Her eyes closed as she ran her fingers delicately over the spine of the book- feeling the textures beneathe her soft and sensitive hands. Sensitive? Of course she was sensitive. She was oh- so sensitive when these hands ripped across the throat of another....

Her thoughts floated away from the violent thought as she wandered upon others. She was in a good mood tonight- relaxed and at peace- or as at peace as the undead can be. Her left hand ran itself through her long blonde hair that curled as it tumbled over her slender shoulders. Her ensemble? A simple white dress- with no shoes to adorn it- no jewelry- no nothing- simple. Who need she impress? No one. Besides- it was such a challenge in her mind to resist getting one's clothes drenched in blood. The white reminded her not to be messy, chided her with it's purity and spotlessness. See? She was a practical woman.

As her light brown eyes opened, so did the book that she had been searching for- a nice little bedtime treat. Greek letters stood out on the pages and there were no pictures to match. She knew the story even without reading it. It had once been one of her favorite tales- although.... when she had first wrapped her mind around the adventures of the Iliad it had been orally spoken to her.

She had always thought Helen so stupid.... but oh- how she loved to read of her beauty! It enraptured her- how beauty could start a war. True- Ariel did not wish to start a war but she was never unawares of her own beauty. They had said Helen was blessed by the gods with golden hair. Ariel could identify and she too was once called blessed by the gods. She was no Helen- she was far more intelligent. Ariel smiled and began to read- skipping pages to reach her favorite scenes- the death of Hector- the glorious battle and the supposed flight of Paris.

Oh- Paris... he was foolish- as all men are, but it only added to the humor. Many times Ariel wondered if the characters were real- if the Iliad truly did happen. She knew nothing of what lie beyond Greek borders and well- she was not too interested in the matter because she never really tried to find out. Ariel’s mind kept wandering through the story as she pictured the nights when she and her mother had sat- listening as the fires cackled around them- wilderness- huddled against her mother. Her thoughts were choppy and her memory was somewhat faded. She had been so young then. With a sigh of age she closed the book and paused. A noise? A smell…. She stood.

“Why do you tease me so?” She almost cooed.

But of course James did not bother to answer. Instead he pressed his body against hers, slowly encircling her in his arms. He kissed at her throat and she let out a heavy breath in retort.

“Not yet.” She moaned breathless. “I’m not off yet. Please James…”

Again there was no answer, but he did halt with his kisses. Both disappointed and relieved, she let lose a small sigh. It turned instantly into a squeak, as she suddenly found herself pressed into one of the nearby bookshelves, looking into the hot and instant intensity of eyes that seemed in the low light, an almost heartless and metallic gray.

For a moment her voice was gone. She wasn’t sure what to say or even if she should speak. No, she simply looked at him, then she was frightened as he stared back, unblinking and harsh. His eyes were like those of some wild beast and the woman stepped back a step before she turned to make her escape.

But of course he chose that time to speak.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered, though of course his voice didn’t sound sorry at all. “Forgive me my dear little librarian…I was over come with your great beauty.”

She almost panted.

He always knew just what to say, to pause her in her tracks, to make her pay perfect attention to that sexy southern drawl that flowed from his lips. The woman knew it should have sounded corny, probably even forced, but with James there was always something else, something that made her want him all the more. Even when he misbehaved. No, especially when he misbehaved.

“Tomorrow,” She promised, breathlessly.

He simply nodded; his expression unreadable as he gazed longingly, no indeed hungrily at her. Looking at him, it was as if at the moment he would devour her whole and that was too much for the young librarian. Molly Forester had never met a man like James in all her life. He almost had her waddling as she slipped from behind the bookcases.

James for his part simply watched her go, his expression amused. He knew it was wrong to play with one’s food, but sometimes it was just so fun. It was with a laugh that he turned, just in time to catch movement, to realize he was no longer alone.

“So, who’s there?” He asked, his playful mood unbroken. His senses told him it was a woman. “Are we jealous then?” He teased, wondering just whom it was that was about.

Ariel suppressed a laugh as he spoke. "Jealous?" she asked innocently, leaning back against the table now. "Jealous of what?" she arched an eyebrow and sniffed the air. Vampire. How delightful. She wasn't really one for humans anyways. They were boring. Considering most Vampires were psychopaths- they provided better entertainment.

She picked up her book and began to walk towards the man. "You're hungry?" she asked him. She could smell it- smell the hunger on him- the same hunger she was repressing tonight. She would feed tomorrow night- have her fill and that would last her some days- unles she felt the need for a snack hmmmm?

She walked past him now and noted someone's blood rushing- pumping so fast... Ariel licked her lips. She was half tempted to check out her book, because the rushing blood that sounded throughout her head was just behind that desk!

Ariel laughed and with a small urge- the noise was gone- and she no longer needed to check out her book- she'd just take it and put the lovely book back on the shelf. She wasn't quite sure about the other vampire yet- She wasn't one for making friends- Hell, she just didn't have friends. Ariel breathed a soft sigh and turned back. "I wouldn't really picture you as the book type" she chided, making a small assumption about the reason that the librarian's heart was beating so quickly. He wasn't that bad looking. She couldn't blame the little human woman.

“I’m not most vampires…” James said easily. He looked at the other with a staunchly superior smile, yet superior or not it wasn’t exactly arrogant. No. It was more of a tease. Much the same as his accusation of jealousy had been. James liked teasing; indeed he had a knack for it. The kind of knack that kept him alive, allowed him to play the mortal, and indeed even interact well, or rather well enough with his fellow immortals.

Indeed as James himself might say, “Twas simply the nature of the beast” and what a beast he was. A predator to be sure, but hardly psychotic or agoraphobic as so many of the immortal get, he was as he was…simply put.

“Oh and I suppose I should tell you in advance that I hear the thoughts of others sometimes. Can even speak that way, at least to a small, very small degree...” He said, smiling a bit at her then. No, he wasn’t that bad looking, and James was one that knew it, played it for every bit it could be worth. “So perhaps you should take better care at obscuring your thoughts. I’d hate to hear anything that would embarrass you.”

His eyes said that statement was a complete and utter lie. But then it wouldn’t be James’s first, nor hardly his last.

Still looking at the other immortal, he reached forward to brush a loose strand of midnight colored hair out of his eyes, soothing it behind one ear. It was a gesture that his long hair had made him rather easily accustomed to, but it was also one that gave him a moment to consider the other immortal, to think about her statements, and indeed how best to react to her.

James could always simply leave her be, but now, now that just didn’t appeal to him at the moment, and so it was that he spoke.

“Perhaps I am hungry,” He said voice sounding completely theoretical. “What of it? After all I’m hardly in a bad way, simply peckish. And do we not all feel hunger in some shape or form? We all, mortal or immortal, hunger for something. Indeed there are even those unlucky enough to know not even for what they hunger.”

It was as he said this last that James watched her, this sudden and mysterious fellow immortal, he watched her response to sensing Molly’s blood. It was interesting. Indeed it seemed so sudden a thing that he wondered how close she was to being in need of a feed instead of simple hunger, but it was rude to ask, besides she spoke then and it made him smile.

He positively grinned.

“No one ever can…” He said to her in a voice fit for conspiracy. “It how I surprise so many fellows.”

He laughed.

“Indeed you’ll find I’m deeply full of surprises dearest. However, why are you here? Come for the books alone did we?”

Ariel laughed as he mentioned the whole 'I can read your mind' bit and shrugged. She had nothing to hide- no secrets in her thoughts. So honestly- it didn't matter. But---- she didn't like the mere idea of him being superior- because he wasn't. She thought of metal- cold to the touch and unbreakable- a metal wall around her thoughts- and so it was done. Nothing leaked now- She would be sure of it.

She simply shrugged at his answers and didn't say anything in particular until he answered with "no one ever can..."

She laughed. "I'm not surprised." Ariel nodded towards the front desk. "Find anything interesting in your visit?" She found the nearby shelf that she had taken the book from and tenderly returned it to its home. "I am here for books alone...." she replied. "Do you picture me as the book type?" she asked, turning around and placing one gentle hand on a slender hip.

"So-" she asked, a curious glint in her eyes now. "I'm Ariel. And you are....." her voice trailed off as she watched him, figuring she had nothing better to do than make nice. He seemed- somewhat... Ah- she didn't really know. Although- there was a terrible feeling of pity for the librarian. She was quite sure the vampire wouldn't take a permanent human lover and if not that usually meant sex and dinner. She herself had never been that way- but her own child- Angelette had been. It was an interesting way to feed- made it more pleasurable in the least- but Ariel loved the thrill of chase- Artemis was in her veins- not Aphrodite- though she had been her patron goddess that she had prayed to when they set sail.
Her protected thoughts reeled back around to the name of the dark stranger. She arched one eyebrow- patiently.

James's smile did not change, even as her shields slid into place, as cold and as unforgiving as steel. Indeed such a thing did make him smile. After all, her method for protecting her thoughts was interesting. All such things were interesting in their way, but the fact that she used such a modern element when she her self hardly seemed of the modern age...uhum...interesting. Shields could be anything; James's protection of choice was fire, the vision of a flame burning hot and impenetrable. It kept his thoughts well locked inside, but also it brought with it sorrow and pain that he new he would always take in supplication.

Indeed, there was much supplication to be had.

Still even with a touch of sadness, James managed not to look very sad at all. Indeed he met and followed the other immortal’s gaze. Will alone kept him from rolling his eyes, but he did smirk and it was gracefully amused thing.

“Of course, I always do.” He replied effortlessly. Then with a smile he reached behind his back and came away surprisingly enough with a book. It was small, pocket sized, but hard covered, and James held it up as if the greatest thing in the world.

“The Life and Works of Edgar Allen Poe,” He read rather pointedly from its cover. After that he glanced as she had toward the front desk. “Oh and but of course dearest Molly. A sweet woman to be sure.”

He made it a point of smiling then, a smile that allowed hidden fangs to slip into place for only a moment, but a moment that James’s expression clearly admitted enjoying. Then his attention was fully the other once more and he did not speak as she spoke; only looked at her considering for a moment. Oh and of course drinking her in quietly with eyes of a sharp blue-gray.

“I picture you as many types,” He answered suddenly then. There wasn’t what was to be expected in his voice. Sure there was flirting, it was again perhaps the nature of the beast, but what was unexpected was frankness, total and complete honesty and a consideration and perhaps even respect for the sudden truth.

“I think you are easily capable of many things, not the type to be underestimated in the least.”

Then his smile turned more cordial, lighter, if only for a moment.

“Ariel, I am James. Tis nice to make your acquaintance.”

Ariel was overjoyed when he pulled out the small book. "Ah- I do enjoy his poems.... my favorite being The Tell Tale Heart.... and the Black Cat is quite amusing... The Bells as well- how can one choose?" she said, eyes lighting up. "But- " she went on. "Such sadness and tragedy lies within... do tell me you've experienced happier writings" she smiled again. She enjoyed tragedy as well- but she had read her share of happier tales.

She laughed at the mention of Molly and shrugged. “I can’t really comment on that---” she said, a smirk in her eyes. Molly was a pretty one- but Ariel didn’t play with her food- well she did- but not in that way. The hunt was everything. It wasn’t as fun if every meal just came to you.

“I’m more for the hunt myself- I like a physical challenge- mental games have ceased to amuse me….”

It was a mental game- charming them- getting them to bed- and… from Ariel's previous sexual experiences- she could live without it. She was a tough girl- no virgin in her old age- but she did not feel addicted to the pleasures that so many sought. It was a temporary fix- and honestly it usually caused more pain than pleasure in the end. Ariel was holding out- for what? She really didn’t know. She was half hoping happiness would have bitten her on the ass after all this time. Ah- but what was another lifetime? And another? And another? If she didn’t get killed.

She nodded. Her wall of metal comforting her. She had been fascinated with the material when she had first seen it- so strong- so cold- unfeeling and unshakable. Before it had been water- a pressure so dark and deep it could crush any intrusion- but water held wrath and wrath turned to rage and feelings- and action! She didn't need action. She needed Novocain. She needed to be numb.

"The pleasure is all mine James" she replied, nodding with a grace that she had acquired over the years. She actually used to be quite clumsy.

James smiled and he nodded, the gestures however were not as empty as they sometimes became. After all he was listening, even understood, and as such agreed with her. There were those that simply went through the motions of listening, but James Samuels had never been one of those. Or at least he had not been one since his youth, since his continuous and monotonous audiences with his father. Indeed James had not been such a being since the man’s death. No, he was sharp and attentive always.

A sudden bout of grimness stole the edge of his smile then. Not all of it, but that biting and perpetual amusement. Still even so, James smile persisted, in direct counter point as he said.

“Happier writings and I have been at odds for quite some time now…” His eyes were unreadable as he spoke. “But I suppose I do patron them often enough. Even night blossoms do not completely forget what light is, indeed even the melancholy do not completely forsake felicity.”

He gave a dismissive shrug then, before his smile returned to its previous state at the consideration of Molly.

“Of course you can comment on it,” He said, a similar smirk to her own in his eyes, though his held a touch of tease. “People always have opinions on things, whether they speak on them or not…and I would rather you speak than not.” He chuckled then. “Indeed I suppose I’ve always been funny like that.”

He gave another shrug then, looking thoughtful at her statement.

“Physical fun and games is all well and good I suppose,” He said, same thoughtfulness in his voice. “But then again I would say the game is all about the quarry. In both games. Maybe you’ve not found the prey for your mental game…”

He laughed again.

“I would not give up on it so easily.”

Then something occurred to him and he smiled wider still.

“Or perhaps it’s because you’re a woman…no one ever said my gender was difficult to seduce.”

Perhaps it was simply generalization and stereotype, but the thought did amuse James a moment, if only because it was something to be thought over, something to be proved or disproved, and like the physical hunter with which he spoke, James did indeed like his own games as well.

He’d learned early on, boredom killed amongst immortals. If not physically, then mentally, and perhaps even spiritually if he was so brave, old and young alike, immortals spent much time, passing time. It was something to be learned and acknowledged. Something to keep one’s self aware of.

“I sincerely doubt that,” Was his next reply. “After all I am already enjoying myself.”

Those last words were a bit pointed, but as always James softened them with his manner and his smile. It was how he was, which allowed him such words and yet as always they were hardly said in malice, but with a wry and immutable amusement.

"Maybe I haven't..." she let her voice trail off into thoughtfulness. "But finding a worthy quarry is easier said than done" she paused. "Perhaps it is because I am a woman?" she asked. "I am not sure. Are men difficult to seduce?" she asked sarcastically, laughter in her eyes.

"Actually- I have met men who were- very opposed to women- It was strange..." she shrugged. "They weren't even gay- just sexist I suppose" she shook her head. "Some humans are so- strange”

She raised honey-brown eyes to the man and smiled.
“Are you?" she asked."Fine. The pleasure is yours” she joked. “I’m not one to argue” she continued. “So---” she said, her voice trailing off into nothingness. “I am not so social a vampire” she added, apology in her voice as she smiled a bit.

What else could she say? Ariel was good with petty banter and short conversations- never the prolonged engagements she would prefer. She would prefer to think of something to say- prefer to be charming, interesting and social- but alas she was not. So the gods had not given her those talents. She had been fine without them so far- fine with maybe two friends and one true love all her life. The friends were gone- her true love gone… Only Nikki had she talked to lately- and the old man in the Dojo. She sighed and leaned against a bookshelf effortlessly- her body seemingly- or not so seemingly- light as air.

James couldn’t help but smile at her replies. Perhaps she was not the social type, after all one need only look and listen long enough to come to that decision through their own means. But whatever she might not be, James could easily also understand what she was. Indeed it had made him consider her thoughtfully from the moment he’d first realized her presence and it did the same to him now. It had very much been a constant thing.

Eyes not quite gray, not quite blue, regarded her. Still kissed with amusement, they wavered for only a second as their owner nodded.

“All of us are a little strange…” Came his thesis. “Mortal or immortal.”

Then his smile was sharp, as he laughed.

“No need to apologize for lacking social graces,” He said. “Indeed I’ve learn such is a very common affliction…” His smile inched sharper still. “Even amongst those of us that proclaim social grace.”

He gave a shrug then.

“The easiest way I’ve found around it is to simply watch and learn…do you mind? That is to say, do you mind if I watch you a bit? Indeed I don’t even have to exist for a while, I’ve found that I sometimes it is more educational to watch life happen, to come to one’s own understanding of things.”

Another shrug.

“Or just as easily I can leave you to your night…after all I’m sure that I could easily find better hunting grounds.”

His smiles made her smiles- as most did. The saying was most certainly true. Smiles just were contagious. She was grateful for his understanding. Yes- she was not a social butterfly but--- she was not embarassed so- his understanding didn't truly matter as much she supposed- or maybe it did.

"Watch me?" she asked, arching an eyebrow. "Doing what?" Her fingers found another shelf of books as she walked and this time she grabbed a random volume and pulled it to her chest. She looked at it and read the title. The Cradle Will Fall.

Interesting. Her eyes narrowed for a bit as she contemplated the book. Fiction. A novel. Sounded good. She read the back and turned it over before walking over to a table- still aware of James. She sat down.
"Why do you want to watch me?" she asked, a little entranced by the book. Her fingers danced across the pages- almost caressing the words. She sighed and felt a twinge of sadness before her metal wall surrounded that one feeling and encased it- destroyed it.

Hunting grounds? Her ears perked up. "Are you going hunting tonight?" her eyes were a little eager now. He probably would rather hunt than sit here with her. She probably would enjoy hunting more than being within her own company. She was going to wait until tomorrow- but if he knew of better hunting grounds- then she could afford to feed early. She gave him a smirk. "There are no better hunting grounds than this library" she teased. "I think the vast population of the humans here is sufficient for tonight. Who knew this many mortals read books at these hours?" She gave a small gesture with her hand towards the deserted hallways.
"What time does this place close?" she wondered out loud.

((Sorry about the last post, I was rushing it. Now, looking back on it...sigh.))

"Doing what?" James repeated, as if the question had caught him off guard.

And then again perhaps it had. It was strange how his mind worked sometimes he knew, but like most things in life such was easily solved if only one took time to look at the question.

"Whatever it is you do," He replied matter-of-factly. Another smile then, soft, but edging on wry. “You see I’ve always enjoyed people much more than books.”

He ran a finger along the cover of the volume he still held, a slow and careful caress, indeed thoughtful stroke that had his finger tip edging along the light leather binding, but more importantly skimming the gold press of the title.

“Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy my reading, but I’ve always enjoyed life so much more.”

James let loose a slight chuckle then.

“Even experiencing it vicariously can be both surprisingly educational and entertaining…I suppose that’s why mortals so deeply invest in the studies of one another.”

He watched her consider the book then. A curious glance stole the title. The Cradle Will Fall. A curious title, but one that adverse James to the literary work just as quickly as he’d read its name. Cradles. The vampire could live the rest of his life without the mention of cradles, without the sight of children. Even now, even after all of these years, it was little things that sliced the deepest.

Her reaction then to his pervious words cut away the tendrils of sorrow that suddenly gripped his heart like eager creeper vines and James took in the slowest of breaths before finally he could answer, indeed before he could completely restore his good humor or even completely meet the other’s gaze.

“Perhaps,” It was all he could manage. Besides short and sweet seemed the better way to go.

Then short and sweet were no longer an option as he smiled, once again full force and could barely stifle a crisp chuckle.

“I think you’re being a bit bias my dear. While I’ve no doubt the library is more than enough to state one’s need, it is hardly the most efficient or effective hunting ground as this hour…” That made James smile wider still.

Then he paused, his smile turning roguish.

“It’ll be quite a while yet.” He answered, “After all if it weren’t, Molly would not be such a difficult woman to procure tonight…” That last was said with just the slightest touch of a tease.

Ariel looked back towards the front desk. "Of course- you'll wait for her?" she asked, smiling. "So I'll leave you when she gets off work hmm?" Ariel suggested, shrugging slightly.
She sat down at a nearby table, relaxing. "I'm really quite boring..." she commented before opening the book, turning to page one, two, three, four, five...
"I don't know why-" she murmured absent mindedly as she read. She was a bit hungry now- and she withheld that desire from him- but she couldn't help but lick her lips every once in awhile.

Now... Tonight after she left him- where would she hunt- hmm possibly the bars- oh that would be a good spot. She wasn't in the mood for a chase tonight so a drunken blob would suffice. Ariel gave a short sigh as she flipped another page. Maybe Nikolaos would come with her tonight- so she wasn't so alone. She shook her head. The Irish girl had questions- she did not want to be friends... Well, that's what Ariel assumed- just that no one wanted her. After so many years- it got depressing. But honestly- she usually liked the solitude- why tonight then, did she want company?

"Can I ask where you're from?" she asked, multitasking- or at least trying to. Her eyes were enraptured with the pages yet her voice spoke to James and James alone. "I'm from Athens." she commented. For a split second she wondered if he would answer- so many vampires were touchy about their history- but she- she was not. Why hide what you are and what you have been in your life if one is talking to another of their kind.

At Ariel’s question, James gave a non-committal shrug.

“If I did wait for her, it would only be to walk her home…” He admitted begrudgingly. “Dear Molly won’t be in the mood for any of my ‘foolishness’ as she calls it.”

That made James smile, an even more wry expression than it had been on his perpetually amused features before. However this time it was rather quickly washed aside, by a subtle consideration, by blue-gray eyes taking in the movement of pages, and keen ears focusing intently upon the small sounds of paper turning-indeed paper against flesh. Everything James drank down and he shrugged again.

“All in all rather anti-climactic, so don’t worry about leaving upon my account.”

He chuckled then, just couldn’t help it.

“Is that so?” He replied in question. “If you don’t know why, then how are you so sure that you’re boring?”

He continued watching her then, watched her book, indeed drank in every detail, even the occasional slips of tongue that seemed to dance suddenly bright and sharp against the much lighter pale of her lips and skin. The gesture no doubt meant she was hungry. It was things like this that James had learned to read, to understand, and he did, at least as good as he was able. He so did love people watching…

James shrugged then at her question.

“Feel free.” He said easily.

Then he gave an appreciative whistle.

“Why do I doubt you mean modern Athens?” He teased, before answering. “Originally I was from Jamestown, Virginia. I grew up there with my father.”

"Sorry" Ariel murmured with a small smile. "That she won't be in the mood.... anti-climactic nights can be such a drag" she murmured sarcastically. "I have been living boring nights since I moved here... It's really time for me to leave if I do not find Angelette here... my fledgling. I feel her here- but have not run across her- my sire did not gift me with as many mental powers as physical." she sighed, longing in her heart for her child. She must find her soon--- it was getting so lonely. Ariel felt ice cold tonight- and James- the company- did a little to warm her. She closed her eyes and turned another page with a heavy sigh.

His teasing did not make her smile this time. "No. Not modern Athens... It was- a long time ago--" her eyes seemed to see something beyond him as her thoughts danced with the memories of her mother- her husband.... so many pains and tribulations- she would not refuse to tell if asked- but the wounds were still there- and no amount of blood could ever heal them. She looked away from him- metal walls almost suffocating her heart as she commanded composure of her body.

"Jamestown?" she asked. "Interesting... I was- in the Americas... I don't remember the year I arrived- I was in Jamestown- where I found Angelette-" she looked up at him- silent wonder in her eyes. "Isn't it interesting? Angelette was one of the natives..." Her hands left the pages and ran themselves through her blonde hair as a few strands fell over her solemn eyes.
She stood, pushing the book across the table.
"I should go-" she said, her body forcing her reluctant mind to move. She would much rather sit- and talk of Jamestown- of time- of Vampirism- of life in death- of anything! But now her body ached- and she didn't really know why. Not knowing- she backed away from him. She frowned. Her mind pressed harder against her reluctant to leave. She shook her head, hair falling in front of her eyes again as she reached for the book. She leaned across the table to grab it.

((Sorry this took me so long to get around to. But now things get interesting.))

James just couldn’t help a wry, chuckle.

“You have no idea how much of a drag…” He teased with a lascivious smile. “Women just don’t get that kinda drag…”

James’s speech gave way to silence then, a deep and thoughtful silence, also one of the most uncomfortable he’d ever been privy to, most notibily because though for the other immortal she was speaking of fledglings, James knew exactly what it was like to lose a child, indeed he knew what it was like to lose much more than that. He knew what it was like to lose everything, to loose all that you are and think that you could be. To lose your heart and your soul. Indeed absent mindedly his fingers slipped between the second and third buttons of his shirt and began running nervously across the slick almost glossy flesh underneath, tracing the cross shaped mark there.

It was almost enough to draw tears into his eyes, almost. Tears were something James fought back bitterly. Long ago he’d cried all the tears he ever would, both for that woman and for her child. He wasn’t the same…wasn’t that man anymore…and all damnation be satisfied because it was done and could not be undone.

With a clack of teeth, he inhaled sharply and slowly. Then he closed his eyes, focusing, focusing simply on listening and nothing more. He didn’t dare anything more.

Then she was replying to his words.

Had he really said them?

It was hard to remember really, she’d drew up too much in him and his breath became short, even as he noted the same in her. And just like that she spoke once again of her “child” and just like that it suddenly seemed too much for her, too much for them both. Even as she stood, he understood, but at the same time he was angry. Angry that she’d raise these long buried feelings in him and then leave, that part of him didn’t care that she’d done just the same to herself, no this part was a special brand of selfishness and it had him reaching for her hand even as she backed away from him.

Then it was that same anger that had him suddenly beside her, suddenly reaching and catching her book before she could. It was also what had his features stretched thin as he looked her in the eyes despite the blond perfection between them. His eyes were darker now, indeed like storm clouds ready to bursting, both with rage and with sorrow, but what came out of his lips was something completely different and completely unexpected.

It was soft, almost inaudible, but it was louder when he spoke again, when he pressed a kiss against the top of her hand.

“Come with me.” He’d said. “You are not the only one with pain…come with me and let us alleviate it, at least for a little while.”

All the emotions of before were still in his eyes, but there was also another now. A pleading sort of expression. James wouldn't have fed tonight, he would have been able to do without it. But now, now it was all he could draw comfort from, at least for a little while until the sorrow was gone or at least a bit farther away.

He didn't want to be alone, now, not until it was once again away from his heart and that was something he wanted to share.

((wow... oodles of fun- it was worth the wait lol))

She had been staring at his chest for quite some time as his fingers danced over something- she didn't know what... between two buttons of his shirt. She forced herself to look away- not able to ignore his sharp intake of breath. She closed her eyes- willing it all away- but curiousity and a wicked glimmer of hope choked at her will until it crumbled- she looked back at him- wondering why so suddenly every movement his body made looked like it was with effort- with pain and regret...

His hand grabbed hers and she could not help but gasp. Her eyes immediately met his and it was as if a storm were raging within them. The darkness threatened to swallow her- eat her alive, gourging its eternal hunger. That look- it scared her- she wondered if the same look had ever graced her features.

Unknown to her- the honey brown eyes that looked out from behind the golden veil were empty- simply empty yet so full of sorrow- yet so full of yearning. An interesting contradiction, but it was true none the less.

And he moved so close... so very close. She was always one for distance and even a mere touch was sometimes too close for the vampiress who had spent so much of her death alone. Her dead heart raced- raced as the intensity of his eyes drew her to him.
"What?" she asked, her voice barely audible, confused. He was so much younger than she- so it was him- not vampire wiles that drew her. What was it? The mere question drove her mad! What had he lost? What had he lost and why, why now were they sharing this- whatever it was? WHY?

An interruption to her thoughts- a departure from her reverie....

His lips brushed her hand. He spoke and she listened- somewhat paralyzed and unable to do anything else.

"Pain..." she whispered, closing her eyes and shaking her head- as if to disagree, a sudden miracle for she could talk and move! And then she looked up- and met those dark eyes again.
"Lead the way..." she whispered, her voice a little shaky as she waited, waited to leave this little corner of the library behind.

“Gladly,” Was his sharp and simple reply.

Slipping his hand into hers, James made a show of slipping the two of them between book shelves. Perhaps a part of him would have proudly pulled her along, out and through the front door with all the shame and tact of a conqueror, however Molly surely would be needed and besides despite all his selfishness, James really didn’t want to lead her to any unjust conclusions.

After all what James did now, this was devoid of any type of paramour feeling. Indeed by her reaction, James wouldn’t peg this Ariel of the sort. Besides what flowed through his mind now wasn’t about such things. No. This was about if not healing wounds, tending to them, patching them to steam the loss. One’s life, indeed the hunger and love of life, could weep from a heart wound as quick and as fatally as any life blood. This James knew from personal experience and the fact that he recognized it in another…well perhaps he was not so self-centered after all.

Or perhaps it was because he was just that, that it annoyed and angered him that someone else could give everything so fully over to their suffering when he could not. Indeed perhaps he was a very selfish thing after all.

It didn’t take long for the two of them to slip from the library unseen and into the darkness and sallow lighting of the city. Once their, James took a slow inhale, a sure drink of the night itself. The air was cool and dry on his lips, the perfumes of the city strong with a soft breeze that came at his back.

Not all on the wind was pleasant, but it was all real and that more than anything else was the point now.

Looking at the other immortal, Jame’s smile was wry.

“A beautiful night, is it not dear lady?” He asked her, his inflection suddenly a thing of the past, his past but his question genuine and sharp.

Then that smile widened and his voice became thoughtfully reverent as he began to wax the poetic.

“Every night holds such glorious promise, if only we take it.”

His expression softened then, his eyes were no longer so dark, indeed in the seeping light from a nearby streetlamp they were suddenly the gray-blue gentleness that they might have been long ago.

“Come, let us force lady umbra to keep her every vow…”

James began walking then, releasing Ariel’s hand as he did. He could not, would not force her. Indeed this was a decision she had to make for herself; he was merely the guide, the white rabbit of sorts. What Alice did, ah that would write the story.

Walking it didn’t take him long to step out into the glitter and glamour of the nightclubs and bars, especially on a night like tonight. He’d heard people about without even seeing them, but now he saw them, gathered as they were for a night of revelry and he joined them taking a place in line, but also saving one for his companion, if the choice be hers.

Ariel went along with him, walking as if his shadow. She kept her feet moving fast, keeping up- his hands still gripping hers. Her mind had temporarily forgotten about Angelette and she followed with rapt curiousity.
"Of course..." came her murmur as he commented on the night that surrounded them. She wasn't that impressed with the night- she preferred the coast and how the moonlight caressed the waves- gentle and cautious- the touch of a new lover.

There were no waves here. It sadenned her- but what could she do. This was where she had decided to make her home- take up residence- be with the Amman. She sighed as he let go of her hand and continued following- finally seeing the bright lights ahead. She squinted at first- her eyes adjusting to the glitz and gaudy spectacles before her eyes.

sea of smiles surround you....

A good time. That's what the mortals were hoping for. Their hearts raced with excitement and Ariel smiled- their excitement making her heart flit a little bit. She followed James now- of her own accord. She was quite sure there would be no danger here. Ariel firmly believed the saying: Curiousity killed the cat. But Satisfaction brought it back-

besides... that look in James' eyes before had interested her. What had happened to him- and why was it so horrible to talk about it? She could admit her loss- he could not? She wondered why- but assumed she would never know since it seemed he was leading her into a distraction- into a dream and away from her own- his own- nightmares.

She got in line behind him, still squinting just a bit.
"It's a little bright" she murmured, feeling a bit cramped with a sudden rush of humans getting into line behind James and herself. "Will it be darker inside?"

James gave an ambiguous shrug, but when he turned his expression would have made the Cheshire Cat and Mad Hatter both proud. It was a touch raptured as well, but really all in all it was a cover for the sadness that coasted just under the blue-gray cover of his eyes.

“Yes and no.” He replied thoughtfully. His smile softened, gentled even. “Mortal dance clubs are like that…there well be light and there will be dark, there will be astounding displays and vibrant colors, those in search for love and those farthest removed from it. Quite a confusing lot mortals are, but then I suppose the undead have no room to judge the strange and abnormal…”

He smiled again then, never having changed in his tone, even thought he knew the crush of humans about them had no doubt heard his every word. To some such a thing might have seemed strange and reckless, but to James, ah it was the grandest cover he’d ever discovered. Hiding in plain sight. Mortals had grown to become quite the cynical and skeptical lot. Most heard him and assumed him to be nothing more than an actor playing a role or indulging a fetish…

So grand and yet, this alone was enough to remind him of his own foolishness. Once he’d tried to hide, but he wasn’t good enough at it, once hiding was all they’d had and yet somehow it hadn’t been enough. And that was enough to almost bring tears to his eyes. Tears he swallowed instead, brushing pale finger across his cheeks despite himself.

Looking back he gave Ariel a smile.

“This night, this world, these people, they are lovely if only you’ll allow them to be…”

That said he fell silent as the line surged forward and surprisingly enough it wasn’t long before they’d gotten to the front of the line. Without being told, James reached into his pockets then, paid their ‘cover charge’ and a moment later he held two armbands of the most uncouth florescent yellow, but he did so walking into a sea of neon as he motioned for Ariel to follow and take one of the bracelets.

The Club, for that’s what it was, was darker on the inside. Just inside the door was a sea of shadows with only the slightest borders of light, but as a second doorman opened another portal it was instantly a place of shadow and light, of resounding music and celebration. It was also such a gathering of humans in one place that James could almost taste blood with each breath and had he been mortal he had no doubt things would have been sweltering.

The club was not a large place, but it was crowded. There was a bar that had quite a following at one end, eloquent black marble with golden veins running through its surface. It was set off with flickering blue and white lights over head, that managed to match perfectly with a dance floor of blue and white illuminated squares. A dance floor currently covered with both people and strangely enough, smoke and soap suds. A strange sight to be sure, but an experience the people upon the floor seemed to be enjoying very much.

Then there were the tables, scattered about the dance floor and then on a rising second floor above it and the bar, they made two crescents moon shapes that allowed everyone sitting to observe everything else. Like the bar, these tables were ebony, however at each one a single ivory candle stood lit, flickering eerie and subdued light, a stark contrast to the over head lights that flashed and pulsed and jumped in undecipherable patterns in a rainbow of colors and sudden explosions of light upon the subdued darkness.

All in all it was a strange place, but also an excellent hunting ground. One that suddenly seemed alive with possibilities. And one that made James smile despite himself as he moved toward the bar.

“Can I buy you a drink?” He asked Ariel curiously. James knew that not all of their kind could handle alcohol and while he thought it rude to simply ask, offering her a drink seemed a compromise with his manners and so he did.

She followed, the obedient lamb- a little transfixed by his sudden want to feed she assumed, to escape the pain.
She kept her body close, able to sense the icy breeze from the former and the pulsing warmth of those who were- at present alive. Tonight however- one, maybe two- would be dead. What a shame. What a pity. Too bad. No one ever said life or death was fair.

She noted that he wiped his cheek with his fingers, gently, sadly. She arched an eyebrow and stepped towards him. "James?" she asked. "You alright?" She didn't really wait for an answer because at that moment someone bumbed her and she moved along the line- the two finally reaching the front.

They entered, Ariel following him watching him- wondering what the whole gesture was about anyways. He wasn't tearing up, but it seemed like he was wiping away a tear.... Why?

They entered and she faintly remembered speaking.

"They are lovely..." Ariel whispered, her voice heated- as if with the living blood of the humans already. She shivered from the sensation as the excitement built- neon lights pulsing.

Thump thum thump thump thump....

The stereo blared.

Thump thump thump thump thump thump......

The beating hearts.

"Can you hear it?" Ariel asked James, her voice a little raspy. She wanted to rip them all aprt- drink down the warmth and pleasure. She could control it- of course, but why? Why control the hunger when another was beside her? She had nothing to hide, but he did.

Ariel's slender body maneuvered between the humans- her hips swaying with the music. She had always loved dancing, music, anything that had to do with passion really. She got a few looks from the men, lecherous eyes that were not welcome now. She wasn't hunting yet. Anyways, she wasn't Nephim- she didn't do victims. She simply killed them. Period.

There was a grunt and she was pushed forward. She grabbed James' arm to keep herself from falling, caught off guard by the flashing lights and moving bodies. She did not go to many clubs and it really did affect her senses- though it was not altogether unpleasent. She let go of his arm. "Sorry..." she said, meeting his eyes with her curious ones. What was he hiding from? What was so painful?

Her reverie was interrupted as he asked her what she would like to drink.
"Amarillo Sour" she replied with a small smile. She moved to stand beside him and lean lightly on the bar, with the grace of an agile feline. Her smile was catlike as well as she surveryed the mortals. Her eyes scanned....

She was compelled to speak. "We will take our time- I rather like this place- it seems fun..." she said before asking, turning to James with questions in her eyes. "Can I ask why you want to do this or are you unwilling to tell the tale? I will not ask- only wonder- if you decide not to tell me..." her voice trailed off. He would only find death harder if he never spoke of what was unspeakable, heard what was so unbearable, faced the tortures that the soul had experienced and found peace. Only through the confrontation of thyself can thyself be truly content and at peace. Ariel was sad, depressed, but she was not living in torture so much anymore. The torment had passed years ago- when she learned to deal- but even now- she had some faults and yes, daggers pierced her heart. It was sad, but what could she do? She could not repeat the past.

Indeed, indeed he could hear it. James had been hearing it for quite sometime now, again and again, night after night. While the other had seemed perfectly content within the towering stacks of tomes inside the library, this place, these people, they were his place, his shelter and enjoyment, at least when he was as he was now. Hungry, tired, sad, and practically reeking of the past and unshed or half-shed tears.

“It’s alright.” He replied then, speaking it seemed then after more than an eternity, but more likely only a few moments. “I’m fine and besides what man doesn’t like a woman hanging on his arm.”

The smile he gave then was light, teasing, but just a bit lascivious just the same. It was something James had learned to control as easily as flicking a light switch, but he chuckled after he had as if the very idea amused him. Or at least it seemed he’d like to be amused.

Looking then, he gazed at the bartender. A young woman, her dark hair was striped liberally with a dark azure that made her similarly colored eyes seem all the more large and expressive even in the uncertain light. Of course her features were rather average, and she was a bit on the tall side. Probably a foot James’s superior, but he gave her a pleasant enough smile and whipped out a few bill complete with a rather grand tip.

“You heard the lady,” He said, teasing. “Amarillo Sour.”

Then he smiled, wider.

“A lot of it will you, I’m really trying to get her drunk…”

That almost made the bartender laugh, James saw it in her eyes, heard it in the thump of her heart even amongst the overpowering beat of the music. But in the end he simply let it go, turning to Ariel with a much more sober expression, indeed it was almost thoughtful as he regarded her.

“We’ll stay as long as you like.” He said then, and added. “As for why, or even about a tale. Well that I suppose I’ll make simple.”

His expression hardened then, like preparing for a blow.

“You Ariel are not the only one that is without a child. Mine however was of my own blood, figuratively. He was born while I was on the battlefield, born as I lay dying and then revived by my sire’s hand.

I loved him so very much, loved his mother, so much so that I went back to them. I was wreckless and because of it my son is dead and the only woman I can ever admit to loving with all my heart…well she is gone, run away from me with a curse on her lips and my blood in her veins. Centuries couldn’t wipe away her wrath…”

James’s eyes were dark at that last, his words supple, his lips pressing firm on every pause. A part of him wanted to be angry, to rage as he’d once been able, but that part was long gone, crushed beneath the understand that indeed all that had happened then. All of it was his fault.

He gave a sad smile then.

“And that dearest ends story time…”

Large eyes- beautiful but not the prettiest girl. She had noticed her as well, but Ariel wasn't so interested in women. Angelette had once tried to be Ariel's lover- but alaas- Ariel was straight and never really wanted to do anything more than love Angelette as a sister. That love for the native had been a quiet strength. Angelette's love for Ariel had beeen a passion- an obsession. It tore them apart- Angelette running off with a man.... a man who was mortal- who died. Ariel had known when he died- for she felt the breaking of Angelette's heart and had to mend it mentally- through whispers in dreams- for Angelette would not come near her love- her sire.

Get me drunk? a thought murmured in her mind as she turned from her past to James- who was present.

He too had lost a child. Even his teasing before seemed ancient as he spoke. Ariel listened and listened intently. She did not move as he spoke. She watched his lips purse with every pause- the way his eyes met hers- sobered and mature. She was still- as only the dead can be. She was still.
With a smile he chided with "that ends storytime..."

She gave him a matching smile- her fangs hidden behind soft pink lips. "That's not a story darling- it's a memoir- nonfiction if you will" she corrected, now taking her glass and sipping the yellow slash red mixture. She licked her lips when half the glass was empty. Glass half empty- not half full. What the hell was the difference anyways?

Ariel wasn't necessarily dressed for bar hopping really- well she didn't think so. The black jeans- black pumps- and white tank top really weren't what she would chose to wear- well- not here... She'd rather be in a skirt honestly. She had pretty legs and they had gotten her food in a few snags. A truckdriver here- a truckdriver there. She was eternally grateful. They made hitchhiking so easy.
She looked over to James and arched an elegant eyebrow at him as she sipped her drink, observing- and also wondering what joke he'd make next. He was entertaining- and Ariel could say she was enjoying herself for the first time in-a few years maybe- she had met friends- but they were not so interesting. Ariel tried to shy away from the mediocre.

For a moment, indeed it felt almost a lifetime, and in a few ways, perhaps it was just that. Or at least the time it took to remember a lifetime, a life of trysts and then surprisingly love, a life touched then by war and finally death. But after the moments ticked away, one by agonizing one, they were gone. At least for now, at least for a while.

James couldn’t remember closing his eyes, but he must have, because then he was opening them. Opening them slowly and lethargic, almost wanting to stretch and yawn, like a cat awakening from an afternoon nap or a man dragged freshly from his potential watery grave. And of the two, the latter certainly seemed more likely, just letting out the words had been like being submerged, weight and pressure surrounding him. Still when his eyes were open, when it was done and over he took a slow breath as if re-acclimating himself to his surroundings and then another moment, no more than the beat of a mortal’s heart and his mask was back in place.

His mask, a gracious smile.

“I doubt I could handle a memoir,” He admitted thoughtfully, smile going rueful as he regarded the other immortal. “Just between you and I dearest…I’m not much of an author. Or much of a storyteller for that matter,” He added that last with a wink and a widening grin.

“That’s why I try my best to spare myself and the world in general my efforts…” It was an excuse, nothing more, he knew that. Knew Ariel would know, but James could say he didn’t much care. Perhaps he was wrong in running from the pain, from the past, but he would until he wasn’t capable of doing anything more. It was the best he had in him. Some things a man just can’t face, for James, all but killing his son with his own two hands, was very much one of those things.

His attention shifting, James smiled delighted. Then with less than a few steps between them, he took them and slipped behind Ariel familiarly. He did it as easily as if they’d been dating for months, close, friends, maybe even lovers.

And as he did he could feel the bartender’s eyes on them.

It made the stormy eyed vampire grin, but also it made him whisper, slightly, softly, and lightly to his fellow immortal.

“You look lovely…” He said then, loud enough for all the nearby mortal ears to hear. Then softer, with a throaty chuckle he added, just for her. “And now I still can’t read your thoughts. It was simply plastered on your face…”

That said, he spoke more loudly again then.

“You’re always enchanting dearest, you know that.”

James’s gaze racked the dance floor then.
“Care to dance?” He questioned innocently, already taking Ariel’s hand and inviting her to follow him with a careful urging in the direction of the dance floor.

However much more secretly he began to explain.

“If anyone disappears tonight between the two of us, the two of us won’t be suspects…couples don’t usually have singles disappearing…”

He grinned then, as if laughing at an inside joke.

“Also I guess I interested most of the bar in you as well…nothing burns brighter in the drunk male ego than seducing women, it only gets better taking her from her man.”

Then he quickly added.

“Not that I’m being magnanimous, the same holds true of drunk women in these kinds of places…nothing quite like making a man ditch his date…”

The next smile he flashed was predatory.

“In my kind of hunting, it’s all about knowing how to lure your prey to you.”

Ariel smiled- laughing at him. "If you say so..." True. He was not an author- but he was not such a horrible storyteller. Ariel was quite sure he could tell a simple- nonemotional story well... like the three little pigs. Yes- that was his kind of story. She smiled inwardly.

Ariel turned to look at him- meet his eyes. In one step he was behind her- his hands on her body. The movement was so familiar it made her laugh out loud- not only with her lips but with her eyes.
Another pair of eyes were watching now... Bartender.... jealousy? Ariel faked a blush as she met the woman's eyes- games games games.... Maybe this would be fun tonight?

"Dear Hades..." she whispered, her voice soft as his breath caressed her neck as he spoke. She shivered from the strange sensation. She wasn't usually this physically close to anyone- it was- wierd. "You are sooo full of it" she kept her voice low enough no one else could hear.
A small smile graced her features. "You are quite perceptive hum?" she asked him, turning away from him slightly.

"Yeah-" came her casual reply. She followed him, letting herself be let onto the lighted dancefloor- music pulsing, as if to her very footsteps. Her eyes scanned the floor--- she had seen dancing before. She attended the White Mice Club before... At least she understood this part of the game. Yeah- she got it....

"James-" she murmured, pulling him back just enough to add- "Are we done once we get our bites?" It was curiousity really. She did enjoy his company. He was- maybe not a friend- but she did have to admit she did like him. Would she see him again after this? The thoughts did not cross her face- but internally disappeared as a drunk asshole grabbed her ass unexpectedly. She turned without effort- kicked him in the groin with her black pump- right foot of course- and pulled James' along to another spot on the dancefloor.

James took her smile in stride, again he still couldn’t read her mind, but sometimes an expression was all you needed, especially to know when you were being laughed at. But then again James had never much minded being laughed at, especially where the fairer sex was concerned. And so he had simply smiled right along with her, amused if only because she seemed to be enjoying herself. And that was reason enough, after all, meeting her he’d doubted he could have gotten a smile with a death threat, let alone by playing the fool, if only a bit. So this smile was surprisingly satisfying, no matter how it had come about.

“Yes I am.” He agreed with her then, “Very full of it,” His smile widened then. “Myself especially. You see Ariel, I’m a rather arrogant fellow…always have been, probably always will be.”

His eyes admitted those words as fact and yet at the same time they held just enough mischief that she might as well have been complimenting him.

Another small smile, and, “Yes actually I am…it comes with the territiory, I believe you know the feeling. Read all the books the world has to offer and you won’t be very surprised by any of the new ones…”

He said that as sadly as it made him feel, but that sadness was there and gone in an instant, and just like that they were on the dance floor.

Her question however, that surprised him. So much so that he didn’t immediately have an answer…then, ah well then that was interesting wasn’t it. Of all the times, a drunkard and a well placed hand shattered his moment of thought and he couldn’t help but laugh at the result. Even as they slipped away to another part of the dance floor, he couldn’t help but look at the poor fool.

“Very impressive, even if it does mean we are a bit less inconspicuous…” James commented smiling. “Not to worry of course, just I never would have expected it from you, dearest lady…forgive my underestimation.” And he meant every word. He’d taken her for well for a phantom living amongst the books, and while she had issues with interaction to be sure, James found he enjoyed her company, thought of course he’d gained an early warning in ettiquite from the dear drunk as well, something to remember, that.

Finally, after his thoughts moved back to their proper course, he asked lightly.

“Would you like for us to be done, Ariel?” His voice was even, simply a question, but it was one he wanted an answer to no matter how calm he appeared. After all he would force nothing on his companion, and that included his company. So just like that, he simply asked.

At least he was honest. He was full of it. he admitted it. Good boy.

Ariel gave him an inncent smile, laughing softly. She ran her hands through her hair awkwardly. "Who wants to be inconspicuous? I thought we were trying to get noticed by the other sex?" she arched an eyebrow. She was being sarcastic however.... Yeah, Kicking the bastard probably wasn't a good idea but she'd be damned if anyone defiled her in the way. She had control over mortals- not the other way around. He would be lucky to be infertile.... She had done much worse before.

He was very lucky.

She looked over to James and contemplated him. "Perhaps too perceptive..." she wondered out loud, touching a slender finger to her lip- a curious gesture. She met his eyes with curiousity. It was a little unnerving how well he read people- how he read her. It was probably something to worry about. But she didn't worry- why?

Ariel swayed her hips subconsciously as the music pumped and pounded through her bady- making her bones ache a little bit. Her heart felt the vibrations and might have trembled a bit if it had not this distraction. She arched an eyebrow at James and shrugged.

"But I do forgive your underestimation..." she said offhand, remembering the plea for forgiveness. Ariel pulled her long blonde hair over her left shoulder and sighed- still swaying her hips.
Would you like for us to be done, Ariel? Did she?
"Hmmm...." she murmured, frowing slightly with thought. She looked up to meet his eyes and nodded- her face unreadable. "No. I do not think I would" she answered simply.

Jame’s smile was soft as well, but held a touch of the sly, and an even greater dose of teasing that seemed to shine all the brighter still for his dismissive shrug of his shoulders.

“Maybe…” He teased her, drawing out the word, in direct counterpoint to her sarcasm, before adding. “But I believe I don’t want that kind of attention from a woman myself.” He gestured toward the man she’d downed for emphasis and smiled a sharp smile then.

“But perhaps you’re right…I suppose you could find someone like that. I’ve heard tales after all of mortals paying to be abused.” He gave a teasing wiggle of his own eyebrows at that. “You might fit in smashingly with that…”

But even as he said that last, James’s smile gave way to a softer and decidedly less teasing expression. It was the expression of a man that agreed, if not with her methods, then assuredly her ideals. After all if she hadn’t hit him, James might have made it his own duty to do just that. After all they were playing at being a couple. To do less was to look weak, something James couldn’t have managed even if the game had called for it, which after more than a few mortal lifetimes it hadn’t.

He gave her another wry smile then at the mention of his perceptiveness.

“One can never be too perceptive.” He commented, more simply talking, that directly addressing her. But it was in a thoughtful voice, firm but never demanding. Indeed that was perhaps why James was no story teller, after all he was fine with his words being taken or left, story tellers had to work too hard to get people to listen, had to work harder still to keep them listening. No. James preferred his way.

He watched her for a moment then, the movement of her hips. Of course he wasn’t the only one, no quite a few took in that moment, but James countered it or rather already had. His body was moving to the music as well, he slipped closer, forcing any potential spectators to look at both of them amongst the sea of humanity and more pleasantly, James was glad when all of the eyes on them weren’t immediately male.

“Thank you,” James said then, by way of reply. “That is for accepting the apology, it’s rare that I do such a thing,” And he smiled wider then. “So it is good to be forgiven.”

He danced on then, eyes pausing for but a moment to follow the strands of hair she slipped over her shoulder and then it was just the same at her thoughtful expression, thought James would gladly admit that her "Hmmm...." made him laugh on the inside.

But when she answer, he simply nodded, smile still on his face.

“Then I shall stay with you for as long as you like…” He said. “When you’ve finally had your fill, I’ll go. Deal?” He asked finally.

"mortals paying to be abused..."

Those brown eyes laughed within. He had mentioned her taking some sadistic man who liked pain. Kinky men. She wasn't really in the mood for that. Ariel spoke softly: "I'm not quite sure I'd want to feed from someone who likes pain.... where's the fun?" she asked. "They won't resist- and resistance is soooo...." she drew out the word with emphasis, "irresistable" she finished in a heavy whisper. She met his eyes. "Isn't it?" she asked, arching an eyebrow playfully.

He moved in closer and she took a breath. "Now why did you have to go and steal my limelight?" she asked him, placing chilled hands on his chest as she smirked. She had been aware of those eyes and she had liked it. Now a bunch of clingy bar girls were watching him now... It made her grin as she swayed with the music. His body moved with hers- a rythm found either in the music or in the shared bond they had- death? That frozen grave that swallowed so many of their kind..... dreary!

She moved a little closer to him, looking over her shoulder for the bartender. Ariel had figured that was probably who James would pick for dinner. She wondered just how jealous the girl was. Ah- alright. Ariel would admit- she had a petty side. She liked being envied- adored- like the infamous Helen of Troy.... the story she had been reading earlier.... how funny!

Laughter!
"You will not tire of me? I say when we finish?" she smirked. "Alright..." she finished, warily. He was- unreadable sometimes- and she was- readable? It was annoying... Too damn perceptive- but what could she do? Nothing. She didn't want to do anything about the situation. Again- what had she to hide--- then why did that one fact get under her skin? Those gentle hands that rested upon his chest tensed just a little bit- fingers aching for a throat. She sighed- relaxing and letting go of that small tinge of hunger. Not yet.... her mind whispered through the wretching music- the music that drew the soul out of her body, creating an alltogether strange but wonderful experience. She loved music. She had always loved it. She always would.

James could only smile, actually he’d found himself with that response quite often this night. Not that that was a bad thing. No. Indeed it was a very good thing, after all what could he say about his current and most mysterious of companions?! She interested him, amused him, and indeed that seemed harder and harder to do with each passing season at times, indeed entire seasons would go by and he’d find himself devoured by the past.

How many years had he simply slept away? Angry at the world and everyone in it? Oh, how much of his energy he had once wasted. And yet he would admit that he was perfectly happy for the moment, well at least so much as he knew himself to be capable. And it was with that understanding that he smiled at Ariel’s statement, chuckling just a bit at her drawn out word and tawdry emphasis. The eyebrow was almost enough to literally slay him then, or rather not so literally.

But coming away from it, he spared another glance toward the offending backside defiler, gave an amused shrug.

“It can be exciting…” He teased, looking back at her then. “So long as it isn’t quite so much resistance as your friend their experienced.”

His smile was even more teasing then as he whispered, pausing only to gesture toward the man again.

“After all, immortal or not, I’m still a man. With a man’s concerns and fears…and that dearest is both…”

Then as she spoke, his teasing disappeared, or rather it reconfigured itself into simple amusement. Placing his hands softly over hers upon his chest, he followed her gaze to what seemed to be his own “fan club”. James sent them a dashing and decidedly roguish smile, but his eyes were all for Ariel, as he chuckled.

“Forgive me dear lady,” He said then, thoughtful. “But then your admires far outweigh my own…” He caught another woman’s stray glance then. “Indeed I would say more of the limelight is for you than you recognize.”

And that was true. Some of the aforementioned clingy bar girls, had eyes for her as well…a blow to his pride perhaps, but one he welcomed with a savoring smile. Indeed he so did love this night.

Ariel’s laughter of course drew him back to her, indeed back from his thoughts and again she also made him smile.

“You know,” He whispered leaning into her ear. “I find myself rather fond of your laugh; you should do it a bit more.”

Then he smiled brighter still, some called it a cat and canary smile. The old saying that cats got just such a grin from eating birds. An old wives tale, but one James had always appreciated for its imagery, plus it was colorful and what else were hungry smiles if not occasions for color and levity?!

“I’ve always thought that a lady’s right upon any meeting with a man.” He replied wryly then, his smile saying just how much innuendo had gone into the few words, and yet those blue-gray eyes telling just how unapologetic and unashamed their speaker was at those same words.

They continued dancing then, James suddenly silent, he knew were Ariel’s mind was without reading it once again. He body spoke to him as clearly as her lips might, and that was why he didn’t bother her further, simply took in the sound of the music, indeed its very feel. Then the feel of his hand over hers and finally, more importantly, the feel of the mortal masses about them…

One or both of them would find a take soon, of that James was suddenly sure. Indeed it was a good night that seemed to only get better.

“After all, immortal or not, I’m still a man. With a man’s concerns and fears…and that dearest is both…”

His whispers would have made her shiver from the sensation had she not lived so long. She knew the games men played- the tricks and the lies they spread.
Ariel eyed him skeptically.
"Really?" she asked, "Concerns and fears?" she asked, feeling hism hands press upon hers, heat absence from that one human gesture. Human. Somethign she was no longer.... and it was for the best.

"Once again I forgive you...." she let her voice trail off- feeling more eyes upon them. "They really think we're something. I don't get it." she shook her head. "I've never gawked so at any man or woman as they do. It's amusing- and flattering." She spoke very low now, as if embarassed- though she wasn't. She was sarcastic.
"You know- I'm very vain- I think I'm on cloud nine right now- lusty women and men staring is definitly a high for me" she smirked at the half truth.

As her laughter rang musically he spoke. She should do it more often.
"I am laughing more often-- tonight." she replied, pausing. "Fond? You?" she smiled. "Sure...." she teased.

"A woman is always right" she replied curtly, laughing softly and suddenly falling into silence. And yet- it wasn't silence. It was music.

"I think..." she murmured as her voice trailed. "I will take the dark haired man- emerald eyes- at the bar.... he seems lonely- he's drunk seven shots- He'll be dead tonight anyways.... I wonder-" she began, the ache in the man's eyes just made her want to end it- end this life for him and send him on to the next world.
She shook away from her stare and looked back to James.
"And you?" she asked, her voice serious- no laughter in her eyes- but concern. What had happened to him? She did wonder. She could not help it. He reminded her of someone. Herself? James? Angelette/ So many she knew--- plagued by something- chased by ghosts that they never had made peace with. Well- Ariel had made peace with her's. She shook her head and looked down, letting her blonde hair fall over her eyes- a viel- a shield- physical and not so metal as her emotional wall.

Ariel gave a heavy sigh. The hunger made her stomach clench suddenly. "Yeah..." she whispered. "I really need to feed soon so if we feed at the same time maybe we could meet back up- I don't care- as long as you're still fond of my smile I'll meet back here with you. If you're not so fond of me- admit and I'll be off. I'm no lady. I'm a vampire. I can't possibly be right" she said suddenly, pulling her hands off his body.

He smiled again, indeed he seemed to have an infinite supply, but he also took one Ariel’s hands carefully then between both of his. Holding it, he caressed it for a moment; he could feel the gazes shift again, even as some were polite enough to at least pretend to still be dancing. And yet as much envy and attention as it drew; emotions that would be useful to them both when they when they turned their attentions to predatory pursuits, what happened next had absolutely nothing to do with the hunt. No. Indeed if James were honest with himself, it was just that, him being honest with himself.

Holding her hand, he pressed a kiss into its palm. It could have been a sultry and seductive gesture but for James it was simply a thanks of sorts. The slow smile afterward explained as much and he met the other immortal’s gaze with a careful smirk.

“Yes, fond.” He assured her. “Both fond of the smile that you mentioned and that laugh, and indeed fond of you yourself dearest lady. I’ll be back…”

That last was made with the same sort of assurance as if he’d simply planned to head to the bar and back again.

Which actually probably wasn’t such a bad idea…hmmm.

He smiled again then, releasing her hand.

“You’ll find dearest, that you’re both. Woman and vampire. You haven’t stopped being a lady simply because your heart has stopped racing, your skin come to a chill. You’ve no doubt focused on the differences, but I’ve always focused on the sames…and you’ll be surprised to learn that we aren’t so very different at all. In the things that drive us, in the things that we care for, indeed even in the things that excite us…”

And he gave a small laugh then, light and airy. Then he spoke again.

“Don’t doubt for a moment that I have become fond of your company, lady. Don’t dare.”

James cast a glance over his shoulder then and several heads seemed to turn in reaction. It was almost enough to make him laugh once again, but as it was his gaze drifted back to the bar and its inhabitant.

She was bold, this one. The young woman looked back at him, indeed met his gaze. Her eyes were sharp and predatory, perhaps even more so than his own. And if that were not enough, she actually blew him a kiss with a siliceous wink added for good measure.

Yes, most definitely he was going back to the bar.

“While normally I would avoid it,” He said as if explaining or at least making excuses. Probably the latter; especially from a man not willing to make much of a disturbance. Still the heart wants what it wants at times…so why should the blood be any different? “I’m going back to the bar.”
His statement was easy, but then James had no doubt Ariel would know to which target he was referring. Perhaps, she had known even before he had.

He smiled then.

“Let us hunt in tandem then, I’ll see you again soon.”

He let a laugh trickle from his lips then.

“As for the gawking and lusting, I blame this era’s moving pictures, or rather those taking part in them. What are they called? Stars!”

He looked slightly pleased that he’d remembered the word or rather the unorthodox use of it. He shrugged then.

“I we have what they would call ‘Star power’. Or perhaps it is simply the standards of beauty…after all Ariel, you are a rather beautiful woman.”

And it was on that note that he turned, headed for the bar and a chat with the bartender, leaving his companion to take her sustenance as well.

Ariel watched him, her face expressionless as he caressed her hands and kissed her palm. She gave him a curious look. She knew what it was for- a thanks. But for what? Maybe she was stupid from the alcohol? Maybe she was just stupid?
"You're welcome..." she whispered, leaning in so as not to be overheard.
"Perhaps we are not so different?" she questioned. Ariel continued, laughing just a little bit. "Fine, I won't doubt you"

Ariel Lolita leaned back, her slender frame silhouetted with neon lights and pulsing brights. He'd be back. That's what he said. He was going to the bartender! She knew it. Damn she should have bet someone her "boyfriend" would run off with that loose girl- fr the bar girl didd look like she put out after 2 minutes. Perhaps it was her smile- or her voice. Ariel wasn't sure which.

Ah well, who cared! Ariel laughed as he mentioned "Star power" as he walked away. If she still blushed she would have- when he said she was beautiful. But she didn't blush anymore. She was not so girlish as before her death- she was a fortress of strength and she intented to never fuck with complicated emotions again. Emotions that were off the list happened to be: Love, Hatred, and Envy. Those were just too damn complicated for her- so she avoided. It was working so far.

"Come back soon!" she cried, with all the part of an infatuated lover. She laughed at this, her tender mouth and her eyes in unison.
Ariel twirled away from him and began walking towards her prey. Her poor poor prey. What was in his eyes? Those green eyes....

Mr. Green stood- no- slouched by the wall. She took his hand and he did not protest. He was too drunk not to. Ariel stared into his eyes for a long time and shook her head. His misery was readable. She was glad she could not feel it as some vampires could. Ariel led the man away- honestly, not in the mood for a long feeding.
"I'm Ariel" she told him, smoothing his hair back from his face. Unfocused green eyes stared into hers.
"Tim- name's Tim" he told her, his voice slurred. Tim fell forward into her arms, swaying. She held him with unnatural strength and got him back onto his face.
"It's alright Tim- I'm here to help you. I'll make it all go away." This was morally wrong. He need ot die- but if someone needed to die tonight- why not one who was already going to die. She could smell the alcohol- way past the legal limits and past the scientific limits. He was a miracle- still alive. After the seven shots he had downed earlier she was quite sure he had about say- seven or eight more- and he was a small man.
"Let's go baby" she told him, pulling him just a little by the hand.
"Angel" he mumbled but Ariel paid no mind. If was an Angel- the Angel of Death.

Outside the bar, he collapsed.
Ariel sighed and let him drift into unconsciousness- not bothering to call 911 or get the tender, besides the bar tender was probably already having a great time with James. He chose the lively- Ariel chose the pathetic. What did that say about the two of them? She wasn't sure really.
When he was unable to feel or think, Ariel drank her fill carefully- savoring the blood- the alcohol running through the veins made it just a bit more delightful. Talk about a Bloody Mary- or should she call this a Bloody Tim. The metallic liquid did not get messy. The red fluid stayed on her lips and only on her lips. Ariel could say with confidence she had mastered the art of taking blood without getting the blood all over her clothes.

When she was done, she picked up Tim's body and sat him against the wall of the bar before kissing his cheek- "Sleep well," she whispered, sorry he had died- but perhaps death was good. She didn't know- She had never gone to the other side. She was a vampire. She knew nothing of the afterlife despite her death.

Ariel stayed outside for a bit, holding herself as if cold- his eyes haunted her. So sad- so unfocused. Why? Why would someone get so low? Were humans without that strong protection she had? Or perhaps- without protection around thy heart- that was what happened? Ariel decided the latter was the answer and stepped once again inside the bar. She waited for him, not sure if he'd find her- off in a darkened corner- sipping another Amarillo Sour.

James last expression to his companion was another smile, but unlike the others, indeed perhaps quite unlike James himself, this was a smile of amused contentment. It wasn’t often James could claim that last, amusement was easy enough, it came with every breath he took, despite not needing breath, it came with every sight and every sound, every experience and drop of life. James had learned long ago that what the famous bard had said once before was true, the whole world was a stage and yet he’d also come to his own conclusion, that most of the production was a comedy, if even an ironic comedy.

And so he laughed. Was amused with the world, and yet in the same moments it was usually a hollow laughter. But for now, for this small bit of time the humor was real, the interest as sharp and vivid as ever. Indeed James knew his thanks to her hadn’t been nearly enough. A humble offering, but Ariel had made for a much more interesting companion than she gave herself credit for.

Not being able to catch her thoughts, still they were luxurious and absorbent, upon her face for the world to see. Glancing back as he walked away, he took them in once more, smiled and gave an affectionate wave.

“Nothing could keep me away, dearest…I’m gone for but a drink” He replied in kind to her infatuated lover’s words and her laughing predator’s eyes. And as always the truth of his statement made him smile, irony and comedy did mesh so well sometimes.

It didn’t take him many more steps to reach the bar, and he looked back just in time to see Ariel taking measure of her prey. That also brought a smile to his lips, or at least reinforced the expression he already wore as the bartender slipped down the bar to regard him.

“So what are you up to?” She asked, smiling, her white-white teeth were set off sharply by the dark blue of her lipstick. Yet even as she asked the question, her large eyes took him in, twinkling with a thoughtful mischief.

“Most guys come in here with a woman that beautiful aren’t so lovey dovey…so I’m guessing she isn’t from an escort service?”

That made Jame smile, well that and the sound of the tender’s voice. It was full, rather full for a woman, husky they might call it, and it was smoky the way glass tended to be or good jazz clubs. It was a visual that didn’t immediately ring bells to most, but the visual and the sound quality had those things in common. All in all it was a very nice voice.

Indeed the shear weight of it made the woman behind it much more attractive than a glance would provide.

“You’re right.” James admitted, “She’s not from an escort service, and let me guess, you’re thinking that if I have a girlfriend or if she is my girlfriend, why is she over with that other guy?”

She didn’t answer, just looked at him. That of course told the vampire he was right about her thought process, so he moved on, striking while the iron is hot.

“Well the answer is simple; we have an understanding of sorts.”

She laughed, actually laughed.

“You mean you’re swingers?”

It was James’ turn to laugh then.

“Not exactly, my other half, well she likes to spice things up a bit with,” He actually made air quotes “experiences outside the relationship.”

A look crossed her face then, an expression that wasn’t exactly readable, but then it was quickly followed by a grunt from one of the drunks down at the other end of the bar, obviously angry at James’ monopoly of the tender’s attention.

James gave him a look, a look that had nothing to do with vampiric whiles and everything to do with a savage threat of violence. There was no amusement of the world in that look, and it put the drunk back upon his stool and was gone by the time the vampire’s gaze switched back to the woman before him.

“That’s pretty kinky…” She commented.

James’ smile was unabashed and shameless.

She blushed again.

“Alright, I’m off now, just waiting for my replacement…”

Then even as she’d said it another woman appeared, she was much shorter than the first, and blond, but she saw the two of them and smiled. She even slipped close and whispered in a voice that only the woman and perhaps any nearby vampires might hear.

“I see you’re at it again Cassie, getting picked up in a bar. You’re such a slut…” That last came with a bright smile and a playful slap on the arm. Cassie, for her part blushed, but slipped from behind the bar to join him, before taking his hand and leading James through what he could only guess was an employee’s exit.

The night was still and empty, and that was as far as James got before her body was pressed against hers and her lips were kissing him. It was so sudden a thing that his back was slammed into the metal door through which they’d exited and back and door met slamming it shut with much more noise than perhaps either of them would have liked. Still James didn’t look a gift horse in the mouth, indeed he had not much control in the matter as she deepened their kiss and pressed him firmly against steel.

Her hand was under his shirt then, and that made him smile. And he thought he was fast when the need arose.

But then as suddenly and a quickly as it had all began, James slowed it, slowed it with whispered words and the slightest of telepathic touches. He had no great gift for it, but it would blur the next few moments and that was all he needed really.

Kissing her, slow and steady, he slipped the strap of her black tank top over a creamy shoulder. Then he proceeded to kiss from lips to jaw, from jaw to pulse point, and finally to collar and shoulder. Cassie’s soft sighs of appreciation told him that his efforts weren’t unappreciated either, but then he struck and his fangs slipped into flesh without a bit of effort. Through skin and muscle, through veins, but he didn’t push hard enough for arteries at least not the large ones, especially not the jugular.

James drank then, drank with the sound of his victim’s moaning reaction almost a lullaby, almost a song to sing him to his final rest, but he drew back then when he was sure she could give no more. At least give no more without death. Besides he was stated far before that, and he gave the wound he’d left behind a cleansing licking, before finally he sealed it with a kiss of his own blood on his lips.

Cassie still breathed, but she’d slipped into unconsciousness. It would probably be an hour or more before she awoke, which was good. James then took the measures to assure her when she awoke that she’d think she’d at least had a rather good time. Tearing at her pants, her shirt, he rested her against a wall then and headed back into the bar in search of Ariel.

He found her, sipping a new drink and he smiled at her before he’d even reached her table, the expression full of coming innuendo as he asked rather easily.

“How was it? Everything that you’d always hoped and dreamed?” His smile was also easily teasing.

Still. She was still. Ariel did not move at all for quite some time. Only her eyes revealed her inner spirit- reassuring those who stared that she was not a sculpture, statue, fantasy, dream, or illusion.
Her left hand set the Amarillo Sour upon the table which she leaned upon. One movement, nothing more. her thoughts were empty. She thought of nothing. She simply- waited.

And then, he came back. His comment did not make her laugh- just- he did. She had expected to smell the usual smell of men upon him- but she didn't. She arched an eyebrow at him.
"You did not enjoy yourself?" she asked, half expecting him to screw the girl- or raher- her screw him. She had seemed very forward when they had first entered the club. If Ariel were the jealous type- She probably would have knocked the chick our the moment she set eyes on her.
Ariel did not answer his question. She had not fed for fun tonight. She fed because she had to. No other reason. And because she loved the metallic taste. Ariel licked tender lips, savoring the leftover thrill with a soft sigh before turning eyes to James.

She shrugged. "I pitied the man" she whispered. "I don't want to say more." She didn't smile but she didn't pout- or present herself saddened in any way.
Ariel leaned back against the table more fully as she asked.
"Did you have fun? If so- I am happy for you" and she gave hima small smile. "I wish my thoughts were not so morbid now..." she commented to him- and to him alone.
He was her new friend she supposed. His company made her happy. He made her laugh- and possibly, Possibly he was worthy of her trust.
"His eyes were so unfocused... Do humans have no protection against emotional pain?" she questioned. "Or is my overprotection what saves me from ending up drunk and dying like that man? James? What do you think?"

Almost the moment he had spoken, James regretted it. Again while he still could not read Ariel’s closely guarded thoughts, her expression was much more open than even she guessed. Neutral and closed, while they might work against the mortal masses, indeed even amongst the usually self-centered undead, they were nothing to James; if not signs that something was wrong. Perhaps not grossly wrong, but wrong nonetheless.

He met her gaze evenly; indeed perhaps a bit wryly at the raised eyebrow.

“I always enjoy myself dearest…no matter the situation, I at least try.” He smiled then, amused. “I find it is a helpful outlook to have. But if you are refereeing to the other type of enjoyment…ah well a gentleman does not kiss and tell, if I did however would the ladies trust me?”

The last was a bit of a tease, but strangely enough it was also a bit of truth. James would be the first to label himself a womanizer, indeed he did love female company in all its many and varied forms. Be she simple conversation or communion of a more physical nature. But of course he never had been one to kiss and tell. No. If he’d had many lovers, then they were all safely tucked away within the recesses of his own mind. Not trophies, but valued friends and lovers, some out of mutual necessity, others the simple attraction between strangers, or perhaps most rare of all the loves of his heart.

But of course the bartender had been none of these and he had no reason not to state as much, but he didn’t. He wondered briefly why, then he didn’t care, because he was sure something was wrong with his companion.

And then the words she spoke and James’s expression softened, at least marginally. And why it didn’t exactly loose all joy, it was sober, more sedated than it had been moments before.

He smiled at her in return when her smile was offered, it wasn’t as sharp or teasing as it had been. And then that smile was gone and buried. In its stead the man’s expression was both thoughtful and serious.

“Morbid, I would not say your thoughts are so morbid…” He said. “Indeed I would say they are the thoughts we all have at sometime or another, mortal or immortal, it makes no difference to the heart dearest. As for protection against emotional pain, there isn’t one of us or one of them that has it. Oh, we like to think that we can always protect ourselves, but that is merely tales we tell ourselves. Pain is a part of life, any life. As for you being like that man, as for your overprotection, I say you are mistaken. That man died long ago, it was his conscious decision. Because that kind of death you choose. And from what I’ve seen dearest, you’ve hardly chosen to lay down and wait for dawn to take you.”

He grinned then.

“You must always remember, us or them, were more alike than different, we build our lives with our hands and backs just like them. Oh yeah, we’re much more alike than different.”

Ariel did not really laugh at his teasing, only smiled slightly- fighting the smile from reaching her eyes. She nodded as he spoke. She supposed it was right that a man should never kiss and tell.

"I would not trust you if you kissed and told" she told him with a curt nod. "It's good you don't brag- or talk about that at all.... Men sometimes- think that we are possesions or something- a trophy..." she looked away. "I've met those men" she said with distaste, sticking her tongue out and making a 'yuck' sound before laughing softly.

Her eyes met his as conversation turned thoughtful.
"No." she told him. "I will never fall like that man. I won't experience anything worse than I already have. I'm safe- at least- that's what I believe..."

"Pain is part of life" she mused. "I don't know- what causes pain- love jealousy, hatred? Why not simply refuse to feel and thus never experience that pain. Screw the fleeting infatuations of the heart and sidestep pain by never trusting, never fully giving yourself to anyone?" she asked. She did not say that was what she planned to do, but it was a question nonetheless.

"You're right. I'm not waiting for dawn." she told him, sighing.
"This is depressing me- So can we stop talking about this now?"

James gave another of his wry grins. It was a good humored expression and unlike Ariel, the other vampire had no qualms about letting his internal laughter slip into his eyes. Indeed it seemed his gaze was fueled by that humor, or at the very least enriched, tempest colored blue-gray eyes were soothed, almost soothing in their own right.

James laughed then, meeting her gaze carefully, eyes still filled with a touch of the wry.

“I never said I don’t brag…” He said thoughtfully, still smiling. “I simply said I don’t talk of my lovers. And that is true. But Ariel I brag, though in my case I like to think of it as being true to advertisement.”

That made him chuckle then, but surprisingly he took one of Ariel’s hands then and pressed a soft and chaste kiss to its back.

“I brag quite often.” He said with a smile then. “But then that’s quite often about myself rather than my loves…as I told you dearest, I’m a very arrogant man.”

He released her hand then, soft and easy as could be.

“But as for those of which you speak, my arrogance has never quite gone that rout. A woman is not owned by any man, indeed if there is ownership to be had, it would be the converse. Many a man has been owned heart and soul by a woman. By you we are completed and preserved.”

That last was said with a surprising seriousness and much thought.

The thoughtful in his expression remained then as he listened to her reply to his earlier statements. He listened and listened well. And when he spoke it was with a sad kind of happiness, or rather at least there was something sad in his eyes and thoughtful smile upon his lips.

“I’ve found that none of us is safe, dearest.” He gave by way of reply. And in his mind it was true, there was always that thought that things had reached their crescendo or perhaps diminuendo was more appropriate considering the negative reference of their conversation. But at any rate, James had come to learn that things can always get worst.

He met her gaze once again then at her musings, and gave a shrug.

“Many things can cause pain, indeed even the good, that is why the heart is so insidious a thing. A man might have the whole world and throw it away for the new and undiscovered…”

He gave another shrug, but then he smiled and it was sharp and amused as he regarded the woman and her words.

“If you do those things dearest,” He began, regarding her with careful eyes. “Then you are not truly living. To but exist is possible, indeed that’s all many do, exist. But to live is different, to live is to know of all the pain and all the heart ache that may or may never come and yet persevere. To live, to truly live is to take the pain with the pleasure, the sweet with the bitter and swallow down the concoction to the last drop. To live is to take every advantage and every set back, truly my dearest Ariel, that is what it means to live. Anything else is to exist and existence is not enough to those that truly wish to live.”

He listened once again, then and finally when she was done, he gave her a teasing smile.

“Of course dearest,” He laughed. “Besides I’m a crappy philosopher anyway. How about we reacquaint ourselves with the dance floor instead?”

He gave a quippy raising of eyebrows then, smile wide.

“Besides, would you deny a man of the pleasure of at least one slow dance with you this night?” His lips became a sensuous pout then, almost as if a no might make him cry or beg at her feet, yet it was also a touch teasing and a touch lascivious.

"Well then-" she whispered, leaning towards him. "I take back my compliment" she whispered with a teasing smile that bled into her eyes. He took her hand and kissed it then, making her laugh and roll her eyes at the gesture.

She did not move away however. He let go. "Arrogance is so hideous- yet your arrogance is- I don't know the word- frustratingly charming. Yes. I believe that would describe it" she said with a curt nod and a short laugh. He was concieted, but she had to admit- She was somewhat concieted herself- in her own way. But he did not annoy her as most men guilty of pride did. He made her laugh- that was just it. He made her laugh. And she made him laugh. Maybe they just had too much alcohol.

"By you we are completed and preserved.” she mused, repeating him in a soft voice. She smiled then, and held back her laughter. He was so serious. And when he was serious- someone else was behind those eyes. "I do not believe I have preserved anyone my dear" she said, flashing a small bit of fang in her smile. "Save myself."

Ariel shrugged as the air suffocated her. I wish to live, she thought. She wished to live her death to the fullest. But she could not. She could not- take that initial jump into something unfamiliar. She could get in fights- murder- have a little fun now and then.... but she could not risk the infection of serious emotions. Was she just existing? Forgetting the love of Angelette- forgetting the love she bore for her mother, her husband, her child!
"I wish to live" she commented before sighing. "But I merely exist- well, I live a little- but not much if your definition of life is true. I avoid what I can of pain and if I must sacrifice the good that comes with it- so be it" she shrugged. "Maybe I have become paranoid in my age" she laughed forcibly.

"I can get over things, but I cannot seem to start them. I have the last word, never the first."

Ariel smiled with relief as the subject ceased to grace her lips. Finally. She didn't feel like talking about pain or living anymore. She just wanted to have a good time. Nothing but a good time.
"A man of the pleasure?" she asked him, arching one eyebrow- stepping towards him and taking his hand. "Oh- don't pout at me- I'll dance with you- though I'd love if you begged" she said with a wicked smile that flickered across her face. Ariel thought she felt her heart beat just once as the pulsing music slowed and danced upon her body- making her itch in a pleasent way. She wanted to dance now- simply fall into the music. The look in her eyes suggested the love she bore in her heart for the many notes and rests.

"You have no idea how much I adore music." she told James. "I play the flute you know? And the violin. I can sing too... I took dance lessons as well- point ballet at one time. My instructor never understood why I was so pale in those frills."

He made her laugh. And she made him laugh. Maybe they just had too much alcohol…perhaps James would have agreed, but then again he hadn’t had much in the way of alcohol, nothing but that he’d taken intravenously or rather vein instead of through it. The bartender hadn’t drank much, indeed probably little more than a shot or two, but James could feel it nonetheless, like a warmth curled up in a ball in his belly like a lethargic feline. Yet even so, with or without it, James had found himself rather fond of Ms. Ariel’s company. After all he could admit, at least to himself, it was good having her about, good watching her smile and listening to her laugh. Both her laugh and smile were lovely in equal measure. And while he teased her, she was just as lovely as she thought herself to be. All those men and women staring had been right to do so.

James was more fond of redheads himself, but that didn’t stop his appreciation, or even his savoring smile after he’d kissed her hand, savoring both the kiss and the reaction there to.

“Fine take back your compliment,” He said with a teasing laugh. “Tis fine, so long as I am frustratingly charming.” Another laugh at that, using Ariel’s choice of words.

“I’ve always thought that is the best kind of charming to be dear lady. After all things aren’t fun if they are too easy…”

He smile then, but it was lost a moment later. Well at least for the next moment. And in the next moment he took her hand again.

“If not before, then now,” He said thoughtfully. Then the moment was over and his smile returned. “You’ve preserved me this night. Thank you for such, dearest. Thank you very much.”

He released her again then, and his tone was as light as it always was, his eyes holding both mirth and sorrow for a moment like stagnant pools. Then there was a blink and only mirth shown back out of blue-gray eyes.

James listened then, and for a moment his expression was serious once again, thoughtful, but finally he shrugged and smiled.

“If you’ve a need, I’ll start things for you any day.” He gave a smile that was just a touch teasing lasciviousness, and a touch serious teasing, well so much as serious as teasing can be.

A chuckle then.

“Yes, a man of the pleasure…” He repeated gracefully. “As in it would be my great honor and pleasure to dance with you once again.”

He let his eyes playfully scan over her, his smile was a teasing smirk all the while.

“I promise you, my motives are not at all altruistic. I would enjoy dancing with you very much, after all it is not every day a man can make such an offer to the most beautiful woman in sight.”

He chuckled.

“Many would not even have the courage,” he laughed again. “Or in at least one case the physical endurance. So please…do not make me beg…or strike me. I wouldn’t like a strike very much either.”

His expression was teasing once again then, but it softened into simply pleased as she moved forward and took his hand. That smile widened at her response then and even more so at her smile.

James just couldn’t resist. He kissed the back of her hand once again.

“So cruel a woman,” He commented playfully. “Please then, please cruel beauty, grant me this dance.”

And he fell silent then, his mind moving to the music and the woman with him. He could see it in her eyes, that shear love she held for the music as they took the dance floor. Indeed he could only smile at her statement then.

“Perhaps more than you suspect,” He answered her. “It is a bit written across your face. Indeed it was in the way you moved before, the dance you danced. The music is like a lover to you, but then there are worst loves to have.” That said, he smiled, even as he shook his head.

“No I didn’t know you played.” And then another teasing smile. “Did you ever explain it to him? Perhaps first hand?”