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Post by jaguarsheart on Jul 8, 2015 22:15:46 GMT -7
Claire Dennings never truly wanted to cause trouble... it just seemed to find her. Like today. All she was trying to do was find her missing cousin. It had been months since Faye had contacted anyone in her family and that just wasn't like her. No, it sounded more like something Claire would do instead. Which is why Claire had jumped ship - literally - and set a new course for Oregon. Portland, to be specific. The state - and city - had never held any appeal to her before, but on the last phone conversation she'd had with Faye, that was where her cousin said she was going. It was all supposed to be "hush, hush", but Faye was particularly bad with "hush, hush" situations. That was months ago, what felt like ages. Claire was now officially worried to the extreme. So she'd stowed away on a cargo ship - planes were so much harder to sneak onto - and made her way to Astoria, Oregon. It wasn't too far from Portland and was the closest stop any of the ships were making in a relatively close timeframe. Her plan, once in Astoria, was to hitch a ride with some one - not just anyone, of course, but maybe a family on vacation - and head into Portland. She was pretty low on cash, hence the sneaking around on the ship and hitch hiking, and hoped she'd find Faye quickly. And everything was going to plan... that was until the ship docked. Some how, while trying to exit the giant metal hulk, Claire had been spotted. So now she was running through the docks, dodging around large cargo holds and tankers, trying to loose the guards trailing her. And that was how she ran into -quite literally - a wall that was parading around like a man. Seriously, how could any human be that... large and not be a solid brick wall. She was just about to open her mouth and ask him if he truly was a wall when the sound of angry guards penetrated her cloud of curiosity, "Shit. Gotta hide."
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Post by Aiko on Jul 8, 2015 22:41:09 GMT -7
Maddock
Maddock had just finished unloading a crate full of what was undoubtedly holiday toys made in China or Taiwan or somewhere in Asia and was headed for the next load when a woman came barreling around the corner. Reflexively his hands went up to catch her before she fell from the recoil, and as soon as he touched her, he froze. His imp's desire slammed into him like a ton of bricks. He'd found her. His soulmate. And she was... Getting chased by dock security, apparently. Angry shouts broke him from his reverie, and he looked up with a frown. Why were they chasing her? His imp snarled at him to protect her, she was theirs. He shoved her around a corner without a second glance, stepping in front of her to shield her with his larger bulk. Security showed up a moment later, asking if he'd seen an unfamiliar woman running past. Apparently his soulmate was a stowaway. He shook his head and motioned them onwards. Once they were out of sight, he turned. Okay, now he'd hidden her. What did he do next?
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Post by jaguarsheart on Jul 8, 2015 22:53:59 GMT -7
Claire hide behind the Man-Wall while the security guards questioned him. She didn't truly breathe until they were gone and Brick turned to face her. She really had to know his name, she mused as she met his gaze. It wasn't polite in today's society to call him anything other than his name while he was still a stranger. Still, he had really pretty eyes that seems just just draw her in and make her feel like he wasn't a stranger. So she smiled at him, pushing back the hair from her face that had fallen from her clumsy, still half up, bun, "Hi. Thanks for that, I really do appreciate it." On impulse she stood up on her toes and pressed a very light kiss to his cheek, "And sorry to just... run into you. I hope I didn't hurt you or anything." She dropped back down onto her feet and held out her hand, "I'm Claire and it's nice to meet you."
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Post by Aiko on Jul 8, 2015 23:23:56 GMT -7
Maddock stared at her, poleaxed. It was entirely possible that his mouth was hanging open. He closed it and swallowed, nodding. "I'm fine." His voice rumbled deep in his barrel chest, betraying none of the inner turmoil of his emotions. Claire. Even her name was beautiful. "Name's Maddock." His imp was purring in pleasure, urging him on. He swallowed again and glanced around. Here in the shipyard, there was little chance she'd be caught now that she'd lost her pursuers, but still, they were relatively out in the open. Anyone could find her. He nodded his head towards the warehouse he'd just left. "It's warmer inside. Better to hide, too."
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Post by jaguarsheart on Jul 8, 2015 23:31:24 GMT -7
Claire continued to grin at Maddock, "I like your name. It's a lot better than what I've come up with in my head. Brick. Wall. Man-Wall. Brick Wall... He-Who-Is-Large-As-Wall." She glanced at the warehouse he pointed to and nodded, "I think you're right. Come on." She grabbed his hand - again, acting before thinking - and brought him to the building with her. She opened the door and looked around, left and right, before entering. She shut the door behind Maddock, then took his hand again and lead him to the far corner, "So, why are you here? Hanging out around the bleary, fog covered docks?" It didn't cross her mind that he would work here. No, her imagination lead her down a different path. With an excited squeak she turned back to him, finally reaching a hidden corner where large boxes covered them, "Are you an investigator? Or an international spy?" Her voice dropped down to a conspiring whisper, "Are you one a mission?!"
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Post by Aiko on Jul 8, 2015 23:50:03 GMT -7
Maddock blinked in confusion as she grabbed his hand -so soft and small nestled inside his large, roughly calloused one- and led him into the warehouse. Her mouth never seemed to stop moving the whole time she walked, leading him to the corner where the crate he'd just delivered was sitting. Suddenly she turned to him once more, and again he was whammied by her gorgeous eyes. "No," he said, amused by the strange turn her thoughts had taken. Where in the world would she get that idea? In what way did he look like a spy? Mark, maybe, in his fine suits with his fancy house and shiny cars, but him? With his worn out jeans, studio apartment, and rough appearance? "I'm a dockhand."
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Post by jaguarsheart on Jul 8, 2015 23:58:40 GMT -7
"A dockhand?" Claire said, tilting her head slightly, "That's cool too. So you actually work here? No wonder you knew a good place to hide!" She beamed at him, "And the security guards seemed to know you, so that makes sense. And was a big help." She looked around their hiding space, noting that they were pretty much in their own little cubby, completely private, "And I really do appreciate the help. I mean, those guys didn't even want to talk about it." She sighed, flopping her hands in the air a little, "So I snuck onto their boat. So what? It's not like they were charging a ticket fee. I could understand their unhappiness then, but I wasn't on a passenger ship... and I was technically getting off, so there shouldn't have been any problem." She returned her attention to Maddock, "Do you happen to know the fastest way to Portland?"
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Post by Aiko on Jul 9, 2015 0:05:10 GMT -7
Maddock sighed, shaking his head. A stowaway and no shame about it. What was he going to do with her? He rubbed the back of his neck and looked around. "It was illegal." He said, uncomfortable at having to explain why what she'd done was wrong. "Everything's logged, every human, every pound of cargo. Weight is money." He shrugged one wide shoulder. Then she spoke again. "Portland?" She was headed to Portland? Almost immediately, the offer to drive sprung to his lips, but he held it back. He didn't want to seem like some creeper or something. Besides, he wanted to know why she was headed to Portland. Though logically, he supposed, it made sence, it was the largest city in Oregon, after all.
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Post by jaguarsheart on Jul 9, 2015 0:11:18 GMT -7
"Legal, smegal. Illegal... whatever." Claire waved one of her hands in the air, not really wanting to dwell on the legality of what she'd done. She had a feeling that if he knew half the crap she did on a daily basis... well, he'd be a pretty cute, yet dead, Man-Wall. "Yeah, Portland." She nodded her head and put her hands on her hips, "My cousin sort of went missing a few months ago. We can't prove that she's missing, but she hasn't contacted me in quite a while and that's all I need to know!" She nodded her head, as if she'd just proven a fact, "Faye and I always talk at least once a week. We've done it since we were kids and that last time we talked she said she was taking a flight to Portland for some new job that she's was being really secret about. And that's another thing!" She said, lightly tapping his chest as if proving her point, "Faye doesn't keep secrets, she can't! So why keep this one about her new job? I'll tell you why!" By now she was quite enthusiastic about her theory, voice rising and arms flailing as she talked animatedly, "Because she was into some drug shit and somehow got over her head and now she's some drug lords sex slave!"
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Post by Aiko on Jul 9, 2015 0:20:17 GMT -7
Maddock stared at her. This could not be a coincidence. Faye, that was the name of Mariah's soulmate. It had to be a coincidence. After all, they looked nothing alike. It had to be a different Faye. Mariah's Faye was Irish looking, through and through, and Claire was not. But the stories. Even if just a made up fantasy -he was getting the feeling it happened a lot and wouldn't that be interesting- she was very close to the truth. But still. His mouth clicked shut once more and he thought of how to answer. He had to put this niggling curiosity to rest. "Faye Rivers?"
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Post by jaguarsheart on Jul 9, 2015 0:25:25 GMT -7
Claire's eyes widened at the name Maddock spoke, "You know Faye!" She suddenly reached out and took his shirt into her fists, attempting to shake him, except she only shook her self, "Where? Where is she?" Then she screeched a little in glee and hugged him close before practically bouncing away and twirling, "Yes!" She stopped and faced him, "Come on. You need to take me to her. You can clock out or whatever it is you do, that's fine, but I need to see Faye now. She's in terrible danger if she's a drug lord's slave. Danger! We need to go!" Now she took his hand again and was attempting to pull him back to the entrance.
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Post by Miki on Jul 9, 2015 12:56:05 GMT -7
By the time Ben finally parked Lucy in front of his apartment, he was ready for a good, long nap. The past two weeks had been a sort of hell for him. He'd gotten a call out of the blue about an emergency, and it happened to be one of those few times where he couldn't handle it from the comfort of home. He'd had to pack up and leave that day. Two weeks later, and he was only just now getting back. Two weeks and things were stable enough that he could babysit without having to actually be there. Usually, he wouldn't mind the change in pace. That was part of the reason he moved as much as he did: a change in pace. But for some reason, for as little time as he'd been in Portland, Oregon, he'd found himself becoming attached to the little town. Well, more accurately, he'd found himself becoming attached to his neighbor, Murel despite her slightly abrasive personality. As he turned Lucy off, Ben heaved a sigh and sat back. There was no telling what sort of reception he'd get from Murel, though if he had to guess... he thought she would probably punch him and then hug him, or vise versa. It was hard to say which with her. But he didn't have to deal with that for the moment. He was going to his apartment to take a nap first and foremost, no matter how cold he knew his apart would be, and then he could go see Murel. That was the way to handle things... one problem at a time. So with that in mind, Ben grabbed his duffel bag from the passenger seat and climbed out of the van. As he walked to the door of his apartment, his breath clouded on the air, and he huddled more into the jacket he was wearing. He unlocked the door in what he felt was record time, but he didn't make it two steps into the apartment before he came to a stop. When he had first moved in, Murel had helped him unpack and put his things away. Now, all of it was missing. The apartment looked exactly like it had when he'd first seen it. Setting his bag down beside the door, Ben walked further into the apartment, going through and looking everywhere to make sure it was completely empty, that nothing of his was left in there. To say he was confused was an understatement, and it was a bigger headache than he felt like dealing with at the moment. Looks like I'll have to face Murel sooner than I thought. The plan had been to get some sleep first, but he wasn't about to sleep on the floor without any sort of covering in a freezing apartment. So unless he wanted to climb in the back of his van and sleep there, now was the time to talk to Murel. With a sigh, he picked up his bag again and exited the apartment, closing the door after him, and walked the small space between his apartment and Murel's. There, he stopped and rapped his knuckles against the door and attempted to mentally prepare himself for whatever was about to happen.
Bzzz. Bzzz. Mehki, mostly asleep, frowned and burrowed more into covers. Bzzz. Bzzz. Bzzz. "Go away," she mumbled, turning away from the nightstand where her phone sat ringing. Soon, the irritating noise stopped, and her mind settled back in for sleep. Bzzz. Bzzz. Bzzz. Bzzz. Bzzz. Bzzz. Without any warning, Mehki suddenly sat up and blindly grabbed her phone. "What?" she groused. Had it been a decent hour, manners might have come into play, but as things stood, she was in no mood for it. "Zach, do you have any idea what time it is here? Yeah, I don't either, but I was asleep, and it's still dark." She yawned. "It's a good hint that I shouldn't be awake. Anyway, I'm up now. What is it?" Mehki went silent for awhile, listening. "You're finally coming back?" Her voice rose from the soft tones she had been using, so she got up from her bed and moved into the hallway. "That's great! Yes, I'm being serious. I've missed my best friend. When should I expect you? Uh huh... okay. Okay, I'll you then. Uh huh, I love you too. Be careful. I'm going back to sleep. Night." Mehki ended the call and glanced at the time. 4:34 A.M. Eww. She walked back into the room and set her phone back on the nightstand, then crawled back under the covers and snuggled into the warm body already there. Since meeting, she and Max seemed to spend a lot of time together, though it had started to drop recently with finals looming for her and the holiday season being hectic for him. This was actually the first they'd seen each other in a week, and while logically, it didn't sound like a long time, it felt like it. But once finals were through with, she would have more time, and Zach was coming back. With all of the thoughts circling through her brain, partnered with the excitement she felt about her roommate returning, Mehki couldn't seem to fall back to sleep despite what she'd told her friend on the phone. Instead, she simply curled up close to Max again and stared off into the darkness, thinking.
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Post by Aiko on Jul 9, 2015 22:23:29 GMT -7
Maddock stood and stared as she reacted to Faye's name. He couldn't get a handle on her, but he had to admit, he liked that hug. When she tried to haul him off he stopped her, pulling her back as easily as he'd pick up a kitten. "Faye's fine. I'll take you to her tomorrow." He had to finish up his work day, then go and pick up the kittens, and by then it would be too late to drive all that way. With the holiday shopping, they were all pulling long hours despite the cold. Fortunately he was off the next few days, so a trip wouldn't be a problem. But in the meantime, he couldn't just pick up and leave. Who was Claire that she had the freedom to think a man could do that?
Murel was just sitting down for some microwave dinner when she heard a knock on her door. She tilted her head that way and narrowed her eyes. Who could that be? She wasn't expecting company, and her brothers wouldn't bother knocking. She stood slowly, hand reaching for her gun, then paused. What if...what if Ben was back? Her heart did a double thump at the thought. She'd missed him more than she'd thought possible, and had been so irritable the last few weeks that everyone she knew was avoiding her. But what if it wasn't? She couldn't let herself get excited in case it wasn't him. And besides, getting this worked up over a guy she'd known barely a month was stupid, even if he was her soulmate. Cautiously, Murel approached the door and peeked through the peephole. Lo and behold, Ben! It was Ben! He was back! A grin split her face and she bounced excitedly before she caught herself. Snickering at his expression, the boy looked so confused, she knew he must have seen what she'd done to his apartment. She glanced over her shoulder at her own apartment, at the assortment of furniture both his and hers. Some stuff, like his bed, had gone into storage of course, but she'd fit most of it. Now to see his reaction. Schooling her face into one of boredom, she opened the door. "It's about time you came back, jackass."
Max shifted, resisting the urge to wake up despite the movement beside him. Groaning in protest, he rolled, arm flopping over to pull Mehki closer. His face buried into her hair and he mumbled fighting back to sleep. But it was not to be. Despite his best efforts, he was waking up. Eventually, he gave up, opening his eyes to darkness with a yawn. He glanced over at the clock. 4:40. Eh, only 20 minutes early. He was a habitual early riser, needing to get to the Cafe at the crack of dawn to start backing for the breakfast crowd. But still. What had woken him? He glanced at Mehki to find her already awake. "Morning," he said, the word distorted by another yawn. "What're you doing up this early?" Was she what had woken him?
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Post by jaguarsheart on Jul 9, 2015 22:44:03 GMT -7
Claire stopped and blinked at Maddock, a little confused, "Tomorrow?" She asked, dropping his hand as she frowned, "I don't... I can't wait. Do you know how long she's been gone? And now you tell me she's fine?" Claire shook her head, "I have to at least hear from her. Talk to her. Something." Then she shrugged, knowing that she was pushing a stranger... someone she just met, "Look, I'm sorry. You really don't have to take me. I'm sure you're busy. Just give me the address - point me in the right direction - and I'll be off." She bit her lip, "I mean, you don't know me, so why should you just take me? I'm sure I can find a ride - it's not like I haven't hitched one before - and I'll be out of your hair in no time!"
Antonella smiled as she stood at the mantel in the main foyer of Mark's house. She held back a little excited giggle as she shifted the picture frames a couple inches to the right. She'd been doing things like this for weeks, making very slight adjustments to the different rooms in the house. She knew it was a little mean to tease Mark and his OCD like this... but she just loved keeping that man on his toes. And it was fund, giggling whenever he got close to something she'd changed and still couldn't figure it out. He always fixed the items in the end. Still, she found herself slightly bored today. After Thanksgiving - and the funeral ceremony for her poor, broken turkey painted dishes - everything in the house seemed to calm down... she wondered if this was just the quiet before the storm.
Edna frowned down at the bill in her hand. She had just gotten the pizza order for the orphanage when she'd remembered leaving her phone at home. She'd driven back to her apartment, stopped at the wall pf mail boxes that held all the tenants mail, only to see this. She'd been confused at first, but now she was pissed. A few weeks ago her mother had taken her dress shopping for the Christmas gala even though Edna had told her countless times she couldn't afford it. Her mother had sworn that everything would be fine and demanded Edna get one of the most expensive dresses she'd ever seen... and now she was holding the bill for it. She couldn't pay this, not without sacrificing rent and food money for quite a few months. Why hadn't this gone to her mother like it was supposed to? Suddenly Edna felt a panic attack of her own build. What was she going to do?
Faye skipped her way into the kitchen in Mark's very large house. She was having a good day so far- minus the morning sickness, but that was hours ago - and was craving a snack. First she hit the pantry and pulled out a back of tortilla chips and chili, then the fridge where she removed cheese. She poured everything - the whole bag of chips, can of chili, and cheese - into a large bowl, then stuck it all in the oven. She cooked it for a little bit, wanting the chili and cheese to be gooey and delicious. The oven dinged, signaling her snack was complete. She looked around for a pair of oven mitts... only she couldn't find any. She frowned, then shrugged. How hot could it have gotten in a few short minutes? With that thought she opened the stove and began reaching in.
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Post by Aiko on Jul 9, 2015 23:27:17 GMT -7
"Nope." No way was Maddock giving his brother's address to some stranger. Poor fool was likely to get himself shot, or worse. "She's dating my brother. I can take you." He wasn't sure how much to tell her. After all, he had no proof that her story was even true. If he brought a stranger to see Faye without proof, soulmate or no, Mariah would react like a pissed off mother bear defending a cub. No, that was a bad analogy, even if the ferocity level was correct. the youngest Maledire brother was a shoot first, ask questions later kind of guy, and Maddock didn't want to risk Claire. Besides..."You don't look related."
Mark was out back building a snowman with Adam, enjoying the romp in the fresh powder that had fallen the night before. It had been the first real heavy snow of winter, transforming the entire property into a wonderland. When he'd woken up that morning, Adam had been so excited, hardly sitting still long enough for breakfast before he made Mark help him into his winter clothes and bolted outside. They'd been tearing up the front yard all morning, and Mark could tell the little boy was starting to get tired. "Come on, Adam," he said, helping him attach the final arm to their creation. "I don't know about you, but I'm getting cold. What do you say we go inside for some hot cocoa?" Adam looked up at him, a smile crossing his face. "With marshmallows?" He wheedled, unwilling to go in quite yet despite the redness of his nose. "With marshmallows," he nodded. Adam thought for a moment, debating on arguing, before he finally agreed. "Kay!"
Maverick glanced over to the passenger seat of his truck as he drove to Edna's apartment. Angel was curled up with her chin on the armrest watching him drive. They'd just left their first training class, and the poor girl was wiped. She'd worked hard to learn all the new things, but the trainer had told him that he was confident she'd make an excellent service dog. Maverick shook his head. A service dog. Really. Who would have thought? Certainly not him, not in a million years. Yet no one denied the fact that when she was around, most of his anxiety seemed to melt away. He'd been ecstatic when Mark had told him she could stay, and that he'd signed them up for classes. It was a huge step towards regaining his life that he'd gone alone, as well. He hadn't been sure he'd be able to, and had nearly called Edna to beg her to come with, but he hadn't. "Won't she be happy, huh, girl?" He said, feeling confident despite himself. Beside him, Angel thumped her tail twice. He was also curious to see what Edna would think of Angel's new outfit. While he personally thought it was silly to dress a dog for winter, he'd put the sweater and booties that Tony had bought on her to appease her. She hadn't been a fan at first, but his trainer had even told him the booties were a good idea, keeping her sensitive paws dry and warm. Maverick pulled into the parking lot and Angel's head came up. She knew where they were. Maverick smiled at her. "Let's go tell Edna about your first day of school, okay?" Snapping her leash on, Maverick walked Angel inside, only to find Edna in the entryway by her mailbox, staring at a piece of paper with a panicked expression. He frowned, holding back the straining and excited pit bull on the other end of the leash. "Edna?"
"Faye, stop!" Mariah yanked her back just in time to stop her from burning herself. "What are you doing?! Are you trying to hurt yourself? Again?" He checked her over to make sure she hadn't done any harm before grabbing the oven mitts from their drawer and pulling her concoction out of the hot oven. "Didn't you ever learn not to touch a hot pan? Seriously, I should just ban you from the kitchen. Every damn time!" He shot her a glare that was half irritation, half exasperation. He couldn't be mad at her, as much as he wanted to. Even if she did try to kill herself on a regular basis. Grumbling under his breath, he sat her down and served her food. "Do I need to child proof this place or what?" Mark had already gone out and purchased locks to keep Adam safe, were there such things for adults?
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