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Post by Thaddeus on Oct 30, 2009 18:43:43 GMT -5
It's hard to believe that Thaddeus could savor such touch of warmth, affection and thensome. He had thought that had been lost to the wind with his passing; his death. Although he's alive, no? Yes, he was, but...no, he was dead. He lost his old life. That wasn't apart of him any more, nor would it ever play a part of his lifestyle; of his being. Truth be told though, it's strange to know that he wouldn't see certain folk ever again.
He loved his girlfriend -- his wife -- and now he'd never have a chance to utter words of affection and love; his devotion to her. That's not even making mention of his daughter. He couldn't think of her the same way agan; at least not without that image of her face swollen and blue. It nigh brings tears to stand within his eyes knowing that he'd never get the chance to her hear utter "papa" ever again.
...and yet, despite all of this, he found pleasure within this young, pretty woman.
Chloé's younger than him by a few years, and though she was, she moved with the confidence of an older, mature woman; a woman he found attractive. It's her knowing personality, and the way she spoke; the way she touches him as she smiles and kisses him. It's enough to make him feel warm and wanted, and that alone was enough to make him feel boyish as ever. Truth be told though, there's not much else that could make him feel better at that instant. It's why he's savoring each touch as if it may be his last, and truth be told, he now understood that nothing lasted forever; anything can be taken from you within a moment's passing. It's then things are wrapping up, or at least coming to a pause for a short moment.
Thaddeus eyes follow Chloé's motions as she slips off of the bed. As for him? Well, he's left there laying more-or-less upon his side. It's not as seductive as any woman could look half-naked, but well, Thaddeus does well for what he's working with, right? Although, to be fair, he's not worried about his looks. He knows he looks nigh ragged and needing of a shave, new clothing and badly needed his chest to heal. It's then he's shifting and slipping his legs off of the bed.
He sits there quietly whilst perching carefully upon the edge of the bed. His hands press upon the soft bedding at either side of himself as she unrolls the bandages with ease; his eyes flit over her and soon after her face. He offers her a sweet, affection filled smile before lifting his hands off of the bed and thrusting his arms toward the ceiling.
It's something that would done within ease as Thaddeus continues to smile. He'd offer little to no protest, or even a semblance of struggle. It's because he needed this done more than ever before, and there's something about him. It's obvious he had gone through this once before, and perhaps he had as a child, or even a teenager. Then again, to be truthful, Chloé knew nothing about Thaddeus but for what he had told her. Despite that though, and although they had been going along well enough with Chloé coming close, it seemed things wouldn't last. It's a shame though because Thaddeus was enjoying himself; in fact, he was enjoying the moment thoroughly.
Thaddeus couldn't help but brush his mouth against her cheek, neck and ear; kiss her soft mouth every time her face drew close enough as her arms sweep around him to guide that gauze tight about his chest, but then things ended suddenly. It's not that she had finished dressing him, but it was something else; a knock upon the door and soon the twist of the handle.
If Thaddeus had been a teenager he would have panicked, but he wasn't some young boy -- no matter how Chloé made him feel -- and he had nothing to hide from anyone. It's why he told Chloé to be calm if she showed any semblance of distress or curiosity. There was really no reason to be afraid though. Why would he? It was only...
"Archibald," Thaddeus greets the old man when his head peeks through first before he's waddling the rest of his wide body inside. There's a distinct hitch to his step; perhaps an old war wound. Archibald had made mention that he had served in Italy once with Patton, but that's a different story. Either way though, Archibald's face was one that left Thaddeus' eyes filling with amusement.
Archibald hadn't expected a woman half within Thaddeus' arms [one of Thaddeus' hands upon Chloé's shoulders and the other touching her side] as she was assisting him; their faces so close.
"So, the barkeep wasn't lying, eh? You've made a friend," he says and lifts fingers to smooth his snow-white hair from his face before fingering at his whiskers. "Maria was talking too," he adds.
"I hope she didn't take anything," Thaddeus says and Archibald narrows his eyes at Thaddeus before his mouth spreads into a sly smile.
"She didn't, I assure you, but...well, I suppose this means you don't need my help." He grunts and eyes Chloé quietly. Despite having knowing Thaddeus for only a short time, Archibald felt some semblance of responsibility for the boy. Truth be told, Thaddeus was still Archibald's charge as long as he lived underneath his roof, or rather, within a room in his hotel.
"I'm Archibald," he introduces himself to Chloé with ease and a tip of his head before looking to Thaddeus. "Well, I'm heading to bed," he adds suddenly. "It's late, and damn long nights make my leg hurt like a sonofabitch," he grunts before bowing his head toward Chloé. "'cuse my language, missy," he says before eying them both almost suspiciously. "Now," he begins and allows the silence to spread, "I want you two kids to be on yer best behavior now, ya hear? Lest I hear Maria whine and complain tomorrow mornin' about messes," he grunts and waves a hand in dismissal to them.
"G'night."
...and he's gone.
They were left in silence once more and Thaddeus eyes flit from the door to Chloé before he's offering a shy smile of sorts. His hands fall away from her to set upon the bed at either side once more; his body reclining backward with his chin tucking toward his chest.
"Maybe we should get out of here when we're done?" He asks of her with his eyes meeting her own. Truth be told, there's much to see and much more to do beside her.
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Post by Chloé Flannigan on Oct 30, 2009 18:43:56 GMT -5
That savouring look which Thaddeus endows upon Chloe was nearly enough to weaken her resolve; to have her weak at the knees and clambering upon the bed to be enveloped by his warmth once more.
But then his arms are thrust skyward and she’s reminded of the task at hand. Her grip tightened upon the gauze and she sighs. Yes, better to get this done first. And then…then they’d never get anything done because there’d be no excuse to keep them from staying in that bed for the rest of the night. Hunger might not even be able to tempt them out of those doors.
Well, no, that was incorrect. Hunger might very well drive Chloe away. But she’d not think of that. She wasn’t hungry yet, so there was no reason to think of it.
Instead of thinking about such trivial things, Chloe’s reaching for the padding and tearing it into a proportionate size, pressing it tight against Thaddeus’ wound before beginning to wind the gauze around it, holding it in place. It feels strange not to have smothered the wound with some salve before covering it. But there was no salve to be found.
For a moment or two Chloe was distracted by her own thoughts. She was curious—if she’d let a few drops of her blood drip onto the padding before covering the wound, would it heal the wound, over time? If ever she garnered scratches or bruises they were gone within twenty-four hours. She knew her blood had healing properties. But if that blood were infused with Thaddeus’ wound, would even that tiny amount be enough to turn him?
She really did doubt it. It didn’t seem possible. What she had wasn’t a disease, was it? It was something far more complex than that…
Maybe it was something she could experiment with one day. One day. Not today. Not with Thaddeus, no. That would be disastrous. Besides, he’d think her a lunatic if she tried to heal his wounds with her own blood.
She was hauled out of her distractions by the touch of Thaddeus’ lips upon her neck; her ear, her lips. From the base of her throat tumbles a giggle and she’s tilting her head back and away as she retrieved the roll of gauze from behind Thaddeus’ back. This ritual continues each time she winds the roll around Thaddeus’ back and at each turn she continued to giggle.
No words could describe how gleeful she felt at that very moment. Yeah, she had qualms. There were things she had to worry about if this relationship was going to go anywhere beyond this room. But they’d not left the room yet. She wouldn’t worry about them yet.
It’s then that there’s a knock on the door and Chloe’s startled out of her gleeful thoughts. Of course she knew who it was—who else could it be but the man who’d helped Thaddeus to begin with? The one who’d so generously offered him this room. Chloe’s curious as the man waddles into the room. She feels the need to offer her hand to the man, to introduce herself properly, but the dressing hasn’t been fixed, and she has to keep it in place. For all intents and purposes, she’s tied to Thaddeus and unable to leave his side. Instead, she offers a broad smile and a serene gaze, patiently listening as Archibald and Thaddeus exchange idle banter. When Archibald introduces himself Chloe nods her head shyly. She laughs when it’s asked of her, and offers her goodnight when Archibald takes his leave.
It’s only after he’s gone that her eyes widened and she’s groaning with displeasure.
“Ooh! He introduced himself and I was so rude…I didn’t tell him my name.” Chloe says, regretfully. “I always do that…” She continues at a mere mumble. Her head’s lowered, ashamed, and she quickly snatches two silver clawed fastenings from the floor beside her (they’d been kicked off the bed during the excitement beforehand) and fastened the dressing tight, like it ought to be.
Her fingers brush over the gauze, as if inspecting their own handy work. Generally, she’s satisfied, though she knows she’s no expert.
“…and we’re done. And yes, perhaps we should get out of here. We wouldn’t want to make a mess for Maria to complain about now, would we?” She queries playfully, sidling around to the back of the bed to where her pile of possessions lay. She sits upon the edge of the bed and reaches for a single boot.
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Post by Thaddeus on Oct 30, 2009 18:44:28 GMT -5
"It's okay," Thaddeus says suddenly when listening to the sound of Archibald's heavy feet as they sound farther away and soon they were out of earshot. It's then he eyes Chloé quietly before something suddenly dawns on him. It's funny how that happens though; you don't recall it then and there, but moments later, and beyond when you exactly needed recalling such, it's then that it floods the forefront of your mind.
"I should have asked him about that salve," he says suddenly when recalling that glistening stickiness that had been clinging to his chest previously. "I'll ask him later tonight, or tomorrow," he adds before shaking his head by way of dismissal. He judged that he didn't exactly need it anyway. Despite the fact that his wound did open, Thaddeus was still healing along well enough, and he didn't doubt that he'd soon have a scar that Chloé would touch and kiss upon, or so he thought. It's boyish thoughts like that that left Thaddeus smiling like some oaf. It wasn't long until his mind falls back to that of her though, and the fact that she hadn't introduced herself.
"He's a peculiar man," he says suddenly. "I've only known him for...well, not really that long," he confesses before eying Chloé as he speaks. "But he's different. I trust him...After all, I owe him my life. I think the least I can do is trust him," he says and lifts his shoulder and shrug. "He didn't take my wallet at least," he says with a sigh of relief, "but Maria did take my clothes," he grunts. Well, that answers he was dressed like some old-fashioned lumber jack with the plaid he was wearing and worn out jeans that were fit only for outdoors. He's speaking again soon though.
"I'm sure you'll get to meet him again soon though," he says with a reassuring smile that leaves his eyes warm with mild amusement at the thought of seeing both Chloé and Archibald talking amongst one another. Perhaps they should all have a drink down at the bar? It's not like it was far off, but well...Thaddeus wasn't exactly sure where Chloé resided, nor how far that was from here. It wasn't long until Chloé's task was over though, and soon Thaddeus' eyes fall upon the sight of such with approval settling within those blue eyes of his.
"Not too shabby, Chloé," he teases her with a sweet smile. "It's definitely better than what I could do," he adds simply to please her albeit what he uttered was truth. Thaddeus was never very good at tending to his own needs; his own hurts. Despite that though, he's soon showing his displeasure toward said woman by the name of Maria with a: "bah!"
"I'm sure she'll be fine," he says suddenly. He didn't hate her, but truth be told, he hadn't exactly met her. Though, to be fair, the fact that she did take his clothes, and whatever else he might have had within those pockets, had left Thaddeus feeling naked and unsure of what might have been kept from him. He still wouldn't judge Maria outright despite that though. It wasn't in his nature. Either way though, Chloé had finished, but he doesn't let her run off so quickly.
He touches her hand gently, or rather, her arm to still her and draw her downward toward him. His back arches then and there whilst he's leaning forward to bestow a kiss upon her pout briefly before allowing her to sit beside him and reach for her single boot. It's much like two lovers dressing after their escapades. It's then that he looks to her out of the corner of his eyes and watches her whilst reaching for his plaid shirt and drawing it across his body; pushing his arms through the sleeves and beginning to button such. He couldn't help but speak, or rather, find the words first with his tongue dancing along the inside of his cheek. There was so much to say, but Thaddeus didn't want to badger her with so much! So, he says one simple thing.
"Thank you, Chloé."
He smiles and leans forward to set a kiss upon her cheek. It's with that, and soon after such, that he's leaning off of the bed and stepping aside to seek out his sneakers by way of bending at the waist and slipping his sock-clad feet into them and cinching the laces. He looks to her with a smile soon after before narrowing his eyes briefly more so toward curiosity than accusation.
"You said something about your place the other night, right? Did you want to swing by there later?" He asks of her with brows lifting. Truth be told, that was entirely up to her, and Thaddeus didn't plan on making anything awkward whatsoever. It was simply within his nature. It's then he's straightening and looking to her before offering his hand toward her as if to say one thing.
"Are you ready?"
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Post by Chloé Flannigan on Oct 30, 2009 18:45:00 GMT -5
Thaddeus spoke of Archibald in a respectful manner and Chloe stared after the door as she listened, the last image of Archibald waddling out of it stuck in the forefront of her mind.
She’d always thought she was a good judge of character. It had happened in high school a lot. A new kid would come along and though everybody else clung to them like they were a new fad, Chloe kept her distance. Sometimes she’d just be put off by the newcomer; there’d be something about them, something which could not be pinpointed, which she did not like. It would be weeks later when the newcomer’s true colours began to show and Chloe’s friends would wonder at how they’d liked him to begin with. Chloe would normally just smirk and stay silent. She’d known all along not to trust the person.
From the brief impression she’d got of Archibald, she felt as if she could trust him. Yes, he did seem somewhat peculiar. But peculiarities were welcome, if one had the patience to put up with them. Besides which, Archibald’s peculiarities weren’t so pronounced—he seemed like a nice old man.
So really, although Thaddeus felt the need to explain the reason why he trusted the man, Chloe didn’t need to hear it. She understood. And there was the added bonus that Archibald had saved Thaddeus’ life—of course Chloe knew people in this city could be ruthless and cunning, who’d only save another man’s life if it benefited them in some way. But Archibald didn’t seem cruel or sly. Chloe trusted him too, though she’d not spoken a word to him. She’d like to meet him again. If that meant she’d be spending more time with Thaddeus, then so be it!
The way that she and Thaddeus interacted, like they’d known each other for months—even years—and had been lovers for half that time; it made her smile. It was a lingering smile which refused to leave her red pout, and though she’s focused on making sure her shoes each go on the right foot and are zipped properly, her bright eyes are forced away from the task as Thaddeus offers his thank you.
She doesn’t quite know what he’d thanking her for—her first guess would be the re-dressing of his wound. That was the most obvious reason why he should be thanking her. But his tone is loaded with so much more that she can’t help but think he’s thanking her for something else, too. Her expression remains blank (still with its smile) and she resists the need to frown and question the matter. Her fingers had paused half-way up the zip, and her smile widens infinitesimally;
“It’s my pleasure, Thaddeus.” She replies, even as she’s leaning forward that tiny bit to receive his kiss, placed so gingerly upon her cheek. And then he’s up and away from her, and she’s returning her eyes to the task at hand; she finishes zipping the boot with a flourish, standing from the edge of the bed and enjoying the extra height the boots give her. There were so many girls she’d met who hated being tall. Chloe didn’t understand why. She loved it.
Lithe steps took her toward the dresser where the coffee had gone cold; she retrieved her wallet from the tray and returned to her bag, slipping the wallet inside before throwing the bag over her head so that the strap rested upon her shoulder and across her chest.
Her head’s tilted to the side as she contemplates Thaddeus; her hands are clinging to the strap of her bag as she answers; she’d thought that’s what the plan would be. It was naturally assumed they’d go to her place, as that was where she kept her vehicles.
“Yes, I think so. I’ve not forgotten that I offered you the vehicle of your choice.” She answered, amused. “And if you’d like to borrow one, we’re naturally going to have to go to my place.” She continued, before holding her hand out to take the hand which Thaddeus offered her. She wound her fingers around that calloused palm and clung to it.
“You want to go somewhere else first, though?” She asked; she remembered he had expressed a wish to go get some food, but she had no idea what kind of food he wanted.
And she forgot that she’d probably have to find somewhere for them to eat, as Thaddeus didn’t quite know the city like she did.
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Post by Thaddeus on Oct 30, 2009 18:46:01 GMT -5
There are people out there in the world that would like nothing better but for you to fall, burn and tumble down into emptiness. It's terrible to think that people would want that of you, or even of the person beside you, but that's the truth of it. You see, no one's perfect. It's why Thaddeus was thanking Chloé. Chloé's different from the average girl though, and Hell, she's different from the average city folk.
There are a lot of people who would want nothing more but you to be hurt; to lose everything for their entertainment, but Chloé was different. The funny thing though? Well, it's the fact that Chloé came to him for help, but in the end, it ended up with her bringing comfort to him; soothing him of his woes and pain even if she knew naught of it. Despite that though, it still stood with the fact that she had come to him. It's fate, or whatever someone would call that sort of luck and happening. After all, he had to be lucky, right? You couldn't fake that sort of thing even if you tried though.
Chloé's genuine, and she wanted nothing more but for him to be happy, or so he thought. It's hard to even accept such a notion though after having known one another for only...well, he didn't know! Thaddeus didn't exactly keep track of the time, and could you count the time they had rested? They had slept away more than half the day! His mother would have left his backside stinging for that one, but he's beyond that age. Still, Thaddeus help but wonder...
What would Chloé think if she knew the full story? Would she judge him then and there and leave the hotel? He wasn't perfect, but no one was, but then again...well, Thaddeus sinned more any normal man would. His hand, and his cleverly wagging tongue, had been the hand behind many missing people's cases and John Does -- Oh, and Jane Does. That's nothing to be proud of though. Oh, sure, it had always seemed a good idea at the time. It's survival of the fittest out there, he couldn't let someone simply swat him down or leave with valuable information about his "business." It's because of that that Thaddeus had done so much. Still, he was thinking on this too much, and he needed to simply enjoy the "now" of this moment. It's why he's reaching forward and taking her hand.
It's why he's smiling like a fool.
He had many reasons to be happy at that moment. It's not only the fact that Chloé's there but for the fact that, for the first time since awakening within this strange, dull bed room, Thaddeus would be able to walk out of here on his own two feet instead of being kept indoors and abed. It's something he had wanted the other night as well, but...well, that led him to meeting Chloé at the hotel's bar. So, it wasn't all bad, but definitely not what he had wanted at the time. Still, now Chloé was going to take him out into the world...
...and what else did he have to lose? Nothing!
It wasn't long until they were leaving his hotel room and Thaddeus was stuffing away the hotel key within his wallet. It was more of a card though instead of the key; you know, one of those slip-it-in-and-open-the-door kind of cards. Well, that's put away and stuffed into his denim jeans' pocket, and done rather skillfully considering the fact that he's holding Chloé's hand still. It's with that they were meandering down the hall and down the steps; steps that had been forgotten with yesterday's armagnac, and with reaching the foyer, they were soon stepping outside and Thaddeus' nose is assaulted with the smell of a city that's unlike his, and his eyes are filled with the sight of a place that's far away from his own home. His hand squeezes Chloé's by reflex before swallowing and taking a few more steps away from the front door of the Olympiad. He might be leading her, but he didn't know where, and soon he was stopping before looking to her. It's then he's speaking.
"Well, I think we should drop by a diner," he says and wrinkles his nose. In New York most restaurants and fast food places were open nigh twenty-four-seven, but as for he here? Well, he hoped for likewise the same, but he felt like something simpler; a diner. It's then he's stopping completely though and eying her quietly when considering their transportation.
"Do I need to hail us down a cab?" He questions.
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Post by Chloé Flannigan on Oct 30, 2009 18:47:38 GMT -5
Thaddeus lead the way down the hall after locking the door behind them; the skilled way in which he replaced the ‘key’ in his wallet without once letting go of Chloe’s hand was impressive, and made her believe he must have been used to hotel keys, then. He perhaps spent a lot of his time at hotels—perhaps he’d had to travel a lot for whatever business he kept himself busy with?
For although he’d not told Chloe what his job was, she could see him as something of a businessman. He looked as if he’d look well at home in a suit—in expensive suits. It made her smile that tiny bit more. She’d always had a thing for a man in a suit.
Her girlish thoughts were distracted from their one way track, however, when they neared the door to the janitor’s closet—the door through which Chloe knew there to be a dead body. There were no crowds yet, no police officers or detectives. The body obviously hadn’t been found, then. It was a relief, and yet it still didn’t stop the smile from vanishing from Chloe’s face and her grip to tighten slightly upon Thaddeus’ hand.
It was almost as if she expected the dead man to come clambering out of the closet to point an accusing finger in her direction and to give her game away. But that was just her overactive imagination at work again, preying upon her paranoia and guilt. Whatever the case, they passed by the closet without a hitch and were soon out in the open air of the city.
For a second Chloe thought she’d been wrong about Thaddeus—that he must have known his way around at least a little bit, because he continued to lead her once they were out on the pavement.
Soon, however, he’s coming to a halt and looking slightly confused. Chloe flashed a bright grin and all but scoffed. “No need. There’s a café or a bar or a diner on nigh every corner in this city.” She replied, glancing around to try find some street signs so that she might determine her whereabouts in comparison to said cafes, bars and diners. The business owners of Ravenblack had learnt that in this city, there were almost as many people around at night time as there were during the day; granted, the night time customers were usually a lot different to the day time ones, but it wasn’t something they tried to figure out. Business was business, and they weren’t ready to turn away paying customers just because they were a little odd.
It was Chloe’s turn to take the lead, and this she did with zest. Although this was not her home city, it was a place she’d grown well accustomed to, if not a little proud of. She was proud to know her way around the city, and to be able to flaunt that knowledge. She didn’t think she’d ever had to before.
Her grip tightened once more upon Thaddeus’ hand as she lead him across the street and around a corner. This was a slightly less sketchy part of the city, and though they walked in darkness the pavements were clean and there were even a few trees standing outside the red-bricked buildings. Up ahead, however, the lights of civilization could be seen. There was a square up there, and it was as if luck had placed the Olympiad in the exact right spot for this excursion – or else luck had been the orchestrator behind Thaddeus being found near the Olympiad by Archibald.
The square represented a cross intersection of two main streets, and on each of the four corners there was an establishment dedicated to food and evening entertainment. They would all be competing against each other, Chloe assumed, so they wouldn’t be too pricey. And besides which, they were all rather different from the other, so they provided a good choice.
The first was a pub from which live music could be heard—was that karaoke? The second was a café which seemed devoted only to coffee, tea and cake. The third looked like a place taken straight out of the sixties with leather booths and red neon lights. And the fourth looked like a seedy strip club, though Chloe couldn’t be certain.
“See? You have a choice.” She told Thaddeus as they approached the square.
“And you can choose.” She continued. He was the one who wanted to eat, and though Chloe wouldn’t admit to him that she wasn’t really hungry, she’d still make sure he got to eat what he wanted to eat and not something that she decided on just because she felt forced.
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Post by Thaddeus on Oct 30, 2009 18:48:29 GMT -5
So, Ravenblack City was much like New York City then, eh? That would do. New York often did have a diner or bodega upon every corner. So, learning the fact that Ravenblack was much the same put him at ease. It meant that most things should be within walking distance and not exactly requiring transportation albeit any semblance of transport would be helpful. It hadn't been long until Thaddeus was sauntering alongside Chloé and across the street before turning the corner and making their way down toward the square.
It seemed that Chloé was absolutely right when speaking of something on nigh every corner, and truth be told, Thaddeus was pleasantly surprised and put at ease by the sight. He still had a choice though and it seemed she'd be placing that entirely on his shoulders alone. He didn't mind though, but he did stop her from moving so his eyes may flit from one establishment to the other.
A pub wouldn't do. Oh, sure, it would be well enough, but Thaddeus wasn't looking for a loud enviroment, and despite the fact that they did sell food there, and normal drinks, he wanted to leave pubs of any kind for one reason only, and that's for drinking. As for now? He didn't want a drink. Oh, nor was he a fan of karaoke...well, not entirely, but not now! His eyes fall upon the café nearby.
It would do, but Thaddeus wanted some where he could fill his stomach, and he doubted cake would do him much good. Perhaps some other time he'd come by there and overlook their selection of coffee. As for now? No. It's then his eyes flit over the third establishment and the other; a seedy strip club. Well, that wouldn't do, nor would he feel right taking Chloé to such a place. Although, to be fair, Thaddeus didn't need any other woman at this moment. His stomach grumbles soon after though and his hand lifts to cup over his stomach as he looks to Chloé apologetically.
So, that was that.
Thaddeus knew where they would be going, and he's pretty sure that even she knew after his stomach had churned and grumbled; practically announcing itself to the world around them. So, with Thaddeus' hand tight within Chloé's own, he was soon leading her along with a quickened pace and even stride.
Luckily for them the diner was quiet and hardly packed. In fact, they were able to take a seat within moments at a booth before being told, by their waitress no less, that she'd be with them momentarily as they Thaddeus slid into the seat across from Chloé. He offers her a wide smile before reaching for the menu stuffed behind the napkin dispenser and soon hands it over to Chloé before reaching for the other. Truth be told, Thaddeus hadn't realized how hungry he truly was until he had stepped outside. How long had it been since he had food? His hand strokes his stomach as his brow furrows and those blue eyes roam over the simplistic print of the menu.
"I don't know what I want...I feel as if I can eat everything on this menu and then a horse after," Thaddeus confesses with a grunt before rubbing at his chin; his fingertips scratching at his stubble. His eyes flit upward as he gazes over the top of his menu and at her.
She's pretty.
He bites his lower lip before his teeth press down upon his lower lip before his hand sets down his menu and fingertips splay upon it. He leans against the table with elbows pressing upon the edge of the table.
"So, do you always wander the city at this time? It seems like you're used to this time."
It was as simple as that.
Oh, little did Thaddeus know what he was prodding at then and there.
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Post by Chloé Flannigan on Oct 30, 2009 18:50:34 GMT -5
Chloe was almost certain she knew which place Thaddeus would choose before he started leading them toward it. It certainly did seem to be the most inviting establishment on the square, and suited their purpose perfectly.
It was so easy to feel normal with Thaddeus leading her along like this; it was a normal city, and she was nothing but a shy human girl who’d hit the jackpot. There was no dead guy in the janitor’s closet back at the motel. And if there was, it was easy for Chloe to pretend that she had nothing to do with it.
It shouldn’t have been so easy to detach herself from murder like that, but she could. She hated that she could. She blamed it on Seppuku. Seppuku would probably love that she blamed it on him—would probably revel in the fact that she was no longer plagued by guilt.
Sure, it would probably catch up with her one day. Karma had a way of doing that.
It’d probably catch up with her the exact moment Thaddeus found out what she was. The knowledge would no doubt have him running for the hills. But she refused to think about that right now. Not now, as they sat across from each other in this perfectly cosey diner. Could they call this a date? It hadn’t been declared as such. Although it would probably do her head in thinking about it, Chloe couldn’t help it—was she just a fling? Just a little bit of fun? Would this bit of fun go nowhere, in the end? Chloe was always the optimist, except when it came to her love life. There, she could forever be the pessimist.
Her pessimistic thoughts were derailed, however, as Thaddeus spoke up. He didn’t know what he wanted, thought he could eat everything on the menu. It was only then that Chloe realised she’d been gazing absently at this familiar stranger across from her, the menu only clutched loosely between her slender fingers. But he’d mentioned the menu, so Chloe frowns and turns to the flimsy thing and forces her brain to comprehend the words written there. There were quite a few items on the list which appealed to her, even if she didn’t need them. She’d always loved food. She could never understand how a person could become anorexic. She didn’t know how anyone could resist the temptation of food.
Upon Thaddeus’ next question Chloe cocked her head to the side inquisitively. She was so used to speaking only to those of her own kind that she wondered why he’d ask such a question. Well of course, silly!
But then she realised why he’d asked. He was human, and thus did not immediately understand. She was lost for words. She had to quickly try to find some excuse. Some reason why she stayed up so late.
“Well, yeah. I ah… I prefer night time to day time. I’m somewhat of an insomniac.” She lied. She’d slept well enough beside Thaddeus during the day—but he’d been asleep too. He wasn’t to know if she’d actually been awake most the time, right? Didn’t matter. The words were already out of her mouth.
But, to provide distraction and to keep him away from that line of questioning, Chloe referred them both back to the menu.
“You say you could eat everything on here? Why the hell not.” She stated with a mischievous grin. She hailed down the waitress as she spoke. The woman approached the table hesitantly, wary of Chloe’s wild smile.
“We’ll have one of everything, please.” The woman just stood there and blinked, as if she didn’t quite understand.
Chloe just nodded, and spoke a little slower as she continued; “Stagger it, maybe? A few dishes at a time…”
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Post by Thaddeus on Oct 30, 2009 18:51:24 GMT -5
Now, one had to understand that Thaddeus was from New York City. What did that mean? Easily a number of simplistic things that would lead to one answer. As for the answer? People within New York City stood up at all hours of the day and night, and Thaddeus was no stranger to that. In fact, he had done such things a number of times and returned home late to his apartment, his wife and child; bestowing soft kisses upon their brows before undressing and sleeping.
It was hard to believe that there was another city that didn't sleep though because Thaddeus had been to the other cities and realized most practically died out past midnight; of course, with the exception of Las Vegas. Still, that seemed to be the norm, right?
So, Chloé would no doubt find comfort within his own reply; him practically agreeing and admitting the same of himself. "I know how that is," he confesses with a slight smile twitching at the corners of his mouth. "I used to do a lot of late night work; graveyard shift, I suppose. Oh, and I used to go out a lot when I wasn't busy. New York City has a lot to do though," he says simply before looking thoughtful. Was this peculiarly named city much the same?
He couldn't help but wonder what else there was to do here other than chow down at some diner or stuff bills of money down the waistband of some unnamed stripper. Was there clubs? Probably, and how about billiards halls? Perhaps! There was probably a lot here with the way Chloé had spoken about such earlier. It's then that Chloé was distracting him with the menu again and leaving him wide-eyed. Unfortunately for Thaddeus, he couldn't even stop her before she managed to flag down the waitress and order one of everything.
She couldn't be serious!
Then...well, then Thaddeus was smiling and almost ready to break out into laughter as he caught the look upon their waitress' face. She looked rather confused by the order. She couldn't truly mean one of everything, right? Hell, even Thaddeus had looked the same way for a moment, but soon she was nodding and stating that she understood before taking both of their menus and hustling off. Thaddeus could only imagine what they'd find on their table.
Eggs of all sorts, pancakes and waffles; Hell, maybe sausages, bacon, hashbrowns and thensome. What about an omelette with everything on it and some toast and a buttered bagel? There will be a burger and perhaps a hotdog or even a faux-sausage-dog, and that was barely scratching the surface! Chloé was a mad-woman for putting their waitress through that. It's then he's looking to her with raised browns and amusement dancing within his eyes; his voice riddled with such.
"You are going to help me eat all of that, right? I mean, not that I couldn't but you've pretty much ordered the entire house onto our table!" He says with his voice pitched low and a shake of his head; his grin spoke otherwise though. It told of him finding the whole situation laughable. He truly did savor Chloé's company. Why not? She was lovely and amusing; she was different and reminded him of home; wherever that was now. If there was a home.
There was no doubt within his mind that his apartment had been covered with yellow police tape and overlooked by Homicide detectives at the scene. They'd find the casings and find the gun; they'll find the prints of his hands upon such and what will they say? They knew who he was - what he was - but they had never touched him because he was untouchable; ever careful and calculating. Now though...? His mouth purses and his hand lifts to rub his cheek before lifting his elbow onto the table and leaning into such.
"I feel like I've been asleep for ten years and have just woken up," he murmurs, "but that lady luck has given me somewhat of a chance to get onto steady feet," and at those words he meets her gaze. There was no doubt that Thaddeus found her helpful within his time of need.
No doubt at all.
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Post by Chloé Flannigan on Oct 30, 2009 18:52:35 GMT -5
Chloe absolutely reveled in the look on Thaddeus’s as soon as he realised exactly what she’d done. Strange, that she reveled in it. Usually, it was that kind of look that had her balking and wondering whether she’d done the right thing—whether there was any way to backpedal.
It was testament, really, to how comfortable she’d become around Thaddeus in such a short amount of time. Besides which, she’d always been a believer in being oneself around strangers. There’s no point in acting like someone who you think they might like just to get them close. Sooner or later they’ll recognise your farce.
Not that Chloe considered Thaddeus a stranger. Not anymore. Not after the scene earlier on in the hotel room. So she’d have him know that she could be spontaneous, and that she could eat. She was not one of those girls who only ever ate salad and slim pickings. And Chloe had garnered at least enough self confidence to know that if Thaddeus didn’t like it… well he wasn’t worth her time.
Though it would probably still break her heart.
But he was smiling, near laughing. It was genuine. Chloe’s smile echoed Thaddeus’s. She leant forward again as he spoke, as if they were engaging in some conspiratorial discussion. Such wasn’t the case, but it was fun to pretend like it was.
Chloe just laughed and nodded as he asked whether she’d help eat it all—there’s no way she’d have ordered it all if she’d not intended to at least have a go at it. Perhaps this would become their favourite diner—their hideout. At least, after this little excursion, they’d know everything on the menu and would know what they liked and didn’t like. Or, similarly, if it was all rubbish, they’d know never to even bother coming here again.
And although Thaddeus didn’t say it outright, didn’t even mention her name—Chloe couldn’t help, by the way he looked at her, but to assume that she was a factor in this feeling he had; like he’d just woken up after ten years of sleep. It had her blushing and bowing her head, her emerald gaze contemplating the chipped, red fingernail polish on her fingers. She had to bite her tongue to stop herself from asking questions—curious questions that were no doubt too personal for so short an acquaintance.
So instead she flashed a brilliant smile.
“Well, then. If you’ve been asleep for ten years, all this food should certainly help you to regain your appetite.” She says, before reaching out to lightly graze her forefinger over the planes of his free hand.
“I can be your lady luck.” She’s then muttering, her voice low and her head still bowed; it’s definitely not something she’d normally consider spouting, but for some reason this evening her confidence was overflowing.
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Post by Thaddeus on Oct 30, 2009 18:53:44 GMT -5
There are things people can say that can strike a nerve. There are things that could be say that - whether or not they are good or not - could make one feel something. It could coax out certain emotions that no other, or no other word for that matter, could draw out of one person.
Why had he been given so many chances? There were so many others who deserved to live as opposed to himself. He offered little to nothing to world, or maybe he was wrong? Thaddeus tried to contribute all of his life; no, he did contribute. He was the one that cut other people slack and gave them a chance to live out their dreams. He was one of the few that helped turn around the Bronx; erecting homes where ancient signs of an old industrial world once stood. Yet, did that make up for all those he had hurt?
What about the fathers of children and husbands of women that he had "taken care of?" He had been the reason behind a number of missing person cases and deaths. He had been the reason for the upset and hurt within families within New York. All the blame belonged to him despite the fact that his hands had never been personally dirtied by their bodies. He had always been so nonchalant then...He never knew the true value of one person's life until he saw her...
Her eyes distant and staring unending toward the ceiling. Her soft mouth cold and ajar; lax. She looked so...content then. She looked free of herself and without pain despite the blood that had bloomed upon her shirtfront. Despite everything...Thaddeus never truly understood the meaning of one's life until then...How it felt to lose someone such as her.
His father. His mother. His wife. His daughter. His life.
It was more than enough to weep and Thaddeus had to look away before quietly rubbing the back of his hand against one eye and clearing his throat as he offers Chloé a smile then. "My lady luck, huh? I like the sound of that, Chloé. My lady luck..." He breathes outward. He knew he didn't deserve her. He knew that he should be lying upon some heated rock with the faces of all the people he had sentenced to death clawing at him. He should be there -- tormented and thrown into oblivion. He should be dead himself instead of alive with a healing wound; the hole within his chest. He should be lying beside Marian and whispering within her ear.
"I'll be there soon."
"I don't know how I can ever thank you for all that you're doing for me, Chloé. You're truly doing me wonders now and...I...well, Chloé...I don't know what to say, really. You've made me happy though, you know...knowing that I have a second chance at things," he says simply. He knew that he couldn't give this moment up. He couldn't muck things up! He need to do well this time around and make up for his past. He had the same name but a new life.
An opportunity.
"Is there anything I can get you two to drink while your orders are being done...?"
Their waitress - again - having come back to ask for their drink orders. Thaddeus bites his lower lip before looking to her and answering simply: "a coffee, please." His stomach groans lowly and he gives a quick shake of his head. "And how long you said that food will be taking...?"
Thaddeus smiles, and maybe for more reasons than one.
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Post by Chloé Flannigan on Oct 30, 2009 18:54:02 GMT -5
Chloe’s last words had been teasing, uttered almost seductively, almost in all seriousness. If that’s what he wanted, she could be his lady luck—that was the seductive part. The all-seriousness part was that she wanted, seriously, to be his lady luck. She wanted to be indispensable in more ways than one. She was so low on self-esteem at the best of times that she’d always assume that people would need something more to want to keep her by their side. If she was his lady luck, then it didn’t matter what else she was, he’d still want to keep her near. For luck.
And it seemed Thaddeus didn’t catch on to the teasing hint to her tone; instead, he latched on to the seriousness.
He’s telling her how much she means to him, even though they’ve just met. She’s made him happy, and he doesn’t know how to thank her. What he doesn’t know is that the sincerity in his words is thanks enough.
Chloe’s lost for words. The finger that had been teasing at the edge of Thaddeus’s hand slides forward to enclose it and her lips press together as her head bows, her dark hair bearing down and falling lightly over her face. She’s blushing again, which is something that comes naturally. She’s not trying to hide it, not really—it happens so often that she doesn’t even realise that her cheeks are tinged that faint colour red.
How does she tell him that he’s the best thing that’s happened to her in Lord knows how long, without freaking the poor guy out? She can’t appear clingy. Not now. It never did work like that. So she keeps her mouth shut. Her heart is flooded with something that can’t quite be described. It’s pure happiness—the kind that’ll have her dancing on the sidewalk, uncaring of what others think of her. The kind that fills a person up to the brim so that it cannot be contained. She’s doing her best to rein it in.
Her mouth opens to utter a reply, but she’s given more time to think on it as the waitress appears. She asks whether they’d want anything to drink—the staff are being very attentive now that Chloe and Thaddeus’s status had been upgraded to ‘best customers in the shop.’ Thaddeus asks for a coffee and Chloe holds up her hand to indicate that she’d like a coffee, too. The waitress nods, and then laughs at Thaddeus’s question. “The entrees are on their way.” She reassures him, before bustling off to get their coffee.
Once she’s gone, Chloe raises her emerald gaze to meet Thaddeus’s ice-blues.
“Don’t thank me yet, then. There might be some time in the future that you can repay me.” She’s telling him; she doesn’t want or need to be repaid. But she has the feeling that Thaddeus might not like that—he might like to think that he owes her something. It might comfort him to know that. But there’s a generosity in Chloe’s gaze that belies her words. It really is enough to him there, sitting across the table from her.
“Besides, knowing that I’ve made you happy is enough for me. I don’t need anything more.”
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Post by Thaddeus on Oct 30, 2009 18:54:43 GMT -5
She needed nothing more but would she find offense if he were to say otherwise? He wouldn't argue with her about such then and there, no, but later on he'd repay her somehow. Maybe with a gift or two. Perhaps a day he'd surprise her and take her out to eat. Maybe he'd do something extraordinary for her, or somewhat else! All Thaddeus knew was that most people wanted to be paid back, and most people he had known were greedy beyond their own right. Perhaps Thaddeus had been the same way at one point. Truth be told, whenever someone had crossed him he'd make them pay for such with the consequences. As for her though?
She said she didn't need anything from him albeit not directly. She simply said he'd be able to repay her eventually within the future. That soothes him somewhat. It's not like he wanted to constantly know that he owed her. He's awfully grateful of her and knew that she wouldn't push that against him one day to use as leverage, but Thaddeus simply liked to tie loose ends and show that he truly was grateful, but maybe she was right; the genuine knowledge of his happiness may be enough overall. Why not? It's then his eyes flit to their hands.
It's strange to wake up suddenly without knowledge of how long he had been asleep. It's stranger yet to wake up to the help of one man and a few others, and then her. Thaddeus had that feeling that he didn't deserve this second chance, and so, he needed to make this time worthwhile. He needed to show God that this chance wasn't for naught and that Thaddeus will do something about this...and as for Little John? His mind worked and Thaddeus' lips purse.
He had to let go.
He couldn't cling to the past now. He was too hurt and he had no connections; no job, no money, no nothing. All he had was owed to Archibald, and now her. His eyes lift from his hand whilst such upturns simultaneously to tighten over her own fingers.
There wasn't much to say as their first entrees came through and were set down with warm smiles. It seemed that their first order would be eggs with bacon and sausage; oh, and some french toast along with pancakes on the way, or so she said. There would also be a bacon-egg-and-cheese sandwich too soon; the best, or so she says about such. It was during this time they received their cups of coffee and had to reluctantly release eachother's hands to drink, eat and well...do their thing!
Thaddeus truly wasn't lying when he said he could eat nearly everything on that menu either. He ate with fervor and perhaps without as much manners as he should have. Who could blame him though? He hadn't even eaten the other day! He had drank liquor alone and that had left him sluggish due to his empty stomach. Now he was going to fill himself to the brim, and all the while he was smiling between bites, sips and groans of pleasure as he rubs his stomach and even loosens his belt at one point to accomodate his filling stomach.
Their dining experience seemed to last an age and plates were replaced with filled plates and those replaced with others alongside another cup of coffee for Thaddeus and her at one point on the house. So, they continued to feast and at one point Thaddeus practically pushed away his plate with a grunt as he laid back within his side of the booth and shut his eyes briefly; his tongue smoothing over his lips before he was laughing and shaking his head. Who could blame him?
So, this was their night; soft touches, dressing his wound, eating and sitting here full and groaning and content. His eyes open then to simply look quietly upon her face with a tip of his head before biting his lower lip. He's smiling then.
"So, are we going to be able to make it to your place?" He asks and looks doubtful albeit playful.
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Post by Chloé Flannigan on Oct 30, 2009 18:55:00 GMT -5
It probably didn’t matter that Chloe wasn’t all that hungry and that she didn’t eat much of the food that was placed in front of them. She picked at it every now and again—when the wedges came along, smothered with cheese, sweet chili sauce and sour-cream, she went to town. It was one of her favourite dishes, and with her metabolism as it was these days she could eat plates and plates of the stuff without worrying about her fluctuating weight.
Most of the time, however, she contented herself with watching Thaddeus. He was eating like he’d been deprived of food for days. She wanted to scold this Archibald for having given Thaddeus everything else but one of the stable necessities—food. At least, that’s how it looked. And it made Chloe smile.
But then Thaddeus was new and wonderfully intriguing. She liked getting to know him. Every single nuance, every noise he made and every facial feature and twist of expression was a discovery. And Chloe didn’t want it to end. There were always two kinds of relationships—the kinds where, after finding out everything there was to know, one found out that the other person really wasn’t very nice at all. And then there were the other kinds, where one found out that the other person was everything they’d always hoped.
The latter was the kind of relationship Chloe had never really experienced. And she hoped this encounter would be different.
And while they ate there was no conversation. It seemed Thaddeus was far too hungry for that. But Chloe didn’t mind. She wasn’t the kind of person to talk much, and she was quite happy and content with silences, as long as they weren’t awkward. And this wasn’t awkward, not with the glances they kept throwing in each other’s directions.
And when Thaddeus pushed away his plate, Chloe did the same.
“Oh, I know I can.” She said, bowing her head with a devious grin. It was a challenge, of sorts. And even though she had not eaten much, she still felt full enough to feel the need to burn it all away. She’d had friends, once, who after eating a massive meal felt the need to lie down and go to sleep. Chloe never did understand their reasons. The only thing she felt like doing after eating a massive meal was walking. Or running. Or a combination of both.
So, with that in mind she stood, sliding out of her side of the booth, and sauntered toward the counter where she proceeded to pay for their enormous meal. The waitress was relieved—she thought that perhaps the two of them were pulling her leg and that they were going to do a runner without having paid for anything. But she accepted Chloe’s payment with a healthy and bright smile, and insisted that the two of them come back soon. Of course she’d say that.
After she’d paid she returned back to the booth and held her hand out to Thaddeus.
“Come on, you. I’ll carry you if I have to.” She said, laughingly. She could carry him, if she really wanted to. She only hoped it didn’t come to that.
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Post by Thaddeus on Oct 30, 2009 18:56:22 GMT -5
She's terrible! He would much rather sit here for a few more minutes or maybe even an hour. They could bullshit the night away with talking and naught else, right? He was pretty sure they could. It's what they did the night before at the hotel before climbing into bed together and staring at that starry ceiling of his. Then they feel asleep entangled with one another. It was a welcome to say the least.
It was then she was sliding out of the booth and Thaddeus couldn't resist watching her as she walked off. His eyes roam down the length of her back and to those swaying hips within those form-fitting pants of hers. That's not to say that all Thaddeus cared for was looks though. Thaddeus knew what he liked and he was a man through and through. As for her though? She was what he liked.
Intelligent. Attractive. Funny. She wasn't afraid to smile or laugh. She looked at him with need within those eyes; the same way Marian had looked at him. His lips turn toward a smile when she's coming back to him. All he could wonder was whether or not this would work. If their friendship would grow. If she was the one that would set him back onto his two feet and watch him walk. If she was the one who'd right him.
There was only one way to find out.
"Now, that would be awfully embarrassing, Chloe. You know that the last thing I need is you carrying me out of here. I have an image to uphold!" He says but with a grin. He's soon slipping his hand within her own offered one and slipping out of the booth with a grunt. Had he grown several sizes since sitting?! He might have! They had ordered so much and ate so much. Thaddeus would be surprised if he managed to stay awake after that feast; eating so much often put him right to sleep. Soon he was standing there with his hand twining with her own and as that amusement lingers with her - laughing at the thought of carrying him - Thaddeus kisses her.
His mouth nestles softly upon her own as his freehand lifts to touch upon the rise of her cheek gently. His palm cups that flesh that seems a tad bit cooler than his own and his fingertips smooth upward to touch at her hair lightly. He's smiling of course because Thaddeus couldn't help but smile. He's smiling against her mouth before gnawing upon his lower lip appealingly at the thought of going somewhere where he could relax - her place. Maybe he'd see more of what made her herself too!
"Come on, slowpoke. I don't know the way," he says quickly with that smile still spread across that soft mouth of his. He gives her hand a squeeze before stepping away and tugging her from the confines of the diner altogether. Maybe they'll come back some time within the week or month. Maybe this could be their place of sorts. It could work out perfectly, or so he thinks! Soon they were out and upon the street though. It was here Thaddeus gave over the reins of their adventure and where he looked to her expectantly to lead him somewhere new and exciting.
"Well?" He questions with brows raising and those bright blue eyes of his meeting her own evenly. His hand releases her own albeit reluctantly then but only to slip his arm across her shoulders and pull against his side. "Wait any longer and I may have to take you up on the offer of being carried," he says playfully and still he smiles.
Thaddeus Elliot Roosevelt. He had much to smile about.
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