` 𝗉𝗎𝗍 𝗆𝖾 𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦 .

the   weather   was   immaculate,   she   couldn’t   of   asked   for   better.   its   her   weekend   off   and   to   keep   a   busy   mind   numb   ....   claudette   has   found   herself   outdoors   once   more.   she   has   a   knack   for   it,   an   inclination.   she   wears   tall   riding   boots   and   a   comfortable   long   sleeve   shirt;   looking   the   part.   “   i   used   to   ride   all   throughout   my   childhood   growing   up   in   the   french   countryside.   ”

claudette   converses   easily   as   a   manicured   hand   slips   across   speckled   sheened   fur   before   pausing   at   the   horses’   maine   and   gently   sweeping   her   hands   down   wiry   locks.   glancing   over   her   shoulder   at   jude   her   expression   is   somewhat   blank,   perhaps   in   offering   of   receival   of   what   he   had   to   say.   finding   herself   lifting   onto   wooden   steps   she’s   pulling   herself   into   the   leather   saddle   on   the   horse   and   securing   herself,   back   straightening,   well   practiced   as   tongue   clicks   &   lips   purse   in   signal   for   her   horse   to   trot   towards   jude.   edging   close   slowly   before   pausing   at   his   side   a   well   kept   and   bright   auburn  brow   lifting   at   him   in   further   expectance.   *   

she   sits   poised   at   their   table,   early   (   like   always   )   manicured   nails   tapping   at   the   screen   of   her   phone   while   she   punches   away   at   emails.   taking   a   brief   pause   lightly   colored   eyes   fall   to   the   glass   paneling   at   her   left   side   overlooking   the   island   that   seems   so   vast   when   reality   is;   its   quite   small.   turning   her   phone   downwards   as   she   spots   him   she   rises   to   her   feet   slowly   a   bright   pearled   grin   presented   in   greeting   against   cranberry   hued   lipstick.   

a   inhale   as   head   dips   in   further   welcome.   “   mr.charter,   handsome   as   ever.   a   pleasure   to   see   you   again.   ”   bellamy   would   make   someone   of   himself.   he   was,   he   had.   (   she’d   researched   )   a   inkling,   a   instinct,   she   admires   it.   “   a   follow   up   i   suppose.   on   the   information   i   found   given   the   pink   moon.   i   thought   it   only   fair,   ”   a   casual   shrug   but   her   call   of   attendance   was   far   from   mundane.   claudette   lowers   back   into   her   seat   tucking   he   fabric   of   her   skirt   beneath   her.   “   but   first   more   important.   wine   or   champagne?   ”   *

sobriety   brought   a   beautiful   thing   .....   clarity   of   the   mind,   of   the   senses.   &   she   readily   had   found   herself   surrounded   by   him   engulfed   in   a   furry   of   lust   &   passion.   she   wanted   to   clarity,   wanted   to   savor   every   last   drop   until   there   was   nothing   but   him.   they   divulged   into   the   pleasures   of   flesh   until   each   had   given   out   some   early   hours   of   the   morning.   her   smaller   frame   curled   ontop   of   him;   skin   to   skin.   a   thin   sheet   lightly   shielding   them   from   the   world   that   kept   moving   when   she   so   wished   it   to   stop.   claudette   wanted   to   pause   the   moment   of   solace.   her   arms   heavy   from   previous   excursion   the   night   before   as   they   slowly   unlock   from   the   loose   hold   around   the   back   of   his   neck   and   sweep   downwards   to   cross   her   arms   over   his   chest,   setting   her   chin   on   propped   wrists   as   sleep   clings   to   droopy   lids.   she’s   happy;   a   smile   of   joy   finding   her   as   bright   (   welcoming   )   eyes   search   his   face.   claudette   admires   robbie,   allured   by   his   beauty.   &   captivated   by   his   opposition.   he   is   her   opposite   in   every   way;   and   she’d   have   it   no   other   way.   

her   smile   spreads   to   a   pleased   grin   as   head   tilts   affectionately   peering   at   him   and   sweeping   her   foot   idly   against   the   top   of   shin   beneath   the   blanket.   “   oh   mon   amour.   ”   hummed   to   him   furthering   her   affection   as   face   dips   to   press   a   warmed   kiss   the   the   skin   of   exposed   chest.   head   lifting   hair   wild   &   unkept   like   a   lions   mane,   eyeliner   smudged,   and   lips   bare   of   lipstick.   if   she   looked   close   enough   smears   of   red   could   probably   still   be   found   atop   his   skin.   she   hadn’t   felt   this   light   in   some   time.   but   robbie   could   be   trusted;   this   she   knew.   (   she’d   done   her   own   obsessive   digging   on   his   background   &   it   seemed   ....   they   were   two   lost   ships   having   set   sailed   &   ended   up   at   the   same   port.   )   and   in   this   trust   she   had   bloomed   for   him   like   a   flower.   deadly   &   just   as   thorned   as   before,   but   open   &   willing,   for   him.   “   i   feel   like   i   am   in   my   twenties   again...   ”   laughter   as   she   slowly   lifts   herself   further   upwards   and   slowly   sinks   into   the   crook   of   his   neck   and   presses   dampened   warm   kisses   to   the   length   of   it.   a   slowly   sleepy   inhale   allows   for   the   scent   of   him   to   wash   over   her,   relaxing   the   beast   within   further.   her   cheek   finds   her   own   pillow   beneath   his   head   as   her   nose   and   lips   nudge   into   his   neck   over   and   over,   achingly   slow.   “   i   feel   alive.   ”   murmured   quietly   with   a   smile   of   triumph.   she’d   won   &   robbie   was   her   prize.   “   i   am   holding   you   captive   all   day,   ”   nuzzling   into   him   impossibly   closer   she   tilts   her   face   back   up   to   look   at   him.   “   you   are   mine.   ”   sleepy   smile   spreads   into   a   rueful   grin   as   she   awaits   his   attention.   *

She had done this hike before, but that was alone, and somewhat leisurely, taking it at her own pace. This time, it did not have those elements. The woman standing before her had a fierce air about her, leading Minna to be assume it would be a steady pace, one that would leave her sweating and her muscles potentially sore. “I know,” she replied, confirming that she wasn’t going into this without a degree of commitment. 

Any intimidation she was feeling was tempered slightly by the smirk that appeared on the woman’s lips, a feature of her face that easily drew her eyes without much effort. Minna managed a bit of a playful smile herself. “I think I can keep up with you.” She pulled her own hair back, tying it into a low bun. “The view will be worth it. Ready?”

tightening   the   buckle   at   her   waist   bright   gaze   flutters   up   to   the   other.   it   was   nice   to   be   out   of   the   workplace   as   much   of   a   workaholic   claudette   was   she   did   love   a   change   of   scenery.   the   falls   were   her   favorite.   rushing   water   &   talkative   wildlife   could   be   numbing.   her   smirk   deepens   at   her   reply.   “   keep   up   enough   and   i’ll   be   worried   you   are   after   my   position   ma   chère.   ”   a   playful   wink   and   dip   of   her   head   before   straightening   her   shoulders   and   turning   her   frame   from   her.   

she   begins   to   walk   without   hesitancy.   her   strides   are   powerful,   purposeful.   though   she   doesn’t   wear   daggered   heels   and   a   perfectly   starched   suit   she   carries   her   power   with   her   even   now   amongst   nature.   a   coworker,   yes,   but   claudette   was   perhaps   seeking   more   than   that.   she   admired   minnas   work   ethic   and   skill   &   could   appreciate   a   fellow   hard   working   woman.   but   there   was   something   else,   something   instinctual   drawing   her   further   in.   “   i   do   not   mean   to   talk   business   out   of   the   workplace   but   are   you   happy   at   the   oracle?   everything   satisfactory   as   of   late?   ”   glancing   over   to   her   as   they   stride   together.   “   i   am   happy   to   be   in   your   company   minna.   ”   *   

     their little run-in at olympus during the glitterball left alex feeling light-headed, waking up with thoughts of claudette swimming in his head for days after it happened. that night, they had crossed a line that alex never thought he’d be able to walk over. but this morning was like many that he’s experienced in the last two weeks since that night — waking up in a comfortable bed, sometimes with claudette waking him up to get a start on her day ( which usually meant go back to your apartment, alex ), or the space next to him empty, but he’d find her sipping on her coffee in the kitchen soon after he manages to get himself off of sheets that felt and smelled amazing. as he slowly begins to wake up now, the feeling of her hand caressing his face, a grin begins to creep on his lips, eyelashes fluttering as his eyes begin to open up. he liked her in the morning, she felt like light. “ good morning to you, too. ” it was a routine that he didn’t mind getting used to — some mornings even, sneaking in some time and managing to convince claudette to let him entertain her a little more before he slipped back to his apartment. 

    he sits up straight, his morning hair sticking up a little, in all sorts of different directions. he lets out a little yawn before his shirt was tossed towards him. he gets up, gets dressed in last night’s clothes ( sans his pants, he can get those before he leaves ) and follows her towards the kitchen where she was beginning to prepare breakfast. he comes up behind her, letting his hands slip around her waist and his lips pepper a soft kiss or two on her exposed shoulder. “ if you didn’t have things to do, i’d have kept you in that bed with me all morning. ” something about her, it always left alex with a feeling of wanting more. 

knife   gently   tapping   as   it   touches   the   bamboo   cutting   board   beneath,   slowly   slicing   a   buttery   avocado   into   thin   strips.   to   her   left   four   eggs   slip   onto   a   sizzling   skillet   and   the   audible   sound   of   a   pepper   grinder   is   heard   as   her   wrist   twist,   seasoning   their   food.   claudette   even   finds   herself   cooking   to   perfection.   her   narcissism   leads   to   excellence   in   all   aspects.   the   smell   of   browning   butter   &   garlic   fills   the   pristine   kitchen   and   she   listens   for   his   entrance   with   eager   ears.   a   small   smile   as   she   flips   two   eggs,   kisses   received   and   smile   growing   as   she   finds   herself   leaning   back   into   him   gently.   “   hmm.   ”   she   hums   relaxed.   “   you   would   of   tried.   ”   she   muses   playfully.

a   small   smirk   as   she   turns   slightly   lifting   softened   lips   to   press   a   kiss   into   his   cheek.   sleep   still   lingers   on   her   eyes   and   holds   to   her   skin.   imperfect   divots   and   creases   sculpted   at   the   corners   of   her   eyes   and   mouth.   nose   lightly   nudging   a   spot   on   his   jaw   before   coming   back   to   her   work.   she   come   to   enjoy   his   company,   his   companionship.   nights   were   lonely   &   nightmares   abundant   but   they   were   more   palatable   in   the   arms   of   another.   she   sprinkles   seeds   and   seasonings   onto   four   pieces   of   toast.   two   with   hummus   &   another   two   with   her   avocado   slices.   pans   clatter   as   she   slowly   steps   away   turning   back   to   face   him   with   a   polished   plate   in   each   hand.   “   can   you   get   our   coffee,   mon   tresor?   ”   sealing   her   request   a   kiss   finds   willing   lips   before   stepping   away   fully   and   to   the   barstool   on   the   other   side   of   the   counter.   *

The moment the woman set her gaze onto Daiyu, she felt the power the woman held. She was obviously one to get what she wanted often, to walk into a room and command it. Hell, she was walking into Daiyu’s job, where she was technically the boss in the absence of others and she felt as if she was small compared to the other. She reached behind her to lower the music to a more suitable level, which to her in this moment, was almost completely off; the beats of another bass heavy song a dull hum in the background. 

“Robbie? Right! Robbie! Well, with the storm coming, everyone went home and left me here to take care of anything- we usually don’t get anything big during storms around here so..” She rubbed the back of her neck, offering a nervous smile in return. “I can call him? See if he’ll come back?”

slowly   she   finds   herself   swallowing   in   relief   in   the   absence   of   blaring   music.   call   it   age   but   she   can’t   help   but   feel   annoyed   at   its   presence.   lips   mash   together   gently   as   she   finds   herself   folding   hands   neatly   before   her   hips,   pulling   her   purse   tighter   to   her   frame.   “   right.   ”   she   replies   curtly   dipping   her   head   with   a   gentle   nod.   mind   reels   ....   calculating,   moving   pieces   like   a   puzzle.   

glancing   back   up   to   them   a   languid   smile   is   offered   instead.   charm   comes   to   her   easy.   like   a   dance   memorized.   “   you’re   sweet.   ”   a   beat.   “   though   doesn’t   seem   exactly   fair   they   left   you   here   to   yourself.   ”   smile   blooms   into   a   grin.   “   not   necessary.   ”   a   slow   shake   of   her   head   in   refusal   claudette   peaks   over   her   shoulder.   there’s   a   tinge   of   humor   on   her   lips   now   as   she   watches   the   other.   “   i   left   something   in   one   of   the   compartments   on   the   bike   he   keeps   here.   ”   words   confident   &   smooth   as   honey.   “   could   you   take   me   to   it?   i’ll   grab   it   chéri,   and   be   on   my   way.   maybe   then   perhaps   we   can   both   beat   this   storm.”   *

their   bodies   had   danced   together   from   sunset   to   sunrise   &   claudette   alas   .....   feels   fulfilled.   wild   like   animals   &   kisses   like   cannibals   a   flurry   of   passion   in   passing   days   since   the   ball   they   had   found   themselves   dangerously   entangled.   outside   her   bedroom   window   the   sky   shifts   from   black   to   gray   and   faintly   a   bird   is   to   be   heard.   a   thin   emerald   colored   sheet   is   what   she   reaches   for   careful   twisting   it   around   her   sensitive   frame   as   she   ties   it   securely   and   leans   slowly   hovering   over   him.   he   glows   &   beams   in   all   his   youth.   youth   she’d   happily   drink   to   keep   herself   fresh   faced   &   able.   

milky   palm   smooths   brunette   strands   back   from   his   forehead   and   sweeps   down   the   length   of   his   face   cupping   his   cheek   in   a   gentle   caress.   she’s   softer   with   him   now,   attentive.   he’s   pleased   her   &   in   turn   she’s   bloomed   for   him.   “   hm,   ”   gentle   purr   as   she   leans   further   down   to   press   a   softened   kiss   on   willing   lips.   behind   curtains   and   the   cover   of   nightfall   she’d   partake   in   alex   time   &   time   again   so   long   as   it   pleased   her.....   but   the   sun   was   rising,   and   their   time   together   coming   to   a   close.   she   draws   back   up.   “   i   have   errands   to   run   today.   ”   hand   lingers   and   thumb   sweeps   across   his   cheek.   “   but   first,   breakfast   and   a   small   nap.   ”   a   bright   grin   offered   teeth   gleaming   in   all   their   perfectness   against   strawberry   hued   lips.   freckles   twinkling   across   her   features   as   no   mask   of   perfectness   has   been   yet   painted   on.   “   i   do   need   my   beauty   sleep   still,   l’amour.   ”   a   chuckle   as   hand   slowly   departs   from   his   cheek   getting   to   her   feet   and   bending   to   pick   up   a   crinkled   white   shirt   of   his   she’d   disposed   of   hours   before,   tossing   it   at   him   and   flashing   a   smile   over   exposed   shoulder   and   heading   to   her   kitchen.   nodding   for   him   to   follow   her   when   he   was   ready.   *

status: open location/time: whatever suits your muse ..... ( added: hidden falls ) !!!! 

She was trying to get out of her personal bubble, and that meant going out and doing something, anything. Minna didn’t spend a lot of time around the island, usually in her home unless she went out to paint landscapes, but even then there wasn’t many people around. Today was different. Today, she had a goal in mind. The plan was to meet somebody and do something new.

“Excuse me,” she said as she finally spoke up. “Do you mind if I join you?”

pulling   teal   bag   further   onto   her   shoulders   the   carabiners   chime   in   invitation   &   ice   in   her   canteen   sings,   beads   of   perspiration   slipping   down   the   water   holder   as   it   sweats.   the   other   speaks   and   claudette   fastens   a   belt   tighter   around   her   waist   giving   it   another   once   over   before   before   drawing   attention   back   to   her.   “   its   a   big   hike   .”   not   one   to   sugar   coat   or   sweeten.   

reaching   a   arm   over   her   head   she   stretches   it   behind   her   slowly   before   stepping      closer   to   her   and   methodically   pulling   thick   orange   locks   into   a   high   ponytail.   “   do   you   think   you   can   keep   up?   i   don’t   like   whining.   ”   a   playful   smirk   dances   on   plump   lips   coming   to   a   pause   as   a   hand   finds   her   hip.   “   but   the   view   is   like   no   other.   at   the   end   of   the   trail.   ”   turning   from   her   she   nods   to   the   obvious   incline   placed   before   them.   *   

Open

Location: Vulcan’s Auto Shop

Time: Evening

The shop was empty. It was one of those slow shifts that meant the guys could go out to mess around and Daiyu would be in charge of any new customers that would come in and any last minute repairs. Luckily, they had none, and since it was raining, no customers were really coming in. Hence.. air bass guitar and singing alone like a fool.

“City’s breaking down on a camel’s back! They just have to go, ‘cause they don’t know wack! So while you fill the streets, it’s appealing to see! You won’t get out the county, 'cause you’re bad and free!”

She heard someone enter and stopped, putting down her makeshift microphone. “Hi! Welcome to Vulcan’s! How can I help?”

she   enters   looking   entirely   out   of   place.   well   groomed   &   perfectly   pressed   pantsuit   as   heels   click   to   a   halt.   body   weight   shifting   cautiously   at   the   unfamiliar   person   placed   before   her.   naturally   ....   claudette   grimaces.   

frame   sways   before   straightening   &   squaring   her   shoulders   back.   giving   the   other   a   once   over   as   a   auburn   brow   slowly   arches   upwards,   music   bounding   between   them   loudly.   she   almost   had   half   a   mind   to   turn   around   and   walk   away   but   that   would   mean   a   wasted   trip.   without   hesitation   she   speaks   “   where’s   robbie?   ”   tone   powerful   even   over   the   music.   brow   of   question   falls   slack   as   she   inhales   slowly   before   clearing   her   throat.   softer,   this   time,   pulling   a   tight   smile   into   play   as   the   corners   of   bright   eyes   crinkle   with   signs   of   age   features   slowly   dethawing   from   their   pinched   state.   “   i’m   looking   for   robbie.   ”   *   

*

one second he’s deploring the loss of a very important item of his to the local journals (please, there should be a missing person advert for his hat) and then he’s sitting on leather seats, claudette’s laugh ringing in his hear. automatically his own mouth curls up, watching the pink spread against her porcelain skin. his free hand goes around her waist, makes sure she stays in place, on his lap. there’s something hot, dangerous, pooling in his chest, threatening to come out. they’re ignoring the driver’s recommendations (please ma'am can you sit correctly if robbie’s mind was quick enough, he would tell the guy that her way of sitting is perfectly fine, thank you very much!) and he can’t stop looking at her.

“i’d be forever in your debt.” he answers, though his voice is distant. his attention his on her eyes, shining like stars against the sky. a light in the dark, a lighthouse to the loudness of his mind.

“you must have heard it thousand of times tonight,” a pause, his grip tightening on her waist, bringing her impossibly closer still,“…but you’re the most beautiful woman i’ve seen. you shine.”

her   hand   releases   her   clutch   in   her   grasp   and   it   clatters   to   the   seat   next   to   them.   she   does   this   to   bring   her   other   hand   to   his   shoulder,   securing   herself   further,   attentive   to   the   strong   &   very   capable   hand   holding   her   waist.   his   smile   is   welcomed   warm   &   comforting   and   without   much   restraint   she   slowly   lowers   his   pinned   hand   lifting   it   to   her   lips   coyly.   a   dangerous   &   playful   smirk   finds   her   as   she   brings   crimson   lips   to   the   top   of   his   tanned   palm,   hovering   before   speaking.   “   let   me   guess,   a   black   hat.   ”   she   grins   and   finds   herself   nipping   at   the   top   of   his   hand,   teeth   longingly   grazing   before   pausing   her   affection.   “   forever?   ”   an   echoed   hum,   smugly   she   seals   such   words   with   a   kiss,   red   lipstick   imprinting   to   the   top   of   his   hand   in   a   near   perfect   press.   her   body   feels   warm   as   the   buzz   clings   to   her   smaller   frame,   but   its   fleeting.   in   many   ways   she   fights   it;   finding   herself   wanting   to   remember   these   warmed   moments   within   his   grasp.   she’s   exactly   where   she   wants   to   be.   “   careful,   beau,   those   are   dangerous   words.   ”   gaze   slowly   lifts   from   his   hand   to   his   eyes,   holding   his   gaze   just   as   keenly.   as   the   car   turns   and   moves   she’s   stabilized   thanks   to   his   hold   and   she   releases   his   hand   finally   she   was   holding   to   allow   it   the   freedom   it   pleased.   this   hand   now   finds   the   base   of   his   neck   as   he   brings   her   closer.

its   a   new   closeness   for   them.   body   to   body.   it   near   maddens   her   in   her   attentive   state,   control   a   caged   lioness   &   the   cage   has   all   but   been   let   open.   she   wants   to   touch   him   everywhere   and   anywhere.   palm   on   his   shoulder   smooths   across   and   fingers   dip   beneath   the   top   hem   of   his   shirt   fingertips   grazing   what   she   makes   out   to   be   his   collarbone   nails   grazing   and   pads   of   softened   fingertips   inviting   further   touches   as   she   explores   the   pleasure   of   his   skin.   gaze   briefly   breaks   to   glance   out   the   window   thoughtfully   as   colors   swim   past   the   moving   car.   streetlights   and   headlights   blending   as   she   does   her   best   to   make   out   how   much   further   until   her   apartment   but   his   words   pull   her   back,   centering   her.   that   didn’t   matter.   (   you   damn   control   freak   !   )   the   moment   did.   robbie   did.   pleased   at   his   words   a   slow   grin   finds   her   and   hand   at   the   back   of   his   neck   snakes   upwards,   long   nails   taking   root   in   the   base   of   his   hair,   grabbing   a   fistful   wantingly   but   entirely   pleased.   guard   down   &   in   apparent   surrender   claudette   leans   in   to   settle   her   forehead   to   his   catching   dark   eyes   once   more.   “   perhaps.   ”   spoken   quietly.   added   even   quieter,   a   gentle   whisper....   “   but   i   only   wanted   to   hear   it   from   you.   ”   words   meant   just   for   him   she   nudges   his   nose   playfully,   approvingly,   with   want.   only   with   years   of   practice   is   she   able   to   keep   herself   from   kissing   him.   lips   hover   dangerously   close   to   his,   beckoning   him   for   further   affection   as   gin   laced   breath   swims   against   his   lips.   grin   subdues   into   a   smile   as   dimples   appear,   the   corner   of   her   eyes   wrinkling   with   joy   &   age.   “   your   opinion   is   the   only   one   that   matters   to   me.   ”   *