Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds

[russ]

[You kidding me? It was perfect. I told you, I trust you enough to move me around. And… *squeezes Helena to death* Sorry if the end gets sucky, had a lot of distraction with the last few paragraphs.]

How Russ would love to nonchalantly charm his way through what could no longer be passed as just running into one another. In many given circumstances, yes, he could do just that. He was not usually such a social invalid. He was not usually in such company. This was entirely her fault, and he could not be more intrigued by the nerves she evoked in his generally gregarious person. Hadn’t he proven this in the nature of their meeting, brazenly pulling the earbud from her ear to introduce his presence? Well, if he had had any idea what kind of night the morning had in store for him, he’d have never mustered the courage to approach her.

Now, fortunate as he was, Russ’s stomach felt empty as he stared vaguely over her shoulder. He was putting himself way too far out on the line to express that he really cared if she took him up on his counter offer. That it was any more than a joke. And with the pause that ensued, his heart on the very edge and ready to jump to a plummeting death into his abdomen, Russ was sure that she was trying figure out how to reject him gently. Sweet as their fair sex tried to be, he’d just as soon she not think about it. It was going to discourage him either way. And really, could he blame her?

With bated breath, it took every ounce of his concentration to maintain his façade when she spoke. Here it came. Okay… you’re going to smile, you’re going to shrug, and you’re going to pretend like it doesn’t matter. He was already on the verge of running through these dismissive steps, so absorbed that he almost didn’t notice her hand slip into his. He was going to immediately regret forgetting himself, because his head snapped down in utter shock. He could not be sure, but it seemed as though his mouth even gaped open.

What was he supposed to do now? Wait, there was more of her. Looking up, the most he could do was flash a quirky little grin as she suggested they leave. Speaking was so far beyond his mental capability at the moment that he did not even attempt to say anything. Even the ability to move was only motivated by her guidance towards the exit. As much as he would like to make a show of dragging her out, plowing through the crowd with his woman in tow, it was not until he spied another glance of interest in her that the deservedly smug grin curled its way onto his face. Alright, there could be pride in playing it so cool that he didn’t need to display his masculinity. He was just lucky that she was so far out of his league that it might just be believable that he felt so confident at the moment. If he saw a guy like him with her, his first assumption would have to be that his johnson was a mile long. It was a reassuring thought to walk out on.

Though he still did not say much, it was predominately because he was trying to look interested in the buildings they were passing. While they actually were architecturally interesting, his mind was entirely on her touch and trying to contain that ecstatic grin, threatening incessantly to stretch across his mouth. The shift of her fingers against his, without pulling away, made this near impossible. Fortunately the crisp air did a fair job at battling the sweet torture she was putting him through. He dare not look in her direction, for fear that she might vanish – the figment of a very fond dream. This was certainly one of those moments that you wanted every single person to ever give you a hard time in your life to see. Not that he had ever had a big problem with this.

It may appear at this point that he was really taking in the immediate New Orleans surrounding him, but in truth the tourist had fled him and he had hardly even noticed that they were coming upon anything residential. Lifting his eyes at her laugh, he was jerked so abruptly from his own world of absorbing the feel of her skin that he did not even have a chance to consider the coincidence of them winding up outside her temporary place. Matching her speed, he dreaded closing in on the domicile. He didn’t know what to expect, and he’d just as soon turn around to walk the way than end the evening.

Staring at the bricks as she talked, Russ took the opportunity to squeeze her hand tighter in his own with an unhindered laugh at the mention of the newly weds. Hopefully the vocal distraction would draw her attention away from their hands, as he maintained a hold that would not be as effortlessly slipped out of. He was especially concerned about this happening, as they stopped on the sidewalk outside the gates. That iron design was like an impenetrable blockade, and his heart was in danger of taking that suicidal leap again. He tried to ignore the fact that her glance down at their hands might be a silent request for him to let her go. Stubbornly, he maintained his hold in the mere moment that passed before those gates burst open with her invitation.

Now he could not help when his serious eyes crinkled slightly with the show of a smile. He turned the grin away from her, nodding gently at the open night air. After collecting himself and taking a step back from the elation of the moment, he managed in an even tone,[white] “I’ll tell you a secret…”[/white] Turning back to her with a mischievous sparkle in his eye, his brow quirked, [white] “I don’t believe we’d find any ghost in there.”[/white] Pausing, his grin stretched wider as he leaned in closer to her and lowered his voice. Man what he would give just to touch her face right now. [white] “But I’d spend the whole night looking, just the same.”[/white]

Shifting his fingers against hers for a moment, to convey that it was in good faith that they might meet again, he let her go. [white] “If it really is haunted, maybe you should go first.”[/white] He peered playfully at her, nodding her on her way so he could follow her in.

[helena]

((Okay, this is dedication. I'm SO writing this on my phone while at a really crappy party. XD So with that in mind, sorry for any weird looking grammar. I'll edit it tomorrow. ^-^ ))
----


For a second there, as that semi-nervous laugh escaped him, Helena couldn't help but realize how young he looked in the darkness. She'd been so caught up in the anxiousness of the night that she didn't think anything of it. But now...now that they were at her home, and she was doing the most brazen thing that a woman like her could do? Good Lord, but she had to wonder if she were robbing a cradle.

Thank God that Russ proceeded to make her insides quiver with that suggestive voice of his, or she would have started twitching.

With a laugh, Helena couldn't help but give his arm a playfull swat. "You'd seriously make me go first?" She asked with another snort of amusement. "Thanks a lot! That's it; no nightcap for you. You're just getting straight up coffee for that one..."

...And is that all that he's getting, a voice in her head whispered. Oh huzzah, there was that annoying Helena the Wonder Slut voice. With her luck, the man she'd just met and was now inviting into her home would be a serial killer looking for his next mark. Gah, what was she doing? She'd treated enough Hunters over the years to know every story in the book, AND she'd seen enough horror flicks to know that inviting a stranger into one's empty house was never a good idea. For all she knew, that puppy dog face and really charming smile- not to mention that he had a cute butt..gah, Lena, focus!- was some kind of front for an inner psychopath.

But did ANY of that stop her from pushing open the iron gate, leading him up the porch stairs and inviting him into the townhouse with a teasing grin and a little wiggle in her walk? Of course not...she so obviously wanted to die horribly at some point.

Helena rolled her eyes at herself as she strolled down the front hall. Looking back at him over her shoulder, she nodded to the coat rack near the door. "Feel free to hang up your jacket. I'm just going to get the lights and start that coffee."

An almost giddy feeling rolled around in her tummy, as she walked down the hall toward the kitchen. She had no idea what she was doing, and it was almost...invigorating, she decided, smiling to herself. Now, the question would be; how would she allow the night to end.

It was a thought that she would never get to expand on as she hit the lights and fell back with a horrified sound.

A cat lay skinned on her kitchen table, fur and blood painting the walls around it. She gasped, falling back against the counter behind her, covering her mouth with the back of her hand. It wasn't the gore that got to her, or the heart that lay scewered by a butcher's knife in front of the poor animal's body...nor was it the smell of evil that practically floated in the air...

It was the bloddy words scrawled in blood on the wall that had another strangled sound bursting from her throat:
"I FOUND YOU"

With a gasp, she whirled around and fled the room, yelping when she plowed into an unfamiliar body.

[russ]

((That is dedication. *feels special for being more interesting than a crappy party… at least* Didn't take it very much further... I didn't want to trample on her reaction.))

If Russ were at all aware of how young she had half a chance to perceive him for, he would have thrown on an aged disguise consisting of a ZZ Top beard and her beloved Stetson. Given he would look beyond ridiculous, but he did not want any chance getting in the way of knowing her now. And if knowing her had to be done behind a foot and a half of bristles, he’d do it. Fortunately, her demeanor gave him very little reason to believe that she clued in at all about how much her junior he actually was. And if she was going to start twitching over it, he was not about to tell her.

Grinning broadly, Russ did not give a second thought to whether or not he would make her go in first if he honestly believed a house was haunted. She did not give him a hell of a lot of incentive to, flaunting herself unabashedly. She might as well have had him on an invisible leash, leading him towards the humble abode like an obediently trained Labrador. He at least had the manners to give her a little room, despite the eagerness with which he would love to be right on her heels.

Without paying attention to much else, other than the material of her dress gliding gracefully over the movement of her legs, he just about did end up on her heels when she inevitably had to pause to open the door. Feeling about foolish as he followed her in, Russ turned to the coat rack and began to pull of his jacket. He would much rather hang her lovely dress up there, but one discarded garment was better than nothing – right?

If only that garment had a chance to reach the rack. As light flooded the end of the hallway from the kitchen, Helena’s first outburst made Russ’s head jerk up and a mere moment passed before the jacket fell from his outstretched arm, crumpling on the ground, and his feet pounded down the passage. [white] “Helena?”[/white] He called, his brain incapable of imagining what he would come upon.

Just as he was about to reach the kitchen, her body suddenly hurled into him, and Russ’s attention was instantly on her. Arms practically flying around her with his stopped momentum, he asked,[white] “What’s wrong?”[/white] Before she could answer, he released her and continued on to look in the kitchen.

In that moment, his heart slowed, mouth gaping open slightly as he stared into the kitchen, brilliantly showcasing the horrifying set.[white] “My god.”[/white] He managed just above a whisper, stumbling back a step before turning back to Helena and bending to her level as he took her face in his hands to make her focus on him. [white] “Helena… come outside with me, okay? Can you do that?”[/white] Despite his terror, Russ did his best to keep his voice low. Whoever had done this… could very well still be there.

[helena]

((Oh chya, I’d so definitely chuck Helena at Russ instead of watch people make out with one another. Call me picky, but…LOL Bleh, sorry for the suckiness here. Been working all day so I’m beat. XD))
---


There was blood all over the tiles, staining them in ways that they’d never been stained before, which was saying a lot. She remembered the smell before the blood even penetrated her brain; the smell of dead flesh and fear. She’d never known that it actually had a smell, but it did, and she froze in the kitchen doorway. Slowly, oh so slowly, her eyes traveled along the trail of blood until it reached the body on the kitchen table. She’d been splayed out, a grotesque display of gore. A knife was sticking out of an almost cavernous hole in what had been a proud chest, and a pair of glassy eyes stared almost accusingly over at the daughter who’d abandoned her…

Helena bit back a sob, as the images assaulted her. Oh God, oh God, oh God…the words repeated themselves in her head as she clung to Russ, practically burying her face in the fabric of his shirt. She was so used to blood and gore, thanks to her profession, but the words and that poor animal…the show of pain and death that someone had made just for her? It seared her with more fear that she’d ever felt before.

But it wasn’t exactly a ‘someone,’ now was it? She felt herself go numb as her mind whirled and landed on a face; dark eyed and snarling, the last sight that her poor mother had seen, before the life had been bled out of her. He had finally found her, after so many years of moving around and keeping a low profile. He’d finally found her…and now, he was going to finish what he’d started.

It was a wonder how Russ managed to get into the kitchen without dragging her with him, and with a cry, she lurched after him. She didn’t want him to see, to get involved in any of this. God, what was she going to do? How was she going to handle this? She had to leave. She had to get out of Louisiana and go underground, until the psycho lost her scent. But, more importantly…she had to cut ties with the handsome stranger who’d swept her off her feet for one perfect evening. It was enough to make her want to cry.

You’re in shock, she told herself, doing her best to sink into that clinical mindset she depended on. Get a grip. Calm down. Think! But nothing seemed to work. All she could think about was that poor cat in the kitchen…and how a bigger body might be replacing it in the future.

“Outside,” She managed to repeat, doing her best to focus her eyes on Russ’ face. His own swam in front of her own, and she clasped his hand in her own. She locked her gaze onto his eyes, and managed to ground herself, determination replacing the fear that had frozen her before.

With a shake of her head, she suddenly moved to tug him forward, toward the door. “You have to leave,” She said, a bit frantically. When they got to the front stoop, she stopped and turned so that she could gently push him toward the outside. “I’m so sorry…I never wanted you to see any of this. But should go; get away from me. I’m so, so sorry…”

[/blockquote]

[russ]

[[Yours was totally fine. I hope you don’t mind that I moved it along. As much as I could go on forever just interacting with her, I figured the outcome was going to be exactly the same, and we save ourselves a little time this way. Any problems… you’ll just have to live with. Haha. You know the drill.]]

For as freaked out as Helena clearly was, it could not have fully prepared Russ for what he would find casually decorating her friend’s kitchen. If Helena hadn’t cried out to stop him, he probably would have run away screaming himself. It was in the face of her hysterics that he realized someone had to think and keep a clear head. Her fear gave him courage he did not think himself capable of. For all that mattered in that moment was their safety.

Fixating her with an intense gaze, trying to silently bring her out of this, he smiled weakly. A vain attempt to calm her. Ignoring the rapid pounding of his hear, he was fully under the impression that sanity would prevail and he would be allowed to escort her outside when she reiterated the location of his request and her delicate hand graced his knuckles. There they would be in the open and able to call the police. Handle this like two civilized, normal human beings.

… or not.

Suddenly drug down the hall towards the door, with the distinct impression that her holding his hand now was not as good a sign as it was before. In utter surprise, he followed after lamely, not sure of what he had done. Certainly nothing as bad as what was in her fucking kitchen! But without even being handed his coat, he was practically flung out on the front door step, thinking that this was not the kind of tussle he had in mind for the evening.

[white] “Helena.”[/white] He finally managed, as the cool air met his bare forearms. Trying to make sense of this in the midst of her crazy behavior, action did not serve him. In retrospect he would know he should have grabbed her immediately. Should have forced her. She was not that big, after all, and basic comprehension would remind him that he was the stronger out of the two.

So why was he standing dumbfounded on her doorstep with the door slammed in his face? Yeah… what was he doing?? And so began several minutes of pounding on her door and calling out, until any passerby would be quite sure to assume he was in the hub of a hopeless lover’s spat. At least one thing was right.

It was hopeless. But Russ was nothing if not determined. If she would not come out and find a solution with him, he would do so alone. Reaching instinctively to his side for his phone, he quickly realized that he had slipped his cell into the pocket of the jacket on the other side of that locked door. Oh yes, he had tried that knob several times enough to know force entry was out of the question. At least, for him.

He would learn soon enough that such rules did not apply to everyone, as he jogged away from the townhouse. Suddenly intent to find outside help. It didn’t matter what she wanted him to see or not see. It didn’t matter what an amazing night it was up to ten minutes ago…

Apparently to one… who he was trying to help did matter.

[maddog]

((Haha, I’m so loving you long time right now. –noms on- XD Gah, I’m stiiiill trying to figure out how to get these two back together again. Stupid muses. DEATH TO WRITER’S BLOCK! >< ))
---


God, it was a nice night out. Just look at that strawberry half-moon, and the way those darkened clouds just graced the sky. It was like something right out of a painting; all smooth brush strokes and peaceful puffs of smoke. It was a wonder why anything bad ever happened, with scenery like this.

Gabe let out a throaty chuckle at the thought, cracking his knuckles as he leaned against a dirty brick wall. Oh yeah, bad things happened, and he was so proud of it. He’d be out of a friggin job, if people ever stopped to smell the roses.

For the past few hours, he’d had his guys surveying the Nicodeau townhouse, waiting for the little lady to get home. Her routine was pretty much a run through the park, work, then home…but not tonight. When his boys had reported her disappearance, he’d taken it upon himself to come and sniff her out, curious as to her deviation from the norm. His employer had specified that he was to wait for her reaction to his ‘gift’- the werewolf couldn’t help but grin at the memory of those terrified yells coming from inside the house; he had to applaud the genius of a dead animal- and to…aquire her for his future use.

Now, the current head mobster of the North East didn’t exactly like to take orders from anyone, but this guy…oh man, did this guy have some dirty contacts that he was practically jonesing to get his paws on. So he’d stoop down to the lowly stooge, if it meant getting some of those names in his pockets. He could just smell the scared sweat of the pigs on his tail.

Demons as allies. Who would’ve thought?

His eyes narrowed as he watched his target move toward the gates…followed by a young man. He bit back a curse at the sight. Fuck, when did the Doc get herself a buddy? When he’d gone into the place with her, he’d started counting his bullets and planning on good burial sites. Thank God that the lady had enough sense to kick him out of her place before his employer came back.

Well…good for him, at least, but not the other guy. So, what to do, what to do. He could go in there and finish what he’d started with the good Doctor; have her all trussed up and ready for his client to pick up…but why pass up this chance at some prime interrogation? As the young man turned to walk down the street, a frown on his face, Gabe ghosted out of his alleyway and followed him. He kept a good distance, at first, keeping his head down and his hands in his pockets; just your everyday pedestrian out for a stroll. But, when he saw the opportunity in a deserted driveway half-shielded by low hanging tree limbs…

He sprang. Poor kid probably didn’t even know what hit him.

With a grunt, the ex-con grabbed Russ by the back of his shirt and hauled him into the shadows of the tree. Before the runt could fight back or make a sound, he spun him around, shoved him up against the trunk of the tree, and slid a knife up to his throat. The toothy grin that he flashed at him was almost as shiney as the knife in his hand.

“Well, well…look who’s made friends with the resident doctor. Hello, son. I’ve got a few questions for you…starting with; how do you know Helena Nicodeau?”



Back in the townhouse, Helena fell back against the door, sliding down until she sat on the floor, her head on her knees. She wanted to run outside and fling herself on Russ; pretend that the night had gone on as wonderfully as it had started, and finally kiss him, as she’d been longing to do. She didn’t want to leave New Orleans, abandon her friends here and her practice back in Texas. She didn’t want to change her name, go underground, go back to the big city and lose herself in the crowd. She wanted…God, she wanted to run outside and kiss that man until he melted at her feet. Not this! Anything but this!

With a strangled sound of frustration, she slammed a fist back against the door. She leaned her head back and glared up at the ceiling, clenching her jaw to hold in a few choice howls of pure anger…

And then she stood and made her way to the kitchen, tense with resignation. She had a mess to clean up, and some bus tickets to buy.

[/blockquote]

[helena]

REPOST BECAUSE OF SITE MIX-UP

((I’m not sure why, but… that’s good. XP Why you sweatin’ it right this second, doll? I got some ideas, but I gotta know what Gabe does to him before I throw anything out there. Who made the Gabe sig, btw? It’s kick ass.))

Like mighty Hercules, was Russell meant to beat on the door until the wood splintered into bits and his hands bled? To rip the door from its hinges and outright demand, with a masculine growl that Helena come with him and do as he say? He hardly knew the woman on the other side of that hindrance. For all he could tell about her, a dark and sinister other half could have designed that grotesque scene herself for the benefit of his scream. A sick sound from a poor, unsuspecting sap to later get off on after she had forced him out of her house without explanation. Or worse yet, it could be a sadistically clever ruse to test his worth and provoke his concern.

It might seem he was up to the task. While nowhere capable of having damaged the property by pounding strength alone, Russ had beaten and yelled himself into a bewildered stupor over a woman who seemed to have it all. If only he had known she had yet more, before being hooked enough to keep his thoughts lingering on her as he disappeared into the night with the appropriate feeling that he would never see her again.

He knew this feeling all too well, walking away empty and alone, but Russ could not help the frustration welling up within him. If he was paying attention at all he might perceive that lingering anxiety of being followed, but he could only repeatedly run over the events of the night to try and find any clue that might have hinted towards all of this. Had her figure, her stunning eyes, and charming smile distracted him from some blatantly obvious sign of this happening if he followed her home? For which he really could not be blamed. He had not knowingly accompanied her home.

The disturbing thing was that he was more frustrated about not having gotten back in that house. He cared less about than kitchen than who he left there with it. If he knew for one second what was really going on in Helena’s mind he would have taken extreme measures that would make him seem capable of the grisly kitchen of horrors Helena otherwise seemed to prefer next to him. Her confusing outburst was certainly not very conducive to leading his conclusions to the truth.

A gentle breeze shifted through the hairs at the back of Russ’s neck, ghostly fingers attempting to coax him into calming submission as he progressed down the street. With a heavy sigh, he decided it was one night, after all. It wasn’t like he didn’t have good nights with anyone else. Wasn’t like he would never have another one. In fact, she was saving him from a great deal of trouble. Walking in a sexy woman’s house and finding dead animals just wasn’t… normal.

Oblivious to his pursuer, Russ was not even aware that he was being manhandled until his body was flung into a dark driveway, his sight blurring as he was slammed against the trunk of a tree. Letting out a justified groan, Russ’s eyes fell on his attacker. Albeit not being a short guy, it was immediately evident that fighting back was going to be a futile effort. Which left his mind to immediately wonder why he was in the position to even consider it.

Swallowing deeply, his skin brushed against the sharp edge of the knife at his throat and his brow furrowed as this gruff man revealed the motivation for his brutality. [white] “Wh--”[/white] Focus was difficult as his heart pounded against his chest with fear and he glanced hopelessly down the empty street for help. Not that he imagined himself so fortunate that many people would show up bigger than this guy. He had had his fortune for his night, and now he was paying for it.

Shaking his head slightly, because he did not want to help that blade in cutting him, he shifted his focus back to that sickly amused face. [white] “I don’t. Not really.” [/white] And then is slowly dawned on him… could this be the mysterious kitchen re-decorator? His voice lowered solemnly, [white] “What do you want with her?”[/white] Yes, Russ, because you’re in any position to be asking the questions.

((Feh, it's in my nature to worry, so don't mind me. XD And oooooh, what's this about ideas? -leaps on- TELL MEEEEEE! Haha, the wonderful, talented Megs (aka Makayla) made the sig. Ain't it smexy? -pets it- >3 ))
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Gabe just smirked, eyes flickering to the street behind his victim’s shoulder, then back to the younger man’s face. “What do I want with her?” He drawled, head tilting a bit in mock contemplation. “Well…she does have a nice ass, and an even prettier mouth…”

He trailed off, a malicious chuckle rumbling from his chest. He did so love to play with his food, and this time was no different. His shoulders rolled in an indifferent shrug and he took some of the pressure off of the knife. The guy didn’t seem like he was going to try to fight, so why mar that perfect skin? He could easily kill him with a quick flick of his wrists, and from the resignation in his voice, the kid might just be willing to help him out. How…boring.

“Unfortunately, my only interest in the good doctor is whatever can help another party,” He said finally, after a minute of thought. “Tell me, kid; did she mention her past to you? Did she say where he liked to hang out, or if she frequents any places outside of New Orleans?”

Idly, he toyed with the knife hilt, sliding his thumbnail over various nicks and slashes in the bulky hilt. He really wasn’t in the mood to go dragging a body half across town, but the itch, the urge to spill blood was almost too much to withstand. Damn, even without the moon making him twitchy as hell, he wanted to give into the animal within. Was that a sign of psychosis? Maybe a hint at some impending sociopathic tendencies? Bah, what the hell did he care; he knew what he was.

He was a monster, a murderer…not to mention damn proud of it. But gah, looking into that youthful face, the gangster felt a twinge of memory. He’d bet that, once upon a time, he’d seen the world exactly how this guy saw it; cut and dry, where the bad guys get put in jail and the heroes save the day. He probably had no idea what it was like to take someone’s life, or get shot up so bad, he’d pray for death. Jealousy almost had him pressing his blade closer to Russ’ neck, and he gritted his teeth against the sudden onslaught of emotion.

Fuck, he hated this shit, man! He was the boss, not some back alley grunt paid to break some bones. Those days were long gone, and good fucking riddance.

Taking a step back from the guy, Gabe dropped the knife from his neck, though he kept it out and in plain sight; a silent ‘try something, I dare you.’ Idly, he crossed his arms over his chest, tapping the blade against his chin.

“Okay, so here’s the thing,” He drawled, a mask of sincerity on his face. “I don’t wanna kill ya, see, ‘cause I already got enough problems as it is. But this girl, this doc…she’s important to somebody I know. Now, it’d really be helpful for me if you could tell me what you guys talked about. My guys have been trailing her for a while now, and we ain’t never seen you around before, so I’m guessing that you’re…what? Lookin’ for a booty call, am I right? Tell me everything she told you, and I’ll make sure you get some fine ass by the end of the night. How’s that sound?”

[/blockquote]



((Okay. I wiiiiiill tell you. I just gotta see how things play out. XP And yes, yes, of course. It doesn’t quite look like her regular stuff, so I couldn’t quite place it. Hopefully this is a twinge better, I’ve been off my writing game for awhile.))

Enshrouded in darkness, Russell willed the nearest streetlamp’s light to stretch just a little further to illuminate his predicament. It uselessly spotlighted the empty street and drew immediate attention away from the daunting encounter at hand. He had no idea who this guy was, but it was immediately clear that he was a force to be reckoned with. He did not need the sharp-edged reminder that his heart rate was justifiably making the organ beat hard against his ribs. Russ would like to say it was entirely because he was frightened.

Possessive envy gripped him as the man considered his query, and he immediately regretted asking it. Many appreciated when another admired their woman, but when Helena was only tentatively his in the short-lived evening it was a little difficult to accept that it really meant nothing in the long run. As much as this guy encouraged him to spill what he knew, Russell knew very little – no matter how willing he was to stay up all night with her talking, and not just in the hopes of getting laid.

Mildly provoked irritation crept through Russell when the uncivilized brute laughed off his assessment of Helena. He might not have been in any position to fight him, but how Russell would still like to haul off and punch him in the face. Most fortunate for the young man that he had done nothing to warrant the full range of Russ’s impetuous stupidity. For now, Russ managed to keep his mouth shut and listen. The vague, otherwise harmless queries were now ominous, and Russ had the foresight to understand that this was a guy who should not know these things about his evening’s company.

Now loomed the question of how to get away without telling him anything like that, and still be in working order. Russ’s jaw was set firmly, his eyes fixated on the man before him. With no misconception of what he would do with that knife, even as he stepped back and Russ was allowed to breath again, Russ’s heart rate possibly increased. The fact that this scum was ‘doing him a favour’ irritated him further, and Russ starred at him as silent as a mute. Swallowing deeply again, his chest raised and fell dramatically as he tried to regulate his functions. Only the cool air kept the heat of fearful rage from spreading to his cheeks.

Raising his brow mildly when he was told that Helena was important, his feigned disinterest severely contrasted his pounding valve in the face of this defiance. Russ’s only salvation might be that he silently kept his attention on him. But in hindsight, it might have been better for him if he had just ignored him.

Shrugging as he finished, Russ’s lips twitched into a sardonic smile. [white] “Sounds great.”[/white] He agreed, but his voice dripped with sarcasm. [white] “But you know what would sound even better? You fucking off and leaving her alone. Because even if I did know anything about that nice piece of ass, I wouldn’t tell you.”[/white] And for a moment, he really wished he had nothing to offer. But at least some of those questions he could answer in his limited knowledge of Helena, even if they seemed inconsequential when he learned them.

Now he could only pray that this guy would write him off as useless and unimportant, especially when his feet twisted and he unwittingly made a break for it up the drive. Willing himself to run as quickly as his spry legs would carrying him towards that side door into a stranger’s house. It did not cross his mind that he wouldn’t be any safer in there than he was out here… and in all likelihood he would not have a chance to find out.

[maddog]

((TELL MEEEE! -flails- Haha, I hope this works. Gabe REALLY wants to eat Russ right now, but he has bigger fish to fry. >3 ))

So, the little, quivering pile of flesh had a backbone, did he? An amused glint came onto the werewolf's face as he watched that mask of defiance slip onto the other man's face. For a minute there, he'd been convinced that 'ol Russ was about to melt into a pile of goo, or start pissing himself when the gangster started to tap his knife against his chin. That's what most of these young yuppies die, nowadays, wasn't it? Act tough around the ladies, or the ones who couldn't fight back, only to scream like a girl when actually faced with danger?

He'd faced more than a few of that kind over the years, and had built up quite the tolerance for them. His boss had been one of those merry boys; all talk and no actual show. When he wanted blood to be spilt, Charles Vitto had ordered his trained dog to do the dirty work for them. Gabe almost growled at the thought, his fingers twitching against the knife hilt.

He hated those kind of men...as tolerant to them as he was. There had always been a certain point of no return, and if this kid was about to start making the fine night air get tainted with piss, or whatever, he was going to be very unhappy. So, color him fuckin' surprised- and happy as hell- when the kid showed some spunk.

He could definitely use someone like him in his business. For a minute, Gabe was sincerely tempted to throw in a business offer for the future...maybe some running, or pair him up with his shake down crew. The kid was scrawny, but some work on the street would build him up like crazy. Sure did to him, back in the day...

But he was never given the chance. A very unhappy curse burst from his lips as Russ turned to run. He'd been so damn caught up in his own brain that the telltale tensing of those lean muscles hadn't registered in his goddamn brain. Fuck, he hated it when he got all internal, sometimes! THANK FUCK that no one was around to see this shit!

Every instinct in the gangster's body told him to run; to give into the chase like the predator that he was. The snarly thing inside of him was practically vibrating with the urge, making him shake under the shade of the tree...but he held himself in check. The kid didn't know anything useful; he'd read that in his eyes. All he needed was for the good doctor to stay where she was, until his associate came to collect what was his. He didn't need the kid.

And he had to respect that spunk. Damn, there went such a nice, potential employee...


Back in the townhouse, there was a flurry of movement, as Helena tore through the house collecting her things. Clothes were thrown into suitcases, pictures and nicknacks stuffed into pockets and purses. She couldn't breathe, couldn't concentrate; she could only move. Her brain was a mass of panic and more than a few times, she had to choke back on a sob, or end up curled up in a ball in the corner of her room.

God, she prided herself on keeping her composure; on her ability to think through every situation and allow logic to guide her. But now...now, all of her worst fears were coming to pass, AND she'd ended up dragging an innocent bystander into her troubles. She bit the side of her lip as she thought of Russ, pausing for a minute to clench a dress in her fists.

"Don't think," She whispered to herself, shaking her head sharply. With a fortifying breath, she resumed her hurried packing.

[/blockquote]

[russ]

((Ha. Well, I assumed he would, but fried fish really would taste better I should think. XP))

Terrified was an understatement for how Russ was feeling as his heart rapidly encouraged his feet to keep in time, pounding against the driveway. Perhaps if this guy knew what bravery it really would have taken to remain standing there to piss his pants instead, he would not have been entertaining such a lucrative offer of employment. Not that Russ would have had the guts to even think about such a life. It was stupidity alone that often shot off his mouth, and sheer dumb luck that kept him alive. Though, admittedly, Russ had never been quite so bold with someone he trusted to most readily kill him so much as look at him.

Lady luck was looking out for again tonight, as a mere curse followed him. He still dared to check that locked side door, before scurrying away into the dark backyard, so he was certainly counting the moments he was left breathing as he tripped over some unidentified toy on the lawn. That was left a mystery, because he was far more interested in checking for a pursuer, as he snapped his sweat drawn face back towards his feet. His heavy breathing would give away his position to anyone, even a blind man. But the heaving of his chest ebbed away, allowing him to mimic the silence around him.

Get up. Muscles tensing, ready to lunch him back into vertical standing, Russell’s adjusting eyes fell on an object rested against the trunk of a tree he nearly smashed right into with frantic flight. Standing slowly, he took the handle of the baseball bat, wrapping his fingers tightly against the grip and let out a deep breath. With a flutter of jittery anticipation, Russ’s mind was the only boundary of common sense keeping him standing like an idiot. Safe, but letting opportunity drift further and further away. One deep breath and resolute nod later, Russ was clambering over the fence so he could avoid any further run-in. Sure, he had confidence in a baseball bat against a knife, but not so much in the wielder. His best course was and undisturbed one, that was for certain.

He could only hope that tonight he was working alone, and those mentioned ‘guys’ of his weren’t still stationed around Helena’s place. Well… there was always the option of screaming for help and pissing his pants if he was caught sneaking up to the back of the house. Hesitation did not come in jabbing out the nearest window. It was in his plan to do so, as he cleared away the debris on the sill with the bat. Peeking in, Russ could smell the strong remnants of cleaning solution in the kitchen and was relieved not to be met with a dead cat. Hoisting himself up, Russ shimmied through the window, his shoes crunching against broken glass as he advanced through the house with his bat raised in precaution.

The kitchen might have been cleared of disturbing evidence, but worry settled in as Russ searched silently. He was already aware that there was more than one person watching her, and he willed that they were given time off tonight. Pausing only to snatch up his jacket on his way passed the front door, Russ fingered his cell phone. A fluttering thought to call the police was eliminated when he recalled the way Helena was acting as she pushed him out into the night. She knew what was going on, and if he was to be trusted at the moment… it just had to be her. He wanted it to be her.

Russ knew, hoped, he had found her in the place before he proceeded into the room. He was going to be one sorry guy if that was some employee making such a commotion of things up ahead. But he was the guy with the luck, and he had tested it enough times to predictably do so again. Not to say he was without a wave of relief when he saw Helena packing. Really, just seeing her at this point, still capable of any movement, was enough motivation to sigh and let the bat fall to his side.

[white]“Helena.”[/white] Anticipating that he would probably be met with a great deal of surprise, he kept his position in the doorway. What he did not expect was the exhaustion that came as the adrenaline finally abandoned his system. Gripping the doorframe, he frowned at the number of suitcases precariously stuffed. [white] “What are you doing? That guy… the kitchen,”[/white] Glancing over his shoulder briefly, he looked back at her with a furrowed brow, [white]“You have to get out of here.”[/white]

[helena]

Deep breaths, Helena. The words repeated in her head as she moved around her room, stuffing her belongings into her travel bags. She had to concentrate on what she was doing; leave no clues behind as to where she was going. Her father- the thing that was in her father, that is- was very good, when it came to tracking her down. She’d been safe in Texas, surrounded by watchful townspeople and Old School Hunters. She’d known that coming to New Orleans had been a bad idea, but she’d just wanted to visit her family, her old stomping grounds…

Actually pretend that her life was normal. Silly her, right? GOD, how could this have happened? She’d been so careful, even if she’d venture into a hot zone for otherworldly activity! Even if she’d left her protectors, moved around as if she didn’t have a psycho on her tail, accepted a dinner invitation from a stranger…

She had to pause at that thought. The invite, the seemingly casual walk home, the ‘present’ left for her in the kitchen…oh God, what if Russ had been in on it? A sliver of fear ran up her spine, as she wracked her brain for memories of that night. Had he been asking too many questions? Had he seemed like he was working for a homicidal maniac who liked to autopsy dead animals? He’d seemed so normal!

But she had been wrong in the past, hadn’t she? Even her closest friends said that she was often times too trusting. She liked to see the good in people, and when she looked at Russ, with his sometimes awkward smiles and flirtatious comments, she’d simply seen a handsome young man who made her tummy flutter. What if she’d missed some important clue? Oh God, what if she’d been too caught up in the fact that, wow, a guy had actually asked her out? What if she’d momentarily turned into an airhead! Oh GAH, safe her from herself! She was so stupid! So naive!

…So whirling around with a scream lodged in her throat as a familiar voice sounded behind her. Instinctively, she proceeded to clutch the handful of Mickey Mouse underwear she’d been holding to her chest and gaped at the man standing in the doorway. Oh no, it was him! He was there! To kill her! Or let the crazy psycho in! She should run!

Or…forget what she was thinking about only minutes before. Flinging the panties into her suitcase, she practically flew at him, locking her arms around his waist and burying her face in his chest. He was so going to push her away, and she so deserved a knife in her back, but for the life of her, all she wanted was a freaking hug. And sue her; the tired, concerned look on his face was enough to have her falling right back into that ‘eternally trusting’ mood of hers.

“Ah, gah, Russ!” She said, biting her cheek to keep from squeezing the daylights out of him. She allowed herself to play his shaking, slightly tearing growth for a few seconds, then pulled away before he could push her away. “What are you doing here? And yes, I’m leaving; that’s why I’m packing. Good Lord…I’m so sorry for everything. I didn’t mean for you to see the kitchen, or…God, anything, and—“

Abruptly, she stopped talking, brows furrowing in confusion as his entire statement sank into her brain. “’That guy?’ Russ…what are you talking about?”

[/blockquote]