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 Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 8:28 pm
Brad yanked on the collar of his jean jacket, standing outside in the biting cold without so much as a shiver. The rugged man was quite warm, and it had nothing to do with his meager clothing. After adjusting his jacket unnecessarily, he rubbed his stubly jaw, looking around with sharp indigo eyes, ones that did not tell just how far gone he was. No, it was likely the random lop-sided grin and just as equally random snickering to himself that was the give away.
He was waiting, and he actually had to remind himself a few times for what. The man checked his phone a few times, preparing to call a ride only to see Alani's number having already been connected to. Brad would quietly compliment himself on his choice of designated driver, lean against a near by lightpost for a while and check the time, realizing he was drunk and needing a ride and thus performing the act numerous times.
Luckily, he had tired himself out of staring at his phone and was simply leaning against the light, canted in his position so that he could comfortably cross his ankles. The harsh light bathed the man in its unfriendly glow, spotlighting his still perfect hair and hollowing the shadows that it cast. Brad glanced at his phone. He should check the time soon.
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Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 8:41 pm
Alani had gotten into her small, modest car as soon as she'd gotten the call. She'd been spending the night in her pajamas with a cup of hot cocoa at the computer, compulsivly playing WoW (after havig to reinstall it for the third time that day) when she'd gotten Brad's call. She still wore her pajamas, a coat thrown over herself to ward away the chill of coming winter, and sneakers without socks.
She had to admit, she was proud of him for having the sense to call her and ask for a ride. She'd already decided that she'd take him to her house so she could make sure he was safe the night long. Alani found the bar he'd mentioned, thankfully able to use the landmarks he'd given with only a few confused moments. She pulled up to the curb, seeing Brad standing beneath a light post and gave a small sigh, stepping out of the car and standing on tip toes to peek over the roof.
"You okay?" She knew that there must be -some- reason for Brad to have drank... but she wouldn't push. The concern in her voice was real, however. If he'd talk then she'd listen. She'd always listen.
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Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 8:50 pm
His head jerked up at the familiar and oh-so-welcome female voice, quirking a pleased grin as he caught sight of Alani by her car. He pushed himself off the lamp (and almost off the sidewalk), catching himself and sauntering around the vehicle with a less than steady step. Reaching his dear friend, he encircled her in an earnest and warm hug, not at all mindful or really aware of what she was wearing. "There's my angel," he chuckled into her hair, only half-joking.
She was warm, and she smelled good, of woman and home and safe and comfortable things. Taking a deep breath, he released his grip on her with another half smile, looking at her for a long time before he realized he was supposed to get into the passanger's seat.
"Am I okay?" he repeated as he crawled unceremoniously through the driver's side to cram his long limbs into the passanger's, "I dun think so." He uttered a sound eerily close to a giggle, finally managing to put his feet where they belong before fumbling with the seatbelt. "I couldn't rightly...oh, wait, I can." Brad snorted like a child who was told to clean up his mess, frowning. It didn't last long, however, as it seemed his mind was slipping from one place to another. "How are you this fine ev'ning?"
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Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 8:59 pm
Alani was taken by surprise as Brad wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled into her hair... even more so by his words. She flushed, giving a small sound against his chest. He smelt of alcohol, but there was always that faint smell of whatever cologne he wore. She curled her hands into his coat briefly until he let go, watching with a half smile on her face as he bypassed the passenger door to crawl through her open driver's side.
She got in after him, starting the car as she listened to his mind wander. Her brow creased in concern for a moment, but then Brad seemed to forget about whatever was troubling him.
"I'm good, thank you. Was a bit worried when you called me so late, though, don't do that!" She pulled away from the curb and started the drive home. "You're going to stay at my house tonight, alright?"
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Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 9:14 pm
Brad hunkered comfortably against the seat, turning his head to the side so he could watch her. He found peace gazing at her; that, and it was better than watching the scenery rush by, which wasn't going to help him keep his liquor at all. A lazy smile crossed his stubbled mouth, prompting a quiet bit of chuckling. "Sorry ma'am," he drawled, "you're th' only one I trust."
It was true, aside from the fact that anyone else he could have called likely would have made him feel worse about drinking at all. He blinked at her next statement, the smile filling into an extremely playful grin. "Takin' me home, hmm? Who 'n their right mind would t'rn down the night at a beaut'ful woman's house?" Brad laughed, feeling brave and more than a little flirty. It was easy to turn his attention to Alani, as it gave his mind focus and a sense of familiar ground. It contested with the languidness of the booze, but he didn't much care about that right now.
"I dun mind at'all," he murmured, more to himself than the woman at his side. He laced his fingers together over the black fabric of his shirt covering his stomach, taking a deep breath. "Just...d'y'have a spare toothbrush?" Brad smiled again, thinking to himself, not at all considering that his request was somewhat odd. He was, after all, drunk.
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Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 9:34 pm
Alani felt another blush creep up her face, sure that she was pure red by now she cleared her throat shly and reminded herself that he was inebrated...
She gave a small, sad sigh without realizing it, making the turn onto the road her house was on. "An extra toothbrush...? Mmm.. yeah, I'm pretty sure I do. You'll have to share the spare room with Ama, though... she's sort of claimed it as her own since I don't do anything in there."
She parked in the driveway to her small home. Desinged by Brad himself, it'd taken a bit to be able to snag the cozy building but it meant something to her. She stepped out of the car, going around to open the passenger side so he didn't try crawling back the way he'd gone in.
"Watch your step." She reached down to offer him her hand to help him up and out.
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Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 9:43 pm
She was one of those women who looked fetching when they blushed, but Brad may have been slightly biased. Those indigo eyes blinked in surprise at his own thoughts. Biased? Why? His gaze lingered on the woman as she sighed, not acknowledging that they'd arrived until she was out of the vehicle. Even then, he stared at the empty seat, trying to make sense of things in his foggy mind. She was a pretty, hard working young woman who somehow suffered his antics. He had every right to think her attractive, remarkable, and--
He nearly jumped when his door opened, wide-eyed as Alani's hand appeared to help him. "Mmm, watchin'," he mumbled as he took the side of the car with one hand, the other gingerly accepting hers. The man was careful as he pulled himself out, stepping a little closer to his friend than he had intended, easily within what one would call their 'personal space.' Brad was a little shaky on his feet, but could stand; that was automatically many points in his favor, in the game of life.
Turning his eyes onto the woman mere inches apart, he smiled tentively, feeling unusually...shy? No, it wasn't as much shy as it was apologetic. For what, though, he was uncertain, and it made him feel even more lost than being drunk. The thoughts turned over in his mind, lips pursing as though he was really concentrating. Out of the blue, he commented slyly, "Nice house." Despite his condition, he was mindful not to breathe the words on her directly, suddenly really wanting that toothbrush.
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Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 9:51 pm
Alani gave a small chuckle, leading the way to the front door with a jingle of keys after shutting the car door. She walked up the five or so stairs and stuck the key in the lock, turning it. "Isn't it? Wonderful design... feels almost like it was made for me. Very cozy, care to come in?"
She motioned her hand inward, letting Brad walk in before her. She closed and locked the door behind her, shrugging out of her jacket and letting it fall to the chair beside the door. Her small white and orange bobtail cat immediatly padded toward them, letting out a sing-song meow of greeting. She rubbed against Brad's legs, the little nub of her tail circling in happy greeting.
Alani watched from behind Brad, admiring his tall (if a bit wobbly) figure as he stood. His hair was it's usually slightly mussed, sweapt over, and the rumble and timbre of his voice always made her feel safe and like blushing.
She coughed, walking past him, calling back over her shoulder as she shuffled to the kitchen. "Are you hungry? Thirsty?"
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Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 9:58 pm
"Yeah, seems like a good job. Lucky lady, someone mus' think highly of ya." Brad lumbered into the house, turning towards the bathroom that he knew was there. Heck, he knew the house like the back of his hand, maybe even better. His trek was cut short by the adorable little bob-tail cat, to whom he crowed at with delight and leaned down to scratch her little hind end just at her nubby tail. "Ama, my love! It's been far too long. However...m'needin' some refreshing. I promise you love and affect'n until you can't stand it once I sit, kay?"
Giving a few more doting scritches, he stood, glancing over a broad shoulder to Alani with a faint smile. "Water, and bread if y'have it. I need to kick this." He put a hand over his chest, another chuckle escaping him as he finally made his way to the bathroom. Brad physically blanched at the sight that greeted him in the mirror, sticking his tongue out in dismay. "Smooth," he rumbled at his own gaunt reflection, turning on the faucet to splash his face with cold water.
"Toothbrush in the drawer?" he inquired loudly so he could be heard, hoping he wasn't being too obsessive. It seemed vitally important that he made his mouth presentable. Mouth?! he jerked back in thought, Breath. BREATH. He grumbled a few more things in his mothertongue, patting his rough face in a handtowel.
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Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 10:15 pm
Bread and water, sounded pretty reasonable. She smiled softly as she got out a cup. Brad was a resonable man, even while drunk. She remembered the way he'd hugged her when she'd showed up, day-dreaming for a few moments. She was startled out of it as Ama touched her cold nose to the back of her leg and mewled pleadingly.
Alani glanced down in surprise at the small bob-tailed feline. "Are you hungry?"
She went about fixing both Ama and Brad something to eat and drink as she herself got a glass of orange juice, setting Ama's food down in it's regular spot, sitting herself at the table. She leaned her chin on her hand and gazed at the doorway where Brad would have to come through to find her.
"Yes! It's the blue one with the ridgy grippy thing! Toothpast is on the sink!"
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Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 10:27 pm
Brad had found the toothbrush in question and was just about to insert it into his mouth when Alani called to him. He ended up jabbing himself in the palate, choking on the toothpaste that nearly slid down his throat. Coughing and spitting the stuff back into the sink, he laughed, a little shakily. Real smooth. "Thanks," he called back a little hoarsely before trying again. Little ridgy grippy thing indeed!
He took several minutes, making sure he couldn't even taste the memory of the alcohol. Washing out his mouth and giving himself a once over again - he didn't look so beat up, at least - he exited the bathroom. His eyes flitted over the house until he spotted Alani and the feasting Ama, a faint smile coming to his lips. Seeing the two, such familiar souls with a place in his heart, it was something like coming home.
"'Lani," he started as he walked towards the kitchen, removing his jacket as he went, "have I told you in the last five minutes that you're an angel?" His expression was one of near seriousness, although his eyes were surprisingly gentle for his drunken state.
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Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 10:39 pm
She found herself flushing yet again as he entered, calling her an angel. She looked down at her glass shyly, taking a small sip of it. "Not in the last five minutes, no..."
She felt an uncertain fluttering in her stomach, glancing anywhere but at Brad so it wouldn't intensify. Her eyes rested on Ama who continued to eat, purrs escaping between bites of food.
"Mm.. there's your bread and water." She motioned in it's direction before shyly trusting herself to look at Brad's chest. There would always be familiarity and friendship and comradere between the two of them but she felt something else this night.
Or maybe she was imagining the tension? Maybe it was just herself. She scratched the back of her head lightly, slouching in her chair. "Just let me know when you're tired." She gave a small smile. "I'll tuck you in."
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Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 10:48 pm
"No? Hm. I need to remind you everyday. I should have anyway." Corny, a little sappy, but Brad was in a very passionate state of mind, as often came with being heavily drunk. He was not one of those men who forgot everything during his drinking bouts; while his memory was faulty during the act, he never forgot that actual time. It was partially why he didn't drink often, if at all.
He gave a cursory glance towards the food indicated, before he knew exactly what he was going to do. The man rounded the table as nonchalantly as possible - which was not very convincing, giving his slightly sideways meandering on his feet - laughing a little. "Tuck me in? Lani, don't talk like that when I'm feeling this way. I'll take you up on it. I may hold you to it anyway." He grinned, stopping only as his leg brushed against her chair, looking calmly at the seated woman.
His hand extended to her, cupping her jaw in his palm. Indigo eyes trailed over her face, painting her vivid eyes and soft contours in his mind, even though he long ago memorized her features. Brad tilted her face up to him, leaning down to her.
Was he really...?
Yes. He'd made up his mind, although the logic was lost as soon as he pressed his lips to hers, enfolding Alani in a gentle, sweet kiss.
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Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 11:12 pm
"Feeling...hu-"
She'd been about to ask him what he meant by 'feeling this way' when he reached down to take her chin in his hand. Her breath caught in her throat as she was forced to look up at him. It was needless to say her face flushed lightly once more as she looked up at him, startled.
His closeness, the way he stooped slightly to be able to hold her face in his palm... her heart thumped once and then stopped as he beant further, his hair brushing lightly against her forehead as his lips came close...
Alani closed her eyes, shivering as he pressed his lips against her's. Her mind shouted wildly at her. 'He's kissing me! But he's drunk, he doesn't know what he's doing! But that's not like Brad to forget! He's kissing me!'
Her hands fluttered up shyly to rest on his shoulders, and she held the kiss a while, feeling a mixture of sadness and elation. This was probably just a passing thing... maybe he saw something of his ex in her... that thought definatly sent an icicle through her heart and allowed her to think more clearly. She shouldn't think anything of this... she wanted to. If Ama could speak the small cat would probably blabber constantly about how Alani spent nights talking with her about Brad.
Very gently Alani pulled away from the kiss, still feeling the warmth of his lips on her's. She opened her eyes heavily, looking into his face, half hoping to see something for her there but not expecting it.
Her voice was barely a whisper. "Brad...?"
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Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 11:21 pm
Brad would say he was lost in the kiss, but that would have been a lie; it was more like being found after wandering for a long time, something that should have been, or perhaps always had been all along. When Alani pulled away, it took a moment for him to open his eyes, which were unusually blue. The hand against her skin didn't move, save for his thumb, which stroked her cheek ever so softly.
He wanted to say he was sorry, but it would be untrue. He wasn't, not in the least.
Finding his voice, albeit slightly deeper than usual, he murmured, "Was that wrong of me?" He didn't move from his position, his lips pulsing with the memory of her own, dark brows drawn over his eyes in concern. True, he was drunk, but he wasn't sure he would have ever found the balls to do it without the extra help. He'd been in denial for a long time, but her reliability and her sweet disposition was just what he needed. She deserved better than an old man who couldn't come to terms with his own mind, though...
"I hope you don't think ill of me..." Apparently the moment had been quite the sobering experience, bringing him more back to himself a bit more. He wasn't sure he had the right words. Instead, he tried to reach around to kiss her cheek, if she'd let him.
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