From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/02/2006 12:00:38

Hospitals are generally drafty places, but the temperature normally doesn't plunge 20 degrees in only a few seconds. They also generally don't inhabit Sidhe royalty.

She glides over to the bed, catlike eyes narrowed in pleasure at the possibilities available to her with this mortal. He has promise, oh yes.

"Seems like you've gotten yourself into a bit of a bind," she smirks, sitting down sideways in an uncomfortable chair, long leather-clad legs dangling over one of the arms.

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/02/2006 18:32:12

He arches an eyebrow - as much as he can, considering the pain he's in - and forces himself not to role his eyes.

"As if I didn't have enough problems."

What? No... he loves getting mysterious visits from evil creatures. He doesn't know about the fae, but he can sense evil - even when incapacitated.

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/02/2006 19:33:49

"Hey, who said anything about problems?" She replies innocently-or rather, as innocently as possible for her. She gives him a cool, slow smile, arching up out of the chair in a feline manner, making sure to strain her baby-blue t-shirt--which reads "99% Angel, 1% Devil" on the front in glittering letters--over her considerably "ample" curves, and flashing her navel ring (which is, ironically enough, in the shape of a snowflake).

"I'm here to offer you some...assistence." She purrs, laying a hand with long, blue-painted nails on his bicep and giving it a squeeze--not hard, but not too gentle either. She leans in close, green eyes glowing.

"Surely a tough, strong guy like you wants to be back on his feet, kicking ass and taking names as soon as possible?"

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/02/2006 19:41:28

Being incapacitated doesn't mean becoming not-human. Her body and the stretching have an affect - he rather wishes it didn't, but there's not much he can do about it where he is.

He groans and breathes deep.

"I don't think I need your kind of assistance."

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/02/2006 19:59:46

Now it's her turn to arch a pierced eyebrow.

"I wouldn't be so sure, if I were you." She replies, sitting on the edge of the bed and flipping multicolored dreadlocks out of her face with a suave flick of the wrist. "Think about it: a month, maybe longer, in a hospital bed, lying here immobile and in excruciating pain"--she punctures these words with a not-so-casual elbow propped on his bad leg, which she briefly leans on with all her supernatural strength--"or instant, painless recovery. Which would you honestly prefer?"

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/02/2006 20:07:36

It takes every ounce of energy and stubbornness he has not to howl in pain as she leans on his leg. His teeth clench so tightly together that they squeak and he has to squeeze his eyes shut to prevent tears of pain.

He's breathing hard when she lets up and speaking is out of the question for several moments afterward.

Through clenched teeth in a harsh whisper, "I would prefer that you leave me alone."

Though for a brief moment admist the excruiciating pain, he thought about accepting her offer.

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/02/2006 20:22:37

She smiles almost knowingly, edging closer until she's sitting near his head. Leaning forward, and exposing more than a little cleavage, she whispers seductively

"Aren't you even the littlest bit intrigued by the offer? You haven't even heard what I want in return..." She trails off there, letting his mind fill in whatever it is he thinks she's going to want.

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/02/2006 20:32:19

His eyes meet her cleavage and he shows no remorse for the act. She bent that way so he could look, he's gonna look. The seductive whisper sends tingles down his chest.

"No," he chokes out, his voice betraying him. He fully intended to rebuff her on the entire thing - all night if he had to. He's just not doing as well as he'd planned.

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/02/2006 20:37:02

The smile turns michevious, almost cruel, as she places a hand on his shoulder, digging her nails in and squeezing--HARD. Her seductive eyes take on a malevolent look as she infuses her hand with ice, directing the crystals into the already-bruised joint.

"Really? That's very interesting," she pouts, then lets out a low, mirthful laugh. "Because I assure you, I can make sure you're feeling your injuries a lot more, too."

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/02/2006 20:43:46

He actually whimpers. He concentrates hard on breathing, trying to block the pain, but even that only does so much.

"Stop."

For the moment, that's all he wants, is for her to stop making it hurt.

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/03/2006 00:23:51

She complies, surprisingly, and just for good measure, relieves the pain she's just caused.

"I can also assure you," she continues, as if nothing had happened, "that I can offer you much more than just freedom from pain." She caresses the shoulder she was only a moment ago crushing in her vise-like grip, eyes narrowed sensually. "I offer you my services, merely in exchange for yours."

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/03/2006 11:26:50

He narrows his eyes at her.

"What do you want?"

He's not agreed to anything yet - he's investigating the situation.

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/03/2006 13:06:24

She practically beams in triumph. As far as she's concerned, she's already won.

"As I said, I merely request your services in unearthing a few trespassers that have been wandering around my...territory, as it were. Find 'em, kill 'em, you know the drill."

She runs a nail lightly down his cheek. "And in return, I will remove your pain."

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/03/2006 15:32:40

He growls at her.

"I do that anyway. It's my job. How the hell do you think I got these injuries?"

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/03/2006 17:40:05

She scowls in displeasure.

I'm well aware it's your job, why the Hell do you think I'm here asking you to do it." She turns and saunters angrily toward the door (or at least, she pretends to).

"If you're happy being bedridden for months, then in therapy for even longer, with no guarantee that those wounds will heal properly, then so be it. But I wouldn't deny my offer lightly if I were you."

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/03/2006 18:35:27

"You're kidding me right?" He laughs, but it turns into coughs - neither of which feel particularly good.

"You're going to heal my pain just to get me on my feet and doing my job?" He arches an eyebrow. "No strings? Somehow I doubt that."

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/03/2006 20:36:34

He's wiser than I thought, she realizes in frustration. For one who has never met the Sidhe before, he's cautious. She knows he considers her to be evil, but the shirt, aside from being ridiculous, has its kernel of truth. She's not evil, per se, just no goody-two-shoes.

"Yes well, I have my motivations for what I do, as do you I'm sure. You should consider yourself lucky I don't just dispatch out outright; wounded and vulnerable as you are," she sneers at this comment, her face then regaining a mask of calm, but her eyes betray the satisfaction she would gain from doing such a thing.

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/03/2006 20:44:30

"Dispatch me?" He laughs. "Honey, you want to ride me like a bull. Only reason you don't is because... well, that's the part I haven't quite figured out yet."

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/03/2006 20:51:06

She smothers a grin, and refrains from rolling her eyes in an "Oh foolish mortals" kind of way. He has no idea that the jailbait seductress gig is all an act--one of her oldest tricks for confusing men, and hell, a few women as well.

"What can I say, I like to have fun." This time she does grin, though it's in a rather predatory manner.

"I could show you a good time, if you'd let me." She adds, putting that low purr bakc into her voice and walking back over to the bed.

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/03/2006 21:03:52

"Thanks, I've had about as much fun as I can handle for one week, thanks."

She's sexy and though she may not be 100% evil, she's evil enough to keep him from taking any deal she might offer.

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/03/2006 21:07:53

She pouts, but inside she's fuming. Musn't blow her wicked-cool cover.

"So, you don't want the job, or my help, is that what you're saying?"

The temperature in the room suddenly drops several degrees. She's not doing so well at hiding her anger.

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/03/2006 21:10:57

"I suppose that depends. What if I take the job, but not your gift?"

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/03/2006 21:12:49

"Forgive me if I'm a bit reluctant to get the helpp of the maimed guy," she replies icily.

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/03/2006 21:15:28

"I heal faster under the proper incentive."

With the proper tricks from his pseudo-sidekick in the Order. Man, he misses Carl.

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/03/2006 21:19:09

Another raised eyebrow, this time an inquisitive one.

"Oh, and what would that be?"

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/03/2006 21:25:42

"Well, if I tell you, then it's no fun."

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/03/2006 21:27:58

Time for old tricks, then. She actually climbs onto the bed this time, being careful to avoid injuring him further for once, and crawling catlike until they're face to face.

"Can I guess?" She whispers enticingly.

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/03/2006 21:32:21

He holds his breath, just for a moment.

"If you like."

It hurts, but her that close causes typical reactions.

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/04/2006 11:06:26

She keeps smiling, edging just a fraction of a hair closer.

"Is it....money? I assure you, I have plenty of that." She whispers in a low, sultry voice, toying with him.

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/04/2006 11:10:57

There's a low rumbling growl deep in his chest - not a bad sound, almost a pleased sound.

"Not hardly," he remarks with a grin.

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/04/2006 12:28:41

Another minute movement forward.

"Is it...power?" She knows the effect this is having on him...the effect she loves to have on every mortal man. She almost has him--she won't admit just how much she actually needs his help. Usually she'd toy with them until they agree to her bargains, then leave them hanging-the ultimate tease. But she's desperate to get him to agree without seeming like she's asking for help. She must convince him she's the one in control.

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/04/2006 15:49:30

He blinks once - slowly, not quite rolling his eyes. "I have The Church behind me - power is not something I require."

And he's not sure he's willing to sacrifice enough to accept her particular brand of power anyway. He hates being cold.

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/04/2006 16:15:16

She knows the answer is not any of those, but wants to draw things out as long as possible. After all, mind games are one of her favorite pasttimes.

She lets out a small snort of derision, directed toward the Church comment, not him.

"Ah, but how much power do they really give you, when you think about it."

Of course, with her he would probably have even less, but she's not about to tell him that. It's not what she's offering anyway.

"Simply accept my offer, and whatever..."incentive" you require shall be yours," she murmurs, lightly resting her hands on his chest.

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/04/2006 18:04:38

A wicked, teasing grin bends his mouth.

"And here I thought you were going to please me for a time."

Broken leg or not - it's been a long damned time and he's not nearly as saintly as some might think he is.

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/04/2006 21:51:23

She lets out a short bark of a laugh and sits up, still straddling his waist, and gives him a wry smile.

"The only person I'm ever out to please is myself. Everyone else is just a means to an end." A surprisingly honest and frank statement from one who is usually manipulative and evasive.

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/04/2006 22:07:56

"Pleasure works just as well."

And it might even convince him to help her...

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/05/2006 00:37:31

She looks him up and down in an assessing manner, and the eyebrow goes up again.

"I don't know if you're up for it big boy," she remarks with a smirk.

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/05/2006 11:46:18

He smirks right back. "I'm up for anything you can dish as long as it doesn't involved bouncing me around too much and you doing most of the work."

The pain meds are working beautifully and he's flying just a little on the high. He's tough, but he's not stupid.

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/05/2006 14:55:09

"So do we have a deal, then?" She asks, scooting back a little so she's straddling more...enticing...places.

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/05/2006 18:24:20

Hospital gowns are so paper-thin and unattractive and reveal so much. Arousesd? Pretty much since she walked in. In pain? Not so much anymore - gotta love morphine.

"I think something can be arranged, yes," he rumbles and moans as she shifts against him.

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/05/2006 18:31:16

At this she grins victoriously and immediately hops off him.

"Good. Get yourself out of this dump, and then we'll talk about what you need to do for me, first."

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/05/2006 18:34:45

He growls - deep and angry.

"Bitch. If you want me to do anything - I need a little downpayment."

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/05/2006 18:40:32

The look she gives him this time is cold enough that it just might kill any warmth she may have previously aroused in him.

"You should have outlined that before you agreed." The "you" is accompanied by a none too gentle jab in the chest with her finger.

"You said you needed incentive, you didn't say when. Besides, I don't kiss on a first date."

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/05/2006 18:44:45

"Who said anything about kissing?"

He snarls.

"And 'incentive' implies that you need me enough to give me something up-front."

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/05/2006 21:36:03

"Who said anything about needing you?" She replies flippantly, with a casual toss of her head.

"I was merely interested in seeing if you'd care to make a bargain and possibly get out of this hospital a little sooner. I'm chartitable like that. If I really needed "help," I would go to the wizard. He's under some kind of contract with Mab."

Although Mab has been acting strangely as of late, and she's not sure it would be wise to bring any of what's going on in the Nevernever, or here for that matter, up with the Queen.

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/05/2006 21:40:03

He shrugs with his good shoulder.

"Suit yourself, Ice Queen. No fun, no help. I'll heal fast enough on my own."

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/05/2006 21:52:54

He's agreed to help her already, as far as Sidhe bargaining is concerned. The moment he uttered the word "yes", he was hers. She can't hurt him, however much she may want to, since the point is to get him better and out there tracking down whatever has the balls to run amok in Winter's territory. But ooh, does she want to hurt him...

She lets out some of her power, dropping the temperature, and reaches out, delicately placing a hand on his morphine drip and freezing the precious liquid inside.

"It's Ice Lady, for your information," she replies frostily.

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/05/2006 22:07:39

"And if I cared, the distinction would be worth the effort, but I don't." He groans a little against the pain from the lack of pain meds. He wants to get out of the bed and press her against the wall, but with a broken leg, walking's a little out of the question.

"All I want, right now, is a quickie. I'll want the marathon after I do what you want."

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/05/2006 22:22:31

She lets out a full-throated laugh at his demands.

"I don't remember ever offering more than a one-time encounter. You're a pretty nice-looking guy, don't get me wrong, but you get one go, that's it. A deal's a deal, after all."

Of course, she never specifically stated that she would be the one providing the incentive, just that she would give him what he needed to heal faster. She could always send Jenny in to do the job for her. But again, the idea is to make him better, and Jenny has a tendency to get a little...rough.

"Besides," she adds coyly, "the mere prospect of a night with me should be incentive enough to get you back on your feet." Because she isn't exactly reluctant about the idea of providing it herself, either. A girl's got needs after all.

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/05/2006 22:48:19

He snorts. "You would pass up a chance to take me twice?" He shakes his head. It's phrased carefully - 'take me', not 'have me' - he can play as well as she can.

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/05/2006 23:11:01

"Like I said, as attractive as you are, a deal is a deal. You do the job, and maybe we'll talk about me giving you something else to do. "Cocky guys really aren't my type anyway." In Maeve's world it's her way, or a rather unpleasant highway.

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/06/2006 11:18:01

"I'm not cocky."

He is quite certain on this point - he's not arrogant, confident and a bit overbearing, but not arrogant.

"Just confused."

When all else fails, pull out the good old Victorian Van Helsing... he never understood anything.

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/06/2006 13:13:05

She sits back in the chair and reclines, putting her feet up on the edge of the bed and twirling a lavender dreadlock around her fingers.

"Confused? I thought I'd made things crystal clear," she replies with a bemused expression. She's been nothing of the sort, and she knows it.

"Look, to be quite frank, something I rarely am, I really am here to employ your services. And, in return, I will give you my services--Hell I'll fuck you back to last Wednesday, Helsing, if that's what you really want. All I'm sayin' is I fail to see how that's going to help you get your ass out of this dump sooner. If anything, it'll leave you even more bedridden." She grins, then fluidly gets to her feet and crosses to the narrow window. They're up several stories.

"In case you aren't aware, you're dealing with the Winter Court, bud, and all verbal contracts are legally and magically binding. You were officially within my employ, and therefore, under my power, the moment you said "I think something can be arranged, YES." She emphacizes this last word, and turns sharply on her combat boots to face him. "If I wanted to, I could make you get up out of that bed, broken leg and all, and hurl yourself out that window. but that would be rather counter-productive, so I won't." But she could anyway, if provoked enough. There are others who would be more than willing to make a deal with her, more than enough humans who lust for power, money, sex.

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/06/2006 20:17:41

Whether he knew the 'deal' or not, he doesn't say.

He shifts in the bed, pressing a bit more weight on his good leg and hip. The hospital gown shifts, depending on her vantage point, she may or may not be able to see anything.

Slowly, he stretches his good arm over his head. His muscles are stiff and he could use whatever exercise he can manage to get - he's not being overly particular aside from 'not painful'.

He arches an eyebrow and the corner of his mouth twitches into a grin. "Don't supposed you're interested in taking over for the nurse for my sponge bath?"

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/06/2006 21:25:06

"Hardly," she snorts. "Unless you're willing to make another deal?" She's never one to pass up the opportunity to make a bargain, like all the Sidhe.

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/06/2006 21:28:46

"I'm not all that fond of the first one. I'm still waiting for that extra 'kick' of incentive that will get me out of this hospital in record time."

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/06/2006 21:43:50

He got off relatively easy considering that bargaining with the Sidhe--at least, the Winter Court--is never beneficial to the mortal. A job to do and a night with the Winter Lady herself? That alone would show him how desperate for assistance she is, if he knew anything about the Sidhe.

"Well, suit yourself," she says with mock-disappointment, shrugging her shoulders. She swiftly moves to the doorway and slams it shut--there's no lock, so she freezes the door in place and conjures a quick spell to muffle any sounds that might bring the nurses running. Wouldn't wan tthem thinking their patient was dying.

"Hold on to your hospital gown cowboy, you should have been careful what you wished for," she concludes, a rather wicked smile across her face.

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/06/2006 21:57:42

There may be noise and some of it may be heard through the door, but most of it - probably not. He'd cranked up the pain meds a bit when she came back over to the bed, because he was more than determined to enjoy this.

Despite the pain in his broken limbs, he thoroughly enjoys the encounter and gets to a point where he completely ignores any pain not a direct result of anything she's doing to him.

He doesn't make much noise during the affair - it's just how he is.

	From: c0lder_than_ice	Date: 10/06/2006 22:06:40

She adjusts her extremely rumpled clothing, slightly irritated by their condition, but she'd never admit just how enjoyable that really was. She didn't sweat--she never does--but he may have several scratch marks on his chest.

"Looks like you're gonna have to explain to the nurses why you need a new gown," she remarks, clearing the spell in the room and prying the ice off the door.

"I'll be in touch again after you get out of here--which had better be soon, or you'll be having a considerably less pleasant meeting with me." After what she just did to him, she expects a miraculous recovery time.

	From: x_van_helsing_x	Date: 10/06/2006 22:24:36

He winces a little at the scratches, but he's so damned relaxed, it really doesn't matter.

"I think I'll just let them guess," he says with a grin.

He eyes her. "I told you - I heal remarkably fast. I won't be in here long, but I won't be 100% for about a month or so. Nothing I can do about that." He'll do the best he can to get through rehab as quickly as he can, but too much, too fast and he'll just be back in the hospital again.

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 19:42:23

Rosa is headed home since it's assumingly going to be dark soon. Really, she is.

She's dressed in work clothes - a nice skirt and stilettos and a blazer and blouse. She spots Harry - he's too tall for her not to, really - and gives him a little wave while she walks over.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 19:44:58

I frown. Oh no -

"Shouldn't you be home already?"

Hell's Bells that outfit is amazing... the curves, the cut, the heels - I am so going to hell.

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 19:45:43

"Ah -- but I had to work."

She smiles helplessly and shakes her head. "That is where I am going."

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 19:47:29

"Work? Where do you work?"

When did you get a job? You've only been in the city a couple weeks. Hell, I was here damn near two months before I got anything solid.

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 19:48:23

"At Kinnetic Designs. I am a secretary."

It's not a great job, but Brian doesn't stare at her. That's a nice bonus.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 20:04:41

"Secretary, huh? Good work?"

I can't work around electronic things like typewriters and computers - I could never have that job.

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 20:05:32

"It is work."

She shrugs a little. "It is all right. Mr. Kinney is quite tolerable."

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 20:10:33

"That's good."

And we're walking.

"Run into any more vampires?"

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 20:11:18

"No, but this is the first I have been out very late because of work."

Usually she goes in during the morning. Not now. "You are well?" She walks a bit closer to him.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 20:15:31

Don't get weird, Harry - just walk.

"Yeah. I'm fine."

Great - peachy - fucking horny.

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 20:16:47

She smiles. "I'm glad."

It's good that Rosa doesn't startle easily, or she'd be holding his arm by now.

"And Mouse, and your brother?" Dogs before siblings.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 20:19:25

I'm glad she walking beside me - easier for me to not walk into inanimate objects.

"Mouse is good. I haven't seen Thomas in a day or two - our schedules don't mesh - but I haven't heard that anything's happened to him, so I'm sure he's okay too."

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 20:21:20

She nods a little.

"Then that is good." Rosa rubs her hands up her arms - she's a little cold, but nothing terribly bad.

She thinks of mentioning that she's met Michael's daughter, but decides it against it for the moment.

"Anything interesting has happened?" Her English is improving bit by bit, especially working at Brian's. Lots of talking on the phone.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 20:24:45

Chivalry wins again.

I slide my duster off and drape it over her shoulders. "Here."

Is it wrong that there's an inner-sigh of relief that it's the canvas one and not the leather one? The thing's only about a foot too long on her.

"Nothing too interesting, no."

Murphy'd kill me if I talked about a case to a non-cop.

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 20:26:07

She leans up and kisses him on the cheek -although it lands closer to the corner of his mouth because of the height difference- before hitching it up carefully to make sure the back doesn't get dirty.

"Thank you. And that is no fun."

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 20:29:22

The sizzling-tingle down my spine is a weird sensation. And, strangely, her kiss makes my cheeks flush - why is that?

"Hey - I like it this way. My life has enough fun."

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 20:30:33

Well, don't ask her. She does notice, but she won't comment on it.

"If you like it." She fiddles with the dial on her watch for a moment, absently. It's a very old looking watch."

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 20:33:30

"Where'd you get that?" I point to the watch. It looks - vaguely familiar, maybe. But I can't recall where I might've seen it before.

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 20:35:02

Fondly, "Lily gave it to me. She is quite lovely."

She's a bit oblivious to the significance of this. "With hair like the snow."

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 20:37:13

I blink.

"You took a gift from a faerie?"

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 20:38:50

He gets a look that clearly states she didn't know she was a faerie, exactly.

"She said that if I were in trouble, she would come to help. She was very nice."

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 20:48:31

"She didn't ask for anything in exchange?"

Hey - just b/c it's Lily doesn't mean anything - she's still fae.

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 20:49:35

"Of course not!" She beams.

"She says that I remind her of herself." A little. It could have just been the hair.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 20:54:32

I hold up my hands in defense. "Sorry. I didn't mean anything by it. But the fae work differently than the rest of humanity - they make deals with people, mortals. I just wanted to make sure you hadn't gotten yourself into something you couldn't get out of."

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 20:55:42

She pouts a little, but only a little. Because it's awfully nice of him to worry, but she's not that stupid. Maybe.

"Well, I did not." She smiles. "It is sweet of you to be worried, though."

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 20:58:48

Dammit. It would've been better if she'd just been mad at me. Now she's being nice and adult about it. Shit.

I shrug. "Just part of my nature."

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 21:00:15

Her lips quirk a little.

"It is not part of most people's, I think." Or at least .. most people outside of her family. She leans in against him.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 21:07:09

She has to stop doing things like that - it goes straight to my libido.

I need something distracting... Oh - she's supposed to go talk to Charity.

"So, uh, that dessert thing you made the other night... I think you should take one to Michael and his family. I think they'd like it."

I suck at this.

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 21:08:40

"If there are nine, I will have to make two."

Or -- well, Molly had said six siblings, plus her and her parents .. that was nine.

"Do you think that they would?"

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 21:11:01

"Yeah. I think they'd like it a lot."

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 21:11:54

She nods a little. "Would you like another, too?"

Because of course she'd like to cook for him.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 21:13:46

"Oh, you don't have to do that."

The less I encourage her, the better, right?

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 21:14:45

"I would not mind."

She shakes her head and smiles again.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 21:20:53

"Really - don't go out of your way to do that. I'd hate for you to end up unable to pay your tuition because you kept feeding me."

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 21:22:25

She frowns.

"Papa pays for things like that." The money that she's getting from her job - she's saving it up. For if she doesn't go back.

Not as dumb as she looks, this one.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 21:24:12

"Oh."

Dammit - thought I'd gotten this locked up.

"Well, I don't mind, just don't go out of your way, like I said."

Shit.

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 21:25:17

"If you do not want me to --"

She flushes a little.

"Then you should tell me so."

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 21:32:46

This is just getting better and better. I stop and gently pull her over to a bench and sit - by the way - I think we passed my car -

"Rosa, look, I don't mind and I like when you cook for me. But - I - maybe not every day? I worry about you walking around the city by yourself after dark. And I work weird hours... and..."

I so suck at this.

"I'm going to give you a bracelet that will let you get into my place, past the wards, if something is coming after you and you'll be safe. Okay?"

That wasn't exactly how I'd had this planned.

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 21:36:59

She sits next to him, the jacket bunched around her. She has been thinking of things.

"I know that you are worried, it is only that I like to cook for you and -- spend time with you." This is obviously a little hard for her to admit, as she flushes a little more.

But she nods a little. "I think I would like that."

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 21:50:04

I reach over her and dig the bracelet out of the inside pocket of the duster, then tie it around her wrist.

"Remember, only if you're near my apartment and need to get away from something. Okay?"

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 21:52:17

She leans in and kisses him chastely.

She can't help it - he's leaning over her and she likes him and he's being nice and accomodating.

She'll probably regret it soon, but. "...Okay."

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 22:12:35

Her chaste little kiss turns into something a little deeper, because I can't stop my hand from sliding against her jaw, long fingers curling around the base of her head, holding her against me - just for a moment, but long enough. I don't want to stop, but I have to - God, I have to.

I pull back and look at the ground. "I'm sorry - I shouldn't have done that."

Really really really really shouldn't...

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 22:18:18

She makes a soft, pleased noise against his mouth until he pulls back. Her cheeks feel hot and she shifts a little uncertainly.

"It's--" Rosa worries on her lip and then reaches a small hand out to rest on his. "--Okay, yes?"

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 22:21:44

Shit.

"Um," I stand up, "we should probably get you home, huh?" As soon as I figure out which way my car is from here...

Off to the right...

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 22:25:44

The poor thing looks awfully confused.

"If that is what you would like...of course." Maybe she didn't do it right? First real kisses and all. She stands up as well.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 22:32:04

[Nope - this one's all Harry.]

"I think it's best. It's getting late and I have an early day tomorrow."

I know she's gotta be confused. Hell, why did I do that? Shitshitshitshitshit.

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 22:33:48

Just a little confused. Okay, a lot confused. She blushes a little and nods.

"Ah -- I should walk?" Meekly.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 22:34:40

I shake my head.

"No, my car's right here. I'll drive you."

It's not that far, but I'll feel better.

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 22:36:15

"But you --" She waves her hand a little. English does not come easily when she's flustered.

"Are uncomfortable. It is not far for me." She smooths her skirt down.

"I am sorry, Harry." She's properly embarassed.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 22:39:42

Crap.

"No. It's nothing you did. I'm an idiot. I'm not uncomfortable."

Much.

"Come on." I open the car door for her. "Besides, you have my coat."

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 22:41:23

She frowns.

"You are not. I would not have --" kissed you, "-- if I had not wanted to." But she's peeling the jacket off very cautiously to offer back to him even as she steps into the car.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 22:52:27

How do you say 'I'm an idiot for kissing you back' without sounding insulting?

"I know that, Rosa."

I take the coat back and close the door, then walk around to get into the driver's side.

I start the car and get all the way out of the parking lot before I say anything else.

"Rosa, I'm sorry I kissed you." Good one, Harry. "Not because I didn't want to, but because I don't think I did it for the right reason."

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 22:54:07

It's really more confusing than before, now.

She furrows her brows and twists her hands in her skirt. "Then what is the wrong reason?"

She really does at least need clarification on this to understand why she should be upset.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/02/2006 23:00:09

This isn't going to be easy.

"I like you, Rosa. But, I'm nearly twice your age. And the driving force behind the kiss wasn't so much how I feel about you as it was my libido trying to take over the driver's seat."

Does that make any sense at all?

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/02/2006 23:04:50

A little too much sense, maybe.

Her hands continue the smooth motions over her skirt, making sure to keep it at the right height so that nothing might accidentally show, for once.

"Oh." It's soft and small - she understands, and it's a little unpleasant.

She's really hoping the campus shows up in the window soon. She just .. nods.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/03/2006 11:31:58

I stop at a traffic sign and just bang my head against the steering wheel. It's a lot more productive than you'd think. It gives me time to actually do some thinking. I'm an idiot. Really. But she kissed me - what was I supposed to do? Nothing? I mean - I don't really go for the whole 'casual sex' thing and that's probably why I haven't done anything, right? Right. That's it.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/03/2006 18:55:23

She frowns at him.

That's not productive from her point of view, at least.

"Do not do that."

Because even if she's upset, she understands why - she's just glad he didn't go any further if that's really all that it is.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/03/2006 19:13:12

"It's helping."

Really - it is. I'm not thinking about what I almost might've done.

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/03/2006 19:16:34

"You are going to get a concussion."

Her hand slips down to where he's banging his head in hopes of .. deterring him.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/03/2006 19:22:57

"Nah - not hitting my head nearly hard enough for that."

I do stop and sit back - mostly because of the honking behind me. I'm almost irritated enough to show the driver behind me a rude hand gesture, but I don't.

"Where do you want me to drop you this time? At your dorm?"

See - saying things like that makes me feel dirty for thinking the things I've been thinking.

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/03/2006 19:24:30

"Still, it is a worry."

She gives him a very dim smile and shakes her head. "Only at the front of the University is all right. I will walk."

But she does add after a moment, "I don't care how old you are." She'll be quiet after that, though.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/03/2006 19:32:31

"Sorry."

I frown at her. "You sure? I don't mind dropping you at your dorm."

I sigh. "That's not really the point, Rosa."

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/03/2006 19:33:44

"I know. But I thought you should know, yes?"

She nods a little. "I am sure, Harry."

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/03/2006 19:38:12

I pull up to the front of the school, but the Spidey-sense is tingling. Something's not right. I put my hand on her arm.

"Rosa, I don't think you should get out here. There's someone... or something here."

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/03/2006 19:39:40

She arches her brow at him, but she trusts his judgement.

"If you are certain." She feels something ticking at the back of her head, anyway.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/03/2006 19:44:31

"Yeah - I'm pretty sure. Not sure what it is, but I know it's not good. Stay in the car."

I pull away from the curb and keep driving.

Shit. Now I have to do something with her. I really shouldn't take her to my place, but I don't know where else to go. I can't drop her with Father Forthill - that'd be rude.

Dammit.

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/03/2006 19:46:52

She frowns out the window. Rotten luck that they have, isn't it?

Rosa's thinking about somewhere for him to drop her as well. "If it was not so late, I would say that you should take me to Michael's, but..."

She shifts a little.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/03/2006 19:57:23

I'd actually had the same thought.

"Yeah. Guess you'll have to stay with me."

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/03/2006 19:58:48

She nods a little.

"If you are sure it's all right." She glances out the window again.

It occurs to her that she can't sleep in her work clothes. She'll have to ask him for some loaners.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/03/2006 20:04:02

"It's fine."

I take the turn onto my road and drive along, pull into the driveway and kill the ignition.

This is going to be an odd night.

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/03/2006 20:06:00

"All right."

She wanders out of the car and looks over to Harry so that he can lead her to the door.

"I will...need something else to wear." An apologetic smile.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/03/2006 20:07:58

She did not just tell me that. The images in my head - I wish I was stronger. Really.

I get out of the car and walk down the stairs.

"I think I can find something."

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/03/2006 20:09:23

She nods a little. "All right."

Rosa follows behind him, biting her lip as she goes.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/03/2006 20:16:33

I open the door and light some candles. It takes every ounce of strength I have to not push her against the door.

Damn. If I'd gotten laid more often in the last few years, this probably wouldn't be a problem.

Probably.

"I'll get you a shirt." I disappear into my room and pull out a T-shirt - I Am Not A Minion of Evil. I Am Upper Management. Michael hates this shirt.

"Here ya go." I toss it to her.

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/03/2006 20:18:10

"Thank you."

She catches it with only a little trouble and then meanders into the bathroom to change into the shirt. She's got her clothes folded in her arms neatly, but the heels are still on - she's not sure if she should be going barefoot around someone's apartment without their permission.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/03/2006 20:20:01

I notice the shoes... and the legs attached to them and swallow hard to keep my mind on track.

"Nice look. Take 'em off if you want. Elvis doesn't mind." I point to the rug on the floor in front of the fireplace as Mister slams against my legs.

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/03/2006 20:21:07

She frowns. "I was not sure." But she toes them off and sets them on the floor with her clothes.

She beams at Mister. "He seems very ... happy?" Or hungry.

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/03/2006 20:22:59

"Oh yeah - happy I'm here to fill his food dish so he can ignore me the rest of the night."

I reach down and scratch behind his ears.

"There's a left-over hamburger in the fridge if you want to feed him. Just drop it in the bowl."

I'd hate to see what she pulled back if she tried to feed it to him straight up.

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/03/2006 20:24:47

"All right."

She pads over to the ice box and rummages around to find the burger, then drops it into the bowl and washes her hands immediately afterward.

Seeing as she's not here by Harry's choice, really, she pauses. "I should sleep on the couch, yes?"

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/03/2006 20:27:33

I shake my head.

"No. Take the bed. It's okay."

	From: mightbeamermaid	Date: 10/03/2006 20:28:33

She frowns.

"If you insist." She glances to the bedroom door. "Should I go now? I don't want to be a bother."

	From: wizard_dresden	Date: 10/03/2006 20:30:46