anastasia
Senior Member
Making a point is a matter of opinion. I'd rather make a difference
With me? Expect the unexpected!
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Post by anastasia on Jan 5, 2013 16:29:07 GMT -5
Elbows resting upon the back of the settee while leaning upon it. A large grin as she watched him like a parent eager to see their kid open their gifts to see the delight on their faces. She figured and guessed that he really did not have good Christmases or received many or any gifts. So, her reasoning was to make up for that with items she guessed he may like. She was keen as one could possibly be. Curious and listening to what people liked most. She was patient, watching him and wanting him to enjoy the gifts he so very well deserved.
Grinning a little more as he opened the first gift and looked rather delighted. This made her happy in return that he was liking the first gift. She softly giggled while grinning at him, her eyes sparkled as she spoke, "Money means nothing. It's the joy that it brings to the one receiving the gifts." Grinning still and would leave it at that. She wouldn't tell him where they all came from. It was obvious that he could definitely use them and he definitely liked them.
Again her grin grew wider as he opened the second gift and was delighted. Perhaps this was the best gift she received in return was to make another person happy, a person who had not had Christmases in the past. She was glad that she brought joy to another soul. Giggling softly again after he mentioned he was like a kid at Christmas. She could envision him as little boy so excited and darling. As he continued on with the discovery of each gift she felt so light and happy, definitely feeling the Christmas spirit as he appeared to enjoy each one. Raising her brows when it looked like he was choking up. What could she say? She's been around men before but none so much like Lenoir who would enjoy the finer things in life, they always wanted those stupid t-shirt or some obnoxious masculine item that would only ruin one's humor. "I hope so. If not, I can take it back and get the perfect size." Only grinning in return not wanting to give away her 'secret' of how she would know. Again, having lived with men before she was no stranger to their needs and wants. But she did hope it was the right size for sure. A gentle quick laugh and raised her brows, looking like a mock 'hurt' but she was not hurt by that only greatly amused. "That's my little secret," grinning brightly. The grin grew again when he stated using the gold quill pen for writing music. She was curious now to see what music would be made with that quill pen.
Upon opening the last gift and seeing the music box, she hoped he would like it. After all, he had that monkey one in his Lair, right? What person that loves music would not love a music box? She knew of none. Nodding briefly, "Yes it does," looking over the music box then up at him. "You're welcome," she replied to him with a soft, warm tone to her voice and a warm smile. She really did hope that this would help to make up for those many years without a good Christmas.
When he opened the last little box with the bell, she smiled and thought a moment. "A simple momento. To remind you of a sleigh ride in a winter evening, to be who you are without hesitation," pausing a moment as she glanced down while still leaning upon the settee then looked up at him with eyes that changed to reflect a moment from a recent past, "and that I do believe you." Another pause. "I told you that it would take time to believe you who you really are. And you've proven me wrong. Shown me there's more to a person than what one may think." A slight contemplative smile upon her face as she watched him, her eyes almost distant but she was content. He had proven who he was 100% to her. There was no doubt in her mind and she accepted him completely. "Every time you see that bell or hear it ring,... believe. For I believe in you."
And now... her gift! "I already love it," having not seen it yet, but anything from Lenoir would be cherished for sure. She wasn't just saying that to be nice. She straightened up and moved around the Settee. "As long as it's from the heart... that's all that matters." Coming now to sit upon the settee, accepting the gifts.
Opening the first gift, she smiled and fondled the painted fabric. "It's lovely, Lenoir," and kept grinning. This will be a fun piece to wear in the spring and summer. "Thank you," grinning at him then wrapped the shawl around her neck like a scarf with a brief child-like giggle, clashing oddly with her red cable turtleneck sweater but she didn't care. With a grin, looking at Lenoir and opened the second gift. When it was revealed her face changed so dramatically - the smile disappeared into absolute forlorn surprise, her mouth opened as she gasped, blinking a few times while frozen for a moment. Then a sharp, breathy exhale while gazing hard at the stunning music box. Blue.. her favorite color! It was stunning and had a hard time even contemplating about touching it. Finally her fingers slowly reached in to pick up the little oval blue box as though it were the most fragile of ancient books or a newborn sleeping babe. Gawking at it in awe and nearly tearing up, once again taking a sharp breath, "Oh, Lenoir," she breathed softly then felt the bottom for the wind up, turned it then opened the lid to hear the sweet music! Her face lit up and she teared up, forcing a smile as she listened. "It's beautiful," again she breathed. Gazing at it for a while as she listened to the sweet, high pitched pin prick music that chimed from it. Slowly her smile grew as she stared hard at it looking as though she was a little girl again enjoying her first and favorite music box, her eyes glassy with tears of joy. Biting her lip, poorly stifling a grin with those sparkling, glassy eyes, "I'm fully pleased with these," leaning over to hug him tightly and for a while. Pondering that last bit a moment for but only a second. Would she go out on a limb and just believe and trust? She'd still guard her heart, but she didn't want to deny him the joys that had once been denied to him. "Thank you, Erik," and gently pecked his cheek as she pulled away slowly and sat back up, smiling at him, looking down at the music box and loving it. Then looked up at him with a warm smile and sparkling eyes. He touched her deeply in more ways than one. Namely that a man could be just as sweet and kind without wanting anything. She almost cried at this endearing thought. All it took was for her to believe in the impossible. Nodding, she accepted with silence and completely his want to thank her. "Yes," she softly breathed.
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Erik Lenoir
Hide your face, so the world will never find you...
Hide your face so the world will never find you...
Posts: 1,241
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Jan 5, 2013 19:59:26 GMT -5
Erik was thrilled with the gifts Ana had given him; a very unexpected thing. Yes, his mother had on occasion given him things for Christmas, but nothing he wanted. Mostly utilitarian things. New socks, handkerchief, things like that. Never anything he really wanted. Like books to read about wonderful things ... architecture, music, art, science, inventions great literature...the things he wanted to learn. He had a voracious appetite for learning. He received some of it from his tutors, but he surpassed them so quickly that he was easily bored.
And so, most of the things that he enjoyed owning were bought himself. But they weren't gifts. They had no emotional attachment for him. But this...that someone cared enough to give him such wonderful things. He was rather overwhelmed. He didn't like when that hapened. His eyes often misted over and much worse, he began to sniff a bit, difficult when wearing a mask and false nose. He spied a box of the artificial, paper handkerchiefs that someone had placed strategically about the public rooms lately, and that after inquiring what they were for, thought quite a nice invention. He pulled one out and then stepped over to the window with his back to Ana for a moment. He quickly reached under the mask pulled off the false nose, wiped it, put it into his pocket, and then stuffed the kleenex into the hole in his face. He returned to the settee, making sure to sit on Ana's left side, for the lack of nose could be slightly viewed from the left side where the mask did not cover completely.
He picked up the last gift, the little bell and said, "this is very significant for me, to actually have you believe in me. I had tried so hard at the beginning, and it fell rather flat. Perhaps I should not have tried so hard." He smiled. "I am delighted that you like the gifts I gave you." He regarded the little bell. "But my dear, one thing that is puzzling me, how did you know to give me a bell that would remind you of a sleigh ride, with bells that I did not know I had and that you did not know I would give you, in fact, I expect you weren't really meaning to ask me except that I happened along... And it's all right, I am not disparaging you, I am simply wondering about this...it seems too strange and coincidental...In any case, no matter. Just a bit of oddness."
Then she acquiesced to him kissing her. He made sure it was not a long kiss, although he really wantetd that. But he did not wish to upset her with too much boldness on his part. He loved her touch on his arm or his cheek. he craved touch, for he had been without it so long, he didn't realize he craved it.
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anastasia
Senior Member
Making a point is a matter of opinion. I'd rather make a difference
With me? Expect the unexpected!
Posts: 285
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Post by anastasia on Jan 5, 2013 22:30:11 GMT -5
Sitting there just lost to the little chiming music of the music box, absolutely enthralled and glowing. Never had she been so alight with joy. Listening a couple times then noticed as Lenoir stood and moved to the window. She had not been oblivious to him while she was enchanted by the music box. From the corner of her eye she was watching him. The smile played slightly upon the corners of her mouth, glancing occasionally at the Phantom but remained silent because she did not really have to ask what was wrong nor wanted to focus upon it. She'd allow him a moment to enjoy the emotion. As the music box played it's lovely tunes, she watched him even as he returned to the settee and sat beside her once again. Closing the box, she placed her full attention upon him with a slight warm smile, seeing his glassy eyes and knowing how touched he was. This made her feel bright and happy that she could give him a Christmas to remember. It was all for him.
Smiling as she tucked her hair back behind her ear and shoulder, glancing at it and smiled. "I picked it up when I went to get your gifts. I already had it. I bought it a few years ago. It's been a trinket I liked a lot since I watched a particular movie about believing in one's self and the spirit of Christmas. I just thought... I'd pass it along. It seemed like a perfect gift to give to you." Looking up at him while she held the music box he gave her. "Especially the words on the lid. The story goes in the film was a boy who was beginning to doubt. Not just in Christmas but in himself and everything else. He was taken on an incredible journey with several other children to the North Pole where he learned along the way and while there at the North Pole, to believe in himself, in others, and in Christmas. He doubted and never heard the sweet jingle of Santa's sleigh bells. But once he believed without a doubt, he could hear them! And he never lost his belief, never doubted again and continued to hear the sleigh bell for as long as he would believe." Smiling still back at him after telling him the little summary of the story. Hopefully that little story would help him to understand that with her, the doubt was removed and she believed in him. Believed in the impossible, so that she could hear his sweet music once again. "You tried," then place a hand upon his arm." And you succeeded. Again, it only took time." Smiling at him. "Thank you." Time that she never thought would allow her to believe at all after all that she'd been through. Some how, perhaps this was the miracle that would wake her up, to pull her from her own darkness that had slowly been eating away at her. In a word, he was saving her! Closing her eyes with a delighted smile as he kissed her cheek. It was endearing and harmless. But it did mean a lot to her that he thought greatly of her to ask permission, to be very open and kind and real. More and more she respected him. For, again, no man was ever like this. "Merry Christmas," again she whispered as his lips pulled away then looked at him with a smile.
With a change in visage, and an "Oh!" she set the music box down ever so carefully, got up, went around the settee and got the hot chocolate. Looking at Lenoir, "Did you want a peppermint stick or marshmellows or both?" She happened to put a peppermint stick in her hot chocolate and stirred the stick around the hot muddy like liquid.
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Erik Lenoir
Hide your face, so the world will never find you...
Hide your face so the world will never find you...
Posts: 1,241
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Jan 6, 2013 20:29:38 GMT -5
Erik listened carefully as Ana told him the little boy's story and how it connected with the little bell she had given him. He smiled. His voice was soft. He was touched that she would give it to him. "I am uplifted by the story. It is very nice."
Erik was suddenly aware that his voice was sounding rather nasally, because of the tissue stuffed in his nose. He felt a bit uncomfortable. "Why don't you play the music box again. I am quite entranced with it. And then we shall play my music player. I am quite entranced with that also."
After the kiss, Erik felt he had made a connection with Ana, a kiss that had brought them closer together. And perhaps that kiss cemented their friendship. He thought perhaps in another place and time, he could have fallen in love with this woman. But he was not of her time or culture. There were too many obstacles. However, he was very drawn to her and also fascinated by her.
"Joyeux Noël, mon amie." said Erik after the kiss. He smiled and again felt self conscious as to how his voice sounded. He thought it very sweet of Ana not to be afraid to be kissed by his strange looking lips, and of course she knew what he looked like behind the mask. Most of it, of course, save the nose.
When he smelled the hot chocolate, it was strong enough to penetrate the tissue behind his mask. Suddenly he felt like a child, not a frightened or mischievous child as he had been, but one full of joy at discovery. "I would very much like both the marshmallows and the peppermint stick. I have not had such a treat..." He smiled at Ana. She was amazingly sweet, and considering she was a modern woman, she was different than how she had appeared at their first meeting.
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anastasia
Senior Member
Making a point is a matter of opinion. I'd rather make a difference
With me? Expect the unexpected!
Posts: 285
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Post by anastasia on Jan 6, 2013 23:28:26 GMT -5
Smiling slightly and nodded, "It is an uplifting story." One that she liked like many others. Seeing a need for people to just keep the faith really. "And your welcome," she whispered then smiled. Tonight the Christmas spirit was so very alive and it warmed her to no end. Hoping he was enjoying Christmas for once.
Not really pay much attention to the change in his voice even though she heard it. Softly laughing when he asked for both the peppermint stick AND the marshmellows. "Good call," grinning big as she put the peppermint stick in it and topped it off with a bunch of marshmellows that nearly overflowed! Carefully she handed the big cup to Lenoir then sat down carefully. Making herself a little more comfortable on the settee, mostly facing him with a leg draped crosswise over the cushion in front of her while the other was off to the side, almost like she was in an awkward side saddle. Stirring the stick into the hot liquid until it melted. Cupping her hands around the big cup then took a slow, savoring sip. Closing her eyes as she enjoyed the creamy taste of the mixture - peppermint, marshmellows and chocolate. After another sip, she held the cup in one hand while the other hand moved to the lid of her new music box and opened it to let the pin chime music to play the three short songs. She smiled as she gazed at it for a moment, letting her fingers caress the top of the lid and down around the rim. It was a stunning piece that she adored. It was obvious that she loved it. Her visage betrayed that she was reminiscing. "I love hot chocolate. Always reminds me of winter, especially Christmas." Still gazing at the music box with that little Mona Lisa smile.
Her little blue music box finally slowed down and stopped. Watching it a moment and shut the lid, gazing at it a moment. "I hope you will like the music on your music box," looking up at him with a slight curiosity. Will he or will he not like the music? "Can I make a recommendation of what to play first?" Again, that little Mona Lisa smile while looking at him. She didn't see that kleenex stuffed nose.. yet. But she heard his strange nasal voice. "Put on the disc 'My Heart Will Go On'," she said gently.
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Erik Lenoir
Hide your face, so the world will never find you...
Hide your face so the world will never find you...
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Jan 7, 2013 0:59:28 GMT -5
The tissue in his nose cavity was beginning to irritate Erik. He felt like he was going to sneeze. Ana handed him the hot chocolate which, with the plethera of tiny marshmallows and the peppermint stick making the large mug almost overflow, he took it gingerly....and then sneezed. The small movement spilled a quantity of the hot liquid and sticky little marshmallows over his trousers. He stood up, luckily not spilliing more and put the cup down. His hands were sticky and so was his fine wool trousers, the little white marshmallows making several odd polka dots along his leg.
"Damn, damn, damn!" he cried, in a not-so-very-quiet voice. He pulled several of the tissues from the box to pull the marshmallows off and sop up the chocolate, but it was too late. And now the tissues were leaving white pieces of thmselves on the wool. He wiped his hands and closed his eyes a moment. This had taken a turn for the worse. He was very annoyed, not with Ana, for she had done nothing wrong, although she had put a bit too much hot chocolate in the mug. But he should have known the tissue would make his nose cavity tickle and cause him to sneeze.
"Damn," he said once more, this one much quieter, almost uner his breath. He sat down again. Now his hands were sticky and he didn't want to touch his mask for fear of getting chocolate fingermarks on it, but he gingerly raised it a bit and, with his face turned away from Ana, pulled the offending tissue out of his nose. It was a bit ...wet...and he quickly looked for a wastebasket. He gathered all the kleenex and tossed them in. Then he sat down on the settee, sticky fingers and all, picked up the mug of chocolate, which was still hot and said to Ana, "Now where were we?" He acted as if the little episode had not happened and he sipped at the warm drink. "It's very good, dear."
He had to force himself not to look at his sticky trousers. It felt better to have the offensive tissue out of his nose though. Much better.
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anastasia
Senior Member
Making a point is a matter of opinion. I'd rather make a difference
With me? Expect the unexpected!
Posts: 285
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Post by anastasia on Jan 7, 2013 1:33:43 GMT -5
Absolutely surprised by this rather awkward if not cliché moment. And yet it was so real! There was nothing planned about this. Nothing that was perfect. It was realism. A situation that was uncontrolled and played out with absolute chaotic humor. Her face reflected the surprise, covering her mouth without exclamation and trying not to laugh. Only her utter surprise. He cursed! Not that she didn't think he ever used profanity, but it was funny listening to him use it! Again, she restrained herself from laughing at him. Yet she was unsure of what to do. She didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable by fussing over him, wiping off the chocolate stain and marshmellows. She honestly had no right and did not want to look like an innocent fool. She did move to pick up and offer more kleenexes for him to use if he needed them. Watching him with raised brows and a bit of friendly mild concern wondering if he was alright. No doubt he was, nothing more than hurt ego. Good thing the drink was not scalding hot.
Pursing her lips inward and pressing them down while her brows raised again, watching him silently and patiently still. Most gals would be rather have some beaten appearance, look scared or never shut up apologizing up and down like some pathetic slave who did a King major wrong wishing only to save their life. She was not one to beg or govel or behave in a way. Not any more. Again, life changed her to be a stronger person who knew life was just unexpected, challenging, and meant to be experienced. Often times, it was absolute Hell! No, she would not be scared and be constantly apologizing for something that was a simple life's moments accident. Finally she laughed while closing her eyes when he just continued on, so to speak. Shaking her head and looked rather comfortable, she opened her eyes to look at him, setting her cup down. "Would you like me to go get a wash rag?" Looking at him with slightly raised brows again, Mona Lisa smile and awaited an answer. It was up to him, she would not impose or fuss. If he didn't want to make a big deal out of, then she wouldn't either. Smirking now as she watched him, those brows raised. What an episode. What a moment. If anything, it was just another moment he proved to her how real he was; that he was more than who she believed him to be. Again, closing her eyes and shook her head with almost a snicker. "You are somethin' else," and grinned, meaning that in a good way. If she never came here, she would never had known him. Did she dare tell him how normal he was? She was not about to press him to change clothes or make a big deal out of the spill. Again, things like this do happen. Sometimes in the most awkward of moments.
"Did you want to listen to a particular song on your new music box?" Looking at him with a slight smile, slightly raised brows, slightly cocked head and doing her best to take the queue from him to 'move along, nothing to see here'.
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Erik Lenoir
Hide your face, so the world will never find you...
Hide your face so the world will never find you...
Posts: 1,241
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Jan 7, 2013 23:22:08 GMT -5
If there was one thing that Erik abhorred...well there were quite a few...but one of them clearly was having something wet on his clothing. Worse yet, something sticky. It was almost unbearable and Erik had to take a few deep breaths. He didn't want to leave right away and spoil the evening for Ana by being too fastidious and finicky. The little pieces of tissue sticking to the trousers were an abomination, but there wasn't much he could do at the moment.
He tried to sit quietly with his hands together on the mug, so the stickiness would not go any further...be then he saw it was already too late. The chocolate had stained both of his white cuffs. "Bloody hell..." he muttered. "I stained my cuffs." He drank more of the offending, but delicious liquid, trying to enjoy it.
Ana offered to bring a wet cloth. He nodded. "Yes that would be helpful." At least it would get the stickiness off of his hands. Thank goodness he never wore a white suit."
Then Ana said he was something else. He looked at her curiously. "I am something other than what?" Then he blinked again. And then it started. A little twitch at the corner of his mouth which turned into a smile. And then a smirk, a snicker and a full blown laugh, to where his eyes teared up with laughter. He had to put down the mug, which was nearly empty anyway, and dab at his eyes with another tissue.
He thought that perhaps that little smile on Ana's face had started him going. Perhaps. He wiped his eyes some more and said, "Ana, please, you put on one of the disks. I don't want to touch them at this moment, not with sticky hands. I might cause some corrosion..." He smiled again and then started another flood of laughter.
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anastasia
Senior Member
Making a point is a matter of opinion. I'd rather make a difference
With me? Expect the unexpected!
Posts: 285
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Post by anastasia on Jan 7, 2013 23:52:51 GMT -5
Sitting there rather nonchalant and in an utterly lacking well mannered position. Her attention was completely upon him though. Reasons being ... was he ok and comfortable? After all, how annoying to have something spill on your clothes. Not that she was bothered by it but she wondered if he should at least go change to be comfortable again. There was no way someone would be comfortable in wet, dirty clothes. That coming from experience, too.
Once again covering her mouth in a few casual ways as the elbow of her arm was casually set upon the back of the settee. She watched him with slightly raised brows and could see he was rather uncomfortable. Her mind was churning trying to figure out a way for him to at least be comfortable and continue to enjoy the evening. Though she most likely would be comfortable with him in discarded attire wrapped in some robe or something else, she doubted he would be in her presence. Or perhaps he wouldn't mind at all? Who knew.
Smiling with barely a snicker, "Oh, lord. White is the worst to wear," she continued to smile and agree with him. How many times had she been humiliated by something staining on her white attire? One too many times! Setting her cup down, she rocked off the settee to stand up, smoothing out her red sweater. "Anything else you want me to get for you?" Asking in a rather helpful and mild manner, looking at him with a want to help in some way but won't press the issue, slightly raised brows. "At least a robe?"
Smiling as he laughed and she enjoyed it. Because she knew he was enjoying himself. Or at least she hoped he was. A little grin or snicker along with at times. Gazing back at him with an endearing look. He truly was interesting.
Nodding as she moved to his music player and picked out a song. Torn between a couple of them, she finally put one on and started it up. Within a moment, the chiming music began to play "My Heart Will Go On". She turned to him, straightening up and walked towards him again, "I meant that in a good way. You are simply amazing me to no end." Holding her hand out, "May I take your cup? I'll take them back and bring back a wash rag. And you sure you don't want me to bring something more comfortable for you?" perhaps she was being a little more motherly or overly at ease with him but he was the priority right now. His comfort was first and foremost. "Otherwise, I won't keep you, hun. No point in making you suffer." Still there was that Mona Lisa smile with all the best of intentions.
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Erik Lenoir
Hide your face, so the world will never find you...
Hide your face so the world will never find you...
Posts: 1,241
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Jan 8, 2013 19:20:29 GMT -5
Ana was being very nice. She asked if she could bring him a robe or something to with which to wash his hands. Erik dabbed at his eyes after laughing so much. Actually it felt good. He handed her the cup. "Just something fo rmy hands. I'll change when I arrive back home. I just wanted to hear some of the music here with you before we leave this room. "
There wasn't much he could do while she was gone. He just kept sitting, thinking over the wonderful time they had had tonight. She had certainly outdone herself with gifts. She had said some of them were vintage items, and she had bought only a few, but still she was amazingly generous. He loved both of the music boxes, both the wonderful one that she had given him with the interchnageable discs and the one he had given her with the bells. It was so amazing that something that was mechanical could make such lovely music without anyone playing it. He found the mechanics of both of them utterly fascinating.
He hoped that Ana had had a good time too. For some reason there seemed some sadness about her. It appeared she musc have had a difficult earlier life too. Whatever could it have been? Erik was curious, but that was a question for another day.
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anastasia
Senior Member
Making a point is a matter of opinion. I'd rather make a difference
With me? Expect the unexpected!
Posts: 285
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Post by anastasia on Jan 8, 2013 20:41:20 GMT -5
Watching him and waited for his response. She enjoyed his laughter that was not maniacal in any way. He seemed to be genuine and comfortable. So long as he was happy, she thought. Taking the nearly empty cup, moved over to get her empty cup, set them upon the tray, picked it up and strode towards him again. "You sure?" Raising her brows while watching him for a moment. Then nodded, shifting the tray to one hand expertly like a waitress to pat and rub his shoulder. "Alright. I'll be right back. But I won't keep you too long." She didn't feel bad for the incident but she didn't want him to stay in those sticky clothes for long. She really didn't want him to be uncomfortable. Walking away from him and left the room. She took the tray back to the kitchen, all the while she tried not to think about anything. It was difficult though. The worst now was she felt that sudden pang to be home. Biting her lip as she tried to stifle the tears while dealing with the cups and tray - wash, dry, put them away. Got a couple wash rags, soaked them in hot water. With a couple of sniffs and doing her best to set herself right since she didn't want him to see her in such a unhappy state. But she really wasn't unhappy, was she? She only missed home, right? There wasn't anything else bothering her? Well, there was always something that bothered her deep down inside. Most of the time she never addressed it. Not any more. She thought she had come to terms with everything already. With the two wet wash rags in hand, she made her way back to the Sitting Room where Lenoir was still. Lord knows why he stayed there. She wished he would go back to his place and at least get into something more comfortable rather than to be so nice and stay at her expense. She didn't like it that he did that. In a way it was touching but she didn't want him to suffer for it. What sort of friend would she be if she didn't think of him first? Walking back into the room and back over to him, holding her hand out that held the wet wash rags for him to take either of them or both of them. She tried to smile but all that showed was that bare hint of that Mona Lisa smile. "Here you are," Glancing at the places where the hot chocolate split. Might not have been the best idea since it was a tuxedo suit and usually those are dry clean. Hoping that the wet rags would not ruin his attire. But then again, would be a good reason to spoil him with a new suit, wouldn't it? Sitting down on the Settee somewhat next to him, almost on the opposite end of the sofa. Watching him almost distantly then turned her attention to the music box which to her sounded like it needed to be wound up again. Getting up after she just sat down - no doubt she looked rather antsy and anxious - and moved over to the music player she gave to Lenoir to wind it up again. Finally it sounded better and she slightly smiled, more of a weak almost sad smile. Why? Why did she pick this song of all songs. Why couldn't she have put on Wind Beneath My Wings? With barely a sigh, she straightened and turned taking a step back to the Settee but stopped. Closing her eyes, a slight bite to her lower lip and barely a shake of her head, she had to toss it out. Now was not the time at all. Taking a deep breath, she moved back over to the Settee and sat down, again a little casual as she draped her leg over the seat cushion, the other was off the edge normally her arm draped along the back of the Settee, mostly facing Lenoir but she wasn't looking at him. Finally as the song started back up again, she barely hummed to it as she closed her eyes. Resting her head upon her hand that was propped upon the back of the Settee. Lost to the music and her mind was recalling the scenes of the epic movie 'Titanic'. For once, she began to forget everything around her. Submerging herself into the music. When the song started back up again, she then very softly, barely audibly, started to add the words to the song: Every night in my dreams I see you I feel you That is how I know you go on Far across the distance And spaces between us You have come to show you go on Near Far Where ever you are I believe that the heart does go on Once more you open the door and your here in my heart and heart will go on and on You're here there's nothing I fear And I know that my heart will go on Then stopped as her eyes were still closed and the song started once again. She was battling her emotions and tried not to let it show. In order to try and stop it she hummed along with the music again. OOC: Author's notes: here's the link to the version of "My Heart Will Go On" that the music player is playing - www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRs6xGzYJKs
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Erik Lenoir
Hide your face, so the world will never find you...
Hide your face so the world will never find you...
Posts: 1,241
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Jan 9, 2013 23:38:02 GMT -5
Erik was happy when Ana returned with the wet cloths for which to wash his hands. He took t hem gratefully and said, "Thank you, dear." He firstly wiped his hands and then stepping away a bit, facing the window, removed his mask and wiped the fingermarks off of it. He replaced it and turned back toward Ana with a smile.He then wiped as much stickiness as he could from the trousers. It was quite successful. The stains he couldn't remove from his white cuffs, but at least they were no longer sticky. He could easily send the suit out ot be cleaned.
Now that he felt cleaner, he turned his attention to the music box's song and heard Ana singing quietly along with it. "A lovely melody, Ana. I suppose another song from after my time..." On a whim, he stood up and as the music was still playing, he took her by the hand and said, "May I have this dance?...And I'm no longer sticky...." He grinned and took her hand, putting his other hand at her waist and slowly danced about the room until the music was finished.
"That wws lovely dear. Now I should really get home to change my clothing. I expect I shall need a horse drawn vehicle to bring all of these gifts back to my home." He grinned, trying to lighten the situation. He still saw that bit of sadness around Ana. He had never really seen it before. She had usually been upset with something he had said or interested in talking or someting of the sort. But the sadness had come on tonight and it seemed to stay. He wondered if it had something to do with the day, did it bring back sad memories? Or did he himself bring memories of something that had happened in her past? He would not ask her though. Not now. He would wait until she was ready.
Erik put away the music discs and stacked the boxes on top of each other, and replaced them in the bags. "Are you ready, Ana? I shall walk you as far as the place that we must part..."
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anastasia
Senior Member
Making a point is a matter of opinion. I'd rather make a difference
With me? Expect the unexpected!
Posts: 285
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Post by anastasia on Jan 10, 2013 1:00:16 GMT -5
She replied automatically when he said 'thank you' with her own "You're welcome." Watching him a moment before being distracted with the music player and wasn't even paying attention to him at the time. Perhaps at least didn't want him to feel uncomfortable in a woman's presence cleaning one's self? Granted, she never had a problem with it since she had gotten used to it really, but perhaps he might be rather self-conscious about it. So, she at least did not keep her attention upon him or at least stare. She had no reason to really. Ok, she did, but that was beside the point. Confusion set in and she let the music player distract her.
Opening her eyes after having softly sang and hummed along with the song, turning those rather haunting brown eyes to look at him. Blinked and in a split moment, that haunting look was gone only to be replaced by the sweet smile and a focus on the here and now. Focusing on him. Nodding for a moment slightly, 'Yes. It is," she replied while still draped upon the settee in her casual style. Barely flashing a smile at him. She didn't say more about what it was or where it was from. She should have but ... somehow she couldn't conjure the words to really strike a conversation with him.
Her surprise was so VERY apparent one would have to be utterly blind to see her face drastically change from the slight hint of melancholy to the stark shock! Stunned and unmoved for a moment as she sat there then slowly rose to her feet. A dance! Lord God he wanted to dance! A brief nervous snicker at the 'no longer sticky' comment. The thought numbed her to the core, this was completely unexpected and he caught her at a time when she had placed herself in a vulnerable state. Drawn into the dance, almost feeling like she could melt at the touch of his hand upon her waist while hand in hand, began to dance. Her hand rested upon his shoulder while lost in a daze that once again so close to him, almost like she was distant and her breathing nearly uneven. But she soon enough came out of that after blinking a few times, her eyes focused upon him, gazing into his eyes. Once again feeling that numbing feeling course through every fiber of her being like an electric firestorm! This moment was more than magical to her in a way. It was an old teenage dream that had come true. A dangerous dream that she wondered how she should react. But all she did was to go along with the dance silently, letting him lead. Finally a little smile as the fears, that little pain, those pasts issues absolved and all there was was the here and now... with him... on a cold December night. Another song slipped into her mind for a moment as the lyric haunted her silently- someone holds me safe and warm- horses prance through a silver storm- and a song that someone sings, once upon a December. She was dancing with the Phantom of the Opera!
Lovely was an understatement in her opinion! How many EVER got such a moment that was beyond sublime?!? NONE!!! Perhaps he didn't know how surreal and extraordinary that was! With a brief snicker again as she stood there, watching him begin to gather up his gifts, once again, that Mona Lisa smile played upon her lips.
Gathering the cherished gifts - wrapping the scarf around her once again and the music box to her breast, "You sure you don't need help with the gifts?" more than willing and able to help him take the load to his home. Smiling at him as she strode towards him. Parting ways. He seemed to make that a bit dramatic in words but so subtle in action. What did he expect out of their parting ways? She didn't remain on the subject really. Her mind trailed off on other thoughts instead, some she had to force away to the back of her mind.
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Erik Lenoir
Hide your face, so the world will never find you...
Hide your face so the world will never find you...
Posts: 1,241
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Jan 12, 2013 21:52:09 GMT -5
Erik felt better after washing off the stickiness. His cuffs were still stained and his trousers would have ot be cleaned, but he forced himself to remain calm. He was enjoying th emusic player greatly and it seemed to occupy Ana also.
Then Erik asked Ana to dance, which was the precise reason he had not simply taken the gifts, said good night and gone home. A slower song was playing when they started. They danced to the music, then it became a waltz. Erik guided her around the room in a quick waltz step. Then the music box had stopped and Erik stopped and gave Ana a hug. "That was very nice, my dear. I do so love to dance, although I must say I am a bit rusty, for want of a partner."
"That was quite exhilarating, was it also exhilarating for you?" He smiled, the chocolate incident forgotten and his happiness restored. Erik thought Ana looked happy too, although sometimes it was hard to tell. Her emotions raced across her countenance at quite amazing speeds.
When they had gathered all their gifts together and Erik bad her good night at the place where she would climb the stairs to the dormitories and he would take the lift to his lair. "Good night, dear Ana, and I do thank you again for the gifts...you have quite outdone yourself, and I must say, you have outdone me also." He laughed. "Usually no one outdoes the Phantom.... in anything. However you have managed to do that and... I expect it will be the last time." He smiled in a friendly manner so that she could see he was joking, but still rather amazed at the variety of gifts.
"And I must also thank you for a quite pleasant and lovely evening. It could not have been nicer. If you will allow me, I should like to kiss your cheek briefly..." He, put down the gifts, gave her a gentle friendly peck on the cheek and a warm hug, picked up his things and walked to the lift, whispering, "This is not adieu, but merely au revoir..."
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anastasia
Senior Member
Making a point is a matter of opinion. I'd rather make a difference
With me? Expect the unexpected!
Posts: 285
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Post by anastasia on Jan 13, 2013 1:23:54 GMT -5
It was nice to dance with Lenoir. Really nice! Not the sort of obnoxious wiggling at dance clubs but a waltz. Not a single person she knew could dance the waltz. Pity, really. It was so very simple yet elegant! So, again, it was nice to do a waltz with someone that knew what they were doing. If anything could lift her spirits, it was the dance with Lenoir. The warm smile returned to her face with a more pleasant visage. It was like he knew her when she didn't know herself! Calming those rough waters in the depths of her soul. When the dancing ended with a hug, she couldn't help but to hug him back. Nothing could ever beat a hug! It was such medicine for the soul and a wonderful way to keep people close. It was lovely to dance with him. Wondering now how many dance moves he knew and what others he could learn. "It was. Thank you," then snickered very softly, "Well, perhaps we can dance another time. All you have to do is ask." Smiling at him and patted his shoulder gently.
Walking to the staircase, where they would part ways. She to go up, and he.. to go below. It just seemed so ironic and yet so sad. Still baffled her why he continued to live underground. He didn't have do, did he? "Good night," she said softly with a smile. "And you are welcome." Absolutely genuine around Lenoir, snickering again about the Phantom being outdone. The snicker turned into a laugh and shook her head. "Not a chance." Laughing some more. "You deserve to be pampered," her eyes sparkled at such an opportunity. This was beyond a dream come true.
Smiling while still holding the music box, but gave him a hug as well and was delighted by the kiss on the cheek. There was something so pure and sweet about a kiss upon the cheek. "You are most welcome. Any time." Then looked at him, holding his arms. "And you do not need to ask my permission any more just to give me a hug or a kiss or anything." Slightly leaned in with a wicked grin and softly said- "I like surprises."
Another little snicker as she stepped back away from him, watching him with a smile. Nodding and waved, "Good night, Lenoir. Sweet dreams." After a moment of watching him, she ascended the stairs... heading to her suite to retire for the night.
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