Sweet Little Puppet

My beautiful creature

Lovely little heart

Bend to me

I would never hurt you

DISCLAIMER

Since this is in the Supernatural/Horror thread, chances are this RP will have a lot of blood, horror, and scary or frightening scenes.
So please don't cry to either of us if you get uncomfortable. You're free to stop reading any time.

---

Samuel awoke with pale, grayish eyes bright and shining as if he hadn't been in a very deep sleep just a moment before. The gentle shadows around the eyes seemed to make them all the brighter, though the shadows were natural and never seemed to go away. His deep black hair splashed in a long, curly mess over the beige backdrop of his pillow, and one might compare his body language as that of a faux Sleeping Beauty. He sat up straight, stretching upward and rolling his neck, running long fingers through his hair and pulling it lightly, ridding himself of various knots that tied themselves up while he slept, even if he slept like a literal dead man. Sliding out of his heavy, jewel-toned red and purple blankets, Samuel landed on hard wood and a thick throw rug gently, quietly. He wore silk bedclothes, thin, red, and light, and almost sheer enough to see through.

Drifting through his bedroom, Samuel went into the bathroom. Dark---brown and black---marble, granite, and brass and black iron covered the amenities here, and yellow-gold lighting fell over the surfaces when he turned it on. He started a hot bath, sliding into the water and feeling the stiffness from sleep melt away as he ducked under the water, holding his breath and opening his eyes. The water clouded from his hair, tinted red in any light, as it floated before him, and plastered itself to his face as he came back up. Chuckling lightly, Samuel scraped it back and quickly finished up, smelling like a grove of apples as he dressed himself in red and black. Red and black, two of his favorite colors. So beautiful when paired together, but then, any color looked beautiful when paired with black. Securing a tie around his white undershirt's neck, Samuel shrugged on a black vest and jacket and belted a pair of clean black pants over shining shoes, and white gloves over his hands.

Securing his hair at the base of his neck, Samuel regarded himself passively in the glass of the mirror as he slid black-framed glasses on his nose. An accurate look for the owner of such a beautiful theater. Leaving the bathroom, Samuel went down a long hall, passing a few more doors and entering his living area. Warm and not overly-crowded, it was an elegant place, just like the theater on the floors above. He lingered only for a moment here, passing to a staircase that rounded a couple times before making it up to the main floor. More marble reflected onyx and ruby chandeliers and polished oak wood banisters and railings, black iron supports and elegant gold and sapphire columns. outside Samuel emerged onto the steps of the morning-lit theater. There they were---others like him, so easily manipulated. They were human, of course---humans could always be manipulated.

The city was slowly waking up from a warm spring night, the shops opening and harassed-looking mothers holding groceries and children ran passed, along with suited businessmen and school children dressed in various uniforms. Codi had always enjoyed watching these people, wondering what it would be like if he had a life like theirs. Sometimes, the odd person would throw him a penny into the rusty pot sitting in front of him. He would smile back in thanks, not really caring much for money in the first place.

Codi was a drifter, what others would call a bum. He lived where he could and did what he could to survive. The streets of this city were pretty safe, despite the gangs of street kids and gun-happy policemen. He sneezed and rubbed his hands together, standing up on stiff legs and stretching slightly. He rummaged in his pockets, finding himself a lighter and frowning when he found the empty packet of cigarettes. Sighing, he picked up the change and pocketed it, moving down one of the various dark alleyways towards a small general store.

He passed a few shops and stopped to glance at himself in the windows. His short blondish-brown hair was messy and his green eyes showed many sleepless nights. He smiled at himself, running his hands over his worn clothes and admiring how plain he looked. This made him undesirable and safe against predators that targeted young homeless people for their sick fantasies. He continued down the path, entering the store and buying a packet of smokes with the loose change he had.

He stepped back out of the store, lighting the cigarette and inhaled in a long breath, smiling at the smoky feeling entering his lungs. He glanced at the sky, deciding that it was nearing late morning. He walked casually away from the store, mixing into the crowds of poor and working class. He stopped once he had wondered towards the rich part of town, where those that walked the streets did so in their finest clothes, some with ridiculous dogs on the end of thin leather leashes. He laughed at one particularly skinny dog, amazed how much it seemed like its owner.

He wondered these streets for awhile, avoiding police whenever he saw one walk passed. They would find any excuse to get him imprisoned and executed. This was the city where human life wasn't treasured and just being homeless was a major crime.

Beautiful little shops lined the streets around here. A few streets away from the theater toy stores thronged with children and their exasperated parents complaining about how unruly they tended to be with such things. Samuel smiled as he passed, and lingered in front of one rather quiet store. This was full of puppets and mannequins hanging from their silk strings and skeletons and smiling in their painted faces, draped in their hand-crafted silk and satin clothes. They all looked so similar to his collection... They all hung in his theater, upon the gold and ebony stage, beautiful creatures in their beautiful clothes, holding poses of plays and operas and epics. He smiled at the thought of them all, how lovely they were, so unique it was impossible to replace them, though he tried when they broke. It was hard to say goodbye to them, and he always made sure to shed one tear when he had to let them go.

Samuel breathed in deeply, forcing himself to move along. How would he find more models if he lingered, looking at these pre-made wooden creatures. They were never like the ones he found, so unique, so special, so one of a kind. What could compare? And everyone loved to look at his replicas, how they formed real life photographs before their eyes. How could any toy shop product compare?

He stopped at a pastry shop and bought a small bag of sweet cinnamon rolls, carrying them loosely and staring at the mid-morning sky. It was streaked lightly with a few pale clouds just losing that tint of reddish-orange that came with the rising sun of morning. Samuel paused on a corner of the street, watching people move by and licking the sticky icing off his fingers. Glancing about, his cool eyes landed on a stranger. Of course it was impossible to keep everyone in the city on his mind, but this one he'd never seen before. Pushing himself off the wall, Samuel approached the young, slightly disheveled-looking man and offered the bag kindly.

A strange man approached him, a interesting smile played on his features as he passed the bag to Codi. He took the paper bag and opened it, curious to see what a rich-looking man would give a homeless tween like him. Inside was a cinnamon bun, a sickly sweet little number, but it smelt so good that Codi ate it quickly without even thinking about it. He licked the icing from his fingers and again looked to the man, admiring his poise, his class and his style. At least he wasn't with a lady in a frilly dress or walking a ridiculous dog.

"Thank you sir," he said, bowing his head slightly. It would be rude to just stare, something that Codi did often. He had always been a bit different, this was a fact his parents knew when they abandoned him at a young age. His problems were something to do with his mind and they were afraid that they had produced a fool. Codi was just happy that they didn't send him to a State School or Poor Farm.

Samuel smiled and nodded, glad the man accepted the gesture. Some were so proud they wouldn't accept a kindness, especially from one like Samuel. He did so well for himself that he could afford any type of luxury, but preferred to show less fortunate or struggling individuals or families what good will could be left in the world. Especially this world, so oddly infatuated with negative stories and concepts and acts.

"You're quite welcome." Samuel said easily, folding his hands behind him. "Forgive my directness, but are you homeless?" The tired face and older clothes spoke volumes where the man might not. "It's dangerous to be seen around these parts like you are. The people here... Well, to say the least, they're only marginally tolerant of what they call gutter trash." That was hard to say. This young man was so... what was the word...? Adorable fit. Perhaps he would be... Samuel shook his head slightly. No, it was too early to make a decision yet. He had to find a way to spend more time with him. He tilted his head. "Perhaps you might be a bit safer with me?" The offer was a nonchalant type of request to spend a bit of time with him, and could easily be turned down. Of course, it would make things harder.

"I live where I can," Codi replied, not taking offence by the strange man's words. He had a tendency to misread people's emotions and inflections, it was just a part of his disorder. Though when he was offered a place to stay, he became wary. That's how the bad people caught you. They fed you and pretended to be nice to you, offering a place to stay... And then they would assault you and possibly kill you. Codi wasn't dumb, though others would mistake him for being so.

"I'd rather not, though thank you for the offer. I don't usually come around this part of town, I was simply taking a walk and..." he grinned as a lady wearing a heavy looking frilly dress walked past with a dog that could be mistaken for a rat. "Observing the culture." He stopped himself from laughing too loud, afraid that the lady would call the police over. Though when she had trotted past with her nose in the air, he let out a loud chuckle. "Seriously, tho'..."

Samuel tilted his head and raised a brow, hoping it didn't come off as too overbearing or frightful. "And you're sure?" He asked, nodding to a man and woman that drifted by. He was well known in these parts---all over the city. People adored his handiwork. "Well then, I couldn't possibly change your mind. But at the very least, an escort through the city? If you're new to these parts perhaps you wouldn't mind a bit of company that can help you get to know the places? I've got nothing more to do today, after all, so it would be a great way to pass the hours." He didn't have much else to do before this evening, after all, when he would open the doors to the theater house and allow all walks of life to observe his creations---for the right amount, of course.

But perhaps this one would be allowed in free of charge... An especial friend, so to say.

(What's an especial friend? A special friend on the internet?)

The man was staring at him in a strange way, almost as though he was genuinely interested in getting to know him... Or it was the look of a predator trying to stare down his prey... Codi couldn't tell and he was happy to have some company. He would be able to explore the more fancy part of town without the attention of the constables with this man by his side. "Sure thing, sir! Sounds nice!" he replied excitably. "M' name's Codi. What's yours?" He always came off as abrupt, but that was just because he never understood manners or tact.

"You look really rich," he commented, staring past the man at a few of the shops around them. "Maybe you could buy me some clothes or food... That would be really kind of you, sir!"

(It's a close friend that could easily be put in 'quotes'. 'Friend'.)

Samuel laughed, putting a hand on the man's shoulder lightly to indicate their general direction to move. "I do like your directness." He said simply. "And to be honest, I think you could do with all that." Perhaps some custom-fitted clothes at the tailor, some real food and not just a small cinnamon bun. A bath might not hurt, but that might be pushing it. It would be better to get him out of those old clothes that others would immediately consider 'rags'. And to put him in high-class clothes? It would give him a better idea of this man, this strange man that was so... interesting.

"Ah, and you may call me Samuel. Or, perhaps, Sam. Sam was much less formal to him, but most people who knew him referred to him as Samuel, or as Mr. Simona. But who was he to correct them? They came to a stop outside a large shop whose windows were full of clothing. "Ahh, this is my favorite place." Samuel said, glancing down at Codi. "The tailors here will fit you with whatever cloth you like." He pushed open the door, allowing Codi in first.

Codi was happy that the man didn't just tell him to go away after being so direct. He wasn't using Sam in anyway, planning some way to repay the man for his kindness. He just didn't want to use the more obvious ways to repay someone. "Sam?" What a strange name, it didn't suit the man at all and caused him to falter with his words for a bit. "You look more like a Dean, to be honest." He closed his mouth as they entered the tailor's shop. He was running his mouth again, a habit that usually made others annoyed with him.

He stood patiently as the tailor fitted him, asking Sam to choose the cloth for him as he didn't really know much about clothes. He occasionally asked the tailor about his job, what he did and such, but mostly he watched Sam closely. When the tailor had his measurements, he went to the back of the store to begin sowing and modifying the outfit Sam had chosen for him. "Are you a model or something?" Codi questioned Sam as they waited, walking about the small store and gazing at the different clothes. "Or some fashion person..."

Samuel smiled. People did tend to mention his name didn't necessarily match what he was. Dean, Devin, Andrew, all kinds of replacement names or guessed names were thrown around, though he liked what he was called. Perhaps it fit him in a way people didn't understand. They didn't know him very well. Inside, Samuel spoke with the tailors, and one had Codi up on a pedestal and was taking measurements. Samuel drifted about, choosing durable fabrics in pale tones. Perhaps the pale tone in his hair would let light colors fit his coloring, bring out the gem-like quality of his emerald eyes. Light blue, like the sky, maybe pale gray or off-white, light green. He pointed these colors out from the bolts of fabric, deciding that lighter, silky fabric wouldn't overheat the young man or go through too much wear or tear up so quickly. Of course, Samuel didn't intend the fabric to have the chance to get harmed, or dirty in any way.

As he followed Codi rather slowly, he raised a brow at the question. "Oh, no, not at all." He said quickly. "I actually own a theater house a few streets back... Full of my creations... Beautiful creations." He paused. Thinking of them hanging, their beautiful eyes, so shiny, like gemstones, their lively forms, stuck in one position to immortalize a famous poem, play, opera... "People do love to see them." And he did too. Often he would wander their forms at night, studying them, watching them, making sure they were well off.

"So like an artist?" Codi didn't quite understand what the man was talking about. He hadn't been to a theatre before, though he knew they were places that rich people went to watch actors. "Or an actor?" He shrugged as the tailor reentered, passing them the clothes and offering a small closet-like room for Codi to try them on. He thanked both the men and went to the room, taking off his worn rags and pulling on the comfortable new clothes. He opened the door and showed them, twirling a little so they could see all of it.

"Oh, I love them!" he exclaimed as the tailor asked if they were all right.

Samuel didn't quite know how to reply to that. An artist? Actor? What could he classify himself, and his pieces, as? Perhaps he was a little of both? As he watched the door for Codi to return, Samuel nodded to himself. He was both an artist and actor---or perhaps a director? Without him his actors would have no direction at all. He manipulated them so that their scenes played out flawlessly, and who could do a better job than he? Not many, it was why he was so popular.

He grinned when Codi appeared in the custom clothing. "Flawless." He cooed. "So well done, my friend." Samuel was talking to the tailor now, who offered a pair of shoes he had found after measuring Codi's feet as well. "The clothes do make a man, don't they?" He regarded Codi with an air of appreciation. Appreciation for beauty, and for the simple, blunt way of thinking he had. Perhaps a brush through that wild hair and a damp towel to the face would clear him up well enough so that Samuel could make a specific decision. And he did look forward to grooming the young man.

Codi tried on the shoes and walked around the store, stopping by the mirrors and admiring his new look. Now all he needed was a bath, or at least a wet towel to wash his face with. He moved over to his old clothes and pulled out his belongings, telling the tailor he could throw them out or recycle them. He slid his new packet of cigarettes into his pocket and the small pocket knife he used for protection. "Thank you, Sam! It even feels better!" he grinned as they left the shop. Codi hadn't bothered to stick around to find out how much it had cost his new friend.

"Is it alright if I get something to eat? Like a lunch meal..." He had been living out of rubbish bins after all. Something fresh and tasty would be a lovely change to the stale stuff he found in the garbage bins.

Before he left with Codi, Samuel paused to push a few Crown notes into the tailor's hand. It was a bit more than the clothing and time cost, but he liked to consider that a tip, and the tailor was more than happy to accept it with a smile and tilt of the head. Once outside again, he walked alongside Codi and studied him a bit. He'd never spent much money on those he was pursuing so early on. Even if he wasn't right for his original intentions, perhaps Codi would be nice to keep in various other ways. He was snapped back to reality when Codi spoke, and looked around to take in the shop rows across the street.

"Of course, of course." He said quickly, spying a cafe he enjoyed. It catered to higher class, as most places in this particular neighborhood did, and was shaded in the green shadows of heavy trees that were protected by black iron fences around their thick, old trunks. He kept Codi close to him to avoid separation in the steady, gradual flow of foot traffic and crossed the street, entering the small place and finding a small table near the back.

Codi followed the man, feeling a bit uncomfortable with how Sam had his hand on his lower back to guide him into the small, but comfortable cafe. Inside was bright and green, with many ladies sipping on teas and talking to one another. A few of them seemed to recognise Sam and nodded or waved at him as he went past. A few eyes Codi with interest, but no one seemed to bothered by his presence. It seemed that all he need was new clothes to make people stop staring.

He sat on the comfortable padded stool, gazing at the menus with a watering mouth. All of it looked good! He couldn't possibly decide on what to eat. "Can you choose for me?" he asked Sam after a few long minutes of undecided staring. "I want a fruit juice too!" He gazed over at the wine menus and found himself wanting to try some, but he was unsure if Sam would let him at this time of the day. Instead, he lit a cigarette and took a few puffs, reassured he was allowed to smoke inside do to one of the finely dressed ladies sucking on a pipe.

Samuel returned glances when he met the eyes of others, smiled when smiled to. He only spoke when spoken to, though, this time. Had he been alone, perhaps he would have stopped to talk for an hour. Seated across from Codi, Samuel regarded him lightly and chuckled when he spoke. Regarding the well-kept, thin booklets on the center of the table, Samuel scanned the lists and regarded the time on the ticking clock nearby. Just after noon, though Codi looked like he could do with something a little heavy. But the next comment did confuse Samuel a bit, until he followed Codi's eyes to the wine lists. Well, it wasn't morning anymore... And Codi looked over the age. As a waitress approached, Samuel requested two bowls of vegetable soup and bread, and a bottle of 1855 Carlo, a deep red wine made of cherries.

As the waitress nodded and hurried off, and Samuel studied Codi a bit. "We'll have a few minutes to wait." He said, folding his hands on the table in front of him. "Have you anywhere you'd like to go after this? Anywhere you might enjoy seeing?" there were plenty of places to calm the spirit, get one acquainted with one another.

Codi watched the waitress run away, giggling slightly at how fat she looked in the maid's outfit she wore. He started slightly and looked back up at Sam, having almost forgotten the man was with him. He grinned and scratched his nose while he thought, glancing around the cafe at the ladies drinking tea. He felt oddly out of place here, as they were the only males in the store. He took another puff of his smoke, coughing slightly as he thought of the question.

"I don't know, really... I just sort of walk around... I know there's a nice park around here... I heard people talk about it... I'd love to feed the swans that float on the river..." He stared into space, his eyes becoming misty as he imagined the white, elegant birds powering across the lake like little boats.

In the relative quiet Samuel took the chance to shrug out of his jacket and set it on the stool left empty at the table, and pulled the elastic band out of his hair. In this particular place, it was crowded with not only people but large tables, chairs, and the heat from the kitchen nearby snaked its way onto the floor. It felt good to let his hair rest down his back in their loose curls. "The park's a wonderful place." He said. "All walks of life congregate there." And perhaps the free, fresh air and animal life and thick, beautiful tree clusters would let Codi relax all the more.

Another woman approached the table, setting a darkly-tinted bottle and two glasses down with a slight nod. Samuel thanked her before she left, uncorking the bottle and pausing to breathe in the perfume. A fruity, floral scent that wafted up a little as both glasses were poured. It was a mild wine, less strong than others on the list, which was organized in a way that put less alcohol content at the top, and most on the bottom. After all, it was still a bit early in the day.

Codi thanked the lady and glanced at Sam, amazed that the man poured the wine into two glasses. He grinned and took his, sipping the bitter, but sweet drink. He put out his cigarette, pushing it back into the packet to finish later on. Now the wine tasted even better, though Codi made sure to slowly sip the drink, not wanting to get intoxicated or worse. "Ah! So lovely! To think there are those that live like this everyday!" He spoke his mind, not caring if what he was saying would illicit stares from the well-off around him.

"I've lived on the streets all my life. I have never tasted wine before..." Other things he had tasted, though he wasn't about to go into detail about those.

Samuel was quiet for a moment, twirling the glass around in a shallow circle before taking a sip. "There is a first time for everything, isn't there?" He asked lightly. For everything? That could mean so many things. A first time for Samuel to feel anything for another human? Perhaps. He did really like Codi's innocence. Well, perhaps he wasn't that innocent, but Samuel didn't know that yet. He didn't know too much about the oddly child-like man, but perhaps he would. Perhaps he would hold a place of honor. Yes, he would... He just had to clean up a little more, reveal the true, lively color of his skin and hair. It could be so shiny with just a little soap and water.

The waitress that had been at their table first returned with a silver platter, and deftly handled two hot bowls and a small wooden board laden with sliced bread and a dish of thick butter. Sliding the platter under an arm, she nodded to the two. "Do be careful." She warned. "It's quite hot!" Smiling, she waved her departure and hurried to another table.

Codi found the waitresses warning quite funny, and he laughed quietly as she walked away. He found a lot of things funny and rarely felt sad, an emotion he wasn't even good at reading in other people. He took a slice of bread and dipped it into the hot soup, shoving it in his mouth and ignoring the burning liquid as he chewed and then swallowed. It wasn't something he would usually like, but since he was so hungry he ate it all as quickly as possible. He then finished off his glass of wine to soothe his burning throat.

"Ah... Hot..." he muttered, taking another slice of bread and filling himself on that as his soup was finished.

Samuel stirred his silver spoon through the soup, watching Codi from the corner of his eye from time to time, but otherwise focusing on the table. He did enjoy this place's atmosphere, the quiet conversation, and now, the lovely companionship of a young man that seemed to be mentally weak. Weak...? Samuel shook his head, focusing on his bowl.

"Careful. Wouldn't want you to be ill later." He warned. What kind of walk through the park would it be if Codi didn't feel well? Eating a lot after a time of little food did tend to make one ill, after all. Samuel finished his wine and folded a few slices of what remained of the bread in a napkin. The swans on the pond would enjoy it, at least, and Codi would probably like to feed them. Samuel was looking forward to seeing that sweet innocence in the young man.

"Oh!" Codi stopped eating the bread and sat back, rubbing his warm belly and staring out of one of the many large windows. The cafe had a small courtyard out the back and there were many different coloured birds hopping about the trees and splashing in the birdbath. Codi could almost hear their sweet songs and he closed his eyes with a content smile on his lips.

"You never told me what you did..." he started a conversation after a long while of silence. He opened his green eyes again and gazed over at the fancy man, again admiring his fashion sense. "Like, are you an actor...?" He hadn't ever met an actor before, having never been to any play. He had always wanted to go to one, but he knew that his attention span wouldn't last long enough to become sucked into the story... He had always found it difficult to read books for this reason.

Samuel looked away from the window when he was spoken to again, tearing his gaze away from the feathered bodies flitting about in the warm sun and clear water. "Actor?" He repeated. "No, not necessarily. You might like to think of me as a director." He did like the way that sounded. "I show scenes from famous plays and books and stories, poems and songs, let them play out. People do love to see the scenes almost... immortalized." He sighed, remembering his creations. How beautifully they hung in the light, in the dark, their shiny eyes, smooth skin, the way their clothes hung like thin curtains.