Archer
I held Genosta closer before the guys pushed us apart and I started to panic reaching in my pocket for the knife I kept there. The guys started to freak out when they grabbed me and I tried to get away from them. “Stop it now! Im not some h0e Im not trying to get with everyone I am just being me let me go and stop hurting him!” I yelled as I panicked and kicked. I wanted free and I was almost crying as I saw them beat Genosta. “Stop hurting him!” I was screaming and our groceries were all over the sidewalk. “Just leave us alone.” I was trying to get them to turn their attention to me. I was really tempted to yell what we were always told to at the orphanage “FIRE!!!” people always liked to see a fire over two guys being beat up a call of fire garnered more help then yelling help always and that was a simple fact. But the streets were pretty empty because of the weather so even that was a long shot.
@Meekepeek
I wasn’t too concerned about getting beaten up, frankly, I was kind of used to it, but seeing Archer this scared and them just laughing at it, was hitting me harder than any of their punches. I got a kick in my stomach which made me fall over, but I used it to grab the bag and everything that was still in it before getting up again and running to Archer. One guy tried to throw a punch at him so I quickly pulled Archer away, making him hit my arm instead, but I didn’t care and punched him back before pulling Archer with me. “There’s no reasoning with people like them” I just told him butterly while running. I looked back and saw them following us, looking furious so I dragged Archer into the cafe and straight to the stairs. Public places like these were like safe havens, they don’t try anything because too many people are watching.
Out of breath, I sat down on the stairs while holding my stomach. I looked up at Archer and removed my mask. With a frown, I looked at him and took a hand. “Are you okay?” I asked him, did they hurt you? "I added worriedly
@bpalmer
Archer
I was scared and worried I had always blended in enough that no one even knew I existed let alone tried to start anything with me. This was something that I want really used to. I had received a few punches and kicks as the guys held me but I saw Genosta push them away and I wrapped my arms around him as we ran with what groceries we had left. I tried to calm myself down as we got in the cafe and up the stairs but I was still worried about Genosta and freaked out. I locked my door and then hugged him tight. I was still holding my pocket knife in my hand it was shaking just like the rest of me though. “Im ok I think.” I said as I let everything I was holding fall on the floor and hold him tight. “Are you alright??” I ask as I rub my thumb on a not black part of his face.
@Meekepeek
I held him close as he was shaken up. “I’m fine, I think, they got off some nasty hits in my stomach, but I’ll live” I reassured him honestly. “They are gone now” I tell him as I kept holding him as long as needed. I stroked his back as I felt anger towards the guys for upsetting Archer. “We’re okay” I shushed him, trying to calm him down as I felt him tremble in my arms.
@bpalmer
Archer
I was shaken up but felt better with his arms wrapped around me and took deep breaths. “Let me see you stomach make sure there is no bruising and stuff. I have bruises too but I will be fine.” I say as I run my fingers through his hair. “I know they are gone for now.” I let him rub my back it was calming and felt relaxing. “I know Im ok your ok but they are around here and know where we live now.”
@Meekepeek
“They saw us get into an cafe, that’s all, if needed I will go outside in a little but as a bird, go into a different house and then fly back just to set them up, but later” I reassured him and was a bit hasitent, not really because of the bruising that I knew was there, but if I did, Archer would see just how far the decaying was spread out.
In the end I did take off my shirt so he could check since i trusted him and didn’t want to hide it from him either.
@bpalmer
Archer
“Oh Genosta.” I say as I see him take his shirt off and see how far the black skin spread down his body. “Does it all hurt you?” I asked as I held his hand. I didn’t want him to be in pain his whole life he didn’t deserve that. I wanted him happy and everything. I wanted that perfect dream with him even though I knew it was nothing more than a dream. “I do think you might have a broken rib though.” I say as I stand up and lean my head on his shoulder. I knew this was what loving and caring for someone felt like but I just was hoping he felt the same way.
@Meekepeek
I looked down at my own chest and frowned. “I’m not sure to be honest, lets see if the bruising goes away in a few days, if now, we can let it get checked in the hospital or something” I suggested. I then held his hand as be rested his head on my shoulder. “As for the blackness, have you ever had a consistent pain somewhere, that after a little while it just felt heavy and numb?” I asked. “Like you knew the pain was there, but you don’t feel it?” I added. "That’s what this feels like, I know it’s there, I just don’t feel it anymore except for little occasional waves.
@bpalmer
Archer
“That sounds kind of horrible Genosta.” I said as I held him close when he talked about the blackness. “Lets put the groceries away then I want to hold you. You worry me.” I say as I keep him close and grab the bags. “I locked the door if anyone tries anything.”
@Meekepeek
“It’s not as bad as it sounds, it just feels like an pressure on my skin all day, nothing more” I reassured him and started helping him with putting away the groceries. In the end we only got the chocolate and the ingredients for tonight. “Looks like were going to have to buy groceries again tomorrow, but we’ll go somewhere else” I said and took his hand firmly. “Be honest with me Archer, are you scared for your safety right now?” I asked him.
Archer
I helped put the stuff for dinner in the fridge and and shook my head when I heard Genosta’s question. “No that’s not why I was scared. I was scared for your life and I dont know I’m just not used to that kind of thing. I am plain enough I get lost in the crowd easily usually and it’s just strange I guess. It was scary but no I wasnt scared for my life.”
@Meekepeek
I sigh and pulled him to me. “I meant, are you scared of them coming here?” I asked with a frown before I take him to the couch. “Because I don’t want you to be scared while you are here” I said and pulled him in a hug. “Sorry” I then tell him. As I slowly pull away a sharp pain shoots through my stomach and I let out a his. “One good thing came out of this tho” I saod with an sour chuckle through the pain. “I can’t sleep as a bird like this, and sleeping together will reassure us both” I said with a grin.
@bpalmer
Archer
I sigh unsure if I was scare of them coming or not. “I honestly don’t know if im scared of them coming here.” I replied as I shifted so I didn’t hurt him but we were still touching. I laid my head in his lap and grabbed the blanket on the couch cuddling up with it. I hold his hand as I lay on his lap. “No its ok I will get you ice in a minute I just need to calm myself a little first.” I rub little circles on the back of his hand with my thumb as I try and clam us both a little. “Good well not good you’re hurt like that but good that your sleeping with me in my bed.” I say as I keep rubbing the little circles on the back of his hand.
@Meekepeek
LOCATION: LE SAUNA // DECEMBER 2ND
Aphro was startled when he started shouting. “Calm down! I was only suggesting that you could stay over. But that doesn’t mean that I want you to. I was just- I was just being a good host!” She crossed her arms and frowned. She was lying; She did want him to stay over. She was lonely. Very lonely. There was no one else she could call over to give her company. Her friends? They weren’t close enough with Aphro to come down from Olympus. Her mortal friends? Pfft, like she had any (lol). Arthur…? No, no, they were just colleagues, and she felt awkward talking to older guys (how is he older?). “Ugh… nevermind,” she muttered to herself and turned to Gaston. “Yes, I’ll see you next week.” she weakly smiled at him and plopped back on the bed. She didn’t bother escorting him out. He should be fine on his own. He has been here way too many times. Now that he was gone, Aphro was thinking of what she could do now. Watch a movie, maybe? A new horror movie had come out. Wait, no, since when did she like horror? Perhaps, she could paint? Or look for new clothes online. Orrr just drift off to sleep…
I let out a chuckle. “Are you sure you didn’t ask them just to get me to sleep with you?” I asked with a grin. “I mean, I know you believe I’m tough enough for a few punches and of couse, I am, but I had already agreed to it before” I saod and poked his nose as I looked down on him. “No need for ice, you here works better” I then said with a smile and I started to stroke his hair.
@bpalmer
Belle Legume
A small, slight smile appeared on her lips,”I guess you are right. I may start coming home earlier now. Perhaps that’ll cure my constant drowsiness.” Belle spoke in a chipper voice, hoping to decrease the tension. Until he started to refer to tell her what she should do. Keep it calm. “I should have more time for you now Gaston. I never realized this underlying issue.” Or she just never wanted to. Either way, this conversation was not going the way she wanted it.
Although it took a turn when he started to get slightly violent. She flinched from the unexpecting action of his. He has done such before, but she thought they were at ease currently. Well somewhat anyways, but apparently not. Belle looked up at him, staring him in the eyes. Trying to not make this any worse by snapping back at him. “Gaston, Reading is a hobby of mine. It is apart of my job. May i do it often, yes, but don’t you dare try to blame this on my hobbies. You go to the tavern almost every other night so when i get home, you’re still gone and eventually come home all hot and bothered it seems.” She spoke, leaving no hint of annoyance or irritation show. They both took a breath, trying to not blow up. At least one of them. “I-“ She sighed looking over at him. “I have time off this weekend. Perhaps we can go to brunch together? Get some delicious breakfast?”She suggested. Of course just trying to appease him somehow. Then he went on about meeting him at the tavern. Belle swallowed, but remained neutral. Even if she was afraid of what he might do with that temper, she would never show it. Something that she has been good at over the years. Besides biting the inside of her cheek,”Alright, is there a certain time you’d be expecting?” She asked quietly, but just loud enough for him to hear her. Not backing down in any way as she took a large and loud bite out of the apple in her hand. Almost finishing it.
As he started again, he made her sound as if she was just there for him and his needs. Which very much so almost pushed her over the edge. How dare he talk about her like that. She furrowed her brows, not even wanting to continue that part of the conversation, but she did. “I am not just your play toy Gaston and you will definitely not be getting any of your needs fulfilled by talking to and about me that way.” Belle huffed with frustration. Does he have any manors? Gaston moved closer to her, but Belle was already leaning against the counter. So she didn’t have very much anywhere to go so instead she just stared up at him in the eye as she straightened her back. Now he made it about kids, no sons and about her age. “We aren’t even 30 Gaston. We still have time. Why must we rush?” She asked, ignoring the son thing. Hopefully that was just an example because she was looking forward to having a daughter and a son. If it did turn out that way. Then when she brought up the investigation, it seemed as if that was the last straw for him. She jumped, banging her lower back on the counter unknowingly. He wasn’t even paying attention to her so he couldn’t see that.”I am a women. Those people are taking women so I would like to know what’s going on out there. So am I safe because I don’t feel like it. The police haven’t gotten many leads that i know of, so that doesn’t help either.” She spoke with defiance. Was she scared? yes, she was. Of him right now, of the case, but she wouldn’t let that hold her back. Especially since she has heard some glasses breaking. That’s just Great.
She wanted to let him go, let him leave the house right now, but she couldn’t. He was her husband still and they made promises. Even if he didn’t keep them, she needed this marriage to work. For her sake. Sighing as she spoke up,”Gaston… stay. You are wanted here. I- uh, just am under a lot of stress recently so i suppose that’s why i have been avoiding you. I didn’t want to ruin us.” Was this an excuse, was this true? She honestly didn’t know.
@sunflower.flow ~ Gaston
Previous day ~ December 2nd
“I don’t care if it’s your hobby or not!” Gaston said. Belle accused him of going to the tavern every day. As if those two things could even be compared to each other. Belle read books because she didn’t respect him… he went to the tavern because he had no choice. “Are you going to put all the blame on me? Belle, you are destroying our marriage because you put your library work above our relationship. I have no other choice… I would come back earlier if my beloved wife was waiting for me at home. Oh, how ungrateful you are, Belle” He grimaced in disgust. He always had wanted Belle to be his wife. He wanted it because he was sure that she, too, dreamed about it deep down in her heart. At first, she pretended to act hard to get… and while it was sexy and exciting at first, now Gaston was sick of her games. He wanted a wife who knew what a wonderful husband Gaston was. Handsome, strong, talented, wealthy, desired by all women. Who wouldn’t want him? “You do not respect me.” He continued, his voice getting harsher and harsher. “You’re offering me brunch, okay… but what if I don’t have time? What if I can hang out with you right after your work? What if I am busy during the weekend? The problem is that you don’t care about that. If you did, you would come back home right after your shift ends. Not later."
His eyebrows narrowed to his eyelids, and his lips turned into an even line. Gaston observed Belle. He didn’t mind her confidence and her sudden reaction… quite the opposite. Her bravery was attractive. Gaston straightened his back. “Don’t twist my words, Belle.” He started. “You are not my toy, but my wife. A wife who doesn’t care about her husband at all." He sighed heavily - as if he was breaking down. “And she should care.” He turned away from her, reproach visible on his face. He was sick of her constant complaining. He was fed up that he also had to complain. And the fact that she wasn’t ready to have children. Well, that one took the cake! “Why don’t you want to hurry! I want six strapping sons. You’re not gonna give birth to them all at once!" he explained, shaking his head in disbelief. Belle was smart, but sometimes she acted like nothing (even the most uncomplicated thing) was understandable to her.
He scowled at her. Her face looked tired, but even now, Belle looked beautiful. Despite the tousled hair, the black bags under the eyes, and the anxiety in her pupils. Gaston had no idea it was the women who were being kidnapped. In fact, it was the first time that he got more interested in this matter. However, it was not his fault. He was busy with more important things. Himself. “Oh, Belle…” he directed his sad gaze at her. She was standing in front of him now, wanting him to stay. Terrified that the police are not taking care of the kidnappings. “You have nothing to worry about.” He took one of her brown locks in his hand and began to twist it around his massive finger. “I will not let anyone hurt you… After all, I do not like when someone takes something that belongs to me.” He tucked a strand behind her ear. He was flattered that she had begged him for help between the lines - that she wanted him by her side. He pressed his lips to her forehead. It was chaotic, fast… there was no real love behind this kiss. It was a hypocritical manipulation… as was their entire marriage.
Gaston frowned even more. “Really… it pains me to say what I have to say now. I’d love to stay with you, but I can’t do it.” He moved away from her, his gaze becoming repulsive and unpleasant, yet again. Bestial. “You don’t respect me, Belle. You don’t treat me like you should, and my dignity prevents me from accepting it." He opened the door. A chill wind filled the corridor. “I expect you to arrive at the tavern tomorrow around 6 pm. You are intelligent enough to know that you should not miss this chance." He went outside and put his hand on the doorframe. “Goodbye, Belle.” He walked away, leaving the hollow echo of the massive footsteps behind him.
How could she insult him in such a way, offend him? He was so angry that fumes seemed to be blowing from his ears. Belle didn’t want to take him seriously? Now, she has it her own way! He was sure his wife would be concerned about him, and that was good. Anyway… she must be worried about this whole kidnapping thing. But that was not what Gaston should be troubled about now. He shouldn’t waste time thinking about his wife, who herself had no time for him. He had more important things on his mind. Like, for example, where should he stay?
He thought of a hotel, but… it would be a waste of money. He might have flirted with the receptionist to get the free room, but if it was a man who worked behind the counter tonight… his plan would be ruined. Gaston sighed.
Two choices were now circulating in his mind, but Gaston immediately rejected one. After all, if LeFou had told Belle that Gaston had gone to his house last night, it would have been weird at least. Gaston preferred to avoid this awkward situation.
His only choice was…
Gaston was standing outside the door to her house. Aphro couldn’t be sleeping. When one’s muscles ached, it was hard to fall asleep, and after their meeting tonight… Aphro must have been extremely sore.
He knocked loudly on the door. Gaston and Aphro did not end their encounter on a happy note. It was only because his lover started to act too clingy, but… it didn’t matter now. She would definitely accept him, anyway. She would not just reject him. It was impossible.
@angelic ~ Belle LeGume
@elixr ~ Aphrodite Florakis
LOCATION: HER HOUSE // DECEMBER 2ND
A loud thudding noise woke Aphro up. Was someone knocking on the door or trying to break in? Either way, she didn’t care and tried going back to sleep. But the knocking didn’t stop. “Ughh!” she groaned in annoyance and got up. Who could it be at this hour? ‘This better be an emergency or I’ll-’ she paused and took a deep breath. “Calm down, Aphro. Anger isn’t good for you,” she mutters to herself and opens the door.
“Uhh, Gaston? What are you doing here? I’m pretty sure you didn’t want to be here the last time I asked.” she crossed her arms and leaned on the doorframe. “Weren’t you afraid Belle would find out about us? Why are you here, then?” she raised an eyebrow at him. “Aw, did you guys fight?” she asked mockingly. It was merely a guess. She didn’t know if they had fought or not. Gaston might be here for other reasons; she doesn’t know. “I knew you couldn’t stay away from me for long,” she caressed his cheek and moved closer, staring into his beautiful blue eyes, their lips, an inch away from almost touching each others. “Anyways!” she averted her gaze from him and moved away, breaking their little ‘moment’.
“Come in,” she invited him, not aware that she was still in her underwear (lol, I think he’d like that tbh). “It’s not like I have anything better to do…” she muttered to herself and let him in.
Previous day ~ December 2nd
She opened the door for him, and Gaston felt the blood rushing to his… cheeks. He hungrily stared at her, carefully studying every curve of her body, every strand of her hair, every lash, every painted fingernail. Gaston turned his blue eyes to the black, slightly transparent underwear that only emphasized the beauty of her body. He bit the inside of his cheek to keep himself from being mesmerized by this exciting sight. Which didn’t quite work because he still didn’t hear the single word she had said.
At the mention of the name “Belle,” Gaston looked straight into her dark eyes and made a grimace. His expression grew more and more disgusted with each word that left her plump, glistening lips. Was she making fun of him? Another woman talking to him like that? That was unbelievable. “You wish we had a quarrel, wouldn’t you?” he smiled ominously. “Then you could have me all to yourself.”
He moved closer to her face; she also narrowed the distance between them. Gaston could already feel her breath on his lips, the locks of her hair on his shoulders… He wanted to step away first. Tease her for a bit. But when he was about to do it, she (to his great surprise) did it first. Gaston jumped back, showing his anger in a frown. Forgetting manners and any tact, he stepped inside before she even offered it herself. She didn’t respect him, so why should he recognize any rules?
He threw his jacket on the hanger and turned to the woman. “You shouldn’t worry about my marriage, Aphro.” He snapped. “Especially if it doesn’t concern you. That fact that Belle doesn’t respect me at all is not one of your concerns.”
@elixr ~ Aphrodite Florakis
Present day - December 3rd
With each day, this awful bar started to become more and more popular… and although after the first concert that scary woman-owner yelled at Bill for not singing the songs she chose, she was now as docile as a lamb. Money was more important to her. Bill became, in a way, the holy cow of this place - because thanks to him, more and more customers started to come here.
Bill had a concert today too…, and the man really couldn’t complain. He wasn’t making much money yet, but the satisfaction of having regular customers who admired him was more valuable. He loved to entertain the guests, talk to them and invite them to the stage. There was a very relaxed atmosphere in the bar. Besides, the drinks got better as well…
He stood on the stage, and the dazzling light of the spotlights blinded him. Bill saw no one but those in the front row. Bill smiled at them, seeing some familiar faces again. He sang the first, second, and third songs. Each time he was met with enormous applause and cheers. The next song was suggested by a new guy - a young boy with black curls that beautifully accentuated his strong cheekbones.
It was a good thing that the number chosen by the viewer was not too modern. Bill was not familiar with the songs of this decade. Fortunately, it was the “Ain’t Misbehavin’” that Bill knew like his own hand. Someone entered the bar while he was singing. Bill looked up and narrowed his eyes to see the person better. Through the striking light, he saw her… and almost fell off the stage. Was it really her? After all, it was impossible… She was not much older than him. She could not live that long and thus look so young. However, the resemblance was undeniable.
The woman ordered a drink and moved closer to the stage so now Bill could see her more clearly. That long, wavy brown hair that looked like cascades of dark chocolate. Those dark eyes resembled the sparkling dravities against the snow-white complexion of her skin. Bill’s voice trembled… he couldn’t really believe it. The beauty in front of him was a duplicate of his greatest love from so many years ago. It was for this mysterious maiden that he died. He came back here for her. Was fate really mocking him? Maybe it was just a mirage? Or perhaps the image of a tired brain? Was Bill starting to lose his mind?
The song ended, and Bill had to know. He had to see if the nymph in front of him was real. “Sorry, miss.” He turned to her. “You seem to be new here, ay? We have a tradition here that new guests propose another song for me to sing.” He smiled sluggishly at her, feeling the cold sweat trickle down his back, his voice trembling, his gaze lowering because looking at her made him lose his words. “But before that, can you, lady, tell me your name first?” he encouraged, handing her his microphone.
@angelic ~ Belle LeGume
@ethereal ~ here it is, yay