HOME FIRES MISTS LIFEBLOOD SPOKES
It's dangerous for teens to run away in the real world, how much more so might it be in the World of Darkness?
Lee wanders into the all-night place at about quarter to two. She looks
around nervously, but doesn't see anyone who a) looks too interested in
her or b) looks threatening in general, so she squares her shoulders and
grabs a table.
Roundtree steps into the coffee shop a few moments later. As he walks
into the door he casts an eye over to Lee and let's a small smirk peek
out from the side of his lips. He looks away almost TOO intentionally and
begins to wander around the shop, running his finger over the tables,
chairs and counters which he passes, as if inspecting them.
Eyes of indeterminate color peer at you from behind slightly
dirty glasses as this teenager glances your way. Her hair is cut about
chin-level, making her oval face look a bit rounder than it might with a
more flattering cut. She has a nice smile, the slightly-crooked variety
that appears to be from a lot of self-directed humor. She wears a black
and gold t-shirt with the words "Attitude sucks" and jeans. She also
carries a backpack.
Roundtree carries a small walking stick with him. The cane has a white
ivory hilt. He twirls it slightly with his free hand.
Lee opens her backpack and begins rummaging through it, murmuring to
herself.
Roundtree purposefully makes his way around the sides of the room,
inspecting every picture and wall hanging, then begins circling inward.
Occassionally he looks over at Lee - curious.
Lee pulls out a battered journal and a pen. She gnaws on the end of the
pen for a moment while she finds her place, and then while she rereads
her last entry.
Roundtree circles around the room once more, finding himself at the back
of Lee's chair. Running a finger over the back of her chair, achingly
close to the back of her neck, he licks his lips and looks over her
shoulder.
Lee looks up, startled. She didn't seem to hear you approach. "Umm..hi?"
Roundtree smiles his most winning smile and replies with, "Do you always
write your most private thoughts in public view?"
Roundtree(#2013PXOce)
There was a time when gentlemen always wore hats. Some gentlemen
still do, such as the young man before you. Indeed, as you look at him he
most likely will stylishly smooth the rim of his white fedora. Then he
will run his hand down his sandwashed silk suit and slide it into his
pocket, relaxing into a confident, perhaps arrogant stance.
His suit is not only sandwashed but sand colored. It drapes over
his form like sea foam and the entire ensemble is reminiscent of the
ocean. Over the suit is a similarly sandwashed silk trenchcoat, elegantly
finishing off the effect.
The man smiles confidently, a slow, sly gesture. His fedora
shading his pale blue eyes only adds to it. A tuft of blonde peeks out of
the back of his head, cropped short and professional. He wears no jewelry
and while he obviously appreciates fine things, he does not litter
himself with accessories.
Lee says "Umm..no. Just when I can't sleep, and don't feel like sitting
at home. You know. Can I help you with something?"
So much adolescent bravado in that voice..and a note of fear in those eyes.
Roundtree doesn't answer the question. INstead he pulls up a chair next
to you and sitsspread legged over the chair, leaning over the back of it.
He fingers his cane and looks through your mussled hair for your eyes.
"You go to Penn right? Incoming freshman?"
Lee nods quickly. "Yeah. I haven't chosen a major yet, though.."
Roundtree smiles wider and seems to lean forward a bit. His 'presence' is
almost daunting, and yet he seems so much like a white night, or a
southern gentleman. In fact, you can even begin to make out a slight
southern accent when he replies, "I thought I recognized you from the
orientation. I just graduated myself. How are you enjoying it so far?"
Lee smiles a little..."Oh, I like it just fine...it's so freeing to be
away from home.."
You say "How far away are you?"
Lee says "A few hours. Nothing serious."
You say "So you see your parents alot then?"
Lee shakes her head. "Nah. Who'd want to?" More bravado.
Roundtree nods. "Yeah, we're adults now, right?"
Lee says "IF you've graduated, you sure are. I'm still working on it."
Roundtree shakes his head and waves his hand at you dismissively. "What
does age have to do with it? If they've sent you off to college, you're
obviously able to take care of yourself."
Lee smiles. OK, so maybe he's a bit weird, but he understands. "I sure
am. Although I don't know what I'm doing talking to strage guys at two am
in coffeehouses." She winks.
You say "Something to put in your diary."
Roundtree smiles and winks back. He licks his lips a little to keep them
from getting dry.
You say "Besides, I just want to make you feel welcome in my city."
Lee says "Oh, you're from here? What's the accent, then?"
You say "Accent? Oh..."
Roundtree chuckles and smiles. "No, I'm not originally from here. But i'm
here now, have been since I've been in school. That's all that matters
right? This is home."
Lee nods a little, charmed by your manner. "Where are you from before
then?"
You say "The Carolinas. You know, down south? You gre up here?"
grew
Lee shakes her head. "Ohio."
You say "Ohio. Yankee."
Roundtree smiles as he says it but there's a little sarcastic twist to
the word. "But we can get past that, I suppose." HE winks again.
Lee looks indignant for a split second, then half-smiles. "I guess so."
You say "So do you stay in the dorms?"
Lee shakes her head a fraction, but then nods quickly. "Sure."
Roundtree tilts his head to the side. "Like your roommate?"
Lee says "I have my own room."
Roundtree raises an eyebrow and looks impressed. "Really? Wow, a Freshman
with her own room at Penn. You must have connections."
You say "Most people get stuck with some looser they would never spend
their time with."
Lee says "I...paid a lot, yeah."
Lee looks a bit uncomfortable.
Roundtree looks you over. "Is that where all your money goes then? You
know, you could find a single room for much cheaper off campus."
Lee says "Probably, but I like being close to class."
Roundtree nods and looks down at his cane, fingering it closely. "I can
see that. I guess if it's worth it to you."
Lee follows your gaze to the cane, and slides back slightly in her chair.
Roundtree licks his teeth, considering. "So what else do you do?"
Lee says "Write, some.."
You say "Really? What do you write?"
Lee says "Fiction...a little fantasy...things like that. I'm refining my
technique."
You say "Got any one you?"
Lee digs in her backpack for a moment, and pulls out a spiral notebook
and hands it to you.
Roundtree takes the notebook in his hand and weighs it. "Wow, how much is
in here?"
Lee says "It's not all full...just about five sixths. Or something like
that."
You say "Too bad I'm not a speed reader."
Roundtree thumbs through it casually, clancing here and there, skimming.
She's no college student..if you had any doubt, it's here in the
scribbles in the margins. Only high schoolers do this kind of thing.
Roundtree nods and smiles, confirming what he already knew. "Looks pretty
good. Mind if I take it home so I can read them closer?"
Lee says "Umm...I don't have any other copies..."
You say "I'll give it back..."
Roundtree looks slightly offended but softens, "But you hardly know me, I
get it."
Lee blushes. "Well....if I knew where I could make some copies..."
Roundtree nods. "Yeah, I understand. And that can be expensive. " He hmms
and looks down at the notebook, then up at you and hmms again. "You know
what might be fun..."
Lee says "Huh?"
Lee looks interested.
You say "Well, we could have a reading sometime. You know, just us, maybe
a few friends if we want. We can come over to my place, have some wine,
sit around and read poems and stories. Real artsy fartsy but hey - isn't
that what college is all about?"
Lee grins! "I'd love it!" Her smile really is nice..and this is an
unguarded one.
Roundtree smiles wide. "Really? Good...I think it would be very relaxing.
So...when?"
Lee says "Oh, whenever! I can make time."
You say "Well, I'd say we could do it tonight but it's kind of late and
short notice... unless you think you'd be up to it?"
Lee says "Your friends aren't in bed?"
You say "Well, if we invite a bunch of people then yeah, they're in bed.
But you can I could still hang out, if you want."
Lee says "Ummm....oh, hell. You aren't going to like try to rape me or
anything, are you?"
Roundtree blinks and sits back, seemingly shocked. "Of course not. You
aren't going to try and rape me are you?"
Lee giggles. "No. I wouldn't know where to start."
You say "Well then, we're both safe. Right?"
Lee nods...
Lee stuffs the notebook back in her bag.
Roundtree smiles and stands up, replacing the chair. "Do you have a car
around or do you want to ride with me?"
Lee says "I'll ride with you...thanks."
Roundtree nods and holds the door open for you. "After you m'lady."
Lee grabs her journal and goes first out the door.
Roundtree leads you over to his car. It's nice, more expensive then you
would expect from a new college grad but not TOO expensive. The interior
is immaculate, like his clothes.
Lee mms, running her hand over the seat.
Roundtree closes the door behind you and goes around to the other side.
He slips behind the wheel and cranks up the engine. "Patrick, by the
way."
Lee says "My name's...Linda."
You say "Linda. Nice to meet you."
Lee says "Same! So how far's your place?"
Roundtree puts the car into gear and backs out. "Buckle in." He zooms
across down as if he's racing the dawn and finally leads you into the
suburbs of the city and to a middle class area of town. His home is like
his car. Nicer than you'd expect but not TOO extravagant. "Here we are.
Safe and sound."
Lee oohs as she looks up. "Nice. Just you here, or do you have
roommates?"
You say "Mostly just me at the moment. I'm trying to find people to fill
the extra rooms though."
Lee nods. "I bet rent sucks." She looks up at the large house.
You say "Not as bad as campus housing."
You say "My father helped me out with this place when I first started
out."
Lee says "Yeah, well, you only have to pay that once.."
You say "It's still too much for what you get."
Roundtree leads you inside. "Let's get out of the cold."
Lee nods and follows you, watching you unlock the door.
Roundtree opens the door and let's you walk in first. The inside of the
house isn't all that spectacular. Looks like just the basics for the
moment. Not surprising.
Lee says "So how long have you lived here?"
You say "Last few years of school. Once my dad saw that I was actually
going to stay, he buckled in and helped me get started."
Lee says "I guess so...this is cool. How many rooms?"
Thr furniture is nice however. For lack of accessories, the quality is
definately more than you would expect. "Oh...three upstairs and the den
downstairs." There is also a fireplace which looks sofar unused. Or at
least, not this winter.
Lee walks around the living room, examining things. "So we'd have the
reading in here?"
Roundtree nods. "Yes. The den is my lair and usually isn't fit for
company." He chuckles. "Do you think this would do?"
Lee turns to look at you. "It'd be great!" Her tone of voice belies her
inexperience. "I want to see your den. It can't be that bad!"
Roundtree mmms and considers. "Hmmm...are you sure?"
Lee nods."Sure. Can't be worse than a DORM ROOM, can it?" She winks
saucily.
Roundtree smiles and licks his teeth. He waves a finger at you and
chuckles to himself. "Ok...but you enter at your own risk."
Lee giggles. "Okie."
Roundtree leads you over to a small set of stairs and to a door at the
bottom. He pulls out a key and unlocks the door, opening it wide and once
again letting you go first.
Lee looks for a light switch.
Roundtree reaches in behind you and flips the switch. As he does he
places a hand on your shoudler gently. He sits his cane aside. "Well?"
You say "Here it is."
Lee grins. "See, it's not so bad. A bit untidy, but hey!"
The den looks like a very COMFORTABLE bedroom. It also looks like it is
being redecorated. A large oaken-based couch with red cushion takes up a
considerable amount of space in the farthest, darkest corner of the room
and looks like it doubles as a bed. The windows are on the other side of
the den/basement and are all closed with wooden shades which can block
most of the light.
Lee heads to the couch and bounces approvingly. "This...is really nice."
Roundtree watches you bounce and resists cringing. "Thank you. I'm glad
you like it."
Lee looks up at you. "You sleep in here too?"
Roundtree nods. "Most of the time. If for no other reason than I fall
asleep reading or working on some project."
Lee says "I can tell. It smells a little like your cologne."
Roundtree removes his coat and hangs it up in a small closet. He
chuckles. "That noticeable eh?"
Lee says "A little. So, now you've graduated, what do you do?"
You say "A little of everything. I've saved up a little money and I'm
mostly looking around to see what I can find. I'm considering going into
business for myself, maybe buying into one of those coffee shops that
cute freshman girls like to frequent at 2 am."
Lee grins. "That why you were in there?"
You say "To check out the business. Not to pick up girls."
Roundtree smiles. "But sometimes it can be a bonus."
Lee grins, pushing her hair back from her face. "So....did you get what
you wanted?"
You say "Not yet, but I'm working on it."
Roundtree leans against the wall non-chalantly, looking at you with a
small smile.
Lee says "How close do you think you are?"
Roundtree looks from you to the bed and back to you. "Close. Just have to
figure out how to close the deal."
Lee looks a bit nervous, but excited a little. "Well..I've heard a soft
sell sometimes works, you know?"
You say "Yeah, that's what my dad always told me. How soft do you think I
should go with this one?"
Lee says "I don't know. Sometimes it helps to make an offer."
You say "You know the place pretty well. What kind of offer do you'd
think they'd go for?"
Roundtree moves away from the wall and slides up next to you on the
couch/bed.
Lee says "Umm....er....I don't know. Business isn't my strong point. You
know?"
Roundtree reaches up and touches your cheek, leaning forward. "Who says I
was talking business?" He leans his lips towards you slowly, tilting you
chin up.
Lee closes her eyes, shivering, and tilts her face to yours.
Roundtree kisses you softly, his lips cool but wet. He breaths in deeply
as presses closer, his hand cuping your face, dangling fingers stroking
your neck and earlobe.
Lee's breath is quick and uneven, and her kissing...less than
experienced. She puts one hand on your leg, and you can feel her shiver
as you touch her neck.
Roundtree kisses you gently a few times, not very deep, but sensual. His
experience. A lifetime at least. He moves the kisses around your lips and
down to the underside of your chin, stroking down and around the back of
your neck.
Lee's breath catches. "That..kinda..tickles..."
Roundtree mmms and kisses back further along your neck. "How about this?"
Lee sighs softly. "That's..not so bad." Her face is flushed, and you can
fel the lifestream pounding beneath your lips.
Roundtree reaches his other hand up to your side, to hold you as he
kisses down your neck, running his tongue over the stream of life which
stirs and boils underneath your ever-warming skin.
Lee shudders and goes very still for a moment, then pulls away almost
reflexively. She looks embarassed.
Roundtree looks stunned and his eyes look slightly wild. He shakes his
head and makes small noises under his breath. "What was that for?" His
composure looks slightly shaken. The hungry look in his eyes is beginning
to fade but he looks terribly slighted.
Lee blushes. "I'm sorry..I just...." She looks up into your face,
searching for signs of forgiveness. "Maybe..try again?"
Roundtree takes a breath and nods with a now forming, forgiving smile.
"Sure...I'm sorry, I just...your very easy to get into."
Lee blushes deeper. "Really?"
Roundtree reaches up and strokes your cheek and neck. "Yeah...there's
something special about you...something deep inside."
Lee closes her eyes again, shivering. "Like...?"
You say "I'm not sure, I'm just beginning to find it. But it's warm -
like fire. Maybe the fires of creativity. Maybe that's what it is. You're
inner muse calling out to me. That passionate part of you that guides
your pen."
Lee sighs softly, eating it up. "Will you show me?"
Roundtree smiles and nods. "I'll try..." He swallows and takes your hand.
"Close your eyes."
Lee nods and does so.
Roundtree touches the crown of your head and strokes your face slowly
down, running his cool fingers over your eyes, cheeks, nose and lips.
When he reaches your neck he brings his other hand up as well and leans
forward, tilting your head slightly to the side.
Lee tenses, anticipating...
Roundtree leans forward and you can feel his lips slowly wet the warm
place on your neck. AS your heart quickens, the warmth grows stronger and
it is then that you begin to feel that place that Patrick told you about.
It has to be. The pleasure and warmth and light that you feel as he sicks
his Kiss into you in unquestionably the most beautiful thing you've ever
experienced.
Lee shudders, making a soft moan in the back of her throat. Her pulse
pounds, flooding you with her young, sweet, virgin lifestream, and she
melts into your arms, unable to move or resist.
Roundtree drinks deep the purity of your sweet life-filled nectar. Like
ambrosia to a dying man he moans with you and holds you close, his hands
clenching and drinking until his thrist for you is quenched. It's hard.
Very hard, the purity of your taste being almost too much. It isn't
something to let go of easily as he will most likely remind you -
encouraging you to keep it pure. He pulls back finally though, letting
you sink into his arms.
Lee sighs softly. "Mmmmm......" She seems disinclined to open her eyes,
letting you hold her. She whispers "I feel it, Patrick.."
Roundtree whispers in your ear. "I can too...it's beautiful. Don't ever
let it go."
Lee says "how do I keep it?"
You say "Just say true to yourself and don't ever let anyone spoil it.
I'll help all I can. If you'll let me."
Lee bites her lip softly. "I'm dizzy, Patrick..." She stops short of
asking if it's normal.
You say "It's late and you're probably exhausted. I'll take you upstairs
and you can rest. Then we can talk about it tomorrow."
Lee half-smiles. "I don't want to move..." she protests a little.
You say "I'll carry you."
Roundtree smiles and kisses you gently on your cheek. "I'd let you stay
here but it isn't safe. I think that is a little too far for so soon."
Lee giggles softly. "How romantic..."
You say "I try to be the gentleman. Don't expect it next time."
Lee's smile fades slightly. "OK.."
Roundtree chuckles and reaches his arms around you, lifting you up pretty
easily. Must be some muscle there under those clothes. "I'm joking
beautiful. Rest easy."
You say "I'll always be a gentleman. I'm southern. It's what we do."
Lee slips her arms around your neck. You can still smell her blood, but
it's easier to resist now. "I can live with that...when I..I mean, OK."
Roundtree shhhs you and takes you upstairs, tucking you in bed, clothes
and all. He lays out a robe and some towels and things for when you wake
up and then goes downstairs, tucking himself in before dawn.
HOME FIRES MISTS LIFEBLOOD SPOKES