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 Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 4:33 am
Raleigh took a sip of the wine cooler. “In that case, we might work out. I wouldn’t be a clingy housewife.” This conversation was getting odder by the second, going down a path he could never had anticipated. But as fun as it was, he wouldn’t end it just yet. Gaze locked onto Erol’s face, Ra’s lips tilted upwards in a grin. “If the potential husband interested me enough I might meet halfway, to get my own view on things before he was eaten by the crocodiles.”
He lifted the drink again tapping its side with a finger thoughtfully. “I’m a fortress Erol; it takes time to get inside.” His inability to trust was something that was rooted firmly in his being. But once it was gained it was there for life. And where did Erol stand? Well, to be honest, he’d already gotten past the front door and was watching t.v in the lounge room.
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Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 4:50 am
Erol wondered what they were talking about at this point. He was only playing wasn't he? Shrugging he continued the conversation as planned there was no backing down now, not so long as Ra was still playing the game. "Well the potential husband has always been cocky and if a crocodile can handle a shockwave then it deserves to get me. And as for the gargoyle, it's a ******** rock... want to bet who'd win that battle?" he ventured to say but then went silent taking the time to drink down more of his cooler.
This conversation was definitely getting into uncharted territory. "In all honesty Ra, you keep yourself locked up tight and you might miss out on something great." He looked off in the distance then locked his gaze on Ra. "Just sayin', I'm patient as they come, too lazy to do anything else but bug the hell outta ya but even a patient man gets tired of waiting. As long as I'm not waiting for nothing then I can handle it." Handle what exactly? Was what he wanted to ask but instead just let the thought drop.
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Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 5:03 am
Where exactly was this going? “I dunno, I might put my money on the gargoyle. I never said it was going to be made out of stone, nor did I say how big it was going to be.” There was an edge of seriousness to this playful banter that he didn’t quite understand. It made him somewhat uncomfortable, but his nature wasn’t to back down. He wasn’t going to suddenly change the subject and try to escape.
That might be true. There were things he had let pass him by simply because he was guarding himself too tightly. But then, he already had everything he needed, right? Ra frowned, his gaze locked on Erol’s. “Maybe the lazy guy should drop some broader hints, so that the confused housewife in her fortress can get the picture.” He moved his gaze away, making an annoyed noise and shaking his head as if at the pointlessness of this conversation. "And you wouldn’t be waiting for nothing as long as…" As long as what? Ah, of course. As long as I didn't get hurt.
The rest of the wine cooler disappeared.
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Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 8:32 am
Sighing, Erol seriously didn't understand why he hadn't just changed the subject. It was getting too crazy, uncomfortable even but against his better judgment he kept going. "How many hints does the confused housewife need? Is she that dense?" He was slightly annoyed and yet not sure entirely why. Finishing off his cooler he slammed the drink on the table standing to his feet. "I told you, I'll wait but if you want to play coy that's fine too. I like a good chase, what man doesn't? But just don't have me chasing after something I can't have. So you just tell that confused housewife that if she'll have me, I'm offering a chance at something. And don't look at me like that I don't even know why I'm saying this..." He growled turning on his heels.
"Damn I need to take a leak." Yeah that was perfect just bow out at the top of the game. Leave him in a daze and confused then maybe he wouldn't question him anymore. Only problem was that Erol was still confused himself. Was he asking Ra out? As in a relationship? What the <********> was going on? He couldn't honestly like that guy in that way... he wasn't gay. No he liked girls a very great deal so why was he getting things confused.
With a heavy sigh he entered the restroom hoping to relieve himself and maybe clear his mind. It was just the cooler loosening his tongue along with his thoughts. He'd just explain that to Raleigh once he got back.
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Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 6:20 pm
What on earth.... so now it was his fault for them not being... what? A couple? Their playful banter had taken a very serious and confusing turn. Apparently the confused housewife was that dense because Ra had certainly never considered Erol as anything other than a friend and rival. Suddenly within all this hypothetical talk Erol was making the suggestion that maybe they could be something more, though to be honest he looked just as confused as Raleigh felt. This was ridiculous. Mouth pressed into a thin, unhappy line he watched Erol’s retreat to the bathroom, glad to have a moment to think.
His experience with relationships was shoddy at best. It was something he had never needed before and had never sought out. They were a needless complication. As for his own sexuality, it was true that he was behind in that area. The closest he had gotten to a girl he’d gotten out of her bed quicker than a cat on fire. Did that mean he was gay? Not quite. Not that it would matter if he was. He hadn’t been lying when he’d called himself a fortress. When he wanted to be he could be cold and cruel, repelling those who tried to approach him with a practised glare.
Erol was one of the few people that Raleigh truly liked and trusted. But that didn’t mean they could work in that way? Did it? Damn it, he was getting a headache. Maybe he should just get up and leave now. No, that would be a cowardly way out. Ra wanted to clear this up. He was not going to go home after this ‘date’ and have no idea where they stood with each other.
The waitress arrived back at the table to get rid of the old drinks. “No more thanks. Not yet anyway...” He looked her up and down. Well, she wasn’t bad looking. Maybe this would be a good time to test things. Clearly the wine coolers had already gone to his head when he beckoned her closer. “Would you mind doing me a favour?”
“Sure.”
“One kiss.”
She hesitated a moment and then shrugged her shoulders. “Okay.” She leaned forward and pressed soft lips to his. Raleigh felt... nothing really. Was he supposed to? It wasn’t a bad experience to be sure, but he had no urge to continue it any longer than he had to. They parted and Ra looked at her thoughtfully. “Thankyou.”
“... no problem.”
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 6:06 am
Once finished in the restroom, Erol stepped out into the main room. Stopping short when he saw Ra interacting with the waitress. He watched curiously standing off to the side as the two exchanged kisses. Nothing serious there, a simple transaction that seemed more like two friends passing by then anything. Tilting his head to the side curiously he wondered about Raleigh, what was he doing kissing random women?
Shrugging he slipped his hand in his pocket walking over. When he came into view he stood over Raleigh looking at the waitress a moment who happened to catch his eye. He gave a light, charming smile then turned his brown gaze to Ra and leaned down kissing the other on the lip for a lingering moment. What compelled him to do that, he had no clue but to say he didn't have a slight rush of excitement from the simple exchange he'd be lying.
With a startled glance and a light blush he just took his seat, calling the waitress over for another drink. She blushed coming over having saw the exchanged but said nothing as she placed two more coolers on the table and left. Erol exchanged a casual glance to Ra before looking away, reaching for his drink in the same process to occupy himself with something other than the awkward silence. "So? What did you feel?" He finally let out his gaze still off in the distance. "You kissed her right? Which was better?"
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 5:30 pm
Raleigh’s gaze moved from the waitress to Erol as he approached. Expression contemplative, he looked up at his friend and considered exactly what his own reaction to kissing the woman meant. He was lost in his own world, not quite registering the fact that Erol had moved closer than was necessary until the other man’s lips were against his own. Eyes widened in confusion as his stomach gave an odd flutter.
Did this make things more perplexing or less? He watched a lightly blushing Erol return to his seat and simply sat there in the heavy, expectant silence. More drinks came and for a moment Ra looked at the wine cooler and wondered if he took down five more would it make this night a little easier.
Leaning back in his chair he studied Erol’s profile before giving a sigh and closing his eyes. “It...” Which was better? Truth it was then; even if it broke some part of their relationship. “You. I enjoyed it. I barely felt a thing with her.” He opened his eyes and searched for Erol’s gaze, a light frown on his face.
“What do you want from me Erol? Let’s clear this up. If you tell me you kissed me because the alcohol has gone to your head and you just ‘felt like it’, then fine but if... if... oh, damn it.” Raleigh’s frown became a glower, his confusion turning to annoyance. His moved his angry gaze away to the middle distance. He damn well liked being kissed by Erol and it pissed him off.
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Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 6:55 am
So he had kissed him, big deal, right? It didn't mean anything, did it? He turned his gaze upon Raleigh sighing deeply as he set his cooler down. "I tried to tell that confused housewife..." He looked away then turned to look back at Ra. "Honestly, Raleigh, I don't know what is going on. This is just as new to me as it is for you. So I'll understand if you need time to think. Actually, it'd be better if we just enjoyed the rest of the night without this awkwardness." Though he realized that would be harder said then done.
With a sigh he stood to his feet giving a light smile. "Look, I had planned for us to go to this beach side party. If you're still up to it lets go hang out. We can talk more on this later if it's uncomfortable for you... I know it's strange for me too." Stuffing his hands back in his pockets he gave a light nod of his head toward the door. "What do you say? Want to continue the night?"
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Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 5:06 pm
Raleigh’s scowl deepened and he moved his angry gaze to Erol. “You tried to tell the confused housewife what exactly? That you wanted to kiss me? I’m sorry I must be really dense then, since I never quite picked up on that signal.” He gave tight-lipped smile. “If I need time to think? Heh... well gee, thanks for the understanding Erol.” A part of him was angry at being put in this sort of position and the other part of him was desperately confused.
Giving a heavy sigh he put his hands up in a sign of submission. “Sorry I’m... alright... let’s... go to this party.” Would they end up just pretending this had never happened? Of course, it was no big deal. It had just been a random, silly act from Erol and there was no point in looking any deeper. That was the best course to take. But why did that idea upset him so much?
Giving Erol a wry smile he stood. “Come on then.” They would try and forget about it and hope things weren’t too awkward. Enough alcohol would fix that problem. Heh. No Ra, a little self control in these difficult times.
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Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 8:12 pm
Erol understood Ra's anger and confusion, he didn't even consider answering him despite the accusations. It was okay, he understood to some degree. Being just as confused and possibly angry with himself for even going this far, he just walked off, giving Ra the space needed - though he didn't leave the other altogether.
Outside he found his bike situating his helmet and waiting for Ra to do the same before bringing the bike to life and heading off for the party. Alcohol was not a valid excuse for doing what he had done, not even an excuse for speaking along the terms he had. At first it was friendly banter but somewhere throughout the conversation, Erol wasn't playing anymore. That alone confused him.
"I'm not going to apology." he spoke over the roar of the wind as they took off into the express traffic. "And I don't regret it... but I won't do it again if you're upset with me." He then went silent a moment hitting a turn at crazy speeds. He was in his zone, verring off the road and onto a dirt path that lead to the party. Already the music could be heard from the distance, people sprinkled out on the beach while a lone beach house came in view. "It's my manager's home..." He informed then brought the bike to a stop in front. Pulling his helmet off he set it on the bike, smiling when a few groupies crowded his bike.
"Hey... back off ladies. I just got here." He breathed softly. Giving them each a quick hug. "This is my close friend Raleigh. Ra this is the mob squad." the girls all giggled appriciating his friend's good looks but Erol wasted no time taking Ra by the hand and escorting him into the house. "I'll try not to leave you alone, I know you're not big on social functions but just tonight, for me can you try?" He asked, then turned to gadge the other's reaction both standing in a secluded hall. With a defeated sigh he spoke again, "I don't know when it happened, Ra but I like you. A little more then is comfortable, even for me. So I kissed you because I didn't want that girl's lips all over you like that.. and because I was curious. I liked it and would do it again... only if you don't mind." With that he began walking again, in search of his manager, Rayborn.
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Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 9:35 pm
Ra followed Erol outside, caught in a web of thoughtful silence. Without a word he got onto the bike, listening first to Erol and then moving his thoughts inward. He wasn’t ‘upset’ with Erol exactly; more upset with himself, though he wasn’t certain exactly why. As they moved through the streets he digested this new information more calmly. He could almost hear a woman’s voice in his head ‘jeez Ra, don’t be so uptight. Relax!’. Well, that’s what he would do. Erol had kissed him, he had liked it and he would stop being a baby about it. While mildly worried this would ruin their friendship in some way; that would only happen if he allowed it... right?
Once they’d arrived, Raleigh fought his first instinctual desire to walk the other when faced with the giggling pack girls, instead giving them a polite nod and a slightly strained smile. One was just reaching to touch his arm and another was exclaiming about his hair when Erol quickly tugged him away inside. He let out a grateful sigh and then a dry smile. “I’m here aren’t I? Don’t let me cramp your style though, I can take care of myself for an hour or so.” It was his usual somewhat sarcastic reaction, though his expression quickly changed to something more serious. “She was hardly all over me.”
Before Erol could get too far away he grabbed his arm. “I’m not angry at you Erol.” His gaze softened and after a moment he let go of the others arm. “I hate being surprised and I was worried how this would change things between, especially since I did like it. I’ve gotten used to this friendship and I care about you a lot.” He gave a small shrug of his shoulders, brown gaze intense. “I’m certainly not against it happening again.” His gaze moved away, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. “Well... let’s get into this party.”
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Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 11:56 pm
Erol stopped short gadging Raleigh's response. He didn't expect the other to actually like the kiss or anything about the turn tonight had taken in their outing but he wasn't about to apologize for it, that much was certain. He gave the other a lopsided cocky grin, shrugging just because he couldn't help himself. "Well when you put it that way..." he trailed off as a few people slipped past them in the hall.
One such person yelled out to Erol who gave a quick wave but kept his attention on Raleigh. "So if I said I wanted to kiss you again, would you object?" he questioned curiously. This was a new experience for him and exploring on it more was just something he couldn't help. Why did he like Ra in such a way? Would it hurt their friendship? But more importantly would it open to new possibilities. "Anyway... save that answer for another time. Let's just have some fun. C'mon, the man of the hour is down this way." And with that he led the other to his manager's office barging in as usual. "Old man you better not be trying to dodge your own party. What's up?"
Rayborn grumbled sitting at his desk as he glared at his associate and friend. "Yeah yeah... just leave me alone. And why are you late, they already sung to me."
"Like hell I would be singing to you when I do it enough already. Besides I'll be preforming tonight anyway right?" He gave Ra a wink then turned to Rayborn. "By the way, this is my close friend Raleigh, Ra this is my manger and pain in the a** Rayborn."
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Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 2:14 am
No Of course he wouldn't object.
The answer that immediately came to mind almost surprised Raleigh… almost. He already knew he’d liked the lingering touch of his lips against his friends, so it wasn’t startling that he might want to do it again. It could be a chance to explore another side of himself with somebody that he trusted. But how far would they take this? And would he really want to let this become something more than what they had now? One kiss was fine; maybe they would even be able to laugh about it soon and there was every chance that it would never happen again.
Ra stopped himself from any more thinking as he followed Erol to see his manager. His thoughts were chasing each other in circles. Things would be so much easier if he just took it all in stride instead of trying to make sense of things. Yes, that’s what he would do from now on. No point in worrying and fretting over foolish matters. They would have some ‘fun’ and then see how things went
In Rayborn’s office, Ra stood slightly behind Erol and studied the man at the desk. For a second he was reminded of Charles and then the vision was shot down when the man opened his mouth. Charles would never be quite so crass. Even when he was pissed off he was always in control. Cool and calm. This guy seemed to have more of a personality. Though they both seemed the grumpy types. Raleigh almost chuckled at his own thoughts.
“Nice to meet you.” He replied, expressionless for a moment until his lips curved up slightly. “Happy Birthday?” That was the usual reason for singing and parties... right?
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Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 4:09 am
Rayborn growled at Erol pushing past to shake Raleigh's hand properly as he smiled brightly shaving any grumpy image he might have had previously. "How are you, Raleigh is it? Thanks for the well wishes and welcome to my home. It's not much but it's home I guess." He smiled but turned a glare to Erol.
"What are you still doing here, the guys are waiting. You have a song to sing me damnit!" Rayborn commanded, pushing Erol toward the door. Erol in turn rolled his eyes giving a lopsided grin to his friend as he was ushered to the door.
"Hey stop, I brought my friend with me at least let me show him around..." Erol protested but hands snatched him up from outside. His band members each glowering. "Aw c'mon guys..."
"Nope you have to get ready, why else are all these people here." Ray smiled as Erol was dragged out. "Don't worry I'll give your friend a tour! Now go and you better not screw up!" Ray laughed as the door was closed and Erol's annoyed grumbles filled the halls. He turned to Raleigh giving him a quick glance over before letting a soft chuckle fill him. "So you're Erol's friend, well that's great I was worried about him for a while. He always got on the defensive when it came to that sort of thing." Ray confessed he went to the grand window behind his desk looking out on the rest of the party.
"I'm going to be frank. I know about Erol's day job, who and what he is? He's never really talked about the people he works with but I'm guessin' you're one of them. That you have special talents like him. Don't worry only his band members and myself know we try to keep things hush-hush. With the way the world is there's no telling how his fans would take his being different. So you don't have to worry about that here." Ray turned and smiled to Raleigh softly. "So enough of that, ready for that tour?"
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Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 4:27 pm
“Nice to meet you.” Raleigh responded with a smile. So these were Erol’s important people. It was kind of nice to observe him relax around people he cared about. Whenever they were meeting sup as evos at ‘HQ’ he always seemed slightly tense. Ra stood to the side as he watched his friend get pushed out the room and carried off, giving Erol a wave.
Once he was alone with Rayborn, he turned his gaze to the other man, gaze thoughtful. Even from just those first words, it was clear how much he cared. Smiling softly, Ra nodded. “I’m glad that he has people he trusts.” He let out a breath through his noise. “You’ve guessed right. I also have these ‘special gifts’. It is a sore point for me that I have to constantly hide something I am proud of. But that’s what has to be done to protect those close to you.” He gave a light shrug. “A tour sounds good.”
As he waited beside the door for Rayborn, a thought occurred to him, making him chuckle. “Hm... I think it’s been... nine years since I met Erol. It doesn’t seem like that long... but I suppose time flies when you’re fighting the evils of the world.”
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