Alice wasn't in the best of moods.

At least, if you weren't Alice. In truth, Alice was feeling very good humored and cheerful. Why was that bad? Becuase someone (or someones) will either end up dead, in the hospital, or in the alley without any pants. Or a few other options. He was in this particular area becuase he was bored. Goodness knows what you can find in this and the Fast Food District. He was bored with the nicer parts, he had already had enough little sprees and didn't want to do anymore becuase even he needed to be careful. It was nearing evening, but wouldn't be getting dark for a while, so the sun was somewhat out.

He looked rather out of place and thus was getting many stares. But no one had approached him yet. On his face was a wide, pleased smile, like a cat who got the canary and got some cream and catnip to go along with it. Who knows what put him into this mood, he was just feeling good. He also looked good, but he always did, didn't he?

And he wasn't even dressed extravagently.

Hair was let loose, he seemed to have been doing that a lot as of late. He looked good with it like that, what can he say? A tight shirt, not reaching past his belt, which sported a large silver 'cowboy' buckle. The shirt was cotton, white, with the words 'Blow Me' on it in bold black letters. A real eyecatcher. Offers have been made before when he wore this shirt a while back. Tight, tight, tight jeans, it's a surprise his man parts haven't been squished. It's loose right there though. They show off his bum nicely when he bends over.

Despite the smile, it was obvious he was bored, thus why it was bad for other people. When he is happy, he has no worries or problems on his mind to think about. Thus he gets bored. His white and black Phats hardly made a noise when his feet touch the ground as he saunters down the sidewalk. His aura was one of confidence, and he'd look people in the eye when they walk by. No glasses on today. Only a watch and no other jewelry. He looks just as great without it.

Just walking, looking for someone who would make a good little toy tonight.

Norm was not in the best of moods, either. Better than he had been, but not very good all the same. He'd be allowed back into his old apartment once it was fixed and re-wired,... thankfully it had been decided that the fire hadn't been his fault, and he wasn't going to be sued over it. He'd had to find another apartment in the meantime, however,... and the only one he'd been able to find on such short notice had been deep in this side of town.

Well,... at least it wasn't going to be for long.

Norm was taking a walk, to pick up some groceries from the corner store, and to get some air. There was a chill now - which explained the comfortable-looking black turtleneck sweater Norm was wearing. His hair was recently cut and brushy-short, newly dyed the red-black color he'd grown used to seeing on himself.

He didn't take walks at night anymore,... and since it was almost night right now, he was hurrying on his way home. Head lowered, watching the sidewalk as he was, he just barely missed walking right into Alice.

"Sorry," he grunted, sidestepping.

Oh this is just great. Simply wonderful. No sarcasm either.

Norm had caught his eye before getting within ten feet of him. Who can blame him? The boy just screamed 'Fragile!' Why else would Alice allow him to nearly run into him? Of course he wouldn't allow him to get in the way.

His foot was quick and he 'accidently let' Norm trip over it.

Oooooops.

Alice of course, being the gentleman he is, is quick to catch him before he hits the ground. Of course he purposely humiliates him by catching him like a woman would be caught and then pulls him up, practically squished against Alice. Do not mistake this attractive angel for a weakling, no no no. Not a good idea.

Looking as sincere and innocent as Alice can, he looks down with piercing blue eyes into the eyes of the other. His voice is startled. He is an excellent actor.

"Hey! Damn, are you okay?!"

Woah, he actually pulled off a charming attitude at the same time.

"Yes. I'm fine."
... I'll be better once you let go.
"Thank you."

He pushes away from Alice, - this is embarrassing. He doesn't want to get any closer to this strange man than he has to. Norm, himself, wouldn't have made such an effort to catch someone. He might try to snag the back of a person's shrt or something, but so much contact? With a total stranger? No.

That's what is so wrong with humans. They communicate with words. Just blah blah blah until they deem it safe to stand within three feet of one another. Many other creatures do too. But the older ones, or the ones who were raised by an old one like Alice was, communicate with the other senses. Smell, touch, hearing...taste.

That wide lazy grin was back on his face, feral and cat like. Norm might find himself being stared at more closely than he is usually used to. And he probably willnot like it either. That expression is too much like a cat about to pounce on some poor unsuspecting animal.

He raised his hands, agraceful, effortless movement.

"No problem, it's not every day I manage to catch a falling man, generally its swooning women."

Braggart? Nooo, just stating the truth. Sorta. Alice pushes some stray hairs from his face with a finger. It's getting darker. The more dark, the less people, the less people the more fun he will have.

Did his smile get even bigger? Is that even possible? Obviously it is. 'Cause Alice is about to pounce.

Norm doesn't like the smile.
Scratch that.
It's not just the smile he doesn't like. It's all of Alice. He's frightening Norm, despite his obvious charms.

"...Indeed." Norm manages a smile and forces a laugh. He waves. "Right. Well, goodbye now."
He turns and begins hurrying away, head down, concentrating on getting out of here as fast as possible without making it too obvious that he's fleeing.

Oh dear, he is about to wet his pants already?

Now, now, Norm, no need to leave so quickly!

Alice has two choices right now, he can either go into scary stalker mood or up in your face predator.

Well, the fact that he already is striding beide Norm, arm slung over his shoulder and holding him a bit too tightly to the his body. His grin was still there, ne becuase it mattched his mood and two becuase it obviously made Norm uncomfortable. His mouth was right next to the other's ear, voice light and airy, like if he was talking about murdering and raping people. C'mon! this is /Alice/ we are talking about. His...morals...are...different from other's.

"This is what is so funny about you humans. Not comfortable with touching-" His arm went down the other's back, fingertips touching the small of Norm's back, barely on his butt and then trailed back up around the shoulders. "-or any physical contact with strangers. But don't worry...we won't be strangers for long."

Alice has a tight hold on Norm, not using all oh his strength though.

Yet.

"Fuck off," Norm growls, a faint note of panic underlying the surly tone he's using. Alice is not allowed to be this close! Gone is the feigned politeness as Norm shoves at Alice with his good arm - weakly, really, as he hasn't regained his strength since Logan's attack. Not that he was very strong to begin with.

"Get away from me," he adds, loudly, beginning to use his entire body in his struggles, instead of just one arm. It jars the arm in the cast a bit, but he doesn't notice. He's too busy trying not to panic.

"Fuck off? Nonono darling-" Mouth against the other's ear. He's being dragged into one of the alleys that Alice had looked at earlier just in case. "-that's for later."

Norm will have to do today. He is fun to play with mentally and physically though he isn't as attractive as most of Alice's victims. He's still cute though so he'll do. He'll do just fine. Alice probably will just have fun with pushing him around, no actual torture.

....Maybe.

Alice's grin could probably be felt against the cheek of the other and the struggling is useless. He is stronger than Norm no doubt, and has dragged him into this alley and pinned him against the wall. He was as close as two people could possibly be without fusing together.

Of course he was slightly taller, so his head was titled down, forehead pressed against the other's, nose pressed against the other's.

"No such luck for you tonight."

"Get - off - me!" Norm yells (hoping someone will hear him), still not getting the message that he can't possibly struggle his way out of this. He hisses at Alice, his lip curling. The anger is just a front, but he refuses to show fear.

He doesn't have a choice in that, however. Alice is touching Norm's clothes. Norm's thoughts and feelings are seeping into them, and if Alice is listening, he'll be able to catch them.
Not going to give in,... I'm not going to give in.
I'm not.

This can't be happening...

Aaaaaaaw.

"You poor thing..." A whisper, but it's so sharp. No more soft tones, this is laced with poison and sarcasm. He's about to laugh. And the other won't shut up either, will he.

"You'll have to be quiet or I will be forced to quiet you."

He was regarding Norm with an analytical look and then he got closer once more.

"Do you believe in angels?"

It's an innocent question, really. Oh and by the way Norm, it's realy dark, just a peak of sunlight left. And this alley isn't facing the sun.

Norm quits struggling as a shudder runs through him. He's still glaring (if looks could kill...) but it's in a cornered-animal kind of way.

"Do I - what does that have to do with anything?" he sputters. "No, I don't believe in angels. Are you insane?"

Like that question needs asking...

"Tsk tsk, so rude. You humans need to learn to respect your superiors."

Alice's grin, it had been feral yes, but now it was just plain nasty. His expression was haughty. If Alice was named after one of the Seven Sins it would be Pride. Or Lust. But really, any empath would have a headache from the harsh, haughty feelings that were spiking off of this creature.

He grabbed the other's chin, blue eyes piercing into the other's as he forced the face up.

"Well, let me tell you, we really do exist."

And slowly, becuase it takes a little for the wings to rip out of his back (you can see the slight grimace flicker across his face) and his wings come out. For a split moment they have what looks like liquid gold on them before they flap and shake it off, splattering in different directions.

His smile only got more malicious.

"See? And really, not all of us are nice."

"You're insane," Norm spat, twisting his head to try and at least get his head free, and tightly closing his eyes.
Not real. It's not real. "Leave me alone."
There's just a hint of pleading in his voice now. The pleading tone has been in his mind since Alice steered him into the alley, and it's only leaking out now. He resumes fighting against the angel, however useless it may be.

"Oh shut-up and face it you weakling."

He's tired of that arguement and he keeps ahold of the other's face, his grin is an odd one. ne may heard of an expressive mouth but this is just absurd, a wicked grin that shows the emotions of malice, spite, delight, and pleasure. This is just too amusing.

Light bulb.

"Tell me...have you ever been touched by a man before?"

Blunt. Just like Alice in his good mood.

He was pressed up against the other, so that helped hold him there, and then his hands let go of the other's face and forced their way behind him and then trailed down his back, past the small of his back and then stopped. To put it bluntly, he was now cupping the other's ass in his hands.

He'll never learn, nor will he let go anytime soon. Just to make this even more...uncomforable? He gives the other's rear an appreciative squeeze. Not bad.

Norm's still struggling,... which, if anyone were watching, would remind of a fly trying to barge through a window.
Completely pointless, and he's just exhausting himself in the attempt.

He doesn't even answer the question this time. Unbidden, a memory of Logan comes to mind, accompanied with variations on, 'Get the hell away from me you pyscho', only with much more colorful language.

Alice's grin turned into a smirk.

So he finally did shut up, yes? It is slightly dissapointing becuase he can't slap him around for talking. Oh wait, he can still slap him around for struggling.

Leaving one hand on his buttox, he lifted the other one, leanging his torso back slightly and-

SMACK.

Forget seeing stars Norm dear, you are currently seeing the whole damn universe.

The force of the blow turns his head quickly and painfully to one side. He lets it stay that way, then lets his head drop a bit so that he's looking at the ground. A red mark blooms on his cheek.

Ouch.
Ouch.

Norm stops struggling, sagging against the wall. He has a serious urge to throw up now.

Alice lets him slip down, with a soft thud, on the ground.

He looks satisfied, but really, he isn't. What to do, what to do. What should he do? There were so many ideas, many he couldn't perform on this man much less a human, so really, what could he do? Screw 'im and leave 'im? In an /alley/? Gross, totally not Alice.

He squats down in front of the other. Better not throw up on him Norm, he might just have his way with you and throw you off a cliff somewhere. With no pants. He cups the other's face in his hand.

"What do you feel like doing today, precious?"

Sarcasm, nothing but ice cold sarcasm.

Norman gagged, trying to creep away from Alice - sidewise, as he didn't dare turn his back.

"Go away."

Though he hadn't any hope that Alice would actually listen to his plea,... which was what it was. His resistance has definitely been going down. He was able to hide his fear from that.. that.. grey thing for quite a while. It had taken less time for Logan to break him,.. and even less for Alice, now.
He's been considerably softened up.
Which is either a good or bad thing, depending on who you're talking to.

"Go away?"

Such a soft tone so suddenly. Alice sat up slightly, as if something had dawned on him.

"Maybe...maybe you're right...I shouldn't rape or kill people anymore, no hurting humans or fae or demons. I need to be a kinder person...maybe settle down with some pretty girl or boy...I can find true love and truly be happy..."

His smile was so sweet...then it just...fell off.

"Didn't I tell you to SHUT-UP?!"

SMACK.

Say hello to the universe /again/ Norm.

Alice's face once again held that malicious smirk and he leaned back down.

"What a load of bullshit, no I'm not going away, I'm going to have fun with you until I'm satisfied and you're passed out on the ground."

Fingers tickle the front of his pants.

Coochie coo.

Ouch again.

Norm twitches, and as if by reflex, strikes out at Alice's face with his fist.

And if that doesn't work?
He'll give up.

He saw the twitch.

But he let him punch him, in fact, it only got Alice more riled up. His eyes only brightened and his mouth only opened to show more teeth. Oh dear, he was about to break open of his 'morals'. Aw, who the hell cares? Not Alice. With a sneer that would rival many not-so-nice peoples, he picked Norm up and then threw him on the ground, straddling him. A chuckle, icey and like the ones in horror movies that would keep you awake at night.

"Let's play."

And so he dove on in and helped himself. (Don't worry, he uses protection.)

(( ZOMGSH CURTAIN CALL!!! ))

---------------

Norm had been unconscious for,... well, he didn't know how long, himself. He doesn't wear a watch, most days. He'd just now woken up in this dark alley, with the sick realization of what had happened to him -

again, only this time, he didn't think he needed to go to the hospital. He was hurting, but it wasn't nearly bad enough to force him to seek help. Also, he didn't want to get up. It was cold (which had something to do with the fact that his pants were missing) lying on the ground as he was, but it would be worse if he moved, he was sure of it.

Norm wasn't about to get up and walk home, half-naked and crying,... yes, he was crying. No one was around to see, after all. He'd curled up in a ball, his face in the dirt, and was sobbing near-silently.

Nick had been wandering for some time. He was a little confused and a little happy, and a little melancholy. He ran over in his mind the way Corine's rose had felt--so real.
At least until he spotted Norman. He grinned, starting to wave...and that was when he realized that mortals who are 'okay' generally aren't curled up on the ground, pantsless, and crying.
Suddenly, he was glad he'd worn his coat. He let it slip through his body as he approached Norm, and he laid it over the young man's...er, exposed areas, gently, kneeling by him.
"Norman?"

Norman jolted as if he'd been struck. He froze, not daring to move and praying that whoever it was would just think he was asleep or dead and would go away. He shut his eyes tightly, ruining any chance he might have had at pretending to be asleep. It didn't strike him as odd that the person knew his name, but then, he's not functioning too well at the moment.

Nick looked pained. This wasn't a good situation.
"Don't--I--it's all right. It's me, Nick. Remember me?"
He'd been around for nearly ninety years. Somehow, he'd never experienced this before. You learn something new every day, unfortunately.

"...Nick?"

Norm swallowed hard and scrubbed at his eyes, trying to remove the traces of tears. All he ended up doing was smudging dirt across his face. That seemed to suit him just fine, however, and he allowed himself to look up at Nick to check if it was really him.

"Oh."
He licked his lips, then momentarily bit them closed and looked away..
"...hi."

Although he'd never dealt with this before, Nick could guess what had happened (No pants. How much more obvious does it get?). He shook his head, his lips tightening.
"Did you see...do you know who it was?"
He might pay them a haunting, later. He was not pleased.
"It's all right. Well...I mean, no, it isn't. But you don't need to be afraid, or ashamed, or...you know. It isn't healthy to lay here like this. The night air will make you sick. Can you stand? I'll help you, if you need me to."
He had some strange idea that if he babbled enough, it would somehow help.

Norm covered his face with his hands, ignoring or simply not paying attention to the better part of the ghost's rambling. "...I should g-go home now..."
Oh, wait, that means I have to get up.
So he did. He dragged himself into a sitting position, careful to keep himself covered. Then he looked hopelessly at the ground, musing, "How'm I s'posed to get home like this..."

"Tie it around your waist. It's very big, it should go all the way."
He held out a hand to Norm, solidifying as he did so. His voice got proportionally softer.
"Let me go with you."
He didn't want Norm around sharp or hot things alone, currently.

Wordlessly, he did as Nick suggested. The end result looked weird, but it would work.

"I'm okay," Norm said, as if saying it would make it true. Instead of taking Nick's hand, as he should have done, he used the wall as a brace and staggered to his feet. Swaying dangerously, and still refusing to accept the offered help, he stumbled towards the mouth of the alley.

"I don't care if you're okay or not." He sounded as if he was chiding a small child. "I'm coming with you."

"Mm. If you want." He shrugged a shoulder, acting childish to match the tone of voice Nick was using on him. The truth was, he did want Nick to come with him. He'd be safer that way. Nick had never hurt him, ... he might have angered Norm a few times, but Norm knew he was only trying to help. He just didn't fully appreciate it yet.

"I moved. Last week," he said, turning the corner and still clinging to the wall, "Home's not far, I think.."

"Oh!"
That's why he'd been so happy to see Norm, before he'd figured out the whole...thing.
"I was worried--when I found your apartment all burnt. I thought you'd left your soldering iron on and gotten yourself killed. Norm...please let me help you."
He held his hands out again, pleadingly, and added "I'm going to make you a nice cup of tea."

He was at my apartment? Norm pondered this for a fleeting moment, then let it drop. It didn't matter.

For a long moment, he didn't give any indication that he'd heard a word the ghost had said. Then he wobbled away from the wall, and leaned on Nick instead. He didn't lift hs gaze from the ground (one foot in front of the other,...now do it again) so it was difficult to tell what he was feeling, if anything.
"Tea would be nice," he mumbled.

Good. This was progress. Nick swallowed back a sick feeling in his stomach; it had something to do with the fact that this should not have happened to Norm, and it wasn't fair...the poor kid, now he had to deal with this on top of everything...
"I can stay as long as you like."
Possibly longer than you like.

"Okay," Norm said simply.

He put more weight on Nick than was strictly necessary for him to keep going. The support was what he wanted - Nick's temperature didn't help any, but Norm would gladly deal wth a little cold if he could get home.
Going home now,... and then I'm going to bed, and I'm going to sleep, he thought dazedly, giving a soft sigh.
For a very, very, very long time.

Erk. Nick solidified more to 'take up the slack,' so to speak. He was going to have a little trouble talking when they got there, and he'd probably go transparent. This would most likely not be good for Norm's currently damaged psyche...but there was no help for it.
He forced a smile in case Norm should look at him, and concentrated on staying solid so the young man could continue to lean on him.

Eventually (with much stumbling on Norm's part) they arrived at Norm's apartment, a corner on the third floor of a dilapidated building. It was rather dim and barely furnished - Norm didn't want to end up hauling a lot back to his old apartment when it was fixed up.

"Home," he sighed as they entered, making directly for the futon. The frame, luckily intact, had been taken from his old apartment. He'd had to replace the mattress, though.