A Lonely Chord (Jill)

[Ellia St. Claire]

Ellia sat alone in the park, absently strumming her guitar.

A few people passed by here and there, some even pausing long enough to listen and toss some change into her open guitar case, but most simply moved on, anxious to be about their business. Of course, mostly that was because it was getting late, and the park wasn't exactly the safest place to be at night. Also, Ellia was sure her playing wasn't as good as it could've been, since she'd been here performing since early that morning.

Her fingers ached, her stomach growled, and she was actually glad to be able to call it quits soon.

At this point, Ellia wasn't even using her gift passively any more. There was no aura of peace and calm around her, no sense of anything special at all. Just a particularly pretty, particularly skilled young woman playing her guitar by herself, making a bit of money as she did so. But that was how Ellia liked it best, really. She liked to know that people were interested in her, and not just hanging about because of her unique powers.

Another few minutes, she thought, forcing her aching, stiff fingers to continue on. Then I'll check out my haul, and go grab a bite to eat... The mention of food caused her stomach to growl again, and she furrowed her brow as she played, trying to force the thought aside.

Opening her eyes, Ellia looked up at the rapidly darkening twilight sky. She knew she really had to stop now, as things tended to get pretty rough around here at night. Not that she couldn't defend herself, of course, but she'd rather not have to. She wasn't much for fighting, even if "fighting" meant using her gift of psychic persuasion to talk down any would-be muggers.

Sighing, she let her fingers play along the strings a final time, then turned her attention to the few people who had stopped to listen. Smiling brightly, she began to pack up her things, saying:

"Thanks, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the music. I'll probably be here the next couple of days as well, so feel free to come back."

[jillianbeth]

The cool chill in the air made it pleasant to breathe in. The scent of flowers coming from the park's garden was also making it sweeter. Jillian loved flowers. Especially roses, but not any! Only white roses. Every time she saw one, it reminded her of herself and how fragile and pale she looked but still gorgeously beautiful.

It had been a long day and a little walk in the park couldn't be so bad for the red-headed witch. A need to change her mind was urging. She was wandering here and there, watching kids play in the playground and strangers being a little too happy in Jillian's taste. It's not like they knew what was lurking around them. What dangerous thing could come and steal away their precious lives with only a snap of finger. Jill thought about it one instant and she admitted to herself that is was still better not to know...

As she made her way further, she began hearing some kind of music coming from a girl who was sat on a bench and playing skillfully her guitar. It was an appealing sound. Pretty...Just like the girl who played it. Moving toward her, Jill reached for her pocket to grab some change and tossed it into the open case. Lifting her head to meet the blonde's eyes, Jill smiled at her and kept in place so she could hear another perfect melody, but nothing came. Instead, the girl was placing her guitar back into its case. Making an announce about leaving, Jillian sighed. It had just ruined her peaceful mood. ''Be sure I will'' she said to her with a kind smile. ''Also, if you don't mind, I'm sure you could show me how to play!''

[Ellia St. Claire]

As the few people who'd gathered all went their separate ways, Ellia let her eyes move up and down the red-head's body.

Nodding in approval, she smiled brightly and continued packing up her things. Scooping the money out of the guitar case, she was thrilled to find that she'd made quite a bit, enough to feed her for the next couple of days at least, if she continued to stay at the cheap hotel she was currently checked into. Every so often, as she slipped her guitar back into its case, Ellia would look up to study the woman, who continued to stand there patiently, apparently waiting on her.

"So," Ellia finally said, standing up and stretching her back, "you enjoyed the show, huh?" Grinning, Ellia walked over to lean against a tree near the woman, letting her eyes wander over her body again. "I'd be more than happy to give you a private show sometime, sweetie." Winking, she added, "And sure, I'll give you lessons... I'll teach you anything you want to know."

Extending her hand to the red-head, Ellia flashed her most charming smile as she introduced herself.

"I'm Ellia..."

[jillianbeth]

She really felt awkward about this. How could Jill come to a stranger and just ask her for a lesson? She could be any mercifulness psychopath ready to kill her anytime, but instead she looked up at her, scanning her whole body, almost picturing it in her mind and then continued to pack her things up like if no one had spoken. Her eyes met hers again and then stared back at the case, then up and down again. Jillian crossed her arms over her chest, but hearing no answer, she began to turn, but a sweet and low voice rang into her ears. It was as beautiful as the music that had echoed in the park not too long ago.

The blonde musician was now standing in front of her and stretching herself. Jill noticed the girl was smaller than her and it made her giggle silently. The red-head was pretty tall and rarely looked up at another girl when discussing. Most of the time, they did. ''I've never heard something that appeasing in my life. As soon as the sound of your guitar reached my ears, all my troubles washed away...'' the witch replied with a peaceful smile on her pink lips.

Jill watched the girl move to a tree and lean on it like if to get a better sight of her. It was strange to feel those eyes undress her. Jillian grinned when the blonde added she was even willing to give her a private show. Is she flirting? The witch asked herself when she noticed the charming wink. Perhaps her mind was playing tricks on her. It couldn't be.

She shook her hand gently and smiled. ''...And I'm Jillian, but Jill will do just fine. It's nice to meet you, Ellia.'' She paused and frowned at the sound of a growling stomach. ''was it yours? Maybe you should grab a bite before thinking about teaching me guitar. Mind if I invite you? Or perhaps you have some kind of business to take care off...!?''

[Ellia St. Claire]

Ellia let her hand linger in Jill's for a moment after the shake was finished.

"Thank you," she said, finally letting her hand slip away. "I'm glad you enjoyed the music, Jill. Really, that's all that matters to me. If I was able to make you feel better, and forget your troubles for a while, then that's all I want." Smiling sweetly, Ellia strode forward and looked up at Jill, her hands on her hips.

Yeah, she was good looking alright. Very. It made Ellia smile even more, wondering if she'd be able to drag this woman off to bed somewhere. God, that'd be nice... It had been a long time since she'd been with anyone, and the possibility of it made her shiver a bit.

"Sooooooo," she said, walking a slow circle around Jill as she checked her out, "you want to learn how to play, is that right? Do you have any experience? Musical or... otherwise?" She smirked a bit, wondering if Jill would catch the hint. "I might be able to show you a thing or two, if you're willing to learn."

At about that moment, a loud rumble issued from her stomach, and Ellia cursed softly. Perfect timing. She was hungry, though; ravenous even. And the idea of a hot meal sounded so good right now. She hadn't eaten all day, and she realized that she was feeling a little light headed actually.

"Yeah, grabbing a bite sounds great," she admitted, taking Jill up on her offer. "You have any place in mind? I think there's a nice little cafe here in the park somewhere, if you're interested in joining me...?"

[jillianbeth]

Jill didn't know what was all about that girl and her winking, her charming smiles and all of those flirting methods. Never would it occur to the young witch that the woman in front of her did find her attractive. Yes, Jill knew she was pretty, but not enough to even get girls drooling over her. It was obvious for some reasons that guys would take a shot at her, but girls...It's not like one ever tried to...And Jill was damn sure about her orientation towards men, but how could she be that sure? Anyway, Jill wasn't ready to give anybody a chance yet. She deserved no one.

Ellia was excited that Jill found her music attractive, but there was no need to thank her. Really. It was some incredible talent she had and Jillian only wanted to remind her of that. Ellia's eyes couldn't stop moving up and down and the way it felt, being examined like that, was making her feel almost like a prey. A damn gorgeous prey.

Ellia spoke again. Her voice had something inside that could melt anyone if she wanted to. ''Well...Err...I don't have any musical experience, but when in a kitchen, I can cook like a chief.'' She replied, giggling. Being a witch had its little plus. Unfortunately, Jill hadn't caught the hint. ''I'm all yours to learn.'' She added without doubting an instant that it had different meanings...That maybe Ellia would get the wrong impression.

The noise of a hungry stomach broke the silence and without even thinking, Jill had already invited her. A girl that she knew only by her name and that she'd met only minutes ago. That's how strange things could get when you were young and innocent like Jill was. Standing still in front of the blonde, she nodded at her. A cafe sounded good. As long as they had sandwiches, she was happy. Jill was also hungry, but surely not as much as Ellia. ''Who do you think I am? Like I am gonna say no when I invited you first?'' She laughed. ''And the place is fine with me as long as you lead the way since I don't know where that is.''

[Ellia St. Claire]

Slinging her guitar case over her shoulder, Ellia grinned and took Jill's hand, leading her along.

"You are going to love this place," she said, her mouth watering at the thought of food. "They have sandwiches, salads, burgers, just about anything you could want. All homemade, all delicious. I try to stop here whenever I'm passing through town." Giving Jill's hand a squeeze, Ellia continued to lead her through the park.

It was getting dark, and that worried her a bit. This wasn't a safe place at night, and even though Ellia wasn't too worried, she didn't like the idea of having to use her powers on someone just to get away safely if anything happened. Sure, if someone began hassling them, then she could use her empathy to frighten them, but it wasn't something she enjoyed. Her powers shouldn't be used that way, to hurt or scare people. It wasn't what she wanted.

So, she was quite relieved when the little diner came into sight, and she quickened her pace a bit. Once inside, they could eat, then brave the darkened park again, at least on a full stomach. Pulling Jill inside, Ellia let out a sigh of relief, heading over to a nearby table and having a seat, waiting for a waitress.

"Hope you're hungry," Ellia told Jill. "The food's on me, alright?"

[jillianbeth]

Jill was taken by surprise when Ellia took her hand like if in a rush and leaded her to the little coffee she'd spoken about. While they walked, the blonde told her about every delicious dishes they had and it made her stomach hungrier just at the thought of it. Jill felt the gentle squeeze of Ellia's hand on hers and felt a little weird about this, but she tried to ignore the feeling and followed the girl without any complaints.

Making their way through the park wasn't as easy as Jill had expected. It was getting darker and the clouds covering the moon prevented any ray of light to lighten their way. It almost felt like there was something about to happen, but the dinner place finally came in sight and with Jill's relief. Two girls alone in a park could be a perfect snack for dangerous pervs wandering around and using her powers in front of strangers was forbidden by her parents.

Making it inside the cafe, Ellia pulled her to an unoccupied table and both sat around it in silence, their stomach doing the discussion for themselves. ''Hungry? Me? Since you told me about all that delicious food, I can't stop drooling at the thought of eating!'' She said with a giggle, but then she offered to pay and Jill shook her head in negativity. ''I invited you, didn't i? So I'm the one paying and no protest there. Keep that money you earned today for another day.''

Jill looked around for the menu and finally found it and stared at it for a moment. She didn't know what to chose when there was sooooo many things that seemed mouth-watering. The waitress finally made her way to their table and asked if they were ready to order. Jill stared at Ellia. ''Do you know what you're gonna take?''

[Ellia St. Claire]

Ellia couldn't help but grin as Jill spoke; she was so adorable.

Tearing her thoughts and eyes away from the young woman for a moment, Ellia glanced quickly at the menu. God, everything looked so good... She knew it was a mistake to order food when she was so hungry, as she'd just end up gorging herself like a pig, but at the moment she really didn't care. Of course, she wouldn't order too much; she didn't want to make Jill go broke, after all.

"What am I having?" she asked repeating Jill's question more or less. "God, I don't know... Maybe a burger or two. Some fries, and a chocolate milk shake." Pausing a moment to think, she added, "And an order of onion rings. And maybe a sundae for dessert..."

Scowling a bit, she wondered if that would be enough.

"What about you?" Ellia asked, returning her attention to Jill and smiling sweetly. "Do you... see anything you like? Anything at all?" Again, she wondered if the red-head would get the double meaning behind her words.

[jillianbeth]

The blonde in front of her was so funny and cute. Even though she was small, she did have enough energy to shake the whole room. Jill glanced at her with wide eyes when she listed almost everything on the menu. Damn...Was she that hungry? Maybe she should've let her pay after all. She giggled silently at her new friend. When Ellia turned her head to face her and ask her what she would order, Jill frowned an instant with hesitation and then looked up at the waitress with a grin. ''I'm gonna take some of that chilly cheese steak sandwich with fries and for dessert...mmmmm...A cheesecake.''

The red-head closed her menu and handed it to the waitress. Again, she hadn't noticed the subtle hint in Ellia's words. Yes, she was that innocent. Maybe if a guy had said it, it would've been something else, but a girl saying it sounded sooo much different.

Jill stared at the waitress who wrote down their orders and went back in the kitchen and she brought back her attention to Ellia. ''I'm sure you can't eat it all. How so much food can get in that?'' She giggled out as she pointed her stomach with her finger. Really...Was it possible?