« Prev 1 2 Next » Reply Share Thread Facebook Twitter Tumblr LinkedIn MySpace Email Go to Previous Thread Next Thread Please make a selection first Author Topic: A brief new home. (Read 650 times) keith Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Oct 31, 2009 16:24:20 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top The apartment complex he found was the best he could expect, only a five mile bus ride from school, and had a layout that suited him well enough. It took him a while to get their things to the apartment, he had insisted that she take only a few pairs of clothes and some necessities back, siphoning off her supply from one place to another that way it wouldn't look like she was moving out completely, which would've drawn attention. He also instructed them to keep some bare bones essentials at the school, that way if they needed something, such as a change of clothes, they wouldn't need to leave campus. Ari twisted his neck to the left and then to the right. His stiff muscles protested against his spine, but their released air in dull cracks none the less. He gave the apartment a once over again, glancing to each nook and cranny, curious where he could strengthen or customize the apartment. He had stashed a handgun in a convenient place under the sink taped lightly to the shadows where Aleece would be unlike to find it even if she opened it up, for whatever reason. Ari had another he had been considering sleeping with under the pillow while he rested on the couch, but being so close to the only entrance of the apartment he felt safe enough about just having one hidden away in case. Afterward he rubbed the side of his neck and glanced back to the couch. It was one of those absurdly ugly looking couches, built twenty years earlier, that were actually made for comfort rather then decoration. It was good for him, especially since he would be sleeping on it for a while, or at least that is what he was assuming at the time, which is probably why he had the Louisville Slugger resting just above the couch, with an Angels baseball cap just over it to make it look more authentic. Ari felt more comfortable then he had in months, if he was honest with himself. He had a worthwhile goal that didn't make his stomach lurch, a place that he could make as secure as he desired, and best of all there was such a small pool of people who would be aware of where they lived that it was the next best thing from complete solidarity. The layout pleased him, he could grab the bat and be on his feet in a sweeping stroke to the knees of a would be intruder before someone could even make it to the couch or entry to the bathroom. As for the gun, well that was a bit further away then he would like, but he would only use it in a life or death situation, and he doubted whatever troubles that followed Aleece would reach that level. Besides, beating a rapist to death with a bat seemed more satisfying. Ari, feeling quite clever, sat down on the edge of the couch and leaned against the arm rest, his eyes drifting from the entryway to the television. It was comfortable, and the tension in his shoulders relaxed as he let his mind drift away from thoughts of security. "So, is it alright?" He asked for the second or third time, knowing the apartment was cozy enough that his even tone would drift through the open door to the bedroom. Back to Top   aleeca Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 1, 2009 0:13:27 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top She couldn't complain, not that she would have with any less then this. The apartment smelled of fresh paint, new carpet, and cleaning products something that took a few minutes to get used to then probably a while of living in it to get ride of it all together. Aleece was sitting on the edge of the bed, which had a fresh set of linens on it...something about an unmade bed just irritated her beyond belief. With her hands planted on either side of her, her fingers curled over the lip of the mattress, her head hung a little, sending stray bits of dark hair into her eyes as she pushed her sneaker covered toe along the beige carpet. It was a light color to compliment the light walls, making the space more open then it really was. The white shudders of the closet doors were folded open and her modest sized bag, filled only the essential things she needed, sat just inside it. Even though she had been living on campus by herself, without her family, and with a roommate, this felt a little different, and it, like the new surrounding, would take some time to get used to. She had never been officially on her own (though technically this wasn't on her own either, since Ari was taking care of her...) but it had that unknown feel to it...something she had never experienced before. Aleece finally looked up and toward the open door to the living room when she heard Ari and felt the corner of her lips twitch up briefly before letting out an audible sigh. Pushing herself up she made her way to the door with a slow, but deliberate casualness and leaned against the frame. "Yes, this is...good," and just liked he had asked more then once she answered the same as she had before. It didn't take much to just turn your head and look around to get the whole view of the apartment, but she liked it like that, it was close together and felt secure... Her eyes landed on the kitchen, which wasn't much...but that was fine...Aleece wasn't much of a cook, though she excelled in the culinary arts of microwave cuisines. For lack of anything better to do her mind instantly turned to food a few things they could pick up to survive on while not at school, to sustain them at night and in the morning, then possibly over the weekend. Of course she didn't want anything that would require actual effort, things like a loaf of bread and some peanut butter and jelly, frozen pizza's of course, and Ramen Noodles by the case was only a few bucks...so they could always survive on a skimp budget. Aleece knew Ari didn't know but she was determined to make her own cash to help out. She still had a comfortable sum left in her bank account she could withdraw and all she had to do was get a hold of a few friends to pick up extra money here or there... "So are you hungry?" She asked after a moment, making her way from the door frame to the couch next to her new roommate, sinking into the ancient piece of furniture and giving a small chuckle as it practically tried to swallow her. Or so it felt like...it certainly was comfortable though and she was sure that with a few throws the actual color of the couch could be dealt with. Back to Top   keith Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 1, 2009 9:37:30 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Ari was glad to hear that she was comfortable with it, and he ignored the sigh he could faintly hear from the other room. The sound expressed both amusement and a bit of exasperation. He knew that he had asked the question, and she was fully aware as well. But he wanted to be sure she was comfortable, that was the objective, and if that wasn't the case he would make changes. But she seemed comfortable, even if everything was a bit sanitary. A couple weeks and it would feel much more like a home. He was happy to watch her come join him on the couch. She had become more comfortable with him since the night at the hotel, Aleece had reached out to him and broken down into tears, and literally cried herself into unconsciousness. It was heartbreaking, but in the end it brought them closer, and he regained some of his confidence with being able to reach out and touch her whenever it seemed appropriate. Such as when she walked casually over to him and settled herself down onto the couch next to him, and she laughed as it accepted her rump like a body of water that cushioned her about half a foot down. Ari leaned to one side and let a devious little smile twitch the corner of his lips up slightly as he pulled her toward him, as he leaned against the plush arm of the chair, pulling Aleece down with a small uncharacteristic chuckle as she would playfully pulled down to rest on his side. It was rare, but Ari did have a playful side. It was deeply suppressed, which wouldn't be much of a surprise considering how brutal much of his childhood had been, and sometimes that childish side that had been long suppressed demanded to be acknowledged. This was one of those times. Of course if Aleece would appreciate this brief childishness was up in the air, but Ari had grown more confident about harmless intimacy such as this. After a few moments he nodded slowly and spoke in a quiet voice, not needing to use his normal tone while they were so close together, their warmth connected for the moment as he breathed in a calm and slow fashion. "I could eat. Yourself?" He asked while he glanced down at her, his brow raised slightly in curiosity, the arm resting over her shoulder relaxed and unassuming. Back to Top   aleeca Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 1, 2009 13:31:02 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Aleece let herself be dragged down resting along his side and letting him accept her weight with a small smile back. It was easy to relax when he was, especially having a good portion of those walls down around her, even if it was only a for a moment or so. Letting her arms around him, she rested her head against his shoulder and didn’t move. Not only was laying like this admittedly comfortable, she didn’t mind it in the least. Even though she had asked if he was hungry she hadn’t particularly felt the need herself, but she would eat, finding that was what she was doing here lately – stuffing herself with the necessary nutrients daily instead of eating when she was hungry. However she found that if she didn’t just go ahead and eat she wouldn’t because she had no appetite. So, to answer Aleece hummed quietly and nodded. “Yeah I think I could…what do you feel like having?” Well, if this wasn’t odd in a normal way, Aleece thought to herself as she waited to hear his answer. They could either go out to get something or do something here, but if it was required to cook she would have to leave it up to him. She was only domesticated to a point and even if she had grown up in a home where her mother cook breakfast everyday and dinner every night she had stayed far, far away from the kitchen. Either way she didn’t think she would be asking someone what they wanted for dinner, or at least…she didn’t think she would when she was only sixteen years old. As she waited for Ari to answer she let her gaze skim across the essentially bare apartment, not able to shake the fact that it felt a little to empty despite the fact she liked it. Aleece had the urge to put something on the walls to break up the solid pattern of white walls to add a little clutter to make it feel more lived in. In her dorm, even when she followed the ROTC regulations, it had all her personal belongings stashed somewhere – had its own personality, giving clue to who would possibly live there. This was basically a clean slate, something fresh…and something she would have to work at to make it not feel so hollow, something she didn't mind doing as it would give her a goal to work on. Growing up in her parents house, she got used to seeing things covering the walls - pictures and other knickknacks. Back to Top   keith Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 1, 2009 14:44:49 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Ari felt entirely unmotivated to get up and make them food, and even less of a desire to get up and run out to get something, and the likelihood of him wanting to sit in a restaurant was probably on the bottom of the list. But kicked in the teeth by reality he realized that the safest possible way to secure themselves in this community and thus solidifying their safety would revolve around a family owned restaurant that they could befriend. He rubbed his palm tightly over the front of her shoulder and collar bone as he tilted his head and rested it against hers lightly. When he rested against her he wanted to turn and kiss her, but that would be a step too far, breaking comfort and going into affection that he still hadn't confirmed she wanted. Sighing slightly he nodded, their hair softening the friction between them as he thought aloud. "I was thinking of trying that small Greek restaurant down the street." For a few moments he was sure she would be confused. He was very insightful and inquisitive, and what he could identify as a restaurant doubled as an import grocery store. It was small and likely was run by one or two families that still had connections in their home country. Such people were usually a bit cautious, but given enough time they would become someone they could trust with trouble. It was a trick he had learned without being taught. Each community, if you could be welcomed into the fold, would have certain situations that they would fight tooth and nail to protect those within their tight nit groups. He vaguely imagined, with great amusement, the news feed he saw from a community in the middle of the country. It was a helicopter shot, he remembered, following a molester down the street with wooden beams, chasing him from his perverse task. "And we already get some of our other food there anyway." He suggested, his hand still moving in slow soothing motions, the warmth between them comfortable. Ari gave her a little nudge, shifting his body toward her slightly. "Have any interest?" He may have been getting too comfortable, or he was unconsciously reaching out to her in an intimate way. But in either case his hand was moving just above the curve of her breast, having gradually moved lower from her collar bone. « Last Edit: Nov 1, 2009 14:55:27 GMT -6 by keith » Back to Top   aleeca Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 5, 2009 11:03:00 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Aleece felt herself relaxing a little more, letting a little more tension drain with a breath out, her eyes shutting lightly as well as she listened. Really anything sounded good just like not having anything sounded just as fine, but it was the fact of doing something. She was a little scared of sitting still, letting things get to quiet, because when you didn’t have the excuse of doing something…it meant you would have to talk. Something she didn’t want to do…not now. Shifting again, she thought over the decision of whether or not to go out and eat or stay here and do so, her brow twitching together for an instant when she felt his hand skim lower then her collarbone. However, not looking up Aleece stopped his hand, regardless if he was aware of it or not, she was and moved it to a more…neutral area to rub on, like her shoulder. It wasn’t that she particularly minded, they had gotten closer again, but she wasn’t quite ready for…more. There was a fine and conflicting line between what she wouldn’t, and couldn’t do in those respects. This, the laying together it was fine, because she was comfortable with him, trusted Ari, but anything beyond it and something stopped her. Aleece had, had problems before pin pointing and voicing what she wanted in an intimate sense, now it was just that much more harder. Giving herself a mental shake she realized she hadn’t answered his question yet. “Getting something to eat there sounds good…only if we can get it to go?” She didn’t particularly want to go out and stay out, her face still had shadows of bruising around her mouth and a few cuts were still healing, scabbed over but noticeable. Actually if she could avoid going out until everything was healed up she would, but it was going to be getting dark soon and if they were just in and out…she could live. Back to Top   keith Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 14, 2009 13:21:37 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Ari, not having been fully aware of how his hand had wandered, did not get the signal that he had made her uncomfortable. Rather it felt to him more like she was moving his hand to a place where there was tension, and he carefully went about kneading the area with the pads of his fingers, pressing along where he assumed the tension was. Her answer hadn't been entirely unexpected, she had been avoiding going out into public. Being a man quite used to bruises and such he hadn't thought it was because of the lingering shadows of bruises, which he skillfully ignored and avoided, and the small cuts that were healing well. Instead he thought she was trying to avoid being in public for her own psychological comfort. But if he didn't get her out and comfortable soon he would start to worry. So when she offered to go out, only to get something to go, he frowned slightly and ducked his head a bit. He brushed his lips lightly over her cheek and then offered a confident smile. "Come on, if you don't go out on a date with me soon I'm going to start getting self-esteem issues." He said as he gave her a playful squeeze on the shoulder while he shook her deeper against his side. Back to Top   aleeca Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 16, 2009 16:27:08 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Aleece didn't mind that he started to rub her shoulder instead when she moved his hand, in fact it felt pretty damn nice, and the longer he went at it the less she actually wanted to get up to go eat. The last bit of the taut muscles drained of their stress and she shifted to get more comfortable against him - her eyes opening partly when she felt Ari brush a kiss over her cheek. She didn’t read to much into it, but she didn’t brush it off and of course the brief contact made her stomach flip over coolly. With what he had to say though she breathed out a small laugh and shook her head against him with a roll of her eyes. For some reason, she didn't see Ari with self - esteem issues. Moving her hand under her cheek she gave it serious thought to actually go out and stay out, enjoy a meal instead of cooped up with no one around, and while she didn't necessarily want to...she didn't suppose it would hurt. It would give her a chance to concentrate on something else compared to just sitting here in the quiet. "Okay," she muttered willingly but didn't move not ready to give up the shared body heat at the moment. Moving her hand down Aleece lifted her head to look at him, “I’m ready to go when you are then.” There was still the simple fact that she hadn’t moved and while he could easily haul her up himself he didn’t seem to be working to hard to give up his spot either, either way she wouldn’t be moving until he nudged her to get going. Tucking her chin back down Aleece buried her face against Ari, closing her eyes again and looking for the entire world she hadn’t just agreed to go out. It was one of those you kinda did but you really didn’t things, and she was leaning toward her more lazy side at the moment more then anything. She couldn’t help it…she hadn’t had to do anything for a good few days now and it was hard to find incentive. Back to Top   keith Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 16, 2009 17:52:16 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Aleece seemed less then motivated to get out of the apartment and go get some food. He thought for a moment as she curled up and rested more comfortably against him, curious how he could get her out without making her uncomfortable. But when it came down to it he decided that maybe making her uncomfortable would do the trick. Shifting down slightly, putting a strain on his muscles just slightly as he moved down so his lips were just above her ear. "I'm hungry, get moving or I'll eat you instead." He spoke in a slightly teasing tone, but nudged his head down to her shoulder and started nibbling on her like she was a tasty morsel. Assuming that would be enough to get her motivated he would soon get up just after her, a satisfied smile on his face, already having the money he would need in his pocket, and knowing that they were close enough to the choice of dining that they would be able to walk. Besides, he had been keeping up with his exercise enough that if the girl really got that tired he could carry her back. Which may end up being the case, seeing as she had been quiet tired and lazy for a few days. An assumption on his part, but still something he pondered as he stood up. Stretching his arms above his head he groaned, feeling pleased that he managed to get her out of the house and to someplace safe they could eat out comfortably. The store that doubled as a small restaurant was set up with wood siding on the outside that looked like it should be replaced a decade before 2009. Inside the isles were also crafted out of wood, much sturdier then the outside paneling. To the far right of the isles the polished cement floor turned to fake tile flooring, and several round dining tables were set up in front of a deli counter, behind which was an industrial sized stove and oven. Back to Top   aleeca Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 17, 2009 20:10:52 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Aleece was less then motivated to move from her spot, entirely to comfortable and left with a sense of security that had been provided. She knew that she was clinging and grasping for it, while trying to not look like she was, but it was obvious that since Ari had arrived when she needed someone she had unconsciously accepted everything he provided, quietly, without question. Closing her eyes heavily once again she laid nearly boneless, not even giving thought to the fact that she felt him shift down. It wasn’t until she felt his breath ghost across her ear warmly, making goosebumps jump to her skin that her eyes snapped open again. A quiver raced down her spine, and settling in her stomach in a way she hadn’t been expecting, especially in the light of… His words didn’t’ really hit her until he actually starting nibbling on her causing the instant reaction of her shoulders scrunching up trying to block him from going on, in a none to affective way. She felt the blush creep up on her face just as quickly as anything else…the thought of getting up to get away from him almost not occurring to her. However it was enough to encourage another bout of inner conflict of wanting to like that (regardless) and continuing to shy away from it. Either way it got her moving. Sliding off Ari and the couch all together Aleece stood up, reaching up a hand to run it across the back of her neck as she turned toward the door to the bedroom. Mumbling something about grabbing her jacket real quick before joining him at the front door and giving her a chance to pull herself together. Tugging on the light sweater jacket she zipped it up and stuffed her hands in the side pockets as they left. She couldn’t say that the walk there was a bad one, the weather was mild, and quiet and the exercise of actually doing something did her well. The actually restaurant/store was very cozy, and homey looking but regardless of the inviting atmosphere, she stuck close to Ari’s side, practically right behind and right against his left shoulder. There was hardly any one dining in or even buying anything, so there was hardly anyone to glance her way if that was what she was worried about, which was partly part of the problem at the moment. Walking past the tables and chairs set up to dine in at, she stopped in front of the deli counter with Ari and looked up at him, making a small gesture for him to go ahead and order she scanned over the selection…not really sure what to get. Back to Top   keith Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 23, 2009 23:28:32 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Ari was a little sad that he was so close to what he wanted for a meal, but didn't feel comfortable asking for exactly what he wanted. Giving them the idea that he was Jewish would be a bad idea, and getting people worried about him being Arab around the apartment complex could also be troublesome. So his only choice was to play the fully integrated second generation American, which he could pull off well enough since he was trained to assimilate from a young age, having to switch between Israeli and Iranian at the flip of a coin. The problem in this case wasn't the accent, mannerisms, or even toning down his knowledge of the cuisine that was close enough to his own that it made his mouth water. It was the fact that his mouth was watering with the thought of a Gyro that would satisfy his taste for home, in replace of hamburgers, pizza, Mexican, and Italian food that they seemed to be so fond of in California. Silently cursing his desire to reach out and take the opportunity to feel like he was at home, back in desert, and decided he would just take what he could, it was close enough. A slightly tanned young woman came around behind them, the same girl that had manned the front counter when they passed through. She went around to the back and glanced between them, trying to decide who was most likely to order first. Ari took the opportunity to size her up. He had seen the owner of the store, he was an elderly man, likely born and raised in his native land and then came for a better opportunity for his children. If he guessed right she was the mans daughter, working while she didn't have classes. Ari glanced down at Aleece to see if she would want to go first, but when she looked up at him she made a small gesture that told him to order first. He wasn't sure if she would find something she was comfortable with, but he went ahead and spoke up. "One Gyro, no special requests." Ari wasn't even sure if they would make it with strips of meat or cubes, or if the meat would be chicken or lamb. In any case it would be close enough, and so he just smiled and moved his right hand up to rest lightly on the middle of Aleece's back, making a conscious effort to show her comfort if she was feeling uncomfortable with being out while her bruises still lightly showed, even if he thought it was goo for her to get out. Back to Top   aleeca Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 24, 2009 13:27:40 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top …Ah a gyro sounded perfect, except she didn’t want chicken so she hoped that wasn’t what was going to be used. So, after the girl behind the counter jotted down his order, and turned to Aleece expectedly - this time she didn’t hesitate to order. “Can I get a Gyro as well? With extra tzatziki sauce.” Leaning unconsciously into Ari, feeling his hand on her back, she waited for the woman taking their order to ring them up, and for him to pay. The meal came with a drink so when all was said and done, the hard plastic cups were handed over they were free to get some ice and what ever fountain drink they wanted from the selection. Of course Aleece went straight for the unsweetened iced tea, needing caffeine instead of sugar at the moment. With no effort at all in the limited space that was offered, she found a seat and took it while waiting on him to join her, but knowing he was close behind. Peeling the white thin paper away from the clear straw, Aleece ducked her head down and took a short sip, sitting up when he sat down next to her. Even in the comfortable environment she couldn’t seem to get loosen up, but she didn’t necessarily want to seem like she was – didn’t want to draw attention to herself. Slowly though she flattened the piece of scrap of paper and curled it around her finger, doing something without seeming to fidget. She hated not having anything to say though, in these situations that seemed to demand conversation if just to save from the awkwardness that wanted to thicken in the air. From behind the counter she could hear them shuffling around to prepare their sandwiches, hear a few muffled comments thrown back and forth, and smell the meat being cooked up or reheated, which ever. Lifting hand Aleece pushed her fingers through her hair and back, but she couldn’t take the silence much anymore. Back in the apartment it was deemed comfortable, just being the two of them, but in a social position (…as social as it could get) she felt the need to say something, and the first thing that came to mind was school. “Are we going to school on Monday?” Aleece didn’t particularly want to show up despite the urge to keep her grades up, but either way when she did return she needed to know if she needed a doctors excuse for missing the classes she had…or if she was going to have to talk to someone. It would be great if she didn’t, but knew that probably wouldn’t happen for attendance purposes. Back to Top   keith Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 24, 2009 13:57:12 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Ari turned and raised a brow at Aleece. He had not expected her to have a taste for food so close to his own. She had always seemed to go for the usual quick meals that most American's gravitated toward, and he hadn't guessed that she would have had a chance to try something like this. Hoping she didn't decide to just take an order that he picked he shook his head and nodded to the girl behind the counter, aware that Aleece leaned against him comfortably while the order was written down and cups were handed to them. They were hard plastic cups, easy to clean, hard to break, and had a frosty tone that gave an interesting color tone to the drink you poured into them. With a small smile he took his cup and followed closely behind Aleece as they went to the fountain. Splitting from her side he glanced down the row of fountain drinks. It didn't surprise him that they didn't have the tea flavor he wanted, American's tended to like sweet or tart drinks, and so he shrugged and dropped a few cubes of ice into the cup and drowned them in a cola. Ari took an extra moment to glance around the store, and spotted the elder (as in an older man who deserved respect, not a senior citizen) coming from the storage area behind the store. He offered a small nod and then turned to sit down to the right of Aleece, on the same side of the table. She may have expected him to sit across from her, but he had an understanding with the people who owned the store, and he expected that either the elder or his daughter would join them once it was polite and try and learn something from them. The friendly touch that would provide a sense of security and protection in the community, if only chain restaurants did not retain such traditions, they would likely do better business. Or at least that's what he thought as he again rested a hand Aleece's shoulder, his left hand resting just next to her neck as his forearm was resting against the back of her shoulders. "You talk to me like I'm your guardian." He said with a teasing tone, smiling as he lifted the cup and sipped from it. The smell of cooking lamb was distinctive, and the scent brought on a wave of comfort over him, a smell from home, and one he didn't often find in California. "I think it would be best if we went on Monday, it will keep questions from being asked. " He nodded and turned his neck from left to right, having lost sight of the elder. It was then that he was surprised as the old man was suddenly at his back, and clapped his hands down on Ari's shoulders and squeezed as he smiled down to him from above, and then over to Aleece. "Hello again, young man." He spoke with a deep accent, the streaks of gray in his beard, and the smile lines around his eyes giving him a smile deep with character. "My daughter did not notice you are not native to America, so I reminded her that she should prepare the meat in smaller chunks and serve it with tahini, I hope that is to your liking." Before allowing an answer he glanced to the side and smiled at Aleece as well. "You prefer tzatziki, a good choice." Ari blinked and pushed down the small shot of surprise that came from the unexpected turn of events. The man may be a simple business man now, but he was not always. The grip was too strong on his shoulders, his eyes too sharp. "Thank you, presbyter." Knowing something of the Greeks thanks to their history he knew how to refer to the man with respect, as hiding his heritage was not going to be any use at this point. "I am Ari, this is Aleece." Back to Top   aleeca Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 24, 2009 17:20:33 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Being a little off put, Aleece didn’t notice the little details like she normally would like the older man that had left the back store room – her days as a result had been quite blurred together and uneventful. The corners of her lips turned up however as Ari teased and she gave him a mildly apologetic look. She wasn’t trying to look to him for to much seeing as he had already done so much, but he was making it hard not to. Not for the first time since the hospital she had been reminded that he had shown up, stayed and put up with most of her stand offish instincts. Even she wouldn’t have made that much of an effort because there was a point where it got to be ridiculous and she felt she may have toed the line there. In any case, if he was doing his best to have her look at him, he was doing a pretty good job. Feeling his hand near her neck she tipped her head automatically and nodded once to what he had to say. And seeing as how she wasn’t being observant in the least, there shouldn’t have been much surprise when, who seemed to be the owner of this place, stepped up behind them. Nonetheless she smiled at him when he looked over to her. Aleece got the feeling something was being exchanged between the two on some other level she wasn’t going to be picking up on so she kept silent, drawing her attention back to the straw wrapper still twisted around her pointer finger and something she had continued to fiddle with. Aleece had, had a gyro before and even though tomatoes weren’t her favorite part of the whole sandwich, the sauce was what did it for her, though she hadn’t had any from here. Glancing back up and to the older man she nodded at his compliment muttering a small thanks of her choice and then to Ari, her eyebrow twitching in curiosity when he called the man presbyter not really familiar with the term but something about it striking a cord. As soon as the feeling had come it passed and she forgot about it almost instantly especially when the introductions were made. Dropping the now balled up piece of white paper she lifted a hand to the man, “nice to meet you.” She instantly felt under scrutiny though because there was no way the man, no matter how old, was going to miss the bruises around her mouth and jaw. However, with what ever lingering look she got, he didn’t say anything about it, something she was grateful for at least. Back to Top   keith Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 25, 2009 11:20:19 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top The elder man turned to look at both of them, commuting their face to memory and categorizing them by name alphabetically in his mind. Once he had there was a slightly larger smile, and he put his hands to his hips as he announced his own name. "I am Anargyros. Good to meet you." As he spoke he noticed his daughter was finishing up. He motioned for her to hurry with a wave of his hand, intending to introduce her as well. Ari gave her shoulder a small squeeze and then moved his hand down to his lap, waiting patiently for the girl to bring the food to them. She placed the uniquely prepared food in front of both of them, and he offered thanks with a small nod. Anargyros smiled and walked around the table, putting his left hand on her shoulder while his right hand went across his middle, his palm flat as his fingers pointed toward his daughter. "And this is my youngest daughter, Zoe." He gave her a strong squeeze and spoke quietly. "Say hello girl." The daughter blushed, she had spent most of her life in America and the old fashioned father embarrassed her. But she bowed her head slightly and mumbled hello, before quietly slipping away with a flushed face. "Thank you for your hospitality Anargyros, you are most welcoming." Back to Top   aleeca Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 25, 2009 13:53:34 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Aleece took to looking at the man a little better, wanting to remembering his face and name because she got the feeling that this wouldn’t be the last time they would come here to eat or shop for things. The introductions were quick before moving on, seeing as their order was coming out, just the sight enough to spark any ghosting appetite she had before. When the food was brought over, Aleece understood how Zoe must have been feeling. Her father and mother grew up in Chile and while she respected her heritage, their costumes were something else at times…if not a little embarrassing. It was just that most here wouldn’t understand them; even she didn’t at times. Probably just as quietly she thanked Zoe for the food and watched for a second as she walked away. Of course she didn’t start eating but it looked good enough to dig into at the moment, and she wouldn’t until it was just the two of them. Aleece, not for the first time, felt the urge to edge closer to Ari but remained in her spot while the pleasantries were exchanged briefly for the last of it. There was really nothing she could contribute to the meeting other then basically what she had already a nod, a smile, a thanks and nice to meet you. While she was sure she would eventually come to liking this place, or rather the people running it/working at it…at the moment she was still a little reserved. He seemed to be doing all right for the both of them though, showing the man a great deal of respect – she caught that much from just the way he was talking. At Anargyros’s departing smile, and wishes that they enjoyed everything only then did Aleece move, glancing over at Ari first giving him a slight smile with a raised eyebrow before picking up her sandwich. With the first bite she hummed in approval enjoying the crisp of the pita bread, the seasoning used on the lamb and of course the tang on the sauce. While Aleece enjoyed more then anything a good fast food burger, it didn’t mean she was closed off to anything else in the food world. Swallowing her bite she picked at a napkin from the dispenser she wiped at her mouth and rested her forearms against the table as she gave Ari her attention. “So how is that?” She had never had tahini sauce, recalling from a few moments earlier the man had said that’s what had been prepared on his gyro instead of tzatziki. Picking up her glass she took a sip as she waited on him to answer, possibly finish his own bite if he was in the middle of it. Regardless she wasn't sure how it was alter the taste, just with one simple thing like sauce or differently cut meat. Back to Top   keith Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 25, 2009 14:41:30 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Once the elder departed he looked down to his meal and smiled inwardly. It was even closer to what he had missed then he expected. He was grateful to the man and his awareness, and was convinced that he could trust Aleece's protection to him if it was ever needed. With a small chuckle he picked up the food and bit into it, the small chunks of meat had been cut with a special knife that sliced so well that it kept the juices of the meat trapped inside. Mixed with the tahini it was a little messy, if the bread didn't properly soak up the excess. When questioned he turned and looked at Aleece, a small smile on his lips, warmer then he realized it was. The unique taste reminded him of his homes. "He changed the style. Instead of strips they cut the meat in cubes. And the tahini... It's hard to describe, but it is sesame paste, it's a little bitter, and it's mixed with lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of salt. It's... very unique." He picked up his plate and turned toward her slightly, holding the food just above the plate, and motioned to her like he was offering a bite.If she liked the taste of lamb he suspected he shouldn't underestimate her and share with her a different taste. It would be nice if she would like the same as he did, but that wasn't necessary. The fact that she was eating something very close to his own was a warming thing. Back to Top   aleeca Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 25, 2009 19:03:46 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Aleece smiled a little more when he turned to her, answering her question - the look on his face telling her more then he was actually telling her. It sounded like it would be good regardless of the bitterness of the sesame seed paste....usually any kind of acidity would cut down on that probably hence the lemon juice. When Ari turned toward her holding the food over the plate and motioned to her like he did, it was international sign offering a bite. Well she couldn't say she wasn't curious, but she had thought she hadn't been eyeballing his plate like a starving puppy or something. Regardless, she did want to know so with a grin she leaned in and down, her hand slipping up and over his lightly as she took a bite. Aleece's first impression was that it was just as good as her own sandwich, probably better. Pulling back she chewed and nodded letting the foreign flavors mix and mingle on her palette. When she swallowed she turned back to her own plate, "I think I should let you order for me from now on, that is really good." Of course she was teasing but she didn't mind trying new foods, in fact she loved food - with the way she grew up with her mom cooking traditional Chilean cuisines she was used to eating the unusual. On campus she just didn't have much of a chance to do it on her own...not much of a domesticated house wife (far cry from one actually) to start off with, she had practically no cooking abilities. If he ever wanted to take her to a place that served food where he came from she wouldn't be adverse to it.. Sitting back in her seat Aleece went back to her own foot, the next time she took a bite, smaller then the first and really taking her time to enjoy it. She had to admit she did miss her moms cooking - well anything that wasn't a cheeseburger or from the convenient store...hell even the cafeteria. This was nice though, being out and somewhere that was enjoyable, however...sitting up Aleece leaned toward Ari again, angling her self toward him without thought, her arm brushed against his, barely. "You want to get these to go?" Aleece didn't' know why she had suddenly asked, but she was kind of tired of second guessing so she didn't even bother rationalizing it at this point. Back to Top   keith Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 26, 2009 20:13:27 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Call men perverts, horn dogs, single minded, or simply wishful, but when a woman suggests that you want to take your food to go after taking the time to go to the restaurant it meant that she wanted some 'alone time'. Color Ari interested, as he stood up and walked to the counter promptly after the suggestion. He asked for a container so they could take the food to go. He was given wax pockets that they could slip the gyro into, and ewas told that they could take the cups and return them later. Ari paid for the meal, said goodbye to Zoe and her father. He came back and handed one of the wax slips to Aleece, and used the other for his own, unique, meal. With a nod of his head and picked up his food and drink and left with a faint smile, one that was probably a little too obvious to the elder man, but probably flew over the head of Aleece. The walk back, since the store was close, wouldn't be that long. Thankfully, because he was feeling quite antsy to get back. Once at the apartment he went through the routine of opening the door for Aleece, while glancing from the inside to the outside of the apartment, and then stepped in and locked the door after he came inside (pun not intended). "Want to watch a movie?" He asked as he sat down on the couch, putting his drink on the coffee table in front of it, as well as his gyro. Back to Top   aleeca Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 26, 2009 22:02:09 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Aleece watched him stand, without asking a single question as to why, especially since he had been so intent on getting her out in the first place. Regardless of her intent behind her sudden request or what she might be thinking at the moment, she was glad he just went with it, out of single-mindedness or simple curiosity, either really didn’t matter. Turning to her food and his that only had at most one bite taken out of it she listened as he asked for something to carry out their meals in, the sound low and, to her ears muttered, at her back. When Ari returned she followed his example and packed away the gyro and stood before picking up her drink, everything in hand – ready to go. There was the simple fact she did miss the subtle grin on his lips, if she had caught it she might have colored self consciously, but Aleece was blissfully unaware. Seeing as how he had gone with his cup she did the same, not asking questions and even took a sip as they went, not talking but really having no need for it. Just like the trip there was relatively short the return went just as quickly, and before she knew it they were at their door – still a strange and new concept, but still something she was had a feeling she could adjust to quite easily. She didn’t even bother taking notice at his routine of checking the place out when he opened the door for her and she stepped in, putting her cup and gyro on the first available surface – the coffee table. With her hands free she unzipped the light sweater hoodie vaguely registering the lock clicking to behind her after the door closed. As Ari sat on the couch, she toed off her shoes pushing them out of the way, and nodded when he asked about watching a movie. “Sure,” Aleece said with a breath out as she joined him tucking her legs underneath her to make herself comfortable. “What ever you want to is fine with me,” she offered, not making for her sandwich to finish it off, rather she waited for him to go and put whatever DVD he decided to pick. There was a sudden shallow tightening in her chest, not some emotionally overwhelming hormone filled unexplainable thing, but different like earlier from before they had left – the same thing that had been tensely waiting and she had been trying to ignore. It left a tingling on her skin, and almost making her want to shiver as she took a breath, almost anxiously perched in her spot. There really wasn’t a rational or good explanation for why all of a sudden she felt this way, but if Aleece going to be honest with herself…this wasn’t new. When that was done and he returned, Aleece shifted just as he sat, catching his attention more then likely with the movement. Still without wanting to argue with herself, like she had a tendency to do and…even before – this was a step out of character for her with the touch of assertiveness that overcame her. She felt like she was grasping at something she couldn’t pinpoint because before it was just a battle of morals with her – now it was something completely different. Propping herself on one knee in the cushion, the other leg over the side, her eyes hesitantly made it up to his as she pushed her way into his space, quite obviously her intention. Planting a hand on the other side of his legs, Aleece urged him back with the other on his chest till she lay flush against him. There was nice mix of uncertainty, and wanting on her face, but all that shadowed by nervousness. Of course questions like what if he stops this and what if doesn’t want me... In any situation that would be typical teen angst, but for her it was a real and almost paralyzing fear – because she didn’t want him to stop her and she wanted to be wanted. But either way, she gave him enough of a chance to do what he wanted as her hand brushed up from his chest toward his shoulder, her lips parted and hovering over his – her breath a little lighter then a few seconds ago… « Last Edit: Nov 27, 2009 0:01:52 GMT -6 by keith » Back to Top   keith Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 26, 2009 23:26:18 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Ari didn't have DVD's of his own of course, so when he walked to the television and the cabinet under it that held the cases he was picking out one of Aleece's. None of the names meant anything to him, so he decided at random and put the disk into the player. It wasn't that he wanted to watch a movie, but he thought if nothing else it would give them some cover with the neighbors. When he returned to the couch he noticed that Aleece had removed her hoodie, shoes, and hadn't gone back for her food. He was a little surprised, for a moment, and the smile ghosted across his lips as he turned and leaned back into the comfortable couch. The generic movie he was paying no attention to started to play, and he kicked off his shoes, and pushed them under the coffee table. All of this had gone as expected, they went home, relaxed, and would probably end up spending a quiet afternoon together, assuming he didn't frighten her with what he wanted to do. What wasn't expected was to feel the familiar warmth of Aleece pressing her chest against his side. He turned his eyes to her quickly and raised his brow as he noticed she was leaning into him heavily, resting one hand on the other side of him. Ari rested back into the plush couch with her weight against him, the warmth and pressure of her chest heightening his heartbeat. He hadn't expected her to be forward with her wants, let alone the fact that he had thought her intentions of returning home was just wishful thinking on his part. Now he was sure it wasn't, as she was looking up to him, moving her hand lightly up his chest to rest on his shoulder. Without hesitation he turned his head just slightly, and moved a hand to rest on her hip while he leaned down and pressed his lips lightly to her lips in silent acceptance. Of course he wanted more then just to show acceptance, and he pulled her hip toward him a little as he deepened the kiss. Back to Top   aleeca Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 27, 2009 14:46:57 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top The noise from the TV was like white noise as her attention narrowed on Ari indefinitely, there was the brief second when she thought he was going to turn away even if he never gave clue that he might. Aleece trembled purely from the fact that he was being slow; quickly building up an appetite he was becoming the only could satisfy and her fingers brushed up from his shoulder through his hair, her back arching slightly as his hand wondered to her hip steadily. His pace almost to agonizingly slow, almost to light, but not missing any of his conveying want; her leg bent slightly at the feel of the pressure of his hand on her, that dull throb not lessening in the least. She couldn’t help but feel like she needed more though, that he was holding back in some way and a yearning burned for him to do something…anything but tease her with this almost cautious handling. Slipping her free hand up his side, her fingers pushing and brushing underneath his shirt as she pushed herself as best she could against him, squirming a bit against him in an attempts to express what she wanted as her mouth was busied by his. Aleece wanted to see him let go, have absolutely no control of his actions and urged him on by sucking on the muscle in her mouth massaging her own, a quiet needy, and heady little whimper filtering from her as she did. In this position she had more control, and leverage to be more demanding, but it made her want the very opposite. She wanted to savor that Ari in charge - that she could be so ardently feminine and submit totally…Even so she gave into kiss, when he deepened it, her pulse skittering under her skin for a different reason all together then earlier. Did she think this was a good idea? Aleece had no clue, but that was the last thing on her mind, what was, was that he seemed to understand, and gave her what she thought she needed. Breaking off from the kiss slowly, that was leaving her somewhat light headed, Aleece brushed her lips to the corner of his mouth then jaw as he buried her face to the crook of his neck. Letting out a breath that had been burning in her lungs she swallowed thickly, unable to find her voice to say anything but not seeing the need to be verbal at the moment. Back to Top   keith Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 27, 2009 16:55:31 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Ari was surprised by the heat he sensed from Aleece. He hadn't felt her this engaged with him in some time, and normally only when he worked her up to a frenzy himself. But for whatever reason she already was breathing hard and her squirming was rubbing her chest along his side. Without hesitation he hooked his fingers down from her hip to the soft curve of her rump. His fingers tightened against the soft flesh and pulled toward him while lifting her up, pushing forward with his chest. With that single movement he had himself above Aleece, and he moved his lips to her neck, nuzzling into her. After giving the soft cheek a firm squeeze he dragged his fingers up to join his other hand in grasping her arms in pressing them above her head, while he kissed down from the crook of her neck to her collar bone, and was moving his way to brush his forehead against the valley of her breasts. Giving a small press on the inside of her wrists, a firm order to keep them in place, he glided his fingers down the inside of her arms down across her ribs, and to the bottom of her top. Ari ducked his head slightly and let his hair brush over the skin he was exposing over her stomach and slowly upward, until he left it just bellow her neckline. His hands then shifted under her, pulling her chest toward him, his lips brushing between the soft mounds, while his fingers skillfully unclasped their covering. Back to Top   aleeca Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 30, 2009 18:35:48 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top When Ari flipped their position, regardless if that was she had been wanting, Aleece found herself coloring self-consciously. She let herself be maneuvered closer to him, his large hands making it easy for him to handle her and shift her around like he wanted to. Not that she had a problem with that in fact because his masculinity and larger build contrasted her slim petite feminine form caused her to submit quite willingly. Though she couldn’t say either of them were experienced, he showed how much he knew already about her body when he practically caressed her side, his fingers brushing teasingly against the side of breast, caused her breath to hitch to silently and a shiver to run down her spine. Aleece could think of nothing else but the way his lips felt on hers assertive yet reserved, demanding but soft, and hungry however slow – but maybe that was in her head. Gathering herself enough she wanted to move, but the warning pressure on her wrist left her frozen, tense and anticipating what next. Everything about this…about Ari was leaving her feeling a little compliant, pliable, like he could bend her anyway he wanted and she would be willing. But isn’t that what she wanted? Subconsciously, or not it was what she started and what she would get, though she couldn’t say she wasn’t finding her self enjoying the attention. Her breath panted in small airy audible little gasps from her growing and over boiling expectations that was quickly turning something nothing short of lust as he moved his lips down then back up marking her heated skin as inches of it were exposed. Aleece trembled now purely from the fact that he was being slow; quickly building up an appetite he was becoming the only could satisfy and her fingers flexed into a light fist above her head, her back arching, as his finger deftly unclasped the catch of her bra. Back to Top   keith Guest [send pm] Joined: January 1970 Posts: 0 A brief new home. « Nov 30, 2009 23:51:36 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Feeling her arch her chest toward him Ari smiled against her sun kissed skin, and he pushed himself upward slowly, letting the denim of their jeans brush together as he moved. Ari pressed her top and the recently unclasped bra up to her wrists, where he left them for her to either wiggle out of, or more likely consider as a loose binding as he lazily twisted the material up over her wrists as his lips pressed into the pulse of her neck. Wearing a wolfish smile Ari slid himself back down to be eye to eye with Aleece, whom he displayed the unique upward curve of his lips with an unwavering confidence. Without pause he pressed his hands firmly into the cushions on either side of her chest, and rested on his knees while hovered his forehead over her chest down toward the waist of her jeans. Again his hands dragged over her sides as he rested back on his knees, his chest tucked in toward her legs as he returned his nimble fingers to the button so he could quickly drag down the blue denim. Ari pressed them downward, along with the light blue lacy boy shorts that he only took a moment to inspect. With a moment of reflection on the many memories he had made with Aleece in similar positions he glanced upward. Wordlessly he looked toward her eyes, a hint of warmth on his face as he shifted himself upward, pressing his body down toward her, still clothed, and left his lips hovering above hers, with the same wolfish smile lingering. Back to Top   Reply Share Thread Facebook Twitter Tumblr LinkedIn MySpace Email Go to Previous Thread Next Thread Please make a selection first