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 Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 5:21 pm
Who: Zeke, Alex, Brad & Zul
When: Midday
Where: Gambino Isle, shopping district
Weather: Bright sunny day with ocean-front breezes
"All this trouble for a handful of hours in one magical evening. Having any regrets yet, Alessa?"
"I'm going to hurt you."
"Oh, we have an upgrade from 'hit' now? Not very lady-like."
This was, for better or for worse, the conversation Zul was amusing himself with. The demonic Frei was watching his woman hiss and growl at her brother for the past five minutes, which he was certain was a record time at annoying her. Blue eyes switched between the two as the older male needled at her, only to have her snap something back that made him laugh. In some strange way, it made the Raevan wistful for a sibling to have such enjoyable sparring matches with...and in another, it made him wholey glad he had no such competition. "We are going out today?" he interrupted their banter, making both pause to look at him; Alex looked obviously flustered, whereas Brad was simply grinning at the Raevan, a look the older man rarely wore.
The older sibling nodded at the inquiry. "We are. I'm taking her to one of the high end areas in Gambino Isle - as if any are trite there, but that's beside the point - and she's none too happy about it. Are you, sweet little sister?"
"If I didn't love Zeke so much, god help me, I'd make you my older sister--"
"What does that mean?"
"Ssstg...NOTHING. Zul, go...get my wallet please, B, I'm going to hurt you--!"
Brad could only laugh at his sister, five years his junior, clasping her shoulder in a brotherly, if not teasing manner. "You asked for my help, sorella. I'm only giving you what you request. Who knew it would cause me so much grief?" The over 6' man lifted his broad shoulders before letting them sag in mock-defeat. "You are exceptionally difficult for a sibling."
"And you're exceptionally a pain in my a** for trying to help, fratello," came the unpleasant growl in return. Alex was wearing a button-up shirt for a change, although it was still in tank-top fashion; a cargo-esque thing that looked like it came out of a safari hunt set over loose, comfortable blue jeans. No need to dress up when she was going to be dressing down...to dress up. The woman sighed and ran her fingers over her face, "I have no regrets for this." She felt it necessary to address the previous claim. "I'm just nervous. Aren't I allowed to be?"
It was the Raevan that now joined the battle. "You've met him a few times. Known him long but not well, what's to be nervous about?" The tone of Zul's voice indicated he was still a bit sour over the news of the two going on a real date, especially when Alex had told him just how many times the two had seen each other and talked for more than a few minutes; it appeared the demon had a slightly jealous side after all.
Alex groaned, fingers fisting into her hair. "Not now Zul, come on! We've already discussed this."
"Hmph." The self-righteous flare of his bone wings made it clear he remembered the so-called discussion and was still not pleased with it. Zul tilted his head back, his eyes clear and without anything in them to insinuate he was not aware of what was going on. "Bear and I are betting chores that you'll kiss--"
"WHAT?!"
The man grinned widely at Zul's venom, holding up his hands defensively at the younger woman's rage-filled glare. "If looks could kill," he joked lightly, moving towards the door. He himself wore his standard button-up with rolled-up sleeves and belt-held jeans, his sandals flopping against his feet as he crossed the tile foyer. "I don't want you to feel beat up, like you're alone in this, so I invited a little help." Brad reached the door and opened it, smiling at his sister; in that moment, it was obvious they were related by the mischevious look he wore.
"It better be damn good," came the angry hiss, not at all pleased that her little askance of help was turning into a big display for people to poke fun at her for. If Alex ever did have radioactive eyes, now was definitely the time for them.
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Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 8:55 pm
Zeke stood just outside the front door in a wide pool of sunlight on the concrete walk leading up from the street to the home behind him. He was without sunglasses, so his eyes were pinched shut against the brightness that seemed to bounce off of everything and come right for his caramel colored eyes. Despite voluntarily closing his vision off to the world, he was smiling in a cheeky way, the words from the three individuals in the home reaching his ears with no hindrance thanks to an open window and his close proximity to the dwelling. He flinched with a chuckle at Alex's loud outburst, thinking this little endeavor Brad had him come with him on would be a bit more complex than he was lead to believe. Silly man, how Zeke loved him so. Despite what he believed would be the obvious difficulties (Alex? In a dress? The sky would rain fire and brimstone first!), it would make for an interesting and fun afternoon if he and the entire household, including Alex's Raevan charge Zul, were all going out together.
Fingers went into the loops of his dark blue jeans as Zeke bounced on the heels and balls of his worn, black high top sneakers. His trademark purple and orange starred belt was absent today, as were his long white gloves and there was nothing to replace the latter. Instead a leather belt was strung through the loops that he now held, though it was mostly hidden under a loose, light teal t-shirt with a small white screen print over the left side of the chest and and even larger screen print of the same design on the back. The image was of a small bird standing underneath an image of a cat which was standing underneath and just inside a large dog. All three were surrounded by a heart that was slanted to the right slightly and christened with the words 'Durem All-Animal Clinic and Care' written along the left side inner border in decent sized lettering. To top it all off, the right sleeve had a small print of various animal footprints going up it, with the largest at the bottom and the smallest at the top. The ends of Zeke's arm tattoos stuck out just a little past the ends of the sleeves but were otherwise fully covered unless he decided to show them off.
As he continued to bounce while waiting, one hand raised up and swept over his hair; his signature mohawk missing and the two-colored locks wet from the shower he had been taking when Brad showed up, but still pulled back into a ponytail nonetheless. The end of his style draped over and covered the concave arch of the heart, though the design would peek out as his head turned and tilted, removing a small kink in his neck that popped up there. Just as it was freeing he heard his boyfriend's voice and a practical cue to turn around, doing so and gingerly opening his eyes so the light wouldn't blind him too much. The hand that ran through his hair passed over his eyes, effectively helping his vision transition from the insides of his eyelids to the sunny outdoors to what would be the shady interior of the house's foyer. As the door started to open Zeke put on one of his most brilliant greeting smiles, his hand still raised so he started to wave it a little, eyes focused on what and who the door would reveal when fully open.
"W-Well...Hi there pretty lady!" He floundered on his greeting the moment he saw Alex, her angry face scaring him and making his smile flicker. He considered running (and fast), but he knew his mission and instead stayed put on the spot. Zeke looked to Brad and gave the older man a smile and wink, failing in his attempts to come up with something witty or playful to say to get the scowl off the Italian woman's face. The only thing he could think of would probably sound stupid, but then again it could work.
"Surprise!"
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Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 3:24 pm
One second the woman was glaring scornfully out the door; the next, she had bypassed her brother and physically attached to Zeke, wrapping the younger man up in an impressive bear hug. "Oh GOD tell me you've come to save me Cupcake!" she mock-cried into his shoulder, not in the least bit put off by the wet hair that touched her brow and cheek. "Your boyfriend is trying to make a lady out of me! Stop him!" One green eye peered scornfully over her shoulder, narrowed and focused on her older brother. Sure, it wasn't really his doing, but that was besides the point when dresses were involved.
The older man peeked around the door, grin still in place. "You'd be hard pressed to believe she asked for my help, the way she's carrying on." Brad waited for his sister's Raevan to float out of the house before shutting the door behind them, locking it and flipping the keys to the one that would start the car. He put a hand on her back to soothe her mock-sobs, leaning over to kiss Zeke on his brow. "Thanks for letting me kidnap you. I wasn't sure either of us would survive without a peacekeeper."
"I'd give it ten minutes," the Frei offered up helpfully, smiling at the laughter it earned from both of the siblings. Zul was certian he could diffuse any tension between the high-strung Italian duo, but he didn't mind being left out of that loop. No, if anything, he'd have a chance to observe the two men and keep a very careful watch of his woman, who seemed to be displaying more symptoms of lovesickness than he was - it was quite grave, as far as he was concerned.
Alex squeezed Zeke again before letting him go and giving him a sound kiss on either cheek. "Thanks for coming," she said with considerable more sincerity in her voice, her smile gentle. "I would have killed him otherwise. Buried him with a dress too, just out of spite."
"Charming. In the car before I hog tie you, sorella."
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Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 5:20 pm
Like the time before when he had dropped by the home in a surprise visit, Zeke wasn't able to fully prepare himself for the mad dash and attachment of Alex onto his person. He wasn't in danger of falling back this time, but he was pretty sure he could feel is ribs squeezing inward as he was hugged by the older woman. Zeke was able to chock and gasp out some laughter, unable to hug the woman back due to his arms being pinned to his tightening sides. "Sorry Alex, but I'm on his side." He pointed his scruffy chin up and towards the opened door and the man behind it, grin wide with amusement but showing an apologetic side as well. "He's too good looking to say 'no' to in these sorts of situations...In any situation. I succumbed to his allures! Forgive me, I was weak!" He cried out and pulled a playful grimace which ended with his tongue sticking out at Brad when the older man came into view.
"Did she now?" He looked down at the fake sobbing woman, chuckling at her predicament now. "Well, you have no real right to complain and threaten him if that's the case Alex. It's just not fair!" Zeke's bi-colored head raised to look at the much taller man after his damp brow was kissed, beaming jovially at his boyfriend. "You're welcome Brad, and you know you're more than welcome to kidnap me any time you like. I just have to schedule my showers better and teach Dust Bunny not to attempt to jump you when you come in." The small kitten was in the midst of her first shedding and when Brad had entered the apartment she had been all too excited to see him and share her coat with his pant leg. Zeke's futon wasn't black anymore, but it appeared Brad had gotten away with nothing but pinprick holes in his jeans from tiny claws.
As the demonic Raevan spoke up, Zeke laughed with the siblings as well. "Hello Zul, good to see you." He smiled at the Frei before going on. "And I'd give them fifteen personally." He laughed again before turning his attention to Alex, her friendly way of greeting him enabling the younger man to breathe just that much better as she kissed him too. "You're welcome Alex," He leaned to the side, wrapping his arms around her brother's middle and giving him a pleasant squeeze, head resting lightly on the older man's chest so he didn't leave a wet mark from his hair. "I'm happy to tag along with you all." He laughed at her last words. "You say that, but you know that if you did you'd have no one to argue so well with! That and you'd have me on your doorstep, giving you the 'Kicked Puppy' face. Which is a horrible, horrible expression and I can do it rather well." He said the last part nonchalantly and with a mild shrug, though his expression was filled with amusement. At the finality in Brad's words Zeke removed himself from the man, shaking his head while his grin grew wider and wider.
"Something is telling me I should have brought a spray bottle filled with ice water..."
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Posted: Fri May 29, 2009 5:34 pm
Muted grumbling and soft hisses of discontent followed Zeke's words that he was siding with her brother, but really, both his and her reactions were to be expected. "Oh come on. It'd be funny to bury him in a dress!" came Alex's oh-so-logical arguement.
"Thank you love." The older man smiled at Zeke, draping his arms around the vet's torso, lowering his head against the wet bi-colored hair without much mind to the water that touched his jaw. "You might have wanted to bring one," he agreed as his boyfriend moved away, opening the driver's side door and looking at his sister, "except--"
"No telling where it'd end up," came the snarled reply, the feisty woman walking stiffly to the back seat and settling in, arms crossed and shoulders hunched, fully prepared to make the venture as unbearably difficult as possible, even if she did ask for it. She was not one to be grace under fire when it was her own doing.
The demonic Frei took the last open seat, leaning over to Zeke and tapping him on the shoulder with a devious smile. "I can supply the ice..."
"NO."
---
To say the trip to the Isle was eventful was a grand understatement. It was miraculous that they made it in one piece. The elder of the siblings had to practically hold his sister's arm as they made their way into the nicer, more ritzy part of the shopping areas, eventually finding themselves in a formal-wear store that ranged from summer dresses and nice vest-tops to the full-blown tuxedo suits and wedding dresses.
Alex was trying not to cringe. Wide green eyes swept over the array of clothes that included every color, fabric and cut of gown one could ever hope to see (or hope never to see, in one certain Italian's case). Managing to get Brad to let her go and promising not to flee, the woman uncertainly touched a few of the more tame dresses, pretty numbers that she was certain she could never actually wear, even if she had wanted to. And yet...
"This one?" Zul offered up jovially, floating over to his Guardian with a brilliant orange piece that was cut jaggedly and had all sorts of ruffles and flares along the seam. "Pretty. Nice color."
The woman very nearly turned red on the spot. "I'm not...that's...what the hell, Zul?" she finally settled on, fixing her grinning charge with an embarrassed glare. "You're as bad as he is." Alex grumbled and started to move deeper into the dresses, by-passing the short-cut summer gowns that would do her no favors.
Brad couldn't help but laugh at his sister's displeasure and Zul's amused look as he watched her plow onwards. "Not smart to rile her up immediately, Zul. You have to give her time to think she's safe, first."
The Frei nodded thoughtfully, tucking that nugget of information away for a later date. "Ah," was his intelligent response.
"I heard that!"
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Posted: Sun May 31, 2009 12:41 pm
All during the car ride Zeke had been good about not laughing or, if one managed to slip out, turn it over into a short, strangled cough which luckily never turned into a fit that would need to be explained away before he got pummeled. Now that they were actually in the store and he was possibly out of earshot and lost in between racks he was free to get it all out, though he would still look around like a meerkat between bouts just in case Alex had snuck up behind him with a plastic coat hanger in hand. During the walk from the car to the store he had kept right behind the Italian pair, just as a precaution in case Alex had managed to escape her brother's hold. He had chased down a whippet before, he could chase her down too, but luckily it didn't come to that.
The group had gotten stares as they had come in and since they had broken off to look independently for the most part, Zeke was getting most of them. Particularly from a pair of elderly women who he was certain were purposely following him, but for what assortment of reasons he couldn't say. More than likely because he looked like some twenty-five year old deliquent even though he was in a decent get up, but he digressed. He had been drawn to and immersed himself in bright colored fabrics near where Alex, Brad and Zul were, flicking through to find something decent though he had no mind to Alex's size. Her reaction to the orange, frilly number put a little pout on his face as he looked to the older woman who was moving away from her brother and charge while he had tugged the short hem of an electric blue dress out from the rack.
"Alex, you make the raver in me cry." He said forlornly as he moved away from the rack. "Invisible tears you cannot see, but they are there. Weeping!" His tone was matter-of-fact but turned playfully over dramatic as he ended, tossing his forearm over his brow and leaning back slightly to just add to the image. He took a couple steps like so but walked into a rack filled with patterned dresses that poked at his chest with the hangers they were on. He dropped his arm and rubbed the offended part of his person before reaching out and tugging a white and black thick zig-zag patterned dress out for emphasis. "So I take it patterns--Okay this is ridiculous--Hello ladies!" He dropped the gown from his hand and whipped around, raising his hand up and waving briskly with a wide grin on his face. The two trailing women skittered away and Zeke bounced on his heels back around, picking the dresses back up again.
"Again...So I take it patterns are out too?" He kept bouncing on his heels as he waited for his answer, also shifting through the rack in the meantime. If it was so he'd have to be good and steer clear of the vibrant colors, patterns, and mix of the two, though they drew his attention more than the dull, single colored wear. Maybe he could make a challenge out of it, find something that wasn't dull but wasn't a signal flare. Even if Alex didn't like the choice--or they didn't have her size, whatever it was--he'd have fun with the search which was (in his mind) imperative for everyone of the small group to have, even if Alex would at first be difficult despite asking for help at first.
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 7:08 pm
The woman turned her head, her profile in sharp relief over her shoulder. "Zeke, if it breaks your heart so much, you really are free to wear it yours--" Alex blinked as the man spun, turning to observe the women scurrying off. She moved towards him as he bounced and continued on nonchalantly, gathering him up in a one-armed embrace around his back, learning her head against his shoulder. Although it might not have been readily apparent, she was waging a miniature war within herself not to burst into laughter.
After the mirth had been wrestled into something more manageable, she lifted her head and kissed the younger man square on his stubbled cheek. "There are some days I love you, and some days I really love you, and today is one of those days." Alex did laugh then, giving him another affectionate squeeze before releasing him, amused green eyes turning over the dresses he was sorting through. "I don't mind patterns or colors Zeke, I do mind if they look more like a gussied up one-piece bathing suit than a dress."
She snorted, shaking her head; it was hard to explain without detailing her scars, something she generally avoided when it came to her leg. "All I ask is that it covers my legs - or at least one of them - and matches. For example, as much as you may like that shade of orange, the hue doesn't quite go with my skin. Makes me look saturated." It was hard to tell if she was poking fun or being serious, rolling her shoulders in a shrug before she continued into the ocean of gowns. "I'm not much of a frilly person either. The most you'll get me in is a sparkly something or other, but lace, frills, ruffles and other manner of embelishments are better kept for more personal visits."
Alex paused, casting a suddenly narrowed look over her shoulder again. "Don't even ask what that means," she grumbled, before continuing onwards, roughly observing a black number that looked more like a wet suit than a gown. "Damn nerves."
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Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2009 3:13 pm
When Alex embraced him and put her head on his shoulder, Zeke's immediate action was to rest his cheek atop her dark hair, knowing she was probably trying not to burst out laughing in the middle of the ritzy store for his little antic just now. He knew one of the reasons she loved him so much; not only because he was dating her brother but because he was just as lively and prone to bouts of random play as she was. It was one of the reasons the veterinarian liked her so much as well. She could take his nonsense and hyperactivity and together they were a hurricane of insanity and laughter more often than not. Zeke really did think of, and love, the older woman as practically his sister that way; they were quite a pair when causing some level of ruckus.
The squeeze around his midriff made him drop the dress in his hands to give her a hug back, patting her there as best he could in this side-against-side position. The kiss and her words made him start laughing himself, turning enough to give her a full embrace. "It's a really good day then!" He beamed at her and let the Italian woman go, snatching up the dress that he let fall once again and trying to fight a devilish grin from snaking across his lips. He was being given the keys to the Porsche, so to speak; being allowed - by Alex herself - to stick himself in the neon colored fabrics and go wild. With a little limitation, but nothing he couldn't handle with ease. "I see...Well that won't be hard. This place doesn't seem to have too many of those, though I've yet to dive into the middle section, and pssh..." He scoffed with an easygoing air, flapping a hand at her. "That won't be hard either, Alex is waaay pretty, so I bet most anything will look nice!"
Zeke looked over at the main aisle on a whim, noticing that Zul was nearby with the same dress Alex had been so vehemently against in his hands. Probably within earshot too, which was perfect timing. After a quick look back to Alex, Zeke turned his attention to the Frei and called out. "Hey Zul, remember that she said that. Alex gave me permission to dress her like a signal flare as long as the dress isn't a gaudy cut or doesn't go well with her natural feminine guile." He turned back to the Italian woman, that devilish grin on his face coupled with a wink. The pierced man looked rather pepped up and ready to find what he would consider 'normal' but what Alex might consider as 'you've got to be kidding me'. He'd maybe pick one or two as a joke, a few of what he seriously thought would be nice, plus some muted or darker colors that would probably better suit the woman's tastes. "Not that I don't trust you, Monkey, but sometimes amnesia pops up at the strangest times over the strangest things..."
He trailed off, hand reaching up and sweeping through his drying bangs before moving to a rack next to the one they were standing at, smile wide and trying to make itself innocent though that was quickly becoming impossible. He was nodding to her continued words, but the last bit about the laces and frills being for home visits made him stop looking, lift up his head, and watch her go. Again he dropped the fabric he nabbed, hands raising and being held palms-out in a nonchalant and unoffensive way. "No need for me to ask, I already know what it means!" His hands were crossed over his chest then and he looked straightforward, very serious, at the departing woman before continuing, head nodding with certainty. "It means my next visit to your house is going to be a very interesting one."
Before Alex could probably turn around -though she had enough time to react to those words, he was certain- Zeke had taken off, zigzagging between racks, past the demonic Raevan, and over to the opposite side of the main aisle. One there he made he way around a small display table before looping an arm around Brad's midriff to swing himself around to the other side of the man; keeping his head low and taking cover between his boyfriend's side and an unattended circular arrangement of gowns. He gave Brad a squeeze, patting the front larger man's torso gently before dropping his hand and arm to his own side. "I'm just gonna...Linger...Here until I'm sure she won't hunt me down and beat me to death if I leave your side, okay babe?"
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Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 3:43 am
Brilliant green eyes rolled at Zeke's compliment, taking it in stride and sticking her tongue out at him like a mature adult. She decided not to comment on it, instead following behind the vet like a kicked puppy, the man's teasing words to her charge earning him a most pathetic looking pout. "C'mon Cakes, I at least trust you not to make me out to look like a pre-teen teeny bopper, don't prove me wrong!" Alex scoffed, crossing her arms over her stomach and pretending to look cross.
She didn't have to pretend for long; the next statement made her head snap to the side, gentle eyes sharp and narrowed to neon green slits. "Zeeeeke," she growled, even though the man was already - and wisely - long gone, picking out a flash of purple and green locks disappearing behind her monster of a brother. "If you hide the guilty," she raised her voice so her older sibling could hear, "you'll be just as accountable for the crime, B!" Alex spun on her heel and stomped off to the longer dresses again, her turned back allowing her to hide her amused grin.
"And bury you in the dress Zul is holding," Brad added helpfully, resting his hands over the arms encircling his middle. He chuckled deeply at the snarl from his dear little sister, patting the forearm beneath his palm. "For that reaction, I'll take any punishment," he called back, letting Zeke's arm fall away from him, instead moving his own arm to wrap about the younger man's shoulders. If old women were going to stare at his boyfriend, he'd at least give them twice the eyeful.
He looked over to the Raevan, he was still clutching the dress and looking between the three with a purely amused expression. "And if you don't want to be bitten, I'd suggest putting that down, mighty pretty as it may be, Zul. The woman can make a lethal weapon out of cotton balls, so don't give her any ammunition."
"Weapons out of cotton?" Zul repeated, both incredulous and impressed. If his woman could really do that, he'd have to seriously re-evaluate his opinion of her! He did as he was bid, replacing the dress and instead floating over to her as she sorted through more dresses, glancing at the ones that she was browsing over and almost immediately wrinkling his nose. "No, you're not an old woman," he chided Alex and her apparent interest in some ren-faire-esque dresses, grabbing her by the elbow and dragging her into another area.
If he'd bothered to look at her face, he might have fled behind Brad as well. Instead, he released her once he was satisfied she wouldn't look twice her age, sifting through some strapless dresses and some that looked like they tied around the neck. "Prettier for you," he explained without looking to her, tapping a few of the garments with approval, "make you look happy and not afraid."
If he'd looked at her then, he might have been surprised to have seen a great deal of affection on her features instead.
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Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 2:30 pm
Zeke couldn't resist chuckling at Alex's words to her brother, knowing he was untouchable near him and going so far as to peer over the older man's shoulder to be oh so mature and stick his pierced tongue out at her as she made off. When he was done, the veterinarian set himself flat on his feet and rested his head on the edge of Brad's chest, right arm raising again to wrap around his beloved's back in reply for the one around Zeke's shoulders. He couldn't resist returning the affection, even if he was supposed to be hiding out.
The younger man was holding back an outburst of laughter as Alex threw threats and her brother gave back some of the best replies to them, but managed to contain it for the time. At Brad's words about punishment, Zeke tapped his lower back, smile spreading anew over his face as he looked up at his loved one. "Speaking of...You know we still need to pick a time where I can steal you away for the day so you can serve your punishment for all those charges of flattery, Brad." A wink for the older man. "Remember?" Not that he had any doubt that Brad wouldn't have forgotten.
When he caught Zul's continuous turning from Alex to Brad to himself, the veterinarian could only begin to wonder what the Raevan was thinking of the oddball humans he had been grouped up with. Sure, Zeke figured, the demonic Frei was used to the hullabaloo that Alex and Brad made by themselves, but tossing the strange-looking younger man in was probably a whole different ballgame. He looked like he was having fun - or at least amused - so that was good all around in any case. Zeke's attention went back to his boyfriend at his words, blanching just a little over dramatically at the idea Alex could make anything into a weapon. "So...You're saying that we're all pretty much standing in the middle of a minefield if she gets a little too annoyed by our ever loving, good humored teasing?" He nestled in close, amused by a sudden image in his head. "Though I wouldn't be surprised if she could summon some massive burst of strength to lift one or two of those racks over her head and throw them at us if that happened..."
That image in his head was then coupled with Alex screaming the iconic 'I have the POWER!' line from He-Man as she raised two full dress racks over her head, and that made Zeke sputter suddenly and burst into giggles. His free hand balled into a fist and pressed hard against his lips in an attempt to silence himself, but it wasn't working very well. He drew his attention down to the dark red carpeting, trying to duck a little lower against his boyfriend and seem just a little inconspicuous in such a fancy place. He didn't notice Zul slip off to fetch and drag Alex away, but did see the trailing hem of a dark blue-green number he would have to pull free to inspect once he could breathe without giggling again.
Hey...She might wear that. Hell, she might even like it too!
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Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 1:56 pm
The older man rested his cheek briefly against Zeke's still-damp hair, smiling to himself as he watched his sister and her charge. He had never seen her so intent to impress someone, not since her college days. Given that his feisty younger sister didn't give two licks what others thought of her, it was saying a lot, and he was hoping to meet the young man that was creating such an amusing monster out of her. Then again, it might scare the poor man to have to be subjected to her older brother so soon...which could be equally as amusing, since he was the calm, harmless one.
Brad lifted his head as Zeke looked up to him, his smile curving into something more meant just for the man at his side. "I'd be hard pressed to forget that," he replied in a low voice, "I'm only awaiting my warden's decision to serve my term." An indigo eye dipped in a wink to accompany his words, kissing the top of the man's head. At the veternarian's question, he chuckled deeply, gaze idly turning over the room. If he thought of it like that, just being near her was like being in a battlefield. It wasn't far off from the truth.
"You could say that." The image of Alex going She-Ra on them made him grin as well. "She's more than just a pistol. Word of the wise: don't ever irritate her if you see her drinking." If Brad never had to see her drunk again, he'd count his blessings. Gently patting his trembling boyfriend's back, he was content to keep the younger man at his side and watch the two off in the distance with keen, unwavering attention.
The demon continued to pull through dresses, murmuring to himself as he went, and anyone close enough would be able to pick up words of dismissal. "Bright, no. Short, no--what is this? A curtain? No. What's a skirt doing--that's a dress?" Zul's nose crinkled as he shoved another rather short number aside, and, deciding this rack would not do, grabbed Alex's hand and drew her deeper into the folds of fabrics.
"Zul," she protested, even as her feet followed the floating Frei, "this is like, not your personal mission or something, right? I know you're mad at me but--"
"If you have a good time, you'll be happy." The Frei didn't even look over his shoulder, pausing and releasing the woman to start his search anew. "Maybe then, you'll...I can be happy too."
The Italian sighed, a rueful little smile on her lips. Either her charge was just that transparent or she knew him a lot better than he'd like to admit. "Yeah," she said after a while, wrapping her arms around his partially formed torso to hug him from behind, his spikes carefully manuevered about. "Maybe I'd consider telling you where Rivener stayed, huh."
Gloved fingers halted in their movement, blue eyes staring forward without seeing. After a moment, he turned his head, a smile on his face that was almost embarrassed. "Maybe."
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Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 9:03 am
Zeke let his fist fall from his lips, instead letting it tap against his chin as his smile spread wider across his face. His giggling was controlled but still apparent, though if anyone should come wandering by and see him he wouldn't care if they thought him crazy. The words, wink, and that smile made him wrap around Brad in a publicly acceptable way, pressing a quick kiss to the older man's cheek.
"I was thinking..." He trailed off in a suggestive manner after he was back on his feet and pulled away slightly, trying to make himself and his idea seem mysterious as well as see the older man's expression without hindrance. "The beach. The entire day at the beach one of these weekends when the weather is really nice." He knew his boyfriend had a love of that place, and even though he was supposed to be "punishing" the man, he couldn't help but suggest somewhere that would put a smile on that face. And what better place? He could even romp around in the new bathing suit he had picked up to his heart's content! It was Zeke's turn to wink back, hoping the older man would enjoy his warden's decision. Though first Brad's words of warning about Alex plus alcohol made him nod. "Duly noted."
Despite that, he couldn't help but have some part of him, that daredevil 'do anything at least once if you get the chance' part, wondering what the Italian woman was like when she drank and was irritated. That mental image with the dress racks came back just then and they were then replaced with her living room couch in one hand and a bottle of gin in the other. Zeke shook his air-drying head to clear the image once again and decided it would be best if he heeded those words of warning to turn tail and run, no matter how much the phrase 'I wonder what would happen exactly' popped up in his head. Better to be safe and alive rather than sorry and crushed to death by a couch.
"I'm kinda surprised she hasn't made an attempt for the door yet." He said as he too turned his focus to the woman and her Raevan. "Given how stubborn she is and how against this whole 'dress shopping' she was." A pause and a chuckle. "Even if she asked for help." Then again, he figured, Zul was right there and he had a strong feeling the Frei wouldn't let her get away. She made the plans, she asked for help, and she was going to see it through, even if Brad, Zeke, and Zul had to take on her She-Ra-like strength and follow her around like shadows till she couldn't stand the sight of them.
From this distance away he could still see the look of disgust crossing over the Frei's face before he put was looked like a tiny cocktail dress back where it came from. This made Zeke look to the rack where he spotted the dark blue-green hem and then back to the two in the distance. He chewed on a question for a bit before making his musing known. "How long d'you figure it'll take either of them to notice us just standing here watching them? And, if it's Alex, how fast do you figure she'd be able to get over here and beat us dead for it?" He glanced up with a playful grin, amused and believing she wouldn't physically get them at first, but imagining that the verbal threats would be quite great. Good thing there weren't that many people in the store to overhear that, should it come.
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Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2009 8:36 pm
A dark brow lofted over Brad's indigo gaze, giving the younger man a most intruiged look. "The beach? How ever is that a p--" The Italian cut himself short, visions of Zeke prancing about in nothing but his tattoos, piercings and skivvies making him think twice about just how nice the beach sounded. It was going to be a long day, when Zeke chose to take him out, and he couldn't help but grumble. "You drive a hard bargain, Zeke, but I'll do it."
At the comment, Brad looked towards his sister again, watching the woman have an animated conversation with her charge. "I can't recall her ever going on a date," he offered in a quiet tone, "so I imagine all the years of lacking experience is coming to a head now." Did she regret not taking on a more girly role to fit into the dating scene? Sometimes he wondered, but the look in her eyes, that stubborn fire he could see even from a distance, always made him confident she was quite happy where she was.
He drew Zeke close again and pressed a kiss to the top of his slightly damp hair. "I don't think she'll mind, as long as we are watching. If we left her here, we wouldn't be getting home in one piece." Brad smiled warmly at the man against him, shaking his head a bit. "It's odd. It's like she's finally getting to live a little, what she's missed growing up."
Alex herself had started to meander to the other racks around where her Raevan was searching, drawing a few of the garments aside without really seeing them. It'll hit me, when I see it, she assumed, which meant there was that one out there for her somewhere, or she'd never find a dress. She was betting on the latter, but it was fun to pretend she was on a mission to find that one special piece of cloth that would grab and shake her. The woman grinned; being dress-handled was an amusing idea.
"Find anything?" Zul asked from near by, scratching his scalp beneath fire-creme hair, looking at another loud but not quite so disasterously cut number. Although he had no body yet to worry about cladding for such an affair, he was inwardly grateful he didn't have to sort through such a mess of fabrics, cuts, colors and bright, sparkly things. Some of these outfits were all-out eyesores!
The woman glanced over her shoulder and smiled, shaking her head. "Not yet, but I have a feeling it's not going to be flamingo pink when I do find it." She leaned over to tap the dress he was holding, giving him a pointed, 'not in this life time' look before returning to her collection.
The demon shrugged. "Shame," he commented with a grin, moving to the next rack.
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Posted: Wed Sep 23, 2009 10:50 am
There was a look of sheer delight on Zeke's face when Brad agreed to go along with his little scheme, the younger man knowing his companion's pause was to envision the finer details of exactly why he chose that locale. In response he deftly kissed the man again, smiling like a cat that got its cream when he broke away.
"It'll be a good day. I promise."
He then settled back down against his loved one, turning his attention to the woman and Frei across the floor once again. The words 'I see' were on his lips as Brad explained, nodding once against the span of chest his head was currently occupying. Zeke himself had been a bit late on the dating scene, and it had been awkward at first, but he had a feeling Alex would be fine. If anything, the woman's adamant nature would make it so and that would be potential for fun stories after the fact and years down the line, no matter which note her date ended on. He sincerely hoped for the best for her, the woman was practically his sister and he loved her as such. As Brad continued to speak, Zeke found himself looking back up, chuckling softly.
"Then we'll stay put. I don't mind not moving from this spot; I've got you right where I want you Brad." There was a grin now that only got wider as a small group of women passed by the two on their way into the store, ogling the site of the two men. Zeke puffed up a bit, not generally a prideful creature, but given the fancy store that was primarily for women he couldn't help it for just a moment. He moved away just to stretch, feeling comfortable pops in his back and joints, attention being drawn to Zul by the flash of color he was holding in his hands. He couldn't resist.
"Zul, if it can cause retinal searing from this far away, it's not generally a good choice in a well lit environment!" A pause. "Which I assume wherever Alex will be going will be." If he knew anything, extremely electrified colors like that were best fitted for the dim lighting of raves, walks at night so you won't be hit by cars, poster boards for grade school projects, and Bollywood movies where there's a song and choreographed dance routine (that he would always imitate until he could do it just by ear alone) every ten minutes. Other than that, probably not a good idea unless you want to blind the general public at large. As much as he would enjoy seeing Alex in something loud - maybe he could get her to go to a rave with him at some point - for this she would probably be best in muted colors.
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Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 4:32 pm
"I trust you." Brad smiled softly at the younger man nestled against him, chuckling deeply at Zeke's comment of having him 'right where he wanted him.' The arms around the veternarian remained loose and comfortable, falling away as his boyfriend took a step back to stretch out. Surely standing in a dress parlor was hard work; the assumptions were heavy with each glance of passerbys. The stoic Italian man didn't care much and was proud to bear the mantle of eyes that followed them.
Alex burst into laughter. "Okay, Zul? If Zeke says it's retinal searing, that's just bad." Her laughter was cut short by the next comment, which earned her 'little brother' a glance with all the venom her green eyes could hold. "You aren't insinuating that I might be in a poorly lit environment--"
"Or a place with the lights turned off--" Brad offered up helpfully.
"B I am going to murder you. With a spoon!"
"She gets creative when she's mad," he murmured to Zeke under his breath, wearing a lop-sided grin that reached his eyes more than anything.
Despite the verbal sparring, Zul was unfettered and thinking to himself. Nothing bright. Nothing with funny looking cuts. The demon floated beyond the formal, gaudy dresses to the darker 'little black dresses,' with a neat little sign that proclaimed "Cocktail Dresses." "Too short," he murmured to himself, bare fingers curving through the fabrics, "feels like wire." He wrinkled his nose at one, lifting it and looking at it with perplexion; it didn't look like enough fabric to really be a dress. "Not sure what that is. Ah!" He pulled a long black number with something dangling around the neck and shoulders, holding it up for his woman's inspection. "Alix?"
The woman turned in mid-stride towards her brother, pausing. "That's...better, Zul, but less on the funeral side?" Alex motioned to the shawled piece around the shoulders and drew a line over her neck with her index finger; that was a no. "Getting warmer!" She seemed to have forgotten her malicious intent as she returned to the Frei's side, joining the only one that seemed to be actively seeking a gown. All the dresses were black here, but much more bearable than the rest of the options that sparkled and gave retinal searing. "Much warmer..."
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