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Faith and Belief

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DJ Angel

Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 6:29 pm Post subject: Faith and Belief

Station Manager

Joined: 04 Mar 2007
Posts: 2389
Location: Heaven, of course

Angelica sighed happily.

It had been a while since she'd torn herself from the work at the station and did what she'd come to Paragon to do--fight crime.

Well, not so much "fight crime" as "help people." She was happiest when other people were smiling. It's why she was a performer. She poured every ounce of passion she had into her work. From singing to DJ'ing to acting, even to cracking jokes, the smiles that came from other people inspired her and gave her energy to continue her fight.

She'd raged through security clearances in the process. She was approaching sec level 30 and enjoying every opportunity she got to spend with her friends along the way.

Friends.

That word was something she tossed about easily. To Angelica, a friend was anyone she knew. From the guy that always hung out at the fringe of her shows to people like Myme, Gearshifter, Nezumi-Ko, Lunar Eclipse, Doomgineer, and Jaiden Stark--just to name a few--all of them were her friends. Some were closer than others, but all of them bore the same title.

...and none of them were with her right now...

She found herself, alone, in Croatoa working for Gordon Brower. She was releasing spirits from their captors in the Cabal, pushing back the Fir Bolg threat and convincing the Tuatha they needed to just calm down. A spark flickered on her arm band--someone had joined her.

"Hello?" she asked cautiously.

"Greetings," came the disembodied voice.

Angelica read the name. Artemis Tau. "Uh...what's...up?"

"I understand you are in need of assistance?"

Angelica blinked. She wasn't one to question the ways of the Holy One. This person was brought into her life for a reason. She was not right to turn them away. "Sure. I'm just ...in... a warehouse? In Croa--" The man popped up in front of her. "--toa. Hi."

"So I see. Cabal problem?"

"Cabal is always a problem."

The faint whirring sound of mechanics hit Angelica's ears and she studied the man briefly before he took off, swords drawn, for the next batch of witches. ...this is going to be interesting... The man bore a slight resemblance to one of the Council.

They didn't talk much. Not at first, anyway. Artemis didn't seem to mind. He seemed, actually, very content with the lack of socialness on the part of the good DJ. They finished with the mission of releasing spirits and exited the building. "Hmm... Gordon wants me to go talk to Mr. LeGrange. I'll be right back."

"As you wish."

Angelica's mind raced as she flew toward the coordinates her GPS indicated. What is this guy about?! What am I supposed to do?! How can I help him?! Skipper LeGrange blithely gave her the next assignment and she flew back to where they'd just been. Artemis was kneeling in front of the door, fixated on something. Angelica lighted down and put her hands on his back, leaning over his shoulder. "Whatchya doin', hun?"

He didn't respond. Rather, he stood and fixed his electronic eyes on her. "Let's go."

Angel shrugged and followed him through the doors. Fir bolg were being a nuisance again and they were to stop the nuisance. A particularly harrowing battle saw Artemis take a bolt to the face. When the fir bolg were safely devined, Angel went to the man and put her hand on his shoulder. "Lemme see... I tried to get that one before he hit you..."

"It is nothing," Artemis said, shrugging off her hand. He popped out his mechanical eye and shook it a few times. "Bah. Broken." He tossed it over his shoulder.

"If I were technologically inclined, I'd try to fix it for you..." Angel offered, sadly.

He produced another of kind and popped it into place. "Why? I carry spares."

Angel smirked. "So you do."

He seemed to look off into the depths of the tunnels. "Fire. I hate fire."

Angel reached out to him as only an empath can. The unseen tendrils reached for him, touching him. A sharp, cold wave shot through her. She narrowed her eyes slightly, then smiled softly and spoke with a warmth and care of someone who protects. "Then I will do my best to keep you from it..."

Deeper into the cave they went, seeking the one piece of information that would tell them why the fir bolg were being annoying. It was Artemis that found it. He handed her the parchment. "Here. This looks important."

Angel smiled to him and took the parchment, reading. "Oh! Those poor fir bolg!" She exclaimed suddenly. Her statement, however, was followed very quickly by "OUCH!" as a huge flaming pumpkin smacked against her head.

"I'm inclined to disagree at the moment," Aretmis quipped and charged toward the fir bolg. Angel hurled a few very random objects and then rejoined Artemis, pulling out the parchment again. But, before she could speak, he looked at her and murmured. "...was...that a forklift?!"

Angel blushed deeply, then chuckled nervously. "Heh, yeah...was it? Wow...uh, yeah...got a few of those...just...uh, lying about in...space...can we talk about something else? I don't like to talk about my litter..."

"I won't ask from where you got it, then..." Artemis just sorta stared out at the forklift, still in a bit of shock.

"Thanks. A-anyway... see, look! The fir bolg--OUCH! Grrrrrrr...." Another flaming pumpkin smacked her in the face. "That's going to bruise!" Another wave of fir bolg attacked the pair, and another wave of fir bolg fell.

They paused for a few moments.

Nothing else came.

Angel produced the parchment again, then looked up to make sure there were no pumpkins nearby. Her eyes searched, then she smiled to Artemis. "Okay, see? Right here... the fir bolg left Ireland because of the Tuatha. Now they have to face the Red Caps! They're just scared!"

Aretmis stared at her.

"Well. Wouldn't you be scared if big things like you and me were hunting you down, hurling forklifts at you?!"

"I can't recall the last time I was truly scared," he stated flatly.

Angel frowned. "...I can..."

Her nightmares were getting worse. Nightmares she didn't share with anyone. Not even Vincent had known of her dreams...

She snapped from her thoughts and noticed Artemis had gone. She trugged through the cave, alone, and exited to the banks of the river in Croatoa. There, she found Artemis sitting, staring into the water.

"Ya know, I was going to go back to my office and get caught up on paperwork, but..." she smiled, "I can't leave you like this."

"...like what...?"

"Sad. Hurting. You're my friend. You need to be happy!" She used her control of gravity to shift herself out of plane and change clothes. He turned around and stared at her.

"Friend?! We've only just met...."

"Yeah, I know! Neat, huh!" She knelt on the shore beside him. "So, what's wrong?"

"...more than I care to discuss..." he said, turning back to the water.

Angel nodded. She reached out again, searching him. She could read his mind, but it was always so...invasive, she felt. Besides, if he knew that she was doing it, he could very seriously hurt her. Mentally, physically, and emotionally. She couldn't risk the threat to herself. And anything that people wanted her to know, they'd tell her. "Alright..."

...was that death in his aura?

She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, hugging him gently. He made no movement, no reaction. "I wish I could take your pain and hurt. But, I can only help you as much as you allow me. You don't have to worry about your past. It's just that. The past."

"You can't take what doesn't exist."

Angel sighed, kissed his masked cheek, and leaned back. "What do you mean? Are you trying to tell me that you're not hurting?"

"I don't feel anything. No pain, no hurt. That would be the problem."

Angel just nodded.

Artemis continued, "My former Mist--employer drove all emotion from us."

"Who was your former mistress, hun?"

Artemis scoffed, "Didn't know her name. We just called her Ahkan. Do you even know what I've done?" He asked turning to face her. The optics he wore were not in place. Angel blinked a few times at the sightless face that stared at her, but she smiled anyway and gave her answer.

"It doesn't matter. That's what friendship's about. Friends don't care about your past. Only your future."

"So, you don't care that I slaughtered and maimed millions of people...willingly."

Angel swallowed, then smiled again. "That's the past, sweetheart. You're a different person now."

"Am I?" He asked, turning back to the water.

"Yes. You're a good man." A harsh chuckle met her ears. She pressed forward. "If you weren't, you wouldn't be in Paragon."

He thought about that for a moment, but shook his head, saying nothing.

"If you were a bad person, I'd be fighting you, begging you to repent. But, instead, you're willingly fighting beside me."

"...did you ever ask why? No, you didn't..."

Angel chuckled. "You wouldn't have told me anyway. Then I would have had to bore into your mind and crawl around to figure things out. Then I'd feel all icky and dirty, like I somehow violated you."

"You don't want to crawl around in my head," he spoke firmly, turning his face toward her voice. He blindly stared at her for a moment, then looked away, speaking softly, "...I don't even want to crawl around in my head..."

Angelica's heart nearly broke.

She put her hand on his shoulder. "Do you have a place to stay?"

"Yes."

"Yes? Some place that isn't a dumpster? Or an alley? Or under a bridge?"

"I requisitioned an old Council base. With the exception of some stubborn ... stains... it's quite clean."

Angel frowned. "It's not a sewer, is it?!"

"No, it's not a sewer."

Angel smiled and thought a moment before speaking. "Why do you stay in a place that serves as a daily reminder of the past you're clearly trying to escape? Let me help you. I have a comfy couch. Stay with me for a few days until I can set up a place for you to live." Artemis made no response. She didn't let up. "I promise you breakfast in the mornings and warm sheets at night. The couch folds out into a bed. It's comfy as a couch, too. I've slept there before."

"I don't have a choice in this, do I," he stated, rather than asked.

Angel grinned and giggled. "Not really. Let's go. I live in King's Row, near the D." She jumped to her feet and took his hand, leading him toward the tram. "I just have a couple rules. Rule number one: please don't bring girls to my place. I'd feel really uncomfortable with ...well, you know..."

"I don't think that will be a problem," he stated flatly. Angel thought she detected the hint of a smile in his voice. But, that thought passed as quickly as it entered.

"Oh? Why's that? Don't think any girls would be interested in a semi-creepy ex-killer?"

"Not if they're intelligent."

Angel rolled her eyes, "You need to give yourself more credit, dear. Rule number two: if you smoke, do it outside, please."

"I do not."

"Good!" She purchased two tickets for Talos Island. "Why do you fight?" she finally asked.

"I ...don't know."

She nodded. "We need to get you a job, then."

"...doing what? I'm a killer. It's all I know how to do."

"Clearly, then," she giggled. "I'll have to teach you how to do other things!"

"Like what?" He asked, hesitantly.

"Anything!" She had no idea. "The future is very bright!"

"If you can see it..." Artemis scoffed.

"We'll work on that, too, dear," she patted his cheek again, then dragged him onto the tram. "We'll cut through the D to King's Row. I have to pick up some paperwork from my office." He just nodded.

A mad dash through the D to her office to grab some work, then out the door to King's Row. They turned a corner and climbed the fire escape to her apartment. "Oh! Artemis!" She spoke with a bit of cheer in her voice.

"...yes...?" He still wasn't used to this whole...friend...thing.

"Rule number three: You're a guest in my apartment. I am putting a lot of trust in you. Please don't make me regret it."

He stared at her a moment, then simply nodded.

Faith and belief
And retreat
When you're standing all alone
...
Never knowing what is real
In the shadows you meet
Never knowing what is true
In the answers you seek
...
The only moment
In our lives
That ever really mattered, Fate,
Is now...
(From Fate, by Trans-Siberian Orchestra)
_________________
Love & Celestial Kisses,

"We all have our stories, and we all manage to get past our issues, we have to or there would be no Paragon City, now would there. Cheer up! If its true then at least you have something to look forward to." ~Sydereal (d. 2010)

Ascalon

Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 7:04 pm Post subject:

Street Team

Joined: 28 Jul 2008
Posts: 538
Location: Florida

Very cool Angel

A Touch of Jade

Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 7:47 pm Post subject:

Joined: 15 Nov 2007
Posts: 735
Location: Deleted User

I enjoyed this story Very Happy

It was a nice peek into how Angel's mind works.

This little bit just made me go "Awww" and want to hug Angel...

Angel's Story wrote:

I can't leave you like this."

"...like what...?"

"Sad. Hurting. You're my friend. You need to be happy!"

"Friend?! We've only just met...."

"Yeah, I know! Neat, huh!"

Methrine Alexander

Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2008 12:13 am Post subject:

Joined: 18 Nov 2007
Posts: 1753

(( Very nice. I'm glad to see more depth to Angel, since I know very little of the character. ))
_________________

[Local] Ascalon: Well Jimmy your cousin doesn't always usually only thinks with his other head anyway from what I've heard.
Jimmy Martignetti looks at Matt. "That sentence does not compute."

Jimmy Martignetti - Quana - Endora Lindsay - Mizythra - Daira SilentStriker (retired)- Methrine Alexander (retired)

DJ Angel

Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 1:47 am Post subject:

Station Manager

Joined: 04 Mar 2007
Posts: 2389
Location: Heaven, of course

Life has a funny way of cropping up and getting itself mired into the best laid plans of men and angels...

Friday Night, Pocket D
Angelica arrived early to the D. She'd actually been out fighting crime with the ex-Council man earlier. She needed to slip home and change for her show. She hoped she'd convinced him to come along.

She took the elevator down to the main floor of the apartment complex and then hit the button for the nightclub. Living above work had its conveniences. Slipping in through the doors, she smoothed her yellow and black plaid skirt and made sure everything was in place, then hit the dance platform to set up. Sound check was perfect and she was ready to get the groove on.

Her theme: Heaven & Hell.

...she had no idea her night would digress into hell.

From the decadence taking place in front of her to the snuggling of various furry creatures to trying to play music and not say something embarrassing, to the constant fear that Richard was going to accost her again, she was having a rough time of things. A voice whispered in her ear, "Are you alright?"

She looked over. It was Artemis. "No," she whispered back. She looked at the furries around her and started to curl into a little ball. Attention was not something she sought after, nor was it something she received well...at least not en mass.

"Do you want me to take care of them?" the whispered voice came again.

"N-no, it'll be okay...I think..."

"Takes us homes wif you, Angel! We's keep you warms! Gooood at snuggles!" came the voice of one of the furries.

"Uh, I really don't have room..."

"We's sleeps in bed wif you! We's small!"

Angelica just blinked and looked around. Was this really happening? Really?! Her expression must have caused concern. Johnny started saying something...she couldn't make it out. Ascalon started saying something...she couldn't hear him over the music.

...but she heard the whisper. "Would you like me to take care of them?"

"Yes!" She whimpered and grabbed her headphones, slamming them over her ears. She could focus solely on the music that way. She didn't quite hear or see what happened...but the furries left in a huff. The three guys seemed to surround her like Military Police at Fort Knox and the crowd seemed to be enjoying the music. Sometimes, she wondered what she was thinking...

As the last song began to play, she shooed everyone to the Monkey Fight Club to hang out with Posthaste. Only Signal Arrow, aka Jules, and Artemis remained. Her eyes fell on Artemis who looked less than thrilled by the events of the evening. "I'm so sorry, Artemis! I swear, it's not like this every week!"

"Hmpf. Why do you come here?" he murmured.

"Really, Artemis, they're good people...they just...like to fluster me, that's all."

"They do a good job. They need to learn when enough's enough."

Angel just frowned. "We'll go out in a few minutes...Jules, you wanna come with us? I have some assignments to take care of in the Port."

"Sure, Angel. You know I always love to help!"

"Great, I'll be back in a little bit. I need to go to the office and finish up some events and the playlist and check a security tape....it's nothing major, standard procedure." She smiled, then looked at Artemis with concern. "Are you going to be okay?"

"I'll live."

Dashing to her office, she finished up the paperwork she had to do, reviewed the tape, jotted down the names and added them to the ever growing list of people that needed to be throttled and then returned to the dance floor. Jules was alone.

"Oh, no...where's Artemis?"

Jules looked at her and blinked. "I-I-I don't know...he em...he was just here...."

"Shoot! I knew I shouldn't have left him alone!" Angel kicked the floor with her platform boot. "I gotta find him..."

"Okay. Want me to help you look?" Jules offered.

"Yeah, if you don't mind?"

"Not at all," Jules offered her a smile.

Angel smiled, then said, "He doesn't deal well with a lot of people..." Jules just nodded, slightly concerned that her young friend had so willingly taken in the strange...and possibly dangerous....man. Angel knew her thoughts, but didn't react. Instead, she turned to head toward the "blue side bar," and practically ran into a seated Artemis Tau.

His stare was cold. Angel swallowed, "H-how long have you been sitting there?"

"A few minutes. Are we done here?"

Angel looked to Jules and just nodded. "Yeah, I have to change. Meet me at the tram in Talos. We'll head to the Port from there."

With a nod, Artemis was gone. Angel rubbed her temples. It was going to be a long night.

Later...
Boomtown. It still lay in ruin and burning embers. It was exactly where Angel didn't want to be. The pain, the death, the desperation that hung in the astral plane made her sick. It also tempered her mood...which was already not creamcicles and ornaments.

She did her best to keep Jules and Artemis upright. She'd even take their pain on herself--the last time, for the night, she took Artemis' on her. She collapsed under the intensity, but stood up again, as if nothing were wrong. She thought neither of them noticed. Artemis had. His optics were trained on her.

Clutching her stomach, she tried to keep up with the mad-swordsman and the archer. "A-are you alright, Angel?" Jules asked.

"I'm fine," she grimaced as she hurled another forklift at a Freak. Somehow, Jules didn't believe her.

Neither did Artemis.

The fight came to its natural conclusion and Angel knelt down. Jules was at her side to make sure her friend was truly alright. Artemis stayed back and just waited. "You're sure you're alright, Angel?" Jules inquired.

"I'm fine. I'm always fine."

"I rather doubt that," Artemis quipped.

Angel sighed, pushing herself to her feet. "Doubt what you want. I'm tired of fighting." No matter what she said, she was wrong. No matter what she did, it was wrong. No matter how much she gave, it was never enough. But, if she dared speak of her feelings--her negative feelings--she was being "emo" or "whiney." No, she'd just give in and let them win. It was easier.

Usually.

Kinda.

In all actuality, it hurt like hell. It hurt that she couldn't indulge in the same emotions as others. It hurt that she could only be happy--no matter her own circumstances. It hurt that she had no one with which to share the details of her fears and feelings. It was much easier to cry herself to sleep. Her thoughts were broken by his question. "Then why do you?"

She blinked. Her brow furrowed and in a bit of anger, she stated frankly, "Because I care about you." She looked between the expressionless face of Artemis and the shocked face of Jules. "You may find it hard to believe. Both of you. But I care. I just get tired of having to convince everyone of what I see in people. No one ever wants to believe the good... only the bad...unless I'm sthe one that says it. Then the bad can't possibly be true."

A blast from a Juicer knocked them all back. The two girls went upstairs, then discovered Artemis wasn't with them. Heading back down, they waited for him to either return...or slice their throats. Angel sighed. "I'm having a really bad night, Jules, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything. I'm... I should just go home..."

"No!" Jules protested. She did her best to give Angel a puppy dog expression. Artemis reappeared nearby and quirked a brow. Angel stared.

"Jules, don't do that. You look silly."

"But you'll stay?" she asked cheerfully.

Angel sighed. "Let's just go. It doesn't matter how I'm feeling. I'll be fine in the morning....always am." She smashed the button for the elevator and went upstairs.

Artemis' voice came over the commlink, "An odd statement from someone who concerns herself with others so much."

Angel blinked, wearily. "What is?"

"That your feelings do not matter."

"They don't," she stated flatly, hurling a ... lamp... at an equally surprised Freak.

"And why are your feelings any less valid than others?" Artemis asked, pointedly.

She sighed and threw a Freak into the air, "...because at the end of the day, I can cry myself to sleep. Other people need me more than I do."

He stared at her as another wave of Freaks beset the trio. Angel kept her eyes on her friends' vitals, noticing that Artemis' dipped dangerously low. Once again, she took on his pain and faltered in her step. The stumble did not go unnoticed.

"If you choose to burden yourself with the feelings of others, wouldn't that mean you need what they need?" Artemis asked between swings of his blades.

She wanted to scream, Stop making sense! What she sighed softly was, "I have my teddy bear...and my pillow..." How many times had she clutched Benson to her and cried, then turned her face to the pillow and screamed. Then, suddenly, very softly, she added one last thing--directed solely at Artemis, "...and you won't hear me, I promise."

He stared at her and shook his head. "And you call me stubborn."

After defeating the last of the Freaks and the last of the politicians were finally on their way home to their families, Angel turned to the other two. "I...should go home. Artemis, you have the keys, yes?" Jules quirked a brow. Artemis simply nodded. "Okay. I'll make sure the couch is ready for you. Are you going to need anything to eat? I can fix you something..."

"No. I'm fine."

Angel nodded, then turned to Jules, giving her a hug, "Pleasure, as always, Jules."

"If you need anything, Angel, you know how to reach me, right?"

Angel smiled and nodded, then turned to where Artemis...should...have been. He'd slipped away while the girls said their goodbyes. Angel sighed. "Jules, try not to kill him while I'm gone, okay? He really is sweet." Jules quirked a brow, but just nodded. Angel flicked on the team's commlink and spoke to Jules, knowing he could hear her. "And if you see Artemis before I do...tell him I'm proud of him."

With that, she took off for King's Row...to the solace of her apartment and the comfort of her bear and pillow...
_________________
Love & Celestial Kisses,

DJ Angel

Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 7:00 am Post subject:

Station Manager

Joined: 04 Mar 2007
Posts: 2389
Location: Heaven, of course

That same night...

Angelica arrived at her apartment, tears streaming down her face. Her entire body ached. Even parts of her body she didn't know had feelings hurt. Like the tips of her hair...her toenails...her eyelashes...

She shakingly fumbled with the lock on her door, then threw her keys wherever they landed and ran to her bedroom. Peeling of the incredibly hot rubberized uniform, she snuggled in to her loosely fitting pajamas and crawled into bed. Sobbing, she held Benson closer to her, strangling the stuffings out of her teddy bear. She turned her face into the pillow and screamed.

She'd feel better in the morning...

Sleep overtook her...along with a headache from crying and she fell into her dream state...

The warehouse loomed on the horizon. "I've got a really bad feeling about this, guys," Angelica said to the rest of her team. She didn't recognize all of them, but she did recognize one of the cutest chaos kittens she'd ever seen--the only chaos kitten she'd ever seen.

"Nopes! Is good! And Kitten here to protect you, even if wasn't! Yays!" Mrwrk, mrwrked.

Angelica frowned. The eight of them entered the building. Something -really- didn't feel right about this place. There Vahzilok everywhere--more than she'd ever seen. Reapers, Mortificators, Murks...but no cadavers.

...that's when it hit her. The cadavers were still walking...and didn't know they were cadavers yet.

"Get out, now!" she cried--or, rather, she thought she did. Nothing came out. She watched six of her teammates fall, only to be resurrected into gruesome creatures. It was down to she and Mrwrk. She heard the kitten giggling with sadistic happiness as she chased the Vahzilok around, but when she heard the yelp...

Angelica spun around, "Mrwrk!"

"Is okay! Ams good!"

"Behind you!" Angelica screamed--but, again, nothing came out. In fact, all that did come out was an "Oof!" as she felt a Murk Eidolon's hands grab her. She struggled to break free, but the Eidolon was too strong. She watched in horror as a Reaper came up behind the chaos kitten and grabbed her head, twisting it. The sickening sound of bones snapping made Angelica cringe. She struggled to break free again--there was still hope! She could resurrect the kitten...if she could just get there...

That's when the Mortificater came from out of no where. The sinister look on his face made Angel's heart fall. "No..." she cried. "...no, please....no!" But her cries and pleas only seemed to make the scene move faster. She tried to look away, but found a slightly choking grip around her throat as the Muire held her focused.

"...this is what happens to your friends...you're weak...." the voice echoed in her head.

She watched in horror as the kitten was slowly dismembered, thankful she was already---w-was that a yelp?! Angelica looked more closely. Mrwrk's eyes were open. The pain in her eyes...and the eyes were staring at Angel. They bore hatred for her...

"Why not savings kitten?" the voice came, followed by a pathetic, whimpering mrwrk.

"I-I tried, Mrwrk! I--wait, NO!" The Mortificator lifted his butcher's knife. The thunk of it hitting it's mark caused Angelica to gasp in horror...

...and sit bolt upright in bed, gasping for breath. The scream hung in her throat and finally trickled over her lips. She quickly reached for her light switched and looked around the room. She was alone. Benson lay on the floor in a crumpled heap. Throwing the covers off, she set her feet on the floor, stooped and picked up the bear, then quietly opened the door further and checked to see that Artemis was still asleep.

He seemed to be.

Sighing softly, she tip toed to her kitchen and quietly fetched herself a glass of water. Slowly, she poured the water into the glass to keep the noise down. Setting the glass softly in the sink, she turned and gasped as she almost ran into the chest of Artemis Tau. He stood solidly in her kitchen, the optics not in his eyes--a haunting sight, indeed.

"Oh! I-I'm sorry to wake you..."

"What's wrong?" his voice came lowly.

"N-nothing..." she murmured. "Just...just a dream."

"It was more than just a bad dream."

Angelica looked to the floor of her kitchen. She'd never told anyone about the dreams--not even Vincent. "I....have really bad nightmares. Its okay. I'm sorry I woke you."

"It's not okay," he stared blindly at her, his face still masked to the bridge of his nose. "What are they about?"

She could feel her tears building, again. Just the look on Mrwrk's face... She was glad Artemis couldn't see her. "Just...they're bad." She sighed and forced herself to smile. Putting her hands on his arms, she pushed ever so lightly, speaking softly, "Here...lemme lead you back to the couch."

He allowed her to do what she was going to do, but spoke firmly, "You're avoiding the subject."

Arriving at the couch, she helped him sit, answering his question softly, "...friends....dying horribly...and me being powerles to do anything...there's other stuff, too, but...that's the basic theme... lay down, lemme tuck you back in..."

He grabbed her wrists, stopping her, but not hurting her. "Why does that bother you so much?"

She swallowed hard and looked up to her ceiling, fighting back the inevitable flow of tears, then answered him with a soft sigh, "...because... I love my friends....regardless of how they feel about me. And...watching them.... being hacked to pieces and all I can do is watch....yeah, it bothers me. I'm not.... distant...like you are. In fact... most people I know are a lot stronger than I am when it comes to this stuff..." She paused, then looked down at the floor and nearly whispered, "...and sometimes, they come true..."

Artemis canted his head to the left. "Come true?"

She nodded, forgetting he couldn't see her, "Prophetic." She could see he still was not following, so continued, "So, if Friend A dies a certain way in my dream....it's possible that ...it's going to happen....within a month." She paused again and let her words settle in, then chuckled slightly, "This is why it doesn't matter what I feel. People don't need to hear this stuff..."

Artemis sat quietly, mulling over her words in his head. After some moments of awkward silence, Angelica smiled again and kissed his cheek, standing to head to her room, "...again, I'm sorry I woke you."

His hand still held her wrist and kept her from walking further. His voice offered something softer in this time when he spoke. "You said you can only help someone as much as they'd let you. It works both ways. No one can help you if they don't know what the problem is."

Angelica looked to the floor then murmured softly, "...you do. I didn't even tell Vincent and I told him everything...he's one of the ones in my dreams..."

"Vincent?"

She sighed. The Myme. The one person who had never judged her. The one person who had never yelled at her. The one person who could make her smile, no matter what else was going on in the world... "Yeah... he... was more than a friend... we really liked each other...he couldn't talk. But, I can read thoughts, so we communicated telepathically...." A soft sigh passed her lips and she continued, "...he...was sent to jail... because he fought crime...without a license. And was a former gang member... I tried to help bail him out, but City Hall said no." She paused, then spoke very softly, "...I keep seeing him in my dreams....and it's not pretty."

Artemis was silent, thinking, calculating...feeling. Angel stirred him from his thoughts with an awkward chuckle--that kind of chuckle one gives when they feel all hope is lost and there's naught left to do but laugh. "Is your name really Artemis?"

"No."

"What is it?"

He thought for a moment. Why should he tell her his name? He didn't know her. She'd invited him to her home...because...she trusted him? How could she trust him? Why did she trust him? Did she realize who he was? What he was? No, he shouldn't tell her. He couldn't trust her. She could be just like the other ca--... She'd just poured her heart out to him. She trusted him with something she'd not entrusted to anyone else... "Ian."

Angel smiled and took a deep breath, "Donna Josephine Angelica Peters. DJ is fine. Angel is fine. Angelica is fine." After a pause, she chuckled, "Donna Jo's even fine, but no one ever calls me that." Artemis simply nodded. Another awkward pause and Angel stood to her feet and smiled, "Can I get you anything, Ian? Water? Juice? Milk? I may have some ginger ale..."

"I'm fine, thank you."

"Okay. I'm....gonna be up for a while... I don't want to keep you. If the light's too bright or whatever...if you need anything....just knock." Artemis let out a chuckle at the thought of light bothering a sightless man. Angel blushed and quickly apologized. "I'm so sorry... I'm just...not thinking."

"It's alright. I don't need much sleep, anyway."

"You need more than what you've gotten," Angelica fretted. "I'll sing you to sleep, if you want..."

"If it would make you feel better," he smiled slightly under the mask.

Angelica blurted, "...what would make me feel better is just being held like Grandmere used to do...." A knot slowly formed and tightened in her stomach and her head slowly bent toward her chest, meeting her hand on its way there. "...ignore me," she whimpered. "It's late."

Artemis was amused. His voice, however, did not reveal such. "I'm afraid Archons weren't required to know that."

She furrowed her brow and thought, staring at her lap. Finally, she spoke, "Archons.... That's a....fairly high-rank, isn't it?" Artemis nodded. "So...you're saying I should be terrified of you...instead of letting you sleep 20 feet from my bedroom?"

"I never said that."

After a pause, she snuggled up at the arm of the couch and snuggled Benson to her, "...what made you want be an Archon? If I may ask?"

Artemis answered without hesitation, "Blind obedience and brutality, most likely."

Another pause, "What made you give it up?"

This time, Artemis took his time answering. "My eyes were opened...so to speak..." He never thought that he'd be sitting here in a strange woman's apartment, talking about his past as an Archon. None of anything in that thought ever entered his head...women, strangers, apartments, past as an Archon...

The conversation continued in a trend of questions from Angelica about things Artemis hadn't thought about in quite some time. She also kept calling him a "good man." How could he be a good man? And how could she know this as Gospel truth? She had no idea what he was and what he was capable of....he could just reach over and curl his fingers around her neck and then...

His thoughts stopped as her arms wrapped around him in a friendly hug and she kissed his cheek again. "Thank you," she spoke softly to him. Thank you? No one had thanked him for ... why was she thanking him?

"Do you ever see good things in your dreams?" He asked with genuine curiosity.

"Occasionally. My dreams are either horrific, horrific and prophetic, or... I don't remember them. Very rare occasions, I'll have a good dream."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

He found that he truly was. For some reason, the idea of her sleeping poorly and having horrific dreams just...didn't seem right. It wasn't...fair. She was kind and loving and giving...She deserved to have dreams that were pleasant and fair. He was the murder. The Archon. He deserved to have the horrific dreams...

Instead...he rarely dreamed.

"What's your favorite color?" her voice stirred him from this thoughts, again. That question was followed quickly by "...and how old are you?"

He opened his mouth to answer, then closed it, thinking. "I don't know..."

"You don't know what your favorite color is or how old you are?"

"I'm 39."

She giggled. "Good. You're under fifty. At least you won't get the title of 'Creepy Old Guy Who Lives at Angel's,' which, believe me, is not as awe-inspiring as 'Former Council Archon.'"

He grit his teeth a bit. Anything was better than being a Council Archon. Her voice hit his mind again, wafting him back to the reality he was currently in. "Okay, it's time for you to lay down and let Angel tuck you in."

He had figured out early on to just go with whatever she said. She was nothing if not stubborn. She pulled the sheets up to his neck, then folded them back, patting them smooth over his chest, then mussed his hair a little and kissed his forehead. "I'll try to be up to fix you breakfast. Sleep well, okay, sweetie?"

"You, too," he murmured, then added quickly, "Oh, and Angelica."

She paused and turned to him, "Yes?"

"About your visions. Let the future worry about itself. Everyone dies eventually. If you do everything you can to help, be content with that. Even if you fail one person, there are still many more that could use your help."

She stared at him a moment, her lips parting. Her brow soon furrowed in confusion. Had he...just tried...to help her?! She turned and walked into her bedroom, letting the robe fall from her. Sitting on the bed, she realized she'd forgotten Benson on the couch. Her footfalls alerted him to her presence. "Yes?"

"Oh, s-sorry...I forgot my bear..."

"It's alright. Sleep well, Angelica."

"...you, too, Ian..."
_________________
Love & Celestial Kisses,

DJ Angel

Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 9:37 am Post subject:

Station Manager

Joined: 04 Mar 2007
Posts: 2389
Location: Heaven, of course

Quote:

Angel, put sad wings around me now. Protect me from this world of sin so that we can rise again... ~Angel, Judas Priest

"Hello, Ian! How are you today?" Angelica's bright voice came over the team's com-link.

He wasn't sure how he felt about this. The fact he was feeling anything at all, already concerned him. "I'm alive."

"It can only get better!" She said with a smile and a kiss on his cheek.

It already has...

They opened the doors to the office complex. Inside were the dreaded Sky Pirates. They, of course, were no match for Artemis' blades and Angelica's gravity manipulation. Or forklifts. Artemis still wondered from where she collected those to hurl at the foes. He chose not to ask. The prospect of the answer, frankly, disturbed him.

"When's your birthday?"

The question came from completely out of the blue and caught him by surprise. "Pardon?"

"Your birthday," she stated. "When is it?"

Had he functioning eyes, he would have blinked several times. "June 18," he stated finally.

"Drat!" She exclaimed. "I missed it. Okay. I'll try to keep it in mind for next year."

The fight with the Sky Pirates over the ambassadors went smoothly. He only worried about her once--when she got jumped from behind. Nothing major, but he found himself a bit concerned. "Are you alright?"

"Of course! Just give me a moment..." She winced slightly, standing to her feet, then sent out a healing aura to those around her. She smiled, "See? All better. Now, let's get these gentlemen to safety!" And with that, they lead the ambassadors to the door.

"Good riddance to that useless baggage," Artemis' voice came lowly like a growl.

"Nah, you're not getting rid of me that easily!" Angel quipped with a giggle, trying to lighten the mood.

"I wasn't referring to you."

"Oh, I know, dear. Just thought I'd lighten things up a bit!" She exited the building and took off for Independence Port. He just sort of smiled a bit to himself. "Faultline, dear," her voice came over the team link. He set off.

More Sky Pirates. Only this time, they had information that could prove useful. Angelica had never been shot so much in her life. "Okay. For the record? Bullets hurt. And I have got to talk to Serge about this uniform."

"Why?" Artemis queried, noticing it, perhaps, for the first time. The way the rubberized spandex hugged her body. The skirt was a cute touch. Overall, were he a man of feelings, he'd think she was quite lovely.

"Because ...it's not anything he said it was...except hot!" She tugged at the neckline, then fanned her face. Artemis smiled and murmured something about agreeing...

There adventures took them through Oroborus. Angelica paused long enough to look around and smile at the scenery. "Ian? Do you mind if we take a detour from Atlas for a moment? I want to look around here. It's really pretty."

"Not at all," came the stoic remark. He walked to the edge of the ledge and looked out into nothingness, contemplating.

She spread her wings and leaped into the sky. Flying was so liberating. She felt closer to the Holy One, even if she wasn't actually closer. She zipped around and then landed on the top of the tallest building and looked out at everyone.

That's when she saw it. Him, rather. Standing on the edge. Her lips parted and she could feel what he was about to do. "No," she murmured. Images from dreams flooded into her mind. She zoomed toward him as fast as she could. As she lighted down, she took a few steps toward him and reached for his shoulder. "Ian?"

Before she could touch him, he took one step forward.

"Ian!" she shrieked and stared down after him. She looked up at the sky, then around her, then heard a splash in the pool behind her. Turning, she ran over to the edge and felt her heart nearly shatter as she looked at him and felt him. "Oh, Ian...."

"...damn..."

"Come here...please?" She opened her arms and beckoned him to her. Without hesitation, he walked to her and allowed her to embrace him. "Sweetheart, please...let me help you..."

He opened his mouth to speak, but no coherent words would form. "I... it just..."

She kissed his cheek through the mask and closed her eyes, whispering, "...talk to me, dear....it's okay."

"I...not here. Too open," he finally said. His arms, stiff and rigid at his sides gave him almost an inhuman air. Angelica knew better.

"Where then?"

With a lost look on his face and defeat in his voice, he spoke two words: "Atlas Park."

They entered the door for their assignment and Angelica reached for his hand, looking concerned. Suddenly, his legs gave way and he just collapsed to the floor. "Ian!" she exclaimed, then knelt next to him, "Oh, dear..."

After a few moments, he spoke softly, "Last night, I was pursuing the Freaklympics case. My contact learned the event organizer would be participating in a raid on a Council base. I had to clear it out..." His voice trailed off and he paused for a moment. Angelica kept her hand on his back.

Softly, she congratulated, "It must have been difficult for you....did you go through with it?"

He nodded. "Yes. I...I knew some of them. Commanded them."

She kissed his head and breathed, "Oh, sweetie...Did they recognize you?"

"A couple, I think. I couldn't chance them reporting who'd raided the base....... they might have.... might.. mi--" his voice choked off.

"...come after you?" Angelica finished. Artemis shook his head, but did not look up at her. Her arms snaked around him and she hugged him closely, "You have friends that will protect you, you know. You're the house guest of one of them."

"...that's what I'm afraid of..."

"...what, that your friends will have to protect you?" Angel grinned to him.

He turned his head and stared at her. "That's not what I meant." Slowly, he lowered his head and looked away from her. Why now? Why her? HER! His head snapped up and his lips parted under his mask. Angel sat back, startled. "How... how easily could you track a person with magic?" he asked, urgently.

Angelica blushed and stammered, "Uh....wuh-I....umm.......I don't use magic, dear.... I sorta just feel them...and where they are. It takes a bit, but I can do it pretty easily. Why? Do you think I've been tracking you?!"

He quickly re-queried, "I don't mean you. How easily and accurately could a mystic or mage track?"

"Oh... I...I'm not sure... Depending on where the magic's based...it could be as simple as scrying to as complex as a spell."

"What if they had an organ of the target?"

"...very easily."

As if a switch flicked in his mind, he jumped to his feet and turned to leave. Angelica did her best to persuade him to stay. Through protests of unsafety, she assured him they would be fine. He knew he would not win the battle of wills. "Fine. We have work to do." And with that, he charged forward. Angel blinked and felt like she was running a marathon trying to keep up with him.

"That's it. You need to relax. We're going to dinner after this!"

No response.

The battle went quickly and there were no casualties and not even anything serious to heal. At least not on the surface. Once the dust had settled, she walked over to him and took his arm. "Dinner. Faultline. Meet me there?"

"As you wish."

***
Sitting on the balcony of El Super Mexicano, Angel looked across to the fountains and other fine establishments. She'd made a quick stop by her office to change into a t-shirt and denim mini skirt. She was roasting from her uniform and was thankful for the cool breeze. She ordered their food and had convinced him to sit next to her. Once their food came, she looked over at him and asked her standard question, "Ian...a-are you alright? And don't tell me 'I'm alive.' That doesn't count as an answer, anymore."

"I am uninjured," he responded staring at his food. He'd removed his mask from the lower part of his face.

Angel sighed. "...you're cross with me. If you'd .... *sighs* Nevermind." She decided it was best to occupy her mouth with her burrito. Artemis started on his food, slowly. He frowned slightly and flicked some sauce from his goatee. Angel glanced over, then smiled and giggled and looked away. "...okay, I'm sorry.... I couldn't help it. I saw movement from the corner of my eye and I had to look over...."

He just sat there.

"For some reason, you've gone back into robot-mode. I don't like this mode as much. Not as..." she paused, trying to think of the right word, then shrugged, "....human."

"Humans are frail and weak," he finally stated.

His words stung her. This is what happens to your friends...because you're weak. That voice...was she really weak? Richard had thought so. Had Vincent? "Really...I'm weak?" She hoped he wouldn't answer that.

"The body needs sleep, nourishment, it is easily broken or damaged, and takes a long time to heal," was his response.

"And yet...here you sit...eating, resting, and ....healing. That is, if you're letting yourself. Which it doesn't sound like you are. In case you didn't notice, you're human. You have a heart. You have a will," she paused, then added lowly, "...and you're handsome."

"I never said I wasn't human."

He was nothing if not infuriating at times. Angel sighed, "...you're my friend, regardless. If you want to be robotic and mechanical.....fine. I'll still be here to change your batteries." She paused and touched his cheek, softly, "....but, if you choose to be human...to make yourself vulnerable....I'll be here to hold you when you need to cry." She paused and remembered his optics rather than eyes. "Whether you can or can't, physically, is immaterial. When you feel like you need to, is more the point... I'll be here for you."

Whether the hamster that turned the wheel in his brain keeled over and died or the brainwashing of all those years with the Council finally snapped, Artemis fell silent. Deathly silent. Angel wrapped him in her arms, but he responded about as much as a piece of dead wood. She kissed his forehead and spoke softly to him, "Just know, Ian, that you're loved... I'm proud of what you've been doing."

She leaned back from him. Once she had retaken her position and had her soda in her hand, Artemis seemed to reanimate and continue on his food. Angel frowned. His emotions permeated the air, nearly choking her. Confusion, conflict....Taking a chance, she asked softly, "...Ian....what's wrong?"

As he replaced his mask, he looked over at her and simply uttered the gutteral question of "Huh?"

She sighed slightly, "You seem... how do I put it... You seem...I dunno. Like something's really bothering you."

"Nothing," he replied coolly, then added softly, "...and everything."

"...talk to me. Please?" It was the only way she could keep him there...with her...where he needed to be. Where she wanted him to be...

He took a deep breath, then began. "Imagine you blieved in something so much, so absolutely, you would kill because of it. If you would die because of it. Then imagine if you found it was all a lie." Angelica visibly broke at his words. If one could hear the shattering of a heart, hers would have reverberated through Faultline. He continued, "Do you know what a Council Vortex is?" She stated she did not. "The Vortex is the last of the outer bands in the Council hierarchy. To become part of it, a soldier must show he has absolute faith in the Council, hold to their tennents unwavering. Give them his unflinching loyalty." Angelica held him closely to her, wrapping her wings around him to fill him with the peace and serenity that she knew once upon a time. Artemis continued. "If you catch them, you cannot break them. You cannot coerce them. They will yield no secrets to you, and will never turn." He paused and then added, "Before I left, I was probably less than two months away from promotion into the Vortex."

Angelica held him tighter and whispered, "I'm both happy and sad for that."

He sighed, "Things were so much simpler back then."

Angel giggled slightly, trying to lighten the mood. "Hey, things were simpler when I was 5, but that was almost 20 years ago..."

He continued, as if not hearing her, "I gave my life to them. Not sold, gave...All the things I did, things I ordered men to do."

Kissing the top of his head, she began to rock him gently, then asked a very pointed question, "Can you forgive yourself?"

His answer came lowly, "I don't know."

"Does it help to know that I forgive you?"

"No."

"Didn't think so. But, I figured it was worth a shot," she gave a light chuckle, then just stared at him for a few moments before looking away and reaching for her soda.

"I just want it all to end," he murmured softly.

Angel's head snapped back to him and she opened her arms to him, "Awww, c'mere...." Artemis, this time, gladly leaned against her. Her wings wrapped around them once more and she began to hum lightly, rocking him gently. He began to murmur something...Angelica thought it sounded like names... "Shhh....it's okay, sweetheart...it's okay..." She continued to hum softly, playing idly with his hair and silently praying to the Holy One. After a little bit, he stirred and gently pushed her wings back as he sat up.

"We should go," he stated, then softly added, "...thanks."

Angelica smiled to him and chuckled softly, "As you wish. And you're welcome."
_________________
Love & Celestial Kisses,

Ascalon

Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 3:30 pm Post subject:

Street Team

Joined: 28 Jul 2008
Posts: 538
Location: Florida

Wow Angel thats great, cant wait to read more

Reiki

Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 2:17 am Post subject:

Joined: 02 Feb 2007
Posts: 872

((Got caught up. Interesting to see these sides of Angel ^_^ ))

DJ Angel

Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 10:05 pm Post subject:

Station Manager

Joined: 04 Mar 2007
Posts: 2389
Location: Heaven, of course

Quote:

It's a secret no one tells; one day it's heaven, one day it's hell. It's no fairy tale; take it from me, that's the way it's supposed to be. ~Even Angels Fall, Jessica Riddle

The phone in Signal Arrow's office rang. Repeatedly. Jules glanced at the phone. Then ignored it. Again. "So, anyway, Takota--"

"Aren't ya gonna answer that?" the Native American hero grinned. "Could be important."

Jules glared at him. He was cute, but infuriating. Why Inflamius and Ice Bow thought he would be a, quote, "wonderful addition to the team," was beyond her. So far, he'd proven that he could make her blush within five minutes of saying hello and keep her cheeks pinked for the duration of the conversation--however long that was. "If it's important, they'll leave a message."

"Aww, good to know you think I'm more important than answering your phone! I'm still not gonna buy you dinner, Jules. I told you...blonds aren't my type," he quirked his grin reserved just for her.

She growled. The phone rang again. Takota Thunder Horse--The Cathexis Fray--sat in his Mighty Brigade uniform and just leaned back in the chair, grinning. It was the grin that annoyed her, she decided. That grin that brothers give to their sisters when they're feeling particularly superior.

Men.

She grabbed the phone, "Hello?" She sounded slightly annoyed--and looked it. When she heard the voice on the other end, she softened.

"Hey, Jules..."

"Angel! I'm sorry, sweetie. I was dealing with..." she paused and trained her eyes on Tak, "...an annoyance." He just grinned and rested his hands behind his head.

"Oh. Need some help, then?"

"No. He's leaving."

There was a long silence. Angel wasn't quite sure what to make of that. "Uh, okay? D-do you have some time? I...I need to talk to someone..."

"Of course, Angel!" She motioned for Tak to leave. He nodded, gave her a wink and smirk, then saluted--no, the right way--and exited her office. Jules sat back in her chair, rubbing her temples. "Do you want me to meet you somewhere?"

"Skyway? I'm at the Green Line."

"I'm on my way, sweetie..."

At the Green Line in Skyway, Angelica leaned over the railing and tested herself against her ironic fear of heights. She wore her yellow plaid mini skirt with her yellow summer sweater and black vest. Someone said she looked like a school girl. She couldn't think of a single school girl she'd ever seen dressed like her--especially with the corset boots. She was certain platformed corset boots were not part of any school's uniform. She was engrossed in the war raging in her head.

"Hey, Angel..." Jules smiled to her friend.

Angelica jumped and turned around, "Oh! H-hi, Jules..."

Jules frowned. "What the problem, hun?"

Angelica blushed and looked at the tram platform. "I...I wouldn't say that it's a problem, per se..." Jules looked at her, confused. Angelica glanced up and took a breath, "Lemme preface all this by saying, 'I know it's probably wrong'...."

Jules blinked. "What is?"

"Goodness, how do I say this..." Angelica fumbled over her words, then finally looked her friend in the eyes and blurted, "I think I'm falling for Artemis..." then started looking for a place to hide.

That Signal Arrow--a well respected member of the equally respected Might Brigade--did not at all approve of Angel's choice of friends was quite possibly an understatement and a half. That Angel was now starting to find herself enjoying spending time with the half-crazed ex-Council member disturbed her and caused her to become concerned for her friend. Still, hurting Angel's feelings was not what she wanted to do. Maybe there was more to the situation...

"Before you lecture me," Angel began, "lemme just say...he's.... he can be really sweet." Angel watched her for a reaction.

Jules blinked, opened her mouth to speak, closed it, opened it, rinse-lather-repeat. She tried to work out what she'd just heard. Angel and a psychotic killer?! That didn't make any sense at all.

"I .... I don't know what to do. I'm afraid to let myself like him because... well, everyone else I've liked has...had bad things happen to them," Angel finally simpered out. She dared to like Richard--and he proved to be rather psychotic. She dared to fall for Vincent--and now he was in prison, possibly without parole. She was batting a thousand in the boyfriend department. At least, the dating department. She frowned and sighed and looked up at Jules, "I'm scared, Jules... I... don't think he'd ever fall for me, so there really isn't a danger there...but... talk me out of it!"

Jules blinked. "Em...first of all...what...what what brought all this on?"

Angel blushed deeply. Jules rested a comforting hand on Angel's shoulder. Angel sighed and spoke, "...a secret....that he, unfortunately witnessed....and talked with me about...." Jules blushed, quirking a brow. Angel didn't notice. "...remember the other night when I left and said I was proud of him? It was that night."

Ever mindful of Angel's innocence, Jules spoke up, "I 'ope this isn't goin' to end in a bedroom!"

Angel's face turned every shade of red and pink in the Crayola collection. "Jules!! No! I would never...wait...well...unless you count my living room as his bedroom...." Jules just shook her head, chuckling. Angel, however, looked quite pensive about that particular realization...she had to walk through his bedroom every day to get to the kitchen and front door. Suddenly, this was becoming more awkward to talk about...

"Good...and aye, I remember the night..." Jules grinned. Maybe Tak was wearing off on her...perish the thought.

"No... it's... something I've never shared with anyone before...not even Vincent..."

"Angel, you're not making sense, hun...try again."

Angel whimpered, "...I.... I have .... I have really bad dreams, Jules...the kind that make me wake up screaming...he heard me scream.... I thought he was still asleep when I went to the kitchen to get a glass of water, but...he wasn't."

Jules smiled and rubbed Angel's arm. "It's okay, hun. We all have bad dreams, sometimes."

"...not like these..."

"Why, what 'appens?" Jules frowned in concern.

She sighed. She really hated talking about her dreams. Once, when she was little, she related a particular dream to a friend...and then found herself living the dream three weeks later. Very softly, she spoke the answer, "...friends.... friends die in horrific ways and I'm powerless to do anything. ...most of the time, I'm chained to a wall and forced to watch it happen...."

Jules frowned and wrapped her arms around her friend. Sometimes those who give need a little support so they can keep on giving. After a few moments, Angel whispered, "You're now the second person to know."

Jules nodded, "I'd say it's just a dream, but...I know better."

Angel just nodded, "Anyway, Artemis talked with me about it.... he really seemed like he cared....I mean, I guess it could have been an act, but, it didn't feel like one."

Jules stared at her a moment in semi-disbelief. "So, 'e 'ad a moment of bein' normal?"

"He is normal, Jules!" Angel protested. "Yesterday, he tried to throw himself off the ledge in Oroborus.... I talked with him on why... He told me a lot of stuff about his life. Do you know what a Council Vortex is?"

Jules looked thoroughly confused. She suddenly found herself trying to decide which was better--trying with every fiber of her being not to hurt Angel, or not trying with every fiber of her being to hurt Takota. The later was becoming more appealing by the minute. "Some of it," she responded, "A genetically engineered soldier, I believe?"

"...who's been brainwashed and beaten into brutality....so that the only loyalty they can give is unquestioning, unyielding, and undying..." Angel completed the definition. Her eyes bore a sadness not unlike those of a child who's just had a great disappointment. "He was two months from that promotion. He's hurting, Jules. More than you could ever imagine. He actually -let- me hold him last night. He said, 'Have you ever believed in something your whole life--dedicating your life to it--only to find it's a lie?' So many people have said that to me about the Holy One.... I understand where he's coming from..." She paused a moment and took a deep, sighing breath. "Sometimes, I shelter people who are hurting by using my wings... like this..." She unfolded her wings and curled them around Jules. Jules gave a slight gasp. Angel smiled, "You're safe, Jules. Don't worry."

"I...I...I feel safe..." Jules stammered.

"Good. That's the point. He said he can't cry...probably because his eyes were removed..." She paused and thought about that, then shivered before continuing. "...anyway...he seemed, though, like if he could, he would have....and when he was done, he just leaned back and gently moved my wings..."

Angel knew the significance would be lost on her friend. No one had ever touched her wings before. She didn't even know if her wings had healing properties. She just knew that Ian was the first to do such a thing--and do it with tenderness.

"I..I...I don't know what to tell you, Angel. You know I don't trust him--hell, you just told me to talk you out of it!"

Angel hung her head, folding her wings back in place. "I know. I know you don't...which is why I'm sharing all of his wonderful points..." She started choking back tears of hurt, resentment, bitterness, negativity, but she wasn't strong enough.

Jules cuddled her friend closely and stroked her hair. "Let it out, hun."

"I don't want to! I just... I dunno... I just wanna be... normal!"

Jules frowned, then whispered to her friend, "In this city, Angel, none of us are normal."

"...I know..." she conceded. "I'm just... why can't people like Connor like me...? He's cute... and semi-normal! ...instead, I fall for the guys who can't talk...who can't see.... who can't....whatever." Instantly, she regretted saying those words. But, with a sigh, she finished her thought, "It's like I'm destined to be fixing people for the rest of my life..."

Jules was a good friend. She just held Angel tightly and let her cry and rant. After some silence, though, Jules finally made her statement. "As far as I can see there's one important question here, Angel."

"What's that?"

Jules lifted Angel's chin as she leaned back from her, gathering Angel's eye contact, "Do you want to be with him?"

Angel blinked. This wasn't what she was hoping to hear. She wanted Jules to convince her that Ian was a bad person--that somehow, Angel's judgment was wrong, was faulty. That, perhaps, she was losing her touch with people. "I...I don't know... part of me does...."

"And the other part..what does it say? I can guess what the part that want him is sayin'."

"The other part sa--wait, what do you think the first part is saying?!" Angel blushed to her friend. Jules just grinned. Angel frowned, "The other part says no.... I'd be letting down a lot of people or hurting them. One of the first things people would say is 'Angel, he's 39....you're 24....'" she chuckled nervously, "I told him it was good he wasn't over 50....then people would call him that Creepy Old Guy that Lives at Angel's Place."

"They might not," Jules offered. Angel looked at her in surprise. "They may call him that Weirdo that lives at Angel's place," Jules grinned, trying to make her friend smile.

Angel chuckled, then sighed, "Awww, Jules... I just... I don't know what to do...He can be so incredibly sweet." Jules scoffed a bit. Angel sighed and looked away, "I know you don't think so..." she paused, then closed her eyes, giving into the idea that she would never be right about people--at least not to others. "Maybe you're right."

Jules turned her face back to hers. "Do you want me to meet 'im again?" Angel frowned slightly. "You asked me for my 'elp and I'm willin' t' give it."

"Maybe, then. I ...I just know he'll be different, though. He's always different when there are people around that aren't me."

"'Ave you asked yourself why this might be?"

Angel looked at her and blinked. Wasn't the reason obvious? "I know why! He's been brainwashed.... he reacts to the situation. I've just been the only person, it seems, who's been willing to work with him to overcome it." Jules frowned slightly and looked away. The wave of hurt hit Angel in the chest. "Oh, Jules, I'm sorry! That wasn't meant to be a harsh digg against you."

"I know, it's okay..." The two of them continued the conversation, Jules giving hypotheticals and "what if's" and Angel deflecting each one. Finally, the conversation started coming back to the same points. "Angel, I'm just playin' dev...devil's advocate."

"Oh, I know, sweetie. It's okay. I understand--I mean, I did ask you to talk me out of it!" After a pause, she paled and added quietly, "...maybe I don't want to be talked out of it..."

"You're usually so good with people...so understan--oooo?!" Jules' ears perked as she heard Angel's soft comment. "Look, you know me feelin's, right?"

"You think he's a homicidal maniac. Yes. I know your feelings."

Jules blinked. "That's pushin' it a bit, but I found him cold and heartless...if you're unsure you...you can sense 'im...can't you?"

Angel smiled softly, "....I do every night." Jules blushed. Angel frowned and furrowed her brow, thinking over what she said. Then, suddenly, her face turned a bright crimson and she tried to cover it with her hands. "Not what I meant!" She cried, then quickly added, "He sleeps on my couch, Jules!!! I only have a one bedroom apartment... and the couch is 20' from my bedroom door... well, less than 20', I guess...."

Jules chuckled and stroked Angel's hair. "And how does he feel when he's sleepin'? Different to when he's awake?"

"No. He's just as confused."

After some more chatter that took the focus off Angel--something for which she was greatful--Jules turned the spotlight back on her. "You care, a lot, about everyone....that's gotta wear you down."

"It can....especially when you don't really get back what you put out....but, I find my strength in the Holy One and just....keep going," she offered a smile and a slight chuckle.

But, as much faith and belief that someone has in a higher being--no matter which--the fact is, even angels are human and need to feel the strong arms of friends. Life is lonely. Jules broke Angel's rumbling thoughts by saying, "I'll be here for you, hun. You know that."

"I do. And thanks, Jules. I've taken up a lot of your time, I'm sorry."

"Pfft! Don't worry about it." She grinned, "Besides...if you hadn't called when you did, I most likely would've ended up takin' the new recruit's head off!"

Angel laughed. "If he's as incorrigible as you make him sound, try not to bring him to my shows!" The two laughed, then Angel smiled and spoke softly. "I think I've decided what to do. I think... I'll just let things go and see how they turn out.... probably nothing will happen... I could be totally misreading him."

Jules smiled. "Probably best, hun. Probably best."
_________________
Love & Celestial Kisses,

DJ Angel

Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 8:55 am Post subject:

Station Manager

Joined: 04 Mar 2007
Posts: 2389
Location: Heaven, of course

Quote:

Tale as old as time, true as it can be. Barely even friends, then somebody bends, unexpectedly... ~Beauty and the Beast, Title Song

"Ugh," Angelica whimpered as she stepped out of the sewer, dripping green sledge. "I'm...uh, I'm going to go home, I think, Ian. Will you be okay without me? I want to change and shower. I feel disgusting."

"I'll be fine."

"Alright... Oh, I'm probably going to watch TV. If I'm asleep when you get home, just wake me up and point me towards my room. I'll find it from there."

Artemis nodded and Angelica took the skies, hoping she wasn't dripping sewer water on anyone. Back at her King's Row apartment, she threw her uniform in the laundry basket and entered her bathroom to take a shower. A long, hot shower. As the beads of water beat down on her, she shook out her wings, shivering slightly as the water there had already turned cold. All she could think about, however, was him.

Time seemed to warp. What seemed like a few days had been much longer. But, every day she'd spent with him, she found herself falling deeper and deeper for him. He cared. He genuinely cared. He trusted her. She could not break that trust.

He trusted her.

She couldn't tell him that during their working hours spent together, she'd found herself caring more for his safety and caring more for him than she'd ever intended. She couldn't tell him what she thought she was feeling. Jules had reacted poorly--she could only imagine what the seemingly heartless man would say. What did he say anyway? Don't think any girls would be interested in a semi-creepy ex-killer? Not if they're intelligent.

She couldn't tell him.

She turned off the water and stepped from the shower, shaking out her wings, then wrapping herself in a towel and padding quickly to her bedroom. In the relative safety of her room, she donned her pink tank top and purple shorts with the pink stripe, threw on her purple terry-cloth bathrobe and her purple furry slippers and went out to the kitchen to fix herself some food. The food of choice for the evening? A simple plate of pasta with a spinach primavera made from fresh veggies. She really was trying to lose weight. She poured herself a glass of sparkling grape juice and went to the living room. She put one of her favorite movies in the DVD player--Haunted Honeymoon--and clicked play. About half-way through it, she curled up at the end of the couch and drifted off to sleep.

About 10pm, a key rattled in her door and Artemis came in, looking a little lost. He walked into the living room and just stopped and stared. A small smile crept onto his lips under his mask. She was so beautiful, so peaceful. She had no idea what she had done to him. The time spent with her wasn't enough. He longed for each sunrise, just to hear her voice sing her good mornings. He longed for each sunrise, just to hear her blush. He longed for each sunrise, just for her. She had given him the one thing he thought he could never have: life.

She believed in him. She trusted him. She treated him like he was a regular person and not an ex-killer. She didn't fear him. She didn't scorn him. What did she say? She forgave him? She barely knew him and she forgave him.

How naive.

That was impossible. He was not a feeling nor a caring person. He was a former Archon. Feelings were beaten from him long ago. No, what he was feeling was different. Not a longing so much as...as...as an appreciation. That was it. That was all it was--a deep appreciation for her friendship and hospitality.

She was so peaceful...

He walked silently over to the coffee table and picked up the plate and glass and took them to the kitchen, quietly placing them in the sink. Going back to the couch, he found the remote for the DVD and turned it off. Drawing up the blankets on the couch, he tucked them around her, a slight smile tugging at his lips. Then he took out his optics, set them on the table, went over to the hallway near the front door and sat down, leaning against the wall and falling asleep.

About 2:30am, Angelica started awake. She sat up and looked around. She spotted the man slumped on the floor in the entryway and let out a small whimper of sadness. She'd instructed him to wake her up. She'd woken him enough during his stay at her apartment, she'd not wake him now. She quickly retreated to her bedroom and crawled between the covers, snuggling Benson closely to her. As she drifted back to sleep, she realized that he'd tucked her in and just smiled...

In the morning--well, later in the morning--Angelica's alarm clock began to go off. Sleepily, she batted around for the device, and upon finding it, turned it off and flung it across the room in one single motion. The back of her left wrist met her forehead and she groaned softly, then sat up, yawning. It was 7am. Too bloody early. She swung her legs from her bed and slipped into her slippers and drew on her bathrobe and headed for the kitchen. She checked the hallway. Artemis was not there. She smiled, happy he'd moved to the co--

He wasn't there, either.

She was wide awake. No coffee needed. She looked around. The bathroom door was open and there wasn't anyone in the kitchen. Panic rising in her heart, she called his name. A soft rapping, rapping at her window frame alerted her to his presence...on the fire escape. Her mind flashed back to Oroborus when he tried to throw himself from the ledge. Cautiously, she opened the door and stepped out. "I-Ian? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," came his blank response.

"D-do you want any breakfast? Eggs? French toast? Bacon? Coffee?" She found it difficult to talk to him when she was unsure if he was going to throw himself from the building or not. His emotions were still chaotic at best.

"Coffee sounds nice."

She nodded and added, "Can I bring you anything else?" her hand resting on the door to her apartment.

"No. Thank you, though," he said as he stood, following her towards the door.

She knew he didn't have his optics in and said, "Would you like a hand in--"

"That won't be necessary," he stated as he hopped through the door, landing in front of her.

She smiled and nodded, chuckling slightly. "Of course not." She headed for the kitchen and set some water to boil and ground some beans for the coffee press. "So, uh...wh-where did you sleep last night, hun?"

"Near the doorway."

Angelica frowned. That wasn't what she'd wanted to hear. "I'm so sorry. You could have woken me up. I would have moved."

"I didn't want to disturb you," he said softly. "Besides, you moved anyway."

The kettle shut off and Angelica began to pour the water. "Did you?"

"Did I what?"

"Move."

"No."

"Why?"

"I had a good view of the windows and door."

Angelica frowned and walked over to him, putting her hands on his chest. "Ian, please...you don't need to worry about me. You don't need to worry about you as long as your here, either."

Without flinching, he stated flatly, "'...I pay you to stay on my couch and keep my home free of melevloent zetamorphs, lagamorphs, and whatever other morphs ar running about?' That's what you said."

She winced. "Maybe that was just an excuse to get you to keep you here, though...I will pay you. It wouldn't be fair for me not to." She turned and started for her room where she kept her purse.

A slight sadness washed over him and he spoke quickly, "You already have."

Angelica blinked and stopped, turning to him. She thought over the past few weeks and then shook her head, "I did? When?"

Artemis blindly stared in her direction and stated what he thought was obvious, "With everything you've done for me."

She frowned. "I've given you a place to stay and the promise of support. That's not going to buy you clothes." She gave his attire a once-over, then added, "Something less...buckley."

"If you insist."

If she insisted?! She just wanted him to relax--remove the two by four from his--"I just...I dunno. How much do you want? Hourly rate? Weekly stipend?"

"If clothing is your only concern," he began, "I have a few things more socially acceptable stored in the base where I was staying."

"Well," she began tentatively, "I-I'm sure you don't want to stay here for too much longer... I mean... I keep waking you up....so, I would assume you'd want to get...ya know, you're own place...so, you'd need money for that, right?" In her heart, however, she hoped that he would not desire to leave.

"You are far less annoying than you believe."

Angelica stared at him. The three minute timer rang, signaling the time to press the coffee. She took that as her cue for a topic change. "Oh, look! Coffee's ready!" She pressed the grounds to the bottom. "Uh...black or with cream and sugar? Or one or the other?"

"Black is fine."

She nodded and poured him a cup and took it to where he stood. Trying to be helpful, she took his left hand and lifted it to the side of the mug, "Here ya go, sweetie."

He nodded his thanks and took the mug by the handle, lifting it to his lips and sipping the liquid drug. Angelica smiled, realized he couldn't see her, then went back to the kitchen. "So, uh, what do you want to do today?"

Taking a thoughtful sip, he answered the only way he new how, "Whatever pleases you."

Angelica blinked and frowned, spinning around to face him, "Whatever pleases me?! I...that... what?!"

He frowned slightly, tilting his head to the side, "I am a guest, here at your sufferance."

"My sufferance!?" She gawked. "I invited you here!" She paused a moment, then frowned slightly, "Well...I sorta forced you here...but that's not the point! You're not, like, my prisoner or anything."

"That is what sufferance means," he spoke calmly. "I am here because you allow it."

"I know what it means, but it just sounds... like..." She stopped short, then blushed deeply. It sounded like she wanted him there... "Uh...cereal? I think I have some soy milk...." Note the sudden topic change.

"No thank you," he sighed, then with a slight smirk, "You're blushing, aren't you."

She swallowed and closed her eyes, blushing deeper, "M-maybe. Why?"

"No reason," he smiled a little and sipped his coffee.

"...uh.. I ...could show you around Atlas, if you want? Or...or take you to the beach...though, there's not much there that you'd like..."

Softly, his answer came, "I don't mind just spending the day talking to you."

Angelica's ears blushed. Why was he doing this?! He had to have guessed by now that she liked him. He was just messing with her. Toying with her emotions. That's what the Archons did, wasn't it? Toyed with their prey before settling in for the kill? "Oh..." she said finally, swallowing hard. "Uh...well, we can do that, too. Did you have somewhere you wanted to go to talk?"

With another sip of his coffee, he stated, "Not really."

Desperately trying to keep her composure and act as if nothing in the world was wrong, she offered, "Um...well, G-gemini Park's quiet...and in the sun....hrm...don't know that I restocked my sunblock...."

Curiosity gnawed at his brain and he asked, "Why does this unsettle you so much?"

"What? Not having any sunblock?" She asked, innocently. "I keep you awake at night enough without my whimpering."

"You know what I meant."

"I'm not unsettled," she bluffed.

"You're good at many things Angelica," he said firmly. "Lying is not one of them."

With a frown and a sigh, she spoke softly, "I know. It's probably a good thing...well, good for everyone else."

"It's good for you, too," he stated sincerely. "Repeat a lie often enough and you'll find yourself believing it's true...." his voice trailed off. Angelica studied him for a moment, divining his emotions. Such regret. Such hurt. He broke her concentration by adding, "If my presence makes you uncomfortable, I can move out."

"NO!" she said quickly, "I mean... no, you're fine," she recovered. "It's nice having someone to talk to...I just...worry that you...well...nothing. Nevermind... You sure you're not hungry?"

"That I what?"

"...it's not important. You can make your own choices and it doesn't matter what I think or feel," she lied. "Bagel?"

He took a step closer, "But it does."

"Not to y--" she cut herself short and shifted uncomfortably. Stupid! "Not really."

"Yes, really."

Closing her eyes, she turned her back to him, fixing herself a bagel, "...I worry that you'll want to leave..."

"Why?"

Because I think I like you. "Because I'll worry about you."

"You do that already."

"...but," she began her justification. "I at least know where you are when you're ...here..." Perfect. Not only are you stupid, you're incoherent, too. Blame it on the lack of coffee. Save face and just shut up!

Artemis merely smiled into his coffee. "And when I'm not here?"

She pressed the lever for the toaster to start lightly toasting the bagel, "When you're not here...if you're not with me, I worry...."

"You worry even if I'm with you."

"Not as much...and it's not the same kind of worry."

"Then what kind of worry is it?" he asked softly, taking another step toward her voice.

"Which?"

"Both."

With a whimper, she revealed to him the truth, "When you're not with me, I worry that something's going to snap in your brain and you'll revert and slaughter...."

He chuckled, "That's a reassuring thought. And when I am with you?"

After a moment, she slowly turns to him and speaks, "I worry I'm going to do something stupid and drive you away. All I want to do is help...I want you to realize how special you are and that at least one person loves you and cares for you." Her eyes went wide; her cheeks flushed furiously. She spun around on her heels and tapped the lever for her bagel to pop up.

"You're blushing again, aren't you?" Artemis asked with a smile.

"...yes...M-more coffee?"

"No, thank you," he smiled. After a pause, he added, "And if I held to the Council's idiot ideology for all those years, I doubt you could do 'something stupid' that would turn me away." He moved to set his mug in the sink. Hearing the movement, however, Angelica turned and walked to him.

"I can take that for you." He handed her the mug and she walked it to the sink. He followed her.

"Does talking make you so uncomfortable?"

"N-not normally," she responded, tucking some hair behind her ear.

"Then why does talking with me?" he asked softly.

"...i-it's not that it's...uncomfortable. I really like ...talking... with you...."

"Then why do you stammer so much?" he finally cut her off.

She paused a moment, her cheeks turning a brilliant shade of crimson. "B-because. I'm...an unintelligent girl." She looked up into his sightless face, thankful, for the moment, that he couldn't see how she put a tomato to shame.

Unintelligent girl?! She couldn't possibly mean... "And...just why do you say that?"

With a sigh, she turned from him again, "Because..."

Artemis paused a moment. He'd come this far... Tentatively, he reached a hand out and placed it on her shoulder, speaking softly, "Because why?"

Angelica froze. Her entire body tensed at his touch. She spoke softly, "...because...you... you said...basically...that any girl who...thought of you...was not intelligent. ...basically. Implied...sorta."

He withdrew his hand, noting her tenseness, and let the full force of what she said sink in. He looked to the floor, not that he could see it, then furrowed his brow in shock and confusion. "You..."

"Me, what?" she responded, almost crying. The little voice in the back of her head--the one that says this might be a bad idea--was now not speaking to her. At all. But, no answer came from Ian. She closed her eyes and did the mental kicking for the voice. "I know...I know, I'm sorry."

"Sorry?"

"For breaking your trust," she turned to face him, leaning against the counter.

Artemis was confused. "My trust? On what?"

Angelica sighed, "I promised you no strings. You were going to stay here for a few days so I could set up an apartment for you until you could earn enough to support yourself... and somewhere along the way... these stupid emotions of mine ...."

Ian looked at her as softly as a man with no eyes could do, "I don't recall the promise of no strings, even if this was a 'string,'" then added softly, "...and your emotions aren't stupid. They're what make you human."

"...but I'm not supposed to be human. I'm an angel, remember?" her eyes were starting to fill with tears. She choked them back.

"And angels can't have feelings?"

"...this one shouldn't..." she muttered.

Ian frowned. "Don't say that. You're...you're a friend and you should be happy."

Angelica blinked, then snapped her face to look at him, grinning slightly. "Hey! No fair using my words!"

It was Ian's turn to grin this time, "All's fair in love and war."

She sighed and closed her eyes, speaking sadly, "...excpet this. I'm standing in my kitchen, blushing and crying because, yet again, I've allowed myself to fall for someone who really can't return my feelings..."

His expression changed from one of happiness and true enjoyment to one of deep hurt. "Do you really think that?"

She opened her eyes and looked into his face. Her mouth fell open and her heart nearly broke at the hurt that seemed to be etched in his face, "Oh, sweetie, I'm sorry!" Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around him and held him, trying to ease the pain that she knew she'd caused. "I didn't mean to hurt you...that's the last thing I want to do. ...I'm ...I just... nevermind. I'm sorry. Please forgive me?"

Ian had nothing else to do but return her embrace. He spoke softly to her, "I know. You always try to be there when someone needs you, but who's there when you need a shoulder?"

She tried her very best to sound cheerful. Her voice, however, was laden with hurt, "...Benson. My teddy bear."

It was him, this time, to tighten their embrace. "Bears can only do so much."

Suddenly, it dawned on her that he was hugging her. With a sigh, she closed her eyes and relaxed into the hug, "I know..."

How long they stood in her kitchen in that embrace, she didn't know. She also didn't care. Nor did he. He held her as long as she would allow him to do so--or until his processing kicked in. He began to release her, she gave him a slight squeeze and stepped back from him. "So...I'm forgiven?"

He smiled to her and spoke warmly, "There is nothing to forgive."

"...even though ... we discovered you have feelings and I'm the one that hurt them?"

"Yes."

She nodded a little, then blushed and swallowed, "So...uh...y-you're not upset with me? F-f-for......allowing myself to ... ya know..." Ian shook his head no. "H-how do you feel...I mean a--" She stopped and looked up at the ceiling, then down to the floor before finishing softly, "...about me...?"

He smiled and put his hands on her arms, then leaned down and kissed her tenderly on her forehead. Her eyes fluttered closed and she held her breath. He Leaned back after a moment, smiled and asked, "Does that answer your question?"

"...yes..." She smiled to him softly...not that he could see it. "Wh-what happens now?"

"Let's play it by ear."

She nodded, then looked away, frowning. "I'll be honest. I'm scared..."

He tilted his head to the side, "Why?"

With a sad sigh, she spoke, "...it's... silly. But... the guys I've liked....have...all gone away. For various reasons...."

He spoke softly, quoting, "'Nature's first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf's a flower; But only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief, So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay.' Let the future take care of itself. Otherwise you'll miss the joy of the moment."

She chuckled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Let's get a few things straight, then. I enjoy hugs. A lot. Think you can give those?"

He wrapped his arms tightly around her and lifted her off the ground with a smile, "I am."

She smiled and kissed his cheek, lingering a little longer than normal. "I like kisses, too. I give them out weekly at my shows... but, I reserve special ones for special people. What about you?"

"I don't have as much to give, so I'm very selective who I pass them out to."

"What do you mean you don't have as much to give?" Angelica was shocked. After all this time, he still didn't believe her? "Ian, you're a wonderfully sweet man and you're very wise....you have a lot to give!"

He set her down, slowly, and spoke softly, "No, not nearly as much as you."

Angelica poked him in his chest, "I think so."

He chuckled. "If you say so."

"Okay, Mister! Let's get one thing straight right now!" She playfully reprimanded. "When it comes to you, I'm right."

"You're the empath," he said with as straight a face he could muster.

"This is true. So, if I say you're a good person, I'm right. Right?"

"You're the empath," he repeated.

Angelica poked him in the stomach, chuckling, "Stop that!"

He laughed, slightly. "Alright."

A huge grin spread over her lips. "Do that again!"

"What?"

"Laugh."
_________________
Love & Celestial Kisses,

DJ Angel

Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 9:31 pm Post subject:

Station Manager

Joined: 04 Mar 2007
Posts: 2389
Location: Heaven, of course

Quote:

In rain or shine, You've stood by me, girl. I'm happy, ... You're my best friend. ~You're My Best Friend, Queen

Angel let fly with another forklift. She often wondered how being crushed by a forklift didn't actually kill her target. She figured it had to do something with the space-time continuum or her gravitational manipulation or some other rather technical aspect of heroing that she didn't fully understand. She sighed slightly, wishing Artemis was with her. He had some errands, he said, that he needed to run. His kiss still lingered on her lips, however, and that was enough. She'd see him later, anyway.

Her cellphone rang. It was a distinctive tone--a Queen song, "You're My Best Friend." She new in an instant it was Jules. "Greetings!" her voice sang into the phone.

"Allo, Angel!" Jules said brightly.

Angel's voice entered the sing-songy mode that girls sometimes go into when they're torturously teasing someone with withheld information, "I have something to tell you!"

"Oh?" Jules grinned.

"Yeah," Angel giggled, then frowned slightly, "But...you're not gonna like it."

Jules went silent.

And stayed silent.

Angel frowned, "Jules?"

"...em... h-how do you mean, Angel?" the Croatoan native stammered.

Angel frowned again, "I'm not pregnant, Jules, if that's what you're getting at..."

Jules blushed. Angel could hear it. "N-no, no, not at all...em, how 'bout I just...come meet up with you?"

Angel grinned. "Sounds like plan!"

"Em...do I need to pick up a stiff drink on the way?"

Angel frowned. Jules was going to positively kill her. "Uh...n-not unless that's how you deal with things you don't like to hear...?"

+++

"Angel?" Jules said as she lighted to the ground behind her friend. The two girls embraced and Angel smiled to her.

"Hey, Jules," she stated as brightly as she could muster, "L-let's go inside, so you can hit the bad guys instead of me..."

Jules sighed, "...I'd never hit you, silly..." She put her arm around her friend's shoulder. "Now, c'mon. What am I not going to like."

"Artemis..." Angel began.

Jules frowned. She already didn't like where this was going. So help me, if that bastard so much as touches you wrong, I'm going to eviscerate him so quickly.... "Artemis?"

Angel nodded and watched her face for reaction. "Artemis and I were talking this morning," she began. "He...I kept...he..." As she faltered through her words, her cheeks began to pink drastically and she chuckled, "He apparently thinks I'm cute when I blush." She dropped her head a minute, blushing even deeper, then looked up at her friend, "Remember that conversation we had...? Where I said nothing would ever happen, anyway?"

Jules nodded. Then a horrified expression crossed her face, "You...you didn't....!" she gasped.

Angel frowned, "Yeah... I did--wait... didn't what?" she asked suspiciously.

Jules blushed, "...em...y-you know..."

"Jules, there's a lot of things I didn't do. The dishes was one of them," she grinned slightly. "But, yes, I told him how I felt. He dragged it out of me."

"What did you tell him?"

"I used his words and said that I was an unintelligent person. Of course, he didn't remember that, so I had to explain that I was falling for him... and I..." She stopped and looked at her friend, then frowned. "Jules, I promise you he's sweet." She paused again, then continued, "I told him that I have a bad habit falling for guys who can't return my feelings and he was actually hurt by that. When I asked him to forgive me, he hugged me..." She frowned, then looked away.

Jules was unmoved. "And?"

Angel deflated a little. All she could think about was how everyone seemed to want her to be happy and when she finally decided to take people up on the notion, they don't approve of her choices. No one ever approved of her choices. From the music she played to the themes she'd run to the way she dressed to the guys she fell for...no one ever supported her 100%. She sighed, "...and? And what? He gave me a hug and said, 'You give so much. You always try to be there for other people when they need you. But who's there for you when you need someone?' I told him I have Benson, my teddy bear. He just held me tighter."

"That's all?"

Suddenly, Angel felt like she was being scrutinized. Part of her wanted to scream, No! Then he threw me down on the floor and screwed my brains out and we had a blast! ...but...she'd have been lying. And that would have been said out of spite and anger and hurt. "I asked him how he felt about me and he kissed my forehead...That's it."

Jules frowned. This is not at all what she wanted to hear from her innocent, angelic friend. Could be worse. He could have thrown her down on the floor and screwed her brains out... "And...and what do you want to do about this now?"

Angel sighed, "I dunno. He quoted a poem or a song to me...and then said, 'Let the future take care of itself...otherwise you'll lose the joy of the moment.' So, I guess we just take it one day at a time." She smiled slightly to Jules.

Signal Arrow was silent for a moment. Finally, she spoke, "You're right, I should be mad, cause you know how I feel bout him....but I was expectin' so many reproaches for my recent life choices and you didn't do that to me, Angel..." she paused a moment, then added softly, "I...I can't be mad."

"Yes you can, Jules," Angel spoke comfortingly, "I can't dictate your choices just like you can't dictate mine. I can't dictate your feelings or emotions..."

"But, but what good would it do really," Jules began. "...other than to make you feel worse 'bout the situation."

Angel smiled to her, "I feel badly about the situation because I know everyone's going to be upset or hurt."

"...and you want me to make it worse for you?"

"I'd rather you didn't," Angelica sighed and looked away. "But, if that's what you need to do. Go ahead." She gave a quirky smile, "I've got big shoulders."

Jules stared at her friend, then smiled and walked over to her, hugging her tightly. "No, no I'll not upset you..." She stated as she stroked Angelica's hair, "I still think your mad....but it's a choice you 'ave made....just...just promise me you'll be careful, hun?"

Angelica smiled. "Of course I will, Jules. I mean, what's the worst that could happen? Seriously!"

She laid her head on Angelica's shoulder and whispered, "You would know, what with your dreams and all."

Angel fell exceedingly quiet.

Slowly, she lowered her arms and stated flatly and softly, "I think there are some bad guys I need to dispense..."

Jules closed her eyes, "...just promise me you won't rush in to anything?"

Angelica snapped her head toward her friend. "Rush into anything? Like what? Marriage? I don't think so. I'm not ready for that yet."

Jules blushed. "Yes. Marriage. Exactly what I meant. You should wait on that. Be sure and all..." Angelica quirked a brow. Jules smiled a little, "Well, it was just a hug...and if huggin' is somethin' to be worried about, then we have problems. We've been huggin' a lot recently."

"Oh, I know! If hugging were a concern, I'd be ... I'd be a real fluzzie!"

Jules laughed at that thought, then stated, "Well... it would make comin' to your shows a bit awkward!"

"Oh, don't stop coming!" Angel blurted.

Jules laughed and agreed to be in attendance.
_________________
Love & Celestial Kisses,

Sultry Siren

Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 9:38 pm Post subject:

PR Director

Joined: 06 Dec 2007
Posts: 1743
Location: The Manor House, Cap Au Diable (near Sacramento)

(loving this!!)
_________________

CoH handle @SultrySiren
Lydia Chapman - 50 corr, Mrs. Wentworth - 28 blaster, .Anguisette - 44 def, Twilight Noir - 12 corr, Alais - 7 def, Sakura Megumi - 21 blaster

DJ Angel

Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 11:04 pm Post subject:

Station Manager

Joined: 04 Mar 2007
Posts: 2389
Location: Heaven, of course

Quote:

Who knows how long this will last? Now we've come so far, so fast...Just lay your head back on the ground, And let your hair spill all around me. Offer up your best defense...This is the end of the innocence. ~End of Innocence, Don Henley

Ian's hand worked the knots in her back. He loved making her feel like a Princess. She deserved so much better, and yet, she was perfectly happy with him. A regular man. A regular man who'd been beaten and broken. A regular man who'd been a cold-hearted killer.

Her head lulled forward and a soft moan came from her mouth, "Oh, Ian...you should open a massage parlor! You're really good at this..."

"Really?" He grinned. "I've never done it before."

"Well, I don't know what they teach you at Archon school, but I'm pretty sure that anatomy is involved. The pressure points can be used to cause pain and..." she let out a soft, whimpering moan, "...and pleasure..."

He chuckled. "I'm glad you're enjoying it. How long til your show?"

She checked the clock, "Forty-five minutes. I should go down in about half an hour." Artemis nodded.

"Are you ready?"

She smiled, "Yeah...and now I'm relaxed, so it's going to be a fun night. Come sit next to me," she smiled. He gladly obliged.

With his arm around her shoulders, he idly stroked her arm, then reached to her wings and began to stroke them gently. He loved her wings. They were so soft. But most importantly, when he touched them, she'd melt. In fact, right...

...about...

......now......

Her head lulled onto his chest and she mrred softly, snuggling closely to him. "You're not fair, you know..."

"I'm not?" he grinned.

"No. You're not."

"You want me to stop?" he asked almost rhetorically.

She thought about it for a moment, "...not yet..." He grinned.

Never before had 30 minutes gone so quickly. Their lips hardly left each other's once they joined together. She sat back and stared at him. His face was perfect--except for the black holes that stared out her where his eyes should be. She smiled softly and kissed his nose. He whispered, "You should go. I don't want you to be late...I'll...be there soon."

She nodded and kissed him again. Grabbing her gear, she slung it over her shoulder and headed for the door. "I love you," she smiled to him. He smiled back and nodded and she headed down to the D.

As she set up, her mind went back over the events of the morning. The four Hellions that showed up at her apartment had been quite surprised by her guest. It's not every day you break into an unsuspecting angel's apartment to kidnap her and are met by an ex-Council Archon wielding a couple of swords. It's even less than daily that he actually uses one to cut off your buddy's hand...

Sent by the Council, she remembered Ian saying. For you. She promised him nothing would happen to her. She promised him it was an every day thing for heroes everywhere. She promised him they would be fine.

She promised herself they'd move.

Her show stared and she hit her groove right off the bat. Everyone was dancing and having fun. Artemis even slipped in and took up watch near by. She wasn't sure she was ready to announce to all her friends that the looming figure behind her that made people a little uncomfortable was her new boyfriend. She didn't think people would understand.

"Hey, Angel," Ascalon smiled to her. "You look exceptionally happy tonight."

"Thanks! Yeah, it's been a relatively good day," she bluffed. Her smile, however, seemed genuine enough.

"Is it that Artemis guy? I noticed how your face lit up when he got here."

"Huh? Can't...can't I just be happy?" she stammered.

"Well, yeah, you can...but, you just seem...I dunno. Nevermind."

"It's okay, hun. I'm sorry. Yes, I'm very happy right now," she replaced her headphones and grabbed the mic for her rambly talk-break. Three hours of groovin' tunes and she was ready to just chill with Jules and Ian. Maybe the two of them would even become friends! If someone else supported her and her view of Ian, maybe everyone else would, too.

"Okay. Posthaste is up and running. Lemme just run this stuff upstairs, grab my uniform and we can hi--" She stopped short. The gray chaos kitten, Mrwrk lurked nearby. Angel smiled to her, "Hey, Mrwrk!" The kitten ran over Angel and clung to her leg. Angel blinked. "What's wrong?" She got a pathetic look from the kitten. Angel looked up to Jules, then around for Ian. "Where's Artemis?!" Her heart lept into her throat.

Jules put a hand on her friend's shoulder. "He just ran your stuff up to your apartment. He'll be right back."

Angel refocused on Mrwrk. She skritched her head, then took her hands and unfurled her wings around the kitten. Mrwrk smiled sadly, but the darkness that came from within jumped out at Angel, as if it were trying to attack. Angel blinked and let go. Mrwrk mrwrked quietly, touched her nose to Angel's then scampered off.

Slowly she refolded her wings. She felt a hand on her shoulder. "...C-come with me to the office..." Jules and Ian nodded. Ian helped Angelica to her feet and looked at her with concern. She smiled weakly and took his hand, walking to the office.

Once inside, she broke down into tears. Ian wrapped his arms around her and just held her tightly. "What's wrong?"

"Mrwrk..." Angelica murmured.

His arms tightened around her and he kissed her head. "Was it like the dream?"

"Dream?" Jules questioned. Angelica swallowed and looked up at Ian. He brushed her cheek with his fingers and gave her a slight nod. Jules observed his care and tenderness, but said nothing.

"Yes...remember I told you about my nightmares? One involved Mrwrk..." She told Jules--in detail--of the gruesome visions she'd seen. "...and when I wrapped my wings around her, the darkness attacked me."

The three sat in silence for a moment, then began bantering around questions and causes and speculations. Angelica finally said, "I don't know any more than what I've said...I don't know what it means. I do know, though, that I'm really worried." She sighed and closed her eyes. "C'mon, Jules, let's go change. Artemis, wait here?"

"As you wish," he stated with a hint of sadness.

In the changing room, Angelica slipped on her raspberry colored shorts and stretched the spandex top over her head, "Sooooo?" she grinned to Jules.

"So, what?" Jules responded as she zipped up her uniform pants.

"What do you think of him, now?"

Jules smiled slightly, "I'll admit...that was a completely different side of 'im. You may have been right about 'im all along..." Angelica just grinned.

"...so...should I tell you he's a wonderful kisser?" Angelica giggled as if what she'd just said was absolutely dirty.

Jules grinned and blushed, "...I'm glad you're happy, hun."

"What is taking so long?" Artemis growled over the team's communicator. The girls erupted into a fit of giggles and laughter.

With just a hint of chuckles remaining on her voice, Angelica pressed the commlink to talk, "Nothing, dear. We're girls. We cluster and talk about purses and shoes. ...and in our case, you."

"Great. What did I do now?!"

The girls just giggled and laughed, "We'll be right there, sweetheart. Just hang tight."

They rounded the corner laughing and talking. Angelica glanced ahead of her at Artemis. He was leaning against the wall...and had his optics out. Her heart fell a little. She really wished there was a way he could see without the optics. They hurt him. Plus, he missed out on a lot of little things... She walked over and touched his arm. "Ready?"

He replaced the optics and looked down at her. "Of course. I've been waiting for your two..." He smiled slightly and pulled his mask up over his face. The three of them headed out for Croatoa.

The spirit realm is draining at best for the normal person. None of the trio were considered anything close to normal. And after three rounds with the Tuatha, Artemis looked slightly worse for wear. His left optic had been smashed and he did not have a replacement. He was winded, tired. Signal Arrow had become highly frustrated and distracted. Her commlink kept going off and she would have to take a few moments here and there to answer questions.

Then there was Angel. Distracted was an understatement. Her mind kept trailing to Mrwrk and her dream...the morning's break-in...the pain that now coerced through her right shoulder...and stomach...and back...She had to stop taking on the pain of everyone. It wasn't healthy. As they re-entered the world of the living, Artemis collapsed and Angel whimpered slightly. "Jules, I'm going to get him home. Will you--"

"That's a good idea, Angel. Get 'im home and get 'im rest. I need to head to my office and take care of some things. See you later, hun." She gave her friend a quick hug, looked conceredly at Artemis, then took off for the tram to head to the Mighty Brigade's headquarters.

Angelica looked at Ian and wrapped her arms around him, lifted him up and flew to King's Row.

At her apartment, she drew up a bath for him, insisting that he relax. "You're hurt! You need to rest and relax!"

"You're hurt, too, Angelica..."

"I can deal with it. I'll take a bath when you're done...just...go."

He sighed and allowed her to lead him to the bathroom. She fetched him a towel and some hot tea, then left him alone. She went to her room and slipped on her bathrobe and pajamas and went back to the living room to watch TV.

After about 30 minutes, she heard him call softly for her. Outside the door, she responded and he asked for his bag of clothing. She got it for him and quickly left again. "You're blushing, aren't you...?" he asked with a grin.

"...shut up..."

Once he was finished, she went into the bathroom and opted for a shower. The water pounding on her back would help alleviate the pain...she hoped. Long, hot showers do a body good. Stepping from the tranquility of her shower, she shook out her wings, dried off, and slipped back into her robe.

"Angelica?" his voice came softly from the living room.

"Hmm?"

"Where are you?" he frowned slightly.

"Oh, I need to put ...on...uh..." she blushed. He grinned and followed her voice. "...uh, n-nevermind! I'll be right there!"

He caught her in his arms. "It's okay. It's not like I can see you." His hands started working her shoulders. She relaxed somewhat. Then his hands started to rub her back at the base of her wings. She froze. The one place on her body that when he touched it, caused her to think impurely.

"Uh...I..um...I sh-should change..."

He smiled slightly, "...as you wish, Angelica." He slid his hands from her and turned. She caught his arm.

"I-Ian?" She blushed deeply as she formed her next question, "I...would you..."

"Yes?"

"...w-would you hold me tonight?"

He smiled to her and kissed her forehead. "Anytime you want, Angelica." He wrapped his arms around her and gave her a hug. She gave him a squeeze, then kissed his cheek and ran to her room.

What are you doing, Donna Jo...?! Her mind raced. Her heart pounded. She found her pajamas and put them on quickly. We're just sleeping...it'll be fine, she convinced herself.

...and they did simply sleep that night. She had the most wonderful night. No nightmares, only peace. She felt safe in his arms. She didn't cry herself to sleep; he stroked her wings and she fell asleep from relaxation. That's why when her alarm went off at 7am and she found herself snuggled deeply within his arms that his first kiss of the morning lead to a second...then a third... Then further. "I want you..." came his hot whisper.

"...I want you, too, Ian... I've never..."

He smiled, "Neither have I..."

Together, they ventured into unknown territory....
_________________
Love & Celestial Kisses,

Sultry Siren

Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 11:48 pm Post subject:

PR Director

Joined: 06 Dec 2007
Posts: 1743
Location: The Manor House, Cap Au Diable (near Sacramento)

(rawr!)
_________________

CoH handle @SultrySiren
Lydia Chapman - 50 corr, Mrs. Wentworth - 28 blaster, .Anguisette - 44 def, Twilight Noir - 12 corr, Alais - 7 def, Sakura Megumi - 21 blaster

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