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 Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 3:24 pm
No, no, no, not your fault. You couldn't know. Not like you're the one who kicked your kid to the curb for calling you out on being a lazy whore.
He held his hand up, palm out apologetically. He hadn't meant to lash at her; she had just been the one to hear the bile as it was administered.
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Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 3:32 pm
"No, but I am the one who blamed her mother for everything that was wrong in my life, and only found out when it was too late that it wasn't personal, she had her own demons to bear."
Smiling, softly, she pressed the drink into Nines hand and gestured that he should drink it while she talked for a while.
"I grew up in Devon - its a coastal county in England, right down in the south. I lived in a little town they've renamed now, in a small castle on a hill. My father was always away, and my mother never loved me.
I might not have grown up around cars, movie theatres and guns, but I still knew all there was to know about being a rebellious kid. I did everything I wasnt supposed to, until finally everyone just gave up and let me learn sword play and archery and all the things I wanted to learn.
I grew up before side saddle became the in thing for ladies, but women werenl't really supposed to own horses... but for me, my horse was freedom. He was my car.
And he was what got me into the mess I've been in ever since the night I died.
I killed my mother. It was only when she was dying I finally realised she hadn't hated me, but my father. The man I'd grown up knowing as my dad wasn't my biological parent. My mum was raped and I was the result. Every time she looked at me, that was what she saw, what she remembered.
Didn't excuse some of her behaviour mind you, and none of it was my fault, but if I'd known... maybe I wouldn't have been so difficult and confrontational with her. Maybe thing would have been different.
....still wouldn't have had popcorn though."
It was a very glossed over version of events, and though she didn't put a date on her life, nor would she if she could help it, she was aware some of what she was saying gave all too obvious indicators of time frame. Oh well, too late now.
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Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 3:39 pm
Lucky you. Wish I had that twist at the end. It'd make it easier to let things go.
He nodded, having heard her tl;dr version of her origins. Nines slowly teased the taste of his drink to his lips, then nodded once more.
Marriage went south, husband got divorced and lost most of what he had. Ended up ODing in a hotel, poor ********. Didn't change that the wife was a useless layabout gold digger with no talent, no looks, and no shame. Two kids, and she only worked jobs that got her an easy lay, cheap cigarettes and a chance to look like she was better than she was because she had kids and was a responsible woman. Nevermind the house was falling apart, the kids were hungry and neglected, sometimes abused, and she spent it all on cheap smokes, cheaper men and never went anywhere. And guess who got kicked to the curb at the bright eyed age of sixteen, already more jaded than any teen should be. Yeah, closure would have been nice, but getting arrested wasn't worth the luxury. Just lucky the landlord was a friend, or there'd have been that and more.
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Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 3:43 pm
"Being a good person doesn't mean everyone else is too. I've met enough evil creeps in my existence to know that, and to worry I'm slowly going the same way.
Can't change what has happened... but I can at least try and make what happens from here onwards easier.
You said two kids... you have a brother? Or a sister?"
She was on to her third glass of vitae by now, and the jug empty. Without even really thinking, she pressed the red button on the phone by Nines' bed, and continued sipping. Jan woudl attend presently, likely having already guessed her need. After all, at her age she had an ability to store blood levels Nines' wouldn't yet be able to conceive of, and three glasses wasn't anywhere near enough.
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Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 3:46 pm
A weak chuckle followed. Very weak.
Little brother. The exact reason for all of the peculiar ambitions and goals you knocked on a while ago. Not saying more than, that, though. Not safe to. Never has been, never will be.
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Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 3:52 pm
A quirked eyebrow was the only sign of curiosity, and it was fleeting.
"I won't push, Nines, it's your choice what you tell me and what you don't. The only thing I may pressure you about a little is how you... ended up as one of us. but not yet. Definitely not today.
I had sisters. Lots of sisters and one brother. One little brother who ruined my whole life, bless him, just by being born. Not his fault. Not my fault. Still, 90% of people who come from bad backgrounds grow up to be perfectly normal. Well, as close to it as anyone gets. Well, as close to it as anyone gets who isn't a walking corpse. Or a werecritter."
She paused to think for a minute, kicking her heels before leaning forward with her elbows on her knees.
"How does 700 gold a month sound to you? Call it a scholarship, or fees for minding the bar if you prefer some kind of real work... but it should let you carry on your lifestyle from here while we're working things out."
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Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 3:56 pm
He sipped at his drink, nursing it like he had the previous one. Roan had done him a fair service by coaxing him into conversation, and he was starting to recognize that. Still he shook his head.
No, no money. I live cheap, its the hobbies that get expensive...and I can't rightly justify them with this...
He clinked the bangle to the collar once again, gritting his teeth in a sign of minor frustration and pain.
...this thing tying me down.
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Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 4:01 pm
"I figured you'd be stubborn. I'd urge you to accept the offer, partly because it woudl make me feel better, but also because Im sure you'll channel it where you need to.... but I think I'd much rather leave you a credit card here tomorrow, safe in the knowledge you'll have it if you need it, and anything you charge on it, I'll then charge to Ice. Only fair, after all."
Smiling, she turned as Jan entered, this time in his proper attire as opposed to the bartender polo Nines had only ever seen him in before hand. Roan stood up and went to get the fresh pitcher he'd brought with him. This one was still warm, and she was eager enough to pour herself a fresh drink. As quietly as he had come, the butler withdrew.
Resettling herself, a question occurred to Roan that she voiced without hesitation.
"Nines can't be your real name... or your family name. I know I've asked you the former before, but will you at least tell me the latter? Don't worry, I'm not going to go prying, I just want something better than a number to write down on the paperwork."
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Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 4:05 pm
There was a soft tinkle of glass cracking. In his grip, the glass now seeped through a new crack that had formed under his white knuckled grip. For the briefest of seconds, his face was a very unreadable, very cold hearted mask. It lasted only for as long as it took the vitae to dribble onto his hand and break the silence. Then the death glare faded, and he shook his head.
Oh s**t. Sorry, very sorry. I...didn't mean to do that. No, last two people to get that answer wound up dead because I had to...do things. Very violent things to get them to not abuse what they'd been trusted with. I didn't mean to break your glass, honestly I'm sorry.
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Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 4:12 pm
"Hey, it's alright. Seriously... stop apologising. I've got hundreds more just like it."
Reaching out, she took the broken glass away from him, dropping shards from off the bed sheet into the broken bottom and setting it all on the sideboard. Then she reached out to take his injured hand.
"Here, let me see."
If allowed, she'd gently ease whatever shards of glass were stuck in his grip out of the wounds, and without thinking, lick them closed. There was no logic to it, just an instinctive reaction to assist as she had done many time before when Jan had hurt himself.
"Uh... sorry. Hope that didn't freak you out - habit. Look, I wont force you tell me, but I need something to put on the paperwork. Mr Smith isn't going to cut it, not once the Foundation peers realise I now have TWO house guests. A middle name perhaps? Grandmothers maiden name? Story book name you happen to like? Help me here."
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Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 4:27 pm
Yeah, well, still.
He didn't flinch...much. The glass removal prompted a slight jerk, and the lick had him clawing at the sheets next to him with his free hand. Still, he kept his cool.
Paperwork? Aw crap. Go with Hudson, I guess. First thing that comes to mind. ********, legit paperwork is not cool. Not cool at all.
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Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 4:33 pm
"It's not legal legal. I'm a millionaire, Nines, and a noble. I don't exactly manage to stay out of the press 100% of the time. I run a charity and act eccentric to cover my back, but someone is going to ask questions when they find out the UK's most eligible and unlikely to ever marry bachelorette has house guests staying.
Now that's not to say there will be any horrific innuendo - the media know me well enough not to be so stupid, but they will want a name to follow back and look up. Now you've given me one, I'll have one of my people whip up a fake history. Just remember that's the name you're using here, alright?
I'll make sure no one bothers you, you get some rest, shower, and do as you please. I'll come see you tomorrow and see how your getting along."
Leaving her glass and the half full pitcher behind, she took the broken glass and headed for the door, picking up that the contact had unsettled him. Not surprising really... but at least his hand wasn't one big open wound now.
"See you tomorrow."
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Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 10:31 am
Over the next few nights, Nines would in fact begin stretching his legs and exploring. He was still rather timid in his dealings with the house staff; it was very clear he was uncomfortable with his new settings and terribly ashamed of the obvious signs of his bondage. After a day or two of poking about, it became readily apparent that he spent most of his time in the room set aside for him, entertaining no guests and keeping to himself. When asked why he was behaving so, his answer was quite straightforward, explaining how he "was uncomfortable with the house, it just didn't sit right with him". Further questions from any of the staff would be met with stonewalling, meaning Roan would be the only person capable of digging answers out of him.
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Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 10:36 am
The house staff wouldn't push. Their instructions were simple - answer any queries, provide anything requested, and otherwise allow the two guests to do as they pleased. So long as it wasn't through the seal door.
No one demanded Nines account for himself. On one day, a maid popped her head in to warn him media were on the grounds, but they were there only an hour, and dealt with by Roan, before leaving without pestering the man.
And soon enough, Roan would present herself at his door, knocking gently and bearing vitae once again.
"Nines? May I come in?"
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Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 10:45 am
Nines was toweling off. He had been in the shower just before the knock, and was clad only in jeans at the moment. The knock made him jump; he was still somewhat skittish. The house truly did unsettle him that much.
Uh...yeah, c'mon in.
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