that, he made to finish her undressing, but without his speed. Vorn would slowly unveil her like a dearly awaited gift, and a devouring kiss sought her lips, something he'd long been unable to resist. Two nights of being denied had made the taste all the sweeter even now.

Sensitive to his touch, the outline brought a soft sigh - the finger upward caused that tiny shiver and her left leg fell back, shifting closer toward him involuntarily. She was mindful of the wings, though, allowing them to droop to the sides and curve a little back, around him loosely. ?Not born, but that is part of the tale I owe.? She breathed in, then released it. ?Where do you want to start?? Rather, she wasn't sure whether she was ready for the worst one at the onset and so jokingly set the choice to him - the joking undertone of "where do you want to touch me?" unspoken but heavily implied in the question.

"Perhaps we shall start at th'beginning?" His hand came then to her side, where this all had indeed started. A slow, gentle sweep brought his touch from just above her hips upward, brushing lightly along the edge of her breast. "...and that reminds me, m'lovely. I did tell you m'price." The other hand touched a wing once again. "...yer story." There was a weight in his voice, one that spoke volumes. Perhaps this price was one he valued much more than the vast expenses he'd drawn from his clients in the past.

A more tell-tale shudder wracked through her at the next touch, and she tucked her wings tight against her back, stepping forward enough to turn and face him - she'd learned some of how to move with those wings so she wouldn't hit anyone! - and then stepped back in. A hand reached up for his neck to pull him down as she simultaneously rose on tiptoes to deliver a kiss. She kept this kiss soft, and short, but the need hadn't lessened. She had to force herself to keep it as innocent as it was. Kiss delivered, she stepped away, closing her eyes and drawing the wings into her back once more - it wouldn't do to lay on them. ?Put me on there how you need me, and I'll tell you as you work.? It was a tempting invitation to touch her - tempting in that they may not get the work done. But honestly, she couldn?t resist.

"Y'tempt me so..." His arms closed around her, pressing their bodies together, and between soft kisses to the side of her neck, he could only whisper. "Y'know how much I want you..." His right arm, still covered by her wrapping, reached down to take her thigh, bringing it up and around him. "M'eyelids paint yer picture even when another screams my name."

She groaned softly. One leg wrapped around him, she shifted her hips to place her lower half pressed squarely - and so intimately - against his groin. ?That could be dangerous, Vorn.? Jaycy spoke softly, not chiding but not quite teasing either. ?I'm addictive.? That held a true hint of teasing, and she grinded into him. Her hands slid toward his hips, fingertips dipping beneath the hem of his brown pants and pressing into the flesh below. Then, she wiggled her hands in more, until the edge of the pants hooked in that space between thumb and index finger. Hands pushed down carefully to help remove his bottoms.

"Y'are, m'lovely." Without the slightest protest, he stepped easily out of his pants, and spun about to lay her down once again upon the mattress. This time, work was the furthest thing from his mind. Unclothed, he then returned that teasing grind, only slower and more intense, to let her feel every inch of what awaited her. He made no effort to penetrate... not yet. "...an' it's too late, I'm 'fraid. I've become quite addicted." The shine in his eyes was enough to attest to that, before they closed and his lips found the soft skin of her throat, moving slowly downward. Hips disengaging from her altogether, he dened himself that for now to demonstrate for her something else that was blessed with his alarming speed - his tongue. A living whirlwind, it flicked and teased and tasted as he made a trail toward her chest, the eventual destination becoming quite obvious, although he would most certainly stop along the way to work that magic upon her breasts... which his hands had already quite greedily taken.

Almost at her own breaking point, she didn't protest about "work" when she found him over her, grinding. The knowledge of what was waiting for her - both at that moment and so intimately before - was what caused the groan of frustration. She wanted him, and right then, and her hips tilted up, seeking what was so close a moment before. In his descent away, her hands came up and tangled in his hair, fingers clenching around the strands and tugging. Not painfully, but not far from. She dropped her head back, knees parting wide to give more space. Light shivers crawled up and down her spine at the sensations, and she squirmed beneath him. ?Vorn, please...? It was something she'd said several times their first time when he'd denied her swift gratification. The 'please' wasn't quite begging, but if he didn't take her it would very soon end up being.

A whisper so close that she could feel the warmth of his breath on her skin followed, amidst the trail of kisses. "I'll not make you beg, love." His downward path continued, accelerating ever so slightly. "I've a gift for you... one I do not often share." The last came just before his head descended between her thighs.

?So ... she asked me to ...? She tried not to sigh, knowing she needed to stay rigid. ?? collar her for the match so that he wouldn't be able to. I did. In name only, supposedly, but it felt real. And I felt horrible. Especially when we were ... the action wasn't well-received. Gods. She called me Mistress.? That time she was unable to help the shudder, or keep the hurt from her voice.

The flinch was compensated for without the slightest misstep; even the strongest, most hardened of clients always flinched at first, and he was quite used to it. "I understand," Vorn shook his head sadly, his eyes swiveled to meet hers, heavy with empathy, as his fingers worked on. "I'd wish th'fate on no one... not even a stranger... much less a lover." Something in his gaze may as well have said that he considered her just that. One hand broke from the pattern, and the back of his fingers lightly brushed against her cheek. "I'm sorry, love." As three needles became six once again, the urge suddenly filled him to change the subject, to take her mind from an obviously dark place, but he resisted. It was her story, and he would not interfere with the telling.

Fingers in the hand over her head jerked slightly with the urge to reach out for him, an urge she managed to contain. It was obvious her wish, though, and her sentiments about him were the mirror of his - lover now. She let him see that for a moment, then closed her eyes. There was no relaxation of her side, however. ?That's only mildly painful.? Luckily she was at least used enough to pain to not react overmuch to it. Finally, she sighed again, ready to continue. ?After the match, after what everyone said ... I felt so bad. I felt it was all my fault. So ... I ran away to the woods, to a stream, and slit my wrists on my sword.? There was the explanation of two particularly long almost-not-there scars that went from wrist to almost her elbow. ?I wanted to save her from me in the future.? That part she seemed able to tell without tears; in fact, without any real inflection or emotion. ?Psly, though, he and another friend found me before I was gone.?

Vorn only nodded sadly, his eyes sliding to those scars that he'd touched, that he'd kissed. He was the most tender with those, having already suspected what her words had just confirmed for him. He'd seen that death before, he knew its marks. "Thank th'gods he did," that soothing voice caught ever so slightly, but he steeled himself, focusing on his work, and patiently listened.

?Mmm.? The sound was agreeable. She offered him a soft (though slight, and slightly pained) smile through the dark... perhaps noticing the hitch in his voice. She didn't comment, though, but continued her story. ?Psly and Max, neither of them knew first aid or were traditional healers.? The slight smile grew distant, softer, not at him or anything in particular, but in the memory. She didn't need to tell of the creatures coming to scavenge her body that Max and the pack protected her from. ?Psly, he's a shifter, an azure dragon. He thought to try and shift into me, to meld our flesh so he could return more blood to me, to replace what I'd lost.? A 'human' blood transfusion machine, in essence. ?It ... well, it worked. But ... something happened.?

?While we were connected physically, our minds linked. We don't know or understand why. All we know is that we did ... so he and I, we're connected through mind and body. His blood still runs through me.? That was the first half of her tale; the bond with Psly. She paused, in case he had questions ... it was his price, after all. Perhaps there were details left out accidentally he wanted.

"...and with tha'blood, y'grew th'wings," he nodded softly. "...and therefore, th'dragon." One of the three, he silently noted. "Y've had quite a life, m'lovely. I've seen many things in m'days, but yer a rare one even in th'dozens o'worlds I've traveled." His every word was spoken carefully, with a measure of compassion he spared for very few. "Perhaps now y'understand my price... I've never encountered something quite so special." His fingers worked diligently; if she had looked, his progress would have been quite impressive. The lower body of the tiger was already complete, fully colored and incredibly detailed. It almost looked alive.

?Ah, no...? She gently clarified. ?I didn't automatically get the wings from that night, love.? A pause and weak chuckle before she continued. ?But aye, he is my dragon, and why it...? ? the tattooed representation of him ? ?should be azure.? She didn't look because she wasn?t going to move without his permission! This may have been her first, but when we're discussing needles inserted in the body it was likely wise not to move. Silence for several moments, though there was a flinch as he struck a particularly sensitive spot. ?Ugh.? She grunted softly. ?I understand your price, as a listener, a storyteller. I seek out the good stories. And the good people, who I believe are likely to have those good stories.?

"You make it sound as she's part o'th'past, not o'th'present..." Curiosity guided his words once again. "Why?"

?As partners, she is very much the present. As lovers, she is past, and future. Our lives, we all measure in eons. Psly and I are mated.? The second tale he asked for, of course, was likely to express the true meaning of the word and why. He saved her, she carried his blood to that day, she was his. ?She is in love with Neo, a human, and in a relationship with him. Neo does not agree with Kel having other bedpartners, so for the time they are together, we are not. Eventually, if and when the time is right, she will be with us.? The three of them did love each other and were intimate and she knew they likely would be again someday.

"...I couldn' imagine such a complicated life, m'lovely." It was clearly beyond his scope, he was one who lived each day for itself, and without knowing his blood or even his true age, had no idea how many he even had left. He had conjecture, pieced together from the lives of others and what he'd been able to learn in his childhood that hadn't been obliterated by the drugs and the trauma. "Is there truly a place for me in your world?" It was a sincere enough question, although his expression was an impenetrable mask as he spoke it.

?Are you finished?? She asked, instead of answering his question. She referred to the work of art on her side. "Not quite," a slight smile emerged, a slight crack in the mask. "Have I hit a nerve?"

?No.? If it was a lie, it was convincing. ?I want to take your hand. So please finish, swiftly.?

One hand broke away from the pattern to switch needles, and once it resumed the task, the other did the same. All that remained was the outline, the sealing. This was the enchanted ink which would bind with the rest and form the bond that would make the work eternal. "I must finish the most important part, love." In the meantime, his eyes studied her. He'd never been the sharpest knife in the drawer; that much was well enough known from one who'd just met him to his cousins of the caravan, but his empathy and intuition often bordered the supernatural. He'd more than once been accused of reading minds.

She closed her eyes, giving that faint nod with the sigh. ?I?ll answer you when you?re done,? she promised quietly.

"Brace yourself," he warned, and gave her a moment to do so before the final seal was laid down with deeper driving of each needle in turn, six in all. Then they were gone from his hands as if they'd never been there at all.

?Ugh!? A grunt escaped, the entirety of her body clenching tightly a moment after the warning to brace. Her hands curld, balling into fists - balling enough until fingernails (not claws, though) dug into her palm and fell just short of drawing blood. She took another breath in, releasing it only after several moments, forcing her body to calm itself. He?d warned her but she still wasn?t prepared; finally she muttered, ?Is that going to hurt more in other places??

Vorn nodded softly, regrettably. "Your spine in particular." He then produced a small bottle of clear liquid, pouring it freely over the bleeding tattoo, and with the blood it would also wash away much of the pain. "You may move now, love. It is done, sealed, and... if I say so myself, one of my greatest works." Strangest of all, his accent was nearly gone for that moment, as if he were speaking with a voice from his past, before the words of dozens of worlds had their effect on his speech.

She resisted the urge to look; there was something a little more important on her mind. She didn't move much, in fact, except to reach for his hand. ?I'm sure it is. Please?? She wiggled her fingers slightly in an additional silent request for the contact.

Snapped from the strange flashback, the mask cracked once more, and he smiled again, offering his hand. "O'course, m'lovely." Even as he awaited her response, something in his eyes said he already knew the answer to his question, and he only wanted to hear it from her voice.

She slid her hand into his, turning it until his fingers faced up, his palm facing her. Then she pressed her palm against it, twining her fingers with his. ?Even so swiftly, Vorn Garridan, I can't imagine a world without you in it in some way.? The words were soft, but there was a simple sincerity with them. ?If you think you don't have a place in it, I will do what I can to make you know there is. I may not be able to do everything?? She conceded, honestly. ??but I don't want to lose you now that I know you.?

A Surprise Visit ? Interlude

Her second approach to the studio was much more stealthy than the evening before. There was no loud revving from the motorcycle; no beats of wings as a beast landed. No, she came quietly, walking down the street. She wore the ensemble so normal - jeans, t-shirt and jacket - though the pants and shirt were of a stark black. She affected a lazy stroll, seeking to appear to all the world as if she belonged there. Upon reaching the outer door to his studio, she paused, turning to face it and peer upward curiously. She truly didn't expect him to be there; it was still early and even though they'd slept here the night previous the building lacked any sense of "living space," which meant he was less likely to spend a significant amount of time here. Quietly she pulled open the door and slipped up the stairs, booted feet silent. Last night she'd taken pains to note where the creaks were and took care to avoid them. Finally at the landing, she paused at the inner door, listening within for sounds.

Clinking, splashing, and the occasional whisper could be heard by an astute enough ear, Vorn was preparing the inks and vials for the next session, drinking all the while from a rather oversized bottle of Black Tar. Some of the mutterings would carry just enough... "...inner thigh... lookin' 'tween 'er legs all night... I better get goddamn stoned..."

Ah, those mutterings brought a grin to split across her face even as she inwardly cursed his presence. Half-elf heritage along with enhanced animal senses were enough to make such an astute ear and it didn't require an astute mind for her to piece together the object of his mutterings. She allowed the faintest of frustrated sighs to escape; her mission wouldn't be as easy as she hoped. At least for the moment. Finally, schooling her features into an innocent - at least innocent of what she'd meant to do - smile, she lifted her loosely balled hand and rapped on the door three times.

"'s'open, love." He couldn't move just yet, the mixing wasn't complete, and the slightest mistake could ruin the entire lot. Of course, he knew who'd arrived, no one else knew of this place, not even the caravan.

She took hold of the knob and turned, pushing inward after a moment. Through the space as soon as she could fit, she turned to close the door again behind her. "I'm glad I caught you." She smiled, not yet moving forward but rather looking around, seemingly casually.

"I'm always glad when y'catch me, m'lovely." Still mixing, his hands were an utter blur across the fifty vials on the table before him. Occasionally one fired off to catch his cigarette and dump the ashes into an empty bottle. "Yer early... or are y'just here t'see me?" Of course, he hoped for the second, that meant one more time he'd get to see her, and it showed in the tone of his voice.

"Just here to see you," she answered as the smile grew wider and her green-gold gaze drew back toward the table - and him. "I couldn't stay away." The easiest way to lie was to color it with truth, and so she did. She took a step forward. "Of course, I don't want to interrupt." She indicated the vials on the table with a sweeping wave of her hand. "Should I come back, or can I help in some way?"

"Y'never interrupt me, love." It was almost complete, only another minute or so and he would be finished. "An' y'wouldn't leave me all by m'lonesome right after puttin' yer pretty self in m'eyes again, would'ya?" A slight pout took his features, perhaps not entirely feigned.

"Never, hrm? Not even if I found you making another woman cry out your name?" Her lips quirked, twitched, and she offered him a lopsided grin. "If I didn't join in, I mean." She took another step, but still tried to remain out of range of the table. She didn't want to accidentally bump into it when she was focused on him - indeed, with the conversation she'd stopped her perusal of the studio. Her hands slid carefully into the back pockets of her black jeans, fingers twitching with the need to touch him but knowing that to do so would destroy his work. "I'd only leave if my being here would be too distracting for you."

"Y'can't distract me, m'lovely. I been doin' this for a looooong time." A quiet smile crept over his face as he watched her, it seemed this task, as the tattoos themselves, didn't require his eyes, so well rehearsed they were. "Almost..." Then a whisper followed, much like the one after he'd finished her tiger, in the language of another world. "...an' that's that." Suddenly he was within inches of her, but his speed slowed for the final approach, a slight lean downward for a kiss that had become by far his favorite greeting.

She was getting used to his speed and slid her right foot back, just a few inches, in preparation of his approach. That backslid foot gave her balance too when she leaned up to meet him halfway in the greeting. However, her hands stayed settled in the jeans pockets and she pulled back after allowing only a light peck. She was on a mission, after all, even if he didn't know it. Instead, she peered up at him and the lopsided, impish grin returned. "I would join in, y'know, likely." No, of course she wasn't trying to distract him by turning his thoughts toward daydreams of them in various states of undress!

His eyes closed for a moment; in a way, this anticipation was torture all unto itself. An arm curled around her back as he spoke. "This," taking the tooth in his hand and giving it a soft rub before his hand settled on her thigh, "is th'fang of a displacer. A few years after I escaped th'circus, I met a tribe o'nomads. I was an outlander. Skuth. They took t'me though... not 'nough t'take me in, o'course, but I spent some months with them. There was a ritual they performed, an' they let me in on it. One enters th'chamber, an' finds th'beast o'their soul inside it."

"...usually it doesn't end like it did with me. I hadn't reached th'peace, th'zenai. M'mind was still fucked from th'years in th'cage, an' th'holes in my memory. I was at war with m'self, they said." His gaze was far away, the images painting themselves on the walls before him as if it were yesterday. "Th'displacer is a huge cat, with huge claws an' tent'cles. It moves like I do. It's here, then it's not. I didn't join with it like th'ceremony's s'posed t'go. It came at me, from ev'ry direction... but only once did it touch me."

She'd most likely have long since noticed the scar on the back of his right shoulder. Claw marks, a perfect line of three, but covered with tattoos and as thin as the marks were, it may not have been so easily apparent to anything but her touch. "...I came out w'this, an' they cast me out."

She remained quiet in the telling of the tale, allowing it to spill as it would from him. Through it, however, she lightly kneaded his chest under her hand; non-clawed fingertips pressing and then relaxing against him. She meant the gesture as one of comfort; this was no happy tale. So too were details enclosed in the story that she intended to ask him about, but that would be for another time. Her other hand reached up, over his shoulder, to allow her to run her fingers lightly through his black strands. "Oh, Vorn," she breathed softly at its conclusion. She did not, however, apologize for what had happened - while she felt sorrow for him, it didn't seem to be something he'd need or mayhap even want. Comfort, companionship, yes. Pity, no. She leaned forward, to brush another kiss, this time over his cheek, a soft wisp of a thing.

The hand on her thigh slid upward, in a strangely chaste gesture. Of course, its path brought his fingers close to her more delicate places, but did not stray to touch them. Instead, a simple line was drawn up through the center of her chest, along the side of her neck, coming to rest on her cheek. Soft strokes of his thumb caressed the skin as fingertips threaded through her hair. "It's th'past now... and I found m'way. Such as it's always been."

"Mmm." It was a sound of both content pleasure at the contact and one indicating agreement with his words and she tilted her cheek toward his thumb. "That doesn't mean you couldn't use the comfort of a hug in the retelling. We can't change the past, no, and we need to find ways to survive, but it can be all the better shared with someone rather than kept inside, aye?" The hand on his chest slid up, toward the hollow of his throat. She stroked there gently for a brief moment, then continued her path toward the farther side of his neck.

A slow nod, careful not to break from her touch. It was something he'd come to treasure. "Just so, love." Caught in the tender moment, it would take some time for him to start into the second of the stories she'd asked for.

"Th'bone... that's from a sirraschlai. 's'a big fuckin' snake. That's th'smallest bone it's got. Damn thing nearly killed me when I was escapin'. I was runnin', an' y'seen me run. It caught me 'bout th'leg, an' it's one o'those that wrap 'round an' crush ya. Snapped both th'bones in my leg. If not for th'healin' lady that found me, I'd've bled t'death intern'lly. Sh'said th'bones were damn near dust... an' neither of us for our lives coulda told how I managed t'kill th'fuckin' thing. I don't remember, I just remember th'bone I'd ripped out sittin' on m'wrist when I woke up."

She couldn't help it; she flinched slightly at the telling of the bracelet's origin. "Oh, gods, I'm so glad she found you." Her breath didn't quite hitch as his did last night but the words were said with a fervent sincerity. "Are they both reminders to you, to survive?"

"Just so," he nodded. "Until th'caravan, I'd always been alone, love." Despite his distant stare, his touch became a little more intense, as if to let her know it wasn't just the caravan anymore. "Always. I never had a home, a family, an' when people see what I am, what I can do, they tend t'think only o'what they can use me for."

"...or just run like th'dogs o'th'nine are after 'em from th'freak."

With a soft sigh, he continued. "I don't even know what I am. I don't know how many years I've seen, I don't know why I can do what I do. Maybe I never will. I just knew I had t'survive... and for th'longest time, that's all I did."

His intensity was mirrored in her own touch, both in response to his and to the words he spoke. As he didn't need to say out loud that it wasn't the caravan, her hands, her eyes, repeated what she had said on the table. She remained quiet for several minutes, stroking, petting, then she finally murmured. "I know what you are, Vorn. You're a Garridan, beloved by the clan and your cousins. You're the most amazing tattoo artist I've ever known. You're easy to talk to, to get along with." Her lips quirked up fleetingly. "You're an incredible lover." She couldn't not say that; partly because it wasn't in her to be serious for the longest time and partly because it was simple truth and an aspect to him.

Pin-ups and Lovers? Spats

The door leading to the basement opened and through the space slipped Jaycy. In her jeans, shirt and jacket combination, she paused just in front of that door, unafraid of being struck by it or someone walking behind her. Hands slid in the pockets of her bomber jacket and she took a moment to peer around. Her head canted to the left, just slightly, in her perusal. Then, finally, she resumed movement - toward the front door.

Vorn's appearance was a blur of motion, a draft of wind in his wake as he swept through and around the sparse crowd. Within a second after the door had closed behind him, he was behind the bar, filling a mug with a thick black substance most wouldn't even consider ale. Once it was filled, he struck a match against the zipper of his pants and lit the blood-red cigarette hanging from his lips.

Her gaze shifted and she paused mid-step, curiously peering at the ... dancing ... birds. She'd seen them the first time but it took a moment for recognition of what she was viewing to come. A soft chuckle at the birds, but she noticed a newcomer behind the bar. Her face suddenly split in a wide grin and the birds were forgotten. She strolled, so casually, toward the bar.

He took his time heading back around, however, hopping onto a stool and leaning back against the bar to face the fireplace. It seemed his only rush was to get out of the stinking alleyway - something must have died there quite recently - and get something to drink. Then his wandering gaze caught its favorite sight as of late. "...'ello m'lovely." Even the distraction of the birds flying about wasn't enough to peel his eyes away.

Steps halted just outside of his arm's reach, hands remained tucked in her pockets. She knew his speed, all too well, and knew he would have no trouble reaching her. She grinned at him though, a devious and almost dark expression. It was possible she was in a mood to tease and torture; whatever the mood though it seemed to be a good one. ?Evenin', love. How're you?? Her head tilted again, fleetingly, before straightening, peering at him.

"Much better now," Vorn smiled, sipping from his mug. He didn't reach out for her... not yet... but her expression was not lost on him - far from it. "That smile means yer up t'no good, or I'm a sirraschla." The word would likely be familiar; he'd spoken of that very creature before.

?Not yet.? The grin broadened a hint. ?Do you want me to be up to no good?? She shifted her stance, settling the bulk of her weight on her right foot. Green-gold eyes glimmered with the laughter that she wouldn't dare express otherwise. ?What're you doing tonight??

A smirking laugh sent smoke from Vorn's lips in a series of small clouds. "D'pends on what y'call no good... an' y'should know by now, I don't make plans, love." The mug was set aside on the bar behind him, and his hand reached out. "Care for a seat?" Of course, he was offering his lap.

Her gaze dropped first to the hand and then the offered seat. Oh ... her eyes suddenly lit up with mischief as a thought occured to her. ?No.? Ignoring the outstretched hand, she took a few steps in. She moved close enough to come within his personal space, standing on tiptoes. Murmuring, she was careful not to make contact with him. "If you touch me before I allow you, I'll not make love to you tonight." Of course, the implication was that if he could comply, she would grant him that reward. After her words, she remained where she was, brows lifting. Was he up to it?

A long, deep draw from that cigarette came as Jaycy's words sunk in. He'd likely need another after this one was done. "S'many games y'play, love." His fingers wiggled at her in a teasing sort of threat, both arms wrapped as always in those long strips of cloth that only she would recognize. He would, however, keep his hands to himself. "...what is it y'enjoy s'much about torturin' me?"

She sobered a moment. ?Because you haven't told me you don't like it. In fact, it seems you do.? Then, the grin bloomed on her face once more. ?Besides, the release after relenting is so much the better.? She paused, then a brow rose. ?What was it? ... 'well worth the wait'?? Her tongue peeked out, licking her lips. He may have planned to comply, but she likely wasn't going to make it easy.

"There are times I wonder if yer th'devil, love." Discipline was not his strong suit, and it showed as he took up his ale with one hand and thrust the other firmly into his pocket to keep it from wandering. "...never was one for games, but y've got every card in th'deck, it seems."

Again she leaned in to whisper, but remained careful not to make physical contact. "All you need to do is say the word and I'll stop, love." That was said seriously. She knew everyone had their limits; she'd meant to play with him not make him angry. "Remember this, too. It's going to be just as hard for me. I want you." There was an emphasis on the word want, to convey just how much. She wouldn't say need, even if she thought it. The word might as well have been implied anyway. A moment later she pulled away, stepping fully out of range. ?I need dinner. Are you hungry, love?? Her gaze turned toward a booth in silent invitation before returning toward him, seeking to meet dark eyes.

"...I'm drinkin' m'dinner, love." At this rate, he'd be drinking a lot of it. He did, however, lean in to whisper in return, crushing the spent cigarette in a nearby tray as he slipped carefully down from the barstool. "I'd suffer much worse than this for you..." The tone of his voice quite clearly implied she was the only one he'd endure this torture for. "...an' if y'stop, an' leave me alone t'night, I won't forgive m'self."

Another distraction. It seemed the world conspired to help him with Jaycy's challenge. "I'll b'damned. Yer maneater let y'off yer chain, did she?" Vorn grinned, almost poking at Jaycy to make an introduction, but held back as he remembered the rules. He cast her a simple glance instead. "Well. Jaycy... that big pile o'metal is Vic Kazon." Turning his gaze back to the seraph, "...this here's m'lovely Jaycy... sh's crazy, but... hell, aren't we all?"

Rolling his eyes at the 'maneater' bit, Vic smiled and nodded to Jaycy. "Pleased to meet you." His cybernetic eye seemed to shift frequencies as he looked her over, and a fingertip ticked on the tip of his chin thoughtfully.

She returned the nod after granting Vorn an arch look. ?Crazy, hrm?? That was all she said to the bladecatcher before she shifted, setting the hot dog down to greet Victor properly. ?Well met, indeed. Do I need to offer my condolences, as it seems you know him somewhat well?? She flashed Vorn a grin.

"Oh, stop that, y'bastard!" Vorn's eyes widened slightly, recognizing that look. "Psst..." He whispered softly in Jaycy's ear, despite knowing the seraph would hear every word. "He just looked right through yer clothes, love." She didn't even blink. Instead, she just chuckled and leaned over slightly to murmur. "Too many have seen me without clothes for me to care. ... he's not touching, after all."

"I do, and that's a damned lie." Vic shook his head, smirking. "...at least... not... bah." Flustered, he simply sighed. "It's for a good cause, damn it." Coming to stand across from them behind the bar, he set down his mug. "My apologies, my lady." He was slightly curious about her comment, but as she'd whispered it so quietly, he'd at least pretend not to have heard.

Vorn only shrugged; if it was something she didn't mind, who was he to judge? Victor, on the other hand... "A good cause? Hah, yer ball an'chain know yer roamin 'round doin' that?"

?I'm no lady, just Jaycy.? She smiled toward Victor. ?There's nothing to apologize for, either.? Of course, she couldn't let Vorn get away without one last word. ?The bonfire.? Alright, two words. That concluded, Victor is her focus again. ?Good cause??

"Actually, she asked me to." His grin to Vorn was a triumphant "bet you didn't see that coming!" before his attention returned to Jaycy. "...and yes. I'm looking for pretty ladies, to take pictures."

It wasn't often that Kelathe found herself with a night to herself. Hands tucked into the pockets of her duster, she moved quietly towards the lighted depths of the Inn. She wasn't used to coming here, but, for once, she thought she might try it. Besides, she felt that she would find just the company she needed inside. The albino woman moved sinously towards the door, opening it with little fanfare, and slipped inside. Crimson eyes darted around the room, seeking.
"What in th'nine are y'up to?" Vorn laughed, almost spilling his ale in the process. "Don't y'already have pictures o'damn near everythin' in a skirt in that eyeball o'yers?"

?Mmm.? Jaycy tilted her head. ?How is that a good cause, exactly? I'd assumed good causes were more ... philanthropic.? Suddenly, she turned on the stool, spinning to face the room at large. She knew it was rude, but... ?Kel? Are things alright?? Quickly she found the woman, brows furrowing momentarily.

From the snow white hair, and the smile on her lips, things were definitely alright. She slid towards Jaycy, hands still tucked in her pockets. "Yes, love. Things are fine. I just...needed to get out and about for a bit." Jaycy grinned, expression clearing, and wiggled her fingers to the woman. Come, give a hug, the movement said. She obliged the smaller woman, with an even wider smile on her face. She buried her face in Jaycy's hair, as her arms went around her.

"Well, it's for..." Victor began, but silenced as she turned her back on him. Instead, he drew his pipe from its pouch and filled it, turning his attention to Vorn.

?Mmm.? She pulled Kel close, though not quite in her lap. Without really letting go, though, she turned her eyes up toward Vorn. ?Love, this is Kel. Kel, this is ... Vorn, and Vic.? She included him in the introductions then, gently nudging Kel into a more central position so she could see the two men as well.

The name was familiar, and after a moment, Vorn's eyes lit with recognition. Kel. One of the three Jaycy had spoken of when he inked her. The snake. This certainly made the game easier. "...'s complicated," was the only explanation he truly had for the seraph, and he pulled a cigarette from his pack and lit it with a match struck on his zipper.

She gave a rather sheepish grin, and her most polite nod. "Hello Vorn." Oh how she blushed then. "Hello Vic." She kept her hands on Jaycy, fingers trembling.

"Hmm..." The frequencies in his eye shifted once again, and his smile returned. Two is better than one, after all. "Pleased to meet you... and what perfect timing."

Vorn gave Kel a strange, knowing smile, and nodded. "So yer th'one she speaks s'well of. Nice t'put a face t'th'name." He did, however, catch that shift in Victor's eyes. "Damn y'man, stop that!" Vorn shook his head, hardly able to keep from laughing.

The hot dogs were regrettably forgotten, and she hugged Kel all the tighter. A smile graced for Vorn, then she spoke to Victor. ?My apologies. Good cause?? She attempted to keep the mood light, even as her hand ran lightly down Kel's back.

A thin, ebon streak wound its way down one of Kel?s snowy white curls, and she blushed again. "Nice to put a...." She simpy trailed off. After all, social graces, she had not.

"Yes, believe it or not." A draw from his pipe, then he continued, smoke shrouding his words. "My Nischa and I are raising money for an orphanage, and she came up with the idea of securing models for... well... pin-up photos." He tapped his mana eye, indicating the 'camera'.

Vorn shook his head for a moment, until he realized... "...shit, y'd make a fortune..." Victor nodded to the bladecatcher, "Exactly."

"Indeed.." This applied to both counts of Victor's words really; two birds with one stone seemed to be the theme for the evening. Pleased with her timing, and further pleased with the company, Anyanka slid up into a stool. Each movement bellied the fluidity of water given flesh to play beneath; smooth and natural, though almost snake like really in some ways. It took a bit getting used to for some, but the siren tipped her head towards Jaycy and Kel once more. "Yours names?" She prompted politely.

"Bah, where are my manners." Vic sighed, shaking his head. Overzealous as always, his mind was locked on the task and he'd forgotten to even make introductions. "Jaycy, Kel, Vorn... this is my beloved Nischa, Anyanka."

Her crimson gaze swept up and over the crowded room, and she seemed to lean closer to Jaycy. Her position relative to hers on the stool would have been uncomfortable for any other than her. Utterly content to have Kel so close, she continued to gently run her fingers through the mostly-white hair, and down her back. ?Well met, m'lady, I'm Jaycy.? She allowed Kel the opportunity to introduce herself to this woman. ?Anyanka.? She amended at the introduction from Victor.

Another quick smile at Anyanka came from Kel. She turned her gaze back to Vorn, head tilting to the side as she studied him, rather intently. Vorn nodded simply to the siren, having seen her before, even if never properly introduced.

Jaycy's thoughts ran mirror to Vorn's of their game, and she slanted him a look with a faint, wry smile and a tilt of her head. Game over. Though it was an idea she shelved, to resume at a later date. It was simply too easy now. Oh, the smile that crossed Kel?s lips though. She reached out, almost casually, and ran her fingers across Jaycy's cheek, tilting her face towards hers.

"A lady in image and grace only, I assure you, lovely Jaycy." There was a fine, silent, unobtrusive draw of air through the siren's nostrils; it told her much, though parting her lips a hair's width told her more. Tri tipped ears wreaked all sorts of high ended, elegant havoc through the straight fall of her inhumanly bright mane. Those eyes fell to Kel then, lashes lowering a touch. "Those who speak the least, hold the most weight to their words..." She murmured quietly, though it was meant to be heard. Those lidded hues spilled the oceanic tint towards Vorn then, before bouncing back between the two women. Interesting. Eyes to Victor then. "Devious instigator." She teased.

Jaycy's gaze was returned with a dull, distant shrug, and he finished his ale, turning to stare off toward the hearth. It wasn't jealousy that stained his expression so much as disappointment; the promise the night had for him was quite thoroughly ruined. "...hm, I should be gettin' back t'th'studio. I've preparin' still t'do."

"I do my best, love," Vic grinned from ear to ear. "I haven't disappointed, now, have I?"

Gaze flickered momentarily back to Anya, slitted crimson eyes posing a query. Gaze flicked back at Vorn, and she absently reached her hand towards him, even as she leaned down to gently sample Jaycy's lips. The redhead returned the kiss; at first it was to her just as normal as ever.

Vorn jerked away from the touch as if it were a snake that reached toward him, and stood, eyes narrowed. "...good night t'y'all." His glance to Jaycy seemed conflicted, but he could think of no way to put his thoughts to words, much less when they would be heard by so many.

Kel stopped, looking at Vorn. A sudden hint of embarassament. "I'm...sorry. That's not..." Frustrated, she began to disentangle from Jaycy, pull away. Jaycy then realized the reaching, and the reaction, and she pulled back. Though swift, she tried to be gentle in the breaking. Her gaze darted swiftly up to Vorn, and she gently (but again, swiftly) pushed away from Kel?s embrace even as the albino was doing so.

"Jumpy fellow..." The siren exerted a touch of restraint at times, but only at times. "... Your attention, Jaycy, does not seem something he likes to share." There was no offense meant by the comment, but the play of events before her were too open to the air for her to ignore. Some creatures lost modesty with age. Eyes fell to Victor for a moment, and then her hand became something little more than a wobbling, dismissive gesture. "Forgive me... Perhaps I speak from my own feelings." Anyanka had never made it a secret she did not and never would share the seraph. Anya did not share.

Kelathe stepped back, and away. Arms wrapped slowly around herself. She bit her lip, hard, and disappeared suddenly from view.

Dropping off the stool, Jaycy reached out for Vorn. She could only hope he would stay, at least for a few moments, and wouldn't speed his way away. To Anya, she shook her head slightly. It was complicated, too complicated to explain when she had more important things to deal with.

Victor laughed so hard his pipe flew from his mouth and the embers nearly caught fire to a stack of napkins on the bar. "I think you nailed it, love." Then again, he could sympathize - if anyone touched his Nischa, they'd just signed their own death warrant.

Narrow eyes turned to Jaycy, and he shook his head, speaking in a very low tone that wouldn't travel far. "'tis one thing t'play with me... quite another t'molest another right b'fore m'eyes when I can't s'much as touch you..." Still, his tone wasn't angry... simply distraught. In truth, the game was something new, something quite exciting, and its destruction had taken his mood with it.

The siren took no offense, she merely watched with the laze of an afternoon logged predator, content and at ease. She leaned back against the bar, her elbows tucked comfortable to the counter. Yes, watching the drama, shameless creature, but her words were all for her seraph. "Perhaps... We've all lives built on untold stories, my sweet angel."

"Apparently so..." Victor watched the two, shaking his head as he collected his pipe and its contents, lighting it anew, before a wing-assisted hop over the bar landed him in the stool next to Anya.

?Ah, no.? Jaycy shook her head in response to him. ?We need to talk.? The words were flat. ?I'm coming with you.? She didn't demand, she didn't order; really, it was a request without a questioning tone.

Shaking his head, he watched her go with a sigh. How the hell did this happen? "Jaycy... fuck..." He was standing in front of her then, blocking her path. "That ain't gonna help shit, an' y'know it... not t'mention y'got yer shields t'think about." Hands reached out and softly took her shoulders. "Look... I'm sorry. I had it in m'head I'd have ya t'm'self t'night... it's all I thought about... it's all I wanted. It's not Kel. It's not you... and it's not like I expect y't'be mine..." His eyes closed for a moment, another deep breath. "...I just wonder... if there really is a place for me in yer world sometimes."

She stepped back, to be the one just out of range. She spoke quietly, flatly. "You would have had me to yourself tonight, even with Kel there. It was like Victor, and his Anyanka. I was no less yours tonight by her presence. I told you I would do what I could to prove to you that you have a place in my world, that I can't imagine a world without you ... but I also told you I may not be able to do everything. I can't and won't forget the rest of the world when we're in a public area." She said that, even though every time they'd been together she basically had forgotten the rest of the world.

Perhaps that was just it, he'd grown accustomed to that, the nights they'd spent together... regardless of the setting. Vorn sat on the cobblestones, head sinking into his hands, defeated. "I'm sorry, Jaycy... I didn't know." Above all, he covered his eyes. Just as before, when she'd first said those words to him, he could not let her see the tears welling in his eyes. "I shit th'fuckin' bed... I've never felt anythin' like this b'fore, an' I don't really know how t'deal with it." Smoke was sucked in like a lifeline, until he tasted the noxious burning of the filter and spat the cigarette out at his feet. "I didn't know... I thought she'd come in an' y'were lost t'me, th'second she was in yer arms."

"I was leaving with no one but you. Even now, I'm with you," she said, so-quietly. "Do I have a place in your life? Should I, if this is tearing you up so much??

"Y'do," uncovered, reddened, wet eyes stared at her intensely. "More o'one than any've ever had... an' don't ever think that y'shouldn't. Don't let one night o'me bein' a damn fool fuck that up." Impulsive as ever, in a blur of motion, should she not move away or fight him, she would find herself enveloped in his arms. "Forgive me. Please."

She sighed. She'd started to kneel down next to him, but she found herself in his arms and the motion unnecessary. There was a sheen in her green-gold eyes; yes, she had been crying as well. It didn't seem like something she felt she had to hide from him, though; she likely never would. "Instead of asking my forgiveness, just tell me if I can trust you to trust me. Or at least ask, rather than get upset." She paused, peering up with the most plaintive expression. "Please?"

"I will." His hand reached up to brush aside her hair, and slowly, gently take the tears from her eyes. "I promise. I won't let that take me again." Her arms wrapped around him, at the waist. She continued to look up, even as her head tilted toward his brief touches. "I still want to go home with you."

For that one moment, Vorn's heart stopped. It took everything he had to force back the tremendous lump that had formed in his throat. Fingers threaded through her hair with adoration; this had become much more than the simple lust of the nights of Beltane. As he spoke, his eyes seemed to shine. "...then we should start walkin', love. I smell a storm comin', an' if we wait here much longer, we'll be soakin' by th'time we get there."

Her eyes fluttered closed and her lips parted. She wet her lips before whispering. "Kiss me first." There was a note of pleading in her voice; she still had a few doubts as to how things were between them and wanted, needed that gesture because in that kiss, how he kissed her, she could tell better than words ever would.

He was only too pleased to oblige, and his lips met hers softly at first, but his embrace tightened and the hand entwined in her hair pressed her to him a little more. It was a deep, living, loving thing that he would keep until she made him stop.

The kiss made her moan. Oh, not only in wanting but in the sheer force of emotions conveyed in that kiss. It surprised her. Her arms around him tightened, almost painfully, pulling him in even as he did so with her. Her own heart, need unfolded in that kiss. It was all-too-brief, though, because as he said he smelled a storm coming. She pulled back, breath coming in pants, and simply ... stared at him for several seconds. She had no words.

There was a sincere longing in Vorn's eyes; he'd have stood through a hurricane for that kiss. His hand slipped out of her hair to softly rub her cheek in silence, he had spoken in that kiss more than he could ever put to words, and words had failed him enough for one night. The longing in his gaze faded, however, to ask quite simply, now, do you believe me?

Her eyes, so wide and round, said yes. Her lips finally formed words. "Thank you." Her eyes closed once more in the breath in, then exhaled in a deep, cleansing sigh. "I'm ready now." She turned a small smile up at him, one hand moving from around his waist and up so she could brush the backs of fingers over his own cheek. "Let's go, aye?"

"Just so," he smiled, and turned to walk with his arm over her shoulders, toward the studio. He could have picked her up and carried her there in seconds, but the time spent walking with her under the moonlight would be a cleansing of his own, and if the rain came, so be it.


(( Adapted from live play, 5/14/10. Thanks to Victor Kazon, Anyanka (Etherealdream), Vorn (Bladecatcher), and Kelathe (TheDarkMuse)! ))

"Shit!" A dash into the bathroom turned the water off just in time. As it was, it was too full to accommodate him without overflowing... much less take on the plan that had just formed in his perverted little head. Of course, he was right back instantly. If his nudity - or her examination thereof - bothered him in the slightest, it certainly didn't show. "Spy... Assassin... 's funny, I'd'a never taken y'for either if it weren't for th'scars an' yer word. Yer just too damn... pretty." A hand reached out to lay the slightest of a touch on her cheek; perhaps he didn't touch her at all, and just disturbed a very thin layer of air between his fingertips and her skin.

She tilted her head into that hand, seeking to make contact if there wasn't already. "That's what made me good, love." Her voice was soft. She was mostly retired, of course; she'd told him that but not exactly of the jobs she still did. Not that she was ashamed of her work ... it was for a good cause. The particulars just hadn't come up of why she still did any of it now. "I missed you." A shift in subject, bringing her hand up to take the one so near her cheek.

"Just so," he laughed. Of course, the best assassin would be the one you'd never expect. To her latter comment, "That makes two o'us, m'lovely," Vorn's smile was almost too sweet, too... innocent? Then again, he did have his moments. "Is that what brings y'here t'night?" The unasked question being, of course, was there something you needed, or did you come just to see me?

"Oh, I was in the neighborhood," she commented airily, though the gleam in her eyes spoke something else entirely. Both. "It'd been a couple days, so I wanted to see how you were doing." She paused, then grinned at him. "And apparently save here from a flooding. So how are you doing?"

"Same as always, love... an' yer still a terrible liar," He grinned. "No one comes t'this neighb'rhood." As for what he'd been doing, he gestured to the swords along the wall. "I been preparin' for th'carnival. I was asked by a lovely..." A pause then as he tried to summon the name, "...Kingston. Yes, that's it... t'put on a show for 'em. Vic turned around th'swords in three days time, just as promised. 'Course, they cost a fuckin' mint." Indeed, that much was apparent - the material alone, much less the custom forging, the perfect balance... it would take a wagon to carry the gold they'd cost to produce.

"I saw some signs saying that you were performing. Interestingly, that was around the time I'd decided I was going to at least make an appearance." She finally gave in to her need, reaching out with her other hand toward his chest. Fingers splayed, tips making only the most light of touches on tattooed flesh. A soft sigh of release. "When I saw the switches on them I'd assumed they were for that night. Vic does amazing work." She glanced toward the wall they were displayed on, then back to him. "Are they functional, too?"

"Nothin' he makes ain't functional, love." He'd have taken up one to demonstrate, but there was no way in hell he would tear away from her touch. "I shaved with one this mornin'. Sharper than m'razors. 'Sa good thing y'didn't hit th'switch, though. That sets 'em on fire. Any ol' fool can juggle twenty-seven swords," A slight smirk at that, knowing damn well he was one of an extraordinary few who could do any such thing, "...these'll be blinking on an' off like th'lights o'yule."

"Mmm." She closed her eyes a moment, pushing her hand forward and pressing her palm against his chest, savoring the more direct connection with him. Her words grew more distant, dreamy as the contact between them seemed to have a slight intoxicating effect. "Your water is getting cold. Do you want some help in the bath while we talk?" It seemed she was happy to oblige him in that particular way.

"Mmm..." The sound was a mimic of her own, only an octave and then some lower. "It was th'first thing that came t'mind 'soon as I saw ya, love." As if it weren't obvious enough from the very first gaze he'd laid upon her. He backed slowly toward the bathroom, hands fidgeting with her clothes along the way. After all, he wanted a view of his own. "...an' I get the feeling maybe you've got somethin' important t'talk t'me about in there somewhere?"

She allowed the removal of the bomber jacket with a chuckle. It dropped along the way, puddling messily on the floor. When he tried for her shirt, however, or her jeans, she slight swatted at his hands, playfully, in silent censure. "Ah ah." Not yet, anyway. With her other hand she pushed at him, encouraging him to move faster. "Into the water, m'dear." Once inside the bathroom, her she looked around for some type of washcloth, or soap, or anything to wash him with. She spoke again even as she assessed the surroundings more carefully. "No, nothing important to talk about. I just enjoy your company, and talking in general to you." Said honestly.

"Ohhhh, y'evil creature." He complied however, sinking into the tub. Even his slim frame was enough to send some of the water flowing over, so high had it filled. A simple white cloth with a hole in it hung on the stopper switch, which he picked up and spun around his finger. Two antique-looking bottles sat near the faucet, one green, with Hair painted sloppily on the side, and the other clear with a thick blue liquid inside. It would explain why his smell was something most would find unfamiliar - both were homemade solutions from a dear old lady from the caravan. "Y'should get in here with me..." He suggested, smiling broadly.

"Lift your legs." One at a time, she meant of course. Her head turned, slowly, to kiss the hand that swept over her. Then she turned back to her task, lifting cloth toward the requested body parts. "Have you ever been sailing?" The sudden shift just might have warned him that she was done with the previous topic; or at least the part they had been discussing.

For a moment, he was silent, even as he complied, a leg lifting to rest on the edge of the tub, dripping and sloshing water here and there. Even as he realized he'd struck some sort of nerve, it was only natural intuition to want to see it for what it was. The question was right on the tip of his tongue... but he let it go, realizing that maybe it would be just the misuse he so direly wanted to avoid. "Of course, love. I spent nearly a year at sea on Yaital in sector 355, aboard th'Constance." After a slight pause came the reluctant admission, "That was back when..." closing his eyes, he sighed, head sinking slightly. "...I wasn't too picky about how I got m'coin. Did some ugly things back then."

She shifted to the side, just a little. The strand of hair he'd been playing with stretched over the distance she put between them - but it was only so she could slide the white cloth over the whole of his leg. From ankle to thigh on the inside of it, then back down to ankle on the outside. She was careful not to touch intimate areas - the indulgence was in the domesticity of it. She didn't want to arouse anything else in him yet, she wanted him relaxed. "Would you like to come, with me?" And create a better memory of sailing, mayhaps, she silently offered with a brief smile directed toward his face.

Raising an eyebrow, he eyed her for a moment before he spoke. "Y'got yer own ship?" Clearly impressed, he smiled and nodded. "I'd love to." The strand of hair was slowly released, lest he pull it and restrict her motion. Somehow he did maintain his more relaxed state, although the very nature of her every move was arousing. No one had ever done anything like this before. "Any destination y'got in mind, or y'just want t'be out in th'open sea?"

"Hell, it'd be a first for me... in this world," he chuckled softly. "I've always just run over th'water here."

"Aye, I do." A pirate ship, in fact; a gift from a certain rogue she once knew. "She's named the Tyger. I'm not actively captain anymore..." She'd given that up to spend more time with Psly after his attack. "... but as she's still mine, I can take her out when I want." She paused, then answered his second question. "No destination, just a day trip. We'd be back before midnight. Let me know when you want to go, I'll get her prepared." The smile returned, slightly. The sea, the trips, were a necessary part of her life - at least as long as she stayed in Rhydin. Gently she nudged the leg overhanging the tub, signaling she was finished and needed the second one.

Every minute of this was becoming more and more exquisite torture, but still he complied. His other leg was set upon the far side of the tub from her, and Vorn cracked a smile knowing she'd have to come much closer to get to it. After a moment's consideration, however, his tone dropped, the emotion behind it a dense puzzle of respectful deference, submission, wistful desire, and a touch of melancholy. "That... I won't do, love. I've long since told ya I'm here when y'want me... but y'have roots, an' they run deep." It wasn't lack of desire - far from it - but a sincere admission of uncertainty. It seemed the night with Kel had taken a toll on him, one that had, in his mind, put him in his place... one in which he'd resolved to remain until she said otherwise, and with conviction. "I'll cross th'oceans an' scale th'mountains at your call, but I'll not show up upon ya until y'do so." There was no puzzle, no complexity there, only a very simple promise.

She sighed, leaning back on her heels a moment, cloth-clad hand resting on the nearer edge of the tub. "Vorn ... I don't think that's fair to you. I don't hold my friends, people I care about, to my schedule. Feather you may be, you still have some roots and responsibilities." The clan, his shows. "I'm not going to take, not going to ask that without being as willing to give. When I say you tell me when you want to go, I mean we'll work out a day that we both can go. As lovers ..." ... she finally put a voice to what they were, baldly, and it would be for him to naysay her ... "... there's an equality." She looked at his face for a moment, then shrugged slightly. "I don't ask for what I won't give." Then she leaned in, resuming the bath. The far leg was almost far enough to send her chest into the water, but not quite. The second leg received the same treatment as the first, then she shuffled on knees to the side for his far arm.

His eyes closed once again, perhaps drawing in his mind the image of the two of them out at sea as he spoke. "Then m'answer is quite simple. Any day y'have, save th'carnival." His hand reached up to drift over her cheek once again, and now that she was close enough, he leaned up to press a soft kiss to her temple. "...an' y'don't have t'think that way. I'm here for th'takin' as y'please, Jaycy... an' that's just somethin y'can't give me." His touch was gentle, reassuring, hoping above all to convey his understanding. "Yer life isn't so simple."

"...an' I've no expectations t'th'contrary."

Impulsive as always, he'd practically forgotten altogether that she was probably freezing. The tears had triggered in him the need to draw her in, to comfort her in any way he could. Pressing a soft kiss to the crook of her neck, he slowly released her, quite reluctantly... then again, he was always reluctant when any distance from her was involved. "Just so," He laughed softly, a foot firing out to hit the drain switch. Then came his favorite part - 'helping' her out of her soaked clothes.

"You know, I figured you for a shower type of man." She pulled back, out of reach, reaching down to pull off the saturated shirt and toss it his way. "Come and get me, love." She had another of those long strips of cloth across her chest, though it was almost transparent with the water it took in. No, she'd never stop totally playing with him, and the game would last only as it long as it took them to get into the main room and that table "bed."

"Th'place doesn't have one," Vorn laughed, gesturing up toward the wall - there was no shower head at all. "...an' on a good day I run a thousand miles, love. 's nice t'soak th'bones..." He followed her the entire way, playfully picking at the wrapping while giving a half-assed effort at drying them both with a towel he'd seemingly produced from thin air. "Y'know, one o'these days I'ma get ya... an' when I do, y'won't wanna play yer games w'me. I'ma make y'so crazy y'll chase me 'cross th'city. Just y'wait."

"Ah, Vorn," she chuckled, helping to unwind the cloth strip and leaving a trailing edge fluttering about her. "Love, haven't realized you already make me crazy enough to chase you across the city? Haven't you realized yet just how much I want to keep you here on a regular basis and how far I might go to get what I want?" The last bit of the wrapping fell to the floor, a wide white carpet leading toward the woman as she took a lean against the table, having finally backed enough into it. The jeans remained untouched, her chest heaving slightly. A gleam rose to her eyes, an anticipatory smile curving her lips.

His steps slowed; there was no need to chase her now, she was right where he wanted her. The words had clearly given him pause as well. Despite everything they'd been through in this whirlwind, his place in her life was something he constantly questioned, and he did so again now. As usual, his eyes concealed nothing, he didn't even bother trying... although it was a struggle to keep them in place with her half-naked body tempting them elsewhere.

"Quite th'contrary, love. Y've ever been th'lock I can't pick, an' until t'night I never knew why." Desire was creeping into every corner of his mind, igniting his blood, twisting his nerves, but still he held back even as his steps brought him closer and closer. "Tell me, Jaycy. Tell me what y'want, and what y'd do t'have it..." His hand reached out then, a too-gentle touch to her cheek and the side of her neck, fingers burying themselves in her hair. "No more secrets... no more questions."

She always had trouble with the 'tell me what you want.' It seemed even when she thought she was speaking plainly, there was still some uncertainty and she didn't know what she could say to soothe that. "I don't want to lose you. I want exactly what we have." Nothing more, but also nothing less. Her head tilted, a hand coming up to press against the back of his, cupping lightly. "And I'll do anything short of harming another person, or hurting you, to have it." She sighed, then looked up to him, sober. "I want you to really believe that, too. I want you to tell me what you want, too."

It was the one question he never wanted her to ask, he never wanted to answer. Not after that night. Vorn's eyes closed and he opened his mouth to give her an evasive half-answer, but before a sound could emerge, his own words hit him hard. No more secrets... no more questions. At the same time, the truth was dangerous, and he was visibly shaken by the thought that it could drive them apart. A full scale war had erupted in his mind. Could he truly lie to her now? After she'd spoken her heart? "I want somethin' I can't have, love..." He whispered, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "...but I'll be happy with anythin' y'find it within yerself t'give me."

She recoiled back into the table, stricken. A flush crept up from her neck and over her cheeks, but it was a guilty one. His words turned over in her head, swiftly, and she made assumptions as to their meanings. It was something she'd been wondering at since that night in the Inn and now in his words had as good as said it. What she thought, assumed, was the one thing she'd warned him against ... something she couldn't, wouldn't give. She stared at him for several seconds; then shook her head, trying to climb onto the table behind her in an effort to stay out of reach; she didn't want to encourage him, cause more pain. "I'm sorry, Vorn." Those words whispered.

A Late Night Interlude

There was a flash, then a column of twirling swirling rainbow lights appeared. It receded into the ground, slowly, ribbons thinning in the spinning to reveal Jaycy. When she wasn't using the bike, that was her normal mode of transportation but it was limited to only those places she knew and had keyed the crystal to. She hadn't done it for the studio until that morning and this was a test of whether it would bring her to the right place. She nodded slightly in approval, moving forward after the ribbons of light had vanished and opened the outer door. Up the stairs swiftly, she made to the second door and knocked three times, as usual.

Music could be heard from Vorn's open window, but nothing like before. A simple guitar over a crackling amplifier drifted into the night, until bizarre lights drew his attention and he bolted to the window, just in time to witness a spectacle he'd not soon forget. "...well, fuck me," muttered under his breath as he watched the magical display and, more importantly, what emerged from it. Of course, he knew the routine, and he'd not disturb it. Instead, he sat back down on that old amp and awaited the three knocks. As usual, his response was on cue: "'s'open, love."

Hearing the awaited response, she turned the knob and bounded in, a cheerful smile on her face and ponytail bouncing behind her with each step. She paused long enough to look around, this time allowing the door to carelessly swing shut - she didn't bother to make sure it was closed. Finally spotting him, quick steps took her forward and she leaned in to steal a light kiss. She pulled back almost immediately, not wanting to give him time to take her, and take her breath away. "I love you." The words were really an affirmation of what she'd said Wednesday night; there was no special gravity or ceremony in her tone of voice. "Are you busy?" It also didn't seem like her words weren?t something she expected him to reciprocate; having already moved on to the next topic with her question.

Blinking in surprise, the guitar slipped from his hands, and he barely caught it in time to set it aside properly, even with his inhuman speed. "...never busy when it comes t'you, love. Y'should know that by now." His eyes watched her intently, it was after all one hell of a greeting, and one that had him grinding his teeth to keep seated, to keep from flying into her arms in the blink of an eye. "Y'seem... rather driven." While he may not have spoken the words, his eyes may as well have shouted them from the rooftops.

"No, not especially. I just wanted to see you. I figured if you wanted, we could do one of three things." Green-gold eyes shone, and that grin of hers widened just another little bit.

For a long moment, he examined those eyes, wondering what sort of trickery she'd come up with this time. It seemed to be her specialty. "An' just what would th'three things be, hmm?" Hands reached out toward her waist, seeking to draw her a little closer, or at least a place to rest upon her.

Really, she'd been waiting for the guitar to be put down and so she moved forward with the reaching, to settle lightly in the comforting embrace. "Well, we can either make love and then you can start the next tattoo, or we can make love and then go have some dinner, or we can make love and then get comfortable on the couch and talk and tell each other stories." No, there didn't seem to be any desire to torment him tonight, not even in the most playful manner .... she seemed more comfortable and relaxed than other nights, perhaps. If there was to be teasing or waiting this night, it wouldn't come from her. A hand reached up to touch his chest, fingers painting shapeless, squiggling imaginary lines over his flesh.

"Hmm..." Of course, he loved the first part... then again, who wouldn't? His hands were already drifting; it seemed just as logical in his mind that they could just do that and decide afterward. One in particular drew subtle lines around her right thigh, both to tease her and to draw an image in his mind. "...y'give me s'much I don't know quite what t'do with it all..."

"I didn't say you needed to choose now ... we have time." Her voice lowered, grew more husked. Her hand slipped from his chest, down toward his hip, and the other hand settled on the other side. "Why don't we start with the making love?" Her palm glided over his stomach, just above the hem of his pants, careful not to touch too low so soon. At the same time, she stood tall, seeking a second kiss - a longer, deeper one.

She stretched a moment, then resumed her contented curled position atop him. They remained on the couch, Vorn stretched out carelessly beneath her. His arm curled around her back, lightly holding her onto his chest, the hand of his other blindly tracing the outline of his work on her skin. She turned her head into his chest, nuzzling lightly. "Mmm." Her breathing was slowly returning to normal, tiny shudders occasionally coursing through her. "Ah, love." Those three important words hung on her lips but she didn't release them. She didn't need to; the warmth, the feeling were plain enough.

Her head, her lips out of his reach, Vorn's hand that traced her side found a hand to bring to his lips, a series of soft kisses laid to her fingertips. "...y'asked me what I wanted, love... what I truly wanted..." He spoke softly, between the occupation of his lips, "...this." Not just the sex... although it had been much more than just sex for some time now... but the content, the closeness, the euphoria. The love that poured from one to the other and back, as sure as the pulsing of the blood through their veins. "...this is all I've wanted... since th'night I laid eyes on ya."

"Mm?" It was a question without actual words and she lifted her head to peer at him. Her hand curled lightly at the kisses, and she offered him a small smile. "You've wanted this since the dancing lesson?" She teased gently, "I'd have sworn all you wanted was my body that night and you didn't want anything more until, oh, a week later." She chuckled, then the smile faded as she made her admission. "I didn't want this with you; but I knew very quickly I couldn't avoid it. And I don't regret it."

His brows quirked, face twisting somewhat, but he pushed away the thoughts that came. "Mmm... no, that's not quite right. It was th'night o'th'dance. When y'broke yer rule an' kissed me. I've 'ad many a lover, an' not one... ever kissed me like that." The drilling, searching look met her gaze again then. "Even then, was it only th'lust? It felt like... more." A gentle, reassuring stroke of her cheek came with the question, hoping to reassure her that there was no wrong answer.

Her eyes flitted closed for a second and she turned to kiss the caressing hand before she looked toward him again. "If it was only lust I wouldn't have kissed you." Lust, she could control. "No, I knew it was more the night you told me you were mine - the bonfire." She stretched, to press a kiss to the corner of his mouth.

His eyes closed for a moment, and while the burning question still would not silence itself, he first took the moment to simply bask in this. Happiness had never come easily to him, and now that he'd found it, he'd not easily let go. Still, he had to ask. That hand was stroking, reassuring, before the words even came; again, there was no wrong answer. "Why didn't y'want this?" His voice was low, even, and untempered as he spoke, and his eyes were soft and full of adoration. It was a fragile question, and he poured every ounce of energy into letting her know he would not reject her, no matter what the answer may be.

"Because I didn't want to see either of us hurt." Because of what she'd known him to be - a free spirit who'd never be tied to another, emotionally or otherwise; because of Psly and Kel. "Casual relationships, bedpartners, they're one thing. To share the heart deeply, though..." she trailed off, turning her eyes down and away from him before returning to meet his black gaze. She offered him a slight smile, once more kissing the same corner of his mouth. "No matter why, I'm all the happier that it did happen." As long as she could make it work and not cause damage.

"I'll make y'this promise, love. I'll do whatever's within m'power t'never, ever, hurt you. Nothin' in m'life has made me so happy as I've been with you, an' I never want it t'end." He couldn't promise it would never happen, but he would damn sure try as hard as he could to prevent it. With the last of his words, his eyes closed as fingers drifted to and fro through her hair, reveling in her warmth, her touch, her everything. The thought eventually would occur to them that they were supposed to do something else tonight, but for now, he was content. More so than he'd ever been. He would leave it to Jaycy to take them to their next destination.

A finger was brought to his lips, so-gently quieting him. "No promises needed, Vorn, unless it's a promise to talk to each other if we ever do hurt the other." That was so much like her request to talk to her, ask her before getting upset about something. But now it was meant to go both ways. "And that, I promise." Her finger swept over his lips, then she scooted up his chest to grace him with a proper kiss, short though it was. She watched him a moment, then smiled once more. "I saw Lilli last night, by the way." Her cheeks flushed, slightly. "She asked me if you were being nice. And somehow everything she said turned my thoughts to you, and made me blush in front of her.? After a moment, she remembered something else. "And she said her mother is in town already."

It would last a while, but when finally they came up for air, Vorn only smiled and slowly released her. Reluctantly, of course, as it always was when he had her like this, but not like before tonight. He knew there would be many more nights like this. "Alright love, let's feed ya... wouldn't want y'wastin' away on me."

A soft sigh at the end. Her hands slowly withdrew from his hair, down his neck. She then slid off him, stepping back a pace to give him room to sit and then stand. Her hands extended to help him in the process, too. "I could say the same about you." She grinned slightly. "If I had to, I could go a few days without food ... as long as I hunted at the end of it." She shrugged slightly. "What are you hungry for?"

"Besides me," she added quickly.

A slight pull at her hands teased at pulling her back down, but he grinned and was standing in the blink of an eye, fully dressed... or as much so as he ever truly was... still eyeing her naked body. "...damn, y'took th'best special off th'menu... an' nothin' else looks near as appetizin'..."

She rolled her eyes, chuckling, and turned to find her own clothes. Luckily they hadn't been ripped to shreds. Gathering the shirt and jeans, she swiftly donned them. "You're insatiable. If I hadn't learned it firsthand, I wouldn't have believed it when you made a comment to Alenka about dancing but a few moments before coming to the lesson." She slanted him a teasing look, taking up her boots and tugging them on. "Now be helpful and answer the question." She made a face at him, playful.

"Why's ev'ryone always callin' me that?" He snickered, shaking his head. "An'... well, yer gonna laugh at this, but most o'm'food comes from th'caravan or th'inn." He certainly didn't keep any here. "Other than th'sidewalk stands, I don't know o'much. Why don't y'take me somewhere? I've never been on yer motor--" He shook his head then, realizing she hadn't driven it. "Hmm. Somethin' nearby then, 'less y'like th'wind tearin' at ya like a demon. 's not easy carryin' one at m'speed..."

"Just no damn pizza. 's'all I've had two damn days in a row," he laughed, lifting the couch slightly to reveal four empty boxes he'd shoved underneath.

She grinned, gaze darting toward the boxes and then back to him. "I could have the bike come here, if you want to wait a few minutes." Ah, the benefits to having a tech-savvy man in her life; she'd finally learned the joys of automated things. "Or we can walk around and pick something that strikes our fancy?" She offered in the alternative. "I don't necessarily feel like losing all my skin from you carrying me." Her grin widened a fraction.

"Oh hell no," there was that inflection again, along with a slick grin. "Yer skin's way too precious, love." Fingertips slid through her hair to trace thin lines down the side of her neck as he spoke. "Walkin' it is." From his closet he produced an old black shirt that was missing all its buttons, throwing it on along with his boots, then he was at her side once again, offering his arm. "Shall we?"

"Oh, good, now I can look somewhere besides your chest," she quipped with the donning of the black shirt. She slid an arm through his, then reached across herself to rest her other hand on it. "Lead on, love." An unconscious echo of an earlier night. "I almost only want dessert. Something .... sweet." She chuckled, taking the first step toward the door even though she'd indicated for him to lead.

Behind him he shut the door almost as an afterthought; it was an abandoned building, after all. Setting off into the night, he was without much direction, more enjoying the walk itself than thinking of any particular destination. "Hm, y'know, I got t'thinkin... when were y'wantin' t'take that ride on th'boat?" The prospect had already turned into something special in his mind, even if only for the whirlwind of a night that surrounded her offer. Absent-minded as usual, he'd already forgotten they were supposed to be looking for food. She'd probably have to keep an eye out for something and just yank him over.

"Ship, Vorn," she corrected with a chuckle. "Not boat." It was something almost every real captain would likely have said in response to their pride and joy being called a 'boat.' "How about next Thursday?" She glanced over as they walked, gently stroking his arm in one an idle, thoughtless gesture. It was simply one of affection, the need for contact more prevalent than the need for him. The glance was a quick one, then she returned to her perusal of their surroundings.

"M'apologies, love," he smiled. "...an' I'd love that. Who'd all be comin' along?" Again, idle curiosity, although there was no keeping back that tiny hint to his voice that hoped it would just be the two of them. It was something he'd never say aloud, of course. Unfortunately, the thought snowballed once it started, and his expression quirked and smirked as he started imagining such things as Jaycy's mates, or Lilli and Z'ev making out on the deck, or who knows what else.

Another glance toward him; a curious one. "Do you want someone else to come with us?" She'd caught the hint in his tone, but his question seemed odd so she felt she had to put voice to it. She'd never thought of bringing anyone but him until that moment. "Well, I suppose I should say besides the crew, I mean." Steadily walking, slow but not pausing, she leaned a little into the arm - into his side - not touching but just seeking to get a little closer.

"No, it's not wrong of you at all. I can say I've no doubt I'd feel the same. But I'd never think for you to ignore your other lovers if they happened where we were. Nor would I want you to specifically ignore me if you were with another one." She lifted her free hand to stall a protest. "I know, love, that you implied I would always come first before someone else, but I don't always want to come first. Sometimes I'd just want to give you a kiss and then have you enjoy your evening without it being ruined because I came." She sighed. "I fear that if I'm with them, you'd never come near me."

"If I stay away when yer with th'others... it's not 'cause..." Frustrated, he buried a hand in his hair with a deep sigh. "I... just don't want t'put m'self in that place. I don't want t'intrude... yer time with them is precious t'ya. I just don't feel like it's m'place."

"...an' if y'caught me w'another woman... I'd do what I always do... I'd introduce ya, maybe give y'a kiss, an' she an' I'd finish our time t'gether... provided she didn't run off on me when she saw I's in love with someone else."

The lad thumped the ordered bowl of ice cream on the counter and started expectantly at Vorn. He still hadn't said a word, of course. Talons tapped against the granite tunelessly as he waited, clearly ready for them to be done and gone. Jaycy shook her head once more. "Trust me to say when you're intruding or not, aye? Because one of the things Kel wants to tell you is that she wouldn't intrude on our time together." Both of them silly, and me caught in the middle. "Are you ordering, or are we sharing?"

"Besides," she added. "You may even find new friends if you give them a chance for themselves."

A glance at the card gave him the slightest of a smile; they did indeed have just what he was looking for. "An' after eight, heavy on th'schnapps, an' sorry for th'wait." Back to Jaycy, he sighed softly, defeated. "I'll... try, love. It just... seems... bizarre." In truth, he was having a difficult time understanding why this was important to her, and it showed. When he saw her and Kel together, their thoughts bleeding into one another, constantly in each other's arms, he felt like an outsider. "If y'could tell me... why's it that y'want this? I won't fight y'on it... I just want t'understand."

The blue-skinned demon lad dropped Vorn's ice cream next to Jaycy's scoops on the counter. The small woman moved forward, digging into her jeans and pulling forth several coins. Those, she passed to the boy and then tugged both bowls closer, picking them up and then turning to offer Vorn's to him with a slight smile. She tilted her head toward a table, grabbed two spoons, then made her way to the indicated spot. Carefully she set the bowl down, sat, and took a bite while she waited for him to join her. Her eyes rolled back into her head a little with the bite, and she licked her lips. "Mmm."

Vorn followed, bowl in hand, but was too preoccupied to pay it much mind. Instead, he was looking for answers. He was always simple... in his mind, in his life, in his words and even in his art, although the results were often spectacular, his methods were always simple. Jaycy's latest notion, while he wouldn't outright reject it, was quite the monkey wrench. Not only did it break the simplicity, but it went against a premise that he held by quite firmly ? if it ain't broke, don't fix it. In silence, he awaited an answer, still hopeful that she'd find a way to let this go.

She took one more bite, savoring it a moment before turning her gaze toward him. She offered a gentle, soft smile - a reassuring smile, she hoped. It faded, though, as she resumed the discussion. "I ... not too long ago ... knew people in a similar situation. Two women cared for each other, wanted each other. But one was already in a relationship. The man didn't mind the woman having others, but the third part .... she didn't want to interfere. So she stayed away; every time she saw them together, the other two, she would shrink back and avoid them. She was miserable. The partnered woman, too, was miserable because she saw this other woman less and less and the other woman kept backing away, saying she didn't want to interfere with the partners and their time together."

Brows crinkling and crumpling, Vorn shook his head. "That sounds like a diff'rent situation alt'gether, love... hell, 's like she spent so much time with th'one that th'other was left out. 's that what yer plannin' t'do?" He was beyond confused now, idly stirring the ice cream before him, his eyes never leaving hers.

She sighed, lips turning down. She seemed to be struggling for words; looking for the right way to explain her concerns. "No, I'm not. But on the other hand, I don't want to feel like we're confined to your studio, or can't share time in the Inn because one of them might walk in." She paused, taking another bite as she tried to figure out what she needed to say. "I don't want her to feel like she has to stay away because I'm with you, and I don't want you to feel you should stay away because I'm with her. Does that make some sense?"

Of course, it was impulsive, but so was almost everything Vorn ever did. This time, however, her words settled differently. One last caress, and a kiss to her forehead, and he was back around the table. "...an' yea... it melted, but it's pretty damn good this way," he grinned, taking up the bowl and drinking from it. Greenish blue dripped from the corners of his mouth, but by the time he set the bowl down it was half gone, and the mess was easily enough taken care of with a wipe of his sleeve.

She rolled her eyes, but grinned at him. "That's messy and gross, love," she chided teasingly. Then she took another few bites of her own ice cream, eyes rolling back a little in her head. Yes, she did have a thing for chocolate. She took another spoonful but offered it toward him, brow lifting in silent question.

A poorly feigned pout quickly gave way to a playful smirk. "Y'make that sound like a bad thing, love... I thought th'messy an' gross was part o'm'charm..." Spooning up a bit of what was still solid after all his stirring, he returned the gesture, leaning forward as he did so. "I'll show y'mine if y'show me yers?" It was too silly, but he couldn't resist. This night needed some levity.

Her gaze flicked to the spoon he was extending to her. "I don't want to see, I want to taste." A playful lick of her lips, then she leaned forward, mouth opening, to take the spoon inside and curl her lips around the utensil. She pulled back from it, swallowed, then tongue darted out to the corner of her mouth. Her brow rose in challenge. Beat that.

Instead of taking her spoon into his mouth, his tongue flicked at it from a hundred directions at once, taking what she offered one neat piece at a time, until the spoon was clean and shining, save for a tiny bit at the end. One last flick of his tongue at the bottom of the spoon sent that last little bit flying, right onto her lips, and she'd feel him quite sensuously lick it from her... but even a trained eye would have had the most difficult time imaginable noticing that he'd ever even left his seat. His innocent smile practically painted a halo over his head.

She groaned, dropping the spoon into her bowl. "Wrong on so many levels," she mock-scowled at him. "You may have won the battle, Vorn, but the war ..." She suddenly grinned again, amusement lighting up her eyes. She took up the spoon and had another bite, then pointed with it toward the strips of cloth around his arms. "Why do you wear them? I know where they came from, obviously, and how you feel about the person you got them from .... but why wear them?" Curiosity reigned with the lightened mood.

"I'd damn sure hope y'd know where they came from," Vorn snickered, but it gave way quickly to a more thoughtful expression. It was obvious even he didn't know for sure. "I dunno, just seemed like th'thing t'do. 's like a piece o'ya t'carry 'round w'me. A beautiful memory."

A pause, and he continued, his eyes drifting off into space as he put his thoughts together. "Th'things I wear... they're 'bout survivin'. Makin' it through, Vorn against th'world. Then... y'came along..." His gaze centered on hers then, "...an' reminded me there's more t'life. 's kinda an odd thing t'wear, true... but it makes me think o'you, no matter where y'are, an' how y'gave me somethin' I never had b'fore."

A faint flush crossed her cheeks, and she ducked her head a moment before smiling at him. "Aye, a very beautiful one. Several, actually, though mayhaps the first two were the best." She finished her last bite of ice cream, sneaking a glance to see if anything remained in his bowl, listening at his words ... though they made her pause, and reach her free hand for his. "Thank you," she said simply, for the high compliment. "I'm glad I could give you something, as you've given me so much."

"Do you have a phone?" She asked after a moment, shifting subjects.

His brow quirked at that. "Errr, no... I don't. Had one a couple times, but never really used th'damn thing... ended up tossin' 'em. When y'get 'round like I do, y'don't really need one anyway. Who would y'be callin' at this hour anyway?" He still, of course, took the offered hand in both of his, softly stroking even as the gears in his mind were hard at work to figure out who would even answer this time of night.

She grinned, just a little. "Only you. I keep one, only for emergencies. We'd had it in case I needed to talk to Neo about Kel and he wasn't right there. I was going to give you that way to reach me, but since you don't have one..." She trailed off, chuckling, and then reached with her free hand into the pocket of her jeans. "... I have something else."

A moment later she withdrew a crystal; almost a transparent pale yellow. It was short, cylindrical, with a blunt point at each end. Silver wires curled around it, making a cage should he ever want to add a chain to it to wear. "No matter where you are, just whisper into this and I'll hear you, and we can talk." She paused, then added as she offered him the crystal in the open palm of her free hand, "... of course, if I'm sleeping or too busy or something's wrong I won't answer; it's like a phone in that regard."

A Day Trip

At the third slip in Dockside, there stood a two-masted schooner, its side facing to the dock and held in place by a thick, winding rope around an equally stolid post. Its cream fore- and aft- sails remained furled in the very early Thursday dawn. Despite the early hour, workers in a mostly brown uniform of pants and vest scuttled over the desk, busying themselves for the coming trip. Several others hefted barrels and bales of supplies up the gangplank, the wooden causeway bouncing just so with every heavy step. Panels low on the side of the ship remained closed. A simple spike was the only bow decoration; there was no mermaid to lead the way on this ship. There was no indication of identity on the side of the ship; for all intents and purposes it was as plain as could be.

Jaycy leaned against that anchoring post, dressed much more for the adventure of the day. A cream open-necked shirt fluttered about her, the full sleeves billowing in the early morning breeze. Loose brown breeches covered her legs, tucked carefully into calf-length brown leather boots. She didn't wear a hat, though - her silver-streaked hair was simply braided.

Vorn knew a shady operation when he saw it, having been involved in more than his share. He appeared behind Jaycy in complete silence, but a sudden whisper in her ear would announce his arrival. "Well, sh's nice, but quite plain." There was no judgment in his words; he knew the lack of features that could be positively identified was an important one. That much he conveyed in his tone. "Someday y'll 'ave t'tell me what y'do on it when yer not takin' me out for a ride..."

"Does sh'even 'ave a name?"

The suddenness of the grin was the only indication of surprise at his approach - she'd been expecting at least that. She voice was casually normal; it seemed she didn't feel she needed to hide anything. "She's called the Tyger, love. And I'll tell you now what she does - she trades in exotic and unique goods that are hard to procure." She straightened and turned to face him, a palm pressing into the post and a brow quirking. "Good morning. Are you ready?"

His kiss came first, and although he made directly for her lips, it was a soft greeting. The warmth was there as always, but they had plenty of time for that. "Hmm, exotic goods?" His curiosity picked up at that. "Y'wouldn' by any chance 'ave some high grade opium?" If it wasn't long since obvious, his drug of choice and his prolific use of it was far from a source of shame or embarrassment. "...an' o'course I'm ready." He grinned, gazing about.

"Mm." She touched his cheek with the greeting, lingering on her tiptoes before stepping back with a smile, and sliding her hand into his. "No, no opium." At least currently. Of course it was something she could ... procure ... if needed, but she tended not to traffick in drugs. "Cmon." She turned about once more, tugging lightly on him and taking those steps toward the 'plank. The line of men had slowed, and she only needed to wait a moment before leading him up onto it and to the edge of the ship. At the apex of the 'plank, though, she stopped. "Captain, permission t' come aboard," she called loudly. A burly, bearded man - dressed exactly as the small woman - peered down from the wheel, squinting. He scrutinized them, then grinned down at them. "Aye, Jaycy! Bring yer landrat on!" Jaycy peeked back at Vorn, twinkled, and then stepped onto the deck.

More ideas came to mind as well, although he had his doubts as to what else Jaycy would have access to, and he was having trouble remembering the list of things Mel needed before it would be worth the risk of running the blockade on 334-K13. 400 kilograms of opium, I'm still nearly 100 short. Victor said he can provide nanomachines. As many antibiotics as we can possibly find. Diazepam. What else...

At her gesture, the list he'd been trying to assemble just fell out of his head. His glance cut to the captain with a slight smirk. "Who y'callin' a landrat? Hah. I spent m'share on th'seas!" Meanwhile, his hand slipped around Jaycy's waist, giving her a soft squeeze. "I like yer captain already."

She tugged him off to the side, leaning against him as the last of the crew came aboard and the 'plank was withdrawn onto the deck. "That's Senirsh. I found him a few months ago, was going to make him my new first ... but then I decided it was better to stay off the ship and let him take over. So here he is. Just a warning, though, he'll put you to work." Speaking of work, a hand left on shore unwound the thick braided rope from its post and heaved it up toward the deck. Jaycy stepped forward quickly to assist them in pulling it in.

Senirsh, meanwhile, called down to the hand. "We'll be back'n th' night, Fas." The land-bound hand saluted the captain and then spun and jaunted off into the morning crowd. Senirsh plodded down the stairs leading from the wheelhouse level to the main deck, hands moving to his belt as he peered at Vorn more closely. "Y'ain't nothin' but a landrat 'til I see wrong, lad." He chuckled, and extended his hand. "Welcome 'board."

"Y'll see soon 'nough then," Vorn grinned with a firm handshake. "'an I thank ya." To them both, he offered a glance in turn, the obvious coming to mind immediately. "How 'bout th'grand tour, then? 's been a while since I been on an ol' kinda ship like this, on th'seas." he admitted. "Most o'm'time on a ship these days has been in th'stars."

"Hah, y'wish... hell, I've never seen 'er drink." He took the jibe in stride, grinning the entire way. "...an' yea, sh'told me sh'used t'run things 'erself but 'er life got a lil' complicated." Vorn himself hadn't helped too much in that regard, but he'd not take back a single moment. "'bout th'landrats, y'carryin' 'em somewhere?" Honestly, he wasn't too concerned with the details of their work, but he was always curious, especially since ideas were already starting to form in his head as to how he could possibly get Jaycy and her ship involved in his own dabblings.

"Pleasure cruises 'round the sea." Sen's dry remark showed the truth in his loyalty to the ship's mistress; he'd reveal nothing about the nature of the work on the ship if Jaycy hadn't revealed it. That answer also, on no uncertain terms, implied that Sen knew exactly what Vorn was to Jaycy and what was likely to happen on that particular day trip. What Sen's tone didn't convey, however, was judgment. The woman's choices were her own and he liked the pleasures of casual bedroom play himself. A third set of doors gave him pause once more, and he looked into the left. "Cubby." A pantry, really, though it wasn't large. In fact, it wasn't in reality much larger than either of the two guest rooms. He grunted to the right, "galley."

That was a long, cramped space and two thin young rascals hunched over a table, chopping citrus. Near the door, a metallic-seeming open cabinet waited, spanning from floor to ceiling of the level. It contained several boxes at the bottom - the cabinet was almost certainly a pulley-based elevator system for galley supplies. The lads looked up briefly and then returned to their work, finding no one of interest.

"Heh... well, a job's a job," he shrugged, although his tone seemed to imply that he could read between the lines quite well. "An' who doesn't like a good 'pleasure cruise' from time t'time, eh?" A mischievous grin stole his lips for a brief moment. As always, Vorn's response mirrored the absence of judgment.

"'zactly." He chuckled again, girth giggling in the shaking laughter. His demeanor relaxed again; Vorn hadn't pressed and so the comraderie could return. "Ain't nothin' like it, iff'n ya're t'sea folk. Next rooms're officers bunks, an' sh*thole." There were only doors on the left for the rest of the hallway. He kept walking past them; Vorn could stop and look as he willed. Only one officers' room was open, and the bladecatcher could spy the dual hammocks suspended on one side of a room that was as small as the guest quarters. On the other side of the room was a desk and two large built-in lockers. The "sh*thole" door was closed and Sen didn't bother to open it on his way by. It was likely, though, that the officers nearest that room were vigilant about ensuring its cleanliness. The hallway opened suddenly at the end, to another ledge surrounding a set of stairs. "Iff'n y'wanna go down, y're on y'own." He wouldn't fit, bluntly. "'s crew squats an' cargo." And the guns.

"Naw, ain't none o'm'business what yer carryin', 'less I got stock in it." Simple, matter-of-fact. It had always been his policy, even when he'd lent his aid to Melinda. Besides, poking around in the ship's hold would only delay the pleasure part of this cruise. After all, that's why he was here in the first place, although the tour had certainly been worth it.

He nodded; there was even an approving glint to his brown eyes as his palm swung forward to clap Vorn on the shoulder. "Good man, landrat. 's t'ship. I'll be updeck." He didn't wait for Vorn to start down the long hallway before moving himself. For someone so massive and so tightly spaced, the Captain moved quickly.

After a simple nod, Vorn disappeared back through the halls, a blur of motion with the occasional deft sidestep or spin to avoid crew and passengers at work. His only stop on his way back to the deck was just outside Jaycy's room, where he stood in the doorway for a long moment. After all, she'd been to his home many times and had seen how he lived, the things he kept. In many ways she knew him much better than he knew her. To this day he'd still not so much as set foot in her house... hell, he didn't even know where it was. Eventually, however, he shook his head and made his way back out to find her. Sh'said t'trust 'er. One o'these days sh'll show me 'er life. Until then, I'll take it as it comes. His pace after that was a slow, deliberate one, gathering his thoughts as he continued on.

His eyes closed for a moment, fingers giving her rear end a firm squeeze as he took a slow, deep breath. When they opened again, his black gaze was quite intense. "Y'know th'rule, love... y'play w'me, I'll play w'you. An' don't think for a moment I won't make y'squeal right here in front o'yer crew..." It wasn't a threat; Vorn never made threats - only promises. "...an' y'know I'm always ready."

She inched in, not wanting to physically connect with him beyond their hands, but to fill him with her presence by being so near. The palm of her hand pressed in, along him, and thumb and index finger pinched the lightest bit at the tip, rolling between them. Suddenly, abruptly, she stepped to the side and away from him completely. With a devious laugh, she moved for the double doors beneath the stairs - the Captain's quarters.

"I'ma make y'pay for that," Vorn muttered, stalking after her, his face slightly flushed from the teasing. Oh, and he would. "...an' y'll pay dearly." Just as she reached the doors, he was upon her, arms wrapped around from behind, whispering in her ear. "Have y'ever wanted it s'bad it hurt?"

The twitch of a gently pointed ear was the only indication that she heard the mutterings; the smirk didn't grow wider nor did she laugh again. She stopped short at the feel of his arms encircling her, and she leaned back into him. A light shudder took her at the puff of breath on her ear from his whispering. One hand snuck back, behind, aiming blindly for his rear end, to cup and pull him into her back. "Oh, aye, Vorn, I have," she breathed. "Whenever I even think your name." Slightly she tilted her head back, seeking to lay eyes on his face, meet his gaze.

Taken aback, his hands stopped for a moment, tilting his head just right to accommodate her seeking eyes. So accustomed to her teasing ways and her twisting of words, his first reaction was sarcasm. "...you just live t'fuck w'me, don't ya?" Shaking his head, rolling his eyes, he slowly released her to open the door. None of this diminished his desire in the least, and that very fact seemed to almost frustrate him. Damn th'woman... sh's always got th'upper hand on me. The thought never even crossed his mind that she may have actually meant it.

She didn't immediately move for the door; instead she slowly turned, fighting to find his gaze again. Her words were murmured but still emphatic, stressed. "every. single. Time." Green-gold eyes shifted toward the doors and her body followed. She swiftly moved forward, opening the left one and stepping through. From the other side she half-turned, lifting a brow over her shoulder. "Are you coming?"

He followed, still shaking his head. ...always pushin' m'fuckin' buttons... Then again, it was one of many things he'd come to love about her. Still, somewhere in his head, he made the oath to himself: One o'these days, I'll find a way t'get 'er. One o'these days. It was a particular blessing that Kel wasn't here on a day like this, because his thoughts were flying this way and that, completely unchecked. "Lead th'way, love." One o'these days...

She took his hand and tugged him through the door and past her before releasing him. Her other hand pulled the door closed. A moment later, she stepped forward, snagged the unbuttoned edges of his white shirt and fisted her hands in the fabric. With a strength belied by her size, she pushed him roughly against the wall. "It hurts. Make me pay if you want, but I need you inside me." She yanked down on his shirt, to pull him down roughly, and set a burning, deep kiss on him.

Wide eyes regarded her with pure, unabated shock, arms hanging limply at his sides. She'd been aggressive before, but this was... different. Very different. Outside the ice cream parlor she'd toyed with him a while before finally speaking the two words that must be obeyed. Yet, what he felt then, her need, her desire, was nothing like this. Her kiss fell upon frozen, lifeless lips as he just stared. For perhaps the first time of life, it was lust that spoke as the voice of reason, yelling frantically in the back of his mind, Hey! Stupid! Rip her clothes off and take her! ...but for this moment, even that voice was too distant.

She fell back, suddenly stunned herself. A few stumbling steps away and she simply stared at him, as if he were some alien creature set in the bladecatcher's body. What had she done? Her arms wrapped around her midsection, crossed, and she shrank. Already clinging linen shirt pressed light against her chest, highlighting the band of cloth around her chest.

Her sudden reaction had him blinking and shaking his head to dispel the shock, although one only ended up replacing another. "Jaycy? ...what's wrong?" As she shrank down he moved almost too fast, heating the air around him, bending slightly to meet her eyes. "...I'm so sorry... y'just... y'shocked me... I..." Oh no... not again...

"I told you I needed you," she let out in a shuddering breath, looking up. "It hurts me too."

A tentative, trembling hand reached out to her; he was truly afraid that after this she'd slap him away. "...I never knew... Jaycy... I'm sorry." Deep breath. "Y'always... play w'me... twist me 'round yer fingers... I never..." For this moment, he truly, truly envied the mind link she shared with Kel and Psly... if she could only tap into his mind she'd understand... but words failed him completely.

Rather than push him away figuratively or literally, she took his hand at the wrist and set it at her hip. "I don't play when you ask me how much I need you." She stepped forward, intent on pushing him back toward the wall. "I need you." Another step forward. "Now you've made me pay." Even if not in the way he'd intended. Another step, close to the wall. "Now take me. End both of our hurts." She cast a glance around the room, eying for a second the Captain's desk and then his couch. Swiftly dismissing them, she turned back to the man in front of her. Even she had a limit to how much she'd abuse Sen's quarters. "Please?"

The words hit him hard. All this time he'd honestly believed himself a plaything. Loved, yes... and most definitely wanted... but never truly needed. Perhaps that's what love is... One fingertip touched her lips as the other on her hip slid into her shirt, needing skin, not fabric to feel as he spoke. "You never have t'ask, love." A flurry of motion followed, clothes flying, boots smacking loudly against the wall, all while a starving, devouring kiss met her lips.

She let him take care of their clothes, wriggling about to facilitate their loss with a minimum of damage, instead choosing to push him against the wall once more after he removed everything but her shirt. It was perhaps less rough than last time - she was holding herself back just a little given his earlier reaction - but still an aggressive and demanding gesture. It allowed the kiss to be broken long enough to lose that shirt and then she was back in, plundering his mouth in the second kiss, silently ordering him with it to show her how much he needed her.

"Oh..." A sigh of relief gave way to a palpable ease in his tension. He certainly didn't want to risk upsetting her over something so mundane as what they had for lunch. "...um, sure." That said, he was in no hurry whatsoever to disentangle himself from the arms and leg wrapped around his body. "...though I'd still rather you be on th'menu." A wicked half-grin stretched his lips just enough.

The brows furrowed even more deeply, just for a moment. "Are you sure?" She didn't move either, except to bring her hand over his hip and down his thigh. "I'm dessert." The comment was casual, almost an afterthought, but it was in response to his preference for her to be on the 'menu.' "If you're not hungry, we don't have to eat now. Really."

"Hmm... dessert... I like that." Still grinning quite deviously, he gathered her against him tight for one more kiss, then slowly, reluctantly slipped back and helped her to her feet. It was obviously help she didn't need, but any excuse to have his hands on her naked body was one he would gladly take, no matter how thinly veiled. "...like y'said, we have th'whole day."

She chuckled softly, taking the assistance happily. She was just as happy for the contact as he was. In fact, she had to hold herself back from pressing into his body and starting 'dessert' immediately. "Do you want to eat on the deck, or somewhere else?" Her hands slowly slipped from his grasp and she moved to retrieve her rumpled, ripped clothing. It was obvious what they'd been doing, but it was also all she had in the Captain's quarters. She wasn't ashamed, at any rate.

"'s yer ship, love. Why don't y'show me where y'like t'eat?" A swat aimed at her arse just in time to get her before her pants made it all the way back on - of course, Vorn was dressed immediately. "Y'got a special place, maybe?" Once again he was searching, hoping to gather little pieces along the way that he could piece together. To him it was a puzzle, and he hoped one day to assemble enough of it to have a clear, vivid picture of Jaycy's world - all of it, no matter how light or dark or anywhere between.

She jumped in the swat, tumbling forward a few stuttering steps and almost tripping over her pants. Luckily she'd learned enough to keep to her feet and finish the dressing. She glared at him, not bothering to tuck the shirt in, and pulling on the boots. "Usually just on the bow, now, or in my quarters. We don't have much in the way of a dining room on here. It'd be a waste of space, frankly." The crew ate in the bowels of the schooner, on the planks that served for seats near their hammocks. Guests ate as she did, in their rooms or on the deck. "I'll go get lunch, you'll meet me there?" He'd said he'd been on a ship, he'd know where the bow was.

He blinked a bit at her jump, but couldn't help a soft laugh. "Alright, love. I'll see y'there." First, a blur of hands ran along her back, cheeks, and brushed a stray lock of hair back from her eyes, then a few soft kisses touched her face, and Vorn was gone. Fortunately, he did know where the bow was, and he'd await her there, standing spike that jutted out. It would be a precarious position for most, but the bladecatcher's balance was absolute, and he calmly watched the waves as he waited.

She weaved for a moment, assaulted by those most pleasurable caresses, sighing at the loss. She gazed after him, then exited the Captain's quarters. Both received catcalls at their appearances. Jaycy chuckled, lifting a hand, and made her way through the single door and into the ship. Several minutes later, she made her way to the bow, the handle of a wicker basket draped over her right arm. Her left held a blanket, a rich maroon and obviously from her quarters. She stood in the space behind the grand spike, the floor of the deck that served as part of the "bow." After a moment's enjoyment, she spread out the blanket on the deck and eased down, setting the basket before her. She didn't announce her presence, though. She knew he'd know.

"'ello, love." As much as he enjoyed the view of the open sea, the view behind him was so much sweeter. He took a seat opposite the basket, if for no other reason to keep at least some distance, to stave off for now the temptation for an early 'dessert'. "What did y'bring us?"

She smiled, lifting the cloth from the basket and pulling forth several lidded containers. "Salmon." One was lifted. "Salad." As promised. A second one was raised. "Grapes and strawberries." A third, boxlike, was set on the blanket. "Meat for me." The 'meat' was in fact raw cubes. "Ale." She lifted a bottle of Black Tar and set it before him, then retrieved a bottle of water for herself. Finally, she pulled out the plates and utensils, passing him a set. Then she set to opening the containers.

An eyebrow quirked at the Black Tar, and quite a thankful smile as well. "Mmm. Yer crew's got taste." Somehow the cap went spinning back into the basket, and a second look at the meat gave him pause. Just like Kel. "...alright, I got t'ask... What's w'th'raw meat? 'specially when y'got perfectly good salmon t'be eatin'..."

"Oh, no, love. Most of them drink Skullsplitter. I had that brought especially for you." She chuckled, willing to take credit for that particular courtesy. "I wanted to leave some here for you, but Sen said we needed to make sure you'd survive to come back." She graced him with a wink, then looked down at the meat container. "I'm going to have some salmon. The meat is just for energy, which I know I'll be needing." She grinned at him, then plucked a piece of meat from the container. "Unfortunately we need it to sustain ourselves. I still enjoy the taste of other food, too. As does Psly. His favorite is steak nachos." She slid it into her mouth, chewing.

"Honestly, if you want to help, if you ever want to go, you'll need to talk to Sen. He really is in charge here for the day to day things. I'll tell him, of course, that you're welcome to help and be involved with whatever you want, too." While she didn't know about his refusal to kill unless lives were to be saved, she assumed he'd understand that the pirating aspect could sometimes include fighting. "If you're going to help, though, it won't be for commission." She shook her head, taking his explanation without question. Even if she didn't understand what he'd need some of them for, she understood what they were, and Sen would know best how to procure them. "You're welcome to use her any time you need as long as she's not busy; I'll tell Sen that." She paused, tilting her head.

"Y'ave m'thanks, love. I don't know what all we can find on this sort o'world, but... everythin' helps." For now, he'd leave it at that. "...an' ...all this reminds me. I been thinkin' 'bout it for a few days now. Y'takin' me on yer ship an' all... Have y'ever seen th'stars?" Before she could answer the obvious, he shook his head. "...an' I mean... really seen 'em?"

The comment about Melinda hadn't gone unnoticed, by the way; in fact it was shelved for another time. "Do you mean have I ever gone up into them?" She canted her head the other way, then shook it. "No. I know some can and there are ships that go there, but I've never gone myself. I'm guessing you have?"

"I told y'love... I've been t'many worlds." He nodded simply. "An' 'er ship isn't for th'seas. That's why... I was thinkin' perhaps I could return the favor one day..." Finishing off the plate, he chased it with a solid gulp of ale, and drew out a cigarette. It was the first he'd smoked since he arrived; he truly had been cutting down lately.

"I'd love to share that with you," she softly answered, reaching into the space between them to touch his knee lightly. The caress was light, then she drew back and continued her lunch. She ate more slowly, truly enjoying the lunch. Soon enough, though, it was finished and she carefully packed things away in the basket. She didn't make a move to stand from the blanket, though, or even more necessarily closer. Instead, she looked at the spike's end, the sparse white clouds dotting the bright blue of the sky. "And I'm glad you came today and shared this with me, too."

"I wouldn've missed it for th'world, love." Sliding the basket aside, he made to lie down on the blanket, staring up into her eyes. "'sides... couldn'a got a better day for it." Of course, the moment the words came out of his mouth, his hand clamped down as if he wished he could take them back. "Shit, I hope I ain't gone an' jinxed it..."

She rose to her knees before scooting over, gently sliding a hand under his neck and lifting to set his head in her lap. Fingers threaded lazily through his black hair, tenderly, as her other hand brushed over his cheek. "You haven't. It's expected to be nice all day, love." She smiled down to him. "You're alright. I promise." She sighed, a content sound, and then looked up, toward the sky again. "Would you like to do this again?"

Dropping his cigarette into the bottle, Vorn relaxed and closed his eyes, reaching up a hand to cradle hers against his face. "I'd do anythin' with you." The puzzle, the weather, even the ship itself seemed to fade away, leaving only her soft touch and the pillow of her lap.

"You're going to get yourself in trouble with these vows, and absolutes." She playfully chided, the night he 'gave' himself to her - the bonfire - coming to mind. Her thumb brushed over his cheek beneath his, a light, loving touch. "I could bring a lot of trouble your way, you know. Being involved in certain ... nefarious ... activities." While it was true, though, she'd shield him from those as much as she could, honestly.

"There's one thing... I won't do." His eyes opened into a dire gaze. "I won't kill... not unless it's savin' a life... unless..." Lids narrowed dangerously as the very thought of them seemed to sicken him, "...unless it's a slaver."

"I can understand that, love." Said gently, even as she continued to pet him. "Though I have to say .... there are many men and women who are as bad, or worse, than slavers and need to be killed too." She sighed, hands stilling a moment.

"So are there ev'rywhere, love." He shifted just a little, rubbing his cheek against her thigh for a moment. "But I made a promise... an' it's one I can't break."

"Mmm. That's understandable, and commendable. I'd never ask you to." She smiled down at him, resuming her petting. "I'll be the one to do it." There was no sadness with the statement, or regret. There also wasn't any malice, or anger, or excitement. It was just a statement. "Well, Kel and I both. I'd mentioned jobs before ... we often go together." She paused, then looked up, into the distance. It was several seconds before she spoke again. "I need to take you to Arlen."

The Second and Third Tattoos ? The Snake and the Blades

Vorn sat at the couch, leaning back and staring at the ceiling, eyes pinpointed, staring off into nothing in particular. ...had t've been Jaycy... but how'd sh'pull that s'quick? Of course, he'd opened the package. In lieu of taking her money, Vorn's arrangement with Melinda was quite simple - she'd get ninety-eight as soon as he called her to bring the ship to pick it up. One package had been shoved under the couch with the pizza boxes, and the other lie open on the guitar amp he'd pulled up to use as a table. A dip of his fingernail had him quite impressed... the following spoonful had him quite comfortably numb. At least for now he could put aside the thought of what was to come - getting the stuff was the easy part, although Jaycy had certainly made it even easier - slipping through a blockade was another story altogether. Picking up his guitar, he played the first song that came to his head, debating whether to call Jaycy now to thank her, or wait until he sobered a bit.

He didn't have to do either. A flash of light, and a few moments later she was at the second door, rapping three times. Gypsy skirts covered her lower half to the shin, her feet bare. The greens and browns below spoke of the earth even as her hair screamed fire. The full-sleeved chemise was cream, settled beneath a lush garden of a bodice - thick ivy strands woven on the brown backdrop. Her hair fell loosely, ivy vines lazily woven through the silver and red streaks.

"'ello, love." Vorn smiled, setting down the guitar. He almost bumped the amp in the process, and sighed with relief at the near-miss. The spill would not have been pleasant. "Y'know y'don't 'ave t'knock." Besides, y'didn't knock when y'left m'a goldmine...

She stepped through the door, closing it behind her. Green-golds passed around quickly and took in the scene. Her expression didn't change, even though she'd obviously paused her gaze on the amp-table for several seconds. She turned, carefully locking the door behind her, then once more faced him. Stepping forward, she grinned. "And you know I have a habit of being polite." She stepped close, for a greeting kiss - the ritual of it was something she'd come to love deeply - and slid her hand up his neck in the process.

"Mmm..." Even in this state, that kiss was much the same for him. After all this time, he still vividly remembered the three days she'd denied him the taste of her lips, and the waiting, the longing, left a mark that may never truly fade away. His arms wrapped slowly around her waist, although one hand slipped up gently against her spine. Curiosity had taken him as always, and he subtly checked for the presence of a wrapping around her chest. It had become a habit at this point.

She pulled back from the kiss after a long moment, pressing one more peck to his lips and then grinning up at him. The tightly laced bodice seemed to be her support that night for there was nothing underneath the chemise. "I guess I don't need to ask how you're doing, love." She flicked a glance toward the amp, then back to his dark eyes. "Found some of what you needed? Where'd you get it?" She managed the question with an almost-straight face, but impish amusement lurked in the depths of her green-gold eyes. They seemed to twinkle, in fact, with it. The barest hints of claws kissed the nape of his neck simultaneously.

A lopsided smirk came over his face as he rolled his eyes. "Thank y'love. 'sa great help. An' no, I'm not keepin' it all for m'self... just two. M'linda'll prob'ly take six or eight, an' th'rest goes t'th'ospital. W'that an' th'antibiotics Victor gave us, we've got 'nough now t'take off an' try t'slip th'blockade... but 's not for another week or so."

"What about the blood you said you'd needed?" She sobered, leaning into him; a light press against his body, relaxed as she conversed. Claws continued to knead lightly at the nape of his neck. Perhaps she knew that with what he had in his system a more intense touch was needed to affect him at all. "Are you going with them to make the slip through?"

The claws obviously had an effect in his state, his head sank to her shoulder, and he fought to keep his eyes open. Mmmm... I could just melt into 'er... "Th'blood... we're still workin'. Victor can produce th'synthetic, but..." He paused, trying to remember all the seraph had told him, but it would have been difficult even sober, as he didn't understand a word of it. "...somethin' 'bout how people... 'reject' it. Makes 'em sick or somethin'. An' it's not somethin' we can just buy... 's hard t'trust someone when they tell y'where they got it..." Despite the businesslike tone of his words, her body still called to him, and the claws along his neck did more than she may have expected. A kiss, then another pressed softly against the side of her neck. "...an' yeah. I'll be goin' with 'er... I'll be runnin' th' supplies in, along w'a young lady that can... do th'thing you do. Where yer here one second and not th'next."

"Mmm." She indicated she was listening with that one sound, though it was only with half an ear to the details. He'd always affected her; he was her drug, lulling her into a second parallel world where time had no meaning, no place. Her head canted to the side to allow him easier access, her other hand - also clawed, it seemed - settled at his waist. Sharp tips walked down his hip and thigh, wherever she could reach while they remained on the couch. "Do you want me to go with you?" The question was lazily, her voice distant ... but it was a sincere offer.

She groaned softly, reaching to take that cigarette but moving slowly enough to give him adequate warning. Sh*t. "Damnit," was the curse she said aloud. "Vorn, each of my tattoos represents important one person in my life. I want a tattoo for you. I want you to mark me permanently in whatever way you see fit. I couldn't wait to ask for it." Flustered, frustrated, she rarely made such mistakes in reading people or knowing when to not say something.

It was fortunate she'd reached for the cigarette, as in his surprise, Vorn nearly dropped it. Eyes leveled on her for a long, long moment, in complete silence. "...y'want..." He stammered when he finally tried to speak. "...somethin'... o'me...?" The first thing that passed through his mind was the night he'd asked her if he'd ever be to her what they were... and she'd said no. Had... that changed now? There were no more words, and even if he could think of any to speak, they'd have never made it past the lump in his throat and the constricting feeling in his chest. His eyes were slowly tearing up.

She was careful with the cigarette, holding it away from both of them but still enough aloft that its lit cherry wouldn't strike anything and start a fire. Whispered words followed the sigh, and she sought to meet dark eyes with her own. "Aye, Vorn, I do. However you want. If you want to twine it with the snake, for Kel, I want you to. But I wanted you to know before you started, before we made love, so both you knew how you mean to me and so you would have time, space to think about how and where you wanted it, if you wanted it with Kel's." She looked down. "I'm sorry, love. I ... got away from myself."

Suddenly the cigarette was flying, sent through the slit he kept open in the window. An arm curled around her back once more, entangling in her hair to hold her as his lips met hers in a kiss unlike any he'd ever given her. It would only last so long, however, as he was forced to break away to speak once he felt capable... otherwise the words could be lost. "I love you, Jaycy." His hand rested on her thigh once more, but over the skirt, softly caressing just as his fingers did through her hair. His every move was gentle, adoring, and for that moment she was the center of his universe.

A single blink of surprise at the motion of the cigarette before he was upon her, a gentle assault that was almost more painfully erotic than the needy, dangerous kisses they'd shared. I love you, too, Vorn, she thought directly at him, the words flying on the wings of all the emotion she'd ever had for him. So used to mindspeech, to the links, when something was so important for her to convey on all the senses she followed that path. It was a soaring, freeing feeling; a fiery dance that spun her around and left her breathless. It was a need that was so different from anything else, that unique power she'd said he held over her. The sheer force of it, even for her, caused her to close her eyes a moment. She breathed in, slowly, then grasped his wrist at her leg, manipulating the position until once more it was under her skirt - even if it was the outside of her thigh.

Vorn's speed was abandoned completely for gentle, slow touches and a deep, penetrating kiss that conveyed more than he could ever put to words. His hand slipped from her hair, drifting down her back, and slowly made its way around to the narrow space between them, as the other crawled along her thigh, finding its way back inside again, savoring every inch of skin. The knot was deftly undone, and one by one her laces slid free. He was in no rush, this was a moment he wanted to treasure. The very thought that she would want a part of her to bear a mark of him, one that would last her eternal life, was almost more than he could bear.

The second kiss she moaned, leaning into, allowing her now-free hand to lift to his chest once more. She followed his lead though the claws remained, and tickled at his skin. Her other hand lifted to his cheek, caressing, stroking with the kiss. She finally pulled back, slowly, looking at him a moment. Then, she sat forward, lifting first one shoulder and then the other to shrug off the suddenly loose bodice. "I want to feel you." Feel his skin against hers. Feel that pure state, that shared heat.

With her chest exposed, he could not resist the burning temptation of her breast, gently cupping and rolling fingertips over her nipple. He would, however, give in to her wish. With another deep kiss, his arm curled around her, pressing their bodies together, skin to skin. A low, rumbling, mmmmm... would be felt inside her mouth and against her chest just as his hand came to settle between her thighs and softly rub against her warm center.

A soft laugh at the too-quick removal of her chemise turned into a slumping, curling moan. Space between them was created but then refilled as she arched into him, her clawed hand moving to his shoulder and squeezing. Her other hand slid the hem of her skirt up, high onto her thigh, exposing both his hand and the area under it. From scalding to freezing, the air between them began to simmer once more and she gave in to that. This time there would be no words to stop either of them. There was nothing but him.

"I won't force y'love." Vorn looked to her with concern, but his eyes conveyed exactly what his words had - it was an offer, nothing more. "...hell, least y'got shields," he laughed. "Kel reads m'fuckin' mind and there ain't a damn thing I can do 'bout it."

She sat up a little more, ruining his recent work in positioning her. "I suppose I could try a little. Though not much; I've never used it before." At least not consciously... She shrugged, looking from the amp and back to him. "Kel can read my mind without effort if she wanted to; she's that powerful."

Needles left in their vials, Vorn carried a quarter of a teaspoon and offered it to her lips. "It won't stone y'outta yer gourd, but it'll get y'feelin pretty damn good an' this'll be little more'an a tickle."

She leaned in, opening her mouth and sliding the spoon inside. Her lips closed around it a moment, tongue inside sweeping the narcotic into her mouth. She then pulled back, lips moving over the spoon to capture the last of it. She swallowed, then licked her lips and eyed him curiously. "How long will this take to take effect, and should I do anything besides lie down?"

"It's pure powder, love. It's gonna hit y'in about a minute... an' that's when m'needles'll hit ya." Returning to his mixing, he kissed her thigh once again. "Don't worry, love. It'll be fine. Just talk t'me." His mind searched almost at random for things to keep her mind occupied while the drug sank in. "Like... where d'ya live?" All this time, and he never knew. He'd spent several nights at Kel's house, but he'd never so much as seen Jaycy's.

She slowly sank back onto the mattress, once more getting into position. A shift of shoulders, then of hips, and legs spread wide, she stared at the ceiling. "Mmm. I think I feel it already." Another slight shift on the mattress. "Psly, Jonathan and I live a few minutes from Kel; a few miles. We've got a tunnel leading between the two houses." She was already beginning to ramble, tell the beginnings of winding stories in her answers. "Though Jonathan's been living with his dad on his ship," she added after a moment.

"I wouldn't be welcome there, would I?" It was a question without envy or malice, just open curiosity. His mixing was near complete, although he nearly made a mistake more than once as her legs spread further apart and his eyes kept sliding their way between them.

"Oh, you'd be welcome there, love. I'd be happy to have you come visit. You could and should come over with Kel soon." She paused, licking her lips, a distant, dreamy smile beginning to peek on her face. "Mmm. Aye. I'd just never make love to you there; not unless Psly was with us. And Psly's not very much interested in men ... unless he's a woman. It's our rule, for fairness. No one else in our bed unless we're both there and participating."

"Wait... wha??" Vorn stopped cold, blinked, shaking his head, as if he was sure his ears were playing tricks on him. "Unless.. he's a woman?"

Her head lifted and she peered at him, confused. The expression almost attempted to convey that she thought it was the most natural comment in the world and why didn't he understand it too? "Aye. When we bonded ... he gained the ability to turn into my twin. Of course now he's learned control over it, like I did my shifting, and can change the height, the hair color... that type of thing." She grinned lopsided a moment. "We had an interesting experience one night when he couldn't shift back ... then the next morning he went to a doctor's office to have a ...." the grin widened... "... female exam, thinking he needed to go and do it." She snickered in the remembering, then dropped her head again.

Wide, stunned eyes just stared. "That is... th'most... bizarre damn thing... I've ever...fuckin'...heard." Shaking it off, he returned to his work. "...no, love... I won't be joinin' y'in yer bed... that's ...just not for me."

"Oh, it was the most hysterical thing I'd ever seen when he did it. Especially when he thought he'd have to do it every year, but here I'd never had one in my life." She continued to snicker, but soon enough it died off. "Ah... aye. One of my finer moments of amusement with him." She sighed, contently, then moved on. "No, I understand. I haven't offered to bring you home because of that very reason - I respect that, and I respect Psly - and I'd be tempted to make love to you at home. But you're welcome any time."

"I could come visit at some time, I'd 'magine. But... not t'yer bed. Y'can come t'mine... or we can go t'Kel's." He was quite solid on that. Not only did he have no taste for men, but it seemed he had even less of one for women who... weren't? After that, his fingers lifted, needles at the ready. "s'time, love."

She was silent for long moments, seeming to be studying her extended hand rather than pondering the question posed. Slowly she lowered her hand, green-golds focused on the movement. "Mmm. So soft." She chuckled, allowing her hand to simply drop the last few inches to her stomach. Clawed fingertips scratched lightly at her midsection. Her reply was flippant, lazy, but it was perhaps likely due to the narcotic in her system. However, it didn't mean that the words were empty. "You gave yourself to me, like a flower. You promised me you without conditions. You got down on your knees for me." She glowed, the little but sweet smile directed at the ceiling. "You know me and you're still mine." He accepted whatever she did; he didn't try to bend her to his needs or will.

The needles stopped once again, and Vorn watched her eyes as she spoke. A long, still silence followed, dark eyes softening to fine silk and a warm smile creeping over his face. As his words came, so did the needles. He knew he was working against a clock, as he'd seen the effects of even the most potent drugs pass through dragonborn much faster than it would for anyone else. Jaycy may not have been quite the same, but better safe than sorry. "I always will be, love."

She peeked up. "I know. Until you die, I mean." She chuckled, laying her head down once more, though much more slowly and carefully than a few minutes ago. "Mmm. I'm kinda yours, too. Well, more than kinda." Her hand strayed lower but took a different direction, instead stretching along her outer thigh. "Mmmm. I love how your hands feel on me. You have the most amazing hands." She arched her back slightly, squirming.

His brows twisted slightly at that. "I don' plan on dyin' anytime soon, love. I've a good... hundred? two maybe? years b'fore I go off int'that world." Eyes still following her hands as he worked, he took on an almost sinister grin at the remark of his hands. "Oh, m'hands aren't even on y'yet, love... just wait 'til I'm done w'th'needles..." It was, of course, a comment intended to tease her, but his eyes weren't capable of the ruse; the promise in them was quite plain.

"I know you do, and I'm glad it'll take so long. Mayhap we can find a way to make that longer. Mayhap I should make you a dragon, too. Then you can spend eons with Kel and I." Her hand stilled on her knee. "I wonder if we can do that." Another squirm. "I want to go flying. I want to take you flying. I want to make love to you on the wing." Her thoughts, mind, and mouth were drifting lazily from one thing to another, as if she were bouncing from one cloud to the next.

With a soft laugh, Vorn simply shook his head. "Maybe one day, love... we can do't in th'sky... but I don't think y'can change me." His mind seemed to drift back for a moment, sifting through pieces of memories, although most of them were black and empty. "...they tried, y'know. Th'science folks. 's why I never trusted 'em much 'til I met Kazon." Sighing, he forced the broken past from his mind, helped by another that nearly gave him a snickerfit. "'sides... th'way y'squirm an' scream, we'd fall out th'fuckin' air!"

"I like Vic. His ... Anyanka ....? She's interesting. What does she do, anyway?" She flinched - either he hit a particularly sensitive spot or the opium was beginning to wear thin. "We wouldn't fall. Psly and I do it all the time." Though she seemed to have forgotten the fact that Psly had wings of his own to keep them aloft. "Ah, well. Someday, mayhap." She fell into silence for a long moment, then moved on again. "I'm thirsty. Do you have some water, love?"

"O'course," he smiled, "but... juuuust a moment. 's about done... just th'sealin' remains. Hold on t'somethin'..." For this he only needed half the needles; one hand dropped the ones it held and wrapped around her leg in a near deathgrip to keep her from moving. To help distract her, he kept talking as the final, deeper piercing came. "...Anyanka's a siren. Sh'feeds on th'flesh o'men... or once did. He says sh'doesn't do that n'more. Other'n that, sh'performs. Sometimes w'blades, like m'self... but it's more o'a ...sexual... sorta thing. Sh'doesn't 'ave m'speed, but damn close... an' sh'll kill anythin' that even looks at Kazon th'wrong way."

She dug into the mattress at his command, claws rending the fabric around the springs within. Her back bowed slightly, and she fought to keep the rest of her still. A swear escaped, but it was soft and not as much an exclamation as that which came with the sealing of her first tattoo. "Gods, I'm stopping after the dragon." She was fuzzily glad that she didn't need any excuses such as tattoos to keep his hands on her. She sighed, finally relaxing after several seconds. "Mmm. Y'know, I could get used to doing this."

"Where does Anyanka perform?" She added after a moment.

"Well, w'still 'ave another..." He winked, putting the needles away. In a flash of motion, he held for her a glass of water, smiling. "Y'should take a look, love..." Again, he gestured to the mirror, as it coiled completely around her thigh and would take several angles to see it all. "...an' sh'works at th'theater where y'had yer photos taken."

She sighed into the kiss, arching toward him. Fingers splayed, drew up toward his cheek, fanning over it. Her other hand reached up, over his chest and onto the collarbone. That hand glided an inch from his skin, toward his shoulder. Only after reaching the end of his bodyline did she actually make contact, her palm lightly landing on the shoulder joint. She squeezed, just barely, then continued her hand's path down from shoulder to elbow, then to wrist. A tiny, miniature smile turned her lips up in the kiss as a thought crossed her mind.

The squeeze, and the way she took his wrist had him curious, and that subtle movement of her lips only drove it deeper. Slowly pulling back, mischievous eyes examined the green and gold jewels before him, the free arm tracing slowly up her spine. "...what's that look, love? Somethin' on yer mind?"

She laughed softly, licking her lips as she peered at him. One thumb traced a light circle over the inside of his wrist while the other swept brushstrokes across his cheek. "Aye." The light in her eyes seemed almost normal; the drug was definitely losing its hold on her. "I noticed that we seem to be spending an awful lot of time with you significantly more dressed than me." What amused her most about that, of course, was how often he was simply in those pants and nothing else.

"Why, I'd lose m'inspiration without such a lovely view..." Vorn smirked, fingertips crawling along her back like a spider. "...y'wouldn't deny m'that wi'all th'work I do for you, would y'now?" His grin was utterly infectious, a subtle movement pressing their bodies a little closer. "...an' y'know, when y'want me... all y'must do is take me."

A shiver trailed up her spine, following the path of playful fingers. She took a deep, steadying breath in and eyelids fluttered closed, just for a second. She reopened them with the release of the breath, and she shifted further, conforming to his shape, her left thigh slightly forward and pressing so near his groin. "Take you, hrm? Is that all?" Both of her hands moved swiftly, toward his hips and settling there.

"...All?" His eyes sank, lips puffing slightly, an incredibly convincing feigned pout, if it was indeed feigned at all. "...'m I not enough for y'now?" His body betrayed the theater, no matter how splendid the act, with a rising arousal at the eminent presence of her thigh and the flattening of his palm against her back, holding her tighter. A downright evil grin took its place when he could no longer keep up the charade. The fire of curiosity had been lit, however, and he searched her eyes silently for an explanation. All...?

Her lips twitched; the comment had been teasing. "Ah, I want so much more than to just take you." She withdrew her thigh as a hand traced a path over his leg inward, toward his zipper. She drew that down, then grasped pants at the waistband to gently tug them off his hips. All the while, green-gold eyes remained on his face, a brow arching slightly.

A blur of movement had Vorn stepping out of his pants, shoes flying with them at the wall behind him. His head leaned down to kiss the side of her neck before he whispered into her ear with almost burning breath, "...anything y'want is yours, love." Shifting slightly, his own thigh nearly interlocked with hers, giving her the same close, teasing presence. His fingertips gently stroked the backs of her hands that rest upon him, encouraging her to explore him as she wished.

She bared her neck to him, an answering soft moan at the nearness of him, of his words and the breath upon her ear. She shifted her stance, widening it and settling lower, more firmly on his invading thigh. Her hands strayed from his hips, down the sides of his legs, curling around them at the lowest point she could reach. She squeezed, then reversed direction once more. At the hips, they turned again, down over his rear end. Her touch was light, of course, subtle, exploring. She never tired of running her hands over him - over all of him.

A breath was almost hissed with the trailing of her fingers. In his muscles there was a certain tension, as he seemed to be waiting for the familiar claws to extend. While she rarely drew blood and never truly harmed him, there was always that anticipation that the touch of no other woman could ever give him. The impulse was there - it was always there - to sweep her upon the bed, the couch, the floor... but not this time. He endured her drifting touch and her maddening closeness with a pounding heart and an ever-intensifying series of kisses along the line of her neck and shoulder, sucking skin against the line of his teeth, rolling his tongue over every inch.

It was a long time before either of them stopped exploring the other.

(( Adapted from live play. ))