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Kisu
When Did I Become This?
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#201
Old 06-10-2015, 08:50 PM

The normally level headed leader of Below turned a rather bright shade of red, and sputtered loudly. "Jealous?! Ze-Mister Hadar, you have me very confused with someone else! And of course I saw the news! Despite your ridiculous requests, I have to stay on top of Above...even if it's just what the foolish aristocrats were doing." Even though her words were pushing and mocking, Sarah's tone became rather teasing in the last sentence.

The woman became more serious as well, when Zenon stepped around her. She raised her face to him, frowning. What he asked...it was a very big thing. To leave Below with a man who should be her enemy? Not telling anyone where she was going, or who she was with? Did he realize how big of a deal this was, or did it seem like nothing to him? On top of everything, this was a man who was supposed to be married. Was it yesterday, or the day before, that the headlines had featured this man standing next to Adelmar? Imhoff couldn't help but bite her lip.

Sarah hesitated for a long moment, staring at the younger man's hand. Eventually, almost as if she was watching someone else's hand rise, Sarah watched her hand slide into his. She sighed, and lowered her head slightly. She was a fool, and this couldn't end well, but, someone help her, Sarah wanted to go with Zenon. "Alright....Mister Hadar, lead the way." She finally accepted, still not quite able to meet Zenon's gaze.

sadrain
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#202
Old 08-07-2015, 04:17 PM

Ah, she was beautiful when flustered and his grin only grew wider. "Oh, and of course work is keeping up with the club party yellow pages," he winked at the woman, as if he saw right through her, and in a sense he did. Because he'd be the same or even so much for frustrated if their roles were reversed. His nerves still tensed when thinking about her and that soldier-boy. But then the jokes were gone and his heart beat fast, heavily in the man's chest as he waited for Sarah's decision.

He didn't move, didn't urge her, he just waited, palm still. Somehow, this felt so important, to know her real answer and never before he had waited someone's decision without trying to influence it in his favor. At this point, it didn't occur to him, but that was the actual truth. And as her light hand landed in his, Zenon closed fingers around it, gently, then led her out downstairs, letting go of he hand only enough to put the mask on.

The silence between them he didn't interrupt as he found it strangely comfortable. Zenon walked fast, but didn't drag her along like he'd with anyone else, adjusting so she wouldn't have to be running and either avoided walking over obstacles or helped her over the piles or rubble or larger stones, like a gentleman that he so rarely was. But there was a smile on his face, in his gray-blue eyes, all this time. Helping her in one of the seats of his rather small ship (compared to the ones he piloted when raiding, at least), that was sleek and clean, purged of any affectionate notes or photos from his fangirls, he took the pilot seat, dumping the protecting mask down by his seat in typical careless manner.

The music player played a random love song that he (rather dreadfully) hummed along as they took off. But he wasn't heading to the dome that was his home, taking sky road to the next one that would glow with soft greenness as they came closer, the city being green and known for its luxurious, life-praising life style. What road he took in through the wall, who knew, but they were not checked by guards even once. The ship shifted, becoming more flying car like, upon press of button, and flew through the city, landing in one of the suburb areas. Shielded by trees, actual trees, Zenon helped Sarah out of the vehicle and escorted her to the home.

It was not too fancy, but certainly beautiful, with engraved doors and furniture. He led her to one of the doors on first floor and opened them, bowing with grin. "Here you will find all you need to prepare. We still have some hours left, so, take your time. And if you do wish something that's not there, just call me," his tone had become suggestive again, twinkle in eye. There was a temptation to spend the evening entirely differently, especially with the comfortable bed in sight, but she... deserved better than that.

Leaving Sarah, he went to prepare for the ball himself. Inside the room, she'd find gorgeous dress laid down on the bed. It was as he had described those weeks ago. Sapphire blue, with gold details and paler gems that despite their blue color seemed to contain a spark of fire inside, shifting and changing as they caught light. It would cling to her curves softly and then flare out beautifully. There were matching gloves and mask, jewelry of these gems - long earrings and necklace - laid down in open boxes. And shoes on high, but surprisingly stable heels of the same sapphire blue. There were also undergarments which he had probably picked gleefully, she could guess, although the truth was that part of shopping he had left to Adelmar, quite unusually.

The door on left led to spacious bathroom ready to fulfill any of her bathing desires and the droid whirring in corner informed that it'd do the makeup and hair, manicure and so forth, she simply had to choose from the options. There was also beautiful bouquet in the vase on the night table, various perfume bottles for her to choose from. He really had went all out on this and right now was stressing if she liked it.

When she'd be ready, Zenon would be sitting in the living room, sipping some drink from crystal glass. He wore a perfectly fit tuxedo of black, smooth fabrics, his bowtie as her dress and small, 'fire' gems on the flaps. When she came in, he'd immediately stand up, the glass clattering on the table as he kind of dropped it, his mouth open slightly and eyes full with feelings he couldn't even name himself right now. For a moment, it seemed he'd just go up to her and press her against wall, kissing with all the passion simmering under his skin, but he got hold of himself, moving over to her and kissing her hand lightly, but rather sensually. "As I predicted, you look absolutely stunning. Would you care to join me for a drink? We still have an hour left... Unless you'd like to do something else," he smirked, probably ruining the good impression he'd been trying to make.




It would come as surprise to Mannik, probably, the sudden call around midnight on his pad, from number he perhaps knew all too well. And if he chose to answer, it would indeed be Adelmar calling, although she looked somehow... Not quite as the man had seen her past few times.

Her face, the eyes with haunted, yet empty look, it was all much like when she was brought down to Below by him - on the verge of breakdown, yet numb. "I killed someone, Mannik," she said in hollow voice, breaking the silence. As if it had snapped her out of something, she blinked quickly then. Oh God, why had she called him? How was she going to explain she had killed a servant? He'd think she was just like every other noble. And what could he help?

"I... I should not have called. Please, forget about this. I do not know what I was thinking. You- you cannot risk coming here, especially now." Her voice was calm, controlled, despite fading out at some words, but at her last statement, her certainty was returning, even though her fingers hovered over the disconnect button without pressing it. By gods, she just wanted to talk with him for a moment, just... Just have him listen. Something. She didn't know, but right now, he felt like her anchor to reality and sanity.
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#203
Old 08-15-2015, 09:51 PM

The female narrowed her eyes and scoffed, but decided not to respond to Zenon's teasing. Sarah followed him quietly, her mask hissing as she breathed. The man from above seemed to help her far more than needed, and Sarah felt like snapping at him multiple times. When she saw his smile, however, her harsh words died in her throat. He just wanted to help her. Was that so bad? It wasn't as if be saw her as weaker than him.

His humming was horrible, but Sarah didn't comment, peering around curiously as Zenon drove, her mask in her lap. Once the ship stopped and the pair climbed out, Zenon had a rather difficult time trying to coax her inside, since Sarah was busy hugging the trees an rubbing her face against an ivy plant. The air felt so clean, and most of the plants in the city above her were fake.

Eventually, she was inside, and Zenon had led her to the room. Before she could come to her senses, he'd already left. Sarah explored the area, and spent a long while staring at the dress and debating with herself.

Finally, the commander caved, and showered happily. She bellowed songs loudly in the shower, and helped happily. Showers and baths were rare Below, so even without considering the ball, it was already a huge treat for the female.

Eventually, Sarah emerged, the dress on her. Her nails were painted, her short hair was piled in intricate braids on her head, and her makeup seemed to accentuate her bright blue eyes.

She looked uncomfortable, and for once, very unsure of herself, although before stepping into the room, she peeked in. Finally she stepped reluctantly forward, staring at the ground. Despite the treatment on her hands, they still felt rough to her, and she felt like she walked too heavily.

Zenon's reaction to her made Sarah's cheeks turn a delightful pink, and she looked away from the male. Surely he didn't mean any of this, especially when she would be next to the females of Above that had been pampered their entire life. When Zenon spoke again, Sarah was able to collect herself, and swatted his arm playfully. "A drink would be nice." She finally allowed.

~<3~

Mannik had once again begun to burying himself alive in work. He seemed to think of Adelmar mostly when he was alone and not busy, so attempted to keep himself busy with various plans and blueprints.

When the Socipad rang loudly, he jerked upright. At first, he reached for the one supplied by Below, however, it wasn't lighting up. Mannik glanced at the one he had taken from Zenon, and sure enough, the lad was glowing brightly. Mannik hesitated for a long while, before finally answering.

Sure enough, Adlemar had called him. Mannik didn't noticed how she looked at first, since the sleepy soldier was staring at his lap, but once she spoke, his head jerked up. He frowned, and it took a moment for Adelmar's words to sink in.

Once the words did sink in, however, Mannik was sliding off the bed and tugging on a shirt. "Screw that. I'm coming. Are you alright? What happened?" The male paused to stare at her, his eyes sliding over her. She didn't look hurt, so Mannik continued to question her. "Have you reported this yet? Where's the body?" The thought that she may need emotional support didn't really cross Mannik's mind. She had a fiancé for that. He assumed she called him to cover up the crime, and oddly enough, Mannik was willing to do so without having details.

sadrain
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#204
Old 08-19-2015, 08:28 PM

He didn't let her look away for long, carefully taking her chin in his fingers and turning towards him. "You are beautiful," he told her, before pressing quick kiss to her forehead and then letting Sarah go to move to the mini-bar. "White, red or rose wine? Or maybe something stronger? What does the lady wishes tonight? You know, we could stay here for the night, although it would be a shame to keep you from being admired by the cream of the elite. Cannot say I am not thoroughly tempted, however." He had regained a mischievous expression as he filled his own glass with exquisite red wine.




"You must not come!" she spoke, voice raising a little higher and growing firmer. For a second, there was a silence as she stared at half dressed Mannik, as if looking for words to explain why. "He... He said he has been spying on me, in my house, he already had suspicion about you..." Adelmar ignored or simply didn't hear his questions about her welfare, although behind the vision line of camera, she was rubbing her wrists that were bruised. Red marks were also on her neck, but hidden by the clothes.

"I should report his death, let police deal with it. I am sure I can prove it was self defense. If he just disappeared, it could compromise everything and if anyone he reported to, if he did, guessed you were involved, it would be dangerous. You mustn't come." There was nearly frantic look in her eyes, she couldn't risk with him like this, why had she been such a fool to call him?

Pressing hand to her forehead as if it could stall her racing thoughts, her tone gained an edge of pleading. "But... Can I just talk you, for a moment, before I call the police? Please?" Why was he the one she wanted to hear talk, even if he couldn't and even shouldn't hug her and give support, not her fiancee or any other living soul in her reach? Her life was so messed up and she felt like drowning slowly, with some kind of dirty sludge filling her mouth and lungs.

Kisu
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#205
Old 08-19-2015, 10:14 PM

Sarah really had no clue how to respond, and stared at Zenon for a few long moments. It wasn't until the male walked away that the Commander realized she wasn't breathing. She inhaled quickly, and gestured to the wine Zenon poured for himself as an answer. Finally, she gave a weak smile settling into a plush couch. "I doubt they would admire much, after seeing my dancing." Sarah finally attempted a lighthearted joke.

~<3~

Even as Adlemar begged him not to, Mannik continued to get dressed, though he seemed to slow slightly. "I don't care." He finally stated, clearly confused. "Whether or not 'it would be dangerous'. I'm still coming. You don't see me and no one else will either, but, I'll be nearby.". Why did she call him to talk? It seemed far too personal, and that scared Mannik. Every time there was anything that would distract him, she came waltzing back, and he couldn't help but get drawn in. He didn't want any of these personal things. All they did was hurt him.

The man shoved the thoughts away, and glanced at the screen. He moved towards the pad and lifted it gingerly, staring at it closely. His gaze didn't remain there, however, and Mannik spoke quietly. "If you need to talk...then talk. I'll listen." See? He had wanted to tell her to contact her fiance, but this is what came out. As he spoke, it was clear he was moving, since the tattered remains of his 'walls' could be seen, and a moment later his door opened and shut.

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#206
Old 11-07-2015, 03:27 PM

"I should not have called," she repeated again, her voice dull, "I panicked and now you want to put yourself in danger. Again." The 'because of me' was not said out loud, but it spun through her head. The thought was somehow…Scarily comforting. She wished Mannik was here, right now, guiding her. Was she really relying on him that much? If it was so, she had to stop, stop right now…"Please don't."

Why am I so weak, she wondered in a strangely distant manner as if she was looking at herself from the sidelines. Adelmar's hand went to her neck, touching the hidden marks there as she tried to find something to hold on and sort out her thoughts with. There was no time for emotions now. Standing up suddenly, as if to go somewhere, she began analyzing situation at hand.

"If I call police, people he was reporting to might guess he revealed something to me, but if he simply disappears, same thing will happen. Although perhaps I could make it seem like he ran off with some money… I doubt I can make his death look like accident convincingly."

Adel was pacing around her room, uncharestically nervous action. Not even endless classes about keeping your calm in any situation could prepare her for a moment where she had a dead body to deal with and the way she resolved it could bring all her and Zenon's plans to ruin.

"He was drunk, I could tell," young woman said. His breath had stank of alcohol, but his arms still had plenty of strength. As he grabbed her wrists, one hand tearing at her clothing, leering that if she could spend time with Below rats, she could reward him for his services, she had thought she'd never get out of his grip. Yet she struggled and clawed at him, enough to anger the man and move onto strangling her. But she couldn't tell this to Mannik, no. This was her shame to bear, to be thought of as an easy woman and having man nearly force himself on her. At least she had managed to kick and push him away at last as he had started to unbutton his clothes, making him stagger and fall, hitting head on one of the sharp table corners.

"Perhaps I can use that in my cover up story," she voiced this thought alone. Suddenly, she realized she should go button him up and hide signs of struggle as much as possible. Thought of touching him laying there in the corridor, near her doors, in his own blood, made a shudder run down her spine and her stomach churn. Closing her eyes, she stood still for a moment, trying to calm down for real this time.




It was nice to see her speechless for a change, although strangely enough, he wished it had been for another reason instead not believing him how beautiful she looked. Pouring her a glass of red wine generously, he brought it over, his fingers brusing hers on purpose as he gave it to her, and took a seat next to Sarah.

Taking sip orf the richly tasting drink, he thought that if she weren't so nervous, he could imagine this was a regular evening for them, getting ready for a ball. This thought hit him like spacecraft and he drew a breath a little sharper. Never before had he imagined or even wanted to imagine something of a domestic life, to have same person - woman - by his side for months of even years. Now that he thought about it, glimpses of similar ideas had appeared few times when he was with her, but never so clearly as right now.

Was he really...? Thankfully, she spoke up, pulling the man out of his dazed thoughts. He smirked then and stood up after setting the class down on coffee table. With snap of Zenon's fingers, soft music began playing and he extended his hand, bowing. "Would you like to practice then, my lady?"

Kisu
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#207
Old 11-26-2015, 01:49 AM

In the light of the SociPad, Mannik gave a small smile, and looked slightly amused. "Ade-" He paused, and seemed to decide against calling her name. "Miss Wislawa, I live in Below." He reminded her, and his grin became just slightly wider. "I'm in danger everyday. At least with this, I am making a choice whether to stay here or go.

Adelmar's expression changed slightly, and Mannik's smile left his face. His pace quickened, and in the light of the pad, the shadows behind him seemed larger. Menacing, and occasionally, one would shift a move. Most likely, Mannik's gun was in his hand, like when he had brought Adelmar through the streets. The more she spoke, the more his frown deepened. "No...don't call the police yet.

"The people he was reporting to? They could have people in the police. If they mean to do you harm, or remove you in any way, this could be the perfect way. I'll think on this. Although...I've changed my mind. You may have to see me. I'm sorry. Just...if he was working for someone, and he was spying on you..." Mannik gave a slight shrug, glancing away from the screen. "Just...don't do anything, alright? It's got me worried."

"Drunk?" Mannik repeated back, his eyes narrowing. He stared at Adelmar intently for a moment. It was clear she was leaving a lot out, and Mannik didn't like that. He didn't comment, however, instead focusing on the situation. "No cover up story. I'd like you to get yourself something to drink, and wait in the room we da-" A pang shot up Mannik's stomach. He'd been trying to block that one time night out of his mind. "The room we had ice cream in. Alright? A drink, and wait. Draw, play your piano, read a book, just something to distract you and let your mind calm down a bit. I'll let myself in, is that alright?" Mannik waited for her answer, before he hung up, pressing another button, leaving her with four little words, "It will be alright."

~</3~

Unable to help it, Sarah's face turned pink as Zenon's fingers brushed hers. His touch made her hand shake slightly, and she forced herself to take a small sip of the wine.

He stood, music began playing, and he offered his hand. Sarah turned a darker shade, becoming more red. She really needed to get her blushing in control. What was wrong with her?!

Slowly, Imhoff stood and took the male's hand. Before they could begin, however, her chest began to jingle. Sarah gave a small squeak of surprise, taken off guard. Her hand left Zenon's, and she turned around, digging in her chest. She removed her old, beat up SociPad and pressed it to her face, glancing back and giving Zenon an apologetic look. "Yes?" She barked. Mannik's face lite up the metal square.

Mannik stared at the screen for a moment, puzzled and caught off guard. Was Sarah wearing a dress?! "Er...There's an issue..." His gaze shifted, and his eyes narrowed. Was that Zenon?! His night was getting worse. "In Above. I'm headed there now. Is that makeup?"

"We discussed this. You aren't to return there." Sarah seemed to have forgotten how she was dressed. Mannik wouldn't call unless it was an emergancy, though his words made her cheeks redden again. "Yes, it's for..." Sarah tried to think of an excuse, but couldn't come up with anything. "Why are you going to Above?"

"It's...important. I was calling to let you know I wouldn't be available...I was wondering if you'd be able to help anyone who came tonight...but...where are you? Why are you with him???" As Mannik was speaking, he was climbing into his small ship. "Why do you look like that?"

"Mannik, I swear, if it's about that girl again, I will strip you of your position and that ship will go to someone who won't abuse it!" Sarah pointedly ignored the questions, and Mannik glared at the screen. She tensed slightly, and it was clear it was uncomfortable and dragging her out of the moment with Zenon. Mannik had reminded her the male was engaged, yet here she was, planning on going to a ball with him.

His voice grew in anger. "You...." His gaze shifted to stare accusingly at Zenon. "You should be there for your girl, instead of trying to sleep with anything that moves! What's wrong with you? What's wrong with both of you?!" Feeling more flustered than ever, Mannik hung up as Sarah opened her mouth to reply. The redhead groaned, and sank into a fluffy chair, stuffing the SociPad back into her bosom.

She sat like that for a moment. It had been nice, she supposed, to pretend like everything was alright. But, something was clearing going on with Adelmar, otherwise Mannik wouldn't be acting like a fool again. And regardless of how he felt about Sarah, Zenon had a commitment to Adelmar. "You should call her." Sarah finally stated, not looking up, though her hands dropped from her face. "If Mannik is worked up, something must be going on." The commander bit her lip, and finally raised her head, though she was still refusing to look at the male. Suddenly, she felt foolish again, as if she was a little kid playing dress up. She didn't belong in fancy clothing. Didn't belong in the world until the world below was better.

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#208
Old 01-02-2017, 07:26 PM

"She is on an Undercover mission. Do you really expect her to mingle with Above in clothes she usually wears?" Zenon did not seem to lose an ounce of his calmness, not even when the conversation turned into barely more than a shouting match.

But what good did it to him when the mood was so irrevocably ruined? The silence between him and Sarah stretched and he couldn't even come up with anything light-hearted to say. There was concern in back of his mind about Adelmar, but not nearly as great as it should be. (As she deserved, small voice unhelpfully supplied and Zenon wondered since when had he gotten a conscience, especially regarding his bride.)

"I suppose we will have to take a rain check on the party." He finally admitted with a sigh, sudden weariness in his voice that sounded alien to his usually smooth tone. Yet, he still did not seem to take no for answer. Standing up, the man raked hand through hair as if trying to piece together future course of action and then it all snapped in place.

"Wait here for a moment, please." Minutes later, young Hadar returned with small, blue box with elegant pattern imprinted that shone in many colors. "Happy birthday, Sarah," he said, sitting down by her and offering it to her. If she refused, he would insist in somehow solemn tone until she took it.

Inside there was a silver chain, intricate enough to look beautiful, but somehow sturdy. In middle of it hung a dark blue crystal in shape of teardrop, safely clasped by a silver claw. Deep inside, white sparkles seemed to dance within as the light shone on it.

"If you hold it in your hand, it will start giving off soft light - enough to guide you in darkness. And should you lose all hope, warmed up as such it can turn into small explosive if thrown hard enough. I figured, you would like a gift that is more than pretty bauble."

A gift that is like you, he thought. Beautiful and lighting way for others, yet also dangerous.

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#209
Old 08-22-2017, 10:22 PM

(Boom. Sorry I'm naked.)

Flying much quicker than he normally would, Mannik fought with his SociPad. He finally was able to open the damn thing, and pressed buttons quickly. The first call was a wrong number, and ended with a few curse words thrown into the phone for waking the owner.

More buttons were pressed quickly, and this time a voice heavily accented in the manner of Below answered. Mannik explained the situation quickly, and, though it took a while to convince the man on the other side of the device, an agreement was reached.

So far, his emotions had been laid to the side and forgotten, but as he drew near, barely taking time to be stealthy, Mannik hooked unto the bottom of the city. He set a good pace once he hit the streets, and he arrived at the small house Adelmar lived in at the same time as a group of workers. They were all clearly from Below, and had been brought here and forced to do a variety of work.

Between the stealthy, small group were an assortment of tools. Mannik led them to the woman’s backdoor, testing the lock. He assumed Adelmar wasn’t in the best frame of mind, since it opened easily.

The group followed him inside. Despite being a group, they barely made a sound, and in under a minute they were all in Adelmar’s foyer. The body was easily seen, and the group moved to it. They set to work, intending to hide all evidence a crime had been committed. It all seemed a bit too practiced for someone to believe that this was the first time the group had done this.

Unsure whether to go to Adelmar, Mannik debated, watching the men work for a moment, before letting his emotions win out once more. How did she have this affect on him?

With a slight hesitation, Mannik moved to the room Adelmar had hosted him in, and knocked gently on the door frame. “He’ll go missing, but it won’t lead back to you. Someone has already agreed to confess. It’ll seem like a robbery gone wrong…” The soldier’s face twitched slightly, like he wanted to say more, but all that left his mouth was, “Can I do anything? For you, I mean. Not this. You.”

~<3~

Sarah tilted her head, unable to keep a flush from her cheeks. Everything else was explainable. Even the room, the dress. While it was beautiful and required some though, Zenon had actually put serious thought into this gift. While it was gorgeous, it also had some very serious uses.

Her chest felt a bit tight, and her eyes felt like they were stinging. The Commander blinked quickly, holding her hands out to gently take the necklace. Her blue eyes seemed shiny as she turned the babble around, examining it.

When she raised her eyes, and after her throat was cleared, there was a glimmer of something that hadn’t been there before. “Thank you…” Sarah finally managed. She shifted, holding the necklace out to Zenon, turning her back to him. She raised her hands, lifting her fiery hair away from her neck, and glancing back, waiting for him to place it on her.

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#210
Old 08-25-2017, 12:58 PM

"Mannik!" she sprung to her feet, relief unconcealed. For a moment, her body shifted forward, betraying the urge to run to the man. But she stopped herself, weight of rationality chaining her feet. Not only there was a wall between them, one that he was trying to enforce again (Miss Wislawa, he had said, tonight), one that was needed. And yet, when thought of anyone else touching her made her stomach churn, she wished even slightest brush of comfort from him; the man she should fear, for no glimpse of softness erased the fact he was a soldier, a survivor, someone who had said he would do the very thing she had nearly experienced tonight.

Unconsciously, her hand rubbed away at the sore spots on her wrists as Adelmar approached him in far more mild manner than she wished. She was determined to hide the real cause of attack and lethal self-defense, if it was in her power. The shame was too great, would he believe it ended before any true harm could have been done? And even that aside, to say something like that aloud, the words would be like acid on her tongue.

But why, why was he not asking why she did this? Did Mannik truly believe her when she said it was self-defense or did he view her as cold-blooded murderer? Why did he accept death of a servant so simply from her hand? Was it yet another proof to him that she was just another noble?

This feeling only worsened at his explanation at future course of action, as they met in the middle of the room. "Someone will take the fall for my crime?" Adel's voice betrayed how unconvinced she felt.

"Why would anyone do that for me? After all, he...." she stopped before saying 'one of yours', realizing it was time for her to stop dividing humans into 'those people' and 'her people'. After all, her allegiance would officially be shifting soon. The pause only lasted fraction of second, though, and she continued: "Came from Below, originally."

Her gaze darkened some then. "Although I suspect he was working for Hadars and the one who bugged the house." The man had essentially told her so, along with saying she should let him have some, since she was little w***e already, sleeping with Below's men. She lowered her eyes at the thought, hoping the hair would fall more over her face and neck, hide away any edges of marks that her torn dress and jacket she had hurriedly put on could not. (Though she sincerely hoped they did.)

When the conversation shifted to him asking what he could do for her, she stared up at him with a shadow of a smile. "You have already done so much, more than I could ever ask or wish for. Yet again, you saved me from injustices done within this house." Hug me, she wanted to say. Soothe away the chill of the dead man's touch, his implications. All about tonight. But instead of that, she addressed her other concern: "But please believe me, I merely pushed him away. I did not mean for this to happen."

This building truly must have held resentment towards her and now, blood of two men who had hurt her had been spilled here. At her and Mannik's hand. Adelmar feared when the shock would retreat and give way to tainted relief. Would it end in tears again, fueled by thought that she was a murderer? But, no, he had been a criminal. And would there not be so much more blood on her hands in the future, although more indirectly? How could she feel disgusted, distraught and yet somehow proud and indignant all at the same time? Yet, she did.




She accepted the gift more easily than he had anticipated, much to Zenon's relief. As much as he was willing to bother her into accepting it, it would have left a bitter taste in his mouth, instead of this pained warmth spreading through him when he watched her admire the necklace. He could be so much more giddy, he knew. He should be, in fact. And yet there was bitterness of reality. This could as well be the last gift he could give her. The last she would accept. The chances that in future, he could surprise Sarah like this often and see her tear up over something beautiful, just for her, on birthdays or anniversaries was so slim...

"Anything for you," he told her sincerely, with a gentle, warm smile. When she turned to give him access to place the necklace on her, in all honesty he was surprised again. With the earlier interruption, Zen had not thought she would let him within arm's reach or be moved as she was. But oh, he was not complaining. Carefully, he put the necklace on her and secured the clasp. His fingers lingered on her skin and the man gave into urge to press a gentle, reverent kiss to back of her neck, as if sealing the unsaid wish, promise he held in his heart. Again, a sense of domesticity, or rather longing for it, hit him, as he pulled back.

Zenon did not know where it would go from here, would she truly stand up and rush away from him, from this night, and the thought of Adelmar in trouble was also present, yet he wanted to exist in this bubble just for a moment longer, before it burst. And to get her into the bad, as much any living soul would suspect, was truly not the goal of it. So, if she would face him again, there would be soft longing on his face, mixed with happiness. "It suits you," he would say, both meaning the look of lady and the necklace. "Beautiful."

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#211
Old 08-25-2017, 02:31 PM

Emerald eyes widened, although the movement wasn’t as noticeable as Adelmar rubbing her wrists. Mannik didn’t comment on that just yet. His hands hand instinctively raised slightly when the woman poised as if she was going to fling herself to him. While the situation wasn’t how he would like to see her, the simple fact that she felt better with him here made Mannik glad he’d come.

Mannik fought down disappointment and bitterness when it didn’t happen, though he couldn’t quite get rid of the strange tight sensation in his chest. The way she called him made him tremble and imagine what he could do to hear that again.

The soldier pushed the thoughts away: It wasn’t going to happen, and this wasn’t the time anyway. Not knowing her thoughts, Mannik answered her questions calmly. For him, it didn’t really matter who or why. He had, after all, killed in his job multiple times, and was no stranger to betrayal. In his mind, Adelmar wouldn’t have hurt someone else if she could have done anything else.
“Don’t stress or lose sleep over it. We have some people who are willing and prepared to take the blame. If we lose a soldier, it can ruin many future missions. Someone who can’t fight, isn’t stealthy, and doesn’t have family, well…people want to help any way they can. He’s willing. He doesn’t know details. He thinks I killed someone, and is helping clean up the mess.” As if to give credit to his words, soft buzzing came from the other room.

Cautiously, as if Adelmar was one of those graceful looking deer from the old books, Mannik moved towards her. He reached down and gently lifted her arm, examining the bruising on her wrist. It confirmed what Mannik had already believed. This man had attacked her. A surge of rage shot through Mannik. It was good the man was dead, otherwise he’d cart him back to Below, and make sure he had paid.

“What was he after? Something of your father’s?” His hands felt like they had been shocked, but he kept them steady, lifting her other hand and examining it as well, keeping his head slightly dipped so most of his face was covered by the unmanageable locks of hair. “I need to know if there are any other areas of the house where you two fought, and if you have any other injuries…”
Without thinking, Mannik lifted his head to look at her, and then inhaled sharply. While he’d been watching her, he’d also been in his old habit of tilting his head forward, so his shaggy hair dangled in his eyes, hiding most of his face while still letting him see. Lifting his head let him see better, but left him feeling exposed, baring his face to the woman. He felt too close to her. Why did this happen every time he was near her?

Mannik hesitated for a moment, holding his breath without realizing he was doing so, then shifted his hand slightly, interlocking his fingers with Adelmar’s. A nagging thought crept into his mind. She’d probably already called her fiancé. Had she seen Sarah there too? That could be messing with her mind as well. The man cleared his throat, and his hand flexed slightly, as if he’d pull away. For once Mannik didn’t, though. He forced himself to breath regularly, and finally spoke again. “Uhm. Zenon will probably be here soon, yes? I’ll need to know something else then, as well, why do you think he’s the one that bugged the house? Did he tell you he was working for the Hadars?” There was another hesitation, and Mannik lifted the hand interlocked with his fingers a bit more. He looked away from her, and gently pressed his lips to the new bruise. “Sarah…used to say that would make things feel better. Sounds stupid…but, it seemed to help… Do you want any medication for it?”

~</3~
Sarah waited patiently, shivering slightly as Zenon slipped the necklace around her neck. A soft sound left her when the Commander felt the man’s lips on her neck. It sounded almost like a moan, but was so quiet, it was hard to tell if the sound had actually happened.

When Zenon stepped back, though, there was a blush on Sarah’s cheeks, and the hair on her arms and neck was raised, goosebumps dotting her skin.

It was difficult for her, in this situation, to know what to do or how to act. Zenon was normally so egotistical, normally so sure of himself. Now, however, he was acting like an actual gentleman. In times like this, Sarah could understand why so many girls fell for him. She told herself, for the millionth time, that she wouldn’t be one of those women.

When Sarah faced him again, another shiver flew down her spine at his expression. It seemed so sincere. Honestly, it made Sarah want to fling herself at this man. She visibly struggled with her thoughts for a second, her forehead furrowing between her eyebrows, and frowning. Unable to think of the words to say what she was feeling, she finally sighed quietly, and shook her head. “I…I need to change.” Her voice was slightly wistful, and it was clear she didn’t want to. “So we can get to them…”

Sarah didn’t wait for an answer, instead turning and almost fleeing from the room. It was the first time she could remember that she couldn’t face someone. The thought she’d been trying to come to grips with a minute before stopped her cold in the doorway, and she gave Zenon a last thoughtful glance.

She had told herself she wouldn’t be one of those girls that would fall for him. But maybe she already had. And honestly, if he just wasn’t engaged, for once, Sarah would refuse to help with Mannik’s current situation, just so she could stay here with Zenon longer. She licked her lips thoughtfully, and then darted from the room. For the first time in a long time, the leader of Below fought back the pressure pushing against her eyes, refusing to let the tears actually fall. Thoughts of a companion had left her mind a long time ago, and Sarah had thought she had come to terms with it. So, why did Zenon bring all of this out in her?
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#212
Old 08-25-2017, 05:08 PM

She shook head at his explanation, looking at the floor somewhere behind him. "That is not right. But I cannot make you change your mind about this, can I." Adelmar looked at him now, slow exhaustion seeping deeper into her bones and mind. To think, he would take care of her like this, even sacrificing others... Why, when had she not done for him anything yet, other than lied him out of his prison, needlessly so as his Commander had come for him anyhow? Again, young woman promised to herself, she would find and hold onto the power to become more than idle by-watcher of monstrosities done to people, whether Below or Above. So what if it came at cost of her personal happiness? She had never seen any in her future in the first place.

First duties first, however. "Is there anything I can do to reduce his sentence or make the imprisonment.... More comfortable?" She had sought for word, but none seemed. You could not make jail time 'better'. When Mannik approached, she wished to retreat, afraid not of him, but the truths he could uncover. Yet, she could not do it to him (or herself) and stayed put, letting him bring her arm up. "It is nothing," she assured him, emptily. "I have had worse." And at hand of her own father, no less. His gentleness was such a stark contrast to... everything that her heart clenched. She should, but could not pull her arms away, to hide away the marks.

"I had never quite felt safe around him, so he was to be given along with the estate when it sold. I thought he was already asleep at this late hour and never thought that even if he was not, he would..." She paused then, picking her next words carefully. "He admitted to keeping an eye on me for Zenon's parents for few years now and that since I had essentially dismissed him, he had lost good income. For that, he wished to claim compensation. Monetary one, I think." No, the money had not been on the man's mind at the time, though he probably could drive down the blackmail line later, if he had had his way. "I refused, and when I tried to walk away, grabbed me and backed me into the wall. I pushed, causing him to fall and hit his head."

She left out the parts about choking or the details of how he had called her s**t, someone who had paid for murder of her father with pleasure. That all Hadars thought of her the same as well. "He was drunk," she repeated her earlier statement. "I do not think he would confess of his crime otherwise. I was a fool to come here alone." But who could have she come with, to her own home?

When Mannik rose his head, she was staring at him intently, tears not quite ready to fall, but gathering in the corners of her eyes. Was she lying to protect herself or him? Why was this man, with every reason to be crueler and colder to her than the one who was lying on floor below (man who could be all those things and more), so gentle and brimming with care, and emotion she could not name? His concern was so genuine and it would be so easy to shift and bury her head in crook of his neck, feel safe and saved for a moment. When he entwined fingers with her, Adel's eyes widened, but when he seemed to about to pull away, she squeezed his hand.

Belatedly, she realized she had not addressed his other concern. "I did not call Zenon," she confessed. "He is gone for the weekend and I... I honestly did not think to, at first." Her emergency contact, somehow, had become Mannik. Zenon had hardly ever been her first choice for anything, but conceptually, she knew she could trust him to bust her out of situation such as this. Yet, in that first half hour she had not wanted to see him, nor his solutions. She had wanted Mannik, without expecting him to solve this. "Did you call him? Is it why he contacted me a short while ago, telling me he will soon be on his way?" She had not been able to ask why, or rather received no response, just half-demand to stay calm. (He himself had barely looked that when she gave brief overview of the situation.)

When the man surprised her by gentle brush of lips over her bruises, her mouth opened though the gasp of surprise did not escape. Their eyes met and Adel suddenly leaned forward, her forehead resting against his chest and free hand coming to grip at his shirt or jacket. "It... it helped. I do not need medicine, let is just stay like this for a moment. Please."

She could not let him see her cry or how much this affected her. Too much of her pride, her heart was on the line, even if this was a gamble of giving the rest of them away. The aftermath of fear and pained relief (longing) flooded her and silent tears ran down her face. Yes, he would see the tear streaks after, but to be looked upon as she cried - it would be too much. After her grandparents died, she had never cried and sincerely been comforted by anyone. Not until Mannik. Her grip on his hand tightened, pleading to not push her away. One moment of weakness, with a man who had already seen her at her worst and weakest. Could she not afford at least that much?




He wished, oh he burned, to take step forward, the one she was teetering on edge of, to close the gap between them and finish sweeping Sarah off her feet. But not tonight. This one time, he would not push her hand more than he already had. For once, he was playing fair and wanted her to make the choice without pressure. To chose him.

And if not for the damn call from wonder-boy... But it was Sarah, the Commander, he felt for, no matter how deeply or shallowly, how fleetingly or permanently. And Sarah would never pick one night over her duties and responsibilities. It stung, but was also one reason why he had began this dancing around her. If he was here with some floozy who had no other care in world than find a comfortable bed to lay in or that her nail broke, his heart wouldn't be cracking as he watched her retreat.

He did not say anything to her, only heaved sigh when she was gone and then moved to his own room to change. A quick call to Adelmar did wipe away some of regret about leaving because though she was sparse with details, there was something obviously very wrong about the whole thing. He couldn't picture his frail fiancée killing anyone, but at the same time, he had grown to learn of completely different side of her recently and accidents happened so simply. Too simply. But even so, she was hiding something, her mask was put on in lopsided manner and he glimpsed of how truly distraught she was.

When Sarah emerged from her room again, he pulled her in a hug, probably surprising them. Now that they were both lowered back to their regular self, he could afford it. "I am sorry. I truly wish tonight did not end like this," he admitted hoarsely. "But at least I will have an image of you as you were to hold onto until next time." The man pulled back, looking deeply into her eyes.

"Because there will be next time, even if not soon or any foreseeable future." He did not care for her objections this time. He had already gotten her here, despite all reasons for it not to happen. "Sarah, I want you to know that in two weeks, I will come Below officially. I will give you more details later, but I would like for Mannik to be there as well. It will be official business after all," Zenon smiled a wry smile. It was odd to call wonder-boy by his name, and he had been tempted to use anything else, but if they were to be allies, he had to at least try treating the other man as.... Well, not equal, but someone Sarah trusted.

"And no matter what I say then, what I have to do, it will not change this." Zenon pressed kiss to her forehead, cradling her face gently, before kissing her lips softly. "Before you get concerned, this is not a trap. I will only have one unarmed person with me and I will come unarmed as well. You will be able to have your people search us." He assured, before Sarah could get the wrong idea or angry.

"I guess we should go to our protégés now." The regret was seeping out of man's pores as he said that.
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#213
Old 08-25-2017, 06:23 PM

“No.” Mannik answered the woman simply. “There’s a lot of things not right in this world. We do what we can. No. There’s nothing you can do, and nothing that you should do. If you insert yourself into the investigation, you are putting yourself at risk, and making all of these precautions and sacrifices was completely useless.”

The only thing that gave away how angry Mannik felt as Adel relayed her story was a tightening around his eyes. Adelmar wasn’t telling him the entire truth, that much was clear from her pause. He wasn’t going to push her to say more, but did want to ensure she was alright.

Although initially Mannik hadn’t been sure how she would react to him linking hands, when he had attempting to tug away, she squeezed his fingers, revealing a strength that he knew was there, hidden under layers she must have built up throughout her life. He left his hand in hers, although Mannik was seriously wishing his hands weren’t covered in dust from Below.

She continued to talk, and Mannik raised an eyebrow in surprise. She hadn’t called her fiancé? At all? A strange feeling welled up in Mannik. Sadness that he was apparently a wedge between them, although that fact also made him oddly happy. There was also an indescribable feeling of pride welling up in him. She trusted him enough and wanted him to help her. He’d never have her how he wanted, but it was becoming clear that he could still be here for her. That felt good, in its own way.

“Yeah….” Mannik’s voice came out deep and rasping. He cleared his throat and tried again. “I wanted to make sure he’d be here for you… He called you? He’s on his way? Did he, uhm, mention anything else?” Adelmar had stated that he’d called her…did she know he was away with Sarah? God…he couldn’t tell Adel that. Surely Zenon wouldn’t bring Sarah here, especially not looking how she had. Adelmar would be so hurt. She knew about most of his flings, yes, but this one was too close to home.

Mannik was ripped from his thoughts as he leaned back away from her wrist. She answered the question, and then suddenly, she was leaning against him! He stiffened and inhaled quickly. All it did was make him realize that him stiffening was probably uncomfortable for her, and his breath inhaled just made him realize how good she smelled.

He forced himself to relax, and once he did, emotions welled up inside him again. Mannik sighed, letting her stay. The warmth emitting from her felt amazing. Mannik wanted to stay in the moment forever, but a small voice kept telling him he wouldn’t want her to feel this way forver. He could feel her stress and fear from how tightly she was holding his jacket, and a moment later the shaking of her shoulders told him she was crying. The trembles reached out to him, and Mannik felt something inside of him crack completely. He gave another sigh, and let his free hand slip around her waist gingerly. Not wanted her to think he was being inappropriate, and not wanting to frighten her, Mannik increased pressure just slightly, hugging the woman he loved tightly. He lowered his head, and tilted it, leaning against her gently. He sighed into her hair, and spoke again. “It’s alright. I’m here. Everything is alright now…”
~</3~
“Ompfh!” Sarah left her room, and was tugged into an unforeseen embrace. Before she could protest or question these actions, Zenon was speaking to her, and stepped back so she was staring into those remarkable shining eyes he possessed. Two weeks? What is going on here? Mannik?

A million questions were raised in her mind, but before she could vocalize anything, he had kissed her forehead, and then his lips were on hers. Sarah’s eyes closed almost immediately, and her lips shifted, attempting to return the kiss. Then Zenon had stepped back, and was reminding her of her responsibilities again. Sarah made a small sound of protest, her mouth falling open.

Her blue eyes were wide, and looked even bigger with the makeup still on her face. It seemed to take a moment for her to pull herself together. She bit her lip and stared at the ground. It was difficult to tell if the redness on her cheeks was belaying how flushed she felt, or if it was just the makeup.

Finally, Sarah gave a nod. “Alright…yes. We…we need to go…Two weeks. What are you talking about, what you say or do? We’ve a long ride ahead of us, I expect that you’ll tell me then, hm?”

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#214
Old 08-25-2017, 08:45 PM

"I can't tell you more, not now. I said two weeks, but there may be wrenches thrown in my wheels and then I may have to delay. Or push the date closer. Maybe I should have spoken of this only when we were there, but I don't assume your business self would let me see a blush this cute." Although he had started seriously and there was still unpleasant weight in his chest, Zenon was bringing back his cheeky side. His right hand still cupped her face, thumb stroking cheek in nearly absent-minded way, while left lowered to her waist, to hold her close. He 'stole' another quick kiss from her lips, wearing his trademark feline smile.

"So you will simply have to exercise your patience, little fire." His shrug did not look as apologetic as deep down he felt. A tiny, nagging voice said that he should feel a lot more guilty, for not rushing to his fiancee, but Zenon wanted to prolong the semblance of peace and happiness of this moment as long as possible. When, if ever, he would have next chance like this with Sarah? Would she even look at him, when the two weeks were up and he would have to look in her eyes and say, yes, I am getting married. For you. For rebellion. She was dutiful and should understand the meaning of purely political connections, but too high strung in this particular question.

As for Adelmar? Wonder-boy was probably with her by now, taking her under his wing. And though it sparked a bit of anger in him, he was also... Well, not quite grateful, but appreciative. Not that he planned to push Adel into 'Mannik's' arms or anything. Thinking of them together still felt incredibly wrong, on more levels than he could count. Especially if Sarah denied him further once the bitter truth was out. Why should he suffer loneliness with purely business partner at his side while Adel capped on good fortune? If the boy would even care for her in few month's time, when first encounter with doll-like Above girl had lost its shine. In any case, it was best if the two did not get involved too deeply, the survival rates of the lil' genetic experiment were much lower than his, Adel's or even Sarah's, after all.

But these thoughts were fleeting recollection of conclusions made over weeks and his focus in reality was unfalteringly on the woman in his arms. "Can't trade to make the time shorter either," he said, teasingly, half challenging her to try to seduce any hints out of him. Though perhaps he would regret, if she rose up to it, considering just how devastatingly beautiful she looked tonight, even now.




She had not missed that Mannik had tensed up at mention of Zenon, but contributed it (mostly) to how bad their relationship was, naturally. There was so much bad blood between them... How would they be able to work along side, in two weeks time? But all of these things, that troubled her daily, now seemed far and distant, in face of closer issues. Or rather, they shrunk in size and piled on her shoulders like small pebbles, on top of the boulder of tonight's events that was pushing her into the ground. She still felt it all acutely and the hollow exhaustion and distress was tightening its vice like grip around her throat.

So she cried, cried into his chest about everything. Even the realization that this will probably never happen again, that she could chop through the wall between her and Mannik only so many times, that she had no right to do it, at all. That with increased war efforts, he may slip from her life permanently and she may not even know where he'd lay his head down for last time. That she, too, could find herself taking last breath suddenly and while it had never seemed as the worst scenario, her life was about to gain a meaning. Even if through bitterness and trampling over all she had once held dear. From restoring family's legacy to aiding rebellion... How low she had fallen (how high she had climbed). That perhaps she would have to see her brother fall, on the other side of the battle line. The gravity of her choice had settled in long ago, but now that Mannik's heartbeat was so close and his arms attempted to ground her, she felt it all the more keenly.

Finally, time between her sobs grew larger and the depth of them lessened. "I am very sorry," she spoke, still not rising her head, her voice hoarse from all the crying. By heavens, she must look like a wreck, worse than one, actually. All too self-conscious, Adelmar could not figure how to retreat out of his embrace without showing her face. And how to will herself to let him go at all.

But she had to. Gradually, she loosened the grip on Mannik, if he allowed it and stepped back, head hanging low. "I will go wash up," Adelmar would say and retreat, trying not to be too hasty, so that he would not think she was fleeing from him. And in the bathroom, she would face another near-breakdown episode, looking at the marks on her neck and the horrid state her face was in. How could she look at Mannik or even Zenon for that matter? Even after the kidnapping, she had not cried this badly and how genuinely unsure her fiance had been of what to do with her was burned into her mind. And Mannik, too, had seen her looking awful, but not quite like this. Her feminine and simply sensible pride was about to take a blow she didn't know how to avoid.

Yet, if the Below soldier did not let her go at her soft attempts to get away, she would be content on staying as she were in his arms for a while longer.
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#215
Old 08-25-2017, 09:57 PM

“Wrenches? Wheels? Zenon….what is going on?” Sarah didn’t seem to notice Zenon’s hands, but her eyes glazed over when he kissed her again, and she huffed when he pulled away.

Sarah seemed distracted, trying to think of various things that the male could be talking about. It was clear she wasn’t coming to good conclusions, and she licked her lips nervously. They tasted like Zenon, and she blushed brightly again.

“Can’t trade? At all?” Sarah looked slyly at Zenon, and her hands crawled up to his head, tugging it down gently. She pressed her lips against his, not satisfied with the chaste kisses from earlier. Mannik, for once, was forgotten, and she lost herself in Zenon’s lip.

~</3~

Mannik would normally be highly uncomfortable and not know what to do. Holding Adelmar, however, he didn’t feel uncomfortable, just didn’t know what to do. So he did what he could, holding her gently. He rubbed her back, and stroked her hair.

When she finally pulled back, Mannik felt torn. He was happy she had gotten some emotions out, but his arms felt strangely empty. Despite the attempt to hide her face, before she pulled away completely, Mannik lifted his hands, and gently wiped the tears off of her face. He had meant for the action to be kind, but left a smudge on her face from his dirty fingers. “Don’t be sorry.” He muttered, lowering his head, his voice raspy with emotions he tried to bury.
Adelmar beat it from the room, and Mannik glanced down at his hands. The smudge on her face reminded him of their separate places once more. Absently, he ran a finger over his thumb, feeling the rough callouses. That pang returned and settled on his chest, and it seemed a bit sharper than before.
Mannik covered up yet more feelings, and turned from the room. If Adelmar returned, she would have found the body already gone. The humming had been a machine that had stripped the floor, and a few people were on hands and knees, rubbing and polishing more wax under the floor, their faces stoic. Mannik was deep in conversation with one of the men, though their voices were hushed. The dead man had been removed.

The authorities would know he had been moved, but they wouldn’t be able to find any evidence here. And they would have witness who watched the person taking the blame dump the body. Anytime someone from Below committed a crime, there weren’t many questions, really, they were usually charged and convicted quickly. It should go off without a hitch.

There was a matter Adelmar would most likely hate that needed to be discussed, however.

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#216
Old 08-25-2017, 10:42 PM

"Indeed, though perhaps I should say a misshapen gear in the engine?" He questioned no one in particular, feeling rather distracted himself. Zenon was trying to remain within boundaries of a gentleman and keep a distance that she would have to cross first and, satisfyingly, she did, but at the same time, it became significantly harder to not let loose wholly.

He eagerly responded to the kiss she initiated, grip on her waste tightening and the other hand slipping down to cradle her neck, tips of fingers tangling in her fiery hair. The way he turned her and backed into wall could nearly be missed before her back touched it, effectively trapping her there. Trading? Entirely forgotten, in all truth and honesty. The only thing he wanted now was unlimited time and if he had his way, perhaps Sarah would forget any reason to leave in nearest hour... His lips moved away from her mouth, seeking the spot he had claimed as his on her neck to renew the love bite.




She had leaned, just a fraction, into his touch, before realizing how awful she must look and ducking her head even further. His hands were rough, but touch - the very opposite. She had once mocked him for his calloused hands, much as he had her for her unmarred appearance, and in the end, who had done more, important things? Shame swarmed her yet again, only deepened in way too long time she took in bathroom.

When she stepped out and sought Mannik, her appearance was... Well, not quite as disastrous, though she had not even attempted to hide the recent history with makeup. It would take time and half-done attempts would only attract more attention. Besides, her hands were shaking.

Noticing that Mannik was with the other people from Below, she recoiled slightly inwardly, unsure where to put her eyes or how to approach him. Would none of these people really question why she was hailing no trouble at someone murdered within her home? The trust they had in Commander and Mannik was truly beyond anything she had seen. Perhaps, just perhaps, if she and Zenon could earn same unwavering loyalty, they would have a chance yet. She couldn't even tell them thank you in this situation, without it all looking even odder.

Though plenty of unofficial lessons of a noble in Domes dealt with assassinations, death and murder, none covered a situation quite like this and Adelmar struggled with feeling lost, though her expression had again become impassive. She waited for Mannik to notice her and give any indication if he was going to leave now or had more to say. She wished, deeply, for him to stay, but was not sure she could ask it of him. Not after all the crying and actually having him come here in the first place. Her thumb brushed gently over the place he had kissed earlier as if recalling this touch could compensate all the wrongs of tonight.

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#217
Old 08-26-2017, 05:59 AM

It had been a while since Sarah had been with anyone, and she couldn’t remember the last time someone stirred her like Zenon. Before she’d even wrapped her mind around what she was doing, she’d kissed him.

Even while her thoughts whirled and the commander kissed the man, a tiny voice kept whispering to her. Not only was she ignoring her duties, but she was doing so for an engaged man. She felt like a line had been crossed. Before they had simply been dancing around and avoiding things like this. Somehow it had felt okay morally during that time, but now, despite her dislike for Adelmar, it still felt wrong.

Sarah pushed Zenon away with trembling hands after they had continued for several moments, and if the commander was to be honest, it wasn’t her duties that made her push him away, it was the guilt that started in on her. “We….we need to go. They’ll be waiting on us.”

~</3~

Mannik knew Adelmar was in the room almost as soon as she had entered. His skin seemed to tingle on whichever side she was on, and his heart always sped up a pace or two. He didn’t turn his emerald eyes to her, however, not realizing she was waiting on him, and instead finished the conversation quickly.

Once the business was settled, Mannik turned to Adelmar, tilting his head and letting the dark brown locks fall forward. The man he had been speaking with and a young boy stepped toward Adelmar as well, though they frowned and glared at her.

“Uhm. This is Pierre.” Mannik motioned to the younger male, then the taller one, “And Verma. If you are feeling better, there is something we need to talk about that involves them. I don’t think you’ll like it….”

(Sorry it's so short. Brain is dying, but I really wanted you to have a reply to see when you wake. ^.^)

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#218
Old 08-26-2017, 05:02 PM

It was easy to get carried away when with Sarah. Too easy. Control over his actions, other than in battlefield, was not something Zenon particularly exercised. There were times to scheme and times to unwind, go with the flow. Unfortunately, the more he got involved with Commander, the more he was forced to merge both of these aspects. It was nearly unconscious progress, one Adelmar was starting to regard as 'growing up' without his knowledge.

So, when Sarah pulled away, or rather pushed him away, he heaved a theatrical sight, but complied. "I suppose you are right." Removing slightly smudged lipstick from corner of her mouth with his thumb (thank goodness for the newest technologies or else there would be little left on her), he gave a longing look at her lips, before releasing her.

He escorted her out, hand on small of her back, and into the vehicle, before getting in himself. It'd be long ride ahead of them and he was rather set on finding other topics to talk about than the slip-up of information he had given earlier. Or Adelmar. But somehow, the disappointing turn of events tonight, were blocking his clever lines. At least the radio was playing some decent music, as they ascended into the sky and towards his little know exit hole in the Dome's barrier.




"I am listening," she said evenly, now a lot more like herself. Or rather, the self she was raised to show. Lately, she had come to doubt it was indeed her true self, but it was easy and even necessary to fall back into emotionless, detached Adelmar Ednah Wislawa as soon as the first blow of emotions was over. She disregarded the hateful glares from two males, to which she had given an acknowledging nod once they were introduced. They knew her name, most likely, and if they did not, announcing it would make matters only more angering for them.

If Mannik chose to lead her away from the the spacious corridor to discuss these matters in private, she'd comply. Otherwise, she would take whatever blow he had to give her, here. She trusted him, far more than reasonable, and believed that he would never make a plan that would hurt her more than necessary.

Kisu
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#219
Old 08-26-2017, 08:13 PM

Sarah couldn’t lie. Just climbing into the small jet was one of the hardest things she’d ever done. In all honesty, she was fairly certain that if she let things go, or even if she asked for Zenon to just stay with her, that he would comply. It touched her strangely, and the commander couldn’t say if it actually please her or upset her.

She fell silent as they made the trip, though occasionally she would hum with the radio, peering outside. Her expression was thoughtful. She should be thinking of what was lying ahead, but instead she was still caught up in the other air city. Occasionally her sapphire eyes would shift to the Hadar heir, and the crease would return to between her eyebrows for a moment.

~</3~

Mannik didn’t lead Adelmar away, but he did shift uncomfortably. He wasn’t about to tell Adelmar how difficult it had been to convince the two males to do as he asked, or what he’d had to barter to get them to agree.

“You’re to have a guard.” Mannik stated, sure that Adelmar would protest. “Well, in a manner of speaking. There will be someone watching you…” The soldier motioned to Pierre, who was clearly not pleased about the job. “And if something should happen, people will be nearby to protect you.”

A tongue ran across his lips, giving away how nervous Mannik felt, before he continued. “It won’t be noticeable to people not paying attention, and it’s not perfect, but it should help you a lot. It won’t just be Pierre, but there’s a group of people that will be rotating… Uhm. Here…” One of the various pockets on Mannik’s clothing was opened, and he held out a small whistle. “If anyone breaks into your house, if you get scared the scout won’t see it, you can blow this…and the group will get to you.”
(mehhh, again, so short. v.v)

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#220
Old 08-26-2017, 09:50 PM

At some point, he reached out to her hand and laced fingers through her in enviably casual manner. Truth be told, he had never really wanted to hold anyone's hand before, but now that Sarah had barraged into his life... He was going to squeeze every bit of contact in the time they had together. He'd not really even considered such a simple touch worth anything with anyone else, yet here he was, like a high-schooler in love, sitting innocently and holding Sarah's hand and being happy about it.

Though, to be entirely honest, under other circumstances, Zenon would not be shy to probably ask her to sit in his lap if it wouldn't be:
a) unsafe
b) way too distracting
c) not worth the possible slap

Only point c truly mattered, though. After all, there were always autopilot to amend the a point and he truly wouldn't mind being distracted right about now. In a way, he still was, caressing patterns on her hand with his thumb, focusing on the way her hand fit in his far too much for it to make an actual sense. The beauty treatment earlier tonight had softened her skin, but he could still feel how much rougher it was compared to the ladies of Above. And hell did he know how hard it could punch. And perhaps exactly that's why he did not feel like letting it go at all.

As they approached Seven, he broke the silence. "I suppose I cannot trade a bit of your attention for the route inside I am about to show?" his eyes twinkled with mischief as the small ship slowed down, to maneuver through the alert lines and watchtower lines. And possibly give them a bit more time, just the two of them.




"No," she immediately and firmly objected. "That is not safe for them. I believe I will have a guard soon," her throat tightened a little, thinking that her new personal servant, all provided by Zenon, would be there to protect her from anyone who could mean any harm to his wife... Or the future gray cardinal of resistance. She truly had been foolish, thinking that she was at least somewhat safe until the wedding announcement. But it was as it was and she could not say it all here, not now.

"And if that person notices someone on my trail... It could end very badly. I appreciate this, deeply, but do not put them under any more risk than they already are. Not for me." She wished she could reach out and squeeze his arm, in thanks and also reassuring the all too thoughtful soldier. But she refrained and stared at the small whistle, unsure where else to look. Pierre and Verma were surely trying to burn holes through her. Should she say that the guard was going to be rebellion sympathizer? Mannik seemed to trust these two, but could she trust them as well? Her and Zenon's faces, identities, were going to be hidden as much as possible even from Below's people to avoid any leaks or betrayals from within, out of simple distrust. Considering that, having any guards that could sniff this out was even more dangerous. "I cannot accept this, my apologies."

If he protested too much, she would finally grasp his wrist and drag him away into next room to explain the reasons more in depth. "Mannik, I cannot explain in more detail right now, but these guards could complicate so many important things. I know you trust these men and therefor, I trust them as well, but neither of us can trust everyone around them. In two weeks, it will make more sense, I promise you." Her voice was serious, with a hint of pleading and young woman had not even realized she hadn't let him go just yet.

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#221
Old 09-14-2017, 10:29 AM

Sarah felt herself blushing brightly as Zenon intertwined their fingers. This man made her feel so giddy and excited with such a small gesture. The red headed woman glanced at the man from Above on occasion, though her looks were mostly puzzled.

She really couldn’t wrap her head around this man. But the more time she spent with Zenon, the less she wanted this to be some fling. Unfortunately, with his record, that is all she could assume she was. Then again…

Her free hand moved to touch the necklace Zenon had gotten her. Really, it was doubtful he got trinkets like this for all the girls. A lot of thought had gone into this. Sarah chewed on her lip, her blue eyes focused on the passing clouds. Her hand did tighten around his slightly, but otherwise her thoughts remained her own.

At least until the male spoke. Sarah jerked slightly, and glanced over, raising an eyebrow. “Oh? Well, I do believe you are driving the ship, sir, so it would seem I’m under your mercy. Lead on…” She gave Zenon a playful grin, before propping her head up on her hand, her elbow leaning on the side.

~</3~

Mannik waited until Adelmar finished her objections. “It’s not safe for them to be here. But here they are.” He seemed to expect more objections, but didn’t really give her a whole lot of time to continue. “And they won’t be the only ones. There will be some others. There will be enough rotation that they shouldn’t be too recognizable, even to you.”

He paused, clearly wanting to say more, though was clearly impeded by the presence of the others. This was solved as Adelmar dragged him into the next room. “Two weeks?” He repeated numbly, glancing down at her hand wrapped around his arm. “What are you talking about?”

With a sigh, Mannik looked up from his arm and redirected his thoughts. It was always hard to do when she touched him. “I don’t care. Whatever you have planned…. which….” Mannik paused to narrow his eyes and give her a sharp look, “Which I already disagree with, I don’t care. It’s not worth risking you. Whether you agree or not, you’ll have people around you now. This won’t happen again.”

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#222
Old 09-19-2017, 04:10 PM

"At my mercy, huh?" Zenon drawled, his attention now fully on her as he shifted in his seat to face the woman. It seemed that even now, already having left the house, she did not seem too eager to reach her wonder-boy and it made him quite pleased. It was not often that Zenon felt like he actually needed to compete with anyone, mostly he took the first spot, leading position with ease. No matter if it was raids, partying, sports, even scores with women. And yet here he was, jealous over the loyalty and care Mannik-kid inspired in Sarah. He knew it went well beyond just the fact he was important to her goals (which still made his hackles rise, in all honesty, as did their supposed blood-relation).

Well, it would be wrong to say he was being jealous right now, since Sarah was taking up pretty much all of his thoughts. His thumb was drawing patterns on back of her palm while the other caressed its way up her arm, to cradle back of her neck as he pulled her closer. "I may need time to exploit such a chance," Zenon murmured at her lips, but instead of giving her the kiss she (they both) craved, he chose to kiss corner of her mouth, trailing further away to her ear, then neck. Damn this confined space, though even small seats of ship could be used cleverly, if one had enough incentive.

He pressed her deeper in the soft seat, as it quietly hissed, leaning backward, and moved to loom over her with predatory grin, one arm by her head, knee between hers, only now untangling the hands they were holding - his went to rest on her hip, holding her in place and also working its way under the hem of her shirt. Zenon didn't know how long they had 'till she'd put a stop to it, so he was going to enjoy every second. Despite her invitation, he had no intention of crossing borders she would put down.




She knew she should withdraw her hand, she had to, but it stayed firmly where she had grasped his wrist. His skin felt warm under her own slightly cool fingers and it was somehow comforting, grounding. Even when she had to go up against the very person offering this grounding. "I would explain now, if I could," Adelmar insisted. There were too many ears around right now, some she may not even be aware of and those already had too much information to feast on - if there indeed were any present.

Though her gaze remained unwavering, having regained the steely firmness and determination Mannik may recognize from their first encounters, a certain pained hollowness flashed through it when he said he would not approve of whatever would come to light in two weeks' time. He truly will not, will he? If... If anything at all was as his half-words implied, he would not look happily onto her wedding a man he despised. Even if it was for his sake. His people. And why did it so keenly hurt in her chest, to think of the hurt that would be on his face when he heard the news, to imagine him avoiding to look or speak with her once she became Mrs. Hadar?

Was it all, her instinctive need to reach out to him, the concern for his well-being running deeper and deeper with each month, the half-realized, foggy fantasy of something in back of her mind, truly the mark of... the word she did not think she would have in this world? And, yet, even on the brink of this realization, she stared back at him, unyielding.

"It will not happen again, yes. Because I am to have protection when these two weeks are up. By people I think we can trust. We will have to trust, as they will have to trust." By 'we' she meant more than herself and Zenon, the two that she had met only briefly would be the key connections between Above and Below at times, the few who would be aware of many truths. And though there were no one she truly trusted in this world, not even Zenon with all his flighty nature, not even herself anymore as her grasp on logic and emotions seemed to become weaker and weaker, she thought she could find something alike trust, based in respect for their professionalism and seemingly aligned goals, in the blonde twins.

"I told you, I was foolish to come here alone like this. It could have waited." The words were heavy on her tongue, though inwardly Adel was relieved she had managed to hide the severity of tonight's events from Mannik. If this was his reaction from little he knew, what would he do if he knew the full truth?

"So, please, do not endanger your people more than necessary. Though, if it gives you peace of mind, I will agree to their watch until I can explain the full situation to you and my future bodyguards can attend to me. Perhaps they will be put on duty earlier, in light of tonight. Will that appease you?"

In fact, she realized, perhaps she should have called them, made them clean up this mess, instead of falling headfirst in her anxiety and seeking some calming reassurance from Mannik which had made this all snowball beyond anything she could have expected. But he had a habit of doing that, did he not?

"I suppose we have to wait for Zenon now," she added, finally pulling her hand away from him, slowly and regretfully even. "Perhaps your men should clear out before he comes or they may want to pick a fight with him. I am still less hated than he is among Below, after all." Self-depreciating smile crossed her face and then it fell. "Are you going to leave now, too?" she asked, hating a little how her voice grew quieter. What right did she have to wish him stay here, when she had already been so selfish? None at all. But hearts are the most selfish of all, after all.
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#223
Old 09-26-2017, 06:19 PM

The implications of Sarah’s words hadn’t hit her, and she had meant them innocently enough. It quickly became clear, however, that Zenon had seen a more mischievous meaning.

Still, even when the soldier shifted in the confined space, and towered over her, Sarah didn’t complain. She returned his kiss eagerly, angling to make him more comfortable. Her mind seemed hazy, and all she could really comprehend was Zenon. It felt like he was everywhere around her. His smell, his lips, his hands…wait…what was going on with his hands?

Zenon’s hand was on her hip…it almost felt like her skin was on fire. The heat from him easily passed through her clothing. Even when he shifted, and his fingers crawled under her shirt, her skin seemed to burn and tangle. Zenon felt and tasted so good. Sarah didn’t want to stop, and kissed him easily.

There was still a small voice in the back of her mind, though, that was condemning her. Sarah turned her face away with a sigh, gently pushing Zenon’s hands away. “I can’t…we need to go…your…your fiancé…”

~</3~

The same tingling sensation was distracting Mannik. His wrist distracted him from what Adel was actually saying, but unlike Sarah, Mannik couldn’t bring himself to pull away. Instead, his emerald eyes fell to Adelmar’s hand. He licked his lips, but remained silent, even though his gaze didn’t lift back up to meet hers.

I don’t have to trust anyone…” Mannik pointed out, unaware Adelmar was referring to her betrothed. “And A-….Miss Winslow…my people aren’t safe just by living and breathing. This at least gives their life meaning and makes them feel better about everything.”

“Yes….” Mannik finally looked up, but still didn’t meet her gaze, instead glancing to the foyer. “They should be done now…we just had to introduce you and let you know what was going on.” At the mention of her fiancé, Mannik visibly flinched, and gently tugged his arm away from her, breaking her grip as nicely as he could. “If you want me to stay, I will. They already know I was here, so it’s up to you.” The soldier gave a sigh. Without seeming to notice, his other hand had replaced where Adelmar’s hand was, wrapping around his other wrist, almost as if cradling it. “What would be easiest on you?”

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#224
Old 12-11-2017, 04:10 AM

"What happened to being at my mercy?" he teased, but the light in his eyes was already dimming. It was hard to hover between nothing and something like this, harder yet because he had not wanted that something with a woman for years and now he had to cull all his urges to just make his way to his goals as he usually did - without care or concern who was hurt in the process. Like he did with anything else. Some would call him a douchebag, some actually did, and usually, Zenon just laughed because 'that's just called getting what you want and deserve'.

Yet, here he was, retreating to his seat, jaw clenched. Sarah was right, but she also wasn't and he just wanted to kiss her senseless and make her forget anything or anyone else. All he had wanted was one damned night with no distractions, just two of them. Before bigger shit went down and she'd not let closer than ten feet radius without some serious convincing. And this is what he got. He took in a deep breath through his nose as they flew even closer to the dome and held it there in shallow attempt to contain himself from doing something stupid. Maybe this time it'd actually work.

In attempt to not show that he was mad with her, he let his hand rest with palm up on armrest. It would be her choice to take it, but damn if she did, he had no intentions of truly letting go. The thought grew stronger and stronger as they slipped into the Dome.




She winced inwardly each time he adjusted the way he'd call her. How absolutely horrible would "Mrs Hadar" sound from his lips? Could she bear hearing it, even once? Adelmar wished for millionth time in her life that she could keep her name upon entering the marriage, but women were not meant to be the ones to carry bloodline forward, though it was through their pain and tears that it happened.

But what hurt more was Mannik said about trust. It was true, he did not have to trust anyone other than his Commander. He didn't trust her, the blood of Wislawa. He had killed for her, but he had killed for many. "I understand." Her gaze dropped, following pattern on the floor, away, away from his heavy boots, just anywhere to not look at him. The vulnerability and fierceness both disappeared behind shutters of demure, blank expression. Her hands hid among the folds of her dress.

Adel wished to ask him to stay, but she had already asked so much and here he was, clearly drawing a line. "You should do as you find best, Mannik." As you always do.

"I will not ask of you more than I already have." The silence weighted heavier on her shoulders, trickled in her heart and once more, she felt trapped and suffocated. It was worse now, when she had caught glimpses of something akin to freedom and happiness. And it would only grow worse. She would become even more alienated to both community she betrayed and the one she tried to save, her hands would shed more blood - directly and indirectly. And there would be no one who would trust her absolutely or whom she trusted. How had she come to depend on thought Mannik trusted her, Adel did not know, but now the simple denial of this cut her open.

How would the four of them ever work together to save at least a corner of the world? ... That was the reason why it hurt so much, right? It had to be.




The vehicle landed silently near the house and, for a moment, Zenon sat there without making a move. He had not spoken much more over the rest of the ride, just said that if she wanted to keep cover of a mission that had led them spending time together, she could - he would not ruin it. And then added that it's not like she had to explain herself to the boy anyway.

But now? Now he had so much and nothing to say at all. These could be the last moments of just them for a long time. Maybe ever, if he didn't play his cards right, if she did not care for him more than a useful tool. When they stepped out, they'd back to their roles, a Hadar engaged to woman he was just learning to see as a friend and Commander of Below, both of them toeing line between enemies and allies. And something more. So, he did the one thing he could, before Sarah could try to get out, he moved to pull her in for a quick, but passionate kiss. Forceful maybe, if she did not reciprocate it, but the hand cradling back of her head was gentle. When he pulled back, his eyes searched her face for a moment, as if trying to memorize it, before he retreated, not quite as calmly as he'd have liked, and got out.

Meanwhile, Adel, no matter if Mannik stayed or not, went to prepare some tea (more if the soldier was around). Passing the spot where the man, her assaulter, had been made her shudder deep to her bones and she felt another wave of tears and fears coming closer, but she moved on. Numb. Be numb. As you always have been. Think only of goal not what it will cost you. Your body and mind has always been expendable. It may have more worth now, but only if you keep it under control. Everything. These and other thoughts spun through her head, wove a rope that fastened her to what she feared may end up to be a pyre. Perhaps, if she was numb enough, she'd not feel the heat of flames until right before...

If Mannik had stayed, she'd offer him one of the cups before taking seat nearby, eyes downcast. The silence was familiar, all too familiar. Always between her and those she yearned to stand by her side. Mother. Father. Brother. Even Zenon. And now Mannik. She was meant to be silent, her success always relied on it. And yet, she could not keep it, not entirely.

"I apologize...." For hurting you. For assuming you trust me. For asking to be by my side in my time of need. To be my friend. For all I cannot and might never fix. For loneliness that haunts your eyes. For scars and losses you bear. "I apologize." She repeated, not finding right words. Perhaps Zenon and Commander would come in any moment now and she'd have to repeat her half-lies, relive a horrible moment all over. Like she'd do for rest of night and beyond. The hollow in her lurched oddly, thinking of saying even something remotely close to truth in front of those two. Adelmar adjusted her jacket and hair once more, a move she didn't even notice she made, trying to hide her torn clothing and bruises.

Maybe Commander would whisk Mannik away to world he belonged before she had to, she thought. That would be better. Zenon was blind to many things, he would not notice. But what about Commander? Would she, too, be too preoccupied with her star pupil and Hadar?
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Last edited by sadrain; 12-14-2017 at 12:38 AM..

 


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