Post by Moonfire on Jan 3, 2013 12:00:33 GMT -5
And now for the final installment of Mooney and Kella SebBells IMRP!
[12/27/2012 12:23:26 PM] Sami Brown: Sebastian's monthly events were the talk of the Corellian upper class, everyone notable within three systems was in attendence, and Sebastian was sure to impress. His manor home was lively decorated, bright colors in simple designs. Refreshingly modern as the piano man played a variety of classics.
Never one to be predictable, Sebastian arranged for this month's meet as a dinner party. Rich, decadent culinary creations lined the tables, and dish from every culture and refined delicacies could be found in the varied spread. The intermingled pleasantly as the guests indulged in vapid conversation.
Bellinda though was less jovial then those around her, taking periodic gulps of her cocktail as she carefully rearranged to food on her plate to give the appearance of eating. How people could sit and glutton themselves with so much food and self absorbed conversation was beyond her. She glanced towards the host, who seemed to glow in his duties. He enjoyed the attention, or at least the advantages the attention gave him.
[12/27/2012 2:36:05 PM] Ashley A: Though Sebastian was discussing the stock exchange, providing analysis and predictions, reflecting on past trends, his mind was utterly elsewhere. Throughout the night, he had been watching Bellinda, curiosity itching at his mind with all the ferocity of poison ivy. It had taken only a brush with her mind, and he was left craving more.
The cooler he seemed, the more unfeeling he acted -- it was all a symptom of the deeper that need gnawed at him. They had become so close, then since, he had been tested and she had been taken. She was, finally, as she had been before Bieli. Better, even, after Sebastian's meddling. But that was one of the things he needed to know -- did she like being better? Or did her fury still linger? Now that she needed him, what else could he draw out of her mind?
It was addictive. So he watched her, subtly enough to escape the attention of most of the incorrigible gossips at the table -- though not quite all of them. Sebastian knew those glances that were spotted, and remembered, but he couldn't quite bring himself to care. Might as well give them something a little different than usual to talk about.
He also noticed that for all of Bellinda's prodding and pushing at her plate, she had hardly eaten anything. Giving her a look would achieve nothing, but he cast chiding thoughts in her direction, suspecting she'd be able to pick up on the mood.
[12/27/2012 2:50:13 PM | Edited 3:05:06 PM] Sami Brown: Bellinda was less obvious in her attentions, though it was something she could afford. Most were still convinced her merely an odd blind woman who had somehow taken Sebastian's fancy and charity. Others weren't quite sure what to make of the ever popular May Lin, Coruscanti Public Relations Rep. Especially with her demure demeanor tonight.
Her outfit, while plain in comparison to the other women's was tasteful. An artfully arranged gown that clung at her waist and gave the illusion of curves, one Sebastian himself had gifted her.
Unwilling to acknowledge the vibes Sebastian shot across the table towards her Bellinda gave up her battle against the food, laying her fork down to concentrate on the bubbly cocktail before her. It was then that a particularly brave woman attempted small talk with the prickly creature.
"My my, Miss Lin was it? I swear I've seen you at everyone of Sebastian's little events lately, yet you're always so quiet! Are you hiding something?" The woman chuckled good naturedly, the other women around her agreeing.
"I'm afraid I have a hard time relating to the vapid and self-absorbed topics of conversation you have to offer." Bellinda said, her voice quite sweet.
Now taken aback, the tall woman attempted to recover.
"I was merely saying that you seem to spend a lot of time here..."
Deftly Bellinda cut her off with a smile, elbow on the table top as she sipped from her drink. "I live here."
"Oh!... Oh. So the nature of your relationship with Mr. Monroe is...?"
"None of your business."
[12/27/2012 3:33:54 PM] Ashley A: The woman gathered her flabbergasted silence into composure as Sebastian himself appeared, having broken from the business conversation to make his cordial rounds.
"Are you enjoying yourselves this evening?" he asked the little pack of woman. Confounded creatures, the way they clumped together like coyotes. As powerful as they thought they were, their teeth bore only the bite of mild embarassment and perhaps a disfavorable word to their particularly powerful lover, who would likely ignore it along with all of the other nagging.
"Oh yes," said the woman who had engaged Bellinda, and the others nodded in echo.
"Have you tried the Ithorian Marzipan? It's quite divine, if I do say so myself."
"Oh, is there more? I thought it had all been eaten."
"Another tray's just been brought out, but I expect it will have a similar fate."
"No time to waste, then," the woman said, glowing from attention from the master himself. Her friends dutifully followed. He might have told her to sample the water and she would have fawned over it like some exotic dish, to earn his good graces.
Sebastian had rested his hand on Bellinda's shoulder, and when the women disappeared, he bent to her ear. "Might I speak with you, Miss Lin? Somewhere private?"
[12/27/2012 3:36:38 PM] Sami Brown: "In private?" Bellinda cocked an eyebrow from beneath her hand embroidered blindfold. "Now, Sebastian what could you possibly have to say to me that all your little friends shouldn't hear?"
[12/27/2012 3:51:06 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian's answer was to stand and step away, his fingers brushing along the back of Bellinda's neck before he slipped away, cordially conversing his way to the East Hall, just beyond the edges of the party. No eye had seen him slip away, but to one he was still in plain view.
There was more than one way to get Bellinda Maskrr's attention.
[12/27/2012 4:04:16 PM] Sami Brown: Bellinda sighed lowly, downing the rest of her drink and grabbing another as she walked throw the party, far more inconspicious than the host despite her obvious attempt to leave. All eyes weren't on her, thankfully.
Stepping into the hallway, away from the aggitating party goers and their idiotic debates on what might be fashionable next season.
Stepping blindly into a room, she smile leaning against the door frame>
"Yes, Sebastian? You wanted to speak with me?"
[12/27/2012 4:35:15 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian was leaning on the wall next to the door. The only light came from the moon and its reflection in the sea, and it gave Bellinda's skin a ghostly pale glow.
"I was surprised to hear such uncivil talk. Of course I understand, I find it difficult to refrain from killing them all in some entertaining way, but the challenge is what makes it rewarding. And you understand how fragile those relations can be, which makes me wonder what has inspired this most... uncharacteristic indiscretion." Sebastian sounded more admiring than critical.
[12/27/2012 4:43:05 PM] Sami Brown: Her eyebrow cocked again as she straighened, before limping forward, the door closing behind her with a soft swish of air. The petite woman stood quite comfortably before the much taller man, arms crossed tight over her chest.
"My tolerance for idle pratter is little today. In my defense, shes an idiot." Bellinda said with a casual shrug.
[12/27/2012 4:46:42 PM] Ashley A: "In your disfavor is the fact that you are a woman who prides herself in her restraint. Dear Lin, are you becoming a bit impulsive?" He sounded -hopeful-.
[12/27/2012 4:50:00 PM] Sami Brown: "I was -perfectly- restrained until I was -provoked-." She hissed. "One is allowed to have an off day, right? Perhaps even a string of off days from time to time."
[12/27/2012 4:53:14 PM] Ashley A: "What makes it a string of off-days and not a shift in character? A not unfortunate shift, I might add."
[12/27/2012 4:55:28 PM] Sami Brown: "Reverting back to standard. I assure you Sebastian, this isn't some shift of character for you to pronounce a revelation and ponder for a few days." Bellinda grumbled, shoulders tense.
"I had a decidedly -bad- month. I'm adjusting." Her tone as stiff as her posture.
[12/27/2012 5:33:09 PM] Ashley A: "Bellinda," he lilted her name, "It does not seem that you are adjusting well." He ran his fingers along the back of her arms, bidding her to unknot them, his touch too light to intimidate. "Talk to me," he crooned.
[12/27/2012 5:40:45 PM] Sami Brown: She sighed again, frustrating obvious in her voice. Less to do with Sebastian's infernal prodding and more to do with her frustration in herself.
"I just can't sit there and listen to them talk about their useless, inane lives. Its infruriating. They're wastes of oxygen. Worthless."
[12/27/2012 5:43:17 PM] Ashley A: "They're worth the enjoyment of watching them run in circles." Sebastian shrugged. "But that's not what's really bothering you, is it?"
[12/27/2012 5:47:24 PM] Sami Brown: "I- I don't know..." Her head shook back and forth, arms tightening their hold around her. "I'm fine."
[12/27/2012 6:00:28 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian ran his fingers along the backs of her forearms. Even in the dim light he could see the tension trembling under her skin.
"I don't think you are. I think you are distinctly -not- fine. But you just keep wrapping it up in knots, and it's not going to go away..." He smoothed his hands over her shoulders.
[12/27/2012 8:06:11 PM] Sami Brown: Belinda shivered hard, arms cinching tighter about herself as Sebastian spoke, his hands moving up across her bare skin, leaving pin-pricked gooseflesh in his wake. Her heart had sped up, anxiety bubbling uncomfortably just below the surface, her chest gripped in its vice. Such reactions though were beneath her, weak and revolting, she would not stand for it. "I'm fine, and if you keep prodding at me I'm going to get angry." She seethed, turning her discomfort back against him.
[12/27/2012 8:27:26 PM] Ashley A: He sighed and took a half step back, leaving cold space between them.
"As you wish," he said reluctantly. "But can you blame me for being curious? For being fascinated... captivated by you?"
[12/27/2012 8:36:15 PM] Sami Brown: And surprisingly, Sebastian let go, backing away almost apologetically.
"Captivated?" She echoed, her face softened. Bellinda almost felt bad now, the tone of his voice -almost- wounded by her inability to share with him.
[12/27/2012 8:37:49 PM] Ashley A: "Utterly," he said, as if the revelation pained him.
[12/27/2012 8:40:52 PM] Sami Brown: "How... How so?" Bellinda asked, eyebrow raised as though appraising the man with great suspicion.
[12/27/2012 8:57:27 PM] Ashley A: "Just... I don't -understand- you. I don't -get- you. Whenever you're around I find myself watching you, looking for any little clue and when you're not, I'm thinking back to our last conversation. And when I'm falling asleep, I'm wondering, and when I'm watching the ocean I wonder what it -feels- like to see how you see. Every other puzzle I've worked on this long, known this well, I've solved, but you... Not you. You make no sense to me, and I hate that and I love that I hate it..."
[12/27/2012 9:11:24 PM] Sami Brown: A smile tugged at Bellinda's lips as Sebastian explained himself. Explained, now in far greater detail his feelings for her, why he needed her. It easy for her to say, she loved him despite her instincts, despite -knowing- better. She needed him like a fish needed water, or a bird needed sky. It was essential, necessary for sustaining proper life. He was her air.
But his selfish need for her, for the endless challenge, touched her. Perhaps before it would have been unsettling, to have someone so driven to understand and puzzle you out, but it only caused her to love him more, in her unselfish way.
Her smile was soft, barely there. "I don't know why you're having such a hard time. I
[12/27/2012 9:11:42 PM] Sami Brown: *I'm not particularly complicated."
[12/27/2012 9:20:01 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian laughed, but in an exasperated, almost frustrated sort of way. "Yes, well, I'd rather believe that you are, my pride would be somewhat less wounded."
[12/27/2012 9:24:17 PM] Sami Brown: Bellinda stepped forward, closing the gap between them, a hand reaching to gently brush his own. "I could help you, you know? What have you figured out, and I'll try to fill in the gaps?" She said softly, face tilted up to him. To see him frustrated, exasperated made her want to help him, to stroke his hair and tell him every secret she knew.
[12/27/2012 9:33:57 PM] Ashley A: It had worked, drawing Bellinda to him, but Sebastian was no longer a step ahead. His curiosity had breached the surface of his mind and the surface had fallen away.
"The power you wield is... awe-inspiring and yet, you seem to owe some... Obligation to some arbitrary standard, this can be done at this can't, but -why-? Why not simple -be- what you are?"
[12/27/2012 9:43:58 PM | Edited 9:44:12 PM] Sami Brown: "My standards are far from arbitrary, Seb." She said softly, running her fingers gently over his forearm.
"My convictions are more than just randomly placed feelings, dotting a flat landscape like so many hills. They are -who- I am. -What- I am. It is my calling to protect those who can't protect themselves. To stop those who abuse the downtrodden. It is so much more than subjecting myself to unnecessary responsibility. It is my mission, my purpose... I have made great sacrifices to fulfill this purpose, but without it I am lost." She shook her head, knowing her wouldn't understand.
"You hunger to understand. To work and figure and puzzle out. Do you see a life of contentment and happiness after you've figured me out? Will you be satisified, or will you hunger even more to find a greater challenge?"
[12/27/2012 10:05:59 PM] Ashley A: It had worked, drawing Bellinda to him, but Sebastian was no longer a step ahead. His curiosity had breached the surface of his mind and the surface had fallen away.
"The power you wield is... awe-inspiring and yet, you seem to owe some... Obligation to some arbitrary standard, this can be done at this can't, but -why-? Why not simple -be- what you are?"
[12/27/2012 10:08:25 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian could not comprehend what Bellinda meant, but he would remember her words exactly, and mull them, again and again.
"If I wanted 'Contentment' and 'happiness', they would not be for me. Whatever the end may be, I will let it find me, I have little interest in predicting it."
He cupped her face in his hand. "I'll probably end up dying horribly to my honorable nemesis, it's how things tend to to for villains."
[12/27/2012 10:09:55 PM] Sami Brown: "You're not a villian..." She trailed off, nuzzling her face gently into his palm. "I don't think you even have a nemesis."
[12/27/2012 10:16:48 PM] Ashley A: "Of course I am," Sebastian said, drawing her closer. "I'm incorrigibly selfish. Though perhaps a bit too careful for a nemesis just yet. Unless you're my undoing." His arms slid around her as he rested his forehead against hers.
[12/27/2012 10:28:00 PM] Sami Brown: "That would be quite the final confrontation." She murmured absently. Such an ending was impossible though. Try as she might she'd be unable to hurt him in any lasting way.
His arms snaked their way around her and once more her heart sped up, the anxiety still bubbled lazily beneath the skin, but overwhelmed by the way he made her blood race with his most casual touch.
Damn this infernal man and his effect on her.
[12/27/2012 10:33:34 PM] Ashley A: "I don't think I'd mind," he murmured, kissing her lightly, invitingly.
[12/27/2012 10:39:42 PM | Edited 11:06:54 PM] Sami Brown: The fire bloomed against her lips, spreading swiftly as his breath seemed to envelope her. With the lightest of hands Bellinda wrapped her arms about Sebastian's neck, holding herself close as she returned his kiss tenderly.
"I love you," She whispered gently, so small and soft like an exhale between breaths before pressing herself in for another soft kiss, almost an apology.
[12/27/2012 11:03:45 PM] Ashley A: "I need you," he replied, pulling her closer, her whole length pressing against him. His eyes he surrendered to the darkness, and he felt her shape, felt her movement in perhaps a shadow of the way she saw. His hands found the edges of her ribcage, the bones of her hips, traced the curve of her spine with the firm gentleness of a painter's brush.
Closer, as if to find something deep within her, closer, as if the heat that flowed between them held knowledge, as if he could hear her words by tasting her tongue and know her heart by feeling her chest.
Slowly, the heat was melting his restraint like a candle to wax.
[12/27/2012 11:20:53 PM | Edited 11:22:23 PM] Sami Brown: It smoldered just beneath her skin, every touch, every instance of skin meeting skin set off another ember. With clumsy hands Bellinda pressed herself ernestly into Sebastian's grasp, relishing in the sparks his roving hands set off, threatening to ignite the air around them. His words only served to stoke the flash of heat that threatened to consume her.
Bellinda burned at his touch, writhing her in desire, a want she didn't know or understand. Her fingers twisted in his hair, standing on the very tips of her toes as she pressed closer, harder, warmer into his hungry embrace.
The flame licked at her self control, dizzying and intoxicating.
[12/27/2012 11:53:02 PM] Ashley A: She was uncertain, inexperienced, but eager, and so not only was he explorer, but also guide. With one hand, he undid the buttons on his shirt, with the other he pushed the boundaries made by her dress, seeking out the softness of her skin.
Then, he took her hands in his and placed them on his chest. "Do you remember when I told you seeing is like feeling?" Anticipation trembled in the space between them, with his wavering breath. "-See- me." He pulled her lips back to his with even more fervor, fingers running through her hair, along her neck.
[12/28/2012 10:48:17 AM] Sami Brown: And so Belinda saw. Long slender fingers danced across the plains of Sebastian's defined chest, her lips accepting his as she explored. Hesitant at first, but growing in boldness Belinda learned the curves of his muscles, the ripples of his strong back and the slopes of his vertebrae beneath the copper skin. With a painters touch she moved, purposefully and determined, but curious, unsure of what she'd fine. As they kissed Belinda committed in excruciating detail the map of Sebastian she had engraved within her mind, fingers running eagerly across her subject.
[12/28/2012 12:29:53 PM] Ashley A: Not far away, within the constant babble that was party conversation, the fine grain alcohol was working into the minds and loosening the inhibitions of another couple. That couple was Oriander Lundi and his plus-one, a voluptuous woman named Beatrice Norm, who was helping him to pave his corporate empire with her talent for drawing male attention and affection.
At the present, Oriander was having trouble keeping a handle on his attentions. It was no lack of earnestness or effort that kept the businessman from reaching the level of success he craved, the level that he saw embodied in one Sebastian Monroe. Rather, it was a simple lack of intelligence.
That same lack encouraged him into the East hallway, Beatrice's giggles close behind, and through the closest door, despite its being closed. What he saw required closer examination, and when he flipped on the light, the resulting sight brought Beatrice's hand to her month to stifle an exclamation of utter horror.
Sebastian winced as the light flooded his eyes. He tightened his grip on Bellinda possessively, waiting for the searing in his eyes to fade and reveal the trespasser.
"Good evening Lundi, Norm," he said with cordiality, despite the disdain in his expression. "I'm sorry but this room is currently occupied."
"Well, I never!" Beatrice exclaimed, shrill and grating.
[12/28/2012 12:51:07 PM] Sami Brown: While light did little to phase Belinda the soft click of the switch followed by the piercing shriek of the buxom woman caught Herr attention. Sebastian held her tightly as he struggled to make out the offender. The screams owner, Beatrice Norm made yet another exclamation, much to Bellinda's chagrin. "I hope we haven't hurt your delicate sensibilities," Bellinda muttered through a sneer, staying in place. Her face, while high with blush under the disheveled red hair, was serene and unfettered. "Now, if you'll excuse us, I do believe you owe the party an explanation."
[12/28/2012 7:09:52 PM] Ashley A: "-Us- owing an explanation," Oriander huffed, finally finding his voice, "What about -your- explanation?"
"What about it?" Sebastian replied flatly. "This is my house. Now, if I were creeping about some other man's house, now that... -that- would be embarrassing."
Both Oriander and Beatrice flushed bright red, but did not have the insight or presence of mind to leave. Sebastian sighed deeply, resting his head on Bellinda's shoulder, kissing the base of her neck. "They aren't going to leave us alone," he murmured, reluctantly standing to his full height. "Shoo shoo," he said to the other couple, as if he were speaking to a daft child. "We'll be along shortly. "
"I'm not sure..." Oriander started, and the words themselves seemed to make him undecided as how to finish. Sebastian shrugged, and muttered "Voyeuristic tendencies," at Bellinda, while rebuttoning his shirt. "We always do have the worst timing," he continued, running his fingers through her hair to set it back in order. It fell just to her shoulder, but the other signs of Bieli's meddling were invisible.
Oriander and Beatrice looked exceedingly uncomfortable.
[12/28/2012 8:10:53 PM] Sami Brown: With a sigh Bellinda untangled herself from Sebastian's arms, shooting a deeply creased frown at the pair. "These are the sort of people that grate me. Mouths agape wasting my precious oxygen." She muttered, light fingers moving to adjust and rearrange her gown, pushed aside in the fray. Another hand sought to fix and smooth her hair, scrunched by Sebastian's roving fingers. "The worst," she agreed before shooting another scowl at the unwelcome pair. "Please, take a picture... It'll last longer."
[12/28/2012 8:20:45 PM] Ashley A: "Ohhh, but then we'd be in the -tabloids-," Sebastian crooned, tugging his cuffs straight. "I wonder what the headline would be..." He took a half step back to survey Bellinda, making sure she was all in order. He smoothed her blindfold, then seemed satisfied. He caught his reflection in the window and straightened his collar, tousling his own hair into a more fashionable state. It had previously been oiled neatly back, that would give the rest of them something to talk about.
[12/28/2012 8:25:08 PM] Sami Brown: "Resident Corellian Bachelor of the year caught slumming with blind invalid at party, the shocking tell all from one appalled guest." Bellinda joked, finger's running over her blindfold, double checking.
[12/28/2012 8:40:39 PM] Sami Brown: "Should I... Have a frank discussion with them about how they didn't see anything?" She asked thoughtfully, as though they weren't in the room.
[12/28/2012 8:51:17 PM] Ashley A: The preening served to smooth over the sour annoyance that had poured into Sebastian's mood.
"Their brains are rather hollow, like water balloons. I think they'd pop. Not that I'd mind," he said, surveying them, "but it would be a breach of etiquette, I do believe." Their blushed drained to pale white.
[12/28/2012 8:53:37 PM] Sami Brown: "You're right, terribly vulgar and unbecoming, another time then."
[12/28/2012 8:58:31 PM] Ashley A: "Another time indeed."
Sebastian held out an arm to Bellinda, and they stepped toward the door. His look of complete and utter disdain was, for once, entirely unmasked. "Just why was it that you happened into the east wing, Mr. Lundi?"
"I-- we, um --- Well, heard something... I--"
"That's what I thought. Better wait a moment before coming back to the party, wouldn't want to cause a -scandal-."
Oriander nodded stiffly and Sebastian swept Bellinda back into the light and the sound of the party.
"Now -I'm- feeling rather weary of the lot," he said under his breath.
[12/28/2012 9:03:41 PM] Sami Brown: "If you'd like... Perhaps a vast majority of guests could have a nagging headache come on." Bellinda teased, one arm looped through Sebastian's, the other clutching to smooth, worn cane as the stepped back into the outskirts of the party.
[12/28/2012 9:26:20 PM] Ashley A: "Nothing too inconspicuous, I can't have them doubting my cooking staff. But... Here and there..." He grinned devilishly.
Despite Sebastian's experience with such affairs as dinner parties, the last hour drug laboriously on. He remained close to Bellinda, conspicuously so, but with a veiled challenge in his expression. The more perceptive guests steered clear, the more vapid continued with their empty conversation.
The social elite had a deeply engrained running clock, and with perfectly coordinated timing the guests streamed steadily out. Oriander and Beatrice had left quite a bit earlier, as Beatrice was holding her head and 'no longer felt quite well'.
Sebastian was rarely so happy to conclude a party as when the last guest offered a cordial wave from the driveway. Bellinda, of course, was rather more than a guest, and Sebastian gratefully returned inside.
He found the woman in the sitting room and lifted her hands in his.
"They finished all the cocktails but I still have some brandy tucked away, care for another drink?" He smiled softly.
[12/28/2012 9:37:11 PM] Sami Brown: Bellinda returned the expression. "I could use a drink, after rifling around in that crowd's heads." Her fingers wrapped carefully about his forearm, resting her head on his shoulder. "For a group of business geniuses and gurus they're all rather empty headed"
[12/28/2012 9:44:35 PM] Ashley A: "Indeed. I think I could collect some rather profound insights on that matter, if I actually cared."
With a gesture, Sebastian communicated his request to Ramadhin, who was overseeing clean-up. He lead Bellinda into a sitting room in the west wing, where at their movement a fire spring to life in a basin in the middle of the room, and the sea breeze stirred chimes through the open window. As Sebastian sat on a long, low couch, Bellinda at his side, Ramadhin appeared and placed a tray with a bottle of brandy and two glasses on the table, filling each before disappearing again.
[12/28/2012 9:56:42 PM] Sami Brown: Belinda smiled, looking over the room. Its decor, too the human eye was simple, plain even. But she had added her touch, wind chimes in the window, swatches of smooth and elegantly textured fabric draped across the walls. Taking the glass in hand Belinda settled a respectful distance away on the couch, curling up into the corner. "Isn't this the room where we thwarted your would-be assassin?"
[12/28/2012 10:03:06 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian flipped back through the memories. "It is indeed," he said thoughtfully, taking a swig of brandy. "That feels like a very long time ago."
He looked at the little woman, nestled in the corner of the couch, remembering the feeling of awe at seeing her reduce the man to a vegetable before his eyes. He wished she would sit closer.
[12/28/2012 10:09:23 PM] Sami Brown: "It was a long time ago... You kissed me for the first time that night." She observed thoughtfully, sipping from the chilled glass, memory flicking back to all that had happened in the past year.
[12/28/2012 10:29:28 PM] Ashley A: "As I remember, that sent you quite amuddle." Sebastian grinned. He stretched off the stiff formality of the evening, feeling the familiar tightness of his scar, one arm falling along the back of the couch toward Bellinda, the other procuring another mouthful of brandy.
[12/28/2012 10:38:49 PM] Sami Brown: "Quite." She sipped again, pensive. "I spent a long time puzzling that evening and the next day out... Why did you?" She asked, tilting her face towards him.
[12/28/2012 10:39:58 PM] Ashley A: "Why did I what?" He grinned.
[12/28/2012 10:42:00 PM] Sami Brown: "Kiss me. I was half asleep and drunk, you took me out onto the porch, asked me if I'd ever been kissed and then kissed me. Why?"
[12/28/2012 11:05:02 PM] Ashley A: For a moment, he thought she was making a demand. His heart piqued and the fingers nearest her twitched before his mind caught up to her meaning. Sebastian's thumb ringed the rim of his glass in the pause of thought. Or disappointment. "I wanted to see what you would do. Innocence is particularly rare these days and your brand of it... quite unique."
[12/28/2012 11:09:15 PM] Sami Brown: "I see." She nodded, taking a deeper sip of her own drink, relishing in the smooth burn as it went down. "Well, for what its worth, I enjoyed it. Though I'm sure you knew that already."
[12/28/2012 11:17:08 PM] Ashley A: "Something in the way you kept coming back for more," he purred. Why then would she relegate herself to that far corner, to conversational distance, why would she not come and lean against him as she had then? So that he could feel her breath and her heartbeat, so ponderously small. "That was rather unexpected." He liked that sort of unexpected, but not so much this.
[12/28/2012 11:22:46 PM] Sami Brown: "It was..." She mused again, curled up in her little ball, fingers running absently running over her cane. A smile
[12/28/2012 11:24:21 PM] Sami Brown: Found its way across her lips as she swished the amber liquid in her cup, taking a small, sweet sip. "I'm... I'm happy. With how things turned out."
[12/28/2012 11:29:46 PM] Ashley A: "Are you?" A spontaneous smile mirrored hers. Amazing the way expressions were expressions, whether one had ever seen them or not. They were innate, inherent, needed neither logic not learning. He was hopeful, boyish even.
"My life would certainly be quite different, without you. Quite boring, though I wouldn't have known it."
[12/28/2012 11:35:54 PM] Sami Brown: "I'm quite happy." She nodded. "I'm glad I could shake things up a hi
[12/28/2012 11:36:07 PM] Sami Brown: *a bit."
[12/28/2012 11:38:16 PM] Ashley A: "Are you?" A spontaneous smile mirrored hers. Amazing the way expressions were expressions, whether one had ever seen them or not. They were innate, inherent, needed neither logic not learning. He was hopeful, boyish even.
"My life would certainly be quite different, without you. Quite boring, though I wouldn't have known it."
[12/28/2012 11:40:31 PM] Ashley A: Oops. =P
[12/28/2012 11:40:41 PM] Ashley A: "More than a bit," Sebastian laughed. The breeze picked up and sent the fire flickering off of the trembling chimes and their notes. He watched the chimes dance, and murmured almost to himself. "I'm not used to caring."
[12/28/2012 11:47:06 PM] Sami Brown: As the breeze picked up and shiver ran down Bellinda's spine, the cool breeze chilling her skin. Shifting she gingerly scooted closer to Sebastian on the couch, unabashedly nuzzling into his warmth. "You fascinate me, Seb." Her voice quiet and sweet. "There is no one quite like you."
[12/28/2012 11:53:05 PM] Ashley A: "Hey," he said, wrapping his arm around her, "That's -my- line." There was her breath, there the sensation of the lightness and smallness of her movements. He could break her so easily, and yet, his life was inextricably tangled with her, now.
[12/28/2012 11:57:53 PM] Sami Brown: "Hey, we can't all be super geniuses with great lines, sometimes we need to borrow from others. Actors and comedians have teams of writers, I merely snag a couple of yours. A fair trade, I assure you.'' Bellinda pressed closer, enjoying their comforting warmth of his arm around her tiny frame.
[12/29/2012 12:06:58 AM] Ashley A: "Oh alright, I see," Sebastian teased. He was surprised when the compliment made him feel more relieved than victorious, and that bemusement drew him down to kiss her hair, to remember her smell. His fingertips wandered absently along her arm.
"What am I getting from this trade?"
[12/29/2012 12:10:53 AM] Sami Brown: "My charming company and how did you put it.. Crushing all the little police men?" She smiled, leaning to gently peck his hand, working its way up her forearm affectionately. She couldn't remember a time she felt this content, this comfortable.
[12/29/2012 12:15:06 AM] Ashley A: "Oh -yes-, I do so like it when you crush people..."
Sebastian set his glass on the side table and ran cold fingers along Bellinda's cheek, beckoning her to face him.
[12/29/2012 12:22:44 AM] Sami Brown: Bellinda turned to face him, quivering from the sensation of his cold hand against her warm, flushed cheek. For a long moment she merely stared, his face a blank canvas filled in only by her mental map, surrounded by his shimmer aura.
[12/29/2012 12:29:37 AM] Ashley A: Sebastian's fingers slid into her hair, to cradle her head as he kissed her tenderly, lips enveloping hers, heat in his chest and fire where she leaned against him.
He had known other women who had brought him more pleasure, who had inspired more lust, but none had captured him so completely, from the mind out, as that little blind invalid.
[12/29/2012 12:36:03 AM] Sami Brown: A soft, breathless sigh escaped Bellinda's lips between kisses as Sebastian held her, pulling her close again. The moment was sincere, sweet, but below the surface something in Belinda stirred unpleasantly. The monster that gnawed at her, twisting knots inside her wrenched at her guts. This would not be a simple kiss, the tearing away of clothes and shame at the party had proven that. No, this was leading to somewhere -more-. An unfamiliar and frightening place.
[12/29/2012 12:52:03 AM] Ashley A: Sebastian smiled as he kissed her, earnest, honored. He was careful, wary of pushing, but her unspoken permission beckoned him forward. His fingers moved down the back of her neck, away from the familiar territory and into new terrain, gently pulling her dress away from her shoulder blades. His mind craved the next bend, to come over the mountain peak and see this new valley laid out before him.
[12/29/2012 12:59:30 AM] Sami Brown: Bellinda's breath caught in her throat, feeling Sebastian's hands moving deftly across her back, peeling away the edges of her elegant gown. The anxiety held her, her body stiffening despite her desperate wish to continue, to lose herself in the throws of her passions again. But it was too late the seed planted and taking root, panic filling her. Suddenly, but striving to be gentle the tiny woman pulled away, her conflict apparent on her face. "I'm sorry... I've drunk too much." She explained lamely,ma single arm holding her dress in place as she stoop up, untangling herself from him. "I should get to sleep... Goodnight." And without another word, not even pausing to hear his protest she slipped out, all but running down the hall to her bed chamber.
[12/29/2012 1:17:02 AM] Ashley A: Sebastian was at once confounded and crestfallen. Her sudden absence left not only a chill on his skin, but a hollowness in his chest, as if she had taken some piece of her with him. He listened to her words for any explanation or motivation, and found them empty, and so he watched her leave with the helpless, defeated expression of a dog left staring out the window.
And even after she had left, he watched the darkness for a minute, hoping that she would reappear, even with anger.
Finally Sebastian folded, resting his elbows on his knees and reclaiming his brandy glass. It was empty. Without art or elegance, he filled the glass nearly to the brim and then promptly drained it, head falling to his hand as a different kind of fire burned its way into his chest. He took a deep breath and shook the lightness into his head.
Sebastian leaned back on the couch, looking around as though lost, and watched the fire lick back and forth until his eyes could no longer focus.
What had he done wrong?
[12/29/2012 11:12:09 AM] Sami Brown: Belinda spent the night sitting in the comfortable chair in her bedroom, facing the window. Perhaps to the casual observer Bellinda looked to be staring out as the rolling ocean from her window, though this could not be more untrue. Bellinda sat, contemplating the night's events as she watched. Her mind followed Sebastian as he sat, disappointed and confused in the room for a long time before moving back to his side of the manor. As morning broke Belinda had only a few, spotty hours of sleep, plagued by the ants crawling in her skin. With a long, sigh she gave up and gathered herself, dressing and washing for the day, a hopefully uneventful one.
[12/29/2012 11:13:18 AM] Sami Brown: But first, she had something to settle. Quickly, Belinda was able to locate the ever present butler, Ramahdin and asked in her small voice where Sebastian was.
[12/29/2012 11:31:29 AM] Ashley A: "The master has retired to his study," Ramadhin reported. "Should I call him for you?"
[12/29/2012 11:36:29 AM] Sami Brown: "No, no... I'll just drop in, thank you." Bellinda said with a nod, wringing her hands together as she limped towards the study. She had visited it several times, usually on her way to the lair, but rarely did she find Sebastian actually sitting in his study. Gently she tapped on the great wooden door, before slowly twisting the knob. "Seb?"
[12/29/2012 12:02:24 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian stood by a black slate that hung on the wall, stylus in hand, tapping out equations that glowed white along the slate. He paused, glancing over the calculations, and with a grimace pressed a button that erased the slate. Immediately he began writing again, numbers streaming across the slate.
"Seb?"
He froze. "Come in."
[12/29/2012 12:08:49 PM] Sami Brown: Bellinda looked in, peeking around the corner of the door before letting herself in, closing the large heavy door behind her. "Hi... Hope I'm not interrupting anything."
[12/29/2012 12:22:00 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian set the stylus at the base of the slate and turned to face Bellinda.
"Nothing that can't be resumed later."
His usual lightness was subdued, and he watched Bellinda thoughtfully.
[12/29/2012 12:34:14 PM] Sami Brown: "Okay." She said stepping more, feeling the ants running over her skin. She stood for a long moment, hangs wringing together. "I... I was wondering if you'd help me with decorating the west wing. I'm rather... Vision less and the task is rather daunting."
[12/29/2012 12:48:31 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian didn't answer for some time, which he spend eying Bellinda analytically. "Alright," he said finally, but that was all he said, as he collected his data pad from the desk and stepping out from behind it. Still more than a conversational distance away, he gave Bellinda an expectant look.
[12/29/2012 12:52:24 PM] Sami Brown: Belinda stepped forward, her face twisted in a concerned expression, the ants moved with more fervor, writhing and wiggling over her as she tried to bridge the gap between them. "Sebastian, about last night," she squeaked words catching in her throats as her heart began to pound relentless.
[12/29/2012 12:56:29 PM] Ashley A: She couldn't see his imploring look. But he was wary of breaking the fragile confession, and so he remained silent, waiting patiently for Bellinda to find her words.
[12/29/2012 1:02:28 PM] Sami Brown: "I'm so sorry," Belinda started, her voice still cracking. "I ran off on you like that last night, it wasn't fair to you. You did nothing wrong."
[12/29/2012 1:15:21 PM] Ashley A: That was not the answer he had expected, and he wished that she had given him the blame. Guilt he could charm his way out of, reluctant morals crumbled easily. But this... he didn't know what to do with this.
Sebastian rubbed a hand at the base of his neck, eyes searching the floor for any clues. His jaw tightened, his thumb tapped against his thigh, as he turned the puzzle around in his head. And still he couldn't find any seams, any idea as to how it came apart.
"Why did you leave, then?"
[12/29/2012 1:24:02 PM] Sami Brown: His voice, that was what had done it. The way he spoke and stood betrayed his feelings, the aloofness he had started their conversation with. Could she bring herself to admit the truth she wanted locked away. "Ever since Bieli... I've had some conflicting feelings. I'm... My chest is tight and breathing is hard. It feels like bugs on my skin and I start to panic over nothing," her mouth was dry and throaty. "I've tried to hide my-my fear with anger..." She shook her head, hands wrapping about herself in a hug.
[12/29/2012 1:27:57 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian started to move toward her, but he hesitated. "Why are you afraid?"
[12/29/2012 1:34:48 PM] Sami Brown: "I don't know." She admitted. "Everything puts me on edge, the only time I'm server comfortable anymore is with you... And then yesterday... I ruined everything with my weakness." She spat out the last word with utter disgust.
[12/29/2012 2:00:34 PM] Ashley A: For once, Sebastian did not know what to say. The manipulations, they came easily. To ease, to smooth away, to lure. But the truth?
The truth was a different matter.
Bieli. Had Sebastian, in his selfishness, in his delay, kept from himself this greater prize? Yet, even then he could offer no remorse toward Bellinda's suffering. But she still wanted him. He could hear in her voice, in her self-anger just how much.
Sebastian leaned back against the desk. "You..." he held a hand to his forehead and smiled wryly. "You really... sent me for a loop there, you know that?" So he'd found some truth.
[12/29/2012 2:09:10 PM] Sami Brown: "I just wanted to let you know you didn't do anything wrong, I'm sorry if you thought otherwise." Bellinda concluded, the ants writhing all around her skin, pulse pounding rapidly. "That's all, I'll go." She said, with a quick nod and twisted for the door.
[12/29/2012 2:26:22 PM] Ashley A: "Wait, Lin..." He stood. "What am I supposed to do with that? Just... Wait? For you to come back?"
[12/29/2012 2:31:09 PM] Sami Brown: "Seb, I love you. But I'm scared, and I'm... I'm broken and you deserve better." She fretted in the doorway, unable to face him, to let him see her trembling. "I don't know what I'm doing."
[12/29/2012 3:04:31 PM] Ashley A: "Lin," Sebastian laughed, miffed as to where to start. She really didn't understand who or what he was, or perhaps she did and just wouldn't admit it to herself.
"Lin, it doesn't matter, I want -you-. I want your confounding inconsistencies and your contradictions and your paradoxes. Don't... Be sorry, if you want something, take it. Take it from me."
[12/29/2012 3:09:40 PM] Sami Brown: Bellinda stood, stock still for a long while before turning back to him. "Could you just... Just, hold me. For a minute." She said, biting gently at her lower lip. "Just hold me and lie to me and tell me that its okay for me to be scared and that I'll be okay."
[12/29/2012 3:19:14 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian slowly closed the distance between them. He wrapped his arms around her, around her smallness, and rested his chin on her head and stroked her hair.
"You're going to be okay, Bellinda. It's alright to be scared; horrible, frightening things have happened to you. But you don't have to be afraid. I'm here for you, I'll always be here for you."
[12/29/2012 3:23:38 PM] Sami Brown: Belinda stood, allowing herself to melt into Sebastian's arm, letting him hold her tight and say his lines in silence. His words were so comforting, expressed with such sincerity she might have thought they were true, hoping even. "Thank you. I needed that."
[12/29/2012 3:39:46 PM] Sami Brown: A weak smile spread across her pallid face as she looked up at him before leaning up on the very tips of her toes, kissing him warmly.
[12/29/2012 6:01:47 PM] Ashley A: It felt like playing with fire, kissing her back. What fuses lurked under the surface? The danger, the risk, the challenge made that simple kiss thrilling. Would she let it last?
[12/29/2012 7:21:04 PM] Sami Brown: Bellinda pressed into him further, her kisses sweet and soft, an extension of her apology, inviting him to hold her tighter, kiss her deeper. It was all going to be okay.
[12/29/2012 7:56:12 PM] Ashley A: Bellinda was setting the standard now, the pace, and Sebastian liked that, not knowing what was coming next. He did as she asked, he pulled her closer and searched for her thoughts past the words she spoke. He could be what she wanted, because she was what he needed.
[12/29/2012 8:15:56 PM] Sami Brown: Her fingers moved to curl into his hair, kissing at his neck. "I'm not scared anymore." She whispered in his ear.
[12/29/2012 10:29:49 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian swept Bellinda off of her feet, cradling her and lifting her to his lips. He kissed her forehead and smiled against her skin, then whispered, "Come with me."
There was suddenly a rap at the door. "Master," Ramadhin said, "Your appointment has arrived."
"Hm." Sebastian ran his fingers under Bellinda's blindfold, pushing it back. "Something has come up. I am quite," he kissed one of the hollows, "quite," then the other, "busy."
"Yes master," Ramadhin replied lazily.
He kissed Bellinda again, with a sort of defiant victory over the meddling of bad timing. He hardly needed to look to move through the motions of his secret lock, which perhaps Bellinda would notice were somewhat simpler than the last time.
Once more, the stairs began to sink through the floor. Sebastian didn't wait, but rather stepped onto a stone as it ground downwards.
"Still not scared?" He whispered.
[12/29/2012 11:14:18 PM] Sami Brown: Bellinda's small arms wrapped about his neck, fingers running through his curls as she kissed him, gently he pulled her away, his lips brushing against the smooth skin of her forehead, a grin spreading across her face. The knock at the door caught her attention, a sour expression crossing her face as Ramadhin spoke, informing of an appointment. Without missing a beat Sebastian pushed away the meeting, kissing the empty sockets beneath her blindfold, the brush of his lips against the thin skin enticing a giggle from her. To hell with timing, they'd make their own time! A simple swirl of Sebastian's hands and the stones sank away, revealing the subterranean lair. "Not at all," she whispered back, kissing at his neck as they stepped, her fingers gently touching the back of his neck.
[12/29/2012 11:36:01 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian carried Bellinda into a room were she had not yet been. It was small and sparsely furnished, with a bed and a shelf and a thick glass window that afforded a little glimpse of the sea.
"This is where I come," he said, looking around as if for the first time, "When I'm tired of the world. Just the fish and I." The memory of her kisses tingled on his neck. "And now you."
[12/29/2012 11:45:28 PM] Sami Brown: Bellinda looked about the room, even she could appreciate the minimalism, the fish swimming lazily by. "Thank you for sharing with me." She smiled, pressing Herr cheek against his, feeling the slight roughness of his fashionable stubble before gently planting a kiss on the apple of his cheek.
[12/29/2012 11:51:58 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian looked down at Bellinda in his arms, almost like a child, but infinitely more.
"There's so much more to show you," he whispered.
[12/29/2012 11:55:14 PM] Sami Brown: "Oh?" She asked, nuzzling her face into the hollow of his neck. "Show me."
[12/30/2012 12:11:34 AM] Ashley A: Sebastian needed no more permission. As they fell back onto the bed, Bellinda's lightness on his chest, he took her hand and finally lead her over the peak, to see all that lay before them, waiting. Together they explored the mountains and the valleys, the roaring rush of the river and the gentle give and take of the meadow grass. Thrill and ecstasy lay around every corner. At long last the sun set, leaving them quiet and still under the moonlight that set shadows of minnows and grouper on the glass.
[12/30/2012 12:34:44 AM] Sami Brown: Bellinda stirred awake a few hours later, the moonlight filtering through the window as the fish swam by slowly. Sebastian's fingers gently stroked her hair, running gently through the tangled strands. Seeking his warmth she scooted closer, wrapping her thin arm about his abdomen. "How long have you been up?" She asked, kissing his shoulder.
[12/30/2012 12:39:07 AM] Ashley A: "Longer than a minute and less than a while," he said with a smile.
[12/30/2012 12:41:14 AM] Sami Brown: She laughed against the smooth skin of his arm. "Not too long then, good."
[12/30/2012 12:43:35 AM] Ashley A: "And why do you say that?" He brushed a strand of hair out of her face.
[12/30/2012 12:48:19 AM] Sami Brown: ''Its no fun to lay awake with just your thoughts." She said, looking up towards the ceiling, the cool breeze of the climate control making her uniquely aware of her bare face, the blindfold discarded long ago.
[12/30/2012 12:54:31 AM] Ashley A: "I don't particularly mind." Sebastian's fingers wandered from her hair to the space between her shoulder blades.
[12/30/2012 12:58:39 AM] Sami Brown: Bellinda purred as the fingers found their way, stretching to give him more room to roam."You know," she started thoughtfully. "This morning I was so concerned with everything I forgot to mention... Is there a particular reason my clothes seems to be getting tighter when I've had to little appetite lately?" She asked, an eyebrow cocked, with great suspicion.
[12/30/2012 1:03:39 AM] Ashley A: "I may have taken... Certain liberties," his fingers ran down her spine to her hips, "With your nutrition while I was nursing you back to life. And yet," he muttered affectionately, "Still like making love to a wire coat hanger."
[12/30/2012 1:05:40 AM | Edited 1:06:06 AM] Sami Brown: "Hmph." She mumbled, almost indignant if not for the wide grin across her face. "You weren't complaining at the time."
[11:53:02 AM] Ashley A: "Yes, but I'm complaining now. Let's go get you some breakfast," he said, grinning impishly and sweeping Bellinda out of bed.
[12/27/2012 12:23:26 PM] Sami Brown: Sebastian's monthly events were the talk of the Corellian upper class, everyone notable within three systems was in attendence, and Sebastian was sure to impress. His manor home was lively decorated, bright colors in simple designs. Refreshingly modern as the piano man played a variety of classics.
Never one to be predictable, Sebastian arranged for this month's meet as a dinner party. Rich, decadent culinary creations lined the tables, and dish from every culture and refined delicacies could be found in the varied spread. The intermingled pleasantly as the guests indulged in vapid conversation.
Bellinda though was less jovial then those around her, taking periodic gulps of her cocktail as she carefully rearranged to food on her plate to give the appearance of eating. How people could sit and glutton themselves with so much food and self absorbed conversation was beyond her. She glanced towards the host, who seemed to glow in his duties. He enjoyed the attention, or at least the advantages the attention gave him.
[12/27/2012 2:36:05 PM] Ashley A: Though Sebastian was discussing the stock exchange, providing analysis and predictions, reflecting on past trends, his mind was utterly elsewhere. Throughout the night, he had been watching Bellinda, curiosity itching at his mind with all the ferocity of poison ivy. It had taken only a brush with her mind, and he was left craving more.
The cooler he seemed, the more unfeeling he acted -- it was all a symptom of the deeper that need gnawed at him. They had become so close, then since, he had been tested and she had been taken. She was, finally, as she had been before Bieli. Better, even, after Sebastian's meddling. But that was one of the things he needed to know -- did she like being better? Or did her fury still linger? Now that she needed him, what else could he draw out of her mind?
It was addictive. So he watched her, subtly enough to escape the attention of most of the incorrigible gossips at the table -- though not quite all of them. Sebastian knew those glances that were spotted, and remembered, but he couldn't quite bring himself to care. Might as well give them something a little different than usual to talk about.
He also noticed that for all of Bellinda's prodding and pushing at her plate, she had hardly eaten anything. Giving her a look would achieve nothing, but he cast chiding thoughts in her direction, suspecting she'd be able to pick up on the mood.
[12/27/2012 2:50:13 PM | Edited 3:05:06 PM] Sami Brown: Bellinda was less obvious in her attentions, though it was something she could afford. Most were still convinced her merely an odd blind woman who had somehow taken Sebastian's fancy and charity. Others weren't quite sure what to make of the ever popular May Lin, Coruscanti Public Relations Rep. Especially with her demure demeanor tonight.
Her outfit, while plain in comparison to the other women's was tasteful. An artfully arranged gown that clung at her waist and gave the illusion of curves, one Sebastian himself had gifted her.
Unwilling to acknowledge the vibes Sebastian shot across the table towards her Bellinda gave up her battle against the food, laying her fork down to concentrate on the bubbly cocktail before her. It was then that a particularly brave woman attempted small talk with the prickly creature.
"My my, Miss Lin was it? I swear I've seen you at everyone of Sebastian's little events lately, yet you're always so quiet! Are you hiding something?" The woman chuckled good naturedly, the other women around her agreeing.
"I'm afraid I have a hard time relating to the vapid and self-absorbed topics of conversation you have to offer." Bellinda said, her voice quite sweet.
Now taken aback, the tall woman attempted to recover.
"I was merely saying that you seem to spend a lot of time here..."
Deftly Bellinda cut her off with a smile, elbow on the table top as she sipped from her drink. "I live here."
"Oh!... Oh. So the nature of your relationship with Mr. Monroe is...?"
"None of your business."
[12/27/2012 3:33:54 PM] Ashley A: The woman gathered her flabbergasted silence into composure as Sebastian himself appeared, having broken from the business conversation to make his cordial rounds.
"Are you enjoying yourselves this evening?" he asked the little pack of woman. Confounded creatures, the way they clumped together like coyotes. As powerful as they thought they were, their teeth bore only the bite of mild embarassment and perhaps a disfavorable word to their particularly powerful lover, who would likely ignore it along with all of the other nagging.
"Oh yes," said the woman who had engaged Bellinda, and the others nodded in echo.
"Have you tried the Ithorian Marzipan? It's quite divine, if I do say so myself."
"Oh, is there more? I thought it had all been eaten."
"Another tray's just been brought out, but I expect it will have a similar fate."
"No time to waste, then," the woman said, glowing from attention from the master himself. Her friends dutifully followed. He might have told her to sample the water and she would have fawned over it like some exotic dish, to earn his good graces.
Sebastian had rested his hand on Bellinda's shoulder, and when the women disappeared, he bent to her ear. "Might I speak with you, Miss Lin? Somewhere private?"
[12/27/2012 3:36:38 PM] Sami Brown: "In private?" Bellinda cocked an eyebrow from beneath her hand embroidered blindfold. "Now, Sebastian what could you possibly have to say to me that all your little friends shouldn't hear?"
[12/27/2012 3:51:06 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian's answer was to stand and step away, his fingers brushing along the back of Bellinda's neck before he slipped away, cordially conversing his way to the East Hall, just beyond the edges of the party. No eye had seen him slip away, but to one he was still in plain view.
There was more than one way to get Bellinda Maskrr's attention.
[12/27/2012 4:04:16 PM] Sami Brown: Bellinda sighed lowly, downing the rest of her drink and grabbing another as she walked throw the party, far more inconspicious than the host despite her obvious attempt to leave. All eyes weren't on her, thankfully.
Stepping into the hallway, away from the aggitating party goers and their idiotic debates on what might be fashionable next season.
Stepping blindly into a room, she smile leaning against the door frame>
"Yes, Sebastian? You wanted to speak with me?"
[12/27/2012 4:35:15 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian was leaning on the wall next to the door. The only light came from the moon and its reflection in the sea, and it gave Bellinda's skin a ghostly pale glow.
"I was surprised to hear such uncivil talk. Of course I understand, I find it difficult to refrain from killing them all in some entertaining way, but the challenge is what makes it rewarding. And you understand how fragile those relations can be, which makes me wonder what has inspired this most... uncharacteristic indiscretion." Sebastian sounded more admiring than critical.
[12/27/2012 4:43:05 PM] Sami Brown: Her eyebrow cocked again as she straighened, before limping forward, the door closing behind her with a soft swish of air. The petite woman stood quite comfortably before the much taller man, arms crossed tight over her chest.
"My tolerance for idle pratter is little today. In my defense, shes an idiot." Bellinda said with a casual shrug.
[12/27/2012 4:46:42 PM] Ashley A: "In your disfavor is the fact that you are a woman who prides herself in her restraint. Dear Lin, are you becoming a bit impulsive?" He sounded -hopeful-.
[12/27/2012 4:50:00 PM] Sami Brown: "I was -perfectly- restrained until I was -provoked-." She hissed. "One is allowed to have an off day, right? Perhaps even a string of off days from time to time."
[12/27/2012 4:53:14 PM] Ashley A: "What makes it a string of off-days and not a shift in character? A not unfortunate shift, I might add."
[12/27/2012 4:55:28 PM] Sami Brown: "Reverting back to standard. I assure you Sebastian, this isn't some shift of character for you to pronounce a revelation and ponder for a few days." Bellinda grumbled, shoulders tense.
"I had a decidedly -bad- month. I'm adjusting." Her tone as stiff as her posture.
[12/27/2012 5:33:09 PM] Ashley A: "Bellinda," he lilted her name, "It does not seem that you are adjusting well." He ran his fingers along the back of her arms, bidding her to unknot them, his touch too light to intimidate. "Talk to me," he crooned.
[12/27/2012 5:40:45 PM] Sami Brown: She sighed again, frustrating obvious in her voice. Less to do with Sebastian's infernal prodding and more to do with her frustration in herself.
"I just can't sit there and listen to them talk about their useless, inane lives. Its infruriating. They're wastes of oxygen. Worthless."
[12/27/2012 5:43:17 PM] Ashley A: "They're worth the enjoyment of watching them run in circles." Sebastian shrugged. "But that's not what's really bothering you, is it?"
[12/27/2012 5:47:24 PM] Sami Brown: "I- I don't know..." Her head shook back and forth, arms tightening their hold around her. "I'm fine."
[12/27/2012 6:00:28 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian ran his fingers along the backs of her forearms. Even in the dim light he could see the tension trembling under her skin.
"I don't think you are. I think you are distinctly -not- fine. But you just keep wrapping it up in knots, and it's not going to go away..." He smoothed his hands over her shoulders.
[12/27/2012 8:06:11 PM] Sami Brown: Belinda shivered hard, arms cinching tighter about herself as Sebastian spoke, his hands moving up across her bare skin, leaving pin-pricked gooseflesh in his wake. Her heart had sped up, anxiety bubbling uncomfortably just below the surface, her chest gripped in its vice. Such reactions though were beneath her, weak and revolting, she would not stand for it. "I'm fine, and if you keep prodding at me I'm going to get angry." She seethed, turning her discomfort back against him.
[12/27/2012 8:27:26 PM] Ashley A: He sighed and took a half step back, leaving cold space between them.
"As you wish," he said reluctantly. "But can you blame me for being curious? For being fascinated... captivated by you?"
[12/27/2012 8:36:15 PM] Sami Brown: And surprisingly, Sebastian let go, backing away almost apologetically.
"Captivated?" She echoed, her face softened. Bellinda almost felt bad now, the tone of his voice -almost- wounded by her inability to share with him.
[12/27/2012 8:37:49 PM] Ashley A: "Utterly," he said, as if the revelation pained him.
[12/27/2012 8:40:52 PM] Sami Brown: "How... How so?" Bellinda asked, eyebrow raised as though appraising the man with great suspicion.
[12/27/2012 8:57:27 PM] Ashley A: "Just... I don't -understand- you. I don't -get- you. Whenever you're around I find myself watching you, looking for any little clue and when you're not, I'm thinking back to our last conversation. And when I'm falling asleep, I'm wondering, and when I'm watching the ocean I wonder what it -feels- like to see how you see. Every other puzzle I've worked on this long, known this well, I've solved, but you... Not you. You make no sense to me, and I hate that and I love that I hate it..."
[12/27/2012 9:11:24 PM] Sami Brown: A smile tugged at Bellinda's lips as Sebastian explained himself. Explained, now in far greater detail his feelings for her, why he needed her. It easy for her to say, she loved him despite her instincts, despite -knowing- better. She needed him like a fish needed water, or a bird needed sky. It was essential, necessary for sustaining proper life. He was her air.
But his selfish need for her, for the endless challenge, touched her. Perhaps before it would have been unsettling, to have someone so driven to understand and puzzle you out, but it only caused her to love him more, in her unselfish way.
Her smile was soft, barely there. "I don't know why you're having such a hard time. I
[12/27/2012 9:11:42 PM] Sami Brown: *I'm not particularly complicated."
[12/27/2012 9:20:01 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian laughed, but in an exasperated, almost frustrated sort of way. "Yes, well, I'd rather believe that you are, my pride would be somewhat less wounded."
[12/27/2012 9:24:17 PM] Sami Brown: Bellinda stepped forward, closing the gap between them, a hand reaching to gently brush his own. "I could help you, you know? What have you figured out, and I'll try to fill in the gaps?" She said softly, face tilted up to him. To see him frustrated, exasperated made her want to help him, to stroke his hair and tell him every secret she knew.
[12/27/2012 9:33:57 PM] Ashley A: It had worked, drawing Bellinda to him, but Sebastian was no longer a step ahead. His curiosity had breached the surface of his mind and the surface had fallen away.
"The power you wield is... awe-inspiring and yet, you seem to owe some... Obligation to some arbitrary standard, this can be done at this can't, but -why-? Why not simple -be- what you are?"
[12/27/2012 9:43:58 PM | Edited 9:44:12 PM] Sami Brown: "My standards are far from arbitrary, Seb." She said softly, running her fingers gently over his forearm.
"My convictions are more than just randomly placed feelings, dotting a flat landscape like so many hills. They are -who- I am. -What- I am. It is my calling to protect those who can't protect themselves. To stop those who abuse the downtrodden. It is so much more than subjecting myself to unnecessary responsibility. It is my mission, my purpose... I have made great sacrifices to fulfill this purpose, but without it I am lost." She shook her head, knowing her wouldn't understand.
"You hunger to understand. To work and figure and puzzle out. Do you see a life of contentment and happiness after you've figured me out? Will you be satisified, or will you hunger even more to find a greater challenge?"
[12/27/2012 10:05:59 PM] Ashley A: It had worked, drawing Bellinda to him, but Sebastian was no longer a step ahead. His curiosity had breached the surface of his mind and the surface had fallen away.
"The power you wield is... awe-inspiring and yet, you seem to owe some... Obligation to some arbitrary standard, this can be done at this can't, but -why-? Why not simple -be- what you are?"
[12/27/2012 10:08:25 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian could not comprehend what Bellinda meant, but he would remember her words exactly, and mull them, again and again.
"If I wanted 'Contentment' and 'happiness', they would not be for me. Whatever the end may be, I will let it find me, I have little interest in predicting it."
He cupped her face in his hand. "I'll probably end up dying horribly to my honorable nemesis, it's how things tend to to for villains."
[12/27/2012 10:09:55 PM] Sami Brown: "You're not a villian..." She trailed off, nuzzling her face gently into his palm. "I don't think you even have a nemesis."
[12/27/2012 10:16:48 PM] Ashley A: "Of course I am," Sebastian said, drawing her closer. "I'm incorrigibly selfish. Though perhaps a bit too careful for a nemesis just yet. Unless you're my undoing." His arms slid around her as he rested his forehead against hers.
[12/27/2012 10:28:00 PM] Sami Brown: "That would be quite the final confrontation." She murmured absently. Such an ending was impossible though. Try as she might she'd be unable to hurt him in any lasting way.
His arms snaked their way around her and once more her heart sped up, the anxiety still bubbled lazily beneath the skin, but overwhelmed by the way he made her blood race with his most casual touch.
Damn this infernal man and his effect on her.
[12/27/2012 10:33:34 PM] Ashley A: "I don't think I'd mind," he murmured, kissing her lightly, invitingly.
[12/27/2012 10:39:42 PM | Edited 11:06:54 PM] Sami Brown: The fire bloomed against her lips, spreading swiftly as his breath seemed to envelope her. With the lightest of hands Bellinda wrapped her arms about Sebastian's neck, holding herself close as she returned his kiss tenderly.
"I love you," She whispered gently, so small and soft like an exhale between breaths before pressing herself in for another soft kiss, almost an apology.
[12/27/2012 11:03:45 PM] Ashley A: "I need you," he replied, pulling her closer, her whole length pressing against him. His eyes he surrendered to the darkness, and he felt her shape, felt her movement in perhaps a shadow of the way she saw. His hands found the edges of her ribcage, the bones of her hips, traced the curve of her spine with the firm gentleness of a painter's brush.
Closer, as if to find something deep within her, closer, as if the heat that flowed between them held knowledge, as if he could hear her words by tasting her tongue and know her heart by feeling her chest.
Slowly, the heat was melting his restraint like a candle to wax.
[12/27/2012 11:20:53 PM | Edited 11:22:23 PM] Sami Brown: It smoldered just beneath her skin, every touch, every instance of skin meeting skin set off another ember. With clumsy hands Bellinda pressed herself ernestly into Sebastian's grasp, relishing in the sparks his roving hands set off, threatening to ignite the air around them. His words only served to stoke the flash of heat that threatened to consume her.
Bellinda burned at his touch, writhing her in desire, a want she didn't know or understand. Her fingers twisted in his hair, standing on the very tips of her toes as she pressed closer, harder, warmer into his hungry embrace.
The flame licked at her self control, dizzying and intoxicating.
[12/27/2012 11:53:02 PM] Ashley A: She was uncertain, inexperienced, but eager, and so not only was he explorer, but also guide. With one hand, he undid the buttons on his shirt, with the other he pushed the boundaries made by her dress, seeking out the softness of her skin.
Then, he took her hands in his and placed them on his chest. "Do you remember when I told you seeing is like feeling?" Anticipation trembled in the space between them, with his wavering breath. "-See- me." He pulled her lips back to his with even more fervor, fingers running through her hair, along her neck.
[12/28/2012 10:48:17 AM] Sami Brown: And so Belinda saw. Long slender fingers danced across the plains of Sebastian's defined chest, her lips accepting his as she explored. Hesitant at first, but growing in boldness Belinda learned the curves of his muscles, the ripples of his strong back and the slopes of his vertebrae beneath the copper skin. With a painters touch she moved, purposefully and determined, but curious, unsure of what she'd fine. As they kissed Belinda committed in excruciating detail the map of Sebastian she had engraved within her mind, fingers running eagerly across her subject.
[12/28/2012 12:29:53 PM] Ashley A: Not far away, within the constant babble that was party conversation, the fine grain alcohol was working into the minds and loosening the inhibitions of another couple. That couple was Oriander Lundi and his plus-one, a voluptuous woman named Beatrice Norm, who was helping him to pave his corporate empire with her talent for drawing male attention and affection.
At the present, Oriander was having trouble keeping a handle on his attentions. It was no lack of earnestness or effort that kept the businessman from reaching the level of success he craved, the level that he saw embodied in one Sebastian Monroe. Rather, it was a simple lack of intelligence.
That same lack encouraged him into the East hallway, Beatrice's giggles close behind, and through the closest door, despite its being closed. What he saw required closer examination, and when he flipped on the light, the resulting sight brought Beatrice's hand to her month to stifle an exclamation of utter horror.
Sebastian winced as the light flooded his eyes. He tightened his grip on Bellinda possessively, waiting for the searing in his eyes to fade and reveal the trespasser.
"Good evening Lundi, Norm," he said with cordiality, despite the disdain in his expression. "I'm sorry but this room is currently occupied."
"Well, I never!" Beatrice exclaimed, shrill and grating.
[12/28/2012 12:51:07 PM] Sami Brown: While light did little to phase Belinda the soft click of the switch followed by the piercing shriek of the buxom woman caught Herr attention. Sebastian held her tightly as he struggled to make out the offender. The screams owner, Beatrice Norm made yet another exclamation, much to Bellinda's chagrin. "I hope we haven't hurt your delicate sensibilities," Bellinda muttered through a sneer, staying in place. Her face, while high with blush under the disheveled red hair, was serene and unfettered. "Now, if you'll excuse us, I do believe you owe the party an explanation."
[12/28/2012 7:09:52 PM] Ashley A: "-Us- owing an explanation," Oriander huffed, finally finding his voice, "What about -your- explanation?"
"What about it?" Sebastian replied flatly. "This is my house. Now, if I were creeping about some other man's house, now that... -that- would be embarrassing."
Both Oriander and Beatrice flushed bright red, but did not have the insight or presence of mind to leave. Sebastian sighed deeply, resting his head on Bellinda's shoulder, kissing the base of her neck. "They aren't going to leave us alone," he murmured, reluctantly standing to his full height. "Shoo shoo," he said to the other couple, as if he were speaking to a daft child. "We'll be along shortly. "
"I'm not sure..." Oriander started, and the words themselves seemed to make him undecided as how to finish. Sebastian shrugged, and muttered "Voyeuristic tendencies," at Bellinda, while rebuttoning his shirt. "We always do have the worst timing," he continued, running his fingers through her hair to set it back in order. It fell just to her shoulder, but the other signs of Bieli's meddling were invisible.
Oriander and Beatrice looked exceedingly uncomfortable.
[12/28/2012 8:10:53 PM] Sami Brown: With a sigh Bellinda untangled herself from Sebastian's arms, shooting a deeply creased frown at the pair. "These are the sort of people that grate me. Mouths agape wasting my precious oxygen." She muttered, light fingers moving to adjust and rearrange her gown, pushed aside in the fray. Another hand sought to fix and smooth her hair, scrunched by Sebastian's roving fingers. "The worst," she agreed before shooting another scowl at the unwelcome pair. "Please, take a picture... It'll last longer."
[12/28/2012 8:20:45 PM] Ashley A: "Ohhh, but then we'd be in the -tabloids-," Sebastian crooned, tugging his cuffs straight. "I wonder what the headline would be..." He took a half step back to survey Bellinda, making sure she was all in order. He smoothed her blindfold, then seemed satisfied. He caught his reflection in the window and straightened his collar, tousling his own hair into a more fashionable state. It had previously been oiled neatly back, that would give the rest of them something to talk about.
[12/28/2012 8:25:08 PM] Sami Brown: "Resident Corellian Bachelor of the year caught slumming with blind invalid at party, the shocking tell all from one appalled guest." Bellinda joked, finger's running over her blindfold, double checking.
[12/28/2012 8:40:39 PM] Sami Brown: "Should I... Have a frank discussion with them about how they didn't see anything?" She asked thoughtfully, as though they weren't in the room.
[12/28/2012 8:51:17 PM] Ashley A: The preening served to smooth over the sour annoyance that had poured into Sebastian's mood.
"Their brains are rather hollow, like water balloons. I think they'd pop. Not that I'd mind," he said, surveying them, "but it would be a breach of etiquette, I do believe." Their blushed drained to pale white.
[12/28/2012 8:53:37 PM] Sami Brown: "You're right, terribly vulgar and unbecoming, another time then."
[12/28/2012 8:58:31 PM] Ashley A: "Another time indeed."
Sebastian held out an arm to Bellinda, and they stepped toward the door. His look of complete and utter disdain was, for once, entirely unmasked. "Just why was it that you happened into the east wing, Mr. Lundi?"
"I-- we, um --- Well, heard something... I--"
"That's what I thought. Better wait a moment before coming back to the party, wouldn't want to cause a -scandal-."
Oriander nodded stiffly and Sebastian swept Bellinda back into the light and the sound of the party.
"Now -I'm- feeling rather weary of the lot," he said under his breath.
[12/28/2012 9:03:41 PM] Sami Brown: "If you'd like... Perhaps a vast majority of guests could have a nagging headache come on." Bellinda teased, one arm looped through Sebastian's, the other clutching to smooth, worn cane as the stepped back into the outskirts of the party.
[12/28/2012 9:26:20 PM] Ashley A: "Nothing too inconspicuous, I can't have them doubting my cooking staff. But... Here and there..." He grinned devilishly.
Despite Sebastian's experience with such affairs as dinner parties, the last hour drug laboriously on. He remained close to Bellinda, conspicuously so, but with a veiled challenge in his expression. The more perceptive guests steered clear, the more vapid continued with their empty conversation.
The social elite had a deeply engrained running clock, and with perfectly coordinated timing the guests streamed steadily out. Oriander and Beatrice had left quite a bit earlier, as Beatrice was holding her head and 'no longer felt quite well'.
Sebastian was rarely so happy to conclude a party as when the last guest offered a cordial wave from the driveway. Bellinda, of course, was rather more than a guest, and Sebastian gratefully returned inside.
He found the woman in the sitting room and lifted her hands in his.
"They finished all the cocktails but I still have some brandy tucked away, care for another drink?" He smiled softly.
[12/28/2012 9:37:11 PM] Sami Brown: Bellinda returned the expression. "I could use a drink, after rifling around in that crowd's heads." Her fingers wrapped carefully about his forearm, resting her head on his shoulder. "For a group of business geniuses and gurus they're all rather empty headed"
[12/28/2012 9:44:35 PM] Ashley A: "Indeed. I think I could collect some rather profound insights on that matter, if I actually cared."
With a gesture, Sebastian communicated his request to Ramadhin, who was overseeing clean-up. He lead Bellinda into a sitting room in the west wing, where at their movement a fire spring to life in a basin in the middle of the room, and the sea breeze stirred chimes through the open window. As Sebastian sat on a long, low couch, Bellinda at his side, Ramadhin appeared and placed a tray with a bottle of brandy and two glasses on the table, filling each before disappearing again.
[12/28/2012 9:56:42 PM] Sami Brown: Belinda smiled, looking over the room. Its decor, too the human eye was simple, plain even. But she had added her touch, wind chimes in the window, swatches of smooth and elegantly textured fabric draped across the walls. Taking the glass in hand Belinda settled a respectful distance away on the couch, curling up into the corner. "Isn't this the room where we thwarted your would-be assassin?"
[12/28/2012 10:03:06 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian flipped back through the memories. "It is indeed," he said thoughtfully, taking a swig of brandy. "That feels like a very long time ago."
He looked at the little woman, nestled in the corner of the couch, remembering the feeling of awe at seeing her reduce the man to a vegetable before his eyes. He wished she would sit closer.
[12/28/2012 10:09:23 PM] Sami Brown: "It was a long time ago... You kissed me for the first time that night." She observed thoughtfully, sipping from the chilled glass, memory flicking back to all that had happened in the past year.
[12/28/2012 10:29:28 PM] Ashley A: "As I remember, that sent you quite amuddle." Sebastian grinned. He stretched off the stiff formality of the evening, feeling the familiar tightness of his scar, one arm falling along the back of the couch toward Bellinda, the other procuring another mouthful of brandy.
[12/28/2012 10:38:49 PM] Sami Brown: "Quite." She sipped again, pensive. "I spent a long time puzzling that evening and the next day out... Why did you?" She asked, tilting her face towards him.
[12/28/2012 10:39:58 PM] Ashley A: "Why did I what?" He grinned.
[12/28/2012 10:42:00 PM] Sami Brown: "Kiss me. I was half asleep and drunk, you took me out onto the porch, asked me if I'd ever been kissed and then kissed me. Why?"
[12/28/2012 11:05:02 PM] Ashley A: For a moment, he thought she was making a demand. His heart piqued and the fingers nearest her twitched before his mind caught up to her meaning. Sebastian's thumb ringed the rim of his glass in the pause of thought. Or disappointment. "I wanted to see what you would do. Innocence is particularly rare these days and your brand of it... quite unique."
[12/28/2012 11:09:15 PM] Sami Brown: "I see." She nodded, taking a deeper sip of her own drink, relishing in the smooth burn as it went down. "Well, for what its worth, I enjoyed it. Though I'm sure you knew that already."
[12/28/2012 11:17:08 PM] Ashley A: "Something in the way you kept coming back for more," he purred. Why then would she relegate herself to that far corner, to conversational distance, why would she not come and lean against him as she had then? So that he could feel her breath and her heartbeat, so ponderously small. "That was rather unexpected." He liked that sort of unexpected, but not so much this.
[12/28/2012 11:22:46 PM] Sami Brown: "It was..." She mused again, curled up in her little ball, fingers running absently running over her cane. A smile
[12/28/2012 11:24:21 PM] Sami Brown: Found its way across her lips as she swished the amber liquid in her cup, taking a small, sweet sip. "I'm... I'm happy. With how things turned out."
[12/28/2012 11:29:46 PM] Ashley A: "Are you?" A spontaneous smile mirrored hers. Amazing the way expressions were expressions, whether one had ever seen them or not. They were innate, inherent, needed neither logic not learning. He was hopeful, boyish even.
"My life would certainly be quite different, without you. Quite boring, though I wouldn't have known it."
[12/28/2012 11:35:54 PM] Sami Brown: "I'm quite happy." She nodded. "I'm glad I could shake things up a hi
[12/28/2012 11:36:07 PM] Sami Brown: *a bit."
[12/28/2012 11:38:16 PM] Ashley A: "Are you?" A spontaneous smile mirrored hers. Amazing the way expressions were expressions, whether one had ever seen them or not. They were innate, inherent, needed neither logic not learning. He was hopeful, boyish even.
"My life would certainly be quite different, without you. Quite boring, though I wouldn't have known it."
[12/28/2012 11:40:31 PM] Ashley A: Oops. =P
[12/28/2012 11:40:41 PM] Ashley A: "More than a bit," Sebastian laughed. The breeze picked up and sent the fire flickering off of the trembling chimes and their notes. He watched the chimes dance, and murmured almost to himself. "I'm not used to caring."
[12/28/2012 11:47:06 PM] Sami Brown: As the breeze picked up and shiver ran down Bellinda's spine, the cool breeze chilling her skin. Shifting she gingerly scooted closer to Sebastian on the couch, unabashedly nuzzling into his warmth. "You fascinate me, Seb." Her voice quiet and sweet. "There is no one quite like you."
[12/28/2012 11:53:05 PM] Ashley A: "Hey," he said, wrapping his arm around her, "That's -my- line." There was her breath, there the sensation of the lightness and smallness of her movements. He could break her so easily, and yet, his life was inextricably tangled with her, now.
[12/28/2012 11:57:53 PM] Sami Brown: "Hey, we can't all be super geniuses with great lines, sometimes we need to borrow from others. Actors and comedians have teams of writers, I merely snag a couple of yours. A fair trade, I assure you.'' Bellinda pressed closer, enjoying their comforting warmth of his arm around her tiny frame.
[12/29/2012 12:06:58 AM] Ashley A: "Oh alright, I see," Sebastian teased. He was surprised when the compliment made him feel more relieved than victorious, and that bemusement drew him down to kiss her hair, to remember her smell. His fingertips wandered absently along her arm.
"What am I getting from this trade?"
[12/29/2012 12:10:53 AM] Sami Brown: "My charming company and how did you put it.. Crushing all the little police men?" She smiled, leaning to gently peck his hand, working its way up her forearm affectionately. She couldn't remember a time she felt this content, this comfortable.
[12/29/2012 12:15:06 AM] Ashley A: "Oh -yes-, I do so like it when you crush people..."
Sebastian set his glass on the side table and ran cold fingers along Bellinda's cheek, beckoning her to face him.
[12/29/2012 12:22:44 AM] Sami Brown: Bellinda turned to face him, quivering from the sensation of his cold hand against her warm, flushed cheek. For a long moment she merely stared, his face a blank canvas filled in only by her mental map, surrounded by his shimmer aura.
[12/29/2012 12:29:37 AM] Ashley A: Sebastian's fingers slid into her hair, to cradle her head as he kissed her tenderly, lips enveloping hers, heat in his chest and fire where she leaned against him.
He had known other women who had brought him more pleasure, who had inspired more lust, but none had captured him so completely, from the mind out, as that little blind invalid.
[12/29/2012 12:36:03 AM] Sami Brown: A soft, breathless sigh escaped Bellinda's lips between kisses as Sebastian held her, pulling her close again. The moment was sincere, sweet, but below the surface something in Belinda stirred unpleasantly. The monster that gnawed at her, twisting knots inside her wrenched at her guts. This would not be a simple kiss, the tearing away of clothes and shame at the party had proven that. No, this was leading to somewhere -more-. An unfamiliar and frightening place.
[12/29/2012 12:52:03 AM] Ashley A: Sebastian smiled as he kissed her, earnest, honored. He was careful, wary of pushing, but her unspoken permission beckoned him forward. His fingers moved down the back of her neck, away from the familiar territory and into new terrain, gently pulling her dress away from her shoulder blades. His mind craved the next bend, to come over the mountain peak and see this new valley laid out before him.
[12/29/2012 12:59:30 AM] Sami Brown: Bellinda's breath caught in her throat, feeling Sebastian's hands moving deftly across her back, peeling away the edges of her elegant gown. The anxiety held her, her body stiffening despite her desperate wish to continue, to lose herself in the throws of her passions again. But it was too late the seed planted and taking root, panic filling her. Suddenly, but striving to be gentle the tiny woman pulled away, her conflict apparent on her face. "I'm sorry... I've drunk too much." She explained lamely,ma single arm holding her dress in place as she stoop up, untangling herself from him. "I should get to sleep... Goodnight." And without another word, not even pausing to hear his protest she slipped out, all but running down the hall to her bed chamber.
[12/29/2012 1:17:02 AM] Ashley A: Sebastian was at once confounded and crestfallen. Her sudden absence left not only a chill on his skin, but a hollowness in his chest, as if she had taken some piece of her with him. He listened to her words for any explanation or motivation, and found them empty, and so he watched her leave with the helpless, defeated expression of a dog left staring out the window.
And even after she had left, he watched the darkness for a minute, hoping that she would reappear, even with anger.
Finally Sebastian folded, resting his elbows on his knees and reclaiming his brandy glass. It was empty. Without art or elegance, he filled the glass nearly to the brim and then promptly drained it, head falling to his hand as a different kind of fire burned its way into his chest. He took a deep breath and shook the lightness into his head.
Sebastian leaned back on the couch, looking around as though lost, and watched the fire lick back and forth until his eyes could no longer focus.
What had he done wrong?
[12/29/2012 11:12:09 AM] Sami Brown: Belinda spent the night sitting in the comfortable chair in her bedroom, facing the window. Perhaps to the casual observer Bellinda looked to be staring out as the rolling ocean from her window, though this could not be more untrue. Bellinda sat, contemplating the night's events as she watched. Her mind followed Sebastian as he sat, disappointed and confused in the room for a long time before moving back to his side of the manor. As morning broke Belinda had only a few, spotty hours of sleep, plagued by the ants crawling in her skin. With a long, sigh she gave up and gathered herself, dressing and washing for the day, a hopefully uneventful one.
[12/29/2012 11:13:18 AM] Sami Brown: But first, she had something to settle. Quickly, Belinda was able to locate the ever present butler, Ramahdin and asked in her small voice where Sebastian was.
[12/29/2012 11:31:29 AM] Ashley A: "The master has retired to his study," Ramadhin reported. "Should I call him for you?"
[12/29/2012 11:36:29 AM] Sami Brown: "No, no... I'll just drop in, thank you." Bellinda said with a nod, wringing her hands together as she limped towards the study. She had visited it several times, usually on her way to the lair, but rarely did she find Sebastian actually sitting in his study. Gently she tapped on the great wooden door, before slowly twisting the knob. "Seb?"
[12/29/2012 12:02:24 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian stood by a black slate that hung on the wall, stylus in hand, tapping out equations that glowed white along the slate. He paused, glancing over the calculations, and with a grimace pressed a button that erased the slate. Immediately he began writing again, numbers streaming across the slate.
"Seb?"
He froze. "Come in."
[12/29/2012 12:08:49 PM] Sami Brown: Bellinda looked in, peeking around the corner of the door before letting herself in, closing the large heavy door behind her. "Hi... Hope I'm not interrupting anything."
[12/29/2012 12:22:00 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian set the stylus at the base of the slate and turned to face Bellinda.
"Nothing that can't be resumed later."
His usual lightness was subdued, and he watched Bellinda thoughtfully.
[12/29/2012 12:34:14 PM] Sami Brown: "Okay." She said stepping more, feeling the ants running over her skin. She stood for a long moment, hangs wringing together. "I... I was wondering if you'd help me with decorating the west wing. I'm rather... Vision less and the task is rather daunting."
[12/29/2012 12:48:31 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian didn't answer for some time, which he spend eying Bellinda analytically. "Alright," he said finally, but that was all he said, as he collected his data pad from the desk and stepping out from behind it. Still more than a conversational distance away, he gave Bellinda an expectant look.
[12/29/2012 12:52:24 PM] Sami Brown: Belinda stepped forward, her face twisted in a concerned expression, the ants moved with more fervor, writhing and wiggling over her as she tried to bridge the gap between them. "Sebastian, about last night," she squeaked words catching in her throats as her heart began to pound relentless.
[12/29/2012 12:56:29 PM] Ashley A: She couldn't see his imploring look. But he was wary of breaking the fragile confession, and so he remained silent, waiting patiently for Bellinda to find her words.
[12/29/2012 1:02:28 PM] Sami Brown: "I'm so sorry," Belinda started, her voice still cracking. "I ran off on you like that last night, it wasn't fair to you. You did nothing wrong."
[12/29/2012 1:15:21 PM] Ashley A: That was not the answer he had expected, and he wished that she had given him the blame. Guilt he could charm his way out of, reluctant morals crumbled easily. But this... he didn't know what to do with this.
Sebastian rubbed a hand at the base of his neck, eyes searching the floor for any clues. His jaw tightened, his thumb tapped against his thigh, as he turned the puzzle around in his head. And still he couldn't find any seams, any idea as to how it came apart.
"Why did you leave, then?"
[12/29/2012 1:24:02 PM] Sami Brown: His voice, that was what had done it. The way he spoke and stood betrayed his feelings, the aloofness he had started their conversation with. Could she bring herself to admit the truth she wanted locked away. "Ever since Bieli... I've had some conflicting feelings. I'm... My chest is tight and breathing is hard. It feels like bugs on my skin and I start to panic over nothing," her mouth was dry and throaty. "I've tried to hide my-my fear with anger..." She shook her head, hands wrapping about herself in a hug.
[12/29/2012 1:27:57 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian started to move toward her, but he hesitated. "Why are you afraid?"
[12/29/2012 1:34:48 PM] Sami Brown: "I don't know." She admitted. "Everything puts me on edge, the only time I'm server comfortable anymore is with you... And then yesterday... I ruined everything with my weakness." She spat out the last word with utter disgust.
[12/29/2012 2:00:34 PM] Ashley A: For once, Sebastian did not know what to say. The manipulations, they came easily. To ease, to smooth away, to lure. But the truth?
The truth was a different matter.
Bieli. Had Sebastian, in his selfishness, in his delay, kept from himself this greater prize? Yet, even then he could offer no remorse toward Bellinda's suffering. But she still wanted him. He could hear in her voice, in her self-anger just how much.
Sebastian leaned back against the desk. "You..." he held a hand to his forehead and smiled wryly. "You really... sent me for a loop there, you know that?" So he'd found some truth.
[12/29/2012 2:09:10 PM] Sami Brown: "I just wanted to let you know you didn't do anything wrong, I'm sorry if you thought otherwise." Bellinda concluded, the ants writhing all around her skin, pulse pounding rapidly. "That's all, I'll go." She said, with a quick nod and twisted for the door.
[12/29/2012 2:26:22 PM] Ashley A: "Wait, Lin..." He stood. "What am I supposed to do with that? Just... Wait? For you to come back?"
[12/29/2012 2:31:09 PM] Sami Brown: "Seb, I love you. But I'm scared, and I'm... I'm broken and you deserve better." She fretted in the doorway, unable to face him, to let him see her trembling. "I don't know what I'm doing."
[12/29/2012 3:04:31 PM] Ashley A: "Lin," Sebastian laughed, miffed as to where to start. She really didn't understand who or what he was, or perhaps she did and just wouldn't admit it to herself.
"Lin, it doesn't matter, I want -you-. I want your confounding inconsistencies and your contradictions and your paradoxes. Don't... Be sorry, if you want something, take it. Take it from me."
[12/29/2012 3:09:40 PM] Sami Brown: Bellinda stood, stock still for a long while before turning back to him. "Could you just... Just, hold me. For a minute." She said, biting gently at her lower lip. "Just hold me and lie to me and tell me that its okay for me to be scared and that I'll be okay."
[12/29/2012 3:19:14 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian slowly closed the distance between them. He wrapped his arms around her, around her smallness, and rested his chin on her head and stroked her hair.
"You're going to be okay, Bellinda. It's alright to be scared; horrible, frightening things have happened to you. But you don't have to be afraid. I'm here for you, I'll always be here for you."
[12/29/2012 3:23:38 PM] Sami Brown: Belinda stood, allowing herself to melt into Sebastian's arm, letting him hold her tight and say his lines in silence. His words were so comforting, expressed with such sincerity she might have thought they were true, hoping even. "Thank you. I needed that."
[12/29/2012 3:39:46 PM] Sami Brown: A weak smile spread across her pallid face as she looked up at him before leaning up on the very tips of her toes, kissing him warmly.
[12/29/2012 6:01:47 PM] Ashley A: It felt like playing with fire, kissing her back. What fuses lurked under the surface? The danger, the risk, the challenge made that simple kiss thrilling. Would she let it last?
[12/29/2012 7:21:04 PM] Sami Brown: Bellinda pressed into him further, her kisses sweet and soft, an extension of her apology, inviting him to hold her tighter, kiss her deeper. It was all going to be okay.
[12/29/2012 7:56:12 PM] Ashley A: Bellinda was setting the standard now, the pace, and Sebastian liked that, not knowing what was coming next. He did as she asked, he pulled her closer and searched for her thoughts past the words she spoke. He could be what she wanted, because she was what he needed.
[12/29/2012 8:15:56 PM] Sami Brown: Her fingers moved to curl into his hair, kissing at his neck. "I'm not scared anymore." She whispered in his ear.
[12/29/2012 10:29:49 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian swept Bellinda off of her feet, cradling her and lifting her to his lips. He kissed her forehead and smiled against her skin, then whispered, "Come with me."
There was suddenly a rap at the door. "Master," Ramadhin said, "Your appointment has arrived."
"Hm." Sebastian ran his fingers under Bellinda's blindfold, pushing it back. "Something has come up. I am quite," he kissed one of the hollows, "quite," then the other, "busy."
"Yes master," Ramadhin replied lazily.
He kissed Bellinda again, with a sort of defiant victory over the meddling of bad timing. He hardly needed to look to move through the motions of his secret lock, which perhaps Bellinda would notice were somewhat simpler than the last time.
Once more, the stairs began to sink through the floor. Sebastian didn't wait, but rather stepped onto a stone as it ground downwards.
"Still not scared?" He whispered.
[12/29/2012 11:14:18 PM] Sami Brown: Bellinda's small arms wrapped about his neck, fingers running through his curls as she kissed him, gently he pulled her away, his lips brushing against the smooth skin of her forehead, a grin spreading across her face. The knock at the door caught her attention, a sour expression crossing her face as Ramadhin spoke, informing of an appointment. Without missing a beat Sebastian pushed away the meeting, kissing the empty sockets beneath her blindfold, the brush of his lips against the thin skin enticing a giggle from her. To hell with timing, they'd make their own time! A simple swirl of Sebastian's hands and the stones sank away, revealing the subterranean lair. "Not at all," she whispered back, kissing at his neck as they stepped, her fingers gently touching the back of his neck.
[12/29/2012 11:36:01 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian carried Bellinda into a room were she had not yet been. It was small and sparsely furnished, with a bed and a shelf and a thick glass window that afforded a little glimpse of the sea.
"This is where I come," he said, looking around as if for the first time, "When I'm tired of the world. Just the fish and I." The memory of her kisses tingled on his neck. "And now you."
[12/29/2012 11:45:28 PM] Sami Brown: Bellinda looked about the room, even she could appreciate the minimalism, the fish swimming lazily by. "Thank you for sharing with me." She smiled, pressing Herr cheek against his, feeling the slight roughness of his fashionable stubble before gently planting a kiss on the apple of his cheek.
[12/29/2012 11:51:58 PM] Ashley A: Sebastian looked down at Bellinda in his arms, almost like a child, but infinitely more.
"There's so much more to show you," he whispered.
[12/29/2012 11:55:14 PM] Sami Brown: "Oh?" She asked, nuzzling her face into the hollow of his neck. "Show me."
[12/30/2012 12:11:34 AM] Ashley A: Sebastian needed no more permission. As they fell back onto the bed, Bellinda's lightness on his chest, he took her hand and finally lead her over the peak, to see all that lay before them, waiting. Together they explored the mountains and the valleys, the roaring rush of the river and the gentle give and take of the meadow grass. Thrill and ecstasy lay around every corner. At long last the sun set, leaving them quiet and still under the moonlight that set shadows of minnows and grouper on the glass.
[12/30/2012 12:34:44 AM] Sami Brown: Bellinda stirred awake a few hours later, the moonlight filtering through the window as the fish swam by slowly. Sebastian's fingers gently stroked her hair, running gently through the tangled strands. Seeking his warmth she scooted closer, wrapping her thin arm about his abdomen. "How long have you been up?" She asked, kissing his shoulder.
[12/30/2012 12:39:07 AM] Ashley A: "Longer than a minute and less than a while," he said with a smile.
[12/30/2012 12:41:14 AM] Sami Brown: She laughed against the smooth skin of his arm. "Not too long then, good."
[12/30/2012 12:43:35 AM] Ashley A: "And why do you say that?" He brushed a strand of hair out of her face.
[12/30/2012 12:48:19 AM] Sami Brown: ''Its no fun to lay awake with just your thoughts." She said, looking up towards the ceiling, the cool breeze of the climate control making her uniquely aware of her bare face, the blindfold discarded long ago.
[12/30/2012 12:54:31 AM] Ashley A: "I don't particularly mind." Sebastian's fingers wandered from her hair to the space between her shoulder blades.
[12/30/2012 12:58:39 AM] Sami Brown: Bellinda purred as the fingers found their way, stretching to give him more room to roam."You know," she started thoughtfully. "This morning I was so concerned with everything I forgot to mention... Is there a particular reason my clothes seems to be getting tighter when I've had to little appetite lately?" She asked, an eyebrow cocked, with great suspicion.
[12/30/2012 1:03:39 AM] Ashley A: "I may have taken... Certain liberties," his fingers ran down her spine to her hips, "With your nutrition while I was nursing you back to life. And yet," he muttered affectionately, "Still like making love to a wire coat hanger."
[12/30/2012 1:05:40 AM | Edited 1:06:06 AM] Sami Brown: "Hmph." She mumbled, almost indignant if not for the wide grin across her face. "You weren't complaining at the time."
[11:53:02 AM] Ashley A: "Yes, but I'm complaining now. Let's go get you some breakfast," he said, grinning impishly and sweeping Bellinda out of bed.