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 Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 11:42 pm
Reserved for Natsumi eating all the sushi
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Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 11:43 pm
Birthday on the horizon? Well Huzzah! cheese_whine Quote: It had been a few days since Vasile had come calling on Marlow, and he was definitely missing him. He had spent lots of time with Ambrose and Angelina, having found Ambrose's news about Pyroth especially disturbing. He even managed to find Pyroth and see with his own eyes, though he chickened out on actually speaking to the once-man. Watching him pad around on all fours - no hair, no human gait... it was unnerving to say the least, especially as Vasile wondered if that was the fate of all the canines. Vasile spent a good amount of time in his duplex comparing himself to picture of foxes he found in the books. Sure enough, there was very little, except posture, that Vasile could fathom would change anymore. He didn't know if Marlow would want to hear him whine, however. One could argue that a four-legged fox was better than a snail, no matter how upright. But he shouldn't be hiding anything from Marlow anyway, right? And he missed him regardless. So after his vigorous daily ritual of self-maintenance he headed towards Marlow's duplex, taking a long detour by the bar to swipe a bottle of wine. No use coming empty-handed. Marlow shook out his arms as he rolled back onto his thighs, stretching and flexing the warm muscles. God took his legs, Moreau was taking his face, but there was no way in hell he was going to let the rest of his physique go. He'd remain as strong and fast as his body would allow and pray for the rest. Just trying to work out was almost as invigorating as the exercise itself, especially in the gym. Using half of the machines required a bit of creativity on his part, then there was the dragging himself from one set to the other, and then never knowing quite when to quit. It wasn't like he could tell when he was working up a sweat and when his skin was just its customary dampness. Mostly he just kept moving whenever he could. Right now, it was pushups in his duplex. God help the first person that pointed out that they were "girl" pushups... Vasile tapped on the door and ran a hand through his hair again, just realizing how excited he was to be seeing Marlow again after even such a small break. He felt positively like a teenage girl. ...well, what he would imagine a teenage girl might feel like. "Hello?" Marlow called out, not about to rush for the door for anybody not worth hurrying for. There weren't many people he'd fall over himself to see at the moment. "It's me," Vasile chimed. "May I come in?" He tried the handle, seeing if it was locked. Vasile was certainly at the top of that list, right along with FBI agents with S.W.A.T. teams and helicopter or his Dad with a shotgun. "One moment!" He pushed himself along on his hands until he reached the door and pulled it open. "Hello, dearling. Far too long." Vasile smiled down at Marlow, flashing a toothy, excited grin. "Mmm... I'm so sorry, it has been." He motioned to the wine and wiggled his ears. "I brought some refreshment." Vasile stepped in and closed the door behind him with a flourish. He leaned way over, being he wasn't in his hair, and ran a hand through his hair and gently upturning his face so he could give him a quick, tender welcoming kiss. Ah, one of those little things that's he'd learned was so wonderful about ongoing relationships: instant gratification. "How've you been?" "Bored" Marlow sighed, moving over to his chair and pulling himself into the seat. "Haven't exactly found a new hobby that fits my circumstances... besides you, of course. But I wouldn't call you just a hobby." He followed after the tail and wine, bumping into his ankles playfully. "Entertaining as you are." Vasile gave a demure look over his shoulder as he retrieved a few glasses. "Well, I'm here now, so I'll do my best to entertain you." He poured a glass and offered to Marlow, before helping himself to one. He sat down on the bed and debated how to open up the conversation. "Been talking to Ambrose a bit..." Marlow took a pensive sip, knowing a segue when he heard one. "How is the man?" "He's fine..." Vasile gave his bottom lip a quick tug with his teeth before an idea struck him, his tail flipping happily to indicate. Might as well start with the good news. "He proposed to Angelina and he wants me to be the best man!" Vasile couldn't help but puff up a bit proudly. It was an honor he was truly touched that Ambrose extended him. Marlow's eyebrow twitched briefly before returning to its usual smooth arc. His more hostile opinions about how pointless something like marriage was in Moreau's little dollhouse/zoo society were best left for another time and most likely another person from the sound of it. "Congratulations" He said with his best show of sincerity. "He couldn't have picked a better man for the job." Vasile gave a modest shrug, though the gleam in his eye indicated that he agreed. "Anyway... there was that. And, uh, I dunno." Vasile took a sudden interest in picking little peices of imaginary dirty from his pristine claw tips. "Pyroth changed for the last time. You know, he's a coyote... a canine like Ambrose and I. And we've all been paying really close attention to each other sense, so far at least, we've all been seeming to change very similarly..." Marlow set his glass down on the nightstand as he glided to the bedside. "You... sound less optimistic than usual. What happened?" Vasile's ears flicked back for a moment. "He's ... like an animal. Not even like an...anthro or whatever they're called. He can't stand up straight...he has to talk on all fours and he lost his hair.. you know. He looks just like a regular coyote." Vasile pulled a nervous paw through his own locks. "He can talk and all still... just, well...yeah." He took a big swallow from his wine glass. "I'm just a little nervous, you know? The docs said he should still be mostly human in end, as in walk upright and have hands and all. But now I'm not so sure..." Marlow fell silent for a moment, rubbing his chin between his thumb and forefinger. "You said yourself that the doctors live for messing with our minds. Perhaps they lied." He crawled over the arm of his chair and onto the bed. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think that notion is far more favorable to the alternative..." Vasile cocked his head at him. "You mean going animal up here?" Vasile tapped the side of his temple. He shook his head "not quite what I meant... though this news forces me to consider just exactly how far this science can be pushed. What I mean is that we can believe two things. Either the doctors lied, and that man's misfortune is just another of one of their 'mind ********' as you once put it." He took Vasile's hand into his own and traced the bones of one of his furred and padded fingers, imagining what it would be like to hold it as a paw. "Or they didn't, and this turn of events was just as surprising to them as it is to us." Vasile frowned and shifted, squeezing Marlow's hand in his. "I'm not sure. But I've seen this girl named Amaya, she's changed all the way, too. She still is upright and all.. just looks very iguana like." He rolled his shoulders in a shrug. "And there's lots of islanders who aren't quite done that still look it. But then there's me and Ambrose... " he looked back over himself and sighed. "There's not much left to change. Ambrose and I are nearly identical, and we can't figure out how else we could change, really. I guess its just ... there's both a dread at the thought. I don't know if I would be relieved that its over... or scared that they were... " Vasile swallowed, a sudden chill making his fur stand on end, "done with us." "Your tail could stand to get fuller. And perhaps your hair a bit longer." He offered with a tease of his fur. "This place certainly tests the limits of imagination." He had been trying very hard not to let his get the chance to stretch. He hadn't picked up a single book on mollusks and he had even sent the one he had found sliming across the beach bar on a flight into the bushes with a flick of his fingertips before he could get a good look at it. "The other thing... I don't think there is any good that comes from dwelling on that now." Vasile gave him a thankful smile, actually finding himself grateful for the cheering up. Marlow was right...he shouldn't dwell on such things...after all, there was nothing that could be done about it anyway. Might as well enjoy what time he had as a two-legged sex machine while he could, right? Vasile concentrated on bringing his tail around to tickle the underside of his chin. "Sorry for being such a downer, baby. I just needed to get that off my chest." "No need to apologize. It's a service I'm happy to provide." He took up his wine glass again. "And I should tell you that I wouldn't offer it to just any person who happened by." Vasile poured himself a new glass, promising himself to take this one a bit more slow. "You sure know how to make a man feel special," he teased lightly. It was true... Marlow was actually very good at making Vasile feel special, but Marlow didn't seem like the mushy type. "How can I return the favor?" Marlow smirked, finishing off his drink with a smug wink. "You'll think of something on your own, I'm sure." Vasile returned the smug grin, setting down his glass and pressing closer to him, curling his tail down around his hip and lower... "Oh, but I'm not very creative... my mind keeps defaulting to one very specific thing..." "Well, here's some food for thought. My birthday is coming up in a couple weeks." He turned his head and whispered into his ear. "What do you get a man that had everything... then nothing... and then suddenly everything that he needed" Vasile's eyes positively lit up at his announcement. "Your birthday??!" Immediately Vasile's tail lost its rather suggestive hold on Marlow's backside and started to wave back and forth. His expression turned into an excited grin as the gears in his head began to turn. "How old with m'lord be?" he asked, raking his claws lightly over his jaw line. "Not so old that I'd be embarrassed to say, but old enough not to make a fuss over the number." Marlow met the sparkling eyes with his own and knew that his answer wasn't going to satisfy. He sighed in defeat as he leaned into his hand. "23." "Oh good," he teased. "That confirmed it, I'm the younger beauty at your side. Cradle robber." He poked his side playfully, Vasile being only a hair more than a year younger than he. "Something tells me you'll have high expectations.. I'm going to have to get creative, won't I?" "You'd be surprised. My parents stopped throwing elaborate parties for me after I showed up 3 hours late to my 19th because I had spent the previous night racing motorcycles with the usual crowd and my three new best friends; vodka, jagermeister, and schnapps... and that tradition only got better with age." He scritched under Vasile's chin, stroking the soft fur. "Not that I wouldn't mind discovering some new traditions. But don't consider yourself obligated on my part." "Are you kidding, I wouldn't miss this chance for the world." He learned forward and nuzzled lovingly at Marlow's neck. "I'll be working with limited means, mind you. But I want to do something special for you. Its the least I could do!" "Well then I'll look forward to it." He gave his mane of hair a pat. Ask him several months ago, and Marlow would have been hard pressed to think anything promising in his future. Another pleasant and unexpected surprise that came with the larger one that had fallen, and at the moment quite literally, in his lap.
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Sabin Duvert Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 11:52 pm
That afternoon, a small package is left outside Marlow's door.
It's long and flat, about two inches deep. Marlow would likely recognize the shape and weight to be that of a small clothes box. Shaking it reveals something light and the crinkling noise of tissue paper.
When he opens it, sitting on top of the tissue paper is a note on Feral Labs stationary:
Quote: It's August 29th. Happy Mutual Birthday, Marlow. I thought that you would appreciate this. ~Dr. Sabin Duvert
Underneath the tissue paper is a white t-shirt.... with words across the front....
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Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 10:33 am
This post is about Birthdays, Sushi, Moving In, but most of all LoveVasile + Marlow = Yaoi *shrugs* It's like gay physicsQuote: It had been an.... interesting start to his day, that would be the best way to put it. Originally he had planned to set out early, grab a bite to eat and general enjoy some time to himself for quiet reflection before meeting up with Vasile for the remainder of the day's festivities. He showered, dressed in some of his finer clothes, put some effort into polishing up his appearance, then headed out the door. He didn't get far, as the moment the wheel of his chair passed over the threshold the crunch of flimsy cardboard sent a jolt through his heart. Oh dear god, let that not be from Vasile, he had thought. Fortune smiled on him... sorta. It was from the staff. A Dr. Sabin to be specific. He removed the paper, read the slogan printed across the shirt, closed the box, wheeled back into the house, undressed, got back into bed, and waited for Vasile to call. The sun was just starting to sink into the sky when there was a knocking at Marlow's door. When the door opened, there was a certainly a sight to see. Vasile was standing on the other side, though it might take a moment to register. He was dressed in a sky blue Japanese kimono. In all technicalities, much to Vasile's initial distress, it was a woman's kimono. Not overly fancy, because despite the sudden influx of Japanese guests from what Vasile could only image was from Feral Lab's Tokyo branch, the fancy, silk kimono's were only reserved for the most special occasions. But a certain islander had been gracious enough to let Vasile borrow her more informal one, and even though he left out many of the bells and whistles, to any familiar with the culture, the sleeves, blue color, and elaborate obi was enough to give its true gender bias away. At first Vasile simply refused to consider it, but after putting it on, he couldn't help but admit he looked rather... well, it hard to say but he hoped Marlow would like it. His hair was pilled up in a partial pun with a few chopsticks, but most of it was left down to frame his face. After much debate, Vasile figured if you're going to crossdress, you might as well do it right, he had added just a touch of eyeliner to define his green eyes. Indeed, to anyone who didn't know any better, Vasile had never looked more feminine. Vasile pressed his palms together and gave a slight bow as the door opened, though as he looked up he had on a rather sly smirk. "Time to do sushi the right way. Care to go for a stroll with me?" Marlow stared forward, lips parted in a gape of pleasant astonishment. "You look..." His eyes took in the sight before him, quite at a loss. He had never considered himself a romantic, and poetry had always to him seemed like a waste of time. Suddenly now he understood why men like Shakespeare and Byron spent hours composing their odes. But everything he wanted to say, each word and phrase that piped up in the back of his mind, he knew would come across as boyish, clumsy gushing no matter how he'd try to smooth it over. He was a painting from the hand of an artist obsessed with the ideal of beauty or a dream of a siren from ancient myth, neither human nor animal and with the power to enrapture at a glance. He had assumed before now that his attraction towards Vasile had grown from affection, a pleasant side effect of the long hours of companionship. Now, with this apparition before him, he seriously had to consider the possibility that he had been seduced. He released an airy breath, hazel eyes still transfixed. "You look... beautiful." Vasile let out a breath as relief flooded over his features before letting a grateful smile came over his face. He almost asked 'really?' but recovered and figured a truly sincere “Thank you,” fit the mood of the evening better. He smoothed his yukata down with his black pads, hoping he did indeed look as perfect as he tried to make himself. Unfortunately his digitgrade feet made it impossible to wear tabi or getta, but it wasn't for lack of trying He hoped Marlow didn't notice, or at least care. Some accuracy of the evening had to be sacrificed to make do with what he had. “Care for some dinner with me?” Vasile had asked that earlier... Marlow had forgotten to answer. He fumbled cutely for the grips of his wheels, trying to recover. "Yes. Yes definitely. I'd love to." Vasile's tail twitched happily around his feet (no way he could get away with cutting a hole in the back behind the obi) as he slid behind Marlow and took control of the handles. "It's a bit of walk unfortunately, hope that's okay? How has your day been so far?" "It won't be trouble. I've been wanting a good reason to venture out." He assured him, leaning his head back and letting it brush against the slick fabric for a spell before straightening into a more proper stature. "The day has been... mostly uneventful." Vasile started to push, walking carefully but at a comfortable pace. "That's a shame, you should have been out celebrating." Vasile couldn't help himself, he reached forward and let his claws trace lightly over his scalp and running her fingers through his hair. "Happy birthday, Marlow," he said with a scritch. He was wheeling Marlow towards one of the jungle pathways. "I'm celebrating now" Marlow said with a smirk, folding his hands with his elbows on the armrests and they trundled forward. Journeying into the jungle this late at night usually would have been cause for concern, but at the moment he was feeling invincible and welcoming to a bit of danger. Vasile's suddenly feminine countenance was no doubt partially to blame for such a manly mood, even if he was being pushed along as the invalid he was. Vasile gave him a satisfied smirk behind him, continuing to let his finger wind in his hair as they continued the journey. Marlow would probably catch on pretty quick they were heading towards the lake, but any doubt was blown as Vasile leaned forward at the approach and whispered very close to his ear “I searched all over the island for a hot springs... I hope this will do.” Carefully as he could, Vasile took him off the trail and around the bend to the lake where in a little nook Vasile had done some preparations. There was a blanket over the ground like one would picnic at, but on top there was a small plywood table, lifted just high enough off the ground to be a makeshift Japanese table. Platters of food were covered by tinfoil to attempt to keep insects or scavengers away. Also set out were several small bottles of sake and small dishes for it to be served in. Around the clearing were five very crude paper lanterns. Two were flashlights and three were utility emergency glowsticks strung up by string, but that might not be apparent for each one had a hand painted paper rolled delicately around it. Vasile was no artist, but he did his best to mimic traditional Asian bamboo, koi, and mountain themes some the few art supplies he'd managed to gather around the town center and borrowed from other islanders. “Sorry its kind of ghetto,” Vasile preempted as Marlow was brought closer. Even with the skim laterns it was getting fairly dark in the thick jungle, but Vasile didn't seem to have any problems navigating, if he even noticed at all. “But I did the best I could...” he rushed over to remove the foil and hide it away to reveal platters of sushi. Marlow smiled, noting each quaint comfort with gratitude. Makeshift as they were, they were a welcome deviation from the sight of identical, institutional, same chair same bed same house that had become his way of life on the island. It was everything that wasn't the village, wasn't Moreau's play set or one of Lockheart's hypocritical diversions, and clearly all out of Vasile's... his thoughts trailed off as he looked up at his companion. "By far the most elegant sushi dinner I've ever experienced." Vasile smiled again and held out his hands, offering to assist him out of his chair. "Come take a seat?" he invited, motioning towards the table. Not wanting to be difficult, he took his hands and slid to the ground. Once settled he looked over his shoulder at the bulky contraption with a hint of distaste. "Could you..." His eyes darted from the chair to the shadows of the trees. Everything was too perfect to have such a grim reminder watching over them. Vasile gave kind of a sad smile and nodded his head, tucking a loose strand of hair behind his hair. "No problem." He wheeled the chair a ways back towards the path and stashed it behind a tree, hoping it was out of sight. Vasile hurried back and carefully kneels down beside Marlow at the table. As refined as he could, and mimicking every Japanese movie he could recall ever seeing, he poured out a dish of sake for Marlow and presented him with it. "And..." he said, setting the sake bottle down, I know it doesn't exactly go with the theme of the evening, but.." he pulled the foil of a small personal sized round pastry, "but you can't have a birthday without cake." There weren't any candles, but hand written in frosting it proudly read "Happy Birthday, Ridley" He wrinkled his nose with a fond chuckle at the petite puff of cake and its sentiment. "Some traditions have to be honored, it's true." He took his little dish and waited for Vasile to prepare his own. "Toasts, for example." Vasile looked rather proud of himself as he served himself and held up his dish. "Have something in mind or do I get the honors?" "How about... I go first." He scooted a bit closer, resting his wrist against Vasile's as he held his dish aloft. "To the most creative, considerate, and charming boyfriend any man, gay or straight, can hope to have." Vasile visibly wibbled a bit, his hand shaking just slightly as he gently tapped his dish against his. He seemed to have something on his mind that almost made him hesitate before he recovered with a touched smile and tossed the drink back before thinking of anything else to say. Marlow seemed to have rendered him rather speechless. He felt the tremor against his skin and worried that perhaps he had said too much, as Vasile looked a touch uncomfortable for a spell there. Sometimes he had to remind himself that while he was impressed with his own ability to bluff, Vasile was a professional. He gave a reassuring nod and served the next round. Vasile tried to think quickly, though his mind kept wandering back to what he just said and he literally hold back a girlish giggle. "Marlow, I would give literally anything I could to send you home.. or erase what happened to you. But, I want you to know you have, given the circumstances as they are, actually made me thankful for my. . . situation. It was something that was killing me inside, and now I couldn't be happier for it." Marlow brushed the back of his fingers over one of Vasile's cheeks, catching on of the long locks of hair and letting slide over his hand as he withdrew. "You're strong... I'm sure you would have adjusted in time. But I'm... glad that I've been a part of your happiness." He lowered his eyes, staring at his fingers as his voice softened to a whisper. "You've been every part of mine..." Vasile's eyes searched his, his expression somber. He seemed to be debating something in his head. Something he had admitted to himself several days earlier, but had no real excuse to just blurt it out. It wasn't like he hadn't ever said it before... but it was a line Vasile had used to learn well to get something he wanted. But now, everything was different. He broke eye contact to learn forward and nuzzle his neck affectionately. "I love you, Marlow," he breathed, then quickly pulled back to catch his lips with his own. This was a deliberate and purposeful action of course, because Vasile was far too insecure to actually try to judge his expression or wait for him to say something. And he didn't want to put Marlow in the awkward position of thinking Vasile was expecting the reciprocation. He wasn't going to make him say it if wasn't there. A punishment Vasile had suffered that he wouldn't dream of forcing on anyone else... Especially Marlow. The kiss started out awkwardly as Marlow worked through what had just transpired. The suddenness of the kiss threw him off far more than the words, and after a moment of reflection he understood Vasile's behavior. Perhaps it was because he had abused words far too much over the years to trust them on their merit alone, or maybe it was because he had seen his mother and father exchange the same pleasantries on many occasions without ever having the feeling that, though they had a certain fondness for one another, they'd never truly meant it. So it was rather fortunate that Vasile had reacted to his own confession as he did, because as realization dawned on Marlow that when Vasile said 'I love you' it meant just that, his kiss deepened to provide his unspoken reply. Vasile looped his arm around Marlow's shoulders pulling him a bit closer. He was quickly losing himself in the kiss, but he forced himself to slow down and not overkill the moment. He gently pulled away after several long moments, eyes darting over his face, a small smile crossing his lips. He gently cleared his throat and turned his attention to fixing a plate for him. Marlow ran his fingers through his hair, mussing it up slightly as he watched Vasile busy himself at the table. He still did not say anything, similarly not wanting to ruin the moment, but the bewildered smile on his face spoke for him. That was a hell of a gift. Vasile pushed forward a little plate of various sushi and a bowl of rice, the infectious smile spreading to him as his uncertain shy smile spread quickly into a happy grin. The back of his kimono wiggled something fierce as his tail yearned to be free and wagging in his graceful foxy fashion. Marlow took up a pair of chopsticks. Though he hadn't had a lot of experiences with Japanese food, a few trips to Asia on "business" had given him a little practice with the utensil. He clasped a circular roll between the sticks and raised it, taking a bite as he leaned back and watched the lanterns swing in the evening breeze. "You certainly have a knack for making sushi even more thrilling." Vasile busied himself with fixing his own plate. "Thank you," he said, daring to make eye contact again finally. "But I can't take all the credit. Something about it. Its elegant, simple...refined.." he took a good look at a piece laid delicately over the rice. "Ironic being its raw... I guess the beauty is in the simplicity." He took a bite, starting to relax. "As for thrilling, well, I know you like thrills. I tried to think of something a bit more... fast paced but came up blank. I even asked the labs to borrow the emergency jet skis and the switchboard operator laughed in my face." He chucked to himself at that. "But I was expecting much different." He picked up another piece with his chopsticks. "Eating sushi off a naked body if supposed to be one of the most erotic experiences you can have... so I read once," he mused. "I might have told you that on our first date... its a good line." He frowned. "But maybe I'll get lucky enough to try it one day..." he smiled back to Marlow with a sly grin and popped it into his mouth. "Or in a bottle or two" He teased, tapping one of the little flasks with his chopsticks. "You certainly deserve your own thrill." He was touched by Vasile's unseen efforts, and though a ride on a jet ski would have brought a joyous tear to his eye, he was a bit thankful it had fallen through given what had transpired thus far. Vasile laughed softly. "If I'm lucky..." his eyes wandered over the lake and an excited chill ran up his spine. "I remember how much you enjoyed swimming," he said with a hint of a suggestive tone, nodding towards the water. "You remember well." He agreed, finishing up another bite and shifting his gaze and attentions more directly on Vasile. "And I recall us having... unfinished business in the water." "Oh that thought has crossed my mind once to twice..." he said with mock innocence. He gave a wink towards him and refilled his sake dish. "Innocently, I'm sure." He rapped a nail on the edge of the dish, noting another innocent act that seemed to be in play. "Drunken, shameless, lakeside debauchery? I think that's a tradition I could embrace." He took a sip "Just incase you were worried you would have to do some convincing." "Sounds like my kind of tradition," Vasile agreed, taking his own dish to his lips. "But for the first time in a while, getting there is half the fun." Vasile let himself take comfort in the certainty of it. He could sit here and enjoy his time with Marlow without feeling like there was some kind of goal or game in play. It was nice. Marlow tapped the blunt end of his chopsticks on the table, straightening his grasp before plucking up a bit of sushi with the tapered points. "It's certainly a good night for it. No rain just yet" Though, strangely and inexplicably enough, he didn't feel he would mind the rain. Vasile shifted and placed another piece of sushi in his mouth. Chewing thoughtfully, his eyes darted to the sky before settling back on Marlow. "Not that rain would stop me," he smiled. He sipped his sake and seemed rather content just watching Marlow. His eyes were heavy lidded and a happy, lazy smile curled over his lips. "I don't think there is much on earth that could stop you... and I mean that as a compliment. Have you always been the sort to get whatever he wants?" Vasile's ears dropped down against his head sheepishly. "With one very notable exception..." he said, motioning vaguely to the island around him. "... yes." He twirled a claw tipped finger over his knee, tracing loosely the pattern on his yukata. "Is that bad?" "Considering us? No. It's a good thing." He laced his fingers under his chopsticks so he could pick up his sake cup as well. "Especially when up against people who don't know what they want." Vasile rolled his shoulders with a smile. "I never really considered myself up 'against' anybody I guess." Marlow feigned offense "Oh, I was that easy, was I?" Vasile chuckled. "I meant currently." He scooted closer to his lover, setting a paw all on his knee. "I've never worked so hard in my life than trying to impress you." "It worked." He leaned in and gave his neck a kiss. "And still working, I should add. I think I'll have to save some of these things..." He tapped one of the little lanterns that happened to hang close to the table. "Give my place some of your touch." The inside of Vasile's ears turned pink and a shy smile spread over his face. "Really?" he asked, craning his neck to Marlow's attentions. "Well... you aren't there all the time." He mused as he continued to nuzzle and peck. "Much to my regret." There was certainly an air of suggestion to his voice. Vasile made a purring sound in his throat, hands coming up to run through Marlow's hair. He closed his eyes for a moment before they shot open in a moment of surprise at what Marlow had to say. He let himself revel in the feel of Marlow's lips against his neck before his eyes fluttered closed again, nails scritching over Marlow's scalp lovingly. "I... could fix that..." one eye peeked half open to watch his reaction. Marlow let himself break into a grin for a spell before turning to a more business-like air, though as he let his thumb trace along Vasile's jaw in a teasing caress it seemed he had learned a thing or two about negotiating from his lover. "You bring your own dresser, one hour limit in the bathroom, and the dog sleeps in its own bed." Vasile did his best to gawk, but the sparkle in his eyes and the twitching of his tail totally revealed how excited he was. "You drive a hard bargain, Mr. Marlow. I don't know if Sir Brutus would approve...and you really think I can pull off this," Vasile motioned to himself with a flair of his hands, "in one hour?" "Hmmm. Good point. I apologize. It was a terrible idea." His tone and his face were jovial, but in the back of his mind he had to agree. It was one thing to discuss his hopes for his relationship with Aubrey, but quite another to flaunt so obviously within Moreau's view. It was dangerous to act so comfortable... and the fact that a change was looming on the horizon for him only drove the point home. Vasile shook his head quickly. "I didn't say that!" he said a little too quickly. He recovered and twined his fingers in Marlow's locks. He took a breath and smiled sincerely, "Just want to make sure I can stay beautiful for you is all." He poked the tip on his nose cutely with a claw. "Ah, fine. One of those compromises is in order. As long as you like, but the door only says closed for half an hour at a time. It would be absolutely infuriating for me to be so close to you for so long and not be able to see you." Vasile's face broke into an infectious grin, finding himself giddy at the prospect. He threw his arms around Marlow in a huge hug, throwing him a bit off balance. "Deal!" He staggered for a moment, but quickly steadied himself enough to fold Vasile into his arms. He hadn't actually planned on asking Vasile tonight, or any time soon for that matter. It was actually quite exhilarating to share in Vasile's surprise and delight. "Glad we could reach an agreement." Vasile pulled him into an enthusiastic kiss, cupping his face with his hands. "Thank you," he said with a sincere smile as he pulled back. "This is turning out to be a nearly perfect evening." He plucked up a bit of the cake with his bare fingers and held it before Vasile's lips. "We still have a few hours left in the day to prefect it"
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Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 11:48 am
An unsent letter to Marlow's brother, Christian Rayner Marlow III
Because diaries are for those for something to hide
Quote: September 14th, 2006 Ray: Sorry I haven't written before now, but I suppose I've been holding out for a chance to use a phone or send out an email. For being one of the most advanced and accommodating treatment facilities on the planet, Moreau's lab has neglected some rather essential amenities. This is the best I can do. I'm sorry to say that the treatment has been a failure. I'm no more able to walk than the day I left the hospital, though I suppose no longer being in danger of dying would be considered some success. Unfortunately, the unexpected side effects of the treatment are as numerous as they are unpredictable, and I might still lose my legs after all. It will be a long time before I am able return to the life I knew, if ever. I miss the family of course, but in perspective it's little different than it would have been if I had gone off to Harvard in the fall as planned. The man would still be traveling, you'd be off making the government a greater friend to business, and Catriona would still refer to me as "that brother that's always at school." I'm sure mom's busying herself with the usual distractions, as there have been no messages or flowers with messages from assistants piling up in my apartment. It's actually rather ideal. I've met someone. It happens when you aren't looking and in the strangest places. Things have gotten rather serious in the last few months, and we even share an apartment now. Not exactly the type everyone anticipated I would end up with, but then I remember the best bet was that I would be a bachelor to the end. High society, red carpet walking, highly photogenic blonde, like mother must have been at our age but not nearly so high maintenance. Anyway. Incredibly happy, you were right that I would someday find a match, ect. I'll buy you a drink someday. Apologize to the man for me, as this whole affair must be setting back his retirement something awful. With you on the political track and what not, Cat will probably be ready to take over before I am. I don't think we should be too concerned. With the experiments I've seen walking before my eyes here, I wouldn't be surprised if Moreau comes up with a treatment for living forever within the decade. And what with the blooming friendship between our families, I'm sure there are many things he'd be willing to share. Ridley
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Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 11:50 am
And the Award for Most Convincing Costume Goes to...The Halloween Party Quote: "I'll never forget you made me do this." Ridley Marlow had just edged into sight at the entrance of the tent, his head somewhat tucked and eyes out of sight beneath the broad brim of his top hat. He was dressed as any man would be for a black tie affair, all beit a century or two behind the current fashion. But given the slow pace at which tuxedos had evolved, that wasn't too noticeable. He wore a fine black coat with tails trailing from the slit between his chair back and seat, matching white silk shirt, tie, and vest, and a blood red cummerbund. The whole ensemble, while dashing, really didn't make much sense at a costume party until placed in context with the corset bound beauty at his side. Here's the story as neither would ever tell it. Vasile and Marlow had been watching a film, one that Marlow hand never seen before on account of the numerous show tunes and an inexplicable distaste for Nicole Kidman. However, at the films end (which also happened to coincide with the end of a wine bottle) Marlow had to admit there were some redeeming qualities to the film, mainly the titillating nature of the costumes. Discussion led to confession and eventually they had a secret mutual fetish on the table and no way to express it in Moreau's isolated tropical menagerie. But when news of a costume party reached Marlow's ears, he knew an opportunity had arisen. "Costumes" were ordered, and Marlow eagerly awaited the chance to surprise Vasile. Slight miscalculation on his part, as he had no idea that Vasile had actually wanted to attend... Vasile was surprised all right. As was Marlow when he walked into the bathroom to find Vasile an hour and a half into the complex ritual of preparing for the party a week later. Seemed now both of them were going to have their way. “Oh come on,” Vasile teased, fussing with his hair. “We're becoming hermits, it won't kill you to get out and party a bit.” Vasile walked beside his chair, knowing how he hated how it made him feel useless when Vasile pushed him around. “Besides, I've been a good boy. I deserve to show you off every once and a while.”
Vasile leaned down and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. “I'll make it worth it... I promise,” he whispered near his ear with a wink.Ambrose was on his way back from an... emergency trip to his duplex... While the tent was fully lit and the music playing, it seemed as if a lot of the earlier crowd had thinned.
It wasn't long past midnight - were they really that early to bed? It wasn't like they had any commitments the next day. Shrugging his shoulders he walked back inside. There was still food, there was still some decent music playing..... there was a strange trail of red lights leading out into the jungle... maybe it had something to do with that.
Ambrose adjusted the fake glasses on his nose and headed over to the concession table, restocking a paper plate with some munchies, and then looked about the crowd.
At least it appeared as if he wasn't the only one reentering the trip that late - a familiar couple was wheeling onto the dance floor. With a smile and a wave, Ambrose trotted over to Vasile and Marlow."It's amazing how often that promise coincides with things that cause me intense embarresment or discomfort." He straightened his hat, pulling himself into a more strong shouldered stance. "Or both." He scanned the room, finding it quite empty for such a prime hour. "Why should you be embarassed? You look amazing. I'll be the envy of every woman and gay man on this rock!"
Vasile gave a toothy grin, ears perking up when he saw Ambrose. "Hey Ambrose!" Vasile seemed very enthused to be out and flaunting, both himself and his date, and looked excited to see a familiar face.
He trounced over to Ambrose, motioning for Marlow to follow. Though he wouldn't admit out loud (to anyone other than Marlow), Vasile liked how damn good he looked in a dress.Ambrose's tail wagged as he came up to the couple, pointedly reminding him how drafty the nightdress really was.
Raising a cup of smoking green punch to the couple Ambrose chuckled. "Vasile! Good to see you again! And I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one here in drag." He laughed, looking down at his old lady nightdress.
"But I must say... yours is.... ah... rather more flattering than my own. If I didn't know better, Vasile, I might have mistaken you for a rather flat-chested woman." He gave him a toothy grin.
"And Marlow... I haven't seen you in a while. How... have things been going for you?" He took in the rather alien features on the man's face. It had been a while since he had seen the man - before his change at the very least. And he couldn't quite place the features... Marlow's tentacles twitched, a common reaction to any awkward moment. "Well. Very well." It seemed unfair to say 'all things considered' when his date was flouncing about the tent in a revealing, historically-accurate-to-an-unspeakable-degree can-can dancer's ensemble. Snailyness be damned, he was at this particular hour a lucky fellow. "You?" Vasile puffed up his chest at Ambrose's compliment. "Well, at least the fur gives a bit of padding... thanks regardless.. I think." He smiled and flipped his feathers in his hair. "I mean, being convincing is a big compliment for an actor and all. At least that;s how I'm letting you get saying I look like a girl." Vasile winked and put his hand on Marlow's shoulder. Ambrose gave a healthy laugh and raised his drink. "There we go, to good ... ahrm... acting then." He winked and tossed back the drink.
"And I am glad to hear that, Marlow. I've been... well enough, too. But seeing you together - that's great. If anything can get you by here, a strong relationship is it."
The wolf man glanced around awkwardly. "Speaking of... I would inroduce you to Angelina... but she appears to have wandered off." He finished sheepishly. ...that's right, it was supposed to be Halloween tonight, wasn't it? Anatoli had been cooped up in his duplex most of the night, practicing his trombone despite his teeth. Only until it struck past midnight did it really dawn on him, because he didn't care much to keep track of time since he came to the island. The party was probably long over and everyone's gone to bed, but Anatoli still felt obliged to come out anyway to see if there were any leftovers for him to grab. He'd been feeling a lot more nocturnal lately, and at this unholy hour the opossum-man felt wide awake. He tosses on his costume that he had planned -- Schmendrick, the inept wizard from The Last Unicorn -- and headed out to the tent. And not without his knife tucked into his waistband, of course! He timidly peeked in -- there were people there, which wasn't something he expected at all. But then again... surely, plenty of islanders were nocturnal? A lot of animals are, after all. He carefully slides in, keeping close to the entrance and away from the crowd from the time being. Marlow nodded and tipped his hat, having no drink to toast with. Noting this he gave Vasile a subtle fluff of his skirts and looked longingly towards the open bar. "I've learned it's the only reward you can really hope to find here. Everything else... just games and posturing." He had noticed that Dr. Lockheart was nowhere in sight, nor had he seen her about in well over a month. "I'm sorry I couldn't meet you fiancée. It must have taken a hell of a distraction to lead her away. Really pulled out all the stops on this, didn't They?" "They like to distract us," Vasile admitted, though he really didn't mind being distracted sometimes. "She'll be back soon, I'm sure. I saw some lights or something outside, maybe she's out there." Vasile looked to Marlow and smiled. "She's a great girl, I don't know Ambrose here did, but I think he got lucky." Vasile patted Ambrose on the arm and gave him a wink. "I'm gonna go grab a drink I think," he said, squeezing Marlow's shoulder. "I'll grab something for you."
Vasile saw the shy-looking man near the interest, someone he hadn't met, and couldn't pass up the oppurtunity to test out how convincing his costume was. He pranced over towards the door on his way to the bar, giving his best toothy grin. "Hello there, would you like anything from the bar," he purred out. He didn't try to mask his voice too much, but kept it breathy.Now this is how the party was supposed to go. Not a depressing conversation about their fates on the island that he had had earlier with Pyroth and Richard.
Ambrose smiled nostalgically. "I agree. It... I don't know, as ridiculous as it sounds, I think it's something that keeps the tie between who you are and who you want to be. And a real mote of true happiness here."
Ambrose's ears pricked as he saw Vasile wander over to the drinks and the arrival of someone dressed as some sort of blue wizard. A real drink sounded good. The attitude was good enough that it might even aide the atmosphere. "Want to go join vasile at the bar, Marlow?" Ambrose asked. He wasn't sure if it would be polite to offer to push him... or if Marlow would take the initiative.
"I could do with a drink, too, I think."Anatoli hesitated, ambling over to the table to the fox... woman? It was hard to tell. He ran a hand through his hair, fumbling nervously with his glasses. "Ah, hi there," Anatoli waved meekly, his hat tipping over his forehead a bit. He shoved it back up, then forced an awkward smile to bare his pointed teeth. "Give me whatever ya think's good," Might as well leave it open. Anatoli wasn't much of a drinker, after all. "But nothin' too strong, right?" The man winked. Marlow watched Vasile sashay over the bar and immediately take note of the young, akward wizard. A knowing smile played on the corner of his lips. "I think that might ruin Vasile's fun. Too often a good ruse is ruined by a blundering boyfriend rushing in." It was actually amusing to watch Vasile flirt from a distance, given how he was so used to being in the thick of it. Gave a whole new perspective on the process. "Sure thing, honey," Vasile winked and headed off to the bar, grabbing a tray and making up some drinks. He made something fruity and girly for himself, the man by the door, and Ambrose. He figured he had embarassed Marlow enough for one night and pours him a scotch on the rocks.
He balanced the try carefully on the tray and began to head his way back towards the slightly-changed man. "Here you go," he said, holding the tray down and pointing him towards a the drink. "I don't think I caught your name..?"The bemused smirk spread to Ambrose's face as he also turned his attention to Vasile's antics. "True enough, No point ruining his fun at the party. Just hopefully the young wizard doesn't go for that sort of thing. That or you're a very trusting soul." His mind wandered to the vacant Angelina and her skimpy Red Riding hood outfit. Hopefully no one was going to get any thoughts about her being on her lonesome....
Ambrose smacked his lips as he saw the fruity drink wandering his way. "Well... not my normal taste.... but thanks, dear." He smirked. A werewolf in drag, a fox of questionable gender, and... Anatoli wasn't sure who the tuxedoed man was. Something slimy. He delicately picked the drink up off the tray and took a small sip. "Oh, that's quite sweet," he said with a hint of pleasant surprise, "Thank you. I'm Anatoli."The opossum gave a few wary glances at Ambrose. Hulking mass of fur and muscle in a dress, but still a hulking mass of fur and muscle. Like nearly every single newcomer that's seen the wolf-man, "werewolf" immediately jumps to mind. It's hard not to want to panic, especially with the amplified sense of dread instilled into him by the marsupial's instincts. He took another drink and begun chewing on his bottom lip, despite his newly sharp teeth. He still hadn't gotten used to that, and was too nervous to notice that his lip had begun bleeding. He was a touch relieved that at least once drink didn't have a spider bedecked umbrella balanced precariously upon the rim. As for the wizard, he didn't chose to return the stare. It was hard enough to learn ticks, tells and other body language of the group without having to figure out what it was he was looking at and at this point not knowing was a fair enough trade off for not having to go through the motions of who, what, when and wheelchair. He'd go to every social event and eat out every single night with Vasile if he could be sure those conversations would cease all together. "Certainly could use a little more bite to it, couldn't it. Sorry, but I don't think I'm going to want to trade." "Nice to meet you, Anatoli," Vasile said, holding out his paw to shake his hand once the drinks were desposited. "These are my friends Ambrose and Marlow."
Vasile's happy and friendly demeanor took a sudden fall. The color in his ears drained fast as he stumbled forward a tick. He blinked a few times, steadying himself on a nearly table. He looked down at his untouched drink confused. "Huh..." he said after a moment. "Got a little dizzy there for a moment."Ambrose joined the cluster, reaching for the fruity umbrella drink with one hand and putting a friendly hand on the nervous magician's shoulder, giving him a toothy (in his mind "festive" grin).
With a snort, he took a few laps of the drink. "For your information, big bad wolves do not generally drink froo froo drinks." Ambrose said mock-scoldingly towards Vasile.
With a wag of his tail, after seeing the momentarily reel from Vasile, Ambrose leaned towards the fellow in blue, whispering near his ear. "Though I think that one might have had a few too many already.""D-d-d-d-d-don't touch me-- hhfffssssssss!" Anatoli's mouth hung open in a hiss at the paw-like hand on his shoulder, turning to face the wolf-man with his gaping, toothy mouth and wide eyes. He could feel his muscles tensing up, first in his shoulders and thighs. His mouth wouldn't close, and remained perpetually open as pale green foam began to drip from the corners. His arms begun to shake, then his entire body -- it looked like he was having a seizure! Anatoli was still conscious, although his head was swimming in adrenaline and for some reason all of his body locked up and wouldn't do what his human brain told it to do -- he wanted to grab for the knife, but he couldn't. He couldn't even talk, just stand stiff and hiss and gurgle at Ambrose. While drooling and dripping foam. How dignifying! Marlow as about to comment that it must have been the shoes, because Vasile rarely touched a drink unless Marlow also had one in hand, and so far it had been a very dry day. However the spectacle at his left stole his concerned glance. It took awhile for him to get a handle on the situation, but as he did he gave a short scoff. Okay, so Ambrose was a large and impressive wolf, but he was a wolf in a fluffy blue night gown. Not exactly the image that pushed men to mandness. Perhaps for some, alchohol and animal instincts just didn't mix. Still, the man did look to be in a bit of trance and it wasn't less than polite to leave him so. There had to be something he could do to help the man... He looked first at his scotch. That would be a waste of fine malt... but the abondoned smoking punch that Ambrose had left sitting on the near by table. That would do. He excused himself, wheeling back a few scant feet, and snatched the beverage, and moved back into position. Motioning Ambrose a safe distance off, he flicked his wrist upwards and splashed the punch into the Antolis's face. Vasile would normally be much more concerned about the man having a siezure... if it didn't feel like something was alive inside him and trying to claw its way out.
He was short of breath, almost weak in the knees from a sudden, intense pain that flooded his body. He clawed a bit at the corset, wondering if it was too tight.
"I'm gonna go get from fresh air," he said to no one inparticular, already stumbling towards the door, trying not to panic.Ambrose suddenly felt very, very awkward. He wanted to be nothing but seen as a nice guy. And yet time after time after time he kept terrifying people! And not just the newcomers to the island. He knew that it souldn't bother him. Hell, most people who took the time to have more than a five minute conversation with him learned he was a nice guy. But still, that dagger in the gut twisted every time something like this happened. Everything about his upbringing had taught the man that first impressions were important, that the image that he portrayed was everything.
Ambrose sighed darkly, stepped back and shook his head. With the green.... substance... dripping from the magician's mouth, coupled with the new additive of frothing green punch, Ambrose hoped the guy would be alright. But he wasn't the man to calm him down.
As Vasile excused himself - maybe he ate something that didn't agree with him...? Ambrose felt it was time to exuse himself as well. Angelia's continued absence was starting to really bug him. What if some drunk, horny islander was letting their own animalistic instinct out on her?
"I... should probably head off myself... Uhm... it was nice meeting you." Ambrose added dejectedly to Anatoli.
Then, with a wave, he headed off towards the red-lit path.The hissing was drowned out at the punch being splashed in his face, although it was still difficult for Anatoli to force his jaws shut. He just wanted to move, to control his own body. This was simply degrading to him, he wanted to say more or maybe just do something other than shake uncontrollably and drool. Weren't flashing lights supposed to trigger epilepsy, not talking wolves? When Ambrose started to leave, he could feel his body gradually calming, tense muscles softening up. The threat has passed, his body was returning to normal now. His ears still twitched, his fingers and toes spasmed, but he could at least tell his body what to do now. And now he just wanted to sit down on the floor, slumping down on weak, rubbery-feeling legs. "Sorry," he whispered to nobody in particular, perhaps only to himself as his voice was barely audible as he shrunk into his engulfing blue robes. "That's neva happened ta me befoah..." He wiped his mouth on his sleeve, leaving a smear of blood and saliva behind. "I'm just... gonna sit heeah for a while. Pay me no mind.""Yeah. Sitting helps... I would know." He was glad that snails didn't seem to have much of a fear or flight complex. If they did, he'd prolly have to get used to not wearing shoes. Then again... he prolly was going to have to get used to that anyway. He looked about, finding himself pretty much alone. "I need to find somebody. Here." He handed him the scotch glass. "Finishing that would probably do you some good." He gave him a sympathetic look and headed into the open, but by then Vasile had already disappeared.
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Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 12:03 pm
You Know It's a Good Thing He Isn't Gay, Folks.Marlow catches up with his... girlfriend. Quote: It had taken Marlow a couple hours to return the duplex after both had left the party. Even though there had only been 5 minutes tops between their departures, the darkness and the speed in which Vasile had dashed out left nearly every possible direction to be explored. It was only after an hour's earnest searching had Marlow realized that Vasile would either be a) at the party waiting for him b) home and miserable from missing out on the festivities or c) in great peril. Since charging heroically into the woods was something Marlow was ill equipped to do he had to be sure that it was necessary. It had taken another hour to wheel his way back to the tent from the beach and on to the duplex. Vasile had barely moved from his crumpled position on the floor. (S)he had lifted the skirts after the most intense pains finally subsided from the change just to see if it was true... and it was. Vasile was no longer a man, but apparently a fully equipped vixen. She found herself crying a lot, curled up against the wall near the door, wishing she had gone more the route of Pyroth. It wasn't that Vasile had any inner hatred or lack of respect for women, but it felt as if the last shred of his original identity had been torn away from him. First his face, then his sexuality, now his actual gender. What the hell was he supposed to tell Marlow? Vasile knew Marlow would probably handle it well, all things considered, but this was still a big deal. And, of course, Vasile figured it no accident it happened tonight, when Vasile was dressed the past. Apart from his new womanly parts, Vasile was in a dress, completely with her hair falling out of its intricate coif and lines of mascara staining the fur of her face. "Vasile?" The door the apartment creaked open and Marlow glided in, looking about the bedroom. The bed was empty, the light in the bathroom off as well. His heart stuck in his chest at the momentary fear that Vasile was in danger somewhere. That was until he heard the subtle hiccups at his right. "Vasile?" "Marlow." Vasile drew his/her knees up to her chest, drawing himself into as much as a ball as he could. He knew he couldn't avoid him forever, but he wasn't quite sure if he was ready for this. He wrapped his arms around his knees, then buried his face in them, tail drawing around him in an almost protective manner. He closed the door behind him and spun his chair about to face Vasile proper. Leaning down until his chest touched thighs, he spoke in a voice almost as soft as Vasile's. "Is everything all right? Do you need a doctor?" His mind was jumping from concern to not so wild speculation. Had Vasile been attacked after he had caught his breath? With his hair disheveled and corset unbound, he was the very portrait of trauma. He found himself sharing the same concern that Ambrose had earlier about lovers bound in bodices and lace attracting some unwanted attention amidst those the island had made monsters of. If it had been so... Marlow swallowed dryly, his stomach tightening with violent intent. Vasile just shook his head, finally lifting his head to look at him. There was something... different about him, even though his face looked exactly the same. Though with his head lifted, his new additions that were spilling quite noticeably over the top of his corset were now in view. Marlow's mouth had been open in preparation to speak, but the sight struck him dumb. Well... that cleared up that concern right away and brought a host of others. "You... changed." He finally managed, his hand reaching out for the underside of Vasile's muzzle. Vasile nodded, not wanting to speak just yet. It wasn't his voice anymore. But after a moment of silence he just couldn't bear it anymore. "I... changed." The voice was definitely different, low, almost a bit husky. Marlow's eyes shifted rapidly from place to place. Slender paws and neck... the endowments bared to any who cared to look. There was no need for explanations or theory. It was obvious what had happened. "You made it through okay?" His hand still hovered, unsure if Vasile wanted to be touched after such an event. " Okay?!" Her voice cracked as it hit a rather high note. "Marlow look at what they did?!" Marlow nodded, moving his chair back and sliding to the floor until his back rested against the same wall as Vasile. Nerve restored, he laced his arm behind a slimmer waist and guided Vasile's tear and mascara stained cheeks to his shoulder. Vasile buried her head in the offered shoulder, snuffling again and hating herself for it. Everything felt so strange... how she felt in his arms, her voice. These were the things that the worst about the transformations... so much worse than the physical pain. But Vasile had prepared himself for the 'worst'.. a fox in shape. Perhaps even in his worse nightmares a fox in mind. But this was something he didn't even fathom. Marlow's hand had come to rest on her shoulder, dutifully providing some reassurance that there were some things that hadn't changed. In his mind, there were far worse surprises that could have been handed down by Moreau, especially considering the collateral damage of Marlow's involvement with Vasile. But this... well, it was almost hard to believe. Not because it was unprecedented and unexpected, but because if there was anything that a transformation could do that would actually be seen as a blessing on their relationship, it had just happened. Marlow felt no remorse in thinking it, because despite what the world would see as fortune smiling down upon him he took no joy in it. Not when Vasile's misery was as obvious as the shuddering breath of sobs against his skin. And maybe that was the cruel genius of it in the end... " 'There are two great tragedies in life.' " He finally said, his clear and practiced tone suggesting that Marlow's words were not his own, but quotations of a far more worldly man. " 'One is not getting what one wants. The other, getting it.' It's over, Vasile. Everything you were afraid they were going to take... they're yours to keep." Vasile looked up at his words, wiping her cheeks. "I know you're right..." she said after a moment of thought. "Do you really think they will leave me alone now?" Marlow couldn't give him the answer he wanted to hear, but his mind was too a buzz not to give some consolation. "You've always played by the rules, and I won't ever give them reason to harm you." "Why this?" he said after another moment. "Was this their plan all along? Did they..." Vasile looked up at Marlow, not wanting to think Marlow was placing blame on him, but he couldn't help but wonder if this was some twisted 'blessing' on them for Marlow's benefit. She shook her head, waving it off. "I just don't think its quite ... sunk in yet." Marlow shrugged, unable to answer his question with anything but useless musing that was best left for Vasile to ponder at her own pace, just as he would silently consider his own reality. Vasile had changed last only weeks before his first transformation, and in the midst of all the constant distractions he had forgotten that those first changes always came fastest. He was overdue. Long overdue. And with the staff's knack for timing.... ... he wasn't going to sleep soundly tonight, nor any night in the near future. Vasile was already starting to collect herself, being near Marlow was enough to make her feel more calm. "So..." she said after a moment, sitting up a little straighter. "How is it." Vasile pushed up the corset the best she could over the new additions. Marlow cleared his throat as he gave Vasile's assets the inspection they deserved. He didn't need to play up the natural flush of pink that rose to his cheeks. "Very becoming, but then you already had the display ready before the merchandise arrived." Vasile gave a dry chuckle, readjusting some of his petticoats. "I guess..." he didn't really know how to say this without downplaying either the current situation or their past together, but he had to hear him say it... just to be sure. ".. I guess I'm pretty lucky that you're not gay, huh?" There was the unspoken question there, Vasile desperately needing that reassurance from Marlow that he would still want her. "You've always been one of the lucky ones, Vasile." He gave him a wry smile. "Now I get to be one too." "What would I do without you, Marlow," she said with a smile, reaching up to touch his face. "I'm sorry I kind of ruined the party, huh?" "I think wizard spewing rancid foam at the sight of your friend Ambrose was a sign that the party would have been ruined even if we had stayed at home. Now we just have the privilege of saying we got to be there." Marlow chuckled. "Now." He tightened his grip on Vasile's waist and, taking advantage of her diminished weight, dragged her onto his lap. "I don't care where you sit, but you look far too elegant tonight to be sitting on the floor." Vasile smiled, happy settling into her new seat. "I guess I just pulled off the most convincing Halloween costume in history, huh?" "You certainly won points for going the farthest lengths for accuracy." Vasile smiled softly. "I think it's a trick I can only do once..." She looked longingly over to the bed then back to Marlow. "I know I promised you a show tonight, but due to unforeseen circumstances, I think I'll have to give you a rain check, baby. I still feel like I've been run over by a bus or something." "Hmm." Marlow raised his arm to offer Vasile a brace to bring herself to her feet. "You've been so accommodating in the past, how can I complain?" "I could think of plenty of reasons, but I'm lucky you're so understanding, Marlow. You always have been, and I'm more thankful for that than anything." Vasile got to her feet and offered to help Marlow up in turn. Marlow nodded, swinging from Vasile's arm into his chair. "You give me far too much credit. It's easy to be understanding when I chose the dress that inspired more than one tonight." Vasile collapsed onto the bed, too sore and too tired to even care about his/her nightly ritual. Besides that, he wasn't quite ready to face the mirror. His lids were already growing heavy, despite having so much still on her mind. "I love you, Marlow," she said, pulling some of the blankets around her, drifting off almost immediately as the adrenaline high crashed quickly now that Marlow was there and knew what happened. There would be plenty of time to angst about her new form in the days to come.
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Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 9:05 pm
Better JudgementsAnd lapses there inQuote: His view was filled with white, pure and colorless... or all colors. Honestly Marlow had never understood how all that worked. He blinked as the light was moved away and swallowed dryly. "Well?" Dr. Lockheart retrieved the strange colored syringe from the handle-less cabinet, pulling the protective cover off the needle and watching him out of the corner of her eye. "Well, what?" She held the syringe up to the light to make sure it was to the fill line, causing the light to reflect off her extravagant ring, which had now been replaced on her finger since Marlow and Aubrey last talked. She walked closer, looking him over. "You're as healthy as a horse, considering your circumstances. I just wanted to check to make sure you were feeling okay. You're one of the only islanders to ever request their next injection, and to be honest, you didn't strike me as the type." She wiped the skin on his arm with an alcohol pad. "Nothing up your sleeve, Marlow?" "Just my heart, if it wasn't obvious." He flinched slightly at the attempt at humour, not needing anyone to point out how feeble it was. "I didn't mean anything by 'what'... just nervous I suppose." He pulled himself up to a sitting position as Aubrey prepped his arm. He chewed his inner cheek, glancing only for a moment towards the thin metal needle poised to pierce his skin before pointedly turning his gaze away. "You're full of surprises, Mr. Marlow," she said as the needle sunk into his skin. "Though given the circumstances I'm still surprised with your eagerness." She frowned, realizing she didn't really want to go down that road. "I... didn't know what Moreau had planned for Vasile," she said, pulling the needle away. Marlow's lip twitched, not from the needle's p***k but from the warmth that spread into his arm, traveling though the thick veins of his shoulder and though he knew it couldn't be so... he could have swore it shot straight to his heart. Why else would it feel like it had stopped? "What will happen will happen. I doubt I ever had the means to change it, and now I hardly have the will." He flexed his hands, saying a quick farewell to the already foreign form he had only just become used to. "Vasile's change was... unexpected. If you were worried that I might give you credit, well.... You never struck me as cruel, Doctor. If you are apologizing, well... then it's Vasile you need to speak with for the same reason." Marlow lowered his head wearily. "I... don't think 'she'll' be taking to this change as well as the others." Aubrey swallowed and nodded. "Well, she knows where we are if she wants to voice complaints." She frowned a bit and gave Marlow a serious look. "But at least she'll have someone to comfort her, yes...?" Marlow turned his head to look at Aubrey, meeting her gaze without hesitation. "Always." Just beyond her, Marlow could see the handless cabinet from which Aubrey had retrieved the serum. There would to two more of them in his future. He wondered if they were already there, just waiting for him to be ready. "I'm not going anywhere." "She's a lucky gal," Aubrey said with a smile and a shake of her head, tossing the needle into the biohazard bin. "Unless there's anything else you want to know, Mr. Marlow, you're free to go. The gentleman down in the Lobby will escort you back to the village." Marlow was quiet for a spell, his hand finally coming to rest over the welt on his arm. For a long moment, it seemed like he was just going to descend into his chair and roll along on his way, but then he spoke. "... Are there any surprises, Doctor... anything you know that I should?" Aubrey chewed on her bottom lip. "To be honest, you're kind of a trial run here, Mr. Marlow." She opened the door. "There's reading material on your species in the village, but we never know how much the serums effect people. Some it effects more than others. With most invertebrates, we focus most of our attention on the keeping the mental effects at a minimum." "Ah yes... the books." He made his way towards the open door, maneuvering his chair with expert finesse. "I had been avoiding looking at those. And if there is no way of knowing what will take... researching my worst case scenario hardly seems worth the discomfort. I'd be better off cheering you on with your focus." He gave her a self-deprecating but sincere smile. "Might not have a particularly charming personality... but I prefer it to none at all." Aubrey came up behind him, taking a hold of his chair and escorting him to the elevators. "Well from where I'm standing, you haven't lost any of it," she smirked. "You know where to call if anything happens. The change takes anywhere from twenty four minutes to twenty four hours." With the doctor safely behind him, Marlow allowed his features to contort into a grimace. He couldn't be sure if his usually cool voice had been tainted by the grief that was now plain on his face, but he tried all the same to hide it. "Thank you, Doctor." Aubrey patted his shoulder and let the guards take over from there. One of them took his place behind Marlow, grabbing the chair. The other led the way out of the building. "We have to chaperone you critters now," said the one in front. "So ya'll don't get eaten by the Big Bad Wolf." Marlow rubbed his thumb along the fleshy portion of his brow, the tightness of his frown increasing with the guard's taunts. He didn't need an escort, and he didn't need this, but he doubted he'd be able to rid himself of either. As soon as 20 minutes? He'd never make it to village proper in time. He leaned his elbows on his thighs and rested his chin on his folded hands, his eyelids lowering as he finally replied in a cool tone. "The wolf is quite the gentleman. I dare say I'd feel safer in his hands than yours." "Don't tell me you don't know about Annie?" one said, pushing him out the door. "I think that was an insult," the other interrupted. "What? You don't think we can protect you? Well if you'd like you can go this route alone, you know?" Marlow raised an eyebrow. There had been rumour, of course. But he had never heard anything concrete. Given how suddenly things had transpired and then downplayed, he had assumed that the matter had been greatly exaggerated. "No insult was intended." "I can't believe we have to walk." "She's been targeting the Jeeps." "Yeah but with the Jeeps we have a decent chance of out running her." "But the Doc said she won't attack as long as we have slimy here with us."" Marlow couldn't help but crack a small smile. "Then who is protecting whom?" The chair jolted they went over a deep crevice in the trail. "Its just a theory," the smaller one mumbled. "Didn't stop her from trying to eat the horny squirrel or take a bite outta the wolf man." Marlow grunted as he was rocked to the side, his hand shooting out to steady himself. His dealings with the lab had been so far and in between, this was actually his first encounter with persons that were neither sympathetic to nor invested in his plight. He had never taken disrespect to his peers lightly, and though his compatriots had turned from the affluent and cultured to the furred and scaly, his principles had not changed to suit. "I'm sure zookeepers make easier targets than qualified guards" He hissed. There was another conveniently placed jolt as the wheel went over an easily avoidable rock. "And what's that's supposed to mean, eh? Would you rather roll yourself back to your little house?" Marlow jabbed his palm against his brake, causing the chair to abruptly turn about face. "It means if you treat people like animals, don't be surprised if you get bitten." The guard pushing the chair stumbled and crushed his hands against the hand bar before Marlow spun around. "You little queer ********," he growled, cradling his hand. "What the hell are you going to do little man? Bite me?" Elsewhere, the guard walking ahead looked over his shoulder briefly, something else in the jungle catching his attention. He shifted his rifle and took a few steps out. Marlow glowered back, tentacles twitching at the hint that this man knew far more about him than the casual security detail. "Do I look like the sort?" His lips pulled back in a sneer to reveal dull teeth while his tone suggested his second meaning. "I'm sure if there was more claw and fang to me, you wouldn't be so eager to ask." Before he could quite get the last word out, two bullet shots tore through the jungle, followed immediately by a man's scream and the rattling roar of a hulking beast. The leaves rustled, but the dense undergrowth made anything more than a few paces off the already rather overgrown trail was impossible to discern. There was no sign of the other guard, just the sound of something that sounded like fabric ripping. The man ripped his gaze off Marlow and immediately hoisted his rifle, though the fear on his face was unmistakable. "s**t..." Slowly, as if the darkness was not enough to cover his motions, Marlow reached and eased back the brake. Not tonight... Looking over his shoulder revealed a path just as unwelcoming as the one ahead. He would have been better off on the main road. A pair of wheels on a stretch of steep asphalt would have taken him straight to his door. Instead he was a stuck on rutted path with a ticking clock and his best hope lying on an imbecile with a gun. Not tonight... The guard punched at the communicator at his chest. "She's here, godammit," he hissed, readjusting his gun. The leaves rustled around the path, a definite presence, however keeping in the shadows. Things grew silent for a moment, and the guard through a glance over towards Marlow. Just as he took his eyes off the line of sight, a hulking wolf jumped from the jungle, catching the barrel of the gun in her maw from the side, wrenching it out of the grip of the guard. He tried to run, but Annie snatched him up by his neck, giant paw crushing at his neck. Marlow froze in his chair, watching the spectacle with eyes widened in horror. Sitting as he was, it was almost unreal, like the whole thing was playing out on a screen. But he could feel the breeze on his sweat drenched neck, smell the metallic taint of blood in the air, and the rush of adrenaline that poisoned his body against him was the sort he knew only came from when he was certain he was in life threatening peril. He didn't dare move... he didn't dare breathe. There was something in Annie's other hand, something smallish and black and metal. The guard struggled against the paw around his neck, trying to scream but not being able to. The wolf-woman snarled, dropping the rifle to the ground and baring her teeth. Tattered clothes were the only real indication that she was ever, perhaps, human. A few pieces of tattered cloth were tied over her back legs and tail, like crude bandages. A large portion of her hair was missing, revealing burned, blistered skin. A fresh looking wound on her thigh poured blood down her leg, pooling in the mud at her feet. Annie brought the thing in her hand closer, and through her paw covered most of it, by the time the guard realized she was holding the pistol from the other guard, it was too late. Matching the sound of the bullet with a loud roar, the wolf dropped the now lifeless corpse to the ground. She worked quickly. Though completely mad, there was an intelligence behind her eyes. She stripped off the clothes of the guard, throwing the shirt over her shoulder and trying to tie what was left of his pants around the wound on her leg. The feeling in his stomach... dread, shock, and a stirring pain. Marlow covered his mouth, stifling a gasp and urge to gag. While his shoulders turned to guard him from the sight of the ragged heap of mauled flesh, his eyes were locked on the nightmare creature. Marlow's movement seemed to distract her, looking up at him. She looked at the chair, at the man... as if she was trying to figure something out. She suddenly jumped forward, landing hard on Marlow and his chair, toppling it over the uneven path. Marlow fell from the chair in the process, rolling down a hill and landing in an awkward heap. Annie recovered, grabbing the chair and flinging it hard against a tree with a growl, causing it to fall to pieces. She hobbled over to Marlow on the ground, sniffing him over. Her nose crinkled up in distaste at his order, eyes darting over his features, like his mouth and ridges over his eyes. This seemed to calm her, though she still looked nervous. "Need cloth," she finally barked, grabbing at his shirt and pulling hard enough to rip. Childhood memories of family cats finding mice in undiscovered corners of the house and taking their time did nothing to reassure him. In fact, the recollections twisted in his mind until the blood flecked cat meticulously flayed the shrieking writhing rodent, then the creatures themselves contorted into the very manlike beasts those he lived with were fated to become. The fear was naked in his eyes, but so was his will to grasp and cling to whatever chance he had to survive this encounter, even if the cost was more than the two lives already taken. He pulled back, slipping easily out of the torn garment and skittering back a couple feet for extra comfort... though that didn't last. Another shot of pain arrived, this time cracking though his spine and growing in intensity. Unexpected as it was, he cried out in what any beast could recognize as a wail of pain The wolf grabbed at the fabric hungrily, snatching at his pants as he skittered backward. She tugged, a snarl coming to her lips as she jerked them off. She jumped a bit at Marlow's wail, ears flattening over her head and lips pulling over her teeth. But the pain seemed to strike a chord with her, and for a moment, her eyes softened. She came a few more paces forward, licked at Marlow's face. But her ears shot up and swiveled around. She couldn't stay... it was the key to her continued survival; never stay in the same place. She trotted away, the pile of clothes huddled in her arms. Though it looked like she might be gone, a few seconds later she returned, dropping the gun in Marlow's lap and gave him a significant look. Speaking seemed to be very hard for her, but she took a breath and tried to get out what she was feeling. "Too bad...use." And then she was gone, quickly disappearing into the jungle. Marlow watched her go, his stomach rising and falling rapidly with labored breath. "What...?" The recently fired gun was hot his lap, burning his skin but leaving no mark. As he wrapped his fingers around the grip of the gun, he saw the seam of flesh knitting between his middle and ring fingers. At that moment the wolf's meaning was as clear as the sound of the shot that had killed the guard only moments before. With both men dead and Annie's last look of pity before disappearing into the forest... she had given him the weapon for one purpose. Mercy. His expression hardened as fear faded, his hold on the pistol tightening until his own plea came rushing back to him. Not tonight... He dropped the gun, but the moonlight still glinted seductively on the wet metal. Not. Tonight. He dug his fingers into the black soil, pawing frantically until a shallow grave had been dug. With a swipe of his arm, the pistol tumbled inside the pit and quickly buried. Even with the gun out of sight, the memory of it was enough to cause his body tremble. Fortunately, only a few tense, dead still seconds passed before his thoughts were captured by more physical torments. As the pain welled in the curve of his back, threatening to burst out of his very skin, he sank to his side. Drawing his knees up to his chest and clutching his shoulders, Marlow let the shock and the darkness take him
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Posted: Mon Dec 25, 2006 11:52 pm
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Posted: Mon Dec 25, 2006 11:55 pm
On Christmas Day, Vasile and Marlow would find two boxes on the doorstep. The first one is quite large, addressed to Vasile, and contains a small waredrobe of very flattering, but definately feminine clothes.
The second, addressed to Marlow, is a smaller box that contains a bottle of fine aged Scotch with a crystal decanter and matching glasses, on a silver platter.
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Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 9:01 pm
Post Backdate: This post and the post after are a continuation of the night of Marlow's 50% transformation and belongs between the two posts above. Better Judgements II"That's... very brave of you."Quote: Marlow might of heard the distant rumbling of the Jeeps, or the barking commands of a small army of guards...but everything seemed dull, distant... It wasn't until Dr. Lockheart was picking him out of the mud that anything seemed real again. "Mr. Marlow?" She shook his shoulders gently and patted his face. "Mr. Marlow are you okay?" Marlow's eyes opened, and as white light flooded his vision he thought, for the briefest moment, that he was back on the exam room table waiting for Lockheart, that the whole scene had been some imagined worst case scenario for the change ahead. Fleeting, very fleeting, as the static of the radios and the hurried thump of boots on the ground beneath him anchored him to this reality. He blinked again, but still the moon's light was blinding. Aubrey slipped her lab coat off and covered Marlow's lap, helping him sit up. "Did she hurt you, Marlow?" Hurt him? How could he tell? There wasn't an inch of his body that wasn't feeling some ache or discomfort. On impulse, his hand reached behind his back towards the main source of his pain. As his fingers brushed against the hard, cold shell for the first time, his dazed expression tightened into a grimace. Even as he drew his hand away, a long cord of clear fluid followed. Slime at first glance... but something told him it was a bit worse than that. Covered in scratches from his fall, stretched and torn flesh framing his newly erupted shell... but not a dash of red marring his mottled gray skin? It was definitely worse than mere slime. "Doctor... I'm bleeding...?" "Bleeding?" Aubrey's hands slipped down to were Marlow has reached, feeling the slime there and giving him a funny glance. "Come on, we'll check you out back at the labs...I'll help you up...?" Marlow matched her odd look, narrowing his eyes as if trying to figure out why she was making a joke at a time like this. Aubrey put his arm around her shoulder and tried to stand up, bringing Marlow up with her. A sudden wave of nausea made her cover her mouth and stumble back. One hand stayed to steady Marlow, the other dropped from his mouth to hold her stomach. "We need to get you to the Jeep..." She looked around and gave him an apologetic look. "Your chair...I think its broken." Marlow clung weakly to her arm, slipping from her grip as his legs did nothing to keep him upright. Looking down at them, he barely even recognized them as his own. As he slid back to the forest floor, he looked with renewed horror as the limbs curved along the frame of Aubrey's body and the ground, limp and pliable as rubber. As he tensed, his descent slowed. His longer antennae stretched to attention as he realized his arms weren't the only things clinging to the doctor. "She targets the jeeps" The dead man's voice echoed in his mind. Marlow shook his head. Aubrey swallowed, looking at the legs and giving a shudder. "a... a little help here?" Two guards swept in, quickly scooping up Marlow from the mud. "Put him in the Jeep, I want him checked out at the labs..." Marlow was still shaking his head as he was loaded into the waiting car, but he did not struggle. Why had she left the labs? She would have been safe there... The guards piled in and peeled off, Aubrey and Marlow in the backseat. "We were worried... we didn't see you at first, Mr. Marlow," she said, looking over to him. Marlow was slumped against the side bar, trying to focus on what Aubrey was saying with less than reassuring success. "She threw me off the path..." He explained flatly, his arm curled across his stomach and his hand tracing the fringe of slick, dark skin that fanned out from his hip in an unaware, automatic fashion. "Away from... them." "I want to keep you in the labs for a while, until we make sure you're okay," Aubrey said, just looking ahead. "Especially since you just...well, you know." "Of course." Marlow nodded his head, looking off in the same far off direction. He was quiet for a moment, the tentacles tipping the line of his mouth flattening against his cheeks. "Vasile... I didn't tell her where I was going tonight." Aubrey looked rather surprised at that, putting a hand on his shoulder to keep him from jostling around too much. "You didn't?" she asked, sounding a bit surprised. "Why not?" "Worrying enough as is..." Marlow replied softly. "Was trying to make it better... not worse." He was quiet for a long moment after that, closing his eyes in concentration as he worked out the simplest, shortest way to put his intentions to words. "If I knew it was coming, then I could bear though it, keep face... move on. And if she saw me being strong... maybe she could be too." "Not taking it well?" Aubrey regretted asking the moment it came out of her mouth... Marlow wasn't really the chatty type and, frankly, she new the answer already. Vasile had been barely left the room in weeks. "Anyway, that's... very brave of you." Marlow gave a small huff, though the slight rise of the corner of his mouth proved that he appreciated her sentiment all the same. Thankfully the drive back to the labs was rather uneventful... Annie was smart enough to turn tail when she needed to. Aubrey had a wheelchair waiting for them when the Jeep pulled in. "Most of the practicing medical staff is already working on those guards," Aubrey said, helping it out. "I'll take a look at you, and then have someone come up as soon as they have time to if anything concerns me..." Marlow settled into the chair with difficulty and for once didn't reach for the wheel grips, opting instead to let Aubrey take the handles. He looked ahead, catching his first glimpse of his new form on the broad glass doors of the main building. He stared, mouth slightly agape, as unfamiliar, white-less eyes stared right back. Of all the things, the limp legs, the wet skin, the clear blood... this was the only one that brought tears to his eyes. And those salty tears burned. Aubrey paused for just a brief moment, then hurried herself through the doors as fast she could. She chewed on her lips all the up to one of the hospital rooms, parking the chair next to the bed. "I'm going to go get you some water so you can clean yourself up a bit. And I'll find you some clean clothes..." "Yes... thanks" Marlow nodded and placed his arm on the bed. "... and Vasile?" "You can call her or send a note... or we'll have you back in your duplex by tomorrow morning if everything goes smoothly. Your call." Aubrey gave him a smile and slipped out of the room. Marlow watched her leave, sliding his three fingers along the edge of the bed mattress before looking over his shoulder towards the intercom panel. Slowly, painfully and awkwardly, he rolled the chair towards the wall and reached up for the pad. The strangest sense of déjà vu washed over him, and a moment later he realized why. With a sad sort of smile he dialed his duplex and let it chime just long enough to wake up a body in deep sleep, but not enough to give it a chance to interrupt "Vasile... It's Marlow. I'm up the hill, in the labs. There's been an... incident. It's probably not safe for you to leave the house, but I just wanted you to know... I wish you were here." Vasile's ears flicked a few times at the sound. Initially the sound of Marlow's voice just made him smile and feel more comfortable, until the words began to sink through her sleep-muddled mind. She blinked open, suddenly feeling very awake. She flung herself out of bed and over to the intercom, pushing emphatically on the buttons there. "Marlow?!" She forced herself to calm down and find the right button and pressed it down. "Marlowareyouokaywhathappened?" Marlow leaned his head on the wall, relieved beyond all measure to hear Vasile's voice but uneasy as well. "I'll be all right. Lockheart has me." "Thats... barely reassuring." Vasile frowned and leaned closer against the panel, as if she pressed hard enough she could go through. "What happened? Did they take you? Are you hurt? Why are you still there?" Marlow felt the long antennae above his eyes shrink slightly as he hunched his shoulders. He really didn't want to explain it like this. Vasile would be upset either way, but at least face to face he'd know he'd get to see her one last time before she stormed off. "I'm... not really at my best right now..." he mumbled with apology in his voice. "But I'll be fine... the rest can wait until we see each other again..." "I'm coming up there." "I knew you'd say that..." "Of course I would. I'll be there soon... I'll.." Vasile stopped and looked at the door, her eyes narrowing before giving a definitive nod. On the opposite end of the line, Marlow gave just as clear a shake of the head. "Vasile, No. It's not safe." His speech was becoming more halted as he began to tire. He took a deep breath so his final words would come out solid and clear. "Stay inside until morning." "But..." Vasile hesitated, a slight whine in his voice. "Marlow, baby... I need to be there for you. I'm worried." "I need you too..." Marlow swallowed wetly, his thumb and forefinger covering his eyelids as the acid-like burning returned. "Every day from here on out... which is why I can't let you risk it tonight..." Vasile let out a defeated sigh, a shiver coming over her and she peered out the window, wondering what was out there. "Can I come in the morning?" she finally whimpered out, picking at the wall where the panel was attached to the wall. "If I'm not back..." He paused, not sure if the morning would be any safer but knowing that if their places were switched, there was no force in nature or science that could keep him from scaling that hill. "Yes... one way or the other we'll see each other in a few hours." Vasile was quiet for a moment, contemplating heading up there anyway. "I love you," she finally said as a parting, releasing her finger off the button with a sigh. She nuzzled the speaker with her nose, frowning and sinking into the closet chair, eyes wandering back outside. The speaker hummed softly with a whisper. "I love you too."
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Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 9:06 pm
Better Judgements IIIPlot over? Snail and Fox fluff equal very yes?Best Strongbad Email EverQuote: Vasile sat around for a few hours, but staring at the intercom every few minutes was driving her mad. She was worried for Marlow, and she didn't want to just sit idly by. Finally, she came to a decision. She dressed head to toe in pitch black and dared to step out. She hadn't been out of the duplex for more than a few minutes at a time for months now. She could do this. She was a fox damn it. Weren't they supposed to be all stealthy and stuff? Well, thanks to the chips, that wasn't really relevant... but if that was something going bump in the night the labs didn't have their thumb on, then perhaps she stood a chance. So she headed out. She stayed on the trail, keeping her ears up and her nose to the wind... and found is surprisingly effective. Nothing alive seemed to be near...at least recently, and she managed to make it up to the labs without any excitement. Aubrey looked surprised to see her, but let her up. Vasile never posed any real threat to the labs, so as long as a guard stayed posted outside Marlow's door she didn't see the harm. So Vasile was led up, the guard not even bothering to knock when he stepped in, making the fox woman stay in the hall for a moment. "Someone here to see you," he announced with barely disguised disgust. Marlow was only just barely awake... or hardly asleep. Certainly not in a state of rest or attentiveness, so he gave no more than a soft grunt at the guard's announcement. Probably only Lockheart, or some other specialist to come and poke and prod at something they had never seen before. He had long turned his back to the door. Saved him the trouble of seeing the passing gawking faces, gave everyone else the coveted peek at his newest, most exotic feature. Worked out the best for everyone. There was a silence for a few moments, then a hesitant squeak. "Marlow?" Vasile's voice was unmistakable, lingering in the door and just staring at the shell. It hadn't really sunk in what that might mean...or at least didn't know how to react to it. "Vasile..." It came out in a long breath, sounding surprised at first, then as if he had been expecting her to appear all along. Vasile stepped over quickly, pulling up a chair and sinking into it at his bedside. "You...again..." Marlow nodded, looking out the window before turning his head to peer over his shoulder. "It's still dark out..." The moment he turned his head, his stomach lurched as he realized he might not have wanted Vasile to see his face so soon. He closed his eyes. Damage control. "Is that what this is all about?" Vasile looked him over, raising up a paw to run over the smooth shell. "I mean... is everything okay? I mean... considering? You know, why are you here?" Vasile's ears were down over her head as she gently pulled on his shoulder, surprised at the coolness of his skin, urging him to turn over. "I couldn't wait until morning to see you." Marlow heeded Vasile's hand, turning his body with obvious discomfort until he rested on his opposite side. Lying on his back was pretty much out of the question. It took him a moment to settle, from pain and unfamiliarity both, but finally he opened his eyes again. They were black, a faint sheen of opalescent green the only hint of the rich hazel eyes that once graced his face. "No... not all. Something happened... something I think made this all happen a bit faster than it should have." Vasile hand went to cover her mouth when she saw her own reflection in his eyes, the alieness of the taking her back a bit. This was... well, at least as bad as Cassidy's last change. Her chest tightened at that thought; guess this would be the final test. She shook that thought out of her mind for now, closing her eyes for a moment. "What happened?" Marlow turned his gaze away, knowing what Vasile felt because it had been exactly what had brought tears to his eyes when he first saw them. He now stared placidly at the little cup of water on the nightstand, antennae shrinking back a bit. "There's a... woman on the island. They called her Annie." Vasile swallowed, trying to focus on the words Marlow was saying. "Annie?" She blinked and tried to remember anything she had heard about that name. "Wasn't Annie the one who killed that bunny girl?" "I'd never heard of her before now... but it's likely. She might have killed again tonight." He shivered slightly, his knees drawing a bit closer to his chest. "I was being escorted back to the village... she attacked the guards first. I-I don't know what happened to the first... but I heard him scream. The second... the second she shot with his own gun." "And you saw...?" Vasile's hand came up and reached for his. Marlow closed his eyes and nodded his head, entwining his three fingered hand with Vasile's. "And then she came for me." He let the memory play over in his mind before he continued, not yet strong enough to push it away. "I don't think she realized I was the same as her at first. She threw me off of the path... broke my chair... but then I think she saw me better. Maybe too well..." He swallowed, his voice hoarse as he remembered what happened last, the thing he knew he would never share. "Then she left." "She threw you?" Vasile squeezed his hand. "Are you hurt? You know.. from that?" She was licked her nose and cocked her head and she tried to peice together what was happening, "Wait, why were you here in the first place?" "To ask if I was ready..." "Ready for... this?" Marlow nodded, eyes still closed. Vasile withdrew her hand with a sigh, scratching behind one of her ears in a nervous fidget. "Why didn't you tell me?" Marlow curled his fingers closed and buried his hand under his pillow "If I wasn't, then why make you worry? If I was, and I was, then it would be done." He took a deep breath, and then let every thought that had plagued his mind, before and after this ill choice, spill out. "You were suffering, and I was useless. I needed to understand what you were going through and I needed you to know I understood. You wanted to be there for me, I wanted to be sure I would be there. You needed someone who was strong, I was ready to be strong. You couldn't handle anymore surprises... so you deserved to see sooner rather than later what was in store." Vasile put her elbows on the cot and rested her chin on her hands. "You weren't useless. You've done a lot more than I think you realize." She gave a sigh and looked over his face again, using one her hands to stroke his cheek, trying to coax him to open his eyes. "I never meant to make you feel that way." "You made me care... I think it the great plan of things, that's nothing to feel sorry for." Marlow smiled slightly. "Even if it makes me act like an idiot." "Then you're forgiven," she said with a small, sad smile. "You're going to be okay, though, right? No... broken bones or anything from Annie? Are you okay with what you saw... I mean," she scratched at the fur behind her ears again. "You can talk to me about it, ya know, if you need." "I'm going to be okay. They suspect things just went faster and rougher than the change is designed to go... adrenaline, heart rate and thinking I might die. Great research data though, apparently, at least that's what I heard through muddled moments of semi-consciousness." Marlow smirked. "I'm such good subject." Vasile leaned forward and nuzzled her muzzle over the side of his face. "I'm certainly glad you didn't... and that you're going to be okay." She took his hand in hers again and gave then a squeeze. "Well, for being such a good subject, maybe they'll give you a perk or something." "I've got a perk." Marlow said simply, stroking his hand down the side of her cheek. Vasile gave him a sincere smile, just letting the moment hang there for a second. "So," she said quietly, "When do you get sprung so I can play nurse?" "God willing? The second you push that button and tell them you can take care of me from here out." Vasile's tail wagged a bit, squeezing his hand before pushing back her chair and pressing the intercom. "Dr. Lockheart, please!" As he was waiting for the reply, she suddenly looked a bit unsure. "Are... you sure? You're okay?" Marlow nodded, sure and clear. "Let's go home." A few discussions with the good doc, and a brand new wheelchair later, Marlow was dressed up in a clean pair and scrubs and sent back to the village with a small army of guards. Vasile hovered protectively around Marlow the entire time, nearly growling if they so much as gave Marlow a judgemental look. Marlow was quiet the entire time, though far more at ease than any of the other three times he had traveled this path over the course of the night, though the rustling of leaves on the jungle floor was enough to keep his antennae outstretched the entire time. Those expressive protrusions were already proving irksome. He could hide a smile or a frown, but keeping his feelers in check was going to take some practice. The moment the door closed on the duplex Vasile was ready to dote. "Do you need anything? Any bandages I need to change?" She went over to the bed and pulled down the sheet and fluffled the pillow. "Are you hungry?" Marlow pulled himself out of his chair and under the blankets. "Come to bed. I want us to be where we should have been tonight." Vasile's ears perked up as she made her way back over to the bed, crawing up on it slowly, carefully. "Yeah?" She pulled her top over her head and wandered over to where Vasile kept her nightclothes. "Yeah." Taking his cue from Vasile, he pulled off the lab's stiff polyester shift and tucked it beneath the bed. "Like everything went according to plan." Vasile's old nightclothes were very ill-fitting, be it she had never replaced her wardrobe since it happened. She crawled under the covers and looped her arms gently around his neck, all her movements very deliberate, both getting used to the new changes and being overly worried that she was going to hurt him. "Plan?" "The one where I came home, I went to bed, and we just went on doing what we do best." Vasile sighed, "I don't think I can do what I do best anymore." "Can't make me feel like the luckiest unlucky one on the island? If you were trying to sabotage yourself, sneaking up the labs when I told you it was too dangerous wasn't the smartest move." He gave Vasile's forearm a pat. "You haven't stopped. You're doing it even better." "Oh, that's what I do best, eh?" Vasile kissed him gently at the corner of his mouth, snuggling closer. "And what about you?" "Me?" He chuckled slightly. "I just look good."
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