[User]
Allison stopped in her tracks for a moment, looking back in a bit of surprise. What had happened to the guy that she was just joking around with in the car, getting to the point where she could tolerate? With her one spontaneous move it seemed that she had obliterated him and he was having a tantrum about it.

He was not prepared for this? Her brows furrowed into a look of confusion. Sure, she never explicitly told him that she had changed her mind to sit down and eat. But wasn't her dress enough to imply that? Didn't he understand when she told him that she was wanting scallops that she wasn't planning on just grabbing it to go? Sure, Lotus' bar acted as a carry out counter on the side but if they had to sit around for their meals to be prepared anyways, why not stick around to make the best of a bad situation. As unprepared as he, it wasn't like he had come in cargo shorts, an oversized t-shirt, and ratty flip-flops.

The look she was wearing when they first arrived to the apartment was slowly returning. She shrugged indifferently as she turned her back toward him. Rather than heading toward the area she originally intended, she kept straight forward.  If they were going to be separated, then there was no need to cower in some corner in an attempt to cover it up. "Then go."

Two words that certainly got the point across. They weren't yelled in anger; they weren't whimpered in defeat. It wasn't even a caustic attempt to push his buttons. If he was unprepared to sit down for dinner, if he wanted to leave so badly, then he was certainly welcome to do so. It didn't mean that she had to fall in line. Allison was old enough to take care of herself. The bartender blinked at her a few times, unsure of how to handle the awkward situation. Originally she was going to get a glass of champagne, or maybe a nice glass of a softer white wine. Now, it seemed that that intention was also changing. "Lemon thyme martini, and put an order for yum talay in too please?" The man nodded, starting off to work. Allison casually glanced over to where Ethan was sipping on his water, appearing like he was going to pop a coronary.

[Assistant]
Ethan waited at the book for a moment, slowly eyeing waitresses as they passed by, carrying drinks and meals around the dining room. They were experts at their job and there was no doubt that Ethan was impressed. To have a chance to work such an easy, simple job... it would be a gift to the Biogen heir. There was one time in his life when he would do anything to not have a job like that, but as he watched more and more waiters deal with tables, he realized that maybe, just maybe, he would love to have that job. Without an ounce of responsibility or worry about what he had to do next, about the major contracts or the media breathing down his neck. He could sit back and watch others deal with those problems instead. Oh if he could only be that lucky.

Not that he thought he could do the job. He had a shy streak the size of the grand canyon with so much skill at being introverted that anyone would hate to have to deal with him in that sort of job. When it came to important speeches, his father had been working with him, but luckily Ethan didn't have to say anything just yet in front of the media. His time would come soon though and he dreaded each second of it. Monica had always commented that Ethan would die of embarrassment at the first mistake he made on that podium, he would be that nervous. She had also said that she would be there for that. Look at how that worked out. Ethan was now sitting, alone, in a booth with only his water and a pair of wrapped silverware sets for his friends. Worst off, he had angered his roommate over something as stupid as dinner plans. For as much as Ethan was a womanizer on the campus, he was an idiot when it came to social interactions. That was exactly why he stuck to being a cocky asshole or drinking when he was out in public.

While he was deep in thought, the table's proper waitress approached him, smiling just like the others with the offer to pick up a drink or two for the pair. Ethan gave a small head nod towards Allison at the bar and ordered his own drinks; a rum and coke. One drink wouldn't hurt and the chances of him getting pulled over on the way home was slim to none anyway. He was good at keeping clear of the cops when it came to driving in general. "And the lime-seared scallops with the lemongrass broth for an appetizer, if you wouldn't mind."

The waitress gave another wide smile before nodding and leaving the table to drop off the proper orders. Ethan sat at the booth for a moment, taking a sip of his water before he removed his phone from his pocket and sent a text to the woman across the restaurant. So he didn't actually ask for it... but he had gotten it from her mother before the families departed. Actually it was more like her mother had forced the paper into his hands and practically demanded that he put in into his phone before they could properly part in their own directions. He stared at her number for another minute before pressing her name on the screen and tapping in a quick message, only to slip it back into his pocket. Time to be the bigger man now... to be a proper gentleman. He could try at least.

[User]
Just as the thick, green thing that looked more like a milkshake than a martini arrived, Allison heard her phone vibrating up against something in her purse. Taking a sip, she began to rummage through the bag and slipped it out, astounded by what she saw. She didn't know whether to laugh or sigh in frustration, but either way her hand was soon covering most of her face as she shook her head. Not so much Ethan's text; she hadn't even gotten around to actually reading it but the fact that his number was put into her contacts, and marked as favorite, with heart icons added on either side. Her eyes quickly scanned the message before looking over in his direction between parted fingers. Part of her wanted to let him squirm a little longer, or maybe shout an insult from all the way across the restaurant.

She sighed again before picking up her drink and laying down a tip for the bartender. She navigated her way through the dinner crowed that was coming in before finally standing over him and tossing him her phone so he could see exactly how his name came up. She figured with him having her number, her mother must have given it to him but hopefully not have done so in quite such an embarrassing manner. Though, she wasn't sure if she'd actually be surprised if she did. Her mom could be very persistent and drop not so little hints whenever she wanted something.

"At least you know the right strings to pull." Referring to the possible bribe or peace offering he made by getting the scallops. She slid down into the booth across from him, her hands folding on top of one another. "So, why did you ask me to come back over... because people were staring or because you're actually sorry?" Once again, the way she was talking, the emotions behind her words were hard to read. She wasn't coming off as bitchy or aggressive by any means. Just blatant curiosity she wanted sated. Though, he could tell from the look on her face that his next few words needed to be chosen very carefully.

[Assistant]
Ethan waited in silence, taking another sip or two before settling back in the seat as his 'date' returned to the table. His eyes raised to look at her before turning to the phone sitting in front of him and briefly looked at the screen. His text message... and? As his eyes scanned the page, his lips pulled back into a slight smirk and a nod, closing his eyes for a moment to give out a soft chuckle and nudge it back. Allison's mother wasn't someone he had the chance to deal with often, but from what he saw of her, she was an entertaining woman. Someone he didn't want to cross, that was for sure, but someone who knew what she wanted. And apparently, she wanted the two children to get together. Or at least have a way to speak to each other outside of the apartment. Ethan would have to mention that next time he saw the woman, as he doubted it would be easy to get the number form Allison any time soon. Not the way their relationship was heading.

The man took another sip before nodding, watching the blonde beauty as she took her seat and began to settle down. His eyes danced over her briefly before falling to the tines of the fork across from him, studying it as if it had an answer that he didn't quite know or want to fully think though. His actions were confusing even to him at times and he wasn't sure if he could really give her a proper answer. It took him a moment and another sip of water before he turned his gaze back towards his roommate.

"Can it not be both?" he questioned, raising his glass for a moment before waving it slightly and taking another drink. He seemed to be either addicted to the liquid or simply using it as a way to distract himself. "They were staring, yes... but as I said, I didn't mean to snap. Really. The plans had just caught me off guard. I didn't expect it." Not yet. Dates weren't something he enjoyed doing right away and certainly without a bit of planning on his part. "Why did you agree to come back?"

Finally, he set it down as his eyes caught sight of the waitress and nodded as she set the glass and the peace offering down on the table all before taking their dinner orders and starting off again. Ethan kept his order quite simple; a large plate of their wonderfully made pad thai and an order of spring rolls. Complete with sliced chicken and a sprinkle of peanuts, it was a perfect meal and one of his favorites.

[User]
She watched him carefully. When you were raised like the two of them, you knew the body said more than the person. It took him awhile to give out the brief answer, which lead her to believe there was actually more of an explanation behind it than he had had given her. At least he wasn't being fake with his response though, and even if she was still curious about his reasons, it was enough for now. Allison didn't want to cause more tension by harping back on the subject, or delve too deeply into her own reasons for returning. Instead, she tried to pick up the light playful atmosphere they were experiencing before.

"The food." She said with a hint of a smile, taking a sip of her own drink before setting it aside when the appetizer came, putting a few pieces of the broiled scallops and glass noodles onto the smaller plate. First dates were awkward for everyone, for one reason or another. Even in the case of speed dating, you only briefly exchanged information and then if an awkward moment arose, you only had to hold out a few seconds for the next person to come along. This was entirely different territory. It was awkward, and trying to deny it made it even worse. The two sat in silence for awhile, with Allison taking a couple of bites before deciding to poke at it with her fork.

"I'm sorry for upsetting you... it's just..." She trailed off as she tried to think of the right words to convey her feelings. Before, she Allison been mostly focusing on the repercussions for herself: how she felt, the confrontation and inevitable fallout with her boyfriend, maybe even a few friends. That and she had never lived with a guy full time before. Lance had stayed over a few nights over the course of two years, but it wasn't a big thing since they never had any real form of privacy. Now she was going to have more of it than she wanted, with someone she didn't even know.

"This whole thing is still kind of insane to me. Do they really think it will work?" She laughed sheepishly, looking across the table at him. She was curious as to his own thoughts about it since he hadn't seem to express or visually form an opinion one way or the other. He had a life as well that was surely going to get interrupted by this arrangement. "I mean, I guess it really doesn't have to change too much. The place is big enough; I don't care if you bring anyone over to..." Once again she stopped mid-sentence, realizing the implications. Allison quickly tried to steer the subject away from the elephant in the room once again. "How's your food?"

[Assistant]
The man across the table paused as she began to work out someone her thoughts. So maybe it was the food... but in Ethan's mind, he had won. Or at least had half a score in his favor if nothing else. The smile gave him a feeling that he wasn't in the lead when it came to a score between the two of them. Sadly. He watched as Allison took her own bit of the food, seeming to end that short lived conversation and getting the first date, first bite awkwardness out of the way with ease. Ethan followed her lead and took his own pieces of scallops onto his plate and biting into them, eyes scanning the table around them. He could feel the air move awkwardly around them as they sat in silence. Those around them didn't seem to notice the couple at the table, focusing on their own meals and their own significant others rather than what was going on around them. This was certainly a college town, that was for sure. And students were filling in more and more each hour. School was in just over a week, which gave many students plenty of time to set up their things and get organized before they would have to pile classes on top of that. It also gave Allison and Ethan a week to settle as many of their differences as they could.

Ethan's amber brown eyes turned back to Allison as she spoke, looking over her, letting them linger for a moment before falling to the dish in front of them. His lips parted to speak, only to stop when the blonde across from him continued on, bringing up the idea of bringing someone over. Ethan had spent his whole summer away from his womanizer cover, traveling to Japan for several months before returning and bringing two of his longest known friends with him. He didn't have to deal with people expecting something from him or orders being shoved onto him. He could really be himself the whole time he was in the other country. It was amazing. He almost forgot what he was known for back at the school. Sleeping with women, partying, that whole mess of activities.

Ethan shook his head and took a drink from the alcoholic mix. "No, I never have women in my personal space," he informed the woman, glancing up towards her. "Always go over to their place." He set his glass down and slowly spun some noodles around his fork. "It will be a rocky road, that's for sure, but we'll work things out soon enough. Go home tonight, make up ground rules, post them somewhere. Just in case..." He took a bite and a moment to settle his thoughts before he continued. "Rules about friends, spaces, guests. Nothing too big or earth shattering. Just enough so we don't have to debate about all of this at a later time." And hopefully not in front of others. "Possibly discuss who we should be telling and when."

[User]
Allison couldn't really be sure what to make of it when briefly touched upon going over to his girlfriend's, or whoever he happened to be sleeping with that week, place. On one hand, it fit the stereotype that she knew. His reputation spoke loud enough for its own; he certainly didn't need to take a girl back to his place to show off or anything. Then again, what the hell kind of women had he been seeing all this time? Over three months and they'd have to be complete doormats. At least invite them inside for a drink now and then. It probably meant he hadn't been in any sort of relationship with depth or longevity. A topic which his later statement hit a little too close to home on.

Who to tell, and when. Her groan was soft but audible as her hand went to her head, rubbing her temples gently. "I hadn't even thought about that." Okay, so admittedly, she had but when Ethan brought it up there was a certain finality that hadn't been there whenever her mind had lingered on it for the briefest of seconds before moving on to other thoughts racing through her head. It wasn't so much the 'who' to tell that would be the problem, it was how. Even now, she had started dragging it to the point of no excuse or return. Part of her had been waiting for a call telling her it was all just a joke, an alarm to go off waking her up from a bad dream. None of those were coming though and she was left with a why. Why didn't I tell them immediately?

"I've been dating the same guy for just over two years now... Maybe I should have been borrowing from your strategy this whole time. It must be nice never having someone get to close." Allison didn't mean for it to come out as an insult, but there was a sharpness to her voice. All Allison could do was shake her head and look up at him apologetically. However harsh it was put, she assumed that she was at least partially right. Why else would he continue to shut people out of his life, and do it so easily. It might not have necessarily been anything to do with him but inevitably personal and private worlds would collide and everything would come toppling down. Would it have been easier to stay to herself up until this point and have no one to fall back on? Or would this be the event that would test those who were in her life now and see exactly where their loyalties were? Either way, she didn't like her odds.

[Assistant]
Ethan raised a brow at the stab. It had been true, but it was still a stab. And still painful, even in the slightest. The man didn't speak and instead chose to take a sip of his mixed drink, eyes glued to the woman across the table from him. His reasons for his actions were carefully laid out and all done for a reason that Ethan found important. Others might believe he's crazy for thinking like he did, but he had his reasons and sometimes they were harder to explain than just hopping forward and forcing others to deal with them. Even now, he could see several problems arising between Allison and himself. Her feelings, for example. Ethan tried his very best to keep them in check but Allison didn't seem to have the same control. For the better some times, but others, like the stab, were dangerous. He didn't care to bring that up though. Not yet.

"Two ways you can do this," he pointed out, setting his glass down gently against the table. "You could one, ease him into it. We're not dating." He stated that quite plainly, as if he had already decided this. "We're roommates. Our wedding won't be until much later. Nothing says we need to break off contact with others yet. Take your time. Bring up the idea slowly when you're ready and end it on the same field. Blame your parents if you must. Or two..." The corners of his mouth twitched slightly into a smirk of sorts before returning to his seemingly emotionless state. "Rip it apart. Like a band-aid. Or a leech. Whichever you'd prefer." He took the finishing drink from the cup and set the glass down before signaling to the bartender from across the restaurant. Another wouldn't hurt. They still had all of dinner to knock the alcohol out of his system before he had to drive home again.

"Either way, you'll have to tell him before the wedding. Unless you want to wait until that morning." The images that played out in his head drew another look from him. His eyes narrowed to the side slightly, watching as a waitress walked past their booth and back towards the kitchen. A sadistic smirk slid across his lips as he carefully eyed her. He turned his attention back towards Allison, the smile still lingering on his face before he sat back, letting it vanish in a slow shift. By the time he had returned to his proper positioning, there was no sign of the look ever being there. Like she had been imagining it. And she had no proof that it really was there.

"At least tell him you've moved. And that you're living with someone. That would be the most important thing." The waitress came over to their table to drop off another round of drinks and their meal. Ethan gave her a thank you with a flirtatious smile which left her giggling lightly and nodding before walking away, her tightly curled blonde hair bouncing with each step. Again, Ethan watched her go, this time with a much more neutral expression.

[User]
As Ethan spoke, Allison took a few more bites of their appetizer, letting the shellfish melt and break apart in her mouth. She eyed his movements and facial expressions carefully. It was becoming clearer, perhaps to both of them, that she was more of an observer while he had been tempered in this world they now shared. Allison could read reactions and it was rare that anything slipped by her, even that fiendish sneer that had vanished into nothingness in a mere glance. Oddly enough, the brief flirtation with the waitress did draw forth a rather surprising response from the blonde with him at the table.

"There is also a third option; make myself into more of an unwilling victim, more of a pawn, in this whole debacle that really... was caused by you and your family." That one was a clear and very deliberate blow. Her own features took on a more ruthless countenance as she continued. "With the two of you pitted against each other, I couldn't be held accountable for any injury or defamation that befell you. The whole fallout from it might create enough of a scandal for us both to be released from this arrangement. In the end I'd probably lose more than I gained, but at least I'd have my freedom back."

Allison popped the final bit of scallops into her mouth with a teasing smile. Her right leg, crossed over her other at the knee, bouncing gently under the table. For a moment, it almost seemed like she was enjoying the images of her own idea a little too much. Allison took a small sip of her own drink before setting it aside. "But in all honesty, it would probably be better to just hit this head on. I mean, there isn't really other way to explain moving in with someone you just met, in a luxurious pent house apartment, and you have an impending though far off wedding date. It doesn't matter if we are dating or not, those are the facts. It might not be the normal, stereotypical relationship with months of romance and dating, but it is still a relationship."

It seemed that the shock was wearing off a bit. She was coming to the conclusion that there was no way to really get out of this, and even if by some way they managed, there would be no going back to their own standards of normal. Allison would just have to suck it up and roll with the punches. Now her focus needed to be on making the best of a bad situation, and getting Ethan in line.

[Assistant]
The man let her suggest things, listening to them before he bothered to shake his head. "There's no getting out of this one," Ethan confessed, taking a careful look at the woman across from him. If she really thought there was a way out of their arrangement, there was something else coming for her. He had met her mother only once or twice so he wasn't even going to pretend that he knew the woman well enough to guess what she would do. But his own mother was a different story entirely. He could hope to guess what her path and plan was, but knowing that woman, she would change her mind at the last second, leaving both Ethan and his father in the dust, watching as she moved forward without them, only to stop long enough to let them catch up. Because they needed to. It was that simple. Ethan was used to her movements by now, but it didn't make it any easier to predict them in time to prepare or counter the woman. In this situation, he knew she had her sights set on the younger couple getting engaged and married in some sort of fairy tale wedding. Yeah, nice of her to let this pair know that. There was no way Allison was getting out of this deal.

"If you try that, I will end your career before it even begins," the man threatened, his eyes narrowing as his voice slipped into the lower register. He was barely above a whisper, but his words sounded just as strong as if he was using the same tone as the rest of their conversation. There was no denying that he was telling the truth, promising the woman exactly what he would do. And being the son of an up and coming company only made it that much more possible. Especially one that was in charge of so much technology. Specifics didn't need to be discussed, but there was no doubt it could happen if she drove the man towards his breaking point. "You are as much of a victim as I am. If you swing this any other way..." His threat ended there, falling into silence with another sip from his glass. His dark eyes never left her, making sure that she was going to take this as seriously as he was saying it. Luckily the food was sitting in front of them which gave Ethan a reason to leave her, silently declaring that the conversation was over. Most women he dealt with would follow his lead and begin eating as well. He had a feeling the blonde wasn't going to as easily as the others, but he could always hope.

"After some time, it will leak," he continued, eyes settling on the plate of noodles in front of him. For such a nice restaurant, the food was amazing and a perfect cost for the typical college student. The only way they stayed open was because of that mix. It was well worth the wait in line that had now seemed to form at the doorway. "If you want it to or not. People will find out, your boyfriend will learn of this. I suggest you let him know the truth as soon as possible." He glanced back up at her and took the bite from his fork, eyes lingering over her for a moment. "If you'd like my help, I'll offer my assistance. Heart breaking is what I do."

What a lie. He pulled it off, mind you, without a sign of lying. In a way, it was the truth, but not because he meant to. Ethan would sleep with women until they grew close to him and began to cling then he would set them down gently and walk away. Politely. The women complained but quickly got over it when they saw that he wasn't going after someone else right away. Or at all. It seemed that Ethan never held a real relationship with anyone, which was for the better in his mind. "Our thing might be a relationship, but I have no plans on making it solid until the wedding. Not unless you can prove my thoughts different." He had laid out the challenge. Now it was up to Allison to pick it up and run with it. It would make their lives easier, after all.


[User]
It had taken months to get to the point where Luke felt comfortable actually asking Jessica out on a date. Jessica had humiliated him in front of half the school when she had punched him in the face, causing him to stumble and fall. His nose had bled all the way to the office with everyone looking. All he had done was pick on some dork whose name no one knew and she had blown up. But that was fine... Luke had plotted and planned and spent months preparing the perfect revenge. Turning himself into the nice guy he had spent months convincing not just Jessica but the entire school that he'd had a change of heart and was cleaning up his act. Only a couple friends of his knew what was really going on.

Luke had caught her after school that day and asked her to his house party that night. Parties at Luke's house had a bit of a notoriety around the school for being epic amount of fun and drunkenness. It was a mystery to most people as to how the hell he pulled it off without anyone ever finding out. His parents were city council members and fairly successful local business owners as well. The house was big and perfect for parties as it was. Not only that it sat right on the lake. He had been shocked when she agreed to come out and even more shocked when he made it clear that this was a date and she still was okay with it. There had been plenty to do to get ready for and so Luke had wasted no time getting out of the school and home. He had acquired a ton of Everclear, cases of beer, bags of ice, a bottle of tequila and a bottle of vanilla vodka, and that was just his contribution.

As the guys from the team started showing up more coolers full of beer started to arrive. A few more bottles of liquor also found their way into the house and soon the party was in full swing. Luke's 'heavy' playlist was blasting through the massive stereo in the living room where a rousing game of beer pong was also going on. There was cheering as people did shots in the kitchen and in the dining room a couple of girls from the cheerleading team laid on the table for body shots.

Billy Tomecino, Luke's best friend, was the one really pushing the party along that night which was unusual. The fact of the matter was that Luke was too distracted to be the usual master of ceremonies most people were used to. Luke was sipping on a cup of Jager when the song stopped and suddenly switched to Slipknot's 'Pulse of the Maggots' and he heard Billy roar out the speech at the beginning. Looking back over his shoulder Luke grinned and even laughed his buddy started screaming along with the song. It was impossible not to love Billy's obnoxiousness and Luke started to go over and join him when, some how, he heard the knock at the door. Luke quickly ran over to the door and opened it to his prey... the biker girl, Jessica. "Why hello, you're just in time to see Billy make and ass of himself." Luke said with a laugh and a handsome smile.

[Assistant]
Jessica had been cautious of Luke since he returned to school. He was such an asshole to everyone before. She was not even sure about this party he invited her to, though he did not seem the same anymore. Perhaps his parents paid to have his brain rewired while he was getting his nose redone. She was sure they were not happy with the fact a girl broke his nose.

However, since his return to school, he was nothing but a gentleman to everyone. He even went out of his way to talk to her. She was sure he would have sought her out to make her life a living hell after she humiliated him. His new behavior was a pleasant surprise. That was probably why she agreed to this date with him.

Jessica stood at the door as Luke answered, being his charming, new self. She eyed him for a moment and nodded, "Who?" She really did not keep up with his group of friends. Though she was sure all his friends made an ass of themselves quite often. She walked in wearing a plaid red mini-skirt, fishnet stockings and biker boots. She had on a leather jacket that hid her black tank top. She looked at Luke feeling out of place with his group of friends. She stood out like a sore thumb.

[User]
Luke had a moment just to check Jessica out and he was blown away. It may have just been that he had never paid attention before but he was pretty sure this was the first time he had ever seen her in a skirt. Then again she may not have rode her bike to his place which would explain it. Did that mean she possibly lived within walking distance? Or was she just bad ass enough to ride a motorcycle with nothing protecting her legs? It was hard to say since neither seemed outside the realm of possibilities.

"You know Billy... the guy I'm always hanging around with." Luke reminded her. Billy was his best friend and participated in all the same sports. The only difference was that Billy also played baseball and Luke had no interest in the sport. The two were usually seen side by side at school.

Taking Jessica by the hand, he led her into the house where his friend was doing his best air guitar solo as others playfully stood around and either ironically cheered him on or just playfully made fun of him. There were no claws out that night as everyone in the house was part of the 'in crowd' or at the very least was someone the in crowd wanted to hook up with. "Can I take your jacket or get you a drink?" Luke asked politely, having to speak up over the volume of the Slipknot blasting from his parent's stereo.

[Assistant]
Jessica nodded as if she actually knew who he was talking about. She never paid much attention to Luke in school. She walked with him as he led her by the hand. She then noticed a guy that was probably who Luke was talking about. "Oh wow," she said under her breath as she watched him act like a total fool.

She looked to Luke as she shrugged off her jacket and handed it to him. "Yeah," she said over the music, which was not too totally awful, "Get me... something. I don't care." She just hoped it was strong if she was going to have to watch this dude, perhaps named Billy, act stupid all night. This once again proved she was not set to be part of this crowd. She frowned as she watched the jocks join in the game.

[User]
Luke took her jacket and ran to the back and tossed it on one of the guest room beds. As he rushed to get her a drink, Billy ran out of song to make a fool of himself to and he took a bow despite the number of empty cups being thrown at him or the fact that there were as many boos and laughs as there were cheers and encouragement. Billy then grabbed one of the cheerleaders, a pretty blonde who had been put up on all the pro-abstinence billboards around town, and they kissed each other like they were about to film a porno. This was truly a glimpse into the world of the privileged and a look at how they behaved when they weren't putting on such a show for everyone else.

Tapping on her shoulder, Luke offered her a red plastic cup with red liquid in it. It smelled like rocket fuel mixed with Hi-C Fruit Punch. "It's hairy buffalo. Punch and Everclear... 199 proof, almost pure alcohol. It's also good for stripping off unwanted tattoos the next morning." he joked.

It wasn't that great of a joke but he was trying to play the nice guy and so his usual lines wouldn't have worked. "I know it's kinda crazy in here and you don't talk to most of these people. My parents own the property all the way back to the lake if you want to go for a walk or something?"

[Assistant]
Jessica shook her head at the two making out like they would eventually eat the other's face if they did it long enough. She was really unimpressed with the party so far. She would leave if she had not promise to come and be Luke's date. For some really odd reason, she liked the new Luke. He was kinder.

She looked over a Luke handed her a drink. She smiled as he explained it, "Oh good. I need that after witnessing the tongue wars over there." She took a drink. It was strong and she was not used to strong drinks. Still, she took another sip of it.

Jessica nodded, "Yeah that would be better than this." At least she was being honest. She hated this crowd, so not being around them was what she liked best. "If you can afford to be away from them at is. They are not going to set fire to your house, are they?"

[User]
A happy laugh escaped Luke as he offered to take her by the hand once again. "No they'll be fine. I know he looks like an ass but Billy can handle things." It was the truth, these sort of parties often guided themselves anyway. No one wanted to break anything for fear of not getting invited to the next one or worse yet getting them all busted. Billy was his best friend and so he looked out for Luke's best interests as well. It was sort of a herd mentality and so long as Billy was there to make sure that not breaking shit stayed cool, then no one would break a thing.

Luke took Jessica out of the back of the house where they passed a few people smoking weed on the back porch. They immediately offered some to Luke and Jessica but Luke took a pass on the offer. Just behind the house was a large open yard with one big tree that still had a treehouse in it. The rope leading up to the treehouse looked old and well used. Luke stopped there for a moment near the tree swing that was on the branch opposite of the rope leading up to the house.

"Okay... so here's the first bit of proof that I'm a real human being... I spent most of my days from age 7 until about age 11 in this treehouse." he admitted. It was the sort of thing that might have gotten him laughed at by others but he was confident she wouldn't be that way. "If we head down that way... " he pointed past the tree, "I can show you the boathouse where I spend pretty much all my summers now. It's away from the house so when I'm staying there it feels a lot more like I have my own apartment. It's nothing fancy but... it's cool you know?"

[Assistant]
Jessica looked back at Billy and frowned, but if Luke trusted Billy, then whatever. It was not her house. Then again, she would never invite people to her house to "party". It was not their scene. Which really made her wonder why she agreed to this, or than Luke's complete turnaround.

She held on to Luke's hand and sipped on her drink as they walked along. It was much better to be outside with him. She still feared that he would revert to his old self around his old friends. She looked at the tree house and smiled. "And here I thought you were an alien," she looked at him, "Bummer, I was wrong." She then looked where he was pointing and nodded. She took another sip of her drink. It was starting to go to her head a bit. "Yeah, show me your home away from home."

[User]
In his best 'snooty' voice Luke replied, "Yes please come to my summer home." He was absolutely making fun of himself. He had bragged about having money before but since the 'change' he had made it clear any time that it was brought up that he didn't even have a job and that everything belonged to his parents. "I gotta be honest," he said before taking her hand again, "I'm a little shocked you came and I'm even more shocked about this..." he said holding up her hand.

They got to the boat house which didn't look nearly as nice as the main house. It was clearly utility only and the fact that he'd made a room in it was nothing short of a miracle. There were a few steps up to the door which he unlocked with a key and then took her inside. It was super basic. Sports posters and a single movie poster for Pulp Fiction hung on the walls, there was a stereo in the corner and a small LCD TV on the wall. A queen sized bed was tucked into the corner and there were shelves of movies and CDs next to the computer desk. "Well this is it..." he said leading her inside.

[Assistant]
Jessica laughed at Luke making fun of himself. It was a refreshing change from all the bragging before. She could remember him in class telling everyone about all he had. She just sat in the back and rolled her eyes every time he opened that loud mouth of his.

She looked down at their hands as he held them up commenting about how shocked he was. She nodded, "Me too, actually." She looked at him, "Almost as shocking as your change in attitude." She still could not believe he had completely changed. Part of her was waiting for the punch line to the gag and the other part was really happy about it.

Jessica stepping into the room and looked around. "Yep, looks like a man cave of sorts." She took of sip of her drink again and looked back at him, "I guess it is a step up from the treehouse." She gave him a playful wink and turned to looked back at the room again.

[User]
Luke laughed and nodded at her comment about the man cave. Sitting down on the edge of his bed he nodded and said, "I guess I could pull the posters down, put out some candles... maybe some throw pillows." It was more jokes but this part he was actually enjoying hanging out with her for the moment. However she seemed to still be doubting, still was a little hesitant.

"Look... I know you're suspicious and I don't blame you." he started, looking at her with his piercing blue eyes. "I was an ass and I guess it took getting popped in the nose by you to figure that out." Luke let out a deep sigh and added, "Thank you... I needed it. I needed that wake up call because I don't want people to look back and remember me as a prick. I'm really lucky and I feel like there's so much more I could be doing than acting like that..."

[Assistant]
Jessica chuckled, "Oh that would be nice. You need to add some pink ruffles thing as well because you look like a pink ruffle guy." She took another drink, it was clearly going to her head, but she needed it at the moment. She was uncomfortable with where she was, meaning the party, even though they were away from it.

She looked at him as he spoke to her about his change. She sighed softly, "I am sorry for breaking your nose, Luke. It was not my intention, I just... was tired of your attitude. I guess it worked out well enough. I am sure your parents don't feel that way. Heard it was quite costly for you to look good again." She moved to sit next to him on the bed, "If it makes you feel any better, my hand was swollen for a couple of days." She smiled at him.

[User]
"Oh well in that case, ha ha got you!" Luke teased, nudging her with his shoulder. An actual apology was surprising to him even with months of work put into it. He had honestly thought that Jessica would never apologize for hitting him. "Well I mean... they want me to be president or something and they were just convinced my nose was going to be crooked. I probably would have been fine but they really did freak out." he said honestly.

"You know you look amazing tonight..." he said, changing the subject a bit. "Since I'm being honest..." he said looking down at the floor before looking back up at her and finishing, "I really like you... and I think you're gorgeous." Hesitantly, Luke reached up to tuck some of her hair behind her ear. It was a big step but he felt like it was one he might get away with.

[Assistant]
Jessica laughed as he nudged her shoulder and continued talking. "So, your parents probably hate me, huh?" She was sure they did. Hitting their baby boy was not something most parents forgave easily. She wondered if she should even be around Luke if his parents hated her. She was sure that they would rather he hung out with a preppy girl instead of a biker chick.

She frowned slightly as he told her how he felt about her. She blinked a few times as he tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear. She could not help but smile as she looked at him. "Are you sure you did not hit your head today? Because I remember you calling me an ugly dyke a few times." Though she did call him a few choice words as well in passing. She did enjoy the compliment as well and it showed in her smile.

[User] It was enough that he shrugged and smiled as though he were being bashful. "Well you know... that was then..." Luke paused for a moment before looking back at Jessica and he smiled at her, looking into her eyes and reaching out to caress her cheek and said quietly, almost to himself, "Beautiful." Slowly he leaned in, not sure if she would give him the kiss he wanted or not. Things were going better than he had honestly thought they would go. Still he had prepared for things to go well that night. "I think your lips look really kissable..." he said, his tone a little playful.

[Assistant]
Jessica froze as Luke caressed her cheek and leaned in. She still was not used to him being kind to her and she tensed a bit, waiting for a blow or something. Having grown up with him being nothing by cruel, she was still hesitant to take the new him at face value, though she wanted to. She wanted to truly believe he had changed. And she found herself wanting to believe he truly liked her.

She smirked at his words, "Oh?" She laughed softly as she looked at the floor and back at him, "I think the alcohol has gone to my head because I am almost willing to let you kiss me." Her tone playful this time.

[User]
Luke could sense her tense up so he gave it a moment and chuckled at her comment. "That's cool, I'm willing to test the waters and try to kiss you." He gave her a charming smile then leaned the rest of the way in.

It had been a long journey getting to that point. Most of a semester was spent being nice to people at school, being nice to her, holding doors and all of that. Luke had put up with being poked and prodded by his buddies and was forced to spend time with people he couldn't stand, all to get to this point with Jessica. So when his lips touched hers he instantly felt it was worth it. It started with a press of the lips, then another, then his lips captured hers.

[Assistant]
Jessica was being to like Luke's charming smile. It was weaken her defenses and making her like him more. She smiled and shook her head. It was not like she was going to stop him if he tried. She could not help but want to kiss his perfect lips. Most girls did.

She drew in a deep breath as he slowly pressed his lips to hers. She closed her eyes as she kissed him back. She had always been told she was an excellent kisser and she had heard tales about Luke's kissing, so she was eager to see what it would be like together. She parted her lips slightly, inviting him for more than a peck.

[User] The moment her mouth opened Luke filled it with his tongue. His kisses grew more aggressive but not in a sloppy way. Instead he took control of the kiss and placed his hands on either side of her head. Jessica was a fantastic kisser and the whole situation had Luke growing more and more turned on. Breaking the kiss just for a moment he gasped, "God I want to touch you..." he said breathlessly before moving in to bite her neck, kissing and licking the marks away. Luke's hands went to Jessica's thighs and started to rub them while he waited for her reaction to what he'd just said.

[Assistant] Jessica was happy once Luke really kissed her. The stories were true about him. He was great with is tongue. She almost whimpered as he pulled back from the kiss. She did not want him to stop. She was about to protest, but he stopped her with his words. She was unsure what to say. That was until he moved and bit her neck. She loved it when anyone paid attention to her neck. She moaned out loud as he hand traveled to her thighs. She was happy she had a skirt on for once, she could actually feel his warm hands on her. "God, please," she begged in reaction to what he was doing.

[User] The reaction to having her neck kissed and bit was nearly instant and Luke made a mental note of that fact. Intensifying his attention to her neck his hand started to rub her inner thigh, encouraging her to open her legs up a bit. Luke paused his kissing of her neck and sighed into her ear, "I'm going to touch you... but I want you to touch me as well." Jessica's hand was then placed on his groin and Luke's hand then reached up her skirt. His hand quickly found her panty-covered pussy and started to rub up and down, finding her clit through the material and really rubbing it nicely.


[User]
It had been several years since Andrew Jennings had seen his friend. Like many students in his graduating class, Andrew had left to another city to go to school for the program of his choice, paying for it with all the scholarships in the world, it seemed. Straight A's did more than just keep his parents off of his back, it seemed and Andrew was grateful for the chance to get away. His controlling family wouldn't have ever let him let loose like he had over the last two years. Graduating at 18 put him a bit younger than the rest of his class, but there obviously wasn't a problem with that. He made his friends and got out of the city as quickly as humanly possible... just as others had. After all, when the rest of the world was now open to them, who would really want to be stuck in their city? It was boring and that was putting it nicely. In his new home, the man had a chance to really open himself up and spread his wings as wide as he possibly could. Andrew discovered a new side of himself that he never thought was there. Not only did he ditch women in the dating scene but he worked out his desire for men and pushed it even further than that. His latest job? He doubted Eric would believe him...

He was in training to become a drag queen. By the name of 'Angel', no less. Andrew, the soccer playing, woman dating high school student had finally come into himself and accepted his more feminine qualities. With the help of his Drag Mother, Miracle Monroe, Angel was in the late stages of development, just about ready to make her premiere to 'The Closet'. The owners thought that was a riot when they were naming the bar...

After two good years of school, Andrew got a break during the summer. His first was busy with work at a nearby cafe, trying to get enough money to pay for his rent each month and still attempt to hold a social life. That was the exact place that he met his first boyfriend. He was a sweetheart who cared about Andrew a good bit, but he was a few years older than him. Phillip was the one who introduced him to the owners of the bar and eventually got him a cleaning job at the club, which only lead to more as time went on. The two slowly began to fade apart, but still live under the same roof, until Andrew returned home one night to find Phillip and one of the other club-goers at it in their bed. To put it simply, he was dumped at that very moment. Quite harshly. Several members at the club still haven't forgiven the two betrayers.

On that night, Andrew decided it was about time to get back in a real connection with Eric. The two had faded away from each other during the first year, but now that Andrew had some time to settle things on his own, it gave him a chance to speak to his friend again. Between the odd video chats, hundreds of IMs and eventually text messages, the pair agreed on a meeting time during the summer. Eric was going to come and visit Andrew for a few weeks while they both had the time and the pair would see how the new friendship would go. Andrew got to the airport in plenty of time to wait for his friend at the proper gate, texting him as he was on the plane, giving him small jabs and pokes over the messages in a generally joking tone. When he got the word that his plane was about to land, Andrew was already waiting on a nearby bench in mid conversation with the one and only Miracle. Or Michael, as he was known to the rest of the world. He grabbed his sidepack from the space beside him and slung it over his shoulder to stand up, watching that doorway for his friend to come through.

[Assistant]
Eric Stirling was on his way to see his old friend Andrew and to be honest he was a bit nervous since he hadn't see his friend in quite some time even though they had been such good friends in the past, time and distance seemed to spread them apart but he was glad to hear from his friend. When they had been in school Andrew had been the book smart one and Eric well he was more of the slacker/troublemaker always trying to find the easy way out of something rather than working for it as he hated actually trying at anything. He lacked any real motivation with school it had bored the hell out of him especially when he finished something and had to sit there, the only thing he actually tried at was sports because he had fun doing that kind of stuff, so his average grades were mostly C's with the occasional B thrown in there. After school he honestly had no idea what to do with his life, he was good at sports but nothing on the professional level so that was out of the question, he had no desire to be stuck behind a desk all day for most of the week as it would drive him insane.

He stayed in the city for a bit trying to figure out what he wanted to do but things didn't really work out so after about eight months he moved away from his hometown as well and started work as a bartender in a bigger city. The work was damn good for a decent looking guy like himself, on average he made over a hundred dollars in tips the nights he worked at the club and that was just the tips mind you so he wasn't hurting for money these days. Hence why he was actually able to make this trip now, he saved up some money and took some time off which luckily happened around the same time the club was doing renovations so he wouldn't have to be back in a week like he usually would if he wanted time off.

The plane ride was okay but there had been a kid a few rows ahead that wouldn't stop crying and Eric couldn't help but think babies and kids under five shouldn't be allowed on planes ever as he couldn't concentrate on anything when hearing the kid. He finally coughed up the five dollars for a set of headphones so he could drown the crying kid out, after that it was a pleasant enough trip and finally they landed to his delight. He came off the plane with a green and brown backpack that looked like it was ready to explode as he had stuffed a lot of stuff into the backpack even though he had a suit case to pick up as well. As he was heading to meet Andrew he sent a text 'almost there see if you can spot me after all this time' he joked as well he didn't exactly look the same as he did in high school. He was dressed very casual wearing a pair of black and silver running shorts with a plain white t shirt, he had a pair of sneakers on with ankle socks as he hated bunching his socks up at the bottom and couldn't understand why people did that as it looked funny too.

[User]
At the short vibration of his phone, Andrew took a peak and smiled. His eyes rose to the entrance again, this time actually to look. Before, he had done it to waste time, but now he had a good reason to and he began to search through the crowd at everyone who passed. Several families were waiting for their father or mother, boyfriends were there to catch their girlfriends in their arms... if you ever felt sad, the airport was a great place to go to watch all the people finally meeting up with their loved ones. A faint smile slid across Andrew's lips as he watched one couple embrace and share a kiss before he pulled his gaze away towards one of the more seemingly lost people from the plane.

The man in the running shorts looked more familiar than the others, so at least that was a clue for Andrew. He pushed his phone into his pocket and started over, hesitating for a moment before smiling. "Eric?"

Unlike in high school, Andrew had filled out into his body a bit. He looked more confidant and ready to face the world on his own, not to mention he looked much more attractive. That scrawny nerdy kid from years ago was gone and all that was left was a fit, slightly feminine male, almost beaming with self-satisfaction. His life had finally turned to something far more enjoyable for himself and he was ready to hold onto it. And now that Eric was here, he had a damn good shot of getting things back in order. Now he could look at his friend in a whole new light and admire him without shame of his parents finding out. Bring on the staring.

[Assistant]
Eric's body had also changed from high school, sure he had been athletic back in high school but he wasn't really the guy that people took notice of, now he had a slightly rugged look to him along with a nice body. Sure he wasn't playing sports all the time like he had been back in high school but he still went jogging most nights and ate well enough with the occasional cheat day, he had muscles but he wasn't bulging out of his clothing by just moving his main focus was on the core anyways because without a good core being toned was worthless. So yea he had near washboard abs which turned into washboard abs if he sucked in a bit while tightening his stomach but he was far from being the world's most in shape guy, in high school he also had long hair down to his shoulders as he thought it looked cool but as he got older it was just annoying to deal with so he kept it short.

He just stood there waiting for Andrew to find him wondering how long it would take his friend to recognize him, it didn't take him too long it seemed as someone came over saying his name while smiling. Eric got a bit of a surprise when he saw who was saying his name as this was definitely not the Andrew that he remembered, he gave his slightly crooked smile which hadn't changed at all to his old friend. "Well well look who isn't a little kid anymore..." he said in a joking tone, his voice smooth almost charming with a slight deepness to it, he walked over to Andrew without hesitation and wrapped his old friend up in a big hug pulling Andrew in close "How have ya been?" He asked as he continued the big hug.

[User]
At the sound of his voice, Andrew knew it was Eric. His smile only grew to see his friend again and he swiftly took him into a hug, giving him a solid squeeze in response. He could feel some sort of muscle beneath his shirt without really needing to feel him. The man had a much less boyish face, something that he could appreciate far more now that he unlocked the secrets to the world of 'gay'. He couldn't help but smile while he could still keep the expression a secret from his friend. "Been great," he promised him, pulling back slightly with a flash of a cocky, well known smile. "Just fine. What about you?"

He ran his fingers over the man's hair, or lack there of, before smirking and removing his hands completely to give them both space and shove his own in his pockets. "Felt up to a change?" He gave a light toss of his head to prove his point against the man's own trimmed hair, pointing out the change in not only Eric but Andrew. His dark brown eyes gave his friend a quick look over before meeting his eyes and smirking. "Grab your things, the car's in the lot."

Andrew tugged his keys from his bag and moved them slightly to show them off before nodding his head towards the baggage claim and the door out. "We can talk in the car. We have a loooot to catch up on." He gave a pat to his friend's back before smiling and walking along beside him from one spot to another, quite pleased with the turn of events so far. And a bonus? He could finally appreciate the work of art that was Eric's body without worrying about what others thought. Only what he thought... This was going to be great.

[Assistant]
Eric's smile never wavered a bit which was something that hadn't changed about him "Eh I have had my ups and my downs like everyone else..." he said casually as an answer while Andrew ran his fingers through the short hair that he sported now. The question about change came up and he nodded "Yeah in high school it wasn't as big of a deal because well I thought the long hair made me look cooler." He said truthfully with some embarrassment mixed in as well "But as I got older I realized it gets in the fucking way all the time." He said with a laugh. "I see I'm not the only one that was up for a change!" He said seeing the way Andrew tossed his head about "I seem to remember a rather scrawny kid I used to be friends with but unfortunately I seem to have forgotten their name had not so scrawny guy would you happen to know what that name might be?" he asked Andrew jokingly before readjusting his quite full backpack.

He headed over to baggage claim to grab his suitcase which was quite large as well it seemed that he wasn't one to take the chance to under pack, he made his way back over to Andrew and began to walk towards the lot. "So tell me buddy ole pal of mine what adventures do you have planned for us in this city that I know pretty much no scratch that absolutely nothing about?" he asked with a playful curiousness that suited him, like most times Eric hadn't planned ahead at all because he liked the idea of just doing something because it looked interesting. A day of fun for him was going for a walk or a drive and randomly doing whatever looked interesting or fun to him right there on the spot rather than making plans for it way ahead of time as he felt that took some of the fun out of it for him, of course at the same time that had gotten him in trouble more than a couple of times in his youth but hey a little trouble here and there was fun.

[User]
Andrew bumped shoulders lightly with his friend as they walked and rolled his eyes slightly. He waited in a moment of silence while his guest grabbed his bag before starting out to the lot with another smile. "Adventures can never be planned," he stated, holding up a hand, as if to warn the man about continuing on that topic. "I have a few things in mind, but nothing planned." The man paused for a moment to think before he shook his head. "Second thought, I will have to work tonight. But you shouldn't mind that." He glanced towards him and flashed a smile that he had been working on over the last year or so. "I work at a club, actually... so you're welcome to come along, no charge on cover, cheaper than normal drinks, the whole nine yards. I think you'll love it." He nudged Eric again just before unlocking the door and popping the trunk for the man's suitcase to slide inside.

His car wasn't anything too special; a light blue Kia Rio from a few years back. Something small for the city but able to hold lots of... well something. Whatever it happened to be at the time. The driver closed the back and got into the front seat to start the car and head off back towards his apartment, friend sitting in the passenger seat beside him.

"Other than that small interruption, I should be set for the rest of your visit. I just couldn't break away tonight. Large party, lots of people, tons of drinks, half naked girls..." Of all sorts: queens, kings, actual women... there would be something for everyone at The Closet that night. Andrew gave a quick clear of his throat before the glanced to the man beside him. "Interested in going? Or should I set you up with the internet and some video games instead?"

[Assistant]
Upon hearing Andrew had to work Eric gave a slight pouting face but said nothing instead he put his suitcase into the trunk while listening to Andrew explain why he had to work and that he worked at a club which made Eric smile a bit as he found the fact that they both worked at a club to be a funny coincidence. "Hmmmmmm let's see my options are getting into a club for free which is having a large party or sitting in my friend's place by myself surfing the web or playing video games, that is a tough choice indeed..." he put on the mock thoughtful face even going so far as to bring his hand up to rub at his chin. "I think I am gonna have to say the club as well I would be dreadfully bored all by myself and when I get bored I snoop or do something crazy to entertain myself as you know and I don't think you want me doing either at your place." He said jokingly but truthfully at the same time.

"Plus I'll have to check out your bartenders and make sure they are on the up and up, can't have some sloppy bartenders just throwing drinks together and hitting on the customers, oh no, we bartenders have to have class; we are a select breed." He said in a very over dramatic way while trying to keep a serious face but in the end he failed to do so breaking into his crooked charming smile instead. "But in all seriousness which you don't hear from me very often I'd love to go and see the club you work at, my club is the usual nightclub scene with those annoying strobe lights, gives me a headache most of the time as well as that god awful dubstep music can't stand that stuff it's so uggggggh!" He drew out the sound effect and gave a shudder at the thought of having to listen to it anymore.

[User]
Andrew couldn't help but snicker at the man's comments. So he confirmed that he was a bartender, but some how the man doubted they were working at the same sort of bar. And in the end, he was right. With a smile and a slight laugh, Andrew turned down a street, leaning forward in his seat slightly to take a good look around the corner. "Yeah, we do typical club beats. Little bits of dubstep, pop, house... the whole mix." He smirked and glanced towards his friend, looking him over quickly before shrugging his shoulders ever so slightly. "And our bartenders know quite a bit about what they're doing. Maybe they could teach you something?" He reached over and gave the man a light nudge to his leg before flashing a grin and pulling onto another street.

This route was second nature to him now that he got into the city. Turn here, turn there, stoplight, turn... the city could get a bit confusing, but it was easy when you lived there. And more importantly drove there. He pulled into a drive way on the side of a small, two story house. He killed the engine and looked back towards his friend with a genuine smile this time around. "It may be a bit of a mess up there. My old roommate is almost completely out of the house so it's still in a temporary state." He didn't waste another minute to get out of the car, gather his friends things and start in the main door then up a set of stairs just inside. His home looked to be a home that had been split up by a landlord and turned into a nice set of apartments.

"Hope you don't mind a cat, by the way. You might not even see him." He quickly fiddled with his keys and unlocked the door before stepping inside to a full length long hallway, opening up to the kitchen at the end of it all. His bedroom was set up on the right behind a closed door with the living room on the left, open to the eyes of any guest walking inside. It was simple, roomy and familiar even to the newest of strangers.

[Assistant]
"Oh hey, now you might have some good bartenders but I doubt that they can beat me." He said confidently "I have studied pretty much every drink you can possibly think of so no matter what someone asks for I can give them." His confidence was practically visible but it was an arrogance confidence that wasn't Eric's style. "I even got the juggling drinks around down, only drop a bottle one out of three times!" He said jokingly, truth was he could do the bottle juggling almost perfect but it ruined the drink which most people didn't realize as even the slightest thing could change the taste of a drink and juggling a bottle around was more than the slightest thing. It definitely was a bit confusing for Eric who had no idea where he was, for the most part he would probably rely on Andrew to help him get around since he was terrible with directions, the little story house was nice he thought.

At the mention of a mess Eric couldn't help but grin "Believe me, it can't be worse than my place, I'm single and haven't been trying all that hard to find someone else so I kinda let the place go!" He said with a laugh. "More of a dog person but I think I can deal with a cat..." he said casually before entering the place, Eric got along with almost any type of animal as he found animals to be better than a lot of people, his excuse was that he was an animal in his past life hence why other animals liked him so much. As he looked around felt at ease like this wasn't a place he had never been to before. "Nice place, spacious but not too big like those houses with forty foot ceilings, those never make sense I mean why have a ceiling that tall?" As he saw the kitchen he walked into it "So, you gonna give me some home cooked meals or make me cook for you instead?" He asked playfully before looking around the rest of the place "So where am I staying?" They had sorted this out but of course Eric hadn't really paid attention so he had forgotten.


[User]
Zephyr hummed softly in disappointment, sure Elessar knew of at least a few, though he supposed giving an outsider such information was something he'd rather not do. Not that it mattered. He had several talents, some of them even useful for earning coin. Maybe he'd take to playing his flute in the streets. He didn't really need the money, but he liked to keep up appearances, and it wouldn't do to become lazy.

He flicked his eyes over Elessar and stood with a soft moan as he stretched. "Unfortunately, I bleed just like anyone else," he replied with a shrug. "And I eat more than most," he added with a flash of his teeth. "Coin doesn't last too long. Thanks for your help though, and for running a bath." He pulled a few silvers out of his pouch and held them out between his fingers. "If you hear of any jobs before tomorrow, I'll pay you for the information." Money didn't mean much to him---he had hoards of treasure stashed in various places across the Realms like any other dragon, even if his hoards were smaller than most due to his young age, and Elessar seemed in need of some.

He was hoping to feel the spark of contact again if Elessar took the coin, just to make sure he wasn't just imagining things. His other hand began unfastening the light leather armor he wore over cloth as he watched the human.

[Assistant]
Elessar bit his lip and eyed the silver pieces, his body relaxing as his arms dropped to his sides again. He suddenly looked younger as he stared at those coins, too young to have "been around" for a while. Elessar had nearly reached manhood, but he was a few years yet away for that, not like it matter. However, it made certain things a necessity and money was one of them. Glancing at Zephyr face and then the coin again, Elessar finally gave a heavy sigh and reached for the coins, his fingers just barely brushing Zephyr's

"The blacksmith," he said, though with what appeared to be great effort. Even as Elessar pocketed the coin, he winced, hating that he was giving info about a job that he was hoping to try for. "I'm not strong enough to weld yet, but you might be. He's gotten a lot of commissions recently and needs the help. If you're capable that is."

[User]
Zephyr sighed softly in disappointment when he couldn't feel anything from the faint touch. He wasn't giving up hope though. He shed the leather jerkin and moved to hang it near his cloak. "Blacksmithing can be dangerous. All that smoke and fire," he said, rubbing at a shoulder. "Are you looking for another job?" He couldn't help but want to hire Elessar to be an attendant or some such. It was always nice to have someone to travel with, too. But considering he was looking for a job, it'd be strange to offer to hire Elessar, wouldn't it? He'd never been good when it came to everyday appearances. His lifespan was so long, he couldn't quite wrap his mind around the necessity to live day to day just to live.

"What kind of work do you like or are good at?" It couldn't hurt to ask, right? Maybe he'd be able to find a job for Elessar during his search tomorrow. He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, belatedly realizing he was all but blocking the door though he wasn't willing to move unless asked.

[Assistant]
Elessar turned pink and looked away, furious that he was blushing over Zephyr's question. It was embarrassing to have to answer such a question, despite the benign way it was put. He couldn't help that he was dirt poor with no means to support himself. He could read and write as well as do a few other upper class things, but those kinds of skills didn't translate well when it came to living in small towns like the one he was in. The only time mathematics came in handy was when he was helping Chanve balance his expenses. Of course, the man never breathed a word of Elessar's ability, much to his relief.

"I'm always looking for a job." Elessar tried to look cool, but with the questions and the way Zephyr blocked the door, it made him a little nervous. He glanced at the room's only window, knowing he could at least escape that way. He shifted a little, moving closer to the window, pretending he saw something interesting out on the street.

"Can't say I like anything in particular or that I'm good at much." He shrugged in self derision, wondering if it was damn time he moved on. With the coins from Zephyr, he could get enough supplies to travel to a new town. "I think I'm gonna leave soon," Elessar added softly, tapping the cool glass of the window in thought. "Kinda tired of hanging around." He felt like dead weight and knew the people in this town all pitched in to help him from time to time. He couldn't keep relying on their kindness forever. It wasn't fair to them.

[User]
Zephyr felt a pang when Elessar mentioned leaving and straightened, though he at least had enough sense not to try to grab onto the human. "Why not come with me?" he blurted before he could stop himself. Shit. The last thing he needed was for Elessar to think he was after his ass. Well... he was, in a roundabout kind of way, but that wasn't exactly the first thing on his mind. "It gets dull, traveling alone. I could use an attendant or something. A traveling companion... I have the coin to pay for your time."

He grinned and winked at Elessar. "Maybe I could even try to teach you some magic." Usually the dragon lords had to breathe their magic on chosen humans in the times when they started revoking the use of magic. But prismatics didn't have to follow those rules and could bless humans with their own gifts, though usually that only created more chaos when the dragon lords learned they were overstepping their bounds. He wasn't too worried about it though. If Elessar did become his mate, he'd be protected since even a prismatic's mating bond was sacred enough the other dragons wouldn't retaliate against it.

[Assistant]
Elessar couldn't help but snort derisively. "With you? Why? What need have you of some traveling companion?" While he scoffed outwardly, Elessar was seriously considering the offer. He wanted to get out and see more and with the promise of coin as well as safe travel with someone was tantalizing. However Zephyr was a stranger and who knew what the man would want from him. Elessar wrinkled his nose. Perhaps he'd but a dagger from the smithy before he left, if he left, just in case.

He didn't care all that much about magic, not see what the use in such a talent was. It usually just made people mad. "I dunno about the magic part, but you said you're going to the capital? Well, I guess I wouldn't mind coming along," Elessar replied slowly. "I know you're not gonna mug me since I have no money and if you try to sell me off to traders all just break your neck." He cracked his knuckles, flashing a menacing smile.

"On one condition though. I want the bed and the bath. That can be my first payment." He grinned, pointing to each item in turn, wondering if Zephyr was for real and how far he'd go to get a "traveling companion."

[User]
The derisive snort almost had him wondering if he'd end up having to fly Elessar off to some secluded mountain after all. He rubbed his fingers against his stomach and relaxed slightly when the human finally showed a touch of interest in the proposition. "I was on the way to the capital, yes." He pushed off the wall with a soft laugh at the threat and splayed his hands in a harmless gesture. "I don't deal with slavers and the like. It's a genuine offer."

He raised an eyebrow and tilted his head a bit as he glanced to the bath. It was a small price to pay, all things considered. "Alright then. The bed and bath are yours, so long as you draw me a fresh one when you're done," he replied, sitting on the foot of the bed again and falling onto his back to rest. "There is one small catch... we travel by foot, unless you can find a horse that gets along with me. I have terrible luck with the beasts."

[Assistant]
Elessar looked at Zephyr for a long moment, trying to judge the male. What he saw was an open, handsome face with a too dazzling smile. The man seemed guileless for the time being, and beggars certainly couldn't be choosers. If this man wanted to take him along to the capital, then Elessar was not about to look a gift horse in the mouth. If something bad happened... well, he'd dealt with bad before and he'd do so again. His options in life weren't exactly boundless and Zephyr's offer seemed like the best he could ask for.

"Deal then," Elessar replied, finally laughing a bit. "And do I look like I'm made of money? The only horse I could scrounge would be the old plug one of the farmer's has. I've been walking my entire life and some more won't kill me." And now, the bath. Elessar's attention turned to it and he nearly groaned at the sight. Uncaring of his nudity, Elessar started to shed his clothes as he headed for the screen. By the time he disappeared behind it, he was completely naked, his cloths laying in a haphazard pile behind him.

When he lowered himself into the steaming bath, he sighed loudly. It was sheer bliss and for once, he was glad that Chanve had sent him off early. Zephyr had been his last guest of the night so, for now, Elessar didn't have to worry about much.

[User]
Zephyr bit his tongue before he could say he'd be willing to buy Elessar a horse. It wouldn't do to seem too eager to have a traveling companion and they didn't know each other at all. While he trusted his own magic in regards to finding potential mates, he knew it could be dangerous to be blinded by that possibility. He eyed the naked form before it disappeared behind the screen, glancing to the clothes on the floor and feeling too lazy to pick them up.

"When would you like to leave then? I have enough on me to get two to the capital, unless you want to earn a bit more coin here." He stretched with a soft hum, staring at the ceiling and doing well not to go peeking. As much as he could control his libido when needed, being in a closed room with a naked human who had could cause sparks on contact was pushing even his control.

[Assistant]
"No," came Elessar's voice from behind the screen, followed by the sloshing of water. "I'm ready to leave when you are. There's nothing much I have to do here." He cleaned himself thoroughly, using the scented soap to wash all the dirt and grim off his body. If he was going to start traveling, at least he'd start it with a clean body. The hot water was so luxurious against his skin, making him sigh in contentment. Elessar would have liked to languish all night in the tub, but he knew Zephyr wanted a turn and Elessar was just as eager to try out the bed as he had been about the bath.

"Do you have an idea of travel plans? Do you know what towns your going to hit? I don't want to be camping outside too much if it can be helped." As he spoke, Elessar rose from the tub and snagged a towel, drying himself off before wrapping it around his waist. He didn't want to put his dirty clothes back on and remembered a customer had left some cloths in the closet. Elessar had cleaned them a few days ago, thinking the man might come back. He never did.

Stepping out from behind the screen, Elessar picked up his scattered clothes before neatly folding them. The tub gurgled loudly as it drained, preparing for more water.

[User]
Travel plans weren't something he usually cared to make since he rarely had an ultimate destination in mind. Zephyr ended up where he ended up when he ended up there. He'd wandered the East for five months after arriving before he even sought out one of the main cities. He enjoyed wandering and seeing the landscape as much as he enjoyed sampling the natives and their food. "I was just going to head west. What's wrong with camping outside?" he asked with a touch of bemusement. Humans and their need for solid walls on all sides of them to sleep.

He tilted his head to watch Elessar when he emerged from the bath, propping up on his elbows. "I suppose we'll need to get you some clothes more fit for travel. And a bedroll, if you want to carry it." He glanced towards the tub as he heard it draining and wondered if Elessar was going to let them share the bed. He didn't mind sleeping outside where he could alter the ground into a soft bed, but there wasn't much he could do with a wooden floor and he had only his clothes and sword that he traveled with. Anything else was unnecessary and only slowed him down.

[Assistant]
"I've slept outside too often," Elessar replied, heading for the closet. He rummaged around inside and found what he was looking for. He dressed quickly, hiding most of his body from Zephyr. "I suppose a bedroll and a good study pair of boots would be good. Would you buy me such things? I don't have any money to my name save for what you've given me." Elessar looked at Zephyr, expression guileless as he asked. He wasn't out for the man's money, but he did need to know he'd be taken care of once they set out. If Zephyr was willing to drop coin for him, then Elessar could be a little more assured that the man wouldn't ditch him halfway.

"We should probably get some salt and a packet of herbs. If you can hunt, I can cook it for you. I'm not too bad at making a hearty meal out of very little." He smiled slightly at Zephyr and went to prepare another back for him. "Why are you going to the capital? I heard everything is more expensive there and that they arrest beggars on the street!"

[User]
Zephyr wiggled his toes against the floor and watched what skin he could see be covered by clothes with disappointment. "Of course," he replied with a smile. "I'm not going to ask you to travel with me and have you suffering." Or whining. "Sleeping outside isn't so bad. I have a few tricks to make the ground as comfortable as a bed."

He purred softly at the sound of running water and itched to sink into the hot water, surprised Elessar hadn't lingered in his own a bit longer. "We can get supplies, too," he added with a soft laugh. If Elessar could cook, meals while traveling would certainly be more enjoyable. He usually just roasted whatever catches he made over a fire. "I haven't been there in a while. I'm curious to see how it's changed." It wasn't really a lie. It'd been close to forty years since he'd been in the capital, before the humans had started losing favor with the dragons. The arresting beggars was new... "Are you sure that's true, or just a rumor?"

He stood when the bath was drawn and stripped out of his clothes. His tanned skin was smooth and unmarred by any scars or signs of his many battles. One of the many benefits of being a dragon was quick healing, and he could alter his human form to erase any scars that might form. "Thank you," he said, stepping into the tub and sinking down into the water with a deep moan, closing his eyes as he relaxed.

[Assistant]
Elessar didn't even pretend to not watch Zephyr strip. He may not have been loose with his body, but Elessar knew how to appreciate beauty when he saw it. Zephyr was a handsome man, not doubt about it. "I suppose it could be a rumor," Elessar replied with a laugh as he settled on the bed. "I heard it from a man passing through town." Elessar laid down in the bed, pulling the covers warmly up around him. He rarely lingered doing anything, never liking to be too vulnerable for too long, even if it was a delicious bath. That was one of the reason's Elessar hated sleeping outside. He always felt too exposed. He knew he should be used to it after years of sleeping outdoors, but it had been a feeling he could never quite escape, not like he'd tell Zephyr that.

"And if you really have special tricks for making the ground softer to sleep on, I'll kiss you," Elessar teased around a big yawn. "I could never figure it out." He rolled over on his side and sigh, settling into the soft bed. How long had it been since he'd laid in one? Hell, he couldn't remember so it must've been too long.

[User]
Zephyr soaked for several long minutes before even moving. He loved hot baths. Hot springs were even better but he hadn't passed by any since being in the East. He blinked his eyes open and tilted his head towards Elessar at the kissing comment, grinning as he finally reached for the soap. "Oh? I believe I may hold you to that," he purred. He scrubbed himself down and lingered in the bath a few minutes more until the water turned tepid.

He climbed out and dried off, rummaging through his worn pack for some relatively clean clothes. Maybe he should have them all cleaned while he was in civilization. He glanced toward the bed as he dressed in simple cotton pants, forgoing a shirt as he used a touch of magic to have the heat of the fire wrap more thoroughly around the room. "Are you going to make me sleep on the floor or can we share?" he asked, picking up his sword from the foot of the bed and propping it against the wall within easy reach. Not that he expected anyone to attack them, but it was always good to be prepared.

[Assistant]
Elessar just snorted at Zephyr's comment, nearly half asleep already. "Yeah? You're on," he muttered. He would kiss him if he could suddenly made the cold, hard ground feel like a nice, warm bed. Elessar didn't believe it for one minute. The man may have commanded magic, but no magician alive could do that to the earth... at least not any he knew of.

He heard Zephyr rummaging around, but didn't stir, his back still to the room. Now that he was laying down, he realized how tired he was and how wonderful it was to sleep in a safe place. The warmth of the room left him sighing and feeling magnanimous, Elessar scooted over at Zephyr's question.

"Yeah. I guess we can share," he replied around another yawn. "Swear to the gods though if I feel your dick on me you're dead." It couldn't help to be too careful after all. Elessar wanted to make it plain that he wasn't interested in sex with the man. While Zephyr hadn't made any allusions to it, Elessar knew it was only a matter of time before he was copped or kneaded or kissed and frankly, he didn't want to deal with it.

[User]
Zephyr laughed, unable to help it. "I wouldn't," he replied, flipping the lock on the door and checking the window, just to be safe. He eyed the street outside before tugging the curtains closed and slipping into the bed. "Good night, Elessar," he murmured, stretching out with a soft groan and drifting into a light sleep. He rarely slept deeply unless he was safe and secure in one of his caves. The bed was comfortable and the warmth of another body next to him was unfamiliar but nice.

He dreamed of past battles and murmured softly in his sleep. The fire grew as he unconsciously reached for it as he relived battles, flames flickering in the air around the room off and on throughout the night and into the early morning. They didn't touch anything and were basically harmless unless someone unknown entered the room or tried to touch them.

When the sun rose, he woke even though the sunlight barely filtered through the curtains. He stretched and rolled over without opening his eyes, gravitating toward the warmth on the other side of the bed if Elessar was still there.

[Assistant]
Whether he knew it or not, Elessar had been disturbed by the floating flames during the night. He never woke, but he had strange dreams that put him on edge. He was the first to roll over closer to Zephyr. He plastered himself against the man, trying to melt into the warmth that was his skin. The warmth was safe, making him feel protected from those ghostly fires that he saw in his sleep. They were chasing him and he couldn't see to get away no matter how fast he ran.

Come morning, Elessar had Zephyr in an octopus hold and when he rolled over, Elessar was still right there, wiggling until he fit comfortably beneath his chin. He was panting softly, his expression dark and troubled. Every now and then he'd grumbled to himself and squeeze his hands against Zephyr, on then off again. Whatever he was dreaming about now was quickly turning into a nightmare that evening the morning light couldn't chase away.

[User]
Zephyr yawned and cracked his eyes open as Elessar wiggled against him, humming softly and rubbing his cheek against the top of the human's head. This was nice, at least until he noticed Elessar seemed to be having bad dreams. He hummed an old lullaby he'd heard years ago, and rubbed the human's back and hair in a soothing gesture. "Golden slumber kiss your eyes; Smiles await you when you rise," he sang softly, voice low as he tugged the covers up around Elessar.

He was thoroughly pleased that at least unconsciously the human was drawn to him for one reason or another and just hoped he didn't get strangled when Elessar woke. His stomach rumbled and he yawned again as he continued murmuring lyrics and rubbing the human's back. Breakfast and maybe a quick bath before getting supplies. He wondered if he should stay another night here though that might give Elessar enough time to think twice about joining him in his travels, if he wasn't already.

[Assistant]
Zephyr's rumbling lullaby eased Elessar and he relaxed slowly once again, sighing as he drifted off again. If he had been awake, he would have made fun of the man for knowing a lullaby or maybe he would have just been embarrassed for appearing weak. Which he wasn't. Elessar just had be dreams sometimes. It was hard not to when you past had been consumed by fire and death. His escape from his mother's villa hadn't been a pretty thing and the flames floating in the air last night dredged up old memories.

When he finally did wake, not long later, Elessar was neither angry or embarrassed. He looked up at Zephyr with his strange violet eyes before rubbing the sleep from them as he sat up. The dreams had been unsettling and for some reason, he was glad to have woken up beside Zephyr. At least the man hadn't abandoned him in the middle of the night.

"Morning," Elessar mumbled, trying to smooth down his crazy bed head. His black hair was sticking up in all directions, likely because he'd been such a cuddler that night. "Is there gonna be breakfast?" He asked hopefully, crawling over Zephyr and out of the bed once he was more awake.