Archer
I giggle when he says I make him laugh. “Im make you laugh. Well that is good to know my humor isn’t waisted.” I say as I giggle and lay my head on his lap.
I was glad that he wanted to make memories too because that meant a lot to me. “Well I like to say it so it well that and I love you so I dont think I am going to stop any time soon.” I say as I smile and kiss his cheek back. “Ok good let me enjoy the warmth of the coco and the fire a little longer first Gen.”
@Meekepeek
Arthur shook his head. The girl’s proposal, although noble, did not appeal to him. He was against any unproven voluntary emergency doctor tending to him. “You really don’t have to do that,” he tried to make his voice sound confident and strict. Years of practice in questioning people allowed him to master this art to perfection. “I am kinda busy, so I probably don’t even have time to say for too long. However, thank you for the offer."
Arthur never had a way with young people. He didn’t understand them, and he often seemed to be the destroyer of fun - a wet blanket, if you will. The man could not adapt to new trends or rapidly changing fashion. That was why he was so surprised by the girl’s behavior. She was laughing as if amused by his answer. Arthur didn’t see anything funny about it. “I don’t think I’ll get used to this peculiar nickname,” he stated bitterly. Anastasia seemed to want to get to know him better. Already, it seemed as if she thought they would meet more often. Arthur didn’t want to be harsh, so the man ignored this assumption. He knew this meeting was their first and last. He had already had enough nicknames under his belt.
The past and people we had met define who we became. Undeniably, his new ‘friend’ seemed surprised by his kindness. Arthur, best of all, knew that the world wasn’t a bed of roses filled with bubblegum and cotton candy. He remembered many people who lost their direction, wasted their purpose, forgot themselves. They often committed shameful deeds for a specific goal. Sometimes, those reasons were mundane. However, others perceived their sinful actions as pure - entering the divine sphere of the sacred. ‘They are equal and more equal’ - that was their mantra. Arthur acknowledged, however, that there were not only lost people in the world. There were also those with genuine and good intentions. Strangely, Anastasia didn’t expect the worst of him. “I think there are many who do not look for any personal interest in their acts.” He said, smiling gently. He wasn’t going to ask what she specifically meant when she said she wasn’t used to people being polite. They weren’t at the police station, and besides, he already knew enough. At this point, he didn’t seem to need to understand more about her.
The girl laughed, and Arthur’s heart felt lighter. The joke worked - that meant, that he was not as anti-social as he thought he was. His interlocutor continued cheerfully - she was full of energy… which was maybe even contagious - however, Arthur did not seem to be affected by it. She stated that the ‘AA’ could also apply to batteries of this type. This actually would suit her energizing personality more - it could “charge” a person with optimism. Arthur joked - although it sounded like the bitter statement again, “Or AA for Alcoholic Anonymous.”
Arthur knew Anastasia was performing. She was a skilled actress. A budding policeman would believe her every word; Arthur, however, was skeptical. He took every word she said with a slight dose of uncertainty. Charming characters like her often hid poisoned secrets. In addition, he already knew that she was associated with magic shenanigans - another reason not to trust her. Unfortunately, despite her puzzling behavior, charms, and those deep pockets of hers, Arthur had no reason to suspect her of the worst. He was on the same team as her and played according to her rules. The man was pretending to be completely charmed by her intriguing person. Despite this, her façade fell - for a moment, for a second. Everyone had a weak point, their Achilles heel. In the case of Anastasia, it was her sister. The girl wilted; real tears filled her eyes. Arthur earned her trust, and she opened the veil of a hidden part of herself. It was not quite a success in the sense of knowing all her secrets, but it was certainly a small step towards discovering them. The man was silent, listening to her pained voice. The girl wouldn’t recover from the loss of her sister. Though Arthur had mixed feelings about her, the girl was still remarkably young. She may have been just over 20… losing her big sister (Arthur concluded she must have been older) would cause terrible pain. Scary… it was like losing a part of oneself. Arthur just nodded sadly, not entering into further discussion. By asking too many questions, he could lose her trust forever. And who knew … maybe the girl would be useful one day? Perhaps she acknowledged something about the disappearances, or she could recognize a person who could be responsible for them? Who knew if she wasn’t an amateur detective like Poirot? Arthur preferred not to risk and make such a culpable mistake. The silence was gold after all, and in this case, it really was.
Las Levendas was full of secrets hidden in the dark alleys of the city. It was a magical neighborhood with outlines of figures lurking in the shadows of lamps. Each of the residents had a past that they would prefer not to talk about. Arthur watched Anastasia allow herself to calm down. She sniffed the cold winter air. She served him the standard answer he had heard from many residents. He, too, decided to reply to her in the same way. The same he had answered to all those who held to hope. “We believe that thanks to our hard work, we will be able to maintain order and peace in Las Levendas.”
A big gulp got stuck in his throat; he tried to swallow it. Warm saliva clung to his palate. He rarely experienced such sincere compassion from someone. His healthy hand began to sweat, sticky water ran down the sleeve of his jacket. The girl’s words, though pleasant to the ears, made him even more anxious. Though the distance between them practically decreased, Arthur wanted to get away from her as soon as possible. Go back to his depths, distant from the outside world. And just wither.
The cold metal hand did not feel the warmth of the palm in which hot blood was flowing. Just like Arthur, it was deprived and numb to someone else’s goodness. He smiled sluggishly, trying to hide his embarrassment.
Anastasia stated that his wife was an intelligent woman. Though she didn’t know her, she was right. She was smart. Arthur had already cried out all the tears after her death (it didn’t mean that the sadness had vanished). However, the way Anastasia spoke of her as if she still was a living person made his heart twist. It contracted, making silent sounds of beating. “She was bright,” Arthur corrected her. He gripped the candle in his hand even tighter.
“I mean, who can say that their hand was made especially for them?” Anastasia continued passionately. “So f*ck every single f*cking person who thinks otherwise.”
Arthur let out an amused huff. It disappeared in the form of a tiny puff of steam. “Thank you,” he whispered. “But watch your language. I understand young people have to swear to express themselves, and it’s not my business, but … now, you are in the presence of little prone to everything, kids.” He glanced at the gang of young boys who stood extremely close to them. They pretended they were doing something else. One was kicking a pebble with interest, the other was watching the snow falling… but Arthur knew they were eavesdropping. “You need to set a good example for them. Maybe there is still hope for them." He stated, although looking at their behavior and ‘eloquent’ statements, their efforts would go to waste. Hope was the mother of fools.
Anastasia clearly agreed with his unspoken assumption. She had to take a deep breath to calm herself. The boys did not mind the fact that their actions annoyed them both. On the contrary, they chuckled between themselves every time Arthur had to count to five not to say what he might have regretted later. Fortunately, as soon as they set off, the children turned into meek little angels. They stayed close to them and didn’t even ask 'how much farther, which was quite a phenomenon. They were very focused on the ball, one wrong move, and they might lose the opportunity to get it.
Arthur did not know the limit of this childlike patience. He did not have to think about it because, after a few minutes, they were standing on the threshold of the store. The building was small, covered in twisting ivy. It seemed a bit run-down because of it, but maybe it was in vogue now? After all, perfection can overwhelm you. The flaws of something else lifted people up. Terrible but true.
After a while, they were inside. Anastasia moved steadily towards the counter - a black-haired girl stood behind it. She was not much older than her sister. Even though they clearly differed in style of clothing, posture, and appearance (at least at first glance), Arthur could not deny that they were related to each other. They had the same sparkle in their eyes, the same self-confident aura.
He looked around the room. The shelves bent with the number of vials and glasses full of all kinds of potions; Arthur felt a little claustrophobic, overwhelmed by the number of products. Little fluff of grey dust tickled his nostrils. At least the boys liked it here. They watched everything from afar, despite the girl’s warning. However, they did not touch anything.
Arthur hadn’t had to think about it for long. He knew he was not welcome here. Elise did not hide her annoyance at his presence. The man could check why. He could talk to the sisters, find out what they were hiding. However, at this moment, he had no way of doing it. Not with a few pairs of tiny eyes watching him.
"Well. I guess it’s all under control now,” the man noted. “I will not be needed anymore. Once again, it’s okay, and thank you for your words of encouragement.” He directed his eyes towards the red-haired girl. Despite her sister’s vivid anger, she remained calm. Although she would definitely be reprimanded for bringing unwelcome people to their shop. “It was nice to meet you. Goodbye!” he bowed by slightly tilting his head.
He left quickly, hoping that the girl wouldn’t run after him to stop him. He wished they would never meet again, but something in his soul told him those were only comforting delusions.
@unsungcheerio ~ Anastasia Tremaine
She watched him with her brown pupils. They followed his every move. Bill felt his heart pounding madly every time they made eye contact. He didn’t want their meeting to end after just a few words, a few smiles, and a few rubs of the shoulder. The man hoped this beautiful, warm-hearted person felt the same. He believed that she, too, wanted to develop and explore this relationship. However, the decisions of mysterious and unreadable women are unknown.
His cheeks reddened when she grabbed his hand. With a sweet voice, she agreed to dance with him, and her smile melted on her face like milk chocolate. Bill’s grin was much more noticeable than hers. He made no effort to hide his visible joy.
He helped her get on stage. He placed his hand gently on her slender waist. They swayed slowly, making little dynamic spins from time to time. He watched her with a dreamy half-smile. This moment could last forever, but… unfortunately, the short piano solo had to end (although the bar musician extended it by a few lines anyway). Bill released the girl from his arms, came closer to the microphone, and sang the final verse. Intentionally modifying its text:
“So, don’t forget we met dear; Why this beginning must end?” he sighed, glancing briefly at his dancing partner. “After I’ve called you sweetheart; How can I call you a friend?" Bill waited a few minutes, letting the last note echo. Its final sound filled the room, slowly dissolving into the spotlights, glasses of cognac, and soft armchairs. The room began to clap. Bill bowed timidly and also began applauding this unusual, brave guest.
Soon, the guests calmed down. Bill was taking a break now. The pianist played a composition that did not require vocal accompaniment. “So… are you one of those one-time visitors or those who stay permanently?” he timidly asked the women. His eyes were focused on the floor. He swayed nervously on his moccasins (which definitely needed polishing), his hands tucked deep in his pockets. “We serve splendid drinks. It’s worth trying all of them. It can’t be done in one day, though…” he smiled calmly. “I mean… a person with common sense wouldn’t try that, at least.” He laughed lightly.
@angelic ~ Belle LeGume
“I’m glad to hear it” I said with a smile. “Because I can’t get enough of you right now” I added and gave him a soft peck on his forehead in return before hearing someone clear his throat. “Two hot chocolate?” A girl asked while looking at us with a raised eyebrow. “Yes thanks” I said with a tone that said; you can go now. but she kept on staring. “Oh leave those two alone Susy, they are cute” I heard another girl say as she pushed her collegue away and gave us a friendly smile.
@bpalmer
Previous day ~ December 2nd
Gaston rolled his eyes and grunted in response. "Oh, come on. I’m tired. I needed alcohol, ”he explained grumpily. She shouldn’t have judged him, especially since she knew his situation (as much as she wanted to know it, to be exact). Gaston was too tired to continue his explanation. At other times, he would be able to enjoy a liqueur in a peaceful, slow manner. However, now all he wanted was to numb his mind as soon as possible. Forget the thoughts that were raging in his head. Turn them into blurry stains of unrecognizable memories. Having a quick glass of wine helped. For a moment, the world had spun before his eyes, and a blissful taste quickly filled his dry throat. Gaston felt much better, though he would have liked to ask for another glass. But he decided it was better not to give Aphro any more reasons for her to wince in disgust. Not that Gaston cared about any of her reactions. At this stage, he knew that no matter what he did, Aphro won’t give up on their nightly excesses. At the moment, this knowledge was sufficient, and he did not expect anything more from her.
Aphro looked away from him, focusing her large eyes on the nearby plant. Embarrassed, she swallowed, trying hard to focus her mind on something else than him. Gaston smiled at her reaction. He liked that she had to do all that to keep herself in control and maintain her posture. He didn’t think about what she was imagining. It was not significant, considering that those must have been quick and sudden thoughts with no specific meaning or purpose. He turned to the side, resting his head on a soft pillow. Her flower was really amazingly beautiful. Gaston stared at its greenish leaves and tiny buds that should turn into lovely blossoms in spring. He doubted if Aphro cared for the plant herself. Someone must have been doing that for her - perhaps her set of maids. The girl was hardly one of the most organized and caring people. If she had to remember to water the plant, the flower would have probably not been here anymore.
Soon they were lying down. Aphro snuggled against his chest. She ran her fingers over the carvings of his muscles. She stated that Gaston would stay the night (as he planned) because he was arguing with his wife. Gaston was glad she started to care about this tragic situation. At least that was how he explained it to himself. She knew the man just wanted to be away from home now. He didn’t answer her. He just squeezed her closer to him, pressing his face against her long black hair. Soon enough, he fell asleep.
@elixr ~ Aphrodite Florakis
Archer
I saw his smile and held his hand tight. That solidified in my mind that I was never letting this man go. He meant so much to me already and the look of joy made me happy. “I know you are not as open about it and its fine I was giving you a hard time anyway Gen.” I say as I cuddle in whelps he plays with my hair.
“Just right now because honestly for me its kind of a constant thing.” I say as I smirk knowing fully well I was being a little bit sarcastic and Gen hadn’t seen much of that side of me yet. I blushed softly when he kissed my forehead but it made me really happy and a Wie grin spread across my face. I sat up some to take my hot chocolate without spilling it. She was staring I could tell Gen was trying to be polite. “Thanks that’s all we needed.” I say as I smile and wave as I hope she walked away but her friend took care of it much to my relief.
@Meekepeek ok just a random question does Genosta have his mask on?
“well, as long as you keep doing what you’re doing right now, nothing will change, so it is completely up to you” I told him and waited for him as he was carefully trying to take a sip before softly pushing his hand slightly up so his nose would be dipped into the whipped cream. I let out a suppressed laugher since we were in public. “Sorry, but that’s adorable,” I said chuckling.
@bpalmer
I had to think about this one jeez. Okay, he has his mask on, but it’s starting to become transparent, though Gen doesn’t know that.
~ (also, please inform me whether you want to continue in 1x1 RPs or small group RP, and don’t forget to tag me when you create a thread!)
@Meekepeek, @angelic, @bpalmer, @unsungcheerio, @ethereal, @elixr
Hello @Littlefeets! Can you please close this thread?
Thank you in advance! 
Goodbye Las Levendas, we had fun!
Closed by op request
