"More than you'd like and less than I'd like."Â?
Bao said with a small smile and just a tough of humor. He didn't want to scare her.
"I would like to learn more, but from you rather than from my research."Â?
She would, of course, have no idea how big an offer that was. Still, Bao made it. He wanted a relationship with her. The goal was to fix the mistake.
Now this was the question he'd been waiting for, and there was no good answer. Bao opted not to sugar coat it, what he knew of her Bao felt that Pakpao would ultimately appreciate a direct answer.
"I am a collector. You were, you are, so unusual I couldn't let you pass and then when you fought back and proved you character there simply was no option."Â?
He said it with out a hint of apology or regret. There was nothing -to- apologize for and the only thing he regretted was that he'd lost her. Not that he'd traumatized her or removed her from her family, or even that he'd killed her.
Pleased to Meet You, Won't You Guess My Name (Attn: Pak, Aishe and Mara)
Bao grumbled about the sewer entrance, he always did. Perhaps it was one of the reasons he avoided The House of Pain, or perhaps it just wasn't his style, at least not most of the time. It didn't matter, he would put up with a lot to get to actually talk to his wayward offspring. And if the sewer was the worst he had to endure it would be a very small price to pay.
Deciding it wouldn't be wise to sit in the Anantya section, if he were to take 'home field advantage' she might resent that, or possibly even run after all, he found a neutral booth. It managed to be semi private but wasn't so tucked away that you couldn't see most of the floor from it, again he didn't want her feeling trapped. He'd seen what she did when she felt trapped. Whether Pakpao knew it or not she'd broken his nose and a couple of toes when then ran into each other in California.
He ordered a drink and then all he could do was wait. It was hard not to watch the various writhing masses of human and vampire without looking like a predator. But that wasn't the image he wanted right now. Truthfully, he didn't know how to go about this. Apologize? Defend his actions? Simply tell her she owed him three hundred years of service and education? No, none of those seemed right and he'd rejected all those ideas between when Mara had told him of this meeting and now.
As much as Bao was loathed to admit it, even to himself, Pakpao had the power in this meeting. He needed to know what she wanted from him before he could respond. If she were part of Anantya or completely unaffiliated, he could take what he wanted. But unless she left Evenhet willingly, trying to snatch one of them would cause more trouble then he was authorized to start.
He let his mind wander, trying to prepare for this in some way his eyes never leaving the crowd, trying to spot her.
Bao
14 years ago
Pakpao
14 years ago
Pak inclined her head, just barley, but enough to be polite and acknowledge the request. Yet again, he'd managed to throw her, he wanted to know her? What the hell?
No. No. No. No.
This was -not- how any of this was supposed to go. She was supposed to hate him and he was supposed to try and manipulate or even hurt her.
To put it bluntly, Pak was -very- confused.
What?! Pak could only stare, dumbfounded. He'd killed her over an accident of genetics and her bad temper?! If she hadn't fought back, what the hell would he have done then? Left her on the side of the road?
She was going back to the towers and gouging her eyes out. They'd caused her nothing but trouble. Her husband, Sunan, had always said they'd made him uneasy, this son of a bitch had killed her over them, they'd kept her in the brothels for years; they had to go.
"You fucking killed me over my eyes?! You think I'm nothing more than a Monet?! What the hell are you looking to study me now? Trying to find a story in the brush strokes?"Â?
It was a cold unfeeling answer and it cut deep. So why was she still sitting her?
No. No. No. No.
This was -not- how any of this was supposed to go. She was supposed to hate him and he was supposed to try and manipulate or even hurt her.
To put it bluntly, Pak was -very- confused.
What?! Pak could only stare, dumbfounded. He'd killed her over an accident of genetics and her bad temper?! If she hadn't fought back, what the hell would he have done then? Left her on the side of the road?
She was going back to the towers and gouging her eyes out. They'd caused her nothing but trouble. Her husband, Sunan, had always said they'd made him uneasy, this son of a bitch had killed her over them, they'd kept her in the brothels for years; they had to go.
"You fucking killed me over my eyes?! You think I'm nothing more than a Monet?! What the hell are you looking to study me now? Trying to find a story in the brush strokes?"Â?
It was a cold unfeeling answer and it cut deep. So why was she still sitting her?
Aishe
14 years ago
Aishe went with Kiamhaat into the section of the House of Pain reserved for the Evenhet. She was surprised at the number of greetings Kiamhaat received, both from patrons and employees. Then again, it was wel-known who was watching the Clan in Alfarinn's absence. Still...
"It's like you've been here before," she murmured to him. She was rewarded by seeing him look back in slight surprise. His answer was immediate and logical.
"When you have limited options for life support, this is a good place to be."
She should have realized. Kiamhaat could never countenance the idea of feeding on a reluctant victim, no matter the euphoria caused by their bite. It would stand to reason he would gravitate toward this establishment, where the humans here were groomed for such a thing, and most of them desired it and thrived on it. It was possible, too, to obtain what was needed without ever having to puncture human skin. That explained why he seemed so comfortable here. Full of surprises, was Kiamhaat.
As they wandered through Evenhet's small sanctuary Aishe tried to stay tuned to Pak. She wasn't an expert at this empathy thing by any means yet and she still had the most success when she was close to her target and within visual range, but she had learned if she really stayed focused she could keep tabs on someone, as she had promised to do with Pak.
It would have been very easy to become distracted by Kiamhaat, whose arms slung low around her waist was warm and inviting, and whose pale eyes smiled down at her in a way that promised a whole lot more fun. The sort of fun that had had her in and out of this dress twice before she'd gotten here.
Aishe couldn't complain about that.
Nevertheless, she tuned into Pak and stuck like a burr. Sifting through flashed that could have been anyone interfering, she managed to catch a hint of something... off. It was anger, disgust, and abject terror all rolled into one, and then it was gone. Knowing Pak's ability to hide her feelings, Aishe looked up at Kiamhaat.
"Will you check on Pak, please?" she asked softly, turning toward him and splaying her hands across the broad plane of his chest. "I'm worried."
((ooc: permission to use empathy))
"It's like you've been here before," she murmured to him. She was rewarded by seeing him look back in slight surprise. His answer was immediate and logical.
"When you have limited options for life support, this is a good place to be."
She should have realized. Kiamhaat could never countenance the idea of feeding on a reluctant victim, no matter the euphoria caused by their bite. It would stand to reason he would gravitate toward this establishment, where the humans here were groomed for such a thing, and most of them desired it and thrived on it. It was possible, too, to obtain what was needed without ever having to puncture human skin. That explained why he seemed so comfortable here. Full of surprises, was Kiamhaat.
As they wandered through Evenhet's small sanctuary Aishe tried to stay tuned to Pak. She wasn't an expert at this empathy thing by any means yet and she still had the most success when she was close to her target and within visual range, but she had learned if she really stayed focused she could keep tabs on someone, as she had promised to do with Pak.
It would have been very easy to become distracted by Kiamhaat, whose arms slung low around her waist was warm and inviting, and whose pale eyes smiled down at her in a way that promised a whole lot more fun. The sort of fun that had had her in and out of this dress twice before she'd gotten here.
Aishe couldn't complain about that.
Nevertheless, she tuned into Pak and stuck like a burr. Sifting through flashed that could have been anyone interfering, she managed to catch a hint of something... off. It was anger, disgust, and abject terror all rolled into one, and then it was gone. Knowing Pak's ability to hide her feelings, Aishe looked up at Kiamhaat.
"Will you check on Pak, please?" she asked softly, turning toward him and splaying her hands across the broad plane of his chest. "I'm worried."
((ooc: permission to use empathy))
Kem`Raaisu
14 years ago
Kem knew a few of the people who'd worked here over the years and he made sure to stop and say hello. Aishe's question to him did take him by surprise. Sure, he had his oddities, but with the exception of a few very close moments of weakness, he'd managed to stay alive this long even with his somewhat picky tastes. While it wasn't the sort of establishment he would ever come to for fun and hanging out, the House of Pain was exactly the sort of place where someone as finicky as him could almost manage to believe he was normal and not aberrant.
He wondered, for a moment if knowing he was less than perfect, just as bloodthirsty as the next vampire, would bother Aishe. She just looked up at him with those understanding green eyes, though, and didn't judge. Like always. He was about to draw her close, wanting to hold her, wanting to feel her near, when she turned to him and rested her small hands upon his chet with a concerned expression.
At her request he nodded. He'd been focused on Pak as it was, trying to maintain his bubble of calm. He sent to her, redoubling his efforts at his glamour as he did.
[How's everything going? I don't hear gunfire yet.]
He wondered, for a moment if knowing he was less than perfect, just as bloodthirsty as the next vampire, would bother Aishe. She just looked up at him with those understanding green eyes, though, and didn't judge. Like always. He was about to draw her close, wanting to hold her, wanting to feel her near, when she turned to him and rested her small hands upon his chet with a concerned expression.
At her request he nodded. He'd been focused on Pak as it was, trying to maintain his bubble of calm. He sent to her, redoubling his efforts at his glamour as he did.
[How's everything going? I don't hear gunfire yet.]
Bao
14 years ago
She would appreciate it later. From the sounds of it day, weeks if not months later. Bao was not surprised, nor did he flinch at her reaction. He couldn't show that weakness. Perhaps it did sound a touch cold. Bao opted not to try and channel or change this reaction. She had to work through this one on her own. Not that she would accept his help even if he did offer it.
"I was originally attracted to you because of your eyes."Â?
Bao gently clarified. He needed to keep her focused on the reality of the situation, not on how she chose to perceive it.
"This is not a matter of studying you, it is a matter of ensuring there are no gaps in your education and answering the questions you might still have. No one ever promised you would like the answers."Â?
"I was originally attracted to you because of your eyes."Â?
Bao gently clarified. He needed to keep her focused on the reality of the situation, not on how she chose to perceive it.
"This is not a matter of studying you, it is a matter of ensuring there are no gaps in your education and answering the questions you might still have. No one ever promised you would like the answers."Â?
Pakpao
14 years ago
Kem's voice in her head was surprising and a little comforting. Pak clung to it like a lifeline.
[Only because I don't have a gun. Kem... he only did this to me to 'collect' me. He... He... god, it was just over my eyes.]
Anyone else she would have worried they'd be just as disgusted and want nothing more to do with her, but Pak had more faith in Kem than that. If she hadn't she never would have told him.
As it was she was thoroughly revolted by what Bao had told her. Pak wanted very much to just leave. But she didn't she wanted something more from him. She wanted to know about her family and she'd tolerate any insult he could throw at her to learn about them.
"There is no way you're going to be able to make this sound better. You went walking down the road and mistook it for Sotheby's. If you paid that much for something why didn't you bring it home. Why am I not hanging on your wall or in a bell jar somewhere?"Â?
[Only because I don't have a gun. Kem... he only did this to me to 'collect' me. He... He... god, it was just over my eyes.]
Anyone else she would have worried they'd be just as disgusted and want nothing more to do with her, but Pak had more faith in Kem than that. If she hadn't she never would have told him.
As it was she was thoroughly revolted by what Bao had told her. Pak wanted very much to just leave. But she didn't she wanted something more from him. She wanted to know about her family and she'd tolerate any insult he could throw at her to learn about them.
"There is no way you're going to be able to make this sound better. You went walking down the road and mistook it for Sotheby's. If you paid that much for something why didn't you bring it home. Why am I not hanging on your wall or in a bell jar somewhere?"Â?
Kem`Raaisu
14 years ago
Kem tilted his head as he received Pak's response. Her answer made him feel a little ill, only because it seemed like such a bad reason to pull someone off the street, away from their family, and make them a vampire. He imagined himself in her position, remembering what she'd told him about her family; her husband and her children. Her years of being unable to make a living and turning to prostitution. All for a pair of blue eyes?
[For what it's worth, Pak, if he hadn't done what he did then I wouldn't have you to keep me sane now.]
He couldn't say anything else. How did one justify a turning based on that? It was more than a little bit off. It was slightly unhinged. Impulsive, at the best. Sick, at worst. So he focused on the fact that regardless of how she'd gotten here, Pak was loved and valued.
[And no. You may not go home and gouge your eyeballs out.]
Didn't hurt to level a slight precaution. Looking down at Aishe's curious face, Kem relayed to her what Pak had said.
[For what it's worth, Pak, if he hadn't done what he did then I wouldn't have you to keep me sane now.]
He couldn't say anything else. How did one justify a turning based on that? It was more than a little bit off. It was slightly unhinged. Impulsive, at the best. Sick, at worst. So he focused on the fact that regardless of how she'd gotten here, Pak was loved and valued.
[And no. You may not go home and gouge your eyeballs out.]
Didn't hurt to level a slight precaution. Looking down at Aishe's curious face, Kem relayed to her what Pak had said.
Aishe
14 years ago
Turned on account of her pretty eyes? Aishe furrowed her brow and looked away from Kiamhaat. She had to wonder, then, why someone had turned him. Was it because he, too, was unique? Or for some other reason?
"It doesn't seem fair," she murmured to him, knowing his keen hearing would register her voice even in the noise of the club.
It was hard for her to really wrap her head around it. After all, she had had the luxury of taking her time, learning about vampires, getting to know the Clan that had ultimately taken her in and given her a new home, a new life. She was the opposite end of the spectrum from Kiamhaat and Pak, whose beginnings had been traumatic and, in Pak's case apparently, based on whimsy. Most turnings, she knew, fell somewhere between the two extremes.
"Poor Pak," she said. She leaned briefly against Kiamhaat, offering comfort and taking it. Pak's encounter with her creator no doubt had him wondering about ghosts he had finally begun to let lie.
"It doesn't seem fair," she murmured to him, knowing his keen hearing would register her voice even in the noise of the club.
It was hard for her to really wrap her head around it. After all, she had had the luxury of taking her time, learning about vampires, getting to know the Clan that had ultimately taken her in and given her a new home, a new life. She was the opposite end of the spectrum from Kiamhaat and Pak, whose beginnings had been traumatic and, in Pak's case apparently, based on whimsy. Most turnings, she knew, fell somewhere between the two extremes.
"Poor Pak," she said. She leaned briefly against Kiamhaat, offering comfort and taking it. Pak's encounter with her creator no doubt had him wondering about ghosts he had finally begun to let lie.
Bao
14 years ago
"I wanted you to come to me. When you didn't I went looking for you. And before you say anything, I know why you didn't come looking for me."Â?
Bao took a sip of his whiskey.
Honestly, he was impressed she was still sitting here. This couldn't be any easier to listen to than it was to say. So much of why he'd turned her had been impulse and lust. Two things he didn't often give into, he still couldn't quite explain why he'd done so that night. He could justify, rationalize it to some degree but he couldn't explain it.
"If not for that you would have come home with me. You'd have had a family."Â?
Bao had no issues blaming her husband for some of this. If the idiot hadn't chased her off, he'd have come for her. He -had- come for her that night, late. The man had regretted chasing his wife off for the rest of his life. The few minutes that had been left to him.
Bao took a sip of his whiskey.
Honestly, he was impressed she was still sitting here. This couldn't be any easier to listen to than it was to say. So much of why he'd turned her had been impulse and lust. Two things he didn't often give into, he still couldn't quite explain why he'd done so that night. He could justify, rationalize it to some degree but he couldn't explain it.
"If not for that you would have come home with me. You'd have had a family."Â?
Bao had no issues blaming her husband for some of this. If the idiot hadn't chased her off, he'd have come for her. He -had- come for her that night, late. The man had regretted chasing his wife off for the rest of his life. The few minutes that had been left to him.
Pakpao
14 years ago
Pak was very close to giving into depression and self-pity and almost sent back to Kem that he didn't need her for that. But she didn't. She managed to get a hold of herself. She knew that she couldn't give in, not here, not now. She couldn't show, even accidentally, any weakness to this bastard.
The fact that Kem's thoughts so closely mirrored her own made her smile, mentally. There was no reason to smile at the man in front of her.
[I want to go home.]
Pak replyed to Kem instead, sounding slightly dejected. Bao wasn't going to tell her anything about her family. He was dancing around it. Realizing this Pak found that she was just tired.
There was enough in her for one more outburst though. She was outraged that he could try to redeem himself.
She slammed her hand on the table, shaking the drinks.
"I -had- a family and I have one now!"Â?
That was twice something he'd said made Pak wonder if Bao had a larger agenda here. She didn't think he was just looking to help her out. She couldn't forget that for a second.
The fact that Kem's thoughts so closely mirrored her own made her smile, mentally. There was no reason to smile at the man in front of her.
[I want to go home.]
Pak replyed to Kem instead, sounding slightly dejected. Bao wasn't going to tell her anything about her family. He was dancing around it. Realizing this Pak found that she was just tired.
There was enough in her for one more outburst though. She was outraged that he could try to redeem himself.
She slammed her hand on the table, shaking the drinks.
"I -had- a family and I have one now!"Â?
That was twice something he'd said made Pak wonder if Bao had a larger agenda here. She didn't think he was just looking to help her out. She couldn't forget that for a second.
Kem`Raaisu
14 years ago
Kem leaned down and kissed Aishe softly. "It's not always fair," he agreed, "but you knew that."
He understood though; Aishe was sympathizing. It gave her something to do. She was holding up well under the pressure of the crowd but he knew that since coming into her empathic abilities crowds made her somewhat uneasy. She had explained it to him once and it was easy to understand; so many people, so many thoughts, all talking, all with colored auras, all with different plans, agendas, feelings, motives. Aishe was overwhelmed by it sometimes. It was why she had turned to face him and only him now, so she could see one person, one aura. It would get harder as her abilities grew and she began to sense things from afar but for now he just smiled down at her.
"I'm... glad," he said, "that you had Chris. That you had time."
It didn't do any good to mourn the loss of Aishe's own humanity. She had no regrets and he was just lucky to have her here, without fear of watching her grow old and die. Her turning had been planned and precise, gentle, full of love and support. Again, the opposite end of the spectrum from his, Pak's, and any number of the people around him now.
Pak's voice in his head made him sigh. He concentrated on raising her spirits somehow, however he could, and replied to her, [Whenever you like, senet.]
He didn't ask what she'd learned. She would say, or not say, as she liked.
He understood though; Aishe was sympathizing. It gave her something to do. She was holding up well under the pressure of the crowd but he knew that since coming into her empathic abilities crowds made her somewhat uneasy. She had explained it to him once and it was easy to understand; so many people, so many thoughts, all talking, all with colored auras, all with different plans, agendas, feelings, motives. Aishe was overwhelmed by it sometimes. It was why she had turned to face him and only him now, so she could see one person, one aura. It would get harder as her abilities grew and she began to sense things from afar but for now he just smiled down at her.
"I'm... glad," he said, "that you had Chris. That you had time."
It didn't do any good to mourn the loss of Aishe's own humanity. She had no regrets and he was just lucky to have her here, without fear of watching her grow old and die. Her turning had been planned and precise, gentle, full of love and support. Again, the opposite end of the spectrum from his, Pak's, and any number of the people around him now.
Pak's voice in his head made him sigh. He concentrated on raising her spirits somehow, however he could, and replied to her, [Whenever you like, senet.]
He didn't ask what she'd learned. She would say, or not say, as she liked.
Bao
14 years ago
"But not the one you should have had."Â?
Bao protested. He was getting tired of her outbursts. He'd give half of his collection to have her be calm and rational about this. And he'd give the other half for her to see it from his side. Never mind that he'd have a great deal of fun reassembling his collection, the point was he was giving him nowhere to go.
He was losing her. She wouldn't listen much longer, she'd made up her mind. Perhaps he'd lost the battle but he didn't have to lose the war.
"I am glad you found Evenhet, or they found you. You are still young and even the oldest and strongest of us need protection from time to time."Â?
She relaxed, a bit. Not much but the set of her jaw and her shoulders relaxed a bit. It was easier reading a jury of twelve than this one woman. She was so conflicted and so changeable, he couldn't stay ahead of her.
"Deny it all you like, but no matter how angry you are, how resentful, how much you still hold against me. There is more that you want from me and it isn't too late to find that."Â?
Bao protested. He was getting tired of her outbursts. He'd give half of his collection to have her be calm and rational about this. And he'd give the other half for her to see it from his side. Never mind that he'd have a great deal of fun reassembling his collection, the point was he was giving him nowhere to go.
He was losing her. She wouldn't listen much longer, she'd made up her mind. Perhaps he'd lost the battle but he didn't have to lose the war.
"I am glad you found Evenhet, or they found you. You are still young and even the oldest and strongest of us need protection from time to time."Â?
She relaxed, a bit. Not much but the set of her jaw and her shoulders relaxed a bit. It was easier reading a jury of twelve than this one woman. She was so conflicted and so changeable, he couldn't stay ahead of her.
"Deny it all you like, but no matter how angry you are, how resentful, how much you still hold against me. There is more that you want from me and it isn't too late to find that."Â?
Pakpao
14 years ago
"You're right about that aren't you."Â?
Pak said snidely, making it very clear she was speaking of her husband and children.
The fact that Kem wasn't going to force her to stay encouraged Pak a little bit, She didn't know why. She wasn't dumb and knew he wouldn't have even forced her in the building if that was what she'd ultimately decided.
He and Aishe both had been so supportive about all this. Pak did her best to mentally perk up for Kem.
[Soon. Thank you, tell Aishe the same.]
Pak could have sent to Aishe just as easy but she didn't want to divide her concentration too many ways right now.
He knew! It hit Pak with sudden clarity. He -knew- she wanted information on her family and he was keeping it from her. Why? What did he want in exchange?
"Do you ever plan on sharing this with me? Or are you going to hold it over my head? Blackmail? Or do you just enjoy taunting me? Now that I'm not running at the very sight of you, you need a new game?"Â?
Pak said snidely, making it very clear she was speaking of her husband and children.
The fact that Kem wasn't going to force her to stay encouraged Pak a little bit, She didn't know why. She wasn't dumb and knew he wouldn't have even forced her in the building if that was what she'd ultimately decided.
He and Aishe both had been so supportive about all this. Pak did her best to mentally perk up for Kem.
[Soon. Thank you, tell Aishe the same.]
Pak could have sent to Aishe just as easy but she didn't want to divide her concentration too many ways right now.
He knew! It hit Pak with sudden clarity. He -knew- she wanted information on her family and he was keeping it from her. Why? What did he want in exchange?
"Do you ever plan on sharing this with me? Or are you going to hold it over my head? Blackmail? Or do you just enjoy taunting me? Now that I'm not running at the very sight of you, you need a new game?"Â?
Bao
14 years ago
"You have yet to ask these questions. I am not holding anything back."Â?
Bao simply wasn't responding to her hints. He was pleased, however, that she finally thought to ask. At least she was getting her mind off her turning and on to other things. That seemed to be progress. Bao wasn't sure what kind of progress but he would take what he could get.
"It is not a game Pakpao. You need time to process what has been said tonight. And time to decide what you want from me."Â?
He said in a surprisingly kind tone of voice. The fire in her eyes, the fact that he could tell she wasn't certain if she should rage at him, be afraid of him, or give up struck a chord. That unsettled him, Bao wasn't typically touched by the trouble of others. Of course, he reasoned, he was the cause of her troubles, that was all.
"Why don't we meet again, in a few days? I would like to teach you to fight, if you'd let me. It is something I would have taught you if things had gone as planned."Â?
Lord knew she needed instruction. She knew a bit about breaking holds, she'd demonstrated that but other than that she was all over the map and totally ineffective. Besides, he thought if he gave her something physical to do she might concentrate better on what she actually wanted to say and wouldn't have as much energy for emotion. And therefore less emotion to cloud her judgment.
It was easy to read her hesitancy, her mistrust and quite frankly, Bao didn't blame her.
"I know a public dojo, it will be private but there will be others around. Bring a friend if you'd like. I'm not asking you to trust me just yet ."Â?
Bao simply wasn't responding to her hints. He was pleased, however, that she finally thought to ask. At least she was getting her mind off her turning and on to other things. That seemed to be progress. Bao wasn't sure what kind of progress but he would take what he could get.
"It is not a game Pakpao. You need time to process what has been said tonight. And time to decide what you want from me."Â?
He said in a surprisingly kind tone of voice. The fire in her eyes, the fact that he could tell she wasn't certain if she should rage at him, be afraid of him, or give up struck a chord. That unsettled him, Bao wasn't typically touched by the trouble of others. Of course, he reasoned, he was the cause of her troubles, that was all.
"Why don't we meet again, in a few days? I would like to teach you to fight, if you'd let me. It is something I would have taught you if things had gone as planned."Â?
Lord knew she needed instruction. She knew a bit about breaking holds, she'd demonstrated that but other than that she was all over the map and totally ineffective. Besides, he thought if he gave her something physical to do she might concentrate better on what she actually wanted to say and wouldn't have as much energy for emotion. And therefore less emotion to cloud her judgment.
It was easy to read her hesitancy, her mistrust and quite frankly, Bao didn't blame her.
"I know a public dojo, it will be private but there will be others around. Bring a friend if you'd like. I'm not asking you to trust me just yet ."Â?
Pakpao
14 years ago
That tone of voice took Pak completely by surprise. She had gotten used to his very detached way of speaking. Hell she'd even started to recognize his annoyed inflection and peevish over tones, but this was almost gentle, like he cared. He wasn't supposed to care. It made her nervous.
Could she manage a second meeting? Did she have the guts for it? Pak considered it for a few minutes, the fact that he wanted to teach her something made her even more leery. Decided if she could manage this first meeting she could managed anything she nodded.
"OK, we can try it. I'm not fond of the idea of you trying to kill me again but we can try."Â?
She -would- be brining back up again. They might not have to be right there, not as they were tonight, but close by. She would like it if Aishe would provide moral support again, but she would be OK with any one from security now.
However, she wasn't ready to give him her contact information yet. He probably had it, or could get it. She was a relatively public figure, especially within Meridian. That didn't mean she was going to give him a card just yet. Although, he did slide his card across the table to her, Pak took it and slid it in her cigarette case as was her habit.
"I'd feel better if Mara contacted me."Â?
Bao nodded and Pak decided it was past time to go and stood, taking her untouched drink with her.
With her characteristic honesty and bluntness she said,
"I can't say it was nice to meet you. But it was interesting."Â?
She left, blending into the crowd as quickly as possible and downing her drink almost as fast. What she wanted was to have some one hold her and tell her it was going to be OK, that she'd done well and that she'd made a good decision meeting with him again. But she didn't have that option. She'd just go home. It would be OK.
[Kem, I'm done. I'm going home. He's probably still back in that booth if you want a look at him. Thank you for coming.]
She wished she could send to them both at once, but she couldn't and had to reach out to Aishe separately.
[Thank you, so much. I'm going to meet him again later, remind me to talk to you about it. I'm going home, you two have fun.]
She meant that too. Both Kem and Aishe had been very good to her to sit around in the House of Pain while she tried to talk to this man/monster. They deserved to have some fun now.
Tossing the empty glass down on a table, Pak found the nearest exit and slid out. She wasn't even hungry right now. Maybe tomorrow she'd get a bite, just not here.
((OOC... Pak out))
Could she manage a second meeting? Did she have the guts for it? Pak considered it for a few minutes, the fact that he wanted to teach her something made her even more leery. Decided if she could manage this first meeting she could managed anything she nodded.
"OK, we can try it. I'm not fond of the idea of you trying to kill me again but we can try."Â?
She -would- be brining back up again. They might not have to be right there, not as they were tonight, but close by. She would like it if Aishe would provide moral support again, but she would be OK with any one from security now.
However, she wasn't ready to give him her contact information yet. He probably had it, or could get it. She was a relatively public figure, especially within Meridian. That didn't mean she was going to give him a card just yet. Although, he did slide his card across the table to her, Pak took it and slid it in her cigarette case as was her habit.
"I'd feel better if Mara contacted me."Â?
Bao nodded and Pak decided it was past time to go and stood, taking her untouched drink with her.
With her characteristic honesty and bluntness she said,
"I can't say it was nice to meet you. But it was interesting."Â?
She left, blending into the crowd as quickly as possible and downing her drink almost as fast. What she wanted was to have some one hold her and tell her it was going to be OK, that she'd done well and that she'd made a good decision meeting with him again. But she didn't have that option. She'd just go home. It would be OK.
[Kem, I'm done. I'm going home. He's probably still back in that booth if you want a look at him. Thank you for coming.]
She wished she could send to them both at once, but she couldn't and had to reach out to Aishe separately.
[Thank you, so much. I'm going to meet him again later, remind me to talk to you about it. I'm going home, you two have fun.]
She meant that too. Both Kem and Aishe had been very good to her to sit around in the House of Pain while she tried to talk to this man/monster. They deserved to have some fun now.
Tossing the empty glass down on a table, Pak found the nearest exit and slid out. She wasn't even hungry right now. Maybe tomorrow she'd get a bite, just not here.
((OOC... Pak out))
Kem`Raaisu
14 years ago
It wasn't too much longer before Pak let them know she was leaving. Kem related the information to Aishe, who nodded and indicated Pak had talked to her as well. Looking down at Aishe, Kem watched her eyes stray to the outside room Pak was about to vacate. It wasn't difficult to follow her train of thought; they came about as close to sharing a brain as a couple could.
"Stay here and find out what you can," he said softly. "I'll go back with Pak."
Aishe's green eyes turned up to him and a smile brightened her face. With a sigh of regret that he wouldn't see her again until later, he leaned down to kiss her gently and then made his way out of the House of Pain. He pretended not to notice the security team that had been shadowing them since they entered; he supposed he'd have to get used to them and in any case, he imagined Pak would feel better with them there.
He didn't send to her; he simply tailed her back to the towers. He was certain she knew he was around, but she was entitled to be alone with her thoughts. They would talk later, if she wanted. In the meantime, he was content to see her back home and head down to the archives to take care of a few things before meeting Aishe again.
((ooc: Kem out))
"Stay here and find out what you can," he said softly. "I'll go back with Pak."
Aishe's green eyes turned up to him and a smile brightened her face. With a sigh of regret that he wouldn't see her again until later, he leaned down to kiss her gently and then made his way out of the House of Pain. He pretended not to notice the security team that had been shadowing them since they entered; he supposed he'd have to get used to them and in any case, he imagined Pak would feel better with them there.
He didn't send to her; he simply tailed her back to the towers. He was certain she knew he was around, but she was entitled to be alone with her thoughts. They would talk later, if she wanted. In the meantime, he was content to see her back home and head down to the archives to take care of a few things before meeting Aishe again.
((ooc: Kem out))
Aishe
14 years ago
[We'll have tons of fun,] Aishe lied easily to Pak. She rolled her eyes briefly and then watched through the doorway as Pak vacated a booth on one side of the outer room. Turning to Kiamhaat she saw his eyes on her and smiled up at him at his words. How well they understood each other, now that their past was behind them.
She returned his kiss with one that promised much more to come later and left her slightly weak-kneed as a result. Watching him leave, she followed behind the two security members and then mixed herself into the crowd in the neutral area of the club. She was small, and it was easy to work her way through the mass of vampires. Hands strayed and fangs threatened, but Aishe didn't worry about those.
Avoiding both as best she could she positioned herself in such a way as to get a look at the man who was Pak's creator.
She returned his kiss with one that promised much more to come later and left her slightly weak-kneed as a result. Watching him leave, she followed behind the two security members and then mixed herself into the crowd in the neutral area of the club. She was small, and it was easy to work her way through the mass of vampires. Hands strayed and fangs threatened, but Aishe didn't worry about those.
Avoiding both as best she could she positioned herself in such a way as to get a look at the man who was Pak's creator.
Mara
14 years ago
Mara rejoined Bao as Pak left, sliding into the seat Pak had vacated and leaning forward on the table, steepling her fingers below her chin.
"That could have gone worse," she said. "Aside from a slight soaking it was very civil."
She wasn't trying to antagonize her younger sibling at all; she really had wondered if things would get violent, and she hadn't necessarily banked on that violence being Bao's.
Something caught her eye and she flickered her glance sideways. Her father was making his way out as well, but Aishe was no longer with him. She smiled softly; Pakpao had friends. She turned her face away, reluctant to even run the risk of sparking recognition. She looked a lot like her father even with her dark lenses in.
"She wants to meet again, then?"
Feeling a pang of regret as Kiamhaat disappeared through the exit, Mara focused back on Bao, keeping a small portion of her attention on the floor where she was almost certain Aishe was watching.
"That could have gone worse," she said. "Aside from a slight soaking it was very civil."
She wasn't trying to antagonize her younger sibling at all; she really had wondered if things would get violent, and she hadn't necessarily banked on that violence being Bao's.
Something caught her eye and she flickered her glance sideways. Her father was making his way out as well, but Aishe was no longer with him. She smiled softly; Pakpao had friends. She turned her face away, reluctant to even run the risk of sparking recognition. She looked a lot like her father even with her dark lenses in.
"She wants to meet again, then?"
Feeling a pang of regret as Kiamhaat disappeared through the exit, Mara focused back on Bao, keeping a small portion of her attention on the floor where she was almost certain Aishe was watching.
Bao
14 years ago
He was actually sorry to see her go. What did that mean? Nothing. It meant nothing there were times he was sorry to see Amir or Mara or one of his familiars go. Some people you missed. Or, in this case he felt short changed; he would have liked to have spent more time with her. Yes, that was it.
But she'd agreed to meet with him again. That was fantastic progress.
Mara appeared from nowhere. He looked up at her and indicated she should sit down.
"It could have been much worse."Â?
He chuckled slightly.
"I'm not sure she -wants- to meet again, but she's willing to. I'm not certain if I'm impressed or scared."Â?
It was possible that she was plotting something. More likely she was only willing to meet him again because of her family. She wasn't exactly subtle about wanting to know more.
Bao looked at Mara and in a rare unguarded moment he said simply,
"I like her."Â?
But she'd agreed to meet with him again. That was fantastic progress.
Mara appeared from nowhere. He looked up at her and indicated she should sit down.
"It could have been much worse."Â?
He chuckled slightly.
"I'm not sure she -wants- to meet again, but she's willing to. I'm not certain if I'm impressed or scared."Â?
It was possible that she was plotting something. More likely she was only willing to meet him again because of her family. She wasn't exactly subtle about wanting to know more.
Bao looked at Mara and in a rare unguarded moment he said simply,
"I like her."Â?
Aishe
14 years ago
It was easy enough to catch a good view of he man who had turned Pak. He didn't look like a monster to Aishe but then, who did? What had she expected, claws and fangs? Er... what had she expected, claws? Instead what she saw was a man of Asian heritage, bronze skin, short black hair, and an oddly... pretty... face. Not girlish, of course, and perhaps pretty wasn't the right term, but it was striking in its proportion and clarity.
Even more striking, and definitely worth the term "pretty," however, was the young woman who joined the Asian at his table very soon after Pak departed. They exchanged a few words and the woman became distracted for a moment, gazing at someone leaving. Aishe quickly extended her senses, trying to pick something up, and was rewarded with a burst of a strange combination. Sharp-edged shapes flew from her in delicate pink, overlaid with a grayish tone Aishe was used to seeing in certain people. She looked toward the doorway. Kiamhaat and the two security guards were the only ones who had recently gone that way.
Trying to ignore the crowd as it pressed upon her further, feeling her dislike of this sort of situation beginning to weigh upon her, Aishe did her best to block out the blossoming panic attack and crept a little closer. The man and woman continued to talk, as the woman turned her face away from the door.
Even more striking, and definitely worth the term "pretty," however, was the young woman who joined the Asian at his table very soon after Pak departed. They exchanged a few words and the woman became distracted for a moment, gazing at someone leaving. Aishe quickly extended her senses, trying to pick something up, and was rewarded with a burst of a strange combination. Sharp-edged shapes flew from her in delicate pink, overlaid with a grayish tone Aishe was used to seeing in certain people. She looked toward the doorway. Kiamhaat and the two security guards were the only ones who had recently gone that way.
Trying to ignore the crowd as it pressed upon her further, feeling her dislike of this sort of situation beginning to weigh upon her, Aishe did her best to block out the blossoming panic attack and crept a little closer. The man and woman continued to talk, as the woman turned her face away from the door.