Taste Like the Sky [Mike/Zaza]

[Michael Sapiye]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: url(http://i53.tinypic.com/348r4wo.jpg) center bottom no-repeat; outline: 2px solid #4f4a5e; width: 500px; height: 600px; padding: 0px;, bTable] Mike had called Zaza up and informed her that this particular Saturday was the night that she should come out to Scandalous to watch him dance. Because this was the night that he was dancing the blow-off, the high-production number that ended the 11 to 2 shift and after which there was a 30 minute break while the stages went dark to give the customers a chance to mingle with the dancers and get more drinks and small bills. The eleven-to-two was the biggest and highest-paying shift of the night, and when the next to last dancer finished his Thai-inspired sword dance number there was a certain anticipation among the crowd as the DJ announced Corvin would be doing the last dance of the set. It wasn't like the entire club was holding its breath in bliss, but the regulars knew enough to know that this would be the showiest number of the night. A hush and the stage went dark. A flash of light, a crack of thunder. A sound of hard rain coming through the speakers. And then a low, flickering blue light like distant lightning lit up the stage intermittently as sprinklers started creating a steady indoor rainfall over the center jut of the stage. Some of the customers sitting nearest the fall laughed and shied away from the spray, but others pressed closer as the first notes of a slow, sex-filled saxophone blues song came up and Corvin stepped out onto the stage barefoot and dressed in thin black cotton slacks and a black tank top, his hair falling loose down his back. It was an affectation, had to be, but the dancer seemed honestly oblivious to the audience as he stepped forward into the 'rainfall.' Eyes closed, he tilted his head back and let it start soaking into his clothes and hair, his body swaying and arching up into the spray like a man finding water after a long trek through the desert. The lighting got brighter, steady and blue-white though there was some kind of subtle strobe lighting going on as well that kept flashing on the falling water droplets, giving an illusion of them frozen in the air for a split-second as the dark-skinned dancer moved through them. He raked his hands back through his hair, letting it fall in sodden hanks down his back and still gave every indication of totally ignoring his audience as he started peeling the black tank top off over his head. Couldn't quite pull it off, there was a pleased quirk of a smile at one corner of his mouth just before the shirt came up to cover his face, but he got control of it again in time to drop the wet cloth into a heap and sink down onto his knees, his hips moving in time with the lazy slide of the saxophone as he ran his hands over his bare stomach and chest, smeared the water across his skin and dropped his head back like it was ecstacy to do it. The thin pants he had left did absolutely nothing to conceal that Mike was enjoying the hell out of his watery exhibitionism, and his nipples were peaked up even before he ran his nails across his chest to cut rivulets through the water sheeting off his skin. Still moving to the music in that oddly artistic way where he almost seemed to be ignoring it as much as he was the audience, as though he just happened to coincidentally be moving such that every motion happened in time with the song that was playing, Corvin spread his knees wide, arched his back as he reveled in the rainfall, and then rolled over onto his back in a single smooth motion and shucked his pants, kicking them away and then rolling in the rainwater. He kept running his hands over his own body like he was pleasuring himself, though he never touched the crotch, and the silver-gray silk boxers he wore never quite got transparent in the water, though they sure looked like they would at any moment, but they also didn't do a thing to conceal the shape and size of his erection beneath the clinging wet fabric. In the final chorus of the song, Corvin/Mike rolled up onto hands and knees and crawled through the rainstorm, making eye contact with each and every patron who was at the hot seats up against the central stage. There were other dancers moving through the crowd with upended rain hats collecting tips for Corvin's dance, so the raven could concentrate on making sure everybody who got close enough got a smouldering look and a chance to run their hands over his chilled wet skin as he writhed and wallowed and gave a damned fine impression of being brought to sexual climax by the touch of strangers' hands and the fall of cold rain on his skin. When the final notes faded the stage went dark again, the lights staying low just long enough for Corvin to disappear before the house lights came partway up and the DJ was urging everyone to take a break, take a breath, promising that the next set would be even better while a handful of scantily-clad waitstaff started mopping up the stage. A few minutes after that Mike emerged through a side door, dressed now in low-hanging brown silk gi pants and pair of tatami-soled zoris. He'd dried off his face and body, but his hair was still damp and hanging in loose locks down his back as he worked his way through the crowd. He flirted and flattered, posed for pictures, kissed cheeks and endured questions and come-ons alike, and at one table stopped for a longish talk with the women there before going down on his knees and speaking quietly and earnestly with a fortysomething woman with a bad perm, holding both her hands and saying something terribly sincere to her until she finally blushed and covered her face with both hands, laughing helplessly as he hugged her and kissed her cheek before moving on. A person would have to be watching very closely to have seen her friend slip a fifty to the dancer during the hug, payment for the small fantasy fulfilled. But eventually he managed to make his way through the crowd and over to where Zaza was sitting, and Mike shot a quick signal over to the bartender, some obscure combination of nod and hand gesture that was understood as him taking a break for a moment before he sat down in the chair opposite Zaza and gave her a wide, pleased smile. "So," he said, cheerful with endorphins and the massive amounts of sugar and caffeine that he consumed over the course of a shift, "this is where I work..." [style=padding: 0px 15px; font-size: smaller;] Location: Scandalous, Las Vegas NV Music: You Look Like Rain - Morphine Outfit: Very little, and all of it wet. Notes: I think too much about these things. [/style]

[Elizabeth Koch]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: url(http://i52.tinypic.com/2hxwqau.jpg) center bottom no-repeat; outline: 2px solid #2a160f; width: 500px; height: 600px; padding: 0px;, bTable] Zaza slipped out of the shiny black Charger she'd lifted from a hotel on her way over. She'd drop it off again on her way back to her brothers, but she'd needed something beautiful and fast to get to her destination. Scandalous, the work place of a very attractive man. She'd even dressed up for the occasion, she'd even taken the time to curl her hair, though she'd left it down tonight. The pumps she'd selected were showing her legs off to great effect, but she didn't really catch much attention until she was lead to her table, where she took off her coat. Even then, what attention she may or may not have attracted was not as important as the night's show. She settled in at her table, smiling easily as a shirtless waiter stopped by her table to take her order. Zaza admired his physique even as she asked for a black russian, letting the waiter preen for a moment before sending him on his way. He dutifully disappeared and managed to reappear just before the stage went dark. Before she could murmur her gratitude, he was gone. An indoor rain scene was created onstage, complete with lightning and thunder. She was just settling in to be mildly amused when the music started and a figure stepped onto stage. She had to admit, he had her engaged from the moment he appeared. Her drink sat forgotten as her gaze focused entirely on his form, now soaking under the 'rain'. The music, the dance, it pulled her in, just as it was intended to, making her throat tighten and her heart pound faster. Zaza focused on the details, the slight slip of expression when his wet shirt snagged on his soaked skin, the flex of musles in his abdomen with each movement. He went to his knees and she felt an intense gratitude for the seat underneat her ass, because her knees had gone weak. Not that she would ever tell him that. The heat rose to Zaza's cheeks, and part of her wanted to pull her gaze away from him as he touched himself, shirtless in the rain. And yet, she found she couldn't. She followed the path of his hands and wished, secretly, that it was her hands. The removal of his pants was a smooth motion, but one that nearly forced an exclamation from her lips. Again, his hands moved, agan her eyes followed, never quite lingering on his erection. Throat dry, she swallowed and sought her drink with an absent hand. Larger fingers gently prodded the perspiring glass into hers and she picked it up gratefully. The climax of his dance had a shiver running up her spine. Impressed by him and by his club, she dropped two Franklins in the hat that passed her by. Finally, the stage went dark again and Zaza was able to turn from it, taking a drink from her glass. Her gaze lifted to meet the waiter's again, surprised that he'd stuck by and grateful that he'd helped her when she could tear her eyes away from the stage. He smiled at her knowingly, a flirtatious glint to his gaze, and she gave him a sin-filled smile in return. When Mike appeared again, her gaze roved over him, but Zaza made it a point not to stare while he worked the crowd. She cleared her throat when she realized her drink was empty but found it had been replaced already. The waiter slipped the empty glass from her hand and whisked it away. Honestly, the huntress couldn't tell if he was actually flirting with her or just playing up the act. Either way, he was good. Definitely gorgeous, with a great butt. Zaza pulled her attention back when he turned and winked at her from the other side of the room. Flushing, she raised her glass to him and took a long drink. That's about the time that Mike made it to her table. Her focus immediately shifted from the playful waiter to the drop-dead gorgeous dancer. "So, this is where you work. I like it. It's classy." She smiled, still feeling the effects of his dance and the waiter's playful attitude. "Is everyone super friendly around here?" Zaza wanted to reach out, finger a lock of his hair, but she didn't want to touch him uninvited, even if they were at his work place, where people touched him all the time. Not to mention, he wasn't hers, so it would be unfair of her to act like he was. "You aren't cold are you, Corvin?" She was proud that she'd remembered his stage name. Feeling like she had somehow become the center of attention, if only because he was sitting at her table, she scanned the room. This was partially out of habit, when she wasn't being distracted by nearly-naked wet men on a stage she usually made sure to keep note of other patrons wherever she was. However, the scan was revealing. There was a very beautiful young woman three tables away glaring daggers her. Blond, tiny and dressed to kill, the girl was an eye-catcher. Right now, Zaza felt very much like this unknown person hated her guts. Clearing her throat delicately, she refocused on his face, her expression sly and unruffled. "I think you have a secret admirer who'd like to claw my eyes out." She was not going to mention how he'd turned her on. She wasn't. God, but she was practically squirming in her seat! "I have never...ever seen anyone dance like you did. It was..." She paused, searching for the correct word. "It was beautiful. Thanks for inviting me." [style=padding: 0px 15px; font-size: smaller;] Location: Scandalous, Las Vegas, NV Music:Mr. Saxobeat - Alexandra Stan Outfit: Sexylicious Notes: She is so turned on right now and trying so very hard not to admit it. [/style]

[Michael Sapiye]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: url(http://i53.tinypic.com/348r4wo.jpg) center bottom no-repeat; outline: 2px solid #4f4a5e; width: 500px; height: 600px; padding: 0px;, bTable] However restrained Zaza was being, Mike was deep in the club's mindset, and he picked up her hand and kissed the palm, then the thin skin of the inner wrist. "Everyone is very friendly. Of course, that's not why Rog was hanging around you. He was hovering because you're smokin' hot." He kissed the same spot again, not even pretending not to be marking his territory for the benefit of Rog and the others. And maybe for Blondie over there, who was pretty enough but had that hard-edged look he'd come to distrust. Women who bleached that aggressively and wore their makeup in such emphatic slashes were looking to prove something and he was not interested. Besides, why would he be when Zaza was here? Mike might not be effortlessly monogamous, but he didn't go eyeing one girl when he was with another. He and Zaza were still figuring things out, but while they were he wasn't going to go wandering right in the middle of a date. So he barely spared Blondie a glance before turning back to the girl in front of him. "She can just admire from afar, I'm busy." When she complimented the routine he smiled, honestly pleased and a little bit shy. "We worked on that routine for a long time. I'm happy with how it came out, I'm just glad they already had the sprayers in place from when we do paint parties." [style=padding: 0px 15px; font-size: smaller;] Location: Scandalous, Las Vegas NV Music: You Look Like Rain - Morphine Outfit: Gi pants and zoris Notes: Staking a claim. [/style]

[Elizabeth Koch]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: url(http://i52.tinypic.com/2hxwqau.jpg) center bottom no-repeat; outline: 2px solid #2a160f; width: 500px; height: 600px; padding: 0px;, bTable] Somehow, her throat had gone dry again. Maybe it was the feel of his lips, his teeth, against her skin. Her wrist tingled and she felt the strongest urge to pull it away from him, rub it back to normal. She didn't, instead settling for eying him, her gaze full of a myriad of emotions while an internal struggle took place. His words did elicit a smile, and her gaze drifted to the named Rog, who was staring at them. "I'm glad someone appreciates my efforts." She focused on Mike, on his mouth, his wet hair. "Make that two someones." Blondie, for her part, look rather pissed. Amused now, Zaza sipped her drink to keep from laughing at the woman's sour expression. Expression switching from elusive to interested in the space of a beat, Zaza leaned forward. She had not forced him to release her wrist, despite the temptation to pull away. Instead, her eyes intensified. "Paint parties?" Shaking her head, the huntress glanced at the stage. "One topic at a time, I know. Back to your dance. It was well-orchestrated. But...I caught a smile." With that, she nearly reached out, to touch his lips. Catching herself, she pulled her hands back to the table, wrapping them safely around her black russian. Lowering her gaze, almost demurely, her brow furrowed. "I'm trying to be good, here. I don't want to overstep boundaries, M-Corvin. But...do you realize how hard it is not to touch you? Especially with your hair still damp and your eyes still so...alive." Lifting her gaze back to his again, she straightened her back, although she was not pulling away from him. To be perfectly honest, Zaza didn't understand where the boundaries laid with him. She wanted him, she knew that quite clearly, but she refused to let herself view him as a sex symbol. And she feared that coming onto him would appear as just that.She couldn't say if she was fighting him or if she was fighting herself. Fortunately - or unfortunately depending on how you viewd it - Rog showed up, replacing her latest empty glass with a fresh one. Although his expression was still flirtatious, the feel of it was different. Controlled. Zaza watched him go. "Did you send out some sort of bat signal? I thought I was smoking hot." [style=padding: 0px 15px; font-size: smaller;] Location: Scandalous, Las Vegas, NV Music:Mr. Saxobeat - Alexandra Stan Outfit: Sexylicious Notes: Some things that should probably be brought up before Zaza screws things up. [/style]

[Michael Sapiye]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: url(http://i53.tinypic.com/348r4wo.jpg) center bottom no-repeat; outline: 2px solid #4f4a5e; width: 500px; height: 600px; padding: 0px;, bTable] As he was slowly getting accustomed to Zaza's scattershot conversational style Mike just smiled. "Yes, we have paint parties about once a month. They bust out the blacklights and everybody wears white and we splash fluorescent tempura around and drink things that glow unnatural colors. You should come, it's a good time." And he'd intended to say more, but what she said about boundaries had him breaking off, frowning a bit. Though once he'd figured out what was bothering her, Mike just smiled and picked up Zaza's wrists, used them to lay her hands flat on his chest, which was still vaguely chilled from the cold water and quick toweling-off. "Don't you get that you're the only woman in this room that I do want to overstep their boundaries?" He pressed his hands against the backs of hers, his palms very hot compared to the chill of his chest. "Touch. God, please touch. I didn't invite you here tonight to show off Rog's pecs or 'Turo's mixology skills. I brought you so I could dance sexy for you and see if you liked it, and if you can handle the idea that this is what I do." Some chicks couldn't, the potential for jealousy was all over the place, especially since Mike was such a born flirt. "So hell yes I bat-signalled Rog off you. If you'd rather go see what he has to offer I'll back off, but as far as I'm concerned you're my girl tonight and I want all that hot-and-bothered look pointed at me." He kept his hands over hers, slid them up until she was touching his shoulders. "This good with you?" [style=padding: 0px 15px; font-size: smaller;] Location: Scandalous, Las Vegas NV Music: You Look Like Rain - Morphine Outfit: Gi pants and zoris Notes: Never even occurred to him that it'd be a problem. [/style]

[Elizabeth Koch]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: url(http://i52.tinypic.com/2hxwqau.jpg) center bottom no-repeat; outline: 2px solid #2a160f; width: 500px; height: 600px; padding: 0px;, bTable] Zaza was trying to imagine a room full of people dressed in white, getting splashed with stuff and everything all glow-in-the-dark-y. She wanted some of that. His invite got a quick nod from her. She'd find a time to show up and be there, if only to witness the crazy. Besides, it was really fun watching Mike work the crowd and flirting with Rog was amusing. Although, if he was gonna fake-flirt the charm would be lost. Already, she could see the charm of Scandalous for women, and even for the men. Some harmless flirting, sometimes more, and everyone gets to go home safe and sound. His hands wrapped around her wrists and, at first, Zaza instinctively resisted. Her hands laid flat on his chilled chest and a thrill ran through her, she could feel his heartbeat and somehow that was nicer than just sitting across the table from him. Her gaze snapped from where her hands rested on his chest to his face when his words hit her ears. She started to say something several times before giving up, her cheeks flushed and heated. Her hands couldn't decide if they were warm or cool, caught as they were between his hands and that strong wall of chest. Zaza settled for simply staring at him, feeling overwhelmed and so awed by the man before her. Obviously a little flustered, she cleared her throat finally. "No, I like what you have to offer. And I like this, you, everything. I was having fun watching you move through the crowd while pretending I wasn't. Rog has a cute butt, but yours is better." Zaza caught several locks of soft, raven hair in her fingers. "Yes, this is good with me." In fact, she'd been craving the ability to touch him. Slowly moving one hand from his shoulder, she allowed herself to trace his lips. "You're gorgeous when you're flirting. Even if it isn't with me. And I appreciate the chance to admire you from afar without getting the full force of you." She relaxed, letting a hand fall away to pick up her drink, although her other hand was still toying with his hair, curling it around her finger. "Okay, I'm all done being a weirdo. I'm good, I really am." Spotting something over his shoulder, she uncurled his hair from her fingers and dropped her other hand. Blondie, who'd been glaring at Corvin for ignoring her table, had finally had enough. She got up and made her way over to him. Leaning up against his shoulder, breasts pressed firmly against his skin, she ran a hand down his chest to trail over a thigh. "Corvin...You never came to see me. I've been waiting all night for you." Her voice was a simper and Zaza struggled to keep her face neutral due to pure mirth. Shooting Zaza a poisonous look, which had the huntress obediently dropping her gaze as though cowed, blondie picked up one of Corvin's hands. "Won't you come and sit with me for a few moments?" Through a curtain of wild curls, Zaza watched Mike for his reaction. She wanted to find out how he'd handle this situation. Personally, if some girl started petting her, she'd have punched her lights out at the very least. However, she doubted he would do the same. [style=padding: 0px 15px; font-size: smaller;] Location: Scandalous, Las Vegas, NV Music:Mr. Saxobeat - Alexandra Stan Outfit: Sexylicious Notes: Although she found the scene with the woman in her forties cute, this she finds funny as all hell. Possibly because blondie's been glaring at her since Mike showed up at her table. [/style]

[Michael Sapiye]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: url(http://i53.tinypic.com/348r4wo.jpg) center bottom no-repeat; outline: 2px solid #4f4a5e; width: 500px; height: 600px; padding: 0px;, bTable] Mike shot Zaza a quick, sly wink over the top of the blonde woman's head but then gave his attention to the one who was demanding it. "Jenny. Have I ever let you wait in vain?" He arched into her touch as though it were too pleasurable to hold still under her hands and gave her a sleepy-eyed smile full of sex and focus. "And I'll go anywhere you want me, you know that." He managed to catch eye contact with Zaza one more time as he let Jenny draw him off to her table. Once he was there, he fell into a sort of worshipful attitude, smiling at her and leaning into her touch, letting her leer at him and buy him drinks and stroke and pet at him with proprietary prurience. At one point she slid into his lap and Mike/Corvin laughed and arched his back, let her do tequila shots off his bare shoulders. And finally he let her catch his hand and draw him up to his feet, start to tow him toward the back rooms where the lap dance booths were. Just before he disappeared out of the room he stopped and murmured something to one of the waiters. A minute or three later, the same waiter turned up at Zaza's table with a club soda with mint and orange and a message. 'Twenty minutes, back parking lot.' And, true to his word, nineteen minutes later Mike stepped out the back employee door of the club, dressed now in fresh jeans and boots, a corduroy buttondown shirt and his hair back in the ponytail he preferred when he didn't feel like fussing with it. He walked straight up to where Zaza was leaning against the car and pressed her back against the driver's side window, kissing her with confidence and claiming, like it was the hundredth time and not the first. Firm and warm and passionate, his hands on her hips and the taste of Crest Vanilla Mint toothpaste on his lips and tongue. When that broke, none too soon, he grinned at her and informed her, "I'm starving. Let's go get midnight breakfast? Jenny tips like a champ, I'm thinking steak and eggs." [style=padding: 0px 15px; font-size: smaller;] Location: Scandalous, Las Vegas NV Music: You Look Like Rain - Morphine Outfit: Jeans, boots, corduroy shirt. Notes: Ready to be outta here. [/style]

[Elizabeth Koch]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: url(http://i52.tinypic.com/2hxwqau.jpg) center bottom no-repeat; outline: 2px solid #2a160f; width: 500px; height: 600px; padding: 0px;, bTable] His wink made her feel like she was apart of some secret thing. She watched him leave with the girl, Jenny, and couldn't help the laughter that escaped. For the rest of the evening, she sat alone, quiet watching him, the way he moved, the way he seemed to light up. Yet, she noticed that, just as with Rog, it was different. Controlled. Rog showed up several more times, but she asked for water to cleanse her palate and keep a clear head. And he didn't disappoint, he kept a full glass in her hands and was always there to help her off her stool if she needed to disappear. She noticed that there was an appreciation in his gaze, but it was guarded, protected by his own control. Due to Mike's words earlier, she didn't do any serious flirting, though she did enjoy the company she had. Another dancer even stopped momentarily at her table after his set and she pulled her gaze from Mike's dark form to compliment him on a beautiful, alluring job and slip him another Franklin. Jenny finally dragged Mike off to the back rooms and Zaza, her show gone, decided she should head out and leave him a voice message. She had just finished her last water when a waiter who was not Rog showed up at her table and dropped off a new drink and a note. Scanning the note quickly, Zaza grinned and took her time with the club soda. It was Rog who returned to help her off the stool, for which she was grateful. She pulled her jacket on and slipped her waiter another couple of Franklins, glad she'd made sure to come prepared. With that, she slipped out of the dark, sex-filled club and moved around to the back parking lot where her car was, enjoying the fresh air. Settling in for the wait, she stuck her hands in her pockets and turned her gaze upward. The sound of the door opening drew her gaze back to earth. A clean, freshly dressed Mike had appeared. To her surprise, his greeting was intimate, a kiss she hadn't thought to even expect. He tasted good, and the skill after all the sexy dancing inside had her knees feeling a little rubbery. Her hands moved up to wrap around his neck, fingers again tangling themselves in his silken hair. When the kiss broke, she felt breathless and possibly light-headed. "Breakfast sounds really good right about now. Not sure I'm dressed for Denny's, though." And all she had was that tiny little clutch, which meant no change of clothes. She reached for the driver's door and paused. "Oh wait, you said you'd never ride with me again. And I am not walking, my feet will bleed in these shoes." [style=padding: 0px 15px; font-size: smaller;] Location: Scandalous, Las Vegas, NV Music:Mr. Saxobeat - Alexandra Stan Outfit: Sexylicious Notes: Pleased, godmod, this post is sucky. [/style]

[Michael Sapiye]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: url(http://i53.tinypic.com/348r4wo.jpg) center bottom no-repeat; outline: 2px solid #4f4a5e; width: 500px; height: 600px; padding: 0px;, bTable] "Too right I'm never riding with you again, you're a crazy person. But meet me at the Hard Rock, we can grab food at Mr. Lucky's. Stupid name, great food, open all night. Not cheap, but Jenny's paying." He kissed her again, quick but no less firm about it. "See you there. I'm taking the quick route." He walked off across the parking lot, took a second to make sure nobody was watching, and then took three running steps forward and took off as a big black bird. It was a mark of trust, letting Zaza see it, though actually the transformation itself wasn't all that impressive. No sparkles, no exploding goop, no mystical tangles of energy. It looked, more than anything, like bad film editing. There's a man, the scene flickers, a bird is flying off. Almost a disappointment. But true to his word when Zaza arrived at the diner inside the Hard Rock Casino Mike was sitting at a booth with two coffee cups already set up and he had a tall glass of orange juice as well. "Before you ask, everything I've ever eaten here is good. Though the Chinese isn't as good as Dragon Phoenix by a sight. Still perfectly edible, though. So what did you think?" He left the question somewhat open-ended, to see what she'd focus on. [style=padding: 0px 15px; font-size: smaller;] Location: Scandalous, Las Vegas NV Music: You Look Like Rain - Morphine Outfit: Jeans, boots, corduroy shirt. Notes: He can chatter too. [/style]

[Elizabeth Koch]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: url(http://i52.tinypic.com/2hxwqau.jpg) center bottom no-repeat; outline: 2px solid #2a160f; width: 500px; height: 600px; padding: 0px;, bTable] On the drive, Zaza mused over his transformation and the fact that he'd shown it to her. She was appreciative of the gesture and amazed over the act itself. It was simple, nothing overly complicated or flashy. She liked it, it was another facet of him that intrigued her. And the kissing. She liked that far more than she truly wanted to admit to him. She might be crazy for the guy, which was new. The idea meant it was time to pay a visit to Ki, talk to him and everything. She pulled into the Hard Rock, handed her stolen car off to a valet and headed inside. It wasn't hard to find the restaurant with the silly name. She sauntered inside, spotted Mike and carefully manuevered her way through the restaurant to slide into the booth across from him. Listening to him quietly, she slipped back out of her jacket, shivering in the cool air-conditioning of the restaurant and focused on his glass of orange juice. To give herself time to gather her thoughts, Zaza stole the orange juice and took a long drink, reveling in the orange-y goodness. "I think every facet of you is amazing, like another piece of a giant unsolvable puzzle. I liked watching you fly. And now I'm curious, how do thought processes change? Or do they even change?" Setting his orange juice down in front of him, she studied him, gray eyes very serious despite the smoky make-up and sexy clothing. "I think the way you handled Jenny was pretty admirable. I think the dance was incredibly sexy. It certainly moved me. It was fun, visiting your club. Maybe one day I'll take you to my workplace and you can see me in action. It's not quite as sexy as your job, but it is often in a dark setting." [style=padding: 0px 15px; font-size: smaller;] Location: Scandalous, Las Vegas, NV Music:Mr. Saxobeat - Alexandra Stan Outfit: Sexylicious Notes: Food time!! [/style]

[Michael Sapiye]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: url(http://i53.tinypic.com/348r4wo.jpg) center bottom no-repeat; outline: 2px solid #4f4a5e; width: 500px; height: 600px; padding: 0px;, bTable] He sipped his coffee, letting her steal his juice with an easy acceptance that came from having so very, very many sisters. "They don't change, not now. But when our shaman bound the bird into me, my mind changed pretty drastically then. I don't so much show it now, because I've gotten good at only showing the human. Or mostly. But my brain is part corvid, it colors the way I see the world, the way I interact with it. The things I eat, the people I like or dislike, the way I move. It's not like the bird is a seperate entity in my mind, more that I'm partly a bird all the time, except when I'm wearing feathers I'm partly a man." A shrug, he wasn't sure he'd explained it all that well, but it was the best he could do. He moved on to, "Jenny's not so bad. There are worse customers, by a lot. And she does tip well, and doesn't try to stalk me home, which some of them do. I like the dancing, I like the other dancers, I like the creativity of it. I don't think I'll be doing it forever, but for now it's good." He smiled at her, "Tell me what your work is like? What's a 'normal' night for you?" [style=padding: 0px 15px; font-size: smaller;] Location: Scandalous, Las Vegas NV Music: You Look Like Rain - Morphine Outfit: Jeans, boots, corduroy shirt. Notes: Almost philosophical there for a minute. [/style]

[Elizabeth Koch]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: url(http://i52.tinypic.com/2hxwqau.jpg) center bottom no-repeat; outline: 2px solid #2a160f; width: 500px; height: 600px; padding: 0px;, bTable] There was an almost hunger in her eyes as he spoke. A hunger to learn more. She'd never really had to ask anyone who was superpowered what it was like. As a perfectly normal human being who lived in the world of the supernatural, she wanted to understand all of it. And he was the most interesting part of everything. "That is pretty neat. I cannot say I entirely understand. I wish I could say I get it from the Buffy perspective, but I really can't. The closest I can come to trying to understand is the idea that the hunter I am is as much as part of me as the woman. I enter a room and I scan it. I sit down and I remain prepared, tense for an attack. But, it certainly isn't the same." She shook her head, processing his words. A purse of the lips, Zaza honestly wasn't sure how to answer that question. "My workplace is every child's worst nightmare. I often spend most of my time watching my brothers walk into empty buildings while I use every piece of knowledge I have at my disposal, not to mention a good handful of technology, to guide them to a safe return. Sometimes, when I'm alone, I walk into those buildings myself. But, I'm not as good as them. I'm not being humble here. When I walk into those buildings, there a good chance I won't walk out. I don't have the instincts, but I'm learning them. I have to, I need to." She shrugged. "My life will be short. For all I know, this could be the last time I ever see you." Zaza poured some creamer into her coffee. "A normal night would go like this. I'd leave you with the taste of your mouth on my lips. I'd catch sight of something abnormal and decidedly deadly on the way back to my brothers. So, I would stop, follow the creature to it's nest. If I'm lucky, it'll be the only one there and I'll be able to figure out exactly what it is and how to kill it before it rips me apart. If I'm unlucky...Well, you don't tend to hear much about the unlucky ones." She smiled and took a sip of her coffee. "Like I said, not as sexy. Hunters live the shortest, but usually the best, lives ever. After all, we spend our off-time in clubs and diners, or traveling the world. Who can beat that?" [style=padding: 0px 15px; font-size: smaller;] Location: Scandalous, Las Vegas, NV Music:Mr. Saxobeat - Alexandra Stan Outfit: Sexylicious Notes: Food time!! [/style]

[Michael Sapiye]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: url(http://i53.tinypic.com/348r4wo.jpg) center bottom no-repeat; outline: 2px solid #4f4a5e; width: 500px; height: 600px; padding: 0px;, bTable] Mike could actually think of several things better than that. The life she was describing sounded downright hellish to him, and he tried and failed to figure out why she'd chase after it unless if was for her brothers' sake. He made a mental note to chase that down someday, but not today. They had other things to talk about first. "And you've never wanted anything else? Never thought that there might be other things that you'd like to do, other lives you'd rather live?" It was a concept Mike was still struggling with, in his quiet way. He'd left behind his family's way of life and found himself more than a little adrift out here in the world without it. He was trying to find an idea of a life that was right for him, and hadn't gotten there yet. [style=padding: 0px 15px; font-size: smaller;] Location: Scandalous, Las Vegas NV Music: You Look Like Rain - Morphine Outfit: Jeans, boots, corduroy shirt. Notes: Wow, that sounds...horrible. [/style]

[Elizabeth Koch]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: url(http://i52.tinypic.com/2hxwqau.jpg) center bottom no-repeat; outline: 2px solid #2a160f; width: 500px; height: 600px; padding: 0px;, bTable] She was about to shake her head, when she took his question and really considered the idea. "When I was a little girl, I wanted...I wanted Disney World and white picket fences and true love. I wanted to be a princess. But I've grown up on the road. I don't think I know how to live another life. I'd always live a life of wariness and uncertainty if I stopped moving. Kochs have been hunters for...forever. In this life, if you eat a poisoned apple, that's it. I guess, at this point, I'd like to heal people. I'd like to save them. I know some medicine. But..." Zaza focused on her cup. "I want to live in Cinderella's Castle, I don't want to deal with death and destruction for the rest of my life. It's scary. But, I can't just walk away. My brothers...They need me." She wasn't so sure if that was the case or if she needed them more. "If my life isn't what it is, I'd probably have pursued a career in medicine, tried to save lives. There are many things I'd like to do. Many lives I'd like to live. I'd like to go to a grocery store, have a boring desk job. I'd like to be able to go to sleep at night knowing everything really will be fine." She had opened up a cupboard she hadn't touched in years and it was sensitive; she drank some of her coffee before changing the topic again. "What about you? What are your dreams?" [style=padding: 0px 15px; font-size: smaller;] Location: Scandalous, Las Vegas, NV Music:Mr. Saxobeat - Alexandra Stan Outfit: Sexylicious Notes: It's uncomfortable to imagine walking away. She's never had the time to think about what she wants. [/style]

[Michael Sapiye]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: url(http://i53.tinypic.com/348r4wo.jpg) center bottom no-repeat; outline: 2px solid #4f4a5e; width: 500px; height: 600px; padding: 0px;, bTable] He was going to answer the question, but first he wanted to address her points, several things she said had struck an odd note for him. "You get that there's a middle ground between living a life that's all about violence and the supernatural and chasing after the next thing that could definitely kill you and being a Disney Princess, right? That there's options that would allow you to have some of both worlds? Fake yourself up a good set of papers and go to medical school, or even get a nursing degree but also put all that research skill of yours to use learning how to treat supernatural woundings. How to bring someone down from a wraith's poison, how to disinfect a vampire bite, what needs to be done to detox a person from a lamia's influence. These are all things that have a physiological side as well as a supernatural one. And, hell, I haven't met all that many hunters in my life, but every one of them has had crooked fingers from them being broken and not being able to go to a hospital to set them right, scars that should have had layered stitches instead of just the surface stitches that are what you can do on yourself in a motel room, like that. Just being someone who could patch people up on a level more sophisticated than first aid and who isn't in the 'system' would be bringing a lot of value to the community." He shook his head, leaning forward with his elbows propped on the table as he spoke, all very earnest and quiet. "This kinda touches on my answer about what I want, but I don't really believe that people should live lives that are forced on them if it's not what they love. And part of that is being clear-eyed about what's real and what isn't. There are lives available to you that aren't hunting or living some Pleasantville dream in the burbs. Just like there are lives available to me that aren't flying the forests or stripping in Vegas. I'm just waiting to figure out how to get the ones I want." Quiet, "I want land. And family. It doesn't have to be great land, but enough that I've got wilderness to move through. I want a family. And I want..." he pursed his lips, considering. "I've had a thing in my head for a while now about the concept of Sanctuary. A safe place for people to go. The question is sanctuary from what, and for whom. Until I figure that out, I don't know how to move forward. Not yet. I'll get there though." [style=padding: 0px 15px; font-size: smaller;] Location: Mr. Lucky's, Las Vegas NV Music: You Look Like Rain - Morphine Outfit: Jeans, boots, corduroy shirt. Notes: He's not going to be in bars forever. [/style]