|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 7:33 pm
WHO: Melisande (Aki Ana) & Zul (Chrystali)
WHEN: Before noon
WHERE: Durem's open air mall
WEATHER: Bloody cold! Breath can be seen but the sky is perfectly clear.
He was the picture of peace and contentment, patiently waiting amidst sidelong glances and careless passes of countless others doing their Christmas shopping. The mall was nice and one he'd never been to before, an outdoor shopping range with clean, warmly decorated shops lined in neat rows astride ample walking aisles that were divided by poinsettia's and decorated dead trees. The sky was the perfect, unmarred blue of winter, undoubtedly cold by the plumes of crystallized air that could be seen by the lips of those passing by, but the demon didn't feel it. Indeed, the Sigel was floating in his 'normal' attire of practically nothing, wearing his standard gloves, gorget and girdle, arms crossed over his chest, his crescent moon tattoos close to each other in his position. Zul looked at ease and without a worry in the world, awaiting his company.
If he said he wasn't nervous, he'd be lying. Ever since Melisande had reached out to him to propose holiday shopping for Rivener, the demon had felt beside himself with joy on one shoulder and hesitation on the other. The last time they'd been alone together, he'd had to break her heart; but with Rivener in the picture, their last meeting had been leaps and bounds of light and electric air. The Scorpion and the Muse might be able to touch and hug, but she and the demon were still learning to co-exist in the same proximity without starting fires.
Zul smiled to himself a little while he waited, expression momentarily distant as a snippet of a song played in his head at the thought. He was quite good at starting fires, but he didn't even have to try with her around. She had a way of making him burn in the best way.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 8:06 pm
He certainly wasn't difficult to find.
Zul practically shone through the crowd, rich colors and casual confidence. Pasha paused for a moment with one hand on a gas streetlamp to watch him. The way the crowd parted around him was fascinating. Other people jostled and bumped, brushed and skirted...but around the Demon, they seemed to part with unspoken symmetry. She could feel her heart speed, and she hadn't even said hello.
There were a lot of things she needed to say. Melisande warmed her hands with a puff of breath and tucked them back into the pockets of her flared white trench. It was her favorite jacket...not long enough to interfere with her ribbon, not short enough to let in the cold...so she had no explanation for the tremor that caressed her. Before she could change her mind, the Muse pushed away from the post of the gas light and crossed the distance between them.
Pasha paused a few feet away, and for the first time, smiled at seeing him. It was a tiny smile, newborn and shaky, but it was there. "Thank you...for meeting me." Her wings spread slightly out of reflex, as though she intended to embrace him, but Melisande kept the little bit of distance. She could almost feel his touch again upon her back. Her hair was pinned back, an artful mess of curls, but she tucked one behind her ear as though it was out of place.
"How are you?" The question was carefully asked, with a slow inflection that invited a genuine answer. She still had no idea how the Demon was so accepting of Rivener's confession, and though it probably wasn't the time or place to discuss it, she felt it right to ask. His expressions were still very new to her, and her attention was his. Not that she had a choice...truly, the Sigel had always commanded it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2013 11:51 am
And similarly, she was not difficult to spot.
He didn't even have to look up to feel her approach; it was like a tug of light out of the corner of his eyes, a sort of peace that exuded from her presence. She was all soft ethereal, and he was acutely aware that he was not. Zul warmed his body temperature at the sight of her, an easy smile curving his lips at the sight of hers: it was the first time she looked at him with invitation, and he'd not forget it. He turned to face her better, spreading his own bone and marble wings similarly, unfolding his arms as though he too would embrace her, but he did not move. It was strange, being able to be felt by proximity alone, but he was aware of the air between them.
"Hello beautiful," he murmured softly, dipping his horn-crowed head in greeting. He was not lying nor being polite about it either - the way her hair was held with the threat of tumbling free by appearance, the jacket that fit her just so, and goodness, that smile! - she was stunning. The demon's smile became crooked at the sound of her voice, a genuine expression of good humor that reached his eyes. "Of course. I was admittedly surprised, but...very pleased to do so."
Zul glanced downwards for a moment to his arm, hesitation briefly flickering across his face; this is the part he'd offer his arm, not just to be a gentleman but to keep her warm. He was still acting on the unspoken distance between them, but he knew he had to break that habit if things were to get better. He had to be the change he wanted to see between them. The demon's smile softened into one that was very nearly bashful, touched with apology for the time taken. "If it gets too pushy around here," he extended his arm, elbow downwards, hand curved up with a graceful arch of his fingers towards his chest, "I'll be your ward."
To her question, he chuckled, a low and rolling sound. "I've been wonderful, Melisande. I spend my every day with Rivener and he is happy: I am happy." Though he again donned his lop-sided smile, there was a warmth in his eyes, an almost gem-like quality in their shine as he spoke of the Scorpion and looked upon the Muse. There was definite pride there -- definite affection as well. "And you, my fair lady? You've been well? Your wing looks as splended as ever!"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2013 6:49 pm
Her breath had quickened. Melisande didn't realize it until she saw the delicate puffs, curling silently in the air between them. Her cheeks colored, and she lifted her eyes instead of dropping them. His crown of horns were most imposing to the Muse. She'd never had the opportunity to take in the details of him before. Really, she'd never gotten further than seeing her own frozen reflection in his eyes. Was she really here, with Zul?
She listened carefully to his answer, and another tiny smile lit her face reflexively as he smiled. It faded as she thought his answer over. The way he'd spoken of Rivener avoided any mention of her, and gracefully made clear that he was the one that spent his nights and days with the Scorpion. The message seemed pointed, for as gently as it was delivered. This time Pasha lowered her gaze.
Was she creating ghosts where they were none? His eyes were bright and clear...she saw no hurt, no deception. But then, she'd never seen him for what he truly was, better or worse. In a supreme effort of faith, the Muse decided to take his words at face value, and lifted her eyes again at his compliment.
"Thanks to you. Ah, and Alex!" She amended, flashing a brief smile. Pasha had rather liked the woman, and regretted their meeting had been so short, and under such painful circumstances. "I know it wasn't...comfortable for you. I really do appreciate what you did for me."
Melisande turned slowly until she faced the same way as the Demon, and with a touch as light as a kiss, she accepted his gesture and rested her fingertips upon his forearm. "I have an idea for Rivener, for Christmas." Her free hand slipped into the pocket of her white coat, and she offered the Demon a picture she'd clipped from a magazine. Melisande glanced up at Zul as they turned towards the shops.
"I don't...know enough about him. About what he needs." Despite the risque words, the picture explained it all. "Do you think he would like it?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2013 11:07 pm
There was a moment of tightness in his brows as her smile faded. Had he said the wrong thing? Zul could scarcely read the Muse, much as she wore her honesty around him, feeling a brief flicker of panic that he'd managed to insult her within seconds of being alone with her. But her fingertips ghosted over his skin, prompting him to warm himself against the cold air, a reaction that was barely conscious and merely a reaction to the moment. He lifted and extended his free hand to her, intending to rest it over the one that was almost-but-not-quite touching him until she offered him a picture. Instead, he took it with his outstretched fingers and looked it over.
...and it was not at all what he was expecting. Then again, he wasn't really sure what he expected. Something personal he was not in on, something he might not be privvy to, but even he could see the connection in the simple advertisement. "To be fair to him, and because he will say this should you ever ask -- all he needs is more of your time." Zul glanced to her face, trying not to get caught up in her close proximity, and forcefully turned his eyes back to the ad. "This, in effect, will give him just that." Memorizing what he saw, he offered it back to her, not certain how she'd feel if he kept it tucked in his own garments.
"I think he'd love it. I think getting to spend that time with you, in that fashion, would sweep him off his ribbon." The demon smiled a little then, easily able to picture Rivener's dropped jaw and wide eyes at the display, one made for the Scorpion and the Muse. "What might I help you with it? I can give you some recipes I know he likes, and at the very least, carry the goods wherever you'd like them to be set." Zul was willing to do what he had to for this to work -- Rivener to feel whole, and Melisande to bloom again.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2013 11:33 pm
The Demon was formal with her, but Melisande did not take offense. She watched silently as he examined the picture, but the hope faded from her expression as he analyzed it cooly.
Zul's tone only served to reinforce what the Muse already dreaded. Rivener had asked too much of his partner. She was a wedge, a chisel, and the way Zul focused so narrowly on the Scorpions needs made her crumple the picture slightly as she accepted it back. "Carry...the goods?'
Pasha pulled her arm free gracefully, and crossed her arms low across her stomach. "Zul? I..." Her blue eyes were bright, rimmed with the hint of tears. It wasn't an affect. "I'm sorry."
For the first time, she held his gaze, and nothing but her intent was reflected back at her. She remembered all of it...the Lab, the jungle, Vi's shop. Melisande repeated herself, a rare occurrence, and her arms dropped slowly to her sides.
"I'm sorry." It didn't occur to her, but she'd also never apologized before. Slowly, Melisande reached forward for one of the Demon's hands. Her fingers were so small against his, and she made sure that her hand rested gently on top.
"And...thank you. I didn't realize, until the jungle..." Everything she wanted to say was there, in her low voice as she swallowed back tears. She'd owed the Demon this apology, this gratitude, for so long...
Melisande's hands tightened, and the feeling was startling against her sorrow. When her finally hand slipped from the Demons, she flattened the clipping against her coat.
"I'd hoped...to buy three wine glasses. But if I'm not as welcome as he makes me feel...please. Just say so."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2013 12:23 am
It all happened rather fast. One minute, Melisande was close to him and being as sweet as ever, and in the next, she had withdrawn and...was apologizing. Zul felt like he'd been hit in his stomach, utterly winded by the look on her face. Where she held smiles with the Scorpion, joy, hope -- he was still hurting her. She spoke of apologies with pain and a long-standing upset, referenced the jungle with a strangely positive manner but he -- he was baffled. He was lost, and it was only when she pressed on with the wine glasses, it clicked into place.
Zul had desperately wanted to be considered, but he wasn't letting her in. He was so consumed with making things right for Rivener and Melisande that he had removed himself from the equation entirely.
And here she was, trying to include him as though it were the most natural thing. He was too afraid of being rejected that he'd missed the acceptance she had so graciously extended.
"Melisande." The name was said as soft as a prayer and held with equal reverence. Zul mentally kicked himself for being so blind; for one who prided himself in his control and objective nature, he had utterly lost sight of her. The demon knew he had to do something, and even as his sense of fear tried to grip him again, he couldn't listen to it this time. It wasn't what was best for them. "Melisande, no. You are -- damn." Her tears were going to be the death of him!
Despite everything he felt he 'knew' he could and couldn't do, he closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, giving her the leverage to push him away or not if she so chose. Though there was a jacket between them, he was certain if her ear was close enough, she'd be able to hear the way his heart beat in his chest like a wild animal. He tucked his head downwards, her bound curls allowing his cheek to press against her golden tresses by her temple, his lips brushing over her sun-kissed locks as he tried to find the right words. Floating higher as he tended to, he practically enveloped her, his wings stretching with the agitation he couldn't quite give voice to. Ever since he'd learned the power of words as a Frei, he felt he'd had an immaculate handle on them; and yet, there he was, grasping for even the simplest of things to say.
She was all softness against him, smelling sweetly of winter rose and something warmer, a honey or vanilla he couldn't quite place. Zul shivered against the fear that screamed at him to let go and this time, he let her dictate what was acceptable and what was not. He wanted this, and he had to start showing that. "I desire, above all things, satisfaction and joy in your gaze when you look at me." That was a bit more forwarded than he intended, but he'd already opened that floodgate. "I know we've a past, fair Melisande, and it is one that seems to cloud my thoughts of how I need act with you. I'm not sure how you see me outside of the monster that took away another before you, but you -- your very presence makes me happy. Seeing you smile is like seeing a part of the world I didn't even know existed." He fell silent for a moment, briefly overwhelmed by all of his senses being filled with the Muse. It was strange to have all he desired but all he was scared of in one heartbeat.
"I don't have a history with you as Rivener does since our history tends to revolve about those around us, but I have an open mind to learn all you'd share with me and a hopeful heart to earn those world-shifting smiles." Realizing he was still holding her rather close, his arms relaxed, but did not yield entirely. It gave him enough space to turn his head and close his eyes, pressing a sweet, pointed kiss to her golden crown of hair. "I am sorry. I did not mean to do this to you, Melisande. I care about you deeply, I -- I just want to see you happy."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2013 1:11 am
"You were that monster." Her voice was naked, honest and clear. It was amazing the way they balanced each other. If Pasha alone had been standing here, a crowd may have gathered. Zul's presence, as it was, kept them moving in a slow stream like cars staring at flashing lights. "Until the jungle, you were. When someone needed to...take action...I called for you. I thought Rivener did as well."
The entire truth of the incident was laid bare in a few short sentences. Melisande reached up reflexively, and curled her little fingers through the ring on his collar. "It all made sense, then. If I'd had the power..." She paused for a moment, still clutching metal, and licked her lips to wet them. "Another Raevan, a green Spirit, damned me for Inspiring Rivener. I'm sorry if you think the same. But everything I had, I gave to him. To help."
She tried to respond to all he'd said, but she was so close, and he was still so. Pasha lifted her chin, watching his face as his heart raced against hers. It was so surreal having this conversation in public, but then, the Muse was no stranger to being watched.
"If you can believe me...everything we've shared...my history with you is still less difficult than my memories of Rivener." It was selfish, but painfully true. Pasha had no idea if the Scorpion knew the whole story himself. "If I can grow with him..."
She didn't know how to deal with Zul admitting that he cared for her deeply, the same way she didn't know what to do with Rivener's confession. Neither of them truly knew her, not yet, but her walls had crumbled. Her star still shone bright. Melisande's hand slipped from his collar, and the tips of her fingers rested on the bare skin of his chest for a fleeting moment.
"Please." Her voice was sweet, unconsciously persuasive. Only the tiny twist of her smile spoiled it. "Help me pick out wine glasses?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2013 2:07 pm
And he listened, because she deserved that much. He had always assumed her fear was rooted in the fact that he'd killed Roux, but perhaps her fear was deeper and more raw than that: perhaps she was afraid what he was capable of. Zul dipped his head in acknowledgement of her claim, rather oblivious to the people around them. They didn't matter -- only she did, and the words that spilled from her cupid bow lips.
When she explained what happened in the jungle, Zul felt his entire being go still. She had called for him? He felt his heart sink, his chest tightening. He hadn't been there for her -- or for Rivener. They'd said his name into the wind and they'd had no answer. The guilt would have overwhelmed him if she hadn't continued, the small confession that almost chilled him. If I'd had the power. What would she have done? Taken up the mantle of monster? Zul frowned and shook his head slowly, trying to mull over everything that was suddenly hitting him too fast. "Green spirit?" he repeated, his brows narrowing slightly. "That sounds like Eirdirsceol. Rivener's possessive brother."
But all of this -- it was too much. He couldn't be mad or scared or guilty or any other manner of self-loathing when she was holding him as she was. There was no skin contact at all, with her jacket, but the way she held onto the loop of his gorget was just as poignant. They were touching, without touching at all. She held him as sure as holding his face or threading her fingers with his. It was how their language worked. "He mentioned as much, but -- " her small smile, the gentle persuasion, it was more than he could rally again. In the end, Zul simply wanted her to be happy.
" -- those discussions can come later, and I swear you've my time if you ever wish to speak of it again. For now," he gently released the Muse, once more offering his arm to her, this time with a dip of his body in a bow, "we've three wine glasses to purchase. If you please, m'lady."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
