graves_hall <% /!UseJournal %>
08/26/2007 02:00:00
[info]ohana_oharu
(Thread) An Evening on Silk Road, Saturday Night (Open)
Oharu left his window open in the days leading up to Ohana's return. Whenever the journal arrived he knew it would only be a matter of time. She'd probably sneak into his apartment through the window and stare at his current work in progress, still hanging on the loom.

He was a little surprised the night when she turned up, staring at his most recent weaving. It was lovely and in a strange way it tied them together, a loose bond of similar hobbies. He'd chosen a lot of sea colored threads for this particular carpet, though it didn't have a buyer yet. He liked it better that way; he could make the carpet look however he wanted. Not that looks had much to do with the magic involved in weaving such carpets. This piece was nearing completion and within a week he'd be out scrounging for new materials for the next carpet.

Ohana ran her finger over the carpet still hanging on the large loom that stood in the corner of Oharu's living room. "She's a fine work," she said lightly to her brother as he entered the room.

He smiled happier to see his sister than to receive her compliments. "She is," he said with a well earned sense of pride. "Have you been in town long?" he asked. She'd been away for a few months, off on her usual wandering way.

"A bit," she said, leaving it at that. She didn't inquire into his comings and goings and he never bothered to look too deeply into hers. They volunteered information if they wanted to share. It wasn't disinterest, as much as how they were; they'd been this way since childhood, never asking too many questions. "Would you like to go out tonight?" she asked.

He smirked. When Ohana was in a mood to go out she'd bring them to some bar on Silk Road, pay for a lap dance and get thoroughly drunk. "Perhaps," he said vaguely. He should have known she was in the mood just from the getup she was wearing. That little red dress and those leopard print boots always spelled adventure. "Are you buying?"

She placed her hand on her hip and gave him the usual look. "You can't tell me you're out of money already Oharu Shi."

He shook his head. No, he could not. "Halfsies then," he offered with a glance towards the door.

"Ready already?" she asked, wondering if he'd go out for such revelries in his less than decked out state.

"I will pale in comparison to you, oh sister mine." He smiled and offered his arm. He wasn't about to climb back out the window with her and hoped she'd go through the front door with him.

"You always do," she teased, though they both knew it wasn't entirely true. She took his arm and they ventured out of his apartment, towards the night life that always waited on Silk Road. "I haven't been this way in months," she commented, admiring the scenery of lights and noise.

"You should come around more often," Oharu prodded, though he doubted his sister was ever the type to settle in any one place for long. Her infrequent returns to New Meridian always pained him, as he loved to spend time with her. He never seemed to focus on that when she was in his life however. Only a passing comment would mark his loneliness in her absence.

She smiled quietly, allowing the comment to pass. She wasn't about to argue with him about her way of life. She steered him toward the best road for night life and ducked into the first bar she found.

 
Comments
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 08/27/2007 07:30:08  

Isabella was making her way back to Hotel Mosaique. Slowly. She was sated, a little overly so, after finding a mage who'd been stealing from others in a dark part of Silk Road. Not stealing for food or to support himself. Just stealing because he could, to have what other people had and he wanted, and hurting them in the process. She watched long enough to be certain he was the twisted little deviant he appeared to be, before swooping in for breakfast.

It had taken her a bit to dispose of his corpse, especially in such a way that if he were found, vampirism would not be assumed as his cause of death. She liked covering her tracks. She stopped into a bar as she headed home, deciding to check in on one of her thralls. A mage who thought himself older than she frequented this place, and Hotel Mosaique when he could, but the former wasn't often enough to keep the attachment she'd cultivated with him as strong as she liked. She wondered if he was there that night. She headed inside and started canning the crowd.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 08/28/2007 08:29:25  

Ohana was buying the first round of drinks and flirting with anyone and everyone who seemed willing. It was rare when she was in town and around so many people all at once, people who seemed to find her little red dress appealing.

Oharu opted to ignore his sister a bit and leaned up against the bar, his eyes roaming the crowd idly, as if he could find someone he could connect with, just on looks alone.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 08/28/2007 12:01:05  

Isabella didn't see the patron she was looking for, but she did see a few other promising people. Her eyes met and held for a moment as across the room she saw an attractive man, scanning the crowd just as she. Feeling impetuous, she smiled and gave him a wink.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 08/29/2007 08:58:24  

He smiled at the wink, surprised and a little pleased. He didn't usually garner as much attention as his sister at the night spots they went to, but then again he didn't try as hard as she did.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 08/29/2007 09:50:19  

The woman near him was garnering a great deal of attention on her own, but Isabella had a tendency to pick out people who looked either a bit out of place or even a little uncomfortable. Something about this man told her he wasn't exactly accustomed to the swinging night life. As if he didn't go often. Curious. She arched an eyebrow and started heading over to him - them. She was even more curious now, wondering if the attractive woman who resembled him was with him and if so, in what capacity.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 08/29/2007 10:16:40  

His favorite sort of place was an all night cafe with music and tea, all manner of strange characters. This sort of dancing, loud, drunken fun was clearly more his sister's venue. He noticed the beautiful woman coming towards him. She was bold and he was curious, a little smile sneaking onto his lips as he tried to relax and fit in better with the surroundings.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 08/29/2007 18:16:31  

Bold summed Isabella up in a word. Bold was cutting through the crowd like a sharp knife, slipping past people who paused to look at her and coming right up to him. "Good evening. No offense, but you look just the slightest bit out of place." Not to be rude - the woman interested her as well - she included her in the conversation by asking jovially, bright smile on her face, "Did you drag him out here?"
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 08/30/2007 11:38:41  

"I did," Ohana replied, bright and cheerful, poking her brother in the arm. He didn't even have a chance to reply to Isabella's comment about being out of place. "He'll loosen up and have a good time. Don't worry," she said, as if a perfect stranger would worry about how other people were enjoying themselves.

Oharu smirked at his sister. "I will," he said. "Buy me a drink," he added to Ohana. "And one for our guest."
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 08/30/2007 17:46:00  

Isabella laughed at that, offering to get the next round in exchange. She ordered a Rum Runner - anything with rum in it was good enough for her. "So how else can we loosen you up? Do you dance?" Isabella directed the question at Oharu as Ohana took care of the drinks. She couldn't help but sway and move to the beat that played; it was too much a part of her to ever really stop dancing.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 08/30/2007 22:45:15  

"On occasion, though Ohana here will tell you I'm awful," he said, a little bashfully.

"That's because you have no grace. All left feet," she teased.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 08/30/2007 22:54:44  

"Well, Ohana," Isabella addressed the woman, "would you mind if I borrowed him for a dance? Maybe I can teach him a little bit about rhythm." She winked at them both, before adding, "But don't go too far, Ohana. You're next." Equal opportunity, of course. Besides, the way the woman was dressed, she looked like she knew how to move.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 08/30/2007 23:01:18  

She winked at her brother, a dubious smile riding her face. It was as if a kindred spirit breezed in and latched onto her brother. "Take good care of him," she said. "I'll be here."

Oharu followed Isabella onto the dance floor. "I apologize if I step on your feet," he said softly. "And for not making a proper introduction. I'm Oharu Hitomi and that little minx is my sister," he added with a nod to the red dressed vixen.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 08/30/2007 23:06:32  

Isabella led him to the outskirts of the center of the dance floor before turning to say, "Isabella Aznar. And the best way to dance? is not to think so hard about the fact that you are dancing. It's a pleasure to meet you, Oharu, and your sister as well. She's got an amazing sense of style." Vibrant. Attention-getting. Isabella liked her.

The song picked up with a mid-tempo beat, an easy one in Isabella's opinion. She started an easy movement, a rocking of hips and rolling of spine that looked as though she were flowing like liquid.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 08/30/2007 23:11:07  

"You should see her when she's not playing it down," he said, a smart smile riding high on his cheeks. His eyes were a lit and they grew even brighter while watching Isabella dance. "You move like... water," he said, mesmerized and mimicking the motions in a greatly less graceful manner.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 08/30/2007 23:13:53  

"That's playing it down?" Isabella was even more amused. She smiled at the compliment, accepting it with as much grace as her dancing. "Thank you. I consider my dancing one of my greatest strengths." She watched him as she spoke. "You're not doing badly. You just need to relax a bit more."
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 08/30/2007 23:19:27  

For Oharu relaxing in public was almost like bad manners. He tried though, for the beautiful woman weaving a different kind of magic before him. He took a deep breath and visualized the Daemon symbol for calming, like a bright circle in his mind, wrapping around his body. It worked, even though he didn't really put intent behind it. He loosened up enough that he didn't look stiff anymore, could flow with a touch of rhythm. "I think your smile is your greatest strength," he complimented again, and he was genuine in his words. "It's not so bad," he said dreamily of the dancing, under his own spell.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 08/30/2007 23:30:04  

The smile in question bloomed wider. "Thank you. I have to say you are making me smile quite a bit." An eyebrow raised when she noticed him relaxing, and she nodded, "That's it. Much better. You're starting to flow now."
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 08/30/2007 23:34:35  

"It must be you," he said with an impish little smile of his own. "I haven't had enough drinks to really relax this much." He laughed lightly and followed her movements with his eyes, carefully studying how her hips shifted and ever muscle followed in form.

Ohana eyed them from the bar. Her brother was particularly relaxed tonight, but then he might just have been relieved that she was home for a little while. She watched curiously, wondering how the night would pan out for them both.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 08/30/2007 23:47:13  

"Oh I doubt that it's entirely me," Isabella teased. She watched his eyes following her movements and so she exaggerated them a little more. She spun in a little circle, catching a glimpse of Ohana watching them from the bar. She'd finish this song with Oharu, go back for their drinks and see how well his sister danced after.

But right now, she was enjoying dancing with Oharu, as much as he had seemed to think he wasn't good at it. His smile was pleasant, and kept her own on her face. A few minutes more and the song ended, and Isabella was a mite regretful. "How about we have those drinks your sister got for us?"
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 08/31/2007 00:01:34  

He was a little disappointed himself. He was actually enjoying himself. "Yes," he said pleasantly and offered her his arm on the way back to the bar.

Ohana didn't waste anytime in plying her brother with alcohol. He was already having fun and she didn't want him to tighten back up. A bit of anything like the sort they were drinking and he'd stay loose and relaxed. "And one for you," she said to Isabella, passing her one of the drinks.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 08/31/2007 08:46:04  

"Don't worry, Oharu. I'm not done with you yet," Isabella promised as they headed back to the bar. She greeted Ohana with smiles as she accepted the drink. "Thank you. You know once he relaxes," she confided as if Oharu wasn't standing right there, "he's pretty good." She took a sip of her drink and smiled. That was good. Really good.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/01/2007 05:23:14  

He smiled at her promise and hoped she'd keep it. He was friendly with strangers though usually guarded by his polite manners. There was something about this woman though, some indescribable quality that made him want to open up to her and loosen up much more. He sipped the drink he sister handed him. It was refreshing, the drink and his mood.

Ohana giggled. "I saw. He's not usually like that. You must have the magic touch," she teased, though she also noticed her brother's concentration and could recognize Daemon magic when it was being used. She'd grown up around it after all.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/01/2007 12:48:41  

Isabella was fully intent on keeping her promise. Something seemed just a little familiar about Oharu, and she wondered if she'd met him before. He seemed a bit withdrawn, in the kind of way that made her want to break him out of his shell.

His sister on the other hand seemed fully used to being the life of the party. "Are the both of you flatterers? It must run in the family." She took another drink, longer this time.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/01/2007 13:06:29  

"He's skilled in polite compliments and I'm a master of the blunt truth," Ohana gushed. "Oddly enough we usually end up saying the same sorts of things."

Oharu grinned quietly into his drink, watching the girls interact.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/01/2007 17:46:23  

"Polite compliments are often just thin veils of truth anyway. It just depends on how much you're sugar-coating." Isabella finished her drink and placed it back on the bar. "All right, so which of you lovely people wants to dance with me next?" She was in the mood in spades now, and the music was picking up. "Unless you'd both like to," she teased.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/02/2007 07:10:34  

Oharu could see his sister bubbling to get up and dance. He wanted to go, but he knew he'd just be overshadowed and all the effort to relax and loosen up would be for nothing. He nodded to Ohana and she clapped her hands. "My turn!" she exclaimed. "He'll go next. He's not into sharing with me," she added with a little pout.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/02/2007 11:02:45  

Isabella winked at Oharu with a, "Don't get lonely in our absence then; we won't be gone long." She was most certainly planning to come back and dance with him again, but right now, she wanted to see his sister move. She was bubbling over with energy and that almost always translated well onto a dance floor.

Isabella wove her way back out to a clearish spot on the floor as the music picked up and she found the beat again. Her eyes were on Ohana as she danced, watching the other woman move.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/02/2007 11:31:13  

Ohana had a kind of flair on the dance floor that wasn't easily matched. She moved erratically, though with grace and felt the rhythm deep inside her body. It was like interpretive dance on the floor.

Oharu watched, she could certainly move, though once again she demanded all of the attention.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/02/2007 13:22:23  

Ohana's dancing wasn't conventional, but it was free from concern and full of enjoyment. Isabella's smile bloomed as she watched her move, unable to look and not smile. She did command attention. Around them left and right people looked, paused in their own movements to watch, to give her appreciative looks.

Isabella was receiving some as well, but she seemed unconcerned on the matter. her eyes strayed back over to where Oharu stood and she winked at him again. To Ohana she spoke, leaning in closer to be heard over the music, "I like the way you move. So free and graceful."
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/02/2007 14:41:48  

Oharu surprised himself by winking back at Isabella.

Ohana giggled and smiled. "Thank you. You have moves yourself," she said. "I can see why Oharu liked dancing with you so much."
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/02/2007 16:00:56  

Isabella's eyebrow rose just a little at that, her smile a bit wider. He's cute, she admitted to herself before looking back at Ohana. "Thank you. And I find I rather liked dancing with his as well. And you, my dear, have a lot of admirers developing here. I'm sure you've noticed."
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/02/2007 16:37:09  

Ohana laughed and blew kisses to the admirers. "Yes," she replied casually. "I do love attention." She laughed again. "Though I'm willing to bet quite a few of them are staring more at you," she said. It wasn't far from the truth, next to her Ohana thought that Isabella was the best looking girl in the bar and dancing with elegance and fluidity. One couldn't help but stare at the pair of them.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/02/2007 16:56:50  

Isabella laughed. "I'm sure they are. I'm rather used to that. In fact, I think if people aren't staring at me, I'm doing something wrong." The song was starting to draw to a close and a few of those admirers came a little closer, asking the ladies for the next dance.

Isabella smiled but politely refused. "I'm sorry. I promised my next dance to someone else." She looked back over at Oharu as she said that, and then back at Ohana. "What about you?"
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/02/2007 17:18:37  

"I'm sure I'll find someone to dance with," she said with a vivid smile, happy to let her brother enjoy the pretty girl for the night. There were plenty more people who seemed happy to keep her entertained and she'd have fun no matter who she was with.

Oharu came forward from the bar and quickly caught up to Isabella. "I believe this dance is mine?" he said, smiling already and his usual polite shyness pocketed with a few quick shots taken at the bar.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/02/2007 20:25:16  

Isabella found herself rather happy Ohana found her self a gaggle of dancing partners almost immediately, and was even more pleased to see Oharu there. She easily slipped her hand into his and moved in as the next song began. "Yes it is. I told you I wasn't done with you yet." He seemed even more relaxed than before, and Isabella attributed it to the alcohol.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/02/2007 20:40:39  

I'm kind of hoping it'll take you the whole night before you're done with me. That was the kind of thing he could never say out loud, unless he was working at Hotel Mosaique, the only place in all of Aylasia where he was more like the person he was before Ohana was kicked out of school. That had really been the turning point in his life, the time when he adopted his peculiar politesse. "May I ask for another in advance?" he asked with a sly smile. "I wouldn't want to monopolize you too much," he added, though his grin said otherwise.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/02/2007 21:21:17  

Isabella couldn't help but respond to that smile. "You may, and I accept." Like she could turn him down. He was thoroughly charming, whether he intended to be or not. "I know this sounds like a tired pick up line, and believe me I know. I've heard it before. But you look a little familiar to me, Oharu." She wondered if she'd seen him in passing before. She wasn't sure if he was the type to frequent Hotel Mosaique or not, but she wouldn't rule that out either.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/02/2007 23:14:38  

As soon as she said it he had the strangest feeling that he had seen her before too. "It is an old line," he said amused, "but I think you may be right." Hotel Mosaique didn't enter his mind at the moment, though he ran over all of his usual haunts trying to remember where he might have run into her before.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/04/2007 08:28:00  

"Oh good, at least it's not just me." Isabella chuckled. "Now, I wonder it is I've seen you before." She doubted it was school. She had been so long ago most anyone she'd attended school with was nearing the age they started looking quite a bit older than she. And it felt far more recent than more than one hundred years ago.

"Perhaps just about in the city, somewhere else. Another bar perhaps..." She trailed off, knowing full well it had to have been at night she'd seen him, with her inability to be out in the daytime. She still didn't think him the type to visit, but it was niggling at her so she asked, "Forgive me if this seems forward, but have you been to Hotel Mosaique?"
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/04/2007 10:41:08  

Oh shit.

It only took a moment to put her face into place. Of course. She worked at the hotel, though only towards the end of his own tenure. It was something of a secret; he didn't want his sister know (though she wouldn't care). He always feared she might blurt something to their parents and that would be terribly devastating for Oharu. "Yes," he said, his relaxed state disappearing rapidly. "Yes, that's where you would have seen me."
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/04/2007 10:46:31  

Isabella could practically feel his tension rising. She made a soft soft, almost like a gentle crooning, and laid a hand on his chest. "Then you must know that Hotel Mosaique is full of discretion. You need not worry I say anything to anyone."
She had placed him now, not as a patron but as an employee, who was there only a Short time when she first started. She had barely gotten to know anyone yet before he was gone.

The music slowed drastically down, and some couples left the dance floor, while other moved closer together for a slow dance. Isabella didn't move, only looked up at Oharu to see if he still wanted to continue dancing.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/04/2007 10:57:07  

He relaxed a good deal and leaned in closer. "Thank you," he said, sighing heavily and placing his hands lightly on her hips. "I'd hate to waste our dance while I'm so on edge, but I think you can calm me down again," he added gently. He smiled hopefully as his hips moved awkwardly to the music.

Ohana was off in her own corner, perfectly oblivious to any change in her brother. She was dancing one on one with a very pretty girl now, surprised that she'd stayed out on the floor once the music slowed, though pleased just the same.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/04/2007 14:08:06  

Her hands slid up to his shoulder and joined, fingers lacing behind his neck. "You've no need to be nervous, Oharu. Just relax and enjoy the dance with me." She smiled up at him, eyes meeting his and lingering for a long moment.

She swayed to the music, no fancy turns or steps, simply rocking in his arms. He was leading, supposedly, but she was setting the pace, slow and easy.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/05/2007 12:12:45  

He did relax, quite a bit. He was wondering if she made him comfortable because she reminded him subconsciously of Hotel Mosaique or if it was some magic she had of her own. It was a little too much psychology for the dance floor, so he pushed those thoughts away and just enjoyed the moment.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/05/2007 22:21:29  

Isabella likely made him comfortable because that's what she was good at doing. Soemtimes clients were a bit nervous at the prospect of her services, especially newcomers, and it was a skill she'd needed to develop to calm them down enough for them to enjoy themselves. It wasn't a conscious thing she did now however; she just wanted Oharu to be a comfortable as she.

"So where do you normally spend your time, if not in places like these?" She was curious to know a little more about him.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/07/2007 10:48:04  

"Cafes, my apartment, the city streets. Usually dark and artsy places," he replied. "How about you?" he asked in return, curious as to whether or not she'd still be holing up at Hotel Mosaique.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/09/2007 21:22:59  

"Easiest place to find me's at Hotel Mosaique," she responded easily. "I suppose I really should be there now, but I rarely get a night off. And I'm very much enjoying myself here." With you, she added silently. The song changed again, but Isabella didn't move away.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/09/2007 21:46:58  

Oharu didn't notice the change in music and kept moving with the enchanting Isabella. "You know, that was the only place I ever really felt completely comfortable," he said softly. "It was like home, but I was too afraid of what everyone else thought to stay too long." He smiled. "Though maybe I could find a reason to visit again."
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/09/2007 22:37:41  

Isabella fingers curled at the base of Oharu's neck. "It's one of the few places I can really relax and be myself as well." No one asked questions about her daytime habits, or lack thereof. "This thing with it is, you have to learn to not care what people who don't matter think of you. The ones who do matter, who truly care, shouldn't judge you for what you want to do, for what makes you happy."

And then she smiled at his last comment. "I would like that. You have yet to see me really dance. I could give you a real show." It was a bit of a tease, honestly, but definitely an invitation.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/10/2007 00:40:05  

"I might be too tempted to stay," he whispered with a huge grin riding his face. He was so relaxed now, so much more like the old Oharu, the Oharu he liked to be.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/10/2007 08:15:40  

Oh that was a bright and infectious smile if she ever saw one. Isabella leaned just a bit closer, her words an almost conspiratorial whisper. "And would that be such a bad thing?"
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/10/2007 08:41:56  

"I don't know my lady," he grinned into her ear, so close he could almost just lean over and kiss the lobe. Now where on Aylasia did that urge come from? He laughed lightly at how silly he felt and leaned back a bit to stem the urge. "Though I'd be willing to find out."
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/10/2007 23:10:26  

My lady? Isabella giggled. It had been quite some time since she'd heard that and few could pull it off the way Oharu did. Isabella didn't know of that little secret desire, but had she, she would well have encouraged it. Closing that slight distance again, she exhaled softly, breath against Oharu's neck - that may have been just as encouraging - and replied, "I think you should."
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/11/2007 12:25:18  

"May I consider that an invitation?" Oharu asked quietly. It was all but said in words and he smiled at her warmly.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/11/2007 12:39:17  

Isabella leaned back only just enough to meet dark eyes. "Yes you may, and I hope it is one you'll accept." She stayed where she was, their faces inches apart, a small but inviting smile on her lips.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/11/2007 14:01:35  

"I will," he said, making a promise he knew he'd keep. He was so close to leaning in and just kissing her. He couldn't be sure what was holding him back, but something did, otherwise his lips would already be pressed tight to hers. He didn't move further away though; he was surprisingly comfortable being so close, with so much tension.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/11/2007 18:14:46  

Isabella barely moved, only enough to let her lips brush what could have been casually over Oharu's skin as she wrapped her arms more comfortably around him. It wasn't as though she sensed his hesitation; rather she thought to give him even more incentive to come see her at Hotel Mosaique.

The tension between them was palpable, but it felt wonderful, a kind of attraction Isabella didn't experience often at all. It made her happy she'd decided to stop into this bar tonight; who knew if she'd have met Oharu otherwise?

"I hope you accept sooner rather than later, especially since, I'm sad to say, I'll have to be leaving in a bit." Her voice showed clear reluctance. She didn't want to leave just yet; she'd linger as long as she could. But she'd given no warning she was going to be absent tonight, and she'd have to explain to Nita why she'd stayed out so long that night.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/11/2007 18:15:16  

"Would tomorrow night be too soon?" he asked, a big grin on his face at the brush of lips. "I could walk you back to the Hotel, if you like. I'd hate to see a girl walking alone so late at night."
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/11/2007 18:31:54  

"Tomorrow night should be perfect." Isabella's face lit up with genuine happiness. "And though I'm a big girl, Oharu - believe me, I can certainly take care of myself - I would love to have you walk me back." She glanced across the room at Ohana. "Your sister won't mind?"
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/11/2007 18:33:59  

"Oh no," he said, "she probably won't even notice I'm gone." He laughed at the idea of Ohana taking notice. Usually she was the one to take off and leave Oharu to find his own way home.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/11/2007 18:42:01  

Isabella dropped her arms then to link her hands in Oharu's fingers entwining. "Then why don't we get going now?"
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/11/2007 19:00:35  

He nodded, his fingers squeezing hers. He was having a good time, but he really didn't mind cutting the night short. After seeing Isabella safe inside he'd probably head home and work on weaving. He had a feeling new inspiration would strike him once he stood before the loom. For now he was just enjoying the feeling of holding hands with the loveliest girl he'd met in a very long time.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/11/2007 19:10:11  

Isabella led them through the throng of people still dancing, weaving her way through them with ease. They stepped outside into the night air, and started in the direction of Hotel Mosaique. She didn't relinquish her hold on his hand; in fact she leaned close as she walked, wrapping her other hand in around their joined ones. "I had a very good time tonight, Oharu. It's a shame I need to cut it short."
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/11/2007 19:21:20  

"Then we'll just have to hang out until the sun comes up tomorrow," he said with a mischief filled grin. "You know, to even things out." He set a nice, slower pace for the walk to the Hotel. It really wasn't that far and he wanted to stretch it out as much as possible.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/11/2007 22:47:48  

Isabella winced just a little at the sunrise remark, inwardly. Outwardly, she just smiled again. "I'd be explaining for days if I stayed out that long, Oharu. Nita's very understanding, but I don't think that'd go over well." She fell into slow step beside him though, clearly in no hurry for the moment.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/11/2007 23:28:48  

"We could stay in," he offered lightly. "And if Nita has a real problem with it I could always pay for those hours we spend together." He said so a good deal more lightly and clearly meaning he wasn't paying for her friendship, merely for the convenience of seeing her. He understood how it was in the house and he hoped that Isabella understood that as well.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/12/2007 00:38:23  

She looked up at him. "Stay in, hmm? That sound like a wonderful idea." Isabella nodded at his offer - he understood how things worked there. Hours that she would normally be spending bringing in money needed reimbursing, and she was glad Oharu had made the offer. She looked at him slyly. "Are we speaking of tonight and tomorrow, then, Oharu? Because I would most certainly enjoy your company further."
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/12/2007 00:50:08  

His smile was shy, undeniably the sweet and careful side of Oharu. He really had only planned on what he'd be doing up to the front door of Hotel Mosaique. "I'd like that," he said quietly. "If you'd like me to come in."
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/12/2007 01:25:06  

Isabella couldn't help it. She paused there, just outside of Hotel Mosaique's large blue front door, and reached up to stroke a soft hand down Oharu's cheek. "I want you to come in, Oharu."
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/12/2007 01:54:20  

He leaned into the soft touch, happy to feel the warmth of her fingers on his cheek. A swarm of winged creatures were now fluttering around his stomach and it was a sensation he'd only ever felt once before in his lifetime. Oddly enough it was at these very same doors, the first night he came to the Hotel for work. "Where ere you go sweet lady, I shall follow," he said, in a romantically poetic mood, perhaps to justify the horde of butterflies and hummingbirds that had taken over his midsection.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/12/2007 12:36:13  

"I do believe you're the sweet one, Oharu." His flowery speech had Isabella smiling again, and she linked her fingers in his once more before opening the door and leading him inside. The familiar music and air or Hotel Mosaique surrounded them both at once, and Isabella paused to see who was performing. The twins, Patience and Prudence.

She looked up at Oharu. "Would you like a drink? Re-familiarize yourself with the Hotel first? Or would you rather we be alone?"
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/13/2007 23:53:39  

His first urge was to be alone followed quickly by a need to see if there were any changes to the Hotel since he'd worked there. Then he thought there would be plenty of time for that in the morning when he slipped back out into New Meridian; he could wander easily in the early hours and refresh his memories of his old home. "I think I'd like to retreat from the limelight," he said warmly, his eyes soaking in the familiar walls.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/14/2007 00:53:17  

"Alone it is then," Isabella replied and led him toward the stairs that led upstairs to the private rooms. Her own room was near the end of the hall, a door she pushed open with a word and locked behind them after she led them inside.

The entire room was heavily draped in long dark curtain, not a drop of light coming in from outside. the room would be just as dark come morning, the sun's light unable to penetrate the thick drapes.

The darkness was countered however by numerous lamps, softly glowing and throwing mood lighting all around the room with was done is rich reds and golds.

Isabella always kept wine in her room for her clients, but this was different. She pulled out a bottle she rarely shared with anyone, and two glasses and set the bottle down on an end table next to a chaise lounge. She sat, crooking her finger at Oharu invitingly.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/14/2007 01:40:13  

He was bound to follow that finger's suggestion and found himself standing close to her again. "I like your lighting design," he said, a hint of a tease in his voice. He really was becoming more like the old Oharu. "It's soft and moody," he added. "I don't know why I expected it to be anything less dramatic."
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/14/2007 11:36:29  

Isabella reached form his hand drawing him down to the seat next to her. "I prefer soft gentle lighting that the harsh rays of the sun or bright mage lights," Isabella said, almost offhand. "Even during the daytime, I keep the drapes closed, and these lights aglow." It was a simple explanation that covered the real reason sunlight never shone in her room. "Would you like a glass of wine, Oharu?"
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/15/2007 00:04:55  

"I would," he said lightly as he sat comfortably next to her. "I do like it," he said of the lights. "It's relaxing."
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/15/2007 13:51:16  

"It sets a very pleasant mood I've found," Isabella responded, pouring two half-full glasses of wine. It was a rich, robust red wine, the only wine she ever drank. She handed him one glass and took the other for herself. "Would you like to drink to something, Oharu?" She crossed her legs, a slow easy movement that drew attetion to them, and leaned a bit more in his direction.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/15/2007 14:00:56  

"To the most beautiful and fascinating woman I've ever met," he said, oozing charm while his eyes flickered towards those perfect legs. He raised his glass in honor of her, his smile dancing in his eyes.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/17/2007 12:49:27  

"Flatterer," Isabella remarked, but she was clearly pleased. She caught his glance and her legs and, smiling, clinked her glass against his. She sipped her wine, slowly, letting the robust red flow over her tongue and down her throat.

She licked the remnants of wine from her lips, and leaned closer to him again. "And to the most charming man I've met in ages," she added, her voice taking on a lower, almost purring sort of tone.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/17/2007 13:58:51  

He was positively glowing. A little heady from the wine and just in the mood from the perfect lighting, Oharu leaned forward and cupped her cheek with his hand. "May we have many happy returns," he said, his mouth tempting forward, offering her another brush of lips if she wanted to take it.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/17/2007 14:05:45  

"I sincerely hope so," Isabella murmured again, and she took that invitation. But this time the brush of lips wasn't against his cheek. It was full against Oharu's lips, no way to pass it off as a careless touch. It was a soft, chaste kiss, for the moment, but the intent behind it was clear. She just let her lips caress his, the gentle pressure hinting at real passion and interest behind it.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/17/2007 14:22:10  

He smiled, his face still close to hers. He didn't want to rush this. Not when the lingering, swooping butterflies fluttered so sweetly; not when his whole mind and body were relaxed and the walls he had worked so hard to build up were beginning to shake at the foundations. Yes. I hope so too.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/18/2007 11:57:35  

She could feel the curve of his lips against hers, and she took that as a good sign. She reached out, placing her wine glass back on the end table and slid her now free hand up to Oharu's shoulder resting there as she pressed a small series of light nibbling kisses to his lips. They were teasing, playful, and her own lips were curved in a bit of a smile as she tasted wine on his.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/19/2007 12:37:28  

He closed his eyes and leaned in, kissing her delicately in return. You are so amazing, he thought, as his hand slipped into her hair. Of all things he had expected from the evening this was the last and best.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/19/2007 17:03:49  

Isabella gave a little hum of contentment, her hand curving around his neck to pull him a little closer. Her tongue slipped out between parted lips, tasting and teasing his own. She traced the line of his lower lip, licking at the corners of his mouth, touching the dip in the middle of his lower lip.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 09/21/2007 09:08:41  

He shivered at that, his breath coming a bit faster. His lips parted in turn, inviting her to explore further. He was always soft and slow when he was kissing someone new. That and he really wanted to enjoy this.
From: [info]blood_dance Date: 09/21/2007 12:01:53  

She could feel his breath against her lips, and it would have had hers curving in response, if they weren't occupied. As it was, she merely took his invitation and slipped her tongue into his mouth, slanting her mouth against his to deepen the kiss.

Her fingers curled in his hair, and she shifted forward, closer to him, her legs brushing and then pressing not at all accidentally against his. She could feel him responding, slowly, whether because of his shy reserve or mere desire to taking it slow. It didn't matter. They had all night together, and Isabella didn't mind taking her time.
From: [info]ohana_oharu Date: 10/07/2007 04:18:58  

He sighed happily into the kisses. He wasn't certain what it was about Isabella, but she put him at ease, made him comfortable in ways he didn't understand and didn't want to question. He kissed her back, his tongue sliding along her lips and the inside of her cheek. He was happy, peaceful to know that he could share this night with her and hoping he would be able to share many more.
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