Boogie On Down...To Work(Nic)

[Inora Theos]

[atrb=width,450,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=000806] Opening a club was hard work, work that Inora had never intended to do and yet it was what she found herself involved in right now. Ali had opened her big mouth, had told Nix about what Sevanni had done and Nora had nearly died of fear. Now he would come after her...he'd promised he would. And Sevanni seemed like someone who would do their best to keep promises if those promises involved pain being given to someone else. So Inora had waited, frozen in terror, for the other proverbial foot to drop and her friends had sensed it. What she'd needed was to hide out, to go someplace that Sevanni would never look for her, and even if he did he would never find her. Nixie, Ali, Rose, and Inora had had this idea for the club for a long time. A place just for vampires and werewolves, where they could be themselves without care, where the two species could meet and mingle. Perhaps a place that could lead to the easing of the tensions between the two species, one could dream right? After Life, the name was perfect for a bar that catered largely to the vampire crowd. Yes, the name said nothing about werewolves but that would have been hard to do without completely giving it away. But After Life was now Nora's Only Life. She had been shipped off under the pretense of starting the club on it's feet, but she knew, they all knew, that she was just there to hide. At least they'd sent her company. Inora still had no idea how they'd managed to convice Dominic to come with her, but he was the perfect companion. Sevanni didn't know him, didn't know that the two of them knew each other. He was also nice and quiet, so if Inora didn't want him around, it would be like he wasn't even there. But so far she'd liked having him around, though he seemed a little stuffy, treated her strangely, like he was scared that she was going to just break down at any moment. A few weeks ago that would have been true, she would have been ready to break down at any moment, but now she was much happier and she'd begun to revert back to herself a lot more daily. And she'd grown to trust Dominic, even like him. Though that unfortunately meant that the attraction she'd grown toward him was showing more clearly now too, to her at least. She thought she was managing to hide it from him pretty well, no love sick puppy act here. Not like she'd been with Daniel Conteo...no sir, she really liked Nic. More than just his looks too. He was sweet, and considerate, and he'd held her confidence with her friend even when he hadn't known her. Stayed to make sure that Inora was alright, even though he hadn't had to. Yeah, he was definitely worth her interest and the more she got to know him the more she became to think that he was worth even more than that. Sitting in the big open space, at one of the stools in front of the bar, Inora was smiling and rifling through some of the papers she had to sign to make this into a real business. She'd gotten them all from the necessary office buildings and she'd taken real care to make sure she hadn't missed any details. But now her eyes were starting to hurt from all the paperwork so she set her head down on the cool wood top of the bar and closed her eyes, letting the music that she had pumping through the newly installed speaker system roll over her. She let out a sigh of contentment and relaxed into her pose. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Count It: 656 Dedicate It: Nic Comment It: Yay Dress It: CLICK!

[DOMINIC THEOS]

New Orleans. Dominic had spent more and more time in the vicinity. He'd never expected to travel quite so much. Never though he'd find himself taking up a temporary residence with a certain blonde werewolf. They had their own seperate bedrooms and bathrooms, but were given to dining together. It was a strange arrangement, but this way he could have her in close proximity - readily in his grasp should she need protection - while maintained a certain level of chivalry. Even before his conversion to Christianity, Nic held that men and women not married should not incline themselves to compromising situations. Sleeping in the same bed? That was pretty high on the list.

As soon as they arrived, Inora had swung herself into the procedures necessary to start a business. She’d worked tirelessly making certain that the furniture – sparse as it was, was ordered and moved on time, chosen a color of paint for the walls rather than the less than appealing chartreuse the building had sported upon arrival. Just yesterday the sound system for the club had been installed, after hours of Nic laying on his back halfway inside an amp trying to re attach wires that were jarred out of place by the move. The air conditioning had decided to kick in just when he thought he would die from the heat and he would forever be grateful for the Lord’s grace on that part.

New Orleans was meant to be enjoyed with AC. Speaking of pleasure in New Orleans, he was surprised at the power of his own restraint in this case. Ms. Makani was a highly attractive woman, clearly available and his wolf longed for her. Perhaps more than anyone else at this point. It was only through constant prayer and reminding himself of his entrusted task that he kept his distance and made certain at all times his head was on the right level to protect her. Sometimes he could have sworn she resented his dedication. That it frustrated her that he wasn’t always as playful as she. Indeed as Inora recovered it appeared she was as spunky as he had assumed she would be.

All smiles and enthusiasm, very much like a child. It was quite endearing, he had to admit. Dressed in a generic business suit, tailored to fit as well as a white button down shirt, the top two buttons left unfastened, he appeared quite the business man. However, it occurred to him that when he seemed professional he was less likely to be confronted for no apparent reason. He was trying to avoid trouble as much as possible in this case. His morning venture had sent him to the local grocer – yes while Inora tended to business matters he’d gone grocery shopping, a job that was traditionally the woman’s. However, a combination of his desire to take care of her and self confidence enabled him to complete the task without fouling his mood.

He’d taken them to the house, unloaded them and was now on his way to the club where he assumed Makani would be pouring over the endless amount of paperwork she’d managed to generate. Opening the doors to the dimly lit main room – the light of the sun cascading in and surrounding his figure, he appeared much like someone from Hollywood and the silver screen. The soft light illuminated a side of his features, freshly shaven as he turned to shut the door behind him, approaching her quietly – in relative terms. The music blared far too loud to be able to hear himself think let alone for him to speak, yet as she sat there something struck him. Had she been sleeping as regularly as he had? Nic had been blessed with a fairly untouchable set of nerves and their busy schedule did not interfere with his rest. Studying her profile now, he sighed and shook his head.

Peering over her shoulder at the fine print she would doubtlessly be staring at for some time, he reached around and gently yanked the stack from her grasp, simultaneously swiping what was on the countertop off. Smiling devilishly, he bent to murmur, in that perpetually husky tone, in her ear. ”Sunshine, you need a break.” Sunshine had seemed an appropriate nickname, perhaps not when they first met but now the smiles and blonde hair made it too perfect to skip out on. Drawing back, he leant amusedly on the bar, waiting for her words of outrage or the keening whine that would announce her displeasure. Regardless, a walk or a nap seemed to be in order for Inora Makani.

Count // 770
Tag // Inoraaaa
Comments // Aweh! =x

[/blockquote]

[Inora Theos]

[atrb=width,450,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=000806] Inora jerked up suddenly when she felt the papers taken out from under her hands. Then Dominic's sexy...erm husky...voice sounded in her ear. She felt a blush spreading over her face at his use of a pet name. Sunshine, it definitely fit her. To distract herself, Inora reached for her papers and put on her defiant face. "I do not need a break, I was just resting my eyes!" She turned and climbed down off the stool, looking him in the eye. She could tell where this was going to go. He was going to hold out her papers, and be all...adult on her. Telling her she was working too hard, that she was too young to be stressing herself this hard, that she should be having fun. Blah, blah, blah. Stuffy old man, that's what he reminded her of sometimes, though right now he had a strange glint in his eyes that was distinctly young and fun. She liked the looks of that glint. That meant that he was amused, and him being amused meant fun time for Nora. She smiled slowly and stepped forward. "Nicy.....give the pretty girl back her important business papers. Come on you know you want to!" Inora's lips shifted into a pout and she held out her hands for the papers, giving him a quick grin before returning to the pout. "Please Nicy, you'll be my most favorite man ever." Internally she was laughing, and that would surely show in her eyes. They rarely hid her emotions and now would be no different, she was having fun with him, just like she had been ever since she'd accepted the fact that he was a genuinely nice guy. That he would never do anything to hurt her. And these moments when he actually stopped protecting her and had fun had been few and far between so she was going to do her best to take advantage of what she could get. Though New Orleans was definitely doing the both of them a lot of good. She had loosened up considerably and so had he. Which was allowing them to get a lot more comfortable with each other, not to mention that living with a man had proved to be a lot less scary than Inora had imagined. He wasn't gross, he helped her with the dishes and cleaning their 'home'. Plus he provided very nice scenery for Inora to enjoy and she blushed again at that thought. He was providing pretty good scenery right now come to think of it. Dominic could definitely rock the business man look, Inora didn't know what it was about men in suits, but something about Nic in one just made her feel all melty inside. Made her wonder what it'd be like to be close to him as more than a friend, or a charge, whichever she was at the moment. Those thoughts were dangerous, she didn't want to start getting attached to him, she'd probably get rejected and just get hurt again. But that didn't stop her from thinking about it, no matter how hard she tried to make it so. He was just too, tempting. All tall, and manly, and that voice. She returned her thoughts to the matter at hand and stepped toward him again. "Nicy." That time she whined. "What do you want for them?" There, she'd make it into a trade. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Count It: 580 Dedicate It: Nic Comment It: awweh back! Dress It: CLICK!

[DOMINIC THEOS]

It pleased Nic to no end that he had effectively surprised her and his grin only widened as that all too familiar blush made its way over her dainty features. He enjoyed complimenting her – enjoyed watching her cheeks flush and her lips curl in obvious pleasure. He supposed no one treated her that way too often. Women who had been pet and pleased constantly were immune to such niceties, but Inora remained sweet as a child. That devious smile he was sporting was unapologetic as she glowered at him, laughing openly at her insisting words. He cocked a brow, obviously doubting her reassurance though he made himself hide his teeth beneath still smiling lips.

As she took a single, almost threatening step towards him, he wiggled his brows in a playful gesture, chuckling softly to himself as she referred to herself in the third person. “I actually do not want to”, he remarked in a matter-of-fact drawl. She was pouting now, jerking that lower lip out adorably – she was a tempting little pixie, to be certain. Unfortunately, he reined himself in better than most. It was probably a hindrance to them both but he genuinely wanted her to recover fully before he made any sort of advance.

Though he was certain that once he felt she was ready there would be advances. Those glittering eyes toyed with him, as did her offer. “Am I not already?” We’ll have to change that someday. It was his turn to make that puppy face at her though he seemed rather intent on not allowing her to have those papers. Their mannerisms towards each other were always amiable, somewhat tender as if they already cherished each other as individuals. Still, he didn’t want his presence to make her so absolutely happy that she would hide away her demons and remain broken.

That was no state for her heart to be in. Breathing a sigh as he shook his head and peered down at her, dressed in that mildly provocative dress and those heels that looked…absolutely painful, he arched a brow, suddenly skeptical. “Those shoes cannot be comfortable.” Yes, kids, our sweet Dominic had been temporarily distracted. He’d seen her sport pair after pair of ridiculous shoes. Shoes that made her legs look…Greek; utterly flawless, but he wondered if they caused her much grief. They looked quite belligerent in his opinion. Another step towards him woke him from his wandering thoughts and he tipped his skull.

“What do I want?” He looked skeptical for a moment, thinking it over with that devious look that he generally gave her when he was toying with her. “Ummm. We’re going for a walk when you feel like stepping away from it. I’ll be in the back trying to finish up your office so you can sit somewhere less…conspicuous and in a more comfortable chair.” He glanced then, first at the door, then at the bar stools she had seated herself on. The day they had arrived he had come to the place alone, and clocked himself.

Yes, he’d literally timed how long it took him to get from the bar to the door, from the office to the bar, from the office to the door, from the door to the back door. In both wolf and human form, with seconds factored in for changing. He was an efficient help, and selfless for the most part. Though he demanded some say in her daily activities. Some days she’d wear herself out so much by the time they headed home she’d be dead on her feet and it took all of his self control not to hoist her up and fuss as he carried her home.

Gathering the papers, he ordered them and handed them to her benevolently smiling. Brushing past her, bumping her with his shoulder in a still playful manner, he moved to the afore mentioned task – putting together furniture and moving desks. During that time he removed his suit jacket and rolled up his sleeves so as not to soil them too badly with the dust that had this nasty habit of lingering about the place. It was going to take a little work.

Count // 697
Tag // Inoraaaa
Comments // Haha! He pwned.

[/blockquote]

[Inora Theos]

[atrb=width,450,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=000806] Inora crossed her arms defiantly over her chest and huffed. "Oh Nicy, of course you're already my most favorite man. But admitting that at first completely takes away the point of using it as leverage." She smiled and then shook her head. It wasn't necessarily hard for her to say that he was her favorite man. She didn't know that many and all the other men in her life had ended up leaving her. The fact that he remained here, with her in New Orleans, when he didn't have to, made him her favorite. But those thoughts flew out of her mind when Nic mentioned her shoes and she burst out laughing. She also blushed crazily when the thought crossed her mind that him mentioning her shoes meant that he had spent enough time looking at her legs to notice. No, bad, bad thoughts with a bad direction. She shook herself out of those thoughts and shook her head. "Actually Dominic, my good friend, I have a secret to wearing these ridiculously high heeled shoes. It's called Dr. Scholl's For Her. They are wonderful and they have saved my feet on many occasions." She recognized his devilish look and found herself shaking in her proverbial space boots at the thought of what he was planning. All he wanted was a walk? Why? What would a walk do for her? She was incredibly confused. "Why a walk?" Then she remembered how often she ended up going home with him so tired and put out that she could barely manage to put one heel encased foot in front of the other. She smiled again at his words, he wanted her sitting somewhere less conspicuous. It was sweet how much he worried for her, she really loved that. She didn't mind sitting out in the open because she knew that Nic was here, that he would protect her. He loved that sense of security. Loved the fact that is she needed something, needed someone, all she had to do was call for him and Nic would be there. That dependability had endeared her to him more than anything else possibly could. She trusted him without boundaries now, if she was tired, she could fall asleep in a room alone with him and sleep like a baby. Inora took the papers from him when he handed them to her and then watched as he walked away towards her office, the playful bump from him sending her spinning around just enough to watch him go. Oh yes, he had a nice buttocks and she took the time to appreciate it until he stepped into her office and out of sight. "Whew." She whispered under her breath before heading back to the bar. She set the papers down and sifted through the papers to the one that she had been on before. She went back to reading, carefully making sure that everything was acceptable and would be maintained in her mind. She read through many more papers and then put the stack down and picked up her pen. Staring the papers down, Inora took a deep sigh. "Alright hand, no complaining now, we are going to sign these papers." And with that she dove right in, her hand flying over the papers, signing, dating, and initialing every single line. It took no more than ten minutes in all actuality, Inora felt like it had been hours. She carefully straightened the papers, thumping them on the bar and making sure they were all straight. Then she climbed down off the bar and walked into the office, her heels making no noise over the sound of the speakers. Noticing that he was faced away from her, Inora placed herself carefully on the next desk that he would have to move and just waited. He'd turn around soon enough. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Count It: 666 Dedicate It: Nic Comment It: Psh, pwned, yeah right! Inora does not ever get pwned unless it is by gravity.....lol Dress It: CLICK!

[DOMINIC THEOS]

The admission that he was in fact her favorite man made Dominic smile, a smug expression manifested in his gaze though it managed to remain tender at the same time. All of his teasing was meant harmlessly. “Leverage? Now why would you need that?” Laughing at her as he wiggled the papers deviously even as she continued to pout. Despite her facial expressions though she was obviously off in her own thoughts. Arching a brow as she shook herself, seeming to come back to the here and now he was somewhat entertained but mostly intrigued.

He was glad she found his curiosity entertaining but waiting with baited breath for a response. What was her secret? Though her practical response made him feel just a bit foolish – of course. That made plenty of sense. Gel in the tight spaces to cushion her feet from the biting leather. Shaking his head at his own stupidity, he shrugged it off. He was a man after all. Was he supposed to know how women survived wearing the things they did? Men got off easy in the fashion department. If they so much as kept a decent color palette everyone was in awe of them.

Her surprise at his request was amusing enough, but in fact he had hoped to lure her home early and see if he could get her to turn in early. Bed for Inora was like pulling teeth. She was always up worrying about something and frankly he could use a decent night’s sleep as well. As long as she was awake so was he. Even if they retired for the evening and were in their separate rooms he would listen to her shuffling around for quite some time before finally laying in bed. Even afterward he wasn’t satisfied – certain she was still up and restless. It was as if she had something against sleep.

“Those are my conditions, Nora.” He murmured, feigning a serious expression as he paused before giving her those papers. But the bump as he moved past her betrayed his lack of true somberness. He could not really be severe with her. He was vaguely aware that he had spun her around but did not turn to look as he moved back into the office area. He was on a mission to get this done today. Hoisting chairs over desks and collecting wires into neat bundles that were zip tied together for the sake of efficiency, he made swift work of the task.

But as he was turning to grab the last desk there she was, perched aloft it and smirking at him. Arching a brow, he grinned lazily and fastened his hands on one end jerking it gently but not enough to dismantle her. “Feeling spunky, huh?” Honestly he was so close to finishing it was difficult to pause at this point, but he was capable and so he did. “I’m guessing you’re done. Ready to go?” He asked this just as he daintily wrapped his palms around her waist and plucked her off the desk much like a doll.

Setting her on her feet and to the side, he moved the desk with skill now that he’d had so much practice and when it had finally been set in place he observed his work. Still needed dusting. That would be taken of later. Turning back towards her with glittering eyes, still in his good mood, he nodded towards the door and stated over the music. “Shall we, then?” He had not forgotten their negotiation. Unrolling his sleeves, he buttoned them again after a bit of clumsiness and then slid on his jacket, straightening it and putting himself together before offering her that charming, crooked grin that meant he was being a bit flirtatious though it never led to anything.

Looping her arm in his, he led her out the front, pausing to turn off the stereo and placing the papers in a cabinet behind the bar before directing them to the door and locking it behind them. “Lead the way.” He murmured leisurely, arm still hooked lazily in hers.

Count // 690
Tag // Inoraaaa
Comments // OH PSH THAT!

[/blockquote]

[DOMINIC THEOS]

The admission that he was in fact her favorite man made Dominic smile, a smug expression manifested in his gaze though it managed to remain tender at the same time. All of his teasing was meant harmlessly. “Leverage? Now why would you need that?” Laughing at her as he wiggled the papers deviously even as she continued to pout. Despite her facial expressions though she was obviously off in her own thoughts. Arching a brow as she shook herself, seeming to come back to the here and now he was somewhat entertained but mostly intrigued.

He was glad she found his curiosity entertaining but waiting with baited breath for a response. What was her secret? Though her practical response made him feel just a bit foolish – of course. That made plenty of sense. Gel in the tight spaces to cushion her feet from the biting leather. Shaking his head at his own stupidity, he shrugged it off. He was a man after all. Was he supposed to know how women survived wearing the things they did? Men got off easy in the fashion department. If they so much as kept a decent color palette everyone was in awe of them.

Her surprise at his request was amusing enough, but in fact he had hoped to lure her home early and see if he could get her to turn in early. Bed for Inora was like pulling teeth. She was always up worrying about something and frankly he could use a decent night’s sleep as well. As long as she was awake so was he. Even if they retired for the evening and were in their separate rooms he would listen to her shuffling around for quite some time before finally laying in bed. Even afterward he wasn’t satisfied – certain she was still up and restless. It was as if she had something against sleep.

“Those are my conditions, Nora.” He murmured, feigning a serious expression as he paused before giving her those papers. But the bump as he moved past her betrayed his lack of true somberness. He could not really be severe with her. He was vaguely aware that he had spun her around but did not turn to look as he moved back into the office area. He was on a mission to get this done today. Hoisting chairs over desks and collecting wires into neat bundles that were zip tied together for the sake of efficiency, he made swift work of the task.

But as he was turning to grab the last desk there she was, perched aloft it and smirking at him. Arching a brow, he grinned lazily and fastened his hands on one end jerking it gently but not enough to dismantle her. “Feeling spunky, huh?” Honestly he was so close to finishing it was difficult to pause at this point, but he was capable and so he did. “I’m guessing you’re done. Ready to go?” He asked this just as he daintily wrapped his palms around her waist and plucked her off the desk much like a doll.

Setting her on her feet and to the side, he moved the desk with skill now that he’d had so much practice and when it had finally been set in place he observed his work. Still needed dusting. That would be taken of later. Turning back towards her with glittering eyes, still in his good mood, he nodded towards the door and stated over the music. “Shall we, then?”p He had not forgotten their negotiation. Unrolling his sleeves, he buttoned them again after a bit of clumsiness and then slid on his jacket, straightening it and putting himself together before offering her that charming, crooked grin that meant he was being a bit flirtatious though it never led to anything.

Looping her arm in his, he led her out the front, pausing to turn off the stereo and placing the papers in a cabinet behind the bar before directing them to the door and locking it behind them. “Lead the way.” He murmured leisurely, arm still hooked lazily in hers.

Count // 690
Tag // Inoraaaa
Comments // PSHTHAT!

[/blockquote]

[Inora Theos]

[atrb=width,450,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=000806] A small squeal escaped Inora's lips and then a burst of giggles followed when he yanked on the desk she was perched upon. She then forced herself to get control and she turned her big blue eyes on him, gasping theatrically. "How dare you? You could have killed me!" She shouted with fake indignation. "I am hurt and confused. Why would you do such a thing to sweet, innocent little me? You're a big fat meanie head!" Okay, so now she was resorting to childishness, but Inora loved being able to bring her inner child out to play sometimes. And she loved when Dominic was in a playful mood. She stopped though and focused on his question. "Yes, I am indeed done. All those papers are signed, dated, initialed, and everything else that needed to be done to them has been done. Are you happy? You made me finish something early for once? Although there's still a lot of work to be done in there." She squealed again when she felt his hands wrap around her waist, lifting her easily and setting her to the side. "So strong!" She said it with sincerity but it was mostly meant as a joke. She walked over to him and ran her hand over his arms, squeezing where his biceps would be. He definitely had muscle, lifting her with ease, slinging desks around like they were nothing. "Oooo, such big muscles you have." His grin took her by surprise, it was flirty but that grin always left her hanging. She hated that smile, but couldn't help loving it at the same time. She felt him slip his arm through hers and lead her towards the exit. He told her to lead the way so that's what she did. She lead him out through the long corridor that would soon be painted white and covered in glass panels that would house various weapons. She leaded him out the tunnel and up the stairs, through the abandoned warehouse above the bar and out into the fading sunlight. They'd been at work for a while, if it was already getting dark. She wasn't sure where to go. So she steered him towards the waterfront which wasn't all the far from their warehouse. Within walking distance but far enough away that hurricanes wouldn't do too much damage without just completely knocking the place down. Inora smiled as she saw the whole ocean stretching out before her. It was a beautiful sight and she enjoyed the color of the sky above the water and the color the sun was making the water itself. "Look Nic. Isn't it beautiful? I love New Orleans. I loved California too but I really think I might stay here. I like our house and the club is going to be a lot of fun. Maybe someday I can make it open more than two nights a week. I can have parties there, theme nights, open mic nights." Her eyes took on a far away glaze while she thought of these things but she managed to keep walking with him, her fingers rubbing absently up and down his forearm while she thought. He made her comfortable enough to think about the future, her future. He made her comfortable enough to think about anything, anything she wanted. It was liberating and a little scary. But she loved it. Absolutely loved it. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Count It: 580 Dedicate It: Nic Comment It: I feel horrible cause mine are always shorter. And I WILL Psh that. PSH! Ha ha. Dress It: CLICK!

[DOMINIC THEOS]

The effeminate enunciation that the shewolf produced was enough to induce a smile from Dominic as he steadied the desk she sat on so she would not tumble off as she feared. The laughter that followed the expression of terror only widened his grin as she brought about that dramatic actress within her. It thrilled Nic that she still had so much ferocity within her, and found it most entertaining when she graced him with such fits of theatrics. She was alive, oh how alive Inora was and smiling and laughing. It was a transformation from the girl he’d carried out of that alley. And it pleased him.

Now, focusing on exactly what that chirpy little nymph was saying, he arched a brow and smirked. ”Killed you sunshine? I’m hurt that you’d even think me capable.” And then that last comment. “Fat?! EXCUSE ME! But I happen to be in the best shape of my life, thank you very much.” His gaze glittered with mirth as he beamed unabashedly down at her – clearly playing. That seemed to be what kept them going. It was what kept her going – equilibrium. He was careful to not be too serious. Then again as a forgiving, honorable Godly creature being optimistic came with the package.

As she clucked and fussed over the developed muscle at his arms, with which he had so daintily lifted her with, he finished his work – not one to coo about being flattered. Flattery could induce pride, and pride was a sin. He was of modest upbringing and acted as such. Though a smile was pristinely placed upon those soft lips. They did that to eachother – they were not often together and not smiling, unless they were at work in which case they were too busy watching out for each other, though he granted they’d sneak in a smile or two on the run.

As they began to move out of the club, finishing things up, he hummed as he often did a tune that no one knew but him but that was instilled in his brain. It almost never repeated itself, and sounded different depending on his mood. But it was something akin to what most would call his heart song. If one believed in such things. He allowed her to lead him away from the club, and away from the main streets and towards the ocean. The beach was nothing to look at. But the ocean was as pretty as the ocean ever got.

As a happy resident of Portland Oregon the only beaches he had ever given his heart to were covered in cliffs, rocks and icy water. But the waters of New Orleans were perfectly adequate he supposed. He was glad she was pleased, to say the least. As she began to speak, he listened attentively, though his gaze was on the dark horizon. I like our house… The words made his gaze snap to her features, and Nic’s generally schooled features were poised with intensity. She would more than likely not notice, but his wolf stirred at the prospect.

For all intensive purposes, Inora Makani belonged to him. The wolf had already decided. She was dreaming out loud, and he was enjoying it. “If we had open mic night, would you sing?” It was a quiet inquiry, one more general than the one in his mind. The real question was Will you ever sing for me again?

Count // 574
Tag // Inoraaaa
Comments // Aw. mine is short too!

[/blockquote]

[Inora Theos]

[atrb=width,450,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=000806] That tune...that same ever changing, ever endearing tune that he also managed to get stuck in her head. It haunted her every night while she lay awake trying to go to sleep, every one of them. She replayed them in her head every night before she went to sleep. She'd set them down on sheet music, trying desperately to see a pattern, and one was emerging, but it was one she made up herself. She'd sat up at night, feeling a little foolish and a little rude for using his tunes this way, but she was a musician, she needed to feel a sense of order. None of his tunes were orderly, they were all wrapped up in mystery. Notes put together in ways she'd never heard and never thought of. She liked to think that if she got caught she could just claim that he had become her muse, that she wasn't stealing, not really. She also liked to think that maybe someday she would put words to the song she made out of his tunes and she could sing it to him. When she started talking about how much she loved being in New Orleans, and her plans for the club, she felt his body posture change, but she was afraid to look. Afraid that if she turned to look into his eyes she'd see him freaking out that she might try to get him to stay with her. Afraid that his eyes would show how reluctant he would be to do so. She wanted to stay here with him, they felt like they belonged here, they'd fit so easily into the neighborhood and into each other's lives. They bickered over little things but never over anything real, never full out, knock down fights. She enjoyed their little tiffs, if only for the look he got in his eyes when they argued, like he was determined to win, to dominate. For some reason, she really enjoyed that look. Inora looked up at his question and smiled her 'I have a secret' smile. Yes, when and if they had an open mic night she would sing. By that time maybe she could sing him his song, and he'd know how much he meant to her. How much his presence had healed her wounded soul. Even without the attraction between them, he would have become important to her. "I believe that it would be demanded by more than just you that I sing. I don't even know if Ali, Nixie, and Rosey have ever heard me sing. You're a step ahead of them in that respect I believe." Inora looked up at him through her lashes coyly. "So does that mean that you liked my singing, or is it more of a thing where you want to know so you can avoid open mic nights?" She sincerely hoped it was the former, the latter might cause her to breakdown, and it would definitely stop all production on the song that might or might not be created out of their two souls. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Count It: 570 Dedicate It: Nic Comment It: I love this new template Dress It: CLICK!

[DOMINIC THEOS]

Women were always up to something. Some mysterious, sweet little secret that no one knew but they always wore on their faces. So obvious and so clear and yet written in a foreign language that no one seemed to know but them. It was an impressive trait that the feminine sex held. A brow ascended as they moved along, Dominic musing to himself quietly as she too obviously was stolen away by her own meandering thoughts. She was a precious little sprite and he was glad to have taken part in her rescue and now it seemed her life had a place for him. He was truly blessed. That devious grin that she offered him was enough to make him wonder – what did she have on her mind, what was she dreaming up? Squinting playfully at her he snapped, tenderly and all in jesting as possible. “It’s shocking your friends haven’t been allowed the pleasure…” It was murmured softly, in a thoughtful manner, his gaze ticking warmly to her then away towards the sea that roared quite nearby. “Fancy a dip?” It was inquired rhetorically – he didn’t want to go swimming. He liked Oregon water. That was the end of it.

It hurt him to know how attached she was becoming to New Orleans. His heart was where she was, to be honest, but he missed his home. At the words that she managed to murmur up at him, he smirked amusedly and shook his hid, biting his lip thoughtfully. “The truth?” Giving her a devious look, he gave in within a second’s time. “I like to hear you sing.” It was stated openly as he reached up and tussled her hair tenderly. It would probably make a sane person cringe – such romantics often induced gagging. Though Nic usually just averted his gaze because frankly it was a private scene. It was rude to stare at such things – regardless of where it was happening or what was going on. Though some things he would grant were just tasteless. Public displays should be sparse. Not gone, but nothing brazen and absolutely nothing explicit. He had strong ideals as far as that particular topic went. Men and women alike deserved the same amount of respect. Men often shamed themselves by the way they acted. Then again some women dressed in acted in ways that were equally as shameful.


Even in his younger years Dominic had never acted on such carnal impulses simply because he had never had the time. His familial role was far too distracting and required far too much focus. It took all of his energy and emotional stability to keep things okay at home which made relationships seem a bit like overkill. He was far too logical for his own good. Thus the stuffiness on occasion. Humming occasionally to himself, he swayed thoughtfully before glancing down at her and smiling. “So is your hand starting to regain feeling?” It was a joke – a complete and total joke though it was said with mild concern. Still he smiled serenely and directed his gaze back towards the dark horizon.

Count // Approx 520
Tag // Inoraaaa
Comments // I SO GLAD! x]

[/blockquote]

[Inora Theos]

[atrb=width,450,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=000806] Inora had never been one to catch on to things quickly so when Nic suggested a dip in the ocean she took a second to contemplate it. She looked out over the water and thought about the undergarments she wore beneath her dress, thought about the propriety of going skinny dipping or swimming in her underwear. "Hmmm, I don't know. It's kinda chilly for a swim, although the water does look like it'd be really nice. Maybe we could come back tomorrow during the day, with swimsuits! Swimming in your underwear isn't really socially acceptable anyway." She smiled up at him as they continued walking, the idea of coming back tomorrow actually really appealed to her. She hadn't been swimming in a few years due to the increase in her responsibilities. Inora had always been a bit of a fish, swimming was one of her favorite recreational activities, she'd been on the swim team for a season during high school. But Nic was talking again so she was forced to stop thinking about the good old days and focus on his words. A shock of good feelings raced through her and blood rushed up into her cheeks. He liked her singing. That was one thing that had always bothered Inora, if people enjoyed her voice or not. At one point in her life it had been her wish to make a living off her voice. Hearing him say he enjoyed listening to her, it made her heart feel about ten times lighter. "Really? You liked it? Well I'll definitely sing for you again then." If Inora was anything it was shameless, when she found someone who admitted to liking her singing, she would definitely keep singing for them. It took her a few seconds for his next question to sink in, but she smiled after that short amount of time and even emitted a little giggle. "You're funny, but you're sneaky about it. I like that, but you'll have to forgive me if it takes me a while sometimes. My hand is in fact feeling much better, though earlier I was quite convinced that I was going to lose it permanently." She smiled up at him and then leaned closer, fanning herself. "Thank you mista Theos, I don't know what I eva woulda done if you hadn't saved me from that horrible, nastay paper work." Inora had affected a southern accent in that moment, playing the troubled young belle. They'd walked a good ways now so Inora stopped, using her grip on his arm to pull him to a halt as well. "Should we head back now? Or maybe go home?" Home, that sounded like a good idea, she really didn't feel like going to work again now that she'd gotten into her relaxed mood. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Count It: 522 Dedicate It: Nic Comment It: So sorry it took so long! Dress It: CLICK!

[/color][/size][/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[DOMINIC THEOS]

It was refreshing just how naive the woman was – even still in her wounded state she was as gullible as a child and Nic smiled as she seemed to muse over the idea of swimming in that water. He himself was not particularly interested in going in it. As stated before –this coast was no comparison to Oregon’s rocky presentation of the concept. As it seemed she had finished mulling over the idea he smiled at her interjection. Ah. And her modesty, chuckling warmly to himself he simply nodded in agreement – swimming in their underwear was out of the question. She was still thinking about it as they progressed along the walk, he could see it in that glittering contemplative look she had going. It was always so obvious when she was thinking…well that wasn’t entirely true. Sometimes she would frown just mildly and one could deduce that she was thinking over something seriously, or crunching numbers.

And then there was this expression where she was making plans and getting excited about the scenarios she was dreaming up. There we go – it was her daydreaming look. While Dominic had never ventured to see her face while she slept, he liked to think her dreams made her this happy. Though in all honesty she probably suffered from nightmares, a thought he tortured himself with. As he murmured his approval of her vocal talents he could see the heat rise in her cheeks and only smiled at her, the expression widening as her breathless voice came to his ears. Again he only nodded, the tenderness in his case quietly radiating. He was glad she was the way she was – little ray of sunshine. Again she was aptly nicknamed; that smile could light up a room. And the energy…he wondered where she got it. He certainly tired out faster though he’d never admit such a thing.

The comment he made about her palm induced a somewhat confused look that turned into a smile and a girlish laugh. Funny? He thought amusedly, though he knew he was or was trying to be. She was apologizing for not responding quicker to which he responded with a dismissive shake of his head, “You’re a silly girl.” he stated. But at the mention of permanently losing the appendage he chortled and shook his head. “That would have been a tragedy.”, he replied, feigning a grim take on the situation. Though that devious glint in his stare gave it away as it usually did. Unless Dominic was trying to hide something he was quite transparent. Almost grunting as she encroached on his space, he laughed openly at the blue grass way of speaking and shook his head. Partaking in the jesting, he saluted with his best military face (yes they have a face.)

It took very little to coax Theos to a halt and he had already suspected her wishes before she spoke, to which he responded with a roll of his eyes, “Home, Inora. No more work today.” It was when she was in that work-a-holic mood that he felt most like a babysitter. But he didn’t mind it so it hardly mattered. Turning around, he began to make the way back with her in tow – rather relieved; Dominic was a tired puppy. It would take them only about fifteen minutes – their house was closer to the beach than the club was. Thank goodness.

Count // Approx 570
Tag // Inoraaaa
Comments // So we both took an eternity. Guess we're even? =/

[/blockquote]

[Inora Theos]

[atrb=width,450,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=000806] Inora sighed happily at the thought, home. Though she had to fight the urge to stick her tongue out at Nic when he felt the need to add 'no more work today'. He always got so mom-like when she was working. Keeping her from working herself to death hadn't been part of the original deal but she did appreciate the fact that he'd taken it upon himself to do so, it showed that he cared about her. The walk back to their home wasn't a long one, but it was peaceful. She slipped her arm comfortably into the nook of his elbow and took in the sights. New Orleans was a beautiful city even in the run down area that their club existed in. The warehouses here were falling apart, but they were still hauntingly beautiful reminders of the city's past. She loved these walks with Nic, but she had been able to tell lately that he wasn't enjoying them as much as he used to. She wasn't sure why but seeing as she was Inora Makani, she was definitely planning on finding out. If her people reading skills were correct, he missed his home. She had been able to detect a tightening in him, a sort of flinch, a few of the times she'd mentioned wanting to stay here. Part of her had realized that he might not like the idea of being forced to stay here too, in order to protect her. But she was scared of what that would do to her so she hadn't pursued an answer yet. It was time to grow a backbone, time to get in knee-deep and actually ask him about it. She knew that it was time, but she was still dreading the outcome. He'd probably try to lie, or brush it off like it was nothing. That's why she was planning on waiting until they got home, so she could pounce on him and he wouldn't be able to make any excuses about needing to get back to work. Unconsciously she made the walk last longer, twenty minutes instead of the usual fifteen. She didn't want to have to do this any sooner than she really needed to. She was going to delay as much as she could. Her demeanor hadn't changed a bit, she was hiding it very well from him, wearing a big smile on her face, stopping to pounce on a crunchy leaf every few feet or watch squirrels chattering about. Finally, they reached their home and Inora let them in. She lead the way into the living room and took a seat on the sofa that they'd procured. Inora had plenty of money so furnishing the place hadn't been hard. Though she still thought about Adam every time she used her bank card. "Nicy,"using his nickname almost made it easier to say this. "Can I talk to you for a minute or two? I have something I wanted to ask you. Something important." ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Count It: 548 Dedicate It: Nic Comment It: Yes, even we are! Dress It: CLICK!

[DOMINIC THEOS]

Acting as a logical node for Inora’s general purposes was a source of amusement for the werewolf, his teasing eyes not missing the tick in her lips as he prodded her with his restricting, almost chiding words. He liked this game almost as much as he liked the actual purpose – keeping her healthy and happy. In essence he enjoyed keeping her from becoming the woman he’d first met, absolutely wrecked by some bastard snake of a man. Nic reasoned that he could not even be considered a man, not even close. Men strutted around with superior strength most days like it was their God given right. But in truth it was an agent of them that was entrusted…and so easily be taken away. Frail beings that they were. Even vampires had their vices and perhaps that was why he was unafraid by the race.

The warmth of her arm looped in his coaxed a faint, familiar smile to tug at his lips and he observed her wandering gaze thoughtfully as she observed the sights. She was walking slower than she usually did but he shortened his strides to accommodate her meandering pace, somewhat curious as to the reason she did not want to be home yet. She was dead tired, it was obvious as it always was in her slightly sagging shoulders and that look in her eyes. There was the periodic leap away from him that announced she’d found a dry leaf that promised a charming sound as it was squished beneath her shoes. Chuckling at her antics he observed only to scoop up her arm when she was prepared to continue walking.

Twenty minutes of this and they were home and he followed dutifully after her. Her purposeful strides gave evidence to the necessity to speak or be followed and so he did quietly. Leaning comfortably on the door jam, his arms folded lazily over his broad chest as a brow ascended in inquiry. ”A minute or two? But Inora I haven’t the time!” Smirking amusedly, he moved to sit at the opposite end of the couch and got himself comfortable amongst the cushions before he directed his attention back to her. Something important sounded ominous. ”No need to frown, sunshine.” It was a quiet reminder not to be so serious – whatever it was the sky would not fall either way the conversation went. To be quite frank he was craving an Irish Crème coffee. It’d been one of those days where he needed one last jump of caffeine and the liquor to take the edge off.

He was in no mood for sleeping, not too tired to be honest but definitely not prepared in his mind to do work. There was no want at this point – his mind knew he was off work so why bother going back at this point? Moreover he would not leave Inora in the house alone at night. Whether it scared her or not it scared him for her. She needn’t ever feel like she’d been abandoned or was without defense. Dominic was but the first of many. Throughout the house there were alarms as well as hidden weapons. If the house was broken into Phoenyx Mackenzie, Ali Ambrose and Rose Decumbry would all receive texts “Inora 911 New Orleans House” which would probably send them on their way. He would receive it as well, just for good measure. Though he doubted he would need advising – he was with her most of the time. Breathing slowly through his nostrils, he turned those slightly golden brown eyes on her once again and offered a small, reassuring smile as he often did when she seemed at odds in her head and waited for further information.

Count // 600+
Tag // Inoraaaa
Comments // Yaaypost.

[/blockquote]